2023 Valentines Day Post

So it's unfortunately that time of year again (partial sarcasm). Well I'm single so it's definitely not my favorite holiday but I've also been to busy to go dating. But as you know I always post a list of my favorite or least favorite anime couples and what most people think of them. Obviously I'm posting the couples from My Story so don't hesitate to ship them. Their love stories are going to be the greatest like at the other end of Twilight and 50 Shades of Grey. As always you can leave feedback but CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM ONLY! Much of this is my opinion and you can have a different one. I might be talking about some endings so...

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What I want in a couple:

I always pretty much repeat this every year but I look for their likeability and chemistry together. The two people have to care for each other and go out of their way for one another. I prefer couples who are the same age minus or plus a year or two. But it's cool to date older women, I myself am attracted to women slightly older than me (NOT COUGARS!) so I kind of like to see that in an anime.

Worst Couples (Get em outta the way 1st)

You can pretty much tell who's gonna be on here if you read my previous V-Day posts. But sorry for mentioning them again.

Ana Steele + Christian Grey (50 Shades of Grey)-OH GOD FOR THE LOVE OF GOD NOOOO! I never thought I'd find a love story that might be worse than Twilight but this might be it.

Edward Cullen + Bella Swan (Twilight)-For a long time these two were considered the worst love story and always rank at the bottom as far as romance goes. Christina Perri's song "A Thousand Years" is the only good thing to come from this movie series.

Kirino Kosaka + Kyosuke Kosaka (Oremio)-These two are BROTHER AND SISTER and biologically too. Like of 7 billion people in the world you couldn't have found someone who you weren't related to?

School Days- Don't watch this if you want actual romance. If you're into blood, gore, and violence then go ahead and watch it.

Average/Okay/Mixed Review Couples

The following couples have people who like them, people who hate them, and people who think they're so so. I'm kind of indifferent to most of them but have different opinions.

Sesshomaru + Rin (Inuyasha)-Upon finding out these two are official it kind of makes me sick. Sesshomaru is a grown man and Rin is a child. Okay so Rin may have aged but I still find it disturbing. While Inuyasha is chronologically older than Kagome, they're physically and mentally the same age. I always saw it as more of a father-daughter, guardian-child, or big brother-little sister relationship than actual romance. This is an unpopular opinion but I think Rin would be better off with Kohaku.

Saito Hiraga + Louise Francoise Le Blanc de La Valliere (The Familiar of Zero/Zero no Tsukaima)- Louise is a tsundere so there are pretty mixed opinions on this couple. Louise is initially rude, mean, and even abuse towards Saito but shows feelings for him. Saito isn't exactly excited about it either but warms up to Louise and cares for her too. The moment when Saito dies but is resurrected we see Louise's true feelings about him. They get married in the end. I don't really see them as good or bad.

Kirito/Kazuto Kasuga + Asuna Yuuki (Sword Art Online)-SAO is just one of those anime people either love or hate. I'm kind of in between but I 'slightly' like it. Asuna is a neo-tsundere so she shows romantic feelings pretty fast. Eventually Kirito and Asuna become a couple. While I kind of liked the first SAO, I kind of lost interest and seemed to be the same thing over again.

Best/Most Popular Couples

Usagi Tsukino + Mamoru Chiba (Sailor Moon)(Crystal)-No one in their right mind would forgive me if I didn't put these two on a couples list. Sailor moon has been considered one of the best magical girl anime. Usagi and Mamoru don't like each other initially but recognize their feelings for each other. As the incarnations of Princess Serenity and King Endymion they are truly meant for each other. At one point Mamoru breaks up with Usagi but they get back together as a stronger couple. They end up marrying in the end.

Inuyasha + Kagome Higurashi (Inuyasha)-Again no one would forgive me if I made a V-Day post and didn't mention them. Inuyasha and Kagome are a universally loved couple among anime fans. While they argue a lot at first, they begin to develop feelings for each other. They will go to the ends of the earth for each other and Inuyasha becomes kinder, caring, and more unselfish towards others, and Kagome also cares for him as well. While there is some rivalry with Kagome and Kikyo I while support Kagome + Inuyasha. With this new sequel we see that they've taken it a step further and now have kids. However, most of the main characters would be dead if it weren't for Kikyo.

Sakura Kinomoto + Syaoran Li (Cardcaptor Sakura)(Clear Card)-If I make a V-Day couples list, I could never leave these two out. CCS is just one of those most spectacular anime that's so hard to dislike. Without Sakura and Syaoran are the OTP of the show and one of the cutest couples in anime. Sakura and Syaoran start off as rivals but Syaoran warms up to Sakura because of her warmth and kindness. After Syaoran confesses, Sakura returns her feelings towards him. They always look out for each other and are just adorable together.

Sakura + Syaoran (Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles)-If I include CCS then obviously I have to put TRC in here too. Sakura and Syaoran were childhood friends but then Sakura loses her memories. Syaoran then goes on a journey to retrieve her memories and they will go to the ends of the earth for each other. We see how much they truly deeply care for each other and they better get married!

Banri Tada + Koko Kaga (Golden Time)-Golden Time is one of the best romantic comedy anime I've
reviewed. I know some have a different opinion but I love Banri with Koko. While some wanted Banri to end up with Linda but the lesson in Golden Time is that childhood friends don't always end up together and you may meet someone who you like better.

Yuuta Togashi + Rikka Takanashi (Love, Chunibyo, & other Delusions/Chunibyo demo Koi ga Shitai)-This is just one of those anime that looks cute, innocent, and funny at first but throws into something emotional and heart string pulling. Yuuta suffered from chunibyo or delusions in middle school and tries to escape it through his high school life until he runs into Rikka who suffers from the same thing and knows about Yuuta's past. Eventually Yuuta and Rikka fall in love and we see the sad and tragic reasons behind their chunibyo.

Hodaka Morishima + Hina Amano (Tenki no Ko/Weathering with You)-Another anime movie from Makoto Shinkai. This is such a great romance anime movie and shows how much Hodaka and Hina's feelings for each other grow stronger.

Mitsuki Koyama + Takuto Kira (Full Moon wo Sagashite/Searching for the Full Moon)-This one of those sad emotional anime but has a happy ending that packs a punch. Mitsuki's dream is to become a singer to fulfill her promise to her childhood friend Eichi Sakurai. But her throat tumor prevents her. Shinigami ("death spirits"), Takuto and Meroko come to help her. Many things happen in the anime including Mitsuki finding out about Eichi's death. 

Underrated Couples

Yuuma Kohinata + Haruhi Kamisaka (Happiness!)-This anime never gets the attention that it deserves. It's obvoius Yuuma and Haruhi have feelings for each other since the start. Many moments happen between them and the seal it off with a kiss becoming a couple.

Nasa Yuzaki + Tsukasa Yuzaki (Tonikaku Kawaii/Tonikawa: Over the Moon for You)- A pretty recent anime to come out and while it's not quite a top notch masterpiece, it still has its charm. After Nasa is saved by Tsukasa from being hit by a truck, he immediately falls for her. When Nasa confesses his love, Tsukasa accepts as long as they get married. Then we see their new life together as a married couple.

Firiel Dee + Roux Liskin (The Good Witch of the West/Nishi no Yoki Majo: Astraea Testament)-A very underrated anime. I will never get sick of watching this kind of love story. Firiel finds out she's a royal girl of blood. She initially sees her younger childhood friend Roux as a younger brother but develop romantic feelings for him and it becomes pretty consistent throughout the anime. Firiel decides to live a happy life with Roux.

Mamoru Yoshimura + Ayako Takasu (Venus to Mamoru/Mamoru Kun ni Megami no Shokufuko wo!)-This is sucj a wonderful magical romantic comedy anime. During his first day attending a prestigious school, a very short 16-year-old Mamoru is asked out by an older taller beautiful Ayako. They become a couple and Mamoru is such a lucky guy.

Tatsuya Asagiri + Feena Fam Earthlight (Brighter than the Dawning Blue/Yoake Mae yori Ruriiro na: Crescent Love)- This is a very underrated romance anime with a fantastic ending. School boy Tatsuya falls in love with Lunar Princess of the Moon, Feena. As star-crossed lovers, Tatsuya and Feena don't let anything get in their way as their bond and love for each other is so strong. Tatsuya and Feena get married and bring peace between the Earth and Moon.

Sumomo Akihime + Masaharu Tsuwabuki (Nanatsuiro Drops)-An extremely underrated magical girl anime. After accidentally drinking a magic potion, Masaharu becomes a stuffed lamb at night. Sumomo has to help him but can't know his identity or he'll become a stuffed lamb forever. As the story progresses, Sumomo and Masaharu fall in love. Masaharu loses his memories but fulfills his promise and is able to continue to love Sumomo. Sumomo and Masaharu's love is so strong they will stay together no matter what is thrown in their way.

Ryuji Kisagari + Rose (Dragon Crisis!)-This is an underrated romance fantasy anime. It becomes clear Rose loves Ryuji and is attached to him. Ryuji will do anything to make sure Rose is safe and happy. Ok I will admit it Ryuji looks like me and you know the rest. But they are an adorable couple.

My Story

So now here's the couples from My Story. If you ship them I promise you they will set sail and won't sink (Except both villains and Fahru die).

Takeshi Hachuu + Annabelle "Angel" Ahrimo- Takeshi is the main character so these two are the OTP of the anime. Takeshi is a 16 year old reptile/snake yokai who is mostly introverted, mature, smart, selfless, strong-willed, and protective (A combination of Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games and Robin from Teen Titans) and Angel is a 18 year old cat yokai who is very kind, friendly, sweet, selfless, intelligent, and popular in school. Angel makes friends with Takeshi as she feels sorry for him seeing him alone. Takeshi and Angel share their secrets and feelings for one another despite that Reptiles and Cats are supposed to be enemies. Both come to terms with how to accept their identies and fate. Takeshi had suffered the death of his father and years of discrimination while Angel always thought she was the only one. They show how much they deeply and truly care about each other and are always there for one another throughout the story. Angel is willing to stand up for Takeshi and is really supportive of him. Both cannot bear to see the other one sad or hurt. To Angel Takeshi's happiness is her happiness and to Takeshi, Angel's happiness is his happiness. Takeshi is not afraid to to protect Angel or anyone else he loves even if it means the cost his own life. Takeshi comes to terms and realizes it's the first time since his father's death that he hasn't felt sad, lonely, or depressed and is happy and stronger with Angel by his side. With every challenge and obstacle they face, Takeshi and Angel only get stronger together. Takeshi strives to fulfill his father's dying wish and Angel helps him every step of the way.

Taro Hachuu + Nina Moriko- While Takeshi and Angel are the OTP, Taro and Nina are a very close second. Taro, age 14, younger brother of Takeshi who is also a reptilian/snake yokai. He is initally short-tempered and vengeful. Nina, age 14, is Taro's childhood friend and a owl yokai of Russian and Japanese decent and is spunky and vein, yet caring as well. And yes she is a tsundere too! They stay by each others side despite that Reptiles and Owls are supposed to be enemies. At first, they argue a lot and try to hide their feelings but realize how much they really mean to each other and need each other and care about one another. Nina has suffered the loss of both her parents and Taro suffered through the death of his father. Both want to fulfill what their parents wishes and realize that they are no longer sad, lonely, or depressed, and are happy and stronger by each other's side. Much like many couples, Taro and Nina cannot bear to see the other one hurt or sad and are brought joy by the other's happiness. They face many obstacles and challenges in their relationship but always come out stronger than before.

Fahru Hachuu + Ren Hachuu- Ren and Fahru are the mother and father of Takeshi and Taro. Fahru is a reptilian/snake yoaki, while Ren is an ordinary human. These two are kind of star-crossed lovers. Their parents each accepted each other while society didn't. The fact that a reptilian and ordinary human are married was more reason they were targeted. Nevertheless they didn't care what others thought. They were deeply in love with each other and went to great lengths for one another and they started a family which made them stronger. Fahru was willing to risk anything for his family and finally lost his life protecting those he loved the most. Ren strives to fulfill her promise and Fahru's dying wish and continues to raise her two boys as a single mother well.

Kyofusho + Kumori-The main villain Kyofusho, which means phobia. The main villainess, Kumori is his wife. Kumori is just as evil also joining her husband in his plans. They are loyal to one another and they even have a son and other family members who are evil as well.

Conclusion

So that's it for this V-Day post. If you feel free couples that should be added feel free to comment. I know I've been repeating myself but this is what I have to post and I've been busy finding a job and moving in my real life. Once again here's me every Valentines Day. Getting wasted!

My Story: Ren and Fahru Part I.

I'm back and now here's another flashback chapter/episode from My Story. Here we see what life was like for Takeshi and Taro's parents Ren and Fahru before they were born.

Opening

Ren finds an old photo album before her sons were born. Takeshi and Taro find her and ask her how she met their dad and what their life was like.

Summary

Ren invites Angel, Nina, and Masami over and with Takeshi and Taro tells a story about how she met and fell in love with Fahru. In a flashback Ren is her third year attending university and sees younger first-year Fahru sitting by himself. While he seems mysterious, cold, intimidating in appearance, Ren decides to sit with him and befriend him. Ren and Fahru's relationship progresses and they begin dating. On their one year anniversary Fahru reveals to Ren he is half reptilian surprising her. He contines on about Kyofusho and his evil plan. While she's heard of them before she never thought she'd meet one in real life. Ren promises Fahru she will keep his secret and they will do anything to protect each other. Ren and Fahru graduate with biology degrees as a way to understand each other better and dedicate their lives to helping animals and nature and overtime their relationship grows stronger.

Ending

Ren then tells them that shortly after Fahru's graduation he proposed to her. She said she new it would be the start of a new life for both of them.

Conclusion

We get our first look at how Ren and Fahru met and possibly the beginning of Takeshi and Taro's childhood in the future.

My Story: Sova: The Orphaned Owl Chick

Another post from My Story and the last before the new year. Here we will see how Nina got Sova and how he became her best pet.

Opening

We see a nest of Snowy Owl Chicks when suddenly a forest fire from a nearby conflict rages through destroying the area. One of the surviving chicks finds a small gem and is attracted to the shiny object. 

Summary

After the group comes home and with Sova, Nina's snowy owl, coming to greet them. Angel asks how she got Sova and why they seem to always stick by each other's side. Nina starts telling a story and we see a flashback to her childhood. One day we see Nina's mother, Mrs. Moriko as a young woman who is a Owl-human, like her finds an orphaned snowy owl chick in her home of Russia. She Travels back to Japan to show her Husband, Mr. Moriko and Nina. On Nina's birthday they decide to keep him as a pet and name him Sova, which means night owl in Russia. Soon they discover Sova can change his size and grow enormously large and strong enough to carry multiple adults and has other powers such as producing powerful wind with his wings and a supersonic screech. As Mrs. Moriko and Nina are part owl themselves, they are confident about raising him. Nina and Sova become close and she teaches him how to fly as well. Sova also meets Nina's grandmother, and her friends including Takeshi and Taro. Sova also helps defend Nina from a group of bullies.

Ending

Nina's grandma, Grandmother Moriko greets the group and Nina explains how she and Sova found each other and have a special bond. Taro tells her she is lucky to have such a loyal pet and companion by her side.

Overview

So now we have a bit of a backstory about Nina and Sova, and a hint at what might come. There will also be more flashbacks in this My Story too so stay tuned.

My Story: Night at the Shrine

After my last long post from My Story here. It won't be another movie but just another episode. 

Opening

Takeshi and Taro take Angel and Nina to a sacred shrine were they go in order to pay their respects to their father and deceased loved ones. Nina also uses the time to remember her parents.

Summary

Angel is amazed by the shrine and how neat it is kept. Takeshi says that it is a secretive place and they don't really take those who are outside their family there. Taro explains that their father might have left clues at the shrine which may help them in the future but have yet to find them. Unknown to them, Myou is spying on them from a tree and reports back to Kyofusho and Kumori. They plan on stealing the items to gain access and one-up our heroes. The next night they arrive at the shrine and find one of their ancestor's statues stolen and one of the sculptures broken. They immediately know one of the villains has stolen it. They split up to search with Takeshi and Angel going into one area and Taro and Nina going to the other. Nina asks Taro how he feels about their father's legacy and why he seems to not speak much at the shrine. Taro explains that he shouldn't ask much from his father but should work for what he wants and misses him. Nina says she misses her parents too but that she and Taro can always get joy from the memories and that they can still be their for each other as they embrace. Suddenly they spot Myou running away with the statue. Taro and Nina immediately signal Takeshi and Angel and they battle Myou and retrieve the statue. They also find a clue back at the shrine from their father which tells them to stay together as they are stronger together.

Ending

Takeshi says their father will want them to find happiness and learn how to carry on without him. Nina says she knows her parents will feel the same. As they head home, Taro and Nina hold each others hand.

Overview

So we now have another episode to follow our movie and Taro and Nina are beginning to show more romantic feelings for each other. Stay tuned for my next post.

My Story: Brothers by Blood

As you may have guessed here is another part to My Story and this time it will be what would probably be an entire volume and movie. Takeshi and Taro have a bit of a conflict and are both reflecting on their relationship as brothers.

Opening

Takeshi hears news about demons sighted in Thailand and Vietnam. Takeshi suspects they could be there because new gems or scrolls have appeared there. Angel insists the gang should go and check it out.

Summary

Takeshi, Taro, Angel and Nina decide to head for Vietnam in order to see if Kyofusho is planning something there and investigate what mystery they'll run into. Takeshi, Taro, and Angel ride on Sova while Nina flies besides them. 

Upon arrival Taro sees a man with a tattoo that looks like he could be a demon or have involvement with the International Justice for Humanity (IJH) who are anti obake and may have been involved in the death of their father. Taro attacks him and demands to know what information he has while threatening him with a knife. Takeshi, Angel, and Nina pull him off and apologize to the man who runs away in fear calling them freaks. Takeshi tells Taro about how he is too aggressive, short tempered and doesn't think before he acts. Taro accuses Takeshi of how he doesn't jump on a chance whenever it arrives. The two argue and refuse to talk to each other for the rest of the day.

At night Angel tells Nina that Takeshi and Taro must work together as it makes them stronger. They decide to talk to each of them to get them to reconcile. Takeshi and Angel tell each other stories of their childhood and what it was like growing up as the eldest child in each family. Takeshi says he'll reconsider making up with Taro. Meanwhile Taro tells Nina of how much higher achieving Takeshi has always been and how he is tired of being in his shadow. He decides he will try and do the mission on his own causing an argument between him and Nina. Nina unties his hammock causing him to fall as she leaves.

The next day Taro sets out on his own and searches through a harbor diving down using his aquatic abilities. Angel and Nina want to try and find Taro but Takeshi says they are better without him. Taro is ambushes by Kyofusho's henchmen and tries to fight them on his own. The rest of the gang come in time to assist Taro. Takeshi and Taro argue again and decide to go their separate ways.

Days go by where Takeshi and Taro stop talking to each other. One night Taro is ambushed in the streets by the man he attacked with a gang who are shown to be part of the IJH. Taro escapes injured and limps to a hospital. Takeshi, Angel, and Nina search for him and overhear a nurse who's shift ended coming out talking about a patient who they suspect is Taro. They go in and find an injured Taro. Takeshi talks to Taro about their father and what he would want them to do. They reconcile as they know they can become heroes and help others just as their father would want them to do. Soon the same gang who attacked Taro break into the hospital. The group fight them off with Angel killing the ringleader with an arrow, but Takeshi and Taro are both severely injured and close to death. Takeshi manages to come through and leaves the hospital to help Taro heals on his own as they become weak if they stay together while wounded. The brothers have found a newfound respect and a stronger bond with each other.

Ending

The group are in Thailand seeing how beautiful the natural habitats are. After Takeshi and Angel tell each other that they will always love and make up with their siblings no matter how mad they get at them. Angel says she's also in the mood for something else, then she and Takeshi share a kiss. Meanwhile Taro and Nina discuss what they want out of the future if they achieve their mission. Taro says he would want to carry on his father's legacy and possibly teach them to someone he loves. Nina says she wants the same too with her parents and knows who she wants maybe spend her life with. Nina then hugs Taro and kisses his cheek.

Overview

So we just went through our first movie and a series of events that have brought our main characters closer together particularly brothers Takeshi and Taro. We also have some romance between Takeshi and Angel, and seeing Taro and Nina showing romantic feelings for each other.

My Story: Nina's Fear, Taro's Help

So here is the next part of My Story. I moved recently and am in the process of finding a job so I will be pretty busy with that but will continue to post.

Opening

During gym class, Nina refuses to go in the pool but will not say why. Taro notices this and brushes it off as Nina being prissy and not wanting to ruin her hair.

Summary

While searching for a gem near a small river, Takeshi, Taro, and Angel go into the water but Nina refuses. Taro pushes her in causing her to panic only to realize the water is only 3 feet deep. Nina, angry, gets out and pulls Taro in and the two start fighting. Angel and Nina break them up and Nina admits she's afraid of water. Taro decides to help Nina overcome her fear along with Takeshi and Angel. The next day at public pool Taro and Takeshi tell how they were taught to swim at a young age and Angel says she's always naturally been drawn to water. Nina is able to get in but doesn't want to go into the deep end. The next day they are attacked by one of Kyofusho's insect mutants. Kyofusho snatches a gem and throws it into the river. Taro dives after it but Kumori dives in to drown Taro. Nina heroically jumps in instantly overcoming her fear. Taro and Nina surface alive but Kumori takes a gem and gets away with it. 

Ending

While Taro is mad about losing a gem to Kumori and Kyofusho he thanks Nina for saving him and overcoming her fear. Takeshi and Angel acknowledge that Taro and Nina are starting to be nicer and seem to care more about each other recently as opposed to their usual fighting.

Overview

So Taro is did something nice for Nina and we are starting to see them actually care about each other and not argue. Stay tuned for my next post.

My Story: The Possessed Hatchling

I've been pretty busy this month as I have moved to a different state. But I will give another post from My Story. Here Kyofusho decides to use another trick to gain control of our heroes.

Opening

Kyofusho finds a lizard hatchling and proceeds to injure it and then possess it to gain control of the group knowing they're animal lovers.

Summary

Angel finds the injured lizard hatchling and decides to take it home and keep it as a pet while rehabilitating it. Takeshi and Taro suspect something unusual about the lizard but let Angel take it home. The lizard then follows Angel everywhere including to school which baffles everyone. Taro and Nina both suspect Kyofusho might be playing a trick. Angel appears but doesn't seem herself, she acts rudely and demands to know where the scrolls and gems are kept. Takeshi realizes she is being possessed by Kyofusho and he quickly finds the lizard and uses his powers to sense the prescence of Kyofusho. Takeshi finds a rare plant that is said to be the antidote which he feeds to Angel which causes her to snap out of it. Angel thanks Takeshi for saving her.

Ending

After Takeshi and Angel release the lizard, they find a turtle hatchling. Takeshi can tell it is not possessed by Kyofusho and gives it to Angel as a gift.

Overview

Unfortunately that is another filler episode. I've been busy with adjusting to a new place but I will continue to post. Stay tuned for my next post.