#and prolly thinks no one loves him

[b0tsbby]

Tales of Vesperia’s lost: Zagi as a misunderstood antagonist

Spoilers for the Definitive Edition of Tales of Vesperia!

Disclaimer: This is my opinion on evidence and lore found in the game. This is not a comprehensive guide on how to view the game or it’s characters. I just live here.

Up in the abandoned halls of Tarqaron, my first thought when seeing a barely standing, Blastia poisoned Zagi was “I’m going to miss him”. It was almost a joke at first. After so many fights with him, I got used to having Zagi show up in the most obscure places. He was weird, sure, but he became such a constant of the team’s journey. I could always count on him to show up, eventually.

It was only after my last fight with Zagi that those words started to mean a little more to me. For the first time, it clicked. He wasn’t ever coming back. For the first time Zagi was truly gone.

And I have issues with how the following scene played out. It felt so dismissive to hear Yuri and the others reduce Zagi to simply being ‘crazy’. It felt like something was missing, like an entire plot point or development was shoved under the rug, kinda like Raven’s pretty rushed reunion upon Heracles.

That’s when the skits that followed with Raven, Rita and Judith really solidified it for me. Zagi, beyond what was initially just another inconvenience for Yuri, is a tragic character. A character that meant a lot more to the themes of the game then it let itself realise.

Okay so, there’s not much we learn about Zagi’s background, and his path in game is somewhat sporadic. First we can deduce at some point he was in leagues with Leviathan’s Claw, working as an assassin to take a hit on Flynn where he meets Yuri instead. We see him again on Ragou’s ship, where for some reason, his ties to Leviathan’s claw are broken and he now works under Ragou and Barbos. We meet him again on his own in the Coliseum, aboard Heracles and finally Tarqaron. The most logical deduction is after Zagi’s meeting with Yuri, the assassin deflects from his former guild and mission entirely to pursue Yuri. Every choice he makes from then on, even the alteration of his body with Blastia, is for Yuri.

I’m gonna backtrack a little to talk about the other character that I feel Zagi behaved as a character foil to, that character being none other than Yuri himself. Morality, justice and the weight of one’s choices are some of the big themes that drive Tales of Vesperia’s narrative, and murder as a resort is not one too steep for both the story and Yuri, though Yuri is still at a stage where he feels the burden of death upon him. Murder is a last resort and he doesn’t actively enjoy having to take Cumore and Ragou’s lives. It’s this blood on Yuri’s hands that drives him to isolate and think less of himself. It’s these choices he’s made that way so heavily on him, making him believe he’s better off facing the world alone and not accepting the trust and support of Brave Vesperia and co.

And it’s in Yuri that we can understand Zagi better. There’s no mention of how or why Zagi became an assassin or how he came to realise he’s so good at carrying out the role. In the end though, he is one. There’s a lot of blood on Zagi’s hands and Yuri only serves as a small window to what effect that may have on him.

Furthermore, Zagi’s alone as far as we know. There’s not a single mention of another character he could be fighting for, or someone who maybe drove him to this path.

To put it all together, I believe in two possible instances regarding Zagi’s past:

One, he’s a character unfortunate enough to have had to make similar choices as Yuri, but alone. The guilt and possible trauma of it all could have been too much for him to handle, turning fighting and the act of killing, the very things that broke him, into some twisted, unhealthy coping mechanism. Realising he’d never be accepted again for the choices he’s made, Zagi resorted to putting meaning into this singular act, becoming exceptional, and making it his sole reason for being.

Then there’s two, perhaps Zagi was just ‘crazy with power’ , like the game suggests, from the start. Maybe the thrill of fighting is just something he’s always enjoyed (sounds like a character I’ve already mentioned). Maybe it had all been Zagi’s prime interest from the start, so much so that he became exceptional at fighting. Too exceptional.

So in a world where Zagi was viewed more as a threat for his talent or interest, with no else to turn to, he turned to a life where his existence would be valued, accepted. The life of an assassin.

But that’s all speculation, of course.

Let’s take a look at those respective skits again, starting with Rita and Judiths’s in “Zagi - Part 2”.

Where the brunt of Zagi’s misunderstood character lies ,I think, is in this loneliness. He has nothing left to put meaning into besides fighting. It’s brought up after his last encounter, and not just in the skits. I found it interesting how even Rita here, draws a parallel between her obsession with Blastia and Zagi’s obsession with , well, his work. They’re both characters with incredible talent, and they’re both characters who seemingly know how alienating it is to be talented, to be too good at something. The joy of being the best at what you do can only last for so long, before one craves a challenge again, or more so in this case an ‘equal’ .

We get more talk about this whole idea of equals in ‘Zagi’s End’.

I’m glad Raven brings up the other antagonists in this skit, specifically making a point of how Zagi is different. Zagi’s the unfortunate case out of the three that found his equal (In Yuri) but his equal ‘turned out to be his enemy.’ The skit goes on to explain his cryptic statement.

So Raven’s specifically talking about friends or allies. Friends strong enough to ‘keep their power from distorting them’. People who’ll support and simultaneously keep you in check. (This distantly referencing the very close relationship Yuri and Flynn have).

It’s safe to say then that Zagi’s simply never had that, or hasn’t had that in a while. Companionship, love and friendship are things he’s clearly never experienced for a long time, and things he’s clearly forgotten how to pursue. So Zagi cherishes the distorted affection he has for Yuri, his ‘equal’, because it’s the closest thing he’s felt to companionship in years.

Zagi to me, represents a sort of ‘what-if’ Yuri that simply had to face the world alone, a Yuri corrupted by the weight of his choices. A character so far gone that longed for something he’d tragically never have or experience.

Gonna end off with my favourite quote from ‘Zagi’s End’:

I think everyone in the team has dealt with their fair share of loneliness, heck, it’s the only link between all their pasts! So I especially got emotional when Raven said this.

The world can be cruel, and each one of them will have to make difficult decisions, have to face inner demons, if they haven’t already. But they’ll be alright. They have love. They have each other.

[ricky-mortis]

I have a lot of thoughts about Tinky fucking Ted up- have some doodles about it

[blaithnne]

This is their dynamic during and post S3

[whaliiwatching]

pining queer people stylin

[sluckythewizard]

THEY could give me the surgurey i need (inspired alot by evojellys designs for em. GREAT STUFF)

[yayforocs]

I Have Once Again Been Consumed By A Fic (Redstone and Skulk by @silverskye13

[thekingscourtroom]

I would never miss international sabo day

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY CRUNCHY LITTLE GUY

[ajdrawshq]

i can almost guarantee ive said it before but. he would thrive in a zero escape game

[ywpd-translations]

Ride 730: “Handicap”

Pag 1

1: I saw Imaizumi-san and Sugimoto-san, a third years pair!!

2: They're currently the fastest, now starting the 20th lap!!

3: Amazing!!

Woah

Already... 100km!?

Pag 2

1: A buddies battle, huh....

2: They thought about it too

Hahaha

Chasing them there's the pair of Onoda-san and Naruko-san!

3: They had an handicap for the first 40km but are gradually catching up

Amazing!

We're just watching them but it's so exciting!!

Oi, you two, don't take a rest and run too!!

Ye-yes, Gorizou-senpai!!

4:  Last year, Teshima he broke up the “team of two” for himself

And he also separated Danchiku and Kaburagi, who were first years

5: He wanted to increase individual power

Pag 3

1: This year, on the comtrary, you paired them up and made them run together

2: Can't you raise your pace more, Nogaki!

I'm doing my best!

3: If we overdo it from the beginning, then we'll have nothing left

But if they open a gap then we won't be able to cover the distance

4: Two people having to run as a pair means that when there are different opinions the'll of course end up arguing

5: You won't know until they try finishing the whole 1000km, but-

Hahaha

Naruko, Onoda, Imaizumi.... this training camp is the answer that you learned through participating twice in the Inter High

That's right

6: You can overcome troubles and difficulties through cooperation and reach a successful conclusion....

Pag 4

1: The “buddies”

Pag 5

1: Are the smallest unit of “team Sohoku that supports each other”!!

Pag 7

1: We're goin ahead, Hotshot, kakaka

2: Ah... sorry I was late today, Imaizumi-kun

It's nothing, don't worry about it

3: There was a guy along the way.....

4: He brings it up every time he passes us, but- “a guy”, I couldn't hear, what guy

5: Those two have passed us many times since earlier...!!

There's a 40km margin, so of course they haven't closed it all

Pag 8

1: It's probably the time to start worrying about them!!

Imaizumi!!

2: From now on we need some kind of plan.... those two are fast!!

Will it be okay if we don't come up with a plan!?

3: Yeah, don't worry, we have a margin

They won't surpass us if we keep going at this pace

Ye... ah, you're so calm, as expected of you, Imaizumi

4: With those two, Onoda pulls them on the climbs, and Naruko pulls on the flats...

5: They're the most efficient pair!!

6: We entered the climb, so I'm going ahead, Naruko-kun!!

Yeah!!

Pag 9

1: Oruaaaagh!!

2: “Efficient”....?

3: That's how you see it? Sugimoto

5: You say they work well perfectly well together

7: Hahaha, more.... more, Onoda-kun!! Raise it...!! The climbing pace!!

Pag 10

1: If you think so, then your eyes are bad

3: Alright, let's raise the pace of another 10%!!

Oruaaaaagh

Waaaa, they're so fast!

Pag 11

1: It's the complete opposite of what you said

It's a shame

2: Onoda raises his paces on climbs, and Naruko manages to cling to him

Oruaaaagh

4: Then, it's the opposite on the flats

5: The climb is finally over, so I'm going ahead, Onoda-kun

6: Once, during training camp we were blocked with an “equipment handicap”

7: Now

8: They're carrying each other like that burden

Onoda on the flats.... and Naruko on the climbs!! Now....

Pag 12

1: It's a “human handicap”!!

Fly and follow me, Onoda-kun!!

O... okay!!

2: So fast... as expected, Naruko-kun is so fast!!

3: Come on, you're dropping your pace!!

5: Yeah

Pag 13

1: Let's keep going like this!!

Kakaka

2: So there's this kind of use too, in this buddies system!!

3: “Human handicap”....!!

5: To “become stronger”.....!!

Those two are still trying to become stronger

Before the training camp, I also tried to prepare in my own way, but

Pag 14

1: Maybe I've been too complacent.....!!

3: I- Imaizumi!!

Sorry, the things you're saying now, I'm only noticing them now, and now!!

4: What are you even doing Sugimoto Terufumi!! You know it, this training camp has been to get stronger since the beginning!!

5: My eyes really are bad!!

7: I'm not on you guys' level so there are many things I don't notice

I'm still not satisfied!!

Pag 15

1: Oh, he realized it

2: If it were the you from some time ago, you would have made up some excuses

I- I noticed, I'm an experienced cyclist, so of course I don't have bad eyes

3: So, please, tell me, Imaizumi!!

Everything about what I'm lacking, for the whole time!! For these whole four days!!

I think I've prepared enough for this training camp

4: I've already thrown away my pride a long time ago!!

Pag 16

1: That's why the “Sohoku jersey” that you gave me, I left it at home!!

3: The next time I'll put on that jersey it will be as a regular!! When I will become the sixth member and run in the Inter High with you, Imaizumi!!

5: I see. Then it's going to be a challenging four days

Yeah, exactly!!

Pag 17

1: Let's go, Sugimoto!!

Yeah!!

2: I'll also become stronger in this training camp!! Imaizumi, no matter what kind of opponent will come at me, I will!!

3: So that I'll be able to run om that stage with you!!

5: Sugimoto.... in my cold way of speaking, I... think you're powerless

6: I also have to get stronger during these four days

I have a margin that Onoda and Naruko can't close, and I plan on reaching the goal faster than anyone else

7:  Eventually, you'll fall behind

Pag 18

1: I'll take the “powerless you” and run 1000km!! That's the “human handicap” I chose for myself!!

Pag 19

1: End of the first day of training camp

Ahhh I'm so tired!

Ah, my legs, my legs hurt....

Ahh, I can't walk

2: The senpai are walking so quickly!

Incredible!

4: Teeeh....

Guaa....

5: As expected... training camp is so hard...

Waaaa, the world is spinning...

And tomorrow.... too? Kinaka-kun

Yeah!! Rokudai

Ughh...

Distance covered on the first day: Imaizumi and Sugimoto, 250km

Pag 20

1: Kaburagi and Danchiku, respectively 250km and 240km

Sugimoto Sadatoki, Gorizou, Sawada, and the third year Kawada, all retired

3: Onoda and Naruko, 225km and 250km

4: My back....

My neck....

My legs....

It hurts

The first years

5: Rokudai and Kinaka, 180km

Several other people reached the goal sefely

[babacontainsmultitudes]

Here very messy unfinished Nicky sketch that I'm deleting in 5 minutes or so (and def not maintagging) for whoever is up lol

This is when I would say "I can't remember the last time I posted a drawing here" but I do it was that Glenn who got voided from the tags because the world wasn't ready for his honkers 😔

[flutt3rb4tz]

OKAY FINE MAYBE I DID HAVE MORE MOTIVATION IN ME. maybe ive been brainrotting over pafl for like the entirety of this month. anyway i like convergence a lot and i think this shots pretty good. might make a version with the lyrics on it if i can find a good font

[quirkle2]

I was wondering if there are any rare happy ritsu moments in ur zombie au since hes always miserable I think,, like is he always miserable or is he happy/not miserable and feeling kinda good sometimes?

VWHDGDGD NO YEAH OFC HE'S HAPPY SOMETIMES im just horrible and enjoy putting him through misery

ive never been able to get a genuine smile to look right on his face in my art style either i think thats part of it. as ive said his face is just built to be mildly uncomfortable and bothered and i lean into it sm it's starting to get kinda funny

but yes ritsu is happy plenty! i think, canonically, he just seems like the type of person to me that tends to turn lemonade back into lemons. he's easy to scare and his first reaction to things is often Dread and Anxiety. he dwells on the negatives a lot and seems to be a "hope for the best, expect the worst," kinda guy, but there's a section in this post abt shigeo always loving the little things in life, and ritsu steadily learns throughout the journey on how to do that and how healing it can rly be. even if he had to grow up too fast during this whole thing and learn things a kid should never have to, the journey also gave him some good insight and lessons in other places! ritsu is smart, he figures it all out

in terms of little things here n there he's the happiest lil guy on the planet when he finds one of his favorite foods—swings his legs while he sits and munches on a kitkat bar like he's got absolutely nothin in the world to worry abt. sometimes mob does smth funny that he laughs at; for the longest time i've had this silly image in my head of mob accidentally knocking down a bucket from a store shelf and it lands on his head and he just kinda stands there and makes noises.when the noises continue out of pure curiosity about the weird echoey quality it's giving them ritsu cannot help but lose it

besides tiny things tho, when tome comes around ritsu in general is a lot happier, just cuz he has somebody to talk to that will actually respond in some way. they're sorta reluctant partners in crime at first (at least on ritsu's end) but over time and over bonding they grow to rly like each other's presence. they bicker constantly but it's almost always fond eventually, and they shove each other and playfight until mob gets antsy enough to get worked up about it. rly, tome is a godsend to ritsu's mental health—after months and months of being effectively alone with his thoughts, he finally has another person to converse with. a person His Age, too!

tome is rly good at knowing when ritsu is thinkin himself into oblivion and she's Also rly good at being the most annoying girl on the planet to yank him outta that and replace any misery with Oh My God Get Off Me You Freak. she doesn't even do this on purpose at first, but over time she learns how to tell when he's thinking too hard and, ofc, she's grown attached and she cares, so she's as obnoxious as possible to lighten the mood

when they find reigen n teru, ritsu gradually gets Much happier still. now that he knows they're safe and the gang is finally back together (and now that there's an Adult present and he can relax a lil and let himself be taken care of) his stress levels r exponentially lowered. having teru back is another instant lift to his mood—im always a big fan of teru and ritsu friendship, and i think adding tome to their dynamic simply makes it more chaotic. truly a trio of the 3 most normal teenagers in existence which will surely bring nothing but good (reigen sweats offscreen)

actually this makes me feel bad for forever torturing him im gonna go draw happy zau ritsus brb ,.,.ok imback <3

[bisexual-ashe]

five hargreeves would be THE mother of all time if he had children i am just saying

[wraithsoutlaws]

fallout dagger somehow manages to cage a deathclaw and tries to tame it. sometimes he throws people he's annoyed with into the cage with it.

[dutybcrne]

HSR verse Kaeya ideas:

Path of Nihility, Element Ice

Fell in stride with that path due to his depression after his conflict with Diluc and belief his fate due to his family's ties to the Abyss Order may be to bring his new homeworld's doom ( in part because of his Father's final words to him ), maintained in growing to find amusement in the impossible and working towards it regardless of the fact

Has every intention to try and defy his so-called fate even still, even knowing all that effort may be for naught in the end. But at least he would like to say he tried

Tends to help people on a whim, without desiring credit for his actions or if it may help them in the long run

His abilities sap the vitality of his enemies, but consume his own when he uses his strongest ability

Due to his family's contract with the Abyss Order, his lifespan is longer than most humanoids, spanning centuries. Though not quite that of a Xianzhou native, like them, his people do still face a terrible curse to become monsters after a time, like many of the Abyss Order.

He is glad his loved ones will never live to see him succumb to it. One way or another.

Though he also secretly harbors the strongest desire to force the Abyss's immortality on them to ensure they can stay with him, and face the same fate. He has to wonder if the slumbering monster in him is to blame for that, or his own attachments

[shywhumpauthor]

Hi, Coal! This is anonymous from the Whumpuary question

There's no need to respond to this, lol-

I really just wanted to say thank you for taking the time to respond to my previous question :))

(I enjoyed reading the dragged out version of your response, lol- better for my brain to process and take in for sum reason)

I'm good with whatever decision you make. I was honestly just curious because I do enjoy your stories and writing style, so there's that-

(#love Noah)

And, I get where you're coming from with writing series and all, so like- yeah

Regardless of your decision, as long as you don't stress yourself out about it, I'll be fine with whatever

So, uh, yeah- thanks for responding and– take care :)

I am so bad with responses but I wanted to say something just to lyk that I appreciate that you read the long response and then also took the time to reply. That sounds so stiff and insincere written out like this, but I promise it’s not lmao

You as well! Happy new year!

(#love hurting noah)