A secluded training field till dusk

Saber stands, panting slightly, but with a determined look on his face.

Carlos: "This is the last attempt, then we’ll call it a day."

Saber signals agreement with a thumbs up.

Saber: Bend and be horizontal. (bends image) Jump from the hill when starting. (legs image) And land with the toes first. (image of standing Carlos)

Carlos watches intently as Saber performs the move and lands successfully, a smile forming as he sees Saber's progress.

Saber: (catching his breath) "I think I finally got the hang of it."

Carlos: (energetic) "That was incredible, Saber! You’re really mastering the dash move. Remember, control and precision are key. You have the power, now it's about using it effectively."

Saber: (smiling) "Thanks, Carlos. I couldn’t have done it without your help. You’re really great at explaining things."

Carlos: (shyly) "Oh, it’s nothing, really. I’m just glad I could help. You have a natural talent, Saber. Just keep practicing, and you’ll be unstoppable."

Saber: (grinning) "With you as my mentor, how can I go wrong?"

Carlos: (blushing slightly) "Mentor, huh? I like the sound of that. How about we meet here again in the morning for the next three days? I can review your moves and help you refine them."

Saber: (nodding) "Sounds like a plan. I’ll be here. Thanks, Carlos."

Carlos: (smiling) "Looking forward to it, Saber. See you tomorrow."

Saber: (smiling) "Aye Aye, captain."

Saber returns to the guild, covered in dirt and scratches.

Chloe: (noticing Saber's arrival) "Look who’s back! Did you wrestle a mud monster or something?"

Saber: (confidently) "It went great! I’ve got the dash move under control now."

Ergo: (smirking, approaching Saber seductively) "Oh, Saber, you look so rugged and... dirty. I like it. Maybe you need someone to help clean you up?"

Saber: (grinning) "Well, Ergo, if you insist. I could use a little... personal attention."

Chloe: (rolling her eyes) "Careful, Saber. She might just eat you alive. And not in the fun way."

Ergo: (teasingly) "Oh, Chloe, you’re just jealous. But don’t worry, there’s enough of Saber to go around."

Saber: (laughing) "Chloe, you know you’re my favorite. But Ergo does have a point."

Chloe: (mocking) "Oh, please. I’m not jealous. Just don’t come crying to me when she’s done with you."

Ergo: (smirking) "I promise I’ll be gentle... at first."

Saber: (laughing) "You guys are impossible."

Chloe: (smiling) "That’s the spirit, Saber. We’re going to need that energy."

Ergo: (teasing) "Just try not to dash into any walls, alright?"

Saber: (laughing) "I’ll do my best, Ergo."

Both leave, laughing. Chloe stands, angered and pouting.

Chloe: "But he’s MY friend."

Saber's room in the guild.

The room is modest, with a bed, a small desk, and a few personal items scattered around. Saber is lying on his bed, waving his leg.

Chloe: (bursting into the room) "Hey, Saber! What’s up, dirt boy?"

Saber: (startled) "Chloe! Ever heard of knocking?"

Chloe: (grinning) "Where’s the fun in that? So, how was your little training session? Did she give you a gold star?"

Saber: (smirking) "Very funny. It went well, actually."

Chloe: "Are you enjoying your time in the guild? I’m sure you are."

Saber: "At least I’ve got the dash move under control now."

Chloe: (mocking) "Oh, I’m sure Ergo was thrilled to hear that. She’s probably planning her next move to get her claws into you. But you look happy with that ‘Bath’ with Ergo, huh?"

Saber: (laughing) "Come on, Chloe, that was just made up by us since she said you’re really territorial and now it’s true besides. Ergo’s not that bad. (Confused face) Right?"

Chloe: (rolling her eyes) "Please. She’s a predator, Saber. She’s just waiting for the right moment to pounce. You need to watch your back around her."

Saber: (grinning) "Sounds like someone’s jealous."

Chloe: (mocking) "Jealous? Of her? As if! I just don’t want to see you get hurt, that’s all."

Saber: (teasing) "Sure, sure. Whatever you say, Chloe."

Chloe: (sighing) "Anyway, enough about her. You’re spending the afternoon with me tomorrow. We’re going to the stalls for some shopping."

Saber: (surprised) "Shopping? Really? But didn’t we already go to the mall maybe two days ago?"

Chloe: (grinning) "Yes, really. You need a break, and I need a shopping buddy. So be ready tomorrow afternoon."

Saber: (laughing) "Alright, alright. I’ll be ready."

Chloe: (smiling) "Good. And don’t keep me waiting, or I’ll drag you out in whatever you’re wearing."

THUD! The door closed.

Saber: "What is she upset about? Did our jokes hurt her?"

The next morning

Saber and Carlos are on the training field. The sun is just beginning to rise, casting a golden glow over the landscape. Saber is covered in sweat, and Carlos is watching the sunrise.

Carlos: "This feels good, right?"

Saber: (panting) "Indeed, but..." (falls) "I need water."

Carlos sits next to him.

Carlos: "So? Everything going good in the guild?"

Saber: "Not at all. There’s a bit of a situation between Chloe and Ergo."

Carlos: "I see, so what’s wrong with them?"

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Saber: (sighing) "Chloe’s been acting really weird. She barged into my room yesterday and started saying all these things about Ergo. She doesn’t trust her and thinks she’s up to no good."

Carlos: (patiently) "How do you feel about what Chloe said?"

Saber: (confused) "I don’t really get it. Ergo’s always been nice to me, and Chloe seems mad whenever she’s around. I don’t understand why they can’t just get along. Were they always like this? Then how is the team still intact?"

Carlos: (nodding) "It sounds like Chloe is jealous. She cares about you and probably sees Ergo as a threat. And the team is still together, which means Chloe is aware of the teasing too. She just acts that way in front of you, maybe."

Saber: (confused) "But why?"

Carlos: (patiently) "Sometimes, feelings are more complicated than that. Chloe might be worried that Ergo is getting too close to you for her liking."

Carlos: (smiling) Relationships can be tricky, Saber. Maybe you could try to bring them together, show them that there’s no need for jealousy. Sometimes, people just need a little push to see things from a different perspective.

Saber: (nodding slowly) Yeah, that makes sense. But it’s easier said than done.

Carlos: Indeed, you just have to wait for the right moment, friend.

Saber: I see.

Carlos: Come on, you said she’s going to take you shopping, right? Better not make her wait.

Saber: You’re right. Alright then.

In the distance:

Saber: See you tomorrow then.

Carlos: You bet.

He returns to the guild.

Saber: Finally! (Climbs the stairs and heads to his room. Falls on the bed) Man! I’m beaten up! That training was no joke. It’s been a hectic yesterday. Training with Carlos has been intense, but I feel like I’m really improving. And now, some downtime with Chloe... Maybe this shopping trip won’t be so bad after all.

In the shower (censored).

Out of the shower, covered in steam.

Saber: It feels so good after all that sweat. Feels like I’m evaporating. Maybe I should sit in the guild area to kill some time.

The guild’s common area is cozy, with comfortable chairs and a warm fireplace. Saber sits on the chair in comfort, hears footsteps approaching.

Ergo: (smirking) Well, look who’s all cleaned up. What’s the occasion, Saber?

Saber: (looking up) Hey, Ergo. Just getting ready to meet Chloe. She’s dragging me along for a shopping trip.

Ergo: (grinning) Shopping, huh? Good luck with that. Chloe can be quite the handful.

Saber: (laughing) Tell me about it. But I think it’ll be fun. We could use some downtime after all the training and missions.

Ergo: (raising an eyebrow) You’re not... worried about spending too much time with Chloe, are you? You know how she can get.

Saber: (shrugging) Chloe’s a good friend. Besides, it’s just shopping. What could go wrong?

Ergo: (smiling) Just don’t let her talk you into buying anything too crazy. I wouldn’t want to see you in something ridiculous.

Saber: (grinning) I’ll try to keep my dignity intact.

Ergo laughs and heads off.

Saber: Time passes quickly, and soon it’s almost time to meet Chloe. (Heads out to find her.)

At the guild entrance, Chloe is waiting for Saber, looking impatient but excited.

Chloe: (grinning) There you are! I was starting to think you’d bailed on me.

Saber: (smiling) I wouldn’t do that. Ready to go?

Chloe: (playfully) You bet! Let’s hit the shops and have some fun.

Saber: (laughing) Alright, lead the way.

The bustling streets of the town. Market stalls and shops line the streets, and people are busy with their day. Saber and Chloe walk through the crowd, looking at the various items on display.

Chloe: (excited) Look at all these stalls! We’re going to find so many cool things today.

Saber: (smiling) You really love shopping, don’t you?

Chloe: (grinning) Of course! It’s one of my favorite things to do. Plus, you need some new gear.

Saber: (teasing) Oh, so this is really just an excuse to dress me up?

Chloe: (laughing) Maybe. But you’ll thank me when you see how good you look.

They walk through the market, stopping at various stalls to look at clothes, weapons, and trinkets. Chloe picks up a few items and holds them up to Saber, checking for size.

Chloe: (holding up a jacket) Try this on. I think it’ll look great on you.

Saber: (putting on the jacket) How do I look?

Chloe: (nodding approvingly) Very handsome. You’re definitely getting that.

Saber: (laughing) Alright, if you say so.

They head out.

Saber: (looking at a stall) Hey, look at this! It’s a bracelet with our guild’s emblem.

Chloe: (smiling) That’s perfect. We should get matching ones.

Saber: (nodding) Yeah, let’s do it. A little reminder of our adventures.

They purchase the bracelets and put them on, smiling at each other. As they walk, they come across a small café.

Saber: I’m beat, should we take a break?

Chloe: If you say so, grandpa.

A cozy café with outdoor seating. Saber and Chloe sit down at a table.

Chloe: (grinning) So, what’s the plan for today, Mr. Hero? Besides making me look good by association.

Saber: (smirking) Oh, you know, just trying to keep up with you. It’s a full-time job.

Chloe: (teasing) You’re doing a pretty good job so far. But let’s see if you can handle this. (leans in closer) How about a little game? Whoever blushes first has to pay for lunch.

Saber: (laughing) You’re on. But don’t think I’ll go easy on you.

Chloe: (smirking) I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Their food arrives. Chloe looks at Saber and grins. Chloe picks up a piece of her dessert and holds it out to Saber.

Chloe: (playfully) Here, try this. It’s really good.

Saber: (blushing slightly) Uh, okay. (leans in and takes a bite) Wow, that is good.

Chloe: (smiling) Told you. Now, let’s see if you can make me blush.

Saber: (grinning) Challenge accepted. (picks up a piece of his food and holds it out to Chloe) Your turn.

Chloe: (blushing) Alright, alright. (takes a bite) Not bad, Saber. Not bad at all.

Saber: (teasing) You’re blushing, Chloe. Looks like lunch is on you.

Chloe: (laughing) Fine, you win this round. But don’t get too comfortable. I’ll get you back.

Saber: (smiling) I’m looking forward to it.

They hear a laugh. A disabled wheelchair kid was being bullied by three tall boys. They’re hitting the kid.

Guy 1: Must be nice, knowing you’ll never stop being a dead weight to your parents.

Guy 2: Oh wait, they don’t exist.

All three laugh.

Guy 3: Guys, don’t be mean. It’s not his fault that god also hates him.

All three laugh.

Guy 1: Hey! (lip click) Come here, bozo.

Guy 2: We’ll give you a treat.

Guy 3: A dog with ‘four’ legs!

All three laugh.

Guy 2: Guess you’ll never have to worry about standing up for yourself—

A kick on the knee. Saber grabs the other knee, pulls up, and Guy 2 falls on his head. Saber kicks the knee and cracks it.

Saber: Guess you’re ‘one leg’ short of a good comeback now.

Guys 1 and 3 remove knives.

Guy 3: Why, you brat!

A cloud-like fight in the background while Chloe sips on coffee with her eyes closed.

Chloe: Ah! What a peaceful day it is.

Takes a bite of the cake. Saber dodges the knife, kicks Guy 1 in the crotch, and grabs Guy 3 with both hands on the chest.

Saber: Guess I just gave you a ‘hot hand’ on both breasts.

And kicks the crotch.

Saber: I think I just cracked your eggs; I hope the chicks are fine.

Chloe in focus, commotion in the background.

Chloe: Can I have the ‘egg’ omelette?

Waiter: Absolutely, ma'am.

Looks at Guy 1.

Saber: And you. Looks like you’ve been ‘kicked in the family jewel’. Hope they’re still on sale.

Chloe in focus again.

Chloe: I think he’s really feeling the ‘price’ of that one.

Saber kneeling in front of the wheelchair kid.

Saber: Are you alright?

Kid (smiling): Yes, and thank you. To the both of you.

Saber (confused): ‘Both of you’?

Chloe: Great teamwork, Junior!

Saber (yelling): And what did you do?!

Saber and Chloe link arms.

Saber & Chloe: Bye, take care of yourself.

While walking:

Chloe (softly): You know, Saber, you’re not just a pretty face. What you did back there... it was really something.

Saber (smiling): It was the right thing to do. No one should have to go through that.

Chloe (grinning): You’re a good guy, Saber. Maybe even too good for your own good.

Saber (laughing): I’ll take that as a compliment.

Chloe (playfully): You should. Now, let’s get back to shopping before I start getting all mushy.

They continue their shopping trip. Chloe stays closer to Saber, often linking her arm with his and leaning in as they walk. Chloe's demeanor becomes noticeably more affectionate and clingy.

LOCATION: THE CLOCK TOWER

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the town, Chloe led Saber to the stairs of the clock tower.

Chloe: This is our final destination.

Saber: What do you mean?

Chloe holds Saber’s hand and pulls him.

Chloe: Come on!

The climb was steep, but the view from the top was breathtaking.

Saber (panting): Wha-Whayt diyd I evey dyoe thwo you?

Chloe: Excuse me, I forgot my translator for aliens.

A cool breeze rustled their hair, and the town below looked peaceful and serene. Transition of Saber’s shining eyes.

Chloe: Pretty amazing, huh? I come up here whenever I need to clear my head.

Saber (nodding): It’s beautiful. Thanks for bringing me here. I feel alive again.

They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, watching the sun dip below the horizon. The sky was painted in hues of orange and pink, and the first stars began to twinkle.

Saber: Chloe, I just wanted to say… thank you. This might be the best gift anyone could offer.

Chloe (confused): A gift?

Saber (smiling): When you share an important thing with someone, it becomes a memory, and what’s more valuable than a picture of memory?

Chloe (smiling): That’s what friends are for. You did great out there, Saber. I’m proud of you. But…

Saber's confused face.

Chloe: There’s another ‘gift’ I’ll like to give you. Something you’ll never forget.

Chloe closes her eyes and blushes.

Chloe: Close your eyes.

Saber, closes his eyes. Chloe walks towards him. She kissed him on the cheek. Saber blushes, shocked. Chloe runs away.

Saber placed his hand on his cheek, blushing. He shouted, "WHAAAAT!!!"

Chloe, running down the stairs, was blushing. She stopped and leaned on the corner, both hands on her mouth, blushing hard. "I did it!" she said, zooming in. "I finally did it." More zooming in. "I touched my lips on his cheek."

Saber, blushing hard, thought, She did it! Zooming in. She finally did it! More zooming in. She finally g-gave me a k-k-kiss!

Both thinking the same thought. Is this really happening? they thought.

Saber: Now I wonder what she is thinking after this.

Chloe: Now I wonder what he is thinking after this.