Vow to Be Yours
Commandant, behind you!
Lucia cuts down an enemy, then spins around and throws her Pyro Katana your way.
A scream erupts from behind you as the katana whistles through the air.
You raise your gun and train it at the person behind Lucia.
The hall has descended into chaos, with over a hundred people brawling in the confined space. The sounds of gunshots and clashing weapons fill every corner of this place.
You stand back-to-back with Lucia in the center of the hall, facing hostiles throwing themselves one after another at the two of you.
...!!!
Olivia darts forward, seizes an enemy with one hand, and flings them back into the chaotic crowd, clearing a path to you.
It's almost noon! You have to finish the ceremony now!
If the ceremony isn't done before the twelve bells finish, the couple will be seen <b>as cursed by the demon</b>.
They'd be exiled from Catania and never allowed back. It's a rule the people of Catania have followed for centuries, even during war.
It's a battlefield for Catania!
Olivia shouts out those words as she knocks down a nearby hostile with a single punch.
If the vows aren't finished by noon, the Savoys lose all credibility, and the end of the Thirteen Families never happens.
Her solemn voice echoes through the chaotic battlefield, every bit as commanding as a military order that brooks no argument.
No sooner have you finished speaking than another explosion erupts behind you. Lucia wastes no time keeping you covered.
There's no time, Just do it like we practiced last night!
Commandant!
Lucia, however, is already holding your hand.
Commandant...
Awash in midday brilliance, flowers and bullet casings are strewn across the pristine white field.
Debris and shrapnel rain down from the sky, pattering like a downpour upon the makeshift wedding hall.
Through the gunsmoke that's all but flooded the world around you, you have not for a second looked away from Lucia's face.
She looks at you, her eyes carrying a barely perceptible glimmer of hope.
The godchild is here!
Before the vows are finished, a hostile suddenly climbs up the steps and thrusts a blade this way.
Watch out, Commandant!
...!!!
Lucia grabs your hand and pulls you back, helping both of you dodge the attack.
Afterward, the two of you fight back, taking down the enemy.
Ugh...
With a firm grip, you pull Lucia back into the same face-to-face embrace you were in.
The prolonged battle has left both of you breathless, your warm breaths landing gently on each other's cheeks.
Commandant...
Lucia suddenly cuts you short.
I want to use our own vow to finish this ceremony.
Solemn yet reserved, she now carries herself like the unwavering heroine that she usually is.
I read and reread every poem you ever mentioned, looking for the perfect thing to say right now.
But then I realized that nothing I found was enough. You're a miracle to me, and no words can capture that.
Lucia seems to grow warmer with every word rolling off her tongue.
Her fingertips press more firmly against you, her ruby eyes shimmering with longing.
Under these witnesses, in this sacred place, I vow to keep this miracle alive, until the end of time or life itself.
Time flows between your words. A longing more potent than fine wine and more enduring than melody is about to burst forth.
...[player name].
At that very moment, white doves take flight, flowers shower down, and the clock strikes exactly twelve.
The world around you slowly fades away as you close your eyes.
Amidst the tolls of the bell, gunshots and bullets graze your ears.
The world seems to be shaking and burning all around you, and time seems to have stopped for just the two of you.
Roars, shattering, explosions... they all crackle and shatter amidst the roses and sea breeze, like brilliantly burning fireworks set off in celebration of this moment.
The kiss leaves upon your lips a fruit-scented warmth, leaving you both with a craving for still more of that sacred and desire-driven moment.
When love dawns, even the blazing sun becomes but an ordinary star.
Even countless eons cannot hope to transcend this eternal moment.
Tender yet passionate—this kiss belongs to you and Lucia alone.
<size=35>As the bells start ringing, you pull Lucia tightly into your arms.</size>
<size=35>The fragrance of her and the roses wash away the blood and rust of the world, entwining the magnificent golden hall.</size>
<size=35>At this very moment, the peals of the bell and the fierce storm of the gunfight...</size>
<size=35>Seem almost quiet, having been drowned out by the heartbeats of the two of you.</size>
<size=35>Everything seems to gradually fade away, leaving her embracing arms the only things you are feeling in this world.</size>
Commandant...
<size=35>Everything you want to say stops right at the tip of your tongue.</size>
<size=35>The two of you remain in your silent embrace.</size>
<size=35>All that's eternally etched into this timeless, sacred moment...</size>
<size=35>...Is the love and tenderness that shines through your embrace.</size>
...The ceremony is complete. Congratulations to you both.
You can't tell how much time has passed, but the twelve bell tolls have ceased, and the chaotic hall gradually falls silent.
And with it, time again starts anew in Catania.
Remus, you stand accused of murder, illegal farming, and inciting rebellion. Any final words before the council takes you in?
...Long live Catania.
Take him away.
Yes.
Olivia returns to the podium. She gazes down at the ravaged hall where spent bullet casings and flower petals lie scattered.
The final obstacle to Catania's future has been removed.
Her resounding declaration echoes throughout the hall as the family leaders gaze in unison at this guiding light of Catania, their eyes brimming with admiration and respect.
I hereby declare the Catania Autonomy Council officially formed!
...!!!
As the last rite of this wedding, I ask you all to witness an ancient tradition of Catania—
Olivia steps back, making room at the center of the podium for you and Lucia.
Our newly-weds, please step forward, and share a wedding toast!
In what now seems like a war-torn place, the crowd seems to have forgotten the brutal fight that just occurred as the wedding resumes.
Hedonism is part of Catanians' DNA. They either die partying or they party until they die—a tradition that's been practiced for thousands of years now.
Amid the cheers, Lucia uncorks the Piemonte and pours the crimson liquid into two golden cups.
Then, she holds up one of the golden cups and looks up at you.
Commandant, shall we toast?
With it, you and Lucia lock your arms, raise your cups together, and down the blessing-filled drink in one go.
In the cacophony of the crowd, the wedding ceremony finally draws to a close.
You and Lucia traverse the crowd arm in arm as you go about exchanging pleasantries from guest to guest.
Hohoho! What a Figaro-style wedding. Didn't expect you two to fight like that. Truly a match made in heaven!
We didn't expect you to be the head of a family, either.
Hoho, no one takes the stage without a mask. The same goes for you, Gray Raven Commandant.
Alright, alright, may your love last forever, and be stronger than steel!
Several rounds of greetings later, a good portion of the wedding guests have left.
Having spotted the two of you in a corner surrounded by people, Olivia makes her way through and raises her glass.
Commandant, I think Lady Dawne's calling for us.
Leaning against a marble pillar and wearing a hint of contentment, Olivia has her eyes on the two of you as you walk up to her.
Thank you both for everything today. I'll personally inform the President of your bravery.
May the Lord watch over the people of Catania, and lead us to a new future.
She gazes up at the sunny sky and nods sincerely.
Lady Dawne, if I may, there's something I've been meaning to ask.
Was all of this really for the people of Catania? Or was it for your family?
As if sensing your hidden thoughts, she no longer suppresses her doubts and finally asks the question that's been weighing on her mind.
Faced with her question, Olivia grows hesitant, seemingly at a loss for words.
Soon, however, she regains her usual composure.
For neither. I did it for me.
For yourself?
The old Thirteen Families destroyed a girl's dream. I gave her the chance to bury the ones who did it.
An eye for an eye. That's only fair, isn't it?
...
Having heard those words, Lucia stays quiet.
Enough of that. Today's a celebration.
Olivia raises her glass.
Respect is the truest gift, and friendship is the best treasure we can hope to have. From today on, you're among Catania's dearest friends. This island will always remember what you brought here.
The Savoy estate will always have a place for you.
With a smile, Olivia gently brushes away the flower petals in Lucia's hair.
Lucia, a girl just told me she saw a piece of her younger self in you.
No matter how difficult the journey, love always knows its way.
Take her dream with you. Chase the future with no regrets.
To you, and to Catania's future!
Yes. To the future!
Catania: Heaven's Cape
Before Sunrise
Catania: Heaven's Cape Before Sunrise
Yet to bathe in the morning light, the sea and the sky are still an inseparable murky amalgam.
In the hazy darkness, everything in Catania appears peaceful and beautiful.
Standing atop Heaven's Cape and gazing down at this island, you find it both familiar and strange. The past several days you've spent here are like the ocean foam down by the beach that comes and goes in the crisp, boundless twilight.
Commandant, does this angle look alright to you?
You set the terminal camera straight and tap the record button.
As you check the screen, you see Lucia quietly step out of view.
Then, she walks up to you and takes your hand.
Your fingers interlaced, Lucia slowly pulls you into view.
Between the embracing mountains, the coastline now dons a delicate veil of gold.
Catania is just beautiful no matter when you look at it, isn't it...
Lucia stretches out her hand and gazes at the boundless sky through the slender cracks between her fingers.
Commandant, I've been thinking, once all this is over, why don't we move here? Start a life on this island?
We'll build a little house by the sea. Our house.
A house that faces the waves. Where mornings start with sunlight, and nights end with music and dancing.
Oh, and we'll get a dog, too.
I'm not great with names, though, so I'll leave that part to you.
Lucia turns this way with a smile.
With you next to me, anywhere feels like home.
But here... we finished something special. Had a holiday I'll never forget.
This place holds memories I want to keep forever.
Words shimmer across the picturesque sea as the entire world seems to hold its breath, waiting quietly for dawn.
Right then, you feel Lucia's fingers pressed harder against your hand.
[player name].
She turns to look at you and calls your name longingly and affectionately.
...To others, maybe it was just another mission.
But for me, these past few days were something else entirely.
The sea breeze suddenly tousles Lucia's curly hair as a majestic golden sun rises from the east and pours down brilliant radiance.
...
Lucia's slender arms encircle your neck as she slowly leans against your chest.
It was here that Lucia embraced the dawn and gave her blessing to the world she loved.
[player name]... I want to give you my blessing, too.
In the magnificent, brilliant glow of dawn, she leans in ever so gently.
Seagulls and waves sing together, like a choir offering their prayers.
The camera quietly chronicles this epic story of love as it unfolds.
Through the blue seas and skies, everything and everyone in Catania seems to shine brilliantly.
No matter what sorrows tomorrow may bring.
No matter what grief tomorrow may bring.
I am certain that, as long as we are together...
That this long, endless night will eventually pass.
Miracles will surely bloom with the dawn.
Because—
I am Lucia, born because of you. As long as you remain by my side... Whatever the future holds, I fear nothing.
I think... I've found that rainbow-like light.
Commandant, let's go home.
A Love Story Across Time Here's To You
— The End —
