You had better be happy, SacredMidnight, becuase I just endured -hours- of laborious, arduous bouts of button pressing in front of my television for this! Ahem.

So, after a long, winding descent from the curiously named Fooji Mountains (remind you of a certain landmark?) and a few simple battles with some curiously tinted creatures (remind you of certain monsters?), our glorious heroes make their way to Meltokio (remind- okay, I'll stop), "The Imperial City". There, they spent all of next wekk's salary on pretty baubles and trinkets at the local store, and met up with a charming young man and his... harem?

Skipping ahead a bit, apathetic ax-girl Presea (that scene with Genis and the sacred wood was hilarious!) and rambunctious, flirtatious Zelos join the group, adding some much-needed spice to the protagonists, who, frankly, save for Sheena, are in desperate need of it. More on that later.

A few trips across the lengthy Tethe'alla bridge (to Sybak and back) later, our favorite outfit of misfits find themselves back atop the Fooji Mountains, facing off against the dreadfully-dressed Pronyma - who must be the easiest boss ever. Which is closely followed by one of the most difficult dungeon puzzles so far: Meltokio Sewers. I still shudder at the amount of times I had to backtrack to figure everything out. The battles against the Fake and the Convict were fairly routine fare (haha puns), though. Next up: sailing the deep blue sea - much to Raine's dismay - in the EC (haha more bad puns)!

Okay, as for my impressions on the new additions... Presea is hilarious simply because of her little scenes with Genis - some of the one-liners are priceless! "I've lost all confidence as a man," haha. They are undeniably cute though. Regarding Zelos, I usually don't take to his type of character, but I find him pretty refreshing and irresistible here. I love his carefee attitude, as well as his lively banter with Sheena.

Questions, questions, questions:

1) Is there any benefit to raising the number of "stars" on a character's cooking rating - I haven't really been paying close attention to it.

2) Is there any way to "fix" disparities in level in my party - for example, Presea and Raine seem to lag behind the others a bit.

3) Also, what is up with the pellets and figurines? I can't remember for the life of me.

“Fix it.”

Clarissa put on her best innocent face. “Pardon?”

The taller boy gestured exasperatingly at his younger friend.

“I don’t know -what- you did to him, but he’s been unable to speak since this morning.”

Finally sparing a glance at the blond-haired boy, Clarissa allowed herself a faint, triumphant smile. -Serves him right.- Raising an eyebrow, she muttered disdainfully,

“Did you even -think- about ripping it off yourself – it’s not like it’s magically enchanted or anything.”

As if to accentuate her point, she leaned forward, and, in a quick sweeping motion, tore off the slip of paper she had earlier fastened across his lips.

“Speak.”

Drawing herself back, Clarissa watched as the boy opened and closed his mouth animatedly… But only silence.

And everything clicked into place.

Setting her jaw resolutely, Clarissa reached into her bag, clutching a handful of cleansing charms, almost gasping as the cool rush of magical energy swept through her body. A bluish glow encompassed her clenched fist, pulsating quietly with restrained ferocity. She wound up, preparing to loose her assault…

And then she hesitated. For an instant.

And in that instant, the spirit possessing the boy in front of her pounced, phasing out of his body and launching itself in her direction.

Startled, Clarissa felt her grip on the charms weaken. They dropped to the ground, instantly releasing their payload in a blinding flash of blue. With a piercing shriek, the malevolent apparition vanished.

Still shaking slightly from the ordeal, Clarissa sighed.

“How irritating.”

------------------------------

Chronologically, this occurs almost directly after "Hygeine" and distantly after "Two Steps Forward, Three Steps Back." If you haven't read either of the two, you probably won't understand anything that's going on here - feel free to message me and I'll gladly send you the prequels.

Ooh, I think she's starting to warm up to him! Or not.

As always, comments and criticisms brighten up my day (even flames are welcome)!

And yet another round emerges!

Prism (Dennou Coil) was the resounding unanimous winner last time around.

Next up, two shows I haven't yet gotten around to watching, but have heard really good things about.



Choice 1:

Twin Spica OP - Venus Say - Buzy

Choice 2:

Sola OP - Colorless Wind (I love this title!) - Aira Yuuki

I know the new season has already started, but I haven't decided what to follow yet. Feel free to give suggestions!

3) Special A - The last two episodes were great, especially the one with Akira and Tadashi and Yahiro. I'm loving the tension. Oh, and Hikari saying "Just to annoy you..." as her reason was hilarious.

2) Itazura na Kiss - Oh, wow I wasn't expecting -that- to happen this soon. The emotional climax was worth it, but I sort of wonder where the show will go from here. I fear the interest may just die out...

1) Nijuu Mensou no Musume - Um... fansubs, please. I'm just dying to find out what happens next! Maybe I should just give up and learn Japanese...

Other shows I've been watching:

- Venus Versus Virus - Upon many recommendations, I finally decided to give this a spin. The plot is a little sketchy, but the characters are likeable, especially Lucia (Ruchia?) - I have a soft spot for people like her.

ARIA the NATURAL - I can't believe I never finished this series, considering it's one of my perennial favorites.