AHHHHH GODZILLAAAAAAA!!!!!! ….My final impression is included.

Summary:

Still attempting to stop the Bel Masque’s plans, Shana and Wilhelmina struggle against Hecate and Sydonay. Marchosias attempts to heal Margery in the meantime, as she is in a dire situation. Outside the barrier, Kazumi again struggles about her decision on using the hogu. Wilhelmina is unable to hold up her masked form when Sydonay continues to attack her. When Shana runs to her aid at the base of the tower, she is surprised to find that the enemy will not attack them. Flying around to dodge Hecate’s attacks afterwards, Shana confirms that they are not attacking to avoid damage to the structure. In the caverns below, Yuuji regains consciousness. Realizing how the situation has changed, he sets off again. While Shana and Wilhelmina hold their ground, Yuuji runs from his many pursuers. Kazumi almost uses her hogu out of desperation, but she suddenly remembers Shana’s promise of return. Kazumi decides to believe in her words, putting the hogu back into her pocket. Using a bit of his existence to stop those chasing him, Yuuji realizes that he will disappear if he uses too much power of existence. However, he realizes that he is now somehow unafraid. He simply wants to protect everyone in his city.

While Wilhelmina fends off the Bel Masque, Shana begins to search for Yuuji in the caverns. When Shana finally finds Yuuji, she realizes that he has become close to fading away. She and Alastor explain to Yuuji that his Reiji Maigo is being used to power the Go no Ritsuzo, which also involves the rest of the world outside. Realizing the location of the Reiji Maigo, Yuuji accompanies Shana in going to take it back. Preparations are set in motion by Hecate, as a giant beast rises from the now broken barrier. Kazumi sees this from the outside, as Margery creates a fuzetsu just in time. Shana and Yuuji finally find the central chamber, forced to fight the armored suit they have seen in the past. Outside, Margery saves Kazumi in the nick of time. In the meantime, Wilhelmina does her best against Sydonay and the giant monstrosity. Yuuji realizes the location of the armor’s heart, telling Shana where to attack. The armored suit, affected by the memories of Konoe, is unable to attack Shana. With this, Yuuji is able to regain his Reiji Maigo and escape the caverns with Shana. The Bel Masque is disappointed with the failure of their plans outside, but only decide to retreat. Hecate is confused by the tears she sheds, before escaping as well. As everyone returns outside to safety, Kazumi happily greets them back.

ED: “sense” by Mami Kawada – We’re shown most everyone enjoying their Xmas eve, with Kazumi and Shana continue their challenge. Kazumi sheds tears in her waiting spot, and it is implied that Yuuji chooses Shana.

Impression:

LEND ME YOUR POWERS. Um, what the heck! Let’s cut off the ending in preparation for another season….AGAIN! Woo, I love Shana! So, bondage maid with bondage sword was win in this episode. Margery having seizures and then saving the day was fun too. Yuuji’s assisting Shana in defeating the big armored suit seemed really forced and silly though. I think everyone and their melon pan knew that Konoe’s emotions were going to get in the way of the plans, but just seeing the giant mecha rise for no reason was a real downer. Friendship power saves the day again!!!! Yuuji’s “If I use too much POE I’ll disappear” thoughts made me laugh pretty hard too (No….really!?). Also, Hecate, Nanoha called. She wants her moves back. I dunno, it just seems like this would have made such a better ending if they spent just a bit more time with it. I feel like the climax we got last week just came to a grinding halt way too quickly. The big shocker that someone has constantly been mentioning to me didn’t happen either. I guess they’re saving all of that for the third season we all know we will be getting.

Final Impression:

I was very excited to see the new season of Shana when it was announced earlier last year. Having been a big fan of the first season, I even blogged the movie in preparation. When the new season started, it seemed like Shana would be the same great adventure we had the first time around. After awhile though, many started becoming confused at the direction it was taking. Gone were the spectacular fights we were all used to. In its place were silly love challenges and a new friend named Konoe. This may actually be one of those times where blogging an anime has actually made me like it more. While everyone else was busy complaining about these clearly filler episodes, I was having the time of my life parodying how hilariously bad awesome they were. Love. Power.

When the second half of the season came along, things finally began picking up again. With some excellent fights against Pheles and Sabrac, there was little to complain about. Shana certainly had returned to the greatness we all remembered. It was all too short, however. Even with my developments arising towards the end of the series, we were cut off once again in preparation for another season. But hey, I won’t complain about that. I’m more than ready for more Shana. Overall, I greatly enjoyed the second season of Shakugan no Shana. So what if there were low points that didn’t even need to exist in the story? Those were awesome! There isn’t much else to say really. We’re just going to be waiting a long time for the third season now.

Yuuji obviously doesn’t play enough Mario.

Summary:

Inside the barrier she has created, Hecate holds the Reiji Maigo above a now shocked Yuuji. As Hecate flies into the air, Yuuji collapses from a loss of strength. With the armored suit inside a nearby tower, things are going just as planned for the Bel Masque. When Hecate sends the Reiji Maigo into the suit, the tower begins to glow under an appearing storm cloud. Shana quickly rushes to the barrier she sees, realizing that it is not a fuzetsu. Margery and Wilhelmina arrive shortly after, creating a fuzetsu and learning of Shana’s sense that Yuuji is inside the barrier. As Kazumi rushes to the scene, the hogu around her neck begins to glow. Shana and the others are unable to break through the barrier no matter what they try. Around them, beams appear to connect to the barrier via Hecate’s orders. With Hecate’s actions, the armored suit begins to move even more. Observing the destruction around him, Yuuji realizes that his Reiji Maigo is being used to power something. At this rate, he suspects that he will disappear.

Shana and the others attempt to figure out the Bal Masque’s plans outside, when Kazumi appears to tell them what is happening to Yuuji. They wonder how she knows this, so Kazumi reveals that Johan was able to speak to her through the hogu she holds. Margery makes a call to Keisaku, finding that he is already at the haridan. Knowing that Yuuji may disappear, Shana prepares to enter the barrier as the group searches for ways to get inside. When Kazumi wonders about her reasons for going, Shana replies that it is so that she can fight along side of Yuuji. Realizing the situation everyone must be in, Yuuji runs into the now distorted tower to obtain his Reiji Maigo. Dantalion detects Yuuji’s presence, sending many of his robots to stop him inside. Using the power he still possesses, Yuuji is able to shake his pursuers off. Keisaku finally finds an opening to the barrier, allowing the rest of the group to enter. Margery states that this is the most that Keisaku can do for them, but she praises him before leading the rest of the group inside.

Shana assures Kazumi that she will return with Yuuji, leaving her to wonder again of the possibilities she has. Margery is able to get the group through the small hole in the barrier, but she is taken out by Sydonay soon after reaching the inside. Shana and Wilhelmina send attacks at Sydonay, but they are interrupted by Dantalion’s explanation of the situation. Wilhelmina quickly begins attacking Sydonay, and Hecate begins firing at Shana. Inside the tower, Yuuji falls into a dark hole. As Shana and Wilhelmina continue to battle, they panic at Dantalion’s announcement of the “go no ritsuzo”.

Preview: The finale.

Impression:

Uh oh. With one episode left, Shakugan no Shana has headed into full climax mode. This includes all of the ridiculous, yet so awesome, moments that we should all be used to at this point. I thought it was really funny that Yuuji’s missing core was represented as a black hole with butterflies flying around inside, but I’m also confused as to how he is able to exist while physically separated from the Reiji Maigo. I guess that’s asking too many questions while watching a show about a girl who flies around with wings made of flames. Dantalion was annoying me as much as ever, and I couldn’t help but imagine a video game situation as Yuuji ran through the tunnels. Maybe I was anticipating the climax too much, but some of the scenes in this episode seemed more odd than atmospheric. It could have just been the the blue barrier throwing me off, but I still believe that the Pheles episodes were superior. There are a lot of signs leading to Kazumi using the hogu in the last episode, but I guess we’ll just have to find out next week. With a set up like this, I don’t expect a clear ending at all.

Hey Totali, Do you smell something?
…Yea, it smells like LOVE POWER!!!

Summary:

Sabrac reports to Bel-Peol, finishing the work he has done for the Bel Masque. Bel-Peol is satisfied, beginning the work on their side as Sabrac leaves. Keisaku has trouble deciding on making a phone call in the morning, and Margery finds him again hoping to join the Outlaw. Having a discussion with Marchosias about this while walking away, Margery remembers the statement Keisaku made previously. When Ike reaches school, he notices that everyone has started to change. Observing Yuuji, he believes that he has changed the most. Ike believes that he needs to change himself, before being called out to by Fujita. Yuuji wonders what Shana will be doing after school, and finds that she has promised to meet Kazumi. Yuuji stops, however, when he sees his father standing in the distance.

Talking to Yuuji alone in the city, Kantarou admits to Yuuji that he will only be in town for a short while before having to leave again. However, he also expresses his realization that he belonged in the town. Kantarou mentions the trouble Chigusa is going through, and finally reveals to Yuuji that she will be having a baby. This surprises Yuuji quite a bit, but Kantarou suggests that they talk for awhile to that he can explain things to him. Kantarou reveals that they once believed that Chigusa could not have kids. However, it came to the point where she could have two. This lead to two children, one that lived and one that died. This lead to the naming of Yuuji. Yuuji thinks about his own values in relation to his family as the two reach home to meet Chigusa and Shana. Elsewhere, Ike makes a visit to Keisaku.

When Shana meets Kazumi later, she suddenly questions her about where babies come from. Everyone else was too embarrassed to explain this to her, but Kazumi has trouble as well. Shana finally reveals that Yuuji will become and older brother, expressing how strong he has become. The challenge is again brought up between Shana and Kazumi, so an event is set up for Xmas Eve. The two would wait in different places in the city, and the one Yuuji picked would be the winner. Shana suggests letters to give to Yuuji, but Kazumi takes Shana to town after seeing how basic the letters are. After enjoying themselves in the city, Shana and Kazumi both write their respective messages. Yuuji hears Shana on his veranda that night, but only finds two letters when he looks outside.

Ike gains the confidence to change after visiting Keisaku’s house, and coincidentally meets Kazumi in the city. With his hopes in mind, he asks for her to meet him the next day. Even after hearing what she has in mind with Yuuji, Ike wishes to let her hear his feelings beforehand. Kazumi is troubled about this that night, wondering what she would do with her hogu if Yuuji did not pick her. Shana reveals her plans to Wilhelmina later, but this makes Wilhelmina angrily reveal the dangers of Shana’s actions. This results in a fierce argument, which Tiamat breaks up. Afterwards, Wilhelmina admits that her beliefs are related to her own experiences of the past. In her room later, Shana surprisingly finds that Wilhelmina is offering her support for the next day. Ike states his love for Kazumi on the day of Xmas Eve, giving her the freedom to do what she wants as he walks away. Shana and Kazumi both wait in their respective spots afterwards, and Yuuji has trouble deciding on which path to choose. Hecate suddenly appears, however, stealing Yuuji’s Reiji Maigo.

Preview: Do I see fighting here….interrupting my love love???

Impression:

Even Hecate wants in on the action! This episode was going back to a lot of the first half of this season, with lots of funny love love power. I don’t really care at this point, because Shana love drama is hilarious and awesome. Like many suspected (or already knew), Chigusa is pregnant. This lead to a lot of great moments in this episode, mostly dealing with Shana asking where babies come from (It’s even more embarrassing than being seen naked!). I really want to know what fanbase Shana is suppose to be aimed towards, especially with the loli like pigtails and melon pan eating. Okay, no I don’t. Wilhelmina getting stabby over Shana’s statement was a riot. It was like a mother refusing to let go of her daughter or something. I can’t believe the two got told off by a maid garment. Even though we were waiting for this since the hints in the first OP, Ike finally made a move towards Kazumi. I’m really not sure how this will end up, but I can’t help but wonder if Ike has gotten too comfortable with being dragged around by Fujita. With only two episodes left, it looks like we’ll be ending with a bit of action. Like everyone else, I call a third season.

Yuuji….or the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles??

Summary:

When Yuuji reaches the other end of the tunnels, he meets Shana and Kazumi on the other side. Shana expresses the need to quickly reach Wilhelmina, but Yuuji states that they will actually be meeting Margery. Sabrac prepares to finish Wilhelmina off, but he is shocked to find Shana appearing in his way. Of course, this was all according to Wilhelmina’s plans. With the help of Johan’s knowledge, Wilhelmina and Shana are able to regain their strength to fight against Sabrac. Yuuji contacts Wilhelmina during the battle, explaining the plan he has against Sabrac. This deals with the feeling he has constantly had, which he predicted was Sabrac’s source of power. This would explain the unbeatable Sabrac on the surface, but Wilhelmina still seeks further proof.

Shana flies ahead to face off against Sabrac, giving the others the chance to prepare. With the help up of Kazumi and Keisaku, Margery acts upon Yuuji’s gamble. Wilhelmina eventually gets back to aggressively attacking Sabrac, finally giving Shana a chance to rest. Previously, Yuuji had explained to the group his reasoning behind his beliefs. This is what everyone is currently acting upon in the present. While Margery searches the city, Keisaku is finally able to give his answer to her. Rather than thinking about what he would do after her death, Keisaku claims that he plans only on fighting to keep Margery alive.

Sabrac sends a heavy blow towards Wilhelmina, but Margery’s preparations are completed in the nick of time. Sabrac is completely surrounded by a barrier created by Margery, and Shana sets off to finish the job. Shana almost says something to Yuuji, but she decides not to. Flying ahead, Shana defeats Sabrac with one powerful blow. With this, the battle finally ends. Things return to normal for Yuuji and the others, so Yuuji attempts to talk to Kazumi about what he discussed with her previously. Kazumi brings up her belief that Yuuji has returned to his normal self, however, leaving him with a smile. Yuuji wonders what Shana was going to tell him when she steps outside of the house, but she becomes embarrassed and tells him to shut up multiple times.

Preview: I don’t see any fighting…but maybe Shana and Yuuji will smooch or something.

Impression:

Holy crap, this episode was badass!!! But….there’s not much to talk about. Wilhelmina was as awesome as ever, especially with her super cool bookmark spinning this time around. I laughed when Yuuji had bandages for the others that came from her. Wilhelmina in bondage! Kya~! Yuuji showed off his ridiculous planning skills again in this episode, which I still don’t really get. How can he come up with such a decisive plan, yet not be able to figure out Shana’s feelings? I loved the randomly dramatic poses in this episode too. The episode was totally set up for a win for the heroes, and it almost seemed like Sabrac got weaker for no reason. The insert song was hilarious, but freaking awesome at the same time. The eyecatch for this week was pretty cool, and Shana’s urusai x3 is always fun. Next week looks slower, but who knows what will happen at this point.

Can’t even play Zelda without getting interrupted by awesome Shana anymore… ~de arimasu

Summary:

In the aftermath of the explosion, Yuuji still feels a strange aura lingering. He starts to tell Shana about what he couldn’t say earlier, but the group is interrupted by a burst of red flame throughout the area. Yuuji opens his eyes after being knocked out, confused about what is happening. He is quickly stabbed before being able to gather his thoughts, however, by none other than Sabrac. Yuuji is troubled about how he was unable to detect Sabrac, and his completely different level from the previous tomogara. Wilhelmina soon gets between the two, charging towards Sabrac as an opponent. Wilhelmina continually sends attacks towards Sabrac, but he defends himself with his blades and again appraoches Yuuji. However, Wilhelmina continues to interrupt Sabrac. Yuuji notices that Wilhelmina has acquired a great deal of wounds, and realizes that this was from her defending of him earlier. Yuuji is relieved that Shana and the others are alright, but their presences are fairly weak.

Keisaku wakes just before Margery, and after learning the situation from Marchosias, discovers that she is suffering from the same stigma that Wilhelmina is. Kazumi meanwhile wanders the city, still thinking about Pheles’ words. Coming across the wreckage, she discovers Shana unconscious. Finding a brief chance to hide, Wilhelmina brings up her previous encounter with Sabrac. As she describes what damages he caused to Pheles and Johan, Yuuji wonders how they would be able to defeat such a fearsome opponent. There is no chance to get the answer, however, as Sabrac locates and attacks them again. As Yuuji is carried away by Wilhelmina to safety, he can only continue to worry about the strange feeling he had from earlier.

Helping bandage Shana’s wounds, Kazumi brings up Yuuji’s strange behavior from earlier. Shana reassures her that he has returned to his normal self, relieving Kazumi. Shana is sure that Yuuji and Wilhelmina will be fine, but her wounds are deeply effecting her as well. Wilhelmina continues to avoid Sabrac, while trying to establish his weaknesses. Sabrac exceeds her expectations, but she counters his attack by sending a drill like attack into him. Finding that Sabrac is not even fazed by this, Yuuji wonders if he can be of any help. Wilhelmina tells him not to do anything unnecessary, as she has something else she would like him to do.

While being helped by Keisaku, Margery brings up his earlier words of wanting to help. However, she wonders what he planned to do if she died. Wilhelmina leads Sabrac into a trap, using a lot of her power to make buildings collapse on him in a large explosion. Wilhelmina is baffled when Sabrac even reappears after this much, and Sabrac realizes that this was her last resort. Wilhelmina reaffirms that the Bel Masque is after the Reiji Maigo, when Sabrac attacks again. Wilhelmina traps Sabrac in an explosion, but finally sees his regeneration after this. Sabrac manages to cut Yuuji from Margery’s side, taking hold of him. Soon after, however, it is revealed that this is a fake created by Wilhelmina. With this, Wilhelmina causes another great explosion. Yuuji meanwhile runs underground, hoping to find a way to defeat Sabrac. Remembering the events leading up to this point, he suspects something. In the meantime, Wilhelmina is forced to continue her battle with Sabrac.

Preview: The battle continues….with awesome animation.

Impression:

So like…I’m sitting here playing Link’s Pro Skater and fighting a giant skull monster right, when Aroduc is all like, “Dude! This week’s Shana was amazing!” And I’m like, “Say wuuuuuuttttttt?” So I put down the wii mote and watch it, and it is amazing. Yea, unbelievable right? And then I’m freaking out cause all these colors are everywhere and then…..

Okay, I’ve gotta cut that out. But really, this was probably the most awesome episode all season. I can’t help but wonder if I’ve said that before though, or if my words will just get replaced in the next episode. Sabrac was actually so typical as an invulnerable boss type character. His character design is even predictably badass. I’ve got nothing to complain about though, because Wilhelmina in bondage (by her own means) made me explode. I really haven’t given this much thought in the past, but she is definitely my favorite character. I was totally won over by her “~de arimasu” in the first season, and the increased amount of screen time in the second season makes me very happy in the pants. I laughed at how they totally killed off Yuuji’s moment from last episode, with him only being dragged around by Wilhelmina and screaming like a girl this time around. Run, Yuuji! Run!!! There’s really not much else to talk about. This episode was pure awesome fighting, complete with DBZ like fireballs. The next episode looks like a continuation of that, with everyone joining in for the brawl. Well, maybe Yuuji will find whatever he’s worried about.

Ah, but if you can’t tell, I’m a bit tired at not at the top of my mentality right now. I’ve got a lot of stuff to do over spring break. For those of you who actually read most of my posts, I’ll get to blogging that other silly stuff tomorrow….

Shana is where the real gattai takes place.

Summary:

Surrounded by the Guze no Tomogara Zarovee, Yuuji realizes that the rest of the group would not be able to detect his presence. Yuuji threatens Zarovee with a bit of his energy, realizing that there is one more copy of him left in the city. As this group was only after him, Yuuji further realizes that Zarovee is involved with the Bel Masque. He also notices that the strange feeling he had in the morning was because of the Tomogara’s track on him. Shana meanwhile cares for Chigusa by bringing her Wilhelmina’s medicine and the food that Kazumi made. After leaving her room, Shana can only think of what she said to Yuuji earlier. In the city, Eita meets Matake.

While Yuuji is lead by Zarovee in the city, he wonders what his objective is. Trying to find ways to improve his situation, Yuuji lets out sudden screams in public. This causes a ruckus before Yuuji continues to follow Zarovee’s directions, but Mataka and Eita manage to hear his yells. Eita realizes that Yuuji must have seen him, wondering about his behavior. Eita finally suspects that the one with Yuuji was a Guze no Tomogara. Matake suggests that they go after Yuuji, but Eita prevents her from leaving. After struggling with himself, Eita finally decides to visit Margery in order to help Yuuji. Dragging Matake all the way to Keisaku’s house, he requests for Keisaku to call Margery.

Eita finally relays his information to Margery, but he is unable to follow her when she suggest for him and Keisaku to accompany her. Margery understands his feelings, telling him to take Matake to a far away place. After checking Wilhelmina’s progress on dinner, Shana is alerted by Margery’s bookmark in her pocket. Yuuji continues to guess Zarovee’s goal, finally worrying about the small fuzetsu and multiples he has created. Yuuji realizes that Bifrons’s goal is outside of the fuzetu’s radius, far from the city. Yuuji finally decides that he wants to protect the city, instantly using his powers to fire at the nearby Zarovee.

As he continues to destroy multiples of Zarovee, Yuuji finally realizes Kazumi and Shana’s feelings. In reality, he did not want to leave the city. Finishing the last Zarovee clone with the Blutsaugher, Yuuji decides that he must apologize to the others. Yuuji begins calling out to Shana in the area, and alerts her of the trouble they are in once she arrives. Flying into the air, Shana and Wilhelmina use techniques to quickly get to Bifrons. Shana successfully stops him, causing a large explosion as he is defeated. Yuuji believes that something is still strange in the aftermath, when flames appear throughout the area.

Preview: Sabrac!!!

Impression:

Oshi-! Yuuji was freaking ridiculous in this episode. It’s amazing how powerful he has suddenly become. Was this always a shounen anime? I thought Zarovee was a pretty lame excuse for a villain, but I guess they needed someone to move the plot along while Yuuji had multiple inner dialogs. How the heck is that guy so smart? Eita had plenty of these as well, proving that he can’t just suddenly disappear from the group. Am I the only one who likes his interaction with Matake? Those parts make me pretty happy. I also love how Eita’s opening his eyes indicates deep concern. How do all of these characters walk around with their eyes closed all the time? The fights at the end of this episode were obviously the highlight though, with Yuuji kicking multiple Zarovee butt. Choking and impaling with a sword? Yes, that was awesome. I’ll never get tired of Wilhelmina and winged Shana either. The next episode looks even more intense, with the appearance of Sabrac.

Ka….me….ha…..me…..ha!!!

Summary:

A group of Tomogara under Bel-Peol appears in Misaki City. One monstrous one known as Kogo addresses the other as Zarobi after he has been on the phone, and they get moving soon after. Yuuji meanwhile prepares to train with Margery. Previously, Yuuji had requested that he be taught abilities that he could use in battle. Wilhelmina and Shana were a bit taken back by his determination, but they allowed him to do so. Margery has Yuuji control his power of existence, while she lets out multiple charms into the sky. Yuuji quickly gains control of his powers, successfully shooting them all down. Yuuji requests for even more, however, making Margery remind him of his position. Before she leaves, she gives Yuuji the Blutsauger that he had requested earlier. Yuuji convinces Margery that he is prepared for what is in store, as she flies away on Marchosias.

Shana catches up to Yuuji while he is walking home, expressing that he has not been acting like he usually does. Yuuji finally tells her that he has thought about the position he is in since the festival, and that he could not live as the normal Yuuji that he originally planned to be. He has already become part of the Flame Haze world, and he wants the power to be by Shana’s side. Yuuji leaves Shana at the convenience store, as she recites the words Yuuji has just said in her head. She wonders why she does not feel happy, even though she should, as she looks behind to see that Yuuji is already gone.

When Yuuji returns home, he finds that his mother is not doing very well. Because of this, he does not show up at school the next day. Worried about Chigusa after their teacher reveals Yuuji’s situation, Shana rushes to Yuuji’s house in the afternoon. Kazumi is also worried about Yuuji, and Ike convinces her to help if she wishes to. As Kazumi runs to the store, Ike wonders why he is always like this. As Kazumi runs to Yuuji’s house after visiting the supermarket, she expresses to herself that she feels like she wants to help Yuuji. At first she believed the hogu in her possession would let her be with Shana and the others, but this isn’t what she truly wanted.

Reaching Yuuji’s house, Shana quickly rushes to Chigusa’s room to check on her well being. She cheerfully expresses that she and Wilhelmina will continue to come to help her, brighting Chigusa’s mood. Outside, Yuuji only listens. Yuuji thanks Shana while he walks with her afterwards, then coming up with assurances that his mother would be okay on her own. Shana wonders if he is not worried about her, but Yuuji states that he eventually would not be able to stay by her side. When Shana gives the news to Wilhelmina at home, she quickly prepares to make medicine for Chigusa. Kazumi delivers the food she made to Yuuji that night, only to leave quickly after. During the night, the group of Tomogara marches through the city.

Yuuji notices something within himself in the morning, then checking on his mother who is now feeling better. When Wilhelmina hands Shana the medicine to deliver to Chigusa, she wonders about what Shana seems to be troubled about. Shana will not tell her anything, however, as she heads to Yuuji’s house. She finds Kazumi already there, who Yuuji is apologizing to. Yuuji expresses to her that he must leave with Shana as he has become a burden to the city, and that he is not the same kind of human that Kazumi is. While Shana listens in her cover, Kazumi wonders why Yuuji is apologizing. She expresses that this is not what she wanted to hear, describing the feelings she’s had before running away. Yuuji is unable to catch up to her, as he meets Shana right outside. Shana believes that Kazumi must feel the way she did previously, and expresses that she does not want to be with Yuuji at the moment. While Yuuji walks outside pondering about this, he becomes surrounded by the Tomogara that have entered the city. These are actually multiples of one, who introduces himself to Yuuji as Zarobi.

Preview: Build up for the next conflict?

Impression:

Hmm…I would almost call this a disappointment after the preview from the last episode, but I actually don’t feel that way at all. I guess it helps that I almost always go into episodes without any expectations (this is mostly because I usually forget about everything that happened previously though…). Honestly, the highlight of this episode was probably Shana’s interaction with Chigusa. Haha, that was way too cute. Shana is a freaking liar though. I was psyched when she said she was gonna buy melon bread, but she just walked off after Yuuji left…..what a liar. Even Wilhelmina was super worried about Yuuji’s mom (I’ll never get tired of “oku-sama”). It was kind of like everyone was a family, and the themes presented in this episode about distance were pretty cool. I loved Yuuji’s rant about becoming separated from everyone. The writing just feels so much closer to the first season which I loved, and I’m glad that it’s been like this for the past few episodes.

The introduction of the new Tomogara didn’t have as big of an impact that last week’s preview suggested at all, and it looks like that will all come in the next episode. I think we can already expect conflict from the “previews” in the OP though. I also liked the Valentine’s Day eye catch, and the animation was top notch this week. Now, I wasn’t going to mention this, but what is up with Yuuji’s freaking silver “power”? If the jokes weren’t already bad enough, he totally squirted himself in the face in this episode. Do you really want to set yourself up that bad, JCStaff? Maybe it’s something for those omakes…sigh.

This show is all about the love love.

Summary:

Flying down before a few of his companions, Sydonay destroys a center for Outlaws. Matake has a talk with Ike at school, expressing her belief that everyone has been acting strange. Ike agrees, but he believes Eita and Matake are doing well. Matake is slightly troubled when Ike mentions the two’s interaction during the festival, but she agrees that she should invite him to the match she is currently practicing for. Keisaku meets Eita at the school’s entrance, but Eita avoids him. Keisaku meets Margery and Wilhelmina while they have been discussing their lack of progress in research, reporting that Eita has not changed his attitude. Keisaku almost asks Margery about the Outlaw, but he decides not to. After he leaves, Margery describes her feelings about the boys and their readiness to participate with them. At home, Kazumi continues to ponder her actions with the hogu she now holds. Shana and Alastor prepare to up the training they are giving Yuji, but Yuji asks for even more. Alastor tries to stop him from getting ahead of himself, but he agrees with Yuji when he mentions the desperate situation he is in. With this, they get started.

The next day, a troubled Eita plays a crane game in the arcades by himself. On the school rooftop, Keisaku has called on Shana to ask her about the Outlaw. Finding that they both have forgotten their lunches, Eita and Matake head to the cafeteria. Matake wonders if Eita is doing this on purpose to avoid his friends, however, noticing that he seems to have a lot on his mind. Matake attempts to get Eita’s attention about the upcoming Friday, but Eita is unable to get his horrifying image of a damaged Matake out of his head. Matake leaves after realizing that Eita is not listening, stating that he is not acting like himself. Keisaku meets Eita again that afternoon, finally revealing the information he has on the Outlaw. Not only do Flame Haze work in the Outlaw, but regular humans do as well. Keisaku sees this as their chance to support Margery and the others, but Eita only walks away without a solid response.

While practicing for the upcoming volleyball match, Matake can only remain distracted while thinking of what she said to Eita. Wilhelmina continues to work with Shana and Yuji while going through the Outlaw’s files, finding that a lot of the information is useless. When Shana questions information about Yuji’s problem, Wilhelmina states that they need information on the assassin Sabrac. Wilhelmina was almost killed by Sabrac in the past, but Pheles and Johan had arrived to save her. The three continued to travel together afterwards, but Johan was eventually killed by Sabrac in an unfortunate moment. After telling this story, Wilhelmina finally finds a piece of information that she needs. Keisaku meanwhile sees Margery to ask for permission to join the Outlaw. In response, however, Margery relays the information she has just received. She reveals that many Outlaw have been killed recently, implying the dangers Keisaku would have to face.

Ike meets Eita at school, revealing Matake’s volleyball match to him. The Misaki team is having trouble against their opposing team, but Matake’s spirits are raised when she sees Eita enter the gym to watch her. With this, she is successfully able to bring the team back into the game. After intense training, Yuji is finally able to see the deathly strikes that Shana sends towards him. He is even able to knock her sword out of her hand, when Alastor decides that he has done well enough for the night. Yuji refuses to quit, however, asking for just a bit more time. Eita meets Keisaku that night, finally revealing that he will not be seeing Margery anymore. He describes his feelings towards Matake, so Keisaku reveals his own intentions of working for Outlaw. As Eita hands Keisaku his communication device to give back to Margery, he remembers the times he spent with her. Eita believes that Keisaku should tell Margery that he is a half hearted coward, but Keisaku contradicts him by saying that he has just stopped becoming one. With this, the two friends part ways.

Preview: Uh oh, people in black suits!

Impression:

Whatever guys, this episode was great. Eita might be all muscly, but he’s just a softy inside. I think the preview from last week pretty much gave away what was going to happen by the end of this episode, but we did learn a few new things in this episode. Keisaku finally learned about the Outlaw and his path, which they have been building up for quite awhile now. Isn’t it convenient for him that humans get along with Flame Haze so easily? I almost forget sometimes, but aren’t Keisaku and Eita both delinquents? I thought it was pretty awesome to see Matake and Eita getting along more, since they’ve had some of the most underrated developments in the show. As far as the real characters go, it was really cool to learn a bit more about Welhelmina’s past with Pheles and Johan. Sabrac looks like he is going to be a beast, and if the OP is any indicator, we will probably be seeing him in action at some point during this season. Yuji’s leveling up was pretty sweet, especially when he even knocked Shana’s sword away. I can’t wait to see him be more than someone that Shana just runs to while crying in the rain. He might need to put those skills to use soon, if the preview means what I think.

OP: “BLAZE” by KOTOKO – Woah! This one snuck up on me. The animation is great, and features a lot more fighting with Shana and the Bel Masque among others. Some of the other scenes hint towards some drama involving Kazumi. I love pretty much anything Kotoko, so the song itself is pretty pleasing.

Summary:

As the cleanup of festival decorations take place, Matake brings up Kazumi and the others’ “skipping out” previously. Ike starts to get to work, but he is quickly dragged off by Fujita Harumi as usual. Overhearing some of the girls discuss the costumes from the march, Shana and the others realize that everyone has completely forgotten about Konoe. Meanwhile, Hecate returns her bracelet to Bel-Peol, as it was actually a part of her chain. The Bel Masque does not see their failure to retrieve the reiji maigo as a large set back, and Hecate proceeds to transfer magic to the armored suit to make it move. Shana and Kazumi have to make a slight effort to get Yuuji’s attention at school and ask him a simple question. Keisaku appears shortly afterwards, telling Yuuji that Margery wishes to meet him again later. Keisaku also notices that Kazumi is distracted. This is because of the previous event, where Kazumi received a pendant from Pheles. This item gives Kazumi the confidence to go with the rest of the group, but she really worries about its properties. The pendant has the ability to summon Pheles, but at the expense of the wielder’s power of existence. The price of using the hogu is death, but Pheles wishes for Kazumi to use it for her and Johan’s sake.

While Margery examines Yuuji that night, Marchosias brings up how pitiful it was for the Bel Masque to get so far in their plan. Learning about what Konoe really was, Keisaku and the others are put in disbelief about the experiences they previously shared with her. After Margery is done checking out Yuuji, she reports the changes that have occurred in his Reiji Maigo. A seal has been placed on it, as well as a tracking spell. Yuuji is again troubled about the complications his body holds, as the group mentally prepares themselves to defend against the Bel Masque. Yuuji, Shana, and Kazumi see Kantaro off as he goes on a date with Chigusawa before his departure. When Shana tells Yuuji that Wilhelmina wishes to talk to him, he also brings up questions he has for Shana and Alastor. With this, the two leave Kazumi alone once again. Kazumi struggles with her inability to stay with Shana again, remembering that Pheles realized her need for power to stay with the rest of her friends. Her thoughts are interrupted, however, by a pat of the back from Matake. As the two pass by a familiar park, Konoe wonders if Matake has really forgotten everything about Konoe. Of course, Matake is unable to understand her questions.

Yuuji and Shana are shown the abundance of Outlaw information Wilhelmina has, and they are asked to help look through them. Yuuji takes the chance to ask for the Blutsauger from Shana, as he wishes to have any power he can use. Wilhelmina realizes that he would not request this for no reason, however, instantly becoming suspicious. In the meantime, Hecate and the others in the Bel Masque continue making the armored suit move. Margery is troubled about what has happened to the Reiji Maigo in Yuuji’s body, but she is confident now that she knows where her enemy is. Still struggling over the item she has, Kazumi almost throws her pendant away. She finds herself in a fuzetsu before she has the chance, however, as she looks down to see Yuuji and Shana practicing with the Blutsauger. In tears, Kazumi realizes that she wants to be with Yuuji. In the morning, a bird lands on Hecate’s hand. This annoys her, but she has a shot of realization as she watches it fly into the sky.

ED: “Sociometry” by KOTOKO – To be honest, I don’t feel like this song fits with an ED at all. I don’t have any major complaints about it though. The animation is much like the last, with the characters shifting from black and white to color.

Preview: More dorama!

Impression:

HELLO SAITO. Haha!! Wow, this is getting silly…..and by silly I mean awesome. The new OP had me going “Woah” as soon as I had the video playing, and it looks like it’s hinting towards a lot of awesome stuff. Probably the most anticipated point of the episode was the revealing of Kazumi’s hogu. As it triggers death, a lot of interesting possibilities are brought up. I wonder if I’m getting ahead of myself here, but isn’t Yuuji “dead” too? I really can’t get over this new magic using Shana and sword wielding Yuuji combo. What is this, Fate Stay Night? It also looks like my guesses aren’t completely off base with Hecate, especially with that dumb bird from the Konoe days. The more the plot actually progresses, the more I remember what a waste of time most of the first half was. The only thing I really didn’t enjoy about this episode was the annoying doctor’s voice with the Bel Masque. I’m pretty sure he’s played by the same guy who plays that lame mod soul in Bleach that I despise. Speaking of Bleach, isn’t Yuuji’s dad too mysterious for his own good? Wow, now I’m just making too many anime comparisons.

Kazumi is coming off as kind of annoying with her emo attitude in this episode. It reminds me of the first season where I just thought she was completely in the way. She’s like the annoying hot chick they have in movies for no reason. You’re not the main girl. You have no chance. Go away! Haha, but I kid. I’m sure she will probably be getting a bigger role with this new twists, and I’m a total sucker for Kawasumi Ayako anyways. We’ll save the character over plot rant for another time. Anyways, the next episode looks as slow as this one. It’s a necessity after all the action packed episodes that have been thrown at us recently though. I’m looking forward to more developments, especially with Eita seemingly wishing to stop being involved with the others for Matake.

Now back to studying for psychology….oh wait, maybe I’ll watch the OP one more time….

Um, what the heck guys.

Summary:

As the plated arm thrusts through Pheles’ body, both she and Yuuji wonder what is going on. Looking behind Pheles, Yuuji sees the silver flame. Wilhelmina quickly pulls an injured Pheles down to the ground, while Margery and Shana fly up into the air for battle. Though Margery surrounds Yuuji with her magic, the armored knight continues to emerge from his body. In the grounds below, Konoe and her butler approach with their glowing bracelets. Elsewhere, the Bal Masque realize that things have started to move. In the center of the room is a chained armored suit with the helmet missing from the top. Yuuji moves due to Margery’s orders, as she thinks about how her everything is right before her. The group notices that Konoe is moving within the Jizaiho, as her butler explodes. Generating a staff, Konoe flies into the air and thrusts it into Yuuji’s body above. When blocks begin falling from the sky, everyone is forced to flee. As a blue light surrounds the area, Hecate appears.

Hecate has Konoe return to her body, while other preparations are completed by her minion. Hecate prepares to attack Yuuji to complete her mission, but Shana and the others quickly work to prevent this. Yuuji falls into a blue light below, however, and Johan appears to greet Pheles. The two exit the Jizaiho despite the attacks sent towards them, and Shana follows. Power is drained while Johan embraces Pheles above, and Shana worries that Yuuji will disappear. Johan falls back down, however, and Shana catches Yuuji who reappears. By then, Hecate has already left. In the aftermath, Yuuji states that he is alright despite not knowing how he has returned to normal. Pheles expresses her happiness, but she guesses that Johan will probably not return. She also reveals that she has something very important to accomplish, refusing to tell Wilhelmina anything as she leaves. When things return to normal at school, Shana declares to herself that she will protect Yuuji. Kazumi watches them from afar, holding a necklace that she received from Pheles. Keisaku wonders if everything has finally ended, but Margery states that it has probably just begun.

Preview: Back to school better not mean “back to suck”.

Impression:

Seriously, guys. Why didn’t you tell me that this episode was going to be so awesome? If you did, I would have watched this sooner instead of doing that useless schoolwork yesterday. Everything was top notch this episode, and it looked like all the production was going into it or something. I absolutely loved seeing Shana with her wings, and everyone else in battle was just as spectacular. I was too busy being absorbed by this episode and having to leave half way through though, so I forgot to jot down any notes. That just leaves a random rant about how great the scenes in this episode were. That’s all that happened anyways though, right? Haha, I kid. Konoe being taken back in by Hecate was pretty expected, but it wasn’t exactly according to plan. I’m still annoyed at Orion for giving me false info. Grr! I really don’t think we’ve seen the last of Pheles, but it will probably be awhile before she shows up again. The pendant she gave Kazumi certainly brings up a few possibilities. The last scene of this episode with everyone on the roof was nothing but epic, and I loved seeing Wilhelmina doing her silly Neo poses again. The next episode looks a bit slower, but it will probably lead to the next arc. I really want to see the new OP and ED already.

EDIT: Oh, I just watched Shanatan 2 Begins! It was pretty hilarious. I agree with everyone that it wasn’t as funny as the ones from the first season, but I’m sure they will be some good ones later.