I wonder where those subbers went..?

Either way, disregarding the episodes I skipped (which I guess was just 7...and parts of 6), I decided to take a peek at this show once more. I hope there weren't any particularly huge developments in 7.. (haha...hmm.)

- Lucia's still rather bedridden from the previous battle in episode 6. Meanwhile, Yoshiki visits Sumire at her school and tries to put an end to the distance (she alone placed) between them. Though despite his efforts, they're all for naught, as Sumire still doesn't quite feel comfortable being close to him, as she knows that she's not strong enough to protect him should the two be put in danger once again.

- Later that night, Lucia (who generally isn't feeling much better) accompanies the gang on patrol. When they encounter Gai, Lucia attacks him haphazardly, hardly caring about her wellbeing. She believes that since Gai is after these mysterious "fragments", he must be in cahoots with her father (Lucif, was it?). Gai, however, claims to have never heard of him.

- Back at Venus Vangard, Sumire, who's noticed Lucia's strange behavior, asks Lucia if there's anything she can do to help her. Lucia then smugly replies that when Sumire can find Lucif, then she can get back to her. ..Of course knowing that this will just clue Sumire in to the fact that she just doesn't want her in her hair.

- Lucia has a monologue about her past and her motives for becoming a Virus exterminator..all while in the bath. (;´Д`)ﾊｧ---
We also learn more about just what these fragments may be used for. It's all still quite convoluted, however.

- Lucia leaves to fight Gai by herself (how does she find him, I wonder..?). However, this time, Gai's not alone. Now, he's got some help from Ruka, and the two spend some time ganging up on Lucia, and neatly handing her ass to her. Tables turn when Lucia loses her brooch and Gai proceeds to crush it, the two laughing at Lucia all the while. In a rage, her left eye burns through her eyepatch (she must have a lot of those..), and she kills them.
...Sorta.

- Sumire and co. try to reach Lucia before anything inconvenient happens, but of course they're too late -- they're greeted by her all-consuming, giant, burning emo ball. Sumire strengthens her resolve (particularly, by going into Berserk mode) and ventures inside to save her. There she meets Lucia's very sad inner child, bent on destroying everything. The following (paraphrased) scene occurs..

Lucia: "Everyone hates me!"
Sumire: "That's not true. I love you.."
me: (　ﾟ∀ﾟ) !!
Sumire: "and Lola, and Nahashi-san -- we all love you."
me: (； ﾟＡﾟ) ...

- The next day, Sumire is off to school again. But this morning she's greeted by a kinder, gentler (smiley-er..) Lucia. Before she leaves, she gets a phonecall from Yoshiki. However, this time.. she answers.

This has nothing to do with this episode, but I think I'm having an easier time thinking of the anime and the manga separately. There's a part in episode 6 where it's pointed out that Lucia is bad at flower arranging. ..I sort of thought that would have been something she was probably good at (the femenine side of her seems to be markedly strong). But maybe I'm wrong. Or maybe the anime's wrong. Either way, that was something that bothered me.
One thing ep 8 and 6 have in common is some good animation in places. Granted, 6 probably edges in the lead a little thanks to some good direction, but it's good to see that the budget is at least going to the places that count.

Good episode this time nonetheless. Though.. ...smiling Lucia is kinda scary.
As the end of this ep and the preview to the next one allude, however, Sumire's heart is still most likely fixated on Yoshiki-san. Though maybe now this might be something that bothers Lucia (more than it already did..?).


...when is Lyla going to do something besides be creepy?

Labels: Venus Versus Virus

....................................