[DreamSword]

Episode 9: Shine and Ruin

I really dug this episode too!

Starting right off, we get a bit more of Seimei's' backstory, and I did like the reveal of how the original Douma is actually a neutral party.

However, the real meat of this came from a great idea for a scenario, and how our main characters played off of one another in the face of said scenario. It overall made for a great episode about actions having consequences.

So what is it? After Seimei causes the group to go broke when buying another of her trinkets, Raiko has no choice but to ask the Watchdog Center for work. The mission given is the take down a Horror which has the ability to consume all light, including that of the soul.

And already there's an interesting hook there, in that this is a Horror that not only is a direct counter to the Golden Armor, but even when it loses, it still technically wins, as its curse remains placed upon Garo and Zaruba. This results not only in some strong character drama, but also some pretty funny comedic moments as well.

Not gonna lie, I got some real enjoyment out of seeing a personality-flipped Raiko. Not only did it result in some great refuge in audacity, but seeing how Kintoki and Seimei reacted to their dear friend suddenly being a shadow of his former self was really cool to watch. To the point that Setmei has no choice but to go to her old teacher for help, resulting in another great moment where she just straight tells Xehanort to buzz off. Loved it.

There's also the very blatant creepy/sexual allegory between Seimei and the original Douma, which I think worked pretty well in getting across why exactly Seimei doesn't exactly keep in close touch with her old teacher anymore. But of course, this is all capped off by a really strong climax towards the episode's' end, where Raiko's' soul has all but been devoured by the darkness, ready to become one of the very beasts he had sworn to fight. Seimei does something that the personally she uses as a front up to now would likely never do.

She realizes that this entire scenario is, indirectly or not, her fault. And as such she decides to seal Raiko's' curse within herself. Now, just as she had a seal on him, he has a seal on her. In the end, Raiko is saved, and our party rejoices, but just what long term effects this will have on Seimei has yet to be seen, making for a really good hook. I liked this episode alot. From its atmosphere, to its character development, to its plot, and to even its comedy, it had alot going for it. Dunno if I'd say it's my new favorite episode, since I still really like episode 5, but man, it's up there. Overall a great time.