Operation story: IS-6

Operation

Story

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Characters
Croissant Exusiai Lappland Lavinia Leontuzzo Sora Sora (dressed) Texas Alberto Bernardo Carwash Worker Demetri Giovanna Rubio Wallach ??? Announcer Bellone Mafioso Loyal Mafioso Mafioso Onsite Staff Rossati Mafioso Theater Manager Makeup Artist
Backgrounds
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Before operation

“

The stage has been set, and the fun is about to begin.

”

<Background 1>
[Leontuzzo wake up from his sleep.]
Leontuzzo	Urgh...
Mafioso	Signor, are you alright?
Leontuzzo	Just dreaming. That's why you shouldn't sleep on the sofa. Where's the old man?
Mafioso	The Don went to the theater.
Leontuzzo	......
Mafioso	Are you going too?
Leontuzzo does not answer, only sinking deeper into the sofa.
<Flashback starts here>
<Background 2>
Texas	Rossati, Giovanna.
Bernardo	That's right. Cellinia, our original agreement was to ensure the Bellones come out on top. But, I've changed my mind. As long as you succeed, you don't owe us anything. At that point, you're free to go. This, I promise you as the Fang of Zaaro, il Signore dei Lupi.
<Flashback ends here>
<Background fades out and in>
Texas	......
From the time she returned to the residence at sunset, to the break of dawn the next day... Listening to the falling rain, Texas wiped down her sword while reading the script that was handed to her–"La Morte di Texas." The story twists and turns, never straying far from what she's known. She has a faint premonition. But first, she needs to sharpen her sword. Today, it may have to be a bit swifter than usual.
[A telephone rings.]
<Background 3>
Lappland	Tsk, tsk. The sun's still getting in my eyes, even though it's raining. Prison food's not too bad. You should give it a try.
Loyal Mafioso	You're right about that. I've even given 'em a few suggestions before. Now get in the car.
Lappland	Can I sit this one out? Does killing a single Columbian really deserve so much fanfare?
Loyal Mafioso	The Don says Cellinia's gonna be there too.
Lappland	Oh? What's the plan?
Loyal Mafioso	She'll pretend to be an actress, and once the performance starts, you'll improvise the rest.
Lappland	Hmm... So what about my costume?
Loyal Mafioso	What the Don meant was– You wait in the audience and play along.
Lappland	Oh, right. Haha. What an insensitive old jerk. So where's he gonna be? He's not trying to find a nice place to watch the show all by himself, is he?
Loyal Mafioso	The Don has other business. He's got a meeting.
Lappland	A meeting?
Loyal Mafioso	Yeah, with a carwash worker.
<Background 4>
[Croissant opens the door.]
Croissant	Howdy, Sora. I just knew you'd be practicin' in Miss Caterina's studio. I ain't gonna stop ya, but don'tha think you oughta head to the theater early? To do some makeup n' get ready n' whatnot?
Sora	Yeah, you have a point.
Croissant	Exusiai's already off to buy breakfast. We got just enough time to meet her.
Sora	Okay.
Croissant	Say... Didn't we say we'd set up a big ol' welcome for Exusiai's sister?
Sora	We did. But now I'm not sure we'll have enough time for that. Croissant, watch your step!
[Croissant trips over a stack of books.]
Croissant	Huh? Wooooah! Owwie...
Sora	Are you alright?
Croissant	I'm fine, I'm fine. Just tripped on a little somethin'. Dangit, I knocked over that stack of books. Lemme tidy 'em up. Huh? A picture dropped outta somethin'.
Sora	Picture?
Croissant	Wait... Huh?
Sora	What's wrong?
Croissant	Lookie here!
It is a photograph from many years ago. Sora can barely make out the background that should be of the wide and bustling streets of Columbia past. In the center of the photograph stands a middle-aged man who wears a kind expression, but exudes an audacity not to be trifled with. On his left and right sides stand a Lupo girl, and a Feline girl. The girl on the left has beautiful blonde hair and sports a cheery expression, and even at a glance, one can immediately tell that she has a bubbly personality. The girl on the right has black hair, her face betraying no emotions, making it difficult for one to guess the contents of her heart.
Croissant	Look, this pitcher... ain't that... Texas, as a kid? And standin' there with her... That's Caterina?! And look on the back here...
Written on the backside of the photo: "Giovanna and Cellinia, 1080."
Croissant	Giovanna... Is that gonna be Caterina's real name?
Sora	Giovanna... Giovanna Rossati.
<Background 3>
[Alberto walks into the carwash.]
Alberto	How long has this carwash been open?
Carwash Worker	Five years.
Alberto	Five years? Coincidentally, that's how long my guard tuskbeast has been missing. If only I knew how he was doing these days.
Carwash Worker	The city's a pretty big place. There's always a way to survive.
Alberto	It never made any sense to me before. I fed him plenty of meat, gave him a nice den. Why wasn't he happy? Think he might've been vegetarian?
Carwash Worker	Maybe. Maybe it never knew how bad meat actually was until it tried a full-course meal. It's better to not eat at all... than to eat something bad.
Alberto	Oh?
Carwash Worker	Your car's done.
Alberto	You're pretty good at your job.
Carwash Worker	Practice makes perfect.
Alberto	Heh. You never fail to get it done just right. But, Danbrown, nothing lasts forever. It's time for you to change your tastes.
Carwash Worker	...I'll think about it.
Alberto	Think carefully. Once you've figured it out, you're always welcome to come back.
<Background 5>
Makeup Artist	Are you the backup bassist?
[Texas, disguises as a bassist, responds,]
Texas	Yes.
Makeup Artist	Oh, um... Is that your natural hair color?
Texas	Yes.
Makeup Artist	That's special. Usually, you have to dye your hair to work as a bassist. I've heard only those with Famiglia Texas blood have that eye and hair color. And, now that I'm seeing you up close, your eyebrows... look really similar to Salvadore's. Are you his bastard or something?
Texas	No, I have nothing to do with Texas.
Makeup Artist	All sorts of coincidences out there, huh? Okay, take a seat over there. Your foundation's really good, so I should be able to get you squared away in no time.
<Background 2>
Theater Box
Theater Manager	Pardon me, are you satisfied with your seating?
Giovanna	Yes, I've got a fine view.
Theater Manager	Excellent, excellent. If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to call for me.
Wallach	Let's head down.
[The theater manager leaves.]
Giovanna	You're not going to stay and watch?
Wallach	You know I've never been a fan of this sort of stuff. How about I grab you a nice drink?
Giovanna	I'd like–
Wallach	Brandy, I know.
<Background 5>
[The dressed Sora runs into the room.]
Sora	Sorry I'm late!
Makeup Artist	No worries. Everyone's still getting ready. Go ahead and take a seat. I'll do your makeup first.
Sora	Okay.
Makeup Artist	What's wrong? You don't look too well. Are you getting stage fright?
Sora	No, I'm fine.
Makeup Artist	Don't worry, Sora. You've been working so hard, everyone's gonna love you for sure!
Sora	I hope so.
Makeup Artist	Oh right, did you know...?
Sora	What's wrong?
Makeup Artist	Apparently, the bassist got sick and couldn't make it to the performance.
Sora	Huh? What are you going to do then?
Makeup Artist	It's no big deal. The director was able to find a stand-in. She's getting her makeup done in another dressing room right now.
Sora	A stand-in... Are you sure that's going to work?
Makeup Artist	Just trust the director's judgment, alright?
Sora	Speaking of the director, he didn't come tonight?
Makeup Artist	He just dropped by to give some direction before leaving again. I think he's meeting with a guest. Important people are always so busy, huh? But it's okay, Sora. You just need to play your part, that's all.
Sora	Yes.
<Background 6>
[Lavinia walks in front of Teatro di Milano.]
Lavinia	......
Onsite Staff	Oh, if it isn't Judge Lavinia! I haven't seen you here for a while. Have you come to watch tonight's opera?
Lavinia	No, I'm just passing by.
Onsite Staff	That's too bad. But, did you know we're putting on the highly-anticipated "La Morte di Texas"? I'm sure you'll love it.
Lavinia	Sorry, I'm not in the mood.
Onsite Staff	That's alright then. I look forward to your next visit.
[Lavinia noticed Danbrown the carwash worker entering the theater.]
Lavinia	...Huh? (Danbrown? What's HE doing here?) (Did he really... take my advice and come to the theater to unwind?) (But, today's performance is...) ...... Wait a second.
Onsite Staff	Oh, did you change your mind?
Lavinia	That's right. One ticket please.
<Background 2>
Theater Box
Mafioso	Don Bernardo, someone's here to see you.
Bernardo	Oh?
Mafioso	It's Rubio, Segretario di Sicurezza Alimentare.
Bernardo	...... Let him in.
Mafioso	Of course.
[Rubio enters the box.]
Rubio	Don Bernardo–
Bernardo	You can just call me "director" here.
Rubio	Ah, yes, yes. It's an honor to be here, Director.
Bernardo	Take a seat, Signor Segretario. Let's enjoy the show first, then we'll talk.
<Background 7>
[An announcer walks into the stage.]
Announcer	Signore e signori, thank you for being here tonight. You are about to see another spectacular performance brought to you by Compagnia dell'alba. "La Morte di Texas," Act II, written by Signorina Caterina. Every Siracusan already knows the story of Salvadore, but how many truly know the details? Signora Caterina, who has a deep understanding of Famiglia Texas, provides us with her frank yet intricate perspective. Let us delve deeper into the life of Salvadore!
[Everyone gives an ovation.]
<Background 5>
Sora	(Inhales deeply, then exhales.)
Makeup Artist	Break a leg, Sora!
Sora	Right, time to go!
<Background 7>
Exusiai	Phew... Finally found them. Attagirl, Sora scored us seats with a great view.
Croissant	Great expectations for her, all around.
Exusiai	Excuse me, would you mind letting us through?
[A Sankta pastor responds to Exusiai,]
???	A Sankta girl... An unusual sight in Siracusa.
Exusiai	Ehh? You're a Sankta too? I've been in Volsinii for a while, and this is the first time I've seen one of my people.
???	Hehe, looks like it's one good thing after another today. Go right on by, child.
[The pastor steps aside, allowing Exusiai and Croissant to pass.]
Exusiai	......
Croissant	What's wrong?
Exusiai	That's weird... I don't sense any emotions from him. Is he an exiled Sankta? But, he's unlike any of the other Sankta exiles I've seen... Well, whatever. By the way, am I the only one who thinks way too much of this crowd looks like mobsters?
Croissant	I hear tell the head of the Rossati Family's here tonight.
Exusiai	Hey, isn't that what you were just talking about?
Croissant	Yep. But let's just enjoy the show for now.
[The play begins as Sora walks into the stage under a spotlight, with everyone giving an ovation to her.]
Sora	(Singing) In an era when chaos and opportunity came hand-in-hand; some were swallowed by the tides of the times where others found in it their promised land. (Singing) Violence and wealth, power and order. (Singing) Onto Columbian soil steps a Siracusan, bringing with him only scars, hardship, and ambition. (Signing) And thus begins our tale. Ladies and gentlemen, come and bear witness, to whom this era truly belongs.
<Background 2>
Lappland	That voice... I see how it is. You're here to bring her back, aren't you? But do you really think that's going to happen?
Rossati Mafioso	Who the hell are you?
[Lappland clealy slices down the Rossati mafioso.]
Lappland	Signore e signori, let the show begin!
<Background 7>
[Texas enters the stage under her bassist guise with everyone applauding...]
<Background 2>
Giovanna	It really is you, Cellinia.
<Background 7>
Exusiai	Huh...?
Croissant	Texas?!
<Background fades out and in>
Sora	–Ehh?
Texas	...?!
For a brief moment, Texas shifts her eyes to one of the boxes. She knows Bernardo is sitting there, gazing down upon everything. She feels it in her heart. Whether coincidence or some form of necessity, in this moment, Sora is both a danger and a safe haven. Everything depends on her. The movement in the auditorium and the faint sounds in the distance all prelude the start of the assassination. She gestures to Sora for her to stay silent, then proceeds to pluck the strings in her hands. A most wonderful performance has begun.

After operation

“

All roads have been paved. She has uncovered her past.

”

<Background 2>
[A group of Rossati mafiosi tries to stop Lappland, but they are no match to the wild wolf as she casually walks past the dead mafiosi on the floor.]
Rossati Mafioso	Back up, this one's tricky. Don't fight her head on. Cover the aisles and the stairs leading up to the Donna's box!
[The mafiosi withdraws to Giovanna's box.]
Lappland	Tsk, tsk. Rossati soldiers are pretty capable after all, huh. Looks like trying to brute force my way through isn't a realistic option. Hmm...
<Background 7>
Texas	......
<Background 2>
Lappland	Haha, silly Texas. It's pretty obvious she's got a recorder in that bass. Sounds convincing, though, the way she's plucking those strings. Hm? Haha, there it is. If I can't break through the front... I'll just have to make a path!
<Background 5>
Rossati Mafioso	Don't panic! Stand your ground!
[A group of Bellone mafiosi led by Demetri breaks into the room...]
Bellone Mafioso	Gah, aren't you afraid to die?
[...and Demetri strikes one of the Rossatis...]
Rossati Mafioso	Guh... Urgh...
[...killing him.]
Demetri	How are the others doing?
Bellone Mafioso	The aisles and stairs leading to Giovanna's box are all guarded. They were ready for this.
Demetri	Leave it to the Rossatis... But, we've never been ones to underestimate Giovanna. Throw more soldiers at them. We're not letting Giovanna out today.
Wallach	You might not have underestimated Giovanna, but don't you think you underestimated me?
Bellone Mafioso	What–
[Wallach struck down one of the Bellones from behind.]
Demetri	You're... Wallach.
Wallach	Heh, had I known the show today would've been so exciting, I wouldn't have gone to buy a drink for the Donna.
Demetri	If Signora Giovanna appreciates a fine wine, I happen to have a selection with me.
Wallach	No thanks. The Donna enjoys many things about Siracusa, but the wine isn't one. Siracusan wines are too weak, same as you people swing your weapons. Doesn't make for a good time.
Demetri	Maybe you just haven't tried the best Siracusa has to offer.
Wallach	So, isn't this a great opportunity? Do you know how long I've been waiting for this? Bellones and Saluzzos, let's find out what Siracusa's finest wine really tastes like.
<Background 7>
[Several Rossatis stood in Lappland's path.]
Rossati Mafioso	Trying to get up this way? Stop her!
Lappland	Who said I was going up?
Rossati Mafioso	What? Explosives?! Get outta there!
[Lappland throws an explosive device...]
<Background fades out and in>
[...whose blast can be felt and heard by the audience.]
Croissant	Woah, the seats over yonder just collapsed!
Exusiai	Is that... Lappland?!
Horrified Audience	Look over there!
Rossati Mafioso	Urgh...
[One of the Rossatis died after taking the explosive's full force.]
Horrified Audience	I-Is it another famiglie gang war...?
[A large number of mafiosi walks into the stage, and...]
Texas	Move.
Rossati Mafioso	Sh-She had weapons in her instrument?!
Sora	Texas!
Texas says nothing. She only shoots her a glance, parting her lips for a second before rushing up the stairs. Sora reads those lips. She said: "Wait for me."
<Background 7>
Panicked Audience	Aaaaaahhh–! Run! Run for it!
Croissant	What'cha think we oughta do, Exusiai? Sora's in danger!
Exusiai	But–
[A booth is about to collapse...]
Horrified Audience	S-Someone, save me–
Exusiai	Get down!
[...but the Sankta pastor from before saves them by shooting the falling debris with his handgun.]
Exusiai	Woah, you're pretty tough for an old guy.
???	Do I look that old to you?
Exusiai	Uhh... Well, I guess I wouldn't go that far.
???	Looks like today's performance is not "La Morte di Texas," but rather "La Morte di Rossati." Find somewhere to hide, children.
Exusiai	That sounds nice, but our friend is still up there on stage.
Croissant	It's a gat-danged hurricane all 'round the thing! We can't just go hoppin' on into that!
Exusiai	Let's go backstage then!
Croissant	Okay!
[A number of mafiosi blocks Exusiai's path...]
Exusiai	C'mon, outta my way!
[...but the pastor guns them down.]
Croissant	Huh?
???	Go, brave children.
Exusiai	Thanks, old man! I'll buy you a slice later!
Croissant	Thank ya kindly!
[Exusiai and Croissant rushes off.]
???	Haha, kids these days are so full of pep. What's your plan now, Giovanna?
<Background 2>
Rossati Mafioso	Donna Giovanna, we've got everything locked down. Let's get you out, while we still can.
Giovanna	Why? It's a rare opportunity to watch a wonderful show from a fantastic seat. I'm going to have to savor this. Sora, you really are her true friend, aren't you? Now, how are you going to get up here, Cellinia? Even if you find a shortcut, getting to me won't be easy.
Rossati Mafioso	But–
Giovanna	If I were to run away right now, do you think the Bellones and Saluzzos would just give up and call it quits? This is a war now, my dear. The Bellones and Saluzzos have decided to Signora Sicilia's ban on violence, and started a gang war. Spread the word. There's only one thing we can do now: fight to the end.
Rossati Mafioso	Of course.
<Background 5>
[Demetri and Wallach had a duel, but the latter ended up gaining an upper hand.]
Demetri	Nngh...
Wallach	Looks like "fine Siracusan wine" was nothing special after all.
Demetri	I wouldn't gloat just yet... Columbian scum...
[The two charges at each other, but Wallach strikes first...]
Demetri	What–
[...and struck Demetri.]
Wallach	Yes, I know. You Siracusans think the Columbian famiglie are just rowdy upstarts who haven't paid our dues. And yeah, there are a whole lot of incompetent idiots over in Columbia. But what about you? Can you even sniff out the scent of blood under your so-called "guns and order?" We've never looked down on Siracusa. But from what I've seen today, you don't even deserve my attention.
Rossati Mafioso	Wallach, we've got a situation at the theater! Someone blew the seats, and Cellinia is heading straight for the third floor.
Wallach	...... You've got five seconds for your last words.
Demetri	Last words? Heh, what's there to say? If you're really gonna do it, then tell Leontuzzo that I'm sorry.
Wallach	Sure. What–
[Leontuzzo shows up and attacks Wallach with Arts from his gun-like Arts unit.]
Demetri	Leon?! You...
Leontuzzo	I'll handle this my way, Demetri.
Wallach	Signor Leontuzzo. Here I thought we could get along.
Leontuzzo	You just lost your last chance for that.
Wallach	Well, well, well. Turns out the heir to a great famiglia just oozes charisma after all. You've made a fool of me, and still you tell me I had a chance to make things right.
Leontuzzo	What's done is done. I'll make you a bet, Wallach.
Wallach	You're a betting man? Hahahaha! Signor Leon, mio amico, we're not in a dining hall or one of our offices. We're in a war, and only one of us walking out of this alive.
Leontuzzo	Trust me, you'll love this one.
<Background 2>
Bellone Mafioso	Ugh, these Rossatis are a pain in the ass.
[Lavinia joins in.]
Bellone Mafioso	Your Honor? We never heard you were joining us on this one. And anyway, this ain't something you can just walk into.
Lavinia	I'm not here to stop you. I'm not interested. I'm looking for someone.
Bellone Mafioso	Who? We got one helluva mess here. Not gonna be easy to find anybody.
Lavinia	All I need from you is to stay out of my way.
Bellone Mafioso	But...
Lavinia	Even if I die here, that's none of Famiglia Bellone's business.
Bellone Mafioso	Suit yourself then.
<Background fades out and in>
[Lavinia looks for someone from the tribune.]
Lavinia	There you are.
<Background fades out and in>
Rossati Mafioso	Hold it.
Carwash Worker	I work here.
Rossati Mafioso	Uh huh. We got rid of all the workers.
Lavinia	Grr, what is he doing here? Look out, Dan–
[Danbrown the carwash worker slices the mafiosi with a knife he hid.]
Blood splatters, and a few drops splash across Lavinia's face.
Carwash Worker	Signorina Lavinia. What are you doing here?
<Background 7>
[Texas struck down a Rossati mafioso.]
Texas	......
The "path" opened by Lappland is doing its job. Only a short distance separates her from her old friend. She lets out a soft sigh. Chaos swirls all around her, but she knows what to do.
[Wallach reveals himself.]
Wallach	I knew you'd come, Cellinia.
Texas	......
Wallach	What a look in your eyes there. It's like I'm the prey.
[Texas and Wallach charges toward each other...]
Wallach	Let's see what the Last Texas can do!
[...and a fight ensues.]
<Background 2>
Rubio	Signor, Director... is this chaos... part of the show?
Bernardo	Chaos? In my opinion, Segretario Rubio, everything is in perfect order. What comes next will be even better.
Rubio	...I see. You lead one of the most prestigious troupes in Volsinii, and you've put on a play unlike any other.
Bernardo	We do have an intermission coming up, though. You may tell me what it is you want from me.
Rubio	What I want... isn't very complicated. With Carracci's death, the seat of Ministro dei Lavori Pubblici is now vacant. You must be thinking about who the most suitable candidate is.
Bernardo	I take it you've decided you're that candidate?
Rubio	I don't think there's anyone else better suited than me.
<Background 7>
[Texas ultimately gained an upper hand and struck Wallach down...]
Texas	......
[...before keep running.]
Wallach	*cough* *cough*, *cough*, *cough*... Wow... There's still mercy in you, at a time like this... The Saluzzo Psycho isn't gonna finish me off?
Lappland	I'm not interested in a pointless fight with some punk who was never taking it seriously to begin with.
Wallach	...Hah.
Lappland	What are you waiting for? What do you want?
Wallach	I made a bet with someone. And I hope I lose.
Wallach looks in the direction Texas went. No one can stop her from assassinating Giovanna. Except Giovanna herself.
<Background 2>
[Texas enters the box where Giovanna was in.]
There is nobody else in the empty room. Texas immediately realizes what's happening, but it's too late. A knife is already up against her neck.
Giovanna	Since I came to Siracusa, I've been thinking of all the different ways someone might try to kill me. But I never once thought it might be you. And I never imagined you'd let your guard down, at a time like this. Did you think that when I saw you'd, I'd give you a big hug and cry "thank goodness, Cellinia, you're still alive?" And then we'd sit down and share a drink and catch up on everything that's happened over the last few years?
Texas	I'm here to kill you.
Giovanna	Great.
With that word, Giovanna drops the knife in her hand. She wears a radiant smile on her face, her expression full of longing, as if the murderous intent from a moment ago was but a light-hearted joke.
Giovanna	Long time no see, Cellinia.
Texas	Long time no see, Giovanna.