Quickie: Diabolik Lovers Première Date Revealed!

A couple of months ago back in February, I told you guys that an anime adaption for the otome game Diabolik Lovers was approved. I can now say that the date it will air has been announced.

According to the official website, Diabolik Lovers will air September 2013 on AT-X, then distributed on Niconico Douga.

Diabolik Lovers will be animated by Zexcs, the studio behind Cuticle Detective Inaba and Suki-tte Ii na yo.

Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ Maji Love 2000%

1000% isn’t enough for these guys!

Name: Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ Maji Love 2000%

Japanese Name: うたの☆プリンスさまっ♪ マジLOVE 2000%

Air Date: April 3 2013 – June 26 2013

Studio: A-1 Pictures

Episodes: 13

PLOT

Entering her Master’s course, Haruka Nanami is facing an even more difficult time. And she isn’t the only one. The main six members of ST☆RISH are assigned new seniors to watch over them! But the seniors aren’t having the best attitudes about it.

Watch Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ Maji Love 2000% and find yourself completely engaged in a whole new adventure mixed in with comedy and romance!

UTAPRI HAS RETURNED! Oh my life was so bland until you came bouncing back into my life, I’m crying with joy o( ╥﹏╥ )o I can hardly contain my excitement! I love UtaPri so much because of the extremely catchy songs and of course the handsome fellas who pop up! I mean, who doesn’t like to fawn over gorgeous male cartoons? Name one person who doesn’t. UtaPri is my bundle of joy and no one can take it away from me no matter how hard they try!

I can guarantee that I will be singing along to every song that pops up, it’s hard NOT to right? Please excuse the many faces I will pull in this review… it’s so hard not to, but it must be done. If you don’t pull faces like these whilst watching UtaPri, then you my friend have something wrong with you. Oh, and please excuse the excessive amount of photos I post… I really can’t help it.

First Impressions

Haruka and crew are back and this time instead of being students at the prestigious Saotome Academy, they’re budding idols! The first episode just gets back into the swing of things and re-introduces us to our darling guys, who’ve been absent from our lives for nearly two years… come here Tokiya and Ren, come into my arms and give me a BIG kiss (づ￣ ³￣)づ mwuaaaa! Well, our boys have gotten seniors to help them hone their skills as idols. Their seniors are none other than the group seen at the end of season 1. Turns out, they’re a popular group named QUARTET★NIGHT; Reiji Kotobuki is Tokiya’s and Otoya’s mentor, Ranmaru Kurosaki is Ren’s and Masato’s mentor, Ai Mikaze is Syo’s and Natsuki’s mentor and Camus is Cecil’s mentor. Oh, and did I mention that Cecil joined the Master’s Course? Yeah, even I was shocked. I do however, have taken a liking to the fellas of QUARTET★NIGHT; especially Ranmaru and Reiji… Tatsuhisa Suzuki and Showtaro Morikubo FTW. QUARTET★NIGHT’s song (POISON KISS) is really catchy AND the lyrics are kind of sexual if you listen closely and translate them… it doesn’t help that Ranmaru and Camus’ voices are literally in your ears; it’s unbelievably sensual… is it wrong to say I almost had an eargasm listening to this? This is my favourite song now. Done and dusted, no arguments! ＼(^o^)／

Work it boys!

The opening song by Mamoru Miyano is probably one of the best I’ve ever heard. In fact, I love it so much that I downloaded it the moment it was released! The song is called ‘Kanon’ and I have to say, the lyrics and composition are spectacular. Heck, I even know the lyrics off by heart. I need to get a life. If only I bothered. But you know what really caught my attention? The ending song ‘Maji Love 2000%’ by none other than our ST☆RISH boys. It’s just as catchy (maybe slightly more!) as the season 1 ending however this time, they have some sexy new dance moves to show off! You’ll know what I mean when you watch them do their thing… I want them so bad (づ｡◕‿‿◕｡)づ you don’t believe me? Oh ho my dear friends, watch the ending credits and you shall be taken into a world you’ve always dreamt of. No jokes:

Natsuki: I need you… S…
Tokiya: I feel you… T…
Cecil: I miss you A…
Ren: I kiss you R…
Otoya: I believe you I…
Syo: I hold you S…
Masato: I want you H…
All: ST☆RISH forever!

My favourite episode so far has to be episode 4. Masato Hijirikawa is the main lad in this and he has an audition for the leading role in a historical drama. Problem is, there’s a scene where he passionately embraces the leading female and being…urm, Masato, he gets incredibly flustered about it. So the ST☆RISH boys help Masato practice and the result is… Tokiya dresses up as the female. TOKIYA MY BABY, WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO YOU?! Their efforts are all wasted since Masato can’t embrace the female, especially because that said female is Tokiya. My poor poor baby got rejected 。・゜・(ノД`)・゜・。on the bright side, Masato manages to pass the audition! All he had to do was imagine that he was embracing Haruka. Oh, you player… you have crawled your way into my heart ❤

They all had to hold in their laughter… Tokiya wasn’t exactly the best cosplayer ﾌﾟｯ(※థэథ)∵.*.∵

Midway Impressions

Otoya is just a big ball of sunshine. He’s so adorable that I could hug him right now! He’s such a pure soul, I personally think we’re related somehow! Otoya was helping out at the orphanage he grew up in because they were having a fundraiser or something and then the children came up with the brilliant idea to host a haunted house! I thought it was super cute when he held hands with Haruka as she was so scared, although now that I look back on it, there was nothing THAT scary. Anyways, the fundraiser wasn’t getting much awareness so Otoya sings. Then the rest of the group turns up… in teddy bear suits ヽ(*´ー`*)ﾉ how adorable is that?! I just wanted to squeeze them go to sleep whilst cuddling them… wouldn’t that be nice?

KAWAIIII!~❤

Is it me, or has Ren gotten even SEXIER than the last time I saw him? That man will not stop at any lengths to make me love him even more than I already do. He just oozes sexual pheromones and it doesn’t help that Junichi Suwabe voices him with that low, teasing voice. It’s always Suwabe-san who voices the flirty, playboy types… but it’s not like I don’t enjoy hearing that voice! Honestly, what am I going to do? Seriously episode 6 was just… I can’t even put it into words. And when I re-winded the episode to watch it again, I hear this:

Ren: “I had no idea my songs were making you so hot.”

(O_O) … *nosebleed* \(//∇//)\

Holy crap. I think I just died.

What makes this even better is that Suwabe-san used that REALLY seductive voice. You know the one where he’s practically saying “it’s sexy time!”. It rung in my ears (I was wearing headphones so it was like he whispered to me!), gave me another eargasm ＼(^o^)／ and it actually made my cheeks flush! My mum thought I had a fever and nearly took my temperature, god bless her… but I can’t exactly tell her that an animated character is seducing me… she’d get slightly worried. Unless I can get her into anime, then she can see why I’m always wetting myself laughing; what a lovely thought! Anyway, this particular scene happened during Ren’s episode where he participates in a fashion show and suddenly, a power-cut happens. All the girls and fans attending whine before Ren decides to sing his song – Orange Rhapsody. Let me tell you now, this type of song suits Ren best. It was incredibly jazzy and I couldn’t help but dance in my seat as I listened. Here’s some advice, to get the most out of this episode (and Ren’s gorgeous voice), watch it with headphones in… it’s much better that way! (๑´ლ`๑)

That wink is a crime against humanity.

The music is even better than the first season! They’re more catchy than before and they’re even more fitting for the characters. Problem is… where’s Tokiya’s? Everyone else has had one so far and he’s the only who hasn’t had the chance to sing… he’s left out. And I was so looking forward to hearing Mamo-chan’s harmonic voice (-_-) if I don’t hear his idol song within the next two episodes, I am going to lose it. I really am. It’s more likely that they put Tokiya’s episode towards the end of the series… because I am totally shipping Tokiya x Haruka. Maybe not TOTALLY because I love him dearly too and I have hope that he’ll one day be mine (highly improbable, but I can dream), but because I think he and Haruka look cute together. Oh, but then she looks good with all the other guys… Otoya x Haruka, Syo x Haruka, Natsuki x Haruka, Masato x Haruka and Ren x Haruka… I CHANGED MY MIND. THEY’RE ALL PERFECTION, SHE SUITS ALL OF THEM. I SHIP THEM ALL.

Overall Opinion

Reiji: “Give in to temptation.”
Ai: “My promise to you.”
Ranmaru: “I rock you hard.”
Camus: “With my deep emotion.”

I gave in to temptation (damn) and watched Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ Maji Love 2000%. And they surely did what they said. Please read my review for the first season if you have not read it yet.

The plot continues from the previous series where Haruka Nanami and ST☆RISH – composing of Tokiya Ichinose, Otoya Ittoki, Masato Hijirikawa, Ren Jinguji, Syo Kurusu and Natsuki Shinomiya – have now become professionals after their successful debut, and must now win the prestigious ‘UtaPri’ award in order to be recognised as true idols. It isn’t going to be easy though, because first of all, they have to train with their new senpais in the Master Course! Plus with the addition of Cecil Aijima, a new and formidable rival for Haruka’s affections appears! This plot was rather lighthearted and simple like the first season, but that is what’s needed in anime nowadays; not too OTT or underrated. However there was indeed more plot in comparison. As like before, the episodes were separated so each one focused on one particular character or the entire group. The way this was carried out was particularly good, as we viewers get to know each individual more and each episode connects to the other to form one, fluid plot. On the downside, the predictability was quite obvious and there was not much tension or suspense in the build-up to the final challenge: rival group, HE★VENS vs ST☆RISH. At this point, we all knew who was going to win. What made up for all of this was possibly the comedy. Humourous scenes were executed well one after the other, and constantly made me laugh non-stop; the jokes and comedy was similar to Ouran High School Host Club.

Animation was pretty much the same as the first season – none of the characters have had any significant changes so it’s all good. The animation maintained its usual splendor and elegance we all loved from season 1, and our ST☆RISH boys haven’t changed a bit! Backgrounds weren’t as visually stunning, but they were still appealing to look at (perhaps stare if they boys were there…) and the buildings looked grand as they should. Architecture is important in anime after all otherwise, where would all the characters live?! xD

Tokiya, you know you’re my favourite right?

Character development is something I have difficulty reviewing with this series. Haruka may have been the driving force behind ST☆RISH, but it was the guys who pulled through and had the most contribution to this series – I am NOT saying this out of favouritism. With the addition of Cecil into the group, he also brought along the flair and conflict needed… I say conflict because, he is a love rival after all! There is also the senpais from QUARTET★NIGHT: Reiji Kotobuki, Ranmaru Kurosaki, Ai Mikaze and Camus who act as mentors. Admittedly the senpais didn’t really help with ST☆RISH’s progression and development, they were just there for the sake of it and barely interacted with each other let alone ST☆RISH. The only one who made the most effort was Reiji, with the last three slowly warming up to them towards the end of the series. There was also the introduction of rival idol group and favourite to win the UtaPri award, HE★VENS, consisting of Eichi Otori, Kira Sumeragi and Nagi Mikado. Although they acted as the antagonists for ST☆RISH, they just seemed like a bunch of pretty faces thrown in for more fanservice. I really hoped QUARTET★NIGHT and HE★VENS would get more screentime and development, but sadly this wasn’t done.

That was a… fiery performance?

Being a series about music, it’s fairly obvious that the music had to be… well, amazing. The composition this time round was perhaps even better than the first season, and when left in the hands of Elements Garden – a famous group of Japanese music composers – you get a whole horde of fantastic tunes. The opening theme song Kanon – sung by none other than Mamoru Miyano – features more guitar and piano than the first season opening (Orpheus), and was leaning more towards rock. Nonetheless, it was still a great song to listen to. However the animated sequence left me going “what the actual…?” at certain points: at one stage, Haruka and the ST☆RISH boys fly around underwater covered in sparkly stuff… and then Haruka leaps out the water NAKED. Was that really necessary? Insert songs were actually much better than the ones in season 1. Some may argue with me, but it is my honest opinion. I view it this way because the songs suited the characters more, and reflected their personalities properly. The BGM remained the same as the first season; always matching the mood and atmosphere of the situation. Finally, the cast ensemble is brilliant. Their voices portray the characters well and make them come to life – they really make them their own characters, so it’s no wonder the seiyuus are fond of them!

If you watched and enjoyed the first season, then it’s almost a given that you’ll enjoy the second season too! Sequels are notoriously known for not living up to its predecessor’s standards, but surprisingly, Uta no☆Prince-sama♪ Maji Love 2000% has managed to exceed the greatness of Maji Love 1000%! UtaPri is a series for everyone and is not just limited to females… males can enjoy this too! I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and I’m hoping that there will be a season three… because that ending is illegal.

Nisenpaa (Hey!) Saikoo na LOVE (Get you!)
Kimi to dake (Jump!) Yes! Happy PULSE (Syun! Syun!)
Kakumei STARLIGHT
Maji de suki da yo (Yes, we love you)
Eien ni…
Zenryoku zenkai de nisenpaa kimi no koto wo Love you
Ba, Bang! Ja, Jan!! Love you☆

NB: We all knew from the beginning that I am biased towards Mamoru Miyano… so Tokiya is obviously my favourite! He’s just too ASDFGHJKL; I can’t ignore him (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧.

Quickie: Sekai-ichi Hatsukoi Getting Anime Movie!

BL lovers, you’re going to like this news.

According to a strip on the latest volume four cover of the light novel (Sekai-ichi Hatsukoi: Yokozawa Takafumi no Baai), the series is getting an anime movie adaption.

Cast information will be revealed on August 1st so… typically, I can’t wait to get my grubby little hands on that info!

Tomorrow is a big day for me… I’ve got my college taster day (hurrah -__- ) AND prom! I’ll probably post my prom photos here so you can all see my dress; I’m pretty chuffed with it! Plus, this year’s prom is AT A MANSION. That is pretty awesome.

Quickie: Brothers Conflict Premiere Date Revealed!

Brothers Conflict has finally gotten a premiere date! This is great news and it couldn’t come any better for us girlies! We’re in for a treat this summer, because a lot of anime is coming for us… get this date slated in, because you’re going to need it if you want more men to drool over.

Brothers Conflict is set to air in Japan on July 2nd; the day before the long-awaited premiere of Kouji Ouji’s Free! meaning that first week of July will indeed be a bishie fest. These two shows would be battling it out for ratings then! It’s also a coincidence that Brothers Conflict‘s premiere is on the same day as my prom, which is just… I can’t put it into words, but maybe the correct word for my mood right now would be ‘ecstatic’.

What anime series are you looking forward to this year? There are plenty to look forward to, but I have to say, I’m excited for Kuroko’s Basketball season 2… not forgetting Free! too. I do like swimming… especially if hot men are involved.

2013 is going to be a good year for anime! I just know it!

The first time I felt the warmth of your hand… was on that day.

Note: This short story contains religious content and references. Please do not feel offended as this is only pure fiction.

When was the last time I ever saw you smiling? When was the last time I ever held you in my arms? When was the last time… I ever told you that I loved you?

Who would have thought you were the one? The one who released me from the shackles chaining me to Hell; the one who gave me my freedom. Isolation and confinement were my punishment for the sins I have committed, and you bailed me out. I am forever in your debt… and I am eternally grateful. Ha, it’s strange isn’t it? Being a creature of darkness, it was a taboo to come into contact with someone of holy grounds. One touch would have sent you into the abyss… but you found me. You extended your hand to me, and offered salvation. Redemption. A chance to make myself worthy again in the eyes of God.

Fallen angels aren’t worthy of entering the kingdom of Heaven. You knew that very well, but you still helped me. Anyone would be out of their minds to come within breathing distance and yet you, with your radiance and pureness, braved the disapproval and stares of the others and guided me. Courage emitted from you and I admired that. Something I knew I could never possess, was standing right in front of me. With that, I reached out for your hand instinctively and held it. The first time I felt the warmth of your hand… was on that day.

Time flew by after that day. After our first meeting, we managed to see each other while avoiding God’s gaze. But… one day, you stopped visiting. It was peculiar and rather ominous; I feared the worst. Days, months, years went by without us meeting. The place we always met, I still stand there everyday. I always wondered when I would see you next. I still do to this very day. However, I can hear your voice; I think of it repeatedly. Can you hear my voice? I am here, thinking of you. Thinking of what could have possibly happened. Did God decide your punishment? No, that can’t be right… I should be the one receiving divine retribution for escaping. By then, my feelings have grown but they must be restrained; they are forbidden emotions.

If God has wrongly punished you, I – Lucifer – swear to you that I’ll always be there to protect you from His wrath. I don’t care if you spite me or blame me for all the misfortune that has been bestowed upon you. I don’t want you to fall from grace so I won’t go back on my word. A promise is a promise. Rest assured, I love you with all my being and I will love only you. The laws of God forbid us from seeing each other, because of our ranks. But I will find a way to break this pointless law. Rankings do not matter in love. Worthless words written on scribes can’t restrict me so I ask you, to believe me.

My guardian angel, thank you for saving me from drowning in my own heart. I will find you again, just wait for me. If my wishes are granted, I would want to see you. I want to see you, if only once. That would be enough to keep my sanity.

Thank you… for existing.

For You…

“To my beloved.

By the time you read this, I will no longer be a part of this world. I will be moving onto the next life that God is waiting to give me. It may seem unfair to you, that I have suddenly left but… maybe this is a good thing. Maybe this time, you’ll be free; free to move on and give life your greatest. Give the world everything you have to offer, because I know you have so much to give. That pure light radiates from every inch of your body and I love you for that. But, love might be an understatement… I am absolutely, irrevocably, besotted with you. Please, never forget that. Never forget that I love you from the very depths of my heart and being. You were my guiding light and now, it is my time to be yours.

Your feelings are all the evidence I need. You must understand that from the moment I laid eyes on you, I could never go back to the way I was. So I am grateful. Grateful that you had given me meaning and purpose in the bland life I had. Your face always burned brightly in my mind. You were all I ever thought of. You were all I wanted; no matter what, I could not stop thinking about you. I was strongest when I was with you; I felt you were my other half and the one who would be able to break down the walls that surrounded me. I never imagined, I would feel this way about another person.

For you, I would do anything. But I am no longer here to do that. I am no longer able to be there for you. I am no longer able to protect you. I am no longer able to touch you. I am no longer able to say… I love you. Those would have been my last words to you, but I spread my wings too early and departed. I wanted you to know, that someone will continue to love you once I disappeared. Regret is all I feel. Sometimes, love is unfair. And fate decided it was my time to depart. What hurts the most, is that I will never be able to make you smile again. Could you promise me something? Smile. You look best when you smile; it lights up my entire world so please, continue to smile. For my sake.

You may forget about me. You may not even grieve for me. But I will never do that. If you wish to choose another man, then I wouldn’t mind as long as that keeps your happiness sane. I’ll always pray for your happiness because that’s what matters to me most. Remember, I’ll never let go of you… unless you do so first.

Keep your head high, and remember that your guardian angel will always gaze down upon you from God’s kingdom.

I wait for the day, when we are reunited…and when I am finally able to hold you in my arms.

All my love.”

She read the letter for what seemed like the thousandth time. Small beads of water formed at the corner of her eyelids, and slowly dropped onto the letter she held so dearly. Her hands shook slightly as they gripped the letter tighter.

“Stupid.”

There was no way she could forget him. There was no way she would be able to move on so quickly. She was mourning. It still hadn’t sunk in that she lost him. He was gone and there was no way he was coming back. She knew that, yet she didn’t want to believe in the reality. All she could do was walk aimlessly around their apartment; lightly touching each of his possessions. She came to a stop when a certain object caught her eye. A large cardboard box was sat in the corner, gathering dust from the many years it had remained unmoved. It drew her closer and with curiosity, she undid the seal.

Inside were a number of photos. Each and every one he had was something precious; from their first date to the first day moving in together. Everything was there. Precious memories that will last a lifetime. A royal purple box was placed inside amongst the photos. She glanced at it before reaching towards it. She hesitated before she decided to open it. What happened next was something that was too overwhelming to put into words. Her tears started again, and she sobbed quietly. A simple, diamond ring rested inside the cushioned box and a handwritten note was attached.

“My last gift to you is an eternal vow. I love you.”

Without hesitation or doubt, she slipped the gift onto her ring finger. It was a sign. A promise that they would meet each other again. This was something that she never wanted to forget nor let go. This ring proved that what she had was real. She softly smiled to herself while the tears continued to stream down her cheeks.

“Stupid.”

Quickie: Key Visual for Brothers Conflict!

Ok, I know this is REALLY late but I do have a valuable excuse! With revision underway and my first exam beginning next week, things have gotten pretty hectic for me!

Anyway, a key visual for the upcoming anime adaption of Brothers Conflict has been released online. Take a look!

What have they done to you Fuuto and Kaname?! T-they look so weird! Excuse me while I pick myself off the floor and plonk myself back into my chair. I think I had a heart attack. They better not turn up in the anime looking like that, they need to show off their attractiveness! I better get back to revision, I’m too ashamed to look at this anymore…

Quickie: New Sailor Moon anime delayed.

I’m sure that many anime fans have heard the news that a new Sailor Moon anime is underway for a scheduled release of summer 2013. Well, bad news. The anime is being delayed.

The confirmation of this news came via Twitter from the account of Kodansha editor Fumio Osano. No details or reasons as to why the release is being delayed however when questioned whether it’ll be in the winter 2014 season, he replied “Not 2014. Perhaps.”

This is very upsetting news since I literally grew up watching Sailor Moon. I couldn’t have been any happier when I heard the news that a new Sailor Moon anime was in the works but to find out that it’s being delayed, breaks my heart. I know I’m no the only person who feels this way.

Complication.

The clock ticked loudly compared to the silence in the classroom. I didn’t dare look up from my desk, otherwise I would be caught by the teacher for napping during final period. My head was rested on my desk and I turned to face the window on my left. I could feel the cool summer breeze and the warmth of the sun’s rays on my face. I was jolted awake by the sound of the school bell ringing. Finally school was over for summer break and being the typical teenager I was, I couldn’t wait for the long sunny days ahead. I started packing my textbooks into my bag and I knew that the longer I spent in this hellhole of a school, the more time I wasted for R&R. I was then approached by three girls, all around medium height and their long hair tied up in ponytails. They’re my friends Mai, Nagi and Yui Nakamura. They’re also triplets which never fails to baffle me.

Mai: “Hey Ruka-chan, you planning anything this summer?”

Nagi: “Yeah I mean, you do throw the best parties in the whole school! Don’t you agree, Yui?”

Yui: “… Yeah.”

Honestly, what am I going to do with these three? I know that I throw some awesome parties, but I wouldn’t call them the best. Besides, I planned on studying rather than partying and getting drunk. It’s not my thing.

Me: “Sorry guys, I was thinking of studying instead. Y’know to get ahead of the game for the new semester?”

I thought they would understand my reasoning but the looks on their faces said otherwise. It looked like they’d seen a ghost. I didn’t say anything wrong, did I? I quickly packed the rest of my belongings into my bag and hurried out the classroom door. Now that was embarrassing. I continued walking at a brisk pace hoping they wouldn’t catch up; I was eager to get out. I arrived at the lockers where I changed my indoor shoes for my normal ones. “Thank god I don’t have to wear these for a while” I though to myself. I smiled and put my shoes on before walking out the locker room. When I stepped out, I felt the breeze rushing through my hair and I closed my eyes to enjoy the moment. I opened my eyes to see a swarm of girls blocking the exit gates. They were squealing. I was rather curious as to what could attract such a large crowd and I was getting annoyed too. I want to leave. The student council president, Yamato Maruyama, was standing beside me. Yamato was known as the handsome and princely president in school due to the fact that he has the best grades and also acts towards others in a sickeningly kind manner. I’m always second best. I’m always behind him: I’m ranked second in exams and I’m vice-president of the student council. The worst part of it all? This guy is my childhood friend.

Yamato: “Well well, what do we have here Miss Second Place?”

Yamato pushed his glasses up slightly and smirked. I thought the gesture was… sexy. Wait, did he just say ‘Miss Second Place’? If we weren’t on school grounds, I would have pounded him to death by now. I got my composure back together and replied.

Me: “Actually, I’m as clueless as you are.”

Yamato sighed loudly and began scratching his head. I watched his auburn hair rub against his skin. Geez, why am I getting fascinated now?! I shook my head violently and continued looking at the crowd of girls. I could hear them screaming “isn’t he gorgeous?” and other things along those lines. I was trying to hear more when I felt myself being dragged towards them. I look down at my arm to see Yamato pulling me along.

Me: “W-What are you doing?!”

Yamato: “What does it look like idiot?! We have to get out! You do know that this is the only way to get out of school grounds.”

I was squashed against the girls and I felt claustrophobic. It was too tight and I could barely breathe. Yamato kept on pushing through the crowd and just when I didn’t notice, we were already at the other side of the gate. I stood up properly and rubbed against my uniform to make sure there weren’t any creases. It was a miracle I got out there alive.

Yamato: “I’ll walk you home. C’mon, lets get going.”

Yamato seemed unharmed; his bag was slung over his shoulder casually, glasses still intact and hair perfectly swept over his eyes. This guy is impossible! How can he get out of that looking like as if nothing happened? Yamato was holding out his hand, waiting for an answer.

Me: “Thanks.”

I was about to start walking when I was forcibly pulled back towards the crowd.

Me: “Huh?”

???: “And here you are, about to walk off with some other guy besides me. Dummy.”

I froze. That voice… sounded so familiar. Low and husky. I turned around to see a tall man wearing a choker which looked like a dog collar around his neck and a tightly fitted black shirt, exposing a small part of his chest. His muscled arms were in front of my eyes and when I looked up properly, I could see his black hair resting on his shoulders – hiding his many ear piercings – and his grey eyes staring at me.

Me: “Cain?!”

Cain: “In the flesh. So what do you say we go home eh?”

What an arrogant bastard. The same as usual I guess, but that’s what I loved about him. This man is Cain. Our relationship is what you call complicated in some ways. But we still loved each other regardless. You could say that he’s my boyfriend.

Me: “Did you cause all that commotion?”

I pointed sharply at the girls who were standing behind him, squealing and fangirling to their hearts content. Cain glanced back at them and gave a small wave, making them squeal even louder.

Cain: “What if I did? I can’t help it that my dark aura and devilish looks charm them.”

He winked at me. Well too bad for you, winking isn’t going to make anything better.

Me: “What were you thinking?! You don’t need to pick me up from school, I’m old enough to walk home on my own!”

Ha! Answer back now you fool!

Cain: “And risk him making a move on you? No way.”

Cain nodded his head at Yamato who was still standing behind me. Damn it. I was so immersed in my rant at Cain that I forgot he was there. I thought he already left without me. How long was Yamato standing there? How much did he hear?

Yamato: “Heh. So this is the guy you chose Ruka? Cain Kurosaki. Lead singer of the rock band Fallen, am I correct? I don’t know what you see in him. How old did you say he was Ruka? You told me that he was eighteen right? Hm, I’d say that he’s a womanizer by the look of it. You can do far better than that.”

Yamato’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Cain. There was a hint of sadness behind it and I clutched my chest. Yamato.

Cain: “What did you say?!”

Cain snarled at Yamato and grabbed his shirt. Oh crap, these two would tear each others throats out! The situation was tense and I had no idea how to calm them down. How are you meant to react in these situations?! Think Ruka! Think!

Cain: “Look here smart ass. Who are you to judge whether I’m good enough for Ruka or not?!”

Cain’s grip on Yamato’s shirt got tighter. I began to worry about Yamato and checked to see if there were any signs of pain. Yamato shot a glance at me and gave a sheepish smile before he turned his attention back to Cain. Yamato was calm and composed and I wondered if he was just assuring me that he was fine.

Yamato: “I’m her childhood friend. It’s my job to protect her. That’s all. Now if you excuse me, I must take my leave.”

I was prepared to throw myself between them if things got worse. That was all I could think of doing. But that could make things worse. Instead I spoke out.

Me: “Cain. Just let him go.”

Cain: “Tch.”

Cain loosened his grip on Yamato and turned around to look at me. Yamato brushed off his shirt and left quietly without giving a second glance at me. I watched his retreating figure until he wasn’t in sight. The sun was setting and I could see my shadow forming on the ground; the breeze was beginning to die down and I could no longer feel the lingering touch of it against my face. I continued to stare at the path that Yamato walked down while the feeling of regret crawled its way into my mind. I regret that I dragged Yamato into my problems. I think that he’ll never forgive me. All I could do for him, was nothing.

Me: “Cain.”

Cain: “…”

He was staring off into the distant. His train of thought was likely to be messed up after that. I watched him intently and his face was illuminated by the sun. Signs of anger, jealousy, passion and regret were clear. Cain’s hands were clenched into fists; they were shaking. I felt like crying at the sight. It was pitiful. Lonely. Silent.

Me: “Why did you have to do that to him? He didn’t deserve it. He only did what he thought was right… for my sake.”

Silence. Cain refused to look at me in the eye. He couldn’t answer me, not after what he did. I knew that, but I wanted him to talk to me. To at least explain himself before I make the most difficult decision in our relationship.

Me: “Cain, you’re only making it harder for yourself. Answer me. Please.”

Cain hesitated for a moment before turning around to face me. We stood there in front of the school gates without a single movement from either of us. Cain slowly moved towards me as he reached his hand out and held my face in it. He stared into my eyes as if he were seeking answers. I closed my eyes and let his hand caress my face. Cain lowered his arms around my waist and pulled me closer to his body and he embraced me softly. We stayed in that position for a while before he finally spoke.

Cain: “Before I met you Ruka, my life was a wreck. I always got into trouble and did reckless things. But you. You turned my life around. When I needed you most, you appeared before me like an angel from heaven. Having you here with me now is a dream and a miracle itself. I’m sorry about what happened earlier. I truly am. But I was scared. Scared of losing you. Scared of you choosing him instead of me. I thought that because I wasn’t always around. If I can take back what I did, then I would. I love you to the point where I would die for you. Please, forgive me for what I’ve done. Ruka.”

His voice was almost a whisper. He was in so much pain. My cocky, arrogant and beautiful Cain. He’s a huge part of my life and always will be but… I don’t know where we stand anymore. Do I still love him? I thought deeply knowing the solution was absolute. Of course I do.

Me: “Thank you.”

He looked at me quizzically.

Cain: “What have I done to deserve your thanks?”

Me: “You were honest. And truthful. That’s why, I can never hate you no matter what despicable things you do!”

I giggled to myself and Cain appeared to look slightly relieved. Then his expression quickly changed to one of utter confusion. Cute. Teasing him was probably the best thing I’d ever done and knowing me, I’ll probably do it for the rest of my life.

Cain: “Oi. That last part was a joke right? What do you mean by despicable?”

Cain continued pestering me but even he was laughing. Then his lips brushed over mine and we shared a long, deep kiss to determine our love for each other. Cain laced his fingers into mine as we walked off towards the sunset hand in hand. The link between our intertwined fingers will never cease. Summer was just beginning.

Sword Art Online

Buying the latest game and delving into it can be fun, but when you’re trapped in it with your life in the balance? That can be a nightmare.

Name: Sword Art Online

Japanese Name: ソードアート・オンライン

Air Date: July 7 2012 – December 22 2012

Studio: A-1 Pictures

Episodes: 25

PLOT

In the near future, a Virtual Reality Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (VRMMORPG) called Sword Art Online, or SAO, has been released where players control their avatars with their bodies using a piece of technology called Nerve Gear. One day, players discover they cannot log out, as the game creator is holding them captive unless they reach the 100th floor of the game’s tower and defeat the final boss. However, if they die in the game, they die in real life. Their struggle for survival starts now…

[via Crunchyroll]

I’ve been looking forward to this series actually. A friend of mine watched this recently and now she’s obsessed with SAO. Oh dear god please help her. But she showered this series with loads of praises so I take it that it’s really good?

After watching SAO, I will be on hiatus for at least two months in order to do some serious revision for my final exams starting in May. I’ll publish seiyuu posts and short stories every so often, as well as the news I find interesting but I won’t post any anime reviews until my exams are over. Now I feel guilty leaving my blog alone, but my education comes first. It’s not like I’ll be gone forever! I sound like a real nerd…where are my glasses? xD

Apart from the hiatus, I’ve been alright recently in terms of motivation. Well, my motivation for watching anime! School work has been pushed to the side for a while and I really need to get it done but I’ve always been like ‘leave it and do it later’ sort of person. It never gets done though so it’s no wonder I’ve been getting detentions lately, haha!

First Impressions

Oh ho ho ho! No I’m not acting like Santa if you’re wondering. I’m actually quite interested in how events will turn out. Suddenly being told that you’re trapped with no way out, except to complete each floor and defeat all bosses? Heh, I would like to try that! But with your life on the line, in and out of the game? No thanks, I’ll pass. I actually cherish the one life I have so I won’t be wasting it on a video game it’s crazy! YOLO reference here, I’m fitting in with the crowd (-___-)

Kirito’s game alias. What he looked like before reverting back to his true appearance. Damn, it’s a good looking guy. Why couldn’t he stay like that?

I like Asuna. I literally have a girl crush on her…like my love for Scarlett Johansson! She’s only been in one episode but she’s a girl who kicks ass the hard way. Heck she’s even better than most of the male players! Whoo! Female dominance at last ＼(^o^)／ it’s good to see female characters with guts who can actually fight to defend themselves, rather than relying on others to protect her. I’ve had enough of these damsels in distress. They’re good for nothings in a nutshell ( ಠ_ಠ) I feel like screaming at them “GROW A PAIR!” hahaha xD well, we all know the likelihood of that happening! Asuna is stern and goes into things head on plus she doesn’t back down without a fight. Stubborn too. This is a girl with personality people! Ding ding ding, we have a winner!

But you know who’s even more badass? More badass than every single character put together? Kirito. He’s a high level beater (cheater and beta). A beta is someone who test played SAO before it’s release. Kirito is so awesome though, he’s known as the Black Swordsman and he works solo. I’d call him a lone wolf since he’s always strolling around with a depressed face, like “watch out peeps, I is the boss here!” I wish I was this guy because he’s so strong yet caring and kind. He can be quite manipulative though but you don’t notice it which can be…strange. Also, I think Kirito is taking a more laid back approach to the situation since he didn’t panic when the announcement was made. He just got on with it. How can you be so relaxed about this situation Kirito?! I’d be running around like a headless chicken with no flipping idea on what to do! Note to self: do not buy electrical goods that sound too good to be true. I may end up like them (O_O) with no way out too. Scary.

The opening and ending songs are really nice and calming for me to listen to. I feel at ease and I can let my worries slip away. Maybe because I’ve been revising for exams non-stop and I’ve been blaring UVERworld and GRANRODEO out of my speakers for the last week or two ? (￣^￣)ゞ I do like my rock music but my parents certainly don’t. They claim it’s not ‘proper music’. Do they really expect me to listen to Mozart everyday? Me out of all people? Sorry mum and dad but that’s not how I roll. They just don’t understand the awesomeness that is Kisho Taniyama. He’s like a rock king. Gone a bit off topic, but yeah I like the music this series uses; I thought it would have been more serious but I stand corrected.

Midway Impressions

That was unexpected. Who would have thought that the famous solo player Kirito would settle down with a partner, a female one at that? Well it’s true because he proposed to Asuna (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧. and she accepts…SCORE! Managed to tough out the competition since every guy wanted Asuna. Who blames the poor, unfortunate lads? She is practically the coolest and cutest girl I’ve ever seen! Heck if I were a dude, I would marry the girl but nope. She’s been taken. Damn you Kirito! Damn you! I am now heartbroken because of you, it’s all your fault (-_-) Asuna was my pride and joy in this series and now she’s been swept off her feet by her knight in…black drapes. Charmed I’m sure.

Aw geez, how adorable do they look together?

I’ve only just realised that Kirito’s real name is Kazuto and that the name Kirito was created by taking the syllables of the first and last kanji of his real last and first names. Facepalm. I should have noticed that earleier but I never bothered. Laziness much?

Now SAO has moved on and a new game has been introduced which is similar. Alfheim Online has nearly the same functions as SAO except that all players have wings and they can fly. It’s a large world, divided into separate homelands for each fairy race. In Alfheim’s centre is a very large tree called Yggdrasil, the World Tree, and the goal of the game is to reach the top. Very similar to SAO, hmm. Am I meant to think that the plot has moved on to a second arc? Because that wasn’t exactly the most obvious thought that crossed mind. I am as dense as a brick when it comes to these things! Trust me, we all knew that!

Overall Opinion

Sword Art Online’s first arc succeeds well despite its writing rather than because of it. The details do wonder off in many places, but the broad story themes and arcs – two youths finding supportive love in the midst of a life-or-death game, a young man growing to care about others rather than just look out for himself, people building lives for themselves in an artificial environment when they cannot access the real world – join the exhilarating key battles and exploration of game mechanics in carrying the series, and without having to depend on bloody violence or extensive fan service. Though the plot seemed to waver from time to time, all of this was completely necessary for the story to make a smooth transition into the second arc.

The second arc of Sword Art Online is definitely not without significant flaws, and the seemingly reduced threat level and transition to a more cliché plot structure may have cost the loss of some viewers. However, it does add in some stronger interpersonal drama, comes to a satisfying conclusion, and still delivers on enough of the grand heroic spectacle that made the first arc entertaining to virtually assure that it finishes as 2012’s biggest new hit series. Consistent quality writing may be required to make a good series, but it is not necessary to make an entertaining one, and the second arc just reinforces that.

Art and animation not a problem as A-1 Pictures managed to maintain the same quality standard for art and animation seen from the first episode to the last; in fact, the visuals are arguably even a little sharper in places during the second arc, as the flight capabilities allow for neat perspective-shifting and top-down views. The animation also continued to hold up well in the sometimes- very-involved action scenes and is further enhanced by sharp magical effects that this new game features. Overall, the art is visually stunning and appealing. The colours draw the viewer in and the scenery is beautiful as expected of a virtual world. The entire landscape of Aincrad is a feast for the eyes. On the downside, some of the fight scenes were choppily done in comparison to the beauty of the backdrops. They seemed shorter than they should be, but that’s likely because of Kirito and his superior skills. The boss details, especially the Skull Reaper, were phenomenal and several shots were created in a very different and unexpected perspective, adding additional interest to the series’ events.

Alright, who used up all the glitter?

In terms of character, Kirito is your typical hero destined to save his love interest and destroy a corrupt system. Sure, seems pretty unoriginal. However, I connected and understood Kirito. The episodes that seemed like fillers served as ways for us to get to know Kirito and his imperfections; teaching to accept Kirito as he is despite all of his bad points. The series utterly fails in terms of side characters such as Klein and Egil, but the main characters are given enough spotlight to give a general consensus on their personality, actions, and values toward the system of SAO. Asuna is a fantastic heroine at the beginning, immediately winning all the hearts of all male viewers and becoming a role model for young women. But as Sword Art Online progresses, the series took a completely different direction in her character. While Asuna possessed the much needed strength and leadership for the dire situation, the series failed to show this as it continued on, letting her slip into the hated damsel in distress role, especially during the second arc. Whilst I felt the connection between her and Kirito and their desire to protect each other but their characters, as well as their love story, needed more depth. It seemed a bit shallow and too good to be true.

SPOILER: Kirito finally returns to the real world after enduring Alfheim Online and rushes to the hospital to see Asuna, but is attacked in the parking lot by Sugou – creator of Alfheim Online. After disarming Sugou, Kirito spares his life and meets up with Asuna. They have a tearful reunion. Kirito and Asuna have returned to school, attending a school for students who were trapped in SAO. Kirito reveals that Sugou had been arrested by the police after their fight and the crimes he committed were exposed by one of his employees. The players trapped by Sugou were freed but his experiments on mind control shocked the public. Due to the scandal, Asuna’s father and others resigned and shut down ALO with other VRMMORPG following it. Later, Asuna, Kirito and Suguha heads to Agil’s bar along with Liz, Silica, Yoruko, Kains, Sasha, Yulier, Thinker, along with Klein and his guild where they have a party to celebrate for clearing the game SAO. Agil analyzed ‘The Seed’ to be a program that allows anyone with a server to create their own VRMMORPG and transfer players to other VRMMORPG easily. ‘The Seed’ is uploaded to the internet which revives the VRMMORPG genre. Later that night in Alfheim Online, Kirito meets up with Leafa where they share a dance and a heartfelt conversation in the sky. Directly afterwards the floating castle Aincrad from SAO is brought into Alfheim Online which Kirito then declares he intends to finish clearing all 100 floors of.

Sword Art Online has to be one of the smartest series in recent years. It has deep insight on the psychological aspects of virtual reality on the human psyche and its sociological views on creating a realistic economy and society in a massively multiplayer online game setting which is shown very well. The romance between Kirito and Asuna is explored bringing definition to exactly what love is like in a virtual world. It is not one of the year’s most popular new series to date without reason and putting all of this together, you have your reason.

I’m off to revise now so I’m going to need all the luck in the world. Three more months and then I’ll be free of secondary school, moving onto college! I feel…old. That’s what we get for growing up then eh? So no more anime reviews for a while, just pure revision and torture. Oh the pressure of it all!