Guilty Gear Stories (spoilers abound!)

[Lou_Cypher]

I still say Ky is That Man's son/descendant/whatever family connection there is.

[Akselziys]

If that were true it would possibly make Sin the product of Sol/Aria/That Man, that is if the other points matched up too, though that's probably just grasping at straws (though it's nice to think) Akselziys

[Zazz]

i'm still running with my hypothesis that Aria *WAS* Justice, but Sol killed her to put her out of her misery. Of course, if we remember the end of the crusades from XX, That Man admits responsibility too for her ultimate end. So in fact, they both killed her as he says in GG2's finale. Of course then things get fuzzy. After the Second Holy Order tourney in GG1, The Bureau gets their hands on the corpse of Justice and start fiddling around with things they shouldn't. What's to say Crow doesn't cook up a copy that's too perfect? One that remembers EVERYTHING. Gears having & recalling locked away genetic memories has been established. (Dizzy meeting Eddie in XX and having memories of a war she had no part in.) Maybe even using the original body? I'd gather that she'd would be super pissed (perhaps more so than Sol) at That Man for being used then thrown under the bus. of course i've said this all before . . . so its time to continue work on my timeline.

[Suzaku]

I always had the feeling that the PWAB was behind Valentine. Making copies certainly fits their M.O., anyway. Plus, That Man's relationship with the PWAB is described as an antagonistic one in the 10th Memorial book.

Anyway, I finished translating Raven's short story:

OFFICIAL SHORT STORY: RAVEN

Translation by: Suzaku

Ode to a Blood Puddle

The point of life is death. From a philosphical standpoint, that may be cliché. Nevertheless, this is a man who truly lived to die. Conversely, this man would say that "life" has no meaning. Having repeated day-to-day life for hundreds of years it had passed from tediuous to annoying. These days he didn't feel anything anymore. Something to see with his eyes, something to hear with his ears, something to smell with his nose, something to taste and savor. Regarding the stimulations recieved by the five senses, the man felt nothing like that. Nevertheless, "pain" was the one and only sensation he was able to enjoy.

"Death" is required to attain a "full life." "Full life" is a term satisfied by the "blessing of death." So, what of an "immortal," then? The ultimate pursuit of life in "immortality," what equivalent to "living" could be attained? The man had a theory, and held the solution.

For how long had this man sought death to come to that point? The pain he memorized in the process of reaching death, it awakened the man's purest feelings and nothing could replace such pleasure. This man's death -- to get as close to death as possible he had been in constant agony. Many times over he had expressed his craving for death in the form of suicide. However, all of his past attempts had been failures.

The man was anxious, he had no idea if he would obtain death through this experiment. A special cylindrical instrument with spikes affixed to either end. When it goes through his brain stem, perhaps...

-- Komm, süßer Tod! [Come, sweet Death!]

With that prayer, and all of the strength in the man's body, he drove it into his own forehead...

◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

-- Why am I alive?

From the beginning of human civilization, it has been a universal theme that everyone born into this world will surely consider for at least a brief moment in their youth before forgetting about it.

This is a story set in the past more than a thousand years ago. Born and raised in a typical middle-class German household a young man in his mid-twenties recieved conscription, and entered into a campaign in a foreign country. Upon a battlefield filled with the stench of blood and death, the youth weilded the weapon they'd given him, defeated the enemy, and risked his life in combat. Naturally endowed with great physical ability and a strong body, he scored magnificent military gains in his first battle, and thereafter amassed numerous feats of arms. Soon there was more activity, the expeditionary force tore through the enemy army one by one, and they marched into the interior of the enemy nation.

However, as the war progressed, maintaining the ever lengthening supply lines became difficult for the expeditionary force. The frontline unit to which he belonged gradually grew more isolated as well. In the front their isolation and hunger made the soldiers anxious, and they lost their calm judgment. Their military discipline having become a facade, it reached the point where the soldiers began attacking farm villages in the enemy nation to provide themeselves with food.

A little over a year after the campaign began, his unit attacked a small farm village in the mountains of the hostile country. The soldiers, having captured beds and provisions worthy of humans, held a banquet and drank late into the night. When they fell asleep, the unit came under a night attack. By the time the youth who had been sleeping in one of the rooms of a private house woke up, the unit was already half destroyed, and he was presented with their agonized cries. The tolling of a bell, screaming, roaring, all of those sounds became one and pierced his ears. As part of the enemy nation's scorched-earth tactics they'd set that single village as bait, all so his unit would enter it.

(-- I have to escape!)

Sensing danger he reached for the armor he left beside the bed. However, as the rumbling sound closed in, his hand stopped. The door to the house was kicked open. The enemy would break into his room at any moment. Understanding this he abandonded the armor, making the snap decision to escape wearing only light equipment and his sword. Careful not to make a sound he opened the window, then threw his body into the outside world.

Just before dawn. The Eastern sky was beginning to grow light. It had been no contest with his side defenseless and an enemy force that was alert and prepared. It was a one-sided massacre. His unit had taken catastrophic damage in mere minutes.

(Forget about that, a horse...)

Paying close attention so the enemy soldiers wouldn't find him, he searched for a horse while hiding himself behind cover.

After a short while, he found a lost horse that was milling around without a master. He didn't know who the horse belonged to, but such trifles weren't important right now. Approaching softly, he rubbed the horse's leg. It didn't seem to have a bad disposition. He settled a foot into the stirrup, and at the moment he jumped up with all his might to mount it, the horse whinnied.

"There's a survivor! Over here!"

"Surround him! A horse! The horse is getting away!!"

He chose the mountain forest as his escape route, and with his enemies giving pursuit relentlessly, he fled aimlessly for about an hour. The horse to which he'd entrusted his body had many arrows stuck in its legs from the chase, and he'd taken a few arrows in the back himself.

The arrow wounds had done their work -- even though it had run for several miles, the horse neighed loudly, then suddenly collapsed. His body was thrown from the horse, and he a took huge tumble through the air. Savagely slamming into the ground with his whole body, his face contorted in agony. By the time he struggled through the pain to stand, the enemy soldiers had already caught up, and he was surrounded by five foes.

He strained to raise his greatsword. However, before the sword could reach the enemy it fell from his hand. His adversaries had unleashed a volley from their bows, and showered with numerous arrows he broke down to his knees.

A tremendous amount of blood poured from the arrow wounds and streamed down beneath him, turning the ground into a dark crimson sea. While staring blankly at the scene, he sensed the approaching end of his human life. His field of vision gradually narrowed, and grew dark. He'd been prepared for death since the moment he left for the front. Though he had to confront death just like everyone else, no questions or feelings of wonder sprung forth now that it was time to meet it. Ahh, so this is how I die -- while vaguely considering that, tchk, tchk, he heard an eerie sound. It wasn't a sound his ears percieved, but a sound that echoed throughout his entire body. He understood that it was the sound of blades being thrust in and out of his chest and abdomen. He had no doubt that his life was over.

That was the first death he experienced.

◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

Where is this? Walhalla? Did I die? He was in an unknown place. It was a cylindrical space about ten meters in diameter. There were windows all around, and they brought in light, but the scenery outside couldn't be seen at all. The windows were mirrors that reflected only his own image.

His body was floating in the air. His internal organs were functioning properly, and he had a clear sensation of up and down.

He checked his whole body. Nothing abnormal was found. No, it was probably abnormal that strangely there weren't any of the arrow or stab wounds that had caused his death.

So it seemed. He himself had been bathed in arrows on the battlefield, and his chest and abdomen had been pierced by swords. Those were definitely mortal wounds. Unable to gather his thoughts, the man clutched his head.

At that moment, the man suddenly felt the eyes of things watching him. He couldn't tell how many, but it couldn't have been just one or two. The sensation was that a huge crowd was staring at him all at once. It was like being caged with birds of prey... that's how the man felt.

The feeling of the eyes, it was soon accompanied by pain. In his hands, in his legs, in his face, in his stomach, in his viscera. In every single organ that recieved the sense of touch, there was the anguish of sharp thorns boring in. The incessantly persisting sense of pain ravaged the man's exposed nerves without leaving any external wounds. Unfortunately there exists no unit to measure pain, for the anguish he experienced at this time, it seems that it was perhaps the maximum amount of pain a human being could feel. The man was unable to faint or raise his voice, he could only writhe.

◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

After a few minutes, the pain abruptly ended. Simultaneously his eyes focused and adjusted to the scenery.

Was that a dream just now? The vast amount of blood he'd shed stained the ground, indicating that what had happened to his body a short while ago was obviously real. However, he was stil alive.

So, had he been revived? He didn't think his faith was great enough to warrant God's divine protection.

He'd of course recieved many wounds. Those wounds had closed. But, this was different, those wounds had never disappeared. Faint scars had been left behind. These wounds seemed to have spontaneously healed completely. He didn't understand the process. He had no clue. Thus began his Immortal Life.

[danceljoy]

Thanks for the translation. Is he revived? By who? The story is really good, but Raven remains as mysterious as he is.. No possible connection to Axl by this?

[Suzaku]

According to the 10th Memorial Book, Raven is genetically immortal, which is to say he was naturally immortal from birth. His immortality activated the first time he died, and when it did he also stopped aging. The cylindrical space is still a mystery.

And no, Raven has no connection to Axl or timeslipping at all. The assumption that he was Axl's parallel existence is incorrect, and Axl's parallel existence is someone completely different and unexpected. That's straight from Ishiwatari.

Anyway, the first part of the story obviously happens before Lightning the Argent (since it explains how he got the forehead needle), and probably before or around the time he met That Man (since his life has no purpose). The rest of the story details his life and "first death" as a young German soldier in the middle ages, and though nothing is really concretely defined, about a thousand years before 2181 would probably put it around the time of the First, Second, or Northern Crusades.

[Zazz]

how delightful. all this new (to us) info is simply splendid can't wait for more the next one :D danceljoy: your story is sad. i don't care much for sad things.

[Blade]

Call this a theory if you want but...if anyone knows the backhistory of Wolverine, aka James Howlett aka Logan aka Weapon X, then they know where I'm going with this.

Think about the "man" that became Karasu. He is genetically immortal from the beginning and thus a mutation from generic humanity since ancient times (compare/contrast to Slayer). Pluck him from his own time, or rather, "preserve" him so that he lies dormant for a few thousand years, and then break him out of whatever ice he was in (like a neanderthal in a block of ice), and then genetically modify his capacity to heal himself. And he becomes even deadlier than before.

As to who did it, why, and how, that remains a mystery...but Raven has become fiercely loyal to That Man, referring to him as "His Holiness". Why this would be is uncertain, but he would willingly protect That Man with his own body if necessary. Though he is loyal, That Man has stated he is merely to 'be a witness to history' rather than be an active participant (an difference in opinion perhaps?).

Then finally, compare-contrast with Sol. He has the audacity to call Sol a "monster". That should tell you something in terms of a difference in their power. That, and Raven is capable of winning a teleportation duel over the likes of Faust.

Finally, regarding the idea and relationship between Raven and Axl. It occurs to me that the term "Parallel Existence" does not necessarily mean they are the same person (this is so, because Axl does not have a reaction to his "past" or "future" selves he has encountered in his time jumping, though they do help him time jump sometimes). However...it could also have something to do with genetic traits, or perhaps Axl and Raven are related by blood? Perhaps Axl is Raven's decendant. Though I can't be sure, it's becoming more interesting now.

Edit: Just for laughs, I found these:

http://www.deviantart.com/download/23336428/Guilty_Gear_In_a_Nutshell__With_Music_.mp3

http://www.deviantart.com/download/31843498/Guilty_Gear_In_a_Nutshell_2.mp3

[Blade]

Decided to do a Posterity Post regarding Sol's convo with Raven, hope it helps.

Izuna : This is bad, ya know. Most of the guards have been defeated.

Izuna : Is that…whoa, the King?

Sin : Ah…

Sol : Calm down. He's not dead.

Sol : Hm!?

Izuna : What's wrong!?

Sol : This wind reeks of blood.

Raven : It's about time you made it. You're late.

Sol : Damn you!

Sin : Who are you!?

Raven : Do you have a message for my master?

Sol : Your dead body shredded in pieces!

(Battle Begins)

Sol : Slowfields…What an annoying attack.

Sol : It can be broken if the central needle is destroyed.

Raven : You're as ruthless as ever, huh, monster?

Sol : Look who's talking.

Raven : Can you not put down your sword and talk? I understand you're upset with Ky Kiske defeated.

Sol : I'll ask your corpse for answers.

Raven : Splendid, just splendid. I don't dislike that side of you.

Sol : If you're here. It means That Man is involved.

Sol : I saw the brainwashing abilities on my way here… I've never seen such techniques.

Raven : What, it looks like you don't know anything. Why is his holiness so caught up with you…?

Raven : At any rate, the word misunderstanding is resounding in vain for you.

(Battle Ends with Tyrant Rave)

Raven : I see. You seem to have acquired the Backyard's abilities.

Raven : As I thought, you're one of the wheels that move the world. I wish I could kill you now, but I guess it's not the right time.

Raven : How unfortunate, Flame of Corruption. How unfortunate indeed…

Sol : Wait the hell up!

Sol : Goddamn it!

Sin : Uh, old man? Who was that just now?

Sol : The Undying Disease. Raven.

Sol : He's that guy's henchman.

Sin : That guy?

Sol : The root of the Crusades. The Creator of Justice. The Gear Maker.

Sin : So then, you're referring to That Man, huh!? He's that evil person, right?

Izuna : That Man… So what the Doctor said was true…

Sol : You knew about this?

(End of related dialogue.)

@Mr. Bad Guy: If you have Lightning the Argent and would willingly create scans, I suppose it would be useful. But bear in mind how many pages the story is. I don't want to over-work translators.

[Suzaku]

Call this a theory if you want but...if anyone knows the backhistory of Wolverine, aka James Howlett aka Logan aka Weapon X, then they know where I'm going with this.

Think about the "man" that became Karasu. He is genetically immortal from the beginning and thus a mutation from generic humanity since ancient times (compare/contrast to Slayer). Pluck him from his own time, or rather, "preserve" him so that he lies dormant for a few thousand years, and then break him out of whatever ice he was in (like a neanderthal in a block of ice), and then genetically modify his capacity to heal himself. And he becomes even deadlier than before.

Well, the thing, it states that Raven has been experiencing the daily routine of life for hundreds of years, long enough that he doesn't care about anything anymore and just wants to die. His immortality is such that even if his body is completely reduced to rubbish he'd regenerate from it.

If the idea is perhaps that the cylindrical space is some sort of third party tampering with him, I suppose that's possible, although it's really a major leap of speculation. So far, there's nothing to indicate that his immortality is anything but a natural phenomenon.

As to who did it, why, and how, that remains a mystery...but Raven has become fiercely loyal to That Man, referring to him as "His Holiness". Why this would be is uncertain, but he would willingly protect That Man with his own body if necessary. Though he is loyal, That Man has stated he is merely to 'be a witness to history' rather than be an active participant (an difference in opinion perhaps?).

According to the 10th Memorial Book, in Raven's "That Man" keyword section, Ishiwatari basically explains that Raven had been alive for so long that he stopped feeling and caring, but That Man came along and gave his life purpose. Raven pledged loyalty to That Man to show his gratitude.

The purpose in question is probably to "be a witness to history," because in all of Raven's appearances as an associate of That Man, his role has been that of an observer. In Lighting the Argent, he is literally referred to as "the watcher", and in Sol's GGX+ ending That Man tells one of his associates (likely Raven) to observe Dizzy, I believe it was. And of course, his assignment in GG2 is to observe and hinder Valentine.

Then finally, compare-contrast with Sol. He has the audacity to call Sol a "monster". That should tell you something in terms of a difference in their power. That, and Raven is capable of winning a teleportation duel over the likes of Faust.

Well, regarding Sol and Raven, they're pretty much opposites. In the section explaining Raven's appeal in the Memorial Book, it even contrasts them a bit, noting that Raven and Sol have both lived for a long time, but unlike Sol, Raven's long life has made him pessimistic, and it also says that Raven could be considered a "dark hero" (aka antihero).

Regarding their conversation in Illyria, it seems to parallel the conversation they have in Lighting the Argent, based on what I could make out of the Korean translation that was posted a while back:

Basically, Sol is examing a dead body, and plunges Fireseal into it, burning it down to just skeletal remains, when he realizes he's being watched. He calls out and tells the person to show themselves, and Raven appears. This what follows, very roughly translated, in script form:

Raven: "Kehehe, you're quite the monster. You were able to see through the breeze to the truth."

Sol: "Yeah, there was a foul stench on the wind, besides that charred corpse. Still, I honestly don't know what you'd want with this boring place..."

Raven pointed a slender finger towards Sol.

Raven: "... Don't get greedy. You'll learn the truth sooner or later."

Sol: "To hell with That Man, and to hell with his lap dogs..."

Raven: "... I won't forgive you if you insult him. He gave you an immortal body, what right do you have to complain?"

Sol: "Do you have a message from your master?"

Raven: "Just one. A bit of advice: You're a nuissance. Dissappear from this city."

Sol: "Get real!"

Sol raised the Fireseal Sword with both hands and conjured a vortex of flames. In mere moments, the spiral had grown several times larger than Sol.

Raven looked on at the terrible ball of fire with vacant eyes, the needle piercing his forehead reflecting its colors.

Raven: "Is that all? No, couldn't be. Looks a little small... Let's see what you've got!"

Sol: "Well done. Don't complain!"

Instantly, the houses around Sol were engulfed in flame.

-La, la, la, la, who? Who are you?-

The piercing sound reached Sol's ears.

Iron melted, sending bits of red hot shrapnel towards Raven, which were struck down just before reaching him.

The enormous pillar of fire completely engulfed both Sol and Raven. The roofs of abandonded houses on both sides were blown off, and those were the lucky ones, others had their support beams completely broken and caved in. The doors and windows of houses within the vicinity were shattered as if by a storm. Everywhere the flames appeared, as if dancing.

Sol and Raven were wreathed in thick smoke. Raven brushed his bangs aside, revealing his gruesome face, burned and blistered, his red skin still sizzeling. Only the shining needle protruding from his forehead remained cold.

Raven: "I'm disappointed..."

Sol's voice caught in his throat as he silently stared on at Raven.

Raven: "Your fire wasn't hot at all. I thought I'd at least feel a little warmth from that."

Sol: "So you want to die..."

Raven threw his shoulders back and, with some difficulty, slightly moved what was left of his burnt lips. Sol couldn't tell if he was angry or if he was smiling.

Raven: "No. I want to live. The sun that shines down... The wind that blows... I would like to feel them on my skin."

While speaking, Raven's skin regenerated, returning to its original ghostly color.

Raven: "But I guess that wish can't be fulfilled with this body..."

The features of Raven's face returned to normal and became gentle, then he quickly dissipated like smoke.

Sol: "Shit."

Finally, regarding the idea and relationship between Raven and Axl. It occurs to me that the term "Parallel Existence" does not necessarily mean they are the same person (this is so, because Axl does not have a reaction to his "past" or "future" selves he has encountered in his time jumping, though they do help him time jump sometimes). However...it could also have something to do with genetic traits, or perhaps Axl and Raven are related by blood? Perhaps Axl is Raven's decendant. Though I can't be sure, it's becoming more interesting now.

While we certainly can't rule out the possibility that there may have been encounters between the two throughout time, or other connections regarding descendants and things, considering Raven's 1000+ year life and Axl's frequent timeslipping... I think it really would be for the best to stop trying to come up with a connection between the two, at least for the time being. Ishiwatari has made it pretty clear that Axl's "parallel existence" is someone other than Raven, and their phenomena are unrelated, regardless of fanon.

Edit: I was just reading the lyrics to Worthless as the Sun Above Clouds, and although it's still incredibly Engrishy, and seems to mostly be about his powers (invisiblity / invincibility), his role as a "watcher", and the fact that he's become nihilistic and pain is all he can feel, where it gets interesting is:

So, are you gonna stay the same? / Pale, Grim, Deep in Shame?

All I want is to know! / Never wanna let go! / If my fate is so... / I'll strive Forevermore!

I think that could very easily be interpreted as some sort of exchange between Raven and That Man. The first part would be That Man asking Raven if he's going to say the same (suicidal), and the second part appears to be a sort of revelation for Raven, in which he "wants to know" (what happens) and accepts that if immortality is his fate he'll strive forevermore (to observe history).

It feels nice being able to try and analyze something that's actually in English by default. Take that, Japanese fans, with your tomes full of easily accessible information!

[Blade]

I wouldn't say it's Fanon. But I would say that Raven is one of the many "triggers" for Axl's timeslipping if you will, meaning there's more than one. I mean, That Man says clearly in XX dialogue that it "will be" Axl's fault. Why would Ishiwatari rule out the idea of Axl and Raven when he included the story in GGXX in the first place? Unless it's a retcon or the emphasis isn't so much on "parallel existence" as it is Axl's fault rather than having anything to do with Raven. To some degree I'm starting to think Axl's timeslipping is a combination of "time-static-buildup" (read my I-no time theory), and to some degree clashing or conscious thought. My interpretation of the interview was that Raven wasn't THE cause, but rather just one of many factors.

[danceljoy]

how delightful. all this new (to us) info is simply splendid

can't wait for more the next one :D

danceljoy: your story is sad. i don't care much for sad things.

I agree, though all I could do is read the posts and react because I can't analyze them

@Zazz: I remember warning everyone that it's sad , but I guess I'll write a comedy soon :D

@Blade: The audios are so hilarious! Thanks for posting XD

[Suzaku]

Well, technically, Ishiwatari isn't the scenario writer for the story modes, it seems like he really probably didn't plan for that and it was an invention of the scenario writer. In the GG2 Material Collection Interview, Ishiwatari seemed completely unaware of it, but didn't want to outright dismiss it:

There is a group of fans that say Raven and Axl are parallel existences…

Ishiwatari: Well. I don't remember preparing any set-up about that. But, since it's boring to completely reject it, I'll just leave it to your imagination.

Or perhaps I'm misinterpreting that, and he means he didn't have an answer prepared for that question, in regards to the interview. At any rate, in the 10th Memorial Book, it seems he's trying to work with it and incorporate it into his own plans:

Keywords to Understand Raven

Axl: According to Mr. Ishiwatari, the theory that Axl and Raven are parallel existences is unfounded (refer to Axl's section in this book). Regarding his immortality, it is not due to time jumping.

Keywords to Understand Axl

Timeslip: The immediate cause is unknown, though "the existence an other him" is the key, Axl continues to experience the Timeslip phenomena. According to Mr. Ishiwatari, the "parallel existence," well, it's an unexpected character completely different from the current theory amongst the fans, it's said he will have eternal youth until the phenomena ends.

Now, of course, in GGXX, we get this:

That Man: Looks like my subordinate has been causing you some trouble.

Axl: Are you...one of Sol's acquaintances?

That Man: Something like that. I hear you want to speak with me?

Axl: I know it sounds crazy, but.... I seem to randomly slip through time. I want to do something about it. I heard you have the same problem.

That Man: Ahh, not so. I'm afraid I've just been alive a little bit longer than most. I don't have any ability to travel through time.

Axl: No way! Are you serious? I asked a doctor about it, you know? And he said it was caused by the existence of an 'other me'.

That Man: Ahh.... Now that, I may be familiar with. Raven?

Raven: So you're my....

Axl: ...Whoa. I feel like I'm about to slip any second!

That Man: Of course. When two identical existences approach, they naturally repel each other. The two of you are together in the same time and space. Because of that, one of you can not stay. And the other one can never disappear.

Axl: How in the world did things wind up like this?

Raven: I can't believe you can ask that!

That Man: Yes. After all, it IS your fault.

Axl: What? What does that mean?! Uwaaaaahh!!

That Man: ...Of course, it hasn't actually happened yet.

A lot of theories and fanon were based on that conversation, namely things like Raven being a future version of Axl or having the power of time travel, and more reasonable things like Axl's timeslipping preventing Raven from "disappearing". But it appears that it's being "retconned", or more accurately, it's like it didn't mesh with Ishiwatari's plans, and now he's trying to make it fit. If that's not the case, it's just outright misleading, either intentionally or unintentionally, based on recently revealed facts.

Assuming it still holds relevance, though, we should first of all disregard the theory that Axl's timeslipping has anything to do with Raven's immortality, both in terms of "physics" (variable and constant) and in terms of "causality" (alteration of the past or future). Obviously disregard theories like Raven being able to time travel.

Second, disregard the theory that Axl and Raven parallel existences.

Third, assume that Axl is Raven's... "something." Descendant, ancestor, friend, partner, rival, killer, who knows? Axl is something to Raven, and he isn't doesn't know it yet.

Fourth, assume that Axl does have a parallel existence which has yet to be revealed, and it will be an unexpected character. So long as Axl continues timeslipping, that parallel existence presumably won't age or disappear. That Man and Raven likely know its identity.

Fifth, assume that in the future Axl will be at fault for something that both That Man and Raven are aware is going to happen. Whatever he does is what causes things to "wind up this way."

I think it's fine to keep theorizing, so long as that's all kept in mind. I have a feeling that the answer to the mystery will hinge on Crow, the P.W.A.B., and the future event That Man is anticipating, but it's just a vague theory.

[Ashercroix]

Suzaku, thanks again, you have achieved an awesome multiplier of x10! What's in my head in regards to all the speculation and stuff needs a serious defragmentation to make any sense to anyone but me, so I'm going to keep away from it. Just a random thought about the That Ma[finput][/finput]xl/Raven conversation, though: Maybe in the original, That Man wasn't as specific as he sounded in English about who "you two" were. Maybe he just meant someone else in the game completely, and he called Raven over to see Axl so he could actually meet him before he slipped, since it seems that That Man has already told Raven about Axl's circumstance. Kinda like, "Quick, here he is! That guy I was telling you about! Hurry up, before he timeslips!" I don't think that calling Raven was the trigger for the slip; maybe it was just Axl's usual bad timing, since That Man implied that Axl would slip whenever he was in the "the same time and space" as his counterpart, which could mean ANYWHERE in the same time and space, not necessarily within close proximity. He's slipped plenty of times before nowhere near Raven, and with just as little warning. ...I had something else to say, but I forgot it. I really need that mental defrag. >_>

[Suzaku]

Yeah, you could be very right about all that, I think. I'm gonna shoot for getting two of these out a week. Valentine will probably be next, then maybe Paradigm, then Izuna or maybe Sin. I'll probably leave Sol or Ky for the last.

[Blade]

Argh...the one thing I hate more than pairings is retcons...they make me sad on multiple levels.

[Lou_Cypher]

Mmm, something's been bugging me after playng through Dizzy's story mode in AC+. During her fight with Order Sol, she feels very nostalgic and says she cannot lose to him. This makes me think of the backup copy of Justice theory. The memory of Order Sol is Justice's memory...which Dizzy somehow accessed unknowingly. Dizzy, copy of Justice indeed or...?

[Blade]

Meanwhile...thanks to Alien55234, I've updated the GGXAE Quotes (Now with MORE POTATO RAMEN!):

http://www.mimeblade.oddigytitanium.com/Guilty_Gear/Guilty_Gear_Quote_Project/GGXAE_Winquotelist.txt

[Chainsaw Guitar]

Baiken: That's it, put your face to the ground! This is how we train people in Japan! Chipp : ...Wow! So this is how I can become a ninja? Thanks a lot! Oh, Chipp. You silly weeaboo...

[Blade]

You should check your Signature, Dark Dizzy. :o "doesn't afraid of anything".........

[Ashercroix]

You should check your Signature, Dark Dizzy. :o

"doesn't afraid of anything".........

LOLFAIL

It's a meme.

Edit: So is LOLFAIL, btw. :P

[Blade]

Geez...I sure fell for that one.

[shinquickman]

Meanwhile...thanks to Alien55234, I've updated the GGXAE Quotes (Now with MORE POTATO RAMEN!)

Mmm... potato ramen...

[Zazz]

i was wondering: if i wrote my own fanfic, would i post it in this thread or start a new one?

[Blade]

I don't see why not? I was thinking of posting my old half-baked GG fanfics a while back.