SL-2 Little Boy Blue

Good morning, Siesta. Today is August 16, 1099.

The humidity is 75%, visibility 18km, wind's blowing south-southwest.

Estimated fifteen days until volcanic eruption.

While it's a fine day outside, we would like to remind everyone to refrain from going into the water beyond the coast outside the nomadic city.

Remember that the calm surface of the sea hides countless hidden reefs and undercurrents, just like the many troubles beneath the surface of a calm life.

Here's a little pick-me-up for this sunny morning: Life Always Goes On, brought to you by the Bonez n' Bonez band.

7am, wake from a dream, kissing the one I love ♪

Open my eyes, same old story, sunlight and trouble after me ♪

Welcome, our first customer of the day... as expected.

Are you bringing me any better news than an erupting volcano this fine morning?

The news I bring wouldn't be so bad if you would be less stubborn, Harley, ma'am.

Don't call me ma'am. I'm not that old.

I'll give you a few minutes, just because it's nice outside. What's the story this time?

Employment subsidies and tax breaks?

Forget it.

And what 'employment' are you talking about, exactly, when we move to the city center?

Can't be any worse than a shopping street with no tourists.

You're not the only one on this street, Harley, and some of your neighbors are willing to sign this memorandum of understanding.

And I won't be the only one giving you an earful.

I suggest you people figure out what the folks who live here really want.

Two years ago, Herman told us this bloody volcano was going to blow. Two years later, the volcano is still there, with nothing to show for the trouble that the people of Siesta have had to go through.

Except for guys like you, coming out with a nice job at city hall.

The 'White Volcano' isn't just a house. It's a home to me and three children.

We've already had to move once on account of a volcano. Herman can't make us move again, especially when it's not clear he's sober when he tells us to.

Harley, this isn't just one person's home—

This is my place, my life ♪

Don't tell me what to do, or I'm gonna kill you ♪

I love this song.

......

Alright, then, Costa. Or should I say, 'Mr. City Hall'?

Excuse me... are you still hiring singers?

You're looking at a Siesta Volcanic Originium Slug.

Living in a volcanic habitat has caused them to evolve vastly different characteristics and habits from Originium Slugs elsewhere, a matter of considerable interest to biologists.

Interestingly, the activities of these Originium Slugs continue to follow the patterns of Siestan volcanic activity, even though they have been removed from their native habitat and placed in a temperature-controlled box.

It's a prominent example of how organisms and their environment interact with each other...

Not bad, Eyjafjalla.

Swire! Are you here on vacation?

You could say that. Here to enjoy a rare summer break.

What about you? This might be the first time I've seen your researcher side.

I'm just here to help with the museum archives.

You seem to have the attention of the tourists. I even saw people taking notes. And I have a question for you too.

Would you tell me more about these exhibits?

Am I imagining things, or is Swire more interested in land prices around the museum than the exhibits themselves?

Land prices?

Mr. Dolly? Why are you...

No need to look surprised. I came because there are a lot of pictures of volcanoes in this house.

What is a 'land price'?

...How much you have to pay to get a piece land.

The more prosperous a place is, the more expensive the land tends to be.

Interesting. Humans put a price on land.

Volcanic craters must be the most expensive, then.

Er... not really. Anyway, is it really okay for you to be here with so many people around?

There's nothing to worry about.

S-Swire!

Hm? What is it?

Why are you looking at me like you've seen a ghost?

Er, it's nothing. Oh, your hat's a little off. Let me fix it for you.

See, she didn't notice at all.

Isn't that astonishing?

(Whisper) It's rude to stand on people's heads!

I know, I know... that's the annoying thing about dealing with you humans.

It's why only those who interest me can perceive me. Less trouble that way.

It's getting late. I'll be going. Don't forget our arrangement.

Eyjafjalla? Hello? Eyja?

Oh! Sorry, I got distracted.

Er... Eyja?

Your new nickname. I just came up with it.

Give yourself some time to relax. You're in Siesta, after all. We can go to the hot springs together!

Delivery for the museum—

Anybody home?

Hello?

Package for the museum. Can you sign for it?

Oh, okay.

From Leithanien... Wilhelm University... probably Professor Keller.

...Huh?

Is this... Mount Unna?

Excuse me!

Is there a problem?

This letter was sent from Leithanien, and this is the delivery address. Everything should be in order.

Do you know who the sender is? Or when was it sent?

Sorry to bother you, but this is important.

The sender's information should be on the envelope?

Well...

Oh, I remember now. There was a letter with a damaged envelope.

The original Messenger for this batch called in sick. The letter was already like that when I got it. This was the only place I could think of when I saw 'volcano' on the envelope.

I know as much as you do, if there's no information about the sender on the letter, there's no information.

......

Sorry to trouble you...

Looking for something?

Are there any notes from my father in the museum archives?

Professor Katia? About what?

Anything, as long as it's his handwriting!

Hm...

Let's see... Keller left some research materials from Wilhelm University here, but Professor Katia's focus is on Originium Arts, so I'm not sure there's much about volcanoes...

'Volcanic Plants', 'Originium Energy Conversion in Volcanic Activity', 'Data Model for Volcanic Eruptions'... all notes from Professor Magna.

Wait, this 'Data Model for Volcanic Eruptions' doesn't seem to be Mutti's.

I don't remember having seen this notebook before.

Me neither... the topic is up Professor Katia's alley, though.

What are you looking for, Adele? Is it urgent?

Kahn... can a letter be... delayed, so that it only reaches its destination years later?

It's not unusual for international mail to be lost, but if you're talking about a delay of several years...

I...

A lot of strange things have happened these past couple of days, but I think... if it was sent from Leithanien to 'volcano'...

Maybe I'm overthinking it...

*sigh*...

It's not healthy to shut yourself in a room day after day. You should go take a walk if you feel like your head's not entirely clear. I happen to have something that I need help with.

Do you know what obsidian is?

Volcanic rock?

Yes. Obsidian mining was once Siesta's main source of income, but it was banned many years ago due to the impact of overexploitation on the environment.

The ore samples were left behind when Siesta was relocated. The estimated time of eruption may be more accurate if we can find obsidian extracted from the volcano in the past two years.

Not that it has any real meaning, other than to shut the city council up... keep the investors happy, I guess.

But we can't go near the volcano to collect obsidian samples, can we?

That's why we need a special channel.

A what?

Let's just say we'll be dealing with an... eccentric customer.

That's why I need your help.

Hello...

Welcome to the Obsidian Hot Springs Hotel...

Bed, meal, or bath? The price list is right there. Just leave the money on the counter and you can go in.

What a beautiful place!

Why does it have obsidian in the name?

Because obsidian is the soul of Siesta!

Er... wh-why?

The solid yet refined texture, the rich and warm color... its rare beauty captivates anyone who gazes upon it!

Every piece of obsidian is unique. Do you get it?

It's a treasure of nature, the essence of volcanoes!

Are you interested in obsidian too?

Y-Yes! I am!

Uncouth fools call obsidian a commodity. Commodity! Come, let me show you my collection. No need to be shy! Let me see, shall we start here?

Thank you for the explanation...

May I ask if you have any obsidian for sale in your collection?

Huh?

No, absolutely not.

This is a collection. Do you know what a collection is?

Collections exist to be admired by someone who truly appreciates their beauty, not to be bought or sold.

So you're one of the uncouth fools too... I guess there's nothing for us to talk about.

But...

That's enough, Pelipper.

Kahn?

I'll take it from here.

You again... sorry, we're closed for today. Have a good one.

Be reasonable, Pelipper.

Siesta banned obsidian mining many years ago, but we're well aware that you know how to get more.

We don't need much for the volcano research, and I'm not interested in all those ornaments you have. I just need a few that have been dug up from that volcano in the past two years.

This is for Siesta. Come on, act like a normal person for once.

There's nothing to talk about. I don't need you to tell me what's the proper Siestan thing to do.

Sorry, I couldn't...

It's okay. Let's go.

Hey you, girl, one second.

You look like you're easier to talk to than that bespectacled moron.

Have you changed your mind?

My stuff's not for sale, but it just happens that I do, in fact, know a source...

Thank you!

Don't tell anyone about this.

Of course!

......

Hey, why are you eating signs and addresses?

Addresses...? Don't tell me you ate the address on the envelope?

Where should we go today? We've been banned from swimming in the hot springs... how about we get a few more guys and play hide-and-seek in that plate?

Enis said we shouldn't go to the shore. I want to go to the volcano museum again. We couldn't find Dad the last time.

No point, you won't find him... hey, where's Enis working today?

It's Wednesday. He should be at Mr. Tom's shop in the afternoon.

The drinks shop!

Chocolate.

Strawberry.

Alright, alright.

Hey, is that a new flavor? What does cake-flavored ice cream taste like? Can we have one?

Tom says only one scoop per kid per day.

But you don't eat ice cream. Can we have yours?

Don't be like that... Enis is always working hard...

I'm not a kid anymore.

But it's so hot today. There's less than one scoop left by the time the ice cream reaches your mouth. It's not fair.

Yeah, what should we do?

It's so hot today. Cake-flavored ice cream sounds great, doesn't it?

(Expectant look)

Alright, you can have one more scoop... but only if you promise to be back home by dinner, and help Harley set the table.

Okay—

You say that every time. Let's hope you still have appetite by dinner.

...Huh?

I think an ice cream just ran away.

Ice cream? Ran away?

I think it was strawberry too.

Does that mean we get another scoop if we catch it?

One ice cream, please.

Three gold certificates.

No freebies?

We're a business here, ma'am, not a charity.

Coffee flavor, then.

Thank you for your business.

Surprised to see foreign visitors at a time like this.

Maybe you underestimate the charm of this place.

Why aren't you enjoying the summer? Back home, kids your age are hanging out on the streets, having fun.

It's hard to be the big brother, I guess?

Got to make a living.

Do you know any instruments?

Instruments? I didn't even take singing lessons...

Does a kalimba count?

I think you'd go well with a saxophone.

Doesn't sound like I could afford it.

I'm in a good mood because I found a new job. Will you have a chat with me if I buy you a drink?

Sorry, but I have to get to my next job.

Come to my family's shop if you want to chat.

You mean the logistics hub will help me sell my wares to other countries?

Not only that, buying will be easier as well. You'll be able to procure fresh ingredients straight from the producers, for example.

Hm... that doesn't sound too bad.

Will you accept relocation, then? And can MountainDash Logistics expect your vote in the upcoming public opinion survey?

Sure.

R-Really?

I was planning to move to the city center anyway. Being able to buy Victorian clothes more easily sounds appealing.

Thank you for your support! I won't take up any more of your time.

No rush. Don't you want to learn more about my fragrances?

I know just the right ones for a cute boy like you.

O-Okay...

Hey, kid.

Emperor! Are you here on vacation too?

Vacation's a state of mind, and I'm on vacation every day. Who'd stay in an ordinary place in a summer like this, though?

Naw, that's all secondary. I'm here to take back what's mine!

Those dumbass sheep stole my favorite album! The one that won me the gold, first time I hit the Obsidian Festival! Serial number 000001!

Sure, Dolly's in a real small club of entities I can actually talk music with, but I gotta give him a piece of my mind for lettin' his clones run wild in this world!

He really think his kids can hit the soul the way my music can?

Er... excuse me? Who's Dolly?

Man, forget it. I'm talkin' a conflict beyond mortal comprehension here. Anyway, what's got you hangin' around these parts?

And what's that smell on you? Like you rolled yourself in a Sargonian rainforest mud puddle three times, then fell into the champagne tower at a cocktail party.

...That bad?

MountainDash Logistics wants the rebuilding project for this commercial district, but we have competition.

Aw, you playin' a game of turf war here.

Where's Eurill? He just dump all his work on you and run off on vacation?

I wouldn't put it that way...

Mmhm. Anyway, good luck, kid. Maybe swipe the stock he holdin' when his back's turned. Give him a little summer surprise.

Then maybe we'll have somethin' to talk about next time I see him at a party.

Oh, hold the conversation. Think I saw—two sheep! Hey, gimme back my album!

Sheep?

(Is the Little Black Sheep still here?)

(It's slow, it couldn't have gone far...)

Huh? The old sign over there, too...

You ate the address on the envelope, didn't you?

Little Black Sheep... wait!

Did you eat the envelope from that letter to the museum?

Little Black Sheep!

Little Black Sheep! Wait!

Finally done with this batch... really got to be more careful about asking someone to take my shift. I paid him good money only for him to make so many mistakes... what's the next place?

Hey, where did the address on the envelope go? Did someone tear it off?

What's that?

What happened to the addresses? I go out for a minute, and now they're all gone?

Good thing I have the records on the terminal... but seriously, what a bother?

Me and my rotten luck...

......

Well, I guess there's nothing to do but check one by one... the next shift is almost here. Better hurry...

Run, Enis, run... run and make your dough...

Take care of your siblings...

......!

Look out! I can't stop with so much stuff on me!

Hey!

Whoa!

Ugh—

Ugh... my leg...

Hey, you okay?

......

Are you alright? Wake up!

D-Doctor...

Is there a doctor around here?

When are you going to get proper treatment, Enis?

I... I'll go with you to Rhodes Island once I'm done with this... my family can't do without...

A doctor shouldn't be hiding the identity of a patient. I understand your difficulties, but being responsible to your family means being responsible to your own health.

I-I know what to do...

Dr. Ceylon... all Oripathy patients eventually die, don't they?

All of us eventually die, Oripathy or not. The end is simply clearer for people with Oripathy.

What eventually happens to people with Oripathy?

The symptoms exhibited by late-stage Oripathy patients may differ depending on the location of the condition.

For example, Oripathy has damaged the hearing of the girl that you brought. She is almost completely deaf without a hearing aid.

I hate to say it, but your Originium crystal formation is near your heart, and it can be life-threatening if not managed properly.

Well, at least that means I'll have all my faculties until I die.

Say that again, and I'll deliver you to Rhodes Island by force right now.

Just kidding... thanks, Dr. Ceylon.

Here's the money for both of us... I'll be going.

Bye.

You're awake. How are you feeling?

You were knocked out after bumping into someone on the street. The young man brought you here and left behind all the money he had. Said it was for your medical bills.

......

You must be careful, Eyjafjalla.

The reason you passed out was low blood sugar, but I gave you a physical anyway, and I'm sure you can read the data about your Oripathy yourself...

Thank you, Dr. Ceylon. I'm feeling fine now. Can I go?

No.

You're staying here for the rest of the afternoon. No going anywhere.

I have a few patients to visit. You stay put. Rhodes Island will hear if you're not here when I get back.

Guess I lost it...

What was the Little Black Sheep trying to tell me?

I'm fine...

How are you?

Vati, Mutti, in a few years, I'll be the same age you were when I was born.

What was life like for you, at the time?

I...

...I...

Thank you so much for...

......

Shift's about to start. Where are you? There's a lot of stuff to move.

Almost there, almost there!

Mr. Enis, the hot springs hotel shop that you asked about is now available for purchase.

You will need to pay a deposit before the end of the month if you're still interested...

Before the end of the month? Alright, I'll get back to you...

Enis, are your brother and sister with you?

Brother and sister?

It's almost dinner time, and they're not back yet. Tell them to come back soon.

I, I... alright!

Dagnabbit!

This, stupid, car—

Frickin hell! Consarnit!

Er... are you okay?

*Pant*—*pant*—

What are you doing here?

Talking a walk.

I followed the tourist guide's recommended route, but the shops listed aren't any different from those in Lungmen, so I was about to go back.

Were you picking a fight with this pickup truck?

......

The engine's old. Igniter doesn't work well.

Let me take a look.

Someone's blocked the vent with a ball of paper. Who could have done it? Let's see... a flyer?

Must be some kid's practical joke...

Well, I've got to be on my way. Thanks!

One moment.

The mark on that box on the passenger seat, and on the flyer. It's Rhodes Island Pharmaceuticals, isn't it?

—!

Er...