Ep. 25 - Catastrophe recap

Andy00 · Post by **Andy00** » Sun Aug 24, 2003 8:40 pm

Episode 25 - Catastrophe

The Voice is screaming. Her rage is so great, it stretches the very fabric of space surrounding Net Slum. (the programming code, anyways.)

Tsukasa realizes she's angry, and when Mimiru overhears this, asks him to elaborate. He merely tells her that it's the woman who trapped him in the World.

....you know, I realize Tsukasa isn't _exactly_ the easiest person to have a conversation with, nor does he exactly know what's going on, but if I were a member of this party, I'd try to gently request that Tsukasa elaborate at this point. He might not know _exactly_ what's going on, but "There's this Voice in the sky, the cat who works for her is named Maha, btw, and she can send yellow lightning that fries my brain" would at least be _something._

Nevertheless, Subaru suggests they leave. Bear agrees with the strategic value of this, seeing how the Enemy has located their position so quickly. (So much for trusting the alien nature of NetSlum. I thought anywhere else would be _more_ vulnerable?) Subaru expands in saying she's more concerned on NetSlums effect on Tsukasa. Subaru continues and makes the observation that she thinks _she's_ the target of the Enemy, that it wants to get to Tsukasa via her. Bear agrees that "this makes sense" not bothering to mention the company figured this out earlier. Bear informs the Party that he'll contact Helba on these developments, and they move out.

Back in Mac Anu, everyone is rather surprised that regular players are going about just playing the game as usual. Nobody realizes anything is going on. Everyone but Bear, BT and Crim move on. BT is going to stock up on resurrection and heal potions. Bear agrees, and goes on ahead. Crim is impressed that BT has earned Bear's respect and trust. BT smiles and asks if Crim is jealous. Crim laughs and warps out. BT doesn't make it too far, however, before Sora sneaks up behind her.

Hidden Forbidden Holy Ground Church - Crim declares this "Place of Destiny" to be their battleground. The Party will divide into two groups. One outside the Church (Bear and Crim) and the rest inside. This strikes me as remarkably dumb, as the Enemy has shown it can teleport, and really doesn't care about Bear and Crim.

Cut to Mac Anu, we see BT on the ground, "grey" in Player Death. Sora tells her she's lame for being a Good Girl.

Outside the Church, Bear once again plays "What we know/don't know." Helba said she wanted to see what happens in The World when Aura awakens. If Aura doesn't waken, what happens to the World and Tsukasa? Crim doesn't bother with "what ifs" and lets others do that sort of thinking.

Bear asks if BT ever told Crim what he does for a living. Nope. Crim wouldn't care either way. Bear wonders if it would change anything. (He's implying he's wondering if _they're_ changing anything with what they are doing now.) Crim analyzes him, interpreting Bear to be saying that while their actions will change what's below the surface of The World, nothing will change to the players going about their business. Crim disagrees. He says that what they're doing is fighting to force what's going on to the surface. That others will take their place, and the events they've put into motion will help those others out.

(Just imagine Bear and Crim facing the audience and saying "So buy the PS2 games!")

Not all of them will be able to put in all their time to see this through. Crim has his job in the Real World, for example. Bear "forgot" that this was just a game. Crim says that makes this the best game ever.

BT warps in, and breathlessly starts to warn them about Sora.

Who is back at The Voice's Sanctum. Sora is derisive of the "Old Lady" and The Voice is exasperated at his unpredictableness. He never says yes or no (One or Zero, binary) he's always inbetween, like all the other humans. The Voice finds this defining aspect of humanity destestable. Bored, Sora asks the Voice who she is.

She is The World.

Inside the Church, Tsukasa is confused on why he was chosen. Helba said it was something inside him. (Tsukasa doesn't even know who Tsukasa is) Subaru agrees this is what Helba said, and she'll gladly help him find out about himself. Before _she_ can say who he is, though, she has to know more about him. The real him. Er...her. But if Subaru learns who Tsukasa is....will "it" end? He's not just talking about being in The World. She reaches out and grasps Tsukasa's hand. Subaru tells him that it might end, or it might not. Stories do end..but they have different endings.

(Theory....Tsukasa doesn't know _what_ his relationship will be with Subaru in the real world (he's kinda confused what it is in The World to begin with). What are they? Friends? Sweethearts? Whatever they are in The World may end...but they'll have to see what they are in the Real World. They'll do it together.)

Bear enters the Church. BT has taken his place standing guard. He has something to ask Tsukasa in private. Curious, Tsukasa comes over and listens to the side. Bear's been investigating Tsukasa's situation in the real world. Bear wants to be Tsukasa's legal guardian (his foster parent) when he wakes up. There's a boarding school that would be perfect for Tsukasa (far away from his abusive father) and Bear would like to be Tsukasa's sponsor for it. Tsukasa's confused at this, but Bear tells Tsukasa what BT told him. It was all or nothing if it wants to get involved. Plus, it gives Tsukasa more options in the Real World. He doesn't have to decide right away, he can tell Bear his decision when he wakes up.

Mimiru asks what's going on, and Bear tells her he had a proposition for Tsukasa. Mimiru figures it out, delighted, she jokingly tells Tsukasa not to "trust that old man."

Outside, BT asks Crim why he doesn't act like Crim in the Real World. Crim says he'd lose his job.

(We're terrible sorry, Mr. Yamamoto <name I made up> but this firm doesn't look kindly to saving damsels in distress and fighting evil demons.)

BT tells him he might gain something more.

Enter Sora, as only Sora can. It's time to settle the score with Crim once and for all. Typical banter between the two. SilverKnight screams from inside that they're in trouble. BT lets Crim handle the "total idiot" and races into the Church.

It's another Dark Guardian!

:commercial:

Back at the former Secret Place, Maha is contemplating the blade of grass. He reaches for it, and the Voice deletes it (again) and scolds him (again)

Back outside the Church, Crim and Sora engage in the traditional trashtalking. BT tells Sora that even at level 99, with the best equipment, strength in The World has a barrier it can't go past. There's strength beyond that, and as long as Sora doesn't understand this, he is weak.

Inside the Church, Subaru and Tsukasa are taking cover behind the Altar, while the rest are at guard. Bear shouts to Tsukasa that he has to increase Subaru's defense (magic) and Tsukasa is hesitant at having such responsibility. Bear tells him that he has to, noone else can. Bear is counting on BT's support magic. She puts up a shield that blocks most of the Dark Guardian's attacking tentacles, and the rest of the group slices the ones that break through.

Subaru tells Tsukasa they don't have much more time. Tsukasa must choose, and he'll be able to choose outside (once again, we're getting that double talk. She's not just talking about the situation in the Church.) What will they do outside? Anything Tsukasa wants. Tsukasa shouts to Mimiru to cover him as he prepares to get out of their with Subaru. She rogers that.

Sora snickers that Crim is being detained. Crim feels Sora is over his head, and is changing the subject to avoid that. He accuses Sora of being weak and a child. With the same stats, it's the opponent who has passion that will win. Sora sneers that this is old-school, and Crim says he doesn't care, he doesn't change himself with new fashions. They continue their fight.

In the Church, Tsukasa and Subaru make their run for it, while the rest cover. They do so, and the Dark Guardian intensifies it's assault. One attack gets past the defenders, but SilverKnight blocks it with his own body, and Data Drain begins. Fortunately BT revives him while Mimiru interupt the tentacle. Bear rushes in to cover while BT checks on SilverKnight. She tells him that if he's still speaking, he's fine, and to recover himself. SilverKnight tells her she's not nice, and she repeats Bear's line from episode 1 about being nice, but not a pushover. SK notes she seems to be quoting someone, and she snorts and moves back into the fray. (Um...guys? Do you to flirt NOW?!)

Tsukasa stops his running, and looks behind him. His...friends are fighting an enemy that might be invincible, and he's running away. If they lose, he knows the pain and agony that they'll feel...and he's running away. It's not right, not right at all. A tear falls down his cheek. For the first time...Tsukasa chooses. He chooses to stay. He will handle the healing, the rest focus on attack! BT confirms, and switches to Attack Magic.

A rendition of this most ancient and traditional form of RPG combat begins. (Well...20-30 or so years old, anyways) Fighters attack, one mage attacks, one mage heals. They are a Party!

And even the Dark Guardian succombs to this, Bear finally strikes a final blow that severs the DG into two, splitting the Bracelet inside in half. (So much for "possibly infinite HP." For the record, these things are in the Fourth Game, and they don't have infinite HP there either)

For a few seconds, they bask in victory. At the same time, Crim knocks Sora over the edge outside. Sora falls for a bit, then warps out.

Victory, that is, until _three_ more Dark Guardians warp in. Party or no, these are not possible odds.

Tsukasa tells them to run. He will "hold them off." He won't win, but it doesn't matter. Tsukasa's used to pain. He will claw back to sanity again, and make his way to reality, no matter what. RUN!

Tsukasa smiles, and challenges his Nightmares. But the Abyss is not for Tsukasa this day. Not if someone else has something to say. Maha.

She warps inbetween Tsukasa and the Dark Guardians. She's holding the blade of grass, which blooms.

It is Aromatic Grass.

She smiles at Tsukasa. No matter what happens, this covenant between Wavemaster and Cat will not be forgotten.

Maha then turns around, and directs the Dark Guardians to attack her. They do, and with a scream, the one noise we ever hear Maha make, she's gone. The Aromatic Grass falls to the floor. (Since the Dark Guardians were apparently connected to Maha, they are gone too.)

But arm of the Enemy is long, and it's tools multitude. The space begins to warp around Tsukasa (and Subaru) as the Enemy stretches forth it's hand to pluck them from the Church. Mimiru shouts to them, and runs into the field. All three vanish, to the Party's horror.

As Crim comes in and discovers what's happened, we see the three of them, screaming as they fall into the clutches of Morganna, the Voice of the World!

thedudewhosadude · Post by **thedudewhosadude** » Sun Aug 24, 2003 8:51 pm

ooh! dramatic ending! The only thing is that it's Mimiru who runs into the portal after Tsukasa and Subaru. That Maha part was very sad.

i didn't think that it would affect me, but Maha's facial expression and the song "Open Your Heart" playing, it reminded me of one of Trigun's dramatic scenes where Vash must kill someone to protect others.

Xeno · Post by **Xeno** » Sun Aug 24, 2003 9:32 pm

Oh....Maha...that was so beautiful...truly a touching moment. Was it just me or [spoiler]did anyone else noticed Mia's voice when Maha screamed? did they use the same VA for Maha screaming as Mia.[/spoiler] I could be imagining things again...sometimes the medication doesn't work.

Xebexz · Post by **Xebexz** » Sun Aug 24, 2003 11:05 pm

XD.

Catastrophe is one of the best episodes, the most touching of all, and the zooms on the blade of grass almost made me sob loud enough for my dog to start barking XD. Wonderful ending piece there Andy, but if you don't mind me saying, a lot of your own opinions in this summary, @_@. But opinions are always nice, I just would get so invovled in the writing I'd start thinking that shwo it wen't, and woul dhave to back track. ^^.

Great summary again!

Its Not a Game · Post by **Its Not a Game** » Sun Aug 24, 2003 11:18 pm

Funniest quote so far in the dubbs is when Soras fighting Crim and Sora goes "Your so OLD SCHOOL"

(sorry i found that hillarious)

BTW nice summary Andy

YashaOokami · Post by **YashaOokami** » Sun Aug 24, 2003 11:30 pm

Ah,I loved that part too with Sora,Rofl.
So what if he's old school? Nothing wrong with that XD

I'm not sure with the Mia's VA doing Maha,I couldnt even hear Maha's voice at all x.X; Only towards the end,when it was fading away.Mainly the sub,its clear,there is no distortion or extra sounds blocking the screaming.

Cobweb · Post by **Cobweb** » Sun Aug 24, 2003 11:36 pm

Didn't Sora use that line the very first time he and Crim tangoed, way back when Tsukasa was escaping from the Knights? Maybe I heard wrong.
(Looks sadly at collection of tapes) Only *one* more episode left? Yikes. I've gotten attached to watching SIGN on Sunday morning after taping it. What am I gonna use the extra time for? All is lost ...

Its Not a Game · Post by **Its Not a Game** » Sun Aug 24, 2003 11:44 pm

Cobweb wrote:Didn't Sora use that line the very first time he and Crim tangoed, way back when Tsukasa was escaping from the Knights? Maybe I heard wrong.
(Looks sadly at collection of tapes) Only *one* more episode left? Yikes. I've gotten attached to watching SIGN on Sunday morning after taping it. What am I gonna use the extra time for? All is lost ...

You could always look forward to //Dusk

(that is suposed to be coming to the US? I think i read that on the announcements but i dont pay realy close attention to them (sorry Reki) or mabye another thread)

waste of time posting this <------ most likely case

Rubedo · Post by **Rubedo** » Mon Aug 25, 2003 1:04 am

Xeno, yes that was...
[spoiler]Mia's voice actress that did Maha's voice.[/spoiler]

I have to say, Catastrophe is one of the best episodes out of all of .hack//SIGN. And, I knew the part with Maha was coming up, but I didn't think they would use "open your heart". I mean, that song doesn't help when you are trying not to cry....

Oh! And great work, Andy00. As always.

Flame Sage · Post by **Flame Sage** » Mon Aug 25, 2003 1:18 am

I think the Maha voice for english sucked it sounded like a lion =/
the japenese is WAY better? and why couldnt they have just left that in!? I mean THE WORLD isn't exactly JUST open to english..

Cray · Post by **Cray** » Mon Aug 25, 2003 1:40 am

"At the same time, Crim knocks Sora over the edge outside. Sora falls for a bit, then warps out." Best part IMO, this is the best thing that could happen to Sora. I hear in the final ep.(next week) Sora helps the gang out with their fight to get Aura, finally.

Plus with the show ending next week its a great time to pick up and play .Hack one and two again. I'll still wonder why you dont see even one person from the show in a root town playing in the first two games tho...

Xebexz · Post by **Xebexz** » Mon Aug 25, 2003 1:43 am

Next Saturday is not the last episode, there two more if you read my post on it. ^^. It also helps if you've seen everything before we tell you if Sora does help. But I suggest you wait and find out. ^^

Cray · Post by **Cray** » Mon Aug 25, 2003 1:50 am

"Next Saturday is not the last episode"
Hold on, Three other people on this board say it is. I have also read somewhere that the English .hack droped a few eps b/c they thought it was too slow paced for "action" minded American anime lovers. Any truth to this?

"It also helps if you've seen everything before we tell you if Sora does help. But I suggest you wait and find out"
I dont understand what you mean.

Its Not a Game · Post by **Its Not a Game** » Mon Aug 25, 2003 1:50 am

Cray wrote:"At the same time, Crim knocks Sora over the edge outside. Sora falls for a bit, then warps out." Best part IMO, this is the best thing that could happen to Sora. I hear in the final ep.(next week) Sora helps the gang out with their fight to get Aura, finally.

Yeah the first time i watched the series i was waiting for Sora to finally get kicked, but i still hold true to the "Old School" remark, however with the exception of Yasha it seems im the only one who found it amusing so im probably the only one

still great though..............................

Xebexz · Post by **Xebexz** » Mon Aug 25, 2003 1:54 am

I loved it, he said it like a valley girl too, 'You're like old school *pops gum, rolls eyes*' XD.