Okazu

Yuri Manga: Blue, English translation

I have previously reviewed the manga Blue, by Kiriko Nananan and the live action movie based on it. But now the Blue manga is available in English translation (and is, of course on the Yuricon Shop) and so, deserves a second look...

...actually, no it doesn't. LOL Upon re-reading my earlier review, I find that nothing has changed from my original reading of the manga itself. Which does bring me to this point - this translation, and the edition as a whole is remarkably good. Especially as the translation into English seems to have been done by a French company. (Don't ask me...) All I can say is that from the quality of the paper and the reproduction of the art, to the translation itself, this may well be the *best* translated version of a manga I've ever seen.

Ratings:

Art - 6 Very, very stark
Characters - 6
Story - 6
Yuri - 8
Loser Fanboy - 0

Overall - 6

As a yuri manga, this is a typical bittersweet first love-type story; as a English language edition of a Japanese manga, it's simply excellent. As I said originally - if you're trying to put together a decent collection of yuri manga, you'll want to have Blue too.

Tags: Yuri, Yuri Manga, Blue, Kiriko Nananan

posted by Erica Friedman @ 8:09 PM 0 comments links to this post   

Yuri Anime: Madlax, Volume 6

So much happens in Madlax, Volume 6 that I'm not sure where to start. So, as usual, I'll start with the absurd. :-)

Imagine if you will, two women running through a hot war zone. One is a hardened warrior, her skills bolstered by magic, the other...a maid. We can tell, because she wears the apparently ubiquitous ruffled apron over a dark dress. Now, I know Eleanor is a dedicated servant, attached by more than just duty to her mistress Margaret, but come *on*! Give the girl a pair of boots and pants at least - her legs are going to be a mess out there in the jungle.

The other absurdity in this series remains the same - Friday Monday is such a nerdbanger, I can barely credit his getting this far at all, except by dumb luck. And then there's his exhaustingly over-used dream of a "pure" humanity , driven by hatred. Oh yes, that would be different, because? Has he LOOKED at the world recently? Enfant is wasting their energy - they could have let this particular civil war die, because sure as there's tomatoes in my salad, another would have popped up. And Rimelda becomes horribly boring, but don't worry, she'll be back, better, than ever

Now, for the good side - we get actual, semi-contextual info on what went on 12 years ago! Yay! Of course, it's not entirely correct, but at least we have a clue - a bunch more clues, in fact. What happened to Vanessa Rene's family that has driven her to look for information? Who, exactly, is Callosur Dawn and what was his role 12 years ago? What actually *happened* that night? We have most - but not all - of it now.

Good - Madlax accepts what she is, and as a reult gets a power up.

Good - we lose a friend and it's permanent and powerful. If you don't want spoilers for this, DON'T look at the "Extras" menu until after you've watched the volume.

Good - Margaret losing it. Finally, she has a personality. Even if it's an evil, stupid one.

Good - We know know the reasoning behind the obsessive reptition of the red shoes, the "it's going to rain," the doll...but not pasta.

Good - Naharu actually *does* something. Yay her.

In general, a complex and fascinating volume, and a bit maddening, as we still need a few more pieces to figure out what the flying %^$! is going on. :-) Nice job for the penultimate volume. Thumbs up from me on that.

Ratings:

Art - 7
Story - 8
Characters - 8
Music - 8
Yuri - 4
Loser Fanboy - 3

Overall - 8

It's getting better and better, but I want to know what the deal is with pasta. (And if you know, don't tell me - I mean within the context of the anime, duh.)

Tags: Anime, Yuri Anime, Madlax

posted by Erica Friedman @ 7:25 PM 0 comments links to this post   

Yuri Anime: Stellvia, Volume 7

Even though Stellvia, Volume 7 doesn't actually have any specific yuri scenes (despite Ayaka and Yayoi prominently displayed on the cover), I'm still classifiying as a yuri anime, both because the series, IMHO has strong yuri content, and because Ayaka, having found herself once again, uses what she's learned to assist Kouta and Shima, in a way that still let's you see where her actual interest lies.

This volume strikes a really nice balance between the plot, the characters and the larger body of humanity behind our immediate vision. For once we're given something to hold on to regarding the threat of the "Cosmic Fracture." It's not just a vague thing with BEM (Bug-Eyed Monsters for those of you too young to have read any old school sci-fi) attackers. Destruction is actually imminent and the time-line is short, like a good space opera ought to be. The tension builds between different military and governmental factions - differences that will come to affect the people on earth, as well.

And meanwhile, our heroes are still just children. They are learning to figure out who they are, and where they want to go (or need to go) to be the people they have to be - both for the current crisis and for the future. In the middle of all this is Ayaka, who suddenly arises to the postion that she never felt comfortable in before - guide, mentor, sempai. She repeatedly tells Kouta, Shima and us that she's not "good with things between guys and girls", well duh, darlin'. But it's equally as obvious that having found her own center and rebuilding her relationship with Yayoi has given her greater understanding of human relationships as a whole.

The vibe between Kouta and Shima in this volume really rings true. Kouta is still clueless and Shima is still irrational and, as the others point out repeatedly, that's pretty much the way it is between men and women. Jojo and Akira get a little extra screen time so we can see who they are doing - they seem to be doing pretty well, despite occasional setbacks. And the commander and the doctor are still kind of cute - there's a certain awkwardness about their courtship that makes one feel that some things never really change.

Rinna become a lynchpin character for a little while, as we get a glimpse of the larger politics behind the formation of a last ditch effort by humanity to survive. As much as I find whiny little sister types annoying in anime, I wasn't bothered at all by her in this volume. Perhaps the soothing influence of being with her parents again...another thing that reads pretty real to me.

Overall, as I said in the beginning, there's a very solid balance in this volume of story, character and peripherals. If you haven't enjoyed Stellvia up to this point, there's nothing here that's going to make you like it - but if you like it, you might begin to love it. :-)

Ratings:

Art - 7 the noses are back, whee!
Story - 7
Characters - 8
Music - 7
Yuri - 1
Loser FanBoy - 2

Overall - a strong 7

It's easy to appreciate this volume knowing that we're heading into the final stretch. But even on its own, it's easy to enjoy this volume for all the classic signs of the "battle is nigh" in the grand tradition of Seven Samurai and all its Western, War and Sci-Fi relatives.


Tags: Anime, Yuri Anime, Stellvia

posted by Erica Friedman @ 4:32 PM 1 comments links to this post   

Yuri News, Yuricon News

I just completed a small update of the Yuricon website. Here's the run down:

There's about two weeks left for the 2006 Yuricon AMV Contest. Get those submissions in!

Check out the Events page to find a yuri panel near you - and some possible good news for the future...

From our Yuri News Page:

ALC Publishing announces 2nd editon of Works by Tadeno Eriko

ALC Publishing is pleased to announce a second edition of Tadeno's Eriko's 100% yuri manga collection for 2006. This volume includes 4 short stories of lesbian life and love, from adult coming out to high school crushes to a office romance. Order your copy on the Yuricon Shop!

Blue by Kiriko Nananan, English-language edition is now available through the Yuricon Shop

Blood, the Last Vampire 2000 manga now translated into English by Viz

Love My Life by Yamaji Ebine to made into a live action movie

Don't forget that you can subscribe to the Yuri News Feed through RSS and get Yuri News delivered to your newsreader directly!

posted by Erica Friedman @ 8:16 PM 2 comments links to this post   

Shameless Plugs

My brain is offline tonight.

If you are interested in reading something Marimite-flavored, feel free to wander over to my website "Worldshaking" Fanfic where I've uploaded a new Maria-sama ga Miteru fanfiction for this month. The new story is suitable for readers of legal majority in their home country/state/region/town only, but there are plenty of stories there for all ages.

In the meantime, let me also remind you that if you enjoy my writing, a great way to say thank you is to buy a copy of Shoujoai ni Bouken, Volume 1. It's available on Amazon and on the Yuricon Shop. All proceeds go directly to making more yuri events, books and reviews.

And thank you for your support!

posted by Erica Friedman @ 6:47 PM 0 comments links to this post   

Maria-sama ga Miteru Thirteenth Novel - One Page of Midsummer, Part 3

Maria-sama ga Miteru 13th Novel - Manatsu no Peeji, One Page of Midsummer

Part 3

Bizarrely, this section had no pictures...

***

Rosa Foetida's Illustrated Diary

July Nth {Saturday) Clear


Got up in the grey dawn and set out for the summit of Fuji-san. Every time I was on the verge of falling asleep, the old lady next to me turns over and cursed, so I got no sleep. On the other hand, Yoshino slept well and woke up energetic. As we set off, her steps were light.

***

Worshipped Raikou, headed down the mountain.

The guide said that there was a postbox on top of the mountain. If I had known before, I'd have sent cards to all my friends in the Yamayurikai and my graduated onee-sama, but I didn't. Too bad.

I'd heard that coming down was harder than going up. It's true. Yoshino's spirits dropped and so did her pace. Eventually, we hired a horse.

My own enthusiasm for conquering Fuji-san on foot disappeared somewhere. When my feet felt fine, I kept the pace by humming. Once we got the horse, though. Oh, wait, I'm not supposed to talk about the horse. I'll stop. I'm not sure if my pride was hurt - or it was just how much we had to pay for the horse. Dunno.

***

At Sachiko's summer house, I told the Yamayurikai folks about the horse and boy did I get it! No point in getting so angry over the truth. If you don't want anyone to know - you shouldn't ride on the damn horse.

-------

Rei says, she thinks it out to be the official ending of the horse episode. Yoshino freaks and says that Rei's just jealous that she didn't get to ride it.

Rei raises her voice - right, I wanted to ride it, but I didn't, I just kept walking on my own. It's totally crooked.

Crooked?

Any other person's diary, she wouldn't read. But for these two, it shouldn't really be a problem. Rei and Yoshino are so close that they're not even aware whether a thing is theirs or the other's. Desk drawer or closet, they open up at will - it's okay. Let me see your diary, too.

Rei insists that it was vexing, and the place to vent is a diary, isn't it?

Uh-oh, Yoshino's ire is rising....it's a delicate situation.

If Yoshino wanted to ride a horse, they could have gone to the park. Yoshino replies that she wanted to ride a real horse and the country was too far away. I was thinking about getting on the merry-go-round from the beginning, but as Sachiko said, the amusement park is really crowded in summer.

Rei heaves a heavy sigh and gets on the carousel horse.




August Xst (Sunday) Cloudy

Midmorning, rode my bicycle to the buy the newest edition from Cosmos Publishing.

I've been going to school everyday for Yamayurikai and club activities, so by the time I got there, they were sold out.

In front of the school, I met Tanuma Chisato-chan by chance. She was on her way to a classmate's house to do homework together. We stood there for about 15 minutes talking. She's very zealous about kendo club. I always appreciate that.

At the K station building, once I had the object of my desire in hand, I went to my favorite café, picked up some coffee for Mother. As usual, I went to K station. I decided to stop and pick up some of Yoshino's favorite sweets for us to share. I took a different route home than normal.

In front of the park, I saw Torii Eriko-sama, for the first time in a long time. Next to her was that professor from Hanadera Academy, a little reserved.

Why, I wonder - it wasn't interesting - but I was a little jealous.

I was so busy thinking about this that I completely passed the sweet shop and forgot to get anything.

------

Rei asks Yoshino why she's angry.

I dunno.

Yoshino turns her back on Rei, who asks why she keeps reading the diary when it annoys her so much?

Yoshino says she's just thinking about it. Rei asks her to verbalize, because maybe it'll help her understand too,

Yoshino says she's just trying to understand how Rei feels about her. Ah - this is a habit of hers, being this way, until Rei tells her. On this day, anything or everything could have interested her.



August Nth (Saturday) Clear

Today is the last Saturday of summer vacation

I don't have Yamayurikai or club work, so for the first time in a long time, I have a day of complete rest. Almost immediately, I thought of going with Yoshino to the ocean. We had to change trains and bus - it was a considerable outing. Someday I have to get the time and funds together to get my driver's license. As it is, we didn't get to the beach before noon.

The first thing we did was spread a sheet and eat the onigiri I made - Yoshino stuffed her cheeks full and said she was glad that they were normal white onigiri - ith the scent of the seaside, they were yummy. It was a totally cute thing for her to say.

We didn't bring bathing suits, so we just went into the ocean up to the edge of our jeans and skirt. Yoshino was like a kid on the beach. Seeing Yoshino having so much fun made me happy. It was like a dream somehow.

Last year, because I was worried about Yoshino's surgery I wasn't really able to enjoy this, but this year was totally different. The places I want to go, the places Yoshino wants to go. We went around with no particular plans. After all, today is just one step. Definitely Yoshino too has some nice memories of this summer, I think.

-----

Yoshino asks why Rei is writing this right after they came home. Huh? As she speaks, Rei stops writing. It was like coming out of a dream. Rei says she wants to capture all the good feelings. Is it vain to do so?

Yoshino starts to critique Rei's writing, saying she got the tone of Yoshino's comments wrong. And they weren't alone. Yoshino wonders if she did that on purpose. Rei says she was just supplying scenery.

Yoshino calls her naïve. The day wasn't actually that nice, they got totally soaked in the water - in fact they had to buy clothes, and change behind a towel. Yoshino hold out a plastic bag with their soaked clothes.

Rei says that they'll do Yoshino's request tomorrow - a manga café.

Today, the ocean was below a rocky slope, that she had fallen down...which is why she wasn't about to write the "truth" in her diary.

***

The End


Tags: Maria-sama ga Miteru, Marimite, One Page of Midsummer, Manatsu no Peeji, Yoshino and Rei

posted by Erica Friedman @ 2:49 PM 7 comments links to this post   

Maria-sama ga Miteru Thirteenth Novel - One Page of Midsummer, Part 2

Maria-sama ga Miteru 13th Novel - Manatsu no Peeji, One Page of Midsummer

Part 2

Together with Oji-san


Materials with Broom and Dustpan


1


In front of Maria-sama where the path parts, a voice was heard from behind, "Please wait one moment, Nijou Noriko-san."


Noriko lifts her head from her folded hands and looks over her shoulder. "Yes?" She thought it a dreadful custom, to have to put her hands together, but did it from the time she entered the school, because of public opinion. Now if she didn't, she felt bad. Probably onee-sama's influence.

A lone upperclassman approaches her with a greeting and a comment about the heat. She is wearing the Lillian uniform, with a pair of sunglasses, her hair pulled into a high bun on the back of her head, and carrying a blue striped handbag, wearing black mules. While at first glance, it seems a fashion mismatch – after looking a while, you could see a balance there. But to do so, you'd have to abandon a prejudice against the school uniform.

"So the Yamayurikai is working on preparations for the school festival, I hope? It's appreciated." The girl walks along with Noriko, as if it's a matter of course. The flow of words keeps Noriko from asking what her business is.

Done with homework, or do you have free time, the questions keep coming. Noriko answers "mm" or "ah", but the girl continues to walk with her. Because Noriko does not understand her intention, she keeps her answers short. What on earth does she want?

Eventually, the girl stops, forcing Noriko to stop to. She holds out a box of Oolong tea, which Noriko refuses with, "no, that's okay." She asks if it's some kind of bribe, and the girl says no bribe intended, so Noriko apologizes for being rude. The girl smiles, sticks a straw in the box and begins to drink. Not really having a reason to take a rest under the blazing sun with this random sempai, Noriko bows and starts to walk away. The girl once again asks her to wait and runs after her.

The girls asks about the meeting with the members of the Hanadera Student Council – what was it like? With such casual words, she broke into a completely different topic. "I heard that upon meeting those members, Rosa Chinensis fainted? Is that true?"

Noriko is glad she didn't take the oolong tea, since she lied about it not being a bribe. She declines to discuss it and excuses herself in a tone that indicates irritation and boredom.

The sempai asks her to wait once again. (E: The first time it was a very polite request. The second time it was a little less polite. This time it's said as a command.) She keeps following Noriko. She passes Noriko, and stands in front of her, like a schoolyard bully.

Noriko heaves a sigh and asks her what she wants. The girl smiles and says she lied – she really wants a favor from Noriko. She goes on to say that since this is a Catholic school, the library won't have materials on Buddhism for her free research. They are standing outside the library.

Because she's wondering how this person knew she had information on Buddhist images, Noriko's a little slow to think, "what's she going to gather this for anyway – summer vacation is almost over."

"That person" gives her a friendly smile and inquires about the site her friends gather. Noriko says that you have to have a password. The girl asks if Noriko can get her in, after all, aren't they acquaintances? They go into the library.

Noriko says okay, but it's just a board for amateur enthusiasts. She really isn't trusting this girl, but doesn't sense anything malicious. Noriko goes on to say that a large public library would have as much or more materials. The girl says she's doing that too. She thinks its no big deal to give the girl the home page address. As the girl starts to copy the address, Noriko points out that that one is wrong, and
make a correction, saying that Takuya-kun emailed her last night with the new address. The girl starts to copy down the address (in a way that says that she's not really net literate), and asks suddenly if Takuya is Noriko's boyfriend.


Because of the sunglasses, Noriko's at a loss as to what the other girl is thinking. She answers, "Just a friend." The girl (who I am sure must be Minako), asks if he's a guy. Noriko says, yes, an older guy. But still just a friend. The girl says, "If he's a boy, he's a boy-friend." Noriko answers, only if you stretch the meaning of the
word. Seeing that Noriko was getting irritable, the girl apologizes, says she didn't mean anything by it and speeds up taking down the address. Closing her notebook, she takes the other tea out of the bag and gives it to Noriko, who begins to protest. The girl says it's all right – it's in thanks for the address. The girl looks into her bag, then beats a hasty retreat. Noriko wonders what just happened. It was like running into a Kitsune. (E: Definitely Minako, then...)


Wanting to get the bad taste out of her mouth, Noriko decided to look for Shimako. She leaves the library and heads to the Rose Mansion. It's 12:45. The oolong tea is lukewarm. She wonders why that girl made her wait.



2


While adding water to yesterday's barley tea, Noriko tells the whole story about what happened in one gush.

Shimako wonders if the home page was just a pretext for learning about the day before. Noriko stuffs the oolong tea into the fridge.


Shimako points out that if the girl had waited only a few more moments, then Shimako would have come along. And no one else but them was at the Rose Mansion. So either Noriko was the actual target...or that person was looking for something else, like info about the day before.

But, Noriko points out that that person knew about the day before already.

"That person, that person – you mean Tsukiyama Minako-sama." She had obviously worn sunglasses and changed her hairdo to disguise who she was. Noriko heaves a frustrated sigh. Shimako, who never criticizes others, has nicknamed Minako "Komatta-chan" (Trouble girl.)

Shimako asks if she didn't know Minako's face? Noriko ducks her head...no. But she assures Shimako that she didn't say anything about the day before, with her left fist raised.

Noriko, of course, has been exposed to numbers of guys, but the honor of the Roses fell a little with a member fainting at their first meeting with a number of male students. They parted with an agreement to meet again, but they still didn't want Rosa Chinensis' dislike of men widely known. Right now, it's a major drain of energy for the Yamayurikai to keep Sachiko-sama on an even keel.

Noriko has a thought and changes the subject. She tells Shimako that the photo printout on the table is a present from Takuya. Shimako identifies it as Amida Nyourai and says it's a pretty photo. They discuss getting Takuya (whose family name is Shimura) permission to get into the inside portion of Shimako's family's temple.

When Shimako gives a little nod, Noriko thinks that every little motion she makes is filled with grace. Even the first time they met, she thought Shimako had Maria-sama like nobility.

But, Shimako says, this must be bad for you, too. Noriko can't think what she means, so Shimako responds that she's being a carrier pigeon between Shimako and Shimura-san.

Noriko replies that she and Takuya-kun send email daily anyway, so it's not a problem. Shimako laughs and says that she's a little jealous of how close they are. Noriko can tells she means it nicely.

Shimako suggests, suddenly, if Noriko's free tomorrow, they could all go to some museum or other together, and this way, she can meet Takuya-kun.

Tomorrow? Noriko squeaks.

Shimako's eye twinkle, but then she closes them and asks if she'd be a bother.

Noriko says no. She'd told Takuya-kun previous about calling Shimako "onee-sama" and the whole Lillian tradition. He'd been interested – and had even brazenly written once that he'd like to sit and drink tea with Shimako one day and chat with her.

Shimako says she'll leave the arrangements to Noriko, who replies that it'll be fun!

As Noriko is talking about it, the biscuit door opens suddenly and Rei comes in asking –what will be fun? Noriko had been so excited, her voice was audible outside. She tells them that they are planning a trip to see Buddha images.

Yoshino enters and jokingly says that she's jealous that they are so friendly. Noriko tentatively invites them to come along, but they decline, because they don't want to interfere.

Noriko pours them some tea, and Shimako turns to Rei to ask if someone and she spoke between the time they entered the gates to here. Rei asks – do you mean if someone addressed me, or I addressed someone? The way Shimako had put it, it could be a passive or reflexive verb... Japanese is difficult. (E:I swear to god that that was in the actual novel!)

Rei says she was addressed. Noriko and Shimako meet each other's eyes.

Yumi told her that she'd be late, Rei says. Nothing major – Sachiko forgot her slippers, so has to go back to the shoe boxes and get a pair.

Oh, Yumi, okay.

Putting the glass container of tea back in the refrigerator, Noriko walks over to the window, and sees Yumi waiting outside the mansion. Shimako wonders out loud why Yumi doesn't come in to wait for Sachiko, since it's so hot out. Yoshino downs her glass of tea in one long swallow and answers. "Sachiko has borrowed Yumi's slippers, so Yumi won't come into the Rose Mansion until Sachiko returns."

Shimako thinks that sounds like Sachiko. She would be extra fastidious after what happened the day before yesterday.

So, Minako-sama didn't approach you? Noriko is disappointed for a moment.

Yes, they did see her, Rei says, confirming with Yoshino – she had an interesting disguise, but it was definitely her running for the bus.

Just as the energy leaks from Noriko, the door opens and the Red Rose sisters enter. Sachiko greets them with an unusually chipper hello, how is everyone, which oddly contrasts with the ugly blue vinyl guests slippers she's wearing.


3

The acting director of the Lillian Jogakuen newspaper club asks the Managing Director why she called her out here so suddenly. The Managing Director (in name only), Tsukiyama Minako, starts the conversation off with, "What are you doing, lollygagging?"

Yamaguchi Mami replies, "Since I got your call, it hasn't even been 30 minutes."
She checks her watch to confirm. She's sweating under the leather band, which is gross.

Minako says she has something for the new semester special – Mami says that she got that, but didn't understand why Minako couldn't have just told her. They drink disgusting coffee in front of the K Station. Mami had run out with just enough time to grab her purse. She's wearing a t-shirt and denim skirt.

Minako says that as she's retiring from the newspaper that she loved so dearly, she's just kindly holding out a hand to keep her cute little sister from losing her way. She's wearing a summer dress and cardigan, and a wide-brimmed hat, like a movie star.

"Kind, huh?" Mami asks. In other words, you got bored with studying for the college exams.

Minako protests that the summer practice test reference book was awful.

Mami heartlessly replies that that's exam life, even though she'll get preference for Lillian U., she still has to do it, so she should just do it right from the beginning.

Minako thinks that she can't be blamed for wanting a change of pace.

Mami sasy that she can't rely on Minako, look at what happened last month, when she completely lost the White Roses on their trip. Minako says she lost sight of them. Mami snaps that she personally saw them at the summer house (but didn't get an interview), so how could Minako have lost sight of them?

Minako counters, smiling, maybe it was a vision?

Takeshima Tsutako-san got a picture. Mami insists.

Just a teeny little one from behind, Minako rebuts. Minako takes Mami to task for not having gathered great material to reward the readers with a summer special. Mami insist that it *is* summer vacation, but Minako calls her soft. It's useless to wait until the enemy has come and gone and then just bring up a broom and dustpan. All thye'll get is small dust at that point.

Minako's words rekindle the flame to investigate in Mami. Minako tells her about the plan for the meeting of the two student councils. Mami says that that's the first time she's heard of it. Of course, Minako says, it was top secret. Mami wants to ask how Minako learned of it, but decided to keep her mouth shut. But, Minako goes on, when they got to the meeting place, Sachiko frothed at the mouth and collapsed. Mami
asks why, but Minako doesn't know. But what was really on Mami's mind is how Minako learned of this.

Minako proposed heatstroke as a possible reason, but thinks it was more likely that she was overwhelmed by the meeting with the Hanadera council. Mami remembers how flashy Kashiwagi was last year – even now, there are plenty of fans of his among the Lillian students.

To summarize – yesterday on the way home from exam prep school, Minako was doing some shopping for her mother. She stopped in the café to cool down, and there was the Hanadera Council. She was one person – they were many. It wasn't hard to overhear them. She tried to confirm what happened with Noriko, but found her too steadfast.

Minako launches her other scoop at Mami – Rosa Gigantea en bouton has a lover! By pressuring Noriko with a Kawaraban article on this, they may be able to break her on the other matter. Mami asks who the guy is. Minako says she doesn't know – that'll be Mami's job. Mami accuses Minako of making him up. Minako pulls out a file and reads off information. Shimamura Takuya: 4th year at private college, 21 years old, Lives in Tokyo with his family of four. Hobbies – viewing Buddhist statues. Minako tells Mami how she got the info – and how she knows they are going out on a date to view statues. Mami is impressed. Of course, Minako got it all off of Takuya's website and daily diary.

Minako assigns Mami the task of finding out where and when Noriko and Takuya are meeting. She can't, because she's got a practice exam tomorrow. Mami is expected to get a good picture - preferably of the two of them together. Mami isn't confident that she'll be able to boldly take a photo of a strange man.

Minako tells Mami to go home and prepare for the assignment by going online and checking out Takuya's website - just like preparing for an exam.


4

Type in the address, hit enter and the top page of Takuya's Buddha Altar appears. Nice name - very fitting. Behind the name is a CG of a Japanese Buddhist shrine, with many Buddhas. Very surreal. Mami clicks on "Self-Introduction". She reads Takuya's profile. Among his other interests is Aikido and skiing. Exactly what Minako had already told her.

She clicks back and finds a note that says that because of skiing, Takuya broke his foot and was unable to see a Kannon statue that is unveiled every 20 years (E: the one Noriko saw, and got stuck in Tokyo by an unexpected snowstorm, so she missed the exam to the school she really wanted to go to...that statue) so he's giving up skiing to focus on statue viewing so that kind of thing never happens again.

Mami thinks skiing is cooler, but then, Nijou Noriko might be different. She clicks around, amazed at the extent of his obsession about Buddha images. The history of Buddhism, trivia, points of distinction, Q&A, reports of viewings, etc, etc. She checks out the "Mandala BBS", but the contents were too deep for a beginner to
understand. Totally dejected, Mami starts to leave, but sees a small square button in the corner. It looks like a Tatami mat. Mami clicks it, and ends up at a new page. Shimura Konoushin, Takuya's relation, apparently an uncle, with whom he is a rival.

Takayasu's web page appears to be a diary, written by Takuya of Konoushin's actions. Mami finds this site far more interesting than the Buddhist image stuff. When she finishes reading and logs off, Mami is shaking with excitement. She's got a much better grasp on Takuya-kun, and wonders if he's.... Tomorrow's event will be very
interesting.

The Meeting Place


1

Shimako puts her shoes in the foyer, and walks down the hall, she tells her father she's going. Her outfit smells slightly of incense. She's wearing a white summer dress with a blue floral pattern. She tells him that she's going to look at Buddha images with Noriko. Dad says that Noriko's a good kouhai - teaching Shimako to appreciate images of Buddha. Rare at Lillian, he expects. And he guesses that
they'll be meeting up with Shimura-san? Shimako nods. Dad wonders what kind of a person he is after all, he's much older.

Shimako reflects meekly. She was just copying Noriko's form of address, she'll be more formal hereafter. He says that it was just like her to take his meaning that way. He asks her if she'll deliver a letter to Shimura, since she's meeting him.

She takes the envelope and leaves. As she walks out, she thinks about her father and her. He's known for being not entirely interested in people - yet he's interested today. And she wonders, offhandedly, if she and he are really related (in that way one does with parents, not seriously). All of a sudden a shout from behind startles her - it's her father. As she presses on her chest to calm her heart, he tells
her that the JR line going into town is stopped.

Well, she thinks, that's important information.


2

As she was deciding what to wear, the phone rang. She had a light pink blouse in one hand and a blue and white sweater set in the other as she answered.

"Noriko?" Shimako never began a phone conversation with just her name. It must be important. Shimako tells Noriko that the JR line is stopped - did she know? This is definitely worth a phone call. Shimako says that there was an accident on the line. She should be able to get a private line train - will Noriko be okay? Noriko goes blank. She's been here five months, but if the JR is down, doesn't really know how to get around. Shimako tells her she ought to be able to catch a bus. If she can get to the Yamanote line, she's okay.

Noriko experiences a moment of soeur-ness, when she admires Shimako's care, attention and cleverness.

She chooses the blue sweater and a white skirt, then leaves quickly. Sumireko smiles after her, wondering if it would be possible.


3

Mami failed. She got to the station and the trains were stopped. She asks when they'll run and is told "soon." But it's obviously a lie. She gets on a bus, but it doesn't move. Commuters are coming in, waiting for a train.

She gets on a train and takes a seat. Mami can see some old guy touch a young woman's leg and the reactions of the people around her as the irritation and wave of anger moves around the carriage.

Mami thinks that the irritation that's coming out of her body in waves must be visible. "Oh, Takuya-kun. I'm on the train, but I'll be late. Can you wait for me? I want to see what you look like." To shut out the irritation outside her, she amuses herself by "calling" Takuya in her head. She wonders if he's stuck on a train too.


4

Takuya wasn't on the train. It was 10:30, and her irritation was growing - but not for the same reason as everyone else.

Takuya has arrived with some time to spare. He had done some window shopping and was walking around the fountain wondering where Nori-chan was. He decided it's his enemy's doing. He did it - Konoushin. He tells himself the story of how Konoushin knew he was supposed to meet a girl so he followed him here... oh, but wait, Mom told him that Konoushin had gone to work.

He's a little uneasy about meeting Noriko, about introducing himself - calls himself a lolicon in his head. He was talking about her once and a female classmate of his criticzed him.

Yes, he definitely didn't want Konoushin seeing Noriko.

He walked around and around the train station building, reeling out a strategy to himself.



Looking for Takuya-kun!


1


On the first floor of the café in the station building, sits a man, alone. He looks a around 70. Very romance school - pale, ashen face with black hair. Pale green summer suit, bright yellow t-shirt - a fashionable old guy. He keeps checking his wristwatch. It's just about eleven o'clock.

A person walks in, the waitress asks if they are alone, or waiting for someone. The person answers ambiguously, then heads towards the man in the window. She takes the seat next to him, order coffee. After a moment, Mami addresses the man.

Romance School guy lifts his head and looks at her with a "huh?" look. After five seconds, he says she's mistaken him for someone else.

She apologizes. He asks if she's one of those girls who comforts lonely old guys. She says, no, she's not the enkou- type. It worries her a bit that he thought that. But he says he's relieved and she says she is as well.

He officially hands over the seat to her. She tries to find an original line and decides on saying that her boyfriend is unfaithful. He says, "that's raw."

She goes on to say that he is supposed to meet a girl in front of that fountain. He wonders where she learned that, which brings her to a stop - she hadn't figured that far along. She says from a friend of her fictitious boyfriend. She pulls out a camera - she's going to get a picture of him as proof. The old guy says he's going to hang around, to see what happens. Mami doesn't object. She tells the waitress that she's paying for his coffee and orders an apple soda. The old guy orders a sandwich set, since they'll be there a while. He smiles conspiratorially.


2


As Mami thought, this position had a great view of the area in front of the fountain. About 20 people were sitting or standing around, waiting to meet someone. She didn't see Noriko. The old guy asks if her boyfriend is there, but she can't answer, because of course she has no idea what Takuya-kun looks like. If she can get a two-shot of Noriko and Takuya, then she'd know who he was.

Noon on a Saturday...moreover, it's summer vacation. There's five, six guys in their twenties waiting around in front of the fountain. Taking into consideration the larger area - maybe ten. One of them is likely to be Takuya-kun, but there's no certainty. In fact, one of Mami's complaints about his home page was the lack of a picture. She tells the old guy that he's not here yet.

She wonders if the delay on the JR line is what's keeping Noriko. The clock strikes eleven - she's late. She watches to see if any of the young men visible look up at the clock as it strikes.

Mami can't believe her eyes - she does she someone she knows, but it's not Noriko. Shimako has arrived. She wonders if Noriko was planning on introducing her boyfriend to her onee-sama. Minako would cry tears of joy at this.

The old guy can see here staring, and asks if that's the girl her fictitious boyfriend is supposed to meet. She says yes, figuring it won't really hurt Shimako. He comments that the girl is pretty, then apologizes. Mami is a little slow to realize why. Of course if this really was the woman her boyfriend was cheating on her with, she'd feel that any compliment would make her feel bad. The waitress brings their orders.

(There's a series of events that involve flag colors and the old guy losing his contact which I am not translating.)

Mami thinks she sees Takuya.


3

He's about 170cm, medium length, light brown hair with a slight wave. Baby-faced so he looks more cute than cool. She thinks he looks like someone she can't remember...some idol maybe.

The old guy keeps asking questions about the guy - where did they meet, how long ago? Mami's losing her patience. He goes on to say that it's rather suspicious that Mami's boyfriend and the woman he's cheating with are roughly fifteen meters away from one another, and don't seem to notice each other. She says they are just pen friends. Bzzt. Casting mistake on her part.

She sees Takuya-kun look at Shimako and she wills him to recognize her as Noriko's onee-sama, with one fist clenched. But...he doesn't.

She drinks her apple soda and waits for Noriko to show.


4


They guy who is Takuya (she thinks) and Shimako do absolutely nothing for the longest time.

Mami offers to pay for lunch. The old guy takes her up on it - and orders another coffee to her dismay. He confides that he too is waiting for someone. Mami doesn't know if he's lying or not. All she knows is that she's getting a bit of a headache. She starts ignoring the old guy. He suggests she order dessert - she says no, but he persists. She gets a little short with him. He suggests a truce - after all, she lied to him about the boyfriend.

She counters that he lied about his contacts, since he was able to read the menu from quite a distance away. He agrees he's been caught.

He asks why she lied about the guy being her boyfriend. She asks why he thinks she lied. He says - because you're a boy. She says, no, and thinks, "I'm a cute girl, how could you mistake me for a boy?"

He proposes a 3000 yen bet - if she's lied, she loses. He says that that guy has never met her before. Of course, he's right.

She's figures it out - the reason he pretend to lose a contact was because that guy turned towards the window and HE didn't want to be seen. So...the person he was waiting for was that young man. So, that means he couldn't be Takuya-kun, either. But he says he's not waiting for that young man.

Mami asks why he's here's then and he says that he's like her - he wanted to observe the young man without being seen. Mami puts it all together in a flash - "You're Konoushin-san?" The guy is totally freaked - how does she know that name? But he says no, he's not Takuya-kun's uncle. Mami doesn't believe him - he protests too much. She looks at the young man and thinks she can see a family resemblance between them. It wasn't that the young guy looked like an idol - it was the old guy he looked like.

The oji-san asks her not to call him by that name, please. If he's not Konoushin, she can't think who he might be otherwise. But then, the Konoushin Takuya wrote about seemed gloomy, not a dandy like this guy. So Mami changes her question. She asks if the guy outside is Takuya-kun. The old guy says he doesn't remember the kid's name - he's old, after all. If he's that senile, she thinks, he ought not to be walking around. He's not that senile. She decides to be honest with him. She tells him that Takuya is her friend's boyfriend. She says that Noriko won't introduce her to him. The old guy asks why and she says that she's part of the school newspaper club. 'Nuff said.

He asks why she's hiding though, and she admits that Noriko is, within their school, a kind of idol. He thinks this is hysterical. But when she asks whether he was here to see Takuya-kun's girlfriend, he says maybe. But, Mami continues, Noriko hasn't appeared yet. He didn't repudiate being called Konoushin, Mami notes. He asks who the actress playing the "lover" is. Shimako, that is. She says that she's Noriko's onee-sama, erm, not really but a sempai...and he interrupts with "No, don't bother, I got it. You got to Lillian Girls School."

She'll never underestimate old folks again.

He asks where she knows the names Kounoshin and Takuya. She says the Internet - and he says, oh, Takuya's Shrine? He knows about the page - of course. If he asks her about the other page - the page where Takuya talks about Konoushin, she's going to answer with "no comment."

She asks him to return the favor - he tells her that the flag the food looked like before was the flag of Guinea. She thinks of him as a tanuki. Crafty. And she smiles bitterly as she says he knows a lot. He says he's retired and has a lot of time to study things.

He says it's 11:30. Mami comments that Shimako is heading this way - she's going to go. He says he'll stay. He convinces Mami to stay and, as it happens, Shimako does not go into the café - she buys a can of tea and returns to her place at the fountain. She wonders how he knew.

Eventually the young guy makes to leave. Mami assumes he'll go look at the Buddha images by himself, but the oji-san says no. Then he excuses himself. Mami's surprised - she figured he'd stick around until the resolution of this drama. He picks up the check - she says she'll pay it, but he insists it's a treat for the interesting story. As he's leaving he says, Takuya-kun didn't know Shimako's face...

Mami states for a moment, then says she never said Shimako's name...

She tries to sort it all out in her head, when she sees, at last, Noriko arrive. She grabs her camera, and goes over the headline for the article "White Rose Sisters One Page in Midsummer." Because Minako's title didn't have enough punch.

As she focuses on her subjects, she can see a light green figure enter the screen. With her naked eye she confirms (the most obvious punchline in the history of the world...)the old man from the café heads towards to the two girls - one who looks like a western doll and one who looks like a Ichimatsu doll. The two girls stand, take one another's hand and run up to the old guy in the light green summer suit. Mami is stunned - so dumbfounded, in fact, that she completely forgets to take a picture.

Watching his back as Takuya-kun walks away, Mami can see the old guy makes a peace sign (or v for victory) at her over his shoulder.

Continued in Part 3

Tags: Maria-sama ga Miteru, Marimite, One Page of Midsummer, Manatsu no Peeji, Noriko and Shimako

posted by Erica Friedman @ 1:56 PM 4 comments links to this post   

Maria-sama ga Miteru Thirteenth Novel - One Page of Midsummer, Intro and Part 1

Maria-sama ga Miteru 13th Novel - Manatsu no Peeji, One Page of Midsummer

Prologue and Part 1

Notes: Well, this book crawled. I think it's because Konno wasn't sure exactly where to go with the story. I know I do some of the same stuff when I'm stalling too. As the stories are released as serial chapters, it's easy to sort of rehash old material and make it work, because we basically see the same information run through the filter of different people for scene after scene. It doesn't seem slow until you read it in this form. Then it seems slow.

But it does pick up a bit just after a third of the way through. The reason? Sachiko is a goddess. Have I mentioned that I'm a Sachiko fan? I am. When she's wonderful, she's SPECTACULAR.

I was sitting around missing Noriko, when she got stuck back into the story, which was nice.

I also particularly like to see Mami and Minako together, because it reminds us that not every soeur relationship is roses and candy. Those two are very competitive when left to their own devices. I love watching them bicker and one-up each other. Mami will, as I said, be more of a threat than Minako was.

But then it crashed to a halt when I realized that the punchline was horribly obvious. It was all I could do to get to the end.

These aren't notes, so much as a sort of synopsis/translation. Since we have nothing to compare it to, you're getting my understanding of what's going on as it happens. As with the last set of notes, expect these to change tense and point of view frequently, because they are notes, and NOT a novel.

***

"It's midsummer today.

Without concern for pleats or collar, they run, patapata.

Whoa, whoa oneesama-kata, don't forget Mari-sama is in the sky."


Short Epic Battle (Provisionally)


Offer and Plot


1

Yuuki asks for an ancient language dictionary.

Yumi repeats the phrase, Yuuki says, yes, um, no. Yumi gives him a look. Which is it? She begins to pull out the dictionary, hands it to him. He says thanks, but she calls after him, because what was that "no" about?

After being at the summer resort, his skin has tanned a light brown. He hasn't said anything about arranging the school festival - but they obviously had time to play. She asks if there's something else he'd like to borrow. He says no.

But there's something indecisive about it. He turns back and looks at her wetly, "Can we lower the A/C temperature?"

"Nope." She rejects the idea.

He says the room is hot - she says it's fine and if she gets cold, she'll feel crappy. She'd heard that men are usually hotter and that was the way it was in the Fukuzawa household. For Yuuki and her father summer was hard, but for her and her mother, winter was tough.

Yuuki whines, so it's okay if its too warm? He grabs his shirts and pulls on it to fan himself.

I'm not saying that, but if we lower the temperature I'll be cold

Can't you just put on something?

This is my room, can't you just take something off?

What do you want me to take off?

...

He was wearing a running shirt and shorts - there was a limit to what he could take off in a young maiden's room.

You could back to your room, she says uncharitably. He says no, it's hot as hell. 15 minutes in there and you'd get heatstroke. She nods with sympathy for his warrior spirit - she'll turn the A/C down. The A/C in his room is broken. It's a heat wave - the electrician says it'll be a while, and taking the bike to the library didn't sound appealing.

Yuuki takes the dictionary, sits down at a table and looks up. Seeing his clear gaze, Yumi braces herself. Was he looking for advice from an elder? After all, she's not even a year older.

He asks if the Lillian Jogakuen Student Council members would be willing to assist them with the Hanadera Academy School festival.

"That's it?"

He says that they did communicate with Lillian. Yumi isn't involved, as Rei is the council secretary.

Yuuki asks if the two councils can meet. Yumi reacts with a loud "eh?" so he says forget it. He says their plan requires a Lillian girl or two and he thought she'd ask for them.

Yumi asks if that's it. Yuuki - what do you mean? She asks are you being dishonest? He doesn't understand. She says - do you just want to worship real Hime-sama Sachiko, or get near perfect Shimako, or be hit with Takarazuka top star Rei's shinai?

Yuuki laughs - the first two are fine, but what's with that last one.

Yumi asks if Yuuki is the one who always has to do the errands, and learns that he is. He talks in such language that she is sure that Sachiko would refuse utterly - especially as she hates men.

Yuuki says that is she thinks it would be better, he can tell his council to ask formally. She says it's better that way. OTOH, she can see the two of them being thrown off the roof for deciding these things on their own. Yumi tells him to put things on hold for the moment while she confers with Rei about what to do.

Yuuki asks - not Sachiko-sama? Nope - Sachiko is not the person to discuss this with.



2

After sucking lemonade through a straw, Yumi sighs heavily. As soon as she communicated to Rei, of course Yoshino got in on it. Yoshino's drinking a vanilla ice cream and tea float. Rei smiles bitterly and stirs her strawberry shake.

Yoshino says that the way Yumi puts it makes her feel like goldfish feces (like a tag along), but Rei says that's not it - she demanded to know where Rei was going and who she was meeting, and when she found out it was Yumi, said she'd come too.

Yoshino says that it wasn't that she wanted to go out with Rei - she just wanted to see Yumi. She puffs her cheeks out looking not like the aforementioned goldfish, but more like a puffer fish. Reis says, "fine, fine" - Yoshino punches her on the arm. Another lover's quarrel. Yumi thinks that she wishes they wouldn't take it outside the house - really, the whole country would be okay with that.

"If Yoshino-sama is goldfish feces," Noriko wonders, "what kind of feces does that make me?" She'd been silent up to now. Her tone feels like thorns to Yoshino, who's in a bad mood.

Well, then medaka feces,Yoshino says (medaka is aka ricefish, or killifish)

So, you're saying I'm a killifish? Shimako asks, looking annoyed and amused.

Yumi muses - doesn't medaka feces fall down as they swim?

At Yumi's comment, they all are tugged back to the topic.

Let's get back to the point, Rei suggests. 5 of the 6 Yamayurikai members are gathered. Rei called Shimako to consult her, and Noriko happened to be over her house. Yoshino and Rei got there first, waited under the hot sun, until they could get them all seats.

Rei sums up - you think we should accept. Yumi says no, she's not sure whether they should. She feels that she can be honest about her doubts with the others.

Rei says they ought to plan countermeasures, and Shimako and Yoshino agree with big nods. Noriko expresses confusion - as a beginner here, I have no ide what you're all talking about.

Yoshino says, frankly, Sachiko dislikes men.

Ah, says Noriko.

Rei asks why she doesn't seem surprised.

She says she is, but after all, all Sachiko has known is a girl's school. She can totally see why this would be an impediment to assist Hanadera.

Yumi thinks that Noriko processed that quickly. She's jealous. She is a bit shocked that Noriko is cool beyond her years. After all, what's the possibility that Yumi will be that cool when she's even a third year?

Rei says that the year before last they couldn't get involved. Last year - we know what happened. She "gives it" to Yumi who stands and declares that it's a war to make Sachiko, little by little get over herself.

Shimako asks if Sachiko can deal with any Hanadera students. Yumi says, yes, she's fine with Yuuki. It's more or less a preconception she has trouble with. Yumi says that she thinks that they can get her used to men little by little - but the idea of going to Hanadera would freak her out.

Yoshino jokes - like not getting into a hot bath, but getting in and adding warm water until all of a sudden its hot. Yumi thinks that's a bit simplistic.

They discuss how they will get Sachiko to meet with the Hanadera council. In other words - what would Youko-sama do?

She'd order it directly.

Noriko asks who here has the ability to order her? They all look at her. Rei says, not me - Shimako also. They all look at Yumi. She says wait a sec - I'm a little sister. I can't order my onee-sama around. True - you have a totally different relationship with Sachiko.

How about what Sei or Eriko might do? What - a surprise attack?

Shimako draws her brows together and Yoshino flinches - you two be quiet. Drastic measures are called for here.

Rei suggests a faked "chance encounter." Yoshino asks where - in town she can just leave. Yumi suggests this café - they'll be getting together and the Hanadera council will happen to come by.

Noriko, who has faithfully been quiet, suggests Yumi's home. It's not bizarre that they should meet there, and her brother's friends might be over. It'll be too crowded.

Rei suggests her place, but there's no reason the guys'd be there.

How about Sachiko's house? Why would the guys be there? They can ask Kashiwagi for help. Noriko raises her hand...who is Kashiwagi? Rei summarizes, "Sachiko's cousin, her fiancée. The Hanadera Student Council President, unconfirmed homosexual."

If he has the guys over, it wouldn't be unreasonable.

Yoshino wonders if Kashiwagi would help, after what happened. Yumi says, "If he asks, Kashiwagi will say yes." They are all like, "huh?"

She says, no one - a kouhai she knows. She doesn't want to tell them, because it might lead to misunderstanding.

Yoshino says - right, Kashiwagi knows your brother right? He was at the house at New Year.

They all agree on the plan. Rei asks Yumi to talk to Kashiwagi.

The killing blow.


Kuenai Otoko (An Unpalatable Man)


1

The next day.

Standing here, if front of a large wooden gate, like that of the home of a shogun's vassal, or the Kitamachi magistrate, the Fukuzawa siblings heave a sigh.

Bigger than I expected. Yeah. Not so much Sachiko's house, but this one seems over the top. Really

It's the kind of thing one might expect for the foremother of the Ogasawara clan...but Yumi calculates that her whole house would fit in the garden with room to spare. We are, of course, speaking about the Kashiwagi home. Rei had commanded her to go and therefore they had ridden a bus and a train and another bus and then walked 10 minutes to get here.

Yuuki was a last minute addition, she had originally just wanted to ask him where Kashiwagi lived, but it was, after all, an emergency.

Yuuki says that he doesn't want to go back. She agrees - it's too hot. Even with a summer dress and her parasol, her shoulders and arms feel burned. It's 2PM, the hottest part of the day.

Maybe 5 minutes pass as they state up at the gate. She really doesn't want to see Kashiwagi, but she's promised to see this through.

They look around for a phone - maybe it would be better to call. They look at each other, and with one mind they turn away.

A voice behind them says, don't do that, Fukuzawa siblings. Now that you've come all the way here, won't you drop in? They didn't have to turn around to recognize that cheerful voice. Plus the smarmy host tone. Plus the bottom note of hidden poison. There was no doubt - it was a the Prince of the Gingko country - Kashiwagi Suguru.

Let me guess, Kashiwagi says - in that box is a maple parlor fruits jelly selection. My favorite. Especially with liquor. I want to eat them. You must have come for a purpose, not just dropped in for a visit.

After he said all that, who could escape? Like a video tape replay, the brother and sister turned back around to the gate. They greet him with a smile as if they were having a cramp, and innocently hold out the box of sweets. He says they're good kids. When ha pats them on the head, they're more repulsed than cheered. The feel completely defeated, when he finally asks them in.

Just because she gave him the box of candy, doesn't mean that Yumi's forgiven him. Kashiwagi takes Yuuki's arm and leads them in, as if they were going to an amusement park. Yumi takes offence at this, a little.

As soon as they step beyond the gate, they can feel the cool air from the plants of the garden. There are large paving stones leading to a huge entranceway, above which steps lead to a foyer, blocked by a screen – like a traditional Japanese restaurant.

When Yumi is turning her shoes, she feels someone looking at her and turns to see a middle-aged woman, who welcomes her. She's so surprised she can barely get her voice to come out. In the dim interior, the woman's white kimono seems...creepy.

Kashiwagi calls her onee-san, and introduces them. They both assumed it was his mother, but they were mistaken. She seems more like one of the help, this ghost-like person.

Yumi is exceedingly distressed – she had yelped when she saw the woman – and she was introduced as Sachiko's kouhai. OTOH, only a random kouhai, not her little sister, so hopefully it won't reflect too badly on Sachiko. Kashiwagi asks her why her face is all red. She says she's fine, it's cool. Literally – the inside continues to be like a ryoukan, only larger. The chill feels good. The hall is long and labyrinthine with many rooms off it. She grabs Yuuki's shorts cuff, because she doesn't think she'd be able find her way back to the hall herself. Yuuki's sense of direction is better.

Kashiwagi says that he won't be bringing then to his bedroom, because didn't think it's suitable for him to have a young woman there. He brings them to a small old-fashioned room. She can't stop herself from saying, "but it's okay for a young man?" Kashiwagi says yes, if it's Yuuki, alone. Yuuki frowns as Yumi says "don't go there alone." Kashiwagi says he'll do whatever it takes to get him there. Yumi knows
he's kidding, but doesn't believe he is anyway.

She asks if the room is a tea room. Kashiwagi says yes and offers them tea. They refuse, but he starts to take out the implements anyway. As he's making the tea, he opens an elegant cabinet – inside is a refrigerator. He says it loks better this way, but would be inconvenient to not have. Yumi notes that the A/C, which is clearly
on, is also hidden.

He makes them iced green tea then settles himself and opens the box. He asks "what do you want of me?" in the tone he might ask "which would you prefer? Pineapple or maple?"

An unpalatable man, Kashiwagi-san.



2

Kashiwagi says, oh this is about Sa-chan's dislike of men? With no hint of self-consciousness that he is one of the causes of the problem. He wonders what they should do about the Ogasawara family? Yumi thinks that that is not the point, Sachiko's feelings are. He goes on to say that he and Sachiko are the only grandchildren – unless his uncle has hidden children they don't know about. Yumi thinks it's tacky to talk about such serious matters while chuckling.

Yuuki loses his cool a bit and asks whether Kashiwagi really plans on marrying Sachiko. Kashiwagi asks him if he's jealous with a foppish face. Yuuki makes a face and says that Kashiwagi spends all his time acting like the worlds a festival. He's worried about Sachiko. Kashiwagi is surprised at that. Yuuki says that he's never be able (never even try) to make Sachiko happy and that he ought to cancel the engagement. In her heart Yumi applauds her brother and thinks that was
well said.

Kashiwagi says that it's not really his responsibility to make her happy, but that if Yuki bows and asks, he'll have Sachiko over to him. Yuuki wonders how he interpreted his comment to mean that, as his face turns red at having been forcibly coupled with Sachiko when he only meant to protect her.

Yumi has other thoughts. She could deal if her cute brother and Sachiko became lovers. She doesn't feel the need to naysay the thought. Kashiwagi points out that Yuuki and he are the only "okay" young men Sachiko knows. Yumi ponders this at length. Kashiwagi goes on to say that Sachiko's and Yuuki's kids would be very cute, he thinks. Since he feels confident about running the Ogasawara group, if Yuuki would give him a child, all would be well. Yumi says that's enough.

They hear a noise in the hall and Touko enters the room. She greets then (Yumi somewhat snarkily,) and makes herself tea, as if she's been here many times. Touko looks up and asks who Yuuki is. Yumi introduces him, feeling very weird about it – and a little apprehensive. But Touko's in "nice kouhai" mode and smiles at him pleasantly. Yuuki responds pleasantly. Too pleasantly. "Boy Meets Girl". Like a page
from a youth movie.

Yumi tells Yuuki that Touko is Kashiwagi's cousin – not really sure that's correct, but Touko confirms it. She says that hr mother lived here, and has come to visit, which is why she's here. Kashiwagi asks why she's here (because her presence complicates things.) Touko says she doesn't want to talk to her aunt, and anyway, she heard that K had guests and wanted to know what was up. She asks what Yumi was doing
there – Yumi replies that her brother had business with Kashiwagi and she's just chaperone.

Touko asks if it's about Sachiko. Bingo. She's feeling backed into a corner. Kashiwagi laughs loudly and says that's great, Yumi, go ahead. She's like "what's great?" he says, her face, how you can see what she's thinking. He wipes tears from his eyes and says that he thought Yuuki was funny that way, but Yumi's also got that characteristic. Touko agrees.

3

Kashiwagi leads them back to the gate. He asks Yuuki to come over again, and Yuuki tells him that he doesn't think he will. The next step would be "come see my room" and that should be kept at a distance. How about Yumi? Nope, no way. But Kashiwagi says he thinks they will be back – it's just a premonition. "You mean a curse?"
Kashiwagi laughs. All in all, they'd been there three hours, which passed by quickly.

With Touko joining then, the meeting of the Hanadera and Lillian student councils, and the "Overcoming the man-hating great strategy" (Otoko-kirai wo kokufukushitemoraou taisakusen") - for short "OK Taisakusen" - didn't happen. It was a total waste of time. What were they thinking, trying to meet with Kashiwagi?

Yuuki asks if Touko was the one that caused the problems between Yumi and Sachiko. Yumi says she never said anything about that to him, but he says that he lives with her and he could tell. She wonders what kind of eyes he's got from his school. She knows he was worried about her, but she isn't about to say anything about it.

They get to the buss stop. They don't see anyone else, except for a car or a bus going by. Yumi wonders if Touko will tell Sachiko – Yuuki says no. She wonders how he knows and he says he just can tell that she's not that type.

Yuuki comments that Touko was cute. Yumi yelps in protest "Cute?" with an implicit, "that's your type?" He says her face is cute, yeah. Like in a "that little kid is cute" way.

Yumi asks if that's the kind of girl he likes. He says it's a bit embarrassing to discuss it with his sister. But he admits that looks aren't as important as personality to him – someone sweet.. She thinks that basically puts Yoshino and Touko out of the running. Shimako, of all the Yamayurikai members, is the closest to that. He says she ought to be bright and cheerful. She wonders how he'd do with Rei, but
thinks that would be out of balance.

Yuuki counters with, "what about you?"

"Me?" She's at a loss. In her entire life she had never seriously considered her ideal type of man. She "super expresses" what her type might be. Good looking. Smart. The kind of person who a first glance really captures and you feel warm from it. Someoone who is fastidious...

Yuuki says, "Okay, that's enough."

Yuuki stops her from counting off qualities on her fingers.

"Because that's Sachiko you're describing."

Guess that comes from spending all those years in a girls' school. They stand in a row and sigh.



Iza, Kekkou (Now, Carrying out)

1

So, it's not so much that she hates men, since she's friends with your brother.

It's that she hates men generally, with some exceptions. Putting those aside, it's an equivalent mathematical equation. Men=dislike.

Yumi asks, "Mathematical equation?"

Yumi is quizzed two times two, etc. Yumi gets the simple math right, but has no idea what he is getting at.

He snaps his fingers. It's a matter of extrapolation. You've determined what Sachiko's issues are and their causes from experiential data. It's not like dislike of men is an allergy you're born with.

She does over the reasons she knows of - father and grandfather have other women, fiancée she loved says he's gay…and with her fastidious nature, she's generalized her dislike to all men.

Ah, so it's like a traffic signal for men is "dislike".

Well, you know that there are many types of guys. So it would be good if you could come over to Hanadera to visit.

Yuuki clears his throat. "Hey, Kobayashi, stop trying to pick up my sister."

Kobayashi accuses Yuuki of having a sister complex.

Yuuki shoots back that, if Kobayashi has enough free time to sit in Yumi's room and chat idly, then they should return to his room and do their English homework.

But your room is hell, while this one is heaven, Kobayashi points out. And if I'm invited, then it can't be helped.

In fact, Kobayashi had invited himself over without warning, not realizing that Yuuki's A/C was out. He's a pathetic guest.

Yumi offered to have them in her room, because it was impossible to rest in the midsummer heat. Kobayashi praises her kindness and wishes he'd been born her brother. Yuuki chides her for being soft and says that Kobayashi will take advantage of her.

She says that if he did try, she could count of Yuuki to punch and kick him until he stopped.

Yuuki's nostrils flare, but he takes a seat…right in front of the A/C. Yumi thinks he's like a cat.

Kobayashi suggests continuing the conversation and says that it's a good trend that Sachiko's okay with Yuuki. The fact that Yuuki's a blood relation, and looks similar to Yumi has offered them a chance, because he breaks the men=yuck equation. Like the Berlin wall, they can destroy the wall that separates Lillian from Hanadera.

Yumi nods and comments that he's pretty smart. Yuuki says not to be fooled – Kobayashi is only good at math, that he likes calculating.

Kobayashi suggests a slow, but steady attack on Sachiko's resistance. He says they don't have gay students, but they do have cross-dressers. Yumi covers her ears at such a plain statement of this, because she doesn't want to think about her younger brother in such a place.

Kobayashi, forgetting that he was speaking to a young woman who had a sheltered upbringing, presses on steadily. They have the bodies of boys, but the hearts of women. They are so cute, that when they wear their regular clothes, they look just like girls. So…how about it?

How about what?

Make her manly and she won't be able to object.

Yuuki can't stand it another second. This isn't about making Sachiko aware of her masculinity. Kobayashi says he doesn't see the difference.

After all, it doesn't matter if you have a woman's heart and wear woman's clothes...it'll still say you're male on the family register.

Yumi isn't completely opposed, she suggests keeping it as a reserve strategy.

Kobayashi goes on to suggest that if he wants to be friends with Sachiko, if he saved her from something she'd be grateful. Yumi and Yuuki exchange looks at this and say that that would be like "Naita Akaoni" (Red Demon Who Cried. Here is a link to a summary of the story: http://michelle.varjesekund.com/2005/12/naita-akaoni.html) But this isn't a famous child's story – it is the Fukuzawa household.

But…who would be willing to play the evil blue demon and be willing to be banished? Yuuki suggests Kobayashi, who pulls back from the plan, then. They go back to the accidental meeting in town plan.

The problem is that Sachiko is likely to decline an invitation to go to town, so they decide that Rei is the likeliest to be able to convince her to join them in the family restaurant or fast food place in front of the station.

Kobayashi says, let's do it. We'll be on the lookout for you guys, when you come out of the front gate of Lillian, we'll accidentally met up. We'll take the bus together to town and Rei can invite us to join you.

Yumi asks if the Hanadera guys are okay with that and is told that they look forward to meeting the members of the Yamayurikai. She finds this vaguely disturbing.

Kobayashi assures her that he'll tell everyone to be on their best behavior and not meddle with Sachiko, because if they increase her dislike of men, they'll never get help for the festival.

Kobayashi says to Yumi, so after you discuss this with Rei, contact me. And he smiles. Yuuki calls him a baka and he quickly says, right, just tell Yuuki. After all, there's a member of the Hanadera Academy Student Council in the same house.

The conversation has killed two hours, so Yuuki was able to go back into a room with repaired A/C.


2

They decide to carry out the plan on the third Wednesday in August. Not for any deep reason – in fact for a very shallow reason. To wit: If they did it right at the beginning of their two weeks independent school attendance, it would seem odd and might give Sachiko an out. This gave them a grace period of a week or so to build up a routine that might want to be shaken. Also, they didn't want to conflict with
the days of Rei and Yoshino's kendo club activities.

And they chose Wednesday as being less likely to be crowded than Friday or Saturday. Sunday was out since it wasn't a day they normally got together.

"Uh, hey, Sachiko-san, what an unexpected pleasure. Please join us for tea."

"Radish….don't say it in a monotone." Yumi scolds Yuuki. They are rehearsing.

Yuuki complains that it's an awful lot to remember, and it's his first time running through it. And anyway, he comments, wouldn't it be more normal for him to address his sister, not Sachiko? Yumi takes his point. Yuuki makes corrections on Kobayashi's script. Yumi hopes it's okay to make last-minute changes.

Mom sticks her head out of the kitchen and asks which school's play are they rehearsing for? They each say theirs. Yumi doesn't really want to explain the truth, because it would involve too much personal stuff about Sachiko.

Mom asks, well, which one is it?

Yumi says that they are collaborating and in her mind apologizes for the little lie, which isn't a real lie, since they are collaborating. That's nice, says Mom. She'll cry again and Dad can shout again, watching Yumi in the play.

Yuuki asks if the YYK is doing a play. Yumi shakes her head. Probably, they seem to do one every year. Yuuki says he didn't know that – and he's had an unexpectedly large amount of work this break. Yumi sticks her tongue out at him. They start arguing – their mother comes out and breaks them up with a towel, telling them they're acting like children.

They calm down. Yuuki comments that last year Kashiwagi joined them. Yumi says that even if they need help, as Yuuki is fairly low on the food chain, and there's lots of others to choose from, he'll probably be spared. He says he'll pray to Maria-sama. She says, "Not Buddha?" He say, no, in this case it's definitely Maria-sama. She says she'll pass that along to Maria-sama, and he asks her to. Although its not as
if she's scrupulous in her prayers.

In any case, it was time to go.

Yumi smoothes the pleats on her skirts and wishes she didn't have to wear the uniform. While it was light material, and the sleeves are short, the black material absorbs the heat. (And that FINALLY answers that. They uniforms are black with ivory collars...now we can stop wondering.) Yuuki doesn't have to wear the uniform of his school. She thinks its unfair. They stand in the foyer and give each other the
thumbs up.

Mom looks confused that they've made up so fast and are going out together. What did Kobayashi say? That they are extremely close?


3



Their buses arrived at the same time.

The bus smells like sun lotion – the smell of summer at the pool. In the back seats is a group of wet grade school girls, sitting together, nodding off.. Yumi smiles at the sight, remembering that she herself was once this young. In the middle of them, one girl is clearly keeping herself awake, even though she's nodding. She has the look of someone with a duty. When they approach the next stop, she stands up and wakes all her friends. Ah, Yumi thinks, so that's it. They aren't getting off at the terminal, so one of them has to fight frantically against sleep to make sure they don't miss their stop. As they get off, she can't tell which one was that heroic girl.

At the next stop a child tells its father, "it smells like a pool" as they get on.


4

As she passes from the west to the north entrance, just before the ticket check, Yumi hears her beloved onee-sama call her name. She turns around, relaxedly, and greets Sachiko, who says that because she arrived early, she didn't think she'd meet anyone. Sachiko runs over with little steps. Instead of a school bag, she's got a tote bag over her shoulder. It looks heavy. Sachiko notices Yumi looking at it, and pats it lightly, smiling.

The library was open today, she's borrowed books. She asks if Yumi is early, because she was also planning on going to the library? Yumi says no. She didn't even know the library was open today.

Sachiko comments that it's hot. As they leave the north entrance, the sun is blasting down on them, drying everything up. They wait for the bus, when it comes, the doors open and they are blasted by cold air. They get on, show their passes, and take their seats. In about five minutes, they are chilled. The bus departure is announced, they are the only ones on it, since it's reserved.

Even though there are plenty of seats, they sit together. Sachiko takes the window seat and silently looks out at the scenery. Yumi sees a few of the girls she saw earlier. Looking at her quiet profile, Yumi wonders what Sachiko is thinking. Certainly that isn a little while, they would meet up with the Hanadera Student Council was not one of her thoughts.

Sachiko says suddenly – So, Yuuki-san...

Uh...yes? Yumi asks, her heart thudding. Does Sachiko have telepathy?

What's he like, your brother? Sachiko asks rather timidly.

They were the only two on the bus and sitting next to each other. Yumi couldn't ignore this, but she didn't have any courage to answer it.

Sachiko says she heard from Kashiwagi that he's an officer of the Hanadera Student Council. Yumi is quite surprised to hear that – she didn't know. She just thought he was an assisting them.

It's okay, Sachiko smiles. So, he'll help us for our school festival.

Yumi thinks, not "is it okay if he helps us" or "please ask him to help us," but "he'll help us" as if it had already been decided. Of course that makes sense – Sachiko would have suggested him herself, since it would avoid involving a guy she wasn't acquainted with.

Yumi asks what they are doing this yea. A play, naturally.

Sorry Yuuki, Yumi apologizes in her heart – your older sister's powers weren't sufficient. If the decision was made before they even asked, then it's unlikely to be reversed, even if Maria-sama intervened.

Sachiko goes on. Last year, she says, because there was a boycott on meeting with Hanadera, the third-years brought in Kashiwagi. This year she's relieved.

Don't feel too relieved, onee-sama, Yumi think. While the sly older sisters have graduated, there's the remaining younger sister in the shadows.

More than the Lillian festival, though, Sachiko hadn't even considered the idea of helping Hanadera with theirs.

Sachiko says that she thought they could make a formal written request in September, but before that, Yumi should ask talk to Yuuki, so he won't be surprised. Yumi thinks that (not that she's certain, but) in a few hours there's a probability that Sachiko could sound Yuuki out directly.

But it's kind of mysterious, Sachiko comments, that because of what happened with Kashiwagi last year, Yumi became her little sister.

Yes, Yumi answers, thinking that that little sister has become the ringleader for what was going to happen this year...

She can't take it – Yumi starts to confess, but Sachiko interrupts. "We're here," she says and stands.

Was that good timing or bad? The bus trip was much shorter than usual – they had been the only passengers the entire time. As they get off the bus, Sachiko asks what Yumi was about to say. Yumi has second thoughts, and tells her it was nothing. It would do no good to confess now.

Sachiko's words poke her in the chest as she asks what was it Yumi was about to say. Yumi apologizes - she's forgotten. Her own words feel like pokes too. She calls herself a coward and feels defeated. She definitely doesn't have the personality to make a good underworld boss.

Walking, Yumi looks only at her feet. She can't bring herself to look up at Sachiko. Weeds growing in the cracks. A dropped popsicle stick. An ant cheekily crawling over her shoe. Her head dangles.

Sachiko scolds Yumi. Yumi looks up and realizes that the voice has come from behind her. While keeping her head down, Yumi's outpaced Sachiko and is ahead by about five meters. Sachiko says that she asked Yumi to wait – didn't she hear? Sachiko had stopped to take something from her tote bag and Yumi hadn't noticed. Sachiko holds out a wet towel and tells Yumi that the back of her neck was looking hot and
uncomfortable, and it was unbecoming, so please put this on it. Before Yumi can answer, Sachiko lays the cool towel across her neck. Yumi thanks Sachiko. Such a meddlesome onee-sama, always butting in every where happily, just multiplies the misery of being a trap-laying imouto.

Sachiko asks what Yumi is daydreaming about.

Poke.

"Ow!"

"What's the matter, Yumi?"

She'd been bitten by the black ant.


5

Then, just seeing the school gate became painful. In just a little while, the brother and sister low comedy act curtain would rise.

As they pass the gates and enter the tree-lined lane, they can hear the faint sound of tennis balls being hit on the tennis court. On the right, where the college grounds were, they could see students here and there.

Where the path parts, when Yumi puts her hands together in front of Maria-sama, in her heart she whispers, "Sorry." She's having all kinds of second thoughts.

They go to the library so Sachiko can return her books. She recommends one to Yumi to borrow. Yumi doesn't have the will to refuse. They walk towards the Rose Mansion. With every step the book she's holding, and the towel on her neck become heavier and heavier. At last Yumi stops and apologizes to Sachiko. When Sachiko asks why, Yumi replies that she can't trick her. Not her beloved onee-sama who values morals so
much.

Even though she asked many other people and they had all come up with the plan, now with Sachiko in front of her, she couldn't meet her gaze straight on. Clearly she was feeling guilty. Guilt and the idea that this was all for Sachiko are at war within her.

She tells Sachiko that she's going to call Yuuki and call the meeting with Hanadera off. Sachiko puts her hand on Yumi's shoulder, and says she doesn't know what Yumi is talking about, so could she please explain...in a cold voice.

When Yumi finishes telling the whole story, Sachiko smiles slightly. They were on the path behind the Rose Mansion, hidden by the trees. Sachiko asks why, after all the trouble they went through, did Yumi ruin it by confessing to her? In a little while, it would have all gone well.

Yumi says, but what would you have done? It's easier to ask, than to try and imagine.

Sachiko thinks about it. Once I saw through the scenario, I'd probably have gotten upset – maybe hysterical. I'd shout, and cry. It would be like an electric shock ripping through me.

Scary, Very scary.

I'd probably leave the meeting angry. If I was appealed to, I might strike a balance, though. I tend to use my hysteria like armor. And I know you'd all forgive me, which is why I act that way, Sachiko calmly and coldly analyzes. Knowing that, this wasn't a bad stratagem to get me to meet with the Hanadera Council.

She says it's not unlike something Mizuno Youko-sama might have done...and she'd been pretty successful so far.

Yumi thinks that although her reason for confessing was selfish – it turned out to be the right thing to do. But…she's not Youko-sama, she says. Sachiko agrees. So, (not being Youko and not wanting to enforce her will upon Sachiko) Yumi asks Sachiko what she would like to do, in regards to the Hanadera council.

"My will?" Sachiko asks

Yes, Yumi says, since you're the one who is going to have to overcome this with your own power.

Sachiko's eyes open very wide at that.

The silence between them is filled with the buzzing of the cicada. "minminmin" is the natural BGM to the words that spill spontaneously from Sachiko's lips.

"From time to time, you really surprise me." Sachiko reaches out and strokes Yumi's hair. "When did you get so skillful at handling me, I wonder."

Yumi wonders what she means by skillful. She really doesn't know what Sachiko means by it...but she can tell she's being praised.

Yes, Sachiko continues. So different from Youko-sama, but I'm guided comfortably by your words and actions.

Yumi asks if she's forgiven, and Sachiko says that it was only an attempted crime. Yumi's relieved and happy. She nods with a big movement, so the towel slips from her neck. Now that she's confesses, she wants to check again – in about 3 hours, they are supposed to meet with Yuuki, but she can still cancel. Yumi feels as if she's gained
the victory, but there's still something to be settled. She replaces the towel, cool side down. She heads towards the office where there's a phone, but Sachiko tells her to wait.

Sachiko says that she has a suggestion – will Yumi listen to it?

"So saying, Sachiko laid her index finger mischievously upon her lips."


6


During summer vacation, the school buildings were open from 9 – 5 for the student's use.

The time for the Yamayurikai to get together had been decided based on the member's plans. There were of course days where they couldn't all get together, but those that did worked with focus. In general, everyone stayed until just before the school was closed. At 5, there'd be a mass exodus from the school. Today, in reality, Yuuki's group was there at 4 on standby.

At 1, when the members of the Yamayurikai gathered, there was an odd atmosphere, different from usual. Rei kept checking her wristwatch. Sachiko asks if she has plans?

Sheesh, Sachiko – you know perfectly well what the reason is....

Yoshino becomes intensely interested in her forelock.

At first glance seemingly relaxed, Shimako has to do a simple calculation over and over.

Noriko is exactly the same as always. She's the type to never let what's going on in her heart show on her face.

At 3:10 Sachiko stands and says that, although it's early, isn't that enough for today? Hiding it from everyone, she had peeked at her watch.

The other four look at Yumi, worried. Their eyes all asked whether it would be okay, so early. After cleaning up, by the time they got to the gate, it would just be around 4.

Yumi agrees – she's just finishing up. Sachiko thought it would be pathetic if Yuuki had to wait under the blazing sun for an hour, so she decided to get going early. Her casual consideration was great – Yumi found it charming.

As Sachiko leaves briskly, Yumi has to run down the stairs to catch up with her, calling for her to wait. Sorry, she thinks, to Yoshino and the rest, but this is kind of fun.

*

Outside, Yuuki comments unnecessarily that it's hot. Kobayashi holds out a can of cold soda, saying it's a present from the sempai. Yuuki asks where they are. Kobayashi (who speaks REALLY weirdly) says they've gone into the café to cool off. When they see the girls, Kobayashi will give the sign and they'll come out.

Kobayashi is wearing a Hawaiian shirt, but the others are all wearing button-downs, all buttoned up. Yuuki thinks it's all an interesting expression of fashion that "won't make the girls nervous."

Yuuki tells Kobayashi that they've changed the script a little and Kobayashi protests that it was a work of art. They start to argue, when the girls approach.

Leading the way is Yumi. The beautiful girl next to her is Sachiko. It's a full hour before they were supposed to come. Kobayashi tells him to act naturally and talk to "Yumi-chan". As he runs off to get the rest, Yuuki wonders when Kobayashi went from "your sister" to "Yumi-san" to "Yumi-chan." Yuuki pulls out a rolled up sheet of paper and reads the script out loud. (Even in text, you can hear he's reading it flat-toned). It's a crappy script – too careless, not formal enough. He's standing there practicing, "Hey, Sachiko-san, funny meeting you here."

Yuuki looks up, feeling kind of funny that's he's gotten used to seeing his sister in the middle of a group of ojou-sama. He realizes that this was an insanely dumb place to wait. He should have been walking past or something. If he can see them – they can see him.

He glances behind him – Kobayashi and the others are approaching. He looks back. There's about 3 meters distance between him and the girls. Sachiko looks up and smiles at him. He steps out, "Hey Sachiko-san..."

She responds, "Ah, Yuuki-san."

(And I am willing to put money down that this is the end of an episode. Right here.)

His brain goes blank. He totally can't remember the next line. The script is in his pocket, but if he pulls it out and reads it, that would be cheating.

"Funny meeting you here." Sachiko says.

Yes, he replies, thinking, right, that was the next line....

Wait – but what is he supposed to say now – he was supposed to say that, and she was supposed to respond and....

Sachiko proceeds to play all of Yuuki's lines back at him – word for word. They were about to go for tea, would they like to join them? Did they have any other plans? Sachiko asks, looking quite pleased. No, that would be fine, he says.

It was done.

The cheated had become the cheater. Obviously, his sister had double-crossed them.

One of the girls says to Yumi that it was mean to not tell them that Sachiko had found out. Yuuki thinks it must be Yoshino, based on the braided hair. Yumi replies that she's not likely to tell the enemy that the plan has failed. Yuuki's like – when did your cute younger brother become the enemy? He tells Yumi that it was well done. She nods and gives him a thumbs up in a "we did good" way. Yumi looks satisfied, and Sachiko, with a pleased look on her face, asks "shall we go?"

Yuuki concedes defeat. The rest of the Hanadera group join them. As the herd of guys all greet the girls, Sachiko yelps slightly. Yumi retracts her statement about it all going well, mentally.

Tall boys. Men and women together. Punk types, all gathered together, blah blahing. Sachiko sways, looking like she's on the verge of swooning.

Yuuki thinks he hears Yumi tell Sachiko to hold it together.

The conquest of Sachiko's dislike of men still has some distance to go.

Continued in Part 2

Tags: Maria-sama ga Miteru, Marimite, One Page of Midsummer, Manatsu no Peeji, Sachiko and Yumi

posted by Erica Friedman @ 8:09 PM 5 comments links to this post   

Cutey Honey Seed Manga, Volume 1

Ah, the perfect thing, to end trash week - Cutey Honey Seed. There are so many things wrong with this series I'm not sure where to begin. lol

Okay, so, let's play "let's pretend." Let's pretend that Cutey Honey is nothing more than a wildly successful franchise of anime, manga, live action movies, games and related goods. You know, the kind of things that appeal to lonely loser boys... ;-)

Cutey Honey Seed is like the bastard child of every horrible impotent dorky boy - oversexed beautiful babe manga ever. We meet Yuuta, a typical example of Loser Fanboy-dom. He's got a beautiful girl living next door, Midori, who is really nice and *obviously* likes him, but hey, he's too nerdy to actually ask her out or anything. So when an alien crashes nearby and he's saddled with an even more beautiful girl, he's paralytic with incompetence. He gives the alien the name Kisaragi Honey, just like his favorite media heroine.

Honey is an alien, therefore naive, innocent and impressionable in every way, except that she gets the "flaunting your body parts" part right. As circumstances require, she develops "super powers" just like the "real" Cutey Honey's, in order to save herself, Yuuta and his loved ones. After she watches most of Yuuta's Cutey Honey collection, she ends the volume by transforming as Honey does to please Yuuta - even going so far as to shout "Honey Flash!".

For his part, Yuuta spends the entire volume being as tiresome as possible, trying to hide Honey's existence and when that fails, just bald-facedly lie about her, while juggling sexual fantasies about Midori with sexually suggestive situations with Honey that he doesn't follow up on. For her part, Midori, who stumbles upon Honey almost immediately, thereafter follows up by coming in on Yuuta and Honey in a remarkable number of suggestive positions without once being suspicious or irritated How nice for Yuuta that the two women in his life are physically sexy without having a single brain cell between the two of them. To the kind of person who shares their evening with blow-up sex toys, these two must look like the perfect mate. Let us not forget the over-sexed teacher, Midori's hostess mother, and Yuuta's little sister. Yuuta is surrounded by a whole world of female stereotypes, none of which he will ever go to bed with. How exhausting.

Oh, and the cute actress that plays Cutie Honey in the movies that Yuuta likes is somehow drawn into the story, as well.

This series is written by Go Nagai, but not drawn by him and it looks it. The art is slick, typically harem-shounen-dorky boy with beautiful, frontal lobe-less babe. Nothing like Nagai's disturbing and surreal take on the human form. In this first volume we're not given any Panther Claw-type baddies - the emergencies Honey handles range from a pack of tedious guys trying to pick her up for a little light gang rape to Midori's mom setting the house on fire by falling asleep with a cigarette lit. We can only *pray* for the intrusion of the Panther Claw. No Na-chan. Boo hoo.

Ratings:

Art - 6 It looks like every mediocre shounen series ever.

Story - 4 A vaguely interesting meta-twist on on the Honey story

Characters - 1 Seriously, if you think these are good characters, you and I will never, ever be able to be friends

Yuri - 0

Loser FanBoy - 9

Overall - 3

Unless future volmes leap into my lap with a "YURI!" sticker on them, you won't be seeing any more reviews of this series here. Oh, and by the way, if you've ever wondered what the definition of "loser fanboy" is, try this: If you even consider writing a comment to justify that this series is anything other than a series of tediously strung together fetishes with only the barest modicum of creativity, then "loser fanboy/girl" means you.

Manga, Cutey Honey Seed, Go Nagai

posted by Erica Friedman @ 3:54 PM 0 comments links to this post   

Yuri Manga: Eve's Apple/Eve no Ringo, Volume 5

While I'm in the mood for trashy manga, let's finish up this most delightful piece of dreck, Eve no Ringo, Eve's Apple.

In case you're new, or have forgotten the...erm, we'll call it a plot for argument's sake, here are a list of my reviews of earlier volumes:

Volume 1, Volume 2 and Volume 3 and Volume 4.

Let me also remind you that you can purchase any of these 5 volumes through Amazon Japan, simply by clicking the pictures of the cover on each review. It'll transport you directly to the correct page (as *almost* all of the pictures for these reviews do. I'll be adding as more direct to Amazon/Amazon JP as I can when I have some free time, for those older reviews of anime and manga that are available at one or the other, but currently lack links.)

The first chapter begins with a cheerful Kirika, enjoying a dinner with the evil editor and her friend Matsuda. As Kirika and editor natter on, Matsuda finds the distance between them and him growing exponentially. To assuage his ego, Matsuda visits senior manga artist Miyamae dressed as the editor. Miyamae and Matsuda have a little playtime, but ultimately it only makes Miyamae want the real thing. We get a glimpse of her true feelings.

As usual, the Mio chapter is annoying. While she screws one of the editors, she is *still* planning on defeating Kirika...whatever that means. It's really exhausting, especially as her goody-two-shoes image is well beyond tarnished.

Evil editor makes a short visit to Kirika's school festival. She returns the favor by arriving at his office late, just in time to see Miyamae collapse in his arms - and for him to call her by her given name, Mizuho. Kirika leaves unseen, with her heart completely broken. She has to face the fact that Miyamae and Mitsugu have had, and may still have, a relationship.

Matsuda angsts about Kirika, and Kirika angsts about her editor (it kind of makes sense that she'd fall in love with an apparently abusive, yet actually caring, guy, if you think about it.) Matsuda spends some time trying to cheer Kirika up, but she pretty much leaves him behind. When he goes to Miyamae's, she turns him away with an apology, explaining that she really doesn't want a fake Mitsugu anymore.

Two of the girls in school are having a torrid affair in the doctor's office. When Kirika interrupts she finds the doctor and Yurika (now *there's* a fanfic waiting to happen...) under the bed "studying" the couple. The two girls bail, Yurika and the doctor protest Kirika's interruption. Yurika mentions casually that she knows a guy who does Adult Videos, would Kirika like to see? Sure!

So they go to the AV studio and the guy finds himself short of a dom. So, Kirika volunteers. Hey, how cool, she's going to be an AV star! Yurika offers to be sub, and away they go. Since both of them know what they are doing, the director is mightily pleased - and so is Grant Oldman, erm, no, no, not really. It's the S&M guy from an earlier volume. He likes Kirika's style. So she's great as a ojou-sama, but she falls asleep the next day at school and fails her test...

Kirika meets with the S&M guy, who tells her she has good dominatrix style. She's pleased with herself as she visits the offices of her editor...who assigns her a good project. But, as she watches Mitsugu and Miyamae interact, their free way with each other, she gets more and more depressed. Kirika stands up and announces that she's leaving manga. Miyamae follows her, but Kirika only becomes angrier and says that she's leaving to become a professional S&M queen.

Matsuda is still drawing his happy, cutesy manga when Kirika comes to visit. She asks him to join her at her S&M studio. How could he refuse? He's her best friend! So once again, Matsuda takes a beating for love. Her mentor coaches her on the most beautiful way to do this and in a sudden revelation, Kirika understands...she is now able to administer beautiful torture. Afterwards Matsuda asks if this is really what she wants and she says she's pretty sure it is.

Yurika and Matsuda run into Kirika in a fetish shop and Yurika slaps Kirika for leaving them. Kirika goes home and draws a bit, remembering how much fun it was to be a mangaka. But then she remembers her editor, and she cools off.

It's graduation time. Matsuda and Kirika are free! Yurika stops by to visit and they all go to a reception at the magazine's office. Kirika has decided to return to manga after all - the evil editor bows and welcomes her formally (and politely as Kawai-sensei,) to their magazine, which moves her. Miyamae shows off the diamond on her left hand. Kirika jokes that she's landed Mitusgu at last. They have a big toast to all the "new" manga artists, at which Kirika's collar and chain around her neck become visible. Okay, so maybe not *quite* leaving the side job as S&M Queen behind. :-)

Back in high school, Mai, Kirika's kouhai in the chado (tea) club is thoroughly befuddled as to what to do with all that...tea stuff. As her new underclassmen demand leadership (she tells Kirika) she decides to teach them what *she's* learned. Kirika, naturally, tells her "How nice - go for it." LOL

Ratings:

Art - 6
Story - 6
Characters - 8
Yuri - 4
Loser FanBoy/Girl - Yes

It's utterly without merit. But it really wasn't *bad*! Like with every volume previously, it was kind of fun and (other than Matsuda's issues) the sex is guilt and tedium-free. And actually good for a few laughs.


Tags: Manga, Yuri Manga, Fun S&M Manga, Eve's Apple, Eve no Ringo

posted by Erica Friedman @ 1:39 PM 0 comments links to this post   

Yuri Manga: Shoujo Sect 2

I wasn't planning on reviewing Shoujo Sect 2 yet, but when I cam home today, there it was on the table, and I thought, "Eh, why not." LOL

In the first volume of Shoujo Sect, which I reviewed on February 27, 2006, introduces us to the residents of one particular dorm at one particular girls' high school. Most of the residents are having sexual relations with at least one other resident of the dorm - in some cases, several other.

At the end of volume one, Honda Shinobu confesses that, despite the fact that she is surrounded by a harem of girls with whom she is having sex, she actually likes Naitou Momoko. (Once again, btw, I refuse to use the official spellings. I'm not sure they were done strangely on purpose, but they are decidedly strange to the eye that is used to "correct" Japanese transliteration. I'm sticking with the furigana.)

Naitou has to navigate the labyrinth of Honda's affairs - and the fact that she (Naitou) is currently seeing her teacher - before she can begin to decide how she feels about Honda.

In the meantime, Naitou continues her habit of being catalyst/present when one of her bandmates is tag-teamed by two of her kouhai, who happen to be twins. (Gosh, that's original, isn't it? LOL)

Honda comforts Enjyoji Maya with some private time, even as she and Naitou step up their contentious courtship - Shinobu gives Momoko chocolate...Momoko responds with a ring.

Kirin, who usually functions as Honda's maid, decides to let Honda know that, regardless of her feelings for Naitou, she feels that Honda belongs to her. She won't stand in Shinobu and Momoko's way, but...

...evil sempai Sayuri overhears Kirin and Honda. After Kirin leaves, she has her way with Honda, despite Honda's protests. Since this is the first time we've seen Shinobu protest, it's especially creepy. Naitou is walking by the room, and overhears voices. Honda prays that she will move on, but Naitou decides to call Honda's phone. When it rings, she comes into the room and sees Sayuri and Honda in dishabille. Honda begs Naitou to understand, and Sayuri stalks off, full of herself. Momoko follows Sayuri and in a completely out of the blue, "whoah!" moment, knocks Sayuri cold with a fire extinguisher.

Naitou transfers out of school and isn't heard from again for months. Honda moves out of the dorm and Maya moves out with her. One day, Maya and Honda are out walking when Honda's phone rings with a message from Naitou. Honda goes running to find Naitou. Maya excuses herself, and leaves the two of them alone. They go back to Naitou's nearly-empty, electricity-less apartment and finally(!) make love.

The next chapter takes place the "Day After Shoujo Sect" at Naitou's new school. A classmate rushes to hide a note from someone that was pasted to her shoe locker. Sonoko confronts her friend Kaori on the roof later that day, telling her to not leave things like her email in the locker. Kaori and she end up fighting and confessing their love for one another...and as this is Shoujo Sect, they make love on the roof. The next day there is a note in Sonoko's shoe locker and she cheerfully tells Naitou that it's from her lover.

The Extra Chapter actually makes the whole thing worth getting, in my opinion. Up to this point, it's been a series of PWP sex encounters - some good, some bad, depending on what you like. If you're just interested in the sex, then it's not a bad series just for that. But the epilogue actually kind of ties everything up in a amusing package that nonetheless remains completely consistent to the rest of the story.

Time has passed, Honda Shinobu and Naitou Momoko are living together. Honda is rushing off to work, and Naitou is lazing around as a college student. Honda runs off to be teased and sexually harrassed in a not at all mean-spirited way by her seniors a the office. They obviously find her cute and her sexual charisma hasn't tarnished at all since high school. Naitou and Enjyoji Maya, now in medical school and who still lives with Honda, have some pleasant morning sex to pass the time. Honda ends up calling home to get something to the office. Instead of sending it, Naitou and Maya both comes to visit. So Honda's little secret is quite out. Now all her office sempai know about her and Naitouand Maya...and erm, just about everyone else.

The sempai decided that they want a little of the Honda charm and rewrite the office rules to require not only a morning greeting, but a morning kiss - and a coffee break kiss and a lunchtime kiss... insert "bwa bwa bwaaaa" silly noise here.

It's a goofy, but also kind of sweet ending for what is otherwise pretty much pure yuri porn.

Ratings:

Art - 8
Story - 6
Character - 7
Yuri - 10
Loser FanBoy - 10

Sexy? Yes. Good? Not really - but not bad either.

Tags: Yuri, Yuri Manga, Shoujo Sect

posted by Erica Friedman @ 5:33 PM 4 comments links to this post   

More Utter Nonsense

The only reason I haven't posted a review the last few days, was that I was feeling lazy. To make it up to you, I thought I'd post a list of the blogs *I* read regularly. These are in no particular order. You may wonder why I don't just include them on the side bar as links. Don't apply for a mangerial position anywhere until you *do* understand why. :-) If you understand why, then you know what I mean. LOL

The Dilbert Blog - I read Scott Adam's blog regularly not because I think he's smarter or funnier than I am, but because his comments about the kinds of things he deals with from his "fans" so eerily parallel my own experiences and ideas that I find it relaxing to read his expressions of the kinds of things I think and say all the time myself.

Aozora Art - This is Rica Takashima's (yuri manga artist extraordinaire and author of Rica 'tte Kanji!",) blog (in Japanese.) We pretty much keep in touch all the time anyway, but I enjoy reading her thoughts about her art projects and even her day-to-day minutiae.

Cocktail Party Physics is not only fun, intelligent, fascinating and noteworthy, but also written by a good friend of mine. I like reading CPP if only to remind myself that once upon a time I considered becoming a physicist. :-) Jen's writing is sharp and fun. And the cocktail recipes in the sidebar are a scream.

Zyl has become a good friend of Yuricon, and I find myself reading Hontou ni so omou? more and more often. I don't watch every anime he's watching, or agree with all of his opinions, but he's funny, he plugs Yuricon and Okazu all the time and I find myself wanting to know what he thinks - especially when we don't agree.

Blogorrhea is a blog I have only recently started following. Lee Kottner is a fellow fanfic and professional author and all around creative type. Last time we spent time together, we decided that, despite the several years difference in our ages, we must have been separated at birth...it was getting a little creepy, in fact. :-)

Yuri Kokoro is a Japanese yuri blog I've mentioned on Okazu before. I admit I haven't been checking it with the same frequency I used to, for various reasons. I'm going to get back in the habit.

I scan a bunch of other blogs too, for personal and professional interest: Slashdot, PC World, Researchbuzz, Dialog Updated Bluesheets, Yuri News. I also check the Anime News Network, Anime Nation news, and ICV2 from time to time.

And lastly, I read a bunch of Japanese yuri artist's websites, whenever I have a free moment. But I'll save that for a future post.

I'm spending the weekend doing some reading - the 14th Marimite novel, Suzukaze Satsusatsu, and the original Hana no Asuka-gumi supplementary stories, and I hope to get some writing for Saiyuu no Ryouko in. I'll be back with reviews next week!

posted by Erica Friedman @ 1:30 PM 1 comments links to this post   

Kamikaze Girls Novel

Oh.My.God.

To say that the novel Kamikaze Girls was sheer brilliance would be a dreadful understatement, but given the limitations of my beloved English, it's the best I can do. This book is *brilliant*. Like, shiny brilliance. And genius brilliance, and any other possible meaning we can squeeze out of those 10 letters.

The book begins with a long, detailed and shockingly objective discussion of the true heart of the baroque - and of the gothic lolita. It was so good that not only was I hysterical laughing plenty of times, but I'm pretty sure it completely changed my opinion of Goth-Loli forever.

The surreal tale of the meeting of yanki gang girl Ichiko, and hardcore Goth-Loli Momoko is not radically different than the portrayal in the movie, but several of the stranger, sillier touches added in the movie are not in the novel. Once again I am reminded that the correct order for me is to first watch the visual version, movie, TV, anime, what have you, then manga, THEN read the original literature. It means that with every new version you have a richer, more detailed experience with new layers. If I go the other way around...I'll be unhappy at the things that were cut or changed. (And let me tell you how worried I am, that having read the next few Maria-sama ga Miteru novels means that I won't enjoy the third season of anime as much.)

I honestly can't express how good this book is. The translator did such an amazing job, switching back and forth with levels of politeness - not only from character to character, but also just within Momoko's narration....it was breathtaking.

Also stunningly brilliant was the fact that none of the Japanese puns or concepts were translated - they were explained, or simply left as is, with a Glossary in the back. Perfect! Viz scores a perfect 10 in this.

In fact, the ONLY downside I can think of, is that one very rude word - which is presented as a very rude word - isn't defined in the glossary and I'd really like to know what it meant. lol

Yuri? No. But plenty of shinyuu, right in that space where two women are emotionally, karmically connected and yes, love one another, without being "in love." In the end, Momoko rides off on the back of Ichiko's bike, her head against the yanki's back, "like a lover's". So, okay - maybe not yuri...yet. :-)

Ratings:

10

Just read it.

Tags: Kamikaze Girls Novel, Shimotsuma Monogatari, Girl Gangs, Gothic Lolita

posted by Erica Friedman @ 7:51 PM 1 comments links to this post   

Live Action: Ace o Nerae! Episode 9

I very briefly reviewed the Live Action Ace o Nerae TV series in July 2004. If you haven't yet seen it, I strongly recommend doing so. It's not yuri, but the akogare Hiromi feels for Ochoufuujin is handled really well on both sides. In fact, all of the cast nail their roles. It's just excellent all the way around.

The television series ended with Episode 9, but as I clicked around looking for a good picture, I find that there is a second epilogue episode that covers later events in the manga. If you don't want to be spoiled, don't click on the "Album" link. The pictures are pretty much a dead giveaway. (No pun intended...)

So, Episode 9 of the television series is, for the most part, a live-action version of the anime movie/OAV. The story of the OAV was Hiromi's battle to become the representative of Japan at an international competition. Of course her ultimate rival and partner is Ochoufuujin herself, Ryuuzaki Reika. At the end of the movie Reika and Hiromi fly off to America (ooohh! lesbian code phrase!) together. Reika is in her usual girly outfit, complete with pink bow in her hair, but Hiromi has chosen to travel in a three-piece white suit and tie and a slightly butchier haircut than previously. They make a lovely lesbian couple. LOL

Unfortunately for us, the live-action version is not completely faithful to the movie. While Reika and Hiromi still have to face off, only one will be going to America. But, before you despair, let me say that the tennis match between the two women was as full of sexual tension, love, akogare, etc, etc, as anyone could have ever wanted. It was *brilliant.* The fact that Hiromi flies off with Toudou - who is a really good guy that I've liked in every version of this story - does not lessen by one whit the tension of this final battle. This tennis match was sex, pure and simple. If you are hardcore "cannot STAND to see Hiromi with Toudou", then stop after the tennis match. But watch that match!

Ratings:

Cinematography - 6 Nothing they can do, no matter how many slow-notion and effects they use, will ever really make it seem like anyone on the show can really play tennis...but that aside, it's pretty good.

Story - 8 Mmm, competent women. Competing.

Characters - 9 If you're not in love with these characters by now, you're hopeless.

Yuri - 7 Did I mention how good the tennis match is?

Loser FanBoy - ? What would you eroticize in this...oh, wait, women wear skirts for tennis. Ugh, okay, 4, but how sad is it that I can even think this way? There goes another piece of my soul....

Overall - 8

Your milegae may vary, but I watched this episode twice. In a row. THAT'S how good the tennis game is. :-)

Tags: Live Action, J-Dorama, Ace o Nerae" , Aim for the Ace!

posted by Erica Friedman @ 1:13 PM 1 comments links to this post   

Yuri Manga: Sakura no Kiwa

From Takemoto Izumi, the same artist who created Transistor ni Venus, comes an entirely different, yet no less quirky, series - Sakura no Kiwa/Sakura's Boundaries - as in personal boundaries. Because this is a story about how one girl, Sakura, has her personal boundaries gently pushed and kneaded and shaped until she finds herself living with and taking care of two other girls and fourteen cats.

Sakura's parents spring the sudden news that they are transferring to Brazil for work, so Sakura will be going to live with an aunt. The aunt, a lazy, kind of lovable dope, lives with fourteen cats. Sakura moves in and quickly finds herself cleaning and cooking not only for her aunts, but for the cats.

In school she meets tall, attractive Uesakura Futako, a neighbor of her aunt Tamako's. Sakura mistakenly assumes Futako's sister to be younger, but in fact, Ichiko is the older. They have several unnamed younger brothers, as well. Ichiko tells Sakura to call her Ii-chan, and Nii-chan for Futako (another number joke like the one in Nanami to Misuzu in Yuri Hime 4.)

When Tamako quite suddenly announces that she'll be gone for a few months, Futako and Ichiko offer to stay with Sakura and help her take care of the cats and the house - and keep her company. It's a good deal all around - they get out of their crowded house and Sakura has some human company.

The rest of the manga is gags about the cats, and the continual, quiet, and kind of dopey, sweet descruction of Sakura's personal boundaries by Futako. First she shares a room with Sakura, then a bed, then manages to get hugs, and finally, kisses. Sakura keeps giving in, until she and Futako look and act awfully like a couple - only it has happened so gradually that Sakura doesn't realize it, even when other people comment that "friends" do not give each other good morning and good night kisses. When Aunt Tamako comes back she's a bit surprised, naturally, but as Sakura seems to find it all normal and strangely justifiable, she doesn't take any action. For instance, Tamako asks if Sakura and Futako always take a bath togther. Yes...does it seem strange? Sakura wonders, then remembers that she thought it was kind of strange at first. Then Futako asks for a goodnight kiss in front of Tamako. Sakura blushes, but gives her the kiss.

The final chapter is a mix of Sakura being concerned that there is a cat missing and her slowly growing concern that Futako is awfully popular at school...in the end it turns out that two of the cats have the same coloring and she's the one going to bed with Futako so, all's well that ends Volume 1.

The whole multiple cats things makes me gag a bit, but this manga is otherwise so adorable that it's not only Sakura's boundaries that got pushed, but this reader's, as well. One just has to hope that Futako isn't as feckless as she appears and that this has been a clever, subtle war on Sakura's resistance. Probably not. lol

This isn't Transistor ni Venus. There's no action, no shapely spies, no spaceships, no aliens. But for fun, sweet and slightly dopey yuri, and for way too many cats, Sakura no Kiwa fills the bill.

Ratings:

Art - 7
Story - 7
Characters - 8
Yuri - 7
Loser FanBoy - 0

Overall - 7

A fun read, a silly, original story and lots of cute kisses. And cats.

Tags: Yuri, Yuri Manga, Sakura no Kiwa, Crazy Cat Lady

posted by Erica Friedman @ 1:09 PM 3 comments links to this post   

Returned from my Quest

I have, at last, returned from my quest for King Arthur, the Holy Grail and the plot of my next Sailor Moon/King Arthur crossover fanfic. (The first two are Kuroko, Senshi of the Kitchen, and Sailor Jupiter and the Green Knight, if you are interested.) The next will be starring Sailor Mercury. I'll leave it to the well-read and creative among you to figure out which of Arthur's knights Ami is. ;-) Feel free to conjecture in the comments section. I was accompanied by my two boon companions, as you can see in the picture above. We had a fabulous time.

In any case, as absolutely NONE of my trip was Yuricon related (for the first time in four years, I have to point out) it's not really appropriate to put my travel journal here. However, if you'd like to read about what I do for fun and relaxation, please feel free to read my Cornwall Journal.

Let me warn you in advance that the contents are full of bizarre and obscure references. I have not explained a single one, but I have hyperlinked just about every other noun in the journal, so with a few clicks and a bit of reading, you'll have a reasonable idea of what I mean - and you'll have learned a few things on the way.

Also very important - most of what we traveled around to see was rocks. Just to warn you ahead of time. We *like* rocks.

I'll be back on Monday with a new review. Feel free to say hi, tell me you missed me or otherwise offer kind words in the comments section. :-)

Tags: King Arthur, Cornwall, Stone Circles, Neolithic Sites in Cornwall

posted by Erica Friedman @ 2:25 PM 4 comments links to this post