Author Topic: Original Novel Translated vs. Fan Restoration Project: Thoughts & Introspections  (Read 2669 times)

Danko Kaji

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Whew! Finally got Chapter 1 complete!

I wanted to point one major detail I changed:

Quote
He had fallen in love too. The day they had confessed to each other, Tidus had understood their story was impossible. Although it was a losing battle, he had refused to submit himself to destiny.

In the original, Nojima wrote 'the day they confessed their feelings for each other.' Or at least, that's how I interpreted it, because it's annoyingly vague, leaving much to the imagination. So, I decided to rewrite it as thus:

Quote
He remembered falling in love, too, with a girl he wanted to save. That night they confessed their feelings for each other, making love in a magical, moonlit spring, and the day Tidus finally understood the end of their story would never have a happy ending together. Although he acknowledged it as a losing battle, he put on a brave face for Yuna and forged ahead, refusing to surrender to destiny. Even if it meant him forfeiting his life would spare Yuna from having to forfeit her own, at least his sacrifice would have meaning.

Because there were several implications in-game and out (promotional artwork; http://img3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120129121711/finalfantasy/images/1/1a/Tidus_%26_Yuna-1.jpg) that inspired me to believe Tidus and Yuna actually had sex in that fated Macalania Woods scene. Wouldn't be too far-fetched, given Nojima wrote the same kind of ambiguously, intimate scene before in FFVII with Cloud and Tifa.

What do you think? Should I continue the direction I chose to rewrite this?
« Last Edit: January 15, 2017, 11:56:00 pm by Danko Kaji »
Lost in the winds of change~

"There's some things you can't do alone,
but they become easy with friends beside you."

Consider me a wandering 'Maechen' of FFX/X-2 lore.

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CrystalOfLies

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Re: Original Novel vs. Restoration
« Reply #1 on: August 26, 2015, 03:41:44 pm »
I never believed it was full-on, stripped naked and really-going-at-it sex. I always took it as either a more gentle and amateur session or just simply metaphorical, 'spiritual' sex.

Or a mixture of both, like this.

The FMV does paint it as a sort of otherworldly and poetic scenario, but I do think there was more to it than just two kisses and a hug. Even TV Tropes thinks so.  ::)

But I don't have a problem with them making love in an established work. They're humans too, and young ones at that.
« Last Edit: August 26, 2015, 03:51:22 pm by CrystalOfLies »
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Danko Kaji

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Re: Original Novel vs. Restoration
« Reply #2 on: August 26, 2015, 03:50:56 pm »
Yeah! I was just about to reference TV Tropes, too!  :D

Although I initially thought of Yuna as a virgin throughout FFX-2, it didn't seem quite right to me. Because Yuna blossomed (no pun intended) into quite the independent young woman in the sequel that it wouldn't be altogether that inappropriate if she lost her innocence in more ways than one during FFX.

Physical intimacy, especially of a sexual nature, is not something I want to shy away from. Not anymore, at any rate. I know fanfiction painted quite the negative stigma for it (ahemsmutcough), but I want to explore it tastefully in the context of an official work, especially in regards to possible canon.
« Last Edit: August 27, 2015, 12:52:36 am by Danko Kaji »
Lost in the winds of change~

"There's some things you can't do alone,
but they become easy with friends beside you."

Consider me a wandering 'Maechen' of FFX/X-2 lore.

ChercheurObscur

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Re: Original Novel vs. Restoration
« Reply #3 on: August 29, 2015, 01:02:56 pm »
uuum... It bothers me a little to let your topic dealing with your restoration project on the top of this part of the forum since there's my translation which builds on an official french translation of the novel. It could mislead people since the title of the topic is not very clear.

So, there are two options : change the title of the topic so that people know this is a fanmade, or set it non-sticky. I think the former one is the best choice but I let you decide.  :)

Danko Kaji

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Re: Original Novel vs. Restoration
« Reply #4 on: August 29, 2015, 11:22:46 pm »
Oh, no problem! I didn't realize it was unclear. I shall change it right away. And ChercheurObscur, I'm afraid I neglected to directly ask: are you comfortable with me restoring the novel through your translations?

Of course I will never forget to give full credit to everyone involved, but I suppose I never actually stopped to wait if everyone approved of the idea. I apologize.

EDIT: Oh, NOW I understand what you meant. Yeah. I didn't sticky my Restoration. I think CrystalofLies did, but I changed it now.
« Last Edit: August 30, 2015, 02:01:59 am by Danko Kaji »
Lost in the winds of change~

"There's some things you can't do alone,
but they become easy with friends beside you."

Consider me a wandering 'Maechen' of FFX/X-2 lore.

ChercheurObscur

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And ChercheurObscur, I'm afraid I neglected to directly ask: are you comfortable with me restoring the novel through your translations?

Do as you want, I don't mind at all, don't worry. I just wanted to make it clear that this is something written by a fan.  ;)

Danko Kaji

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Re: Original Novel Translated vs. Fan-written Restoration
« Reply #6 on: September 01, 2015, 05:18:59 pm »
So, I noticed something odd while going about my rewrite through Chapter 2:

Quote
“I saw you coming.”
“Excuse me?”
Not really sure if he understood, Tidus turned in the direction of the ocean. The ball fell in the sand.
“At midday. We heard of Yuna’s return thanks to the radio, and I followed the villagers. I saw you emerging from the ocean. How did you reach this place?”

I never knew Spira had radios for communication, unless I missed it somewhere in FFX. Or could it be that Bria referred to the Commsphere as a radio? And if the radio he spoke of is indeed the Commsphere, how could it be, when the Aurochs (bonus points if you tell me which member did it) destroyed it during Blitzball practice?

Also, I always forget that, besides sphere-technology, Spira also has certain things like binoculars and cameras. Remember in the Thunder Plains when Wantz randomly ran by Yuna's party at the Agency, took a picture, and just left -- and nobody ever mentions it again? I mean, Seymour has an actual candid photo of his parents (sitting in his mansion, or was it Baaj temple? I forget where I saw it). I feel like the common little things that Spira shares with us modern day people draws a really vague line.
« Last Edit: September 01, 2015, 05:20:33 pm by Danko Kaji »
Lost in the winds of change~

"There's some things you can't do alone,
but they become easy with friends beside you."

Consider me a wandering 'Maechen' of FFX/X-2 lore.

Danko Kaji

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Re: Original Novel Translated vs. Fan-written Restoration
« Reply #7 on: September 01, 2015, 06:10:13 pm »
I really find myself enjoying Bria's entrance into this story, but what I can't make much sense of is who is saying what in the end dialogue. Once I reach the part (Tidus shrugged, without obligation), it's not clear who speaks after, because the next two lines of dialogue aren't distinguished very well from each other, given Nojima's formal writing style.

Quote
“How did you get to Spira back then?”
Tidus stayed quiet.
“According to the rumour, Sin carried you.”
“I don't know what to say.”
“Do you think he could have sent you back to Zanarkand?”
Once again, he did not want to answer his question. Anyway, Yuna had defeated Sin: he did not have a way to confirm this hypothesis. Yet Tidus was certain about one thing:
“The city I had known does not exist anymore. It was the one from the Summoning...”
“I would like you to tell me more about it.”
Tidus shrugged, without obligation.
“Sin had spread chaos across Zanarkand. How could the city have survived such a disaster?”
“It does not matter. Recently, I have perceived a lot of signs... I think I will be able soon to resolve the mystery which has kept me busy for a long time.”
“Which mystery are you talking about?”
“The greatest of all.”
The man burst out laughing, and Tidus lost his temper:
“Are you making fun of me? What do you want? Did you come to live near Yuna or have you been transferred from Bevelle? What do want to tell me? What is the true motive behind your presence?”

Can someone please assist me, so I know how to interpret this?

P.S. Thank you ChecheurObscur for the translations, you are a Godsend. <3
Lost in the winds of change~

"There's some things you can't do alone,
but they become easy with friends beside you."

Consider me a wandering 'Maechen' of FFX/X-2 lore.

ChercheurObscur

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Re: Original Novel Translated vs. Fan-written Restoration
« Reply #8 on: September 02, 2015, 08:02:53 am »
About the radio, I don't know anything at all, sorry.

I really find myself enjoying Bria's entrance into this story, but what I can't make much sense of is who is saying what in the end dialogue. Once I reach the part (Tidus shrugged, without obligation), it's not clear who speaks after, because the next two lines of dialogue aren't distinguished very well from each other, given Nojima's formal writing style.

Can someone please assist me, so I know how to interpret this?

“How did you get to Spira back then?” (Bria)
Tidus stayed quiet.
“According to the rumour, Sin carried you.” (Bria)
“I don't know what to say.” (Tidus)
“Do you think he could have sent you back to Zanarkand?” (Bria)
Once again, he did not want to answer his question. Anyway, Yuna had defeated Sin: he did not have a way to confirm this hypothesis. Yet Tidus was certain about one thing:
“The city I had known does not exist anymore. It was the one from the Summoning...” (Tidus)
“I would like you to tell me more about it.” (Bria)
Tidus shrugged, without obligation.
“Sin had spread chaos across Zanarkand. How could the city have survived such a disaster?” (Tidus)
“It does not matter. Recently, I have perceived a lot of signs... I think I will be able soon to resolve the mystery which has kept me busy for a long time.” (Bria)
“Which mystery are you talking about?” (Tidus)
“The greatest of all.” (Bria)
The man burst out laughing, and Tidus lost his temper:
“Are you making fun of me? What do you want? Did you come to live near Yuna or have you been transferred from Bevelle? What do want to tell me? What is the true motive behind your presence?” (Tidus)

Danko Kaji

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Re: Original Novel Translated vs. Fan-written Restoration
« Reply #9 on: September 02, 2015, 01:01:09 pm »
Thank you so much, ChecheurObscur! I guess I mixed them up somewhere after Tidus shrugged... Yay! Thank you again.  You're the best! <3

Hm, but the radio was an unexpected surprise. Perhaps I really do need to replay FFX and check out the NPCs. See what the world is like through the smaller details.
Lost in the winds of change~

"There's some things you can't do alone,
but they become easy with friends beside you."

Consider me a wandering 'Maechen' of FFX/X-2 lore.

CrystalOfLies

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Re: Original Novel Translated vs. Fan-written Restoration
« Reply #10 on: September 02, 2015, 01:23:37 pm »
Thank you so much, ChecheurObscur! I guess I mixed them up somewhere after Tidus shrugged... Yay! Thank you again.  You're the best! <3

Hm, but the radio was an unexpected surprise. Perhaps I really do need to replay FFX and check out the NPCs. See what the world is like through the smaller details.

I also recall microphones (the Normal Ending to X-2 and the singing FMVs) and megaphones (Tidus taunting the Goers in X) existing, and Shinra has a big computer set up just for him. Perhaps spheres are primarily used for outputting visual feed, and recent technology such as Commspheres added audio to them. But that doesn't explain the spheres we find in X-2 that were recorded a long time ago. Maybe sphere technology is really expensive? Or maybe the main resource for making spheres -- the lakes in Macalania Woods -- are now dying out, and the Al Bhed are making machina alternatives which are known as our technology in the real world. Orrr, they dug up/drew references from the machina in Zanarkand's golden years. I recall there being a washing machine and a microwave in Tidus' boathouse!

You're right, it is rather confusing. But it's fun to speculate. :P
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Danko Kaji

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Re: Original Novel Translated vs. Fan-written Restoration
« Reply #11 on: September 02, 2015, 02:11:43 pm »
That's true. Microphones, megaphones, and computer tower/monitor (that I believe Shinra customized or created himself) were all over the place, but I've only ever seen in hugely populated places, such as Luca and Bevelle, and used by characters who were in the fortunate position to have easy access to such things, let it be money or connections. That's a good point: sphere technology may be expensive, because of the manual labor required to harvest the water in Macalania. Do you need a working permit for that land? XD I love the idea of Al Bhed inventing alternative machina appliances to make up for declining natural resources (that does not explain Wantz's camera, though).

That whole digging up references from Zanarkand's golden years can only happen post-FFX, around the time Cid decided to use the ruins as a tourist attraction (instead of a national museum? What the hell, Cid? Use your damn brain. Ya could've wracked up even MORE money from that political venture; be funded by New Yevon, or Rin. You could have done it!). And when it came to Tidus's house, I'm not surprised. He's in a machina city much like our own cities today. He could have had a shower, too, and a toilet with nice pipework, and and and...

Yes. It is fun to speculate. XD
Lost in the winds of change~

"There's some things you can't do alone,
but they become easy with friends beside you."

Consider me a wandering 'Maechen' of FFX/X-2 lore.

Danko Kaji

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Re: Original Novel Translated vs. Fan-written Restoration
« Reply #12 on: September 03, 2015, 04:33:41 pm »
Quote
Bria: “I beg your pardon if I hurt you. My life is a bit too complex to be summed up. Humans try to introduce causal relationships, but the truth is that, these links, we invent them a posteriori."

So far, this might be my favorite line of Bria, but I'm struggling to fully understand what he meant in the second sentence. I intend to fully retain it word for word, however, because it's an amazing line, and a wonderfully complex and formal line at that. I just wish to comprehend it more for my curiosity, in case I'm interpreting it right.  :)

All I get is that a posteriori is a term used to make a proposition based on one's knowledge from experience (in contrast to a priori, which means a proposition made without needing the basis for past experience). As for the word causal, is Bria trying to say that humans form relationships wishing for certain things to happen when in reality they unconsciously gravitate to certain kinds of people whom they are familiar with during early life? If so, that's a very philosophical, if not cynical thing to say! But that makes sense, given it's Bria::)

Edit: I feel like Seymour or Baralai would have fun talking with this man. XD
« Last Edit: September 03, 2015, 04:39:30 pm by Danko Kaji »
Lost in the winds of change~

"There's some things you can't do alone,
but they become easy with friends beside you."

Consider me a wandering 'Maechen' of FFX/X-2 lore.

ChercheurObscur

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Re: Original Novel Translated vs. Fan-written Restoration
« Reply #13 on: September 03, 2015, 08:03:18 pm »
Well, that's quite the sentence you've chosen there ! There was a time I was pondering on it !

I think Bria said that to Tidus because of what he said just before. Tidus was unloading some "rude" theory about Bria's presence in Besaid, as if he knew about it. He was unconsciously inventing the causal relationship, yet Tidus didn't care about that first... And since Bria's past is no bed of roses, this one answered in a grandiloquent way.

It may be the same for Yuna. Tidus only tried to find the reason of the distance between them after his conversation with Bria.

But if we think about it in depth, let's say that the moment you try to establish a causal relationship, this one is already gone, therefore you invent "yours" in the future. I hope you understand what I mean. I could provide you a similar explanation if you were to introduce a causal relationship before an event happens, in that case you invent it in the past.
« Last Edit: September 03, 2015, 08:20:14 pm by ChercheurObscur »

Danko Kaji

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Re: Original Novel Translated vs. Fan-written Restoration
« Reply #14 on: September 03, 2015, 11:53:20 pm »
I see. That makes plenty of sense. Tidus's automatic response to any man associated with the Church is to doubt their credibility. It's no fault of his own, given his past experiences with Yevon were mainly negative. (Hey! Could you say Tidus based his first impression of Bria a posteriori given his resentment towards Yevonites?) So naturally wherever Yuna is concerned, he's highly protective of her.

For an extroverted teenager, Tidus is surprisingly introspective. Normally I would have called that out-of-character, if it weren't for his constant internal monologues in FFX. Not that I ever found them annoying or lame, I honestly enjoyed his narrative voice. It's just easy to forget he's capable of self-reflection (which many others tend to forget, too). Unlike Square Enix's poster boys of positivity, Zack Fair, Zidane, and Sora, Tidus has more than his fair share of insecurities.

Okay, how about this: Would you say Seymour wanted a causal relationship with Yuna to become the Final Aeon? Twisted, romantic feelings notwithstanding, all of his efforts forced her to do whatever that benefitted him in his end goal. As for Yuna's feelings for Tidus, would you say she developed them a posteriori? She fell for him, because Tidus embodied everything she craved: freedom, courage, and change. Because of grief and loss, first her parents, then one of her childhood friends, tradition and expectations stifled her, but she chose to follow them because they were familiar. But at the core of every Summoner, they wish to usher in change - the chance to fell Sin permanently.

I learned a valuable lesson in my Acting class about Characters and their tactics: No matter if it's selfless or selfish, we always form relationships with people when we want something. Intentionally or not, when we become friends with someone, or wish to pursue a romantic relationship, we want something out of it - let it be safety, money, security, affection, validation, etc. The feelings we develop for someone or something can be considered a posteriori, or even a priori because we want to experience what we never experienced. Heck, even Freud's theory that we are attracted to people who remind us of our parents of the opposite gender (for better or for worse) can be one type or manifestation of a posteriori.

Or am I getting too ahead of myself? XD
« Last Edit: September 04, 2015, 11:29:52 pm by Danko Kaji »
Lost in the winds of change~

"There's some things you can't do alone,
but they become easy with friends beside you."

Consider me a wandering 'Maechen' of FFX/X-2 lore.