Curious

[yukinoomoni.livejournal.com]

I've been wondering alot about Berkens. When he's introduced into the series, he seems to be carefree and completely aloof, divorced from his priesthood as much as he can be (while still able to get free food). He seems completely sympathetic to the Casulls, and even helps them in their survival without thinking twice.

However, I've always wondered what his true part was when it came to Forcis and Pacifica. I'm sure that over the last weeks closing in on the eve of Pacifica's birthday, Berkens was drawn deeper and deeper into Forcis's angst over the whole situation with his sister.

So, when the time comes and Forcis murders Pacifica before turning the blade on himself, Berkens, dispite his past with Pacifica and the Casull twins, remains at Forcis's side instead. It really makes me wonder what exactly had affected him so much that would, in a way, make him pick a side.

Does anyone else have any thoughts on this?

Comments

[oneill]

Well, it's not like Forsyth killed Pacifica because he saw her as an enemy or anything--he did it because it was the only way to stop the Peacemakers from wiping out his people. So when Berkens chose to stay with Forsyth, it wasn't really a matter of picking sides. He was simply showing support for the prince, who had, after all, just made the most difficult decision of his life. I can't remember if it was as apparent in the anime, but Berkens was acting as Forsyth's guardian at the time, and he was very fond of the prince. If he had gone to comfort the others, it's possible that Forsyth would have taken it as a sign that Berkens was condemning his choice.

Besides, Pacifica, Shannon, and Raquel all had each other, and Leo as well. Forsyth had only Chris. Lacking any exclusive alliances, staying with the prince just seems to be the kinder choice.

[yukinoomoni.livejournal.com]

Jeez, man. They really did a whole shit-load out of the anime, didn't they? I've only read three of the novels, but they hardly even TOUCH on Berkens knowing Forcis AT ALL.

[oneill]

I think the anime tried to show Berkens's concern for Forsyth (e.g., when they happen upon that family on the side of the road), but it's one of those cases where there just wasn't enough time to fit everything in.