Thoughts that hold some resemblance of coherence

(At least I hope they do)

[kittycatchan16]

So, back in Chapter I: Act V, we went to desolate Court of Savantae, we met this elder researcher and the unknown goddess (?) from the beginning of the game:

The Researcher: I became blindsided by my fear of death and insatiable thirst for truth, eventually derailing our research… It was too late when I finally came back to my senses… We… We had already walked into that false "Gate"…Now, I'm leaving my last realization behind… They are our "past"… but they are also our "future"… Had I realized it sooner, there might have been a chance to get things back on track…The future being hailing from our past… Please save us.. once again… Please, keep pushing forward… until you reach… the real Gate that can change the world…

To Aalto's question, Rover replies that they "think they know her, but don't remember why"

However, in 3.0 when Rover is burning their cassette, the first memory they have is of waking up to meet Chixia and Yangyang (Rover was unconcious when we first saw them and the unknown goddess), so what if Rover met her way back (after the world supposedly ended) and she helped them travel to the current timeline.

After all, the researcher is pleading her to save them. Maybe her response was to make deal with Rover (some time in the past, after or during the supposed end of the world past! Rover mentioned in flashback Rover had in Black Shores back in Chapter I: Act VIII) and pull them from that time (that catastrophe) into current timeline.

That would imply that she and Rover met at least two times (one, when she pulled Rover away from the time of the world's end & the second was at the opening cutscene of Wuwa). Maybe something else happened after Rover established Black Shores and between their decision to erase memories.

[kittycatchan16]

What if Rover's home planet got destroyed, which is why they arrived on Solaris-3?

In CBT 1 version we have flashbacks of Rover & other people landing on a Solaris-3

So, maybe Kuro still mashed that idea into current story, and the first time Rover came to Solaris-3 was with the survivors of their home planet

[kittycatchan16]

Not the Shorekeeper reminding past!Rover, they need to rest and that they don't need to shoulder responsibility for the world alone😭

Good to see that (nothing) has changed on that front!

[kittycatchan16]

Kindness can have consequences too

Aka; the beautiful parallers of three characters in 2.5 (or Chapter II: Act VII)

So, I know that 2.5 (better known as Phrolova Quest) was a bit long ago, but I've recently caught up and I just have to nerd about storytelling (or rather themes) that were happening there :3

First of all, we have our main character of this quest: Phrolova.

The Fractsidus showed me a way forward. Even if they have their own motives, even if we're only using each other… I care not. If they can help me take this step, then another step may follow. And another. No matter how steep the price, I'll pay it, step by step, until I reach the end I seek. - Phrolova

Phrolova's ultimate goal is to bring Great Beyond into reality so that her family (the villagers from her town) can be alive again. It is a selfless goal and she doesn't care what happens to her (or that her & Fractsidus are only using each other, with no emotional connection involved), as long as her goal is achieved. However, she also doesn't care about what she has to do, in the name of that goal (aka: working for Fractsidus), which means doing dirty work and hurting plenty of innocent people (the best example being her actions in Jinzhou, from which plenty of soldiers either died or got injured).

Next we have: Fenrico.

("Unity is the sole deliverance from the Divine Ordeal." That's why Fenrico fought to keep Ragunna from falling into discord.The record says darkness has long shackled the Ragunnesi's subconscious. Only by defeating this Harbinger, descending into the depths of darkness, and bringing back all trapped souls can the Dark Tide be resisted…So that's why he's after the Gem and the Beyond. He intends to use them to house the Ragunnesi's subconscious and fend off the Dark Tide.) - Rover's conclusion after investigating a file

Fenrico's goal was to save Ragunnesi from Dark Tide, which is why he was trying to use Leviathan's power and yet, it inevitably ended up with him being possesed by It, brainwashing many people and Acolytes (which gave Leviathan even more power) and with Fenrico's new role as a Harbinger of Dark Tide.

And last but not least: Rover.

When you established the Black Shores to unite Solaris, the Tethys System already existed. Later, you discovered it relied on emotions from the Lament to fuel its calculations. Without them, it cannot function. Using the Lament against itself is like walking on a Möbius loop with no end in sight. We have tried for millenia to break this cycle without success. And then… you left the Black Shores to look for other solutions. - The Shorekeeper (about Rover), Chapter I: Act VIII

I didn't care. As long as we were both happy when we crossed blades, I was happy. But now, Rover‍ wants to leave… and even abandon (‍‍his‍/‍her‍‍) memories? Doing all of this for what? A so-called better outcome? Haha, for the Black Shores, a better future must mean saving Solaris. I don't care about that at all. Why? Why do I have to lose my only beloved playmate, my most cherished opponent! Here at the Black Shores, (‍‍he‍/‍she‍‍)'s the most trapped one… by far. - past! Camellya; Camellya's Companion Story (Forking Paths Among the Stars)

Rover's goal is to save Solaris (and whole humanity), which is why they had sacrificed their memories and identity (and emotional connection they had with people at that time) to find a way to achieve this goal. Yet, not only no solution was found yet (as far as we know), but also the people who Rover had forgotten are understandably (emotionally) hurt by their decision.

To sum up: Those three characters all share a theme of trying to save someone (Phrolova- her family; Fenrico- Ragunnesi; Rover- Solaris & humanity, and Phrolova, with their promise of visiting her again), and yet their actions having consequences and/or ending up in failure.

[kittycatchan16]

This genre of Rover smiling when they are upset/have a reason to be upset or worried:

(Context: Shorkeeper & past! Rover's conversation in Fragments of Quiet Reflections; notes at Black Shores, Chapter I: Act VIII)

(past!Camellya talking about her conversation with Rover when Rover told her about erasing their own memories; Forking Path Among Stars- Camellya's Companion Story)

(past!Rover telling Phrolova that they "started over" with a smile; in a conversation that was right after Rover admitting they emphasize & understand Phrolova's mourning song; Chapter II: Act VII)

(Rover saying they will go to Journeying Paradise, instead of any of them, despite knowing they are already corrupted by Threnodian's power; Chapter II: Act XI)

(Call it a gut feeling but I don't think past!Rover was as okay with erasing their memories as they led us to believe)

[asherasgayagenda]

[syahra]

"Is his smile what I was looking for?"

[pandoraheartsposter]

This really be how it is

[kittycatchan16]

I'm 99,9% sure that the Misfit Class and Ameri will be Iruma's 13 crowns.

[kittycatchan16]

I'm probably not the first person who noticed it but Ali-san's full name. When you change order of letters you get this:

A l i k r e d

||

D e l k i r a

Coincidence. Yeah, I can confidently say: no.

[kittycatchan16]

So...I was reading manga and stumbled upon this:

I mean look at it...

Natsume is t i n y

[kittycatchan16]

I don't know whether it's just manga translation or what but...

Like...

WHAT????

[kittycatchan16]

[kittycatchan16]

I wasn't ready to let go of Vnc just yet and started watching Eng Dub...and I have to say it's gold.😭

To me dubs sound weird, especially when I know the anime in sub version. Some dubs simply can't express it on a same level as subs because of cultural difference and then there's the way dubs VAs try to overact certain lines the same way subs VAs do it. The thing is what sound good in japaneese, doesn't necessarily sound good in english.

So, in my experience most dubs aren't good. The most prominent exception of that is (in my opinion) SK8 and Disasterious Life of Saiki K.

And then, there is Vnc dub. And it is just amazing. ❤️

I think it's the mix of the fact that they got such a good cast and the fact that Vnc has lots of western humour (or rather there are situations where western sarcasm fits just right).

Anyway, the dub is really good and I encourage you to try and watch it.

Btw here are some of my favourite scenes:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Dante and Vani are helping Amelia*

Dante: C'mon you Quack! Quit monologuing and get this done!

Vanitas: Stop interrupting my thing Baldie!

Dante: I AM NOT BALD!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Vanitas and Noe sitting behind bars*

Noe: *Demands explanation*

Vani: *Explains it*... That's about it. Satisfied?

Noe: Not at all.

Vani: Well, that's a shame.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Noe grabs Vanitas and jumps onto the rooftop*

Meanwhile Vani: UWAAUAAaaaAA

Dante watching it all from down there: Okay...That was strangely gratifying.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Noe and Vani meet Jeanne and Luca for the first time*

Noe: I refuse to allow you to have that book.

Vani: *beams* Yay!

Noe: However you're welcome to do as you see fit with Vanitas himselfs.

Vani: *deflates annoyed* Boo-

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Vanitas and Noe ran from Jeanne's attack*

Vani (to Noe): I SWEAR! YOUR IGNORANCE KNOWS NO BOUNDS!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

*At Count Orlock's place*

Count Orlock: I assumed you were that human's caretaker. Isn't that right?

(Beat)

Noe: No! It isn't!

Van: Exactly. If anything it's more like I'M his caretaker.

Noe: Would you please just stop saying things?!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Noe gets lost at the ball*

Noe: Hold on! Did I lose them or did they lose me?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Vani makes grande speech at the ball, screaming of angry vampires can be heard in the background*

Luca: What does this fool thinks he is doing?!

Noe: I couldn't say...

Luca: And why do it here of all places?!

Noe: Not a clue...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Vani gets almost frozen by Veronica, the ice is literally making its way up and up his body*

Vani: That's...not good.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Noe blocks Ruthven's way toward Vanitas*

Noe: *protective* He's mine.

Vani's expression at that moment: ??? *surprised pikachu face*

Noe: I was in the middle of speaking to him!

Vani: ???

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Luca explains that some vampire was in human world and liked tarte tatin so much he gave recipe to chefs of this restaurant in Altus Paris*

Domi (thinking): I'll be willing the bet that vampire in question was none other than my... grandfather.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Noe ran after Vani and Jeanne*

Luca: Noe?! Don't they realize there's a door?? *headdesks*

Domi: *calmly sips tea*

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Vani & Noe dancing, Noe steps on Vani's foot*

Vani: OWWW!

Noe: Oh....

Vani: TCHUE!

Noe: Forgive me...

Vani: "Oh...Forgive me" IS THAT ALL YOU CAN SAY?!

Noe: It wasn't on purpose.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Count Orlock learns Noe&Vani were trown out of the castle, Nox and her brother are trying to stop Count from bonking Vanitas on head with a globe*

Vani: Wanna fight?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Dante in catacombs tries to open barred passage and is hanging on it while jerking it*

Dante: ARRRRRRRRR

Johann: *tries to normally talk with Noe in the background* Not this again....Dante! Can we go anywhere without you showing everyone your hot little temper?!

Dante: QUIAAAT! I'M NO LEAVING UNTIL I GIVE HIM A BIG HIT, AS BRUTAL AS I GOT!

Guard: You there!

Dante: Heh?

Guard: What are you doing?

2n Guard: Get down!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*They get kicked out*

Dante(to Vanitas): [...]Everybody knows that stupid!

Vani: Baldie!

Dante: Stupid!

Vani: Baldie!

Dante: Stupid!

Vani: Baldie!

Dante: Stupid!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Noe tags with Vani on his way to catacombs*

Vani: Suit yourself.

Noe: Why, thank you. I'd planned to.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Roland learns Vani's real identity*

Roland: *squishes his face* WHAT?! OH MY WORD!! VANITAS AS I LIVE AND BREEEEATH!

Vani: I'D LIKE TO BREATH TOO!

[...]

Roland: Perhaps they're holding your loved ones hostage?!

Vani: Stooop.

[...]

Roland:-but then you'll never be able to open your heart to the healing power of His Almighty Word!

Vani: FORGET YOUR GOD FOR TWO SECONDS WOULD YOU??

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Vanitas & Noe are hiding*

Noe: *laughs at Vanitas for freaking out cause of Roland* Sorry for laughing! He isn't so bad though. You know he might even be growing on me.

Vani: That's great. Go bother him, why don't you.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Noe (thinking): You always make that face.

Vani: Hey, can you not make that face?

Noe: *pulls a face* What are you talking about? This is how I look.

Vani: That must be rough.

[...]

Noe: THAT FACE AGAIN! I'M SICK OF IT!

Vani: I-Lower your voice! Would you?

Noe: I CAN'T STAND IT WHEN YOU LOOK LIKE THAT! IT MAKES ME SO ANGRY!

Vani: YEAH?! THIS IS WHAT I LOOK LIKE. SO GET USED TO IT!

Noe: DON'T LIE TO ME! I KNOW SOMETHIN'S WRONG!

Vani: QUIiiaT!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vani: *points at unconcious Maria* We're taking this young lady hostage.

Noe: No. Overruled.

Vani: I overrule your overruling.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

*After Vani snaps and Noe punches a wall*

Noe: *looking quite scary* We are going to take hostage after all.

Vani: *looking quite scared, lets out a weak* huh?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Noe holds Vani hostage, Roland and the other guy come in*

Noe: *Laughs like a maniac*

Vani: HELP ME ROLanD!! HE'S A TOTAL MANIAC!

Noe: *continues to laugh like a maniac*

Vani: DON'T juST STaND THerE!!! DO soMETHiNG! Please...! I'm too young to dieeeeee!!!!!

Noe: *still laughs like a maniac in the background*

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Arguing in front of Roland*

Vani: What about that stunt you pulled! YOU THREW ME!

Noe: I-I was careful to make sure you didn't break anything.

Vani: I think you maybe missing the point!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

*After Noe pushes Moreau away from Vanitas, all the chaos happening around them, Noe holds Moreau*

Vani:*finally has had enough, he stands up* Hold him still! I wanna question him!

Noe: Okay...I can do that...!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Noe and Vani lay on the floor after defeating curse-bearer in Moreau's lab*

Noe:... I thought we were goners! Please...Fogive me. I shouldn't have been so cocky before! I clearly undrestimated the enemyyy...

Vani: That's why I yold y- *doesn't finish his mumblings cause he breaks into laughter that sounds like someone having a mental breakdown*

*Noe starts laughing with him*

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Aftermath, Olivier finds Roland*

Roland: Bonjour Olivier! Your hair looking silky smooth as always~

Olivier: *face palms and starts mumbling* Here comes another Roland

Roland: Oh dear! What's the matter? Shall I go fetch your medicine?

Olivier: YOU'RE THE MATTER, YOU GREAT MORON!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Domi tails Jeanne and Vani, Dante finds them*

Dante(to Domi): uuuu...What are you doing?

Domi: I'm tailing these idiots. Can't you tell?!

Dante: uuuu...Why?

[...]

Domi: *is depressed*

Dante: *looks bored with the whole sitution* Why is it happening and why do we care?

[...]

Domi: *is determinated* I'm going to stick to those two lovebirds like glue.

Dante: That's so idiotic.

Domi: *breaks into crocodile tears* No one asked you!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Dante bursts window open*

Dante: I'VE GOT SOMETHING!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Noe being thirsty for Vani's blood and is mumbling incoherently, Dante & Vani stare at him*

Dante: What's with him?

Vani: I dunno.

[demico-art]

I’d like to point out that Murr really likes Vanitas. I find it cute.

[lastvalyrian]

I think Noé knows how to handle Vanitas because he is a cat owner

[blavatskye]

if vanitas not a cat then why????

everything makes sense