Ep 7. Liz, for the First Time

Liz, for the First Time is the seventh episode of the first season of Blood Lad, a supernatural anime that follows Staz, a vampire and fan of the human world, and his adventures with his friends, all while navigating the politics of the demon world.

In this episode, Staz and Fuyumi, a ghost he has taken under his wing, accompany Bell Hydra, a high-ranking member of the demon world, to visit the Demon King Neyn. The trio is requested to meet Neyn, so she can inquire about the existence of a powerful weapon known as the Black Curtain. Bell and Staz both desire the Black Curtain for their own reasons, and it has also been reported to be in the human world.

As they near Neyn's palace, Staz notices a woman with a striking resemblance to his childhood friend, Liz. Liz was a human girl who Staz promised to turn into a vampire when he became a powerful figure in the demon world. Staz had been searching for her since she disappeared from the human world. The woman is introduced as Neyn's adviser, and she is quickly revealed to be Liz.

Liz's appearance and connection to Neyn deeply unsettle Staz, who is struggling to reconcile his own desires for power, his past with Liz, and his developing connection with Fuyumi. Liz, however, seems to have moved on from Staz, and now works as a loyal adviser to the Demon King. Staz confronts Liz about her decision to stay in the demon world, and they share a candid conversation about their past and how they have both changed since they last saw each other.

Meanwhile, Fuyumi is struggling to adapt to the demon world and has an encounter with Neyn that leaves her shaken. As they continue their visit, Staz and Bell discover that Neyn is hiding something about the Black Curtain, and Staz is determined to find out what it is. Bell reveals that he is also searching for the Black Curtain to unravel the mystery surrounding his father's death, and they form an uneasy alliance as they delve further into the palace.

Liz, for the First Time is a poignant episode that dives deeper into Staz's character and his past, while also setting up important plot points for future episodes. The episode also focuses on the emotional themes of letting go and moving on, as well as the power dynamics between different players in the demon world. Overall, it is a compelling chapter in a series that balances humor, action, drama, and heart.