| 1 | %% |
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| 3 | %% This list of examples has been alphabetized. Please place any additional entries in correct order. Thanks! |
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| 6 | [[quoteright:250:[[ComicBook/FantasticFour https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/declaration_of_protection.png]]]] |
| 7 | %%[[caption-width-right:250:some caption text]] |
| 8 | |
| 9 | ->''"Even if you become the world's enemy, I'll... I'll be your Knight!"'' |
| 10 | -->-- '''Squall Leonhart''', ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVIII'' |
| 11 | |
| 12 | A person (usually TheHero) has their motivation built around [[{{Protectorate}} protecting]] another person. Most of the time, it's their LoveInterest, but it could also be their [[BigBrotherInstinct sibling/s]], or [[TrueCompanions friends]], or [[MamaBear chil]][[PapaWolf d(ren)]], or [[ParentsInDistress parents/parental figure]]. |
| 13 | |
| 14 | In Anime, the sentence ''"Zettai ni mamoru!"'' is likely to be used -- if not spoken aloud, then thought. Depending on context, this can mean anything from a literal "I'll protect you from danger" to a more comradely "I'll watch your back" to akin to a LoveConfession, i.e. "I'll always be there for you." Because of this, expect the recipient to respond with a LuminescentBlush regardless of what she says. |
| 15 | |
| 16 | Almost every time, some sort of complication or detail will be brought up in this situation. |
| 17 | |
| 18 | * The protected person [[BodyguardingABadass is capable of looking after themself]]. The protector has a hard enough time keeping up with them, much less being of any use, and will often chastise themself for failing to live up to their perceived duty as protector. Inevitably, however, the protected ''will'' get into trouble, at which point the hero's HeroicResolve will manifest and they'll become [[CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass suddenly competent]] as they leap to save them. |
| 19 | * The protector fails to protect the protectee, resulting in the latter's death. This will be their [[MyGreatestFailure Greatest Failure]]. In this case, the relationship is more likely to be part of the backstory. It might have been the former protector's StartOfDarkness, as they went over to TheDarkSide while seeking revenge, or went mad while seeking to bring the protected back. Or maybe the protector just cracked and turned into a DeathSeeker. If the protected person survived despite their failure, the effects will be less severe, but all of the above can still occur -- there's just a better chance of [[MyGreatestSecondChance redemption]] later on. If the protector has to protect multiple people and fails at doing so, then they're effectively a DoomMagnet and tend to suffer SurvivorGuilt. |
| 20 | * The protected person is normal, and the protector is not... and the main reason the protected is even in danger is that someone is hunting the ''protector''. Thus, the protector feels compelled to [[ItsNotYouItsMyEnemies part with the protected]], or run away from any other responsibilities to keep them safe. It almost never works. Note that most of the examples in ItsNotYouItsMyEnemies do ''not'' apply here -- for it to qualify, protecting that person has to be the character's main driving motivation -- so, for example, ComicBook/SpiderMan wouldn't qualify, since he knows he has a greater responsibility to protect the entire city, and the world. (Let's not even ''mention'' ComicBook/OneMoreDay...) |
| 21 | * The protector protects their person, but at [[TakingTheBullet the cost of their own life]], or nearly so. If the protector dies, it could be a StartOfDarkness for the ''protected'', as guilt and anger push them towards extreme action. If the protector survives, it's more likely to work as a BerserkButton, but it might also compel the protected to try and [[ShooTheDog push them away]] so they won't get hurt again. |
| 22 | * The protected person turns out to be TheMole or just plain bad news. The protector likely won't see this, even if others try to tell them -- and it's fairly likely that they won't realize it 'till the protected person finally stabs him in the back. It can turn out in a lot of different ways, but it's usually quite tragic. If the protector kills their (former) protected in response, it'll probably turn out that the traitor was acting under duress, and the protector will be swallowed by grief and regret. If the protector dies by the traitor's hand, they'll probably realize that they really did love them, and be swallowed by grief and regret. But if the protector continued to insist on protecting the protected, even after they've shown what's BeneathTheMask, they might realize that they really do love them ''before'' they kill them and be [[LoveRedeems redeemed by love]]. |
| 23 | * "Protecting" turns out to be more complicated and morally ambiguous than it sounds. Maybe the protected person has some sort of weird power that makes a lot of people fear them, or maybe the very layout of the world makes it impossible for them to live in peace. The hero may be forced to fight and kill more-or-less innocent people who attack the protected person out of fear, or orchestrate [[LaResistance rebellions]] and war in order to change the world for their love's benefit -- either way, there's bound to be a lot of victims, and the "hero" will start to look less and less heroic. |
| 24 | * In the past, the protected person did something for the protector. Either saved their life, pulled them out of non-lethal trouble, gave them something they needed, befriended them when nobody else was willing to, etc. So the protector [[BecauseYouWereNiceToMe cherishes said moment]] in which the protected was there for them, feels indebted to them and decides to protect them as a way to pay them back for their help. Debts must be paid, after all... even if it involves going to Hell and back to not owe that person anything. |
| 25 | |
| 26 | Naturally, not all cases will fit neatly into one of these categories, and of course, there ''are'' cases where there isn't really any major complications just someone protecting another person from the MonsterOfTheWeek, for as long as it takes. Sometimes the declaration is ''mutual'', and you get a BattleCouple. |
| 27 | |
| 28 | A SubTrope of {{Protectorate}} and TheChampion. BodyguardCrush is when the protection comes before the emotions. TheDulcineaEffect is when this absolute dedication pops up all of 10 seconds after he first sees her. MamaBear and PapaWolf are when it's a parent protecting their child. This trope is part of the job description for LadyAndKnight. In ancient times, [[SacredHospitality becoming someone's guest]] automatically put you under their protection, leading to a lot of this. If the protector is smarter, more grounded in reality, or more competent than [[CloudCuckoolander the protectee]], or perceived to be, they're a CloudcuckoolandersMinder. Compare IfYouEverDoAnythingToHurtHer. |
| 29 | ---- |
| 30 | !!Examples: |
| 31 | |
| 32 | [[foldercontrol]] |
| 33 | |
| 34 | [[folder:Anime & Manga]] |
| 35 | * ''Literature/AccelWorld'': Hauyuki Arita made a vow to support and protect his leader Kuroyukihime in the Brain Burst game. This despite Black Lotus, one of the top seven players in the game, being leagues above Silver Crow. It's actually part of Haru's character development that he's trying to make himself worthy of being her knight. The fact that he's actually able to make good on this declaration a couple of times is an awesome moment for him. |
| 36 | %%Administrivia/WeblinksAreNotExamples* ''Anime/AngelBeats'' uses this with Hinata and Yuri/Yurippe and also [[spoiler: they're both immortal]]. |
| 37 | * ''Manga/AttackOnTitan'': While initially this isn't the case, Mikasa's relationship with Eren becomes this when [[spoiler: it is revealed that Eren is a titan shifter]]. Years ago Mikasa's parents were murdered in front of her, Eren killed the criminals and then took her into his family; after the disappearance of Eren's dad and the death of his mother, he is the only family she has left. |
| 38 | * ''Manga/AyakashiTriangle'': |
| 39 | ** When Matsuri was informed at a young age his best friend Suzu would be regularly attacked by evil spirit, he decided on the spot to follow his family tradition as a ninja exorcist to protect her. |
| 40 | ** After Soga falls in love with Suzu, he tries to tell her he wants to keep her safe as well. However, he ends up messing up and telling Suzu he would protect ''Matsuri'', causing some [[ImaginaryLoveTriangle complications]]. Much later, Soga intentionally does swear to protect Matsuri, finally acknowledging him as a friend and not just a rival. |
| 41 | ** Suzu eventually learns to fight herself, dramatically declaring when she's in a position to save Matsuri as well. Matsuri [[EmbarrassingRescue isn't really pleased]] with the role-reversal. |
| 42 | * A very interesting case happens in ''Literature/BakaAndTestSummonTheBeasts''. Resident {{Yandere}} Shouko is absolutely obsessed with BrilliantButLazy student Yuuji, and at first it seems like she's just a crazy UnluckyChildhoodFriend. But then in Episode 11 of Season 2, it goes into their backstory, and her reasons are explained as this: Shouko was and still is a LonelyRichKid, with Yuuji as her OnlyFriend. At some point, Yuuji pulled a BigDamnHeroes moment to save Shouko from three boys who tried to bully her after she tried to stop them from writing some vicious lies on his PE clothing; he tried to come up with an excuse not to help but in the end, saves her anyway. Although he tries to pass it off as nothing, Shouko is really touched by that action, and she vows to his mother to marry him someday. His mom happily agrees to support her efforts as well... which then sort of helps explain why [[DoubleStandardAbuseFemaleOnMale she tasers him, ties him up, pokes his eyes out when he's looking at other women, and drags him to the movies in chains.]] |
| 43 | * ''Manga/{{Berserk}}'': Guts alls into both the first and second categories listed above. [[spoiler:He did everything he could to save Casca during the Eclipse, up to and including ''chiseling off his own left wrist'', and she was still [[ForcedToWatch raped in front of him by Femto]]]]. She survived, but her mind was completely gone. Her fate is most of what fuels his post-Eclipse UnstoppableRage during battle and continuous RoaringRampageOfRevenge. Later, when Guts puts said roaring rampage on hold, his top priority is to protect Casca above all else -- [[SuperPoweredEvilSide even from himself]]. |
| 44 | * Sebastian from ''Anime/BlackButler'' often reiterates his solemn pledge to protect Ciel, reminding the young lord that he will be with him to the end. Of course, this is because [[spoiler:Sebastian himself will be ''delivering'' that end, when he eventually devours Ciel's soul [[DealWithTheDevil in payment for his service]]]]. |
| 45 | * ''Manga/{{Bleach}}'': |
| 46 | ** Kanae Katagiri vowed to protect the more powerful [[HeroicNeutral Ryuuken]] no matter what the cost, and that no matter what happened she would never, ever leave his side. [[spoiler:She is later murdered by TheEmperor; Souken implies Ryuuken's made a similar declaration to ensure his and Kanae's badass son, Uryuu, does not share his mother's fate.]] |
| 47 | ** In the wild, Harribel lived as close as she could to a life of non-violence and starvation to defy the SocialDarwinist laws of Hueco Mundo. Since then, she has been motivated to fight by a desire to keep her few friends from dying... and these friends are her AmazonBrigade. |
| 48 | ** In the "Princess and Dragon" chapters, Orihime reveals that Tatsuki had always [[BullyHunter protected her from the bullies]] that had prevented her from keeping her unusually-coloured hair at the length her beloved older brother preferred. When Tatsuki is defeated and almost killed by a Hollow, Orihime steps in to protect Tatsuki, motivated by the gratitude and desire to repay the debt. Her resolve awakens her BarrierWarrior powers, which were already there but needed a bit more of a push to fully come to the surface. |
| 49 | --->'''Orihime:''' Thank you, for protecting me until now. So please...\ |
| 50 | '''Tatsuki:''' Orihime...?\ |
| 51 | '''Orihime:''' Don't cry! Because this time, I will protect Tatsuki-chan. |
| 52 | ** Rukia was the one who unlocked Ichigo's powers by giving him hers, giving him the chance to protect others from supernatural threats. By doing so, she broke a cardinal law of Soul Society and was taken away to be executed; Ichigo's motivation to go into Soul Society with his friends to retrieve and save her comes from both Orihime coming up with the idea and his own desire to repay Rukia for what he did for him. |
| 53 | ** Toushirou and Momo were raised together and she was the only child in the neighbourhood not afraid of Toushirou's power. When they both became Shinigami, he swore to protect her, vowing to Gin he'd kill him if Gin made her bleed even a little. [[spoiler:His hatred for Aizen stems from Aizen's betrayal breaking and almost killing Momo. During the Fake Karakura Town, Momo regains her badass status until Aizen manipulates Toushirou into accidentally stabbing her, and then stabs him. They both eventually recover and are implied to still be very close at the end of the series.]] |
| 54 | ** When Espada attack Karakura Town, Ichigo is devastated by his inability to prevent Orihime from getting seriously injured. Rukia then makes Ichigo go meet up with Orihime, to apologise for his failure and promise to not fail next time. The following arc has Orihime forced to go with the Espadas and Ichigo going to rescue her with Rukia, Chad, Renji, and Ishida, focusing on getting Orihime back no matter what -- even when such a desire triggers situations like Ichigo bringing himself BackFromTheDead upon hearing her cry out for him and brutalising both foes (Ulquiorra, alias the one who killed him ''and'' mentally tortured Orihime) '''and''' friends (Ishida, who committed the well-intentioned but huge mistake of trying to calm him down from such a rage): |
| 55 | ---> '''Ichigo:''' Inoue, I will get stronger, and next time... I'll definitely protect you...\ |
| 56 | '''Ichigo''' (as he returns from death): She's calling me... I can hear her... Stand up. Stand up. I will protect her. |
| 57 | * ''Manga/BlueExorcist'' has the relationship between twins [[TheHero Rin]] and [[TheAce Yukio]] when they were younger. Yukio was bullied and Rin went to beat the bullies up just because they were picking on Yukio. |
| 58 | * ''Anime/BrigadoonMarinAndMelan'': Things start off simple for Melan. His job is to protect the Creis, who happens to become his friend [[spoiler: and eventually his LoveInterest. Then it turns out that she's not the Creis after all, and protecting her means taking time out from his REAL mission.]] |
| 59 | * ''Manga/BusoRenkin'': Kazuki gave this speech to an opponent (who also gave the same speech) when asked why he was protecting Tokiko. He said that it was because of Tokiko that he was still alive, so he would protect her and fight in her place. Kazuki's situation is actually a combination of types 1 and 7 since Tokiko is a very capable ActionGirl. |
| 60 | * ''Manga/CaseClosed'': |
| 61 | ** [[spoiler: Inspector Ninzaburo Shiratori decided to become a policeman instead of a lawyer thanks to a chance encounter with a pint-sized ManicPixieDreamGirl who was a big fan of the police forces.]] When he talks to the girl [[spoiler: [[FirstGirlAfterAll after realising]] that the ActionGirl Sato was ''not'' her]], he soon promises to protect her with his own life no matter what. [[spoiler: When she, the teacher Sumiko Kobayashi, is targeted by a killer [[HeKnowsTooMuch who wants to silence her]], Shiratori, Sato, Conan, Ai, and the Detective Kids protect her and catch the culprit, and Shiratori gives her a proper LoveConfession.]] |
| 62 | ** [[spoiler: the AntiVillain Akemi Miyano is implied to have asked her boyfriend Shuichi Akai to promise that he would protect her teenage sister Shiho -- few hours before her own death.]] The twist is that he's fulfilling the trope, and even made an explicit declaration of protection to [[spoiler: Shiho]] in which he referred to her as a princess and called himself her knight... but [[spoiler: both of them are living under [[SecretIdentity secret identities]]: he names himself Subaru Okiya, and she not only [[FountainofYouth has been shrunk to a little girl's body]] but calls herself Ai Haibara.]] |
| 63 | %%Administrivia/PartialContextExample* ''Manga/CeresCelestialLegend'': [[spoiler:Shiso and Ceres have an InterSpeciesRomance-type marriage, with him as a human and her as a MagicalGirl of sorts. After they're attacked and he cannot help her fight off their attackers, Shiso decides that he doesn't want to be TheLoad and asks Ceres to give him a part of her powers, so he can fulfill this trope. Said powers drive him literally ''crazy'' for Ceres, with dire consequences.]] |
| 64 | %%%%%%%% Such as? |
| 65 | %%%* ''Manga/{{Claymore}}'' could be interpreted as having at least two of these. |
| 66 | * ''Anime/CodeGeass'': |
| 67 | ** [[HeroAntagonist Suzaku Kururugi]] and [[RoseHairedSweetie Euphemia li Britannia]]. Initially a straight and uncomplicated "[[LadyAndKnight knight and princess]]" relationship, [[spoiler:Euphemia's death at the hands of [[MyHeroZero Zero]] pushes Suzaku off of his white horse, driving him into [[KnightTemplar much more questionable actions]], such as selling out Zero -- who turns out to be his oldest friend, main character [[TheChessmaster Lelouch vi Britannia]] -- to his worst enemy, or releasing a powerful nuke in battle... and, in the end, he winds up supporting one of the bloodiest tyrannies in history. Led by, you know, Lelouch. Oh, and did we mention that Suzaku eventually kills Lelouch on the latter's orders as part of a ThanatosGambit?]] |
| 68 | ** Lelouch has this strange habit of personally jumping into [[HumongousMecha Knightmare]] combat whenever Kallen (who is ''the'' best soldier in his army) is in trouble, even if it means putting himself in danger. He claims it's just because she's too valuable a resource to lose, but the essence is this trope. |
| 69 | ** A teenaged [[GeniusBruiser Li Xingke]] vows to protect [[AChildShallLeadThem Empress Tianzi]] after she saves him from execution. Years later, he keeps his promise. Spectacularly. |
| 70 | ** Lelouch's desire to give his younger sister, [[WheelchairWoobie Nunnally vi Britannia]], a 'world of peace' [[WellIntentionedExtremist leads him further and further down the path of darkness]]. When she finally finds out what he's been doing in the name of helping her, she's understandably horrified [[spoiler:and becomes easy prey for [[TheEvilPrince Schneizel]]'s manipulations]]. |
| 71 | * ''Anime/CrossAnge'': [[BadassNormal Tusk]] declares himself the [[BodyguardingABadass Knight]] [[BodyguardCrush of]] [[FallenPrincess Ange]], and is willing to put his life on the line for the titular main character. [[spoiler:He is so adamant a protector for her that he stands in the way of BigBad [[AGodAmI Embryo]] to make sure he doesn't get his hands on her, and [[DisneyDeath even defies death itself just to return to her side]].]] |
| 72 | * ''Manga/ACruelGodReigns'': Ian is determined to protect, love, and save Jeremy, but it gets complicated considering Jeremy used VehicularSabotage to make what happened to his father [[MakeItLookLikeAnAccident look like an accident]], even if Jeremy did have valid reasons... |
| 73 | * ''Manga/DanceInTheVampireBund'': |
| 74 | ** While Akira and Mina generally fit in this category, it's complicated by the fact that they're [[BattleCouple a match for each other]]. Though to be frank if Mina had to watch her own back all the time she'd have absolutely no time left to ''rule'', and Akira has "protecting her" [[BodyguardCrush in his job description]]. |
| 75 | ** Another interesting point is that if we reverse the roles, then Mina herself clearly fits the ''last'' category. Akira is her anchor in [[TheWoobie the merciless world around her]], and their childhood promise is the main thing that holds [[AntiHero her]] still on the [[JumpingOffTheSlipperySlope Slippery Slope]]. |
| 76 | * ''Anime/DayBreakIllusion'': Luna promises to protect Akari shortly after they met, and Akari says she'll do her best too. [[spoiler:Eventually Cerebrum uses Luna's love for Akari to turn her into a Daemonia, but she gets better and then teams up with Seira, whom she was initially jealous of, to keep her promise and save Akari from Cerebrum.]] |
| 77 | * ''Manga/DeathNote'': |
| 78 | ** After [[spoiler: his little sister Sayu gets kidnapped by the mafia]] [[VillainProtagonist Light]] deliberately sets things up so that he can't kill her without incriminating himself, because he knows he's likely to take the easy way out. |
| 79 | ** Rem forces Light, under direct threat of death, to adopt this mindset towards Misa in regards to his plans during the events that lead up to the Yotsuba arc. |
| 80 | * ''Manga/DemonSlayerKimetsuNoYaiba'': Zenitsu in his never-ending quest in trying to get himself a lover, self-declares himself to be Nezuko's protector as soon as he finds out she is a harmless demon and sister of his newfound good friend Tanjiro, as he thinks she should be protected at all costs; this is mostly used as a comic motivator for Zenitsu to get up and do his job as a demon slayer and to train harder, in a fight against the Lower Rank One however this is applied seriously, with Zenitsu actually speaking to Nezuko in his trance mode that he will protect her, shielding her from the Lower Rank's attacks as she was fighting alone till then. |
| 81 | * ''Anime/DigimonAdventure'': [[TagAlongKid Takeru]] [[ThePromise promised]] to Sora that he'd protect [[DelicateAndSickly Hikari]]. [[TimeSkip Fast forward]] to ''Anime/DigimonAdventure02'' and Takeru still takes that promise seriously even if Hikari by now can take care of herself (provided an EldritchLocation isn't [[MindRape messing with her head]]). To wit, he is seen putting himself protectively in front of Hikari (episode 3), seemed angry at himself for accidentally leaving her stranded in the Digital World (episode 7), and doggedly searched for her when she was taken by the Dark Ocean (episode 13). |
| 82 | * In ''Literature/DragonCrisis'', Ryuuji does this for Ai. She is able to read his thoughts due to magical earrings she was wearing at the time. Although she learns that he's scared, he still tries to protect her, long enough for the BigDamnHeroes to show up to help him. |
| 83 | * ''Manga/Eyeshield21'': Non-romantic, but the main linemen of a team sometimes says that to his teammates. That is what their position is about. |
| 84 | * ''Manga/FairyTail'': Gray, after [[spoiler:being locked in an InvoluntaryBattleToTheDeath]] with Juvia and [[spoiler:attempting a HeroicSuicide to avoid having to harm her, only to see that she did the same thing, laments the outcome]], saying that he didn't just want to see her come to harm as a friend, but wanted to protect her. While Gray's somewhat stronger than Juvia, Juvia is still a capable mage in her own right, and this is played as a possible hint that Gray is starting to return Juvia's feelings. |
| 85 | * ''Manga/FullmetalAlchemist'': FriendlySniper Riza Hawkeye spends all her time BodyguardingABadass. It is her sworn duty to protect the Flame Alchemist, ColonelBadass Roy Mustang; she even tells the young Winry Rockbell that this is the reason she's in the military despite her own dislike of it. |
| 86 | * While Sousuke of ''Literature/FullMetalPanic'' develops a something of BodyguardCrush on Kaname within a week and a half of being assigned as her bodyguard, but it starts off small and subtle enough that he barely even notices it under all the stoicism and professionalism. But by the halfway mark, he starts recognizing that Kaname has been so critical to his [[DefrostingIceQueen emotional awakening]] and realization that LivingIsMoreThanSurviving that he literally can't imagine having a future that doesn't have her in it, and thus protecting Kaname grows from a mere BodyguardCrush into his [[WorthLivingFor primary reason to for living]]. |
| 87 | * ''Manga/FushigiYuugi'': Tamahome famously declares his wish to always protect Miaka ever since he saved her from being crushed by a fallen roof when meeting Emperor Hotohori for the first time. He becomes seriously take his job to protect her after he lost his family to Suboshi. |
| 88 | * ''Anime/GirlsUndPanzer'': [[ByronicHero Maho]]'s ultimate goal in living up to the standards for the Nishizumi heiress is [[spoiler:so that her younger sister Miho can live and do tankery as she wishes, without having to take up the responsibility in her stead. It takes six years, from near the end of the prequel manga to the last episode of the first series, but Miho ultimately finds a way of Tankery that she can do, and Maho is very pleased with this]]. |
| 89 | -->'''Maho''' As long as I'm the heir to the Nishizumi school... [[spoiler:Miho will be free]]. |
| 90 | * ''Manga/HayateTheCombatButler'': |
| 91 | ** Hayate (the [[BattleButler butler]]) to his mistress, Nagi. She saves him from his miserable life by paying off his debt to the {{Yakuza}} and giving him a home in her mansion and a job as her butler, with a promise to pay her back over years of work. But it never was about the money -- the amount means nothing to her absurd wealth. She simply likes him from the start, while his gratitude quickly compounds with a deep affection and interest in her well-being. |
| 92 | ** There's also the residual guilt from initially wanting to ''kidnap and ransom her''. He was in a desperate enough situation -- thanks entirely to his AbusiveParents -- that this isn't a MoralEventHorizon, but he still felt terrible about it after he came to his senses. |
| 93 | * ''Anime/HelloSandybell'': It's not stated, but after little Sandybell befriended Edward, he felt a connection to her and watches her from the shadows to help her whenever she needs it. Many a villain who tries to mess with her is swiftly taken out by him. |
| 94 | * ''Manga/HunterXHunter'': "I will definitely protect Gon" practically becomes Killua's SurvivalMantra during part of the Chimera Ant arc. |
| 95 | * ''Manga/IGotMyWishAndReincarnatedAsTheVillainessLastBoss'': At the end of Chapter 9, Elizabeth declares the following to Karen's bullies, enough to make Karen blush in response: |
| 96 | -->'''Elizabeth''': Karen is my FirstFriend ever. I won't allow anyone to hurt her. It doesn't matter who it is. I'll even fight the entire world for her! |
| 97 | * ''Manga/IkkiTousen'': Shuuyu has this problem. He's a skilled fighter, even amongst his fellow 'reincarnated ''Literature/RomanceOfTheThreeKingdoms'' warriors', but he doesn't have quite the same level of world-shaking power as his BodyguardCrush, Sonsaku. The fact that Sonsaku is ObliviousToLove and a fight-loving BloodKnight does little to improve his situation -- her first reaction to him declaring his intent to protect her even at the cost of his own life, is to ask if he's eaten something strange... |
| 98 | * Ikumi from ''Anime/InfiniteRyvius'' lost his sister years ago, and was severely traumatized by it... [[spoiler: which makes sense, seeing as she committed suicide because of their illicit BrotherSisterIncest relationship]]. So he's sworn never to fail to protect a woman, particularly one he cares about. When his new girlfriend, Kozue, is attacked and scarred while he was out fighting, it becomes his StartOfDarkness as he decided that UtopiaJustifiesTheMeans -- he'll do [[KnightTemplar whatever it takes]] to protect her from now on. It... doesn't end well. Either way, that means he fits this trope TWICE OVER. Poor guy. |
| 99 | * In the third ''Manga/{{Inuyasha}}'' movie, ''[[Anime/InuyashaTheMovieSwordsOfAnHonorableRuler Swords of an Honorable Ruler]]'', in response to Sesshomaru's desire for power, his father asks him "Do you have someone to protect?". At the climax, these words come back over rapid-fire cuts of Jaken and Rin, but just as it seems he's finally learned the lesson, Sesshomaru [[SubvertedTrope defiantly declares]] IWorkAlone. |
| 100 | * ''Literature/ItsukaTenmaNoKuroUsagi'': |
| 101 | ** Kurogane Taito starts out as a rather extreme case of this. He's a borderline BadassNormal thanks to a childhood as a Karate prodigy, but otherwise an OrdinaryHighSchoolStudent. She is Saitohimea, an incalculably ancient [[OurVampiresAreDifferent vampire sorceress]] with a literally [[PhysicalGod godlike powerlevel]], handily clocking in at a 6 on the JustForFun/SuperWeight scale. Yet, he desperately wants to protect her. The balance gradually gets evened out, though, starting with her giving him the KissOfTheVampire, supplying him with [[HealingFactor pseudo-immortality]], and later granting him access to a DangerousForbiddenTechnique which kills the user -- handy when you can [[GoodThingYouCanHeal auto-revive]]. Shortly after, [[spoiler: she trades most of her magical power away in a DealWithTheDevil to resurrect him after he manages to get himself perma-killed]] -- though of course that just makes him even MORE determined to protect her. Add in some good old TrainingFromHell, and we start to reach the point where he can conceivably be considered her protector. |
| 102 | ** Might also count as an inverted case of 'it got complicated'... Saitohimea has been on the edge of a SuicidalCosmicTemperTantrum due to [[WhoWantsToLiveForever immortal loneliness]] before, and her relationship with Taito is all that's keeping her (relatively) sane at the moment. Hence, MAINTAINING their relationship is of no small interest to a number of organizations with a vested interest in the continued existence of the universe. |
| 103 | * ''Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventure'': |
| 104 | ** ''[[Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventureDiamondIsUnbreakable Diamond is Unbreakable]]'': During Kira's encounter with Stray Cat, it attacks Shinobu and Kira (who has taken her husband's identity) moves to protect her, declaring to [[WhatIsThisFeeling his own shock afterwards]]; "I won't let you harm her anymore. I'll make you ''disappear!''" and holding her in his arms. |
| 105 | ** ''[[Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventureGoldenWind Golden Wind]]'': In one of his most selfless moments, Narancia declares to Trish that he will always protect her after they defeat Diavolo. [[spoiler:He tragically gets killed mere moments after this]]. |
| 106 | ** ''[[Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventureStoneOcean Stone Ocean]]'': Anasui declares this towards Jolyne just for [[LoveAtFirstSight falling in love at her first sight]]. |
| 107 | ** ''[[Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventureSteelBallRun Steel Ball Run]]'': Gyro announces his intent to win the race for the pardon of a young boy in his country that's due to be executed he wishes to rescue. |
| 108 | ** ''[[Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventureJoJolion JoJolion]]'': Despite being frightened and cornered, Tsurugi gives a Declaration of Protection for Jobin after realizing the extent of his true motives. |
| 109 | * ''Manga/KaijuGirlCaramelise'': After Arata gets kissed by [[{{Kaiju}} Harugon]] at Okutama lake, he gets invited on the talk show "Gabfest" in order to satisfy the public's curiosity about him. He ends up getting railroaded into saying "I'll protect you, Harugon" at one point by the show's producers, who want to play up the "Kaiju Prince" angle that the public has latched onto. But while he was unwillingly goaded into saying this on the show, he ''does'' want to make people realize that Harugon is a NonMaliciousMonster, so the underlying sentiment is really there. Plus, [[SecretIdentity Harugon is secretly his girlfriend Kuroe]], so he's unknowingly, indirectly declaring his intent to protect ''her''. |
| 110 | * ''Manga/KaitouSaintTail'' has an odd variant involving turning TheOnlyOneAllowedToDefeatYou into this. When SympatheticInspectorAntagonist Asuka Jr. makes ThePromise with PhantomThief Saint Tail that she can't let anyone else catch her before he does, he initially means it in the sense of arresting her and preventing anyone else from taking away his glory, but as the series goes on, it turns out that [[EveryoneHasStandards he would at least treat her with a certain amount of human respect]] whereas anyone else who tries to catch her would shamelessly use inhumane things ranging from tear gas to electric shocks or even try to murder her. As a result, Asuka Jr. coming to sympathize with Saint Tail and no longer wanting to arrest her actually gets him to insist on being the one to catch her even ''more'', because preventing anyone else from catching her means preventing anyone else from ''hurting'' her, [[spoiler:whereas his version of "catch" ends up meaning "catch" in the sense of "[[ExactWords preventing her from falling]]"]]. At the same time, his budding feelings for Saint Tail's civilian identity Meimi take the form of a metaphorical variant as he decides that he wants to be the one who can emotionally support her while preventing others from carelessly doing whatever they want with her. |
| 111 | * ''Manga/{{Kekkaishi}}'': Yoshimuri has sworn to protect Tokine, but while he has a great deal of raw power in the art of Kekkaishi, Tokine is vastly superior in terms of skill and refinement -- so he can barely keep up with her, and usually ends up needing her help in a fight. (In truth, they're pretty evenly matched, but she's too proud to admit it and constantly belittles his lack of skill -- which he takes to heart, causing him to often convince himself that he was no help at all, even though his raw power was as important in defeating the MonsterOfTheWeek as her technique.) |
| 112 | * ''Manga/KenichiTheMightiestDisciple'': Kenichi has sworn to just about everyone in earshot that he'll become strong enough to protect his LoveInterest, Miu. Naturally, since she's the granddaughter of the man who owns the dojo that Kenichi attends, she's a ''far'' better fighter than him. |
| 113 | * ''Anime/KirakiraPrecureALaMode'': Akira swears to protect Yukari from Elisio, even after being on the receiving end of a barrage of spikes from Elisio. When he mockingly asks her what reason she has for sacrificing her own body for Yukari, Akira gives her one and only reason. |
| 114 | -->'''Akira:''' "Because I care... [[ThePowerOfLove Because I love her. Beyond that...what reason...what reason? *breaks free of Elisio's spikes*]] '''None!'''" |
| 115 | * ''Manga/{{Lady}}'': Edward and Arthur Brighton to Lynn and Sarah Russell, sort of. Before George leaves the Marble Mansion, he asks that Edward and Arthur take care of his daughters, and they comply. |
| 116 | * ''Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaStrikers'': Nanoha does this for Vivio. Vivio is a clone of the local CrystalDragonJesus (who was considered to be the strongest fighter of all time) and was convinced that she should die (since her only purpose was to power a massive battleship), so it also had shades of "I'll save you from yourself". It was also the moment where Nanoha decided that she was going to adopt Vivio. Since this is [[WarriorTherapist Nanoha]], she does this while they're being forced to fight each other. |
| 117 | -->'''Vivio''': Mama, ''save me''! \ |
| 118 | '''Nanoha''': I will. Whenever, no matter what happens! |
| 119 | * ''Manga/{{Magico}}'': Shion has decided to [[spoiler:save Emma from the curse of Echidna]] and faces ''really'' dangerous tasks with his extremely powerful magic that he obtain just to do so because...[[spoiler: she gave him some bread]]. |
| 120 | * ''Manga/MedakaBox'': A very {{Tsundere}} example is Hitoyoshi. Despite loudly complaining about Medaka dragging him into trouble since they were about 2 years old, he admits to himself that he's [[ChildhoodFriendRomance entirely dedicated to protecting her]]... despite the fact that she's TheParagon, possessing the ability to [[BornWinner excel at literally anything she does]], along with [[SupernaturalMartialArts near-superhuman physical abilities]] and an outright [[CharmPerson unnatural charisma that tends to overwhelm anyone who stands against her]]. She is fully aware of this but nonetheless DEPENDS on him -- because he's the only one who still tries to protect her, while everyone else sees her as TheAce thus more than able to protect herself. But because BadassNormal Hitoyoshi is always by her side and willing to take the lumps that come with it, she can focus entirely on [[AllLovingHero helping others]] -- which is the [[NoChallengeEqualsNoSatisfaction only thing that gives her a sense of accomplishment]]. |
| 121 | * ''Anime/MichikoAndHatchin'': Though it doesn't start out this way, protecting Hatchin becomes one of [[ActionGirl Michiko's]] main motives. Later this trope is touchingly inverted when Hatchin proves to be [[LittleMissBadass pretty badass herself]] and says, almost line-for-line, that she will protect Michiko. |
| 122 | * ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEED'': This is what [[AllLovingHero Kira Yamato]] is well known for. While he hates the idea of jumping in the Strike Gundam and potentially killing people, he has friends in his company that he wants to keep safe. [[spoiler:While he succeeds in this with some success, his pal Tolle gets killed trying to protect ''him'', and his ex-girlfriend Flay also gets killed in the FinalBattle by the BigBad, [[DarkMessiah Rau Le Creuset]]. He is more successful in keeping Sai, Miriallia, Murrue, the ''Archangel'' crew, his sister Cagalli, and his eventual LoveInterest, [[IdolSinger Lacus Clyne]], safe, and in the case of Flay's death, Rau [[UnstoppableRage paid for that instance]] [[ThereIsNoKillLikeOverkill with his life]].]] |
| 123 | * ''Anime/MobileSuitGundamSEEDDestiny'': [[spoiler:DecoyProtagonist [[AntiVillain Shinn Asuka]] promises [[SuperSoldier Stella Loussier]] that he'll protect her]], since he shows kindness and empathy for her pleas to live. [[spoiler:Unfortunately, he ultimately fails her, and can't stop her from [[ShootTheDog getting killed by Kira]], who only took her out because she was at the moment [[FreakOut freaking out]] and [[PersonOfMassDestruction laying waste to a city]] with a Destroy Gundam.]] |
| 124 | * ''Manga/MurderPrincess'' is a straightforward example. It takes Fallis a while to realize that she wants to protect the sweet, gentle (and very, very helpless) Princess Alita, but actually doing so never gets any more complicated than cutting down anything that threatens her or her kingdom. |
| 125 | * ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'': Rock Lee promises to protect Sakura during the second exam of the Chuunin Exams, risking his life to protect her even though they aren't even teammates and nearly dies protecting her, even pushing his body to attack when it was deemed impossible for him to move. |
| 126 | * ''Manga/NegimaMagisterNegiMagi'': |
| 127 | ** Konoka and Setsuna's dynamic falls most closely under this but covers several variants. While Setsuna is heavily motivated by a backstory incident where she [[MyGreatestFailure failed to protect Konoka from drowning]], she also spends a lot of time trying to protect her by hiding the [[TheMasquerade truth about magic]] from her, thus making it a case of ItsNotYouItsMyEnemies. Later on, she nearly dies while trying to rescue Konoka. Ultimately her absolute dedication to protecting Konoka comes back to the old childhood 'close shave' where they were both lucky to survive. (Whether Setsuna's dedication edges into the territory of yuri is left as an exercise for the class.) |
| 128 | ** Asuna is Negi's ministra magi and thus responsible for protecting the SquishyWizard while he casts his spells. In response, Negi pushes himself to become stronger so she doesn't have to protect him and put herself in danger. While competing in Mahora Fest's Tournament [[spoiler: she loudly declared to Negi that she was plenty powerful enough to protect him. Then she became profoundly embarrassed because she was fighting at that moment and the entire crowd interpreted her declaration as a love confession.]] |
| 129 | * ''Anime/{{Noein}}'': [[FutureBadass Karasu]] is basically built around protecting Haruka, typically telling his opponent something along the lines of, "I will protect her with my life." [[spoiler: This is because, in his opinion, he failed to protect her future self, though it is implied she willingly did a HeroicSacrifice.]] |
| 130 | * ''Manga/OnePiece'': |
| 131 | ** Before the events of the story, Fish-Man Island was constantly preyed on, raided, and enslaved by pirates all over the world. All of that stopped the moment [[WorldsStrongestMan Whitebeard]] came calling and declared the island as his territory without actually exploiting it. Luffy later takes up the role, declaring the country under his protection to spare them the wrath of Big Mom. |
| 132 | ** Ace swore to protect his younger brother Luffy, both out of love for him and [[spoiler:as a promise to their other "brother" Sabo, who he thought was dead]]. Indeed, Ace spent most of his childhood as Luffy's protector, [[spoiler:and ultimately gave his life to protect him during the Paramount War (which in itself was a tragedy, as Luffy spent most of the war ''trying to save Ace from execution'')]]. Years later, [[spoiler:Sabo, the third brother, reveals that he is alive to Luffy. Later on, as he battles Admiral Fujitora, he told his opponent that if Luffy were to ask for his aid, no matter where he was in the world, he would drop everything and be at his side in an instant. There is a quick flash to his reaction to Ace's death, and the look of pain on his face makes his reasons clear: he lost Ace, and he'll never know whether or not his brother could have been saved if he had acted. He ''won't'' take that risk and lose Luffy as well]]. |
| 133 | ** Ace requested Jimbei to protect Luffy in his place if he was unable to, something Jimbei takes very seriously. During the Marineford arc, Jimbei stands up to Akainu, all for Luffy's sake, and even tanks a lethal blow to protect the boy. |
| 134 | ---> '''Jimbei''': "Strike me as many times as you like. I will shield him as long as I live." |
| 135 | ** Much later in the story, [[spoiler:the Fishman Island situation is repeated with Wano Country. Luffy hands its shogun Momonosuke a flag of his crew's Jolly Roger, and tells him to hang it high, to let everyone know that messing with Wano is like messing with the Straw Hats.]] |
| 136 | * ''Literature/OkamiSan'': HopelessSuitor [[ShrinkingViolet Ryoshi]] [[NiceGuy Morino]] says almost the exact same words to LoveInterest [[{{Tsundere}} Ryoko]] [[BrokenBird Ōkami]], which consequently leads to the latter developing feelings for the former. |
| 137 | * ''Manga/PandoraHearts'': Gilbert Nightray repeatedly swears to protect his master, Oz Vessalius -- not simply out of obligation, but because he adores Oz. There's no shortage of one-sided HoYay implications here. |
| 138 | * In ''Manga/PokemonAdventures'', admittedly, it takes only a little while for Lady Berlitz to become an ActionGirl, but nevertheless, Dia and Pearl swear to protect her with their lives after they learn the truth about the whole situation surrounding her [[spoiler: though Dia ''did'' have a good idea of what was really going on the whole time]] and when her real bodyguards [[spoiler: get banished into the Distortion World]]. |
| 139 | * ''Manga/PopcornAvatar'': Kurando's primary motivation is to protect his twin sister from the Asura and maintain a world where she can live safely. |
| 140 | * ''Anime/PuellaMagiMadokaMagica'': When [[spoiler:Homura Akemi]] was caught in a witch barrier, MagicalGirlWarrior Madoka Kaname saved her. She then vowed to help her and protect her in return. [[spoiler:She failed, however, and Madoka died. Then Homura made her contract with Kyubey, and specifically hoped to protect Madoka and avert her death. She failed each time, but kept on trying...]] |
| 141 | * In ''Manga/TheRedRangerBecomesAnAdventurerInAnotherWorld'', Tougo promises to protect Idola and her dream of making everyone happy when they're cornered by the dragon hoarding all the mana-metal. [[BlackComedy He almost kills her immediately afterward]] with his TransformationSequence, which she lampshades. |
| 142 | -->'''Tougo:''' Idola! I told you didn't I? I've fallen for your dream. One day you'll definitely achieve it, and bring a smile to everyone's faces! It's an amazing dream! That's why, protecting you and your dreams is my duty! |
| 143 | * ''Anime/RevolutionaryGirlUtena'' probably fits best under this, and is a very genderqueer example, what with Utena Tenjou deliberately taking on the persona of a Fairytale Prince. She fights solely to protect the Rose Bride, Anthy Himemiya... but at the end, it turns out [[spoiler:Anthy was in on the whole thing, and was in fact following Akio's will, from being involved in his manipulations behind the scenes to doing everything he told her to . . . EVERYTHING.]] It's really, REALLY not helped by Utena [[spoiler: realising that she had been taking the persona of a prince ''less'' to help Anthy and ''much more'' to feed her own ego, not taking Anthy's thoughts and beliefs in consideration.]] After this, [[spoiler: Utena is severely disillusioned, becoming a KnightInSourArmor, but comes to forgive Anthy after realizing just how much [[FateWorseThanDeath torment she's been in]] for hundreds and thousands of years, and resolves to ''truly'' save her from more suffering and give her a second chance in life.]] |
| 144 | * ''Manga/RurouniKenshin'': Specifically, the 'backstory'. Back when he was still an assassin, Kenshin fell in love with a woman named Tomoe -- who was actually a spy planted by the Shogunate to find his weakness and eliminate him. The details are awfully complicated, but after TheReveal, she ends up dead along with her employers, and Kenshin swears [[TechnicalPacifist never to kill again]]... |
| 145 | * ''Anime/SailorMoon'': Mamoru Chiba swears to always protect Usagi, even before he remembers his status as a reincarnation of Usagi's lover, Endymion, in the past. Including when he's still amnesiac in R season, his strong love and wish to protect Usagi enabling him to split into his counterpart, Moonlight Knight. |
| 146 | * ''Manga/SakiAchigaHen'': Yuu's younger sister Kuro often protected her from bullies while the two were young, who picked on her for wearing warm clothing in summer [[DelicateAndSickly due to being chilled easily]]. During the quarter-finals, however, when Kuro comes up to Yuu in tears over losing so many points, Yuu comforts her and declares her intention to win the points back, mentally expressing her determination to stand up for her sister. |
| 147 | -->'''Yuu:''' Kuro-chan has always been the one to save me... But today, it's [[UsefulNotes/JapaneseSiblingTerminology Onee]]-[[ThirdPersonPerson chan]]'s turn to fight! |
| 148 | * ''Literature/ScrappedPrincess'': The SwordAndSorcerer team Shannon and Raquel are solely motivated by their oath to protect the eponymous princess, Pacifica. Shannon is the one that most closely matches the trope, being a guy and all -- since they were raised as siblings, his affection for her is more big-brotherly than romantic, but they are NotBloodSiblings, so it gets... ambiguous at times. As for complications, well, according to a supposedly-infallible [[TheProphecy Divine Prophecy]], Pacifica is 'the poison that will kill the world' -- specifically, she will destroy the world [[Dangerous16thBirthday when she turns 16]]. As a result, virtually everyone wants to kill her, either out of fear, religious fervor, or greed for the huge bounty the kingdom has placed on her head. Shannon is stuck trying to protect her from all that, preferably [[TechnicalPacifist without killing anyone]] because he knows that Pacifica would blame herself for any lives lost... |
| 149 | * ''Manga/{{Sekirei}}'': Minato often ends up doing this for the Sekirei he eventually becomes their Ashikbabi for. This helps win over many of them, such as Musubi, his first Sekirei, Kusano, and later Tsukiumi. |
| 150 | * ''Manga/SeraphOfTheEnd'': Yuu and Mika declare this about each other with all the HoYay implications attached. |
| 151 | * In ''Anime/SK8TheInfinity'', the protagonists Langa and Reki do a stereotype boyfriend-girlfriend comedy routine to lampoon [[VitriolicBestBuds a rival-turned-friend]]'s romantic chances, with Reki yelling "That person is scary!" and Langa emphatically expressing, "I will protect you." However, it becomes apparent that for Langa, this isn't a joke, as a part of what drives him in skateboarding competitions is protecting those he loves, [[ShipTease especially]] Reki. Then in episode 11, [[spoiler:after Reki still pulls through his match despite the main villain, ADAM, graphically injuring him, ADAM goes to harm or possibly even kill him -- but Langa protects Reki by putting his body in front of his.]] |
| 152 | * ''Manga/SnowWhiteWithTheRedHair'' has the knight Mitsuhide who became the prince Zen's first retainer when the prince was still a child. While Zen is an accomplished swordsman in his own right by the time of the series he's not quite up to Mitsuhide's level. Mitsuhide's initial reaction to being assigned to the prince was some trepidation as he had hoped to serve under Zen's older brother it was mostly out of surprise and he has never considered turning down the position. He is [[Main/UndyingLoyalty completely loyal]] to the prince to the point that it sometimes concerns Zen. |
| 153 | * ''Manga/SoulEater'': While rather understated (as in it's clear to the reader, but he hardly shouts about it) it's plainly one of Soul's motivations for protecting Maka. He insists it's because it's his job as a Weapon. It fits whether or not you view them as a canon couple. Jackie shows a similar angle towards Kim with the aforementioned connotations. Though the basic sentiment extends to most Weapon/meister team and works both ways. |
| 154 | * In ''Literature/SundayWithoutGod'' Julie promises to protect [[EmotionlessGirl Scar]] after she has an identity crisis concerning her role as an emotionless gravekeeper and [[WhatIsThisFeeling newfound human emotions]]. Ai and Alice think that sounds like a proposal and cheer him on, and he hastily adds he'll protect them too. |
| 155 | * ''Literature/SwordArtOnline'': Asuna arrives just in time to save Kirito (THE badass of SAO) from near death at the hands of Laughing Coffin assassin [[spoiler:Kuradeel]]. After sharing their first kiss, Kirito offers his life to Asuna and she declares that she will do anything to protect him, no matter what. As a level 96 "floor-clearing badass", she has the skills to back this declaration up. In the final battle with [[spoiler:Heathcliff]], she attempts to make good on this promise by absorbing the would-be final blow to Kirito, sacrificing herself to save him. Unfortunately, the sacrifice is short-lived as [[spoiler:Heathcliff]] runs Kirito though on his next strike. [[spoiler:Kirito is able to kill Heathcliff before he finishes dying, which wins the game and saves both himself and Asuna]]. |
| 156 | * ''Literature/TheTestamentOfSisterNewDevil'': Basara actually kicks out Mio and Maria, his newly adopted stepsisters, after finding out they're actually a demon lord in training and a succubus. They try to brainwash him into leaving his house, but it doesn't work. After he learns more about their past, however, he changes his mind and instead tries to protect them from the rival demon faction trying to kill her. |
| 157 | * ''Anime/ThisUglyYetBeautifulWorld'' sees Takemoto swear to protect Hikari no matter what, [[TheDulcineaEffect within minutes of first meeting her]], though in his defense she's the spitting image of the [[MagicalGirlfriend ideal girl]] he was fantasizing about earlier that day, and their meeting was [[MeetCute quite]] [[NakedFirstImpression interesting]] in itself, too. However, even SHE isn't aware that she's actually a WoobieDestroyerOfWorlds... and he is someone who was [[TheChosenOne born to stop her]]. Hence, this could just as easily go under the 'It Got Complicated' header. |
| 158 | * In ''Literature/UnlimitedFafnir'', Yuu does this to Iris. In a slight variation of the trope, he says if it comes down to it, he'll kill her himself to prevent her from [[AndThenJohnWasAZombie turning into a dragon]]. Fortunately he doesn't need to do it after they manage to find a way to defeat the dragon attacking the school in episode 3. |
| 159 | * ''Manga/{{X 1999}}'': |
| 160 | ** [[GenkiGirl Yuzuriha]] [[BadassAdorable Nekoi]] verbally invokes the trope in the manga as she and [[SugarAndIceGirl Arashi]] [[{{Miko}} Kishuu]] speaks about the guys they like. The dude Yuzu wants to protect? Shiryuu Kusanagi, a man who not only [[MayDecemberRomance is more than twice her age]], but is a member of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces ''and'' quite the badass among the Dragons of the Earth. |
| 161 | ** Similarly, LadyOfWar Arashi's suitor is Sorata Arisugawa, a ReligiousBruiser and fellow Dragon of Heaven. Upon seeing her up close for the first time, Sorata decided to protect her. [[spoiler: This is because he's prophesied to die to protect a woman, he knows it clearly, and he thought he'd at least die for a pretty girl and chooses Arashi at first due to her AloofDarkHairedGirl traits.]] From then on Sorata gets Arashi to [[DefrostingIceQueen gradually defrost]], and they fight together... [[spoiler: and get together. But things go FromBadToWorse.]] |
| 162 | * ''Anime/YuGiOhGX'': Yubel's backstory. Their original self willingly underwent ''[[FlayedAlive nightmarish]]'' [[PlayingWithSyringes surgery]] to obtain their current form, purely so they could protect their best friend, Jaden's preincarnation. Pre-Jaden responds in turn with an AnguishedDeclarationOfLove, so horrified by this act of sacrifice that he swears his heart to Yubel forever in gratitude. Sadly {{Deconstructed}}, Yubel becomes [[ViolentlyProtectiveGirlfriend dangerously overprotective]] and that's ''before'' they're driven insane by the Light of Destruction. |
| 163 | [[/folder]] |
| 164 | |
| 165 | [[folder:Asian Animation]] |
| 166 | * ''Animation/FlowerAngel'': In Season 3 Episode 13, a flashback shows that Kukuru promised Princess Fanny that he will protect her and dispel all evil for her sake. [[spoiler:Unfortunately, Kukuru ends up making a similar promise to An'an later down the line, completely forgetting about Fanny in the process. This is what persuades Fanny to become a villain.]] |
| 167 | [[/folder]] |
| 168 | |
| 169 | [[folder:Comic Books]] |
| 170 | * ''ComicBook/AstroCity'': When American Chibi [[IChooseToStay decides to remain in the Unbodied's dreamworld]] to protect the native Ubbows from [[EldritchAbomination the King-In-Chains]] and prevent King-In-Chains from breaking through the dimensional barriers and menacing Earth, Samaritan acknowledges Chibi's heroism by making her a full-fledged member of Honor Guard. |
| 171 | -->'''Chibi:''' Let's go, King-In-Chains! [[BringIt Let's do this!]] The Ubbows are under Honor Guard protection, you hear me? Honor Guard Protection! |
| 172 | * In ''ComicBook/{{Sleepless}}'', war hero Cyrenic is charged with protecting Lady "Poppy" Pyppenia after an attempt on her life. He swears a magically binding vow to watch over her tirelessly as a [[TheSleepless Knight of the Sleepless Order]]. In return, Poppy swears to be worthy of his dedication. |
| 173 | -->'''Cyrenic:''' I shall not sleep. My eyes will ever stay open, never shall I rest until my time runs out. I shall not yield... ever will I watch over thee, never shall I waver until my time runs out. To thee, Lady Pyppenia, I make this vow. |
| 174 | -->'''Poppy:''' And my time's path, whether given, borrowed, or spent, shall not break you from yours. Only time's will shall release you, or my word. And I swear to keep my word true and just... and hold your vow with mine own. To thee, Sir Cyrenic, I swear. |
| 175 | * In ''ComicBook/Strange2022'', Clea leaves one of the Blasphemy Cartel mooks alive as he feebly begs to be summoned to safety all to relay that the Shrouded Bazaar that is under her protection. [[spoiler:In a subversion of the usual outcome of this trope, the Bazaar is attacked again while Clea was busy fighting Thunderstrike and the Harvestman.]] |
| 176 | -->'''Clea:''' Do not fear, worm. I will ''allow'' your magi to summon you to safety. Because I want you to tell whomever you report to... this place is under ''my'' protection. I am the '''Sorcerer Supreme''', and I am '''warlord-born.'''` |
| 177 | * Subverted in ''Franchise/{{Superman}}'' storyline ''ComicBook/TheComingOfAtlas'' since nobody can understand his growls; but when Atlas attacks Metropolis, ComicBook/KryptoTheSuperdog fights him off, declaring his owner's beloved city is under his protection. |
| 178 | -->'''Krypto:''' [[Franchise/{{Superman}} Man]] loves [Metropolis]. I protect place for man. Krypto good boy. |
| 179 | * In Kieron Gillen's run on ''[[ComicBook/XMen Uncanny X-Men]]'', Colossus became obsessive about protecting his sister Illyana, to the point of losing his humanity (not to mention the love of Kitty Pryde) by taking on the Juggernaut's curse. Toward the end of ''Comicbook/AvengersVsXMen'', Illyana revealed that she was EvilAllAlong, and had manipulated her big brother into becoming the new Juggernaut in order to make him as much of a monster as she had become. Let's just say Colossus no longer feels any need to protect his "little snowflake"; he has in fact vowed to kill her if their paths cross again. |
| 180 | * Regarding the page illustration; [[ComicBook/DoctorDoom Victor Von Doom]], after saving [[ComicBook/FantasticFour Susan Richards's]] life and helping her deliver her and Reed's daughter safely, claimed as his reward the right to name the child, and so named her Valeria, after a lost love of his childhood. He then declared Valeria to be under his protection. The two of them have had an oddly sweet familial relationship since, with Valeria even calling him "Uncle Doom". |
| 181 | * ''ComicBook/WonderWomanTheHiketeia'' revolves around this. Wonder Woman gets bound by an ancient Greek rite (Hiketeia) to protect a young girl, on punishment of painful death by the Furies if she breaks the oath. Unfortunately, Wonder Woman hadn't realized the girl is a murderer (with a pretty damn solid justification) on the run from Franchise/{{Batman}} who's determined to bring her to justice. Batman won't back down and Wondy can't either, so they end up duking it out until [[spoiler:the girl commits suicide]]. |
| 182 | [[/folder]] |
| 183 | |
| 184 | [[folder:Fan Works]] |
| 185 | * Adrian Tullberg's ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/3179790/1/Addition-to-the-Fray Addition To The Fray]]'' is set as an alternate ending to ''ComicBook/CivilWar2006''. ComicBook/DoctorDoom confronts [[ComicBook/FantasticFour Reed Richards]] about his decisions regarding the Superhero Registration Act and Reed ends up revealing the truth; he had planned to oppose the act until he received a package from SHIELD containing photos of Franklin and Valeria Richards in their beds (which could only have been taken by a drone that could get past the Fantastic Four's formidable security systems) with the written message, "Say nothing, and agree." Doom, of course, couldn't give a damn what happens to America's superheroes, the FF or Franklin, but as mentioned in the Comic Books heading, he has pledged his protection to Valeria, and he is furious that SHIELD would dare to threaten her. Let's just say his retribution is Biblical. |
| 186 | -->''"Bear Witness...You and your masters will realize your sole purpose in this life. To serve as a warning to whoever, and whatever, shall soon replace you and your organisation. To threaten that child...is to Invite Doom!"'' |
| 187 | * In ''Fanfic/TheAmazingSpiderManTruePurpose'', Carol Danvers basically makes one when she informs Captain America that she’ll be joining the new Avengers Unity Squad, now led by Spider-Man, to keep an eye on the likes of Rogue in case anyone resents Spider-Man coming back to life after the war against the Phoenix Five instead of Xavier. |
| 188 | * In ''Fanfic/BeyondHeroes: Of Sunshine and Red Lyrium'', Varric basically makes one of these once he learns that [[VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition the only survivor of the Conclave explosion]] is [[VideoGame/DragonAgeII Bethany Hawke]]. He informs her, and anyone else who asks, that he's not leaving the newly formed Inquisition as long as she has to be there, since her brothers aren't available to protect her. |
| 189 | * ''Fanfic/BlackkatsReverse'': Kurama fixes Gaara's seal and shows kindness to him by affirming he's a little boy, not a monster, and introducing him to Naruto. Later in the story, Kurama gives the kid the full ComesGreatResponsibility speech and asserts he should use his power to protect what's important to him, Gaara's answer is that Kurama IS what's important to him. |
| 190 | * ''Fanfic/TheBridge'': After being accepted and forgiven for his past actions by Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor, Xenilla makes an earnest vow to fight till his last breath to keep the Crystal Empire and the royal family safe. Both played for laughs, such as him constantly monitoring Cadance during her pregnancy as his vow also extends to the health of her and Shining Armor's unborn child, and played ''very seriously'' in "Critical Research Failure". When [[WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyTheMovie2017 Commander Tempest]] invades and petrifies the still-pregnant Cadance, Xenilla becomes absolutely livid and [[CurbStompBattle goes on the attack.]] |
| 191 | * ''Fanfic/BrokenFacades'': Light promises his father he will look after Misa. He didn't count on either of them [[StartOfDarkness becoming Kiras]] when he made that promise. |
| 192 | * ''Fanfic/CheshireMiraculousLadybug'': Marinette promises, first to Plagg and later to the other kwamis, that she will protect them. Knowing that she ''means'' it, [[spoiler:this leads to the kwamis to be worried for her]]. |
| 193 | * ''Fanfic/ACertainDrollHiveMind'': Touma promises to protect Misaka-11111. She decides not to mention that technically it's her fault she's being threatened. |
| 194 | -->The Network feels happy. Kamijou Touma has just declared that he is willing to protect us again.\ |
| 195 | We wonder if we should inform him that we punched the girl who is bad at dressing like a panda in the solar plexus. We decide not to. It might confuse him. And we like the bit where he is willing to protect us. |
| 196 | * ''Fanfic/FearTheSuperhero'': Not quite protection, as [[InLoveWithYourCarnage Karasuba]] would never dream of forbidding or preventing Shirou from killing ''anyone''. But she’s made it clear to him that if he kills Musubi she will be forced to kill him in return and Karasuba will help Musubi and Minato escape from Shirou, if she can do so without him noticing. Shirou doesn’t view this situation as worth the headache of trying to understand. |
| 197 | * ''Fanfic/FieldOfInnocence'': Lu Ten promises his younger cousin Azula that as long as he's there, he'll always protect her. As he is DoomedByCanon, you can guess how well that works out. |
| 198 | * ''Fanfic/FracturedFates'': Kaneki Tenmaru makes it clear that she will do whatever it takes to protect her close friend Asuna and ensure that she will survive the killing game alongside their classmates. So when she learns that somebody may be targeting Asuna for a murder, Kaneki attempts to single-handedly thwart the would-be killer by confronting them herself. She succeeds in preventing Asuna from getting killed, [[spoiler:but ends up being murdered in her place.]] |
| 199 | * In ''Fanfic/IncarnationOfLegends'', the Legiones declares that Bell and Kojiro are under his protection during their stay in Rakia, handing them a special gold coin as proof of this. While grateful for the honor, the same coin feels like a leaden weight in Bell's hands because of how it simultaneously paints a target on his back. |
| 200 | * ''Fanfic/InfinityTrainSeekerOfCrocus'': Upon learning how his friend is ready to [[DrivenToSuicide throw herself off a rooftop]] because he can never be there to keep a promise with her when she asks, Goh immediately vows to Chloe that he will drop '''everything''' to come back to save her and to stay by her side, apologizing for how he had been so blind to not see this for years. |
| 201 | * ''Fanfic/KazumaVTanya'': Kazuma makes a vow to both of his little sisters after each of their births to do everything in his power to make sure they can live safe and happy lives, even if it should come at the cost of the world. |
| 202 | * ''Fanfic/TheKillerRarityverse'': Early in her life, after the birth of her baby sister, covert-SerialKiller Rarity offs a door-to-door salesman and goes to comfort her crying sister. Seeing the blood on her own hooves stain her sister's fur, she's shocked at the sight and vows there to never let her sister come to harm. [[spoiler: She later lets her sister come to harm]]. |
| 203 | * ''Fanfic/LittleHandsBigAttitude'': Obsidian declares that anyone who threatens his family will face with wrath, even though he is a literal baby at the time (he was de-aged/reincarnated). [[spoiler:He keeps to his word in a horrific way when Commander Walters assaults his family, resulting in Obsidian's TraumaticSuperpowerAwakening which he uses to almost MindRape Walters.]] |
| 204 | * In ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/7042941/13/Naruto-Rend Naruto:Rend]]'', [[Manga/{{Bleach}} Ichigo]] gives a solemn one to [[Manga/{{Naruto}} Hinata]]. He states that wants to be stronger for both her and Naruto since he owes Naruto a lot for looking out for and training him, but also adds that the two of them hit an emotional nerve for him since their relationship reminds him of his parents and he's terrified of his "weakness" causing them any harm. |
| 205 | * ''Fanfic/OnceUponAFarmhouse'': Kirk comes on classmates beating up Spock and tells Spock that he's never gonna let the other children beat him up again. |
| 206 | * ''Fanfic/OniGaShikuSeries'': When Izuku was born, Majima promised that as long as he's alive nothing will happen to him. Unfortunately, he turns out to be proven very, ''very'' wrong down the line - especially as that particular flashback is juxtapositioned with [[spoiler:Kurosawa threatening to kill Izuku if Majima doesn't kill Saejima, right in front of the kid.]] |
| 207 | * ''Fanfic/LePapillonRising'': Adrien/Papillon likes to give these to Marinette. That ends up with self-sabotage since she's his arch-enemy. |
| 208 | * ''Fanfic/PassionOnDisplay'': Bakugo gives one to Kirishima [[spoiler:after saving him from being attacked by the homophobic students]]. |
| 209 | -->'''Kirishima''': You did that...for me?\ |
| 210 | '''Bakugo''': Tch. Of course, dumbass. And if anyone else touches you, I'll make sure there won't be anything left of them. |
| 211 | * ''Fanfic/PassingDays'' shows the many Servants making various promises of Vy's safety, [[BecauseYouWereNiceToMe all because she wanted to help them more than herself and no one else did before her.]] The first Grailed Servants in Achilles, Robin, and Saber Arturia all constantly come to Vy's aid even at the single ''hint'' that she is in danger, actively vowing to end the other party if they ever come close to hurting her. |
| 212 | * ''Fanfic/PeopleLikeUs'': When Travis learns about how much suffering Arthur has gone through, he swears to protect him from the rest of the world no matter what, and this time he's determined to not lose someone he cares about. |
| 213 | * ''Fanfic/PokemonResetBloodlines'': Part of Ash's HeroicVow is becoming strong enough to protect his friends [[spoiler:after finding out Cilan, Dawn and Iris might be dead in the new timeline.]] It first comes into play when Misty gets poisoned by Vileplume spores and ends up in danger of dying, he takes her to the Cerulean City hospital, despite her initial wishes of ''not'' to go there. |
| 214 | * In ''Fanfic/SafeAnchorage'', Asha promises Jeyne that she'll always be safe as long as Asha is there, after hearing of the depths of Jeyne's abuse. |
| 215 | * ''Fanfic/ShipsAhoy'': After he becomes drunk on unicorn tears and gets into a nasty car accident, Oprah reveals to him that she's started taking karate classes to protect herself, but laments that she can't use her skills to protect her own partner. This is what causes O'Donahue to accept his romantic feelings for Oprah and vice versa, since the pair had only been viewing each other as friends up until that point. |
| 216 | * ''Fanfic/SnowBlind'': [[spoiler:When Raphael "arrives" at the Nightwatcher's apartment and finds Donnie alive but injured, he goes into the doorway and "tells" the Nightwatcher that if he comes anywhere near the room Donatello's in, he'll beat him up. [[ActuallyPrettyFunny Don hears Raph laugh for a second]], likely because, since Raphael is the Nightwatcher, Raph just threatened to [[StopOrIShootMyself beat]] ''[[StopOrIShootMyself himself]]'' [[StopOrIShootMyself up]].]] |
| 217 | * ''Fanfic/{{Synthesis}}'': Len swears to protect Rin since the day her mother trusted him to take care of Rin if something happens to herself. [[spoiler:He even pulls a HeroicSacrifice to make himself compatible to the Kagamine program to save Rin after being fatally shot by a criminal.]] |
| 218 | * In ''Fanfic/ThreeStrikes'': |
| 219 | ** Count tells Mimic Squadron that they have to go through him if they want to get to Trigger. He tells her the same thing when she begs him to leave the area after he has been hit. |
| 220 | ** Trigger makes one as well for Count, her family and her wingmen to Clemens after Mimic Squadron's second attempt to kill her and Count outs him as a traitor, that anyone that threatens them will face her wrath. |
| 221 | ** Rosa, after seeing all of the death and destruction and feeling partly responsible for it, swears to herself that she won't let any more harm come to the refugees around her. |
| 222 | * ''Fanfic/ThyGoodNeighbor'': After a disastrous night that sees the horrible deaths of Lords Roose Bolton and Ludd Whitehill, their overlord, Rickard Stark, decides that once is one time too many. At the Spring Feast, where the Northern lords gather, he announces the North has embraced the visiting Lord and Lady Fairchild as honored guests, and makes it clear that visiting them without his explicit permission is equal to a personal insult against House Stark, an ''actual'' insult against the Fairchilds is a one-way ticket to a permanent post at the Wall, and actually ''hurting'' them is an automatic death sentence. |
| 223 | * ''Fanfic/WhenDidIBecomeAParent'': The entire fic shows how Timon feels about Simba, leading to this WhamLine towards the end: |
| 224 | --> '''Timon''': (angrily) [[spoiler: Don't touch ''my'' cub!]] |
| 225 | * ''Fanfic/WhiteSheepRWBY'': Jaune promises that Ruby will be absolutely safe from "Hentacle;" Ruby blushes. Of course, what Jaune actually meant was that he is in fact Hentacle and isn't going to hurt any of his friends. Even the previous times when Ruby was "captured" were actually just misunderstandings where Jaune was trying to keep her from hurting herself. |
| 226 | * In ''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12117770/9/Who-Will-Fill-a-Coward-s-Grave Who Will Fill a Coward's Grave]]'', [[ObstructiveBureaucrat Cornelius Fudge]] [[DirtyCoward of all people]] fulfills this when he's [[spoiler:forced to arrange the transfer of Voldemort's most rabid Death Eaters to an ambush point]] under threat of torture/death to [[IHaveYourWife his wife]] and then him. The instant they're left alone, he arranges for her to leave to the Isle of Wight in secret with enough gold to move further and explicit instructions to not contact him in case things go pear-shaped and Voldemort comes for him. |
| 227 | * ''Fanfic/YouCanOnlyUseYourOwn'': Chara promises this to Asriel when they become his honor guard in ''the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul'', and makes good on it three books later, in ''under my skin, there will be flowers''. |
| 228 | * ''The Eagle's Gaze'', a WD Zorro fanfic, has Diego promising to protect Esperanza after Varga threatens her. |
| 229 | [[/folder]] |
| 230 | |
| 231 | [[folder:Films -- Animated]] |
| 232 | * This is the entire premise of ''WesternAnimation/FindingNemo''. After losing the rest of their family -- Nemo's mother and all of Nemo's siblings -- Nemo's father, Marlin, vows to protect him at all costs. The plot follows Marlin's efforts to save Nemo when Nemo is kidnapped to be a pet in a dentist's aquarium. |
| 233 | * ''WesternAnimation/TheSuperMarioBrosMovie'': Toad makes such a declaration to convince Peach to let him come along on her and Mario's quest. It works since she notes that he's brave enough to join them on their quest. While he doesn't get to do much defending, his loyalty pulls through when [[spoiler:he doubles down on it when Peach tells him to escape with the others and escape Bowser's wrath. He ends up being who saves Peach from [[AndNowYouMustMarryMe a forced marriage]] thanks to smuggling an Ice Flower in her bouquet.]] |
| 234 | [[/folder]] |
| 235 | |
| 236 | [[folder:Films -- Live-Action]] |
| 237 | %%Administrivia/ZeroContextExample* ''Film/TheHungerGames'': Katniss to Prim. Then, to Rue. [[RuleOfThree Finally to Peeta]]. |
| 238 | * ''Film/IronMan3'' initially seems like a simple case of 'beat the bad guys to protect her,' with Tony Stark is building new armors in order to protect Pepper Potts, as well as dealing with his PTSD and insomnia after the events of ''Film/{{The Avengers|2012}}''. But the truth is, Pepper Potts wouldn't be in any danger if she wasn't living with Iron Man -- a fact that Tony realizes at the very end, electing to self-destruct all his suits and remove the Arc-reactor in his chest -- effectively [[BroughtDownToNormal bringing HIMSELF down to normal]]. A novel solution to the problem... though, as Tony admits in the closing seconds of the movie, nobody can really take being ComicBook/IronMan away from him. [[TheEndOrIsIt He built the suits in the first place, and he can build more if necessary.]] |
| 239 | -->'''Tony:''' I have to protect the one thing that I can't live without. That's you. |
| 240 | * While Simon spends most of [[Series/{{Firefly}} the television series]] protecting her, in the tie-up film ''Film/{{Serenity}},'' River [[NowLetMeCarryYou flips the script on him]] and promises to return the favour when he [[spoiler:gets shot by Reavers]]. |
| 241 | -->'''River:''' You take care of me. You've always taken care of me! ''[{{beat}}]'' My turn. |
| 242 | * ''Film/SpiderMan1'': During one of Spider-Man's fights with the Green Goblin, the latter is accosted by [[BadassBystander a crowd of angry New Yorkers]]: |
| 243 | -->'''New Yorker:''' You mess with Spider-Man, you mess with all of New York! |
| 244 | * ''Franchise/StarWars'': |
| 245 | ** Chewbacca owes Han Solo a life debt, because Han saved his life once, as depicted in ''Film/{{Solo}}''. |
| 246 | ** In the prequel trilogy, Anakin Skywalker vows to protect Padmé Amidala when she's threatened by assassins and, later, when he starts having premonitions of her [[DeathByChildbirth dying in childbirth]]. In fact, his determination to protect her at all costs is a big part of why he falls to the Dark Side and becomes Darth Vader, as Palpatine had promised him he could use the Dark Side to save Padmé. Ironically, Anakin's actions post- FaceHeelTurn are what ''cause'' Padmé's death. [[DespairEventHorizon He doesn't take it well]]. |
| 247 | [[/folder]] |
| 248 | |
| 249 | [[folder:Literature]] |
| 250 | * In Creator/DanAbnett's ''Literature/BrothersOfTheSnake'', Priad promises to protect the farmers. Turns out they are cultists trying to capture one of them for HumanSacrifice. |
| 251 | * ''Literature/InDesertAndWilderness'', Staś is Nel's protector. They even [[DiscussedTrope discuss]] LadyAndKnight once. |
| 252 | * ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'': Harry declares this towards a projection of [[spoiler:his daughter]] who has been kidnapped by [[OurVampiresAreDifferent the Red Court]]. Also somewhat [[DeconstructedTrope deconstructed]] due to the lengths to which he is prepared to go in order to get her back. |
| 253 | -->'''Harry:''' Hang in there, kid. [[spoiler:Dad's coming.]] |
| 254 | * Rafael toward Skylar in ''Literature/GivesLight'', but in this case, it's "I will protect ''him''." Rafael's father, a serial killer, killed Skylar's mother many years ago, and Rafael feels responsible by proxy. |
| 255 | * ''Literature/TheGoblinEmperor'': Maia's bodyguards are required to swear an oath to protect him with their lives, and commit ritual suicide if they fail. There's also [[spoiler:Csethiro Ceredin]], who, after [[spoiler:Sheveän kidnapped Maia and tried to force him to abdicate, possibly planning to kill him later]] sends him a letter in which she declares that if the person who hurt Maia knew how to fight a duel, she would challenge her to one. |
| 256 | * Katsa in ''[[Literature/GracelingRealm Graceling]]'' has a more mild case as she tries to protect [[spoiler:Princess Bitterblue]] from the child's [[spoiler:[[AbusiveParents own]] [[OffingTheOffspring father]].]] To do so she has to take the young child across mountains nobody ever survived before, which is easier for her than most people as she's graced with [[spoiler:survival]]. At the end of the journey, while the princess manages to be okay, it's Katsa who ends up getting sick, for the first time in her life. She does get better, though. Prince Po, who was also trying to protect her, went to go challenge [[spoiler:her father]] head-on and was nearly killed. He survived, but [[spoiler:was struck blind and had to stay behind while Katsa and Bitterblue left to escape together.]] |
| 257 | * In ''Literature/HeartOfSteel'', Alistair's efforts to turn Julia's mangled boyfriend into a cyborg companion for her instead produce a deranged, jealous monster who is willing to do anything to keep Julia under control, including killing her. Alistair has already promised Julia that he intends no harm to come to her while she's a guest, and since this is kind of his fault, he vows to protect her. |
| 258 | * In Suzanne Collins' ''Literature/TheHungerGames'', Peeta ''devotes'' himself to this cause for Katniss, who spends most of her time in the series kicking asses and taking names. He generally devolves into TheLoad because he saves Katniss's life by fighting off Cato and gets a sword to the leg for his troubles. In the second book it's less heroic, but getting electrocuted would slow most people down. In the third book, the Capital, aware this trope is in effect, turns it against them both in a sadistic way: [[spoiler:brainwashing Peeta to assassinate her on sight]]. |
| 259 | * ''Literature/JourneyToChaos'': |
| 260 | ** Eric vowed to protect his love interest, Annala, and while she initially needed it, he maintains this vow even after she becomes an ActionGirl archer and develops [[HolyHandGrenade offensive holy magic]]. It is at this point that Annala makes a similar vow. Her boyfriend may be a MagicKnight but even he would have trouble fighting a GrimReaper by himself. |
| 261 | ** Kallen has sworn to protect her little sister, Ariel, who is the only family she has left. The problem is that Ariel wants to kill her because the sisters are on opposite sides of an OrderVersusChaos conflict. |
| 262 | * ''Literature/KingsOfTheWyld'': Gabe gathers his old band, crosses thousands of miles, and engages a horde of monsters so big that they ''are'' the horizon, all to save his daughter, who is a mercenary fighting said horde. |
| 263 | * ''Literature/MemorySorrowAndThorn'': Simon has a very difficult time spitting out his affection for RebelliousPrincess Miriamele, despite the fact that he has a crush on her. Part of it is that he feels that she's so far above him socially that his desires will remain unrequited, although he fantasizes about rising to her station or her falling to his. Of course, they keep getting thrown together in perilous circumstances, and after he's knighted, he resolves to become her champion and protector as a way of dealing with the situation. In the end, he discovers that it wasn't their stations keeping them apart at all, but Miriamele's self-doubts and fears of being forced to assume the throne and make a political marriage. Of course he [[MosesInTheBulrushes turns out to be the rightful king anyway]], so he solves the problem of her entering into a loveless marriage by marrying her. |
| 264 | * In the ''Literature/OddThomas'' novels, Odd promises to protect the mysterious Annamaria. Over the next few books, she does a ''lot'' more to keep him safe than he ever does for her. Odd {{Lampshades}} it several times. |
| 265 | * The first book of ''Literature/{{Relativity}}'' ends with Michael ''thinking'' a declaration of protection for his sister. He can't ''tell'' her, however, because she doesn't know his superhero identity. |
| 266 | * ''Literature/{{Raybearer}}'': Tar made one to Dayo when they were children. [[spoiler:She remembers this event right as her ehru-brainwashing forces her to near-fatally stab him.]] |
| 267 | [[/folder]] |
| 268 | |
| 269 | [[folder:Live-Action TV]] |
| 270 | * ''Series/AllCreaturesGreatAndSmall2020'': His notable eccentricities aside, Siegfried Farnon makes it abundantly clear in a discussion with Helen Herriot in series 3 that he takes the safety of everyone he is responsible for utterly seriously, and that regardless of all appearances, he is still very much the head of the household and he ''will'' protect everyone in their ''ad hoc'' family no matter what. |
| 271 | -->'''Siegfried''': Helen, look at me. ''Everyone under this roof is in my care.'' Do we understand one another? |
| 272 | * Dembe to Red in ''Series/TheBlacklist''. It's actually his job description as his bodyguard and stems from Red saving him from a horrendous fate. But the list of people who owe Red favors and/or are ready to go through hell for him seemingly has no end. |
| 273 | * Booth is very much this to Brennan in ''Series/{{Bones}}'', even before they became an OfficialCouple. On the one hand, his "alpha male" need to protect her tends to rub Brennan the wrong way. On the other hand, as she once observed, "I find it interesting that I'm only afraid of snakes when Booth is around to be jumped upon." |
| 274 | * ''Series/BuffyTheVampireSlayer'' runs on this trope. Most if not all the main characters are committed to protecting each other, as well as a good number of guest stars as well. In particular, Spike showed hints of this after [[spoiler:Buffy died]] in the Season 5 episode "The Gift". |
| 275 | * ''Series/{{Castle|2009}}'' does this for Beckett in the episode "...Boom" when a serial killer blows up Beckett's apartment: |
| 276 | -->'''Montgomery:''' You need to go home and get some sleep.\ |
| 277 | '''Beckett:''' Sir, I don't have a home.\ |
| 278 | '''Castle:''' Yes, you do. It's a secure building with an extra bedroom, with people who care about you. With the Federal detail at the door, it's the safest place in the city.\ |
| 279 | '''Beckett:''' Thank you, Castle, but I couldn't.\ |
| 280 | '''Castle:''' You can and you will. |
| 281 | * In ''Series/ChinesePaladin'', Xiaoyao marries and swears to protect Ling'er. He takes this vow very seriously although ''initially'' she is far a more powerful combatant than him and all she needs is his emotional support. However, as the series progresses he TakesALevelInBadass and it becomes Just That Simple between them. |
| 282 | * ''Series/DoctorWho'': |
| 283 | ** In "[[Recap/DoctorWhoS27E13ThePartingOfTheWays The Parting of the Ways]]", temporarily-empowered Rose Tyler, as the Bad Wolf entity, declares this for the Doctor. |
| 284 | --->'''Bad Wolf:''' I want you safe. My Doctor. Protected from the false god. |
| 285 | ** The Tenth Doctor pulls this off in his first adventure, "[[Recap/DoctorWho2005CSTheChristmasInvasion The Christmas Invasion]]": |
| 286 | --->'''The Doctor:''' By the ancient rights of combat, I forbid you to scavenge here for the rest of time. And when you go back to the stars and tell others of this planet, when you tell them of its riches, its people, its potential, when you talk of the Earth, then make sure that you tell them this... [[PunctuatedForEmphasis It. Is. DEFENDED!]] |
| 287 | ** [[TheNthDoctor The Eleventh Doctor]] is quite fond of these. |
| 288 | *** It is, in fact, one of the first things he does when he has his faculties around him. in "[[Recap/DoctorWhoS31E1TheEleventhHour The Eleventh Hour]]" he allows the Atraxi to read his mind, showing his previous selves in action, and asks "Is this planet protected?" |
| 289 | *** In "[[Recap/DoctorWhoS33E4ThePowerOfThree The Power of Three]]" he tells a levitating alien cube that earth and its people are precious to him and that he will defend them to the death, if need be. |
| 290 | *** In "[[Recap/DoctorWhoS33E6TheBellsOfSaintJohn The Bells of Saint John]]", after he recovers Clara Oswald's consciousness from a Spoonhead android, the Doctor sends a message over the [=WiFi=] network, '''"Under My Protection"'''. |
| 291 | *** He declares this again in "[[Recap/DoctorWhoS33E12NightmareInSilver Nightmare in Silver]]" about the young children that the Cybermen have begun to convert. |
| 292 | ** Rory Williams. He loves his girlfriend, later fiancée, later wife, and will do anything to protect her. A lot of the time they protect each other -- for example, Rory fails at sword-fighting a fish vampire, so Amy destroys it with a mirror. He then [[spoiler: goes to guard her comatose body for 2,000 years, becoming the legendary Last Centurion]]. He seems to develop something of a complex. |
| 293 | --->'''Rory:''' And she knows that wherever she is, I ''am'' coming for her. ''Always.'' |
| 294 | * Another Joss Whedon show: nearly everything Paul Ballard does on ''{{Series/Dollhouse}}'' is to protect Echo...even before he actually meets her. |
| 295 | * ''Series/{{Firefly}}'' |
| 296 | ** River Tam is a slight variation; she really did need and want her brother Simon's protection, but that was because she was so erratic that she needed a stabilizing influence. Despite her abilities and [[spoiler: combat training]], she's still scared and confused about herself and the world around her. Simon, despite possessing a BigBrotherInstinct to rival the Captain's own, had an unimposing appearance and soft-spoken nature unless he needed to protect someone (like a patient endangered by an incompetent surgeon). |
| 297 | ** Kaylee and Mal fit as well. Mal is very protective of his mechanic and even threatens to kill Simon if he doesn’t treat her after she’s shot in the pilot. |
| 298 | * ''Series/GameOfThrones'': |
| 299 | ** Faithfully serving Renly as a member of his Kingsguard is Brienne's quiet way of expressing her (unrequited) love for him. |
| 300 | ** The Hound finally admits he's interested in protecting Arya for more than just her ransom in "The Children". |
| 301 | ** Toward the end of Season 6, Tyrion swears to Daenerys, "I believe in you. It's embarrassing, really. I'd swear you my sword, but I don't actually own a sword." When Daenerys tells Tyrion she needs his counsel, not his protection, he answers, "It's yours. Now and always." |
| 302 | * ''Series/{{Gotham}}'': As Bruce starts coming into his own and embarking on a life of vigilantism, he gives out a lot of these, mostly to the people of Gotham as a whole. "My parents sacrificed everything for this city. And if necessary, so will I." |
| 303 | * ''Series/InterviewWithTheVampire2022'': In Season 1, Armand states that he protects his boyfriend Louis de Pointe du Lac from himself and others, while worrying about Louis' interview being a suicide attempt. Armand also reacts very unhappily to Daniel Molloy insulting Louis, warning him that when Daniel hears the other half of the story, he'll be ashamed about his scornful remarks. |
| 304 | * ''Series/KamenRiderExAid'' plays with this. Nico Saiba is the most badass Ride-Player around, but still needs to be looked after by Taiga Hanaya, who's ability is in a completely different league than her. |
| 305 | * Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse: |
| 306 | ** ''Series/JessicaJones2015'': As much as [[JerkWithAHeartOfGold Jessica]] initially insists this is not the motivation for her actions, it's clear to both Trish and Kilgrave that she would do anything to protect Trish. Trish is alternately frustrated and touched by this. |
| 307 | ** ''Series/Daredevil2015'': Throughout the show, while Matt rarely admits it, he is very protective of Karen Page's safety. |
| 308 | *** When putting Karen up at his apartment after she escapes Wilson Fisk's attempt to have her killed in jail, Matt reassures her “I will keep you safe, Karen," a promise he keeps when he rescues her from the assassin Fisk has sent to her apartment to attack her when she attempts to retrieve the Union Allied pension file. |
| 309 | *** Which gets called back in the Season 1 finale when Matt assures Karen, “I told you I would keep you safe, Karen. When he [Fisk] came after you over Union Allied. That hasn't changed.” |
| 310 | *** Throughout Season 2, we see that Matt continues to be very protective of Karen. His first engagement with Frank Castle sees him taking the guy on when he's shooting at Grotto and Karen with a sniper rifle. A few episodes later, when Karen admits to breaking into Frank's house, Matt and Foggy both get mad at her, but Matt admits [[AngerBornOfWorry he's mostly just scared that she could have gotten hurt]]. He tackles her to the ground and shields her from the bullets when Reyes is gunned down in front of them. In the Season 2 finale, when the Hand kidnaps her and a bunch of other people Matt has saved as bait, he's so worried about Karen that he can't focus on tracking the hostages that Elektra has to calm him down, and when he does rescue the hostages, he can't resist stopping to make sure Karen is okay before she goes. |
| 311 | * ''Series/ThePrincessWeiYoung'': Min De promises to protect Xin Er, who's pretending to be his cousin Wei Young, from Wei Young's WickedStepmother. |
| 312 | * Dean Winchester (from ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'') has dedicated his life to protecting his brother Sam (despite the fact that Sam can protect himself, and often doesn't want Dean to risk everything to protect him). |
| 313 | * ''Series/TinMan'' A cross of "I owe her," "It gets complicated," and LivingMacguffin get involved with the gentlemen who decide to travel with DG. Raw is pretty straightforward. She's a good person, and she was responsible for rescuing him from a nasty death. Glitch comes with her because it's preferable to be confused and with someone than confused and alone. But it turns out that he was [[spoiler: her mother's [[TheGoodChancellor trusted and devoted]] adviser]]. Remembering who he was and learning who she is just makes him more determined to help. Cain's a mess. He agrees to escort DG and Glitch to Central (Emerald) City because he does owe them that much for freeing him, but the Mystic Man, [[spoiler: his former boss]], ''orders'' Cain to protect DG at any cost -- and Cain's too damn honorable to disobey a direct order, especially as [[spoiler: it turns out to also be the Mystic Man's LastRequest]]. By the time it's discovered that [[spoiler: DG is inadvertently responsible for the Witch's reign of terror]], they've become such TrueCompanions that they don't care. |
| 314 | * On ''Series/TheVampireDiaries'', Stefan, who is the hero, devotes his immortal, undead life and makes constant sacrifices (including sacrificing himself or risking his life) in order to protect and save Elena, the heroine (or more like damsel in distress) from possible harm and dangers of the supernatural in the town of Mystic Falls. |
| 315 | * Steve Jinks, ''Series/{{Warehouse 13}}'' has an interesting combo of three, He has a dead [[CoolBigSis big sister]] that he sees in ActionGirl Claudia, his partner, after she saves his life in the most hilarious way possible. This led him to decide to go undercover to protect her because he couldn't save his own sister, which in turn, gets him killed. [[spoiler: He gets better.]] |
| 316 | * ''Series/TheXFiles'': While Mulder was always protective of Scully, her abduction in Season 2 sent him into overdrive. After her return, he becomes obsessed with keeping her safe. He ditches her several times, much to her annoyance, and asks her to sit out on cases for fear of her life. This makes it obvious that the one way to hurt him is to hurt her, and so this protective streak becomes even more pronounced after she is kidnapped many times more. Eventually, this turns into "I Owe Her My Life" since Scully is no slouch in the protecting and rescuing department. |
| 317 | [[/folder]] |
| 318 | |
| 319 | [[folder:Music]] |
| 320 | * "The Fragile" by Music/NineInchNails, with the refrain "I won't let you fall apart". |
| 321 | * Music/RascalFlatts' "I Won't Let Go". |
| 322 | -->''I will stand by you\ |
| 323 | I will help you through\ |
| 324 | When you've done all you can do\ |
| 325 | And you can't cope\ |
| 326 | I will dry your eyes\ |
| 327 | I will fight your fight\ |
| 328 | I will hold you tight\ |
| 329 | And [[TitleDrop I won't let go]]'' |
| 330 | * "Parachute" by Music/ChrisStapleton: "Say the word and I'll be there for you / Baby, I will be your parachute" |
| 331 | * "'Till The Morning Comes" by Music/TheGratefulDead: |
| 332 | -->''Tell you what I'll do\ |
| 333 | I'll watch out for you\ |
| 334 | You're my woman now\ |
| 335 | Make yourself easy'' |
| 336 | [[/folder]] |
| 337 | |
| 338 | [[folder:Roleplay]] |
| 339 | * In ''Roleplay/DawnOfANewAgeOldportBlues'', Luna is more physically imposing than her best friend Ivy and makes it a habit to look out for her, telling her as such when Ivy worries about the government agent sent to hunt them down. |
| 340 | [[/folder]] |
| 341 | |
| 342 | [[folder:Theatre]] |
| 343 | * In ''Theatre/TanzDerVampire'', Alfred is searching for Sarah and vows to protect her, at any cost. |
| 344 | -->''I'll be tough, I'll be sly,\ |
| 345 | There is nothing I would not do or be\ |
| 346 | For Sarah\ |
| 347 | I will steal, I will lie\ |
| 348 | There is nothing I won't try\ |
| 349 | To find and save her.'' |
| 350 | * "Dear Theodosia" from ''Theatre/{{Hamilton}}'' is a sweet declaration of protection and ParentalLoveSong from Hamilton and Burr to their respective children Philip and Theodosia. |
| 351 | -->You will come of age with our young nation\ |
| 352 | We'll bleed and fight for you\ |
| 353 | We'll make it right for you\ |
| 354 | If we lay a strong enough foundation\ |
| 355 | We'll pass it on to you\ |
| 356 | We'll give the world to you\ |
| 357 | And you'll blow us all away\ |
| 358 | Some day, some day\ |
| 359 | [[/folder]] |
| 360 | |
| 361 | [[folder:Video Games]] |
| 362 | * After Bartlett is shot down in ''VideoGame/AceCombat5TheUnsungWar'' protecting Edge she becomes ''very'' determined to protect [[ImpliedLoveInterest you.]] Badass? There's a myth about the Demons of Razgriz that applied to the Wardog squadron, and they may indeed be literal demons if one mid-game mission is anything to go by. |
| 363 | * ''VideoGame/ANNOMutationem'': A PensieveFlashback shows a young Ann telling Ryan that [[BigSisterInstinct she will look out for him]] whenever he gets into trouble. |
| 364 | * Every protagonist in the ''[[VideoGame/ExaPico Ar tonelico]]'' series on their heroine Reyvateils. However, this involved them [[MentalWorld getting into their minds and solve their inner conflicts.]] It isn't so bad until some of the heroines [[{{Yandere}} secretly want to kill or rape their interests in their mind worlds.]] And those heroes are dealing with [[PersonOfMassDestruction ultra powerful]] [[SquishyWizard magician]] [[MusicalAssassin singers]] here. |
| 365 | * In the ''Franchise/BaldursGate'' series [[BoisterousBruiser Minsc]] has a "Witch" called Dynaheir. It's his duty to protect her, and if you do not resolve his SideQuest to save her, he'll leave your party. The sequel kicks off with you ([[CuttingOffTheBranches And Minsc]]) in captivity and him lamenting how he failed to save Dynaheir, [[SuddenSequelDeathSyndrome her having died off screen]]. Somewhere in the game, Minsc can choose a new "Witch" to protect out of two other potential party members. |
| 366 | * ''VideoGame/BioShock'': The Big Daddies are willing to die to protect the Little Sisters. |
| 367 | * In ''VideoGame/BlazBlueCentralFiction'', Lambda-11 states that her desire is to be with Ragna so she can protect him. Ragna the Bloodedge is a OneManArmy who began the series waging a pretty-successful war against the entire world government... but Lambda is going to protect him too. |
| 368 | * ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry'': |
| 369 | ** ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry4'' provides another fairly straightforward (and heartwarming) example with Nero's half of the story with his LoveInterest Kyrie. [[spoiler:Though for a while it ''looks'' like he failed]]. |
| 370 | ** Nero does it again near the end of ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry5'', swearing that he won't let [[spoiler:his father Vergil or his uncle Dante]] die. [[spoiler:And he succeeds.]] |
| 371 | * In ''VideoGame/Disgaea4APromiseUnforgotten'', about 400 years before the start of the game, the vampire Valvatorez makes a promise to a young woman to abstain from drinking blood until he can make her experience fear. Since a war is raging and the woman is a front-line nurse, he also declares to protect her until he can make good on his first promise. He is careless, however, and she is killed three days later. He [[VegetarianVampire hasn't drunk blood]], nor [[IGaveMyWord broken another promise]] ever since. |
| 372 | * ''Franchise/DragonAge'': |
| 373 | ** ''VideoGame/DragonAgeOrigins'': This is one possible outcome at the end. If a female Grey Warden has a romance with Alistair, he will refuse to allow her to [[HeroicSacrifice sacrifice herself]] to kill the Archdemon, taking the choice out of her hands and doing it himself unless she takes the precaution of leaving him behind at the gates before heading to the last battle. |
| 374 | ** In the ''VideoGame/DragonAgeII'' DLC ''Mark of the Assassin'', the GuestStarPartyMember Tallis can try to encourage Hawke to consider converting to the Qun, saying that it would give Hawke purpose. Hawke, who (depending on when the DLC is completed) is or will become the formal Champion of their city, gives a response that is literally this trope. |
| 375 | --->'''Hawke:''' I have purpose. ''I protect Kirkwall.'' |
| 376 | ** ''VideoGame/DragonAgeInquisition'': |
| 377 | *** When the Iron Bull is recruited, he informs the perfectly badass Inquisitor that he will consider it his duty to serve as their front-line bodyguard. Whether this ultimately becomes romantic or not depends on whether they pursue him as their love interest, but [[GameplayAndStoryIntegration it's an actual gameplay mechanic]] -- if he's in the active party, he invariably runs in to attack anything which makes the Inquisitor its target. |
| 378 | *** Dorian will make one of these if the quest "In Hushed Whispers" is completed. [[spoiler:In the BadFuture,]] when the Herald of Andraste expresses their anxiousness over what will become of them, Dorian offers some gentle reassurance. |
| 379 | ---->'''Dorian:''' I'm here. I'll protect you. |
| 380 | * The plot of ''VideoGame/EmeraldDragon'' is partially kicked off by one of these. When Tamryn decides to return to the land of humans at the game's start, the dragon Atrushan rips off one of his horns to give to her, telling her to use it as a flute and sound it if she's in danger. Him hearing the sound of it years later causes him to come to human world to find Tamryn, starting the plot. |
| 381 | * ''VideoGame/EternalSonata'': One of Princess Serenade's level up quotes is "I will protect Prince Cresendo." The prince in question is KnightInShiningArmor and she's a PrincessClassic. It works because she has formitable magic power. |
| 382 | * Al, towards his childhood friend Erel in ''VideoGame/EvilZone''. Yes, he's a very powerful [[MagicalGirlWarrior Magical Boy Warrior]] ''and'' the BigBad they're facing is a GameBreaker SealedEvilInACan, but she's a pretty skilled CuteBruiser too. |
| 383 | * ''VisualNovel/FateStayNight.'' [[IdiotHero Emiya Shirou.]] He does this ''twice.'' In Fate, he does this to Saber, despite Saber being '''[[spoiler:motherfucking Myth/KingArthur]]'''. (To be fair, he HAD no idea who she really was AND had watched her get totally curbstomped by Hercules.) Fortunately, he's [[LampshadeHanging called out on this]] and eventually it gets [[DeconstructedTrope deconstructed]] in the Unlimited Blade Works route (the second example), where it turns out that Shirou has a massive case of SurvivorGuilt that causes him to totally disregard his own safety; the deconstruction is that he feels the other person's safety is more important than his own so there's no problem getting hurt. Heaven's Feel also plays with this trope by having Sakura be, from Shirou's point of view, totally helpless... then you get closer to the end and she turns out to [[spoiler:have an absurdly powerful SuperpoweredEvilSide. Shirou promptly modifies his definition of "protect Sakura" to mean "get rid of Sakura's SuperpoweredEvilSide."]] |
| 384 | -->'''Shirou:''' If I can't protect her, Emiya Shirou can just die here! |
| 385 | * ''Franchise/FinalFantasy'': |
| 386 | ** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI'': Appears in Locke's backstory. His girlfriend Rachel got amnesia in an accident for which he was blamed, and while he was in self-imposed exile, the Empire rolled in and killed her. So when he meets the amnesiac Terra, he vows not to leave her side until her memory returns. When he encounters the condemned Imperial Celes later, he makes a similar declaration. |
| 387 | ** Squall of ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVIII'', who provides the page quote, vows to protect Rinoa, the girl who finally brought him out of his sarcastic, just-dont-care shell, and taught him what love was. The condition of "Even if you become the world's enemy..." is there because the worst scenario involves Rinoa turning into a full-blown Sorceress and ending up the target of the world's forces and possibly even their [=SeeD=] friends. Squall, Rinoa, and company succeed by preventing such a scenario from fully realizing. Squall is telling her that even if the worst happened and she became the ultimate evil, he'd still protect her from everyone. |
| 388 | ** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXIII'': |
| 389 | *** Lightning and Snow vow to protect Serah. Why? Because Serah is Lightning's sister and Snow's fiancee. It doesn't matter that she's been branded a l'Cie and enemy of the world Cocoon -- once Lightning realizes that it's not a weird lie to get around her disapproval of Snow, she jumps on the Purge train to get her back. Even after Serah appears to die by crystallization, Snow refuses to leave her statue and takes up her last wish to protect Cocoon. |
| 390 | ---->'''Lightning:''' It isn't a question of can or can't. Some things in life you just do. |
| 391 | *** During Chapter 7, Lightning and Hope promise to protect each other after he decides to abandon Operation Nora. It lasts throughout the whole trilogy and gets a CallBack in the [[VideoGame/LightningReturnsFinalFantasyXIII third game]]. |
| 392 | ** Zig-zagged in ''VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasy'' at first Cosmos's warriors (especially the Warrior of Light) make it their mission to protect her from Chaos and his henchmen. [[spoiler:In the end she willingly lets herself die in an effort to save ''them'' from the cycle of death and rebirth they've been caught in]]. |
| 393 | ** This carries into the CrisisCrossover ''VideoGame/DissidiaFinalFantasyOperaOmnia'': |
| 394 | *** Snow decides that everyone in the group (of more than 50 warriors) is a part of his family and that anyone they care about are part of his family too. That means he'll protect every single one of them, no matter what. |
| 395 | *** Also from ''Opera Omnia'' is Gabranth. When a conversation with Locke reveals that Locke has chosen to abandon Celes (along with his other friends) to pursue an unnamed treasure, the conclusion of Gabranth's WhatTheHellHeroSpeech amounts to "I am going to go take your place as a ''Final Fantasy 6'' character and protect them like you ''should'' be doing." |
| 396 | * ''Franchise/FireEmblem'': |
| 397 | ** Regarding the games in general, the people that play them [[InvokedTrope invoke]] this trope by not wanting any of their units to fall in battle, as until the remakes of the Archanea games for the DS their deaths were [[{{Permadeath}} always permanent]]. If a ''single'' unit dies, chances are that [[RageQuit a player will restart the entire battle]]. Heck, even if permadeath is disabled, some players may be tempted to restart the battle anyway! |
| 398 | ** In ''VideoGame/FireEmblemTheBlazingBlade'' for the GBA: Dorcas's wife Natalie is DelicateAndSickly. [[HealthcareMotivation He wants her to get better, and so he joins a bandit group.]] Once Lyn knocks sense into him (and Natalie does too, if the player makes them talk), Dorcas decides to keep fighting for her until he gathers enough gold to buy the medicine. It's just as simple as that, for him. |
| 399 | ** ''VideoGame/FireEmblemFates'': |
| 400 | *** If he marries Azura on the GoldenPath, then the [[PlayerCharacter Male Avatar]] swears to protect her forever. He doesn't care who or what threatens her; he'll always stay with her and keep her safe, [[spoiler:and unlike the other two paths, [[EarnYourHappyEnding he succeeds]]]]. |
| 401 | *** Also in Fates' GoldenPath, if Azama and Effie reach a RelationshipUpgrade, his LoveConfession is basically ''made'' of this trope: |
| 402 | ---->'''Azama:''' [[LampshadeHanging I want to...protect you.]]\ |
| 403 | '''Effie:''' What do you mean? [[WhiteMage You]] protect me all the time...[[AfterActionPatchUp by tending to my wounds.]]\ |
| 404 | '''Azama:''' I want to protect you BEFORE you get injured. [[GrowOldWithMe Because I want to live a long and happy life...with you by my side.]]\ |
| 405 | '''Effie:''' Are you saying what I think you're saying?\ |
| 406 | '''Azama:''' Yes. At first, [[ChronicHeroSyndrome I was annoyed with your selflessness.]] [[MartyrWithoutACause It seemed impractical.]] But as I've come to admit to myself, it has a certain charm. [[PluckyGirl I also admire your fearlessness in the face of unbelievable danger.]]\ |
| 407 | '''Effie:''' Azama...\ |
| 408 | '''Azama:''' Please, let me finish. [[LoveConfession I've never said this before--to anyone! I... I love you.]] |
| 409 | ** ''VideoGame/FireEmblemTheSacredStones'': |
| 410 | *** The Eirika-Innes supports start out with this when Innes declares he's going to guard Eirika to pay her back for rescuing him before. Their next support opens with him complaining that she keeps on going ahead of him to attack enemies... because he's an archer, and archers are pretty much obligated to stay in the back because they can't attack adjacent units, and she, as a swordswoman, obviously can, and he's not happy about the visual. |
| 411 | *** Amelia and Franz's A-Support ends up in a mutual one, with Amelia vowing to be his shield to protect him, while Franz's promises to be her sword to fight for her, assuring her that [[YouAreNotAlone she won't be alone anymore]]. |
| 412 | ** ''VideoGame/FireEmblemThreeHouses'': After Byleth's father, Jeralt, dies, Jeralt's second in command, Alois, swears that he'll protect Byleth. |
| 413 | * ''VideoGame/FiveNightsAtFreddysSecurityBreach'': When Glamrock Freddy discovers that [[KidHero Gregory]] is trapped in the [=PizzaPlex=] and everyone else is hunting him, he promises to help him find a way out. |
| 414 | * ''VideoGame/GalaxyAngel'': In the first game, Forte has an event with Tact where she states that she wants to make him into a man she can trust to watch her back. Should she be chosen as the romantic partner, when she takes the mission to clear the route for the Elsior's escape, she states in her LoveConfession that she wants to protect the man she fell in love with. |
| 415 | * ''VideoGame/{{Gungrave}}''. The protagonist's major goals are to get revenge on the main villain and to protect the daughter of his former love interest ''from'' the main villain. By using a lot of [[MoreDakka dakka]]. |
| 416 | * All main routes of ''VideoGame/{{Hakuouki}}'' lead inevitably to this trope thanks to Chizuru spending a good four years in the constant company of the captains of UsefulNotes/TheShinsengumi, all of whom, aside from Sanan, develop protective feelings toward her and go out of their way to keep her with them and protect her, even though she's TheLoad and the Shinsengumi's situation becomes increasingly dire as events unfold. In Okita Souji's route, [[spoiler:her EvilTwin Kaoru]] purposefully exploits the trope with malice aforethought [[BreakTheCutie to make poor Chizuru suffer]] by repeatedly creating situations that inspire Souji to protect her at his own expense. |
| 417 | * ''VideoGame/HenryStickminSeries'': As Henry's undyingly faithful companion after he helped her escape the Wall, Ellie Rose commits herself to keep Henry safe throughout his journey and a few of her choices and scenarios involving Ellie to find a way to get Henry out of danger. |
| 418 | * ''VideoGame/{{Hiveswap}}'': In Act 2, Xefros declares that he'll protect Joey from harm when [[spoiler: Azdaja challenges her to a duel. He later keeps his word by pushing Baizli to his [[ImpaledWithExtremePrejudice death]].]] |
| 419 | * ''VideoGame/{{Ib}}'': Ib saves Garry's life by returning his [[SoulJar rose]] to him early in the game, and he vows to keep her safe in the gallery. While he is somewhat of a CowardlyLion, he jumps to action when it counts -- for example, when Ib falls unconscious, he carries her to safety and guards her until she wakes up. [[spoiler:Depending on your ending, he may end up giving away his rose again in exchange for Ib's... leading to his demise]]. |
| 420 | * ''VisualNovel/KatawaShoujo'': |
| 421 | ** Hisao feels this way in regards to [[ShrinkingViolet Han]][[TheWoobie ako]] in her route. [[spoiler:If you want to get her good ending you'd better [[SubvertedTrope drop that attitude when Lilly brings it up]] because Hanako does ''[[DontYouDarePityMe not]]'' like it. [[BewareTheQuietOnes At]] [[DeconstructedTrope all]].]] |
| 422 | ** Other routes also touch the trope, either criticizing it or reaching a compromise between protecting/helping a girl and letting her be when needed. For example, [[spoiler:Emi]]'s path shows that [[spoiler:Emi ''does'' need emotional protection due to refusing to make any deep relationships after her father's death in the accident that claimed her legs, and as long as Hisao doesn't overdo it, he ''can'' protect her broken emotions]]; and in [[spoiler:Rin]]'s it turns out that [[spoiler:Rin needs ''both'' protection (since she's under very heavy pressure from her well-intentioned but VERY pushy art teacher) and to be understood (because she has big problems on expressing what she feels if it's not through art)]] |
| 423 | * ''Franchise/TheKingOfFighters'': |
| 424 | ** Kyo Kusanagi. He is already willing to protect his GirlNextDoor girlfriend Yuki to start with, but [[spoiler:once he's told that she is a BarrierMaiden and that she was to be used in a HumanSacrifice]], his desire to protect her goes up to eleven. [[spoiler:Later, the spirit of his rival's ancestor asks him to protect her, among several other things.]] |
| 425 | ** [[spoiler:One of Kyo Kusanagi's main motivations in the Tales of Ash saga is to make Ash Crimson '''pay''' for attacking Chizuru Kagura, his friend and fellow member of the Sacred Treasures Team, and stealing her MagicMirror. It's really not helped by how Kyo couldn't do anything to stop him.]] |
| 426 | ** It's kind of a plot point in the ''KOF: KYO'' continuity. [[spoiler:Ever since he was a kid, Kyo deeply wanted to protect his loved ones (in fact, he promises his mother Shizuka that he will do so when he's just eight years old), and that turned out to be one of the reasons why he was so powerful... but after gradually forgetting it in the middle of his turbulent life, he got BroughtDownToNormal and then susceptible to being BrainwashedAndCrazy by Orochi. Remembering how he began to fight as well as this purpose is what lets Kyo recover his lost powers and shake off Orochi's influence: this is sealed after his WarriorTherapist dad Saisyu undoes a staged HostageSituation that he built to help Kyo and releases Yuki from an UnwillingSuspension. As Kyo rushes to [[FallingIntohisArms catch]] [[BridalCarry her]], his inner thoughts pretty much spell this trope.]] |
| 427 | ** Also invoked by Adelheid "Adel" Berstein. He has sworn to himself to be the protector of his younger sister Rose, who also is his only living relative after their dad Rugal's death, and even when he seems to be an AloofBigBrother, he will NOT stop when it comes to shielding her from any harm. The main reason why [[spoiler:he became Heidern's source of information]] in ''VideoGame/TheKingOfFightersXIII'' was his worry about how oddly Rose was acting around him -- [[spoiler:and with good reason, since she was {{Brainwashed}} by Those of the Past. When she's released from their mind control and collapses, Adel immediately rushes towards her to catch her in his arms]]. |
| 428 | * ''Franchise/KingdomHearts'': As of ''[[VideoGame/KingdomHearts3DDreamDropDistance 3D]]'', [[{{Deuteragonist}} Riku]]'s primary motive seems to be to protect Sora (and to a lesser extent Kairi), aside from protecting the worlds. It appears that his wish to 'protect the things that matter' in ''[[VideoGame/KingdomHeartsBirthBySleep Birth by Sleep]]'' has [[https://blowingoffsteam2.tumblr.com/post/182892280944/in-regards-to-the-phrasing-used-in-reference-to deliberately]] [[https://lilyginnyblackv2.tumblr.com/post/183142982289/kh3-ultimania-riku-page-one evolved]] from when he was a child -- at least in the [[LostIntranslation original Japanese dialogue]], anyway. In fact, it is his concern for Sora that leads to him subconsciously diving into his dreams in ''3D'', rather than traveling the worlds alongside him. |
| 429 | -->'''Beat:''' I just... wanna protect the one person who matters.\ |
| 430 | '''Riku:''' [[{{Protectorate}} I know the feeling.]] |
| 431 | * ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfHeroesTrails'': |
| 432 | ** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfHeroesTrailsInTheSky'': Agate gives this to Tita, which only serves to strengthen her crush on him. Agate's too dense to figure out what comes out of his mouth. |
| 433 | ** Deconstructed in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfHeroesTrailsOfColdSteel II'' where Rean wonders if he should act on the promise of him protecting his adopted little sister Elise, who is held hostage by the Noble Alliance, to side with them in order to end the CivilWar faster even if it betrays his beliefs. Alfin has to snap him out of it, telling Rean to hold on to his beliefs. |
| 434 | * ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'': |
| 435 | ** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkBetweenWorlds'': Link goes into the desolate Thieves' Town and finds a woman holding eggs from a smashed coop and promising that no harm will come to them. |
| 436 | ** In ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild'', Mipha makes this promise to the protagonist, Link, which becomes a bit tricky when she dies in the line of duty. She manages to keep the promise, however, by granting him her [[HealingHands magical healing ability]] after her soul is freed from captivity. In the Champion's Ballad, there is a non-verbal one where Mipha asks Sidon to protect their home from harm if anything were to happen to her. Sidon wordlessly nods in agreement and strikes his familiar "I believe in you" pose. |
| 437 | * In ''VisualNovel/LittleBusters'', Kyousuke feels this way towards Riki and [[BigBrotherInstinct Rin]], and tries to encourage Riki to develop it towards Rin. In one of the final {{Bad End}}s, [[spoiler:when all of their other friends have died,]] Riki quietly promises to Rin that he will always protect her. She asks if he's proposing, and the player is given a choice whether to agree or not. |
| 438 | * ''Franchise/MassEffect'': Commander Shepard is the galaxy's ultimate badass; however, a certain dialogue path with [[ActionGirl Ash]] will have her invoke this trope. While [[DeadpanSnarker Ash]] does so very tongue in cheek, she lives up to that promise. |
| 439 | * ''VideoGame/{{NieR}}'': Nier's overriding desire to protect his daughter, Yonah, initially seems perfectly simple... and ''he'' probably never realizes it was anything but. The player, on the other hand, will soon realize -- by the second playthrough if not sooner -- that he's been doing a ''lot'' of really questionable stuff in order to protect and save her. |
| 440 | * ''VideoGame/PeretEmHeruForThePrisoners'': After Yoko confesses her fears that she's going to end up being the next one facing the pyramid's judgment, Ayuto reassures her that he'll protect her. This doesn't sit well with their ''other'' friends, Kyosuke and Nei; hearing Kyosuke growl "...You woman-stealing bastard," Ayuto quickly appends that he ''and Kyosuke'' will '''both''' protect her. |
| 441 | * ''Franchise/{{Persona}}'': |
| 442 | ** ''VideoGame/Persona3'': |
| 443 | *** [[spoiler:Doubles as an [[ImpliedTrope Implied]] [[LoveConfession Love Confession]] It's after everything is over ([[UpdatedRerelease until FES]]), but Aigis qualifies with her wanting to protect the main character for the rest of his life...[[TearJerker who is dying on her lap as she vows to do so.]]]] |
| 444 | *** [[BigManOnCampus Akihiko Sanada]] across all of P3's releases, with his resolution ([[spoiler:which brings about his Persona Polydeuces' transformation into Caesar]]) being his resolve to protect all of SEES, but he plays it straightest if he becomes a female protagonist's LoveInterest in the [[UpdatedRerelease Playstation Portable version]] of the game. He also has ties to the "failed to protect" category, as his younger sister Miki died in a house fire when he was a child, and [[spoiler:later on, his childhood friend and GuestStarPartyMember Shinjiro is murdered]]. |
| 445 | ** In ''VideoGame/Persona4'', Chie does this as a LoveConfession of sorts, which prompts you to ask her to be your girlfriend or say "I'm counting on you" to remain JustFriends. |
| 446 | -->'''Chie:''' Um, well... I also want to protect you... I might be a little flaky... And maybe you don't even need protecting... But... I... I want to protect you... |
| 447 | * ''VisualNovel/PhoenixWrightAceAttorneyDualDestinies'': A huge chunk of the plot is geared around this trope and how ''messy'' it got. [[spoiler:Seven years before the game itself took place, a young man stepped in the murder scene of his mentor and saw said mentor's even younger daughter all covered in blood. Realising that the little girl would be accused and trialed for {{matricide}}, the man took a desperate bid and [[TakingTheHeat framed himself for the crime]] to protect her, despite knowing that he'd be screwed. Seven years later, he's on death row and the now grown-up girl is desperately trying to get the sentence overturned... The man's name? Simon Blackquill, one of the game's prosecutors. The girl's? Athena Cykes, Phoenix's assistant. Whether [[HeroicSacrifice he fatally fulfils the promise]] or not [[MultipleEndings depends on the player]].]] The trope in itself gets lampshaded explicitly in [[spoiler:the good ending, when Simon is released and Athena tearfully meets up with him.]] |
| 448 | -->[[spoiler:'''Athena:''']] S-shame on you, [[spoiler:Simon]], for trying to throw your life away like that!\ |
| 449 | [[spoiler:'''Simon:''']] It was never my intention to just throw my life away, but [[GreaterNeedThanMine some things in this world are more important than your own life]]. My honor-bound duty was to protect with my life... [[spoiler:my mentor]]'s beloved treasure! |
| 450 | * ''VideoGame/PrinceOfPersia2008'' has the prince play out this trope. He doesn't really care about the lost kingdom, or the BigBad, or any of that -- he's only fighting because Elika DOES care, and she's gonna put herself in harm's way with or without him. In the end, she gives up her life to stick the Seal back on the [[SealedEvilInACan Can of Evil]], and he immediately snaps and tears the lid back off to resurrect her again. She is not happy about that. |
| 451 | * In ''VideoGame/ProjectXZone 2: Brave New World'', [[VideoGame/StreetFighterII Chun-Li]] declares that she's going to protect [[VideoGame/{{Tekken}} Ling Xiaoyu]] after she accidentally barges in on a confrontation between Chun-Li against [[VideoGame/StreetFighterII Vega/M. Bison]], [[VideoGame/StreetFighterIV Juri Han]], [[VideoGame/NamcoXCapcom Saya and her henchmen]], and [[VideoGame/ProjectXZone Sheath]]. While Xiaoyu can fight, being targeted by a lot of bad guys is probably a bad idea. |
| 452 | * ''Franchise/ResidentEvil'': |
| 453 | ** ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil2'': Quite literally, in the case of Leon and Ada. [[VideoGame/ResidentEvil2Remake The Remake]] turns Leon and Ada's saving each other into a scorekeeping game, with Leon telling Ada at one point that she protected him and now its his turn to protect her. |
| 454 | ** ''VideoGame/ResidentEvilCodeVeronica'': Although he's a mouse, D.I.J.'s diary tells of his wish to protect Claire from Wesker. |
| 455 | ** ''VideoGame/ResidentEvil6'' makes a point of how far Leon's willing to go to protect Ada, including fighting his own allies. |
| 456 | ---> '''Chris''': [Ada's] working for Neo-Umbrella. You know what that means?\ |
| 457 | '''Leon:''' Yeah, I do.\ |
| 458 | '''Chris:''' And your still going to protect this woman?\ |
| 459 | '''Leon:''' [[UndyingLoyalty I am.]] |
| 460 | * In ''VideoGame/SandsOfDestruction'' has a gender-flipped version of who to protect. [[RidiculouslyCuteCritter Toppi]] grows an attachment to Kyrie because of his positive ideals and swears to protect him. It's complicated in that since that Kyrie is a PersonOfMassDestruction and has the power to destroy the world and Toppi really doesn't want that. |
| 461 | * In ''VideoGame/{{Shadowverse}}'', this is part of Rowen's character. [[spoiler:Which ironically backfired on him when his curse led to him accidentally killing his own squad, including Isabelle's fiance, Kyle. It appears his unwilling and uncontrollable dragon transformation is triggered whenever he feels the urge to protect someone. This continues to persist in the Morning Star's dream world, which then tips him off to the nature of his surroundings.]] |
| 462 | * In ''VideoGame/TheSims3'', you can have a Sim vow to protect another Sim. This gives the neutral "Promise to Protect" moodlet to the sim who makes the promise, and the positive "Someone to Watch Over Me" moodlet for the sim being protected -- both of which last for two days. |
| 463 | * In the first season of his route of ''VisualNovel/StarshipPromise'', Atlas Molniya drops an unorthodox version when he informs the protagonist that he intends to protect her from the Union out of ''pure spite''. The effect is still the same, especially given the vehemence of his phrasing. |
| 464 | -->'''Atlas:''' I wouldn't spit on them if they were on fire! So if they want you, then... then they'll have to rip you from my cold dead fingers. |
| 465 | * An odd twist on this for both ''VideoGame/StarWarsKnightsOfTheOldRepublic'' if you're playing female. In the first, Carth knows damn well you could skewer him on a lightsaber and not muss your hair. Still does not stop him from admitting that trying to protect you is his reason to live [[spoiler: after Saul Karath dies painfully]]. In the second game, Atton's overt about it. Bao-Dur is more subtle but still frighteningly loyal to his "general." In both Carth's case and Bao-Dur's, the "protection" they offer is more or less trying to act as the MoralityPet for a female PlayerCharacter in order to help prevent her from falling to the Dark Side. |
| 466 | * ''Franchise/StreetFighter'': [[GentleGiant Thunder]] [[MagicalNativeAmerican Hawk]], especially ''VideoGame/StreetFighterIV''. He has three driving purposes in his life: recovering his people's sacred lands, punishing Bison for killing his father and former chieftain Arroyo Hawk, and protecting his childhood friend and fellow tribeperson Julia. [[spoiler: Then we see how '''horribly''' screwed up she and several other girls were thanks to Bison's Doll Project, in which he made them his BrainwashedAndCrazy BodyguardBabes. By ''IV'', the poor girl has become [[EmptyShell an empty and emotionless shadow of the girl she used to be]].]] |
| 467 | * ''VideoGame/SuikodenII'': |
| 468 | ** A twist on this can occur due to player choice. TheHero has somehow wound up leading LaResistance against TheEmpire, and his adopted sister has, naturally, wound up getting dragged along for the ride. When she finally admits that she'd prefer to live quietly together, you have the option of agreeing with her, running away from your army and responsibilities along with her, thus demonstrating an alternate solution to the problem. The result is somewhere between a NonStandardGameOver and a... well, [[BittersweetEnding Not All That Bad Ending]]. You actually DO get away, and live quietly together in a cabin in the woods somewhere far from all the war and strife... but of course, LaResistance fell apart, TheEmpire triumphed, and all your other friends probably died. |
| 469 | ** Further observed later in the story of the game. She ends up protecting Riou from himself by faking her own death. Her reasoning being that when she dove forward to start deflecting arrows fired by Gorudo's archers, Riou leapt up beside her without a second thought for his own safety. Shu agrees to go along with her duplicity because they both realize that without Riou, the entire war effort would fall apart. In removing herself from the picture, Nanami ensures that Riou won't do something like that again. |
| 470 | * Arado Balanga from ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars Original Generation 2'' is a pretty good Mecha-Pilot, objectively speaking -- but as a graduate of '[[TykeBomb The School]]', he's at the bottom of the heap -- especially compared to his partner, Seolla, who's one of the best, period. But he's sworn to protect her, and protect her he does - whenever she ends up in a pinch, he goes CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass, whether that means fighting off an otherwise-supreme opponent, or taking a bullet for her. Sometimes both. |
| 471 | * ''VideoGame/SuperRobotWars Gaiden'': Ricardo takes a bullet for Tytti, saving her life... but leaving her AllergicToLove due to losing him. |
| 472 | * ''VideoGame/TalesOfGraces'': |
| 473 | ** "Protect your friends" is basically the theme of the game -- it gets subverted and played straight and spun and re-used in every conceivable way. In fact the characters use the word "protect" ''well over a hundred times'' in the course of the game. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENWn4tQYfD4 This has not gone unnoticed.]] |
| 474 | ** Main characters Asbel and Sophie ''argue'' over who gets to protect whom, until Asbel challenges Sophie to a footrace to settle the matter...and loses. Sophie saves the group from certain death more than once throughout the game and is canonically one of the most powerful fighters in the party. ([[spoiler: Halfway through the main arc, when Asbel is given an opportunity to defeat her in single combat]]). |
| 475 | * In ''VisualNovel/{{Tsukihime}}'', one is given towards the end of Ciel's route. In this particular case, this is an 'I will protect you from your SuperpoweredEvilSide and from [[GoodVersusGood everyone]] [[ShootTheDog trying to kill you]] because of your SuperpoweredEvilSide' variant. [[spoiler:Unusually for the trope, it's the ActionGirl LoveInterest, Ciel, vowing to protect the ApocalypseMaiden protagonist, Shiki.]] |
| 476 | * During her narration on the prologue for ''[[VideoGame/TheWalkingDeadSeasonFour The Walking Dead: The Final Season]]'', Clementine vows to protect AJ with her life, the same way Lee did for her. |
| 477 | * ''VideoGame/WorldsEndClub'': In the final area, after [[spoiler:Yuki reveals the truth about herself and begs the group to destroy MAIK]], everyone instead says they'll find a way to protect her instead, with Kansai being the most determined about it. |
| 478 | * ''VideoGame/XenobladeChronicles1'': At any point when both Fiora and Shulk are in the party, you can count on this popping up in their battle quotes. Melia too, and the other members of the team at various points, will also make similar statements. Of course, give the fact that one of them wields nigh-godly power, the other is [[spoiler:a combat cyborg]], and the entire team is a BadassCrew, no one character really ''needs'' to protect another, per se. Doesn't stop them from declaring it regardless. |
| 479 | -->'''Shulk:''' ''(On using Light Heal on Fiora)'' Fiora, I will protect you!\ |
| 480 | '''Fiora:''' ''(On leveling up)'' I will use this power to protect Shulk!\ |
| 481 | '''Melia:''' ''(Also on leveling up)'' I will use this power to protect my friends! |
| 482 | [[/folder]] |
| 483 | |
| 484 | [[folder:Web Animation]] |
| 485 | * In the 3rd episode of ''WebAnimation/DeathBattle'' Season 9, [[Manga/DemonSlayerKimetsuNoYaiba Tanjiro]] VS [[Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventurePhantomBlood Jonathan Joestar]], after fatally wounding Tanjiro with [[RapidFireFisticuffs Sunlight Yellow Overdrive]] and finding out that Nezuko was Tanjiro's sister rather than one of Dio's minions like he initially thought, Jonathan states that he will protect Nezuko with his life before [[MercyKill stopping Tanjiro's heart with Hamon]]. [[BittersweetEnding While the fight ended with Nezuko hesitating to take Jonathan's hand]], WordOfGod would later confirm that she had accepted his aid. |
| 486 | * Kerry from ''WebAnimation/DSBTInsaniT'' makes it a point that no one shall harm Shawn, although the latter is certainly capable of protecting himself. |
| 487 | -->'''Kerry:''' ''Nobody'' harms Leader Shawn! |
| 488 | * ''WebAnimation/{{RWBY}}'': In "The Coming Storm", Blake tries this with Yang when she finally gets her alone. Yang actually takes offence at it and storms off, leaving Blake alone in the barn to kick herself over her words. Most likely Yang took it as [[DontYouDarePityMe coddling]] (she's an ActionGirl and can take care of herself) or worse, an admission from Blake that she's only there for her out of [[GuiltComplex guilt]] from abandoning her at the end of Volume 3. Later in the volume, when confronted by Adam, Blake amends this declaration by saying that she and Yang will be protecting each other from Adam. This time Yang is clearly moved. |
| 489 | [[/folder]] |
| 490 | |
| 491 | [[folder:Webcomics]] |
| 492 | * In ''Webcomic/ElGoonishShive'', Ellen and Nanase take turns being the protector and protectee. First Ellen protected Nanase [[http://egscomics.com/comic/2004-04-12 from Vlad]], then Nanase protected Ellen [[http://egscomics.com/comic/2009-09-15 from Abraham]], and finally both of them protect each other and their friends [[http://egscomics.com/comic/2013-08-06 from Not-Tengu]] using a spell that grants a form which can [[http://egscomics.com/comic/2013-05-17 only be used]] [[http://egscomics.com/comic/2013-07-22 to protect others]]. |
| 493 | * ''Webcomic/GirlGenius'': |
| 494 | ** Happened early on when Lars -- a traveling performer previously renowned for his cowardice -- threw himself in front of a sword to protect the eponymous protagonist, Agatha. He died, and she went nuts, temporarily going into full BloodKnight mode, and attempting to basically take on the entire army of Wulfenbach singlehandedly with a little help from her MechaMooks. She got over it, with a bit of chemical assistance, but now seem hell-bent on making sure nobody else dies for her. (Cue Gil and Tarvek winding up in one of the above-mentioned "She's an ActionGirl" situations, as she works harder to protect them than the other way around.) |
| 495 | ** Agatha, Gil, and Tarvek have all declared their intentions to protect one another (or rather, [[LoveTriangle Gil and Tarvek want to protect Agatha, and she wants to protect them]]). Considering they're all [[MadScientist Mad Scientists]] and the rulers of most of a continent, none of it is really necessary. |
| 496 | ** Agatha orders both Gil and Tarvek to leave [[MalevolentArchitecture Castle Heterodyne]] at various points within the Castle arc, even though they're both completely capable of looking after themselves. |
| 497 | ** Tarvek's stated aim of protecting Agatha from Gil's advances, after Gil's friends decide to announce to the whole town that he's going to marry her, backfires more than a little. |
| 498 | --->'''Tarvek:''' Agatha -- just say the word -- and I'll do everything in my power to sort this fellow out for you.\ |
| 499 | '''Agatha:''' I appreciate that. I really do. Because by the time '''''I''''' get through with him, I expect there'll be '''''a lot of pieces to sort!''''' |
| 500 | * ''Webcomic/KillSixBillionDemons'': [[OurAngelsAreDifferent 10 Vigilant Gaze]]'s first acts as he returns to the physical world are to help [[TheLancer 82 White Chain]] to remind her of what she initially stood for, and then to fight [[DragonInChief Juggernaut Star]] when the Thorn Knight starts to hurt her (all the while [[TheReasonYouSuckSpeech chewing Juggernaut Star]] for the way they and the rest of the angels have been treating White Chain for centuries). |
| 501 | * ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick'': Inverted, funnily enough, with ActionGirl Haley and her NonActionGuy boyfriend Elan. |
| 502 | -->'''Elan:''' Don't worry, you'll protect me. |
| 503 | * ''Webcomic/SluggyFreelance'', of all places, has an example of this. Torg may have a lot of diversions, but there's only ONE thing he's actually SERIOUS about -- and that's protecting Zoe. In an alternate universe overrun by demons, he soon gave up on trying to run LaResistance (since everyone there are PerfectPacifistPeople), and instead just concentrates on keeping Alt-Zoe fed and away from trouble. Back in the real world, he forces her away so she won't become a target for StalkerWithACrush Oasis. With... mixed success. |
| 504 | [[/folder]] |
| 505 | |
| 506 | [[folder:Web Originals]] |
| 507 | * Silver in ''Literature/AboveGround'' wants to protect Lilith and help her return home safely. But he's in complete denial about it all because [[spoiler:he knows the desire to protect is an unnatural bewitchment rather than a real feeling.]] It doesn't help that his pack is in a dire situation and they need money that Lilith could provide [[spoiler:if they ransom her off to the Guild.]] |
| 508 | [[/folder]] |
| 509 | |
| 510 | [[folder:Western Animation]] |
| 511 | * ''WesternAnimation/AdventureTime'' has [[spoiler: [[Characters/AdventureTimeIceKing Simon Petrikov, AKA The Ice King]]]] protecting a very young [[spoiler:Marceline]] either during or immediately after the [[spoiler:Mushroom War]]. It seems to be that he simply chose to look after her because she was scared and alone. Could arguably fall under the "complicated" category, but that's less to do with her being dangerous and more because [[spoiler:using his powers drives him incrementally more insane. He needs to stay sane for her sake; if she weren't around, he probably would have quickly given into the madness just from using his powers to protect himself.]] |
| 512 | * ''WesternAnimation/{{Amphibia}}'': |
| 513 | ** Sasha Waybright, though she's a [[ToxicFriendInfluence toxic friend]], genuinely cares about her two best friends with all her heart and she's a {{Determinator}} about getting back to them and getting them back home. In her first major appearance, after she's effectively sort-of gained her freedom from the cell where Grime was originally holding her, she privately makes a vow to her photo of Anne and Marcy that she'll find them and get them back home. |
| 514 | ** In "[[Recap/AmphibiaS1E27SnowDay Snow Day]]", Anne Boonchuy vows to protect the people of Wartwood from whatever's been causing the annual disappearances whilst the townsfolk are frozen during Hiber-Day, although Hop Pop cautions her that it's quite a workload. At the episode's end, she notes that Polly almost got eaten on her watch after she slacked off, although she nevertheless saved her and furthermore found out how to stop future disappearances from happening. |
| 515 | ** In Season 2, Frobo is very protective of Polly. [[spoiler:He outright vows to save her when Andrias tries to kill her, and he loses his life (temporarily) in the process of doing so]]. |
| 516 | * ''[[WesternAnimation/{{Arcane}} Arcane: League of Legends]]'': Vi tells Caitlyn about how back in the day she promised her sister to protect her from all the monsters but then ran away once the real monster appeared. |
| 517 | * ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'': When [[Characters/AvatarTheLastAirbenderSokka Sokka]] was still feeling guilty after losing his last girlfriend, he decided to make sure ''nothing'' happened to his other love-interest Suki. Of course, being an ActionGirl, Suki is mostly bemused and slightly insulted by this -- and eventually reveals the only reason she went with them was to protect ''Sokka''. |
| 518 | * ''WesternAnimation/FinalSpace'': In "[[Recap/FinalSpaceS3E3TheVentrexian The Ventrexian]]", a flashback shows Avocato vowing that he'll keep Little Cato safe, even if he has to give his own life to protect him. ([[spoiler:Which he kinda did in Season 1]]). |
| 519 | * ''WesternAnimation/TheOwlHouse'': In "[[Recap/TheOwlHouseS2E2EscapingExpulsion Escaping Expulsion]]", [[Characters/TheOwlHouseAmityBlight Amity Blight]] intervenes to save [[Characters/TheOwlHouseLuzNoceda Luz Noceda]] from the Abomaton 2.0: |
| 520 | --> '''Amity:''' Stay away from my Luz! |
| 521 | * ''WesternAnimation/{{Pibby}}'': Pibby promises [=BunBun=] that she'll always protect him... only for him to be consumed in the next scene. Pibby is later [[MyGreatestFailure horrified to see a giant BunBun coming out of the ooze]]. |
| 522 | * ''WesternAnimation/SecretSquirrel'': Secret Squirrel is under orders to apprehend a rampaging panda named Won Ton, but cannot harm him because he's an endangered species. When all else fails, Secret proceeds to keep Won Ton under his "protection," and at the same time causing Won Ton to beat himself silly while trying to attack Secret. Won Ton is finally placed in our hero's protective custody for "endangering an endangered species." |
| 523 | * ''WesternAnimation/SheRaAndThePrincessesOfPower'': |
| 524 | ** Deconstructed. [[Characters/SheRaAndThePrincessesOfPowerCatra Catra]] always took the brunt of [[Characters/SheRaAndThePrincessesOfPowerShadowWeaver Shadow Weaver]]'s abuse as the {{Unfavorite}}, and [[Characters/SheRaAndThePrincessesOfPowerAdora Adora]] was constantly trying to protect her. However, Catra was always in Adora's shadow and never received recognition for her accomplishments, whereas Adora was always praised and loved by everyone; it likely didn't help that the Horde [[TheSocialDarwinist frowns upon displays of "weakness"]], and continually being protected by someone else would likely make one appear weak. Catra was envious of her, and after Adora left, she felt abandoned. She then obsessed around ruining her former friend's life and blamed her for everything. Her behaviour worsens until Catra pushes everyone away in her insane quest to finally beat Adora, rejecting every chance she has at happiness. |
| 525 | ** Adora later makes one for [[Characters/SheRaAndThePrincessesOfPowerGlimmer Glimmer]], saying that [[spoiler:Angella]] told her to take care of Glimmer, and that's what she intends to do. This one is also deconstructed. First, [[spoiler:Angella]] actually said "take care of ''each other''", and Adora took it as an instruction for her specifically to protect Glimmer because, thanks to her DarkAndTroubledPast, [[ChronicHeroSyndrome taking every available responsibility on her own back]] is what Adora ''does''. Second, Adora's traumatic past ''also'' gave her a tendency to protect people in overbearing and controlling ways, denying them their agency and trying to fence them in to keep them safe -- something that Glimmer, possibly the most stubborn character in the show, was ''never'' going to take in stride. Adora's efforts to protect Glimmer end up being read as attempts to undermine her authority and this combines with all the other stressors on their relationship to [[BreakingTheFellowship split Glimmer off from the other two members of the Best Friends Squad]]. |
| 526 | * ''WesternAnimation/StevenUniverse'': |
| 527 | ** During the song "[[IAmSong Stronger Than You]]" in the episode "[[Recap/StevenUniverseS1E49JailBreak Jail Break]]", [[Characters/StevenUniverseGarnet Garnet]] informs [[Characters/StevenUniverseJasper Jasper]], "I won't let you hurt my planet, and I won't let you hurt my friends." |
| 528 | ** Downplayed but still present in the episode "[[Recap/StevenUniverseS5E20WhatsYourProblem What's Your Problem?]]"; after the fallout of the reveal that [[spoiler: [[Characters/StevenUniverseRoseQuartz Rose Quartz]] was really [[Characters/StevenUniversePinkDiamond Pink Diamond]] all along]], [[Characters/StevenUniverseAmethyst Amethyst]] refuses to give in to burdening Steven with her emotions. In her way, she was protecting him from her own emotions and the emotions of the other Crystal Gems: |
| 529 | --->'''Amethyst:''' I feel like, I don't wanna say, "What about me?", okay?! And I don't wanna be bent out of shape, I don't wanna be stuck in the past, and I'm not responsible for what Rose did. None of us are! Not you, not Pearl, and not Garnet! But I am responsible for me! And right now, I am NOT gonna dump another thousand-year-old complex on you or anybody else! I'm ending it RIGHT HERE! I am the Ding Dong Sunshine Future –- your friend FOREVER! ...And I'm not going to fall apart on you. |
| 530 | [[/folder]] |
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