Ah, yes. It’s all coming together.

Looking back, over the yea... er, months. That's because the 44th episode of Zyuohger is nothing but your friendly neighbourhood... recap episode!

NOTE: Starting this year, I'm changing the style of my recap-view. Rather than using the usual 'pseudo-live-blogging' style like before, I'm going to exclude the actual 'Recap' part from now on, and prioritizes on my opinions/comments on plot points from an episode. It might still be quite long, but at least this one would be far concised than before. It's also faster for me to work on! LOL. I'll be doing the same with other future titles as well.

- I actually thought since we already had a clip show before (that doppleganger story on episode 27), we wouldn't get another for the New Year. I guess I was wrong. No way TOEI is gonna break their established pattern, right? So yeah, this is a pretty standard clip show, and unfortunately a rather unmemorable one too. Which easily explains why I kept on forgetting to make the review for this episode *sigh*. There IS however, an important side story concerning Azald sprinkled throughout, so if you're looking for a reason to see it, that's the part that might be worthwatching. - Our episode begins with Bard looking for Larry. Yep, I don't think it's ever explained why Bard just took off after helping Yamato and friends as Zyuoh Bird (episode 38)). Even Larry wonders about that. Bard's answer of "I'm sorry, but that will have to wait for later" basically means you need to stay tune on this show if you ever want to hear the reason. As in, "Don't quit while we only have 4 episodes left!". Am I right, TOEI? LOL. - Wow, obvious movie promotion is TOO obvious. And it doesn't even care about continuity issue too. This means Misao is already aware of the Ninningers, eventhough their Versus Movie is only set to premiere today, January 14, 2017. Or perhaps... the event has taken place before the New Year? That's certainly a possibility. Hmmm, I wonder why they aren't pairing ShiroNinger with Zyuoh Tiger? Also, the opening sequence reminded me how Ninninger is crazy about its AkaNinger. We're getting another one in this movie... Aaaargggh. - Hey, everyone is eating New Year mochi. Part of, what I believe is called, Osechi perhaps? Maaan, I would love to try one of that someday. - Mario returns and he immediately reveals his discovery of the Zyuohger's secret. Knowing how caring, helpful, and sincere this quirky uncle has been, can anyone remind me again why it's even NECESSARY to keep the truth from him? I mean, sure they are afraid he might be shocked (like self-proclaimed coward Misao), but after witnessing his considerate kindness and generosity, they really could at least tell him sooner! - Anyway, Mario wants to join the fight, as... Champion of Humanity, Zyuoh Human. UUUGGGH... now I can't get that awful image out of my head. Somehow I'm feeling super grateful that we don't have a Pink-colored member on the team... *sigh* (although a Zyuoh Pig probably would be nice) - Apparently Mario has heard about the story of Bard rescuing child Yamato, but always thought it was merely hallucination. What I like about this remind... er, part, is how Mario is smart enough to understand that there are more Zyuohgers than the number of Champion Symbols. A pretty smooth excuse to recap about what happened to Misao (episode 16). Seeing Mario comforting Misao is pretty moving, methinks. - Misao's backstory is also neatly connected to Azald, giving us the assumption (not confirmation, at least for now) that the Leader might have gone through the same process as Misao. Wait a sec, does this mean we are seeing Azald's backstory? That's BIG, considering Naria and even so-called vengeance-driven Kubar didn't even get one. But... I wonder if it's a little late in the game? - Talking about friends, turns out the Cube Animals don't want to be left out. Unlike "Engine Sentai Go-onger" that constantly showcased the members' Enjins as their individual partners, the Zyuoh Cubes only occasionally showed up to frolic around. To be honest, at this point I've even forgotten that they can solely act on their own. LOL. Quite disappointing that Mario doesn't point out about Cube Whale though, considering Yamato has asked him to make its replica before (episode 34). - Hearing all these, Mario realizes that he doesn't need to join the fight. It's sweet that Yamato reminds him that his uncle is important nonetheless, because he's the 'smile', the comfort, and the... food(eh?) that greets them everytime they arrive home. But must Leo remind us about that lame... cow-breast joke (episode 39)? UGH. Really though, Mario could've been way more than these, if he had known their secret much earlier. A missed opportunity, right there! - It only took 2 weeks and 15 minutes of runtime to get here, but the Zyuohgers can finally hand off their present for Mario. I don't really like that sweater, probably because of the color scheme, but it's a sweet scene nonetheless. Their discussion afterwards is sure hinting towards the finale, huh? Complete with that 'making oath while staring at the shooting-star together' bit. Cliche, much? - Naria scans Azald's body because he's feeling... weird, and discovers that there are 4 Zyuoh Cubes inside him. Since the core Zyuohgers are busy cozying up, Azald decides to target Bard instead. This isn't surprising. After the show wasted their potential for Kubar, there's no one left but to rely on Azald now. I mean, just look at the preview for next episode. - Oh wow, I might be wrong, but it looks like Larry's foreshadowing Bard's death at the end. This can't be good. Then again, we haven't seen much of Bard to actually care about him that deep. All these time he's been absent and acting like a lone-wolf... whoops, lone-bird who RARELY spent time with the Zyuohgers. I doubt his death will give an impact to the team. His only connection is only with Yamato so far, but even that doesn't warrant a higher emotional punch for him. I mean, it WOULD be entirely different if he turns out to be Yamato's real father, but we know that's NOT the case. Oh well, let's just wait and see...

Overall: I don't think it's a good sign for a show if its recap episode feels... forgettable. Wanted to say boring, but well, I'm being generous like Mario so... 'bland' might be a nicer word. I'm still holding out on this show, hopeful that we'll be getting a good to great finale. At the very least, a dcent payoff to everything that's been going on. But even I have to admit, that the trajectory of mine and public's interest isn't really heading to the right direction. The same thing happened with "Kamen Rider Ghost", and it sure didn't end as 'satisfying' as I would have preferred. Next week Tomorrow: Mario meets Larry. Yamato's daddy issue Part Deux. And it's finally Azald's time to shine... (who'd probably bite the dust real soon) PS: Hey, the new show has revealed its first official teaser! Gaaawd, I'm loving these 9-members team the more I see it... XD. Just look at all those personalities they emit from their unique designs! Is it rude of me to want this show to arrive as soon as possible, because that means the end of Zyuohger? Ahahaha...! By the way, this is inline with the fact that they will have a customary cameo appearance in Zyuohger vs Ninninger movie that arrives on Japanese theatres today. We can expect to hear reactions of their debut pretty soon.

Episode 44 Score: 7 out of 10

All images are screencaptured from the series, provided by the FanSubber Over-Time. "Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger" is produced by TOEI, and airs every Sunday on TV-Asahi. Credits and copyrights belong to their respective owners.

Feelings - 8

Rating: G Word count: 1690 Summary: Link’s confession changes their relationship more than either of them expect. 

AO3

Back in the hospital again, and it was Link and Christy’s turn to visit Rhett and Jessie. They entered the hospital room to find Rhett pacing with a tiny bundle in a blue cap in his arms as he talked to his wife. He and Jessie both looked the way Link imagined he and Christy had when Lily was born—exhausted and slightly shocked but still happy.

“Look at my boy,” Rhett said proudly, turning so they could see the sleeping baby in his arms. “Locke McLaughlin.”

To everyone’s annoyance, he wouldn’t let anyone else hold Locke until Jessie told him to quit being selfish. Even then, he hovered over his visitors—Link especially—and fussed to make sure they were holding his son properly.

That same possessiveness carried on for weeks. Link came to visit one day to find Jessie reading a book in the living room and Rhett nowhere in sight.

“He’s trying to get Locke down for a nap,” she said before Link could ask.

“How’s he doing?” Link asked. He meant Locke, but Jessie had other thoughts in mind.

“He’s been intense,” she said with a slight headshake. “He wants to carry Locke everywhere. I’m lucky if I get to feed him without Rhett asking if he can get either of us anything.”

Link chuckled. “That’s not so bad, right?”

Jessie sighed. “No. It’s been wonderful actually. But he’s been getting underfoot.” She frowned. “He’s spending the night with you tonight, isn’t he?”

“Yes,” Link said quickly. He felt his face quickly growing hot, even though this was an arrangement they had kept for a while now. “Thank you,” he added. “For letting me take your husband.”

Jessie smiled back at him, but there was something sharp hidden beneath her innocent expression. “Thank you for letting me take your wife.”

~

Rhett was already a light sleeper, so when Locke’s plaintive cry echoed through the house at one AM, he had little trouble getting out of bed and padding barefoot down the hall to his son’s bedroom. Locke was a loud crier. He had a pair of lungs fit to put a punk rocker to shame, or so Mama Di had said on her first visit to see her new grandson. Rhett shambled into his son’s room, wincing at his shrill cry, and picked him up from his crib.

“It’s okay, buddy,” he crooned. “Ain’t nothing gonna happen to ya. I’m right here.”

He paced the length of the house, rocking his son gently in his arms. He talked to Locke, telling him about plans he’d made for the future.

“When you’re old enough, we’re gonna play basketball together,” he said. “I’m gon’ show you all my best moves. You’ll be the best point guard in Harnett County.”

Locke only squinted up at him, tiny fists grabbing for Rhett’s chin.

“Hey, that’s my beard there!” Rhett chuckled. “You won’t get your own for a long time.”

He daydreamed a little then, trying to imagine what it would be like to have an older child. It was a strange concept, stranger still since he had trouble imagining anyone calling him “dad.” There were other things to consider, too. Would Locke be as tall as his father? Would he be a good kid or a troublemaker?

Rhett paced the house until he began feeling drowsy. Locke’s eyelids were drooping, but when Rhett tried to lay him down in his crib, he immediately started screaming again and didn’t stop until his father was holding him again.

“You really don’t like being alone, do you?” he murmured, kissing him gently on the forehead. “Well, me neither, I guess.”

Some nights, he dozed off while sprawled on the couch with Locke curled up on his chest. He usually woke up in the morning at the sound of Jessie turning the shower on upstairs. A few times, she woke him gently with a kiss on the forehead and reminded him that both he and Locke would be more comfortable in their own beds.

Gradually, Locke began sleeping through the night, but the same could not be said for Rhett. He was restless for different reasons now.

Work was becoming something he dreaded. The days were painfully slow, and the people were nice to talk to but wholly unimaginative, in Rhett’s opinion. He stopped pretending to read the long-winded manuals on his desk. He spent his time dreaming up plans, ways that he and Link could finally make good on their blood oath to “do something big together.”

He told Link about this one early Saturday morning while the two of them were out hiking. The day was warm, vestiges of summer’s humidity still refusing to give way to fall. The trip had been Link’s idea, since they hadn’t had much time to spend together lately, but for some reason he was very quiet today.

When Rhett mentioned that he was thinking of quitting his job, Link’s brow furrowed behind his sunglasses

“We can’t just quit, man,” he said.

“Jessie and I have been saving whatever we can.” Rhett swiped a wayward bough aside with the stick he carried. “We have enough for several months at least.”

“What would you do when the money ran out? We’ve barely made anything from writing music.”

Rhett shrugged. “We’ve never really pushed ourselves to really write though, have we?”

Link only waved his hand in a gesture that Rhett knew meant be quiet.

The trail wound through the woods, always leading them up, up, up. The ground finally leveled out at a lookout point at the top, where they could see the hills and valleys spread out before them like a verdant blanket. Link sat on the bench near the railing at the edge, rummaging through his backpack. He came up with two water bottles and handed one to Rhett.

It was peaceful up here, Rhett thought. The beautiful view and quiet bird songs in the trees were calming to his restless mind. Inspiring, even. Rhett wished he’d thought to bring his guitar along.

“Christy’s pregnant,” Link said. “We just found out last week.”

The news hit Rhett like a gale force wind. He inhaled to speak and almost choked on his water. “R-really?” he exclaimed when he could speak again. “That’s great, man!” He nudged Link when his friend’s ears began reddening. “You don’t waste any time, do ya?” He elbowed Link harder. “Do ya?”

“Oh stop it.” Link shoved him, but he was grinning now. “Lily’s already up and walking and tryna tell us what to do. Girl’s practically a teenager already. Christy wanted another baby. And,” he added sheepishly, “so did I.”

Rhett laughed out loud at that. “Well congrats, man. I’m happy for you.” He scooted closer and put an arm around Link’s shoulders. “I’m happy for you,” he repeated softly.

Slowly, Link lowered his head to Rhett’s shoulder. “See, that’s part of why I don’t think quitting our jobs is a good idea. Not responsible to just up and leave when you got offspring depending on you to feed them.”

Rhett was irritated at that. “That’s why we’ve been saving money, man! I’m not irresponsible.” He rubbed his hand over Link’s shoulder in slow motions. “I know I asked you this already, but are you happy with your job?”

He felt Link’s body jerk with the force of his answering scoff. “Hell no.”

“You think you’d be doing Christy and Lily any favors if you stayed there? You think they’d be happy if they saw you miserable?”

“They already see me miserable,” Link said wearily. “I come home too late to eat dinner with them. Sometimes I gotta work overnight. You know how it is. There are some days Lily’s still asleep when I leave in the morning and already asleep again when I come home at night. There was one week I think I spoke to her like twice. That’s ridiculous!” He lifted a shaking hand to his forehead. “And I’ve been getting these headaches, too, like real bad migraines. You’re right. I’m not happy there.”

He was on the verge of changing his mind, so Rhett said what he hoped would tip the scales in his favor.

“What about the oath we made?”

With a sigh, Link lowered his head to his hands, his elbows resting on his knees. After a moment, he tilted his head to meet Rhett’s gaze.

“You really think we should try this,” Link said quietly.

“Heck yeah.”

Link rested his chin on his folded hands and looked out across the landscape before them. Rhett waited, hardly daring to move. He hadn’t realized how nervous he was for Link’s response until now.

“I’ll think about it,” Link said finally. “And I’ll talk to Christy, too.”

Rhett almost felt weak with relief. “That’s all I could ask for, man,” he said. He took another gulp of water. “So, um, you got any names picked out for baby Neal?”

“Well, if it’s a boy, he’s gonna be Charles Lincoln the fourth. If it’s a girl…” Link grinned sheepishly. “I was thinking maybe Ninja.”

Rhett really did choke then, sputtering for air as he laughed harder than he had in weeks. Link pounded him on the back until he calmed down.

“Wow.” Rhett wiped tears from his eyes. “Maaan... I really hope it’s a boy.”

“Why you gotta say that? When we told Lily she was going to have a brother or a sister, she got really excited. She really wants a little sister now. Plus Ninja’s just Nina with a J.”

“Sometimes you really worry me, Link.” Rhett shook his head. “Listen, if you name a girl Ninja – or anyone, for that matter – you’re just asking for her to get teased. It’s like you want her to have a terrible life. Watch.” He thickened his southern drawl and leered at Link. “‘Is that your real name? Is Ninja your real name? Naw c’mon, girl, you can tell me!’”

Eyes rolled in response. “Man, it’s just–”

“Nina with a J. I heard you. And shit is just hit with an S.”

Link actually laughed out loud. “Whatever, man.”

Saturday Night Session Post:

Fuuuck guys, idk about anyone else but my god. I understand I was in a LDR and it’s different but having a girl next to you, kissing you and showing some type of affections is soo heart warming. Like I feel like someone actually cares about you and has an ideal of respect to the person they like. But yeaaah... during “Dom this Dom that Period” with my ex I hated her but after the sudden break up, and the random hookup from Connor hahah, I’m really gladtyat happened this turn of events happened.

But at first I didn’t like her at her all because the issue I had with my ex was relevant, since we always argue about her for a year but as time went on I softened up too her and I guess I started to like her.

I’ll be picking her up from her PT classes at UOI and she’ll give me a kiss, like everyday. And we’ll spend the whole day at her apartment till I have to work, and then on some days she’ll text me have a nice day with a SFW picture of herself haha, and I’ll return the favor with some text like, “ Morning babe, be safe driving okay! And you better be studying when I get home! But anyways kiss kiss in the lips babe. I’ll be home around 4pm to pick you up. 😊💕🥰 SOMETHING like that you know? And she reply within the next 5 minutes with a reply.

I’m not expecting anything in this relationship, but she is showing me everything a good relationship can offer you. A relationship where you don’t argue every fucking day. Or have someone accuse you of some fictitious bullshit that I never did yet or anything psychotic.

But I can say this, I’m in a better place now. Yeah sure she didn’t graduate yet, doesn’t have her big girl job and she’s 3-4 years younger than me. But I know I’ll have a girl who has a better personality, doesn’t have a “temperament” and won’t be mothering me around. And I know she’s not perfect but at least ik 100% that she won’t let her insecurities dig this relationship to the grave. And won’t hold anything against me for the next 4 years of my life haha. And accuse me of nonsense that I never once dreamed of

But NOO yeah if only my relationship with my ex was like that then things could of been different. So Am I questioning it? Yes I am, I could of moved mid Oct, but how my ex was, there was no hope of the relationship to survive. I warned her, gave her heads up if I move who am I going to go to when we argue? She never woke up from that reality and kept ignoring it.... so yeah we made mistakes. I liked girls pictures and I save them and she got drunk and let a guy fingered her pussy etc. but we can’t keep holding on to the past and let them dictate it. Dwelling into the past will never help you. You need to forgive the mistakes, I forgave her for getting drunk; kinda since now that I type this my ex is a fucking idiot because she’s saying she needed the attention and I’m over here lacking any type of attention for the last two years hahaha. But yeah point is you can’t keep holding on to the past. It’s gonna bring you down. I firmly believed she wasn’t mentally prepared to be in a relationship after Justin/Kip and it proves it when we first dated. Already questioning my whereabouts, disrespecting me in three months of dating etc. and she wasn’t willing to block her ex or the people that threaten the relationship???? Like I had to sacrifice my friends while you still talked to your idiotic morons.

But unlike dom, she’s already putting her commitment to this relationship. Everyday dom is texting me good morning, I didn’t have to have an argument with her for that. She’s kissing me and giving me BJ ( a really fucking good one to be honest). I don’t have to reassure her who I’m with or what I’m doing. (I mean yes I do but not like my ex which leads to random arguments) She knows the set schedule and she knows I’m anal about sudden changes since that’s how my OCD brain works. She knows I’ll be with Connor on Mondays/Sunday’s for LOTR. And she doesn’t attack any girls that I talk to because she trust me I won’t cheat on her or because she’s know I have common sense not too. Sure she has insecurities but she has them in control except when she’s on her period which I understand and have a calendar for hahah.

And the big turn on, she’s letting me follow my dreams. I don’t have anyone telling me I can’t enlist, can’t be a cop or an emt and then lie to me saying you could of done that. Or she gives me the attention/affection that I lacked, she’ll call me during my breaks and ask me how’s work and we’ll talk for a little bit. She’ll stay up till I arrive to her place even though I’ll scold her to sleep because she needs to sleep for school etc. like deadass I’ll be driving at 12am or 1 am and I’ll be at her apartment and she’ll be awake and I’ll scolding her to sleep haha. I don’t care that I’m acting like a dad but a girl needs to sleep goddamn it. Especially when she’s in school. She’s not a fucking slob and eat in her room or have a messy fucking room with clothes that started to smell like feet....

And that’s why I started to like this girl, something my ex couldn’t offer me. Don’t get me wrong here, my ex did do stuff like that but arguments had to happened, or it lasted only a year and she just stopped completely. But for her, Dom is already giving me what I lacked, she’s willingly ready to go back.

And tmi hahaha, sex isn’t boring.... sure I understand I was in a LDR but maaan as time went on nothing exciting happened. Foreplay was boring, sure fucking her was nice but ehhh. For the first time and this is TMI I’m able to fire my load inside lol. And do other stuff not the basic missionary bullshit, and it’s fun. Like don’t get me wrong, fucking my ex raw was nice but with a hairy nest and stangy smell idk. No offense hahaha. But fuckinh in the car, her coach, her kitchen omg just omg and doing other kinks is 🤩.

But yeah tmi for sure but it’s true, I may not have my degree because I had someone rejecting my dreams cough cough but I’m already fixing my life and getting it situated. Dom is full pledge with my plan and is with it, and after the break up I already knew my mistakes so long ago. Am I perfect? Fuck no, nobody in this goddamn planet is, and that’s what makes us humans.

So i have no fucking clue where the future will bring to us but as of right now. In that picture I posted, using her Fuji TX-100 camera, I have found the person who I can hold hands to and not stress everyday for a possible argument to land. I can safely say this again, I am happy. I have a girl who I can proudly show off and say she’s mine. And not because of her beauty but because I fell in love with a girl with a personality that I can fight for and love for.

Lastly,

And Lia I know you have been reading my post since Janurary, it’s a 100% hunch because I know how you are and I dated you long enough and I’m very good with judging people’s characteristics and I also know how Filipinas are and it also proves it with your sisters since they’re still stalking my IG and twitter. but once you read this, you need to leave me alone now and that includes your two sisters because I am firmed with my decisions for calling you guys out and your sisters a nut case and creeps. I have no clue what the objectives here, and idk what the fuck you guys are smoking but stalking me solves nothing. So yes, my post is my book/recollection, and if you find this offensive then SOL. You have a new life now, and I’m not in the picture anymore. I hadn’t been in your picture since 2017 when you left to NYC when you got drunk and got fingered by a random guy. And that goes for the same with me, I’m with Dom now, I slept with her numerous times now when we were friends/now dating and you can keep thinking with your delusional accusations that I liked dom since NYC but I know the truth and the truth is that I didn’t like dom till now. So as of Friday when I typed this I have officially developed feelings for her now. And also, I can proudly say, I never cheated on my delusional ex after the constant accusations from her text and her round fucking face. Lia literally go fuck yourslef and grow the fuck up, not every fucking guy is like that.

So yeah Lia We are both guilty of our wrong doings, and I’m not saying you’ll change and ik you won’t because you told me this every time people don’t change. But people do change Lia, and that’s how relationships work. It doesn’t take one to do the tango, it takes two too make it work.

It was a fun 4 years, taught me things and it make me realize how controlling you were but at the end. I had fun falling in love with you, you were my first. so I hope things go well with your tinder boy and I hope things go well with my hooter whore. Good luck with your future and don’t forget, make sure you’re not a raging cunt anymore

But I’m glad me and Dom have met, she’s a nice person and down to earth and chill. I’m already planning to move actually but we are planning to take everything slow. I wasted my four years on a girl who promised me nothing so I have to get my life straightened up. Soo right now I’m planning to get myself a Yamaha 600 Ninja R6 I believe, I have been itching to start using a motorcycle since college and now that I’m able to do so I’m going to save up and get it ready before summer. But for the past two months it’s been peaceful and quiet, no headaches no one yelling at me. No bullshit, just myself, work and Dom.