Revelations from Keynote II

[Enkidoh]

I think, perhaps, instead of Matoya seizing Y'shtola's soulless body (seems uncharacteristic, but perhaps it's done in a ... matronly way), Y'shtola has simply adopted Matoya as a moniker in whatever realm the Scions are now in. Why she'd feel the need to hide her name, who knows. Give me some Louisoix as Urianger and Matoya as Y'shtola proxy debates though.

Right, that's my theory too (because, it wouldn't make sense for Matoya to have to possess Y'shtola, if Urianger is apparently fine). Makes me wonder then... if Matoya... finally returned to the Planet....

Hang on... scratch that....

I'm more strongly leaning towards us having to journey to the First alone with Y'shtola/Matoya (I'm feeling a bit concerned for the fate of both with the latter seemingly having taken control of the former's body) mentioning "Until our friend returns" and the fortune teller also suggesting we'd be in another world on our own.

THAT would make sense then.... especially as after watching the trailer gears started turning in my head about how this is all going to end up....

because of the impending Eighth Calamity and Zodiark's imminent rebirth, the Scions decide to take one last desperate gamble... by bringing back Goddess!Minfilia from the First. However, in order to do that, someone is still needed on the First to finish the job of balancing out the Light and Darkness there, and we're 'volunteered' for the task, against our wishes and better judgement (explaining Derplander's depressed-vibes in the trailer). Hence why we become the Warrior of Darkness, it's simply for pragmatic reasons. Because the best way we know to deal with any kind of aetheric abomination is a good weapon and a strong arm to wield it! Especially one enfused with the opposing element that it's aspected to!

Accomplishing that we return back to the Source.. and lo and behold.... the Eighth Calamity occurs, Zodiark is reborn... and it all goes to hell in a handbasket... but does it? Oh what's this? Because the First wasn't able to be fully Rejoined (due to our meddling as a WoD), and with our new mastery over both the Light and the Darkness, we become the Warrior of the CRYSTAL, truly Hydaelyn's champion in every way. We smack Zodiark, Eldibius and all the other Ascians around and destroy them for good, the Eight Calamity ends and the Eighth, Eternal Astral Era begins. Minfilia returns to the Planet as Hydaelyn's avatar.. and we all celebrate!

Okay, I doubt it will end up exactly like that, but if I was a betting cat I would say there is a good chance of at least some of those things happening. We'll find out soon enough either way.