*bounce* I remember Lain! She was so adorable whenever she wore her bear pajamas costume. But she was so much more... And her room and personal computer, how it evolves, almost organic like, as the episodes go by. They really did a great job building up the question : Who is Lain?

I am clutching my hair with 12 Kingdoms because I really was lost in it. They managed to weave a beautiful story, a beautiful world. It had that epic feel to it like it would go on and on and on....but it didn't!!! They did wrap up Yoko's story. (Though they can always go back to her.) The reason for my hair clutching is really about Tai. Like what happened to Tai-O? He must still be alive... Sugimoto did mention in the beginning of Taiki's story that it was actually the beginning of her story as well... Most importantly, what happened to Taiki to make him as he was now - a quiet arts student in our world, different from the ending of Taiki's story where, still as a child and in the other world, he was welcomed to Tai that should have herald a golden age in that kingdom??? Taiki, the Black Kirin... *clutch hair* Though not about Tai, I have some other questions like, throughout there have been brief mentions of the other rulers and their kirin. I have always wondered who was So-O, the longest ruling King, (900 years? 1000 years? Am fuzzy now about the dates) and his shadowed advisors? There was mentioned a ruler who upon accession, made the important first edict to his/her people simply to be, "Everyone, stay healthy." Who was that ruler, and what was his/her story? I wish they shed more light on the God(s) that were above rulers, kirins, and immortals. *clutch hair* So many questions... *clutch hair, clutch hair, clutch hair*

Yup En-O and Enki had an interesting relationship. I remember a scene where En-O, having ruled for 600 years(?), mentioned that if he ever got bored of being a ruler, he would be greatly tempted to destroy his kingdom. Enki gave him a look. (But after learning his history and personality, I really think En-O would have done it, destroy En himself if ever he lose it - being sad/depressed) Yup, though Yoko's story was more or less complete, I really liked her. I really really appreciate the character development they did on her. It was gratifying to watch Yoko's growth. Akin to Noriko's growth in Gunbuster. I particularly liked the part of Yoko's story where she finally held reigns to Kei, and her approach, though not at all machiavelli, to mastering her position. It did show the dynamics of a ruler 'risen by fortune' and a foreigner at that, and what needed to be done to put a divided court to heel. Also a last yup to Rakushun (Rukushun/Rakshun). He won me over too. There was a humble modesty of confucius teachings about him, that maybe is the secret why so many different girls were drawn to the half-beast. Anime characters who are animals or have animal characteristics are drawn either too cute or too fierce, but the artwork of Rakushun was that you could have found a country mouse to be drawn in a children's story book illustrations. (And perfect japanese voice casting for Rakushun by the way) Yup, Rakushun is up there in my list of anime male characters whose traits I like to emulate, alongside Prince Ashitaka in Princess Mononoke and Yukomo in 3x3 Eyes. (And yes... there is such a list in my head... ) Epp, just remembered Asano and his story...

Epp. I have to apologize to have rambled like this. Just that when there's a particular anime I like mentioned, can't help but go on and on and on...

Now this really is the point of this post. Can't believe I almost forgot this. If you like your anime with sad and depressing undertones - Texhnolyze, Jin Roh, Graveyard of Fireflies, then there is Now and Then, Here and There. Though most of the characters here are children, don't let that fool you. Am feeling a little sad thinking back on the anime... Okay, that's enough from me. Weeeeeeee!

Speaking of anime, someone mentioned this AMV a while back about Full Metal Alchemist. Highly amusing and mildly offensive.

FMA