#love and deepspace philo

[love-and-deepspace-wiki]

Jeremiah

Age: Unknown

Occupation: (former) Backtrackers member; (current) owner of Philo flower shop

Workplace: Philo flower shop

Residence: Philo flower shop

Note: I'll be covering Jeremiah in two posts. This first one is general information about him. The second will explore a bit of speculation I have concerning his identity. But first, the general info!

Details:

Jeremiah is the owner of Philo, a flower shop in Linkon City. His in-game note gives a good (and insightful) summary, so I'll start by quoting from it: "Aside from selling flowers, he had a lot of 'skills' such as creating new identities and manipulating data so [the protaganist] could enter the N109 Zone. Where did Xavier meet such a friend?"

In Xavier's birthday event story, we finally get to see his full character model!

The Present:

When Xavier takes the protaganist to Philo, she notes that the two interact like old friends and appear to be around the same age. But Xavier jokes that Jeremiah's "not young anymore, so he's a bit slow on the uptake". When Jeremiah first notices the protaganist, he freezes in surprise. But he quickly regains composure and greets her.

"Ah! Long time no... I mean, welcome to Philo. Right, Xavier mentioned you before. You're colleagues, I'm pretty sure. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Jeremiah has a vault of identities, one of which he customizes for the protagonist to aid in her entry into the N109 Zone. He also provides her with a family crest and a box of stuff to make her fake identity more convincing, if need be. When she thanks him, his response hints at familiarity before Xavier cuts him off.

"You don't have to be so formal. I just never thought I'd be able to help you. It's so..."

The Past:

World Underneath - "From the Stars"

In the World Underneath story "From the Stars", we get a glimpse into Jeremiah's past. The specific timeframe of the story is 200 years after his arrival/the crash of Traceback II. In this story, we learn that:

Jeremiah was in love with a girl named Bella (an employee at Sweetie's Cake Shop)

He had rented a house for the sole purpose of inviting Bella to dinner. He also invited Xavier to this dinner to add a "human touch".

Despite 200 years having passed, Jeremiah still can't fully understand the diverse tastes of Earthlings. Xavier frequently references his inability to get used to Earth food. So, he often relies on Xavier's insight into culinary pursuits.

After obtaining the identity of a "normal person", Jeremiah lost contact with Xavier

He had planned to propose to Bella, but she was among the casualties of the Chronorift Catastrophe. The cake shop was also destroyed in this event.

Jeremiah opened Philo flower shop where Sweetie's Cake Shop once stood and, on a necklace, he wears the ring he would've given Bella.

Backtrackers & Traceback II

The Backtrackers arrived on earth with Xavier as their leader/captain and Jeremiah as a member. Hundreds of years ago, Traceback II (their spaceship) crash landed on earth and consequently left them stranded here. After this event, the members of their group adhered to various rules, some of which are detailed below:

Nonintervention Principle:

After helping the protaganist gain entry to the N109 Zone, Jeremiah asks Xavier is he really doesn't care about their Nonintervention Principle anymore, to which Xavier replies that "some already stopped caring about it".

Later in the story, Jeremiah says the following:

"Do you know how long we've been here? All those faces in the Backtrackers- I can't remember them. Don't you have the feeling that people's memories of us are also becoming fuzzier? Especially in recent years? I agree that sticking to the Nonintervention Principle is pointless, especially for us whose presence here was a mistake. And mistakes are bound to be corrected sooner or later. Maybe we're slowly being erased as we speak."

Unwritten Rules:

In this story, the two unwritten rules mentioned are (1) changing locations regularly and (2) avoiding unnecessary contact.

Jeremiah mentions it is his responsibility to repair Traceback II's launcher, but he's yet to achieve this goal over the past 200 years. He says the ship can send out simple signals, but "the positioning system still needs some work". When he asks Xavier if there's really someone on the other side of the Deepspace Tunnel who can respond to them, Xavier says "...You will return in one piece. I'll make sure of it."

Though it had once seemed that nothing could ever tear their team apart, they all "dissolved into the mundane times of this era". But while many of their members either gave up or "left halfway", Jeremiah ultimately chose to stay onboard because he knew he couldn't be replaced. Xavier credits the other Backtracker's abilities to live peaceful lives to the fact that Jeremiah "is still holding on". But he also tells him he can always choose what life he wants to lead.

At the conclusion of one of their conversations, Jeremiah asks Xavier "Captain. Can I come back?". But Xavier just tells him to "do what you think is right".

Philos:

In various conversations with Xavier, Jeremiah hints at a connection with the planet Philos.

"Having Evol doesn't make you invincible... And you're... This isn't Philos. And we, you know, aren't truly immortal. Our kind, I mean."

He mentions that the level of technology on Earth was far behind what they had on Philos.

He says he has little hope anything will happen between him and Bella because "we don't age the way people do here. It wouldn't be fair".

[ourlittleuluru]

This came to me randomly in a convo with dear moot Lumi 🤣🤣🤣

I know I'm dragging back a dead art meme but I can't get it out of my head

I've said it once, twice and I'll say it again!

Jeremiah is never beating the "creator of the Lumiere outfit and name for Xavier" allegations for me! You can't even pry it out from my cold dead hands!

[pikaberi]

[dawnbreakerluna]

to me zayne has that same vibe as nanami where both have matured and aged more due to the stress of those around him and i feel like this is what will occur when we see zayne interact with the other guys

[lara635kookie]

What if Sylus is a half Wanderer/any other kind of monstrous creature that escaped from Philo? What if he can't die or only die in a very specific way, so Philo kept him incarcerated instead of just killing him and that's how he became Philo's most wanted criminal? We know 28 years old is his real age, because if it wasn't, it would probably be stated like Xavier's "age unknown, fake age 23" so what if Sylus was a new monster, transformed pretty recently, saw his kind being decimated by Philo for some reason and he is now the only one left and swore revenge on them and that's why he did all he did in his anedoctes stories? What if he's on Earth to mess up with Philo's plan for it? What if whatever Philo wants, Sylus finds it first and tortures them with it until they beg for mercy but at the end doesn't give them because it's also useful to him? What if the thing in his eyes is not an aether core but something else that is similar? Because when MC directly asks if he has an aether core in his eyes and that's why he can do that glowy thingy he says:"you could say that" which to me sounded like one of those vague ass answers that neither confirms or denies shit. So what if there's only one aether core in the world? Even BETTER, it's probably MC's Aether Core that Philo and now Sylus wants, so what if Sylus realizes he can't have the aether core and MC and to have one the other has to go? What if he had to choose between having the aether core with its power full on the palm of his hands to fulfill his complete revenge on Philo and maybe some other personal goals or MC's life because you can't freaking have both? I remember I said a while ago that Sylus doesn't have trauma, he is the one that causes trauma. So what if I was fucking wrong? What if I can handle MORE angst? What if I want Sylus to give it to me just like the others have been doing? What if all of it happens? What of any of this never happens? So many questions, no answers at all

[alleyross]

xavier will always look for his first love, and it’s not every mc he ever meets. it’s the first one, that one who died in his arms, too fragile and mortal.

he feels rather distant from the mc whom he left on philos. maybe because he’s afraid to lose her as well, but his nonchalance seems too natural. maybe because she’s not quite her.

the mc from earth reminds him of his first love the most.

and the mc from philos is destined to be forever in a competition with a doomed version of herself.

[lovelaughsimp]

me and Xavier core :3

[love-and-deepspace-incorrect]

[tumbling-through-deepspace]

Caretaker Foreseer

In a castle surrounded by ice and endless white, a Demi-god meets one who's existence will tilt his world on its axis.

The sweet caress of frosty winds passed through lilac feathers, and laughter rang through the air. Most of her people had already migrated to warmer climates but she was always the kind to not follow the flock.

Lyssa loved this kind of weather, the nippy cold air and light snowflakes that felt soft to the touch and she loved most of all, visiting the tower's occupant and his Jasmin flowers.

The Foreseer. Zayne Li. The two met by chance when she hurt one of her wings and took refuge in his castle of ice and glass.

She had not anticipated the snowstorm that descended upon her during her flight, so the howling winds and blinding snow caused her to fly into a mountain side, fracturing her wing. Luckily, she was taught how to survive if her wings ever became incapacitated.

So, tucking them in, she used her evol to regulate body heat and ventured to find cover. Luckily it did not take long to find a cave which she used for cover.

"Why do I always seem to find myself in some sort of predicament. Can't the gods send some luck my way?"

Said luck was stumbling through a clearing and seeing a grand castle standing tall and majestic.

Believe it or not, she had her moments and felt too lazy to walk, so Lyssa thought it was a bright idea to use her wings to fly to the castle.

It went as well as you think it would go... she did make it up (painstakingly) but crash landed into what looked like a throne room.

"Not your best landing Lys. Do better."

"Who are you?"

Zayne spent his time alone, taking care of the castle and attending to the duty bestowed upon him by the god Astra.

His life mundane but he was content... he thought that until she appeared. Wings of lilac, curly hair that were disheveled by the winds and a voice that echoed with melodies.

At first, he thought she was there to steal from him but after she proved that she was not even knowledgeable about his existence until that very moment, he offered sanctuary.

This left him confused. Others who trespassed never made it this far yet something about her made him act differently.

She explained that her wing was fractured, which she demonstrated as proof. That it would take a few weeks to heal since this was not the first time this happened to her.

How can she say such a thing with such optimism?

The following weeks started off a bit awkward due to their different personalities but as the saying goes: No man is an island.

She followed him like a duckling but was respectful and never imposed when he needed to be left alone.

At some point he started seeking her out. She told him about her flock and that she never felt at home with them, so she would travel on her own.

She would tend to his Jasmine flowers that only bloom when she sang to them.

He never released how lonely he was until she became an important part of his life.

Now, here they were two months later.

"Please Zayne! I promise I won't drop you. It's a perfect day for flying and you can help me test the strength of my wings."

The Demi-god gave her a deadpanned look "I will not be your guineapig, Lyssa. If you wish to have a test of strength, I can make very frigid weather."

They were having a midday walk around his courtyard. Lyssa giggled which sounded like chirps; she then burst into a sprint before taking flight.

Zayne looked up as she ascended higher, admiring the way she did flips and turns. In all his years, he has never met someone so carefree and there was a pang in his heart because she would have to leave. The seasons were changing again.

Birds and ice don't mix. He was surprised that she stayed as long as she did. Zayne blinked in surprise when her face suddenly appeared in front of him.

She was hovering off the ground, wings flapping lightly. A small smile on her face as her luminous violet eyes were filled with mirth.

"You were so deep in thought, Mr. Zayne. It seems that I can handle long flights and high altitudes now without my wing hurting."

His brow crinkled together, "I guess you'll be on your way now."

She took his face in her hands. "Don't make that face. I'll visit. Thank you for taking care of me. Hey! I know, can I give you a gift?"

"Depends on what it is."

"Gosh Zayne, for a Demi-god, you are such a pessimist. I give you my word that my gift will not bring you harm in any way, now or in any future. Would it be presumptuous to say that I feel a connection between us, and I wish to leave a piece of me with you?"

"Do you do this often?" not answering her question. His heart skipped a beat that she wanted to stay connected to him.

"I've only done this with one other person, but I'll tell you about him another day."

"Who is -"

"Another time. I think you'll like him. I have a connection with him, too... the big grouch. So can I give you, my gift?"

Zayne looked into her eyes, a new feeling flared up at the thought that someone else got this offer but her giddy expression and anticipated gaze made him sigh "very well. You have my permission."

Squealing, he was taken off guard when she flung herself at him, her lips fell on his in an electrifying kiss, ribbons of light danced along his skin, and before he could recuperate, she pulled away.

"Now a piece of me will always be with you. I put some of my special evol in your system, so you'll be able to talk to me whenever you want."

"Huh?" What exactly just happened? Why does his skin feel like it's vibrating, and his ears had a faint ringing to it that sounded like singing.

Lyssa snorted, "Not so eloquent... there is now a connection between us. We will always find our way back to each other, plus I'm told by the elders of my flock that it brings the ones who have been gifted, a huge blessing. Don't ask me what it is, it depends on the person."

Zayne's expression softened at her exuberant explanation. She was so full of life. He ran a finger down her cheek.

"Don't go."

She smiled sadly, "I'll return to you, Zayne. This I promise. Unless you come with me, and I fly you to my next destination."

The snowball to her face had her laughing until her eyes watered.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in each other's company, thoughts on one another as they chose not to dwell on her upcoming departure.

The gift bestowed would bring a huge change to each of their lives, one that they could never be able to fathom.

[moonsavior]

That part where he doesn't want mc to listen to the Starry Sound Captain's Logs juuuust got me

[soli-nepenthe]

Just throwing a Sylus lore question out there:

Is Sylus a dragon that can change his form at will (human -> dragon) and something in between? His clothing/armour morphing into dragon scales?

Or

Was he once human but somehow entered a deal/became corrupted and now has the power of a dragon? The protocore (?) heart in the middle of his chest looks painful but also the lines from his 4☆ myth card, Bloodnight Blaze,

"Enduring this searing pain is the price of wielding incomparable power" ?

(Is that why he named his crow Mephisto?)

[love-and-deepspace-wiki]

Philo

Location: Linkon City

Details:

Philo is a flower shop in Linkon City. Though it was built on the site of Sweetie's Cake Shop, most locals have already forgotten when it first appeared on a street corner. Its backyard is a greenhouse, and it's third floor is a workspace.

Notable features include its glass windows, which have the ability to conceal the interior and inhabitants from outside onlookers. Activation of this feature causes the glass to briefly flicker before returning to normal.

The first time (chronologically) it was mentioned in the game was in the World Underneath story "From the Stars", where Xavier describes it as overflowing with marigolds. In the present, it has tiny, blue, star-like flowers cascading from its third-floor balcony and onto surrounding the buildings. According to the in-game note, "one can often see starlight surrounding the backyard light fireflies" on nights with little moonlight.

It is owned and operated by Jeremiah (below), who both lives and works at the location.

[abyssal-blossoms]

some thoughts about xavier's lore:

there are two versions of mc on philos (that we know of).

both versions were xavier's classmates. how long was he in school for? we don't know when first mc died, but assuming she was reincarnated into a new body, doesn't that mean xavier is like... way older than her?

immortal baby face privilege, i suppose

[nightyl]

my beautiful beautiful prince.

i love him so much. he looks so majestic in this outfit. my favorite, honestly. also that pose? i fw it so much!!

[dawnbreakerluna]

it's the views on the dragon sylus trailer surpassing the views for the xavier story branch trailer for me

[one-hell-of-otaku-is-here]

Zayne after I switched him to Sylus today