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One Piece [c. 400], Bleach [c.215] and Silver Diamond [v. 1-7]
Saturday, February 18, 2006 @ 06:13 p.m.
One Piece has just reached its 400th chapter. Rocketman is flying to the next building as Kokoro reminences about Tom agreeing to build Roger a ship and that Luffy is like Roger that they can’t help but help him. Upon crashing, Spandam quickly got his elephant sword [elephant changed into a sword] and drags Robin as he tries to get to the justice gate with Lucci as his bodyguard. He told the other CP9 that they can finish off the Strawhats. Everyone managed to be fine after crashing. They were met by Fukuro who told them that they are going to play a game. Each CP9 has a key to free Robin of her chain so they have to fight everyone of them. The group decided to split up and get the keys from the CP9 while Luffy who go head on to find Robin then, they would follow Luffy. For the matches, it is Franky vs Fukuro, Sogeking vs Jabura, Nami vs Kumadori, Sanji vs Califa and Zoro vs Kaku.
I didn’t expect that Califa would be fighting Sanji and Sanji is at a disadvantage for he can’t fight against pretty ladies. When they met, Califa is even offering him tea. No way Sanji can resist that and interestingly, they are in a bedroom. Califa does seem to be into s&m for she does have a thorn whip. Also, Sogeking vs Jabura is unexpected for Jabura ranks high in CP9. He pretends to be sleeping when Sogeking saw him and I’m guessing that it is a trap. About Nami, she is against mr. Wanna karakiri for everything so Nami might win. Zoro vs Kaku is expected for Kaku’s legs can cut things. I’m not sure how Franky would fare against big mouth Fukuro though and well, Franky is low on cola. Chopper doesn’t have an opponent since they outnumber CP9 when Luffy finished off Blueno. I wonder if Blueno would come back to fight them. Of course, Luffy would be against Lucci but it would take some chapters before the story gets there.
In Bleach [c. 215], Ichigo announces that he isn’t going to join the vizards but would try to beat Shinji into telling him how to control his hollow. Ichigo quickly changed into shingami and fought with Shinji. The other vizards just watched on as they discuss that both Ichigo and Shinji are holding back. Hiyori got tired of it that she beat Shinji out of the way. She decided to fight Ichigo to bring out his hollow to check out if he is strong enough to join them. Nothing much I can say about this chapter except I was caught off guard that Ichigo wouldn’t join them. I should have guessed that. ^^;
While browsing around, I found this manga, Silver Diamond. It is from the author of Koori no Mamono no Monogatari/The Ice-Cold Demon's Tale. I only learned of it when I wondered why the art seem familiar. ^^; I haven’t read Koori though only summaries and a couple of chapter. I liked it and so, Silver Diamond is really a lucky find. ^_^ Like Koori, Silver Diamond is a shounen ai series though it is more hinted than outright a shounen ai love story. It is more on fantasy and adventure as four guys are off to save a world. Since this is a shounen ai, I noticed that there is a shortage of women in this series. ^^; As always, I checked out if there is English scans then follow it up with the Chinese. There are some English scans available in Storm in Heaven. ^_^
In volume 1, the story starts with Rakan who has a special talent of growing plants. One day, while watering his forest garden, he found a strange man who suddenly appeared at the flower bed. The man, Chigusa thought that Rakan is the prince whom he tried to assassinate but upon seeing that Rakan can grow plants, Chigusa realized that he was the one [sanome] whom he needed to fight against the prince in his world. Then, there was this little black monster, ayame, who came with Chigusa. Chigusa got Rakan to show his power by growing a fruit to become a rifle and Chigusa shot the creature. Rakan being the typical naïve hero decided to invite Chigusa into his house as he tries to figure out things. Then, Rakan remembered that he and his mother seemed to be not of the world, too since he and his mother just appeared at the same flower bed that Chigusa appeared. They were then adopted by the old man who lived in the house. The old man then gave all of his inheritance to Rakan.
Back at Chigusa’s world, the prince, who looked like Rakan, told the people that Chigusa is dead. Among the audience is Narushige who has a pet snake. People started to tease Narushige about being born a boy when their clan should only produce girls. The snake, Koh, then defended Narushige. Narushige thought that he was called there then suddenly he felt that he was being pulled into a different world. At school, Rakan was embarrassed to death when Chigusa is following him. Chigusa told him that Rakan is an important being so he has to protect him. After some groceries, they went back home and only to find Narushige. Narushige turned Koh into a sword and fought with Chigusa. It was a tie. Chigusa got Rakan to show his powers to Narushige which shocked Narushige. Rakan as usual, also invited Narushige into his house.
While at the house, they talked about stuff in Chigusa’s world that got Rakan interested. Narushige then warned Rakan to be careful of Chigusa since he is an assassin and is suppose to be dead after being tied to a tree and shot with arrows. Then, while watering the garden, another ayame, monster, tried to attack Rakan but Chigusa used his body as shield. Rakan was worried about Chigusa and Chigusa said it is alright for his blood can turn into bandages and he is an immortal. He is a half-plant and if ever things go wrong, he asked Rakan to just touch his heart so that he can reborn. Also, his wounds don’t hurt. I guess as a half-plant, he doesn’t have nerves. That night, Narushige told Chigusa that it would be great if Rakan is the real prince.
In volume 2, the next day, Rakan was told that his family’s grave is overrun by plants. He went there with his new friends and with their help, removed the plants that grew from his mother’s grave. He took home a flower from the grave. Narushige suggested that maybe Rakan’s powers came from his mother’s side. Then, Chigusa said that he can see the way back to their world but it depends on when. Rakan then realized that he is getting too attached to them. At school, the two went with Rakan to guard him. Chigusa then told Narushige that someone else have came to this world and they decided not to tell Rakan. The new guy is Tohji who has plants that could make him invincible. He tries to kill Chigusa but Chigusa has special eyes that can make him see normal unseen things. They fought. After a bit chit-chat and with some help from Rakan, Tohji is apprehended.
In volume 3, Rakan has now three guest in his house. Chigusa is trying to get Rakan to go with him to the other world but Rakan wouldn’t. They then discussed about Rakan possibly from the other world and that the prince is an ayame. Tohji doesn’t want to admit that he was thrown in that world to die and still believes that they are all lying about the prince who gave him his sight when everyone looked down on him because he is blind in a family whose pride is their good eyesight. Back at their world, Shigeyuki, Narushige’s mom told Sae, Narushige’s sister that Narushige has finally been cast off by ‘god’ so the bad luck is finally removed. Shigeyuki then went into a room filled with plants. She wondered why they haven’t been able to produce a sanome [being that can make plants grow like Rakan] yet. Back to Rakan and others, a huge tree started to grow in their backyard. They realized that it is a sanome for there is a girl inside and when they put seeds on it, it grows. Chigusa then decided to take it with him instead of Rakan. That night, Rakan struggles on choosing whether to go with them or living a normal life.
The next day, Rakan gets ready for school as the trio bids him goodbye. They are all dressed back to their normal clothes. Chigusa then told Rakan that he likes him so he doesn’t want to bring Rakan back to their world. Then suddenly, the prince and Kinrei [the only one who can hear what the prince says in their world] appears in front of them. Chigusa tries to kill him but Kinrei shields the prince. The prince then showed his hands, which are all black as they realized that Chigusa is telling the truth that the prince is an ayame. They noticed that he isn’t after the girl sanome so they thought that the prince is after Rakan. The prince attacks Rakan and Chigusa shields him using his gun but the plant gun shatters as the prince’s black hand goes into Chigusa’s hand.
Rakan tries to tell the prince to let Chigusa go but the prince just smiled and told him that he likes to destroy plants. Narushige tries to help but was stopped by Kinrei. Tohji then tries to help them. Kinrei calls him a traitor and told them that he wanted to create a new world. Kinrei started calling them useless so Rakan got angry. Rakan made a gun and asked Chigusa to use it. Kinrei quickly went back to shield the prince. He is about to slash out an attack but the prince told him not to. They grabbed the sanome and while retreating, the prince called Rakan his ‘younger brother’. The sanome wakes up and calls to Rakan. Rakan then realizes that the sanome was the flower from her mother’s grave. Rakan then asked why Chigusa was so intent on fighting the prince even if he is all alone. He said that when he woke up, he only remembered his name and about the sanome. He decided to make it his life mission to bring back the world as it was. Rakan then decided to go with them for they need him to go against that prince who throws them away if there are not needed. Rakan decided that this is his destiny.
In volume 4, the prince told Kinrei not to kill Rakan for he wanted to have fun with him. Upon arriving at their world, Rakan was sound asleep because he didn’t get to sleep last night. They were worrying about him having the right decision about coming to their world of no light and filled with desert world. Chigusa said that they should just protect him so that he won’t regret coming. In the end, it turned out that first thing on Rakan’s mind is to eat breakfast. He was also a bit worried that Narushige and Tohji wouldn’t come since they might be happy in his world but since they all came, he was happy. Then, there are some mountain villagers coming to them armed. With a promise not to kill anyone, Chigusa and Narushige set out to fight while Tohji stays with Rakan to protect him. After defeating them, they got invited into the village.
They told them that they were given a promise to do something for the prince as a group – boundery police. Anyway, they ended up being transported to nowhere filled with ayame to become their food. Then, Akiichi, one of the members fought with Kazihi [somewhat like the boss of the group] for Akiichi wanted to sell Kazihi’s necklace for money. Kazihi got angry and threw the necklace to them saying that it is his mother’s memento and it is useless so he can have it. It turned out that Kazihi has given up on life and hope. Rakan then told him that there is still way to fight the prince and told them about himself. He was about to give Kazihi’s necklace back to him when the seeds on it started to grow. Then, they all became flowers. Everyone was surprised as Narushige told them that Rakan is the sanome prince.
In volume 5, Rakan gets a refresher course about the things in the new world on how they live. They even showed him a map of their world. They then learned that Chigusa has the ability to point out where the prince is when he closes his eyes and just sense him. Then, they told him the history about the prince who came when the last sanome disappeared. The prince can sense things and promises the people things if they obey him. Chigusa then told them that the prince talks through thoughts. Rakan then pointed out that the prince’s powers is the same as Chigusa’s and they can fight with them for they have two people [Chigusa and Tohji] with good eyes against Kinrei. Meanwhile, at the Shigeka household, Shigeyuki called Sae and told her that she is now useless. Shigeyuki then promptly threw Sae out of the house. Shigeka then goes back to the house to take care of the sanome – the one the prince took from Rakan’s backyard.
Back at the mountain village, Rakan showed them his notebook and they had a little kanji lesson as he asked everyone to write down their names. While Rakan and others are taking a bath, Chigusa went out to have a bit of chit-chat with Kazihi. Chigusa mentioned that it doesn’t seem that Kazihi is suicidal anymore and has hope since Rakan has came. Kazihi said that he felt more relax that everyone seemed to be in a happier mood. Chigusa then hinted that behind Kazihi’s bandage on his forehead is a power which he can use but he might be called a monster because of it, nevertheless, Rakan wouldn’t leave him alone. Kazihi asked who the heck is Chigusa but then, they were interrupted when Rakan came. Rakan then told Kazihi why he was doing all this – because the prince and Kinrei pissed him off, he wanted to help Chigusa and the others also, it seemed to be his destiny. Everyone then noticed that at night, the flowers that have grown from Kazihi’s necklace lit up during the night. Then, while observing the light, Kazihi and Miya [his partner] figuring out some kanji and realized that Tohji is his younger brother. They were interrupted when it seemed that there is an announcement from the prince. The image is projected to them – an illusion.
In volume 6, at the palace, the prince with Kinrei called for an audience. They told them that shinigami has came to their place. The prince then spoke of some disaster to come but they don’t need to worry just believe in him and they would be safe. After the disasters, the sun would come back again and they had already got a sanome. Then, the prince said that those who oppose him should quickly take cover and this is advice to them so that they could survive the disaster. Back at the mountains, they wondered what the prince meant then there is a huge earthquake as the mountain started to collapse. Chigusa got Rakan to grow a tree using his gun as the others cling to it but when they got up, they realized that the boundery patrol group is swallowed up by the earth. In the palace, everyone was grateful that they were spared for the whole mountain disappeared then they saw a light from the mountains. It turned out that Rakan got angry that he made the flowers grow more so that the people in the palace could see that they have survived. The prince then take it as a declaration of war.
Later on, the prince dresses up and prepares to sleep. He told Kinrei not to do anything foolish like killing Rakan. Kinrei left the prince and obviously he isn’t intent on following the prince’s orders. He called out to Zakuro and this other person, Shirokawa [not official, white river]. Using his blood, he can change it into a veil which he can teleport. He told the two people to find Rakan and kill him. Back at the mountain, Rakan threw some of the light flowers into the hole. Everyone got depressed that the others were gone but Chigusa told them that he has found them, using his eyes, and they are all still alive. Under the hole, Kazihi and others are getting confused as to where they are but Kazihi got really angry at how the prince treats them, throwing them there so following Chigusa’s hint, he removed his bandage to reveal a third eye.
Using his third eye, he can see where his group where and they realized that Rakan and others are above when the flowers that Rakan threw had reached them. Kazihi then managed to communicate with Chigusa. Kazihi then informed them that there are roads there. A short scene of Kinrei looking at the same roads inside the earth and saying that this is his new world. He plans to use only useful people and throw away the useless ones. He is also just using the prince to get what he wants. Apparently, he plans on becoming a ‘god’. Back at the mountains, Rakan and others decided to give Kazihi a map so that they can move upward and know where they would be going. Chigusa got Tohji to shot an arrow to Kazihi. They then hoped to see each other again when Kazihi’s group had reached the surface and that they are official Rakan’s police group. Everyone in Kazihi’s group was happy for they have a purpose in their lives again. While seeing that Tohji is happy to know that he has a brother, Narushige wonders about his younger sister, Sae. Where is Sae? She found her Narushige’s house and find that the place is a fine place to stay. Then, she found some noise and it turned out to be a huge snake. Ah..Koh’s relative? ^^;
In volume 7, the foursome are resting at the house which they found odd for what was left was just the wood frame of the house. Then some rock monsters attack them. The rock monsters kept on growing. Chigusa told Narushige that they are being controlled by someone. Both then managed to defeat Shirokawa using the ‘webbing’ plant gun to tie up Shirokawa and destroying his lens. Shirokawa then calls forth another rock monster, Zakuro using his blood. He gets ready for another attack.
The foursome are resting at the house which is filled with vines and plants since Rakan has accidentally touched a seed in the hope of trying to help during the attack. Chigusa then told them that the enemy is using a rock monster called Zakuro. Shirokawa then appeared only to be apprehended. It turned out that Tohji knew Shirokawa. Shirokawa then tries to make others distrust Tohji since he is a traitor but it didn’t work when Rakan told him to stop it. It ended up with Rakan and Shirokawa debating about the prince. They were interrupted when Shirokawa has summoned a Zakuro larger than before but they were also stunned to see it eaten by a huge black wolf.
The roof is crumbling so Shirokawa used this chance to push Rakan but Chigusa acted quickly and shielded him. Chigusa then told the others about the wolf being a stone wolf that eats, well, stone/rocks. With Koh as interpreter, the stone wolf told them that it was hungry and searched for food to eat. It ate the rock on the house they were staying so only the frame was left. Then, it ate some of the glowing flowers that Rakan grew from Kazihi’s necklace and it was yummy so it decided to find the one who made it. It followed them there and got to eat another yummy treat, Shirokawa’s Zakuro. They learned that it was a female and its name is Kuro. It then decided to go with them for Rakan can give it more yummy plant treats. I didn’t quite get the scene about these two guys. I’ll just wait for the next volume, hopefully, their Romanji names would be written. They are talking about Shirokawa being used as a pawn and Kinrei is actually just sending Zakuro. The one who looked like Miya seems to be a medicine man. They seem to be planning to use the girl sanome for something.
Back to the foursome, Rakan asked to have a small knife which he can use to defend himself for he cannot just depend on Chigusa to protect him for he can’t bear to see Chigusa injured. Chigusa then showed Rakan about this plant that Rakan grew. It is used for sightseeing for the plant grew so tall. Rakan then a bit of reflecting over what he wants to do. Chigusa reassured him that he can do it for he has a ‘monster’ – Chigusa, to make things Rakan want to do possible. Rakan then thought that he also wants to show this world the beauty of nature as much Shirokawa also wanted to. Then, Tohji and Narushige wanted to climb up too to see the view while they told Kuro to wait for them before she eats it.
Meanwhile, Shirokawa teleported and thought he would be at the medicine man’s house but to his surprise, he met Miya. Shirokawa was confused as to who they were and asked where the medicine man was. To shut him up, Kazihi put Shirokawa’s forehead on his to find out where he is. Kazihi then told him to keep still or else, he might fall down and die. Kazihi also told him that they would consider the people whom Kinrei has cast away as their allies. I guess it somewhat sinked into Shirokawa that he was thrown away as he wondered if this is the world [underground staircase] that Kinrei is planning. Back to Rakan and others, they found a pool called ‘Green Fire Pool’ and wondered if it is safe. That’s it.
This is a pretty average manga and I can somewhat guess what is going to happen. It seemed like that the adventure is traveling and converting people to their cause. The characters are okay, too, though my favorites are Chigusa and Narushige + Koh. Somehow having a talking pet snake looked appealing. ^^;; I would say that liking Chigusa is mainly on aesthetics. I like this duo’s fight scenes for their coordination works great. I hope the author would explore more on Narushige though maybe in the next volumes. Rakan is okay for a typicial ‘saviour’ high school boy. I just realized that these type of guys tend to wear their high school uniform as their outfit to stand out when in other worlds. Anyway, he isn’t as annoying as Yuri of Kyou Kara Maou though they are as naïve – don’t kill and friends with the enemies but then, this is the typical for such roles. Tohji seemed to be an outsider for me or he doesn’t seem to have as much chemistry for the others as a group. He doesn’t seem to be protective of Rakan as the others but then, if there are fights, he is Rakan’s personal bodyguard. Somehow, that doesn’t jive with me. Well, a part of it could also because Tohji is afraid of Chigusa for Chigusa’s tendency to do gayish stuff. When Kuro was introduced, I instantly knew she would join the group for she reminded me of the dog they have in Gintama. I do wonder if their traveling group would grow larger as they travel or even Kazihi’s group if Kinrei kept on tossing his useless people with them. Lol.
The art is okay and I find the chibi representatives of who is talking a bit cute. ^^; Rakan is plain circle. Chigusa has glasses. Narushige has a long pony tail. Tohji has a short little ‘mountain’ on his circle to prepresent his high ponytail that looked like a tail. The shounen ai elements would be mostly on their group hugs and Chigusa being innocent? that he says and do things that can be interpreted as gayish that made others thought how could be the famous Chigusa be gay. I also like the interesting way the author creates this world that she even put details on how they lived and the weapons are pretty interesting like the plant gun. It looked a bit corny earlier on though. ^^; I don’t know if I should be happy about all the kanji/char lessons on how things/names are written. I wonder if it has a role later on aside from letting Kazihi know that Tohji is his brother. Anyway, thankfully, the author writes the name easily as in the surname and the name as a word/kanji that is the same so I can pretty much keep track as to who’s who. ^_^
Word of the day:
Our world may crumble around us, but God never changes. ~ Our Daily Bread.
Love Monster [c. 77-79]
Friday, February 17, 2006 @ 10:09 p.m.
There is still no Vampire Knight Chinese scans though the good news is that Billwang is back up again. I managed to get the three Love Monster chapters that were uploaded there before. ^-^
In Love Monster [c. 77-79], after the event at L’s castle, Hiyo woke up and found herself back in the school’s tower. What A said about her being the cause of bring about the devil king has bothered her. She was about to get ready for school when she remembered that the principal told her to rest for that day. She then remembered telling L that J isn’t well yet and there are still many things to do. She told L that she hopes that L can come back to school again. L gave her a kiss as he told her that he will go back to school as soon as he can.
Hiyo then went to Kurou’s room to find him still sleeping. She noticed a scar on his chest so when she checked it out, it turned out to be an inverted cross. Kurou then pulled her and she was surprised. She snuggled at him and told him that it is good that he is okay. Kurou told her that he would be there for her no matter what. Then, Hiyo’s father called to tell her that he is with her mother on a vacation so they can’t see her. He then told her to be in good terms with Kurou and follow her path. He mentioned that no matter what the world says, they [Hiyo’s parents] would be on her side. Hiyo was then a bit bothered by what he said. Kurou tries to get Hiyo back to the earlier mood but Hiyo escapes by saying that they have to go to school.
Hiyo then goes to visit K but the nurse told her that there is no such person. Hiyo wondered if K already returned back to England. Tamaki’s ‘wannabe bf’ then bumps into Hiyo. Hiyo was about to give him a ‘face’ [stick out tongue and pull down one eye lid] when the boy suddenly disappeared. Others then told her about having a contest. At Tenma’s household, Yasha found Miyako at the veranda. He asked her to come in for she might get sick then she told him that they should separate. She told him that she is tired of him and doesn’t want to see him so he should show his face to her again. And since she likes that house, she asked him to live at once. Since Yasha obeys everything what his wife says [henpecked?] he did left and told the servants to take care of Miyako. After he left, Miyako then looked a bit sad as she said that he should escape for the devil king is within reach already.
Haine then sets up to go to SM school and told his girls to wait there for him. At SM school, there is a school competition. Hiyo was walking about then find something strange is happening as the audience were not there. The principal also thought that there is something fishy going on. There is going to be a tie breaker so Kurou and Yazaki were about to fight but Haine came and said that he would be the competitor. Hiyo asked why he wants to fight and Haine said that it is because Hiyo haven’t accepted? his feelings. After a big clash of fighting, Haine all wounded came back and gave Hiyo a feather from his wings. He then told her that he loves her.
He then added some sweet words about even if she isn’t cute nor pretty, as long as she is with him, he is happy. She is the only girl whom he would say such things and that he doesn’t want to be without her. Hiyo tries to answer back when to everyone’s surprise, Haine started to disappear. Everyone is in confusion and the principal saw Maria disappeared into the tree. Haine then said that it is okay if this is it. Hiyo told him not to joke around. Haine said that he isn’t and that Hiyo has to answer. Hiyo is still being a bit indecisive that Haine told her that time is up and said goodbye to Hiyo. Haine then tossed his coat to her and vanished. Hiyo just hold on his coat and cried.
Later on, Kurou appeared and asked where Haine was. Hiyo told Kurou that Haine disappeared and she wasn’t able to answer him. Back at Haine’s school, the two girls are getting worried since Haine haven’t come back yet. Chiya’s cellphone then rang so she went down to answer it. It was her brother, Hayate who told her that their parents had separated. Then, Hayate mentioned that his body is disappearing. The line got cut off and to Chiya’s shock, she is also disappearing. She called out to Totoko. On top of the school, Totoko is wondering what is taking Chiya so long. Totoko then saw a Haine’s feather float by and then to her surprise, it started to disappear.
At the principal’s office, the principal met with Maria. They chat about the past. The principal’s hatred before has already disappeared and asked Maria, black witch?, to leave the place immediately. Maria tried to burn the principal down. She then said that the world doesn’t need two devil kings. The principal managed to escape and revealed his true form – Shinto priest outfit but face of a demon. He puts a sword on Maria’s throat as he told her that they don’t need even one devil king. The principal killed Maria who then still spoke as she told him that he doesn’t know a woman’s heart can’t be a devil king. He turned around to see someone from behind with black wings. He just said, you are..
Just when I thought it is another dream about disappearing people but I guess Maria has gotten serious. I wonder what is the plan regarding the disappearing people and why only a few people were chose mostly crows. Weird, why not Kurou. I guess Miyako sent Yasha away to protect him from the possibility of disappearing. After reading this chapter, I hoped that Totoko would end up with Haine. Good for her to know that it is rare to find such a good man. It does seem to prove that Haine is indeed stronger than Kurou for Haine managed to get back before Kurou. Mm..I wonder who was the one that the principal saw. I’m wondering if it was an enemy or friend. A new crow character? Things has started to become serious lately in this series but the strange things happening feels somewhat unrealistic – a nightmare for the characters – that somehow later on, it would be just like a dream and everything is normal again.
Thought of the day:
Life is all about timing...the unreachable becomes reachable, the unavailable become available, the unattainable... attainable. Have the patience, wait it out It's all about timing. ~ Stacey Charter.
D. Gray-man [c. 75]
Wednesday, February 15, 2006 @ 04:22 p.m.
In D. Gray-man [c. 75], the akuma, Oira brought Rinali back to the ship. Bookman was surprised that the innocence actually protected her when she powered up. Oira wondered if it is the ‘heart’. Rabi quickly tried to fight it saying that it still doesn’t trust it. Bookman told him that it is indeed possible that Cross has convert Oira for Cross is the only one who could convert akuma. Oira told them that it was because of him that the ship managed to rise up again.
He also gave them a message from Cross that he has arrived at Japan and is on a mission to stop something that is creating akuma. They were all surprised that Cross is actually working. Rabi asked if Cross needed their help but only learned that Cross told them not to go if they couldn’t help for Japan is already the Count’s territory and the akuma there are stronger than the level 3 that they have encountered. Then, they were interrupted by a reaction of the innocence on Rinali. It has merged on her body. Rinali then woke up and asked Rabi if she is still in the world. Rabi called her stupid as he hugged her and everyone is relieved. Rinali noticed that she can’t move her legs and she was helped up by Rabi and Crowley. They all decided to move onward rather than go back.
Hehe, guess my theory that this chapter would be on Allen is wrong. Ah, maybe next chapter. From the looks of their next mission, I guess more characters would be maimed. I really hope Rabi survive this series. I do wonder how Cross can convert an akuma though. Anyway, about Rinali’s innocence being the ‘heart’, somehow I don’t think it is the heart that they are looking for or else, wouldn’t it be stupid to go there with the heart innocence – it is like delivering what the Count wanted to them. But then, it can be noted that Rinali is special for the innocence did saved her when for other exorcists, it didn’t.
Thought of the day:
Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned. ~Peter Marshall.
Story of Love Monster up to chapter 76
Tuesday, February 14, 2006 @ 06:24 p.m.
Happy Valentine’s Day and just in time, I’m finished summarizing a shoujo story.
Love Monster turned out to be fun and interesting after I got pass the part wherein Kurou kept on molesting Hiyo frequently. ^^; Well, I just got won over by the chibi scenes and somewhat funny/romantic scenes. There are still some molesting but it has become a joke that it always got interrupted. The other molesting were from the enemies but then, I just bypass those and I enjoyed the story. ^^; I tried to find some chapters past chapter 76 but unfortunately, it was in Billwang. Since it is down, I can’t get it anymore. Shoujo’s world has 77 bound with 76 and missing 78. The downside of this site is that it is very slow that I tried downloading 79 only to get 85%. So, I’ll just wait for the other sites to have it. Around volume 9, the scans are the same ones as in Vampire Knight – simplified Chinese so I’m having a bit of difficulty understanding some things.
In volume 1, Hiyo failed in her high school entrance exams so she took up the invitation to SM High School. To her surprise, she learned that the place is a school for monsters and that she is supposedly the fiancé of the school union president, Kurou. Kurou belongs to the family of crows. Basically, they just have black wings. Kurou’s friends are Jiro, a werewolf and Yuki, a snow creature. When Hiyo woke up after collapsing from shock, she learned that her father was the one who set her up with Kurou. She has to live with Kurou in a tower with adjoining rooms. So, Kurou is her way of going up and down the tower and he uses this to his advantage and teases Hiyo by dropping her and catching her again. ^^; Hiyo tries to escape but ended up almost being rape by certain guys who are under Tamaki, cat girl shapeshifter, who likes Kurou. Of course, Kurou and friends saved her. Weird enough, the language used in this school is different and the subjects are different so Hiyo is having trouble with her studies. Kurou has become her tutor. Then, the school doctor, Semu is introduced. He looked like a kid but when aroused, turned into a pervert. ^^; I’m guessing that he is like medusa when grown up for anyone who looks into his eyes becomes stone. Elsewhere, Kyouko, Hiyo’s mom, learned that her ex-husband wasn’t the one who sent the invitation to Hiyo. They wondered who could have done it.
Around volume 2, Tamaki, with Hiyo’s consent, decided to pretend to be Hiyo but Tamaki is acting all lovey-dovey that Kurou easily guessed it wasn’t Hiyo. Hiyo then got herself in trouble but this time, her dad, rescued her. It turned out that her father is also of crow-descent and was known as the strongest school president in the school’s history. Kurou then confirmed that it was he who has sent the school invitation to Hiyo and regarding the engagement, her father agreed to it while he was drunk but Kurou is intelligent that he got a written agreement and videotaped it. ^^; Kurou then hinted about something regarding Hiro that her father didn’t know. With Kurou’s promise to protect Hiyo, her father agreed to let her stay. Kurou then told Hiyo that they met before and he is waiting for her to fly. Hiyo was totally clueless as to what he is talking about. While trying to remember it, Hiyo mistakenly eat some mushrooms that instead of making her remember, made her think as a child. Kurou then has to babysit her and when asked about flying that night, Hiyo showed her wings – color white. The next day, Hiyo forgot what happened last night. Later on, vice president, Yazaki was insulted by Kurou so he decided to get back at him through Hiyo. It ended with Yazaki and Hiyo becoming good friends through games, dvd movies and desserts.
Then, Hiyo and Kurou had their first major fight when Kurou kept on treating her as a thing. Tamaki got Hiyo to go with her at the girls’ school dorm and the ‘queen’ hates her that she ordered Hiyo to find some hard to find plants. She was helped up by a girl, Hitomi. Hitomi then drags Hiyo to her room to stay for the night. Meanwhile, Kurou got a visit from his friends to tell him where Hiyo is staying. They decided to get her the next day. The next day, Hiyo learned that the room she stayed cannot be opened and it was supposedly haunted by a ghost. After another fight with Kurou who came to pick her up, Hiyo stayed at Hitomi’s room. Hitomi then doesn’t want her to leave the room anymore.
In volume 3, the real queen of the dorm, spider lady, arrives. She informs them about Hitomi being a student and got to like it in the guest room that she has been living there for 100 years. It turned out that Hitomi is angry at the queen for leaving her so she wanted Hiyo to be the one to stay with her. Hitomi then sealed Hiyo instead and the condition was if Hiyo said she likes Kurou, she would let Hiyo free. Since Hitomi and Kurou kept on pressuring her, Hiyo just ran out of the barrier. They all wondered who Hiyo was since she can easily break through the barrier. Kurou cleared up to Hiyo what he meant about belonging to him even though I don’t quite buy that being a property is because she is precious. Later on, Hitomi became a classmate of Hiyo. Kurou’s brother, Hayate is then introduced and caused a bit of trouble. Here, it was revealed that Kurou was somewhat abandoned as a kid when his wings haven’t grown. Crow kids with no wings are left behind and doomed to die. But Kurou’s grandfather decided to take him in. Hiyo asked how he grew his wings but Kurou didn’t answer and just hinted that Hiyo should suppose to know about it. Hayate caused trouble again and tried to take Hiyo. Hiyo was moving too much that Hayate dropped her. Hiyo then briefly showed her white wings to everyone’s shock. She fell into the water and remembered her past with Kurou.
Hiyo’s father used to bring her to Kurou’s grandfather’s house. Little Hiyo tries to befriend little Kurou but he doesn’t want to so little Hiyo decided to be his bride. Then, they went mountain climbing. He then kissed Hiyo to thanked her but Hiyo was so surprised that she lost her footing and fell. Kurou sprouted wings to save her but he couldn’t carry her so Hiyo also sprouted her wings. She couldn’t carry him either so they both fell and were rescued by Hiyo’s father. Kurou then decided to be strong and would train hard just for Hiyo. Then, Hiyo woke up and quickly runs off when she saw Kurou, embarrassed that it turned out that she was the one who first confessed to him. Kurou found her and he realized that Hiyo remembered about their past. The others then caught up to her and called her the legendary white crow. Hitomi hinted that maybe someone has sealed Hiyo’s memories that she can’t remember. Kurou then promised to protect Hiyo. Meanwhile, Hayate goes back to their house and report to their father regarding Hiyo. It turned out that Shou, Hiyo’s father are friends with Kurou’s parents and Hayate did all that just because he was jealous for they always focus on Kurou. Everyone then knows that Hiyo is a white crow. Hiyo can’t easily make her wings appear and if they do, they are only small ones.
In volume 4, there is just this misadventure with Konta, a fox spirit. Another one infatuated with Hiyo. Two girls tried to get Hiyo’s wings since it supposedly can grant wishes but everything fail. Konta tries to escape with Hiyo in a mirror that can go into any dimension. Hiyo was made to decide to go back to the human world or help Kurou who was injured while trying to get her back. She chose Kurou. Then, ended with Kurou in the clinic, everyone started to party so Kurou got Hiyo back to the tower where he could rest peacefully. Then, they had their first date. Hiyo realized that she has fallen for Kurou. There, they met Baku who eats dreams and later on, became their chemistry teacher.
In volume 5, there is a contest with another school about getting the other’s school prescious item. While waiting for the other school to get their treasure, Hiyo got kidnapped. Hiyo then met Haine, the school president of the other school who turned out to be a crow also but with grey wings. Haine told him that he used to have a hard time as a kid because his wings are grey so he beat up the ones who insults him. Then, his mother told him that he could be a descendant of the white crow. Haine told Hiyo that he was happy to have met a white crow. He had somewhat fallen for her, too. ^^; While having a little chit-chat, Kurou, who has defeated Haine’s girls, Totoko and Chiya, came. The two guys were about to pounce on each other but Hiyo told each other’s past and gave Haine a feather from her wings, wishing him that his wish could come true. Haine showed the girls the feather and I think he burned it as he told them that he doesn’t need it for his wish came true. The next day, Kurou is still a bit jealous over Haine and then, Haine with his girls came visit their school. Haine used Hiyo as an excuse to come by saying that Hiyo got their prized possession. Chiya, also a crow, then started getting all clingy at Kurou. Hiyo got a bit jealous over it. While alone with Haine, Hiyo told him about her relationship with Kurou so Haine then asked her out. Haine then gave Hiyo a feather which she accepted. Haine thought that Hiyo is accepting him but it turned out that Hiyo doesn’t know about that tradition of exchanging feathers. Hiyo asked why Haine likes her and Haine said that it was because she accepted him like his mother regarding his grey wings. After some wooing, Haine gave Hiyo an advice that Kurou’s family is hard to get along with. Hiyo then quickly hid Haine’s feather when Kurou and Chiya came. Then, Chiya wanted to stay there as a student as Hiyo learned that Chiya is Kurou’s sister. Since Chiya is a pair idol with Totoko, Totoko got into the school, too.
Everyone is making a fuss that Totoko and Chiya are staying at their school. Hiyo is a bit jealous and well, Kurou is also jealous when he saw Hiyo got Haine’s feather. Kurou then just destroyed Haine’s feather and ‘forcefully’ exchanged feathers with Hiyo. Chiya then went home and asked permission from her parents that she wanted to marry Kurou and her parents agreed. The next day, Hiyo’s feather is missing and Kalasu, their pet crow bird, pointed out that it could be Hiyo’s power is still weak so the feather disappeared. At school, Hitomi is getting angry over losing a bid for a stuffed toy to a certain night wing person. They learned that it is parent’s visit day the next day. Kurou told Hiyo that his grandfather is the one who would come. On Parent’s visit day, Shou came to visit and it turned out that he is friends with Jiro’s dad and Yuki’s mom. Hiyo then learned about her father being pretty strong and was actually a student of Kurou’s grandfather. Then, Kurou’s parents came. Miyako, Kurou’s mom took an instant dislike for Hiyo. Kurou tried to defend Hiyo by saying she is a white crow so Shou also learned about it. Kurou’s dad also turned out to hate Shou especially since he married a human. Hiyo quickly talked back not to look down on humans. Miyako then told Kurou that she disapprove of Hiyo and would want Chiya to be his fiancé. Kurou tried to protest but was quickly made helpless by Miyako. Miyako then runs off with Hitomi and Semu to exchange stuffed toys.
In volume 6, while Kurou and his parents are meeting with the teacher. Shou told Hiyo that Miyako can see the future. Hiyo then learned that Shou was an orphan and was raised as a brother of Kurou’s father, Yasha, who was also the one who found Shou. Things get bad between them when Yasha fell for Miyako but Miyako wanted Shou who is stronger. Miyako wonders why she can’t see Shou’s past nor future. Shou then turned her down saying he likes matured looking woman. Then, Shou declined getting into the family and finally, married a human. Afterwards, Kurou tried to asked his father why he would care about him now when he was abandoned before. Yasha told him that it wasn’t because he was hated and warned him not to be with Hiyo or else, Hiyo’s safety can’t be guaranteed. Then, Hiyo was told to live at the girl’s dorm as Chiya is going to stay at the tower with Kurou. Hiyo got angry at Kurou for agreeing too easily and told her tearful story to Hitomi and the Queen. Back at the tower, Kurou is asking his friends for advice why she was angry when he was only protecting her from the possible things that his parents might do. They then told him that Hiyo is jealous so she is in love with him. Kurou then was somewhat happy about it and would check on Hiyo the next day. The next day, Tamaki, Totoko and Chiya played a trick on Hiyo by letting Tamaki pretend to be Kurou and being lovey-dovey with Chiya. Upon arriving at the dorm, her luggage came.
Hiyo tries to run away but the forest ‘spirits’? were suddenly after her because she is the white crow. She is then saved by Haine. Haine immediately guessed that it was Chiya who did those things. Haine then volunteered to bring Chiya to the human world since she doesn’t want to go back to school and they took a train together. At the school, Hiyo’s disappearance is now known so Kurou is trying to find her. Back at the human world, Haine told Hiyo that when they grow up, monsters can live with humans. Then, Hiyo met Komugi her friend but Komugi can sense monsters. Komugi then dragged Hiyo away from Haine and told her to stay at her house, a church. Hiyo and Komugi spend the night talking about school and crushes. At the school, the next day, they thought that Hiyo went to the human world. They wanted to get her back as soon as possible since there are people who are after the white crow’s feathers. Chiya tries to stop Kurou but failed. Chiya then decided to go back to the other school with Totoko. While thinking of a way to go to the human world, Haine’s bird crow came and gave Kurou a message that he met Hiyo while on his way to get Totoko and Chiya. Then, he also wrote that he and Hiyo are in love and will be living in the human world. Kurou is not pleased with that.
At the church, Komugi decided to copy Hiyo’s hairstyle. Haine then came to give Hiyo her luggage that she left when Komugi dragged her away. Haine tries to seduce Hiyo to be his girlfriend but got interrupted when Hiyo’s mother came to pick her up. While walking, Kyouko and Hiyo hurried away as some thing is after Hiyo. It was promptly destroyed by Haine. At home, Hiyo found her father and Kurou waiting for her. When Kyouko mentioned about a monster after them, Shou had to spill the beans about Hiyo being a white crow. Shou said that Hiyo should go back to school since it is safer there. While they were talking, Haine cooked up a banquet for them. Haine then asked permission to marry Hiyo. Kyouko immediately agreed. So, Hiyo got two fiancé arranged by her parents. Then, they learned that Komugi was kidnapped and it turned out to be Konta’s doing for they thought she was Hiyo based on the hairstyle. On their way back, Hiyo and Kurou got together and made up after clarifying the misunderstandings.
In volume 7, Komugi woke up and was shock to be surrounded by monsters. Jiro helped her calm down by giving her some buns shaped like a peach. Hiyo came and told Komugi about being a monster. Komugi still accepted her and promised to keep the monster school a secret. Before leaving, Komugi gave Jiro a hairpin for she had somewhat got a crush on Jiro. Konta then sent Komugi back to the human world. Then, there is a brief discussion of Yasha and Miyako. It seems that Miyako is a priestess and her role is pretty much like Hinoto in X. I’m thinking that she isn’t exactly a monster nor a human for she hates humans. Miyako revealed that she can’t see her future, Shou and Hiyo’s. They have sent Kurou to Yasha’s father in the hope that Kurou’s future could be changed since he was born without wings since Shou and Hiyo’s future are unpredictable. Back at the school, Hiyo was tortured by tying her up while everyone is eating. Kurou then told her that the monster school is separated so that the humans would not know that monsters exist and since kids can’t still control their powers, it can cause trouble. Then, Kurou started molesting Hiyo again but got interrupted by the principal. Later on, Kurou was tutoring Hiyo and things started getting steamy when they got interrupted again since the principal is calling for Kurou. At the principal office, Kurou learned that they have new students, J and K. [I don’t know the whole name in Chinese]. The principal then noticed that one of them is missing.
At the library, Hiyo got bored waiting for Kurou so she went out and instead met with L who was searching for her. Kurou came and asked what they wanted with Hiyo. They asked if Hiyo is the white crow and Kurou quickly denied it. The commotion ended when the teacher drags the new student for a school tour. At their room, it turned out that the vampires’ grandfather is the one who wanted the white crow. They are planning how to know if Hiyo is the one when Tamaki came and blurted about Hiyo’s background to them. Hiyo was returning to the tower when K saved her from bats. Hiyo then came to like one of the bats that was suppose to scare her. ^^;
K then tries to hypnotize her but it doesn’t work. Then, J and L came. L proposed that Hiyo shows her wings and in exchange, he would give the bat to her. Hiyo then showed her wings but was instantly covered by Kurou and taken away. At the tower, Kurou told Hiyo not to show her wings to anyone but Hiyo tries to explain that she did it for the bat. Seeing that Kurou is worried, Hiyo then apologized and asked him to close his eyes. She kissed him and left the room, blushing. The next day, K and L started proposing to Hiyo which made Kurou mad. K and L started telling him that the Tenmo family wouldn’t accept Hiyo but Kurou insisted that he doesn’t care for Hiyo is still his fiancé. Then, L was shown to be quite intelligent and everything but is a bit sick. Everyone then learns that they are vampires.
In volume 8, that night, K and J decided to kidnap Hiyo while L is resting. J was surprised that it was Kurou whom he tried to grab. At the next room, Hiyo woke up because of the commotion and saw L outside her window. L asks her to open it but she wouldn’t until she saw the bat. L is fast falling for Hiyo. L wanted to give her the bat as he promised but Hiyo told L that it isn’t the same bat. L decided to bring her to the cave and find the bat she wants. L pushed her outside and ended up trying to save her since she can’t fly. They both ended up falling down since L can’t carry her. Hiyo got a bit worried about him since L seemed to be dizzy and out of it.
Back at the tower, J tells Kurou about L’s history. I think there is something about L that made his growth stunt and he has become weak. They need Hiyo to ‘save’ him. Kurou apologized and told him that he won’t give Hiyo away for Hiyo was his savior. So, J decided to fight Kurou for Hiyo. At the cave, Hiyo is looking for her bat and finally found it. Unfortunately, they were also lost. Wandering about, Hiyo lost her footing and fell down. At the school, everyone heard broken glass from Kurou’s tower. They tried to get the vampires to fly them there, only to find them missing. At the tower, Kurou obviously overpowered J that J was afraid of Kurou. Kurou threatens to pull out J’s wings which would hurt tremendously if he won’t stop pursuing Hiyo. They were interrupted by K who told them that L is missing. Kurou quickly went to Hiyo’s room to find her also missing. Kurou then called everyone to try to find Hiyo and L.
At the cave, Hiyo woke up to find that L ended up being injured while protecting her. Hiyo got Kalasu and the bat to tell the others where they are as she try to help L. L then ended up biting into Hiyo. Somehow, Hiyo went unconscious and L was shocked at what he did since Hiyo’s heart had stopped. Everyone then sensed something in the cave, they arrived there and saw L carrying a lifeless Hiyo. Kurou went berserk as his form started to change and tattoos appear on his body. Everyone was surprised as they thought that Kurou has become a real demon. His feature actually is like the hero in Shin Megami Tensei. The principal got in the way and told Kurou to calm down for Hiyo is still alive. Semu then was called and that Hiyo can be saved but she might become a vampire. Kurou agreed to save her and that as long that Hiyo is alive, it doesn’t matter what form she is. L kissed? Hiyo and others comment if it is really okay. It seemed that Hiyo’s memories would be erased, too. K has to bigmouth that he is happy that L’s wings had gotten stronger because of Hiyo’s blood.
Semu then said that Hiyo is alive again but when she wakes up, she will be a vampire. Kurou is still angry over it that he tore off L’s wing and carried Hiyo away. L told the others that it is okay for what he did was unforgivable. Hitomi then asked to talk with the principal. They discussed about Kurou’s changing form and that it isn’t normal. They then said that since the white crow has appeared, so would the devil/monster king. At the tower, Kurou still couldn’t forgive the vampires for stealing away Hiyo’s precious memories of their childhood then noticed something happening to Hiyo. At the clinic, Hiyo woke up and has bat wings. Hiyo seemed to be in a daze. Kurou quickly hugs her and said that she would still be his Hiyo. Then, to their surprise, the bat wings cracked and revealed her white wings again. She then grabbed Kurou, saying she is hungry. Kurou tries to offer her his blood but she didn’t want any of his blood. It turned out that Hiyo didn’t turn into a vampire nor loss her memories. They thought that it could be because of her being a white crow.
Hiyo quickly ran off to find a pile of peach buns that everyone was lamenting that she won’t be able to eat anymore. She quickly devoured everything as everyone was surprised that Hiyo is back to normal. Everyone told her what happened then everyone doesn’t care about L but Hiyo told them that L saved her. She went to the clinic and overheard them talking. L decided to give up being heir of their family and doesn’t want to bother Hiyo anymore. Hiyo then interrupted them saying that if L needs her then, she would gladly help him. Obviously, Kurou isn’t happy about that arrangement.
It is almost summer. Kurou is threatening Hiyo to pass her exams or else, they won’t have a summer vacation. L decided to stay in the school and that he doesn’t consider Hiyo as a ‘tool’. He just wants to be beside her. Before leaving, L’s brothers, K and J warned him about Kurou being a bit abnormal and he as to be careful. L was thinking about this and Hiyo thought that he wants her blood and gladly offered it to him, shocking Kurou and embarrassing L. Everyone then are having fun at the roof as usual, Hiyo fell down. She is pretty much a klutz. ^^;
From the principal’s office, Shou was observing them. Shou, Hao [Kurou’s grandpa], the principal and Hitomi are discussing about Kurou’s change – becoming devil/monster king. Shou said that everything should be fine if Kurou stays with Hiyo. Miyako then appears and was conflicted whether to let Kurou stay with Hiyo or not then left. At the library, Kurou and L got frustrated at teaching Hiyo that Hiyo got angry for she isn’t meeting their expectations. She left and found a book about the story of the white crow. The story says that a long time ago, humans, animals and monsters co-exist. One day, the people found a crow with a broken wing. They nursed it back to health. It thanked them for helping it and flew away. Then, the devil/monster king appeared destroying and killing everyone. The crow came back to help them. It transformed to an ‘angel’ with a sword and killed the devil/monster king. So, everything is at peace again. Hiyo was troubled by the story as she looked at the illustration, the devil/monster king’s wings reminded her of Kurou. When Kurou came to get her, Hiyo looked pale. Kurou then lured her to study by saying that if she passed the exams, they get to go in an outing. After the exams, to Hiyo’s shock, she failed them. Everyone was disappointed since Hiyo can’t go with them.
In volume 9, I think the principal offered Hiyo to go to another world to help her pass the exam by accomplishing something. Kurou was to accompany her. Kurou pushed her into the ‘pool’ so Hiyo got to the place first. Hiyo then found herself in an unknown world which looked like China. She met a girl who has a phoenix but ended up being chased. She was rescued by a guy named Huang who was infatuated with the princess. They were interrupted by the girl Hiyo earlier met and realized that she was the princess. The princess then told her that they are lately at odds with Byakko, Kuroran [I’m guessing Kuro is black ran is orchid] Genbu and Seiryu. Kurou then became their ally. At the palace, Hiyo was worried about Kurou so Huang and the princess, Chuli inquire about her. They exchange info on monsters in their respective worlds. Since this is in simplified Chinese, I couldn’t quite make out what’s happening but there is a bit of school politics – who would be president and that a kirin is a creature that they need to solve the problem. Seiryu and Byakko attack them. Chuli managed to fend them off. Kurou attacked and has injured Huang who tried to protect Chuli. Hiyo was happy to see Kurou but was surprised that Kuroran was with him.
Kuroran and others then retreated. Chuli distrust Hiyo for her friend attacked them. Hiyo tries to protect him by saying that Kurou was brainwashed but they didn’t buy it off. Hiyo then decided another way to prevent them from fighting. They should just find the kirin. Back at SM school, summer vacation has official started and everyone is bummed out since Kurou and Hiyo are not there. Haine came to visit but only met L and the two took an instant dislike for each other – rivals for Hiyo. Back at the China world, the teacher proposed that they go to a certain mountain to find the kirin and who finds it would be president. The teacher said that Hiyo can help them find the kirin. Kurou then said that it is impossible for Hiyo is his useless fiancé and the kirin won’t be attracted to her. Hiyo then realized that she was brought there as bait for the kirin. Kuroran then decided to form a team to go to the mountains. Kuroran then insulted Huang for being stupid that Hiyo got angry. Hiyo then said that she will find the kirin and prove herself to a certain pervert, irritating and smelly crow.
Hiyo then tried to convince people to go with them but no one wants to but Huang volunteered to go to protect Chuli. Then, another guy, Rin [I’m guessing since his name is the second word of Ki-rin] volunteered. Hiyo tries to get Kurou jealous when Rin was flirting with her but it was no use. Chuli flew with her red colored wings. She got her phoenix to carry Huang while Rin carries Hiyo. While flying, Hiyo wondered if Rin is Kirin while Huang tries to tell Chuli to make up with Kuroran since they used to be friends. While searching the place, the group split up. Back at Kuroran’s place, Kurou wandered why they are not looking for the kirin. Kuroran then told him that Rin is one of her men. Rin then showed his true colors by saying something about wanting to be king of the world. Hiyo agreed to do what Rin says so that he won’t kill Kalasu. Hiyo got molested again but was almost saved by Huang who was ‘killed’ by Rin. Hiyo insulted Rin that she got herself stab. Rin then licks the blood but something happened to his body. I don’t quite get it why Hiyo is still alive. Anyway, Chuli came and wanted to avenge Huang. Meanwhile, Kurou is getting worried about Hiyo and Kalasu came to report to him. Kurou goes to the mountain while Kuroran began to wonder what is happening so they all went there, too. When they arrived there, Kurou saved Chuli from being killed by Rin. Rin then takes Hiyo hostage and fled. Chuli wanted to chase after Rin for killing Huang since she haven’t confessed her feelings to him yet. Kuroran got angry and revealed that she is jealous that Chuli kept on paying attention to Huang when she was her friend first. Then, the two friends made up, just as Huang wished for. While chasing Rin, Kurou was surrounded by a fog then saw an illusion of a wingless boy being maltreated by other crows. Then, I got lost over Rin’s past. I think he was envious of Chuli and that he blames himself for not being able to rescue his brother. Later on, he was filled with guilt for killing his mother. In the end, Hiyo saved him and asked others to forgive Rin for what he did.
Around chapter 67-70, the kirin then appeared chose Chuli as the next president. It then helped Rin be reborn again as a child. Hiyo was happy for Rin. Chuli decided to raise it up but Kuroran called her weird for raising up the one who killed Huang. To their surprise, Huang turned out to be the kirin. Chuli was happy that Huang is alive. Hiyo then teased them that Rin seemed to be their child. Kurou praised Hiyo for being able to find the kirin. Kuroran and others thought that they find it weird for Huang would want to raise the one who killed him. Kurou then said that is why they weren’t able to find the kirin. Kuroran then asked him if Rin has killed Hiyo, would he let Rin go. Then, they were surprised to see Kurou’s dark side and obviously that answered their question. Kurou said that Hiyo has passed the requirements so they can all go home. Chuli then asked to see Hiyo’s wings again. Hiyo oblidge but ended up showing her chest when the wind blows and lifted up her torn outfit. Kurou got angry and quickly grabbed Hiyo as they go back through the water pool.
Chuli then told Hiyo to come back and see the progress of their school. Back at the SM school, everyone is bored and it got perked up when they heard that Hiyo and Kurou has returned. Then, they had an impromptu trial against Kurou whom Hiyo accused of betraying her. Hiyo even bribed Tamaki with a fish so that she would be on her side. The verdict, Kurou has to wear a bunny suit. Lol. Hiyo was laughing at him as Kurou finally told the truth that he did it so that Hiyo can finish the assignment more quickly because of the competition. He did it so that they can go on a vacation already.
Later that night, Hiyo thought of going to vacation with Komugi. Then, Kurou got a bit jealous for he wanted to be just with Hiyo. Then, they got lovey-dovey as Hiyo finally confessed that she likes Kurou. Just when they are about to do it, Hiyo faints. The next day, Kurou is in a bad mood..I think it is because he wasn’t able to sleep properly and Hiyo has fallen asleep. At the resort, Hiyo met with Komugi. While the girls went into their rooms to change, Kurou and Jiro talked about Jiro’s possibility of liking Komugi. Jiro said that she is okay though she is human and seems to fear them. At the room, Komugi thanked Hiyo for inviting her as Hiyo teased that she just wanted to see Jiro. Tamaki then came to tell them that they can’t get out of the house.
In chapters 71-76, Hiyo found a warp zone when they opened the door. The void then tells them that it wants to eat human meat. Tamaki is safe. Komugi was then grabbed by the void. Hiyo was also grabbed but she was saved by Haine. Kurou and Jiro sensed something in the house. They saw Tamaki appearing. The house then started crumbling. Jiro saved Komugi who then confessed that she likes him even if he is a monster. Haine then was surprised that Kurou managed to break in ‘that person’s kekkai/barrier. Haine then greeted him. The owner of the resort house was angry that they wrecked her place and that it wasn’t with the agreement of pretending to be ghosts. Haine was about to explain when he whispered something to Hiyo who quickly went off to find those two. Haine then noticed that Kurou got stronger and mentioned about something – betting on Hiyo. Hiyo then found her parents in the beach. Kyouko, her mother was hiding from the sun as Shou tries to get her relax. Kyouko said that she doesn’t want to for she is a human so she grows old, unlike monsters. Shou then told her to forget about Miyako who told Kyouko on her wedding day that Kyouko would regret marrying Shou for she would grow old unlike them.
Shou then told her about his past. Ever since Miyako told Yasha that Shou is stronger. Yasha wanted to challenge Shou but Shou doesn’t want to fight him. Yasha then asked Hao that he doesn’t want to train with Shou anymore. Shou then became lonely that he wanted to destroy the world and he has the power to do it. One day, Shou was about to do it when he met Kyouko. Kyouko saw the light and ask if it is magic. Kyouko then asked to meet him again the next day and asked his name. When Kyouko learned that Shou doesn’t have a surname, Kyouko proposed that they get married so that he would get her surname. Hiyo who was eavesdropping couldn’t believe that it was her mom who proposed but then, they were alike for she was the one who proposed to Kurou. Shou continued that even if he liked to have a surname, he still planned to destroy the world but it kept getting postponed when Kyouko kept on telling him that she will meet him the next day.
Until the end of summer, Kyouko told him that she couldn’t meet him anymore for she is going back home. Shou then decided to destroy the world that night but to his surprise, Kyouko told him that she will come back next summer when she visits her grandmother. Year after year that happened and he kept postponing the destruction of the world. Until Kyouko came back as a young lady and Shou has fallen for her. Hiyo was happy that it was because of her mother that the world is saved. Shou then asked Kyouko that they start all over again. Shou thought that without Kyouko, he could have been a devil/monster king earlier. They then discovered that Hiyo was there when Kalasu came. Hiyo told them to continue on as she goes off to leave. Kurou then came. Shou comments that Kurou has gotten stronger for he was able to break his barrier. They were surprised that it was Shou who made the barrier at the resort house. It turned out that he made a deal with Haine to get the girls to hug them in fear. Hiyo and Kyouko got angry at Shou as they chased him. Kurou thought that people are noticing that he got stronger and he became stronger just to protect Hiyo. Hiyo came back and gave Kurou a slice of watermelon. Hiyo told him that she hoped that next year’s summer would be a nice as this year. Kurou was about to kiss Hiyo when L slashed water on him. ^^; As usual, the two fought as the others came to join them.
In the Tenma household, they have a visitor, a girl in nurse uniform, Maria. She was looking for Miyako. She came to discuss about Kurou and something about making him a true devil/monster king. At school, Hiyo was in a daze for summer is over and she was a bit envious the others romantic summer – Komugi’s, Chuli’s and her parents. Then, they learned that L is missing. From the principal, Hiyo got an invitation to go to L’s place. Then, K came crashing into the room asking Hiyo to save L. They knew it was a trap but Hiyo wanted to help L and said that it would be okay since Kurou is with them. They used the warp pool to go to L’s place and Hiyo ended up wet again. They were greeted by J and invited to the castle. Hiyo has to take a bath since the water she landed on smells bad. The maid who led her was Maria. The couple were given new clothes – just to fit the setting. ^^; Then to their surprise, they were led to a chapel. Hiyo met L and rushed over him. L then greeted her as his new bride. Kurou told her to get away from him. Then, the soldiers all stabbed Kurou. Hiyo quickly went to him to help him but was surprised when L also stabbed Kurou. L then told her that he is A. He is the grandfather and he had possessed L. A wanted Hiyo’s blood. They dragged Hiyo away as Hiyo cries out to Kurou. A then told J to dispose of the body.
While molesting Hiyo, A told Hiyo about L. I don’t quite understand it but I’m guessing that A is what is making L weak and he is just using K and J to get to Hiyo. J tries shoot A saying that Hiyo and Tenma had helped L so J couldn’t forgive A. J got Kalasu and the bat to free Hiyo as he told Hiyo to escape. J was about to shoot A but hesitated when A pretended to be L. A used this to defeat J and was about to kill him when Hiyo tries to stop him by pointing the gun at A. A got shot but he was unhurt. It turned out that drinking Hiyo’s blood has made L’s body stronger so A wanted to become more powerful and drinks more of Hiyo’s blood. At the dungeon, the maids sense something with bounded up Kurou. Maria was taking pictures of him on her cellphone. The other maids told her that she is still new so she shouldn’t be doing that. Maria got angry and burned up the other maids.
Then, Kurou managed to free himself and arrive where Hiyo was. A comments that the ‘devil monster king’ has awaken inside Kurou but A said that he is too late for he had drank Hiyo’s blood already. It has made L’s body grow older. Kurou was injured really bad when Hiyo woke up for he was protecting her. Hiyo tried to get Kurou to escape but he wouldn’t. Hiyo offered A everything he wants just spare Kurou. A then sprouted some people, I’m guessing that he plans to kill as he ripped Kurou’s wings. A then told Hiyo that it was all her fault – her blood made him like this and because of her, the ‘devil monster king’ has awakened. A threaten to kill her but L managed to get control of his body as he tries to protect Hiyo. L called out to Kurou to finish him now while they have the chance. Kurou woke up and was about to blast A into kingdom come, A in bat spirit tried to escape but was captured by L. L then said goodbye to his grandfather and crushed the spirit. Hiyo was glad that L is back then wished that L is back to his old form. Then L suddenly shrunk to Hiyo’s size. They quickly went to Kurou only to find him sleeping. Hiyo noticed that the markings on Kurou’s body are vanishing. Hiyo was relieved.
At some underground castle, A as a bat said that they don’t know that his heart is in there and he tries to possess another body or maybe go back to his body but Maria stopped him by burning him inside the coffin. The corpse screamed as to why Maria is doing this for she was the one who made him ‘devil monster king’. Maria then said that whoever she wants to be ‘devil monster king’ would be ‘devil monster king’ and apparently, she has her sights on Kurou. I have a part of chapter 77, the principal granted them a day’s off after what happened. She remembered L saying that he would fix things there first then he would return to school. L then gave Hiyo a kiss on the lips. Hiyo then went to Kurou’s room and told him that she was glad that he is alright. Kurou promised her that he would always be at her side no matter what happens. They were then interrupted by a phone call. It was Shou who told her that he and Kyouko would be on a vacation and something about no matter what happened, they would be there for her. The next part is they went back to school and some people had started disappearing. I don’t know if it is just another dream or something since I’m missing the rest of the chapter.
So, this manga reminds me of Fushigi Yuugi. Like Miaka, Hiyo tends to be a damsel in distress and has to be rescued. Her kindness has a tendency to get them into trouble though it isn’t as annoying as in Kyou Kara Maou. Just like Miaka, Hiyo is building a male harem and villains have a tendency to molest her. Of the three guys going after her, the least I like is Kurou maybe because he made a bad impression on me at the start when he was pretty aggressive with Hiyo but lately, he is okay. I find him cute when he gets jealous. Those were fun scenes. Haine would make a perfect househusband though lately, he haven’t been appearing. L is okay and the finding the bat scene made me like him. I find the two would make a cute couple. Anyway, Hiyo is destined to be with Kurou in this series. And like most shoujo heroines, Hiyo has a tendency to befriend her enemies and win them over her niceness.
The character I tend not to trust is Miyako. I tend to think that she would be the root of all the trouble that will happen later on especially because of her hatred for humans. And, well, Maria is her friend so that isn’t good. I’m guessing that the future chapters would have Maria trying to force out ‘devil monster king’ in Kurou but then, it is quite easy – just get Hiyo as bait. From the way the story is going, it has become somewhat like a Romeo-Juliet and maybe later on, they would learn that they were meant to be enemies. Finally, I like the child scenes here of Kurou-Hiyo and Shou-Kyouko. They were really cute. ^_^
Thought of the day:
There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread. ~ Mother Teresa.
My day yesterday and Fullmetal Alchemist [c.56]
Monday, February 13, 2006 @ 07:12 p.m.
I went out yesterday with my bro and kids just to escape a family reunion. ^^; We almost didn’t get to go out since the kids suddenly weren’t feeling well..well, my niece was. She managed to go though and maybe my saying about spending time with her as her birthday present is a bit of a lure for her. ^^; We spend the afternoon painting ceramics in this store. I think my painting sucks..my imagination must be dead since I can’t imagine the colors. The colors painted are different when it was baked. After I finished, I felt that the colors I made are too dark for a sugar and cream container. ^^; Oh well.
The rest of the night, I spend time with my nephew while my niece is resting. I played Star Wars Lego with him and my bro. They take turns. I was leading most of the time. I got them to ‘drop off’ during the pod race since they are dragging me and finally able to finish it. Hehehe It is a good feeling – ego that I finished the race after multiple deaths. ^^; Later on, bro drove me home after his wife returned. Anyway, I hope I don’t get their germs though, feeling a bit feverish this afternoon.
In Fullmetal Alchemist [c. 56], Gluttony died and Father will re-make him with memories intact. Mm..why does Greed’s memories not intact while Gluttony’s is. Anyway, Ed is having a shower and told Al about his body. Ed then learns that Mei and Xiao Mei are inside Al’s armor. They then all went to Bradley and met Roy there. Ed wanted to quit being a state alchemist but was blackmailed into not quitting or else, Winry would be in danger. They can do anything as before except things that can hamper their plans. Before leaving, Roy asked if Bradley killed Hughes and Bradley said he did not. Bradley then stabs Al’s armor and since there is no blood, he lets them go. Good for Mei to be able to avoid it.
Outside the room, Ed and Al quickly got doctor Knox’s address and Roy’s money for payment as they scram out of the place to help out injuired Mei. Roy then remembered Hawkeye and to his surprise, it is Armstrong who was waiting for him. It turned out that Hawkeye just went for a break and asked Armstrong to take her place. In a phone booth, the Elric brothers quickly called to ask if Winry is alright and after they hung up, they were surprised by Greedling. Greedling then gave them a message from Ling to be given to Ran Fan. Al gave the message to Ran Lan as Mei is being treated by Knox. Hehe, I could read the message since it is in Chinese. Well, Xing seems to be ‘China’. ^^; It said that Ling got the philosopher’s stone but Al couldn’t tell her what happened to Ling.
At the headquarters, Bradley and Greedling had a little chat and it seems that Ling is still trying to find an opportunity to get his body back from Greed. Meanwhile, Ed went to fix up the wreck during the fight against Scar. He learned that around the time Father sealed up their alchemy, the alchemy of all the people there were also sealed up. Ed is thinking about a way to get Al’s body back though he was a bit bothered by the ‘souls’ in the philosopher’s stone. He then wonders about other types of alchemy which Scar and Mei used. Under the sewage, Scar is moving about thinking about what Ed said and then he found Marcoh.
I wonder if Marcoh would tell everything to Scar. Well, I didn’t except actually that Mei would hide inside Al for I thought they have escaped with Scar. That was pretty clever. Ling looks nice here – black Chinese clothes – I like. ^_^ As expected, Bradley will use Winry as his trump card to get the brothers on the government’s leash.
Thought of the day:
He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away. ~Raymond Hull.
Skip beat! [c.82], Bleach [c. 214] and One Piece [c.399]
Saturday, February 11, 2006 @ 05:19 p.m.
In Skip Beat! [c. 82], everyone was talking about Shou’s arrival at the set and as to why he wanted to see Kyouko. Yashiro is still in denial that this is happening and he snapped out of it when Ren told him that he is going to the dressing room to change. Yashiro was surprised that Ren is all calm as he wonders if Ren doesn’t care about Shou. Ren then pauses for a while as he glances out where Kyouko and Shou went to talk.
Outside, Kyouko and Shou are posing for a showdown. Lol. Kyouko thought that Shou is out to get back at her for hurting his ego then her demons converse with each other as to what to do then Shou told her that he got her out for something. Then he reaches for something which Kyouko and demons thought is a weapon. Her demons was about to swoop down on him to hurt Shou first but it turned out to be an ointment for different types of wounds.
Kyouko was shocked and still wouldn’t doubt Shou’s kindness as she thought that the ointment is poison. Shou insisted that it is a good one but Kyouko still doesn’t want it. They then kept passing the ointment back and forth. Lol.
Then, just about Kyouko was going to throw the ointment back, Shou admitted that Kyouko was right. He had lashed out his frustrations on her when she had exposed everything that he had felt that he tried to surpress or deny – feelings of fear that an unknown group can easily copy his style and pass off as original. He then apologized that it wasn’t intentional and it made him feel bad since no matter what reason, a girl shouldn’t be hurt. It bothered Shou so much that he doesn’t even give much thought about Vie Ghoul. Kyouko was surprised by his confession as she called him by his name.
Back at the set, Yashiro was surprised that Ren is by himself for he thought that he would go get Kyouko from Shou. Yashiro then vents out on Ren asking him why Ren is so calm and that the two could be getting along with each other. Ren told him that it is not possible with Kyouko. Then, Kyouko came. Yashiro then asked what did Shou want. After a pause, Kyouko told him that it is neither good nor bad. Yashiro then dicpher it as don’t ask anymore about it. Kyouko went off to apologize to the director. Ren told Yashiro that Kyouko isn’t the type of girl to talk about it. Yashiro said that he isn’t surprise with Ren anymore but more of looking up to him for being calm. But from Ren’s aura, it doesn’t seem to be as calm though.
At the dressing room, Ren is practicing on a keyboard which is like DDR since it is pretty thin and foldable. He is playing while it is off. Kyouko is already dressed up and was a bit tense as she asks Ren if he is angry. Ren denies it. Kyouko then thought he doesn’t seem to be angry but something seem off for he is the only one who didn’t ask about what Shou wanted. Kyouko then imagination went wild as she thought that it is really weird that Ren doesn’t ask much about what happened the other day and today. Then she fears the possibility of Ren knowing the real reason for her wound. Ren must be observing her that he broke out in laughter and told her that he really isn’t angry. Kyouko is relieved.
Then, Yashiro came to call Ren for it is time for his shooting. Kyouko then offered to be the one who keep the keyboard. While keeping up his calm persona, Ren wondered how Kyouko could have felt/realized what he is really feeling. Outside, Yashiro asked if Ren asked Kyouko about Shou. To Yashiro’s disappointment, Ren didn’t ask so Yashiro rants about it and that Ren could have asked about it for him. Ren then said that it is not like he doesn’t want to ask. Ren then thought that he thought that if he asked, he might not be able to suppress the feelings [jealousy?] he is trying to hold off. It turned out that Ren has heard a part of Kyouko and Shou’s conversation about not wanting to hurt Kyouko. The last scene was Ren muttering about Shou’s name shouldn’t be mention for he might not be able to control himself. Ogata asked what Ren was saying as Ren told him it is nothing as he tries to calm himself. Yashiro is also hearing Ren muttering. ^^;
This is a fun chapter especially the showdown. The cowboy outfits are nice. I do wonder how much of Kyouko-Shou conversation did he heard and he could have assumed that Shou is apologizing for using her instead of the scratch. But then, I also look up to Ren. Wow, he managed to control his feelings that much. Amazing. I thought in this chapter, Ren would have shown his ‘demon’ side again. Hehehe, I wonder how long he can manage to suppress it though. His face has been alternating with his evil face and ‘fake gentleman’ face already. ^^;
In Bleach [c. 214], Ishida is training with his dad to get back his powers though Ishida is a bit doubtful that dodging arrows could help. The night before, Ichigo is still blaming himself for not being able to help Rukia. Rukia told him that it is not his fault and if he wants to know how to control the hollow, then he should go to Urahara. Ichigo don’t think that he knew or else, Urahara would have told him earlier. The next day, Ichigo has gone missing. Rukia tries to find him. In school, Chad, Ishida, Ichigo and Rukia are on leave as Inoue and Tatsuki looked a bit worried. On the roof, Hitsugaya is reporting to the soul society through his cellphone and told Matsumoto that the ones they defeated are the lowest class of hollow.
At the Urahara store, Jinta is trying to cheer up Ururu who has just healed up. Chad then came and asked Urahara to help train him. And in some abandoned warehouse, Ichigo found the vizards, they are all eight. Hirako praised him for finding them and noticed from Ichigo’s expression that Ichigo is now willing to join them. So, most of the gang are undergoing training. From past chapters, the focus of the trainings tend to be only on Ichigo while the others are just hinted upon. The next chapters could be more on trainings. Oh ya, I find it interesting that students can take on leave. ^^;
In One Piece [c.399], just when the bridge is about to go down, the Baskerville judge who turned out to be three people had the bridge blasted so it is only half-way down. Spadaman then tried to get Robin to the door where the Strawhats couldn’t save her anymore. Spandaman gloated about having Robin and Franky who has the Pluton blueprints. Franky then showed to them the blueprints. Franky said that he wanted to bet on something. He burned up the blueprints and would bet that the Strawhats would be able to get Robin back thus, leaving the government with nothing.
Then, Franky family called out to Franky. Franky was touched that they came to rescue them and they were exchanging sappy words. Luffy told them to shut up that made Zoro and Nami surprise at his outburst. Luffy then told them to lower the bridge already. Then, the two helped in threatening them to lower the bridge. ^^; Franky then offered to help Luffy and others in the fight. Luffy said whatever he wants and that he is still angry about Usopp. Franky then says that Usopp is beside him. Then, Spandam uses this chance to push Franky down into the waterfall. While he is falling down, Cororo offered to help them and told them to jump down. Luffy got all the others and they also jump down. Everyone then was caught by Rocketman and they are now zooming into the other building. Well, I guess it could be expected that the author wanted the fighting to officially start at chapter 400. Wow, 400 chapters already. And, I guess all that work to lower the drawbridge is also a waste for they are just crashing through in the end. ^^;
Word of the day:
Bitter feelings can be sweetened when we take them to the Lord in prayer. ~ Our Daily Bread.
Trip to Nii, Nana [c.57] and more on Love Monster
Friday, February 10, 2006 @ 04:33 p.m.
I went to Nii yesterday. I was surprised when we went there for there are many patients. We were expecting fewer since it is not a Monday. Anyway, I’m happy that my blood results are much better than the past few ones before. My crea is now on the border instead of past the border. I guess Chinese meds helped and well, letting God take care of it rather than endless worrying about it. ^_^ I could even say it is a miracle for Nii said that the crea won’t go low anymore for the kidney is damaged by the Neoral.
In Nana [c.57], Osaki and Ren had started to look for an apartment. The others knew of Nobu getting steady with the suicidal girl. Hachi having a talk with Shin and learning about the truth regarding Reira. She realized that the two really love each other but broke apart because of work. Takumi is happy about it while Hachi felt sad about it. There is a bit of talk about Osaki’s parents as Osaki and Ren thought of what to put on the marriage forms. Meanwhile, there is a possibility of Osaki’s real sister and friend to join Blast in some sort of party as their fans. I guess the meeting of Osaki and her mom could take some chapters though.
I came to like Love Monster especially since the ‘sex’ part was toned down or almost non-existent anymore. I came to somewhat like the characters and the plot is not that bad. It is interesting that now Hiyo now has two fiancés though Kouro is still the dominant. As I suspected, Hiyo is the type of girl who is naïve and nice sweet girl who has a tendency to make others like her or win them over. More characters introduced and well, Hiyo just has a way to make them like her. Why do I have a feeling that Hiyo is becoming younger and younger. It must be her father’s genes. The art seemed to have changed a bit though I’m not quite sure how it differs from before. There is also an increase of chibi/sd drawings that I find cute. ^^; I’m still reading the Chinese scans so anyways, this is becoming more of a high school love comedy with a touch of drama.
Edit: Reading Love Monster reminds me of Fushigi Yuugi and now in vol. 9, they are in China complete with the four animal 'gods'. ^^; Talk about coincidence.
Thought of the day:
We must be ever thankful for small miracles, and ever hopeful for receiving greater ones. ~ Elmer A. Shultz.
D. Gray-man [c.74]
Wednesday, February 8, 2006 @ 03:42 p.m.
And, Rinali lives in D. Gray-man [c. 74]. The chapter starts with the mistress being informed that Rinali haven’t returned yet. Rabi goes beserk as he tries to go where they saw the light to go get Rinali. Ah, another Rabi filled chapter. ^_^ Everyone is trying to stop him but they were powerless against him. Miranda stopped him from causing more damage to the crew. Rabi apologized as he proceeds to go out to Rinali. Miranda persists as she told him that his injuries would appear if he goes off. Rabi lashes out that Rinali is their comrade so he has to go. Miranda was surprised with his outburst then asks if Rabi is their comrade. Rabi then went anyway. Then, Ticampi followed him.
Rabi’s wounds started appearing as he moves away from the ship. Then out of the sea, an akuma appeared. Rabi got tensed for he isn’t like Rinali who can fight on water. Then, the akuma asked if he is Jr. Rabi was dumbfound. Oh, the rabbit is back. ^^; The akuma then talked about his hands hurt and asked for Rabi’s help. Rabi wondered what it is talking about. Then from the ‘rock’ that it is sitting on, it revealed that it has Rinali – almost naked with close-crop hair.
Rabi accused it of hurting her but it denies it. It seemed that the ‘rock’/crystal was Rinali’s innocence when she leveled up to 3. Rabi was surprised to hear about it. Then, it asks Rabi to help it. Rabi was about to when Ticampi hits the akuma. ^^; It went flying around the akuma and akuma recognized it as Cross’ golem. The akuma then told Rabi that Ticampi recognizes its master’s scent and he is, I think, an akuma of Cross. Then, the scene changes to Cross bumming out in some old house with lots of wine bottles all around. So, Cross did survived and is now in Japan.
The author’s art got better again especially the scene of Cross. I guess she decided not to kill Rinali or else, fanboys will be out to get her. I didn’t except Rinali to have a new hairstyle though. I really didn’t except Cross to be dead though. I still wonder about his connection with the akuma. Anyway, I’m guessing that the next chapter would be back to Allen.
Thought of the day:
We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope. ~ Martin Luther King.
About those two shoujo titles...
Tuesday, February 7, 2006 @ 03:23 p.m.
Haha...so much for liking, Perfect Girl Evolution/Revolution. ^^; It started okay until I realize that there is no plot and the same things kept on happening over and over again but in different settings. I thought that somehow maybe it is more of a gradual change of the girl but everything kept on going back to square one. Since I don’t like any of the characters, reading this has become a chore. Suddenly, I realized what was meant when they say the eyes are like dead. The author seemed to be fond of horrors and jrockers for the cast looked like jrockers and the way the pose. It seemed so unnatural for students to do poses like that and have that many fans.
Somehow, Love Monster is a bit more tolerable for the plot seemed to be going somewhere but then, it is a bit cliché. The lead guy tends to be perfect and a bit pervert and his enemies are getting at him by getting at the girl. Then, it is also somewhat of the bubbly clueless girl managing to change the people around her. And well, she is special. The art is okay though not that special. Overall, it is an okay series to read to pass time by.
Thought of the day:
The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places. ~Author Unknown.
Bleach [c.213], One Piece [c.298], D. Gray-man[c.73] and a couple of shoujo titles
Monday, February 6, 2006 @ 03:31 p.m.
In Bleach [c. 213], Keigo brought home his ‘new’ friends and surprisingly his sister accepted them since she has a crush on Ikkaku. ^^; Ururu is being patched up as well as Rukia. There is a bit of emphasis on Inoue looking at Ichigo who is looking at Rukia. I’m guessing that she is worried about Ichigo feeling helpless rather than being Inoue being jealous or anything. Oh ya, the black in Ichigo’s eyes is gone now and Hitsugaya is already patched up already. Meanwhile, Grimmjow was pardoned because of what he did and his punishment is carried out by Tousen who cut and burned off Grimmjow’s left arm. Then, Gin makes his appearance as Aizen told him that everything is going according to their plan even if Grimmjow had attacked. His experiments are near completion and if completed, no one can stand in their way. I somewhat have a feeling that Aizen is the one who is keeping order in Huenco Mundo for everyone is afraid of him. Guess that would mean that he is really powerful than what was shown so far for the hollows to look up to him.
As I guessed, Robin did agree on joining up with the Stawhats in chapter 398 of One Piece. The first few scenes where about Robin on the run wherein people kept on betraying her to the marines because of her bounty or they are afraid of the marines. All of them wanted her dead. Until the time she met Crocodile. Robin then told them that she is afraid that her past would catch up on her and she would become a burden to Luffy and the others that at one point, they might end up betraying her so she decided to end it all when they are still in good terms. I guess it is to ensure the happy memories she had with them. Then, Spandam rubbed it in as he told them that no one is stupid enough to have Robin for they would be against the world and the government.
As usual, Luffy doesn’t care about that as he told Sogeking to burn up the marine flag. And Sogeking did as he ordered – from the looks of it, Usopp’s weapons had powered up thanks to dials. Everyone was shock at what he did for burning up flags means making one an enemy. Luffy then shouted for Robin to answer him that she wants to live. His words reached Robin as Robin was crying for the first time, someone wanted her to live and the words of Sauro had come true – she will find people who would protect her. Robin finally shouted back that she wants to live and asks him to take her with them. Franky was also crying over the scene and says that he likes Strawhats – would he be the new member? Then, on cue, the drawbridge is lowering. Everyone is getting ready for the big fight while Spandam is scared out of his wits. I do wonder if the fighting would start at the next chapter since both groups are at the top floor. Would they have to go down for the fight? Would the marines drag Robin and Franky away while they fight? Oh well, until the next chapter.
It is a Rabi-Crowley double team in D. Gray-man [c. 73]. Rabi used his hammer to unseal ‘wood’. I don’t quite get how it works but it manages to disperse the cloud where the akumas are hiding. Then, Rabi hit Crowley up the sky. Crowley finishes up the akumas. From the sky, reddish snow is falling hence the title, Crimsom Snow. Crowley came back exhausted and Miranda freaking out as she tried to offer her blood. The others then saw a bright light from the ocean. Rabi thought that it is where Rinali was. After the light vanishes, Miranda finds the chain binding her innocence destroyed. She and Rabi looked shocked and concerned. Everyone then goes on ready for their journey to Japan. Rabi is looking really worried as he wondered why Rinali haven’t come back and there is a scene of bloodied Rinali smiling. Ah, does that mean that the author did killed off Rinali? Should I be rest assured that Rabi would make it through this series since he is on the cover of the novels with Allen and Kanda. ^^;
I’m currently checking out Love Monster and Perfect Girl Revolution. I saw this cover picture of Love Monster which is different from the ones that earlier ones that I’m checking this out. The story is about a girl getting into a university whose students are all monsters and found herself the fiancé of the head of student council or something. From one review, it mentioned that the girl has a tendency to be kidnapped and raped so if this is true, then, I won't continue reading it then. Perfect Girl Revolution seems to be more fun though. Four guys are tasked to change this girl into a perfect ladylike young lady in exchange of staying for free at this house. The girl was called ugly by a crush so she became a ‘dark’ gothic person from some scans, she looked like Sadako from Ringu. ^^; A nice change from the usual just changing a tomboy to a beautiful lady. Since there are already 14 volumes out – from Chinese scans site, I’m thinking that the guys had also fallen for her or else, how could the story drag on that long. I have seen this cover in bookstores and apparently, the licensed version calls it Wallflower.
Word of the day:
The way of obedience is the way of blessing. ~ Our Daily Bread.
Rozen maiden manga [v. 1-5]
Friday, February 3, 2006 @ 05:49 p.m.
I had finished downloading all 5 volumes of Rozen Maiden manga. Most of the events are more or less the same as the anime except for some few things, which I will write here while I summarize. The ending of volume 5 is a bit hanging and I can’t wait for volume 6 which is already out in Japan. I guess it will be out in Chinese around March. The same goes with Zombie Loan. ^_^ The cover this time is Shito. I’m guessing that the next one will be Michiru. I finally found out that Peach-pit is actually a duo group of female mangaka. No wonder they are doing three series at a time. Their new work to replace DearS is Prism Palette. I just realized that I’m fond of Peach-pit’s chibis/super deformed characters especially when they do the pouty mouth. ^^;
Back to Rozen Maiden, in the first volume, Jun got Shinku and after some introduction, they met with Sugintou. Then, after that, they went inside the mirror again, N-field and got a glimpse of Jun’s school days. Here, Laplace’s demon/Rabbit-face is already here. I noticed that he appears when Jun has flashbacks about his school.
In the second volume, after they return, Jun is in a moody state and doesn’t want to talk with anyone. Then, Hina is introduced. Tomoe is her master and just like in the anime, Hina isn’t too happy when Tomoe comes home late. It was because Hina’s previous owner, a French girl had promised to come back for her but didn’t. Hina then overexerts Tomoe so Hina forfeits her rosa mystica and became Shinku’s ‘servant’. So, to Jun’s surprise, there are now two suitcases in his room. Hehehe
Later on, Jun bonded with Hina when he bought her a box of strawberry mochi. There is already a scene here where Sugintou visists Megu and another visit from Sugintou. Then, a bit more bonding when Nori got sick and Tomoe cooked for the gang. Then, the Alice game is mentioned. Then, Suiseiseki makes her appearance with the ‘I hate humans’ stance. Then, they have a little lesson on trees inside each humans. I forgot the details in the anime. Also, Souseiseki’s master isn’t some watch maker, iirc in the anime, but some rich old guy who seemed to be a bit vengeful.
In volume three, more on the little plant of Jun and they returned. Then, the wash the doll’s dresses scene as Shinku told Jun more on the Alice game and about becoming Alice. The next chapter is the fun part of Suiseiseki + Shinku vs Jun + Hina. Then, Suiseiseki decided to find her twin, they went only to find that Souseiseki has teamed up with Sugintou. Here, Shinku’s arm got removed then Sugintou turned against all of them including Souseiseki. This is when Suiseiseki decided to make Jun her master. I don’t quite recall in the anime but here, Jun’s ring has changed – rose is now blooming with vines. They managed to escape but Shinku’s arm fell into a hole as the n-field cracked. Jun tried to get it but he couldn’t instead he saw someone else’ dream – a man bidding goodbye to his brother as he goes to his lover - and got saved by Hina.
Shinku pretend that everything is okay even without her arm but Jun noticed that she isn’t. Shinku shuts him out as she goes into her suitcase as Jun realized that this is how Nori feels when he does that. Jun and Suiseiseki decided to go into the N-field to find Shinku’s arm. They met Laplace again. Then, more on Souseiseki’s master who has a rose garden. Finally, they found Shinku’s arm in a a cage which is surrounded by vines. Jun tries to get it and when he was wounded, his illusions of his past started haunting him. Thanks to Suiseiseki, Jun managed to snap out of it and got hold of the cage. Laplace brought them back to the present to find Shinku who has somewhat accepted that she lost her arm and thanked Jun for his effort.
In volume 4, the twins met again as Jun investigated on Souseiseki’s master. They all decide to go to Souseiseki’s master’s place to confront him. They all go to N-field. The story about his master is something about he and his twin got separated because his twin fell in love with a woman. Then, on their way there, the twin died. He wanted Souseiseki to cut down that woman’s tree as revenge. Souseiseki tried to cut down the tree but Suiseiseki prevented her.
In the end, the master realized that the tree he wanted to cut off is his for he also fell in love with the woman and took his brother’s place. Souseiseki decided to free her master and breaks the mirror that the master had encased himself. As exchange, Souseiseki forfeits her life. After she says her parting words, Sugintou used this chance to take Souseiseki’s rosa mystica. Sugintou powered up and attacks Shinku. Jun protects Shinku and shouted at Sugintou that she already got her objective so leave the other dolls alone or else, she would have to fight him. The vines then freed Shinku’s arm and attached it back to her, courtesy of Jun’s ring. Everyone was surprised how he did it. Sugintou retreats after Shinku gave her a punch and somehow her wing got a tore. Sugintou then retreated.
The rest then bid goodbye to Souseiseki as she is left with her master and the others went back home. And, Suiseiseki vows to get Souseiseki’s rosa mystica back. The next chapter is about Hina and the mailbox. Then, Kanaria makes her appearance with all the bloopers of trying to invade Jun’s house.
Lastly, in volume 5, Sugintou takes refuge at an abandoned church. Then, she makes a pact with Megu so that she can become stronger in their next fight. At Jun’s house, Shinku had a bit of heart-to-heart talk with Jun. Later that night, Shinku contacted Sugintou and apologized for calling her junk/abnormal. The next day, Jun is already thinking a bit about going to school as he looks at his uniform. Then, there is the part wherein Suiseiseki and Hina tried to clean and cook. The next part is Suiseiseki going through different doors as she looks into dreams. In the anime, it is Souseiseki looking for ‘father’. She then saw a door, which lead to her memories with Souseiseki. After some comforting with Shinku, Suiseiseki decides to visit Souseiseki and her master to accompany him.
The last part is about Jun’s teacher visiting Jun to talk about school. Jun has becoming edgy and finally reached his limit when he saw the letters and encouragements from his classmates especially from three students. Jun quickly retreated as Nori apologized to the teacher. Jun secluded himself again. Around this time, Hina and Kanaria had already met. Then, it is Jun’s flashback. Jun’s reason for not going to school is different from the anime and well, the anime showed that he is already ready to go to school. While they were young, Jun likes to draw dolls and interesting enough, he is drawing Shinku and Hina.
He also makes dolls + outfits for Nori. When confronted at school by two of his classmates, he denied that he is into dolls. Then, one day there is a princess doll contest at school. Then, this girl is their class representative. At home, Jun doodled on his notebook on his idea for the contest. Next day at school, to his shock, his drawing was on the bulletin. It seemed that the teacher saw his drawing on the notebook and decided to submit it. Then, at the school auditorium, the teacher announced that Jun won the contest. Everyone looked down on him as he is a boy and can draw dolls. The girl who was supposed to be their representative snubbed him. The pressure was too great that Jun broke down. That girl’s name was in the encouragement chart along with the two other classmates so that is the reason why Jun went back into his ‘shell’ after talking with the teacher. As Jun hides inside his blanket, Shinku looked on worriedly.
At the old church, Sugintou’s hideout was demolished. She looks at Megu as she carries her suitcase then faints. Then, elsewhere, Kanaria’s master, Micchan was introduced. Back to Jun, the dolls are getting worried as Jun won’t wake up. Suiseiseki noted that Jun isn’t having any dreams. In Jun’s dreams, he was being guided by Souseiseki and learned that when he was still a kid, he was watching this play. There was a man who tries to make living dolls and has invented rosa mystica. Then, he was jailed and still making dolls then, a scene of a doll maker. The storyteller then told little Jun that the story ends. Then, little Jun asked why does the man makes dolls. The man turned out to have a body for the doll stage as he replies, it is because. Jun snapped out of it because of the shock then meets with Laplace. Laplace then told him that today’s show is over and that Jun haven’t remembered yet.
Laplace then brought Jun back to the present as he found himself at the auditorium again with all the students. Jun started crumbling again as the students teased him about being girly. Jun told himself that them not to look at him. Then, snapped out of it when someone else was saying the same thing. When he looked at the direction of the voice, he saw Sugintou who was asking, why, father. Shinku seemed to have noticed it. Ah, what a cliffhanger. This does suggest that there is more to Jun than what it seems..is he Rozen? Well, obviously the reason why Jun quit school is different from the anime. If there is a third season, I wonder how they are going to incorporate this if Jun is Rozen. Change the story a bit, perhaps?
Thought of the day:
No matter what age you are, or what your circumstances might be, you are special, and you still have something unique to offer. Your life, because of who you are, has meaning. ~ Barbara De Angelis.
End of Rozen Maiden Traumend and other anime ramblings
Tuesday, January 31, 2006 @ 03:25 p.m.
I had finished watching the last episode of Rozen Maiden Traumend. The theories I read from other blogs are right. It did turned out that ‘father’ is a fake and the ending is everyone is alive except those who were killed off in the Alice game. Shinku and Sugintou fought but only for both to be defeated by a fake Barasuishou, created by the fake ‘father’. The real Rozen revived the dolls who were killed during the fight against the fake Barasuishou as Jun and Shinku was told by Rozen that there is another way to become Alice. Everyone then went back to their normal lives. There was a scene of the laplace with Barasuishou, the real one?, carrying off the two rozen mystica. It is really weird. Anyway, overall, it is okay though the ending does seem rush as if they were in a hurry since they are ‘killing off’ the dolls one episode after another. Since it is open-ended again, there might be a third series. I guess I would have enjoyed this more if the colors aren’t blurred/washed out. I’m spoiled by the first series of sub I got before. Time to get the manga to check out the differences.
Fate-Stay Night [ep. 4] doesn’t seem to impress me that much. Ilya’s servant, Berserker was able to injure Saber and the fight stopped when Shirou used himself as shield to protect Saber. Of course, he ended up being injured. Ilya calls it a night and left. Rin got Shirou back to his home and seeing that he is okay, she left. The last part is more on Shirou thinking of what to do or rather his reasons for fighting. Well, the next episode seems interesting. I guess I’m a bit bored with Shirou’s reflections/thoughts on what to do. ^^;
I have checked out Black Cat [ep. 1], it was okay even though it is different from the manga timeline on how it started so I’ll download more of this. It is about an ex-assassin of Chronos, Train who became a sweeper with Sven and Eve, who also used to be a villain. The character art made Train looked younger or is it because this is an earlier timeline. Creed, well, he looked quite ‘crazy’ and obsessed with Train. Hopefully, it ends better than the manga which was somewhat like open-ended, I heard.
I started Jigoku Shoujo at episode 10 when Hajime had started investigating about a website which can grant revenge to those who seek it. It is interesting though the story here is a bit weak – revenge against the guy who had pushed her best friend down a balcony when she confronted him of stealing from the store. I like the interesting opening and ending – colors and mood. I’ll also be downloading more of this series. While in Mushishi [ep. 10], the story is about an inkstone that Ginko’s friend collector has. Some kids used it and got sick. Ginko investigated the cause and helped the creator of the inkstone continue with her work on making inkstone, learning that it isn’t her fault that caused people to die. It is okay though not that special. I’m getting to like the opening song and ending theme though.
I heard that Gintama is indeed going to be made into an anime. ^_^ I knew it when they made an oav of it, there is a high chance for it to be made a series. Gintama is one of those episodic and crazy manga. It is until reading some chapters that I manage to enjoy the craziness and liked the characters. The story is about the adventures of Gintoki and his two friends in a world when alien invaders are slowly overtaking their world. It is actually somewhat of a parody of the time when Westerners are taking over Japan when Shinigamis are still around. I hope they keep the funny and amusing titles per chapters. I’m thinking that they might do this somewhat in the format of School Rumble.
Thought of the day:
Good intentions are no good until they are put into action. ~ Our Daily Bread.
Bleach [c.212] and Korean manhwa ramblings
Monday, January 30, 2006 @ 02:57 p.m.
I kept on checking on Chinese sites for new mangas then realized that it is Chinese New Year so the owners must be on a break. ^^; It is a 3 day holiday so I guess around Wednesday before new manga are updated.
I got Bleach [c. 212] from jojohot. Grimmjow was about to fight Ichigo again but he was stopped by Tousen. Tousen informed Grimmjow of his misdeeds and Grimmjow finally agreed to go back when Tousen informed him that Aizen is not happy. Ichigo tried to call back Grimmjow and say that there fight isn’t over. Grimmjow informed him that it is over for the technique Ichigo used is hurting Ichigo more than him and he isn’t even in his release mode. Grimmjow told Ichigo to remember his name for the next time he hears it, he will die. Grimmjow then followed Tousen back to Huenco Mundo to receive his punishment.
Renji then came to scene to ask if Ichigo won. Ichigo said that he had lost. Renji tried to comfort him by saying that since he is alive, then he would have won. Ichigo disagreed as he pointed out that he lost because he failed to protect anyone and he can’t even heal the injured. Elsewhere, Matsumoto is carrying injured Rukia, maybe to Inoue who is healing Hitsugaya. Yumichika is carrying injured Ikkaku. It is to be noted that Ichigo’s white part of his left eye is now black. It is because he used his hollow technique and if he kept on using it, he would be swallowed by it. Mm..how is he going to hide it from others. Obviously, Ichigo will realized that he needs to be stronger and maybe he would ask help from Shinji to help control his hollow.
I’m currently reading They, too, Love again since Janimes has started scanlating it again. Looking at my files, Janimes first scanned it 2003 and now, it is 2006 already. ^^; I like this story and well, I guess I like the author [Seo Moon Da Mi] ’s sense of humor. The story is about these four members of the ‘old’ biology club whose founder/leader is a bit weird. The first member, Ui Moon Jeong is a boy who does all the housework for his brothers – the older ones are irresponsible while the younger ones are just too young. The second member, Myo Ryeong Eun, is this girl who does fortune telling though it is usually ‘not happy’ predictions. The third member, Ban Ha Geum, is this girl who used to be a nerd but after being criticized by a guy whom she confessed too, had become a socialite and playgirl. The fourth member, Cheon Pa Sa, is the guy whom Ban Ha confessed to. He is at the process of discovering that he is gay and his life changed when the guy he liked died in an accident and he became a gangster.
This is a comedy series with a bit on the family backgrounds of the four members and a bit of love at the side. At times, there is drama that brings the reader back to reality. This story is a bit episodic so it doesn’t hurt much when the scanlation would stop again though I hope Janimes would finish scanlating it. Janimes tends not to finish scanlating series just from the manhwa that I have that are left hanging that I almost swore not to read anymore new manhwa from Janimes especially since there is no Chinese scans for it. ^^; The other series that the same author did which Janimes scanlated before is The Way This Boy Lived. It is the story about a boy who went to Korea to find his father who left them but in the airport, his wallet got stolen and had mistakenly taken his sister’s luggage. ^^; Then, there was this party to chose a friend for this young rich actress so he disguised himself as a girl and obviously, he got chosen. The rest is his adventures of cross-dressing, forcing the thief to help him in his quest and hiding the fact that he is a boy from the actress. Oh ya, there is also an interesting and funny love story? since there are other characters who are ‘in love’ with the guy lead – his boy/girl persona. ^^; Anyway, Janimes had stopped scanlating this so I would never know what happened in the end.
A series which Janimes scanlated before is Goong. It is about a prince being set-up to marry this girl and both hate each other. The setting is what if the Korean royal family still exists. There are other groups doing this and I guess I don’t quite like it or I could have deleted it since I couldn’t find it in my hard disk. ^^; There is another group scanlating this. The thing is, this has been made into a live action drama series. Goong turned out to be entitled Palace. I’m going to check episode one if it is good.
Thought of the day:
If taking vitamins doesn't keep you healthy enough, try more laughter: The most wasted of all days is that on which one has not laughed.
~ Nicolas-Sebastien Chamfort.
One Piece [c.397] and Blood+ [c.7]
Saturday, January 28, 2006 @ 04:45 p.m.
First of all, HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!! to those who celebrate it. ^_^
It seemed like it is the last chapter of Robin’s flashback in One Piece [397]. The marines continue to bombard Ohara even as the scholars including Olivia tried to save the books from destruction. Sauro fight off the marines as he told Robin to escape. Robin tried to go onboard the evacuation ship but the children feared her and they were told by the marines not to save her since she is an archeologist. The marines then also destroyed the evacuation ship. Kuzan [Aokiji] captured Sauro by freezing him. His last words to Robin is to live and find her friends who will protect her. If she is lonely then just laugh like how he taught her. Kuzan then let Robin go to see what would happen to her. He used his powers to freeze a path in the sea so that Robin can go to the next island. Kuzan then told her if she became an enemy/do anything wrong then he would arrest her. Robin then rowed herself to safety as the library collapsed on the scholars and Olivia. I guess Robin took it to heart Sauro’s advice about friends that she is willing to sacrifice herself for Strawhats. Sauro’s prediction came true, her friends will be there to protect her so I guess the next chapter would have Robin agreeing to be saved by them.
It seemed that Blood+ anime has been licensed. I wonder if that is the reason why there are no subs on it lately. Anyway, I’m still liking the manga over the anime since returning to Okinawa made sense here rather than in the anime. So, in Blood+ [c. 7] Saya was made to wear a Vietnamese dress/ Ao Dai and everyone is having praising her looks as Kai teased her for putting foam? to enchance her chest. Haji observes them then left. Haji then went somewhere in the forest but still can see the house as he prepares to play his cello. He remembers the brutal past then clutches his hand.
Back at the mansion, Riku wakes up to a crying Karl. Karl seemed to be embarrassed and try to get away but only succeeding in falling to the floor. Karl tries to find Vin but he was not there. He then asked Riku to save him as he grabbed Riku. Later on, Karl and Riku were dressing up. Riku is wearing Karl’s clothes. Karl then told him that he is to stay by his side until Saya returns. Riku then thought that Karl is Saya’s friend so he started being friendly to Karl and even introducing himself. Then, a moth flies by. Riku caught it and shows it to Karl who apparently is scared of it.
Then, they discuss about the moth and research on it at the library. Karl was having a hard time tying his bow/ribbon that Riku offered to do it for him. Karl then asked wasn’t he afraid of him. Riku smiles innocently as Karl realized that Riku isn’t afraid of him. Riku was thinking that Karl is just like a child since he was crying for help and is afraid of moths. Elsewhere, Solomon met with Vin and gave him a package that he forgot to give to Karl. It was from their brother, Ashel? [I’m guessing the first two words are An-ter-rl last word same as Karl and from wikipedia, there is a Ashel so I’ll assume that is him. ] Solomon then wanted to see their experiment, which was the reason why he is there.
Back at the village, Mui brought Saya to her brother’s grave and introduced Saya as her friend. Then she teased Saya whom is her boyfriend, Riku or Haji. Saya blushed as she protests that she has a boyfriend. Saya then thanked Mui for she felt that she is a high school student again. Somewhere else, David was talking to the heads of Red Shield though the cellphone and they were discussing about the ‘Driver’ and chiropterans. David was a bit worried about Saya learning that she isn’t human but a weapon. Later that night, Mui went to another house and overheard people talking about keeping Saya in the village and capture her, killing her is okay. One of the man is breathing heavily as he told the other guy that after seeing Saya, he felt weird. He was clutching a bottle of medicine, the same one as Mui has.
Still playing the cello, Haji was surprised to see Kai looking for him. Kai asked Haji to tell him about Saya’s past for he is worried about her fainting before and Saya won’t tell him anything. Kai felt that Saya is acting weird ever since they came to Vietnam. Haji then said that Kai made Saya laugh is already good enough. Kai grabbed him and said that isn’t an answer for he is seriously questioning him. Haji then said that he is also seriously answering him. Haji then asked him if he told him about Saya’s past would he still consider Saya as ‘family’. Then, they were interrupted by a song.
At the house, Julia told David and Lewis that Saya is gone as they were preparing to fight off some humans outside with glowing eyes. Saya is with Mui who is trying to get Saya escape. Both Saya and Mui also heard the song. Then they found themselves surrounded by monsters. They tried to get away but Mui trips but fortunately, both were then saved by Haji. Haji then gave Saya her sword. Saya was then thinking that Karl could have lured her there because there are many chiropterans there. She wonders how chiropterans were created. Haji interrupts her thought as he told her this isn’t the time to think. Mui then tells Saya that she felt something strange. Solomon then notes that the play has started and how Saya enjoys the sound that chiropterans make. Saya was shocked as Haji holds her back – Mui turned into a chiropteran though its head is still Mui’s. This is like what happened in Guyver. I guess this is more dramatic to have Saya force to kill someone she knows rather than random chiropterans children as in the anime. The song in the anime was from Diva but here it is from chiropterans. Anyway, lucky that this is in traditional Chinese that I get to understand more of it. ^_^
Word of the day:
With skills up our sleeves and God in our hearts, we just have to be winners. ~ Cecil Williams.
Story of Ouran High Host Club up to the present chapter
Friday, January 27, 2006 @ 09:29 p.m.
Ouran High Host Club’s story started with Haruhi stumbling into the host club and ended up being a member since she broke an expensive vase. Then, she got introduced to the members of the club and how it works – flirting with the female students and earning money by selling merchandise from the ‘hosts’ to the fans. It sounded like showbiz. ^^; Unfortunately, Haruhi is a girl much to the shock of the club’s president, Tamaki but since Haruhi is responsible and didn’t care to dress as a girl, she agrees to be a member until she paid of her debts.
I’m not sure if it is intentional or not but the vice of the club, Kyoya has a tendency to add/increase Haruhi’s debt for the things they spend on her. If the concept is like Tokyo Crazy Paradise, then, it might be a reason to keep Haruhi in the club. There are a couple of chapters on how the twin members, Hikaru and Kaoru, would make elaborate acting and such just to get something from Haruhi – visiting her house and having her wear a witch costume for the Halloween chapter. In both chapters, the twins are impressed at Haruhi for being able to tell them apart. Then, there was this ocean trip in Nekozawa [president of the black magic club]. Here, Tamaki learns of Haruhi’s fear – fear of lightning. Haruhi also manages to see Kyoya’s kind side when Kyoya tried to show why Tamaki is angry at Haruhi’s recklessness. And well, show that Nekozawa turned out to be a foreigner.
There are other two members of the club – Honey and Mori. Honey is the cute type for girls who like cute and young guys while Mori is the silent type ‘giant’. It seemed that they belong to ‘old’ families for Mori’s family is serving Honey’s though I guess out of habit they still do. The fun part when they all went to Haruhi’s house because Tamaki had a nightmare of how Haruhi lived. While there, they couldn’t help but compare it unintentionally, to how they live which reminded me of Hana Yori Dango.
Just when the others went out to buy some groceries for Haruhi to cook, Tamaki fell down on Haruhi and her father, a transvestite, enters. Ran [Orchid], Haruhi’s father’s stage name, immediately take a disliking of Tamaki as the others told him that Tamaki is a playboy. Hehehe To their shock, including Haruhi, Ran already knows them and it turned out that Kyoya has already informed Ran about Haruhi joining their club. It was revealed here that it is from Ran that Kyoya got Haruhi’s childhood pictures.
After Haruhi left, Ran told them that he wanted Haruhi to study at the Zuka school but Haruhi insisted on Ouran. She brought Haruhi up to be a cute girl until he was shock when Haruhi cut off her hair and went to school like a boy. Nevertheless, she thanked the boys for taking care of Haruhi then badmouths Tamaki for hitting Haruhi. Tamaki was sad about it and ran off. Ran then tells the others that it was fun - ‘teasing’ Tamaki, I guess. Outside, Tamaki runs past Haruhi, crying and when Haruhi calls out to him, he stopped and mopes on a post. Haruhi suggest that they cook what Tamaki wanted to eat – sukiyaki/hotpot. Tamaki reminds me of Tsuzuki of Yami no Matsuei.
While walking, the others are following them. Then, the others made a ruckus in the grocery store that Haruhi pushes them to go home. Tamaki then noticed some daughters with their mothers. Ran then told him that that he was worried before when Haruhi went shopping all alone especially when some kids asked her if her father became gay/a ‘mother’ because her mother died. They teased her being pitiful but Haruhi told them it isn’t pitiful for that is her father’s ‘nature’. Ran overheard it and was not sure if he would be happy or sad about it. Ran then realized that Haruhi doesn’t want him to worry about her. Tamaki told him that he understands then Ran started ‘attacking’ him again that he won’t give Haruhi to anyone and that Tamaki is his enemy – shocking Tamaki that he is hiding in a corner again as Haruhi told him to stop doing it at a public place. Then, they enjoyed the hotpot as Ran kept on giving Tamaki the vegetables instead of the meat.
Then, there is the Valentine chapter wherein Honey got a toothache and has to restrain from eating sweets so they just made it a day of giving out roses instead of chocolates but when Honey was well, he ate lots of sweets again. ^^; The next chapter is some silly play on Alice in Wonderland. I don’t understand what is happening in chapter 16 but I’m guessing that some people disapprove of what they do in the host club. I think they wanted to disband the club and they are in the school paper club. The host club then decided to do ‘games’ like hide and seek and this game of walking until reaching the ‘it’ but stopping and not moving when the ‘it’ looks back. I don’t know what it is called in English. Anyway, during hide and seek, Haruhi and Tamaki hid together. It seemed that Tamaki doesn’t like being alone. Haruhi wondered why they are playing childish games. Tamaki told her that he wasn’t able to play as a kid for his mom who isn’t feeling well and he was worried about her so he doesn’t go out. Haruhi feels sorry for his mother since he is playing his keyboard at his mother’s side – she couldn’t rest with all that noise. Tamaki told Haruhi to be able to play together is really fun. Haruhi smiles at him.
The newspaper club members plot was exposed as they tried to dig some dirt at Tamaki and was overheard by the others. The host club members told them that they like Tamaki even though he is an idiot. The newspaper club then promised to write only true facts and not gossips. At the end, Haruhi then realized that Tamaki is the son of the head/owner of Ouran High. I like the omake on Honey becoming fat and it has become hard for Mori to carry him but it turned out to be Mori’s nightmare and the author thinking something is spooky for seeing little plastic teeth like things on the floor when it turned out to be from her ‘massage’ slippers. Lol
In chapter 17, the grades are out. Haruhi is 3rd place while the twins are on fourth and fifth place. For the second year, Kyoya is first while Tamaki is second. For the third year, Honey is first while Mori is second. The others offered to tutor her but in the end, she was tutored by Tamaki and Kyoya’s classmate, don’t know her name in Jap so I’ll call her Princess. Princess tends to show her dislike for Tamaki and had Tamaki wondering what did he do to her. It turned out that it was because she couldn’t accept that fact that Tamaki’s grades are higher than hers. She is third place in the second year. In the end, it turned out that Princess likes Tamaki and even stole Tamaki’s pencil and teddy bear. Tamaki flirted with her and made her beautiful for the rain is ruining her hair. In the end, I don’t quite understand but Princess ended up, I think, being an adviser or critic to the club in regards to how to properly use words to flirt with the girls.
In chapter 18-20, Haruhi went on a vacation at this rural resort and helping out. Unfortunately for her, the boys have resources and they found where she went. The owner of the little hotel was this gay, I’ll call him Bell who was a co-worker of Haruhi’s father. Ran has went out of town and was worried about Haruhi so he sent her there. It seemed that Kyoya and Ran are in really good terms for Kyoya knows about Bell. Then, Kyoya must have devised a game to earn points to impress Bell so the others do chores and try to impress the guests while Kyoya was just observing them. The winner gets to stay at the inn. Tamaki is winning when he was playing the piano but the twins won when Kaoru shielded Haruhi from a falling window. Kaoru and Hikaru played the ‘gay’ game and Bell gave them 100 points.
The next day, the group had breakfast at the inn when Haruhi’s former classmate, I’ll call him Yuki, came. Hikaru apparently jealous and said that Yuki likes Haruhi. To their shock and Haruhi’s, it turned out that he did proposed before but Haruhi misunderstood what he meant. The others made him their friends but the twins aren’t too happy. Hikaru badmouth Yuki that Haruhi slapped him. Hikaru, followed by Kaoru left for their room. Kaoru told Hikaru to apologize. When Yuki was leaving, Hikaru apologized. After Yuki left, Haruhi knew that it was Kaoru pretending to be Hikaru and just covered his wound with toothpaste. ^^; Kaoru then asked Haruhi a favor.
The next day, Kaoru told Hikaru that he has a cold and asked him a favor. He asked her to tell Haruhi that he can’t make it while he told Haruhi to go out with him. In short, Kaoru has set the two up. The two are being followed by the others. Kaoru told the others that he did this so that Hikaru would learn to be more considerate of others and realize that he likes Haruhi. As they continue to follow, Tamaki got a bit worried because the sky has become cloudy. Haruhi and Hikaru ate ice cream, bought some souvenirs for Ran and everything is proceeding fine that the others decided to go back. Then, Haruhi is getting worried over the possibility of rain and lightning so Hikaru offered that they go back.
Then, Yuki came who offered to drive them back. Hikaru obviously would refuse it. He told Haruhi to go ride on her own and left. Back at the inn, it had started to rain and there is a thunderstorm. Tamaki is very worried then Kaoru got a call from Hikaru telling them that he had lost Haruhi and he is going home. Tamaki then grabbed the cellphone from Kaoru and shouted at Hikaru to find Haruhi. He told Hikaru that Haruhi is afraid of thunder and he shouldn’t leave a girl alone in the rain. Hikaru then realized why Haruhi kept on worrying about the weather. He found her in a church, hiding under the altar table. Haruhi then used his earphones to cover Haruhi’s ears and she fell asleep. He then apologized to her.
Later on, the others found them. Hikaru made friends with Yuki who gave them a watermelon. Kyoya asked Kaoru if his plan worked. Kaoru replied that it would take time since Hikaru is stupid. Kyoya said that there are many idiots in their club. Chapter 21 is about Nekozawa. His younger sister thought that Tamaki was her brother because of the hair but later on realized that it was Nekozawa who defended her from a cat and that he is holding the same puppet cat as in the picture. Another funny omake on Mori who became a bit talkative and telling Haruhi that she is cute but it turned out that he is just sleepy. ^^;
Volume 6 scans are pretty small and blurred. It seemed to be school festival time. Everyone is preparing for their activities. Some people are threatening the host club with letters. Kyoya seemed to take it personally for he would make them regret making them an enemy. Then, they were challenged by the football team. Kyoya is off to do something as he told Tamaki to find the culprit. While at the car, Kyoya remembers a taunt about him not being able to inherit anything since he is the child of three males. Upon arriving home, Kyoya was greeted by his sister. His father came and told the sister not to keep coming home for she is already married. Then, he told Kyoya that his two older brothers manage to win something-a contest? and that he is expecting Kyoya not to disappoint. His sister looked a bit sad as Kyoya smiles that he would do it marvelously. Others in mib suits are investigating and they overheard the football team, orange, leader has a grudge against Kyoya for ruining his moment in kindergarten. ^^; Then, they learned that the contest is physical.
That got everyone into exercising as Kyoya plans out their tactic. The contest began and they ended up in Venice while following the clues. Haruhi is thinking that there are two culprits. One is a female student who was seen talking with Orange’s leader. Then, they made a final rush for the crown. Haruhi fell at the pool so Kyoya went to rescue her as Tamaki rush for the crown and they won. In the end, it turned out that the girl is a fiancé of Orange’s leader and that she knew ahead that her fiancé would lose. Anyway, it turned out that Kyoya already knew this early on so in the end, Kyoya used both his friends and enemies. Honestly, I don’t quite get this. ^^; Oh ya, Tamaki’s father was watching all of this.
The club has been getting letters written in invisible ink. It turned out that they are all from Tamaki’s father who wanted to eat with him and he didn’t reply because he thought that it was just a piece of black paper. It seemed that Tamaki’s father isn’t really strict and is pretty much like Tamaki – egoistic and a flirt. Tamaki had enough of it and pushed others out of his father’s office. Tamaki’s father then talked with Kyoya for a moment about the threatening letters and that the blank letters helped him in getting everyone want to win. Kyoya then told him that it was Tamaki who won the contest. Tamaki’s father was very amazed at Tamaki to be able to get a person like Kyoya to be his friend.
The activities had started and their club is playing detective setting. The twins then introduced to Haruhi their parents. Haruhi thought that their father was a servant for he was standing behind the twin’s mother. Then, Haruhi learned that Honey has a younger brother. Tamaki then invited Haruhi to some food stalls. She asked him where is his mother and he just smiled at her and told her that maybe she is in France. Elsewhere, it seemed that Kyoya’s father was impressed at how he managed to get Tamaki to win the contest and that he would be thinking of making Kyoya inherit the business even if he is the third son. Kyoya was very glad over this development and he told himself that he had succeeded. The others then meet up with Kyoya as they prepare to ride on horse drawn carriage. Tamaki then saw his grandmother and rushes off to greet her. Honey then told Haruhi that he didn’t like Tamaki’s grandmother. Tamaki offered his hand to his grandmother but was snubbed and told not to touch her. Tamaki apologized for it maybe dirty but his grandmother replied that it doesn’t matter if it is clean, it is still the same and that he is the son of a worthless woman.
Then, they changed the scene by going around in the carriage and entertaining others. When Tamaki left, Haruhi wondered if he is really alright. The others then told her of Tamaki’s background that the grandmother disapproves of Tamaki’s mother being sickly and being French. Tamaki grew up in France until he is 14. I’m guessing that Tamaki is the sole inheritor so the grandma decided to send him to Japan but only him. Then, Haruhi dressed up as a girl at the party and she got passed off as Haruhi’s sister. Tamaki saw her and she offered him some food since he hasn’t eaten. Then, the other people started gossiping as to who she was and if she is rich. She then tries of get him another plate but Tamaki ate it and thanked her.
Tamaki’s father then greeted his mom and the grandma slipped about admitting that Tamaki is his son. The grandma then left. Tamaki then offered to show Haruhi a picture of his mother and Haruhi said that she would want to see it. Elsewhere, it is only now that Ran realized that that day is Haruhi’s school festival. Chapter 27 is just some silly chapter on the club offering to cook food for the canteen but it ended up disastrously. Chapter 28 is Haruhi and Kyoya’s mini date. It started with Kyoya waking up to find himself in a department store. He tried to recall what happened and remembered that everyone wanted to go to a department store and tried to get Kyoya to go with them. He is in a bad mood since he slept at 5. He then fell asleep again so everyone grabbed him and dressed him up. They left him leaning over a post in the department store as they went off to walk around. Kyoya then thought about going home and realized that he doesn’t have his cellphone nor wallet. A kid bumped him and he went evil mode on the kid as he thought of killing Tamaki. Then, Haruhi saw him and asked what he was doing there. Kyoya asked how much money does she have.
Haruhi then treats him to a hamburger. Haruhi notices that Kyoya is being rude to the girls who are admiring him and it is different when he was in the host club. She wonders how could he be a friend of Tamaki’s. Kyoya apparently read her mind and told her that he doesn’t have anything in common with Tamaki. I didn’t understand Kyoya’s reason about why they became friends – it is something like if it isn’t for a good reason then he won’t put effort on it – and that Tamaki won’t cry about it for everyone joined the club for that reason. Then, they went shopping a bit as Kyoya, using Haruhi’s money as wait for his bodyguards to fetch him.
When Haruhi was about to touch a pottery, the shop owner shooed her away. Kyoya then revealed to the others that the potteries that the owner was selling where fake. This reminded me of a scene in Hikaru no Go. Haruhi questions him for the reason why he helped the woman by exposing the fraud. Kyoya told her that it was because of her kimono and ring that he knew that the woman belongs to a rich family and he is just trying to gain brownie points from that family. Haruhi thought of it and realized that at that time, the kimono and the ring wasn’t obvious. Haruhi then asks what is his reason – money, fame, and that being with Tamaki obviously is for a deeper reason than that. Kyoya was surprised by her deduction but they were interrupted by an announcement looking for a missing kid – Kyoya. Everyone then wonders if it is him and how could a big ‘child’ like him get lost. Kyoya got extremely pissed for being embarrassed like that, that he wants to kill Tamaki.
Everyone then meets with him and were surprised that Haruhi was there and asked her to play with them. Kyoya then told Haruhi that their relationship won’t chance just because of this and then he smiled at her, telling her that her explanation was interesting. Haruhi then felt that the wall between them had somewhat broken through. Kyoya then had the others tied up by his bodyguards in the department store and told them since they want to be there, they can stay there for a month. He left them crying.
The next two chapters are pretty much about Honey and Mori’s younger brothers who are pretty much their complete opposites. Honey’s younger brother [who is taller than Honey] is obsessed with defeating Honey but always failed as Mori’s brother is the one who keeps him in check – a bit of a bully and active as compared to his brother. I’m missing a couple of chapters. In chapter 33 is about Tamaki and Kyoya first meeting. Before, Kyoya is very polite as he hides his frustrations behind a smile. His sister is a bit worried about him for he felt like no matter what he do, he would be under his two elder brothers. I think this is more on the traditional rule that the elder gets to inherit the business while the younger ones work for them.
One day, Kyoya’s father asked him to accommodate the son of the school owner, Tamaki who came from France. They met and Kyoya thought that being a flirt could be what Tamaki learned from France. One time, Tamaki asked if they have a kotatsu – a small table with a heater used during winter to warm themselves. Kyoya told him that they don’t have it and Tamaki was devastated and asked if their family isn’t close for families usually sit together at a kotatsu. I didn’t get what Kyoya said but Tamaki came to praise him over it and started calling him by his first name. At home, Kyoya’s sister was surprise that Tamaki made Kyoya his friend but Kyoya is decisive not to be Tamaki’s friend.
Another time, Tamaki asked Kyoya to bring him to Kyoto. Since Tamaki is emoting, Kyoya decided to bring him to Kyoto and Tamaki was very happy about it. Next time, Kyoya was doing a Hokkaido trip since Tamaki wanted to go there but when he told Tamaki, Tamaki said that he won’t be going until exams are over. Kyoya was extremely angry that his efforts had gone to waste and he had realized that Tamaki is an idiot. He tried to control himself for Tamaki is the son of Suo clan. His sister then call out to him that he has a visitor. To his surprise, it was Tamaki visiting him.
Tamaki was going on a friendly talk as Kyoya is still angry over the whole thing. Tamaki then walks around and wonders if his house in France is bigger or Kyoya’s. Kyoya then told him shouldn’t be the Suo’s house is bigger. To Kyoya’s surprise, Tamaki told him that he haven’t gone there yet and that the place he lives now is a bit smaller. Then, Tamaki looks at Kyoya’s family because and asked if Kyoya would inherit something. Kyoya then said that he will end up working for his brothers. Tamaki then comments that he thought otherwise and haven’t thought that Kyoya is letting it go. Kyoya said that it isn’t about letting go or not for it has been decided then he blurted out that someone like Tamaki who would inherit everything would never understand. Then, Kyoya realized that he revealed his inner feelings. Tamaki then told him that it haven’t been decided that he will inherit because his grandmother detests him. That caught Kyoya by surprise.
Tamaki then went on about wanting to win his grandmother’s approval and accomplishing such and such. Somehow it strike a chord at Kyoya as he went to Tamaki and shouted at him about his frustrations and about taking things easy. Tamaki then told him who have decided on his fate if he wants to prove himself superior to his brothers then he should do so. The one who isn’t doing anything is the one who is giving up and that is Kyoya. Then, Kyoya realized that he don’t want to be defeated by his brother and yet why did he give up, and how could an idiot be the one telling him about it. Suddenly, Tamaki is looking for a kotatsu again. Kyoya then stopped pretending to be nice and revealed his dark side as he pinched Tamaki’s face telling him that a kotatsu is used during winter and called Tamaki an idiot. Kyoya’s sister was observing and that she wanted Kyoya to have self confidence but she never thought that it would make Kyoya into ‘that’ but nevertheless, it seemed fun so it is okay.
Four months later, Kyoya finds Tamaki at his house, sitting on a kotatsu. Tamaki then proposed to Kyoya that they make a host club. Kyoya stomps on Tamaki for making such a silly suggestion then he paused as he told Tamaki that he would listen to Kyoya’s idea. And from there, they made plans about the host club and the possible members. It is also from their situation that they have something in common.
Chapter 34 is about a yakuza, Bossa Nova, who asked help from the host club to help him have a makeover so that people won’t be scared of him. He is actually lonely and everything he does innocently was thought to be evil deeds like he was writing a diary and his household thought he is making a hit list. ^^; When asked why, Nova said that it was because Mori is actually a scary and cold person with a look that can open the gates of hell has people close to him. The twins had a good laugh as Mori fainted over what was said about him. The twins decided to help him. Nova follows Mori everywhere as he wanted to learn from him but ended up scaring the guests and people around Mori. Tamaki then said that it could be because of Honey that people perceive Mori as harmless. Nova, with a makeover and together with Honey went home but apparently, it didn’t work for the yakuza thought that he kidnapped a child. Lol.
Nova was very angry as he saw them trying a new makeover. Tamaki told him that they are serious about helping him. Haruhi then talked a bit with Nova and that if Nova wants he can come anytime to play. Nova blushes. Tamaki and the twins quickly separated the two as they teach Nova how to smile. Mori who was supposed to be the teacher was left alone while Kyoya was thinking that this development is interesting. The chapter ended there and the author is on a break last month. I wonder if she would continue this storyline and would Nova be a member of their club.
Oh ya, there are two side stories. One is about the twins childhood. They used to have a maid who wanted to steal their money and it is from her that they learned to be deceptive and how to act especially the time when they first fake their crying. The other one is about young Haruhi who didn’t want her father to go to school. Ran thought that she is ashamed of him but it turned out that Haruhi was just considering that Ran would be tired. She wanted him to rest and spend time with her.
Thought of the day:
Great changes may not happen right away, but with effort even the difficult may become easy. ~ Bill Blackman.
Story of Nana to present chapter
Thursday, January 26, 2006 @ 03:34 p.m.
I have finished reading through Nana up to the present chapter. This can be quite addictive like soap operas and the story is like one. I plan to blog the future chapters so I might as well start a recap of the story up to the present.
Nana Komatsu/Hachi [the housewife-nice type] had fallen for an older man who later on left for Tokyo. Then, she had a boyfriend batchmate who also later on went to Tokyo. She followed him there and met, Nana Oosaki, a rocker who is also going to Tokyo. This Nana was abandoned by her mother when she was a kid. She had a band, Black Stones/Blast but her boyfriend, Ren went to Tokyo to join a band, Trapnest. Then, the two Nanas found themselves renting the same apartment and became friends/roommates.
Osaki’s love life is pretty much stable after she met Ren. I think they have a bit of hard time with the long distance relationship. The focus on Osaki is more on her band and her friendship with Hachi. Her major problem is keeping the paparazzi from scandalizing her relationship with Ren. Osaki also seemed to have a ‘sickness’ and from her symptoms, I’m guessing that it is hyperventilation. I’m assuming that it is because of her mother who abandoned her that it causes stress when she felt like someone close to her is leaving her.
Hachi’s love life is the more colorful one. While in Tokyo, she learned that her boyfriend is dating another girl. Brokenhearted, she somewhat rebound and has fallen for Takumi, a leader of Trapnest. She somewhat felt lonely since it felt as if Takumi doesn’t really love her. Nobu, a member of Blast and good friend of Nana, confessed his love for Hachi. Hachi ‘half-heartedly’ broken up with Takumi and had a relationship with Nobu but things didn’t go well for Hachi found herself pregnant – not knowing who’s the father. In the end, Hachi picked Takumi over Nobu and this pretty much destroyed her relationship with Nana and her band. She left their apartment and stayed at a quiet place with Takumi who had proposed that they get married.
Later on, the two Nanas are engaged to their respective partners. The strawberry design glasses, which represent their friendship and having something in common was replaced by the diamond engagement rings for their lovers bought the same pairs. Soon, they managed to repair their friendship and everything seems fine. The latest chapters show that Takumi is having an affair with another woman, an actress. I don’t know if it is for love or just because he can’t have sex with Hachi for she is pregnant. He seems to be leaving Hachi alone quite often and Hachi is always being so obedient in order not to anger Takumi. While Ren seemed to be on drugs though I’m not sure if it is just a trip or he is an addict. He then had a moment with Reira, the singer of his band that the paparazzi scandalized by showing the pictures to the two bands.
In order to keep things hush-hush, Takumi offered an exchange. Instead of showing the pictures to the public and since they don’t want money, Takumi would be giving them information about his love life with Hachi. At around here, I found myself not liking this guy though I don’t quite like him either earlier. I wonder what would Osaki do went she learns about it. Anyway, there is this fan that always follow Osaki and uses a fake name, which was actually Osaki’s half-sister. It is already revealed that Osaki’s mom is now married, works at a ramen house and had two children. The daughter is a fan of Osaki who had invited Osaki to go to their restaurant. Hehehe, that is something to look forward to.
About the other cast, Nobu, after nursing his broken heart, had somewhat fallen for this actress. Yasu, the manager and drummer of Blast, had somewhat conceded defeat to Ren for he also likes Osaki. He is still protective of Osaki but it seemed that he has moved on for he is now dating this other actress who is a bit suicidal. The youngest member of the band who is actually underage is Shin. Yasu did some paperwork to keep his age a secret. Shin’s sidejob to earn a living is selling his body to people – prostitute. His steady client is Reira who had more or less fallen for him since she doesn’t have a chance with Takumi. Their ‘happiness’ is temporary for Takumi has warned Shin to stop seeing Reira for it could ruin their careers.
I don’t quite understand here is what age is the age of consent in Japan. Takumi had told him that if he is serious with Reira, then court again when he is 18. But then, Shin has been already hinting to everyone about his side job but no one seems to insist that he stopped doing it since he is a minor or maybe they thought he was joking. ^^; Anyway, Reira was the one who finally put a stop to it when she got frightened of the possibility of the paparazzi finding them out since the day she spend with Ren was caught on pictures that can be interpreted as something else.
My only problem with this series is that there are a lot of casual sex in this manga. But then, that shouldn’t surprise me for Paradise Kiss has it also. I’m guessing that this manga is rated PG. Anyway, at least the author showed the possible consequence of such action like getting pregnant and not knowing who the father is. Most of the characters also tend to smoke like there is no tomorrow. Sometimes I can’t help thinking that they might die of lung cancer when they are older. ^^;;
I might do a recap of Ouran High Host Club tomorrow after I re-browse/read the Chinese chapters but then, I would focus more on the chapters that I like since this is an episodic manga.
Thought of the day:
Take your life in your own hands, and what happens? A terrible thing: no one to blame. ~Erica Jong.
More thoughts on OHHC and Nana
Tuesday, January 24, 2006 @ 03:33 p.m.
After reading the English scans [thanks Gem!] and browsing through the Chinese scans, I came to like Ouran High Host Club. ^_^ I guess it started when the author is now more or less revealing more about the characters’ backgrounds rather than just the typical school days. I’m guessing that the author is somewhat pairing off Haruhi to three guys, namely, Tamaki, Hikaru and Kyoya since they have mini ‘dates’ or ‘moments’ with Haruhi.
My fave character here is Kyoya. I find him interesting and devious and he reminds me of Tatsumi from Yami no Matsuei. I noticed that he just manages the club and doesn’t seem to play ‘host’ to the girls. The twins are fun, too even though I could not distinguish who’s who. Geez, I like the devious guys here. ^^; The parts wherein they are shock about the ways of the ‘common’ people reminded me of Hana Yori Dango. ^^; Anyway, I’m somewhat lazy to read through the Chinese since the anime will be out by April. I don’t know how close they would follow the manga though and how they would end it, perhaps open-ended, since the manga haven’t ended yet.
I’m still browsing through Chinese scans of Nana and well, I am getting into it. It is like a soap opera or the show Friends. ^^; The two Nanas met and became roommates. Soon, their friends and lovers from two bands, one of which where one Nana is a singer- are somewhat interrelated to each other. I can’t help thinking – It’s a small world after all. It is one huge love polygon. One character likes another and that other likes someone else..etc, etc. The characters are okay and I guess I’m following this because I am interested in how it is all ends and who ends up with who. I also wonder who the upcoming anime of this manga would end since the manga isn’t over yet either.
Thought of the day:
True independence and freedom can only exist in doing what's right. ~ Brigham Young.
PK[e.11-12], RM[e.11], F-SN[e.3] and DGM[c.72]
Monday, January 23, 2006 @ 02:32 p.m.
I had finished the last two [11-12] episodes of Paradise Kiss. It pretty much ended as I have guessed - Yukari and George not ending up together. From other blogs, it confirmed my thoughts that Yukari ended up with Hiroyuki since the anime didn’t show whom she ended up with. I was really expecting that the last scene would be showing Hiroyuki. ^^; Anyway, I think that Hiroyuki is the best partner for Yukari. George seemed a bit unpredictable in terms of how he treats Yukari like when Kaori came to George’s apartment. So, the ending is okay with me and since I haven’t read the manga, I don’t have that many complaints about it. Overall, the story is okay and is pretty much how Yukari realized to live her own life and not controlled by her mother. Also, finding life – love and friends - aside from just studying and studying. I hoped that her mom would at least apologize for slapping her. Oh well. The romance part for any of the couples in the series didn’t work that well with me and thinking it over, I realized that I didn’t care much about the characters. ^^; I like the art though and the animation is nice as well as the opening and closing songs.
Nothing much happened in Rozen Maiden [ep. 11] except two more dolls - Suiseiseki and Kanaria - are out of the game. Sigh, I was actually hoping Suiseiseki will make it through but that is wishful thinking. Jun tried to stop it but it was futile. Last scene was Shinku getting serious. The next and last episode is titled Alice so I guess that would cap up the series. I wonder how they would end it though for I have somewhat have a feeling that everyone would somehow be alive in the end though I don’t want that for that would be pretty corny. The manga haven’t ended yet and based from some summaries and differences about it, I’m planning to check it out after the anime is finished. I actually thought that the anime story is close to the manga that it made me not bother about the manga. ^^;
In Fate-Stay Night [ep. 3], Saber managed to ward off Lancer who retreated because of his master’s wishes. Rin then came to help ease Shirou’s confusion about what is happening. She brought him to the supervisor, Rin’s sensei, Kirei who explained everything to Shirou. At first, Shirou hesitated to fight but if he didn’t a disaster would happen like what happened before so he decided to fight. Once they came out of the church, a little girl from before and a huge giant appeared before them and seemed to be an opponent. The explanation of the rules of the Holy Grail game is quite long that I got somewhat bored – found myself yawning. Saber’s weapon is interesting though..being invinsible. Next episode would be more fighting but then, I doubt there would be any character dying soon.
The battle between Rinali and Titler has ended in D. Gray-man [c. 72]. Titler is defeated but then, it doesn’t look good for Rinali. I think she destroyed herself in order to defeat him for she said that both of them would disappear. The last scene had Rinali calling out for her brother and apologizing – seemed to be a flashback since both are younger here. It remains to be seen if she is really dead or not for characters here have a lot of close calls and managed to be still alive in the succeeding chapters. But I’m somewhat thinking that the author did ‘killed’ her off.
Thought of the day:
Destiny is not a matter of chance but of choice. Not something to wish for but to attain. ~ William Jennings Bryan.
OP[c389],Bleach[c211],H&C[sp.] and a bit on OHHC
Saturday, January 21, 2006 @ 04:52 p.m.
In One Piece [c. 398], the marines are bombarding Ohara. CP9 left Olivia as they rush to save their lives. Finally, Olivia and Robin had their little reunion. Then, Sauro came. Olivia entrusted Robin to Sauro as she told Robin that she has to survive and she still has something to do. It turned out that Sauro used to be one of the marines and was the one who had helped Olivia escape. They attacked Sauro for being a traitor and Sauro attacked back in order to protect Robin. Nothing much happening here but I’m guessing a few more chapters before the flashback finishes. I’m waiting for CP9 vs Strawhats. Hehehe
Things aren’t turning out good in Bleach [c. 211]. After the defeat of lower level arrankar, Hitsugaya collapses while Renji is a bit worried for Ichigo since the enemies are more powerful than they thought. Meanwhile, Ichigo is fighting with Grimjow. Ichigo was losing at first until Grimjow taunted him. Ichigo then used his ‘black wave’ attack and it had injured Grimjow.
Grimjow was surprised about it for the report didn’t mention about it. Then, the left white part of Ichigo’s eye has started to become black. He holds his eye as he told it to wait for a moment and it will be finish soon. Behind him, Tatsuki was observing the fight and she’s a bit worried for Ichigo. Behind her, someone comes and from the hilt of the zanpaku, it is Tousen’s. It’s hard to say what would happen next for it depends on the purpose of Tousen’s arrival.
I watched Honey & Clover [special]. It was silly about this roommate of theirs who provide them with meat and causes them to be ‘in love’ with him and the other one is about this mascot for a certain amusement park. He carries people and it somewhat reminded them of their childhood. His replacement obviously was Morita. That silliness is pretty much like Ouran High Host Club ^^; I have read the first two chapter. It is really silly and seemed to be episodic in nature. It is about this girl who dresses as a guy since his father is a cross-dresser. That in itself is weird. ^^; She accidentally broke a vase and has to work for them to pay for it. The first chapter is knowing a bit about the characters and finally realization of the ‘king’ that she is actually a girl. The second chapter is about a Christmas dance and helping out two lovers to admit their feelings.
I have seen this kind of club in Japanese dramas and the guys are gigolos. ^^;; The ones who usually goes here are matrons from the drama that is or wives who are bored. I don’t know if it goes beyond flirting and pampering though. Anyway, I do find it weird as to why they would have such a club in their school. I guess it is the ‘king’s trip. I don’t memorize their names yet. ^^; Anyway, it is an interesting manga and more on the category of not thinking and just enjoying it. The art needs getting a bit used to though.
Word of the day:
Welcome each day as a gift from God. ~ Our Daily Bread.
Silly Third Anniversary Fic
Friday, January 20, 2006 @ 03:47 p.m.
Today is the third anniversary of this blog. So, as always, I would like to thank God for still keeping me alive to do all this and for all the things that He gave the past year. Next, I would like to thank the visitors of this blog especially the frequent ones. Arigato! I’m really thankful that some of you even bookmarked it. Lastly, I would like to thank Google for leading most of the people here [70%] through their manga/anime search even for misc ones that aren’t related to this blog. ^_^
Zero: You know, the frequent visitors came because of us.
Kaname: Hai..hai.
Kat: Okay, I would give my blood as thanks but since I’m anemic so I would just offer these two. *brings out Ichigo and Renji* These two have lots of blood. They are sprouting them throughout the place during their fights and easily replenish them. They would be tasty.
Zero: Nah..they are shinigami.
Kaname: Plus, they don’t seem to be willing to let us drink it easily. *glances at their zanpaku*
Kat: Ah...well, how about these two? *brings out Ren and Kyouko*
Zero: I don’t think I want to drink them. They seem to be related to demons.
Kaname: Ya, those evil stares. I won’t be able to drink contently.
Kat: Last resort. How about her?! *brings out Yuuki* I’m sure you’ll have no complaints anymore.
Kaname: Sorry, I’m on tablets these days.
Zero: I would like to drink privately and I don’t need it now.
Kat: *sweatdrops* You should said so earlier!!
Zero: You didn’t ask.
Kat: ^^; Anyway, since you are all here. Let us all celebrate for this blog’s anniversary.
*crashes*
Ban: Did someone say party?!
Luffy: Meat!!
Zoro: Booze!!
Kat: My door!!
Later on, many other character crashes into the party. ‘Cheers!’ as they party the whole day and night long.
The end.
Thought of the day:
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. ~ Les Brown.
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