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fire-of-the-sun · 7 months ago

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Noctis and The 'Black Moment' That Never Was

Given the recent discovery of an earlier version of a Final Fantasy XV scene featuring Noctis being imprisoned by Bahamut in Angelgard instead of the Crystal and him showing genuine fear about his destiny (here), I'm reminded of how unfortunate it is that the final game didn't explore the reaction to his fate as well as it deserved and how it could have been one of the most significant scenes in the game. In light of this new scene, I want to use it as an opportunity to address this vital plot point, how it affects Noctis' arc and the story as a whole and why what we got just didn't quite hit the mark.

THE 'BLACK MOMENT'

In typical story structure, this plot point would represent the "The Black Moment" or "The Dark Night of the Soul" among other titles. Taking place before the climax of a story, this pivotal moment is intended to feel like all hope is now lost and showcase the protagonist at their lowest and, in many cases, physically alone. To overcome this, these scenes demand that they gain new insight and understanding - essentially to realize the lesson meant to be learned that defines the thematic core of the story - to pull them out of their despair and carry them across the threshold to the final act. In the above image, you can see that this event precedes the "Road Back" which, in the case of this story, is obviously represented by Noctis returning to the world and regrouping with his allies before entering the climax to face Ardyn and fulfill his calling. Of course, everything leading to the end hinges on the 'Black Moment' beat, so let's explore how each version of this scene tried to tackle this and how they could have been improved:

SCENE COMPARISON

In the original version of the scene, Noctis is physically imprisoned in a dark and gloomy cell in Angelgard - a fitting choice that helps to highlight the tragedy of his circumstances and reflect how he feels trapped by his destiny as well as parallel Ardyn's own imprisonment. Noctis verbally lashes out at Bahamut and expresses genuine anger and fear towards the newly discovered truth of his impending demise.

"'Returned to naught'? I just... fade away? Wait - no! Lemme out of here! - Noctis

Though this missing scene does a better job portraying a stronger reaction from Noctis than the final game, it does still fail to give credible evidence to validate his decision to accept his fate beyond the player simply selecting an option to continue. As such, Noctis and the player may feel more coerced into saying 'yes' here without actually going through the time and processing necessary to truly accept it. Though I'm sure this scene doesn't fully represent the developer's initial intentions and there could have been far more to it, as it stands, it's still not enough to create a successful 'Black Moment".

"Only at the throne can the Chosen receive [the power] and only at the cost of a life: his own. The King of Kings shall be granted the power to banish the darkness, but the blood price must be paid. To cast out the Usurper and usher in Dawn's light will cost the life of the Chosen. Many sacrificed all for the King so must the King sacrifice himself for all. Now enter into Reflection, that the Light of Providence shine within." - Bahamut

In the final version of the game, the essential elements needed for this scene to work are... present to a degree but could have been greatly improved as these aspects are implied rather than explored. After being told the news of his impending death, Noctis does make a distressed expression, but he never gets to voice or process his feelings about it and the moment quickly moves away to show him being forced into slumber.

This is supposed to be a huge turning point. A gut punch to the character and audience and it deserved a stronger reaction - one more akin to the panic and anger that is showcased in the original scene. On the heels of this devastating news, discovering Ardyn's true identity and nefarious intentions and finding himself utterly alone without his friends, Noctis is understandably at his lowest and we need to feel that. Light shines brightest in the dark and the darker we allow this scene the be, the brighter hope can shine after and the more satisfying it will be.

By way of processing, we see a brief montage of footage from previous moments in the game to show Noctis reflecting on them and then he awakens 10 years later having completely worked through all of his trauma, grief and guilt and the sudden transformation naturally feels a bit jarring. Progress is assumed through the passage of time and the natural maturation that comes from age, but this simply isn't enough. There is a lot to unpack here and it deserves to be. The game can't simply rely on a time skip to produce a grudging acceptance. It needs to be a choice - one that he makes wholeheartedly and that the audience fully understands.

I will say, I do like physically seeing the power entering Noctis via the Ring of the Lucii in this version rather than implying he's powering up off-screen, but it's something he should earn after accepting his fate rather than it being forced on him without his consent. Gaining the power he needs to save the world needs to act as the reward for choosing to do so.

DIGGING DEEPER

So, what is necessary for him to grow here? What is the thing that truly awakens the inner King in Noctis and brings him out of the depths of his despair? What makes him choose to willingly sacrifice his life? Though it's an amalgam of a number of things, above all, it is love. Love for his father, love for Luna, love for his friends, love for the people he's met and the world he lives in. Love that counteracts his fear. He has to remember what and who he's doing this for. Though the cost is steep, he has to determine it's worth it to fulfill his duty and save the world.

Of course, Noctis' opinion about his calling changes throughout the story. After Luna first introduces him to the reality that he is the Chosen one as a child, he's hesitant at first, but promises he won't let her down. He has no real idea of what his task will truly be but shows enthusiasm anyway most likely because it was Luna herself who showed such belief in him. As an adult, Noctis begins to struggle with his new reality after the death of his father and shows great anxiety about the mounting responsibilities thrust upon him including his kingly duties, upcoming marriage and the growing burden of his calling. After the loss of Luna, his dedication to continue feels largely driven by immense guilt and need for revenge. In Episode Ignis, after Ignis suggests they end their quest due to suffering so much loss (and now knowing about Noctis' fate), he responds:

"Are you kidding me? That's exactly why I have to keep going - because if I give up now, their sacrifices would have been for nothing!" - Noctis

Though not wanting their sacrifices to be in vain is noble, this should not be his main driving force, especially if his desire to press forward comes from a place of pain and contrition more than anything else. He even refuses to put on the Ring - the symbol of his Kingship and destiny - which shows his lack of true commitment to what is expected of him. At this point, he still has a lot to process and understand before he can fully accept the reality of a fate he is still largely unaware of and truly let go of the fears and anxieties surrounding it.

Noctis has had little time to process his emotions on his journey thus far and the respite afforded by the 'Black Moment' now allows him the opportunity to do so. Whether through playable content that permits Noctis and the audience to tangibly explore his past and current emotions or a prolonged cutscene in either the prison or Crystal, we definitely needed to see him confront what's happened thus far - the good and the bad - and grow from it.

In the Dawn of the Future version of the story, we learn more about what Noctis was dreaming about in the Crystal which included witnessing some of the history of the world, seeing insightful pieces of the lives of characters such as Ardyn and Luna and even getting to interact with his father again. Given this was added to the book and therefore indicative of the developer's intention to feature it in Episode Noctis, I wonder if it had always been their desire to explore his time in the Crystal this way but never got the time to realize in the final game. Noctis actually getting to see and interact with the past and other significant figures would have made for a far more effective 'Black Moment' given its prolonged introspective and revelatory nature.

THE LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

To help guide and comfort him as she always has, I believe that somehow seeing or hearing Luna's spirit again in some way during the 'Black Moment' would have been essential given her narrative purpose and provide a satisfying reference back to her dying promise to him:

"When the world falls down around you and hope is lost. When you find yourself alone amid a lightless place. Look to the distance, know that I am there and that I watch over you always." - Lunafreya

Like the moon shining in his dark prison cell in the old version - the literal light in the night sky - she is the reminder of love and hope to cling to when the darkness threatens to swallow him. This dialogue is so accurate to this scene that I feel it was foreshadowing it specifically to payoff here. Also, if they had gone with the idea of Noctis drawing his power from the moon instead of the Crystal, her presence would be even more significant here and it certainly seems like the original version in Angelgard attempted to spotlight her to a degree as the translated dialogue after he accepts his charge reveals:

"No one tells me anything. I'm always late accepting. Luna, I'm sorry. I will fulfill my duty." - Noctis (Translated by K as in Kei)

This situation creates an even deeper connection between them as, to save the world together like they were destined to do, both Noctis and Luna have to die and surrender their personal desires for a future. As in life, Noctis has to continue to follow her lead and example to become the man she always knew he could be. If she could be dutiful and walk boldly to her fate, so can he and that knowledge would be paramount in helping to encourage him to complete his journey as he remembers his promise not to let her down.

Of course, to truly accept his death, Noctis would naturally have to mourn the life he won't get to live. So many aspects of his life have been derailed already and, after the loss of his father, his home and his fiancé, he now has to face that he has no future beyond being a sacrifice. This is a reality that Luna had to face as well, which would help him better understand what she had to go through and even come to terms with her death as he comes to terms with his own. By letting go of the guilt he feels and truly recognizing that it was an inevitable and accepted part of her calling and not a product of his own mistakes, can he start to forgive himself for everything else, too.

"[...] That may be but it's my choice. If only... if only I could hear his voice once more. If we could laugh together as we did as children. If we could live out our days together as we once dreamed. [...] Forgive me, I vowed to only cry where prying eyes could not see the tears in mine. [...] No, she is no different at all. She wants exactly what they do: to be with the one she loves. But want though she may, it is not to be." - Lunafreya

In a moving flashback, we see Luna grieve the life she wanted and knew she would never have but emphasize that, despite her sorrow, it was still her choice to "throw her life away" and one that she accepted fully with humility and grace. We see her persist to the end due to her strong sense of duty and, most importantly, her love and dedication to Noctis and the people of the world which is what he must use to guide him as well.

To me, this moment feels reminiscent of the campfire scene where Noctis also tearfully voices his acceptance of his fate while allowing himself to uncharacteristically reveal the pain of it, too. Though Noctis has had a decade to process these feelings by this point and fully come to terms with them, he's still a person mourning the sudden finality of his life and the now fleeting moments he'll get to spend with his remaining loved ones. The emotional strength of this scene could act as a reflection of his initial despair as the pain becomes fresh once more but, this time, Noctis is more readily able to tame it. As he stands and looks to each of his friends in turn, reflecting on their friendship and his love for them, he allows that love to outweigh fear and grief. As we watch his tears turn into a smile, it is a perfect display of how he's grown from the 'Black Moment' and a fitting final scene to the game.

"So, I... I've made my peace. Still, knowing this is it and seeing you here, now, it's... more than I can take. Well, what can I say? You guys are the best." - Noctis

All of this emotional progress would also lead him to simply start believing in himself and his worth. He has to remember that he has the support of so many who truly have faith in his ability to fulfill his duty and it's something he needs to accept in himself, too. If they had gone with the Angelgard prison version, a place once defined by punishment would herald Noctis' liberation and, instead of succumbing to darkness like Ardyn, he found light.

METAMORPHOSIS

By reflecting on and embracing his past and remembering what drives him, Noctis would then be ready to finally accept the reality of his calling and begin his metamorphosis, both physically and emotionally, into the King of Light. The man that emerges 10 years later is wise, mature and at peace with his fate. Though the sudden change may not feel as congruent in the final game without taking the time and necessary steps to get there, there are still many moments depicting just how far Noctis has come after the time skip that leave an impact regardless. Beyond the campfire scene, another great example that comes to mind is his conversation with Ignis, showcasing that he can now look back on his life fondly and doesn't hold onto negative emotions:

"You know, looking back, it wasn't all bad. [...] And our fair share of trouble too... but I don't have any regrets. Luna and you guys brought me this far and now I'm on my own." - Noctis

We can also see how much he's grown in his final battle with Ardyn. Not only is he physically stronger, but he's also gained the mental and emotional fortitude to withstand Ardyn's denigrations regarding his efficacy as the Chosen One and his guilt about his father and Luna. Though these barbs would have hit their mark in the past, Noctis is now resistant to them as he's fully processed those emotions and no longer gives them credence. Noctis has tasted the darkness Ardyn once knew but come out of it intact due to the strength of his relationships that ushered him through it. Unlike Ardyn, he is not alone and he fights for love instead of revenge and that is why he succeeds.

"Yet when your father died, you were off playing with your friends! When your beloved died, you lay watching powerless to stop it! You think 10 years is a long time? It is nothing to me! I have lived in darkness for ages!" - Ardyn

Despite what some might think, defeating Ardyn in the physical world is not the Climax. It's in the throne room that Noctis must face the true test of his calling and finally allow himself to be sacrificed. This is where the themes and the lessons he's embraced from the 'Black Moment' rise to the forefront and lead to Ardyn's ultimate demise. It is here that Noctis walks to his death without visible fear, summoning his own executioners with steeled resolve. There are no tears. No second thoughts. Just an unwavering determination to fulfill his calling and save the world once and for all as he assures his father to trust in his ability to do so.

"I'm home. I walked tall and though it took me a while, I'm ready now. I love you all. Luna, guys, dad. The time we had together, I cherish." - Noctis

Through dialogue, the scene reminds us that Noctis' relationships are his driving force and, in what could have been an even more moving parallel to the 'Black Moment', the flashback footage of his loved ones that he remembers at his lowest once more is what helps him endure the agony of his sacrifice and is enough to sustain his strength to continue to the end.

"It's finally over." - Noctis

As Noctis utters these final words at the culmination of years spent in turmoil facing the obstacles of his unjust fate, Noctis dies with a small smile on his face, relieved that his struggles are finally over. He has restored light and hope to the world, fulfilled his calling and can now rest with his lost love knowing he succeeded in safeguarding his remaining loved ones and provided a future for generations to come. It's a bittersweet conclusion to his life - one filled with great strife and heartache but also great love - love that was essential to save the world.

In another parallel between them, Noctis' end reminds me of Ravus' words regarding the death of his sister, Luna, in Episode Ignis and further showcases how much Noctis succeeded in following her footsteps:

"I always knew that [Luna] would face [her] fate without fear, fulfill [her] duty without regret. But part of me always hoped... she would get the chance to live and love as she pleased. [...] And, as in life, I know she will confront that challenge with a smile on her face." - Ravus

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, allowing Noctis to have a stronger reaction to the devastating news of his fate and exploring his passage to acceptance to provide necessary character growth would have been a huge improvement and further embodied and enhanced the heart of this story, one that, though touched upon to a degree, is lacking the immense impact it could have had. Though this game is full of powerful, moving moments, a more successful 'Black Moment' could have been one of the strongest and added more weight to an already emotionally resonant conclusion.

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fire-of-the-sun · 2 months ago

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Regis, Noctis & Luna

I've been thinking about Regis' perspective on Noctis and Luna's relationship and if, perhaps, he knew or, at least, suspected that they were communicating somehow? Though I don't know how often Regis and Noctis may have discussed Luna over the years as the way things ended the last time they saw her would be a sensitive topic for both of them and Noctis specifically doesn't like discussing such personal things. He reveals nothing in his final moments with his father before leaving Insomnia in regard to his bride or upcoming marriage - his forced insouciance clearly a facade to hide any deeper feelings on the matter and an obvious defense mechanism that is showcased many times throughout the story. Even if their relationship wasn't perfect though, I'm sure Regis knew his son well enough to see through the act.

I'd be curious to know Noctis' response to hearing the news of the wedding initially, as I'm sure his gut reaction would have revealed a lot if first announced by Regis himself. Noctis wouldn't be able to construct a facade fast enough to hide his shock and it may have revealed a glimpse of his true feelings to Regis. Over the years he may have seen, even in his son's reticence, the hint of something deeper beneath the mask - intimations of something he's familiar with as he harbored feelings for and married his childhood friend as well.

Regis obviously found great happiness with his wife even though their marriage was short-lived and would wish for his son to taste such happiness as well in Luna, the equivalent of his Aulea. Noctis and Luna got along very well as children and, though they haven't seen each other and (presumably) spoken since, she was clearly very important to him and it's not hard to assume that their previous foundation in friendship would at least produce an easy marriage - one where they could learn to truly love each other in time. After all, they got along so easily before, why not now? If Noctis had to be forced to marry anyone, luckily it's someone he already knows and cares about and there is no woman Regis would see better suited for him. He watched his son blossom under her guidance and friendship before and probably assumes that returning such a light to his life would only help him further grow by continuing to be a great influence on him and help him fully mature, as getting married would require Noctis to truly become a man worthy of being Luna's husband and, potentially, a father one day. Regis was married by 26 and a father at 30, so Noctis is still fairly young and unprepared to embrace such a role (which clearly causes him a great deal of anxiety), but he will get there in time.

Though Noctis and Luna obviously wanted to keep things private between them, we know that Ignis is aware of the notebook in Brotherhood and Umbra publicly presents Noctis with it in front of his friends throughout the game. Though his friends may not fully grasp the exact nature of it, they obviously know it comes from Luna and is important to Noctis and something personal enough that he doesn't like to talk about it with them and immediately shuts down any inquiry. If they were all knowledgeable to some degree, Regis may have put the pieces together over the years as well. Though he may not know exactly how they were communicating, he knows Luna is the Oracle - a messenger meant to communicate with the gods - and perhaps he assumes she found a unique way to message Noctis and never pried about it.

As a sidenote, we also don't know that Ravus is aware of the notebook. I doubt it as I imagine that, given his hate for Noctis and his family, he'd try to take it from her and cease their communication if he knew. Regardless, he obviously reaches a point where, even just through his sister's words and actions, he comes to realize that her feelings for him are genuine and even encourages her to: "Go to him. Show him the truth of your heart" - which is a similar request to the one Regis makes to her, too. Their love is strong enough that the people around them are well aware of something there even if they don't fully understand the depth of it or how exactly it came to be. This could be similar to how Regis slowly determined the validity of their relationship as well.

Of course, Regis would not push so hard for a union he knows Noctis and Luna wouldn't genuinely be interested in. It wouldn't be for their happiness, it'd be for his. Regis also mentions that he knows Luna's mother would wish for them to marry as well and I wouldn't be surprised if the two spoke about their hopes for a future a marriage between their children before Tenebrae fell, as they were able to see the seeds of something beautiful being sown between them.

"I know your mother would wish the same as me. That you and Noctis live happily. All those years captive because I failed you. Not again. Locked doors will seal your fate no longer." - Regis

Beyond his son's happiness, Regis obviously has a deep care and respect for Luna as well and simply wants the best for her. Even Gentiana voices that she helped both of them during their stay in Tenebrae and, given the struggles she's endured all these years, he would also seek Luna's personal happiness and freedom. She deserves a better life, and this is her chance for it. Though it wasn't his fault that Luna stayed behind, he still feels guilty that he couldn't somehow save her and her brother and genuinely wants her to be free of that life once and for all and to be happy and protected by Noctis' side. If he can make that happen for them, perhaps he feels he can absolve himself of his past failure.

Regis' hopes for them also overcome the dubious circumstances surrounding the wedding. He knows it's obviously a trap and the initial proposition does "vex" him, as Ardyn says, but he hopes for their union regardless, as it's still what he would desire even under ideal circumstances and what he suspects Noctis and Luna want as well. He knows the wedding puts Noctis in danger but also genuinely wants it to happen, which is probably why he asks for Luna to go to him privately as he wants them together again regardless of the circumstances and knows they'll be stronger by each other's side and better able to resist their foes.

Similar to Regis, Luna isn't shown to be overjoyed at the news of the marriage either - especially as the announcement is delivered by her brother, who hates Noctis and she no doubt didn't want to give her feelings away in front of him. Even though she does genuinely want to marry him, her awareness that it's a trap and her fear for Noctis' safety overpower the news, which is a concern later echoed in the scene where Regis encourages her to run away to be with Noctis - an offer made with inquiry about her happiness, which implies that he believes such a thing would make her happy. With tears in her eyes, Luna declines, putting her duty and desire to keep Noctis safe above her own heart's desire to be with him. Regis can obviously see her emotional response and it may only further validate his assumption that they share something deeper given her genuine disappointment of his absence and the sacrifices she's willing to make for him. After all, if she didn't personally care, she wouldn't have been so visibly disheartened, especially as someone who tries to hide her sadness and maintain her composure at all times.

"Please make your way to Noctis' side. Take the guards with you. [...] Then what of your own happiness?" - Regis

As a man who knows his time is running out, Regis' focus and motivations are less of a king and more of a father wishing for nothing more than his son's happiness - a desire bolstered by the knowledge that Noctis will face a bitter fate that he cannot save him from and he's desperate for him to find some small measure of happiness while he can - a happiness that is most defined in relation to Luna.

As I explained in this meta, Regis knows his son will one day die as the Chosen king to save the world but doesn't know when or that Luna will die as well. Though he's aware the arrangement with the Empire is dangerous, he has no real reason to assume he and Luna couldn't eventually be married. Even if things fall through with a formal wedding, the two would eventually choose to wed anyway on their own terms. Regardless, he knows that their marriage will eventually be cut short and Luna will have to face losing her husband just as he had to face losing his wife. It's a cruel fate, but at least they still had some time and his son's presence undoubtedly helped him cope with Aulea's loss. Regis probably hopes that, even if Noctis and Luna only have a few years together, they will at least have managed to find some degree of happiness in that time (a few years together is better than none at all) and potentially even have a child to continue the Lucian line and stave off the worst of Luna's inevitable despair at the prospect of living the rest of her life without Noctis. Though he knows tragedy is inevitable, Regis never could have guessed none of those things would happen and the pair would be denied even a proper reunion.

In conclusion, whether Regis knows, suspects or simply hopes for something deeper between them to blossom in time, he's clearly very optimistic towards their union no matter what. Their potential for shared happiness together being a desire so strong that it's the focus of his final moments before death and his last wishes to the couple at the very end of the game - a desire that is, unfortunately, only fulfilled in the afterlife.

"May you two know happiness." - Regis