The Best of All Possibles

by ersatzpenguin

This short story is an attempt to tie up the narrative loose ends that exist at the end of Life is Strange S1 E5, "Polarized." It combines elements from *both* canon endings to create a less polarizing, and more fitting conclusion.

1. Preface

This story, like many others, is the result of an attempt to fix the plot and narrative inconsistencies evident in the two canon endings to Season 1, Episode 5, of Life is Strange.

I think there are important lessons for Max to learn in both canon endings, so I have done my best to stay true to the spirit of the dilema Max and the player are posed with, while explicitly filling in her thoughts and feelings while she and Chloe are standing on the cliff by the lighthouse. My hope is that through fleshing this lighthouse scene out with her thoughts and feelings, the audience can understand her decision more clearly. From there, the story becomes not about "bae" versus "bay"—though Max is still forced to choose—but about Max versus her own fears and insecurity.

If you want a story where everyone lives, and nothing bad ever happens, this isn't the one for you. However, if you want a story that honors the character growth of both Max and Chloe, and that brings the various narrative elements of Life is Strange to a satisfying end, this one's for you.

Oh, and: Pricefield 4 Ever.