Wow, this entry really took so long for me to release it. I must have been going insane over the marking of assignments and quizzes. I was actually going to blog on Thursday night, but there is some strange reason that the gods of the Firefox/IE refuses to let me login to write about this entry. Excuses aside, Hatenkou Yuugi has finally hit its conclusion at Episode 10.

Rahzel, in the previous episode, is received by her foster father Seratiido. The journey is about to end as it seems that Seratiido’s little command to kick Rahzel out is being retracted. Will Rahzel happily go back with her foster father or will she be inclined to stay with her new found compatriots during her journey?

Episode summary

A red haired man is buying a birthday present, but his face is not shown. Everyone is celebrating Rahzel’s 15th birthday, but Alzeid’s question about what is this “festival” is completely ignored by the rest. Everyone is discussing about presents and Alzeid continues to question about birthdays and when is Rahzel’s birthday. It is clear that Alzeid does not know anything, but he strongly denies it. Heat is in fact Seratiido’s brother, and he says that they can be in-laws soon. Seratiido warns about the dire consequences if Heat tries to do anything funny. Alzeid tells the three to stop ignoring him because he will feel lonely. Before anything is said, Alzeid requests for Seratiido to introduce himself.

Heat says he is surprised by Alzeid’s sudden realization of common sense while Rahzel mocks Alzeid that his new found common sense will be her birthday gift. Seratiido says there is no need to say his name since Rahzel will leave with him soon. Rahzel questions why Seratiido is asking Rahzel to return right now. Rahzel asks whether Seratiido thinks that she will follow his every wish and has no free will. Seratiido replies that he is rash in chasing Rahzel out but believes that she will return home with him if he asks. Rahzel requests to go out with Alzeid and Heat for a last “journey”.

In a flashback, tt is clear now that Seratiido commanded Heat to not only investigate Celesta but also to keep Alzeid away from Rahzel so that she will go back with him. Seratiido also says that Alzeid is unable to take her away from him. Heat also wonders why Seratiido forcefully drags Rahzel for a journey and now does the same time to bring her back. Back to the present, Rahzel brings Alzeid and Heat to a place she used to play, which is where she is abandoned. Alzeid re-accounts the story of her being abandoned, as Heat tries to explain his loose mouth. Rahzel forgives him and talks about the village where people of black hair and blue eyes reside.

In the flashback, after being abandoned, someone comes to meet her but she assumes that he is Seratiido. Alzeid asks if she wants to meet her birth father, but she says the old her is dead. During the day when her mother mentally breakdowns, she always wonder if her mother will breakdown if her father returned in time. She says she does not want to talk about such sad stuff, and wants to get their blessings. Alzeid asks if she is returning with Seratiido and she says she has the obligation to follow him. He is the one who saves her life, no matter how selfish he is. She says that her journey has ended today.

The next day, Alzeid is missing. It is surprising since he is always the latest to wake up as Seratiido rushes her to leave. Alzeid goes to the gift shop and wants a present that can impress or shock someone. The store owner says that it is hard to understand such an abstract idea. A guy comes in wanting to buy a gift. He is interrogated by Alzeid, as he mentions a 15 year old daughter that he abandons. He says that his daughter knows magic and he is very proud of her and his wife. Alzeid also asks about a sheep in the store, but it turns out that it is a pet from the owner of the opposite store.

The man suddenly leaves, and Alzeid wonders if he has caused the store owner to lose his sales. The store owner says that the man probably does not expect to leave his wife and daughter so suddenly. By not regretting the time spent with the person, it is the best way for a birthday present. Alzeid tells the owner not to pacify him with such empty words as he runs off. In the coach, the man thinks that his wife has probably calculated her death since she can foresee her future. He remembers how his mild-mannered wife suddenly turns completely hysteric, and he is sandwiched by a very smart daughter. He started to feel intimidated and decides to escape from reality.

After abandoning his daughter, he did try to return to fetch her back. However, her daughter is gone. Heat sends Alzeid and Seratiido off the train. Alzeid wonders about the words of the store owner. He wonders if it is all right to let her go, and for her to remember him or think about him sometimes. He decides he cannot allow that, and chases Rahzel. He tells Rahzel that he does not want to write letters, think about her or anything at all. However, he does not want her to leave if she is his comrade. Rahzel jumps out from the train. Rahzel says that Alzeid knows how to infuriate her.

Alzeid wonders if they are still partners even if they do not see each other, do not hear each other and do not know what is going on. Rahzel says they are. Alzeid says that is a lie, and does not believe it. Rahzel asks what she can do, since she really cannot be wilful and abandon her father to continue the journey with them. Alzeid says Rahzel clearly does not want to stop the journey since she is crying so badly. Alzeid tells her that her birthday gift is to give her a chance to resist her father and join the journey. Rahzel eventually decides to continue to journey. At the end, the red haired man kills Fabien Rose, Rahzel’s birth father. The red haired man then adds that the game is starting for Rahzel.

Thoughts

I love the music so much when Alzeid is thinking about Rahzel, and wonders if it is all right for her to leave. I feel that the music really represents the feeling that Alzied was experiencing then. In my opinion, despite being a wrap-up episode, it does do well to end it off with a sweet touch. Nonetheless, it still leaves a feeling that it is awaiting a sequel since the ending does not seem to be a true ending. I mean, if you have a red-haired man saying that the game has just began, it really does not feel like there will not be a sequel in the future.

As a little review to end this series, I must say that Hatenkou Yuugi is an example of an anime that could have been great. It has a very strong manga background, with some controversial themes that is tackled decently in the anime. The OP and ED are equally memorable. However, as it tries too hard to stay at the moderate side of things (and also that it is only 10 episodes). There are details that will trigger more controversy, thoughts and themes and could have made this show an above average anime. As it is of now, it is just a run-of-the-mill series.

In addition, Studio Deen’s animation for action scenes (there are only a few but …) is simply a total turn off. However, do not let my harsh words obscure your judgment. Hatenkou Yuugi has one of the most attractive characters for a very long time. Rahzel, the main heroine, is plucky and extremely interesting with her back story. If anything, I am glad that her back story is at least wrapped up somewhat to a satisfactory degree, so that there is nothing gaping over her part. Nevertheless, I am somewhat interested to find out a bit about the manga. I should take a step down to the bookstore to find the manga series to read. As a conclusion, the show is perhaps worth viewing if you have some idle time.

Sigh, it is hard to end the blogging of a series.

Wow, it took me a while before I got to this entry due to the spring anime season preview. It is the latter part of a two episode arc on the past of Heat and Alzeid. A man of yesteryear, Solesta, came to find Heat and Alzeid for a job. The assignment is to protect Vincent, an illegitimate son of a noble from any harm. Vincent’s family is currently suffering from a bloody family dispute and is hiding in the small town until peace has resumed. However, what is Solesta plotting? Why does he want Alzeid to join his group for this mission?

What other trials will Rahzel face too with her ban of magic?

Episode summary

Rahzel says that Solesta can leave his sarcastic thanks aside, as she asks for Solesta’s plan. Solesta explains that Vincent is the child from a king and his maid. Usually, Vincent will be discarded but a plague causes all his children to die, meaning he is the heir apparent. The ring is given to the maid as proof of his heritage. Solesta adds that they are not idiots who will mishandle their charges, while Rahzel wonders about how someone almost allows his ward to be kidnapped. Alzeid berates them for arguing, warning Solesta that he is dealing with a kid and telling Rahzel that she can use magic when it is dangerous. The promise can be forsaken. Rahzel insists to follow it through.

A long time ago, her father left her in a forest to go back home. She is only given a knife and is told that she cannot use any magic or she will be strangled. However, while she cries and tries to find her way, she also notices her father hiding around the trees to see if she is all right. That makes her feel better. Rahzel adds that even though Alzeid is not as sweet as her father, he will always save her since she is his partner. That irks Solesta but he says that he is the true partner. Rahzel adds that he is a former partner as Solesta leaves in anger. Solesta eventually tells Heat that he will make Alzeid remember about the past to get him to their side.

At night, some are trying to kidnap Vincent by using fire as a ruse, but Solesta and Heat easily finds out and says they are not the only people who are going to kidnap Vincent. Alzeid shoots two kidnappers but they stood up after being shot. Rahzel is able to repel the two, only for Heat to knock her out while Solesta gets Vincent. A flashback of Vincent fighting against a senior shows him using his threads to control his opponent and defeat him easily after catching a view of Alzeid. Back to the present, Alzeid sees the threads controlling the bodies and he wonders if it is a set up.

Vincent wakes up and realizes Rahzel is missing. He tries to get out, only to find the room locked. Heat tries to pacify Rahzel, but Rahzel complains about the awkward position she is tied with a handcuff. Rahzel asks why they want to kidnap him, but Solesta says she cannot do anything even if they tell her. Solesta wonders what attraction Rahzel holds to Alzeid, since she is not pretty or sexy. Rahzel says that for partners, there is no need to be sexy and asks if Solesta is sexually deprieved to only think about sexual attraction. Solesta slaps Rahzel and walks off. Rahzel says that Alzeid is the type of person that cares a lot for Heat and Solesta. He has a lot of emotional baggage before they met, and should not be jealous of her.

Heat says that she is a kind person but likes how Rahzel speaks so sweetly. Rahzel asks if Heat choose Solesta over her, but Heat tells her not to ask questions in such a misleading way. He also asks Rahzel to wait patiently for Alzeid to rescue her. Alzeid finds Solesta with the trail of the thread. Rahzel also gets the handcuff off by breaking her wrist. Solesta challenges Alzeid, telling Alzeid that he will not use magic. Rahzel tries to find Vincent, only to see Vincent captured by Heat and his lackeys.

Vincent screams that he wants to rescue Rahzel, but Heat says that Rahzel is in trouble herself. Rahzel jumps down and Heat catches her, only for Rahzel to point a knife at Heat. Heat momentarily forgets that Rahzel is his “enemy”. Vincent wrangles free but Rahzel says the real trouble is now since she does not think that she can beat Heat by magic or otherwise. Solesta, on the other hand, is thinking about how it will feel like to fight someone who has bet his life on Solesta’s battle with another opponent. Alzeid questions whether such a thing even occurs. Heat says that it is amazing how Rahzel does anything to escape, as Rahzel says she does not like to depend on anyone.

Rahzel explains the logic of the word, “人” (man), which means the left stroke is lazy by depending on the right stroke to hold it up. The common logic is that both are mutually supporting each other. Rahzel explains that the lengths are different, and if she is too short, she will just catch up. Heat asks whether Rahzel will not ask for mercy, and Rahzel says she will die happily while smiling. Heat kisses Rahzel’s hand and decides to return to Rahzel. Heat also easily repels the other accomplices with a strength that even Rahzel is surprised. It is also clear that Solesta misses the life of a soldier. When peace arrives, he felt lost and he loses his compatriot particularly Alzeid. That is why he is using Vincent for a revolution, along with Alzeid.

Alzeid says that Solesta is crazy, and adds that he has no interest in war. He does not feel anything when he kills or saves, and is about to kill Solesta when Rahzel stops him. Rahzel says Alzeid should compliment her for not using magic. Solesta cannot understand why Alzeid can forget, and feels that Rahzel has replaced him. As Solesta attacks Rahzel, Alzeid immediately uses his magic. Solesta then thinks that the thing he wants is already in his hands, but he realizes a little late as he is killed by Alzeid’s magic. Rahzel is crying in the cold rain and she feels helpless that she cannot do anything. She always think that she can do something, but she cannot even say thank you or sorry. Just then, her father comes to fetch her.

Thoughts

I think that it is the first time in the journey that Rahzel really feels completely helpless to do anything at all. She is perhaps way too optimistic, trying to save Solesta when he is already on the way of no return. I am not sure if I understand the situation completely, but it feels to me that he does not really care about Vincent, but he simply wants companionship. Despite all the work that he has done, he only believes that he has one friend. That “friend” is Alzeid, but Alzeid no longer remembers that painful past.

To put it more clearly, he does not want to remember. I am sure that if Alzeid and Solesta are to meet on more friendly terms, they can be back as friends but Solesta is clearly way too self centered and selfish to accept anything. Solesta probably knows that Alzeid will choose Rahzel over him, simply because the intentions of the two are so distinctly different. It is really a huge contrast to see the pure Rahzel in her thoughts compared to the selfish and greedy Solesta.

Somehow, the last words of Solesta perplexed me. Did he really have the thing that he always wanted, which is companionship? He probably did. Maybe it is not from Alzeid, but his obsession with the mysterious Alzeid has blinded his ability to understand and interpret what he really wants. He simply misses the time where he shares his happy times with his partners. That time has long past, and he is simply looking to the past when Heat and Alzeid are looking toward the present and the future. It is yet another painful lesson that you can learn lessons from the past, but you cannot live in it.

This week’s dress for Rahzel is downright pretty. I personally think that it’s her best dress for now, and everything about it looks sexy since she does have some womanly curves. Heh heh, I think I am the only one who watches this for mini Rahzel fanservice. It’s always great to have such subtle fanservice by our spunky heroine.

Sadly, after next week, it will be perhaps the last time that I will be blogging this series. The end of the season is next episode, and Rahzel is finally on her way home with her father. I hope you enjoy the reviews up to now because I know I enjoyed the ride too.

The last episode reveals a bit about Alzeid’s past as we understand how he feels being an albino. This episode continues the focus on the past of Alzeid and Heat. As they passed by a town, they are revisited by a long-time friend. He seems to admire Alzeid quite a bit but there seems to be some tension between the three. How will this eventually involve Rahzel in the bigger picture of things?

For those wondering why I hardly reply comments for the past week, there is a reason for it. I am currently a Master’s student and my academic paper (badly slammed by my professor who is right to say that the writing sucks big time) is accepted to the 8th World Media Economics and Management Conference. I am currently doing the logistics in air ticket, reimbursement and the likes for the travel. That is why I hardly visit the blog for 1 week. Nevertheless, it is the break week for me. So, I should have more time now!

Screenshots: http://www.sendspace.com/file/ziujd7

Episode summary

A flashback shows Alzeid and Heat betting on a fight between a young recruit and a seasoned fighter in the army. Heat tries to attract Alzeid to bet, and Alzeid refuses to bet as well as loaning money from Heat. Heat shouts out that someone bets his life for his victory. As the young recruit turns his attention to Alzeid, he was punched and landed right in front of Alzeid. Back to the present, Alzeid warns Rahzel about running around, but Rahzel clearly is not listening to him as she wants to get some chestnuts. Alzeid reminds her about their task, which is to find Heat. However, Rahzel moves away as she sees a young boy getting bullied by some thugs.

Alzeid finally realizes that Rahzel is away as she saves the child from trouble. She then uses her magic to blunt their weapons as she says that they should fight bare-handed for a fair fight. She then used magic to repel them easily. After the event, the boy (Vincent) says that she is amazing and she shows him a water trick with his magic. He shows his symbol of birth, and Rahzel says there is no need if he knows who he is. A man suddenly comes with a rude attitude, blaming Vincent for running around. When he continues to handle Vincent roughly, Rahzel gave him a kick to the guts when warned to keep quiet.

Rahzel warns him that it’s the guardian’s fault for not taking of his charge. The man is infuriated and says he cannot smile after being insulted. He uses some magic to make Rahzel float. The two are about to fight but Heat comes in with an afro hairstyle with some off-the-wall humor about violence being bad. Heat is surprised Alzeid can recognize him, and the man seems to recognize the name Rahzel. He asks if Alzeid is with them, and we realize that Soresta is his name as they are old friends. In the restaurant, we realize that Vincent is an illegitimate child of a noble. Due to a family feud, Vincent is sent here for protection. Heat explains that Alzeid, Soresta and him were in the army together. They talked about a mission where they tried to save a royal member who is kidnapped but exploded a castle as well.

They also showed a picture of Alzeid cosplaying as a maid. Heat also reveals that Alzeid lost badly at poker, only for Alzeid to react with a gunshot when it is revealed that they cheated. Rahzel also asks why Heat is wearing the Afro and he says he does not want Rahzel to recognize him. He says he has to say goodbye and kisses Rahzel. Rahzel slaps him but he simply says “sorry” wistfully. Rahzel wonders what’s going on with Heat as Alzeid comes to wake her up. Alzeid tells her not to use magic, and Rahzel does not understand why he suddenly says so. Alzeid talks about the fight with Soresta yesterday, and adds that she will be the one defeated if it is not interrupted by Heat.

It is his method to attack people with wires as they are cut after being binded. Rahzel says that she will win if she knows the method, only for Alzeid to pin her down the bed. Alzeid says that her defence is full of holes and Rahzel replies that she will kick him for sexual harassment. Eventually, he repeats his appeal to forbid magic. He continues that they will go their separate ways if she uses magic in three days. She starts to argue but Alzeid taunts her by saying she cannot do it. Rahzel says she will make it one week but starts to mock crying when she exits the room.

Heat is hiding behind the window as Alzeid tells him to explain. She also brings Vincent out to play, ignoring the taunts of Soresta. While eating ice cream, Vincent asks Rahzel to teach him magic. Rahzel tells Vincent that she cannot use magic for one week. Vincent asks Rahzel to teach fighting, but Rahzel says a better teacher will be Soresta. Vincent seems reluctant as Soresta looks scary. Rahzel also wonders what Heat is doing as the scene is cut to Heat. Heat explains that he is asked to protect Vincent and has to leave the group. Alzeid says it will be peaceful without Heat, and rejects any chance of joining the army. He says that he is the one fit to be Rahzel’s companion and explains that the ban is to let her re-evaluate herself.

Alzeid says that Rahzel is over confident, particularly with her magic. Heat wonders if there is a deeper meaning to his words. Soresta is also giving instructions to some uniformed people. Rahzel is ambushed by the same people as she bends down before kicking them away. She escapes with Vincent after using pepper spray. They reached a dead end but entered a warehouse of a grocery store. Vincent tells her to run away now but Rahzel explains that it will be hard to fight those armed pursuers. Rahzel asks if Vincent believes in her and he says yes. She orders Vincent to grab cocoa and all the powdery stuff. She simply explains it is reality chemistry.

When the pursuers came and found the room, one of them lighted up to see clearly. The room blasted as Alzeid sees it in the distance. It seems that Soresta knows it is of Rahzel’s doing and warns Alzeid that his charge, Vincent, is with her. Rahzel explains the logic why she does it. Rahzel asks whether Vincent believes her because of magic, but he explains it is because they are friends. She admits that she is sometimes over reliant of magic, but she has an important friend that will protect her. That is Alzeid. In the distance, Heat talks with a person in the shadows about Soresta soon to lose it.

Thoughts

I will like to start this thoughts section by proclaiming how sinful it is that I have an unreserved hatred for Soresta. I really hate his cocky behavior toward almost everyone except his yaoi vibes with Alzeid. Nevertheless, I am not sure if I am watching it wrongly but he seems to be the mastermind behind the assault and thug attacks on Vincent. If THAT is really the case, I seriously wonder what is really going on in his head. The uniforms for the people that attacked Rahzel and Vincent are also similar to the people he talked to for a quick scene just before the two are surrounded for the second time.

Rahzel definitely suffers from over confidence that she can beat anyone and I guess with magic, it is very misleading. Moreover, she has not faced anyone that she cannot defeat as yet as none of them have the skills and the malicious behavior to make sure she suffers. Soresta, however, possess that malicious spirit from the short cameos in this episode. Rahzel does do very well in this episode, using her other skills to defend herself. Nevertheless, she is still overly confident of her abilities. I wonder if something tough will happen to her soon. I hope not.

Alzeid’s personality shone through in this episode. Despite his extremely mean streak toward Rahzel, he is really protective of her and wants to understand that over confidence might hurt her in the end. It is important to note that his harsh word has a very kind heart since he still comes to save her from the explosion once he realizes what has transpired. Alzeid is really a reliable person. That is comparable to Heat, who probably realizes that Rahzel will be losing very badly if she is to initiate a fight with Soresta. He probably was looking on until he has to truly intervene.

This episode also made me think about the notion of friendship. Friendship is probably earned, not granted. Being together with someone does not mean anything when it comes to a true friend. Soresta probably thinks of Alzeid as a close friend, but it does not seem that Alzeid cares much about him at all. I feel that Alzeid probably sees the dark and sadistic side of Soresta and realizes his true character. Despite being over critical at times, he always saves Rahzel. That is the mark of a true friendship, is it not?

Cue late post. Cue the 1000 other reasons that causes me to be late in viewing this episode, other than the fact that I have been swallowed by the major Chinese strategy game known as “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”. I always remember how I am in love with the game, and I got the latest installation of the long running series. Procrastination aside, Rahzel, Alzeid and Heat find themselves in a snow filled forest, as they traveled on pure white snow. Yet, the white snow tells a sad story of a girl who simply wants to see the blue sky.

Screenshots: http://www.sendspace.com/file/upjqk9

Episode summary

Rahzel was admiring the romantic landscape by reciting some traditional clique lines about how snow is beautiful. Rahzel ran down the snow slope but she fell. As the two picked her up, the two started reciting traditional Japanese poems and tenka (songs) to make fun of the unappreciative Alzeid. An avalanche suddenly came as Alzeid and Rahzel flew with their magic, showing their condolences to the soon to be swamped Heat. Rahzel was then pluck from the sky by a rope-like thing. In a flashback, we see the young Alzeid speaking to a blue-eyed lady, saying how the sky is like her eyes even though he never saw it.

When Alzeid woke up, he saw Ludwika, a fellow albino. Heat started to speculate that Ludwika is Alzeid’s illegal daughter. A group of people starts to look for Ludwika with guns, but the villagers simply mistook the three to be attacking Ludwika. The mayor explains that Ludwika is an albino that cannot be exposed to light, but always tries to escape. He then asks Alzeid why he can go to the sun, but Alzeid says that anyone can do it with sunblock and sunglasses. Other than poor vision and sensitivity to ultraviolent rays, there is nothing special since she will be like a normal child. The mayor says it is the view of someone from the outside world, but the villagers cannot survive without the sun. Ludwika yearns the sun, but cannot be exposed to light. He wanted to say more but he is stopped by the other villagers.

Rahzel questions about him not being able to see, and he admits that he has poor vision sometimes. Heat says it is because Rahzel is too short and is not in their line of vision when she is close. Rahzel starts to take out a katana from her bear, and she decides to attack Heat in order to make him short. Ludwika asks Alzeid about the sky, and Alzeid says it is like Rahzel’s eyes. As Rahzel continues to attack, Ludwika stops her to ask about the color of the sky and says it is beautiful. Alzeid mumbles it is. A flashback shows that Alzeid says there is nothing about the sky. The woman says Alzeid is a romanticist and promises to bring him out despite Alzeid’s protests that his father will not allow it.

We return to the present where Rahzel suggests to sneak Ludwika out. The tree branches are starting to move, and Rahzel wants to tell Ludwika that the sky is not like her eyes. Heat clearly shows that he is scared of the cold as he tries to prepare coffee. Heat mentions how he feels like someone is looking at him and says that there should not be a map in this forest area. Alzeid says it’s terrible coffee and tells him not to act strong. The villagers are discussing about fertilizers to save Ludwika and says that the three have to die.

The three escaped in the middle of the night when Alzeid overheard the conversation. Rahzel says that it might be his dream since Alzeid often walks while sleeping. Alzeid says it’s rarely, not often. Heat says he still feels he is spied, and Alzeid says the forest is awake. Rahzel makes fun of his silly talk and Heat notices that they are moving in circles. Ludwika suddenly appears and says that she will lead them out. The villagers also decide to give chase to find the three. Rahzel tells Ludwika that she can leave, but Alzeid realizes Ludwika wants to see the light. Alzeid warns her that her bones are more brittle, her vision poorer than normal people, rays hurting her body.

He continues that it is a disease that she cannot get rid of, but says that Ludwika can still leave a normal life. Alzeid says that she has to understand that people who care for her are more paranoid, but applauds her for having the drive to see the blue sky despite being restricted. Alzeid wants her to understand that her being here is betraying the people she cares. When Ludwika says she understands, Alzeid says the decision is her own, refuting Rahzel’s concern by saying that Rahzel also does everything she feels like doing. Rahzel decides to prepare Ludwika with sunblock, and asks the two for sunglasses.

Another flashback appears as Alzeid says he is a child that does not know anything other than the room he stays in. Going out to see the sky is like a dream, yet there is a woman who is nosy to bother as a pool of blood appears in the flashback. In the present, Ludwika tells Rahzel that Alzeid says she is normal but she says that she is hardly normal when she has to prepare so much. Rahzel says her own analogy about tall people, and how she is always too slow. Despite her being short, the two often slow down to keep pace with her. Hence, her “disability” is no longer one. Ludwika asks if she can do it, and Rahzel says she can do it if she have friends that will support her.

The forest starts to move to attack the three and Heat mentions how the mayor is the “final boss of this stage”. Rahzel notices that the attacks feel more like a prayer for help, rather than any killing intent. The mayor says that without sunlight and the severe weather, their only wish is to preserve their child. Alzeid went berserk after remembering his past, and Ludwika blocks a fatal attack on Alzeid. Ludwika says she can finally see the sunlight, as she dissipates to pure white petals. Alzeid finally understands that their blood are nutrients for an albino plant. He remembers how he first saw his glimpse of sunlight. As he leaves, he says that there will be a time when the flowers will bloom during spring as the white stalk appears with two leaves, symbolizing the coming of spring for Ludwika.

Thoughts

One of the interesting themes discussed in this episode is the yearning for something despite the handicaps. For those who are not familiar with Albinism, there is a stigma as the condition is often a source of ridicule, discrimination or even fear. That is perhaps the social condition that Hatenkou Yuugi wants us to understand: that being restricted by fate does not mean that you should allow fate to dictate your life. It is little wonder why the villagers are so ready to protect a albino stalk like Ludwika.

It is clear that Alzeid understands Ludwika very well since he is somewhat different from the normal person. He does have magic of some sort since he glows with a blue light when he flew up along with Rahzel (who is endowed with a pink glow). Moreover, from the various flashback scenes, it is clear that he is strangely kept in his room the whole time without yearning to escape from his fate.

That is perhaps why he admires Ludwika, a being that is willing to explore the unknown despite knowing how it might eventually harm her. I might be going on a rather exploratory tangent here but it seems to symbolize this notion about uncertainty, and how uncertainty keeps us from doing things that we want. If anything, Alzeid in his young age definitely wants to see the sun, but is stopped by himself.

I wonder how many times we are stopped by our emotions. Most of the time, we are told by conventional reasoning that something should not be done. In terms of how we live, in terms of how we do things, it is often dictated despite the capability of “free will”. Yet, if something is clearly good but is hindered by your physical or emotional state of mind, just try to find something to overcome it.

I think that this is the message of the episode that spoke to me. How about you?

Episode 6 continues the story of Larawell, a little girl that is said to be a demon as she is born by a woman long dead. Larawell and John, her father, are often ostracized and attacked by the villagers as there has been killings by visitors who stayed in the inn. Who is truly the killer of these mysterious murders as a new murder victim looms in the near future. Rahzel, Alzeid and Heat slowly unwraps this mystery as the latter episode of this arc shows.

On other news, T.H.A.T Anime blog was down for close to 16 hours. This is due to an incident where a fire in a Commonwealth Edison vault several weeks ago caused several transformers to require repairs. As our server is somewhat related to this event in terms of power distribution by one of the damaged transformers, maintenance is required. However, the maintenance took much longer than expected as there is a need to manually reboot the server by the administrators of the dedicated server. I apologize for the delays!

Screenshots: http://www.sendspace.com/file/ydlowe

Episode summary

Rahzel was laughing at the thought of black magic and says that John, Larawell’s father, would use black magic to revive his wife if he had such powers. Alzeid says it is perhaps good that the wife is dead, because if people really died in the inn, the police should have been involved. There is no need for Rahzel to be a detective, and Alzeid warned Rahzel not to devote too much feelings to every single person in their travels. They went out to breakfast, and Alzeid proposed that the visitors are not here due to murder but due to the horrible food. Rahzel says that she could have asked for permission to use John’s kitchen if she knows how terrible the food is in this town.

Rahzel wonders about the lax behavior of John and Larawell. At the bird cemetery, the child of the mayor is being chased, and he screams in fear before falling down. A gun shot rang. Rahzel realizes that Heat eavesdropped on the conversation between her and Larawell about her past, and Heat says that he’s sorry. When prompted further, Heat says he will punish himself by eating the horrible. Rahzel says she is not angry, and she decides to take out a deck of poker cards (made by John). It is a deck replaced by surnames, and there are no shapes. They decide to play poker, and Heat gets a pair of Suzaki. Rahzel gets a triple Suzaki and Alzeid says that there are a lot of Suzakis.

When Heat changes his cards, he found a joker card with various surnames and Rahzel explains there are great or bad joker cards. Rahzel says that the instruction manual added that Lin is a mysterious, and possibly fake name. After changing cards, Rahzel has a full house, and Heat has a four card. The next round, Alzeid won easily and proudly proclaimed that he is the king of poker. Heat says it’s impossible how Alzeid does it, but the other two ignores him. The game is stopped by a scream, as they found the corpse of the mayor’s child. The villagers are up in arms to lynch John and Larawell. Rahzel goes to rescue Larawell, but Larawell says that John has been hiding inside his room.

The mob is trying to break down, as Larawell opens the door. Larawell tries to pacify the mob, but a villager tries to attack Larawell with a stone only for Rahzel to stop the stone. Rahzel says that the mob are more like beasts since they are bullying the weak. The mayor screams at Rahzel, asking if she is one of the accomplices, and Rahzel just throws the stone to reveal the bald head of the mayor for not listening to her. The mayor says that the group does not know anything, as they tried to get him out by starting a fire. John finally came out and says it’s all his fault.

John reveals that he is the one who murders his wife because she wants to divorce him. The child in her womb was not his and she wants to leave with her lover. In anger, he kills him but picks up a baby at the cemetery (Larawell) and regards the baby to be the offspring of his wife and him. John brings them to the room, and it looks so much like an occult room. He tells everyone that he cannot forgive anyone who hurts Larawell and he wants to harm the people who did so. However, he says that he is only hurting Larawell more and decides to kill himself with a knife. With that, John’s body is hung up in the bird cemetery.

The three are thinking about Larawell, and Rahzel realizes that the whole room is just an act. It is to deviate away from the real murderer and bring the attention to him. It is clear that he is trying to protect the murderer and the only person he will protect is Larawell. Someone is knocking the door of the inn, and Larawell receives the person. As the three return, they heard a gunshot as they see Larawell with a gun. The corpse of the mayor is on the floor, as Larawell explains calmly that the mayor tries to kill her to revenge for his son. Larawell asks again whether she is disgusting for a murderer, and Rahzel says she is not.

Larawell kills her first person when the butt of a cigarette was stabbed onto her forehead. John always tries to remove the bodies, even though she has killed seven people. She always tells herself that she should not give John any trouble but she just cannot stop killing. Rahzel tries to come close, but Larawell takes a shot at Rahzel. Larawell starts a fire with the candlestick as she asks the question again to a murderer like her. Rahzel recalls her past as a terminal disease causes her mother to break down mentally. Rahzel’s father cannot handle this and left them as her mother’s rage turned onto Rahzel. Rahzel kills her mother when her mother went into a rage one day. Then, she was brought to a forest by her father and told to stay there.

Rahzel realizes that Larawell will not be happy with yes or no, but decides to invite her hand. Larawell says she starts to wonder if she will be forgiven, but it clearly is impossible. Larawell asks Rahzel whether she remembers the exercise about why Rahzel is not a demon. Larawell answers that Rahzel’s hand is very warm like the sun as she points the gun at her head. An explosion blew Larawell away as Rahzel says she can never save the people she wants to. In th aftermath, Rahzel releases a balloon as it symbolizes the feeling that Larawell wants to fly. When they finally move off, Alzeid and Heat extends their hands, as Rahzel is touched by the gesture.

Thoughts

I think the major moral story is whether Larawell is a murderer by nature or by nurture. The topic of nature or nurture is often debated by academics, intellectuals and social analysts due to the controversial nature of the topic. One key debate between this disparity is by the reasoning that some people are possessed with genes that are more inclined toward short term bursts of extreme violence as they have inherited them from their parents. More specifically, did their murdering tendencies come from biology (nature) or by their environment (nurture)?

In this case, I am reluctant to make the argument for biology. It is possible that there is some inherent violent gene within John, which is why he is able to kill a pregnant woman due to an outburst of violence and anger over his wife’s adultery. In fact, it might be one of the hidden catalysts for the massacre. Nevertheless, it seems more likely that it is the continuous abuse of Larawell by the villagers and the rather violent acts dealt to her that results in murderous instincts being built in her.

I cannot imagine honestly how Larawell manages to survive and her innocence as a child is completely demolished by the cruel nature. It is really nurture which leads to her killing so many people. I cannot understand why John condones Larawell for killing people, and why they never tried to move away from this town despite the abuse that Larawell and him receives. It does not make sense for me, even if the travels will take a long time for them. It’s better to go on a clean slate.

I am rather shocked of Rahzel’s history, considering that she looks chirpy and hardly looks like someone that will kill anyone truthfully. It really makes it hard to swallow that Rahzel has killed her mother and is abandoned by his father. That makes more sense of the flashbacks and I am impressed how Rahzel continues to live in a happy manner. I wonder who the father that kicked her out of the house is then. He is probably the adopted father, but Rahzel always have magic since she is young.

On the lighter side of the anime, I am totally baffled by the strange poker names where numbers and the royal crown are replaced by names and a joker that is like a wild card in UNO. I don’t mind playing such a queer game that is a rather cute variation of the traditional POKER game. Rahzel’s clothing this episode is terrible, if you ask me. I don’t mind frilly stuff, but that skirt makes her look just downright queer. This episode is actually very good in my opinion as there are little action scenes, so the weakness of the animation is not exposed. Other than that, it’s a very solid piece of storytelling that brings a few moral issues.

After the more light hearted events of Episode 4, Episode 5 opens up a two episode mini arc revolving around a girl that is regarded to be demonic. She does not seem to be harming anyone at all, but what is the story behind this little girl. As Rahzel, Alzeid and Heat enters this small town, they are about to find out about the demons in the “bird graveyard”.

Screenshots: http://www.sendspace.com/file/qde7f6

Episode summary

Rahzel remembers the time she is abandoned, and we return to reality as the pathfinder (Rahzel) is a directionally challenged seeker. As she insists that she is using a shortcut, they somehow found a girl staying on a clearing surrounded by trees. She ran off after Heat called her. They chased the girl into some ruins, only to find a graveyard with corpses hung like scarecrows. The girl is Larawell, the daughter of an innkeeper at the nearby town. Larawell’s father explained that it is a custom for them to use that place as a cemetery to fit the birds. Larawell came in and she seems very shy. Larawell’s father tells them that his wife died early and created a post-trauma for Larawell.

Larawell’s father wondered about the strange partnership of the three. Heat joked that he is going on a honeymoon with Rahzel, and Alzeid says that he’s looking for a murderer. Larawell suddenly asks why he is going to do when he finds her. Alzeid describes his mother as black haired and blue eyed, and Rahzel thought that it is her until Alzeid says that it is thirteen years ago (when she is just one). Larawell’s father says that he has seen no customers like that, but told them that there is a village at the southwest with such people. Larawell ran off suddenly, and Larawell’s father explains that Larawell’s mother died during child birth and Larawell felt it was her fault. Larawell’s father says that he will do anything to protect her.

Rahzel says this form of a cemetry is strange, but Alzeid says that there are very strange customs. A group of people including the mayor persuaded the three not to stay in the town (while his wig keeps falling). The three makes fun of him, and Alzeid being the slow one tells the mayor that his wig is falling much to the dismay of the other two. The mayor and co eventually left, as they discussed about their journey to that village in the southwest. Rahzel did not want to go because that will make her less special. Alzeid said that it is a ridiculous reason as Heat and Alzeid ignored her comment but Rahzel says she wants to gain attention by being unique.

Larawell is not back, and Rahzel seems somewhat flustered as she gave chase despite the warning by Alzeid that the searcher might become the searched. They saw the shadow of the mayor with a gun as Heat told Alzeid to take care of Rahzel. Eventually, Rahzel finds Larawell at the cemetery as Rahzel asks about the cemetery. It is there where Larawell says that the bodies of those diseased, homeless and criminals are sent here for the birds to devour, so as to bring the disease away from the village. Larawell says it seems beautiful for them to be flying to a place, but Rahzel says that it is better to be a human as humans continue to live despite extreme trials and asks Larawell to think why. The mayor tracked the two and pointed the gun but Alzeid stops him.

Rahzel and Larawell returns home, as Heat asks about Alzeid. Larawell apologizes somewhat for being too friendly but the talk is broken by the village boys who threw a stone at Larawell’s head. Larawell says that it is common practice as she returns home. Larawell’s father sees the injury and looks completely freaked out. Heat catches the three boys and wants to play soccer using the three boys as balls. However, Rahzel appears with a red card, as Heat says it is better to use violence against violence. Rahzel says it’s right but there is no need for Heat to be the villain. The boy called Rahzel a hag as Rahzel says she has the temptation to play soccer too.

The boy says it’s queer that they hang out with the demon. The story is that Larawell’s mother is pregnant but is killed along with her baby in a burglary eight years ago. She is left to hang in the cemetery but one day, Larawell’s father returns with a born baby. It is strange in such conditions when the mother is dead, but the baby is alive. It seems that all the visitors in the inn are killed in gruesome ways, and there is a saying that it is “black magic” in order to feed the demon as a sacrifice.

Larawell visits Rahzel late at night and says that it is simply the flow of civilization. Rahzel says that she has something important in order to live no matter what. Larawell says that she is a murderer and asks Rahzel whether she is disgusting. Rahzel talks about her history, and asks Larawell whether she is disgusting. As Rahzel sleeps, Larawell holds Rahzel’s hand for warmth. Larawell’s father looks to have snapped in an altar as he mumbles that he has to protect Larawell.

Thoughts

First of all, it’s apparent that there are a lot of lies in this episode. Firstly, how did Larawell’s mother really die? Larawell’s father seems to say that she dies of child birth, while the village insists that she is already dead after being killed by a burglar when Larawell’s father disappeared. Moreover, as we have seen from the plot of “The Village”, it might be likely that it is a whole roleplay by the whole village in order to consume the visitors that are coming into this place. I wonder who is telling the truth.

If anything, Larawell’s father clearly looks like the satanic follower that will do anything to make sure Larawell is born. If anything, Larawell definitely does not seem to have any strange features for a demon child. However, there are quite a few outstanding things that happen during this episode that makes me really suspicious. One thing for sure is the obsessive fear and care for Larawell by her own father, to the extent that it makes him look downright crazy despite the normally peaceful demeanor. Moreover, Larawell does ask a very shocking question about what Alzeid is going to do when he meets the murderer. It does not feel like a child who is speaking.

In a way, I do wonder what Larawell has to endure considering her dubious upbringing. If she says that the stone that is thrown at her head is just one of the many times that she has been attacked by the children. It’s a very disturbing life, and I think that if her father is the one that is killing the villagers in order to protect Larawell, it’s a warped but stupid way. It is only to make her more hated, and I can understand her somewhat shocked behavior when Rahzel treats her so nicely.

The two guys seem to be somewhat lost at the background during this episode. I kind of miss the huge sarcasm of Alzeid, as well as the slow behavior of Alzeid. There is only one instance that does not feel really strong (the scene where he mentions about the wig) but it is always comical relief when he does it. Heat is also pretty much mellow in this episode, but I really wish to know the background behind Heat and Rahzel. These two are surprisingly mysterious, while Alzeid is somewhat open.

One last thing I like to mention before I wrap up is paranoia. I also feel that a long fetching theory is the possibility that it is a wave of confusion and paranoia in the village. Paranoia or perhaps the need to hide their shame (sending the criminals, homeless and diseased) about the cemetery has resulted in them trying to lynch Larawell. It might be possible that Larawell knows something sinister about the village. Is it even possible medically that a child is able to stay alive in the womb after the mother’s death? That feels highly impossible considering that the child gains its nutrients from the mother. That makes it a rather strange supernatural occurrence, that is perhaps not surprising in this context.

Hatenkou Yugi is definitely going the episodic route, as our heroes find themselves drenched in heavy rain. After Rahzel separated from Heat and Alzeid due to rather bizarre situations, she has to fend for herself. Today’s event will be a heartwarming adventure to understand about self-worth, and how a loved elder will do anything at all to give his “treasure” to his grandchildren. Even after death.

This episode will bring you the story of Maria, a woman who lives with her only sister in a huge mansion.

Episode summary

A woman, Maria, thinks about the treasure that her grandfather left for her and her younger sister before she died. However, time has past without retrieving her “treasure”. Rahzel was caught in the rain after separating from Heat (captured by an insane witch) and Alzeid (fell down a cliff) as she spotted a mansion. She tried to get some help from Maria, who is in the mansion. Maria rejected Rahzel’s plea to stay, only for her younger sister to allow entry. Maria’s sister apologized for Maria’s character, and Rahzel realized that Alzeid and Heat are already in the house relaxing over wine.

Heat says that he sent her a telepathic message, but Rahzel says sarcastically that she rejects the message. Heat tries to flirt with Maria’s sister but Rahzel batted him away. Heat also tells Maria’s sister they will take care of it, with Rahzel confused. Rahzel took a bath, only for Maria to step in with a proposal for hire. She told Rahzel that she wants to study in an university, but her parents refused. She wants to leave the house but has no money. Hence, she remembers the treasure kept in the cave, and asks Rahzel for help as she reminds Rahzel that they are indebted to her. Rahzel eventually accepts the offer, even though she reminds Maria that it is her sister who took good care of them, not her. Heat also entered, and suffers the anger of Rahzel.

Rahzel enters Maria’s room and tells her for treasure hunting. Rahzel taunts Maria for her mean attitude earlier, and reaches the cave which is below a sloping cliff. Rahzel shoves Maria down, and Alzeid and Heat follows unexpectedly. As they enter the cave, there is a door with a skull sign. Rahzel sarcastically says she’s scared and says that it’s like an amusement. She then presses a button on the wall to open it. Along the way, she finds another button, and presses it only to release deadly spears that almost hit the slightly ahead Maria. Maria tells Rahzel to be careful, only for Rahzel to make a rebuttal that Maria should have the mental preparation to take the treasure away from her grandfather since the trap is made by him.

As they reach a bridge with fast flowing water, Maria suddenly stops. She recalls an event where she nearly drowns when she is young as her parents try to save Maria’s sister instead of her. Rahzel says it’s common logic to save someone who is weaker, but Maria attributes it to her sister’s better personality and her parent’s choice on who is more important to them. Rahzel asks how she is going to cross over if she has fear of water, but Maria asks who Rahzel will save if Alzeid and Heat are drowning. Rahzel cannot give an answer but Maria crossed over the bridge.

As they crossed over, the floor gave way as Maria seems to have a bright image in her mind. Maria wakes up along with Rahzel, with Alzeid and Heat looking for a way out. Maria says Rahzel is too calm considering they have no means of escape, and Rahzel says that she can escape alone with magic as she will not risk her life for someone she does not even know. Maria starts on a rant that she is hated anyway, and deserves to die. Rahzel slaps her with a slipper and says that she is just so negative. Maria asks if the slipper is from her house, and Rahzel says that the slipper is tired of her negativity. Alzeid jokes to Heat that he can keep it silent quietly as he points his gun.

Rahzel says that Maria is annoying and asks if she has any merit. Maria says she does not, but adds that she is good at studying. Maria says there is no use in her talent, but she notices a leaf floating out. Maria says she finds a way, and Heat says that the plan is to make a boat out of the leaf. Rahzel hits him for the stupid comment and Maria says that the appearance of the leaf must mean that the leaft must have traveled from another tunnel and it is connected through the water. However, Maria warns about the size of the hole, and whether there is enough oxygen. Rahzel creates a membrane of oxygen for everyone to survive in the water.

Heat says he will hold Maria’s hand, and Maria responds that it might be the most scary thing. Rahzel seems to be struggling in the water, and wonders about the question by Maria about drowning. The rest reached the other end, and Rahzel is nowhere in sight. Maria reveals that Rahzel tells her earlier that she cannot swim. Maria screams at Rahzel that she should stop trying to act strong, but Rahzel says she cannot lose to Maria’s determination. Rahzel says she has the answer now, and she will let the two die since whoever is kept alive will grumble. Alzeid tells her to die instead as she is kicked into the water. Eventually, her answer is that she will jump in to save them, and somehow things will be solved.

Maria suddenly says she can see the light, as it is a fossil of a prehistoric bird. While Maria admires the fossil, the three are discussing about the value of the fossil. Rahzel wonders why they also came, but they are actually asked by Maria’s sister to help Maria. When they escaped the cave, Maria says that she is determined to study in an university and leave the house. She will somehow convince her parents to do so, and she does not want to lose to Rahzel’s coolness. Maria also promises to help them when they ever meet again and needs her help. Rahzel says that she expects her to say that, and calls Maria a baka as they waved goodbye.

Thoughts

Wow, talk about fanservice. I am surprised how they actually made some fanservice regarding Rahzel. I really like that scene when they coupled it with the lusty and flirtatious Heat inside the bath room, as though it is normal for him to be talking to a stark naked Rahzel in the bathtub. I think that Rahzel is just so cute at times though, as she faithfully delivers the smackdown onto the silly Heat twice in this episode. On more subtle fanservice, Rahzel’s costume this episode is a tad boring for me, and there seems to be little charm. Moreover, her forehead looks queer.

More on the humor side of Hatenkou Yuugi, I really feel that the three of them are definite food connoisseurs. They are always talking about food and what they are going to eat when they are fighting and it is a definite running gag there. The sarcastic remarks of Rahzel are always a marvel to watch, particularly when she goes out to bitching at Maria. You must really see the whole conversation to understand how cool Rahzel is!

In any case, the current episode brings up a very interesting theme about the classical issue. Who would you save if you are drowning. It seems to be popping up quite a bit in the series, with an earlier episode exploring a slightly different variation of the question. The thing is that Maria really suffers from a huge sense of negativity that seems to plague the common person on the street. She knows probably that her parents save her sister first since she is older and hence probably has the ability to survive more than her sister. Hence, it makes sense to rescue the weaker side.

However, I cannot help but think about the argument that it’s the preference of being less desirable, and that people save the thing that is most important to them. To be honest, I do not know whether a positive or negative spin will be accurate in this aspect since I do not know how the relationship of Maria, her sister and her parents are at the moment. In fact, with the rather negative character of Maria, it might be possible that her parents might have favored her sister more than her. This is merely speculation, and the important thing is that she finally got rid of the need to find out by spreading her wings. She has finally escaped the fate that she imposed on herself.

In real life, many of us are sadly binded by history, pain, suffering and mistakes that we think has changed us negatively. This episode clearly shows that it is useless to qualm on it too much because negativity will never bring you anywhere close to happiness. It is only by releasing the chains of suffering that we finally understand the importance of freedom. Freedom will never be given to you on a platter, but only through an adventure not unlike Maria’s experience can we understand what we have lost. In this notion, let us keep striving and toil on until we get a beckon of light just like Rahzel and her group.

For those who are feeling horrible right now, pick yourself up, watch this episode and work for your future.

Rahzel, Alzeid and Heat’s journey is anchoring for a bit of fun as the three took some time off from their random traveling to enjoy some idle time. However, it seems that they will not be able to relax that much when something happens during the time that they are in the amusement park. Something is brewing within the circus located inside the amusement park, and it is time for our three protagonists to play their roles!

Hatenkou Yuugi continues on its somewhat interesting mix of cute conversations and character development.

Episode summary

Rahzel remembered how she felt betrayed when she was young. She was told by someone to wait inside a drawn circle in the forest while they played hide and seek. However, the other person never returned. Rahzel and Alzeid are now helping a lost boy, Romario, to find his mother. Rahzel clearly enjoys the amusement park as she gives a balloon to Romario to cheer him up. They eventually found his mother, and Romario’s mother gives them tickets for a reward of returning Romario to her. They saw a wonderful clown show, as the clowns threw the dagger at one clown, but the clown catches the dagger easily. He then went toward Rahzel, transforming the daggers to flowers. It is Heat.

Rahzel was surprised that Heat’s part time work is a clown, and Heat says that he actually used to work in the circus as a magician and a clown. Alzeid says that it is a role to make a fool out of themselves, and fits Heat perfectly. Heat remarks that Alzeid really hates him, but Romario adds that the clown is perhaps the most skilled in the circus. When asked why he stopped, Heat says that he realizes that doing strip dances earns him more money. Rahzel says Heat’s background is extremely mysterious and feels a bit annoyed at the lack of knowledge about him. The circus’s chief, a beautiful woman, carries out the last disappearing act within a cage and chooses Romario for it. The circus’s leader notes that Romario’s hands are very smooth.

After Romario enters the cage and it is covered with cloth, the clowns stabbed swords within it. As they revealed the cage, Romario is not inside. At the end of the show, Romario is missing. Rahzel asks the circus’s leader but she says that she personally guides Romario off the back door. The circus’s leader also says that she is quitting after today as she is going to have a child. Rahzel notices something wrong in the background, with a green tinge. A humanoid figure is submerged within a greenish tank as she tells the figure that she will keep the “hands” safe.

Rahzel is worried about Romario, who is not found yet. Heat says she looks listless and wonders if she did not enjoy the amusement park. On the contrary, Rahzel says that this is the first time the three of them deliberately went on a destination for fun. Late at night, Rahzel left the hotel, as the other two wonders what she is doing. Heat asks what Alzeid wants to do, only to see Alzeid tuck in his blanket. Rahzel went to the circus, and notices Romario’s mother finding him still. Rahzel goes to the backstage, and finds something strange behind the curtains. Two hands suddenly assaulted and covers her mouth. She flings the “clown” away easily.

The circus’s leader enters, as she reveals a gruesome sight of a patched up humanoid. She pinpoints to Rahzel about the hand, and it is clear that the leader killed Romario for his hands. The circus’s leader says that she had a miscarriage and says that her child has the right to survive. Hence, she wants to give him the best body ever, as it is a blessing given by her as a mother. Rahzel says she does not understand, but the leader says that Romario’s mother let go of Romario’s hand as though she does not need the child anymore. As they continues to discuss, the clowns appear to attack Rahzel. She uses her magic to demolish them, but the clowns got up. She tries to run away, but she is surrounded by them.

From the top, a clown aims his daggers at Rahzel, only for gunshots to destroy the daggers. Rahzel asks why they are here. Heat says that she will be punished for acting alone, and Alzeid asks if she does not know how to ask for help. She reprimands them verbally for being nosy. However, she gets them close and thanks them for coming. They worked together to attack the clowns, and Heat takes care of the clown above by climbing the leader. Rahzel compliments him as a “idiot general” and Alzeid wonders if she is complimenting him. They realize that the clowns are weaved together by magic as the clowns are made by some form of tree bark.

She says that it is true, and asks Viola, the humanoid to help her. The three realizes that they cannot control themselves, as they are about to attack themselves until Rahzel shouts to stop. When the circus leader asks Viola what he is doing, and asks to kill, he kills the leader instead. Alzeid explains that the doll only follows the orders exactly. That is why it stopped when Rahzels says “stop”, and attack the nearest person around it. Heat took Rahzel away, as he does not want Rahzel to see that pain while Alzeid ends the life of the humanoid. Rahzel says that it is still a life and iconsiders the humanoid to be just a poor little child. However, Alzeid shot it dead when she gets away from the grasp of Heat. Rahzel continues to be sad until the two proposes to go out for some fun. Rahzel cheers up and decides to go.

Thoughts

It is a really complicated feeling when you see an argument that is closely related to you. It is not certain whether Rahzel let the person in the flashback go, or she is abandoned instead. However, with the theme of betrayal close in mind, it is clear that she has been abandoned once by a certain person. Somehow, I wonder whether we will soon have some back story about Rahzel because I do not think that being a magician is that common in those times. Maybe, the person who abandons Rahzel is her teacher in magic. It’s a wild speculation.

Heat is yet another interesting character where little is really known about him. He seems to have some form of magic weaponry, and the butterfly is perhaps a symbolization of something. It might be that he is from a certain clan, or that it is a mark that reminds him of something in the past, or a tattoo that is a symbol of his heritage. I really wonder more about him because unlike Alzeid who is cool but a rather open book, Heat looks to be extroverted but is so distant somewhat. He is definitely a very kind person to Rahzel, but yet you wonder if everything that is done by him is real or not.

I might be over interpreting it though, but I cannot imagine Heat to be that simple a person compared to Alzeid. Alzeid also shows his liking of the journey as he smiles and asks Rahzel to go out and play. It is quite a nice change to see the cold blooded (well, not really) Alzeid smile warmly for a change. Rahzel also shows signs of weaknesses, in which she is apathetic to children who looks in despair and in pain. In a way, both Alzeid and Rahzel are somewhat disturbed by their past, and needs to go through such an event to understand themselves more. I am sure that Rahzel will grow from this experience.

On the episode itself, I feel that the plot is more tingling compared to the second episode. It is much heavier despite the fact that the protagonists got through with this episode (obviously) but it seems somewhat of a bittersweet end. They are not able to solve any problem for anyone, since Romario died way before they can do anything. They cannot even truly save the humanoid because it is not human, not without a true mind to comprehend what is right or wrong. It is as Alzeid says, a monster, that should not even be alive.

Lastly, on a silly note, Rahzel does look really cute in that blue little dress of hers. They should really make her wear more frilly stuff and the likes. Ok, I will shut up now.

The first episode showed how Rahzel, a spunky young magician, is kicked out by her father in order to get some worldly experience. It seems that their journey has taken a little halt as they find themselves landing in a prison. However, this is no normal prison. It’s more like a dungeon, literally killing people when a certain quota is breached. There, they find their next quest for a happy life: a boy seeking revenge for his father.

Episode summary

Rahzel was trying to find Baroqueheat when she stumbled upon a little boy who is escaping from the cops. He asked her to help, only for Rahzel to flatly reject. The boy seemed to be interested in getting revenge for his father’s death. However, Rahzel and Alzeid are surrounding by the police and are thrown into the prison. A man in a darkened room noted the capture of the boy. Rahzel remembered about Alzeid’s reason for a journey, which is to find the woman who killed his father as his father is very similar to him. However, Rahzel thought that her aim for a journey is not to find out about the reason. The boy said that his father entered the jail for a minor crime and would be released soon.

However, when the boy questioned the warden who was traveling in a carriage, he realized that his father is executed. In anger, he threw a stone at the carriage and the warden gave orders to capture him. There, they met up with Baroqueheat who is also caught. He claimed he was finding a hostel, but Alzeid said coldly that Heat probably went to a sleazy place, injured someone badly and was jailed. Heat said that Alzeid misjudged him and he would never spend money on women as he believes in free love. Heat also told them that many cities refused to make jails, and all prisoners from other cities came here. However, with a huge influx, they cannot manage so many prisoners and started to kill them.

Alzeid promised to help the boy in revenge as they escaped easily from their cell. Alzeid threatened the guard with the gun and told the boy to take the guard’s gun. Rahzel complained that Alzeid’s gun and Heat’s cigarette are not confiscated, and her bear was immediately taken! The jail warden is notified of their escape as the Rahzel & co. made their escape. The group faced a contracting wall as Alzeid carried the boy. When Rahzel questioned why Heat is holding her so close while carrying her, he stopped his tracks. As the wall continued to contract, she finally said in desperation that it is fine. They went through various standard dungeon traps before they are eventually chased by dogs to a steel door. Alzeid eventually stared down at the chasing dogs and they left in fear.

The room behind the steel door is where they killed all the prisoners, as the boy found an old possession of his father. Heat tried to pick a fight with Alzeid by saying how the boy’s plight is like him, and that it is easier to help someone else’s revenge plan compared to solving his own issues. Rahzel eventually broke the fight as she told Heat that he should not make fun of Alzeid, and told Alzeid that she is not trying to get revenge for him. The warden finally appeared from a room above, as he presented the underground battle scene. He then ordered prisoners to attack Rahzel & co, and provoked the child that his father fights the battle so hard when he is told that his child is waiting for him. Rahzel & co easily dispatched the enemies while talking about the preparation of eggs and bento.

The warden was impressed with their abilities, and told Rahzel & co that he will release them if they kill the boy. However, they simply made fun of him being bald, while Alzeid belatedly says that he hates being looked down. Heat proposed to bring the warden down to their level, as Rahzel used Heat’s shoulders to jump up and used her magic to bring the warden down. The boy pointed the gun at the warden, but he is shaking. The warden asked if he can do it, as Alzeid and Heat are captured by prison officers. Rahzel said how boring revenge is and she shoves the gun into the warden’s mouth. She told him realistically what will happen when a shot is released within the mouth, and asked if he is prepared to see that view.

Rahzel then pointed the gun at the boy, as she explained that the point of time the boy killed the warden, her two friends will be killed. She cannot forgive anyone who takes away her friends, and says that she is likely to be killed by one of the prison officers. Rahzel asked if the boy has the courage to keep passing misery to others. Rahzel also said that compared to people who have already died by the warden’s hands, her friends are still alive so she is willing to protect her friends. The warden tried to retrieve the gun but is stopped by Alzeid and Heat. As they moved out of the town, Rahzel reiterated that she does not bother about stupid things like revenge since murder is still murder. Rahzel only wants a happy life and be a cute grandmother, while the other two become ero jiji.

Thoughts

If you are looking for an anime that is quirky, interesting and funny, you should really look no further than Hatenkou Yugi. It has been a while since I have found such wicked humor in a series, and they are dispersed well enough to make you laugh every single time. The starting is definitely amusing with Rahzel’s quick rejection to help the little boy from escaping the cops. I mean, it is really great that there are finally main protagonists who seriously do not care about every single person that jumps to them, but are motivated by their own gains like money (or escape this time).

I also liked the eccentricity of the action scenes. This is clearly not a series where you should be looking for “Gurren Lagaan”, “Macross Frontier” or even “Code Geass” action scenes. This show has a distinctively shoujo feel to it, and the action scenes are made to look casual and humorous due to the crazy antics of the character. I mean, try to point out a serious battle in any series where the female and male lead are discussing about their meals and the way to prepare it deliciously.

Rahzel is really one of the most interesting heroines in recent anime. I am really tired of the damsel in distress stereotype, and it is good to find a main female lead who is solving problems for the males, rather than her crying like a baby over some event again. It’s really tiring sometimes to see women in often dismissive or submissive stereotypes in anime, and that is why this series is like a breath of fresh air. Alzeid and Heat are also very different characters that result in huge tension (and of course great interest for the readers). I really like how Heat and Alzeid totally cannot get along, and I swear that they will have more fights considering how different they are.

On the story this time, I am not much impressed except for the ending. Rahzel really strikes a chord with me in the philosophy that murder is murder, no matter how much you try to glorify it as revenge. She also shows her loyalty in her friends, willing to stop the revenge of the boy by telling him that she will save the people that are alive rather than those that have been cried. If anything, Alzeid and Heat definitely gives the warden a nice “pat” on the head.

The next episode seems to be equally intriguing and I must say that I am really anticipating each episode with great expectations. This is definitely a good winter season for me!

I have been quietly anticipating the coming of this show due to extremely favorable feedback from some of the commentators and the reading of the source material. The main female lead is Rahzel. Her father threw her out of the house after stating that it will be interesting to explore the outside world. When she wished that she has a companion, she bumped into a silver haired man named Alzeid. Alzeid is a person who is trying to find his father’s murderer and cannot care less what his methods are to survive, be it to rob people in the alleyway. She asked him to tag along, saying that the journey she is embarking will have tons of fun. They are also joined by Baroqueheat, who is a womanizer, but openly states that he likes Rahzel.

With such a cute premise, how can I not watch such a series?

Episode summary

Rahzel met up with Alzeid after being unceremoniously kicked out by her father. Alzeid was holding someone at gunshot but the “thug” escaped with Rahzel’s callout for Alzeid. He asked what she wanted, and she proudly proclaimed that she would spark his life with happiness and excitement, hence forming a strange companionship to explore the world. While they traveled around and ate, their finances are running low. Alzeid threatened yet another person at the alleyway, but Rahzel urged him to find a more legal way to earn fast money. Alzeid threatened the guy to find a job that gets more money in the wallet, and the man recommended them to find the mayor of the village nearby for a lucrative job.

The job was to get rid of a spirit that was haunting the woods, but it seemed harmless. The spirit wanted to chase them away as they are not the first to try exorcising her. The spirit said that she is fulfilling a promise with her lover, who promised to run away with her. However, while she waited in the forest, she hit herself on the head when she fell and died. It has been twenty years since she died. As she accounted the tale, the two were playing some stick game to decide the tabs on dinner. When the spirit finally finished her tale, Alzeid told her that she is simply waiting for a man who do not bother about her promise at all and it is a weak promise. That annoyed her and she warned them that she will not be so nice the next time they meet as she disappeared in a strong gust of wind.

Rahzel decided to find the man who held the promise with the spirit. They landed up in a bar and Alzeid said that she could say she is hungry rather than hunting for the man. Rahzel said that the man will find them, and the “mayor’s men” actually found them. They returned to the mayor’s house and Rahzel pointed out that the mayor is the lover of the spirit as she is harmless and only the man who has guilt in his heart will want to eliminate her. He said that his family empire is more important than puppy love. Rahzel said that he simply cared about his future than a promise and the mayor told her to do her job like how an underling should. When the two left, the mayor gave orders to his underlings to eliminate Rahzel and Alzeid.

They wondered why the spirit did not attempt to kill the mayor, and Rahzel said she would make sure the person who betrayed her would live a life worse than hell. Alzeid asked if she experienced being truly betrayed and a flashback appeared of her abandoned in a forest. However, she said no and Alzeid told her not say such things. Baroqueheat also beat off the two thugs sent by the mayor and is instructed to buy some sparkling things from Rahzel. Rahzel and Alzeid met up with the spirit in the forest, and she attacked them only for Rahzel to reveal that she is a magician. Rahzel repelled the attack, but the spirit had a stranglehold on Alzeid. The spirit said that Alzeid would also break their promise to be together, and it would be better for her to kill him right now.

A cut scene is shown when the spirit met the mayor for the last time before she reincarnated. She then left him with the message that bombs are set all around the house, and she will be waiting for him. As she left him screaming for help, the spirit told Rahzel that she will probably reincarnate to someone who will fall in love and promise once again as she disappeared. Fireworks started to shine as we realize that Rahzel’s answer in the forest is that they have no promises but simply a companionship. Even if they are separated tomorrow, there are no hard feelings. As they left, Alzeid asked if she wanted a promise, in which she answered, “that we spend all our days having fun”.

Thoughts

Wow, I definitely did not plan to blog such a long summary for the first episode of the series. Anyway, I find that the interaction between Alzeid and Rahzel to be excellent. They are like complete opposites, with Rahzel the spunky and law obliging citizen (of sorts) and Alzeid the street smart guy that does not hesitate to rob someone in the alleys to get money. I find that the two, one warm and one cold is a classic example of how opposites attract very well. The introduction of Baroqueheat, the flirting third member of the team, is also great to have a balance. Being a lolicon of sorts always creates some good laughs.

I am often attracted to female leads that are strong, rather than the classic damsel in distress. That is why I am so glad for Hatenkou Yugi, which is a series where the female lead can really kick some ass with her magician skills. I mean, she actually saves the guy from trouble (even though Alzeid looks like he does not really care). The shoujo element, as few have mentioned in their previews, is actually not that strong because it feels like an episodic type series that might actually work. I have enough of episodic type series that fails due to poor character dynamics.

On the first episode, I do have complains about how the characters are introduced, particularly to Alzeid. It feels really random and forced, as though they are too lazy to explain why the two get on together. Still, it might be how the story style is supposed to go, since she is being absolutely random and picking due to good looks. I also like the scene when the spirit is talking about her previous love life, and they are playing a stick game to decide their dinner. I mean, that is complete nonchalance and ignoring the quest that they are on since they cannot care less. Now, that is some funny storytelling since the ghost even asked whether they are listening. One more thing I must add is the OP. I adore the OP because it is really nice to listen, and it’s probably something you will not get sick of for quite a while.

Who should watch this?

If you are a sucker for extremely good graphics to the level of Kyoto Animation, it might not be found here as Studio Deen does not seem to have a very huge budget in the graphical area. However, do not let this deter you because the graphics are actually average compared to the normal anime of this age. The characters are colorful, and seems to have a really nice unique feel to them compared to the boring damsel in distress, shining knight and stereotypical characters in such a journey-type series.

I do hope that this show manages to keep on this standard of cheeky and funny plots, and this might turn out to be an absolute winner. I am definitely keen to watch the next episode and I hope you do too!