Hello, all! Glad everypony's fine. :)
Huge thanks for all the PMs you sent me. Really. Also, since there were requests I'll do a quick analyses of the latest Chosen chapter (nine, for those who like to follow for numbers :)) also, a small spoiler: Luna told me that the next book would be the last of the series (I'll let her talk more about that :))
(Just in case, my last analyses had nothing to do with the actual story. To everyone who PMed me say that I got things wrong, yes I did :P Here's the proper analysis :))
The chapter starts with Bellucio waking up and going to the dining hall, where Kalypso so waiting. She gives him a warning and tells him to be careful (no explanation given). He then goes on to interact with a few Chosen. An interesting theory is discussed: that the whole place might in fact not be a place to reach Poseidon, but a trap set by someone else to lure followers there. Bellucio refuses to believe it, but is given enough proof to start start considering. (There's also speculation that Kalypso is either their jailer or trapped like them.)
Bellucio decides to investigate further on his own, when Molly grabs him and starts explaining everything is a dream. Icelos appears and goes on about an explanation how infinite dreams are like mazes: they need to find their path to walk out otherwise they won't break the cycle.
We then have them going small activities throughout the chapter (without spoiling each activity is like a puzzle piece that when arranged in a set sequence lets them escape the dream). We learn some further fluff backstory if the Chosen. Also it's very sweet we see Molly grow as they go through the dream (years judging by the story). It's also so sweet seeing her and Bellucio develop feelings for one another in the process. :)
Ultimately, they manage to break the dream, thanks to some of the Chosen. Kalypso doesn't seem to be bothered, as we see during the first real breakfast everyone has in the dining room. Molly tells Bellucio she'll figure out what is going on and find a way to have them escape. One by one all but Bellucio leave. Then we have another ultimate cliffhanger:
“Well played.” Kalypso turns towards Bellucio, silver chalice in her hand. “I didn't think you'll be able to leave the maze until I let you.”
“Goes to show that Molly is more capable than you though.”
“True.” The goddess takes a sip of the chalice then puts it back on the table. Touching the smooth surface it melts away leaving scorch marks behind. “Does she know you're the traitor?”
“No.” Bellucio shakes his head. “The question is who is the extra?”
“That—“ Kalypso passes her finger along Bellucio’s chin “—is for you to find out.”
The conclusion will be so cool! I'm only sad that the series is so short :( Even if more is to come.
What do you all think? :D
I'll continue with my usual MCE analyses in two days.
PrinceEric
Hmm. I don't know. I have mixed feeling about this. I mean on the one hand it is a somewhat intriguing mystery, but it's so different from how the series started. Remember when they were searching other Chosen and a way to enter the “realm”? Well now we have some insane mystery that has prepared us for the revelation.
To put it bluntly the entire booklet was a tease of things to come. Yes, the backstory was nice and the questions were intriguing. I personally also liked the Molly Bellucio romance bit, but I'm not sure the story is consistent. Jade seems to adore it, so might be just me.
MixaMax
Some clarification on my end. Originally there was supposed to be one volume of Chosen, however, thanks to the success so far we'll go ahead with volumes two and three. Also, work if another spinoff involving Blazen is expected to appear at the end of the year (and will follow the same format). Ideally that would bridge the Hiatus between season 1 and 2.
Also, don't forget the Project Butterfly is also expected to appear by the end of the year :) In short there are a lot of things in store. There's even a discussion of a third spinoff related to the Crystal Empire :) Discussions among the writers are still underway, but if S.Child approves it, you can expect it to hit the shelves sometime next year :)
Luna
I'll need a bigger house… O:) Foals and MC, what could be better? :D
I like how things are linked up so far. Despite Max’s eternal grumbling, I find Chosen to be perfect as a story. My only worry is the overall pacing. With these three chapters being a preparation, I fear the next might be a bit too action packed. It's also interesting how much these chapters have changed. There's genuine romance, which is rather associated with mare fiction. Not to mention that puts the entire Molly-Bellucio dynamic in question. In the past it was always presented as a gag (and a means to illustrate how attractive Bellucio was).
I'm very curious if this will be transferred to Everhere.
LyraHands
Strictly speaking Chosen might not even be canon. Just because we hate a few common characters between stories it doesn't mean that both should be considered.
For me things that take place in Everhere will always trump Chosen and any other spinoffs out there.
MixaMax
@MixaMax: buck your logic! :P
I think the latest chapter was sweet, although I'm no longer sure if Bellucio is capable of having a relationship with just one person. He clearly had a thing for Kalypso (whether she knows it or not :)) and has gone through a relationship with grown Molly. Interesting to see if there's a showdown between Kalypso and Molly next. :)
Brush
It'll probably be some pathetic lame battle. Everyone knows that ponies can't fight. They'll probably have both girls pull their hair until one gives in.
The guy with the ash power and the tough child were so much cooler. Why read about these two losers?
SteveThumb