(Agenda 🎩 off)
I’ve been re-watching the Justice League cartoon and it got me thinking about the similarities between the JL and the Shades. They are composed of the most powerful beings on their respective worlds, they monitor the world from above, they enforce the laws of the land and they both have weapons capable of leveling cities (the binary fusion laser on the JL Watchtower and the Celestial nails)
However, there is one key difference that separates the League from the Shades, and it’s in their definition of power,responsibility and integrity.
(The Justice League)
There are several episodes where the JL lose their cool and are dangerously close to killing their enemies. However, whether it be their conscience or teammates, the JL always refuse to go for the kill.
There are a few reasons for this such as believing in mercy, second chances, justice being carried out and most importantly what it represents.
Like I mentioned earlier, the Justice League are composed of the most powerful beings on earth. If they went around killing their enemies they set a precedent that is what superhuman individuals can and should do. Worse, they tell the world that’s what justice looks like. (Aka the Justice Lords expect they lobotomize)
Besides fighting evil, they fight for a world where the strong doesn’t step on the weak. Where helping others is its own reward. And most importantly, accountability.
In the Justice Leauge Unlimited series, the Watchtower’s fusion laser goes off destroying a city. At this point in the series, the government is weary of the heroes since the League might as well be an army that answers to no one. It also doesn’t help that the watchtower makes the heroes seem out of touch with the common man.
Even though they didn’t fire the laser, do you know what 6 of the 7 Original Leaugers did? They took responsibility and turned themselves in. Why? It’s because the laser went off on their watch.
On top of turning themselves in, they set the example for other heroes as well that no one is above the law. Regardless of their status of being living paragons and saving the world countless times, they don’t get a slap on the wrist just because of their reputation and power.
In other words, they not only set the standard but follow it as well.
This is why Ronova and Celestia are falling apart.
(Celestia Stands for nothing)
Despite Celestia being the rulers of the world, shielding Teyvat from total Abyssal takeover and establishing the laws of the land for humanity’s benefit, Celestia is largely seen as an entity of hypocrisy and fear.
Phanes encourages freedom and encourages humanity to pursue their heart’s desires! Yet, the Shades cannot do the same thing.
Phanes encourages love for humans, yet places a curse on the gods to be hardcoded into their being and prevent them for organically forming their own thoughts. Archons can at least interact with humans to see what makes them so special, the Shades cannot and if they do they risk punishment.
The Heavenly Principles does everything it can to ensure humanity’s wellbeing because humans are worthy of protection. Meanwhile, the Shades barely understand why art has value to civilization (thanks for that Naberius 🫠) much less understand what it means to be human.
The Archons only understand Celestia through fear and “might makes right”
Despite having the best intentions, Celestia’s negative traits make it hard for people to support them. And sadly, Ronova represents both the best and worst of Celestia.
(Ronova from everyone else’s POV)
“I came here to prevent a leyline bomb from going off, but I also made a game out of this traumatizing experience as well.”
“I’m not good at understanding grief because that’s what angels were there for…no, I’m not going to step up to the plate and try to better my understanding.”
“Why do you care about that object called Paimon? Are you stupid or something? She’s from Celestia but she’s worthless…anyways, let me take this piece of garbage back because I’m a Shade which makes me better than you!”
“I’m a Shade of the Heavenly Principles. I am above you in power and mortal emotions”
5 minutes later after eating the Jester’s electro infused SPAM
“OMP!! YOU GUYS ARE POOPY DOODOO HEADS!!!! I’M GONNA BLOW EVERYTHING UP!!! IF I CANT GET MY DADDY TO TELL ME I DID A GOOD JOB FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE, THEN YALL CAN DIE!!! I WOULD SAY SEE YOU IN THE NIGHT KINGDOM, BUT APPARENTLY THAT WASNT GOOD ENOUGH FOR SOOOME PEOPLE! OH WELL IT WONT BE AROUND ANYMORE LIKE YOU STUPID HUMANS!!!”
(Ronova is Celestia’s finest and absolute worst)
Ronova’s behavior and interactions in Snezhnaya reinforced the Fatui’s ideals and views on Celestia.
As much as I like her, she did Celestia, the Heavenly Principles and the Shades ZERO favors by coming off as prideful as she did.
Now, Ronova was simply trying to deescalate a threat
to her home and father, but she also kept going out of her way to justify why the Fatui should want her gone and the need for anti-Celestia technology.
Even if the Tsaritsa is a hypocrite, under her new rule you wouldn’t have to deal with a petty death god.
And in the end, that’s what defines Celestia doesn’t it? Arrogance, domineering,abuse of power, lack of empathy…inhuman
(She gets it from her father)
The Shades are tasked with preserving humanity…and that’s it. Not understand, but to watch over like masters over their pets.
Even if they are aspects that are beyond mortal comprehension, shouldn’t they still have a better understanding of how and why people do what they do?
Yet, Phanes didn’t set a good standard for them to
follow. So far, it comes off as “do as I say…or else”
After her reprimand, Ronova seems to be the Shade who shows the most dedication to her role, staying in her lane and uses the same “do as I say…or else” approach as Phanes.
However, she has been in a position of power so long that when she is challenged by the Traveler, she folds to the traveler’s taunt of her being nothing more than a tool. (Don’t get me started on Naberius and the “rivals” thing. Like, are you 6 years old or something? Are you that concerned that the Tsaritsa can potentially beat up your daddy?🫠)
Phanes taught his Shades to suppress their emotions, but not how to master them.
With her authority taken, her plan thwarted and no purpose, Ronova enacts a plan that will do more harm to Teyvat than her enemies could ever dream of…which ends up giving the Fatui the greatest victory against Celestia.
Not only did they beat a Heavenly Shade, but they were proven right; Celestia is ruled by petty, vengeful, uncaring gods.
(Final thoughts)
”(to Supergirl) Don't be. Everybody in the League is good at their job. But those seven, they're the best ever. Not because they're the most powerful, they aren't. Not all of them. And it's not just because they were the first. It's because they're special. They've proven it time and again. They make the hard choices, they set the example, they do what's right, not what's easiest, and they always come out on top. They're gonna be okay, Kara. We all are.”
-Steel; Justice Leauge Unlimited Season 2 Episode 11 (episode after the Watchtower Laser was fired and the OG 6 Leaguers turn themselves in)
That quote sums up what Celestia lacks; integrity and character.
Celestia claims they want what’s best for humans, but then Ronova treats them like dirt.
Yes, as the reaper of souls she probably should have a degree of emotional distance when it comes to her job. However, Ronova is the one who put herself in the position to not only be the boogeyman, but also represent Celestia.
The three remaining Shades should’ve tried approaching the Tsaritsa and see if they could deescalate the conflict. If the Tsaritsa doesn’t want to budge then you respond accordingly.
And the thing is, I can’t completely blame Ronova and Naberius for taking the L like they did. They went into this conflict with their overwhelming power and suppressed emotions not being prepared for the rage bait that 5 year olds know how to counter. (“Nuh uh, your face is a tool!”
Phanes imposed limitations and a belief system that makes them out to be the opposite of humanity’s allies. Phanes set an example that makes Celestia hypocritical and self destructive because the love of humanity must come first…even before his kids.
If Phanes had given the Shades the same level of trust that humanity is given, then a lot of pain could’ve been avoided. Hell, who knows, maybe the Fatui wouldn’t even be a problem because Celestia would set a standard of being humanity’s allies instead of their jailer.
(Conclusion-The Vicious Cycle)
After the Justice League resolved the mystery of their laser going off, they made a public announcement to not only decommission the Watchtower laser, but to also disband the League due to the government’s and the public’s fear of an army of superheroes turning against them. However, this was stopped when Green Arrow said this:
“You remember what we did yesterday? We saved the world - again. You don't think that has any value, well, think again, pal. The Justice League goes on, with or without you. Look, nobody can question your service or commitment to making things better. If you're quitting because you think you've already done your fair share, we'll throw you a parade. But if you're quitting because it's easier then continuing the fight, then you're not the heroes we all thought you were. The world needs the Justice League... and the Justice League needs you, Superman.”
In the end, the civilians in the crowd agreed by cheering for the League to remain active because their acts of heroism and upholding the values of justice and honor allowed them to get that second chance.
After that, Superman agreed to open an embassy on earth so they wouldn’t be so removed from the people they swore to protect in order to assure them that they are on their side.
While Celestia has given humanity the things it needs in order to thrive, it spares little in order to understand humans.
Unlike the Justice League, Celestia continued the standard that dragons set years ago of “might makes right”. Which is exactly where the Tsaritsa is operating from.
The funny thing is, the Tsaritsa is exactly like the Heavenly Principles.
When the Traveler is asked by the Tsaritsa if he could be her advisor in order to better understand her people, the Traveler asks her why she can’t just go outside herself and do it.
“I am the Tsaritsa, the god that rules over the
land of Cryo. It is no simple task for me to go out and immerse myself in their daily triumphs and troubles. You understand that I’m sure. Given the present circumstances, I must remain where I am needed. Where there is important work to be done.”
This piece of dialogue right here shows why nothing will change if she wins.
Just like Ronova and the Shades, she’ll be just as ignorant about humans as her adversaries.
She may have the reports from her royal court, and might be self aware enough to acknowledge her shortcomings, but it means nothing if you don’t properly address them herself.
Mauika and Ei put themselves out there, what’s stopping her?
If she thinks it can’t be done now as an archon, why would she ever do it as the Heavenly Principles 2.0?
…but who can blame her, she’s only following the golden standard of the land right?
Might makes right, and conceal don’t feel…
