#kivabi

[ganet]

Thoughts on Versus' (potential) relationships: Kiva & Zaybi

Original post

WARNING: SPOILERS!

I find them rather fascinating. In fact, the more I read Versus the more similarities I see in them. Certain scenarios also play out similarly for them both, which is interesting. They obviously have their differences as well, but those only help keep my interest in them. (This also has made me ship them a bit, since the soulmate trope is one of my weakness. And I know there is a big age gap between these two, and one huge thing is that I usually don't like those with my personal fav ships so I hardly have such ships. However, there is something going on with these two that I keep my eyes open for, that is, if there is more for them in the future.)

Style

One thing I find rather funny is the sense of style they both seem to have. You can see it's important to them, and in Zaybi's case ONE even mentions it in his notes. A gentleman killer demon with victorian gothic style (I presume, do correct me if I am wrong), and a human mage who wants to be "fashionable" (which is why he doesn't wear the mage robe normally or why he has those trinkets around his neck).

Here's Zaybi's and Kiva's character sheets by ONE, translated:

Captains

Chapters 1, 16, 2 & 11: They have similar ranks/class in their respective forces (captain).

Light VS. Darkness

Chapters 2, 14 & 12: Other characters compare Zaybi to a guiding light in the darkness, the Sun, the one who gives hope in dire situations. VS. Kiva who is a demon, the despair, the (natural) enemy, leading the demons and being the one who deliberately went on his way to destroy what little hope humans had.

Shield

Chapters 12 & 13: They are forced to use similar techniques to protect oneself (or in Zaybi's case; every human).

"Dying"

Chapters 12 & 16: Similar "dying thoughts". We are shown their hands. (They are also both then "saved".)

They also seem to think about the one person that's important to them before the "(presumably) ultimate death in the hands of Madalans" (with Kiva) or "thought he dies in the hands of the Parasite" (Zaybi).

Chapter 15: Kiva leaving the demons in his lord Jachi's hands before going for the final pounding.

Ambiguity

Their situation is also currently left ambiguous in the manga. (We aren't shown Kiva die, and the chapter 16 left Zaybi's situation open as well. Although, it possibly will continue in next chapter or change the pov to another character. However, his situation probably will remain uncertain for the time being.)

It is also notable how some of their similar situations happen in chapter order. (E.g. Kiva's "final moment" in ch 15 VS. Zaybi's "almost final moment" in next chapter. Or Kiva protecting himself in ch 12, and Zaybi protecting every human in ch 13.)

Now, more about what happened in chapter 12 between these two:

I actually felt something happening between these two characters before I read chapter 12 even, so it did surprise me a bit how sharp my instincts have been about this when Zaybi decided to save Kiva. Although, it is not explained what spell he cast on him, but Zaybi's fellow mage was surprised.

There's something I like about this next panel, since I like how Zaybi is calmly just telling Kiva to calm down despite being struck by him. (He also quickly put up a shield to protect himself.)

I honestly don't blame Kiva for hitting him away, since he did technically (almost) die, and suddenly you are "resurrected" and wake up surrounded by your enemies. Seems like Zaybi understood this.

And then I really like Zaybi's little smirk at Kiva. I do wonder how many humans have actually just smirked at the guy and not shown only anger or fear (which is understandable considering who Kiva is and what he has done to them).

Zaybi's gamble at helping Kiva really paid off since the demon did leave the humans alone (for the time being) even though he would have done worse. This really opened up an interesting situation for their (potential) future relationship, whatever that may be (if possible).

Other chapter(s) thoughts:

Not to mention that Kiva has wanted to off Zaybi's precious little brother few times now, and we know he will lose his light if he loses Hallow.

Chapter 14: Gyuta's final words to Hallow about Zaybi.

But, I do think if Kiva survives, he may have changed some of his views about humans.

Chapter 15: Kiva finally understood how difficult it is to muster your courage.

This thing about bravery and Hallow seems to (presumably) also reflect on chapter 16 with Zaybi. These panels could be either him being scared or he knows the danger and his instincts are telling him not to help the woman (which would have been the correct decision, as cruel as it first sounds).

Bonus thoughts:

Kiva was a small little demon when he got recognized by Jachi. Look at those small wings and the clothes are so small as well. (He looks also fairly short here.) It's told that he was born into a high-class demon clan. Although, he seems to have had some kind of skills (child prodigy?) if Jachi recognized him.

Chapter 12: Kiva reminisces about his life while dying.

Zaybi didn't seem to have born in any high-class life. He does seem to have been some kind of child prodigy, and other mages think of him as some kind of genius.

Chapter 14: In his last moments, Gyuta tells Hallow about Zaybi.

I have noticed they both are (battle) smart and can instantly act during the battle/dire situation. They are observant as well, moving with a plan/certainty. However, when there isn't any plans or things don't go according to a plan, they seem to react to it in their own way; Zaybi seems to be stuck (or internally panics), and Kiva loses his cool when he is really annoyed. This still doesn't usually stop them in the end, which I like. After all, Zaybi has a responsibility as mage captain to help the humanity survive, while Kiva's responsibility as a 11th division's captain of the great demon king army is to make sure demon lord Jachi will triumph and the demons will survive.

They also are the ones who have decided to support those important to them (Jachi for Kiva, and Hallow for Zaybi). And they seem to stand right between these two archenemies' - a hero and demon lord.

I am really interested to see where this particularly story will go.