I so shouldn't be watching anime at this very important time of my life, right? But this anime is seriously damn good: The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi.

Adapted from a series of novels, this anime is actually quite short, having only 14 episodes and 6 of them being the main storyline. However, the episodes are aired in an anachronic order, so if you watch them as they are being aired in Japan, you might end up being confused.

Right, Suzumiya Haruhi, on first glance, may look like your average high schooler, perhaps a little cold and indifferent to almost everyone. But in reality, she's really quite an energetic and bright person. However, she isn't just your average student, though she excels in almost everything. Haruhi is someone unique, someone who has the potential to further evolution, or so Yuki Nagato says.

Frankly, Koizumi puts it in simpler terms: Haruhi is God. Well, she has the ability to manipulate her environments to suit her whims. In fact, three years ago, Haruhi recreated the world, in order to accommodate for aliens, time travellers and espers. Why she chose Kyon, our narrator, as her closest friend... well, remains a mystery. And I shall not give out spoilers.

Every episode is well thought out, and it's really hilarious, especially with Kyon's witty commentary. He's just so... haha. Can't describe him really. Technically, I've finished the main storyline, and am enjoying the random episodes, which I bet is funnier than the main plot.

Labels: anime.manga, freetalk

notes: Tennis no Oujisama fanfiction, contains mild slash, of atobexjirou, oshitarixgakuto and ohtorixshishido.

.one; apathy
my name isn't important, because I'm no one important. The world doesn't know me, the world doesn't need to know me. I sleep my life away most of the time, because there's nothing important enough to attract my attention. My family thought it was odd, but they didn't really care. My elder brother was the one inheriting the family business, as long as he was fine, nothing else really mattered. My younger sister was their angel, the one who sang and danced and laughed and lived. And I, I didn't matter; I wasn't important enough. Nothing interest me; not school, not people, not anything. Until you entered the picture, and I learned what tennis was.

.two; brilliance
you were always full of confidence, always knowing that you were right, ignoring what others thought of you, because they simply do not matter. People flocked to your side, willingly following your every word, attracted by the charisma you exuded. I think I noticed you then; in the hazy foggy world that I lived in, you were the sun that melted nightmares away. But even though we were in the same class for years and tennis club, I doubt you even knew my name, let alone know me. No one knew me anyway; not even Gakuto who grew up with me. He hates your flashiness by the way.

.three; chance
tennis came easily to me, without putting in much effort, I could beat the others, and it bored me. I slept more frequently, living in fragments of dreams, rather then reality. For some reason, I was awake that day, the day that you displayed your tennis skills. I wanted to play against you then, for once, wanting to get serious. I received that chance.

Kantoku made you play; it was evident from your expression that you read me, and found me lacking. I fought the urge to grin; instead, I rubbed at my eyes sleepily, yawning uninterestedly. I wouldn't want to play seriously against someone who thought me beneath him. You intended it to be a short match, giving everything that you got all at once. Why bother playing a first year, when you could be defeating the second years? I fought back, and it caught your attention. I lost the match, 6-7, but won something else in the end. A sort of vague interest, from you.

.four; disjointed
Life was disjointed; sleep, dream, eat, sleep, tennis, sleep, dream. Somehow, along the way, Gakuto met Oshitari, and left me behind. He always preferred talking to someone who would actually reply back. It didn't matter anyway, I was busy living in dreams. Then you went and destroyed the serenity with your self-confident ways. I don't know whether you noticed it or not, but I wasn't always asleep, especially when you sat by me and reflected.

.five; expectations
people looked up to you, they respected you, believing that the facade you wore was real. They expected great things from you, no, they demanded them. You were supposed to be the epitome of perfection, and was never allowed to fall from your pedestal. You showed me your other side though, because you knew that I would never demand anything. I stayed awake for you, casting aside petty dreams, because I wanted to know you. That was all I needed from you.

.six; friends
surrounded by people in and all, but they were probably the closest to you; Oshitari and Shishido and Kabaji. I didn't know where I was supposed to stand, probably somewhere beneath them, probably as some sort of a pet. I wasn't important enough to be anything more then that; a listening ear, a life sized puppy, a convenient message board for some, an annoyance by others. Really, what was I to you?

.seven; growing up
we moved up the ranks so quickly, eliminating the regulars and taking away their positions. By our third year, we were already established. You were the Captain, the sun that led us. Kabaji was the ever faithful follower, standing by your side, acting as your right hand. Hiyoshi who tried his best chasing after your shadow. Oshitari and Gakuto were a strong pair, unique to the team in their own ways. Shishido, whose voice's lost that rough edge whenever Ohtori's around. And where did I stand, except on my own? Is loneliness a part of growing up? I don't think I want to grow up.

.eight; Hyoutei
a school for the rich and the richer, where the students didn't have such trivial things like friends. No, they had allies, and I merely watched from the sidelines. Who would be interested in a sleeping person? Except you maybe, but that's because you were different from them. Because there wasn't really anything that you needed. Especially not from me.

.nine; Icarus
the boy who flew too close to the sun, he died in the end, you know. It took me a while to realize it, but I am completely in love with you, in love with the sun; it'll bring me my death, but I think dying is worth if I get to feel the warmth that you have. I confessed that day. What was there to be afraid of? Rejection could be easily handled by escaping into dreams that brought relief, and a broken heart could be ignored through sleep.

.ten; juxtapose
"What took you so long to tell me that?" you asked, dark eyes softening slightly as you looked at me. I blinked dumbly, not knowing what to say. I expected harsh words, impatient rejection, disgust, avoidance or something, but not this. Of course, you never do what others predict, solely because you're Atobe Keigo. You laughed when I told you about the Icarus myth. Brilliant in Greek, you had already read this story. "How can I be the sun, when you're the sunlight already?" you quirk a smile, an actual one, not a smirk. I grinned before falling asleep in your lap.

We're as different as day and night, but it all doesn't matter, because you're Atobe Keigo. And you're mine.

.eleven; Keigo
I've never really addressed you by your given name, even though I know you wouldn't mind it, since you've been calling me by my given name since forever. Well, at least everyone does it. Akutagawa's such a mouthful to call, especially when I'm prone to falling asleep in less then 5 seconds.

We were probably the last to leave the tennis clubhouse. Me slumbering peacefully on the couch, while you have to deal with whatever it is that tennis buchous have to deal with. Oshitari and Gakuto had left as soon as practice was over, claiming that they needed practice for other aspects. Ohtori helped with the clearing up, which caused Shishido to follow suit, since they usually went home together. Kabaji, for once, had to leave early, without waiting for you, due to some family issue. How did I know all this? Well, I wasn't as asleep as everyone though I was.

"Oi, Jirou, it's time to go," you shake me gently, one hand running through my mop of curls. I snuggled deeper into the warmth of the couch.

"Mhmm, five minutes more, please, 'Tobe?" I whined, eyes half opened. You scowl, but I can tell it's not serious.

"Absolutely not. It's eight; the school's probably about to lock up. Ore-sama has no wish to be stuck in school," you answered firmly. "Besides, the limo's already waiting for us outside."

I groaned, blinking up at you, "Ne, carry me, Keigo?"

To those who don't know you, your expression of annoyance doesn't change, but I could see that you were shocked by my sudden intimacy. However, you didn't say anything, picking me up wordlessly, as I slipped into a slumber, listening to your heartbeat.

.twelve; lonely
there are times when I feel lonely, even though I have you. But you're always so busy, tied down with responsibilities to your family, to the school, to the club. I keep quiet, and sleep even more. Loneliness is better then being cast aside by you. It's alright, I don't mind. It's the price I pay for wanting the sun. The sun that is needed by others. I guess I can just hang out with the other Regulars. Gakuto's always up for a meal, especially if it's free. Choutarou is easily persuaded to join me for a movie, and Shishido usually accompanies him when he's bored. I wish we could have time for such things.

.thirteen; masks
Oshitari's really too observant for his own good. "Jirou, I know that you're not asleep, so stop pretending. I want to talk to you." He sat down beside me, saying all this in a neutral tone, which is similar to his bored tone. I think only Gakuto and I have noticed the slight difference in the tone's inflection.

I rolled over slowly, stretching lightly, "Hi, Oshitari. Was there something you wanted?" I asked brightly, not willing to drop the mask.

He sighed softly, "If you're mad at Atobe, show it to him, or else he won't ever know. He's dumb in that sense. Being busy is his life, he'd never really had time to relax. And he probably won't mind you scolding him."

I smiled at him, "I'm not the only one wearing a mask around here, am I, Yuushi? Thanks for the advice. Gakuto's heading our way, he looks jealous?"

"Aah, that's merely my plan. See you around, Jirou." he got up gracefully, attention now fixed on the redhead. I smiled.

.fourteen; near
I took Oshitari's advice. Why not, he's a tensai and your close friend. As expected, you were in your unofficial office; the tennis clubhouse, shifting piles of papers for the Student Council.

"Can I talk to you for a moment?" I asked, biting my lip. Was it the right time to talk to you? Or would you just snap my head off with your sarcasm? You looked up briefly, and promptly dropped your pen, ready to listen to me.

I lost my nerve, "It's okay, you better finish your work first. You have a deadline coming up, right?"

You beckoned me closer, and as I stood before your throne, in a single fluid motion, I found myself sitting in your lap, as you picked up the pen again. "Go to sleep, Jirou." That was all you said, as you turned your concentration back to work.

I found that as long as you're near, I can't feel the loneliness.


did that make sense? Cos I wrote this spontaneously over different periods of three days. It's not exactly complete, as I actually planned to write 26 of the drabbles. But I couldn't think of anything fitting at the moment...

Labels: anime.manga, writing

... I once said that I would never watch Ouran High School Host Club. I eat my words now.

- REwind -
Yun Qian first introduced the series to me, back in last year about November or something. Then, I was frankly obsessed with Bleach, or was it Prince of Tennis or Death Note? Something like that, and as it was a mainly shoujo anime, I ignored it and said that I wasn't interested. Even though it's horribly funny, and the characters are pretty cute.

Just recently, Chin Ming started watching it... and somehow her infectious ways have caught me... okay, I confess, there wasn't anything to watch... heh. I mean, Bleach was moving slowly, since I'm already up to its most recent. And I had already finished Prince of Tennis, and Death Note [manga]. So yah. now I'm like, not say crazy, merely interested in it. So yeah, I shall eat my words gracefully and admit defeat. The cuteness has gotten to me...

Labels: anime.manga

Labels: anime.manga

[droolz] Train Heartnet; I'm in love with him again! Well... I just watched the first episode of Black Cat. It doesn't follow the manga, but it does kick ass. We find out about Sven's special ability early in the show, which well, wasn't very appealing, but it is needed to continue the story. Eve makes a brief appearance, with her creator, but there was hardly any interaction. Rinsliet hasn't appeared yet, but she should be in episode two, if I saw the preview correctly. Creed is just so insane as ever though, and I like Saya's voice. It's very clear and sweet.

The music is pretty good, but not very memorable, but the ED is very cute. All those cats faces, haha. The animation is fast and quick paced, very suitable for Train. Overall, this anime was definately worth watching, if you like anime like Cowboy Bebop, and Getbackers, which I both adore.

Labels: anime.manga

setsunasa no kagiri made dakishimete mo
Until the limit of sorrows, even if you embrace another,
itsumade mo hitotsu ni wa narenakute
You will never be able to become one
yasashisa yori fukai basho de
If you are touched deep within,
fureau no wa itami dake
it brings only pain, not kindness.
futari wo musunde kudasai
Please bind the two together
bokura wa mou yume wo minai
We're not dreaming anymore
tomadoi nagara te wo totte
When you're wavering, take my hand
zankoku na yoake no hou he
And walk towards the harsh light of dawn
arukidasu
We're began to walk
hontou no kotoba wa kitto
Are words of truth where
hontou no sekai no dokoka
the real world lies?
bokura no mukuchi na yoru ni hisonderu
We hide in the shadows of our silent night
ima mo kitto
Even now...
~Michiyuki, Loveless ED

What is love? Is it the ache within you when you fail to see his smile?
Or when he whispers endearments in your ear? Does it hurts just because
he isn't by your side, or because he's constantly there for you?

Okay,I'm in a really sappy mood right now. Probably due to the fact that I
just finished watching Loveless, a really angst-filled anime populated
with so many lovable characters. Ritsuka is so darned cute, the red
flush on his pale skin, and Soubi smiling secretly.Ritsuka had sealed his
heart away, by refusing to let others close to him. But Soubi manages to
overcome that.

Labels: anime.manga

The movie is waaaaay different from the book. A lot of things have been left out, and the whole plot was changed. Wizard Suliman was not a female, Michael is not a young boy, Witch of the Waste was the main villian etc. Readers should know. And the movie I'm talkin- no, ranting about is Howl's Moving Castle, made by the same studio that produced Spirited Away, and Laputa- Castle in the Sky.

Howl looks like a grown-up version of Haku minus the green hair. But he's cute! ^___^ I do wish they will make a sequel of Spirited Away. It'll be nice to see Chihiro all grown-up.

But overall, it's a pretty good movie if you disregard the book, and just watch it without making references. However, I still prefer the book more, coz I'm a bigger fan of Diana Wayne Jones. ^^

Labels: anime.manga, movie

I love Janime's web. Thanks to her, I have a gift for Yong Xuan, whose birthday is tomorrow. I know it's late preparing, but I'm a procrastinater. I downloaded the whole OST of him. I know, people are going to tell me it's wrong, and I should go buy it, but it's not available in Singapore. So I have no choice. Hopefully, his siblings are not going to berate my for not buying them gifts. ZiYi will probably pout or complain, while Bing Xue will whine or something. Sometimes, Bing Xue can be like a five year old kid, even though he's the same age as me. ZiYi is older, 15, while Yong Xuan is eight, I think.

I like the OP of Yu-Gi-Oh Genex, even though I don't really like the story plot. I'm a YGO fan, so I'm really not pleased that Channel I cut off the rest of YuGiOh. Those torrents online are raw, so I won't know what they're talking, due to my little understanding of the Japanese language. Haizz, I want to lodge a complaint, and a petition for restoring Yu-Gi-Oh. Anyone with me?

Labels: anime.manga

That's the comic I'm currently reading. This is the second time I reading it, in fact. I only skimmed through the first time, not really concentrating on the words because I found the stories pretty frightening. So why am I re-reading something that gives me goosebumps and nightmaes?

That's because I need inspiration to write my own story. My story is somewhat similar to the protagonist in the comic. Both of them roamed on the darker side of the streets, loyal to those they count as friends, and a raging temper. Not to mention, both have a faithful sidekick.

Well, there isn't much to say at this point, because I don't know if I can finish it... but for now, I have to return my ever wandering attention to the maths homework that lies desolutely on my lap, craving for my attention...

Labels: anime.manga

That was the parting shot of Cowboy Bebop the Movie. Yup, I have just finished watching it. It was pretty good, I guess, but some parts was kind of boring. Too much talking. But I still like it.

I have been watching more shows recently... InuYasha, Cowboy Bebop, movies, and that Firefly show. Haizz, tomorrow I still have school... it'll be boring...hopefully, we won't get back the exam papers. Kami-sama, I don't want to know my results yet.

By the way, I would like to say that I am living in the real world nowadays. I don't drift off that much...anyway, it's not important. Back to the movie... I wish I was like Ed...I'm jealous of her hacking skills... The Lee fellow was probably very good too, though he got himself killed, which was a stupid move. Vincent is a pitiful person, I guess, but I can't relate to him at all. 'coz even with my short-term memory, I still know my own past. I think it would be interesting, to open the gates to heaven for humanity. Don't you?

Labels: anime.manga

ALRIGHT! I just finished watching InuYasha the Movie 3! It's kind of touching, and somewhat exasperating, because those two bakas, Sesshoumaru and InuYasha, can't co-operate and defeat a mere human controlled by a sword! Grrr... they just have to fight each other and get into each other's way! [rolls eyes, and throws hands in the air] Geez, they are brothers after all. Don't they know that poem of brotherhood?

煮豆特作羹，
漉鼓以为汁。
豆在釜中泣。
萁在釜下燃，
本是同根生，
相煎何太急?

It's a classic, by Cao Zhi, which Cao Pi forced him to compose in 7 steps, or face death. Cruel, isn't it, what brothers can do to each other. But, back to the movie. It's still rather sappy; I still shed a few tears, and sweatdrops during the show. InuYasha is still pig-headed, but Sesshoumara has kind of mellowed, must be Rin's influence. But whatever...

Honestly, InuYasha's dad has very few scenes, well, probably because he's dead. he seems pretty cool, with Sesshoumaru's coldness, and InuYasha' s protective ways. He died for Izayoi(sp?), InuYasha's human mother. I didn't know that she was a hime during the anime series. I just thought she was a commoner. I wonder if there's an InuYasha Movie 4 in the makings. I really like the anime, and the other two movies.

The first movie was not as good as the second, but both of them focused on the budding relationships of InuYasha and Kagome, and Miroku and Sango. Poor Shippo, lol. I think Naraku was in both... Sesshoumaru only got a scene in the second movie...he was like, completely left out. Awww...[huggles the dog demon and got fried... x_x]

Labels: anime.manga

Inui-san is really scary-looking, neh?I like Prince of Tennis, a lot, because it's really funny, and I can at least understand what is going on, unlike Hikaru no Go, I don't get it, all the Go stuff. I have keep trying to learn it for ages, but no one can teach me!! You know, I really wonder why Inui's glasses always seem to reflect light, even if he's not in a place with lights... so unrealistic...

My favourite characters are Fuji, Momoshiro, and Ryoma... of course, there's Kawamura Takashi for the laughter injection. I mean, he has a 180 degree personality change with a tennis racket in his hand, weird!

I absolutely loved episode 22, it was downright hilarious! Kaidoh, getting hit three times by his own teammates because of the same robber, and the same reason. Lol, and the way he blushed was soooo funny!

Haizz, my mom scolding me now...because I have been using the computer ever since 8pm...and it's 11pm now... it was only three hours what!!! Haizzz....

Labels: anime.manga

Grr!!! Noah is totally despicable, I tell you!!! How could he use such an underhand method to defeat Seto!!! I mean, we all know that the only person Seto truly cares for is Mokuba!! And for Noah to use him, that's so not genuis-like! Okay, that was totally out of the point.

Anyway, today's episode of Yu-Gi-Oh has left me brimming with disappointment. I though that Noah was going to be more creative and who will care for the creation of heaven and earth? Seto definitely wouldn't! He's just interested in Duel Monsters; he would give a second thought to whatever Noah wants, unless there will not be a KaibaLand in the new world, I guess.

Even though I'm not Seto fan, I feel that Noah is low-down in his attempt to win! Why can't they duel fairly? If they had duel fairly, the victor would be Seto, hands down. He has both the experience and the interest. Noah seems only to be dueling just because he wants to win.

Hell, I like Yami no Bakura and Malik Ishtar more, but I just feel indignant. Haizz, hopefully on next week's Yu-Gi-Oh, Seto will be able to wake Mokuba, and un-brainwash him. I simply can't wait!

Labels: anime.manga