Waterfall & Wings Version 1

Gaaahh... i can't believe it's over in a flash. I dunno why this time i can't recall the setlist by memory. Maybe cos there are lots of junior songs that i can sing along to but dun rem the title. Will deal with these details later when i get home to SUNNY SINGAPORE. Gawd... IT'S FREEZING HERE!!!!!!!!! So anyway... just some stuff about Takkicon that I wanna share before I forget... it's totally NOT in order cos im just typing down whatever i rem...

- The Yokohama concert was much better than Osaka's IMHO. There were obvious technical glitches in the Osaka show (actually the main culprit is the stooopid centre stage that wouldn't move!!) and i tot Takki looked a bit worried. And the crowd wasn't as high as i tot Osaka audience should be. But im thinking it has something to do with the Hidezo doll. Cos there was already a freaking loooooooonnnnngggg queue for Hidezo doll (being limited editions) in the even MORE FREAKING COLD WEATHER!!! They made us queue for like almost 2 hours in the cold (directly opp the river where we queued for the Osaka handshaking event) before finally announcing that the model wouldn't be on sale that day. Many fans were complaining and it caused quite a commotion. Takki apologised for it but of cos, no one blames him cos he's not at fault. As a result, i think the audience was kinda tired by the time the concert started. Yokohama on the other hand... SUPER HIGH. Hahahahhaha~~~~~ I can TOTALLY feel the unity of Takki fans bonded by Takki Love. CHOU URESHII!!!! ^^

- Thou there were a couple of technical glitches during the Osaka con, you can tell how pro Takki is. The way he improvise on the spot to make up for them. I think we were more worried than he is!! Demo, sasuga Takki!!

- The way the staff told Takki about the delay of Osaka Hidezo doll was quite hilarious. He said the staff rushed into his rakuya and went like "Takki! Hidezo ga... Hidezo ga..." Takki tot something happened to the REAL Hidezo and he was like "Hidezo doushita no???!?" LMAO!!!!

- I think all Takki fans are pro at Venus dance steps now. Hahaha.... the dance is REALLY FUN!!! We kept bugging him to sing it at the all-last and he sang it for a total of 4 times!!! (While complaining that we are very wagamama... fufufu) He taught us the steps during every show, teaching more and more for the later shows. It was really a GREAT feeling to see the entire audience dancing to the song.. Hahhaha.. Takizawa-sensei, arigatou!! (p/s: He said the opening steps in the DVD is wrong... hahaha. asked us to ignore it. You start doing the "chopping" part on the right. The DVD showed the left i think but they changed it cos of some reason. i dunno... mebe they keep banging into each other?? but anyway, it's left first.)

- The dancing lesson part was really F-U-N!!! And Takki was sooooooooo cute during that!!! Hahhahahha... the way he made sounds and gave names to the steps.

"Pilo Pilo, okane, okane"
"Myon myon"
"ichi ni san shi, Hikaru Genji"

LMAO!!!!!
Then he told those fans who still cant get it that as long as they do the okane sign (which resembles the OK sign), it will still look like "Venus". (Kore wo yattara, nanto naku Venus ni naru kara ne!) Hahahhahahhaha!!!!!!!

- There were a lot of mothers and even grannies in the crowd!! ^^

- HE DID NOT SING STARRY SKY!!!! Urgh!!!!!! I was yelling at the top of my lungs "Starry Sky wo UTATTE!!!!!" together with this Japanese fan beside me. So loud that the fans in the arena block in front of me all turned back to stare. Haaa... But STILL!!! He said he planned to sing with Tsuba or sthg but couldn't since Tsuba can't make it.. Huh?? THEN WHY DIN U ALL SING IN THE FIRST YOKO SHOW???... which brings me to the pt...

- Tsuba appeared in the first Yoko show!!!! I was shocked by his hair. He reminds me of a music conductor... Hahahha. They performed only one song together. Venus!!!! But they talked for pretty long!!! Tsuba said sthg about Takki's granny who went for his Osaka solo. And then Takki's mum whom i think was in the audiene at Yoko?? But Takki was sooo shy about it i dunno why he kept trying to drown out Tsuba's voice by singing... Hahahha... This baka!

- Takki had Tsuba take a pic of himself and the fans behind him with his Olympus camera. Tsuba took one and then proceeded up the platform on the main stage and took a pic of himself. LMAO!!! Takki then showed it to the crowd. A super corny pic!!

- MANAGED TO GET THE HIDEZO DOLL!!!! But upon close inspection, found that the collar has today's date on it, aka 25 Dec. Meaning to say... OSAKA'S DOLL IS DIFFERENT????? NANI????? So i STILL have to get 2 dolls????? -___-

- Takki said in Osaka that he is a person who rarely cries. If he does, it must be sthg REALLY IMPT TO HIM. He only did once since he entered the jimusho, but he doesnt rem when.. Duhz. i tink he just doesnt want to tell us. So when he cried at the Yoshitsune wrap-up, it means it REALLY was very taisetsu to him.

- But then! Takki denied crying in the Yoko show. LMAO!! He said he only had teary eyes but they did not flow down like poro poro tears. The audience were all yelling at him that he did. Hahhahaha~~~

- For his self-composition, i tink he sang a total of 4 songs. Dakedo, 894, Madonna and Junigatsu no hana. The full length version of Madonna is really nice!! And Junigatsu no hana...... uwaaahhhhh.. SUGOI!!!! you gotta LOVE him when he sings such ballads. Uwaaahhhh... and the stage setting was sooooo beautiful when he sang this song!!! Yappa, oujisama daaa!!!!

- They had special postcards for each show that are only available when u order the new single outside the concert hall on the very same day. They looked like hosts on it. LMAO!! Me want, me want, me want! I want to order number 894 and number 283 pls!!! Hahahhahah~

- He asked us during the first Yoko show what plans for Xmas we have and most of us replied none. Then he said he knew we have none thats why he put his concert on Xmas day. Muahahhaha... mou!! But oh well, Takki dakara, yurusu!!

- Yappari Takki's egao is CHOU KIREI. I am utterly in love with his smile and dimples!!! He was smiling sooo much in the Yoko con that i knew he is enjoying himself. Such a relief that all the probs encountered at Osaka con were solved!!

- Some fans (including Loracyn) were too excited and tot Benkei was Tsubasa during the first Yoko show. Hahahha... thou Takki later told us that Johnny did tell him to get Tsuba for that. Hahhahaha, that will be absolutely HILARIOUS!!!

- i think... they are going to release a DVD for Takkicon afterall??? He said sthg about DVD and there were cams filming during the first Yoko show.

Dewa, dewa, shall stop here for the day as i hafta leave Yoko for Hiraizumi tomorrow morning!!! That place totally looks like Narnia now!!! i think we gonna die... Muahhaha.... Will update when i have more time again!!!!

Tata!

Snuffles reporting from Changi International Airport in Singapore... waiting for her flight to Takkiland. Yoshitsune-dono!!! See you in 14 hours!!!!!

Gyaaahh... there were sooo many things I wanted to do and blog about before leaving on this trip but my stooooopid work prevented me from doing so. Damn... and i foresee even MORE things to blog about when i come back, concert reports and all the Takki and T&T rush.. wakakaka, these 2 boys. Suddenly they are so quiet, suddenly they are full of activities!! The live of a fangirl... And my last 2 synops for Yoshi.. mou!! i feel so chuuto hanpa leaving for this trip without finishing them. Maa, ii ya! Will do them when i come back.

Yvie!!! I got your email!!! It sure is a difficult array of stuff to pack but we will fig that out later!! ^^

Dithers!! Thanks for your card!! Kyaaahhh!!! Hahhahaha, look forward to our reports!! Will scream for you!!

Huay!! WILL BE YOUR EYES!!

Bonnie!!! WHERE ARE YOU??? LMAO~ Totally no time to coordinate meet-up plans with you and b4 i know it, u have already left!! *slaps forehead* May our Takki radar find each other...

Sore dewa, minna-sama, MAIRIMASU!!!

本当に終わったのか？？*泣*

Just feels very empty. Those anti-social Sundays are gone. No more Yoshitsune to look forward to, except during Takizawa Enbujo, which is better than nothing really.

I am so glad that they gave the role of Yoshitsune to Takki. I think he did a SUPERB job as much as NHK allowed him. Now I totally equate Takki to Yoshitsune. The kanji 「義経」 catches my eyes when I scan through magazines just like the kanji 「滝」. He truly brought the character to life and made people really love this man. Though we have NO IDEA how he really looked like (although existing painting and figurines are chotto...), we now all like to believe that he really was as utsukushii as Takki. Both in figure and in heart. Cannot really imagine another person playing this role anymore. Takki has made it his. Like how nobody will want to film another Titanic movie after James Cameron, nor Lord of the Rings after Peter Jackson kinda feeling. Hontouni, subarashii desu. And oh, I suddenly remember another thing. How glad I am that they never gave Yoshitsune a moustache even at the end. THANK GOD!! Haa~

でもね、タッキー、本当に本当に、お疲れ様でした。
義経を演じるのができて、本当によかったと思います。
やっぱり、義経役がタッキーしかできないです。
辛い時もあったけど、いろんなものも得たって聞いたら、うれしいです。
この作品にあえて、一番幸いなことだと思います。
一年中、すごぉ～く、すごぉ～く感動させてくれて、ありがとうございました。
皆のため、そして自分のため、頑張ってて、真に、ありがとうございます！！
これからも、殿を見守ってさしあげると存じまする。

To those who have yet to see this episode, remember to prepare the tissue and oxygen tanks!!

Yoshitsune and his kerai continue their arduous journey towards Hiraizumi.

In Kamakura, Yoritomo suspects Yoshitsune is heading towards Hiraizumi, but has yet been able to pinpoint his location. His kerai remind him that Yoshitsune must be stopped at all cost before he has a chance to join hands with Fujiwara no Hidehira. Masako notices that Yoritomo's resoluteness to hunt down Yoshitsume seems to be shaking.

Arriving in Kaga, Yoshitsune and his kerai initially plan to use the sea route which will help them get to Hiraizumi faster. However, Yoritomo's men are guarding the coastline very tightly and they are unable to find a boat. They will have to take the more difficult route by land. Saburo manages to find a woodcutter who is willing to provide them with food and a shed as shelter for the night.

At the shed, Benkei shows the rest a scroll with a picture of Buddha that he drew. (I am not sure what it is really, but after that, Benkei was recalling how he met Yoshitsune at Gojo Bridge many years ago. How he resolved to follow him as his kerai after they sparred.) The woodcutter comes and visit them. Benkei, who is taking the role as leader of the group asks him how they can get to the north. The woodcutter tells them they have to go through the Ataka Pass, a checkpoint in Ataka. However, security seems to have step up there ever since Yoritomo issues a order to capture Yoshitsune.

Benkei: "Isn't there another way?"

Woodcutter: "There is another way through the eastern mountains, but in this weather, it will be a very harsh journey."

Benkei: "No other way?"

Woodcutter: "Until summer, there is no other way."

Yoshitsune has to make a tough decision whether to go by Ataka or take the mountain route.

The next morning, the woodcutter's wife brings the men food and Yoshitsune realises it is Tomoe, the late Yoshinaka's lover. After Yoshinaka was killed, she had wandered around aimlessly in the forest and fainted. It was the woodcutter who saved her life. Now she is known as Moyo and is married to the woodcutter with a baby girl. Yoshitsune is glad to know that she has survived the ordeal and has become a mother with a happy family.

Moyo: "I am glad to be living."

Yoshitsune: "Really?"

Moyo: "You are the one who made me live. In front of where they hung Yoshinaka's head, you asked me to forget my grief and hatred."

Moyo thanks Yoshitsune for saving her life then. Before leaving, she encourages Yoshitsune.

Moyo: "Do not give up. Persevere and you will find a way."

Returning to the shed, the kerai are happily talking about what they are going to when they reach Hiraizumi and build their dream country. Jiro wants to invite his buddies from his childhood days to Hiraizumi and work for Yoshitsune. Saburo wants to find a wife and bear a son, then teach his son archery in front of their house. Yoshihisa wants to call for his sister to join him. (Seems like Saburo holds a torch for his sister. LOL~) Benkei wants to get Mokusuke and Chihiro over too. And Kisanta wants to marry Utsubo and have a happy family just like the woodcutter. Yoshitsune is touched to hear all their dreams, because that means they believe in him and his dream. Kisanta tells Yoshitsune Shizuka will definitely join them someday. (Gaaah, setsunaaaiii... knowing that their dreams will never... ... ... T-T *wails*) With that, Yoshitsune makes us his mind.

Yoshitsune: "We will go through Ataka."

The next day, they leave for the checkpoint. The deputy head of the checkpoint asks to see proof that they are really yamabushi from Mt Hiei. Benkei shows him the letter written by the head monk of Enryakuji Temple, previously given to him by Otoku. The deputy head is satisfied and lets them pass. Just as they are about to leave, the head of Ataka Pass, Togashi no Yasuie arrives. Although appearing like a drunkard, Togashi is a very sharp man. (Oh my gawd, this entire scene i'm like holding my breathe!! Kinchou, kinchou!! *sweatdrop*) He notices that they seem to be in a hurry to leave, unlike other yamabushi who often take the chance to rest their legs. He interrogates them for the longest time. Anxious to get away, Benkei lies that they are actually in a hurry to go to Mt Haguro to raise money for the rebuilding of Buddhist sanctum of Todaiji Temple. Hearing that, Togashi asks Benkei to show him the “kanjincho,” a record book of fund-raising. (*sweatdrop*) The men are stumped for a moment, because that they do not have. Benkei realises he cannot hesitate as they will put them under suspicion.

Benkei: "The kanjincho is a important holy item, we cannot just show it to anyone!"

Togashi: "In that case, let's hear it!"

Benkei: "Hear?"

Togashi: "If you will not even let me hear its contents, I will have to retain your group for suspicious behaviour. How about that?"

Benkei realises he has no choice but to accept the request. He takes out the scroll that he showed the rest at the woodcutter's shed. Benkei starts reading from the scroll, which is actually blank! (Apparently the "kanjincho" is not just any record book, but something really holy, as it cannot be seen by just anyone and everyone has to kneel in respect when Benkei reads it.) Togashi has nothing to say after Benkei read the scroll. The group gets up to leave when something catches Togashi's eyes and he stops Yoshitsune. (*SWEATDROP*) Togashi notices Shizuka's flute that Yoshitsune is carrying. This is a most strange and unlikely item to be found on a yamabushi. He starts to suspect that Yoshitsune is an imposter. With quick thinking, Benkei throws Shizuka's flute on the ground and starts reprimanding Yoshitsune.

Benkei: "You are stealing things again!? How many times have I warned you??"

Benkei starts beating Yoshitsune real hard to the shock of the rest of the kerai and even Togashi. (@_@!!!!!! OH MY GAWD!!! YAMETE!!!!! OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD OH MY GAWD!!!!!!!!! STOP HITTING HIM!!!! YAMENASAAIII!!! IYAAAAA~~~~~~~~ THIS IS SOOOOO *PAINFUL* TO WATCH!!!! YAMETEEEE!!! NANITOZO YAMETE!!!! IMA SUGU YAMENASAI!!!!! *CRIES*) Yoshitsune apologises for stealing again but Benkei continues to beat him and tramples on Shizuka's flute. (IYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!! MOU~~~~~~ BENKEI-SAMA!!!!! MUST YOU BE SOOO CONVINCING???? Why can't you just kick away the flute???? IYAAA~~~~ THAT IS SHIZUKA'S O-MAMORI TO YOSHITSUNE YO!!! *WAILS*) The other kerai watches on in pain, but unable to do anything. Yoshitsune tolerates the beating without a word. Finally, Togashi stops Benkei. Touched by what he saw, he encourages Yoshitsune and urges him not to steal again. (Can't really catch what Togashi said here, but he gave his sake bottle to Yoshitsune. I think like asking him to drink sake instead to divert his attention whenever he feels like stealing?? But Togashi was really sincere to Yoshitsune. He seems to sympathise with him. And Takki's expression is SUPER CONVINCING HERE!!!!!!!) He finally lets the group go. The kerai hurries to help Yoshitsune up and leaves. When they are out of sight...

Togashi: "Kuro-dono..." (what Yoshitsune is also called)

Togashi bows and stares at the broken flute on the ground. (Ehhhh~~~~????? That DEFINITELY means Togashi knows that he *is* Yoshitsune after all!! But still he lets them go. He must be really touched by what he saw, how Benkei must have felt to beat up his own master, and Yoshitsune's perseverance in the face of hard times. I am sure he respects Yoshitsune too and wouldn't have wanted to capture him if not for Yoritomo's order. STILL, this is a uber SETSUNAI scene!!!!!!! I was gaping at the TV with watery eyes throughout Yoshitsune's beating!!! *WAILS* NO WONDER MATSUKEN WANTED TO APOLOGISE TO TAKKI FANS AFTER THEY SHOT THIS SCENE!! He was asking Takki's fans not to hate him... Now I know why... Yoshitsune/Takki, Otsukare sama deshita!!)

When they are out of Ataka, Benkei cries and begs Yoshitsune for forgiveness. All the kerai cries with Benkei. Yoshitsune of course does not blame Benkei.

Yoshitsune: "Benkei, your pain is my pain. It is also everyone's pain. Don't carry the burden yourself. I forgive you."

（とっても、とっても、感動致しました。）

~End of Episode 47~

Yoshitsune and his kerai discuss how to save Shizuka and bring her with them to Hiraizumi. Akane and Otoku inform them of a rumour that Shizuka will be sent to Kamakura soon. Yoshitsune and company plans to hijack the transfer and get Shizuka back on the way. However, Shizuka's mother Iso no Zenji, upon hearing their plan from Akane, pays Yoshitsune a visit. Initially thinking that she visits them because she is worried, Yoshitsune apologises to her for losing Shizuka but promises to get her back. He persuades her to go with them to Hiraizumi. Iso no Zenji asks Yoshitsune to abort his plan instead. She is grateful to them for wanting to save Shizuka but wants them to consider her feelings. She knows Shizuka has been keeping mum about those who have been secretly helping Yoshitsune to protect them. If Yoshitsune manages to rescue Shizuka, that will give Yoritomo's men an excuse to capture Yoshitsune's allies in the capital, including Kichiji, Akane and Otoku. She knows Shizuka will not want to harm the people who have helped them and urges them to go to Hiraizumi without her.

Yoshitsune: "But I cannot just hand her over to Kamakura and leave without her!"

Iso no Zenji: "It is enough. To Shizuka, knowing that you have this thought is enough."

Tears well up in Yoshitsune's eyes as he feels a sense of dilemma and helplessness.

Three days later, Yoshitsune and his kerai prepares to leave the capital dresses as monks. (More specifically known as "yamabushi", monks who stay in the jungle to train themselves. By the way, that thing they tie on their head is a cup. LMAO~ Yes, thank you Takki-sensei, for telling us on Takiren.) Otoku passes Benkei a letter from the head of Enryakuji Temple which may be of help to them in their journey. Karasumaru brings news that the group that is supposedly escorting Shizuka to Kamakura just left Rokuhara (the place where Shizuka was supposedly held captive). Kichiji reminds Yoshitsune not to try and rescue Shizuka. Yoshitsune decides to at least see her off secretly.

Waiting along the main street, Suzaku no Okina tells Yoshitsune that the sedan holding Shizuka is empty. They realise it is a trap to lure Yoshitsune out. Suddenly, Tadanobu who has been missing all this while dashes out and tries to rescue Shizuka. Yoshitsune and the kerai wants to stop him but they cannot, as that will expose their identity. They watch in pain as Tadanobu gets slashed by Yoritomo's men. Tadanobu collapses onto the ground but before the men can finish him off, Suzaku no Okina tells them Yoshitsune and the rest of his men are waiting upfront. The men run off in search of Yoshitsune and Suzaku get his men to carry Tadanobu away.

At a small shed, Yoshitsune and the kerai gather around a dying Tadanobu. Apparently Tadanobu has been tracking Shizuka like a madman, trying to get her back. He begs Yoshitsune for forgiveness.

Saburo: "Tadanobu!! We are leaving for Hiraizumi today zo!!"

Tadanobu: "Lord Yoshitsune, let's go to Hiraizumi. We will be able to build our dream country there, we will... ..."

Tadanobu passes away. Like his brother Tsugunobu, Tadanobu never live to return to Hiraizumi again. (T---T)

That night, Yoshitsune and his kerai set off for Hiraizumi.

Unknown to Yoshitsune, Shizuka has already been sent to Kamakura secretly. (oooh... Shizuka looks extremely cold and scary here. YOU GO GIRL!!! GIVE YORISAKO THE COLDEST STARE YOU CAN!!) This day, Shizuka is summoned by Yoritomo. She who has been keeping mum throughout all the interrogations has a question for Yoritomo.

Shizuka: "Yoshitsune-sama was full of respect for you and worked hard to defeat the Heike. Why do you want to kill him now? Was he only useful to you during battles? Or are you jealous of his achievements and good reputation? Or is it hatred?"

Everyone is speechless at Shizuka's question.

Yoritomo: "... ... ... because he is my brother."

Shizuka stares at Yoritomo with hatred in her eyes.

Later, Masako tells Yoritomo that Shizuka is pregnant. Yoritomo instructs Masako to kill the baby if it is a boy. He resolves not follow in the footsteps of Kiyomori, letting his enemy's son live. Even Masako is shocked. (Amazing how these two continue to shock each other with their evil tactics. Uwaaahh...mouuuuu ATAMA KITA!!!! CRUEL CRUEL CRUEL!!! NO WONDER YOUR OWN DAUGHTER IS SICK!!!) Yoshitsune, unknown to all this, continues on his way to Hiraizumi as he and his kerai try and hide from Yoritomo's men sent out to look for them throughout the country. They have to take more arduous routes and detours to keep away from people's eyes.

A few months later, Shizuka goes into labour as Masako waits outside the room. The maid informs Masako that Shizuka has given birth to a baby boy. That night, before Shizuka has a chance to see the baby, Masako has it killed. (They didn't show it, but according to history, the baby was flung down some seaside cliffs. IYAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!! YOU... YOU.... BABY MURDERER!!!!!!)

Shizuka wakes up the next morning and realises her baby is missing. She struggles to find Masako.

Shizuka: "Let me see my child!!"

Masako: "He is not here."

Shizuka: "Where is he.. where is he?!"

Masako: "We are taking the child into custody."

Shizuka suddenly senses that her baby has already been killed and wails in grief and anger. (Oh my gawd, Ishihara is really damn convincing here!!! The way she literally CRAWLS up to Masako like Sadako.. and the way she wails.. plus she's wearing white. SCARY!!! I suddenly pity women from her time. You can't really do anything if someone from an upper class like Masako decides to be cruel. It's like the empress killing concubines' sons in the Imperial Palace. If it is now, I WILL SUE MASAKO TO THE SKIES!!!! *kicks Masako to Pluto* ATAMA GA KITA YO!!!!!! This is like Takki's first-born son in his acting career but he suffered such a terrible fate. Go! HAUNT YORITOMO!!!)

At that time, Yoshitsune is totally unaware of Shizuka's suffering.

Meanwhile, Yoritomo hears that there have been many requests to see Shizuka perform, being a famous shirabyoshi from the capital. That night, Masako looks up Shizuka.

Masako: "There is going to be a celebration at Hachimangu Palace (Yoritomo's base in Kamakura). We will like you to dance for us."

Shizuka: "... ..."

Masako: "Well... I do not tink that you will accept this request. I am just asking anyway to satisfy the men."

Shizuka: "I accept the request."

Masako is shocked and warns Shizuka not to try anything funny but Shizuka just asks her to prepare the things that will be needed for the performance.

The day of the performance arrives. Many men of high social standing gather at Hachimangu to watch Shizuka dance. Although it is an insult to Shizuka to perform just after she loses her baby, Shizuka appears on the stage with dignity and begins her performance professionally. (I can't really catch what she is singing. Only hear something about separating at Yoshino, her child and her own name. But according to legend, this is a very famous scene. Shizuka supposedly sang about her grief for her lost child and her longing for Yoshitsune. How she yearns to go back to the days when she can hear Yoshitsune call her name repeatedly. I think "Shizuyashizu" is actually something like "Shizuka, Shizuka", like as if Yoshitsune is calling her. Oh man!!!!!! i *LOVE* how this scene is shot. NHK finally gets it right!!!!! Shizuka's voice is soooo hauntingly beautiful! I don't think it is really Ishihara Satomi's voice but it doesn't matter. Her dance was very composed too. And most importanly, her gaze. Full of emotions. Hatred for Yoritomo and longing for Yoshitsune. Uwaaah... i got to parrot Masako on this. MIGOTO JYA!!! *APPLAUSE* And i LOVE the way they end the performance. The Yoshitsune theme never sound MORE DRAMATIC coming in like that! (Perhap it will reach the peak of its dramatic-ness in the last epi... x_x) The momiji leaves flying around. They had different shapes of leaves in the fore and background so that they will fly properly. NHK even purposely change the colour of the wooden flooring to emphasise the redness of autumn and Shizuka's costume. And i like how they contrast it with the bleakness of the mountains where Yoshitsune is fighting off attackers, still unaware of Shizuka's pain. I repeated this part so many times!!! EVERYONE MUST WATCH THIS SCENE!!!!! SUGOI!!! MIGOTO JYA!!!)

Masako is extremely impressed by Shizuka's performance. She admires her strong character and suggests to Yoritomo to let her go back to Kyoto.

Masako: "As an exchange for her baby's life..."
(Oh yea, some people are finally feeling guilty...)

Yoritomo nods his head. He will let Shizuka go now.

Meanwhile, Yoshitsune and his kerai continues their harsh journey to Hiraizumi.

(This is DEFINITELY Ishihara Satomi/Shizuka's episode.)

~End of Episode 46~

Yoshitsune, accompanied by Benkei and Saburo starts out for Kumano while worrying about Shizuka. Their worries proved right, as Shizuka is soon caught by Yoritomo's men. Tadanobu loses his footing in the snowy mountain while Jiro stays behind to fight the men.

Meanwhile, Yoshitsune and company gets tracked down by a group of monks. Before they escape, they learn that a girl has been caught and suspect it is Shizuka.

In Kamakura, Yoritomo assembles his men and announces that he is going to create a new world order where warriors rule the country (instead of the imperial court). He sends Tokimasa to Kyoto with a list of names of nobles and officials who are to be removed from their ranks as they have disobeyed him. The list includes even Tomoyasu. Alarmed by Yoritomo's harsh tactics, Go-Shirakawa realises he has to depend on Yoshitsune again. He sends out a secret notice to temples and shrines across the country to shelter Yoshitsune if he appears.

Yoshitsune, who has arrived in Kumano hears of this notice from Go-Shirakawa. He is misled into thinking that Go-Shirakawa has not deserted him and only issued the decree because he was forced by Yoritomo. (Chotto, stop being so naive!! Gaah!!) He writes a letter to Go-Shirakawa in the capital, requesting him to withdraw the decree. After sending out the letter, he moves to Omi just outside the capital and waits for the ex-emperor's reply. There, he is reunited with Kisanta and Yoshihisa, who has returned to the capital and have been staying at Suzaku no Okina's place all this while. (Although it seems like a short time, it has actually been a year since their ship capsized and the group got scattered.)

Go-Shirakawa receives Yoshitsune's letter and realises he is in Omi. However, for fear of Yoritomo (who has sent Tokimasa to Kyoto), he decides not to take any action at the moment.

Yoshitsune receives news that Shizuka is held captive in Kyoto by Tokimasa and worries about her. Meanwhile Tokimasa interrogates Shizuka for Yoshitsune's whereabouts and the names of the people who are helping him. Shizuka remains mum and absolutely uncooperative. (You go girl!!)

Masako and Yoritomo realises Go-Shirakawa is a two-faced man. While appearing to acknowledge Yoritomo, he secretly helps Yoshitsune to rise against Kamakura. Knowing that Yukiie has also been aiding Yoshitsune, he has Tokimasa hunt him down.

Yoshitsune wonders why Go-Shirakawa has not replied him. It is no longer safe for them to continue staying in Omi. They secretly return to the capital with Kichiji's help. Afterall, the most dangerous place is the safest place, as Yoritomo will never expect Yoshitsune to be in the capital, right under their noses.

In Kyoto, Yoshitsune is reunited with Jiro. Utsubo tells Yoshitsune that Jiro has actually arrived at Otoku's place a couple days back. Even when told that Yoshitsune and the rest are at Omi, he refuses to meet them. Kichiji cries in front of Yoshitsune and even tries to kill himself. He is too ashamed to face Yoshitsune because he failed to protect Shizuka. Yoshitsune forgives him and assures him Shizuka is still alive. He thanks him for his efforts.

Tokimasa interrogates Yukiie for Yoshitsune's whereabouts but the latter does not know. (Tokimasa has a message from Yoritomo that angers Yukiie a lot but I don't understand. Probably something insulting. But Yukiie was yelling that Genji does not belong to Yoritomo alone.) Soon, Yukiie is beheaded.

News of Yukiie's execution reaches Kamakura. Yoritomo feels somewhat sorry for the man but Masako says he simply reaped what he sown. (Yappa evil. -_- She can totally pull off as the White Witch if they remake The Chronicles of Narnia in Japanese. Ha!) Masako suggests to Yoritomo to have Shizuka sent to Kamakura.

At Kyoto, Yoshitsune contines to wait for news from Go-Shirakawa and about Tadanobu and Shizuka but lips have been tight even with Suzaku no Okina's help. The kerai bring stuff over from Otoku's place and one of them is Kiyomori's folding screen that Yoshitsune doodled on when he was young. Yoshitsune is reminded of Kiyomori's dream to build a new capital. Utsubo thinks the dream capital could well be Hiraizumi and not Fukuhara. Seeing the folding screen again gives Yoshitsune inspiration and courage. He decides to return to Hiraizumi to build his new capital. Kisanta insists that they must find a way to rescue Shizuka and bring her along. To Kisanta, who is an orphan since young, Yoshitsune and Shizuka are like his parents (But anoo... isn't Shizuka much younger that Kisanta? In RL at least.) and the rest of the kerai, his brothers. There is no way they are leaving anyone behind. Yoshitsune agrees.

They will rescue Shizuka and go to Hiraizumi together.

~End of Episode 45~

Yukiie is upset to learn of Yoshitsune's decision to leave the capital. Yoshitsune tells him he has to leave to avoid making the capital a battlefield.

Yoritomo advances to Kisegawa (Shizuoka Prefecture) with his army and remembers that that is the place where he first met Yoshitsune.

Yoshitsune informs Go-shirakawa that he will be leaving the capital. The latter commends him for his considerateness. He sends Yoshitsune to Kyushu and Yukiie to Shokoku as imperial administrators. Tomoyasu tells them the Go-Shirakawa has high hopes for them to defeat the "traitor" Yoritomo. (It is just lip service to make Yoshitsune and Yukiie feel that Go-Shirakawa is on their side when actually all the latter cares about is himself.)

Before his departure, Yoshitsune tells his wife Moe to go back to Kamakura as she will be safer there.

Moe: "My father sent me here with the intention of spying on you. But I decided to come to you as a wife instead. And I have never done anything to betray you."

Yoshitsune: "I know that. I always knew that."

Moe: "In that case, I can return with peace of mind."

Shizuka hesitates to leave with Yoshitsune at first as her mother will be left alone in the capital. However, her mother convinces her that she will be alright.

The day of departure arrives. Yoshitsune visits Go-Shirakawa one last time. After he leaves, Go-Shikarawa and Tsubone heave a sigh of relief as they had initially thought that Yoshitsune will take them along with him (like what the Heike did).

Yoshitsune and Yukiie split up at Settsu to go to their respective destinations, agreeing to each amass an army and then combining forces to deal with Yoritomo. While crossing the sea, Yoshitsune's party run into a fierce storm and Tomomori's ghost appears. (Chotto ano Tomomori-sama? I think you got the wrong guy. Please go for the real evil mastermind combi Masatomo yo!!!) Yoshitsune instructs Benkei to intone Buddhist scriptures to exorcise the ghost. Their boat overturns in the process and the group gets scattered.

Yoritomo learns that Yoshitsune had left the capital and decides to return to Kamakura. (Huh?? Ano... I'm sorry. You waza waza led such a HUGE army outta Kamakura to do what?? crap~)

Meanwhile, together with Benkei and Shizuka, Yoshitsune tries to look for the rest of his kerai.

Go-Shirakawa sends Tomoyasu to Kamakura to talk peace with Yoritomo. Tomoyasu receives cold and sarcastic treatment from them. Yoritomo asks Tomoyasu why Go-Shirakawa passed the imperial decree to go after himself.

Tomoyasu: "Well that is because... er... the ex-emperor was forced by Yoshitsune and he has no choice. But of course, the imperial court has always depend on you."

Tokimasa: "Then why give Yoshitsune official posts?"

Tomoyasu: "Well, we were afraid that if we don't, he might set fire to the capital and destroy it."

Hiromoto: "So I assume that imperial decree is no longer valid?"

Tomoyasu: "Of course! That goes without saying. Now that Yoshitsune has left the capital, there is no need for us to be afraid of him right?"

Yoritomo then makes a snide remark about Go-Shirakawa which reflects that he is not afraid of him.

Yoritomo: "In that case, please allow me to seize Yoshitsune and Yukiie."

(Yoritomo and his men take the opportunity to make unreasonable requests but at the same time pretend to be respectful of Go-Shirakawa. I think they asked Tomoyasu, who is representing the imperial court to acknowledge the power of the administrators sent out by Yoritomo to various lands. If Tomoyasu agrees, it means Yoritomo has legitimate control over those lands, which gives him utmost power. Tomoyasu realises he is in a precarious situation even though he is representing the ex-Emperor. And the way Yoritomo asks for permission is so... gah!! He is not actually asking, but rather informing... *kicks*)

Later after Tomoyasu leaves...

Masako: "It is obvious now isn't it? Our real enemy is not Yoshitsune or Yukiie, but Go-Shirakawa."

Yoritomo: "Lord Tokimasa, please assemble 1000 men and go to the capital."

Tokimasa: "Of course! We need to let Go-Shirakawa feel our presence."

Masako: "I will love to see Go-Shirakawa's face then." (EVIL FACE AT WORK)

Meanwhile, Benkei fails to locate the other kerai but hears that Go-Shirakawa has issued an imperial decree to go after Yoshitsune and Yukiie. Yoshitsune is extremely shocked and disappointed at being betrayed and decides to go back to the capital to confront the ex-Emperor. However, they run into some of Yoritomo's men at a rundown temple and Shizuka almost gets caught had Kiichi Hogen (Yoshitsune's mysterious martial arts teacher from his Kurama days) not appear out of nowhere and scare Yoritomo's men away. (Oh my gawd, this man is really freaky... 44 episodes later, i STILL don't know... IS HE HUMAN??!? He doesn't LOOK like a Tengu to me...)

He advises Yoshitsune to not go back to Kyoto as he will be seized immediately if he does. The capital is no longer a place for Yoshitsune. Hogen tells him to not worry about this capital (falling into Yoritomo's hands) anymore but build his own capital elsewhere on his own. Yoshitsune tells him he is worried about his missing kerai but Hogen tells him not to. They will find their way back to Yoshitsune no matter what. Hogen asks Benkei and Shizuka to watch over Yoshitsune before sending them off.

Benkei: "With my life!"

Yoshitsune and company soon runs into anther group of Yoritomo's men. At this moment, Saburo, Tadanobu and Jiro suddenly appear and help to defeat the men. Although Kisanta and Yoshihisa is still missing, Shizuka believes in Hogen's words and assures the rest that they will eventually be reunited. The group decides to go to Kinpusenji Temple in Yoshino and lie low for the moment as they gather news about Go-Shirakawa and Yoritomo's movements.

Soon after arriving in Kinpusenji Temple, Shizuka falls sick due to the arduous journey. But before she has a chance to recover, Yoritomo's men find them and they have to run again. Realising that she is slowing the group down and endangering their lives, she resolves to stay behind. Yoshitsune refuses to let her go at first but she is determined. Seeing that, Yoshitsune asks Tadanobu and Jiro to escort her back to her mother's place in Kyoto.

At the separation on a cold winter day...

Yoshitsune: "Shizuka, this is just a temporary farewell zo."

Shizuka: "Hai."

(Shizuka looks like Utsubo under that hat! Round watery eyes... T-T KANASHIIIII~~~ Don't let her go!!) Shizuka passes her flute to Yoshitsune as a "o-mamori", an amulet to keep someone safe.

Yoshitsune: "I will remember you with this."

Shizuka forces a smile to make Yoshitsune feel at ease and turns to leave with Tadanobu and Jiro. Yoshitsune watches on helplessly.

(Narration: This is Yoshitsune and Shizuka's final separation. And none of them realises that at this moment.)

(KYAAAAAH??????!?!?!?!!!!!! Yoshitsune will never meet Shizuka again????????????? SETSUNAAAAIIIII!!!!!!!!!! *wails*)

~End of Episode 44~