The Ruler of Life and Death
***Spoilers for Final Fantasy XVI***
Over time, I have written several FFXVI character analysis posts and intertwined Joshua throughout them.
But I held off on writing a full post because frankly...there is just too much to say. As Johnathan Case (English VA) once said, Joshua is "full of contradictions."
But the Tumblr world deserves more Joshua so...here we are!
The angle of approach - I will choose one word that encompasses many of his astounding qualities - self-possession.
(You got it! It's a word that Jote uses in her inner voice about a different character.)
Self-possession doesn't just mean "control over one's emotions." Afterall, "control" can imply that it can be lost.
Self-possession refers to mastery over one's destiny and being the fixed center point within the chaotic storm. Instead of being reactionary and allowing life's waves to pull you under.
As a child, Joshua understandably had imposter syndrome. Makes sense considering who stood beside him - a highly admired and heroic teenager who, for reasons unknown, was passed over by the Phoenix. The Eikon of Fire, instead, chose the sweet and frail little brother.
Thirteen years later, we witness in awe as a well-travelled Joshua confidently strides into Drake's Head to protect Clive and Jill. Everything about him emanates self-possession - his gestures, his stance, his diction, his facial expressions. HE is the shield now and he knows exactly how this game of chess with Ultima will end. Every move is intentional.
Five years after, we see self-possession during the scene with Jote when he kindly turned away Kihel's offer to heal him of his blood-ridden coughs. He would rather she save her medicines to help others. Despite the couple of times we see him doubt his abilities to keep Ultima sealed, Joshua presses on with grace and determination.
He demonstrates another instance of self-possession BEAUTIFULLY when he emerges uninvited in Dion's tent. The man who was supposedly dead now stands before all with complete composure and authority. Through his subtle but monumental gestures, it is plain that Joshua holds absolute conviction that Dion will not harm him or turn him in - despite the fact that Dion's loyalties lie with the very same nation that destroyed Rosaria.
Another example of self-possession is when Joshua reveals the extent of his dire situation to Clive and Jill in the infirmary after the fall of the Crystalline Dominion. Notice how he revealed it with a soft smile and gentle tone in contrast to Clive and Jill's horror and outrage. Joshua knows the consequences of his actions and chose that path willingly without a single regret.
Joshua is far from weak. He is the only Dominant that could seal Ultima and continuously heal himself - and still wake up each day to fight alongside his brother and slay every beast in their path...all with a kind smile and words of wisdom. Always mindful, always demonstrating self-possession in the midst of pain.
While fighting alongside Clive on his many adventures and side quests, especially in Waloed, Clive expresses concern for Joshua's ability to take on the ambush. Joshua's answer is one of acknowledgement and even humor. He is in command of his situation - the situation is not in command of him.
Naturally, Joshua is patient and not easily aggravated....but when he does snap, you freaking watch and listen. (I'm talking about that infamous Clive-gets-a-hook-to-the-face-from-lil-bro scene that was felt around the world.) But even in that context, Joshua was still thinking about Jill and standing up for her.
We also see a heart-breaking example of his self-possession - Joshua foregoing romantic attachments in order to spare them the inevitable suffering if he doesn't make it in the end.
We also see several emotional scenes throughout the game where Joshua is spiritually and emotionally the steadfast center in Cilve's tumultuous world as symbolized by the phoenix feather.
Despite so many fans thinking Ultima would puppet his body and/or mind, Joshua demonstrates his mastery of self-possession - literally until the moment he dies in Clive's arms.
Joshua had every reason and opportunity to be spoiled (former little prince of Rosaria), self-centered (messiah of the Undying), haughty (like Anabella), unforgiving (Phoenix Gate incident), greedy (he's a Dominant), and hateful (a mix of traumas in his lifetime).
But this man OWNS his trauma and processes it to make him strong in the spirit and self-sacrificing for those he loves.
Perhaps that self-possession is something we can all apply to our own lives.
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