Triskelia
New Member
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2022
- Messages
- 12
- Reaction score
- 5
- Thread starter
- #2
A backstory serving as the introductory piece presents with a sentimental tone that will most likely be significant in future recollections. The first chapter begins with 7-year-olds Steven and Cynthia attending a summer camp in the Kanto region, 18 years prior to future events in the story. The vanity of a young Wallace along with a distraughtly wandering Gible set the circumstances for a fateful encounter between the two children. Despite the stark contrast to their upbringing, they find common ground in shared troubles, dreams, and promises.
Childhood Innocence
Set in the younger years of our [future] champions, the chapter is told in the perspective of a child. This is evident in the characters’ dialogues and thought process. We see innocent banters, displays of natural curiosity, finding the opposite gender annoying, silly nicknames, and puppy love. Of course, Steven and Cynthia stood out amidst their own childlike qualities. The boy has shown maturity for his age, while the girl was considerate of Steven and the possible consequences of his actions.
The Only Exception
'Girls are so annoying anyway…’ - Steven
‘Boys are so childish… they are mean and unlikable…’ - Cynthia
Kids will be kids. Often finding the opposite gender to be annoying. However, the young Steven and Cynthia may have found the exception to these words.
Steven found girls annoying since most did not show ambitions of their own. But Cynthia was different in his eyes because she strives to become a strong trainer in her own right. Cynthia found boys to be unlikable due to their constant bullying. But Steven was different in her eyes because he was a protector who believed in her ambitions.
No wonder they gravitate towards each other!
Steven found girls annoying since most did not show ambitions of their own. But Cynthia was different in his eyes because she strives to become a strong trainer in her own right. Cynthia found boys to be unlikable due to their constant bullying. But Steven was different in her eyes because he was a protector who believed in her ambitions.
No wonder they gravitate towards each other!
Broadening Horizons
Something that I’ve noticed in this chapter would be the subtle emphasis on the values upheld by the young Steven and Cynthia. The boy proclaims himself as a protector while the girl seeks to become stronger. Of course, these are self-explanatory and seem to be taken at face value. However, I personally see an underlying impression on how such fateful encounter gave a glimpse of meaning to their ideals.
With his upbringing as an heir, Steven sees himself as someone destined to shoulder certain responsibilities. The boy has said multiple times this chapter that he would protect Cynthia. His idea of being a protector aligns with a sense of duty; that a Champion’s job is to defend the weak. Meanwhile, the girl from a humble background is shown to be timid and less assertive with her goals. Cynthia wishes to grow strong as a trainer in order to prove herself, yet fails to do so in the hands of bullies.
Meeting each other unknowingly broadened their horizons. For the first time in his life, Steven has found someone worth protecting. He fulfilled his words when he defended the girl in trouble. Likewise, Cynthia realized that strength was not limited to Pokemon battles alone. For the first time, she found true strength by standing up against her bullies.
With his upbringing as an heir, Steven sees himself as someone destined to shoulder certain responsibilities. The boy has said multiple times this chapter that he would protect Cynthia. His idea of being a protector aligns with a sense of duty; that a Champion’s job is to defend the weak. Meanwhile, the girl from a humble background is shown to be timid and less assertive with her goals. Cynthia wishes to grow strong as a trainer in order to prove herself, yet fails to do so in the hands of bullies.
Meeting each other unknowingly broadened their horizons. For the first time in his life, Steven has found someone worth protecting. He fulfilled his words when he defended the girl in trouble. Likewise, Cynthia realized that strength was not limited to Pokemon battles alone. For the first time, she found true strength by standing up against her bullies.
The Promise Set to be Forgotten?
“... once we both become Champions, we will have an official battle among us… to see who is stronger!” - Cynthia
“a-and… i-if I w-win… I-I will m-marry you when I grow up!” - Steven
Innocent words masked in foreshadowing. It makes us wonder what events will transpire in the future that would lead to forgotten promises. Regardless, we’ll await if any would be fulfilled in upcoming chapters.
Checklist Update:
0/4 promises fulfilled
▢ Become Champions
▢ Have an official battle [as Champions]
▢ Determine the stronger Champion
▢ Cynthia's hand in marriage [upon Steven's victory]