Scenario:Dancing Avengers: Flames of the Heart - Chapter 2: A Contender's Limits - Episode 1

Dancing Avengers: Flames of the Heart - Chapter 2: A Contender's Limits - Episode 1

Stan arrives at Tahar Temple to find Aliza and the others talking to the head monk. He hurries to hide, but his suspicious behavior catches Attiyah's attention. Attiyah realizes that Stan is in love with Aliza and decides to help him.

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Rewinding just a little—

Head Monk: Yes! That's it! As to why our techniques use only the feet...

Head Monk: We defend ourselves from evildoers as we keep our hands together and continue offering our prayers to the sacred artifact!

Aliza: The phoenix techniques that I use also—

Head Monk: Not to mention!

Attiyah: Hahaha! You might wanna hold back 'til the head monk's done with his talkin'.

Stan: ...!

Stan: (W-wait a second! Why is Aliza here? And with (Captain) and the others too!)

Stan: (Who's that big guy anyway? A local guide or something?)

Stan arrives at Tahar Temple in search of Tabina's beloved, only to find (Captain) and company already there.

While the crew are preoccupied, Stan runs to conceal himself before they see him.

He presses a hand to his chest and sighs as his mind fills with thoughts of Aliza.

The golden flower he couldn't give to Aliza before, now a pressed flower, rests in his pocket.

Stan: Am I truly worthy of you in my present state?

Aliza: I don't know... How am I supposed to know something like that...

Aliza: That's not something I can answer right now...

Stan: But, I... I love you, Aliza.

Aliza: ...!

Stan: I love you more than anything, but... I'm not yet worthy of you. I cannot make you happy!

Stan: So that's why I can't yet give you this flower. It would be disrespectful to Druj.

And with those words, Stan tucks the flower away in his pocket.

And then, without a word, Stan turns around and starts walking.

Lyria: Where are you going?

Stan: Huh... where indeed. A journey of self-discovery, I think they call it?

Stan: In any case, I'm no use to anyone like this. There's all kinds of areas I need to work on.

Stan: As long as I keep a tight hold of that aim, I'm sure to grow stronger. In body and in soul.

Stan: In body and in soul, huh?

Stan has certainly honed his body during his journey thus far.

However, his soul proves to be no more resolute. The young swordsman feels irritated at himself for immediately wanting to hide upon spotting Aliza.

Stan: (Hold on! What kind of a coincidence is this? And me having ended up here in the first place...)

Attiyah: Hey, you.

Stan: Eek!

Attiyah: I'm talkin' to you. You went and hid yourself the minute you saw us, didn't ya? You up to no good or somethin'?

Stan: It's nothing like that. I, uh, kinda know the people you're with, so...

Attiyah: Oh, you a friend of theirs?
Hey, guys! I found—

Stan: Wait, wait, wait! Keep it down, will you!

Attiyah: Wha?

Stan: Just wait! Listen to me for a second.

Attiyah: Cough... What's the deal here? You hidin' for a reason?

Stan: Yeah, you could say that.

Attiyah: I get it. You like her, don't ya? Aliza.

Stan: Yeah, you could say that.

Stan: Wait, what? How!

Attiyah: Shh, don't be so loud.

Stan: ...!

Attiyah: Half of it was guessin', but I mean, it's not hard to figure out seein' how you look at her.

Stan: ...

Attiyah: I don't know what happened between you guys, but watchin' you squirm like this is gettin' on my nerves.

Attiyah: All right! I'll help you out.

Stan: Huh? Why?

Attiyah: Meetin' you like this has gotta be some sort of fate too. C'mon, just go along with it!

Attiyah: Anyway, (Captain) and the rest of 'em are headin' to the sacred mountain behind the temple. I'll go let 'em know I'm stayin' here.

Stan: But...

Attiyah: Don't worry, I just happen to be a nosy guy. I won't tell the others about ya.

Stan: Where exactly is this going?

Stan watches as Attiyah strides back toward the crew.

He stands in a daze, wondering how things will pan out from here.