With this episode, the Croconesia-arc has ended, the finale is probably about to begin, and I’ve finally caught up with the subs. Here’s hoping that the final episodes get released quickly, as something tells me that I haven’t seen the best of this anime yet. The episode itself was very good again. Not as good as the previous three episodes, but I still made for a great watch. :)

While you would expect that the current episode would focus entirely on Momba, it actually tells two stories right through each other: Momba’s story, of course, and Punpun and Kogoto’s story. Unexpected, but surprisingly touching. I also loved how Pinon, Marco and Luna were just pushed into the background in order to feature the threesome to have their own airtime.

As expected, Momba fails the ordeal. The previous episode may have given him courage, it didn’t remove the chicken inside of him. Afterwards, Pinon attempts to give him a bit of courage through the placebo-effect, though Kogoto rather blows that point. Still, when Momba learns that Pinon and him actually have some similar points, he agrees to try again.

There’s just the problem that Punpun got a strange idea again, and dressed herself up as a female Croconesian (I loved how Luna tried to imagine what that would be like ^^). If I’m not mistaken, it’s actually the first time in the anime that she separates herself from Kogoto. The latter gets incredibly worried about her, and the fun starts.

Of course, Punpun’s plan never works, but she does have to battle a rather scary-looking dragon-zombie. Kogoto and Momba manage to find her in time, and another battle follows, in which Momba finds out that he can actually do something useful. That exactly was enough to give him a bit of courage. Kogoto, meanwhile, does the impossible of building a instant-catapult on the battlefield, in order to hit down the Dragon Zombike. Pinon, Luna and Marco arrive just in time to see him hit down that huge creature. ^^

Also… I’ve been wondering… what about Papu? Does he still have a role? He’s really starting to turn into the usual cute, useless pet. Still, the fact that the law which forbids forest sprites to enter the sea, and water sprites to enter the land is called “The Law of the Moon”, and he happens to be the Seirei of the Moon, there could be some point at which his presence can be useful.

I am SO glad that I decided to continue watching this anime. The past few episodes really have been awesome, with the current episode as no exception to this. There really are too little people who know about this great episode. Same with its 1998 counterpart. It’s a real recommendation for any fantasy-fan.

Pinon, Punpun and Luna SO reminded me of Souta, Shirayuki and Ringo. Now that they’re travelling together, it becomes even more apparent that Punpun keeps clinging to Pinon. Let’s just say that Luna doesn’t like that. (^^) Also, this episode revealed another interesting future-couple. Donovan just acted way too nervous when Elena suddenly appeared in a beautiful dress. (^^)

Still, as the episode takes place in Croconesia, the main focus of the episode has to be Momba. And indeed, in order to get to Zephys, a special boat is needed. In order to get this boat, one must overcome an ordeal. That just leaves the problem that only a Croconesian can captain that ship, and thus take the ordeal. Poor Momba. The next episode will be a living hell for him, as he’s just been acting like a big coward throughout the anime. But that’s what makes him such a great character. ^^

Still, against all clichés, Momba doesn’t get to be the hero of the episode. Elena gets the glory for that, as she quite bravely defeats one of Zephys’ minions. Momba just learns a couple of things. I’m suspecting that his moment of glory will come with the next episode. ^_^

I think that one of the major elements which has made the past few episodes so great is the great bland of action and comedy. Due to the first half of the anime, the characters have already been fleshed out. Right now, the creators are making perfect use for this, which makes each of the scenes funny yet dramatic at the same time. There aren’t many anime which can achieve the same, not to mention at the high level of the past couple of episodes. The chase at the end of the episode was a brilliant example of this. It also was something you couldn’t predict AT ALL.

Overall, if you’re wondering whether or not to check out this anime: DO IT!!! It may have a slow first half, but the second half really is awesome. :)

And I’ve finally caught up with the subs. This really was one of the better episodes of Ayatsuri Sakon. I really think that this series would’ve been better off as a 13-episode one, as it’s formula is starting to get a bit repetitive. Still, Isshiki was great to see this episode.

During the previous episodes he always was so incredibly calm, sarcastic and full of himself. Then this episode comes, and his alibi is suddenly shattered. Talk about a personality switch. I loved how all of the clues he dropped over the course of the episodes have been unmentioned till now, and Sakon just dishes out one after another at a certain point. That really was the best moment of the episode, in my opinion.

This also was the first arc with unexplained events. For example, the exact reason why Takahashi died. Also, my memory isn’t that clear yet on the exact role of the contact lens.