#i still have that the meaning of friends for mcgillis thing to finish

[wordsandrobots]

Wishing on Space Hardware update . . . no, hang on, let's do this properly. *pulls giant comedy lever*

2023 final update

As of writing, I have just finished Epilogue 4 of fic #19 in my 20-part Iron-Blooded Orphans continuation. This leaves one remaining interlude and the final epilogue to write, and I have next week off work so it's looking very likely I'll be in a position to start posting at the end of January (following a full beginning-to-end edit).

With that in mind, this is a 'please read my two-and-a-half-years of fan-fic' post for anybody who hasn't checked it out so far. There are thrills! Spills! Terrorism! Smut! Mind-screws! And a considerable number of sundry dramatic happenings as the entire damn cast utterly fails to get over what happened in the series itself.

In short: I fix one (1) thing and run away cackling with the consequences for what will ultimately be around 650,000 words. I'm really quite proud of it. Comments etc always 100% welcome.

As for the rest of you, my dear, lovely readers who have waited patiently for the past six months, sharpening your pitch-forks over what I did at the end of fic #17, I'd like to present you with the following token of my appreciation: an early preview of the prologue to fic #19. I feel this could stand as a intro to the whole story, so it's only spoilers for Iron-Blooded Orphans itself. Nevertheless, I'll put it behind a cut to keep things tidy.

Your comments, kudos and readership in general has made this hyper-fixation utterly worth it. I wish you all a happy, healthy new year and hope to see you again when I next start posting.

Ragnarök in G Minor

Prologue – Wish

verb: to desire something unattainable

You know how the story goes. You know how it ends.

Once upon a time, there were two little boys who wanted to be kings.

For one, this was everything – the very reason of his existence. For the other, it was merely the next step on the path to some better place. They both did terrible things in pursuit of their dreams, driven onward by a blue-eyed demon whose own desires ran no deeper than the dirt beneath his feet or the new sights to which he was led. Voices that spoke against them were cast aside. Others flocked to their cause, dazzled by hope. Together, they set out to transform the world itself.

But the world refused to bend. And no matter how many lives were spent in their names, death would not take their side.

McGillis Fareed passed away in silence, so that his best friend needn't forgive his treachery.

Orga Itsuka fell in the street, back where he began, his blood in the gutter.

Their crowns were mirages, impossible to grasp. For the harsh truth is, lost little boys do not get to become kings and those who already sit upon thrones show no mercy towards challengers.

So the story goes. So it ends.

Yet, what is an ending except the point where one chooses to stop telling the tale? The storm of change McGillis craved lashes still at the pillars of all he deemed stagnant and corrupt. By Orga's final choices and upon his last command, his family continues forward into whatever comes next.

Is it failure, to snatch what remains from the ashes? Is it victory, to not see where the rocks pitched into motion come to rest?

The meaning may be judged in the moment, or years hence, by those who gained and those who lost, the bitter and the blessed. It flexes with time and place and circumstance, until the only thing that may be said of the matter is this:

Once upon a time, there were two little boys who wanted to be kings.

They knew not what they unleashed.

I saw two shooting stars last night I wished on them, but they were only satellites It's wrong to wish on space hardware I wish, I wish, I wish you'd care

From 'A New England' by Kirsty MacColl

[mikanrulz]

Gundam ibo s02e18 gjallarhorn & tekkadan: expectation vs acceptance

Below I talked a bit about Sevenstars kids, and a bit of ep commentary after that.

After this ep, there seems to be a discourse about how some fans do not want Gaelio to win, as it would invalidate Tekkadan’s struggles. The reason is bcs Gaelio comes from wealth anyway, so if he wins, it’d only strengthen the belief money is everything and that the poor would only struggle in vain with no reward.

I’m just. Augh. That logic is not exactly wrong, but I don’t think it is applicable to IBO world – or gundam world in general. Barring the fact that gundam endings usually are not about winning or losing, IBO itself is never about the rich vs the poor – even if it likes to throw around words like resources, corruption for the sake of money, exploitation and the likes.

The way I see it, Tekkadan is about acceptance, makeup family, and make the best of what you have. Basically, all Tekkadan’s struggles are for the sake of surviving and maybe get a better life and that’s it. They’re not actually trying to conquer Earth – that’s on McGillis. These are a bunch of ragtags who are used to be abused, so long as they could live free, they’re already satisfied. The original members trust each other already (despite Eugene’s initial jealousy of Orga). Their continuous conflict is not external (since Mika could easily defeat any outside enemy), it’s in how each member learns to accept their role within the group. This is esp evidence because once said member has accepted his role, he’s no longer given screentime and is relegated to background character (w/ the exception of mika & orga who are the leads, and biscuit & Aston who died.)

This is also shown with the new members (e.g. Hush, Zack). They’re *new*, and therefore they have to *learn* to trust other members, before they could accept themselves and their assigned role.

My point: the biggest hurdle in being a Tekkadan member is in how one learns to get accepted by others in order to accept oneself. They live rather isolated, and so societal rules is not exactly expected of them.

Gjallarhorn, on the other hand, is much colder.

Gjallarhorn members are not struggling to survive, since they take for granted their freedom and their livelihood; they need not worry of lack of food or fund since they get steady income. They’re already functional and accepted members of society, and they have social expectation to meet.

All Sevenstars kids have the same problem: they desire acknowledgement, and none actually has it.

Iok: he’s the most obvious, since at the moment he has nothing that he has worked on himself. He’s acknowledged for two titles: The Head of Kujan House (inherited) and one of Arianrhod’s Captain (regardless of whether or not he gets his position by *working*, the fact he’s a Sevenstar, and that Rustal is also a Sevenstar, would make Iok suspect of nepotism). As a pilot, he’s surpassed by Julieta – someone whose skill Rustal himself personally approved. It’s not even Iok is devoid of skills; Rustal did tell Vidar that Iok is actually at being *inspiring.* 40 ppl apologized on his behalf, and at least 5 ppl threw their life to protect him. People look at him and want to follow him – he’s a true leader material. Him not realizing his true strength is, I think, just a matter of him being immature still. Being an inspiring leader is not exactly a skill you could see with your own eyes, unlike piloting skills – which can be proved by how many mobile suits you could destroy. He’s impatient, he seeks instant gratification, and being a leader is something you need to work at. He’s a natural at inspiring ppl, but he still doesn’t know how to actually be a good leader.

Personality and skill wise, Iok is the weakest among the four Gjallarhorn kids tho. Unlike the others, Iok still lacks self-confidence and awareness, and on top of that, he hasn’t learned how to hone/use his skills. He’s also even easier to rile up than Gaelio. He wants attention, but he doesn’t know how to get it. Among the four, Carta would be the strongest simply because she’s that stubborn and she doesn’t take no for an answer. If she wants attention, she demands it and makes sure everybody knows it and indulges her. McGillis and Gaelio are somewhere in the middle. If he wants attention, McGillis would probably manipulate his way so that it’s not obvious he *wants* attention. If Gaelio wants attention, he just follows them around but appears uninterested until they come to him - just like he does to McGillis.

Carta – having born to the highest ranked Sevenstar Family, Carta probably feels the weight of expectation more acutely than the other three. She has her position (Commander of Lunar Orbit Fleet, McGillis’ current position). For the ppl at large, she should have all the acknowledgment that she needs (Makanai does say *she* is powerful in the end of ep s01e21. But then in s01e19 Carta herself says she’s going to prove her title is not just a decoration, and in s02e01, one of the two old men say something similar in the Sevenstars meeting. Different from Iok’s obvious cluelessness, Carta is very aware of her shortcomings, and does her best to try hiding it; she either chooses to suffer in private, or in front of Gaelio. Her screaming about Almiria to Gae in ep19 – I think that’s one of the moments she allowed herself to look immature. She’s always so proper and respectful otherwise – even to McGillis. She desires to be acknowledged by Sevenstars leaders, esp her guardian Iznario, but until the end she’s just an embarrassment to them – even if ppl at large acknowledge her.

Gaelio – looking at how he allows himself to be overshadowed by McGillis, one might think he’s selfless; but he’s not. He just doesn’t care. Also, unlike Carta’s and Iok’s, his title as Gjallarhorn’s Ace Pilot ™ is not actually an empty title; in ep5, when he faces Mika, he doesn’t brag about skill the way Iok does when he’s fighting. Gaelio fights with the attitude and confidence of someone who has honed his skills in battles and actually comes on top. The fact Mika still beats him is a testament to Mika’s monstrous skill and not Gaelio’s lack of one. According to Triage card, he’s not actually concerned about his looks. Again, this is not because he lacks self-confidence, he simply doesn’t care. The fact he’s having the same rank as McGillis (who is praised as being excellent etc) speaks of his skills and actual hardwork, and since it’s implied ppl flock to him when he’s not with McGillis, ppl do acknowledge him. But. Once again, Gaelio doesn’t care about the masses’ opinion. He only desires for McGillis’ approval, and in the process of trying to achieve this, I do think he purposefully turn a blind eye to some of McGillis’ pursuits. (I still can’t decide when Gae agreeing w/ McGillis abt how Gjallarhorn’s corrupt, he does it bcs he rly think so, or just bcs he’s that desperate to get McGillis’ approval.)

McGillis – I think McGillis’ biggest problem is his sense of entitlement. He acts like the world owes him something and that he’s going to continue to demand it until he bleeds the world dry. As a Sevenstar kid, he’s perfect – he’s already being acknowledged by Gjallarhorn leaders, even if the masses still can’t approve of him bcs of his supposed “mistress’ son” background. This is the opposite of the other three who get the masses’ approval but not Gjallarhorn’s leaders (except gae-it’s unknown what the leaders think of him). He meets all the social expectation expected of him. Despite this, different from the others, McGillis doesn’t *seem* to crave approval; he doesn’t crave it bcs he think he *deserves* it. To crave something means you’re the one lacking, but to deserve something means it’s your right, you’re the owner. He lives in his own world, where he’s the only right one. According to Triage, he’s also vain about his looks – he thinks his face is pretty and is one of life’s most magnificent view ever created.

Honestly McGillis’ attitude baffles me. Ppl compared him w/ Gaelio, but I think comparing him w/ Orga, background wise, is more appropriate. They come from similar unfortunate background, and yet one turns into a megalomaniac wannabe while the other is a revered leader of ragtag family whose members look up to him.

You can’t even say McGillis get his sense of entitlement bcs he grows up in Sevenstars (and all sevenstars kids have this to a certain degree) since he already thinks himself better than everyone else way before he finds Agnika’s book. The moment he finds the book, he feels validated since the book confirms his belief that brute force is the greatest power.

He forces the world to bend to his will and belief instead of the other way around – which is to say: he thinks the world revolves around him.

TL;DR: Tekkadan doesn’t expect anything of its members; staying alive is hard enough, so as long as they’re alive, it’s enough. On the other hand, in Gjallarhorn, staying alive is a given; pride is everything; if you can’t even bring glory to your name, you’re better off dead.

SPEAKING OF THIS EP

in my last ep review, I remarked about how McGillis’ way of starting a war by recruiting public is proof that he feels he can’t win against Rustal the usual way.

Turn out I was wrong; the broadcast is actually a cover up and not an instigation, since he chooses a coups d'état – which would put him as the wrong side.

When Orga and Liza Enza talking about McGillis’ big plan, I was like wow, I sure hope that big plan is really a *plan* and not a series of coincidences like in S1

Turns out the reality is so beyond ridiculous I can’t even.

So McGillis’ plan basically is: 1.Have Tekkadan do all the dirty work of eliminating Gjallarhorn soldiers 2.Have Liza Enza making excuses to the masses and the rest of unsuspecting Gjallarhorn’s soldiers not in HQ 3.Preen and gloat to the Leaders of Gjallarhon for maximum asshole effect 4.Pilot Bael 5.Be the King of the World

I’m just??????? The level of ridiculousness is so of the chart I’m. having trouble processing this? HOW IS PILOTING A GUNDAM A PROOF YOU’RE THE KING OF THE WORLD???

Gundam Bael is not Excalibur, McGillis is not king Arthur. Pulling Bael out of its resting place doesn’t make you leader of anything.

So basically his big plan is to appear with Bael and somehow have the rest of the world in its knees because of it.

Srsly? SRSLY???

Isn’t Gjallarhorn supposed to have less influence than before since their rep gets smeared and all? Liza Enza just broadcasts this story at the beginning of the ep. And yet McGillis still acts like Gjallarhorn is the greatest power ruling the world, and therefore some ancient Gjallarhorn hero would immadeately put fear in the masses.

Like, which is it? Is Gjallarhorn actually still powerful, or is it not? He can’t seem to make up his mind.

While the leaders of  Gjallarhorn seem to fear Bael’s power, including Gallus, do the youngsters even know what a Gundam is.

I mean, Gjallarhorn’s resident Ace Pilot ™ doesn’t actually remember what a Gundam is until McGillis tells him in s01e06, despite having one tucked away in his family’s basement.

Iok doesn’t know what MA is, despite it having much to do with creation of Gjallarhorn and basically the foundation of his family.

Mars’ Branch Head doesn’t know what MA is, and doesn’t have access to search for MA’s kids despite his position.

If Sevenstars core members do not even know/remember what Gundam/MA is, how would you expect the rest of the world to remember 300 years ago history, esp when it has nothing to do with them at all???

Mostly I’m imagining ppl in their houses watching this crazy half-naked man sprouting nonsense about how ppl should call him “King” bcs he brings some random giant robot.

Speaking of, is it actually necessary for him to get half-naked? I don’t actually need to see that.

Since McGillis mentions *Ein’s research*, I guess his Alaya Vijnana installation is made after? So basically the whole Graze Ein thing is him experimenting to make sure it’s safe for his own use, and nothing more huh. The smearing gjallarhorn name thing is probably also after the fact *while we are at it* thing.

Also, kid McGillis’ back seems smooth from what I see, so the installation is def new.

I just. Just because you get abused in the past, doesn’t give you the right to abuse other ppl in return – esp when they have nothing to do with it.

In regards to the aforementioned discourse, ppl want McGillis to win bcs he had suffered enough? And I’m like??? But what about *his* victims???

So we finally get to know his past. It’s just. Oddly unsatisfying because it turns out his past has nothing to do with Sevenstars at all.

He just picks Sevenstars and Gjallarhorn bcs atm Gjallarhorn holds the most power, and nothing more. And also bcs Iznario happens to pick him up.

McGillis always feel empty. Like he’s present, but he’s not actually there. He’s just so cold and distant, and his reaction to ppl is just. Weird.

He feels sociopathic to me.

I’ve commented a little abt ein/gae here, and I’m just. Waiting for more detail. Tho I wouldn’t be opposed to a probable Ein/Gae/Juli OT3

Also I can’t believe it’s canon that Julieta does feel a little jealous of Vidar over Rustal.

Stop confirming my headcanon show. Else I’ll start expecting things you can’t actually deliver.

Yamazin smile while she gives Julieta the explanation tho. I’m in love. I love my manic Head Mechanic. She seems scary in a mad scientist way, but I think it’s better than the unfeeling mechanic guy for Graze Ein, who seems very formal with no show of feelings at all.

I hope we get to see more of Yamazin - tho hopefully not bcs she’s going to operate on Juli and make her the second Ein *coughs*

Also I thought Liza Enza is shrewd somehow, but it turns out he’s just gullible. You can’t fake that level of earnest enthusiasm.

I totally understand why Orga gets overwhelmed and like, uhhh stay away from me maybe when Liza Enza gives him that look.

I apologize for repeating Liza Enza’s name so many times. I just like his name. do you think he gets nicknamed Zaza? I need to know for science.

Pretty sure Orga never actually meet Gaelio, since the ones who had ever seen Gaelio’s face from Tekkadan were Mika and Biscuit in ep4. So why does Orga act like he somehow recognizes Gae’s face? Or is that a a shock in general and nor necessrily bcs of Gae’s face?

This cap is here as an appreciation for Eugene’s face. I recall I used to like him wayy back when he’s actually active and all.

[haropla]

Thoughts About Gundam: IBO Episodes 4-5

Might be easier to go episode by episode or just by bunches of episodes when I remember to do these. I originally gave this anime the three episode rule and dropped it. It almost completely soured my thoughts on the gundam franchise before a close friend introduced me to 0079, which still is my favorite entry overall. But this is the one that everyone talks about so I’m giving it another shot, though episode 4 was more of what turned me off of IBO in the first place so. I’m gonna get it over with.

I’ll at least finish it for Gaelio, Orga, and Atra. Mikazuki can go bite it. 

So what turned me away from IBO was the fact that it did the Kira thing and sort of bends backwards to uplift Mikazuki pretty much all the time even if he’s breaking the exposition that’s been given thus far. It’s not as immediate nor as obvious as it is for Kira but it’s there.

Coming back to IBO nearly three years after dropping it means a refresher was prolly in order but I decided not to. And it’s actually for the better because within just episode 4 they make it a point that characters in the setting cannot even slight a Gjallarhorn officer without expecting a disproportionate punishment. And that’s still in line with what I remember from the first three episodes, as they sent officers with mobile suits to either capture or kill Kudelia in a base that was presumed defenseless and without a mobile suit of their own. If Mikazuki didn’t have the Barbatos, it would pretty much be overkill.

But Mikazuki goes ahead and tries to choke out Gaelio, a Gjallarhorn officer, with another Gjallarhorn officer right next to him in broad daylight. If these were any other two regular mustache-twirling Gjallarhorn officers, the situation would’ve gotten so much worse for Tekkadan. The reasons Mika has for trying to kill Gaelio on the spot don’t make much sense either because the tire marks clearly swerved and the little girls don’t even have any blood on them. 

It would’ve been one thing if Mikazuki was told off instead of scolded like a child was, and the scene would’ve also been fine if McGillis played it off as an opportunity to get information out of the locals, but as it is, no one really treats it as the crisis averted as it really should’ve been. It’s just. Kind of kills my suspension of disbelief.

Luckily though, episode 5 is more of what I imagine people come to IBO for. There’s actual rapport between Orga and the members of Tekkadan (that are not Mikazuki), the crew utilizing tactics that only they could’ve utilized as those who have lived by and used mobile workers (something that adults of much higher standards of living couldn’t use ofc), believable advantages and disadvantages that Mikazuki has as someone with Alaya-Vijnana over Gjallarhorn officers that lack it. Episode 5 left a much better taste in my mouth compared to episode 4. 

If anything, my big hangups over IBO--and they’re Really Big Hangups considering they’ll be elements that will stick with this show for the long run--are pretty much most of Mikazuki’s writing sans the tactics involved with mobile suits and the fact that the overwhelming majority of the antagonists are mustache-twirling bad guys that have “DO NOT TRUST THIS PERSON” tattooed onto them. Like, of course we’re not going to be surprised that the man with the beer belly and actual Hitler mustache betrays Tekkadan or that the man that has all the visual tropes in common with Don Corneo is similarly untrustworthy. It’s a bit frustrating that this show can’t put more faith in its viewers to figure things like this out without such obvious clues like that. 

On the upside, Orga has as much prominence as Mikazuki does. Orga is already an amazing commander early on, but that’s not glaring when he technically already has experience commanding Mika and establishing relationships with everyone in Tekkadan. Part of Bright Noa from 0079′s character development is also him learning how to put his faith in and how to properly reprimand his crew. These things couldn’t be brought to the forefront until the rest of the crew was backed into a corner by Ramba Ral. And all of these things are pretty much established to have happened with Orga, so for him to be pretty much up to that level off the bat isn’t just excusable but expected if he’s gotten this far in life and all the pieces fell into place by the time the series starts. I’m honestly looking forward to seeing more of him.

Also Gaelio’s a Garma clone and we definitely need more of those in Gundam. And Atra’s cute and sometimes that’s all we need, even if she’s into Mikazuki somehow. 

[mellicose]

Theo Howard, "discharge", fluff (but heavy)

DT’s small but powerful part in an episode of Foyle’s War in 2002 is seldom spoken of, but it’s a treat. Even if you haven’t watched it, you can still enjoy this bit of angsty fluff.

“Howard! How the hell are ye!” Emmett yelled as they walked into the clearing. He rose to hug him, and he let him wrap his beefy arms around him andleaned into it. Emmett was nearly 7 feet and 250 lbs of muscle, so itwasn’t only affection, but a healthy dose of respect. In any case,there was no room for timidity during war. A man never knew when he’dget his last hug, so he took what he could get.

Emmett walked them to the picnic table, which was strewn with delicacies. He uncovered some cold roast and wiggled his brows at him.

“Fancy a wee taste?” he said, ready to serve him. One of the young women sitting at the table conversing amongst themselves turned to Emmett.

“Aren’t you gonnae introduce us, then, ye great big lummox?” she said,snatching the plate away to serve. Emmett blushed underneath hisbeard.

“It’s Captain Howard, remember? I told ye he was coming,” he said, gripping the smaller man’s shoulders. The woman, beautiful but hardfaced, lookedhim over.

“It explains all the tin on his chest,” she said, spooning mashed potato onto hisplate. He didn’t blame her – how many men did she meet, and thennever met again since the beginning of the war?

“You’ll have to excuse her for being so familiar-” Emmett started, but she rolledher eyes.

“You’ll nae excuse nothin’. I’m not fighting. I’ve no need to salute to‘im,” she said as she stood to fetch a cool bottle from thestream nearby.

Emmett shook his head, still blushing. Theo patted him affectionately.

“Calm down, man. She’s right,” he said, and sat down to his plate. He hadn’teaten anything since the night before, and his flat belly growled atthe generous spread.

She sighed and shook her head. Although it pained them both to admit it, the war had been kind to their family – their father was one of the largestsuppliers of dried beef and mutton for the British army. Theirparents were horrified when he ran away to join the effort. Theyfelt there was no need to risk his hide. But he insisted, and upuntil that day, survived.

But she detested every reminder of it, and the snippets of news from the front of seemingly interminable degradation and cruelty. It made her chesttight, and her belly gurgle. Her parents didn’t quite feel thesame. Every minute the war continued, their pockets got fatter. Itmade her skin crawl to know that their new home, and their life ofcomfort and ease were financed by the suffering of others. She toldthem in a moment of passion, but they didn’t see it that way –they were butchers and ranchers, and they would always be butchersand ranchers – although it was horrid, they were proud to do theirbit for Britain.

She planted a bottle of fresh milk in front of him.

“Hmmphanks,” he said, his mouth still full. He ripped the metal cap off and drank deep. The milk was rich and creamy and cold – a delicious luxury.He closed his eyes, trying to think the last time he tasted somethingso good.

“Shall we leave alone with it, or what?” she said teasingly. He opened one eye,then the other. Emmett smiled wide at him. Her eyes danced withamusement.

“Isn’t that the best drop o’ milk you’ve ever had?” he said. “My ma insistson keeping milk cows. She doesn’t trust the stuff ol’ McKenneysells down the road.”

“It’s chalky water,” she said, nodding. “Awful stuff.”

“But most of us have to endure it, and imagine it’s good,” Theo said, licking hislips.

Now she blushed. “Quite true. We know we’re blessed,” she said, and started to tidy up the table. The servant standing off to the side steppedforward, shaking her head.

“Nae, madame. Let me-”

“Don’t ye bother yerself, Mrs. Kerlin. I can handle it,” she said, gently slappingat the older lady’s plump hands. “Enjoy the day. It’s glorious,isn’t it?”

He observed her. Although Emmett was in luxurious mufti befitting his station outside of the Army, she was in a simple white cotton frock. There was only abit of lace around the neck, as well as a worn silver locket. Otherthan that, she wore no other decoration, or cosmetic. Was she … inmourning?

She. She. He realized Emmet had not formally introduced them.

He stood up and wiped his hands.

“I’m afraid McGillis didn’t properly introduce us,” he said, bowingshallowly. “I’m Captain Theo Howard, at your service.”

She nodded. “I’m called Elizabeth,” she said. He raised his brows, waiting for her to finish. “McGillis. Not married,” she finished, and fingeredthe locket around her neck absently.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said, nodded, and sat again. The other two women were off near the stream, flirting with Emmett. She sat at the table,but he ate in silence. He wondered whether he had offended her. Itwasn’t his business whether she was married.

He cleared his throat. “I apologize if I was rude earlier,” he said. “Yourpersonal life isn’t my concern.”

She stared at the two women, who were now playfully hanging off Emmett’s large arms, her face serious. He was always the playful one. The charming one.The one who could talk his way out of a scrape. That had kept himsafe before. But war was no scrape.

“Emmett’s doing his bit?” she said, poking at a plate of biscuits.

It took a second to catch up. “Yes. He might play around now, but he’s 245 lbs of fury on the field,” he said. “It’s quite extraordinary towatch, really. I feel privileged to have him fighting at my side.”

“Och aye?” she said, flicking the dried fruit from a cake. He stared at her. She had Emmett’s strawberry blonde hair and wide, inviting mouth, but herface was longer, and finer. He felt a flash of heat underneath hisuniform, despite the cool breeze coming in from the stream. Her eyesdrifted to meet his gaze. Now, she raised her eyebrow, waiting.

“Ever have hand-to-hand combat with any diabolical Germans out in the field ofbattle?” she said.

He was thrown by the question.

“I reckon. Once,” he said, then they both jumped as Emmett shot his revolver into the woods. The two girls squealed with glee and ran around him.

“What fun!” the taller of the two said, clapping.

“This is nothing,” Emmett said, blowing on the muzzle of the gun. “You can’t imagine what we get into in the front,” he said, smiling devilishly atthem.

“Nothing, eh?” Elizabeth said, popping up. Her face was splotched red. “Silly git! Put that thing away before you blow someone’s heed off!” shesaid, slamming her hand on the table.

Emmett shrugged and took the bullets out of the revolver. It was thin-muzzled Luger, a German gun. Theo frowned. He didn’t know Emmett had it.

“I didn’t mean tae give ye a start, Lizzie,” he said. “I was just showing theselovely young women a little something about war.”

“And shooting a gun off into empty woods is teaching ‘em about war, then?” she said, but she settled back down to sitting. She smoothed her skirtdown over her legs. “Nonsense,” she mumbled.

“He’s just trying to impress the ladies,” Theo volunteered.

“And war is impressive?” she said tersely, giving him a sidelong glance.

His eyes remained on his empty plate. After a few moments, she softened.

“Would ye like some more? We’ve got loads, and you look like you can use it,”she said, giving him a brief smile.

“Yes, please,” he said, and nodded. She served him again, even as the maidsat on a checkered blanket nearby and smiled up at the sun peekingthrough the leaves, eyes closed with pleasure.

She piled his plate high again and placed it in front of him. “More milk?” she said. He noticed her eyes were a breathtaking ashy green, and definitelynot like Emmett’s deep blue.

“No thanks. Any more o’ that and I’ll soon not fit in my uniform,” he said.“I’ll have a drop of water, if you have it.”

She produced a bottle of mineral water from a picnic basket. “You can drinkdirectly from the bottle, if you don’t mind. I forgot to packglasses,” she said, and flushed.

“It’s nothing,” he said, and drank. Before the war, he despised fizzy water, but living abroad had refined his tastes. Honestly, mineral water was thesafest water to drink in some places, and disease ran rampant on thefront. The bubbles dancing on his palate made him smile. “S’good,that.”

“It’s from our own spring,” she said, smiling.

“Lovely,” he said, staring at her. Now that she wasn’t frowning, she lookedyounger than she did earlier. He calculated. If Emmett was 22, andshe was 6 years older, then she must be … 28. And unmarried. He wascurious, but he didn’t know to to broach the subject. He stareddown at her long, slim hands. They were pale, but her fingernailswere not long. They were short, with ink worked deep into the quick.They closed slowly into a fist, and he lifted his eyes. She looked athim pensively.

“You do a lot of writing?” he said.

Gladly, his frankness only delighted her. “Sometimes. I’m not Emily Dickinson– I just teach reading and figures to the kids of all the workerswho live around here.”

“You mean, your father’s employees?” he said, nodding.

“Yes,” she said.

He looked at her with new eyes. Most young women of her station rode horses and bought pretty dresses and jewels, regardless of the war that raged aroundthem.

“Don’t be impressed. It’s the least I can do to help. Those women work theirfingers to the bone, and the last thing they need is having theirchildren fall to the wayside as their fathers and sons fight on thefront,” she said.

“I’m afraid it’s too late,” he said, smiling.

“Well, don’t,” she said, but she smiled.

“It’s women like you, and the women you help, that keep a soldier’s body and soul together on the front-”

She interrupted. “What do you get from it?” she said. Her brow knitted withintensity. “You must’ve had a nice home before, a beautiful girl back in England…”

“I had no home outside of my friends’ kindness. And no girl. And my best friend David was murdered for being …” he leaned forward “…for being a conscientious objector.”

Her face turned milk-pale. “Murdered. Why?”

“Because they were cruel. Because he told them the truth to their faces,” he said, blinking slowly. Memories of his best friend still hurt deeply, evenafter 2 years.

Her mouth worked. “A conchie.”

“Lizzie, darling, let him shoot off his pistol again,” one of the girls whined.

“Let me shoot off my pistol in front of the girls,” Emmett said. Theo looked at them, frowning at the innuendo. He was mystified at her reaction.

“Do what ye like, but not here. I want to keep my hearing,” she said, waving them away. They ran, giggling, deeper into the woods. Again, Liz wasfingering her locket.

“Is it precious?” Theo said gently.

She turned to him. “What?”

“The locket,” he said, nodding at the necklace.

“Ah, this old thing,” she said, letting it go. “A friend lent it to me.”

“Interesting. An old school girlfriend?” he said.

She rose and turned to the maid. “Won’t you pack up this mess, Mrs. Kerlin? I’m about ready to go back.”

“Aye, ma’am,” she said, and stood up much quicker than he thought a women like her could.

She walked along the grassy bank of the stream, her hands held behind her. She looked to him, and he realized she was waiting. He walked beside her, closer to the water.

Again, he watched her lips work, as if she was trying to untangle and voice a thought.

“I apologize for my confidence earlier. I didn’t mean to perturb you,” he said.

She shook her head, and her thick hair haloed in little curls and tendrils. “No. It’s not that.”

They walked together in silence for a few minutes, until they lost sight of the clearing.They jump as Emmett discharged his revolver nearby.

“Don’t shoot toward the water, boy!” she yelled loudly, making him jump, thenchuckle.

“Okay!” he yelled.

“You’re not that far apart, but you call him boy,” he said.

“Admit it, now. He is, just a big, lumbering, soft boy,” she said.

“He’s a good man, and I’m glad he’s my friend,” he said firmly. Her eyebrowrose. She appreciated his sincerity.

“And he’s glad as well. You wouldn’t believe how much he goes on about you. It’s ‘Captain Howard’ this, and ‘the Cap’ that,” she said, kicking at a bit of sod. “He seems delighted by all the action. It’s inexplicable.”

“There’s a reason, Elizabeth,” he said. She looked up at him. “He’s good,and he’s brave.”

“But is it monstrous of me to wish that it was someone else out there in themud, saving the world? Or that the fighting-” she stopped abruptlyand bit her lip. Her eyes rimmed with tears.

“That the fighting wasn’t necessary at all?” he prompted gently.

She sobbed once, but sucked it in. “Is it? Monstrous?”

“Not at all. I wish that we lived in a world where such suffering and pain didn’thave to exist to make a political point,” he said. His own eyes stung suddenly. David said the words to him not so long ago, verbatim. “And that it had not devolved into such inhuman cruelty and mass murder.”

Although he missed his friend to his bones, he was glad that he had not lived to see what Hitler was doing with the Jews. He would’ve wept for them,suffered greatly. And perhaps, fought and died an even crueler death.His stomach gurgled.

“I reckon I’m glad I was born a woman,” she said softly. She looked out at thewater.

“Because you don’t have to fight?” he said. He’d heard so many women say the same thing, and he didn’t think them crass, or selfish. War was ahorror.

“Your friend David. He was a clever lad, like you?” she said.

“He was very clever. And a promising writer, before the war.”

Her eyes narrowed. “A good and just man,” she said. “And brave for stating hiscase.”

“He didn’t succeed,” he said shortly. She noticed his change of tone, anddared to touch his arm.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” she said. “It’s dreadful to lose a friend.”

“We were brothers,” he said. His lower lip quivered, but he kept himself inline.

“I completely understand,” She said, and opened the locket around her neck.Inside, there was a photo of a couple – young and happy. Both ofthem were raven-haired, and attractive.

“They’re our childhood friends,” she said. “She’s off in America. She leftright before things got really bad.”

He nodded, understanding. “Jewish?”

“Aye,” she said, and closed it. “She gave it to me before she fled. To keep, youknow, until she can return home.”

“Is he fighting the war?” he asked.

“No. He fought his fight,” she said, closing the locket. Her eyes watered again.

“I am sorry,” he said, putting his hand over hers.

“David was okay with you enlisting before he, uh…” she said, starting to walk again.

He looked around, as if there were spying ears ready to hear his confession. But he realized it didn’t matter. He did his duty, and he would continue to due so, despite his reservations.

“I felt the same way he did, before he died,” he said softly. She stopped walking.

“You were a pacifist?” she said.

“Yes. But after he died at the hands of scum for having a gentle soul, I realized that remaining behind as others fought made me no better than those whorun. I’m healthy, and I’m clever, and I love my country. Andmaybe, in the face of such villainy, the wisest course is to activelystand against it.”

She looked at him. “So you’re not a pacifist anymore.”

“I don’t like it. But it’s necessary,” he said.

“I want to believe you,” she said carefully. “I really do.”

“Why did you say that earlier? That you’re glad to be a woman?”

“Because, were I a man, I think I wouldn’t be as eager as my brother to fight,” she said. Before, she wasn’t quite comfortable voicing it. But Captain Howard wasn’t who she originally thought he was.

“Everyone’s afraid. That doesn’t change, no matter which side you’re fightingfor. But you do it. For your country. For your family. To hopefully end the bloody conflict,” he said.

“And the woman sit back and watch the world burn, waiting to sweep up the ashes,” she said.

“That’s poetic,” he said.

“It wasn’t me. An old American Army nurse wrote it,” she said.

“America,” he said. “Land of opportunity.” He was friends with a few Americansoldiers. The stories they spun about hometown pride, apple pie, andmama’s spaghetti made him want to see what they lived. “I want togo.”

“I love Scotland,” she said simply. “I don’t think I’m built for rodeos andbroadway shows.” She was glad of the change of subject.

He chuckled. “Yet you’re a farmer’s daughter,” he said.

“A boring, rich farmer’s daughter. I’ve never bucked a bronco in my life. Itwould be a disaster.”

“You watch too many films, I think,” he said, laughing now.

“I take the kids sometimes to see the westerns or the musicals,” she says. “Itdistracts ‘em.”

He was enchanted by her unlikely kindness. And even more so curious as to why such a woman did not have a husband.

“May I ask you something … delicate?” he hazarded, turning to her.

“What?” she said. “And just in case – of course I buy ‘em some candy, andcrisps. They need to enjoy being children, even in the midst of allthis … mess. And I confess, sometimes, I go see a romantic filmwith the factory ladies. They love a good onscreen snog.”

He laughed as she pursed her lips comically, simulating a kiss.

“And you don’t?” he said, then he flushed. He didn’t mean to be so forward. But she wasn’t offended.

“It’s been a long while since any of that nonsense. There’s no men about.They’re all … gone,” she said, giving him a lingering look. Again, he felt heat underneath his uniform. “Or, they’re old and had it.”

“I’m sure that there’s many a soldier who would find it an absolute delight tocorrespond with you,” he said. The heat rose above his collar. Hisearnestness resonated with her.

“And, what might I have to correspond about? The complexities of teaching a child to multiply? Healthy hair tips?”

“I’m sure he would just be chuffed that you took the time to write,” he said.“And I have a feeling you’re a bit more complex than childhood maths andbeauty tips.”

“D’ye get all that from a conversation?” she said, but she smiled.

“I suppose I got all I need, yes-” he said. Emmett broke through the brush before he could finish his statement.

“I’m out of bullets,” he said, smiling at them both and waving the gun in his hand.

“Good for you,” she said, rolling her eyes.

“I’m heading back. The girls want to change before the dance,” he said, and took long strides toward the clearing. “Gotta drive ‘em home.”

“Dance?” she said, walking after him.

“Yes, there’s a dance in town. The Regency ballroom, for the soldiers,” Theo said.

“Fancy,” she said. She took a few steps and turned to him. “Are you going?”

“Yes, in support of my men,” he said.

“And not for the pretty young women?” she said, smilingwistfully.

“Would you like to step out with me tonight?” he said, not mincing words.

She reddened. Captain Howard was very handsome, and clever, and good, but she had made a promise to herself not to fall for a soldierbecause- she looked in his his eyes, and she couldn’t quite remember.

“I’m a bit old for such revels,” she said.

“No, you’re not,” Emmett yelled from somewhere nearby.

“Mind your business, boy!” she said, blushing harder.

“Good luck with ���er, Captain. She’s a difficult lass!” he said, his voicefading. He was running across the field and to the house, where theyoung women already waited.

“Tell me you’ll consider it, Elizabeth,” he said, smiling.

“Maybe,” she said, biting her lip. “I didn’t get much notice.” She patted her hair playfully.

“Luckily, we’re close to home. How about we take the long way to the house, and you can tell me then?” he said, pointing to the circuitous path that ran around the field and to her home. She might love a long, slow walk with the handsome captain.

“I think I can do that,” she said. He extended his elbow gallantly for her arm. She waited a beat, then grabbed it.

[remotecontrolchuck]

Last Minute Toonami Night Review: A Black Clover for the Holidays.

It’s December, and you know what that means! It’s the Holiday season, full of cheer and good tidings. Unfortunately, it also means a busy work schedule for me, as well spending most of my time studying for finals as well! Hence why it’s taken me this long to getting around to doing this review for last week’s run of Toonami. But as much I would like to rant about how stressful this week has been, I want to get this done before tonight’s run of Toonami starts, so onto the review!

Last week was the premiere of Black Clover on Toonami, as well as the start of the new 5 and a half hour lineup! Before my first impressions of the new show, I want to talk about the new schedule, as well as another thing that may affect it soon. While it will take me a while to get use to the new start time of the lineup, I’m still surprised by how much it has constantly changed and grown this past year. A year ago the run was 3 and a half hours, and now it’s 2 hours longer. If this keeps up, by next year, we might go back to the old 6 hour challenge!

However, despite the new extended schedule, it might be get short soon. Why? Because Lupin the Third Part IV is nearing the end of its run, with only five episodes left. So unless there’s already another show soon to replace it, we might go back to being just 5 hours in the beginning of the new year. Kind of funny really. This year began with the lineup being extended 30 minutes, so to lose that same amount in the start of the next one would be pretty ironic.

Anyway, speaking of Lupin the Third, can’t believe it’s almost over already! I know it’s been half a year since the show began in June, but it feels like it was less than that. Then again, this whole year feels like it went by faster than usual, but I digress. While I’m saving my review for when it finishes its run, I will say that Lupin the Third has become one of my favorite shows on Toonami, so much so that I would argue that it’s one of the best shows to have aired on the block. But enough about that, time to go over the main topic of last week, Black Clover.

So my first impressions of Black Clover are kind of, well, meh. I mean, I can see where people are getting at in this show ripping off a lot from Naruto, and how they might be annoyed. But on the other hand, it makes me all the more interested to see where they take this. After all, some good anime often take a lot of ideas from others, but put a new spin to them.

In other words, if Black Clover doesn’t do something different from the other shows, then it’s boring and generic. But if the show does brings something unique and new to the table, then it will fill the requirements of a good show in my book. So with that said, I’ll be watching the coming episodes to see what they do with that formula, and if they do something creative with it. That’s about it for last week’s topics, now to end the review with the recap!

Dragon Ball Super: During the victory celebration, Beerus has to cover up his lie regarding Monaka from Goku. Fortunately for the destroyer, the upbeat Saiyan is pretty gullible. So after dressing up like Monaka and giving Goku quite a fight, Beerus was able to keep the truth hidden.

DBZ Kai: Buu becomes steaming mad when a mad gunman shoots his dog. Fortunately, Mr. Satan beats the crap out of the bastard, and finds out that the dog is still alive but barely. So with Buu’s reviving powers, the dog heals and is healthy and happy once more. Things seem to go back to normal, until the gunman comes back for revenge, and shoots Mr. Satan.

This once again enrages Buu once again, so much so that after healing Mr. Satan, tells him to take the dog and flee. As the two flee, the steam from Buu’s anger begins forming a cloud in the sky, which soon creates another Buu. Except only this time, this Buu is gray, skinny, and made of pure evil! But at least he does everyone a favor and blows up the gunman.

Black Clover: We’re introduced to Asta, an energetic young man incapable of using magic in a magic dominated land. We’re also introduced to his more composed friend Yuno, who has magic and is strong with it. So much so, that the day everyone got their grimoires, he got a special one with a four leaf clover on it. Asta, of course didn’t get one. But despite this setback, that still doesn’t stop him from wanting to become next wizard king.

Meanwhile, a two bullies try to take the four leaf clover grimoire from Yuno, but the latter easily deflects their attacks. Unfortunately he’s unable to deflect the more powerful spells casted by a rogue magic knight, that makes quick work of the bullies and chains up Yuno, in order to steal the special grimoire to make a profit on the black market. Fortunately Asta arrives to rescue Yuno, but is soon subdued easily by the former knight, who then breaks his spirit.

However, before the rogue knight can kill Asta, Yuno decides to motivate Asta by calling him his rival. Suddenly, Asta gets his fighting spirit again, as well something else. As Asta breaks free and ready to fight, a black grimoire with a five leaf clover appears before him, and he soon pulls a sword from it. Apparently Asta does have magic after all, black magic that is.

Stardust Crusaders: As the JoJo and the other continue their journey towards Egypt, with Enyaba as their prisoner, Old Joseph Joestar stops by a vendor to get some kebabs. Unfortunately, the vendor turns out to be Steely Dan (or Dan of Steel in the english dub), an agent of DIO that has been sent to silence Enyaba and eliminate the Joestars with his Stand, The Lovers!

Steely Dan succeeds in killing the old hag, despite being loyal to DIO in the end, and is now in the process of killing Old Joestar next! Fortunately, the old man has a plan and runs off with Polnareff and Kakyoin, while Jotaro stays behind to keep Steely Dan busy. Arriving at a TV shop, Old Joestar uses it as a way for Polnareff and Kakyoin to guide their now miniature Stands through his body, in order to fight the enemy Stand and the flesh bud within his head!

Meanwhile, with the old man held hostage, Steely Dan forces JoJo around like a slave. Unable to hurt the scumbag without hurting his grandpa in the process, JoJo bides his time until the others free Old Joestar. But with the clock ticking, can they make it in time to save the old man? And afterwards, will JoJo be able to beat the crap out of Steely Dan and his diabolical Stand?

Gundam IBO: The war between the S.A.U. and Arbrau finally comes to an end, but at a cost for our heroes. Thanks to the S.A.U., Orga and the others finally arrive on Earth, with Mika coming in with the Gundam Barbatos to break up the fight between McGillis, Takaki, and Aston. Unfortunately, Aston is killed in the process, devastating Takaki.

Meanwhile, Akihiro takes down Galan in his Gundam, but the latter self-destructs in order to erase the evidence linking him to Rustal. After the war, Tekkadan deals with the traitorous Radice, with Takaki being the one to gun him down. He then returns to his apartment, where his sister Fuka is waiting for him and Aston, and sadly tells her what’s happened to their friend.

Hunter x Hunter: Gon wins the game on Greed Island, and gets his reward of three cards that can be used outside the game from the other creators of Greed Island. He also learns that his dad, Ging, is still a jerk that’s trying to avoid him, but that doesn’t stop him from trying to find him. And using his reward after saying goodbye to Biscuit, he and Killua immediately teleport to Ging. But as soon as they arrive, is the person at the tree the one Gon has been searching for?

Lupin the Third: Lupin steals an old Fiat 500 "Topolino" from a vintage cars' dealer, and Zenigata cannot arrest him because the car is extremely precious and could be damaged. However, it turns out that the dealer is involved in the theft, as it’s all part of a plan to raise the value of the car. The Fiat in fact belongs to an aged Italian singer, Nora Anita, who is now at the brink of death, and her former manager/husband has decided to sell anything that could make him remember her love when she'll be dead to avoid further suffering. Add in it being stolen by the an infamous thief, and naturally the old car becomes even more valuable.

Unfortunately Zenigata caught onto their plan, and it seems Lupin is heading for a trap. However, the car seems to have some sort of independent will, manages to get the thief away from the police, as well as “convince” him to travel to a peaceful place on the banks of a lake, a place used by Nora and her husband as their private love refuge in their youth. Lupin happily obliges and drives there. As he does, Lupin leaves the radio on for Nora and her husband to hear, and the latter describes to his comatose wife the road the car is going through.

As the old man reminisce the memories he had with her and the car, he and Lupin begin to sing Nora’s most popular song as the sunsets, and their car arrives at their spot by the lake. As he weeps, the old man is about to get up and leave when suddenly his wife touches his hand, before dying happily. With Nora finally at peace, her husband sit by her side at peace as well, as the sun continues to set outside. As for Lupin, he leaves the car by the lake, much to Fujiko’s chagrin of wanting to make a fortune with it.

Naruto Shippuden: More flashbacks involving the early days of Team 7, this time involving Gaara and a lot of Sand ninjas.

Outlaw Star: Gene and Jim set up a business on Heifong, and the crew members take on various jobs around the city, which all come together in a confrontation with a mind-controlling cactus and its giant insect servants. Cowboy Bebop: The Bebop crew deal with a mutated alien that was once Spike’s lobster dinner from a year ago. In short, the greatest lesson learned is to not leave food in a fridge for a long time.

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG: While Section 9 investigates the “Individual Eleven”, they also prevent the Prime Minister from being killed by an assassin.

Whew, finally got this done, and in time too! 15 minutes before tonight’s run of Toonami starts! Should give me enough time to warm up some instant ramen and get ready. See you guys there!

[remotecontrolchuck]

Super Late Toonami Night Review: The COUNTDOWN continues!

So after a week of technical difficulties of my computer literally falling apart, and moving everything I have to my new laptop, I’m finally able to work on my weekly Toonami review for, well, last week. With that said, onto the review!

Last week we continued with the COUNTDOWN event, where we learn that TOM has been sent into the not so distant future, where after the Vindication goes through a bizarre nebula, SARA goes all Terminator and begins gearing the clydes for war against all organics. With help from future TOM, present TOM sets out to go back to the past, and prevent doomsday from happening.

Aside from the COUNTDOWN event, not much else occurred last week besides new episodes and old reruns we all enjoyed. Next week is going to be the DBZ Kai marathon for Thanksgiving weekend, though hardly fitting compared to Dragon Ball Super, which has a tournament started because of food in the first place. That, or Lupin the Third, because of the great food they’ve been showing on that show. Could go for some Italian right about now.

And speaking of Lupin the Third Part IV: the Italian Adveture, can’t believe we’re down to seven episodes left this season. It feels like only was only a few months instead of six that this show started, and man has it been a blast! While I’ll save my review for Lupin the Third when it finishes its run, I will say that so far it’s one of the best anime to come to the block yet, and I’ll miss it when it’s gone.

Anyway, back to the DBZ Kai being the marathon for Thanksgiving weekend, I feel it’s not that great of a choice. I mean honestly do I really need to feel like I’m eating soylent green when Majin Buu is turning people into candy before eating them, or into milk before giving them to formerly blind children for that matter? I’d rather have a food fight or be shown extravagant food than see that.

Moving on, last but not least, it’s been recently announced that the block’s run will be expanding yet again on December 2nd! If this keeps up, the old 6 Hour Challenge will be back! As for the reason for the reason expansion, a new show will be coming to Toonami, Black Clover. It’s a new series I’ve been hearing about here and there, with some people either liking it or hating it. Since I don’t know really much about it, I’ll watch this series and see for myself whether I’ll like it or not.

Now that I’m done with the news segment, it’s onto the recap of last week’s shows!

Dragon Ball Super: Despite their massive power, both Goku and Hit appear to be evenly matched. However, Goku throws in the towel after Beerus and Chompa get into another arguement. Naturally Chompa is thrilled, and Beerus is pissed. With their last fighter being Monaka, it appears Universe 7 is doom to lose... at least it would been so if not for Hit.

Seeing how weak Monaka really was, Hit decided to take pity on the little guy, and made it look he was taking out by him with one punch, declaring that he and Goku were now even. Naturally everyone is shocked by the sudden turn of events, Beerus being the most surprised as he didn’t expect to suddenly win the tournament.

Of course being a sore loser, Chompa began having a meltdown and began threatening to kill his failed champions. However, both he and Beerus are left shocked and speechless when all of a sudden a strange little fella showed on the arena floor with two purple-clad guards. And if the Destroyers are scared out of their minds, this obviously isn’t good news.

DBZ Kai: After another round of mindless massacre and rampage, Majin Buu is finally taken on by the combined form of Goten and Trunks, Gotenks. But when said combined form has an overconfident ego, the jolly bubblegum goon has no trouble trouncing the two. Fortunately the two managed to escape, the same can’t be said for the Earth military that tried to take on Buu, and ended like the previous ones that went up against Nappa and Cell.

So with their military basically annihilated once again, the people call upon their champion, Mr. Satan, to take care of the unstoppable menace. But despite his ego and dirty tricks, the “brave” fighter ends having no chance against Buu. Fortunately for him, the pink blob thinks he’s pretty funny and keeps him around as a servant, leaving Mr. Satan plenty of time to figure out how to save his image.

Stardust Crusaders: After sending Anne back to Hong Kong, JoJo and the gang head off into Pakistan to continue their journey. But they’re soon delayed by heavy and treacherous passes, forcing them to stop at local village, filled with creepy people and a recently deceased body in the middle.

Reader: Ooh, that’s bad.

But JoJo and the others are soon greeted by a nice old lady who invites them to her hotel.

Reader: That’s good!

The old hag is actually DIO’s servant Enyaba, who wants revenge for the death of her son.

Reader: That’s bad.

But JoJo begins having suspicions about Enyaba.

Reader: That’s good!

He and the others still go into the hotel anyway.

Reader: That’s bad.

Later, Hol Horse shows up at said hotel and we’re introduced to Enyaba’s Stand, Justice, who takes cares of her son’s former partner in crime.

Reader:...

That’s good and bad.

Reader: Can we move on now?

Gundam IBO: At Tekkadan’s Earth Branch, Chad and the others are attending the inauguration of the Arbrau Defense Force (ADF). However, things take a turn for the worse when a bomb goes off, taking out and heavily injuring both Chad and Prime Minister Makanai. Turns out the Teiwaz accountant sent to work for the Earth branch, Radice, had sold them out to Rustal’s mercenary, Galan Mossa, who planted the bomb to start a war between Arbrau and the S.A.U.

Takaki, who’s now in charge, has to somehow keep everyone in line. And to make things worse, Takaki is unable to contact Orga, as he’s being prevented by Radice, because again the guy is a backstabbing dick that’s working for Galan Mossa. And speaking of Mossa, the merc soon becomes the commander of the ADF, and McGillis is soon contacted by the S.A.U. lead their forces against Arbrau.

Soon enough, Takaki and the Tekkadan Earth Branch is forced to work with Mossa and the ADF, and fight against McGillis leading the S.A.U. forces in the upcoming war. Meanwhile, Orga gets word of recent events on Earth, and decides to head there himself to oversee the Earth Branch. He orders Mikazuki, Eugene, and Akihiro to come with him, and Kudelia joins them in order to check on her mentor Mr. Makanai.

Hunter x Hunter: Taking on the Bomb Devils (who I’ve realized I’ve been calling Mad Bombers by mistake for the last month or so), Gon goes up against Genthru, while Killua and Bisky take on the latter’s two goons elsewhere using their spell cards.

At Soufrabi, Bisky reveals her true muscular form that makes he look like a JoJo character, and promptly beats the shit out of Bara. At Masadora, Killua takes out Sub with his incredibly heavy yo-yo, using a new electrifying technique that proves to be shockingly effective.

Lupin the Third: Someone begins painting pictures of those involved in the Italian Dream affair all over Italy, leading Lupin and everyone else to the Santa Maria delle Grazie, where someone has prepared an elaborate dinner in front of the mural of da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”. During this meal, where each course is a clue to the artist’s identity, Lupin eventually figures out who it is.

Lupin reveals that the artist and their mysterious host is none other than Leonardo da Vinci himself, having been resurrected by MI6 using Wataru’s notes on the Italian Dream, a collective consciousness inside the mind of every person on Earth where all mankind's knowledge is housed.

Naturally Lupin is right, and Gibbons summons his agent to kill everyone that now knows, forcing everyone to flee the scene. While running from MI6, Lupin stumbles across Leonardo himself, who manages to escape in a hovercraft/flying machine. But before taking into the night sky, he tells Lupin that he plans on changing the world soon.

Naruto Shippuden: While down about Lady Tsunade in a coma, Naruto and Sakura are given a nice surprise when they encounter Tazuna and Inari, having been hired to help rebuild the town. They then catch up and remember the old days, specifically when after Team 7 completed their first mission, how Naruto inspired Inari and helped him and his village fend off Gato’s remaining goons.

Outlaw Star: After picking up their new crew member, Aisha Clan-Clan, who had tried to kill them earlier, Gene and the gang continue on in the great space race. However, after a dirty tricked pulled by Harry MacDougall, the Outlaw Star gets lost in subspace for bit.

Fortunately, Gene pulls a daring move by piloting the Outlaw Star through an Aether Stream, which helps them get to the finish line. While they unfortunately make it in fourth place, they do make into first place on the Privateer class, breaking it even with their sponsor Fred.

Cowboy Bebop: We are introduce to Radical Ed, a young female hacker, who helps the Bebop crew track down the one responsible for causing satellites to fire laser into planet Earth, and carving strange drawings on its surface. She soon reveals that the culprit is actually an old A.I., who she calls “MPU”.

Apparently MPU had been feeling really lonely, and was trying to recreate the Nazca Lines that were destroyed during the Gate Incident fifty years ago, when it was just a spy satellite that would pass over it often. While guiding Spike and the others on how to get to MPU’s satellite through the lasers, Ed helps the A.I. make a copy of itself, before transferring itself to Ed’s computer.

That way MPU can avoid being sent the police, and be with Ed and her friends and no longer be lonely. Ed’s plan goes off without a hitch, but unfortunately for Spike and the others they can’t collect a bounty on MPU, due to it being an A.I. and not an actual person. Shortly after, Ed joins the Bebop crew, after forcing them to take her with them after remotely taking control of their ship.

GitS: SAC 2nd GIG: In order to obtain evidence of money laundering by a sleazy businessman with a fetish for prosthetic dolls/androids, Section 9 pulls off a fake heist in order to get them inside the vault. With the Major Kusanagi playing the thief, as well as clever misdirection and camera editing, the rest of Section 9 who are providing security manage to get inside the vault and find the evidence they need to arrest the millionaire.

That’s it for the recap, as well as this review! This week’s run of Toonami is about to start soon, so expect another review shortly after it. So see you guys in a bit for the Toonami live blog and Stay Gold!

Quick Update: I just found out that the Japanese voice actress for Bulma, Hiromi Tsuru, had recently passed away. There’s no words to describe this sad loss, she will be dearly missed. RIP and Stay Gold.