Mai-Otome Episode 8

Japanese Title: 運命の軛 (Unmei no Kubiki)
English Translation: Yoke of Fate


No action in this week’s episode, although there’s a very intensive history lesson. Not to mention an awfully dismal one as well ^^;. The story continues from where it left off last week, and it’s mainly centered around three issues – a focus on Arika and Mashiro’s dilemma regarding the spontaneous contract they made before; the fate of graduated Otomes; and the activities of the antagonists. The main plot has been somewhat strongly emphasized in this episode, in particular concerning what a Meister Otome’s real role is about. It’s like Mai-HiME all over again, and I can see this as one of the strong aspects which may be able to flesh out the story to an incredible degree. Mai-Otome certainly hasn’t disappointed me yet when it comes to unfolding ominous drama, even though there’s little of it now. Besides that, lots of nostalgic references to the prior series ranging from the very minor key “borrowed” by Nao to the pillar-like grave markers in the Otome mausoleum. And of course, quite a few surprises (Or not =p) when several other secrets get unraveled....



~Highlights of The Episode~

A rather typical outcome for any newbie inventor

Yeah, I know this has nothing what-so-ever to do with the plot. I just find it amusing how Irina reminds me so much of Ri Kohran from Sakura Taisen. Both of them possess an impeccable knack for inventing gadgets and have their creations blow up (Sometimes right in their face XD) seconds later.


Tomoe’s true motives?

Hello... What do we have here ;p? Is this the real reason why Tomoe wants to threaten Arika? To be honest, I kinda feel sorry for our mini villain here. She seems hurt by the whole sight of Shizuru tutoring Arinko. Whilst Yayoi, Miya and Lilie were visibly green, their envy is genuinely harmless. I can’t say the same for Tomoe though. Her expression was different from those of the Hoshigumi Trio’s, and no, I don’t see it as a look of jealousy but more like a forlorn gaze pining for the older girl’s attention. It’s likely she has that creepy idol crush on Shizuru (Check out the way Tomoe looked at her in prior episodes), and she probably sees Arika as a threat since Shizuru has been spending quite a lot of time with her. Well, I can’t say for sure Tomoe actually admires Shizuru to an extent of calling it “love” coz being a composed girl she is, she shows no sign of harboring those kind of feelings. Apart from that, Shizuru spends just as much time with Nina and gang seeing how they always end up in the principal’s office one way or another. Okay, maybe not as much as Arika but still... It doesn’t adequately justify why Tomoe is particularly picking on our poor main heroine ^^;;;. I still suspect she’s doing it coz of a different motive such as status or something but who knows.... This scene has definitely intrigued me and it would be interesting to see how it develops later on. By the way, Natsuki is one damn sly vixen, using her personal supporter like that to sniff out the truth from Arika, although it’s apparent the latter carelessly made it too easy for Shizuru to know what’s going on.....


An old time friend

WAI~ MIYU DA!!!! ^O^
I’ve always had a soft spot for her even though I didn’t like her role very much in Mai-HiME. Miyu’s character hasn’t changed one bit since the last time we saw her. She still puts on that emotionless face in a normal situation but it’s her caring side which really drew me in to her personality. We’re all very much relieved and glad she now seems to be on the good side, seeing how she knew Arika from way back. Android or human, we are not certain, but she undoubtedly possesses abilities which an ordinary person doesn’t. First of all, she sees Arika’s hair as a glowing object (Reminds you of an artificial Element, no?), and secondly, she was able to remove the GEMs from Arika’s earring and Mashiro’s ring effortlessly. Her real role and intentions haven’t been revealed yet, but it seems she will be sticking around for quite a while. Oh, I find it cute how she said “Sore ijou Arika wo bujoku suru koto ga yurushimasen” (I will not allow you to insult Arika any further) to Mashiro’s face, the almost exact same phrase she so notably reserved for Nao while defending Alyssa in HiME Episode 26, minus the “Sore ijou” part. Looks like Arika is her new Ojousama this time round ^^. Speaking of Alyssa, she has now been reduced to a mere canary (No pun intended). She still resembles her HiME self in a way. Well... The hair (Or feathers), that is. Looking forward to more Miyu in future scenarios ^^. And a question... Did Miyu return the GEMs to Arika, by the way? Hmm... Most likely did.


Now we know where Nagi secretly sneaks off to late at night.....

Seems Sunrise didn’t import only the characters from HiME. They brought over familiar places as well – the AU’s Rorschach bar is no exception. Here, we’re reacquainted with Searrs Foundation’s ex-fourth publicity sector chief, John Smith who is somehow involved in Nagi’s diabolical schemes. I wouldn’t be surprised if Nagi is actually one of those who’s pulling the strings of Schwarz’s puppets. The letter he received could be a possible hint although the details are still sketchy. Hmm... Natsuki’s former informant, Yamada, is lurking around the pub as usual, probably doing the same job as before.


A grave sight

Doesn’t this place remind you of the entrance to Fuuka, where all the Fuuin no Hashira (Pillars of Seal) were erected? All these grave markers do indeed tell the harsh life faced by Otomes fifty years ago. Most of them perished when they were only 17. Not exactly a good age to go... ^^;


Otome no Sadame

Ah krud. That Otome who appeared in last week’s preview was just a character (Probably Monica) from a flashback. Damn... Sunrise duped us again. Okay, maybe it’s just me ^^;. Anyway, looks like the Otomes can never escape the HiME fate after all. This issue has been highlighted as one of the most significant themes in the entire series so far. Otomes, like HiMEs, are forced to fight each other in wars, and they are expected to put their master’s wishes above everything else, including friendship. This definitely sounds like a repeat of the HiME no Matsuri, where comrades were cruelly pitted against each other regardless of their will in the most sinister manner possible. I greatly commend Sunrise in the way they twisted Mai-HiME’s plot in the second arc. Nearly all of the scenarios that had taken place were virtually unexpected, and they became really unpredictable towards the end. Absolutely brilliant writing, in my opinion. Hopefully, they’ll be able to show the same caliber when it comes to Otome. As far as things are concerned, most of us are able to suggest that Arika would probably end the series on a grand scale seeing how idealistic she was in vowing that she will prevent all wars from occurring should the time ever comes, which I see a very high possibility of it happening soon. Nina however, being the realist she is decides to stick with the rules and bear the consequences. It’s very likely they’re hinting an imminent battle between the two but I really hope that isn’t the case. Gee... If a single Meister Otome is stronger than the whole army of a country, I can imagine what it would be like if a huge bunch of them go all out à la Mai-HiME Battle Royale. ^^;;;



~Speculations Corner~

Breaking rules to score Brownie points with Otousama

Arika is clearly getting to Nina’s concern as the episodes go by, and it has nothing to do with the latter actually worrying about the former’s situation. Nina seems to know Arika’s role in all that has happened, and it plainly bothers her when she sees how this interests and affects her father. She sure takes extreme measures to help Sergay, even to the point of disobeying the school rules SEVERAL times, despite being Coral No. 1, who supposedly is expected to be an ideal student model to her peers. We’re still not certain what truly motivates her to do all these deeds. In the meanwhile, I prefer to attribute it to her utterly trying her best to help Sergay, and perhaps desperately wanting to know about the whole truth itself coz she’s seems to perceive the connection between Arika and Rena. Sergay may have told her about the incident which happened 14 years ago but not the complete picture of it, therefore probably leading to her risky attempts at putting all the puzzle pieces together herself.


The Almighty Mother of all MAiDs Otomes

No wonder Fumi is a national icon in Windbloom... Apparently, she’s the great Shinso-sama who was responsible in ending the Juuni-Ou Sensou (War of the Twelve Kings). We have yet to learn whether she’s the one whom the Five Pillars are serving. So far, there have only been speculations that the “F.H” in Shizuru’s GEM stands for Fumi’s initials, but like almost every other plot fragment, it still remains a mystery.


Little Black Riding Hoods. Okay, maybe not little... ^^;

Yes folks, it’s as most of us had guessed, the mysterious masked and hooded woman IS indeed Midori. It turns out she’s one of Black Valley’s last descendents and the leader of the Aswald Knights. Whoa... And here I was thinking that Rado is the one who calls the shots. Midori must be some awesome chick to control guys like him. Well, those four peeps are all cyborgs actually... I find it very odd that she’s now siding with the antagonists, since she was such an avid “Seigi no Mikata” (Ally of Justice) Sentai fan in HiME ^^;;;. By the way, if you wanna find out how Midori looks like after they’ve stripped her of her mask and cloak, you can spoil yourself silly by heading over here. Based on the info from the Official Website, their primary objective seems to be the revival of technologies which Earl (The world they’re in) is losing, that would explain why Rado was scanning the throne room in Episode 3. As theorized by majority of the fans, they’re most likely after the Harmonium and perhaps many other ancient devices which have not been disclosed yet. It’s possible that each country has its own artifact which plays a unique purpose respectively for activating something greater. At the moment, the Knights look set to infiltrate Ealis and place their lives in mortal danger by invading Haruka’s personal domain =p. Well, if they do start their plan of action soon, we should expect some pretty intense Otome battles under way. Interesting to note that there are at least two women in the Aswald troupe, including Midori. I’m willing to bet the shorter one is probably Akira. ^^


Now moving on to the next episode *Blood drips down nose*. Yes people, it’s the parallel version of Mai-HiME’s Episode 9 -> The girls’ misadventures at the beach (What is it with Mai and beaches? ^^;;;). MORE fanservice coming up with XXXtra ecchiness. Looks to me Shizuru finally has her wish of being allowed to *touch* Natsuki without fearing rejection XD. Until next time!


~Entry by Dav~

Mai-Otome Episode 7

Japanese Title: 蒼の舞/乙女の契り (Ao no Mai/Otome no Chigiri)
English Translation: Azure Dance/Pledge of an Otome

Man... Can Sunrise deliver or what ^O^? Finally, we have some major plot fleshing after an epi full of hilarity and yuri fluffiness. Even though this episode wasn’t as hyper and entertaining as the previous one, it still managed to convey a very satisfactory story on the whole. It’s about time, I guess. For this round, Mashiro has taken center-stage in the character development show after Arika and Nina had their share of the limelight in prior episodes. Lots of new surprises with one being Chie looking like Chie while wearing her nostalgic glasses =p. Apart from that, the writers are messing with our minds as usual by posing new mysteries for us to strain and crack our brains on. Right, no summaries here again as I typically type up on issues which interest me so if you’d like to know what this story is all about, I suggest visiting other blogs, which I assume you already had by now (Damn, I’m so slow ><). What I will be including in this week’s review are scenes that have appealed to me as well as speculations on certain aspects of the story. I’m afraid there aren’t a lot of screencaps this time, but hopefully you’ll still have fun reading the review. ^^



~Highlights of The Episode~

Beneath the iron mask of the queen

マシロちゃん 可哀相.... T________T
Looks like it’s safe to say that a large majority of us had great misconceptions about Mashiro’s personality. Heck, blame her attendants for giving her the wrong ideas when she was young =p! Well... You can’t deny the fact that Mashiro has been a royal pain in the butt since her toddler years, but hey, she was brought up as a princess, right? Albeit it’s still unconfirmed whether she really is one (Which most of us doubt). Anyway, I think we would agree that her spoilt behavior was genuine before she heard the rumors. I would justify her extreme gakiness now as being attributed to her way of adamantly proving to herself and to everyone else that she’s the rightful ruler of Windbloom despite what others may think. Notice how she was always insisting along lines such as “I became the queen of this country, you hear!” (Episode 4) and “I’M the one saying that it’s wrong!! How could I make a mistake?!” (Episode 5). I doubt she would be THIS bratty if she hadn’t heard the gossips. Leaving that aside, the aspect which I enjoyed most was watching the development on Mashiro’s serious character. Interesting to note that her case is the same as Arika’s coz this is the first time we witness her in such an anguished state (Although it was the total opposite for Nina. She’s so tense most of the time anyway ^^;;;). In all of the previous episodes, we usually see the queen as a loud, crazy, arrogant and confident young lady. This time however, she bared her vulnerable side and took insults in a gravely depressed way compared to before where she would just lash back with her slurs of regal mockery. I view Mashiro’s predicament as bearing a far greater weight than those of Arika’s and Nina’s. She’s obviously trying really hard to struggle with her personal demons that have been haunting her since her childhood days. It’s undeniably a heavy burden to carry for many years. You can imagine the painful hardships she went through not knowing what it’s like to be loved and supported by a real family while growing up. It’s even worse that she has to live in an environment where she’s constantly surrounded by people whom she knows are the ones spreading the rumors about her. At least Arika had her “grandmother”, and Nina her “father”. Mashiro had no one. Mikoto does somewhat play a role in comforting her but I doubt a cat who doesn’t talk is sufficient as her solid emotional support. But it’s good that Mashiro is slowly opening up, mainly due to how Arika is influencing her heart. It’s apparent that the latter leaves a positive effect on anyone she meets, Mashiro included, and she’s helping her look at the brighter things in life like love and friendship, something which the queen never truly experienced for real before. These two have definitely come a long way and we’ll be eagerly anticipating how it would all work out in the end.
PS. LOL!! It’s quite surprising Sakomizu was that thin long ago. Looks like he’d been too busy to exercise. A horsey back ride is certainly not enough. =p


A morning well spent together...

Whoa... Natsuki actually doesn’t mind dressing like that in front of Shizuru? What on earth was she thinking ;p? And isn’t that huge bed in the background a lil’ too lonesome for one person XD? Woot... I don’t think I need to elaborate further on anything here coz the pics sez it all. ^________^


An odd couple but it kinda works

I admit... Ever since the first season, I’ve always thought that Nagi and Mashiro would make a cute couple, even if they have antagonizing roles. They’re both around the same age appearance-wise, and I find it cute how Nagi has this manipulative hold on her, although it’s obvious that Mashiro is trying her best to repel him. As always, Nagi is unquestionably up to something devious. His proposal to Mashiro was way off. I seriously doubt he did it because of love. It’s more like for the sake of moving a piece in his giant chess game of conspiracy. Aside from that, he seems to know everything that’s going on around him. He barely registers any expression of shock when something big happens. Too calm, I tell ya. And of course, SUSPICIOUS... ^^;


Old face

WEH HEY!! Our favorite @$$-kicking android is back and hopefully 100% human! Nothing much to comment about her other than she appeared for approximately 5 seconds and looking broodingly cool! We want MORE MIYU!! >O<


Arika’s sure fire way to skip grades

Oh yeah, we can see this contract happening waaaaaaaaaay before they even aired the series =p. Arika sure knows how to kick butt as long as she controls her robe properly. These few scenes were indeed the best in the entire episode with Arika bashing the heck out of the Slave by taking advantage of the Souten no Seigyoku’s power. Not to mention she used a damn huge double lance to finish the job. KAKKOII!!!! But I find it odd that Arika knows how to operate such a powerful weapon despite it being her first trial. Didn’t she have an embarrassing time figuring out how the Coral staff works during her Butou with Nina ^^;;;? Besides that, here we also have the first demo of how the Meister Otome & Aruji (Master) system works. When Arika was hit on the back by the Slave, Mashiro suffered the same injury in the same spot. A grim trade, ne... By the way, I can imagine Nina exploding with jealousy and angst once she sees Arika’s new power. =p



~Speculations Corner~

The Missing Link known as Rena Sayers

This is one topic which I will be addressing over and over again whenever some interesting tidbits pop up in any episode. Just who is she? How is she connected to everyone else? Here are some things I’d like to highlight

• We all know now that she is, without a doubt, the previous king’s Meister Otome. However, based on a flashback in this episode, she managed to escape the Meister & Aruji’s fate that when one dies, the other dies as well. It’s apparent the contract between them had been annulled before the king was killed, seeing how she was still alive after that scenario. In addition, she had lost her Otome powers as well. How did she lose it? Did she just simply choose to resign and removed her GEM from her ear? Or was it because she lost her Otome powers a while back after she, lets say, had a baby? This leads us to another interesting issue that everyone is contemplating on....
• Is Rena really Arika’s mother? I’ve been thinking about this for quite a while now. At first, I was supporting the fact that she is based on several things like Arika mentioning her mother was an Otome, how she had a mental image connection when she saw the huge portrait of Rena on the castle’s wall, and that she claimed the Souten no Seigyoku belonged to her mother during her battle with the Slave. Those are the few points which strongly support the theory that Rena’s daughter is Arika. However, some of the details are sketchy. Who told Arika that her mother was an Otome? How did they even know this?
• Hmm... Couldn’t be her grandmother, right? Which leads us to more questions... Was the person responsible for raising Arika even her real grandmother? If Arika was actually the missing princess who was left floating down the stream by Rena, then any random elderly woman could have picked her up and adopted her, right? And if Arika is the missing princess, then it would most certainly dispel any theories stating that Rena is Arika’s mother since there WAS a queen (Unless the king committed adultery LOL!!). That would make Rena more of a nanny to Arika instead of a biological parent. Surrogate parent, anyone? ^^;
• Next up, we have Rena’s connection to Nina. Recall the scene where Nina was drowning in Episode 6. She had a vague vision of a woman watching over her which faded into Arika. Despite that woman having the facial features resembling those of Rena’s, was it really her? Her hair color seems to suggest otherwise but there’s always that nagging possibility. Could Rena have babysitted more than one baby? =p

We’re off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Orz Oz!

YAY!! MIKOTOOOO!! Or at least a shadow of her ^^;;;. I’d bloody well pay to see that spirit possess Mashiro’s big fat cat then pull a Yoruichi stunt on us =p! Anyway, main focus is the ancient device currently known as the “Harmonium” which needs three elements to power up properly – “song”, “player”, and “charm”. The third element is noticeably missing, seeing that only two out of the three circles lit up when it was briefly activated. Hmm... Seems that those two were represented by Arika and Mashiro. Who the third person is remains to be seen. High possibility that it’s Nina (A simple and lazy guess coz she’s one of the three protagonists ^^;). One thing to note is we do not yet know who represented which of the elements respectively. There have only been assumptions so far based on visual observations such as the song being “Hoshi ga Kanaderu Monogatari” sung by Arika/Nina/Mashiro/Rena bladdy blah blah... We’ll just have to wait as usual.


Next episode looks set to be even cooler with a new warrior making a debut. I really hope the Meisters would have their go at her (If she turns out to be an antagonist) in the next round but chances are, it may be Arika and gang again. ^-^


~Entry by Dav~