Shakugan no Shana III (Final)

[MizuMikomi]

Spoiler:

Was that random scene with the house by the lake Pheles finding Johan? I haven't rewatched the other seasons, so I'm a bit hazy on that arc, at least.

Also, Friagne's ring! I totally forgot that he picked it up, I was expecting him to use it at some point in season 1 or 2, but never noticed that he didn't.

Spoiler:

Remember that she can only appear to people who have touched hands? How she used that to make her way to the Cultural Festival, where she found Yuji.

My guess is that Johann in season two, told her to seek those people out; at least that's the vibe I am getting. Since that was clearly her. But no, Johann is still in the Reiji Maigo. So he is with Snake and Yuji.

My guess is Pheles is hoping for Kazumi to use Giralda; which will sacrifice Kazumi's existence in the process as explained in season two, to summon Pheles.

Anyway, Yuji is always using Friagne's ring. It's what prevented him from getting scorched at the end of season one, when Shana used Tenpa Jousai. As well as the fact that it is what keeps him from being burnt by Shana's flames. Lol

But again, the top bit is speculation. I might know how it ends, but not how they get to that end ~<3

[MizuMikomi]

Just watched episode 17, great episode, seriously ~

Spoiler:

The next arc should be blatantly obvious after this episode. And I LOVED Yuji's talk with Tanaka and Yoshida. I don't know why, but I liked that.... and had Shana never had fruit in her life? She was kind of overjoyed when she had a raspberry. xD

Oh and someone says something about them all only knowing Yuji for about a year. I had no clue that the entire story took place in the span of a little over a year. Seemed like something that could easily span two to three if not more.

Which makes me feel like Shana and Yuji's relationship formed rather fast. I mean sure the entire story was meant to be about their 'possible' relationship, but it still seems rushed when I now know it all happens so darn fast. >_<

Spoiler:

The end is awesome, seriously all the Bal Masque Standing there on the roof of the school and Yoshida's expression.

I still wonder why the Flame haze keep thinking the tomogara will DEVOUR humans on Xanadu. Snake and Yuji have clearly stated it will be "A fountain of existence" a paradise for "Crimson denizens".

What is a FOUNTAIN of existence that exists in the story already?

Why has it not been shown this entire season; save for the OPs, and whats with the GIANT mass of existence that the professor and Lamies keep toying with.

Reiji Maigo, and I am willing to bet that it likely has a huge part in Xanadu's creation.

[myskaros]

I still wonder why the Flame haze keep thinking the tomogara will DEVOUR humans on Xanadu. Snake and Yuji have clearly stated it will be "A fountain of existence" a paradise for "Crimson denizens".

It's the Promised Land, where the Mako is plentiful!

[MizuMikomi]

I still wonder why the Flame haze keep thinking the tomogara will DEVOUR humans on Xanadu. Snake and Yuji have clearly stated it will be "A fountain of existence" a paradise for "Crimson denizens".

It's the Promised Land, where the Mako is plentiful!

If that is a reference, then I don't get it. xD

[myskaros]

Final Fantasy 7? >.>

[MizuMikomi]

Final Fantasy 7? >.>

Final Fantasy XIII was my first Final Fantasy, followed by X, Dissdia 012 [DuoDecim], and now XIII-2... *shrug*

[myskaros]

Aww, you're missing out on all the melodrama and angst of the 90's version of the soap opera known as Final Fantasy. It's a good, fun game, can pick it up on PSN for a bargain.

[MizuMikomi]

Aww, you're missing out on all the melodrama and angst of the 90's version of the soap opera known as Final Fantasy. It's a good, fun game, can pick it up on PSN for a bargain.

I've been tempted to, but I tend to steer clear of 'popular' things when it comes to games.

The popularity of Final Fantasy is what kept me from trying it for so long. Although I have liked Kingdom Hearts for years on end, so it's amazing that it took so long for me to try FF. *shrug*

[MizuMikomi]

Making a double post, but in regards to the episode where:

Spoiler:

The tomogara went on a slaughter fest.

I realized that this episode explains WHY that happened...

Spoiler:

Yuji clearly states the the Tomogara underestimate Snake, thinking "He is a God of desire, so surely he will forgive us." This means that the Tomogara, despite knowing that Snake AND Yuji had declared that they had won, decided to act on their own desire and kill the Flame Haze anyway.

This was proven by Yuji saying "My ability is limited to what Snake's body can do." as it was clearly Yuji who caused Snake to perform that speech.

Remember Yuji's yell? It wasn't just for setting the mood!

In fact I did some digging, and in the novels it was Yuji who gave that speech using Snake's voice. As it is his desire to end the Flame haze's fight, while at the same time it is Snake's desire to fufill the Tomogara's wishes.

In other words, the tomogara take his words lightly, because they 'believe' he will forgive them for acting out of line.

Oh I also found some of Shana's backstory that won't be in this season or animated ever:

Spoiler:

Wilhelmina found her while traveling through China, Shana had been abandoned as a child; supposedly her family had been eaten, and took her to Tendoukyu, to raise her under Alastor's watch. Or something along the lines of that...

However, it is almost certain that she was specifically raised to be Alastor's Flame Haze, because they saw "potential" in her.

[MizuMikomi]

Episode eighteen was great, it covered most of novel twenty-one in a rather timely manner. So I guess they will be dedicating the next six episodes to the last novel. I honestly wonder how that will work out since novel twenty-two was probably enough for three episodes, even four would be pushing it.

Perhaps we'll be getting an after story?

Anyway, episode impression time:

Spoiler:

What can I say? Every week I say "This was the best episode so far" and every week the previous episode is upstaged. I really think I need to stop saying that, but then... maybe it WON'T be good if I don't say it? xD

Finally get to see Lamis' true power, and Khamsin's city tuning is FINALLY explained from season one. Episode started out great, then got better as time went along. Yoshida has really become likeable the last two episodes, kind of nice to not see her as a clingy tag along anymore.

She finally knows her place, and she is willing to let Shana and Yuji finish what they started. A nice change of "OMFG SAKAI-KUN IS MINE!" from the past two seasons.

The theme that played when Shana and co entered Misaki City was amazing, it sounded like all my favorite battle themes orchestrated into one. But upon further inspection, it was a combination of the instrumentals of a few of the series openings ~<3

When Shana and Yuji stood face to face about ready to stand off, it was great to see Yuji's poker face finally get shot down. When he noticed Shana was wearing her school uniform, he gasped and lightened up.

Before they clashed blades, they looked each other dead in teh eyes with a smile, said each others names... and in unison they both declared:

--Let's finish this!

The chemistry between those two is great, even when they are enemies. xD

Oh and the partnership between Snake and Yuji is explained even more. Who's been the mastermind this entire time? YujiI, it's all been his plan, this is just EPIC. And his laugh when the Sereiden took it's true form... absolute badass.

He put Lelouch to shame, no lie.

Next episode is the end of novel twenty-one and beginning of twenty-two. Oh also, DAT SEIREIDEN, who would have thought it was actually a GIANT metal tower? That alone was epic.

Pheles fans will be mighty pleased with what's to come, as will Kazumi fans ~

The animation this episode was above their normal quality as well, rotating seals, tons of special effects.

Spoiler:

Snake's body is a FREAKING CEL-SHADED GCI SERPENT.

It's been one hell of a ride this third and final season, and it's finally reaching the climax. Here's hoping JC Staff does good on Shakugan no Shana's swan song ~

As always, I can't WAIT for next week's episode.

[Obake]

Mmmm... I didn't think it was as good as the last few, but by no means was it bad. Moved the story right along and everything.

Spoiler:

Agree with Mizu on the Kazumi point.

Should be an epic fight next ep. The preview also showed Kazumi summoning Pheles, which ought to complicate things. I presume they'll find some way to keep Kazumi alive, it'd be a bit weird to kill her off this late in the game.

[MizuMikomi]

Mmmm... I didn't think it was as good as the last few, but by no means was it bad. Moved the story right along and everything.

Spoiler:

Agree with Mizu on the Kazumi point.

Should be an epic fight next ep. The preview also showed Kazumi summoning Pheles, which ought to complicate things. I presume they'll find some way to keep Kazumi alive, it'd be a bit weird to kill her off this late in the game.

My thoughts on Kazumi:

Spoiler:

I firmly believe that the reason why Pheles said would would "die" is because she didn't anticipate Kazumi being so close to the crimson realm. I highly doubt she'll die since Hiralda is an unrestricted method, meaning it siphons your power of existence to cast it.

If it turns out she's been aware of the realm long enough to where she has built an immunity to the drain. Then she might actually survive. Personally, I don't want her gone anymore, I've come to respect her character far more. Too bad it took all three seasons... xD

[MizuMikomi]

Ninetine was pretty good, loved all the plot, plot, and more plot ~<3

Spoiler:

Shana PUNCHING Yuji, and freaking out at him was awesome.

The fact it's revealed that he was underestimating her resolve, finally, I hadn't complained before... because I was oblivious. But he's been an asshole to Shana this season, so that punch was more than warranted.

YUJI NO BAKAAAAAAAAAAA!!!! *SHANA PUNCH*

All the Hougo Shana was carrying, And Pheles, and Sydonay using his spear like that. I the episode was great, oh and Johann is badass, plain and simple.

He was all "Yep, I'm gonna take teh Reiji Magio" *Lectures Yuji about love*
*Removes his exitstence from Reiji Maigo*

"I think when love is involved it's okay to act a bit selfish."

Pheles: "It's all right Johann"
"That's why it's okay to do this"

*Gives Yuji the Reiji Maigo*
"I was going to give it back anyway."

Johann was the perfect troll in that scene, too bad Yuji can no longer sense and or detect power of existence. Since that was all Johann's doing in the first place. xD

Since this is novel twenty-two, it seems that we will indeed be getting an epilogue. Since this is close to the end of the novel; as if that was a spoiler when there is only five episodes left.

[Obake]

Finally watched 19, and wow that was great.

Spoiler:

Yuji really did deserve that punch. I get the feeling that a whole lot of his problems would go away if he'd just talk to Shana.

[MizuMikomi]

Not evern going to post speculation on episode 20, that was just... what!? Amazing, awesome, I think it strayed from novel twenty-two a bit, but STILL.

Spoiler:

We FINALLY get to see Yuji's unrestricted spell, giant ass shield anyone? Too bad Shana breaks it.

The action was great, the battle music was AMAZING, and the animation was really nice. I can't WAIT for next week, seriously.

Edit: Just looked through novel twenty-two on baka-tsuki and it looks like this episode followed chapter 1 to the very end.