The world is on fire.

Let’s not kid ourselves. If you are an English speaker and spend any amount of time online, it’s hard not to miss the dumpster fire that is our world right now. A lot of rights are under threat or being co-opted by fascists, trolls and general pieces of shit that delight in making the world that much more miserable for the rest of us, sucking out any possible joy from the day.

It’s hard not to just hunker down and hide yourself from the world, from showing any form of vulnerability to anyone just to protect yourself. If your work involves empathising with other human beings, any form of creative expression and in general just trying to make the world a better place, it’s hard not to wonder what’s the point of it all when you see the pedophiles running the place and the loonies stripping you of whatever dignity you had left.

In times of disaster, art cannot fill the belly. It is powerless in the physical world. It cannot adequately protect from the loss of a home.

But to expect that of art is unfair. Art admits it cannot fill the belly. Art admits it is powerless in the face of physical upheaval and the force of nature.

But that is not art’s purpose. It never was.

One of the most amazing things about Granblue Fantasy’s (GBF) writing is that it never quite answers what art is supposed to mean. Everyone has a different (literally) view of art. In fact, in its current mini event, Thought in Song, GBF sends out a timely reminder to all those who pursue any form of creative endeavours, that they need to take care of themselves.

The entire storyline is an expression of love from the writers and designers to the community. It is a comforting message, and in days where people are being hounded because they dared to try to make others feel better, it steels you.

“We hear you.”

“We know it hurts.”

“We feel the pain, anger, hurt and confusion.”

“We are here for you.”

“We got you.”

“We believe in you.”

Thank you, Granblue Fantasy writers, translators and whoever directed this. I needed to hear that.

Now excuse me while I go and sob ugligy. WHY DID YOU DO THAT TO PRECIOUS CARO WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY???? ;_;

Edited: Another reason why I love this storyline is because they make it an IMPORTANT POINT to show that art is not something you get by on sheer talent. No, you need to master the basics and practise over and over again until you get it right.

One of the key scenes involves a main character reminiscing about the time he first learnt to paint. There’s also numerous other scenes in Thought in Song where characters either practise or demonstrate the importance of practising.

In this case, literally, practise does make perfect!