[Blue Archive] Substitute

Ode Heard

Three hours—that's how long those girls have been talking. Firstly, I was impressed that five girls could chat for so long. However, it makes sense when I think about it since they haven't seen each other for three days. I just wish they weren't so damn loud.

"For the last time, guys, I'm fine!" Kitty Cat was trying to have them calm down, yet was yelling, which wouldn't calm anyone down.

"Are you sure? He hasn't done anything weird to you?" I hope Pinky knows I can hear her.

"No, all he's done is bandage my legs and hand for the last time." Good idea, not telling them everything, Kitty Cat, that totally won't bite me in the ass later.

"Uhee~ if you say so." Something tells me Pinky knows Kitty Cat is lying. This means there will be an integration later.

"Nn besides that, do you have protection, food, and water?" Finally, a series of questions that make sense given our circumstances. Good on Little Jackal.

"Yes, we do. We've got a revolver, plenty of water, and food. Most of our food, though, is trail mix, jerky, and granola." Kitty Cat seemed somewhat glum at our choices of food. 

"Well, it's better than nothing, Serika." I agree, Little Jackal.

"If you ask me, maybe we should plan what to do when you get back. Maybe we can go out and celebrate your safe return!"  Nonomi sounded pleased with her idea, and agreements came from the rest of them. It's quiet, making me think they stopped talking or were much more silent. "So, Substitute, would you like to join us?" The question catches me off guard; sure, I may be bringing her back, but that doesn't mean a thing.

[I wouldn't mind joining at all] Of course, the text box would want to go.

"No offense, but I'll have a load of work to handle when I get back, so I'll have to decline." I can't imagine nor want to imagine the workload waiting for me at Schale. Chances are I'll be busy for a day or two.

"Surely you can spare at least thirty minutes or an hour." Ayane had spoken up.

"Even if I could, it's not up to me. That would be for the guest of honor to decide, isn't that right, Kitty Cat?" I didn't want to put her on the spot entirely, but it's an easy out for me. I'm also willing to bet she'll probably say she doesn't want me there. After all, who wants a stranger at their get-together with friends? It's silent for a good bit until Kitty Cat speaks.

"Let me think about." That is an excellent way of saying no.

"Well, we'll have to put a cork in it until later. So how about we plan where to go, alright!"  Nonomi's bright energy was something else entirely. Though something is off with her voice, it's faint, but I can tell. Like someone relieved, they didn't have to resort to an action. Oh well, it's not my problem.

"But where should we go?" After Kitty Cat's question, all the girls go quiet again.

"How about the park again?"

"Shiroko, we know you're going to case a bank."

"How about we go to an aquarium?"

"Hoshino, that would cost a little bit for all of us."

"How about we go to the mall?"

"Nonomi, I'm sure we'd all like that. It's just you get a bit pushy about certain things when there, though."

"How about we relax on our school's rooftop?"

"I like that, Ayane, but I feel like that should be done after some hard work."

I hear them all sighing in sync, trying to figure something out. I would want to relax at a place with food and drinks. I doubt they would like to do the same. However, my suggestion could get them to move on.