Miken: I know this is late, but I’ve put this off even two weeks after my reformat because of the disappointment this series has instilled in me. It’s not downright horrible and I figured that if I could force myself to go through all of K-ON! I had enough courage in me to finish this.

Episode 23: Beyond the Heart’s Darkness
Episode Rating: 7/10

I have to say that bringing in a vision of Mikage’s little sister worked really well — and since I know nothing from the manga after the end of the whole door-thing, I’m not sure whether this was in there or not. I don’t know if it’s my inability to bear Teito as a character or my sympathy to Mikage’s little sis since she has a pretty damn solid argument for hating Teito, but I definitely sided with her. Otherwise, this was just another cliched episode about overcoming one’s inner fears through love and friendship. I’ll give this series some slack and also say Ouida and Liam’s story was pretty touching…though only 2/10 (where Tokyo Magnitude was a full on 10/10 in that case).

So…yeah. An episode full of drawn out epiphanies that we expected ages ago — well, at least in Teito and Hakuren’s cases. At the very least, Ayanami didn’t waste too much time approaching the church yet again. Also — deus ex door! Honestly, that was a really weak way to set up for the final confrontation (?) at least until the sequel if anyone is crazy enough/blinded by the bishounen to sit through this inconclusive cliche-fest again.

Episode 24: The Justice of Those Who Lack Love Is…Oh Heart That is Stolen by Darkness, Forever…
Episode Rating: 6/10

Series needs to have less absurdly-long episode titles. Characters also need to talk less and fight more…but that’s just a personal preference. On the plus side, we learn that the Father who raised Teito was the 07-Ghost named Vetrag, and also sealed Teito’s memories and left everything on his shoulders. As for Teito himself, he’s decided to live for the sakes of Mikage, Father and…I forget. Kid needs to live for his own sake too, though…>:C

Also, Frau’s “battle” with Kuroyuri turned stale the moment the love/hatred conflict was brought up. As for Teito’s battle…nothing really battle-worthy happened. Just a buncha special effects and dodging and a whole damn lot of talking.

Episode 25: The Heart is Led by the Truth Repeated on the Other Side
Episode Rating: 7/10

Note to DEEN: If you’re going to use the upbeat OP song as an insert during the final battle, make sure the battle is actually faced paced enough to match the song. However, that isn’t my worst complaint…all the bad and good guys are stuffed in the same metaphysical realm and then Ayanami orders them to retreat. F*CK IT! He goes through all of that monologue-ing and buildup just to retreat!? NO. I will not take “protecting your friends” as a proper excuse! Now we’re right back where we started! You finally get off your freaking seat and yet you’ve accomplished nothing!! >:C

I hereby nominate Aya-tan as the worst villain of the year.
[Worst as in "does nothing villainous"]

After a nice little reunion between the Eye of Mikhail and Teito, our hero is finally forced to leave the church due to all the commotion. He leaves Hakuren, Castor and Labrador behind and heads off to Seele with Frau…Oh yeah — he’s a certified bishop now too! If they did this earlier, I might have actually felt like watching the last 3 episodes on time. This is much more exciting than the pseudo final battle between Teito and Ayanami…And we end with a ton of open ends that Teito points out himself that mostly involve the past and the Verloren/07-Ghost conflict. Sounds like a nice sequel hook? I sure hope it isn’t.

Lucky for Ayanami, he can regenerate limbs AND clothes!

Overall Opinion? + Some more pictures
[Changing up the setup yet again to make it more organized and with *gasp* Actual Criteria!...Based off of MAL. >_>;;]

Story: 5/10
I went into this series expecting exciting battles and wondrous magical displays, but what I found were long drawn out — and usually cliched — monologues detailing numerous tropes that I feel like I’ve seen a million times before with nothing special added to its execution. It’s not to say that the series doesn’t play it well at some points, but those times are few and far between. For a series with a man already pinned as the “final boss” from the start, the general aura was almost sickeningly light at times. Instead of advancing the plot and providing the action expected of such a setting, I was faced with “Everyday Church Life” for a good portion of the episodes.

THAT WIIINK~

Art: 7/10
I admit a good portion of what drew me into the series was contributed by the art on promotional pictures. However, the style eventually lost its luster and the animation turned stale. Even when action and interesting angles were presented in the animation, I learned to expect the same things as usual — the Eye of Mikhail, some Zaiphon being thrown around and then some interspersed action from the bishops. Nothing really caught my eye towards the end of the series. Well, nothing but some pretty bad CG and Castor’s awesome fighting style~<3

......This series has guns!?

Sound: 8/10
[This portion of the review is pretty much a rehash of what I've said tons of times before...]
Despite the ups and many downs of this series, I really liked most of the soundtrack, since it fit the series well — and piano arrangements of theme songs are an almost surefire way to make a scene compelling for me. Other tracks were nice to hear in the background and fit well with the church setting. The OP and ED were both quite catchy — I especially liked the ED not only because of its violin intro, but also because of its soothing melody that fit perfectly well with the water-motif of the ending sequence. However, Noria’s “Raggs no Chinkoka” turned pretty dull after a few listens despite it’s nice calming factor as a lullaby (at least I hope it was intended to be like a lullaby……..)

Okay...so the 2nd one isn't from their actual retreat -- but it looks better. >:C

Characters: 5/10
Honestly, the only reason why this didn’t drop below 5 is because I really like Mikage and Castor…though the both of them really lacked character development because of a certain Teito Klein’s problems coming first and foremost. I know I shouldn’t really complain about the main character getting the screentime he deserves, but the supporting cast around him was just so much more interesting. In Teito, I saw the many overused cliches that I had grown to expect yet dislike at the same time. Royal Heritage? Check. Container for Almighty Power? Check. Troubled Past? Check x 3. Ability to call upon Deus Ex Machina at any time? Check…but what took the cake for me was that Teito spent so much of the series completely held back by his past — it felt like he was running a treadmill set to gradually get faster to the point where he wouldn’t be able to catch up…and then we get his obligatory epiphanies/flashbacks, and we’re right back where we started with yet another past problem creeping up at him…Also, we don’t really get anything about Ayanami’s direct subordinates. While they do act pretty cool from time to time, we barely get the names of half of them.

Nice background, poorly drawn characters...Ah well, that's normal nowadays.

Enjoyment: 6/10
I sorely wanted to like this series, but my personal preferences and the general audience this show was aiming for must have been a (close) miss. While I do like bishies from time to time, this one just overdid it and relied on the fangirl factor 99% of the time. Plus — I expected action and a fair amount of blood, but I was given a boy trying to sort out his many troubles in a generally non-actiony show for its supposed genre. I suppose my expectations were a bit too high…

Series Overall: 6/10

Would I recommend it? Definitely not…unless the person was a blind bishounen fangirl

Led by the Light in the Water’s Depths, He Spies Upon…

Miken: After this week I’m thinking about placing everything on the backburner to get my backed up scanlations work done as well as sort out scheduling problems for school. Of course, I might be too used to this sort of schedule that I’ve come to expect so much that I can’t give it up. Hopefully, everything works out in the end.

I already knew how the bishop candidates were to be judged at the last question, but I still have to say that it’s an ingenious way to sort out the truly worthy from the less-than-worthy. I also now realize that what I said before about the exam was only the first part. This second portion is more exciting in that the characters have to face their inner troubles, but I automatically thought: “Gaaaah, I have to go through more exam episodes?” when I realized it. Either way, I’ve decided to sit this series through, so I have to bear with what Studion DEEN gives.

I’m sure Ichigo is jealous that Teito didn’t have to spend days trapped in the bottom of a hole while his soul chain slowly ate itself away.

This episode, Teito also ~magically~ reattains his Zaiphon by swimming in the waterways, finding a hidden field of sorts and entering a door to a fictional flashback in which he meets his father and the Father and snaps for a bit. This kinda feels like a knock-off for reattaining powers, since a number of other shounen protagonists had to go throuh literal training from hell to reattain their powers whereas Teito freaked out for a minute [seeing as he only had 30 minutes total and he spent a long while swimming and then talking]. Still I admit I liked seeing him in action now without the Eye, I also like that he’s going against an illusion (?) of Ayanami in the same hall where Mikage died.

On the topic of Ayanami — the real one’s returning too…Hopefully that means more battling and less of Teito and his silly little exam.

Also, the names of all of the 07 Ghosts are finally given (or were they given before and I just forgot?): Zehel, Feist, Profe, Randkalt, Rilect, Ea, and Vetrag. Each Ghost has only one skill to make it even harder for the second Verloren to be born upon the land. However, there’s the price in that while the Verloren is sealed on Earth, the 07 Ghosts cannot return to Heaven. This will probably be more important in the next season or something…

Next Time: Behind the Heart’s Darkness

Looks to me like an action-based episode with a heaping portion of angst on the side.

Miken’s Enjoyment Level: 7/10
Miken’s Anticipation Level: 7.5/10

Therefore, You Pass Through the Door of the Defeated…
Miken: Man am I glad they managed to stick the entire exam mini-arc into one episode, since it was kind of annoying reading it even though I can’t even remember how long it was in the manga…and it’d be for the best to get past it quicky. Now that the end is in sight, I wonder what the anime will do for its finale. Will it leave itself open-ended so as to provide room for a sequel to animate future episodes? Will it opt for an anime-only finale? Personally, I’m leaning towards the former, since getting to Ayanami so fast in 5 episodes would be jumping the gun — Plus, we’ve already established that they’re heading away from the church.

Anyways, this is around the point where I stopped following the manga. I’m pretty sure I’ll go back and catch up all the way later. In the meantime, starting with the arc, I’ll start knowing less and less about what’s going on beforehand and will really be able to give my opinion that is not swayed by knowing what has happened beforehand. Maybe by not seeing Teito do dumb things more than once, I’ll grow more tolerant of him too~ [Ack, who am I kidding?]

As for this episode, it was pretty formulaic. They beat the whole mantra of being true to your friends into the viewer yet again and naturally made Teito and Hakuren pass the exam. I was kind of miffed in a bored way when Teito suddenly found out his couldn’t produce his Zaiphon. I would’ve thought he’d have checked before the exam. Then that guy helps him…Why can’t Teito help himself for once? If its not Frau who saves him, then it’s a random passerby…gaaaah.

*raises a glass of apple juice* Well, here’s to Teito growing a pair!

Miken’s Enjoyment Level: 6.4/10
Miken’s Anticipation Level: 4.5/10

Next time: Led by the Light in the Water’s Depths, He Spies Upon…

Episode 20: They Both Offer a Requiem

Miken: This series is getting harder and harder to watch with each passing episode. Teito just gets on my nerves and the badly rendered CG is starting to really show. I’ve started to care less and less for most of the characters of 07-Ghost recently too. I mean, I barely even blinked when Haruse declared that he would effectively die in order to bring Teito back to Ayanami. The only really “shocking” that that happened this episode was when Hyuuga snatched the Eye while Frau took Teito and told him he was more important than the Eye of Mikhail.

Back on the topic of Teito — I suppose what made me dislike him so much this episode is that not only did the Eye once again saved his skin, but we also find out he has more power stuck inside of him. For goodness’ sake, why power-up the brat even more? Plus, he really needs to stop brooding over the past and get his rear in gear. I mean, his heroic resolve was to “Get the Eye back and recover [his] memories”. Not that recovering his memories isn’t a good cause, but it just doesn’t sit well when you’re trying to show how heroic you are. Still, the little insert song, Raggs no Chinkonka, by Noria did make this week’s flashback a little easier to bear than most of his other ones.

Also, getting the Eye isn’t enough for Ayanami, he needs to have Teito too. Gaaaah, why does everyone want Teito, for Zehel’s sake!? Nearly every conversations involves him in some way too. Anyways, we later learn that the Eye is useless without its vessel. Well, that info would have been better earlier…

Still, that part where Labrador handed Frau that Evie tree sapling with that special glowing aura was a bit touching. I suppose it was the mix of him saying that he’ll plant it in the sunniest part of the garden and the BGM being the instrumental of Hitomi no Kotae that got me. Still, I wonder how the heck the sunniest part of the garden is under another tree? Sure, it might be sunny in that patch right now, but doesn’t it get a bit dark when…Oh, I dunno, the sun moves the shadows onto it?

Now don’t get me started on Bishop Lance…………………….

[Let's all hope I have less to complain about for Teito next week]

Miken’s Enjoyment Level: 7/10
Miken’s Anticipation Level: 5.5/10

Episode 19: That Once-Sided, Yet Never Dying Love Finds Itself…

It finds itself with a hand inside its chest

Miken: More details and stuff…and it seems like Feist is another one of the 07-Ghosts, who grants love and all that mushy stuff to people. I really don’t know why the hell I’m posting this now even though I can’t remembering anything happening other than Castor and Kuroyuri’s fight…and maybe also Bastian’s funeral.

(more…)

I…I don’t even…*headdesk*

Miken: Kinda-Monthly update is done…sorta. No summaries as per my current style now. I’ll try my best not to spoil future events, so I might come off as being overly unknowing when it comes to mentioning foreshadowing…Bah, now Minnie can stop plotting my immenent demise because I finally have this out. >_>;;

Episode 15: That Day, I was With Him
They’re really going all-out as portraying Bastian as suspicious…Then again, that means more plot, so I suppose I’ll welcome that. Other than that, this episode pretty much solidifies Teito and Hakuren’s friendship and delves more into Teito’s past with his “Father”, Fea Kreuz. I also liked how the scenes with Teito doubting the friendship of the Bishops and Frau declaring that he won’t let the Warsfeil get her hands on him played nicely parallel to one another. Though I wonder about the pink-haired one, Kuroyuri, who I keep referring to as a “she”, why do the subs say “he”? Is it really a trap? Even wikipedia’s being awfully ambiguous! Oh yeah…back with Ayanami and more plotting — speaking of Ayanami, he hasn’t done that much lately…

As luck would have it, Frau’s caught at the scene of the crime while trying to save one of the surviving criminals. It doesn’t help that he was holding the tainted blade without any protective seals. Understandably, he gets dragged off in cuffs. Of course, this has to be part of some elaborate plan, and so it is — all courtesy of Ayanami. In the room that Castor and Labrador take him to reflect, Teito quite conveniently remembers that the bishop who raised him was Fea Kreuz thanks to some magic/hallucinations. However, this is somewhat ruined when Castor tells Teito that Fea Kreuz was excommunicated from the church. >_>;;

Miken’s Enjoyment Level: 6/10

Episode 16: Truth Lies in the Dark Abyss Where the Light Cannot Reach
We learn that Fea Kreuz was excommunicated for stealing Pandora’s Box, which, by its name, can only mean disastrous consequences. The box itself held Verloren and the battle over the box started the Raggs War, which ended up destroying the Raggs Kingdom. Still, the reason why Fea Kreuz stole the box is still open, so there might be more to learn there. Still, I’m left wondering how the hell Fea Kreuz got enough clearance to even get near the box. With something so important as Verloren sealed in it, I would assume that at least half a small army would be guarding it.  -_-;;

But that’s not the worst of it — Frau’s been sentenced to death! Teito being the perfect caring protagonist that he is, goes to find him. Though I wonder why Razette didn’t give him one of her scales in the first place…Bah, Teito’s actions are so predictable. I guess that’s why so many people like the supporting cast so much? Still, it was kinda cute seeing him try to smile like that.

Miken’s Enjoyment Level: 7/10

Episode 17: The Family With Wings of Darkness, Enshrouded in Misery, Flies Down
Finally, Ayanami gets off of his lazy plotting ass and heads towards Antwort’s borders in the northern country…which means more action~ Of course, Bastian’s getting more and more suspicious with each passing scene too. Given Ayanami’s tendency to take forever in his plans, it’s obvious that we’ll tend to the problem of Bastian first. Though I really do think the hidden stairwell to an opponent waiting for battle is a bit cliche…

Fffffff I really need more in this plot than all these people fighting over Teito. It was REALLY gratifying to see him get thrown against the wall like that.

Miken’s Enjoyment Level: 7/10

Episode 18: The One Who Must be Forgiven Drowns in Darkness…The One Who Loves Him is Filled with Tears
Well, Bastian’s death was probably inevitable — I’ve got props for this series for actually killing off characters like this. His death was touching, especially since Frau had to “do the honors” himself — added to a cute little flashback to happier times. Sure, it didn’t have as much impact as Mikage’s death, but it did hit hard. There’s also a bit I don’t remember from my skimming of 20 or so chapters of the manga…I wonder what’ll happen when the time comes when Frau can’t retract his scythe. Also seems like Frau knows more about the Eye of Mikhail than he’s let on before.

Castor can get really creepy when he wants to too…but I suppose that comes with the territory of being a puppeteer…I also wonder why Ayanami addressed Castor as “Feist”. Mmmm, the bishops are quite the shady bunch, aren’t they?

Also, I don’t know if this is Dattebayo or the script itself, but some of the lines can get really…well…*ahem* Double Entendre-y. *points to first image in post*

Miken’s Enjoyment Level: 8.8/10

This is what I currently feel like doing to Teito…

General Opinions
Well, this series hasn’t gone too far down the drain, but I still can’t feel the motivation to watch it quite as much. Still, episode 18 was well worth sitting through the 3 before it. From what I gather, this series is kinda dull when it’s setting things up, but when it wants to do something big, it goes ahead and does it well. As this series goes on, I have to say I’ve come to dislike Teito quite a bit. I suppose it’s because the Eye of Mikhail is always there to protect him…and I just don’t like boring heroes who always win. Hakuren has grown on me too, but he still doesn’t have that presence that Mikage had when he was alive (and in non-Burupya form). For now, my focus is definitely on the church and the 3 bishops, who are definitely hiding something big.

Miken’s Anticipation Level: 6/10

Miken: Lazy blogging style to speed things up as I try to catch up on everything~ XD;;
I haven’t blogged this in over a month, but that doesn’t mean I’ve given up on it. I’ve just lost a ton of interest with my favorite character gone. Plus, Teito’s hard to stand as the protagonist and Hakuren’s only *this* much better…I shall now spend my time being more attentive of the Bishops since…well…I don’t find them annoying yet.

Kapitel 10: That Is But One Form of Atonement

Teito is found to be generally angsting over Mikage’s death, and Frau and Castor meet with sentience of the Eye of Mikhail as he possesses Teito, earning themselves a nice illusory trip to hell and back. Once the priests are tired with Teito’s moping around, they lead him back to the hall where Mikage died, leaving our lead to finally crying over Mikage’s last words as Frau tells him to live in order to protect the life Mikage sacrificed himself to save.

At this episode, I’ve started to realize that this show has met the “hump” where the first exciting arc ends and you go “what next”. To be honest, I finished watching Gundam 00 Second Season, started marathoning Higurashi no Naku Koro ni and did a bunch of other stuff before even thinking about catching up on this. Still, this anime is far from bad…it’s still sticking to what it does best.

Miken’s Enjoyment Level: 7/10

Kapitel 11: Atonement for Loved Ones Is…

A little dab of angst over how to atone for Mikage’s death and Castor suggests that Teito take the exam to become a bishop, thus giving him full means to move in and out of districts with little obstacle. Thus, the studying begins! Teito manages to make Frau look like a dimwit by remembering all the little excerpts from the bible whereas Frau took 3 years to learn the stuff. Some hands on training with a Bascule proves problematic and Castor creates a doll in the image of Frau, with a Kor as it’s soul. The doll does some hilarious antics and Teito finally uses the Bascule properly when the doll goes too far and starts chasing after the nuns. Unfortunately…that causes the limiter on the doll to break, giving Teito a bigger problem when the Kor takes form. Labrador thankfully saves Teito in the nick of time and gives him some nice tea to heal his broken heart. A breakdown later and some reminiscing about Mikage lead Teito to decide that his form of atonement is to reveal the truth of the world even if Mikage would’ve never forgiven him for doing so…and the Eye of Mikhail seems to agree too.

With the introduction of Hakuren, our soon-to-be replacement BFF, the series is probably going to start building up again soon. Still, I was genuinely amused by the Frau doll~ Ahahaha, I loved the quip with the nuns about how the doll was “just a regular pervert” and another responding “So it IS Bishop Frau!”. Other than that…*sigh* More powering up and angsting as usual.

Miken’s Enjoyment Level: 9/10

Kapitel 12: The Darkness Called “Pain” Treads Ever Closer

We start off with a random guy accepting 3 wishes from a shady (but pretty!) fortuneteller. Of course, he kinda forgets the whole “in exchange for your soul” part of the deal, he goes crazy and…he sprouts Kor wings. Back at the church, Teito and Hakuren strike up a rivalry. Later, we are introduced to Assistant Archbishop Bastian as he exterminates a Kor during some sort of demonstration. For the record, the Assistant Archbishop excels at healing-based Ziaphon (as does Labrador). Meanwhile, the guy from the opening scene’s walking around, spreading terror like the Kor-possesed man he now is. Naturally, though, Frau is nearby and ready to extinguish the Kor as usual. Of course, this time, he doesn’t stop short at anything, killing the man along with the Kor. When Teito moves his room to the area set aside for applicants, he finds his roommate to be none other than…….Hakuren!! Also, the receptionist at the area where Teito and Hakuren prepare to train with their Bascule collapses of an unknown ailment, and the two somehow agree enough to lug the guy to the infirmary together. After the two race back to class, Teito realizes how to use the Bascule — the Zaiphon are triggered by words, and since the military type was brought on by hate, then the Bascule would probably respond to his desire to never lose anyone dear to him again…Though he still fails to make more than a smoke cloud. Even though he gets laughed at, Teito still recieves the support of both Hakuren and Bastian. Then, Teito fills his heart with thoughts of Mikage and overloads on power~ Of course, when Hakuren finds out that the staff Teito was using was Frau’s…he goes into jealous fanboy mode, since Frau holds the record high score on the test. Meanwhile, the receptionist from before is found dead and Aya-tan schemes.

I still don’t like Hakuren all that much…*sigh* Still too attached to a certain character. >_>;;
The episode really didn’t feel like much to me except for setting up Hakuren and Teito as well as the exam. Dammit Ayanami, I may hate you for killing Mikage, but do something already!!

Miken’s Enjoyment Level: 6/10

Kapitel 13: Down the Path of Light I See…

The aftermath of Aldo’s death continues as Teito sees Frau posing dramatically atop the church, later suffering a flashback as he roams the church. When he returns to his room, he accidentally wakes up Hakuren, who later flatly states that Teito isn’t ready to open his heart to him.In the library, while researching his past and the Eye of Mikhail, a gust of wind IN THE MIDDLE OF A CLOSED BUILDING blows his page to an article about “Verloren”, and then the words on the book come flying off and Teito sees another vision, waking up with a jolt. Then, Hakuren and Frau enter the scene become fast friends through bribery, though Bastian confiscates Frau’s porn. Later on, Teito goes to return Frau’s now-broken staff and unfortunately hears  that he won’t be let out of the church if he doesn’t master the use of his Zaiphon. Teito interprets Frau’s knowledge about the eye as suspicious and runs off. He flashbacks once more, this time remembering the war and how the Father entrusted the Eye to him. He breaks down and declares that he doesn’t want to love anyone anymore since his loved onse have the sad penchant of dying for his sake. Out by the fountain during sunset, Frau and Teito confront one another, with Teito asking Frau if the church is planning to use him too. Of course, Frau soon realizes that Teito doesn’t remember the times when the Eye took over and gives a response that causes Teito to attack, but the kid’s easily pinned to the side of the fountain. Frau declares that he has to protect Teito, but he doesn’t know how long he’ll be able to stay with him. He wills Teito to become stronger…words reminiscent of the Father who raised Teito. Frau later tells Teito to protect the Eye that Father entrusted to him…and a moment later, Teito realizes that he never mentioned the Father to Frau, to which Frau replies that he’ll find out. Lastly, some kind of shadowy hand stalks Castor…probably the work of one of Ayanami’s subordinates.

I liked the ending of the episode, but I can’t remember much of the first half clearly…Frau definitely has his share of secrets…and since I haven’t read past 20-something in the manga and I have a horrible memory, I’m quite curious as to what his past entails.

Miken’s Enjoyment Level: 8/10

Kapitel 14: A Reason to Fight Together….The Right to be Called Brothers in Arms

Thanks to the nature of the exams, our 3 bishops have a dillema with finding the military soldiers within the mass of people planning to take the exam to become bishops, though Frau takes it upon himself to protect everyone. Later that night, Castor takes Teito out for some training so he can be ready to use a Bascule without breaking it. The task? Running around the church atop an enchanted path while maintaining a shield in a race till he doesn’t mind losing to the numerous annoying Frau dolls. The people from the military (Haruse and…?) spot Teito, but don’t attack on account of the dolls being bodyguards too. When Teito gets back to his room, Hakuren wakes up and sees the mark on his back signifying Teito’s purpose as a battle sklave. Teito then spills the beans on why he’s taking the test [for Mikage obviously]. Hakuren also spills the beans on how he decided to become a bishop after his mother was infected by a Kor even though the rest of the family refused to acknowledge that she could have to protect the family name, locking her up instead. Luckily, the passing Bishop (Frau)  happened to jump into the room and heal her. Thus, he has decided to go against family tradition and has joined the church. More training later, Castor lets Teito use a pro-level Bascule with nice results while Hakuren hides until called upon to join in. In the dark hallway back, Teito’s ambushed and Hakuren is thrown out a window, causing Tieto to jump out after him. Luckily the master of Deus Ex Machina himself shows up to save them. Frau reveals that the being is a Wars — a Kor that has gotten all 3 of its wishes granted, in this case, Aldo. The Barsburg soldiers manage to get away too, but not before calling Frau a murderous traitor. In a bishop meeting, we learn more of the Wars and the Archbishop brings up the possibility of a Warsfiel (black sorceror) being involved since Aldo didn’t make a contract with a Kor. When Teito and Hakuren wake up…next to each other…Teito decides to be an ass in order to stop Hakuren from getting closer to him, but Hakuren refuses to back away. Teito still won’t shake hands, though Mikage’s spirit talks some sense into him. Then…Frau wakes up from within a casket. More talk about how Wars and Kor are trying to resurrect Verloren ensues. Out in the hall, Teito declares that he’ll become Hakuren’s friend once he’s strong enough to protect him. Finally, we have Frau flashbacking to when Labrador told him to “never let go of Teito’s hand”. and complaining about how his right arm felt like it was burning the night before.

Still love the “OH YEAH!” sound effect…Man, this show doesn’t even try to mask its subtext. Mmmm…summaries getting longer and personal opinions getting shorter. I liked this episode far more than the last couple — we got a nice bit of fighting, the dolls are back~, and I’m starting to warm up to Hakuren as a character.

Miken’s Enjoyment Level: 8/10

Next time on 07-Ghost! – “That Day, I was With Him”

Miken’s Anticipation Level: 6/10

Miken: Finals next week, don’t even think about seeing any posts till the end of ‘em. DDDX

Summary: Teito and the possessed Mikage continue their battle, with Teito’s Eye of Mikhail giving him more leverage than he usually would have. However, it still takes Frau’s intrusion in the form of the 07 Ghost, Zehel, to bring the battle to a standstill. Despite Frau’s hesitancy at defeating Mikage, which would cause him to die due to the nature of his possession, Ayanami does the honors. We get a tearful departing with Mikage, a fairly long montage/flashback honoring Mikage, some humor regarding Teito’s collar and……BURUPYA~~~~~<3

Notes: …Mikage…Mikage…MIKAGE…MIKAGE!!!! I saw this coming thanks to the manga, and have been waiting for this episode since I ever got to that chapter, but it still tugged my heartstrings having to see him go. Right now, I’m at least somewhat thankful for the fillers letting him stay on for the few extra episodes he did. I really like how versatile the ED song can be when used as BG music — the use of the music during Teito’s meeting with Burupya, which not only made me “Baaaw”, but also brought a few tears to my eyes.

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

Screenshots and Commentary:
More than usual because…well…I really liked the episode

What an awesome smirk~

If only for a moment, we get to see Mikage’s smile once more. I love his evil smirk, but his smile is much more contagious~

NOOOOOOOOOO!!!

The boy needs some meat in his diet!

I- IT’S SO CUTE~~~~

Hwaaaaa~~~~

Mikage Burupya lays down the laws on approaching Teito.

…I see where this one is going…

Bad news delivered in a manner in which you are left unable to cry.

……And there goes the mood whiplash.

I want one to snuggle too~~

Rather than Mikage’s death, this scene is the one that almost made me cry, since it explains that Mikage chose to watch over Teito in his next life too.

And one more to top it all off~

Miken: Not that late this week, though my timing could be faster…I also have 10 episodes of assorted shows to catch up on. Gah, my hard drive does not like this.

Summary: The episode starts out like the past couple, with Mikage and Teito talking, but it soon takes a darker turn. Mikage finally succumbs to Ayanami’s meddling, first denying his bromantic relationship with Teito and requesting that Teito kill him. Later, he full-out attacks Teito, but he’s obviously not in his right mind. Ayanami doesn’t want to play fair and attaches one of those obedience collars on Teito. Our hero ends up being the underdog till the Eye of Mikhail decides that it wants to even out the playing field. Also — Frau walks around the church in his 07-Ghost form (?) and gets glomped by a completely different set of girls who are not nuns, but instead part of a team of spirits acting as a security force or something of the like and we learn that Mikage is only sporting half his sould right now thanks to Ayanami and should the wing on him be destroyed and Ayanami’s influence dissipate, he will die.

Notes: DAMN YOU AYANAMI!!! Other than that, it’s a pretty good episode, getting to the point that I was waiting for this past month. Mikage’s finally getting some fighting in even though he isn’t doing so willingly.

Miken’s Enjoyment Meter:  9.5/10
MIken’s Anticipation Meter: 10/10

Screenshots and Comments:

No way in hell Teito’d go back with that kinda face waiting for him.

Dun Dun DUUUUUN

…Interesting choice of words there (“daisuki”). Still, they’re bros for life, so I’ll let that slide.

I woulda thought you’d like that, Frau~

And I can already hear “One Winged Angel” playing in my mind…

Though I disliked the delivery of the line, the actual shot was a very pleasing way to end the episode

Miken: A filler for us this week, and although it isn’t half bad, it still follows the formula and ends off being horribly predictable.

Summary: Little kid whose name I don’t recall [Tajio] runs around the church, steals bread and ruins a play. Daddy comes back, but is really possessed by a Kor. Fighting ensues, the Eye of Mikhail protects Teito and Frau saves the day once again. Finally, Mikage decides not to turn in Teito, even though his mere presence at the church is proof enough of his decision. Also, Ayanami has reached his destination.

Thoughts: Like I said before, this was really really predictable. The little kid was kinda annoying with how they played up how he doesn’t connect with the “normal” people, overreacting to a play. All in all, this episode is really forgettable.

Miken’s Enjoyment Level: 6.5/10
Miken’s Anticipation Level: 10/10
(I blame having already read the manga…)

Screenshots and Commentary:

“Whoops, my foot slipped!”

Labrador makes perfect use of his looks and effeminate hobbies~

Damn kids and their lack of table manners. >:C

Mandatory Mikage Image

Ah, it’s my OTHER favorite form of deus ex machina!

Well look who decided to wake up nearly 2 months in.