This volume centres around the theme of dreams, specifically the first dream of a New Year, which is said to be prophetic in Japanese culture. Himawari and Watanuki tell each other their first dreams, but in an unexpected consequence of gift-giving Watanuki "buys" Himawari's nightmare by giving her some homemade Madeleines. Thankfully she shares the treats with Domeki, so Watanuki comes into possession of a second dream. Thankfully for Watanuki Domeki's ability to combat bad spirits is carried into the realm of dreams, so when Watanuki experiences the monster in Himawari's dream Domeki's grandfather saves him. Watanuki continues t see Domeki's grandfather in dreams as a good omen and information source, and thus the bond between Domeki and Watanuki grows - regardless of what either wants. ( )

this is the one with the baku ( dream buyer ) in it ( )

xxxHolic #9 & 10 (Manga Monday)
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Title: xxxHolic #9 & 10
Series: xxxHolic
Author & Artist: CLAMP
Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Genre: Manga

Synopsis:
Watanuki has several adventures, but is introduced to a young psychic girl whose mother is keeping her under lock and key to keep her 'pure' so her gift doesn't go away. Seems she can sense and instinctively know what to do about dead people who haven't passed on
At the same time, he is forced to accept that really bad things happen to him around Himiwari but Watanuki being Watanuki, he refuses to allow that to change how he thinks about her or acts towards her.

My Thoughts:
I found these 2 books to be very melancholic and yet at the very end, hopeful.

Meeting the little psychic girl was just sad. Her mother is using her for her own profit and not thinking about the girl at all. Watanuki just sees a little girl who is alone and has to deal with the spirit world on her own and he simply reaches out to her and is her friend. He gives her a dream balloon, goes on a picnic date with her and generally connects her to humanity. It was kind of heart breaking.

The second main thing was dealing with Himawari and Watanuki almost dies [falls out a second story window at school]. During his recovering we find out that it isn't just Watanuki who has bad luck around her, but everyone, except for her parents and Domeki, who seems to be immune to most things spiritual. Himawari attempts to give up her friendship with Watanuki to save him, but he rejects that and tells her she makes him happy, even when things go bad and that he won't give up their friendship.
Yuko makes a gift that he can give Himawari that won't be affected by her, so that she'll have some companionship and be reminded of Watanuki.

I am finding this series to be deep in developing characters, funny with humor and interesting, creepy, sad and lovely with all the little stories. Definitely glad I own this series. " ( )

I love mythology and the first story is all about it. It has to do with the first dream of the new year and what it means. Of course Watanuki gets into some trouble but nothing that Yuko and Domeki's dream cannot get him out of. The second part is a bit more normal for this manga. Watanuki meets a young girl who like him can see spirits and like him is very alone because of it. We do not get to see the ghost they talk to but the way she is dressed is very lovely. I hope that we get to see more of the girl. She is in a very bad place and needs someone with a compassionate heart like Watanuki. Watanuki is starting to see some value in himself but not enough. It is interesting to to watch this very serious subject, self-worth, play out.

I give this volume a Five out of Five stars.

this is the one with the baku ( dream buyer ) in it ( )