Where is the best place for fixing Virgin Souls narratively?
One – The Ending
One place people note as a good place for fixing the narrative is the ending, but the fix involves killing off both Charioce XVII and Nina. I actually don’t like this solution even though this is a possible fix for the series for two reasons. First, the manner in which this fix is discussed is in regard to the one way the anime might end up salvaged at the end. Second, I feel Nina’s character ended up just as much a victim of the plot as everyone else.
Two – Nina’s Decision
The next spot since I’m working my way backwards is in fact where Nina choses Charioce, but the fix involves Nina not choosing him. The problem with this fix is the weakness of the narrative given the previous things which arises due to the fact Nina’s ability to now transform involves her miraculously healing from her childhood trauma with the power of a kiss.
We’ve also got the implications of Bahamut waking ten years later. The first issue lies with the fact Amira’s sacrifice meant nothing if Bahamut did indeed awaken on his own, yet on the other hand the narrative actually points towards Charioce being at fault for the awakening as he purposefully woke Bahamut up so he might slay the dragon. If one wants to delve into this plot point this can actually be done without some of the earlier pieces, yet this isn’t important narratively.
A few may be thinking about the fact Bahamut is the name sake of the series meaning he needed to show up, however the problem with this is that the name is also the name of the fandom – in other words the game. As such Bahamut need not be involved so long as it occurs in the world. If one were to go the direction of having Charioce prematurely wake Bahamut up it is advisable though to not only cut Nina’s fix to her trauma, but also the fact Amira’s sacrifice meant nothing.
Three – Mugaro/El’s Death
Of course, all of this could be solved if Mugaro doesn’t die, yet why would the three races unite? Truth – there is actually a lot of reasons why they could unite. The one problem lies with Nina’s infatuation with Chris and how his kiss fixes her trauma which means I would actually go back further than this to fix the series narratively.
Four – The Ball
If only Nina didn’t hesitate then so much wouldn’t have happened, yet we’re still faced with the same problem as above. Nina’s infatuation with Chris and the fact it magically heals her doesn’t make sense, thus meaning even if you wish to use the later plot points that…
Five – Chris and Nina’s Kiss
… his kissing her doesn’t miraculously heal her. Truth, one could actually work with any of the other points if one ignores the fact this actually works, yet one needs to make Nina not see him as in the right for what he is doing. Seriously, there is no justification for enslaving demon kind or awakening Bahamut and negating the sacrifice from ten years ago. However, should this scene even happen? After all, he wants them dead and is just letting her go because apparently he is in love with her.
Six – Escape
I think this is the best place to fix the plot. Nina could realize Chris is the man she accused of being evil sooner, yet her realization breaks her infatuation with him. All five would break out at the same time and escape together. Azazel’s time in the arena needs not be gotten rid of but might occur sooner so can his fight with Kaiser. The reason for heading to the village might involve actually needing a reprieve so they might think of a game plan. This leaves Azazel’s character growth up to this point intact.
Seven – AU
Going AU before the escape is part of the fun of fanfiction, but the writer would find themselves needing to build Azazel’s character differently.
Eight – Everything is a poorly written fanfic by Alessand.
Considering the end game for him and how off his rocker he is I can see him writing something like this, but I can see his fake ending being romantically tragic when in reality it is tragically ironic.
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