First of all, the "launch sequence" was (delightfully) cheesy. I couldn't stop humming the battle theme from Evangelion. You know, the one with the timpani and the tone-deaf junior high trumpet section.

That said, this was an enjoyable episode. For one, there was plenty of eye candy in the action sequences. But, most importantly, it wraps up (I hope) a story arc dripping with so much stupid that it almost killed the whole show for me. Adios, Alyssa, you annoying little brat.

Anyway, now that Mai has fused with her Eva - I mean, Child - I'm hoping she'll return with super-HiME powers or something. After all, she's gonna need them when Miyu shows up in the final episode (you know it's gonna happen) to avenge the loss of her dearly departed.

I don't think Miyu will be back. She's not important enough.

Besides, you don't even know about and how said ~!

err...That didn't come out right. *tries again*

I don't think Miyu will be back. She's not important enough.

Besides, you don't even know about *removed* and how *removed* said *removed*~!

(I hate it when I screw stuff up...)

The "launch" sequence was cheesy beyond imagination. Someone has to come out from behind a waterfall, good thing it was Midori, fits her personality. And I really feel sorry for the little girl with the sword....why is she the only one running? Don't tell me the sword is her child, which most likely is....

Mai shows us the meaning of being immortal. And when you know you'll constantly rise from the flames of destruction, I have no clue what else you need to fear. So, unless they bring out some "baddie" that does the same, don't see how she can get beaten, unless she commits suicide....wonder if she'll come back to life even after that....

But the rest of the series has definitely surprised me to a certain extent, but somehow, it feels expected....they do say hind-sight is 20/20.

Alyssa was my fave... *dies*

That's pretty cool how Mai can't die. I also loved Alyssa. I cried so much after she died and watching Miyu's reaction to it all.

So Mai's kind of a phoenix... Guess they need unconventional means to kill her. Or not use anything that looks the least bit like fire, at least.

Not that it'll probably come to that. Mai and Akira are the only ones I don't wanna see un-himed. The rest... eh.

Tone-deaf high school trumpet section ... ahh, now I know what you're talking about!

"Don't tell me the sword is her child, which most likely is...."

If it's in any way relevant to anime and manga, the official website for the MH PS2 game actually lists Miroku under the "Element" category rather than "Child."

I don't think Miroku is an Element or Child. Or for that matter, even really Mikoto's. I think that Miroku is destined for someone else, and we have not even seen her true element yet (though it is probably also a sword of some sort).

Mai-Hime is excellent for captions.