Steel in Hand, We Defend/Episode 5 - Storyline

Episode 5

Gerald knocks down a bandit as the Bandit Leader comes up from behind him. Finally, I understand. It's because I was comparing myself to another that I grew flustered. Gerald strikes down the bandit tying to put up a struggle. It's because I was comparing myself to another that I felt uneasy. Gerald cuts through the bandit as a bandit strikes from behind him. It's because I was comparing myself to another that I craved a glorious achievement. Gerald attacks the bandit with force, pushing him back. But no longer. Now I will acknowledge my own progress, without comparing it to anyone else's.

Gerald's Father	Ask yourself this: what do I want to protect?
Gerald	I will protect Vettel and Natalie, my dearest friends!
The Scarlet Legionnaire clashes blades with a bandit. To protect that which I hold dear... Gerald pushes back the bandit leader.
Bandit Leader	Wh-who the hell are you?!
Gerald	I'm not the sun, that's for sure.
Bandit Leader	H-huh?
Gerald	At some point, I started to believe that I had to be...better. Brighter than the sun, stronger than steel. But I am who I am. My methods may be different, but it matters not, so long as we walk the same path.
A vision of Natalie appears...
Gerald	The path that we of the Scarlet Legion walk is the true path to bringing smiles to Envylia and all the world! Scarlet Legion, follow me! All units, charge!
The Scarlet Legion cheered loudly as they followed behind Gerald. Later...

Natalie opens her eyes.
Natalie	Hm...?
Gerald	Finally awake?
Natalie	I... H-huh?! What's going on?!
Gerald	You must be pretty out of it if you can't figure that out. I'm carrying you.
Natalie	I-I know that much! It's just that it's embarrassing!
Gerald	You lost consciousness. You weren't in any state to walk on your own.
Natalie	S-still...! Wait... What happened with the bandits?
Gerald	Incapacitated and bound. I instructed the Scarlet Legion to hand them over to the Envylian Guard.
Natalie	That's...good.
Gerald	Thank you, Natalie.
Natalie	F-for what?
Gerald	You really opened my eyes.
Natalie	Heheh. Guess I can put that dissection on hold then, huh?
Gerald	You really intend to do that someday?
Natalie	Assuming you keep sparking. Someone's got to do something about that! It might as well be me.
Gerald	...
Natalie	Gerald...?
Gerald	You were right. I've been comparing myself. To him. Leading the Scarlet Legion, I began to wonder which was more important: strength like steel or a light as bright as the sun?
Natalie	Well, look at you, being all honest with yourself. And to even admit that I'm right...
Gerald	I no longer have any doubts.
A vision of Vettel appears... Perhaps you are more suited to leading the Scarlet Legion. But I am who I am, and that is enough. Even if you forsake your vows, I will see them through to the end, the way that only I can. Driven by my iron will. The vision disappears...
Gerald	Natalie.
Natalie	Yes?
Gerald	Here and now, I vow to protect those I care for in my own way, regardless of how long that may take. So, please...remain by my side. Support me as you will.
Natalie	G-Gerald, I...! Of course I will, you idiot! Who else could support a sensitive, stubborn fool like you? It has to be me!
Gerald	Good. I'm counting on you.
Natalie	Hey... Can I ask you something?
Gerald	Sure.
Natalie	How long do you intend on carrying me?! I can walk now! Clearly!
Gerald	Why don't we go eat something sweet?
Natalie	Y-you're going to put me down first, right? We're not walking into town like this! No way! Put me down!
Gerald	Just let me carry you.
Natalie	Oh...
Gerald	Something you want to say?
Natalie	It's just... You're smiling. I haven't seen you smile in so long...
Gerald	I promised dad that I'd...
Natalie	Stop right there! Let the memory itself be enough. You don't have to put it all into words for me to understand. We're going to stay together, right? That's all that matters.
Gerald	You're right. Let's go, Natalie. Together.