WMU Anime Addicts

Hey again, fellow addicts! Now I'll talk about all of the final episodes of the Fall semester of 2009. So you won't get the last of this until after this Saturday (Dec 12), assuming that the meeting isn't canceled for bad weather or something.

Not e: 'Slap-Up Party: Arad Senki' isn't played anymore, at least not this semester. Just when it started to get a real plot going...<sigh>. .. oh, well. We also started playing a little 'Higepiyo', but I'm not reviewing that, since it seemed more like filler.

AKIKAN !: When the series last left off, the mixed-juice Akikan had Melon, Yell, and and Budoko's powers in her grasp, and Otoya seemingly perished in a fire of his lair of man-love (aka his office). Kakeru's sad and left with nothing but an empty can, but with Najimi's and Airin-kun' s...er, I mean Kizaki's help, he chases the evil Akikan down and pulls off a last-ditch effort--begging her to give the other Akikans back. Obviously, for a can-girl who seems pretty heartless, the "plan" doesn't work. Instead, she sics a Melon Zero (a "zero" being a soulless copy) after Kakeru.

How will our hero (heroes if you count the other two humans) win this thing and break their friends from the evil clutches of the only real villain of this series? Ooh, I know!

The power... of love.

Yes, proclaiming their love to the Akikans freed Melon, etc. from the mixed-juice badgirl. That and a little can-swiping from the villain by Otoya, who in fact allowed himself to appear dead because he wanted to look cooler (yes, he said that); he also escorted Misaki onto the battlefield.

S o the can-girls and their owners make a final stand against Miss Mixed-juice and her army of Zeroes, tearing them down with their special skills, and taking down the villain with a combination attack (first Melon's "Melo Melo Melon", then charged with Budoko's "Sour Grapes," then batted in to the nameless girl by two of Yell's "Isotonic Swords", and finally set to blow with Melon's attack).

After the buttkicking sets in, we learn why the mixed-juice girl is so touchy and owner-hating: her own owner abandoned her after she "girlished". Turns out that her owner is the cat we see so often in the series (on Kakeru's roof, for instance), which got spooked when the can it licked turned into a girl. Since she was so upset about this and never getting a name, Kakeru settles on a name for her: Miku. He, of course, has to make a pass at her, but that's just Kakeru being himself. Anyway, Miku goes off to find her little owner, and the day is saved.

The show ends with Gigolo classically failing to admit his love to Kochikaze (I suppose he had to fit in the finale somewhere), and everyone gets together with hope for the future and Kakeru's words, "I'll give you all lots of love!" Ah, good old Kakeru, trying to seduce us to the very end.

Much like those before it, this was a fun episode with plenty of action, innuendo (I continue to say, you can never go wrong with a little innuendo), and even a little yuri/loli kissing, for those into that sort of thing. Basically, I watched this to the end with no regrets.

K-ON! : Of all things to happen, the usually energetic Yui is sick with a fever. What the heck is the club going to do without their lead guitarist, especially for an upcoming concert? Fortunately, her little sister Ui has an idea: to masquerade as Yui for the time being, until Yui's all better. Since the two sisters look and sound pretty similar to one another, the plan seems to go off pretty well, until Ui plays the guitar in practice; ironically, this fake's too good at it. After two or three times of playing a song (we always hear the last few notes), the gang gets a bit more wary of this clone, especially when she screws up everyone's nicknames (Azusa's nickname "Asu-nyan" is said as "Azuza #2").

But one big thing, or maybe two of them, clinches it: The lookalike's breasts are too big to be Yui's. Indeed, from days of putting outfits on the girls, Miss Sawako knows these things. Speaking of outfits, Ui returns in a yukata made by Sawa-chan, and at one point, Mio gets a little hyped herself picking other ones out for Afternoon Teatime (the band).

Since Ui returned Yui's guitar back home, Yui goes through heck to get there and back to school for the concert (waiting for traffic lights, trains, etc.). She finally makes it after all that, and performs "Fuwa Fuwa Time," now with Yui as the lead singer and with Asuza on acoustic guitar. Yui finishes this badboy with a proclamation of "I love K-On!"

Sure, it couldn't end with the gang at Budokan (the main series was just 12 episodes), but I still liked this cute little series. In fact, I'd happily request another short season or two.

But wait, there's more: An extra episode! I might talk about that next time, assuming it's played Saturday. I'll also have to see if any more FMA is being shown. If not, I'll consider reviewing that too. Till next time, true believers... oh wait, that's Stan Lee's line...

SEITOKAI NO ICHIZON:
The Journalist Club president Lilicia Toudou makes her appearance, but Chizuru quickly gets her flustered. To combat this, Lilicia interviews all of the girls and quickly throws off Sakurano and Minatsu. Mafuyu is distracted by her ever-present game and her need to type her walkthrough wiki. Chizuru... threatens her life if she ever goes up against "Aka-chan" (Sakurano) ever again. Ken explains why he manages to stay around Chizuru: 'cause she's hot, as well as proclaim his goal of a harem ending.

But apparently there's a rumor that Ken was two-timing: it's TRUE. Now that she has nothing to use as blackmail, Lilicia bolts out. Upon that, Sakurano has to ask: are the two girls he left behind happy? (OH MY GOD, a serious moment!) He says yes, and it's back to status quo.

HAYATE:
Uh oh, it's almost Valentine's Day: the battle for Hayate begins. Nagi tries to make chocolate, the blue-haired Ayumu Nishizawa almost gets kicked off school grounds (she's too poor to go there). Hina allows her in and gives her a chance to confess to Hayate, but she half-chickens out and only gives him obligation chocolate (for friendship). Hina forces him to chase her down, and she gives him the serious chocolate (for love).

The ghost who made the dungeon from last episode came in for an appearance, quickly interrupted by Maria, who Hayate asks for romantic advice. Too bad she has never had romance before.
Maria quickly makes a decision to make HIM a chocolate (looks like another girl wants him now), just in time for Hayate to make chocolate for Nagi (against tradition, but he has to follow Milady's orders). The maid overdoes it a bit (it shines and sparkles on its own), and hides her affection and embarrassment by saying that she made it for herself. Finally, Nagi accepts Hayate's delectably simple heart-shaped chocolate with a smile.

The second episode introduces Kazuki, a boy who fell for Nagi at first sight a year ago (they never met again), and who also happens to be Ayumu's brother. Somehow, with tears in his eyes, he confesses to her. She starts to turn him down, but he convinces her to go on a train ride with him, since she's never rode one before. They tour around the city, with a certain blue-haired boy keeps watch. Eventually, Nagi admits that Kazuki won't get to her heart, as there's already someone else there. (Maybe it's Hayate! Naaah.)

Later, Nagi wonders why Hayate isn't jealous, but realizes that's just who he is. He's cool like that. Oh yeah, and he got an accidental peek of her in the bath. After a quick kiss on the cheek from the little mistress, I'd say it was not the worst day for the Combat Butler.

KAMPFE R: Natsuru's first day of girls' school is a bit hectic--all the girls love her (as in actual love/lust), Kaede confesses to her, and she's labeled a yuri after an interview to divine a secret. Akane promises to watch her back, but the redhead always seems to be gone during the er, "interesting" moments.

This doesn't get much better for "him" when Shizuku gives away Natsuru's secret... Natsuru the girl is not a yuri, she says; Natsuru's in love with Natsuru the boy! Aww, how sweet, Natsuru's finally found lo-

Oh wait, that could cause problems... especially when Natsuru the boy is found pinned under Akane. The awkwardness continues.

FMA BROTHERHOOD: Mustang was called upon by Hawkeye's father (his sensei) to take care of her, as she has the details of his life-ending experiments... on her back, apparently.

Ju st as Ed asks Hawkeye about the Ishbal Extermination, Scar seems to get info from Marcoh as well, merging the history into the following:

It started when an Amestrian officer (Envy in disguise) killed an Ishbalan child. The people of Ishbal fought back in a civil war for seven years. In response, Executive order 9066 (signed by Bradley, of course) started the genocide.
While Hawkeye and Mustang questioned the reason they fought, or rather murdered, Kimblee got a Philosopher's stone from Marcoh and his scientist crew (which they made out of Ishbalans, of course). Kimblee, aka the Crimson Alchemist, used that power to take out a certain Ishbalan family--Scar's family, among others. Of course, through all of this, King Bradley keeps his straight face; he seems to consider himself above average humans anyway.

Back in the present, Hawkeye considers that governmental reform could be in order, possibly with Mustang as Fuhrer President, but even then, the "heroes" of the Extermination would probably be tried as mass murderers.

The second episode begins as Envy finds Dr. Marcoh dead and headless, the word VENGEANCE scrawled in blood.

Ed and Al reunite and start a search for May. Running into Mustang, Ed promises to give back the money he owes him (520 Cenz) when Roy becomes Fuhrer President. (Then he'll borrow more money, and owe him until Mustang gets a greater rank... whatever that is.) Though he keeps this in mind, Mustang, in the meantime, sets a plan into motion.

Ran Fan and her grandfather make their exit from Amestris, and the doc who worked on her shares a cup of coffee with his family.

Kimble e, who still has a Philosopher's stone hidden in his mouth all this time, has been released from prison right into Father's hands, to offset the so-called "labor shortage" caused by the State Alchemists. It seems that Marcoh's corpse is a fake, and Scar has him in his care, if you will. Kimblee is enlisted to capture him and kill Scar.

Scar reunites with May, who wants Marcoh to tell her how to make the stone, but Scar stops that discussion by frying Marcoh's face. No, he's not dead--Scar is making him unrecognizable to those looking out for the good doctor. Now Scar is on the trail for secret documents he hid.

BAKEMONOG ATARI:
Senjougahara wants to do Araragi a favor for helping her... but nothing sexual (imagine the disappointment from the viewing crowd). She ends up asking a mess of questions, eventually wondering if he would want a girlfriend; he says no (again, disappointment) .

Araragi wonders about a kid who ran past the playground. He asks the kid where she's going and if she's lost. After numerous rejections and taking down the girl with a judo throw (a victory of which he's very proud), he manages to get her to say that she is lost... and she's a snail. That would explain the huge backpack...

So , it looks like secret plans, awkward moments, and a little girl in trouble are in the Addicts' viewing future. Gotta come next time, guys, 'cause the plots still thicken.

Hey again, everybody! I'm not here this V-Day weekend, but I figured I'd give you guys the review of the next episodes that would be there. I'm assuming you're watching the next epis in the same format (1 Seitokai, 2 Hayate, 1 Kampfer, 2 FMA, 1 Bakemonogatari) , so I'll review in that format as well. Here goes.

SEITOKAI NO ICHIZON:
It's summertime and Ken is going nuts over the girls' summer uniforms. (Sakurano plays in sandboxes?) This mania only gets worse when the A/C breaks down and the girls wear swimsuits. Chizuru tries her painful anti-perv method (a mask that "zaps" him if he tries to touch it and ogle the girls), but of course that won't stop his images of what he thinks the girls are doing. Of note, though he can't see them, he gets the swimsuits correct. He listens to the council members for a bit, dreaming up his own ideas... until he starts seeing things from Mafuyu's yaoi novel.

Anti- perv method #2: Have random conversations to distract Ken from his lewd thoughts. It doesn't work too well, considering his questions and assumptions (obvious ones like, "What are you wearing?" and "I bet you're adjusting your hipline!"), and then Mafuyu makes it even worse--after an odd brainwashing by her sister, she ends up breaking Ken's mask.

And so, anti-perv method #3: The girls lock Ken in a locker, and then proceed to talk about their lives outside of the council. Mafuyu is relatively isolated in class, yet popular enough to be voted into the council, for instance. Sakurano states how mature she is, and because of it, everyone in school loves her (Translation: because she's so small, everyone loves to pet her). In the one serious moment per episode, when he's out of the locker, Ken realizes that he doesn't really know his fellow councilmembers that much. That moment is shattered, of course, when a stupid comment from Ken lands him back in the locker... for the rest of the night.

HAYATE II:
Sorry, don't know what happened here.

KAMPFER:
A few boys get shot down in the halls, but it's for a good cause: The Seitetsu Festival is about to start!

The day before, Natsuru and Akane's support club gets to work on the two, thus ridding them of all dignity. They get stuffed into the various cosplay staples (maid, swimsuit, etc.) right in front of their classmates, not actually being told that there's a dressing room just a few steps away.

Kaede runs into more opposition for Natsuru from Akane, who tells her Natsuru isn't into girls (although, technically, "she" is), leading her to wonder if Akane likes the blue-haired Kampfer. Natsuru (as a boy) tries to convince her that Akane and Kampfer Natsuru are just friends, and, stupidly, tells Kaede to keep trying to get her heart. Kaede is now determined not to let Natsuru have... er, Natsuru, her "greatest rival", as she says.

Finally, we actually get to the beauty contest. Natsuru comes on stage first, quite dignified, when Entrails Animals dolls (like the Kampfers all have) fall from the sky/ceiling. Before the blue-haired girl can comprehend, Kaede, in bridal wear, has Natsuru as part of her appeal skill... a skit of an Entrails Animals story. In it, Kaede is the Entrails Princess, and Natsuru is the prince of the Hormone Kingdom.

Yes, that's right, the Hormone Kingdom, and no, I didn't make this stuff up. Chalk up another point for Japanese anime originality.

A nyway, as Kaede is in bridal wear, the "prince" and "princess" are to be wed, and she tries to seal it with a kiss. Though a girl at the time, Natsuru says "Aw, screw it" and goes for it... but good old Kampfer Akane breaks up the happy moment before it can start.

In appropriate cowgirl attire, the angry redhead lets her guns blaze at the almost- newlyweds, leading to Natsuru on top of Akane. The whole room cheers them on ("Kissu! Kissu!"), and to make it worse, the bullets that scraped Natsuru's suit made the seams start to rip. Oh yes, the camera phones are out.

Akane's off the floor, ready to put a bullet in Kaede's head, but Shizuru steps on scene (as Entrails Hero). By knocking all three girls out with her daggers, she wins by default. Yay?

Natsuru wakes up next to Shizuru, who claims that the princely performance was pretty convincing. She also makes out with Natsuru (in boy form), taking his lip-chastity as payment for... forcing him into the contest in the first place.

It later turns out that Natsuru's childhood friend from the pictures, Nikoto Kondo, has an Entrails Animal of her own, apparently from the bouquet Kaede threw into the crowd. Looks like we've got another Kampfer in the works, and if the other dozens of dolls in the crowd are an indication, there are even more Kampfers to come.

FMA BROTHERHOOD:
Ed and Al are in the infirmary after their little tiff with the "Crocodile"- armed soldier, named Buccaneer. Turns out the reason Ed's automail arm didn't work is because the nerves connected almost died out from frostbite, and his arm was made of just iron, instead of the cold-resistant alloy from which Buccaneer's is made.

Major General Armstrong steps in, wanting answers. The boys are hesitant to give her the reason they're in their current conditions (you know, with one being a suit of armor), but she assures them that it's no big deal--a lot of people in Briggs have things to hide. They tell her the story about their search for their bodies and for May, not mentioning the Fuhrer being a Homunculus, of course, and Armstrong notes that she's interested in Eastern alchemy as well--in other words, she wants to add another weapon to her arsenal. Al tries to steer her away from this, telling her its medical purpose, but she doesn't care, putting the boys to work in the fort.

The Elrics find out one of those secrets the fort's residents hide--Major Miles is part Ishvalan. Ed and Miles have a little talk about their fellow peoples' dealings in the war, Ed eventually announcing that people should get past race. Apparently, the woman Armstrong believes this as well, explaining to Miles that, to protect the northern border as one great force, the soldiers of Fort Briggs "have no time for discrimination" .

While explaining the one law of "survival of the fittest", Miles puts Ed and Al on icicle-scraping duty. There they reunite with Warrant Officer Fulman, the guy who once kept Barry the Chopper hidden. Fulman's a 2nd lieutenant now--good for him.

Fulman shows the two the heart of the fort, including an underground system of pipes, when pounding resounds from below. Armstrong hears that Kimblee's been released from prison and is now in the hospital (due to his fight with Scar last episode). Before she can continue her suspicion, the intruder alert sounds...

reve aling Sloth, a hulk of a Homunculus. He's big, he's slow, and he's indestructible. Example: he takes a tank shell to the face, calling the pain "a bother". Armstrong wants info on this thing from the boys, as she knows they have a clue what it is (remember, she knows nothing of Homunculi). They tell her it has about the same composition as a human. She gets a plan... but what can you kill a creature with if you can't "kill it with fire"?

The second episode shows how: With a tank, Armstrong slams Sloth into an elevator, sending him to another floor where other soldiers douse him in a liquid. Finally, Armstrong takes her tank to the same floor (don't ask how she fit the tank in that elevator) and, with the combination of tank shells and a push from the Elric brothers, the team shoves Sloth right into the cold.
The liquid they covered Sloth in is actually a fuel designed to burn in cold weather. The evaporation combined with the blizzard sucks the heat right out of what it covers... such as that Homunculus.

Th e result: instant Sloth-sicle. Yep, I now have fan-respect for Olivier Armstrong. Too bad she stuffs the guys in a cell minutes later.

The next day, while the guys are in cuffs, Miles goes to check on Kimblee, who's in the hospital after his battle with Scar. Miles explains that the Briggs men will go after Scar from now on, but Kimblee proudly claims that "the Ishvalan is his quarry" alone. Miles says that Fort Briggs isn't letting a serial killer run free on its grounds, and, showing his red (Ishvalan) eyes, advises Kimblee to not get careless, lest he spend some more time in the hospital.

The minute Miles leaves, some gold-toothed doctor/ alchemist, led in by General Raven, pops in to fix Kimblee up in a jiffy.

Elsewhe re, Marcoh and May talk about the workings behind their respective versions of alchemy, or in the case of May, alkahestry. Alkahestry uses the "chi of the land", energy that spouts from the mountains then flows down like rivers. Alternately, alchemy uses energy released by the earth's underground seismic activity. May has felt something underground, but it's not seismic energy--it's people digging.

At the same time, Armstrong, Buccaneeer, and the Elrics investigate the tunnel Sloth was digging. Now a distance from the base, she demands they tell her everything, and so they do--the Homunculus, the corrupt higher-ups, the hostages, all of that.

When that's out of the way, Armstrong asks Ed what he makes of the tunnel. On a suspicion, he asks Fulman about the bloodshed that took place in the country. Marking each place with a map (there are quite a few, including Liore, where the Elrics confronted Priest Cornell), a familiar shape forms... a transmutation circle.

Oddly, the first battle occured soon after Amestris's founding (in 1558). It appears that in every instance, there was infighting, Amestris stepped in, and Central was there to make things worse. This leads the Elrics to believe that the very country itself was formed to make this circle: all part of the master plan. To top it all off, the next stop for a big battle... is Briggs.

Armstr ong can't even get a moment to stress on this before General Raven stops by the fort. Under Elric's request, she bugs a room and tries to glean information from him. Talking about the "biological weapon from Drachma", she dicusses how its strength and form were impressive, and how she wished she didn't age. Raven takes the bait... and asks if she wants to hear a little thing about immortal armies...

Well , I'm all ears, but that part's not coming till next week.

BAKEMONO GATARI:
Araragi learns more about Hachikuji, the snail girl. First, she finds his hand tasty. Second, she's the daughter of a divorced couple. Hachikuji is in her dad's custody, but he prevents her from seeing her mother.

Just then Senjougahara shows up, back from Oshino's, and she smells Hanekawa on him, but she pushes that aside to explain what Oshino found out: the snail is keeping Araragi lost. Also, Senjougahara can't see her, because only those who don't want to go home (such as Araragi, who doesn't want to because he's scared of having to talk to one of his sisters) can see the girl who can't get home.

Mayoi explains that she was lost in the first place because she wanted to find her mom on Mother's Day. On her journey, a car struck and killed her. The spirit of this Mayoi Hachikuji still searches for her mother's house.

Senjoug ahara says that she didn't say anything about Araragi's argument (and fights) with the air because, oddly, she didn't want to seem "strange" again ("strange" as in her weight issue with the crab).

One more reveal: Senjougahara says that, thanks to his willingness to help others, she loves Araragi. Mayoi ends it nicely: " Congratulations ".

Everyone finally follows Hachikuji's route to her mom's house--one that, because she only remembers the route there as it was up to her death, took longer than it should have. Continuing with this, the site of the house is now nothing more than a parking lot. This doesn't deter the ghost girl, as she finally announces that she made it.

With the kid out of Araragi's hair, and a new girlfriend's hand in his, the Mayoi Snail arc concludes.

But wait--perhaps Hachikuji's not out of his hair after all? She's now a wandering spirit (she was promoted from haunting spirit), and she says she'll be showing up now and then... yippee.

Well, it's been an OK Spring Break, but now it's time to get down to business--and by that, I mean watching more Japanese entertainment.

SEITOKAI NO ICHIZON:
It's summertime, and no one wants to do anything. Sakurano won't have it, so suggestions fly for something to do. The winner: a summer trip to Tokyo. Minatsu intends to make it with less than the bare necessities; Mafuyu's briefcase is filled with game hardware; who the heck knows what's in Chizuru's case.

The poor Ken can't take a peek at the girls in their pajamas, so he's strapped down and blindfolded for the rest of the train trip.

They all end up in an inn and tell scary stories, to Sakurano's fear. In retaliation, she commands them to take up catchprases and costumes. Very... fluffy goings-on occur.

They all end the night with a view of the ocean... but for some reason, Chizuru keeps on her costume. So yeah, everything's back to normal.

HAYATE II:
We continue from last time, when Hayate was stuck with the guy who wanted to ask him out. Fortunately, one of Hinagiku's friends steps in and tells the guy, a butler named Kotetsu, that the maid is really a boy. Hayate manages to make a run for it while Kotetsu feels betrayed.

Nagi gives Hinagiku her gift and makes her exit, but not before Kotetsu snatches Nagi up and demands Hayate get her back. Maria takes up the chase herself... by calling Nagi on the phone.

It turns out that Hayate didn't just jump out a window, but off a cliff. Waking up in an even skimpier costume (with rabbit ears!), the spirit of the craftsman who cursed the doll appears. The boy can't get his hands around the ghost's throat before he hears that Nagi's in danger. On his journey, Hinagiku sings a song; he gets his own theme, in a way. Hina gets her revenge though, by making her trio of friends sing a song.

Kotetsu gets a telling off by Nagi, realizing why he can't get a girl, just when Hayate walks in. Kotetsu still wants to marry Hayate though... guess he's gay. Of course, Nagi won't stand for it, and she and her butler get out of there, but not before the craftsman reappears and breaks the curse (under Nagi's fearsome gaze).

In the second, Hayate makes it to Hinagiku in the tower, but he had her waiting for two an a half hours. Stupidly saying he forgot about their meeting, he ends up dodging her enchanted sword's blows. Yes, the wooden sword she carries is cursed to make the user stronger, but also more emotional as a side effect. Emotional woman + anger + magic blade = HOLY CRAP, DON'T KILL ME!

Fortunately, she manages to calm down, and Hayate gives her the "better present" he promised: homemade cookies. Hinagiku reveals that she and her sister are adopted; in a way, she's poor just like Hayate. The two sorta-lovebirds share a view of the cityscape, and Hinagiku is sure that she loves Hayate.

KAMPFE R:
Kaede invited Natsuru to her house last episode, but Shizuru and Akane just have to come along. At her mansion--er, I mean, house, the girls do a game involving biting the ends of a pocky stick... guess what happens when the two finish the stick?

First up are Shizuru and Akane: Shizuru lays it on thick, as per her normally sensual style. Natsuru backs out of he would-be kiss with Akane, and Kaede just can't seem to get a matchup with Natsuru.

Mitok o makes her presence known, her curry as costant company (but no, she's not in just an apron this time). Natsuru has to take a shower after Shizuru "accidentally" spills curry on her, but both Kaede and Akane want to "wash her back". Even Mitoko takes a shot at it.

Natsuru ends up in bed alone, but Kaede steps in for a little fun, and at this point, Natsuru's turned into a boy. Before he can capitalize on this opportunity, Akane shoots up the room, and a new Kampfer pops up: a White Kampfer.

FMA BROTHERHOOD:
Kimblee and the Briggs men search for Scar, and the Elrics search on their own, even though they're completely unfamiliar with the town. They luck out when May, Dr Marcoh, and Yoki literally run into them. Yoki explains that he and Ed met before: Ed helping out the miners Yoki oppressed, and the once-military official heading into poverty. Too bad no one cares about his story, since Al is trying to convince May that Winry (hidden inside him) isn't his girlfriend (she's clearly Ed's, heh heh) .

Meanwhile, a few men from Central find Scar, to reveal that they're actually chimeras. Ed steps in just in time and lays some hits down with his new lighter automail. Ed and Al turn their sights on Scar and capture him when Winry's appearance startles him. Winry asks Scar why he killed her parents; he doesn't know why.

Buccaneer and some men/survivors come out of the tunnel dug by Sloth, and he and Major General Armstrong watch some more military step into the fort. Why?

An explosion occurs and Winry ends up in Scar's hands.

Next episode, we rewind to before the explosion, where it is revealed that rather than take Scar's life, Winry decides to bandage his wound, as "he is a life her parents saved." Scar also finds respect for Miles, another man of Ishbalan blood, but one who has learned not to hate the Amestrians for the Extermination.

The Elrics still need Scar to decipher the documents in the journal linking alchemy and alkahestry, so everyone there decides to let him go. To stop Kimblee's suspicion, Winry decides to leave as Scar's "hostage"; the others, meanwhile, take an underground route to Fort Briggs. The chimeras from earlier have their lives spared, and go with Miles, Marcoh, May, and Yoki. Ed walks out the front door and puts on an act for Kimblee, angry that Kimblee let Scar get away.

While May feels homesick, Ed hears from Miles that the fort is no longer safe, and now no one can warn the others... except for Al. In the blizzard, Al has a vision of his body calling out to him. Since his soul is in the wrong body right now, perhaps the armor is finally rejecting it?

BAKEMONOGATAR I: After the injuries subside, Araragi goes to Surugi's place, and asks what her powers are. He has already deduced she's behind the buttkicking from last epi. Turns out she has a monkey's paw under those bandages, which can fullfill wishes.

Oh yeah, and she's a lesbian. Yes, folks, THAT's the story's twist.

Senjoug ahara was Surugi's unrequited love, and she knew of Hitagi's weight condition. Senjougahara pushed her away even when Surugi tried to help, which lead to a fallout, and combined with the sight of Senjougahara and Araragi together, she made a wish to always be by Senjougahara's side, leading to him getting assaulted.

One odd talk about Kanbaru's sexual preferences later... Araragi and Surugi meet with Oshino and show him the arm (we also find out that Oshino's first name is Meme). Oshino explains that it's not a monkey's paw attached to Surugi's arm, but a lesser demon called a "rainy devil", which grants three wishes in exchange for one's soul. One down, two to go...