>Though part of me is waiting for the other shoe to drop when the
>villains of said shows appear and start some kind of convoluted
>tournament-to-the-death-of-loved-ones. Wonder if they would
>potentially end up with the Order of the Black Rose with their special
>brand of magic.

As noted before, the HiME Carnival is not happening here. There are no HiME's. There are people who look like HiME's, but their powers (if indeed they have any) would be coming from different sources.

You'll just have to wait to find out. :)

>I must admit to a mild tinge of disappointment that Shizuru's weapon
>didn't morph into the bladed whip seen in the anime - but that seems
>like the sort of thing that would be harder to use in the confined
>space then the naginata in the first place.

Well, that, and consider this:

Currently, Shizuru Viola has just been confirmed as a Journeywoman in the Fujino Chougaja Ryū. Like many other martial arts, it has varying levels of techniques reflecting levels of skill among its practicioners, and being able to perform said high-level techniques indicates their ability to be advanced to the next level. For example, Kaitlyn Hutchins was not considered ready to advance to Master level of the Asagiri Katsujinkenryū until she had performed the Blade of the Inviolate Soul technique (in combat, no less!) during the retreat from WPI all the way back in Hunted Rose.

What do you think the Master technique for the Fujino Chougaja Ryű is?

--- Philip
"So, still haven't managed the recovery on the whole chain-whip thing, Shizuru?" "No, not as of yet. Could I borrow a hat for the next week?"

	Philip J. Moyer Contributing Writer, Editor and Artist (and Moderator) -- Eyrie Productions, Unlimited CEO of MTS, High Poobah Of Artwork, and High Priest Of the Church Of Aerianne -- Magnetic Terrapin Studios "Insert Pithy Comment Here"