Shakugan no Shana III (Final) - 08

灼眼のシャナⅢ（Final）

SPOILER Summary/Synopsis:

Shana is now mostly alone in Seireiden as the Tomogara armies have left and the Trinity as well as Yuuji are gone as well, thus giving her time to plan for the moment to act.  On Earth, Kazumi and Tanaka bring Marchosias with them to see Wilhelmina, Tiamat, Khamsin Nbh'w, and Behemoth off on their mission. The Flame Haze and their Crimson Lord's are joined by Rebeca Reed and and Balar.  The first part of their mission has Wilhelmina raise Tendoukyuu from the bottom of the body of water it is in.  In doing so, Wilhelmina cannot help but remember her time raising Shana there from when she was a little girl.

At the Outlaw Zurich HQ, Sophie and the other Flame Haze and Crimson Lords there receive reports of attacks on both the eastern front and western front with the Tokyo HQ now offline. There, Ribesal is leading the attack and making some progress until Ernest comes forth, backed up by other Flame Haze.  Sophie and the others look at their true objective, the invasion of the lightly defended Seireiden, but are stopped short when a Flame Haze named Centerhill, belonging to a faction known as the Four Gods, shows up wanting the join the party. However, he is there to gather intel on what the Guze deity is planning to do since his faction are also contracted to deities. Sophie agrees to bring him along.

Hecate leads the way down a "road" made by the Serpent of the Festival ages prior, followed by Yuuji (with Alastor), Sydonay, Bel Peol, Sabrac, Rofocale, Dantalion, and Cantate Domino 28.  Back on Seireiden, Fecor receives a report from Decarabia, who has good news on the war but thinks things are going too well and since he cannot sense Sophie anywhere, suspects that they may be planning an attack on Seireiden even though this Bal Masqué installation has never been seen. Fecor authorizes increased alertness from the remaining Tomogara on Seireiden, but it is not enough as Rebeca and Khamsin arrive, wreaking massive destruction as they go. Shana sees this as her opportunity and prepares to do what she can.

Thoughts/Review:

Well, the fun looks to be beginning for sure now. ^_^

I hadn't expected Khamsin to join Wilhelmina and Rebeca on her mission to save Shana. I also didn't expect that one part of their mission would be to raise Tendoukyuu.  I suppose as a launching platform, that would work best.

I also didn't expect that Sophie was planning her own attack on Seireiden.  It makes sense to attack the main Bal Masqué installation though what made them think that they'd find this place after hundreds of years of not being able to locate it?

I guess Shana is expecting the Unrestricted Spell she learned from Margery Daw to overcome the Hougu currently sealing her Flame Haze abilities. Otherwise, I'm not sure what she can do now that Rebeca and Khamsin have attacked.

Speaking of which, now that two Flame Haze and their Crimson Lord partners are going nuts on Seireiden, does Decarabia order some of his forces to help defend the base or not?  If he pulls forces from his two-front war, then I think it would not be possible for them to break through. Heck, they may even face counterattack on those fronts.

Its difficult keeping up with all of the various Flame Haze, Crimson Lords (from both sides), and Tomogara, but I did notice that this Centerhill received a lot of attention. I wonder if he and his small group have some sort of massive powers even for Flame Haze.

Speaking of Flame Haze, Ernest got into the battle with his timid, female Crimson Lord, Brigid. It would be humorous if Brigid just sounded timid but in fact could handle Ribesal and all those armies single-handedly.

So an very interesting, fast-paced episode here. I'm really looking forward for more.

Fate/Zero - 09

フェイト/ゼロ


SPOILER Summary/Synopsis:

The injured Kayneth awakens from a dream where he saw Lancer in the past, as Dairmuid, and his lover Gráinne, who was betrothed to another, older man named Fionn.  Because Dairmuid ran away with Gráinne to be married in spite of her own status, he was eventually tracked down and killed by Fionn. Sola-Ui enters, revealing that Kayneth has effectively lost his magic thanks to Emiya's attack and it was all she could do to heal him to a point where he would live. Since he is strapped to the gurney, Sola-Ui decides it is time for her to be Lancer's Master in order for them to win the Grail. Kayneth is opposed to this, so she breaks one of his figures and calmly threatens to cut off his arm if he doesn't give her the Command Spells.

Meanwhile, Iri continues healing Maiya at their castle base as Saber requests that she be allowed to go after Caster to prevent him from harming more children. Iri goes to see Emiya and reports on Maiya's condition. Emiya already knows what Saber wants to do and reminds Iri that they aren't in this war to save some children. Further to that, he's not happy that Saber allowed Lancer to go free and though she trusted Lancer, Lancer could have betrayed her and killed him. As such, Emiya has decided that he will go after Kayneth and finish him off and requests that Iri and Saber remain behind.

Sola-Ui calls Lancer out and tells him that she now has the Command Spells after informing him of Kayneth's grave condition. Lancer is not interested in fighting for Sola-Ui, which frustrates her, so she vows that her only desire is to win the Grail for Kayneth and thus restore him to normal. Lancer is able to see that Sola-Ui is in love with him as Gráinne had been in the past. Meanwhile, Waver has Rider collect water samples from the river, from which he determines Caster's location. Rider is pleased to see his Master engaged in worthwhile endeavors. Waver wants to gather more intel, but Rider says that by waiting, they may miss their prey.

Rider takes Waver in his oxen cart to the sewage tunnel where Caster is suspected of hiding. Rider senses Caster is gone but tells Waver to not look. Waver ignores him and using two pills, is able to create two spheres of light by crushing them. He sees the gory remains of children and is sick. Rider understands but senses trouble and ends up killing an Assassin. Two more appear briefly before retreating, leaving Waver stunned by this revelation. Rider suggests they destroy Caster's hideout and leave, which they do.  Meanwhile, Kirei reports to Tohsaka on what they've learned about Rider and Waver.

Thoughts/Review:

Sola-Ui taking over as Lancer's Master can only end in trouble.  However, this does throw a monkey wrench into Emiya's plans since he's going after Kayneth and Kayneth is no longer Lancer's Master.

Emiya still refuses to speak with Saber because of their differences in philosophies. Going after Caster would remove one more Servant threat, but Emiya is only concerned about tactics and removing Kayneth and Rider removes an impediment on Saber, thus returning her to full strength. In war, there are casualties, which is unfortunate, but if winning is your objective, then you can't worry about casualties.  See World War II as an example.

I guess Tohsaka is dismissive of Waver because Waver uses alchemy to accomplish tasks.  And yet as Rider pointed out, the results are achieved regardless of the method. Waver found the hideout and I would guess that Assassin(s) simply found out by following Rider.

Regardless, Tohsaka is a huge snob. I can't wait for him to be taken out, however that happens.

Anyway, I continue to like Rider's and Waver's relationship and as much as I look forward to Tohsaka buying it (I consider Kayneth to have already bought it even if he isn't dead), I wish Waver and Rider didn't have to buy it.  Oh well.

So, more setup and though another Assassin has been killed, everyone else is still safe and sound, even if hunted (Caster).  Still, I liked the episode for what it was.

Ah! My Goddess Ch. 276 Manga Review

Ah! My Goddess Manga/Oh My Goddess! Manga
ああっ女神さまっ Chapter 276

SPOILER Summary/Synopsis:

Urd says she has a request of Skuld since she plans to take out the device and critters holding them captive. Skuld realizes this means that Urd plans to tap into her mazoku half for those powers and worried that it would consume Urd and drive her mad. Urd teases Skuld a bit but then admits that the reason she needs Skuld's help is to make sure Urd doesn't go out of control.  As such, Urd wants Skuld to use one of her bombs to stop her and wonders if Skuld has such a bomb.

Skuld reaches into her outfit and pulls out a small sphere-shaped item with two small cones protruding from it, calling it an anti-proton bomb. With it, Skuld says she can destroy the entire mazoku realm, something Urd finds to be overkill and something the shadow critters start worrying about.


Urd reaches within herself and finds the source of her mazoku powers, unleashing them and enjoying the rush she gets as a result. This causes the shadow creatures to react, whom Urd dispels without effort. She then launches an attack at the device in the ceiling that has been absorbing their goddess power, causing small things to emerge from her hand and not only destroy the device, but consume its shards as well. Skuld is stunned by this and Urd realizes she's losing control. The symbol on Urd's forehead turns into a star and Urd asks Skuld to stop her, even if it destroys her.

Thoughts/Review:

It has been so many years since Urd dealt with her demonic/mazoku side that I'm struggling to remember why she chose to be a goddess at all (assuming that was ever stated in the manga).  Still, despite the rush of power and Urd's needing to use it to get herself and Skuld out of their prison, I liked that she had enough presence of mind to ask for Skuld to do the unthinkable and kill her. Yeah, it is somewhat cliched but I don't mind. 

As to Skuld, I did laugh at the fact that she had a bomb powerful enough to take out the entire realm they are in and yet it is such a tiny thing compared to Skuld's normal bombs.

So, not a lot happening here beyond Urd tapping into her dark half, removing the trap, and then starting to succumb to the darkness.  I'm looking forward to seeing how they get out of this without killing Urd.

Last Exile: Fam, the Silver Wing - 06

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

SPOILER Summary/Synopsis:

In Ades, Empress Augusta looks at the massive portrait of her mother while on the Silvius, half of the 15 Ades warships have been captured by Fam and Gisey.  Titania asks Dio about the Grand Race she keeps hearing about while Alister talks with Gisey about making sure to speak her mind to her pilot, as part of her navigator duties. Back in Ades, several representatives meet up with General Vasant to make arrangements for Ades not to attack them. Rumors swirl about Luscinia's using the young empress while at dinner, Augusta east with her generals Ōrang and Sorūsh, revealing her keeping up with current events. She motions for the distant Luscinia to join them, who is learning that Millia has dropped leaflets declaring the Turan government in exile.

In the city of Eldorado in Ades, Fam, Gisey, and Millia (disguised as a boy) have an audience with Baroness Roshanak Babar. Fam makes a bet on a Vanship race that if she wins, Roshanak has to give Fam her warship, Nāhīd.  Roshanak agrees but wants Millia as her prize if her pilot wins since Roshanak fancies young boys. Fam agrees but she and Gisey are dismayed when Roshanak's pilot turns out to be former Grand Race finalist Yashbal Anand, who's now 120-0 in competition. Fam and Gisey scout out the course where Gisey assures the now worried Fam that they'll bring back the Grand Race.

As the race starts, Yashbal gets a big lead while Roshanak asks Millia what "he" thinks of Turan forming a government in exile. Millia tries to play ignorant, but Roshanak presses, calling this act stupidity.  Elsewhere, Luscinia has gathered all of the nobles who'd come to prevent Ades from attacking their countries and accuses them of helping Turan and giving them the warships Fam had captured. As such, with a letter of authority from Augusta, Luscinia sentences them all to death and the Execution Squad arrives to carry out this task.

Meanwhile, Fam and Gisey are losing badly and Fam decides to take desperate measures to win but dumping extra fuel and lightening the load. Roshanak and Millia continue to talk, where Millia learns that Roshanak and the other women there were once nobility of other nations who gave that up for the life they have now. Millia says she'd rather die fighting than be a lapdog as Fam and Gisey pull off an unexpected win.  Roshanak forgives her pilot and gladly hands over her battleship as Fam fumes over the fact that no one bet on her winning.  Back in Ades, the last noble is killed and Luscinia wants the news spread in the name of Augusta.

Thoughts/Review:

So, Fam and Gisey only have six more ships to get, but those will surely be tougher with so many executions of nobles from other countries.

As to the race, because it took place at night, it was even less interesting than it would have been were it easily seen.  Well, its not very costly to show a bunch of points of lights racing around in the dark, eh?

I think that Roshanak knew Millia's true identity.  If so, then that might explain why she was so unconcerned at losing her warship because she could simply rat out Millia, especially in light of Luscinia's slaughter of nobles.  Its a dangerous game, but she liked to gamble so who knows.

I sense a strong, cliched ending to this series based solely on Empress Augusta. She so wants to do the right thing, so I can see her eventually meeting Fam, Gisey, and Millia, getting upset at hearing the truth and denying this could be happening, but then deciding it is true and thus bringing about the end of the series.  We'll see.

In the meantime, I guess the Guild is involved in whatever is going on with Luscinia's plans.  I started reading the bridge manga and the Guild is doing stuff there.  What all is going on, I couldn't say though.

I liked Alister's chat with Gisey, one navigator to another. I'm guessing there's a confrontation in the future between Gisey and Fam. I thought it would be this episode, but we just had Gisey give a confidence shot to Fam.

While more of a low key episode, I still liked it and look forward to seeing where things go.

Negima! Manga Vol 38 Ch 344 Review

魔法先生 ネギま！Volume 38 Chapter 344 (manga)
Mahou Sensei Negima! Manga Chapter 344

SPOILER Summary/Synopsis:

Asuna tells a weeping Setsuna that she's OK with being sealed and that not doing it will ruin everything on the Magic World. Besides, Asuna says that both Negi and Eva will be there, though Eva scoffs at the notion of seeing Asuna. However, Asuna's words and attitude make Setsuna proud of Asuna and strengthen her resolve to be a better person.

With that over, it is time for the Sports Festival, where Kaede and Kotaro are taking in the sights as well as a corn dog when they spot Negi. They are stopped from speaking to Negi by Konoka, Paru, Makie, and Nodoka, where the group then darts to a hiding place to observe Yue confessing to Negi.  The girls are all happy, but Negi is flustered and Yue tells him she can wait for an answer until after she graduates. It is then that her remaining forgotten memories return, leading her to believe that her amnesia was something she secretly wished for because she knew Nodoka likes Negi.

This has her in tears, leading Paru to get angry and brings out another group of hidden girls to emerge.  Even though they realize that Yue's is crying because of her restored memories, the girls decide Negi must be punished. So, as the class works on a banner for the Sports Festival, Negi is the topic of discussion. Yuuna decides that Negi is a horrible person for toying with the hearts of so many girls in the class and thus truly is the enemy of womankind.

Misa gets in on the conversation after hearing Asakura speak of the lips Negi has stolen since she only knew of Negi's kiss with Nodoka during the Kyoto trip. Yuuna realizes her mistake after showing her pactio card, so Misa demands that every girl with a card display them now.  All of the girls Negi has formed a pactio with flash their cards, with Setsuna embarrassed because she has two cards, one with Konoka.  Natsumi, Misora, and Mana also show their cards, though Mana points out that their cards aren't with Negi. Asakura mentions that Negi also has pactiones with Asuna and Ayaka.

The cheerleaders are stunned by this news and decide they want in on the action.  Fuka and Fumika are upset that Kaede scored a pactio and didn't tell them. The girls stop all work to have a meeting about Negi's inappropriate behavior. Akira tries to remind them of Negi's age but Paru is having none of it, fearing Negi will eventually break away from them all as he goes after his father. She and Misa reject Nodoka's and Yue's argument that Negi not having girls first in his life is one of his good points.  As such, Asakura decides to help them for Negi's sake at the final event that will be hosted at Ayaka's place.

Meanwhile, Negi walks with Asuna and discuss making memories at the Sports Festival. Asuna nullifies one of Negi's sneezes and the two walk off still talking.

Thoughts/Review:

Note: the first two pages of chapter 344 will be transposed to chapter 343 as the last 2 pages for volume 37, in case you were wondering. ^_^


I know that a lot of folks won't care much for Asuna's cheerful attitude regarding being sealed for 100 years, but in my mind, the issue is a non-starter. Asuna has accepted it, I believe it, and Setsuna comes to understand and accept it as well.  Case closed.

That being said, even if Asuna is sealed, I fully expect her to emerge with her personality intact. However, I do expect Negi will do whatever he can to either make it so she isn't sealed or that her entombment is not 100 years.

As to Eva...*lol*  Eva may say she won't be there in 100 years, but assuming Asuna is sealed that long, I fully expect Eva will be there despite herself. ^_^

Now, the Sports Festival starts and time to have some fun.  Frankly, this isn't a problem with me.  I like Negima! and I like the characters within. So, having a bit of fluff such as this operation to punish Negi is all good with me.  After all, it means my favorite manga goes on a bit longer than it would if there was a mad drive to get into dark, deep, plot elements.  (As an aside, I'm sure Akamatsu-sensei really needs an extended period of lighter chapters because when you get to your 40's, it isn't as easy to burn the midnight oil. ^_^;;;; )

While I know some of you may be unhappy with what you are seeing, I sense that like before, Akamatsu-sensei will use this "filler" arc to continue introducing certain plot elements and establish a few more pactiones for Negi.  For starters, we saw Yue get her memories back and that's a good thing (though I had thought that she might get them at a later time for a specific reason). 

As to the girl's behavior, some folks see it as a regression of character development, but I see it as typical, young teenage girl behavior. The girls driving this have always been the most immature in my opinion, save for Asakura who's in this for the fun (as usual).  The others are just going along for the ride and possibly to make sure things don't get too out of hand (I see you Akira and hope you score the next pactio). 

Interestingly, it seems that Chizuru didn't reveal she has a pactio with Negi since she didn't flash a card. Its possible she's just holding out but we'll see.  If she did not flash her card, why not? 

So yeah, immaturity here but typical, teenage behavior that isn't just going to change just because of their experiences.  ^_^

Oh yeah, just how did those girls sneak up on Kaede?  Since Natsumi showed up a bit later, I'm going to assume she used her artifact to sneak up on Kaede and Kotaro. Its the only way they could have done so.

Finally, the closing moments with Negi and Asuna were very poignant. They know what's coming but nothing more needs saying about it even if it is in the air.

So for me, a good chapter. I look forward to the hijinks that are soon to come. ^_^

Fairy Tail Manga Volume 16 Review

フェアリーテイル

Fairy Tail Volume 16

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SPOILER Summary/Synopsis:

The defeated Laxus reports to Makarov in Fairy Tail's infirmary where after a brief chat on what it truly means to be a guild, Makarov is forced to expel his grandson.  The Raijin Tribe laments his departure from the guild but Laxus just wants to say goodbye.

Fairy Tail has their Fantasia event, complete with parade, and Laxus hangs around to see it. Before he leaves, Makarov and the members of Fairy Tail give a signal that Laxus gave Makarov as a kid to say that even if Laxus couldn't see his grandfather, he'll always be looking out for Makarov.  This causes the stoic Laxus to become emotional as he leaves for the last time. Meanwhile, Gajeel reports to Master Ivan, Laxus's father, who's keen on retrieving the Dragon Slayer lacrima within Laxus, even if it costs him his life.  However, Gajeel then reports his findings to Makarov, revealing he is in fact a double agent.

After all is said and done, the Raijin Tribe begins fitting back in with their Fairy Tail companions as Lucy is desperate for work since she didn't win the Miss Fairy Tail contest. Lucy becomes aware of someone following her home and panics, but it turns out to be her father, who's lost everything. As such, he is going to join the Enterprise Guild in and start over.  He wants money from Lucy, but gets angry when she won't give it to him. Lucy is angry because her father revealed he cared more about money than her, as usual.

However, Lucy overhears that a gang has taken over Enterprise Guild, so out of concern for her father, Lucy abandons her teammates Erza, Gray, Natsu, and Happy to make sure he's OK. Arriving at the Love & Lucky HQ building for Enterprise Guild, Lucy uses a combination of Celestial Spirits Virgo, Taurus, Cancer, and Sagittarius, Lucy is able to overcome before her teammates arrive. However, her father arrives after Lucy won her battle.  In the end, Lucy's father apologizes and tells Lucy that he met her mother at this very guild. Indeed, Lucy's name came from the "K" having been missing from the "Love & Lucky" sign when Lucy's mom was expecting her.

Lucy and company help Yajima at his restaurant before returning to Fairy Tail where it is learned that a dark guild belonging to the Balam Alliance, named Oración Seis, is on the move. As such, Fairy Tail, Blue Pegasus, Lamia Scale, and Cait Shelter will each send teams to form an alliance to take on this small but very powerful dark guild. Blue Pegasus send four members; Lamia Scale send three, including former Fairy Tail opponents Sherry and Lyon; Fairy Tail sends Erza, Lucy, Gray, and Natsu (along with Happy); and Cait Shelter sends a young girl named Wendy, who's joined by her talking cat Carla. The plan is that they will locate the Oración Seis HQ, where Blue Pegasus will use their heavy bomber Christina to level the place and hopefully take out some of the dark guild members.

As this alliance of light starts to set out, Blue Pegasus member and team leader Ichiya takes Lamia Scale team leader Jura aside and then attacks him, revealing that Ichiya had been duplicated by Oración Seis member Angel, thus two members of the light alliance are out. They also have the plans of the group and thus destroy Christina.  With that, Oración Seis six members then turn on the remaining members of the group and quickly defeat them all save Wendy, who cowered behind a rock with Carla and Happy. However, she's seen by Oración Seis member Brain sees and recognizes Wendy and stops himself from putting the finishing blow on the light alliance members.

Thoughts/Review:

OK, lets get started here with Laxus.  He's still a "step-punk bastard," but having been defeated and going by his own code, his response is admirable to me.  He respects strength and in the end, his own strength was not enough.  So, he acknowledges Natsu in his own way and takes his punishment willingly.  Because he took his punishment like he did, I think that helped the Raijin Tribe reassimilate back into the guild.

So, Gajeel is actually a double agent and was working for Makarov all along. I'm not sure that I'm totally believing he's allied with Fairy Tail, but it would make sense from Mashima-sensei's perspective. What I mean is that it is possible that many fans were like me and didn't buy Gajeel joining Fairy Tail after his actions in the Phantom Lord fight against Fairy Tail would seemingly make his joining Fairy Tail suspicious. Thus, Mashima-sensei gives us what we expect -- betrayal by Gajeel.  By having Gajeel act as a double agent, Mashima-sensei provides a believable bridge to bring Gajeel in as a trusted member of the guild.  Of course, that depends on things being what they seem.

The continuation with the story thread of Lucy's family was unexpected. However, Mashima-sensei needed a way to have Lucy do a simple, solo mission and hold her own. She's still weak and I laugh at how Mashima-sensei had to change the rules on Lucy's celestial spirits and the summoning. After all, if Lucy could only summon a spirit on Wednesdays, she'd be pretty screwed if she needed said spirit any other day of the week.  I'm not sure what Mashima-sensei was thinking when he initially created the system, but clearly he's realized it was a mistake to have such a restrictive system.  You need to be able to summon celestial spirits in a moment's notice in times of crisis.

The Oración Seis arc had a few interesting things as it started.  First, there's the return of Sherry and Lyon whom were defeated by "Team Natsu" (I saw the other two members of Lyon's team in a cameo during the Fantasia chapter).  Now, they are allied up.

The other item of interest is the introduction of the young girl Wendy.  I remember the name from volume 13,  so I don't think it is a stretch to say that this is the Wendy in question, especially since she and Natsu keep giving each other looks and both have talking "Kittymanders" (or whatever they are).  Despite her timid appearance (is this "moe"?), I would guess that she's also a dragon slayer and someone who despite her appearance, could really go off when pressed.

The start of this arc really hasn't impressed me at all.  I understand the logic behind the alliance, but I don't care about these other guilds other than Wendy because she'd been name-dropped, as well as Sherry and Lyon because of their prior involvement in the manga. The Blue Pegasus guys are all annoying and the Jura guy means nothing to me.

As to Oración Seis, they are not really grabbing me at the moment.  That may change, but it just seems that everything has just been thrown into a pan and is now being stirred. When it appears on the plate, it may look awesome, but right now, not so much.

Oh, I almost forgot Ultear's cameo.  Her appearance as an official member of another dark guild and the continued quest for Zeref is much more interesting to me considering the history there.  I'm guessing that this will come up down the road a bit.

On the Kodansha side of things, pretty standard fare here with Japanese honorifics retained, translator notes included, Mysteries of Fairy Tail included, and a preview of volume 17.  I liked that "Raijin Tribe" was used over the "Thunder God Tribe" even if I don't know why the switch was made. I know Kodansha Comics is taking some heat over poor QC, but I didn't see anything overtly obvious with this volume.

I did notice that Kodansha apparently never sent out cover artwork for this volume (or did so very late) as most online retailers I checked didn't have it.  Hey Kodansha! Get with the program here!  You want to sell manga, you MUST send online retailers the cover art in a timely fashion.  Seriously, who's running this company?  This isn't Japan you know.

So, a wrap up of the previous arc, a bit of downtime stories, then the start of a new arc which isn't that impressive to me thus far.  That said, I do look forward to seeing where things go.

Happy Thanksgiving (with "A Certain Scientific Railgun")

I'd like to wish those in the U.S. a very happy Thanksgiving. ^_^ Hopefully, you aren't like me and stuck at work, away from friends, family, and Skyrim. ^_~

Since I just read volume 1 of the manga (written by the author of the light novels, as I understand it), I thought I'd share an image from the A Certain Scientific Railgun franchise.  With so many images I've seen having the ponytail girl going mad yuri for her "oneesama," I guess I didn't know what to expect when I read the manga but what I read wasn't what I expected.  But, more on that when I write the review.

I'm curious if I should watch the anime or not.  I'm also curious about watching the parent anime.

Update: Someone pointed me at this Nico Nico Douga video on YouTube, which amused me so I'm sharing it too.  Looks like the humor of the anime all centers around Kuroko's lesbian obsession with her "oneesama" roommate Mokoto.

Fate/Zero - 08

フェイト/ゼロ


SPOILER Summary/Synopsis:

In the mansion, Emiya springs his surprise weapon on Kayneth, penetrating his mercury barrier and injuring the man before fleeing, leaving the enraged Kayneth to follow.  Outside, Maiya is escorting Iri to safety when Iri senses Kirei approaching.  She convinces Maiya to stay and prevent Kirei from reaching Emiya since both care for him a great deal. When Kirei arrives at their location, Maiya attacks with illusions and gunfire before Kirei has his own illusion go down as if killed. Iri senses the trap, but it is too late and Kirei severely beats Maiya. Iri uses her magic to create a bird that then binds Kirei's hands and then binds him to a tree. However, Kirei shows his power by breaking the tree in half and then beating Maiya again.

Elsewhere, Saber and Lancer are making no progress with Caster, who has been toying with them. Saber has a plan and Lancer agrees to it. Saber uses a Strike Air attack, causing a powerful stream of air that Lancer runs with and is able to strike Caster's Noble Phantasm spell book and cause the plant minions to disappear. Back in the castle, Kayneth has found Emiya and promises a long, torturous death to Emiya and falls into Emiya's trap to use maximum magic to defend against bullets. Outside, Lancer senses the danger and in doing so, Caster takes the opportunity to escape. Saber tells Lancer to go to his Master as she and Lancer will settle things like knights. However, she is irritated that things have gone the way Emiya said they would.

Emiya's Mystic Code gun fires one of his Origin Bullets, which easily goes through Kayneth's magical defenses and uses his own magic against him, nearly killing him. Lancer arrives and defends Kayneth. He tells Emiya that he, as Saber's true Master, is only alive because of the knight's agreement with Saber. As such, Lancer will defend Kayneth and take him to safety, which Emiya has no choice but silently agree to.  Outside, Kirei has Iri by the throat, demanding to know who ordered her to stop him. Understanding that she's the Grail container and Emiya is the likely true Master, Kirei comes to discover that the girls were protecting Emiya of their own accord. A female Assassin reports that Saber is coming, so Kirei puts three blades into Iri's belly to see the color of her blood before leaving.

Iri wakes to see a worried Saber over her and holding her.  Iri asks about Kirei, whom Saber says has departed.  Iri asks about Maiya, whom Saber says is terribly injured but not as bad as Iri due to Iri's loss of blood.  Saber is unhappy with herself since had she been there quicker, Kirei wouldn't have been able to do this.  She wants to go get Emiya, but Iri sits up and stops her, her wounds healing themselves.  That's because the scabbard Avalon is sealed within Iri and gains power from Saber, thus when Saber touched Iri, Avalon began healing Iri. Saber is surprised by Iri's mysterious healing (as Iri does not reveal the truth) and Iri heals Maiya. She knows they were lucky, but feels relieved that she has a companion to protect Emiya from Kirei.


Thoughts/Review:

While we've seen Emiya acting as assassin to be a "mage killer," his Mystic Code gun is certainly a game changer.  Further to that, having the Origin Bullets use a mages own power against them is just wicked and a half. Kayneth is very lucky indeed, but then so is Emiya.

Also lucky are Iri and Maiya. Kirei could have killed both ladies and had Iri not had Avalon sealed inside her, she would have died. If she's the Grail container, then what would Kirei have done?

Iri and Maiya have certainly come to an interesting relationship. Both love Emiya to some degree or other and so both will do whatever to protect him.  

So, Kirei now knows that Iri isn't Saber's Master and Lancer knows Emiya is the true Master of Saber. How long until everyone knows this?  How does this effect Emiya's strategy?

Speaking of Lancer and Saber, it is a shame that one will have to die since both are so honorable. 

Its not really a problem, but through eight episodes, things are going almost too conveniently to make sure no one dies. I know that eventually this will change, but Caster gets away, Kayneth escapes twice now, other fights get aborted, doing whatever it takes to make sure the status quo remains the same.

In the end, there were some minor plot advancements and Kayneth has possibly learned a valuable lesson, but nothing is resolved anywhere. The hunt for Caster should likely continue and we'll see what happens next.

So, I Took a Skyrim Break

Hey folks.  I skipped out on normally scheduled blog publishing today.  Well, actually I didn't.  You see, I had blog posts scheduled for Sunday through Tuesday, but for some reason, Blogger published two of my posts early. I think the only reason the third didn't get published was that it was not in the ready queue for delivery (I still had to add a few screen captures).  So I had written stuff to carry me through today, but unfortunately, early publication of stuff kinda wrecked my plans.

Regardless, after putting in ten, 12-hour shifts in a row, I was desperate for a couple of days off to just do nothing but goof off, that being accomplished with the purchase of the last game I'll buy for a long time, Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.  So, when Blogger jacked my plans, I had two choices -- scramble to get a proper post out today OR just say, "to heck with it."  To be honest, I actually mentally chose the former option, but the rest of me said, "Bah! Phooey on it." ^_^;;;  That part won out.

So, I've had a mostly enjoyable few days of adventuring, killing my first dragon (and boy did that take several tries), and basically getting completely sucked into the beautiful world of Skyrim.  I also feel much better now that I've had a chance to unwind, though to be honest, I'd love another day to goof off. ^_~

That said, anime is waiting to be watched and I've four volumes of manga sitting on my desk waiting to be blogged.  And, I see I have more in the mail. ^_^;

So, to regular readers who may have wondered where the regular ANB post was, now you know.  For everyone else, well, now you know as well whether you were interested or not. ^_~

Now, off to watch the latest Fate/Zero episode as I leave you with a little Fate image Yotsuba&! style. ^_^

As an aside, I could sure use Saber as a follower in Skyrim. *lol*

Shakugan no Shana III (Final) - 07

灼眼のシャナⅢ（Final）

SPOILER Summary/Synopsis:


As Hecate attacks Shana for being a hindrance to their plans, Yuuji, alternating between his normal voice and Serpent of the Festival voice, explains to Alastor that although he'd had the Eternal Pit spell cast upon him to remove him forever, he had a marker from which to return and now he wants his original body back. Thus, Bal  Masqué has worked to create the Taimei Shihen weapon. As Yuuji begins opening the gate, he notices a burning pillow outside Shana's room and stops Hecate from killing Shana. He explains that his reasons for saving Shana go beyond the Mystes' desire, but as a means of keeping Alastor in check and not allowing him to use his massive Tenpa Jyousai attack on them with his 3rd partner. Sydonay and Bel Peol are amused by Hecate's actions and Yuuji is ecstatic that things are going his way.

On Earth, Ogata walks home with Kazumi and worries about their absence but wants to throw a party when everyone is back. After parting ways, Kazumi wonders what she can do now that she's alone when the Flame Haze, Khamsin Nbh'w, turns up in her path. Since Khamsin and his Crimson Lord Behemoth are going to be fighting Yuuji (and seeing Shana), they dropped by to see if she has any messages. Kazumi understands the situation and won't stop them nor ask them to save Yuuji. However, she does have a question about the Hougu (Giralda) she was given by Pheles and why Pheles would entrust her with it. Khamsin tells her his tale of becoming a Flame Haze and relates it to her own feelings for Yuuji to help her understand why people do things for love.

On Seireiden, while Bel Peol discusses some analysis of the Silver (Tyrant) with Dantalion and Rammie, Sydonay is at a bar with other Tomogara and puts Decarabia in charge of the army while Sydonay goes on a mission. Yuuji pays a visit to Shana, who's wearing very formal ball dress, and with the Serpent of the Festival, explains what they are doing and that there is no plan to dispose of Yuuji. Yuuji escorts her to a large balcony, where the ruling elite of Bal Masqué await. Shana is stunned by the massive, Tomogara army below as Yuuji gives a stirring speech to his followers before having last words with Shana and departing through the gate he opened in the sky, accompanied by Bel Peol, Hecate, and Sydonay.

Thoughts/Review:

Wow. A lot going on here, so let's get to it.

I can understand Hecate going after Shana, but she didn't go after her too hard. Why? Did she really want Shana eliminated or was this to just test Yuuji/Serpent of the Festival?  I'm having a hard time deciding which is was.

Also, what about Sydonay's and Bel Peol's suddenly being in the room?  Did they stir up Hecate to see what she would do?  Was this to see what Yuuji would do before going along with his plan? Again, its all tied together, but at the moment, I'm not seeing the why's.

Yuuji is more and more caught up with whatever the Snake of the Festival wants, but since that means getting the Snake his old body back, I suppose there's good reason for that. However, what does happen to Yuuji after the Snake leaves? 

I was surprised to see Shana deciding not to shrink back from Yuuji any more. Is that because he saved her life or because she's planning something? 

Nice to see Khamsin Nbh'w and Behemoth again. I liked that they went to see Kazumi before their own trip to war.  I wonder if Khamsin's story about the Tomogara he fought as a child hundreds and hundreds of hears ago is tied up with what's going on now?  I don't know why, but I have a feeling it might be.

As to Kazumi and her Hougu from Pheles, Giralda, I had long feared that Kazumi would die in the franchise in order to save Yuuji or something. Now I wonder if she might not end up becoming a Flame Haze herself by using it and sacrificing her humanity (as Khamsin apparently did in a similar fashion).  That will be interesting to see what happens.

So, I'm left with a lot of questions as Yuuji and The Trinity go off to find the Serpent of the Festival's body.  Can't wait to see what happens next.