Scenario:Stan and Zaja - Bravery or Bravado

Bravery or Bravado

One day, Stan learns how Zaja's friends died valiantly in battle. To make up for his blunt reaction, Stan confesses how weak and cowardly he feels. Zaja promises to protect him. However, he also senses danger in Stan's heart, and prays he never turns reckless in his pursuit of strength.

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One day, Stan comes out onto the Grandcypher's deck to find a most peculiar sight.

Zaja: ...

Stan: Hmm, is that Zaja? What's he up to?

Curious as to why Zaja is standing so close to the edge of the deck and peering over the railing, Stan approaches him.

Stan: Hey, Zaja. What are you doing over there?

Zaja: Hm? Ah, Stan...

Zaja: I was searching for my friends... forever lost to the depths of the skies...

Stan: Uh... Can you actually see that far down?

Stan joins Zaja and leans forward but sees nothing but the vast, blue sky.

Zaja: My friends live on, happily, at the bottom of the sky...

Stan: Umm, I don't see anything...

Zaja: Forgive me... My words... are filled with contradictions...

Stan: Uhh, what do you mean?

Zaja: My friends fought fearlessly... And passed on to the other side, to the bottom of the sky...

Stan: ...

Zaja: And now... They live happily down there...

Stan tries to make sense of what Zaja is saying.

Stan: I see what you mean now. They fought without fear of death, and died honorably... I can respect that...

Zaja: ...

Stan: Sorry, I mean they're still alive! Right below the skies!

Zaja: Yes... But no... My friends are no longer...

Stan: U-um, I'm so... I... I wish I knew what to say...

Zaja: Forgive me... As I try to forget my sin... Truths and untruths overlap...

Stan: ...

Zaja: You need not concern yourself... I do not seek to be understood.

Although Zaja speaks little of his past, Stan can feel the weight behind each of his words.

Stan: (Uh oh, did I make him angry? Maybe I hurt his feelings...)

Stan: (I guess it was a pretty sore subject...)

Stan often resorts to bravado, but this interaction with Zaja helps him come to a realization.

Stan: I'm a coward. I shake inside every time I fight a monster. That's why I've always admired the fearless and daring...

Stan: It just slipped out. I'm sorry, Zaja.

Zaja: ...

Stan: Heh... Telling people I'm afraid of monsters is pretty scary too.

Zaja: You're afraid? To fall in battle?

Stan: Yeah, I'll admit it...

Zaja: Then I will protect you, my friend... You have nothing to fear...

Stan: P-protect me? Hey, I'm no dainty little princess, all right?

Zaja: That is not the issue... I am here... to protect my friends...

Stan: Argh! Everyone always looks down on me! Always!

Stan: I'll get stronger! I'll train harder than ever! I'll show you that I don't need any protecting!

Stan turns on his heel and runs off.

Zaja: ...

Zaja: Please, my friend... Do not be like my comrades who rushed off into battle...

Zaja: Even when you gain true strength... I pray that you never come to enjoy war and bloodshed...

Zaja looks on worriedly as Stan walks away.

Although Zaja's tribe always favored bravery and courage, Stan's attitude presents a different kind of peril. With his thoughts still on Stan, Zaja tightly grips the handle of his axe.