Otaku Corner

Anime Review - Togainu no Chi

2011-01-17T15:40:00.003-05:00

Well for my first review of the year I thought I would go with an anime I watched last year Togainu no Chi. Togainu no Chi is based of the BL game of the same name, however this series is more violent then BL really. The story is about a young man named Akira and his best friend Keisuke who find themselves caught up in a violent game. The goal of the game is to attack other players in a violent part of the city know as Toshima and collect dog tags. The person who collects a Royal Flush in dog tags will have the opportunity to fight the strongest fighter "II-Re". Togainu no Chi is a beautifully rendered gritty anime, with dark tones. This anime is harsh and not meant to be pretty, it's about survival in a harsh environment where only the strongest survive. Amoung the violence Akira and Keisuke fight to survive as well as try maintain there fragile friendship. Along the journey Akira and Keisuke make new friends as well as enemies. Drug use is a theme heavily explored in Togainu no Chi, in the merciless city of Toshima many of it's residents turn to a drug called Line in order to futher there cause of winning in the game. Akira himself hold's the key within himself to Line. the voice work was very well done, no complaints there the actor's really gave that sense of tormented people stuck in a fate they couldn't control. All in all I would say this anime is worth checking out, I think its going to be one of thise anime's that will stay under the radar. It's not likely to be picked up by any company other then maybe Rightstuf, I am not sure if it is Funimation's cup of tea to tell you the truth. In any case post your comments and tell me what you think.

January 2011 - Bishonen of the Month - Wolverine

2011-01-17T15:27:00.003-05:00

Well this is the anime of the current season I am really enjoying, so I thought why not choose Wolverine as our Bishonen of the Month. i have always been a huge fan of X-Men and Wolverine in particular. Currently the anime has reached it's second episode. Wolverine did make an appearance in the Iron Man anime briefly. In this new imagining of Wolverine, Logan is in love with the daughter of a Yakuza leader. The daughter however is set to marry another man for political and financial gain and it's up to our hero to save the girl. I will review this anime fully once it has finished. In the mean time enjoy Wolverine anime style.

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-16T20:56:00.001-05:00

Hello All,

I know I promised I would be back and well what can I say, the outside world consumes most of my time. In any case I will start trying to update and review when I can. I will start my bishonen of the month column again as well. Again my apologies for not updating as often as I should hopefully 2011 will be the year. Reviews I am currently working on are Eden of the East and Vampire Knight. Please look forward to them in the near future.

I'm Back

2009-10-23T18:31:00.002-04:00

Hello All,

I know it's been a loooong time but I am back and hopefully I will try and keep this blog updated as much as I can. It's been a crazy few years but I am finally a nurse now and now have some spare time to report on Otaku Corner. Glad to be back

Maki Murakami at Otakon

2007-07-07T17:46:00.000-04:00

Well I just found out that Maki Murakami is going to be at Otakon and this fangirl is super thrilled. One of my favorite Yaoi authors and I may get to meet her...OMG....Yippeeeeee.....ok I need to calm down. So as most of you know Murakami sensei is the the wonderful author behind Gravitation....like OMG...OMG..OMG....anyway I know I am totally ranting. On another note this is Otaku Corner's one hundredth post...I am glad that for the one hundredth post I was able to report this awsome news. Well hope to see y'all at Otakon.

Victorian Romance Emma Second Act

2007-06-30T07:23:00.000-04:00

So Victorian Romance Emma is about to be starting very soon. This is an anime that I have been really looking foreward to as the the first season was absolutely wonderful, but the ending left me disatisfied, which is why I am thrilled about season two. Emma is the story about a maid living in Victorian England who falls in love with a nobleman named William. Of course there class differences is what keeps them apart, and by the end of season one Emma leaves London and William behind. William in turn engages himself to a proper young english noblewoman to appease his father. That is where we ended with season one so I am fully expecting season two to end as the manga ended hopefully. Emma is a simple love story with a lot of depth and complexity all at the same time. In a market saturated with magic girls, mecha and shinigami animes, Emma is a breath of fresh air. I hope you will all give this one a chance it truly is a hidden gem.

Update: As of June 30th 2007, Right Stuf International has annouced that they have licensed Season 1 and 2 of Emma. I regret to inform you however that this series will not recieve an english dub; As much as I wanted to see this series stateside, I am immensly disappointed that a truly wonderful series like Emma is being neglected a dubbed version. As I have stated on several occasions I am not a sub purest and do enjoy dubs when done properly. If anyone else feels the same as me please feel free to politely express your opinion to RightStuf international at www.rightstuf.com.

Otaku Corner at Otakon 2007

2007-06-24T14:35:00.000-04:00

Well another year and another Otakon convention, This year I will try my best to bring you the latest from the Otakon floor, inculding latest licenses and updates. I will also try and get an update on Fruits Basket season two campaign from Funimation. I hope to see y'all there July 20 -22, 2007.

Summer Anime - Devil May Cry

2007-06-14T17:35:00.000-04:00

I know should be updating more often with it being summer and all, but sorry guys my bro is getting married and guess who the wedding planner is (and it's not J-Lo); so I have been mega busy with that lately. In any case I just had to discuss Devil May Cry because I love love love the games especially DMC 3. DMC 4 is probably the main reason I will be purchasing a PS3, horrible isn't it. Anyhoo so the anime was set to start a few days ago and I believe it's to run at 12 episodes. From what I have seen or heard Trish and Lady are scheduled to make appearences, however I have no idea if Lucia and Vergil will be appearing as well. I would love to see Vergil as I like him much more than Dante, not that Dante isn't sexy either, Vergil is just sooo evil....mmmmm..... Anyway getting my hormones under control; I am truly looking forward to this anime, my hope is that the fight scenes will be as stylish and action packed as in the games. I also cannot wait to see bad boy Dante in action. Well let's hope the anime is popular enough to warrent a second season.

Anime Review - Lovely Complex

2007-06-03T21:31:00.001-04:00

Well everyone I am back, I passed my first course of Nursing which was mega hard, but I am so thrilled and on that note I would like to talk about the latest anime I have been watching Lovely Complex. Love com is an absolutely delightful anime that is sure to tickle your funny bone. The story revolves around two high school students named Risa and Otani. Each character having a complex about there height, in Risa's case she feels she's too tall to ever land a boyfriend; and poor Otani has the opposite dilemma as he is quite short. Either way they both get the reputation as being the class clown comedy duo all the while hating each other's guts. Risa however soon realizes she is in love Otani and wonders is he can truly return her feelings because she is so much taller then him. The story is hilarious and the jokes are well executed. I hope to see this one state side soon because it is one I definetly want to add to my collection.

A quick note about Fruits Basket 136

2007-04-13T17:31:00.000-04:00

Seeing as it's fallen off the first page now I thought I'd leave a breif note to let everyone know that the translation for the final chapter is now finished. ^^
I'll be taking a short break until we can get some good scans of the Banquet Fan Book then will be translating that.
For now though, enjoy the final chapter of the series.
http://otakucorner.blogspot.com/2006/11/fruits-basket-136.html

Now the series has ended I've also made my photobucket accounts open to the public again. ^^
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v233/kyo-sohma/
http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/Seph-Noir/

Bishonen of the Month - Ichimoku Ren

2007-03-22T22:18:00.000-04:00

I know I have been pretty lousy at keeping up with the bishonen of the month article...my apologies, but school demands most of my life...sigh....So Mr. March is Ichimoku Ren from Jigoku Shoujo, I figure since I discussed Jigoku Shoujo today why not pick this handsome devil to be our bishonen of the month. Well Ichimoku Ren is a loyal servant to Enma Ai who usually can be found observing either the person who seeks revenge or the person who the revenge is focused on. It is eventually learned that our dear Ren was not a human in his past life before he joined Enma Ai. Ren was in fact a tsukumogami, an artifact which has gained consiousness. Ren was in fact a katana, a japanese sword and was given human form by Ai herself. Personality wise Ren likes to observe human nature, and seems almost voyueristic in his approach; he often has difficulty grasping the emotions and motivations of humans, possibly due to the fact that he is not human like his collagues. Whatever the reason, Ichimoku Ren is one hell of a sexy guy, don't let that innocent face fool you; when dealing out deserved revenge he can cold and unforgiving.

Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori

2007-03-22T21:40:00.000-04:00

So this is a series I have been wanting to talk about for a while now, but haven't got a chance really. This is Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori, the sequal to last year's Jigoku Shoujo. That's right Enma Ai and crew are back for round two an this time they are accompanied by a cute but troublsome little girl named Kikuri. I mentioned a little something about this series (see Oct 2005 and May 2006) when it ran during season one, the premise is the same in that it involves revenge of the week; and Ai doling her "ippen shide miru" line like it's candy. The episodes are for the most part hit or miss, with a majority of them being a hit. Some episodes are just so insane and shocking that you wonder what the production crew is smoking. Seriously though I really enioy this series so much and hope to see it stateside soon, maybe even on adult swim, but i can't really see it happening anytime soon. I always find it interesting to see what leads the characters to forming a contract with Ai and eventually pulling the string of the starw doll. You're always shocked at the stupid reasons why some people are sent to Hell and how undeserving the punishment can be. Anyways so far season two is much better then season one and I look forward to Ai and company to go out with a bang.

Fruits Basket Volume 23 Released

2007-03-20T20:20:00.000-04:00

So we finally have Volume 23 of Fruits Basket featuring Kyoko. I am glad she looks so happy, she must be thrilled with Kyo and Tohru's marriage. In anycase well folks this is the end of the fabulous Fruits Basket. The fanbook was also released as well. Anyhoo i feel sad and yet satisfied that we got a decent ending to our beloved fruits basket.

Happy Valentine's - Paradise Kiss Again!

2007-02-16T18:29:00.000-05:00

So I broke down and bought the limited edition Paradise Kiss Collectors edition, sigh what can I say. Well I already discussed this title several times last year, and even though the ending left me somewhat disatisfied I still couldn't help but pick it up. The limited edition includes the dvd as well as two rose scented post cards which I scanned and posted above, slim pickings if you ask me especially for the price point. I was a little disappointed by the dub, The female leads do a fine job and Johnny Yong Bosch turn as Tokumori is excellent. My disappointment lies with the male leads of George and Arashi. George is played by Patrick Seitez who unfortunetly didn't have that cold conciet that is George, maybe I was spoiled by Kenji Hamada's turn as George, but I felt his voice brought George to life. I know, I know how can I say this about my beloved Patric Seitez, but I feel his acting was passable nothing more and nothing less. As for Derek Stephen Prince who played Arashi, my god his voice was atrocious for the part. Why he was cast as Arashi is beyond me. I wanted to shut the dvd off just because his voice was so intolereable to me, but that's just my opinion, some of you may like what hi voice brings to Arashi. If I am bashing the dub, I guess it's because I had high expectations of it. I honestly do prefer dubs when they equal or excel the predecessor. My only hope is that the Honey and Clover dub will be as excellent as the Japanese dub is (as some of you may recall Kenji Hamada played Nomiya in H&C). Other than that the anime is a solid piece of work which although quite faithful to the manga, did leave out some key points in the story. Bottom line I guess is give it a rent, watch it in Japanese first then English and decide which you like the best.

Images are property of Ai Yazawa and Geneon Entertainment.

Passions is being cancelled

2007-01-17T22:33:00.000-05:00

So this is a dark day, NBC has decided to cancel Passions. Running since 1999 this soap has never been afraid to run stories dealing with the supernatural and the forces of good and evil. Passions was put on the chopping block to make room for another hour of the Today Show. Passions will run til the end of the summer supposedly. In anycase I just wanted to put it out there make sure to tell NBC of your displeasure in a kind manner (that is if you are a fan). Anyway the image is courtesy of NBC. I can't express my deep sadness and sorrow that a great show will be leaving Daytime.

Game Review - Final Fantasy XII

2007-01-14T15:38:00.000-05:00

From Left to Right: Penelo, Baltheir, Ashe, Basch, Fran and Vaan.

Well This is something new I thought I'd try. I don't know how many gamers actually read this blog but I thought I would put up my first game review. I thought I would put up a partial review of Final Fantasy XII. This is my first venture into the world of final fantasy, the only reason I gave it a try was because I heard that the latest FF was not a turned based fighting system, so I thought why not give it a try. As you can tell I am not a bigh fan of turned based games unless it's pokemon, but I digress. Final Fantasy is a pretty nifty game, the story is engaging, the characters are interesting, the graphics are gorgeous and the game is absolutely epic and the gameplay is addictive. The story revolves around a young man named Vaan who has lofty dreams of being a sky pirate. Through circumstances Vaan becomes indirectly involved with a resistance movement which is trying to overthrow the current government in his country(I mean this is really a basic description of the story, there is much more involved such as romance, betrayal, deciet, all the heavy hitters). Anyway gameplay is still a somewhat turned based, but allows for more free movement. Battles are no longer random, and you are not forced to fight them anymore, you can fight or flee. Overall this game is an extremely enjoyable experience and I look forward to ending the game soon. Til then I hope those of you who have a PS2 will give this game at least a rent.

Happy Birthday!

2007-01-10T15:12:00.000-05:00

I'd just like to say Happy Birthday to Otaku! I hope you have a great day and get all what you want. Hopefully you own't have to work to hard on your birthday.

I'm afraid I'm somewhat lacking in H&C pictures so here's a special Sephy photo for you!

License Rumors.....

2006-12-29T20:26:00.000-05:00

Honey and Clover

Well the rumor is going around that Viz has licensed Honey and Clover, and boy if that's true I will be the happiest person in the world as you all know Honey and Clover is my favorite anime of all time. With Viz getting the anime, all I can do is hope that the manga will be soon to follow. Well here's hoping to 2007 being a good year and bringing us tons of great new licenses.

Manga Review - J Boy

2006-12-13T14:32:00.000-05:00

J Boy by Biblos

Well It's been a while since I haven't been able to post anything, so I thought I would start off with J Boy by Biblos, published by DMP. This bad boy is over 350 pages of oneshot yaoiness all for under 17 dollars. I think I will start off with the good, the very first oneshot is by Haruka Minami about a nipple fetish, a very cute and sensual story. That was it, that was the only story in the whole anthology that I really liked. I love one shots but I found the ones in J Boy to be really lacking and pretty gosh darn boring. This may be some ppls cup of tea, but it certainly wasn't mine. There was one story involving a man who brings home a cat, that turns into a young boy, thankfully there was no suggested romance between them (because I HATE Shota....ewwww), but truthfully I had no idea why this story was even in this anthology. Overall I guess my biggest complaint was that I was bored to tears and really it was chore for me to even read this manga, but I really wanted to review it for you guys. So overall what I am saying is if you can borrow it, give it a read through, but I wouldn't waste 17 dollars on it, my money can be put to much better use.

Fruits Basket 136!!

2006-11-25T09:38:00.000-05:00

It's all over!

Yes at last the scans are out. The series ended last weeked but we've had no scans until today. Plot wise I found it a little disapointing, it was a little overly perfect for everything that's happened but seeing everyone again and the colour page made up for it a little.

1.
Setting out on a journey…With a smiling face.

When the accustomed uniform is taken off
I begin to be a little lonely
When I’m insecure, when I’m hesitant
In such a way
I’m defeated
But however I become
it’ll be alright
In this fingertip that trembles slightly
There is warmth piled up
Because your name
Is an invincible spell.

2.
Tooru has decided to go with Kyou to a distand land to discover a new way of life. The time to set off there is soon...

On the day of the graduation ceremony
the sky way perfectly clear

And the clear wind
flowed past
elegantly.

Our graduations and
departures, each one

bless them.

...really

...all
right!

3.
Kyou-kun’s and my

departure too.

We’re mostly done
with cleaning
this room

It’s quite magnificent now
that its empty

Yes…

Kyou-kun’s room is
also empty, isn’t it.

Well,
there’s nothing
left
Tonight we’re
staying in
Shishou’s house.

…

For some reason…

I keep
remembering the
day I passed
into this room
for the
first time.

4.
Yuki-kun and
Shigure-san
were
very kind

I became very tense.

Then

Kyou-kun came
through the roof.

Ah~~~!!
There was that
thing……

as well…

Yes!!
I
was very
surprised.
Everyone changing
surprised me
further.

But
it was

fun.

5.

I…
had a lot of fun.

Passing everyday
with everyone

It was fun…
A jewel

It is dear

It is dear

……

Lonely

…That’s it

6.
Lonely

You think
that because
you loved us
every day that passed?

When you love

Equal to the amount that you loved

Parting
Is also lonely.

…you don’t
understand

you…

7.
As for you,
more than
you think

everyone
…

Loved you.

Therefore

It’s alright
Without the separation
of this life

…a new banquet
can’t start

…right?

8.
Yes!!

*Guu~~* (Growl)

Ex…
Excuse
Excuse excuse
Me…!!

…You picked a
strange place
to get so
strangely shy…

9.
Well then
let's eat
…yes.

That’s it
here

I’m delivering it to you now

…?

It’s the
key to my
new house
Come by
anytime

so you won’t
think I’m being
unfaithful over there
and worry.

Su…

Such a thing
…I’d not
particularly though about it…

10.
It’s a lie!!!

Obedient humans
are best, don’t you think?

…unpleasant

You are an
unpleasant person…

…well
The departure is
only a little

Way off…isn’t
it?

Uh huh
Mine is

11.
Tomorrow

They
depart……

Are you
lonesome?

Nn?

…Uh huh
that

of course

……

I
am

I am
lonesome.
Meeting Yuki-senpai

in this way

will not
be so
simple now

Therefore

12.
I’ll catch up to you

Without fail
I’ll catch up to you…

I’ll wait for you…

*Sign: Souma*

13.
So, so,
Kagura-chan

Shigure-niisan has
Stopped being a novelist
…Did you know?

Ehh!?
Is it so!?
I did not know!!
However I knew he had
come back to the main house…
Uwa. So, that’s what’s what…

I heard it from Mitsuru-san…that
already Mitsuru-san
is
rejoicing.

The evil has perished.
It has perished~~

That’s good
That’s so~~ good

…Uh huh
It must be
because he can
be by Akito’s side.
It must be nice.

Will they get married
I wonder?

Come now-

Say
What about you Ritsu,
when will you get married
to Mitsuru-san?

Wha!!?

14.
M-m-m-m-marriage.
How. Such.
I’m. St-still. But.
Like this. Su-such as me.
Forgive me...

The furisode!!
Won’t you give
it to me!?

Uohhh

Ah- again
Do it when you please.
Everywhere people are
already loveylovey.
It’s good.
For me now, working
is pleasant.
It is busy though…

Eh…
But

The send off is tomorrow…
You’re going, right?

I’m going to that
however it is not
because of Tooru-kun,
it is because of
charming Kyou-kun.

TN: Of course, as most of you know, “kawaii” is most commonly translated as “cute”. However it can also be used for lovely, charming, pretty etc. In this case and considering his age, I thought “charming” would fit Kyou best instead of cute.

……

You want them…
to become happy,
right…

No way, no way
it’s different.

15.
Without fail
they will become

happy.

That house…
Everyone is going to
stop living there…
so when they do…I wonder
what’s going to become of it…

Will they demolish it…
I wonder…?

I’ve heard it
will be left that
way for a while

Truthfully…!?

16.
It’s good…

That its not
being demolished because
someone could live there

…

Uh huh…

*drop*
*drop*
*drop*

Wha
What
Eh!?

I-
I’m sorry,
it’s different…

It made me think
of tomorrow…
…It’s alright.

Tomorrow smiling...
I’ll send her off……

17.
…It’s ok

Tomorrow
even if you feel
like you
have to cry

do it

because you loved her.

18.
Sensei…

Said to Tori-nii he’d “hit himself”
definitely, however
it’s alright as
he was laughing…

That’s obvious---

Everyone
is more
adult than
Shi-chan---

Really……
We’re adult…

Ma~n…

……

Can you say that~

Kyou
cannot be
For Tooru
he was a nuisance.
He just
wants to keep her
to himself, don’t you think~?
TN: Momiji is talking about how troublesome Kyou was to Tooru in the first bubble. Not a trial as in a court of law.

I want to
pinch Kyou!
Kya~~!

You could pinch him
tomorrow…?

Eh~
It’s not possible
before Tooru
Ah, well. But,
I’m fine, one
dream is possible.

19.
For me to be
among those finding
a great sweetheart.
I will look
to others.
TN: Momiji is saying he’ll finally give up on Tooru.

Therefore

Tooru must
become happy no
matter what

Even from now on

Laugh no
matter what.

20.
...I
think it’s
ok to
be divided……

I keep getting angry

And keep sulking…

21.
No-
Nothing...
like that
well then
it isn't...

Shy
shy

…
They’re having
fun now

Yes…
Truly…

…No~……

It was I who said
we would employ
her for boarding…
But still,
Even
this one…
one...
No, it’s not
just how Saki-san is scary,
its also
Kyou’s shocked look…
When he heard...

His face was going to fall off

I am Hanajima Saki...

Eh…?

Something you
want to say…?

No!!
Not one word!!

22.
I’m sorry, it’s not possible
I can’t do anything
to stop it, Kyou…
But is it so bad?
Do I want to observe it?

...at last
It’s tomorrow, right

Yes…

…but
even if I become loney

I won’t
worry.

Really, that’s right…

23.
…Eh-?

Really, it’s
tomorrow

I’ll give them
your best regards.

…well, I must admit
I’m lonely but
also
happy
I’m kind of
trembling about

my journey too

…right, the
cherry trees, have they bloomed?

…a little more

Well then…
A little more
and I’ll be
setting off.

I’ll prepare a feast

24.
Tororo soba?
(Trans note: Tororo soba is a cold noodle dish made of a puree of Japanese yam. It’s also the first thing they ate together.)

Aya-kun
Aya-kun.

25.
What
about this!!
A present to
Tooru-kun

Great job Mine!
Anything you feel like, anything you happen to think of,
put everything into
the cardboard box!!
Even to send them off
to lead charming lives, it’s
my serious duty!!

…

But
Aya-kun

By my
experience
however,
children becoming
independent…it
is a lonely thing

It really
is lonely

Therefore, we adults
will include our love
and gloomyness in the box.
The instant cup noodles,
the socks and
maid uniforms that
have been sown.

To send
in place of
our feelings.

26.
For that child

It will certainly
go on a journey
also

Therefore…
Even more in
Yuki’s case, it means
this gorgeous substitute
must be sent!!
Even every week.
(A dress each week? Poor Yuki.)

This
is for
Otouto-kun!!
It can still go!
TN: otouto-kun = younger brother aka Yuki.

27.
Okinawa!?
In summer vacation!?
I’ll go, I’ll go
I’ll definitely go!

....Is
it ok?
I can go?

You can go
since I’m inviting you.
Until now, I’ve
honestly been
nowhere traveling.

I’ve not gone to
a large number of
places, even inside the country.
For the time being
the south
is in order…
TN: It seems Hari is planning on going to other places as well as Okinawa.

It’s great
It’s great!!

It sounds like
Hatori-kun is
feeling good!!
Hatori-kun and
the south island!!
Hatori-kun and
half sleeved shirts!!

It’ll really be fun, Mayu.
Don't you have any restraint?

Because I can imagine how you’ll look in a bathing suit…

It's not that hard

28.
I’m sorry, my
figure in a bathing suit
is a joke

?

Why

…it’s bad
because…

The style…
I have no……

Breasts, don’t I?
I’m tall
already…

so…

Right now…

However!!
Something...!!
But you’re laughing!!
Laughing!!

Look. Well, in
any case!!

I’ll go
round to the
agency today!!
Are you going to
the send off tomorrow?

Yeah

29.
……

It would be nice
if it cleared up.

Yeah

…

Well…

30.
Our errand
is completed…
Shall we go
somewhere to play?

…Return home
and work.

You’re serious,
you know…

You’re going to
the send off tomorrow,
therefore,
you have to do
the things you
can today.

You’re truly
not going?

…I’m not going.

But it’s
fine
when I think
I’d like to meet
with them

because I’ll
go meet them.

…by
the way,
will I
have to go
with you?

31.
…

You cunning child.

32.
…

You

…Is the
tidying up done?

Well
...in the kitchen
there’s some rice
left out to eat,
eat it.

Kyou

33.
I would like to talk
with Honda-san,
just the two of us

…Is it useless?
TN: Yuki is asking here if it’s useless to assume Kyou would let him do such a thing. Seems like Kyou is even more protective of her now.

…

Living room

Oi

Be sure to stay
level-headed.

Stupid cat.

34.
…I don’t need looking after.

Stupid rat.

35.
Yuki-kun…

Welcome home!

…I’m home

The departure...
Is finally
tomorrow, right

Yes

…

Soon

Honda-san’s
“welcome home”

I won’t be able
to hear it, right.

36.
…But

but

I
am
happy.

To struggle
on alone
until now.
I am
happy.

………I

was

weak…
Although I could not
relate well with others,
I wanted to be loved.

I wanted to
be needed.

I only
wished…

37.
And you
appeared
before
me

and

granted
my wish…

My desire

graciously

you
taught it

…I guess you do not know?

Always

You
rescued me.

You rewarded me.

Thank you

My usual weakness

38.
You
stopped it

…Therfore
In this way,
now “here”

I can stand…

You
made
me
“a human”

You raised
me as
“a human”

You…
to me

existed as
a mother…

39.
…

…At last

I could say it

My true
feelings
…just a little

might be bad
however

Tha…

But hey

I hear that
all the
others
think the same

Thus your existence was

Kindness…

40.
Therefore

From now on in
our new environment
we’ll keep living
an everyday life

but
suddenly

we’ll think of you

if you
are healthy

if you
are not crying

If you are laughing

If you are

41.
Also happy
today

In the way
we think

Even from now on

everyone

will love you.

42.
Thank you…

Being able to meet you

was good.

…You being here

I liked it.

43.
Thank you…

Thank you

…Thank you

“Tooru”

44.
Thank you.

45.
I’m going but I’ll be back.

46.
♪

♪

♫
♪

♪

47.
♫

♪
♫

♪

♪…

…That---

Mama---?

Mama---!!

48.
Where are Tooru-kun
and Kyo-kun?

He~y~
Call them
Obaa-chan and
Ojii-chan okay?

Eh-?
Tooru-kun said
I was allowed
to “call them
by name”.

If it’s Ojii-chan and
Obaa-chan

They’ll be
out walking.

Awww
They’re growing
older.

Don’t disturb
their love love
time together.

Love love--
Love love--
How lovely--

Always

Together

49.
Holding hands

50.
Delightful things

and bad things
will be

accepted.

51.
As the years pass by.

The End

Banner:
After 8 years and 4 months, thankyou for excitedly reading everything. Please hope for Takaya-sensei's prosperity in spring of 2007 and thereafter with her new story.

Thanks to Merrow for the scans:
http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/Seph-Noir/Fruits%20Basket%20chapter%20136/
Once again please email me for the pw. And just to make this clear; the scans I post here are raw they are not the scanlations of the chapters. I work with Magic for the scanlations, I don't and will not post them here. The scanlations won't be done until the translation is done. If the full translation isn't posted here, the scanlation isn't going to be up either.

(And if you really love me, please take just five minutes to view or comment on my gallery.)
http://kyos-girl.deviantart.com/

Trinity Blood

2006-11-22T09:58:00.000-05:00

If you liked Hellsing and wanted more you'll love this!

Recently released by Tokyopop, Trinity Blood is the new gothic manga (and anime) every vampire fan should own. Armageddon has come and gone leaving the world battered and bruised and with a second moon. Despite the way the world is now, a war still rages this time between something other than just humans. Vampires have begun a war against the humans and now the humans must pull out all the stops to survive. They'll even go as far as to use a canibalistic vampire.

Volume one introduces us to the nun Esther and Abel Nightroad a priest from the Vatican sent to fight the vampires. (Yes, it seems to just scream Hellsing doesn't it.) They join forces and travel to defeat the leader of the vampires Gyula.

Despite a somewhat familiar plot, Trinity Blood could be unlike anything you've ever read before when it comes to gothic manga. The art is beautiful, fitting well with the gothic genre. The vampires are designed beautifully (I found it much more effective than the Hellsing design) and there's some fan service for both genders as far as aesthetics go.

As for voice acting in the anime dub, you won't be disapointed. Those of the slightly older fans will be pleased to see some experienced VAs such as Jason Douglas and Chris Patton making appearances. We've also got some pretty experienced Vas taking the main roles too with Troy Baker voicing Abel and Colleen Clinkenbeard taking the role of Esther.

With beautifully dark art, a good cast and a great plot this is definitely not one to miss out on. Whether you buy the anime or the manga (which contains new stories) you're not going to be disapointed.

Do not support stolen translations!

2006-11-09T08:23:00.000-05:00

Recently a new "scanlator" has appeared for Fruits Basket. Xinan/Xnn has released chapter 133 and 134. At the beginning we thought nothing of it, just a quick worker with good quality translations. (thinking nothing of the fact that no translator is mentioned on the credits page.)

Then we compared it to Shadow's translations. http://shadow.randomfandom.com/fb/summary/index.htm
This person has been stealing Shadow's translations and using them on their scanlations. Shadow says one every translation page, twice before putting the translation up:
THIS TRANSLATION IS NOT TO BE USED FOR SCANLATIONS!!!

Appart from this, this person has even admitted that the translations are not their own and that Shadow doesn't let them use the translations.
i used other translation also -.-(2 pages only) because i'm a beginner~ at japanese
http://xinan2.blogspot.com/
and if can,did u have any link for the translation i can use (that shadow dreams dont allow me to use their scans)
http://z13.invisionfree.com/Nemuidesu_Distro/index.php?showtopic=24

Judging by this person's quite poor grammar and where they come from, english is not their first language and are just copying and pasting Shadow's work onto the scans.
As you guys know I've had similar problems in the past and I find it terrible that this person is getting away with stealing another's work without even crediting Shadow for it.

Please, if you guys support mine and Shadow's work, don't support these scanlations! It's not only giving us scanlators a bad name, but also the sites that host it without knowing they're using stolen work. This person is being praised for hard work they didn't do and it needs to stop so Shadow gets the credit she deserves. Even a child knows how to copy and paste after all.

Fruits Basket chapter 135!

2006-11-04T17:01:00.000-05:00

Second to last!

Yes it's the second to last chapter of the series, meaning Furuba will be over by the 20th of this month!

1.
Immediately before the last chapter!!

The reward God gave
At one’s last moment…

2.
………

Here…
Leaving

To where will you go…?

3.
Shishou’s…

…
Truthfully

I didn’t want to
depend on such a thing
and wanted to find it
out on my own but

as expected
he stopped me.

…Shishou…
Knows someone with a dojo.

From here it is

a distant land.

4.
Firstly

I’m thinking of
commuting while there

By doing that
One day

When I succeed
Shishou’s school

I think it would
serve a purpose

Such experiences obtained outside

In its entirety

5.
Good things

and bad things.

......
I
understand

what I’m saying

is immature

It would pull you and separate
you from where those who
are good to you are
That I’m being selfish

I understand that
but

but
lying to myself

is no longer
how I want to live…

Yes.

6.
There is no single
necessity to lie to yourself.

…Shishou-san
He rejoiced,
didn’t he?

When you told
him about this.

Eh…?
Ahh……
well, yeah.

…Perhaps its an
elaborate idea but
that
feeling

I think
I can even
recognise it in me…

Kyo-kun

7.

Is speaking
about “the future”

That, to live

Is his desire

Its delightful

Its delightful

So, I will
Also go

Together…

8.
…

……eh
EH!!?

Is…
Is that ok!?
Do you…
really understand!?

It is distant.
You won’t be able to see or
meet with those guys
easily like you can now, you know!?
Also, it might
mean we
become poor.
I will persevere, however!!?

?
The one who
said “together”
was Kyo-kun…

We…
Well yeah but
I didn’t think
you’d answer so
immediately and
I don’t mind thinking
more about it and
if you hate it
you should say.

Even for me, if it
is something I can’t let go of,
I will not let go if
it under any condition.
I’m fairly
stubborn.

Ahh…well,
you are stubborn
in a stubborn kind of way…

That’s how it is.
I’ll decide
on my own.

…so, there’s
just one thing

I’ll give Kyo-kun
advise on.

9.
Mother doesn’t
hate Kyo-kun.

Assuming that she
truly said she would
not forgive you,
as for that

Those words
were not born
from hate.

Without fail

That is absolute.

10.
…I
will not let go.

Together with
Kyo-kun

I will go

Leaving
without everyone
certainly

…will be
lonely.
However, not leaving
with Kyo-kun
is more

…lonely

To be with
you always,
at your side is
what I would like.

I don’t want
to leave you

I don’t want
to wait for you.

11.
Please let me accompany you.

12.
Thank you…

………
…I’ll have her
accompany me however,

Is that ok?

I’ll protect
that promise

However…extremely
late it is.

13.
A lifetime’s amount

I’ll protect.

…

Is that ok with you?

14.
…No!

15.
It’s useless,
this way

It isn’t
good.
I can hear
nothing.

There is
no pain either.

I am warm but

I am cold

Why is it
so dark

Why is it
so quiet

Well,
why?

Well,
this is a lie, right?

This

Is useless

Tooru

16.
I

Am to die then.

Such
a way

I didn’t
think it

would end in such a way.

I don’t like
this way
I don’t want this
I don’t want to die

I don’t want to die,
after all I don’t want this.

Tooru

17.
Leaving that
child alone.

This can’t be
happening.

Not with this
manner of separation.
If I am not there,
what will become

of that child?

That child,
is only just a
high school student.
She’s still
a child.

Still

Still

18.
Katsuya.

I

Understand

Leaving and
being left

They’re both

hard, don’t you think?

…Sorry

I’m sorry.
Sorry, Tooru
Did I

Love you enough?

Tooru

I wanted

19.
To love you
much, much more.

…
Hey……

Someone
someone
that child

protect her.

Though, she’s not
an expert
at crying
for herself

Even then,
if she was crying

Stay by
the side
of that child

Please
somebody.

Well,
somebody

my
treasure

protect her.

Somebody.

Somebody.

20.

21.
Please

Even if

you forget me.

If you
meet that
child please

remember.

The next time
that child wanders

At the time,
definitely
find her.

Please.

It’s good even if it’s just
one time.

……

you……

22.
If

You do not pay your bill
(Translators Note: This is referring to his promise. ^^)

I won’t forgive

you…

Please

Please

I request
please

please
as my
substitute

23.
Protect
that child

……Ahh

I’m sinking

It keeps closing in

This feeling

I’m sorry

I guess this is farewell.

…Please

24.
Let Tooru find
happiness.

The ambulance…
Has someone
called for the
ambulance!?

The driver seems
to be unconscious too…

Hold on!

Please
by many people

let her
be loved.

Can you hear me!?
Just hold on!!

Hold on…

If you become perplexed

or make errors

in the end

Blood…

Hold on!!

Have the
kind of life

That you
can have pride in living.
The kind where
you can say

“I persevered”.

25.
Repeating delightful things
And sad
things.

Hold…

And in that way

Keep
getting older.

…

…Useless

Already…………

26.
*Zan…*

27.
*Za…*

28.
*Zan…*
(SFX: Waves breaking on the beach.)

29.

30.
I persevered.

Banner: The words of Kyoko’s last moment that were not fully conveyed. But they certainly reached. To the heart of Tooru, to Katsuya in heaven…
(Translators Note: The furigana for Katsuya’s name here was actually “anata” not “Katsuya”, which is rather sweet as “anata” can be used by a wife to her husband meaning “dear”.)

Scans are up:
http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/Seph-Noir/Fruits%20Basket%20chapter%20135/
pw needed as usual. Don't expect replies until tomorrow or Monday. Once again please email me for the pw.

Happy Birthday

2006-10-25T14:35:00.000-04:00

We would like to wish Seph a very Happy Birthday, hoping all your wishes and dreams come true on this very special day.

P.S - I wanted to post some pics from the Haru Daieta art book just for some birthday wishes eye candy however my scanner is not working argh.... Here's hoping I can get it up and running.

Manga Review - Basara

2006-10-19T23:28:00.000-04:00

Shuri and Sarasa

Well I thought tonight I would put of a review of a manga series that I have been currently reading called Basara by Yumi Tamura released by Viz Media. I have been meaning to talk about this series for a while now, since I have to say it's one of my top choices. The story centers around a young girl named Sarasa, who is a twin to her more popular brother Tatara who is also known as the child of Destiny. It is said that Tatara will free post apocolyptic Japan from the tyranny of the ruling kings, The White King, The Black King, The Red King, The Blue King and one more I cannot remember. In anycase the area where Tatara and Sarasa live is ruled by the Red King. Sarasa grows up in the shadow of her twin brother, always ignored unintentionally by her father and the villagers as they tend to her brother in everyway. As the story progresses The Red King sends his troops to Sarasa's village where they kill Tatara. Sarasa then cuts her hair and takes the place of her brother to give her people hope and to lead them. Through a series of events Sarasa meets a young man named Shuri aka the Red King, they both fall in love with each other ignorant of the other's real identity. Shuri unaware that Sarasa is really Tatara his sworn enemy and Sarasa unaware that Shuri is the Red King the murderer of her brother. All I can say about Basara is this is an epic story, it is not your typical gender bending romance. Sarasa struggles with her duty as Tatara as well as her desire to be seen as Sarasa even more so when she meets Shuri. It takes about 15 volumes before Shuri and Sarasa discover each other's identities, and boy what a moment it is. In the heat of battle as Sarasa and Shuri stare each other down shocked with the discovery that they are sworn enemies, it dramatic, thirlling and heart wrenching. Sarasa is torn between her love for Shuri and her vow to kill the murderer of her brother. The supporting cast is excellent with a variety of characters and personalities to keep things interesting. I have to say my most favorite character would be that of the Blue King Asagi, Shuri's brother who sneaks himself in as a member of Tatara's followers; Asagi finds ways to manipulate Sarasa and Shuri before they know of each other identities. Tamura-sensei art work is excellent, her characters are easily distiguishable, but her art can get pretty busy and confusing especially during some of the battle scenes; that being said the scene where Shuri and Sarasa realize the real identities of each other is truly something to behold, the emotions captured by Tamura-sensei is top notch stuff. I highy reccomend this series, Viz has released up to volume 20 of what I believe is a 27 volume series(I think, may be more, may be less). If you get a chance give this series a try borrow it from your local library. It's an adventurous saga that should not be missed.

Fruits Basket chapter 134!

2006-10-07T10:18:00.000-04:00

Almost there!

Yes it seems we're almost to the end now!

1.
Three chapters remain to the inevitable end!!!

Let’s look at the same fireworks the summer of next year…the two of us.

2.
Of course
I know
My beads
in her room

And her mother
even now in one place

They have not been
Thrown away

3.
Its a lot like her
heart itself
thinks.

Kyo-Kun
Kyo-kun, Kyo-kun
please look

It’s a
mini Isuzu-san...

Its a pony.
A pony.
It is small
right?

It’s
cute…♥

Give something to me.

Kyo-kun, where
shall we
go next?
The path has
divided into
two parts.

I said give something to me.

To go around in the
order which we would
like to see is good.

Eh, serious?

4.
Then elephants!
I want to see the elephants!

There is no giraffe...

I was not
asking you two---

Idiot, What else
are you looking at if not
an elephant.
Well, at least show
us the polar bear.
I want to see
the polar bear.

There is
no giraffe...

If you have a problem
just return home......
You were the one
who decided to go.

They are fighting.

Don't fight.

Ah…

This place
here is the problem.

If its your first date
then take her to the amusement area
or just somewhere more grand.

Ah.
Uh...

At least
a larger zoo…
Ah-!!

Already
you have a
loud voice…

5.
Then, obviously
you're useless with heights right?
You can't ride things like
the cable cars right?
That--
Is--

Ah!
How should I know?
I've never been on one before.
Don't shout single words
like that in the street!!
You sexually harrassing female.

Ah...Uh

Stop whining and lets
go see the elephants.
Elephants. Hey?!

Giraffe...

Elephants!!

(Sign says about a cat corner.)

Are you two from a collecting agency!?

Ah...
over there

It looks like we can pet many cats over there.

6.
Although elephants are good,
cats are good too.

Even if you underwear falls down
you still have to pet them don't you...cats...

They make me tired...

Ah...
Uo-chan
Hana-chan
It was I who wanted to go here and asked

However...
should I have picked out a different place...?

Ah
That isn't it.

We are merely
giving Kyo
a tough time.

This place is ok, right.
You just relax.

Ah...

We should get soft ice cream later.

Yes...

Not having giraffes
is really cool and
interesting too...

...

Hey, Kyon
You will be left behind---

7.
Oh--
Cats---

You're a
sweetie, hey---

It's
cute...

Oh?

Kyon,
Kyon.

Huh?

That.
That.

.........
The black cat goes well
with her doesn't it...
That not cute expression---

It looks like its a witch's familiar, right.

8.
...

9.
On that day

I watched
quietly

while Tohru

Collected my beads
that had scattered.

10.
It would not cause me both right now,
if my beads that were that proved
I was a monster, were burned, but
I also had
a feeling
that

A lot of years from
now I would feel regret

that "they should
have been collected
and kept."
but I was

unable to move.

She collected them
in my place

it could have been
that she was protecting

this me and
the me of the future too.

11.
Or maybe
even further

even going
past myself

She was trying to
collect the distant
distant feelings.

The feelings of everyone who had to wear the beads so that they could live.

All of it.

I'm not sure,
but

The
thing I

do
know

is
"to love"

does not just mean
to love what is
before you but

also the past
and future.

12.

It could mean to
hold all of that.

That

is what I think

when I look
at her.

13.
That is what I think.

Eh
Really?

The university you
are applying to
is so far away?

Yeah.
They've got a course
I find interesting.

So by spring
I'll be living alone.

Will you cope~?
I don't want
to visit you
and find a dead body.

14.
"Practise makes
perfect" right...
Or instead,
I want to.

Does Chi-chan
know about
this plan?

(Chi-chan means Machi.)

She knows
it's alright.

I see,
that's good then.

Ho--
ho--
ho--

Becoming an adult...
You have moved on up to it...

If you say that
to Machi you'll
get hit for sure.

But
is it alright?
Looking for a room.

What about
the guarantor?
Your parents?
You probably want
to do that least....

I thought
that also but
at home things
are messy right now...
It's not the time
to ask them about it.

When I spoke to
Nii-san about it...

Oh
that's rough.

15.
Don't tell
me.
He's gotten
really involved
has he not.

Yeah
that's right...

Yesterday and with
A short holiday too he’s
looking for a place for me.
So soon.

I’m grateful
I’m grateful
But it is…

Look
Mine.

The sky which is clear blue
And burning green.
You can’t help but
recognize that this
gets approval for
being Yuki’s new world!

You think so too

Let me state what
I intuitively know
have decided
and will do next!

16.
We shall have Yuki’s
Home made here!!!

That’s good

How would that
be good
This area is not
residential!!

(The lines cut off what he says in the small writing. Can you have a go at translating it? *I’m using the billwang scans* )

I hope he starts
Looking for
Somewhere normal
If it is possible
…you know.

What, are you
Having a kind
Of little dream?

So, what
are you going
to do for
university

Nn?

I’m going
Where I want.

I really
didn’t want
to go honestly.

I had plans
To help Komaki’s family
with their business after
graduation.
But they all
repeatedly told
me to go.

We own a
Cleaning business.

17.
It ended with it can’t be helped
And so I’ll go.
Ah-I’ll not have money again-

If they can
let you go
you should go.
You are smart.

With a brain
like that you
should be able
to go to any
University…

If you say
something like that
I will have a love
affair with a university student!

He himself
says that…

No worry I have
never had worrying
feelings about something
like that happening.

Don’t you think we are
a foolish couple!!

Yeah you seem
Quite foolish.

Perhaps you are likely
to two-time more Yun-yun?

Would not.

Also than that
You two?

Don’t you worry
at all… That
perhaps…
you won’t be able to enter?

18.
No?

If the normal entrance
exam applicant heard you the would
be sad…

Kua~
We’ve walked
a lot, right.

It
was fun though
wasn’t it…

Yes
Very much!!

Ah-
Do you mind if I
go to the bathroom
before we leave?

Will you be
Ok alone---?

Yes…
I won’t
be long.

I…
I am tired…

19.
…but even now

Why does she
although wearing black
all the time
never sweat at all?
Its weird right,
for a person…

Spirit power…

Woah
Do not do
that.
Reading hearts!!!

Or…
Is it
something spirit power
affects!?

My level is
different that yours…
Level…

No, I
meant why do you
not sweat like
everyone else…

…

Wh…

What is it…?

20.
You are taking
Her away…

…its right.

Some day
I knew,
its right,

that kind of time

would arrive.

21.
But…

…

!?

Selfishness……

…Ah

Sor………
…

Bu
But even
then I

Now

22.
Call me “mama” right now
And I will pardon you…

Eh……
What is it.

You mean
Die……?

Ha-na-ji-ma
Relax, you should
not tease him
much now.

True…
Fuck.

She just said “fuck”…!!
(Translation Note: Hana actually says vagina but most english people probably would just think it weird, not be shocked like Kyo is. Rememer there is a considerable lack of swear words like ours in the Japanese language, normal words instead can have more offensive meanings. Eg Otaku.)

Hey, Kyon.
Despite how
we seem,
we like
you.

Although you are stupid
we can not hate you.
You’re a nice guy.

23.
Although you are stupid…

Although you are stupid.

..........

Tohru is…

Our buddy
our true friend

And family.

We are seriously, seriously

Depending on you, alright?

24.
Leave your father
with me…

Th…
This has totally
no relation to that…
Is it so…

Right…?

I am sorry
for taking
such a long time…

It was extremely busy
some a reason…
Huh?

No good still
but saying no good still
Is me
Shishou is the one
to decide on
Shishou’s happiness.
I should not speak
if he is alright with it, but?
Have those two got
so far along yet?

Ha…
Huh?
Where are those two?

…returned.

Eh!!?
E-Excuse me
I made you wait
for so long…

No, that not it.
Its alright.

Does she want
to be called
mama?

……

25.
Fuu…
Tohru

There is another
place I want
to go next.
It is ok?

Eh? Ah, yes
I have no
problem…

Where is it
you want
to go to?

…so.

Here.
My family
sent it.

It is

Meat.
If you want…

Uwaa♥
Thank you
Chi-chan.

In the end, you
would probably burn
it if you made it.

…Quiet.

But
I’m glad.
I was unsure
if you would come
or not.
You weren’t
Too set on it right?

Lets
go to
Kakeru’s.

Eh…

“I wanted
Just the two of us
To be together…”

It is different!!

I hadn’t wanted to
Because you were here
And would say things like that!!

Becoming an adult...You have moved
on up to it more...

27.
It is why
I said to him…

(Remember what Yuki said to him on page 14 about being hit for sure.)

The meat--!!!

Eh
Worrying
for that!?

……

Some time ago…
I had
begun…
To tell somethig, right?

To

Continue…

28.
I’m

Thinking that

I would like to
move away
after graduation.

Ah…
It is different.
It isn’t

Because an odd looking back sense…

I was avoiding
this world
all along…
Living but
not being involved.

It was acceptable
In some way…
I was spoiled I think.

29.
But, it is
different now. I’m

A regular
person.
As a regular
person,
with you

I will live
in this world

I’m very happy
about it.

So happy.

It is why
more

I want to be
involved more

And
challenge

Myself.

Even if I’m
Somewhere else…

30.
......

If possible
with you

together.

It is a new path I was taught, it’s why I would like to walk with you together---Kyo’s proposal(!?)Tohru!!?

Scans BW, hosted by myself:
http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/Seph-Noir/Fruits%20Basket%20chapter%20134/

Next chapter 4th November

(Please do not ask me to email you in the comments! I do not have the time to go through all the email addys there and check with the emails I've already replied to. I am busy. If you want the password, email me and I will reply asap.)

Translation notes:
I know some of you will be a little shocked at the language used by Hana in this chapter so I thought I would take a moment to explain it.
I tried to go for a fitting word for the scene but one that would shock people if Hana said it no matter what country they were in. Since another way to say vagina in Japanese is "manko" which when the "n" is removed can be used as "fuck" or "f**k" I thought it would be best to use that.
Most swear words in japan are just normal words that appear somewhat meaningless in english when just translated straight off. They have a considerable lack of colloquial language compared to us, so I made it a little easier for you all to understand Kyo's shock.
Comparing mine to Shadow's chosen word I guess most American fans will be a little shocked at my choice. For those that don't know words like damn, hell, bloody hell etc. aren't swear words in the UK so seemed a little tame to me to get such a reaction from Kyo. (It should be interesting to see what other translators have used and where they're from.)

New Fall Anime - Death Note

2006-10-05T21:34:00.000-04:00

Light Yagami and L

Well with the new fall anime season upon us, Death Note is at the top of my list. I highly reccomend the manga and I can only hope the anime will follow suit. I am extremely excited about this series that's for sure and alos can't wait to see the live action version as well. This project is animated by Madhouse, so I expect exceptional quality from the animation. Death Note is a story that centers around a high school student named Light Yagami who finds a notebook in which when he writes the name of an individual that person dies of a heart attack, unless otherwise specified. In anycase Light begins to murder criminals worldwide drawing the attention of the FBI as well as a world famous detective known only as L. This begins the deadly game of cat and mouse between Light and L as they each try to stay 10 steps ahead of the other. The dyanamics of the relationship between Light and L is simply thrilling to rad and I am sure will be exciting to watch. Add in a few more characters and Shinigami and well you have a whole lot of psychological fun. I hope everyone will at least give a couple of episodes a try.

Fruits Basket Chapter 133!

2006-10-04T11:48:00.000-04:00

(Sorry for the wait everyone!)

I've been really busy since starting back at school (its my final year before university) and I've had a chest infection too so I've not been able to work on anything recently.

1.
Merely a little time remains until the last…!!
The miracle of just me being projected in your eyes---

2.
Ah
It is Kyo-kun

I wonder if he’s
Going to return home!?
Perhaps I should try
Speaking to him!?

He has
A girlfriend?

Really!!?
G-girlfriend…
What girlfriend!!
Who is his
girlfriend!!

With Honda-san
of the
same class.

3.
Honda-san was injured
and was hospitalised
She couldn't make it for
the end of term.

Three minutes

Now she's likely taking
them late alone.

He’s likely waiting
for the end of it?
He just entered.

Bu…
But…
When is
it…
Maybe the time after Honda-san
had been discharged.
The two of them were stuck
together more than in
the past and when guys
teased them about it

Mm?
Now you two
have started
to go out?

Ahh
?

What
of it?

4.
Uwaaa
He said it like it was not something big!!
The kid said it like
it was not something big, you know!?

The man who transferred to the school
and on the first day became so nervous about
girls that he jumped out the window
said it like is was not something!!

A lot…
He had grown
a lot!!!

You are loud.

What’s happening?

Celebrate…
We must
celebrate.

Red bean rice…

We must make
red bean rice.

Don’t bother.

…they said.

………

Uwaaah
That is a great sho~ck.
It is the wor~st.

My dreams are broke
now he had become
someone’s~

My condolences.

5.
Times over.
Good work.

Ye……
s…

Thank you…
Very much…

How is it
to answer

Ye……

Yes…all I’ve got…
I tried to
give it…

You seem to
not have a lot
to give…

Then, you enjoy
the final high school
summer break

Eh…
Yes

…Ah
Oh yes
Honda

6.
At the Sohma house
recently…
Has something
happened…?

Eh…
Eh, ah
Wha!?
Something
with!?

N---…

…Something
yesterday

was doing
it pleasantly…

“pleasantly”…?
Kyo-kun and Yuki-kun
were?

EH
Uh-Uh huh
Thats so!!
The two of them!!

Well, well well
It is
regardless!!
Anyway, be
Careful going
Home!!

Ah…

7.
…?
If you ask
“has something happened”

Many things
happened
Especially the fact where
Akito-san is a woman

For
Everyone

A complete
surprise…

Right…

I’m just surprised
that you have
known about this.

True.

I…
I’m sorry
That
I wanted to say to you
But was not able
To say it…

…

Was it…
A shock?

“Shock”?

…Um

Which is it.
In any case…
I was
Surprised…

………

…I can’t say it well
because

A lot has happened…

…for me

All what I
didn’t know
I was quite
Rough with a female…
That is…
What I think.

But

9.
I feel relieved
slightly…

Nn?
Relieved…
with?

…How to say it
Having more
guys than who
already like you

It is troublesome…

*snort*
(coughing laugh sound*

…Oi

I’m not laughing…

I’m not laughing…

?

?

You are
Laughing…

It isn’t a
manly way to think…

I’ve become
aware also
That the air
between the two

Is more
gentle than
before.

10.

When I tried
Asking why

He beat the
shit out of me.
(I had to giggle at the literal translation of this. Yes I’m like a five year old sometime.)

Eh!!?

And the largest
screw in my
head went
flying

Eh!?

That guy is bad
so don’t speak
to him ever again.

Eh!!!

…ha

Joking.

11.

Kyo-kun

Is starting
to smile
much more.

It’s

!

The original way
Kyo-kun was I think

Kyo-kun…

Kyo…
Kyo-ku…

12.
Kyo-kun…

It is
It is…

Are you
a dog?

Were you
waiting
for me…!?

Ahh…
Well.
(Can you read the small text on the side? My scans are too blurry. I think its “that’s right” but I’m not sure.)

Thank you
Very much…

You didn’t become tired
waiting for me did you!?

Ah---
I’m ok.

I was playing basketball
at the end of the day
with the guys from class.
Its really hot but
they have lots of energy.

Ahaha

I recognized
that also

Everyone around keeps getting caught
by Kyo-kun being such a way.

(Can’t make out this either.)

Therefore
it’s a miracle.

Compared to the crowd
for further studies
the crowd for job hunting
is taking things
really easy.
(Here too)

13.

Really…
And…
I too…

I must…
Hang in there…
With job activities…

……

Hey

You…

Uh

Y-
Yes?

………
well

No. Already
I’ll…
Speak to you later.

?

That however...
while
job activities
are good

after all
Summer vacation
starts soon,
a lot

a lot

14.
Lets go out
Together.

…
…Ye

Yes!!
A lot…
Yes!!

Ok.
(bluryness)

Ah,

Uo-chan
And Hana-chan
Said that they would
Like to come the
First time we went out.

Ohhhh~~…

…I
I suppose it can’t
be helped.

They are like parents
For you aren’t they…

15.
Miracle.

That I can
be here

by Kyo-kun’s
side.

For the miracle

much much

to
continue

if possible
always

I want to give more power for it.

Connecting hands

together

walking.

16.
Because it is most definitely
Not a “given”.

With this
I have
no regrets

When my time will come now
it matters not.

Th…
Th th-th That’s not
Good. You should
Not say that…
Sort of thing…

That’s right.
This isn’t a
Matter to laugh at!!

It isn’t a
Joke when you
Say about that!!

Ahaha

To laugh in such
A refreshing way--!!

17.
Please Shishou…
After all this
Is not the end…
It is the
“beginning”
Finally…

That’s right
That’s right
Also

If the two of them become married
And had a child, it would
Be your grandchild…
A grandchild
Right!?

“Grandpa~”
Right!!?

*Gr*
*and*
*pa♥*

I will still
Do my best…
A thing of pleasure. Don’t you think?

Y-yes
A thing of pleasure.
-> (can’t read tiny squiggles after the second character.)

Iya~
(Don’t know that kanji. ><) Oi… Just worked it out. ->
Ah—
I have to
Clean the
Floor.

18.
.........
You’re all stupid…

Isuzu-sa…
Ah

Isuzu-san…

…
What is
she upset about?
He…

Everyone and everything

Are not
in the same
state.

19.
Various

Things happened…

Why…

Is it possible
to be like
nothing happened?

Even Kyo

Various
Hateful things

Have been done

Even Tohru…

Was hurt
So much

The
Scar…

Won’t go for
A lifetime right!?

20.
I…
I

Forgiving and not forgiving
Between those

I won’t forgive
Akito

I won’t forgive…

I’m not saying she should
kneel on the ground
Being apologised to
would make me troubled

I’m not saying
that.

I’m not saying
such a thing…

Am I bad?

Am I
Mistaken?

Why can everyone
Just cut off something?

Why…
…

Whatever I do

21.
…The pain in my chest

Won’t go…

Various things

happened

Various things

ended

A variety

of pains

remain.

“It’s difficult
for me to explain.”

Like magic
It doesn’t suddenly

Simply
Go away

It could be

22.
There are pains
that

aren’t able to be
revealed in everyone’s
heart now.

Isuzu-san is…

not bad
in any
way.

In my place
to feel hurt
for what
happened to me

I’m very happy.

I’m very happy…

…

……
…I wonder

If Haru

Will be
unsupportive…?

23.
To say such
a thing so occasionally
maybe

he will begin
to dislike me…

Su
Such a
thing cannot
be!!

There is no
way to tell…

No, there is no way
to find out!!
Such a thing
cannot be!!

How are you
so sure…
you’re
irritating…

I understand,
I’ll go and ask
Hatsuharu-san effective
immediately.

No. Stupid.
Stop!!

They’re
Playing…?

Time

24.

I think it is necessary;

a large

large quantity of

time.

Today you went
to Ren-san’s
place it seems

but you weren’t
able to form much
of a conversation, I heard.

It would
probably be quicker
to expel her

...well
You’ve only
just decided to continue
to stay here

It might have
made things
increasingly worse…

25.
Young people…
are good

Simply being
able to change
the way they live

Having the vigor
And the physical strength

I…

Was born with the Sohmas
and brought up with the Sohmas
And don’t know another way of living

Than with the
Sohmas…

But
I…
I have become
this old

…Being this old,
after so long a time
40 years

50 years
60 years have
been spent building
my life

To change after so long
a time is not possible.
To change

I

26.
…I

have become

old…

now also…

Everything…

It changes

It is unreasonable…

Even then
just a little
is necessary

If

You stretch
out a hand.

27.
In the way
that

someone did
for me.

Tomorrow.

28.
On the day after tomorrow

everything will be
settled completely

is a sad lie.

Everyone everyone
feeling good

to line up
and smile comfortably

is still

a distant dream.

But

29.
No matter how many years

Spending many
tens of years

I want it to keep melting

Without abandoning it
I would like to endeavour.

sigh---….

There might be a
little trouble with
so many women
having Tohru
as their favourite…

30.
And, if
you laugh

That

Is happiness.

Banner: It is good not to hurry. Everyone, little by little moves forward.

Scans thanks to BW, hosted by myself:
http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/Seph-Noir/Fruits%20Basket%20chapter%20133/

Miyazaki returns

2006-09-18T17:44:00.000-04:00

This year we're lucky enough to have the chance to see another classic anime film re-released in all it's digital beauty. Manga Entertainment have outdone themselves this time by picking a true masterpeice by Miyazaki.
For those of us that are somewhat veterans to anime films, Lupin the III is probably one that is easily recognised by lovers of all genres. Even those who haven't yet seen Lupin in action are probably familiar with the name.

Credited by Steven Spielberg as "one of the greatest adventure movies of all time", The Castle of Cagliostro really lives up to the title.
Master thief Lupin III does it again when he manages to steal a fortune in counterfeit money from a casino, only to find the plates that were used to print it all is worth even more. He tracks the source to the small country of Cagliostro, Europe.
Typical Lupin instantly jumps in and tries to stop the monarchs marriage to the last Princess of the country when he sees it's a beautiful girl. Enticed even more by the fact that the girl is linked to the possible fortune, Lupin becomes quickly involved in rescuing the bride-to-be a number of times.
Of course as always we get to see Fujiko in action as well as Lupin's other outlaw accomplices.

I've seen this film both recently, and back when I first started watching anime when I wasn't even in my teens, and nothing had changed when it comes to my feelings about this film. No matter what age you are this film really draws you in, and now with the digitally remastered special edition DVD from Manga Entertainment even those who might've been put off by the somewhat "old school" animation can enjoy it more. The double sided DVD comes with great extras and now with even more language options.
This is definitely a must for all those in love with Miyazaki and Lupin.

Fruits Basket chapter 132!

2006-09-05T09:44:00.000-04:00

The end begins...

Finally have decent scans, translation coming as I do it.
DO NOT COPY OR REPRINT. IF YOU WANT TO USE THIS TRANSLATION, ASK FIRST!
And a note to anyone trying it; if you request the account information for my Photobucket accounts, it gets sent to my email address...idiots. Is it really that hard for you to email me and ask?

Key:
Kyo
Haru
Ritsu
Hatori
Yuki
Hiro
Akito
Kagura
Momiji
Ayame
Shigure
Ren

Chapter 132
1.
Two bodies that are impatient
Finally… the last chapter arrives!!!

2.
From the beginning
it was clear he was
unconcerned being alone.

That strangely
irritating equal.

Shigure
Am I
your lover?

3.
I wanted you to turn
and see me.

4.
Every member has
collected here to wait?

Yeah…
As for Aya-nii…
he's somewhere.

Oh…

Yuki
What’s wrong
with Shigure.

Did he not come?

He was
home this morning...

...so

The adults
will not calm down,
don't you think...

E...!!!

5.
I appologise
I appologise
For being a
useless adult I
appologise!!

...
Then, why do you not
stop dressing as a woman...?

Hiiiii
I appologiiiise!!

Ritsu has
not changed...

Like Akito

said to us,
we have collected
however,
Akito has known

already hasn't he?
...of us all.

That
somehow

6.
The air seems like
it is going cold.

...Hi

...

Hi

It is not!!!

Uwa
Wh-what
is it?

*Hug*

Ah no.
It's unbareable to watch.
It's unbareable to watch.
What's the matter now.
Somehow many things
seem saddening!!!

7.
*flash*

Fickleness
is

bad

Wh...
wrong

Is bad

Is bad♪

Accomplices!?
You're
accomplices!?

8.
...It's alright

At least,
I do not think we have
...become cold
with one another.
...I was
frightened.
If the curse
was broken.

We would...become
unusual around
one another.

It's alright...
I'll always
find you pretty...

E, a, yes.
Thank you.
Rin is looking.
Really she is looking!!

9.
Thats is correct
Yuki...
I am constantly
over-seeing you
ever so much...

...No, that
being spoken by a
person who was gone before now.

Welcome back...

Do not fear
little brother.
It will not
become unusual. After all,
there is a saying
left by our ancestors.
That "there is no reason for fear
if we all visit the
red light district together"!

{Can't see what Haru is saying to Rin in that little bubble even by enlarging the screen on the Hana to Yume site. If anyone can get a good view on their pc of it please let me know.}

If every one has been
freed together, everyone
will be feeling fresh together. Then

What ever happens, it is true
that my beauty will not
be damaged and you
can pay your
respects to that!

That is what you most had to say?

Lovely...!!
Aya-niisan...!!

10.
What...?
Akito hasn't
come yet...

Where have you been wandering, Kyonkichi?

E!?
No...
This is only...
the second time
I've come

to the mian house...

I see, I see.
When it comes to a person as common as Kyonkichi
this estate has much elegance and lavishness
though do not fear,
you should wander around
and not hesitate!!

You are not the owner of the building
so it's a rather
domineering outlook, right...

In special occasion you may bring the slippers home.

That is theft...

Nii-san is
quite a thing...
Instead of being worried about
how to treat Kyo who has been
cursed by the cat

He is insulting
as usual...?
It is...

11.
Everyone

If it may do

Akito has
finished with
the preparation...

12.

13.
...

Hatori...

As for Shigure?

...
It is not known

...A

Akito-san...
Never
in the same
hobby as me...

It is different...

As for this...

14.
Present

Commemorating the separation

15.
............

I hate you...!!

Ow...

I hate you...
I hate you lots

When I thought!!

When I thought
Shigure most is

Owww

I knew you'd
throw me away
most easily!!

I hate you...
I hate you

I hate you lots!!

Who

16.
said anything about
"throwing you away"

.........
...S

"Separation"

You are able to
"separate" with the person
your father wanted.

You are going to
change to a new you,
right?
Therefore in
commemoration

A present

...Congratulations

Welcome
the new you

17.
How you choose to live
starting now

It is a pleasure

...

You all...
finally

returned to
your own...
way

I...

...

will return to
my own...
way

You all
are free

...However
late it is

until now

18.
Until...

now...

Tormenting

So......

......

.........

Only doing
terrible things

to them.

19.
From now on
how are you
going to
make amends?

...
It is noisy
say nothing...

Having concerned
yourself
with me
It is
an honour.

It is different!!

......
...

I......

I...
It is different.
Shigure

It's right
The one

forever

I was most fearful of...

20.
Still,
It felt like
Shigure was the one
most distant.

The one that was most impossible to tie down.
The one who was most without fear for me.

Whether the bond
was there or not.
You most
separated
from me.

If I had not been calm

and wandered around
I might have
exploded...

When I thought
I had you in hand

You went
to other people
fluttering.

Flying
away.

21.
...

Betrayer

That...
Bu

But
also,
you
also.

I am childish
and unfair.

I do not want
to be hurt.
I want to be
exempted from loss.

If I get a thing once
I don't want to let it
out my hand.
I do not want
any other to touch.

22.
......

It is correct.
If you are not going to accept me

The time for it
is now.

It is because
of you that I
have learnt to compromise
slightly.

You can go beforehand
to escape.

...A

If you
come near me
once more...

23.
It is understood, don't you think?

...cruel

Unfair
Quite like Shigure
was not doing wrong at all.

He really is
childish.

That habit

Looking like
even alone

he was
unconcerned.

Irritating

Makes me want you to turn
and see me.

That

24.
whole body
I want to swallow it all.

In my cells
In my bones.

Deep.

Penetrating
deeply.

Swallowing him and spreading with him.
Making him full of my smell.

Until he can
breathe no more.

25.
This feeling

Desire

Does it overflow from a woman? .

..Everyone

was suprised.

It was
difficult.

I tried
to appologise but

It was not possible.

To put it into words

It was as if
I was saying
"And with that
it does end."

26.
I...
still

will keep living
as a Sohma.

I think
that there are

things that
should be done.

To find

a way to protect
their true freedom.

Even with this
I’m

The leader of the main house
therefore...

27.
...Therefore
one other person

I must

speak with
Ren also...

"Get out"

In other words

You would like me
to be with you
in that kind of life?

...

Are you
angry?

...

Slightly

But
then

I’ve been
waiting
always
always

For you to come once more.

28.
It took some time.

...It suits you.

You are beautiful.

It gives me

goosebumps.

29.
He is turning
and seeing me.

...I love

I love......

I love you

30.
If you continue
to seek me.

Banner:
Until the day that the spirit mixes... a new promise just for those two...

Chapter 133 - 20th September.

Scans:
http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/Seph-Noir/Fruits%20Basket%20chapter%20132/
{Scans from Wang-comic, hosted by yours truely.}

In Memory of Steve Irwin 1962 - 2006

2006-09-04T21:36:00.000-04:00

Steve Irwin - The Crocodile Hunter

This morning was a sad and tragic day for Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, who took a fatal wound to the heart from a barb of a sting ray. We here at Otaku Corner would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin as well as to the the Australia Zoo family. Steve Irwin showed the worldwide community the importance of conserving wildlife and the natural resources of the planet. Through Steve's eyes we saw the beauty and majesty of nature, as well as respect for all wildlife. May his life lessons live on thoughout the worldwide community, and let the memories he left behind bring hope for the future of all God's creatures. Steve we will miss you, and we love you and we wish you the best as you embark on the next journey of what will always be an incredible and remarkable life.

Sorry For no updates

2006-08-25T20:26:00.000-04:00

Hi Everybody,

Sorry for my lack of Updates but my internet has been out since before my weekend at Otakon, so it's been very difficult and I still am having problems. I have a serious Beef with Comcast because they suck and are totally useless. Anyway I start the nursing program on Monday and may not have much time, but there are picks I want to share with you guys from Otakon and show u some of the autographs I got especially from the very Sexy Yuri Lowenthal and Patrick Seitez...woo hoo, love you Pat....ahem anyway hopefully sometime soon Comcast will find the time to fix my internet problems til then I have to wait for little windows when my internet does work so I usually only have enough time to check email and stuff. Hope to be updating soon,

Otaku

Away for a few days...

2006-08-18T18:30:00.000-04:00

Just to let everyone know I'll be out of touch for about five or six days as of Sunday. I'm going on holiday and it looks like I won't be able to get access to the net.
So, that means I won't be able to respond to your emails. I'f you email me after tomorrow chances are you won't be getting a reply until next Saturday or so.

And, just a special little treat for you, to keep you all going until the 5th...Ready?

It is the final chapter!!
Fruits
Basket
Takaya Natsuki
The solution to release the curse in the Sohma house

The last line is something about a visit but the kanji is too blurry to read. So it's likely going to be about their meeting Akito arranged that week when Kyo, Yuki and Haru were on the roof talking.
If anyone has a better image please send it. The Kanji is so small it's very hard to read if blurry.

After reading Shadow's Lj I definitely have to agree with her. I never noticed it before but the character they use here for "chapter" is different than the "chapter" used for each installment of the manga.
Meaning; this isn't the literal final chapter, but the final part of the manga. Yes, the conclusion to the series is starting with 132, and may not be just one chapter long.

Funimation New License

2006-08-05T22:24:00.000-04:00

Funimation at there panel today announced today that they have the rights to The First Season, Second Season and OVA of School Rumble. Geneon made no new announcements for titles. Unfortunetly I was unable to get to see a preview of the new Ultimate Hellsing show was well as they were turning people away from the line....boo hoo hoo.

Funimation Fruits Basket Paper Crane Update

2006-08-05T07:39:00.000-04:00

I forgot to mention this last night, but somebody had asked the question at the Funigirls panel what became of the paper cranes. They answered that they had recieved 8000 paper cranes and that one was a riceball made of 1000 very tiny paper cranes. Anyway as of now they have not shipped them as they stated that fans had requested not to mail them yet because they also wanted to have a chance to send in there paper cranes. In anycase now that they are done collecting Funimation is in the process of deciding which production company to send the cranes to. So as of yet they have NOT mailed them out. So Fruits Basket Fans there is still a small glimmer of hope for a second season. Well on my way for the second day of the Otakon Experience, so I will update soon.

Small Otakon Update

2006-08-04T22:29:00.000-04:00

Makoto Tateno at Otakon

Hello Everybody this is your weary blogger, thought I would quickly tell you a little something something about Otakon. I waited two hours in the pre-reg line because my bro and cuz decided last minute that they would also like to attend, so I purchase badges for them as well. I hopefully will be able to take a pic of the badges later. I attended a couple of panels really. First was Yellow author Makoto Tateno, whom this lucky gal got to take a picture with. I then attended the Madhouse panel where I got to see previews for there new anime Red Line and Highlander, both which seemed really interesting. Next I attended the Funigirls panel where I got some great swag including a Kodacha DVD. I briefly got to go through the Dealer's room as it was packed and I barely got to see the wares for sale, but hopefully tommorrow. As for license, Funigirls declared that Funimation will be annoucing a major license tommorrow, and rumor is the Honey and Clover, Nana and Ouran High School Host Club have all been licensed, just not by Funimation. Hopefully I will find out tommorrow. Well That's all folks, I am pretty beat and I barely touched the surface of Otakon. I hope I can update and get better pics for you tommorrow. This is like a two second video I took, which you can view at http://s77.photobucket.com/albums/j55/Otaku29/?action=view&current=otakon2006026.flv
It's nothing much just a quick look at the lobby.

P.S - Funigirls mentioned that Trinity Blood will be airing on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim slot. So stay tuned for it's arrival to T.V.

Fruits Basket Chapter 131!

2006-08-04T10:31:00.000-04:00

An ancient story is revealed...

{I'm doing it in a different way this time. Catalyste is away too so can't do a translation for Gaia so I'm taking over and doing a trans/summary mix. And with the amount of text in this one it really doesn't make much difference. Thank you so much to Yoshiko who helped a lot with this translation. I struggled a lot with so much text on some pages. *Loves the end, so little words*}

DO NOT COPY OR REPRINT. IF YOU WANT TO USE THIS TRANSLATION, ASK FIRST!

Once a long time ago,
there was a man.
For as long as he could remember he had always always
been by himself.
If he climbed down the mountain,
he knew that he would meet people,
but chose to be by himself.

The one who is at the top, normally is alone.
Having the strength of a thousand men.
Having the lives of a thousand men.
That man having a thousand memories,
he knew that he was different from other people.

This man was
afraid of other people.
He was afraid of getting hurt.
While he had so many powers,
he was afraid of
this self that he knew was so different from the world.

And so to him
a cat came one day.
This was a sudden encounter with another visiting him.
The cat bowed his head and said.
"I have been following you for some time."

"You have a most unusual aura,
I can't help but be drawn to you.
I realise I am but a stray cat
but won't you please let me stay by your side?
Please "God"."
Since then
as he said, the cat
never left the man's side.
He never left for a moment
and that made God so very happy that

a thought came to him.
"Perhaps, I can get along with them
if it was a being other than human.
If it is with beings who have had similar experiences,
then we can have a fun banquet."
And so, God wrote out many invitations.

In return, twelve animals
arrived to see God.
Following that,
the thirteen animals and and God had a banquet each night in the moonlight.
Singing and dancing,
and laughing with each other.

At the banquet, for the first time, God laughed out loud.
Even the moon quietly watched
over the beings who did not look human.
However, after some time
the cat collapsed.
He was ill
and there was nothing they could do.
Every one of them cried.
Every one of them realised

eventually, everyone would die.
The banquet would end.
No matter how fun it was.
No matter how much you love them.
Eventually.
Then
God
cast
one spell.
He drew a cirlce in the water with his finger.
He had the cat take a sip of water.
Then he turned to everyone else and said.
"Let us make our friendship"

"last for eternity.
Even when we die,
let us be bound by our friendship for eternity.
No matter how many times we die,
no matter how many times we are reborn,
again, in the same way
no matter how many times,
let us have another banquet.
Everyone getting along
for all of time.
Let us be in enternal bliss."

Everyone nodded in agreement
and the rat took the first sip.
Then was the ox,
the tiger,
then the rabbit.
In their turn
the water was divided equally.
At the end, when the last drop was gone
The cat began to gasp.
"God,
God, why
did you make me drink that?
God, I
do not want eternity."

"I do not want eternal bliss."
Those
were unthinkable words to say.
To God and all the other animals
it was rejecting words.
Everyone was sad to hear them
and they all turned against the cat.
Even so, that cat said,
"God, God, even though you are frightened,
let us accept that all things end.
Even though it is sad,
let us accept that life ends."

"God, even though it was just for a short time, I
was happy being by your side.
If I
were to die, be reborn
and meet you again,
The next time rather than in the moonlight
I want to see you smile in the sunlight.
The next time I meet you,
I want to see you laughing surrounded with people."
And for the last time the cat raised his tail and died peacefully.

But none of the animals cared about the cat anymore.
Because everyone felt they had been betrayed by the cat.
After that, one by one,
they all died.
In the end, the dragon died last
and so God was alone once more.

And eventually,
even the day came that God died too.
However, he was not afraid
because his promise to everyone supported him.
"Again.
We will have a banquet again.
Once again
many times,
always
unchanging.
No matter how alone I am right now."

"On the other side of that promise everyone is waiting for me."
Now this is a story
from a time long ago.
It is the first memoryeveryone has forgotten.
The first promise.

The story ends and we return to Yuki and Machi where we left them in thelast chapter. Yuki is still crying from the loss of his rat spirit as Machi worries about him.

"President...?"
"Sorry...
Sorry, all of a sudden.
It's just
...I just separated
from someone I have
always been with...
Though we were always together,
it was always so painful together...
Such a burden..."

"And now that
we have parted,
this is my reaction.
I'm being so unfair."
"Can you...
not
see that person again...?"
"Yes.
We will never meet.
I know it...."
"Goodbye."
"In exchange
he has given me
my "freedom"."

Yuki stops speaking and steps forward, hugging Machi, knowing he's beenfreed from the curse now. She blushes shocked as Yuki speaks once more.

"I'm sorry...
You
probably do not understand.
What I wanted to talk to you about
was
different from this. But"

"...right now,
this is enough..."
"Ah,
um.
Actually,
there was
something I
wanted to
ask you..."
"What is it...?"
"Can I call you
...by your first name?"
"Of course.
Say it."
"...Yu
ki..."

As she says his name, Yuki runs his thumb over her lower lip and she looks up at him.

"...Say it again."
"...Yu
Yuki..."

As she says it once more Yuki leans down and kisses her. {At last!}

"However many times you want..."
The first
promise,

Since when did it
become a "curse"?

We cut to Kyo and Tohru who are at Kazuma's house. Kyo showing Kazuma hisbeadless wrist. It takes him a minute to realise what it means before pulling Kyo into a hug.

Since when did it
become a "burden"?

We see Haru and Rin appear, Tohru realising everyone is free now, not justKyo.

When everyone was happy
and struggled to part.

We see Tohru as she realises that Akito must have also felt the curse beinglifted. She begs Kyo then Kazuma to go to the main house with her to see Akito.

Love
should have been there.
Time has gone by,
people have changed
and it became something that has made people suffer.

Together, the three of them go off to see Akito.

I'm sorry
I'm very sorry.
But,
there is something I want to say to you for trying to keep the promise.
Although it is not the promise that was originally made,
to all those who kept it,
what I most, most want to say to you is:

Thank you.
Thank you.

We see Kami once last time as we go to Tohru standing before Akito's room. The door opens and Akito reaches out, grabbing Tohru by her top and pullingher inside. The door shuts behind her and Kazuma laughes.

The far far story,
the very first memory that everyone forgot.
The story of when the cat's words came true
was much

much,
much
later.

Inside the room we see Tohru and Akito hugging. The cat below them being petted by Kami.

Banner: The time when the Cat's words reached the heart of God, the far far banquet ended at last. A new today from yesterday comes to God at last.

Next chapter: 5th of September in Issue 19.

My Thoughts:
I loved the begining of this chapter. It was so nice to see the full story of the zodiac at last. Especially the real Rooster and Dragon. I feel so sad for Kami, he loved the cat so much that he tried to do something nice for his friend but in the end it was the wrong thing to do. He reminds me of Akito in a lot of ways, he still has that child-like character that we see in Akito; afraid of being alone and not knowing what the right thing is to do.
I would've liked to see more explanation as to how the story that Tohru knows came about. Why it was only the rat that hated the cat in the story and none of the others.
It would've been nice to see some explanation as to why the Sohma's were the ones cursed. I think it's possible Kami was a Sohma in the very begining.
If he was a Sohma then it makes sense that he would be reborn into his own family. He had to come from somewhere so must have had some kind of family. Perhaps in the village down the mountain?
I hope it's explained more later.
I really would've liked to see more with Yuki and Machi in this chapter. We had so much on Kyo and Tohru leading up to their kiss, granted Yuki and Machi aren't as major as the other pairing but it would've been nice to see a little more.
He also will never now know if Machi had accepted him. Of course she probably would have considering this is a shojo but we'll never really know, will we?
I can't wait to see them all together in the next chapter. I'm hoping it won't be a Akito/Tohru centric chapter. We've already had them really talk it out for a good three chapters, there's nothing more to say with them so hopefully if Akito has to say anything she'll say it with the other's around.
Now we know there's going to be another chapter, this really raises the possibility of there being another volume. There's never been a seven chapter volume so hopefully we'll have another five chapters after 132.
If we do I'd personally like to see some really good future scenes to see what everyone gets up to.

Scans found here courtesy of BillWang, Hana to Yume etc:
http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/Seph-Noir/Fruits%20Basket%20chapter%20131/

Please email me. Do not ask me to email you in comments I do not check comments every day, only emails.

Neko Fan Book Short Stories.

2006-07-28T07:39:00.000-04:00

Thanks to FG2 for getting the scans, so I can finally translate this.

Shigure's "I can't take it so stop please".

Tohru "The wrapping paper from the end of the year gift for Shigure...is really pretty.
Even throwing the string away is a waste...I wonder if I can find a use for it..."
{And so she ties her hair up with it. ><}
"There is a use afterall.
There's no problem using the string as a ribbon...
So I'll wear it for school tomorrow...."
{Shigure comes in and grabs Tohru.}
Shigure "I'll get you some...!!" Tohru "Huh!?" Shigure "I'll get you some so spare me please...!!"
<Undeniable blood

When Ayame and Mine got out, Ayame normally puts on Mine's shoesfor her.
Student girl "That's really worrying!"
Student girl 2 "Its every time you know?! Every time!! It's reallyembarassing to watch!!"
The girls are regular customers
Student girl 2 "Mine is mine but the owner is the owner too!! Are they stupid? Little brother {otouto-kun} since you've come youshould warn them about it."
Yuki "*laughs* "Is it really that strange as to talk so much about it? "
"I think, I'm likely to do the same thing."
Ayame "What is this. You seem like you had a flaw in your awareness pointed out and are shocked, my little brother."

<"That that" Dear

Hana "Kyo, what is you father interested in? What is it he likes?"
Kyo "This girl, why hasn't she given up yet. I don't care what mighthappen; I'm going to stop her!! Even if it means I have to lie!! "
"Sorry Hanajima..."
Hana "Sorry?"
Kyo "Shishou hates women who dress all in black most!! Take that!!"
Hana "I see. *Laughs*"
Kyo "You act like its not your problem!! I'm talking about you!!What's with the laugh!!"

<Is it alright to draw someone so happy {When the actual story islike this} Chapter 74

Arisa "He seems like he wouldn't notice even if he stepped in dogpoo."
That is how Uo spoke of Kureno.If she actually saw him like that,how would she feel?
Arisa "Ah Kureno, You stepped in dog poo."
Kureno "Ah you're right, I didn't notice." *Laughs* I need to paymore attention."
Arisa "I really like this idiot."
Ah, she seems she's fine with it.

<Silence and no chance to speak.

Ayame "Did you know, Shigure, the reason Hatori and everyone else can't appear on the Drama CD!! It's come to "because he doesn't speak" It really is the end of the world!!"
Shigure "And Ayame speaks so much it gets out of hand so he can't appear."
Ayame "That's when I realised something!! If the problem is not speaking then force him to speak!! In other words, have him read a stroy book!!
Book title "Momotarou" peach boy.
Ayame "But you know!! If Hatori, who doesn't normally speak, were to read this long book and have his lovely voice go hoarse, that would be the biggest event of the Sohma family!!
So, I shall read in Hatori's place and have my voice go hoarse instead!! Once upon a time, it was surprising because an old man and an old woman was there!!"
Shigure "Why is it a fairy tale?"
Hatori "Read it quietly."
Ayame "Copy that Hatori!!"

<As long as there is love.

Today as well, Ritsu and Mitsuru have gone on a date.
Mitsuru "The wind is cold today isn't it."
Ristu "It is, maybe Hanabie has come back. Mitsuru, if you want, my shawl...ah."
"I came out wearing a furisode again without thinking!! Thank goodness. Mitsuru isn't the type of woman to worry about small mistakes."
Mitsuru "Why does he wear a furisode all the time. Its true I've not asked about his gender, but I thought he was a man, maybe truthfully...but that couldn't be likely."
Ritsu "Ah, look there are sakura over there."
Mitsuru "You're right. Lets go over and have a closer look."
They seem very happy.

<Although they are like this, they are still top of their class.

Kakeru "Lately you seem to be getting along well with Machi, but I can't admire two timing Yunyun."
Yuki "I'm not two timing."
Machi "It is not adding up."
Kakeru "I can't turn away, not as a big brother."
Yuki "Not only brother, but Kakeru too. Why do they want to act like big brothers when its about non important things.There are other things arne't there?"
Kakeru "If you are a man then you should make a clear declaration. Machi or me!!"
Yuki "You?!"
Kimi "Its Kimi isn't it? Yunyun."
Nao "It's not important so get back to work!!!"

Honey and Clover II - Episode 2

2006-07-24T20:17:00.000-04:00

Well I thought I would try something new, I have never posted and episode summery before, so I thought I would try one for my favorite series. If people enjoy it I shall continue with the episodes for Honey and Clover II. The reason I am starting with episode 2 is because episode 1 was basically a recap episode of Season 1. Episode 2 starts of with cute little Hagu suffering from some serious hiccups. Shuji tells her the best way to get rid of hiccups is to stretch her neck over the glass and drink water from the opposite side of the glass. Meanwhile Morita comes in and notices Hagu's hiccups and scares her by saying that if she hiccups 100 times she will die. As Hagu continues to hiccup Morita begins to count her hiccups for her, to the point that she runs away scared that she will die with Morita hot on her heals keeping up the count. Takemoto standing by a fountain witnesses Morita chasing Hagu and clothes lines him...lol. Takemoto then learns from Hagu that Morita was teasing her about her hiccups. Takemoto then fills a glass with water and places chopsticks on top forming an X, telling Hagu to drink water from all of the four quadrants; this leads to her hiccups stopping. Immediately after Hagu becomes embaressed and shy and runs off. Takemoto notes how Hagu does not hang around with him no more since he made his confession of his feeling towards her, regardless however Takemoto clains he feels no regret for telling her. All the while Hagu as returned to her studio and has begin crying.

We next cut to Rika and Yamada, who is be treated to a giant sundae by Rika for all her hard work. Meanwhile Yamada stares at Rika wondering how she looks in Mayama eyes. When they return back to Rika's home and the office of Harada design, Mayama sees to there immeidate needs and Yamada comments that Mayama acts much like how a mother would act, which is something Mayama does not want to hear. Mayama then insists that Rika retire to her bedroom to rest because she was working all night and day. This leaves Mayama alone with Yamada asking her what she would like to eat for dinner. Yamada then asks Mayama what he and Rika often discuss, Mayama says that they only talk about work or the weather. Meanwhile Yamada has grown a devils wings and tail and mentions that Rika and Mayama have been together for years now and that's all they talk about.

We next cut to Morita resting against a tree(obviously done tormenting Hagu for the day....lol). Morita's brother Kaoru then shows up asking Morita how work went, to which Mortia hands Kaoru a large pile of cash. Kaoru the goes on to tell Morita that he will never be able to be like the people thet attend the college, going on to mention that there is also no one like there father who had a great talent. Morita the asks Kaoru what's the point, Kaoru replies nothing at all and then he goes on to say that there fund is almost reached it's goal. Meanwhile as Morita thinks about Hagu and Takemoto he ensures his brother that he understands. Meanwhile on campus Yamada is asking Shuji what he and Rika would discuss. Shuji comments that he would often just read to Rika and tell her stories about what he read. It got to the point that Shuji would go to the library and read like crazy just to tell Rika all these stories, this often lesd to him being praised by his teachers for studying hard. Shuji then inquires why Yamada wants to know this information, to which Yamada responds that she wanted to know what she can talk about with Rika. Shuji then tells her not to worry that the more Rika likes a person the less she will talk with them. Shuji's words disturb Yamada as she walks home, as she thinks on how little Mayama and Rika speak. The next day at Harada designs as Yamada and Mayama are discussing work, Rika immediately gets up and excuses herself as she is suffering from hiccups. In the kitchen Rika tries to try drinking water the way Harada taught her (the same way Shuji taught Hagu), however it's not working at all. Meanwhile Mayama comes into the kitchen and notices that the front of her shirt is soaked with water, noticing her hiccups Mayama mixes some sugar and water and gives it to Rika to drink, which she does, and surprise her hiccups stop. Meanwhile oblivious to Rika and Mayama, poor Yamada is standing by the opening to the kitchen witnessing the exchange. Yamada flashes back to when she was standing on the roof with Morita and she told him that she would be working with Rika at Harada designs. Morita calls her a fool for doing this and that she will only end up crying, he then tells her that if she needs to burn the image of both of them together in her eyes the so be it, he goes on to say that if this is what she need to do to get over her feelings for Mayama, then for her to go do what she needs to do. Back to the present a depressed Yamada runs to the phone and orders extra super large portions of take out. This shocks Mayama who tells her that it's 11:30 at night who can eat all that. Meanwhile Yamada scarfs down the food saying she needs the energy to do her best and the weather has been getting colder, commenting that she will eat the leftovers of Rika and Mayama's portions. As Yamada walks home she tries to convince herself that her heart won't break, but then Morita's words on the rooftop come back to her, telling her to go and cry, cry as much as her heart will alow. Yamada then breaks into tears, saying that she will never tell Mayama how Rika really feels about him, that he can figure it out himself and that he is nothing but a fool.

My Thoughts

Wow, where to begin. I have to say I am loving Takemoto's new found confidence, and how he's not a push over anymore to Morita's antics. Takemoto was really heroic in saving Hagu, but I feel sorry for him since his confession has made things awkward for him and Hagu. Hagu's tears were also heart wrenching because I am not sure what she exactly feels for Takemoto, friendship or something more. As for Yamada she has made a very painful choice here working at Harada designs. I think what Morita said to her on the roof rings true, that she is a fool, but if seeing Rika and Mayama together will help her move on, then more power to her. As for Rika and Mayama, that is a coupling that I never really liked to begin with. I also think that Mayama should be a little more sensitive to Yamada's feelings when dealing with Rika, but I guess this is the only way to help Yamada get over him. Anyway leave me your thoughts and comments.

P.S - Please excuse my job on screencaps and what not this is basically my first time trying to attempt something this ambitious, I was really trying hard to have them posted side by side, so I resized a lot of them. Just click on the screen cap to get a better look. Sorry :(

Fruits Basket Chapter 130!

2006-07-18T15:35:00.000-04:00

Dreams do come true...

There is something I want to tell you.
Not just with words, but my fingers that can touch.

We open on the day Akito went to see Tohru. Akito tells Tohru how she was jealous of her, becuase her heart is so much more beautiful than her's is. Tohru tells her that she's not beautiful and should spit things by such things like beauty. She tells Akito that if she is beautiful then so is Akito. She carries on to say it was nearly painful how innocent and pure Akito was, by crying about how lonely and frightened she was.
She gets up from her hospital bed, telling her that she's someone who'd tried to break appart the world Akito was hoping for. She says it doesn't matter if it was right or wrong, but the fact that Akito was hurt so badly. She goes to continue but the flash back ends.

Cut to Akito as we left her last time, knowing Kyo has been freed.

Tohru calls Kyo's name, and steps back in shock to see Kyo looking the same. Once again we see the word goodbye as Akito looks up at the sky looking sad, feeling the loss of the cat. She slumps down onto her knees saying to Akira that it's ok now. She says that now she is no longer god or special, that she is going to be just Akito, its ok now.
Ok for her to begin her own life. She beins to cry and says how she's frightened and in pain and has no redeeming features.

We see goodbye appear once more as Kyo, also upset, reaches for his beads. He rips them off as Tohru also begins to cry quickly followed by Kyo. And again we see goodbye as Kyo looks up crying.

It isn't the end however, it seems the cat has been the catalyste for a chain reaction in the curse.
We skip to Ayame in the shop, he drops the book he's reading as he calls for Mine. She appears asking if he wants more tea or something as dinner won't be for a little while more. As she speaks he gets to his feet and hugs her from behind. He tells her he was born becuase he wanted to love her and now he can finally say it to her. We leave them as Mine begins to cry, seeing the words goodbye everyone as we go to the next Jyuniishi.

Ritsu drops a flower pot and his mother, jumpy as usual, asks him if he's ok and if he's hurt.

It says how parting is sad and over to Kisa who ceases play with Hiro and Hinata when she drops the mogeta doll crying.

It says that things like partings are the begining of meetings as Kagura out shoping stops in the street, looking up as she feels the spirit leave her.

It continues, saying also that when there are endings there are beginings. But those aren't things she wants to hear.
Rin is crying, with Haru who says how in its own way it's really somewhat sad. As we see Akito saying to cry with them Haru hugs Rin.

Hatori stops in the estate as Akito says that if nothing can be done about it at least cry together, looking down as we see Akito bent over on the floor.
She says how her whole body feels like its crying out. Like its blaming her for losing all that it held.

She says about the fear of living in the world once more as Shigure, one of the final ones, touches his chest as he stops walking. He says that this must be how it feels as we see Akito crying once more, saying with just a small bit of hope as her support let them cry with her.

Tohru and Kyo are hugging once more as Akito saying she wants to cry like the day she was first born into the world, Tohru still crying as we see a ghostly hand reach out to touch the flowers.

Back to the hospital visit with Akito and Tohru as Tohru finishes what she was saying earlier. Tohru tells her that she still wants to be friends with her. Akito tells her that she stubborn.

We IM with Akito once more now talking about Tohru. She says how she said believing in meetings and beginings from now on wasn't too late and that she smiled at her. She is sat on the floor, but looks up as the ghostly hand touches her head. At that moment she too is freed as the God spirit leaves her.

We cut to Yuki who in sat on a bench in town. He says how he feels odd and wonders if it's because he's nervous. Machi rushes up to him out of breath having rushed to get there appologising for being later and asks if he's waited for long.

{Just a note but the page after this is missing on my scans. But I was able to find someone online who had read it. I'll try to find it and add it to the scans later.}

He tells her it's ok, saying that she's not late and asks if she ran. Still out of break Machi denies it and Yuki laughs appologising for asking her to come out so suddenly.
Machi says its fine and said that he said he had something important he wanted to talk about. He tells her its something he definitely has to tell her.
He is cut off however as we see the God saying he's the last one.

The God thanks the little rat as Machi asks him what's wrong. He thanks him for keeping his old promise as Machi looks up worridly to see Yuki crying, the small rat going to the Gods hand to be picked up finally.

As Machi worries about him we see an image of the long haired god spirit with the rat in his/her hand taking him away, all the other animals behind saying thankyou and goodbye.

Banner: The twelve Jyuniishii's long banquet has come to an end. For the first time ever with lots of uncertainty and some hope they finally have their freedom.
Next insert Issue 17, 5th of August

My thoughts:
I really loved this chapter. It was good to see all the Jyuniishi again, espeically Ritsu after such a long time.
I'm glad we got to see what Aki and Tohru talked about at the hospital too and that Yuki/Machi moment too. Hopefully we'll see more of YuChi in the next chapter.
I think that the curse was definitely ended by the cat. No one had ever accepted the cat before, not even Kazuma's Grandpa's wife who married him out of pity. Maybe it was when the cat was finally accepted both into the family and by a lover the curse could be broken.
I'm hoping for an explanation next chapter at the meeting. They've still not met with Akito yet and I really want to see a YuChi kiss too. Hopefully we'll see how they all end up too, like partners etc.
I especially liked how Takaya got across the fact that Akito too had been traped by this curse too. Being able to live her own life, no longer being thought of a "god" instead of simply "Akito", she too had been trapped and bound by the curse as much as the others had.

Scans as usual hosted by myself. Scans from Hana to Yume. http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/Seph-Noir/Fruits%20Basket%20chapter%20130/
Please email for password or Pm me on Gaia.
himenoawayuki1@hotmail.com
Sephiroths samurai girl

Regarding the scans...

2006-07-18T04:16:00.000-04:00

Due to people on Gaia using images from my account without asking and running up my bandwidth, I will no longer be hosting the scans on a public account. If you want to read scans from any of the chapters please email me and I will send you the password. ^^

Fruits Basket chapter 129!

2006-07-04T17:24:00.002-04:00

At last a hug!

We begin this chapter from where 128 left off from.
Tohru is still running from Kyo thinking how odd it is that she'd not planned to do thius but her legs reacted instintively.
She is soon stopped as Kyo appears infront of her, placing his hand across the poll as she thinks that she'd even decided what to do. She looks up at him blushing before screaming once more as he calls her name and running, leaving Kyo to stand there and get odd looks from the observers including a cat.
But once more he doesn't give up muttering softly and we see a short flash back of the accident as Kyo thinks how it's no good, and that everything is over and there was nothing he could do.

Cut to Yuki visiting Tohru in the hospital a short while ago. Yuki tells her to let him know if there's anything she wants. He asks her if she's ok, still worried about her but Tohru assures him she's fine.
Hesitantly Yuki tells her how Kyo has been thinking for some time but stops as soon as he see Tohru is crying. She appologizes and begins hitting herself making Yuki shout that she'll injure herself again.

Tohru puts on a brave face though and stops her crying asking how things are at home and if anything needs doing, though its clear she'd been thinking a lot about Kyo.
She says how her chest hurts and that it hurts to just hear his name spoken. She once again remembers that her called her delusional, that single word being the source of her heartache.
We skip to her up on the roof again, remembering Momiji with the toy rabbit and Arisa and Saki when they all came to visit thinking that she's no good at all and that she's bothered everyone especially Kyo. Clutching the fence she tells herself to smile, that when they meet just to smile again.

Back to the present and Tohru sits down on a low wall, saying that her practise failed. She thinks yet again that she's no good. She tried to act like she was fine but it was a lie. She'd decided that it was ok if she wasn't next to him. She looks up however, teary eyed, to see Kyo standing before her once more as she says that she really does want to be beside him. He moves towards her as she tells him to wait a moment, thinking that she just can't control herself that well. She begins to slap herself once more telling herself to stop crying right away. That she doesn't want to be a burden to him and doesn't want him to hate her any more than she does. She doesn't want him to think she's delusional. As she goes to hit herself once more Kyo grabs her wrist to stop her.

She looks up at him as he takes her hand and Kyo kneels before her telling her that her was only thinking of himself and his feelings, saying what he wanted and ignoring her own feelings. He tells her he should've known that it could happen that he wouldn't be able to see her again or to appologise, and for him to repeat the same mistakes over again without even thinking.
He appologises for making her cry and for hurting her so much. He tells her this is the final time because he just needs one more chance with her. He tells her he wants to be with her from now on and living with her because he hates not being with her.
He tells her its because he loves her and Tohru asks if it's really ok for her to be beside him. Kyo replies telling her it's ok for them to be hand in hand and points out that they're already holding hands.

By the time he's done Tohru is crying once more, though this time from happiness it seems. Leaning forward Kyo wipes her eyes and she thinks how although so many words have already been said, it's like a dream as she thinks this he tips her head up and finally goes in for a kiss.
As he pulls back slightly he tells her that it's their second time and Tohru spazzes. She asks him when but he tells her to remember it herself or it'll be sad.

Pulling her to her feet he continues to speak, asking her if he could hug her though his human body won't last long. He tells her that his unnatural body might cause her pain sometimes too if they're together but Tohru asks him if he didn't know that she loves him very much. She loves him so much that it can't be beaten.
Kyo relaxes and says that it also means he can't be beaten either. As long as she's with him he'll be fine and have nothing to fear.

As he smiles he pulls her forward into a hug. As he wraps his arms around her for a few seconds, preparing to change, both are shocked to discover he doesn't!
Kyo has finally been freed from the curse!

As both look shocked, we see that familiar light in the darkness and cut to Akito for the last page, looking out into the garden already sensing Kyo is free, above her the simple word goodbye.

Banner: When one who was never loved is loved, that promise made long ago nears the end.

Next chapter out on the 20th of July in issue 16 of Hana to Yume.

My Thoughs:
What can I say about this chapter? At bloody last! Finally Kyo tells Tohru his true feelings and is freed from the curse.

This is by far one of the best chapters so far. Though I did think Tohru spazzing after the kiss ruined it somewhat.
I had been looking forward to a bit of Yuki/Machi in this chapter too, though it seemed to be filled with a lot of running around in the first part.
I really hope Takaya hasn't made a mistake here. If she does plan to keep to her 130 chapter plan then I hope she won't rush it and cram as much as she can in. She could've definitely at least started the Yuki/Machi part in this chapter if she wanted to.
I'm definitely looking forward to the next chapter, I'm hoping she'll take advantage of the extra space left for the volume and use it to make 130 longer. To think she has to deal with the banquet, Kyo being freed, Machi and Yuki and the conclusion bit to sum it all up I'm starting to think she might miss some stuff out if she doesn't make it longer.

Scans can be found as normal here: {Email me for the password}
http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/Seph-Noir/Fruits%20Basket%20chapter%20129/
And I'll see you for the last chapter!

Bishounen of the Month!

2006-07-04T17:24:00.001-04:00

This months Bishie; Ashura! Beware the Spoilers!

Though Ashura is sexless he/it is shown as being male mostly and so makes it to this months Bishie.

Ashura is the child of the previous King Ashura. The King had been forbidden to have any children due to the fortelling of the Ashura clan destroying the world but went against this in order to try and save his blood line and so Ashura was born. As punishment for defying the prophesy and trying to change fate young Ashura was born sexless so there would never been anymore children among the clan after him/it.
This doesn't stop the prophesy however and young Ashura's evil side, his true side, is awoken once the seven stars have been slain. Thanks to Yasha however, the black side of Ashura is stopped before he can destroy the world and the young boy falls into a deep sleep with Yasha watching over him until he wakes up as his "normal" self in the end.

Naruto Chapter 312

2006-06-25T23:22:00.000-04:00

Well I thought I would try a review of Naruto Chpater 312. It was out a couple of days ago, but I had to take a CPR course so now that it's over I was finally able to post this. I think I will try out a couple of chapters and just see how it goes. This chapter starts off with Kakashi lying in his hospital bed, with Sakura, Naruto and Sai visiting(continuing from chapter 311). Kakashi tells Naruto that he will surpass Sasuke, and that he will personally take over Naruto’s training. Kakashi goes on to tell Naruto that his training will be different from now on as Naruto will have to learn a ninjitsu which will be unique only to Naruto himself. Naruto says that he doesn’t have the amount of time required to learn a intense new jutsu of his own because it would take years and he really needs to save Sasuke. Kakashi then tells Naruto that he has devised a plan in which will reduce the time necessary for training. Before Naruto however can hear how this new time reduced training will work, they are interrupted by Asuma-sensei, Shikamaru, Choji and Ino. Shikamaru saying hi to Sakura and Naruto, immediately recognizes Sai from a previous meeting; to which Sai smiles brightly saying hello. Meanwhile Tsunade-sama has received a report that Akatsuki’s movements are increasing and that there are reports of movements just outside Konoha. Tsunade comments on there movements being problematic as well as a perfect opportunity to attack them. Meanwhile back in Kakashi’s hospital room Sai introduces himself and Ino comments to Sakura about how cool Sai is and how similar he is to Sasuke. Sakura then whispers to Ino that Sai’s appearance does not match his personality at all. Meanwhile Shikamaru comments that he heard from Tsunade what happened with Sasuke and that no matter what he will help Naruto in anyway he can. Asuma-sensei then tells all the kids that they can go out for a meal, his treat; his offer bringing cheers from Choji and Ino. Naruto then asks Kakashi about training to which Kakashi replies that he will tell Naruto later. At the resturant Shikamaru has departed early to help his father on some errand, which makes Ino comment that Shikamaru is always leaving on some weird mission. This of course makes Choji happy because he can eat Shikamaru’s share of the food. Ino yells at Choji that before eating they should introduce themselves to Sai. During introductions Sai remembers in the how to make friends book he was reading to give people nicknames which seem to suit the person (example- earlier in the last chapter I believe he gave Sakura the nickname of Hag, which was hilarious). Anyway so Sai was about to call Choji a Fatso or something along that nature, but before he could Naruto quickly covers Sai’s mouth before he can utter the words. Choji asks what Sai was trying to say, Sakura saying it was nothing, and poor Sai thinking how hard it is to give people nicknames. When Ino introduces herself to Sai, he thinks about a nickname for her realizing that he cannot say anything nasty about women. Sakura knowing firsthand about Sai’s problem with nicknames looks on with a smirk on her face knowing Sai’s going to probably give Ino a nasty nickname. Sai then politely says hello to Ino and gives her the name of pretty. Which in turn really pisses Sakura off complaining why did he treat Ino so differently from her. Meanwhile a lone female ninja is fighting two members of Akatsuki, these two Akatsuki members comment that she has a two tailed demon locked within her……

My Thoughts

Whew...go Sai, the poor guy is so unsocialized, that he is quite unaware of what is appropriate and what is just plain rude. There is such and innocence to sai which I find very endearing. When Sai was first introduced I admit I didn't like him much especially when you compare him to Sasuke as a member of Team Kakashi, but there is a lot of depth to Sai which I think is still left to be explored, not to mention he has some great comedic moments especially with Sakura. I must say Kakashi has piqued my interest in his training that he is planning to give to Naruto, and I am also dying with curiousity as to what Shikamaru has been up to lately. I can't wait to see what Naruto new jutsu will entail. As for Akatsuki I am curious as to what is there purpose behind collecting locked away demons. They had captured Gaara for the exact same reason and want Naruto as well for the nine tailed fox demon within him. I get the feeling Naruto will get to Itachi first before Sasuke does, which would interesting to see, but who knows what since Sasuke is totally willing to turn his body over to Orochimaru just for the sake of getting revenge against Itachi, hopefully Naruto will get to him before then.

Bishonen of the Month - Beware of Spoilers

2006-06-21T21:29:00.000-04:00

Gaara - Kazekage of the Village of Hidden in the Sand.

Well in all my excitement of attending Otakon, I forgot to post Bishonen of the Month, so may I introduce Mr. June, Gaara of the village hidden in the sand. Why Gaara, while truthfully Naruto has become my current obsession, and I have also been toying with the idea of putting up current summaries of the latest Naruto chapters, that is is anybody is interested. In anycase Gaara is as angsty as any bishonen with a harsh past. Gaara was born to the leader of the village hidden in the sand. Gaara's mother died giving birth to her son and hated him for taking her life, as a result she named him Gaara, a demon who would only ever love himself. Gaara's mother wished for her son to carry the anger that she had died with and livewith only hatred and vengence in her heart. Gaara also like Naruto has a demon sealed within him, but unlike Naruto he is able to unleash his demon with a terrible fury. Gaara's aunt raised him as if he was her own son, however she never truly loved him. Gaara's aunt did not hesitate to take the opprotunity assassinate her nephew as she always blamed him for her sister's death. Gaara would learn that the assassination order came from his father as he feared Gaara's power and the demon inside. In any case Gaara's anger would grow and he would continue kill without mercy. The gourd on his back carried a mixture of sand and the blood of those he killed. It wasn't until Gaara met Naruto that he changed his ways and learned that he had never truly been alone, he had companions beside him who did care for him; and soon Naruto and Gaara became friends. Eventually Gaara would take his father's place as Kazekage, leader of the Village Hidden in the Sand. Gaara became a much more gentler and kinder person trying to make those who feared him become his friends and trust him as leader; promising never to hurt his people again. The group Akatsuki kidnapped Gaara hoping to harvest the demon inside of him, this would lead to Naruto running to Gaara's rescue. It was at this incident where Gaara lost his life, only to be brought back to the world of the living by a member of his village who sacrificed her life for his. When Gaara opened his eyes, he saw Naruto and all his friends who cared for him standing there waiting for him. Gaara is my all time favorite character from Naruto with Iruka-sensei running in at a close second. Anyway let me know if there is anyone out there interested in Naruto chapter summaries, if so I will post chapter 312 when it is released.

Otaku Corner will be attending Otakon 2006

2006-06-16T12:54:00.000-04:00

Otakon 2006

Just a quick little note to you all that Otaku Corner will be attending Otakon 2006 in Baltimore MD August 4th - 6th. I will personally update every night to bring you the latest news and licenses from the floor of Otakon. I hope many of our readers will be there to celebrate at the largest US anime convention. For more information about Otakon please visit www.otakon.com. Hope to see you all there...><....I'm so excited.....

Fruits Basket Chapter 128! {At last!}

2006-06-06T11:03:00.000-04:00

Kyo and Tohru reunite! ...Kind of.

{Sorry I've not had time to translate it yet. I'm really busy today so I plan on doing my usual full summary either later tonight or tomorrow.}

After a few panicky days the scans are finally out!

We've got a great new colour image of Tohru and Kyo to start with this time. We're starting to see a new side to Tohru too, she's left her childish looks now and has gone for a new red dress. I love the way Kyo is holding her hair here, he looks so protective.

Anyway we start this chapter with Kagura noticing Kisa stood outside looking like her usual nervy self. When Kagura asks what she's doing outside we find she's waiting and giving her support to someone. Kagura asks who but we change scene before she can reply.
Cut to Akito's room in which Aki is sat infront of Hiro reading. They talk for a short time about Hiro, Aki says how he's not that strong or smart but always tries to keep a grasp on his dreams. As Hiro is about to speak Aki shuts her book and goes to the window saying she didn't hate it.

The next day and Yuki, Kyo and Haru are on the roof talking. Aki has called for all of the Jyuniishi to meet at the main house, including Kyo this time. All she's said is there is something she wants to talk to them about and so they'll meet in a weeks time.
As Yuki wonders what it could be fore Haru says that with her sudden change it might be something good. Yuki mentions that her change has caused a lot of comotion in the estate, the inside members not knowing what to do and Haru says it's what they deserve. They wonder if Aki is dealing with it on her own and when Haru asks how Shigure is doing Yuki tells him hes been out a lot.
They both seem to come to a conclusion at that leaving Kyo to wonder what it is.
Yuki simply tells him he remembered something when hearing the stupid voice of Kyo and the neko says he's been less and less forgiving of him recently.
Yuki merely replies that teasing is thought of as a way of expressing affection and appologises.
Kyo tells him not to bother and to just tell him what he'd remembered, and Yuki tells him that Tohru will be discharged tomorrow.
Kyo rushes off and we see he's gone to find Saki and Arisa, leaving Yuki and Haru to talk about how the neko house is being torn down now and maybe now hes a bit freer he might get Tohru. Yuki says how nice that would be and we cut to Kyo, Saki and Arisa.

He asks the girls if its ok for him to go meet her when Tohru is discharged. Saki and Arisa {who it seems is still there after last chapter} once again can't resist taking a little jab at Kyo while he's there saying how the "Prince" is too soft and spoils their fun. When he asks again Arisa tells him its fine but not to be surprised if she runs away seeing as she thinks she's been rejected. Kyo says he'll do all he can and Arisa asks his opinion on what would be best for her {Tohru}. They're going to buy her some clothes as a gift for being discharged, Kyo however has no idea and Uo tells him its part of being a man. Kyo says its a little weird and perverted though and Arisa suddenly rethinks, saying she might not wear it if she knew it was from Kyo seeing as he "rejected" her.

We skip to the student council room where we find Machi and Yuki together. Yuki thinks how he envies them {Kyo/Tohru} and Machi tells him she's done her work. Yuki is a little dazed though and takes a while to reply. He thanks her saying how quick she was at getting it all done and Machi tells him she pushed herself a little. Yuki thinks about how Tohru knows Kyo isn't like normal people but has still accepted him and starts to think about himself.

As Machi is about to leave Yuki grabs her and stops her, he tries to ask her something but Kimi makes an unwanted appearance asking about her brush, Kakeru says maybe she left it at her house but Kimi tells him she takes it with her everywhere. She asks Machi is she's seen it who replies she hasn't and so asks Yuki only to get the same reply.

As Kimi continues Yuki thinks how he must tell her. He wants them to be together so has to tell her but isn't sure if she'll accept it. {The curse!}

Night time and we see Akito stood at the window Shigure is with her and asks what she plans to acheive by calling everyone together, he asks if she wants to have a banquet. Akito remains silent but soon replies says she's going tell them what has to be said, and that shes going to end it.
Akito remembers Hiro telling her he's been freed from the curse and says she's going to tell them all of it. {About the free ones?}
Shigure says that it's good if it'll make her happy and Aki asks if he's relieved about being free from her. She says he should go away soon, and that she'll be relieved from his sarcasm and is tired of being made to look stupid. Shigure comments that her temper hasn't seemed to change with her and as Aki turns around saying something Shigure tells her he's not making her look stupid but simply giving her a hard time.
Shigure tells her that its a parting gift and Akito looks upset. {As seen on the page to the left.}

Finally the days comes for Kyo to see Tohru, he thinks how its bad that he's nervous and wonders if its because he gets to see her at last. He decides its a good thing hes {Yuki} not there to see him so nervous.
He thinks back to what happened in the kitchen a little while ago that same day. Yuki shouts to him making him jump. He asks why hes not left yet if he wants to meet Tohru. Kyo asks if hes going too but Yuki says Kyo wouldn't want anyone there to interfere with their meeting at last. He says hes got something very important to do anyway so tells Kyo not to mess things up.
Kyo decides to just be his normal self around her but can't remember what he was like when he was with her in the past. He wonders if she'll accept after thinking she'd been rejected and thinks if he really loves her. He tries to think what part about her he loves and how much.

His thoughs are cut off as he's shocked to see Arisa and Saki are already there, Arisa calls someone and we finally see an almost fully healed Tohru!
As he sees her he realises that it doesn't matter at all because he simply loves her so much.
As he calls her name Tohru blushes and...
...pelts it down the road flinging her papers into the air.

Kyo falls to his knees laughing, saying what an amazing way that was to run off. Arisa and Saki also seem amused at Tohru. Kyo stands though, this time determined not to let her go. He declares that he's the faster runner and follows Tohru, leaving Saki and Arisa to watch. Kyo thinks that he won't let Tohru get away.

Cut to Yuki at home, he is calling Machi. Once she picks up he appologieses for waking her, asking if shes free today at some point. He tells her that there's something he has to let her know.

Back to Kyo and he says it hurts how much he wants her to belong to him. He shouts after her that someone who's just healed shouldn't be running like this.

Banner: Yuki and Kyo. A happy future doesn't just come along, you have to reach out and grasp it.
And unfortunately we have to wait until the 5th of July for the next chapter in issue 15 of Hana to Yume. T.T

My Thoughts:
At long last! We finally get to see Tohru again.
I really loved this chapter, it has just the right mixture of comedy and drama this time. I love the way Tohru runs away from Kyo, flinging the papers into the air.
I'm really anxious for the next chapter now. We know its going to be a mix of Kyo/Tohru and Yuki/Machi for sure. I really want to see if it is the curse Yuki is going to tell Machi about. I get the feeling she'll accept it pretty easily, she doesn't seem like the type so hate him for it.
I was really impressed with the symbolism in this chapter too.
We have Tohru in a red dress, signifying the presence of Kyoko still there and also how much she's grown. At the begining all we see her in is white or pink, showing her innosence and now to suddenly have her in a red dress that seems to come from Rin's closset shows how she's shed her childish nature and really grown. The "pink" Tohru would have never been able to have such deep meaningful feelings for Kyo as she does now, it shows she's now capable of going into adulthood and having a real relationship.
Also with Kyo now running after her. We can see this linking back to three things, one with his relationship with Kyoko's death, how he had the chance to go after her but didn't and so he lost something dear to him. We also see this linked to chapter 120 {?} where he runs away and Tohru follows, this time it is Kyo who must follow Tohru.
And finally the day Tohru got lost. He couldn't find her then but now without Yuki there it is his mission to finally bring her back and fufill his "man's promise".

As usual scans hosted by yours truely, courtessy of BillWang and Hana to Yume. {hopefully they'll be quicker with the scans next month.}
http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/Seph-Noir/Fruits%20Basket%20chapter%20128/

ES - Eternal Sabbath

2006-06-05T19:42:00.000-04:00

Ryousuke Akiba & Mine Kujyou

I figured while we are all waiting for Fruits Basket, I thought I would post a little about this new manga, ES, being released by our good friends at Del Rey (Hi Dallas). Actually I am supposed to be studying for my dosage exam which I write on Thurs through next Wens. I only get five chances to pass it and if I don't then I am out of the nursing program, horrible ain't I....lol. Ahem anyway ES or Eternal Sabbath is the latest offering from Del Rey Manga and written by Fuyumi Soryo, the author of Shoujo fan favorite Mars (released by Tokyopop). ES however is anything but Shoujo, more of a Sci-fi, suspense, drama if anything. Now I must say this is not usually my cup of tea, but being a long time fan of Mars, I thought what the hell and picked up volume one which was just recently released. The story was quite engaging to say the least, ES revolves around a young man named Ryousuke who has the ablilty to alter the memories of people he meets, so much so that he can pretend to be there best friend or long lost grandchild and whatnot. Ryousuke never uses his ability for malice mearley as a means of survival, nothing more and nothing less. Occasionally though he will come across people like Dr. Mine Kujyou whose mind he cannot control or change at will. For me what makes this story so interesting is the mystery surronding Ryousuke himself, he neither helps nor hurts mankind, he just exists among them, trying to get by. The chemistry between him and Dr. Mine doesn't hurt as well, watching the two of them together is fascinating in of itself, simply because she does not know what to make of the situation. Mine is aware that Ryousuke is lying, but who can she tell, Ryousuke will just alter someone's memories to make it seem like she is the liar. I have to say the chemistry between them sizzles and makes for some interesting drama. As for Soryo-sensei's art work it is a massive improvement from her earlier work in Mars, I must say I was impressed greatly. For all my gushing about ES though all I can do is hesitantly recommend this series until I have read further installments. I can see this story getting real interesting and I admit I am dying to read the next volume, however there is the off chance that this series could fall flat on it's face (Not that I think it will mind you). Otherwise, I would say borrow it from your library just to give the first volume a try. It may not be everyone genre, but if Shoujo's your taste then check out Soryo-sensei's Mars series to familarize yourself with her work; then just for fun give ES a try.

P.S - This goes without saying but all images posted on this site belong to there respective owners and in this case Fuyumi Soryo and Del Rey and whoever else has rights to this manga. But I am sure you all knew that already:)

Fruits Basker Chapter 128 crisis!

2006-06-05T13:13:00.000-04:00

Having a little trouble right now laying my hands on the scans for this chapter. Without them or the mag I'm afraid the summary will have to wait. If any of you manage to get a hold of the scans for this chapter I'd love for you to send them to me.
So far I only know a little from some sources about the chapter.
It hs been released but there seems to be no scans up on BillWang yet.
Akito talks with Hiro at last and a few of them talk about how Akito has changed. We also get a Saki/Kagura meeting too. Kyo does meet Tohru though, she runs off and he follows her this time.
Also seems next chapter might be a Yuki/Machi chapter again. He called her in 128 saying he needed to ask her something, so maybe he's going to tell her about the curse?
Oh and it won't be out in issue 14 of Hana to Yume I'm afraid, we're going to have to wait a month for 129. T.T

Hopefully I'll be able to get the scans soon so keep an eye out for the summary. ^^

Bishonens of the Month and a great new anime!

2006-05-25T12:43:00.000-04:00

Ouran High School Host Club

Well since I completely forgot to post a bishonen of the month and wanted to talk a bit about this anime anyway, I figured I'd kill two birds with one stone so to speak. In anycase let me talk a bit about the anime first, which is hilarious. Ouran High School Host Club is a very fun, and delightful anime from studio Bones. The animation colors are vivid and bright, and the story is lots of fun. This anime took me completely by surprise simply because I didn't like the manga very much; in fact I never even got past the first chapter. When my friend suggested I give the anime a try, I was reluctant to do so because I found the manga so boring. Boy was I ever wrong, watching the anime now, makes me want to go back and read the manga. Don't get me wrong I do enjoy gender bender series (Basara being my all time fave), but the manga just didn't get my attention. However now that I have seen this anime, I definately plan to go back and get the manga series. This anime kept me laughing all the way through every episode, don't get me wrong there is not a lot of depth here. The story revolved around a high school girl from a poor background attending a prestigious high school, where she encounters a host club of rich good looking guys with time on there hands(becasue they are rich). Anyway the mistake her for a guy and when she breaks there 8 million yen vase she has to work off the debt in there club. All the club members eventually realize she's a girl but keep her working at the host club while keeping her gender a secret. As you can imagine hilarity ensues, and some characters try vying for her attention, both guys and girls. Character development is pretty slow, but will hopefully pick up as the series moves on, otherwise this show is just good clean fun.

Bishonens of the Month

Well I am very late this month in posting this but in anycase I am featuring the Ouran High School Club including Haruhi. Suoh Tamaki is the blond and president of the Host Club, he is very concieted, but he brings in a lot of customers often refering to himself as King of the club, and he really digs Haruhi. Ootori Kyoya is the vice president (the one with glasses) and considered the cool type in the club, he is really very sharp and often comes up with schemes to earn the club money, like selling photogrpahs of the other members and what not (he reminds me of Tatsumi from Decendants of Darkness). Next up we have the twins Hikaru and Kaoru who like to impress the ladies by acting like incestous lovers, that is they are always hitting on each other, and if they are not hitting on each other then they are always teasing Haruhi. Then there is Honey (the one holding the bunny) he is the shota type of the group even though he's a senior, Honey acts more like a grade school kid and the ladies really dig it. Honey's good buddy is the ever serious Mori (the one with the black hair), he can often be found carrying Honey around on his back, but other then that he never smiles and always presents a serious demeanor. Last but not least there is the female member of the group Haruhi (holding the white rose), she has a natural talent for being a host and is unfortunetly stuck paying off her debt. Haruhi is in the same grade as the twins so she can often be found hanging with them when the club is not in session (Which annoys Tamaki to no end). Haruhi attend Ouran Academy due to her intelligence, unlike everyone else who can afford to go. Haruhi is often shocked by the misconceptions the rich have of the poor. In one classic scene the club members send Haruhi out to buy coffee and she brings back instant, they were so shocked by this concept calling it coffee of the commoner, and made a big production out of who was brave enough to try it......lol

Hell Hath no Fury.......

2006-05-24T14:37:00.000-04:00

Enma Ai

I have finally gotten around to finishing Jigoku Shoujo, an anime series which I started last year but due to school work was unable to finsh watching it. With school over now, I was free to finish this series. What can I say about Jigoku Shoujo, it was a nice series which dragged big time in the middle but eventually picked up towards the end. I think I mentioned this series before, when I first started watching it. In anycase the story is about a website called Hell's correspondance, where you can at 12 midnight type in a person's name whom you wish to get revenge on. Enma Ai and her associates will get revenge on you behalf if that is what you wish, however there is as always a price to pay, and when when soul is sent to hell two graves are dug and the revenge wisher upon there death will also get a one way ticket to hell. The story was always episodic in that it was about the revenge wisher of the week and what reasons lead them to contacting Enma Ai. Eventually two recurring characters do show up, and they are always trying to find ways to stop the revenge wishers from contacting Ai and seeking there revenge; but then they also have a connection to Ai herself. In anycase some of the stories were extremely interesting in that you really sympathize with some of the characters and other's were just plan weird. Some people who were wished to hell didn't even deserve that fate, but it just showed that Ai and her associates did not discriminate about who they sent to hell. Overall it's an intriguing series which if you can get over some of the weird storylines and the episode dragging which will eventually picks up again after episode 13, it's worth checking out. While watching Jigoku Shoujo, I often questioned the morality of using the Hell Correspondance website as a means of revenge, and when one can truly get revenge is the price of going to hell really worth getting revenge?

Otaku Corner does not plagiarise.

2006-05-22T07:04:00.000-04:00

Once again we've been accused of taking our summaries from somewhere else. So I'll address the two matters separately.

"Otaku Corner steals summaries from Gaia member."
This I had to laugh at. Seems people haven't realised yet that I am Sephiroths samurai girl on Gaia. I post the summaries on the Fruits Basket thread as well here because some people don't know about this site.
What they've also seemed to overlook is the link to this blog in my profile and my many picutes of my little Seph.

"Otaku Corner steals summaries from Shadow's site."
Once again people haven't done their homework. On most occasions we get our summaries out before Shadow has the chapter translated, usually almost a day in advance. She also doesn't do summaries, just translations of the text with small scene descriptions.
My friend and I translate the chapters and if you haven't noticed there are not one hundred meanings for each word, so ofcourse all summaries and translations are going to be similar in some ways no matter where you look. There's only so many ways you can translate "I want to see".

If you continue to make accusations I will no long post summaries for the series which means no ending for anyone and no scans.

And on that subject:

"Otaku Corner steals BillWang scans to pass of as their own."
This I had to laugh at. In past posts I've already said I use BillWang scans. And you've got to be blind to miss the huge "BillWang" water mark on the majority of scans.
Yes, of course these are my own scans, I just decided to put someone elses water mark on there for fun. {end scarasm.}
In not one single post have I ever said these are my own scans, I get them from BillWang because my printer/scanner can't deal with scanning so much. {As I found out when it decided to shut down taking the pc and my essay with it.}

I've got my first A-Level exam tomorrow and did not want to be bothered with this now. If this continues I will simply stop posting summaries on both Gaia and Otaku corner.

Fruits Basket chapter 127!

2006-05-19T19:00:00.000-04:00

Arisa and Kureno's final chapter is here!

We have a lovely pic of Arisa and Kureno on the front page. {Praying for a Uo/Kureno chapter}

We open on Akito sat with Tohru on the hospital bed, Uo and hana watch from the doorway. Uo is looking scarily manly today too.
The banners explain that Akito has started to walk her own path and that Uo and Hana still won't agree to letting Kyo see Tohru.
After hearing some news from Tohru, Saki and Uo ends up meeting Aki the previous day. As they're talking in the hall, Aki tells the two girls that although she doesn't know what Tohru has said to them, she tells them Tohru's wounds are her fault. However, as Saki explains, Tohru hasn't blamed anyone for her injuries yet.
Aki explains that she'd heard about Kureno and Uo can once again think how caring Tohru is despite her own situation. {Assuming this is the day Aki went to visit Tohru?}

Cut to the school and Yuki is somewhat scared to see a frozen from shock Kyo. Yuki asks what happened and Uo and Hana tell him that when Kyo had gone to see them to tell them he was going to visit Tohru, that had truthfully told him that Tohru didn't want to see him yet.
Of course Kyo suspects they were just teasing him as usual but when questioned Hana asks if he really thinks she would lie about Tohru's feelings to tease him. She tells him he knows nothing as usual.
Kyo remains silent long enough for Yuki to mention that he found it odd but whenever Kyo's name was mentioned Tohru would seem frightened. He says that more than not wanting to see him it's something else, but before he can finish Hana cuts him off by saying Tohru thinks she's been rejected by Kyo. {Seems she passed out before he kissed her.}
Yuki says how terrible that is and Kyo asks how it could have happened.
Once again Uo brings it back to Kyo telling Tohru she was disillusioned and that its the same as being told to go away.
Kyo instantly says that its the worst misunderstanding ever and so he must go see her asap so she doesn't think it's true. He also asks why the group are staying so quiet on such a vital matter.{Also on this page we have an add for volume 20 which also came out today.}
Uo once again gets angry at his questions saying she doesn't care about Kyos situation and that she's still upset that he made her cry.
As a raging Uo and Hana leave Yuki suggests that Kyo should go to meet Tohru the day shes discharged from the hospital. He says that once she's back home he would have thought Kyo would want to keep her to himself and so by not going to visit her until then would allow everyone to still "have" Tohru and keep a sweet bit of selfishness.
Kyo mopes once more, saying he doesn't even know how he feels and Yuki says that it is one thing in the entire world he would never want to know.
As he's not allowed to see Tohru still Kyo wonders what he should do instead for the day.

We cut to Uo and Hana once more, on their way to see Tohru again. Saki begins to wonder if they hadn't been a little too harsh to Kyo. She says that Tohru really did get worked up whenever his name was mentioned. Uo tells her that Kyo will just have to wait until Tohru is discharged from the hospital seeing as at the moment Tohru would probably run away if he went to visit her, and that for the while Tohru needed to rest and relax.
Saki asks her if she was planning on visiting Kureno while she still could and we switch to an Uo inner monolouge on Kureno.
She wonders what hes managed to acomplish in his life and what he hasn't.
We get a flash back of Akito telling Arisa of Kureno's situation, Akito still deeply upset by her past doings. She tells her that hes in the very same hospital and its because she stabbed him. She says that Kureno's forgiven her and breaks off saying she doesn't know what to do.
Saki instantly dives in and asks if Akito is a woman. She explains Kureno had said there was someone he had to stay with and she'd realised that it was Akito.
This upsets Arisa who then starts crying, probably assuming Kureno was in love with Akito. {Awww!}
IM once more and she explains it wasn't just the thing about Akito she was disapointed about but something much simlper. The fact that she'd been left out.
At that Uo hugs Akito and we cut to Arisa going into a room.

She says that through all of Kureno's 26 year long life she'd been absent for most. She felt pathetic taking so much care over just one memory of one day and that it was at the she felt disapointed.
We see that it is Kureno's room she has gone into and she goes to stand next to him. Kureno thought she wouldn't come seeing as he didn't have the right to expect such things from her. He asks her if she talked with Akito, he says theres something he still must do for her. When Arisa asks what it is he replies that he has to vanish. Because if he stays with her she will always worry about it until the end. {Assuming this "it" being her stabbing him.}
At this Arisa tells him to go where ever he wants to go, and that where he goes she will follow. A surprised Kureno looks at her as Arisa asks him if he knows why she would do such a thing. However, blushing, she tells him that she won't say it. At this Kureno give the cutest smile ever.

We skip to Kyo walking home, finding Akito stood outside Kazuma's home and asks what business he has there. At this Akito gets a little touchy, saying it was nothing that mattered and begins to leave. Kyo stops her however as there was someting he wanted to talk about. Akito brushes off the hand stopping him and tells him there is nothing for them to tlak about and that Kyo should live how he wanted to.
At this Kyo stops, shocked and confused by what Akito means, when he begins to ask Akito begins to say again but says that she hates saying things more than once.
Saki apears {yes from Kazuma's house} and asks if "A-chan" is leaving already. Of course this seriously shocks Kyo {as well as Saki suddenly appearing} and sadly Aki tells Saki that she's asked her not to call her than but Saki only says it sounds cute and she should have more confidence.
Kyo asks what Saki is doing at such a place and she tells him that seeing as Kazuma had visited Tohru she'd gone back to his home as gratitude then laughs. {Oh dear, Saki's got some ulterior motives going on there.}
At that moment Kazuma also comes out and Saki leaves to make some fresh tea. Kyo, both shocked and scared, realises they're being overly friendly to one another and then as Kazuma beings to talk to him notices that Akito is already leaving.
Kazuma tells him that he'd heard that Kyo had gone to his father's home and that the talk between the two had also reached Akito. He tells him that Aki has promised to tear down the Neko home {!}.
He continues to say that although its sorted out there will still be bitterness among his father and other members of the house and won't be as easily taken care of as tearing down a building. He tells Kyo that he's done well clearing one problem.
Saki then comes out once more and tells the two men that they should continue their talk inside where it is more relaxed.

We cut to banners once more as we see an empty room and moving boxes.
We are told that after a while Kureno really did move out of the Sohma house. He didn't say a lot to those around him and didn't take anything that he couldn't carry. He left laughing, saying it was fine having it seem like he was never there in the first place. It is just as amazing how self centered some people can get. That its amazing that some people can also be so very self sacrificing. He says that its good that those people are that, that he thinks its great they're there.

We leave the Sohma house and cross the city to a rural area, closing in on a small area with a river and blossoms falling. A hand reaches up to touch them as Kureno asks if its ok finding work out in such a rural place.
Arisa tells him thats theres no good or bad. But that this place is good and that it's no good if its not there.Kureno asks why but Arisa says she won't say. He persits asking her to tell him, saying that he wants to know.
Arisa turns around and smiles at him as the chapters end, finally able to be together at last. {And if you don't cry at this then you have no heart!}

Banner: The continuation to the words that were understood, the eternal promise that's theirs alone...

Next chapter; 128 out on the 5th of June in issue 13

My thoughts:
I am so happy she done this chapter! As some of you know I've been hoping for Arisa to visit Kureno for some time now and we finally get to see it. Although its somewhat of a filler it was done lovely and I'm really pleased it was included.
I loved seeing Akito being included in the comedy, I never thought I'd see the day when Akito would pull such faces: {"A-chan..."}

The wording was very odd in this chapter and has confused a few people. The main bit being Tohru not wanting to see Kyo.
Think about it as if you were Tohru. So you've just told the guy you absolutely love that you like him and he tells you your disillusioned and imagining it. You then fall of a cliff and miss your first kiss so still think he totally shot you down. After that, how would you feel about meeting him again? That's how I imagined it. You wouldn't really want to see the guy whos just shot you down.
The biggest bit that confused me though, was Yuki talking to Kyo about having a little cute selfishness. At first I wasn't sure who he meant but then I realised that he's talking about everyone. When she gets home Kyo is going to be selfish and keep her to himself, so by not seeing her he lets everyone else have a little of that selfishness too by having her to themselves for a little while when shes in hospital.

Its really shocking to think the series is just three chapters away from the end now. But don't fret! I have a surprise planned for you all when it's done. The only hint I'll give you is that it's going to be big and will be the final send off for Fruits Basket. See you all next time!

Scans hosted by yours truely:
http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/Seph-Noir/Fruits%20Basket%20chapter%20127/

Best Anime Pick of Spring 2006 - The Winner is Nana

2006-05-18T22:32:00.000-04:00

Takumi and Hachi(Nana)

Well I wanted to post a little comment on Nana. This is by far my pick of the best anime of the spring anime season. The story line is faithful to the manga, and animation is top notch and fluid; and the story is as it's always been engaging. I am so happy with this adaptaion of the manga that I cannot stop gushing, after last year's horrible adaptation of ParaKiss I am thrilled to see Nana is treated with much care and consideration. So far I am up to episode 6 and cannot wait for the next episode. As for other anime's that premiered XXXholic is taking it's time to warm on me. Not that they aren't faithful to the manga, but they have completely left out the Tsubasa story line from the anime, as well as Yuko's mention of X characters like Suburu Sumeragi. They did however keep the Legal Drug cameo in tact. Speaking of Legal Drug, I wish they would animate it, and that CLAMP would continue on with the story; but I digress. Somewhere in my ranting and raving I was trying to express my love of Nana. The manga is awsome, the anime is lovely and it's one worth checking out in your spare time. As for the manga VIZ has released the first two volumes under there Shojo Beat line, with volume three expected out this summer. I applaud Yazawa-Sensei, she has created a story where one can experience the joys, heartbreaks, tears and love of characters whom the reader can easily relate to and understand. Leave me a post and let me know what you feel is your pick for the best anime of the Spring 2006 season.

I'm Back

2006-05-18T22:24:00.000-04:00

Hello Everyone, sorry I haven't posted anything in a while but I have been super busy with finals this week and as today is my last day, I feel super relieved. I am super happy too because I made it into my college's nursing program which is really competative. About 1000 people apply every semester and the only accept 180, so as you can see it was a tough semester. Now if I can only pass the dosage exam. In anycase well I will try and keep up with some reviews over summer break, because when Fall roles around my fun is over....lol.....c'est la vie. Well wishing Seph the best on her upcoming exams. Good Luck.

Will be away for a while.

2006-05-17T10:26:00.000-04:00

A-Levels a calling me.

I'm afraid I'll be away for some time after my next chapter post. The chapter is due out tomorrow and it is alsothe day I go on study leave. I will post the chapter as usual but may take some time to reply to questions you ask in "comments".
My A-Levels will last for all of next week, then I'll have a week off and then one more the week after. During the first week I will likely not be online at all but my week off I will try to reply to all comments left.
Look out for chapter 127 tomorrow with scans!
Seph ^^

Fruits Basket Chapter 126!

2006-05-02T14:10:00.000-04:00

Chapter 126 here finally! Kyo confronts his father!

It's here at last, another Kyo chapter. Though not a Kyoru chapter we do get this amazingly cute cover page for the chapter, signifying a new volume...and the last. Yes this is likely to be the final colour page of Fruits Basket you're going to see.
Anyway, on with the summary.

We also get a cute Hiro/Kisa non colour page too to start off the chapter with the saying "I want to protect you". (Aww)

Once again we see the creepy Hana in a Kyo chapter. O.o
We open with Kyo doing yet another inner monolouge, saying how how simple a solution can be. That things can be easily acheived when you just face what you've been avoiding. However for him...
We see Kyo sadly standing outside his father's house for a moment before pulling open the door. As he does he remembers Tohru's last words to him, telling him it was alright.
Inside is his father, sitting in the dark smoking. Kyo (who shockingly still calls him father!) asks why he's not working. That most normal people would be working at this time (Assuming he's just finished school, it's going to be about 3ish) and he says that it seems the man can't keept a steady job.
Kyo's father telling him to shut up, that he's not been well recently and so is simply taking a break. Once again he seems to be putting the blame on Kyo; asking whose fault he thinks it is.
As the man talks Kyo remembers back to his mother who is sitting down supposedly crying(?) while Kyo stands next to her holding her hands.
Kyo asks if he thinks its his fault and once again his father tells him that he's right and he should just admit to killing his mother.
A short flash back to a young Kyo shows the boy looking up with cat-like eyes while the present day Kyo keeps his head down though also has cat-like eyes.
His father tells him not to think he's forgiven just because he was only indirectly involved. The voice is cut off as we focus on Kyo for a second. He says that he feels disgust, fear and dispair all mixed in together and boiling like in a pot under the pressure.
As his father finishes his shouting Kyo finally speaks. Saying it was his fault!
At this his father seems to snap laughing insanely and considerably scaring the poor young maid in the room with them. He tells the maid that she heard it too so to call the main house and let them take him (Kyo) away.
Kyo agrees with his father and the maid leaves while Kyo's father tells him to never come out considering how much guilt he has of being a murderder on his shoulders.
However as he still looks down sadly, Kyo says that he refuses and that he will not go there (the neko room) much to the shock of his father. He tells his father that he lives on the outside now and will do so indefinitely and he came to make sure the man understood that fact.
Switch to Kyo's inner monolouge again and he says that he's shaking, and that it's funny how unnatural it is. That you wouldn't normally have to declare such a thing, that he doesn't have to shake but he can't help it.
We see a flowery image of Tohru as he says that she never once looked down on him or looked at him in disgust but that she tried to help him and reach out to him.
End the inner monolouge and we switch back to a still sad looking Kyo, telling his father that there is someone he wants to be with now and for the rest of his life.
All of this seems to have angered Kyo's father and in the shadows he says that it's no good. That it's not possible for him to be forgiven or "normal".
As he screams at Kyo that he won't forgive him he throws the rather large ashtray at Kyo. He tells him that he has to pay for his sin. That it's because of him he's felt so much shame and that Kyo has ruined his life. That it's all because she (Kyo's mother) gave birth to him and he was born.
Kyo suddenly remembers something as he's shouting. Something that it seems he's kept hidden for a long time, of someone saying that for such a child to be born they should disapear. We pan out slightly on the previous flash back and see that Kyo is not alone with his mother on the floor. He remembers someone is standing over them, telling her to disapear. (Could it be his father hit her?) It seems his mother also had some trouble too.
Kyo's father shouts at Kyo again. He says that he bet they (Kyo and his mother?) enjoyed rubbing his face in the dirt and enjoyed his embarasment.
At this moment Kyo remembers everything of the moment and that it was his father standing above them shouting at his mother with his fists clenched. Kyo finally remembers that his father was shouting at them to both disapear.
Kyo, with scary white cat eyes, asks in a scaryily calm shocked state if he really said that to his mother?
Kyo's father snaps at this, pushing Kyo against the wall as he shouts. Asking if Kyo is pushing the guilt on him, that it's not his fault and Kyo forced her to do it (kill herself).
We flash back to a familiar scene of young Kyo shouting that it's not his fault.
Still Kyo's father continues, saying it wasn't his fault that this monster was born. That it was "your" fault. (Kyo's mother?)
Things become calm as we flash back once more, Kyo looking at his mother from behind as she steps up to the platform. It seems he was there when she killed herself. *Falls in plot hole*
Kyo once again switches to an inner monolouge, asking if "you" (his mother?) felt sad and alone. He asks if she felt like she was being suffocated and if she suffered. He says that he can't afford to say he'll understand when he's older because if she's dead he won't be able tog et back what was lost. He says that he wanted her to be alive but it's too late now even though he feels the same.
We see his mother spread he arms and lean forward. *Falls in another plot hole.*
He says that he didn't want her to die and that he did't want her to be thrown away while she was still alive. He calls her mother and we end the flash back.
Back in the room Kyo has pushed his father away to stop him. He tells him he won't throw anything away any longer and that he'll do what he can while he's still breathing to live.
Kyo's father begins to protest and reaches for Kyo once more but this time Kyo stops him and grabs his wrist. Kyo tells him to leave him and Kyo's father seems shocked that his son was able to stop him and finds he cannot pull away.
Rather pathetically Kyo's father starts to scream for help, crying that Kyo is going to kill him. Kyo remains silent, still holding the other's wrist as his father stills calls for someone to help him.
At that moment we skip to the main house where it seem the maid (evil bitch maid) has just finished telling Akito about the phone call and that they are to get the "moster" as his father asks.
However, we finally see the change in Akito has really taken hold. As she dresses, Akito tells the maid no, that she has to talk with his father as Kyo is now free. This greatly shocks the maid and asks if Akito is being serious to which Akito confirms. The maids goes on to ask if Aki really thinks his father will accept this, however Akito simply replies that it is what she's decided. (Yay!)
The maid tells Akito that she's changed and that she preferred her before. O.o
Akito tells her as she leaves that she can stay ther (in the past) for as long as she likes but she herself is moving forward. With that Aki leaves the maid in the darkness and heads off to see Kyo and his father.
Once again it says how simple the solution is but also difficult.
We cut back to Kyo and his father, Kyo has let his fathers wrist go and the man moves back. Kyo (or Akito) says in yet another inner monolouge, how he has it within his grasp at last as we see an image of Akito with him in the frame. He says that because of this it is even more important.
Kyo says that he'll be coming again and goes to leave. Kyo's father says, with less conviction this time, that he'll never forgive him but Kyo is already gone.
Kyo says that the resolutions between himself and his father is simple but needs a lot of time. Kyo says to himself that he has to do it...to live, and wanders down the street.
We cut to Kisa and Hiro walking together down the street, Kisa amazingly happy and smiling while Hiro is blushing. She tells him that there is nothing about Hiro that people don't like and that she's glad she was the first he came to. (It seems he's told her about being free.)
Hiro reluctantly asks that now he's no longer cursed will she still like him. This seems to make her sad and she asks in return if now he is free will he still like her? Would he not prefer someone he can be close with? It seems he can no longer hold her. T.T
As Hiro tries to tell her whats on his mind and in his heart we hear the lovely sound of someone throwing up. Hiro turns around to find Kyo behind them leaning on a lamppost and throwing up.
Hiro spazzes and asks what he's doing here while Kyo coughs. (Why is the puke glittering? O.o)
Kyo mumbles that it feels like all the tension is released like a cut rope, beside him it says self control.
Hiro says that he's not making sense while Kisa asks if he's ok now. Hiro says he must be after throwing up so much and Kisa offers Kyo her handkerchief.
Kyo looks up to see a shimmering image ok Tohru over Kisa and takes the offering, thanking her for it.
Hiro tells him that he's going to have to clear it all up, but that he'll help! Kyo says he'll do it himself but Hiro protests saying that he cares and goes with Kisa saying they can borrow some cleaning things.
Kyo looks down and Kisa's handkerchief and thinks of the image of Tohru he saw over her. He says to himself that if you see a vision then you must be sick.
We fade from Kyo with someone saying they want to see and we cut to Tohru for the last page looking out at the sky on the rooftop. Once again someone says "I want to see."
Banner:
Chapter 127 20th of May 2006

My Thoughts:
Hana's definitely got something going on there in the first page, like with the previous chapters where she's known something but not let on. I think she might know about the curse somehow but not be telling anyone.
This is a great chapter, had some real revalations about Kyo's past and his father. It seems his father could have been violent to his mother. We also get to learn more about what happens when one is freed from the curse. It seems all traces of the curse are gone so they can no longer even hug the still cursed members which is sad for Hiro and Kisa.
Also I'm thinking maybe that white top Aki is wearing is how she hides her boobs. They're not that small so I'm thinking it's one of those tight ones transexuals wear before the op.
The ending of this chapter has really made me think about how badly hurt Tohru is. Instead of it saying "I want to see you" as if their talking about each other it says "I want to see" making me think that perhaps Tohru is blind or has some damage to her vision. It's probably me jsut over analysing it but considering she's facing the sky too it does seem a little suspicious. Also if you remember back to the last Tohru chapter we never got to see her face. We know her head is bandaged but we never saw the front of her face making me think maybe she is blind?
If you noticed, I mentioned two plot holes here.
Thie first being the fact that Kyo was with his mother when she died. When it was quite clearly said in volume 6 that she never let him outside after he changed into his true form. Even he remembers not being let out so why would he be there with her when she was so paranoid about keeping him hidden?
The second that I mentioned was that people said her death was an accident and that she tripped. This was clearly ignored in this chapter, there were many people on the platform with her (who weren't included in this flashback) so thy would have seen her step forward so calmly, raise her arms and fall forward. There is no way it could be made to look like she slipped.
We also learn the correct orignial way of spelling "Tohru". It is not spelt "Tooru" or "Touru" as some think but simply the boys version "Toru".

Raws can be found on my account here:
http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c25/Seph-Noir/Fruits%20basket%20chapter%20126/

Happy Easter Everyone!

2006-04-16T17:52:00.000-04:00

The easter bunny wishes you a happy easter!

From both of us at Otaku Corner happy easter!
I hope you've all gotten lots of easter eggs or gifts!
My lovely parents got me a digital cam and a new outfit for Seph. So here's my special little easter bishie for you all.

Bishounen of the Month.

2006-04-07T20:55:00.000-04:00

With Otaku away for her Spring Break thingy you guys have in the US, I've been left with the job of selecting our bishie of the month; easy...?
Picking one guy to be this months bishie seemed like a simple job for me but then I realised I had two favourite bishies this month on my mind.
At first I was going to have Ashura from CLAMP's RG Veda, but then I suddenly remembered that lovely voice belonging to the sexiest Rabbit alive, Aki.

And so this months Bishie would've been Ashura but I've been drawn to the lovely pet rabbit of Sensitive Pornograph.

He's about 18 years old and has recently been kept as pet, locked in the closet and gagged. After being taken care of, he leaves his master and starts school again.
So why did I chose Aki?
Mainly because I can't resist a cute silver haired bishie, but it's also because of his expressions and voice. At times he has such a sad expression yet seconds later it seems that being a slave is something he expected to happen to him. He's definitely the most seme like uke I've ever seen, it's only when he's with someone that he does become fully uke. His voice gives the same said impression his expression does, quiet and soft but barely any emotion in it at the same time.

Anime Review - Wedding Peach

2006-04-06T11:38:00.000-04:00

Wedding Peach and Viento

Well as spring break is upon us, and before I leave for vacation I thought I would put up a review of Wedding Peach. I have to say I bought the Season one and two box sets on a whim. I saw them on overstock.com for 24 dollars each. You can't beat that price, and boy it was worth every penny. My interest was piqued due to the Sailor Moonish look that Wedding Peach had, and though the story shares some similar motifs, it's still fresh and exciting enough to warrent a watch through. Having said that I have fallen in love with Wedding Peach and her friends, the story is pure shoujo, full of romance and magical girls. Our story is about a young girl named Momoko who is a human with the blood of an angel. Momoko transforms into the love angel Wedding Peach along with her friends Angel Lily and Angel Daisy; in order to fight the evil Queen Raindevila and her evil devils. Along the way Momoko falls in love with soccer player Yousuke Fuma, whom is also a devil (although neither is aware of the fact). In any case I am giving you a really brief and quick summary, there is much more to this story then my brief review. Overall the stories are very Sailor Moon like with the Love Angels fight the monster of the week and what not. This anime is not for everyone as like Sailor moon the magical girl transformation sequences and attacks are super repetitive; and the dub although is excellent, the voices can get a little annoying. I personally think wedding peach is a great watch on one of thos lazy Sunday afternoons, it's not a thought provoking series; it's just great fun. If your looking for more serious and thoughtful anime, then look elsewhere, otherwise just give it a try. Overall the ending was one of those feel good endings with 51 episodes and an extra 4 episodes of OVA, you can't go wrong. On a practical and objective level I would score this series a 7.5 out of 10, because really there is not a lot of substance here. However on a personal level this anime gets a 10 out of 10 since it's won a place in my heart....don't cha know...(lol...a little wedding peach humor).

Fruits Basket Chapter 125!

2006-04-02T14:00:00.000-04:00

Well it looks like we're back to another student council chapter again it is good to see a Yuki/Machi chapter after so long.

In the student council room Kakeru is asking Yuki if it's true that Tohru is in hospital, Yuki looks a little shocked that he didn't already know and asked how he heard. Kakeru tells him that he overheard his classmates talking about it after Kyo's near execution with Hana and Uo. Yuki explains that Tohru had an accident as Kakeru asks if Kyo had been the cause of it. Most likely assuming so from the way Kyo has been acting.
Kakeru then asks if Yuki's stressed and if he'd like to cry on his chest, and Yuki responds by threatening to throw Kakeru into the sun.
Yuki thinks to himself how things have changed inside himself and he's proud of it. He knows it due to his new friends; Kakeru and the others.
Kimi interrupts his thoughts by asking what Tohru really was to Yuki and to his shock Kakeru answers for him telling her Tohru was Yuki's heart's Mom.
This confuses Kimi and she assumes he meant girlfriend but Yuki tells her that's wrong and so ends up confusing her even more.
After school they go shopping together to help Kakeru buy something for Tohru as a gift. He settles on buying her a rock CD explaining that if he doesn't know what to get someone he buys them what he'd like to get. Yuki asks if Kakeru is going to visit Tohru at the hospital and Kakeru replies that he's going for both he and Komaki if it's ok with Yuki. Yuki agrees but secretly didn't want Kakeru to meet his family considering what he was like. {Ugh two Ayas together.} At that moment Kakeru shouts out to Yuki about the pornography corner. {Yeah, really don't want that meeting Ayame.}
When they leave Kakeru asks if Yuki wants to go with him but Yuki says he was planning on going tomorrow but quickly thinks that maybe he shouldn't go with him at all. Kakeru tells Yuki not to come with him as he's a different person around Tohru and it's embarrassing. As the split up Kakeru tells Yuki he's really hung in there and did well recently. Yuki once again thinks of how he used to be but now he's got people to rely on and be concerned for him.
After they go their separate ways to go home Yuki sees something in the window and instantly thinks of Machi. He asks the shop keeper if the item is authentic and buys it when the man says it is. After he's paid for it his cell phone rings. Surprisingly it's Machi who says she wants to give something to Yuki. He asks her to wait where she is after finding out where in the city she is and says he has something to give her too.
He finds Machi looking rather lonely waiting for him and she instantly apologizes for causing him trouble and had been thinking of giving it to him the next day, it's another gift for Tohru but she wanted Yuki to give it to her as it would seem weird for her to give it. It's a bath set for stiff shoulders and backs to which Yuki asks if she'd tried it before and liked it, remembering what Kakeru had said about buying something he would want if he didn't know what to buy. Yuki quietly comments on how like brother and sister they really are.
Machi then gives him the gift she got for him; a bag of fertilizer. She explains she'd remembered him saying how he needed some earlier and wanted to give it to him today so it kept it's "freshness". {The shop keeper had been teasing her and told her that it didn't last long.}
Yuki thanks her for the gifts and then gives her the Mogeta plush he'd bought for her. As Machi looks at the plushy Yuki can only say how her face looks like Mogeta's. She hugs it and thanks him for it.
As Yuki is about to say something her bag flies away, Yuki goes to get it and as he picks it up Machi begins to speak to him.
She wanted to thank Tohru for looking after a certain president and it made her happy, so she wanted to thank her. She says that she's really happy that Yuki was like the way he was when he met her because it was due to him being that way that he talked to her. She ends with saying that she's really happy that Yuki is here.
Yuki remembers how Haru once mentioned that it seemed like Yuki was like that {weak} because he had someone to find. He quickly realizes that that someone is Machi. As both of them begin to cry Yuki thanks Machi for finding him.
As it looks like they might be going in for their first kiss, it suddenly skips to the hospital where Ayame sneezes. Kakeru has taken to calling Ayame "Commander" and suggests that seeing as they're at a hospital maybe he should get checked over. Ayame refuses saying a single sneezes is from someone talking about him and that only Hatori is permitted {to examine} his body ><.
As his usual blunt self Hatori suggests that maybe Ayame should get his head checked out instead and Kakeru asks what he has to eat to become as cool as him.
Takaya's side note mentions that they're waiting their turn to visit because of a visitation rush and the room being small.
Afterwards we cut back to Yuki and Machi, now both smiling at each other lovingly, realise they were like two people on the edge of the world crying together. And so linking hands they leave the station together, Yuki thinking how a miracle like being together can make you so happy.
Banner on the side: Amidst so many people, the miracle of being able to find and be found by the one you really need. Someday, for you too...
Next chapter: 2nd May

My thoughts:
I was hoping for a Kyoru chapter and when I saw it was a student council chapter I was ready for a filler but this definitely surprised me. It's so nice to see another Yuki/Machi moment after so long since the last. I loved that Yuki got Machi the Mogeta plush and am so glad that they've finally gotten together at long last. It would've been nice however to see if they'd kissed or not. I'd seriously not expected Yuki to be so forward, though it's good to see at least one of the guys in this manga has enough back bone to at least hold a girls hand.
It really is a shame it's ending soon, unless Yuki is freed I would love to see how Machi deals with his curse.
Fave moments from the chapter:
It's got to be either the way Machi copies Mogeta's face when she first receives the plush, or when they walk off together holding hands. <3

And now for the first time on this site I give you the whole chapter:
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v233/kyo-sohma/Furuba%20Chapter%20125/?sc=1&multi=19&addtype=local&media=image
{Hosted on my own account and courtesy of Billwang.net}

This years must watch yaoi.

2006-04-02T09:06:00.000-04:00

Sensitive Pornograph
{Sorry went picture mad on this one. ><}

At long last this wonderful dvd is being sold outside of Japan!
It is an hour long anime covering two of the stories featured in the manga; Sensitive Pornograph and House of the White Rabbit.

The first is about Seiji and his considerably older lover Sono {who was rather surprisingly, the uke!} who are both manga artists. It includes a short flash back of their past meeting and follows them as they over come the rumors spread by other artists about Sono. {Featured top left}

The second story is of a student whose part time job is to look after pets. He's hired to pet sit a rabbit called Aki-chan, and of course is shocked when Aki turns out to be a bound and gaged uke in the closet. Things heat up quickly when it's revealed Aki's owner has lured him here to "take care of" Aki. {Middle & bottom left}

This short but excelent anime is my favourite so far, the art is impressive for an anime and the Japanese voice actors do an excelent job , especially on my favourite; Aki. Despite the DVD being subbed it is definitely worth the money, even more so if you've read the manga.
The manga can be found at the scanlation group Nakama, and you can now buy the DVD at Anime Nation.

How might we serve you?

2006-04-02T07:50:00.000-04:00

Hoshi no Yakata
by Tori Maia

This series is by far one of my all time favourites for yaoi. If you like a good lot of BDSM and lovely ukes then this is for you.
The Hoshi no Yakata or more commonly know as the Palace of Stars is a secret suburban club frequented by mostly students. It's a place where they can fufill their deepest desires. Of course, it's also a place for those who have no where to go, no to come as guests but employees.
The first volume of the five in the series focuses on a number of different side stories. {And it seems the Palaces looses a lot of their staff in this volume too.}
A side from these quite romantic one-offs {yes BDSM can have romance too!} we also get to meet the majority of the main characters in the series.
Sumiya is the number one master at the Palace, though even he has problems when he falls in love with one of his regular guests. He is soon heart broken when he discovers that his guest only comes to him because he sounds like his other master. This quickly becomes one of the key plots as we learn that the guest, Yuuki, is also an employee at Airenrou or the Tower of Compassion and Sumiya goes to work there for a week.
We also get to meet Kaoru and Shaoron a slave turned master and a previous slave of the Tower. We follow them as Kaoru struggles to accept Shao's love at first then soon become lovers while still working.
Later as we near the end of the series we meet the manager {soon to be ex-manager} of the Tower, Fei Ye and his brother Fei Fa.
The series follows these masters and slaves as they experience true love and heart ache mixed in with a good deal of BDSM.
For fans of Maia's other series "Sadistic Boy" this is a must. The art style is very unique to her manga alone and little varies in style between the two series. If you've read Dr Ten and are looking for something more then this is definitely for you.
YOu can find this yaoi at Game over or Continue: http://mitglied.lycos.de/gameoverorcontinue/index.php?site=ongoing/hoshi
They're just putting up the final volume. This group also has Maia's Sadistic Boy.

Honey and Clover Season 2 announcement

2006-03-28T10:10:00.000-05:00

Honey and Clover gang back again

Hooray, Honey and Clover is going to have a second season set to premiere this summer and yours truly could not be more happier. As you all know I love Honey and Clover and am dying for some company (Directed at you VIZ) to pick up the Honey and Clover manga. I admit I had a hard time when the first season ended as I just loved it soooo much. I just hope the second season is as sincere and wacky as the first. I can't wait til this summer...yippee.

New Spring Anime - Saiunkoku Monogatari

2006-03-25T20:21:00.000-05:00

Ryuuki and Shuurei

This is a new Spring anime which I admit that I don't know much about, however the character designs intrigued me so I decided that I will give the first couple of episodes a try. From what I have heard the story is basically about a young women who comes to become the teacher of the emperor and eventually ends up his wife, mayham ensues as a result. That is probably the best I can tell you about this story as I have never read the manga. The look seems very historical shoujo, so we'll see how it goes.

New Spring Anime - The Tale of Two Nanas

2006-03-23T08:22:00.000-05:00

Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu

Well this is another anime on the top of my list right next to XXXholic, the Nana TV series. Nana is a refreshing and stylish manga written and illustrated by Ai Yazawa, creator of Paradise Kiss. Nana is the story of two young women sharing the name Nana and that is all; their
personalities however are completely opposite of one another. The two Nana's meet by chance and decide to rent an apartment together and surprisingly they get along smashingly. Romance, heartbreak and partying ensues as both Nanas navigate the road of life together. When this manga was first released here in the US, It was Viz's headliner for there Shojo Beat magazine. I personally didn't get what all the hype was about, granted Paradise Kiss was a good story, with great fashion and humor; but that still didn't want to make me run out and buy the manga. I waited months after the release date before I even purchased volume one of Nana. When I finally did get around to purchasing Nana, I was thinking well why not, if it's not good I will pass it along. This book was not even on my radar; but after I read volume one followed by volume two I was salivating for more. I am the first to admit that I was completely wrong in ignoring this series, as it has now climbed to the top of my "must have, can't live without" list. My hope is the anime adaptation will be faithful to the manga. The Paradise Kiss anime although as I stated before was pretty faithful to the manga, failed to follow through and over all did not leave me with the feeling that George and Yukari's break up was necessary and healthy for them both. I hope the best for Nana as the story is engaging and a complete breath of fresh air. I highly recommend the manga to those who have not read it, you will not be disappointed.

New Spring Anime - XXXholic TV Series

2006-03-22T22:58:00.000-05:00

Yuko of XXXholic and Sakura and Syaoron of Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle

Well since the spring anime season will be beginning soon, I thought that I would put some of the one’s that I am looking forward to. So I think I will start things off with the anime on the top of my list; the XXXholic TV series, this is definitely one of my top anticipated anime of the a spring season. As I am sure most know XXXholic is the story of a young man named Watanuki Kimihiro who is haunted by spirits. Well all that changes when he meet Yuko a space dimension time witch. Yuko helps keep spirits away from Watanuki in exchange for his services as her personal servant/housekeeper. Of course this is just a brief version of a quite detailed and epic story, that crosses over with the Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle universe. Speaking of Tsubasa, that had to be on my top of my list last year only to falter so badly. The same went with Paradise Kiss, which was faithful to the manga in the beginning but did not manage to follow through as well as it could have. I have high hopes for XXXholic, which I feel is one of CLAMP’s better works(X being my all time favorite). Let me know what anime of the new spring season everyone is looking forward too. I will be sure to post some more of my top choices for the spring season throughout the week.

Everyone has their money problems.

2006-03-22T13:44:00.000-05:00

Okane ga Nai

To start off my reviews for Otaku Corner I've chosen my favourite yaoi manga of all time.

Okane ga Nai {No Money/There's No Money} is an on going tale of young eighteen year old Ayase Yukiya, who was sold to the yakuza by his cousin when he got into debt. The manga opens on the night of Ayase's auction, when the delicate boy is in the process of being sold as a slave to one of the many men of the yakuza.
Things instantly turn rather up-side down when he's bought for 1.2 billion by the very man who his cousin owes the money to, the man apparently having met him before though Ayase is unable to recall in his drugged state.
Kanou, the debt collector, expressing feelings other than anger isn't something he's used to, and so when he attempts to treat his new "pet" with kindness he ends up becoming angry with the terrified boy and reveals his cousin had placed Ayase name on all the papers - meaning it is Ayase who technically owes Kanou the money. Things go from bad to worse when he tries to show the boy that his cousin has betrayed him but is only met by anger. This instantly sparks off Kanou's own short fuse and he ends up forcing himself on Ayase.
Their relations improve however through out the following volumes. Kanou slowly becoming used to the delicate Ayase and even allowing him to attend summer school, though his temper still remains and is easily sparked whenever it seems Ayase might be hiding something from him. On occasions he still shows his terribly mean side, quick to humiliate Ayase in front of others by revealing his secret job of selling his body to Kanou, however he treats the boy with increasing kindness with each volume. He saves him many times from many different kidnappers and doesn't hesitate to protect the boy.
As the story progresses and the volumes are released it's easy to see Ayase and Kanou will continue to struggle through their relationship, though will hopefully reach the happy ending the young boy so greatly deserves.

My thoughts:
I personally love this yaoi, it is my definite favourite and the art is beautiful. It is very much in the same style of CLAMP's {non-BL} work, following their trend for males; strong, broad shouldered semes and small, delicate, wide eyed ukes.
Ayase is a loveable character you are garuenteed to fall in love with, wanting to take him away and shelter him from Kanou's rough manner, yet at the same time wishing they would just fall into each other's arms.
Despite some people claiming this is a shouta, it is clearly stated at the begining of the first volume that Ayase is eighteen and attends university.
This is one of the more "hard" yaoi that you're likely to find and as such isn't likely to be liscenced in english any time soon. It contains, a fair bit of non-con in the first volume which seemed to put a few people off though it quickly simmers down to less "rape-like" situations.
Overall, I adore this yaoi and if you're mature enough to deal with a bit of non-con this is definitely for you. For fans of work by Tori Maia and Dr Ten, this manga is a must. As of thi moment Forever-More is the only scanlation site that hosts the manga, and it seems it'll be a long time before anyone is willing to publish it.
You can find volumes 1-4 on IRC here: http://www.forever-more.1-eurohost.com/
Volume five came out a short while ago so there should be files for that soon too.

Furuba Rama Link

2006-03-22T08:50:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Everyone, I wanted to point out a new link that I have posted on our site this morning for Furuba Rama. This is a site that is especially dedicated to Furuba fans. I hope that you will all visit and enjoy the contents of Furuba Rama. To visit Furuba Rama simply click on there sign located on the sidebar. Have fun and enjoy!

Otaku Corner Welcomes Seph

2006-03-21T17:15:00.000-05:00

Honey and Clover Friends

Otaku Corner is proud to welcome Seph aboard as our newest member. Seph will be posting various manga reviews and also be writing up everyone's favorite summaries for Fruits Basket. Seph will also be delighting us with her choice for Bishie of the month ocasionally as well. Otaku Corner is pleased that Seph has joined, and looks forward to her articles. Welcome aboard Seph.

The Disappearence of X and Bishonen of the Month

2006-03-21T07:44:00.000-05:00

Yuto Kigai of X

Well X is my all time favorite manga, and like many other people I was disappointed to find out that it had been halted. To me personally I feel that the X manga is one of Clamp's best works. (With both XXXholic and Tsubasa running in second). It's been more then two years and there still has been no ending in sight to the X manga. Last we left of Kanoe had been murdered, Arashi went missing, Princess Hinoto is totally evil and the final battle between Kamui and Fuma had began. The point that the manga had ended at was Fuma holding a sword over Kamui who has now realized his final wish....argh.... Anyway according to a recent report X had decided to hold off the last chapters of the manga due to current events and natural diasters occuring in Japan at the time. Apparently the ending of X is extremely violent and many of the cast members die brutally due to natural diasters. As a result Clamp did not want to change the ending and decided it would be best to wait for another time to finish the ending. I hope to see the end of the X manga soon regardless of how tragic of an ending it is. It doesn't help either that Tsubasa Resevior Chronicle also features a whole bunch of X characters....but c'est la vie.

Bishonen of the Month
Incidently I chose the picture of Yuto because he is my favorite X character, his easy going nature and acceptance of his destiny as a Dragon of Earth is what I love most about him. His tarot card: The Devil. Yuto is a water master, he has the ability to control water, although most of the time he prefers to use a whip with blades at the ends for a weapon. Yuto like water tends to go with the flow, he decided to accept his destiny as a DOE because he felt it would be interesting. He has no real attachments and is a very happy go lucky guy. Yuto is actually a cross over character from some other CLAMP series. Yuto is very close to Kanoe and is actually one of the first DOE members she recruited. However even though he shares a closeness with Kanoe he is very much falling in love with Satsuki, a fellow DOE. I have heard that Yuto has a sister named Tomoe, however I have not gotten that far in the manga to be sure. Yuto's day job is a Civil Servant, however as Sorata once pointed out, Yuto looks like he should be working in the "Red Light District". Sorata is actually the first DOH that Yuto fights as he found Sorata to be quite amusing. In the anime Yuto is killed by Karen the flame master (Incidentally Satsuki is also killed by a jealous beast when she helps Yuto out during this fight). In the manga however he is still very much alive.

Fruits Basket Chapter 124

2006-03-19T15:14:00.000-05:00

Well this was an interesting chapter....not alot of drama, just some sweet moments. This chapter starts off with Akito visiting Kureno in the hospital. Meanwhile at school Yuki and Haru are just hanging around discussing the fact that Tohru is now able to recieve vistors other then family members. Haru then notes thatMomiji probably skipped school for that very reason, to visit Tohru, and Yuki comments jokingly that Momiji's presence will probably bother Tohru. Meanwhile Kyo has his path blocked by Hana and Arisa, when Kyo kindly asks them to let him pass since he wants to visit Tohru, the ladies are shocked by his kind demeanor and even Arisa says that she may get a crush on him when he acts so kind. Kyo then asks them to cut to the chase and tell him what they want. Arisa then gets angry and tells Kyo that he has no right to visit Tohru, to which Kyo just comments that he is aware of that. Then Arisa says that some who is aware would not make comments about Tohru's disillusioned feelings. Kyo is shocked to hear that Arisa knows what he said to Tohru before her accident and turns to Yuki, who confesses that he did tell Arisa and Hana thinking that it would not cause this much trouble. Arisa the tells Kyo not to bother visiting Tohru and Hana says that he doesn't need to visit because he would just be giving her meaningless apologies, which she does not need to hear. Hana then goes on to say that Tohru is not blaming him so why is he blaming himself. Kyo then decides that before he can visit Tohru he needs to pull himself together and work things out in his head. As Hana and Arisa leave Haru tells Kyo that he is still taking the blame for everything, and Kyo just said it doesn't matter, having Hana and Arisa get mad at him helped a little. Meanwhile back at the hospital as Momiji is walking he sees Akito sitting on a bench and goes to sit down next to her asking her if she is there to visit Kureno or Tohru. Akito then says that Tohru and Kureno should be blaming her more then they are, they they are soft hearted fools. Momiji simply says that she's very lucky that they are like that, Akito gets away free from the blame. Then Akito starts crying and Momiji asks her why she is crying. Akito says that when she went to visit Kureno he just smiled at her, and she remeber how kindly he has always treated her, and that she always treated him poorly consuming his time. Akito then says she is mad at herself for her poor treatment of people. Akito remebers how Kureno would always accept her empty apologies, she doesn't understand how he easily forgave her for such unforgivable things. Momiji then tells Akito that from now on she should love and cherish those people around her. That it's very much like the foolish traveller. Akito looks at Momiji confused tto which he then tells her the story saying that after hearing it she will definately want to visit Tohru. As Momiji tells his story at the mainhouse we have a suprised Shigure, when he notices that Akito is missing from her room. Shigure is suprised to see that Akito has travelled alone to the hospital. Hatori then asks if something has changed between Akito and Tohru. Shigure says yes as he recalled the day of the accident when Akito sat on his porch talking to him. Back at the hospital Akito opens Tohru's hospital door only to her her sitting on the bed very much like how she imagined her at the banquet in her dream. Hatori meanwhile asks if Shigure plans went accordingly and Shigure replies that he does regret some things. Hatori asks him what are those some things he regrets. Shigure simply comments that he is coming to terms with that and that he has changed in some small ways as well. Back at the hospital Akito hesitates at the dorr of Tohru's room but as Tohru reaches out her hand to Akito, Akito moves foreward reaching out her hand to take Tohru's.

My Thoughts

Well this was an overall sweet chapter. It's nice to see that changes that have occured in Akito and to a lesser extent Shigure. I still am not sure what Shigure was trying to accomplish, maybe he wanted to free Akito from her bonds as the "God" of the zodiac, but I still hope to see some closure in there relationship. As for the Stupid cat he still needs to get his ass in gear, but I am glad to see Hana and Uo get on his case. Momiji was great in this chapter as well. I always felt that Momiji's innocent demeanor really hides how truly mature he is. Well the next chapter is scheduled to be released April 5th. Here's hoping for a Kyoru chapter....lol. Anyway leave me your comments and thoughts as usual. I love to hear them.

Fruits Basket Chapter 123

2006-03-11T19:37:00.000-05:00

Sorry I have not posted anything lately; however I am just swamped because of this anatomy and physiology class I am taking, it's horrible. Well anyway this chapter was not as intense as the last, and while I was a little disappointed by this chapter at least Yuki is able to get Kyo to get his ass in gear. This chapter starts off with Yuki who has been staying by Tohru’s side at the hospital. Eventually Grandpa Honda arrives and tells Yuki that he can go home. Before Yuki leaves however Grandpa is curious as to if Kyo is aware that Tohru is injured; as he would have expected Kyo to be by Tohru’s side. Yuki then says that Kyo is the one that makes her cry and is a total fool, however he is the only one who is adequate for Tohru, more so then he will ever be. At the main house Shigure as brought Akito back home. Kagura along with Kisa inquire about Tohru and Kureno whereabouts while Hatori checks in on Akito. Meanwhile other zodiac members are doing there own thing. When Yuki gets home, is surprised to find Haru visiting. Haru comments that Tohru’s accident is the topic at the main house and that many family members are concerned. Haru goes on to mention how the news shocked Rin, and the makes an inappropriate comment about her increase in breast size. Haru then says he is visiting out of concern for Yuki and Tohru; saying that Kyo would not tell him how Tohru is doing. This pissses Yuki off, who goes upstairs past Shigure who just walked in; looking for Kyo saying at this point in time his issues do not matter. Yuki barges into Kyo’s room demanding to know why he did not go to see Tohru, Kyo’s response is that Yuki can do whatever he wanted, but his presence would only bring pain to Tohru. That stupid cat then goes on to say that Yuki should be with Tohru. This leads to the house being torn apart upstairs because the two are obviously fighting and Haru amusingly just asks Shigure if they can order take out; ignoring the drama unfolding upstairs. In the middle of the fight Kyo yells out that he wished he was more like Yuki. This pisses Yuki off even more, who yells that he always wanted to be more like Kyo. Yuki is so pissed to the point that he starts beating the shit out of Kyo until Kyo finally decides to block some punches. Yuki then goes on to say that they can only be themselves and no one else, and that they have to accept who they are. Yuki in his anger destroys parts of the house saying to Kyo that he has always been protecting Tohru by doing little things. They way Kyo made her smile, they way he made her laugh, just by being with her everyday he was protecting her. Yuki then goes on to say that if he were by Tohru’s side, she would not feel the same way she does when Kyo is by her side. Yuki then tells Kyo to get up and stop being a stupid cat. Kyo leaves and Yuki just comments on how he hates people like that. Yuki meanwhile comments on how it would be nice to go through life never stepping on the wrong path, however Haru comes upstairs interrupting Yuki’s inner monologue to check in on his well being. Eventually Yuki, Shigure and Haru are eating dinner when Shigure inquiring about Kyo’s whereabouts comments that the visiting hours at the hospital are over. Yuki just mumbles that Kyo really and truly is an idiot and that Uo and Hana need to teach him a lesson. Meanwhile that stupid cat is in front of the hospital on his hands and knees realizing that the hospital visiting hours are over.

My Thoughts

STUPID, STUPID, STUPID CAT! I had honestly thought Kyo had worked through his issues in the last chapter, obviously not. This chapter made me seriously pissed off at Kyo, I wanted to be the one to kick his ass with Yuki. Seriously he should have been the first one in the hospital, what a dumbass. I think Yuki is right when he says that Kyo is the only one who really needs to be with Tohru, because with him she is truly happy. I was happy to see that Kyo and Yuki finally confessed what they really feel for each other is admiration, I feel there is some resolution between them in this chapter, as we get closer to the end of Fruits Basket. For me this chapter didn't really do much other then resolve some tension between Kyo and Yuki, as well as get Kyo's ass into gear. Well the next chapter is scheduled to release on March 20th, so hopefully I will have my summary up. As before leave me your comments, thoughts, whatever, I love to hear everyone's opinion on this chapter.

Happy New Year

2006-01-28T18:41:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year

Well I just wanted to wish everybody a Happy New Year, well one day early. The above picture represents the changing of the year from the Rooster (Kureno) to the Dog (Shigure). I must say I am somewhat disappointed with this picture, especially comparing it to last years picture of Kureno and Ritsu which is HOT HOT HOT. I guess however considering how well Shigure and Kureno get along this picture is pretty appropriate. Ah well here's hoping that Shigure gets over Kureno sleeping with his woman, and that Kureno and Arisa finally hook up. Happy New Year Everyone and best wishes for the coming year.

Fruits Basket Chapter 122

2006-01-22T22:37:00.000-05:00

Kyo and Tohru share a kiss.

Well it's been a while since I have updated my blog and I know I promised to put an update of Fruits Basket chapter 120 however chalk it up to an extremely busy holiday season. So now I am back with Fruits basket chapter 122. This chapter starts off with Akito screaming for help due to Tohru's fall off a cliff. Yuki and Shigure are the first to here Akito's cries for help and arrive on the scene, Kyo also hears Akito's cries from a distance. When Yuki and Shigure arrive Akito begs Shigure to help Tohru, screaming the Tohru is not moving. Yuki then turns to go call an ambulance and Akito points Shigure to the place where Tohru has fallen. Shigure then goes on to ask if Akito was responsible for Tohru's fall to which Akito responds that she had nothing to do with Tohru's fall, Akito then goes on to confess that she is responsible for stabbing Kureno however. Yuki then returns asking Shigure to recieve the ambulance when it arrives while he goes to check on Tohru. Shigure drags Akito with him back to the house and proceeds to call the Sohma main house. Shigure calls Hatori and lets him know what's going on and that Akito is with him, Shigure then inquires about Kureno. Meanwhile Kyo having returned to the house overhears Shigures conversation with Hatori and hears that Tohru has fallen off a cliff, Kyo then runs out of the house in search of Tohru. Meanwhile Shigure covers Akito with his jacket and tells her that Kureno is ok, leading Akito to tears. Back outside Kyo reaches Tohru's side, falling to his knees beside her Kyo reaches out to touch her only to have Yuki tell him not to touch her, that she has hit her head pretty hard. Kyo the stares at the blood on his hands and cannot help but remember Kyoko's accident. Meanwhile an unconscious Tohru hears someone crying and at first thinks it is Akito, the she realizes it is Kyo. Tohru then dreams of Kyo walking away and she chases after him wanting to tell him that no matter what she is happy that they met and that didn't realize that the meeting between her and Kyo was a source of great pain for him and regardless she was very happy that they met. Tohru comments on all the things she loves about Kyo, his smile, how he was so gentle and how he looked when he was embarassed. Tohru goes on to say that Kyo became so precious to her and that she never wanted him to go anywhere and that sadly her feeling only caused Kyo so much pain. Tohru goes on to say that everything be it happy or sad must always come to an end and that she wants Kyo to go on living and never wants him to give up, she wants him to keep on living even if she will not be by his side. Tohru then becomes conscious only to see Kyo's crying face, Tohru tells him that it's all right and hopes that what she was thinking earlier had reached him somehow, someway. Yuki runs off to greet the approaching ambulance and Kyo tells Tohru to lie still and not to move. Tohru keeps wishing that her thoughts have reached Kyo and Kyo then leans down and kisses Tohru.

My Thoughts

Good Lord what an intense chapter. The next chapter will not be released until sometime in the beginning of March. Quite frankly this was a shocking chapter so much so that I am at a loss for words. I am happy that Kureno is gonna be ok, however it makes me wonder then is Tohru gonna get sacrificed here. I still feel no sympathy for Akito, to me she still has done way to much to the Zodiac members for me to symapathize with her. In anycase I hope Takaya sensei will not kill off Tohru especially now that Kyo seems ready to accept her love. That would seriously be tragic. In any case leave me your comments as usual. I am sorry I really just don't know what to truly make of this chapter.

Bishonen of December and January

2006-01-03T22:43:00.000-05:00

Ginji Amano and Ban Mido

Well I had no plans of having two bishonen of the month but since I missed December I decided to put up two lead men and who better the the Getbackers themselves. Truthfully these days I am really into Getbackers, I absolutely love this anime and can't wait to start reading the manga. Anyway these two look absolutely delicious in this picture. Ginji Amano and Ban Mido run the Getbackers recovery service, they get back whatever was stolen for a small fee. Unfortunetly for Ban and Ginji they have very little luck when it comes to money, as they never have any....lol. Anyway Ginji is the former lightening emperor of the limitless fortress; Ginji has control over electricity and his innocent demeanor hides a very strong fighter. Regardless Ginji is a very kind, gentle and somewhat clueless individual. On ther other extreme we have Ban Mido, who has the power to create illusions good or bad through his Jagan eyes, his hands also contain 400 pounds of pressure his other weapon. Ban is extremely intelligent, self-centered and greedy, usually Ginji tends to be his concious and moral compass. It is said that before Ban and Ginji were friend they had a pretty big fight outside the limitless fortress; who won that fight has yet to be revealed. Dr. Jackel is also waiting to find out who won between Ban and Ginji so that he can fight who the victor was. Regardless who won Ban and Ginji are great friends now always sensing when the other is dangerous. Theyare the perfect team whose strengths and weaknesses complement one another.

I am still alive

2005-12-07T08:29:00.000-05:00

Good Morning everyone, sorry I have not posted anything lately, really I wanted to post chapter 119 of Fruits Basket, but it's the final week of classes and it is exam week. Truthfully I am barely passing Anatomy and Physiology, that is one hard ass class, and I am still catching up from work I missed when my mom was in the hospital. I promise I will try and come back with Fruits Basket chapter 120 summary for all the loyal fans. I also will also post Bishonen of the month and put up some reviews of some latest anime and manga. I hate exams but what can one do. Again I extend my deepest apologies but right now I am swamped with school work. Please look foreward to some new posts in about a week or so.

More on Fruits Basket Chapter 118

2005-11-15T22:08:00.000-05:00

Well I would like to thank all the people who support me, I truly appreciate it. Well I finally got a hold of some scans for chapter 118 and well I must say it was pretty interesting, Akito has finally cracked. Poor Kureno I hope he doesn't die but I dunno, from what I hear Takaya sensei does like to kill off her characters. Kudos to Hiro who is now free, which is nice but I wonder if he can still hug Kisa, regardless of the curse being broken he is still the sign of the sheep, just as the stigma of the rooster has always stayed with Kureno. I hope that Ayame is the next to be freed, I don't know why him, since Kyo and Shigure are my favorite zodaic members, but I don't know maybe being released from the curse will humble Ayame a bit...NOT....LOL, anyway leave me your thoughts on this chapter. The reason I haven't updated my blog is because my mom is in the hospital and my father is out of town so I spen most of my day in the hospital with her and have even been unable to attend college. I hope I will be able to come back and summerize chapter 119 for you guys when it's released, your support has shown me how much you all care. Anyway let me know how you all feel about chapter 118.

A note about Fruits Basket 118

2005-11-05T20:49:00.000-05:00

Well I have heard the latest about fruits basket chapter 118 apparently the word is that Akito has stabbed Kureno a couple of times and has also gone crazy. Hiro has had the curse lifted and it seems Tohru is ready to confess to Kyo about her feeling; however Kyo does not seem really receptive to hearing her feelings. I have yet to see the scans so I cannot confirm any of this at this time. I may put up a full review however I must say since the plagerism accusations I just have lost my drive to write anything on fruits basket anymore.

Ginban Kaleidoscope

2005-11-05T20:29:00.000-05:00

Ginban Kaleiodoscope

Well this is one of the new anime's I have started watching, Ginban Kaleiodoscope. This is not really a in depth type series, it's really just something to pass the time. In any case the story is about a young japanese figure skater who see a ghost who was a canadian pilot, leading to hijinks and some romance. This is a cute anime and really nothing more. I can recommend this if your looking for a light hearted comedy series, it's neither serious and really does lack depth but cute nonetheless.

Bishonen of the Month

2005-11-05T20:25:00.000-05:00

Akabane Kurodo

Well I would like to introduce November's Bishonen of the month, Mr. Akabane Kurodo aka Dr. Jackel. This man is a character of the anime and manga Get Backers and boy is he hot! Dr. Jackel is a very polite, very professional, cold blooded killer. By occupation Dr. Jackel is a transporter who ensures delivery of questionable items, his partner sometimes for his deliveries is Himiko Kudo aka Lady Poison. Dr. Jackel's favorite hobby seems to be scaring Ginji Amano of the Get Backers. The fee that Dr. Jackel charges for his transportation service is simply how much pleasure he will obtain from the job; meaning if he can get a good fight out of the job then he will take it on. Dr. Jackel can hold up to 105 knives or scapels in his body at one time and is his weapon of choice; his true power however has yet to be revealed. A powerful friend and foe to the Get Backers Akabane is man to watch out for.

A note on Fruits Basket Plagerism

2005-10-31T10:00:00.000-05:00

While checking on Fruity Groups someone accused me of copying someone else's Fruits Basket summary. I can assure 100% this is not true. I do collect my information from other sources, I have to otherwise how can I put up a summary. However everything I write is in my own words. I don't have to put these summaries up, I only do it because I know there are other people out there like me who really want to catch up on the latest fruits basket chapters. Anyway the point is that I am is that everything is in my own words and though I do look to other sources of information I spend hours writing up a summary trying to piece it together for you guys. I know there are those of you out there who do appreciate my hard work, and I do thank you for your support. These accusations have left a foul taste in my mouth and have basically upset me on halloween. In any case I will still continue on with my summaries.

Fruits Basket Chapter 117

2005-10-20T18:58:00.000-04:00

Well Akito is all over this chapter, not much I can about that her being my least favorite character, but what can I say. So let's talk about Akito, in this chapter she is basically contemplating her life thus far and mostly is thinking about her mother and father. Akito thinks about her mother who never gave her a kind or loving look always giving her a cold and cruel look. Akito remembers back to a time when she thought she was the one that her father had loved the most. Akito remembers back to the time of her father Akira's death and that her mother Ren came rushing in demanding to know why she had not been called when Akira was dying, to which the maids respond there was not enough time to call her. Ren laments the fact that her beloved husband had to die alone, the maids tell her that Akira did not die alone that Akito was by his side. Ren says that thing(Akito) was nothing more then a toy for Akira so that he could pass his time, she is nothing more, and nothing less, and now with Akira gone she was not needed nor wanted. Akito the tells Ren that she is special and that everyone had been waiting for her and that Akira had told her so, she then goes on to say that Ren is the one who is not wanted. Ren getting angry calls the bond that she shares with the zidiac twelve as nothing more then a dream, a bond that would not last long and in the end Akito would be alone realizing that no one was waiting for her. Kureno enters the room breaking Akito's thoughts, before he can tell her why he was there Akito mentions of how she was so happy when she met Yuki for the first time, she was happy mainly because it gave her a chance to show the bond to Ren for the first time. Akito the goes on to say that Shigure had been kind to her once just like her father. Akito then begins to wonder when did things get so out of control when did her world fall apart, thinking that perhaps it started with Kureno being released from the curse, saying that she wanted to hang on to him, and that she was afraid of being betrayed. Akito then goes on to remember how when Yuki moved out with Shigure, Ren came over to rub it in her face that now the rat had left her. Akito denies any such thing and insists that the bond could not seperate her from the twelve, and that even after living outside that they would all return to her side. Ren tells her to prove her theory and that if she should lose she would have to bow down in defeat in front of Ren and leave the Sohma's forever. Akito remembers how she believed that it was a bet she would not lose, even when Shigure had Kyo and Tohru live with him Akito still believed that no one could destroy the bond, however Akito realzies that deep down she truly never believed that she could win, she was mearly living on a prayer so to speak, one she would speak everyday as if she would lose her life if she did not. Akito goes on thinking that it's no use that in the end everyone leaves her. Just then Ren comes into the room with a knife demanding Akira's box from Akito saying that it belongs to her because everything of Akito's is hers. Akito remembers how much she never wanted to lose to Ren, and throws Ren the box, feeling that if she wants it that much she can have it. Akito remebers her father saying that even though he was leaving he would always be with her. It shows Akira saying that he wanted Ren to be most happy about Akito, he then he says that he is just a dying man leaving his child but with Akito being so special it was proof that he and Ren were special as well, his dying words saying that "we did not make up Ren." Ren opens the box and Akito remebers the day she recieved the box, the maid who handed it to her told her that Ren needed to realize how important Akito was that it was she who was entrusted by Akira to gather the spirits and because he loved her the most and if she held the box Akira would be hers alone and that he would always be by her side like he promised. Akito then asks the maid what's inside the box to which she responds that it's Akira's soul. Meanwhile Ren is extremely shocked to find the box empty, Akito tells her it has always been empty. Meanwhile Akito realizes that in the end she has always been the one left behind, saying that she wanted what was impossible. Oh and Tohru was also in the beginning of that chapter but her appearence was brief in which she wakes up and comments on how she still has not built up any courage.

My Thoughts

Well this was a pretty interesting chapter since we sort of get the workings of Akito's mind. I guess the author is trying to elicit some sympathy from the reader for Akito, I personally feel too little too late if you ask me. Maybe some people out there like Akito but I personally feel that she has damaged too many lives for me to feel any sympathy for her. I guess the good thing though is that it seems that Aktio may be trying to move forward, and not lock herself in the same place anymore(which in theory make for a very happy Shigure). Ren is seriously a warped individual, it shocks me that she could not love Akito since Aktio is also a part of Akira. I am surprised that Ren does not look at Akito as a gift from Akira, perhaps that is what Akira wanted from Ren was for her to find her happiness in Akito. I think it also was a little disappointing to Akito that it was Ren's name that was on Akira's lips as he uttered his dying words. I can see now why Shigure does not like having Akito think of him as a father figure, I thought it strange that he mentioned that a few chapters earlier, now I know why apparently Shigure's kindness reminds her of Akira, perhaps that is why Shigure is so cruel to her now. Also I guess Shigure knew all along that the box was empty, we already know that Kureno knew the contents of the box, Akito's willingness to let go of the box shows that she may be ready to move on, but how she moves on into the future yet remains to be seen. Anyway as for Tohru I assume the courage she is speaking about is the courage to tell Kyo how she feels, well lets hope in the next chapter she finds that courage. Well leave me some comments and let me know what you think.

The Start of Paradise Kiss

2005-10-20T18:04:00.000-04:00

Yukari and George

Well Ladies and Gentlemen I have just seen the first episode of Paradise Kiss, and well aside from a few minor complaints I love this show. The opening song Lonely in Gorgeous is awsome, I absolutely love it. Ok my major beef with this anime is the character design for both Arashi and Miwako. In the manga Arashi is 100 times more handsome and sexy, and in the anime he looks like a big goofball. As for Miwako she loses her childlike innocence and looks like more adult like then that innocent little girl that made Arashi look like a cradle robber....lol....you all know what I am talking about if you have read the manga.....lol. Anyway the show is scheduled to go for 12 episodes so I will watch it til the end, I will give you a full review then, but for now overall I am pleased with the show and from the first episode they seem to be following the manga faithfully so what more can I ask for.

The Beginning of the End.

2005-10-17T10:32:00.000-04:00

Joey Wheeler, Yugi Motou and Seto Kaiba.

Well I thought I would talk a little bit about one of my favorite animes, Yu Gi Oh. I watch the KidsWB version of the show(Yes I am well aware that it is the butchered form of the Yu Gi Oh anime, but then again I am not a purist I do prefer dubbed anime occasionally). Anyway as KidsWB has started the final chapter of the Yu Gi Oh saga I thought I would mention how sad I will be when it goes. I love Yu Gi Oh always have and I will especially miss characters like Kaiba and Yami Bakura. I guess I am feeling a bit nostalgic right now, anyway will even though the series has not ended yet in America, so far it's been a great ride and I have enjoyed the adventures of Yugi Motou and his friends. I look forward to the ending of a great series.

Jigoku Shoujo

2005-10-14T18:01:00.000-04:00

Enma Ai of Jigoku Shoujo

Well I thought I would mention this new anime to come out Jigoku Shoujo. I have never read the manga if one even exsists, I am not too sure, in any case the story seems to revolve around a website known as Hell Correspondance. Each episode features different characters with different problems who for some reason or another need to get revenge. Thus one logs onto the Hell Correspondance website at midnight only and submits the name of the person they wish to get revenge on. This leads to the enterance of a young woman named Enma Ai and her group of three companions. Who she is, what she is no one really knows, she is though a supernatural being. Enma Ai and her group send the person who is the revenge target of the week to hell, however the cost of revenge is that the person who requested the revenge will also upon death be sentenced to an afterlife in hell with no chance of ever reaching heaven. A heavy price to pay no matter how much the person deserves to get there dues. In anycase will this was a very good, very creepy anime, clean animation and very nice character designs(sort of reminded me of Paranoia Agent character designs). Overall I would recommend watching the first 2 episodes just to see if you would personally like it. You never know it may creep you out.

The end of Honey and Clover

2005-10-11T18:47:00.000-04:00

The Honey and Clover Five.

Well as the saying goes all good things must come to an end, and I am extremely sad to see Honey and Clover go. 24 episodes later I am still craving more, Honey and Clover was just one of those diamond in the rough series you rarely see. I can say with a great deal of confidence that this show has replaced Fruits Basket as my all time favorite. The realism of this show often hit close to home and the dialogue of the characters was very inspiring. Watching this show at time could be very difficult because of the realism factor and yet that is what made it so good. As far as the end it ended pretty much the same way as Fruits Basket there was closure but most of the conflicts were not solved. I wish somebody would pick up the manga so that I could read what happens to the characters, but here's wishing. I cannot highly reccomend this series enough, it's great story, great plot line, very well paced and at times very insightful. My favorite line of the whole series was when Yamada realizing nothing would change between her and Mayama says that "why do I keep dreaming without ever getting tired of it", that one scene broke my heart because I knew exactly how she felt, I cried for a long time after that scene because her pain reminded me of my own. I guess watching this show can be very theraputic in some ways...lol. In anycase in closing a part of me is really having a hard time letting this show go and I can only hope that Paradise Kiss which is replacing it can live up to it's predecessor.

Bishonen of the Month

2005-10-10T20:53:00.000-04:00

Sesshomaru with a rare smile!

Well as it is the month of October and it being Halloween and all I thought we would have a full fledged demon as our Bishonen of the month, and who better then that noble and aristocratic demon Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru is the elder half brother of his half human, half demon brother Inuyasha. Sesshomaru professes to have a great hate of humans and claims to especially hate his brother. Sesshomaru blames Inuyasha for the death of their father who died protecting the infant Inuyasha. Apparently Sesshomaru hates the fact that his father died before he could persoanlly defeat him. Sesshomaru also hate Inuyasha because their fathe left the powerful sword Tetseiga to Inuyasha, where as Sesshomaru was left with the sword of healing, Tensaiga. Sesshomaru travels with two companions Jaken and Rin. Rin herself is a human child who Sesshomaru saved so I don't think he hates humans all that much. Sesshomaru also has a second sword named Tokijin which was created from the remains of one of Naraku's off spring. In anycase this is my persoanl opinion I get the feeling that Sesshomaru is much stronger then Inuyasha and really both of them can never really kill each other. I believe Sesshomaru and Inuyasha just fight as a male posturing sort of thing. I am quite fond of Sesshomaru and he is my favorite character in Inuyasha, however I don't like him like the three previous bishonen's of the month. Regardless I like Sesshomaru's regal and noble air, I hope he has a great ending when the Inuyasha manga does come to an end.

Death Note Volume 1

2005-10-10T20:33:00.000-04:00

Death Note Volume 1

Well I had just had to review this great manga by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, Death Note is a great fast paced graphic novel straight from Viz's Shounen Jump Advanced line. Death Note tells the story of brilliant high school student Light Yagami. Light finds himself a death notebook dropped by a Shinigami. The notebook has the power to kill anyone when there name is written within it's pages, however you must know the name and face of the person you wish to kill. In anycase Light begins killing off criminals, in fact he kills so many criminals that he draws the attention of not only Japan's police force, but the FBI as well. Also a mysterious detective named L also emerges to capture Light. L seems to posess the same amount of intelligence that Light himself has, and soon after a deadly game of cat and mouse begins between the two characters. I really loved this book, it raises many interesting points like is it truly alright to take a human life even that of a criminal. Another interesting point I found was Light's arrogance in believing that he could use the Death Note to kill off the wicked and create a Utopia under his rule. However the most interesting aspect of this novel I must say is the chemistry between Light and L, each trying to be 10 steps ahead of the other, each trying to outsmart the other, and both being polar opposites of the other, like night and day. The relationship between these two characters alone make the book very entertaining. Usually anything from Viz's Shounen Jump line is not my usual fare, but this is one hell of an interesting story. The art work is great and the storyline engaging. Borrow it or buy it you won't be disappointed.

Harukanaru Toki no Nakade - Hachiyoshou

2005-09-29T20:40:00.000-04:00

Akane and the Hachiyou Eight

Harukanaru Toki no Nakade - Hachiyoshou, is the latest anime I have started watching. It's pretty interesting however be warned it borrows themes heavily from Fushigi Yugi, yet the story still has some original elements to it. the heroine of the story is named Akane, a normal school girl who as been summoned to the alternate world of Kyou to become the Priestess of Ryujinn, because the other four Gods (Suzaku, Byakko, Genbu and Seiryu) have gone missing. In any case two of Akane's friends Shimon and Tenma are also dragged to the other world with her. So begins Akane's quest to gather the Suzaku Seven.....err i mean the Hachiyou Eight, once she gathers the Hachiyou Eight(The Eight Leaves) then Akane will be able to summon Ryujinn. The enemy who is trying to use her is named Akram who is considered a demon by the people of Kyo. Akane however aware of Akram's cruelty is slowly beginning to fall in love with him, it is this that makes the story take an interesting turn and differs from Fushigi Yugi. No matter how much the Hachiyou eight try to protect Akane, she cannot help but be drawn to Akram and oftens meets him when he summons her. Anyway this is not a bad anime, right now I am only up to episode 11 and look foreward to the next episode. Although as of now Honey and Clover is my all time favorite anime to be released this year, but Hachiyoshou is also one worth taking a look at, especially for those Fushigi Yugi fans out there.

Fruits Basket Chapter 116

2005-09-25T19:04:00.000-04:00

Well Fruits Basket chapter 116 is finally out and to me at least it was semi interesting. It was a continuation of the last chapter about Momiji's freedom from the curse. Akito upon feeling the curse has been lifted on Momiji runs to his house within the Sohma complex, Akito then proceeds to ask Momiji not to leave her. Momiji then looks at Akito with pity wondering how this one person can possibly bind him, this weak and frail person. Akito hating the looks that Momiji is giving her demands that he stop looking at her like that. Momiji tells Akito to just return to her room and that he will not tell anyone that he has been freed from the curse. Meanwhile at school the gang is looking for Momiji and he is no where to be found, meanwhile from a window on the otherside of the school Momiji stares at Tohru. Kyo who runs into Momiji mentions that he looks a little different. Momiji then asks Kyo how would he react to know that the curse had been lifted from him hypothetically speaking. Kyo confused by the question was unable to give a decent answer, but the Momiji goes on to say that Tohru would be much happier if the curse had been broken on Kyo, she would be even more happier then if the curse had been broken on him(Momiji). Momiji goes on to say that he is the one feeling devestated, to this Kyo responds that he does not want to know that sort of thing from him. Momiji then goes to Akito to apologize for telling her to go back to her room. Momiji then tells Akito that he will no longer remain by her side, that she can no longer bind him anymore. Akito calls him a traitor and tells him that he has no family to return to and that he would never be happy going back to them. Momiji the thinks to himself that even though the curse is lifted her feels more lonely then ever, the bond that connected him to everyone has been broken. Momiji flashbacks to the morning remembers how he ran into his mother, she barely recognized him as she comments on how much he has grown. Momiji's mother then tells Momiji that she and the family will be going on a family vacation and asks if Momiji will be going with his family on a vacation somewhere. Momiji thinking that his happiness may be somewhere in the future tells his mother that he will be going on vacation with his family. The flashback is broken with Akito yelling at Momiji to get lost. As Momiji leaves he remembers his mother telling him that morning to have a nice trip and good luck.

My Thoughts
Well this chapter I felt was pretty bittersweet. I mean though Momiji is free from the curse he is still in many ways bound by other things. It is sad that he realizes that Tohru will never come to love him the way she loves Kyo; and how heartbreaking was that scene when his mother asks him if he will be going on a trip with his family. The other thing I found interesting was that Momiji felt lonely no longer connected to anyone involved with the curse. If Momiji feels this way it suprises me that besides Akito none of the other zodiac members have noticed there connection with Momiji severed; especially Kyo, I would have thought that would have noticed that Momiji has been set free, it seems that Kyo treats momiji like a little annoying brother. Perhaps Haru noticed since he was the one looking for Momiji, but who knows. Also Kudos to Momiji for choosing to leave Akito, the way he saw her before the curse broke and how he sees her now I find very interesting. I wonder if Kureno views Akito the same way, I wonder if it is pity that keeps Kureno by Akito's side.

Fruits Basket Chapter 115

2005-09-10T12:15:00.000-04:00

Well I thought I would give you all a brief summary of Fruits Basket chapter 115. I am sorry I did not put a review up for chapter 114, but the main point in that chapter was that Tohru tells Rin that Kyo is the most important person to her and that she wants to protect him, Kagura overhearing this gets angry at Tohru telling her that she should be telling Kyo how she feels and then punches Tohru out, and because this is Kagura doing the punching poor Tohru passes out, but enough of chapter 114. In chapter 115 it is all about Akito. Apparently Akito has this box which may contain Akira's(Akito's father) remains (I am not too sure), in any case Akito is not willing to part with this box, which she feels is extremely important. Meanwhile Ren(Akito's mother) also has her eyes on the box and wants it as well. Kureno has seen inside the box and does not really think anything of it, Shigure says to Ren that the box contains nothing that Akito needs indicating that he has somewhat of an idea of what's in the box. Meanwhile Ren remembers how her and Akira fell in love, and how she was mearly a servent at Sohma house. A suitible wife was being searched for Akira and during that time because she was Akira's personal servent, they fell in love. The marriage of Akira and Ren caused a division in Sohma house, the elders of the family looked down on the marriage will the younger Sohma's felt it was a good match. Eventually Ren gets pregnant much to Akira's delight and Ren's dismay. Ren feels with the birth of a child Akira's love would be divided. In any case because Akito would be heir Ren tells Akira that regardless of sex the child would be raised as a male, and if he did not agree she would abort the child. Akira naturally agreed to the decision.
Back to the present Shigure and Ren are fighting and Shigure says that he only pities Ren, he does not hate her. Ren tells Shigure that she pities him as well that he is caught up in a dream, and that he looks at her as if he wants her. Shigure tells her that she is correct that he when he looks at her he thinks of Akito, if Akito had been raised as a woman, that she would look like Ren. Shigure goes on to say that he wanted Ren to get the box from Akito because Ren should be the only person haunted by Akira. That pisses Ren off who claims that Akito would not be alive if it wasn't for her.
Meanwhile Akito is dreaming of better days with her father, a time when he told her that she was special and that she would never know loneliness or fear, when she suddenly awakens to feel Momiji's bond has broken. Momiji collapses to the ground in tears realizing how easily the end (of the curse) came.

My Thoughts
This was an interesting chapter, in that I feel the box represents Akito's unwillingness to change. Her refusal to give up the box shows how unwilling she is to let the past go. I feel that the box is probably empty as Kureno knows what's in it and Shigure has probably guessed as well that the box is empty. Shigure seems pretty sure that Akito does not need the box. That brings me to Shigure it's kind of sad that he looks at Ren and sees what Akito could have been. I thought that Shigure may have been moving on but it seems that he also is hanging on to a dream. Another interesting point is that Akira seemed to think that Akito would never be alone or live in fear, how far from the truth he was. I wonder if it was his words to Akito that make her try to keep the zodiac twelve near, at this point it is rather unclear. Finally Momiji who is now free of the curse, what will Momiji do, it seems now he is free to leave Akito, free to see his mother and is now free to pursue a relationship with Tohru if he chooses to do so. Momiji is now free to leave the Sohma's, the question is will he? My opinion is that he probably won't leave the Sohma's because it is where Tohru is and he wants to protect Tohru.

Bishonen of the Month

2005-09-02T10:23:00.000-04:00

Priest Genjo Sanzo

Well this is our Bishonen of September, High Priest Genjo Sanzo. Why Sanzo well I seem to have a thing for cold, selfish, egotistical men...lol. Anyway Sanzo is of course the priest in the manga and anime Saiyuki. Along with his demon companions Goku, Gojyo and Hakkai; Sanzo is on a journey west to India to stop the resurrection of the great demon Gyomaoh. Sanzo's weapon of choice is a banishing gun and his sacred scroll. In his past life Sanzo along with his demon companions were Gods, Sanzo was known as the God Konzen and was the nephew of the Merciful Goddess. How or why Sanzo and the others were reborn on earth has yet to be revealed.

New Autumn Anime

2005-09-02T00:29:00.000-04:00

Paradise Kiss

Well Paradise Kiss is one Anime I am really looking foreward to. That being said I am really unimpressed by the character design. This anime will replace Honey and Clover when it ends and as you all know I love Honey and Clover, but all good things must come to an end. The anime is based on Ai Yazawa's manga of the same name. I have read all five volumes and really enjoyed it so much, so I hope the anime will do the manga justice. We'll just have to wait and see.

Bishonen of the Month

2005-08-06T22:37:00.000-04:00

Seto Kaiba

Well Mr. August is none other then that self made business man Seto Kaiba. Kaiba is as ruthless in business as he is in his favorite hobby Duel Monsters. Seto is egotistical, conceited and opinionated so why pick Seto? Well even though he has a pretty crappy personality, I really do like him alot. Next to Kurama, Kaiba is my next favorite character. Funny how I find him so attractive considering how much his personality is the complete opposite of Kurama's. In any case at a young age Kaiba and his younger brother Mokuba were adopted by Gozoburo Kaiba, who headed Kaiba corp. Gozoburo was in the business of selling weapons for war. Seto quickly learned the in's and out of Kaiba corp and soon takes over the compant quite ruthlessly from his adoptive father. Kaiba the dismantles all weapons and devotes all of Kaiba corp funds into duel monsters technology. Aside from duel monsters Kaiba cares for only one other thing his younger brother Mokuba which he would protect with his life. Kaiba's greatest rival in the world of duel monsters is champion Yugi Motou. In his past life Kaiba was the high priest and cousin to Yami Yugi, and upon Yami Yugi's imprisonment in the Millennium Puzzle, Kaiba becomes Pharoah and creates a great plaque exhibiting Pharoah Yugi's life. With that Kaiba isn't so bad after all.......

Honey and Clover best anime of 2005?

2005-07-26T20:28:00.000-04:00

Honey and Clover

Well this is the anime I am currently into and I cannot just stop gushing about how great this anime is. I have so far seen the first 13 episodes and all I can say is wow. Alot of people have been comparing this anime to Fruits Basket, as it has a great blend of humor and heart wrenching drama. This anime is about the intertwining lives of five students attending a local art college, what ensues it hilarity and drama. Comparing this to Fruits Basket (which is my all time favorite anime) Honey and Clover is just as good. Where Fruits Basket fails in realism, Honey and Clover succeeds. Tha's not to say that the things that Tohru said in Furuba were not true, but I find Honey and Clover the situations are so realistic that you can really relate to them. For example a character named Yamada(pictured in the 9th square above) is hopelessly in love with a fellow student named Mayama(pictured in the 10th square). Mayama in turn is in love with an older woman who is is pining away for her dead husband. The sad part of it all is that Yamada doesn't understand why she loves Mayama, and knowing he won't return her feelings, she doesn't understand why see just cannot turn her feelings off. In episode 13 she tries dressing up real pretty and tries to look more mature and sexy hoping Mayama will notice. Mayama just comments how nice she looks as he usually does and Yamada cries realizing nothing will change his heart. She even says why does she keep dreaming without ever tiring of it, saying that she should of ended her love for Mayama but she could not break her feelings. I feel this hits pretty close to home because how many times have we had an unrequited love? How many times have we tried to pretty ourselves up looking for some kind of acknowledgement? How many times have we pined away for someone? How many times have we tried to break are feelings for that person? Episode 13 made my cry a great deal because I could empathize with Yamada, her heartbreak and her sadness. Another character named Hagu (pictured in the 5th box) suffers from isolation and loneliness amoungst her peers due to her genius and eccentricity. Hagu uses her guardian/sensei as her shield often not leaving his side, but slowly she learns to open with with a few select others. Hagu's situation also hits it on the mark as far as how many times have we wished to be accepted and wanted, brought me back to high school watching Hagu? Although Fruits Basket made me sad in some parts, it never made feel that I could relate to any the characters the way I can in Honey and Clover. All I can say that this is a thoroughly enjoyable anime and one that should not be missed.

Review of Victorian Romance Emma

2005-07-23T22:14:00.000-04:00

Victorian Romance Emma

Well I just finished watching Victorian Romance Emma, this is a twelve episode anime and must say I really enjoyed it. Victorian Romance Emma is based on the manga of the same name by Kaoru Mori. The story is a nice change from all those fighting, over dramatic, over done animes. The story is about a young maid named Emma living in Victorian England who falls in love with a member of the British gentry, a man named William Jounes. The love between Emma and William is looked down upon simply because she is a maid and he is expected to marry into nobility. Much to William's dismay most of his family and most especially his father disapprove of his releationship with Emma. Throw in a girl from the gentry and you've got a genuine love triangle. The question is will William choose love and marry Emma, or will he choose duty and marry the girl from the upper classes(I think her name was Elenanor, I forgot). Unfortunetly tweleve episodes were not enough to contain this anime and the ending although not too sad leaves me craving more. I hope there will be a second season as they ended the anime somewhere in volume two of the manga. Emma is a nice slow paced anime, with interesting characters and a simple yet an intriguing story and a plot with depth. Prejudice and class differences are issues explored in this story. One thing I found interesting was that William's father stated that England was actually two nations instead of one. William's father stated that the difference between the nobles and the working class were essentially two different nations in England and that one should never marry somebody who is not from your nation. In any case if your looking for something different this is great series to check out on a Sunday afternoon. Just try not to be too disapponted with the end as the manga goes beyond the anime ending. Rating - 8.5/10

Fruits Basket Chapter 112 and 113

2005-07-23T21:14:00.000-04:00

Kakeru and Komaki

Well both these chapters I found boring and really uninteresting. In Chapter 112 we are introduced to Komaki (she sort of looks like a young version of Kana), she is Kakeru's girlfriend. In any case the importance of this chapter is that Komaki's father was the other car involved with Tohru's mothers accident. Komaki's father also died in the accident as well, he died instantly on the spot. Kakeru talks to Tohru in the school hallway and she remembers the time that Komaki and Kakeru came to visit her on the death of her mother. The other important point in this chapter was that Yuki gives Machi a present, he gives her a small Mogeta collectable. In chapter 113 we have Yuki going for dinner at Kakeru's house, where he is introduced to Komaki. we learn the Komaki loves to eat meat. Yuki is also concerned that if his ties with Tohru will be upsetting for Komaki, to which Kakeru says that Komaki knows Yuki and Tohru are friends and everything is ok. Kakeru has a flashback of when he and Komaki went to visit Tohru and he pulled her aside and told her that she was not the only one who is suffering and unhappy and to stop thinking that she was the most unfortunate. Kakeru then tells Komaki what he said to Tohru which causes Komaki to burst into tears, knowing he only said what he did for her sake. Komaki was unhappy with Kakeru measuring people's sadness misfortune and at the time Kakeru could not understand why Komaki was crying. Kakeru felt they had always shared the same viewpoint, and as he told Yuki, Yuki asked him he must have felt lonely with that realization. Kakeru said he did feel lonley but he is slowly learning. Kakeru really loves Komaki a great deal. Kakeru does have another flashback from earlier in the moring where he is chatting with Tohru and apologizing to her about what he said to her on her mother's funeral, saying that Komaki was upset with what he said to. In any case Komaki arrives and prepares dinner. Kakeru tricks Komaki into thinking that Yuki is a girl. The rest of the night goes on without a hitch, when Yuki leaves Kakeru tells Komaki that he wishes that if Machi and Yuki hook up the they could be relatives.

My Thoughts

Well like I said I found these chapters to be really boring and I was totally uninterested hence the short summaries. About Yuki giving Machi a gift, this is significant because besides Tohru, Machi is the only other female that Yuki has given a gift to. We also learn of how Tohru knew Kakeru as she indicated once before. We also learn why Kakeru brings such a painful memory to Tohru because of his harsh words and why she would rather forget him. I dunno I mean important information was revealed about the nature of the accident which took Kyoko's life, buy like I said these chapters just really bore me. In any case here's hoping we get some chapters on Tohru and Kyo or Akito and Shigure.

Hot pic!

2005-07-16T00:14:00.000-04:00

Kureno and Rin in changing of the year dance.

Good Evening(or should I say Good Morning), in any case just wanted to post this picture up of Ritsu and Kureno (yes that is Ritsu and yes they are both guys). In anycase this picture signifys the changing of the year from the year of the Monkey(Ritsu) to this year 2005, the year of the Rooster(Kureno). I posted this picture because I really liked it and think it's pretty hot. I have also seen the changing of the year pic of Momiji - Hatori, Hatori - Ayame, Rin - Hiro, Hiro - Ritsu, however I have yet to see a pic of Ayame - Rin(if one exists). I am real interested to see if Takaya-sensei does one next year which will be Kureno - Shigure. It will be interesting since most of us know how much Shigure really hates Kureno. I wonder what kind of pose that will be. ha ha ha....well on that note I promise I will soon put up a review of chapter 112.

Confusion?

2005-07-07T14:51:00.000-04:00

Somebody emailed me saying there was some confusion on how to post a comment. If you want to post a comment please hit the comment link and choose either Other or Anonymous instead of blooger (unless of course you have a blog with blogger.com). Oh and I will soon post a review for chapter 112 of Fruits Basket. I have quiz tomorrow so hopefully on the weekend I will have it up. However it won't be so detailed as the last chapter because I did not find this one so interetsing so I will just be expressing the main points of the chapter.