Saint Seiya Season 1 Episode 13 Burning Up! A Flaming Blow

Seiya and his comrades have been battling ferociously to protect the goddess Athena from the clutches of the evil Pope Ares. In the previous episode, they managed to defeat Pisces Aphrodite, one of the twelve Golden Saints who had betrayed Athena and sided with Ares. However, their victory was short-lived as Ares revealed that he had a secret weapon in the form of the resurrected Phoenix Ikki, Seiya's long-lost brother who was thought to be dead.

In episode 13, titled Burning Up! A Flaming Blow, the battle between Seiya and Ikki takes center stage. The episode starts off with a flashback to Seiya and Ikki's childhood, where they lived together in an orphanage after their parents had died. Seiya recalls how Ikki always seemed to be resentful and angry, even towards him. The flashback ends with a tragic incident where Ikki was engulfed in flames and presumed dead, which left Seiya deeply traumatized.

Back in the present, Seiya and Ikki engage in a fierce battle, with each of them determined to come out on top. Ikki reveals that he had been resurrected by Ares using a forbidden technique that drains the life force of others, including innocent civilians. Seiya is horrified by this revelation and accuses Ikki of betraying their humanity. However, Ikki remains unrepentant and declares that he has embraced his destiny as a Phoenix Saint, whose power comes from the flames of destruction.

The battle between Seiya and Ikki is one of the most intense and emotional moments in the entire series. The two brothers know each other's moves and weaknesses all too well, which makes for a thrilling back-and-forth exchange. Ikki's fiery attacks are devastating and almost overwhelming, but Seiya manages to hold his ground thanks to his indomitable spirit and clever tactics. The fight takes them through various locations, including a forest and a canyon, which add to the dynamic visuals and epic scale of the showdown.

Apart from the physical combat, there is also a lot of psychological tension between Seiya and Ikki. Seiya is torn between his love for his brother and his duty to protect Athena and the world from Ares' tyranny. He tries to reason with Ikki and convince him that there is still a chance to redeem himself and fight for justice, but Ikki remains stubborn. He sees Seiya as weak and naive, someone who can never understand the true power of the Phoenix. Their conflicting ideologies and emotions make the fight all the more poignant and memorable.

As the battle reaches its climax, Seiya unleashes a special technique called the Pegasus Ryu Sei Ken, which involves charging up his Cosmo energy until it explodes in a flurry of strikes. Ikki counters with his own ultimate move, the Phoenix Gen Ma Ken, which creates a giant fireball that consumes everything in its path. The two attacks collide in a spectacular burst of light and energy, sending shockwaves throughout the area.

The aftermath of the battle is bittersweet. Seiya emerges victorious but exhausted, while Ikki is left comatose and badly injured. Ares and his minions flee the scene, having suffered a major setback in their plans. Seiya carries his unconscious brother back to Athena's sanctuary, where they are both treated for their injuries. The rest of the Saints and Athena congratulate Seiya on his bravery and skill, but they also mourn the loss of their fallen comrades and the innocent victims of Ares' evil scheme.

Burning Up! A Flaming Blow is a thrilling and emotional episode that showcases the best of Saint Seiya's action and drama. It explores the complex relationship between Seiya and Ikki, as well as the themes of family, loyalty, and sacrifice. The animation is top-notch, with stunning visuals and dynamic choreography that bring the battles to life. The music is also excellent, with a mix of epic orchestral pieces and catchy pop-rock songs that enhance the mood and tone of the episode. Fans of Saint Seiya will not be disappointed by this unforgettable moment in the series.