This will go into spoilers for Stormblood, so be warned.
First of all, I want to thank everyone that read and commented on my first ever blog post. I've decided to hop into PF more often, and try to create groups myself. Be the change you want to see as it is. Even though it might be scary, it will also be a lot of fun.
Next, I want to touch on one of my favourite characters in the game, and one that gets a lot of hate; Lyse.
Ever since her first appearance on screen as Yda, I had a soft spot for the character. I absolutely adored her ARR voice actor, and even though her an Papalymo were a bit of a goofy duo, I could not help but love them. I have a history of liking punchy-kicky girls, so Yda was definitely right up my alley.
I always felt her and Papalymo were sidelined compared to the other Scions, but she got her moment to shine at the end of Post-ARR while holding down the line. Sadly she disappeared right after, and only reappeared quite late, but I really enjoyed the story with her and Papalymo. I will admit I was confused about Ala Mhigo, and I thought they were talking about 'Little' Ala Mhigo all the time :')
Anyway, with the reveal of Lyse in post Heavensward and the tragic death of Papalymo, a lot of confusion was cleared, and I started my big appreciation of Lyse; a character that has lost everything, and is now fighting to get back the final things she has, her home. I love Lyse for her drive after everything she's been through. She keeps going even with her back against the wall. She's always ready for the next fight, something that was present even during her time as Yda. She never backed down, something I really like.
I will admit, the first part of Stormblood is a drag, which doesn't help the image of Lyse, but I think even through all of that, she shines as a positive part of the story. Her story of becoming her own person while taking on an important role in the resistance, even becoming it's leader, is very well developed in my opinion, and she gets more screen time than any of the scions got before her. Something that will sadly not last.
However, before we leave her behind for Shadowbringers and a lot of Endwalker, we still get to experience one of my favourite moments in the game; the retaking of Ala Mhigo. Working together with Lyse, training for the fight ahead was beautiful, even if it was a bit silly to be a Machinist in that cutscene on top of the statue of Rhalgr. After fighting Zenos and Shinryu we get on of my favourite cutscenes in the game; the people of Ala Mhigo reclaiming their anthem for themselves and singing it on top of their old home. For me this was such a beautiful moment, and I was glad to see Lyse take center stage in a moment she has fought for all this time. She became her own person, leaving the Scions and focusing on her own goals. This sadly means she basically disappears from the story, but the leaves room for the Warrior of Light to shine.
I think a lot of issues people have with Lyse, if how she 'steals' the spotlight from the player. However, Stormblood was never meant to be the story of the Warrior of Light. It's the story of the people of Ala Mhigo and Othard, and Lyse perfectly represents that.
One day I might I might go deeper in how I've really come to like Stormblood, but for now, I'll just stick to my love for Lyse.
