DITA AND HIBIKI: A MINI SHRINE

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Okay, I admit it. I'm a fervent supporter of Dita and Hibiki coupledom. But there doesn't seem to be much in the way of support in Vandread fandom.
Now don't get me wrong, I know there are a lot of D+H supporters out there but, in my honest opinon, there seems to be greater number of Meia+Hibiki supporters (if the Vandread fans I talk to are anything to go by) - Or at least people who think Meia is a much more interesting character then Dita.

So, I decided to devote this corner of the VL to, what must be, the most trad. Vandread couple. (And what must be one of the cutest couples in anime).

Contents:
Dita and Hibiki: First Stage
Dita and Hibiki: Second Stage
Common arguments against this couple

If you have any arguments, send me an e-mail. I would be interested to hear what the H+M fans have to say.

FIRST STAGE:
Episode 1: Boy Meets Girl

- Their legendary first meeting. Need I say more? ^__~

Episode 2: And...I've Lost my way

- When Hibiki is in the pexis-induced delirium at the beginning of the ep, he is confronted by images of Jura, Dita and Meia. Because he's met Dita before, he identifies with her image. Curiously, her image inspires him to continue up the mountain.

- Dita tells Ezra how great it was to meet an Alien.

- Jura's comment: "Dita! These are our enemies! Huh? Wait-a-minute, she was never that good a pilot."
Undoubtedly, Dita's piloting skills are improved because she is enthusiastic about meeting aliens. But who inspired such enthusiasm? ^___~

- When Hibiki's Vanguard is launched into battle, Dita is the only one who seems delighted to see him. Meia and Jura, however, are unimpressed.

- Despite Meia's orders to fall back, Dita chases after Hibiki. At this stage, they have only just met - Yet Dita already has enough faith in Hibiki that he will triumph. This, of course leads to.....

- ....the formation of the first Vandread. And it's the Dita+Hibiki amalgam. Suddenly, Hibiki is shocked to see his hand on top of Dita's. It is then and there that Dita delivers that immortal line: "I just knew Mr. Alien would save us". Indeed, her faith in Hibiki has been vindicated.
FOOTNOTE: Those whom have seen the subtitled version would know that Dita says: "You were amazing Alien-san!" But either way, the end result is still the same.

Episode 3: This is the Path that I choose to Live

- Dita is overjoyed that Hibiki came back to rescue her and Gasco.

- Dita: I want you to know that I believed in you. I knew that no mattered what happened, you would come and rescue me.
Hibiki: Hmmph. I didn’t come here to rescue you... I was just looking for you.
Dita: Mmmhmm. Well thank you.
Judging from her expression. Dita seems satisfied with Hibiki's answer. And it is here that Hibiki, judging from his choice of words, starts showing signs that he is taking an interest in her - Even if he is not willing to admit it.

Episode 4: I Want to know more about you

- Dita catches Hibiki in the toilet. Hey, you can't have romance in anime with at least one embarrassing situation ^___~

- Dita is distressed that Hibiki has been living on Taraaku's appalling pills. She comes up with an idea to help him.

- Dita tries to persuade Meia and Jura to help Hibiki - But her suggestion falls on deaf ears.

- When Hibiki returns in his Vanguard, it is not Meia, not Jura, but Dita who is pleased to see him.

- At the end of the ep, Dita cooks a meal of Hibiki - and he likes it!

Episode 5: Sweet Temptation

- When Hibiki is repairing his vanguard, Dita sneaks up on the platform and blows him a kiss. He then falls down but does little in reacting to Dita's presence. Exhausted as he may be, this is the first time Hibiki doesn't knock back Dita.

- Duero questions Hibiki about his protective motivations. Hibiki is naturally embarrassed.

- Dita goes hunting for food for Hibiki. The fact that she steals it off Barnette is an indication that she is quite prepared to do anything, at any risk, for 'Mr. Alien'

- Likewise, she sprays Hibiki's vanguard pink.

- Dita then, in the ultimate sign of affection, cooks a meal for Hibiki - only to take him to the Nirvana's artificial garden so she can watch him eat it. To put it in her own words: "Seeing you eat like that makes me so happy!"

- "Stop it! The only one Mr. Alien's combining with is me!" Although this comment could be perceived as Dita at her most jealous, it does however indicate that Hibiki is important to her and she is, henceforth, concerned for him.
This is also evident later on when she says: "Mr. Alien's gonna die if we don't help!"

Episode 6: What a Wonderful World

- Hibiki willingly combines with Dita for the first time. Even Dita is surprised.

- When Meia is in the medical room, Hibiki reassures Dita: "I know you're worried but let Duero take care of her. The only thing we should worry about is protecting the ship and the sick bay your leader is in. Don'tcha think?"

- When Hibiki proposes his suicidal plan, it is carried out in the Dita-Vandread. Tell me another time when such a plan is carried out in the Meia-Vandread or the Jura-Vandread.

- Meia walks into the mess hall to see Dita and Hibiki sitting at the same table.

Episode 7: The Easy Life (The pinnacle of Dita and Hibiki fandom ^__~)

- Dita makes a cushion for Hibiki - Much to Paiway's bewilderment. Here, it is fairly obvious that Dita is taking an adventurous stride, when opposed to her fellow pirate's tolerance (in this case, Pai), towards the male members of the crew.
She then goes on to tidy up his room (as well as providing some unusual decorating) and then ends up sleeping in his bed. Hibiki's reaction to all of this may be startled, but it's most likely, he hasn't had anything like that done to him.

- This is then followed by a scene where Dita confides her plight to Meia - who then takes it all in a sympathetic and supportive manner (H+M fans take note that Meia isn't knocking Dita for showing an interest in Hibiki).

- When Meia calls all the Dread pilots to an exercise in Dread formations, Hibiki arrives first - alone. This leads to remarks by Gasco and Jura that Dita isn't with him. Already the relationship is now at a phase where everyone else is taking notice.
And when Dita refuses to any more combining with Hibiki, he is the first to be shocked. Even Jura is astonished when Dita says, she can combine with him.

- Indeed, Hibiki may have an interest in Dita, but he is in no hurry to admit it. This is evident when both he and Dita sit at opposite ends of the room at dinnertime. This conflict of emotions is noticed by Jura, Barnette and Duero.

- Pyoro then notices that Hibiki is in denial and makes fun at him because of it. This, in turn, forces Hibiki into a position where he must conceal his feelings - And he does so in a very angry manner. Bur remember, he's only angry because Pyoro is making him angry - Not because he hates Dita.

- Dita tries Parfet's compatibility device. This is noteworthy because it shows someone else making an effort to get Dita and Hibiki together. Also, it also shows the only time in First Stage that Dita uses Hibiki's name. The fact that she does so, represents her determination for results.

- Gasco picks up on Hibiki's frustration of denial and uses it to her advantage in the card game. Because Hibiki is in a stink over Dita, he continually loses. Eventually, Gasco offers some useful advice.

- Pyoro tells Hibiki that Dita is no more lonely then he is. This leads him into a position where he must confront his frustration: "WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?!?!?!?"

- Eventually, by the end of the episode, Hibiki and Dita reconcile: "Don't do things you don't usually do, Okay?!"
Even though Hibiki has trouble admitting it, this represents a big step for him in overcoming his feelings of denial. Afterwards, he looks kinda happy. Even Meia seems amused.

Episode 8: Impossible!

- Dita buys the lipstick off Rabat in order to make an impression Hibiki. And even Rabat notices a connection between the two

- Although, Hibiki has his suspicions on Rabat, he only takes action when he hears that Rabat forced Dita in showing him the vanguard. Although it is debatable that he was more concerned with the vanguard, Dita at least won't let Rabat near it - Because she knows that it's important to Hibiki and in her best interests not to let Rabat near it.

- Hibiki comes to Dita's rescue and challenges Rabat. Although he gets a tremendous beating, it is only Dita who is worried when he's losing.

Episode 9: More Barbaric than Heaven

- Hibiki looks mad when the cube-types chase Dita off.

- Dita spends most her time worried about Hibiki (a minor incident I know, but it's nice to know that you're appreciated ^__~)

Episode 10: White Love

- Hibiki spends the entire ep. perplexed by the concept of Christmas. However, when Paiway tells him of the enormity of the occasion, Hibiki eventually gives Dita the flower - much to her delight ;)

- When Hibiki decides to open Dita's present, he looks around hurriedly to check if anyone's watching. Thus represents the fact that he fact that he must have an interest in Dita but he doesn't want anyone else to know. If he didn't, he wouldn't have accepted the present or opened it, right?
And when he finally opens the present, he seems to take it with an amused stride.

Episode 11: Together...

- Hibiki helps Dita with the preparation of her surprise dinner. As she puts it: "That's so like you Mr. Alien - You're so dependable!"
And he doesn't seem too bothered about being Dita's presence or her unusual behaviour. If he is ever irate during all of this, it's because he's walked in on Celtic Midori.
Plus, when Dita promises him with a hamburger, he ignores any resentment and agrees to help.

- When Dita is crying over the onions, Hibiki seems concerned - in his own unique brash style -___-

- When the revolt takes place, Hibiki sticks up for Dita (somewhat) when she is astonished by her crew-mates sudden change in mood.

- Dita, as well as Meia, are the only one's concerned for Hibiki when he does a runner. She pleads to The Boss to do something

- When Hibiki flees, he eventually runs into the blockade of humans opposing the Harvesters. It is here he meets Sara. She then becomes important to the development of Hibiki's character as she becomes the first women Hibiki warms up to and the first person to die right in front of him.

Episode 12: They Don't Care About Us.

- Dita, once again, is the only one concerned for Hibiki's absence, and therefore, is the only one pleased to see him return.

- In yet another effort to help Hibiki, Dita tries to persuade Parfet to repair the Vanguard.

- Eventually she takes it upon herself to make the repairs on her own. This then leads to:
Pai: I have a question. Why are you always doing your best whenever it concerns Hibiki?
Dita: You never had something like that?
Pai: Huh?
Dita: Well, it's like you can't seem to get them out of your head. You always wonder where they are and what they're doing. And you kinda wonder whether if they're thinking about you too. I can't stop thinking about Mr. Alien no matter what happens - Ever since the very first moment we met.
Pai: But it always seems like he's trying to avoid you.
Pai's Frog Puppet: Doesn't it?
Dita: I guess that's true!
Pai's Frog Puppet: Well, I guess I give up Dita, you're pretty strong!

- Dita: "So me and Mr. Alien are the same thing. We're both human beings!

Episode 13: To Feel the Fire

- Hibiki seems amused with Dita's encouragement speech: "You Idiot!"

- "No slacking off okay?!"
When Hibiki greets Dita he seems, for a first, happy to see her. Plus, his comment is obviously one made out of comradeship: Thus he is now in a position of respect for Dita.

- Dita forces Hibiki into making the promise to visit her room - Of course, now that Dita knows that Hibiki is no more human than she is, her determination to know him better has now taken gone a child-like curiosity to a more affectionate direction.
And it is this promise that forms the motivation for Dita to continue in her pursuits of Hibiki in the Second Stage.

- The Vandread-Dita creams the flagship - As Dita and Hibiki's hand's clench tighter on the control globe

- Hibiki: We have to take the path we have to take. Isn't that right?
Dita: Yeah!
And note how he's saying this everyone but he finishes it by looking directly at Dita.

SECOND STAGE:
Episode 1: Red Angel

- How many of you noticed that Hibiki kept Dita's pillow? ^__~

- When Hibiki confides to Duero and Bart about his uncertainty on keeping Dita's promise, they both encourage him to fulfil it.

- Dita comes to Hibiki's rescue when his Vanguard is engulfed by cube-types.

- Dita: As long as we combine our power, we don't have to be scared of anything!
Hibiki:....I...er....
Dita: Huh? What's that?
Hibiki: Uh? Never mind. I still don't know what I should talk about.....
Here is concrete evidence of Dita's belief of unity and such a belief keeps her fears in check. And would she achieve this perception without Hibiki? Unlikely.
And as Hibiki, he still seems adamant about fulfilling Dita's promise even if he taking it in a hesitant stride.

Episode 2: Be My Baby

- Dita admits she would rather chase than want

- Gasco notices Hibiki in denial.

- Dita and Hibiki are trapped in a lift with Ezra. Hey, you had to through one cliche somewhere
And Hibiki is supportive in his behaviour, even if he freaks out. Dita, however, manages to deliver the baby herself - quite an achievement on her part

- Ezra: There's something I'd like you to do for me. Be friendly to one another. Kay?

Episode 3: Blossoming Path

- Meia is amused when Dita assumes command and vows to be a good stand in for Hibiki

More to come...

COMMON ARGUMENTS AGAINST D+H COUPLEDOM

Although Dita and Hibiki are the most trad. couple in Vandread (well, there's Duero and Parfet as well but that's another story....), it doesn't stop people in voicing their distaste for such an ideal. As a consequence, Dita is therefore made into a target for such anger. Curiously, these Dita haters work hand in hand with people who support the ideal of Hibiki getting together with Meia.
So, acting upon an awareness that this page will, inevitably, attract some backlash, I decided to argue against some of the common reasons as to why Dita shouldn't get together with Hibiki
(If you would like to add an argument, please use the e-mail address above):

Dita's Annoying!
Yeah and? I think Britney Spears is annoying but that doesn't make her go away.

Dita's UFO obsessions are irritating!
Correct me if I'm wrong but Vandread is COMEDY - or did you forget that because you were too busy drooling over the CGI mecha and the female portion of the cast? Dita's peculiar obsession is ultimately an addition to the general absurdity of the situation. Furthermore, the fantasy of wanting to meet aliens is a not unusual in a child's mind (This I can agree with - Alongside one Dave Grohl ^__~)
But if you want a mecha series without comedy then what you doing watching Vandread? Go watch Gasaraki instead.

Dita should leave Hibiki alone
Why? Right from the start, she is the only one who really cares for and looks out for him when no one else does. She stands by him through thick and thin and still retains her loyalty even when he knocks her back. Besides, Hibiki admits that he doesn't like to see her upset (and it took an entire episode dedicated to such a move!).

Dita should die so Hibiki should get together with Meia!
No, you only want that to happen so Meia can have more screen time. Are you trying to tell me that, ep. 6 FS (What a Wonderful World) wasn't enough for you? Give me a break......
Yeah, Meia deserves a lucky break anyway!
What? And Dita doesn't? Are you saying that growing up as an orphan isn't bad enough to when compared to the misery Meia went through as a child?
Mind you, it has been noted that Meia is the most popular character because she has the most detailed background (when compared to Misty). But in any case, this is Vandread - Not the Meia Gisborn Show.

(And I would to add that I don't hate Meia - just some of the nonsense I hear from her many fans. So don't flame me)