Last week, the transformation was complete. Zero, who has struggled for the last four years of his life in the academy, can no longer resist the sweet scent of blood. He has turned into a beast in human form, one that thirsts for blood. He cannot prevent. It’s within his instincts to bite when the thirst comes. It got to him. He was fighting for the last four years. He lost.
He bit on Yuuki’s neck and drank her blood. Will that lascivious and beautiful scent of Yuuki’s blood drive Zero insane?
Episode summary
Yuuki realizes Zero is a vampire, as Kaname arrives. Kaname calls Zero the filth of vampires and Yuuki thought that Zero will be killed. As she tries to stop Kaname, she faints from being drained by Zero’s bite. Yuuki regained consciousness in the infirmary, and started crying naturally. Kaname asks if she is scared of vampires now. Kaname leaves after Kaien’s warning that the blood scene has aroused the night Class. Kaien also told Yuuki about how Zero is quietly suffering from this for the last four years.
Kaien explained that Zero used to be human, but was bitten deeply by a pure blooded vampire when his family was massacred. Aido realizes it is Yuuki’s scent, even though Kaname told the others to stop prying. Kaname wanted to send Zero to the night class, but Kaien is reluctant to do so. Yuuki overheard it, and did not want that to happen. She realized that Zero has been hating himself for a long time, and realizes her hurtful words about beasts in human form.
The next day, Yuuki decides to look for Kaname. Aidou is dealing with some businessmen, but pushes them away. Yuuki is glad that Kaname kept the Zero incident a secret. Aidou starts to get jealous over Yuuki, and scares her with his ice magic. He realizes that Kaname saved Yuuki, and adds that Yuuki’s blood should be offered to Kaname. Kaname appears and says that he is not interested. Aidou knows he is in trouble as he is slapped by Kaname for his insolence.
Kaname assures Yuuki that she is different and kind. Yuuki says that Kaname looks lonely. Kaname says that Zero should accompany her to such a dangerous place, since he has the obligation. Yuuki asks him for his condescending tone, but Kaname adds that he cannot forgive someone who hurts the girl he cares for. Yuuki says that she has hurt Zero from her words. Yuuki requests for Zero to stay on in the Day Class, but Kaname says that he cannot do that even for her since he will become Level E.
Yuuki runs off. Kain questions about why Kuran is associating with a vampire hunter and everyone cannot accept it. Kaname simply says that Yuuki is the only girl he loves in the world. At night, Zero is packing his stuff, and he is reminded of Yuuki through a photo. He remembers that the gun is given to him by Kaien since it has the power to hurt vampires. Yuuki sees Zero pointing the gun at himself, and attempts to wrestle the gun away.
Zero points the gun to his neck, telling Yuuki to kill him before he turns Level E. Yuuki shakes her head in disapproval. He explains he cannot control himself, and tells Yuuki to shoot him since she should be scared of him. Zero runs off, and Yuuki gives chase after seeing the dropped photo. Yuuki hugs onto Zero, telling him that it is all right. The leader of the Vampire Hunter association came to discuss about Zero’s condition and reminds him that they have sent “someone” over.
Before I start, let me just say that I am disgusted at myself for reading the manga before the anime started. I realize that it’s so tempting to make some random manga spoilers, and have to keep myself away from it. Now, after my mini rant, I must say that this series has captured my attention on the very first episode. It has drama, it has decent graphics and it has a good plot that is well improvised by the animation company.
The concentrating of Yuuki’s neck is somewhat sensual, fitting the dark atmosphere of the anime. The lighting style and angles that are used to the animation add to the dark gloomy feeling. One particular scene that stood out for me is the exchange of words between Yuuki and Zero at the end of the episode. It was desperate and I could feel the pain directly extracting from the words of Zero and Yuuki.
It has been a long time since my heart has been wrenched so badly by the protagonists of the series. I have to admit that due to future events, I am not too impressed with Kaname. In fact, I must say that I dislike Kaname and prefer a Zero x Yuuki ending. Nonetheless, some of Kaname’s aloof behavior and his natural arrogance as a pure blood is shown in this episode. It fits his character like a book, and it’s clear he really loves Yuuki. However, his treatment of Zero was harsh and cruel.
It is like a cat playing a rat that is completely exhausted. It taunts it. It scratches it gently. It looks at it with malicious eyes before consuming it completely. It is apparent that Kaname is using Zero merely as a tool, but it does make sense for him to. Zero is the only person Yuuki can truly trust, no matter whether Zero is a vampire or not. He knows his standing in the vampire world means that Yuuki might not feel that comfortable.
I do like the addition about Kaname looking lonely. I do not remember seeing this scene, and I feel that it adds more flesh to Kaname’s character. I must admit that the anime is definitely a notch above the manga right now, and it is a rare case where the anime is likely to end off much better than the manga if they keep this up. Let’s hope that this is the case.
A few questions for you readers out there to think about (without cheating or using manga spoilers):
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1. What do you think about Yuuki’s feelings toward Zero. Is it romance or merely companionship like a sibling?
2. Who are the supporting vampire characters you wish to have more character development?
3. How would you appraise Zero in this episode?
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35 Comments
impz..manga and novels are always evil.heheh the story ish frustrating somehow..u should know this..ahh welp..impz keep up the good work!
Huh?
Can I just say that I don’t like the manga? It’s too pretentious for it’s own good. If this series was just about Zero and Yuuki it would be awesome, but the Night Class really ruins it for me.
Speaking of evil manga/novels, the newest Saiunkoku Monogatari novel is out. >D Shall I post a non-spoilery image of Reishin and his wife?
@Etineski: They are. Strangely enough, it seems like I am watching something that I have a background in, yet not. However, the result is good. This anime is really doing very well, and I got a nagging feeling in my head that it might just pip the manga.
@DOT: LOLZ, it’s zero. That’s the problem when you write and forget to proofread. Gomen X_X
@L-chan: Too emo for you? I know that the later stages of the manga are the ones that made me go totally X_X because it was just so…Arghh, never mind, I will cut off with the spoilers. Nonetheless, I do not think that the Night class is all that bad. I think Ichijou is particularly interesting, and that he’s quite an unique vampire. The others like Shiki, Kain, seiren and Ruka just feels like vampires placed to fill in the space.
Sigh. Oh, go ahead and post a link then ^^
Zero x Yuuki all the way. Kaname is a possessive manipulative egotist, whom I’d like to erase from the face of the planet (or at least the manga, for that matter).
He’s actually the reason why I feel slightly detached from the series – what with the manga’s current development, and all. Meh.
Yeah, I guess I could say it’s too emo. And the later chapters ESPECIALLY piss me off.
Here’s you link! (and don’t worry, the image itself presents nothing of a spoiler)
http://s55.photobucket.com/albums/g137/Chibi-l-sama/Saiunkoku%20Monogatari/novel%2013/?action=view¤t=SMNovel1310.jpg
Isn’t she pretty? I REALLY hope they make an OVA of the 3rd gaiden so we get to see her and Reishin’s story.
After three episodes, I was always a Kaname fan. Now, I think he’s really creepy and stalker-like. I dont’ know.. But he’s still hot nonetheless. But with this episode, it’s so gutwrenching… It’s a let’s-pick-on-Zero day walking around like a tortured soul ;_; where nothing good will ever happen to him ever again. I’m so sad… I hope the subbed version come out soon. I watched the raw and my Japanese sucks.
1.In this moment is something like frienship moveing forwards to romance.Zero wanted to leave ,right?! So maby this made her realise that he might be more than just a good friend or a brother.Anyway she does care a lot for him.
I am a ”triangle” fan.I like both guys (virtual maneater XD).
2.I like all the supporting characters , vampire or not, so any information and screentime is wellcomed.
3.??? -it seems that my english is not good enough *searches for ”appraise” trough her dictionary”:-AHA! Now I can answer:He is the suicidal type , one who fears no death but fears for others.His actions are logical if we consider his past experience and his knowledge about his ”race”.However he took things to seriously and dramaticly.He tried to push away everybody ,good thing that ”a” Yuuki was there for him not giveing a damn on his attitude..
About Kaname’s attitude:well , it’s not pretty but some of you are forgeting something: Zero might be Yuuki’s friend but he is Kaname’s rival for her feelings and atention. And, Zero is the one who hates all vampires -so he started the fire.Every time Yuuki takes Zero’s side Kaname is dying slowly (And Kaname must live with the knowledge that another handsome lad is on her side all the time, or shall I say all day?).
Well I can’t answer without foreknowledge since I read the manga.
But early on I think the author clearly gives the impression that Yuuki does have romantic feelings for Zero. But she is pretty naive about it and passes it off as the love one would have for a sibling.
As for Kaname I think its obvious she adores him because he saved her. So I wonder. Is she really in love with him? Or is she just confusing her adoration of him for real love?
And I still think those views hold desite recent developments in the manga. After all did she did still run off to see Zero despite what had happened!
Of course I’m biased in my views since I prefer a Yuuki x Zero pairing. And I don’t particularly like they way Kaname toys with Zero either. You’re right he pretty much uses him as an expendable chess piece.
But I agree why would we expect him to treat Zero nicely? After all they are both pretty much aware of the fact they are rivals. He’s hardly going to treat him as a friend.
Also Kaname is very ruthless when it comes to Yuuki anyway. I think she really is pretty much all he cares about. So he isn’t concerned with treating Zero nicely or whatever happens to him for that matter. All he cares about is Yuuki. her safety, her feelings. Zero really only comes into play at all for Kaname in regards to how he relates to Yuuki.
As for Zero’s attitude towards Kaname. I think its pretty much justified. Not because he’s a vampire. But well you can understand the poor man’s frustration. He knows he’s being manipulated. By something he hates no less. And the poor guy can’t do a damn thing about it. Wouldn’t you be angry?
L-chan, thank you! Reishin YAY!
Lots of glossing over Zero’s generally rude and threatening attitudes in regards to vampires. Kind of hard to feel much sympathy for him when he feels inherently justified in treating them all poorly.
Impz what did you mean when the Vampire Hunter association spent someone over? Is that like you trying not to spoil something or you mistyped?
Well to answer your questions, I think Zero and Yuuki will have a more deepening relationship cos he’s willing to sacrifice himself to protect her, while Yuuki refuses to let Zero go. This well implies that they have a bond more than siblings cos it means to me that they are willing to be at each others side no matter what.
Umm I don’t know who the other supporting vampires are really. Though it would be fun to see more bitch slapping.
1) I guess its more of romance towards Kaname at this point. Yuki is acting just like how girls behave when they’re in love. Her relationship with Zero, on the other hand, appears to be shaped out of her responsibility towards him.
2) I would like to know more about Rima and Shiki for they’re always hanging out together but there seems to be little information on them. Adding, they play a bigger part later in the manga.
3) A confused meanie! Zero is acting mean when he needs help and -1 for such unmanly behavior where he constantly pushes Yuki away.
@Myu: WAHAHAHAAHAHAH! You are so mean. I cannot wait to see the response from the Kaname’s fangirls after seeing your comment. Nonetheless, I think Kaname is particularly essential for the plot. In fact, despite my dislike of Kaname, he is a character that divides people. That makes a good character imho.
@Biankita: Well, the thing is that there’s a darker feel to Kaname in here. He is often seen as an aloof person in the manga. In a way, the manga makes him completely inhumane and impersonal, as though he is living his life without true emotions. However, the anime has additional information that fleshes out Kaname.
I wouldn’t say that he’s stalkerish, but more like someone who is quietly approaching his target with stealth…Fine, he’s a stalker, heh!
@ShadowCat: Heh, I wonder if there’s any romance for Zero. Do not get me wrong. I like a Zero x Yuuki. However, sometimes, I just feel that Yuuki does not feel the same way Zero feels toward her. Zero clearly likes her a lot to the extent that he will do anything to protect her. Yuuki on the other hand, helps in a way like siblings do.
Yep, I will think that Kaname’s hatred of Zero is not only the fact that Zero is a vampire hunter, his identity as a cheap lousy vampire but the love rival. That brings things to perspectives. Love makes people do irrational things.
@D.j: And so I am biased myself. Nonetheless, i think that Kaname, with his pureblood and eternal life, has nothing truly to look forward to. Hence, he knows he is powerful, yet there is nothing he can truly do to bridge the gap between Yuuki and him. He is a vampire, and she is human.
Hence, it is logical for him to do absolutely anything to get the things he want. No one can do anything back to him anyway. Hence he can crush anyone who stops him from loving the only being that he cares about.
Zero is even worse. He has been hating himself. He is a vampire hunter, one that seeks to clean the world of those bloody beasts in human form. He turns into the creature that he should be hunting down. Should he kill himself? What are his ideals now? It’s a tough position and it’s understandable why he is so emo. However, sometimes you just wish to tell him, BLOODY LIVE WITH IT AND STOP MOPING. Heh.
@Khronus: Well, read my response to DJ. I think that being a person who sees his whole family massacred by a vampire should be a good reason enough to scar his life forever. To change to a beast that will eventually degenerate and lose all forms of human empathy.
@Cherubium: typo, of course. I should never write when I am half asleep or on adrenalin. Heh, supporting includes ichijou, shiki, seiren, kain and ruka. WE need more fleshing of their characters.
@Hynavian: How true. Heh, Zero is really an emodere. Rofl. New term, we have. Emodere.
Without cheating or referring to the manga spoilers. I can actually honestly answer the questions above, but in order to back them up, I’ll have to use my manga spoilers. Considering the amount of time I spent in the VK forum, debating on why Zero is NOT an emo-angst ridden boy and why ZeKi totally triumps over any other pairing, this should be a piece of cake ^_^
1) Yuuki’s feelings towards Zero – At this time, both mangawise and animewise, I thought that these two had a really deep frienship. Which is expected, considering the two have been staying together for nearly 4 years now. Romance wasnt even an option for me to consider, because I had until this point, always assumed that Zero would be a secondary character. The fact that Yuuki owed much to Kaname and admitted being in love with him, made Kaname the protagonist by default.
I think Yuuki, being aware of Zero’s pain, didnt want to leave him alone. She wanted to be one person who could be there for him, as a good friend, if nothing else. So for this part, Yuuki was looking for nothing more than companionship. Of course, I disagree now with that, but I’m trying not to cheat
2) I would like to see Aidoh’s character developed a bit more. A lot more in fact. And I partly blame the future events in the manga for that. I would really like to see the anime develop Aidoh’s character – I personally believe he can have bigger, better supporting role to play in the series. Particularly given his current like for Kaname and dislike for Zero. Although if I were to judge from the first three episodes alone, I would say Takuma. He’s interesting a vampire
3)Appraising Zero – I must say, the only reason I am watching VK is because I am a die hard Zero fan. When I heard that VK was being made into an anime, I wasnt too thrilled – I know some animes mess up really badly. The manga was doing very well at that point. Then I saw the character designs. I thought Zero in the anime looked way better than Kaname who I thinks looks a bit more feminine ^^;; I was like, I am only watching VK Anime for Zero. Suprisingly, the anime so far is turning out quite well ^_^
Yeah, Zero! I was *_*ed by Kaname’s appearance in the manga’s first chapter. Then a hand out of nowhere which stops Kaname. The next thing I’m staring at is a glaring bad boy face complete with a cool tattoo ^_^ I think Kaname completely evaporated from my mind. I thought Zero was a side character at that point, so I was cheering for him all the more. I tend to support side characters a lot for my liking, which results in things very rarely happening, the way I want it in a manga ^^;;
By 4 chapters and 3 episodes, Zero had, for me, come across, as a quiet, strong willed character with a slightly rebellious streak. He was not to me, an angst-ridden, always wallowing in self pity. YET. That came later. *stops self just in time from going further down the spoilery way.*
So no, he was not yet an emo character for me, though given his past and his current guilt, I was expecting some emotional angst coming through. I am not including this episode as I havent yet seen the subs, but if I were to say anything completely from the manga chapter this episode is based on, I would say, Zero angsted only for a short while, before taking a decision. He realised he would potentially be dangerous, so he decides to take matters in his own hands. I dont think he actually intended to shoot himself… ^^;; I am not sure if I would class this as being overly emo or angsty. The way I ended up interpreting this is that if he has to protect the people he cares about, from himself, he wouldn’t hesitate in hurting himself to achieve that. I thought that was a very strong, positive trait, as opposed to a negative one. *re reads the typing. wonders if she is coming across as being too defensive of Zero ^^;;*
I think I’ll stop here. Any further and I’ll end up cheating or hitting the manga spoilers. I’m sorry if the post is extra long. The Zero fangirl in me took over ^^;; Said Zero fangirl side is also tempted to do a “Zero Appraisal” per episode…
@Vsky: Time for battle? Ding ding, round 1 start! Heh, why do people always apologize for writing much. I mean, bloggers in general love their readers to write a long comment. It’s much easier for me to find something to talk about when you write so much. There are so many points to discuss, so go ahead and write a lot if you want. That also applies to anyone who is reading this. Don’t be shy, Impz is not a vampire. He just likes to bite ~_~
Heh, honestly, I am in conflict toward Zero’s role as a romantic partner for Yuuki. When I watch the anime (and somewhat influenced by the early parts of the manga), Zero clearly is just a companion. I really hate it when it’s set somewhat in stone that Yuuuki only has a romantic relationship with Kaname. It’s unfair. I want my love triangle!!!
Oh, perhaps it is my gender (I am a guy before you think I am female like many of the other readers), I am rather immune to sparkles. Nonetheless, Kaname is the one who stood out compared to Zero. It is perhaps my curiosity in general, but Kaname gives that mysterious vibe, in which you wonder what he is thinking about all the darn time.
I think being emo is part of a shoujo show. Ok, bad joke. However, Zero’s personality seems to be destroyed simply by his personal resistance toward turning into a vampire. I feel that it is his fear of losing everything again that he has earned the last four years. If there is any indication, the last scene shows his care for Yuuki. He is definitely, clearly, surely in love with Yuuki.
I do not see Zero’s emo as a negative trait, or a positive trait. I simply see it as a transistion for him until he fully accepts reality.
HP: 100%
MP: 100%
Equipped: Tiger Fang, Fire Ring
Materia: Shiva, Restore, Earth
Ok, battle mode ON! The reason I apologise is because I have had LOADS of people telling me to shut off ^^; If I get started on something I like, it is pretty tough to get me to stop. That is applicable in real life too, but if since you dont mind anymore, I will refrain from stopping myself ^_^
EDIT: SPOILERS below unfortunately. I tried to avoid them, but I got carried away AGAIN T_T And I feel like I’m committing a crime, if I have to edit everything I typed again ^^;;
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Argh!! I ran out of time to add a spoiler warning to the above post!!
And the spoiler tag now shows up after refreshing the page… what the? Can this comment be deleted by an admin?? Please? ^^;;
@Vsky: Yes, that’s why I placed your stuff in the spoiler tag
Heh, why should I mind about people chatting when I am pretty much a chatterbox myself? Yes, I am very bored which is why I am on the blog now trying to reply to comments and entertain myself. It’s boring when I am doing my dissertation.
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Hehehe ^^. I prefer to leave all manga spoilers unstated as yet.
Good luck with the dissertation Impz!
I am so glad that my dissertation days are over ^_^
Speaking of Zero, he’ll be fine. Something similar had happened, not so long ago, but he survived fine then. So, I think he’ll be fine now too. If Kaname’s words are anything to go by.
I was unfortunately bored at work ^^;; They ran out of work ^^;; So everyone is playing or surfing the net. I thought I’ll catch up on the episodes.. but luckily, I’ll be heading home soon now ^_^
Kaname might be a necessary evil, but that doesn’t stop me from disliking him and his methods. His undying care and devotion for Yuuki I can understand, but the way he disregards everyone else is irritating. Right now, his whole bossiness serves as a kind of a comic relief in the anime, however recent manga chapters portray his true colors quite clearly.
Albeit highly debatable, in my opinion, this whole love business does not allow him to manipulate other people and their feelings. Even if it concerns the safety and well-being of his loved one, he isn’t allowed to make decisions for that person, nor is he entitled to use personal knowledge of the other as a bargaining chip. That’s exactly why I called him possessive. He might care for Yuuki greatly – that is quite clear already – but he tends to use faulty reasoning and disregard her opinion and feelings on many occasions.
As for Zero, I admire most of his traits and think that he is more than suitable for a serious relationship with Yuuki. For starters, Yuuki’s feelings towards Kaname at the moment are that of eternal gratitude and admiration more than anything else. He’s the man that rescued her, that cared for her, he’s her earliest memory. Of course she has a crush on him. But now Zero, he is the person that she wants to understand rather than simply admire. She thinks of him as a friend, she confides in him, and in return, he knows her completely. He can tell when she’s feeling lonely or confused, he can support her when she needs it.
Damn, if only this was a discussion where I could point out manga-related events.. Meh.
Well, the general idea is that even if what Yuuki feels for Zero currently would be more accurately titled as “friendship” rather than “love”, the two have a mutual bond. They trust each other, they understand each other. And that is a much stronger base for a relationship than whatever Yuuki harbors for Kaname.
@ Impz, aha proof you really are a guy.
I’d rather hug him and try and make it all better
Vampire Knight seems to be a pretty good anime so far… I have read up to somewhat chapter 12(I just started and I prefer animes more, whixh is why I am not gonna read anymore), so I don’t think I know anything that could be considered spoilers.
Up to these episodes, I think Kaname didn’t really get much spotlight, so he didn’t really catch my attention that much. On the other hand, Zero is like the center character, and I am already kind of a fan of him. I like his arrogant but caring attitude and of course his pissed off face is cool too!
But to answer your question: about YukixZero, I am all for it, but to me Yuki seems to be in love with Kaname, it might be admiration but hopefully it isn’t. Zero is more like a best friend… not any kind of romantic feelings. I want it to change!
Oh, and so far I have only liked the character of the vampire with blue eyes (oops.. I forgot his name)
Im just curious……how many guys are actually following the anime/manga.
despite all the “pretty” boys Im rather fond of yuki…and vampires for that matter. clearly the target audience is girls, but Im curious….any guys following this anime/manga…i can’t be the only one el-oh-el
@Vsky: Hey, it’s not fair that you can run out of work. I have so much work that I do not know where to start. I am actually going to a academic conference in Portugal, so I have to work out a presentation. Heh.
@Myu: Heh, it’s a pity you cannot mention manga spoilers. It will be a bit evil for other readers of the blog who wants to gain insight only on anime. Ya, it’s a bit sad, but try to restrain yourself yes?
Oh, I do not like his methods myself. In fact, I consider him to be a true beast in human form. His scheming behavior and rather vicious efforts to get what he wants is a bit desperate and despicable. Nonetheless, Kaname is much more of a divide between those that like cold, calculated and bad guys, and those who hate them.
Zero is more human to Yuuki despite being a vampire. Zero, due to his heritage as a human, has feelings of a human. He has not lost that empathy to life (which vampires cannot, since they destroy life to gain their own). That is why Yuuki feels closer to Zero. Zero feels the same way.
@D.J: -.- I AM A GUY, OF COURSE. DUH.
@Emmi: Heh, I think that Kaname is on the backseat for Zero, since Zero’s transformation is the focus. Blue eyes??? Aidou? He is just a fanboy
@Mercfh: you are talking to one right now. ^^
Woah!! Portugal? That’s awesome, Impz
It’s a pretty place – make sure you fit in some sightseeing and cuisine. And good luck with the presentation…’m sure it will all work out well in the end. I find that no matter how much work one has, it tends to always work out in the end, with a little bit of time management 
Kaname is getting quite unpopular here. It’s suprising though that Kaname himself was ranked as the first popular character in Japan. It’s not as if Kaname started scheming recently – he’s been doing that as early as chapter 2. I dont know how he has remained such a popular figure so far… and if the recent revelations will bring down that popularity. I get the feeling sometimes that Matsuri is trying to bring down Kaname’s popularity but it seems to be having an opposite effect ^^;;
Although if you read her “author’s talks” she is supposed to have Kaname based on her own traits and he is *her* favourite too ^^;
Though I sometimes wonder if it’s a cultural thing. The West might find him pretty cruel, scheming, not trustworthy, but from the other’s perspective, it might be the strength to survive, the go-get-it attitude. It’ll be interesting to see where Kaname stands in the popularity poll, a further few chapters down the line. I hope Matsuri does one of these.
I end up still being the Kaname fan, because in the end the episode only made me appreciate him more. After all, Yuuki is important to him, and I guess you can’t help but let him feel jealous. After all, he’s so highly ranked, yet he lives a different world from the one he likes, so he has rights to be jealous to the guy who gets to spend his entire time with her, if he wanted.
Although I can’t help but feel sorry for Zero too. He did need some way to release stress, who knew it meant hurting someone that has always treated him as a sibling like figure. (Yeah, here I go saying that yes indeed, I think that at the moment Yuuki thinks that Zero is a sibling like figure in her life.) Poor Zero indeed, although I think I’m forever going to remain a Kaname fan. Zero’s earlier emo-ness – that lasted even longer in the manga chapters – has thrown me off way too badly. ._.
@Vsky: Hehehe, I am already working on the powerpoint slides. My professor has literally slammed my writing as unreadable (which is kinda true, and that makes it even sadder). So, I have a lot to fix on it.
I think the reason why we have less Kaname fans in this blog is due to Reverse Vampire’s entries on manga, where she confesses her great love of Zero, and her deep hatred of Kaname. That caused quite a bit of negativity, lol. Nonetheless, Kaname’s attitude is perhaps something to do with the differentiation toward his devotion to something that he is willing to do anything.
People who cannot appreciate that straight devotion to just one person might consider him to be scheming. I can fully understand the Kaname lovers, because his love is one so great that he is willing to kill the world for just one woman. If you think of it this way, it’s pretty cool?
@Chey: Heh, I think that Zero’s emo behavior is well justified. Nonetheless, your explanation shows the flip side of the coin that I described above. It is his “so far, yet so near” feeling with Yuuki. He stays geographically near to Yuuki but his body and soul in a metaphorical sense is so far away.
First, I’ll start off by saying I’m a Kaname fan. Despite keeping up with the manga, I’m still a Kaname fan and have been since I started reading the manga. With that said … I’ll try to answer those three questions as if I’ve only seen the anime.
1. Just from how Yuuki acts towards Zero in the anime, protective and supportive, her feelings seem simply platonic. I just don’t see anything developing between the two of them due to her actions and feelings. She treats him more like her brother/best friend/companion than anything else. Zero, on the other hand, probably sincerely has feelings for Yuuki, but he knows that nothing will come of them. It’s farily obvious that he sees the way Yuuki blushes over Kaname.
2. I’d really like to see if they go about developing Shiki. I’m curious as to how they’ll fit his storyline into the plot of the anime, considering it plays a huge role in the more recent parts of the manga. I’d also like to see a little bit of Ruka’s storyline put into the anime. I think that’d add a lot more dimension to the Kaname and Yuuki relationship. Aside from that, I really like what they’ve done so far with developing Hanabusa.
3. More than anything, Zero came across as really troubled in this episode. He just seemed so detached and disgusted with himself and I think that was portrayed well. Since they’ve brought on his transformation so quickly, I’m really interested to see how the rest of the series is going to play out for Zero.
@Yoko: Yes, that is something that I realize to be rather prevalent in the anime and the manga. If you notice the little gestures that Yuuki makes when she is with Kaname, it is more of sadness, admiration and romance. However, I do have to argue that the admiration felt distant, as though it is a dream that is too far away for her to get.
On the other hand, Zero is exactly as you say. It is sad that he is not considered to be a romantic target as yet (I ALWAYS SUPPORT THE UNLOVED CHARACTER).
I really feel that the anime tried its best to give the characters more flesh compared to the manga. You usually consider the manga, due to its medium, to have more time to flesh out the characters. However, with the reduced amount of time in an anime, Studio Deen manages to flesh out Kaname, Zero, Yuuki and Aidou very well. I am bloody impressed.
Just finished watching a subbed version so I can finally chime in! Is it just me or has the animation improved? For whatever reason, the animation looked better in this episode than the last three. I really liked it!
RE: Kaname… As a Kaname fan, I just think he’s way cool. He’s the head honcho of the cream of the crop of the young vampires. Why shouldn’t he be able to to act like the bada** (excuse the language!) and do whatever he wants? The one thing most important to him in the world is Yuki and he’ll do anything to protect her. The anime (and manga) draw a distinction between how the vampires act and the humans act. Given the differences, I can accept the attitude that Kaname has.
Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Zero too… but Kaname is the cool, uber-smart, commanding “prince”-type that I like. Heh… (Kyouya is my favorite from Ouran Host Club). But I will give Zero some love for being a bada** (excuse the language!) too. He holds his own against the vampires and is totally unimpressed with Kaname. Gotta love that…
In answer to your questions:
(1) I think Yuki feels more a sibling type affection/regard toward Zero right now. She definitely cares for him and has watched over him like an older “sibling” for the last four years with a strong sense of responsibility. Zero has strong feelings for Yuki as well, but I think a good part of his feelings are that Yuki is one of the few things (maybe the only thing) remaining that he can hold onto. He’s so horrified with what he is and given she didn’t know about his slow transformation, she was the one thing that could at least give him a sense of distance from the knowledge of his turning into the one thing that he was raised to think of as the enemy.
(2) I’d like to see more of Kain. I think he is one cool cucumber. Definitely the voice of reason in the group. Shiki is also one I’d like to see more of. They’re doing a lot with Aidou already, so that’s good.
(3) I sympathize with Zero in this episode. Zero gave into his “beast-like” urges and took blood from the one person who helped him keep his sanity. I think his reaction is quite understandable. To finally turn into the “beast” he’s always feared and to hurt and frighten the one person he cares about most? Yikes… That is naturally going to make anyone a bit “emo”, so I give him a lot of sympathy now. I like the fact that he doesn’t say a lot. They are doing a great job of expressing his inner anquish without him saying a great deal. Very nicely done that…
Thanks for generating such great discussion! I’m very happy that this anime at least is turning out quite well.
My opinion:
1. Yuuki sees Zero as a friend, somewhat close to siblings (since both of them adopted children of Kaien).. She cares for Zero very deeply but I don’t think there’s any romantic feelings towards him. On the other hand, I do think Zero likes Yuuki ^^
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3. Zero? Apart from the fact that he’s my favorite character, I found Zero to be a loner (or prefers to be alone), trust no one (even himself), mysterious (avoid to open up and discuss his feelings and such)..
He’s really a poor thing, no? 8D But with reference to Nomiya-chan’s words above, rather than like the main character, I want more time with the Chairman and Shiki/Rima’s relationship. They gain more attention here, IMO.
I spoiled myself with the manga as well and was SHOCKED at what I read.
I feel like Zero x Yuuki is a much more organic relationship in that he lived with her for 5 years or whatever and they know each other better (atm). Kaname is like the mysterious creepy guy who is freakishly infatuated with her. As per the anime solely, I don’t see how anyone can ship Kaname x Yuuki.
Zero is a more 3-D character. He’s more tragic and dynamic. He’s more badass (imo), and as a female may I say.. He’s just prettier.
im watching thanks for reporting
Kaname is a freakin asshole. Yuuki should have been with Zero! Im so freakin mad at her for not. And come one! who marries there brother!? That is just plain wrong.