From: phoenix@mediaone.net   
      
   SK wrote:   
   >Makoto is the first to go, and I’d say it’s the most gripping of them   
   >all.  For one, it’s first.  After this point, the entire tone changes.   
   >One of their own has died.  For Usagi, this isn’t about making silly   
   >speeches, or playing superhero, or even chasing Tuxedo Kamen anymore,   
   >it’s about keeping her friends alive, and she spends the rest of the   
   >episode in a futile attempt to do just that.  Next to their lives, the   
   >whole mission is worthless, and she’s quite willing to give up the   
   >Crystal, if it’ll keep them safe.   
      
   There was even a little joke about Sailor Moon falling for the TM   
   illusion twice just before this. But once Makoto died, all joking of   
   any kind stopped flat.   
      
      
      
   >Rei is the last one, as expected.  It’s interesting to see how naturally   
   >she’s accepted her place as Usagi’s protector.  She has no intention of   
   >dying like Ami did, but she knows why she’s there, to keep Usagi safe   
   >and ready for Beryl.  Her whispered “Fire… SOUL!” is just fantastic.   
   >That thing isn’t going to touch her Princess.   
      
   That Fire Soul scene and the one following of her speaking to Sailor   
   Moon was by far the most powerful and moving moment to me.   
      
   >It’s almost funny how quickly Usagi jumps up at the command of Rei’s   
   >spirit.  Afterwards, when Usagi takes off running toward her destiny,   
   >she never once stumbles or trips up.   
      
   The connection between Usagi and Rei is very powerful. One of these   
   days, I will have to do a Usagi/Rei proof page ^_^   
      
   --   
   Phoenix   
   www.phoenixanime.com   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
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