I recently rewatched the movie version of KH 358/2 Days because I do it at the end of every summer…but anyway here’s some things I noticed
It was only this watch through that I seriously considered the trans Xion headcanon. I liked the idea of it before, but this watch through really convinced me. Do I think this was the intention? No. But just the themes about identity and her fighting so hard to be her own person against everyone telling her to be quiet and comply just speaks to me as a very queer theme. Similarly, it also translates a little in a “don’t question authority” sorta way that Axel upholds, which is why they often come into conflict, and Roxas being confused because he’s so left in the dark. Does it not give off capitalism vibes? The whole working every day and being replaceable numbers and never getting a break or knowing why they’re doing what they’re doing? Do you feel me?
I was aware of how doomed this trio is, and watching their relationships fall apart is devastating every time. And I love how it’s not really anyone’s fault, they just want to be together. Xion’s story follows the theme of autonomy and identity, much like Roxas, but I feel like it’s more personal identity while Roxas has more of a crisis about who to trust and other’s agendas. And Axel’s story is so fascinating, because he does things that hurts Xion and even kills the people at CO but he doesn’t wanna lose his friends, and would go to any lengths for them even if they don’t want it. Seeing how Xion wants to carve an identity for herself while Axel is trying to make them conform to the status quo for the time being and Roxas just wanting to keep the peace and being ignorant reminds me a little of dystopian stories. This conflict divides them further, as early as Xion realizing she’s a puppet for the organization and Axel trying to prevent her from going to CO. And of course Roxas just wants Xion back, so in his ignorance he places anger on Axel and doesn’t understand why Xion’s avoiding them. And then Xion defecting and Roxas blaming Axel further is what really breaks it apart. It’s all this ripple effect from conflicting interests and the environment forcing them to conform.
Sail’s short scenes with Axel lead me to believe he’s jealous of Xion and Roxas for seeing Axel’s true, more emotional side. Even ignoring the whole “exes” vibe between them, it’s so loaded. They had history.
I could never bring myself to be mad at Riku for what he did, because of course he’d do anything for Sora. And at least he gave Xion the time to come to that decision herself, and only did so because there was no other option. He was the first authority figure who really did that for her, which is probably why she trusted him and grew closer to him and away from Axel and Roxas. I’m sure Riku was riddled with guilt, thinking this was another sin he had to atone for. Also, wasn’t it interesting how whenever it’s mentioned that Xion is made from Kairi’s memories or heavily influenced, it’s Riku saying it most of the time? Similarly, he says at one point that it’s Sora’s most precious memories, and yet Roxas and Xion only have the biggest emotional reaction to Sora’s memories with Riku. Perhaps he’s assuming Sora would never like him or that he just likes Kairi.
I love this game because of everyone’s conflicting motives, and how you can’t really blame anyone for doing what they do, even when it hurts everyone and everything falls apart. The Seasalt trio had always been my favorite trio. I feel like they feel the most connected out of all the trios.
Side note: I only realized this watch through that early on, the organization was searching for sleepy Ventus.
