Thursday, July 13, 2006

   Strawberry Panic! Ep15
[Posted @ 3:09 PM]
Yesterday, I dreamt that Nagisa ended up with Tamao. Holy crap, is that a bad omen?! *cries* There was even an SD scene where Shizuma and Chiyo looked at the compromising position Nagisa and Tamao were in with clutched fists and ‘pissed’ marks on the back of their heads LOL.

God, I think, no I AM falling in the love with the new OP lol, sooo … ah, how do I put it? Hm, sexy, yes good word haha but there’s nothing revealing in the words, but I just felt that way. Especially at the Amane x Hikari scene, the words ‘Koi o shite [Missing] kuchibiru ka, setsuna sani anata dake o yonda’ Kyaahhhh~ sooo sexy hahaha.

Okok, first, we’re given the bird’s eye view of Astraea Hill while Tamao narrated that St Miator, St Lulim and St Spica collaboratation of Astraea Cultural Day is coming soon, the most enticipated event would be when the students from the junior high school and high school, regardless of the schools will come together to each organize a play, the Ichigo-sha play. Tamao’s praying in front of the Maria-sama statue, Nagisa went over and asked what happening. Just as Tamao’s going to tell Nagisa what happened, scene switched off to the student council meeting between the three schools in the student council room. Rokujou-kaichou read out 3 play titles and asked them to choose one. Shion voted for ‘Phantom of the Opera’, Chikaru said that that play had been acted out 5 years ago so she’s for ‘Carmen’ as it’s quite well suited. Shion raised an objection saying that there are only 2 main characters for ‘Carmen’ and there are 3 schools. Although it’s St Lulim and St Spica’s turn to act while St Miator’s responsible for the backstage preparations, this year’s Etoile [Shizuma] is from St Miator and according to their tradition, the Etoile’s always involved in the play, so that leaves only one place for either St Lulim or St Spica to fill in. Shion continued that according to her, Carmen naturally would be Shizuma and as for Don Jose [The main male character] she felt that Amane’s the best candidate so St Lulim would be left with no major roles. Chikaru replied that she don’t mind lol. Shion acted like everything had been settled and said, well then ‘Carmen’ it is. Momomi spoke up saying that would it be impolite? Kanade added that well after all, St Lulim’s Chikaru-kaichou is a talented actress, Momomi continued, Rokujou-kaichou’s supposed to allocate the roles as she’s responsible for the preparations and to just decide Shizuma to be Carmen and Amane to be Don Jose without consulting Rokujou-kaichou, isn’t it …

Besides, is there a reason to force feed Amane to be Don Jose, Kanade added. Shion went ‘WTF?!’, can’t believing that her ‘comrades’ are actually going against her lol. Outside, Nagisa’s using a cup to eavesdrop the conversation in the student council room lol. Chihaya and Noriko asked what they were doing, both of them turned around and went ‘shhhhh~~~’ as they were doing that, the meeting had ended, Shion slammed open the door and walked out, obviously pissed. Nagisa and Shizuma looked at each other for the first time ever since the incident in episode 12. Nagisa’s blush was apparent as they stared at each other, this time, Shizuma didn’t grope or even call her name, merely smiled and left. Tamao, looking very apprehensive, called out to Rokujou who was walking out of the room, Rokujou smiled and it’s decided to act out the play ‘Carmen’. It seemed that Tamao had proposed to the student council to act out ‘Carmen’, Noriko asked, eh, what’s ‘Carmen’? LoL. Tamao explained the brief summary of ‘Carmen’ [Read the link from Wikipedia]. Rokujou asked Tamao to be their script writer, much to Tamao’s delight and excitedly accepted it. That night, Tamao went on to start her script in full force lol, she even wore a ‘Must Win!’ headband to spur her on. Unexpectedly, Shion visited them and she even brought over a bag of cookies for them. No doubt, Shion’s trying to manipulate Tamao into portraying the image of Carmen into Shizuma and Don Jose into Amane. Using a really ‘act cute’ expression lol, Shion said that she couldn’t think of anyone else other than Amane to be more suitable as Don Jose. Tamao looked on, feeling hesitant as Shion took for granted, saying she look forward to seeing Amane in the play and left. Nagisa said that she really want to see Shizuma as Carmen, Tamao looked on, expressionless.


The next day, the whole of Astraea Hill knew that the play’s going to be ‘Carmen’ this year and the girls were gossiping about the roles of Carmen and Jon Dose supposing to be Shizuma and Amane respectively. [XD Amane x Shizuma] Shion smirked as she heard the rumours spread, thinking to herself that there’s no reason for Rokujou to object to the roles. During dinner, Chihaya and Noriko asked who Tamao had in mind to play the main roles, Tamao replied that the casting would be Rokujou’s decision. Over at the St Spica side, Hikari told Amane that she’s happy that Amane’s starring as Jon Dose for the Astraea play and looking forward for it. Amane turned, blushing, said that if she could, she doesn’t want to act in the play lol. Suddenly, Shion’s voice pierced in, demanding how could Amane not want to act in the play everyone’s looking forward to while displaying her shiny um forehead lol and saying that there’s nothing Amane can’t do lol. Amane looked reluctant, so Shion turned to Hikari for ‘backup’, saying Hikari would like to see it too while trying to put up a begging cute puppy face lol. Amane, left with little choice, sighed and probably agreed. That night, Tamao’s still rushing for her script, Nagisa didn’t want to bother Tamao’s concentration and left the room after leaving a note behind. [The serious expression on Tamao’s face was kawaii~] Scene changed to the St Lulim side as Chikaru’s busy sketching out the costumes for the play while Kizuna and Lemon were um, thumb wrestling haha. Kizuna and Lemon were complaining about the fact that their Chikaru-sama’s popularity was lower than Amane and Shizuma. Chikaru was like sketching away and saying how honoured it was to be ranked under Amane and Shizuma lol. [Sooo Shizuru-kaichou from Mai Hime like XD]

As the two were thumb wrestling, Kizuna said that Chikaru’s most suitable to be Carmen, Lemon added that in terms of acting, Chikaru’s skills were not below Shizuma’s, just then, Kizuna lunged forward and kissed Lemon lol. They fell backwards, Kizuna started to count down and she won. [The game of thumb wrestling, briefly to speak is just to pin the other party’s thumb for a certain number of time, in this case, ten, so Kizuna won. The kiss was well, kinda of random but not random lol as Kizuna probably wanted to catch Lemon unprepared then do the count down, sneaky XD.] Lemon’s only complain was ‘Sneaky.’, probably they did it a number of times perhaps? Haha. Chikaru was perfectly calm too, as she continued sketching and saying she doesn’t mind not having a role in the play as long as she could design the costumes =). [Can’t wait to see the designs Chikaru made, it must be very beautiful considering Kizuna and Lemon’s reactions haha.] Anyways, back to St Miator, Nagisa had left her room to allow Tamao to concentrate on her script writing. As she was looking at the sky, she heard Shizuma’s voice asking her why was she out this late. Nagisa replied that she didn’t want to bother Tamao’s concentration then she said that she really wanted to see Shizuma in the play as Carmen. Shizuma shrugged and replied but she was already the lead last year so this doesn’t seem to interest her anymore. Shizuma went on asking if Nagisa would like to practice the play’s lines with her before the roles were assigned. Nagisa happily agreed. [Really peaceful scene, hard to imagine that Shizuma had attempted to bed Nagisa just hm 3 episodes ago aha, well I’m glad to see that at least they are not shunning each other.] That morning, Tamao finally finished her script and showed it to Rokujou who was impressed and satisfied with it.


During dinnertime, Rokujou announced finalized cast of the play, ‘Carmen’, Shion looking really smug probably thinking everything’s going according to her plan but surprise surprise! LoL. [The way Rokujou’s announced made me feel like she’s reading out 4D or something LOL!!!! I was almost expecting her to say, ‘Consolation Prize, 4879, 3437, 3500, 3884 … LOL.] When Rokujou pronounced the role of ‘Carmen’ goes to … everyone in the room turned their head towards Shizuma lol. But no, the role went to Minamoto Chikaru, St Lulim Student Council President instead! Everyone went ‘EHHH?!’ except Kizuna and Lemon who were hugging each other with glee. The ever modest Chikaru stood up, saying she’s honoured but not sure she was up to Rokujou’s expectations and besides she had to design the costumes too … Rokujou merely smiled and said, sorry to add more to your burden but if you could please work hard on both. Chikaru smiled, thanked Rokujou and turned to everyone bowing and promising to work to her fullest. Everyone clapped. Rokujou continued, next for the role of Don Jose would be given to … scene switched to Amane …but switch to Rokujou announcing, Hanazono Shizuma. Amane breathed out a sigh of relief LOL that was truly hilarious. Shion’s looking very pissed while Kaname and Momomi were looking rather smug at their president’s plan failure. Next, the role for Don Jose’s superior, Lieutenant Zuniga would be Kenjou Kaname [Kaname and Momomi were stunned too] and as Don Jose’s fiancé, Micaela would be Kiyashiki Momomi. [Another stunned look lol]

Lastly, Escamillo, a bullfighter and Carmen’s lover would be given to Ootori Amane [=O], Amane was like stumbling, ‘but but but I …’ lol Hikari was like shinning with happiness and Yaya who saw the expression on Hikari’s face, was crestfallen. As everyone clapped, Shion was like major pissed off. [I love Shion’s expressions when the unexpected cast was read out, classic WTF face lol] Back in the room, Tamao praised Rokujou for having good foresight, as in last year’s play, Chikaru was the 4th or 5th leading actress but her performance was the best. Tamao noticed Nagisa staring at her and questioned her, Nagisa didn’t reply, merely asked Tamao what her assigned role which was to be a backstage coordinator all about. Tamao replied, well, it’s an important role as she has to ensure the actresses get on the stage. Just then, Chihaya opened the door and said that something had happened. Scene changed to the confrontation between Shion and Rokujou at the end of the staircase. Shion’s yelling why wasn’t Shizuma as Carmen when everyone’s so supportive of it? Rokujou replied that the roles were not given according to their popularity but audience’s enjoyment of the well-cast play. Shion retorted, if the audience can’t see what they want to see, is that enjoyable? Besides, Chikaru’s busy with the costume designs, isn’t that inappropriate? Rokujou replied that she believe Chikaru could do both things perfectly at the same time. Turning her side facing Shion, Rokujou placed a harder tone as she say that she felt that she’s pampering St Spica a little, St Lulim, Chikaru took the Carmen role, St Miator, Shizuma took the Don Jose role, while the other three ‘lead roles’ were all given to St Spica, doesn’t that satisfy you in terms of numbers?, Rokujou ended with a sarcastic tone. Defeated, Shion excused herself and stormed off. After Shion left, Rokujou asked Tamao to help Chikaru in the costume designs and as the scriptwriter help the student council in the preparations. Tamao delightedly agreed. [Tamao’s really shining in this episode as she was really involved in the play.]


At the Ichigo-sha, the Junior High students also had to put up a play and they had agreed on ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Yaya seemed to be the overall organizer of the play as she was trying to coordinate everyone. Kizuna began yelling that she want to be Romeo, Lemon yelled she want to be Juliet then, Tsubomi also wanted to be Juliet. As Chiyo wanted to probably say she want to be Juliet, Tsubomi told her that it’s a waste as the students of St Miator were supposed to be in the play preparations. Suddenly Yaya pushed open the scene lol [like a door] and told everyone not to make decisions on their own … besides Yaya murmured, I wanted to be Romeo … [LOL!] Kagome threw Ashibaru in the air, Kizuna translated that as ‘Ashibaru wants to be Romeo too!’ Lemon suggested having an Amidakuji [A Japanese method of lottery] while Kizuna suggested Janken [Scissors, paper, stone]. Meanwhile, Chikaru’s showing her designs to Rokujou and Tamao who were all impressed with it. Back to the Junior High girls, lol they decided to make do with thumb wrestling instead, the last two, Kagome and Yaya compete for the role, Romeo! In the end, Kagome won with no sweat at all lol. Tsubomi walked in and announced, well then, I’ll be Juliet then~ Everyone went …[With some groans and whines lol] LOL till Tsubomi yelled for them to clap haha. [Haha, I like the scenes where Kagome’s toying with her teddy bear, Ashibaru. Very random.] Ohhh, bath scene, Kaname and Momomi were in the bathtub, taking pleasure at Shion’s pissed expressions during dinner time. The two planned to shine during the play and ended the bath scene with a full front kiss and suggestive closing …

Meanwhile, Yaya’s doing her usual angsty expression as Hikari went to look for Amane and even offered to help Amane with her play. At the St Miator side, Shizuma and Nagisa were practicing with each other [I mean the play lines, not what you think perverts lol] outside under the garden lamp. The lines Shizuma said kinda sound like a real life confession, Nagisa followed the script, posing as the haughty Carmen, LOL sooo cute, you have to see the episode to get the feeling, it’s really weird to see Nagisa acting all arrogant and the tone of her voice was so fake lol. [Good job, Mai-san!] The best part was when Nagisa forgotten her lines, she looked up her script book and went on like nothing’s wrong LOL!!! Of course, Shizuma chuckled, no she practically laughed till her tears came out as Nagisa blushed and pouted. Shizuma apologized for laughing and thanked Nagisa for everything in this sweet tone, especially when the way she rolled out ‘Nagisa ... whoa. Nagisa blushed and murmured, ‘Etoile-sama ...’ [A really calm, sweet, innocent pace here.] - END -


I’m seriously looking forward to seeing Chikaru as Carmen, I think she’s really talented and especially after watching her crazy and unpredictable actions in episode 8, I have no doubt she’ll bring out the best as Carmen. 2 kiss scenes in an episode? This is getting crazy lol, they’re seriously trying to make up for the ‘kiss less’ 11 episodes? LOL. Oh the bath scene was hot, haha, alright no comments. XD. Hm, alright Shion don’t make a good manipulator, although she thinks she IS, but she’s not, as everything she did backfire on her LOL. I love the WTF expressions … and the scenes where she made this ‘sweety’ face to gain attention. Ew. Lastly, Strawberry Panic! would never be complete with a little of Yaya angst in between haha XD. Oh by the way, Junior High consist of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders, while the High School consist of the 4th, 5th and 6th graders =). Not very looking forward to Kagome or rather Ashibaru?! as Romeo and Tsubomi as Juliet, lol I have this feeling it’s going to be a comedy instead LOL.

Oh the preview, Kaname with a broom?! A pissed Shizuma protecting Nagisa?! I bet Kaname must had tried to hit on ... um as in seducing or maybe bully Nagisa! Shizuma’s definitely not a pushover like Amane ... to let you have your way *Hmph!* Go Shizuma!

EDIT: I just realized something. Whenever Tamao's busy, away or preoccupied with something, Nagisa and Shizuma's relationship goes very deep and ended up quite shocking lol, like in the greenhouse episode and summer vacation episode. Tamao realized it too however in this episode, she's really into the play that probably gives Shizuma more chances to develop with Nagisa in this 'Astraea Cultural Play' epic. Looking forward to more Nagisa x Shizuma action ... [looking from the preview XD] Ohh yeah, when I rewatched the episode last night, hm I realized the scene where Nagisa and Shizuma were practicing their lines outside, before that, there's a dark shadow from one of the rooms looking down at them. Is that Tamao? Ohhh. Spooky. LoL.

Art: 7/10 [Soso]
Story: 7/10 [Quite an unexpected enjoyable episode lol.]
Characters: 7/10 [Chikaru~!]
Overall: 7/10

Oh yeah, here’s a bonus for being late, brace up for Amane x Shizuma lovers =O, click here. Cya!

[Signing off @ 6:21 PM]
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Wednesday, July 5, 2006

   Strawberry Panic! Ep14
[Posted @ 3:45 PM]
... Germany LOST! WHY?! NO! First Brazil, Now Germany … THE WORLD IS ENDDDDDIIINNNNGGGG!!!

New OP, ‘Kuchibiru Hakuchuumu’ by Aki Misato. Quite a nice, soothing and dreamy pace compared to the fast paced first OP, ‘Shoujo Meiro de Tsukamaete’ also by Aki Misato. I like it, it suits the angsty and more angst development of Strawberry Panic!

Oh yeah, the images rocked, very spoilerish and loved the Amane x Hikari scene best, whoooaaa so … hm sexy? Haha, it’s like Hikari fell backwards, Amane dove in and capture her then they’ll stare at each other for like ages *rolls eyes*. A possible Tsubomi x Yaya coupling as Yaya was singing her heart out in the choir, while the blushing Tsubomi looked on from outside the church doors. Well well, what do we have here, I assume that it’s mystery girl who appeared in the OP, as now we see the hairstyle and the 1 second lol side view of the supposed dead lover of Shizuma, very different from the manga.


Alright, continuation of the cliff hanger in episode 13, well, not really as Yaya narrated briefly the first time when she met an angel, spring last year while she’s slacking off from choir practice in the church. The girls met up again for midnight tea party in Nagisa and Tamao’s room but Hikari’s not there. When asked if Hikari’s coming, Yaya didn’t say the reason and while she’s explaining, the scene changed to Hikari in bed covered with her blanket. The other girls didn’t think much of Hikari’s absence, merely commented that it’s a waste as Tamao had made Hikari’s favourite milk tea and Chiyo had brought over some cakes. Chiyo said that she had baked 6 cakes and only 5 came, so she’s wondering what she was going to do with the extra one. Nagisa replied that she could eat two then lol, Tsubomi called Nagisa, childish. While they were laughing at Nagisa’ silly ways, Tamao noticed that Yaya looked troubled. Chiyo and Tsubomi left the room but Yaya was no where to be seen, it seemed that Yaya asked Nagisa and Tamao if she could stay over the night in their room. While the girls were walking back, Tsubomi apparently had noticed that something must have happened to Hikari and Yaya. Chiyo commented that Tsubomi been don’t look happy too, Tsubomi shrugged that comment off lol. In the room, Nagisa and Tamao slept on Nagisa’s bed while Yaya took Tamao’s bed. Nagisa tried to whisper about stuff concerning Yaya but was hushed by Tamao.


Yaya flashbacked to the scene where she kissed Hikari, pushed her against the door, groped her butt and boobs without breaking the kiss. Hikari’s eyes were rimmed with tears as she retaliated by pushing Yaya away pretty hard then covering her upper body with her arms and cried. Yaya heard Hikari’s crying sounds and was shocked at her reactions, when Hikari asked why Yaya was doing this, Yaya tried to explain but Hikari interrupted by yelling no. Looking at Hikari’s crying face, Yaya hanged her head down in shame. Early next morning, Yaya left, while Nagisa worry about Hikari and Yaya, Tamao said that it’s better for them not to intervene as it’s between the two of them. That moment, they heard loud crashing sounds from next door, it seemed that Chihaya and Noriko were quarreling with each other like an old married couple lol. Chihaya even threw Noriko and stuff outta the room and they were just scolding each other like that while Nagisa and Tamao looked on. When they realized they were being watched, Noriko picked up her books and ran back in LOL. [Sooo funny] That day, during Yaya didn’t went for choir practice, instead she went to the horse ranch to look for Amane. Amane stopped in front of Yaya and started to say that she know she’s Hikari’s friend when Yaya interrupted her by telling Amane that Hikari’s at choir practice. Amane asked Yaya if she likes singing, Yaya replied yes. When Amane asked her if she likes horse riding, Yaya replied, not at all. Both of them formed a tension so thick you can slice through with a paper haha. Amane probably gallantly ‘retreated’ while lowering her cap, hiding her expression and saying it’s a waste. Yaya looked at Amane leaving with a rather strong expression but then relaxed and sighed after that. [Trying to act strong in front of your rival in love huh haha. It’s like Yaya’s trying to provoke Amane to challenge her but she doesn’t seem as strong as she seemed.]


While arranging their clothes, Nagisa told Tamao the reason behind Chihaya and Noriko’s quarrel, Chihaya had always been sewing the archery protect gear for Noriko but Noriko doesn’t like the position and said she don’t want to wear it anymore. Noriko complained that Chihaya didn’t concentrate on sewing and that got Chihaya angry. Tamao doesn’t seem to mind much as she said that they will patch up without them knowing. Nagisa started worrying about Hikari and Yaya again. Just then, Tamao took out the dress she wore when she went back home during the Summer Vacation, Nagisa was suddenly reminded of the red ribbon Tamao gave to her and ran out of the room. At the pool, Nagisa noticed that the pool had been drained and she climbed down to look for it nevertheless. Nagisa searched for it till dusk but still no red ribbon and when she felt like giving up, Oosaki-sensei called her. Oosaki-sensei gave her a box of items that were lost and found in the pool and Nagisa managed to find it. That night, Nagisa returned the red ribbon to Tamao and kept apologizing for forgetting about it. As Nagisa’s about to tell Tamao the reason behind the lost of the ribbon, Nagisa noticed Tamao tying one end of the ribbon to her pinky, Tamao told Nagisa that from the things she lost previously, this red ribbon’s the most precious and she would cherish it forever. When Nagisa asked why Tamao’s tying it to her finger, Tamao replied that so that from now on, Nagisa would be MINE forever! Muahahaha lol.

Over at Chihaya and Noriko’s room, Noriko’s trying to alter her gear by herself, Chihaya saw it and offered to do it much to Noriko’s protest lol. Chihaya then realized that Noriko and grown taller, that’s why she felt so uncomfortable wearing the gear as she had not alter the size. When Chihaya asked why didn’t Noriko just tell her before. Pouting, Noriko replied that Chihaya had noticed without her telling last year … Grinning evilly, Chihaya said that oh, that’s why you were so happy last year … you just want me to notice you is it not? Noriko blushed rapidly lol and refused to answer. [Kyaaahh~ cute development between them XD] Back in Nagisa and Tamao’s room, Nagisa’s tying the other end on Tamao’s pinky while they were chatting about Yaya not going to choir practice again. Nagisa wonder when Hikari and Yaya were going to be friends again, Tamao commented that if they had something to bind them together like the red ribbon in front of them it would be good. Tamao then changed the subject to asking Nagisa whose bed they will be sleeping tonight as they were tied together lollll. The next day, Nagisa and Tamao probably decided to reconcile Hikari and Yaya together, Tamao went to look for Yaya while Nagisa went to look for Hikari. Meanwhile, Yaya brought Tamao to the backyard of the church where she used to slack during choir practices in the church and also the first time met Hikari, her most important friend. Nagisa asked Hikari to bring her to the special place of her best friend and her, Hikari thought for a while and ran off to the special place.


Back to Tamao and Yaya, Yaya kept saying that Hikari’s not going to come as she wouldn’t remember the place because … she has a more important place, scene changed to the horse ranch Amane’s in. Besides, Yaya added, I’m not Hikari’s best friend anymore … [Not after what she done, she thinks] I destroyed the friendship between us … and Yaya grasped her hands very tightly till they were trembling. [That short scene was great, Yaya’s really taking it hard.] Suddenly, Hikari, Nagisa and Tsubomi came over while Yaya looked on, stunned beyond words. Yaya whispered to Hikari that she still remember this place … Hikari told Yaya that because … it’s the most important place where she and Yaya first met. - Flashback - [Holy crap, what happen to Yaya’s eyes … -.-|||] Yaya as usual intend to slack off by going to the backyard of the church, when she opened the door, she saw Hikari at the side leaning against the wall and singing with the choir. It’s like love at first sight for Yaya as she stood there, rooted to the ground, eyes sparkling and gazing at the singing Hikari. Hikari noticed Yaya looking and her, when Yaya moved forward, Hikari turned to run away. Yaya chased after Hikari and predictably, Hikari tripped and fell lol while Yaya fell on top of her. Yaya asked why Hikari’s running since she wasn’t doing anything wrong, not waiting for Hikari to explain, Yaya continued saying that Hikari’s a newly transferred student is she not? Hikari didn’t reply. Yaya asked Hikari if she likes singing, Hikari nodded. Yaya sat up and started singing the choir song, Hikari sung the next verse then later they sung together. After singing, Yaya introduced herself, so did Hikari, Yaya got up, extended her hand out to Hikari and told her to sing together alright?


Hikari blushed, nodded and accepted Hikari’s hand, a friendship was formed. - End of Flashback - The sobbing Hikari said that this was the place where they first met, so, so she would never forget it. Touched, Yaya walked forward and started to try to probably touch Hikari but stopped herself for fear that Hikari might dread her touch … after what she had done and kept on apologizing. Eyes brimming with tears, Yaya tried to explain her actions by saying that that time probably she wasn’t herself. Hikari leaned over to Yaya’s front and apologized too for treating Yaya badly, so they hugged. While doing so, Hikari told Yaya that they would always be best friends forever ne? Yaya looked a little sad for a while then changed to relieve, probably she’s happy that Hikari doesn’t hate her for what she had done and they still could be friends. Yaya probably would be contented on being friends with Hikari then be hated by her. Nagisa, Tamao and Tsubomi looked on, happy that the friends are friends again. The girls had a midnight tea party again, this time Tsubomi brought over 7 cakes, 6 girls but 7 cakes, the extra cake will be given to Nagisa lol. [LOL I love Tsubomi blushing and denying any praises or credits Hikari gave her XD] Nagisa stumbled, huh for me? Yaya’s back to her old teasing self as she added, who else could it be then? Haha. All the girls laughed except Yaya who was grinning away while sipping her tea elegantly. Looking at the laughing Hikari on her side, Yaya thought to herself, yes that time, I met an angel, however, narrowing her eyes, Yaya continued, she’s [Hikari] not only my angel ... [But someone else’s too XO] - END -


The new ED, "Ichigo Tsumami Monogatari" by Mai Nakahara and Ai Shimizu, hm not that I don’t like it but my mood wasn’t there. Although it’s cute, fluffy, strawberry-ish, pink and all but I really prefer “Himitsu Dolls’ more LOL, not because of the kissing scene but I just like the pace. One thing that greatly amused me was the sudden pop up flowery background when Mai and Ai looked at each other LOL, so … manga-like and the kiss on the forehead was sweet too.

I like the angst scenes of Yaya, very well executed, brought out the feelings of Yaya pretty well. The final blow came when Hikari told Yaya to always be best friends together, but Yaya took it pretty well, contented to be just her friend. The confrontation between Amane and Yaya at the horse ranch was lol well quite entertaining, I think it’s the first time they talk to each other. As for Amane lowering her cap down and hiding her expression, I wonder what kind of expression Amane had at Yaya’s apparent dislike at her.

More Nagisa x Tamao as Tamao marked Nagisa hers with red thread of fate lol, more info about the Etoile Battle next episode probably?

Art: 6/10 [Tsk tsk tsk]
Story: 7/10 [Really fast make up ... considering the 100% damage -.-|||]
Characters: 7/10 [Yaya~!]
Overall: 7/10

Sleeeepppyyyy ...

[Signing off @ 11:59 PM]
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Monday, July 3, 2006

   Tours Mai Otome Volume 2 Doujinshi Page 15,16 [END]
[Posted @ 10:01 PM]
Ah, sorry ... last page was a killer ... well not really ... kinda ... ah hope you guys enjoy the last page XD.

Disclaimer:

I DO NOT TRANSLATE STUFF FROM JAPANESE TO ENGLISH.
only Mandarin to English.

I do however refer to the RAW [Japanese] version sometimes when translating to kind of double check and make it more 'Real' cos i like it lol.

I do not scan doujinshis, so i don't claim credit for it, i got the scans from Yamibo, so please do not ask me where I purchase or scan the doujinshi cos I don't.

I do not draw doujinshis, i'm not that artistic =). So i don't claim credit for doujinshi images/pages in this post. I would had clearly stated the author of the doujinshi so go search for him/her/them.

The reason why I had added my blog URL in the pages is cos ... well, I translated the darn thing from Mandarin to English afterall!

Lastly, thank the translator of Yamibo for translating to Mandarin, if not, I wouldn't be able to translate it to English =).

Click on the pictures and out pops a window with a bigger, clearer dimension.

Please do not hotlink on forums, just paste my blog url and direct them to the Manga Page section, thanks.



Page 15's sidenotes;
The title of the book Shizuru's holding in Japanese is '”ü�­�—ƒOƒ‹ƒ�, Ž¸�_5•b‘O' [Bishoujo Gurume, Shitsushin Byoumae] and in English, 'Beautiful Girls Gourmet, 5 Seconds Before Losing Their Senses'. On the side, like BL = Boys Love while GL = Girls Love. '“¯�lŽ�' [Doujinshi] = Fanbook, meaning published by fans. Pretty suggestive title I say lol, even more with the '4 Girls & Fujino Shizuru In ...' XD. As for 'This' and 'That', well you know ... this and that lol.

Page 16's sidenotes;
'‚¨‚Ú‚ñ' [Obon] = Bon Festival or Lantern Festival.

Finally, thank you all for your patience, took me almost 3 weeks -.-||| but I enjoyed it. Sometimes I find meaning in life when I do translations ... haha. Ok while waiting for MegaUpload to upload the zipped format of Doropanda Tours Mai Otome Volume 2 Doujinshi, let me ramble something about my daily life.

Life's been so ... lost for me, after graduation it got even worse but at least I have something to focus now ... that is to get my driver's license within probably 6 months. After that ... I dunno what to do anymore, work? Study? Slack? Dad don't want me to work in his company for too long ... he wants me to go out and get 'bullied' first lol. From young, I don't really have any ambitions ... when people ask me what I wanna be when I grow up, I replied, 'I don't know.' Why? I dunno why. I seriously dunno. Why am I so useless, why don't I have any ambitions for me to look forward or work towards? Once, I seriously considered being a Zoo Keeper haha, but mummy scolded me. Then I don't have any dreams anymore ... life is just blank for me, speaking of which I seldom dream too lol, ahhhh.

Alrighty, enough of sad things, I didn't intend to type sad stuff haha, my life's just so boring. Hm, ok I booked my Theory Practice and Evaluation tomorrow, hope I do well in them then I can go take the Theory Test, after that I'll go for the Final Theory Practice, Evaluation and finally Test then I can go for some Practical lessons yay~ Must get to car ... yawn I'm getting freaking tired ... gotta wake up at 6 AM ... sigh cya.

[Signing off @ 10:42 PM]
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Saturday, July 1, 2006

   Tours Mai Otome Volume 2 Doujinshi Page 13,14 + [Manga] Strawberry Panic Chapter 10 Spoilers
[Posted @ 11:06 PM]
A cute and jealous Natsuki!

Disclaimer:

I DO NOT TRANSLATE STUFF FROM JAPANESE TO ENGLISH.
only Mandarin to English.

I do however refer to the RAW [Japanese] version sometimes when translating to kind of double check and make it more 'Real' cos i like it lol.

I do not scan doujinshis, so i don't claim credit for it, i got the scans from Yamibo, so please do not ask me where I purchase or scan the doujinshi cos I don't.

I do not draw doujinshis, i'm not that artistic =). So i don't claim credit for doujinshi images/pages in this post. I would had clearly stated the author of the doujinshi so go search for him/her/them.

The reason why I had added my blog URL in the pages is cos ... well, I translated the darn thing from Mandarin to English afterall!

Lastly, thank the translator of Yamibo for translating to Mandarin, if not, I wouldn't be able to translate it to English =).

Click on the pictures and out pops a window with a bigger, clearer dimension.

Please do not hotlink on forums, just paste my blog url and direct them to the Manga Page section, thanks.



Page 13's sidenotes;
'ƒOƒCƒ�gƒg ƒuƒ‹�[ƒ€' [Vinto Buru-mu] or short form, 'ƒOƒCƒ�gƒg' [Vinto], WindBloom is the name of a country in the Mai Otome world where Garderobe Academy's located.

The sentence where Shizuru 'asked' from Mai could be interpreted in two ways. Shizuru had used 'ƒVƒe' [Shite] which could be, '‹­‚¢‚Ä' or '‚µ‚¢‚Ä' without the Kanji, meant 'By Force'. To let the sentence flow better, I underlined 'asked' so that it'll feel like it's not 'asked' at all and there's an undermeaning to it. Hope it's understandable.

Page 14's sidenotes;
Likewise in Page 12, ‚�N‚�N‚«‚É', [Ookini] means 'Thank You' in Kyoto-Ben.

Alright, we're almost there, just a page more and author's notes, but I'm not going to translate what the author says cos I'm lazy haha. Just going to edit the ShizNat side pics beside the author's notes out and paste it in one page. I'll probably post them tomorrow.

Oh yeah, to satisfy your thirst for 'Strawberry Panic' lol, here's a teaser scan from Chapter 10 =O =O =O =O !!!!



Amane in the Manga is wayyyyy princely than the Anime, she's also more sensitive to Hikari's feelings and expressions. Amane in the Manga has a better chance in getting Hikari than the Anime's lol XD. Do I hear more Chapter 10 spoilers? Right now I have the RAWs but not the translated one, so I'll just make a brief summary from my own assumption + lousy knowledge of Japanese XD.

Chapter 10 spoilers:
- Title of Chapter 10, 'Eien no Chikai', meaning ' An Eternity's Oath'.
- It's the opening ceremony of the Etoile Battle, the couples went up one by one on stage to swear their vows to their partners and to display their vows via action.
- Tsubomi explained to us how the Etoile Battle works and stuff.
- It's Amane and Hikari's turn, Amane saw Hikari nervous from the tension, carried her in bridal style [see scan above!!!!!!!] and swear her vows [to protect Hikari and stuff] just like that, earning very hyper squeals from fangirls below the stage. Shion, the Emcee of the event looked on, glad that Amane managed to get that much support.
- Nagisa returned back from the library, Chiyo saw Nagisa and told her that everyone's been looking for her. Nagisa doesn't seem to have reaction and Chiyo noticed that.
- It's Shizuma and Nagisa's turn, Shizuma displayed her love for Nagisa by kneeling down in front of her, like a knight asking the princess for hand of marriage. The fangirls went craaaaaazzzy and Shion got worried lol.
- Shion told Shizuma to probably announced her love for Nagisa to be one and only or something like that I'm not sure, it shocked both Shizuma and Nagisa. Nagisa saw Shizuma's hesitated expression and was reminded of the article she saw in the library about Sakuragi Kaori.
- To her surprise, Shizuma took Nagisa's hand and declared to love Nagisa forever. Everyone cheered but Nagisa's not happy about it.
- It's end of the opening ceremony, Shizuma said her goodbyes to Nagisa and left, promising to meet for the next stage of the Etoile Battle.
- Chiyo and Nagisa had a little chat, along the way, Nagisa had some negative thoughts but she yelled 'I don't know!' before she ran off, leaving Chiyo calling for her behind. [I suspect she doubts Shizuma's love for her.] - END -

Hope it's ok, the more detailed review will be on when the translated comes out ... probably within next week =), cya then.

[Signing off @ 11:59 PM]
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Wednesday, June 28, 2006

   Strawberry Panic! Ep13
[Posted @ 11:44 AM]
I�fve been receiving lots of spoilers from those who watched the RAW and I assume everyone knows that Strawberry Panic! is going on a faster pace as relationships were put to the test. First with Nagisa and Shizuma from St Miator, now Hikari and Yaya from St Spica, let Strawberry Panic! Ep13 begin!

It�fs the end of the Summer Vacation soon, Hikari began crossing off the days to the start of the Second Semester because Amane and her had made a promise to meet up after the Summer Vacation. Unlike all uh many other students, Hikari�fs actually looking forward to the end of Summer Vacation and even said if she had strange magical powers, she would wish for the time to pass faster so that the end would arrive soon. [Hikari used the example of the sand in the hourglass to represent time flowing down faster, quite interesting.] Scene changed to start of Second Semester in St Spica, the Evil Lesbians™ [Kaname and Momomi] strikes back as they chatted about their Student Council President, Shion still bent on having Amane to enter the Etoile Battle. Just then, two fangirls walked past, squealing, �eKyaah~ It�fs Kenjou-sama and Sayashiki-sama~ so beautiful~�f, Kaname and Momomi smiled and waved back like �eFake Idols�f XD. Momomi continued that if Amane were to join the Etoile Battle �c Kaname cut in and said, well, whatever, they�fll just have to keep a watch on Amane�fs movements. A brief moment of the St Miator side as Nagisa�fs at the music room where Shizuma and her placed the piano together for the first time. Nagisa looked pretty gloomy and was probably thinking about Shizuma as she played a single tune on the piano, while Tamao�fs outside the door looking sad and listening.

At the St Spica side, Amane and Hikari made a date with each other on Sunday and this was overheard by Kaname who of course had baddddd intentions. Later that night, Yaya suggested to Hikari to have a movie date with Amane because when watching they could be close to each other and could chat about the movie later, a great choice for a first timer. Blushing, Hikari replied that Amane-senpai won�ft think of it as a date between them. Yaya went over, hugged Hikari and asked what she thought of it then? Hikari didn�ft reply, instead she asked Yaya what dress should she wear. Yaya answered that Hikari would look cute in any dress. Hikari told Yaya to stop fooling around and help her seriously because she wants Amane to think so too. Yaya gave a bitter smile at the thought of it. [Poor Yaya, I reckon she truly wasn�ft lying when she said that Hikari would look cute in any dress haha] Evil Lesbians™, Kaname and Momomi were plotting some evil once again to disrupt Amane and Hikari�fs date and once their relationship sours, no one will stand in their way to glory fufufu.


On Sunday, in Hikari and Yaya�fs room, Hikari�fs having troubles buttoning the buttons of the back of her dress while Yaya slyly looked on lol until Hikari asked for help. Yaya commented that the dress fit Hikari well, Hikari wondered if Amane would think so, Yaya replied, of course she would. After buttoning up the dress, Hikari paused for a moment, thinking hard then looking up to Yaya that it�fll be alright since Yaya chose the dress for her right? Yaya nodded. Seems like Hikari took up Yaya�fs suggestion to go for a movie date and they�fre meeting at the train station to the city. Scene changed to Amane walking out of the Ichigo-sha, Kaname and Momomi put their evil plan into action. Back in the room, it�fs late, Hikari put on her hat and left the room happily, leaving Yaya smiling her off but faded when the door closed. Walking along the hallway, Momomi stopped Hikari and asked if she could have a moment with her. Hikari looked defensive and didn�ft reply, Momomi said she won�ft waste much time, Hikari replied what does she want. Momomi responded that it�fs regarding Kaname �c suddenly Kaname appeared from nowhere and abducted Hikari, in the struggle, one of Hikari�fs dress button dropped. Momomi proceed to target two, Amane. In the room, Yaya noticed that Hikari had forgotten her handkerchief and left the room to chase after her. Meanwhile, Hikari�fs been pushed up against the door by Kaname in one of the dorm rooms. Hikari and Kaname heard Yaya�fs calling voice in the distance, Kaname hushed Hikari whose mouth was covered and told her she had something to tell her. Yaya ran out of the Ichigo-sha and thought Hikari already left and even commented, �eWhoa, really fast.�f LOL!

On the other side, Momomi pretended to run into Amane and told her she had something to tell her. Back to Ichigo-sha, Kaname�fs in her metaphor spree again as she told Hikari �c for example Greenhouse Effect/Global Warming, then she began explaining about how Global Warming is caused by Carbon Dioxide and that it�fs general knowledge right? Then she continued that however, there�fs no concrete proof that Global Warming is indeed caused by Carbon Dioxide [REALLY?!] but just an assumption. Kaname then chuckled and said she can�ft express herself very well but her meaning behind those lines was not to blindly believe general knowledge. Looking menacingly at Hikari, she added, yes the general knowledge in your brain thinking �eKaname�fs dangerous.�f Kaname added, �eBut she�fs beautiful and dangerous. Oh so beautiful.�f LOL Pulling Hikari nearer, Kaname told Hikari not to believe that general knowledge in her mind, tipping Hikari�fs chin up, Kaname told her to look and think proper because she�fs such a wonderful and beautiful person �c so is she dangerous? Hikari looked stunned for a moment but she tried to struggle out of Kaname�fs grasp. Kaname snaked her right hand into Hikari�fs dress, remember the button on the back of the dress was torn out? Yeah, she snaked it in from there, hence stopping Hikari�fs struggles. [Hikari knew that if she struggled even more, Kaname must just do it right there and then haha, a smart or dumb move, you make the decision. It�fs like a robber had a knife on his hand and asked you �eMoney or life?�f, you struggle, you�fll get killed, if you let the robber have his/her way, you might live but you lose the money or get killed too. A 100% killed chance or maybe 20% live chance?]


Scene changed back to Momomi telling Amane straight in the face to drop the idea of competing for the Etoile post. Amane replied that she never thought of joining at the first place. Momomi said that that�fs what Amane thinks but the people around her doesn�ft. Momomi continued that everyone looking forward to Amane competing for the Etoile post and that�fs pretty confirmed. Amane looked stunned and asked why. Momomi didn�ft reply and merely said, Konohana [Hikari] is a good girl, think about it, although you might not think so, it doesn�ft mean others think your way and your actions might burden, no, might hurt people around you because of you. Momomi added that those who wanted the Etoile post will see Amane as obstacle so she better handle things cautiously, that her responsibility of being St Spica�fs star idol. Amane looked pretty shocked at that realization. Back in the dorm, Hikari began struggling out of Kaname�fs grasp, Kaname replied, �eI won�ft let you go. That is because the moon is totally beautiful.�f Hikari had a shocked expression on when Kaname said that. Kaname continued that Natsume Souseki is a genius as he translated certain sentence as, �eI Love You�f and pushed Hikari on the bed. Hikari was more terrified than happy when she heard Kaname�fs confession lol. Meanwhile, after Amane heard what Momomi said, she turned to leave. Momomi told Amane that Hikari wouldn�ft be coming because she know it. [Knowing that being with Amane will cause her trouble] Amane got angry and walked off hastily. Yaya walked back to her dorm room, she noticed Hikari�fs dress button on the floor and heard Hikari�fs struggling voice coming from a room.

In the room, Kaname pinned Hikari down on the bed while Hikari began to struggle helplessly. Kaname told Hikari to be hers, forget Amane and leaned down to kiss her. At that moment, Yaya slammed open the door, Kaname stopped her actions, Hikari pushed Kaname away and ran to Yaya�fs side. [=O] Yaya picked up Hikari�fs hat and told her to leave to go meet Amane, Hikari thanked Yaya and left. Yaya confronted Kaname and her evil intention, Kaname denied, Yaya accused her of lying and told her not to do it again. Kaname replied that she only fell in love with Hikari and asked if Yaya had any rights to hinder her love? �eHeh, you can never have the rights�f, Kaname taunted, �eThe way to stop love, is only love.�f Yaya seemed troubled by what Kaname said and left while Kaname�fs telling her to knock the door before entering lol. Kaname smirked, seemed like her plan worked in stirring Yaya�fs heart. Amane�fs waiting at the train station, the train arrived but Hikari�fs nowhere to be seen. Hikari ran to the train station, when she got there, the train had already left and noone�fs at the station. Dejected, Hikari turned and saw Amane sitting on the bench behind her. They sat another train that�fs going opposite where they were going. Along the way, Hikari tried to strike up a conversation with Amane but Amane just gave an uncommitted grunt, Hikari stopped trying as she thinks Amane�fs angry with her. They arrived at the beach, Amane said she liked this place because it�fs peaceful and they walked along beach.


While walking among the sands, Hikari picked up a pink seashell [KANNAZUKI NO MIKO!!!!]. and pink seashells suddenly became the latest symbol of yuri. In the Ichigo-sha, Yaya�fs staring at Hikari�fs dress button and wondered if Hikari met up with Amane. With an anguished expression, Yaya thought about what Kaname said before, �eThe way to stop love, is only love.�f Meanwhile, Amane and Hikari were caught in a heavy rain and they seek refugee in a cave. While waiting in the cave, Hikari apologized and said that Amane�fs angry with her for being late and for not being able to catch the movie. Amane smiled and shook her head saying that it�fs not that. Looking out of the opening of the cave, Amane didn�ft give the reason why, only assured Hikari that that was not the reason. A while later, the rain stopped, it was nearly dusk, Amane and Hikari walked back, Amane noticed one of Hikari�fs dress button missing and asked her what happened. Hikari replied it�fs nothing, Amane assumed it to be Kaname and Momomi�fs doing and pressed Hikari to tell her. Hikari said it�fs alright as Yaya saved her. Amane blamed herself for causing trouble for Hikari. Hikari protested and said that it�fs not Amane�fs fault and that it�fs alright because as along as she could be with Amane �c Amane placed her hands on Hikari�fs shoulders and told her that she felt that way too about Hikari. [Aww~] A barrier was taken off between them as they held hands on the way home. They even held hands when waiting for the train lol, Amane blushed when she saw the smiling Hikari XD. [Kawaii~] On the train, Amane told Hikari that she don�ft wish to cause any more trouble for Hikari but she wanted to see Hikari again. Hikari replied that she too. Hikari fell asleep against Amane�fs shoulders and Amane gently brushed the hair on Hikari�fs forehead smiling at the scene.

In Ichigo-sha, it was almost night time, Yaya asked if she did the right thing by letting Hikari go with Amane. Meanwhile, Kaname and Momomi were having fun in their bathtub lol, Kaname�fs pissed that her plan failed because of Yaya. Kaname said that if she get serious �c Momomi hushed Kaname up and said, I know. [Double meaning LOL!] Yaya�fs practicing to her own reflection how to welcome Hikari back and return the button to her lol. The door opened, Hikari rushed in, thanked and hugged Yaya. Hikari happily told Yaya that Amane said that she would want to see her again. Putting on a really forced and brave front, Yaya replied, I see, that�fs great and even smiled! [... heart ... bleeding ... seeping ...] Yaya tried to return the dress button to Hikari while Hikari took out the pink seashell she picked at the beach as a present for Yaya. Yaya looked stunned and said, it�fs for my sake? Hikari nodded. Yaya placed her hands around Hikari�fs shoulders and the damn �emight miss or kiss scene is coming�f background music played �c again lol. Hikari looked puzzled and asked her what�fs the matter. Yaya�fs face was unreadable, like she just made a big decision, very adult-like, mature ... or she�fs just staring at Hikari�fs lips? Yaya leaned in and kissed Hikari. Hikari was shocked beyond words, as her eyes were wide opened and there were tears in her eyes. Hikari�fs hand dropped the pink seashell in the handkerchief and the scene faded off after showing the pink seashell on the floor and Hikari�fs raised�fs feet. [?!] - END -


Holy crap. HOLY CRAP. What the hell just happened?! That was unexpected ... ok, that was my reaction two days ago. Anyways, it was supposed to be an Amane x Hikari happy moment but it turned out to be more Hikari x Yaya action moment though. As you can see, Hikari�fs really insecure about how Amane would think of her and really dependent on Yaya�fs suggestions on her dressing and stuff. But as Yaya said, �eAny dress would look cute on you, Hikari.�f, I reckoned Amane would agree too lol. Hikari�fs a pretty kid but she�fs not confident enough. I really admire Yaya�fs self control and putting her love�fs happiness in front of her own happiness as she quietly encouraged Hikari to go for it. I love the scene where Yaya just lusted stared at Hikari trying to button her dress lol. After Hikari left happily, Yaya�fs face just fell straight down, reminded me of Chikane from Kannazuki no Miko. Himeko left the house, Chikane�fs face became desperate and she stretched her hands as if she wanted to pull Himeko back. When Himeko turned back, Chikane�fs already in the house, struggling with her own feelings. Ahhhh, so heart wrenching! The Kaname attempt to rape Hikari for the second time scene was rather hm amusing, dunno why, I just felt that way haha, with the metaphors, �eI Love You�f and all but it�fs quite entertaining. What Momomi told Amane at the same time seemed rather true too, Amane really should protect her princess from jealous common people =X. LoL.

Yaya to the rescue scene was hm not as princely as Amane�fs but I couldn�ft help but laugh at the background music when Yaya appeared at the door! LOL! SO FUNNY! Like some cliché Chinese martial arts show where the main actor arrived at the scene LOL really. I felt a little sorry for Hikari when she tried to talk to Amane during the train ride, dense Amane didn�ft realize anything at all, tsk, the flaw of Amane. Sweet scene as they told each other that it�fs enough that they see each other and the holding hands scene~ LoL kawaii~ Amane showed her �eselfish�f side as she confessed to Hikari that she wanted to see Hikari again even though she knew she would trouble Hikari. The problem with them is that they were too �epolite�f with each other, there�fs a distance between them, especially when Amane�fs so dense, doesn�ft explain herself but rather by action and is way shy. Hikari, too self-conscious, blames herself more than praise herself, way shy. Sigh, what will happen to them?

Kaname x Momomi action? Hell yeah! The bathtub scene pretty much summed up their very intimate relationship, such a subtle scene yet so hot lol, leaves a lot to your imagination. Why Yaya kissed Hikari? I presume it�fs because of what Kaname said, �eThe way to stop love, is only love.�f Yaya began to entertain thoughts of stopping Hikari�fs love for Amane with her love probably? As she was in a rather waving mind set, Hikari came back, hugged her and gave her a present, a pink seashell, the latest trend of the symbol of yuri love!!! touched, Yaya decided to show Hikari how much she loves her. It�fs show time. Ohh yeah, why was Hikari on her toes?! Is she meeting up to kiss Yaya? Or was it because Yaya had gripped Hikari�fs shoulders that she�fs on her tip toes? I would prefer to believe the latter though or please tell me the producers are just toying with us. A little trend, first couple victims, Shizuma x Nagisa suffered 50% damages and injuries, second couple victims, Hikari x Yaya suffered 80% damages and injuries from the looks of Ep14 lol. Will they continue to be friends or? Like what Tamao said in the preview, what�fs the difference between love and friendship?

Overall, Yaya pwned this episode. Haha.

Art: 7/10 [Yaya~.]
Story: 8 /10 [CLIFFHANGER!~ OTL.]
Characters: 7/10 [Yaya!~ Yaya!]
Overall: 7/10

My feet are freezing from the air-con in the office ... but now I'm home, yay.

[Signing off @ 9:59 PM]
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Tuesday, June 27, 2006

   Tours Mai Otome Volume 2 Doujinshi Page 11,12
[Signing off @ 8:29 PM]
My brain's feeling really crampy this week, I've been a brainless, worthless fool since start of March ... now I'm cooped up with stupid driving theory lessons. It's been a while since I read ... ok besides, manga, newspapers and magazines. Maybe I should rephrase that ... it's been a while since I studied LOL. Besides, it's end of the month, my 'brain bandwidth' overexceeded, so must wait for next month for it to restart XD.

Disclaimer:

I DO NOT TRANSLATE STUFF FROM JAPANESE TO ENGLISH.
only Mandarin to English.

I do however refer to the RAW [Japanese] version sometimes when translating to kind of double check and make it more 'Real' cos i like it lol.

I do not scan doujinshis, so i don't claim credit for it, i got the scans from Yamibo, so please do not ask me where I purchase or scan the doujinshi cos I don't.

I do not draw doujinshis, i'm not that artistic =). So i don't claim credit for doujinshi images/pages in this post. I would had clearly stated the author of the doujinshi so go search for him/her/them.

The reason why I had added my blog URL in the pages is cos ... well, I translated the darn thing from Mandarin to English afterall!

Lastly, thank the translator of Yamibo for translating to Mandarin, if not, I wouldn't be able to translate it to English =).

Click on the pictures and out pops a window with a bigger, clearer dimension.

Please do not hotlink on forums, just paste my blog url and direct them to the Manga Page section, thanks.



Page 12's sidenotes;
'‚�N‚�N‚«‚É', [Ookini] means 'Thank You' in Kyoto-Ben. Shizuru-sama fans should pretty much know about this =).

'ƒWƒpƒ�gƒO', [Zipangu], Zipang, is actually a name of a country in the Mai Otome world. For your information, Tokiha Mai, Coral Number 1, Natsuki's rival and friend is from Zipang.

I'll do my best to finish up the last few pages by this weekend and I'll probably start on updating the 'Differences In Strawberry Panic! Anime,Manga,Novel [Updates Frequently]' page next week cos work is boring.

[Signing off @ 8:59 PM]
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Monday, June 26, 2006

   Strawberry Panic! Ep13 Screenshot Spoilers
[Posted @ 8:05 PM]
!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SPOILER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don't say I didn't warn YOU!



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Figured I put this space, but sometimes I think, what's the use, you're still scrolling down anyways lol.

Thanks to Ran, I practically ran to my lappy when I came home and went to the Japanese Strawberry Panic! Offical Blog site. The 3 screenshots below are taken from Mori's Ichigo Gari =O.

Click on the pictures and out pops a window with a bigger, clearer dimension.



My own assumption from the screenshots;
Amane and Hikari goes out on a date while jealous and angsty Yaya stays home and wait. The relationship between Amane and Hikari grew deeper. Hikari goes back, overjoyed and began blabbling about her date with Amane. Jealous Yaya couldn't stand it no more and kissed Hikari. - END - Ok, let's see how accurate my assumption is lol.

Preview;
After Yaya kissed Hikari in Ep13, it brings us to the little estranged situation between Hikari and Yaya in Ep14, 'More Than Best Friends', OHHH CAN'T WAIT!!! XD. Will Yaya finally pour all her feelings out in Ep14? How will Hikari reply?

If you can read Japanese, here's a brief summary of Ep14 taken from here.

'‚ ‚鎖Œ�‚ª‚«‚Á‚©‚¯‚Å�AŒõ仂Ɩé�X(‚â‚â)‚ª�ea�ñ�g‚É‚È‚Á‚Ä‚µ‚Ü‚Á‚½�B���»‚Í2�l‚ð�f�ö�f¼‚肳‚¹‚½‚¢‚ÆŽv‚¤‚ª�A‚Ç‚¤‚µ‚Ä‚¢‚¢‚Ì‚©‚í‚©‚ç‚È‚¢�B‚»‚ñ‚È‚Æ‚«���»‚Í�A‚Ó‚ÆŽ©•ª‚Æ‹Ê�‚̊֌W‚ð�U‚è•Ô‚è�uŒõ仂Ɩé�X‚ð‚‚Ȃ®�e厖‚È‚à‚Ì‚ª‚ ‚ê‚Î�A�f�ö�f¼‚è‚Å‚«‚é‚Ì‚Å‚Í?�v‚Æ�l‚¦‚é‚Ì‚¾‚ª... ...�B'

I tried to translate it on an online tranlator, it gave me ... ;

'A certain incident with opportunity, light with at nights (a little) became estranged. The beach sand we would like to be reconciled 2, but you do not know whether why it is good. If such a time the beach sand suddenly by your look back at the relationship of ball blue and "light with are important ones which at nights are connected, with can be reconciled? "With you think, but .......'

LOL!!!

Anyways, while surfing around for Strawberry Panic! stuff, I chanced upon a Strawberry Panic! Character quiz, curious, I took it ... guess who I turn out to be?! LoL.

Which Strawberry Panic! Character Are You Most Like?

You are Otori Amane! You race horses for St. Spica, as part of the Equestrian club. You are the Prince of the schools. Basically, you would make a better boy than girl, but who am I to judge? You are really suave with the ladies but you seem to have developed an attachment to Hikari-chan. She gave you a scarf, the only present you have accepted from one of your fans! You attend St. Spica.
Take this quiz!


Quizilla |Join | Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

=O.

[Signing off @ 8:24 PM]
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Sunday, June 25, 2006

   Differences In Strawberry Panic! Anime,Manga,Novel [Updated 13th July 2006]

Latest Update On 13th July 2006, 11:45 AM to 6:13 PM]
- NEW ADDITION [Picture] Map of Astraea Hill : Anime [Taken From Episode 15]
- Updated [Picture] 1. Strawberry Panic! Characters Illustration of All Three Girls Schools On Astraea Hill : [Manga Only]
- Updated [Picture] 6. Overview of Other Characters Designs in St. Spica's Girl's Institute : [Anime & Manga]

Notes: Very careless mistake, Momomi's surname is supposed to be KIyashiki not SAyashiki ... animenewsnetwork.com got it wrong and I copied and pasted from there arghhhhh.

See Previous Updates:

1. Originally Posted On 25th June 2006, 5:27 PM to 11:50 PM.
2. Update On 08th July 2006, 5:33 PM to 6:20 PM]
- NEW Addition [Picture] Three All-Girls Schools' Crests : [Manga & Novel]
- NEW Addition [Individual Pictures] 2. Overview of the Major Characters Designs in St. Miator Girl's Academy : [Anime, Manga & Novel]
- Updated [Picture] 8. Unconfirmed Characters : [Mystery Girl ?]
- Updated [Link] Media Works - Strawberry Panic! Site
3. Update On 09th July 2006, 1:11 PM to 3:50 PM]
- Updated [Picture] Map of Astraea Hill : [Currently found only in the Manga]
- Updated [Picture] The Three All-girls schools located on Astraea Hill : [Anime & Manga]
- NEW Addition [Picture] 1. Strawberry Panic! Characters Illustration of All Three Girls Schools On Astraea Hill : [Manga Only]
- NEW Addition [Individual Pictures] 3. Overview of the Major Characters Designs in St. Lulim Girl's School : [Anime, Manga & Novel]

I'll be constantly updating this post so that I get the facts right as time goes by and when new stuffs comes out. If you want to add anything in too, please feel free to email me about it, I'll credit ya =).

Map of Astraea Hill : [Anime & Manga]

Anime [Taken From Episode 15] :


Manga:


The Three All-girls schools located on Astraea Hill : [Anime & Manga]



Three All-Girls Schools' Crests : [Manga & Novel]



WARNING: Contain Spoilers!!!!!!!!!!
[Don't say I didn't warn ya!!!!]









1. Strawberry Panic! Characters Illustration of All Three Girls Schools On Astraea Hill : [Manga Only]

The relationships chart of the Strawberry Panic! Characters. Click picture to view enlarged version.



2. Overview of the Major Characters Designs in St. Miator Girl's Academy : [Anime, Manga & Novel]




Aoi Nagisa -
[In Manga]:
4th Grade, Moon Class, Klutzy, dense and expressive.


Hanazono Shizuma -
[In Manga]:
6th Grade, Snow Class, Number One Star Idol, Etoile. *Etoile = Star in French.


Tsukidade Chiyo -
[In Manga]:
1st Grade, Flower Class, Timid and shy individual, admires Nagisa very much.


Suzumi Tamao -
[In Manga]:
4th Grade, Moon Class, Nagisa’s best friend and likes to see Nagisa’s bothered expression.

3. Overview of the Major Characters Designs in St. Lulim Girl's School : [Anime, Manga & Novel]




Hyuuga Kizuna -
[In Manga]:
2nd Grade, B Class, Active and cheerful individual.


Minamoto Chikaru -
[In Manga]:
5th Grade, A Class, Student Council President of St Lulim.


Byakudan Kagome -
[In Manga]:
1st Grade, C Class, Her best friend is her teddy bear, Ashiba.


Natsume Lemon -
[In Manga]:
2nd Grade, B Class, Cheery but timid individual.

4. Overview of the Major Characters Designs in St. Spica's Girl's Institute : [Anime, Manga & Novel]



5. Overview of Other Characters Designs in St. Miator Girl's Academy : [Anime & Manga]



6. Overview of Other Characters Designs in St. Spica's Girl's Institute : [Anime & Manga]



7. Characters who only appeared in Anime : [As yet ... ?]



8. Unconfirmed Characters : [Mystery Girl ?]



I'll be slowly updating the individual differences of each character in Strawberry Panic! between the Anime and Manga as well as unevitable spoilers in between. So please take note and check out this post every now and then.

As for the novel, well I can't really read Japanese so I'm skipping that. I'll just post up the Character Designs for the novel only for all who were curious to see how they looked like ... haha.

Please correct me if I'm wrong in any of the information above, I'm trying to make this as informative and accurate as possible =).

If you like, you maybe also check out these wonderful sites for information about Strawberry Panic! and usually they were the places I got my information from =) ;
Wikipedia - Strawberry Panic! | Strawberry Panic! Offical Japanese Website | Strawberry Panic! Offical Japanese Blog Site | Yamibo | Media Works - Strawberry Panic! Site

[Signing off @ 6:13 PM]
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Friday, June 23, 2006

   Tours Mai Otome Volume 2 Doujinshi Page 9,10
[Posted @ 9:33 PM]
Ah, sorry, was watching the Gokujou Seitokai episodes I missed on youtube this afternoon ... XD. Anyways, I'm dropping Gokujou Seitokai ... it's been dragging freaking too long and I don't seem to have the motivation to blog on it any longer. Besides, I'll probably be going to work soon and I think blogging StoPani is enough for me XD and probably do some manga reviews and stuff, dunno.

Disclaimer:

I DO NOT TRANSLATE STUFF FROM JAPANESE TO ENGLISH.
only Mandarin to English.

I do however refer to the RAW [Japanese] version sometimes when translating to kind of double check and make it more 'Real' cos i like it lol.

I do not scan doujinshis, so i don't claim credit for it, i got the scans from Yamibo, so please do not ask me where I purchase or scan the doujinshi cos I don't.

I do not draw doujinshis, i'm not that artistic =). So i don't claim credit for doujinshi images/pages in this post. I would had clearly stated the author of the doujinshi so go search for him/her/them.

The reason why I had added my blog URL in the pages is cos ... well, I translated the darn thing from Mandarin to English afterall!

Lastly, thank the translator of Yamibo for translating to Mandarin, if not, I wouldn't be able to translate it to English =).

Click on the pictures and out pops a window with a bigger, clearer dimension.

Please do not hotlink on forums, just paste my blog url and direct them to the Manga Page section, thanks.



Page 9's sidenotes & probably spoilers;
In Mai Otome, when Shizuru Viola was a student in Garderobe Academy, she was Number One of the Three Pearls, the equivalent of Garderobe's Student Council which is also known as 'Trias'. At that moment, Natsuki Kruger who was a year younger, was Coral Number Two. Each student in the Pearl grade were assigned two room attendents from the Coral grade to assist the Onee-samas. It seems that Natsuki used to be Shizuru's 'personal' room attendent back in the old days ... XD.

Page 10's sidenotes;
Uh, I'm not sure how to phrase the 'Robot Walk' thingy, because the translation went like 'Walking with left hand and leg together then walking with right hand and leg together' and it's just way too long. Then suddenly I thought of how robots walked and decided to use 'Robot Walk' instead lol, I even tried it out on myself haha and it really does seem like a robot XD. Hope it sounds ok ...

Alrighty, time to continue watching Gokujou Seitokai episodes ... cya

[Signing off @ 10:01 PM]
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Thursday, June 22, 2006

   Malaysia Genting Highlands Trip Day 1 and 2
[Posted @ 4:15 PM]
Got up at 5 AM, bathed then left home at 6 AM to the bus stop where the bus would pick us up. We waited for around 30 mins there, I was feeling damn restless and tired cos I slept at 2 AM lol. Anyways, when the bus arrived, my mum's cousin asked me to help her fill up the form for entry to Malaysia ... i was like, wtf?! LoL.

The bus was like rocking, bumping up and down and you asked me to write for five persons somemore ... almost died. Anyways, I was in a 'ok la, anything la' mood that morning, so I didn't say anything, I was alright with it. So we reached the Tuas custom checkpoint at hm around 7 AM, did the usual thingy there ... then arrived at J.B at around 7.30 AM, it was pretty fast. Then we had our LONG AWAITED breakfast at around 8.30 AM, I was like freaking STARVING! We had chee cheong fun, wan ton noodles and kuey chup ... so niceeeee~

It was around 9:15 AM when we finished, so we board the bus and continued the journey but damn bus driver was smoking IN the bus also ... damn damn damn. So I moved to the back lol, so comfortable, two seats by myself heh. By the time we reached Genting Highlands, it was like 5 PM le ... by the time we checked in the hotel, placed our bags in the hotel room, it was 6 PM ... so we went around shopping and went to the arcade to play~~~!

I think we spent around 50RM that night, with the arcade games and I managed to get my bros to accompany me to sing to a song in the cute K-Box uh room there haha. One song for 1 RM, expensive? I dunno, I was just curious what, never see before hahaha. I chose 'Yuan Dian' by YanZi and Tanya~~ Haha, I sung both versions by myself, my brothers were like, 'It's boring, get me outta here.' Haha. After playing for a while, it was 7.30 PM so we went to KFC for our dinner~~

I love Malaysia's KFC because the chickens were so juicy and pretty much oil-free XD, sooo yummy. We bought the Combo B, then got 15 pieces of chicken, 2 mashed potatos, 1 cheese wedges, 1 coleslaw then I called another 2 cheese wedges and two large coke. I had three pieces, Chuz had four, Fish had three, Mum had three and the maid had two. Soo full~ haha. Anyways, after that, mum went shopping, we went to the arcade to play again~ because there're no good seats for the movies -.-|||. I wanted to watch 'Cars' but the seats left were the 1st and 2nd rows lol, see what shit la lol. X-Men 3, we watched before le, then 'The Omen' was at 11.15 PM, which was too late ... so we spent another 40RM on games till around 10 PM, we went back to the hotel room.



Along the way, we stopped by Starbucks and bought Ice Frappuccino®~~~ I had chocolate, Chuz had mocha while Fish had green tea lol. I think Fish regreted choosing green tea haha, dunno why he chose a drink he never drank before.


The next morning, woke up at 8 AM, left the hotel room at around 9.15 AM to the outdoor theme park~~~~ Bought 3 adult tickets for 108RM then first stop was the Green House cos we were waiting for the Spinner to start hahaha. After that, we sat the Cyclone, funnn~. Next we sat the Pirate Train, boooooring, I recommend you NOT to sit, it's damn boring, not scary, just nothing. After that, I, myself, alone, went to the Space Shot LOL, SO FUN!!! Very intense, it's like my heart dropped down. The Space Shot used to be this rapid vertical ascent ride but now it's rapid descent ride, wah it's even more thrilling haha. The view was GREAT from the top, when I was going up, I was like, ehh why haven't we reached the top yet? Haha, the 6 seconds of slow ascent was like 6 hours to me. Then suddenly, it just fell, I can't even scream but my brain was going 'HOLY SHIT!' Hahaha.

Anyways, let me tell you this damn funny incident, my bros and I went going to the Corkscrew ride but it was closed at that time, then when I turned and looked up the sky, I saw 20+ pieces of MONEY [It's blue, so it's 50RM!] flying out of a man's shirt pocket while that guy was sitting the Space Shot LOL! I was like 'WAH It's RAINING MONEYYYYY!!!' LOL. My bros and I then went around where the money could had fell for money hunt but didn't managed to find any la lol. While there, we sat the Space Adventure, it was another quite boring ride.


After that, it was kinda drizzling ... when we queued up for the Flying Dragon ride, damn, it was our turn next, the staff came up and said it's temporarily closed because of the rain. I was like WTF, I'm not leaving this freaking place till I sat the ride! LoL. Stupid rain, made us wait for 30mins then it was open again, so Chuz and I went up, Fish stayed behind cos he's scared. Anyways, the Flying Dragon would pass through the indoor theme park right above where the KFC, Burger King and Mac Donalds' were situated lol so I told Chuz to yell 'I LOVE KFC!' when we pass by there LOL!!!!! We did, and it's so freaking funny hahaha. After that, we wanted to go to the Rolling Thunder Mine Train but it was closed, so went back and sat the Monorail ... wait for around 20mins again before we got up and wasted another 15mins on it lol. It's all Fish's fault, he wanted to sit on it.


By the time we got off the Monorail, it was like 2 PM, so we rushed up to queue for the Corkscrew cos it's opened now, BUT, it rained HEAVILY and it was temporarily closed AGAIN! DAMN, why?! When it's our turn next again! WHY?! So we ran back to the shelters to wait for the rain to stop but after waiting for 30mins, it got heavier ... DAMN. So we left the theme park to have lunch at Burger King, had the family meal lol. After we finished it was 2.45 PM, we saw the Flying Dragon operating again but we haven't got time to walk back up to the Corkscrew ride so Chuz and I played the new ride, Flying Coaster, which was nearer to us, paid 10RM each but we still had to wait 20mins for it to test run and stuff. So when we got up the ride, it was 3.35 PM and the ride finished in less than 5mins LOL, so we rushed back to the hotel lobby to meet mummy. After that, we left at 5 PM ... damn I could HAD played the Corkscrew ... I was freaking pissed. Anyways, by the time we arrived home, it was like 1.30 AM ... bathed, went online, then slept at 4 AM haha.

Oh yeah, click here to see the list of rides in Genting Highland theme park XD.

That's all I guess, expect Doropanda Tours Mai Otome Page 9 and 10 tomorrow XD.

[Signing off @ 5:55 PM]
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