H E A R T
Joachim is an extremely complex character simply because of his enigmatic history. Next to nothing is
known to be fact regarding his mortal life and therefore, speculation abounds. Keeping this in mind,
it's even more difficult to speculate on prospective love interests since he appears to interact with few.
However, I'm more than willing to share some insights about the matter.
I will say that for all intents and purposes, Joachim is rather ill-suited to
true romance. In the context of the game, he has no time, energy or interest in
giving his heart to someone. This is not to say that he never ever loved. It is
quite possible that he did at some point and that may have even contributed to
his current predicament. However, we are shown nothing canonically pointing to
what we would call a love interest. Joachim likely would not lend himself to all of the trifles of love.
For those who are intrigued with the idea of romantic pairing possibilities, I have jotted down some thoughts.
NOTE: This section addresses some pairings that are male/male in nature. If you can't stand that, then
turn back now! You've been warned.
x WALTER BERNHARD
Walter is one of the most popular
matches for our melancholic vampire. This is primarily because of the bond the two seemingly share or have shared. As
the player's guide says and as is widely accepted, Walter is the one responsible for his vampiric transformation. Clearly,
he must have expected something out of the situation, whether that be a physical relationship, companionship, a manageable
power or even simply a reminder of his own might.
I think that if there was indeed a relationship between the two, it'd be a perpetual power struggle with Walter winning out
most of the time. I tend to be a fan of more balanced relationships. This one is just meant to be something more like a
master/slave dynamic.
x LEON BELMONT
If Joachim is to be paired with anyone,
based on personalities and goals alone, this one would be the most ideal. Even though it is not a particularly likely one.
Leon is a strong, loyal and kind man; Joachim is a fragile, angry and sorrowful young vampire. What do the two have that could spark
something? Everything.
Leon had the patience and empathy to deal with someone so emotional as Joachim. He possessed the intelligence to soothe the scars
of tormenting darkness. Joachim in turn had the chipped-shoulder edge. And I don't even have to mention the faint electricity between
the two when they met in the Dark Palace. The mutual curiosity was notable.
Aside from these things, the two share a common enemy. A temporary alliance of
the two would have served each extremely well. With Joachim's knowledge of the castle and Walter's personal weaknesses
and Leon's solid resolve and ability to wield the power of Light, they could have easily overtaken the castle. Perhaps they
could have even returned themselves to the lives they were forced to give up. The lion and the bat...an invincible pair.
Really, I find it tragic that Joachim was made to let his anger, his pride overwhelm his rationalization
and ultimately lead him to his demise.
x MATHIAS CRONQVIST
This is I think the least realistic coupling of
the game. Not only is this because the two seemingly never interact, but the fact that they each seem too wrapped up in themselves to
notice the other. Mathias is too busy brooding about the loss of his wife, and Joachim is too busy brooding about revenge for his
mistreatment.
This is not to say they wouldn't be an aesthetically pleasing pair; God knows both are impossibly beautiful. Nevertheless, simply stated,
Mathias loves his late Elisabeta and Joachim loves his morbid fantasy of destroying Walter.
x SARA TRANTOUL
This is another one of the least realistic couplings of the game. First things first, Sara is Leon's betrothed. We are not shown
anything of Sara's character that would indicate a willingness to participate in infidelity. Now, of course Sara and Joachim never interact
onscreen and as both were held captive in Walter's castle, it is possible that they may have crossed paths. It is doubtful
though, since Joachim was locked away in his dungeon, seemingly without any contact whatsoever. I can't think of a reason for
Walter to introduce the two. And also, if Joachim had met her or even just learned of her predicament, he might have been a bit
less hasty to rush into battle with Leon.
This is a pairing that probably will find its way into fanfiction, but I just do not see it having a particularly high probability
of actuality.
