Tale of the Waning Moon v. 2 (review)

Tale of the Waning Moon, Vol. 2 by Hyouta Fujiyama

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


So we find Ryuka and company on the road to the moon, where Ixto-the Last Quarter Moon Spirit-is eagerly awaiting Ryuka's arrival. Of course this road is paved with obstacles-or more like comical misadventures-that make the journey a little bumpy along the way.



The first comes in the form of a cave that they must enter as within it's depths lies the 'Door to the Moon', which is the only way to get there. But warnings of young men-like Ryuka and Aldin-disappearing and never seen again make the group wary of going in.



Once inside, they're suprised to discover another Moon Spirit-Widow-who seems to have a bone to pick with Ixto; yet the story there isn't revealed quite just yet. Aldin however discovers something about Ral's curse. As it turns out he himself is under a spell and Widow hints 'That which has been cast on you and the horse cannot be undone on the moon' and in a contradictory move he wants to bargain with Aldin saying that it isn't impossible but that if he lays with him in front of Ral he'll do it--of course Widow gets turned down. With no way of keeping them as pets for his pleasure-due to both being spelled-Widow lets them go.



Finally able to get to the door, the group realizes it's not so simple as the door is chained and there are a set of particular items they must acquire in order to get through. One of the items is already at hand (some of poor Coon's tail hair), another is in Aldin's family's possession (Breath of the Fire Dragon) and the rest they have to seek out (One platter of burning wind, one sprig of peach pearls, and a sack of seven colored balls).



A helping hand reveals another of the articles (the sprig of peach pearls), but the owner makes a deal that brings the group into contact with the twin nemesis, Kapel & Qwen (see vol. 1). It's a close call for Ryuka and Al who have to use their manly wiles on them to grab the eye patches the twins wear; but Ixto, using Cymric w/Coon's assist rescue the guys.



With another item in their grasp they head out to Aldin's home to request the Breath of the Fire Dragon from Aldin's father and while Ryuka is a little taken aback by the obvious love they have for Aldin, he finds himself the object of displeasure of one of Al's older brothers, Mashura, who appears to hate him on sight. It's here that we are left with a major cliffhanger; Mashura, with the excuse of walking out Ryuka so that Al can spend time with his parents, kicks him out and claims that Ryuka will not be allowed inside again!



This was a nice and fun follow up; there's some progress with Ryuka's feelings and his journey. Aldin, now that he's learned a little more about Ral's & his curse might be on the verge of discovering who is behind it all and why. Coon-my fave character, provided some cuteness (his adult form is very sexy) and Ixto was being his sexy helpful self. There's a side story of a pair of minor characters (hopefully that story continues as well) as well as 2 extra short stories of Ryuka and Co.: Tale of the Moonlit Night 1 & 2 with the guys doing cosplay. ;)



View all my reviews