Blue Archive story · Act 2: Volume 2, Chapter 2, Episode 20
Act 2 Vol. 2 Ch. 2 Ep. 20: What Remains
1 scenes, 138 lines
1. Part 1
138 lines
There we go. Miso soup and grilled mackerel pike.
Oh-em-gee! A full-course meal from Chef Fuuka herself!
Yummm, it looks mouth-watering!
Fufu, thank you, Fuuka.
Compliments to the chef.
You really are nice, Fuuka!
Could that kindness extend to three more bowls of rice please? My appetite's only getting started!
Coming up! Large bowls, right?
...Yummm!
Huh? Izumi, did you forget your special sauce bottle?
I was thinking about it, but I don't think I need any extra sauce!
I want to enjoy it exactly how Fuuka imagined when she was cooking it.
Wow... What's with this character development? Should we try this whole "respect pure flavors" philosophy with other foods?
Heehee, good idea! Then let's start with pickled ginger and peanut butter...
I-I think we missed the target a little here...
...
Haruna, your table manners are even more impeccable than usual.
...Why ARE you being so quiet? Should I be concerned?
...The charring on the fish skin is uneven. And the tofu pieces were not cut uniformly.
I mean... I whipped it up in a hurry...
Wait, no, no. Why am I trying to defend myself?
The effort I put in was to feed you. If you're going to complain, then...
This truly is a fine dining experience.
...I've been musing over your dish, Fuuka.
And with every spoonful of your food, I find another thought manifesting.
My cold, discerning eye cannot help but inspect your efforts, searching for pristine quality.
...
This wretched soul of mine, one that's been so cruel...
Fuuka, your meal is heartwarming enough to melt it down to its core.
Haruna...
I forgot the very point of an epicure's journey: gratitude for the kindness of those who feed us.
Fuuka's delicate touch and Juri's dedication... I must apologize to you. For forgetting such fundamental things.
...You were under the influence of the Tyrant Emperor. You were a victim in your own right.
No... We can't hide behind that as an excuse. Not for something like this.
Haruna was right. We brought force and control into a place of fine dining and disrespected your cooking.
We have to make up for that. To everyone. So, really. We're sorry.
Now that everything's okay... You two really freaked me out when it happened.
Mhm. It was scary. Really scary! That Gourmet Society wasn't fun at all.
I was...so worried that something terrible was really going to happen to us.
I apologize to each and every one of you for my transgressions.
...
Hup! Okay! Enough of that. No more pity parties over something that wasn't even your fault.
I'll just give you one warning.
If you ever do this again, then I'll never cook another dish for you!
Fufu, a punishment I do not desire to suffer through.
That's right! And you won't be allowed to sit with us at lunch anymore!
Don't even think about doing this again! Or I won't share my special sauce anymore!
If you're going to start making threats like that, I guess I should start training my brain to resist brainwashing.
Hm... I think that calls for another bowl! You can't work on an empty stomach, after all! ★
You already finished the last one?!
Fufu, no problem! Coming right up!
Everyone had their own way of apologizing to their friends, but the sincerity of their feelings came across each time.
...
Sena.
Chinatsu. Please come in.
Sena, how...are you feeling?
Better than ever. There hasn't been any corp, excuse me, patients lately either.
I'm glad to...
...Is what I'd like to say. However, my heart is still heavy.
...
I remember the things I said to you, Chinatsu.
The callousness with which I spoke of war and surgery...
I remember the insulting sophistry I attempted to impose upon you.
When I accepted this role, I took an oath to protect life. And yet, I stood behind the mass slaughter of civilians and students. How can I continue my work with pride?
But you didn't mean it! I already know that!
Intent does not negate impact.
I treated sacrifice as a necessary tool for glory... A medical professional should never see life as another number on the board.
We fight to protect our oaths. To claw desperately towards the resolution with the least amount of bloodshed.
That's what you've always done. And what you'll continue to do.
...
I saw you fight, Chinatsu.
I saw the struggle you suffered as you lifted your gun against Head Prefect Hina.
I saw your strength when you stood up for what you believed in.
W-Well...
When you submitted your resignation to go to the Prefect Team, I thought of it as a farewell, of sorts.
But you still carried the spirit of a paramedic to the Prefect Team. You guided me back to the correct path when I thought there was none.
Thank you. I am proud to have you as my underclassman, Chinatsu.
The student has truly exceeded the master here. I've never seen better medical care.
...Thank you. Thank you for coming back, Sena.
Fufu...
Now that transportation is complete, we need to shift gears into rehabilitation.
I'd like to propose a joint inspection run by our organizations to prevent further cases of aberration in the upperclassmen.
...That sounds wonderful! I'm sure the Head Prefect will be on board. I'll be sure to relay the message.
Once again, thank you for reaching out to my heart when it had turned away, Chinatsu.
Okay, where to next?!
We don't have time for this! We got hot springs to dig!
What were we thinking, talking about war and conquest? The hot springs give us purpose!
That's right! They're calling our names as we speak!
Wow! President Kasumi directed us straight to a healthy hot spring!
It's got good flow, and the temperature's just right!
Wahaha! That's right! And we've got plenty more to go!
So you can forget about that treasure map, Megu.
Hmmm? What treasure map?
Now that's my Megu! Wahaha!
Why did those kinda thoughts even cross my brain in the first place?
I can't believe I wanted to do something to help Gehenna, let alone help with a WAR.
That's...
But I don't feel that one bit anymore!
Thinking that hard's just not for me! And especially not about boring stuff!
You get it. That sort of thing's just not fun.
All we have to do is follow President Kasumi's orders, like we always do!
Huh?
Ah, that's our President Kasumi, all right!
Heehee! That's the absolute last of your worries!
What I want is to stay right here, with you, and with the awesome members of our club!
I like digging up hot springs, eating delicious food, and putting up buildings with my friends! And I don't want to stop!
Waha! Turns out, I was worryin' over nothin'!
Whatever you want, I'll always make it happen, Megu. Leave it to me!
I know! Heehee. Thanks, as usual.
Exactly as Captain Megu said! Y'all, who are we again?
THE HOT SPRINGS DEPARTMENT!!
Wahaha! Where there's a hot spring, there's us!
No, even if there's not a hot spring, there's still us!!
All right, everyone! If we want to dig up five hot springs today, you better get your butts in action! Off to the next location with you!
Are you...not coming, President?
I've got important things to ponder, so I'll take the scenic route.
Okie dokie! But it's a bumpy way down, so watch your step!
Yeah, yeah, thanks, Megu. I'll meet you there.
...
This whole thing...feels oddly familiar...
Their method...everything... It reminds me of "them"...
If they're on the move...
Most importantly, I'm in danger. Dun-dun.
When my plate's already loaded to the max! What to do? What to dooo?
*sigh* The winds aren't blowing in my direction, that's for sure.
Whoa, it's chilly up in the mountains!
Who cares? No mountain summit can defeat the burning heat of our passion that boils in our souls!