My Otome/ZWEI/0~S.ifr Discussion Thread ~Spoilers~

[thepanda]

Watched Doremi's version of episode 10. I guess Midori isn't so different from her HiME counterpart as the raw led me to believe. Seems to be more a difference in ideology than her just being evil. She's still the bad guy, though.

Probably.

Nice to see the plot taking strides forward. Those who maintain the status quo vs those who want to revert back to the past. I know it was hinted at in the episode Midori's group was hired, but I was somewhat confused by Doremi's wording of that part. It didn't match up with SS when I later downloaded SS version.

Also, the preview for the next show is hilarious. ^_^

I spy Takumi, so I figure either Akira (likely) or Mai (less likely) will show up pretty soon, as well. Nifty.

[Shuten]

Just checked out Static-Subs release of episode 9 and, unless both groups got it wrong I think it's safe to say that Erstin is definitely screwed.

"It's okay. Didn't Yohko-sensei say? Poisonous substances will be dispelled from the body by the nanomachines." OTOME-Doremi Version

"I'm fine. Remember what Youko-sensei said? Any kind of poison should get broken down by the nano-machines inside us." Static-Subs Version

The spelling is a bit different as well as the wording but the general meaning remains unchanged. Based on this I would say Erstin's days as an Otome are all but numbered. Oh well I guess the first possibility I mentioned here is now the least likely possibility and possibilities 2 and 3 are now more likely than ever.

Of course it could take a different path as opposed to the paths I suggested. We shall see. Still their going to have to deal with this situation, if not thru Erstin than thru someone else, eventually. After all why make it such an achille's heel for an Otome if it isn't going to be used?

Oh and one final note. Once again it would appear that Takumi and Mai are again linked. How exactly they're linked, most likely as brother and sister but there's nothing saying it has to be that, is something only time will reveal.


Sincerely,
Shuten

[Shuten]

Watching My Otome episode 11 raw at the moment and so far it seems like Erstin is still in Guarderobe. I've been thinking about it a while and one other possibility exist that would explain the situation. Simply put the Nanomachines inside an Otome, at least a Coral anyway, have limited lifespan and need to be replaced at regular intervals. Erstin just happened to be "poisoned" at the point where she was due for one.

Besides thinking about it this makes sense since they'd want someway of assuring that a runaway Otome, if for some reason they aren't able to catch her beforehand, was at most a temporary threat and to ensure as little chance as possible exists that any of the nanomachines could fall into the wrong hands. Essentially I guess you could say it's a redundant safeguard.

Regardless hopefully this will be answered for sure at some point.


Sincerely,
Shuten

Edit: Finished watching the episode and the preview for twelve has left me wondering one thing... will all, assuming My Otome isn't the last one,  spinoffs of My HiME have the Akira "Crossdressing" theme? ;p

As for the episode itself it was decent. No real action in it but it does help further develop Nina's character so I've got no complaints.

[Shuten]

Just figured I should note that episode 12 will be the last My Otome episode to air this year. Episode 13 won't air until January 5, 2006.


Sincerely,
Shuten

[Shuten]

Episode 12 was quite a bit of fun. Mixed up identities and more references to HiME as well as the first onscreen appearance of Mai, besides the opening, in the series. Don't get your hopes up though. It's just a picture  of Mai, Natsuki, and several others back when they were Corals. Still it's better than nothing. ^^;

Incidentally Arika with her hair loose and in formal wear = WIN! ^^;

Oh and on that note how the hell does Arika fit all of her hair into such a small area? o_O;


Sincerely,
Shuten

[Shuten]

Haven't posted here in a while... of course no one else has either so shame on everyone! @_@

Anyways! I'm still enjoying the series myself and definitely like the new opening that debuted with episode 16 way more than the original. "Crystal Energy" so OWNS "Dream Energy" on every conceivable level. Well the tv size versions anyway. Whether the full size version will stand up to it's predecessor is something we shall find out in time!

As for Arika's crush it does serve a purpose I think most others may well have missed. That purpose was a quick and easy way to bond Arika & Mashiro together so that the plot could move forward. Cliche beyond all doubt absolutely but unfortunately if left to their own devices they'd still be at the point where they simply tolerate each other at best.

Besides let's face it. There are few things that bond two people, provided they already have something of a base to work with in the first place, faster than shared misery and consoling each other. Afterall those tears are like spiritual super glue don't you know? ;p

Regardless!

She's got the BELT!

She's got the SCARF!

She's got the KICK!

Now if she only had the mask... Oh well maybe she'll wear one at least once. I want at least a short bit of 'Kamen Rider Mai'!  She's already got all but one aspect left of the classic Kamen Rider ensemble. May as well at least let her do a short scene with the complete set up. ;_;

Ultimately mask or no mask she needs to appear soon! Let's go!! BLAZING MAI KICK!!! @_@


Sincerely,
Shuten

[thepanda]

Haven't posted here in a while... of course no one else has either so shame on everyone! @_@

Hey! I've been ofline for three weeks. Give me a break here. ^^;

Anyway, my thoughts...

I almost gave up on this series a few episodes ago, actually. The whole Arika/Sergay lovelove thing was really creeping me out. I found this doubly strange because it isn't like much older male/young girl crush dynamic is something knew or even something I usually have too much of a problem with. Maybe its because Arika really does come across as a kid more than most of the 14 year olds running around in various anime. I'm extremely happy to see the show get past that point.

Also, the plot is finally moving in the direction of awesome. I was expecting them to pull this kind of thing two episodes ago. One of the problems that I've had with Otome is that while they keep harping on how powerful they're supposed to be you never really get to see it. Now, the otome manga, on the other hand, is _ing awesome. If otome starts to be more like its manga counterpart I'm all for it.

As for the opening...

I had no warning before I watched it.

I laughed my ass off, watched it again, and laughed some more. Sunrise, you have, in less than two minutes, redeemed yourselves for GSD. Good job, you. Spider-Man Nao got a huge chuckle out of me. Mai seems to be the only Meister with a decent robe, but the Char-in-black might be nice as well. Played some Gundam seed opening music while watching the new intro...


By the way, let me take this time to say the Otome manga is awesome, if for no other reason than chapters 23 and 24.

[thepanda]

Episode 17...

Oh.

My.

GOD!

So much awesome in one episode...

[Shuten]

I've got mixed feelings regarding episode 17. I don't know whether to be extremely happy with such an awesome episode or miserable that... well I won't say... I think though that I will be miserable. Now excuse me while I go sit in the dark and sob pitifully. ;_;


Sincerely,
Shuten

[thepanda]

You had to know 'it' was coming, Shu. I sure didn't expect 'it' to happen the way it did, but I wasn't exactly shocked either.

[Shuten]

You had to know 'it' was coming, Shu.

Oh I knew it was coming. However that doesn't make me any less sad that it occured. Hopefully if there's a third spinoff she'll be the "Akane" of the next series. Essentially the one who gets screwed over in one series but ends up with a happy ending in the next.


Sincerely,
Shuten

[Shuten]

Well episode 18 was quite a treat. We learn that Miyu is once again M.I.Y.U. and Aoi well... as they say if you don't see the body... ^^;

Overall a very enjoyable episode. ^^

Edit: Watched the sub and I'm now 99.99% convinced that Miyu is "M.I.Y.U.". What I mean is that Miyu of My Otome is M.I.Y.U of My HiME. There are simply far too many coincidences for this not to be the case.

For example:
She references events that happened far beyond the lifespan of a normal human in such a way as to make one think she was there. She's also in possesion of far more knowledge than is believable for someone who supposedly mainly wanders the wasteland.

Her movements have a decidedly mechanical feel to them. She also comments that an Otome without her robe can't hope to beat her. This is stated in a way to make it clear that it is an absolute fact as opposed to just simple arrogance.

Directly stating that the Slaves are becoming more "Child" like. How could Miyu possibly know of "Childs" unless she was around to see them?

There's also the reference to someone she loved long ago who gave her the name Miyu. I highly doubt it was Arika and well there's one character from My HiME who named "M.I.Y.U." Miyu... Alyssa.

Which of course brings us to Alyssa herself. It's a well known fact that M.I.Y.U. can identify and track Alyssa's life force. There's also the fact that Alyssa has a unique genetic structure. My personal belief is that Arika is descended from Alyssa. Alyssa's unique abilities though are probably genetically recessive.

Miyu, assuming she is the same one from My HiME, would have no trouble sensing if a child of Alyssa's bloodline was born with those abilities in a non recessive state. As such when this occurs Miyu would be sure to make her presence known to said child and would work to keep an eye on her and resume her, by this point, now eternal duty to protect Alyssa's lineage.

For the record I don't believe Miyu appears to every single child descended from Alyssa. She only makes her presence known to those with the potential to awaken Alyssa's special abilities or if the bloodline is reduced to only one member. The latter is obvious since Arika is more than likely the last surviving member of her family so that alone would be more than enough reason for Miyu to take up her duty once again.  Of course we must not forget that Arika's hair glowed in Miyu-vision... perhaps both possibilities have been met. Only time will tell.

Anyways enough of this


Sincerely,
Shuten

[thepanda]

Episode 22, or "The episode in which cool shit happens a lot."

Otome, you finally, FINALLY give me the zhime fights I've been longing to see. Sadly, its too late in the game for this series to become 'excellent', but at least it can finish 'good'.

Firstly, Miyu owns this show. I mean complete and uttterly outdoes both the mains, the villians, and everyone else ans she'd hardly even it in. This episode, though, shows why you don't fuck with the Merciful Intelligential Yggdrasil Unit! That antimaterializer sword in the deal breaker. Love the sword.


Secondly, that bitch Tomoe was soooooo close to getting hers. God damnit, Sergay, you ruin everything. >_< I need an animated gif of when the four 'dark otome' (for lack of a better word) get owned and Tomoe goes flying. I'd watch it loop for at least an hour, I was so happy.

Seriously, I don't see what the fandom likes about this character. I know the bloggerrs keep touting her as some kind of Shizuru mark 2, but I just don't see it. Shizuru was shown to be a likeable character normally. Tomoe is just plain batshit crazy. She doesn't even have the excuse of 'the  HIME star made her do it'. Tomoe fails it and I cannot wait to see her die die die DIE!

The cyborg crew finally show that they are in fact as badass as they were being hyped to be. Fia got owned something hard. >_>;

Go Midori-chan!

And finally, Mai and Mikoto sorta are back, kinda. Looks like the next episode focuses on them heavily, maybe exclusively. I'm torn about this. I wanted Mai back so very, very much, and yet she only really gets to take part in four episodes; and that is only true if she does take part in every one of the remaining eps. Mai, you got screwed, but I love that you're back. I wanna see you kick some ass! Show 'em how the HiMEs kick it, season one style, yo!

Ya dig?

[Shuten]

Episode 22, or "The episode in which cool shit happens a lot."

Otome, you finally, FINALLY give me the zhime fights I've been longing to see. Sadly, its too late in the game for this series to become 'excellent', but at least it can finish 'good'.

Heh. Can't say I disagree here. As much as I like Otome there's no denying that it's no HiME.

Firstly, Miyu owns this show. I mean complete and uttterly outdoes both the mains, the villians, and everyone else ans she'd hardly even it in. This episode, though, shows why you don't fuck with the Merciful Intelligential Yggdrasil Unit! That antimaterializer sword in the deal breaker. Love the sword.

M.I.Y.U. is PWNAGE given pure kickass form. She owns on SO many levels. Oh and I dub the theme, Sei Otome no Inori, that plays when she goes all "You are now my bitch!" on Tomoe 'Miyu's Theme MkII'.

Secondly, that bitch Tomoe was soooooo close to getting hers. God damnit, Sergay, you ruin everything. >_< I need an animated gif of when the four 'dark otome' (for lack of a better word) get owned and Tomoe goes flying. I'd watch it loop for at least an hour, I was so happy.

Heh. I made a clip of that just so I could watch the M.I.Y.U. ownage over and over again. That and the Mai/Mikoto first official appearance as well as the preview for 23. I could watch those scenes all day. @_@

Seriously, I don't see what the fandom likes about this character. I know the bloggerrs keep touting her as some kind of Shizuru mark 2, but I just don't see it. Shizuru was shown to be a likeable character normally. Tomoe is just plain batshit crazy. She doesn't even have the excuse of 'the  HIME star made her do it'. Tomoe fails it and I cannot wait to see her die die die DIE!

I assure you that you are not the only one who dislikes her. I have no doubt that Tomoe's death will perfectly fit the cheap trash that she is... at least I hope so anyway. Although before she dies I want her to lose everything. Simply being killed is too good for her.

She should be made to suffer.

The cyborg crew finally show that they are in fact as badass as they were being hyped to be. Fia got owned something hard. >_>;

Go Midori-chan!

And people were wondering how Midori-tachi could beat a Meister?

Fools.

People forget that one doesn't necessarily have to be stronger than one's opponent. They simply have to be smarter. Seriously what Midori did had the word TRAP blatantly spelled out in bright neon lights.

Otome Midori truly is the WIN. ^^

And finally, Mai and Mikoto sorta are back, kinda. Looks like the next episode focuses on them heavily, maybe exclusively. I'm torn about this. I wanted Mai back so very, very much, and yet she only really gets to take part in four episodes; and that is only true if she does take part in every one of the remaining eps. Mai, you got screwed, but I love that you're back. I wanna see you kick some ass! Show 'em how the HiMEs kick it, season one style, yo!

Ya dig?

Yes I dig. I definitely dig! Oh and if it turns out that Mai is Arika's 'Obaachan', which I'm aware as very little chance of happening but I can hope right? ;_;, I shall be quite a happy man indeed. ^^


Sincerely,
Shuten

Edit: I've actually managed to find ONE good thing about Tomoe. She's voiced by Rie "Suigintou" Tanaka. This of course doesn't stop Tomoe from being a reprehensible character but at least she's voiced by someone who's a master of doing characters one loves to hate. Of course I'm disappointed I didn't notice sooner since I should've spotted the similarities between the way Tomoe and Suigintou, of Rozen Maiden,  sound. In fact I didn't even realise they were voiced by the same person until it was mentioned on another message board. -_-;

[Shuten]

Yes I dig. I definitely dig! Oh and if it turns out that Mai is Arika's 'Obaachan', which I'm aware as very little chance of happening but I can hope right? ;_;, I shall be quite a happy man indeed. ^^

Well I'm watching episode 23 raw as I write this and it's safe to say that this episode is the first episode where Mai and Arika meet period. Oh well can't everything I guess.

In all honesty my track record of guessing what comes next has been decidedly horrible. Anyways enough self pity! ;_;

As for the episode itself there are lots of revelations.

1) Miyu confirms that Arika really is the daughter of Rena Sayers and is not the Princess at all. In fact Miyu is the one who found Baby Arika in the first place.

2) Miyu protects Arika because she is a decendant of Alissa. This is the reason Arika's hair glows in what some call "Miyu-Vision". To put it simply this episode pretty much confirms beyond all reasonable doubt that My HiME and My Otome ARE directly connected.

3) Mikoto is Mai's Master. The reason she's not shown wearing the contract ring is... well I'll let you discover the reason for yourselves. It is definitely something Mikoto would do though. ^^;

4) Mikoto is a God.

5) Mikoto has a HiME Mark.

6) Mikoto is quite capable of making Arika her bitch with ridiculous ease. In fact she does it in this episode. ^^;

I would recommend taking some of this with a grain of salt. I don't understand japanese well enough that I can say with one hundred percent certainty that everything above is completely correct. Still I'm pretty sure it all is.

Anyways there are other things but I shall finish off with this.

Oshiete Mikoto-sensei!


Sincerely,
Shuten