Rune_Walsh wrote:It threw me off that Wren told Chaz he believed they would meet again, yet Rune -- who obviously had the secret ability to travel from Motavia to Dezoris -- told Chaz they'd probably wouldn't.
[face=Times New Roman]The final parting of Chaz and Rune got to me, too, which is a testament to the realism and depth with which their relationship was developed in the game. I must confess, however, that I thought Rune was merely being realistic in suggesting that their paths were unlikely to cross again. During stressful periods, people bond quickly, and it’s human nature to develop intense friendships. Once the need for propinquity is over, people go their separate ways, fully intending to keep in touch. But life takes its toll, and it frequently doesn’t happen.
I know this from personal experience in my own line of work. During exam time, difficult placements, and periods of intense work pressure, I’ve struck up half a dozen close friendships. In each case, we relied on each other and needed emotional support from each other to survive an abnormally stressful period. When it was over, we often exchanged remarks to the effect of: “I couldn’t have done it without you!” Contact details were shared, but then we moved on to different placements and lost touch. Having compared notes with my colleagues, I know I’m not alone in this; it is a common experience. Sure, I think of my old friends from time to time, and I’d be delighted to see them again, but… life takes its toll. [/face]
But now my imagination is flying, wondering if, perhaps, Rune knew Chaz would meet an early passing? Hmmm!
[face=Times New Roman]That’s a very interesting idea. Maybe Rune sensed something, but kept it to himself so that the Chaz and Rika could enjoy whatever time they had together without a dark cloud hanging over them. It would have to be either a vague premonition, or an inevitable occurrence, because otherwise Rune would presumably have warned them, or attempted to intervene.[/face]
I know the info about Chaz dying young isn't canon, but still, I think it was drawn by the character developer (correct me if I am wrong here, by all means), so if it was at least in his mind, then that is canon enough for me.
[face=Times New Roman]I’ve just had another glance at Rebecca Capowski’s translation of the Compendium. The sketch and notes showing Rika as a widow, caring for her son Rui, were by Tohoru Yoshida, who was responsible for character design and story development. At least, that’s what I gather from Rebecca's webpage. It raises the question, however, of
why the creator might envision such an end for the protagonist.
At the outset, Chaz is Everyman: brave, impetuous, loyal, but lacking in insight and purpose. He grows during the story into the archetypal young hero. But – to a greater extent than the other characters – it is difficult to imagine him down the line. With everyone else, their paths are clear: Kyra will return to her training at the Esper mansion; Raja to his old life; Wren and Demi to their designated maintenance roles on Zelan; Rune to his mission as Lutz; Gryz to look after his sister; and Hahn to academia (and, presumably, his relationship with Saya).
In contrast, the only purpose Chaz has so far found is his mission as a Protector, to fight Darkness. Take that away, and what happens to him? The closest analogy is that of the returning war veteran, seeking a new role. Try to picture Chaz as a civilian, in a mundane 9-to-5 job, eventually retiring and growing old... it’s not easy. It’s
possible to write him that way – and I believe some people have done it – but it requires one to extrapolate beyond the character portrayed in the game and draw inferences about how he might develop under novel circumstances.
Far simpler to adhere to the old adage: “he will never age for me”, and imagine him dying young.[/face]
Thank you for your kind compliments on my story!
I shall send you another excerpt!
[face=Times New Roman]Enjoyed it immensely
It really captures the essence of that first hormonal rush, the awkwardness, the exhilaration… I’ll reply in more detail to you directly. But please keep writing![/face]
I am excited to share this with you! I didn't anticipate that it would be so long, though... so far it is nine chapters. How about yours? I think you mentioned it is long, as well.
[face=Times New Roman]Unfortunately it’s reaching epic proportions although, unlike you, I lack the courage and imagination to speculate about what happens in the distant future after the game. My problem is a constant desire to rewrite it. I look forward to sharing it with you as I go along
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