And yet, similar to above, I can't help but be slightly (very slightly) put off, because the entire Symphony has suddenly veered off in a rather unexpected direction and continues to meander there, though it's been quite enjoyable, and reminiscent of earlier Symphonies. I don't know, it seems to be dragging, a bit? That's not to say I'm not entertained; there are plenty of wonderful moments, and great character development.

I do, however, greatly appreciate what the suite in general, and this movement in particular, have done for my appreciation of Anthy. Before the continuation of the Symphony last summer, something about her struck me as ... off, somehow. Not to the extent Akio implied in Sympathy for the Devil, but she somehow never clicked into place for me (I'm unfamiliar with the source material). And then, it was her interaction with UF-Gryphon et al. which finally sold her for me. Thank you.