level_act38side_09_beg

<i>Once upon a time, there was a strange pink Nightmare that roamed the wild west.</i>

<i> Its hide was black charcoal, its hair charred clouds, its horns twisted briar.</i>

<i> Many were deceived by its beautiful mask, mesmerized by its sweet scent, falling into deep dreams, becoming its nourishment.</i>

<i>The Nightmare targeted Lupo children, once luring thousands of children away from a city in a single night.</i>

<i> But the wise Siracusans came up with a way to fight the terrible pink Nightmare—</i>

<i> The Nightmare was afraid of wolves. When you saw it, you'd simply cry 'Wolf!' three times, and the Nightmare would disappear without a trace.</i>

That is QUITE enough! I can't listen to any more of this!

No need to get excited, Dolly. The musician isn't wrong; that's what Siracusan legends say about sheep.

If you're not happy about it, you could always jump on top of his head from your sheep float. After all, no one would be surprised about anything that happens tonight, no matter how out of this world it is.

Look, I just like getting chased by wolves. Playing hide-and-seek with them was one of the few hobbies I had during my time in Siracusa.

How could they twist the story like that? Blasphemy, I say, blasphemy!

That ain't the word I'd pick for it.

Stop throwing cold water on our fun.

How do the Siracusans see YOU, Emperor?

Tell 'im about the black-robed singer, Big Mouth!

Well... once upon a time, there was a mafia Don who loathed music and banned it in his city, until a penguin singer dressed in a black robe arrived many years later.

When he started singing at the town square, the citizens, having no concept of music, found it too noisy and tried to catch the singer and hand him over to the Don.

But the singer was too quick and slippery, even for the most athletic young man.

He continued to sing as more and more people joined the chase, which eventually turned into a great dance that engulfed the entire city.

The singer sang for three days and three nights until the furious Don had enough and came to catch him personally. But the Don was caught in the revelry as soon as he walked out of the door, and was never seen again.

Why does Emperor get to sound like a brave, clever hero when he's not half as wise as I am?

It ain't about wisdom, it's about Graf Pangwen's attitude toward music! Freedom n' struggle! You never did listen to the albums I signed for you, did you?

Let's go, we're getting in the way.

(Plays excitedly)

(Juggles excitedly)

(Plays even harder)

(Shows off skills)

Achille? Where's my Achille?

Did you just realize you had been walking with a stranger for half-an-hour, Signora?

Oh, I recognize your voice! You're that judge from Terni... I'm so sorry, the Leica famiglia made me lie in court—

(Taps mask) All water under the bridge, Signora. Remember the rules of Carnevale?

Look around at the sea of smiles around you! Fool and king, queen and priest, all are the same in their masks. Forget the scores of the past, and let us toast to the future of Nuova Volsinii!

The crowd passes by three Aristocrats of Beasts, as Dolly's clones meander through the sea of people. All can see them; no one shows any surprise.

In this ocean of revelry, not a single sea spray feels out of place.

A dozen massive floats form an orderly row, carrying the visages of wolf, sheep, penguin, cat, dog... legendary beasts that have come together in this city to lead the procession.

The streets are brimming—nay, overflowing—with plays and improvised performances. Musicians and acrobats seem locked in a competition to outdo one another, forcing food cart owners to raise their voices even higher to peddle beer, pizza and ice cream.

This is even more exciting than an active volcano.

Better than the old Carnevale. Even fatso didn't enjoy that kind of party.

Please don't dirty the word 'party' by usin' it on a mafia-masked murder-fest.

One tree don't bear two fruits. The Siracusans are just like those wolves.

Thousands of years ago, we left the wolves out of our parties because those dumbass pups didn't know nothin' but fighting and killing. So they came up with their own game.

Lucky the Siracusans are smarter, and they decided there's things worth celebrating besides killing and fighting for territory.

As for the wolves that don't know how to change—

They sense the same thing that we do. They know something is not right.

We're 'kindred', after all. There are certain things that we need to talk about.

I've met the ones that are less stupid, but they won't listen to anyone until their stupid game is done.

Well, they got a sayin' in Yan, and it means basically 'When in Londinium, do as the Londiniers do.'

Now, if this is a party, the Siracusans better not let me down!

<p=2>November 9th, 1100 9:25 P.M.</>

Wind brushes against Demetri's cheeks.

The windows of the ward were closed when he left yesterday, and Lavinia had instructed the nurse to keep a close eye on the temperature in this autumn season. But he sees only an empty bed when he looks up.

It's been a while, Demetri.

I'm sorry, Signor Bellone, this man insisted on coming in. I tried calling City Hall and the courts to reach Judge Lavinia, but I couldn't get through...

It's okay. You can leave.

When did you wake up?

The bright lights illuminate the skies and shine upon the hospital ward. The noise of the crowd can be clearly heard even through the window. Leontuzzo stands next to the window, gazing down at a city in revelry.

He has changed out of his patient clothes, and there is no hint that he was in a coma not so long ago.

A few hours ago.

You know, I thought we were meeting up at a restaurant, not a hospital.

Good, you still remember what you were doing before the accident. Looks like it didn't damage your brain.

Tsk.

You sure didn't lose any time to get dressed as soon as you woke up. Don't tell me you plan on attending the festivities.

Surely the nurses have told you that you need to lie down and get some rest... you're still wrapped in bandages underneath those clothes, aren't you?

Just a little light-headed. Got some pills for it, and I feel much better now.

Hundreds of thousands of citizens will be on the streets tonight, celebrating the one-year anniversary of Nuova Volsinii.

The original plan calls for the parade to start from the expansion plate, travel through twenty-three streets across nine plates, where it will be joined by various festivities.

At midnight, they will arrive at Court Square, where I will address the crowd and welcome a new day together with them—

City Hall has contingency plans.

Your inauguration can surely wait until you're in better shape.

Do you really think that, Demetri?

Leontuzzo turns around.

Lavinia has yet to announce the cancellation of the speech. I don't think it's because she forgot to.

I have a rough idea of what's been going on these few days.

The car accident at the port district, then the fire at Nuova Volsinii port... what will the citizens think if the mayor misses tonight's scheduled event?

If Carnevale concludes without a hitch, then the worst thing that comes out of my absence is that I lose a few approval points.

But if there is something hidden under the bright lights outside the window, I need to be at the scene.

Let's reschedule our dinner to another day.

Today.

The Carnevale has begun. The whole city is busy. Didn't you hear the doctor? Neither City Hall nor the courts are answering phone calls.

I'm afraid they have their hands full, right now.

I brought some people with me. We can escort you to the scene.

You don't have a choice, Leon.

If you know what's been happening the past few days, then you have at least an inkling of what's going on between me and Saluzzo, but you didn't bring it up.

I have some things I have to tell you. Today is the chance.

Leontuzzo gazes at his old friend.

The threat in Demetri's words are thinly-veiled. After a brief moment of silence, Leontuzzo extends his hand.

I'll be counting on you, then, Demetri.

Just like old times.

How are you feeling, Grandma?

You're lost, my child.

I am looking for the last true wolf. I have wasted too much time.

Easy, my child. It's not your fault.

Grandma has taught you how to tell the scent of a true wolf's pelt.

But the last true wolf is clever. He is a weaver of pelts, hiding his scent perfectly. He is a...

...Tailor.

Grandma guides me.

I will find the true wolf. Wait for me, grandma.

...de Montano.

Oh, xuj!

Wh-What is it, Lyudmila?

...Red hood.

That one again? Where?

The alley up ahead. I could recognize her from a mile away.

Man, we were just taking a minute to change the tires, and you run into her AGAIN?

You want to go after her?

Let's get back on the truck. Eirene's waiting for us.

I left Sommer at the accident scene the last time in order to go after her, which just seemed to lead to all this crazy shit...

You know what's funny? I keep running into bad luck just like I keep running into her. It's like a curse I couldn't shake.

It's a brutal pack of wolves that we're facing today. I've seen what they're capable of.

That's why I need to be with you guys, this time.

Well, nothing for you to be ashamed of.

The bastard taunted you when you tried to take revenge and killed your mentor. You're way calmer than I would be if I was in your shoes.

You know what, once we get all this crap out of the way tonight, we'll come with you to find her, beat her up, and tie her up behind our trucks so that she gets to know what dust tastes like.

Nobody messes with OUR ragazza sfortunata.

Hah. Well, let's get going.

Dammit, boss, this place was hard to find.

Our guys are in position, but are you sure you don't want to be on scene at a time like this?

Come. Look.

Court Square?

Man, this house is so close to Court Square? I took so many turns on my way here that I thought I ended up in another district. Hell, I could see the posters on the courthouse windows...

Well-concealed, but offers a perfect view of the square and the surrounding streets.

I will be giving orders in real-time from right here, until the dust settles.

How'd you get your hand on such prime real estate in such a short time?

It has been under my name for a long time.

I bought it soon after I came to Nuova Volsinii. I come here from time to time, when I wanted some time off.

...To stare at the courthouse and City Hall?

How are things with the old man?

No problems. The estate's crowded, and they got enough whiskey, cigars, and classic records to keep him busy all night.

The port?

Gambino got everything set up. Our landship is the only thing that's coming to the city tonight... it's almost time, come to think of it.

All our vehicles are being deployed around the Nuova Volsinii port. The goods'll be delivered to every associate of the famiglia once the landship has docked.

Then, it's up to us.

Where is the parade procession?

The new art district, where all the theaters and entertainment establishments are. There's lots of performances on the streets, and activities for visitors to interact with the floats.

At least an hour until it gets here.

We have a small number of select famiglia associates nearby, equipped with the weapons that we had smuggled in.

The square is undermanned, with most of Nuova Volsinii's police keeping order along the parade route. Suppress the courthouse and other administrative buildings quickly and efficiently.

With the port and the courthouse in our hands, and the supplies from the landship, Famiglia Venezia will become the de facto rulers of Nuova Volsinii.

It's time for Nuova Volsinii to wake up from revelry.

I just thought of somethin'.

Hm?

City Hall's plan calls for the parade to be welcomed at the square by Leontuzzo's inaugural speech, where he's gonna talk about stuff like the new order and Siracusa's future n' whatever...

You gonna say something too when they're welcomed by fully-armed associates of Famiglia Venezia?

There is no need, Capone.

If you need to think about something, think about whether you still remember how to use a weapon after all the time you spent working at a vehicle company.

All good—

I know your history, Capone. The Sicilians started the first city state war in the history of Siracusa.

You looted through the city, pointing your weapons at all who would resist or speak up, and harvested the tails of the vanquished with sickles.

That was Siracusa's first Carnevale, even though the name came later.

This is your chance to prove that the history of Siracusa began with you, Sicilian.

Well, that sort of talk is better for Gambino. He's the one who could never stop talking about 'Sicilians'.

Lungmen, Volsinii, Nuova Volsinii... we've gone from one place to another over the years. The Sicilians fell on hard times after Signora Sicilia abandoned her familglia.

Which is why I've never forgotten how to pull a trigger.

Good, good.

Do it.

Happy Carnevale, signore! Have a balloon!

Thanks... hey, wait a minute.

Is the parade here already? I thought I would hear from the folks at the earlier stops.

Gugh—

Y-You're...

Hm. Slower on the uptake than I thought.

What did you think was gonna happen? This ain't Signor Mayor's promotional video, where we go to the ground as soon as a cop tags us.

They've been on the job for, what, one year?

There is no famiglia in Nuova Volsinii. Did you think they would have the skill or the guts to put their head on the line, when all they do is issue traffic tickets?

Left side of the square is clear.

Right side, same here.

The roads that connect the courthouse and the administrative building is secure. No survivors.

Caught a few paper pushers as they were coming out.

Damn, one got away and went back into the courthouse—

Alright, no complaining.

It's time. Do it!

What time is it, Texas?

Eleven.

Here's your whiskey with ice.

Thanks.

You've been looking at these route maps over and over again, Lavinia. Take a break.

The area around the square has been cleared of all non-relevant personnel. Traffic control is in effect from the new art district to the courthouse. All that's left is to wait for the procession.

What's your decision?

You're not concerned that it would cause a panic if it's the 'Last Texas' who makes the midnight speech, rather than the Acting Mayor as originally planned?

No, I'm not.

Every float tonight is themed after a legendary beast, however mysterious or cruel, and many citizens have put on masks to play the wolf pack.

Beast or man, they will walk together tonight in Nuova Volsinii.

I can think of nothing more appropriate for the Carnevale than having the Last Texas give a speech to the citizens about a better future.

And I can think of no one else who could take Leontuzzo's place as guest of honor.

Alright, let me see that draft again...

I'm sorry, Texas, but I need to prepare for all possible contingencies.

You've looked on edge since you came back from the truckers' camp.

I've done what I could in the time that I had, but the threat hasn't been eliminated. Tonight—

J-Judge Lavinia!

What's the matter... is that blood on your clothes?

A large group suddenly showed up at the square. They took out the police...

Who were they?

I couldn't tell... they were all dressed up in costumes and wearing carnival masks.

But they looked like they're ready to charge into the courthouse!

Get your wounds treated. I'll check it out.

No, Judge Lavinia! They're all over the square! If you go out now—

If that's the case, hiding here won't do any good.

I'm with you.

Good.

Stay here, Lavinia.

I'll deal with what's going on outside.

Eirene?

It's all wise guys. They want this building, and the Supreme Justice—you.

I'm here to protect you.

Protect me?

How—

What the—

Lavinia rushes to the window.

The pack of beasts that had lay dormant in the darkness begins their hunt.

Elaborately dressed, masked figures emerge from the alleys and approach the courthouse in orderly formation, quickly making their way through the police lines.

And no further.

A truck appears out of nowhere, coming to a screeching stop in their path. The police barricade that it sent flying makes a dull sound as it hits the ground.

Then, a second, and a third, as truck after truck barge into the square.

Demonstrating surprising coordination, they form a tight line between the oncoming crowd and the courthouse, stopping it in its tracks like a dam stops the tide.

They won't get near the courthouse for a while.

I feel like I've seen this before...

Perhaps you've seen City Hall's promotional video for Signor Bellone.

Insurgent mafiosi block off the courthouse with trucks, creating an area in the city where the police cannot reach, allowing them to exact wanton violence...

That was the inspiration. I wouldn't have thought of it if I wasn't part of the shoot.

Eirene closes the window.

Time is short, Lavinia.

There is much that we need to resolve.