Theme That Game: XY

[Chase]

Alright - so I've been replaying 'Y' for multiple reasons - and it has come to my attention during this playthrough that there are -some- really small things that -do- make X and Y an enchanting game. Please note that this doesn't mean it's a "great" game - but I do feel like I overlooked a few things. This is where my idea for perhaps a new series of threads came from.

The most stark distaste -I- had when finishing my adventure in Kalos was simply never knowing..... "What actually happened". This game follows a generation that literally lived and died off of it's story telling in Black and White - and I was actually genuinely lost with how the succeeding generation unfurled.

Literally, I just took this romp as a 10-12 year old kid who moves to Kalos and is thrust into an adventure at a Professor's request - only for the experiences to just kind of come and pass with the rest of the game. - However, that's actually part of this game's beauty - and I hope to point this out later.

For now though. Fasten your seatbelts. Ask your stewardess for a snack or a drink - it's on the house - and hopefully have your eyes open for some of these motifs and try to see how they actually -do- give Generation 6 a lore boost.

It's time - to theme. that. game.

OH YEAH. THERE BE SPOILERS AHEAD. DON'T READ ON IF YOU HAVE YET TO PLAY X OR Y. "WAITING FOR POKEMON Z" IS NOT A GOOD EXCUSE.

PART I: THE POWER OF SELF DISCOVERY

Remember when you used to play a Pokemon title and just do what you felt was right? Did you want to demolish the Pokemon League with ONLY your starter Pokemon? Did you want to skip Gym Trainers and look for shortcuts on routes because "XP Waste" wasn't an issue? - What about the opposite? Remember when you literally spent 500 hours hitting your action button in search for invisible treasure? Did you like to talk to literally EVERY NPC you possible could?

This seemingly throw-away theme of autonomy - present in EVERY Pokemon game in some way or fashion as well as almost every other Role-Playing title you've ever picked up - is actually one of the major plot points in itself here in Kalos.

Meet Calem/Serena - the next-door-neighbor, unused Protagonist sprite, rival born from skilled battlers, Shauna - The seemingly green tag-along character who emulates the free-spirit, Tierno - the dancing character who emulates Contest trainers or those who don't like to battle, and Trevor - the geek who - like myself - likes filling the Pokedex as much as possible.

Notice something from those descriptions?

"Why are you traveling, <Player>? Everyone is working really hard at what they want to do, but I'm just all about the memories!" - Shauna

You depart from Aquacorde Town with four people who have distinct goals in mind - and throughout the game, grow as characters BECAUSE of said goals. This is what we come to like about previous rivals - except these characters seem to pick smaller or more insignificant goals to -US- from a story perspective in comparison to Cheren looking to "become stronger" or Blue "looking to be the best ever."

Playing through the story again forces you to CARE about this motley crew - and there are specific moments that actually spur growth.

Shauna starts off being the most annoying companion of the bunch due to being absolutely clueless about Pokemon and being a complete ditz in general - however, the game goes out of it's way to highlight a very important trait about her - how observant she is. She stops the player from advancing in Santalune Forest momentarily to find a hidden Potion in a nearby patch of grass - sort of as a tutorial for item hunting without the Dowsing Machine. Later on, it's stated that Clemont - a friend of hers - gives her a "device that solves puzzles" - that she doesn't use because she is usually adept at solving them herself and having to resort to it "would be a shame." This very device - brought by a desperate Shauna after chasing you and the unused Protagonist down Team Flare's HQ - ends up being crucial to the player encountering Xerneas/Yveltal and saving the world from the ultimate weapon. Shauna overcomes her fear of danger in order to help - and without her help - the player may not even be able to open the door in time.

Tierno has two major hooks. He REALLY likes watching how Pokemon move - and he ABSOLUTELY doesn't like battling. His moment of growth comes when battling the player spur-of-the-moment on the route to Snowbelle City. Tierno doesn't get a lot of screen time - but this is the turn of the corner for him quite obviously - by doing something he wouldn't have done before. It's also said by Shauna that Tierno spends some time at the Fighting Dojo - which is being advertised by a former Kantoian Black Belt as a "dance studio" (in order to actually attract costumers) that teaches "karate dance." - so it's feasible to say that Tierno picks up a bit of skill in Pokemon battling from this.

Trevor has this unique form of competing with the player in that he will ask to compare Pokedexes with you throughout the journey. As Tierno's companion it's easy to associate a lack of interest in battling with Trevor too - but really the most prominent reason he isn't as bold as you and Calem/Serena is that he's timid - along with caring about the Pokedex. The player and Trevor are the only ones that journey into the Frost Cavern, encountering Team Flare Scientist Mabel and a pair of grunts harassing a native Abomasnow. Trevor stands up and fights one of the grunts - and admits to the player that there is a time for being bold - as it can help out others down the stretch. Cue character growth.

and finally Calem or Serena already come across as bold and quick-to-act - but that doesn't mean that they as characters don't grow. The player character actually serves as a measuring stick for a majority of the journey, beating the pulp out of your rival's thin line of partners and causing what seems to be growing dismay paired with definite frustration for quite a while. It all culminates though when the group reaches the Tower of Mastery in Shalour City. Gurkinn - the Mega Evolution Guru - brings upon unfortunate news. There's only -ONE- mega ring at the moment, and the group has to decide who should get to use it. After the other three companions bow out - the player and Calem/Serena are the only two left standing. Prior to the showdown - the rival is confident, and while offering you praise, it's the most backhanded yet as they are determined to be the Mega Evolution user. After the defeat - they seem MORE than humbled - which leads to not only accepting that you're the real deal as a trainer and worthy of mastering Mega Evolution - but that he/she may yet have a lot to learn themselves. This prompts them to not meet up with the rest of the group on the way to Snowbelle City. They're training.

As you can see - what may come across as an extremely forgettable group of companions actually proves to be a major focal point of the story. These characters are the ones that are in nearly every scene and to finally see their intrinsic value as characters at least begins to open the story up more than before.

In the next part - I'll cover one of the deficiencies of X and Y in another group of people that may be considerably underwhelming. The Kalos Pokemon League. But do go ahead and comment what you think of my musings! They encourage me to keep doing my research if nothing else.

[mde2001]

I actually agree with you on this one!

X and Y were flawed games and had a very shallow plot at first glance but there are definitely some more subtle things which I like! The characters aren't as interesting at first glance as the BW ones are, and even looking deeper they probably aren't. But I do like how the rivals all have their own dreams as compared to just being your rival. I think it makes the journey a bit more real having people love different aspects of their world and experiencing unique growth.

I feel like with slightly better writing this growth could have developed further and I would have liked a bit more time alone with Tierno and Trevor so they got to show us what made them unique without having everyone else competing for the spotlight.

I love X and Y. There is a fair bit there when you look for it. They could have made it a lot better with more interesting gym leaders and a plot that didn't rely so heavily on subtlety.

This was definitely an interesting read and brought up some things I hadn't thought of before! I look forward to the next part!

[Chase]

Here's an interesting question - based off of the point Mde just brought up.

There are a TON of characters in this game - looking at the rivals ALONE. What seems to be more damning though?

• There are just too MANY characters to care about any of them.
• OR that the game doesn't do a good job of emphasizing the importance of each individual within the group?

I really think -now- that the number of rivals the game WANTED us as players to attach to kinda -did- hurt how involved our next suspect group could be screen-time wise. However, I also think that we as the player error if trying to determine if any individual rival is worth more than another. X and Y's STRENGTH is showing the power of the group collective while also defining the individuals within.

[starkidcosmo]

I think the failure on x/y's part is probably lack of... 'time,' for lack of a better word. We don't get a lot of time as the player to really connect with any characters besides Calem/Serena and Shauna, and even then, their interactions can come off as a little forced. I know I, for one, cannot stand Calem/Serena, because their dialogue is clunky and unappealing. if that ass calls me 'neighbor' one more time i'm gonna throw 'em off a cliff i s2g

More than that, the team flare plot seems to happen very suddenly to me? We're shown Lysandre, who's obviously a creep, we're accosted by flare grunts a little bit, and then all of a sudden they're trying to kill everyone and we're the only ones who can stop them. I really feel like most of the problems in x/y could have been lessened, if not fixed entirely, if there had been a little more time to get to know the friend group and a little more build-up with flare.

Also, you're planning on addressing this later but I just want to go ahead and say my piece: The main failing of Diantha is that she never got involved. Diantha has what, one? two appearances before you fight her? Her dialogue also comes off as being very detached somehow.

Malva was compelling because of her pre and post-fight monologue, but again, there was very little build-up to her reveal as a team flare member. If she had had a few actual appearances besides her holocast reports I feel that fighting her as a member of the elite four could have had more impact.

[Aishi]

Interesting..

Good job, Hunter. Maybe Kalos' characters and plot weren't as TERRIBLE as I'd thought. Imo the only selling point XY had were the greatly improved graphics and...well only the graphics, really.

The characters would've been 100000000000000000000% more likeable if they gave more 'screen-time' and such. (obviously) And I feel like they could've done a waaaaaaaaaaaaay better job at this I'm really trying to like XY here ya know.

[Also yes I agree the game like...shoves Calem/Serena and Shauna into your face, I feel like.]

Well, nonetheless, keep it up! Am excited to see the next part ^^

[Exalted]

to be honest there are alot of plot potential in x and y but during the entire game it was like they were just warming up to a bigger plot maybe pokemon Z and the entire thing felt rushed it was like: you want a starter sure here ya go first gym badge here sweep through. want a kanto starter while being introduced to a new mechanic here you go. want a villainous team here ya go want a fossil pokemon quick here it is want a few new gyms there ya go want to make a use of a new mechanic that can be used by kanto starters heres a uber mega evolving lucario with good mix attacking nature and ivs.

Want some story progression heres a 12 feet long hobo say hi and some gym leaders and random team flare encounters later want some story progression well have a a story about a 3000 year war that has barely been build up to what no wee to bad getting it anyway want to have a have a villonous team battles up to the leader you can one shot all of em there.

but the ranting aside the legendary awakening clip was pretty cool now back to ranting. oh look one more gym to go sweep em now go to the elite 4 after a few pointless rival battles i will kid none of you my lucario i got from korina at the end of this game was lvl 70 or so and it sweeped the elite 4 and the champion no non legendary pokemon should be able to do that so easily and if you're wondering aura sphere earthquake poison jab and dragon pulse.

in all honesty not so bad but felt kinda empty to me maybe if there was more progression maybe

[Chase]

I think I have a few reasons Calem and Serena are indeed interesting characters - but I do understand that the game shows a bit of favoritism toward them early on and that they do have some patronizing, clumpy dialogue you would expect out of a snobby next-door-neighbor when you're the new kid in town-

Oh wait. That kinda makes sense right? Is it just bad dialogue... or is it kind of part of the character?

Digging into Calem and Serena a bit - they both seem like the "eager neighbor" trope. Kinda like the guy that lives next door to the Simpsons - and they both are distinctly confident in their own abilities in comparison to the other three companions. They even go so far as to give your rival a sort of "battling lineage" - indicating that their parents are expert Trainers.

I may get a few heads shaken at me, but in their own backhanded polite way - Early game Serena reminds me of BLUE from Kanto. Obviously, there is the distinctly missing childhood rival dynamic as the player has only -just- met their rival for the first time at the beginning of the story - and the mood seems to indicate that your neighbor is more keen on being your friend as well as being a rival (which they politely ask you about first at the Cafe Soliel - a distinctly prominent part of their arc.).

Remember when I pointed to the battle for the Mega Ring being a really humbling experience? Prior - despite the seemingly countless times you best them, Calem and Serena are not really ready to buy you as a superstar trainer - but they also are not ready to do so because of that rivalry pact. To admit your something out of their league would be akin to throwing in the towel. It also means that in order to even their own perception with theirs of you without producing results (Canonically, you MUST beat your rival to progress - so it's assumed that Calem and Serena aren't winning at all.) they have to associate you with something other than your talent as a Pokemon trainer - and the first thing that comes to mind could easily be that your the boy/girl next door.

Here's something you guys may not know. The player character was never supposed to get a Pokemon in the first place. Calem/Serena were the originally "chosen" children in Vaniville - and Prof. Sycamore found out about the player's arrival in time to extend the offer to you. Sure, that's convenient from the player's shoes - but for Calem and Serena - imagine how that would feel to a kid who apparently has superstar parents.

"Hey Serena! We also need to get the new boy next door to come too! Professor Sycamore said so!" - Shauna

"What? They just moved in! How would the Professor know about them?"

"I don't know, but they are supposed to get a new Pokemon too! Also, we get to meet a new friend!~"

There's potentially a LOT going on behind Serena and Calem - from the callback to having a next-door rival who REALLY wants to best you in battle seemingly above all else, to suddenly having to share the spotlight as Vaniville's next top talent, to having already had a chip on their shoulder due to their parentage.

Yeah, I'll agree with you guys. They do get shoved in your face and they can be the most tacky in the group early on - but I think they suffer the same syndrome as Tierno and Trevor - and maybe even every other character in the game.

There's not enough time to know them best.

[Masquerain]

For me, what X and Y lacks is a "plot" that makes u wanna keep going and find out what happens next. It has the feel of the earliest games like kanto/johto in terms of that. I just feel like they took an awesome myth to base the legends off of, and did nothing with it. They introduce so many events from the past and never do anything with them. What of this infamous war? What of AZ? I really wish for a universe expanded upon the notion of that pokemon war.. And more utility for the yggdrasil myth

[Chase]

There's a couple of things that actually -DO- compliment X and Y's storyline very well - although I can understand being disgruntled by having to complete the game OR play ORAS in order to get a bigger grasp of what's happening with all of the "past" events the story mentions (I.e the Pokemon War) or past characters (Malva)

• The Looker Missions - These stories are actually just a really cool Looker cameo and use their own plot - however they do give a little more substance to characters like Malva and Dr. Xerosic - characters that are a lot more paper thin without having touched the post game stories at all.
• The Delta Episode - (ORAS) - ORAS does a FANTASTIC job of providing a bit of insight on just how significant that Pokemon war was today here. Zinnia - who's trainer title is actually "Lorekeeper" - is a very crucial piece of redemption to the Kalos story.

I'll cover both of these in time (Malva either later today or tomorrow - The Delta Episode after I replay Omega Ruby - which will follow this current Y playthough - in it's own thread.)

[Honchy]

I really like X & Y because of the new 3d models

[Masquerain]

There's a couple of things that actually -DO- compliment X and Y's storyline very well - although I can understand being disgruntled by having to complete the game OR play ORAS in order to get a bigger grasp of what's happening with all of the "past" events the story mentions (I.e the Pokemon War) or past characters (Malva)

• The Looker Missions - These stories are actually just a really cool Looker cameo and use their own plot - however they do give a little more substance to characters like Malva and Dr. Xerosic - characters that are a lot more paper thin without having touched the post game stories at all.
• The Delta Episode - (ORAS) - ORAS does a FANTASTIC job of providing a bit of insight on just how significant that Pokemon war was today here. Zinnia - who's trainer title is actually "Lorekeeper" - is a very crucial piece of redemption to the Kalos story.

I'll cover both of these in time (Malva either later today or tomorrow - The Delta Episode after I replay Omega Ruby - which will follow this current Y playthough - in it's own thread.)

Exactly, ORAS seemed so connected to Kalos events that it would just be a shame if they don't do anything with the info bits they provided. ORAS does indeed make Kalos better, but I do wish they'd complete the "link" in a game

[Chase]

Part II: Beauty and the [Pocket] Beasts

"Now listen! It is vital that this world become a better place. And the people and Pokémon chosen to make the world better must work tirelessly to achieve this goal. Well, I'll be off. Please give Professor Sycamore my best. My desire…it is for a more beautiful world!" - Lysandre

I hear about how much X and Y will go down in the franchise as the games that were massive graphical leaps forward all the time. Even in this thread, it's been pointed out that the game brings much better graphics to the table more than it may bring anything else.

However, the graphics are not the only feature that alludes to something like beauty.

• Furfrou grooming
• Trainer Customization
• Lumiose "Style"
• The Poke Radar giving players increased odds of finding a Shiny Pokemon.
• Trainer PR Videos

and probably other things - but take a gander at some of the side occupations of the Pokemon League members:

• The Photographer
• The Gardener
• The Fashion Designer
• The Chef
• The Star Actress

and finally, look back to Lysandre's quote above. This is taken from the first time the player meets Lysandre - after battling Prof. Sycamore for the first time and picking up a Kanto starter. It would seem like image is virtually EVERYTHING in the Kalos region, right?

In order to redeem our returned to statuesque League members a little bit more, and especially give Lysandre's motives clarity and value, we first have to delve into why "beauty" actually is important.

We know for a fact that Kalos' real world inspiration is France - as Lumiose City is the central capital of the region and more importantly is a spitting image of the city of Paris. Paris is one of the most picturesque urban locations in the world. It doesn't stop with urban wonders though. Camphrier Town hosts the Shabbaneau building - akin to medieval castles that littered the European countryside throughout history.

So, our real world tangent will mean that Kalos will be molded by one of the most "beautiful" countries out there.

"Do you think Pokemon battling can ever be worthy of being called an art? ...Indeed. You see, cooking is the type of art that disappears as soon as it is completed. Pokemon battles are the same. Even memories of sweet victory soon fade after the battle ends." - Siebold

What a profound question by a character that only serves as an Elite Four member. If you were to answer "No" - Siebold gets cross with you and gives you THIS gem of a response instead.

"Fool! You silly, unseeing child! If all you seek in life is to fill your stomach with some tasteless matter, then why are there Chefs in this world!? We labor tirelessly to make something wonderful that will disappear from sight as soon as it is enjoyed! That is the life of a Chef! That - is the life of a Trainer!"

I think you can gather two things here that take this "beauty" motif a step further. Firstly - the beautiful thing that Siebold is a character that is somewhat inspired by famous British chef Gordon Ramsay (who is infamous for his temper tantrums as much as he is for food.), and secondly (and much more importantly) - that Pokemon battling is considered beautiful, even if fleetingly so.

This is a clear cut conjunction between the game we have in our 3DS's purpose - all things Pocket Monsters, and the theme of beauty. Ultimately, that everything about them - from their fur's styling to being pit against an opposing Pokemon in battle - is a work of art. This restores the impact of Viola's photography passion - with her muse being Pokemon. As a landscaper - Ramos literally is the same kind of artist as Siebold - albeit a little more lasting. The same goes for Valerie - who's clothing lasts perhaps even longer than Ramos' plants.

This all reaches a boiling point with Lysandre. To him, the beautiful world requires there to be a lack of competition and everyone being cooperative as well as active participants in the goal of betterment. It means that destruction and hoarding everything for ones self is to be abhorred. The points he makes about such things being negative are absolutely right in many respects.

No, his methodology absolutely is too extreme - and that's why the player is called upon to stop the ultimate weapon from being fired - but part of what makes an antagonist deeper is understanding the reasons why he commits his atrocities. To Lysandre, the world is in danger of losing it's luster. He's a proud Kalosian - and Kalosians are very proud of their image above many things. He cares so much about the world's image that he is willing to take severe risks for restoring it.

Does this mean we truly were foolish and unseeing - as Siebold would suggest to those of us who answered his question with "no" - for downplaying the theme of beauty in these games? Perhaps some, but take a look at what this character says in response to Lysandre on the topic of beauty.

"What a strange question... Why would I want to play the same old roles forever? Youth may be beautiful, but it's not all there is to life. Everything changes. I want to live and change like that, too. So I look forward to playing different roles as I get older." - Diantha

So - I'll let you guys decide for yourself. Like Diantha says though - Beauty isn't everything. Next time, I'll cover another theme that starts with the letter "B", and hopefully unearth a little bit more on some of the other characters in the League - along with Team Flare.

"The name is Bond.....James Bond."

[Chase]

PART III: It's Bonding Time!

"Yes! That is it! Bonds! The preposterous notion which cannot be seen nor measured! And yet I cannot deny that they do still exist!" - Dr. Xerosic, following the Looker Missions.

WARNING - THIS PART OF THE THREAD CONTAINS SPOILERS FROM THE ANIME SPECIAL 'POKEMON ORIGINS' - WATCH THAT FIRST - THEN COME BACK. ALSO CONTAINS SPOILERS FROM THE LOOKER MISSIONS - GO FINISH THE GAME.

The Kanto Champion had finally done it. The Pokedex was complete! He just needed to return to Pallet Town and show the professor. Then the world turned upside down. Upon arriving at the lab, Red would discover Blue to be severely injured from an encounter with an extremely powerful Pokemon. After scrolling through the completed Pokedex in order to identify what had attacked his rival - it was to be learned that Red had in fact, one more encounter before completing Oak's dream.

Mewtwo.

---

The battle was not going well. Red was down to his longtime partner - Charizard, and their Psychic type adversary was seemingly growing stronger as the battle raged on. An attack would send the Flame Pokemon barreling into Red and the pair would fall into the drink behind them.

For a few seconds, it looked like Mewtwo had taken down a second regional champ with ease.

Then it happened. The mysterious stone given to Red by a Mr. Fuji of Lavender Town seemingly forever ago began to react - as well as his starter Pokemon and partner. Charizard changed into a magnificent black scaled, blue fanged behemoth, and on it's second wind and newfound strength, Charizard prevailed, and soon after, the Pokedex truly was completed. Momentarily.

---

We know for a fact from the games that Bonds are a very crucial part of a Pokemon-to-Trainer relationship. It's the secret to unlocking the power of the Mega Stone. Mr. Bonding stresses it on multiple occasions in order to give the player multiple perks. The characters however - also use this theme heavily.

"Wow! I don't think I've ever heard you worry about being weak or strong before, Trevor! You seem a lot bolder than you used to be. Is it because you went on a journey? Or maybe it's thanks to what you learned from being with your Pokémon, and with us--your friends!" - Shuana

I'm not going to bore you with more quotes about bonds - but they are extremely transcendent. You form strong bonds with your Pokemon, and with a select few of them, it gives them the opportunity to reach heights never before seen in a Pokemon game. You form strong bonds with your friends, and it results in a major part of their - and the story's - development.

Lysandre is often a misunderstood character it seems. I pointed out that he had noble intentions with bad methodology in the last part of this research. However, there's a question Calem or Serena asks him that lends a little bit of a heartbreaking insight as to what really composes the heart of Team Flare's headman.

What. About. Pokemon.

The cut scene that follows is Lysandre shedding tears. Crying.

He goes on to explain that Pokemon are wonderful creatures - but that the end his plan brings justifies the means. If Pokemon are utterly destroyed - they can't be used as tools for war and they can't be abused by greedy human beings.

Fast forward a legendary encounter and a vicious final boss battle to Lysandre's defeat. The player renders him undone - shattering perhaps the most prideful man in the region and pushing him to the very brink. Shauna makes an interesting insight about how Lysandre had a strong enough bond with his Gyarados in order to perform Mega Evolution and your rival follows it up with an appeal to work together to pursue the man's dream of making a beautiful world.

He's too far broken to surface - and he opts instead - in rage - to use (X) Xerneas' power to immortalize the player and company or (Y) Yveltal's destructive power to kill everyone in the building - and it is hinted out by various NPCs that the Team Flare Boss didn't make it out alive.

This makes for perhaps the most tragic victory over a criminal organization in any of these games. Your victory came at a significant price - one that if bonds were taken into account, wouldn't have been so steep. Lysandre was a visionary man who was corrupted by his ambitions. He never lost sight of his goals but lost his ability to reach them using ethical means.

Bonds go even further than distance itself. Throughout the Looker Missions - the player and Looker sleuth around Lumiose to discover a street dweller named Emma. Looker himself however is only temporarily living in Kalos and barely brings in enough bread to survive week-to-week. His reason for being there is to track down Xerosic - who has resumed his own criminal exploits in a secret lab under the Lysandre Cafe. Despite being strapped for cash and his situation - the dectective decides to shelter Emma and her companion Pokemon, Mimi the Espurr. Out of a kindred intent, Emma unwittingly approaches Xerosic for a job and ends up causing criminal mayhem throughout the city. Fortunately for Looker - this leads him to the very target he left the Sinnoh region to apprehend. Xerosic - before being taken into custody - ensures Emma with his testimony of the existence of strong bonds - and that Looker will always be connected to her despite going far away.

Pokemon. Friendship. Distance. Bonds are an incredibly powerful thing.

The player encounters Wulfric in a place known as the Pokemon Village. It's a place where abandoned Pokemon take refuge. Wulfric's being there means that he is also intricate to this theme in part. Clemont and his sister share a familial bond that is easily noticed during the push to obtain the fourth badge. Grant bonds with his community by participating in bicycle races.

Finally, Korrina - the most important gym leader in the entire game - also doubles as the Mega Evolution Successor - wielding the ability to use Mega Evolution by having a strong bond with her Lucario.

Malva has bonds with both Looker AND Team Flare - as well as Kalos' media outlet and the Pokemon League. The very picture of connected. With Looker - it is implied that their paths have crossed throughout her life of crime. She sells out Dr. Xerosic in an act she calls "honor among thieves" hoping that Xerosic doesn't "continue to sully Team Flare's reputation. She is the epitome of a woman with many bindings in that respect.

The power of the bond lends perhaps the strongest theme in the game - once you get past all the aesthetics.