Night drapes Catania in a gray veil, with everything in sight seemingly viewed through the hazy filter of an old film.
Lights come on in every home, with warm specks of color flowing from the mountain peaks that embrace the lush foothills down to the shore.
On the beach, some people are on benches relishing the night, while there are some laughing and singing around barbecue grills with friends and family.
You and Lucia find yourselves a quiet corner and sit shoulder to shoulder.
Catania really comes alive at night, huh?
Last time I saw a beach so full of life was... back at Venus Splash Park, I think?
Remember that, Commandant? Just us and the squad. No missions, no surprises. Just peace for once.
Venus Splash Park... Peace...
Play... What do you mean by that?
I didn't come on vacation to avoid you. I received a mission telling us to "wind down."
Memories flood your mind as you look at Lucia.
Back then, I was...
Lucia closes her eyes and shakes her head, trying to cast aside those embarrassing memories.
Do you think I've changed, Commandant? Since then?
Lucia tilts her head and looks curiously at you.
Under the pure moonlight, her question sends you down memory lane.
Lucia...
The two of you weren't exactly close when you first met...
Cutting through thorns, growing into the powerful wings of Gray Raven.
Now, she is the one to bring humanity hope and victory.
She's also the one and only captain under you and a comrade worthy of complete trust.
No matter when you turn around, you can always count on her to be there.
No matter what dangers lie ahead, she will always fight by your side.
Your fates intertwine as one, no longer lost or adrift.
You turn your memories into an answer and share it with her—the one who's always been by your side.
I... see...
A glimmer of delight sparkles in her eyes when she hears what you say.
Maybe I am growing... into someone you can lean on.
I believe... things will only get better for us.
One day, we'll end all the disasters and sufferings in the world.
She gazes at the bustling coastline below as she envisions a peaceful and beautiful future.
Maybe to others, that sounds like wishful thinking.
But after everything we've been through... with you here, that day doesn't feel so far away.
In her eyes, the flourishing island connects with brilliant celestial pathways, twinkling with radiant light.
You gently take Lucia's hand as the two of you hold gaze at the brilliant lights illuminating the night.
Before you know it, a crowd dressed in classical formal attire gradually gathers on the beach.
They stand with bowed heads, holding hands in a circle around a marble statue, seemingly in the middle of some ancient, traditional ceremony.
Believers, let us pray together.
We give thanks, for the grace and strength bestowed upon Catania, and for the unity we've found in His light.
At the center of the crowd stands a statue resembling a nun, her eyes covered by a thin veil.
Compassion and love flow across her features, and despite the constant erosion of sea winds, the statue maintains its prayer posture, silently bestowing blessings.
That statue... it's Saint Lucia.
Mm. Same name as me. Pure coincidence, I guess.
Saint Lucia was one of the four great martyrs. She gave her life right here, in Catania.
She gives a slight nod in affirmation.
I've known her story for a long time, maybe because we share a name.
It's a story about love... and sacrifice. If you're interested, Commandant, I'll tell you.
Alright, let's see...
She closes her eyes, concentrating as she recalls the legend of Saint Lucia.
A long, long time ago, there was a kingdom called Napoli...
And Lucia, she was its princess.
One day, a terrible plague swept through Napoli. Bodies filled the streets. Homes were abandoned. Entire towns were wiped out.
Lucia and her lover couldn't just watch the people suffer. Out of love and faith, they chased a legend: a four-leaf clover that could grant miracles and end this nightmare once and for all.
And so, they left for Catania together.
The ancient legend rests upon her words, floating gently into the profound darkness of night as Lucia weaves her tale.
They were headed for Heaven's Cape, said to be the closest place on Earth to the divine, where the golds once planted a miracle clover.
Lucia hugs her knees to her chest, gazing out at the undulating expanse of ocean in the distance.
But just as they neared the coast, a storm hit. One huge wave came crashing, and he was gone.
A demon rose from the sea. It had taken him. Dragged him to hell.
It gave Lucia a choice: if she wanted to save him, she had to give up her eyes.
The demon had made a wager with the gods: if they took her sight and the one she loved, would she have the strength to find the clover?
If she found it, he'd return to her. But she'd spend the rest of her life in darkness.
Reaching this point in the story, Lucia closes her eyes, seemingly deep in thought.
Lucia didn't hesitate... She gave up her sight.
Blind and alone, she stepped onto Catania's shore.
Every step felt like walking off a cliff.
She climbed, crawled, bled—but kept going.
It wasn't just a test of faith, it was a vow: "for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."
She nods.
When she opened her eyes again, she was dying in his arms. And he was holding the clover she'd found.
But the clover could only grant one wish...
So now, he had to choose—
Save Lucia, or save the kingdom.
The gentle moonlight softly illuminated the trace of sorrow on Lucia's face.
After a moment of silence, she slowly opens her mouth.
With her last breath, Lucia whispered her wish and helped her lover decide.
...Sorry, Commandant. I don't want to "give" an ending to this story.
Lucia leaves the ending of the story hanging.
Because doing that might pull me further away from who Lucia really was.
Lucia tilts her face upward to gaze at the countless stars scattered across the Milky Way.
For the longest time, people believed Lucia had chosen to give up everything so her lover could save the kingdom.
But more recent studies show something surprising: Her final wish, written centuries ago, was simply to live. With him.
Stars bloom across the deep blue canvas of night, a celestial tapestry that seems to have shone this way since the beginning of time.
The countless lights in the city flicker in the darkness as the evening breeze gently lifts the strands of hair from Lucia's forehead.
That's why, for centuries, playwrights have kept revisiting Lucia's story—deconstructing it, reimagining it, and giving it all kinds of different endings.
But people like their saints noble and selfless. So most versions still paint her as the girl who gave it all up for everyone else.
Just like Iphigenia, who gave her life for Troy... History remembers the noble sacrifice, but forgets the girl who had to endure it.
I think what kept her going wasn't just faith. It was love. The desire to see her lover again.
Whichever path she took, it was always going to hurt.
Lucia turns to look at you curiously.
If you were Lucia, Commandant, what would you have done?
Your gazes intertwine as she awaits your answer.
Now, that's a difficult question...
Lucia reaches out and presses her hand against yours with a little more force than you thought she would.
In her crimson eyes dances an unwavering determination that brooks no argument.
I, too, would hope you'd put your safety first.
Because as long as you're here, there's always hope.
So no matter what happens, don't throw your life away, Commandant.
I promise, whatever disaster comes, I'll put an end to it. So you won't have to make that choice.
Her words are as resolute and forthright as the unwavering gaze she fixes upon you.
When she hears what you say, she gives you a nod as her lips curl into a smile.
Under the gentle breeze and bright moonlight, the two of you share a moment of peaceful silence.
With it, she gently lowers her gaze, deep in thought.
But if it were you I had to save... that might be a different story.
I want to see peace return to the world. And I want you there to see it with me.
Same here, Commandant.
Standing shoulder to shoulder, you and Lucia gaze out at the moonlit beach.
The ritual around the statue has ended, and people have lit bonfires to start a lively feast.
Suddenly, piano notes ring clearly across the beach.
Following suit are violin, saxophone, pipe organ...
To the melodious, cheerful tune, the Catanian youngsters on the beach break into pairs. They laugh as they dance with enthusiasm.
Miss, w-would you... hic—care to dance?
A woman reeking of alcohol has walked up to you and Lucia.
T-tonight's for lovers, yeah? Hic! But my date's passed out. So maybe I could—hic—borrow you instead?
Before she even finishes talking, the woman's face contorts in discomfort as she covers her mouth and slumps to the ground.
For lovers?
Looking around, you see that people are brimming with enthusiasm, completely immersed in the music.
A moment later, you feel Lucia's gaze on you.
...Thanks for asking, but I'm already taken.
Lucia stands up and holds her hand toward you.
They say the tarantella, a traditional dance in Catania, was originally named after a type of poisonous spider.
Those bitten by the spider had to dance fervently to neutralize the poison, which is how the dance got its name.
There's no need to worry about attire or technique. Dancers need only immerse themselves in the joyful atmosphere and passionately connect with the earth that nurtured them as they dance freely to the rhythm.
You and Lucia find yourselves facing each other between two rows of people. You do what the dancers next to you do and kick your feet to the rhythm of the music.
S-sorry, Commandant!
Probably a little too nervous, Lucia catches herself raising the same foot as yours on numerous occasions, causing your feet to tangle.
Under the bright moon and scattered stars, the entire beach pulses with the rhythm of the music.
As she gradually becomes familiar with the dance, Lucia smiles and looks up at you.
I think I'm starting to get the hang of this, Commandant—
Right then, the music picks up in speed. With it, the crowd moves forward in unison and quickly pairs up in a ballroom dance formation.
Following the crowd, you take a bold step forward and gently place your right hand around Lucia's waist.
Seeing the change in rhythm, Lucia offers you a gentle smile as she steps closer and takes your hand.
Your eyes meet as the two of you imitate the dancers around and move together gracefully amid the crowd.
The evening breeze rustles gently as you and Lucia move at your own pace in the center of the crowd, dancing leisurely at your own pace...
The music streams across the shore like a clear spring. Lucia's dress sways with her steps, reminiscent of waves breaking upon the sand and white feathers floating gently in the night sky.
[player name]...
With her hand on your arm, Lucia spins gracefully. As these gentle moments pass, your eyes quietly meet and intertwine.
Under the soft glow of moonlight, you see that her eyes are fixed on you.
Dancing with you like this... it actually makes me happy.
Your steps grow light and graceful when you sense the warmth in Lucia's eyes.
Let's try other dances too, once we're back.
Suddenly, a ball of fire shoots up from the shore, bursting into a brilliant array of colors in the sky.
Commandant, look! Fireworks!
Shooting stars trailing flames follow closely behind. In an instant, the beach is shrouded by flickering lights and awash in the cheers of the crowd.
With it, the event's organizer steps onto the stage and shouts out at the crowd.
Believers! The bells have rung twelve! The sacred moment is here!
Your joy has pleased the Lord. Now He blesses you!
Press your foreheads together. Soul to soul—
When he finishes speaking, the dancers around you and Lucia turn to face one another. They stand in solemn silence as they press their foreheads together.
Caught by surprise, Lucia turns to look at you.
Should we do that too, Commandant?
Everyone in the crowd embraces their dance partners and lowers their heads. On this vast beach, it seems only you and Lucia remain standing in place, unsure of what to do.
Before you can fully grasp what's happening, you feel the warmth of Lucia's palm against your neck.
Commandant...
Under the watchful glow of the dazzling fireworks, your gazes meet and your breaths become one.
Close your eyes, and recall the first time you met...
It's just... just me.
Think back to the joy you shared under the same sky...
I wish to have you as my commandant in every universe out there.
As long as I remain myself, I'm sure I'd be able to find my way to you even without this wish.
And the pain you faced together...
...Well then, see you soon, Commandant.
Now, welcome the rebirth that lies ahead.
Commandant, can you promise me something?
Promise me... that we will never be apart.
Ceremony's over—
Opening your eyes, you're greeted by a tender, loving gaze.
Lost in the delicate resonance, you can almost see the Milky Way streaming slowly within her eyes.
By now, the boundless horizon has gradually shed its vibrant colors.
When the last bit of the fireworks has faded, the bell strikes twelve.
With the resonant tolling of the bell, the crowd on the beach grows raucous once more—dancing and singing, carrying yesterday's revelry into a brand-new day.
Catania doesn't sleep at night, does it...
Feels like no one here ever gets tired. They just keep on celebrating.
Commandant, should we head over that way—
Ahem.
While the two of you are still engaged in conversation, the voice of a middle-aged man that you recognize comes from behind you.
Sorry to interrupt.
Frank?
You've come a long way, and there's still the wine to fetch at dawn. Best get some rest tonight.
Lost in the joy of the night, both you and Lucia have momentarily forgotten about time.
Faced with the word of advice, both of you fall silent.
...Yeah, it's late. You need some rest.
Sorry, I should've thought of that sooner.
Hm...
Under the starry sky, you hold Lucia's hand tight as you start making your way back.
Arriving at the mansion, you find the family has prepared a luxurious bedroom for both of you.
Fragrant teak flooring, golden silk curtains swaying in the breeze, lifelike religious paintings... Everything in the room exudes a refined, classical elegance.
Wait... there's only one bed?
Lucia stares at the only double bed in the room, sounding uncertain.
I-I'll take the night watch. You rest, Commandant.
But...
She looks at you, looking visibly uncomfortable.
I-I don't need sleep.
Since getting this new frame, I can go longer without downtime. Sleep is no longer necessary for me.
As you speak, you sit down on the soft mattress.
Rest...? I...
She closes her eyes and slowly lets out a breath.
...Alright, Commandant. I get it.
Finally, she gives a gentle nod and sits down on the edge of the bed.
You slowly lie down, and she gently reclines on her side at the edge of the bed.
You close your eyes, relax your body, and let your thoughts drift into the peaceful stillness of the night.
Just then, you hear the soft rustle of bedsheets as a familiar warmth gradually nestles closer to you.
Lucia shifts her body gently as she carefully slides up next to you.
In the gentle warmth, you feel loose strands of hair brushing gently against your forehead.
Good night...
Seeing you lie down, Lucia smiles gently.
Good night, Commandant.
She pulls the soft, comfortable blanket up to your chest and whispers softly.
Your consciousness drifts into Catania's tranquil stillness, where moonlit waves dance like soothing poetry, gentle and melodious.
Mythology, song and dance, islands...
Countless memories gather and intertwine in your mind, then burst and fade away like bubbles.
You're not sure how much time has passed, but your mind still seems active, refusing to drift into sleep.
In your drowsy haze, you hear soft footsteps on the floor.
You open your eyes to find the room still awash in darkness.
...
Through blurry vision, you see Lucia standing by the window and gazing out at Catania's night.
In the gentle moonlight, the hair by her temple is flirted by a soft breeze, reminiscent of delicate gossamer dancing in the wind.
Hearing your call, she tilts her head to look at you, caught by surprise.
Commandant?
...Sorry. Did I wake you?
You get up and look out the window. The bright moon hangs high above the horizon and shines brightly on the coastline below.
Mm... tonight flew by, didn't it?
I just want to remember this night. This moment with you.
She gazes into the distance with lingering fascination. The boundless ocean lies shrouded in the tranquil night, a stark contrast to the brilliantly illuminated shoreline.
Lying in bed earlier and reflecting on everything that happened today, you know you totally would have loved to stay out longer to enjoy the night.
Seeing the look on her face, you think you know just what to do.
...A night out?
Lucia seems a little incredulous.
But, Commandant...
As you speak, you reach your hand out to Lucia.
...
She smiles gently, a glimmer of anticipation gathering in her eyes.
...Alright, Commandant. I get it.
Then I'll take you up on it. Tonight, let's just have fun. No missions, no worries.
She takes your hand and pushes open the window, letting the cool breeze wash over your faces.
Lucia leaps down and, kicking into flight mode, carries you in midair in her arms.
Commandant, hold on tight!
The wind rushes past your ears as the blue waves roll beneath you.
You two fly over the coast to the grand party under the stars and the moon.
