Operation story: IS-4

Operation

Story

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Characters
Croissant Exusiai Lappland Lavinia Leontuzzo Sora Texas ??? Ben Bernardo Capone Demetri Gambino Wallach ??? Cheery Actress Mafioso Curious Spectator Critical Juror Meddlesome Actress Noisy Spectator Suspicious Juror
Backgrounds
1 2 3 4 5 6

Before operation

“

A new round of games starts among the Famiglie, revolving around Texas's identity.

”

<Background 1>
[While waiting for Sora to change into a new dress...]
Exusiai	Sora, are you ready yet?
Sora	Stop rushing me! Urgh... This dress is so tight!
Exusiai	You haven't been chubbing up on pizza behind my back, have you?
Sora	What are you even talking about? I only had one extra slice last night!
Croissant	Sora, suck it in!
Sora	Hissss–
Croissant	Alrighty! Perfect! You're good.
Exusiai	Done? Come on out already and let me see!
Sora	Coming, coming.
[Sora walks out of the dressing room in a brand new Siracusa-style dress.]
Exusiai	Wooooah, you look amazing!
Croissant	You'n say that again. One purdy lady!
Sora	Heehee.
Exusiai	*sigh*... If only Texas was here to see you too.
Sora	Yeah...
Croissant	I knew you had it in ya though, Sora. Ya made it onstage here in Siracusa mighty quick.
Sora	But of course~ This time, "La Morte di Texas" will be presented in multiple acts. We've already finished rehearsing the first one, and the opening night is the day after tomorrow! If everything goes well, maybe she'll be the one looking for me, rather than the other way around~
Exusiai	That could happen. Lemme think... Yeah, if it comes to that, I'm definitely gonna buy a pizza to slap her face around a bit.
Croissant	Speakin' of Texas, I've been talkin' up the Bellone family. I hear tell things've been awful rough for 'em lately. Hope that ain't gettin' in her way.
Exusiai	She's gonna be perfectly fine.
Croissant	Most we'n do right now is keep the faith in her. We oughta rest up before Sora's debut too.
Exusiai	I originally wanted to take a look around the city, but it feels like I've turned into Sora's bodyguard.
Sora	Bite me.
Exusiai	But hey, I've eaten my weight in the free food at the theater. Hehe, their pizza's not half bad. Things are probably only gonna get busier from here on out, so let's go for a walk.
Sora	Okay.
Cheery Actress	Hey, did you hear...?
Meddlesome Actress	You're talking... Tex... right?
Sora	Huh?
Cheery Actress	Right, Texas... sentenced...
Sora	Ehh?
<Background fades out and in>
Sora	Excuse me, did you just say something about Texas?
Cheery Actress	Yup, sure did. You interested?
Sora	What happened to Texas?
Cheery Actress	My boyfriend's with Famiglia Bellone, and I heard it from him. You know how il Ministro dei Lavori Pubblici was killed a few days ago? Apparently, they found the culprit. The one who did it was the last of the Texas bloodline. I think her name was Cellinia or something?
Sora	...... No way!
Cheery Actress	They even decided on the court date. It's the day after tomorrow.
<Background 2>
[Leontuzzo is having a talk with Wallach.]
Wallach	Signor Leontuzzo, we agreed on this meeting, but you've already pushed it back several times.
Leontuzzo	My sincerest apologies, Signor Wallach, but I've had too much to deal with lately.
Wallach	I hear you've already withdrawn a lot of your men from several areas previously under contention with other famiglie. I'm worried about you. I'm glad to see that you're alive and well.
Leontuzzo	It's nothing major, just cutting our losses.
Wallach	Haha, I'm quite fond of that prudent side of yours. Don't worry, Famiglia Rossati has no interest in kicking a man when he's down. But there is one problem that I must reluctantly bring up.
Leontuzzo	It has to be about Texas.
Wallach	"Cellinia Texas." Is she back, and even one of your bodyguards? Is it really her?
Leontuzzo	What if I say yes?
Wallach	...... We never knew she was alive this whole time.
Leontuzzo	Back then, it was my father who saved her.
Wallach	I see, I see. This was the old don's handiwork.
Leontuzzo	The construction of the new city was, from the very beginning, because of the fate Salvadore shared with Siracusa. My father only hoped she could return to Siracusa to see the city.
Wallach	Such is Famiglia Bellone. Despite knowing full well the significance of the Texas name to Famiglia Rossati, you still invited her to come back so graciously. Impressive. Truly impressive. I, Wallach, can only offer my admiration.
Leontuzzo	Again with your jokes.
Wallach	Jokes? How is any of this a joke? The news that Signorina Cellinia is still alive means a great deal to us Rossatis. No matter how the Bellones see it, we are in your debt.
Leontuzzo	Our two famiglie will see this new city built, hand-in-hand. What debt is there to speak of?
Wallach	Hahaha! Very good, I love it! By the looks of things, fratello, you've been waiting for me all this time. So tell me, what is it you want?
Leontuzzo	Simple– For the Rossatis to stay out of this.
Wallach	Oh? You want us to stand aside and watch the last Texas go down? That's not going to fly with the boss.
Leontuzzo	After the trial is over, she'll be held in custody and you'll still be able to see her.
Wallach	Just see her?
Leontuzzo	She's our guest, but she could also be yours.
Wallach	Alright, it's a deal!
<Background 3>
[After hearing the news of Texas' upcoming trial...]
Demetri	...... So this is when you decide to reveal Cellinia? That's certainly unexpected... Was it Lavinia's idea? No... There's no way for her to know that Cellinia wasn't the murderer. Knowing her, this isn't a decision she'd make. Could Leon have convinced her? Never mind. In any case, I didn't expect this card to get played.
Mafioso	Demetri, what're we doin' now? Time to rub out Cellinia?
Demetri	Do you have any idea how many heavies she put down during the chaos that broke out seven years ago?
Mafioso	But–
Demetri	An ambush, explosives, or a good, old-fashioned poisoning. We might have a way... But don't forget to take into account whoever invited her back. Whoever they might be, it undeniably was a clever move. Now that things have come to this, we're forced to resort to more... brutal methods to put this trial on ice.
Mafioso	......
Demetri	At the end of the day, our goal is to plunge the city into chaos. From the very beginning, we've been here to provoke Signora Sicilia. Now, all we're doing is taking another step forward.
Mafioso	Gotcha.
???	If you ask me, I think there's another option.
Demetri	Who's there?!
[Lappland reveals herself before Demetri.]
Lappland	Whatever you're doing sounds like fun. Mind if I join in?
<Background 2>
Bernardo	......
[Someone knocks the door.]
Bernardo	Come in.
[Sora opens the door and enters.]
Sora	Director, did you hear the news about Texas?!
Bernardo	I did, just now.
Sora	Do you have any clue what's going on behind the scenes?
Bernardo	I got the news from Judge Lavinia's own announcement.
Sora	Lavinia, the judge who helped me... She... doesn't seem like the type to lie, but...
Bernardo	Are you going to postpone your debut?
Sora	Could you... please help me come up with something? I at least... want to see her first.
Bernardo	And regardless of whether or not your debut can be pushed back... I want to know what happens when you do see her.
Sora	......
Bernardo	Signorina Sora, I remember you said you came to Siracusa with two friends to look for her. You always believed in the woman you knew, that she was truly who you thought she was. But now, you know her hidden past. You've been forced to learn that the woman you've been chasing might be an entirely different person. Say you go see her. What then? What are you going to say to her, and what is she going to say to you?
Sora	If that's the way things are, then maybe it's all my own fault. Maybe I never knew her well enough.
Bernardo	Even if she was clearly keeping something from you?
Sora	That depends on her reason for doing it. Anyway, Mr. Bernardo, showbiz is a big melting pot, and I've met all kinds. It's way too hard to be the person you claim to be. At least, I don't think I can pull it off. I always think to myself, one day I'm going to turn into someone I'm not. So, I never expect it from other people. Everybody has their secrets. I do, she does, and I'm sure you do too. If she wants to keep her mask on until the very end, and that's the side she wants me to see, isn't that also genuine, in its own way?
Bernardo	Absolutely.
Sora	Also, maybe I didn't express myself clearly enough. I'm not looking for Texas so I can give her a piece of my mind. Not at all. The four of us lived together in Lungmen for almost six years. Six years, precious to me beyond words. And I sincerely believe... they're just as precious to her. Still, she still left without saying goodbye. Should I be upset over that? I'm not. I'm worried sick about her. Exusiai and Croissant would say the same thing. That's why we came to Siracusa. If she's caught up in some trouble, then we're going to bail her out. If the weight of her past is enough to make her crumble, we'll be there to share that burden with her.
Bernardo	Through many plays, the fate of Famiglia Texas is known far and wide, even if the rumors of Cellinia's death were exaggerated. Her past is likely much deeper than you can imagine.
Sora	I know. But we haven't heard it from her, directly. She has to tell us what she thinks herself. Only then, if she still decides to part ways with us, after everything we've been through... Only then can I say goodbye without a weight on my heart. Only if I try my best, can go move on without any regrets. Well... I'd probably still have some regrets, but they wouldn't be that bad.
Bernardo	You speak with a great deal of wisdom, Signorina Sora.
Sora	I'm just trying to come up with excuses for my bravado, that's all. But I do feel much better after having talking to you about this. You are right, though. If I went to see her right now, I don't think there's anything I'd be able to do for her.
Bernardo	Actually, I was ready to agree to your request. After the trial, you will see her. I can promise you that.
Sora	Really?!
Bernardo	But for the time being, you'll have to keep waiting.
Sora	Thank you so much! I have got to get ready first.
Bernardo	Haha. Unfortunately, I won't be there to see your debut in person.
Sora	Huh? You're not going to watch?
Bernardo	That's right. I'm afraid I have something important to do that day. But, don't worry. I've already prepared the best possible stage for you.
Sora	Thank you! I'd better get going, then.
Bernardo	See you.
[Sora leaves and closes the door.]
Bernardo	......
Bernardo walks over to the shelf and pulls out a book. A legal codex wrapped in thorns. He remains silent for a long time until finally, he places a call.
Bernardo	Demetri... tell her. Just say, I agreed.
With a boom, thunder surges outside the window. It seems to augur the heavy rain about to come.

After operation

“

A truck plows into the courtroom, putting a halt to Texas's trial.

”

<Background 1>
As far as she was concerned, she's always lived life the exact same way. But, to other people– She was just like a Siracusan. Was she just like a Siracusan? She didn't know. All she remembers is what she once said to her grandfather: "People who keep going on and on about how life in Siracusa is nobler, or about life in Columbia is nobler, are all full of it." To which he laughed heartily.
Radio	The high-profile case of Ministro Carracci's assassination is about to be heard in court. But it seems that only a small number of invitees are being allowed inside the courtroom, for security reasons. Everyone else is waiting around the rione della giustizia for the outcome of the trial. The courthouse is encircled by guards, but nevertheless, a large crowd has formed. It appears the death of Ministro Carracci has touched the hearts of the citizenry. We will continue to report on this situation as it develops, so stay tuned.
Sora	......
Exusiai	Sora, are you ready?
Sora	Mhm. You two can go, if you want, while I'm performing.
Exusiai	That's alright. Even if we showed up, it's not like we'd be able to get in.
Croissant	Yeah, all we can do is sit tight and wait for the verdict.
Exusiai	And you break a leg out there.
Sora	Don't worry about me. I'm already in the right headspace.
Actress	Sora, are you ready? Almost time for curtain.
Sora	Be right there!
<Background 4>
Volsinii Courthouse
Lavinia	Quiet, please. Court is now in session. The outcome of today's trial will be made public to all citizens of Volsinii. The case being heard today is the assassination of Ministro dei Lavori Pubblici, Carracci. Bring the defendant to the stand.
[Texas was brought into the stand before the attendees, one of which includes a sleeping Sankta pastor wearing a silly-looking sleep mask.]
Curious Spectator	So... that's Texas?
Noisy Spectator	Look at the color of her eyes and hair. There's no mistaking it! She's a Texas!
???	...... Zzz......
Curious Spectator	How is she still alive?
Noisy Spectator	She murdered Carracci?
[Lavinia sounded the gavel.]
Lavinia	Silence! ......
Texas	......
Lavinia	Cellinia Texas, you were present at the murder of Ministro Carracci.
Texas	I was. I planted the bomb and detonated it as il Ministro dei Lavori Pubblici was walking by.
Curious Spectator	She straight up admitted it?!
Noisy Spectator	This is the last Texas...? How the mighty have fallen!
Lavinia	What was your motive?
Texas	I had none.
Lavinia	Who gave you the order?
Texas	No one.
Lavinia	In other words, you acted alone?
Texas	Yes.
Critical Juror	Impossible! How'd you get your hands on a bomb, and when did you have the opportunity to plant it?
Texas	Does that matter?
Suspicious Juror	Did you come to take revenge for Famiglia Texas?
Texas	No.
Suspicious Juror	But...
Texas	Your Honor, I've confessed to everything. I believe there's no need for these two mafiosi in the juror's box to be so rowdy.
Critical Juror	How dare you!
Texas	Can we just skip all the boring procedures?
<Background 2>
[Demetri opens the door and enters.]
Demetri	Huh? Leon, what are you still doing here? I thought you'd be at the courthouse.
Leontuzzo	Is it really so surprising, Demetri?
Demetri	Would you like a drink? Let's skip the morning booze. I'll prepare some refreshing fruit juice for you.
Leontuzzo	Get me a whiskey, the strongest we have. And then, answer my question.
Demetri	How'd you guess?
Leontuzzo	Simple. The attack on me and the assassination of Carracci both prove that someone wants the Dodici Famiglie at each other's throats. And as Lavinia is a Bellone spokeswoman on the topic, she can't be allowed to find the murderer, or she would be able to bring the situation under control. Therefore, now that Lavinia has arrested Cellinia, the other side can't let the trial proceed. So, what has to happen to Lavinia? Fortunately, things didn't work out for you.
Demetri	You might not have realized it yet, but she's already influenced you a great deal. It's making you question your decisions more and more. And through her influence on you, she might come to believe that she's capable of something. I have to nip that flight of fancy in the bud.
Leontuzzo	Funny how you talk all confident-like.
Demetri	Actually, Leon. Doing this brings me no joy, or peace of mind. I didn't want to wait to the very end to tell you the outcome and force you to accept it. So, it's just like you said. Fortunately, things didn't work out for me.
Leontuzzo	But that didn't stop you. We can take all the time in the world settling this score. Speaking of which, the safest option was to have Cellinia die mysteriously on the eve of the trial, but that didn't happen. Proving... that the other side is afraid of her. After all, even if we set aside her being the last Texas, she's still a guest of the Don. In other words, the only ones willing to let this opportunity slip by... are from this famiglia. Lo and behold, nobody made any attempts on Cellinia's life yesterday.
Demetri	What if the other side anticipated your trap and purposefully held off?
Leontuzzo	If they're set on challenging Signora Sicilia's authority, you'd expect there to be a lot of commotion. So I did a bit of research into which famiglie have been the most active over the last couple days. And it turns out... You, Demetri, are behind all of this.
Demetri	...... I must admit, I did not expect Signorina Cellinia to stand trial for someone else's crime. I figured it wouldn't make a difference whether or not she was involved in our plan, but by the looks of things, I really should have thought that part through.
Leontuzzo	Don't be too hard on yourself. If she didn't come out and say she was fine bearing the stain of this crime, I wouldn't have thought of it either.
Demetri	So in that case, you should show her your gratitude.
Leontuzzo	Of course I will. But before that, I have to ask: why, Demetri?
Demetri	Isn't it obvious? I'm the traitor in the famiglia.
Leontuzzo	I'd be more willing to believe that everyone else is a traitor before you. If I can't trust you, then who?
Demetri	...... Leon, what do you think about this new nomadic city?
Leontuzzo	Obviously, it's a new way of dividing up the spoils. Whoever has the last laugh will be the big winner.
Demetri	Sure, but I see it more as a testing ground for Signora Sicilia. Let the Dodici Famiglie fight amongst each other here in the name of building a new city. The new generation of cubs vent their repressed violence, while the old wolves turn their eyes to a new prize. Pretty great, huh? With Columbia's return to the fold, the stagnant cesspool that is Siracusa gets a new lease on life. No matter who wins in the end, it all works out for the woman at the top of Grey Hall, Signora Sicilia.
Leontuzzo	Wait, you don't mean...
Demetri	You've done a great job these past few years. You suppressed the other famiglie, and took control of il Ministero dei Lavori Pubblici. If things keep going that way, the Bellones will get that last laugh. But what will it accomplish? Our famiglia gets absolute control over the new nomadic city, and after that, it's back to business as usual.
Leontuzzo	And you want more than that. Or rather, he wants more than that?
Demetri	Since Grey Hall was established, since the Dodici Famiglie were prohibited from warring against one another, who has ever really been content? We used to be hungry, unscrupulous wolves, and the struggles between our famiglie were bloody and endless. But now, the newest generation of cubs is all nice and comfy in their shackles. They're used to coexisting with other famiglie. They find solutions to conflicts. They argue with each other in Grey Hall over what you call dividing up the spoils. We never did any of that. No need to.
Leontuzzo	So he wants to overthrow the Grey Hall?! But how?
Demetri	One individual has allowed the famiglie to act independently, but she will never permit them to violate her ironclad law. There can't be any fighting in broad daylight. We were about to win, and only under these conditions could our sudden fall from power get the attention of the jealous famiglie. Wolves fight. That's nature. They don't hold back at the smell of blood, no matter how domesticated they've become. They tear into each other, claws, fangs, and all. That's how we get this particular individual to step out of Grey Hall. And we'll all be waiting for that one moment.
Leontuzzo	......
"Crack." The crisp sound of glass shattering echoes across the empty room. The pup is unaware of the wounds caused by the splinters.
Demetri	We'll get the last laugh, Leon. And when we do, we'll control more than just a new city. We'll have all of Siracusa. That's what your father, Bernardo Bellone, who single-handedly made the Bellones the most powerful of the Dodici Famiglie, wants for us.
Leontuzzo	...... You're wrong.
Demetri	Huh?
Leontuzzo	I haven't stopped you. Or I guess I should say, you still have a backup plan, right? You knew from the very beginning that you'd be found out, so you waited here for me on purpose.
Demetri	The reason I'm here... is because I figured I had to face up to your anger. I owe you an apology, both as your closest friend, and as your soldier. I don't expect you to forgive me, but I at least want you to know that I didn't sleep well doing what I did.
Leontuzzo	Stop talking like you're giving a victory speech!
Demetri	...I lost, Leon. Really. But maybe, this is just the kind of place Siracusa is. Just maybe, the Don's ambitions were right. Just as I was about to admit defeat, she appeared.
Leontuzzo	Who?
Demetri	A lunatic.
<Background 5>
Lappland	Tell me, Gambino. Can you guess the best way to ruin somebody's day?
Gambino	Huh? Take his head clean off, right?
Lappland	What do you think, Capone?
Capone	Find his friends and family. Kill 'em one by one, sit him down, and treat him to a slideshow with their pictures.
Lappland	*sigh*... That's why I always say you two will never amount to anything.
Gambino	Hah, then let's hear your bright idea.
Lappland	His faith, my friends. His faith.
Capone	You destroy his faith?
Lappland	Destroy? No, how could you destroy a man's faith with your hands? That can't be done. But you give him a gentle push, and let him watch his faith fall right out of the sky. And then, whoosh– Crash! It shatters into a million little pieces.
Capone	And how do you get a man to shatter his faith so easily?
Lappland	Oh, no, no. You misunderstand me. Faith is pure and clean, but life is filthy. "So easily"? A better question is, how could it be hard?
Capone	So... does this have somethin' to do with us gettin' you that truck.
Gambino	Hah, I get it. You're gonna run over that judge to shake Texas up, right?
Lappland	Does she come across as the kind of woman who'd break down over one dead judge?
Capone	What are you gonna do then?
<Flashback starts here>
<Background 3>
Demetri	You're the Lappland who was exiled from Famiglia Saluzzo. Why are you here in Volsinii? Wait, how'd you even get back into Siracusa?!
Lappland	You know how the Bellones have a connection with Cellinia that nobody knows about? I got me a connection with the Saluzzo name that'd make you retch.
Demetri	So, you're here on their behalf?
Lappland	You could say that. By the way, I think you should probably put the weapons you have under the table. Dying here won't do you or your plans any good.
Demetri	......
Lappland	Let's make a deal, Bellone cub. You want the case dismissed, don't you? I can help with that.
Demetri	Is that... what Alberto Saluzzo wants?
Lappland	I'm his daughter, and I know him better than anyone.
<Flashback ends here>
<Background 5>
Lappland	Haven't you been dying to find out exactly what I'm doing back in Siracusa? It's simple. I need her to understand... That Siracusa is a swamp. You don't get to just wade your way out. That goes for all of us.
<Background 4>
Lavinia	As such, you confess to having committed all the aforementioned acts?
Texas	I was.
Lavinia	Very well. I hereby proclaim that Cellinia Texas is guilty of murdering Ministro Carracci, Ministro dei Lavori Pubblici. I pronounce you–
[The loud sound of a car engine is heard outside the courtroom.]
Critical Juror	What's going on?
Suspicious Juror	What was that sound? Anybody else hear that?
Critical Juror	It's... an engine?
Suspicious Juror	But we're in a courthouse. How could that–
For the mafiosi of yesteryear, the unspoken rules were held above all else. Signora Sicilia placed the shackles of the law around the necks of the famiglie. Thus, a court of law was erected in every Siracusan city. In Siracusa, the courts stand for Grey Hall's will. And the judges are executors of Signora Sicilia's will. The judges inevitably find themselves controlled by the famiglie, sometimes even submitting to them. However, every judge knows there is one line that cannot be crossed– They must prevent fights between the Dodici Famiglie. Just as the Dodici all know their every move is always under the watchful eye of Signora Sicilia. Thus, a delicate balance of power is established through the courts. But now–
A declaration of contempt for Signora Sicilia. A mockery of the very laws of Siracusa. With an engine's roar squeezed between bouts of high-pitched laughter... A truck rips through the wall. And even after crashing its way inside, the engine does not stop. As if proclaiming to others– This is no mere accident, but rather by design.
<Background 4>
Critical Juror	Aaaaaaahhh–
Suspicious Juror	Wh-What's going on?! What's a truck doing here?!
Lavinia	Who's the driver? Get out of there this instant!
[Lappland steps out of the truck.]
Lappland	Heh, not bad. Now that's the face I wanted to see.
Lavinia	Who the hell are you?!
Lappland	Ah, yes. Buongiorno, signore e signori. Allow me to introduce myself. My name... is Lappland Saluzzo.
Lavinia	Saluzzo?!
Lappland	I am also... Carracci's true assassin.
<Background 6>
Radio	Breaking news! Just now, someone drove a truck into the courtroom. The woman who carried out this jaw-dropping deed just identified herself as Lappland Saluzzo. And, she claims to be the one who really assassinated Carracci! At present, Judge Lavinia has suspended the trial and detained this individual. We will continue to track the latest developments, so don't go anywhere–
[Ben listens to the news on the radio.]
Ben	When people no longer recognize the stench of blood as blood, it becomes a natural part of society. Let this be a poignant wake-up call. In a city where even the sewers are choked with conspiracy and spilled blood, such fascinating developments can still take place. O wolf with a yearning for the wilderness, you never fail to surprise. But will you break free of your shackles? That, I do wish to see.
<Background 5>
Over a dozen mobsters lie on the ground, howling. The only one still standing is a girl holding a longbow.
???	I never knew city wolves were this weak. Agnese was right.
She pauses briefly, then suddenly turns to sniff the air. It's coming from the direction of the warehouse.
???	Are there other wolves from the wilds in this city? No... This is not the scent of the wilderness. But, it's very close to it.