[Hereafter] Chapter CCXXIX: In Search of the Castaways
Added 2026-01-31 22:16:27 +0000 UTCComments
Having taken a bit of time to ruminate on it, I have to say that the Ishtar/Taylor relationship is best one she's *had* with a Servant, bar Jackie (and only for the sweetness that involves). Unlike pretty much anyone else Taylor deals with, Ishtar isn't afraid to *challenge* her, and the goddess' ego is like dealing with all of Lisa's worst issues (or Victoria Dallon's, more aptly). To some extent, Taylor must be getting Emma flashbacks . . . At the same time, Rin's influence softens Ishtar just *enough* to make her worst bearable, and it's clear that she *does* value Taylor, which makes sense. If nothing else, Ishtar is a goddess of war and victory, as stated by Gilgamesh himself - she HAS to have an eye for quality when it comes to warriors and generals . . . And well, Taylor is who she is. Taylor might be hematite compared to the sort of polished gem Ishtar usually prefers - but with the right light (i.e., hers), it can be *just* as beautiful . . .
Geoffrey Sullivan
2026-02-02 06:11:16 +0000 UTC"Though I would find it quite funny if Ishtar realizes she quite enjoys this Taylor and gets frustrated that she wasn't quite like this when she first met her, only to realize that it's technically her fault that it's this way." . . . I never knew I wanted this until you articulated it.
Geoffrey Sullivan
2026-02-01 02:22:07 +0000 UTCHonestly, summer one is a very fun event. I'm always a fan of Time travel stories, where someone does something innocuous leading to a huge cascading effect. Curious to see what changes you're apparently going to be making with it. As for the Ishtar scenes with Taylor I'm loving all of them. I especially love the moment where she pauses and addresses that just because she was trying to get Ritsuka as her master that doesn't mean she doesn't share a bond with Taylor and care for her. Given her comments in the previous chapters about making sure to be genuine in key moments is the most important thing needed for the Babylonian singularity, my guess as to what's happening here is Ishtar's purposely avoiding the twins, in order to make sure conversations with them in the singularity will be genuine, and once the singularity does come around, Taylor will either avoid or just be very professional with her in order to not reveal anything. Though I would find it quite funny if Ishtar realizes she quite enjoys this Taylor and gets frustrated that she wasn't quite like this when she first met her, only to realize that it's technically her fault that it's this way.
the pyro stick figure 76
2026-02-01 01:43:29 +0000 UTC
