My Own Bond
En route to the crew's next destination, Danua is troubled by a personal dilemma—she wished to protect rather than be protected. As she considers how to achieve this new goal, her family visits her in a dream. Their words of encouragement motivate her to move forward.
Having received an urgent request, the crew redirects the Grandcypher toward the client's home island.
As the airship smoothly sails through the skies, (Captain) and the others have a chat with Danua.
Lyria: Danua, have you been getting some good rest lately?
Danua: Uh-huh, lots of peace and quiet... It's very relaxing...
Danua: But...
Vyrn: But what? Is something the matter?
Danua: Um... It's like... I'm being pulled, I guess?
Gretel: Pulled? You don't mean to the underworld, do you?
Danua: Ah... Th-that's not it... I think...
Hansel: Hrm... Danua says she feels like she's being pulled by a string, but it isn't an uncomfortable sensation.
Gretel: You don't know that! Are you okay, Danua? Did you get hurt somewhere?
Lyria: Hm... Does that feeling of being pulled seem scary to you?
Danua: Um... No, it isn't scary... It's like I'm looking for something...
Lyria: In that case, you're probably right. It shouldn't have anything to do with the underworld.
Lyria: I'm sure it's just your heart yearning for something new.
Danua: Something... new?
Vyrn: Really? Like what?
Lyria: Ah, um... It's hard to put into words, but...
Lyria: You know how we've been traveling far and wide, right?
Lyria: Well, throughout our journey, (Captain) and the others have protected, helped, and saved me numerous times...
Lyria: That got me thinking, I'd also like to become strong enough to protect someone else. I want to stand on my own two feet.
Lyria: So I think I get how you feel, Danua...
Danua: Me? Protecting someone else?
Hansel: Hm... Danua is longing for a new responsibility... That sounds reasonable to me.
Danua: B-but... is that really okay?
Danua: Only me? What about the others?
Gretel: Ohh, so that's what's bothering you. You're worried about leaving your family behind, is that it?
Danua: Yeah...
Lyria: Danua... It's because you're always thinking of your family that you're in this rut.
Vyrn: Anyway, they wouldn't wanna stop ya from movin' forward, y'know? There's just no way!
Danua: But still...
Her thoughts in a jumble, Danua begins muttering inaudibly to herself.
That night, Danua thinks back on the conversation she had with Lyria and the others in the afternoon.
Danua: What should I do? I don't know...
Danua: Do I move forward on my own? That seems so scary though...
Hansel: You have a desire to protect, but don't know how to go about doing so. The prospect also scares you...
Gretel: Not to mention how hard you've worked to get where you are today. It only makes sense that you feel conflicted.
Gretel: But the thread pulling at your heart is trying to lead you somewhere, right?
Danua: ...
Yeah.
Danua: I think... I'd like to follow it.
Gretel: Hehe, finally a bit of honesty.
Hansel: Hm... In that case, I suggest taking some time to mull over it. We always have tomorrow.
Hansel & Gretel: Good night, Danua.
Danua: Mmgh... Good... night...
Danua closes her eyes and dozes off. Then, she hears a familiar voice calling out to her in a dream.
Danua: Huh? Where am I?
Danua's Father: —nua...
Danua's Father: Danua... I'm so glad to be able to meet you again.
Danua: Papa... Mama, Brother!
Danua's Mother: We wanted to tell you how proud we are to see you taking a step forward.
Danua: Yeah... I want to keep going, but...
Danua: For some reason, I get the feeling I won't be able to see you all anymore...
Danua's Brother: Danua... Your future is yours to decide.
Danua: I want to make my own future... But it seems so scary...
Danua: If I keep moving forward, I'll have to leave the rest of you behind...
Danua's Father: That's not true at all. We'll always be by your side.
Danua's Mother: And even if there are times when we feel distant—or if we can't meet—know that we're watching over you.
Danua's Brother: So raise your head up high and keep marching on.
Danua: I'll do it... I'll march forward...
Danua: I'm scared, but I want to keep going...
Danua: I want to bond with others...
Danua's Mother: Hehe, you've grown so much, Danua—my pride and joy.
Danua's Father: I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Danua, we wish you nothing but the best.
Danua's Mother: So please... Follow your heart's desires. Find your own happiness.
Danua: Okay, I will... Thanks, everyone.
The next morning, Danua wakes up in silence. However, in her eyes is a clear glint of determination.
Danua: I can't just get pulled along...
Danua: I don't know what to do, but... I want to reach out to someone else... and form a bond...
Hansel: That's the spirit. I'm sure it'll be scary and confusing at times, but as long as you maintain that mindset, your path forward will be clear.
Gretel: Hehe, I wouldn't worry about it! Just follow your heart, and you won't have anything to fear.
Gretel: All you have to do now is take that first step! You can do that—right, Danua?
Danua: The first step... makes me feel nervous...
Danua: But I'll do it...
Danua: I'll give it a shot... I'll form my own bond!
After solemnly declaring her intent, Danua looks up toward the morning sun and nods.
Beyond the feelings of confusion and anxiety, she could feel her heart dancing in anticipation of the journey to come.
All Connected
Scouring the island for medicinal herbs, Danua comes across a local orphanage. There, she finds a young boy named Phil playing apart from the other children due to his inability to talk. Danua, seeing her own past in his situation, decides to use shadow puppets to cheer him up. Phil then smiles, his face conveying a message more meaningful than any words.
Upon arriving at their destination, the crew spend the night docked, then head to a nearby village the next morning.
The request had come from its chief, and after hearing the specifics, (Captain) and the others gather to discuss how best to proceed.
Vyrn: Phew! Now that's what I call clean air! Seems pretty peaceful around here too.
Lyria: Hehe, a place this gorgeous is perfect for relaxing after a long journey... How about a nice picnic once we're done?
Vyrn: Haha, sounds fun! Let's hurry up and get this over with then. We've got lots of ground to cover, so splittin' the work up might be a good idea.
Danua: Yeah...
Tasked with picking some medicinal herbs, the crew members begin to plan out their route. Suddenly, Danua tugs at (Captain)'s sleeve.
Danua: Let me help too... What can I do?
Vyrn: Whoa, looks like someone's rarin' to go... You mean you wanna go pick herbs by yourself?
Danua: Uh-huh, leave it to me...
Hansel: Hm. Danua wants to prove that she can see something through on her own.
Gretel: Would you all be so kind as to take Danua's thoughts into consideration? We promise to take good care of her.
- Fine by me.
Choose: Fine by me.Danua: R-really? You're okay with that?
Danua: Thank you... I'll do my best!
Danua: Huh?
After parting ways with (Captain), Danua walks in the direction of a forest. However, she soon notices an old building by the road and stops.
Danua: I feel like I'm being pulled again...
Danua: There aren't any herbs here, but I see lots of kids...
Gretel: You're right. I think this is an orphanage. All those children you see don't have any parents.
Danua: Let's take a closer look...
Danua: I've never been here before, but...
Danua peeks through the orphanage's front gates, where she spots a group of children running about energetically.
Gretel: Oh, it looks like the kids are out playing!
Huh?
Hansel: Hm... One of them appears to be sitting alone on a bench together with a doll.
Gretel: Are the other children leaving him out on purpose? Now I'm curious...
Hansel: Maybe he wants to join in on the fun, but doesn't know how.
Gretel: That doll must be very important to him with the way he's holding it... He almost reminds me of the old you, Danua...
Gretel: You used to be quite the loner back when you couldn't talk...
Danua: Yeah, like him...
Gretel: Hey, I know the kid hasn't spoken up yet, but...
Gretel: We can't just leave him alone—right, Danua?
Danua: Yeah...
Quietly approaching the children, Danua stands before them and clasps her hands together.
Then, using light from the setting sun, she starts making shadow puppets on the orphanage's walls.
Orphan Boy: Wow! A bunny! And that one's a turtle!
Hansel: I see... Good thinking, Danua. You don't need to be able to hear or speak to enjoy hand shadows. That's one way of forming a bond.
The children gather around, totally mesmerized by Danua's performance.
Seeing the commotion, the young boy finally stands up from the bench, grabs his doll, and slowly shuffles closer.
Orphan Boy: Hey, it's Phil! Phil's here!
Orphan Girl: Phil can't talk, so he usually stays by himself.
Danua: He can't... talk?
Phil hesitates for a moment, but then rearranges his fingers in an attempt to mimic Danua's handwork.
Phil: ...
Gretel: Oh? Is he trying to copy you?
Gretel: Haha, way to go, Danua! You're communicating!
Danua: Yeah, I am!
Taking a few steps closer, Phil stands by Danua's side. Then, although visibly nervous, he looks up at her face.
Phil: ...
Danua: Do you want to play together?
Danua extends her hands, as if to invite Phil. The boy responds by placing his own over hers, creating what looks like a turtle carrying a rabbit.
Orphan Girl: Hahaha! The bunny's riding the turtle now! That's so cute!
Orphan Boy: What a weird game! Looks fun though!
Hey, how are you doing that?
Danua: Ah, put your fingers here... Like this...
Phil: ...
Orphan Boy: Hang on, teach me too!
Orphan Girl: Me three!
Phil: ...
Danua: U-um... Are you having fun?
Phil: ...
Unable to speak, Phil can only respond with a happy nod, his smile conveying a warmth and kindness more meaningful than any words.
A message sent by the sparkle in his eye, delivered straight to Danua's heart.
Danua: Maybe I was being pulled here...
Danua: Is this what it means... to form a bond?
They continue to make shapes together, hands occasionally brushing against one another.
To Danua, the shadows cast upon those walls were proof of her new connection.
All Connected: Scene 2
That night, the crew learn that the children from the orphanage have gone missing. Ignoring her crewmates' warnings, Danua dashes into the forest alone to save the trio. Though eventually successful, she's scolded by Lyria and Vyrn for her rash actions. The children quickly jump to defend Danua, causing her to smile bashfully.
The sun begins to set as the crew finishes collecting the medicinal herbs requested by the village chief.
They decide to spend the night at the village, but the peace and quiet is soon cut short.
Vyrn: B-bad news! Those kids from the orphanage are missing!
Lyria: You mean the ones Danua befriended while out gathering herbs?
Danua: How?
Vyrn: They wandered into the forest and didn't come back after dark!
Lyria: Oh no... That area is dangerous at night! Let's hurry up and go find them!
Danua: I-I'm coming with you!
The crew splits to search the forest. The moist night air feels heavy, and the chirps of various insects echo throughout the trees.
Danua: It's dark and scary, but...
Danua: I have to find those kids!
Vyrn: Dang it, even if we knew where to look, it's impossible to see anything when it's this dark...
Danua: Oh, give me a second...
Spreading her hands wide open, Danua shuts her eyes and begins to focus.
Gretel: Danua, are you trying to use your spectral threads?
Hansel: Hrm. Not a bad idea. In your current state, you might be able to do more than just control puppets...
Danua: Um, I'll try looking... for a path through the forest...
Danua: I sense something... I think they're footprints...
Danua: Did they go that way?
Danua: Yeah, I think... they went that way!
No sooner do those words leave Danua's mouth than she darts off deeper into the forest.
Vyrn: Hey, wait! Danua, where ya going!
Lyria: Hold on! You can't run off on your own! Danua! Danuaaa!
Orphan Girl: Sniffle... I'm scared...
Orphan Boy: I wanna go back...
Meanwhile, in a far corner of the forest, the three children tremble as they huddle in a bush.
Phil: ...
Orphan Girl: Phil... You're worried about the doll you dropped, aren't you?
Orphan Girl: It's okay. I'm sure we'll find it once the sun is out.
Phil: ...
Monster: Grrr...
Orphan Girl: ...!
Shhh, we're going to blow our cover...
Orphan Boy: I can't take this anymore... We're not gonna make it home, are we?
Phil: ...
Orphan Boy: Go away... I'm scared...
Orphan Girl: Somebody... Please help!
Before the three could so much as scream, they lock eyes with the monster.
Orphan Girl: Eep!
Monster: Grrr... Awoo!
The wild beast bares its fangs, but right before it can close in on the children...
Danua: Stop.
Monster: Mrgh!
Orphan Girl: Huh?
Orphan Boy: D-Danua!
Danua: It's okay... Don't be afraid!
Orphan Girl: No way. It's Danua! How did you get here?
Orphan Boy: I didn't know you were so strong...
Orphan Girl: You really came to save us...
Danua: Are you all okay?
Orphan Boy: We're fine thanks to you!
Hansel: Hm... I see, I see... Danua, you just protected these three children. You saved them with your own threads.
Gretel: Heh. Did you see that, kiddos? Danua's pretty strong now.
Gretel: Gone are the days of being protected all the time!
Hansel: But there's still one problem remaining—how are we supposed to find our way out of this forest?
Danua: Oh, I left the others behind...
Hansel: We got so caught up in our search that I completely lost track of how we got here...
Gretel: Sigh... What kind of rescue team needs rescuing? How are we supposed to get home now?
Danua and the others try to find their way out of the forest, but the dark trees begin to blend together, causing the party to lose all sense of direction.
As the branches sway in the wind, the surrounding blackness somehow grows even darker. Their pace slows to a crawl, each step heavier than the one before.
Orphan Boy: I'm pretty sure we've already passed through here...
Orphan Girl: Wait, are we lost?
Danua: Maybe...
Orphan Boy: Will we really make it back?
Phil: ...
Danua: There's no way out... I couldn't protect everyone...
Gretel: Now isn't the time to feel down, Danua... Pull yourself together!
Hansel: Yeah, Danua. There's nothing to be afraid of. You've formed a bond that's worth protecting.
Danua: I need to protect... this bond...
Danua: My family told me to connect with others... and protect them!
Danua: It's okay. Don't be scared.
Danua: You're safe with me...
Under the light of the moon, Danua weaves her threads, encircling the children to protect them.
Orphan Girl: Whoa, they're glowing! These strings are so pretty!
Danua: Hopefully someone will see them shine...
Hansel: Oh, another brilliant idea, Danua. Guard the kids while waiting for (Captain) to find us.
Gretel: I never thought of using your threads like this!
Suddenly, the group hear a couple of distant voices being carried their way by a soft breeze.
Orphan Girl: Huh? I hear voices...
Lyria's Voice: Danua! Where are you!
Orphan Girl: ...!
I think they're looking for us!
Orphan Boy: Heeey! Over here!
Phil: ...!
Lyria: Ah, Danua! Are you guys okay?
Vyrn: Phew... We finally found ya! What a relief!
Lyria: We got so worried when you just up and left like that... I'm glad everybody's safe though!
Vyrn: Sheesh... I know this island seems peaceful and all, but that doesn't mean you should run off by yourself at night!
Orphan Boy: It's okay! Danua protected us!
Orphan Girl: She was really cool! So don't get mad at her!
Hearing the children stand up for Danua, (Captain) compliments her on a job well done.
Danua: Thanks...
Afterward, the crew safely delivers the children back to the orphanage without incident.
The gentle glow of the moon illuminates each of their faces as they gaze at the starry night sky above.
All Connected: Scene 3
Before leaving, the crew visits the orphanage one last time. The children ask Danua to fix Phil's tattered doll—to which she promptly agrees. When the repairs are done, Phil surprises everyone by, haltingly, voicing his thanks. Met with such pure gratitude, Danua is overcome with a feeling of warmth and happiness.
A few days later, (Captain) and the others once again find themselves standing before the orphanage.
Vyrn: Time to say goodbye... I know it's hard, but you gotta tell 'em you're leaving...
Lyria: We'll be back. Especially since they gave us these cute flowers as thanks for saving them.
Vyrn: Hehe, yeah. Next time, we'll bring 'em some gifts in return!
With a look of dejection, Danua stares at the ground below as the others continue to chat.
Danua: I have to say goodbye...
Danua: After making new friends...
From the other side of the gate, the children spot Danua and immediately run over to greet her.
Orphan Boy: Yaaay, Danua's here!
Orphan Girl: Did you come to play with us today too?
Orphan Boy: Hey, show us more shadow puppets!
Phil: ...
Danua: Um, actually... The reason why I'm here today is...
Hansel: Ah, well... You see... Danua has something important to tell you all.
Danua: I'm here to say goodbye...
Orphan Girl: Huh? You're leaving?
Phil: ...!
Orphan Boy: But I want you to stay...
Orphan Girl: You'll be back soon, right?
Orphan Boy: Yeah, you gotta come back!
Danua: Okay, I will...
Orphan Girl: Oh, right. Phil, why don't you ask Danua about that one thing?
Orphan Boy: Ah, nice thinking! Danua would definitely be able to help!
Phil: ...!
Orphan Girl: Uh-huh, I told you it'd be a good idea!
Danua: ...?
Huh?
Heeding his friends' advice, Phil runs to grab his doll and returns with it looking almost unrecognizable.
Orphan Boy: Look at this! It's Phil's doll... He dropped it in the forest the other day, but one of the villagers found it and brought it over.
Orphan Boy: It's missing an eye and an arm though. The poor thing's totally beat up now...
Orphan Girl: One of our teachers said she'd buy Phil a new doll, but that he'd have to throw away his old one instead.
Orphan Boy: But that'd make Phil sad... Can you help us, Danua?
Phil: ...
Danua: (I think Phil sees himself in that doll...)
Danua: (He can't talk, and he's afraid of being thrown away too...)
Danua: Don't worry. I'll fix it... One second...
Rummaging through her bag, Danua pulls out a sewing kit.
Danua: I learned how to do this...
Danua: Just one stitch here, and another here...
Orphan Girl: Wow! Good thing we asked you for help!
Orphan Boy: Amazing! It's like I'm watching a master seamstress!
Phil: ...!
Danua: Um, but... I need more parts...
Hansel: Hrm... You're right. You'll need some spare cloth and a button to replace what's missing.
Orphan Girl: If you need cloth, I have lots! You can pick whichever color you like!
Orphan Boy: A-and I like collecting buttons! Gimme a sec. I'll go get them!
Phil smiles at the sight of the two children running off on his behalf. Then, he huddles up next to Danua.
Phil: ...
Danua: You want to help me? Um, okay...
Phil: ...
Orphan Girl: Whoa, Phil's sewing too!
Orphan Boy: Here, I brought the buttons!
The two speak excitedly as they hand over the scraps of cloth and spare buttons.
Then, Danua and Phil carefully sew the doll back together, one stitch at a time.
Phil: ...
Finally, they complete the detailed patchwork—albeit rough around the edges.
Orphan Boy: Yay! You fixed it!
Phil: ...
Danua: (Thank goodness. Now he can take care of the doll again...)
Danua: (I was able to protect someone else and form my own bond... That smile is proof of my success...)
After watching Phil play with his now-repaired doll, the crew prepares to leave the orphanage beneath orange-tinted skies.
With a heavy heart, Danua reluctantly turns her back toward the children, but in that moment, she feels a tug at her sleeve.
Danua: ...?
What's the matter?
Phil: Danua... Thank... you...
Orphan Boy: ...!
Phil talked!
Orphan Girl: Whoa! What kind of magic is that! Did the doll cast a spell on Phil as thanks?
Orphan Boy: Probably! I'm sure the doll is super happy right now too!
Orphan Girl: Hey, Phil! Say it again!
Phil: Thank... you...
Their eyes sparkling, the two children dance around Phil in glee. Danua, meanwhile, can't help but stare at the joyful sight.
Danua: (I don't think it's magic at all. Phil gathered the courage to take a step forward...)
Danua: I formed my own bond, right?
Danua: (Actually, maybe we were connected from the very start...)
Danua: (Like how I am with Hansel and Gretel...)
Danua: (And (Captain), Phil, and the other children at the orphanage too...)
Danua: We're all connected...
Danua: I'll see you all again... I promise...
Though one stitched by the slightest of threads, a bond has nonetheless been formed.
Danua holds this dear feeling of warmth and happiness close to her heart—a new source of motivation for her journey ahead.
![Danua [降魔儡]](/File:RoB_Danua_1-1.jpg)
