Miken: In preparation for this anime, I read through 25 chapters of the manga. The downside is that I still can’t remember half the people’s names. From what I’ve read so far, this is one of those above-par shonen stories (though technically not one). However, one has to remember that it is still a just a shonen story, so it has certain restraints.

Miken’s Enjoyment Level: 9/10
Miken’s Anticipation Level: 9/10

Summary: We first find the child form of Teito Klein facing a bishop with the church (?) area around him collapsing. Of course, this is obviously a dream — a recurring one at that, and Teito awakes from it with a jolt. However, Teito doesn’t seem to know who the bishop in his dream was, and his BFF, Mikage, asks him what’s wrong. After throwing his bedsheet on his friend’s head, someone enters the room and calls everyone to wake up.

At the military academy, we learn of the setting of our story — the Barsburg Empire. Teito and the other boys present are prospective soldiers of Hohburg Fort. Then, our speaker for that mini-monologue, Shuri Oak, leaves — also earning praise from onlookers. However, there’s a catch to this entire academy — out of 500 people taking the exam, only 20 will pass. Later in class, Shuri teases Teito, causing Mikage to use his Zaiphon (magic) to place the porn from his desk into Shuri’s hands. Then, Mikage calls the teacher and promtly blames Shuri for bringing the magazines to class, causing a fuss.

While walking within a large glass domed area, Teito and Mikage catch sight of an airship flying overhead towards Forth Hohburg, amazing Mikage, whose goal is to fight for the empire and protect his family.

Later outside, Teito and Mikage are sparring with their Zaiphon, whichis manipulated with one’s hands enables one to convert a life source into various forms. Naturally, it’s rare and the differing capabilities often reflect the personalities of each person. After a little while, Teito wins and it’s time for bed.

The two talk for a bit, which is easier since they share the same bunk bed. They talk about Teito being a former slave, family (or Teito’s lack of on), and confirm their friendship. Mikage promises to help Mikage whenever he’s in trouble on the battlefield — and will never abandon him. In addition, Mikage swears to God that they’ll die together, which never bodes well. Also, since Mikage swears to God, Teito chooses to do the same.

On the exam day, Shuri Oak is picking on Teito as usual until they get called to take the exam. The catch here is that if they don’t defeat their opponent or abandon their comrades, they fail. Their opponent happens to be a veritable giant who makes pancakes of the fresh meat rather quickly.

Meanwhile, our antagonist group also enter the academy, led by Chief-of-Staff Ayanami.

Back in the battle dome, Shuri Oak is pounding on the glass, fearing that he might be killed, disappointing Ayanami. Unfortunately for Shuri, this also makes him a sitting duck for the opponent. He’s only saved by some quick thinking by Teito. Then, Mikage jumps into the fray, and the two pull off some nice combos. However, Mikage gets caught by the neck, leaving Teito shocked. Teito then rushes in to save his friend, kicking the eyepatch of the opponent and delivering a combo that shouldn’t be physically possible…but, as seen in the spar earlier, that really isn’t a problem for Zaiphon users.

Teito casts a Zaiphon around the opponent’s neck but will not kill him despite it being part of the assignment. This is where Ayanami comes in and finishes the job off because the opponent is not a true enemy. The blast leaves the air in the dome rather gusty for a while.

Back in the empty dorm now, our two friends are talking again — this time about Ayanami and how Teito saved Mikage’s life. Then, Mikage promptly lays down on the top bunk, right next to Teito.

Later in the night, Teito has another dream of the bishop, this time with the figure leaving him and with much more blood. In the morning, Teito also reminisces about the jewel he saw in his first dream and hears the sound coming from behind the door. Moving in closer, Teito sees Ayanami and another man speaking. Ayanami happens to have the necklace from Teito’s dream, but it’s lacking the jewel. Namely, the Eye of Michael — this revelation throws Teito into realizing that it was Ayanami who killed the bishop, his “Father” (in clerical terms) from his dream…Or, actually, memory.

In a fit of blind rage, Teito jumps into the room and casts his Zaiphon at Ayanami, but is promptly overpowered by Ayanami’s Zaiphon and Ayanami’s adjutant (?) jumps on him. Teito gets dragged away and chained up, and his stuff is searched over at the dorm. After finding out, Mikage makes a run to go help his friend. However, by the time he gets there, the guards are all down. Still, Mikage drags Teito away, since what he’s done is pretty much a death sentence now.

Up in the dome area, Teito thinks that if there really is a God, Mikage must be protected. Below, Teito’s mess is found, meaning the soldiers aren’t far behind them now. Up on a balcony, cornered by two soldiers, Teito pulls a knife on Mikage, holding him hostage in order to escape. Teito doesn’t want Mikage to become a criminal for helping him, so he chooses now to run on his own. However, he also asks if they’ll always be best friends. Naturally, Mikage says “Of course!” and Teito jumps down from the balcony onto a flying bike of some sort.

Teito spots Ayanami on a different balcony but chooses to leave instead of striking. However, Ayanami casts his Zaiphon at Teito’s vehicle, causing extensive damage.

With the sun now risen, and three men dressed in black, also on flying vehicles and in the same general area as Teito (who is unconcious now and still falling from the sky), the episode ends.

Notes: This really isn’t the series to go to if you want to see cute girls and such. I assure you, you’ll find little of that. Instead, you’ll get stuck with the usual bishonen overload we’ve come to expect from the stuff Studio DEEN has been giving us lately. However, I do like the art style used in the anime, it’s subtly different but works just as well as the manga.

The OP and ED are both pretty good, but nothing amazing. Though the ED is rather calming and melodious…~

Snapshhots and Commentary:

I love you forever for this, Mikage~

That wink is just so appealing for some reason~

The classic “disappear then reappear behind your back” trick.

Because fist-bumps are the best way to make promises.

Sitting DUUUUUUUCK~ *quack*

H-Hey! Get down to your own bunk you lazy bum!!

Dead father-figure…now where have I seen this before?

Yeah, protect Mikage! He’s my favorite!!

I sure hope your hand doesn’t slip, Teito.

And yet, I can’t tell where exactly he’s been hit.

Sorry, forgot to take a screenshot of Ayanami, too lazy to go back.

Tags: 07-Ghost, Ayanami, Barsburg Empire, Mikage, Teito

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