Featured Matches - ISML 2013 Topaz Period
Topaz 1 — Sunday, 4 August 2013
Aoyama Nanami (Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo) vs. Natsume Rin (Little Busters!)
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To not give up and see things through to the end—such are the strengths that these two girls have in common. Coupling multiple part-time jobs with school, Aoyama Nanami lives life on the edge in order to see her dream as a voice actor through. When knocked back down continuously due to failures and other circumstances, Nanami does not give in and fights back as much as she can. But when the pressure on her is too tough to handle, Nanami searches for a reason to her loss, not wanting to believe that all she had done was a waste. Natsume Rin's straightforward way of doing things leads her to various situations from embarassing to serious. But when there are people who are in need of help, Rin is easily ready to jump in on the case and help out. Although there are times when she is in a slump, Rin does not hesitate to ask her friends for help, knowing that they will give her the extra hand if needed. Which of them will have a will strong enough to overcome the other? |
Tachibana Kanade (Angel Beats!) vs. Misaka Mikoto (Toaru Majutsu no Index)
For two years has there soared what seemed to be an unbeatable angel flying high in the sky. She hovers over the competition and decimates everything in her path. Her white hair and wings reveal her gracefulness and beauty; her handsonic shears through everything it touches. All who have attempted to oppose her she slays, but of all the girls in the world, one has almost given her the shock of a lifetime. Standing among the heavens is a middle school girl in her uniform. Her look is composed; her eyes are focused, ready to finish the job she left undone. The sparks that fly off of her hands show just how eager she is to do something no one has yet to do: slay an angel. With full force, she jumps in the air, takes a coin out of her pocket. The angel sees this and flies towards her. The two make their first moves, and then... |
Shimizu Raimei (Nabari no Ō) & Olivier Mira Armstrong (Fullmetal Alchemist) vs.
Shiro (Deadman Wonderland) & Kurama Mariko (Elfen Lied)
There are those who believe in their definitions of what is right and those who would fight and die for their beliefs, and these four girls are no exception. More of a swordsman than a ninja, Shimizu Raimei is a stubborn, yet caring, girl who usually places other's needs above her own. Her blade is a vow for revenge against her brother and the knowledge of why he would kill her parents and several others around him. Olivier Mira Armstrong is a powerful, powerful woman in both strength and ego. Her desire to defend and protect her territory is as strong as her kindness when treating the injured and formulating strategies. Shiro seems to be the kind of girl who wouldn't have a care in the world. But if she can die just to prevent someone from not smiling, Shiro would do just that. Treated correctly, Kurama Mariko is a sweet, kind girl who seeks approval and affection. Left alone, she is willing to kill anyone who she believes is a nuisance to her life. Which team will see their beliefs through to the end? |
Thanks to Momento10 for contributing today's match previews.
Topaz 3 — Thursday, 8 August 2013
Honma Meiko (AnoHana) vs. Yui (Sword Art Online)
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The fierce match-up between these two Nova contestants is sure to be a close one. Both Meiko and Yui have been through a lot: Meiko was killed in a childhood accident, while Yui's data was locked and ultimately terminated by the cold system of Cardinal. Both girls, however, have also shown the determination and desire to transcend both space and time to get to where they are now. Meiko, refusing to accept her death, returns as a spirit under Jinta's care to try to mend the torn relationships of her friends. Yui is saved by Kirito and resurrected in Alfheim, where she continues to help her father rescue her mother. Having won back the hearts of her five broken friends, is Meiko ready to stand up to Yui, who sacrificed her life to protect her family? What will prove to be stronger, the bonds that transcend the time of childhood or the bonds that defy the logic and reason of the virtual world? |
Furukawa Nagisa (CLANNAD) vs. C.C. (Code Geass)
A dream. Everyday, it’s the same dream. I see myself standing at the bottom of the slope, attempting to perk myself up so that I can look forward to that day or challenge. I see a girl trying to overcome her nervousness, to be a bit more aggressive, and to try things that she wouldn't have dared to do. But more importantly, I see a girl fighting everyday for her life, against an illness said to be incurable. A snowy day means looking out the window as everything changes, but she is stagnant. I see myself locked up in a cold, dark chamber, unable to see, unable to feel, unable to love. I see a girl who continues to question her existence, a girl who shouldn't even be in that picture, a timeline far different from her own. Yet that same girl seems to be happy with where she is because she has many people who do not mind staying by her side. As much as I want to continue to dream forever, I want to see her finish her path to the end. When I open my eyes, I hope that dream comes true... |
Miyokichi Nobuse (true tears) & Andō Aiko (true tears) vs.
Itō Makoto (School Days) & Kiyōra Setsuna (School Days)
How many tears have they cried inside? How many walls have they built up to the point that they can't climb over them? It's hard to fall in love and stay in love when you know that there's another person involved. Such seems to be the case for Miyokichi Nobuse, as he fell in love with Andō Aiko and wanted to make her the happiest girl alive. As kind and determined as Nobuse is, she treats him as a younger brother and friend and seems focused on someone else. Even after Aiko attempted to make things clear to him, Nobuse wanted to believe that the times they spent together meant something. At first, Kiyōra Setsuna was interested in Itō Makoto as he saved her from a bunch of students who were making fun of her. But when she realized that her best friend also had her sights on him, Setsuna took the role of Cupid, thinking of various situations to get them together. However kind or honest Makoto is to others, Setsuna knows he would hardly lay eyes on her. Can either team successfully break down the barriers between them and walk down a peaceful role together? |
Thanks to blaZofgold and Momento10 for contributing today's match previews.
Topaz 4 — Sunday, 11 August 2013
Shirakiin Ririchiyo (Inu × Boku SS) vs. Nyarlathotep (Haiyore! Nyaruko-san)
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There are no such things as boundaries when it comes to love, but these two characters may need different types of help on how to approach it. The cool and collected Shirakiin Ririchiyo seems to be perfect in everything that she does, but if there's one thing that she lacks, it's social communication. Ririchiyo usually takes her time to think about what to say, but most things that come out of her mouth are said the wrong way. Ririchiyo then regrets her statements and thinks day and night on how to fix such misunderstandings. "Stop" is not a part of the energetic and hyperactive Nyarlathotep. Wasting no time in doing the things that she wants and acting on impulse, Nyaruko drains everyone's sanity points until they run dry. But when things go too far, Nyaruko does reflect on her actions in hopes of forgiveness from the other party. Of the two girls in love, will Ririchiyo find the answers to her situation, or will Nyaruko break her way to victory? |
Nagato Yuki (Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu) vs. Shana (Shakugan no Shana)
They came for one reason: to monitor and protect the Earth from any abnormal cause. Never was there any mention of harboring new emotions that they had never encountered before during their stay. They weren't supposed to be surrounded by people, as it would prevent them from keeping watch of their main subjects. They weren't meant to have "friends," go out with such people, and partake in rather mundane yet interesting activities. They were told to stick with the mission and disregard any material and/or emotional states if they were to encounter any. But the living mind, no matter where it is from or what it is composed of, is meant to adapt, grow, change, and evolve. Nothing should be separated into black and white, nor should all decisions be made in a monotone voice or a cold manner. Indecisiveness, having fun, falling in love—such states are human. Remove them from Nagato Yuki and Shana, and they would never grow to become the people whom we all care about. Today, they fight not only for the things they've been through, but also for the very definition of what it means to be human. |
Misaka Mikoto (Toaru Majutsu no Index) vs. Kuroi Mato (Black★Rock Shooter)
When you have the power to change the world, when you have the ability to shape your future, what do you do? Do you choose to run from it? Do you choose to hide, to wait it out? Or do you stand strong against the tide and give it everything you've got? What these two junior high girls have in common is that they have both chosen the long and narrow path of fighting to the bitter end for what they treasure: their friends. Misaka Mikoto is no stranger to her ability and proudly uses her Level 5 electromaster skills to protect her friends and her "extended" family. Kuroi Mato, on the other hand, is quite unaware of her identity as the Black Rock Shooter, but willingly takes responsibility for herself and her friends, using her abilities to save them at all costs. For these two girls, life is simply about shooting down the obstacles that stand in the way between them, their friends, and their dreams. Between Tokiwadai's Railgun and Black Rock Shooter, neither will miss a single shot. |
Hirasawa Ui (K-ON!) vs. Hirasawa Yui (K-ON!)
It's hard to find a pair of sisters that are as similar in physique but as different in personality as the Hirasawa sisters, Yui and Ui. Make no mistake, Yui is the older sister by scarcely a year, despite being a complete klutz, a total sloth, and a terribly childish high schooler. Despite being energetic, playful, and awfully clutch when it comes down to it, Yui is quite hopelessly incapable of taking care of herself...unlike her younger sister. The exact opposite of Yui, Ui can cook, clean, study, work, and even plays the guitar better. Not only that, but she also has quite a good sense of humor and loves to follow in her sister's footsteps. While most sisters may fight or feud, there is nothing save sweet harmony between these two girls, each supporting and encouraging the other in her own way. Whether you choose clumsy and carefree Yui or studious and sweet Ui, know that you will merely be picking one half of the whole, that these two sisters are truly inseparable. |
Hino Kahoko (Kin'iro no Corda) & Yatsushiro Nanaka (Myself;Yourself) vs.
Kanaria (Rozen Maiden) & Henrietta (Gunslinger Girl)
The curtain rises. An orchestra is seen on stage. The audience is excited for what music awaits them. The maestro walks up to the podium and calls forth the duet that will perform with them today. Two girls from each side walk to the front of the stage, each with a violin that holds a story of her tale. Hino Kahoko is a kind, sweet girl who was not interested in music at first until she picked up a magical violin. As her pure heart emulates the sounds she makes on her violin, so too does she realize the importance of music and what it can do for people. A tragic past prevents Yatsushiro Nanaka from picking up her violin, as touching it reveals the scarred memories within her heart. Had it not been for the support of her friends and rekindling her affection for someone, Nanaka would not be standing here, proud to be the violinist she is now. Kanaria claims to be the most clever of her sisters, but is certainly the clumsiest given her constant failed attempts to penetrate her opponent's household. While her violin can be used as a destructive weapon, the music she makes also acts as a reminder of the sorrows that come from fighting your own sisters. Henrietta is a shy, quiet girl who does not say much and would rather observe her surroundings. However, she is very protective of those she loves and cares about; those who stand in her way will feel the wrath that is hidden in her violin case. The maestro lifts his baton; the girls rest their violins on their shoulders and raise their bows. The music starts, the girls begin their duet, and the one with the most applause after their performance wins. |
Thanks to blaZofgold and Momento10 for contributing today's match previews.
Topaz 5 — Tuesday, 13 August 2013
Natsume Rin (Little Busters!) vs. Yūki Mikan (To LOVE-Ru)
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These two younger sisters may have more in common than they previously thought. Because of her shyness, Natsume Rin has trouble making friends other than with those she has been with since childhood. Over time, Rin was able to break her outer shell and began to converse with more and more people. This aggressive nature stems from the wish of knowing how to understand others along with trying to help them out in the best ways possible. With both of her parents working away from home, Yūki Mikan learned to be independent and self-sufficient from a young age. Although she does most of the housework, she does not mind as long as it makes the people of the household smile. Of course, to be doted on once in a while isn't such a bad thing in her eyes. Which of these two girls will be able to prove that she has grown more out of her former self? |
Last Order (Toaru Majutsu no Index) vs. Hirasawa Yui (K-ON!)
The winner of this match may ultimately dictate exactly which of these two will be able to make it to the Postseason. Standing right below 16th place, a victory here would be the push Last Order needs to secure her spot. This little ball of energy is not willing to give up just yet when the chance to make it to the larger stage is almost within her grasp. Standing in her way is Hirasawa Yui, who just took over her place in securing a spot in the Postseason, making it the third run in her ISML career. While Yui may not know what is going on, by the end of the day, her smile and positive mindset allow her to overcome any obstacle that comes her way. A victory here could seal the deal on who advances to claim the Tiara and who will have to wait another year to try her luck. Is Last Order's cheerfulness and energy enough to push her through, or will Yui stop her in her tracks and proceed to the Tiara? |
Izumi Konata (Lucky ☆ Star) vs. Kōsaka Kirino (Ore no Imōto)
Oftentimes, a person can be characterized by a single, definitive idea or concept that encapsulates the entirety of their personality, their ideology, and their lifestyle. These two girls are easily defined by their obsessive and uncontrollable otaku drives. Both Konata and Kirino are die-hard fans of the eroge genre, having been nudged into this culture by an important somebody in their lives. Though Kirino prefers strictly imōto-based galge while Konata will take anything, one thing is for certain: they love their games, anime, and manga with a passion. It's rare to see Konata not obsess over buying merchandise just for the sake of getting points towards her rewards cards only to be able to purchase more merchandise. One mention of the words "QUO card" is enough to send Konata sprinting towards the nearest Gamers to get her hands on her goods. For the fashion model and superstar Kirino, what better way to spend your entire professional modeling career salary than to splurge it all on Stardust Witch Meruru? Or any bishōjo game that involves cute little girls saying "Onii-chan" every other screen? Her closet full of Akihabara wares is sure to rival the Izumi household's collection of Comiket dōjinshi and games. After all, both Konata and Kirino live by the otaku code of honor: buy one to keep, one to show, and one to lend. |
Hagiwara Yukiho (THE iDOLM@STER) & Shijō Takane (THE iDOLM@STER) vs.
Minami Kotori (Love Live!) & Yazawa Nico (Love Live!)
What does it mean to be an idol? For each girl, the dream of being that shining star on stage comes with a separate, personal dream that gives them the passion and spirit to do their best. For Hagiwara Yukiho, being an idol means overcoming her natural timidity and being more confident in herself as a person. Despite her frailty and insecurity, Yukiho pushes herself out of her comfort zone for the sake of her friends and her producer. For Shijō Takane, being an idol represents all the beautiful and mystical things in the world. The elegance of an entertainment career combined with the mystery of a secret, private life is something that Takane strives to maintain. Minami Kotori and Yazawa Nico both share similar personal dreams: they want to use their abilities and popularity to protect their beloved school. Kotori's dream is to make the world a happier place for everybody, and she always puts others before herself. Nico's ambition is to become the best idol there ever was, to push herself to her limits and always give her best. Between the stars of 765PRO and μ's, whose dreams will rise to the stage and take the spotlight? |
Thanks to Momento10 and blaZofgold for contributing today's match previews.
Topaz 6 — Thursday, 15 August 2013
Kuroyukihime (Accel World) vs. Akemi Homura (Puella Magi Madoka ☆ Magica)
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Friendship is a powerful thing, and friends are often willing to endure trials and tribulations to maintain a positive relationship. To sacrifice their very own time, their very own lives for the sake of their friends, however, is something only the truest of friends and the strongest of individuals would ever do. For both Kuroyukihime and Homura, these kinds of sacrifices are paid in full by the bonds they are able to forge. Kuroyukihime deeply cares for each and every member in her Nega Nebulus legion to the point that she will not think twice about putting her own life on the line to protect them. Homura wants to protect those around her in the most efficient way possible and goes to great lengths to ensure their safety. While both girls seem cold and distant on the outside, their actions and their words indicate that they have warm and caring hearts. With their lives and the time of the entire world in their hands, neither Black Lotus nor Akemi Homura will hesitate to share every second of it with those they love. The question is, whose clock will time out first? |
Yui (Sword Art Online) vs. Kirigaya Suguha (Sword Art Online)
What does it mean to be a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a lover? The struggle to find out where they stand in both the virtual and real world hurts both Yui and Kirigaya Suguha. Suffering with amnesia, Yui didn't know who she was, where she was from, or if she even had a family to return to. Living a peaceful life with two complete strangers, Yui experienced the hidden emotions that were once locked within her heart. But the coming of these emotions revealed a fact that she wished was never true. To understand her brother more, Suguha ventured to the virtual world in hopes of understanding why he was interested in those types of games. The more she spent time in another world, the more she found out just how amazing such games were. But when the problems of reality merged with the virtual, Suguha was unable to figure out how to approach the one whom she cherished for a long time. Can either of these girls find the relief they need after all is said and done? |
Akiyama Mio (K-ON!) vs. Kōsaka Kirino (Ore no Imōto)
It's hard to find the right people to talk to about your personal problems when there aren't many people that you can trust to help you with them. Akiyama Mio faces this problem numerous times as she is usually very quiet and keeps things to herself. When a problem becomes too difficult or scary for her to handle, Mio's initial reaction is to cower in fear and cover her ears. However, with the right people by her side, Mio gains the confidence to overcome such obstacles and turns her weaknesses into her advantages. This goes doubly so for Kōsaka Kirino, a middle school girl who's interested in anime, a hobby that society often looks down on. Rarely is she able to express her interests due to the pressures of her parents and friends. But when she opens up to her older brother and meets with an otaku group, Kirino finds a new resolve to protect and enjoy the things that she likes. Which of these two girls will be able to muster her own strength to pull off a victory? |
Fujibayashi Kyō (CLANNAD) vs. Kuroi Mato (Black★Rock Shooter)
I was sitting there, watching as the basketball game developed right before my eyes. Two girls stood out from the rest: one was a long, purple-haired girl with the name "Fujibayashi" on her back, while the other was a black-haired girl with "Mato" on her shirt.. Both were amazing, and looked like they were having fun, not minding the competition they were having. I later found out that both of them are struggling. Fujibayashi is struggling with her twin sister, as both love the same guy. She’ll do anything to get them together, but can she stand seeing her twin sister in the arms of the man she loves? The other, Mato, is struggling between her best friend and the new friend she made. She struggles to have time for both of them, but her actions have proven futile. This causes a rift between her and her best friend. Will she mend those rifts and get her best friend back? |
Aragaki Ayase (Ore no Imōto) vs. Tachibana Kanade (Angel Beats!)
It's very easy and painful to be misunderstood. None of the girls understand this truth better than these two. Lovely My Angel Ayase-tan started out as a seemingly flawless friend to Kirino. She is a model student in everything, an idol, a paradigm of perfection; however, what truly matters to Ayase are her relationships with Kirino and Kyōsuke—relationships she would sacrifice anything to maintain. This combined with her natural perfection results in Ayase having extremely high standards for the people around her. Kanade's story is more or less similar. She is a stellar student, an obvious candidate for student council president. Her silent and observant personality, on the other hand, makes it incredibly hard for her to make friends, and her situation never allows her to keep them for long. The most important thing, though, is that neither girl is ready to give up just like that. Ayase will never stop fussing, threatening, and doting in her lovely yandere way, and Kanade will never stop running, fighting, and ruthlessly slicing up anyone or anything that impedes her path. Between these two angels, who will be the one to finally get recognition for all that she has done and been through? |
Thanks to Momento10, blaZofgold, and apcsandstorm for contributing today's match previews.
Topaz 7 — Sunday, 18 August 2013
Takanashi Rikka (Chūnibyō demo Koi ga Shitai!) vs.
Hasegawa Kobato (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai)
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It's midnight. A chilling wind blows through the trees in the city park, rustling the leaves on the ground beneath a silvery full moon. A girl stands on top of a series of steps, her golden hair softly caressed by the breeze. The still of the night is broken by the sound of footsteps, slow and deliberate. The golden-haired girl turns around, her hair shimmering in the moonlight. She opens her eyes, one scarlet red and one cerulean blue, and casts a haughty glance at the approaching intruder. The footsteps come to a halt. Standing beneath the steps is a dark-haired girl with a white eye patch over her right eye. Her cyan-green left eye twinkles like the stars as she surveys the scene around her. She slowly removes her eye patch, revealing a glowing, amber-colored eye, and looks up defiantly at the girl atop the steps. "I am the Sorceress of the Tyrant's Eye, seeker of the Ethereal Horizon. Who dares to trespass on my realm?" "Fufufu...Tyrant's Eye. Know that thou art speaking to Leysis Vi Felicity Sumeragi, Shinso of the mighty Blood Clan of the Night. Know that tonight...I shall show you no mercy." |
Suzumiya Haruhi (Suzumiya Haruhi no Yūutsu) vs. Nakamura Yuri (Angel Beats!)
What's it like being a leader? To form a brigade under your name, to gather up talented and unique individuals of different backgrounds and different times? To take a stand for something you believe in? To fend off boredom, the everyday, the melancholy? To fight to the death, and even beyond death, to protect those who can be protected? To smile, laugh, and be optimistic despite it all? To cry, to collapse in pain for those who have lost their lives, and to get back up again? To stay by the bedside of those you care about, to pledge to always, always be there for them? To accept the harsh realities of life and overcome them, striving for a brand new day? To remember your friends and to stay true to yourself, even in an alternate world, a changed universe? To never give up trying, to make the most of every thirty minutes of your life? To love? To hate? To be loved and admired by all? What's it like to have a dream? No, Haruhi and Yuri, leaders of the SOS Brigade and the SSS, what's it like to LIVE your dream? Which one of you can tell me? |
Tachibana Kanade (Angel Beats!) vs. Gokō Ruri (Kuroneko) (Ore no Imōto)
立华奏 (天使)(Angel Beats!) vs. 五更瑠璃 (黑猫)(我的妹妹哪有这么可爱!)
As a pair of characters recently graduated from Nova, Tachibana Kanade and Gokō Ruri have many similarities—not only do they share the same voice actor and joined the tournament in the same year, they've also obtained a necklace every year, entered the top four every year, and faced each other in the last period of the Regular Season every year as well. They are almost like friendly rivals in the same class—yet Kanade had always been ahead. Now, the two top characters in Stella are about to face each other yet again. On one hand, Ruri is at the peak of her strength, and is hoping to make a breakthrough. On the other hand, Kanade still sits ahead, waiting for the upcoming challenger. In this new test of strength, which one will take first place? 作为一对刚刚从新星毕业的选手,立华奏和五更瑠璃有很多奇妙的联系:相同的声音,同一年参加世萌,到目前为止的比赛中,每一年都获得了项链,每一年都进入了四强,每一年都在最后一个赛季相遇,每一次都是立华奏赢得了胜利。两人看起来就像互相竞争的同班好友——而立华奏是成绩更好的一位。如今,恒星成绩单上最顶尖的两人终于会面。一方面,五更瑠璃得到了《俺妹》第二季带来的大幅提升,踌躇满志地期待着新的突破。另一面,立华奏正安坐在王座上,静静地等待着即将到来的挑战者。这一次考试,谁会是状元? |
Kōyama Mitsuki (Full Moon wo Sagashite) & Morikawa Yuki (WHITE ALBUM) vs.
Komatsu Nana (Nana) & Mylene Flare Jenius (Macross 7)
What does it mean to fall in love? Exactly how important is music in their lives? Is it even possible for one to continue the pursuit of music with a loving or broken heart? Such questions ultimately go through all four of these contestants’ minds as they live through their lives as girls, singers, and, most importantly, as women. Diagnosed with a tumor in her vocal cords, Kōyama Mitsuki, who promised her lover who went overseas that she would be a singer as long as he continued his dream as an astronaut, is torn between living her dream or giving it up to live. With the guidance of two grim reapers, Mitsuki becomes the idol that she dreams of and lives life to the fullest, even if she only has one year to live. Morikawa Yuki is a popular university idol who works at a well-known music production industry. While she's adored by fans all over, she wants to be with the one whom she loves even more, even when her idol life conflicts with her normal life. Komatsu Nana is a woman searching for both a job and the man of her dreams. When life drags her down each time she believes she has found something to live for, Nana questions whether or not moving away from home for the sake of this "dream" was even worth her problems. Mylene Flare Jenius is the bright, strong-willed bassist of her rock band who enjoys life as a musician. When it is shown that her band had the power to protect the Earth from an alien invasion, Mylene wastes no time to join the fray, but is tossed between piloting to be with a pilot or playing for her band. Will either team find solidarity in their lives? |
Thanks to Kaguya, blaZofgold, and Momento10 for contributing today's match previews.
Translation by RegalStar (English).
Translation by RegalStar (English).
Topaz Necklace Showdown — Thursday, 22 August 2013
Eucliwood Hellscythe (Kore wa Zombie Desu ka?) vs.
Shiina Mashiro (Sakura-sō no Pet na Kanojo) vs.
Aisaka Taiga (Toradora!) vs.
Hasegawa Kobato (Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai) vs.
Misaka Mikoto (Toaru Majutsu no Index) vs.
Kuroyukihime (Accel World) vs.
Kōsaka Kirino (Ore no Imōto)
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Within the realm of nightfall, a single light that rises at dawn reminds them that it is never too late to continue to strive higher and farther than before. Events from the past restrain Eucliwood Hellscythe from doing anything that might harm her friends. But silence does not solve anything; therefore, Eucliwood will stand against those who harm that which is dear to her. Due to her abilities, Shiina Mashiro feared that she was the reason why things were going awry. A kind touch reminded her to not look down on herself and realize that she is the goal most people strive for. Aisaka Taiga is sometimes associated with something one should not be acquainted with by her peers. She makes up for this with her straightforward responses and honesty, revealing the kindness behind her tough exterior. Hasegawa Kobato has had trouble opening up to those around her. While she does not notice it, many people wish to befriend and know Kobato better and spend time with her. There is no hesitation behind the decisions that Misaka Mikoto makes. A single coin flip represents the struggles and burdens that she is willing to carry to protect the safety of her peers and friends. Kuroyukihime has elegance and beauty, and many people look up to her in admiration. But even someone as graceful as her would like an extra hand to go about helping with the problems that she faces every so often. Kōsaka Kirino's desire to continue the hobbies that she enjoys are in conflict with how she should behave in society. Yet no matter what happens, she will accept herself for who she is, regardless of what other people think. To obtain the Topaz Necklace, one must cast away all doubts and fears to be that shining light to all. These seven contenders reach out their hands, stretching towards that warm light... |
Yūki Mikan (To LOVE-Ru) vs.
Tōsaka Rin (Fate/stay night) vs.
Natsume Rin (Little Busters!) vs.
Oshino Shinobu (Bakemonogatari) vs.
Victorique de Blois (GOSICK) vs.
Charlotte Dunois (IS <Infinite Stratos>) vs.
Makise Kurisu (Steins;Gate)
“Believe”: one single, powerful word that can change a person's personality, feelings, and destiny. Yūki Mikan believes in her dear Rito onii-chan, no matter how much of a klutz or a pervert he is. Despite putting on a tough front, Mikan trusts Rito with her life and is able to maintain a positive relationship with her brother. Tōsaka Rin believes in her friends and her companions to come through for her when she needs it. Whether trusting in Archer to obey her commands or trusting in Shirō to fulfill his promise, Rin is able to fight on without regrets with faith in herself and her allies. Natsume Rin found it hard to believe in herself and was always unsure of her abilities. However, she manages to believe in her friends' words of encouragement and displays her full potential. Oshino Shinobu had lost everything in her past life: her powers, her personality, and even her name. However, her faith in Koyomi to protect her allowed her to completely be reborn anew. Victorique de Blois had always considered herself a loner, an outsider, destined to a fate as Saubure's ultimate tool. Her destiny was changed and her future brightened when Victorique opened up her heart and believed in her loyal knight, Kujō. Charlotte Dunois was ordered to be something she was not: a traitor, a thief, a spy. Instead of falling to such low levels, her kindness and faith in Ichika was able to turn her situation completely around. Makise Kurisu started out as a true unbeliever, not realizing the power of time travel. However, she was always able to believe in Rintarō and held onto that faith even across parallel time frames. The Topaz Anklet will be awarded to the one girl who truly believes with all her heart, above all else, in everything that makes her who she is. When hopes clash and dreams collide, who will have the faith to overcome it all? |
Hato Kenjirō (Genshiken Nidaime) vs. Goidō Yui (Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai)
What does it mean to be a guy? What about a girl? Is one supposed to accept the tropes that are affiliated with masculinity or femininity? A boy shouldn't enjoy boy's love as much as a girl would. He should not feel more comfortable wearing women's clothes than men's clothes. A boy should not work so hard in trying to act feminine to the point that he would alter the sound of his voice to sound like a girl. Conversely, a girl should be properly groomed and listen intently to what the household wants her to do. Like a doll, a girl should be well mannered and keep her opinions to herself. A girl should accept everything that happens to her, be it good or bad. No matter how many stereotypes there are that define what it is to be a man or a woman, Hato Kenjirō and Goidō Yui could care less about what others think. Whatever they feel comfortable with they accept and embrace, for that is what they want to portray themselves as. That is who they are. |
Thanks to Momento10 and blaZofgold for contributing today's match previews.