#analysis and thoughts

(Spoiler warning - obviously)

I have to ramble about this somewhere because none of the prediction/dlc videos really go the same direction that I do in terms of lines of thinking in what the trailers present us.

People keep talking about how Lea is talking about her father, or some other person in the trailer but to me it is extremely clear that she is talking about Carlo.

I think what throws people off is the two sand memories at the end game point on the black beach. The first of her denying him training and the second lamenting that she’s too late. Those two likely did not happen side by side since every memory before that one showed a distinct time jump between them. It is highly likely that a good amount of time passed between them and they grew closer after her initially turning him down.

This is clearly alluded to in the trailer when she says “I won’t be late. Not again

In the game: “I was too late… If I had known that this would happen…”

The things talked about the trailer imply a close relationship with the person Lea is talking about.

Trailer: “Listening to this song always reminds me of you. Remember when we all gathered to play it together?” While distinctly playing piano and violin in the background.

Carlo played piano, and he played well. Regardless of the ending you get in game, you can get the pianist of Krat trophy from him either remembering in his “human” body, or remembering to play over time in his puppet body. What I think this implies via instruments in the soundtrack, is that our legendary stalker used to play violin with him.

Trailer: “Maybe if we can cross the bounds of time? We will meet again” notably this line is read out while they are in front of the Monad Charity House (or what looks like it.)

It looks like our protag- whether truly Carlo or not in the end (the game as it stands implies it but does not really confirm anything) seeks her out with the pocket watch. It seems he at least had enough memories to know to look for her.

The game- outside of the situation Krat is in- focuses extremely hard on Carlo’s relationships. Sophia worries for us as she realizes who the king’s ergo belonged to, Romeo calls us by his name, Antonia writes about us “whether you are that child or not” in her letter, and the final boss fight focuses on Carlo entirely which - if you get the best end- implies that Geppetto could not see what was right in front of him, being that his son was always here.

That combined with the instances of people who have come fully back in puppet bodies (both Sophia (good end) and Romeo do this) - all hint at us following that trail in some capacity.

So yeah- it tracks that the DLC will focus heavily on the relationship that was had between Carlo and the Legendary Stalker, Lea. At least that is my theory with the evidence provided.

Hello everyone, this post itself is a final conclusion of one of the aspects it's often touched in the manga story...and I finally found the answer to it.

P.S: Theories, analysis, thoughts are held in a neutral view, ships are excluded.

What is a reason to live? Why is it always emphasized on this story?

With the many chapters of the story, we've seen how many characters have talked about a "reason to live" right? Along this we've seen many "finding out one". But...

"Is finding a reason to live equivalent to live for others? Is it equivalent to fulfilling someone's dream?"

The answer to this is a big no. But why? Is there something backing this up?

Such answer lies on the next questions

Have you ever wondered why vampires become demons?

Why even humans can become demons?

Why do demons feed on desires?

Those questions actually can be answered on the very core of how vampires are made which is back when they were human beings.

The very main task of humanity is to find a purpose, to find a reason and a place in the world. Something that motivates you to live another day and struggle against the constant battles in life.

Thus, let's focus first on the very core group of the three that are bound by desires and emotions. Correct, the first group is

Humans

Despite humans being the most emotional group; humans are tasked with finding a purpose. Along the series, we've seen the MC state so many times he's going to live for someone, this also applies with Guren and Mahiru mainly. What do I mean?

Contrast to what it is believed, Yuu, Guren, Mahiru are characters that haven't found reasons to live; they're living for others along having objectives for others rather than themselves.

Guren ever since he was small he was raised to follow what it meant to be the head of the Ichinose Family. But that responsibility changed when he met Mahiru and saw himself as weak, unable to save the love of his life; adding to this, when his squad was defeated and killed, he was about to give up but he didn't and instead chose to follow the path he chose. Mahiru's destiny was set in stone if she wanted to see her baby sister alive, she had to quit any idea of actually living and finding a purpose. Yuu doesn't love himself, he craves love but there's not a single hint of him focusing on pursuiting a reason to live; a reason that can be called his for his own.

All these three have something in common and that is that they are demons, they've reached a step of becoming demons that exploit their desires.

But for that, let's explore the next group.

Vampires

Vampires have the normal desire to drink blood to live, which is an equivalent to humans eating and drinking water to live. Vampires are the group of humans that long gave up on life, they chose a different path instead of finding a path, to find a purpose and Mikaela is a prime example of that. He lives because Yuu is the being that pushes him to continue living but that's very different from actually willing to live along finding a reason to live.

Yuu is a motivation source, but not what Mikaela wants for his own self but let's not confuse that Mika has bad thoughts. But rather, Mikaela is an example of humans who aren't able to be strong against certain conditions and it's normal and something that shouldn't be criticized.

In special conditions, no matter the willpower one's soul carries, some things simply come like a wave, hitting us and overwhelming us. There can be sources that push us to continue but it's not akin as having the will.

This also applies with the vampire progenitors. They endured trials in their life but instead of walking in the path where the light of the sun lied, they chose the shadows. They resigned their humanity but in exchange, they became unable to find reasons to live.

Urd for example, given that he has no passion or lively emotions, he can only seek salvation through making vampires humans again, letting them find the final solace which is to die as a human being.

And given that we know that the final path for vampires is to become demons. Let's head towards such group.

Demons

The last step for vampires. But why do they become demons? Is that really the end?

Yes.

Vampires turn into demons not just because they can be made but rather, because they've never found out a reason to live. Hence as demons, they have a neverending craving of human desires so they can keep searching for eternity what they long lost and cannot seek. Demons are bound to get lost given that their former selves gave up in life to find a reason to live and exist.

One of the best examples for demons is Ashera Tepes. One who accepted the conditions of the First with the long dream of giving a happier world for his sister, Krul Tepes.

For sure, the day he died as a human, he was born as a vampire, he sought for his sister only to find her in her last breaths. But instead of allowing her to travel through the course of life no matter how painful it was, he made a choice for her. Krul didn't have a voice but rather his brother. The consequence? Krul was unable to die; she as a vampire was tired of living endlessly, with a never changing body, being unable to walk under the sun, being unable to walk on the path on which humanity walks and most importantly, being unable to the be ruler of her life.

Furthermore, even if he felt gratitude towards the First, what did Ashera even fulfilled? Did he have a personal dream for him? It will forever be unknown...he became someone that fed on desires given that demons have a chained need to them.

Then. What is to "find a reason to live?"

To find a reason, is to find a purpose, to give meaning to one's existance. It's not receiving or giving to someone given that people will be part of your path; but rather, it's actually deciding what you want to do, what dreams you want to achieve, to cry, to get angry, to stand up once again.

It's to literally choose why you want to keep standing, why a new day is a new opportunity, it's deciding your path for your own, not choosing for others but you alone, it's defining what makes you "you". What defines you exactly as the current being existing.

This couls be compared to our daily lives. What do we want to reach? You get emotion thanks to someone's art, speech, actions; then something like a flame bursts giving a fiery passion like emotion, and so, our actions begin but they're not made for selfishness. When you draw, when you create your first piece, what is it that you feel? When you manage to play your first song, what is it that you feel? When you make your first discovery, what kind of emotion is born? When you create your first story, what do you feel? When you conclude and give birth to new ideals, what is what your heart feels? When you pursuit a goal such as becoming number one or aiming to be first place or managing to do something that gives fulfillment, what kind of emotions are born?

But most importantly..

This is a delicate thread between being selfish vs giving love to one's self, embracing the concept of one's existance and walking firmly in this trip called life.

The squad right now, are having their own agenda, not Guren's, not Ferid's, not Mahiru's, nor Rigr's. But their own. They found a beacon of light but said beacon is motivating them to fight for what they want to achieve, for the very goals they have along finding for each other why they want to live and see a new tomorrow.

Mitsuba is slowly finding a reason, so will the boys do so as well.

Lastly, what differences humans from vampires in general, is that humans have the right to walk under the light for the very reason they keep fighting. Whereas vampires long lost the opportunity for that. They long abandoned the righteous path that would let them have a human heart.

Humans on the contrary, strive down a path until they leave a mark on the world. The memories they bury on Earth dance between the hearts of people they managed to connect with. And so it begins once again in a new cycle.

That's my answer.

Like we look at other characters from Zaun and even given what we know eventually happens to Vi, there’s a definite undercurrent of loyalty to their position societally, geographically, that Viktor, despite apparently being from the same place, doesn’t seem to have, despite being passionate about problems that have affected him and people he knows due to geography (water purity, mining safety, etc). Considering the way the rest of the show handles matters of national/ethnic identity this is actually very weird. What’s his deal?

Well, look at this through the 19th century lens, and consider if Viktor was Jewish, well, a LOT is going on for Jews during that time — Jewish Emancipation was happening piecemeal in Europe and Jews were slowly gaining equal rights to Christians and integrating into mainstream society and struggling to navigate what that meant. With this as the backdrop, Viktor not feeling especially connected to Zaun vs Piltover makes more sense. His family may have only recently begun integrating and he would likely still consider himself an outsider to both words, possibly symbolized by his accent. To him, Topside and the Undercity may be the same (derogatory), to the point that he rarely mentions anything about it to Jayce despite being very close and only begins pushing back when Jayce starts being weird about it. He seemingly only caves to ideas of national identity under huge pressure — which is exactly what the conflict in the show continuously ratchets up. So, we’ll see how he fares in season 2.

First of all, Haven is originally presented as the perfect place. A “safe haven,” if you will. Alex is finally reunited with her brother, escaping the foster care system, and she has the opportunity to build a home with the guidance of her older brother.

And then that’s all taken away.

Gabe dies right in front of her and in seeking justice she uncovers an entire conspiracy. Haven isn’t as perfect and safe as she originally thought. The police, her friend Pike, is actively helping Typhon cover up multiple incidents. Jed, someone who’s given her a job, a place to stay, has become a sort of father figure, straight-up tries to kill her. Turns out, he’s played a large role in Typhon taking almost total control over Haven. He’s now responsible for not only Gabe’s death, but their father’s as well. He’s been lying to you this entire time.

And yet, in the end when Alex goes to sit with Gabe’s ghost (which is a whole other can of worms) on the roof, he strongly pushes for staying in Haven. He ultimately gives Alex the choice but he clearly wants her to stay. And if you choose to romance Stephany and leave Haven, you’re given an entire scene of Ryan just looking sad. He does not come to see you two off.

So, after losing her only family, having a supposed safe haven ripped out from under her, being betrayed by a close friend, nearly dying, she’s still supposed to come out of it with the takeaway that Haven’s her new home? Because I was really thinking the whole Haven thing was supposed to be an illusion, I thought that was the point. I thought the message was ultimately going to be you build a home with the people you love, not a physical place. But the choice to stay or leave is presented as a choice between building a home and seeking adventure.

Now, this isn’t to say I think Alex should indefinitely leave. I just think staying shouldn’t be be presented as the only way to build a home. I think the trauma that has taken place in this town should also be acknowledged.

However, I do like that no matter what you pick, Alex says “I know what I want” because that’s what’s really important in this scene. She’s finally thinking of herself. And additionally, both options are mostly happy endings so I guess that’s nice.

Second, Gabe’s an actual ghost?? We originally see him while Alex is fighting death and he’s helping her unpack her trauma and recognize the lies she’s taught herself to believe. This is important because it allows her to do the same for Jed later on. However, I assumed he was a figment of Alex’s mind.

Obviously this wasn’t happening in real life, this was all happening within Alex’s memories. Inside her head. Gabe showed her parts of her history he never actually witnessed and had no way of knowing about. I interpreted this as Alex’s physical interpretation of a trustworthy guide. She saw her brother as a knowledgeable person to lean on for guidance, and she really needed that in this moment.

But then on the roof she calls him a spirit, implying he’s an actual ghost. She also says he has special ✨all-knowing spirit powers✨ or whatever too so I guess you could say that the in-game lore is that ghosts can just go into your mind for some reason. But this feels like lazy writing. In a game based entirely around emotions, it would make sense for this figment of Gabe to be a coping mechanism and a visual representation of Alex learning to grieve. She’s been so focused on finding justice for him, she still needs to accept that he’s still gone.

Bringing him back as a ghost doesn’t allow her to do that.

I’d like to acknowledge that I genuinely loved this game. Visually, it was absolutely gorgeous. I loved the characters and the basis being building relationships with the people around you. I love the premise and I think they did do a relatively good job depicting a story about understanding emotions.

I just feel like they tried to tackle multiple different messages that ended up getting tangled and muddy.

There’s obviously the premise of emotions, and learning to accept and handle them.

There’s helping people and using your unique abilities to do so.

But then there’s also taking care of yourself in the process, learning to prioritize your own needs and not take too much responsibility for other people’s problems (but if you don’t do this, you don’t get a very satisfying ending so it kinda falls short).

There’s building your own home instead of waiting to find one.

There’s grieving and coping with a loved one’s death.

There’s the trauma of abandonment.

There’s criticisms on the foster care system.

There’s criticisms of capitalism and the police (despite you making friends with a police officer who is shown to just be looking out for the safety of his friends, but then if you check the neighborhood app at the very end there’s more criticisms of police that contradict that which just muddies the entire message)

Manipulating people’s emotions is shown as both a good and bad thing somehow? (taking Charlotte’s anger is bad but taking Pike’s fear is good. Getting Diane riled up to reveal her emotions is shown as questionable in Alex’s journal but ultimately leads to good)

I could probably go on.

This may get ramble-y and will be full of spoilers. You have been warned.

-Charles 70s hair was awful. It was the hairline- it was too perfect and nothing like James' natural hair

-Charles' fatherly moments with Jean were lovely

- some of the shots/angle choices were super weird and really took me out of the moment because I was thinking: really, that's the shot you're going with???

-politician Charles was hard for me to watch at times. He felt smarmy and shallow and not like 'my' Charles

- the writers have in idea what to do with Raven and they've made her a walking contradiction these past couple films

- Raven's go to response of I disagree with Charles about everything was tiresome and disregards their long standing relationship

- Charles reaction to Raven's death was way too underplayed

- Erik in Genosha is the hottest Erik since first class

- the lack of credit Charles received from his team.for his years of work for mutants was shocking

- Genosha looked cool.to me. Like a little commune. I dig it

- loved the special effects around the dark Phoenix power, but I personally have never quite warmed up to Sophie Turner in this role

- the time jump makes sense but no one looks older so I always end up slightly confused: how old is Kurt? Why does he look 12?

- the action sequences we great. Everyone using their powers so well, with such control really speaks to how hard the x men team has been working all these years

- erik using his powers on the train was incredibly sexy

- Jean forcing Charles to walk was disgusting

-Chatles never, ever giving up hope and always fighting for Jean, not against her, was my Charles in every way. I loved it.

- I felt the aliens could almost not have even been in the movie. It could have just been a conflict in how everyone reacted to Jean's new powers

I am glad I got recommended about this title by Jen! This is so well written, so I went on and read Masaharu’s and Asuka’s route. Let me give a brief review about it.

Before that, THE ARTSTYLE! You either will love it or hate it. But I absolutely loved it!! They look so handsome!

Prologue: You are a journalist. One day, on the way to work, you are attacked by some perps, and are saved by them. But, these guys who saved you are all criminals! Upon coming to know about your late father’s wish, you decide to find the truth. But who is going to be your guard for this?

Spoilers ahead! Read only at your own risk!

(Their outfits look so dashing!)

I don’t know since how long I wanted to post this. I mean, water just got above my head, and I just had to do it.

[Pre note: I hope my words don’t hurt anyone, because it was never the intention to. Please don’t take it in wrong way, otherwise I will go cry somewhere...]

I have seen in many social platforms players comparing different MCs. Like MC from a game and another MC from another game, and rather than enjoying the plot and the characters, it gets converted to ‘find the differences between these two MCs’. People start to appreciate one, while criticize another. And this, I can’t stand. Yeah, I know that many of you reading this will say that games are meant for improvement, and a strong MC is what is required for a stronger story plot. Ok, calm down and just listen to me.

Till now, I have played 4 otome games, Mystic Messenger, Mr. Love: Queen’s Choice, Romance MD: Always on Call (Love 365) and Tears of Themis (I have not played it, but at least have gone through some translations). So it’s true that I am an amateur in this field and just laying down my thoughts here.

Mystic Messenger

I haven’t had come across any posts regarding Mystic Messenger MC till now, because the game has set various options according to your choice, so that you can make the MC the way you want her to be. Personally I liked Jumin’s MC more (and by that, I mean Happy ending one) because she was much more mature there, and solved problems calmly. (Note, I haven’t gone through any other character’s MC except Jaehee).

Mr. Love: Queen’s Choice

There were many posts saying that MC was cute, determined, while few acknowledged her as naïve, timid, clumsy. Well, she is. We can’t ignore that. But, I got sad seeing that players compared her to Tears of Themis’s MC. Of course the latter one will be better in terms of character, because she is bold, talented, and confident in herself and her actions. MLQC’s MC is designed in that way. And I think that the main reason why the MLs fall in love with her is because of her determination and willpower to never accept failure. Clumsiness is in her nature, and one can try to change that along with time. MLQC’s MC is what she is, and the guys love her because of her traits, including her naïve nature and mistakes. And if you are updated with the recent CN contents, then she is changing, right? 

Do you think that MLQCs guys will fall in love with Tears of Themis’ MC? Answer, A BIG NO. The same applies for Tears of Themis’ guys. Every MC remains beautiful in her own world.

Romance MD: Always on Call

She is different from other MCs of Love365. I am tired of seeing people saying that she is a nerd, is talkative and so on. Well she should be. Because she is in medical field right? How could she know about romance at first when most of the time she is occupied with studies. And in my opinion, the girl is not talkative, but rather than that, has a childish nature to her. She herself mentions in the story that she has limited her romantic ventures to a fictional character only, because more than that, she needs to study to become a good surgeon. Lastly, she is beautiful FROM INSIDE. We should appreciate that Voltage Inc. was kind enough to change the normal genres of MC to a brand new one, which didn’t fail to amaze me.

Tears of Themis

I haven’t also come across any negative post regarding this one, but can I just appreciate how amazing she is?! A literal goddess. This MC is more of a confident one, strong willed, and mature. She analyses the situation beforehand and judges it carefully before landing to any decision. And that’s what required. I like that she doesn’t get scared, and whatever she does, does it perfectly. 

Concluding this post here, I would like to say that everyone has flaws. And our world can’t be in balance if everyone becomes perfect. So, instead of pondering on different traits of different MCs, we should appreciate each one of them, and note down any point if we did not like in her, so that we can improvise ourselves.