#EO is a great series and everyone should play it

[nanjokei]

what are your fave mobile games??

to be honest i don't really play that many at the same time but ill talk historically, it makes the most sense anyway. btw this got really long

OG show by rock - one of the most fun mobage rhythm games EVER, the portait orientation 3 button setup looked deceptively easy but it has some of the most evil, vile beatmaps ive ever seen in a mobile game. AND THAT'S CRAZY!!! never gonna forgive sanrio for killing it and making its successor a shitty bandori clone (og sb69 was bound to die anyway bc it had insane rarity creep, but the cheap seeming bandori clone successor that didn't even have half the original bands at the time of EoS two years into launch was a huge slap to the face). the art in the cards was so much more charming than the ones in the new game, they weren't bad but you, me, her, he, them, everyone, we all KNOW what had more soul. i think the only thing the new game had over the old one is the interactive aspect via the homescreen live2d. also cause yasu was in it

fate/grand order - still my forever game, its a game where i dont feel pressure to do anything, you can use anyone you love. i can stop playing for weeks and come back and not feel an insane sense of FOMO which is an issue with a lot of newer mobage. i think a lot of people outsource their opinion on fgo exclusively from negative opinions which makes me kinda sad. the story is great, you can pick up the game at any time, and to those who find that kind of thing important: farming gems is easy. i say give it a shot yourself. ofc there are questionable things given the original source and its origins, not to mention the premise. but i do believe that despite its flaws i think people should reevaluate it fairly and not base it on the time they downloaded NA for 10 minutes and didn't roll an ssr right away after 20 rolls.

mahoutsukai no yakusoku - i'll be honest i have chosen not to play the game properly until an english version comes out bc i do not want to play a clicker in a language i am not very proficient in. HOWEVER. unironically one of the best stories i've read in mobage history, characters are great, i think it has wide appeal and the devs seem to understand that "joseimuke" paradoxically is something that can be enjoyed by all kinds of people (also it is a series that is kind to both fujoshi and yumejoshi. coexisting peacefully afaik). super recommend the story if you like magic, worldbuilding and interesting characters!!! bunta is a great writer. im a fan of idolish7 as well so i can vouch (also you can select your protag's gender which isn't crazy but in a game like this, i super appreciate it)

#compass - horrible game don't play this

love live school idol festival - i want you idol twitter and adjacent cunts to put respect to her name. RESPECT. SIF has never gotten her flowers from any of you facetious little slimeballs and you can deny it all you want but not only was this the blueprint but it also was probably what got you into the things you like in the first place. in a world where every other rhythm game is a bandori clone, i smile knowing SIF2 will keep the spirit of SIF alive (hopefully). the cards were cute, mu's discography is certified classic and anyone denying it in 2023 hates fun, and despite how archaic it was and its MANY flaws, i believe firmly that it deserves respect not only as an idol game but as a mobage in general. it really broke ground being localized when it was.

nikke - definitely top 10 most shocking things of the century that i played this and am still playing. its uh, very flawed, the wall sucks and once you hit that plateau in power level the struggle to catch up to content power walls is kinda depressing, but it has a lot of heart that keeps me logging in and talking to my girls. it's still unabashedly horny (though its a trick actually, a lot of the characters are more covered up than expected and it REALLY pisses a lot of the game's fanbase off), but i'm really enjoying the story. i think my pleasant surprise is so insanely high that it deserves a spot on here-- i think if you let it cook it mostly won't disappoint you. i love most of the characters :) korean kamige

argonavis AAside - i miss you. argonavis still lives, so i do not mourn what is living, but dabues was a special little game because it did not contain the evils of bandori. the gacha was fair, the spark ceiling was 100 rolls(!), but it was mismanaged from the start, fuck dena. im sad the new game will be a clicker but i will be there for argonavis no matter what. was pretty much what garupa should strive to be in terms of A GAME but unfortunately such days do not come to pass.

honorable mention cause its EOSing soon probably and im too bitter to talk about it positively rn given the current shitshow the jp version is in (ily global): vanguard zero, also megido72 because i only started playing it in december but im enjoying it a lot so far. i guess dream!ing also gets a mention. i will not elaborate

this is a postscript but i've played a lot of kusoge for tapjoy rewards and let me tell you. people playing regular well known japanese/korean/chinese mobage do not know the shit and crap that comes from the dregs of the play/app store. you do not know what a kusoge is until you've grinded earnestly and faithfully in shit like state of survival for an entire month. after those experiences i have Truly learned what it means to be a shit game

[neko-miko-reimu]

[forbidden-wood]

hey amanda! it's sarah/@ofieugogyshz ! quick questions about EO-- with the eshop shuttering soon:

1) if there was only one entry that you could recommend for everyone play, which one is it? (esp speaking from "can't afford everything" and "no one puts their eshop games on sale anymore" perspectives)

2) do you know if there's any switch ports on the horizon? or implied anywhere?

2b) should someone who has a backlog just wait for that possible eventuality if there's been no word yet on one?

3) which one is YOUR favorite?

i think i had one more but i forgot it in the process of trying to word #1 coherently LMFAO.

anyways i hope you're having a great day! i only remembered one person from here who talked about EO, so who better to ask about it during the eshop end times than a person who posts about it? hope you've been doing well!!

Hey there!

1.) My reccomendations for a starter entry are EO4 or EO5! EO4 is very beginner friendly since it's the first 3DS entry in the series and EO5 builds on EO4's mapping system quite well and has expanded character customization. Both of these games (as well as all of the games) have demos on the eshop too! Definitely keep your eyes peeled though cause Atlus actually does put the EO series on sale every so often (I was able to buy 2 games for under $20 type sale).

2.) Atlus has been teasing a new entry for the switch for the past few years, but we've gotten nothing but a teaser image that was given to us in like... 2019 so I wouldn't hold my breath, personally kfjwjf

2b.) In my opinion, until there's some sort of switch port or new entry, EO games are perfect for the 3DS because of the mapping system. The games put heavy emphasis on drawing your map yourself (which is what the bottom screen is used for).

3.) My absolute favorite entry in the 3DS family of games is Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold! It's the remake of the original DS game EO2 and it (in my opinion) fixes a lot of the issues of the original, making it more beginner friendly. While it has its own balancing issues, I find both Story and Classic mode to be very enjoyable!

[ccliffjumperr]

There is a person on this website you may have heard of before who is currently the victim of an organized bullying campaign set up by her haters to insult, mock, and torment her because she has special needs and can’t explain herself the same way everybody else does. The harassment has gotten so bad that amegaotaku has basically gone offline and won’t talk to any of her friends including her own boyfriend. This was part of a scheme concocted by her bitter ex-best friend Trashy Tasha from the Total Drama fandom where she would mass send anons to people accusing the user in question amegaotaku of being a Zionist. Then she got everyone to believe amegaotaku was responsible for sending these anons and a bunch of trolls started getting mad at her and now people won’t stop making fun of her username and sending her hate. I know we don’t know each other but is there any way you could offer some help to amegaotaku? It would mean a lot if someone could support her through all of this.

Pokemon mystery dungeon is a game where you play as a human thats been turned into a pokemon and has lost their memory. Theres four games in the series, the most current one being pokemon super mystery dungeon. The first one is Red Blue Rescue Team, and it recently got a remake on the nintendo switch. The other two games in between are Explorers of Time/Darkness/Sky and Gates to Infinity.

My team in psmd is a piplup named Luna and a cyndaquil named Remy. I havent finished their game but I did watch my friends finish psmd. With Remy and Luna, I just got to the part where they run to Serene Village and Nuzleaf tells them Krookadile has gone up to the top of Revelation Mountain. We gotta go stop him! I sure hope nothing bad happens. Haha.

The other game I've played is explorers of sky. My team was a torchic and a mudkip! I love them dearly. I have beaten the game with them and am now struggling through postgame. It is a great game, everyone should play it! Dusknoir is in it, and so is Celebi! The sprite art is so pretty. I love eos. But do you know who else I love?

Grovyle.

grovyle grovyle grov grovvvvv grovyle vyle vyle vyyyyle grooooovyleeee grovyle grov grovyle grovvvv vyle vyle grov grovyle vyle grov grovyle grovyle vyle grovyle groooooovyle grovyle vyyyyyyle grovyle

[darkestwolfx]

Home on the Range - Re-Review #47

Just a quick note to say, I know I am super behind on replying to everyone! I will aim to go and do that now! Thank you all so so much though, I really do appreciate it. Hopefully work will slow down in a bit and I can be a little more active here.

Anyhow, let’s move onto how awesome this little house is!

Of course International Rescue have a training zone. The Gecko Gloves sound pretty useful as well. Gordon could have done with them in ‘Weather or Not’.

“Maybe I should take the lead for a change?”

“Actually, that’s not a bad idea.”

“Hey- What are you doing? That’s not what I had in mind!”

“Me next!”

Of course they’re the sort of brother’s that work together to throw each other around. That little look between Scott and Virgil was priceless. They really are a dream team.

“MAX, go and shake things up a little bit.”

Key word there MAX being “little”, not deathly. Seriously, you nearly took out three brothers!

“I can’t! He’s out of control!”

And that is the harbinger of doom for this episode.

Virgil saving Scott like a good brother.

And I love how Gordon somehow managed to make it all the way to the top!

Also, maneuver 17? We haven’t heard of it before, but they know what it means, and good for it too or we might have been spending a full twenty-two minutes looking at this wall of death.

“What a lovely place! I can see why you come here every year.”

“Nice hof your Father, to build this little ‘ome haway from ‘ome.”

A perfect sentence to give to Parker.

“Actually the Ranch belonged to the boys Mother. It’s been in her family for generations.”

A hint of Lucille! How lovely.

You know when you turn the TV on and you’re sorely disappointed? Yeah, Gordon was the epitome of that!

“Uhh, it’s her again! How many times do they have to play this thing?”

Her being Kat Cavanough - reporter from ‘Falling Skies’.

And more hints of Lucille!

“Do you remember when Mom used to take us all horseback riding?”

“Especially when Gordon was facing the wrong way. I think there’s a picture here somewhere.”

“I don’t really have much to add to the conversation.”

This is such a sweet moment! Of course Alan is younger and doesn’t have the same memories. Must be hard though, to be surrounded by brother’s who can have a conversation you can’t join in with.

Alan going out to watch Shadows take off was adorable! I mean, this episode really felt like they were trying to push Kayo and Alan, but then... I don’t really know what happened with TAG love interest story lines, save Penelope and Gordon.

“Sherbet, wait here and... guard FAB One.”

I love how the guarding idea was an afterthought, but Bertie takes it seriously! Parker and Lady Penelope having hard hats as well was genius.

“Seems hare hintruder ‘as vanished hinto thin hair.”

And sit on a rock Parker... anyone else getting flashbacks to ‘Tunnels of Time’? Just don’t touch anything, Parker. Although he did help them to find Kat! Really, what was she trying to achieve, silly woman.

A full family team up! Here we go.

“Thunderbirds are- Oh come on!”

Best launch ever. Just putting it out there.

P.S. Don’t look so down Scott.

“So, if all our ships are grounded, how are we going to get to the rescue site?”

“Fortunately, we still have some vehicles that are completely self-contained.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me! We’re actually taking Dad’s old hoverbikes?”

“They’re like the oldest things in here.”

“If these get us where we need to go then they’re gonna be our new favourite rides.”

They took a bit of ‘Jeff Tracy Fixing’ but they did actually work!

“Thunderbirds are go.”

Sort of.

It’s the old hoverbikes! The original get-around vehicles of TOS, seen in a great many episodes! They look a bit worse for wear here though, but hey.

“Since EOS isn’t affected by the malfunctions, I’ve downloaded her to a local memory bank.”

John’s coding is superior! That is what this episode teaches us! He really could take over the world...

“Hello John. You’ll be pleased to know all systems on Thunderbird Five are operating normally.”

“That’s a relief. Now, I need you to do a full system sweep. Look for anything unusual in the Z-Band Network.”

“One anomaly detected.”

“Looks like one of the transmitter nodes has been modified.”

Brains telling John to stay put was one of the best calls anyone could have made. They could have really ended up with everything stuck.

Their jet packs work on tech? I thought they were self-contained, but okay, Virgil is the expert and I bow to his superior knowledge.

“You know who I am, don’t you?”

“Yeah I do. And we know what you’ve been saying about us.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t just leave me here to rot.”

“Right now, you’re someone in a tough spot who needs help. Who you are and what you’ve done doesn’t matter.”

Brilliant attitude Scott! Many people struggle to do that.

“The Mechanic! Wait, it could be a holographic drone.”

No such luck.

Parker actually taking apart FAB One! I never thought I’d see the day.

“You’re risking your life to save mine. All of you.”

“You know that’s what we do, right? It’s the Rescue part in International Rescue.”

“Even when I was out to ruin you?”

“I’ll try not to take that personally.”

No one would blame you if you did, Scott. Gordon (and probably Alan) would have if he was down there. And that rockfall must have hurt! It was a really good improvised rescue though considering they couldn’t get their proper equipment there.

“See that wasn’t too bad.”

“Easy for you to say little brother.”

“It’s a glitch in the security log.”

“Someone was covering their tracks!”

“And that someone is still here in the compound. Grandma went looking for Brains. They could both be walking into a trap. I have to warn them!”

“John, wait! Then you might get caught in it as well. Let me try something. There. I now have a subroutine nested in the transmitter room server.”

“Is Brains in the room?”

“Yes, but so is The Mechanic.”

“The Mechanic?”

We really should be worried by how easy that was for EOS (and John) to do.

“You’re trying to build a laser.”

“Not trying. I already have.

EOS’ message was a classic! That little Scooby-Do moment was hilarious.

“Short version, The Mechanic is here.”

Those faces! Well, I suppose that’s equal to or worse in a way than The Hood breaking into Tracy Island. It also means that both of their homes have been broken into. I thought Kayo was meant to be doing all the security stuff.

“Your former employer tried a similar tactic once. It didn’t work out very well for him either.”

This confrontation was one of the best scenes I’ve ever seen.

“You need to work on your intimidation techniques, Grandma.”

“First of all, only family get to call her that. And second, EOS we need to separate the machine from the man.”

“With pleasure.”

John going in with a super back-up plan was completely awesome. EOS is super dangerous. In ‘Earthbreaker’, The Mechanic got the better of her, but she’s definitely evolved in order to be able to put a stop to him in this episode. So, that begs the question, is there anything she cannot overcome? I really loved this episodes use of John and EOS tech, as well as Brains and MAX’s relationship, and the ever continuing Brains and Mechanic battle. Even Grandma got her moments!

“You’re not welcome here.”

“Oh MAX, you’re a hero!”

Question: how did they not realise The Mechanic’s ship was in there?

Moving on.

“If there’s anything you want to know about us, all you’ve got to do is ask.”

“Really? Anything?”

“Well there are somethings we have to keep secret. Otherwise people like The Hood and The Mechanic will use them in bad ways. There may be a lot of mystery around International Rescue, but really we’re just a regular family.”

“Hey, that’s my chair!”

“No it’s not! I was here first.”

Yeah, definitely just a regular family.

“You want to hear a real story? Let me tell you some of the things Gordon says in his sleep.”

“Oh no you don’t!”

“Watch the hair.”

“Come here!”

“Oh, you’re a lot stronger than you look, Fish-boy!”

And you know what, I agree that that’s as good as place to leave it as anything.  This is an absolutely amazing episode, definitely the peak of Series 2.

[raifuujin]

MK Treasured Edition Commentary

From here, here, and here.

Volume 1

Hello, it's me, Aoyama. 

In the course of the republication of Magic Kaito I take the liberty to show my memories of this time straightforwardly. (grin) 

The Revived Phantom Thief The memorable first chapter! Actually I became a Mangaka because I wanted to write about a high school phantom (grin) and so I drew it under great tension! Well and back then I was short of money which is the reason why his hatband around his tophat isn't shaded with screen tone… 

The Police Are Everywhere The original title „Keikan ga ippai” referred to a movie... „Taiyou ga ippai”, a movie with Alain Delon („Purple Noon”). Detective Doron is an allusion, too, because „Delon” is written as „Doron” in Japan. (grin) By the way! The words „When you bend them, they...” Kaito announces the light-emitting diode were literally written on the package of one of those things I purchased on a public festival as a kid. (grin) Appearantly they're actually known as „glow stick”.

 The Clockwork Heart A science-fiction-thriller! A rarity for Kaito (grin). I recall that I perceived it as really exhausting to draw all the parts of the robot and that I had no computer, so that I had to write Kaito's farewell letter by hand (Haha!). By the way! In the panel the robot says „I'm Kuroba Kaito... Haha!!” Kaito's pupils look kinda strange (?). There I mimicked Akemi Matsunae of which I was a big fan back then. (grin)

 Kaitou Kid's Busy Day Off Back then, the 3D movie „Captain EO” starring Michael Jackson was being played in cinemas and has been satirized in this chapter, although I never thought 3D movies could have been revived because of „Avatar”... (grin) By the way! When I read the closing scene today I think that the phrase „But, ice cream... still tastes great!” is my most embarrassing quote ever (grin).

The Pirate Ship Unsurfaced A sea adventure with Kaito? This is a rarity, too! (grin) I can't remember at all why I wanted to draw this story, but maybe I wanted a confrontation between a thief from the mainland and a thief of the seas...? (Ha!) Well, and so Kaito brought his costume of Kaitou Kid even to this place...?! (grin)

The Scarlet Temptress There she is! Mistress Akako! To be honest, she, as practitioner of black magic, is the reason who drove me into the corner the most during Kaitos appearances in Conan. Well, you just have to accept these works as parallel universes. (grin) By the way, Kaito Kuroba is written on the handkerchief, this probably was a prank done by his mom (Chikage)... (grin)

Aoyama Kid ♥

 Volume 2

 Stay Away From Him Although it's more of a romantic tale than a thief story I really like this one ♥ Especially the panel with „Well, excuse me for being an idiot...“ is a real gem, because of how often I had to redraw it! (laughs) Additionally, Superman and Top Gun appear... which is according to my taste! It's also revealed in this story that Aoko is flat-chested. (laughs)

Japan's Most Irresponsible Prime Minister A story I used one of my then-favourite actors Hitoshi Ueki, who has passed away in the meantime, as model! I also dared to use the Japanese prime minister - this was probably really audacious... And then characters appear who look like the past leaders of the USSR and the USA, Gorbachev and Reagan... (sweating). By the way, did anyone notice the „Akako balloon“ in the night sky? (laughs)

I Am the Master! This story was purely written because I felt like it! Anyway, I really wanted to draw how Kaitou Kid makes a balls to the wall ride down the facade of a building... (laughs). I would be nice if they one day made an Anime out of it ♫ Oh well, even if Cleopatra's Vanity case should really exist, two thousand years later one probably couldn't use it anymore... (laughs)

Would You Grow Up If I remember correctly, the hang-glider associated with Kaitou Kid lifted the first time in this story. Well, one could also say that Kaitou Kid could have fled from the get-go with it, instead of stretching a rope to the Tokyo Tower first (laughs). I'd really like to bring the motorized roller skates again.

The Boy Who Bet on the Ball It has also been really daring to take real professional baseball player as a model... (laughs). I think the story was created after I talked with my editor in charge about how thrilling it would be if Kaitou Kid appeared on a pole in Tokyo Dome. Well, the Yomiuri Giants are working together with Conan in several ways anyway, so I hope they can turn a blind eye to this... (fierce laughter)

Ghost Game If I remember correctly, I was frantically busy because I had to draw „Tantei George no Minimini Daisa-kusen“ („Detective George's Mini-Mini Big Strategy“) three weeks in a row for the Sunday magazine, so I finished this chapter in a very short time... (laughs). Directly afterwards my series „Yaiba“ started, because of which „Magic Kaito“ had to pause for a while. Hard to believe that the series is continued until today...! (laughs)

Hustler vs. Magician Originally this was the true second chapter of „Magic Kaito“! But... it was rejected! Since my debut in „Sunday“ there was never a story before or after it that was rejected. It's real luck that it made it into this volume! (laughs)

Omake „Magic Kaito“ was the first Manga I was allowed to publish as a Mangaka, which could be the reason I drew this story with zest and high motivation... Oh well, this probably was my youthful enthusiasm... (laughs)

Aoyama Kid ♥

Volume 3

Star Wars The first „Magic Kaito“ story I drew in the Heisei era (since 1989 -editor's note). There are several stories in which someone tries to gain profit from using a false Kid, but this is the shining first one! At the crime scene Kid announced a lot of Kid fans have assembled and shout "Kid! Kid!". Pretty clever idea, huh? Because this has developed to a classical element until today.

The Great Detective Appears!! Entrance of Saguru Hakuba! No, not only that, the chief inspector also shows his face...! Perhaps the junior was just worried because the top policeman never appears at the crime scene? (grin) By the way, Kid is so bad at ice skating because I'm so lousy in it myself.

Kaitou Under Scrutiny The skirt of Aoko's school uniform is so long and Kid's television is so big! From this you can tell the time! (Haha!) Apropos, the newspaper appearing on the last page is called „Oshima Daily Paper“ in the original version. Most of the newspapers shown in „Magic Kaito“ were named after my then editors. I beg your pardon. (grin)

Akako's Delivery Service Kaitou Kids measurements, 1.74 m (~ 5'9") and 58 kg (~ 128 lbs), naturally are my measurements from back then! The same goes for his blood type! (grin) Back then I thought it's really cool that it's possible to figure out skin colour and age of a person just by a single hair, but today, with DNA analysis you can figure out the whole identity of the person the hair belongs to. The progress of science is frightening... (Haha!)

(Extra Chapter) Yaiba vs. Kaito! I was told to draw a short, self-contained story and this dream sequence is the result. Back when I was a kid I already loved collaborations like „Mazinger Z vs. Devilman“, so I wanted to draw something like this. This is also the reason Kaitou Kid appears in Conan... (grin)

Blue Birthday The first time the gem Kaitou is after is the name origin for the title! Because this was the first „Magic Kaito“ after a very long time I debuted Kaitou Kid's arch-enemy and I can remember how much this motivated me... but it's also a story about a nightly firework in the midst of the city which must have made a lot of trouble in the surroundings... (grin)

Green Dream Oh well, this story is nothing special, but to be honest, it's this story which grew dear to my heart. (grin) What should I say about it? The rhythm is felicitous. This story was the first time I drew Kid's „signature“ we've grown so accustomed to. You can also tell from the name of one of the persons appearing that I really loved „Furuhata Ninzaburō“ back then - a japanese police detective drama.

Aoyama Kid ♥

Volume 4

Hello, it's me, Aoyama.

Since Magic Kaito is being republished I allow myself to show my memories about the past without further delay. (grin)

Crystal Mother This is the Kaito-train story I always wanted to draw! Including some allusions to "Lupin III" or "Sherlock Holmes" it became a story during which I could live it up... (grin) Snake, who got severely hurt in the tunnel returns in the following chapter completely unharmed. That's what I call "tough“! (Ha, ha!)

Red Tear Back when this story was published the first time, the thre first pages were in color! In fact, this created a mystery: „The gem on page 1 is blue, but the one on the cover page is red... Why oh why?“ Great that we can revive this mystery in all its glory! (grin) By the way, the closing scene in which all the photos containing the fondest memories are projected against the wall is an homage to the closing scene of the movie  „Cinema Paradiso“. ♪ I used this highlight again in „Detective Conan – The Last Wizard of the Century“. (grin)

Black Star The first confrontation with the one and only Shinichi Kudo! In this story, Kaito says: „The inspector couldn't catch him even if he used a satellite system!“ But really, it's kind of surprising that he hasn't caught him before, isn't it?! (grin) Shinichi is firing a pistol? Akako wants to use magic to get rid of Shinichi? Little Kaito is flirting with Aoko? What a crazy story! (grin) Well, the scene in which Akako uses her magic powers was cut from TV syndication, but it was restored for the DVD, so everyone who wants to watch it, can do so now. ♥ Oh yeah, the title „Black Star“! I believe there are some readers who ask themselves why this gemstone served as the namesake of the story even though it's just mentioned in passing at the end. That's because Kaitou Kid himself is the "Black Star" after all ★ – hence the title! ♪

Golden Eye The first duel of the phantoms! (... maybe.) Catherine Zeta-Jones was the model for the character Ruby Jones. ♥ Well, they don't look very much alike... (Ha, ha!) In this story it's made clear that Kaito was born in June and Aoko in September! Exactly... Kaitou Kid may be a thief, but he is also a magician, so it really delighted me to slip in the name of the grandiose real-life magician Harry Houdini. (grin) There are a lot of tricky moments that show how much Detective Conan "poisoned" this story... (Ha, ha!)

Dark Knights The mask Nightmare is wearing is based on one I bought during a vacation in Spain, because I really liked it. It now hangs at the wall of my living room. (Ha, ha!) Again, in this story is a lot to analyze and moreover, it ends in a thought-provoking, grim mood, which isn't very typical for „Magic Kaito“. On the other hand, this isn't bad either, isn't it? Superintendent Chaki, an old acquaintance from Detective Conan, had his origin in this story. Further on, Hakuba's nanny „Baaya“ has her very first appearance in here! Actually, it's said that there is another nanny for him who has a more docile personality, but that's a different story altogether... (He, he...)

Phantom Lady (Preannouncement) This story revolves around how the original Kaitou Kid obtained a wonderfully beautiful jewel for the first time. ♥ It will be the first in Volume 5... I wonder when it will be released? (grin)

Volume 5

Hi, it's Aoyama ! Since a new volume of ''Magic Kaito'' came out, I have to delve into my memories from the past. PHANTOM LADY I wrote this story about Kaito's parents four years ago. I had stopped writing Magic Kaito for Conan and I thought : ''Wow, so much time has passed ?'' (laughs) If I recall correctly, his mother mutters ''Kaito, it's time for you to know'', and the story's finally here ! It's this story that finally revealed that Kaito's mother's name is ''Chikage''. It was my first time digitalizing a manuscript, I was glad I managed to portray the security sensor similar to phantom thieves stories so cooly, but I had to drew one night scenery after another, and that took time and so I almost didn't make it in a deadline. By the way, this story leads to Conan's Ryouma case, in volume 70. Read it if you're interested ! MIDNIGHT CROW When it was decided to animate the series, I had a meeting with the animation staff. We asked ourselves ''How are we going to finish the story ?''. So I suggested : ''Why not do one about a black Kaitou Kid that would be published in the Sunday ?''. And that's how I wrote Midnight Crow. I will never forget the staff's face when I told them ''Actually, Touichi is alive'' (laughs) Ikeda-san, Touichi's voice actor, had difficulty saying the line ''When you come in contact with an audience, it's a scene of duel...'' quickly ! <3 The ''sucker trick'' line comes from Kaito Kid's anime screenwriter Kunihiko Okada, who I thank very much. In the Phantom Lady chapter, Kaito's work as Kid was given by Chikage, but in Midnight Crow, he's supposed to quit because a lot happened in Las Vegas... but it's another story (laughs) SUN HALO This chapter was written to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Magic Kaito, so it had to be a love comedy <3 When I drew the chapter, Kaito's bike is a Suzuki GSX 250 R. I had forgotten that it was supposed to be broken, so I had Jii-chan say that a ''doctor friend'' helped him... I leave that to your imagination (laughs) Speaking of characters, Lucifer appears again ! As I thought, Akako uses red magic ! (Fortunately Akako doesn't exist in Conan's world (laughs)). The entrance hall in the chapter is based on Tottori's entrance hall, so please go there if you visit Tottori ! By the way, in Sun Halo, Aoko rides the bike with Kaito ! NONCHALANT LUPIN It's a short story I sent to a shounen magazine, and I got an award for it. As you can see, it was a prototype for ''Magic Kaito'' (laughs) The forms are different but there's no card gun. I drew this because the editor I had at that time told me : ''Show me a story you want to write''. It's my second work ! Now that I look back, I'm embarassed because it looks bad. (laughs) Anyway, the hero's name is Lupin, and the name of the story ''Nonchalant Lupin'', but I don't know where he's nonchalant... (laughs)

[sunshinetoday]

“It’s been 17 weeks since our favourite show is back in production!! Let’s see what happened in this week. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. week summaries.

*Clicking on links will take you to the original posting of the video/article/tweet… X marks the posting of linked content on Tumblr. It takes you to the post of the Tumblrino who posted it here.*

This busy week started off with some great filming news; Someone walked thru the set and saw Gillian Anderson reading her script...  (X) We got a video of Brick from the make-up trailer! And a picture of Brick from the same trailer.  

And then, it happened. THE PICTURE of MULDER AND SCULLY IN BED, CUDDLING!!!! According to the new BTS video... The screenshot is not the best, but we have one, at least. It is exactly what we would expect from CC. Mulder’s face is weird, Scully is completely under the sheet. Like literally not a single inch of skin can be seen. But her head is on Mulder’s shoulder and they are sharing a romantic moment. On a sofa. That’s all that we saw and of course, it went how it always goes...we had more questions than we had answers. One thing is for certain, tho. Many many people are gonna go after CC in a very violent way, in case this turns out to be another cheap trick... 😄😄😄 Anyhow, here are some theories and summaries:

Looks like Mulder and Scully GET IT ON on Mulder’s sofa!! @youokay-mulder

msr 2018 @youreadarkwizard

Expectation vs Reailty/Or Fan Fiction vs The actual show @hekapolis

So, David says that “there are “definite intimations of hanky-panky” between the pair, beginning in the revival’s third episode” -->doppelganger episode

Chris Carter proved it again, that having no show bible, nor actual memories/knowledge of his show serves him well; “ We’re not used to Scully looking up at UFOs.  We’re not used to looking at Mulder at death’s door.” Could someone email Chris and make him watch his show?! The subject of the email: Platonic Activity. 🙈🙈  

Talking about continuity...One more thing has been revealed in the new video; Welcome back ‘Jeffrey completely perfect, no scar on his pretty face Spender’!!

Thursday arrived and with it, a new #tbt from @gillianaofficial “Looks like we found the upside down first…but in the future. #tbt #TheXFiles aaaaand we got lucky this time, as not only Gillian but David also shared one of his rare #tbt pics. “#TBT to the time when @marilynmanson and I played 🎸 together!”  

And just as awesome as this week started, it continued on when  @gillianaofficial shared another intriguing #BTS  “Praying to the Goddess Media. One. Last. Time.“  @BryanFuller #TheXFiles #bts @davidduchovny  

Fox Mulder is standing in a church, wearing a black tuxedo!!! Other fandoms would be crazy happy, that a wedding is in sight, but here, at the X-files fandom we’ve been tortured, tricked and hurt so many times that this is us: IT IS A FUNERAL. SCULLY IS DEAD. WILLIAM IS DEAD. EVERYONE IS DEAD. So, yes. Chris Carter made sure that we are paranoid and we learnt our lesson. Believe nothing, doubt everything...and fix everything. So here is the MSR wedding picture, we all needed @justholdinghandsok

Next filming day, next pictures by Gillian and David. They shared the same pic of Gillian & her Gilly-box. David Duchovny:  It’s official...longest Gillyboard in history! #TheXFiles #bts  Gillian Anderson: “Awe look at that itsy red mark next to my platform! What wee little earthling is set to grovel at my feet?!” (X) Not much later, thanks to some Photoshop skills, came another post:  Like father like son. @brick_duchovny davidduchovny 

David gave an interview to the Australian press, where he talked about Season 11:  “I was only going to watch one but I had to keep going, they are fantastic, I’m not bulls—ing you, I am not selling it,” he says. (X)

1 MONTH, 1 MONTH, 1 MONTH, 1 MONTH, 1MONTH, 1MONTH, 1MONTH

Filming continued at Garibaldi Park, which looks gorgeous at this time of the year. And so Gillian posted a video on Monday. “Smoothing out my bits” (X)  

Filming news:

#TheXFiles already done on Vancouver's 500 block Hamilton Street today. That was fast.(X)

It is #TheXFiles filming inside of St. Andrew's Wesley Church today. (X)

The X-files filming,  St. Andrews-Wesley United Church (X)

From Carlena Britch on the X-Files season 11 set

#Thischurchislit

#TheXFiles will be filming at & around Garibaldi Park in North Vancouver on Wednesday & Thursday. (X) 

it’s looking great out there! They have created a fake playground, and the street is lined w “police”cars. (X)

The X-files filming, Lynn Canyon Park, night shoot

@thexfiles filming LynnCanyonPark (X)

Press of the week:

The X-Files' David Duchovny Hints at 'Hanky-Panky' for Mulder and Scully (and New Footage Backs Him Up) (X

No Government Agency has jurisdiction over The Truth - Deep State

AN X-FILES EPISODE SHIP GUIDE FOR FOX MULDER AND DANA SCULLY (X)

Gillian Anderson And David Duchovny Celebrate An 'X-Files' Anniversary Together On Twitter (X)

The 'X-Files' revival continues with a mobile game (X)

9 hit TV shows NO-ONE thought would be a success, from Game of Thrones to Doctor Who (X)

Disney's bid for Fox assets gains momentum: sources (X)

Videos/Photos this week:

Season 10 Cliffhanger | THE X-FILES

2 New Cast Promotional Photos & New Featurette (X)

Promo images for The X-Files Event Series: The Second Chapter

In other news this week;

Channel 5 to premiere new Agatha Christie movie adaptation starring Gillian Anderson and Glenn Close (X)

American Gods EPs Bryan Fuller and Michael Green Exit Ahead of Season 2 (X)

David Duchovny on why you should listen to singers with “bad voices” as he preps Australian tour (X)

Gillian Anderson to Headline New Agatha Christie Adaptation (X)

Some awesome gifsets, pictures, videos and fan arts:

Breaking News - Mulder and Scully are fucking @ccoble

Are you okay? I’m fine... @muld-r

What the fuck dude, do you even know what show this is?  @fistful-of-fandom

We are not used to looking at Mulder at deaths door @platonic-activity

The bed sharing is out there @startwreck

Amazing, amazing December wallpaper from @a-january-girl

they know one (1) pose @youreadarkwizard

Seriously, what is with The Gillovnys and being accident prone?! 😂😂😂😂  @abbycorasmom

12/01/17 -  “I won’t let you go alone.” Can you tell me the name of the episode featured at #33? @thexfilesbasement

NEW FANVID,  ✘/ Believer BY @scullygrl9

History of the Gilly-Box &  Kim Manners - ‘Rock from Mars’ Tribute, Season 10 by me

I think this is it for our 17th week! *Let me know if I missed something or if you have suggestions what to include in the next week summary, feel free to message me anytime*

Lots of love, fam! For another great week ahead!  ❤️ 👽😄👽

[the-sapphire-general]

My Thoughts and Feelings About Ardyn Izunia

Hey guys! After finishing up my last post of "My Thoughts and Feelings About Sephiroth", I pondered over whether or not I should do the same for another character. And I said yes. So I chose Ardyn Izunia from Final Fantasy 15, the latest installment in the main series. I am pretty nervous about this because I believe my friend would do a much better job with Ardyn. She is passionate about him as much as I am of Sephiroth and it would just be beautiful to read in my opinion. Sephiroth is my main man, not that Ardyn isn't a character I'm passionate about as well, and I do hope I can do justice for him. Now there will be major spoilers, so if you haven't finished the game or haven't played it yet but you want to later on, read this after you play the game. Or if you don't mind spoilers, then go ahead. Either way, it's your call if you continue reading.

This post (and future parts for this mini-series) is dedicated to @cellarhapsodos.

Ardyn Izunia, Chancellor of Nifelheim, at your humble service. He is the main antagonist of Final Fantasy 15. He is polite, a bit flamboyant, sassy, and downright charming and amusing. Like any villain, however, it's all a mask to conceal his true colors. Character-wise, he's well-written. Like his voice actor Darin De Paul said, the writing is phenomenal. I don't care if some might say it's an exaggeration and that Ardyn really isn't well-written, and that he simply a heartless bastard who did nothing but make everyone suffer. This is where I come in to analyze him. I did this for Sephiroth, so I will do this for Ardyn. At first glance, you get the impression that Ardyn is just an eccentric man with a unique taste in clothing and an alluring appearance to go well with his rich and seductive voice that makes me melt whenever I-Okay, I better cut it out before I lose my train of thought. He is not your typical middle-aged man (I'm just guessing that's the age he appears to be), and he isn't just a guy that stands out from the crowd and it's not just because of his clothes and red-violet hair. He's got sass and is dramatic and mysterious, but he's not just a peculiar person. He's broken, cunning, vengeful, sadistic, and freaking terrifying when you look past his sassy smirk and pretty much his good looks (something I should bring up like I did with Sephiroth). How did Ardyn get this way? Well, he is immortal. He has lived for ages. How is he immortal and why is it bad? It all happened 2,000 years ago. Now according to the main game and the DLC, his real name is Ardyn Lucis Caelum. He was a healer. I'm not sure if that would make him an Oracle like Lunafreya, but I think it does if I take the FFXV lore under consideration. Back then he was chosen by the Crystal to become the first King of Lucis. He did whatever he could to protect his people, and from what I heard, Ardyn was nothing like the way he is during the events of the game. He was kind and sweet, though he might have been still sassy and dramatic. He would do anything for his future Kingdom, and even went so far as to absorb the Starscourge. Unfortunately, his act was greeted with ingratitude, disgust, and betrayal. His brother, now confirmed to be "the jealous king" Ardyn mentioned during Chapter 13, (Izunia, unless Ardyn threw us off since he didn't directly state his brother IS named Izunia), did not like that Ardyn was destined for something that he coveted. Therefore, with help from the Astrals, who were responsible for punishing Ardyn after being rejected by the Crystal, Izunia banished his own brother and was deemed the Accursed. I have a feeling that people might say that what Ardyn did was stupid, but to be honest, I can't take sides because we don't know his past well enough. What he did was selfless, even if it meant it would harm him. I don't know! There's still plenty of answers that we all need, answers that can shed light to how these events played out, so I am really looking forward to Ardyn to see what he was like before he became a twisted and maniacal villain who was misunderstood by everyone else and betrayed by those he had loved millennia ago.

Think about it. He was cursed to be immortal just because he did what he believed was the right thing to do for the sake of his people. He could never die. Ardyn wanted to protect his people only to have them turn against him, and he was considered unsuitable to become the True King. I have a feeling Izunia sabotaged Ardyn's goals. Maybe Ardyn never knew that absorbing the Starscourge could damage not only himself but his whole life. There was no way he could have known about the consequences. Perhaps Izunia knew and out of jealousy, he kept this critical information to himself and let Ardyn do what he could for his people. Note that we still don't know the name of Ardyn's brother, so some might say Ardyn just got it from somewhere considering his hint from the game. But it's damn obvious it's Izunia. Unless Square Enix has something up their sleeve and Izunia is the name of someone else Ardyn knew?? I still believe his brother's name is Izunia. Why he used it as a last name is odd to me if that's the case. Why use the name of someone you loved but now despise as a false surname? It's like me disguising myself as someone named Sarah (after my false friend). I guess Ardyn did it to never forget the one who wronged him. It makes sense right? 

And there's a possibility that Izunia is Ardyn's twin. Now Ardyn did not state this, he just referred to him as his brother. Now if he was a twin, then the entire scheme to snatch the throne and cast Ardyn into exile would lead to Izunia pretending to be Ardyn. Let's say nobody knew he absorbed the Starscourge. The Astrals and the Crystal reject him, and he was exiled and he was supposed to get killed, leaving Izunia an opportunity to take his brother's identity. It's complicated to describe, but I hope I did a decent job. It is likely Ardyn was kept in Angelgard, and from the fanart I've seen, I'd hate to see that in his episode.

Moving on now. All of these events took a psychological toll on Ardyn, and 2,000 long years just made it worse and worse as the years passed. He waited until the True King of Light would emerge, aka Noctis Lucis Caelum, son of King Regis. In present time, he becomes the Chancellor of Nifelheim and was responsible for the creation of Magitech troops and the attack on Insomnia. Yes, everything that occurred in the movie and game was pretty much his doing. Ardyn sought for revenge all these years, and carefully planned out all his moves, which I am real impressed. Revenge is a common goal for villains, so Ardyn fits under the category, but remember when I said he's immortal? Immortality is not a blessing for him. It's just not. Living for eternity is one thing but not being able to die and join everybody else in the afterlife is disturbing in my book. How would you feel if you were unable to die and all your loved ones died and you couldn't join them? You would feel lonely forever, and would find it meaningless to get close to anyone knowing that you wouldn't join them in the afterlife. Now this is heading towards theory territory, but I want to point this out regarding Ardyn's immortality. Again, we don't know much about his past, but I'm positive he had loved ones. His brother was one of them until that asshole took away what was rightfully his and drove him to madness and vengeance. Perhaps like Noctis and Regis, he had close friends! His own Shield (like Gladio), his own best buddy (like Prompto), and his own advisor (like Ignis). He must have known people that knew him real well because he was supposed to be the Founder King. I will not speculate on him if he had a girlfriend or wife or family. Maybe he did, but it kind of ticks me off to imagine that. lol Petty jealousy aside, Ardyn used to have a normal life and would have been destined for great things if it weren't for his brother, and most of all, the damn Astrals (Wow Ardyn would be so proud of me for saying those few words). All the events that occurred in the game was because of them.

The Astrals let everything happen all because Ardyn absorbed the Starscourge. Because of all the daemons inside him, they exiled him and allowed Izunia to take his throne and possibly tried to get his brother killed and take his identity. 2,000 years later, Ardyn causes so much to happen:

He gives Verstael the encouragement to create Magitech troops (MT)

He plays a part when Nifelheim attacks Insomnia

He deceives Noctis, Gladio, Prompto, and Ignis (the Chocobros) by pretending to help them only to then manipulate them

Kills Noctis's betrothed Lady Lunafreya

Threatens to harm Ignis (you can cross out the idea of Ardyn being the direct cause of his blindness now, his involvement was partial *in the normal ending of Episode Ignis*)

Follows the boys on a train to screw them over by disguising himself as Prompto while making the real Prompto look like Ardyn (causing Prompto to fall off the train)

Leads Prompto to where he originated, thus screwing him over, and later kidnaps Prompto to lure Noctis

Takes away Noctis' ability to summon his weapons to make him feel weak and separating him from his friends during the trip to rescue Prompto

Kills Ravus and turns him into a half-daemon monster to fight the Chocobros

Causes all of Eos to endure ten years of darkness, so daemons appeared at all times, resulting in so many people being killed or turned into daemons themselves

You might be thinking Ardyn is a pure evil bastard who deserved nothing but to suffer and die. My answer is no. If you didn't take note of his backstory, then you are missing the point. This isn't just about revenge. In reality, Ardyn did all of this to lead Noctis into becoming the True King of Light. I doubt Noctis could have become the True King without Ardyn doing all of this. So Ardyn pulled the strings throughout all of this because it was the only way to reach for his actual goals: to end the Lucian bloodline and to finally die. Noctis had to become the True King of Light for only he would be the only one to stop Ardyn once and for all, and therefore...kill him, ending his immortality, at the cost of Noctis' own life.

I'm not saying any of his villainous actions are justified. No, they are not, but you can still see why he did what he did. Ardyn lost everything millennia ago, and has suffered so much not just because he couldn't die, but because of the Starscourge. Pain, vengeance, rage, they all boiled inside him and gradually grew. He became insane, dark, and twisted, not just because he had a lot of daemons inside him, but because of what he had to deal with all his incredibly long life. and he wanted all of this to finally come to an end. My friend, the one I mentioned in the very beginning, speculates that his daemon-infested body drove him mad. She said something about hearing voices or having nightmares, and I do remember her saying this affected Ardyn's body temperature (why he wears a lot of clothing). She also stated that it caused his hair and eye color to change, therefore red-violet hair and amber eyes aren't his real hair and eye color. Wait...amber eyes...Then what about Gladio's eyes?? I don't believe any of this, but I will keep it in the back of my mind because it does make some kind of sense. Except the one about him wearing all those clothes. I just believe he likes to stand out from everyone else. And I believe his hair is dyed. As for amber eyes, I'm not really a fan of that point. Seriously, Gladio has amber eyes and he doesn't have daemons inside him. We don’t know what was in Ardyn’s mind this whole time. We have no idea if absorbing the Starscourge resulted in other effects besides his daemon appearance. I can agree that it did mess with his mind, but to what extent (such as my friend’s theory), I don’t know.

Ardyn is a complex villain, one of the most complex I've seen so far. I don't know a lot of villains who have many layers like he does. He and Sephiroth are a few of them. Ardyn Izunia...No. Ardyn Lucis Caelum may come off as pure evil, but if you look past the darkness, dive into his backstory, and realize everything he had to endure to seek peace within himself, you'll see a sympathetic man who was wrongfully mistreated and separated himself from everyone, thinking that he had no one. He took advantage of the people he knew as opposed to becoming close to them just to further his goals.

Alright, I think I wrote enough for this part, so anything that I still wish to say will be saved for the next parts. I admit this post took a huge turn since it wasn't intended to become this serious, and it was going to include my comments on him my opinions on the headcanons and such, but that will have to wait.  So I hope I managed to make this first Ardyn post just as powerful as my Sephiroth posts, and I will see you in the next one. I promise the next one will not be too serious because there’s a lot of fun things that I want to say regarding Ardyn.

[p-artsypants]

Aftermath

FF.Net | AO3

My New Years Resolution is to reach 1,000,000 words archived on FF.net. Only 250,000 left to go!

It was the will of the Astrals that the line of Lucis continue. So Noctis wakes up with a sword in his chest. That's just the first in a series of roadblocks keeping him from his happy ending. One-shot

—

When Noctis awoke, he wasn’t quite sure what he had expected. Probably some sort of void, or an ideal world. Certainly not the throne room, still on the throne, still impaled.

His body was weak and his vision was blurry, but no doubt about it, the Sword of the Father was still resting in his sternum. A numbing feeling held him delicately, though, and no pain had yet reached him.

Then, the door to the room opened and he heard Gladio. “Oh Christ…”

Ignis followed. “Bad, hmm? It is no wonder Prompto didn’t want to come in. Must be gruesome.” He sighed. “I suppose we should get to work removing him. We’ll have to find a place in the royal tombs. Perhaps by his father.”

Then, his two friends were close to him, and Noctis could faintly make out their forms.

With all the strength in his body, he raised his hand. “Ignis…Gladio…” He whispered.

“HE’S STILL ALIVE!” Gladio’s voice rocked the room.

“Prompto! He’s alive!” Ignis called back to the atrium.

As the third companion ran into the room, crying out for the King, Noctis rested his outstretched hand on his father’s sword and absorbed it into his chest in a wisp of blue. With nothing to hold him in place, he began to slump forward before Gladio caught him.

“Iggy, what are we going to do? Lestallum is several days away.”

Prompto was at his side, an Elixir in hand. “Here buddy, drink this.”

But before the curative could get anywhere near him, a man’s voice spoke. “He will live.”

The group looked to the hole that was blasted in the wall of the Throne room. There, in gold and black armor stood an abnormally large man. Swords stood against his back, and dual capes blew in the breeze, resembling wings. He watched them omniscient eyes.

Ignis finally spoke the question that everyone was wondering. “Who are you?”

All waited for him to speak, but he merely raised a hand.

Noctis raised into the air, slightly floating above Gladio’s arms. A ring of light formed around his frail body, and the gaping wound in his chest burned with a blue flame. Then, as soon as it began, it was over, and Gladio caught him once again. His eyes closed and he fell back into slumber. Only scarred tissued remained of his fatal blow.

Ignis was first to address the man, “I was under the impression that Noctis…was going to have to perish to heal the Scourge. And with that wound…”

“He was.” The man answered, finally stepping closer. “He knew this when he fell asleep in the crystal. But, it is the will of the Astrals, my will, that he should live. And the line of Lucis continue.”

“Your will?” Gladio asked.

“You asked me who I was, Advisor. I am known by many names, the Draconian, the Bladekeeper, the God of War…”

“Bahamut!” Prompto nearly shouted.

The astral smiled. “That is correct, Gunner.”

The group looked at each other, not knowing how to react to such news.

“In gratitude for stopping Ifrit, and bringing the dawn, we have allowed him to return to his throne. Eos is unstable, as all kingdoms have fallen. The people need a king.”

Ignis nodded heavily, agreeing with the god.

“His life is all we have restored to him. His power, the arms, his strength, those he has lost in sacrifice.”

Gladio was the one who spoke. “He doesn’t need to fight anymore. We’ll protect him.”

Bahamut smiled. “I’m glad you see things my way.” He turned to leave. “One more thing.” He glanced at the crystal shining brightly above the throne. “There is but another gift for the king, which will come in time.”

The group looked at said crystal, and then looked back to Bahamut, only to find him gone.

“That was cool!” Said Prompto. “Had I been thinking, I would have taken his picture.”

“Enough chit chat, let’s get his Royal Pain in the Ass to Lestallum.”

—

When Noctis awoke a second time, he was in a small room covered with peeling, dingy wallpaper. An IV was hooked up to his arm and bandages wrapped around his limbs. He glanced around the room, still too weak to move his head. Next to him was an empty chair. Near the foot of the bed, Gladio held a book, and looked like he was engrossed, while Prompto was asleep on his shoulder.

It didn’t take long for Gladio to notice the King staring at him.

“About time, Sleeping Beauty.”

“Water…” Noctis asked, in a gravelly voice.

As Gladio stood, Prompto rolled off his shoulder and woke suddenly. “Hey, what’s the big—oh Noct!”

The weak King barely had time to brace himself before Prompto was on top of him, bawling his eyes out. “I can’t believe it! You’re alive! You’re really here! I thought—oh sorry!” He hopped off of him, resting a warm hand on his shoulder. “I got a little carried away.”

Noctis raised a hand to his in reassurance, to show it was okay.

Gladio returned with a styrofoam cup and a bendy straw. “Let me sit you up.” He flipped a switch on the bed, before the back raised.

He took the cup gratefully and drank. When he spoke again, his voice wasn’t nearly as gravelly. “Where are we?”

“At a hospital in Lestallum.” Stated Gladio.

Prompto continued. “After we found you alive in the Citadel, Bahamut healed your wound where you were impaled, and we brought you here. You’ve been unconscious for about four days.”

“Thank you.” Noctis closed his eyes again, for a moment. “Bahamut healed me?”

“He said something about Eos needing a King.”

Noctis allowed himself to sneer. “Of course.”

“But for the time being,” Ignis spoke from the door, entering, “Eos needs it’s king to rest. The King’s friends can take care of the world for a few weeks.”

Noctis took another sip. “A few weeks, huh?”

“You lost a lot of blood. Not to mention all the damage you took from Ardyn. And…you will probably never get your strength back all the way. We have found that the royal arms we collected have returned to their tombs. Not including your father’s.”

Noctis held his hand out, allowing the weapon to come to his hand. Though, he was not prepared for the weight, and his arm dropped uselessly to the bed. “It’s heavier than I remember.” He said with a smirk.

“It’s okay.” Prompto assured, picking up the weapon and putting it away from the bed.

“Well,” began the King with a smile. “Now I have an excuse to sleep.”

“And no one will fight you over it.” Gladio agreed.

As the week progressed, rumors of the King of Lucis still being alive and in Lestallum grew, and Noctis had daily visitors. It started with Iris and Talcott, two who had known his fate in the first place. Iris had grown into a young woman, and out of her childhood crush on Noctis. Though, when she saw him, she didn’t hesitate to give a delicate kiss to his forehead.

“What was that for?” He asked.

She only smiled at him, with a tear running down her face. “Thank you. I never thought I’d see the sun again.”

He merely reached out and took her hand. “I wasn’t about to fight destiny. An destiny wanted to see the sun again too.”

Talcott came daily, and brought cards to play with. He was the king’s source of land-wise news, as he always had been. The teen recounted things happening all over the continent. Things that weren’t on the news. “Altissa is apparently up an running again. It seems like the daemons never really had any footing over there, since the city is surrounded by water.”

“It was a very brightly lit city, if I remember.” Noctis added.

“The Secretary of Accordo, Camelia Claustra, would be a great person to get into contact with once you are well.” Said Ignis. “I have already written her, and I await her response.”

“Rummy,” said Prompto, cleaning up the discard pile and putting down all the cards in his hand.

“Aww man,” Noctis huffed, throwing down his cards. “Again?”

“I can focus on cards or politics. And I know nothing about politics.”

The King rolled his eyes.

A week passed. Noctis awoke sometime at 10, still drowsy. But a red notebook laid on his lap. Confused, Noctis glanced to the foot of the bed where Umbra laid, curled up and sleeping.

Noctis held the notebook sheepishly, not really wanting to open it, lest the memories return to take him.

His precious Luna.

“Well, are you going to open it?” Gladio spoke.

Noctis almost jumped out of his skin. “When did you get here?”

His friend yawned. “I’ve been here all night. Your dog came in sometime around six am.”

Noctis looked back to the notebook, wild curiosity burning his eyes. Finally, he opened the book and flipped to the latest page.

—

Lunafreya Nox Flueret, Oracle and Princess of Tenebrae, opened her eyes in the ruined throne room of Insomnia. Sunlight filtered in through a huge hole in the wall. She sat upon the throne, which was sadly drenched in blood, much like the dress she died in.

She stood, weak, but still curious. On the ground in front of her, waited a woman in a black dress.

“Gentiana!” Luna spoke, hurrying down the steps to her friend. “Oh Gentiana!”

The woman embraced Luna, holding her warmly, despite the ever coldness in her touch. “Oh dear child. I’m so happy to see you here again.”

“But, where is here? Surely this can’t be the Citadel. Since…” Luna withdrew into herself as she remembered the pierce of Ardyn’s blade and the tears on Noctis’ face.

“It is.” Gentiana spoke gently. “Your King has fulfilled his destiny. The dawn has come and the Scourge has been destroyed.”

Luna furrowed her brow. “I was there, then Noctis passed onto the afterlife. I blessed Ardyn. So how can I be alive?”

“Because we want you to be. It is Bahamut’s wish to see the Lucis line continue, and only the Oracle, you, are the one for him. You’ve been there from the beginning, and we want you there to the end. This is how we show our gratitude.”

Luna hadn’t even realized she started crying until she felt the tear drip off her chin.

“Oh child, why do you cry?”

Luna wiped her face with her hand. “All I wanted…was to be with him one more time. To laugh with him. And now…thank you! Thank you!”

“Don’t thank me yet,” stated Gentiana, gently. “For your King is no longer in Insomnia. His friends have taken him back to Lestallum to be treated for his grievous wounds. But this is his home, and he will return.”

Luna nodded, not minding it. “I waited to see him for twelve years. Only to be ripped away before I could speak to him in person. What’s another few days?”

Gentiana smiled before looking over her clothes. “Let’s see if we can’t find you some clean clothes.”

Luna looked down at her now sticky red dress. “Please.”

Together, they made there way through the remains of the Citadel. Most of it was in good condition, but many of the rooms had been pillaged of their goods.

A few floors away from the throne, Luna opened the door to a spacious room, with black marble floors covered with plush black rugs. The bed and canopy were still in good repair, if only dusty. The dark walls were covered in video game and comic book posters. That’s immediately how she knew the room belonged to her Noctis.

Gentiana wandered over to the bathroom connected to the suite. “There is running water, but it’s only cold.”

“That’ll be fine.” Luna stated, rummaging through Noctis’ closet. Everything was black, such as the Kingdom of Insomnia. But she found a shirt and pair of sweatpants that would probably fit her.

“Are you hungry?” Asked her companion.

“Not much, but I will be.”

“Then we best search out non-perishables. There still seems to be electricity in the city.”

Luna smiled. “You remember when we traveled to start the covenant with Ramuh and Titan?”

“And we made camp in a cave?” Finished Gentiana. “That was unideal.”

“But it was fun. This will be like when Noctis and his friends would stay in a camper. They called it ‘Glamping.’”

“Glamping?”

“Like camping, but glamorously.”

After her bath, Luna dressed in her clean clothes and felt much better. Coming back into the room, she saw Umbra waiting patiently for her. She smiled.

“Should I let Noctis know I’m here?”

“I don’t see the harm in it.”

—

The correspondence between Noctis and Luna had always been short and sweet. But this entry had surprised him, to say the least.

“My dear, sweet Noctis.

I awoke in the Citadel, expecting to find you. Gentiana has stated that you have gone to Lestallum for medical attention. I suppose that makes sense, with what has transpired these last few days. But I have no way to get to you, so I’m afraid I’ll just have to await you here. The Citadel is not in great shape, since the empire razed it. I am scavenging the city for food, as I did when I set out to make the covenants. Do you know a safe place to stay? For now, I think I have found your childhood bedroom. I hope you don’t mind me borrowing some clothes.

Darling, I thank the Six that I can write this to you now. All I ever wanted was to laugh with you again, and that day is still coming. Now, sooner then ever.

I anxiously await your return, My King.

Forever yours,

Lunafreya Nox Fleuret.”

As soon as he finished reading the note, Noctis swung his feet over the side of the bed and made to stand.

“Whoa! What do you think you’re doing?!” Gladio pushed him harshly back down.

“We have to go back to Crown City! Luna’s waiting for me!”

“Bullshit, that’s just the pain medication talking.”

“Is not!” Noctis fought against him, weakly.

“Did you forget that she died?! You saw it! We all saw it!”

“And so did I!” Noctis screamed back, his throat protesting it. He took his notebook and put it in Gladio’s hands. “Just read it!”

Full of doubt, the swordsman glanced over the words, his brow furrowing as he read. “Well, I’ll be damned. This must have been what Bahamut meant.”

“What?”

“Oh right, you were passed out. After he healed you, Bahamut promised one more gift for you yet to come, and then looked at the crystal.”

“It was Luna…” he muttered to himself. “Now if you’ll excuse me.” Noctis placed his feet on the ground and made to stand, again.

“Whoa whoa whoa, I didn’t say you could leave.”

Noctis pushed off the bed, his legs weak and trembling. “But I have to go to Luna!”

“I know! But—!” Gladio grit his teeth as a storm grew within him. “Look, just sit for now. Let me get Specs. He’ll know what to do.” And with that, he left, notebook in hand.

But Noctis wasn’t about to sit around and wait. Under Umbra’s watch, the King stood shakily. “Ohh…that doesn’t feel good.” He whimpered. Still, he took a step forward, and then proceeded to fall flat on his face. He grunted.

“What did I say?!” Gladio’s harsh voice came from the door.

Noctis pushed up on his arms as they trembled. The much bigger man yanked him off the floor. And pushed him rather harshly back into bed. “Didn’t you make a big deal about getting to sleep and rest? And now you’re trying to push yourself!?”

Ignis waited patiently on the other side of the room. Once Gladio’s lecture finished, he began. “Gladio read me Luna’s letter. I’ll be sending over Talcott and Iris to Insomnia to check up on her. They’ll be taking the first group of refugees with them to begin restoration of the city. You, however, can’t leave quite yet.” With that, he handed the notebook back to him.

Noctis frowned, taking the book back and setting it on his food tray.

“Simply explain to her the situation. You can’t go anywhere without a physician’s care. And Lestallum doesn’t have any doctor’s to spare.”

Finally, Noctis relented. “Fine. But I need a pen and my wallet.”

Both items were retrieved and Noctis began his reply.

“Dearest Luna,

You have no idea how amazing it is to read your handwriting again after all these years. Your death took an enormous toll on me, and not a day went by that I didn’t think of you.

But unfortunately, I’m not allowed to leave Lestallum quite yet. I’m being held prisoner by my friends and the doctors. But some of my acquaintances will be coming to Crown City to start restoration.

My flat was in a high rise, and might be safe. I know I had a lot of ramen noodles in the kitchen, and those things never expire. I have put my address and taped my keycard to the back of this page.

Please make yourself at home, Luna. I’m sorry I can’t be there to host you properly. But I’ll see you soon, and I’ll keep in contact with Umbra.”

His pen paused, hesitating, but he decided that hesitating was stupid, and wrote honestly.

“I love you.

Forever yours,

King Noctis Lucis Caelum.”

Umbra waited patiently to retrieve the book and once it was secured in his pouch, the dog stood and trotted off.

Prompto, carrying a plate of skewers, entered the room. “I just saw Umbra. What’s up?”

Noctis smiled softly at his best friend. “It’s Luna. She’s alive and waiting for me in Crown City.”

Prompto smiled. “Cool, dude.”

“That’s all you have to say? ‘Cool’?”

“Dude, okay, nothing is surprising anymore. You disappear for ten years, then when you reappear, you have like, the ultimate power. I witnessed all Six Astrals come to earth, two of them fought another, and then I saw you die. Not only that, but you made the sun rise, which hadn’t happened in ten years, and then you were still alive with a giant sword sitting in your chest? For you to tell me that the Oracle, that died ten years ago, isn’t dead either, is actually really predictable, with how things are progressing.”

The other three in the room were quiet as Prompto took a bite from a skewer. “Face it, I’m just not surprised anymore.”

“Well, when you put it that way…” Noctis snickered.

Ignis put a hand on his chin, the way he always did when he was deep in thought.

“What’s that look for, Specs?” Asked Noctis.

“I’m wondering what the best way to make an address is. We could always make an announcement in the square, since most everyone is in Lestallum.”

“Do they not have any radio stations anymore?”

“I guess that would work too. I just thought making a public appearance would be the best course of action.”

Prompto spoke, “we can’t set up a mic to the radio station from the square? A public address that’s on the radio.”

“Could be tricky, but I’ll ask around. Our old pal Vyv might know a thing or two.”

“Is he still kicking?” Noctis asked, genuinely surprised.

“Still kicking and asking for my photos.” Said Prompto. “He wrote on you on occasion, saying nothing but good things. I think we can trust him.”

Ignis nodded. “Then I’ll start there. We’ll plan it for a few days from now.”

Noctis moved his feet to dangle on the side of the bed. “Then I need to get my strength up enough to stand at that podium.”

His friends watched him momentarily, before Gladio caved. “Alright, then let’s get to work.” He came around to the other side of the bed and took his hands. “I’m not going to pull you up, I’m just going to keep you from falling. It’s all you, Highness.”

Noctis nodded and let his feet touch the ground.

—

Luna and Gentiana made it to the building Noctis had designated in the notebook. It was a high rise indeed, and the lobby door was unlocked. For the most part the lobby looked okay. Furniture was upturned and dust collected on the surfaces. They took their bags of canned foods and tried the elevator. Electricity was on intermittently over the city, but it appeared this building was one that still had it. They rode the elevator to the top floor and used the keycard to get inside. Nothing was out of place, but dust clung to every surface like snow. Luna turned her nose up. “I will have to dust before I do anything else.”

She opened the window and allowed the night air in. Gentiana already got to work rifling through the cabinets looking for cleaning supplies.

“I’m sure His Majesty will enjoy having a clean place to stay when he arrives.”

Luna smiled, taking the various sheets and blankets out and hanging them over the balcony railing. “I’m sure he’d like a warm hug too.”

“And a kiss?”

Luna paused, blushing. “Do you think I should?”

“He wrote ‘I love you’ in his last letter. I think that’s a pretty big clue. Have you decided what you’re going to write back?”

Umbra looked at her expectantly.

To be honest, his declaration had caught her off guard. Because truly, they hadn’t seen each other since they were kids. And now Noctis was another ten years older, if only in body. The True King and the Oracle. Two sides to the same coin, and star crossed lovers as long as she could remember.

“What do I even say?”

“Do you love the King?”

“Of course I love Noctis…I just…is it weird? I knew him as a child, and then only from the journal. He’s 30 years old now. So much time has passed. What if he’s different in real life?”

Gentiana took the Oracle by her shoulders, holding her gently. “I have watched the Prince growing up. He is never more honest and true then when he is writing you. The last ten years, he was in Stasis, he wouldn’t have changed much.”

“But…I can’t imagine what kind of trauma he’s been through in the last few days.”

Gentiana smiled in her motherly way. “And you haven’t? Darling, clinging to your king will help both of you heal. Don’t push him away over baseless doubts.”

Luna nodded, calming herself down. Then she looked to Umbra.

—

The week was progressing along, as Noctis slowly got back on his feet. Literally.

Whenever he walked, Prompto or Gladio was there to help. They switched between helping him and helping Ignis navigate blindly in the crowded city.

The first day, Noctis walked down the Hospital hallway. Then the next day he went down to the lobby. The day after that, he begged to go outside for a little.

Ignis agreed with the condition that Noctis stay in a wheelchair for the majority, and only walk in short spurts. This was good enough for the King.

It was a beautiful sunny day in Lestallum, and it seemed like everyone wanted to enjoy the sunshine, and all sorts were out and about. The first familiar face they ran into was a pleasant one. Her hair had grayed in the last decade, but her vibrance had not. She still wore her bright red hat.

“Well well, if it isn’t my favorite hunters. I haven’t seen you around in years! Theater business keeping you busy?” Sonia asked, looking directly at Noctis.

The king’s brows furrowed in confusion, before he remembered the last conversation he had with her. Then he burst out laughing.

It was her turn to be confused.

“I’m sorry professor,” he shook his head and held out his hand. “I never formally introduced myself all those years ago.”

“To be honest,” she interrupted. “I never let you. I was just excited to get some frog hunting interns.”

“My name is Noctis Lucis Caelum. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“…Lucis Caelum…you mean to tell me I ordered a Prince around to catch a bunch of frogs?”

“In all fairness, I never do things I don’t want to. Catching those frogs was actually really fun.”

“Well, thank goodness for that.” She laughed. “Oh, the boys at the university will never let me live this down.”

“Sonia, I don’t know if you ever told me what you learned from those frogs.”

She crossed her arms, “what? Have you been under a rock? I’m the one that figured out that the night descended from the photosynthetic organisms caused by the scourge, which was from the meteor. It was published in Meteor Magazine. You know, as my star pupil, I would have expected better from you.”

He shrugged. “Well, hate to break it to you, but I’m the one that wasted your years of research.”

She put her hands on her hips and leaned in closer to examine him. “You’re the reason the scourge is gone?”

“What, you didn’t hear about it?” He teased.

Prompto watched the exchange with a broad smile on his face. He was overjoyed to see his friend so calm and carefree, especially after the fate he nearly endured.

Ignis was talking, “I seem to remember you being on the radio some years ago for your research. Might you be able to get us in contact with the agency?”

“Happy to, but it was Vyv that got me on Talk 95. I can talk to him, if you’d like. You boys did so much for us, I’ll do whatever I can.”

“Wonderful.”

Noctis leaned back to look at Prompto. “I’m kinda tired, can you help me back?”

“Sure thing,” the blond smiled, pushing him along.

When they returned to the room, Umbra laid on the bed, relaxing.

Noctis’ face instantly flushed, remembering what he had said to Luna in his last entry.

“Oooooh someone’s got a message from their girlfriend!” Prompto chirped, delighted.

Anxious, but nervous, Noctis sat on the bed, and crossed his legs. Then he took the notebook from the pouch and flipped through it, flipping through the familiar pages, starting from when they were kids, to teens, and then from the recent days leading up to their almost marriage.

Then he was looking at the new message, and his heart jumped into his throat.

“Dear Noctis,

We found your flat. Its very nice! We found plenty of non-expired canned goods and we should be stocked for weeks. In case you were worried, I have rifled through all of your personal artifacts. I wish you had sent me some of these poems, since they’re quite good.”

Noctis shook his head, almost expecting her to do this.

“I found your collection of comic books. I think I will be entertained until you return, fear not.

Noctis, my ever faithful confidant and friend. My heart belongs to you, and no one else. I love you, and desire nothing more to be with you once again.

Forever and Ever Yours,

Luna.”

Noctis wanted to cry in happiness. And he almost did, feeling his eyes stinging.

“Well, what does it say?”

He swallowed, snapping the notebook closed. He would reply later, and give Umbra some time to relax. “She found my comic book collection.”

“Oh good, another nerd.”

“You’re a nerd.”

The two laughed before silence took over. “Hey Prompto?”

“Yeah, buddy?”

“Can you help me with my address?”

“Sure, what do you need?”

“Photos. I need visual aid.”

“Oh, yeah, I can do that.” He brought his camera up and inserted an old, worn SD card. “What’s the speech going to be about?”

“It’s the story of a boy prince that likes to sleep.”

—

Several days passed before Luna saw Umbra again. By this time, she was acquainted with Iris and Talcott. And she had done what she could in helping with restoration. But now that her powers as Oracle had faded, Luna found herself in the uncomfortable situation of not knowing how to do anything. She was a prisoner of the Empire for most of her life, and dead for the last decade. All she could offer was encouragement and cleaning.

Which she came to find, was all that anyone asked of her.

“Dear Luna,

This time, instead of a letter

I decided to write you a poem.

Please enjoy the comics,

and make yourself at home.

I’ll be on the radio,

so listen on Friday at nine.

Then I’ll be home after,

ready to make you mine.

P.S. I’ll right you a better poem later.

Forever and Ever Yours,

Noctis, King of Poems.”

Luna giggled and went to secure a radio.

—

The night before the speech, Noctis sat by the TV, watching cartoons. He may have been 30 years old, but in mind, he was still 20. And even then, he was immature.

Watching him was his good pal Prompto, who was going through his photos on his laptop.

Ignis walked in, a moment later, a thick binder under his arm.

“Alright Noctis, Gladio and I have prepared a speech for you for tomorrow, please read over it a few times before hand—“

“No need,” the King said quickly. “Prompto and I have it covered.”

“You and Prompto…?” Said the blind man. “I find that hard to believe.”

Noctis held up a binder of his own. The King could be organized when dictated. “It’s only natural that I’d want to write my own speech.”

Ignis crossed his arms, “Nobles rarely write their own addresses.”

“Luna wrote all of hers.”

Prompto giggled, “he’s got you there.”

“Well, Luna is different.”

Noctis crossed his arms, a daring look on his face. “How so?”

Ignis wasn’t about to fall for it though. “She just is.” He said simply. “Well, I would like to hear your speech first. So go ahead.”

“Nah, I want it to be a surprise.”

Gladio entered the room, with food for the group. “Let it be, Iggy. Noct already delivered the hardest speech of his life. Anything else will be a walk in the park.”

The four lapsed into silence as they returned to that night several days ago, before they went to fight against Ardyn. Their last campfire outside Insomnia. Noctis had spoken to them like a brother, showed tears, and admitted that dying wasn’t the hard part, it was saying goodbye to them. Those few words had been powerful, but enough to rouse in them a fighting power.

Ignis sighed, “can you at least hint to me what it’s about?”

“The truth.” Noctis said.

Prompto smiled.

—

At 8:30, Friday night, the citizens of Lestallum began to gather by the look out. The Disc of Cauthess burned in the background, while a podium and screen were erected in plain sight for all to see. Several microphones and cameras were set up and ready to broadcast all the king had to say.

Vyv had put an article in his magazine about the speech, as well as several news stations prepared their audience for the hallowed experience.

But most of the assembled were doubtful that any royalty was still alive.

Since where was he the last ten years? Where was he when they needed him?

Finally, the designated time arrived and a bearded man dressed in Lucis royal clothing made his way down the ramp, and then over to the podium. In one hand he carried a cane, while the other rested on the arm of a huge Swordsman, in regal Kingsglaive attire.

When Noctis reached the podium, he rested the cane underneath, and leaned on it. It would be today that his strength was at it’s lowest.

He took a moment to breath as cameras aimed at him, broadcasting his weary face to all those who had televisions. Confused whispers filled in the awkward air.

Finally, Noctis breathed deep and stood straight. He glanced over the stunned crowd and demanded their attention. All fell silent.

“If you haven’t noticed, dawn has broken.” He began.

An earth shattering cheer took over the crowd. As if his words had confirmed the impossible. They had felt the sunlight for two weeks now, and many felt it too good to be true.

Noctis smiled and waited for them to calm down. “Many of you are probably wondering, ‘how has the miracle happened?’ ‘is this really the end of the scourge?’ or maybe ’who is this crusty old man, and why does he wear the king’s clothes?’ Well, I’ll explain everything, if you have the patience. It’s a long story.” He nodded to Prompto who projected the first picture on the screen. One of the four of them posed in front of the Crow’s Nest. “Ten years and two months ago, my father, King Regis Lucis Caelum, was killed when the Empire invaded the Citadel. At the time, I was on my way to Altissa, to wed the Oracle, Lunafreya Nox Fleuret, to secure a treaty between Lucis and Niflheim.”

The king bitterly looked away with a sigh, “unfortunately, none of us had the foresight to see it was a trick.” He breathed deeply to calm himself. “Rumors began to spread that both my bride to be and I had been killed. So, we decided to lay low, as not to attract the attention of the Empire.”

The photos in the background changed as he progressed.

“Many of you may recognize the young boy in the front as a hunter. Others, as a errand boy, and others as a novice fisherman. Though I had my own goals to achieve, I still did whatever I could to help my people.”

He glanced down at his speech, making sure he stayed on track. “At first, after we heard Insomnia had fallen, I didn’t know what to do. My father’s war had suddenly become my own, and I was sorely unprepared for it. But with help from the Marshal, Cor Leonis, we made our next move looking for the royal tombs and collecting the weapons of my forefathers.”

The photos changed from a royal tomb, to a perfect shot of young Noctis absorbing a royal arm. “This allowed me to gather the necessary arms for my armiger, the weapon of choice for the Kings of Lucis.”

Ignis tapped his foot impatiently, fearing Noctis was divulging too much information, but also not willing to interrupt the address.

“The ferry to Altissa was cut off, and so we were stranded between Leide, Duscae, and Cleigne until we could find a way over. We spent many days helping the hunters, sneaking into Imperial Bases, and searching for the tombs before help came from the most unlikely source.”

A picture of Ardyn came up on the screen, from the first time they met. “The High Chancellor Ardyn Izunia of the Empire. We were rightfully suspicious of him from the beginning, but he allowed us to pass through the blockade by the Disc of Cauthess.” He gestured to the fire in the distance behind him.

“Some of you might remember the strange behavior of weather back then, the earth tremors, the sporadic storms…it was because the next phase of my journey had commenced. With the help of Luna, the Oracle, I was going to receive the blessing of the Six, the first of which was Titan, the Astral who held up the Meteor.

“Shortly after, I was blessed by Ramuh, the Storm God. Then, we finally boarded a private boat and made our way over to Altissa to meet with the Oracle.”

Noctis swallowed, this part of the story was going to be hard. He just reminded himself that Luna was waiting for him in Crown City. So he breathed and carried on. “In Altissa, the First Secretary made us aware that the Oracle was planning on beginning the covenant with Leviathan, the goddess of the sea. Which was a treacherous feat in and of itself. My good friends and guards evacuated the city, but not without sacrifice.” The King looked over to Ignis, who bowed his head. “I got Leviathan’s blessing after a long, hard battle. But along the way, I lost my Luna. We barely shared a word before she gave me my father’s ring, and then died beside me.”

He turned the page, taking a second to compose himself. “My father’s ring, the ring of Lucii, along with the Crystal, were the keys to ending the scourge of the daemons. But since the Empire had stolen the Crystal, our next move was to get it back. We boarded a train and made our way to Gralea. On the way, I convened with Shiva, the Goddess of Ice.”

The pictures went blank on the screen, since Prompto was absent from the party at the time.

“The Empire was a ghost town, crawling with only daemons and dilapidated Magitek Soldiers. Not a soul in sight. Only once I reached the upper levels of Zegnautus Keep did I learn the truth of the Scourge.” He hesitated with this truth, but knew it needed to be said. “The daemons that have plagued us all along were our friends and neighbors. Fellow men succumbed to the scourge and transformed into grotesque creatures. I don’t know if I would have believed it, but I saw the Emperor. He had turned into a winged beast that hunted me down in the darkness. I spent several days alone in the Keep, separated from my friends and my only source for sanity.”

Noctis glanced at the crowd, seeing equal looks of shock and awe. It seemed everyone was hanging on to each word he spoke.

“When we finally did reunite, we headed together to find the crystal. A roadblock occurred, and Gladio, Ignis, and Prompto beckoned me on. This was the last time I saw them. When I finally found the Crystal, I begged it for help to rid the world of the scourge. But instead, the Crystal pulled me into it. As I fought against the pull, the High Chancellor Ardyn appeared again. Then more truths came to light.

“He had once been a Prince of Lucis, and did what he could to rid the world of the Scourge, by absorbing it into himself. Within himself, he carried a myriad of daemons and immortal life. With that, I was absorbed into the crystal to gather strength.”

He looked over the crowd, “I tell you this, because I want you to know…I promised Ardyn, on his death, that he wouldn’t be erased from history again. In a way, I pity him. A crown prince doing what he could to help his people, only to be rejected by destiny. His want of revenge was warranted, no matter how much I hate it. I understand it.”

He glanced back at his notes, while a picture of the Crystal still shown on the screen behind him. “I spoke with Bahamut in the Crystal. It was then that I was told of my destiny. I was to fight Ardyn and bring the dawn, but I had to fight him in this world, and the next. So for ten years, I slept, gathering energy, and not knowing what horrible fate became of my home.

“Only two weeks ago, I awoke on Angelgard, the Island to the South of Galdin Quay, and made my way back to Hammerhead in the darkness. There, I reunited with my friends I was separated from in Niflheim ten years prior. Then, together, we returned to Crown City, and fought Ifrit, the Astral of Fire, who had been swallowed by the scourge. Then I faced Ardyn on my own. We fought until he fell, and then I called upon the Kings of Lucis past, and was carried on to the afterlife. There, I dealt the final blow to Ardyn and the Scourge.”

Noctis stepped out from the podium and pulled his shirt open to show his scarred torso. “This was the final blow, that which should have killed me. But by the divine grace of Bahamut, I have been given my life back. The Astrals wish for the line of Lucis to continue.” He braced his arm on the podium to hold him up. “And though I am weak in body, I am strong in spirit, and I will do what it takes to rebuild this nation.” He stood up a little straighter and raised his voice. “The age of the Daemon is over. Now it is time to usher in the age of Prosperity!”

The cheer this time was louder, if at all possible. The city rocked with cries of joy and relief.

Gladio and Ignis rushed up to the podium to relieve the King as he appeared to have his energy spent. Gladio coaxed him into a chair as Ignis took over. “The first caravan of refugees have gone to Crown City to start renovations. From what we saw several days ago, the city can still be saved and many homes may not have even been touched. We recommend if you want to return to travel in groups. We still haven’t ascertained the safety of the roads.”

Noctis tried his best to listen to all that was being said, but his body simply wouldn’t allow it, and he fell asleep in his chair.

—

Luna had gathered her new friends in Noctis’ flat as they attempted to get a satellite signal. More then anything, she wanted to watch Noctis give his speech. When the picture finally came in, she was astounded at how much older her dear friend appeared. He looked so drained, and she wanted nothing more than for him to curl up around her and fall asleep in her arms.

As he explained his journey, tears welled up her eyes. It hurt to listen to his trials and sufferings.

“I got Leviathan’s blessing after a long, hard battle. But along the way, I lost my Luna. We barely shared a word before she gave me my father’s ring, and then died beside me.”

Truly, they never got to speak face to face. But the moment together in the haven was good enough for her. And now soon, she’d see him again. Only a few days more.

The rest of the journey she knew by heart. After she died, she watched over him, helping him cope with the bitter loneliness of loss. Being a light for him in the darkness of Niflheim. She was with him through it all, though it hadn’t really felt like it.

“Are you alright, Luna?” Talcott asked.

“Oh, yes.” She sniffed, wiping under her eye. “Just overwhelmed.”

The camera followed Noctis as he fell into a chair on the stage. Her heart went out to him as she watched him close his eyes and slump. The scar on his chest would forever be burned into her skull, as the image was horrific and only proved how destructive the scourge had been. The mark was similar to the one she bore on her own side.

But that’s all they were, scars. The war was over. Now all that remained was peace. Luna could imagine a future with her king. And so she found the notebook that she had yet to respond to and withdrew into Noctis’ room.

—

The day after the speech, Noctis roused at noon, much to the chagrin of his company. He meandered down the stairs of the Leville on his own, and found a bench in the streets to sit and enjoy the life around him. He would be meeting with Camelia Claustra later in the evening, as she was on her way from Galdin Quay. But for now, he would relax.

As it always was in Lestallum, all manner of folk greeted him as they passed by. Children stopped and looked at him in awe, a brave little girl even hugged him. Many warm handshakes were delivered, and he happily answered any questions anyone asked.

Until finally, dusk was upon him and Ignis ushered him back to the meeting room in the Leville, where Camelia was waiting.

The woman looked as ancient and immovable as ever, but still smiled when shaking his hand. “King Noctis, it’s good to see you alive and well.”

“It’s nice to see you too, Secretary.”

“I watched your speech yesterday. It was quite…insightful. I had no idea what you had gone through since we last spoke in Altissa.”

“It was very rough.”

“I think I would liked to sleep for these last ten years as well.” She joked.

“Well, the sleep wasn’t as great as it sounds. There were…a lot of nightmares.”

She nodded in understanding. “Well, now you’re here and the scourge isn’t. Accordo and Lucis are the only ruling factions left.”

“Madam Secretary,” he interrupted, politely. “I did leave out a tidbit from the address.”

“Oh?”

“Lady Lunafreya, she was returned to me as a gift from the Astrals, she awaits me in Crown City.”

Camelia smiled, pleased with this news. “So Tenebrae also lives.”

“As I traveled to Gralea, we stopped in Tenebrae. The daemons had destroyed the city and not much remains. We will be taking the survivors to Crown City and absolving them to citizens of Insomnia.”

“Wonderful.” Stated the secretary. “And what would you have of Accordo?”

He leaned forward in his seat a bit and glanced over to Ignis. “Well, now I suppose that’s up to you. Accordo was previously part of the Empire, as was Tenebrae. If you would like to join Insomnia instead, we will happily take you, or if you’d prefer to take your independence back, now would be the time. I’m not in the position to understand the state of Accordo these days. But I’m certain you’re better off then we are.”

“We are willing to help Insomnia get back on it’s feet.” She assured. “As we helped you before with Leviathan, so we will help with rebuilding.”

“Thank you, but you didn’t answer my question.”

She smiled. “I think it is a conversation for another time. For now, we will work on rebuilding.”

“That sounds fair.” He smiled.

“Now, as a token of gratitude for ridding the planet of the scourge, I have brought you a gift.”

He held up his hands in protest, “Oh Madam Secretary, I do not need any sort of gift. I did it because I had to.”

“What I am giving to you, I give to you because you are the only person I trust with it.” She beckoned a servant in, who held up a dress bag.

Noctis stood slowly, awe on his face. “Is that…?”

“Lady Lunafreya’s wedding dress. It was safe from Leviathan, and now, now that she’s returned, I think it’s only appropriate that it returns to Insomnia.”

“Thank you, Madam.”

“Camelia is fine, your majesty.”

“Then Noctis is fine too. Thank you, Camelia.”

“You’re most welcome, Noctis.”

—

Noctis returned to his room for a nap. And he dozed lightly. He heard people come and go. Ignis spoke to him, but he didn’t really hear it. Then something jumped on his bed and startled him, before something warm and fuzzy nuzzled against his face.

“Hey Umbra…” He muttered, reaching up to scratch the pup’s chin. Slowly, he sat up, and took the book from it’s pouch.

The newest entry was short, sweet, and to the point.

“Dear Noctis,

I saw you on TV. I like the beard. It suits you. I don’t think you’re a crusty old man.

My love, back then, did you want to marry me? Or were you just doing your duty as Prince? I guess we have the rest of our lives to figure it out.

Forever and Ever Yours,

Luna.”

Instantly, he was awake and standing on his feet. He grabbed his cane and wallet. “I’ll be back in a bit Umbra, I need to get something for Luna.” The dog loyally trotted beside him anyway as they went down to the street. A few blocks away, a jeweler had set up shop. Despite the darkness, business was good. Especially with jewelry that actually had the ability to repel daemons. But that’s not why Noctis had sought the man out.

“Why, if it ain’t the boy Prince? Looking kinda rough, Your Majesty.”

“Nice to see you too, Dino.” Said the King, flatly.

“You come here looking for some work? Cause I got an ore I got to find.”

“Maybe some other time, I actually need you to do something for me. I’ll pay.”

“Now you’re speaking my language. What’ll it be?”

Noctis leaned on the counter, and spoke quietly. “Now, I need to you to keep this a secret. I know your journalist tendencies will kick in and you’ll run to the papers, but as your friend, please don’t mention it.”

“Okay okay, hush hush I get it. Now what is this mysterious project?”

“I need an engagement ring.”

Dino smirked and leaned closer, his face a alive with curiosity. “And who, may I ask, is the luck lady?”

“The Oracle, Lady Lunafreya.”

Dino’s previous good mood disappeared. “Um, Your Majesty…you know that the Lady…is no longer with us right? She died ten years ago…”

“Yes, I know Dino.” He smiled softly. “This is why I asked you to keep this a secret. She’s been resurrected by the Astrals.”

“No kidding!? Well, congratulations Your Majesty! This is great news! And, I’m honored that you’d ask me to do this for you.” He took out a sketchbook and began drawing a design. “What are you thinking? Colors? Jewels?”

Noctis blanched, “well, I don’t know anything about jewels, but blue and white are the color of Tenebrae, and black and gold are the colors of Lucis…if you could somehow mix them together? And don’t make anything too flashy, I know she wouldn’t like that.”

“Right, not too big and gaudy.”

“Right, exactly.” Noctis nodded.

“Well, how about this?” Dino finished his rough sketch and turned it over. “We’ll do a gold band. Then a pear shaped diamond in the middle. Next to the diamond on each side we’ll put a sapphire, and then, outside of that, we’ll do two little onyx jewels.”

“Perfect. I love it. Simple and clean. I knew you’d be able to think of something fast.”

“Fast is my middle name, your kingliness.”

“When can you have done?”

“For you, I’ll have it done in three days.”

Noctis’ eyes widened. “That quick?”

“Hey, it was because you travelled through Costlemark that I was even able to open up shop. I’m one of the best jewelers in the world…well, I’m the only one in Lestallum.” He added as an afterthought. “Besides, I want to thank you for—“

“Let me guess…for ending the scourge?”

“Ah, people already showering you in gratitude?”

Noctis bit his lip. “Yeah. I…just don’t feel like I deserve it. You know? I left my country when they needed me most. And I only did what the Astrals told me to do. It’s not like I made the decision to do this, you know?”

Dino crossed his arms. “I watched your address, Noctis.” He spoke plainly. “You sacrificed a lot for us. You very well could have kept hunting. We all gave you work to stay occupied…but you went to Niflheim. I think it’s okay to accept praise and thanks.”

Noctis sighed softly, “I guess I’m just not used to it. How much do I owe you? And please don’t say it’s free!”

“Oh, I won’t. I can’t afford to.” Dino laughed. “500 gil sound fair?”

“I’ll give you a 1,000, since it’s a rush order.” He took his card out.

The jeweler shrugged, offering the machine. “Well, I’m not going to stop you.”

“There you are!” Prompto called, hysterical. “Ignis freaked out when he got back to the hotel and didn’t see you.”

“He should be used to it, considering he’s blind.” Replied Noctis, finishing his transaction. “Don’t tell him I said that.”

“Well, anyway. What are you doing?”

“Getting Luna a ring.”

Prompto almost lost his mind. He jumped and shouted and cried. “Yes! I knew the wedding would happen! This is the best day ever!”

“Keep your voice down!” Noctis hissed.

“I’m going to go tell Ignis and Gladio! See you later!” He hurried down the street.

“Prompto! Wait!” Noctis cried out in vain.

—

Since returning to the land of the living, Luna found herself saddened with nightmares. Back when she was Oracle, there were days after healing an outbreak of the scourge, she’d have nightmares. She just assumed it was from being so close to the darkness for so long.

But now, these nightmares were vivid and all encompassing. Often, they were through Noctis’ eyes. The horrors he saw in the ruins of Gralea. The decrepit soldiers, the daemons growing like weeds from the darkness.

Even the poisoned, dead face of her brother, begging for death.

On nights like these, she’d awaken and curl closer around his pillow.

—

Insomnia was such an ironic name for his Kingdom. It felt like Noctis could never sleep at night. The nightmares of daemons kept him tossing and turning at each hour. The stasis in the crystal had been one long nightmare in and of itself. But it felt like the trip to the afterlife had only enhanced these illusions. Sometimes, it was hard to tell the difference between wake and sleep. It was only when Prompto would nudge or whack him for shaking their shared hotel bed that he’d finally come out of it.  

—

Another week passed before Umbra returned to Crown City. Between healing and the announcement that the King was still alive, Luna just assumed that Noctis was busy. But Umbra trotted up, looking well rested and loved, and carrying Noctis’ response.

Luna spent a moment scratching behind Umbra’s ears.

Noctis told her he loved her. This wasn’t really news to her either, since they had always written sweet nothings in their journal. But then she had to go and ask about the wedding.

Back when the treaty was drawn up and the engagement was arranged, the notebook had stayed vague. Neither of them wanted to talk about the idea of marriage. They were both content to just talk about seeing each other again for the first time in years. But as royalty, and how fond Regis had been of her, Luna was certain that marriage was inevitable. Maybe he did too, so it hadn’t bothered him.

Talcott was her companion at the moment. The young man was taking a break from clearing rubble on the street. “What a cute doggo! What’s his name?”

“This is Umbra, he’s been my faithful companion for many years. He’s how Noctis and I stayed in contact even when I was being held prisoner by Niflheim.”

“Are you guys still talking like that?”

“Yes. In fact, Umbra as just brought me his reply.”

“Reply to what?”

Luna sat on the couch, while Umbra laid at her feet. “how old were you were you met Noctis?”

“Um, about 7.”

“Then you might remember. We were engaged to be married then. But I hadn’t seen him since I was 12.”

“You were marrying a guy you hadn’t seen since you were a kid?”

“Yes, strange isn’t it?”

“Well, if Prince—er, King Noctis wasn’t the coolest person ever, maybe.”

She laughed. “Well, we tragically were unable to get married…or even have a decent conversation…”

“Right,” said the boy.

“So I asked him, if he really wanted to marry me back then, or if it was just duty.”

Talcott scoffed, “you know, King Noctis has a big heart and loves a lot of people. But, he loves no one more than the Oracle.” He grinned.

With a smile and assurance, Luna finally took the notebook out of the pouch, only to find a little black box attached to it.

“Dearest Luna,

What kind of question is that? Not even death could tear us apart. Being a Prince had a lot of unsavory prices to pay, but marrying you was the greatest thing that ever could have happened to me.

Even ten years late.

I would have proposed in person, but I wanted you to know exactly what I felt as soon as possible. I mean, you can still say no. I just assumed…

The ring was designed by a friend of mine, he gives his regards.

The doctors said I’m good to go, and I’ve been out of the hospital for a few days now. I still have to use a cane, and I can’t run. But we’re just organizing a caravan, and then we’ll be off.

Just a few more days.

Forever and Ever Yours,

Noct.”

“Aww!” Talcott read over her shoulder. “I told you he has a big heart!”

Luna just smiled wildly as she opened the box. A petite, classy ring sat inside. Nothing else would have been right. She slipped the ring on, and it was a perfect fit. Tears started to make their way down her cheeks. “It’s perfect,” she whispered.

She heard Talcott sniff as she glanced at him. “Why are you crying?” She asked.

“I love happy endings!”

—

“Alrighty boys, here she is. My pride and joy!”

Cindy, the world’s most talented auto mechanic, had just delivered her present to Noctis and his friends. The Regalia, or what was left of it, had been recovered from the ruins of Niflheim and restored to it’s shiny glory.

“It took me about five years, but with my good buddy Talcott, we got ‘er up and running.”

“Cindy, this is…this is amazing.” Noctis managed to say. Having the Regalia back felt a little like having a piece of his father returned to him.

“Once Paw-Paw found out that his baby had been abandoned over in the Capital, he was madder then a three legged dog trying to bury a turd on a icy pond! It took a lot of strings and faith, but here she is, ready to go back to Crown City.”

“Thank you Cindy…” Noctis said again, going in for a hug.

“Oh it’s no problem, Prince! Er, King!” She laughed, patting his back.

Prompto nudged his friend. “Hey, so when we get back to Crown City, how’s about letting me borrow the car to take Cindy out? Hmmm?”

Noctis put a loving and caring hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Because I care about Cindy, no. Unless you let her drive.”

Prompto let out a huff that flapped his lips like a horse.

“Alright,” called out Ignis. “Let’s move out.”

A group of eight cars, a bus, and two trucks loaded with supplies followed the Regalia out of Lestallum and back to Crown City.

As the trip progressed, the caravan stopped at previously abandoned Outposts so people to return to their homes and lively hood. After all, the two day drive between the Crown City and Lestallum was now open, and these Outposts would be needed again.

Slowly, Eos was growing.

—

Sometime in the afternoon, Iris and Luna were in the kitchens of the Citadel, cleaning out the old rotten food left behind. Most of it was so old that it didn’t even smell anymore. Luna finished wiping down the inside of the refrigerator and went to wash her hands. “Well, I have definitely lost my appetite.” She laughed.

“You and me both!”

Suddenly, Iris’ phone rang. “Hello?…oh great! We’ll be up in a bit!” She hung up. “Talcott said one of the lookouts just spotted the Regalia leading a caravan into the city!”

“The Regalia?”      

“You know, the royal car?” Iris prodded, a teasing lilt to her voice.

“I’m going to go up and look!” She hurried from the room.

“Wait! Don’t you want to get changed first?!” Iris called after, in vain.

The elevator rose, Luna anxiously tapping her foot as moved. Finally, finally! After all these years, all these sleepless nights, even after death…finally, Noctis would be in her arms.

She raced from the atrium, to the entry hall, and to the courtyard. Finally, she made it to the gate of the Citadel, and waited.

There she could see it, the sleek black car coming into the city. Her legs trembled in excitement as she swayed.

The Regalia continued on while the other cars in the caravan stopped. When it was close enough that she could make out the two figures in the front seats, butterflies stirred in her stomach.

Gladio parked the car, and stepped out, giving her a knowing smirk.

She bit her lip and waved slightly, but couldn’t find the nerve to move.

The swordsman opened up the back door and held an arm out. From behind the door, she saw a foot, then another, and a cane. Then the door closed, and Gladio stepped away.

Nothing stood between them now.

Luna stood only a few paces away, but Noctis could barely believe it. She wore his old black clothes and her hair was in a messy ponytail. But his ring sat on her finger, and she was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen.

“Luna…” he whispered.

“Noctis!” She cried, as she ran to him. Her arms wrapped around his neck as his went to her waist. Both overwhelmed with emotion, they sank to their knees on the ground, sobbing and hanging on for dear life.

“I never thought I’d see you again…” he whispered, his voice thick with sorrow.

“Don’t you remember what I told you? Look to the light, and know I am there.”

She heard him hum. “Yeah…I still wanted to hold you though.”

She laughed in return, the sound soothing and warm. “All I ever wanted was to laugh with you again.”

He pulled back and looked at her face. The face that hadn’t aged since he saw her last. “I think we’ll do more than that.” He returned. “Gods, you are so beautiful.”

“As are you.” She cupped his cheek, the bristles of his beard tickling her palm.

He leaned into her touch. “Now that I see you here, I have no idea what to say. I’m starstruck.” He chuckled helplessly.

“Yes.”

“Yes?”

She held up her hand for him to see. “Yes.”

He smiled so hard his face hurt. “Then it’s a good thing I have your wedding dress in the trunk.”

“You’re the only one I’d wear it for.”

“Oh Luna!” He grabbed her again, his hands wandering over her back and her hair. “Luna.” He left rushed kisses over her face and jaw, and just allowed himself to be overwhelmed by her. “I love you. I love you. I love you.”

“I love you too,” she replied just as desperately. “More than I can bare.”

Noctis coaxed her chin up, to meet her eyes, and delicately laid his lips upon hers. It was innocent at first. Their first kiss. But then Luna raised her hands to bury her fingers in his ebony locks, and chills traveled up his spine. He deepened the kiss, getting lost in her embrace.

Finally, he pulled away. “I can’t take it anymore!” He nearly shouted.

“What?” She responded, frozen.

“Ignis! Start the wedding preparations! I can’t bare to be apart from this woman any longer!”

“With pleasure, your highness. And perhaps you might find somewhere else to continue this reunion? Somewhere more private?”

Noctis looked around to the small crowd that had assembled and watched with blushing faces. “Oh.” He stood, and held out a hand to help her stand. He cleared his throat. “Well, it’s official. Crown City will have a queen soon.”

This month was just full of great news.

—

Long after the celebration was had, and work had been divided up among those who were gathered, Noctis and Luna walked, slowly, had in hand back to his flat. He pointed out places of interest on their way, and she pointed out where she had done work earlier.

Finally, when they reached his flat, both collapsed on the couch in exhaustion. They had a long day in their own right. Noctis was sure he’d be tired in the coming days as well.

“You make a fine King,” Luna stated, appraisingly.

“And you a Queen.” He returned.

She hummed, and leaned against his shoulder. “It broke my heart listening to your journey. It had to be so hard.”

He smiled. “Well, it wasn’t all bad.” He went on to talk about the fun things they had done, like riding the chocobos, and the campfires and fishing. She listened and relaxed. At some point, she sat in his lap and laid her head against his collar bone. He kept talking like he hadn’t noticed, and just pulled her closer.

Then she told him about her journey to the covenants and all the shenanigans that she and Gentiana got themselves into.

Had anyone walked passed their room, they would have wondered what in the world had made the Oracle and the King laugh so hard.

“Your voice is so deep now.” She said suddenly.

“Oh?”

“Yes…it’s actually quite alluring.”

“Alluring, hmm?” He whispered in her ear. She shivered. He chuckled. “Luna, can I tell you a secret?”

“Of course, anything.”

“Well, when I was thirteen, and you were seventeen…gosh, I shouldn’t have started this story, it’s so embarrassing.”

“You can’t stop now.” She urged. “Come on.”

He sighed. “I saw you on TV, giving an address as Oracle. I think it wasn’t long after your powers developed, you were taking about going out and healing people.”

“Right, I remember.”

“Anyway, you were wearing this white, sheer dress that showed just a little too much skin…and my pre-teen brain thought ‘I wonder what she’d look like without the dress’ and that was the first boner I got.”

Luna flushed bright red, but laughed loudly without abandon, clinging to him like her life depended on it.

“Well, safe to say you aren’t offended.” He snickered.

“Of course not!” She laughed harder. Then, when she caught her breath, she cupped his cheek again. Adoration pouring from her blue blue eyes. “My Noctis, I’ve had similar thoughts about you, when I saw you on TV as well.”

His eyebrows rose in surprise, before he swooped in to kiss her. “And now we’re here.”

“Together.”

“Forever.” His fingers wove to tangle in her hair, before he laid her down on the couch. They kissed and snuggled and whispered loving words until exhaustion overtook them.

The morning only brought more joy. Because the war was over, and there was nothing but good times ahead.

[theradioghost]

Audio Drama Podcast Recs

EDIT: well jesus this thing is getting old! If you’re looking for podcast recommendations I would recommend checking some of the newer posts I’ve made. I’ve expanded my subscription list from about 30 to over 150 in the years since I posted this, & at at this point it’s a pretty inadequate rec list.

Because I’ve gotten a few questions over time about podcast recs, both from people who are curious about audio drama, and fellow denizens of Podcast Hell™ who need something new, I wanted to put together this list so I could go a bit more into detail about why I love and recommend each of these amazing audio dramas.

Rather than trying to rank them, I tried to organize this list roughly based on popularity, at least based on my dash! More well-known shows are listed first, and then my faves that I don’t see getting nearly the love that they deserve. Especially with the volume of new innovative audio drama being created, there’s some really good stuff out there not getting nearly enough attention. Which is not to say that, if you’re a new podcast fan, you have to start with the most popular – but those shows are more likely to have an active fandom. (Of course, there are a ton of great podcasts out there, and plenty (both popular and obscure) that I don’t listen to yet.)

I also have a podcast rec tag and a very long list of audio dramas, if you want to go hunting for something beyond these recommendations here. Additionally, if you want more details or content warnings about any of these shows, feel free to message me on or off anon and I’ll do my best to answer! This post really focuses on the positives of each show and who I think might enjoy them.

WELCOME TO NIGHT VALE – Community radio from a friendly desert community where the sun is hot, the moon is beautiful, the dog park is forbidden, the mayoral candidates aren’t human, the weather is a mystery, and mysterious lights pass overhead while we all pretend to sleep.

If you know anything about audio drama podcasts, there’s like a 99.99% chance you know about Night Vale already. If not, just go listen. It’s weird and amazing and beautiful and helped to make a lot of this possible. Or if 100+ episodes plus live shows is overwhelming, don’t (but come back to it someday. It is magical).

For people who like: surrealism, humor, ‘radio show’ format, somewhat less emphasis on plot, diversity, indie music, experimental storytelling, a large back catalog of episodes, a fandom considered large by regular standards and not just podcast standards.

ALICE ISN’T DEAD – As she travels across America, a trucker tells the story of her search for the missing wife she had presumed dead, of the mysterious danger stalking her down freeways and backroads, and of the much bigger – and more terrifying – mystery she is uncovering.

The first and most popular of Night Vale Presents’ other podcasts. Gothic Americana soft horror lesbians! The writing, atmosphere, and orchestration are all superb, as is Jasika Nicole’s monologue performance. I personally recommend car/transit listening. (Also, you can get the whole soundtrack for free, and you should definitely do that.)

For people who like: surrealism, horror, Americana, female leads, lesbians, atmosphere, introspection, mystery, great music, something to drive to.

WOLF 359 – Doug Eiffel doesn’t want to do his job, Hera is a friendly but faulty AI, Dr. Hilbert is probably a mad scientist, Commander Minkowski wishes she wasn’t in charge of these idiots, and together, the four of them make up the entire crew of the USS Hephaestus space station. It’s not a picnic at the best of times: they’re isolated in a constantly malfunctioning tin can, orbiting a red dwarf star eight light years from Earth, and working for a shady corporation with coworkers they can’t stand. Then Eiffel starts to receive inexplicable transmissions from deep space – and everything gets so, so much worse.

It’s a hilarious office sitcom! It’s a character-driven deep-space sci-fi thriller! It’s a tragic, thematically powerful story about personhood, communication, and isolation! It’s all of those things, often within three lines of one another and frequently all at once! Wolf 359 is probably a masterpiece and now, heading into its fourth and final season, it continues to surprise and impress me every single time. Alan Rodi’s music is evocative and superb and the cast and writing are top-notch. One of the best. Listen to it.

For people who like: excellent character-driven writing, great music, well-written women, a gender-balanced ensemble cast, intimate sci-fi, hilarious and often referential humor, scary corporate overlords, cerebus syndrome.

THE PENUMBRA PODCAST – In Hyperion City, metropolis of a far-future Mars, a private eye named Juno Steel is pulled into life-threatening criminal conspiracies, and tangles with an even more dangerous, nameless thief – who could be his worst enemy or the love of his life. Within the Second Citadel, human civilization is protected by knights who venture out into the jungles to fight the monsters that threaten them – but some knights are discovering monsters who seem just a bit different. On the Painted Plains, a train-robbing bandit steals away a schoolteacher – and her heart. All of these and more are stories waiting to be heard behind the doors of the Penumbra, the grandest hotel this side of Nowhere. And absolutely none of them are straight.

Fabulously written genre-bending “queer AF” anthology show. The best is the Juno Steel series, about a bisexual, nonbinary sci-fi PI, which remains eminently and hilariously quotable even as it wrenches your heart out with genre-deconstructive depictions of mental illness and one of the most believable and emotional romances I’ve seen in ages . The Second Citadel fantasy series is also starting to come into its own in the second season and the standalone stories from the first season are a pretty damn good listen (LISTEN TO THE GAY WESTERN. DO IT.) I love this show, I love everyone from this show, I love everyone associated with this show, and I love Mick Mercury.

For people who like: playing with genre tropes, OTR, noir fiction, diversity, romantic chemistry, a variety of stories, suspense, heartache.

THE BRIGHT SESSIONS – Dr. Joan Bright isn’t an ordinary therapist, but her patients aren’t ordinary patients. Sam’s panic attacks bring on bouts of involuntary time travel; Caleb has it hard enough negotiating teenage emotions without also experiencing the feelings of everyone around him; Chloe can’t escape hearing other people’s thoughts; and the less said about Damien, the better. But Dr. Bright, too, is more than she first appears.

It’s a hard-hitting and poignant show about mental illness and people recovering from deep traumas, and also it is about superpowers. As the concept implies, the show is highly character-driven, and it develops an ensemble cast incredibly well. These guys are friends with the Wolf 359 crew and apparently have taken lessons from one another in how to ramp up a plot from “fun” to “oh god why,” but let’s be honest: that’s what we’re here for. Also, unjustifiably sweet gay teen romance, really cute friendships between ladies, at least one cat.

For people who like: highly character-focused narrative, superpowers, moral questions, ensemble casts, cool female leads, shady government activities, great acting.

ARS PARADOXICA – One minute, Dr. Sally Grissom is conducting cutting-edge physics research in her lab in early-21st-century Texas. A single mistake later, she’s on the deck of the U.S.S. Eldridge, in Philadelphia, 1943, smack dab in the middle of a classified WWII weapons experiment. She’s accidentally put time travel into the hands of the US government just as the nuclear era kicks off. And she can’t ever go back.

I assume everyone has heard of ars P because I assume that everyone knows Mischa Stanton. (They work on what must be like 50% of all podcasts that exist at this point, including The Bright Sessions.) Everything they do is pretty much a must-listen, but especially ars p, the “sad time show” to Wolf 359’s “sad space show.” The writing sticks out to me for its sense of consequence; it’s a major theme of the show that everything that happens will have serious and cumulative effects. Deservedly award-winning sound design. As a bonus, it crossed over with The Bright Sessions; if you like one, you might like the other.

For people who like: sci-fi, period settings, cold war thrillers, cool female leads, time travel with rules, complex and grey moralities, science lesbians, diverse ensemble casts.

EOS 10 – Dr. Ryan Dalias has enough to deal with just as the new head surgeon on a massive space station (alien aphrodisiacs, space anti-vaxxers, mind-controlling plants…) But as if that weren’t enough, his boss is an alcoholic misanthrope who has received an unwelcome ultimatum about his drinking; the nurse may or may not be inclined to bite people; there’s a deposed alien prince in the examination room who won’t put his pants back on; and an intergalactic terrorist who wants his name cleared is hiding in the cargo bay. And those are the people on his side.

I have my issues with EOS 10, not least of which is that it is still mired in a two-year hiatus (though Season Three is finally going into production soon? FINGERS CROSSED). I usually forget those issues when I listen because it’s still a frankly hilarious space comedy and the entire main plot is kicked off because of a potentially deadly boner. Think of it as the strange offspring of DS9 and Scrubs. Come for wild space shenanigans, stay for surprisingly heartfelt storylines about addiction (and even wilder space shenanigans). If W359 sounds cool but maybe a little heavy for you (or if the first season was your favorite), EOS 10 might be more up your alley.

For people who like: Star Trek, comedy, space scifi adventures, alien characters, gay space pirate cowboys, waiting.

THE THRILLING ADVENTURE HOUR – “America’s favorite new time podcast in the style of old time radio.”

An anthology show like The Penumbra which takes a comedic approach to its old time radio inspiration instead (and it is very OTR inspired – not just playing with the same genres). Has a lot of segments, not all of which are created equal; two are standouts. Sparks Nevada: Marshall on Mars (which has a continuous plot) follows a deadpan robot-fighting lawman, the Martian tracker who provides him with somewhat vitriolic companionship, and their various allies across the sci-fi-comedy-western landscape of Space Future Mars. Beyond Belief (which is episodic) stars alcoholic socialites Frank and Sadie Doyle, who may be world-renowned paranormal experts, but who mostly just combat supernatural evils so they can get back to their two greatest loves: booze and one another. It was recorded live, often featuring celebrity guest stars (most notably and frequently Nathan Fillion), and recently ended its many-year run.

For people who like: OTR, forties/fifties culture, really REALLY cute couple chemistry (Beyond Belief), humor, much more lighthearted content, a large back catalog, great music, corpsing.

GREATER BOSTON – Leon Stamatis’s perfectly organized life abruptly ends one day at the top of the first hill of a roller coaster – and that’s where the real story begins. His death will start a domino effect of change rippling through a Boston where activists agitate for subway lines to form their own city, shadowy executives watch over offices where magazine editors predict the future, and Google Calendars are updated from beyond the grave.

Guys, I am never gonna shut up about this show. At this point it’s probably my favorite podcast. Experimental fiction, a sort of regional-gothic-slice-of-life, with a plot that builds into the story of an interconnecting community of people, all of them growing and learning and changing and interacting, even the dead ones. And it plays more brilliantly and hilariously and beautifully and poignantly with format and writing and character than you’d think possible. I sometimes see it compared to WTNV (the “weird town” angle), but I think it’s likely to appeal to fans of The Bright Sessions: its characters may be dealing with incredibly strange situations, but the focus (and the appeal) is the development of those characters and their relationships with one another. Alternately, just literally everyone should listen. It’s that good.

For people who like: ensemble casts, experimental fiction, awesome women, strong character development, lesbians, playing with format, characters named Extinction Event, political intrigue, great music, Boston.

WOODEN OVERCOATS – Siblings Rudyard and Antigone Funn, along with their assistant Georgie, run a funeral home on the tiny Channel island of Piffling. It’s the only one, which is how they remain in business even though Rudyard is a punctuality-obsessed misanthrope and Antigone hasn’t left the morgue in daylight for 17 years. Then the world’s most perfect man, Eric Chapman, opens another funeral parlor directly across the street.

A British sitcom about rival funeral directors in a small town, with all of the dry, witty black humor that implies. "British” does always feel like the best adjective to convey the distinct sense of humor here. Also, it has amazingly high production values. Like, it just sounds really, really good. Also, it’s narrated by a talking mouse. The third season was just announced, so now is a really great time to catch up.

For people who like: black comedy, British comedies, rivalries of both business and sibling kinds, mysterious backstories, just a whole lot of dead people jokes, a more episodic structure.

THE BRIDGE – Once, you could drive all the way across the Atlantic in luxury and style, using the Transcontinental Bridge. Now, the Bridge is virtually abandoned. The employees of its Watchtowers are the only people left to tell its stories: stories about ghosts, about curses and illusions, about vanished and abandoned people and places, about the monsters whose places these were before the Bridge, and the strange and dangerous people who came there to find them.

IMHO, possibly the highlight of the writng for The Bridge is that they can create atmosphere like nobody’s business, and the show has a gorgeous soundtrack to boot. The characters are charming, the plot is intriguing, and the world they are building is like absolutely nothing else. Like Archive 81 below, it might appeal to those who’d enjoy Lovecraft if he didn’t suck so much in every possible way, although it’s much softer on the scary factor.

For people who like: atmosphere, storytelling, great character dynamics, sea monsters, spookiness, really fun ladies, ghost stories, mysteries, the bottomless depths and siren’s call of the ocean.

THE STRANGE CASE OF STARSHIP IRIS and UNDER PRESSURE – Starship Iris is the story of Violet Liu, a biologist forced by circumstance to join up with a ragtag crew of spacefarers to determine whether the explosion which killed every other person onboard her spaceship was really an accident. Under Pressure presents the notes of Jamie McMillan-Barrie, a researcher whose literary background did not prepare her to negotiate the kind of office drama that takes place on a research station at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.

Both of these are part of Procyon Podcasting Network, which also has more upcoming shows which I am beyond thrilled about; both are also incredibly diverse, both in-universe and behind the scenes. Both are charming and very, very gay as well as racially diverse; I’m particularly fond of Starship Iris, but everything that comes out of Procyon is more than worth a listen. They’ve started pretty recently and have only a few episodes each.

For people who like: space scifi, found family tropes, workplace drama, human/genderless alien romance, space lesbians, diversity, cool female leads.

THE ORBITING HUMAN CIRCUS (OF THE AIR) – The dreamy, accident-prone janitor of the Eiffel Tower does his best to get himself a place in the fantastical, impossible radio variety show being broadcast from the tower every night. Will he ever be successful? Will the show survive his attempts? And just where do the mysterious and magical acts come from?

Considering it’s a Night Vale Presents podcast and stars an A-list of my favorite underappreciated creatives I was kind of shocked at how little discussion I see. OHC is so charming and dreamlike and heartwarming; it’s like recapturing the feeling of a particularly magical bedtime story. It features Mandy Patinkin singing Cheap Trick and you need that in your life. Also, it has a platypus in it.

For people who like: OTR, John Cameron Mitchell/The Music Tapes/Neutral Milk Hotel, a gentler weirdness than other NVP podcasts, Paris, charm, experimental storytelling.

WITHIN THE WIRES – You are a patient at the Institute. You have been instructed to listen to this series of relaxation tapes to aid in your treatment. You must trust my voice. You must trust only my voice.

NVP’s other highly underappreciated show. WTW manages to tell a narrative in a format (self-help relaxation tapes) I would have never thought possible, and though it’s difficult to say much about what makes it so good without spoiling the effect of that excellence, it’s a great choice if you’re weird-fiction-inclined. Like Alice Isn’t Dead, it also features lesbians. (It may not be good for anyone who has trouble with unreality, disturbing second-person commands, or depictions of institutionalization.)

For people who like: experimental storytelling, WLW love stories, surrealism, dystopic fiction, suspense.

INKWYRM – Mella Sonder was hired to work with a recalcitrant AI, not to be personal assistant to Annie Inkwyrm, head of outer space’s premiere fashion magazine – and the two of them will probably be fighting about that, along with all of the other disasters they get tangled up in, until the star they’re orbiting explodes. Or until they fall in love.

My money’s on the latter (fingers crossed please make it happen), but this show just finished a really fun first season and I absolutely cannot wait for more of it. I’m a sucker for dysfunctional coworker comedy, and an even bigger sucker for girls falling in love; this offers both and is excellent, and is just incredibly done for an amateur podcast. The peeps making it are inspiring and badass and really, really talented.

For people who like: The Devil Wears Prada, scifi, diversity, vitriolic romantic tension, cool female leads, alien characters, wlw romance, incompetently homicidal AIs.

THE BEEF AND DAIRY NETWORK – The number one podcast for those involved – or just interested! – in the production of beef animals and dairy herds.

Honestly almost impossible to describe. What really gets me is the hilarity of how it somehow perfectly imitates the public radio/industry podcast style, delivering you important updates from the world of cattle products, except not from a world anything like ours. Endless beefy fun times with the occasional sharp right turn into body horror and potent unreality played for comedy. This and Alice Isn’t Dead are my dad’s favorite podcasts, which probably says something about him.

For people who like: Wooden Overcoats (it’s by the same folks!), weirdness, humor, much less of a focus on narrative, ‘radio show’ format, satire, rich beef sausages.

ARCHIVE 81 – Dan Powell is missing. He was hired, so he thought, for a simple job cataloguing an archive of tapes for the New York state government: a series of interviews that a woman named Melody Pendras conducted with the tenants of an odd apartment building. Then the story on the tapes becomes impossibly strange and terrifying, and so does Dan’s life.

Another one where I’m not sure whether everyone knows about it and just isn’t talking, but they should be. It’s probably a sign of how fantastic A81 is that it’s one of my favorites even though I ordinarily can’t stand horror. This post really extolls its virtues in a better way than I can. This show has some of the most incredible sound design I’ve heard yet, so if visceral body horror conveyed solely through the audio medium isn’t for you, then neither is Archive 81. On the other hand, if you like extradimensional lesbian apotheosis and the nickname “Boombox Fuckboy,” listen to this. On top of that, the acting is superb. (The creators, Dead Signals, also did an apocalyptic scifi survival-horror miniseries thing called The Deep Vault, which is similarly beyond well-made.)

For people who like: horror, weirdness, found footage format, great music, absolutely stellar atmospheric and action sound design, excellent and realistic acting, The King in Yellow, a ‘Lovecraftian’ feel not based on hatred of anyone who isn’t straight/white.

JIM ROBBIE AND THE WANDERERS – Three trouble-seeking wandering musicians (one brash and upbeat, one an argumentative engineer, and one a grumpy robot brought to life from a radio and assorted cutlery) wander a post-apocalyptic America populated by strange towns and fantasy beings, some friendly, others dangerous.

This is another show that really charmed me right out of the box. Not to mention that it’s a take on “post-apocalyptic” that I’d never seen before – why have grim ruins or cannibalistic societies when you can have giant friendly genderless bees, an NYC inhabited by partying undead, towns full of squid-people, and desert-dwelling leprechauns? It’s much more of a fantasy take on the genre and the characters are incredibly sweet. I was also really impressed by the quality bump it’s undergone over its run so far.

For people who like: fantasy, more lighthearted narratives, fun and creative concepts, a villain called “The Fig-Wasp King,” great music, friendship, cool female leads, diversity.

THE HIDDEN ALMANAC – A thrice-weekly, four-minute show hosted by the plague doctor Reverend Mord, offering historical anecdotes from another world, the feast days of unlikely saints, and useful gardening advice. 

Tired of that one analogy from every news article of the 2013 Night Vale boom (“like Stephen King/H.P. Lovecraft wrote A Prairie Home Companion”), writer/artist Ursula Vernon decided to take a crack at recreating Garrison Keillor’s other show, The Writer’s Almanac, in a similar fashion. Compared to WTNV, it comes off as less ‘weird’ and more fantastical, and is on the light side continuity-wise, though both the historical events and the frame show have arcs. In the past couple of years there have been a lot more story arcs, many lasting months, and a lot more appearances from guest character Pastor Drom and other characters. I find it incredibly charming and relaxing.

For people who like: fantasy weirdness, the actual Writer’s Almanac, WTNV, gardening, vitriolic friendships, worldbuilding, short runtimes, less of a focus on plot, large back catalogs, worldbuilding, crows.

[soundwave-and-cassettes]

DJD Odyssey

Etrian Odyssey is pretty much my favorite game series of all time. The wiki has a much more in-depth explanation, but basically they’re dungeon crawling/mapping games. The first two (and to a lesser extent the third one) are known for being very difficult, something later entries in the series have dropped. I have. Mixed feelings about this. A few months ago I played a bit of the original EO and found that it hasn’t aged very well, mostly due to a lack of convenience features like “comparing equipment in the shop to your current equipment” and “clearly displayed skill prerequisites” EO2 does have those things so I wanted to see if it’s held up better.

EO parties have five members. So does the DJD. They’re not going to translate into the game nicely with classes and/or portraits that make any sense, but ehhh.

Meet the team:

He’s a healer that can and will stab you. I chose the class for him because the portrait sorta kinda reminds me of @lickoutyourbrains human Tarn. (mostly just the dreds, but shhh) And because we need a healer or we will die immediately

Tesarus is mostly blades. This portrait is mostly blades. This is as good a match as we’re going to get. Landsknechts are basically the fighter class. They wear heavy armor and use axes or swords. Their skills aren’t very exciting but they can deal and take a good amount of damage.

The best justification I can come up with for this one is uh? Orange? I wanted to use a troubadour. Troubadours cast buffs and use bows.

The idea of a gun using a gun is very funny to me. Gunners have good damage, including elemental damage, but they’re pretty squishy.

Last but not least, Helex is creepy. I’m done trying to justify these. Hexers cast debuffs and status ailments, which are much more useful here than in most RPGs.

As a side note, I do own this game, but I have no way of taking screenshots from my actual DS, so we’re using an emulator.

Title screen. 3D on the original DS was a little rough.

I kind of spaced out on screenshotting the intro but the gist is that there’s supposed to be a floating city full of riches at the top of this labyrinth and lots of adventuring guilds are trying to find it. This game is pretty light on plot. After the intro we go to create our guild

You have no idea.

Now it’s time to play the game, and by play the game I mean create 30 throwaway characters, take their gear, and sell it to buy better armor so Tarn doesn’t get OHKOed by a hedgehog. Let’s say they’re traitors and we’re taking their stuff for the cause.

Our blood money isn’t going to go as far as you might think.

Buyin a gun for a gun

The shop selection isn’t great right now, but everyone has the weapon they need for their skills and enough armor to keep them from dying immediately. We have enough money for two nights at the inn left. Time to go hunt traitors hedgehogs and bugs! We’re level 1

Graphics! I actually think it’s kind of pretty.

Our first mission is mapping the first floor of the labyrinth, and we can’t move on to other floors until we do. A guard drops your party off in the middle of floor and explains how to map, but I didn’t get a screenshot. This was originally me showing a friend the game, not an actual LP, so it’s missing some pictures it should really have. If I do another installment it’ll be better

Our first encounter is indeed a hedgehog and two snails. This is basically the weakest enemy party in the game, but at this low level they can kill a party member if you’re stingy with heals or have really bad luck

This guy hit Tarn once. This is the second random encounter in the game.

And here’s our TP after 3 fights. The map isn’t done, but we really need to get to the inn.

Sure, ok. I’m not going to look this guard in the mouth.

First FOE! If you were on the internet c. 2008 you might remember the FOE meme. Anyway, they’re powerful enemies that will attack you if you run into their orb on the map (replaced with actual 3D models in later games). This one is stationary but most either chase the party or move in a set pattern. They generally can’t be defeated at the level you first encounter them, but maybe that’s obvious considering how deadly regular enemies are.

On to the second floor. No screenshot but 2F looks exactly life 1F so I don’t feel too bad.

The main difference is random encounters. Poison deals over half of a level ~5 character’s HP in damage at the end of each turn of combat (no status ailments, besides death, persist after battle in any EO). If your whole party gets poisoned, you basically have a turn to win or flee before you die. Later games made poison a single target attack, but in this one it hits the whole party (although it does have a chance to miss). This is a good and fun game.

We survived the venomflies and almost immediately walked into an FOE. Running moves you back a square and our backs are to the wall so

Yep.

This feels like a good place to stop (we have a save, I didn’t lose too much progress). All said I was pleasantly surprised by how playable this game is. It lacks a lot of the conveniences of the later EOs (and lower difficulty settings. If you want to get into the series maybe don’t start with this one) but it also has something the newer ones are missing. I’m struggling to put it into words but I’m gonna go with “sense of helplessness”. The most recent game is a remake of this one and the “expert” difficulty setting is roughly equivalent to this game, enemy stat wise, but it doesn’t feel? Unfair? Like this game does? I am not selling this game at all. Maybe I’m just a masochist.

Anyway, if you want more of this LP-type thing or have any feedback, please tell me. Thanks for reading!

Stats at the end of part one:

[darkestwolfx]

Ghost Ship - Re-Review #28

Thought you’d appreciate them popping up before I start talking. I love this episode for so many reasons, firstly it is for the space brothers! Getting a chance to see these two interact some more was so so worth it. It was something we were seriously robbed of in TOS, with Alan and John only appearing in the same scenes thrice - ‘The Uninvited’, ‘Danger at Ocean Deep’ and ‘The Cham-Cham’. Seriously robbed, folks.

‘Space Race’ was the last TAG episode which really put these two in a similar place, but due to the new communication methods e.t.c. we have seen that they can communicate more and as such have still had scenes together as seen in ‘Relic’, ‘Chain of Command’, ‘Ring of Fire’, ‘Slingshot’.. yeah, there’s quite a list, so I’m just going to stop and keep on with the episode review for now, okay?

Okay. So, we’ll get back to John and Alan, but for now let’s stick with John. 

Firstly John and EOS (hooray someone remembered she exists!). John and EOS playing chess is just one better. Of course he would teach her to play chess - that is just so John, let’s all be honestly.

“John, I’m intercepting a GDF encoded message. The signal’s very faint.”

You’re trying to distract me, EOS. You know I finally have you checked.”

“Honestly John. The bulk of my processing is currently dedicated to boosting the weak signal. It’s a distress call from the moon side of EDEN.”

Thirdly, let’s get to the action of the episode. Space mission! It makes complete sense that John can go on missions of his own, after all, some of these places would be on his doorstep considering Thunderbird Five’s location, and ‘Legacy’ showed us that Five has an inbuilt pod. But right now, let’s discuss this work of machinery.

Jets, wings, light beam and laser beam - pretty fancy equipment this Exopod/Wingsuit has going for it. It does makes sense for John to have something like this as well - not just for the case of nearby rescues, but in the sense of needing to escape Five. I personally think this was born out of the events with EOS, because it was never used in Series 1, which implies Brains hadn’t designed it then (or just that the writer’s hadn’t thought about it, but hey, let’s put that to one side). Also, the fact Scott says;

“So you finally get to take the suit out for a spin.”

implies it is newly fitted. So, chronologically, it makes sense to me to think that those events brought around the designs for this. Yes, this wouldn’t be any good for re-entry, but it would at least provide a getaway that would last a little longer. And a laser also implies defensive/offensive capabilities - minor yes, but probably enough.

“I only have five minutes on the meter.”

“Then we’ll see you in four.”

Oh that Tracy brother confidence. Must run in the blood.

“Precision flight isn’t as easy as I make it look. Let me know if you need any pointers.”

“Oh I do have one question. What’s that big, blue, marblely looking ball down there?”

“Haha.”

So this is EDEN, now nothing more than a Ghost Ship, and the setting of today’s episode. Apparently the GDF maintain it to make sure it doesn’t become a space hazard... maybe they should have just got rid. It’s probably going to become a space hazard now after all, because it’s made it into an episode of Thunderbirds and that is just what happens to these things.

“Whenever I’m near it, the place always gives me the creeps.”

‘The Ghost Ship’ is also an episode of the Anderson’s series ‘Stingray’. The episode also starred Ray Barrett and David Graham, the original voices of The Hood and Parker respectively. Of course, David Graham stuck around for TAG - because Parker could only ever have one voice actor as we all know (and I’m sure you’ve all guessed by now by absolutely love and praise for the man who made Parker into everything he is). Also, is it ironic or chance that this reference appears in a John strong episode, after it was John in ‘Ring of Fire’ who declared ‘Stingray’ his favourite show? I think it could be a good bit of script writing, but who am I to say. Anyone want to give me the answer - script writers of TAG I’m looking at you now.

And this is GDF Captain Ridley O’Bannon. Hello! Everyone introduced? Good let’s keep moving.

“Lights on, but nobody’s home.”

Probably a good sign to leave... No, okay, let’s just go even deeper into the malfunctioning ship.

“Some people say the place is haunted.”

“There’s no such thing as ghosts, Captain.”

“It’s the end of the line.”

Yeah... lets just keep going still... with no comms and the feeling you’re not alone. Yeah, let’s definitely do that!

“John, do you hear me? EDEN, are you there?”

Apparently not Scott, so don’t waste your breath shouting into the void.

So, I’ll be honest, ghosts and stuff don’t really spook me and I breezed through this episode fine. Except first time I saw this thing - it gave me the creeps. So, I watched this episode for the first time at night (I was thinking it’s a children’s show, what can go wrong?) and I looked away for two seconds and then this appeared. It looked too much like a spider for my comfort and yeah, scared me cold. Especially these red blinking eyes.

“Hello there. We come in peace.”

John, did no one pass you the memo? This is not ‘Alien’!

“Looks like he understands. could be some sort of sentient AI.”

He loves tech a little too much I think.

Yeah... accidentally punch the thing John. That will do it

“It thinks you’re a threat. Show it you’re not.”

“Seriously? Ok, I surrender.”

Yeah, still not in ‘Alien’, or ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ or ‘Peter Pan’... But whatever you want to say, John, is absolutely cool.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WezjFUZOvVA

I can’t describe this scene any better than the scene itself, so I’ve included it.

“And it won’t be ghosts.”

No it won’t, it wasn’t... um, isn’t? It’s just Mau’rice [Edward Razor Burn Reece] (right) and Dobbs [Dan - no nickname, no middle initial - Dobbsy Dobbs] (left). Space pirates! Okay... maybe it is turning a little into ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’...

How about... Pirates of EDEN... Next big block buster?

Yeah I think so!

“Plundering. I like that. Very nautical.”

Yeah, there’s nothing nautical about these guys though. I really do love the voice acting though. These characters are great.

Trust John to figure it out - never shut something down until you know what the after effects will be! 

I do really love this getaway plan though. It made for an absolutely awesome scene.

Overall, I think this episode leaps its way onto my favourites list too! It literally has everything, I think! Well, nearly everything.

[hylian-high-five-blog]

In Which Mass (Effect) Hysteria is Driving Me Insane -or- Why ME: Andromeda is the Best Game in the Series, IMHO.

“Hundreds of us worked for millions of hours to get this ready, then you spend two minutes on it and you start to tear it apart. Do you ever think before you type stuff? Why don’t you create an imaginary world! It’d probably be like Fresno or something.” ~ Floyd Petrowski, the Guild

Warning: A few minor spoilers ahead.

I’ve been trying my damndest to think of a clever way to start this rant, but nothing’s coming to me except a series of expletives directed at everyone who’s been viciously trashing Andromeda surrounding its release. I’ve never written a game review in my life, nor am I in any way an authority on... well, anything... but after all the nit-picking, whining and unrelenting insults I’ve read and heard over the past couple of weeks, I can’t take it anymore. I won’t just sit idly by and let one of my favorite creative teams be treated so unfairly by its supposed fan base without, at the very least, saying something.

After 60+ hours in Andromeda, three things are now very clear to me:

People are obviously not giving the game a fair chance. At all.

Gamers have become so painfully spoiled in recent years.

This is one of the best games I’ve ever played.

Let me be clear: There’s a big difference between making fun of a game’s flaws and tearing it (along with its creators) to shreds. Of course Andromeda is flawed! At one point during my first playthrough, I was talking to two Dracks. A few hours later, every conversation I had on the Tempest sounded like it was happening through my helmet. When I finished Hunting the Archon, the game just took it upon itself to log me out for no apparent reason. These things aren’t fun, but they’re all fixable problems that anyone who’s ever actually played a video game in the 21st century should know will likely be resolved with future patches. Am I the only one who remembers Fallout 4 in its first year? The PC version had more bugs than a bloatfly nest. Or... wait... do bloatflies have nests? Or are they more like dens? Probably nests. I’m getting off topic...

ME:Andromeda is a massive and breathtaking experiment in virtual space exploration and a poignant commentary on the importance of community (which makes the sheer volume of rage against it doubly ironic, I suppose). It brings back some of the most well-loved aspects of the first two Mass Effect games and stays true to the spirit of the alien races we’ve known and adored for years. The dialogue gets me teary-eyed at times, from both laughing and crying, and the bulk of the characters have all the depth and wit that I’ve come to expect from BioWare since they first became a part of my life. I think the game is rich, immersive, unique, silly, heartbreaking, intense and fun.

Granted, this is all just a matter of opinion, and we’re all entitled to ours. But gah, every bad review I read of the game makes me more and more angry because the opinions being expressed in a lot of them just seem... needless. “The female characters are all ugly.” Have you actually seen Suvi? Were you sleeping during the character creation process? More importantly, are you under the impression that BioWare takes every single person’s individual taste in women into account when they create their games? “The story is unoriginal.” Yeah, these days, you just can’t turn a corner without running into a story about a civilization - part of which is led by twins whose father was an AI wizard -  migrating to a new galaxy in search of a golden world only to be thwarted by alien creatures who absorb their genes. *sarcasm face*

Oh! And my personal favorites: “The explorable worlds are too empty,” and “There aren’t enough worlds to explore.” Firstly, we’ve all seen what happens when you have an unlimited amount of worlds to explore (thank you, No Man’s Sky). Secondly, what do you expect to find on the planets of a game whose entire premise is that you’re COLONIZING UNINHABITABLE WORLDS? Did you think you were going to land on Eos and find a bunch of huge villages filled with hundreds of people powering through radiation poisoning? Did you think there’d be a string of shopping malls dotting the Voeld landscape? I just don’t understand why anyone would complain about the openness of the planets unless they know nothing about planets or environmental disasters. Besides, there’s so much to do on each one and every inch feels lush and handcrafted with care, which is more than I can say for a lot of game worlds.

Anyway, I’m getting worked up again, so I’m going to wrap this up by saying once more that I love ME:Andromeda. The combat is unforgiving in the best sense, the entire crew of the Tempest is endlessly lovable, multi-player mode is surprisingly addictive, the weapons customization is epic, it’s got a great sense of humor, the worlds are gorgeous, the slow-crawl of the stories makes for a thoroughly rewarding experience... and even if it didn’t have all the above going for it, being seduced by Jaal was, for me, worth the $60 alone.

Regardless of what is or isn’t wrong with it, BioWare obviously worked hard on this game and that should count for something. What more do you people want? I realize this sounds ironic coming from me, but calm. the hell. down.

Olivia Ryder out.

[cover2covermom]

Since we are more than half way through 2018, I thought I would share some of my favorite reads of the first half of the year.   As of the end of June, I had read a total of 58 books in 2018.

Which books were the most memorable?  Continue on to find out…

» The Girl in the Tower (Winternight Trilogy #2) by Katherine Arden

Genre: Fantasy

Why it is a favorite: If you have not heard about The Winternight Trilogy, then where have you been? I adored the first book in the trilogy, The Bear and the Nightingale.  I adored the Russian folklore woven throughout the book making it feel like a fairytale.  Arden is a fabulous storyteller.  The sequel, The Girl in the Tower, did not disappoint.  Whereas The Bear and the Nightingale was slower moving for world building purposes, The Girl in the Tower was an action packed adventure.  I also adore the main character Vasya.  She is fierce, brave, independent, level-headed, and kind.  The release date of the third book was pushed back from August 2018 to January 2019, which breaks my heart.  I guess you can’t rush greatness.

» The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne

Genre: Historical Fiction

Why it is a favorite: This was my first John Boyne novel, but it won’t be my last.   This multigenerational family saga spans over 70 years.  With themes like intolerance & prejudice, identity, non-traditional families, and forgiveness, The Heart’s Invisible Furies was much more than I was anticipating.   This book was very cleverly written and full of dry humor & witty repartee.

» March: Book One, Two, and Three by John Lewis

Genre: Graphic Novel • Memoir

Why it is a favorite: These graphic novels are a wonderful way to present such an important part of U.S. history: The Civil Rights Movement.  I’m embarrassed to say that before reading this series, I only knew the key events in the Civil Rights Movement, but never in much depth. I’d obviously heard of key players like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks, Malcom X, etc, but I never knew about all the other important people and organizations who played such crucial roles in the movement. This series did an excellent job of shedding light to all the lesser known people, organizations, and events in the Civil Rights Movement.

» Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Genre: Science Fiction

Why it is a favorite: I read Ready Player One in preparation for the film adaptation that came out at the end of March.  Ready Player One is a tribute to all things geek in the 1980s.  With themes like technology, poverty, friendship, and virtual reality vs. reality,  RPO felt very relevant.  You do NOT have to be a “gamer” to enjoy this book, nor be familiar with 80s pop culture to enjoy this book.  I am neither, but really enjoyed this book.

» Vicious (Villains #1) by V.E. Schwab

Genre: Fantasy

Why it is a favorite: Schwab solidified her position on my favorite author list with her Shades of Magic series.  I have to admit, when I first saw that this book was about people with “super powers,” I was nervous that it did not sound like my cup of tea.  Wrong!  The plotline is absolutely fascinating, especially the science behind how EOs are created & which “power” they end up with.  Schwab’s characters tend to blur the lines between good & evil, and she loves to explore those grey areas.  Despite the fact that this book is technically an adult book, it is very much paced like a YA novel: short chapters & fast paced.

» Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Genre: Fantasy > Mythology • LGBT+

Why it is a favorite: I’d recommend this book to Greek Mythology Fans.  Song of Achilles has it all: action, adventure, love, tragedy, friendship, political intrigue.   I don’t think it is a spoiler to say that this book includes a M/M romance.  I’d probably venture to say it is my favorite M/M pairing in a book I’ve read.  Not because it was a perfect relationship, but because it was flawed and realistic.  If you have been contemplating giving this book a go, I highly recommend it in audiobook format.

» The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Genre: Contemporary • Historical Fiction

Why it is a favorite:  When this was chosen as a book selection for one of my book clubs, I was not expecting to LOVE this book as much as I did. What a fascinating look at “Hollywood culture.”   Despite the fact that Evelyn wasn’t exactly an endearing character, I admired her ambition, drive, independence, and strength.  She may have done some bad things, but I didn’t consider her a bad person.   This book was filled with drama and scandal.

»An Ember in the Ashes (An Ember in the Ashes #1) & A Torch Against the Night (An Ember in the Ashes #2) by Sabaa Tahir

Genre: Fantasy • Young Adult

Why it is a favorite: This series is EPIC.  I had this series on my TBR for YEARS, but had never picked it up for some reason.  When I discovered that Sabaa Tahir would be stopping in Ohio for her book tour to promote the third book in the series, I figured it was time to give these books a go.  I am so happy I was motivated to read these books because they blew me away.  Full of action, adventure, and just the right amount of romance, I flew through these fast paced novels.  Loved the plot.  Loved the characters.  Loved the books.

» Refugee by Alan Gratz

Genre: Historical Fiction • Middle Grade

Why it is a favorite: Told in 3 alternating perspectives, Refugee is the story of 3 child refugees at different points in history: a refugee during WWII, a refugee during Cuba’s “special period” in the 90s, and a modern day refugee due to the Syrian Civil War.  This book is so relevant today.  It should be read by everyone, children and adults, to teach empathy towards refugees & their experiences.  Refugee will crush your soul.  It has been a while since a book made me ugly cry like this one did.  It is one of those books that you will remember for years to come.

It was so hard to narrow down this list.  So, here are a few more books that I really enjoyed reading this year…

» The House at the Edge of Night by Catherine Banner

» The Queen of Blood (Queens of Renthia #1) by Sarah Beth Durst

» The entire Binti series by Nnedi Okorafor

» Bygone Badass Broads by Mackenzi Lee

» Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

» I Liked My Life by Abby Fabiaschi

» The Demon King (Seven Realms #1) by Cinda Williams Chima

» The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

» Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

What are some of your favorite books you’ve read so far this year?

Have you read any of the books on this list?  If so, what did you think?

Comment below & let me know!

Today on the blog I share my favorite #books of the first half of 2018. #BookBlogger #AmReading #Bookworm Since we are more than half way through 2018, I thought I would share some of my favorite reads of the first half of the year.  

[makoparkingonly]

MASS EFFECT ANDROMEDAAAAAAAA

This is gonna be a rambly mess of feelings because I played end game last night and have a lot of thoughts. I’m using a cut but if you’re reading on mobile just scroll really fast past this post.

Okay first of all, I played Sara Shepard, kept the default name (you get to hear it in dialogue!!!!) and default appearance (during the preview I was hesitant to waste even a second of play time on altering my appearance). I romanced Jaal because I really loved his emotional dialogue. I saved the salarian pathfinder instead of the krogan (I thought Drack was gonna kill me). I put colonies on every world, got everything up to 100% viability, and had a planet named after me. I saved Sloane but I couldn’t shoot Reyes in the back.

I got everyone but Peebee loyal because no where on the description box does it tell you how important getting remtech out of the vaults is. By the time I realized I needed it to trigger her mission, I had already cleared the vault and couldn’t go back in. So if you’re reading this and you haven’t cleared all the vaults yet, GET THE REMTECH. 

This is going to be so rambly and out of order but I just found the Jaal sex scene on youtube so let’s start with that. I try really hard not to judge other people’s player creations but this one is . . . not great. Please pay no attention to that. 

It’s like they tried to recreate Amy Schumer and could only work with what Bioware gave them. It’s uncanny valley for sure. 

I actually really like that the romances are so different??? That it’s not “and here you’ll get a romance scene and of course before endgame you’ll have the sex” and the formula from the first three games. I like that this was just a random date on Aya that ended up being, like, the ultimate romance moment of the game. It’s frickin great. 

I’ve since watched the Suvi romance just for some contrast and because she’s the one I’m least likely to want to romance on my own playthrough. Though Ryder has some HILARIOUSLY awkward dialogue (“I like you you’re pretty I like seeing you on the bridge.” Kallo: “kill. me. now.”) that romance doesn’t do nearly as much for me and lacks any semblance of the scorching alien sex scene you get with Jaal. No one takes their clothes off, for starters, and you definitely don’t get boobs and alien oral sex.  

So anyway: romance in this game is great. I’m pretty sure I could have romanced Vetra as a lady, because she was responsive and didn’t shut me down, and I really want to try that. Obviously Liam. Cora shot me down, and so did Lexi. Kallo and Drack weren’t even options, though I’d only romance Drack for the novelty of it. Gil’s only an option for dudes. 

Okay let’s talk about ENDGAME because I just played it and it’s still fresh in my mind. The endgame of Andromeda is what Mass Effect 3 should have been. YOUR WHOLE SQUAD SHOWS UP. ALL OF THEM ARE THERE IN THE FINAL BATTLE and since you can’t direct anyone it doesn’t matter that you can’t direct them either. As you’re charging through the forest in the Nomad all of the various fleets show up. I literally cried when Sloane showed up to make sure that everyone knew that Kadara had helped. 

SPEAKING OF KADARA let’s talk about open world. I’m really grateful that I spent the week before this playing Dragon Age because the maps in Andromeda are basically identical, only space age. It also employed the same method of highlighting loot (only they call it crates). So it’s nice that in the vaults where you need a path, you get the path of previous Mass Effect missions, but you still get open world exploring. 

THE VAULT PUZZLES lol so many videos on youtube of people bitterly complaining about the vault puzzles, I thought they were going to be murderously hard. One guy spent literally two hours trying to figure out a puzzle that you couldn’t use the vault key on. I finished it in under two minutes. It’s basically sudoku with shapes instead of numbers and oddly shaped boxes but it’s still sudoku. I got that. I did not have nearly as much luck with knowing which console to interact with at which time, but you know whaaaatever.

BACK TO FEELINGS also I had a lot of siblings feelings about Scott, and a ton of feelings about the fact that I, the sister, saved him, the brother. It was like Jill of the Jungle all over again. I want to play as male Ryder but I also don’t want to lose that feeling ever. 

I was playing on easy and the endgame was actually super easy. I mean yeah and architect showed up AND nullifiers AND observers AND whatever the ones that make other ones are called, but honestly with your whole squad there it barely mattered? By the time I figured out what Scott was doing and actually paid attention to the architect they’d already mostly taken it down themselves. 

It was just nice to feel like all of the work I’d put into the galaxy paid off. That all the other pathfinders showed up and had all their moments. That you fought beside salarians and turians and also the angara. 

WHICH ALSO OKAY so when you get to choose a representative to the Nexus you can choose the Moshae??? Love that that’s an option. 

AND back to combat I really miss the power wheel, even though this made combat go a lot faster. I didn’t like that I couldn’t direct my squad powers, so combos largely happened by accident, or I made my own with my powers. I never could figure out the mechanics of the favorite profiles, let alone how to switch on the fly like they showed in the combat video. Nor could I find any guide online. 60 hours of game play and I couldn’t figure it out. So much for that being intuitive, Bioware. BUT, I like that there’s finally a reason that Shepard I mean Ryder has so many extra powers and abilities, and Sara teaching Sam how to be a real boy was really cute. ALSO CUTE: THE SPACE HAMSTER. 

And idk I just started thinking about the throwbacks to ME3, the fact that you meet ex-Cerberus scientists in the wilds of Kadara and Conrad Verner’s sister in the port. That Zaeed Massani’s son is in the desert of Eos. That fallout from the Overlord Project follows you to Andromeda. There are so many interesting easter eggs for those who played the original trilogy but this also was really accessible for anyone who’s never played the originals. 

Not related: I had some HILARIOUS bugs in later stages. My ship wouldn’t load sometimes and I found this out because I went up the stairs to the conference center and literally fell out of the spaceship into space because the floor hadn’t loaded. Related: I like that falling off shit doesn’t get you the dreaded death music, that you just pop back up right next to whatever you fell off. 

I like some of the social issues it touched on. The trans woman you meet in the colony on Eos who came to Andromeda to start her new life as a woman. Gil deciding to have a baby with his friend Jill. 

COLONIZATION BABIES. Y’all I want to read (or write) the fic where plural marriages are a thing, and Sara proposes to everyone (including Drack) on the Tempest to make sure they always get to stay together and also because they’re all pretty conveniently in love with each other in various ways because what they really love and want to keep doing is exploring and pathfinding. I want one of them thinking maybe I want to colonize and farming for a bit and being okay at it but ultimately finding it boring as shit so they come back and they’re given a bit of shit for it but it’s okay. I want Sara having Liam’s baby but sleeping in Jaal’s bed most nights while Liam hangs out in Peebee’s escape pod. I want Cora having Gil’s second baby and letting him name it whatever he wants, which is how she ends up with a child named after a drive coil. I want them having petty fights about who left crumbs on the counter in the galley that Lexi tries to mediate. I want them to go to port thinking they want nothing more than to not see each other for a few days and then to end up back in each others presence in an hour because they had a thought they couldn’t wait to share. This may or may not have been influenced by the latest book in the Expansion series, but that’s a different post. 

Because, finally, I LOVE THIS CREW. I started this game off just so unsure of Cora and her talking about what a poooowerful biotic she is and how she scared everyone in the Milky Way and blah blah blah but by the time I finished her loyalty mission I was literally crying about how much I loved her. Last night after endgame I finally finished all of the piddly requests and requirements to make movie night happen and it honestly was the best fucking thing to end a game on. Next play through I’m waiting to do that the very last thing, because it felt like the end of the party at the Citadel DLC, everyone sitting around on a couch and laughing and just being their perfect selves. 

In conclusion: 

Detractors: no power wheel, no squad powers, actually wonky facial animation, some game glitches (I could never complete a mission on the Nexus because I’d already scanned a thing and it kept telling me I hadn’t.) (previously mentioned falling through the floor of my ship)

Positive: heavy on feelings, so many feelings, all of the feelings, my crew, INTERESTING AS FUCK stories, choices that matter, endgame appearances by everyone, twin feelings, open world exploring

EDITED TO ADD: OMFG THE QUARIANS. WE GONNA GET QUARIANS IN ANDROMEDA 2. 

[an-old-archive]

Some FFXV Thoughts

Keep in mind I’m just now at the start of Chapter 10.

Just some thoughts to throw into the void or to see if anyone agrees.

I feel like the overall game is good but I have some gripes about it.

I rather dislike that the game has to be explained by its extra content (Brotherhood and Kingsglaive). I feel like the game should’ve been enhanced by the anime and the movie.  Currently with how abruptly they throw you into the realm of Eos and the story, it feels like they trusted that everyone playing the game would have watched Brotherhood and Kingsglaive first.  I think that’s a rather major flaw in storytelling and assumes way too much about the person playing the game.

I’ve also experienced quite a lot of glitching.  Especially during the Leviathan fight holyshit.  I actually couldn’t move Noctis around for some time.  He just sort of... sat there.  Controller was plugged in and working, I swear, he just decided to get his face nommed by the sea goddess for a bit.  I’ve also encountered similar situations if I warp-strike a certain way.  I’ve gotten caught on a weird invisible pixel and Noctis got like... stuck flailing in the air a few times.  Beyond bizarre. The game has also crashed a few times, but thank God for autosave.

I do like how immersive the world is.  I like how it’s dangerous to be out at night, even if it’s kind of inconvenient for questing purposes (forcing you to take breaks instead of letting you just endlessly do quests without turning in EXP at a campsite).  I like that hunts are still a thing.  And the music is godly.  After Chapter 9, I had to listen to more of the music playing during the Trial of Leviathan-- it’s really good.  The opening scene with the group pushing the car is very memorable, especially with Stand By Me playing in the background. 

The characters are great for the most part, although, I question a lot of Ardyn’s writing and character choices.  Same with just about anyone in the Empire that actively watches Ardyn help Noctis along and just sort of twiddles their thumbs about it.  Aranea, I could understand, as she really doesn’t dislike Lucis or anything.  But Ravus??? Like??? I feel like his introductory scene where Ardyn makes him back off was awkward and didn’t seem to match character motive.  Also why is Ardyn more helpful than people like Cor Leonis, who is a marshal of Lucis and Regis’s old pal?  I feel like Cor should be doing more in the story instead of just showing up here and there.  That being said, I really like Noct and his gang and Luna was a great character (really sad she was offed in such a way and would’ve liked seeing more of her).

Some of the story elements feel a bit recycled from previous FF games. Ardyn gave me a Kefka vibe and from my chatting with friends, apparently I’m not alone in that sentiment.  Luna’s death felt a little eerily similar to Aerith’s.  Noctis has some similarities to FFVII’s Cloud (no, not Advent Children but VII proper) in terms of personality.  I know FF as a series is notorious for reusing elements but it does sort of feel like they’re borrowing popular elements to try to amp up FFXV as a game.  Not sure if I like this or not, but I hope the remaining chapters bring about some freshness to the story.  And hopefully less death and maiming characters that I like.  Speaking of which, I actually kind of like that Ignis was blinded-- it was the extra punch to the gut that Chapter 9 needed, and a lesson to Noctis that his friends aren’t invincible.  In other words, it was a nice story touch.

I dislike that quite a bit of the story/lore is told through idle dialogue during transition.  I feel like it should be shown a bit more, not just revealed through character chatting as they drive or ride a boat.  It just feels a little too exposition-y (is that even a word lmao its 3am pls forgive me) and like most of it could be handled better.  What I DO like about the dialogue is that usually it’s golden.  The interactions are golden.  Prompto’s references to gaining EXP are hilarious. 

Also Aranea is great and I’d love to learn a lot more about her.  The entire dungeon where she replaces Gladio as the 4th member in the party was really well done, I thought and the boss fight was interesting and epic. 

I also like how you can just be walking then suddenly boom, there’s an enemy that’s like 30 levels higher than you.  It adds some fear to venturing out and exploring lol.

This wasn’t supposed to be this long omg but yep, these are my feelings.