#Phoenix the Chocobo

[shinythingsbyorindrake]

Surprise! Let me introduce you to Annie, the Phoenix-obo! Many, many more pictures and words over here.

She'll be headed out to the prize mines for Desert Bus for Hope soon, so please do stay tuned in early November for more specific details on how you can invite her into your home!

[cellgatinbo]

8 hour long video essays/retrospectives on media i've never heard of in my life my beloved <33

[thephoenixcave]

The freebie for Nov/Dec is these “to/from” labels you can stick on your holiday gifts. You get two labels, one moogle and one chocobo. I have been wanting to do sticker gift tags for a while because I love practical stuff. Each shop purchase gets one included free in their order! Www.thephoenixcave.com

[cloudyfenrir]

🛏️ Sick Days  🛏️ || ACCEPTING

[ 🛏️ ] - laying in bed with them as they grow restless || @poeticphoenix

It had been a long time since Cloud had gotten this sick: sure he’d caught a few colds here and there, a stomach bug once in a few years and (of course) his motion sickness but the flu was something he hadn’t caught since he was a young boy.

Stuck in the barracks with so many infantrymen, when one fell ill and didn’t take the right precautions it was safe to say that everyone was going to fall ill. Cloud was unlucky enough to catch a horrible lurgy from a fellow cadet and was taken to the infirmary after nearly fainting during training -- turns out he developed a 103 fever and just wore himself down. Genesis was about to fight off the medical staff to get to Cloud and seemingly wouldn’t leave his side, regardless of the blond’s reassurances that he would be fine.

Something that Cloud didn’t seem to grow out of was that when he had a fever he’d have very strange dreams, sometimes involving textures or sounds that made him feel sick. This lead to very restless, feverish rise and falls rather than actual sleep. During one such night, the blond feels a weight join him atop the uncomfortable infirmary cot, the presence feels safe... Familiar. Opening his weighted eyes did he find himself being held protectively to the commander.

“Genesis...?”

[ladyphoenixnineai]

Fire Chocobo

[lured-into-wonderland]

As much as she shouldn’t be here alone, Nunnally believed he shouldn’t be there either. Sure, men did enjoy more freedom than women ever did, but she doubted the Rosaria heir should be wondering alone so close to the imperial palace. It did make her feel, somewhat, better, but she had no clear plan how to resolve this unfortunate situation.

Or perhaps it was not that unfortunate? Getting to know her husband-to-be in a more causal settings could give her some advantages, some insights into who he really was. Perhaps in such a way they could see some more genuine persons in themselves? And if not, well they could always end up being another political marriage; two people that would have to bear with each other for the greater good of their nations (though truth to be told, she did not like how that sounded or what it implied; Nunnally did not want to waste her life).

She gave the chocobo a gentle node: --

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” – she greeted the bird reaching her hands towards Lord Elwin, and letting him to help her dismount her mare. She patted her animal gently to let her know everything was all right. She doubted Mist had ever seen a chocobo. She had not really either: --

"It would be an honour to be taught how to ride one of these wonderful animals." - the princess remarked making a mental note to find out more about chocobos.

Nunnally was also not sure if Lord Elwin Rosfield believed her little excuse (or lie). After all if Mist had really carried her away, there should already be her guards looking for her. So far he was well-mannered enough to pretend he believed her, although Nunnally could swear she did see a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“So tell me, Lord Elwin what are you doing so close to the imperial palace...alone.” – now when she was walking next to him, he was much more intimidating than he looked from the back of her mare. Towering over her. Nunnally suddenly felt tiny, but she was not scared. Yes, she was aware he could easily ruin her reputation, but first of all something in their short interaction told her he would not. That he would not take advantage of her. And secondly, what good would it bring to them? Yes, he could get her in trouble, but after all she was the Emperor’s daughter, so it would ensured the price she was to pay would not be too great. Perhaps even their marriage would not be cancelled; it was too beneficial for both sides.

“So, what are we going to do with such an interesting - yet unexpected - encounter?” – she offered him an encouraging smile – “I could show you around, if you’d like…” – and perhaps that could give us a chance to chat without the prying eyes – “…and then part…”

“…and next time we’ll meet during the ball, we’d pretend this meeting never happened…?”

Nunnally turned around with an attempt to into his blues eyes; she wanted to see them when he was to reply to her questions. She really wanted to know what he thought about this unexpected situation. Although honesty could not happen between them right now. Or at least that was what she believed. After all she was the daughter of the Emperor of Sanbreque. And he was the next Archduke or Rosaria. And so was she the next Archduchess as well?

She suddenly wondered if high-born men in Rosaria were free to wander so freely or was her fiancée just as unique in that respect as she was. Did it mean they had something in common? Though it was still better to pretend, they did not.

What would her life be there? Easier or more difficult when Lord Elwin prematurely found out her (little) secret.

What twist of fate was this, that the betrothed pair should cross paths in such a manner? And for the first time, no less? If his father knew of this, he would be most displeased; it was improper for engaged royalty and nobility to be alone unsupervised, at least in Rosaria -- though he assumed similar would be the case here in Sanbreque.

Though Elwin had to admit, he was curious what the princess was doing out here on her own. Weren't noblewomen ordinarily accompanied by handmaidens, or escorts for protection?

"Lady Nunnally." The name was repeated with great care, a slowness that almost gave away the awe that he felt in her presence. A beautiful name for a beautiful woman. Her companion's was no less so, as was her appearance too. Quickly enough, the nerves that had been tugging at his confidence released their grip, and the marquess broke into a bright, warm smile towards both princess and mare. Another bow, this one just a nod of his head, was directed towards Nunnally. "Lady Mist." The next bow of his head was directed towards the horse.

At his side, his own companion huffed in irritation towards his master. The young man's brows rose, then he turned towards the chocobo, offering another soothing pat to the bird's side and a soft laugh under his breath. "I would never forget you, my friend," he assured him. "This fine fellow is Eleftherios." That seemed to appease Eleftherios, enough so that he let out a contented "kweh". Nunnally's remark about Mist did not go unheard; but first, Elwin's focus was upon her requests. "Of course, Your Royal Highness." As he closed the gap between them, footsteps light yet determined, he extended a hand up to her, ready to aid her in dismounting as soon as she was ready. Undeniably, his smile did soften -- though the warmth remained just as radiant, befitting of one from not just Rosaria, but from the direct bloodline of the Phoenix's power.

"I cannot say that I know much about horses, for which I request your forgiveness towards my ignorance..." His tone softened, too. ".. But with Eleftherios, I view him as a beloved friend and partner, rather than simply a mount. When shown the respect that he naturally deserves, he becomes more agreeable in working with me -- although his temperament remains stubborn as ever." Another soft laugh. There's a mischievous glint in his ocean-green eyes, although he's cautious against letting her see more than a glimpse of it. "And I would have him no other way."

[artandsomethingcreated]

Final Fantasy VI October Prompt List!

Tada! I made a list! Thank you to @wsancho and @meranie for the suggestions!

I almost made number 16 "Dealer's Choice" insted of "Free Space" so feel free to use that instead if you want lol.

I was thinking we could use the tag #FF6Celebration to keep it together and be able to see what everyone else has made!

I figure it doesnt have to only be drawings but ficlets or whatever too. The point is to have fun and share in celebration together, so it doesnt matter how you do it as long as you are having fun!

Feel free to do whatever you want with the pic, i made it for the fandom so use it however you want.

Prompt list in text form under cut. (And promised pings)

Text prompt list;

1st day of Ruin

Chocobo

Tattoo

Phoenix (Fenix)

Train

Treasure

Crown

Airship

Magic

Esper(s)

Years later

Fire

Ice

Lightning

Opera

Free space

Poison

Memento

Hope

Remembrance

Freedom

Dreams

Role Swap

Floating Continent

Ultima

Favorite Item

Magicite

Chainsaw

Shiny Shiny

Monster(s)

Clothing Swap

@a-nude-ghost @laurentheflute @bluebrickhouse @takoyaki-is-mental @tayasigerson @friends-w-ghosts

[rottenpumpkin13]

What do you think is AGGSZC's relationship with chocobos? Would they own one(or more) as pets like if they were dogs or would they just use them for transport? Would they buy accessories or toys for them?

(AAAAAA I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE YOU FOLLOW ME I LOVE THE WAY YOU WRITE THE FF CAST SPECIALLY GENESIS 🥹💕)

THANK YOU I LIKE YOUR BLOG TOO 💚

Angeal: Uses his chocobo as transport for sustainability, but it's more than that. He makes sure the chocobo is well-fed, rested, and never overburdened, pampers the chocobo and mothers the heck out of it, treating it like his own kid, makes sure the chocobo feels loved and valued. He goes as far as hosting chocobo play dates with Genesis and his chocobo, which Angeal's chocobo doesn't like because Genesis' chocobo is a spoiled, evil little creature.

Genesis: His chocobo is a pampered showpiece, a great scarlet bird bedecked in expensive accessories, probably named Phoenix, used primarily for racing and winning awards. Genesis loves to brag about Phoenix and all the awards he's won, and how elegant and sophisticated it—"NO, NO, PHOENIX! DO NOT ROLL AROUND IN MUD!"

Cloud: He'd have a great black chocobo, probably named something that alludes to Norse mythology, like 'Gullinkambi,' after one of the three roosters whose crowing is foretold to signify the beginning of the events of Ragnarök. He'd share a deep bond with his chocobo and use it not only for transportation but also for racing. Since they're very good at it, they've won lots of awards.

Zack: His chocobo is as bright and energetic as he is—a tall, golden bird that Zack had to resist naming "Cloud," fearing that the real Cloud might kill him for it. It's a lovable companion that Zack showers with affection and attention. Zack is definitely the type to take his chocobo (probably named something like Thrasher or Ripper despite buying it playful accessories like cowboy hats and sunglasses) everywhere with him. He protests with "What do you mean my buddy can't come in here? He’s just as much a paying customer as everyone else." Zack has tried to disguise his chocobo as a human on more than one occasion.

Sephiroth: He has a beautiful silver chocobo he's named something endearing like "Nova." Shinra has attempted to get him to race it for more propaganda and another revenue stream, but Sephiroth refuses. It’s not that he doesn’t appreciate chocobo racing as a sport—he does—but the idea of subjecting Nova to that environment doesn’t sit well with him. He uses his chocobo primarily for transportation, ensuring Nova gets plenty of time outdoors and experiences more of the planet than just the stables at the Shinra HQ.

The times when Sephiroth feels the most free are when he and Nova are alone in the grasslands, where they can roam freely and feel as if they can go anywhere and do anything. But Sephiroth knows Shinra well and understands that whatever he grows too attached to will eventually be taken away. So he makes the difficult decision to let Nova go one day, taking it to a place where it can be with other chocobos and live a happier life than Sephiroth could offer in his confined space.

[preposterousgreen]

Between the ages of 19 and 24, Angeal was keeping a streak going in which nobody had to use a tuft of phoenix down or Revive on him. He is, after all, the tank of tanks.

He wishes he could say the streak got broken during an epic battle of some sort, but the fact of the matter is that a draft chocobo got overexcited about the armload of greens he was bringing her and dropped him like a sack of potatoes.

[drabblesandimagines]

Jealous

Clive Rosfield x fem reader Early-to-mid FF16 spoilers, based on this request.

Clive is in a foul mood - a scowl firmly in place as he strides around the Hideaway, pretending to have purpose.

He should be elated, overjoyed, ecstatic even - finally reunited with his beloved younger brother after years of chasing his shadows, always a step or two behind his trail.

And he is, in a way, happy to see him…

..but not so much with you.

The Fire Dominant had been looking forward to the two of you meeting – two important people in his life coming face to face. He’d spent the trip back to the hideaway telling Joshua about the characters within, speaking of you more often than the others, regaling his younger brother with stories of your skill, bravery, compassion, wit.

Clive didn’t know what to call the relationship between the two of you, if there was a word even for it. There was always some pressing matter that had stopped you progressing to courtship, something holding the two stagnant. Touches were often, flirtatious sometimes, but never progressing further than firm grips on each other’s shoulders in reassurance, or hands clasped in momentary comfort. There had been an almost kiss, he thought, after a tumble in the Royal Meadows. A misstep had sent you falling and in his panic to try and catch you Clive had ended up falling too, cushioning your fall. You were leant over him, breathing slightly heavy from shock, faces inches apart and he’d thought if he lifted his head, he could kiss your lips…

Until Torgal had come bounding in, giving his master a lick on the face.

Joshua, however, had waltzed in and easily done what Clive had never had the courage to do. Upon introduction, the Phoenix had dropped down to one knee, taken your outstretched hand in way of greeting and pressed a soft kiss against the back of it, all whilst maintaining eye contact.

“A pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lady.”

Clive had never seen you look so flustered, causing his stomach to tighten in knots. Why couldn’t he be the one making your cheeks flush?

Joshua gets back to his feet, his hand holding yours all the while before he lets go – it feels an eternity to Clive. But, then again, why shouldn’t you be charmed by the Phoenix? Everyone else had always been. The golden-haired, blue-eyed boy had been adored by the people of Rosaria, the pride and joy of his mother’s eye. Joshua always had a natural charm about him.

He’s happy Joshua’s alive and here. He reassures himself of the thought over and over, as if the Gods might overhear and punish him somehow. The weighty guilt has alleviated from his shoulders after all those years, but now, too soon, a new worry is ready to take hold.

What if you liked Joshua? What if he liked you?

“It is nice to put a face to a name. My dear brother could hardly speak of none other on our journey.”

“Oh. All good things, I hope.” You smile at Clive, but he doesn’t notice with his stare fixed firmly on Joshua.

“Why, of course, my lady.” Joshua grins, boyishly. “I wouldn’t have permitted otherwise.”

--

Clive doesn’t know how to handle the jealously building within. From that first meeting, it doesn’t seem like a day goes by without him finding the two of you in each other’s company, in various places across the hideaway. He’s come across you in the shelves for hours, visiting the chocobos on the upper deck, admiring the flowers down in the backyard. You’d even been in the infirmary with him on a number of occasions as Tarja insisted on regular check-ups.

Clive knows he’s letting his temper getting the better of him, that it’s dangerous because Ifrit tenses beneath his skin. He’s been storming about the Hideaway all morning, despite having no errands to do. Everyone seems to have picked up on his mood, withholding their requests in fear of being snapped at.

Everyone except you, apparently.

“Clive! There you are.” You appear at his side, your hand grabbing his arm. He hates how you can make him feel like Ramuh’s channeling through his veins with your electric touches.

“Sorry, can’t stop.” He grunts in response, trying to shrug you off. He doesn’t want to lose his temper at you.

“That’s okay,” you say, cheerily. “I can walk and talk.”

He stops then, meeting your gaze. “Why don’t you talk to Joshua?”

“Sorry?” The confusion in your voice is apparent, and he knows that should be his cue to stop, but he can’t.

“You seem to do nothing else but these days…” The words flow out of him like lava, they burn his throat but he can’t stop now the dam has burst. “..to the detriment of your duties.”

“Detriment?” The confusion is gone, defensiveness taking hold in the place of hurt. “Do forgive me, I wasn’t aware the quality of my work was being questioned.”

“Well, it is. Have you forgotten what we’re fighting for? Every day we delay, another Bearer dies whilst you…” He swallows. “Whilst you flirt.”

Jealousy has coated his tongue and poisoned his words.

“Flirt? I…” You swallow your sentence down, not wanting to entertain this further.

“Allow me to rectify my shortcomings posthaste, my lord.” Your voice is tight, hands clenched, heart breaking. You steady your breath and spin on your heels, heading towards the mess.

The jealous monster in Clive’s stomach settles for a moment of clarity, his stomach sinking at the realization of what he’s done, what he’s accused you. He strides after you, reaching out a hand to apologise, your name on the tip of his tongue to be called out to beg forgiveness. But, at that same moment, he sees Joshua interrupting your ascent up the staircase, taking note of your sour expression. The Phoenix places his hand on your shoulder in concern, and the jealous monster rages once more.

--

Later that afternoon, Clive has sequestered himself in his chambers, dealing with a pile of missives that he has allowed to build up over the past few days. The task is doing nothing to alleviate his sour mood after that awful interaction with you earlier. A number of them are thank you notes for the hideaway’s assistance in matters and more than a few mention you specifically by name, all dated on instances you’d stepped in in his absence.

And he’d accused you of neglecting your duties, of all things. He rubs his temples in exasperation. What has he done?

There’s a knock at the door.

“What?” He barks, hoping the tone of voice might deter them.

The door opens. “Brother.”

He looks up to see Joshua shutting the door behind him as he enters, a charming smile on his face as usual.

“You should be resting.” Clive chides, looking back down at the missives.

“I am fine.” Joshua folds his arms. “I am, however, concerned about you.”

“Don’t be.”

Joshua hums in interest. “You seem almost irritated by my presence of late.”

“You’re mistaken.”

“I do not believe I am.” A pause. “And I speculate it is to do with my interactions with a certain maiden.”

“No.” He jabs the quill into the ink bottle with a little too much gusto. “I’m happy for the two of you.”

“Happy?” Joshua sounds confused.

“The two of you have grown very close. You’ve been spending a lot of time together - I’d be blind not to notice.”

Joshua laughs – a chuckle from deep within his chest - and Clive’s grip tightens on the quill. “Forgive me, brother. Do you think I am pursuing a courtship?”

“What you are pursuing is none of my concern.”

“I believe there has been a misunderstanding. Yes, we have been spending a fair amount of time together, but not for the reason you seem to so firmly believe. You see..” he uncrosses his arms and places his palms flat on the desk, leaning forward. “..I wanted to find out more about the woman who had so clearly stolen my dear brother’s heart.”

“What?” He looks up and Joshua has the audacity to look amused.

“We were talking about you. I had the impression you sought my approval with your tales of her. I must’ve misunderstood your intentions.”

“I… have been a fool.”

“Mayhaps.” Joshua steps back, folding his arms once more. “But she finds you endearing, or so I’ve gathered.”

“My apologies, Joshua. I don’t know what drove me to this madness.”

“I do.” He smiles. “You’re in love with her, brother. You were jealous.”

“I must apologise…” He gets to his feet with such force the chair almost goes toppling to the ground.

“Ah, she’s not here. A stolas arrived from Martha, I believe. Trouble with bandits – she took the skiff out shortly after.”

“Alone?”

“Otto suggested she wait, but she seemed determined to handle it.”

“I must go.” He makes to move past Joshua before he pauses, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Forgive me, brother.”

“Forgiven.” Joshua nods. “Go.”

--

Clive heart pounds as he ascends the steps to Sleeping Chocobo, pushing the double doors open. It is busy this evening, the townsfolk preferring the warm atmosphere of the inn than their homes. He’ll speak to Martha, he thinks, see where you went, beg forgiveness so that maybe he can meet his eyes again without feeling awful.

“That was quick,” Martha greets to Clive’s confusion as he approaches the bar. “I barely sent that stolas.”

“Sorry, what stolas?”

His heart stops as he hears the combination of your name and injured in the same sentence.

“Now before you panic, she’s all right. The Bloodaxe miscounted – said it was only three bandits but it turned out to be five, otherwise I would’ve never sent her out on her own. We’ve patched her up and fed her, but she seemed upset about something. I didn’t feel right letting her traipse off in the night like that, so I sent a stolas asking if someone could accompany her back. She’s upstairs at the moment - room two.”

“Thank you, Martha.” He turns to head towards the stairs when the sliding of a key across the bar stops him.

“I might’ve locked her in. I thought it might be morning before someone could reach here and she was so determined to leave.”

“Ah.” Clive nods, taking the key. “I understand. Thank you.”

He walks past the patrons and climbs the stairs towards the rooms. His heart is pounding, what does one even say in this situation? He finds room two and slides the key into the lock, twisting it and opening the door.

“Finally! Martha, you must agree this is ridiculous…” You stop as you see Clive enter the room, looking apologetically awkward. He shuts the door behind him, blocking it with his frame. You’re not sure if it’s deliberate.

“I’m not neglecting my duties.” You protest, standing up from the bed in defiance. “Martha locked me in. I could’ve kicked the door in, but I thought Otto would’ve given me an earful if he saw it on the expenses.”

He hasn’t taken in anything you’ve said, too concerned by your appearance.

“You’re hurt.” There’s a bruise blooming on your cheek, a bandage wrapped around your forearm - the guilt in his stomach is as if he had inflicted the wounds upon you himself.

“I’m fine. They told me it was three bandits – I clocked the fourth but the fifth snuck up on me.”

“Where are they now?” His fist clenches – the idea of anyone laying their hands upon you with malicious intent…

“Dead. I had no choice.” You cross your arms in defence. “Why are you here - come to check on my conduct?”

To your surprise, he drops down to his knee, bowing his head, as a knight does when they swear fealty. “I came here to apologise. What I said was not only untrue but entirely uncalled for. I can only beg for your forgiveness.”

“There’s no need for that, I’m not your Lord Commander.”

“You should be.” Clive looks up. “The missives recently speak of the exemplary nature of your work and conduct.”

“Tell me - what is this truly about, Clive?”

“It’s immature.” He doesn’t want to say it, but he knows he must be truthful now. “You and Joshua always seemed to be in one another’s company of late.”

“That’s true – I’m afraid I’ve been rather taken with his stories of your younger years together, but I don’t understand the connection.”

“I… I was jealous. You seemed rather taken by his greeting.”

“Greeting?” You look puzzled for a moment, before it clicks. “It… That had just never happened to me before. No-one ever greets a Bearer in such a way.”

“Allow me to rectify.” He takes your hand without thought, bringing his lips to the back of it in a kiss, staring at you with those deep blue eyes. Your face burns. “Can you ever forgive me, my lady?”

“You said you were jealous.”

“I did.”

“Jealous that perhaps me and Joshua were… something more?” He’s still holding your hand.

He takes a breath to steady his nerves. “Yes.”

“All right. I’ll forgive you - on one condition.”

“Name it and it is yours.”

You pull him up back to his feet. “Kiss me.”

Clive does not need told twice. It’s a fierce kiss – his arms wrap around your waist as he lifts you up slightly to meet his lips in a crushing embrace, you tangle your hands in his scruffy hair, trying to pull him closer. It’s clumsy and frantic, allowing your emotions to be carried away at long last.

Clive steps back, his calves colliding into the edge of the bed and he pulls you down, you straddling him between your thighs as you break the kiss on the impact.

You look down at him, catching your breath as he looks up at you with a handsome grin.

“I believe Martha’s intention was for me to have this room for the night, my lord.”

“Then, my lady,” he laces his fingers inbetween yours, bringing it up to his mouth and placing another soft kiss across your knuckles, “let us take advantage.”

-

Masterlist . Requests welcome . Ko-fi

[aislingyngaio-games]

Junon and Nibelheim Tifa symbolism through Rebirth lore

This tumblr post is actually further expansion from this twitter thread I made on the relationship between Tifa and Junon that I've noticed. Now that Rebirth is out.... hoo boy idk if I'm overthinking this or if the devs are just this big-brained. Spoiler alert for Rebirth, OBVIOUSLY. You have been warned.

Part 1: Phoenix, Deity of Junon Region

So to begin with, I'd like to draw your attention to what actually first attracted my attention to the possibly deliberate symbolism of Junon: the combination of the regional deity (Phoenix) and the regional chocobo (Belle the mountain chocobo).

As is obvious to any Final Fantasy fan by now, Phoenix is the summon of fire and life/rebirth, two themes important to Cloud and Tifa, both of whose childhoods "died" in the Nibelheim fire and massacre five years ago and yet "reborn", or rather survived, from the ashes of their fallen hometown because of their promise and bond with each other. They are each other's proofs they are who they are: Cloud and Tifa from Nibelheim. As a sea-facing town with an underwater reactor (even Under Junon is named "Sea Dragon Square"), wouldn't it have been more thematically appropriate to have Junon worship either the Leviathan (admittedly Leviathan is the guardian deity of Wutai in FF7 lore, but Wutai was pushed to pt3, and it didn't stop Leviathan from being a Chadley-earned summon in Remake either) or Shiva deities (which is the summon you get in OG Junon from Priscilla) instead of Phoenix, unless the switch was a deliberate narrative choice? After all, as I've posted in my original Twitter thread, Junon is the first place Real Cloud truly tries hard to "awaken" SOLDIER Cloud into speaking with Tifa. This is translated in Rebirth into Cloud and Tifa's reconciliation after their falling out at Kalm, and Tifa's relationship wheel being the non-optional, story-mandated dialogue choice in this chapter. The Rebirth-themed summon in the Rebirth-named game being set in the Junon region over all other regions? HMMMMMMMM. (And nobody better forget that Mr Dolphin <-> Tifa's limit break Dolphin Blow parallel either ;) )

Also, OG callback: Phoenix summon was actually obtained from Fort Condor in OG, and guess what huge ass creature immediately appeared the moment the party exited the Junon-side entrance of Mythril Mines? Aye, the Giant Condor. The protorelic sidequest in Junon is also linked to the Fort Condor minigame (a variation of the boardgame from FF7 Remake Intermission) that specifically chose to magick both Cloud and Tifa (as well as Barret) in to do battle. And of course, the "Dreaming of Blue Skies" Tifa-related sidequest in Junon region involves baiting the Giant Condor with bovine meat to take a picture of (and while waiting, they sky-gazed together at the clouds).

(Side Crisis Core tangent: Phoenix's materia is obtained from - guess where - NIBELHEIM WATER TOWER, as the first part of the Seven Wonders of Nibelheim sidequest)

(Side simulation tangent: The Phoenix simulation Chadley makes for the Rebirth team to fight can summon Bombs, which is one of the two bracelet charms Tifa is prominently featured with in the Retrilogy, the other being Chocobo, which usually symbolizes Cloud)

(Side LOVELESS tangent: The summon that Rosa calls to defeat Varvados looks amazingly like the Phoenix summon, and the resultant ending motif - the fiery destruction of Guardia, the mutual protection of Alphreid and Rosa, and the unpromised promise of fidelity and reunion - most resembles the destruction of Nibelheim, the mutual protection between Cloud and Tifa - Cloud as Tifa's physical protector & Tifa [being Cloud's motivation] as Cloud's emotional protector, and the fulfilled yet voluntarily continual fulfillment of the promise at the water tower between them)

Part 2: Odin, Deity of Nibel Region

Now what of the actual place of Cloud and Tifa's births? Well the regional deity is, appropriately, Odin, Norse god of death, while the regional chocobo is Selena Shirena (in JP romaji), the blue ocean chocobo.

Odin in OG is also obtained from Nibelheim (specifically Shinra Mansion), and interestingly, when linked with "Added Effect" materia on an armour piece, can provide immunity to instant death on the wearer, while if the same pair of linked materia is equipped on a weapon, it can cause instant death. This is a most curious and most pertinent symbolism for the birthplace of not only the only two people in the FF7 party to have ever tasted Masamune blade first and survived (rip to the other Nibel villagers though) but also, thematically tragically, the birthplace of Sephiroth, whose destructive powers with said blade are legendary. Not forgetting of course, that central in the stories of Nibelheim is "the other side of the mountain" being a local reference to the mythical/thematic land of the dead (remember which two characters are pictured on the Mt Nibel side of the two Rebirth Nibelheim keyarts?).

Part 3: Junon/Nibel Connection via Regional Chocobo Abilities

From Junon region, we have Belle the grey mountain chocobo (which btw, is a requirement to reach the Phoenix summon crystals that will both weaken the simulation fight and strengthen the summon materia), and a clearer parallel cannot help being drawn to Cloud and Tifa hailing from the village of Nibelheim located at the base of MOUNT NIBEL, where both share memories being on that mountain (once when Tifa was 8 and Cloud 9, and again when Tifa was 15 and Cloud 16 - SEVEN years apart). Similarly, the Nibel region chocobo - required to access the Odin summon crystal - is Shirena the blue ocean chocobo, making both Junon and Nibel chocobo abilities the diametrically opposite elements of their region's most significant landscape/towns - Junon the ocean-facing city with the mountain chocobo, and Nibelheim the mountain-shadowed village with the ocean chocobo.

(Side Costa del Sol tangent: Cloud's blue shirt swimsuit is named "Ocean Chocobo" which makes for it being the Nibel region Chocobo ability seems accidentally on purpose appropriate, as well as being the more "real Cloud" of the two swimsuit options for him imo, while the Wild Surf option seems too... Zack minus the sunflower, so basically the SOLDIER Cloud option)

So, let's now look at the symbolism of Junon and Nibelheim together, as both mirrors and opposites, as parts of a whole.

Junon and Nibelheim

Phoenix and Odin

Life and death

Mountain and ocean

East continent and west continent

Taken together, the bond between Junon and Nibelheim almost looks like the endless cycle of death and life/rebirth, which is very symbolic of how the Lifestream works (those who are born from the Lifestream return to the Lifestream). Just as Phoenix is both life and destruction, just as Odin can be both death and protection, it is the complementary, symbiotic love of Cloud and Tifa, at once opposites yet similar, at once separate but a team, both strong yet each having their own weaknesses that the other balances, that ultimately is most emblematic of the lifecycle of the planet.

It is no wonder then, that Tifa is the one chosen by the planet and the WEAPONs, both in OG when Sapphire Weapon caused the distraction that allowed her to both embody yet subvert her role as the Andromeda of Greek legend by enabling her to save herself from her execution at Junon with the help of friends, and in Rebirth when the Gongaga WEAPON choose to show her the true struggle of the planet that she might reach Final Heaven, and be the heroine who will save and stay by the hero's side till the end.

[wsancho]

FF6Celebration Recap

Thank you all for reading, for the feedback, for the encouragement, and for the ideas exchange❣️🙏🏼

After wrestling too much with my first couple of fanfics, I got into this challenge hoping to get the juices flowing with less struggle. This greatly helped with that, also helped me get into some characters and themes for which I had no insights or very little enthusiasm whatsoever, and I got to develop a routine.

However, I don't see myself taking on similar challenges any time soon. This served its purpose, but because of its nature, I barely got to sit with ideas or review/edit what I wrote, which I do not fucking like 😤 (I will not edit these, though)

I'm very much into failing fast and often, so here are 30+ consecutive failures that I'm glad I wrote and, as reported, some of you actually enjoyed reading 😌❤️

Feel free to tear all this shit apart! 🤘🏼😛

1st day of Ruin: Mercy (Banon)

Chocobo: Artist's Rendition (Relm, Strago)

Tattoo: Resolute Radiance (Sabin, Edgar)

Phoenix (Fenix): Leave Me Here (Setzer, Edgar, Sabin)

Train: Daydreaming (Sabin, Shadow, Cyan)

Treasure: Legitimate Value (Sabin, Edgar)

Crown: Time Out Of Mind (Kefka)

Airship: Self-Limiting (Daryl, Setzer)

Magic: Racing Thoughts (Edgar)

Esper(s): Meltdown (Terra)

Years later: Sordid (Cyan)

Fire: Generals' Table (Kefka, Leo, Celes)

Ice: Collective Warmth (Mog)

Lightning: Seduced (Edgar, Locke, Setzer, Relm, Celes, Terra)

Opera: Heroing For Each Other (Setzer, Celes)

*Free space*: Piece of Cake (Sabin, Edgar)

Poison: Not Lecturing (Sabin, Edgar)

Memento: Hunter's Moon (Maduin)

Hope: I Hope And So It Is (Locke, Rachel)

Remembrance: The King's Will (High Priestess, Chancellor, Sabin)

Freedom: The Big Picture (Edgar, Setzer)

Dreams: Poky (Mog, Ramuh)

Role Swap: Arrested Happiness (Setzer, Daryl, Sabin) Pledge (Cyan, Celes)

Floating Continent: Gifted Free Will (Warring Triad)

Ultima: Wretched (Edgar, Terra, Locke, Sabin)

Favorite Item: Gratified (Edgar, Terra, Locke, Sabin)

Magicite: Life's Best (Cid, Celes)

Chainsaw: Distinguished Female (Edgar, Locke, Sabin Celes)

Shiny Shiny: Collector's Item (Gau)

Monster(s): Young Promise (Cid, Gestahl, Kefka)

Clothing Swap: Camaraderie (Edgar, Sabin, Locke, Setzer)

[thephoenixcave]

New month new sticker sheet! Help the Fat Chocobo get his favorite treats! This mini sticker sheet will be included free with any purchase from The Phoenix Cave for the month of Feb 2023

[meowww-ffxiv]

#FFXIVWrite2024

Prompt 2: Horizon

Borrowing Eyrie from @impossible-rat-babies ! <3 Thanks for letting me write about them!

.

"Minana!"

Her mother's panicked cries did not slow the girl's pace. For a wee thing of only six years, and a Lalafell at that, she was a fast scamperer. Peddlers along the rim of Horizon watched, amused, as the bob of bright pink hair bounced past their stalls, its owner rushing with such purpose to her goal by the stairs that she seemed like an arrow seeking a legendary beast--

But she drew to a sharp, precise stop the moment her tiny feet touched the edge of the chocobo's shadow. Bright green eyes gazed intently into black. The imposing chocobo stayed perfectly still; so did Minana. For a tense moment, they regarded each other.

Then the great bird turned away, if only because her rider had put a hand on her flank with a gentle murmur.

Minana didn't even seem to notice. Her eyes were fixed on the towering, majestic bird, like it was a phoenix given life and not something she saw everyday, albeit in a different hue.

The intensity of her gaze made her quarry's Vieran companion turn and take notice of her. They smiled, too, a gentle expression. "What is your name, little one?" they asked.

Minana pointed at their chocobo. "She's not Thanalan breed."

The bird snapped her beak, and the girl shied away. At six years old, a Lalafellin child barely came up to the knees of this Vieran traveler, and their impressive chocobo could very easily pluck that tiny hand off like a berry. But her handler stroked her beak and soothed her, so Minana's confidence was quickly restored, and she skirted around towards the Viera.

"She's not La Noh-scean either," she declared. "Not bulky."

"No, indeed not," the Vieran stranger agreed, amused. "Would you like to know what she is?"

Minana thought to herself for a long, intense moment. "She's--"

"Minana!"

A Lalafellin woman with similar pink hair and ruddy cheeks from running swooped in. She plucked her daughter up in her arms, then bowed near double at the traveler Minana had accosted. "I'm so sorry. She's just... She loves chocobos."

"It's quite alright," the Viera said kindly. Before they could get another word in edgewise, however, the girl had been dragged away kicking and screaming by her mother, who hissed something about a late dinner and getting grounded. Sensitive ears could pick up on the missus saying, That bird could have lamed you! Did you not remember what the other one did to your cousin?!

The entire situation resolved in under fifteen seconds. Eyrie stood where they were for a moment, blinking. Then they shook their head as though to clear the confusion, and led the mildly miffed Gingko to the shaded area.

"Eyrie," another peddler greeted them. "Good to see ye traveling by foot through the area an' not riding them fancy aethercurrents or whatever adventurers of that incline do. The usual?"

At Eyrie's nod, the peddler started laying out packs of ration, though unlike the fare she would sell to most of these travelers, these included far more dried fruits and berries. As she did so, Eyrie asked, "Who was that pink-haired girl and the woman?"

"Minana's the tyke, Mifana her mother," the peddler replied. "Lost her husband during the Calamity, she did, but she was a resourceful and indomitable woman. She done good for herself. Too bad the lil 'un is now old enough to run amok." She chuckled. "Might even have a future adventurer on her hands someday. No offense."

The dried berries and nuts looked too appetizing for a chocobo's sensibilities. Gingko slowly moved her head towards the treat, and Eyrie quickly pulled her away. "Do you see Minana often?" they asked the peddler.

"Everyday. What for?"

As they fetched the money to pay for the order, Eyrie also drew out something -- a long feather in Gingko's hue, indeed one of the ones she recently shed. It had been made into a sort of bauble by tying delicate dyed strings of green and blue towards the end, weighed by a hollowed marble. They had intended to gift it to some indeterminate person, but this seemed where it was destined to part from their possession.

The peddler's sun-wizened face softened as Eyrie held the feather out to them. She pulled a strip of cloth and swiftly wrapped it up, keeping it out of sight of fellow peddlers -- something made by the Warrior of Light would surely fetch sixteen times its weight in gold, and she was one of the few who would rather not weight gold with a little girl's joy.

"Do I tell her who it's from?" she asked Eyrie.

The vaunted Warrior of Light smiled. "It's from the adventurer whose chocobo she liked, obviously. And do tell her that her name is Gingko, and that she is a spoiled Ishgardian bird."

Gingko nipped at their ear for the insult and squawked, earning a bark of laughter from the peddler.

[sly-fin]

Sketch idea: chocobo Cloud! Aka Cloud in his natural, chocobo form. The world needs more Chococloud.

Or, since you seem to draw more Sephiroth, Sephikitty!

Or, since we're on the theme, Puppy Zack, Bear Angeal, or Phoenix Genesis.

Or any of them in a onesie or hanging out with their animal.

Pictures from the group chat of the boys with their animals :D

Sephiroth: “asshole woke me up”

Zack (Aerith hyjacked his PHS): “He stole a dog off the street and now says it’s ours.”

Cloud: “help.”

[acoustic-rob]

I think everybody who follows me knows all this already but what the hell, here's my Final Fantasy XIV character.

— B A S I C S

Name: Eynrael Wistweinwyn

Nicknames: Eyn

Age: mid to late 20s, probably?

Nameday: 19th Sun of the 3rd Astral Moon

Race: Roegadyn (Sea Wolf)

Gender: Female

Orientation: Lesbian, happily married

Profession: Warrior. Although she's good with a gun--MCH is her preferred job when they don't need her axe--and also plays around with red magic.

— P H Y S I C A L A S P E C T S

Hair: Brown, with red highlights. The highlights aren't natural; she paid Jandelaine for them some time in the past.

Eyes: Also brown

Skin: Light green

Tattoos/scars: She has a scar on her cheek that she could easily erase with healing magic but she keeps it around for Reasons. Tattoos include an elaborate tattoo of a phoenix on one arm and shoulder, the Warrior jobstone on the inside forearm of her axe hand, and some basic bitch tattoos like the sea turtle on her ankle. Look, not everything has deep meaning, OK?

— F A M I L Y

Parents, Siblings, Grandparents: She cut her birth family out of her life years ago. They may be still alive, but they're dead to her.

In-laws and Other: Let's start with Other: her wife, Gabrielle, also an adventurer. They're hopelessly in love with each other.

She's on good terms with Gabrielle's family, although it took a while for her sister Artemis to warm up to her. She was responsible for reuniting Gabrielle with her father Constantine; she's justifiably smug about that.

Pets: A pet slime named Reggie.

— S K I L L S

Abilities: Aside from being an all-around godslaying badass Eyn is a good sailor, has a good head for numbers, and is surprisingly well-read for a big green slab of muscle.

Hobbies: Sailing, reading, folk dancing. She sings and plays the fiddle. And she likes mixing up perfumes and scented massage oils for her friends.

— T R A I T S

Most Positive Traits: Kind, generous, confident, persistent.

Most Negative Traits: Stubborn, sometimes overconfident. Doesn't like to rely on others, which means she doesn't always let her loved ones know when she needs their support. Or, sometimes, that they're loved.

— L I K E S

Colors: Mostly earth tones, deep browns and blues and reds

Smells: Leather, unsmoked tobacco, gun oil, her wife's cooking

Textures: Really smoothly finished wood

Drinks: Strong fruity bar drinks with umbrellas in them.

�� O T H E R D E T A I L S

Smokes: No

Drinks: Too much, especially before she hooked up with Gabrielle.

Drugs: Does caffeine count? She lives on cheap takeout and black coffee.

Mount Issuance: Besides her chocobo Fezzik she has a white griffon named Bela.

Been Arrested: Not exactly. She was a pirate before becoming an adventurer but repented and threw herself on Merlwyb's mercy. And ever since then she's striven to be worthy of that mercy and to extend it to anyone who asks for it.

Tagging @sjofn-lofnsdottr and @sarahsyna