Fate/Grand Order story · Interludes, Interlude
An Angel Does Not Plant Flowers
Interlude. Interlude
2 scenes, 248 lines
1. Before the battle
179 linesIt's awfully dark.
It must be night, but even still... It's TOO dark. So dark. Where's the light?
And...dammit.
It hurts...
My entire body hurts. My chest, my stomach, my back, my arms, my legs, my head, my nose, my inner ears hurt.
The only thing not hurting is my fingers. Otherwise there's this stabbing pain throughout my entire body.
Who am I? I'm a soldier. Where am I? Am I in the Scutari base camp?
What the heck? I thought I was on the frontline. So why am I at the base?
...It hurts, it hurts, hurt, hurt, hurt... Oh, that's right.
I remember. I got shot. I got shot in the chest and stomach, and the bullets passed through my back. And then I broke my arms and legs when I fell. And my head and face, too.
The Russians got me.
May the Ottoman Empire be victorious. Death to the invaders. I need to keep fighting. I can't face my brothers in this state.
...I can't move a muscle. What's going on with me? Am I a goner? Ahhh...it hurts.
Nothing changes even as time goes by. The pain's not going away. It's not getting better.
Don't tell me...am I going to be like this forever? Or am I going to die soon?
...No. I don't want to die. I can't die yet.
Ah...I hear it. Footsteps. Has the grim reaper come for me? I can see light...
I can tell someone's coming towards me carrying a lamp. The darkness is thinning out...
It's light. Someone's here for me.
Oh, good. You've come to.
Who the heck are you? And why're you wearing a British military uniform?
I've never heard of a grim reaper wearing a military uniform. Well, everyone who's seen a grim reaper in person is dead, so they wouldn't really be telling anyone.
Right, Miss Grim Reaper with the lamp?
...
Heh. I knew it. I'm gonna die.
Everything hurts. It's excruciating. Can you see me? I'm crying. I'm crying because it hurts so much.
But I can't even make a sound. This is bad. My big brother was a goner. I'm a goner.
Hurry up and take me. I'm gonna...
Unfortunately, I do not know what you are saying.
But, I will say this:
I will save you. I will not let you die.
Lies. I'm as good as dead.
I was shot. Multiple times. Only God could save me. Otherwise...
...Or an angel.
You had a dream?
Why would you tell me of such a thing?
Because Servants and Masters...
Sometimes we are connected by dreams...
?!
I see.
Is this about the supernatural? Everyone is entitled to his or her interests, whatever they may be.
But it is inappropriate to force those interests on others. Understand?
So, what kind of dream did you see?
Well, here's what happened...
?!
That...
It is natural for things that interest you to appear in your dreams. You should study neurophysiology more.
Wait a minute...
That's not from your memory, Nightingale?
?!
My memory?
No. You mentioned that you saw me from a male soldier's perspective.
That could not be a memory from my lifetime. Obviously.
But...the fact that you have taken an interest in me...
Does that mean you have taken an interest in nursing, treatment, and sanitation?
Excellent. In that case...
Hello.
Thank you all for gathering today. I, Florence Nightingale, am extremely pleased.
You have gathered here today because you all value human life, and all of you have sacrificed on behalf of others. It is my sincere belief that we can have a meaningful, productive discussion.
For the sake of all human life. For Fujimaru, who has also shown interest.
And, of course, for each of us as well.
I'm looking forward to hearing everyone's input.
Likewise, Miss Nightingale.
I am yet inexperienced as a practitioner of medicine, but I hope to be of some small assistance.
Above all, I would like to learn more, as well.
... (Nods)
Hm. I thought this was simply a gathering of beautiful women. Seems I was mistaken.
Still, this isn't terrible. An angel in a white nurse's outfit, a black-haired beauty, and one very sprightly girl.
Ah, what a wonderful selection. A buffet of beauties...the cream of the crop. This isn't just about being surrounded by beauty; it's like a harem!
Ah, my apologies. I got a bit overexcited. Just a joke!
This is a gathering for those who want to save people, right?
Well, then I have every reason to be here. I do have a Noble Phantasm that can save lives, after all!
... (Nods)
Um!
I don't really get it, but we're just here to talk about how to save people, right?
Then leave it to me! I have the guidance of the Buddha, so you're in good hands!
Aw, if I'd known there was a support group like this, I would have dragged Touta here, too.
So, what are we going to talk about first? The health benefits of fasting?
... (Nods deeply)
Fou, fooouuu...
Y-yes, Fou. I sense an indescribable feeling in the air.
I thought this was just discussion group for Servants who have recovery skills...
But it feels more like they're anxious and getting pumped up to go into the simulator for combat training...
This is a bit tense for a discussion group...
A-a just point...
Nightingale's hosting this?
Yes, Senpai. It appears that Nightingale had approached everyone earlier.
?!
If I may ask...um...is it appropriate to call Sanzang someone with recovery skills?
I don't believe she has any skills like that.
Seems a bit off the mark, yeah.
That's totally wrong...
?!
Y-yes...and it appears that Fionn believes that everyone but himself is female...
Fou.
Devotion to helping others is my creed. I search the battlefields after overcoming many obstacles.
All the injured and sick must be saved. Yes... Life is precious. I must save all lives.
And to do so, I must let go of all that holds me back or makes me hesitate. Yes...and that's why...
First and foremost, hygiene is key. Good hygiene is a bare minimum requirement.
All affected body parts and the surrounding environment must be sanitary. Uncleanliness is the enemy. It is the enemy of all medical practices.
Life is precious. And hygiene is indeed very important.
Very admirable, Miss Nightingale. Truly you are a noble Heroic Spirit.
... (Nods)
Of course, clean water is also important. Any water I pour from these hands of mine becomes water of life...
But yes, water should be clean. That also helps lovely flowers bloom. I agree, my wonderful ladies.
... (Nods)
Eh? What? Clean? Are you talking about washing or cleaning up after yourself?
I like it when things get cleaned, too.
Whenever I go to an inn, the first thing I do is clean the dust off the bed!
Of course...my disciples always said my room was too messy.
Buuut I really do like it when things are clean! I'd even clean up after myself if someone made me!
... (Nods deeply)
Fou, fooou!
Senpai, this is...
It's like they get it wrong,then do an about-face and get it right somehow.
Nightingale looks satisfied.
?!
Right, Senpai.
As unbelievable as it may be, they seem to be on the same page. At least this is a productive conversation!
All coincidence!
Are they even talking about the same things?
?!
I ask myself:How many patients can I save with these hands of mine?
I am a nurse, not a doctor. There are some out there who say that medicine should be left to doctors.
Sterilizing and disinfecting is sure to increase the chances of survival for the wounded and ill.
So many lives are in our hands before they ever reach the doctors.
...Yes, there were too many...
That is why I advocate sterilization so much.
Treatment. Nursing. Maintaining hygiene. These are the weapons that we use to defeat the threat of injury and illness.
We are here to save every life we can.
Wonderful argument. Hygiene is also important in the world of alchemy.
When doing biomedical experiments, the patient's cleanliness and health management are crucial. The same is true in medicine, of course.
But for you to focus on that subject, and advocate it to spread the word... You really must love humans.
... (Nods)
I completely understand!
It's the same kind of joy I feel when I come across a beautiful stream while I'm hunting deep in the forest!
The delightful sounds of a babbling brook, so like the finest instrument...the sunlight kissing the surface of the water to make it glisten...ah, exquisite!
Just like when I meet a beautiful woman for the first time!
... (Nods)
(Eh!? Is that really something to nod at in agreement, Nightingale?)
A brook? You're talking about a river? I love bathing in water! It feels sooo good!
But...when you talk about a river, I think of fish. Oh, but I'm a disciple of the Buddha though, so I don't eat meat.
But I love to watch them. Fishes have these beady eyes that make them sooo cute!
... (Nods deeply)
Fou, fooouuu...
I'm sort of confused about what Nightingale's been nodding at here tonight.
A-anyway, it doesn't sound like anybody's on the same page, but somehow the conversation is still going!
And now...
Let's continue our discussion. Well, I would like to, but perhaps we should take a short break.
It's time for our practical training. Everyone, ready yourselves.
To save the injured and sick, sometimes the use of force is necessary. Especially in the face of a threat that may increase the number of patients.
It is very important.
Ah, combat training. The medical ward may turn into a battlefield, it seems.
Some superstitious people have gone deranged after seeing medicine practiced, thinking it to be a ritual of the devil, and attacked the practitioners.
So in situations like that...yes...the use of force is necessary.
Oh? Is it time for me to demonstrate my valor? Perfect!
Honestly, I was starting to think it was time for me to change my flirting approacerr, I mean the topic! Good timing!
Heh. Then let's do it! I, Fionn mac Cumhaill, shall show off my glorious form!
I'm sure it'll drive the ladies wild!
And, as luck would have it, I don't see my annoying subordinate here to mess it up for me!
Eh? What? Battle? Huh? Why?
I-I'm going to participate too!? I'm beyond surprised!
Please head to the training site.
IMMEDIATELY!
Fooou!
Oh, are we going to battle in the simulator!? Senpai...
Leave it to me!
Yeah, just let them do whatever they want at this point.
?!
Mister Fujimaru. You will be playing the role of my subordinate this time. Understood?
Y-yes, ma'am.
I'll do it if you tell me...
?!
Ready to treat! Repeat!
Ready to treat!
?!
Very good. Now let's go. Miss Mash, I leave the operations to you.
Yes!
Senpai. U-um...g-good luck!
2. After the battle
69 lines...Good work.
Now we shall resume our discussion. Please take your seats. Quickly.
Y-yes... Senpai...
The meeting continues, huh?
I-I might be a little tired.
?!
...?
What is the matter? You are looking pale.
Ah, I see. Have you by chance...not had adequate sleep, or not had a proper, balanced meal?
This is a problem. You are therefore injured.
Change of plans. I will begin treatment. First: sterilization. Then we will maintain the hygienic state.
Rest assured, Mister Fujimaru.
I will save your life...even if I must first kill you to do so.
...I guarantee it.
W-waitaminute!
No, no...no!!!
?!
U-um, you have it wrong, Nightingale. Senpai is neither injured nor sick!
Mash.
Y-yes?
You look pale as well.
!!!
N-no...that is not true... Not true at all! I am not hurt nor am I sick!
I will treat you as well.
Nightingale's...probably...
She's more intense than usual!
?!
Fou, fooou!
...
Name: Fujimaru. Place of employment: Chaldea.
Breathing, pulse...all normal. No loss of limbs. No issues with the special nervous system, either.
Very good. There are no issues.
Hmph. Special nerves, you say?
To you, even the structure the mages call magical circuits is just a type of nerve.
I see you have had quite the eventful day.
Is this all because someone got a glimpse of your life and you panicked? You, the angel of steel...panic?
I caught a glimpse of something rare. Haha, thank you for that.
...You.
I'll thank you to refrain from superfluous talk. It's not just Master...this place is overrun with the wounded and potentially ill.
Don't mind me. Just keep focusing on Fujimaru.
I'm sure a time will come when your help is needed.
...
Your words confuse me. I do not comprehend all of what you say...
But I am a nurse. Nothing more, nothing less.
Hmph.
Many Heroic Spirits have arisen from human history! Many heroes are men and women of dauntless courage and battlefield valor!
But those who heal wounds...Heroic Spirits of salvation. There are not many of those.
...
I still do not understand. Why not speak in your own native language?
Heh.
...And he flees once again.
Heroic Spirit of salvation... That is quite the overstatement.
I am simply one who takes joy in treating and nursing others. And at the same time...
I am also saddened when I see Fujimaru hurt and suffering.
Ah!
Good morning, Senpai. It's a nice morning. Did you sleep well last night?
I think I dreamed of an argument...or...something...
Hm???
What about you, Mash?
I slept very well. All of my vitals are good.
?!
Um, breakfast is ready. Shall we head to the cafeteria?
Actually...
I woke up early, so I helped out Emiya and Boudica in the kitchen today.
Oh, that's good.
Okay, let's go to the cafeteria!
?!
Yes, Senpai.
Good health comes from a good night's sleep and a proper, nutritious meal, right!?



