Episode 4: Trial in the Darkness

: Where did we end up at the last episode?

: Sarasa's in the Red King's capital, and Ageha just revealed his more feminine side.

: God, I hope Shuri doesn't pull a drag show on us too.

: I...can't...picture...it. Don't even put that thought into my head!

: Judging by his personality, he will probably kill you just for thinking about it. See how cruel he is to the Emperor's messenger.

: I'm guessing Shuri doesn't come from a loving family.

: That's true, no da. There are many conflicts between the four kingdoms.

: As another royal-born, I can understand.

: Here comes that metal-head guy, Shido.

[ silence for a few minutes ]

: The Red King makes very sound observations about Tatara. He is pretty smart.

: You should have realized that a long time ago. He and Ageha have been the smartest characters in this show so far. That's pretty rare among bishounens.

: True. Intellect isn't a major virtue at that bishounen school I went to. [ Staring at Hotohori ] Most of them are ditzy pretty boys.

: Are you talking about Tamahome?

: Yeah... Back to Shuri, how could he have fallen in love with Sarasa so soon. He should have gotten to know her better - like the fact that she's Tatara - before saying something like: "Oh, she stole my heart."

: I fell in love with Miaka before I even met her.

: Hotohori, I won't even try to understand your taste in women.

: Shuri fell in love with Sarasa so fast because of fate dammit! Don't you know fate governs everything that happens in this story.

: Hmph. Now what's the deal with Ageha. I thought he was pretty cool, but now that I know he wears a dress on the side, I don't know what to think.

: Yeah, he looks much better in the blue robes. The only man who can wear dresses is me. Oh! Look! It's the owlet from the opening!

: He looks more like a giant lint ball to me. Oh my God, is that red nail polish I see on Ageha? This guy is really creeping me out.

: I must say Ageha is eccentric. He appears to be a wise man, but he's easily fooled by Sarasa. Even when she's dressed as a girl, he still thinks she's a boy.

: That's not saying much about Sarasa's looks. How would you feel if people thought you were a man even when you dress as a woman?

[ pause ]

: Mmm...Ageha has a beautiful tattoo. I want a design like that on my back.

: Are you kidding?! That's a brand, not a tattoo. Cattle have brands. Are you trying to imitate livestock?

: Geez, I'm just saying it looks pretty.

: That Shido person sort of reminds me of you, Chichiri. Because he has a constant smile on his face.

: Thanks.

[ silence for a few minutes ]

: Oh God, that dancing was horrible.

: Tama-neko can probably dance better than Sarasa. And I can't even find the words to describe Ageha's performance. If this is Madame Butterfly's best show, can you imagine how bad the rest of them are?

: I would much rather listen to Amiboshi's skull-crushing flute than hear that awful gypsy music again.

: I bet Shido arrested Ageha just to prevent him from dancing like that again.

: Let's not talk about it. I want to erase the images from my mind.

: I liked it, no da.

: Well, I'm sure Ageha is supposed to be a good dancer, but the animation just doesn't show it. It was embarrassing to watch.

[ pause ]

: Hmm...traveling through an underground tunnel. Now this anime resembles an RPG.

: Come on now. With Ageha and little Shinbashi, this must be shoujo. [ Startled ] More Indiana Jones references? Those traps are pathetic! How could those wooden spikes miss her perfectly?

: Like I said before, it's fate.

: Hmph. Whatever. Say, Shido's getting very close to the truth about Sarasa. Think he'll find out about it next episode?