AS-1 Warm-Up

♪Night blankets the riverbanks♪

♪Twin moons rise in loving embrace♪

♪In the dark they kiss♪

♪Then the stars illuminate♪

♪And they blush in their glow♪

Whoa!

You gave me a fright, girl! What are you doing here in the middle of the night?

Scared I'm gonna rob you?

Of course not. It's only rich folks around here.

Shouldn't a girl your age be on a date down at Riverside Avenue at this hour? What are you doing in front of the museum?

I'm on the night shift.

Ugh, the youth these days! My lamps used to shine on young couples in the throes of passion, but now you're all doing overtime at ungodly hours.

Go on, I've lit your path. Have a safe trip home when you get off.

Thanks for that!

There really is no one here... guess Titi wasn't messing with me.

Let's see if they've picked up anything new.

Gem workshop artifacts from the Age of Shadow. Hmm... The Originium circuits on this one is really something... assembled from multiple pieces?

No, it was crafted out of a single piece of Originium. Amazing work. Really have to look close to see it.

Wow, ritual instruments from the Age of Flow, found in the jungles. Are those blood spots from ritual sacrifices?

And all these weapons... A ceremony from the Battle of Turbah Al-Sawda?

...

Well, I'll get to know you later. I have an appointment to keep.

It's here...

Nice to meet you, old man! Sorry for disturbing your peace and quiet tonight, but I have questions that only you can answer.

Please don't get mad at me.

Wow, amazing!

Feline, approximately two meters tall. Most of the body has been replaced with mechanical parts, integrated with the remaining biological tissue.

Skin color is purple, likely from the preservative fluids used, and it remains supple to the touch.

A golden mask and a suit of golden armor. All internal organs have been removed.

Strange. Neither the mummy nor the funerary objects give any clue to the location of the trove.

But everything from the site is here.

Perhaps it's the gem itself that offers a hint...

'First, the heart. At its first beat, we come to be.'

'Second, the lungs. At their first breath, we come to feel.'

'Third, the bowels. We fill them with food, cultivate our tongues, and develop our own likings.'

'Fourth, the liver. We go into the night, awake and alert, for duty and obligation.'

Now how do I use this gem?

...

...

...

Nothing?

No change at all...

Huh...

Who goes there? Have you any idea what time it is?

Oh no, it's security.

...

Who's there?

I thought I heard something.

Was it over here?

(Don't come this way, no!)

Hey, is someone there?

(Yikes! He's right behind me...)

Who is it?!

(There's someone else?)

Meow?

Oh, just a little critter. How did you get in here, cutie?

Meow!

Hey, don't run! Look, I have a can of fins in oil!

(I need to get the gem...)

Where did it go? I just turned a corner and it's gone?

(Why are you coming back?!)

Did the last shift forget to shut the windows? Hot air's blowing in.

I guess that explains the critter. Can't let it run around the museum.

Mroaw—!

Mroaaaw—!

I don't care whose pet you are, one more sound from you and I'll have you castrated tomorrow!

(Softly) Meow...?

*yawn* Sorry, Mio, I was fast asleep and didn't hear you outside.

(Shakes tail irritably)

Did you see that one?

(Nods)

Good work, Mio.

We've waited for so long.

Bring him to me as soon as you can.

(Nods)

Come, I have some jerky for you.

(Nudges with affection)

Pepe...

What were you doing last night?

Come now... You have to tell me...

I-It wasn't me! I didn't do it! I stayed in the whole night! Whatever it is, I didn't do it!

Pepe...?

Anat...?

Pepe, did you... sleep last night?

Why do you ask? I feel fine.

You fell asleep in the middle of a conversation...

...

*yawn*... Morning, ladies.

You reek of alcohol, Titi. Where were you last night?

I took Pepe out on the town. Not like she's in town every day, after all.

How did you even wake up after drinking so much yesterday? And not one whiff of booze on you? Did you shower?

Oh... yeah! My brain was all foggy, so I took a cold shower.

The opening ceremony is today, Titi.

And you took Pepe out drinking??? Don't I have enough to worry about already?!

Hey, I came first thing in the morning. I've looked at all the details of the exhibition. Your arrangements are perfect, except...

Is something not good enough? Just tell me, while we still have a chance to make changes.

You're too high strung today. Settle down.

Just focus on your speech. Leave this to me, and I guarantee your exhibition will go smoothly.

*sigh* Get changed before you make any promise to me. The guests will complain if they smell all that liquor on you.

(Whisper) That look on your face. What trouble did you get yourself into? Explain.

(Whisper) I tried putting that gem into the mummy's chest cavity last night. I was about to retrieve it when a security guard showed up.

(Whisper) Get me a bit of time alone with the mummy once the exhibition is over. I'll take the gem back.

(Whisper) Thankfully, no one has noticed anything wrong. You'll have an hour, at most. If you still can't get it out, I'll have to report that my pass got stolen.

(Whisper) Don't worry, if I can't get it out, I'll apologize to Anat my self.

(Whisper) How did you get that smell onto you anyway?

(Whisper) I poured a bottle of wine on myself before I came in.

Explains why you're all sticky.

How are preparations going over there, Ajani?

No problem, Narantuya. The smoke emitter is set, and we'll have our commotion on your signal.

Your status, Ajazi?

I'm in position.

Good. She's a Padishah's daughter, and there will be big trouble if we don't make this a clean kidnapping.

I don't understand why you insist on doing it here with all these visitors around.

The more people, the better.

When the commotion happens, no one will bat an eye at a few compassionate souls carrying a poor fainted girl out of the room.

They'll be too busy worrying about themselves.

I marked the camera blind spots on your map. Pick the right time to knock her out.

Right, I'll leave early to set an ambush.

Hopefully this needle will give her a good dream. I don't want to have to go into the jungle to make this serum again.

I can't read the hieroglyphs on the sign... excuse me. Do you know how to get to the 'Northeastern Tributary' exhibit?

The Northeastern Tributary exhibit, huh...? I'm not sure. I've never been there.

We could look for it together, if you don't mind. I find the lines of your muscles more beautiful than anything on display here.

Please don't say that. Everything exhibited here is a piece of history.

All these artifacts are worth stopping to admire.

You could have just said you weren't interested and spared me the excuses.

...

Excuse me. Do you know where the Northeastern Tributary exhibit is?

Let's see... take a right there, walk five hundred meters, then take a left.

Thank you. I've asked quite a few people, but none of them knew where it was.

I understand. The citizens here are proud of Sargon's long history, but they don't care much about faraway places.

You should have seen when the Columbian history exhibit was running. So quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Yes... I can sense the arrogance.

Thank you for showing me the way.

Respect... that's what modern people lack.

Wait, how did I end up in this hall again? I should try the right side this time.

There are more visitors than I expected.

I'm a little worried about Anat. She's fidgeting so much she's going to tear her speech to shreds.

Can't be any worse than her first presentation. It took hours for her to come back to her senses that time.

Hey, where are you going?

Just to have a little chat with her, get her to relax.

Phew...

How are the preparations going, Anat?

I can already recite this speech backwards from memory, but the moment I think about all those eyes fixed on me, listening to every word I say...

What will they think if I stutter, or make a mistake?

They'll all forget by dinner.

The Flood Festival is right around the corner. Who has room to remember one girl's embarrassment during all those festivities?

But I'm nervo—hey, why are you rubbing my ears?

Feel better now?

Yes...

Works every time. I still remember how Pepe and I rubbed your ears like this for an entire day to get you to relax before an interview.

...Thank you, Titi. Very thoughtful.

Bayanlar ve Baylar, take your seats, and welcome Curator Anat El-Aydin onto the stage with a round of warm applause!

Go. It's alright if you make a mistake, just keep going.

If you're so stiff, I'll sneak around behind your back and rub your ears. Better to be embarrassed together than alone, right?

Oh, Titi...

Welcome to the Varjavandabad Museum's special exhibit, commemorating the Flood Festival.

The highlight of the exhibit is an unnamed man, discovered in the Fourth Necropolis Complex on the outskirts of the city, meeting the public for the first time.

Both the body, the armor and the funerary objects buried with him are remarkably well-preserved.

The extraordinary details on his clothing is clear indication of high status.

It has been dated to the early days of the New Calendar according to the Aslan dating method, making him a contemporary of Lugalszargus, the 'Shah of Past and Future'.

He has not been identified in any extant Sargonian historical records. Based on the artifacts recovered from his tomb, we theorize that he may have been...

Excuse me, is this the Northeastern Tributary exhibit?

What...?

Did I take a wrong turn?

Yes... the Northeastern Tributary exhibit is on the other side of the museum, near the entrance.

Sorry to interrupt.

...It's fine.

Ahem... in any case... Continuing where we left off...

We have theorized that the mummy is...

Ouch!

Excuse me, sir! Sorry!

Are you blind?!

Honored guests...

My fault! Sorry, sir!

Excuse me, hanimefendi... where are you going?

Urgent business! Please carry on speaking!

But I'm just reaching...

Alright, yes! I know, I'm getting out right now.

...the most important part of the presentation.

Er... where was I...?

Sorry... let me find my place...

Oh, yes... the exhibit behind me...

I-It's...

*yawn*

What is she talking about? I'm getting sleepy...

It's...

Thanks, Titi. I'm fine, don't wor—

Eek!

Th-The mummy is moving!

I'm getting out of here! This place is haunted!

It's looking at me!

I knew it!

This is what happens when a city grows too old!

Everyone! Stay calm! Don't panic!

The exit's over here! Stay in line, don't push!

Make way, make way!

Sorry, excuse me.

*Sargon expletive* Anat! Anat!

Titi, go handle the evacuation. I'll try to take Anat and the mummy somewhere else.

Aren't you scared? It's moving!

I'm... alright. Ahem. I've been on two Old Calendar tomb excavations this year and met with their residents personally.

This one looks like a nice old man by comparison.

It really takes guts to do archaeology, huh? Are you going to be okay by yourself?

Don't worry, it takes plenty of strength to do archaeology too.

Titi...

Anat?

She's fine... just muttering in her sleep.

The curator's office isn't far. Go out the side door and avoid the crowds. I'll come find you once the evacuation is complete.

What's going on? I'm not in my ambush position yet! Did you turn on the smoke early?

We didn't do anything.

What's happening?

Seems like someone else is causing a commotion.

Drat... I didn't see the target in the crowd. Where did she go?

Alright, change of plans. We're starting early. Find her, keep an eye on her, and keep me posted.

Roger.

Hurry. We need to blend into the crowd once we're done.

It'll be too late once the evacuation is finished.

Good... everyone is gone...

Hrmph. So it was the gem...

It's not easy to carry you like this...

(Pushes the left arm down)

(Raises right arm)

Huh?

(Pushes the right arm down)

(Raises left arm)

What's going on with you?

...

Wait... are you copying me?

Hm?

Pfft.

Looks like you can move your arms and legs, but not your brains.

Hey, if we can move in unison...

Almost to the curator's office. Alright, follow my movements and make a turn here.

(Turns right)

Gotta get it to hold Anat's shoulder tighter. She almost fell just now. Let's see...

(Moves right hand)

(Grabs Anat's shoulder)

(Frowns unconsciously)

Alright. Now follow me...

(Moans unconsciously)

Maybe we should take smaller steps...

...

I'll consider that a yes.

Very good...

Wait, no, no, no—!

(Groans unconsciously)

That red mark on her face isn't going away for a while...

...

Oh, you genius.

Come on, hold her tightly this time.

(Frowns unconsciously)

Walk with me. Not too fast, not too slow. Good... one-two... one-two...

...

Take it slow and easy. We're almost there.

...

...

How do I get into the office like this?

I can't use my hands... I have to use my foot...

(Reaches out one foot)

(Reaches out one foot)

Good, keep your balance.

Still can't reach it. I wish I didn't skip gym class...

Come on, you can do it!

Argh—

(Unconscious cry)

...

...

Sorry, Anat, I'll give you my full support on your next research project.

Hanimefendi, do you need help?

Oh, I'm so glad you're here. Your curator isn't feeling well. Can you help me carry her into the office?

Alright.

I set Curator Anat on the sofa. Your posture is... interesting. Are you sure you don't need help getting up?

No, it's a special exercise I do.

Er, okay. What about the exhibit? Should I carry it inside too?

No, I can handle it on my own.

Alright... let me know if you need anything else.

I can finally move... that was close.

...

Stop staring and come in.

Good news, Narantuya, I found the target.

Yeah, near Hall Four. I helped her carry the unconscious curator into the office.

I'm certain she's in the office. There's no one else, other than the curator who's still out cold. I also have her pass.

No problem, I'll wait here for you.

Izaja?

Oh, Medjehtiqedti Hanimefendi, I...

What are you doing here, with the whole museum in chaos?

We're shutting things down for the day. Help lead these lost guests out.

What's going on? Where are we going?

Are we in danger?

Don't worry, just follow our staff here and she'll take you to a safe place.

B-But I have other things to do...

Alright, I will—

Look out!

Wh-What happened?!

Who brought a cloudbeast in here? Pets aren't allowed in the museum!

I-I didn't see any cloudbeasts...

We'll talk about your negligence later. I've got to catch it before someone steps on it.

...I guess I'm guiding the tourists outside.

(Mutter) Well, I think I can still make it.

Follow me, everyone. The exit is this way, to the right.

Isn't that the left?

She's staff here, I'm sure she knows what she's doing... hey, wait for us!

...Finally.

Our history awaits me in silence.

I must admit that one should look upon history with such solemnity.

From which lost temple's relief was the scroll before me drawn? From which Minoan peak was such immaculately white marble hewn?

And such imagination, piecing together a corner of an ancient Minoan family with ancient artifacts.

But—

It's all wrong!

I recognize you, the golden goblet that once sat in the center of the temple. My grandfather came to visit you, many years ago, as did my mother after him.

Much has my family suffered for your loss.

Why has this museum put it among the clay bowls for fermented milk? They share no common material or style!

And where is the other half of the pair? The Sargonians took them all, yet they do not keep them safe!

Even the exhibit description is—

Signómi, this one was just left empty.

—But the biggest mistake is that these artifacts are here at all.

A century ago, Minos suffered the shame of Sargonian armies violating her soil, trampling on our civilization and history.

It should not have been so...

I must take them.

Follow this flight of stairs down, and you'll find the exit.

Now then, I have other business to attend to.

Something still doesn't feel right.

I don't think this is how we came in.

She's staff here. She knows what she's doing... right?

Will this way really take us home?

I must take you home.

I must bring you to the priests of Minos, that they may study and preserve you.

Minoan artifacts must not be allowed to lie forgotten in this forsaken, sunless hall.

Don't push! I can't see where I'm going. Shouldn't they put an underground light or something in the emergency exit?

Hey, there's a lady there setting up the exhibit. She looks more reliable than the other one. Let's ask her!

Have you come to see—

—Is this the way out of the museum?

...

Is there something I can help you with?