Fate/Zero - 05

フェイト/ゼロ


SPOILER Summary/Synopsis:

To the surprise of Saber and Lancer, Rider arrives and makes a proposal to have them yield the Grail to him, at which he will consider them friends to help him conquer the world. They decline, Saber saying that as a king herself, she won't submit to another. Emiya sees this and marvels that Iskandar once was a great ruler.  Kayneth has Waver quivering in fear by loudly belittling him for stealing the artifact. Rider puts his hand on Waver and angers Kayneth by saying that no coward hiding in the shadows could ever be his Master. Rider calls out the other Servants he knows are hiding, which Tohsaka and Kirei are concerned about, since Assassin is one of the hiding Servants.

Archer arrives, annoyed that two others would dare call themselves king. Rider isn't going to accept Archer's word about being king and Archer is irritated that he's not known just by his presence. He activates his Noble Phantasm as Kariya has Berserker appear. Rider asks Waver to determine how powerful he is, but Waver is unable to do so, only knowing that this is in fact a Servant. Iri tells Saber that Berserker looks to be a tough opponent, but even Saber cannot learn much from Berserker since it is shrouded. Emiya thinks that only someone insane would send their Servant into the mix below and instructs Maiya to keep an eye on Assassin while he looks for Berserker's Master.

Berserker eyes Archer, causing Archer to become annoyed and attack with a flying sword and spear. Berserker simply grabs the sword when it reaches him and uses it to take out the spear. Archer is irritated and launches a massive attack. Berserker easily defends against this massive influx of weapons hurled at him and even sends two back to take down the street light Archer stood upon, sending him to the ground. This causes Archer to become even more infuriated at having to be on the same ground as Berserker and he prepares an even larger attack against Berserker. Tohsaka sees that Archer is out of control and uses a Command Spell to force the angry Archer to withdraw.

With Archer gone, Berserker turns his attention to Saber and launches a furious attack. With Assassin still quietly watching and Berserker's Master no where to be seen, Emiya knows things are bad as Berserker beats back Saber. Lancer intervenes and save Saber, pleading with Kayneth to allow him to take out Berserker first before defeating Saber. Kayneth uses a Command Spell to force Lancer to help Berserker fight Saber and kill her.  Lancer apologizes and Saber tells Iri to get away while she can. Iri tells Saber to believe in her Master, letting Saber know that Emiya is near.

Emiya is determined to take out Berserker's Master and have Maiya attack Assassin. However, just as Emiya gets a bead on him, Rider attacks Berserker with ferocity, causing Emiya to be hit by electrical discharge and distracted. The attack does not kill Berserker but forces him to withdraw. Rider then issues a challenge to Kayneth, telling him to withdraw Lancer or he will join Saber to defeat Lancer. Kayneth has no choice, so Lancer thanks Rider and exchanges quiet respects with Saber before leaving. Rider tells Saber to settle things with Lancer and that he'll be honored to fight the victor, which pleases Saber.

After Rider leaves, Saber thanks Iri and knows she has to defeat Lancer to lift the curse from her arm. Elsewhere, Kariya is happy with how Berserker took down Archer several pegs, but Berserker going after Saber costs Kariya in life as he pukes blood and worms. Back at the church, one of the female Assassins brings a familiar she's slain outside the church grounds which was clearly being used to spy on the church. Still elsewhere, Caster and Ryuunosuke have finished watching the battle, leaving Ryuunosuke very excited to participate in a blood bath. Caster is weeping, feeling Saber is the rebirth of a woman he knew and loved who was abandoned by God. As such, he vows to come for her.

Thoughts/Review:

Well, a pretty incredible episode with all of the Servants showing up in the episode, though Caster stayed at a remote location.

Oops!  Wasn't Saber's arm injured severely last episode, so much so that Iri couldn't heal it and Saber couldn't use it?  And now, suddenly Saber can use her arm without issue?  Oh yeah, that's right, we forgot about that until the end of the episode. ^_^;

I'm really liking Rider in Fate/Zero. He's so unconcerned about hiding his identity unlike the other Servants. If negotiations allow him to achieve his objective, then sobeit. When it comes to fighting, he's all about the glory and honor of a battle between warriors. I loved how he praised Waver, who's ALWAYS in a state of panic, for being at his side while slamming Kayneth, who doesn't show fear but hides in the shadows. Good stuff.

Despite his insanity, I like this new Berserker character better than the one from Fate/stay night.  Since he's dressed in traditional knight armor, I'm going to make a guess that he's a knight as well, though whom, I couldn't even begin to guess. Considering Saber and Lancer are considered knights, that makes three of them in this contest.  I find that interesting.

There are also three kings here (that I'm aware of).  I'm not sure if that means anything either, but it is amusing that Archer, as Gilgamesh, is offended by the presence of Saber (King Arthur) and Iskandar (Alexander the Great).  It will be interesting seeing Archer confront Tohsaka over the use of a Command Spell.

Kayneth has also been forced to use a Command Spell, so it will be interesting to see how his dealings with Lancer are from here on out.

The freaks, Caster and Ryuunosuke, watched the battle safely from a distance.  I wonder whom it is that Caster thinks Saber truly is since she was not known as a woman during her real life.

Anyway, a very enjoyable episode with the free-for-all fight backed down in what I considered to be an amusing way (though there is logic behind the decision beyond making the story last much longer).

Ah! My Goddess Ch. 275 Manga Review

Ah! My Goddess Manga/Oh My Goddess! Manga
ああっ女神さまっ Chapter 275

SPOILER Summary/Synopsis:

With Keiichi freaking out about the sudden loss of his hands, Hagall examines the pendent Keiichi had and detects the presence of Hild.  A piece of Hild is within the pendent, so Hagall opens a hole in the floor and drops the pendent into it, closing the hole afterward.

Hagall returns her attention to Belldandy, but is pleasantly surprised when Keiichi overcomes his fear and shock to ask what Hagall's plans for Belldandy are. Hagall explains that the plan is to turn Belldandy into a mazoku, learning from the mistake Hild made in her attempt at doing the same thing. As such, they've drained Belldandy of her power and now empty, Hagall will be able to do what Hild could not. Keiichi says he won't allow that and stands up, but then falls down as Hagall has removed his feet at the ankles.

The weak Belldandy manages to summon Holy Bell, which Hagall stomps on and then severs the angel's link to Belldandy, forcing it to return to egg form. With that, Hagall squats in front of the prone Belldandy and asks her to give up since she has nothing left.

Meanwhile, a frustrated Urd and Skuld are making no progress against the "shadow" monsters they are fighting. Skuld stops Urd from yet another pointless attack, having analyzed their attack patterns and discovers that these shadows can't actually do anything to them. Further to that, she has discovered that the purpose of these creatures is to drain them of power. The shadow beings plead with Urd and Skuld to continue, but since escape is impossible, Urd ponders the situation and has a request for Skuld.

Thoughts/Review:

So, the weapon Keiichi was to bring was actually another small piece of Hild. Surely, Hild had to know that this might be easily detected.  I can't help but think that maybe Hild wanted to be "flushed" into whatever hole so as to do whatever it is she needs to do.  Hild's a smart cookie, even if she was taken by surprise by Hagall's rebellion.  So she had to have planned to be found out by Hagall.  I still think Hild has to have some supporters in the mazoku realm and the pendent could possibly be collected by one of them.  We'll see though.

Speaking of Hild, I do find it interesting that Hagall still addresses her as "Hild-sama" even though Hagall isn't being subservient to Hild.  I suppose that she's just doing it out of habit (because I think everyone addresses Hild as "Hild-sama") or just as a mocking fashion.

Now that we know Hagall's plan, which is basically a rehash of Hild's plan with some modifications, Hagall must have allowed for chibi-Hild to escape, either that or she and Hild are working some massively, elaborate scheme.  At some point, I suppose I should go back and reread the entire arc to refresh myself on the events of Hild's escape and how she talked Belldandy and company into returning her to power. As it is, Hagall's entire operation was geared to getting Belldandy. 

It's a shame that Holy Bell's return is cut short, no pun intended. While there's no doubt that Belldandy wanted to do whatever to protect Keiichi, I do wonder if she brought out Holy Bell on purpose to protect the angel, knowing Holy Bell would be severed and returned to egg form.  Of course, that assumes that Hagall couldn't corrupt an angel egg. I can't remember if Hild did that or not. ^_^;

Anyway, even as Belldandy doesn't have the strength to get off the ground, that ring of hers did give her a boost of power and that could come into play again.  I don't remember there being anything that said the ring's power boost was a one-time thing and I can see it giving Belldandy power again, to the surprise of Hagall, who's sure Belldandy is empty.  Either that, or the ring might cause a rejection of whatever method Hagall intends to use to turn Belldandy into a mazoku.

Glad to see Urd and Skuld weren't forgotten.  Skuld, despite being very immature at times, is the right one to use logic to figure out their problem.  I wonder what Urd's request is though.  Should be interesting.

So, a good chapter with Hagall looking the best she's ever looked. ^_~

Toradora! Manga Volume 02 Review

とらドラ！

Toradora! Vol. 02 (manga) --> BUY FROM RIGHTSTUF!
                                              --> BUY FROM BARNES & NOBLE!
                                              --> BUY FROM BUY.COM!


*SPOILERS!*

Taiga and Ryuuji are depressed when their intendeds, Yuusaka and Minori respectively, think that Taiga and Ryuuji are a couple. After recovering and talking a bit at a restaurant, they walk home where Taiga injures herself in frustration and ends up being carried home by Ryuuji. At school, Taiga destroys the classroom in order to quell the rumor that she and Ryuuji are dating. She then later manages to confess to Yuusaka under the boy's bathroom window, thus Ryuuji is able to eavesdrop. Yuusaka turns her down, wanting to be friends, and reminds Taiga that she turned him down first, news which startles Ryuuji. Ryuuji lets her know what he heard and eventually, the two re-establish their relationship and goals of hooking up with their intendeds.

To that end, Ryuuji and Taiga begin visiting a family restaurant that Minori works in, one of several part time jobs she has. While there, Taiga points out a magazine teen model who has come in. The model, Ami, is with Yuusaka and they sit at the booth with Taiga and Ryuuji. Yuusaka has Ryuuji come with him under the pretense of going to the bathroom, but in fact, he wants to see how Ami treats Taiga.  He explains to Ryuuji that he and Ami are old friends but since she's become a model, she has a fake persona she displays in public and he wants to cure her of that. Ami belittles Taiga and even threatens to take Ryuuji away from her.  Taiga responds by slapping Ami due to a fly there, then gets offended when Ami gets angry by it. Ami throws a tantrum and so she ends up leaving with Yuusaka.  However, Ami has transferred to their school and is in their homeroom class, meaning Taiga and Ryuuji have a new issue to deal with as Ami makes a move on Ryuuji.

With the entry of Ami into the story, I know things will become more entertaining based on the anime. One thing I remember really liking was Ami and Taiga's becoming friends in spite of everything.  Of course, it is fun watching Taiga and Ryuuji become fast friends, especially in light of what is in store for both of them. ^_^

So far, there's nothing that struck me as really being new or anything.  Granted, it has been ages since I watched the anime, so I could be mistaken.  One of the reasons I'm buying this manga series is that light novel creator Takemiya-sensei is also writing the manga.  Thus, while not the light novel, I'm hoping for additional insights or the like into the various characters and situations.

Still, it is nice having the manga version of a story I really enjoyed as an anime.  Since I like reading manga before going to bed, this series is one that easily fits the bill for me.  While I still wish the character designs were a bit more like the anime ones, I'm not going to complain there. 

On the Seven Seas side of things, Japanese honorifics are included as are a couple of translator notes.  A preview of A Certain Scientific Railgun is included, which would tempt me except that it is not being done by the original author, so I'm passing.

In the end, I'm just glad to be able to enjoy one of my favorite series in manga form and know that it will be close to the original light novels, which whatever modifications the original author decides to make. As such, I recommend this manga to all Toradora! fans.

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Volume 1 Manga Review

美少女戦士セーラームーン/Bishōjo Senshi Sailor Moon

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*SPOILERS*

When I heard that  Kodansha Comics was going to republish the Sailor Moon manga series, I decided that I wanted to read this manga since it is such a popular franchise in Japan and has a cult following in America.  I started by reading the first volume of Codename Sailor V, which started the franchise, and wasn't that impressed.  So it was with some trepidation that I started Sailor Moon. It is similar but a bit different from Codename Sailor V.  Is that a good or bad thing?

The manga starts with TSUKINO Usagi, a 14-year old junior high school girl who isn't good at sports, isn't good at school, but does like video games and hangs out at the same game center (arcade) that Minako from Sailor V hung out at, even playing the Sailor V video game and admiring Sailor V as a person.  Like Mina, Usagi comes upon a cat, whom she removes a couple of bandages from, which allows it to eventually speak. The cat, Luna, tells Usagi that she's been chosen to be Sailor Moon. Her mission to find her princess as well as the Legendary Silver Crystal. Along the way, Usagi must gather allies and defeat the enemy whom are intent on finding the same crystal as well as enslaving Japan (and the world).

This first volume has Usagi find her first three allies -- the very intelligent 14-year old Ami as Sailor Mercury; the powerful miko teenaged Rei as Sailor Mars; and the powerful, lightning-using, older teen girl Makoto as Sailor Jupiter. Naturally, finding each of these girls ends up being a breeze and their powers are activated thanks to the activities of the "dark" enemy and the girl's attempts to end it.

While Mina as Sailor Venus was good at fighting and got into her gig rather easily, Usagi as Sailor Moon doesn't have such an easy time. She has a lot of bravado when transforming, but when the fighting comes, she's not very good at it and often cowers or cries.  As such, the mysterious male, Tuxedo Mask, who is on a mission himself to find the Legendary Silver Crystal, ends up saving her several times and forces her to focus to get the job done.  To be honest, I didn't expect this to be Usagi's nature after having read Sailor V, but I suppose this helps with the romantic element that Takeuchi-sensei has introduced into Sailor Moon.  As such, girls dreaming of a white knight get that with Tuxedo Mask.

Still, with Usagi being not a very strong person and somewhat airheaded (IMO), it seems odd that she'd be the one to lead a miko with her own brand of magic, a high-IQ girl, and someone who's actually pretty strong physically.  While the story may not be really gripping me so far (long-legged, underage teen girls in high heels aren't going to catch my eyes), I did like that Usagi had enough sense to realize her own limitations and have doubts about her being chosen to lead this "guardian" group.

The manga keeps name-dropping Sailor Venus, with mentions of her exploits and the video game. Since the Sailor V manga had Mina shown a castle that's supposed to be hers, I suppose she could be the princess they are supposed to be looking for.  When Usagi questions whether Sailor V should be like them, Luna's convenient lack of knowledge made me roll my eyes and go, "Whatever."  Seriously, Luna is using the same HQ base that Artemis and Mina use, so how could Luna NOT know?  However, since the target of this manga is much younger than me (though with the way the girls are drawn, I'd say there are two audiences -- shoujo and male otaku), I have to just swallow these convenient "I don't know" moments and move on.

On the Kodansha side, we get some much-appreciated color pages at the start.  The usual translator notes are there, and the core Japanese honorifics are used.  A preview of the next volume, in Japanese, is also included.

I can't say that I'm that impressed with the start of this franchise, but I'm told it becomes better and more interesting as time goes on.  Since I am curious to learn more, I will continue reading on.

Last Exile: Fam, the Silver Wing - 02

ラストエグザイル-銀翼のファム-/Last Exile: Ginyoku no Fam

SPOILER Summary/Synopsis:

Liliana dispatches her little sister Millia back to the Turan capital Iglasia, with special orders for the military as well as having someone there for their father. Fam and Gisey are tasked with ferrying Millia, where Fam announces that she will rename the captured Turan flagship from Lasas to Fam Fan Fan, after herself. Meanwhile, Liliana discusses final arrangements of her deal with Gisey's father and leader of the Sky Pirates, Atamora. The two enter Lasas and are briefed by Dio regarding the Federation's fleet deployments, including the introduction of siegeships to the battle as well as the Impetuous Luscinia's flagship.  Liliana decides that the Lasas will engage the Impetuous and destroy it before the rest of the Sky Pirate-Turan forces engage the rest of the Federation fleet.

Fam, Gisey, and Millia arrive in Iglasia and are met by one of the royal staff, Marianne. At the royal residence, Millia delivers Liliana's message, so the ill king thanks Fam and Gisey by giving them on of his rings as payment in order to make sure that Millia is safely transported to the Eastern Imperial Villa. Liliana has her forces attack with the Lasas on a collision course straight down to Impetuous. Luscinia sends Alauda out, who manages to not only land on Lasas, but kills its crew and cause the ship to miss its mark. Dio witnesses this, but also sees Alauda take the princess and with lightning speed, escape when his craft launches and merges with two others to form a larger vessel.  Frustrated, Dio flies off.

Fam, Gisey, and Millia take off for their flight to the Villa when Dio flies in with the news of Liliana and the crew of Lasas. A tearful Millia asks Fam to save her sister, so Fam gets structure information on the Impetuous from Dio before going in.  Dio drops particles all around Impetuous as Fam avoids the anti-aircraft fire and takes advantage of the particles to enter through a gap in the side paddles on the massive ship, thus entering the mechanism of the ship. Gisey gets them part way but needs a map, so they stop and consult a maintenance layout map book in one of the maintenance passages. She appears to memorize what she sees and opts for travel in the ship's ventilation shafts.

With this, Gisey navigates them to the bridge, where upon landing the Vespa right near Luscinia, Fam is surprised to see Millia pull a gun on the Federation leader. Luscinia stops his men from doing anything and begins speaking of the ship Exile, which took immigrants away from this system ages ago but then later returned, something that Luscinia says should not have happened since those people abandoned this world. Millia isn't interested in history and demands her sister be set free. Alauda shows up with the captive Liliana, who begs for Millia's life and says Turan will surrender. Luscinia isn't interested in surrender but wants the elimination of some countries. This horrifies Liliana and again, a quivering Millia demands the release of her sister but fires her weapon accidentally. 

Luscinia says some words that causes Liliana to float and not be in control of herself as she glows with power. The bullet disintegrates upon hitting a barrier in front of Luscinia as he keeps chanting and causes Liliana to continue to go up in power. A beam shoots up from her, hitting the "moon" above and causing it to power up and fall while Gisey has Millia and screams at Fam to get them out of there. The Federation fleet begins retreating as the Turan ground defenses fire on "the moon," which is in fact Exile. Dio tries to stop them, but fails and Exile defends itself massively, even causing Fam to crash.  When they come to, it is night and Fam sees a despondent Millia crying in the water some yards from the crash.

Thoughts/Review:

As I watched this episode and saw Liliana's plans, I couldn't decide on whether the writers would allow her to have an early victory, followed by a rather nasty defeat (think Star Wars and then Empire Strikes Back), or if the Federation would have a trump card.  What I didn't expect was some kind of "magic" (for lack of a better term). 

Seriously, what exactly is Alauda? He looks to be from the Guild as his features are like Dio's. However, I don't remember the Guild having any special abilities to slaughter an entire crew of a warship single-handedly. 

Then again, what is Liliana that some special phrase causes her to activate? I seem to remember Alvis from the first series was needed to activate Exile then, so maybe Liliana is a something similar and the current "key." I'm just doing wild speculation here.

Gisey and Fam are a great team. Gisey's navigation skills are bar none and Fam's piloting skills are the same. Gisey's photographic memory makes her the perfect navigator though since she'd memorize every map. Its almost like she has a computer in her brain to quickly calculate the rate of time for a given speed going a certain distance. Impressive.

With Liliana out of the way, Millia now has to step up to the plate and become a leader for her people.  Who knows how many Turan warships survived, nor how many Turan people are still alive, but the story is now set for her to overcome her elitist attitude and get busy.

So, a good and entertaining episode here. I'm looking forward to learning more.

Negima! Manga Vol 37 Ch 342 Review

魔法先生 ネギま！Volume 37 Chapter 342 (manga)
Mahou Sensei Negima! Manga Chapter 342

SPOILER Summary/Synopsis:

Eva and Negi face each other on top of the water in her castle resort diorama sphere while on one of the castle's archer tower's battlement, Asuna and Setsuna are observing. Asuna gives the signal to start and Eva gets the drop on Negi with a massive attack that sends him smashing into the castle wall, shredding his shirt. Eva is stunned her attack was so effective and voices her displeasure, but Negi protests, saying he has to power up first. With that, Negi activates his Magia Erebea, which Eva remarks irritates her since it was her technique.

To the surprise of Asuna and Setsuna, Al and Eishun show up, remarking on Negi's power, as Negi launches his counter-attack. Eva counters his attack, but does like what she sees in Negi. In response, Eva activates her own Magia Erebea, turning into ice form to counter Negi's lightning form. Jack shows up with the other observers, remarking on how glad he is to see this. When Asuna and Setsuna ask how he can be at Mahora, he says he has an artificial body, which is how Cocone lives on Earth.

Negi readies a massive, double-punch thousand thunderbolts spell, which has everyone, including Eva, impressed. Eva and Negi go at it in a massive display of lightning and ice, both enjoying the fight.  Jack asks two new arrivals, Kurt and Takamichi, their opinions.  Takamichi is impressed but Kurt isn't impressed by what Negi called a "display."  Eva's hand takes a massive slash in Negi's side, but he quickly heals from it as if not injured at all. Setsuna is stunned by this, so the others explain that Negi actually died on the Magic World but Magia Erebea brought him back to life, thus making him immortal, though not as completely as Eva. As such, he will probably be forever young and deathless, but the others don't know if Negi will be able to age or not for a few years.

To answer Setsuna's objection, Al explains that though immortality has eluded others who sought it, Negi obtained it by using Magia Erebea, created by Eva from her own immortal flesh and soul, and Negi being the descendent of Amateru.  As such, Setsuna realizes that this is the price Negi paid though Kurt considers it a gift, not a price. Kurt goes on wistfully on how Negi could rule it all with this power, leading to Takamichi grappling with Kurt in an annoyed fashion.

Setsuna is a bit surprised at Asuna's attitude about Negi's change, but Asuna explains that her worrying that Negi would be hurt or killed are over since he won't die even if he is killed. Even though Negi might not be human, Asuna is not bothered by this since Eva, Zazie, and Chachamaru are not human.  Asuna does seem a bit sad that Negi would only be able to become adult in appearance by the use of magic, much like Eva. Setsuna ponders this and thinks that Negi couldn't have a family. She also wonders about all those who have feelings for Negi.

Meanwhile, Eva still shows herself to be superior to Negi in combat and has him smashed down by massive ice attacks. Asuna pulls out her pactio card and tells Setsuna that she's still worried about Negi and that even if he's not human, there are still a lot of girls who can follow him.  With that, she jumps off the battlement and activates her artifact harisen just as Eva launches the finishing blow, nullifying the attack. Setsuna wonders what price Asuna paid as Asuna tells Negi that together, they can think of something to defeat Eva. She asks Eva if that's OK, so Eva agrees to be her opponent as a parting gift.

Thoughts/Review:

I'm glad to see Eva's resort(s) being used again, though it seems they may not be used much more.  I find that Eva's remarks of finality are odd, as if she is planning to leave or something.  Her sparring with Negi, which I know many of us wanted to see, is labeled as a final training lesson.  Allowing Asuna to come into the fight is termed a "parting gift."  So, does that mean that Eva is leaving?  Or does that mean that Negi and Asuna are leaving, never to return to Mahora?

Considering the curse and such, it would seem that Eva is not going anywhere, thus Negi and Asuna must be the ones who are leaving.  However, it is possible that Eva might be planning something within the confines of the curse that would make her not be around.  After all, the one who turned her into a vampire is supposed to be sealed under the World Tree and it is possible that Eva might be involved with something there.

In my mind, it is Asuna and Negi who will depart, possibly for Turkey, but possibly to return to the Magic World.  It is hard for me to say where they might go and what they might do in terms of getting Negi's plan on the road.  Maybe we'll have a time skip that some have speculated on (and from what some tell me, there have been a few manga employing this plot device so I won't rule it out, especially since I still think it is Negi that saved himself in the past, whether or not my Negi=Nagi theory is true).  No matter what happens, we should be in for one more interesting bit of fighting and a revelation of the price Asuna paid. I am a little confused by her final remarks to Setsuna though.

Speaking of Eva, as I mentioned, her sparring with Negi is something many of us wanted to see, myself especially.  I figured Eva would want to test her disciple once he returned and then go full bore on him, thus further revealing the true heights of her powers.  I didn't expect her to pull out her own Magia Erebea though since I figured she no longer used it as a technique, but simply had it as a natural part of herself.  So, it was neat seeing her ice form, which wouldn't surprise me if she were as hard as diamonds. Weird that her ice form causes her to lose her shoes. *lol*

One thing I REALLY want to see (and I've stated this before) is more on Eva's past. I do think Akamatsu-sensei could easily do this at this point in the story.

So, the surviving members of the core of Ala Rubra reunite at Eva's resort, including surprise guest Jack.  That was a clever way for Akamatsu-sensei to explain how Cocone was able to live on Earth this whole time.  What I wonder is, how are these artificial bodies being created on Earth?  Magic, sure, but where is it being done and who is doing it? In some ways, this is kinda freaky if you think about it.

Still, for all of Ala Rubra to be here, I wonder if they are planning to join Negi on his quest to help the Magic World. Considering how they started this mission with Nagi, it makes sense to me that they'd continue the journey with Negi.  However, that means less room for the girls, but the last chapter shows Akamatsu-sensei setting up the girls as having their own goals, some of which involve Negi, but some seemingly don't.

In the end, this is a really enjoyable chapter and I'm really looking forward to seeing what Asuna and Negi do in their rematch against Eva.  It would be sweeter than sweet if Eva brought Chachazero into the fight as well.  ^_^

Shakugan no Shana III (Final) - 03

灼眼のシャナⅢ（Final）Episode 03

SPOILER Summary/Synopsis:

Yuuji returns to Misaki City by train to "move on" while in the city, Tanaka thinks of Satou's words, citing his business with Tokyo Outlaw. Tanaka's thoughts are interupted by a call from a frantic Satou, telling him that a Guze-no-Tomogara is on its way and he should man the Haridan but not use Margery's bookmark. The fearful Tanaka reluctantly agrees to this.  Meanwhile, Margery is drinking wine and not amused with Marchosias jokes.  However, Marchosias senses the powerful Tomogara in town and remarks on it.  Margery wonders why so many Tomogara continue to come to Misaki City when Tanaka bursts in to Margery's surprise.

Elsewhere, within a Fuzetsu, Shana trains with Wilhelmina and has improved on her new technique a great deal, though not enough for Shana's standard. After the training, the two sense the Tomogara's presence, which Alastor believes is a Guze King.  Wilhelmina takes a call from Margery, who's planning to do some scouting on this new Tomogara and wants the other two Flame Haze to wait a bit. They agree, so Shana takes Wilhelmina's phone and calls Kazumi. After being briefed by Shana, Kazumi tells her she will her that she's not running away and will go to the Hariden, where Tanaka is going. Kazumi's decision pleases Shana as Kazumi meets up with Tanaka outside the Haridan.

Meanwhile, Yuuji stops to look at the clock tower and remember Christmas Eve and gives a silent apology to the girls, wondering if the letters got to them. His movements are observed by Margery and Marchosias, who confirms that this is the Tomogara they've been sensing. Margery makes a call to Shana to inform her as Yuuju wanders the city, visiting the place he remembers being caught up in a Fuzetsu and meeting Shana for the first time. Yuuji then visits the place he and Kazumi had their first date.  He recalls meeting Rammie, Margery Daw, working with Shana to defeat the Tomogara Friagne, learning he had the Hougu "Reiji Maigo" within him, how Kazumi got involved in this, and more.

Back at the Haridan, Tanaka and Kazumi finally arrive while Shana positions herself on a bridge leading out of the city. Yuuji continues thinking as he walks, knowing that his life will be replaced by the younger sibling his mom will eventually give birth to, thus his parents will still have a child. After saying a silent apology to his mom, a group of high school girls in P.E. attire, running down the path he's on, catches his eyes. One of them is Ogata, who seems to briefly recognize Yuuji even though his presence has been wiped but continues running with the group. Yuuji comes to the bridge, where he thinks of how he couldn't climb up before and now easily does so. Though he is on the traitor's path, it is the one he's chosen because he loves Shana.

As the sun sets, Yuuji reaches the top of the suspension bridge tower and faces the other tower, where Shana has been waiting for him.

Thoughts/Review:

Wow.  Just wow.  I really didn't expect such an emotional episode here, but that being said, for as much flashback and recapping that happened, this episode was quite good and well handled to set up what's coming next. ^_^

For starters, there's Yuuji.  I was wrong about him clashing with Shana this episode. ^_^; However, I didn't think that Yuuji would spend an entire episode wandering around Misaki City and recalling some of the major events from Shakugan no Shana and Shakugan no Shana Second.

I didn't remember Kazumi and Yuuji going on a date in the first series.  Then again, it has been a LONG time since I've watched it.  I did remember everything else shown in the flashbacks.

I felt pretty sure that Yuuji wouldn't have done what he did unless it was for Shana and this episode confirmed that. Yuuji's dream is to be with Shana, as seen when he imagines the two of them walking hand-in-hand. Because he loves her, he has joined forces with the enemy. Question is, what will Yuuji do to protect Shana? What will Shana do? I can't imagine her agreeing to anything Yuuji has agreed to because he's now Bal Masqué.  I suppose Shana could drive out the Silver but at what cost?

I loved how Shana's first thought after getting word from Margery Daw about her scouting plans was to call Kazumi and give her a choice.  Those two have long been rivals for Yuuji's love and Kazumi lost (which is still makes me sad even though I like Yuuji with Shana best), but Shana has come to respect Kazumi. I think Shana knew what Kazumi's choice would be -- help the cause by working with Tanaka in the Haridan.

Oh. That reminds me, from a pure "evil Tomogara" perspective, it seems that tactically, Yuuji would remove the Haridan as an asset for the Misaki City Flame Haze. I'm not saying Yuuji would harm Kazumi or Tanaka, but I thought he might take it out. The fact that he didn't says that no matter what happens, the Tomogara of Bal Masqué may end up being betrayed by Yuuji.

And speaking of Tanaka, I like that the writers got him back into things. Yeah, he's still fearful that something bad might happen to Ogata, but he can't protect her if he runs away, even if he runs away with her.

Finally, there's Margery Daw.  The flashbacks reminded us that when she was introduced, she was an opponent of Shana's for a bit. Since then, she's become Shana's and Wilhelmina's ally and unlike most Flame Haze, the three are quite the team. Considering Margery's desire for revenge against the Silver, she has come a ways to put off attacking Yuuji and alerting Wilhelmina first. Then again, when Yuuji had the Silver just within him, that was one thing. Now, he's a Guze King and maybe Margery knows she can't fight such a one alone.

So, a really good, emotional episode that sets up the battle that looks sure to happen next episode.

Fate/Zero - 04

フェイト/ゼロ


SPOILER Summary/Synopsis:

As Saber and Lancer square off, Ira senses something wrong, which Saber identifies as charm magic. Seeing that Saber's magical defenses are too high, Lancer acknowledges being glad to meet such a worthy opponent and the two clash. Nearby, Emiya and Maiya observe the start of the fight. Emiya has Maiya cover a crane, whereby someone might obtain a good view of the battlefield, while he covers other areas and observes Saber's battle prowess. As Saber fights, Ira notices that Saber is keeping tabs on both of Lancer's lances to determine which is the Noble Phantasm. They don't know Lancer's real name either, which would help greatly.

Lancer verbally notes Saber's defensive fight and takes a cut in the face during their next blows. His problem is Saber's invisible sword, thus he doesn't know its reach. While this happens, Emiya uses his weapon's infrared scope to find Lancer's Master. Maiya can't see this person from her vantage, but before Emiya can take him out, an odd wind kicks up. Emiya takes a peek and discovers Assassin has appeared in the area, observing the battle and making a report to Kirei, who in turn is reporting to Tohsaka.  Upon hearing of the description of Iri, standing behind Saber, the two are able to guess she is an Einzbern homunculus, but incorrectly guess she is Saber's Master, as Emiya wanted. Kirei promises to have an Assassin assigned to observe Iri at all times.

Meanwhile, Emiya has Maiya keep tabs on Assassin but not engage since they aren't equipped to fight a Servant while he watches Lancer. Lancer makes a play at getting Saber's name by complimenting Saber, but she understands the ploy and simply states her being honored by his words. Lancer's Master has had enough and orders him to use his Noble Phantasm to end this fight. Lancer complies and ups the intensity of the fight, and is able to discover the length of Saber's blade as well as see bits of it. Saber plans a counter for Lancer's next attack, but instead of her landing a blow on him, Lancer wounds a stunned Saber, forcing Iri to heal her. 

Saber quickly analyzes the last attack and realizes Lancer's weapon cancel's mana, which is why it was able to pass through her magical armor without damaging it and why he was able to get through Invisible Air around her sword. Lancer is a little surprised when Saber sheds her worthless armor, but admires her for deciding to put everything into a single attack. She fires up her blade and charges, but he has a trap -- a second Noble Phantasm with his other spear. Saber realizes this in mid-charge as she sees Lancer kick the second spear up to himself and barely manages to change her attack to take minimal damage while getting a small hit in on Lancer, disarming him of his second lance.

From the bridge where Rider watches the fight with a scared Waver, he is disappointed too see Lancer trying to end the fight. Rider had wanted to have all Servants there so he could have the chance to battle them all with honor. Since that's not the case, he summons his chariot and decides to enter the fray. At the same time, Lancer reveals Saber's mistake at losing her armor, which was ineffective against his Gae Dearg. However, his cursed spear, Gae Buidhe, prevents her from healing and her armor would have stopped it. Saber identifies Lancer as Diarmuid and he ID's her. Lancer's annoyed Master wants this fight over, but Rider arrives, and gives his true name of Iskandar.

Thoughts/Review:

Leave it to an assassin to discover Assassin showing up to observe the battlefield. I'll be very interested to see what Emiya does now that he knows Assassin is alive. Will he figure out there are more than one? Will he start bringing his special weapon with him to fight Servants?

I like how Emiya works here, even if it is not honorable (which is why he and Saber would not get along). He wants to win, so that's just what he's going to do. However, Assassin's arrival as well as Rider's really show how the best laid plans don't last long on the battlefield.

I do find it interesting that both Tohsaka and Kirei appear to be fooled by Emiya's ruse in having Iri appear to be Saber's Master. I'm surprised that while they put an Assassin on Iri, none have been assigned to Emiya.

I find myself saddened, knowing Iri's eventual fate before the series ends.  I've come to like her as a character but she's being used as bait and I'm guessing that will be what eventually kills her, possibly by a tailing Assassin.

I  like how Saber and Lancer really were honorable combatants. I don't know whom Diarmuid is, so I don't understand the charm magic reference, but I guess he was a lady's man in the past as well as being a knight.

What really surprised me was Rider's notions of conquering the world and still be honorable. Further to that, his arriving on the battlefield and proudly stating his true name is not normal, but you can't accuse him of not being honorable. Knowing your opponent's name provides tons of information, so clearly Rider doesn't care if his opponents know him or not. I wonder if this will cause him to fall first.

So, a good episode that doesn't just focus on the fight between Saber and Lancer, which made the episode more interesting.