CR-2 Asymmetrical Garden

Sir!

What is it?

I believe I found a lead on that thing you asked me to look into.

Word around the casino is that a shipment of Oripathy suppressants is being delivered to that artist community. There are a lot of Infected in there. If we can stop the shipment, maybe...

Who's delivering it?

A pharmaceutical company by the name of Rhodes Island. It has a bit of a reputation in Dossoles and is linked to Lady Candela... is it dangerous?

Dangerous...? Let me think...

By the way, did you get anything on the men who showed up at Reynell's office the other day?

Sorry, sir, we tried, but we couldn't find anything...

What about our old rivals? The people behind them?

Nothing there either.

Are you telling me they just dropped from the sky?

Maybe someone doesn't want us digging up their background?

Then who is that someone?

...

Ah... I see... why didn't I think of it?

What's that?

What if it's in the Coalition government itself? Plenty of people would love to have my job.

Perhaps even someone who's spent a lot of time under me... what do you think?

A-Absolutely not! I've always been loyal to you, and to you alone! I swear!

Now that I think of it, you wouldn't have the guts.

Y-You're absolutely right!

Well, I have my hands full with what's in front of me, anyway... is there a way to kill two fowlbeasts with one stone?

Teach those gangs in the community a lesson, while taking those people down a peg...

What do you remember about their tactics that day?

I thought you had to wait in the customs line for a long time.

It helps that I know the customs officer. I actually borrowed this car from him.

I didn't know you had so many friends here.

Let's get the meds delivered, then we can find a beach to lie down and relax.

There's no rush. It's a very interesting neighborhood that we're headed to. I think you'll like it.

What do you mean?

A lot of them are engaged in very special creative, spiritual activities, expressing their sentiments about life and everything around them through unique language and media.

I'm feeling a little confused... could you put it in a simpler way?

There are a lot of artists there.

Everything is in place, sir.

Don't worry, sir, we're properly dressed, and we've memorized the phrases that they used.

Reenacting their accents and tactics won't be easy, but we've got a former Blacksteel guy here who'll take point.

We've handed out the guns, as well as Originium explosives and launchers.

Yes, the medicine first, and the fewer people around the better. I know, leave witnesses alive.

I've got this, sir, no worries.

They're one block away, sir.

Move, move!

Ernesto, what's that in the middle of the road?

Maybe someone dropped it. We'll just go around.

Wait—it's an Originium explosive!

A what?!

No time to brake. Jump!

The medicine!

It's in a special container. It should survive the explosion... hopefully...

Can you stand?

Just a little scratch.

They're running towards the car!

Guys! There's no one inside! We're here!

No response.

Is it just me, or do they look more like mercenaries than tourists?

They could have something to do with that explosion. Let's go—

Guns?!

Who are they, Ernesto?

That's what I want to know.

Why are you after the meds?

Open fire!

Damn—

Ernesto, get down!

Engaging! Six o'clock!

Fire! Fire! Keep them pinned down!

Are you okay, Arleta?

I'm fine. Only one of them is actually shooting properly. The others are just popping launchers—

Reloading! Cover me!

Twelve o'clock... our man down...

Too many of them. We can't reach the meds.

Let's get to the alley over there. There's a way out that way.

(Whisper) Gotcha. I'll cover you.

(Whisper) Ten meters, five meters, three meters... Arleta!

The street art community? Why do you ask?

I'm interested in the arts festival on this flyer.

I wouldn't go there if I were you. They aren't people you want to mess with.

I agree. There are a lot of Infected there.

Infected? Are they sick?

Are you kidding me?

No one will show us the way. It sounds like a dangerous place. Are we still going?

Taxis won't even take us there.

Maybe we should report back to Ela and go together with the others.

Look what we've got here. The perfect angle, subject and expression. A true work of art.

Did you just take our photo without permission, sir?

Give me the camera, please.

Come now, handsome, don't get angry, take a look. I guarantee you'll love it.

Here.

Pff... that's not bad.

You do have a good eye.

I'm glad you like it. Fifteen gold certificates, or equivalent in soles or dukats. I'm not picky.

I'm afraid we have no intention of buying it. And you'll have to delete it as well. We don't want our image to end up somewhere we wouldn't expect.

Well, if you want it deleted... twenty gold certificates, not a penny less.

We're not paying.

Well, we're not deleting anything unless you pay up.

Bastard.

Yeah, I'm a rascal alright. Problem?

He's getting away!

Keep your eyes open for your photos out there! Adios, amigos!

*French swearing*, he's too fast!

Not to worry, Kateb. He left a long trail of tire marks behind.

I've been looking for you. Is your photo portfolio ready?

Just making a couple of quick bucks. Don't worry, I'll have it ready tonight.

You always leave it to the last minute.

I'll buy you fruit soda to make up for it.

Forget that, just get your photos ready by tonight, or I'll break your nose.

Ha. See ya!

We're going to lose him... that girl is in the way.

We have to think of something.

(Whisper) Don't tell me... has she noticed us?

(Whisper) What do you mean?

(Whisper) Look at the way she's turning to the left and wincing... is she communicating with someone?

(Whisper) It's possible... their ears work differently. Maybe they can hear us, even when we try to be quiet.

Damn... why now...? Argh...

Did she just collapse?

She's ill!

Meijer, keep watch!

Be careful—

What's going on, Kateb?

You're really frowning.

Don't move.

What is it?

I'm guessing this can hasn't passed inspection.

I'm not sure you can get knocked out by spraypaint, even if it's poorly made.

I don't know... I can only do what I can.

Are you feeling better, girl?

Injector... in my pocket...

Let's see... this one?

(Nods slowly)...

Good thing you have your own medication, otherwise there wouldn't be much I could do to help you.

I thought maybe the spraypaint fumes knocked you out.

Ha... I smell it every day... it's nothing.

You already look much better.

That's my last one...

Here, have some water.

Thanks.

Where do you live, girl? We'll take you home.

Don't call me 'girl'...

You're not afraid of me?

I'm from Paris. I've seen my share of street gangs.

Gangs? That's not what I'm talking about.

Then what is it?

Huh? You're kind of a weirdo...

Aren't you scared of this?

Anything else I can help with?

No, my friend is coming. She'll take care of the rest.

I came as soon as I heard. What happened? Let me take a look.

Hey, don't grab my head. And don't lift my skirt with so many people watching.

Well, you look alive enough.

Thanks to these two. They helped me when I had a flare-up.

Just doing what any doctor should.

There aren't many doctors like you left. Most can't run away fast enough when they find out about our condition.

If you're here to take care of her, then we'll be leaving.

Wait! Here's my card. Please feel free to visit my massage parlor any time. 20% off for you amigos!

Thank you, but I don't think we'll need—

She's good, you know. Whenever we get an ache or pain, all of us go right to her.

I'm a physician, I know how to take care of myself. I don't need any help.

Just try it, sir.

Please, keep your distance, ma'am.

Sure. I can do it from this distance.

You can touch me from there?

Ahem... I've heard of people claiming the ability to perform therapy from afar. Whether it's called 'Qi' or some other name, most research indicates that it's pseudoscie—

Oh... my stress and anxiety... all gone...

Am I imagining it? I feel so good... oh...

Well... I guess I can forget the research...

What? Someone stole the meds?

This is no joke, Ernesto. We have a lot of Infected in the community who need those meds.

We apologize for failing to deliver. We'll try to make up for it.

You don't really think money will do it, do you?

If we can't find the meds, I'll try to obtain an equivalent amount of medicine in a timely manner.

Sorry, Señor Ernesto. I'm just nervous.

Did you see the robbers? We have plenty of eyes and ears here. Maybe we can help.

That's what felt strange. It looked like a prepared ambush. Rhodes Island has always treaded carefully around here, trying not to make enemies...

I can't imagine why anyone would target us.

Maybe they had their eyes on your meds. Suppressants fetch a good price on the black market.

They were very professional. Quick and efficient.

Are our meds really worth that kind of effort? And also, I think I heard the sound of gunfire while we were running.

Guns... pros, again. I'm glad Reynell thinks so highly of us.

You think someone is targeting your community?

Our grudge with Reynell goes back a long way. But I never thought he would do something so dirty...

What's with the commotion downstairs?

Sounds like someone's condition flared up while they were outside and got help from kind passersby. People are gathering to thank them.

We always repay acts of kindness. Let me see their faces...

Say, haven't I seen them before?

Hey... they look really like the ones down there.

Looks like we really have to 'repay' their 'kindness.'

I feel like I've been born again... It's hard to describe.

Thank you... It's such an astonishing massage technique.

I learned it in Kjerag. I had to climb Mt. Karlan in a snowstorm to convince the Saintess there to teach me.

Pah, you came here from Siracusa what, seven or eight years ago? When did you have the time to go to the Snow Realm? Don't believe her tall tales.

Hey, I resent the accusation!

Well, thank you for the massage. But we should go—

Reynell has a lot of people working for him. A couple less won't make any difference.

How about you stay a little while longer and enjoy our hospitality?

Er...

Papá? What's the matter?

Why are you with these medicine robbers? Why did you bring them here?

...Medicine?

Yes, medicine for Oripathy! They stole it!

Stole? It couldn't be them! They don't even know what Oripathy is!

We don't know anything about any medicine. Could there be a misunderstanding?

Misunderstanding? Who else but Blacksteel and you dress like mercenaries and use guns in these parts?

We were just bringing the girl back.

Well, if there's a misunderstanding, we'll clear it up. Take them in!

Run, Kateb!

Look out!

Come on, you gun-toting thugs! I dare you to set foot in this neighborhood!

You were too fast, I couldn't catch you. Where are they?

Hiding.

What are you doing standing there? Find them!

Move, move!

What was that? Magic?

I think they called it Originium Arts. But I guess magic is fine.

We need to find a way out. The exits are all guarded.

Cover me. I'll control the replicate.

Ready.

Gemini Replicator active.

Hey, where did they go?

Not here, not there...

Where did she come from?!

Right in the middle of the road!

Well... talk about a warm welcome.

Bows, crossbows, bombs, 'magic'... hmph.

Let's go while they're distracted by the decoy. It won't take long for them to figure it out.

Maybe we should get in touch with Ela, see what's going on. I'm just so confused right now...

No, I'm sure it's not Reynell's guys. His guards have been busy getting whipped by Shuhrat.

Are you sure he's telling the truth?

I'm sure. He hasn't had a chance to give an order like that today.

But the people here seem sure that we stole their medicine.

That's not important. What's important is that we get out of that neighborhood ASAP...

It's dangerous for you two to continue, given their special powers. Do you need support?

No. Their Originium Arts are impressive, but they're just a disorganized mob. I know how to protect myself, and Kateb's here with me.

...Get in touch if anything happens.

I will.

They've dispersed, Meijer. Time to move.

Okay, let's go.

Alright, I've taken a look from up high. The district is roughly divided into three areas: the outer ring, the residential district, and that building at the center.

Which is always patrolled by guys with magic wands. There must be someone or something important there.

That's not important. We're steering well clear of it anyway.

What about going through the residential area? I didn't see anyone armed. It seems to be a safe path.

Or it could be more dangerous.

True... common sense doesn't apply to this planet.

Wah—Wah—

Don't cry, babe, daddy will sing you a song.

Where are you flying, tired fowlbeast♪

Towards tomorrow's wind♪

Don't you know♪

Your wings are for today♪

(Whisper) Asleep, finally...

I didn't think I would hear a song like that here.

Yikes!

What happened?

Something just dashed past my feet. Rat, snail... I'm not sure. It's too dark.

This is their garbage dump. No wonder no one comes here.

The way out is just ahead. You should be glad that people don't come to this stink heap.

Hostiles?!

No, just light from that window.

Why would they do this in their own home?

Oh, thank you so much, honey. That fowlbeast just kept running.

Well, it's not running anymore. Now we can—

Oh no, it's waking up again! Arts like that just don't work here!

(Loud fowlbeast crowing)

Oh no, she's waking up again!

(Loud baby crying)

Ha...

I guess Originium Arts isn't the answer to everything.

Look at the colored acrylic boards on the walls. Only people who think of this place as home would put up decorations with no practical use like those.

Same goes for the graffiti on this side. The scenes, figures and decorations don't look like casual doodles.

Every picture seems to tell a story.

Wh-What are you doing here?

Er, girl, we...

Calm down. We didn't do what that gentleman accused us of... It's a misunderstanding.

I... I don't know. You helped me, but...

We mean no harm... You know that, girl.

...

Go right once you leave the alley. The left side may look empty, but sometimes Papá goes out there to smoke.

I was just taking out the trash. I didn't see anything.

You...

(Whisper) We should go, Kateb.