Mai-Otome Episode 17

Japanese Title: 蒼の舞/想い、散るとき (Ao no Mai/Omoi, Chiru Toki)
English Translation: Azure Dance/Feelings₁, When They Scatter


O.M.G. I... I honestly don’t even know where to begin... Here we have undeniably the greatest episode of the Mai-Otome series ever. It simply left me flabbergasted at the end. First of all, hope everyone wouldn’t mind me diving straight into Episode 17 and postponing 15 and 16. I just have the sudden impatient urge to write a review for this one. To tell you the truth, I even wanted to post the entry for this episode as early as Thursday after watching it. The reason? This week’s ep has tons of fanservices directly dished out to us, whether it’s the explosive battles between the different conflicting factions, Natsuki donning her Otome robes for the *first* time, or the fact that extreme emotions alone pretty much run the entire show. But then again... My mood quickly dissipated when I recalled that extremely depressing moment. Sigh..... I needed time to mourn..... During the initial incident where everything cracked and fell apart, my mind was going “HOLY KWAP!! What the freakin’ heck happened?!!” That’s right folks. Guess we finally get what we were asking for all this while, ei? Didn’t we demand Sunrise to throw serious drama to us? Well, we got exactly that so hopefully no complaints there. Just when some of us thought Mai-Otome was becoming boring because of the slow-paced sugary plot which tells mostly fluffy 16-episode stories about school girls’ daily life, events at last took an utterly menacing turn for the worst. Mai-Otome sure caught up real quick to its predecessor in the shock factor department, with its Episode 17 mirroring the end of Mai-HiME’s Episode 17 and whole of Episode 18. They are each basically deemed as the penultimate chapters in which other dark sub-events would follow suit; the building climax where everything else only becomes uglier and the main plot itself would reach a breaking point. On an overall scale, I sincerely think this is the best episode thus far no matter how dismal it was. Absolutely fantastic. All of the elements were very solid and evenly distributed among themselves in terms of excitement and tragedy. Want more? Of course we do...

Warning – Loads of screenies coming up. Some of them have caption. Some. ^-^
Many thanks to Problematic, ZMAng, and Washi for recommending the proper imaging software to use. You saved my life!


~Highlights of The Episode~

Fumi – still stuck in Mai-HiME

Nothing of much importance here, I guess. I just wanna poke fun at the Engrish used. Great stuff :p. Also, I’m sure everyone realizes Shinso-sama is still using HiME technology.


Rat hunting season

Anyone else wanna have a shot at the woman who betrayed Mashiro? Heh, thought so... *Fires bazooka at rat’s head*


At LAST, some Kruger Action YO!!

Finally! FINALLY!! Natsuki actually showed her Robe in the series for the first time!! Geez... It took a very long while to happen though. Ah well, guess all that waiting paid off real good. That was without a doubt, a H-A-W-T and MOElicious treat (LOL can’t believe I’m actually saying “moe” despite being very much female :p). I couldn’t help but squeal like a rabid crazed fangirl when she shouted “MATERIALISE!!”. Such commanding confidence! KAKKOIIIII~ And who said she didn’t care much and left all the dirty work to Shizuru huh? She just has THAT much faith in Shizuru, that’s all :3. Apart from her elegant materializing scene, I’d say Natsuki kicked @$$ when she fought against Gakuten-Ou, even though she lost her Robe in, I dunno... A few minutes? Damn Schwarz for playing dirty. Of course, I wished she should have lasted longer. It’s too bad they didn’t show most of her battle scenes too. Not enough fanservice from her. We demand MORE, dang it! We waited for 17 episodes, you know! 17!!
PS. It’s amusing how Natsuki’s Robe is almost identical to Shizuru’s. Ohoho... A typical fashion trend for couples, ne? ^_____^


Clash of The Titans™ Part 2

You bet I was damn excited during the scene where two of the highly revered Pillars began descending Garderobe’s stairs to give the Aswad Knights a little friendly greeting. That was where all the action began... I love how Shizuru welcomed them with an intimidating “Yo~, so you were the ones who were bullying our underclassmen ei?” Sexy ~^^~!! Ending it, Natsuki’s taunt “You’ve got guts. Bring it on!” definitely added extra moe points. Even if they recycled some animation (*cough*Opening*cough*), it’s great to see the writers finally injecting some decent action into the series after that long long break. While I was initially expecting Natsuki to take on Midori one-on-one and make it a worthy duel, she did put on an excellent front against Gakuten-Ou (and Midori). It’s amazing how she could deflect his tail with a single strap from her Robe. Talk about genuine raw power. No wonder she’s capable of leading Garderobe. It would definitely be cool if she had the chance to whip out her Element and do a demo of her other skills ^^. Likewise, Shizuru put up an awesome fight against Rado, Lumen, Dyne and Gal (Four against one? That’s unfair!!). Unfortunately, Schwarz spoiled all the fun by robbing the Otome of their Robes. I hope the heroines will whoop their @$$es at the end of the series. They really deserve payback.


Talk about a new way of advertising your merchandize

Wait... Who is that woman? It looks like... Rena ^^;? How on earth did they get someone like that into their weapon? Is that even a person at all or merely an entity? And up until this point, we still do not know what had happened to Rena although the opening suggested she might be dead. Whatever it is that Schwarz possesses, it’s dangerous. Yohko told a bewildered Natsuki it was responsible for causing interference which cut all sources between the Otome and Shinso, consequently sealing the Robes’ powers. What I’m wondering at the moment is how did Schwarz learn about this? I’m sure it wasn’t merely a coincidence they knew how to deactivate the Robes. Has someone been leaking information to them? Erstin maybe? She did hint her family is knowledgeable in technology seeing how she has her father’s “Encyclopedia of Mechanics” (It’s not exactly technology but it could serve as somewhat of a foundation). But... Was that also a lie? If so, who else can it be?


The past has caught up

This brief exchange between Yohko and Midori really piqued my interest. At last, they meet again after possibly a good many years, and Yohko confronted her old friend in the midst of their invasion. After Yohko had finished her explanation of the current situation, Midori nonchalantly responded with a “Yohko, once again you...” While Midori’s reply didn’t sound as though it had any connection to what Yohko was stating earlier, I presume she was referring to the latter’s loyalty to Garderobe. It seems an event, most probably a disagreement or even an argument drove them apart with Midori staying behind with the Black Valley descendents and Yohko choosing to serve Garderobe. What’s even more intriguing during this scene was Yohko’s interaction with Rado. From the way Rado glanced up at Yohko and how she called after him with a hurtful look in her eyes, it’s likely the both of them share some sort of unspoken (family) bond which is different from the other Knights’. Did something happen between them? Was Yohko (partly) responsible for it? I’m still sticking with my earlier speculations that Midori and Yohko’s comrades who consist of Reito/Rado, Lumen, Dyne and Gal have once been humans (Depicted in the photograph Yohko had in Episode 10) and they were made into cyborgs after suffering from some sort of horrific circumstances or even death. Now that Yohko has met Midori, what will she do now? Besides that, what is it the Aswad Knights are really after? It seems they want the mausoleum where the Shinso is to be as intact as possible. Could it be they’re aware of some powerful but fragile technology (The Data Bank perhaps) hidden there? Does it have some sort of relation to the Harmonium under Windbloom’s castle and other ancient artifacts? Whatever it is, we have a feeling Aswad will use it to help out the good guys in the end, as hinted in the opening. Everybody hates Schwarz and it’s no surprise if Yohko ends up being one of the significant figures who will unite Garderobe and Aswad in the ultimate battle against Schwarz.


Desperate times call for desperate measures

Shiho: Slave Maki Maki. Schwarz Maki Maki.
Chie: *Whacks Shiho’s head* What the heck are you thinking?
Shiho: SLAVE MAKI MAKI!! SCHWARZ MAKI MAKI!!
Chie: Yeah yeah, whatever... =_=
Unfortunately, Pearl No. 2 doesn’t comprehend how dire the situation is. This scene had me cracking. Shiho trying to screw Schwarz and the Slaves :p. Doesn’t she realize the enemies’ voodoo is stronger than her maki maki? At least Chie seems serious enough to try knock her off but even her efforts resulted in a hilarious reaction. XD


Front-liners of Team Garderobe dispersed

Yet more teasing from Sunrise about Shiz&Nat. While Shizuru is usually playful and shamelessly naughty with girls, she scored big in my book when she showed that she can be really serious depending on the situation. Even after the both of them had graduated from Garderobe, Shizuru still acts appropriately as the reliable Oneesama whom Natsuki can depend on 24/7. You could tell it was extremely hard for Natsuki to let Shizuru go, fearing the worst for her and stubbornly insisted on staying with her. It took a firm but gentle scolding to finally convince Natsuki not to think selfishly and that Shizuru is very capable of taking care of herself. Furthermore, she reminded Natsuki about the importance of the latter’s role as the Gakuenchou and subtly reassured her that they have a higher chance of reclaiming Garderobe if she survives. Even if it obviously seems as the more logical action to take, I find it really sweet how Shizuru looks out for Natsuki by sacrificing her own safety and telling the younger girl to escape while she plays bait to distract the enemies. It must be painful for the both of them to part ways again during an incident like this but Shizuru, perhaps being the more level-headed one, is far-sighted enough to see a chance and create an advantage for Natsuki. All I can say is Natsuki is indeed really fortunate to have Shizuru who is selflessly willing to do anything for her. Never will she be able to find someone else who is as irreplaceable as her Oneesama. Never.


Busted...

LOL Nao is as hilarious as ever. Once the situation gets too troublesome for her, it’s time to bail. Bet Natsuki is the last person she’ll ever want to bump into and escaping now is the last thing she’ll ever think of. Her shocked face upon encountering Natsuki in the most unexpected situation was absolutely priceless! Come on, Nao. You’ve been chosen as one of the Five Pillars. Why don’t you demonstrate your Pillar-worthy powers a bit, ne?


Game Over? Perhaps not yet

Whoa... Shizuru actually trashed those hooded Schwarz creeps without her Robe? Gosh, talk about efficiency. She hasn’t lost a single touch since her HiME days. I bet she could keep on going and even escape if she wanted to, but too bad those cowards decided to use the old hostage tactic. I feel so sorry for Tomoe... She looked very humiliated in front of the person she adores most. There seems to be a few ways of interpreting her facial expression. Either she’s mortified and afraid about the malicious things she did in the past upon seeing Shizuru (Possibly remembering what Chie had told her in the previous episode) or she simply felt guilty for giving Shizuru the disadvantage by getting captured. I don’t sense any bad vibes from Tomoe at the moment and the shot of her in the opening looking all evil may be a red herring of some sort. As far as I know, the only wicked intent she has in the series is to eradicate Arika due to her jealousy. It’s a rather shallow reason and it doesn’t seem to go as deep as Erstin’s ulterior motives. It’s ironic isn’t it how enemies reveal themselves as the person you’d least expect but who knows? She may try anything to get rid of Arika, possibly even joining the enemy to achieve that goal. All of them are under Schwarz’s custody now and any inconceivable event could happen.


The truth is out

Everyone except Nagi gets the shock of their lives when Sergay reveals Arika as the true queen of Windbloom. It won’t be surprising that Mashiro will be the one affected by it most seeing how she’s been adamantly telling herself and the others she’s the true successor to the throne. Whether it would affect her negatively or positively later on remains a debate. I have a feeling she may feel really sore about it but nevertheless will use the current condition she’s in to improve her character. I agree with many that Mashiro is slowly changing into a better person due to Takumi’s indirect admonition of her role as well as Arika’s friendship and loyalty towards her. If she does keep the title after the war has ended, there’s no doubt she will turn out to be a true royal befitting of her role as Windbloom’s queen with Arika ruling by her side as her Otome.


Looks like Nina’s eyes are far greener than her Robe

Talk about the worst reaction anyone has for a revelation in this episode. Nina, horrified that Sergay was the one who was sponsoring and supporting Arika, goes completely berserk to the point of blindly falling into Nagi’s trap and accepting the enemy’s offer. Nina is already well aware of how Arika was gradually warming up to Sergay. As a result, she’s been trying really hard to restrain and prevent herself from blowing up, although she came quite close to it in Episode 11. I may be off with my presumptions about her, but I believe Nina’s rage is (clearly) fuelled by her jealousy and Sergay’s assumed betrayal towards her. She told him he was being unfair to her because he was the one who chose and encouraged her to become Nagi’s Otome, yet he still ordered her to refuse Nagi’s commands. Furthermore, he was secretly funding her biggest rival and perhaps she felt betrayed thinking why he was helping Arika when he should have been primarily supporting her instead. I guess the handkerchief was the last straw which plunged her heart into darkness and caused the Shikkoku no Kongouseki (Ultimate Black Diamond) to react to it. Are legendary GEMs usually capable of reacting to a person’s emotions? We’ve seen the Souten no Seigyoku respond to Arika’s heart before and I was wondering whether she being the daughter of an Otome made any difference. I’ve come to a similar conclusion with Neko that is does. The possibility of her mother’s (unique) nano-machines getting transferred to her during pregnancy is very high and this may have contributed to the GEM being able to resonate with her heart before she even made a contract with it. The exact same thing happened with Nina here. For a long while, I’ve speculated Nina’s mother was an Otome as well but I wasn’t sure because there weren’t many arguments which supported this. Episode 17 provided the biggest clue so far and I guess many believe her mother is Rena (Although I’m still stubbornly sticking with the theory that she is Arika’s mom despite what Sergay found out :p). It shouldn’t come as a shocker if it turns out to be true, I guess... Apart from that, there’s also the theory where Arika and Nina (as well as Mashiro probably) may be the chosen ones to play the Harmonium. It is possible this special role of theirs enables them to be capable of extraordinary tasks. Of course, the biggest problem now is the damn huge ravine between Arika and Nina. Nina was certainly very remorseful for accidentally killing one of her best friends but I greatly doubt her guilt is enough to reconcile her friendship with Arika. She didn’t seem to regret the slightest bit about making a pact with one of the most evil political devils in all of Anime history, and the chances of them patching up looks almost impossible. Where these events would lead them I do not know, but we can be sure that Sunrise is ready to feed us more cheesecakes at the end. Cliché, but good. ^^


Horror upon HORROR!!

NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! *Kicks bucket out the window* Why does it have to end up like this?! Why does it have to be Erstin?! WHY?!!!! This is one of the biggest piles of horse manure to ever hit any fan. It’s been such a long time since I’ve gotten this damn shocked. I was literally gripping my heart so hard... No, I’m not talking about her betrayal to Garderobe. To be honest, it wasn’t surprising to me that Erstin would eventually aid the dark side coz she displayed those signs as early as Episode 9 via her gradually building internal conflicts. Heck, if I wanted to be dumbstruck because of a Garderobe student accepting a Black Letter offer, it would be someone like Yayoi or something. What I completely didn’t expect was how Erstin died... Well yeah, all Schwarz pawns would ultimately perish but what shattered me the most was that even though she was under Schwarz’s influence, she still tried to prevent her two closest friends from fighting each other and was unintentionally killed by Nina as a result. Very early on, I prayed for Erstin to be out of severe harm's way because she started showing signs she was a disposable character (Not enough proper in-depth character development blah blah blah). When I watched the second opening, I became really worried because she wasn’t there (Irina and friends weren’t there either but I see Erstin playing more of an important role). And now THIS happens. There is no reset this time round. It’s permanent, people. Or at least it looks like it...

What is it with Sunrise killing off sweet, gentle girls? First Akane, and now Erstin. Has it always been a trend with them? Is it because we easily become attached to those characters and this is the most effective way of throwing flaming mud pies into our faces?! While the whole episode is in a special league of its own compared to previous ones, this individual part alone downright saddened me..... No, I don’t mean to say it tarnishes the plot because kwap like this has to happen sooner or later, right? This IS a Mai series after all. It probably is essential for the writers to finally introduce some sinister drama to Otome just like what they did to HiME.

But still... This is so unfair... It’s too cruel... I just feel so..... Heartbroken. It hurts me so much to see Erstin helplessly cry and get smacked around like that. Everytime she said “I’m sorry.....” Every excruciating scream she let out..... All of it sounded undeniably painful. The last scene where she died before Arika and Nina was the pinnacle emotional moment of the entire episode. When she started disappearing, tears flooded my eyes and I thought about how Erstin had been trying so hard to fight for herself all this while despite the painful family fate that was damn unreasonably pushed onto her; how she selflessly sacrificed her own life to protect Arika because she knows friends are more important than anyone or anything else; and how much she idolized and loved Nina but never had her feelings returned even until the end. We will miss you very very very much, Ers-chan..... May you live on in our hearts forever..... This is gonna get so tough, especially when we have to listen to Kuribayashi Minami sing “Crystal Energy” for every remaining episode. *Cries*


Well... That’s that. Dang, I swear this is one of the longest reviews I’ve ever written. Can’t help it. I needed to get all that ranting out of my mind :p! In conclusion, I have this to say... Damn you Sunrise for breaking all of Ers-chan’s fans’ heart!! But you still did a great job. A big round of applause for delivering such a brilliant masterpiece this week (Although once again, they slipped a big flaw in the Otome-Aruji relationship. Mashiro didn’t get hurt at all when Arika was knocked aside by the Slave. And why is Sergay so unbelievably invincible?). Hope to see more in the near future. They wouldn’t pull a cheesy reset on us again, would they? Aside from that, next week’s episode preview is easily one of my favorites. Natsuki is sooooo adorable complaining like a little child to Shizuru about losing her Robe.

Natsuki: AT LONG LAST, I get to wear my Robe! What the heck’s up with these developments?!
Shizuru: We can’t do anything about it, right?
Natsuki: I AM one of the Five Pillars! What’s wrong with showing off my skills?
Shizuru: You’re right, but Natsuki being helpless like that is so cute!
Natsuki: *Whines* Shizuru, you meanie.....
Shizuru: There there... :3

Next week’s episode looks to be reminiscent of Mai-HiME’s Episode 21 where the aftermath is obvious after everything went “BOOM!!” Of course this is just a small taste of what Sunrise has installed for us in future episodes. Until then, lets wait (im)patiently for the next. Oh ya, anybody else thinks “Otome wa DO MY BEST deshou?” sucks as a finishing theme for this ep? Where’s Misato Aki? It’s high time we get her to do a proper ending....


~Entry by Dav~


Note
1 While the kanji for “Omoi” (想い) usually means “Thoughts”, I’ve decided to use another variation of its meaning which is “Feelings” solely because it was one of the main themes of this episode and also in Mai-HiME i.e. The “Omoi” a HiME has for her “Taisetsu na Mono” (Most Important Person).