One (hopefully) final Overture story post

[rallamajoop]

I’m having this rather horrifying revelation about Overture.

It’s taken a couple of days of being irritated at the game for having the nerve to exist at all and gradually hunting through the web for answers to all the really difficult questions about just what we were supposed to think was going on. However, if you can somehow put aside the fact this game is simply incapable of fitting into the canon we know, has graffitied over my favourite pairing and hardly even let my favourite characters interact on screen, then I’m stuck with this nasty little conclusion about the story.

I enjoyed it.

See, almost all the problems with Overture come from the fact it’s set in a poorly defined AU. AUs don’t have to be such a mess – they did a great job with the one from the Side Red/Side Black drama CDs. The big difference is that by the end of the CDs, we knew exactly when, how and even why the timelines had diverged. On the other hand, the best we can say about Overture is, “it sort of seems like it was probably supposed to diverge around GGX somewhere or something?” Except how that still doesn’t make any sense. Maybe there’s a way of fitting it into the continuity after GG1 with a lot of effort, but they haven’t told us how, and it’s a bit unfair to expect fandom to fill in a gap that big.

Making things worse, it’s a whole different style of story, so it doesn’t even feel much like it’s part of any world we know. The only way I can get it to work at all is to assume it’s set in a world that’s completely AU, and the only things it shares with the main timeline is some of the world history and a couple of characters (and lets just say it also helps an awful lot if I patch in one of my new set of crack Sol/Ky theories to make my inner yaoi fangirl stop whinging). But if you can get it far enough that you’re looking at it basically as a story in its own right, with only minimal connection to do with the main GG canon… then I’m stuck on this problem that I did actually enjoy the story.

There are three fantastic new characters, and a new villain who I wasn’t so impressed with, but who had some interesting stuff in her own backstory. The story was full of unexpected twists, but a lot of good stories are, and once you’ve got your head around what was going on, most of the pacing and development worked pretty well. There was some very interesting development to the world – a colony of sentient Gears, a lot of new information about the theory of magic, some tantalising hints about Justice’s backstory. Sol never entirely feels like the Sol we know thanks to that voice, but damn if it wasn’t fascinating seeing him actually doing the Frederick thing for once and talking science for so much of the game. Complicated as it was (so help me) I even liked all the magical technobabble they kept throwing around. And at the end, they did leave me at least generally curious about what would have happened next.

If they ever actually got to make a GG3, anyway, which doesn’t look likely with the sales figures I’ve seen for GG2 . According to VG Charts, Overture only sold 5000 copies in its first week, and has gradually crawled its way up to around 8000 since. I’m no expert, but for a game which sells for around $70 and built for a 7th gen console, I can’t imagine that’s even going to be close to covering their development costs, let alone turning a profit. For comparison, Accent Core (which wouldn’t have had a fraction of the cost to make) sold 33,000 copies in its first week in Japan, and was up to 45,000 by the time sales had dropped off; Slash sold over 75,000 total and XX nearly 160,000. Clearly ‘more new content and story’ = ‘more sales’, but ‘leaping completely out into uncharted territory’ = bad idea. There were supposed to be plans for an English version, but I wouldn’t be surprised if even that’s fallen through with the game doing so badly. A bunch of story mode videos on youtube might well be all we ever see of GG2 over here.

So, I’m not going to try to say everyone needs to give it another chance, because the fact remains that it is one hellish mess of continuity problems, and people can’t be expected to just ignore all that – it’s a pretty major flaw (and even then, it’s not going to be everyone’s kind of story). But at least it’s restored a little of my faith that when AC+ comes out, we’re not going to discover they’ve completely forgotten how to write out a coherent storyline and have turned even our main canon into canon soup.




While I’m here, you know what? I can come up with a plausible AU timeline which makes the discrepancies from Overture make sense. It just doesn’t work the way they seem to want us to think.

The idea is that the timelines diverge before the war ends. Sol never steals the Fuuenken and never leaves the Order. Somewhere between that and the end of the war, Ky finds out about his Gear nature and past, and however the detail might work, that leads to them settling their differences. Sol’s still looking for That Man after the war though, so they go their separate ways, just on much better terms than they would have otherwise.

Illyuria could be a kingdom founded after the war ended. Ky would be an obvious candidate for king – he’s the heroic commander who saved the world and he’s a natural leader. Since he’s one of very few who knows enough about Sol’s past to realise Gears aren’t always evil, it’d make perfect sense that he’d get involved when he heard maybe-Dizzy had shown up and offer to keep her existence secret by hiding her in Illyuria. (There’s not so much I can do with the part with Ky falling for her except shrug, shake my head and make sure the AU stamp on this world is so big it’s visible from space. But aside from that, it could all fit.)

Trouble is, that’s not what they want us to think happened. In attempt to give GG2 some legitimacy, they’ve told us it’s a direct sequel to GG1 and doesn’t become AU until around GGX. All that despite the fact there’s nothing I’ve seen story-wise to connect GG2 to anything that actually happens in GG1, and a whole lot that contradicts. I have a feeling they went and forgot that GG1 had a story at all.

It’s a shame though. Gameplay problems aside (which I’m not in a position to comment on since I haven't actually played it), there’s really not that much they would’ve had to change about Overture to fix most of what turned me and so much of fandom against it.

Comments

[rallamajoop.livejournal.com]

♥ Seriously, I had an awful day with lots of exams and blargh, and then along comes this little gem of a picture!

^_^ I had to find someone to show that too, it was far too good not to share.

Also possible. (Though I admit I'm sort of trying to escape reality a bit here, since I sometimes fancy the concept of humans actually getting a teensy bit smarter over the course of a hundred+ years. I know reality proves me wrong time and again, but I can hope.)

Heh, and what is a series like Guilty Gear if it's not escapism?

It is notable how surprisingly old fashioned and religious the GG future is - a lot of technology is outlawed, and they called the war against the Gears the 'Holy War' even though it didn't involve religion at all. A lot of the architecture we see is very traditional, and life in the Japanese colony looks like something from centuries ago. It's all background information though - Ky's the only one who brings his religion up, and even he only does so in the most general terms. He believes in serving God and upholding justice and the law all the rest, but that's about all we know about how much his religion informs his views on anything. Really, this far into the future, I'd be more surprised if they hadn't lost or changed as much of their old teachings as they'd kept.

As an atheist, I'm pretty impressed how much the religious aspect *doesn't* get to me. It's there, it's a major part of what makes one of my favourite characters tick, but it's not intrusive to the point you ever feel like they're either preaching to you or ridiculing it, and it's hard to think of any other series that incorporates it quite that way.

I guess what makes me boggle a bit is that in most other fic, the point isn't raised until Sol has his cock halfway up Ky's ass, so it's a bit jarring.

o_O Good grief, no wonder it was bugging you. That *is* a bit late on in the process to be bringing the subject up. I'd hate to think what people must be assuming his religious take on homosexuality is if the issues don't start until there. XD

[aphelion-orion.livejournal.com]

Really, this far into the future, I'd be more surprised if they hadn't lost or changed as much of their old teachings as they'd kept.
Agreed. I actually like the concept that someone went and grabbed a whole lot of religious symbols and philosophies, mashed them together and THAT's what Ky is following. It would make for an interesting idea, at least.

As an atheist, I'm pretty impressed how much the religious aspect *doesn't* get to me. It's there, it's a major part of what makes one of my favourite characters tick,
I agree with you there. Ky just comes across as a very earnest person, and I think the fact that he has mellowed out in a lot of respects in X-verse contributes to that. Like I said once before, I don't think I could've liked him as much if he'd kept up what was borderline religious fanaticism where he believed he was cleansing the world in the name of God or something... it's just too uncomfortably close to what's going on these days in reality, and I have problems with fanaticism of all kinds.

Plus, I really like the concept of how he just fell into most of these things--I don't think he ever had the intention of becoming the symbol of humanity's hope, or that he's comfortable with that role. I always got the feeling he did it because he considered it his duty to help the people, and if that's what it took, then... well.

I'd hate to think what people must be assuming his religious take on homosexuality is if the issues don't start until there. XD
Oh? Do elaborate. XD It would make me laugh, at least. But on the note of bringing the subject up... WHEN do you think either Sol or Ky are going to notice they're interested in the other beyond the scope of a normal rivarly/weirdorific friendship? Because on the one hand, they're not dumb, so it's likely that they'd notice they are becoming attracted to each other on a different level. On the other hand, it's equally possible they're both just too caught up in their song and dance that it wouldn't hit them until the situation came to a head in some way. I don't know which scenario to prefer, honestly. They both make for interesting scenes in my head. XD

[rallamajoop.livejournal.com]

Agreed. I actually like the concept that someone went and grabbed a whole lot of religious symbols and philosophies, mashed them together and THAT's what Ky is following. It would make for an interesting idea, at least.

I could deal with that. ^_^ Ky's religion is still nominally Catholic, but since he never goes into anything remotely specific beyond belief in an all-powerful God, who knows? Actually, I guess that does tend to be about the limit of what ever gets said on the subject of Christian religions in Japanese pop culture, but I'm sure not complaining about their take on it.

I agree with you there. Ky just comes across as a very earnest person, and I think the fact that he has mellowed out in a lot of respects in X-verse contributes to that.

I also do think he probably *wouldn't* have been able to make it through the war if he hadn't had that kind of faith to support him, but it really was well done that when the war was over, the first thing we see him doing is being forced to reexamine whether he might have been letting himself take some of his beliefs too far.

I always got the feeling he did it because he considered it his duty to help the people, and if that's what it took, then... well.

There was one bit of the manga I didn't mention to you actually - in the second chapter, we get a couple of pages of flashbacks of a ~10 year old Ky well before he joined the Order. Even at that age, he was really scary-intense with how determined he was to fight just to change anything he could.

Oh? Do elaborate. XD It would make me laugh, at least.

Well, I have heard of a couple of sillier faiths where they'll grudgingly allow you to be in love with someone of the same gender if you really have to be, but holy shit, don't you *dare* think about doing any of that perverted sex stuff! Which would still not exactly explain why Ky would take so long to even think of it, but it did still jump to mind. XD

WHEN do you think either Sol or Ky are going to notice they're interested in the other beyond the scope of a normal rivarly/weirdorific friendship? Because on the one hand, they're not dumb, so it's likely that they'd notice they are becoming attracted to each other on a different level. On the other hand, it's equally possible they're both just too caught up in their song and dance that it wouldn't hit them until the situation came to a head in some way. I don't know which scenario to prefer, honestly. They both make for interesting scenes in my head. XD

Personally, what I love is how many different ways you can interpret it. ^_^ (And if only we had more writers in this fandom, we'd have fic for all of them already, more's the pity.) You can (or at least *I* can) get anything to work without stretching canon too far - from them having been actually involved at some point back in the war to hitting present day with them still in denial about the attraction, and anything in between, be it one-sided, mutual, firmly denied, accepted but denied by the other party, real romantic attraction or all about sex - whatever. Seriously, I started making a mental list of possibilities once, but it just got too long, and I don't know which I prefer either. >.>

I do have an obscure pet theory I'm fond of which would involve the idea that Sol - being his anti-social Gear self - has done the lone wolf thing so long he's barely felt anything more than in passing for anyone in the last century or so (add theories about Gear transformation mucking up his hormones if need be). So when this infuriating teenage army officer shows up and starts getting under his skin, it's even *more* of a shock for him that it would be for Ky. *g* I've also seen a couple of Japanese fanartists play with the idea that Ky's the one doing most of the pursuing (he's the one always coming away from his matches with Sol unsatisfied and chasing him for another one, after all~) and Sol's the one forever trying to brush him off. XD (Ah, so many possibilities, so little fic-writing time.)

[aphelion-orion.livejournal.com]

Actually, I guess that does tend to be about the limit of what ever gets said on the subject of Christian religions in Japanese pop culture, but I'm sure not complaining about their take on it.
XDDDDD True, true. Actually, with a certain country which shall remain nameless going "Christianity this, Christianity that" all the time, it's actually kind of refreshing to have that OTHER country going "LOL CATHOLIC PRIESTS ARE HOT LET'S PIN SOME GIANT MECHA/ALIENS TO CROSSES AND OMG ANGEL WINGS ARE KEWL".

I also do think he probably *wouldn't* have been able to make it through the war if he hadn't had that kind of faith to support him,
I agree completely. I mean, Ky must have been incredibly emotionally strong to withstand so much crap at an age where most other guys would be worrying about their school grades or getting a girlfriend or whatever, but I don't think he could've made it without the kind of faith he held.

And I think the fact that Ky can doubt his own faith in the first place, and then come through a better person instead of an embittered, disappointed man really says something about him, too. (Do I sound like a total Ky fangirl yet? I think I do. Do feel free to hit me when you're getting tired of it. XD;;;;;)

Even at that age, he was really scary-intense with how determined he was to fight just to change anything he could.
I'm trying not to draw Joan of Arc parallels, but damn, Ky, you sure make it hard. XDDDD

but holy shit, don't you *dare* think about doing any of that perverted sex stuff!
LMAO there are really religions like that? *torn between laughing and boggling* And why am I reminded of Twig's fic now where Sol is all "/I/ didn't take any chastity vows and neither did you" and Ky's all, "We had to simplify the rules for YOU". XDDD

Seriously, I started making a mental list of possibilities once, but it just got too long, and I don't know which I prefer either. >.>
WORD. It's so hard to decide which I like best. They all seem so utterly delicious. Like ice cream flavors. XD Once I ease my way into writing them, I wanna try all of them out. *crazy*

So when this infuriating teenage army officer shows up and starts getting under his skin, it's even *more* of a shock for him that it would be for Ky. *g*
OMG. You know, it's scary that I had pretty much the exact same idea. *pets it* I can really see something like that happening--I think it would shake him quite a bit to notice that he's actually kindamaybesorta becoming attached to this nuisance of a kid.

(Gah, I wish I could write and not be scared that I'm gonna screw up royally. I'm probably gonna run my usual course and attempt semi-drabbles before I try anything longer... I'm just... I dunno. Also. Once I become Queen of the Universe, I declare that days should have 72 hours so that I could actually get stuff done for once. Wah. Wahwahwahwhinewhine*shotdead*.)

[rallamajoop.livejournal.com]

it's actually kind of refreshing to have that OTHER country going "LOL CATHOLIC PRIESTS ARE HOT LET'S PIN SOME GIANT MECHA/ALIENS TO CROSSES AND OMG ANGEL WINGS ARE KEWL".

Now that religion I would convert to. XD (And just think how much more success those religions might have if they had the sense to use someone like Ky to promote themselves. *g*)

And I think the fact that Ky can doubt his own faith in the first place, and then come through a better person instead of an embittered, disappointed man really says something about him, too. (Do I sound like a total Ky fangirl yet? I think I do. Do feel free to hit me when you're getting tired of it. XD;;;;;)

Oh, it sure says a lot. (Hey, we're doing the Sol-fangirl thing in the other thread, this balances it up, right? Mmm, Ky~)

LMAO there are really religions like that? *torn between laughing and boggling*

On a pseudo-serious note, yeah, so I hear. I think they tend to be the ones that say any sex that isn't strictly for reproductive purposes is bad and wrong, so even if they admit homosexuals exist at all, they expect them to stay celibate. (I'd comment on everything that's wrong with that, but I think it probably speaks for itself.)

WORD. It's so hard to decide which I like best. They all seem so utterly delicious. Like ice cream flavors. XD Once I ease my way into writing them, I wanna try all of them out. *crazy*

I know what you mean. In most fandoms, there's already so much fic that I find myself gravitating towards whatever take on things I haven't already seen done much - but in GG, hardly anything's been done at all and hardly any of what there is has been done well, so you don't even know where to start. ^^; I'm even tempted to try writing just a really short snippet of as many different versions as I can come up with, but I probably have enough WIPs going as it is.

OMG. You know, it's scary that I had pretty much the exact same idea. *pets it* I can really see something like that happening--I think it would shake him quite a bit to notice that he's actually kindamaybesorta becoming attached to this nuisance of a kid.

^_^ Nice to know I'm not the only one toying with takes like that. Sol's the kind of character who gets presented as such an utter sex god in so much fic that I think people miss that there are plausible interpretations where he could be uncomfortable about it. I wouldn't be too surprised if he's let hardly anyone get close to him - physically or emotionally - in the last century or so. (He's had Axl tagging along now and then, of course, but I'm not sure even Sol knows quite what to make of him.)

Gah, I wish I could write and not be scared that I'm gonna screw up royally.

Would it make it worse or better if I promised to point it out to you if you do? As I think I said before, at least that means you're paying attention to making you're turning out quality work? But yeah - paralysing underconfidence isn't especially helpful at the start. ^^;

I'm probably gonna run my usual course and attempt semi-drabbles before I try anything longer...

*nodnod* That's how I generally work when I'm starting in a new fandom, especially when I'm not feeling comfortable with the characters yet. (My first GG fic was only, what, about 200 words long? And I wrote a ton of drabbles for KH before I got on to anything longer.) And man do I hear you on the needing days to be longer problem. But that probably goes for everyone in our generation. ^^;

[aphelion-orion.livejournal.com]

And just think how much more success those religions might have if they had the sense to use someone like Ky to promote themselves. *g*
I hate to sound shallow, but I would SO join a cult for a preacher like that. 8D

Hey, we're doing the Sol-fangirl thing in the other thread, this balances it up, right? Mmm, Ky~
Yesssss. XDDDD

I'd comment on everything that's wrong with that, but I think it probably speaks for itself.
Sigh. I'd continue this comment with inserting examples of homosexual dolphins, guinea pigs and lions who have plenty of sex in order to prove that the concept of homosexual sex is perfectly natural, but yeah. The silly concept speaks for itself and nobody would listen, anyway. XD

In most fandoms, there's already so much fic that I find myself gravitating towards whatever take on things I haven't already seen done much
Oh yes. It's part of the reason why I'm not really writing for FF7 anymore--everything has been done to death, and I've got close to no room to get creative. On the one hand, small fandoms are sad because they supply you with very little, but on the other hand, it's just so exciting and refreshing to have the whole sandbox practically to yourself.

I'm even tempted to try writing just a really short snippet of as many different versions as I can come up with, but I probably have enough WIPs going as it is.
Haha, yes. *guilty glances at own bunny folder* They just keep piling up, don't they. And I don't want to pressure you or anything, but the idea sounds so lovely. <3

Sol's the kind of character who gets presented as such an utter sex god in so much fic that I think people miss that there are plausible interpretations where he could be uncomfortable about it.
I have trouble seeing Sol as the kind of sex god he gets painted as, mainly because he isn't a very sociable creature and I picture him as keeping to himself unless the urge gets THAT bad. Any sexual encounters he seeks out are probably more of the "Wham bam thank you, Mister" variety (not that I can't see Sol digging chicks, but I don't know how strict his policy is on the possibility of accidentally fathering little Gearlings), though I think he's more inclined to recruit the help of Mr. Lefty or Mr. Righty on a day-to-day basis.

Plus, I really like the idea that it would hit Sol at least as much as it would hit Ky... it makes the relationship just that much more complex than assigning the "pursuer" role to one and the "oblivious/hesitant/resisting" role to the other. Not that that CAN'T happen, of course. But yes.

<font size="-2><i>Would it make it worse or better if I promised to point it out to you if you do? </i> It would make me sink into the ground in complete and utter embarrassment and I'd probably consider ritual seppuku, but it would be better to KNOW what I was doing wrong, yes. XDDDD</font> <i>But yeah - paralysing underconfidence isn't especially helpful at the start. ^^; </i> Definitely not, but then again, I'm always like this, so it's not like that's anything new. I just always pressure myself because I don't want anyone to hate me and I'd also hate to lose the respect of people I admire (in this case, you). Once I take the initial jump, it gets much better. So I'm not a constant whiner. XD;;;;; <i>That's how I generally work when I'm starting in a new fandom, especially when I'm not feeling comfortable with the characters yet.</i> It just seems like a nice way to start, in order to get to know the characters a bit better and find an appropriate voice for them.

[rallamajoop.livejournal.com]

Sigh. I'd continue this comment with inserting examples of homosexual dolphins, guinea pigs and lions who have plenty of sex in order to prove that the concept of homosexual sex is perfectly natural, but yeah. The silly concept speaks for itself and nobody would listen, anyway. XD

But don't you see? Sex is bad and wrong and evil and for making babies, so doing it any other reason is evil and bad and wrong! Or whatever the hell their logic is supposed to be. ><

Oh yes. It's part of the reason why I'm not really writing for FF7 anymore--everything has been done to death, and I've got close to no room to get creative. On the one hand, small fandoms are sad because they supply you with very little, but on the other hand, it's just so exciting and refreshing to have the whole sandbox practically to yourself.

That's part of what's kept me in xxxHOLiC fandom so long - it's just about the right balanced size in the middle. Just enough good writers out there that there's good fic to get you inspired to try your own, but not nearly enough that everything's already been done or your own contribution won't be noticed. If only GG fandom was a little bigger.

And I don't want to pressure you or anything, but the idea sounds so lovely. <3

Right now, my GG fic is still happening on a 'what leaps on me and strangles me demanding to be written' kind of basis, which... well, let's just say that puts that idea pretty far down the queue. ^^; I really need to get the rest of those WIPs I posted before done so I can stop feeling so awkward about starting anything new.

I have trouble seeing Sol as the kind of sex god he gets painted as, mainly because he isn't a very sociable creature and I picture him as keeping to himself unless the urge gets THAT bad. Any sexual encounters he seeks out are probably more of the "Wham bam thank you, Mister" variety (not that I can't see Sol digging chicks, but I don't know how strict his policy is on the possibility of accidentally fathering little Gearlings), though I think he's more inclined to recruit the help of Mr. Lefty or Mr. Righty on a day-to-day basis.

All sounds dead-on to me. Have you looked at the GGX drama CDs at all yet, btw? There's a pretty telling scene at the start of Sol's side where a woman starts coming on to him in a bar (not that I can fault her taste or anything) and all he wants is for her to piss off and let him drink alone. He's not a social guy from any angle. (And between that scene, what you've pointed out about Gear-lings and how it'd probably be easier to find men who'd be happy with a one time quicky with no remote suggestion of emotional attachment, I have even more trouble picturing him seeking out women at all. But that's pretty much just a side note.) Anyway, it may not be the only interpretation that works, but he would have just as much reason to be badly thrown and deny any real attraction to someone like Ky as Ky would.

It would make me sink into the ground in complete and utter embarrassment and I'd probably consider ritual seppuku, but it would be better to KNOW what I was doing wrong, yes. XDDDD

^^; I think I know the feeling. Probably the best advice I can give is just to read/listen to as much canon material as you can find to get yourself into the groove of things, and try not to overthink it or worry too much. (For what it's worth, Sol still gives me nightmares trying to write his dialogue more often than not.)

[aphelion-orion.livejournal.com]

Sex is bad and wrong and evil and for making babies, so doing it any other reason is evil and bad and wrong!
Oh right, and the babies have to be baptized at least twice lest they succumb to their innate evil and wrongness: once during conception, so the priest can get his jollies off, and once at birth, so the devil is exorcised immediately. *eyeroll*

If only GG fandom was a little bigger.
Well, I suppose it's still better than the Star Ocean 2 fandom, where the most logical yaoi pairing has exactly two authors: myself and a friend of mine. XD

Right now, my GG fic is still happening on a 'what leaps on me and strangles me demanding to be written' kind of basis,
Heh, I know. It's the same for pretty much all of my fics. No pressure. :)

There's a pretty telling scene at the start of Sol's side where a woman starts coming on to him in a bar (not that I can fault her taste or anything) and all he wants is for her to piss off and let him drink alone.
Haha, oh yeah, that one. I completely forgot about that one when I replied to you. And yeah, I agree with you--seeing Sol with a woman is, based on those factors, pretty damn unlikely. I can even picture him as being lazy/disinterested enough not to actively do any looking in the men's department, either, unless one of them came on to him and he realized that maaaaybe he's interested in a quickie... after he's finished another glass of whatever he's having.

And on that note, compared to Ky (especially Order!Ky), he would be the more experienced partner, but I have trouble picturing him as going about sex with any sort of refinement or fancy tricks... at least not in the beginning. And by fancy tricks I mean doing some sorts of obscure tongue twists and knowing juuust the right technique for how to make fingers feel "right" (because, you know, fingers up the ass always have to feel "right" for it to be twu wub).

Probably the best advice I can give is just to read/listen to as much canon material as you can find to get yourself into the groove of things, and try not to overthink it or worry too much.
XDD I know. It's what I try to do all the time. And I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who's having trouble with Sol... it's hard to find the right tone for him.

[rallamajoop.livejournal.com]

Well, I suppose it's still better than the Star Ocean 2 fandom, where the most logical yaoi pairing has exactly two authors: myself and a friend of mine. XD

Wow, I don't think I've *ever* been in a fandom that small. Is there any Japanese fanart for it or anything, at least?

Haha, oh yeah, that one. I completely forgot about that one when I replied to you. And yeah, I agree with you--seeing Sol with a woman is, based on those factors, pretty damn unlikely.

That and of course that the whole purpose the woman in question was to loudly tell us all how very gay Sol is. XD I loved that scene for *all* the wrong reasons.

And on that note, compared to Ky (especially Order!Ky), he would be the more experienced partner, but I have trouble picturing him as going about sex with any sort of refinement or fancy tricks... at least not in the beginning. And by fancy tricks I mean doing some sorts of obscure tongue twists and knowing juuust the right technique for how to make fingers feel "right" (because, you know, fingers up the ass always have to feel "right" for it to be twu wub).

Ha, I don't think I could picture Sol doing anything too refined regardless of when. 'Refined' or 'fancy' and 'Sol' aren't words that should ever appear in the same sentence.

And I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who's having trouble with Sol... it's hard to find the right tone for him.

Oh, it's *terrible*. So many of the catch phrases that say so much about his character sound great in Japanese but lame as soon as you try to translate them into English. Add in how little he talks when not being forced into conversation and finding a voice for him is harder than it has any right to be.

[aphelion-orion.livejournal.com]

Wow, I don't think I've *ever* been in a fandom that small.
XDDD Yeah. The fandom is pretty small, and what gets put out was inspired by a retarded spin-off Anime, so all everyone focuses on was the retarded "let's fight over the heroine's love" concept they introduced there. And yeah, there is a little bit of Japanese art... most of the sites are dead because Star Ocean 2 is ten years old now. It might get a boost when it's re-released for the PSP.

That and of course that the whole purpose the woman in question was to loudly tell us all how very gay Sol is.
XDDDDDDD That, too. I mean, I can see Sol as technically bisexual, given what we don't know about Frederick--though a lot of the speculation about who is whose daddy is a little out there, and I'm not sure how interested he was in things beyond his petri dishes--but with Sol's "blah, go away, let me drink in peace" attitude, I think he just considers men easier to deal with, overall. Or he did, until he met Ky. XD

'Refined' or 'fancy' and 'Sol' aren't words that should ever appear in the same sentence.
My thoughts exactly. And it's actually another thing I love so much about Sol--he's this guy who appears so much like your typical brainless "me smash you up good" brute, and underneath it all, he's this terribly smart guy who used to be a scientist and has 150+ years of who knows what kinds of experiences.

Add in how little he talks when not being forced into conversation and finding a voice for him is harder than it has any right to be.
Yeah, and it just gets harder when you go with third person limited and try to get inside his head. I honestly don't think I've ever met a character whose voice is so difficult to find... and of course, the fact that storymode is a lot of "fill-in-the-blanks" connected with short intros before they fight just adds to the difficulty. I really wish I could find videos of his X+ story modes... at least the endings. I mean, I have the transcripts, but actually hearing him talk is helpful.

[rallamajoop.livejournal.com]

XDDDDDDD That, too. I mean, I can see Sol as technically bisexual, given what we don't know about Frederick--though a lot of the speculation about who is whose daddy is a little out there, and I'm not sure how interested he was in things beyond his petri dishes--but with Sol's "blah, go away, let me drink in peace" attitude, I think he just considers men easier to deal with, overall. Or he did, until he met Ky. XD

I could see him as bi too, but after listening to those tracks you can't help but wonder just exactly what interpretation the writers meant for us to take away there. XD Especially when Sol's so completely unworried by having his manhood attacked like that (like "look, lady, just because you're *right* doesn't mean I'd give a damn about you even if I wasn't"). And then they bring in Axl, and it's like, "Just for comparison, here's how a *straight* guy would have dealt with that situation!" I had *way* too much fun with that scene.

My thoughts exactly. And it's actually another thing I love so much about Sol--he's this guy who appears so much like your typical brainless "me smash you up good" brute, and underneath it all, he's this terribly smart guy who used to be a scientist and has 150+ years of who knows what kinds of experiences.

Mmm. And weren't we just talking about how hot he is? *g* Not that he gets to show his brains enough much, but that's what made seeing him dealing with old tech in the drama CDs and hanging around his secret lab in the manga so much fun. And as I've said before, I did enjoy hearing him talk science through so much of GG2 - just a shame he wasn't talking in the right voice through all of it.

It's kinda weird really - when I first got into Guilty Gear I'm sure I remember thinking Sol and Ky were pretty much archtypal characters only done to be more interesting than usual (y'know, the rebellious scientific experiment who's turned into the freak who hunts down the other freaks, and the knight who fights in the name of justice). Then I factored in more of their personalities and backgrounds later and suddenly couldn't think of anyone else quite like them, even though I feel sort of like I must be just missing something obvious if I can't. ^^;

I really wish I could find videos of his X+ story modes... at least the endings. I mean, I have the transcripts, but actually hearing him talk is helpful.

Actually, from what I've heard there were no voices in the X+ story mode - just text (believe me, I was disappointed too - Sol and Ky's ending would've been lovely to hear acted out). They didn't start with full voiced story modes until XX. That's part of the reason why I love the drama CDs so much - lots of time to hear the guys talk, and we don't even have to worry about who we've instant killed on which try to get there. ^_^

[aphelion-orion.livejournal.com]

I could see him as bi too, but after listening to those tracks you can't help but wonder just exactly what interpretation the writers meant for us to take away there. XD
XDD I can actually see this as much the same thing as they did with the Neon Genesis Evangelion dramas, where they continuously have someone from the cast call Kaworu gay. I think they recognized how much of a yaoi-loving audience they'd drawn and decided to throw them something to squeal over.

Of course, I mostly switch off that part of me that tries to come up with such reasonable explanations and just go, ":DDDDDDDD" because really, that scene is absolutely priceless. ♥

And I don't think anything short of something vaguely Ky-shaped is likely to get any sort of greater reaction out of Sol; I love that attitude about him, that he just doesn't care what anyone thinks of him or his dick size. I'm not sure if he even cares what Ky thinks of him, but if he does, then certainly not in any traditional sense.

And as I've said before, I did enjoy hearing him talk science through so much of GG2 - just a shame he wasn't talking in the right voice through all of it.
I knooooow. I can't get used to his new voice... it's so different. I know I'm probably being unfair, but I really liked the old one better.
And on the matter of hotness, I spent some time rewatching some of the XX endings, and gods dammit I paused the video just to stare at Sol's portrait. It just look so damn hot. >___>

Then I factored in more of their personalities and backgrounds later and suddenly couldn't think of anyone else quite like them, even though I feel sort of like I must be just missing something obvious if I can't. ^^;
I admit I was originally interested in them because I thought they looked pretty, and then I caught onto the rivalry thing and thought that was hot, but now... I really can't think of anyone else quite like those two, so you're not the only one. I don't know, maybe I'm into all the wrong ships, but just the way it's done in GG--the whole relationship could be a terrible cliché, but it has got all those twists and possibilities that make it more, and make it awesome.

Actually, from what I've heard there were no voices in the X+ story mode - just text (believe me, I was disappointed too - Sol and Ky's ending would've been lovely to hear acted out).
WAH. Wahwahwahwahwah. That makes me so sad. You've got me all figured out--I would've loved to see it mainly for that one ending, because dammit, Ky was SMILING, he was beaten up and SMILING and Sol looked like he wasn't minding being there, and wah.

Haha, right. Those. It's too bad nobody has translated the Night of Knives volumes yet. So listening to them is pretty much useless for me. XD;;;;

[rallamajoop.livejournal.com]

XDD I can actually see this as much the same thing as they did with the Neon Genesis Evangelion dramas, where they continuously have someone from the cast call Kaworu gay.

Well, it's not like there's ever been any real doubt about Kaoru. May have been the first character that ever twigged me to the fact the yaoi fans actually had a point. *g*

And I don't think anything short of something vaguely Ky-shaped is likely to get any sort of greater reaction out of Sol; I love that attitude about him, that he just doesn't care what anyone thinks of him or his dick size. I'm not sure if he even cares what Ky thinks of him, but if he does, then certainly not in any traditional sense.

Heh, I think you have a good point there. Probably the only way I can think of that he'd care what Ky thought about him is the part where it irritates him that Ky actually trusts him so much, because that goes and inspires him to do crazy things like feel responsible for living up to that trust. And maybe carry out dying wishes and take command of major military installations and such.

I admit I was originally interested in them because I thought they looked pretty, and then I caught onto the rivalry thing and thought that was hot, but now...

Hey, I think "canon rival slash" was pretty much how the series was sold to me in the first place.

I really can't think of anyone else quite like those two, so you're not the only one. I don't know, maybe I'm into all the wrong ships, but just the way it's done in GG--the whole relationship could be a terrible cliché, but it has got all those twists and possibilities that make it more, and make it awesome.

Well, I don't necessarily mean like both of them together, but even individually it's hard to think of any other character quite like either of them. I mean, Ky alone inspires this massive amount of fangirling (out of me and half the rest of fandom), and I'm so used to the feeling that all the good ideas have been done already that it's weird to think I'm having so much trouble thinking of any of character who's handled quite like he is.

dammit, Ky was SMILING, he was beaten up and SMILING and Sol looked like he wasn't minding being there, and wah

andthentheyhadsex,right? Ky is really not very good at hating Sol, however hard he may try, poor guy. *g* Shame about the artist they chose to do those ending pics, but at least they pulled that one off well enough.

Haha, right. Those. It's too bad nobody has translated the Night of Knives volumes yet. So listening to them is pretty much useless for me. XD;;;;

We're... hoping to get to those if we ever get the manga finished, but it's going to be a hell of a job. But for what it's worth, there's no Sol in any of them and only about one line of Ky, though I did like what I could make out of the stories of the other characters who got to appear. ^_^

[aphelion-orion.livejournal.com]

May have been the first character that ever twigged me to the fact the yaoi fans actually had a point. *g*
LOL yeah. And other times, they just go crazy. Like, I don't know if you're following the publicity around Final Fantasy versus XIII, but ever since they released those pictures of some of the male characters giving each other noogies and scuffling around playfully, yaoi comms have been springing up like mushrooms. Even though we don't know anything about them yet.

Probably the only way I can think of that he'd care what Ky thought about him is the part where it irritates him that Ky actually trusts him so much,
Yeah, that's the only thing I could think of off the top of my head, too. He wouldn't give a rat's ass what kinds of bad things Ky thinks about him, short of getting some amusement out of it, maybe, but the fact that Ky actually doesn't consider him a bad guy (heh, pun not intended) where it counts probably doesn't sit well with him.

And maybe carry out dying wishes and take command of major military installations and such.
WAH. Wahwahwah. That killed me. Reminded me why I hate death stories. Sol just sounded so... ahh. It broke my heart. Why yes, I sniffled. I'm pathetic like that.

Hey, I think "canon rival slash" was pretty much how the series was sold to me in the first place.
Well, the much-hyped rival slash was the only thing that even made me touch FFVIII with a barge pole, but they lost me almost immediately. I admit I spoilered myself to hell and back for Guilty Gear before I thought of trying out the game itself.

Well, I don't necessarily mean like both of them together, but even individually it's hard to think of any other character quite like either of them.
Well, I meant both, sorry for misphrasing it. Either together or apart. They're just... well. Not easily compared to anyone else, even though your Vincent post made me laugh so hard. XD I think what makes both of them so charming is composed of several factors, though I admittedly can only speak for myself: They're both characters who are used to dealing with everything on their own--Sol through choice, Ky a little more through circumstance since he's the revered commander and everyone's looking to him to light the way, but they're both used to getting by on their own and don't really have much to fall back on, especially in terms of friends. That leaves out 90% of RPG comparisons by default, since the motto there is friendship and teamwork.

Another thing is, of course, that you won't find anyone anytime soon who has quirks like theirs--I mean, here you have this great hulking warrior who's fangirling Queen in his freetime, and the other has taken to polishing delicate sets of fine china. And then there's a hundred little idiosyncrasies that I personally have never really seen smooshed into one, like Ky's insistence to be polite even to the rudest people (seriously, his story mode in XX makes me laugh so hard). I personally consider Ky's character the harder one to pull off, because it takes a lot so he doesn't come off as pretentious or a naive goody-two-shoes. And yeah, I could go on, but tl;dr. I don't want to scare you off. XD

[aphelion-orion.livejournal.com]

(So yeah, I'm talking too much. AGAIN. >___>)


andthentheyhadsex,right?
Ofcoursetheydid.Lotsofveryloudverysexymansex.*cough*

Ky is really not very good at hating Sol, however hard he may try, poor guy. *g*
XDDD I actually think they do a pretty poor job of hating each other. They infuriate each other beyond reason, but the poor front is mutual, I'd say. I mean, there we have that ending, and then we have Sol practically screaming his heart out in Red Side, and you just don't produce those heart-rending acoustics unless you care for somebody a damn lot. That thing is not an "oh no, my honored rival just croaked" exclamation.

Shame about the artist they chose to do those ending pics, but at least they pulled that one off well enough.
Yeah, the art style is pretty weird... the Sol/Ky ending is actually one of the better ones from that set... Dizzy looks especially weird, along with Testament, and Sol seems awfully cheery a lot of the time. But yes, I'm grateful they got produced, for that one CG alone. XD;;;;

But for what it's worth, there's no Sol in any of them and only about one line of Ky, though I did like what I could make out of the stories of the other characters who got to appear. ^_^
Awww, that's a shame, but as long as the story is good, I can deal with it. Barely. XDDDDD And best of luck if you do decide to tackle that project... I'm doing transcriptions as a side job sometimes, and it's damn hard to even get that down, nevermind translating.

[rallamajoop.livejournal.com]

LOL yeah. And other times, they just go crazy. Like, I don't know if you're following the publicity around Final Fantasy versus XIII, but ever since they released those pictures of some of the male characters giving each other noogies and scuffling around playfully, yaoi comms have been springing up like mushrooms. Even though we don't know anything about them yet.

Well, it is Squeenix *and* Final Fantasy, the yaoi is practically inevitable. Comms do sound a bit preemptive though (I mean, what would you even *call* them? We don't even know the characters' names yet! XD) but I'd be lying if I pretended to be surprised. and that blond guy is worryingly pretty, I must admit

WAH. Wahwahwah. That killed me. Reminded me why I hate death stories. Sol just sounded so... ahh. It broke my heart.

And ten years down the line, he's still bringing up Ky's name at any relevant opportunity. Serious heartbreak, poor guy. (I really must get around to listening through all those CDs again. *g*)

Well, the much-hyped rival slash was the only thing that even made me touch FFVIII with a barge pole, but they lost me almost immediately.

Hah, oh don't get me started on FFVIII - I can go on for *hours*, believe me. There was hardly any rival slash to speak of in there anyway, Seifer's role is ultimately so boring. Gimme their KH incarnations any day.

I admit I spoilered myself to hell and back for Guilty Gear before I thought of trying out the game itself.

Heh, well, when the plot is that tangled, I don't know if it counts as spoiling yourself, more like making sure you know what you're getting into.

They're just... well. Not easily compared to anyone else

I'm sure there must be other characters like Ky who've had the 'your faith's not all wrong but it needs some big-time redirecting' thing like that, but normally I find that kind of element a lot more overblown and obnoxious. With Ky, he's far too tough and sensible to lose too much to it, and while they show how he starts growing past it, they don't overly labour the point with too much religious nonsense. Sol's got some of the 'tough guy with maybe a nice side hidden somewhere deep down' thing going as well as the 'made into a monster' thing, but he never winds up just overpowered and boring and somehow it all works in a way you don't usually see. They're *definitely* products of the sort of game they were made for, and maybe I'd have an easier time thinking of similar characters to them if I had more interest in fighting games - but on the other hand, other fighting games just don't have characters this good. ^_^

I mean, here you have this great hulking warrior who's fangirling Queen in his freetime

And has a *serious* thing for his clothing-brand-of-choice. XD Serious!

(seriously, his story mode in XX makes me laugh so hard)

I loved how he was constantly being all 'I've come to warn you that you're wanted by the law! ...wait, I don't mean *I'm* after you, I don't want to fight - oh, not again!' And his horror at the idea that people had seriously been mistaking the Robo Kys for him, and him accidentally rudely leaving his sword pointing at Anji and the serious bits with Johnny and Sol and... well, all of it actually. As you may have gathered.

because it takes a lot so he doesn't come off as pretentious or a naive goody-two-shoes

And maybe that's one of the things that impresses me most about him - he could so easily have been written to be utterly obnoxious, but he isn't. I'm sure you're right anyway - it's the details that really make them awesome.

Awww, that's a shame, but as long as the story is good, I can deal with it. Barely. XDDDDD And best of luck if you do decide to tackle that project... I'm doing transcriptions as a side job sometimes, and it's damn hard to even get that down, nevermind translating.

Well there *are* other characters I'm interested in in these games, honest. >.> I'm just glad transcribing is the one thing we won't need to do - the Internets have helpfully provided us a with a complete Rikai-chan friendly Japanese script. =D Otherwise I really don't know whether it could ever happen at all. ^^;

[aphelion-orion.livejournal.com]

and that blond guy is worryingly pretty, I must admit
They're all stupidly pretty. But I still think making slash communities for them is a bit overly hasty... I'd be more inclined to wait and see if they have any chemistry in their interactions before jumping to conclusions. I mean... I'm not very good at getting crack pairings. And yaoi just because two guys are pretty isn't really enough for me.

Serious heartbreak, poor guy. (I really must get around to listening through all those CDs again. *g*)
I finally recovered enough to listen to Black Side, and WAH. HAPPY WAH. I mean, Ky. Ky. "I feel safe when I'm with you"? I'm sorry, but... was he trying to marry Sol or something. I think he was. I feel like I can be happy again. Warmfuzzy yay! *dissolves into incoherence*

They're *definitely* products of the sort of game they were made for, and maybe I'd have an easier time thinking of similar characters to them if I had more interest in fighting games
I admit my interest in fighting games was absolutely not there before GG, and now, it doesn't reach beyond the series, either. So I can't say for sure if there are characters more similar to them out there, just from the games I've played, I can't quite find anyone who can compare.

I loved how he was constantly being all 'I've come to warn you that you're wanted by the law! ...wait, I don't mean *I'm* after you, I don't want to fight - oh, not again!'
It was brilliant. He seemed like one of those poor guys who are thrust into a "candid camera" situation, where everyone is behaving crazily and he's the only one who's normal. (Even though Ky is not normal. He's just... more sane than some others. XD)
And by gods, the Robo-Kys... I love those scenes so much. Especially the ending where he has them all in pieces and more are coming, and he's all, "Pfft, back in the war, this was nothing." I was flailing so hard when he said that. XD

Well there *are* other characters I'm interested in in these games, honest. >.>
Well, I'm, too. Really. I have yet to meet a GG character I didn't at least like (ABA excluded, because I haven't seen anything of her yet), and there are some I love a lot. It's just that whenever those two do something pretty, all my attention gets diverted to that immediately. XD

And glad to hear about the script. Transcribing is a really painful job. XD

[rallamajoop.livejournal.com]

They're all stupidly pretty. But I still think making slash communities for them is a bit overly hasty... I'd be more inclined to wait and see if they have any chemistry in their interactions before jumping to conclusions. I mean... I'm not very good at getting crack pairings. And yaoi just because two guys are pretty isn't really enough for me.

I'm the same, but I'm pretty sure it's not about what we do or don't know about them yet, it's about having the *first* comm dedicated to them on the web. Besides, I think we've more than established that for a lot of yaoi fans out there, it really is all about the mindless pretty.

I finally recovered enough to listen to Black Side, and WAH. HAPPY WAH. I mean, Ky. Ky. "I feel safe when I'm with you"? I'm sorry, but... was he trying to marry Sol or something. I think he was. I feel like I can be happy again. Warmfuzzy yay! *dissolves into incoherence*

*grin* My personal theory on that scene is that someone was going through the script and went, "Oh crap! Now that Ky doesn't die, we've lost all the gay in this scene! Quick, someone find a way to rewrite the dialogue to put it back in!"

There may well be more information about the relationship between those two in those CDs than most of the rest of the series put together. I mean, you've got Sol berating Ky about his hero complex and Ky arguing with him, but then later Ky's seriously wondering whether Sol was right, you've got Ky having Sol locked up for misbehaviour to make a point, but the first thing Sol does when he gets out is go running to Ky's rescue. Not to mention all the great contrast between how they each deal with I-no and all, or how much you can see that Ky really has grown up between then and the current timeline. It's wonderful. (Also, was I the only one wondering about that officer Ky has all those conversations with? Poor guy has more lines than a lot of the main series characters in that CD, but he doesn't even get a name.)

It was brilliant. He seemed like one of those poor guys who are thrust into a "candid camera" situation, where everyone is behaving crazily and he's the only one who's normal. (Even though Ky is not normal. He's just... more sane than some others. XD)

The GG plot is a loosely strung together list of excuses for two characters to fight at the best of times, but damn if it isn't good for a laugh all the same.

And by gods, the Robo-Kys... I love those scenes so much. Especially the ending where he has them all in pieces and more are coming, and he's all, "Pfft, back in the war, this was nothing." I was flailing so hard when he said that. XD

Mm, Ky being competent and kickarse. DO WANT. And the part with him coming to an agreement with Johnny and saying he almost misses the simplicity of the war, and him trying so hard to convince Sol to let him help and not wanting to have to be Sol's enemy... Damn, I think I'm going to have to go home and play back through all those scenes this afternoon now. ^^;

It's just that whenever those two do something pretty, all my attention gets diverted to that immediately. XD

Yeah, I know the problem. >.> It's not that everyone else in the games isn't fantastic in their own way, it's just that the lead characters are even more so.

[aphelion-orion.livejournal.com]

Besides, I think we've more than established that for a lot of yaoi fans out there, it really is all about the mindless pretty.
Well, I'm the first to admit that I will stare if you give me some good-looking guys scuffling around, put in order to ship it, I usually need chemistry, or at least potential for chemistry.

*grin* My personal theory on that scene is that someone was going through the script and went, "Oh crap! Now that Ky doesn't die, we've lost all the gay in this scene! Quick, someone find a way to rewrite the dialogue to put it back in!"
ROFL So true. It makes me wonder, really, what they had going on between them in the war, but half the time I'm not sure if it went above an unnamed and inexplicable attraction that kept jerking them back together like an invisible rubber band. But then again, everything's possible here. :)

Mm, Ky being competent and kickarse. DO WANT. And the part with him coming to an agreement with Johnny and saying he almost misses the simplicity of the war, and him trying so hard to convince Sol to let him help and not wanting to have to be Sol's enemy...
Gods, yes. So very yes. Those scenes with Johnny and Sol especially, because it said so much about Ky I'm not even sure how to put into words. I'd be lying if I said that I didn't have VERY high hopes for AC+... I'd just love to see the whole convoluted storyline come to a close, if Ishiwatari really decided he doesn't want to play with X-verse anymore. And the Sol/Ky side better not break my heart. *shakes fist*

It's not that everyone else in the games isn't fantastic in their own way, it's just that the lead characters are even more so.
Yeah. I already promised myself that I'd try to write something for some others... just to vary a bit, you know. It doesn't seem fair to leave them out completely. XD Or maybe I'm just crazy.

[rallamajoop.livejournal.com]

Well, I'm the first to admit that I will stare if you give me some good-looking guys scuffling around, put in order to ship it, I usually need chemistry, or at least potential for chemistry.

But if they already know they're going to rewrite them all into the same weepy uke stereotype, what does it matter what 'personality' they think they have? *headdesk* that poor blond guy has no idea what he's going to be in for

ROFL So true. It makes me wonder, really, what they had going on between them in the war, but half the time I'm not sure if it went above an unnamed and inexplicable attraction that kept jerking them back together like an invisible rubber band. But then again, everything's possible here. :)

We know that band must've snapped pretty damn hard at the end, but otherwise - oh yes, open for so much lovely interpretation, that part of their history. ^_^

Gods, yes. So very yes. Those scenes with Johnny and Sol especially, because it said so much about Ky I'm not even sure how to put into words. I'd be lying if I said that I didn't have VERY high hopes for AC+... I'd just love to see the whole convoluted storyline come to a close, if Ishiwatari really decided he doesn't want to play with X-verse anymore. And the Sol/Ky side better not break my heart. *shakes fist*

Word. AC+ sure has a hell of a lot to live up to. I don't want to get my hopes up too high when things have been hanging so long, but I really want there to be some decent follow up on both those scenes - not to mention at least a dozen others. XX would be a hard act to follow, and I really don't know what to expect from them when the future of the series is in such confusion. Though there is also this promotional poster with the tagline "The coexistance of humans and Gears" over the old AC cover art of Sol and Ky, and I will be taking this as a promising sign until anything comes along to contradict me. *g* There's a line that seems to be saying something about a new beginning in there too, but that one is giving me more trouble to interpret sensibly.

Yeah. I already promised myself that I'd try to write something for some others... just to vary a bit, you know. It doesn't seem fair to leave them out completely. XD Or maybe I'm just crazy.

Well, I've written stuff for Kliff, I-no and Millia - that counts for something, right? ^^; And, uh, I totally had an idea involving Axl a while back... >.> It does make you feel a bit guilty to be ignoring so much of the cast, doesn't it?

While I'm here, I was wondering whether you might be willing to try betaing some fic for me? I could use a second opinion on the one I'm finishing off right now - a few parts of it may have wound more confusing than I meant them to. ^^;

[aphelion-orion.livejournal.com]

that poor blond guy has no idea what he's going to be in for
We should totally form a society for the protection of capable blond men who are inexplicably emasculated because of their hair color. XD

We know that band must've snapped pretty damn hard at the end, but otherwise - oh yes, open for so much lovely interpretation, that part of their history. ^_^
Yesssss. And well, I don't think it's gone entirely. Sure, whatever there might have been was dealt a heavy blow when Sol grabbed the Fuuenken and vanished into the night. And maybe I'm being a retard, but I could see their relationship growing into something else, even afterwards. (Feel free to smack me. XD)

Though there is also this promotional poster with the tagline "The coexistance of humans and Gears" over the old AC cover art of Sol and Ky, and I will be taking this as a promising sign until anything comes along to contradict me. *g* There's a line that seems to be saying something about a new beginning in there too, but that one is giving me more trouble to interpret sensibly.
Ohhh? That all sounds incredibly interesting! *tries not to get hopes up* I'd love to see a Sol/Ky ending that doesn't force them to be eternal enemies, because damn. That would be so sad for both of them. And totally not the only way things could go, so I'm really hoping for some variation. I'm actually also hoping for a Venom-path that doesn't make him the king of all things woeful, but it'll probably be a cold day in hell before that happens.

It does make you feel a bit guilty to be ignoring so much of the cast, doesn't it?
Terribly. Like I said, there's the Venom thing a friend of mine asked for, and I really want to try something with Bridget, too. Because hell, he ends up being the fandom bicycle, when he could be so much more. And maybe Potemkin. Just because he's, you know, Potemkin. XD

While I'm here, I was wondering whether you might be willing to try betaing some fic for me?
I know I already agreed to it over IM, but I feel it's at least polite to respond here, too. Gladly. :) I'm honored you want me for the job.

[rallamajoop.livejournal.com]

Yesssss. And well, I don't think it's gone entirely. Sure, whatever there might have been was dealt a heavy blow when Sol grabbed the Fuuenken and vanished into the night. And maybe I'm being a retard, but I could see their relationship growing into something else, even afterwards. (Feel free to smack me. XD)

I may have to smack you for suggesting anyone would assume it *couldn't* grow into anything else afterwards - weren't we just talking about the amazing cute of their GGX ending? Ky has this serious mess of love and hate going where Sol is concerned - pretty much everything we've ever seen in canon supports that. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he's even got some leftover guilt that it was his failure as a leader that drove Sol away from the Order.

I'd love to see a Sol/Ky ending that doesn't force them to be eternal enemies, because damn.

Ha, I seriously can't imagine they've got anything remotely like that planned. The only real question is what kind of note they will leave them on - how much will be resolved directly and how much left ambiguous, or whether they will leave something they can continue on in some later game. Me personally, I'd kill for a plot that makes them work together, but we'll see what we actually get.

I'm actually also hoping for a Venom-path that doesn't make him the king of all things woeful, but it'll probably be a cold day in hell before that happens.

Oh Jesus, they are *way* overdue for some resolution on the whole Millia/Venom/Zato story. I honestly don't know what they're going to do with it, but it's dragged out long enough, and it'd be kind of annoying if they leave them just messing around with side plots with Slayer and the PWAB (probably depends whether they still want Eddie alive for one more game). Though that ending with Faust and Venom is another one I'd love a follow-up on. And I'd maybesortalove seeing Millia and Venom forced to work together too, but again with the no idea what's actually going to go down with it all.

Terribly. Like I said, there's the Venom thing a friend of mine asked for, and I really want to try something with Bridget, too. Because hell, he ends up being the fandom bicycle, when he could be so much more. And maybe Potemkin. Just because he's, you know, Potemkin. XD

I'm not sure there is much you can do with Bridget when he has so little role even in canon... though on the other hand, him trying to do his bounty hunter thing when he wound up such good friends with the Jellyfish Pirates in so many endings - that could lead to some good fun. XD And I think I'd approve of Potemkin-fic just on principle (really, why should the pretty characters get all the attention?)

[aphelion-orion.livejournal.com]

I may have to smack you for suggesting anyone would assume it *couldn't* grow into anything else afterwards
I would happily accept the smack if I hadn't seen people convinced that they hate each other's guts and want the other to drop off the face of the planet. And everything else... well, you might've seen by now that I'm hesitant of expressing my opinion. XD

I wouldn't be at all surprised if he's even got some leftover guilt that it was his failure as a leader that drove Sol away from the Order.
You know, that's very plausible, now that you mention it. Ky has the tendency to make everything his responsibility, even when it really isn't.

Ha, I seriously can't imagine they've got anything remotely like that planned.
I sure hope so. I'd really, really love to see them working together, even at the risk of making some plot points open-ended. Because, gods, it would be so awesome, and they'd have to really make themselves fit together (I totally don't mean for it to sound like that, honest XD;;;), instead of reluctantly doing so because circumstances (aka Order chain of command XD) demand it.

Oh Jesus, they are *way* overdue for some resolution on the whole Millia/Venom/Zato story.
Definitely. *eyeroll* I have no idea what they're going to do with it, since it's so terribly convoluted and always seems to involve two thirds (or three thirds >_>) of them dying in more or less horrible ways. I'd love to see Venom and Millia reconcile, too, whoever grudging it may be. And afaik there seems to be this GG Judgment ending where they sort of hint in that direction, if I'm not mistaken. *hasn't played Judgment*

I'm not sure there is much you can do with Bridget when he has so little role even in canon...
Well, I was more thinking of easing myself into everything by writing some backstory for him, but yeah. I know it's a stupid idea, I just liked the concept of something that doesn't involve tentacle porn.

And I think I'd approve of Potemkin-fic just on principle (really, why should the pretty characters get all the attention?)
I love Potemkin to bits. I mean, he's this HUGE guy who PAINTS PRETTY PICTURES in his freetime. And I totally adore his X+ endings with Dizzy. Especially the one where she sits on his arm like a pretty birdie. *retard* I just love it because they look so cute together. I really like the idea of Potemkin getting lots of friends. *dork dork dorkity dork*

[rallamajoop.livejournal.com]

I would happily accept the smack if I hadn't seen people convinced that they hate each other's guts and want the other to drop off the face of the planet.

Ah, them. Well, those would be just the insane fanboys who'll deny anything up to and including Ky and Sol nearly making out in pictures and people who just haven't bothered to look at the canon properly at all. That takes quite a specialised level of willful blindness. So I feel quite within my rights to ignore their stupid opinions, and maybe blow rasberries at them too if I'm feeling particularly mature XD.

You know, that's very plausible, now that you mention it. Ky has the tendency to make everything his responsibility, even when it really isn't.

Yeah, there's nothing in canon specifically to suggest it, but it's not hard to imagine, all the same.

I sure hope so. I'd really, really love to see them working together, even at the risk of making some plot points open-ended. Because, gods, it would be so awesome, and they'd have to really make themselves fit together (I totally don't mean for it to sound like that, honest XD;;;), instead of reluctantly doing so because circumstances (aka Order chain of command XD) demand it.

Well, there are lots of different ways they could get it to happen - everything from actual 'work together and plan this out' to 'we just kind of wound up fighting the same people in the same place at the same time somehow'. I for one would be up for just about any of them. ^_^

I'd love to see Venom and Millia reconcile, too, whoever grudging it may be. And afaik there seems to be this GG Judgment ending where they sort of hint in that direction, if I'm not mistaken. *hasn't played Judgment*

Ooh, where'd you hear that? There seems to be just about nothing online about Judgement I can find. (And while I did actually go and buy the game, I haven't actually had the chance to hardly play it yet. ^^;;;)

Well, I was more thinking of easing myself into everything by writing some backstory for him, but yeah. I know it's a stupid idea, I just liked the concept of something that doesn't involve tentacle porn.

Oh, I wouldn't say stupid - that could be neat, actually. It's not like we ever hear much about his parents or brother, but I'm sure there could be something interesting to say about them. They must be one almighty hell of a weird family.

[aphelion-orion.livejournal.com]

So I feel quite within my rights to ignore their stupid opinions, and maybe blow rasberries at them too if I'm feeling particularly mature XD.
XDDDD Well, I ignore them unless they start being offensive. I really would've loved to choke some of them in the Dustloop thread about the motivational posters, where they ganged up on someone who brought a yaoi-tastic Sol picture into the mix. I admit I wasn't able to see the picture in question because the poster had to backpedal so quickly, but even if it was unpretty, dammit, they have their pictures of lolis with giant boobs. *eyeroll*

Yeah, there's nothing in canon specifically to suggest it, but it's not hard to imagine, all the same.
Yeah. I think with how adamant Ky is about saving lives, in adition to the martyr/savior complex he got settled with, it's pretty easy to see it that way. And it might be just me, but when I take into account Ky's behavior in XX Red and Black Side, where he really seems to in some way feel close to Sol despite everything, it's not that hard for me to imagine that he might have felt personally betrayed in some way, too.

I for one would be up for just about any of them. ^_^
Haha, same here. I sure hope AC+ gets a PAL release... I might just be crazy enough to import it otherwise, despite the insane pricing.

Ooh, where'd you hear that? There seems to be just about nothing online about Judgement I can find.
Well, "hear" is stretching things a bit. But there's that Judgment ending CG where they are NOT killing each other and look semi-tolerant of each other, so that has to count for something. I am really debating myself about getting a PSP, but then again, my GG skills suck so much I'm not sure how sensible that would be.

They must be one almighty hell of a weird family.
Definitely, for them to believe in a weird legend about twin boys being bad luck. It really makes me wonder about them and their village. And I don't know if I'll manage it, but I think it's terribly interesting, in a sad way, to think about what being forced to act like a girl would've meant for Bridget, especially when he was younger.