Arknights story · Heart of Surging Flame
OF-ST5 Love of this Life
The volcanic eruption was averted, Siesta would be abandoned, and Schwarz and Ceylon would join Rhodes Island. In the end, everything was resolved in a fairly acceptable manner. Though imperfect, a future worth looking towards still awaits.
1 scenes, 133 lines
1. Interlude
133 lines
Doctor, I have to blame you for what happened this time.
Everyone has been injured to some degree. As the leader, you're responsible for that!
Gummy has already finished treating them, but it's going to sting if they get in the water.
Jeez, you need to show some more reservation when leading your teams.
Sorry...
That swimsuit looks good on you, Amiya.
Um, it's not like I'm trying to trample on your good will...
Is, is that so? Miss Savage picked it out for me... I was so worried that you wouldn't like it--
W-wait! Don't you try to play that trick on me, Dr. Doctor!
We did go a bit overboard this time...
Good grief... And I have a word for Mister Hellagur as well!
I explicitly told him to keep an eye on you, so why did he turn a blind eye...
Until a contract is signed, Rhodes Island is not allowed to intervene in the internal affairs of an independent city-state.
If we get caught up in legal repercussions, Rhodes Island will be in a very tight spot.
Actually, I already...
Yes, I know.
Doctor, you really did something very dangerous.
...Why were you fighting with crazed fans anyway! If you're an adult, you should act like one.
No matter how much you like a band, you need to be nice to the other audience members, and you certainly can't pick fights with them!
...? But we were...
I know.
All right!
Doctor, come with me. I found lots of beautiful seashells on the other side of this reef. Beaches are absolutely fascinating!
The water isn't cold... Hmm...
(Follow Amiya)
(Splash Amiya with water)
(Take Amiya's hand)
Come, Doctor, it's over here!
Eek! Doctor! Please don't do that!
Darn it! Take this! Ahaha...
Ehehe...
Dr. Doctor, nice to see you.
Ceylon told me many things about Rhodes Island, so I've been very keen on speaking with you.
How about taking a walk with me?
...That's fine.
Thank you, Doctor of Rhodes Island.
Had you not helped my daughter, her recklessness would have ended dismally.
That wasn't recklessness.
I actually didn't do very much.
The one you should be thanking is Ceylon.
I trained Cronin myself. His instincts may be base, but he's also very capable. That's why I turned a blind eye on him all these years.
However, as of the last few years, he's gone down a dangerous road, and I can no longer trust him.
This time, I left Schwarz here on purpose just to see if he's still trustworthy.
The results were disappointing.
Why are you telling me all this?
...I enjoy walking along this part of the beach.
That's because my wife, Barbara, sleeps deep beneath these waves.
I still remember that day; the weather was a bit warm, and the sunset was splendid. She turned to me here and said, 'If only we could stay here forever.'
In the blink of an eye, I was left behind.
Doctor, turn around and take a look.
Do you understand now? This city is a paradise I built for her.
As for why I'm telling you this...
Because I can tell that you and I are the same type of person.
In this world, not everything can be resolved with good. Sometimes, we must get our hands dirty.
I agree.
I disagree.
Who knows...
For me, good and bad lost their meaning a long time ago. The only things that matter to me are results, and this city.
Why not tell Ceylon?
I'm not looking for understanding, Doctor.
If I needed my daughter's understanding, we would not have become like we are now.
Besides, do you think she'd really understand if I told her?
No. She still needs a long time to understand that the world isn't as black and white as she thinks.
Schwarz hopes that she will never understand, but I... Unfortunately, I lost the ability to make that choice.
Doctor, Ceylon would like to join you, so I asked Schwarz to accompany her. I'm fine with it.
After all, this Siesta is no longer her paradise.
I've seen the new geological report. Sooner or later, Siesta will be consumed by the magma.
We've managed to postpone that day's coming. I am grateful for the effort that you've all put forth today.
Over the years, I've been looking for a solution to this matter. I have found it, but the price is almost as great.
The new development zone I've been working on will become a brand new nomadic city. By the looks of things, it will become the next Siesta.
I'm deeply attached to this place, but that doesn't mean that I can ignore the volcano that slumbers fitfully beside me.
After the end of this Obsidian Festival, we will begin moving into the new nomadic city. As for Siesta, we will let her rest until the magma reclaims her.
The Obsidian Festival...
I heard that this ocean is bounded by land. Some have told me that this isn't a real ocean. It may be wide, but it's not boundless.
In that case, we will continue to follow the coast. Perhaps one day, we will finally return to our starting point, the real starting point.
However, by that time, this beautiful beach, the great Obsidian Festival, and this coastal city with its volcanic smell...
The Siesta that holds the memory of countless people, will be gone forever.
Perhaps one day, you'll be able to tell her what I've told you here today.
Perhaps that day will never come.
And one day, should she perhaps need my help, you can come find me.
No matter where Siesta is or what it looks like, this city will forever support her.
Or rather, I should say... As long as Siestans exist, Siesta also exists. Within the hearts of young people like her are where Siesta really is.
Now, seize the day, and enjoy the Obsidian Festival.
At least until we find another suitable location, we'll have to suspend our collaboration with Siren Records. I have a lot of things to discuss with them.
Schwarz seems to have something to tell you. She's over there.
If I keep talking for much longer, she won't have anything to say. You should hear it from her.
...Sir.
Don't mind me. This is between you youngsters.
Hello.
What are you after?
Hello, stranger?
Can I buy you a drink?
Don't worry, I'm not your enemy anymore.
Oh, hello to you too, stranger.
I'll pass for now.
Actually, I wasn't really going to say anything special.
At first, I was going to give you a good beating. Miss Ceylon never have been subjected to such danger.
But, I have to thank you as well. Without your help, we might never have been able to clear up our misunderstanding.
Truthfully, I did not want her getting involved with these things, but perhaps you were right. She has her own ideas, and her own responsibilities.
You should let her make her own decisions.
Time doesn't flow backwards. This is who she is now.
That's a pity, isn't it?
...Thank you. Were it not for you, everything I loved would have been destroyed by the volcano.
I am in your debt.
...Milady?
Perfect timing. I have something important to announce!
I am going to submit my resume to Rhodes Island.
?!
As I said, I'm interested in joining your company.
It's not easy to get in.
Heheh~ I already asked Miss Eyjafjalla and Miss Skyfire about it. They said I have their recommendations.
After seeing your abilities throughout this whole situation, I've come to this decision after careful deliberation.
But Rhodes Island is not a simple drug company...
...I know. If that is what you desire, milady.
So, Doctor, we're going to be colleagues from now on!
Come on, Doctor! The experiment is about to start!
Ah fine, forget it. Schwarz, go drag Doctor over here!
...Your voice is loud enough to crack the ceiling, milady. I'm sure the Doctor has heard it.
...Doctor, I don't know what you're waiting for, but in times like these, Miss Ceylon won't care what we're thinking.
It would behoove you to walk over there yourself. It'd be a bit unsightly if you really wanted me to carry you over.
Come and get me!
...
Don't worry. I'll keep an eye on her.