#ff meta

As the destined King of Light and Oracle form two halves of a whole divinely linked and fated to save the world, Noctis and Luna share a bond like none they've ever known. Though their individual callings are deeply intertwined regardless of their personal feelings, the genuine bond they cultivate transcends their pre-determined duties and encompasses a relationship that I believe to be a Yin and Yang dynamic - the definition of which can be described as two opposing, but complementary forces that are inextricably linked and balance each other to form a whole: Male and Female. Dark and Light. Sun and Moon. Night and Day. Black and White, etc. It's this element of their relationship that I'd like to explore here, as it seems clear to me that they were at least partially inspired by and designed to reflect this concept.

SYMBOLISM

Of course, the most obvious exemplification of this idea is found visually in their character's physical adherence to all black and all white clothing, a sartorial choice that is determined by their respective homelands of Tenebrae, which means "Darkness" in Latin, and Lucis which means "Light" - names clearly selected to further push this concept. Delving deeper into language, we know Noctis' name translates to "Light in the Night Sky" in Latin, but what is the singular Light in the night sky? The Moon, aka Luna. Similarly, Luna's middle name is Nox which, in Latin, also means "Night" - a direct reference back to Noctis. They literally share a piece of each other in the other's name, an exchange which is another notable aspect of the Yin and Yang dynamic that features the sharing of one within the other (the two dots in the larger circle).

I believe this concept is also reflected in Umbra and Pryna, Luna's dogs. Pryna is a white female dog (with black markings) that is obviously meant to reflect Luna and dies with her and Umbra, a black male dog (with white markings), who survives to continue to help Noctis. These magical dogs serve to bridge the divide between them and act as their only means to facilitate communication through the passing of a notebook, which I believe is also meant to reflect this element of exchange. Though it may have been more convenient for them and the audience to try to find some way to speak directly to each other over some device, it wouldn't serve the same purpose, and it would lessen the impact of them meeting in person to a degree. Their inability to touch, see or hear from each other beyond the written word only increases the longing that beats at the heart of their star-crossed lover's dynamic.

Another exchange is featured in the transferring of the Ring of the Lucii - the embodiment of Noctis' duty - as well as the Trident of the Oracle, the symbol of Luna's own power and a piece of herself that literally becomes part of him to aid his mission even after she's gone. Beyond this, we also see Noctis hold onto one of Luna's glowing flower petals after her image vanishes as it's light and her essence seems to meld into him. As the Ring and Trident are tools to help him succeed in his calling, the petal is personal and both gifts represent her roles to him: mentor as well as lover and acts as another reference to the "light within the dark" element of Yin and Yang.

Though Luna is obviously meant to represent the Moon (it's literally the meaning of her name), Noctis doesn't feel like an obvious reference to the Sun. Though his fate is linked to bringing back the Light, which is most notably displayed in the return of the Sun, I'd argue he and Luna are both the Moon - both the Light in the Night sky that combats the Darkness that must die to bring back the Sun. Saving the world can literally only be achieved through their union, just as Gentiana proposed:

"It is heartening to see the future King and the Oracle enjoy such familiarity. The fate of our world may depend on it." - Gentiana

The elements of Light and Darkness that permeate the story leads to some interesting symbolism. Light is a term used often and holds multiple meanings as, beyond physical Light, it also means Hope and, for Noctis and the world, Luna is the embodiment of that Hope. When she's gone, the world literally grows darker without such a beacon of Light to help keep it at bay. That task now belongs fully to Noctis and the passing of the torch is exemplified in her exchange with the Ring and the Trident.

"[...] For slowly but surely, the Light fades from our world. And as it does, the shadows loom ever longer until all succumbs to the Darkness. Darkness that evokes terror, hatred, and sorrow in the hearts of men. [...] Yet I beg you, do not surrender to Despair. Have faith, for our gods watch over us. By their blessings, by the Stars that light the heavens above, our world will be delivered from the perils of the Dark. [...] But first, I offer my solemn vow, on my honor as Oracle, I will not rest until the Darkness is banished from our world and the Light is restored." - Luna

And, just as Darkness is the opposite of Light, so Despair is the opposite of Hope and it's in this struggle that the story revolves and defines the crux of Noctis' internal conflict. Among other things, Noctis' journey is finding the ability to move on from the Despair of his losses and attaining and embodying Hope like Luna before him so he can be that for the world. It's Ardyn that tries to keep him trapped in Darkness and Despair by reminding him of his guilt and fears and Luna that tries to pull him into the Light by encouraging him and reminding him of his strength and capability. In the end, through the help of his loved ones, Noctis embraces Hope and becomes the true King of Light and saves the world by physically conquering Darkness and his own Despair. This growth is beautifully displayed in many moments, but notably in Noctis' final speech to the Glaives that mimics Luna's words:

"Even as the Darkness overcame our world, we kept the Light alive in our hearts. We've all lost friends and loved ones along the way, but the one thing we never lost was Hope. I ask you to stand by me and fight at my side for the Light and for the future of our world!" - Noctis

BALANCE

"Noct and Luna are a great match for each other personality-wise. They are both patient, and earnest, and capable of dealing with great sorrow. They would be each other’s shield, and their love for each other would only grow with time." - Ray Chase (Voice of Noctis)

Noctis and Luna were clearly intended to reflect and contrast in interesting ways that enhance the story and add depth to their individual characters. Though I won't begin to pretend to know all the deeper meanings to be mined in the Omen trailer, I was struck by the way Noctis and Luna are literally reflected throughout most of it with them depicted as mimicking each other's movements or seeing each other's reflections as their own, almost as if they're one person. I think this speaks to the creator's desire to showcase them in this way and lends further credence to the Yin and Yang aspect of their dynamic, in my opinion.

Let's break it down: Luna was obviously designed to be a few years older than Noctis to enhance her larger narrative function as a mentor figure. Given the duties she had to embrace at a young age and the hardships she's suffered, she is more mature, refined and accepting of her calling. Noctis, by contrast, lacks in these areas at the beginning of the story - hence the journey he's on to follow in her footsteps both literally and figuratively and reach her at that level using her guidance, support and example to become the man and the King he's meant to be.

These disparities are intentional. A deliberate choice to enhance their Yin and Yang dynamic and encourage Noctis' much needed growth but, despite their surface level differences, they are and could clearly be very compatible. They have always gotten along very well, showcase a deep level of respect and affection for each other, have grown up together through their consistent communication and truly know and love each other despite said differences and not even seeing each other in person (you don't eagerly and consistently write to someone for 12 years and still not know anything about each other). Getting to interact in person would only further enhance an already strong foundation, not hinder it and their minimal differences would help balance and enhance each other. And yes, they'd have amazing chemistry, let's be real.

For example, it's easy to determine that Luna would be a calm and encouraging presence that Noctis desperately needs - a literal beacon of Light in his life. He harbors a great deal of anxiety about his duties, calling and even his wedding with her and just being around her and assured by her warm smile and comforting words would have done wonders to relax and assuage his worries. Her presence would also help to bring out more maturity in Noctis and naturally coax the gentleman in him to the surface as he tries to be the man and husband she deserves. When Noctis speaks to or about Luna, he generally shows a softer, more caring side of himself that contrasts the 'rougher', more guarded quality he can display around others at times. He could finally drop the nonchalant façade he uses as a shield and just be himself as there is no reason to hide his true self around Luna, who already knows him so well and will not judge or mock him.

Unlike Noctis, Luna doesn't have the luxury of friends her age she can be herself with. Reuniting with him would no doubt encourage her to drop her guard as well and remind her of their time together when she was her younger, more carefree self and the person she wants to be: a normal woman who finally has someone by her side who sees the real her beyond being the Oracle. She's not just Lady Lunafreya, she's also Luna, a girl who wants a life outside of duty with the man she loves and he's the only person who sees her that way. Luna longs for her other half - an equal at her side rather than someone merely to lead.

"I have little to offer a King other than the voice afforded the Oracle. Nevertheless, and I'm afraid he might find this foolish, but to be together with Noctis again - even if only for a short while - it would mean the world to me. I do not seek to guide him, merely to stand beside him." - Luna

Like Yin and Yang, they complement and balance each other to grow and become the best and truest version of themselves. Luna encourages Noctis to mature and relax and Noctis would allow her to be less refined and remind her of the woman she is beneath the titles and duties that have dominated her life. They'd give each other exactly what the other needs and provide a special bond they can't find with anyone else. Though Noctis' friends help him along his journey, the burden of his fate is a weight only Luna understands. They are on this path together and no one else can truly know what that feels like save for the other.

This is another reason why their relationship is so important, as it allows us to flesh out their characters more and add depth by highlighting a facet of their personalities that we wouldn't otherwise see. Having romantic rather than platonic feelings for each other also heightens every aspect of the story: the tragedy of their circumstances, the longing to be together and the overall satisfaction at the end when they can finally be together again.

FOREVER BOUND

Since the day they met, Noctis and Luna became a huge part of each other's lives and formed a bond both sought to hold onto. Felt a deep connection to their spiritual counterpart and amiss in each other's absence as if unconsciously seeking their other half. When Luna dies, Noctis loses a part of himself, and the blow is understandably devastating. They came so close to being together and were torn apart once again, their previous separation taking a new and even more tragic form. But though Luna is far, she is not gone as, according to Ravus, even in death her spirit remains tethered to the world, unable to truly pass on until Noctis' mission is complete - further proof as to how connected their fated roles are. However, it's their love for each other, not their callings that truly tether them and, just as before, they are determined to still be together someday no matter what.

"Luna, you and I will be together again someday, I promise." - Noctis

The element of yearning that permeates their relationship is maintained now through the repeated motif of Noctis reaching for her, both still desperate for connection. Beyond heightening the inherent tragedy that lies at the heart of their star-crossed lovers dynamic, I believe these near misses are not meant to be cruel, but to further prove that, as much as Noctis wants to, he has not really "reached" Luna yet. He still has a lot of growth to achieve before he can truly become her equal and they can become one. If Luna represents essentially all that he needs to become, then reuniting and becoming one with her translates to him finally achieving that as well, which is why it's withheld until he's completed his arc. It also, obviously, makes them finally being able to touch in the end even more satisfying.

MARRIAGE

As a huge element of this story is about Noctis and Luna uniting in more ways than one, what better way to show that than through marriage? As marriage can be defined as two individuals joining in a permanent covenant that unites them into one flesh, so the marriage between Noctis and Luna was not only an effective catalyst to the story, but also a brilliant way to continue to reflect the idea of them becoming whole again through each other which serves a huge narrative, thematic and symbolic function. This story is not only about Noctis literally following in Luna's footsteps, seeking her to not only be reunited with her, but also united in marriage - the blending of Yin and Yang. Two halves of a whole seeking and yearning for each other finally becoming one which is only achieved in the end after Noctis has completed his arc and truly becomes her equal.

Though they may not have physically married in life, their spiritual marriage in the afterlife further proves not only how much they love and want to be together, but also symbolizes that they are truly and fully bonded now. Even the transformed logo at the end of the game serves to show this. Where once Luna was alone, now Noctis finally joins her at last. Finally equal. Finally whole. Finally one.

(I'm mostly thinking of casting classes here, along with WHM/AST)

And, like, even with Hydealyns blessing, human bodies were not designed to channel such energies. That's why you get things like 'Hey if you try and be a BLM without the soul stone, you WILL burn from the inside out!'

And I know it's because they want you to be able to play every class, but just imagine if your class DID effect your character physically.

I was inspired to make this post because I saw a video of someone repairing a small vase via Kintsugi. Which in turn reminded me of the Gabrielle Aplin song of the same name. Which contains one of my all time favourite lines:

All my scars are golden.

See, scar tissue is already modified. I'm no biologist and it's been a while since I properly looked into scars, but scar tissue is different to regular skin, that much I know.

So imagine that being where it's obvious. Your WoLs scars.

A White Mage who emanates this soft white glow from their scars as they cast.

Astrologians that glitter and shimmer and glow as they pull the stars into themselves.

Black mages who's scars darken and seem to be collapsing as they draw on the void.

Red mages who are a mishmash of glowing and collapsing.

These people are pulling powerful forces through their body and you can see it. Even if you know nothing about magic, even if you're just a spectator, you can see how their journey has shaped them, has changed and effected them.

Kingsguard Boy guards Younger Royal Boy

Royal boy is actually magical special boy

Magical Boy loses it bc his family got killed, has something to do with aeons/summons, probably a summoner?, maybe he dies?

Kingsguard Boy grows up becomes Royal Soldier

Here's where the speculation starts:

Royal Soldier defects because of doubts? Maybe just doubts/grey morality

Soldier starts going after Aeons because Magical Boy created an Aeon Apocalypse and hurt/ended everything Soldier loved?? Or maybe the Aeons ended Magical Boy and this is revenge? Or maybe the people who killed Magical Boy's fam are the ones he's pursuing?

Crystals + Aeons are probably related, but in FF crystals are usually important and essential to the wellness of the world and here Aeons seem to be rogue and violent and also "The legacy of crystals has gone on long enough" makes it sound like Soldier wants to destroy the Aeons and the Crystals to do what? Stop the apocalypse? Or the war? Revenge???

Also there seems to be two sides to this war

Royal side with soldiers VS other more magical side with Dragoons (maybe they control the Aeons and Crystals?)

Maybe in this world it's Magic vs. No Magic??

And we play with Soldier who is on the No Magic side??? And Magical Boy was oppressed bc he was on the Royal No Magic side??

 yes apparently not only did we get our favorite garbage vampire trash man, we also get the delight know as Pretzel, or 普雷结, his chinese name.

He can be seen during the event for Bloody Mary!

While it’s not confirmed whether or not he’s actually a Food Soul or not, I want to take this post to explore some of his design- namely, his whole homage to Christian priests and stuff

you can clearly see that there’s pretzels all over his design, from his belts and armor for starters, and you can likely find more, as these were just the ones I picked out quickly

You might be wonder, like I was, why make Pretzel a badass priest???? Aren’t pretzels more like a circus and carnival time food????

Well apparently, pretzels are actually incredibly significant in Christianity- Many origin stories of Pretzels usually involve a Christian background and monks. One book written 610 AD holds that they were created by Italian monks to reward children for learning their prayers (although this is likely not true, with no evidence backing it up)

Pretzels also have religious significance to the Christian church for both their ingredients and shapes- The knot have been claimed to represent hands in prayers and the three holes to represent the Holy Trinity- The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. Since pretzels could be made using only flour and water, it could be eaten during Lent, when Christians can’t eat eggs, lard, and dairy. In time, pretzels became associated with Lent and Easter!

(This is largely associations drawn from southern Germany, where many believe it to have originated)

Given the heavy significance of Pretzel to the Christian religion, it’s quite interesting that the food fan devs decided to take his design away from the American perception of pretzels as a street food to a less commonly known one!

YO LEMME JUST JUMP IN ON THIS. The comparison video is pretty accurate - direct translation "'He was the first person I liked.' 'Were you dating?' 'It wasn't like that. I just thought it might be nice.'" The Japanese version doesn't put them anywhere past friendship and a what-might-have-been. "Suki ni naru" usually has a connotation of "fall in love with", not just "like", but still. She definitely shoots down the question of if she and Zack were going out.

OH WOW MY MIND IS BLOWN, thank you so much for your input!!

I still can’t believe that they were never together in the original Japanese version. This is like a 20-year-old fandom and I’ve been none the wiser! And these translation videos are so new, I wonder why no one’s ever really thought to do them before?? Even the FF wiki describes them as boyfriend and girlfriend so it never occurred to me that the English translation skewed the original text.

Who is Sephiroth?

Sephiroth's importance starts before he even properly appears. In the original Final Fantasy VII, the game builds him first through absence, aftermath, and other people's fear. His name arrives before his full presence does, and by the time thep layer starts meeting the evidence of what he's done - the Nibelheim incident, the Shinra building, the trail of bodies, the way Cloud talks about him - Sephiroth already feels larger than the ordinary scale of the cast. He enters the story as legend, war hero, and impossible standard, then gradually becomes the central catastrophe the whole game has to orbit around.

That structure is a huge part of why he works; he's not just the final villain in a mechanical sense, but a figure of collapse. The story keeps using him to turn revelation into disaster: the revelation of his origins, Shinra's lies, what happened in Nibelheim, how fragile Cloud's own identity really is. He's tied to nearly every major destabilisation in the game. Once he starts moving, other people's lives stop belonging cleanly to them; Cloud's sense of self, Tifa's memories, Aerith's future, the Planet's safety, all of it gets pulled into his gravity.