Must type faster, must finish post. Ahhhh my carpal tunnel!

And we’re back with Part 2 of Stilts nii-chan’s ridiculously detailed Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon Retrospective. Last time we went over the story’s premise, the world, the characters, and the various factions that are all vying for power on Horizon’s Earth. Then, just to get the party started properly, I went ahead and gave you summaries and impressions for the first six episodes.

This time we’re going to go through episodes 07-13, complete with summaries, impressions, and detailed explanations of anything that I think might trip you up. Finally, we’re going to finish this thing off with my in-depth final impressions of season one. There’s some hard stuff in these episodes, so tune in if you’re not quite sure you got everything last time. As for those of you who still haven’t decided to watch this wonderful series, read my final series impressions! You might catch some spoilers, but if my passionate words don’t make you want to immediately marathon the entire series, then I just don’t know what will. Possibly you’re dead inside. You should probably get that checked out. Let’s begin!

Once again, massive props to kyoukaisen.tumblr for much of the information contained herein. You’re a total pro, sensei. Keep up the good work!

Episode 07

Episode Summary:

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12:40 PM, Nature District. Masazumi walks through the forest, heading towards the academy to make sure the student’s rebellion goes in a favorable direction for Musashi. As she leaves the forest, she is met by Neito and Naomasa. The OP plays. 12:50 PM, Azuma and Miriam’s room. The spirit girl is sleeping in Miriam’s bed when she returns. She asks (while perturbed) Azuma why he never mentioned that he was the crown prince, and he protests that he isn’t anymore, having returned to secular life. She says people won’t see it that way. She makes mention of the unrest, and Azuma wants to go, but she stops him. She makes mention of the Testament Union’s plans, that Kyoto is inviolable, and that the emperor “sustains the world” (Stilts note: apparently the Emperor uses sacred tools to manage the earth pulses. This makes the Emperor something of the living god, as is Azuma, though his abilities are sealed. Presumably, without them serving this purpose, the world would be destroyed). Azuma realizes that as the emperor’s son, his actions could sway people, and he needs to let them choose on their own. 1:00 PM, in front of the academy. Masazumi, Neito, and Naomasa face off against the rest of class 3-Plum. Masazumi comes ready to make a proposal, but Sensei asks why Neito and Naomasa sided as they did. Both said they came to test the class’ strength, to ascertain whether they were strong enough to do as they wished. Shirojiro comes out and says they have received permission from all students to determine the fate of Musashi during this meeting. Toori unrolls from the futon he’s wrapped in, showing himself to be naked. Masazumi punts him. Masazumi and Shirojiro agree that Masazumi’s side will represent the Testament Union, and the rest of the class will represent Musashi. The rules of the game are thus: each side gets three representatives, and whoever wins two rounds (of battle, negotiations, or whatever they agree upon) will be victorious, with the academy consenting to their course of action. If Masazumi’s side wins, they accept Horizon’s death and Musashi’s new leadership. If Toori’s side wins, they save Horizon. Naomasa steps up first, and reveals her God of War (made from parts she found on the battlefield), Jizuri Suzaku. Toori (with his clothes back on) tells Shirojiro to go, because he “hates him” (or so he says). Shirojiro agrees to fight, saying the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward. He asks Naomasa if it’s okay if he has Heidi’s support as a broker, and Naomasa says she doesn’t mind. Jizuri Suzaku punches Shirojiro, but he blocks it with a force field. He explains that, through the power of money and his contract with the God of Commerce, he is paying for the strength of 150 guards by the hour. Using this, he can fight on par with Naomasa’s God of War. The two run through the city, with Heidi explaining that the engineering club would stop Jizuri Suzaku’s blows from harming the town. As they fight, Naomasa asks why Shirojiro is opposing the Testament Union, since he could easily just restart his business and live in peace. Shirojiro explains that a lot of other countries took out loans with the Far East for their history recreation/power consolidation needs, and that if the Far East falls, those debts will go unpaid. He also explains that, because Musashi is independent, people have been giving money to the Asama Shrine. He says that Musashi is becoming the Far East’s largest energy storehouse. He says Musashi can fight so long as it keeps flying and collecting money. Back at the academy, Toori is impressed, and Heidi starts talking about Shirojiro’s good traits (at great length). Shirojiro punches, but Naomasa says that’s nothing, and, while calling him the nickname the Testament Union gave him (Poker Face), she slaps him into the ground. She finds Shirojiro burrowed straight down into the ground, to her surprise. He knocks Jizuri Suzaku back, and the building crashes. After Naomasa is thrown, surprised, Shirojiro explains that he bought the building. He points out that Musashi’s change in power scared a lot of people away, which is why he was able to buy the building. Naomasa (admitting defeat), asks what he wants. He says work, to keep Musashi flying so they can earn money. He says that for that, as such, Naomasa is their nakama, and holds out his hand to help her up. She takes it. Neito steps up next. Her question is this: for the Far East that lacks a sovereign, how will they make the knights (like her) obey them? 1:35 PM, the Execution Grounds. Horizon is reading a book about what looks like the medieval shinto version of KISS. The Tres España servant checks in on her, and Horizon says she’s doing fine. Nearby, Gin talks to Muneshige about Musashi’s special council meeting, which they’re watching. She mentions that if it finishes before Horizon is forced to commit suicide, they would have to go to war with only their current forces. Muneshige says they have more students (soldiers), but that they must watch out because Musashi’s forces have Shinto spells. He explains that Shinto spells allow the user to basically do anything (manipulate any spell), so long as they can pay offerings to their god. Back at the academy, Neito asks who will fight her. Huddled together, they wonder why Neito (who is of a higher rank than commoners like them) wants to fight them when she’s a feudal knight who is supposed to protect commoners. Toori surmises that she has a reason for facing them, and that she’ll join them if they pass the test. So they send out Suzu. Neito is confused, but then realization hits. There’s a flashback to the Nobility Club meeting, where the knights agree that in order to keep the people safe, they must surrender to the Testament Union. Back at the present time, Neito kneels down and begins surrendering the fight. Neshinbara tells Suzu to stop her, and that Musashi’s knights want Neito to lose. He explains that if knights kneel down to commoners, they’ll lose their social status, and Musashi will lose its knights and not be able to fight. Toori tells Suzu to grope Neito’s chest to stop her, but when Suzu goes to try, she trips on some wood broken from Naomasa and Shirojiro’s fight earlier. Neito keeps trying to surrender, but she can’t fight against her knightly instincts – she rises and catches Suzu. Neito realizes that she has screwed up, but she tells Suzu that it is a knight’s duty to save people. Neito accidentally wins, and goes over to Toori’s side. Now it’s Masazumi’s turn. She goes to have a strategy meeting with her father and his associates. 1:50 PM, the Bridge of Innocentius’ ship. Galileo asks why Innocentius isn’t watching the broadcast, and Innocentius says there’s no need – either they’re given everything, or they go to war and take everything. They talk about Horizon, and how she would be erased from history since Mikawa was never meant to be eradicated. Innocentius decides to watch the broadcast after all. The match is Masazumi vs Toori in a debate. Whoever can put their opponent in a tough spot or convince said opponent that they’re right will win. After some quips, Toori elects to go first. Everyone is silent, and he wonders why, until Masazumi alerts him to the fact that it’s advantageous to go last in a debate. Toori says he’ll go first anyway. He says that all this is merely a stepping stone towards him telling Horizon how he feels. To make his stance perfectly clear, he says…”why don’t we just give up on going to save Horizon?” Everyone is watching – the class, the Musashi bureaucrats, Innocentius & Galileo, Muneshige & Gin – are all surprised. But none are so surprised as Masazumi!

Impressions:

I am constantly impressed by how well everything is justified in this series. This is an old pet peeve of mine, and one I’ve in many ways learned to ignore, but it still irks me when details aren’t explained, or things are done “just because.” That’s the easier path when you’re telling a story – and let me tell you, I’ve used it in my own endeavors a few times – but when an author can thoroughly justify everything his or her characters do, I dearly love it. What am I talking about here? Azuma, and why he abstained from the special meeting. The fact that he abstained wasn’t important in and of itself, it’s that it was justified by him possibly swaying people’s opinions when they should decide for themselves. The fact that the author would take time with such a minor detail means good things for the major details later on. Same thing for Sunrise including it here.

Moving on, the Naomasa vs Shirojiro fight was awesome for two reasons. From a purely animation / action standpoint, it was awesome seeing a lone man go toe-to-toe with a giant mech and come out on top. There’s just something so satisfying about seeing a lone man punch out a giant robot! More than that though, Shirojiro explains why he’s fighting, and as is so often the case with people (and always the case with Shirojiro), it all comes down to money. There are two things you need to know here:

For all intents and purposes, energy = money in Horizon’s Earth. That is, energy as in the ether (mana) variety. Most of the world is Christian in this time period (Europe certainly was in the real 1648 AD, and they’re replicating that part faithfully), and it’s the kind of Christianity that doesn’t allow money-lending.

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Back in the real 1648 AD, it was the Jewish people who did all the banking since their religion didn’t object to that kind of thing, but since there’s apparently not enough of them around in Horizon’s Earth, it has fallen on the Shinto Far East to be the dirty money-lenders this time around. Long story short, there are banks all over the Far East, and everyone realizes that if the Far East falls, they’ll never be able to collect the debts that all the other countries owe them. Since they no longer feel the money is safe there, all the citizens of the Far East are basically shoveling money at independent and mobile Musashi, because even if the Far East is taken over its financial sector should stay as-is. In effect, they’ve turned Musashi into a huge pseudo-bank. Let me simplify this further, from Shirojiro’s point of view: Musashi is a giant pincushion full of money!! When he’s sitting on such a huge pile of cash that could potentially be his, complete with a commercial system that allows him to amass said ridiculous riches, why would he want to give that up? Ohhh man, I love Shirojiro. I like a character who knows exactly what he wants and goes after it wholeheartedly, even if in this case it makes him a total miser. Fight on, you cheap bastard. Oh, there’s one other thing I forgot to mention about all the money talk. Imagine what would happen if a bunch of banks loaned out a lot of money, and then realized that those loans weren’t going to be paid back. Sound familiar? Something that happened a few years back, perhaps? We all know what happens to an economy when that happens, even if those banks get saved. Now what would happen if they didn’t get saved? I believe the appropriate term is “financial armageddon.” So yes, Shirojiro stands to gain a lot if Musashi keeps flying and making money…and he stands to lose everything if it falls. After all, he can’t win the next game (build his wealth back) if the board is smashed. He’s on Musashi’s side coming and going. Then there’s Neito, and it’s time for another explanation. Let’s talk about the nature of knights. Throughout history, there’s always been a huge difference between amateurs who flail about when they’re backed into a corner and the warriors who fight for a living. Today we call our warriors “soldiers”, but in those days – and in Horizon’s time – they were called knights. Students may fight, but it’s the knights that are the elite soldiers that win wars. However, knights are a little more than just soldiers. This was back when kings believed that commoners couldn’t be trusted with anything too pointy or well-forged, lest they get funny ideas about freedom and start revolting. Therefore, only those of high birth – that is, people who have built in incentives to keep the status quo as is – became professional soldiers. Not all this translates perfectly to Kyoukaisen’s high tech version of Earth, but the people have tried to do so in order to recreate history, so the rules are in place. That’s the most important part for this episode. So, to be a knight, a person much be higher in status than commoner are. If a knight loses to a commoner, they lose their status, which means they can’t be a knight anymore, which means they can’t remain armed, and if Musashi’s elite soldiers can’t remain armed, they’re all totally screwed in a fight, and will have to capitulate to the Testament Union’s demands no matter what they decide. You could argue that this is all complete bullshit, and that they can still fight even if one of them loses to a commoner just once, but remember that you’re saying that from our cultural sensibilities. In the world they live in, these are inviolable rules which cannot be ignored. Anyway, from Musashi’s knights’ point of view, this is the best way to make sure that they “win” (that is, the outcome goes the way they want it). So long as Neito loses the fight, it doesn’t matter if Toori’s team wins, because they still wouldn’t be able to defy the Testament Union. This is why Toori’s team realizes they have to lose this round – in order to save Horizon, they must have their knights fighting at full strength. There’s also another part to this (straight from the novels) which I find to be totally fascinating. Okay, so remember that in a feudal system, a knight is higher in status than a commoner, but it’s a knight’s job to protect the commoners (Stilts note: that’s not really accurate. In history, knights protected the lord and the realm, and generally didn’t give two shits about the commoners, who were as good as slaves. Still, I’ll let this one pass ’cause that’s a shitty part of human nature that I’d prefer to ignore). So the knights don’t think Musashi’s citizens would benefit from a fight with the Testament Union, so they want to avoid it – that’s definitely part of their thinking. But looking further, there are other benefits to the people if the knights lost their status. Think about it – if there are no knights, then society will suddenly be a lot more equal. Also, there would no longer be a bulwark between the people and the few nobles that would be left. Not only would Musashi’s commoners come out looking like badasses because they beat up their knights, but then they would be one or two shakes away from democracy. That would throw a huge wrench in the history recreation plan – especially if the people in other countries start following suit – but what do the knights of Musashi care about that? They only want to do what’s right for their people. In effect – and this is true for both of their plans – the knights are willing to sacrifice their very knighthood on the alter of their knightly ideals. That’s twisted, but noble as fuck. I love it! Oh, and how Neito went into super chivalrous knight mode (complete with bishie sparkles) when she caught Suzu was pretty awesome too. There must be a ton of doujinshi about that scene, and if there aren’t, there damn well should be! Then there was the last scene with Toori and Masazumi. Before this scene, I liked this show a lot. Quite a lot. But after this scene, when Toori flipped the tables on Masazumi and made her argue his side, I fell in love with this show. Like Miriam, I have a weakness for characters who are dense but kind, but even more than that I have a weakness for cheerful idiots who manage to surprise everyone, including me. We’re approaching the episode that contains my favorite moment of the show, but really, it’s all awesome from here on out. If you’re still with me, you’ve done great to get this far. Now we’re getting our reward!

Episode 08

Episode Summary:

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The episode starts off where we left off at the end of the previous one, with Toori turning the tables and taking Masazumi’s intended stance in their debate. He explains that he did it because the teacher said to “express your views,” but never said which side they had to take. He says those are the rules, and mentions that there are penalties for breaking them. Sensei is seen giving warm-up swings with her sword. Toori explains that because he doesn’t know if there’s a way to profit from saving Horizon, he wants Masazumi to tell him the answer. After the OP plays, Masazumi agrees to tell Toori the reasons to save Horizon. First, it would secure Musashi’s sovereign powers. He says there are three attributes required for a country to be sovereign. 1) to stand as equals it must display independence (Stilts note: as Futayo did when trying to take Slicing Dragonfly). 2) someone must reign over the land and the people. 3) it needs the ability to make decisions. Masazumi says that currently, the Far East’s sovereign powers are being violated, but if they save Horizon then they’ll have a sovereign that the Testament Union cannot touch (Stilts note: they cannot argue that she’s not legitimate), so they’ll stand equal with the other nations. Yet the Testament Union wasn’t likely to accept that, so they would go to war. Toori pulls out a piece of paper and asks a question from Konishi, the merchant friend of Masazumi’s father. He says that even if they save Horizon, they could lose people to the war, and asks what Masazumi says about that. Masazumi says that there could be a death toll even if they avoid a war. She says that if the Far East’s finances were stifled then they could lose people to poverty. Toori pulls more pages out of his jacket and summarizes the situation. Then he pulls out a question from the politician Masanobu-kun (that is, Masazumi’s father), who asks for a valid reason for opposing the Testament Union aside from the issue of sovereign powers, and goes on to ask if the Testament Union is evil for ordering her suicide. Aboard his ship, Innocentius praises the question, saying that their greatest threat isn’t in the Far East convincing themselves that they’re right, but in them convincing the rest of the world that the Testament Union is evil. He wonders what she (Stilts note: Innocentius already knows she’s a girl!) will do. Masazumi pulls out a cheat sheet, realizing that if she says what’s written there (her reasons for saving Horizon), her future as a politician will be over. Masazumi, unsure of her answer and of her level of experience, begins to tear her paper, but Toori tears his first and asks what the point is if she doesn’t give her own answer. Suddenly, Adele shows up with the brown algae, which Toori had asked her to bring. The brown algae speak to Masazumi, imploring her to help Horizon because Masazumi is a politician, and politicians help people. Discarding the paper, Masazumi stands up and answers. She says that there is no reason for her to take responsibility as the ruler of Mikawa, because at the time of Lord Motonobu’s death Horizon wasn’t his heir. She calls on Asama, saying that she got confirmation for an informal succession this morning, which Asama confirms. Masazumi goes on to say that since Horizon does not remember her past, she is in no way related to the destruction of Mikawa. She says that if they would order the death of someone who was not involved, then they would have ordered someone else to commit suicide if Horizon wasn’t around. She calls it a monstrous system. Toori asks who would take the blame for Mikawa’s destruction, and Masazumi says that all they need to do is make Mikawa an aerial city (like Musashi), attach it to Musashi, and then Mikawa would exist once again (for history recreation purposes or whatever) – no one would need to take the blame. Masazumi accuses the Testament Union of abusing the Testament. Suddenly, Innocentius’ image appears, and he claims that Masazumi’s argument contains a fallacy. Masazumi steps forward to debate Innocentius, vowing to Toori that she’ll pave a way to Horizon. Innocentius says that there are multiple ways to interpret the Testament’s history, and that Horizon’s death would not be “taken”, but that she would be a martyr for the Testament’s declared history. He talks about how errors can occur when interpreting history, which must be fixed. Elsewhere, Gin says that Innocentius is straying from the point. Muneshige realizes that the Pope President is challenging Masazumi to a debate, because no one could keep up with te vast experience he’s developed over the years. He says that the Pope can just reuse old argument he’s heard, which he can do forever, whereas Masazumi has to think about every point, and will thus grow weary and eventually give up. Masazumi asks if freezing their assets was fixing a mistake, and Innocentius claims they will be released once they have an agreement. Masazumi realizes that Innocentius is using scorched earth tactics, so she says that they hold parallel views (i.e. views that will never meet), and that their values are incompatible with the Testament Union’s values. Innocentius disagrees, saying that they could reach a mutual understanding. Masazumi is glad that it’s possible that they can reach an understanding. She tells Shirojiro to gather all of Musashi’s finances under one management group so they can support their foreign settlements that are suffering because of the asset freeze (Stilts note: that is, to all the people who can’t get their money out of the banks, Musashi will give it to them). She then tells Asama to request an informal succession reevaluation (about Horizon). Kimi says she’s surprised by Masazumi’s interpretation of what Innocentius said. Masazumi says that the academy will reach an understanding with the Testament Union via three parallel points: If the Testament Union freezes their settlement’s assets, Musashi will finance them. If the Testament Union declared Horizon their ruler through informal succession, they’ll protest and intercede. If the Testament Union tries to force Horizon to commit suicide, they will invite her to the academy and protect her as one of Musashi’s students. Innocentius accuses Masazumi of fallacy. Masazumi counters that if so, he made the fallacy and they’re merely acting in parallel. Innocentius counters that the Testament Union doesn’t want to fight, so what’s their parallel to that? He goes on to make several concessions, and then goes on to say that the Armament of Deadly Sins inside Horizon is a master OS that can control all the other Armaments. He claims that Lord Motonobu wanted to conquer the Far East via his daughter, and if they still want to save Horizon then they will go to war. Masazumi realizes that they’re at a disadvantage, while Innocentius says that the debate was fun. He then begins attacking Masazumi and her father, revealing to everyone about her gender reassignment surgery and that she’s a girl. He accuses her of lying, and being drunk with the desire to lead. Masazumi realizes that Innocentius has destroyed her image. That’s when Toori steps up. Exclaiming that he’s a girl, he first pants her (showing her panties), and then gropes her chest (exclaiming that she has nice small breasts). After Ohiroshiki is “tricked” into proclaiming his love for small breasts (and says that Masazumi is over ten, so she’s too old), Toori confronts Innocentius, praising Masazumi for finding the answers he could not. He emphatically proclaims his full support in her. He then goes on to accuse Innocentius of bribing them, when everything he has said leads to “Kill Horizon.” Innocentius disagrees, and Toori asks Masazumi to tell them all what’s in it for other countries if they save Horizon. Masazumi says that they must never forget their desire to survive, and help others survive. Masazumi gives these reasons: Everyone will help save Horizon (an innocent life). Mikawa will be annexed, meaning the history recreation can go on as normal. Musashi will act as the center of power for the Far East. She says that they will not abandon their settlements, but that all settlements shall temporarily become independent self-governing cities, and neutral dematerialized zones.

Innocentius asks why they want this, and Masazumi says that they will gather the Armaments of Deadly Sins to prevent the apocalypse, while seeking no compensation. She goes on to say that the Armaments are made from Horizon’s stolen emotions, so they belong to her anyway. She says they do not want war, and want other country’s help in preventing the apocalypse, but if they escalate the issue, Musashi will fight. Innocentius declares negotiations off, and tells Galileo to get them. Kiyonari attacks, but Galileo stops him with K.P.A. Italia’s Armament of Deadly Sins, Staseis Porneia, which has the ability to renounce (nullify) and power it touches. Noriki attacks as well, but his punch is called weak, and the two of them are flattened by Galileo’s power. Galileo lunges for Masazumi, but Toori tackles her out of the way, and Futayo arrives stops Galileo’s blow.

Impressions:

From the beginning, was there any doubt that Seijun wanted to help Toori’s cause? As with Naomasa and Neito before her, her heart wasn’t really in the fight. Sure, she answered to the best of her skill, but she didn’t attack or press him to defend his (now the Testament Union’s) side in the debate – she just dutifully answered the questions he asked her, letting him control the flow of the debate while she did his job of convincing her for him. Maybe I don’t really understand the rules of a debate – and in fact, I know I don’t – but I doubt this escaped Seijun as she was speaking. In my eyes, she knew she wasn’t arguing to her fullest, but she did it anyway because now she was arguing the side she actually believed in. After all, why else did she prepare that cheat sheet (which was about how to save Horizon), ne?

As for Masazumi’s logic for why Horizon shouldn’t be held responsible for Mikawa’s destruction, when you take half a step back from all the political intrigue, it’s the obvious answer. She had nothing to do with Mikawa’s destruction, so why should she die for it! But that wasn’t the impressive part. Masazumi’s master stroke was in how she spoke the truth in front of the entire world, and called the Testament Union out on their sham reasons, no matter what the cost. When I first watched this, I thought this is why Shirojiro said they needed Masazumi in order to trade and make port while they’re warring with the Testament Union, because Masazumi could make all the rulers afraid of giving the Testament Union their way, lest they end up suffering a fate similar to that of Horizon and Musashi. That’s not wholly correct, but more on that in a few paragraphs.

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Now, let’s go ahead and tackle this thing from when Innocentius steps in, ’cause yeah, it’s confusing. First of all, we’ll need to understand this whole “parallel” line of thinking. First, think of any argument that you’ve ever been in. Did you end up coming to an agreement, or did you just bicker for a while until you both got tired and stormed off? Debates are fine, because they can give rise to compromises, but if you’re just sniping back and forth with no chance of coming to an agreement, then what’s the point? At that point you’re just arguing to argue, and there’s nothing to be gained by it. That’s being parallel, when there’s no possibility of agreement, so you might as well just stop trying. The crucial part in this debate was after Masazumi got done telling Shirojiro and Asama to do things, when Innocentius proclaims that the Testament Union doesn’t want to go to war. A moment earlier Masazumi had said they were parallel, so she only has two choices – declare war or lose the debate. Innocentius spews some bullshit flimsy reasons about why Lord Motonobu did what he did, and then he attacked Masazumi herself, and destroyed her credibility by revealing the truth about her gender. At this point, Innocentius has given a reason for their actions, and then made it so that anything Masazumi said would be called into doubt. Game, set, and match. Almost. The really brilliant move here came from Toori. As Masazumi stood there, completely beaten, he proceeded to make her look like a bit of a victim. People don’t like a liar, but who hasn’t dreamt about speaking in public when you suddenly realize that you’re in your underwear? Masazumi may be embarrassed out of her mind, but that’s good – it makes her fallible, relatable…in a word, human. Then, while Masazumi is still flush with embarrassment, Toori quickly moves and places his full faith in her. First Masazumi is made to be relatable, and then someone speaks wholeheartedly on her behalf. In an instant Masazumi’s credibility has been restored, and she can fight again. Really, it’s things like this that make me love Toori’s character so much. He’s an idiot, but he’s not stupid, and he always comes at things from just a slightly different angle than everyone else, which is what lets him slip past and sidle up to his goals. Mr. Impossible indeed! Anyway, with Masazumi’s credibility restored, she still has to give a good reason for them to rescue Horizon – and, due to the revelation that Horizon is a Armament OS, gather all the Armaments – otherwise Musashi will become an international pariah and they won’t be able to make port anywhere. Now, there it is…that is why Shirojiro said they needed Masazumi, because they needed a good enough justification for resisting the Testament Union so that they could do it without starving to death, and only Masazumi is a good enough orater to get the message across. And she did. With a nice pantsu shot along the way, Masazumi followed through with her promise and paved the way towards Horizon. Next episode contains ample amount of KIMI-NEE!!, as well as the single best scene in the entire show, which I’ve watched and rewatched countless times. Oh man, so excited, so excited!!

Episode 09

Episode Summary:

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The episode picks up where the last one left off. Futayo greets Masazumi. Toori leers at her, and Masazumi punts him. Galileo accuses Futayo of interfering, but Futayo throws that accusation back in his face. Then the King and Queen of Musashi walk up. They tell Galileo to leave, because they want to have Futayo (the Captain of their guard) fight one of the students. Masazumi thinks this is crazy, because Futayo is so strong. Sensei interrupts and says that the debate was a tie, so they need a tiebreaker. Innocentius’ image disappears, and Galileo departs. Futayo demands to know who will face her. After the OP, the class discusses who to fight, with the women using a lot of onomatopoeias. Many don’t want to, so Neshinbara starts to step up, but Tenzo stops him, saying he should go. Toori objects to Tenzo, saying that he loses to Futayo in a battle of character-de gozaru. As Tenzo despairs, Kimi steps forward to fight. Masazumi is worried, but Toori says that she’ll be fine. Kimi undoes part of her uniform. Toori calls out to the King of Musashi, asking to be made king if Kimi wins. The King rejects this idea. There’s a flashback to when he was the lord of a small country (Stilts note: he’s from Hexagone Française), and was forced to become Musashi’s king, otherwise the Testament Union would have destroyed their country. the King asks what Toori would do if he was king, and Toori replies that he just wants to get back everything Horizon lost because of him. Futayo guesses that Kimi is a traditional dancer, but Kimi says that it goes back much further. Futayo says she fails to appreciate the arts. Kimi brings out her maus, Uzume. As Kimi begins to sway, she reveals that all of her contracts are related to dancing and erotica. Futayo is unsure, but she uses her great speed to attack. She declares that she has won, but to her surprise finds Kimi swaying behind her. Kimi asks Toori to show them how you’re supposed to act, and he begins flirting with the bucket of brown algae. Futayo says that he’s rather straight-forward. Futayo attacks again, but Kimi dodges, saying that you must pluck a flower, not reap it. Kimi begins to brag. She says that though she’s erotic, she isn’t open to anyone. She says that her Summit Dance prevents anyone she doesn’t want from touching her. She says that as long as she offers her ritual dances, she is the summit which Futayo cannot reach. As Kimi gets more into the dance, she gets more and more untouchable, but Futayo attacks faster and faster to try to reach her. Finally, one of Futayo’s blows nick Kimi, splattering blood on Asama. Masazumi is worried, but Asama is not, saying that Kimi won’t lose. She says that Kimi has only cried once, because of Toori, and since Toori is watching she will not lose. There’s a flashback. It’s shortly after Horizon died, and Toori is wasting away, unwilling to eat. Kimi tries to get him to eat, but he refuses, saying Horizon can’t feel anything anymore. Kimi hurls him through a window, and then begins punching him. In an attempt to get him to feel something, she forces hot spices into his mouth, and then her hand. Toori begins to bleed from the mouth. Kimi tells him to regain what Horizon has lost, and calls him “silly brother” for the first time. Finally, Toori begins to cry. Kimi hugs him, and says he must live as he is now, laughing and getting angry just like a newborn, and helping those who can’t do that. He must help others regain the things they were born with that have been lost or stolen, and that she will help. Finally, Toori clings to Kimi, and Kimi breaks down and cries. Back in the present, Kimi says that this is nothing compared to that time. One of Futayo’s strikes gets through Kimi’s defense and cuts into her chest, but Kimi lifts the blade up with her breasts and licks it. Futayo realizes that she’s caught in the dance’s intermission, and that she needs to give an answer. However, she does not, so she is thrown back. Discarding speed, she binds Kimi’s name with Slicing Dragonfly. However, the only thing that is cut is a bit of Kimi’s clothing. Kimi asks why Futayo is surprised. She says that a flowers name means nothing to the flower itself, and that if Futayo was going to rely on that, she would have to increase her power level by four digits in order to reach Kimi. Kimi then begins slapping and lecturing Futayo. She says Futayo made three mistakes. One, she crossed paths with a magnificent woman like Kimi. Two, she tossed aside her selling point (speed) when she repelled but once. The last mistake (and she says this as she coats Futayo’s lips in her own blood) is that Futayo isn’t meant to serve the King of Musashi, nor the Testament Union, nor her own brain. She says that if Futayo is a samurai, she should be fighting for her lord, Horizon! She orders Futayo to kneel, and Futayo immediately does, and apologizes. The victory goes to Kimi. Innocentius reappears, and asks the King of Musashi what he will do. The King realizes that if Toori becomes king, Musashi will be freed of its restraints, but the Testament Union will view him as a threat and declare him hostile. Toori comes up to the king, and says that a king needs to stand proud. The King of Musashi declares that all authority will be transferred back to the students, but not his kingship. However, Toori and Horizon would become viceroys of Musashi. the King tells Innocentius that a king must always stand by his people. He says that if Innocentius thinks his actions are harmful, he can pass judgment at the next Testament Union Conference of Representatives. Innocentius says there are none in this era, but Masazumi says there is – the Peace of Westphalia, which will be held in half a year. Masazumi proposes they use that conference to decide the issue. Innocentius says that will mean that Musashi will be at war with the Testament Union until then, but Masazumi says they can hold out. She declares their intentions again, and Innocentius says that they are dangerous, and as such they will continue with their plans to extract the armament from Horizon after her suicide. Toori says that he’s going to go tell Horizon how he feels, and accuses Innocentius of stripping Horizon, chaining her down, and either torturing or doing something “wet and messy” with her. Innocentius stridently disagrees. As Innocentius’ image disappears, sensei declares that Toori’s side has won, and they will rescue Horizon. Toori walks down the stairs, telling the others that they have showed him that they can rescue Horizon, so he’s going. He tells them that they don’t have to go along with this anymore, but if anyone they care about is ever in danger, they shouldn’t hesitate to save them, and that they can do it. Thinking to himself, the King of Musashi says that Toori is an idiot for doing the same thing he once did, and that one person can’t save everything alone. He is surprised when he realizes that everyone is going with Toori. Adele grabs the brown algae to take them back, when the King of Musashi recognizes the (Hexagone Française) crest on her spear. He asks her where she got it. Adele says she got it from her father. She said he used to live in a foreign country, whose king surrendered himself to the Testament Union in exchange for peace. Adele’s father felt that the people didn’t do their part, so when he gave the spear to Adele, he told her to protect her king. the King of Musashi asks what she’s going to do now. She says she’s going to go protect her king. On the stairs, Toori says he’s counting on Neito, and mentions an old promise. She says she remembers, and calls him “my king.” Behind, Masazumi’s father talks about how his son daughter wanted to be more “hands-on.” More people gather around Toori, the whole class. Naomasa says they’re a close bunch. Toori asks Azuma if he should go, and Azuma says he’ll be fine, and that he’s sure he can help. In her room, Miriam and the ghost girl wish the class luck, saying that she’ll be waiting. The Queen grasps the King’s hand, while Sensei once again wishes them good luck, good luck. Neshinbara starts working on a strategy, while Toori asks Asama to pass “that” through. Kimi makes sure he isn’t forgetting something, but Toori says not to worry, because he’ll never give up on life again. Asama agrees to do it, a bit reluctantly. Toori thanks her. Then he invites Futayo to join the academy as the temporary vice chancellor (the second in command of military affairs, under Toori). She says okay, as long as she can protect Horizon. Toori says that’s fine. At the bottom of the stairs, the meet president Sakai. He has a letter of recommendation for enrollment into the school for Horizon Ariadust, which he sends to Toori. He tells them all not to do their best, but simply to use all the power and strength they’ve developed. And if that’s not enough, to come back alive. There’s a flashback to a young Toori, with Kimi, Tenzo, Asama, Suzu, and even Horizon looking on. Here Toori declares he’s going to become king of a country where everyone’s dreams come true. Back in the present, he says “let’s go, everybody! I’m counting on you.”

Impressions:

Ohhh man, Kimi’s dance was pure awesome. I must admit, it was hearing about how awesome Kimi-nee was in this episode that made me finally start my original marathon of Kyoukaisen (props to Kurogane for that one). And perhaps I’m lucky for that – I was able to take in all the buildup episodes all at once, and by the time I stopped watching I was already in the thick of the awesome. I don’t think doing it week-to-week would have hampered my enjoyment much, but…well anyway, more on that later.

So yeah, Kimi-nee is awesome. As with Shirojiro’s fight, I have a soft spot for the (seeming) little guy taking out what should have been an insurmountable foe (though really, who doesn’t love that?), and Kimi no-combat-abilities-whatsoever Aoi certainly falls into that category. Or so it appeared! To me though, seeing Futayo stymied by Kimi-nee’s insurmountable Summit Dance wasn’t the best part of their fight, even with purposeful undressing and a little spear licking to knock things up to 14 on the awesome-‘o-meter. No, it was how Kimi-nee beat Futayo that was really awesome. Without any offensive abilities, it seems like Kimi-nee should have had no way to actually beat Futayo, but that’s simple thinking. Rather than attacking her physically, which is what Futayo is good at defending against, Kimi-nee attacked where Futayo was weak and she was strong – the mind. Kneel! Amazing!

Plus, there was a bonus here. Just like with Neito and the knights, beating Futayo along wasn’t the best course of action. If that was the Good End, the Best End was beating her and bringing her completely over to Toori’s side. For her little brother, and despite having no combat abilities whatsoever, Kimi won the critical battle and brought a powerful ally to their side. Gods, Kimi-nee is awesome.

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Speaking of love for her brother, it’s always hard to watch the flashback scene where Kimi finally brings Toori back from the brink. Seeing her forcing spices and her entire fist into his mouth until he cries and bleeds is painful to watch. It’s a mark of her desperation to save him, and her love for him, but damn… Powerful stuff, but I don’t want to think about it too much. Moving on! By the way, one other thing on the dance, and then one other thing besides. Do you remember where Futayo realized she was in the dance’s intermission and needed to give a reply, but since she didn’t she was pushed back? The reason for this is, in that dance, the intermission is a place where the audience is supposed to take part, like a comedian calling on the audience to shout out suggestions for a joke. Had Futayo answered appropriately, she would have been able to “taste” Kimi (down, you perverts!). Unfortunately for the clueless-about-art Futayo, she didn’t know how to respond, so she was repulsed. This is like that comedian asking for suggestions, and the room falling awkwardly silent. You can’t expect to hear the good jokes when that happens. The other thing has to do with Slicing Dragonfly, Namely, why didn’t it effect Kimi? To get the answer to that, first think back to the first episode. Remember when Kimi was shaking Margot and telling her to call her Bel Flore instead of Josephine? Slicing Dragonfly cuts the “owner of the name reflected on its blade,” but in order for it to work it has to sever its target’s “true name”. Against Kimi, who wears names like fashion and constantly rejects her “true name”, it has no effect. Who’s to say what name it severed? Perhaps Bel Flore, perhaps Josephine, perhaps one of the countless others. What this really means is that Kimi-nee was exactly the right person to fight Futayo, and that she’s really perceptive to have realized as much. Kimi-nee is awesome! Anyway, I could talk about the king (him considering sacrificing his kingship for the people of Musashi was on par with what the knights tried to do, and therefore worthy of mighty praise), but this episode was all about that last scene, when Toori sets off down those stairs alone, ready to save Horizon all by himself if he has to, and when all of his friends move to join him, everyone collecting around him as they embark on this dangerous quest. Perhaps I’m just a hopeless romantic, but in my book you can’t beat the feeling of a bunch of friends all marching off together, united in purpose and willing to fight with their entire beings for one another. As Moomba said in his OST post: The cast is assembled… it’s time to head out to battle. No thoughts of whether it’ll be a victory or a defeat; stepping out to claim a victory is the only thing on their minds. As one of the best songs on the soundtrack plays, first Adele, then Neito, then Masazumi, then Nenji, then Naomasa, then Azuma, then Miriam, then Makiko-sensei, then Neshinbara, then Asama, then Kimi, then Futayo, then president Sakai, and then from the mists of time, a young Toori with little Horizon looking on – each of them vows to do what they can, together; for their dreams, for their future, for their country, and for their king. The feelings of each of them, united together as they head off to battle, and the ED begins to play…it gets me every time. This is something that no story with a measly three or four protagonists can pull off. This is why they’re all there, at least to me. If any scene embodies why I love this series, this is the one. That’s my number one, undisputed, gives-me-chills-every-time, favorite scene of Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon Wonderful.

Episode 10

Episode Summary:

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The episode starts on the execution grounds, with Horizon looking up from her book as a God of War Tres España God of War takes off. The Tres España servant who has been waiting on her asks Horizon if she’s concerned about what’s happening, but Horizon asks whether it matters, since she cannot leave. She talks about the Disintegration Wall, which, if touched, will analyze you and reply the memory you regret the most before devouring you in that sin. She says that the barrier will let you through if you deny your memory, but that it is impossible to deny one’s past sins, so it will disintegrate her. Horizon asks if it wouldn’t make everything easier if she just touched the wall now, but the servant asks her to stay still since they must extract the Armament from her. Horizon agrees to do so. After the OP, it starts with Tenzo monitoring the battleground from a tree. He observes that Adele’s armor shell is heavily armored. She says it’s from her father, and this is the first time she’ll use it in battle, so she’s sorry if anything goes wrong. Noriki wishes that Naomasa and Neito were there. Aboard the docked Musashi, Neshinbara stands surrounded by screens. Nearby, Kimi, the King, and the Queen sit sipping tea. Neshinbara proclaims that he’s going to be strategist for the battle. He asks Margot and Malga for the situation. Malga shows outlines the enemy troops on the ground, and Margot points out the three ships they have protecting the skies. Kimi asks about enemy’s Tercio battle formation, and Neshinbara explains that it’s a formation that excels at defense. He says that the enemy doesn’t need to win, just stall them, and in order to do that they will seal off the roads and seal off the skies (as they are doing). Neshinbara speaks to all of Musashi, speaking of the value of war and of living life to the fullest. He also speaks of friends, and heroes, and places to return to. He then describes the “plot.” He explains that if they can defeat the giants of K.P.A. Italia and Tres España, with all their ships and heroes and Gods of War, the nations of the world will be forced to recognize Musashi’s military might. He asks if the people will fight, and asks for their protagonist to make a statement. Adele and the others find Toori walking towards the enemy alone. They try to stop him, but he charges towards the enemy, pushes open the gate and looks out. The enemy begins firing, so he charges in further. The others charge in after, to protect him. Suddenly, the Testament Union lines open up, and out emerges a giant gun. They fire it, and it strikes Adele, who had just finally caught up. To everyone’s surprise, she’s fine – her heavily reinforced retainer was merely scuffed. Neshinbara explains that while armor was now mass-produced, it used to be custom made, and while people now focused on speed, they used to focus on armor so they could absorb heavy blows. Neshinbara says that her armor is so outdated it’s practically useless in their speed-focused battles, but Tenzo interjects that it’s a good wall. Soon, everybody clusters behind Adele. Then Persona-kun picks Adele up and charges forward, using her to absorb blows. The enemy ships fire, first cutting off the Musashi troop’s escape route, and then firing on Neshinbara’s control point on Musashi proper. Musashi-sama (the automated doll) and Musashi archers block more incoming shots. One of the Tres España ships fires its main weapon at Musashi, but Musashi-sama blocks it. Musashi-sama tells Asama she’s counting on her. Asama purifies the area, and then plants herself into the ground via her armor. Loading a massive bolt into her bow, she draws the string and fires just as the ship fires. Her shot nullifies the Tres España shot and obliterates its main weapon, sending it falling. As it falls, a God of War launches. Neshinbara asks Malga and Margot to take care of it. While they wait for the God of War to approach, Malga mentions that she never thought they would get to fight the Tsirhc Church (Stilts note: Tsirhc = Christ backwards. That’s what they call the Christian church) as witches, talking about their persecution, techno-magic, and how Musashi has been a good sanctuary. Therefore, they don’t mind showing themselves as witches if it’s for Musashi. The God of War arrives and attacks, and Margot and Malga transform. They mount metal speeder bike-type vehicles and fire magic with coins as ammo. They exchange blows, but the God of War shrugs them off. On the ground, Adele tries to endure the punishment. They charge forward. Meanwhile, Innocentius is told about the battle between the God of War and the witches. Malga and Margot praise the God of War’s prowess, but vow not to lose. Margot attracts the God of War’s attention, and Malga nicks it on its neck. Margot gets knocked away in the God of War’s thrusters and, in her distraction over Margot’s situation, Malga is shot down. On the ground, the Testament soldiers cheer this situation. As Margot plummets and the God of War closes in, those who entrusted Musashi’s skies to the girls call out to them, urging them to not give up. Finally, at their urging, Margot rises. She begins to mutter calculations. She talks about white magic (plus power) and black magic (minus power), and what happens when you combine them. She then fires 10,000 ten in ten-yen coins at the God of War – a day’s wages. The rolls fire towards the God of War, which dodges them madly, but only manages to make it into the cut that Malga made. The God of War’s head explodes, and it falls. On the ground, the ones who urged them on cheer. Neshinbara thanks them, asking them to come back. They say they will. They then embrace one another and kiss. In his command room, Innocentius speaks about how the strong do not torment the weak, they just crush them immediately. In the ground battle, the Testament Union uses a pincer attack to split up the Musashi forces. Toori exclaims that everyone wants a piece of him, and asks for help from the “officers.” Neshinbara proclaims that it’s show time. At Musashi, Jizuri Suzaku is catapulted through the air, with Naomasa and Neito aboard.

Impressions:

Some people will say that this show is weak because, despite the large cast, not all the characters get a chance to stand in the spotlight. I disagree. Others might instead say that the large cast prevents us exploring in-depth the backgrounds and personalities of all these characters, and to that I would say shut up that’s not the point!! *tsun tsun* But let’s take that first objection. It really started three episodes ago, but I love how all these different characters get a chance to stand up, show their stuff, and help out their friends and their cause. In this episode we got to see that from a few different characters, so I’ll take each in turn:

Neshinbara is getting to strut his stuff as strategist / coordinator, and he clearly loves it. His true time to shine is later, but I enjoyed him talking about everyone in trope-like terms, and even calling out Toori as the protagonist. I do that sometimes too, though I’m never quite clear who the protagonist is. As for his speech, it’s another scene that gives me chills. Friends who would rescue you from danger, a name to call out when all is lost, a place to return to…may we all have as much.

Adele being demoted to a constantly suffering human shield was both hilarious and cute. Her earnest attitude might just make her one of my favorite characters in this show, though with such a vibrant cast, there’s a lot of competition.

Ohandbytheway, the quiet and frequently overshadowed Persona-kun even got to come in handy again. That’s one of the lovely things about a big cast – there are so many characters that can do so many different things that there will always be a chance for them to shine.

Moving on, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Asama. She is a stone-cold badass. While Musashi-sama deserves props for blocking all those shots, and especially the big one, Asama tore through the Tres España primary cannon and sent the entire ship plummeting. Do not piss her off, gentlemen. It will not end well for you.

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Then of course, there was Margot and Malga. Ohhhh, those two. Now I’ve got to admit, while it was neat seeing them flying around, their attacks seemed awfully ineffectual most of the time. I think that’s a problem with how I view giant mechs, though. After seeing gundams and gunmen and arm slaves wrecked so frequently in other shows, I’m not used to a unnamed mech being a huge threat, but in Horizon’s world, Gods of War are Big Friggin’ Deals. Remember that Margot was praising the God of War even as she was fighting it, and Neshinbara was more concerned about it than the ships that were firing Yamoto Cannons straight at Musashi. These things are so powerful that two can guard all of Musashi, and with all those big ships Tres España only brought three, which they thought was more than enough. Of course, Kazuno and Tadakatsu were beating up Gods of War the day prior, but that’s because they were fighting on the ground in anti-air gear, and because Kazuno and Tadakatsu were frankly overpowered. It’s a downside of the Gods of War getting beat the hell up before they were properly established as awesome, but take it from me – they are. As for the way Margot and Malga won, think about magnetism. Positives and negatives attract. Margot is positive, Malga is negative. Malga (-) nicked the God of War, so Margot (+) fired a positive shot, which homed in on the negative mark that Malga left. Small cut + lots of coins infused with magic = dead God of War. Good game! Then there was the part you’ve all been waiting for – the kiss. Ohhhh the kiss! To be honest, while I love a good girl-on-girl kiss as much as the next guy (who is watching it safely from the other side of a computer and/or TV screen), I didn’t enjoy that scene for any titillation. To me, there is no “squee, yuri!!” sense from Margot and Malga’s relationship. They’re no different to me than Shirojiro and Heidi, a couple that is clearly in love, and which earns all its smiles from that fact rather than the part where both people happen to be girls. Rather, the part I liked most about this was that Sunrise actually had the balls to show it! After countless shows (like Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha) where we all know two characters are gay and they’re totally together, but no one (in universe or among the producers) will admit it (ARGH!!!), it’s so refreshing to see them just show it. It’s obvious how much Margot and Malga love eachanother, and after the battle they just went through, where one clever maneuver by their enemy almost left both of them shot down and their beloved sanctuary exposed to attack, they survived and triumphed. They deserved their moment. But you want to know what one of the best parts about this episode was to me? We’re getting into true army-style battle tactics, eeeee!! *squeels inappropriately* I feel like I’m little kid playing Age of Empires again! (Whoops, showing my age). So anyway, tactically speaking there were a few irksome things this episode, though on further reflection I’m broadly okay with most of them. For instance, the Musashi forces getting split up by the pincer attack was pretty dumb, but that’s the kind of mistake that happens in a battle, so I’m fine with it. One dumb thing I can’t justify is Toori’s premature charge. I’ll freely admit, that was pretty stupid. I mean, he does stupid things all the time, but they’re usually harmless stupid things, or brilliance cloaked in stupidity. This one though, I can’t really figure out a reason for. You should probably reign in the idiot act when you don’t have a plan, Toori. Then there’s Naomasa and Neito. The first time I watched this, I wondered why they were held back when there was a God of War that needed breaking, but then it hit me – Jizuri Suzaku can’t fly. Launch Jizuri Suzaku when the enemy God of War was around, and you’re liable to have it flying around and making Naomasa’s life miserable while she’s trying to bash in faces on the ground. But now that Margot and Malga have taken it out, Naomasa is free to make the Testament Union soldier’s lives a living hell. As for Neito…well, she could have probably gone in earlier, but perhaps they just wanted to look helpless until the God of War was out of commission? Not sure, still thinking on that one. Still, let me just say this – that last moment, when Toori calls out for help, Neshinbara’s glasses glint, and Jizuri Suzaku launches with Neito saying that they’re coming, “waga ou”…chills man, chills. That gets me every time. Omawari-san, hah! Let’s go, straight onto 11!

Episode 11

Episode Summary:

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The episode starts with Jizuri Suzaku flying towards the Testament Union troops. They set up a defensive formation, so Jizuri Suzaku throws Neito towards them. She deploys Argenté Chaîné, her silver chains, and uses them (and some plates Naomasa launches from Jizuri Suzaku) to decimate the Testament Union lines. After the OP, Neito heads towards Toori, grabbing soldiers and massive guns with her chains as she goes and hurling them around. Once she reaches him, she says he can praise her, and he does, though while treating her like a dog (she is 1/2 werewolf though). She protests. Naomasa says that she (and Neito) will take care of things, and tells Toori and the others to go ahead. On his ship, Innocentius observes the situation, and rises. Outside, everyone rushes towards the ship that holds Horizon, still using Adele as cover. They mention that they’re running out of energy. Ahead, Galileo steps in front of them with K.P.A. Italia’s official army, as does Innocentius with the Armament of Deadly Sins for lust, Staseis Porneia (Stilts note: the one Galileo borrowed earlier in the day). Using its super-drive, Innocentius breaks the weapons of everyone he views of as an enemy within a 3 kilometer range. The Musashi troops realize that not only are their weapons broken, but their punches and kicks are weakened as well. As Toori watches, the Musashi troops are pushed back. He asks if they truly want to save Horizon. They all answer unequivocally yes, and that they all feel that way. Toori smiles, and tells Asama to go ahead and do it, and sanction his contract. Asama, though upset about it, goes ahead and sanctions the contract. Toori’s contract allows him to share everything he has to offer with others. A giant power cord appears behind him, and he sweeps his hand, with little sign frames that say “Impossible” appearing in front of him. Smaller cords extend to the backs of all of the Musashi soldiers. the K.P.A. forces attack, but to their surprise the Musashi soldiers fight back, and have spells. The King of Musashi realizes that this is why Toori wanted to be king – currently, as viceroy, he has control over 1/4 of Musashi. That means he can freely use 1/4 of Musashi’s ether reserves. That means the people with him can receive effectively use spells for eternity without running out of power. Neito asks Asama if Toori will be alright. Asama explains the price: Toori must offer feelings of happiness as a ritual offering. If he ever gets sad or upset, he will have failed to make his offerings, and will be purified – and vanish. Toori tells them to relax – he is Aoi Toori, and will take whatever is impossible for them upon himself. In the ship, a hole appears through Horizon’s book. She says that it looks like she’ll have to stop reading soon. Toori tells the troops not to push themselves, but they say they’ve no choice, so Toori asks if anyone can stand up to Innocentius’ Armament of Deadly Sins. Masazumi says that she can. She challenges Innocentius to a duel, and he accepts. Kimi calls him an idiot, though Neshinbara thinks he’s being manly. In order to duel, Innocentius drops the effect of the Armament of Deadly Sins, giving Musashi a chance. He starts to come to Masazumi, but she says the footing is bad, and proposes another area. Innocentius says that if that’s the case, she should come to him, and hurry up. Masazumi agrees – and then take theatrically slow steps forward. Innocentius gets pissed and rushes towards her. On the battle, Noriki confronts Galileo. Galileo casts his spell Ptolemaic Theory, which forces Noriki to orbit around him, throwing him to the ground in the process. As Noriki rushes forward, he then uses Heliocentrism, which allows Galileo to orbit around his target. Noriki punches again, which makes it his second punch to strike Galileo’s spell. He says that Mutsuki (January) is ready. Galileo realizes what’s going on – Noriki is offering his first two punches to make his third stronger. The first punch lets him penetrate any defense (Stilts note: think “magic penetration”), his second lets his punches hit anything hard and strong (Stilts note: think “armor penetration”), and the third one…uses those effects. Third hit is pretty much an assured KO. Using this, Noriki lands his third hit on Heliocentrism, nullifying the ability, and then his second hit on Galileo. He asks if Galileo could just look up with a telescope, and glances towards the moons. Realizing, Galileo looks up – in time for Kiyonari to fly down and slam into him. Noriki then taps him with his third punch, and Galileo falls over. Sensei smiles, as the K.P.A. Italia troops despair. Elsewhere, Innocentius finally reaches Masazumi. Masazumi admits defeat, but Innocentius is pissed. He says that he has now won twice, and that if Masazumi is a girl, she should dress like one. Innocentius then transmits to his troops and gives them a speech, stirring their resolve. Masazumi realizes that the Testament Union is still firing, which means Musashi still has a shot. She asks Neshinbara about Futayo. Neshinbara says that he lost contact with her a while ago, which means she probably encountered Muneshige. They introduce themselves, and say that they’re alone, with Futayo saying that she has no friends and is not getting ether from Toori. Muneshige calls Gin and asks her how to deal with someone with complex issues, but Gin says that Futayo is 1/5 as complex as her. Muneshige asks Futayo why she didn’t sever the Pope President’s Armament with Slicing Dragonfly. Futayo wonders what she has done, to Muneshige’s surprise. She goes on to say that Neshinbara and Masazumi positioned her here, so they must have had a reason. They both claim that they didn’t fight with all of their strength last time, and only used increasingly small percentages of their power. They decide to fight for real, and accelerate and clash. Futayo gets the best of Muneshige, forcing him to land on her spear, then extending it, then flipping the blade to bind him…but he covers the blade with his shoe, preventing it from reflecting his image. He accelerates forward and strikes Futayo down. Muneshige addresses the people of Musashi. He says he will fire on Musashi, preventing it from leaving port so that, even if they rescue Horizon, she will only be taken back when their reinforcements arrive. He then tells them to evacuate Musashi before he fires. Meanwhile, on the containment ship, Horizon shuts another book, and asks why all the generals in the book lose a layer of clothing when they lose a match. Why indeed.

Impressions:

Wow, there’s so much going on in this episode, and it contains one of my other favorite scenes in the series thus far! Let’s dive right in. First is Neito. Simply put, seeing her sling those chains around in ridiculous and logic-defying ways was awesome. I have no idea how they work, but shutupit’smagicjustshutup!! But mostly I enjoyed how she came over to Toori and proudly said he could praise her if he wanted to. D’aaawww!

Now, a bit of a qualm that’s not really much of a qualm anymore. They sure do stand around talking a lot for being in the middle of a battle, don’t they? Part of that has to do with this being adapted from a bunch of novels, and that’s fair enough. But that aside, there’s another reason for this. You notice how nobody is really dying? I’m pretty sure the magic here has fail safes (ala Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha once again) where it can’t kill people, or at least doesn’t do so in most cases. So, with death off the table and with the Testament Union’s only goal being to stop Musashi from getting Horizon until she commits suicide, they’re really only stalling – I mean, if Musashi wants to waste what little time they have talking instead of fighting, what do they care? That just means there’s less effort needed for the Testament Union soldiers to do their jobs. And mind you, taking the death out of war (or at least markedly lessening its chances) does decrease some of the horror and danger from the whole endeavor. That’s one of my more unequivocal qualms about this series – I like the stakes to be high, and that’s one way the stakes can quickly be made higher, even if it does threaten us losing some of the great characters we’re given here.

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Speaking of as much, TOORI MISTER MUTHAFUCKIN’ IMPOSSIBLE!! Here it is, my second or third favorite scene in the series so far (I can never decide). This is a culmination of so much for Toori. Here he is, Mr. Impossible (useless, ineffectual, weak), flipping everything on its head by doing exactly as Kimi once said he should – he’s helping others become more than they are alone, and helping them regain what they lost. Toori takes everything on himself – their burdens, their fears, the things they cannot do – and through his impossible powers, makes them possible. Infinite MP every turn for as long as the battle goes on. What power! Tell me Testament Union, who’s useless now?! You shoulda done your homework before making this guy your “pawn”, heh. But what makes Toori’s move so especially epic is the cost. You know how I said taking away the threat of death lessens the stakes? They’re baaaaack. If Toori is not constantly happy, he will fail to make his offerings and he’ll disappear. He will die. And he can’t turn it off, either! For the rest of his life he must be constantly happy, because the one moment he succumbs to anger or sadness, he will vanish forever. Wow. Just imagining that…wow. For anyone else, this would be a truly impossible task. I know personally I wouldn’t last two days. But for Mr. Impossible, Aoi Toori? That’s another matter entirely. But still, try not to bum him out when you just helped make it so that sadness will kill him, Asama. Try smiling, ne? Moving on, this episode is where Masazumi reveals herself to be the master troll she is. Her gambit to get Innocentius to shut off his super-drive and run out to her was genius! Even more than that, his lecture that she should dress like a girl was nice and surprising, and hilarious for it. Of course, Masazumi can dress however she likes, that’s within her rights…but let me just say that I enjoy what is to come :3 Keep on trollin’, Masazumi! On a more serious note, it was, of course, quite stupid for Innocentius to cancel the effect of his Armament of Deadly Sins in order to accept the duel, but his hands were a bit tied. Remember the time period they’re reenacting, and that he’s the super powerful head of both K.P.A. Italia and the Testament Union, with all of his actions being broadcast on live TV for everyone to see. For him to reject the duel would have made him seem cowardly, impugned his honor, made the factions he represents look weak, and a host of other things he wouldn’t want the (in-universe) people watching at home to be thinking. Also, see Article 10, Addendum in the School Regulations. He literally had no choice. Masazumi had him where she wanted him as soon as she challenged him to a duel. By the way, it’s thoughts like those that are why the Testament Union can’t execute — erh, I mean, have Horizon commit suicide early. To move the timetable would signal that Musashi was an actual threat, which would make the Testament Union look weak. And why should they, when they still have so much going for them, including that impenetrable wall that Toori needs to get to? Well…ufufu~ Anyway, two more members of class 3-Plum got some time in the spotlight this episode: Noriki and Kiyonari. For Kiyonari, like with Persona-kun last episode, I enjoy that he wasn’t forgotten about, and had a chance to contribute to the fight in some meaningful way. Plus, the first time I saw him fly down and attack Galileo, I was really surprised, having forgotten about him myself. I appreciate that! As for Noriki, his magic is devastating. Of course, all someone would need to do to stop him is crowd-control or kite him (yeah, I’ve played a few too many RPGs and MMOs in my time, thanks), but if they don’t manage that then he can basically three-shot any single enemy. I don’t think he’d be a match for Muneshige, but damn, he’s a lot more powerful than he initially appeared. Personally, I want to see more of Noriki, especially if he mixes a little stealth in there and starts taking down baddies he would have no chance against in a straight up fight. Get sneaky Noriki, and you too can be a king! Or at least a pretty badass baron or something. Then there’s Futayo and Muneshige. This was one of the funniest exchanges of the series, and definitely one of the top three funniest that didn’t involve Toori. Futayo has no friends, Gin is more complex, what has Futayo done, “I only used __% of my power!” They’re…they’re both idiots, HAHA!! As for their fight…well, that was impressive, but even the first time through I didn’t think that Futayo was completely down for the count. Oh man, next episode… I’m getting worse and worse about keeping these short, aren’t I? But I just can’t help it!! These are the episodes that get my blood boiling every single time. Viva la Horizon-tan! Onto the penultimate episode!

Episode 12

Episode Summary:

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The episode starts with Futayo down, and Muneshige pointing Lype Katarripsi’s super-drive at Musashi. There’s a flashback of Futayo sparring with her father while Kazuno looks on, in which Tadakatsu beats her. Muneshige cancels his super-drive when he realizes that Futayo has stood up. Futayo screams. After the OP, Futayo asks Muneshige if the Far East will lose its sovereign powers if he fires. He says that it will. He says that it’s a samurai’s job to fulfill the wishes of his lord, and Futayo brings up that her father defeated him, fulfilling the wishes of his lord (Lord Motonobu) in the process. She says that Horizon is her lord, and therefore she must save her. Members of class 3-Plum appear on screens around Futayo. Masazumi says that she will do the paperwork if Futayo needs to tap Toori’s ether supply, but Futayo says that just hearing their voices is enough, so they cheer her on. She accelerates and attacks. Muneshige says that he’s faster, but Futayo concentrates, increasing her accuracy, losing unnecessary movement, and shedding all hesitation. Muneshige vows to take her on, and they accelerate towards one another, but Futayo steps over him via his leg and back. Muneshige turns to attack, but Futayo gets under his guard and unleashes a devastating flurry of blows that knocks Muneshige’s weapon away, and him to the ground. Futayo spares his life, as he did for him, and Muneshige declares that she has won. Futayo disagrees, saying that she thinks her father severed Muneshige’s Garcia name, which is tied to his speed, and she only won because of her father. Muneshige thanks her, and falls unconscious. Collecting Lype Katarripsi, Futayo declares Muneshige defeated. At the Testament Union base camp, Gin falls to her knees, while in the air the Tres España ships begin to pull back. While Masazumi notes that the inquisition ship hasn’t stopped extracting the Armament of Deadly Sins from Horizon, Naomasa and Neito walk up riding on Jizuri Suzaku. Naomasa says that they pacified the troops back there. Masazumi alerts them to the situation – the Pope President is back and leading the charge, but Musashi’s troops have gotten Toori to the inquisition ship where Horizon is held. Neito heads over, and Naomasa starts to as well, but Masazumi stops her, saying she has a job for her and Jizuri Suzaku. Masazumi then notes that they have 5 minutes (5:54, to be exact). In front of the force field, Toori calls for Horizon. She walks up and asks if he needs her for something. He says he’s there to save her. She asks who he is, and tells him that he’s bothering her, so he should leave. Back on Musashi, Suzu feints onto Kimi’s chest, which she calls the “erotic cushion.” Back at the inquisition ship, Toori reminds Horizon that he’s a customer from Blue Thunder, and she says he remembers him, and that he often came in for breakfast. She says that he would always grab his hands when she offered him change, and that the shop owner nicknamed him Wet Man. Some of Toori’s classmates appear on screens around him and insult him. He asks what’s wrong with wanting to touch the woman he loves. He starts to reach for her chest, which is when Horizon mentions that he would die immediately upon touching the wall. Toori exclaims that was close, and then asks why she is dressed, saying that you’re usually naked in chains if you’re being held for heresy. Horizon starts to leave, and Toori begs for her to stop. She does. Back on Musashi, Kimi says that they used to see exchanges like this, to which Suzu agrees. Kimi goes on to say that Horizon was really blunt with her brother. Everyone agrees, but says that it was clear how much she cared for him. They decide that this automated doll is a lot like Horizon. Horizon says she wants to make the best choice and avoid inconveniencing the world. Toori says to hell with the world, and that her dying would inconvenience him. She asks what’s more important, him or the world, and when he asks her back, she picks the world. Toori decides that this means he’ll just have to become king of the world. He says with her Armament, stopping the apocalypse and becoming king of the world is no dream, and that if they gather them all up then she would become her old self again. He says that he wants to conquer the world with her. He says that he’ll get back everything that was stolen from her because of him. He turns and asks the world to hand over the Armaments, or else they’ll go to war. He lists off a lot of things in turn. He says: “Shinto, Buddhism, Catholic, Protestant, Murasai, Anglican Church, Russian Orthodox Church, Dunhi, Oat, Techno-magic, swordplay, martial arts, gunsligning, mechanical beasts, phoenixes, dragons, aerial warships, civilians, knights, musketeers, samurai, ninja, warriors, kings, nobles, sovereigns, dynasts, emperors, popes, Far East, K.P.A. Italia, Tres España, Hexagone Française, England, Svet Russia, P.A. ODA, Qing, Union of India, money, rights, negotiations, politics, public opinion, armed forces, information, Divine Weapons, Armaments of Deadly Sins, Testament Arma, Summit Five, Eight Great Dragon Kings, Chancellor’s Board, Student Council, men, women, those who are neither, the young, the old, the dead, and the living, the emotions, the logic, the resolve, for those here who have the power to be able to duel – those on the Musashi, all of us, and all of you, and others, many others, many more, so very many more things that I still don’t know about – among all of us… Let’s find out who’s the strongest out there!” During this scene, many characters are shown as they listen to Toori speak. Masazumi thinks to herself that he’s insane, while Toori wonders how his confession turned into a declaration of world domination. Masazumi yells for him to think before he speaks. Horizon says that his theory is clear and easy to understand, but it is not her theory. She says they are inversely parallel. She asks him to leave, because she does not want the Far East to be put at a disadvantage because of her. Toori says that he doesn’t want to lose her. Horizon asks why. Toori blushes and says he’s too embarrassed to say it in front of everyone, and Masazumi yells at him to stop fidgeting. On the battlefield, Tenzo tells Toori to reel her in. Toori smiles, and then throws his arms open wide and says that it’s because he loves her. Suzu, Margot, and other smile, but Horizon says that she’s sorry, and that as an automated doll she lacks emotions, so she cannot comprehend what he said. Suzu faints again, this time into Asama’s chest, which she calls a “pretty clean cushion.” Everyone is shocked that Horizon rejected him, Toori included. Toori says that her being an automated doll has nothing to do with his instincts, and says that he’s okay with firm ones because Neito let him grope her when she was braless. Running towards the battle, Neito calls him horrible. Horizon laughs dryly, says that he’s horrible, and concludes that they are inversely parallel. Masazumi calls for Toori to not give up. Toori says not to worry, saying that it’s a battle of debate: Toori says that they’re parallel, so he will take her back with him.

Horizon says that they’re parallel, so they cannot reach an agreement

Toori says that they’re parallel, so he knows they can reach an agreement.

Horizon says that they’re parallel, so “you can’t do anything, can you?”

Toori says that they’re parallel, so he thinks he can do something for her.

Horizon says that they’re parallel, so she wants to die.

Toori says that they’re parallel, so he wants her to live.

Horizon says she does not have a human life. Toori says that she has a human soul.

Horizon says automated dolls don’t have emotions. Toori says he will return them to her.

Horizon says that it’s meaningless. Toori says that nothing about her is meaningless.

Horizon says automated dolls have perfect judgment. Toori says that he doesn’t think her judgment is perfect.

Horizon says that they’re parallel, so she doesn’t want to hear his responses. Toori says that makes them inversely parallel, and that he wants to hear her response from a parallel standpoint.

Horizon agrees, and says that since they’re parallel, she is bound to respond to everything he has said.

Toori says that her judgment is probably perfect. Horizon says that they’re parallel, so she is certain that she is mistaken. Asama asks how an automated doll can be wrong if they always make the best choice. Neshinbara says that the best choice doesn’t necessarily equal what she wants. He says that perhaps she was waiting for someone to make her give up. Toori says that they’re parallel, so Horizon thinks everything about herself is meaningless. Horizon says that they’re parallel, so she doesn’t want to think anything about her is meaningless.

Toori says that they’re parallel, so doesn’t she have any emotions? Horizon says that they’re parallel, so she believes she has emotions.

Toori says that they’re parallel, so don’t you have a human life? Horizon says that they’re parallel, so she has a human soul.

Toori says she probably wants to die. Horizon says she wants to live.

Toori says she thinks he can’t do anything. Horizon says there’s something he can do.

Toori says they’ll never reach an agreement. Horizon says that they’re parallel, so she knows they can reach an agreement. Toori asks where that is, the place where they, who are parallel, could possibly intersect. She says they can meet where all parallel lines meet, where conflicting ideals are reconciled. That is: “kyoukai senjou desu.” Above the horizon. Everyone smiles. Toori says that she doesn’t want to go above the Horizon, does she. She says she does. He says she doesn’t want him to take her. She says no, please take me. He says that he can’t do anything. She says he can do anything and everything. He says he can’t fondle her boobs, can he. She dryly asks what he said, and he exclaims at her answering normally. A bunch of his classmates interject, telling him to die. He tells them to shut up. Horizon says that serving as sovereign is the best option, but she would rather work in that cafe (the Blue Thunder). She asks which one he would have her do. Toori says both. He says after all, he’s student council president and chancellor, but he still goofs off. She says she would like to consider that the best option. Toori agrees, and then says that this wall is in the way, and that they can’t make out with it there. She says that he’s the worst, and he replies “don’t you mean the best?” He asks how they break it. Innocentius tells him not to waste his time, and that no one has touched it and come back alive. Toori tells everyone to stop Innocentius because he’s interfering with his flirting time, so Innocentius activates his super-drive, but Futayo appears and severs it. She says that she has come to Horizon’s aid. Innocentius tells his troops to charge, but everyone there from class 3-Plum stops them. Innocentius demands a duel with Toori, but Futayo says that he has to beat her first. Toori tells Innocentius to hang tight, and that he’s finishing up here. In the process, he accidentally puts his hand through the barrier and touches Horizon’s chest. The barrier flashes, and they both enter a dream world. Horizon says that because Toori was touching her chest, they entered the dream world together. A young Horizon walks by, crying. Toori explains that because Kimi was out, Horizon made him breakfast that day, but that she was a bad cook and he said it was nasty. He said that young Horizon cried and ran off. When young Toori caught up to her, she began running again. As young Horizon dashed through the crowd, she darted out in front of the carriage, with young Toori lunging for her as the horses reared. The scene freezes. Toori and Horizon walk up. Horizon notices that Toori’s right hand has been engulfed in darkness, to which he says that this really is his sin. He says that she wouldn’t have died if he hadn’t chased her. He said he could have saved her if he was strong, and he really is an idiot. He went to to say that, seeing it now, there really was no way to save her. She says that he sounds as if it doesn’t concern him. Toori looks up young Horizon’s skirt while asking what colors Horizon likes. Horizon replies black and white, and Toori says that she really is Horizon. Horizon asks how he intends to deny this, his sin. Both of their right arms become engulfed in darkness. Horizon asks what he will do, and whether disappearing together is where they meet above the horizon. She asks him why he fell in love with the present her. He said that he was surprised when he heard that she practices making breakfast. She says that she has no memories, so overwriting it with this is meaningless. He said that it made him think she’s the type of girl who wants to work hard to make breakfast for someone. He says he wants to be her number one guy. She then asks why the past Toori fell in love with the past Horizon. She says if the reason is equal to why he wants her now, then he’s a strong partner capable of denying the past Horizon via parallelism. He says that the past Horizon ran from her, but Horizon says she did not. She was just trying to hide, to avoid being indebted to him, so they could stand as equal partners, and because she wanted to greet him with a smile. She said that when he chased the past Horizon, he probably yelled–and then Toori says it for her, “I’m on my way!” He said that then she said–and Horizon fills it in, “Stay back!” She said they are parallel, and that she told him not to come because they are parallel. She asks what he should say so they can go above the Horizon – they can agree. Toori smiles. He holds out his hand, and says that he will say “It’s dangerous over there. I’m going to go save you, but I want you to come to me, Horizon.” Horizon agrees, and takes his hand. Their hands transform into a big red bow, and then they swirl and reform, and Toori pulls Horizon toward him. The barrier disappears, and reveals Toori and Horizon hugging.

Impressions:

First of all, if you’ve ever wanted to read Toori’s big long line at your own pace, check out the summary above. I copied the whole thing there, courtesy of kyoukaisen.tumblr. Seriously, that place is great.

There were really only three things that happened this episode, but they were all huge, so let’s get into it. The first one was Futayo and Muneshige’s fight. This one was short, but no less important for its brevity. Alas, there’s not a whole lot to say about this one – Muneshige wasn’t smart enough to knock her unconscious or break her legs or something, so Futayo got another shot, and this time she won. I don’t know that I agree with her that Muneshige’s Garcia name got sealed by Tadakatsu, though. In fact, I’m not even sure that Futayo believes that. That’s not to say that she’s going to get a big head over this, but I think she mainly just didn’t want to insinuate that Muneshige was someone unskilled enough to be beaten by a person with little experience like her. She was being kind, attributing the victory to her much more experienced and skilled father instead of taking credit for it herself. Was nice of her.

Wow, I guess there was a fair amount to say on that one. Anyway, moving on, I’m going to attack the two Horizon / debate / parallel scenes from two different points of view: the first will be how I understood them the first time I saw this episode (and enjoyed it despite my ignorance), while the second will be about how they actually happened, with plenty of explanations.

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First of all, Toori and Horizon’s debate in front of the force field. Actually, I’m going to tackle the force field itself first. Initially, it seemed silly to me that the Testament Union used a fancy force field when any decently genre savvy (trope!) viewer instantly knew it wouldn’t work. I mean, why use the obvious plot point when they could use a plain old wall? That said, I later realized that it wasn’t so dumb after all. First, consider: the events of episodes 6-13 take place over ONE DAY. At the beginning of this day, the Testament Union’s end game is for Horizon to commit suicide. They have to protect her from outside interference until then, in order to avoid the look of impropriety (that is, them killing her), but if she were to kill herself early that would be completely fine with them. The force field does this – it protects Horizon, but also gives her a way out. Of course, a sharp screwdriver would serve the same purpose, but that can’t be brushed away as a defensive measure; it would be just way too obvious that they were hoping she would kill herself, and thus make the Testament Union look bad again. Also, something else that the force field does: it makes sure that Horizon is in full view of the eyes (and cameras) of the world, once again covering the Testament Union’s asses so that it’s harder for people to accuse them of foul play. By the way, I do remember that one Tres España maid saying that Horizon shouldn’t touch the force field a few episodes back, since they need to distill the Armament from her soul. I just feel like that’s bullshit. If that was the case, they’d put a wall between Horizon and the force field to stop her from having the option of getting near it. That’s just my guess, though. Anyway, then Toori and co launch their assault. At this point it would perhaps make more sense to defend Horizon in another way – thick, solid walls, perhaps – because the force field can be circumvented. Given some time, the forces of Musashi could go under it, or drill in through the ceiling, or even enter through the ship. However, all these tactics can be used against any normal method of defense as well. Also, this type of force field has never been bested, making it presumably better as a defensive structure than thick walls, which have been bested millions of times over our history. Also, all the reasons they originally put Horizon in the force field still hold true (so that she can be seen by the world, she might kill herself early, etc). ALSO, there’s the simple fact that there hasn’t been enough time for the Testament Union to transfer Horizon to another location, and it’s unlikely that they would have had a better place than this to move her to anyway, since they only have a limited number of ships in the area. Phew! There were a few reasons there. Of course, as savvy viewers we instantly knew that Toori and Horizon would somehow make it through the force field (probably), but that’s just us being too genre savvy for our own good. Perhaps that’s not the best storytelling (I wouldn’t say that myself, but I also probably wouldn’t argue too much against someone who said that), but that doesn’t mean the characters’ logic was any less sound. Or rather, as sound as any logic can be when politics starts getting involved. Now, Toori and Horizon’s debate. The first time through I didn’t really understand how he did it, but I sensed the point where Toori turned the whole thing back around on Horizon and the debate started to slide his way. Long practice with analyzing stories + the OST signaled when the switchover happened, and a smile crossed my face. As for the goal, the “above the horizon” part…well, first of all I love a good title drop (trope!), and the swoop away and the view of the literal horizon was a well done moment that always fills me with a sense of wonder and peace. Aside from that, I took the whole above the horizon thing as a TTGL-style “beyond the impossible” thing. That’s not really correct, but it didn’t ruin the moment for me at the time, so it worked. As for what was really happening, let me see if I can explain this properly. Mind you, it’s not necessary that you totally understand this debate for it to be enjoyed, but I know that for some of you that is necessary, so let me at least get you closer. A disclaimer though: I think people take this part waaaay too literally. Hell, some people go so far as to invoke Riemannian geometry (the last two comments at the very bottom of the page, if you want to know what I mean), but I think that’s trying a bit too hard. I’m going to tackle it, but I’m not going to fit everything together because we’re dealing with squishy illogical humans, and besides there are probably translation issues that get in the way. Still, like I said, I’ll try to at least get you closer. Hopefully I won’t be wrong! Now, the first thing to keep in mind is that Horizon is actually two people – the automated doll P-01s, and the human Horizon Ariadust. These two sides are in conflict. While an automated doll has no emotions and must always pick the best, most “logical” decision, Horizon Ariadust is an emotional, illogical human who can do whatever the hell she wants. They hold two conflicting viewpoints: Horizon (as P-01s) thinks that as sovereign ruler of Mikawa, she must commit suicide for the sake of the world.

Horizon (as Horizon Ariadust) wants Toori to save her, so she can live. As is, P-01s starts out in control, because whatever else she may be, Horizon is an automated doll now, and the automated doll’s logical imperatives reign supreme. That means that in order to convince Horizon (as P-01s) to abandon her point of view and go with her Horizon (as Horizon Ariadust) one, someone has to give her logical reason to do so. It’s as Masazumi realized and Neshinbara said – she wants someone to make her give up. That’s why she’s debating at all. Enter Toori. His point of view is along the same lines as Horizon (as Horizon Ariadust)’s, but he adds in an extra layer – he wants to collect the Armaments to prevent the apocalypse and save the world. This was his first attempt to convince her, because if she had accepted this then she would have had her logical reason for living…but while she accepted it as a valid theory, Horizon (as P-01s) didn’t adopt it as her own. Damn “logic!” Here is where Horizon concludes that they’re “inversely parallel.” Don’t let the word “inversely” confuse you – the important part is that Horizon thinks their views are parallel, i.e. they’re running exactly beside one another and will never meet. Following that line of thought, this means that if Toori can prove that they’re not parallel, there’s a point where the two of them can meet and agree, and all they have to do is find that spot. If not – if they’re truly parallel – then they cannot come to an agreement, and there’s no need to be having a discussion at all. There are actually two debates in here. The first one is Horizon (as P-01s) vs Toori. During this one, Horizon makes statements and Toori responds to them. During this, the key thing Horizon says is “I want to die.” Remember that. Now, they go through this line of statement-and-response until Horizon says “I do not want to hear your responses anymore.” At this point, the argument is over, and Toori concludes that they are indeed parallel. However, Toori restarts the debate (or rather, launches into a second one) by saying “I want to hear your responses.” This forces Horizon to accept and rejoin the debate. Why? Because she accepted all the previous statements as being parallel, therefore she must accept this one, which is parallel of her “I do not want to hear your responses anymore” statement. That is to say, she doesn’t want to hear his responses, but she didn’t say anything about his statements, so if he wants to hear her responses…you get the idea. So they start the second round, where Toori makes the statements and Horizon responds. Here’s where Toori turns it around. Having firmly established that they’re parallel, Horizon is bound to respond to what Toori says in a parallel manner. I mean, if they’re truly parallel then the results should be the same, right? So Toori goes right back down the line of statements that Horizon made the first time around. Now, bear in mind a few things here: Toori’s point of view is the same: “I want Horizon to live”. It might seem like he has “switched sides” and is taking a tact closer to what Horizon (as P-01s) was saying before, but really he’s not. Mostly he just refers to Horizon’s feelings and asks questions. He still wants her to live, and this is known.

In order to be right about them being parallel, Horizon must answer in a parallel manner to Toori. However, she must also answer in a way that she truly believes. For it to be an honest debate, neither of them can lie. It’s like if you were debating someone on national television, you said that the two of you were parallel, and then your opponent said “I think murder is wrong.” Rather than lie (to be right about being parallel), most of us would go “Whoops. I’m sorry, we’re not parallel. I agree with you there.” Same thing here.

A follow up on that last part: Horizon has to say only things she believes in…but there are two people within her. Do you see where I’m going with this? Toori coaches his questions so that Horizon responds in a way that is both parallel and which she believes in…but with her Horizon Ariadust side instead of her P-01s one. The point of the whole debate is not for Toori to convince a truly reluctant Horizon, it’s for him to give her an enough excuse to defy her automated doll side in favor of her human wishes. He starts this with the very first one, “Your judgment is probably parallel.” The automated doll has said her judgment is perfect, but the human soul doesn’t believe that, so in order to be parallel to Toori’s statement, Horizon has to use her Horizon Ariadust point of view. This keeps going, with Horizon contradicting her P-01s side more and more, until we get this exchange: Toori: “You probably want to die.”

Horizon: “I want to live.” There it is. Not only does that contradict the basic point that Horizon (as P-01s) was arguing for, it cements Horizon (as Horizon Ariadust)’s point of view as Horizon’s “best choice”, based on the parallel debate they’ve been having. And, since that was Toori’s point all along, that means they’re not parallel, and they in fact agree. As for the whole “beyond the horizon” thing, I’m going to go ahead and link you straight to a particular post at kyoukaisen.tumblr, because Sensei explains it better than I would, with pretty pictures and everything. Here’s the long and short of it though: the “beyond the horizon” thing is a bit of flowery language that has to do with perspective and what happens to the parallel lines on long roads that vanish into the distance. Wordy nonsense that shouldn’t be taken seriously…my favorite! Holy shit I do not know the meaning of brevity. Is next season gunna be like this? Eeee!! Okay, the third big thing that happened this episode was the dream sequence. I’ll be serious – the first time through I didn’t understand a thing about how Toori wormed his way out of disappearing forever, but I enjoyed it nonetheless because of 1) the OST, 2) the feelings that suffused the scene, and 3) that hug at the end (SQUEE!!). What can I say, I’m a hopeless romantic. As for how it actually worked, the whole schtick behind the force field is that you have to deny your biggest sin or else you’ll disappear. To Toori, that was letting Horizon die, because he was too weak to save her. But that’s wrong, and we dive into parallelism again. Here, the parallels are in what young Toori said before Horizon died, “I’m on the way!”, and what young Horizon said, “Stay back!” In order to deny this sin, they need to make their parallel lines diverge, so they can once again “meet above the horizon.” With that in mind, this one is a lot easier. If one of them is trying to go to point A, and the other is yelling for him to stay at point B, the place to meet is obvious – at point C, in between the other two