Name:
=3Kat

About this blog:
I write about the manga I read , the anime/tv shows I watched and somtimes, the PS2 games I played. I tend to summarize them so beware, this blog is filled with spoilers and they are not 100% perfect. Feel free to point out my mistakes. Occasionally, I would blog about myself and other misc. things. ^_^

Layout:
In the blog pic, the picture is by dochan.com taken from JumpC Quote is by Anne Frank. Edited in Photoshop CS2. The background is from GRSites. The GB animated gif used to be from this site, Gin-san of Gintama is a screecap from piyopiyo2006 in Youtube and Pleinair by Takehito Harada is from JumpC. Gin and Pleinair edited and animated in Photoshop.

Metal Gear Acid

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Past Dreams:
2007

01/20/03 - 02/20/03

Blog by pitas

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Manga pics from
JumpC, Gocomic, Sky-fire & Billwang.

Most of the Quotes are from
Quote Garden, ThinkExist & Our Daily Bread

Penguin Revolution [Chapter 29]
Friday, May 18, 2007 @ 12:18 p.m.

Yukari and others goes to Morocco as their film is shown at the festival there. They arrived at the hotel and the two boys want to sleep. Ryou asks why is Ayaori sleepy when he slept all throughout the flight. Yukari tells them to wake up when it is time to eat. She says that the food would be delicious there. Ayaori pauses and then agrees. Yukari wonders why did Ayaori pause. They then played jakenpon [rock-scissors-paper] game as to who would get to choose the rooms. Ryou won with his rock while Yukari has scissors and Ayaori a gun. Yukari then uses a rock as Ayaori stil doing the gun. [Gun isn’t suppose to be used, I guess it is Ayaori’s way of doing scissors] In the room, Ryou jumps into the bed. Ayaori comments that he looks pretty happy. Ryou stops and asks where is Yukari. Ayaori tells him that she is unpacking the luggage. Ryou asks Ayaori if he has grown up a bit. Ayaori asks doesn’t he feel it. Ryou angrily shouts back that he does, you are really stupid. Ayaori thought that Ryou must be throwing a tantrum and says should he have said that he [Ryou] indeed has grown up. Ryou nods and says, yes. Ayaori asks what did Yukari told him. Ryou said that Yukari praised him and he felt that he grew up a lot since Yukari came for Yukari is really something. Ayaori smiles and nods as he says that’s right. Ryou jumps back to the bed and says but one day, they would go their own way for Yukari’s dream is different. Ayaori looks surprised by this.

At a different room, the president is looking out the sea while Yasuoka is sitting behind him. The president says it must be really tiring to go all the way there and he really admires Yasuoka’s stupidity. The president looks at Yasuoka and says that Yasuoka is still being pretty calm after this movie didn’t earn much and his company is in danger. Yasuoka says and who is responsible for that and Narazaki is a pretty good actor. The president says that he isn’t going to give Narazaki to him. Yasuoka asks if his goal is not to let Youko come out, if that person is still alive, why not let her got out in the public. The president says for him not to think that a company’s fate relies just on one actor/actress, who cares about Yasuoka, the one who is sad is a manipulative person and that is him – Yasuoka. The president tells him that he hopes this is the last time they meet. Yasuoka says that it will be as he wish. Yukari is blushing as she enters the room for she finds the two boys sleeping together. She even takes a picture of them. She slowly goes near the bed when the two boys pulled her on the bed. The two boys laugh as they say they have caught Yukari. Yukari tries to get up as she exclaims that they are awake. They pin her down as Ryou says that Yukari should also rest. Yukari says what about the reservation at the restaurant. Ryou says to take care of it later on, and that since they came there Yukari has been quite responsible so during rest time, she should rest. The two boys sleep as Yukari is in the middle. Yukari thought that is right for they had been pretty busy because of the movie, and this is the only time that they were able to rest. Also, during all this while, she has been living with them. Yukari peeks at Ayaori but has to turn away for Ayaori is to ‘flashy’ for her. She looks at Ryou and thought that Ryou did really good at the movie and she will take care of him as she will do her best at this trip. Ayaori wakes up a bit and looks at Yukari.

There is the film showing and interviews of the two boys and at night, a party. Yukari as Yukata [guy] walks around as she is pretty happy over the praises the guests say about the movie. Yukari studied a bit of European languages so she knew what they are talking about. She sees the two boys and says that they are really looking good as some guests are talking to them. Outside, above a staircase in somewhat of a park, Yukari is surprised to see Youko walking by, looking at her. Yukari is puzzled as to why Youko is there when a guy asks what is ‘he’ doing there. Yukari says it is nothing and she looks up again but Youko isn’t there anymore. The guy touches her shoulder and says if he isn’t feeling well, he should go to his [guy’s] room. Ryou grabs the guys’ hand off Yukari and says thanks for caring about my friend but now, I’ll be the one who would be taking care of him. The guy blushes over Ryou. ^^; Ryou takes Yukari away from that man. Later on, Ryou reprimands Yukari that it was dangerous, she shouldn’t go around alone for there are many weird people. Yukari says she will and about Youko. Yukari stops as she remembers that the president told her that it is a secret. Ryou pats Yukari’s head and asks if she already knew about Youko.

Sitting at a bench, Ryou says it seems that Yukari already knows about his mother is Youko. Yukari says the president has told her also that Youko’s whereabouts is a secret. Ryou tells her that he also doesn’t know where she is. This surprises Yukari. Ryou explains that just like in the movie, Youko has been comatose. He always go to the hospital to look at her because she is his mother. One time, he brought Ayaori with him to read a book to Youko. Youko wakes up and Ryou is really happy about that. The president is really happy and soon everyone knew even the doctor is puzzled about it. But on the second day, Youko goes back to sleep, no matter how many times they read to her, she won’t wake up. The president has asked many doctors around the world to check up on her and their advice is to let Ayaori join Peacock. Ryou begins to become tense as he feels that Youko would only wake up if there is a really good acting and they have been looking for a person to have that ‘brightness’, the president has found it and Ayaori has been chosen whereas he.. Before Ryou could continue, Yukari hugs him to calm him down. Ryou’s heart is beating loudly and he tells Yukari that he asks the president to also let him join Peacock then, after that, he never saw his mother again. Even so, he haven’t become no. 1 in Peacock and haven’t met Youko’s qualifications so he wants to become number one and if she is still alive, if she is still alive then that is good. Ryou smiles as Yukari wonders if the person [Youko] she saw earlier is just a hallucination. Just then, some bushes start to move. The two were surprised. Yukari asks if it is someone. Ryou says he doesn’t know. The two pauses then screams as they realize that Yukari is still hugging Ryou. Ryou quickly apologizes to Yukari as Yukari is also apologizing to Ryou.

Back at the party, I think that is Moto, the one who played the president’s friend in the movie, asks Ayaori if he went to find Ryou, did he find Ryou. Ayaori smiles and says he did. After Moto left, some guy gave Ayaori a plate of food. Back to the two, Ryou is walking first while Yukari follows and the two are still blushing. Ryou tells Yukari that even if the president is strict, he is still very thankful to him. Even if it is really hard being in Peacock, it is still a lot of fun. Even if there is big difference between him and Ayaori, he is still happy. Ryou looks back and tells Yukari that Ayaori is really great and because of that, he is happy also that he has met Yukari. Ryou starts to walk again as he blushes some more so did Yukari. Yukari begins to wonder about this strange feeling she is experiencing. Meanwhile, Ayaori is still eating the food as he has this distant look. He hears/sees everyone chatting about and remembers the time when Yukari and Ryou happily greet him as they all eat together on the table. He then remembers seeing Yukari hugging Ryou. Ayaori holds his stomach and says that he is hungry.

The next day, Yukari is cooking breakfast at the kitchen in their hotel as there are some groceries at the kitchen. Yukari says it is nice that there is a kitchen there. Ayaori wakes up from the smell of cooking as he goes to the bathroom and puts on his contact lens. After washing up, he goes out to greet just woke up Ryou. Ryou says that it seems that breakfast is cooked. Ayaori says yes. Ayaori is in a good mood as he sees all the food on the table. He goes in the room and to his surprise, he sees Yukari topless as she is only wearing her panties. Yukari is dressing. [Why don’t they lock their doors? ^^;] After a pause, Ayaori apologizes saying that he has mistakenly went in her room. Ayaori quickly closes the door. Yukari blushes as she puts on bandages on her chest. She tries to convince herself that nothing is wrong, Ayaori’s reaction is nothing out of the ordinary and he isn’t wearing his glasses. Outside the door, Ayaori is shock as he is also blushing. At the press conference, Yukari thought that this is their last job in Morocco. She steals a glance at Ayaori who is currently speaking to the press. She thought that nothing is wrong, he still don’t know that she is a girl, for while they eat breakfast, it is quite normal. The press conference has ended and the emcee says that the president of peacock has something to say. The president says that there is something that Peacock is planning. This surprises Yukari and the boys. The president says that in the next stage drama, the two boys will be starring in it. The two boys and Yukari looks at the president for they haven’t heard about this. He tells everyone to look at the door behind them. Everyone did and to their surprise, it is Youko.

I wonder if that is the last time we get to see Yasuoka. The ‘villains’ in this series are too easy that it doesn’t give the protagonists much challenge to defeat them. I wonder if the president deliberately get them all there for them to meet Youko. Youko’s eyes seems fine though. The part about Ayaori being responsible for Youko’s waking up from the coma turned out to be turn. I can understand Ryou’s frustration for shouldn’t a mother wake up for one’s own son and not some other kid. It is interesting that Ryou isn’t jealous of Ayaori for Ayaori did seem to be the ‘chosen one’ as he woke up Youko even if temporarily and is the big ‘draw/talent’ for Peacock. I think Yukari and Ryou are developing feelings for each other. I do hope Ayaori won’t fall for Yukari. She already has two admirers, so don’t make it into a harem. Hehehe I think Ayaori thinks of them as family and seeing the two being close together, he feels as if he is left out. If ever Yukari leaves, Ayaori will be missing her cooking. =P And finally, he knows that Yukari is a girl and he probably won’t think Ryou is gay. Hehe Being a good actor, he acted as if he didn’t know her true gender.

Thought of the day:
The best relationship is the one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other. ~ Author Unknown

The One [Volume 2 - Part 4 of 4]
Thursday, May 17, 2007 @ 06:44 p.m.

Lele is riding on a jet ski while a photographer takes her pictures, praising her. Fei Hong looks at the pictures at the digital camera and laments that there isn’t a single picture that is good – Lele doesn’t have the aura the same as her sister’s. Lou Shang asks Fei Hong if it is okay for Lele to do that for wasn’t Lele really sick yesterday. Fei Hong says that she doesn’t want to appear ‘soft’ and that is why she is there now. She gives the camera to Lou Shang who likes this kind of Fei Hong. [Strong but really nice inside] Covered in blankets, Lele calls out to her aunt. Fei Hong quickly towels Lele’s hair dry and asks if she is cold. Lele assures her that she is fine for after being really sick, she now feels energetic. Lele looks determined as she is currently on the path of becoming a model, she has to work hard to get enough stamina/for her body to be strong. Fei Hong says that is good and offers her some tea that Grandma made. Lele happily drinks it saying it is delicious. She then asks her aunt what does she think of the pictures. Fei Hong tosses her drink saying that everything is terrible, she can’t see any good ones that after seeing 10 of them, she can’t look at the others anymore. Lou Shang says that he finds some of the pictures seductive. Lou Shang shows it to them. Fei Hong and Lele are surprised that there are indeed some good pictures. They are the ones taken by Eros as Lele wonders when they were taken. Lou Shang praises it that it is like a goddess kind of aura. Fei Hong isn’t convinced as Lou Shang says that not to underestimate the ‘stare’ for even if it is a sleepy type of look, it has something alluring about it. Lou Shang says that famous celebrities usually has that certain ‘look/stare’ that makes the picture more captivating. Some celebrity like Marilyn Monroe and I don’t know who the others were – Naomi Campbell? ^^;; He explains that it is important not to over do it, else it will be like a dead fish stare. It has to be a stare that can kill people. Lele is wow-ed by this. Fei Hong says so he means it is a stare that emits electricity. She then ‘electric beams’ Lou Shang and fried him. Fei Hong then says see that, that will be Lele’s next practice.

At school, Lele tries to do a seductive stare at Xiao Qui who ended up laughing at Lele. She asks what is Lele doing. Lele asks doesn’t Xiao Qui felt her ‘emitting electricity’. Still laughing, Xiao Qui asks Lele to stop doing those expressions for Lele look really stupid. Lele is frustrated for she is coping what those celebrities are doing with a half-closed eyes. She does a seductive one like some perverted old man look then a bloated pouty look but Xiao Qui says all of them are terrible. Lele shakes Xiao Qui saying how could that be when she is doing all she can, doesn’t she feel she [Lele] is cute. Xiao Qui says that the problem is in Lele’s stare. [She used I term that I don’t know what it means] Lele is puzzled as Xiao Qui goes into teacher mode. She tells Lele that simply speaking, Lele isn’t seductive enough. Lele is confused as Xiao Qui says that Lele is a late bloomer, she haven’t experienced what kind of feeling is it like to like a person so she doesn’t know how to do that stare. Knowing Lele until now, Lele doesn’t even have any ‘idol’ that she likes, much less a real guy for Lele isn’t interested in that. Embarrassed and sweatdropping, Lele asks what is it like to like a guy. Xiao Qui says that she is already 17 years old, how could she ask that. She tells Lele that one would always think of that guy, seeing that guy makes one blush, want to hold hands, kiss lips and caress the leg. Xiao Qui pretends to want to kiss Lele as Lele asks isn’t that too fast. Xiao Qui says it isn’t fast for one would wish to have his heart and body ‘be combined’/sex, I guess. Lele says Xiao Qui is quite a pervert. Xiao Qui shouts that it is Lele who is abnormal. Lele wonders to Grandma, what does it feel like to be in love.

At her room, Lele practices this by trying to flirt around with her Angus poster. She blushes and pouts like wanting to kiss and greets him a good morning. Lele thought that even if she doesn’t like a certain guy, she does have someone she idolizes. She then drools and blushes as she looks at the picture from right, left, below and sideways. Lele goes giggly as she thought that no matter how she looks at him, he is gorgeous. She does the trying to kiss pout again when Grandma comes in asking what is she doing. Grandma has prepared a lot of stuff – ointments, medicines, etc for Lele as Lele tries to tell her that she will be only be away for 5 days, not a month so she doesn’t need all those stuff. Grandma says she can’t remove them for when Lele was young, she always get sick and hurt whenever she goes out so if she didn’t bring all of those and be preapred, how could she [Grandma] be peace of mind. Lele is embarrassed as Grandma still remembered all of those. Grandma tells Lele to call her even if it is really late after work, Lele should call her to let her know that Lele is okay. Lele says she knows. Lele mentally apologizes to Grandma even if she is making Grandma worry but right now, she is going to let go of Grandma’s hand for a while, please relax, I’m no longer a child. Meanwhile in New York, Angus finds a note from Eros saying that he will be staying in Japan for 10 days, if there is anything up, don’t call him on the mobile phone for he won’t answer because he is busy. Angus is surprised, what, Japan? And so Lele and Eros are going to Japan.

It is 4C temperature in Japan and it is the first time Lele has gone abroad. She happily greets Ti Fu but to her shock, he didn’t recognize her. A lady who is Ti Fu’s assistant quickly shoves a bottle of wine into Ti Fu’s mouth. After 10 minutes and Ti Fu is drunk, that is when he recognizes Lele, Little Bee. The assistant apologizes saying that when Ti Fu is sober, he tend to forget a lot of things. Lele sweatdrops as even if Ti Fu is like that, he is really a great photographer for the pictures he takes are always gorgeous, for it is said that the pictures he takes makes people look like a super model. At the shooting place, the staff greets the models as they will first check the outfits which will suit them and what kind of make-up. The other two models who will be working with Lele are Sakura Honda, a Japanese model and Cheng Yen Er, a Korean model. [Sorry, I can’t translate it into a Korean sounding name for I don’t know how unlike Jap in some websites ^^;] While being made up, Lele thought that even if they haven’t worn make-up yet, they look like dolls. The two models are already famous in their respective countries. Sakura is the icy cold type while Yen Er is cutie type of dolls, both are really different from each other. The assistant tells Lele that this is Ti Fu’s talent for he has an eye for these kind of things, all three maybe different from each other but, all has a certain cute fairy-like aura.

On the first day that she came to Japan, it has been all work. It is really interesting as people communicate in English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean. Yen Er tends to be a crybaby type as she cries over the smallest things while Sakura is like a queen who would complain and speak out and she, Lele, is a type who doesn’t know if she is a guy or a girl weirdo. Ti Fu greets others for their good work and why don’t they eat out that night. Sakura excuses herself saying that she is on a diet that she doesn’t eat at night. While holding feeling bad Yen Er, Yen Er’s manager says that Yen Er isn’t feeling comfortable so she’ll bring him to the hotel. The staff also excuses themselves saying that they already have a date that night. Ti Fu is puzzled as his assistant thought that everyone doesn’t like the kind of person Ti Fu is. A bit sad, Ti Fu asks if Little Bee would also be ashamed of him. With a new hairstyle after her hair is dyed, Lele happily shouts that she will join for she wants to eat sashimi [raw fish slices]. Then, from behind, someone asks if he can also join them. It is Eros. It is when everyone has already left, and an unexpected visitor came to the set. Silver colored eyes. Lele is shock that it is Angus’ [brother]. Eros hugs Ti Fu as they greeted each other for it has a long time since they seen each other. Ti Fu asks when did Eros came. Eros says that he just arrived there.

At a Japanese restaurant, Lele sits beside Eros while Ti Fu sits beside his assistant. Ti Fu tells Lele that when Jorvicious opened a store in Japan, it is Eros who is the planner for it and there is once an erotic outfit photo shoot/event, Eros will come to direct it. Lele is surprised that Eros is friends with Ti Fu. She wonders if Eros still remember her. The assistant says why is Lele is dumbly looking at Eros, but honestly, even if he knows Eros for a long time, she still has this feeling [shy] when ever she sees him. Ti Fu just looks sideways at his assistant. Lele is drooling and says that is true for she is looking closely at him and no wonder he is Angus’ twin brother, for they both look gorgeous but he looks serious and doesn’t even smile as if it is hard to get close to him. Ti Fu tells Lele doesn’t she find it hard to speak in English, why not speak in Chinese for Eros’ Chinese is quite good. This surprises Eros as he spills his drink a bit. Lele is thrilled about this. She knew that the twins have Chinese blood but she didn’t know they can speak in Chinese. A bit embarrassed, Lele says that she would want to thank Eros. Ti Fu and assistant exclaim thank him for what. Lele says that two months ago, at the Taipei fashion show. Lele points to herself and asks Eros if he remembers her. Lele says that she is the one who is really clumsy and she is the stupid fool that he brought back to the stage, her brain went blank that she forgot to even thank him. Ti Fu and assistant blush and are excited as they ask Eros if such a thing has happened.

Still speaking in English, Eros says how could he remember such a ‘small thing’ He apologizes to Lele that everyday he sees a lot of gorgeous people and honestly, he can’t remember all of people’s faces whereas she is looks quite common. Lele gets angry with this reply. Eros continues that if he has ever helped her, don’t think too much about it, because for him, it isn’t a big deal. Ti Fu and assistant sweatdrop. Lele is angry as she tries to keep calm and ask him to speak in Chinese since he can speak it. Eros says that he doesn’t want to. Lele snapped and is really furious that she drank three glasses of wine. Then, drunk Lele puts her feet on the table as Eros looks at it then at her. Pointing at Eros, Lele shouts stupid, what are you being proud about, is it because he looks great, is it because he looks gorgeous. This shocks Ti Fu and the assistant. Lele shouts she is just ‘thanking’ him and not ‘confessing’ to him, why does he have to be like that, he can speak Chinese but he doesn’t, does he look down on Chinese people. Eros snubs her as he just eats. Ti Fu and assistant grab Lele before Lele does something to Eros as Lele shouts what, you just kept eating, ha. While chewing, Eros looks at her and thought that he can see her panties. Eros takes a piece of sashimi and puts it in the hotpot. Lele angrily shouts what is Eros doing with her sashimi. While hanging on to Lele, Ti Fu tells Lele that Eros can’t eat uncooked food. Eros then eats the piece of sashimi cooked in the hot pot.

Lele holds the sides of the table and looks at Eros in the eye. Lele is amused that Eros can’t eat uncooked food. She tells Eros so you also look down on sashimi, too, eh. She takes a piece of sashimi with her chopsticks and tries to feed Eros with it. She tells Eros, ah [open your mouth]. This surprises Eros as Ti Fu and assistant are scared as they cling to each other. Lele says be good, open your mouth and eat it, for kids who eat fish will become intelligent. Eros says he can’t eat uncooked food. Lele says if he doesn’t speak in Chinese, she won’t be able to understand, open your mouth. Angry, Eros says he is saying that he can’t eat uncooked.. Before Eros could finish what he is saying, Lele shoves the sashimi into Eros’ mouth and Eros has swallowed it. Lele happily smiles and says see, isn’t that delicious. Eros is speechless as he is angry. Ti Fu and assistant are really scared now. Angrily, Eros grabs Lele and carries her over his shoulder. Lele is surprised as she shouts what is he doing, put her down. Eros asks Ti Fu what room is Lele checked in at the hotel. Ti Fu says it is 507. Lele struggles to free herself as she shouts for him to let her go, calling him a pervert. Ti Fu tries to stop Eros as he is leaving the restaurant with Lele. Eros looks backs and tells Ti Fu to relax for he isn’t going to kill anybody since this isn’t work related.

And that ends volume 2. ^_^ Lele has finally passed her aunt’s homework thanks to Eros. It seems her aunt does want to be fair and strict to Lele so that there won’t be favoritism and that for public opinion, she is soft on Lele. Still, her aunt shows she is concerned by accompanying Lele for the photo shoot. It seems that Lele is really a late bloomer as noted by Xiao Qui and I guess maybe Lele is a bit childish is partly because Grandma spoils and pampers her though I won’t go that far as Xiao Qui has mentioned. ^^; Haha, maybe I’m also childish. ^^; I think it is a pattern lately to have clueless about love heroines/leading girls. So, Lele and Eros met again. Eros tries to be his cold self and denies remembering Lele. He pretty much pushed all of Lele’s buttons. As I mentioned before, I love Lele-Eros scenes since they are really funny. I wonder though why didn’t Lele recognizes Eros voice when Eros is playing a bum. Managing to trick Eros to eat sashimi has made Eros lose his cool. Hehehe About what Eros said, I guess it means that if it is about work, Eros is really strict and a slave driver. Well, more of Lele-Eros scenes in the next volume. ^_^

Thought of the day:
If only you could sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person. ~ Mister Rogers.

The One [Volume 2 - Part 3 of 4]
Wednesday, May 16, 2007 @ 08:51 p.m.

At the airport, An Bai [Angus’ manager] is thrilled that they are finally going home and there isn’t much damage control over the earlier gossip. An Bai is also thankful for Angus putting in some good word about her, I think so that she won’t get fired. When she turns around, she realizes that twins are not behind her. At a bookshop, Eros is looking at a magazine when Angus comes, asking what is Eros looking at. Angus is surprised that it is a Vogue magazine with Lele on the cover. While sitting at the lounge, Angus laughs and says that they had helped her become famous and when did Eros become nice. Eros denies it saying that he can’t even look at seductive dress being worn by a stupid model. Angus sits beside him saying that she would have died if she could work with Eros, she would be really happy but he would want to know for how long would she be famous because of them. Eros says her pattern can still be improved though usually models’ popularity is only for two years. Angus says that to be a famous model, she can’t copy others’ style. [I think he meant about Lele being compared to Gemma Ward]. Eros closes the magazine and says that it is still too early for Lele.

As an airplane flies above, Lele passes by the street as some people are talking about her being Asia’s Gemma Ward and she might be the next famous star in the model world. Lele laughs as she is pleased with herself. At Lou Shang’s house, Yang Jing puts up pictures of Lele and her mother. Lou Shang is angry that he is putting such pictures in his house as he tores away Lele’s picture. Yang Jing says why is he removing it when it looks nice. Lou Shang says he only wants to put covers used for his W magazine. Lele asks for it as she calls Lou Shang uncle. Lou Shang became conscious about being old that he looks at the mirror. Lele becomes proud like a peacock over the praises she heard from others. Her aunt Fei Hong asks does Lele think it is easy to get on W magazine. She drew some drawings on Lele’s poster and tells her that the true test has just started. Fei Hong holds out a flyer for 2005 Jorvicious audition - an advertisement for a perfume. They will be picking a Japanese, Korean and Chinese model. The advertisement will be shot at Japan and the photographer for it will be flying to Taiwan for the audition. She says didn’t Lele think that she can easily be on their W magazine so depend on her talent and score on a victory on this audition tomorrow or don’t come back. She taped the flyer on Lele’s face and left. Lele is speechless as Lou Shang admires Fei Hong for it.

At her room, Lele is tossing clothes about as Xiao Qui comments that Fei Hong is quite good to get Lele in an audition. Lele cries how could she look like an elf/fairy for in her earlier audition, she didn’t prepare and now she doesn’t want to make the same mistake. Xiao Qui finds it interesting and offers to help Lele out. Xiao Qui brought out all sorts of make-up as Lele forgot that Xiao Qui is good with make-ups. While doing Lele’s face, Xiao Qui tells her that it is her dream to become a make-up artist [That is my guess, the literal is color make-up model teacher] and if she works hard enough, her parents would let her study in Japan. She says just like Lele who is into modeling, she also has her own dream and hopes that she will be working in the kind of ‘world’ she likes. Lele wonders how they will change after high school. Xiao Qui finished her eye make-up which is fairy-like with dots/beads at the end of some eyelashes. Lele is impressed. Xiao Qui wonders if fairies should have wings. She asks Lele if in her house, there are some old cloths and thin wire. That night, Xiao Qui makes some fairy wings for Lele and Lele wonders if tomorrow’s audition would go on without no problem.

At the audition, Lele is wearing horizontal stripes turtle neck with matching ski hat, on shorts, and wears the wings. Lele sweatdrops as everyone is just wearing ordinary clothes and thought that she made a mistake again. The other models start to whisper among each other that Lele is ‘over’ the top with her outfit and she is really laughable that she came like that when her aunt is a top model manager. To Lele’s surprise, a woman grabs her wings shouting that it is really cute. The woman also exclaims that her eyelashes are pretty and asks where did Lele buy it and if she understands English. [The author isn’t consistent in saying when the characters are saying it in English or not so unless specified, I tend to think they are talking in Chinese. In this one, there is no note saying that the woman is talking in English earlier.] An embarrassed man grabs the woman, calling her Feidna. Lele says that it is made by her friend Feidna asks Lele to ask her friend to make her one, too. The other guy shouts, Feidna. The other models start to look in their direction and they recognize the woman as Feidna Ryde, Europe’s spokesperson for Jorvicious perfume. Feidna shouts at her manager, Ko Deng what does he want for she is busy. Ko Deng says that the audition is about to start and the others are already waiting for them. Feidna says she knows already. Turning back to Lele, Feidna touching starstruck Lele’s face. She tells Lele to tell her friend about it [making the wings for her, too]. Feidna waves goodbye as Lele is a bit tense since the other models are jealously staring at her.

At the comfort room, Lele washes her hand and sighs for she didn’t except to meet with a famous person there and be a judge there. Her aunt didn’t tell her anything. After calming down a bit, she goes out to hear some girls shouting for someone not to touch them or they will call the police. The two girls couldn’t believe how could a drunk get in that high class place. They are so disgusted by that guy’s smell and wanted to wash where he had touched them. Lele goes to the man and asks if he is okay. The guy seems to be in pain says he is okay but he spits blood. It freaks Lele out as the man says something about eating some Taiwanese candy that made him do that. He calls Lele, a bee and asks her to help him a bit since he is drunk. Lele thought that she isn’t a bee, she is a fairy and now she understands why those two girls want to call the police. Lele helps him walk and asks if it is because he is drunk that he went to the wrong place. He says that he came there to work and could she tell him where would the audition be taking place. Lele wonders about this – work, audition. He says that he asks the two girls earlier to show him but they won’t tell him and even shouted at him for being smelly but he just wants to work. Lele wonders if he is one of the staff for the audition and in dire need of money. She shows him where the audition will be held but tells him that she can’t go in for she has to wait outside since the audition haven’t started yet. Lele wipes the man’s mouth and tells him that during work, he shouldn’t drink and eat that kind of candy, else he would be thought of as a bad person. The man looks a bit surprised by this gesture.

The audition finally started. As the models goes in, Lele is surprised that the man she just helped turn out to be the photographer for the advertisement, Shi Ti Fu. The other two girls is also shocked that it is the man earlier. Feidna and Ko Deng are a bit tense as Ti Fu manages to greet the girls at the audition. Ko Deng tells Feidna that he will go out and buy something for Ti Fu’s hangover. Ti Fu says that he has asked his friend to help him for the audition. He offers his hand to Feidna as he asks if they knew who she was. Ti Fu tells the girls that for the audition, they will be modeling together with Feidna. Whoever can make a nice scene together with Feidna and ‘subdue’ her will be the winner and be Asia’s spokesperson for Jorvicious. Everyone is surprised as Feidna welcomes them to come. Feidna’s bio: 19 years old, based in New York, USA, started her career at 16 years old and became famous in a short time, her signature is her red hair and is one of the top 10 models of the world. The audition starts as some girls run away for they don’t have the confidence to take a picture with Feidna. Others doesn’t want to lose and started to pose together with Feidna but they look a bit tense and stiff. Feidna does it naturally that they can’t be ‘even’ with her. Then, it is Lele’s turn. She goes to Feidna and notices her gesturing her to come. Feidna says that if Lele loses, then Lele will give her Lele’s wings. Lele is a bit nervous as her aunt will kill her if she loses this audition but how could she win against this fiery-head goddess. Lele smiles and holds on to Feidna. Feidna tries to go away from her but Lele clings on. Feidna tries to push her away by putting her hand on Lele’s face. Everyone looks on a bit surprised. Lele makes a face by putting her finger on her tongue. This surprises Feidna and she laughs. Everyone is surprised by this.

Feidna holds Lele’s hands and both poses together as if they are fairies playing around. Ti Fu exclaims that it is good, ‘Little Bee’ [Lele] did well so the others can go home. The other girls are shock as they protest that they haven’t auditioned yet. He says that the contest has already started earlier. To become a model, a person should be of good heart else, that kind of smile won’t appear. Two girls were embarrassed. One girl still protests that it still isn’t fair for didn’t he said that they must ‘subdue’ Feidna when Lele didn’t do this. Ti Fu says they are right that Little Bee’s expressions isn’t at Feidna’s level but all the other girls aren’t even half of Feidna’s level. Lele uses body language to get Feidna to model with her and compared to others, she does her own thing. Lele has a special ability in doing scenes in front of the camera. Lele blushes over this and cries in happiness when Ti Fu says that this is the kind of model that a photographer wants. Ti Fu tells her to prepare her things for she will be going to Japan. The next night, Lele celebrated with Grandma with a dinner. Lele excitedly tells Grandma that she will be going to Japan next month. Lele tells her that the audition is really interesting and she met a lot of strange people who are nice to her. Feidna will be leaving Taiwan that day in the morning for she has a Tibet photo shoot. Lele gave Feidna the fairy wings to her and Feidna is so happy that she kept on kissing Lele. Ti Fu will be going to Korean to choose another model from there and then he will return to Japan. She came to like that crazy uncle [Ti Fu]. She tells Grandma that she can become like her mother, a famous model.

Lele in a dress tries to pose underwater as the photographer shouts for her not to close her eyes. It is 10C temperature and she has to be in this icy water for her first television advertisement. Her aunt has told her that for models, they do work on summer for winter clothes/fashion and work on winter for summer clothes/fashion advertisements so Lele should take care of her body condition. She has given Lele a lot of work so Lele should do her best. So, while she haven’t gone to Japan yet, she has been working. Lele is trying to pose in a short dress but she is cold and shivering as she starts to have runny nose. The photographer calls for the make-up artist to fix Lele up as Lele has running nose. The make-up artists tries to fix her up but Lele sneezes. Before long, Lele is sick as Grandma takes care of her. Fei Hong comments that Lele should take care of her body first and if she is this weak, how can she work outdoors. Grandma asks Fei Hong if Lele should really go to Japan, can’t Lele’s work as a model be just within the country for it seems that Lele has begin to find that kind of work interesting. Fei Hong looks a bit sad. Grandma says that she knows that she shouldn’t be hindering but she can’t help but worry, for working outside, she might not be careful and get sick, who would substitute her to take care of Lele. That day, Lele slept for a long time and she finally wakes up to find Grandma beside her, crying. Lele holds Grandma’s hand as she thought that Grandma is always like this, when she is sick, Grandma is really worried like a child that she needs to be comforted by her. Lele knew that Grandma fears that she might end up like her parents when they left, in this world, she is her only relative. [Grandma is the mother of Lele’s father so she isn’t really blood related with Fei Hong] Lele tells Grandma that she won’t die that way so don’t cry, she only needs to sleep and she will be okay. Lele says that if Grandma keeps on crying, how could she sleep, no, how about Grandma sing to her, she really likes Grandma’s lullaby. Grandma sings as Lele sleeps while holding Lele’s hand.. This way, Grandma’s nice song, helps her fall asleep.

Also sleeping is Eros at some apartment. Then he had a nightmare. A long curly haired woman, whose face isn’t shown, is crying wearing tight fitting clothes aims a gun at him. Young Eros tries to escape out the window when the gun fires and the glass shatters. Eros quickly wakes up and visibly is shaken as he perspire a lot. His mobile phone is ringing and he answers it. A woman answers calling him Honey, sorry, did I wake you up. Eros asks where is she. The woman says she is in Tibet and the sky there really looks nice. It is Feidna. Feidna happily says that she can’t bear to be separated from Eros for she still likes New York that has him in it, they haven’t seen each other for two months already, she really wants to see him. Going outside of his room, he finds Angus, sitting. He says that the only person who dares to call Eros at 3am is Feidna. Eros asks when did he came, did he came from a party. Angus asks when will Feidna come back to New York. Angus puts his head on Eros’ shoulder. Eros says next month, he haven’t answered his question yet, and get your head off me. Angus says that Eros’ face looks bad, did he had a nightmare. Eros pushes Angus’ face until Angus is out of the room. Angus pouts and shouts how could Eros treat his only brother like an outsider, why doesn’t Eros allow him to move in with him [Eros]. Eros closes the door on Angus. Angus sweatdrops as he sighs and wondered what secret could Eros be hiding. Eros takes a shower and it is shown that he has a bullet wound scar at his lower right abdomen.

So, Lele finally nailed her first audition. I guess wearing that outfit makes her stand out and her being nice to people paid big time here. Somehow I get the impression that her aunt is more focused on work rather than Lele’s health. ^^; I guess she doesn't want to pamper Lele else Lele would be too proud. Being a manager, she treats Lele the same as the other girls/models she handle. And, from here, I can somewhat guess what happened to Eros while he is young. The twins are in an orphanage. They were adopted separately. Eros got taken by a ‘bad’ family. I’m thinking of the worse kind for that woman with a gun looks like a prostitute. He tries to escape and got shot. That is what landed him in the hospital, calling for his mother as he remembered when Lele says that no one would take care of him if he has no family. I guess he kept this a secret from Angus and it made him distant and cold. So, it is really interesting that he is quite open and relaxed with Lele. And ya, it turned out that Freidna is Eros’ lover of some sort. Love triangle? Future rival – romantic and career-wise? Hehe

Quote of the day:
Success does not consist in never making blunders, but in never making the same one a second time. ~ Josh Billings

Weekly Jump Update: Bleach, One Piece, Naruto, D. Gray-man and Gintama
Monday, May 14, 2007 @ 10:11 p.m.

In Bleach [c. 274], Ishida manages to hit Grants/Szayelaporro [his official name] below the neck but it turned out to be useless since Szayelaporro has already analyzed his power when he fought with the bee-lady ex-espada Cirucci. It made Ishida’s attack useless for all the attacks Ishida used on Cirucci has been analyzed by Szayelaporro which Szayelaporro made useless against him. Other hollows attack Ishida and before Ishida knew it, his bow disappears. Before Ishida is hit, Renji blocks the attack. Renji shouted for Ishida to think of a plan to fight for isn’t that Ishida’s specialty. Ishida says he already has a plan. The two then plans to work together to defeat Szayelaporro. Meanwhile, light haired Aizen fangirl is surprised and puzzled that she is alive and her body is intact. She sees ponytail girl, who is sitting against the wall, and asks why. Ponytail girl says that it is all done by Inoue. Flashback: Grimmjow puts down Inoue telling her to fix her beaten up face for he doesn’t like walking around with a girl looking like that. To Ponytail girl’s shock, Inoue went to her and healed her leg. Then, Inoue went to light haired girl and healed her, too. Ponytail girl is shocked by what Inoue just did. End flashback. Ponytail girl asks what kind of thing is she [Inoue]. Ponytail girl looks a bit nervous and says that Inoue is a monster. Well, it turned out that they are going to have a hard time with in Szayelaporro. I wonder what kind of plan Ishida has thought of. Regarding what Inoue did, it is really something to even be kind to people who were cruel to her. The natural instinct is to just let them suffer and I guess those girls haven’t seen or encounter such a person that Ponytail girl thought of Inoue as a ‘monster’ as it doesn’t seem to be logical to be nice to the enemy.

Brook manages to defeat monkey spider in One Piece [c. 455]. Franky wonders if that is enough to finish it off. Brook says that zombies have weakness and they saw a black goo/shadow coming out of monkey spider. Brook shouted for it to go back to its owner’s side. The mouse spider then recognizes Brook as Hummer who caused havoc at their place 5 years before. They hurriedly went to tell their master. Brook tells Franky that the webs are weak against fire so Franky frees himself and Robin. Franky asks him to tell them more about the place since Brook knows a lot about it. Brook tells them that since the others are captured, it would be a bit too late. Brook tells them that while wandering around the place before because his rudder is broke, Thriller Bark called to him. He went around the place to find a rudder and before he knew it, he also got caught. There, he saw a giant cutting off the shadow of a dancer martial artist and putting it into a zombie. The zombie begins to move just like the dancer martial artist. The theory is that since people are always with their shadow so it is like their ‘soul’ so if removed and put on corpse, it will act and move the way its owner did. Moria can do this since he has eaten the shadow devil fruit. With Hogback’s help, Moria can make more powerful corpse combined with a powerful shadow to become his army so Moria wants powerful shadows from people with high bounties. Brook tells them that Moria would most likely throw away the bodies into the sea and they should listen to him to save them for they still have time. Brook then gets overexcited for it has been a long time since converse with someone like that. Robin tells him to tell it to them right away for they are listening. Brook says yes.

At Moria’s place, Moria, who looks like a demon with thin face and huge bulb like body and from his description, he likes to order people around, is there with the others, Hogback, Absalom and Persona + sidekicks Cindry and Kumansy. Moria says for them to make him pirate king already. Caged and webbed up Luffy is placed right before him. Luffy shouts that he will be the one who becomes Pirate King and tells Moira to bring back the others to him – Usopp, Nami, Chopper, Sanji and Zoro. Moria says that he only got Sanji and Zoro. Inside Kumansy, Usopp and others are surprised that the three ‘monsters’ were easily caught. Kumansy tries to tell Persona that the three are hiding inside but she kept on shutting him up. After a bit of arguing about having a wife caused by Cindry, Luffy manages to escape by breaking out of the cage. Perona made Luffy stop by getting her negative ghosts pass through Luffy who becomes depressed and suicidal. They caught him and place a huge light behind him. Luffy is screaming as to what are they doing and then, he fell unconscious when Moria cuts Luffy’s shadow and caught it. Moria laughs that he got the 300 million beri shadow to make a really powerful zombie. The caught shadow is all clueless as to what just happened. Well, I did got it right. Because of the shadows, their powers are copied. I wonder though how could Brook escape and wreak havoc later on at that place. I guess it is something to do with being dead in the first place and since Moria is interested in him, that means he must have a high bounty before, too. If they rescued the other three, maybe indeed they would fight their ‘clones’ and the weaker members of Strawhats will save the day. ^_^ One last thing, I’m assuming that Moria would put Luffy’s shadow in a rubber body corpse else, I think Luffy’s powers would be useless.

In Naruto [c. 353], Itachi and Kisame has caught the four tails, an old man. They then got in contact with the other Akatsuki wherein they learned that Hidan, Kakuzu and Orochimaru are dead. They warned Itachi that Sasuke and his new group would be after him so he better be careful. Ah, nothing much can be say about that. I wonder which group gets to Itachi first, Naruto’s or Sasuke’s. Somehow, I’m assuming it can be after some more chapters before they can find Itachi. Allen manages to free himself from the vacuum using his new sword in D. Gray-man [c. 117]. Rhode has a vision of the Count using that same sword but the colors is opposite. [Just like in Bleach, Ichigo’s zanpaku is opposite of hollow Ichigo.] Allen then slices through Tiki but Tiki is unharmed. This puzzles Tiki for he felt the pain of being cut through. Tiki then realizes that Allen just kills off the ‘noah’ inside of him as Tiki screams in pain. So Allen’s power is at the level of the Count’s. The Count puts akuma/noah into people while Allen gets them out without killing them. Ya, Tiki isn’t in Allen’s level, it is the Count. Also about Rhode’s flashback, maybe the Count is holding that sword when he put in a ‘noah’ inside Rhode.

Angered by Ito’s challenge to fight Shinsengumi, Hijitaka shouts that they must pass through him first even if there are a lot of them, he will be the last blade to protect Kondou and the shinsengumi as vice captain Hijitaka Toushirou in Gintama [c. 164]. He pulls out the blade and says that he has used his own strength to control the cursed blade. Gin smiles and apologizes to Kondou for even if Kondou bring out gold and silver, he won’t accept Kondou’s request [to take Hijitaka from there] for right now, their client who came first is Hijitaka. Kondou looks at them and smiles as he bows. He says that work isn’t finish yet. Gin says what is he saying for he will charge for overtime as he pulls Kondou on to the battered police car. From behind, Bansai/Kawakani [I’ll use his shorter name ^^;] perks up and looks at Hijitaka. He comments soul melody has changed from kindergarten to rock music but it is at par with Ito’s. Ito also draws his katana. Bansai adds that from elegant music, it became a whirlwind and strong one, a really good music and he likes that kind of performance, it is a great music. Bansai then charges at Hijitaka. Ito and Hijitaka crosses swords. Ito is hit near his shoulder. Just then, the police car’s wheel came off. The car starts to skid on the tracks. Hijitaka shouts for them to look behind – it is the train that was left behind with Okita inside it. Hijitaka uses himself as buffer between the car and the train so that they won’t crash. Then, some more Bansai’s group are coming to the sides. Gin calls for Kagura to help at the back and for Shinpachi not to let go of the steering wheel.

Hijitaka is in pain as he shouts about his back vertebra as there is some sound effects of something cracking. [I think since I can’t read sound effects ^^;] Kagura then stands on him saying she will help him so no need for him to worry. Hijitaka shouts that she is wrong for she is standing on the wrong place. Hijitaka shouts to look behind her as one goon is about to attack her. Just then, the door of the train flew on that goon and other goons on bikes. It is a bit bleeding Okita. Okita asks Kondou to come to his side. Okita tells Hijitaka to be careful else his head gets chopped off and he also wants overtime pay. Hijitaka says that he got some collections that they can get. Okita says that would be okay and for Hijitaka to take care of Ito just like what happened to him since he is slightly tired. He tells Hijitaka if Hijitaka dares to lose then he will had Hijitaka’s corpse to be pulled by five horses [Ah, that will be tying the limbs and head to each horse and getting the horses to run so the body is dismembered. I forgot where I knew of this kind of torture ^^;] and then he will get the vice-commander position. Hijitaka shouts that Hijitaka is here [look at him when he is talking and not to stand on him] Then, Kondou is standing on Hijitaka while arguing why should he escape and leave Hijitaka. Hijitaka shouts for them to stop using him as a bridge and not to argue while standing on him. Suddenly Gin looks behind when Bansai hits Gin in the groin using his bike, tossing Gin on the ground in the process. The other train in front started to go backwards and crushing the police car. Ito looks from the other train as the police car is being crushed.

Ito says that Hijitaka is the one who understands him and fear of his ability yet why does Hijitaka have to go against him. If Hijitaka is the head, he might not have rebelled though saying this is also just a hypothesis, though Hijitaka is wrong about him regarding one thing, like how Hijitaka knows about his ability, he also knows of Hijitaka’s ability. Ito prepares to draw his katana as Hijitaka slices the crushed police car. Ito shouts for him to come a fight until one of them dies. Meanwhile, Bansai goes back to Gin as he drawn out his katana. As he is about to hit Gin on the ground, Gin stands up and slashes through Bansai’s bike and it breaks into pieces. Bansai manages to escape the attack and comments that the music has changed into something interesting. I didn’t quite get what Bansai is blabbing about music matching Gin. Gin’s forehead is bleeding and just looks at Bansai. He looks angry as he asks Bansai if he is the fool from Shinsuke’s group and didn’t his teacher taught him manners about removing the radio/earphones when one is talking, really youngsters. Gin asks Bansai if he is listening and kept on calling him stupid. Bansai is about to address Gin by his name but changed it into Shiroyasha, saying that he is a fool for going around with shinsengumi. Gin asks if he is listening to him. Bansai says that Shinsuke has helped Ito regarding his plans on how to betray this group. Gin asks what is Ito to them. Bansai says Ito is a pitiful person that he learns too late of what the ‘instrument’ he used has done to him and just be blown away. Gin hears a loud explosion and looks back. He is shock as Bansai says for Ito to rest in peace with shinsengumi. The bridge that the train is passing on is suddenly destroyed and it seems that the train is falling down.

Well, Ito just got backstabbed by the ones he depend on for assistant. I guess Bansai hates traitors within the group but it is okay if it is of the other group. I do wonder why Bansai targeted Gin. It seems as if he deliberately get Gin out of that train fight. Is it by Shinsuke’s orders? I’m thinking either Shinsuke wanted to kill Gin himself or to indirectly kill Gin’s companions. I actually didn’t expect that there will be a Bansai vs Gin here. Nice. It is now a two sword fights. Speaking of saving, I wonder if Okita deliberately just saved Kagura. Hehehe I wonder if Gin would really get serious in the next chapter as he will be angry, thinking of the possibility of the others ‘dying’. I somewhat hoping that Yamazaki will save the ones in the train. ^^;

Quote of the day:
The warmth of love can melt the heart of an enemy. ~ Author Unknown

The One [Volume 2 - Part 2 of 4]
Saturday, May 12, 2007 @ 12:33 p.m.

Grandma says it is quite a coincidence that they knew each other. The two says that she can say that. Lele teases that could it be that he [bum] has fallen for her that he is always waiting for her at the park, and he even helped out her grandma. Lele says that there are many parks in Taipei, why would he tend to wander around in that place. Eros is holding a plate of food [looks like string beans or the author got lazy to draw ^^;] which he cooked and laughs, hahaha...‘love you’ you are thinking too much for in the world of bums, they also examine the norm/standard. Eros places the plate of food on the table and says that she isn’t dirty enough, smelly enough and not enough flies are flying around your body so does she think that a bum can even look/like her. Lele looks surprised then quickly smells herself. Lele thought that even if she has hugged him by mistake, how come she doesn’t stink. Lele then grabs Eros by the arm and started sniffing hard, freaking out Eros.

Lele shouts that it is weird, for even if he looks ragged, his body doesn’t have a bad smell. Surprised, Eros quickly says that it is because he just took a bath/wash himself in the park’s comfort room. Lele touching his body says it is weird that he is quite muscular and it doesn’t seem as if he is starving. Eros shouts that it is he is naturally like that and tells her not to keep on doing that. Lele asks what is then with his sunglasses, what are they about. Lele tries to take them off as Eros tries to hold on it, shouting for her not to remove it for he is afraid of the light. Lele doesn’t believe him as she says only a ghost would believe those things he say. Lele pointing to panicky Eros as to what is he hiding, he isn’t really a bum is he. Eros insists that he is a bum just a bit cleaner compared to other bums so please don’t mind me too much. Lele says that she is minding because he is a friend, that is why she is asking. Lele shouts who is he. Eros is a bit nervous. Lele asks if he is some pervert killer so he is afraid of people knowing, and since they met three times already, he should introduce himself to her. Eros thought Wrong, you brat. A bit angry of what Lele thought who he was, Eros thought if I told you I’m a rapist, would she believe it. Eros finally says that his name is Yin. [That means Silver in Chinese and the name that Angus calls him in private] Eros hopes that Lele will be satisfied with this.

Lele is surprised that it is a weird name and asks Grandma if it is some ‘indigenous’ name. Her grandma says it could be because Eros’s [To avoid confusion between Eros and Yin, I’ll stick with Eros as his name in the summary] accent is a bit different. Lele nervously, a bit embarrassed, asks what is his surname. Eros says that he doesn’t know. Lele laughs at this, you don’t know, how could someone not know his own surname. Eros says he doesn’t have one. This surprises Lele then she sadly asks if he is an orphan. This in turn surprises Eros. Eros says that in Taiwan, he doesn’t have a ‘family’. Eros thought that this isn’t really lying. Lele looks a bit teary eyed and hugs Eros, surprising him again. Lele cries that it is because of that, he has become a bum, the parents who abandoned him are so hateful. Eros sweatdrops and tries to comfort her by saying that she shouldn’t pity him for didn’t he tell her that he is a happy bum. Lele shouts that she knows that but him being just alone, he is surely lonely for if he is hurt or sick, who would take care of him. Eros looks a bit surprised by this as he remembers himself when he is young, he is at the hospital calling out for his mother. Lele then has an idea. Lele tells Eros if next time, he is hungry or it is raining, or he has no place to say, he should go to their house. Eros is shock as he shouts aren’t they afraid of the possibility he is a bad person. Lele asks Grandma if it is okay. Grandma says adding one more person to eat is okay, it isn’t a problem for isn’t he Lele’s friend so Eros is most welcome. Eros is surprised by this as Lele is smiling.

While eating dinner, Eros and Lele eat fast as Lele is a bit angry that Eros ate her chicken leg. Lele shouts why did he took her chicken, no-manners guy. Eros says that being a bum, he doesn’t have to have manners. Grandma happily looks at them as she take some of the plates to the sink. Later on, the two are playing arm wrestle as Lele tries to pull down Eros’ arm. Eros laughs at her saying that is that all she can do, she needs to drink more milk. Eros then wins as Lele is frustrated over her lost. Then, Eros sees a poster of Lele’s mother and pictures of her parents. Eros asks if this is the famous model mother she is talking about, her parents are really beautiful people. Lele says they are but too bad that they are ‘young but die young’ people since they are called by God early and it is when she is around two years old. Eros remembers what Lele said earlier about being alone and his parents are hateful for abandoning him. Eros asks if Lele is lonely since her parents are no longer around. Lele smiles and says that she isn’t because she has Grandma for Grandma gave her the ‘world’s most satisfying love’ so she isn’t lonely. Eros looks a bit surprised by this as Grandma is holding a camera and noticed them talking. Eros thought, satisfying love. Lele goes to Grandma and hugs her as they say they love each other. Eros is surprised what is this – world’s grandparent love. Lele notices that Grandma is holding a camera and asks if Grandma is taking stolen pictures. Grandma says she is for she is really helping Lele regarding her homework. Eros perks up and asks what stolen pictures, can he see it. Lele quickly grabs the camera saying don’t even think about it. Grandma explains to Eros about taking candid shots of Lele that can be used for Lele’s modeling training. Eros says is that so.

Lele looks at what Grandma took picture of from the camera and she is angry that Grandma took a picture of her gluttonously eating rice. Lele whines how could Grandma take such a picture of her for how could she face people if that is shown to others. Lele sits on the sofa while holding her bunny stuffed toy. Grandma asks isn’t this the kind of pictures she should take for her aunt said to take pictures when Lele doesn’t notice that her picture is taken. Eros looks at it and says is that so, he thinks that it has indeed captured Lele’s nature and Grandma is really good. Eros teasingly sticks his tongue out to Lele to taunt her as Lele quickly looks away, irritated. Eros is laughing at her as he says that it seems that her road to become a famous model is quite a bumpy one. Lele hears this and tosses her bunny at Eros, shouting, die you ‘stinky’ bum. Eros who kept on laughing as he says didn’t she just tell him that he doesn’t stink. Later on, looking at Lele’s mother’s pictures, Eros tells Lele that her mother is really good for the just looking at her, she looks quite ‘inviting’. Eros looks back and notices that Lele is not listening as she is engrossed watching the television while eating something. She is doing all sorts of poses unconsciously that Eros takes her pictures using the camera that Grandma left on the sofa.

Then, Grandma notices that the rain has stopped. Lele has fallen asleep on the sofa while watching the television. Grandma tries to wake up Lele but Lele won’t wake up. Grandma is troubled for Lele tend to sleep deeply and can’t be waken up. Grandma laments that Lele doesn’t listen for she always does it and she might catch cold. Eros volunteers to carry Lele to her room. Eros starts to carry Lele. Grandma tells him that her room is on the second floor. Just then, Lele moves her arm and removes Eros’ sunglasses. He turns around and Grandma realizes who he was. She is about to say who he is but he points his finger on his mouth ‘keep it a secret’ Eros tells her he is asking her a favor [to keep it a secret]. Grandma smiles and says no wonder he is called ‘Yin’. Pointing her finger on her mouth, Grandma tells him not to worry, she will keep it a secret. Eros then puts the sleeping Lele on the bed. He then notices the posters of Angus ‘like a bird’ poses on the wall and left the room. Lele slept quite deeply that night that there wasn’t a chance for her to say goodbye to her bum friend. She didn’t know that it will be the last time they will ever meet.

For me, this is the main draw of this series – the two lead’s chemistry and how they interact. It is really funny and amusing. And, this is a guy whom she met only three times. I think Lele hit a chord on Eros when she mentioned about him being an orphan. From the previous part, it is mentioned that both twins are nationalities of two different countries so I’m guessing that the two got adopted separately and iirc, Angus mentioned of finding each other only somewhat recently. Obviously something happened to Eros that he would be playing bum and is a bit distant/secretive with Angus. I think Eros really appreciate Lele and Grandma’ gesture of inviting him to their house and he quickly warms up to them that he is actually teasing Lele, etc. It is also vice-versa so I guess that is why Lele and Grandma presumed that Eros is not a bad person especially since he cooked for them. Hehehe And since Grandma knows who he really is, she is pretty much rest assured that he won’t do anything ‘bad’ to them. ^_^

Word of the day:
God has conferred on motherhood, a true nobility, And she who gladly fills that role can shape man's destiny. ~ D. De Haan from Our Daily Bread

The One [Volume 2 - Part 1 of 4]
Thursday, May 10, 2007 @ 08:51 p.m.

Everyone at the audience looks shock as Lele tripped on her gown and she fell flat on her face at the runway. The crew and staff of the show are panicking but the director says not to mind her and just continue on with the show. Still flat on her face, Lele wishes that she is dead but then, she remembers what Yang Jing told her about her mother who even if she is afraid of horses, she didn’t show it and made it appear as if she is a queen while on the horse. She also remembers that her mother has vomited later on after the shooting. As the audience are still making a commotion, Lele mentally asks for her mother to give her courage. She looks up and to her surprise, a pair of silver eyes are looking at her. It is Eros. Angus is picking up her hat. Lele quickly thought that it is Angus on her poster as Eros just stares at her. Lele quickly looks away and thought that it is just an illusion and she should just stand up and continue walking. Her grandma, aunt and Xiao Qui is mentally encouraging her to do her best. Lele finally manages to stand up while still a bit wobbly. She is really embarrassed as she tries to do her turn while holding the train so that she won’t fall again. But other models are coming out and one of them hits Lele. The other model mentally apologizes to Lele. Lele loses her balance again as she could only cry as she falls again and this time on the audience right on the twins’ lap. Angus is laughing at the scene as the audience are shock.

Just then, Xiao Qui stands up and thought, isn’t that. Angus continues to laugh while Eros manages to suppress his laughter. Lele still lying, is shaking nervously but to her surprise, Eros carries her. Angus calls Lele Cinderella and says that it seems that someone needs to bring her back on stage. This surprises Lele for in front of her another Angus has appeared. Eros carries her back on stage and puts her hat on her head as the women audience blushes over the scene and press people are busy taking pictures. Later on, everyone is celebrating as they get themselves drunk. Lou Shang is busy trying to flirt around with Fei Hong while Yang Jing does some yoga positions and Lele’s grandmother is laughing at him. Xiao Qui says that she is jealous of her. Lele says that it is the brother and not really Angus. Lele says that she can imagine it as Angus. The party ends with Fei Hong punches and kicks Lou Shang away as Yang Jing and Lele’s grandmother look at them while Xiao Qui has fallen asleep on Lele. Lele laments it isn’t really successful for she fell flat on her face, Angus kept laughing at her but it all turned out to be a big media event. It turned out that she is being called as the Gemma Ward [Australian supermodel and actress. She is considered a model of the moment by many fashion insiders and fans alike, with her baby doll-like look inspiring a new craze in fashion. From wiki] of Asia as her pictures are on broadsheets and her entrance to modeling is different from others as there are articles about her and the famous twins.

On the phone, Xiao Qui tells Lele about the twins. The older one is Eros Lanson, American nationality, silver eyes. The younger is Angus Lanson, Sweden nationality, green eyes. They both have the same height and weight, plus black colored hair. Xiao Qui says that it seems that the news/gossip about being Angus with another guy is actually just his brother, Eros and they really look alike that she decided to include him in her fan book. Lele thought honestly she is really surprised to see two Angus Lanson. Lele then realizes that she actually thought that the silver eyed brother is the same as the one on her poster for when she saw Angus, there is no feeling or anything unlike with the brother. Lele just assumes that maybe it is because that the poster is in black and white that the eyes seem colored silver. At her aunt’s place, Fei Hong laughs that Lele is being compared to Gemma Ward and she looks at Lele’s face and says that it is possible since she looks a bit like a doll. Her aunt thinks that this can help Lele’s popularity and since a lot of famous magazines wanted to use her, they need to prepare so within a year, she would want to make Lele be in all major/famous magazines. Lou Shang does some yoga on Lele and she is in a really twisted position as Lele cries in pain. Her aunt looks at her and sweatdrops, saying that pose won’t do at all. Lou Shang tells Fei Hong to relax and leave it to him. Soon, Lele’s life has changed as there are many offers and she is swamped by a sea of work. She then does a certain costume photo shoot as her aunt’s plan is to make it appear like she is a doll and this way, people will be attracted to her. It is like a dream that she doesn’t have time to reflect about things.

At the park, Eros is sleeping at the bench again as a bum while Lele’s grandmother passes by as she carries a lot of groceries. Her grandmother trips and sends her groceries flying all over the place. An apple then hits Eros’ head. Hurting her ankle, her grandmother looks around for anyone to help her but there were none. She then looks at Eros still sleeping on the bench. Her grandmother gets her umbrella and start poking it on Eros that Eros wakes up. Grandma asks Eros if she would help her. A bit groggy, Eros points to himself if she is talking to him. Grandma continues that since she hurt her foot, so could help her go to her house and it is just nearby. Eros then looks shock still pointing to himself as if saying, who me. In Lele’s house, Grandma is sitting on the sofa with her foot bandaged while orders Eros around as to where to put the groceries. She sighs that she is really useless for being old already. Eros can’t help it but help her put away the groceries. After finishing the chores, he tells Grandma that if she doesn’t have anything else for him to do, he is leaving. Grandma says but it is raining outside. Grandma suggests that he eats there for a while before going but he will be the one who will be cooking. Eros is surprised-dismayed by this. Just then, Lele comes back shouting that she is back as Eros is busy chopping some vegetables. Not looking who is chopping, Lele quickly hugs Eros from the back. Lele only realizes that it isn’t Grandma when Grandma calls out from behind if she is home. Lele looks at who she is hugging as Eros looks back as to who is hugging him while holding a daikon/white raddish and a knife on the other hand. The two are shock to see each other as both screams, what, you again?!

See, the theme of this love story is fate/destiny? Well, Lele made an unforgettable debut and even if it is embarrassing, her presence before the fall and the twins helping her up has made her famous. She is on her way to becoming famous as a model. I’m amused that her grandma trips and hits Eros with an apple accidentally. Lele’s are oranges while grandma’s are apples. I guess Eros is being nice that he can’t turn down Grandma’s request and it is a good thing that Eros is that nice type of person or else, inviting a stranger into one’s house and a bum, she might get robbed or taken advantage of. Eros must be dismayed about doing such menial work from his reactions.

Quote of the day:
In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us. ~ Flora Edwards

Papillon -Hana to Chou- [Chapter 9]
Wednesday, May 9, 2007 @ 09:45 p.m.

The title of this chapter is Difficult Problem. Chou is in shock as she finds Kyuu’s room to be really messy as toys are all over the place. Kyuu grabs the two toddlers who were screaming for their mother, by their shirt. He shouts that it is too noisy and that their mother isn’t there so would they please keep quiet. Kyuu looks at Chou to tell her that taking care of kids is really hard work, tiring that you don’t have any breaks, after the hospital incident, she already knows how much her parents really love her, but then, she still doesn’t know the hardship of being a parent and it is only if she is on her mother’s place, as to what her mother has experience then Chou would be a grown up so this is the last test. Kyuu holding one of the toddler to Chou saying she will become a mother. He tosses the kids and a book to Chou as Chou desperately catches them. Kyuu says that for that day, Chou will be their mother and that book is a baby handbook, she can look for things there if she doesn’t know how to do it. Kyuu happily jumps to the sofa, shouting I’m back. Chou is shock and thought, what. She tells Kyuu that she doesn’t have any experience in taking care of babies. Kyuu says it is okay for there is always that first time for everyone. Chou tries to protest when a small container hits her head. She looks back to see one of the toddlers climbing up on the television table. When the kid slips, Chou quickly catches him.

Chou looks back to tell Kyuu that she can’t do it but Kyuu is already fast asleep. Chou is really angry when one of the kids pulls out a paper from a pile of books. The kid falls down and starts crying when all the books and papers got scattered all around. Chou shouted what is it doing when she saw some photos coming out of an envelope. It is pictures of a woman and the two kids. It is the beautiful woman with Kyuu the other day. Then she noticed one picture of the mother and kids with Kyuu. Chou wonders if these two kids are Kyuu’s children. She looks a bit sad at Kyuu who is happily sleeping as she wonders if Kyuu is already married. She is a bit disappointed but didn’t have time to think of it as the kids have started to cry again. Chou tries to play with them with toys. Then, one of the kids is grabbing Chou’s hair. Chou tries to pull her hair as she shouts for the other to not eat the money and coins, they aren’t food. Chou is holding one of the kids and looks at some baby milk formula, bottles and baby food wondering if they should be drinking milk or eating cereal. While doing all this, Chou thought, what does he mean being a mother, it is more like being a babysitter, why didn’t he just say so. He doesn’t want to be with the kids, and called me to take care of them on a free day, to take care of these alien monsters. Chou sees them as little lizard aliens ala Godzilla.

While holding a bowl of baby food, Chou thought that she can’t bear it any more as they won’t stop crying. Chou asks them aren’t they hungry, why is it. Then Chou smells a foul odor. She thought, could it be that the kid has defecated. Chou cries as to why does she have to do this while change the diapers. The kid cries and keeps on moving that the baby food got thrown on Chou and her dress. Chou is shock as the kid escapes from her. The kids then started to eat and put the food on their faces, basically playing with it. Chou snapped as she shouted for them to stop messing things up and just keep quiet. The kids is shock by this outburst that they started crying. Chou is shock at herself to have shouted such words that she tries to apologize to them. It is no use so she tries to wake up Kyuu but she can’t wake him up. Chou is already in tears as she is frustrated and she covers her ears thinking, why don’t they stop crying, stop crying, for she would also want to cry. Then, she imagines her mother in that same position before. Chou decides to call her mother on the phone. Her mother answers and asks why is Chou crying. Chou asks her mother to help her.

While eating at a hamburger fastfood joint, Kana loudly says that it is really weird. Ryuusei asks if the taste is weird. Kana says she isn’t referring to that, but her mother and Chou, after the car accident, they are a bit weird. Ryuusei is surprised to know that there was a car accident. Kana tells him that because of saving Chou, her mother has a slight injury and after they got out of the hospital, their relationship has changed and even her father’s. A scene of Kana from behind, looking at Chou and her mother happily washing the dishes. Kana continues that at the start, she thought that Chou is just trying to be strong and smiling, since Ryuusei stood her up, she thought that Chou should be sad but it seems that she really doesn’t mind. Ryuusei looks a bit surprised by what Kana said. Kana wonders out loud as to what could have happened, because of the accident, Chou’s character has changed. Meanwhile, at the park, the kids are smiling. On the phone, Chou exclaims that her mother is really great, they really have stopped crying. Her mother has earlier suggested that Chou take the kids outside for kids usually stop crying if they go outside. Her mother tells Chou that there are times when babies need a change of environment and if they notice other things, it will be okay. Chou says that she now understands and thanks her mother. Her mother comments that when babies cry it is quite problematic/trying to figure out why. Chou agrees for she is almost gives up and haven’t thought that it is really tiring, not knowing why they are crying and not knowing how to feel about it. Chou tells her mother that now she understands why her mother has depression, it is really hardwork. Her mother seems happy to hear that.

Later on, Chou starts to play with the kids by using leaves. She sits with her back at them saying can’t see me, can’t see me. Then, she turns around with leaves on her hair like ears with a funny face shouts Ah! The kids kept on laughing at her as Chou is happy that it is a success. She thought that it seems that they like that kind of game. She does it again with more leaves as her mouth and hands and the kids are laughing. As Chou puts them on the stroller to go back to Kyuu’s place, she then remembers that she doesn’t know the names of the kids. She asks, what should I call you – then she realizes that they are fast asleep. Chou thought that they looks really cute. When she arrived at Kyuu’s house, she is dismayed that Kyuu is still sleeping. She lays the kids to sleep and covers them with a blanket on their stomach. After a sigh, she then angrily looks at sleeping Kyuu. She tosses a toy on his face, thinking, it turns out you’re still sleeping. Kyuu then rolls over and angrily looks at Kyuu. Kyuu walks to her as Chou tries to apologize. To Chou’s shock, Kyuu promptly sleeps on her lap. Blushing, she tries to push him away but Kyuu clings on her. Looking at the kids, she wonders if later on, she will have a family like that.

Kyuu then rubs her bottom which made Chou furious and she kicks him away shouting that he is a perverted old man. Kyuu hits the sofa and wakes up. Rubbing his head, he says that hurts and asks Chou what is she doing there. Chou angrily shouts, what, isn’t it you who called me here. Kyuu then wakes up a bit and asks Chou where are her eyeglasses. Chou shouts that it is broken already. Kyuu goofily says is that so. Kyuu then stares at her and goes near her and kept staring. Blushing a bit, Chou shouts what is he doing. Kyuu smiles and says that she has become beautiful. This catches Chou off guard as she blushed over his comment. Kyuu lies down on her lap again saying that it is soft. Chou is flustered. Just then, the door opens. Chou and Kyuu look who it is. It is the beautiful woman who was with Kyuu earlier and it seems that she has gone shopping. The woman is surprised to see them as the two looks in surprise as if they were caught doing something. The woman then angrily shouts, what..what are you doing. Chou is still in shock as Kyuu is also though a bit like he is going to explain something.

I’m still doubtful that they are Kyuu’s children. For someone who knows to lecture Chou about parent love, he sure is a bad father if he is the father of the kids. Could it be that he is one of those people who don’t do what they say. ^^; Also, I think he would be really stupid to ask a high school girl to take care of his ‘kids’ and be caught lying on her lap by his ‘wife’. I’m actually imagining if I were that woman, what would be the first thing I will say. It would be probably who is that woman/girl rather than what are you doing. ^^; I’m sure that Kyuu is going to get it next chapter. Hehehe Being surprised to see Chou, I’m thinking because of lack of sleep and frustration that Kyuu finally thought of a plan to get Chou to babysit the kids for him. ^^; At the rate he is sexually harassing Chou, he might really get himself a nasty reputation. He only gets away with it because Chou likes him. I do wonder if he also does it with other women though. So far, he only seems to tease Chou. Nothing much to say about Chou since she pretty much have recovered already especially now she knows how hard it is to take care of children. Since there is a bit of Kana-Ryuusei scene here, I guess they will be giving troubles to Chou later on. Kana’s comment seems to imply that she would want Chou to be sad after being stood up and isn’t too happy that Chou and her parents has solved their relationship problem. I wonder if Ryuusei sensed that and if this is like Peach girl, he will be going after Chou later on.

Quote of the day:
Don't worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you. ~ Robert Fulghum

Skip Beat! [Chapter 105]
Monday, May 7, 2007 @ 03:54 p.m.

Kyouko looks stunned as she thought..ah, son?..acting as a boy..me?...I’m going to act as this person’s son? Kura asks what is with that expression even if Kyouko is a girl, at work, it doesn’t guarantee that she will only do ‘girl roles’ for in reality, as an example, even a guy can also play an old woman and be famous for it. Age or gender doesn’t matter, she only needs to have keen observation and excellent performance/expression then that will be possible. Right now, what would a 10 year old boy say, she will only needs to display what it is like and observe what is ‘reality’ of it for everything in this world can supply her the things she needs to for acting inspiration so as an actress, she should always observe everything and her surroundings. Kura advices her to use her senses to feel everything and pay attention to everything for there might be a time when she would need that ‘observation’ so it would be best to remember everything. Kyouko looks surprised then raises her hand, asking sensei, I have a question. Kura is a bit surprised that he is now being addressed as a teacher. Kyouko then asks can he tell her what is his son like. Kura angrily asks if Kyouko haven’t been listening to what he just said earlier. Kyouko insists that it isn’t like that but she would like to know something about Kura’s real son as basis for her acting as for any role, there has to be a distinct characteristic. Kyouko tells him that she is content for him to just give her one characteristic and would be enough for her.

Kura finally agrees and tells her that his son is intelligent. To Kyouko’s surprise/dismay, Kura just kept ranting on and on about his son’s characteristics like hardworking, keeps his word, even if he didn’t say it he will do it, he is cute though a bit manly, quite athletic, good at martial arts, his body is quite flexible that even he [Kura] is a bit jealous, he can be said to be beautiful like a jewel, like his wife, his presence is really something, his wife and son doesn’t seem from this world, etc. Kyouko just looks at him as she can’t stop him from ranting but she is dismayed that he just tells him ambiguous descriptions for she doesn’t understand what he is saying anymore. Kyouko then realizes that this is what they call ‘stupid papa’ who loves their children too much. Kyouko just looks at Kura who is still singing praises about his son that there is a limelight on him as he is standing on the table. Kyouko thought that it is the first time she actually seen such a parent that there is really a parent who kept on talking about his child. Kyouko then remembers her own mother who doesn’t want to touch her and thought that she really doesn’t understand that. Kura is then finally finished with his speech as he tells Kyouko that is his beautiful son and how he remembered him when he is 15 years old and he would like to see what his son is like right now when he is 20 years old. Kyouko looks a bit sad for she thought that Kura’s son has passed away. Kura sadly wonders what has his son become like when he is an adult if he would be more beautiful and he would like to be able to hug him again..Corn. Kyouko is shock and asks if Kura’s son is named Corn. Kura says that for the Japanese, it would sound like Corn but his son’s name is Kuon. Kura even showed Kyouko how it is written in kanji. Kyouko then brightens up as she thought she is mistaken to have thought that the name is the same and of course, it couldn’t be fairy Corn. Kura tells her that starting the next day, she will be Kuon so she should do her best in acting as his son, Kuon.

At Dark Moon set, Kyouko sighs as she still can’t quite figure out what kind of person Kuon is from Kura’s vague descriptions like cute but manly for she can’t imagine what kind of person that would be like. She begins to wonder if such a person really exists for this is from a ‘stupid papa’ point of view so it could be exaggerated. Kyouko then remembers Kura’s description of his wife and son as out of this world. Kyouko then thought of something that if it is not of this world, she does have an idea for she has met one – Corn. Just then, Ren bends down to her asking if she is alright. Kyouko denies there is anything wrong even if Ren asks what is with her expression. Ren asks if something happened while she is at Kura’s. Kyouko asks if Ren knew. Ren tells her he did for Yashiro saw her on tv though only her Love Me outfit. Ren then pulls a chair and sits beside her, thinking that he isn’t convinced with what Lory has told him [that Kyouko is only there to cook for Kura] if she is really just doing that. Kyouko tells him while Kura is in Japan, her main responsibility is to cook for him. Ren asks isn’t it tiring being responsible for cooking. Kyouko is confused. Ren then says that Shuuhei [Kura] is famous for his blackhole stomach. Kyouko thought is that so, it is because Lory has given her the list of things that Kura requested that she didn’t have to investigate about Kura herself. A note says that she begins to take Kura’s advice about observing people. But about it being tiring, Kyouko thought. Kyouko tells Ren that it is interesting that after making the food, it will quickly disappear and earlier after eating a hot pot for 50 people, and even drink up all the remaining soup/stock in it. A scene of Kyouko shock as Kura eats from the pot while a bodyguards help tilt the pan so that Kura can eat it clean.

Kyouko says then at dinner, he says he want some ‘hot fried dumplings’. Ren is speechless as he has this ‘I thought so’ expression. Kyouko says outloud that she plans to make it for 50 people and if there are ingredients like meat, vegetables and soy sauce..would there be leftovers for tomorrow. Ren thought to himself, there will be no leftovers, it will be all eaten up. Ren then says if there are no problems between her and Kura then it is okay, for she looked as if she has something bothering her. Kyouko looks surprised then stares at Ren while Ren is engrossed in thinking what could Lory be planning as he feels that something is up. Ren then notices Kyouko’s ‘wanting to ask/tell him something’ look. Ren asks, eh. This shocks Kyouko with a scared look ask, ah. Ren asks what is it. Kyouko asks what does he mean. Ren says that she just had an expression of wanting to tell him something. This surprises Kyouko as she denies having such a reaction. Ren says she has, it is a wanting to ask for his help kind of look. Shaking her head, Kyouko denies that she has that expression. Ren thought that something is indeed up. Just then, a staff calls for Kyouko that it is already her part. Kyouko is still shaking her head and now, is also moving her hands that she can depend on them, denying that she has something to ask of him, she really isn’t troubled by anything, really, really. She kept on denying as she left that it made Ren more suspicious that something is indeed up.

At the dressing room, Kyouko is a bit in a depressed mood as she thought that she acted too strange especially how she escaped from Ren. She mentally apologizes to Ren. She thought that she wanted to ask for Ren’s help since she still haven’t thought of how to act out Kuon but she can’t for this is role that is Kura’s homework for her to improve her acting skills. Kyouko told herself that she must depend on her own for this one unlike for the Mio role, wherein she has to depend on Ren. She then remembers Ren asking her what does she imagine Mio’s surroundings to be like. Kyouko then realizes that is right, surroundings, he must talk in English since he grew up in the US. Kyouko then berates herself for realizing this only now for it is obvious that Kura will be talking in English while in the US and he gives the name as ‘Kuon’ because he is in Japan. Kyouko sighs and blushes a bit as it seems that Ren has ‘saved/helped’ her again. She then remembers Ren asking her what would be Mio’s character, if she were Mio, what would she be saying. Kyouko then started to visualize from Kuon’s descriptions. Intelligent and cute = nerdy guy = speaking in English,..Good..good afternoon, I..I’m Kuon..and..my friend a lost bird as Kyouko holds a stuffed toy of Bou. She then realizes that Kura also said, manly and athletic. She goes into playboy mode in tennis outfit = Hi! I’m Kuon! Nice to meet you! Baby! She then realizes Kura mentioned martial arts. She goes into a jock mode with dumbbells, Hi! This is Kuon! Things that I like are friends, victory and strength. Kyouko drops her imaginary dumbbells and becomes all gloomy thinking it can’t be like this. She is back to thinking in Japanese.

Kyouko remembers other Kura’s description about Kuon being flexible and being like a jewel. She remembers Corn flipping into the air and when she first met Corn. She wonders about acting as Corn would be like the boy Kuon would be. Kyouko is amused at how a human and a fairy could be alike even their names though she wonders if Kuon would be as beautiful as Corn since Kura might be exaggerating as a ‘stupid papa’ She doesn’t think she can be anywhere near Corn but she will try it anyway, she then goes to fix her hair while looking at the mirror. Flashback: at that forest near a stream/river where they met, young Kyouko says, I’m called Kyouko! Nice to meet you!! What about you!? Mr. Fairy. What is your name!? All sparkling, Kyouko looks at Corn. Corn looks at her and then smiles. End flashback. Kyouko acting as Corn says, ..hi, Kyouko, my name is Corn. She can act as Kuon. Kyouko then looks surprised as she remembers something. She looks at the mirror and says Ah..my name is Kuon!! She then realizes something again that she forgot to say it in English.

It seems that if it is a good chapter, Skip Beat scans come out early..well, the ones done by others and not BW ^^;; It is pretty much confirmed that Ren is indeed Kura’s son. I do wonder if Ren has slipped since I doubt most people would know if a certain actor has a good appetite especially if that person lives in the US. I mean how common knowledge would it be? Because of Kyouko’s actions, Ren would really be more suspicious. It is amusing that Kura might actually get Ren to see him not because of deliberately wanting to get Kyouko to get Ren to see him but more of the indirect and non-deliberate way. Hehe From Tokyo Crazy Paradise, it is a bit evident that the author likes ‘stupid papa’ types. She used this scenario again here. I now understand why Kura would be jealous of Kyouko before. It is like ‘Father of the Bride’ that Ren is paying more attention to the other person and not to the father. I’m amused that Kura haven’t thought of the possibility of Kyouko as daughter-in-law. Hehe Boy, he does eat a lot and I guess that is for comedy purposes and quite a contrast indeed to Ren who doesn’t eat much. Lastly, Kyouko..she is pretty much in denial even if most of what Kura said means Kuon is Corn. I guess she looks devastated/sad before when she misunderstood Kura, thinking that Kura’s son is dead and the name is Corn aside from the fact that Corn isn’t really a fairy. Regarding the former, it would have confirmed what Reino told her about Corn being dead. If she has this much difficulty of believing of the possibility of her fairy prince Corn being Kuon, how much more that Corn and Kuon is actually Ren. I can’t wait to see Kura’s reaction on Kyouko’s version of Kuon. Would Kura wonder how could Kyouko know..did they met each other before? Since Kura said to look for thing around to use as her basis. Oh ya, Kyouko’s imagination of the possible types of Kuon is amusing..those are quite typical stereotypes. Hehe Kyouko is right about the playboy part though as evident from Ren’s flashbacks. =P About being athletic and good at martial arts, that could be why Ren is good in fighting. Intelligent is this being able to think out things far ahead and being able to easily trick people especially Kyouko. =P Actually, it would be hilarious if Ren saw Kyouko acting him when he is young. I would want to see how Ren would react to that.

Quote of the day:
It is a wise father that knows his own child. ~ William Shakespeare

Vampire Knight [Chapter 28]
Saturday, May 5, 2007 @ 10:46 p.m.

[Hehe, this took longer than I thought it would. Ya, I actually planned to upload this up yesterday but by last night, I'm still at page 10 ^^; Anyway, it seems that the story is going to focus on Kaname. The title is Kuran’s family. The cover is of young Kuran surrounded by the young Ichijou, Aidou, Kain and Ruka.]

A train stops at a station. Aidou and others first comes out then, Kuran and Seiren who seems to be carrying Kuran’s luggage ^^; Some onlookers then kept on looking at Kuran. Aidou noticing this says that even if they have a lot of free time, isn’t it better to ride a car. Kuran says even if everyone is looking, they shouldn’t look back. Ruka says that ordinary people kept on looking at them from a far distance. Ichijou then wonders could it be that Kaname is like this in school, and that among humans, he probably wanted to be thought of as a ‘beautiful on the outside but really is a ferocious creature’ Ruka calls out Ichijou’s name as if how could Ichijou think of that/is joking around. Rima asks, ferocious creature. Aidou just sweatdrops and asks if Ichijou just said that. Kaname says yes, he feels that Ichijou hits the bull’s eye. Kaname smiles and tells Aidou speaking of that, it is already vacation time so he shouldn’t be to uptight. Aidou says yes. Aidou thought that even if Kaname has said that, he has to work hard on it. It is because of the long vacation, they rode a really fast railway train to reach Aidou’s family villa. Even if the place is really far from school but because of the underground famous world railway, it didn’t seem to be that far away. Holding a small lantern, an old man, probably the villa’s caretaker/butler welcomes them as they came far away. Aidou then whispers to the butler if he told his father that he will be staying at Rima’s house. The butler gives him a thumbs up as he assures him thathe haven’t forgotten about this so they all can spend their vacation peacefully. Ichijou then tells someone where to put the luggages.

Later on, Ichijou tells the others that if they have an opportunity, how about they all sleep together. Ruka sweatdrops and says if her grandmother [father side] knows about it, she will be killed. Aidou is leaning on the wall, thinking that Ichijou is saying silly things again. Ichijou then asks Rima if she finds a pillow fight interesting. Rima asks how it is done/played. Aidou then thought Ichijou Takuma is the grandson of that freak Ichiou who is the care taker/supervisor of the nobles. Aidou sighs and comments that it is because Ichijou’s grandfather is so bothersome that it would seem that Kaname has runaway from home. Ichijou nervously denies it. At the door, Kaname is all gloomy as he apologizes to Aidou for always making Aidou bother with him, who has no place to stay. Aidou is shock that Kaname is there and he says that isn’t what he meant. Ichijou hugs Kaname saying that Aidou is really mean. Kaname says that Aidou meant that Ichijou’s grandfather makes him [Kaname] unhappy. Ichijou says that it is also because of this reason that he doesn’t want to see his grandfather. Holding on Ichijou who is looking back at Aidou to make him guilty, Kaname sadly says it seems that they don’t have a reason to ask him [Aidou] to shelter them. Cornered, Aidou then shouted that the two of them are richer than his family. Rima says that it seems that this is also the scene last year. Kain sweatdrops and that this has been done ever since before, that it has become the norm. Ruka laments that even if that they are in that place, if those two keeps up with that the patronage joke/game like before, Aidou might not grow up.

Aidou is resting on the wall as if exhausted as the two left then hastily retreat. Aidou thought about not growing up, he knows about that for ever since the first time he met Kaname, he has grown up only a bit. Note says, Aidou is at the age for what humans would say he looks four years old. Flashback: Aidou is smiling as he is flipping through a book while some girls [his sisters?] are praising Aidou for being intelligent while another says Aidou’s expression is really cute. The butler then calls out to them saying that their break is over, the etiquette teacher is telling them to hurry back. The girls says they will go. After they left, the bulter asks Aidou if he is studying and that Aidou gives him a sense of pride as his master [Aidou’s father] has said that he is really thankful for the heavens that he has such an excellent son. Aidou blushes and is happy to hear that. In the world of vampires, famous noble Aidou family has been waiting for an eldest son. That time, I am filled with confidence for I’m the world’s cutest and smartest kid. While reading a book, someone is knocking at the door. Aidou says to come in. It is Kaname who says anoh, I felt a child’s presence so I want to check it out, are you this family’s child? Aidou just looks at him. The first time I saw him, I realize at once that he is a ‘different existence’. Aidou then came to his senses and shouts who is he, coming in abruptly is quite rude. Kaname is about to say who he is when an older man, Aidou’s father, came in with some few adults. Aidou’s father calls out to Kaname as Kaname-sama and asks Kaname to wait for them a bit as they will show him around. Kaname apologizes for going about alone. Aidou’s father says it is okay and asks if their family’s Aidou did anything rude. Aidou is about to protest that it is Kaname who is the rude one. Kaname says that he wasn’t, and that in his circle, there are no people around his age. Looking at Aidou, Kaname introduces himself and asks if Aidou wants to be his friend. Aidou then realizes that Kaname is one of those purebloods. Aidou frankly says, I don’t want to. So what if you are a pureblood.

Aidou’s teacher/tutor angrily reprimands Aidou as to how could he say such words that could have had him killed. Looking scared, his teacher says didn’t she taught Aidou and Kain before about class hierarchy and in the vampire world, it is like a food chain, it is scary. A scene of lion after a lamb. Aidou says but he won’t eat teacher’s. With a popped vein and dark mood, she says what she meant is that at the top position are the purebloods and they are terrifying. After calming down a bit, she then goes to explain the origin of that group. A long time ago, human civilization is about to disintegrate, around that time, their forefathers of vampires had appeared and aside from this, a unsimilar to human’s blood hybrid that separates is called the pureblood. Later on, there is a great decline of purebloods, do they know why, the teacher asked. Kain answers that it is because of the fight to become king. The teacher says that is correct, and the one who gets that position is the Kuran family. Aidou is surprised about this and comments that it seems that guy [Kaname] is really a high noble, he can’t see that [from Kaname’s appearance], he really doesn’t see that. His teacher sighs and a bit angry/disappointed as she holds her head and says but, because of that, the former generation of the king is of the Kuran family. There are people who does not like the power to be centralized so the monarchy system is abolished and so now, vampire society has become governed by the upper house/council of ancients. Kain says so currently there are no king anymore. Aidou says it seems their power isn’t strong enough so they aren’t really great at all. Their teacher looks at them and says, the others say that to grasp the power, they made a lot of army troops and it is easy as pie, do they understand this what makes purebloods scary. Kain and Aidou look a bit scared/nervous. [I think what the teacher meant is that they can make humans their ‘slaves’ or army troops by turning them into vampires]

At night, Aidou and Kain are building sand mountains/canyons at a sand box. Ruka asks if it is true that Aidou rejected Kaname’s offer to become friends. Aidou looks surprised. Ruka says that she has heard about it, did he see Kaname. Kain asks outloud why Aidou didn’t tell Ruka about it. Aidou didn’t answer. Ruka asks what kind of person is Kaname. Ruka then starts to narrate about Kaname in adulation that Kaname is really beautiful, quite intelligent, not only kind but is a pureblood of the highest form, he is really extraordinary. Aidou says it is nothing much. Then, Kaname comes by and greets them a good evening. Ruka greets him back. Kaname then asks Aidou if he can disturb Aidou for a moment. Aidou quickly looks away and says that they are investigating a sand problem so he hopes that Kaname doesn’t disturb them. Kaname asks if there is anything he did that is making Aidou unhappy, he would like to apologize, and he would strongly asks the others to let him come back again. Aidou looks a bit surprised and thought, really stupid, when you really didn’t do anything wrong. Aidou then noticed an older guy with glasses in a suit standing near by. Aidou wonders who that is for he isn’t a family servant, and it makes him get irritated just looking at that person. Kaname looks back and asks that guy. Kaname then apologizes and asks Aidou not to mind him. Ruka then asks Kain who is it. Kain says that he thinks it is.. That guy watching over, is it a bodyguard? It makes me feel terrorized but he is really actually nice, nicer than me. Aidou then tells Kaname not to apologize for he hates Kaname. After that, I haven’t seen Kaname again. End flashback.

Sitting at the living room, Ruka and Aidou has a casual conversation about Kaname. Ruka says that ever since Kaname lived in school, even if it is vacation break, he still can’t go back to his own room. Aidou says that he understands what Ruka is thinking, right now, Kaname has everything, even supported by Ichiou and is considered ‘luck/happiness’ of the upper house but..in his own home, he will remember his deceased parents, it must be painful. The next time we meet again is... Flashback: At the time when I’m at the age wherein I can join evening parties. I saw him standing in the middle of vampire gathering. Aidou sees Kaname standing with Ichijou and Ichiou as other vampires gather about offering their condolences to Kaname. They are saying, how sad, it is so regretful, purebloods at the same time, your parents died together, is it suicide. Kaname looks at Aidou. From the time I met him before, something isn’t the same anymore. At the balcony or patio, Aidou offers his condolences to Kaname regarding Kaname’s parents. Kaname says if Aidou has met his parents. Aidou says yes, they are nice people. Kaname looks a bit sad and says that yes, they are really nice. Kaname then asks Aidou if that is all he is going to say so goodbye. Kaname starts to leave when Aidou asks if there are any more painful things. Kaname asks why is Aidou asking that. Aidou looks away and says there is no other reason to it. Why did I just say that? Kaname says, I’m asking you...why?! Aidou gets tense. Am I really a scary person? Aidou says the feeling [from Kaname] has changed.

Kaname pauses and then goes to Aidou to whisper, really, is that so, if you know other things to say then I will think about whether I should kill you or not. Aidou becomes nervous. Kaname then says, I’m joking, just a moment ago, it is a bit boring. Just then Ichiou came in to tell Kaname that there are other guests wanting to see him. Aidou looks surprised. Is he consoling me? Kaname looks back and tells Ichiou that he will immediately go back. Ichiou then notices that Ichiou looks stern and behind Ichiou are some people secretly murmuring to each other. Aidou realizes something that he quickly exclaims if Kaname feels he feels irritated, he should say so. Kaname looks back and asks why does he have to do that. Aidou blushed and shouted that it is because he is Kaname’s friend so he understands. Kaname says didn’t Aidou says he hates him. Aidou shouted that is not true, he just hates himself for not recognizing that he likes him. Aidou then quickly covers his mouth. Kaname slightly smiles at him. At that time, when I saw his smile, I can no longer stop myself, I want to be really become a person who would protect and guard this person. Aidou then shouted that he likes Kaname. But, ever since his parents has passed away, Kaname has already started to change. Really slowly, slowly, like having drank a poison. Even though seems afraid of something, it has become taboo to ask this question, why does Kaname’s gentle-looking parents have committed suicide. End flashback.

Ichijou and Kain is asking absent looking Adiou where is Ruka. Aidou says she went with Rima to look around in the courtyard. Kain says okay then goes out of the room. Ichijou exclaims that if Aidou is being nice, it is really boring. Aidou thought, don’t think of it that way. Ichijou then notices that Kaname is coming in the room and says that it would have been better if they brought Yuuki along, that way, Kaname will also..Ichijou pauses a bit when he sees Kaname..and just say,..see. Kaname sits down as he says it is more relaxing if Yuki isn’t with him. Kaname then looks a bit gloomy and just sits there. Ichijou then says, could it be my fault that Kaname is now in a bad mood, really irritable. Aidou sweatdrops and says that Kaname can hear him. Then, Kaname asks, Aidou...what are you thinking? Aidou looks surprised. Kaname looks at him and says if you still don’t want to say it, then it is okay. The two looks a bit surprised. Aidout thinks for a while and then asks Kaname, who is reading a book, if he can asks a question. Kaname asks what is it. Adiou asks, Kaname’s parents, also the Kuran-sama couple, why did they commit suicide. Ichijou is surprised by the question as Kaname just looks at Adiou. Ichjou smiles and covers Aidou, saying a model student, it will be difficult for Kaname to answer this question. Adiou is saying so... Kaname says that it is okay since you asked it this way, I will sincerely answer it. Pureblood’s lifespan is longer than noble vampires, it isn’t because of disease or accidents that they are killed. Aside from natural death, one can commit suicide. Aidou then says that it doesn’t seem that the Kuran couple are the type to commit suicide. My heart is feeling uneasy, I will definitely protect this person. Kaname says that is true, for his parents are really murdered. Kaname looks a bit sad. Ichijou has a downcast look. Aidou looks a bit determined yet uneasy. It has started Kuran’s family blood stained history.

I find that ‘joke’ they are pulling on Aidou is quite amusing. I’m actually amused that Kaname is actually riding on with Ichijou’s jokes/comments. ^^; I guess Kaname and Ichijou doesn’t like going to their own houses that they always ‘hitch/leech’ on to Aidou to accommodate them. Of course for privacy, Aidou has to keep it from his father else, I’m sure his father would also send Aidou’s sister so that she can ‘get’ Kaname as her husband. Hehehe I guess young Aidou is just jealous of Kaname before that Aidou doesn’t like Kaname. After all he is being praised and everything and then here comes another kid who is far superior and valued than him so it is quite natural to not like the new kid. Unfortunately, Aidou lost a chance to be Kaname’s friend as in really good friend. It does seem that it is the first time for Kaname to have reached out to someone and ask that person to be his friend since I think Ichijou came later when Ichiou took Kaname in as a guardian. Aidou came to want to be Kaname’s friend after Kaname’s parents has died though I think it is somewhat because of pity and maybe it is a bit too late for as Aidou noticed, Kaname has already changed since then. I guess this somewhat confirms that Aidou is indeed spoiled. Ruka is already a fan of Kaname before and the way Kaname treats the others, it seems he is a bit distant from them so I actually didn’t expect them to be childhood friends. It seems that Aidou’s role in this series is important as the author even devote a flashback on how Aidou met Kaname. I think Kaname has also noticed a bit about Aidou’s behavior that he asked Aidou what is he thinking. I think this is about seeing Kaname kill Shizuka. I actually didn’t expect that his parents are also murdered. Is it a pattern? Oh well, at least we know that the three leads in this series are orphans though Yuuki’s isn’t confirmed dead or alive yet. No wonder Kaname is quite sought after, he pretty much has ‘royal’ blood. Hehehe Well, being a royalty means there are some intrigues and quarrels. From Ichijou’s reaction, it seems that he already knows what really happened to Kaname’s parents. It is actually interesting that Kaname stays ‘grounded/humble’ even if he is pretty much praised and everything else by the others. I guess it goes to show that his parents has brought him up well until their death. If there is any enemy that Kaname wanted to use his new powers on, it would probably the one who killed his parents.

Word of the day:
The comfort God has given us He wants us all to share with others who, with broken hearts, are caught in deep despair. ~ Sper

Nana [Chapter 67]
Thursday, May 3, 2007 @ 11:11 p.m.

[Hehehe, I finally finished it. ^_^ *v-sign* Next summary will be Vampire Knight. ^_^]

Blast passes through, problems kept on coming, one’s decision/choice waves into the four directions, it seems that the concert can go on smoothly without a hitch. In waiting room, 1-A, Yasu and Mai are talking about Shin. Yasu says that the apartment is near Aoyama cemetery and it is really near Shin’s house/home. Mai says it is true as they checked the name of the apartment. Yasu doubts if Shin will go to see his father so maybe just to ‘play’ [like he is bored, to do something. ] around. Mai says that Gin is also worried that he asked one of the staff to stay overnight to watch over Shin but she don’t think Shin will go back home since his father is currently abroad the country. Yasu remembers some guy [probably Shin’s father, I don’t recall them meeting before ^^;;] saying he isn’t looking/asking for Shin’s gratitude for take caring of Shin. Yasu and Mai go out of the room as Yasu says he haven’t notice that Shin has been going out except when they separate from each other after a gig, and he wasn’t being mindful about Shin. Mai says that Yasu is just busy worrying about too many things like about the Misuzu and Misato [Nana’s mom and half-sis] thing , and that she always tend to depend on Yasu for such things, she is really stupid. Yasu tells her not to say it that way. Mai says but this is her job as a manager and that she shouldn’t be worrying a band member [Yasu] about things so that he could just concentrate his energy on tomorrow’s concert. Yasu looks at her and says, she is right. Mai smiles.

At the stage, Shin’s manager nervously greet the others and apologizes for being late. Shin is following him from behind. Nana isn’t please as she berates the manager for not doing his job well. Gin talks to Shin if he is feeling okay, he shouldn’t force himself. Shin says he is okay, he is just sleeping lazily/oversleep. Glasses guy [don’t know his position in the band] gets angry and hits Shin on the head. Yasu just sweatdrops through all this and then says, he can’t do it for the more he doesn’t think about it, the more he can’t concentrate, he can’t live a pious life. Nobu wonders what Yasu is saying. Glasses guy then tells the others to start practicing. While they are practicing, Kuwano [jolly guy – I think their producer] is greeted by Gin. Kuwano comments that Nana is sounding good and is in top shape. Gin says that he hopes she didn’t exert too much effort that her voice won’t sound that good at the concert. Kuwano says this is what Nana has long been waiting for – to perform in that large place, so it is okay as long as she is singing happily. Gin says all the other staff are doing their best to have a great performance. After the practice, Mai greeted them for their good work. Nana asks glasses guy if she can do a stage dive [diving/leaping into the audience]. Glasses guy says she can’t. Nobu says even if he says no, it isn’t like they can control themselves from wanting to do it. Yasu says what if the audience didn’t caught them, what would happen to them. Nana says she would want to die that way when she is really feeling great then straight to heaven. Nobu agrees with her. Gin tells Nobu before dying, how about announcing a recording. Nobu says he will and he has already thought of a new music. Nana turns around and asks Mai what is her schedule. Mai smiles and says of course, she has no schedule for Ren is waiting for her. Nana looks surprised then she remembers that Ren has returned. While going up to the apartment, Nana tells herself that it isn’t like she has forgotten it but then, it did slip her mind. Nana is a bit nervous/excited as she wonders how to cope with it on how to greet Ren and it is the same feeling as she is having a Live/concert.

Upon entering, Ren greets her welcome back as he goes back to read his Jump magazine. Nana is speechless then she greets him for his good work and apologizes for being late. She says that she will prepare some dinner. This surprises Ren as Nana puts on her apron. Ren holds Nana saying that it is okay, and wonders if she is really tired that her character change, does she want to see the doctor. Nana blushes and sweatdrops over this. While holding a tomato, she holds a kitchen knife at him saying she is the one hungry, does he want to eat, too. Ren says then they should just order out some food since she is already tired. Nana exclaims that she isn’t tired for she is on a high for Yokohama Arena is huge. Nana then goes singing as she cooks. Ren looks at her then smiles. Nana then comments to Ren that it is hard to sing since England is more humid than Japan as told to her by Hachi. Ren is surprised about it and says that it is the same and it could happen if it is summer but they went there in winter. Nana is surprised about this and realizes that it seems that Hachi has been lied to by Takumi. Ren laughs. Nana then asks why would they do the recording then in England. Ren says because compared to Japan, they can spread their wings further also, it is for Reira. Nana then pauses and asks Ren why is Takumi so considerate to Reira. Ren looks surprised at this then says, it seems that other people also think so. Nana asks him why is he so surprised, it is so obvious, they could have a relationship already, Hachi is really pitiful. Ren then looks a bit sad and says if that is so, don’t she feel that if only those two would get together earlier, things won’t be so troublesome. Nana asks troublesome, what is Ren alluding that to. Ren pauses [I think he is thinking Shin + Reira] and tells Nana it is nothing. He then says he is saying about Hachi that she won’t separate with Nobu. Nana asks him what is he hiding for he is really suspicious, could he be having a relationship with Reira. Ren laments why doesn’t Reira sees him as a man, could it because he isn’t bald. Nana laughs and tells him that serves him right. Ren then asks how is Shin. Nana says that Shin isn’t good, and it seems he isn’t lively – he isn’t himself. Ren then keeps quiet about that as Nana asks if Ren will go to the concert tomorrow so that Shin would be more lively. Ren then looks a bit thoughtful.

In the car, Shin’s manager tells Shin not to oversleep again and that Gin told him to drive Shin directly to his boarding place/dormitory. Shin then looks a bit disturbed when he saw an email on his mobile phone from Layla, title, I’m back. The message reads, Today, I’ve return to Japan, cannot see Shin and cannot assess with other people, I still cannot forget Shin. I cannot let it continue this way, something must be done. I want to talk to Shin, call me. I will be waiting. The message ends there. Shin’s manager is asking if he is listening. Shin then shouts he is being noisy. Shin says that he wants to go home, wouldt it be troublesome not to tell others. His manager says that it will be troublesome if he is late again. Shin says that he knows that and he will be on time tomorrow, can’t he have his own freedom when not working. Shin’s manager relents and that he will pick him up in the morning. Shin looks at his mobile phone again, I will be waiting. Shin asks if the practice will start at noon. His manager says that while everyone haven’t woke up, he should sneakily go back into the dormitory. He asks Shin to think about his situation. Shin looks sad and apologizes. Shin’s manager says it is okay and that everyone is irritable since the staff are overworking. Shin says that even if everyone is working hard, he is only half-hearted in his work. His manager says that Yasu and Nobu has been always goofing around the ladies and it isn’t like they are serious at work. Shin smiles and says that he would then want to make love with Mai. His manager panicks that says that Shin can’t, he will be killed by the boss. This surprises Shin and he asks why. His manager shrugs it off saying that because Mai is an important member of the group and there is no other reason to it. Shin doesn’t seem to believe that.

At the apartment, Nana and Ren are watching tv while eating dinner. Ren then changes the channel to a drama staring Kiyoshi Kou [I’ll just call her Kiyoshi, I think she is the actress that Takumi is going out with] Ren proudly says that she always go to their concerts and she is his fan. Kiyoshi then says, that’s a laugh, I’m just using you. Nana then exclaims that this is the drama that she has been watching every week, she forgot about it. Ren is shock that Nana watches drama. He asks again who is she. Nana sweatdrops and says that it is a drama that Hachi insisted that she watch for it is really interesting and before long, she came to ‘get in the story’. Ren laughs as the drama has ended with a sign, to be continued. Nana says but it is okay for Hachi is recording it. Ren then tells her that she must study for isn’t she going to act in a drama. Nana angrily says who would act. Ren says didn’t he heard that she will definitely act. Nana says it is only Gin saying that and the boss said if she doesn’t want to do it, it is okay. Nana comments that even if that is his appearance, he is quite an okay person. Ren says it is too bad for he would want to see Nana act in a comedy. Nana sweatdrops. Ren then comments that the tamagoyaki [egg omelet sushi] is delicious. Nana asks isn’t it good, Hachi taught her how to make it. Ren says that it does feel like Hachi – soft and cottony. Nana asks is it, is it, like hers. Ren laughs as Nana blushes, looking at him. Nana then prepares the bathtub while Ren is reading Jump. Nana thought that the feeling is good, everything seems peaceful and okay, Ren seems to be happy, too. Nana then asks Ren what is funny. If the feeling is always like this, maybe they can live forever like this. I can intimately meet up with Hachi. Work is moving smoothly with nothing to worry about. There is no problems at all.

Shin passes by the counter as a person greets him. Shin keeps on walking, holding a key. He passes by an older black haired boy. The boy then calls out Shin’s name. Shin then stood there surprised. The boy greets him that it has been a long time, what is a famous guy doing here. Shin just stands there and starts to look nervous as the boy approaches him. The boy then says, I’m asking you what are you doing here, why don’t you study Japanese properly. Shin opens his mouth, wanting to say something but nothing comes out. The boy then looks at him and tells Shin to come get his luggage inside the house for his room is no longer there. Shin looks surprise. The boy smiling a bit and tells Shin that their father changed it into a study room. Shin looks stunned. Nana then narrates that after two months, she is in Ren’s embrace and before she thought that if she died with Ren, she can die content/happy but then like this is also okay, being able to happily live with Ren, sing to my heart’s content – lonely singing up the stage, she won’t regret it, just living is important. Then a scene of Reira putting on a ring on her little finger on her left hand. In Hachi’s place, Hachi made omrice [omelet rice] and salad for breakfast as Takumi is reading the newspaper. Hachi happily tells Takumi that she is coming home late since it is Blast’ Live that night. Takumi asks if she is still angry. Hachi denies it though the ketchup on his omrice shows that Hachi is still angry. Takumi sweatdrops as Hachi touches her belly saying she isn’t angry, right to her baby. Her mobile phone then rings and she learns it is Yasu. Hachi happily greets him and asks if he is finished preparing for the concert. [Seems that she wants to make Takumi jealous] Yasu then asks Hachi if Shin went to her place. This shocks Hachi and says, huh? Yasu is standing in the room with the others. Yuri is clinging on to Nobu. Miu is looking at Shin’s manager.

Reira is sleeping when she woke up by the sound of the mobile phone. She is shock that it is Takumi. She nervously greets hello. From the dining table, Hachi is a bit worried as Takumi is on the phone, asking Reira if she is with Shin. This surprises Reira as she looks pretty shock. Takumi tells her not to hide it, he already knows and if she wants things to be okay, she should tell him the truth. Reira asks how could Takumi know. Takumi asks if Shin is there. Reira shouts that he isn’t, where did he heard it from. Takumi sternly says that just one look and he knows, does she think that he won’t know about it. What Takumi said surprised or made Hachi realize something. Reira is flustered as Takumi says that if Shin is there, tell him to answer the phone. Reira is in tears as she says that Shin isn’t and how could he be there. Takumi then relents and says if that is how it is, then it is okay. Hachi is just standing there. Reira then notices that Takumi has hanged up. She looks at the time, it is 8:27 in the morning of Feb 2. Someone then is ringing the doorbell. She peeks out and quickly opens the door. It is Ren. Reira asks what is it. Ren asks if Shin is there. Reira then gets worried as she asks what is the matter, what happened to Shin. Back to Blast, Shin’s manager is apologizing to Gin. Gin is furious and shouts he doesn’t mind about the past but what is it about not finding Shin anywhere, did he careful search. Just then, Nana with Mai came asking if they found Shin.

At Reira’s room, Ren tells Reira that Shin’s manager said that Shin didn’t appear at the appointed time, doesn’t answer the intercom calls nor his mobile phone. The manager then rang Shin’s house doorbell and it seems like Shin’s brother answered saying that he has met Shin at the floor but Shin didn’t go back home and it seems he doesn’t go home before either. Reira looks a bit sad-worried. Ren asks if there is any place that she could think of that Shin could have gone to. Reira says she does, for Shin said before about living at some apartment. Ren asks who is it. A flashback of angry Shin saying that he has other places to go to, going with other beautiful women, many of them besides Reira. Reira says that she heard that woman has taught Shin how to smoke, drink and other bad vices. Back to Blast again, Yuri says it isn’t a big deal for Shin will definitely just come back. Nobu whines that they can’t wait for that long as it isn’t okay for if they don’t find him soon, they won’t be able to practice. Nana shouts that they have a concert that night. Gin defends Shin saying he is a responsible kid, he won’t just drop work, and don’t compare him to herself. Yuri just looks away, a bit embarrassed. Gin worries as he says that Shin haven’t been eating properly late and could he be in some hospital. Miu says if that is how it is, Shin should have informed them. Yasu says that is true, maybe Shin has overslept in some friend’s house. Nana angrily holds on Yasu’s shirt saying it isn’t friend but girlfriend. Yasu is just speechless as he sweatdrops. Gin is then worries that maybe Shin got into an accident. Miu says if that is how it is, then they would still be informed.

Just then, Gin’s mobile phone rings. It is Shikai [staff member? looks like a yakuza ^^;] Gin is nervous answering it as he is afraid to know what has happened. Nana angrily grabs the phone from Gin as she shouts for him to stop that and just get out. Gin cries to Yasu for comfort as Nana answers the phone. Shikai asks if it is Nana, he then says that they are in big trouble/bad luck. Nana listens intently as Nobu tries to listen in. Nana asks out loud, trouble. Yasu hears this and starts to worry. Shikai then tells Nana that Shin just got arrested by the police. Shikai is standing in a room as Shin’s manager is depress, sitting on the sofa while Mai is in tears. Nana is in shock. The last scene is of Yokohama Arena, posters of Black Stones First Tour Black Spot. Hachi, whenever the end comes, there will be no regrets, have you ever thought that such a day would come?

So much for thinking that learning about Nana’s mother will drive Nana to the edge or finish off Blast, it turned out to be Shin though I somewhat guessed that he has something to do about it earlier. I think it is the end for Blast since getting a member arrested is bad news and on the day of their first major concert. I’m still wondering what kind of offense that got Shin arrested but the closest I can think of is drunk driving or drugs. ^^; I don’t know if he can just bail out of prison so that he can perform but then, I don’t think Shin is in a state that he can still perform. What his brother said must have struck hard on Shin that he pretty much ‘self-destruct’ there when he realizes that he no longer has a home to return to. I kind of think that maybe it is because of Shin’s brother that Shin left home like the way his brother taunts him for not being able to speak Japanese. Racial discrimination? Some people seems to have already noticed his change but then, I guess they are busy with other things that didn’t notice. I’m thinking that he manages to ‘bounce back’ after that with the help of the others and maybe Hachi took him in. Regarding Hachi, I think by that time, she realized how much Takumi ‘knows’ Reira that by just looking at Reira, he knows if she is in love. I feel sorry for Nana that when things are going okay that she starts to think of living – being a wife to Ren and still singing, this happens.

Quote of the day:
You can't fix every problem, but what you can fix, you must. ~ Steve Bono

Ouran High Host Club [Chapter 50]
Tuesday, May 1, 2007 @ 10:42 a.m.

[Hehe, I finished this late last night. I’m going out today with my bro to watch Spiderman 3. Haha, my first movie since what..Star Wars 3 or was it Spiderman 2? Lol Anyway, I just want to say that I’m not sure if I can finish Nana by tomorrow but will see. ^_^ ]

At Ouran High, just after the sports events has ended. Mori has just finished his kendo workout when he sees something jumps into the bushes. In Ouran club, everyone except Tamaki are dressed up in Scottish kilts carrying bagpipes. They welcome the guests as Tamaki is moping at the side, naked. A girl says that there are even bagpipes, Scottish outfits suit them all, it is really great – heart, heart. Another girl asks the twins where is Tamaki, isn’t he going to entertain the guests. The twins laugh and tell them not to wait for Tamaki today. They say that Tamaki will just show his palm, it will make everyone laugh. They tell the girls, ‘Would you like to go with me to the love sumo wresting platform’ ‘Even the most renowned referee won’t be able to judge/arbitrate between us’ No matter what the kind of attire, Tamaki will definitely say that. The twins laugh as Tamaki overhears them. Tamaki is shaking in anger as he asks if they are really happy when someone is in misfortune. Blushing, Tamaki comes out wearing a loin cloth as he shouts that this isn’t a mawashi, sumo wrestler traditional loin cloth, but is just an ordinary loin cloth. The girls blushes and screams as they see him. One girl [I think it is Renge] even takes pictures of Tamaki ^^; as the other girls say they want to take pictures. Still blushing, Tamaki shouts at Kyouya that today’s cosplay is Kyouya’s idea, why is he given a loin cloth when Kyouya himself is wearing the right outfit, is it to make fun of him..it is so obvious that what he is wearing is embarrassing. Kyouya asks, could it be that their king is insecure about his body. Tamaki angrily shouted, what did you say?! Honey then says, isn’t this an agreement, if Tamaki lost to Kyouya, he would wear a loin cloth. Tamaki then remembers this. The twins with the others started murmuring that it seems that Tamaki can’t keep a man’s word/agreement, oh, can’t look at him anymore.

Tamaki is shaking in anger. Haruhi goes to him and is about to say something. When Tamaki sees her, he quickly covers himself in the curtains, embarrassed as he tells Haruhi that it isn’t like that, he isn’t complaining about a man’s agreement. Haruhi gives him something she got from the supermarket. It is a super bouncy ball – gambatte/good luck playing it as written on the tag. Haruhi says she is giving it to him so that he would keep quiet there for he is interfering them from entertaining the guests. The twins or rather Hikaru laughs as Tamaki goes to his corner to play with the ball. Tamaki bounces the ball and it bounces back to him. Tamaki is amazed by its super bounciness that he went out of his corner and happily plays with the ball. ^^;; Tamaki shouts how high can the ball go, that’s super high, I’m going to play with this a bit. The other Ouran members are peeking from the curtain at Tamaki. The twins say that’s good, he is like normal, Tamaki acting stupid. Hikaru then says that it seems that Tamaki haven’t notice their uneasiness. Honey says that he didn’t expect that second year’s school trip will be in France. Kaoru wonders what could have Tamaki’s reaction when it is announced. Kyouya tells them that Tamaki acted calmly for he has more or less aware of it since the place to go to is decided by voting. Flashback: A girl tells Tamaki that their school trip will be in France and she can’t wait to go. Tamaki smiles and says ah, ah, it really makes one excited. End flashback. Kyouya says but, that is the place where Tamaki is born, Tamaki must be guessing that his missing mother would be in France in that corner/place.. Haruhi then says but Tamaki is forbidden by his grandmother to see his mother, what could be Tamaki be feeling right now. Everyone then looks a bit sad about it.

Hikaru then say that for that two weeks before the trip, they won’t say anything that would instigate about Tamaki’s uneasiness, they should act ‘normal’. Honey says, right, act ‘normal’. Normal = bully him, tease him, play with him, be noisy. Kaoru says they must make it that Tamaki won’t mind/think of France, no matter what happen. Beaming with happiness, Tamaki calls out to them to look at the super bouncy ball, it can bounce really high. A note at the side says a boy who is in a loin cloth lively jumping around. Honey shouted for the twins to quick and be ‘normal’. The twins then go to Tamaki saying that Tamaki is so sly, give the ball to them. Tamaki doesn’t want to for it is given to him by Haruhi. The twins say it is okay so just give it to them. While fighting over the ball, the ball fell out of the window as Tamaki shouted ah, the super bouncy ball that Haruhi gave me. The ball then bounces into some bushes. After a while, it bounces out again. Ouran members are already looking out the window. Tamaki wondered out loud that the ball bounce out of the bush. The twins say that the bush couldn’t have made the ball bounce out. To their shock, a lot of sweet potatoes and acorns came out of the bush. A small furry raccoon-like animal came out. Hikaru says it is Haruhi. Haruhi angrily says, ah. Kyouya says that it is a real tanuki. [Tanuki is a raccoon dog, the Chinese translate it either as a leopard cat or civet cat. From the pictures, it look closest to a tanuki so I’m sticking with that one. As to why they associate it with Haruhi, my only guess is from this description from wiki, statues of tanuki can be found outside many Japanese temples and restaurants, especially noodle shops. These statues often wear big, cone-shaped hats and carry bottles of sake in one hand, and a "promissory note" (a bill it never pays) or empty purse in the other hand. Tanuki = poor? ^^;] Mori seems to have recognize it. It then runs away as Hikaru noted. Honey then says that the tanuki has given Tamaki his ball back and some sweet potatoes. Using the curtains to cover himself, Tamaki says that it is really Haruhi’s friend, he must thank it for giving them sweet potatoes. Haruhi angrily says, ah. Mori then tells them that during morning practice, he gave the tanuki his onigiri [rice balls] to it when it is just passing by. Everyone is then shock that it is a return of gratitude. A guy whom a tanuki is paying a debt of gratitude, it is the first time they see it. Mori thought that it is a good thing that the tanuki is still quite active/okay.

So, this thing has happened to keep Tamaki preoccupied. The newspaper then spread the news about the tanuki being grateful to Mori. The girls are ‘fan-girling’ about it while Ritsu thought that Mori is really something. Tamaki tells Mori that is really great, like the story’s grandpa. [No idea what story that is – maybe an old man befriending animals, the closest is Kachi-kachi Yama about a bad tanuki bullying an old couple but with the help of a rabbit, it got punished. One version has the rabbit offering the tanuki an onigiri/riceball.] The twins shout grandpa, like a grandpa. Honey says to give him an autograph. Mori tries to tell them he isn’t like a grandpa. But they didn’t anticipate things to become serious. In third music room, cups, plates and other things have fallen on the floor, broken in pieces. Tamaki exclaimed that someone has intruded Host Club. Everyone is shock while Kyouya looks angry. Kyouya wonders what is the school security has been doing. The cabinet where the porcelain ware are stored is broken into. Honey says could it be the tanuki’s goal is for them to clean the place. Hikaru says that there is even a small mountain of mountain products, there is even acorns. Kaoru looks at the acorn he got from the small mountain of fruits, mushrooms, and sweet potatoes. Honey then says, speaking of that, after morning kendo practice, Mori’s uniform has them, too. A scene of Mori opening his locker to see his shirt on the floor with two acorns and some tanuki footprints. Haruhi says that Mori’s notebook also has those. A scene of Mori surprised to see some acorns on his notebook with footprints.

Tamaki says maybe it wants to leave a sign/signature like seeing an acorn will make you remember me – tanuki. Hikaru says that even if they haven’t seen the tanuki anywhere, isn’t the reaction a bit too rash/violent. Kaoru says that maybe it is shy or it just want to flaunt itself. The three then asks Haruhi if she knows what it is feeling since they [Haruhi and tanuki] are friends. Haruhi darkly answers, sorry, she can’t satisfy everyone’s wish, so could they please be quiet. Haruhi then blushes a bit and says but this morning, when she came to the school, she found underneath her table a lot of chestnuts. She is happy as she can make chestnut rice [chestnuts are boiled together with the rice + seasonings usually made during autumn] that night. Tamaki is happy for Haruhi as she is holding a bag of chestnuts still in their cupules. The twins sweatdrop as they thought so it seems the tanuki considers her as a comrade. Kyouya says that he would be more happy if the ‘debt of gratitude’ is digging out a treasure chest or digging up a hot spring and give it to him. Kyouya is in protecting his investment mode. Flipping open his phone, Kyouya says that the trouble will increase if it keeps on ‘paying the debt of gratitude’ and since it is in that place, he is going to call for his family security to solve his problem. Mori and Tamaki are surprised and worried about that. Tamaki angrily shouts that why is he using violence, Mr. Tanuki just wants to return the favor to Mori, this is a modern fairy tale, a person’s dream. Tamaki is holding a book ‘Kaika Grandpa’ [Kaika is literally Open/Blossoming flower so I’m not sure if it is the same story as I mentioned above] Kyouya sighs and says that he doesn’t understand what is Tamaki saying, how about he [Tamaki] thinking of something [to stop the destruction of things in their club].

Mori says that he has talked to it. The twins asks how could Mori talked to the tanuki. Mori takes out a box and opens it. It is his pet chick. [Ah, it is already in ‘teen’ age I guess ^^; I can’t find the word as to what they call it so I will call its name Chick-chan] Honey happily says if Mori came with, Chick-chan. Chick-chan is happily greeting Mori. A small note says Mori and his pet. Haruhi says that it has grown quite big when it used to be small before. Mori looks at Chick-chan while it is on his hands and says, if it is animals, they can surely communicate with each other. Hikaru says what depending on others. Kaoru says even if Chick-chan and tanuki can communicate with each other, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they understand each other and this is a fact. Honey says that he didn’t thought that Mori is a romantic idealist. Mori and Chick-chan look a bit gloomy as Haruhi tries to comfort him. Tamaki then shouts, no, it is as Mori-sempai said, they can talk to Mr. Tanuki. The twins thought, it seems. They sweatdrop and asks Tamaki how could he talk to the tanuki and even if he can, it won’t be voluntarily. A bit embarrassed and angry, Tamaki shouts that if animal to animal can communicate each other, so can animal to person should also be communicate and if they think about it, from the very start, why would Mr. Tanuki go to Ouran High, why, just because Mori-sempai give him a rice ball, he would give back ‘a debt of gratitude’, it is because Mr. Tanuki is lonely. It is definitely because he is separated from his family and he found himself in this strange place, so because of Mori’s kindness, he feels really happy so it isn’t just a simple catching operation, so they should start the protect Mr. Tanuki, help it return to the wooded forest home plan.

Three days later, the twins calls out to Haruhi who is sitting behind the bushes, waiting for a trap she made. The trap is a small basket with a twig holding it up and some bait underneath. Note says they look for tanuki after school. Kaoru asks Haruhi if the tanuki has pass through. Haruhi says it hasn’t. Hikaru sweatdrops and says that he thought that it will be caught today since Haruhi is the one who put the bait, he feels that it will definitely be caught. Angered, Haruhi coldly says yes, yes because she and it are comrades. Hikaru says that in one week, Tamaki and others are going to France, they had been pretty busy with this tanuki business. Kaoru says that is true, but in this way, they won’t know what is Tamaki thinking about. Looking a bit sad and far away, Haruhi says that before what Tamaki said she feels as if Tamaki is talking about himself. Tamaki saying about Mr. Tanuki is lonely, separated from family and now in a strange place. Hikaru says yes as he looks at Haruhi while Kaoru looks a bit sad. Haruhi says that Tamaki sempai surely has a lot of lonely memories... Tamaki sempai.. Hikaru doesn’t say anything but still looking at Haruhi who still has that distant sad look on her face. Flashback of Tamaki saying to them to help Mr. Tanuki return to the forest where it is born. Haruhi says..[Tamaki] wishes to go back to France one day. Hikaru quickly stands up and leaves as he calls out to Kaoru that they should go look at another place for the three of them staying there nothing can happen. This surprises Kaoru as he quickly tells Haruhi to see each other again later, and if it rains, she should go to back in the clubroom. Haruhi smiles and says she will.

Trying to catch up with Hikaru, Kaoru calls for him to wait for Hikaru is walking too fast. Then the rain starts to fall. Kaoru tells Hikaru that it is raining, let’s talk about it in the clubroom. Hikaru angrily says that Haruhi lately has only been thinking of Tamaki, even if he is also like Tamaki and is worried about Tamaki, but thinking about it, should it really be like that. They and Tamaki are together longer than Haruhi has. It is because of Tamaki that host club exists today. In anguish, Hikaru says but why is Haruhi..how can I say this, is this the reason why I am angry, I really don’t understand myself...it is enough, I feel tired...why do I have this feeling. Kaoru looks worried and then a bit sad. Kaoru then says, it is because Hikaru likes to look at Haruhi, Hikaru likes Haruhi as a girl, that is why Hikaru is feeling jealous of Tamaki. Hikaru looks at Kaoru, a bit surprised. Tamaki with Kyouya go into the clubroom. Tamaki sneezes and says that he is soaking wet. He asks for a towel. Haruhi then calls out to them as she offers some towel to Tamaki. Honey is already inside eating a cake while Mori, with Chick-chan on his head, is toweling something. Tamaki thanks Haruhi for the towel and asks if she got wet by the rain, too. Haruhi says she did and tells Tamaki to look there. It is the tanuki which Mori is toweling dry. Tamaki goes to it and asks why. Honey says that he is the one who caught it, he used cake to bait it. Mori says it isn’t so for when he returned to the clubroom, he found the tanuki building a small mountain of sweet potatoes, etc on the table and he took that opportunity to grab it.

Mori says that until they can find its home forest, he would like to take care of it. Chick-san is then offering a mushroom to Mr. Tanuki. Tamaki says that is a good idea, isn’t that great, Mr. Tanuki. Haruhi notes that it seems that Chick-san and Mr. Tanuki’s relationship is like being friends. The tanuki and Chick-san clings on to Mori with lots of hearts. Haruhi says that it seems as if Mori is their guardian and it seems that it isn’t a ‘debt of gratitude’ but more of falling for him. Honey then says, that weird, where is Hikaru and Kaoru, he thought that because it is raining, they will come back. Honey wonders what had happened. It is still raining a bit hard outside. While still drying up, Tamaki calls Kyouya and tells him to keep this thing a secret from others for he doesn’t want to worry the others. Kyouya says that at this time, he feels that it is okay to make them a little worried him [Tamaki] but it’s okay, he understands, is it okay if he will just give him [Tamaki] an ornament display of the Eiffel tower as a souvenir. Tamaki laughs and says that Kyouya should bring him back a two meter high tower. Kyouya says, how could I, stupid.

That is quite unexpected as I didn’t expect Tamaki to decide not to go to France though I do understand why he did that. It is much harder to be there and still not be able to see/look for his mother and it is much easier to be not there in the first place. Also, I don’t think Tamaki would enjoy being there since memories of his mother will obviously come up if he is there. Obviously, Kyouya feels sad about it that he is even willing or rather offered to bring back a souvenir for Tamaki. I guess the sports competition has made this two closer that Tamaki tells his plans of not going only to Kyouya. I think the author has chosen not to include Kyouya falling for Haruhi as twins + Tamaki is already complicated as it is. Kaoru has finally told Hikaru why Hikaru is feeling like that. I wonder what other things they have thought since they didn’t went back to the clubroom. I wonder if Hikaru will ask Kaoru, how do you know I feel that way. It is one thing for Kaoru to tell Hikaru that Hikaru has fallen for Haruhi but I think it is a different thing if Kaoru will also say he has also fallen for Haruhi. Honey’s instinct is quite good, I must say, that he felt something has happened. Saying this, things between the twins and Tamaki might not be the same anymore as well as between the twins themselves if Hikaru knows. On the light side, I’m amused that it is only the three of them of kept associating Haruhi with the tanuki. Hehe I’m also amused that they call ‘normal’ is bullying, etc Tamaki and I guess if they were super nice, Tamaki would realize something is wrong. I think the author is quite good to put these things in the chapter which is essentially how Mori gets a new pet. ^_^ I can already imagine what Mori’s future occupation will be. =P

Quote of the day:
Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened. ~ Anatole France

Weekly Jump Update: Bleach, One Piece, Gintama, D. Gray-man and Naruto
Monday, April 30, 2007 @ 12:33 p.m.

The two girl arrancars are shock to see Grimmjow inside Inoue’s room in Bleach [c. 273] Grimmjow says it seems that the two are having fun after sneaking in when Ulquiorra isn’t around. Ponytails shouted what is he doing there but Grimmjow just proceeded to beat the two up even as they protest that Aizen will get back at him. Grimmjow didn’t care for he believes that Aizen doesn’t care about them for small fry like them. After finishing them off, Inoue asks why [he helped her]. Grimmjow says it is in return for healing his left arm. He then grabs Inoue. Puzzled, Inoue asked what is he doing. Grimmjow tells her not to misunderstand for he isn’t there to save her, he is just returning a favor so now, they are even but he needs her to do something for him. Back at Ishida, the other hollows are angrily screaming after Ishida fell down one of them. Grants then shouted for his hollows to shut up as he introduces himself to Ishida. Ishida is relieved that he is only espada 8. Ishida then introduces himself. Grants then is extremely happy to have met someone with bankai and now a quincey and if he is Yammy, he would be shouting Swerte [Spanish word for lucky] right now. Ishida then goes behind Grants and says that he doesn’t know who Yammy is but having to fight a person like him, he also feels really swerte. Ishida then fires his arrow at the surprised Grants. Well, the two girls got what they deserve though it is as I doubted it, Grimmjow actually returning the favor to Inoue. ^^; I guess Grimmjow knows something about gratitude. I’m still sticking the ‘use of Inoue’ to something related to Ichigo like healing him so that Grimmjow would be the one who beat up Ichigo. Grants admitted that he is a weakling so I do wonder if he really gets it since plot-wise, I don’t think there is much use for him. Somehow, I’m wondering if Ichigo and others will end up retreating from the place since obviously they aren’t powerful enough and needs more ‘training/power-up’. I’m thinking that the final battle would be in the human world as Urahara is preparing something there.

Usopp and Chopper tries to stop Laura [the boar zombie] from attacking/killing Nami but Laura finally stops when Nami shouted that she is a guy in One Piece [c. 454]. Laura and Chopper actually believed it ^^;; Nami then befriends Laura even telling her how to get Absalom to sign the seal – do it when Absalom is sleeping/knock unconscious. Nami then asks how can she get back something she has left behind. Laura tells her that all treasures go to Perona’s room. When they saw Absalom coming, Nami tells Laura to go after her man as Nami and others quickly gets away. At the ships, Perona is disappointed that there aren’t much gold/treasures in the Strawhats ship but they took some food and other stuff. Hildon came and asks Perona for three zombies as Moria needs them. Perona asks why. Hildon says that they have caught Luffy and number 900 will be awaken. At Perona’s room, Absalom manages to escape from Laura by turning invisible. Kumancy, Perona’s assistant, tries to tell them that Nami and others are inside him but they won’t listen to him as he is just an ‘underling’. Hildon comes and reports to Absalom and Perona that someone came along with the Strawhats, it is a swordsman ‘Hummer/Hanauta’ [Nose-something] Meanwhile, Monkey spider tries to capture Robin and Franky. Robin manages to distract Monkey spider while Franky attaches his nunchucks [two section staff] into pillars. Franky then uses his new weapon to attack Monkey spider and is winning when Robin got caught by spider mice. It is revealed that they hide underneath the roof and manage to get the other Strawhats secretly this way also their web can’t be easily be removed. Robin apologizes for not paying attention though Franky got caught by Monkey spider’s web. The mice spider says they will now join their comrades when they hear someone singing. They are surprised to see Brook there. Brook says it can’t be helped that they are all there so he is now going to explain about the island. Monkey spider asks how is he and if he is with the Strawhats. Brook says that the fight has already finished when he pulls out a sword from his cane. He then uses a technique that Ryoma did on Nami and others. I have a feeling that Brook will be their next member ^_^ It is established that the zombies somehow steal someone’s powers/techniques including mannerisms but I didn’t expect that person to be moving around like Brook. If the others escape, would it be like they have to fight their ‘clones’? Hehehe Maybe those who steal shadows get their powers ‘copied’, I used to think it is ‘stolen’. Brook might have escaped Thriller Bark before but then realized later on, he can’t go out where there is the sun so he returned back. Nami is also quite intelligent to trick Laura, everything for money ^_^ I wonder if Nami and others will learn more info while hidden inside Kumancy.

On the police car, Gin and company destroys the Kiheitai in bikes as Hijitaka is clinging in fear in Gintama [c. 163]. The Kiheitai people shouted that it is the demon vice commander, Hijitaka. Inside the train, Ito and his men faces Okita. Ito says that even if Hijitaka came, he can’t do anything for he [Ito] is going to make Kondou’s faction disappear. Okita draws his katana saying that the ones who is going to disappear is them, fools. Okita then says something about not seeing the outskirts [I think something that happened before] that they has just joined Ito’s group so as accordance to Shinsengumi rule number 21 on punishment, he is going to get rid of them all up. [There is note to eliminate undesirable people in order to keep the group intact.] Ito says that it seems that Okita doesn’t understand that right now, he is the one in charge and the one who should be eliminated is Okita, Hijita’s way of justice is already obsolete so they, Shinsengumi, would be the ones who would disappear. Ito tells the others to get rid of Okita as he is going to chase after Kondou. Ito then goes on Kawakami’s bike. After he left, Okita tells the ones left that he is going to teach them one last lesson as their troop captain of first division. He says that even when the fight seems to be overwhelming and they are going to get victory, that they are all feeling powerful and coming all together. The enemies then rush onwards to Okita with their katanas to attack them then they all got pushed away by Okita’s attack. Some are even thrown out of the windows. Okita looks a bit crazed with tongue out, he says, they can still be defeated.

Gin then says that things aren’t quite easy as they wonder where is Kondou. Gin tells Hijitaka to think of something as Gin tosses him out of the car. Hijitaka clings on the door for his dear life shouting how could he do it alone. Gin says some joke about doing it alone [I’m not quite sure if it is Dragonball – Yamcha going alone to Nami? To fight – not sure how the Chinese is written for their names] and starts to kick Hijitaka saying that Hijitaka would be okay doing it alone. Just then, some other police cars passes by them. One of the Shinsengumi, a bald guy, asks if Hijitaka is okay. Hijitaka shouted back if he is like that, how could he be okay. Gin says that he is finished babysitting Hijitaka so why don’t they take him back so please take the bill for the time and effort they used to take care of Hijitaka. The bald guy snubs Gin saying how could Ito do such a thing and Hijitaka wasn’t removed, everything would be okay. Gin kept on asking them to take the bill for his services. Bald guy says that they will go after the enemy so Hijitaka should go save the commander. They went pass him as Gin shouts for them to wait for their vice-commander has changed into a strange person, did he hear him, baldie?! Obviously, not. Kondou is still looking out the train as he is in surprise as to why Hijitaka there. He sees Hijitaka inside the police car where Gin and others were. Shinpachi is driving while Gin and Kagura are blasting away the enemies. Kondou cries why is Hijitaka there after how he treated him that way. Kondou is interrupted from his dramatics when Gin blasted the door and Kondou hit his head on the..ah, something structure in the train. Gin or maybe Shinpachi shouted if he is alright as Kagura is saying something about a gorilla’s body would generally be okay. Kondou then stands up shouting at them what did they just say.

After some smart aleck remarks, Kondou asks why did they brought Hijitaka there for they aren’t involve, this is a Shinsengumi battle. Gin says it is this guy’s request. Gin then explains that Hijitaka got a katana that is cursed that he got possessed, he has become an otaku and can’t change back. Kondou is in disbelief then remembers Hijitaka’s strange behavior as of late, could it be because of the cursed katana. Kondou says that even if it is like that, why would they be there. Gin says that Hijitaka told them to help him take care of Shinsengumi. Kondou is stunned. Gin says it is quite troublesome so they thought it would be better for Hijitaka to do it himself. Gin tells Kondou that there job is finished there so why don’t they pay up for the protection fee. Kondou then says that he will give them his savings but he would also ask a favor from them. Kondou smiles and asks them to help Hijitaka escape. This surprises Hijitaka. Kondou says it is his responsibility as to how all of this has happened and he doesn’t want the current Hijitaka to be tormented to come [fight]. Kondou narrates that Hijitaka tries to warn him about Ito but he didn’t listen, and for just a small mistake, he would follow Ito’s words and find fault at Hijitaka. He didn’t even notice that something is already happening to Hijitaka and even if Hijitaka became like that, he still wants to protect Shinsengumi. Being so full of pride and arrogance, Hijitaka even has to ask help from them about Shinsengumi. Kondou bows his head as he apologizes to Hijitaka and to everyone, for he is really a stupid idiot. He asks them to tell/radio the others [enemies, I think] that to quickly withdraw from the battle, Kondou has died in battle, he doesn’t want to see his men to kill each other. Someone then grabs the radio and says that they manage to save Kondou, victory is now in their hands, and now they will avenge those who stain the name of their commander. Kondou looks surprised. Someone shouted who do you think you are talking to. Hijitaka holding the radio says that he is a representative from the moon who is going to annihilate them. [I’m not sure if this is something to do with what Gin said earlier about doing it alone regarding Dragon Ball.] Someone answers back who is talking on the radio, doing that weird acting. Hijitaka shouted that he is Shinsengumi’s vice-captain, Hijitaka Toushirou.

He then throws the radio back to the handle. Hijitaka then starts his little speech. He tells Kondou that while they protect him, Kondou has only one duty to fulfill that he should worry about, and that is to not to die, no matter what happen, he should still live, even if he is disgraced by one member that he wants to die, he should still live on. Because with him, Shinsengumi can still live on for he is the one who can add new members to the group even if he is stupid, so don’t think of any other troublesome things, and doing the things the way he does/that way of life and that is enough. Hijitaka lights his cigarette with his mayo lighter. He then says to Kondou that they will protect him until the end for he is the ‘soul’ of Shinsengumi and they will protect his blade. Kondou is touched as he mutters Hijitaka’s name. Hijitaka says that even a snapped katana can still protect. On the bike, Kawakani and Ito are fast approaching Kondou and others. I think it is Kondou saying that it seems that Hijitaka is determined to see what happened to the end. If he wants a blade, then use this as Kondou hands over a katana, it can cut down the one who is responsible for everything. Still in Gin’s police car, Hijitaka is trying to remove the katana from its scabbard. Gin says what is he dilly dallying there, would he please go out already. Hijitaka still trying to pull out the katana shouted for him to shut up, he has a duty to finish. Hijitaka then breaks the window and goes out on to the car’s trunk. Kawakani and Ito is just behind their police car. Hijitaka then calls out to Gin, saying he has heard about what Gin is saying and even if he is forced to accompany him for half a day, he has something to say to an idiot like him, thank you very much. Hijitaka is still trying to pull out the katana. Gin then asks if Hijitaka is possessed by the katana again, is he Lake Toya’s monster. [There is a note that in 1946 there is some eyewitness that there is a monster in the lake called tossi. It is a pun to Hijitaka’s name, Toushi/Tosi.] Hijitaka says that it is only Shinsengumi vice-commander, Hijitaka Toushirou. Hijitaka finally pulls out the katana from the scabbard. The demon vice-commander has returned.

And it is Hijitaka’s turn to say those nice things to Kondou. I think it is really something, I mean Kondou must be really someone for them to give their lives to him just to keep him alive. I’m guessing that Hijitaka break free from the ‘possession’ when his life mission of protecting Kondou is almost thrown away. It is part of his pride that the one he wants to protect is going to protect him so that is something he can’t accept. Hijitaka is also quite fiercely loyal that even after some misunderstanding and all the happened to him, he is still concerned about the Shinsengumi. Hijitaka and Okita are the type of people who would stick to the ones the want to protect through thick and thin. Kondou also shows what kind of person he is like as he is more concerned over the lives of his men that he would sacrifice himself and he isn’t too proud to admit his mistake even if he is the head of the group. Actually, about rather giving up his life than seeing his men die is somewhat like in Romance of Three Kingdom, a small part that I have recently read. After defeat, to cross the river, many people are having a hard time. The leader wanted to commit suicide for causing such hardships to them but his men told him not to. In the end, they managed to cross the river and the leader is the last one to cross. I thought of this because I remembered from wiki, the real Kondou of Shinsengumi has read Romance of Three Kingdom. Anyway, I guess the next chapter could be the finale of this arc.

Rinali tries to thrash the prison cube with her legs as Chaoji tells her to stop for she is injured in D. Gray-man [c. 116]. Rinali says that she has to do something as she is an exorcist while her comrades are also fighting. While Allen is in the vacuum and before Tiki tries to finish him off, Allen reminds himself the purpose of why he is still living – it isn’t to finish off Noahs but to save humans and akumas. His powering up has been noticed by Komui and others and as it is above 100% synchronization – power equal to become a general. Komui and his assistant thought it could be Allen. It is Allen indeed as he transforms his left arm into a huge sword. First thing that came to my mind is, isn’t that Cloud’s [FF7] sword. Lol Oh well, Kanda already has the katana so the author has to think of something else. I wonder if Allen will get promoted to general after they survive this. I’m hoping that Rinali’s innocence will do something later on as she is becoming determined and desperate.

Sasuke manages to convince Juugo to join him as his team in Naruto [c. 352]. They all joined for different reasons, Juugo to see how powerful Sasuke is as he can suppress Juugo’s urge to kill, Suigetsu to get the sword of Kisame [the shark-looking Akatsuki] and Karin is your basic Sasuke fangirl. Sasuke now gets ready to kill Itachi while Naruto wants to find Itachi so that he can get to Sasuke. In some place, Kisame tells Itachi that it is going to rain and Itachi thinks it is a storm. Somehow, as punishment, I want Karin to end up with Sasuke. =P I wonder if Sasuke will return to the village when he finally kills Itachi. Hopefully, Itachi will put up a better fight than Orochimaru. Actually, if Itachi dies, Naruto as a series might cease to be interesting anymore as the new enemies/Akatsuki won’t be that ‘special’ as him, well, so far. Why does Juugo somehow reminds me of Hidan, art-wise and when he does that deranged laugh. ^^;;

Thought of the day:
The best things in life are never rationed. Friendship, loyalty, love, do not require coupons. ~ Author Unknown

Skip Beat! [Chapter 104]
Saturday, April 28, 2007 @ 04:28 p.m.

[This chapter came out late since the other scanlators didn’t scan it this time so no choice but to wait for BW's release.]

Kyouko is surprised that Shou actually kept his promise that no one would ever defeat him again as she still watches the tv program. The announcer says that the different song releases of Shou all went to top the charts. Kura noticed her watching the program intently that he also watched what it is about. The announcer says that Shou’s songs are even competiting with each other that the top places in the charts are occupied by Shou’s songs. Then, there had a preview of Shou’s song. Kura noticed Kyouko’s reaction is of utter shock as Kyouko realized that this isn’t the same type of songs that Shou used to make. Kura is eating his breakfast as he looks at Kyouko looking at the wall, feeling depressed. A critic on tv then says that Shou’s song is really beautiful as to how it is composed and can move someone. Kyouko goes to a more darker mood because of that. She then remembers Kanae’s statement if she is stuck in that kind of work, it would seem she is losing. Kura holding a bucket of rice calls out to Kyouko that there aren’t any more dishes that can accompany the rice so she better cook some more. Kyouko just gave him a box of seaweed toppings [it is like seaweed and sesame seeds in a box that you put in the rice so that it would be more tasty.] Even though Kura is a bit irritated, he didn’t argue as he obediently ate the rice with the toppings. He just kept on looking at lifeless Kyouko as he feels as if Kyouko became a zombie and wonders what had happened for she was energetic a while ago.

While cutting a large amount of vegetables, Kyouko thought if she should be doing such a thing when Shou challenged her that she will be his only competitor. She thinks that she want to act a different role and even though Sawara told her to think of it first, she would still..[turn it down]. Kura arrives back to see a mountain of vegetables cooking on a small pot. Kura gets angry for the rest of the vegetables won’t be cooked and orders a staff to get a pot which is big enough for 50 people. The guy tells him that it will take time to prepare it and wonders why would Kura need such a huge pot, would the bodyguards eat, too. Kura says that if he wants to eat good food, it would be made well, how can he just idle stand by. A note says that Kura is like a Japanese worker, if he is hungry, his brain doesn’t work well. Kura is wondering where did Kyouko went when he thought she is preparing his lunch. Kura’s stomach is already growling. He is a bit worried about her because she has been acting weird in the morning. Kura then finds Kyouko talking to Sawara on the phone.

Kyouko is telling Sawara that she is going to turn down the roles offered for they are all ‘bullying roles’ for she doesn’t want to be typecasted. Kura then takes her mobile phone and tells Sawara not to listen to what Kyouko is saying for she is losing her mind, just give her some time and when her head is cool off, she will make her decision. Kura turns off the phone and tosses it to Kyouko who looks angry. Kyouko shouted that she isn’t losing her mind. Kura tells her that she is because she is just a new actress and yet she is going to turn down all the roles offered to her as if she is a big star just because she doesn’t find ‘bullying roles’ interesting. Kyouko angrily shouts that he doesn’t understand for she wanted to improve her acting and yet, they all say to do it like what she did as Mio in Dark Moon. Kura tells her how does she expect others to give her other roles when they can only base her acting on what she did in Dark Moon. He says that as an actor, one would want to try different things but she is actually trying to lose it all. If she is told to do it like Mio, why not do it in a different variation of Mio to create a different effect to the audience. Kyouko brighten up a bit as she realizes the sense of what Kura is saying. Kura then challenges her by asking isn’t doing the same role in different variations much difficult than just doing a totally different role. This created an impact on Kyouko as she looked more determined.

While eating his lunch, Kyouko exclaims at Kura as to how is she going to do different bully roles when she is usually the one being bullied. Kyouko then enumerates the different bullying she had received when she is still in school [being snubbed, writings on her table, a flower vase on her table [like she is dead], messing up her things, etc] and she can only use those as her basis of how to portray a bully. Kura is shock by her outburst and confession that he spit out the radish he is eating and it hits his bodyguard’s leg. Kura wipes his mouth as he wonders what is that and he couldn’t believe that Kyouko has such a past. Kura then seems a bit thoughtful for a moment then he snaps out of it when Kyouko calls out to him again. She calls him Mister. Kura says she shouldn’t discuss it with him since she is the actress. Kyouko says that she knows that but she haven’t experience much harsher bullying so she can’t create a much bigger impact than Mio. Kura sighs as he tells her that he doesn’t mean to be meaner than Mio to create an impact. Kyouko is at a loss. Kura says that it seems that Kyouko has to experience something in order to portray it like experience a much harsher bullying so what if the role is something she haven’t seen/experienced before, would she be able to say, sorry, I can’t act that. Kyouko says she won’t be able to say that and then she remembers of Ren helping her with Mio role and she blushed a bit. Kura says that if she can create ‘Mio’ she would be able to do other roles too so she should just use her imagination.

Kyouko goes into a depressed mood as she thought that she can imagine things with Mio since she is a ‘mistress/rich person’ but then, it would be difficult for her if it is just an ordinary person. Kyouko is now on the floor thinking that she can’t do it and wanted to say it, she can’t act. Kyouko started calling Kura as her sensei/teacher in her mind. Kura sighs and says that it seems Kyouko’s talent is not yet that good. Kyouko sits up and wonders if she imagined Kura saying she has talent. Kura then thinks of something then tells Kyouko that he is giving her an assignment which she will do the next day. Kyouko is puzzled by this. Kura tells her to act out for him tomorrow about the role he is going to tell her and she should use her own way to do it. Kyouko wonders why she has to do it. Kura tells her that it will help her imagination and doesn’t she want to improve her acting, so why don’t she try it. Kyouko perk up and looks determined. She asks him what kind of role does he want her to do. Kura smiles and tells her that it will be an unknown role for her. Kura then says, his son.

I guess this is one of those ‘acting’ part of the arcs. I do somewhat understand when one of the BW posters say that Skip Beat! should be read in volumes and not by chapters. It would seem that nothing much happened in this chapter except on improving Kyouko’s acting but as a whole, if reading it per volume, it will be more satisfying like when Kyouko is doing her Mio role. Per chapter, I do find it somewhat boring and slow but when I read it in the volume, it is much better. Kura does seem to eat a lot that it is wonder how he keeps himself trim. Hehehe Shou has reached his peak as his songs are always on top and it did pressure Kyouko to do better or rather make a name for herself asap. Kura seems to quite a nice guy to help out Kyouko even though he plan to make her cry before. I tend to think that making Kyouko ‘closer’ to him would be a much better plan to get Ren to see him rather than making Kyouko cry. But then, after hearing all sorts of Kyouko has experience, I highly doubt that Kura will still have the heart to bully her. ^^; Hopefully, the next chapter will be more eventful as Kyouko tries to do Kura’s assignment on acting as Kura’s son. ^_^ If the theories are right that Kura’s son is Ren, that will be interesting like Kyouko asking about Kura’s son. =P

Edit: I think that this is also Kyouko's 'power up' like in sounen manga. Ren has overcome his acting problem with love scenes. Shou has overcome making only mediocre songs. Both of their 'power ups' are thanks to Kyouko and now, it is Kyouko's turn. ^_^

Word of the day:
Whenever darkness grips your soul and you are tempted to despair, remember Christ's unfailing love, and trust His faithful, tender care. ~ Sper from Our Daily Bread

Blood+ [Chapter 20 - Fin]
Friday, April 27, 2007 @ 05:50 p.m.

The first scene is a hot summer day in Okinawa. Kai looks up and says, it is really hot today. Then, a color spread of all the cast in the series, hanging around at a place. [I kind of think that is Saya’s dream] Back at the stage, Saya screams Diva’s name. Kai and Haji are shock and angry at the scene. I’m not quite sure if Nathan is pulling in or out the sword that he stabbed the two sisters with. Haji quickly tosses his sword at Nathan. Seeing the sword, Nathan quickly jumps away. Diva calls out to Saya who is wincing in pain. Saya is shock when Diva’s arm that she is holding has crystallized and easily breaks off. Saya frantically shouts, no..no, this can’t happen. Diva is surprised by Saya’s reaction. Saya then grabs the sword and tries to pull it into her. Saya says she can’t let this happen to Diva alone, she will accompany her. To Saya’s shock, Diva breaks the sword between them. Diva then thanks Saya. Diva smiles at her and tells Saya to live. This surprises Saya as the cracks has already spread to Diva’s face. Saya can only watch as Diva falls backwards and breaks into many pieces. Saya screams in anger that she quickly grabs her sword and heads out to Nathan who is fighting with Haji. She kept on stabbing at Nathan even if he has already crystallized and died. She only stopped when Haji holds on to her to tell her that he is dead already. Saya is in tears and cries out.

While Saya is holding on to Haji, Kai says just like what Diva said, Saya should live on and he will create a place for them go home to. Saya looks at Kai then around her. Shaking, she then insists that she doesn’t have the right to live. Haji tells Saya that she is just escaping reality. Saya looks at Haji in surprise. Haji tells her that he has been living by following Saya’s wishes but this time, he will disobey her wish. Haji tells her to live on for living, she can atone for her sins. Saya doesn’t say anything. Haji bends and kiss the side of her cheek then they kissed each other in the lips as Saya finally agrees with that. Kai looks away, smiling. They were interrupted when Ansem came in furious at them for they have killed Diva. Ansem rushes to them and tries to attack Saya as Haji blocks Ansem’s attack. David then comes in shouting at Kai as to what is he doing, for the US military plane is already on its way and they should quickly escape. Haji then takes out his knife and slashes Saya’s left shoulder. Saya shouted at him as to what is he doing. Haji then throws Saya to Kai. While holding on to Saya, Kai tells Haji that the military is already there as the place started to vibrate. Haji shouted to Kai that he is leaving Saya to him, to let her be like before, living a world where there is no fighting. Saya then remembers her happier times with Haji. She tries to go to him when he goes to fight Ansem but Kai stops her, saying the place will collapse already. Haji manages to stab Ansem at his chest as he starts to crystallize. Ansem retaliates by shooting Haji with his gun. Both Kai and Saya are shock. Saya calls out to Haji as Haji turns back and smiles at her. The place then is bombed down by some military planes.

In Okinawa, at the Omoro dining bar, Saya is perspiring as she looks up the sky. George calls out to her asking what is she staring up in the sky. He tells her to get things ready for today they are going to celebrate her return and he will make lots of food for her. Saya smiles as Kai looks at them from the door. In a car, looking at them, are Solomon and Van. Van is saying to Solomon isn’t he going in, in that manner – for didn’t Riku invited him. Solomon points out to Saya as Van notices that Saya is holding on to the van to keep herself from falling down. Van asks if it is already time for her hibernation. Solomon whines that mating experiments will be delayed for another 30 years. He then says it is okay since his wound caused by Ansem haven’t healed yet and if it haven’t been for Van, he will be in big trouble. Solomon looks at Van and asks him why did he saved him, is it because his research is ‘using human to become killers of chevaliers’ if that is it, he should have used Riku to get his data. There is a flashback of Riku going to attack Van but corpse corps shielded Van. Van says that corpse corps are finished products and he used all of them up when he tried to escape. Solomon then says he won’t ask questions anymore, anyway, he is bored so he is going to help with Van’s research, since he is going to live a long time anyway.

George then asks for Saya to give him the box. Saya is about to do that when Riku gets it, saying that he will do it. David and others have also arrived. Saya welcomes him back and asks when did he arrive. Riku says that he just arrived along with David and others. Saya laments that she never thought that Riku will join Red Shield. Riku says it is because there are other chiroptera out there so it is troublesome and it can’t be helped because he will be forever 14 years old, so staying there will be quite problematic. This surprises Saya a bit but Riku smiles at her, saying that even so, he is very happy. Riku says just like now, he can come home and see Saya but then, why did Saya live Red Shield. Saya is about to tell him about her hibernation but Julia is calling out to him since clone Karl is biting into her arm. Riku quickly shouts for clone Karl to stop that. He then tries to tell clone Karl not to suck other people. Saya laughs at them. Kai then comes to tell that Riku has come home. Saya says that she knows. Just then, the wind blows. Kai looks at Saya and notices that her hair has grown long so he asks if he can help her cut her hair. Saya looks at the mirror and praises Kai then, says that it is like her haircut from before. That day, George cooks some food, they all eat and talk, George plays his banjo [I don’t think it is a banjo, something like Asian guitar, gomen, lazy to research], David and Lewis having a beer drinking contest and everyone is having a good time. Saya then looks back only to find Haji’s cello case that she stopped smiling and Kai notices this.

That night, Kai finds Saya struggling/breathing hard while holding on to a wired fence. Kai tells her to wait as he is going to call Julia. Saya calls out to him not to go, and not to tell anyone about it. She then asks Kai to bring her to a certain place. Saya and Kai look out to the sea while sitting on Kai’s motorcycle. Saya then looks sad as Kai tells her that guy is definitely still alive. Saya looks at Kai and smiles. Holding on Kai’s sleeve, Saya thanks Kai up to the present, she is able to become Kai’s younger sister, that’s really good. Kai says that she will be forever his younger sister. Kai then notices that Saya is already leaning on him. Kai asks if she is sleepy, it would be better to go to that tomb. Saya says yes but wait a while, she wants to see the sun, she wants to see the sunrise but then, can she sleep for a while. Kai then says, goodnight, Saya as the sun starts to rise. The scene then changes to the present as Kai is driving in his motorcycle. Kai narrates that five years had passed, Saya has already start to sleep again, everyone has already went back to their own lives, and after school, he will go help his father at the store so that when Saya wakes up again, this place will be her home. Kai then stops his motorcycle and drinks some water. He exclaims, 30 years, saying that seems to be quite easy. He then wonders what kind of feeling Haji has during all those times of Saya’s hibernation. As Kai climbs up the tomb where Saya is sleeping, he complains about his father still making Saya’s part of the bento box for he can’t eat all of that. Then, Kai perks up as he sees a rose and the cello’s bow near the tomb. He asks, did that guy came already? The end.

The end is pretty much like in the anime except George, Riku and Solomon lives. I guess what will happen after Saya awakens again is a totally different story. The love rivals for Saya are quickly gotten rid of here. Solomon just wants some mating experiment while Kai only has a sister relationship with Saya. I tend to think that that rose is blue as before, Saya says that she likes that rose to Haji even if she is just trying to make his life miserable before. I think it is somewhat a nicer touch as a blue rose represents Diva and Diva here is obviously way better than the one in the anime. At least, Diva did see that Saya did care about her and is willing to die so that Diva won’t be alone aside from that have no right to live excuse. The way the author did Haji-Saya’s past made me think that they really belong together. In the end, Haji finally say something of what he wants best for Saya even if he goes against her wish. He is really a good ‘husband’ – hehe, supporting when Saya needs it but when Saya’s decision isn’t right, he leads her to the correct path but then, it is a bit thanks to Kai to put some sense into Haji. Overall, I like the manga than the anime especially some of those comedic moments. ^_^ Though there are some really gory scenes in the manga, I think much more than in the anime. There are some things that is changed that is different from the anime and that big chance are some of the characters’ personality especially Diva and Karl. I think that this ending is more satisfying than the anime.

Quote of the day:
Home is not where you live but where they understand you. ~ Christian Morgenstern

Blood+ [Chapter 19]
Thursday, April 26, 2007 @ 12:19 p.m.

As the audience started filling the seats in the Metropolitan Opera, David narrates their plan to kill Diva. The Red Shield including Kai will pretend to be staff people as Diva comes through the door. Solomon and Riku + clone Karl will be waiting above the dressing room and finish off the guards or other companions of Diva. Lastly, Saya and Haji will be waiting inside the dressing room to finish off Diva. Meanwhile, in the car, Nathan drives as Ansem tells Diva that tonight, the world will hear Diva’s singing and they have waited for a long time for this. Nathan asks Diva what is she feeling about it that her goal is about to be achieved. Diva says that it is the first time she is feeling this kind of feeling. Nathan says but of course, that is how it should be. Diva says that it isn’t the same as before, for before, she always think about Saya and her heart feels warm. Nathan is a bit surprised that Diva is actually saying about her feeling of meeting Saya again. Diva clutching her chest and says but now..She calls out to Ansem that she wants to kill Saya, she doesn’t want this feeling for thinking of Saya, hurts her chest. She remembers Saya trying to kill her. Diva says if she continues to have this feeling, it would be much better if Saya disappears. Ansem smiles when he heard this. Nathan tells her that if she tries to kill Saya, she will also be in danger. Diva gets angry and asks Nathan if he doesn’t care that she has become like that and when he is revived, he didn’t even try to see her. Nathan looks a bit scared as he says that it is because he is busy preparing for the concert. Diva shouted that she doesn’t want to hear his excuses, it doesn’t matter, she doesn’t need Nathan. Nathan then remembers Diva ‘killing’ him before. Ansem tells Diva that is enough for the Opera is just up ahead.

David then tells Kai that Diva and others have arrived. Kai sees Diva being helped by Ansem to get out of the car. Kai thought, that is Diva, Saya’s younger sister. Kai prepares his gun as he thought, Saya, about wanting to do that stupid suicide thing, I won’t let you do it. Above the dressing room, Solomon tells Riku that he has already explained it properly and the rest is up to him. Riku tells Solomon that he didn’t came there with the plan to kill but for Saya, he will save Diva. Solomon says, really, good luck then. Riku is surprised by Solomon’s reaction. Solomon tells him that there is something he haven’t told him. He points to clone Karl and tells him that he [clone Karl] isn’t the only one that has been made. Solomon says that Diva has arrived as they saw Diva underneath them. Solomon points out the corpse corps behind Diva, there are many of them. Riku asks if all of those are the same as this one, clone Karl. Inside the dressing room, Saya greets Diva that it has been a long time. Diva pulls out her sword and says that it seems Saya’s desire to kill her haven’t changed. Saya says of course. Diva looks evilly and says, Saya is really a troublesome person. Saya is surprised by this as Diva goes to attack her. Saya manages to block Diva’s sword. Haji wants to help but Saya tells him to stay away. Saya then sees a ring on Diva’s finger and realized that she isn’t fighting with Diva. Diva smiles and transforms into Ansem. Meanwhile, Diva steps out on the stage. Diva remembers what Ansem tells her that it is better for her to sing first before killing Saya since making Saya’s important people into chiroptera, in that way, she will be able to give Saya more pain than Saya had caused her. Diva starts to sing.

At the dressing room, Saya tries to get out of the room as she hears Diva’s singing. Her path is blocked by corpse corps. David and others came as they shot the corpse corps. David tells Saya to quickly go to the stage and leave everything there to them. Saya with Haji then leaves. Ansem tries to chase after them but Solomon stops him by slicing off his arm. Solomon says that he always has been thinking that if Ansem disappears, Diva will be dancing in his tune. Ansem’s arm starts to heal as he angrily looks at Solomon. Riku quickly jumps down and thought that he won’t be able to save Diva if Saya has gone ahead. Just then, Van greets Riku. Riku recognizes him as the one in Karl’s place before. Riku asks if he is the one who made the corpse corps. Van says that they are their valuable ‘products’. This irked Riku who asks Van why did he do such a thing to Karl. Van says isn’t it obvious, this way is much easier to tame a lonely kid. This made Riku angry as he transforms his hand, ready to attack as he says he can’t forgive Van. Kai then sees Saya running towards the stage as he shouts for her to wait and what about that dying together with Diva. Saya then pulls away her hand from Kai which Kai tries to grab. This surprises Kai as Haji holds Kai’s shoulder and chases after Saya. Saya then holds out her hand to Haji as Haji grabs it while they go to the stage. Kai just looks at them and thought, she didn’t even look at my way. At the stage, Saya is shock to see that all the audience has become chiropteras. Diva laughs a bit with tears in her eyes, tells Saya that is such a nice reaction.

Some scientists then realize that a lot of people has changed into chiroptera and the center is at Lincoln Center where Metropolitan Opera is located. Saya bloodied her sword as she tells Haji to take care of Diva’s chevalier. Diva tells Nathan not to do any foolish thing as Nathan is still haunted by his almost death in the hands of Diva. Haji and Nathan goes elsewhere to fight as Nathan tells Haji not to have such a scary face since Haji is good looking. ^^; At the audience seats, Haji tries to hit Nathan with his sword but missed. Haji asks how could Nathan have escaped before and still come here. Nathan tells Haji not to estimate him for he is a chevalier. Haji says he isn’t talking about that, rather when his master did that thing to him, how could he be there as if nothing has happened. This surprises Nathan as he started shaking. Haji asks does Nathan think it is better if Diva disappears. This stunned Nathan as if Haji has guessed what he is thinking. Haji takes this opportunity to attack Nathan from behind as Haji snaps Nathan’s head from behind. Haji left but he didn’t notice that Nathan is still live as his fingers are twitching.

Meanwhile, Ansem and Solomon are still fighting. Ansem asks Solomon if he [Solomon] thinks he can get mating experiments this way. Solomon says yes, can he say that it is for their ‘glorious hereditary factor’ as the reason. Solomon asks what is with that expression as Ansem is frowning. Solomon then asks why does Ansem want to make everyone into chiroptera. Ansem says that it is because Diva wants all humans to become chiroptera and if everyone has become chiroptera, there won’t be any more chevaliers, in the end, it will be only him, Diva and ‘monsters’. Solomon laughs and says that is crazy, he and Ansem are the same. Solomon says he can’t believe that Ansem would want to make everyone into chiroptera just for that reason, as humans didn’t exist just for that. Solomon adds it is okay for humans, animals or for science, but he didn’t stubbornly exists just for his meaning in life to be destroyed, isn’t the purpose suppose to be method of living/evolution? ..he, even Saya and Diva are the same, so what is the use of that method if everything/one is killed off. Ansem asks if that is all he has to say, then die. Ansem then shoots Solomon. Ansem says that the bullet he used is the same one used to kill of chiroptera and it should work on him. Ansem also says that Solomon and all the other chevaliers are only his chess pieces and now, he doesn’t need them. The corpse corps aren’t made to kill off Saya but rather, to kill them chevaliers. He is waiting for the end, then he would kill all of them [chevaliers] off. At the White House, some officials say that what is happening is like in Vietnam. It could have been triggered by the singer. They then decided to blast away the whole place.

At the stage, Saya finishes off all the chiroptera there as she is breathing heavily. Diva is just standing there looking at her. Saya is feeling dizzy again but she bit her lips and then points her sword at Diva. Saya says that Diva is the only one left. Diva pulls out her sword and says if that is what Saya wants. Saya says that they should finally finish this years-long battle. The two fought as Saya thought that she can’t already count the time, blood and lives that were used up all this time. Just then, Lewis informs David that he has just learned that the US military are planning to bomb that place together with Diva inside. Kai is surprised to hear this. Haji comes back running as Saya tells him not to come near. Saya is thinking that it all started with them so it should end that way. Diva notices that Saya is feeling dizzy/weakens that Diva kicks Saya’s knee and jumps up. As Saya falls down, Diva takes this opportunity to pin Saya down on the floor as Diva points her sword at her. Haji calls out to Saya as Diva bloodies her sword. To Saya’s surprise, Diva is crying as she stops from stabbing Saya. Saya then remembers the past when Diva is locked up in the room. Diva tells her,..name..call me by name, Saya-sis..that way, I will definitely not cry anymore..sis, give me a name. Later on, Kai comes in the stage, shouting that those stupid military is going to bomb the. He didn’t finish as he notices Haji stopping him and he sees that Diva is crying while Saya is comforting her. Saya wipes Diva’s tears, touches Diva’s face and is about to call Diva’s name when all of a sudden, someone stabs through Saya into Diva. The two were shock as well as the others. Diva’s chest started to crack as it crystallizes. It is Nathan as he remembers what Haji says, does he also think that it would be better if Diva disappears. Still in shock, Saya holds on to Diva as she shouts Diva’s name.

So much for what I wishing for a happy ending of Saya with Diva in the manga. ^^; Can it be said that it is all Haji’s fault? I guess it is somewhat like karma as Diva is the one who killed off Haji before and ended his existence as a human – ended his happiness with Saya. Now, because of Haji’s words, it aggravate/triggered Nathan’s fear/hatred of Diva for almost killing him that he actually did kill off Diva. I really feel bad for Diva unlike the anime one, here, she is made to be more 'human' but only childish - slight obsession with Saya. It can't be helped as she looks up to Saya as the one who befriended her and gave her a name. So she finally gets Saya to not try to kill her, she gets killed off. It turned out that Ansem is pretty possessive with Diva that he goes along with her dream and even to the point of even killing off his comrades. I guess he is pretty much like Haji who follows Diva’s wishes but then, Ansem is a bit manipulative and has ulterior motives as to the reason why he wants to fulfill Diva’s wish. I guess it is more like Ansem has a bit of obsessive love towards Diva that he only want to have her with him alone and is jealous of everyone else who has Diva’s attention. Solomon seems to be in all this for science as he still wants to see those mating experiments. Guess he just really wants to help to get Saya’s trust. The next chapter will be the conclusion of this series.

Quote of the day:
Words have meaning and names have power. ~Author Unknown

Blood+ [Chapter 18]
Wednesday, April 25, 2007 @ 04:01 p.m.

While Saya and Haji are still hugging each other, they heard some noise outside the room. They came out to see David and others fighting off some chiroptera. Saya thought that they are chasing after her. Haji quickly gives Saya her sword. Saya caught the sword but has suddenly felt a bit dizzy. She manages to kill one but then, she kneels on the floor. Kai calls out to her worriedly as Saya says that it can’t be like this for she can’t fight. Just then on chiroptera attacked Saya and bit her arm. It quickly crystallized. Kai calls out to her what is she doing, she should just escape. While holding her wound, Saya says she is alright for no matter what happens, she won’t die because of that for she is like that. Her wound then starts to heal. Some more chiroptera goes to attack Saya but she is saved by Solomon. Riku and Karl clone comes in the window as Riku calls out to them if they are alright. Kai is happy to see Riku asking if he is alright. Just as a chiroptera is about to attack Kai, Riku and clone Karl save him. Kai is surprised to see Riku’s hand transformed like a ‘pointed object’. Riku and clone Karl transformt their hands back to normal as Riku happily tells Kai that person taught him how to use it. He then introduces to them that Solomon is Diva’s chevalier. Everyone is shock about it as Haji quickly covers Saya from Solomon. Solomon sighs and says that they are really good fighting buddies but he isn’t there to fight for he only brought their younger brother Riku to them unharmed. Riku is happily saying that Solomon is a good person. Saya asks what is his motive. Solomon bends down holding Saya’s hand saying that he wants her to be his ‘bride’. This surprises Saya.

Saya and Solomon are sitted while the others listens in their conversation. [I’m amused that they didn’t quite care that the whole place is in ruins ^^;] Saya is surprised that Solomon claims that he experience ‘love at first sight’ with Saya and that Diva’s chevalier knows of that though she doesn’t believe it. Solomon says it isn’t a lie for seeing her fight in Vietnam, it is awesome. Saya coldly says that even if isn’t a lie, it isn’t the truth either. Solomon smiles and sweat a bit as he comments that Saya is good [to detect that]. Saya says that she knows of it more or less as to why Ansem wanted to abduct Riku as a chevalier, for that person’s curiosity has not changed from before. Saya adds that Ansem just wants to have some chiroptera mating experiments, as well as he, Solomon for their eyes are the same. Solomon laughs and says that it seems he has underestimated Saya. Kai is wondering/seems oblivious about that ‘mating experiment’ ^^;; Solomon changes the topic and says, how about does she believe in ‘love at first sight’. Saya says regarding that, if he will help her eradicate chiroptera then, she might believe it. Meanwhile, at the mansion, Nathan calls out to Ansem. Ansem is surprised that Nathan is alright as Nathan says that it is a good thing that he survived Diva’s ‘temporary insanity’/lashing out at him before. Nathan then showed Ansem of the impending concert of Diva at the Metropolitan Opera. Ansem says that is good. Nathan asks where Diva is. Ansem says that Diva is in her room, still moping about. Nathan then proceeds to leave saying that he has other things to attend to. Ansem asks Nathan if he won’t see Diva. This startles Nathan. Nathan nervously laughs as he crumbles the poster, saying that he is busy right now. After he left, Ansem smiles that this is quite good for now, he has Diva all for himself. Walking in the hallway, Nathan remembers how James is killed off as he shouted isn’t James her chevalier and Diva says it doesn’t matter to her.

Promo ads and posters of Diva’s concert has started to spread around New York. Solomon showed it to Saya as it is surely Diva is singing in it – a new singer’s concert. Solomon tells them that Ansem has successful spread around the medicine around the world and that concert will be broadcast worldwide so those who have drank the medicine has 100% chance of turning into chiroptera when they hear Diva’s singing so Diva’s dream will come true. Saya then says that she doesn’t understand it, put aside Diva, why would Ansem want the world to be only filled with chiroptera, won’t it be inconvenient to have no humans. Solomon says that he doesn’t know what Ansem is thinking but couldn’t it be just because this is Diva’s wish. They then say no matter what they should make preparations. David orders Lewis to cut off all the telecast of the concert and they will prepare to fight in the concert. Joel then asks Riku to help them. David says that Riku will be quite helpful since he has the power of a chevalier. Riku then asks them that there is something he doesn’t quite understand, he then naïvely asks if it is really true that they will kill Diva. All of them looks at Riku in surprise. Clone Karl started to complain as Riku is holding his hand too tight. Riku apologizes to him as Saya is looking at them. Saya says she also has a question. She grabs her sword and asks Riku if that ‘child’ is there on the onslaught of Red Shield at the ship before. Saya then points her sword at clone Karl as Riku is puzzled by Saya’s actions. Saya says that she has already killed this person as she puts her sword near clone Karl. Riku then realizes that what Diva said about Karl being killed by Saya is true.

Solomon then explains that this one is manufactured by Ansem using Karl’s genes or something. Riku asks Saya what is this all about, why does she kill off Karl and want to kill Diva. Saya says that it is because they are chiroptera. Riku angrily shouted that just because they are chiroptera, they will be killed. Solomon whispers that Karl really wants to die. Riku shouted that isn’t so, it hurts to want to die yet it is painful to live, saying he wants to die is because he wants to live, that is how it is. Riku shouted why doesn’t anyone saved Karl. They were all quiet. Saya then sarcastically says that Riku is saying that, why don’t Riku save Karl himself, isn’t Riku the world’s most righteous. Everyone is silent as Riku is biting his lips and is already in tears. Kai tells Saya that what she said is too much. Riku says but he also turned into a chiroptera but even if that happened, he still wants to live. Riku grabs clone Karl and quickly leaves the room. Saya tells Kai to follow Riku. Everyone nervously/uneasy look at Saya who tells them that they have no time to deal with children, they know that Diva is there so this time, they mustn’t let Diva escape. Kai looks a bit frustrated as Haji is just silent. Later that night, Kai brings some food to Riku asking him to open the door. Riku asks if it is Kai. Kai asks if he is hungry and Lewis even cooked some food. Riku asks Kai what is with Saya, that isn’t Saya, for since he is a chiroptera, that means Saya will also kill him. Kai shouted at Riku saying that he won’t allow that to happen. Kai remembers asking Saya about killing Haji and Riku and Saya says that she will. Biting his lips, Kai quickly leaves.

Inside the room, Riku pats clone Karl’s head apologizing for Saya is right, he wasn’t able to help him [Karl]. Clone Karl then hits Riku’s head hard. Riku angrily shouted what is that. Clone Karl just says, argh, while holding a fist [he is actually cheering up Riku]. Clone Karl then makes whistling sounds and tries to say he wants to pat Riku’s head. Riku then stands up saying that is right, he shouldn’t be moping about, he has said some mean things to Diva, he can’t be forgiven. Riku firmly thought that Saya says that she wants to kill Diva, no one wants to save her, then, he will go to save her. Riku looks determined. Meanwhile, Kai goes to Haji. Haji turns around and is surprised that Kai goes on to grab his collar and asks, aren’t you Saya’s lover, why don’t he stop her. [Hehe, straight to the point] Haji asks what is he talking about. Kai says that aside from Diva, Saya plans to kill him [Haji], too. Haji says if it is to eradicate all chiroptera, that can’t be helped. Kai shouted why is it all kinds of chiroptera has to be eradicated. Haji says that it is because it is Saya’s wish. Kai looks at him in surprise and asks if that is also what he thinks. Haji says it is. In anger, Kai punches Haji in the face.

Kai says how could he say such a thing, too and he doesn’t care how he does it but he better bring Saya back. Kai starts to walk away then stops. He asks Haji if aside from Saya, doesn’t he have a wish of his own. Looks at his bandaged hand, Haji says, my..my wish..as he remembers memories of Saya smiling happily. Just then, Saya comes in behind him. Haji asks why is she there. Saya says that the blood transfusion is over. Saya is just standing there that Haji calls out her name. To Haji’s surprise, Saya asks if Haji also definitely wants to live. Haji remembers Kai asking his own wish. Haji throws back the question by asking Saya if she doesn’t want to live. This surprises Saya. Haji holds Saya’s bandaged wrist and says that after killing Diva, Kai says.. Saya didn’t let him finish as she says that she lived up to the present with the goal of eradicating all the chiroptera. She tells him how could she live easily after killing off many lives. In tears, she asks Haji if she even has the right to live. Haji tries to comfort her as he thought that he isn’t good enough for even if he is with her all the time, she only gets hurt. He remembers Kai telling him to get Saya back. Haji wipes Saya’s tears as he thought, if that is how it is, if it is only Diva’s blood that can kill Saya, then it will be alright if Diva’s blood disappears. Haji tells Saya to kill Diva. This surprises Saya and she looks firm, saying yes. They hold hands and one of them says, probably Saya, let’s go to end it all.

Obviously, Riku’s fate in the manga is better than in the anime that he even gets to show his power as a chiroptera. I think he and clone Karl are cute together. It seems that clone Karl is like Riku’s pet dog. ^^; I don’t quite know about Solomon’s love at first sight but he seems to just want the mating experiment, too. Since he is helping, I’m guessing it is to win Saya’s trust. I do find it uneasy as the others when siblings fight in public. Saya is obviously trying hard to act cold to others so that they won’t be attached to her. I really doubt that she can actually kill Riku. Well, Nathan obviously is traumatized by what happened earlier with Diva and that Diva doesn’t care about James. It is really hard to fight together if they don’t care for each other. Lastly, I’m a bit amused that Haji is always the ‘yes, ma’am’ type of guy. Talk about submissive and if they ever get married, I can already imagine what it is like. Lol It reminded me of the story of King Arthur and the witch/What women really wants, wherein his knight has to marry a witch who saved his life. After the wedding, the witch asks the knight if he wants her to be beautiful on the day to show off people or at night, to show only to him. The knight says she choose for herself. The witch is really happy about it and says she will be beautiful for him all the time for letting her choose. Being submissive, does somehow keeps the peace in a marriage though I guess it being too submissive is not good either. ^^; I guess somehow that is why Haji is perfect for Saya as the one who will support her all the way in all her goals even if it is a bit ‘too much’ though it would seem for others like Kai that he doesn’t have a will of his own. I'm also amused that if Kai can't get his way of thinking through Saya or ask her things personally, he hasrrasses Haji. Lol Also, I thought that Saya wanting to kill herself is because she wants to eradicate all chiroptera for she is included in it but then, it turned out that she feels as if she doesn’t have the right to live after killing many people/lives. I guess this is why she also think that other chiroptera has no right to live for killing many people rather than thinking do she really have to eradicate all of them.

Quote of the day:
The purpose of life is a life of purpose. ~ Robert Byrne

Blood+ [Chapter 17]
Tuesday, April 24, 2007 @ 06:50 p.m.

In the sewers, as everything seems to be normal above, Kai is busy loading his gun. He says that three months has passed and lately, there are more medicine-created chiroptera and he has joined Red Shield in order to help find Saya. Kai fires at a chiroptera which is about to attack Lewis. Lewis praises him Kai and says that the bullet made by Julia is quite effective against the chiropteras. Kai wonders if fighting medicine-created chiroptera will help him find Saya. Lewis says that just like in Vietnam, if there are many of those creatures there then, Saya would most probably be around there in New York. While eating together at the table with the others, Kai notices a bottle of wine. Lewis says it is his and he likes that wine. Kai remembers Saya drinking the whole bottle straight that he excuses himself, saying he is going out. David, Julia and Joel wonder what is wrong with the wine that made Kai leave. While walking around, Kai notices a couple that looked like Saya and Haji but they turned out to be someone else. Kai started hitting his head on the wall as the Saya he thought was Saya is a guy. ^^; Kai then stops and remembers Saya crying on his chest. He then thought that it is only when she is gone that he noticed her existence.

Kai then gets a call of some chiroptera activity at a certain place. Kai quickly goes there thinking that Saya might be there. From above a building, he sees that the chiroptera are attacking some people. Kai realizes that he haven’t brought his gun and he should find a place to wait for David and others. Just then, his mobile phone rang and he panics as the chiroptera heard him – he forgot to put it on silent mode. The chiroptera goes to target him but he is saved by Saya. Saya is surprised to see Kai there and asked what is he doing there. Just then, another chiroptera attacks and Saya kills it off while still looking at Kai. Kai then realizes why Saya is Red Shield’s ‘killing machine’, it is because of Saya’s blood. Saya says that end’s it and feels a bit dizzy. Kai asks what is the matter as Saya seems to be losing consciousness. Haji catches her and to Kai’s surprise, Haji won’t let him touch Saya. Haji says that it has nothing to do with Kai. Kai gets angry as he shouts that it has already been three months and they haven’t even called them up if they are okay. David then arrives, shouting at Kai for not answering his mobile phone that he thought Kai is dead. Kai just notices his mobile phone is ringing and apologizes. David is happy to see that Saya is okay. Kai gets irked when Haji lets David touch sleeping Saya and he can’t. David says that maybe Saya needs blood so why don’t they come with him. He then notices that Haji won’t move then he looks at Kai sideways which made Kai what is that about. David shows his cross with crystal saying to Haji to at least give him some face [trust him] as he has spent a lot of time with Saya, too.

At the apartment, Julia comes out of the room where Saya is sleeping. Kai asks what is wrong as Julia tells him that Saya just needs some blood so she will be fine. Kai is relieved to hear that. Julia is about to say something else but she stops and tells David to come with her. After they left, Kai asks Haji if Haji doesn’t want him come close to Saya. Haji says that it is Saya’s wish and they haven’t contacted them all these three months is because of Saya’s desire not to. Haji tells Kai that currently, Saya’s wish is to eradicate the chiroptera, she doesn’t care about Red shield anymore, for he [Kai] can’t do much to help anyway. Kai doesn’t like that as he asks, is this Saya’s desire. Haji says it is. Kai angrily grabs Haji’s collar and shouts that he shouldn’t say that ‘it should be that way’ for is it really Haji who doesn’t want him to see Saya. Haji then lets Kai see Saya so that he can hear those words from Saya herself. Kai goes in the room and touches Saya’s sleeping face. She then wakes up and asks why. Kai tells her that after fighting the chiroptera, she has fallen unconscious. Saya quickly sits up when she remembered but falls down a bit that Kai catches her. Kai tells her to take it easy. Saya then tells him not to touch her. This surprises Kai as he quickly lets her go. Saya stands up and starts to walk away. Kai asks where is she going. Saya says it doesn’t concern him. Kai asks why is she acting like that when Saya looks coldly at him. It stunned Kai as he realizes that this isn’t the same Saya as before. Kai then says he haven’t asked her yet when they separated at the ship, after finishing off all the chiroptera, is it true that she wants to die with Diva. Saya says it is true.

Kai tell her to wait a minute, what is the use of doing that but Saya interrupts him by shouting that it doesn’t concern Kai. Kai then remembers Haji telling him it is because he can’t help anyway. Kai insists that it concerns him because they are family so it is okay for him to worry about her, she wants to eradicate chiroptera does that mean killing off Haji and Riku. Saya pauses and holds her bandage, she looks at Kai and tells him that is true, so what. Kai is surprised by her answer as Haji just stands outside of the room. Flashback: Saya and Haji are looking at the Statue of Liberty as the news is saying about weird/unidentified bodies could be some work of a secret organization and such deformities has started to happen outside of Vietnam. Saya tells Haji that Diva doesn’t know about her wanting to kill her [Diva]. She remembers Diva happily greeting her, Saya-sis and her wish for everyone to become chiroptera. Saya says because of this goal, one’s heart is not needed. End of Flashback. After Kai left, Haji goes to Saya’s room. He finds her in tears. Shaking, Saya says that it seems she can’t quite do it as if it is about Kai, she can’t say much. She apologizes to Haji for getting him to do/say such awful things. Haji says it is okay. Saya hugs Haji as Haji says as long as it is your wish. In a different room, Julia tells David that it is almost time for Saya’s hibernation. In a building opposite theirs, a group of chiroptera is watching/ready to attack.

It is nice that the author manage to put in some funny scenes in this chapter. How Kai and Saya met again is pretty much the same and how Saya has been ‘snubbing’ Kai is the same but otherwise, the rest is different. I don’t recall David and Julia knowing that it is already time for Saya’s hibernation. I’m also surprised that Saya would even readily say that she would even kill Haji and Riku just for her goal to eradicate all the chiroptera. I think it is nice that Saya actually noticed that Diva has no idea that Saya wanted to kill her. They should just really just talk to each other instead of trying to kill each other – ah, though it is more like Saya is the one who wants to kill. ^^;;

Quote of the day:
To will is to select a goal, determine a course of action that will bring one to that goal, and then hold to that action till the goal is reached. The key is action. ~ Author Unknown

Weekly Jump Update: Bleach, One Piece, Gintama, D. Gray-man and Naruto
Monday, April 23, 2007 @ 08:20 p.m.

Thinking that he has overestimated Ichigo, Ulquiorra tells him to quickly leave Huenco Mundo or die there in Bleach [c. 272]. Just then some black ‘things’ from Ichigo’s attack comes to him as Ichigo still lying face down looks shock. Inoue senses this as she worries about Ichigo when she is disturbed by two young arrancars [I think they are Aizen’s fangirls from chp 249]. The two tell each other that Inoue is alone so why don’t she play with them. Meanwhile, Grants is bored with Renji since there seems to be nothing interesting about Renji – scientifically. Grants wants to end it as he calls his minions. He tells Renji that espada can have underlings from the 11-below arrancar while others only chose one, there are those who wants many, like him. Just then, one of Grant’s arrancars got hit. This surprises Grants. It is Ishida as he gloats that the walls are ‘thin’ in Huenco Mundo can make him sense what is happening and Renji seems to be losing. Back in Inoue’s room, Aizen’s fangirls arrancar or rather, the girl with ponytails is busy beating up Inoue as she is obviously jealous of Inoue with the attention that Aizen gives her. Inoue just looks straight and firm at her attacker. This irritated ponytails that she hits Inoue some more while the other one tries to tell her to tell the other to ‘calm down’ a bit. Just then, the door breaks, they were surprised to see that it is Grimmjow. I’m actually surprised for I’m thinking it would either be Ichigo or Ulquiorra. Why is Grimmjow there..I kind of doubt he is there to help her as gratitude for his arm but then, it is even more doubtful if he needs Inoue’s help to get to Ichigo or something. Maybe Aizen ordered him to protect her while Ulquiorra is away. Anyway, hope that pony tailed arrancar will get what she deserves. =P So much for my thin vs thin theory, Ishida came to Renji’s rescue. Being Ishida, he can’t help himself to ‘attack’ a shinigami verbally hehe I wonder if Grants will be interested in a Quincey.

Edit: I just remembered that maybe Ishida didn't made that remark as he doesn't like shinigami but because it is Renji. Unlike the anime filler arc with the Bount, in the manga, the two didn't seem to have met again or rather being 'chummy' with each other since Renji defeated Ishida when Ishida tries to protect Rukia from Renji. So, maybe Ishida is saying that like, heh, who is the weakling now. =P

Nami and others including the animal zombies are shocked that dog-penguin zombie attacks the other zombies to protect Nami in One Piece [c. 453]. Usopp tries to ask it if it knows Sanji but then, it attacks him so he is still their enemy. Just then Absalom while chasing after the boar zombie, they arrived where Nami and others were. The boar zombie tries to kill Nami but is saved by dog-penguin zombie. The boar zombie hits dog-penguin zombie away as dog-penguin zombie considers her to be a girl. Absalom becomes invincible and tries to run away with Nami. Nami uses her Clima Tact to electrocute him. She is shock that it didn’t quite work on Absalom who just seem to be shock. Nami and others take this chance to escape while Absalom thought the electricity is love. ^^;; The boar zombie chases them. The other zombies tell each other to chase the three else Perona will be angry at them. Absalom tries to stop them from chasing after Nami but when they won’t listen, Absalom uses their fear of him to stop it. Dog-penguin tries to stop Absalom from chasing the others as the other zombies try to stop him. Absalom points his open fist at dog-penguin and hits dog-penguin unconscious?. Usopp wanted to leave Nami behind as the boar zombie is only after her as Nami hits him for that idea. Meanwhile, trapped between a monkey-spider and armored zombies, Robin and Franky realized that Sanji, Zoro and Luffy were taken the same way. The monkey-spider tells them that they will be going there, too. Franky tells Robin to leave the escape to him as Robin says she will back him up with his plan. Franky then destroys the bridge that they are on. As everyone started to fall down, Robin uses her powers to create wings made from hands. Franky is shock that Robin can fly but Robin tells him it is only for 5 seconds. So, Franky uses his hand to cling on to the side of the wall as they swing to the wall. Franky goes splat on the wall as Robin jumps up on his head to the ledge. Hehehe The monkey-spider tells them it is useless for he is a spider so he can go where they are. Just then, they hear a scream from above. It is Brook who fell down to the ground. So, the three best fighters of Strawhats has been made into zombies though, maybe Luffy can still be saved. Since their core personalities tend to be intact, I think the others can use their weakness to stop them [zombies] from attacking them [non-zombies]. For now, the only weakness of the zombies is fire. It is surprising that Robin can fly even though it is just for 5 seconds. Also, the last scene, of Brook crashing down. Maybe he can somewhat explain to them what is happening or rather how that place ‘works’.

In Gintama [c. 161-162], Yamazaki falls to the ground after being stabbed by Kawakami. Ito and his group approaches fallen Yamazaki who expressed his shock at them joining up together. Ito tells him that way of thinking can’t change things for if they kept it doing as Hijitaka does, shinsengumi won’t grow unlike if the group is under his control. Yamazaki tries to crawl away as he doesn’t want to serve under Ito. Ito says that he is quite stubborn about death with honor like a samurai and if they want that, they can have it. Ito then tells Kawakami to take care of the thing [Yamazaki] behind him as he and his group leaves. Kawakami goes back then raises his katana..the scene then is only a sound, ‘boom’. Walking at the streets, Shinpachi asks Gin what they are going to do with Hijitaka’s request. Gin says they can’t do much because of that ‘cursed’ katana and it is none of their business so he doesn’t want to get involved in it. Shinpachi says that high pride Hijitaka to abandon everything and even ask some other person to protect what is important to him. Hijitaka then calls out to them to ask them to accompany him to this shop selling rare figurines though one can only buy one figurine so if they would come along and buy the others he want. This irked Gin and others as they stomp and kick Hijitaka for they were worrying about him like a fool and he is thinking of buying a figurine.

Just then, a police car stops nearby as some shinsengumi comes out calling to Hijitaka to quickly go to the headquarters. They asked what is the matter. The shinsengumi says that Yamazaki is killed by someone they don’t know. One of them grabs Hijitaka’s hand as he tries to pull Hijitaka to the car. The others then draw out their katana telling Hijitaka to join Yamazaki. Gin quickly saves Hijitaka by pulling him away while Shinpachi and Kagura escape with him. The other shinsengumi quickly chases after them. Hijitaka kept on complaining at Gin to loosen his grip as it is hurting him. Gin shouted for him to shut up, he’s too noisy as Gin drops him. Shinpachi is shouting what is happening that shinsengumi wants to kill Hijitaka. Just then, a police car comes in front of them. Kagura stopped it by pushing it. Hijitaka praises Kagura’s strength from an otaku point of view. Gin asks who would keep Hijitaka to shut up as he goes on the police car hood. They then stole the police car and escaped as they ram through the other police car. Gin then uses the radio to call, saying that they are no. 3 group. Someone then asked if they found Hijitaka. Kagura answers it saying that they did but because of strong companions, they can’t defeat them. The other person tells them to use all means to kill Hijitaka since there will be no meaning if only Kondou is gotten rid off as those two should disappear for their goals to be achieved. They managed to separte the two as now, Kondou is now all alone with Ito’s group of men.

Kondou is currently riding on a train with Ito and others. Looking outside the window, Kondou thought that it has been a long time since he came to ‘take shuu’ [military prefecture something] as he reminisce the time with Hijitaka there and things haven’t changed. Ito then comments that he is really into being a samurai and started to compare Kondou as a white king chess piece and they are all black chess pieces. Ito apologizes but now, they have caught him. Kondou then notices everyone has drew their katana and points their katana at him. Kondou laughs it off as if Ito is joking. Kondou then says that he doesn’t know what kind of person Ito is but the others, he knows for they aren’t the type to go from one boss to another based on color. He then says it is dirt, no matter how you wash it, it is the same and yet somehow in the end, he doesn’t know what they will become even so, they won’t lose to him/Ito. They won’t hide their colors nor change their colors. Just then, Okita goes to their coach. Ito asks what is he doing there, isn’t he suppose to act as a guard. Okita angrily says that is what he should be asking and says to let Kondou go. Ito’s underling shouts at Okita for saying such things in that tone at Ito. Okita slashes that guy away and shouts for them to quickly remove their hands from Kondou.

Okita approaches Ito who has Kondou hostage as the other shinsengumi are pointing their katanas at Kondou. Ito asks if Okita really belongs to Hijitaka’s faction that Okita is just investigating and faking about backstabbing Hijitaka. Okita says he isn’t faking it for didn’t he say he wants to be vice-captain and everyone else should be gone from it, after Hijitaka, it will be Ito for he only wants only one as his captain and that will be Kondou. Ito says that they are the same in that way as some shinsengumi are going to kill Okita from behind as they hide behind the seats. Okita then puts his hand on the jacket and clicks something. A bomb from behind the tracks shook the train. Okita then jumps from behind Ito. Meanwhile, still driving around the police car, Gin and Kagura are expressionless as Shinpachi is freaking out that Kondou will be killed. He tries to talk to Hijitaka about it who just murmurs that he doesn’t know anything. Shinpachi shouted that he will soon lose all those who are most precious to him. Kagura asks Gin what should they do as Gin remembers Hijitaka’s request. Gin tells her to put the radio on public announcement so Kagura smashes the radio.

Gin announces to every Shinsengumi – in police cars and canteen that he is the tax thief, he doesn’t care whether they are for Ito’s faction or Mayo’s [Hijitaka is a mayorer – puts mayo on everything he eats] faction. He is from tax thief division so everyone should quit what they are doing and go after Kondou and if they don’t do it fast, their boss might lose his head. He tells them that this is an order. Someone shouted at Gin from the radio as to who is he, playing this sick game. Gin asks, you want to know who I am, I am Hijitaka. Gin then closes the radio. He then says he is tired of seeing this talkative guy, it is okay for shinsengumi to disappear and it is okay if that fool [real Hijitaka] disappears, he will even send him to his grave. Hijitaka shouts to quit joking for he doesn’t want to. Gin then grabs Hijitaka’s collar as Kagura takes over driving the police car. Gin shouts at Hijitaka that he isn’t talking to him [otaku Hijitaka], giving them problems by giving his problems to them, is he the type to ask requests from other people, the type of person to just give his problems about the Shinsengumi to others. Gin shouted that Hijitaka is the type of person who wouldn’t even ask such a thing even if he dies, and not just pass his important thing to him [Gin]. Gin then notices that Hijitaka is gripping his arms as he is holding Hijitaka’s collar. Hijitaka then shouts, didn’t I say that it hurts, why aren’t you listening! Hijitaka then smashes Gin’s head to the car’s dashboard. Shinpachi wonders, could it be that..

Back at the train, an underling tells Ito that the train is on fire and it is dangerous. Ito tells him not to stop the train for it will just give Kondou a chance to escape and they are only two for everyone else on the train is with them. Okita and Kondou went to the front coaches. Inside the coach, Kondou apologizes to Okita that everything turned out that way is because of his own fault and it is okay for him to apologize, to Hijitaka and everyone else. Kondou turns back to see Okita closing the door behind him. Kondou shouts what is Okita doing and for him to open the door. Okita with his back at Kondou says that if the big boss in a fight is harmed, then the battle is lost so Kondou should retreat. Kondou tells him to quit joking around and open the door. Okita pulls the switch to unbolt the train coaches – letting Kondou escape. Okita says that he has said it many times already that Kondou’s flaw is that he is too nice that he believes everyone until the end, just like what happened with Ito so he knew that such a day would happen. Okita smiles as he jumps back to the coaches where Ito were. He says that it is because Kondou is like that, that they are there now and will still fight. It is because he is like that, that would even sacrifice their lives to protect him. Kondou shouts for Okita to wait, if he dies, he..he..Kondou shouts Okita’s name as the train car carrying Kondou moves further away.

Okita faces Ito and his goons. Ito says that he thought Okita is smart but how could he defeat them when he is all alone, letting Kondou escape and Okita will fight to the death against them, but he has a backup plan against Kondou for in this battle, he isn’t alone. Just then, Kawakami and his goons in three wheeled motorbikes [motorcycles with sidecars] are going to run after Kondou. Okita looks out and says, it is the Kiheitai [Takasugi’s group]. Okita looks back at Ito to tell him that he isn’t alone either. Just then, one of the motorbikes exploded. They look behind as they saw a beaten up police car chasing after them with four figures on it. Ito and others look in shock, it can’t be. Hijitaka is on top of the police car as Gin and others are dressed up as Shinsengumi shouting for the others to give it up as they are the investigative team. They were shock that Hijitaka is there and why is he there. Hijitaka then got hit on the face by a tree branch. Hijitaka cries in pain as Gin laments that Hijitaka can’t even look cool in a much longer time. Gin goes after Hijitaka to go back to his earlier pose so that his comrades would be more confident after seeing him. Hijitaka shouts that he can’t do it anymore for he is scared. Gin angrily shouts for him to quit joking and beating a person can resurrect that person so he should change back. Gin is already raising his bokuto [wooden sword] at Hijitaka. Okita looks at them and says, what an eyesore, just a randomly made group, but then, a group of army troops won’t be enough to defeat/separate them.

This is turning out to be such a pretty good arc. It will be nice to see this animated. ^_^ I’m touched at what Okita tells Kondou as he lets Kondou escape. I have already knew that Okita won’t join Ito as he is fiercely loyal to Kondou. I wonder where Gin and others got their shinsengumi uniforms. Did they raid Hijitaka’s cabinet or steal it from the shinsengumi who are after them? Hehehe I guess Gin doesn’t want to help at first because he felt like Hijitaka should be the one to protect what is important to him and not just pass the responsibility to others also, Gin must be irritated that the other shinsengumi doesn’t believe him when he orders them to go after Kondou. In short, he is more or less, no choice but to help even though he has temporarily managed to ‘awaken’ Hijitaka with all his nagging while they were being chased. Somehow, I don’t think that Yamazaki is really dead.

Allen is already internally bleeding as Rinali is worried about him in D. Gray-man [c. 115]. Allen then manages to heal his wounded innocence and even gave Tiki an illusion that he is blasted away. Allen lectures Tiki for underestimating humans. Tiki snapped and he quickly uses power to blast Allen away. Rhode acted quickly and as she shielded Rinali and Chaoji, separately with Rabi from the blast. Rinali and Chaoji noticing Rabi, concentrate on trying to snap Rabi out of it. Rinali then asks Rhode what is happening as Allen is inside a black sphere. Rhode tells her that Allen is trapped in a vaccum which Tiki create in order to kill Allen. Not too good for exorcists..if they are all killed here, it is end of the story. ^^;; I do wonder why Rhode saved Rinali and others though. So that she can play with them later on? In Naruto [c. 351], Sasuke got attacked by Juugo and tries to stop him from attacking by talking to him but Juugo won’t listen. Suigetsu then blocks Juugo’s attack and the two fought as Karin happily wishes they kill each other. Sasuke tells them to stop it as he uses Orochimaru’s snakes to bind the two. The two then started shaking in fear. Juugo snaps out of the curse and says that he doesn’t want to go out for he doesn’t want to kill people so don’t bother him. Edit: Can't believe I forgot to comment here. Well, Karin officially is Sasuke's fangirl and seemed to be quite obsessive that she wants Sasuke all for himself. Mm..I think it is a downgrade from Sakura. ^^;; The people that Sasuke surrounds himself seems to be a bit 'weirdos' ^^;;; Hopefully, fighting-wise they will be more..ah, 'productive'. Hehehe

Word of the day:
Hardening of the heart is more serious than hardening of the arteries. ~ Our Daily Bread.