fanfiction
database
Your Reputation Precedes You
Early on as Ness moves throughout his adventure, word spreads of a famed girl in Twoson, along with reports of her going missing recently. There is talk of this young woman having extraordinary power, and eventually, this is confirmed via a telepathic message that is sent to Ness in a request for help. Paula, having been abducted by an alien-influenced cult, is soon assisted by the young hero. Destiny then gets back on track as she joins him in the quest that they and two others are fated to undertake.
Issues, Issues, Issues
Paula is often the most brooding member of the Chosen Four in "EarthBound" fanfiction. Writer MoonlitAngel007, who made her debut with a well-received Paula one-shot called Mend My Heart, describes the character as "the best" of the bunch from a creative standpoint, due to her prominent personality in the game and her roles in situations such as the scenario above. Certain aspects of Paula's character have been especially popular and substantially refined in "EB" fanfiction. Among them are the following.
Relationship With Ness
During the adventure presented in the game, there are romantic undertones between Paula and Ness, and many of the stories set afterwards have explored the joys, and particularly the pains, that Paula has experienced since.
Usually, Paula is indicated to be the more aggressive of the two in romantic regards, while Ness often comes off as reserved. In a short 'fic called Paula's Monologue, by notable Paula writer DarthBelch, Paula thinks over her situation with Ness, musing that, "What he doesn't understand is I don't want like, I want love. Sometimes I don't think it's really worth it . . ."
'EarthBound Fanfiction Reviews'
When it comes to MoonlitAngel007's take on this whole issue, the reservations are more mutual. She explains that while in her writing, Paula's affinity for Ness is there, usually "she is too shy to tell him and is afraid of what he may think or if she is rejected." Her stories tend to feature a second guy feeling an affection toward Paula, eventually prompting Paula to either stay focused on Ness or consider her feelings for someone else -- sometimes both.
While the Ness-and-Paula relationship is obviously a point of interest for authors writing dramas, it can be noted that it is not necessarily looked upon as having a negative undertone in fanfiction. Many stories set in the future believe that Ness and Paula eventually succeed in finding happiness with one another, as they are often presented as married parents in these tales. Many stories set in the present also have them working things out, either romantically or on a friendly basis with romantic implications.
Fame
It is unknown just how Paula's special abilities went public, but once they did, she became the focus of constant media attention. This is sometimes used as a matter of varying annoyance and resentment in "EarthBound" fanfiction.
During EarthBound: The Horsemen Saga, a younger childhood memory is recalled in which Paula wonders, "Why won't the reporters go away?" In Any Day Now, a frustrated Paula explains to Ness that she's always wanted to feel close to someone who wouldn't pretend that "things were normal when they were really nervous about being in the same room with me."
In addition, Paula is idolized by the children who are cared for via her family's business, giving her added grief over being able to protect them whenever trouble comes to Twoson in fanfics like Hero's Resolve. She is also one of the heroes admired by members of new generations in Neo-"EarthBound" stories.
Paula is a telepath, giving her an interesting array of capabilities that set her aside from her peers. Additionally, she is sometimes used as a harbinger for bad news at the beginning of stories, or as a channel through which chaos is more emotionally conveyed to the reader. Overall, this power seems to have its ups and downs. It sometimes brings her an unpleasant burden, but when written as a more advanced telepath she generally can't be snuck up on and can momentarily peer into and affect the minds of others.
In the alternate reality story E. Revolution, many scenarios from "EarthBound" are different. This includes one of the early situations with Ness and Paula being reversed, as Ness has dreams of her before meeting her in person.
During this tale, Paula is a composed, rather apathetic figure who's quite an enigma to Ness as he tries getting to know her at the SANCTUARY complex. She plays piano, has a mysterious history, and retains certain abilities from "EarthBound," though she rarely has to display them -- which may be a good thing. "It's complicated," explains Poo. "Paula's psychic powers need to be studied and kept in check constantly."
Ness wonders why, but doesn't get an answer... just yet.
The following days involved several exchanges and revisions, including battle planning, continuity examinations, and insights into how the idea could affect the story's finale. Over the following weeks, this collaboration ultimately resulted in "Birth," a chapter of The Horsemen Saga written by James and overseen by Heartslaught, and a series of co-written scenes that would fit into the story later.
(Possible spoilers)
Following a battle during "Birth," Paula is called "Goddess." Though not immediately confirmed, it then becomes apparent that she, as stipulated by legend, has won the power of her celestial opponent. The combination of this power and the amount Paula already has transforms her into a divine form, with her human name of
Paula Polestar replaced by Paula, Goddess of Heaven and Earth. Whether or not she can turn back once crossing this bridge -- or if she will really want to -- remains to be seen at that point.
With this ascension, Paula gains several new offensive powers, the ability to heal, and other capabilities that help her live up to her rank.
-Paula was created by Nintendo/Shigesato Itoi and is the second protagonist introduced in "EarthBound."
-Notable powers include PSI Fire, PSI Freeze, PSI Thunder, PSI Magnet, Prayer, shielding from PSI attacks, and various telepathic abilities.
-A few notable fanfics featuring this character are Mend My Heart, Hero's Resolve, and The Candle: Stories of Confession, Part Four.