Gustave being killed while a) joking around with Maelle about throwing rocks, an activity they used to and still do together b) unknowingly shielding Maelle with his body. The first thing that he tells her is to "Run", like he asked her to promise him to do (and like he told her HE would do), and instead she tries to reach him and perhaps protect him????
I feel ill. The fact that Gustave is probably just another version of Verso? Dude, I was already feeling shippy with Gustave and Maelle but OH. MY. GOD. I knew Gustave was going to die, but it's framed in such an unexpected way so we experience it with Maelle. Damn.
And THEN Gustave KNOWINGLY shielding Maelle with his body.
(notice how the cutscene broke Gustave's hair but kept Maelle's. this game is glitchyyyy)
Verso protecting Maelle from, who I assume is their dad, knowing/seeing his own sister in Maelle? (which she probably is??? in a way???) aaaaaaaaaa!!!!
i assume the dude went after his wife that is The Paintress, unable to let go? And Verso going, "She will never paint again."
i said about shipping them before i even knew any details because they just had that kind of vibe and yeeeeah. totally ship them. the height difference, too. <3
also, the fact that Gustave is Maelle's legal guardian (on paper) & how much they love each other. which, again, I assume is Alicia's way of coping with the death of her brother? either way, Gustave x Maelle totally works.
on another note: Verso showing up at camp, giving them back Gustave's arm with the converter, and saying, "I'm sorry I couldn't save your friend." 🥺🥺🥺 Please be one of the good ones.
Let's go, Verso, let's go!!!
I saw glimpses of endings through gifs before I started my playthrough and I am Concerned. I hope I know it in my heart what to choose when the time comes (and that the game does not disappoint).