Wednesday, August 16, 2006

   Strawberry Panic! Ep20
[Posted @ 10:22 AM]
A dash of angst and humour each in this episode of Strawberry Panic!


Autumn in Strawberry Panic! world as the leaves on the maple trees were turning yellow and slowly painting the roads in gold. Autumn also meant that the day of the Etoile Election is fast approaching, the students from three schools were very excited about it wondering who will be representing their respective schools. Scene switched to fan girls squealing as Amane walked past and the Evil Lesbians™ looked on from the second floor looking a bit pissed haha. Back to Tamao who was walking along the forest and suddenly realizing that the autumn wind was this cold. Zooming back to the last scene where Nagisafs leaning against Rokujoufs back, sobbing. Rokujou apologized to Nagisa for burdening her with her hopes of Shizuma regaining to her old self and forgetting that girl. Rokujou apologized again for burdening this impossible task on Nagisa. Nagisa sobbed even harder. The scene was heard by Tamao who was listening behind the closed door. The next morning, Nagisa actually woke up early =O, probably even earlier than Tamao and was hollering out through the window about what a beautiful day it was and time to study hard. [Holy crap did some space alien just swapped the real Nagisa?! LoL] Tamao looked on, still looking worried for Nagisa. Chiyo, Kagome, Kizuna, Lemon and Tsubomi were walking out of the Ichigo-sha gate when Nagisa suddenly sprinted past them, greeting them along the way and Tamao was like eWait for me, Nagisa-chan~.f Chiyo commented that Nagisa Onee-samafs seemed to be full of vigor this morning. Tsubomi joked that if you take away Nagisa Onee-samafs vigor, she would be left with nothing. LOL [I actually burst out laughing when I heard that haha, how true but mean of Tsubomi haha] The Lulim girls were laughing at Tsubomifs joke but Kagome wasnft as she looked a little concerned.

Shizumafs in her greenhouse watering her plants ... well not really as she was stoned at the spraying position for quite a moment hahaha. Unlike the time she was happily water her plants and making silly grins and smirks. Another shock! Nagisafs actually paying attention in class!! She was even nodding and scribbling notes on her notepad. Itfs twelve noon and lunch time, over at St Spica, Yaya asked Hikari to go to the cafeteria. Hikari apologized saying that she made a promise, Yaya repeated, eA promise?f. Hikari didnft say anything else and left the classroom. The girls in the class were saying about something between Hikari and Amane, Yaya overheard them and left looking not too happy about it. Standing below the eLove Treef, Shizumafs doing her angst thingy again. Nagisa and Tamao were walking through the golden-filled forest. Walking backwards with her front facing Tamao, Nagisa said shefs hungry and suggested that they eat their lunches then and there lol. Tamao replied that itfs Nagisa who suggested before that because it was a beautiful day so they had to find a beautiful place to eat in. Nagisa looked a little disappointed lol. Tamao said that after walking through this forest c *gasp* Tamao continued in this anxious voice that they eat their lunch by the lake instead and pushed Nagisa away from the path through the forest. Tamao had noticed Shizuma walking towards them and probably for Nagisafs sake, tried to avoid Shizuma for now. Shizuma saw the scene but didnft show much expression about it.


Meanwhile, the person Hikari had made a promise to meet up was indeed Amane =) leaving Yaya alone to feed the pigeons at the rooftop. Shizuma went to Kaorifs room and stayed there for the whole afternoon. During dinner, Nagisa was uncharacteristic in her way-too-happy mode, Chiyo noticed that Nagisa didnft manage to finish her food but Nagisa simply brushed it off saying she had enough. Both Kagome and Tamao were looking concerned for Nagisa. After dinner, the girls were sitting around chatting, Kizuna told the others that Shizuma had been acting strangely these days. Lemon added that she heard from others that Shizuma didnft attend classes too. As the girls were wondering what happened to Shizuma, Chiyo noticed Nagisa staring blankly away and asked her whatfs the matter. Nagisa snapped back and said eh, oh yes, is it time for dinner yet? [LOL Shefs going senile] The girls laughed at the ejokef except Kagome and Tamao. Itfs bedtime, the girls returned to their rooms, as Tamao was about to open the door to their room, Nagisa said that she forgot something and ran back. Tamao looked at the retreating figure of Nagisa and seemed worried for her. Nagisa had gone to the music room where she and Shizuma first played the piano together in episode 6. Staring at the piano keys, Nagisa flashed back to the time they last played together in episode 17. Clutching her hands, Nagisa flashed back to the time in episode 18, biting her bottom lips, she flashbacked to Shizumafs smiling face at her. As tears threatened to flow down Nagisafs face, a voice of concern interrupted her thoughts.

Surprisingly, itfs Kagome with Ashibaru standing at the side. Nagisa puts up her happy mask again but Kagome wasnft convinced. Nagisa walked over to Kagomefs side and asked her whatfs the matter. Kagome asked ... eWhy? ...f A long pause. eWhy are you crying?f Nagisa was stunned for a moment before she replied that she wasnft and ... the tears suddenly flow down Nagisafs cheeks before she knew it. Clutching her uniform, Nagisa tried to force down the tears but failed and began to wipe her tears while trying to cover it up. Kagome added, eYou were crying all the time is it not?f Unable to hold on anymore, Nagisa sank on her knees, covering her face and started sobbing hard. [Nagisa probably didnft want to let anyone worry about her and even covered her face so that no one could see her cry] Kagome did the unexpected as she used Ashibarufs puny paws to comfort Nagisa lol. Tamao arrived and also tried to comfort Nagisa by hugging her. The rest of the girls were worried about Nagisa as they gathered outside Nagisa and Tamaofs room. Chiyo asked if there was anything they could do to help. Tamao replied that itfs better to leave Nagisa alone for a while tonight as we see Nagisa continued sobbing in her bed. The next morning, the girls were walking out of the Ichigo-sha to school but Nagisa seemed to be sick as she didnft attend class. Chiyo, Kagome, Kizuna, Tamao and Tsubomi were all worried about Nagisa that they were half-hearted in whatever they were doing.


At St Spica, Student Council room, our Evil Lesbians™ were reminding Shion about the approaching date for the Etoile Election, when Momomi asked whatfs St Spica going to do this year, Shion just kept quiet. Kaname smirked and said that Shion only need to choose an Etoile from St Spica is it not, even so Shion still fixed on her decision to get Amane to participate in the Etoile Election hm? Shion asked whatfs the meaning of that. Kaname told Shion to consider properly as they had to get someone everyone agreed on to participate. After saying that, both of them turned to leave. Shion thought to herself, how could they just choose anyone just like that, that person had to be on par with Etoile [Shizuma]. eIfll never give upf, Shion swore. [Oooh bitchy haha] At the St Lulim side, Kagome, Kizuna and Lemon told Chikaru about Nagisa and they wondered what they could do to make Nagisa happy again. Meanwhile, Nagisafs standing by the lakeside, holding the key pendent in her hands and staring at it before she pulled it back to throw it in the lake. However, the trembling Nagisa didnft managed to throw it as she sighed, grasped the key pendent close to her chest and fell on knees. Later, the juniors were having a meeting at the Ichigo-sha gate, the St Lulim girls told Chiyo and Tsubomi to make something nice to eat for Nagisa. Flashback to Chikaru thinking hard and suggesting to her juniors to cheer Nagisa up by making some nice for her to eat. Tsubomi was like eSuch an innocent idea ... if even Nagisa likes to eat but ...f Chiyo interrupted and said that if they were to sate Nagisafs appetite, she will return to her old happy self. The girls then agreed in union that if itfs Nagisa Onee-sama c the idea might just work lol. The girls then discussed what they should make, something sweet? Cake? Strawberry tarts? Seasonal cakes? Kagome murmured, roasted chestnut ... Tsubomi clapped her hands together and suggested chestnut cupcake then =) and everyone seemed to be in favour of it.

Kizuna added that to make it as big as a mountain lol and they went in the eYeah, letfs do it positionf. Lemon quipped that whether they would be able to make it? Gloom mode, lol. Chiyo then suggested that they make cookies then lol. [All that discussion for nothing haha] =O, Tamaofs full side view shower scene, Tamao exited the shower and noticed that Nagisafs in bed already in this crouching position. Therefs a knock on the door and Rokujou asked Tamao out for a talk. Rokujou asked about Nagisafs condition, Tamao replied that itfs better to leave Nagisa alone to cool down first. Tamao asked about Shizuma, Rokujou just sighed. Scene switched to Shizuma sitting on the chair beside the desk and looking at the photo of Kaori and her back in episode 18. Meanwhile, Chikarufs sketching a design on her pad but her heart wasnft into it as she wondered if the juniors were okay. Scene switched to Chiyo, Kagome, Kizuna, Lemon and Tsubomi having a hard time baking cookies for Nagisa lol. Kagomefs once again surprisingly good at baking cookies though. At the Ichigo-sha, Hikari and Yayafs room, Hikarifs practicing her singing and asked for Yayafs opinion. Yaya leaned over to Hikarifs side to point out the part on Hikarifs choir book when Hikari gasped and moved back. Yaya realized that Hikarifs shunning her and moved back stunned as well. Hikari apologized and tried to give a reason but Yaya said that itfs her fault for scaring Hikari. Hikari looked away, saying that itfs not it, just that she felt a little ticklish. Looking still a little surprised, Yaya replied that she understood. [Whoa, Ifm feeling that therefs a built up in this sudden tense relationship here]


Back in Nagisa and Tamaofs room, Tamao returned from her talk with Rokujou and found Nagisa sitting on the edge of her bed. Nagisa told Tamao that ... it ... it would be good if she had not entered St Miator. Tamao looked stunned for a moment. Nagisa continued that if she had not entered St Miator, she wouldnft had met Shizuma and wouldnft had to experience this kind of feeling. [Love? Pain?] Tamao cut in and told Nagisa not to say that. Nagisa was a little surprised probably itfs the first time she saw Tamao this agitated. Tamao calmed down, sat beside Nagisa and told Nagisa to listen to her story about a certain girl. eA certain girl?f, Nagisa asked. Tamao continued that itfs about a first grade student living in Ichigo-sha, that girl donft know why she wasnft roomed with anyone. eOne day, someone will be your room mate.f, she was told, but the other girl still had not arrived. That girl kept waiting for the other girlfs arrival, the later days would be very happy but the other girl never came. [Ifm thinking that the girl Tamaofs waiting was Kaori but due to Kaorifs weak health, she wasnft roomed with Tamao. Ifm pretty sure about it lol, however itfs kinda ironic that Tamaofs supposed room mate to be Kaori and Nagisa to be the one to fill that position two years later.] Three years later, Tamao added brightly that a girl transferred to St Miator and she was being roomed with her, and so, the transferred girl arrived. Tamao then flashbacked to the time Nagisa had fainted and was lying on bed with Tamao looking down at her happily. Tamao continued that after the transfer girl came, everyday was very happy and even more than she expected.

Further more, the transfer girl was always smiling and filled with happiness, people around were drawn to her energy and smile. Nagisa was touched by Tamaofs words. Tamao blushed, turned and thanked Nagisa. Tamao added that shefs really glad Nagisa came to St Miator so please donft say that it would be good if Nagisa had not entered St Miator. Nagisa seemed emotionless about it. Tamao added again that even if Nagisa could not make her most important person smile, but Nagisafs smile had spread to everyone around here. Nagisa still seemed reluctant about it. Tamao urged Nagisa to cheer up, as itfs everyonefs desire. eEveryone?f, Nagisa repeated. Covering her hand over Nagisafs, Tamao said that everyone likes Nagisa, stood up, opened the door and lol the juniors came tumbling out through the door. Nagisafs surprised that everyonefs there. Tamao confirmed to Nagisa that everyonefs concern about her. The juniors, one by one supported Nagisa by telling her to cheer up soon. Chiyo then presented the cookies they made to Nagisa, Lemon added that if Nagisafs appetitefs sated, Tsubomi continued that then Nagisafs vigor will return back! Finally cheering up and touched, Nagisa apologized for worrying them and suggested that they have a tea party =).


The girls then sat around a round table and started their tea party. Nagisa seemed to be back to her normal smiling self as she drank tea, ate cookies with everyone. All the girls were smiling as they went back to their room, Kizuna and Lemon were sleeping together with smiles on their faces, Kagome with Ashibaru looking comfortable that Nagisafs alright now and Tsubomi singing happily in the bathtub =O, lastly, Chiyo looking out of the window, glad that Nagisafs feeling better. Back in Nagisa and Tamaofs room, Tamao kneeling beside the sleeping Nagisa, staring at Nagisafs peaceful sleeping face. Tamao started with eEveryone ... no I ... like you ...f and she leaned towards Nagisafs side ... [Not sure if Tamao kissed Nagisa or not c maybe just on the cheeks, I highly doubt itfs the lips though.] - END -


Not much Shizuma, just some scenes of her in angst about her memories of Kaori and stuff. This episode is more of Nagisa and Tamao, Tamao kinda confessed to Nagisa but too bad Nagisafs sleeping but youfll never know, Nagisa might be awake? LoL. A surprisingly development for Kagome-chan, never knew shefs such a observant person aha. Oh, I love the scene where Kagome just broke Nagisafs barrier just like that, itfs getting way too freaky for Nagisa to be that happy after episode 19 lol. Ok, I mentioned this before about Tamaofs supposed room mate, so I was reckoning it to be Kaori, because shefs the only person to be in St Miator yet not in St Miator at the same time lol besides this will get even more interesting if Nagisa knew about it. Itfs like Tamao vs Shizuma all over again if Kaori were to be roomed with Tamao right in the beginning. Ohh the irony. Anyways, itfs not unexpected to know Nagisafs really popular with the juniors ... and from the spoilers in the tagboard, thanks to Dorazz, the popular Tamao seemed to be participating the Etoile Election with the equally popular Nagisa =O. How will Shizuma react? Well gotta wait till episode 23? Haha.

Oh yes, almost forgot, the tension over at the St Spicafs sidefs building up again, although Hikari and Yaya made up after the incident at the end of episode 13 and in episode 14, Hikari still bore the emotional scars of the aggressive Yaya, will Yaya tear under the stress again? Anyways, anyone noticed that after that incident, Hikari seemed to be bolder in approaching Amane. Like in episode 15, the Carmen play episode, Hikari offered to help Amane in the scripts and in episode 16, after the play, they were casually chatting with each other. In episode 17, Hikari seemed to be seriously waiting for Amane while Yaya just stormed off leaving her alone. Is Hikari trying to approach Amane in hopes of dashing Yayafs advances? How cruel c itfs just my theory, might not be true haha. Go Tsubomi x Yaya =D.

Art: 7.5/10 [Quite good close ups in this episode, Nagisa looked cuter, Kagome looked really serious and cool]
Story: 7/10 [Nagisafs really lucky.]
Characters: 8/10 [Tamao~.]
Overall: 7.5/10

Oh, the preview looks exciting, the conversation between Nagisa and Tamao ... sounds disturbing to a Nagisa x Shizuma supporter [Flashback to my dream of a Nagisa x Tamao ending ... ahhh nooooo~] and a pissed off Shizuma looks hot heh.

Oh yeah, do you guys know that the Strawberry Panic! Novel Volume 2 is out? I'll do a write up on it tomorrow about the beautiful cover and coloured posters inside XD. Oh, I can't read Japanese though argh, haha. Meanwhile Strawberry Panic! Manga Volume 2 will be out on 27th September 2006 wheee.

[Signing off @ 5:00 PM]
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