Laure and Flame Face, A Full Dead Cells: Immortalis Analysis
Alright, Iβm basically making this for nobody but myself because Iβm the only one who gaf about them lol
Long-ass thread about lauflame, their development, and why they are goated.
Starting at the very beginning with episode one. We know Laure from the beginning has complete and total faith in the prophecy and its chosen one. When she meets him, she is in awe and treats him with respect, almost worshipping him. Thereβs a sense of desperation in the way she talks to him too, causing him to reproach and call her crazy.
She thinks he will accept his destiny on a whim because she is naive. Not only is she naive and idealistic, but she NEEDS the prophecy to be real and fulfilled. Her enthusiasm scares him away a bit, but Laure is passionate about the prophecy. Why? She has had to suffer firsthand from the malaise's wrath. She lost her parents to it and was raised by the guardians, so essentially her own life is tied to the malaise. She is also a GUARDIAN; it is a part of her to be protective and eventually be Flame Face's protector and guide to kill the king.
As they travel through the prison, her respect for him weakens as she realizes how selfish and dodgy Flame Face is. She busies herself with her quest log, wanting to document her discovery while also trusting Flame Face to handle most of what comes their way at first, since she doesnβt know his true nature all too well. Still, itβs clear they need to help one another to get out, as seen when they fight together; they pick up each other's slack, specifically Laure stepping in when Flame Face canβt handle something.Β
Itβs here that we can see that she follows Flame Face and lets him lead because he is far more familiar with the prison than she is, but once they get out, she takes the lead since she acts as the narrator.
Laure was taught her whole life to have faith, and it is against her nature to give up on it. When sheβs betrayed, sheβs shocked, proving her naΓ―vetΓ© and idealism further.
When trying to reason with him, she finally understands his goals by prompting that short, cynical monologue, where she can get what she wants from him by giving him a reason to help her. It was never her mission to lie to him, but she did it as a sacrifice because she is completely and utterly selfless, and as far as she knows, she will spend eternity burning in hell, while Flame Face is the total opposite and completely selfish (and he canβt even burn in hell since to him heβs already in it).
Up to this point, Flame Face is purely annoyed with her and keeps trying to take command before the control slips away from him. Though itβs a scene everyone avoids, itβs still one of the most important in the development of their relationship, that beingβ¦ yes, you guessed it, the fart scene. That is when he sees Laure for the first time do something silly. Heβs introduced to a new side of her, something to make fun of her for, and now HE gets to be the one annoying her.Β
When Laure drops the quest log, we can see more of what Flame Face has to complain about later, insisting over her book and arguing with Flame Face about it. After their bickering that eventually leads to their fall, Paulo must pay for it. Laure is devastated and puts the blame on herself (because thatβs all she knows; her entire life, everything has been her responsibility since being the chore person of the guardians).
And while Flame Face tries to hide it, he does care. Heβs the first one to notice whatβs going on, likely because death is both a stranger to him and yet a close friend. Heβs seen death plenty of times before and physically died himself, but he has no idea what itβs like to never wake up again. His expression, along with the quiet, disbelieving way he says his name, shows that his sacrifice touches him.Β
Further proving he does have a soft side, he patches Laure up and takes care of her, though covering it up with a demeaning comment towards her. Both manage to grow closer through the shared experience of their friend dying for them.
As they spend more time together while traveling to the tavern, Flame Face gets to realize how much he enjoys teasing Laure. Laure has learned how to shut him up (i.e., kicking him when he calls her his guide dog and jabbing him with the hand joke).
Β In the tavern they continue to bicker before Laure finally gives Flame Face a name after 250 years of cruel treatment. Despite it all, his new name is the kindest thing anyone has ever called him. Flame Face attempted to appear uncaring, but he is exceedingly sensitive, particularly in regard to his pride (he destroyed the entire tavern after someone said his dick was small ππ).
Flame Face is also so used to just jumping in on a whim because heβs immortal, he doesnβt have to reap any consequences, that he completely forgets to think about Laure as he impulsively runs up the hill to the factory.Β
When discovering the malaise is not actually gone from her body, she expresses disbelief, finding it blasphemous that the prophecy might be wrong before she shoves it down. She tries to ignore it, shifting any attention on herself away.
Β Flame Face expresses concern and even glares at Middleus when he shoots down any reassurance Laure tries to give herself, showing his subtle compassion after trying to offer a solution because heβs scared for their fate.
Flame Face also gets to see how much faith Laure has in him, because as the audience we know (she expresses it at the end of ep 1 after he fell into the hole), but he doesnβt. This is the first time anyone has ever had any real hope in him, and for that he softens up again (I will discuss when I get to it; Iβm trying to be in order here, lol).Β
After he gets his ass beat, Laure, once again, has to pick up his slack and save him. She gets shot (I wish that got mentioned again; all the focus was on her arm) and almost died in a river, yet when sheβs washed ashore and the Alchemist finds her, immediately, her first thought is the chosen one. Laureβs only goal is the prophecy, and she will give herself up for Flame Face timelessly. Not to mention, he can hear everything thatβs being said (as seen when the Alchemist says heβs as dumb as a rock). It can be assumed this all touched him more than he wants to admit.Β
Since Laure believes heβs incompetent, she doesnβt want him to try and save her. He complains about the task but does it anyway. In fact, it's his first action. Despite how grueling it is, he works to save his only way to the sword of truth. When he comes across a tavern, he decides he deserves a break because he hasnβt had any alcohol for hundreds of years. Itβs a delicacy, and he indulges in it greedily.Β
When the alcohol opens him up, he complains once again about Laure, but since heβs warmed up to her (as I've mentioned previously), he admits he could tease her for hours just to see her face.Β
When he realizes heβs forgotten to bring back the cells, he immediately begins to degrade himself even with his ego because Laure/the sword of truth is more important to him. Upon his return, heβs scared to think that it was too late, and while heβs still only just beginning to warm up to her, heβs still distressed. When she regains consciousness after his rescue, he assists her in getting up, demonstrating his concern for her while simultaneously concealing it.
In ep 5 we really get to see them work as a team, but only physically, because thatβs the only area theyβve been trained in. They have experienced fighting together (ep 3 and 1), so they are able to operate well. Flame Face even notes her physical limitations when she burns herself out. They both come to realize that theyβre both capable when theyβre restricted and not rushing in all the time (the dodgeball barriers). Flame Face also leans on Laure in the beginning, hinting at his reliance on her, and even compliments her skills as they share banter together for the first time.Β
In Ep 6, Flame Face is different in Laureβs dream. When he actually makes a plan for their escape from the prison, Laure is happier to work with him, noting how he finally seems to understand his responsibilities as the chosen one. Of course, this is just a theory, but considering the fact that Flame Face had a dream about him being dead, which is what he wanted, itβs possible the kiss was part of Laureβs desire too. Most of the side characters in her dream all had Indexa's voice talking, except for Flame Face, meaning that it was Laureβs mind portraying him, perhaps to cope.
At the beginning of ep 7, Flame Face still tries to rush in, but he starts by making a joke. Instead of outright demeaning Laure, he tries to make her laugh. It could be a form of him trying to prove himself to her since we know Laure has to take care of everything on their journey.Β
He hesitates before attacking Thumbo, though, and even asks Laure what to do because he is unsure. It demonstrates that despite lacking outside assistance in their relationship development, they have made significant progress since episode 1. Flame Face from ep 1 likely would have just started attacking without asking for Laureβs opinion, even though he argues against it, still trying to be in control for his pride. In addition, it could be him trying to make up for his lack of assistance in the more mundane tasks, seeing that since heβs the βleader,β heβs doing his part and deserves the treatment.
Flame Face is obviously not used to opening up, which is why heβs closed off (and upset his jokes donβt get the same reaction from Laure that she gets from Thumbo's joke, and he feels slightly betrayed because sheβs seeking out an alliance with Thumbo). He begins to feel jealous. Up until this point, he continues to be interrupted by Laure, not getting his way, which is why when Thumbo suspects his mental load, he finally lashes out. Thumbo pulls the being helpless thing from FF, having never been properly raised because he canβt remember his mother, who should have taught him how to do all of those things Laure complained about him not doing. Not to mention, it could go along with not making decisions on instinct with a mother who wouldβve taught him manners and patience rather than being stubborn and brute-forcing his own way.Β
Thatβs also all Laure gets a chance to complain about, and that gets slightly resolved because of that therapy session. Obviously, theyβd be on better terms, and FF would feel more confident and comfortable being around Laure because we get to see that SHE trusts him more to try things on his own. On the emotional side, Laure gets to understand and relate to FF because of their lack of parental support, but they both branched off differently, with FF having extreme codependency and Laure having extreme independency and taking care of the guardians of truth. Itβs her instinct to do so because thatβs all sheβs done, and sheβs not used to accepting help.
Β At the end when they lean into each other, it symbolizes them finally learning to rely on one another. Flame Face props himself up on Laure, his rock, and she leans back into him, simultaneously supporting while they balance each other. Without his weight to keep her down and without her shoulder to lean on, they both will collapse.
Obviously, all of their problems donβt get solved in ep 7 because there is still the lie and Laureβs undiscovered past, but she also begins to treat him better and be more patient with him because she understands heβs not just a dick and that he actually cares. Hence, she lets him read off of the notes, and they defeat Thumbo together. When Flame Face realizes itβs okay to open up to her now that Thumbo has helped her understand him better, he calls her his partner.Β
He shows her respect for the first time outright, and not by making jokes. With their newfound comfort in each other, they are able to joke and tease each other.
In episode 8, we get to see more of them joking around. Flame Face teases Laure by calling her a coward but saying he enjoyed the act, showing how even though their ways together are shady or sloppy to some, itβs their duo.Β
Laure is nervous about going to the school of truth, terrified of her lie getting found out by him. Sheβs never lied before, so she finds the whole process of trying to hide it exhausting, which could be why, mixed with fear, sheβs panting when Flame Face finds out. When he notices her fear, he asks whatβs wrong because he cares. Upon hearing her nervous response, he reassures her that sheβs with him, the chosen one, and thereβs no need to be afraid. He teases her lightheartedly but wants her to feel safe.Β
When she asks why he cares to cover up her fear, he also covers it up by blaming it on his incoming death. Itβs possible Flame Face picked up on her shiftiness and copied it, showing there were still parts of their relationship that needed to be fleshed out.Β
When they get to the school, Flame Face remarks how he expected more from the way Laure talks about it, but he is still very respectful to the rest of the guardians. We also see how Rachel calls Laure βSuppositoβ like Flame Face does, but unlike him, Rachel says it to purposely demean her, while he says it to affectionately tease her.
He greets them joyfully, hoping to make a positive impression on the people closest to Laure. When Laure goes out of the room, he talks very highly of her, trying to brag about her battle prowess in hopes of impressing the other guardians because he doesnβt like how they treat her.Β
When Laure tells him not to mention the sword of truth, he barely argues back and complies, showing how theyβve become more of a team rather than fighting each other.
Β Even when Rachel pressed him about what Laure promised him, he remained loyal to her without even thinking about it. He didnβt tell Laure after to prove himself trustworthy; he did it because he genuinely cared for Laure. Laure hears this, however, but doesnβt act surprised, because sheβs looking for a way to lie to him, but also because she had no doubt heβd never betray her.
When the high priestess tells him about Laureβs past, he's devastated. Hearing about her suffering, and yet looking at how far sheβs come, not complaining or crying about it- destroys him. He feels hurt that Laure never told him, insisting that as a team thatβs already shared their lives thus far, she should have told him. He melts into her, trying to comfort the both of them. She accepts awkwardly, but quickly changes the subject and tries to avoid any sympathy, since sheβs not used to it. Nobody has ever shown her any care for her like that before.Β
He feels guilty knowing how he complained about his own mother but Laure never brought up hers. The injustice stirs something within him. Flame Face has known all about the King's treacherous history, in which he disregarded everyone infected with the malaise. But it never affected Flame Face, so why should he care?Β
He cared about Laure. This is the first time heβs ever cared for someone other than himself. He put his life in Laureβs hands as a prisoner, and she had done the same for him. No matter what he wanted from himself, he really did care about her. People care about people like he did for Laure, and he knows Laure cares about everyone, unlike him. Freeing the world from the malaise so no one had to suffer like her was what she wanted, and it became what he wanted too, but only for her. He goes on a monologue, courageously sparking hope within the guardians as he belts the righteousness he feels within his heart. As always, heβs so impulsive that he doesnβt think about what heβs saying before he says it, which is why he accidentally mentions the sword of truth, but by then itβs too late.Β
Laure panics, having never lied before, panting out of fear and possible relief. Since this is likely the first time sheβs ever lied, she feels the weight off of her, but now sheβs reaping the consequences. Flame Face feels so, so betrayed, being hurt by someone who he thought couldnβt lie, even willing to throw her own freedom away for the truth. Not only this, but it was LAURE who had lied to him. His one and only friend, the only person who actually seemed to understand him. All of Flame Faceβs previous anger and pain slams into him all at once, as he is reminded why he hates living, because it is never worth it, and all people are the same, even Laure. Maybe itβs not the fact that he canβt die anymore that bothers him, (considering how he begs Laure not to kill him in ep 10), but the fact that it was Laure who lied to him. When Laure insults him, the words clearly cut deep. With all of his hope and trust broken, but not shattered, he leaves her to be alone, just as he had been before.
Β Laure is obviously destroyed by this, she never wanted to lie, and she never wanted to hurt Flame Face, not anymore, not after they had grown so close. Laure watches her best friend, and only way to cure the malaise, leave. Laureβs emotions are at a peak, full of anger and sadness at herself that when Rachel laughs at her, she snaps and tries to take her emotions out on her. When the Priestess insists βWE donβt hit family,β Laure explodes with rage as the closest person to her who actually felt like family left, and sheβs reminded of her parents who died all those years ago. She is not one of the guardians anymore, and now that sheβs actually gotten to live outside of that bubble she had been in for so long, she permanently separates herself.Β
The hypocrites of the order of truth are all killed and Laure is taken away (it wouldβve been nice to see what she thought of that). When we see Flame Face in the bar, heβs clearly hurt, not muttering about not being able to die, but grumbling about Laure betraying him. The Alchemist pops up to persuade him to pursue Laure and inform him that sheβs trapped. The drunken man believes it serves her right, his bitter self-pitying sense of justice being fulfilled. But, it doesnβt take much convincing to persuade Flame Face to go after Laure, where he uses her nickname as he calls her a pain in his ass, showing how their bond hadnβt been severed.
When he goes after Laure, he goes in guns blazing, still maintaining his reckless style, but this time his heist is successful. In comparison to the prison, which is a bigger area with less guards (as far as we know) invading the castle would be nearly impossible if Flame Face could never escape it for 250 years without the help of Laure. Chances are, he either locked in for her (as the queen notes that she's never seen such strength within him before, and also remember that she was married to him!! This means she never saw that strength in him even when they were married soβ¦. Laure must be pretty special π€·ββοΈ), OR, she helped him learn to become a better fighter.
Of course Flame Face cant resist the banter with Middleus (but some things can be excused for the sake of comedy, so he kills him very quickly, which is when Queen observes his strength). Laure admired him from her prison, excited that he would fulfill the prophecy and accomplish their goals, and Queen argues against his skills. Flame Face brushes them both off, saying that he doesnβt give a shit whether he saves the world or not, because the only thing that matters to him, the only person who made him feel like he mattered, is Laure. When he says βyou made a serious mistake, you messed with my friend.β He emphasizes this belief further. Laure smiles and blushes in return with a tear in her eye, not only happy to see him, but happy to know he still cares about her.Β
When Laure transforms into the weapon, she questions it, but quickly harnesses itβs power, and uses it to share Flame Faces possessive goal, even matching the βyouβve made a serious/grave mistake, you hurt MY CHOSEN ONE!β. Though Flame Face isnβt the actual Chosen One, she still sees him that way, since that is how she has portrayed him thus far; revering him.Β
She catches Flame Face in her arm, and gently sets him down, and he stands back to let her fight, since he couldnβt stop her, but heβs also in shock. Sheβs just as determined to avenge him as he was her. Flame Face admires her a lot, exclaiming in awe at her utter badassery when she fights Queen. These two have grown so close and dependent upon one another, that theyβve equally completed each other's characters and their challenges. Laure is the ground, and the fuel, Flame Face is the fire that burns off of her, and lights their path.Β
Laure defeats the queen, and Flame Face leans on her shoulder to help himself up, just like heβs helped her up when she was not strong enough on her own. When the true chosen one is revealed, both are shocked (and Flame Face isn't jealous so I think thatβs nice). They donβt get to reflect on it much, as Queen appears. She talks to him, heβs confused at first, but his expression quickly changes to one of fear as the realization and memories come flooding in.
The Alchemist tells the tale of Flame Faces and Queens lives and the downfall of the kingdom. Queen and him were so desperately in love with each other they ignored everything else. Love, for them, was flat. Neither Queen nor Flame Face had something the other lacked. They never became better people for each other, as can be seen with how quickly the King disregards any consequences his actions may have, as did Queen. Queen and King were so infatuated with each other that they failed to see meaning in others, while LAURE does care about others, which is the main difference between her and Queen. Queen matches Flame Face's selfishness, since she rules the kingdom without doing anything to help the disease, just keeping it away from her. This caused their downfall as well while putting emphasis on their selfish relationship that never changed over all of that time together.Β
Laure would have been against the idea and proven to him what a bad idea it was, and now that heβs immortal, he sees how precious life really is, especially for her. Flame Face, as the fire, and Queen, more similar to ice, bicker and bite, trying to extinguish one another before she dies. He holds her still though, not quite in love, but remembering how he had felt, and watching someone who had been his whole world disappear and meet the fate heβd been hoping for this whole time. He sits there, reminiscing, likely comparing his life then to how he is now, and reflecting on his newfound memories. He feels bad knowing he could make someone who loved him so much, hate him for his selfish actions, adding to their consequences.
Laure has an internal battle, now faced with a choice between the world and the person who had treated her like his world. The first person to care about her, and make her feel like she was more than just what she had to offer. Laure has been raised her whole life to know the Chosen One and how he would save the world from the malaise, but now thatβs her, and that responsibility is tearing her apart, causing more understanding with how Flame Face could feel. She breaks down, trying not to think about it as she wants to kill him as fast as possible, hoping maybe she could hate him for ruining her life. But, heβs a new person, which the Alchemist does not see since he tells him βweβ cannot change, who had no memory of doing any of those things, so she canβt blame him. Laure is so used to a cut and simple life, leaving everything up to faith, which is why she says to not make things more complicated. Her goal used to be so obtainable, so clear, but their love had gotten in the way of each other.
Β She doesnβt want people to continue to suffer, but she doesnβt want to be alone again. He admits that the desire for death came from before everything, before their understanding, before the forgiveness of the lie, before the memories. He canβt look her in the eye as he says this, swallowing his pride to admit it.
Β Laureβs breath hitches, the sentiment he's confessing shocking her, but the Alchemist urges her on, and she cries out, still fighting the internal battle that sheβs starting to lose. She takes a step forward, still trying to fight. He pleads for his life, which is too much for her and causes her to snap, telling him to stop. Saving the world has been her goal from the beginning, and she canβt let him get in the way of that. She quotes his own words of righteousness to him, βsoon, no child will ever again be orphaned by the malaiseβ, and this destroys her, unable to contain the storm within. Her emotions donβt match what she says, because even though she wants to save the world, she doesnβt want to kill him.
Flame Face watches in guilt and sadness before the knife that heβs associated with Laure, catches his attention. It doesnβt look like much, but itβs capable of powerful things, just like Laure. Even through the lie and the goal of their journey, the tiny kitchen knife compared to the real sword of truth that was now pressed against his chest.
All of it helps him realize that sheβs right. He ruined everyoneβs life through his selfish decisions. But especially, he ruined Laureβs. Itβs his fault, and he finally begins to take responsibility, as she has been hoping for since the beginning. Laure has turned his whole perspective upside down. He finally began to see that life was worth living, as she taught him of its beauty, and she became lifeβs beauty for him.
Β He cannot see a point to living if itβs not with Laure, especially if the single person he cared about resented him so deeply. Even when she reassures him she doesnβt hate him, he continues to persist in his death, feeling he deserves it so he can stop her pain and suffering. His insistence on it, his will to sacrifice himself, showing how much heβs changed from prioritizing himself above everyone to being willing to give himself up to Laure and the world. Thereβs no hope of associating him with everything heβs done in the past, and Laure finally gives in, failing to win and admitting she canβt kill him either.Β
Whether you ship them or not, this demonstrates a clear change in each other, from beginning to end while still improving each other as people. Flame Face learns to take responsibility, and Laure learns to accept help. They love each other, enough to give up the most important thing for one another. To Flame Face, itβs himself, and as far as Laure knew, she was giving up the world. Though she wasnβt aware she was breaking the weapon, she did know that she was refusing to kill him. Laure stands by her decision, while still keeping faith, hoping somehow, someway, they can make it together. The castle crumbles around her, (in my mind) symbolizing that she would stand by Flame Face if the world crumbled around them (which it did with the malaise sucking everything in.)Β
When the dust settles, the first thing Flame Face does is look for Laure, because she is his biggest concern, and when he does find her (ALSO THE WAY HE PERKS UP IN WORRY WHEN HE HEARS HER MNNDNFNDNNBS), the first thing he notices is her arm, showing his further disquiet for her safety, while she reassures him confidently. Flame Face helps her up, supporting her even in her lowest times, such as earlier.
So, thatβs their development throughout the series, but WHY do they actually work so well together? (And what makes them so appealing).Β
Well, letβs look at them individually, starting with Laure
To understand her, itβs important to look at her life through her perspective. Her parents turned into zombies when she was just a young child, and Laure remembers this in her nightmare, while she is also infected. In her mind, sheβs doomed like them. Sheβs raised in the school of truth, saved by the grand priestess before her parents could infect her too.
Β Faith is engraved into her being, and into her thoughts. She was raised on the idea of faith and being lesser than her peers because of her tainted blood. She was also raised to never lie, so sheβs honest to the point of failure, like getting her and Flame Face caught. We also start off with her telling the tale of the kingdom, trying to sell the idea of the prophecy like Jehovah's Witness, or like a child selling Girl Scout cookies.
Sheβs a struggling citizen trying to do her best, discriminated against by her peers, like her rivalry with Rachel. That shows a sense of hierarchy based on lower status within the guardians, since Laure hasnβt βgraduatedβ. That could mean she struggles with school stuff, or has prejudice against her (the βimpure lineageβ) since she doesnβt have a βpassing grade" in prophecy.
Β Laure has an instinctual protective nature, which aligns with her being a guardian as first introduced and is rooted in her belief of the prophecy so Flame Face can fulfill it. She has the urge to prove herself as equals to the rest of the guardians (like with the subscriptions and proving Rachel wrong). She also has a strong idealism with prophecy, and wholeheartedly believes in it even if Flame Face is a dick, aligning with her unwavering faith. Laure is extremely hopeful despite unforgiving circumstances, even when she lives in a world full of disease, especially one that lingers over her own head. Even when she gets bitten, she remains hopeful, and when the disease comes back in ep 3 she reassures herself to keep faith. However, with faith comes gullibility, as she continues to believe even if it causes her failure (like him betraying her in ep 1).
Β Laure understands effective ways of reaching her goals which is also restrained by her beliefs, (obviously lying about the sword). Sheβs incredibly selfless, willing to give up her soul (in her own mind) for the fate of the world. Laure believes that she doesnβt need to think, being 100% sure her purpose will be served on her journey and that things will be solved if she continues to keep faith. Laure is a starry eyed rookie trying to find her place in the world, and sheβs sure that once she helps complete the prophecy, that will make her worthy to herself, and to the guardians.Β
This makes her a real, relatable character, who is deeply grounded.Β Since she acts as the narrator of the story, the watchers in a sense get to travel with them.Β
Flame Face, in the beginning, has extreme contrast with Laureβs idea of him, showing no signs of heroism. HeβsΒ had to learn to adapt and overcome through centuries of trial and error, but being too stubborn to change how he approaches things. Heβs not afraid to really show his true intentions and lies halfheartedly about promising to fulfill the prophecy with Laure.Β
Over time though, he grows more willing to complete it with her, though he mainly cares about the journey itself. However, in the beginning, heβs dodgy, unconvincing, and unsubtle. He can make people do his favor when it comes to hiding his intentions too (ep 1). Heβs a scoundrel, and he knows it. Itβs possible that he began to accept it after years of mistreatment for a crime he didnβt even know he committed.
Β Flame Face is also commanding, trying to take control from Laure and boss her around for his own pride. They clash because of this, since Laure likes to be in control and handle everything, which is why she has to learn to help Flame Face and give him chances to prove himself, just like she wishes to. She must be taught patience with him as he bugs her, so they both can learn to work as a team rather than being at each other's throats all the time because of their shared desire to prove themselves.Β
Flame Face was prideful in the sense that he deserved the things he's been given from Laure, especially after several lifetimes of never having something to compare it to. It could also be tied to his past of being the king. Since is elitist, and would call her a peasant (which he does less as time goes on when he gains respect for her, and switches to his nickname for her). He also tended to judge based on looks, finding it a meaningful display in the person and their motives. It could tie into his past as a king, being that he may have hated βdirtβ and was classist to those of lower status.Β
Flame Face was living life against his will, and so he didnβt have any respect or reverence for it, not his life or others, which could be why heβs so reckless. Thatβs why he complained so much about Laure βcomplainingβ because she was mortal and couldnβt afford to rush into things like he wanted to. Not liking being told what to do, he goes against it to annoy her.
Flame Faceβs super abilities help them in the prison, and Laure saves him when the abilities fail, helping each other in ways they cannot do alone. Flame Face has more battle experience, but Laure is smart enough to apply it. This is part of what makes them so charming. Laure and Flame Face are a team. One does not do more than the other, and neither is weak without each other. Sure, theyβre strong individuals on their own, but together theyβre unstoppable. They may not always get it right, but that doesnβt matter to them, theyβll do things their way, together. Laure and Flame Face both desire to be free from the places theyβve been confined to for so long, and together they get to enjoy that freedom with one another. They are both their own downfall, with Flame Faces recklessness and Laure being unable to lie, which leads to stupid scenarios that take each other to get out of. There are many interesting ideas to play with and scenarios to think about, how he feels as an immortal towards a mortal, how she deals with being the real chosen one, what changes in their relationship because of his past kingliness, as well as how they bounce off each other and the chemistry between them. They work together, take care and defend each other by making up for the others shortcomings. They make trouble for sure, but they manage to get out of it somehow, and they have no idea how lucky they are. Flame Face wished to die because of selfish intrinsic desire whereas Laure was willing to die because of an altruistic desire to save others. Theyβre both very similar and like opposites at the same time.Β
Like the color wheel (the color wheel we grew up with okay the primary colors are red, yellow, and blue in this case okay good) colors on opposite sides are called complementary colors. While Flame Face technically already had a preexisting design because of Bobby, we can see how Laure was designed to contrast him. Laureβs eyes are yellow-green while Flame Faceβs fire is closer to red-violet. Laureβs red-orange hair also contrasts her blue-green cloak, which could resemble the internal conflict she faces between saving the world and saving Flame Face (or maybe Iβm reaching idk lol).
Another thing to note is how sheβs drawn more simply, without makeup or jewelry unlike most of the guardians that give her a hard time. It could demonstrate how Laure is more focused on faith and whatβs important compared to the hypocritical guardians that focus on blood and grades. Her having less makeup aligns with her being a more βrealβ character, not having some kind of facade to hide behind, which Flame Face likes. Her motives are clear, and her beauty is natural, because itβs something he pays attention to. (Ofc wearing makeup does not mean youβre a materialistic person this is just the possible symbolism that I found in it).
Part of DCI is going through the story of the show, but another part is watching Laure and Flame Face grow to become a team that relies on one another, which is a refreshing twist on relationships where itβs either one doing everything or one doing nothing, and it is that at the beginning, but part of the story is watching them develop past that and work as a unit. Laure and Flame Face only have each other, in a world of hunger and malaise, they are each other's only hope and only friend and theyβll stand together side by side, in the face of it all.
So, that's the end of my analysis. A lot of this was just my takeaway, but if anyone wants to add anything else or ask questions I'd love to hear it, I am their number one fan after all π€
Also credit to this vid I def took lots of inspiration from it and noted a lot of the points he made about them as individuals and their relationship - https://youtu.be/acTAWVG8m14?si=XPzqPMhDbLFNmsP_
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