天下制覇

Sorry, I couldn’t resist.

Impressions:

You know, the thing that I think really makes this show so endearing is drive that every character has. There’s certainly no lack of angst, but none of them spend any time wallowing around in it. Nina goes off to train by herself, Sharnid immediately pulls a weapon on Harley and demands a change to the status quo, and for all her refusal to use her full powers, Felli still works herself to the point of exhaustion. Layfon’s the weakest link in the chain here, but he’s such a well-intentioned creampuff that it doesn’t really make a difference. Heck, even Naruki doesn’t mind being groped in the middle of sparring with him and laughs it off as a simple and expected mistake.

So as you might expect from me rambling about it, lots of good character moments this episode. Nina’s still not strong enough to go anywhere near the bugs, but using herself as bait shows that she’s at least thinking a little more strategically now. I was actually a bit surprised that Naruki seemed to have some good combat moves. Even though Layfon took her down quickly, she still managed to hook his head and take him down with her. I doubt she’d be able to go up against Nina or most of the other pure soldiers, but being able to even land a blow on Layfon is relatively impressive. It’s also interesting to me how she’s becoming Layfon buddy, although thankfully not another of his fanclub.

One thing I really could have done without in this episode was the OP as an insert song. That was just… bad… especially since the scene accompanying it was less impressive than Layfon’s solo fight against the bug. Okay, good, Division 17 is working together… but the plan is "drop the bug into a ravine and then have Layfon jump on it." Brave Your Truth, indeed. 

Sorry if the summary’s a little brief. I accidentally deleted my notes.

Harley finishes Layfon’s new sword and he takes a few practice swings, sending gale forces through the room. Felli is not amused. Outside, Sharnid eavesdrops on them a little bit and Felli/Fon Fon have their usual lover’s spat.

Sharnid ambushes Harley on his way out. A bit later, Layfon and Naruki spar during training. They become the center of attention when Layfon throws her hard to the ground and she drags him down on top of her. She compliments him, but then reminds him that she is still a girl.

He notices that he’s got his hand full of her chest and stammers out an apology. She (and the rest of the class) laughs at him. Their attention turns to Nina, who is successfully fighting multiple people at once, but Naruki’s heard some rumors about her and is worried.

At night, Layfon and Naruki’s friends follow Nina in secret and discover that she’s been training to the point of exhaustion at night.

Miffy thinks that there’s something wrong with it; that the whole team should be working together. Nina collapses in front of them.

Quick pop over the Engrish-world for ol’ whose-his-face to shoot some dogs.

Layfon et all take her to the hospital. There’s nothing wrong with her aside from the fatigue.

Felli takes the chance to tease Harley and Layfon about Nina being naked, but then hands them information on a bug in chrysalis nearby that her brother wants dealt with before it can become a real threat. A little later, Nina wakes up to Layfon watching over her.

She tells him how she realized that he’s just a human too, and that’s why she’s been pushing herself to become stronger so hard.

Later, Layfon goes to destroy the bug. Once he gets there, it begins to hatch. He prepares to fight.

Back at the hospital, Sharnid and Harley visit Nina. Sharnid suddenly gets aggressive and holds a weapon to Harley’s throat, telling him that he’s been keeping secrets about what Felli and Layfon are doing and ignoring the rest of the team in favor of them. That cannot go on.

Layfon keeps fighting the bug, but it’s not going well. His dite is rapidly corroding and losing effectiveness.

A motorcycle drives up and Sharnid opens fire, giving Layfon an opening to attack and escape with the other two. They berate him for not working as a team for a little bit, and he accepts it and then says that he’s in Nina’s hands. She’s surprised that Felli’s been able to provide support all the way out here.

As the dawn rises, they lure the bug to a ravine. Sharnid and Layfon jump it, but the bug falls and goes after Nina at the bottom. Sharnid turns and opens fire on explosives on the cliffside as Layfon pulls Nina to safety with his strings. As the bug is pinned, Layfon leaps from the top of the cliff and finishes it off.

Back at Zuellni, Harley tends to a passed-out Felli.

Later, the corrosion has destroyed their engine. Nina and Layfon talk a little bit until Sharnid comes over and teases her a little bit. Zuellni comes tromping up to pick them up with Harley and Felli waiting to welcomg them back.

Preview:

Isn’t it time to introduce the drill hair girl yet?