Scenario:Danua - My Own Bond

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.

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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.