Hitsugi no Chaika Avenging Battle – 02
…a thoughtful Chaika…
…and so we come back to our second installment of Avenging Battle. As far as second episodes go, this one was quite good. It picks up right where the first left off, gave us resolution in the A story, provided more in the B story, and picked up a C bit there.
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A Cat is fine, too
“hnnnnnnnnng”
When we last left our main heroes they were starting a pitched battle against Claudia for possession of one of Gaz’s remains, the heart. Which is such a nice metaphor for what they really got from being on this particular battlefield; but more on that in a bit. They knew they were outclassed going in, but since this was as friendly a battle as they would ever get on the Hunt, they had little to lose in terms of life and limb. I doubt that Claudia would have handed the heart over had Team White lost, and you can insert the standard “your x years to early” into the conversation had they lost. But doubts aside, they won in a pinch. That pinch of course belonging to a sneaky cat! Say what you will about Fredricka, she loves to cut to the chase. That chase is her not being bored any longer. But her interference, be it ever so limited and adorable, was able to help Chaika win the day. And yes, with the power of love. So, the heart was won, they get some much deserved rest, and they get some clues from Claudia about the quickest way to proceed. And that tantalizing, Gaz’s fortune.
Fredricka, “…and my job is done here…”
So by remaining a resolute team, the gang was able to win the prize and the day. But this is where the story gets far more interesting for me. Claudia has vision, because she possesses hope, and she embraces change. Her battle, her war is over. It’s time to live life, and this is something both the Acura siblings can learn from, and that Chaika needs to learn even more. She’s getting closer and closer to metaphorical noose. If her endgame is a peaceful burial, then that all fine in it’s own right. But the rest of the world has different ideas.
The First Taste of Victory
She isn’t that much different from the other Chaika
And yes, it was inevitable, it was in the preview, but hail the return of Chaika Bodhran. Team Red has finally captured their first relic and damn did they make it look easy. That guy was a complete pushover. But as with Trabant’s battle, the fight was half the story. Here we have Bodhran focusing on her agenda in emotional terms, much like her other has done. She speaks of revenge. As the secondary title to this outing is Avenging Battle, we don’t have to be geniuses to see that her angle on the Relic Hunt has a different end game than Trabant’s. One, as said, is a peaceful burial, metaphor and all. Now we see what Gaz might really want with this long game.
Bodhran’s backstory is awesome
We go back to the opening episode, and we see a smooth operator. You get as much fame and infamy as he had, well you get a fellow that operates on a much different level. With Travant’s dream we see “her” murder. With Claudia’s flashback we see “leave not a mouse alive in the castle” So, for my guess, it was both his death and his real daughter’s death that started the chain reaction. Whatever else is in the chain before the many Chaika’s awakenings, he has many pieces in play. So if coming back thru his progeny to enact revenge is part of his plot, it’s looking like a Bodhran is on that path. With Guy leading them on…
..and a third side to the argument…
And so libraries that remain underappreciated…
Vivi’s angle on this game is the most mysterious. If this were my story, I would make her the game breaker. I would have to admit that I don’t know how I would work that, but that’s my gut feeling. She has no desire, no need for this legacy. She hunts Chaika. Full stop. We already know she blames the Chaika’s for Gillette’s death; wrongly, that was his doing. So whatever endgame Gaz might have had in mind, probably didn’t account for one of his potential pawns to break the conditioning. Much like Red and White, Purple has a posse, and unlike them a great deal of support behind her. With that, and the emerging clues about Gaz’s fortune…the game is getting more and more interesting.
I like how her colors are White and Purple. She might have some sympathy for Trabant’s ideals, but the royal color could trump that in short order. Also…royal. I said that Vivi could break Gaz’s game. But…she could be part of it as well. With all these potentials in mind, could all three work by some degree. Let’s face it. We’ve seen the Six Nation’s king…he’s asleep or easily led. Does Gaz have a new kingdom in mind?
Mo Chaikas No Problems
So, what did you think of the second outing? Like I said in the intro, we get plenty of storytelling for the buck. I love how they are shaping op three competing layers for the end game and for the prize. And how all three of them have their own insights, agendas, ideals, and problems to deal with on the way. I’ve loved the return of the show so far….
Preview
Next Week! Two more Chaikas! A skylion can only take so much…
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About skylion
All around nerd that enjoys just about any anime genre. I love history, politics, public policy, the sciences, literature, arts...pretty much anything can make me geeky...except sports. Follow me @theskylion
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
Chaika at the hot spring and beach:
http://forums.animesuki.com/showpost.php?p=5288931&postcount=1046
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
LOL…Bodhran does not like the school mizugi!
POWUH: Beginner (20-35) with 27 comments
I must agree with the sentiment that blushing Chaika’s “hnnnnnnnnng”. This series continues to be enjoyable with new revelation that gets revealed every episodes. And yes, I love the backstories before the series began because it gives you the perspective of the other characters. While the Gaz Emperor may have been evil, the punitive force was just as well merciless.
And I hope soon Red Chaika gets more screen time. It feels like she will eventually meet with white Chaika’s group. One more thing I wonder is will those twin Chaika speak in normal manner or have the fragmented speech as well? Also judging by their appearances, I feel their offence would be not so direct like Red or Vivi’s.
Lastly, good to see you back with the usual enthusiasm for Chaikas. Love the captions for the images.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
War is pretty ruthless for all sides involved.
Bodhran does indeed deserve more screen time, and I hope they can adjust the pace for all three Teams without dicing it up to much. And I have no clue about the Twin’s speech pattern. But when you spell twin, you spell win. Yeah, they do look like a stealth duo.
Thank you. When the road rises to meet me, I take the best strides…
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Caption: “This is what I do to LOLicon’s *bleep*”
Do we really need Chaika panchira shots?
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Painful caption, but necessary?
I will allow a conditional yes to the question…
POWUH: 400-499 with 462 comments
“…Needs salt.”
I pray for Vivi to have the strength to stay free of the Chaika compulsions, and hopefully to be key in freeing the others from them as well.
On the other hand, the fact that our Chaika was able to change her objective: to actually decide that something else is more important than claiming the remains… that is amazing. Layla went insane when she tried.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
We still don’t know the exact nature of the conditioning, but I do like this idea.
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
Caption:
Fredrika was a more radical follower of the Eat Fresh diet fad.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
We’ve had the Paleo diet, now the Gollum Diet!
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1692 comments
I’m loving this series. Such a deep, intricate storyline. And as we see more of Gaz’s machinations we see why he was able to rule for 300 years. He wasn’t just the world’s most powerful wizard–he was also very, very smart. Now there’s a villain worthy of a great hero, or group of heroes, to overcome. But seeing what’s going on in the Six Kingdoms now, maybe his rule wasn’t all bad.
I’m really looking forward to learning more about Gaz’s treasure. I’m sure it’s also part of his long term plot.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
I don’t know if it was meant as metaphor, but the sleepy King sure made the entire Kingdom feel somnambulist, even if just a figurehead. But his circle is just infighters, really.
POWUH: 800-899 and Mad Scientist with 814 comments
Caption: I’ll now proceed to pleasure myself with this fish.
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
Double-entende.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
…no one really had to go there…but I’m still somewhat glad you did…
POWUH: Meta Team and Meta-Analyst with 3844 comments
You knew it had to happen one way or another. 😛 What do you expect from a lot of people who hang around here?
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
Well, honestly the image is bait for that game…
POWUH: iLurker with 2 comments
I thought this was a very interesting episode. Very cute too with Chaika blushing over thinking about Toru.
That said. I loved Vivi’s new Chaika borrowed look. White and purple suit her much better.
As for those new Chaikas, wow, are they good-looking. But then again all Chaikas are.
Thank you for doing a post.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
..and thank you for commenting! Looks like you’re doing your part as well. GJ!
All Chaikas are pretty awesome…well, Layla…
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
After the whole battle and all, I can’t shake the feeling Claudia was holding back. She gives there’s a lot left in her reserves but felt it was enough because she was able to teach something.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
…I think she was testing Chaika. The Heart did nothing for her, but she wasn’t going to just let it go. I found it incredible that they could make a believable, yet powerful character like her. Needs more.