Waterfall & Wings Version 1

I went on the first cruise of my life on Sunday, which explains my mini-hiatus, in case some of you noticed. Ha~ It is a 4 day 3 night cruise on Starcruise Superstar Virgo to Penang and Phuket. No, i did not suddenly strike it rich. Are you joking me... i'm scrimping and saving like hell now for Takki's solo. The truth is, i got to go on this cruise free. hahahah~ Cos it is considered work. The bad thing is, i'm stuck with a group of Singaporean aunties.... -__-;;; Thankfully, i did not get seasick for the 4 days i was onboard. But man! Talk about ironies of life... i got carsick on my taxi journey home from the harbour. Nani yo??!?!? WHY THE HELL DO TAXI UNCLES DRIVE ON 4TH GEAR ALL THE WAY YO??? So felt like puking. Actually i get carsick very easily now. The moment i get in, and i dunno, issit the petrol smell, or the car perfume, it just gives me a headache before the wheel gets a chance to do 10 revolutions. Anyway, i heard from a lot of people, there's nothing to do on cruise liners except eating and gambling.... haaha~ it's true. And especially so when you are with the wrong crowd. Gaah~ The aunties i was stuck with, they just eat eat eat whole day long ("Free what!" they say.... mouuuuu~~~~ The epitome of a singaporean auntie... -_-) I did think of trying my hand out on the jackpot (which has gotten digital and very high tech nowadays) to earn some money for my Takki Solo Sakusen, but i gave up. Hahaha~ i didn't have the capital... Wanted to sing ktv, but no way am i doing that in the hall, and getting a private room for myself??? Chotto.... Basically the cruise fare is inclusive of all meals (6 a day to be specific... lol) and accomodation. Everything else is chargeable other than movies and some live shows. I watched Constantine and Resident Evil: Apocalypse, something i've always wanted to watch cos i missed it at the cinema. And yappari...

Milla Jovovich is my hero!!! SHE IS SO DAMN COOL!!!! I SO LOVE HER ATTITUDE! And she dun even hafta pretend. She just exudes this attitude that is soooo sexy!!! Not just in Resident Evil, but in her other movies too. Fifth Element and Joan of Arc... Gawd! Her icy cold stare, her perfect facial features, her AMAZING figure... she looks unhuman sometimes. But i just find myself staring at her jaws agape, thinking "This woman is so bloody cool!!!" Even her name is so cool. LOL~ Some people think the movie is crap, but it's still entertaining i tot. Just a film where you see tough chicks killing zombies. Oh whatever, i like. LMAO~~~ They kept showing Meet the Fockers too, but hmm, something in me doesn't want to see this movie, no matter how hilarous it's supposed to be. Just like how i don't dig Austin Powers. Constantine was visually awesome but can someone please tell me what the story is about?? Haahahhaha~ Wakaranai yo....

Watched their so-called multi-million production called "Sopresa!" too, which means "Surprise!" in Italian. Woah, it was pretty darn amazing. Especially the acrobats from Henan, China. (Which needless to say, reminds me of someone... haha) Then there was the little midget girl from Shenyang. MY GOODNESS! She is 26yrs old, but only 68cm tall and GET THIS. ONLY 5 KG!!!!!!! She's like a doll!!!!! The auntie i went with was like "Huh?? How can she be lighter than my 2 yr old baby???!" LMAO~~~

Oh, there was this tarot reading lady onboard the ship but each consultation cost $30. I was so tempted but i didn't in the end. And also cos i always miss her consultation time. But i was reading something about horoscopes in the ship's library. Says an Aries man is a natural born leader and a workaholic. Hahaha, can't help grinning. So true. There were some other stuff that i read that were pretty darn accurate too, but i forgot.

Sharing some of the photos i snapped on this trip. And oh by the way, cruises are very good for couples. Many dark romantic nooks and corners to hanky-panky. LOL~ Damn, i was alone...

The view from my cabin window. Endless stretches of water.

The ship arriving at Penang, a little boring town imho.
We had to take a smaller boat to reach land because the port wasn't deep enough.
Bought tau sar piah (traditional Chinese pastries with sweet bean paste), as that is what everyone buys when they go Penang. LOL~
But OMG, the way the aunties rushed to buy the local products... -_-;;;
WHAT IS THE HURRY YO???? URGH!

Took a picture of my cruise liner from the Penang harbour.
A pretty darn big ship. About 250+m in length.
That's bigger than the Titanic, i think. Haa~
Where's my Jack?

There was a BBQ dinner for everyone on the second night.
Again, the aunties were rushing to pile on the food.
Mou~~~~ WHAT IS THE RUSH YO????!?! x_x
ANYWAY, i managed to find some beauty in life. LOL~
Snapped a couple of pics of the sky changing colours as the sun sets slowly... Kirei~


The sky in a mixture of pink and blue.
Oooh~ PINK and BLUE. Haaa~~~

Arriving in Phuket.
Forgot what is the name of this place, but it is supposedly the northern tip of Phuket Island, where people gather to see the sunset.
Very strong wind, very nice scenery.
But as usual, with the wrong crowd. -_-;;;

Baby elephant show. Kawaii deshou??
I took this pic cos i tot it looked like Dumbo when it flapped it ears.
But after looking at Huay's review for Hoshi ni natta shounen, i think "Randy!" LMAO~~~

The infamous Patong Beach.
The waves were quite big. I wonder issit becos it is the monsoon season.
But damn, was it hot! I was soooo close to pulling out my brolly but i will prob be the only freak to walk along Patong with that!! -__- *smears on sunblock every 10 mins*
But seriously, i dunno what the hype about Phuket as a paradise island is all about.
The beach didn't WOW me that much. Maybe becos i've been an islander all my life.
But ok fine, it IS nicer than our East Coast beach. LOL~

This pic reminds me of the opening CG from FF8.
Anyway, this is the place where hundreds of lives were lost on 26 Dec 2004.
Phuket is pretty back to normal already.
Except for a few scattered buildings that were damaged and have yet to undergo renovation, you don't see the effects of the tsunami anymore.
Except that Phuket should be much more crowded than what i saw.

One of the lady men from the Simon Cabaret Show.
They are all soooo pretty!!!! *GIRLS, STAB YOURSELVES!*
You seriously wun know if they don't speak.
They have such puuurfect complexion and figure, put me to shame.
And so fair!!!

More lady men. The one on the right is very sweet-looking!

Back on the ship.
My dim sum buffet breakfast on my last day.
Kekkou oishikatta yo~

Snapped this when i was hanging around the outdoor deck by myself.
I liked the way how the sun showers rays of lights on the clouds.

Ran up to the top deck as the ship approached the Singapore Harbour.
Tadaima!!!
That is Harbourfront to the left and Sentosa to the right.

The setting sun behind the ship.
やっぱり、旅が終わっちゃった。

I put on the weight that i lost when i was sick last week. -__- Seems like my sickness was planned in advance so as to offset this weight loss...

Yoshinaka's head has been sent back to the capital. It is decided that it will be displayed in public. Yoshitsune objects to such cruel treatment.

Yoshitsune: "Although it is practice of samurais to display the heads of fallen enemies, Yoshinaka is afterall family..."

Noriyori and Kagetoki tells him off however. They remind him that Yoshinaka had tried to oust the leadership from Yoritomo and even attempted to take the ex-emperor's life. He was already considered a traitor. (I think the gist is like, if they don't display the head, it will seem like Yoritomo still treats Yoshinaka as family. And that will mean Yoritomo is a cold man that murdered his own family member. Well, he is. Bleah~~~)

Yoshitsune runs into a devastated Tomoe at the place where Yoshinaka's head is hung on display. She tries to kill him but Yoshitsune stops her.

Yoshitsune: "If you draw your sword now, you are going to lose your life. (Because there are other soldiers around) Don't waste your life like this."

Tomoe slowly releases hold of her sword. (i know i'm crap.. but, i found it sooo MOE to see how Yoshitsune holds Tomoe's hands. okok, i know he is just preventing her from drawing her sword. Nothing sensual but gahahahha, just MOE. XDDD *whacks self*)

Yoshitsune: "Hate me if you need to. At least hatred can make a man stronger."

Tomoe softens. She asks Yoshitsune about Yoshitaka. Yoshitsune promises that he will protect him no matter what. With that, Tomoe leaves.

Yoshitsune visits Kurama Temple and meets his guardian Kakunichi after a long time.

Kakunichi: "You seem sad."

Yoshitsune: "I was praying for the dead."

Kakunichi: "You have submitted yourself to a life of battle. Buddha doesn't like killing."

Yoshitsune: "Please forgive me... ... but i am a samurai..."

Kakunichi: "Why fight the Heike?"

Yoshitsune: "I want to build a new country with my brother.There are too many grudges between the Heike and the Genji. As long as both clans are around, fighting will never stop. But when it becomes a Genji-only world, there will be no more fighting."

Kakunichi: "It will be good if that really happens..."

Yoshitsune: "I vouch with my life." (as in, the no war part)

Kakunichi: "But either way, we have to go through pandemonium."

Yoshitsune: "Yes."

Kakunichi: "... And on the way there, if you ever feel lost or tired, come to Kurama Temple. The doors are always open for you."

(Awwwww, i love Kakunichi, i really do!!! He is such a GREAT guardian and mentor to Yoshitsune, always there to provide directions and offer him inner peace when he needs it.)

The Heike set up a permanent camp at Ichinotani and reassured themselves of its natural fort-like qualities.

A few days later, Tsubone calls for Yoshitsune and asks him for him why he had objected to displaying Yoshinaka's head in public. Unknown to Yoshitsune, Go-Shirakawa is peeping at him from another room. (Gawd, the way this old man behaves, i feel like he wants to rape Yoshitsune!! Gyaaah, CHOU wacky old man!!!) After Yoshitsune leaves, Tsubone asks Go-Shirakawa what he thinks of him. The ex-emperor thinks he is a docile man, trustable but doesn't really reveal the makings of a samurai general yet. But he will wait and see.

Yoshitsune reaches home and everyone seems to be acting weirdly, grinning non-stop. It turns out that Akane had found Shizuka and brought her to see Yoshitsune. Yoshitsune is really surprised.

Jiro: "I am sure you want Shizuka to stay with us in this house right??"

Yoshitsune: "Eh? But... er..."

Tsugunobu: "I think we (the kerai) are all hoping for that."

Tadanobu: "Eh, but what about Shizuka herself...?"

(And you can see how Benkei and Tsugunobu just go -__- as they turn to stare at the blur and "uncooperative" Tadanobu... LOL)

Jiro: "There is no reason why Shizuka will reject this suggestion.... right??"

All turn to look at Shizuka, who remains silent. Saburo then prods Yoshitsune in the arm. (Muahhahahahha, this part is so funny!! You just really become a block of wood in front of the woman you love ne!!)

Yoshitsune finally speaks.

Yoshitsune: "Shizuka, how about it?"

Shizuka: "But I still have a mother (and don't want her to be alone)..."

Benkei: "She can stay with us too!"

(Benkei is a genius for once! LMAO~~~)

Shizuka now has to convince her mother, Iso no Zenji to move in with her. Her mother refuses the offer though.

Iso no Zenji: "Yoshitsune is a samurai, a Genji samurai. You can never become his wife." (due to class differences)

Shizuka: "I know that."

Iso no Zenji: "Battles are inevitable for a samurai. Even though you get to spend peaceful days with him for a while, life and death to him is but a thin line..."

Shizuka: "Even so, that is precisely why I want to stay by his side."

Iso no Zenji: "I see that you are bound to the same (lonely) fate i have..."

Iso no Zenji realises she cannot dissuade her daughter anymore. She hands her some clothes to take with her. (I think it is some symbolic costume worn by shirabyoushi??)

A letter from the capital reaches Yoritomo. He learns of Yoshitsune's objection to the public display of Yoshinaka's head. Masako reminds him about breaking the news of Yoshinaka's death to Yoshitaka. Tokitada is assigned this job.

Tokitada: "Whatever your father did wrong, it has nothing to do with you. Therefore just continue to be Oohime's groom. Don't let this bother you too much."

Yoshitaka: (clutching his fists) "I understand."

Tokitada reports back to Yoritomo about how the boy seemed to have taken the news quite well. Yoritomo is reminded of himself when he was young, when he was captured and sat before Kiyomori. Under that repose of Yoshitaka, he knows hatred exists. Just then, Oohime enters and room and asks why Yoshitaka is crying. No one can give her a reply.

Yoshitsune is listening intently to Shizuka playing the flute for him when the kerais start singing next door. (wakakakkka, and Yoshitsune's face just went -______-;;;) Shizuka tells him to be able to hear people's voices, be they laughing or quarrelling, is something they should be grateful for. Yoshitsune tells Shizuka this is the kind of life he desires. Himself, Shizuka and his kerai, all living happily under one roof. (I SERIOURSLY THOUGHT THEY WERE GONNA KISS HERE!!!! WHY DIDN'T THEY????!?! URGHHH!!! CHOTTO!! DO THEY EVEN HAVE KISSING SCENES IN TAIGA???)

The Heike are amassing their naval troops at Ichinotani. Yoritomo thinks that Go-Shirakawa will give the order to them to attack the Heike soon (and retrieve the treasures). He reveals that he will fight the Heike to get the treasures, but he will not hand it over to Go-Shirakawa immediately when he does.

Noriyori receives orders from Yoritomo to prepare for battle. But problems abound. Heike has managed to amass a troop of 100,000 while the Genji only has 60,000 to spare. Moving such a huge number of soldiers out will invite much attention, and words of their impending attack (which is supposed to be a secret) might leak to the Heike through their allies that remain in the capital. Yoshitsune then comes up with a brilliant plan, that is to move troops around the city regardless of night or day as guards (to watch over the city). As such, the people wouldn't notice when some of these troops leave the city. Noriyori accepts this plan instantly and assigns the task of karamete to Yoshitsune again. They will lead troops to Ichinotani separately and meet on the 7th of February. Yoshitsune will close in to Ichinotani from the north (the cliffward side).

Utsubo turns up at Yoshitsune's house and finally runs into Shizuka for the first time. The whole situation in the house turns awkward (since everyone knows Utsubo likes Yoshitsune).

Go-Shirakawa finally passes the order to capture the Heike and retrieve the treasures.

Yoshitsune and his kerai prepares to leave for battle. Shizuka is visible worried as they might not return alive. Yoshitsune has a last word with Shizuka as the rest wait outside.

Yoshitsune: "I don't know if I will live or die, but I will definitely return to you."

Shizuka: "I will be waiting for you."



Shizuka then changes into her shirabyoushi costume and performs a dance for Yoshitsune with a heavy heart. This may well be the last time they meet. shizuka weeps as Yoshitsune finally leaves. (mouuu~~~~~ T-T)

Utsubo appears as they are leaving the capital.

Utsubo: "Don't die!! Yoshitsune-sama, don't worry about Shizuka! I will take care of her."

With 2 ladies weeping for him, Yoshitsune finally leaves for Ichinotani.

~End of Episode 26~

Noriyori assigns Yoshitsune to attack Yoshinaka in Kyoto from the back (as the karamete), from Uji River. Yoshitsune's kerai are ecstatic as such a task requires speed, courage and good judgement. This means that Noriyori thinks highly of Yoshitsune.

Yoshinaka hears of the impending attack and his followers are worried about the fact that their troop is much smaller, 4000 versus Kamakura's 100,000. (Many of Yoshinaka's soldiers fled the capital due to poor living conditions.) Tomoe remains complacent and claims they managed to win the Heike in past victories with a much smaller army. Just then, someone reports that Yukiie has defected. Yoshinaka is furious and sends 1000 of his army to go after Yukiie's head. (Dumb move)

Yoshitsune finally crosses Uji River and enters Yoshinaka's territory. Unable to find the latter there, he presses on to the capital. At the same time, Yoshinaka leaves the capital to go to Seta (somewhere at the border of Kyoto), where Noriyori is leading a leading a frontal attack on them. His troops of 1500 are not holding up well against Noriyori's 60,000. By the time he arrives, only a handful of 100 soldiers remains. (Sometimes i wish they employ Peter Jackson to work on their battle scenes... Either that or get more extras!!! -_-;;; Dramatism people, we need more drama!! No, actually, we just need more people!! XDD)

Yoshitsune arrives at Yoshinaka's residence but of course, the man is not there. They find the confined ex-emperor huddled up with his concubine instead. (This crappy Go-Shirakawa... for all his devious schemes, he's just a coward. Always hiding hehind his concubine in times of danger. -_-;;;)

Meanwhile, Yoshinaka flees from Seto with his few remaining men and Tomoe. Halfway, Yoshinaka asks Tomoe to flee by herself. He will go to Oumi with his remaining commander Kanehira to fight. Tomoe objects violently. She wants to stay with Yoshinaka. That is the reason why she became a female samurai in the first place.

Yoshinaka: "Then who is going to look after Yoshitaka??!"

Tomoe breaks down in tears. Yoshinaka laments his downfall and wonders what he has done wrong to end up in this state. Just before he leaves, he tells Tomoe, "All the things we went through, it was great".

After things have settled down, Go-Shirakawa has a formal meeting with the Kamakura troops. He names Yoshitsune as the Imperial Guard to protect the imperial family. After they leave, Tsubone asks Go-Shirakawa what he thinks of Yoshitsune.

Go-Shirakawa: "A refreshing young man. If he is the general of the Kamakura troops, i think i wouldn't have anything to worry about."

Meanwhile, Yoshinaka finally meets his end at Oumi. (But i must say i am really touched at Kanehira's loyalty, for following his master til the end. Oh, reminds me of someone else... and Yoshinaka was also 31 when he died!!!!!!! x__x ANOTHER 6 YEARS!!! T-T)

Kagesue brings news to Yoshitsune, informing him of Yoshinaka's death. Deep down, Yoshitsune is sad to hear the news.

At Ichinotani, the Heike hears of the taking over of the capital by Kamakura's troops. Tokiko is shocked to hear the names of Yoritomo and Yoshitsune. Kiyomori was soft-hearted and let these two live, now these two are the ones after their lives. What an irony. Tomomori reveals that the ex-emperor will probably order Yoritomo to get the Three Sacred Treasure back for him.

Tokiko: "What shall we do then?"

Munemori: "We will fight them of course! Ichinotani is a natural fortress, surrounded by cliffs and sea. It will give the Genji some challenge!"

Meanwhile, Yoshitsune and company move into the capital. They visit Kichiji and Akane. Yoshitsune thanks Kichiji for all his help and guidance when he was young. Kichiji asks Yoshitsune if he has met his mother since he came back. She must have heard of his return and he can help to arrange a meeting if he wants. Yoshitsune agrees.

Yukiie returns to the capital and looks up Yoshitsune. He flatters him pretentiously and tells him he has long wanted to split with Yoshinaka, because he knows he is not of leader material, etc etc. Yoshitsune tells him off for speaking ill about Yoshinaka when he had protected him from Yoritomo previously. Yukiie tries to defend himself but Yoshitsune has had enough and leaves the room in a huff.

Yoshitsune confides in Benkei later how disappointed he is with the whole situation. How one can put down a fellow family member just to save his own skin. How he ended up being enemies with Yoshinaka. He had wanted to build a new country without war, but it all seems to be going another way.

Yoshitsune: "Now i just want to go to Kuruma Temple and sit in front of Bishamonten (one of the deities). I want to visit my mother."

(Think Yoshitsune feels really lost here, so he wants to go back to where he can be really himself, places where he can feel at peace.)

Yoshitsune finally meets his mother Tokiwa after a long time.

Tokiwa: "I had thought that if we ever met again, we will have endless things to talk about. But I realise now, it is enough to just have you sit in front of me."

Yoshitsune: "I think the same way too."

Tokiwa: "Kichiji kept me updated with your news when you were in Hiraizumi, but I don't know anything after you left for Kamakura."

Yoshitsune: "I finally met my brother Yoritomo. He gave me a house in Kamakura where I live together with my kerai."

Tokiwa: "You even have kerai now?" (gives off a proud smile)

Yoshitsune then introduces every single of his kerai to his mother, who is simply brimming with pride.

Tokiwa: "You have risen a rank above the others. Truly a Genji samurai. If only someone can witness this..."

Yoshitsune: "If Kiyomori was alive?"

Tokiwa: "No, it is better that he died. He wouldn't have to witness the Heike withdrawing from the capital, nor meet you in battle. Speaking of the withdrawal, your sister Yoshiko went with them."

Yoshiko had visited Tokiwa secretly the night before Heike withdrew from the capital to bid her mother goodbye. She believes that if her father is Kiyomori, then she is a Heike. As such, she must follow them. She seeked Tokiwa's forgiveness.

Tokiwa then tells Yoshitsune to not visit her again. (T-T) She explains that Ichijou Naganari (her current husband) is afterall an aristocrat. Having close ties with someone from the samurai class will invite suspicion. In addition, his sister is now part of the Heike.

Yoshitsune: "I understand..." (ohh, that frown. Gaaah.... he's really a victim of circumstances.. -_-;;;)

Tokiwa: "Even though we can't meet, you and Yoshiko will always be in my heart. Remember that." (Gaaah, it is always sooo emotional when Yoshitsune meets his mother. T-T Tokiwa is sooo beautiful!! And my, she has a very sharp chin! ok, gross digression here. *whacks self*)

Yoshitsune then requests his mother to play the flute and Tokiwa plays a sad tune for him in the moonlight.

~End of Episode 25~

On his way back after a disheartening meeting with Yoshinaka, Yoshitsune realises he is being followed. The person turns out to be Tomoe. She tries to attack him but Yoshinaka appears and stops her. He tells her Yoshitsune has been taking care of their boy, Yoshitaka in Kamakura. Tears well up in Tomoe's eyes and she leaves.

Yoshinaka's troops continue to wreck havoc in the capital, traumatising the people and even the bureaucrats. The bureaucrats complain to Go-Shirakawa and tell him that the masses are saying these Genji troops are no different from the previous Heike troops. Go-Shirakawa feels an arising rift between Yoshinaka and Yukiie and plots to make use of this to bring Yoshinaka down.

Meanwhile, Yoshinaka leads some of his troops out of the capital in pursue of the Heike clan. He is determined to get rid of the Heike once and for all, so that neither Yoritomo nor the ex-emperor will be able to lord over him.

The Heike clan, who has taken up camp at Kyushuu, has been receiving letters from Go-Shirakawa, urging them to return the Three Sacred Imperial Treasures to the rightful (new) Emperor. Munemori is furious and decides they will keep the treasures with them no matter what.

Saburo brings news to Yoshitsune that Yoshinaka had left in pursue of the Heike, leaving only Yukiie in the capital. Just then, a Taira no Yorimori visits them. He is a half-brother of Kiyomori and his mother was the one who persuaded Kiyomori many years ago to let Yoritomo live. As a result, the rest of the Heike blames him and his mother for their downfall and they are thus cut off from the rest of the clan. They are now on their way to Kamakura under Yoritomo's invitation. Yoshitsune invites them to stay for the night. Benkei asks about the situation in the capital and Yorimori reports that Go-Shirakawa has washed his hands of Yoshinaka (as in, he's no longer on the same side as the latter) and has been sending messengers to Kamakura to urge Yoritomo to go to the capital. He offers to help Yoshitsune pass any letters to Yoritomo.

Yoshitsune's kerai are surprised to find Tekona with Yorimori's party and learnt that she has been working for the Heike household since she left Kamakura.

Yoshitsune attempts to report the current situation in Kyoto to Yoritomo in his letter but hesitates. (Anoooo... how can you write in that light??? Someone on the lights!! No wonder your eyesight is getting worse!! *whacks*) If he tells of Yoshinaka's doings, the relationship between the latter and Yoritomo will be strained beyond repair. Yoshitsune does not want that to happen. (He is a family person alright.) Benkei sees this and suggests that it is best he forgets about his emotions now and reports factually. Either way, Yoritomo probably already heard of Yoshinaka's doings in the capital. If Yoshitsune does not report Yoshinaka, it will just reflect badly of himself, as if he is not carrying out his duties.

Meanwhile, Yoshinaka trashes the Heike factions at Seino and is feeling high about his winning streak. He plans to push on to Yajima where the Heike has escaped to (ok, one moment they are at Kyushu, now at Yajima in Shikoku? O_o) when he receives reports that Go-Shirakawa has been sending messengers to Kamakura. Fearing that Yoritomo may take over the capital in his absence, he decides to abandon his plans and return to Kyoto.

Go-Shirakawa summons Yukiie and together with Tsubone, puts up a show to make Yukiie thinks that they think highly of him, that he is the only one they can depend on to rid the Heike. Yukiie falls for the trick and leaves to Harima to fight Tomomori and Shigemori's troops, but suffers a humiliating defeat and runs away. (This Yukiie is such a STUPID fella full of himself... a disgrace to the Minamoto name. -__-;;;)

Yoshinaka arrives back in Kyoto and barges into Go-Shirakawa's residence. He is furious with the latter for belittling him and giving Yukiie preferential treatment in his absence, obviously ignoring the fact that he is the one who is supposed to call the shots. Go-Shirakawa and Tsubone manage to hide from him this time.

The Heike clan has since moved on to Ichinotani. They celebrate their easy triumph over Yukiie's attack. Tokiko looks forward to returning to the capital and rebuilding Fukuhara.

Worried that Yoshinaka has found out about his ploy to make use of Yukiie, Go-Shirakawa sends Tomoyasu to check out Yoshinaka's reactions.

Tomoyasu: "O-kami (Go-Shirakawa) will like you to control your troops in the capital. They have been terrorising the people with their behaviour."

Yoshinaka: "Oh me?"

Tomoyasu: "You are the general in the capital isn't it?"

Yoshinaka: "Oh really? I thought O-kami thinks Yukiie is the general?"

Tomoyasu: "What are you saying? Anyway, Yukiie is not even in the capital now."

Yoshinaka: "Then why don't you all ask Yoritomo? But when he comes and a battle breaks out between the two of us in O-kami's beloved capital, will he (Go-Shirakawa) be fine with it?"

Yoshinaka tries to put Tomoyasu down in every way he can and insults him openly.

Tomoyasu reports back to Go-Shirakawa. The latter thinks he can no longer trust Yoshinaka and tries to get Yoritomo on his side. (He just needs someone to protect him.) However, his repeat invitations to him have proven futile. Yoritomo is clever with words and claim that he cannot yet leave because that will leave Kamakura vulnerable to attacks from Heike factions. If that happens, the war might spread to the capital. Go-Shirakawa decides that he will enlist the help of armed monks for the moment to protect him from Yoshinaka.

Kamakura. Tokitada is impressed that Go-Shirakawa is actually inviting Yoritomo to go to the capital. He thinks it is an honour. Masako however warns that they shouldn't get too close with the imperial family, as that is the reason for Heike's fall. But at the same time, they want to make the imperial family dependable on them.

Yoshinaka hears news of Go-Shirakawa amassing monks to attack him. This confirms his betrayal and Yoshinaka storms the ex-emperor's residence. He captures the latter and confines him. He then strips the officials posts working under Go-Shirakawa of their positions and banishes them and massacre hundred of others. In addition, he forces the daughter of Fujihara Motofusa (some high ranking official i guess) into a marriage with him.

Go-Shirakawa however remains calm about Yoshinaka's doing because he is sure Yoritomo will not let him off for these.

Yoshitsune hears of Yoshinaka's violence and is disappointed with him. To him, he has become a Genji traitor. There is no need to protect him anymore because of family ties.

Soon enough, Yoritomo sends Noriyori with a troop of 100,000 to join Yoshitsune in Omi with orders to attack Yoshinaka. Yoshitsune, who has up until now been reluctant to engage in battle, surprisingly no longer objects to the attack.

~End of Episode 24~

So that's from him and now this is from me. Hahahha~ Couldn't find you a Cake-Feeding Takki but i guess a Flower-giving one works just as well. XDDD Anyway, im late again!!! *whacks self*

Uwaaaah, sugeee.... Shonentai's Playzone musical held its 800th run a few days ago and it was a Johnny's All-Star turnout (except SMAP of course). Tokio, V6, Arashi, T&T, KATTUN and some Jrs... And all decked out in formal wear! (Most of them that is...) And the 2 regular patrons of JE events, Mori Mitsuko and Kuroyanagi Tetsuko (if you find her name familiar, that's because she is the author of the best-seller "Toto-chan: The Little Girl at the Window" and was once a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador) were there to give their support too. These 2 ladies were present at T&T's 2-hr special debut show on Asahi TV in 2002 too. Kuroyanagi was host with Koichi and Mori Mitsuko was guest. So yea, we add these two to the ranks of Hosoki Kazuko... "The Lucky Obaasan List" LOL~

Anyway, i ENVY those fans who were at the 800th show that day, or even if you are just outside watching the celeb's arrivals. WHAT AN EYE-FEAST!!! I was ALL EYES ON TAKKI alone thou because HE LOOKED SOOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOD THAT DAY!!!! DROP-DEAD GORGEOUS!!! All he did was wear this simple black suit and WOOHOO~~~~ *howls like a horny hyena* KANPEKI. If all salarymen looked like this, it will be instant death the moment i hit the streets!!!!! *diessss*

Thank you to Bee who shared the clips!!! =333
(p/s: i hope you went to the doc already!! be a good girl!)

The wideshows showed all the different groups making their entrance and wooah~~ when they got to T&T, i was swoooning away!!! Just look at Takki!!!!! I dunno... is it something with the WAY he walked... He REALLY exudes this presence... The way his sara sara hair and blazer flew up.. I can almost imagine some invisible guy holding a fan in front of him!!! Wakakakkaka, KAKKOII!!!!!!! *pounds heart*

A closer look... Oh my gawd, my heart really went *doki* when i saw him.... KYAAAAHHH~~~~ The salaryman look is soooo NIAU on him!!!! My goodness!!! Hello??? Some suit company please make him your model already!!!!! KAKKEE!!!!!!! *SCREAMS*

And this is where you can see how evident the JE hierarchy thingy is. The nearer to the centre you are, the more senior/important. The 3 main guys from Shonentai all the way at the top middle. Usually i tink main characters will be in the first row (well, squatting row pple holding banners don't count.. LOL), but I think they gotta give respect to the special guests Mori-san and Kuroyanagi-san so they gave that spot to them instead. So flanking Shonentai was the eldest group Tokio (since SMAP never attends JE events for some reason), followed by the younger V6 (not in picture). Then second row was the 2 ladies in the middle, followed by Macchi (actually who is he?? ahha, i always hear his name... Ariye! Care to give some background info?) and Koichi. And next to Macchi and Koichi is Takki and Tsubasa!!!!!!!! Wakakakkaka, somehow i found it very MOE to see the 2 of them getting such a "senior" spot... hahahaha~ Arashi actually came AFTER them althou they debuted first. But I tink T&T are actually more senior than Arashi (in terms of entering the jimusho), just that they debuted later?? And then there's KATTUN and a couple of scattered juniors (i tink?) holding the banner at the squatting row. Ahahha~ Kinda funny. Anyway, very moe to see T&T standing just next to the VIPs.. hiakhiak~~~ And Takki... goodness, OISHISOU!!!! Some of the members of the senior grps Kinki, Tokio and V6 were missing but everyone from Arashi, T&T and KATTUN turned up. But of course.. ahhaha..when it's something as important as your dai dai senpai's special event, you jolly well turn up in your best suits!!! LOL~

Anyway, who is the guy in blue with the bombastic hairdo just above Takki??

And that is Takki wearing glasses during the musical!!!! hahahhahahhah~~~ Those dorky thick-rimmed Tsuba glasses!!! Hahahhahaha, he looks soooo different!!! So majime... So otona-ppoi!!! KYAAAAHHHH~~~~ MOE~~~~~ Anyway, if he wasn't wearing his contacts, that means he wasn't seeing clearly during his entrance??? Ahahaha.. Aiyo! Ki wo tsukete ne, Takki!! Read somewhere that he was saying he needed to get new glasses soon... Wakakkaka, i immediately thought, IF I AM THE OPTICIAN TESTING HIS EYESIGHT AND HAVE TO STARE AT HIS EYES.... *faintsssssss*

XDDD

Oh, a not so very good piece of news. Uchi (from NEWS and KANJA8) got caught by police for underaged drinking and is suspended from all work!! O_O!!! That silly boy!! I bet everyone of those juniors drink in secret. So drink if you want but don't do screaming in the neighbourhood!!! And i thought you just recovered from your lung problem!!!! *whacks* Anyway, it seemed pretty bad cos they have cancelled his role out of the drama that he is filming... and he is not allowed to appear on all shows for an indefinite period of time. That will include like NEWS's promo activities for their new single, Music Station, Shokura, Film Fiesta???? Oh dear, is history going to repeat itself here???? I dunno why Japan kicks up such a huge fuss about small mischiefs like these... It's just a petty crime! If even a crime in the first place... Please don't let me hear the "F" word... *prays* No, not F*CK you dumb...

Utsubo visits Yoshitsune at Oumi and surprises everyone. It has been 8 years since they last met. (really?? din feel so long...) She tells them about Heike's withdrawal from the capital and Yoshitsune starts to worry what Yoshinaka will do. He decides to proceed to the capital to check on Yoshinaka himself.

Munemori goes to find Go-Shirakawa, planning to bring him along to Saikoku with them, only to find out that the ex-emperor has escaped to somewhere without his knowing. (His purpose of wanting to bring Go-Shirakawa with him is because his presence with them will make the Heike clan the "rightful" rulers. Every other clan will be considered as rebels. They already have the young Emperor Antoku with them, if the ex-emperor joins them too, it will mean like the imperial family is on Heike's side, so whatever the Heike do will be "endorsed" by the imperial family...) For Munemori, who has up til now believed that Go-Shirakawa is their ally, is shocked to find that the latter has deserted and betrayed them.

Meanwhile, the ex-emperor is actually hiding in a temple in the depths of Mt Hiei. Tsubone tells him that the Three Sacred Imperial Treasures have fallen into Heike's hands.

Munemori tells the rest of his family that Go-Shirakawa has betrayed them. Tokuko (known as Kenreimonin ever since she is married to Emperor Takakura, Antoku's father) tells them she is on their side no matter what and hence they must protect Antoku at all cost. (But of course, she is their family!! I don't understand why the moment she entered the imperial family, she starts to speak with this ethereal tone... Still human right?? Anyway im confused... where is Takakura now?? Is he still the reigning emperor? Or the young Antoku has already taken over the throne?? So they just skip over Takakura???)

Muneko brings Yoshiko to see Tokiko one night. Tokiko comments how she feels even worse leaving this time compared to when leaving for Fukuhara. Muneko asks Yoshiko whether she wants to leave with them, since her birth mother Tokiwa is in the capital and the half-brother Yoshitsune is with the invading Genji. Yoshiko chooses to leave with the Heike and Tokiko is touched.

(narration) Soon, members of the Heike leave the capital one by one. Yoshitsune watches as their carts pass by one by one, but he doesn't know that Yoshiko is leaving with them.

Benkei brings news that Go-Shirakawa is hiding at Mt Hiei and that he has turned his back on the Heike. Instead, he will be taking side with Yoshinaka. Yoshitsune is worried that such a situation will cause the rift between Yoshinaka and Yoritomo to widen. Saburo further reports that the Heike has stopped over at Fukuhara. Otoku pops over for a surprise visit and Yoshitsune is very glad to see her. (I think Otoku invites him to stay at her house but Yoshitsune tells her he has to stay in Oumi for the time being. He asks her to help him watch over Yoshinaka and inform him about his movements. Otoku agrees of course and Utsubo offers to be the messenger.)

Three days after the Heike left, Yoshinaka arrives with his army. He is esctatic that he is the first Genji to enter the capital, which means he has "won" Yoritomo to be the true leader of the clan. (He really is one competitive guy hungry for fame and power... -__-)

Yoshinaka and Yukiie visits Go-Shirakawa, who has returned to the capital. Being clueless about proper court behaviour, Yoshinaka is all fidgety and rude. (Thou i tot Yukiie talks as if he is going to puke... LMAO~)

Yoshinaka returns after the meeting and is proud that he has seen the ex-Emperor. He thinks the latter has acknowledged him as the head of Genji. However, he is pissed off with Yukiie for acting smug, like as if he is the leader.

Tsubone asks Go-Shirakawa about his impression of Yoshinaka. The latter, after seeing his "rough" ways, does not feel comfortable trusting him.

At Fukuhara, the Heike holds a memorial service for Kiyomori. (I KNOW WHO ANTOKU LOOKS LIKE ALREADY!!! AHAHAHAH~~~~ HAKU FROM SPIRITED AWAY!!! THE HAIR IS DA SAME!!!! LOL~~~ Gomen, major digression...) Koremori leaves halfway and weeps by himself. Tomomori finds him. Koremori regrets that he has been such a letdown, losing every single battle that he led. Tomomori consoles him and tells him to forget it since they are no longer samurais. Koremori is shocked. Tomomori explains that they have changed slowly to court nobles/aristocrats without realising. Somewhere along the way, the Heike have forgotten that they are samurais, and that is the reason for their decline.

Tokiko sees an illusion of Kiyomori during the memorial service and reproaches herself for bringing the family to this state. (Cannot understand what Kiyomori says here, but i think he meant something like as long as the family stays together, they will return to the capital one day.)

The next day, the Heike torches their palace in Fukuhara and leaves for Saikoku. News of the burning reaches Yoshitsune. "Is this the end of Kiyomori's dream?" he laments.

Go-Shirakawa decides to dethrone Antoku, since he has left with the Heike. Yoshinaka proposes that Hokuriku no Miya (the late Prince Mochihito's son, Go-Shirakawa's grandson) be the new Emperor. The bureaucrats think it is presumptuous of Yoshinaka to involve himself in imperial decisions. Go-Shirakawa thinks that troubles started when he gave Kiyomori a voice in imperial matters, so now he is playing safe and no longer giving the samurai class any say. He names Tokukara's 4th son (Antoku's step-brother) as the new Emperor Gotoba instead, but because the Three Sacred Imperial Treasures remain in Heike's hands, the naming cannot be made official, and there arise a weird situation of 2 emperors in co-existence. One in Kyoto, and one in Saikoku.

Yoshinaka is angry that Go-Shirakawa rejects his proposal and threatens to leave the capital, leaving the imperial family unprotected and vulnerable. Yoshitsune hears of this and is shocked at Yoshinaka's behaviour. Go-Shirakawa gives him an official position as guardian of Echigo (a place) but Yoshinaka complains that Echigo is his territory all along. Reluctantly, Go-Shirakawa gives him another position as guardian of Iyo (current day Ehime in Shikoku). Yoshinaka celebrates this bestowment and announces complacently that even the emperor does not dare to oppose him.

Go-Shirakawa writes a letter to Yoritomo in Kamakura and asks him to go to Kyoto soon (to control the crazy Yoshinaka) but Yoritomo is hesistant. He decides that if he agrees to go, it will seem like they are at the beck and call of the imperial family. He decides to decline his request (politely) with some made-up excuse for the time being.

Autumn arrives. Yoshinaka is basking in his new found status and neglecting his army's discipline as they creat chaos in the capital. They bully the masses and rob them of their property.

Unable to tolerate the situation anymore, Yoshitsune risks his life and looks up Yoshinaka, requesting him to suppress his men. Yoshinaka finds out that he is working for Yoritomo (his enemy) and points a sword in his face but Yoshitsune does not even flinch. He tells Yoshinaka that he is making this request not as someone working for Yoritomo, but as his cousin. Yoshinaka suspects this is not the only reason that Yoshitsune came for. Yoshitsune finally reveals that he hope Yoshinaka will co-operate with Yoritomo since they are family. Yoshinaka retorts that his father was the brother of Yoshitomo but gets betrayed and killed by him anyway, so he thinks nothing of family ties. To him, family ties are just an illusion. Yoshitsune tells him if anything happens between Yoshinaka and Yoritomo, Yoshitaka will be the one who suffers. He reveals to Yoshinaka that he has been taking care of the boy since he was sent to Kamakura. Yoshitaka wanted him to tell Yoshinaka that he is alright if they ever meet. Hearing this, Yoshinaka's eyes well up in tears. But he tells Yoshitsune that it has been his dream to make a name for himself since his father was killed when he was young. Therefore, he refuses to be ruled by Yoritomo. Talks of collaboration thus fall through.

Disappointed, Yoshitsune takes his leave but Yoshinaka stops him.

Yoshinaka: "Please tell this to Yoshitaka."

Yoshitsune: "Hai."

Yoshinaka: "Sorry."

~End of Episode 23~

I don't even know what to say! I was reading the various online news reports of Satomi Hakkenden and waahahahhaha... MY GOODNESS! This looks like one hella MEGA production from TBS, with a production budget of a few hundred million yen!! Like... HOW MUCH IS THAT??? The production period is set for 5 months... ... for a 5 HOUR DRAMA?? It gonna come down to one month of production per hour on TV!! O_O!!! Anyway, Takki's character is finally revealed!! Yappari he's one of the 8 dog-samurai, Inuzuka Shino!!! A period drama ya, but done 21st century style! Modern costumes (to be designed by Academy Award winner Wada Emi), no wigs!! (that is why Takki needed to dye his hair dark), modern dialogue (no more de gozaimasuru!!! XDDD) , complete with CG effects (Cardboard Godzillaをご遠慮ください) and lotsa fighting!! So modern day Takki is coming back!!!! Well, kind of. All the training he went thru for Yoshitsune ain't going to waste... XDDD

Now i am thinking... Did he go for his Shaolin 10-day retreat knowing all this is going to happen??

I got soooo darn MOE and PROUD when i read the producer's comment on why Takki was specifically chosen... Wakakakkakkaka~~

滝沢の起用は「信乃は女の子のように育てられた美少年。脚本の大森美香さんと話して、滝沢さんしかいないという意見で一致した」といい、アクションシーンが多く、タッキーの高い運動能力も決め手になったようだ。
Source from Sanspo

The reason for picking Takizawa as Shino was because Shino was a bishounen brought up as a girl. After discussing with the playwright, we reached a conclusion that there was no one but Takizawa who can take up this role. In addition, there will be plenty of action scenes, so Takki's good reflexes was also a decisive factor.

I am suddenly hoping that my NHK World will morph into TBS come 2006!!!! It's gonna be one huge kick-ass 5 hour loooooong drama! If your VCR don't have Long Play, you can't even record it in one shot!!! Gaaah~ x__x And i dunno HOW i am going to survive reading fans' reports about it when i dun get to watch it until god knows when!!! I'm so sure they gonna come up with a DVD for it but I CAN'T WAIT THIS LONG!!!!! Let's hope some kind soul upload it thou its chou taihen cos its gonna be such a HUGE file, probably more than 1Gig. O_o!!

Pardon me for my ramblings above, i can't help worrying... Anyway, i tot all along that he's gonna do this AFTER Yoshitsune's filming ends in October but hell no!!! He's already into it and leaving for Inner Mongolia end of this month for location shooting!! Huh??? How does our baby handle this Hakkenden, Yoshitsune, Zubari and his own solo con all at the same time???
AND WHEN IS HE GOING TO GET HIS WELL-DESERVED BREAK!!!?? And they are actually enlisting the help of the Chinese Army (150 soldiers and 100 horses to be exact) for the battle scenes! This is like LOTR enlisting New Zealand citizens.. Hahahha~ I'm adding this to my list of "The most unlikely people who get to meet Takizawa Hideaki"...

1. Henan Shaolin Temple's chibi monks
2. Shanghai acrobatic troupe
3. Niigata primary school kids
4. Thai orphanage
5. Chinese Army
6. and possible.... Inner Mongolia nomads. LMAO~~~
This boy is going places. I AM SO DAMN PROUD OF HIM!!!! Thou everyone of us worry about his health...

Anyway, was surfing a bit about this Hakkenden... and ahahhah, you better believe it. Summary of this story DOES NOT EXIST. It is the longest Japanese classic ever written, 180++ chapters written over a time span of 28 years! (Tolkien and C.S. Lewis have found a nihonjin match...) It was published even before katakana exists. The author is a samurai named Kyokutei Bakin (1767-1848). Wow, to live to the age of 81 at that time, sugoi naaa~~~ Anyway, his real name is Takizawa Okikuni! Hahahhaha.... such coincidences. Anyway, I think Takizawa is a pretty rare surname, and for it to exist already so many years ago... woah~ COULD TAKKI BE REALLY DESCENDED FROM A SAMURAI LINE????? moe~~~~~~~ You can't deny but a surname like Takizawa definitely sounds more majestic than erm.. *cough*Yamada*cough* right??? And another interesting info that i dug out... i almost died laughing...

Satomi is a branch family of the Nitta. Nitta is a branch family of the Minamoto (Genji). Minamoto is the original and official family name of Satomi.
Source from Hakkenden Hakuryu-tei

Satomi Yoshizane is the father of Fuse-hime, who is the mother of Inuzuka Shino... tte iu no wa... Inuzuka is a decendent of the Genji clan????? LMAAAOOOO~~~~~~ Aiyayayai!!! NOW WE ALL KNOW WHERE YOSHITSUNE GOES AFTER HE XXX!!!!!! Hahahahhahahahah~~~

Now THAT is some consolation!

I dunno why it took me sooooo long to listen to this song... it just never occurred to me to go hunt for Takki's favourite song... until *JUST NOW*. I stumbled onto it and clicked the "Play" button and my jaws DROPPED.

YOU MEAN THIS IS THE INFAMOUS "I LOVE YOU" BY OZAKI YUTAKA THAT TAKKI ALWAYS SING IN KARAOKE??!?!?!?!?!?!??!
i know i'm slow.....

OH MY GOODNESS!!! O_O!!! MAJI DE?????? I am shocked because this is the song that i've been looking for for FIVE YEARS!!! I liked this song even BEFORE i know about Takki, to be precise. I first heard the chinese version sung by Aaron Kwok, called 到底有谁能够告诉我 and i liked it A LOT!!!!! (ahaha, those were the days when i actually listened to OTHER music [read: non T&T]... LOL) One of my close friends Kun who got me started on Takki then told me "OH MY GOD!!! Takki sang that song!!!" and showed me a streaming video of Takki singing it in concert... (i didn't even have internet access then... -__-;;;). I cannot for the hell of me remember WHERE that clip is from!!! But im guessing it's from a concert???!?!?! A junior concert??? And i think he was wearing white?? i remember SWOONING OVER IT *heartmark*... Like here is Takki singing one of my favourite love songs!!!! Are you kidding me??? But DAMN, my fren didn't save the clip then... (KUN!!!! ARE YOU READING THIS????) and i've been searching for it ever since! And i didn't even know that *THAT* song is "I Love You"!!! I mean, i ALWAYS hear Takki talking about this song.. how he always sings it at karaoke and all... but i didn't know that it is THE SONG i've been searching all the time!!! OH MY GOODNESS!!! Makes me so happy!!! That i like something that Takki likes even without knowing!!!! So definitely NO BIAS there!!!!! XDDDDD

Click here to download Aaron Kwok's version or if you want Ozaki's Japanese version, leave me a message!

I AM ALREADY SWOOONING HEAD OVER HEELS JUST *IMAGINING* TAKKI SINGING THIS... DAKARA TAKKI!!!!!! ONEGAI!!! PLEASE SING IT IN YOUR SOLOCON!!!!
タッキー、聞いてる？？お願いだから、尾崎豊の「I　LOVE　YOU」を歌って！
好きって言ったでしょう？いつもカラオケで歌ってるでしょう？
ものすご～くタッキー版を聞きたいっ！！
お願いします！！！

And this is not just it!!!

I found out that ANOTHER song that i like since loooong ago is also a Chinese remake of a Japanese original that Takki liked!!!! WAKAKKAKAKKAKAKKA~ The Chinese version i like is called 深深爱你 by Kaneshiro Takeshi (and he was still called Aniki Jin at that time!!! LMAO~~~ A nobody then but look at his superstar status now!!!) and my goodness, i spent such a LOOOOOONG TIME trying to find this song on the internet then!!! And i've been looking for its MTV at karaoke sessions because i wanna sing it! But i conclude, after years of searching, this song does NOT have a MTV. -__________-;;; So i always ended up singing Kaneshiro's other songs... and it's sooo funny seeing the cutsey him last time... LOL~ Opps, think i digressed. XDDD

The Japanese original that Takki supposedly likes thou is called このまま君だけを奪い去りたい by Deen. No idea who Deen is but when i heard Deen's version, my jaws DROPPED AGAIN!!!! Hahahhah, just how many times did my jaws drop today??? Anyway, i only heard the midi version at first and was wondering... how come i can hum to the song thou this is my first time listening to it? Then the more i hum the more i got the tune and then... ... REVELATION!!! It is THAT ANIKI KANESHIRO SONG!!!! OH MY GOODNESS!!!! The coincidence if you call it... is too much to handle in one night!!!! Hahahhha~ i was just msn-ing Loracyn like crazy telling her about my discoveries... Man!!! this is what you call a moe-moe night!

Anyway, click here to download Kaneshiro's version. (Oh man, even now that i am listening to it, i still LOVE it.) For a short clip of Deen's version, go here and you can find a 44 sec sample clip of it at the bottom left, just click on the "WMA".

タッキー！「このまま君だけを奪い去りたい」も歌ってくれない？？
よろぴく！！m(_____)m

OK, I am supposed to be working on Yoshitsune's synops but look what i ended up doing...
LMAO~~~ Must really thank the Journey website, which for some reason has stopped updating recently but still contains TONNES of precious information, especially those from Takki's junior days. A great site for learning more about Takki since his Junior days. So natsukashiii, surfing that site. 5 years later, one still learn new things ne! Ahhahah~

今夜、タッキーのこと、もっと好きになる。