Lostorage Incited WIXOSS – 03

「セレクター／蜜と毒」 (Serekutaa / Mitsu to Doku)
“Selector / Honey and Poison”

Although Lostorage departs the tragic story of Chinatsu for the calmer Suzuko waters this week, the surprises are no less plentiful. Probably the biggest morsel from this episode was the knowledge of what finally constitutes disappearance. As expected, loss of memories occurs, but alongside additional loss of personality. Considering how our shorthaired Selector went off after losing, it appears the Selector just becomes a stoic zombie following final defeat. Personally I think it’s underwhelming if that’s the extent of disappearance—there’s no real “loss” and suffering then when compared to the old body switching. Thankfully there’s a few things allaying those worries. The Selector’s LRIG conspicuously disappears herself for one, and Aya, Masaru’s sister, has physically disappeared without a trace. It’s not unreasonable to expect something else going on here, especially considering the LRIGs are clearly manipulating their Selectors. It was subtly alluded to previously with Mama (the little girl’s LRIG), but pretty damn obvious with Aya’s LRIG version. This Aya goes from adorable imouto to total bitch at the drop of a hat, using both personalities to push Masaru in specific directions (classic case of borderline personality disorder :P). I’m not sure this manipulation can be pinned entirely on the personas the LRIGs are drawing from their Selector’s memories either, especially given Ruri’s white lies to Suzuko. Something happens to the LRIGs when their Selectors loses, and they do not want the Selectors to find out. Could it be body switching after all, with maybe a little memory manipulation for seasoning? I have no idea, but it wouldn’t shock me.

On the other side we have more Suzuko trying her best. I actually enjoyed this bit here because it felt like natural progression for Suzuko. No artificial drama, no dragging of development, just quick acceptance of circumstances and adaptation to the rules—the pacing really felt just right. Especially fascinating, however, is how Suzuko’s side of the foil compares to Chinatsu. Suzuko is increasingly using Ruri as a substitute for Chinatsu’s earlier encouragement, battling as much for Chinatsu (i.e. Chinatsu’s memory) as herself. This will create one hell of a showdown with Chinatsu later given Chinatsu’s abandonment of Suzuko’s memory in favour of self-motivation. Two different mental modes, each disallowing the other’s existence. One of these two girls has to lose.

What the inevitable Suzuko-Chinatsu tension forgets, however, are the speedbumps characters along the road there. Masaru is the obvious one of course due to Aya (the actual sister now), and I fully anticipate him returning soon once the Aya mystery becomes front and centre (you know she will be found, admit it). Then we have Dr. Hanna, who surprisingly looks like a major player now, and not for wanting that battle with Suzuko. Hanna’s desire to find the secrets of WIXOSS are a potential death disappearance flag, but there’s also the mention of Bookman she takes an interest in. If you cannot see where this is likely heading you’re not looking hard enough. Also expect Chinatsu’s friend Shou-chan to pop up in a proper role here shortly given his principle of avoiding fights until the time runs out—I can envision a sacrifice in his future given that personality. Shou-chan though has nothing on Masaru’s unholy white knight/siscon combo, that’s definitely the more fatal condition.

Next Time: Gambling? In my Card Game?

Lostorage’s penchant for a quick pace will seem to continue given the hints towards revealing the Bookmen and stage two of this survival game. Did we also mention Suzuko and Chinatsu look like they will finally meet? Grab a hold of your seats boys and girls, this ride ain’t slowing down yet.

Random Tidbits

This guy (girl?) is probably a Bookman, although given the hair and camera shots I’m wondering if it’s not Aya.

Aya’s Holograph ability reminds me a lot of Joey Wheeler’s Scapegoat card. Nothing like pissing the opponent off with disposable tokens 😛

Preview