Return to Macross
A sequel to Earth Wanderers
chapter 6
As Misa left the ceremonial hall, a pretty large group of Minmay fans rushed to the stage attempting to get a closer look- at and maybe a touch- of their idol, and in a few moments a big turmoil filled the room. Just as Captain Global was preparing to uncork the champagne, all those people in the audience rose up from their chairs and, like during a super bowl, felt the urge to make a pitch invasion.
Two large bodyguards literally pulled Minmay from Hikaru's arms where she was still cuddling.
-No, Hikaru!
she cried as Kaifun made his way through and grabbed her hand.
George Sullivan tried unsuccessfully to quell the crowd that, driven by the excitement, had stopped the Hirai stared at the bustle from his chair of honor from which he had not moved: he glanced at Global and huffed in annoyance.
The Zentraedi dignitaries looked appalled at the crowd, imagining some kind of unconscious reaction from the Micronians upon Minmay's return.
And Hikaru... Hikaru was tossed across the stage, tripped over himself and over the human mass of Minmay fans, until two bodyguards forced them apart. He sensed the fabric of his high uniform being rip on his arm, his lustrous hat fell down the floor, making a small click. He glanced around as Minmay called out for him waving a hand
-Hikaru Hikaru! I see you later!
He stood speechless, unable to utter a word. Wherever he turned he could not see Misa. All around the room and on the stage he tried to spot her white uniform, her glossy auburn hair, her hat with the UNSpacy logo... No, Misa was no longer there...
But how long has it been?
Hikaru felt a chill go down his legs and up his spine.
Misa where are you?
Unaware of everyone, he quickly walked down the staircase and disappeared into the halls.
On the bridge, the terrible trio jumped all over the floor and let out little squeals. Claudia stared into the display screen with wide eyes.
-Oh my God!
said Kim
-Haha! Can't believe it ! That was so cheesy !
Shammy raised both hands to her face.
-Oh shut up! It was so romantic! Lieutenant Ichijo is sooo handsome!
Vanessa echoed her
-Yeah! they make a really nice couple!
-Sure Kaifun is handsome too!
-Hey, I saw him first! at Nyan Nyan's!
-Girls... Sshhh! Look what a mess!
Vanessa fixed her glasses, as if to get a better view.
-The people in the hall are doing a pitch invasion!
-They are crazy for Minmay!
Claudia took a few steps forward and stood right in front of the screen. She rested the palms of her hands on her hips and sighed. In spite of the camera angle she could clearly see Misa's empty eyes.
In the hustle and bustle of people in the wide shot, she was able to catch a glimpse of how Major Hayase was leaving the stage, getting lost in the crowd and exiting the frame. Claudia clearly noticed the tears that streamed down the edges of Misa's sad eyes. Abruptly, she sensed her friend's pain. But Misa had always been so uptight and so reluctant. Despite her young age she was stubborn, and willful.
She turned to the bridge bunnies who were still chatting and discussing the TV show.
-Girls! I'm leaving for a second! Kim in case of attack you take my desk!
The girls nodded distractedly and Kim showed her thumb smiling
-Hey Claudia! there' s no gonna be any attack anyway, we are at peace remember?
Misa ran towards the big park: only two days before she had crossed it holding Hikaru's hand on their sweet little date. It felt like centuries ago. She walked through the huge gate doors and soon stepped into the shade of trees. Long green foliage let in the thick rays of the fake summer morning light. Bird cries and crickets buzzings could be heard in the air. It was like being on Earth. But Misa had never thought about that until now. Her hair swayed in the wind and she started to run, toward the unknown.
She recalled that she had met Hikaru, for the very first time, in the concert hall in that park: it was Minmay's concert. She brushed her hair away from her face. Everything was blurry and foggy. It had been drizzling that day, but today was different ...It was clear, and the lights from the ship's reflex power were shining brightly. No, now everything was blurry only in her eyes. Tears... again... why?
She let herself sit on the ground, on a small shaded spot under a large willow tree. She wiped her tears with the back of her hand, like a child.
The first time she had met him was because of Minmay. They had an argument, of course... back then she could not imagine that she would fall in love with him. A bitter gasp escaped her lips: she felt so miserable.
As the zenith slowly let the evening flow over the surroundings, the silence and stillness around her took on a scary feel. Her body started to shake.
I want to sink into the flow of time, and stay just as I am now. Eternally…
She felt as if she was slowly getting paralyzed, her body ossifying as she sat on the ground. Suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder and shuddered. Pale and trembling, she turned her head.
-Is this a one-girl party or can I join?
Misa blinked a few times, her vision still blurred by tears.
-I knew I'd find you here. Can you make a space for me?
Misa parted her lips and sniffled.
-Claudia...
Hikaru had been standing dazed on the stage, as Minmay was being pulled away by the crowd and George Sullivan was trying, in his charming way, to get that crowd back to their seats. He glanced at the Head table where Global was standing sadly: Hirai and Maistroff didn't look too good either. The ceremony was ruined. Hikaru clenched his fists nervously and turned to look around.
I have to leave
He clicked his heels, and like a lightning, left the room.
-Be careful Lieutenant!
A panicked waiter coming in his direction with a large tray of canapés and pastries start to yell but it was late: the food flew through the air made a sad parable and splattered on the floor. Hikaru ran toward the elevators. The hallways were crowded with people... Officers coming and going from the ceremonial hall; Tv techs, journalists... so he made his way down the stairwell.
Misa...
Hikaru just couldn't think straight. New, old, very very old memories flashed through his brain. The date with Minmay and the date with Misa, the island of Protoculture and the island of Mayan, the necklace with the shiny spheres. Misa lying sick in Japan. And then she was back, Minmay, his Minmay was still alive...
Hikaru paused in the middle landing, leaned his back against the wall and nervously ran a hand through his hair, then, realized he had left his hat behind.
He wasn't stupid, the entire farce had been arranged by Hirai and his team to provide a diversion on the Earth annihilation issue. And they had bought it, he did. But what about Misa and Minmay? Did they already know? Or had they, like him, been sent on that stage as sacrificial victims for that sleazy little show?
Minmay... she was genuinely happy... he, he had looked into her clear blue eyes and seen the surprise ... a pure joy ... but Misa? Misa had remained as cold as ice. As she always had.
Misa...
he ran down the stairs toward the female officers' dorms.
-So you don't feel like you've gone off the deep end too dramatically?
Claudia smiled while searching for something in her pocket.
Misa looked wild. She had taken off her jacket and was resting her back on the trunk of a tree, cross-legged. Despite her high uniform, makeup was dripping under her eyes and her hair was down and messy.
She sniffled as she took the cigarette that Claudia was handing her.
-Do you smoke since when?
Claudia carelessly lit hers.
-Since today, its... was Roy's... and you?
- This is my first one too...
she coughed clumsily letting out a trail of smoke through her nose
-I...have never been good at this kind of event
she said after a long while
-Ah that's absolutely not true! Remember when you performed the SDF1 launch ceremony?*
God you dared to yell at Roy as he landed after the valkyrie air show!
Claudia let go a puff of white smoke and smiled
Misa widened her eyes
-Of course I did! he was practically ignoring all the proper training landing procedures!
Misa chuckled as well, but suddenly turned serious. She blushed.
-I... I'm sorry Claudia...
She realized, that since her return to Macross she hadn't had a minute to talk to her about her loss, about the death of Commander Focker. And now there she was, she had come to find her, to comfort her.
Claudia kept smiling
-You know, Roy used to say that the boy was a little goofy at conveying his feelings*. Clumsy is the right word
Misa gasped
-He loved him very much, he was like a little brother to him.
Misa looked far into the horizon, but said nothing. The cigarette was burning between her fingers.
-It looks like we both fell in love with a pilot, isn't it?...*
She did not respond, feeling her own shame. She realized that she had been rash and very immature.
-Did you tell him you loved him?
Misa turned suddenly, her face flushed: Claudia's sweet and loving eyes were inquisitive
-I... I don't...
-How do you expect him to understand? Or d'you want to wait for Minmay to really take him from you?*
Misa didn't answer. She looked at the cool green grass floor slightly rippled by the artificial wind.
-Once upon a time, you could consider a lot of things: marriage, children and the long term, anything. But now it's all changed. the future is maybe tomorrow. It's the only one we have, hey if we're lucky it's a whole week, maybe 30 years who the hell knows!In the meantime if you have feelings for the boy tell him while he is still alive and he can appreciate it.*
Misa listened to those words full of wisdom and sorrow, and felt stupid, but an ounce of confidence was rising in her heart.
-Thanks... thanks so much Claudia.
she whispered as she squeezed her hands. The two women hugged each other under the warm shade of that big tree.
-Run girl, go to him!
Claudia held her by the shoulders
- And fix your face, you're a mess.
Misa smiled shyly
-I surely am!
Hikaru had stormed into the women's dormitories. The officer at the door greeted him with dismay.
-No Lieutenant. Major Hayase hasn't returned, I...I thought she was being summoned to the MBS ceremony?
He glanced at the TV hanging on the wall, still broadcasting, and Hikaru frowned; then he turned abruptly and walked down the stairs again.
-Hey Lieutenant! Do you wish to leave a message?...but ...Lieutenant!
At that very moment the elevator opened and Misa quickly walked out into the hallway, straight to her room. The corporal at the desk watched her as she entered the hall with her long messy hair and a flushed face.
-Major Hayase...
murmured
Misa didn't even hear him.
As soon as she went into her dorm she checked herself in the mirror. As Claudia told her, her face was a mess. The beautiful natural makeup had been wiped away by the tears and her high uniform was stained with grass. Her hair ran loose down her back, some strands touching her thin waist.
I must go to him
she thought in confusion.
then, she rushed into the small bathroom.
Meanwhile, Hikaru was almost at the pilots' quarters. He wondered where Misa could have gone.
When he entered his room he went straight to the intercom, without even taking off his uniform. The sleeve of his white jacket was torn from the elbow to the wrist.
Stupid beasts
he cursed as he grabbed the phone
-Yes, Lieutenant Ichijo speaking. I want to speak with Major Hayase. Yes...can you check if she's in her quarters?
The line went blank for a few minutes
-Lieutenant Ichijo, Major Hayase is not taking the call.
-I understand. Thank you.
Hikaru shrugged the phone and then sent it flying across the room.
We're inside a stupid ship, and I can't reach you
He jumped on the bed, squeezed his eyes shut. He was both frustrated and disappointed.
Misa was taking a shower and had not even heard the ringing of the phone, but as soon as she had turned off the water she heard the doorbell instead.
Her cheeks turned pink
Hikaru!
She quickly got dressed in a robe and rushed to the door. Her disappointment was immense as she faced an employee from the testing lab.
-Major Hayase!
the young man exclaimed
-A box from Dr. Bartlow!
Misa frowned
-A ... a box?
-Yes madam...
-Does she mention anything else?
-To deliver it to you in person.
The guy lingered on the sight of Misa in her dressing gown and handed her a small device. She pressed her index finger on it and thus unfolded her digital identity
-Thank you ma'am... Major Hayase.
Misa closed the door holding the package in her hands.
What could it be?
She placed it on the bed, knelt on the floor and eagerly unwrapped it.
Inside the box, to her great surprise, was the tableware she had brought with her from the Alien city. The carved stick from the Mayan island...The metal plate with that abstruse language.
-Oh...
Misa let out a small sigh.
She picked up the small note that was lying at the bottom of the case
"Major Hayase,
these artifacts are yours. Peace with the Zentraedi is finally a fact and I would like to thank you for your hard work.
Dr. Gina Bartlow.
Ps
Obviously we were not successful in deciphering the plate."
At that very moment Misa had a revelation. Dr. Bartlow had sent her the box ahead of the official ceremony for Minmay's return.
Of course!
She visualized it clearly in her mind. The song that the Zentraedis had given to Macross was etched in a plate practically identical to her own.
Clutching it in her trembling hands Misa rose to her feet: her face mirrored on the shiny metal surface.
Could it really be ...?
Hikaru was resolving to find Misa, he wanted to talk to her. He didn't want doubt and distrust to sneak between them again. A new sense of determination had seeped into him... it was peace. The war was finally over.
He had changed and was now wearing his standard uniform. He was just finishing lacing up his boots to leave, when his gaze fell on the large, life-size poster of Minmay that hung above his bed. He had hung it right there so he could see it every single day when woke up.
He stood up immediately and resolutely walked towards the wall. He stared at Minmay's picture for a long time: she was wearing a sailor dress, like the school girls used to. She was playing with a hair lock as she smiled at the camera. Hikaru sighed noisily, then almost automatically grabbed the rim of the poster and started to pull it off. At that very second the doorbell rang. The sound made him wince.
Misa...
his heart skipped a beat. But when he opened the door there was Minmay in front of him.
She was beautiful dressed in a tartan outfit and a crisp, white shirt. A small bright canary yellow hat made her look even younger, innocent. Minmay stared at him in waiting not even able to breathe. Then she smiled. Her azure eyes shone like the stars in sidereal space.
-Minmay...
She took off her hat and shook her long silky blue-hued black hair.
Hikaru forced himself not to look at her, but his eyes lingered on her face, on the curve of her breasts as she undid the first button on her tartan cape. That shirt let her perfect shape show through. She'd been a prisoner of the Zentraedis for a month or so and yet she looked like she'd just stepped out of one of her commercials.
"Zero-G Love zero G Love, 4 -3 -2 -1 zero-G Love!"*
in his mind echoed the jingle of the commercial Minmay had starred in, before... before ...that whole nightmare began.
Hikaru passed a hand through his unruly hair.
-I don't have enough space for chairs, but... please have a seat on the bed.
Minmay sat down silently, dropping her hat on the mattress.
-So what do you wanna drink? Petit cola?
he said hesitantly
-Or... a cup of coffee?
He still didn't dare like looking at her. Somewhere inside him he felt a nameless sense of worry.
-Coffee...
she said in the same hesitant way.
The point was that even Minmay felt it absurd to be in the same room with Hikaru after all that had been. She had longed for it so much... it was the one thought that kept her going during her captivity.
Of course, there was Kaifun with her, and then the Zentraedis...Britai and Exsedol ...had both adopted her. Eventually everyone on that ship had fallen in love with her.
"That's what always happens when it comes to you."
Kaifun had once told her.
Minmay's heart was pounding.
Love...
She peered at the young pilot's figure in his flight suit. As blue as his eyes, with the Skull logo sewn onto his chest at the heart side. Her eyes focused on his back, on his broad shoulders and large hands. She longed to touch those hands. To be held by his hands.
- You must be very busy from now on...
he said, remembering the fuss at the ceremony.
-and I heard there are songwriters working on the lyrics for you...
Hikaru's voice just died in his mouth. His hand got completely soaked in the coffee spilling from the cup.
-I love you
Minmay had silently appeared behind him and had silently hugged him from the back.
He felt her small body press against his. Her cheek rubbing against the fabric of his uniform.
- I dont know what happened between you and that woman, but even then... I... just... I...I love you...
Minmay's arms wrapped tightly around his chest. He could smell her sweet floral scent, he could feel her warmth.
Hikaru felt an ache, deep inside.
-Minmay ... I...
tried to say.
But then he heard the clicking of the entry door and the handle being turned.
The door swung open letting in the neon light of the hallway. The outline of a female shape made its way through.
Hikaru and Minmay turned their heads in surprise still wrapped in that embrace.
She was standing there in front of them.
Misa had rushed to get dressed in disbelief, still humming that beautiful tune.
Could it be? Could it be that that plate contained the lyrics to that song? She had slipped on her regulation yellow shirt and brushed her hair back.
She couldn't believe that she had simply deduced it. Yet it was so...
Misa hurried to her laptop and opened the Zentraedis code translator software. Then she made a scan of the metal plate: she tried to combine the Zentraedis' lettering with the Protoculture's one.
The font was different, but very similar, less rounded than giants'... but it might have been a twin alphabet, like hiragana and katakana... she switched on the translator and let out a big sigh.
It costs nothing to try
she thought
"Do you remember when our eyes met for the first time?
Do you remember the moment when our hands came in touch?
It was the first journey of love... between you and me"
Misa's heart started to pound wildly.
Was it because those lines were so good... or was it because she loved him so much? That plate could contain the words to the song. That plate could contain the words to the song! The ones the Zentraedi fleet had been desperately searching for for hundreds of thousands of years...
The promise of happiness had blossomed in her heart like a springing flower. She couldn't wait, she had to tell him-she wanted him to know. She scribbled the words on a piece of paper and grabbed her jacket. She ran out into the hallway. She ran to him.
Misa nervously bit her lip as her eyes scrolled through the words she had written on that tiny piece of paper with the SDF-1 logo on it. The elevator signaled that it had reached the 14th floor. She walked out through a corridor. Hikaru's room was the third in a row of seven. She took a deep breath and for a moment forgot to breathe.
"What you waiting for, go to him! You have to tell him how you really feel!"
Claudia's words echoed in her ears.
"Tomorrow may just be too late."
Misa smiled shyly: her friend was right. She, the one who had lost her love in that horrible war, was so brave and confident. She had to be that way, too.
She lifted her left hand and stretched her index finger over the display encased in the metallic door.
"Four... eleven"
she typed.
The display lit up with a warm white light, the lock clicked, Misa grabbed the handle and pushed the door forward. The small round handle made a tiny sound. Misa, her eyes still fixed on the sheet of paper, slowly raised her lashes. She wore a shy smile on her face: but it changed abruptly when she found before her eyes, what had been her worst nightmare in the past days. Her whole face darkened. Still she pulled the door behind her and took a few steps towards them. Towards Hikaru and Minmay. Her eyes flickered like puddles of rain-soaked water.
Minmay and Hikaru gasped: she softened her grip on Hikaru's chest but did not let go. He remained motionless almost out of inertia, as if drained of any will.
-Sho.. Shōsa... *
he murmured with an all too shaky voice.
Misa looked at him with resignation. Her green eyes were filled with tears.
-What... what's going on?
She said softly. She knew exactly what was going on.
-What... I...
murmured Hikaru.
He felt as if his strength had left him. He foresaw a coming storm but at that point he couldn't just react. He felt Minmay's arms around his waist and felt her warm hands through the fabric of his suit. He wondered in confusion how hands could be so warm.
Then Misa, unexpectedly, took two staggering steps toward them.
-Do you remember this?
She stretched out her arm and held out her small hand to Hikaru. She was clutching the sheet of paper and metal plate. She held them so tightly that her knuckles had whitened.
Hikaru watched that hand, looked at the metal plate and the sheet of paper: an ordinary, crumpled, sheet of paper.
-Yeah... I...
-Its the plate we found in the Ancient city... I tryied to deciphering it and... I found out it might be the lyrics of that song...
Misa took a step back. She brought a hand up close to her face, nearly ashamed of her own words. She felt so miserable. An intruder in that room where she had been asked to go "as many times as she wanted".
-That song?
said Hikaru
-I... I wanted you to be the first one to see it but you...
Misa brought her other hand up to her face.
her voice was a whisper
-But you...
Unable to look at him, to look at both of them, she slumped down on the small shelf where Hikaru kept his Valkyrie model kits displayed.
-But you...
A sob escaped her lips. A single thought swirled in her mind
I must not cry!
Hikaru's eyes went wide, and with a shrug he broke free of Minmay's hug... and she let go of him.
-Hey! wait a sec! It's not what you think...
Hikaru stepped towards her, closing the distance between them. He bent three-quarters wrapping his wounded hand around her shoulder. He barely touched her, in astonishment.
-It's a misunderstanding...
Misa's heart leapt to feel his body bent over her. To feel his scent and hear his voice, so close.
-Its a misunderstanding...?
her thoughts were echoed by Minmay's voice.
It was a livid, outraged voice, already cracked with tears.
-Is this a misunderstanding? How...how can you say that! How!?
Minmay burst out crying
Misa and Hikaru were on the opposite side of the room in front of her: they were together.
Unable to bear that sight she ran towards the door slashing the air: she grabbed the handle and slammed the door on its hinges with a big thud. Her eyes were dripping with tears. She could see nothing ahead and yet she knew she had to leave. But there was nowhere left to go.
Hikaru was starlted by the violent closing of the door in front of his face. For a moment he was paralyzed then he rushed to the gate yelling
-Minmay! Wait!
But his trembling hand failed to grasp the handle.
Misa, still bent over the shelf, looked at him bitterly, then turned her back. She just could not stand watching him walk away.
-Go! Hurry! Go after her! You are finally reunited. Don't mind about me!
she said in her most cold and dry tone.
-Don't mind me...I don't want your pity... your sympathy...
Hikaru couldn't believe his ears. Yet he could not turn around to face her.
Misa's words made his heart bleed. How in the world could she be so stubborn? How could she not have the least bit of faith in him...
-That's not it!
he screamed, silencing her
-That's not it!
he said again. But his voice had softened.
Misa gasped, her eyes wide. She well knew that angry, wild tone of voice. It was the voice of Hikaru Ichijo... that pilot who had changed her life for ever. She tilted her head, didn't say a word.
-When we crossed the ravaged land together and somehow managed to back here alive, when we walked around the city together... We heard Minmay's song... d' you remember? We watched her singing on the screen... that's when I knew... That the one I want by my side forever... its you!
Hikaru's mouth was dry: he asked himself if those were the right words to use. But he didn't have any others.
-You know... I still feel the same.
Misa's eyes and mouth opened widely. For a moment she just couldn't believe her ears. Her legs were weak and she had to hold on to the shelf harder to keep from slipping on the floor.
-Are you... sincere?
she whispered in a low voice
Hikaru turned to face her. He could see her slender shoulders shaking slightly. Her long, glossy hair brushed against her waist. Hikaru frowned with impatience, with tenderness. Maybe she hadn't figured out that he loved her yet. And yet he couldn't bring himself to speak those words.
-I can die in any moment but until then... if you want me... I'll be with you...
Misa squeezed her eyes, lips parted. She lifted her shoulders until she stood up straight but still couldn't move to turn around.
She was suddenly feeling so...happy...
Oh Hikaru
The tears streamed down silently like a river that has burst its banks, and soaked her pale cheeks, slipping down her chin and fading into her collar. Misa sobbed, trying to wipe her face with the back of a hand.
Then she slowly turned around.
He stood in front of her, staring at her, with tenderness.
Misa squinted her eyes in a bit of awe. A small smile flashed in the corner of her mouth.
-Hikaru... I... I'm sorry it's just... it's just that... I can't stop crying!
A laugh of pure joy escaped her lips.
Hikaru smiled too
-Misa...
She rushed into his arms, cradling her head against his chest.
Hikaru passed both arms around Misa's frail shoulders as he had that morning, after the storm, in Japan. He held her gently but tightly: Misa pressed her whole face against his chest in the same way. She brushed lips and nose over the Skull logo embroidered on his uniform, she could hardly breathe: her heart was beating fast and if he hadn't backed her up with his strong hands she felt she would have slipped on the floor. She held him even tighter and then shyly lifted her face. Then, she could see his love for her flashing in his gaze.
He cupped her face in his hands, wiping the edges of her eyes with his thumbs, gently. Her face was a mess: flushed, no makeup, and drenched in tears, yet he had never seen her so beautiful. Misa was lost in his sincere eyes, eyes that shone like a burning comet passing through the darkness of outer space.
He tilted his head and slowly, carefully placed his lips on hers... they melted into a sweet kiss.
Hikaru had made his decision. He didn't think he could, he had always been a rather indecisive guy, but then, just then, he thought about who was the most important person in the world to him and that person was Misa.
His heart leapt, he was happy, yes, for the first time in his life he was so sure.
But then...
the intercom in his room vibrated so loudly that two airplane pictures rattled on their pins and fell to the floor: the frames cracked.
Shammy's voice rang out over the open air: the words were the same as the previous times, but the urgency was immediate.
Attention red alert DEFCON-1! Macross crew. Report to your stations !
We are under attack. This is not a drill.
Attention red alert!
to all Macross crew, repeat: report to your stations and take positions for maximum impact!
We are under attack!
They both gasped as they split apart. Misa ran a hand over her forehead as she listened to the announcement in shock. And yet peace had been declared only a few hours earlier.
-How is this possible?
To all Valkyrie Pilots: report to Armd-02! To all Destroid Pilots: proceed in defense line formation!
-Misa!
Hikaru grabbed her shoulders, squeezing them with urgency: she could feel his strength flowing from his body straight into hers.
-Misa! I have to go!
he said in dispair
He was afraid, he didn't want to leave her
-Hikaru...
Her voice was barely a whisper
They had just learned they loved each other, how was it possible to be separated? Yet, it was necessary.
Hikaru leaned his face towards her, with his palm covered one of her cheeks and searched for her lips but Misa lifted a hand and moved slightly away from him.
-Hikaru... wait
He looked at her in surprise as she picked up the crumpled paper and handed it to him.
-Please take these lyrics to Minmay... she's the only one who can sing this song.
Hikaru's eyes grew wide and his lips parted, but he said nothing
-Please... you can...
Misa swallowed hard
-You can convince her. She will... she will listen to you
Then she forced herself to smile and looked straight into his eyes. Her gaze was sure, resolute, encouraging. Hikaru felt like melting, and nodded: Misa trusted him, this time he wouldn't let her down.
He grabbed the paper eagerly and threw it in his pocket, then he gave her back the same brave look. But their hearts were sad, sad to tears
-Yeah, I will find her...
Then, without thinking, he took her back in his arms, holding her desperately and almost lifting her off the ground. She shuddered in that embrace and wrapped her arms around his neck. She felt tears flood her eyes again. A drop slipped down her cheek and rolled down onto his neck.
-Misa...
he said talking into her messy hair
-I'll be back to you.
She nodded several times without letting go of him then reluctantly pulled away and their eyes met again. She he cleared her throat and glanced at the door.
-Now... go! There's no more time...
Hikaru nodded and let her go, spun on his heels, opened the door and ran, ran down the hallway as fast as the winds.
Misa found herself alone again. She felt that at any time her legs would give out. She leaned against the shelf, she could not believe a new attack was coming.
Minmay had to sing... and Hikaru... would go out in a battle again. For a moment she felt like losing her mind but soon she shook her head and wiped her tears away with the hem of her uniform.
I'll cry later
she thought
They are waiting for me
She raced down the corridor, towards the Macross bridge.
Hikaru had run out of the military quarters not even sure where he was going...there was one single thought in his mind, replaying over and over again:
I must bring these lyrics to Minmay!
His breathing was ragged as he ran up the stairs, taking two at a time. He'd been looking for her for ten, twenty, even thirty minutes, but she didn't seem to be anywhere. He had run all over the ship, but she wasn't with her manager, Kaifun, or anyone else involved in the showbiz.
"I thought she was with you, Lieutenant Ichijo!"
the young man had told him scornfully. He hadn't shown the slightest surprise.
But maybe...
And an idea of where Minmay may have been flashed through his mind. Maybe she was in the Observatory, just where they've been on their date.
And so Hikaru ran, at full speed. Panting heavily he climbed the endless staircase.
-Minmay!
he shouted, trying to quell the pounding in his chest.
At that moment, the shockwave of a gigantic explosion reverberated through space. The Meltrandi leading fleet had encountered the Zentradis', and then it seemed as if the whole of space exploded into fire. A vast area burned like a sun as hundreds, no, thousands of battleships were annihilated in an instant.
Hikaru ran as fast as he could. Fireballs erupted in space, making the blackness as bright as day, and igniting Hikaru's silhouette as he raced strenuously up the stairs. Sweat dripped down his face: finally he got to the top and there she was. There she was, her shoulders slumped, watching the battle going on out in space through the observation window.
-Minmay he said softly.
She lifted her chin slightly. Her eyes were glittering, but with tears.
-I thought you'd be here…
he said with relief.
Minmay stood up hesitantly. She stood still for a few moments, then timidly passed a hand through her hair. She felt a deep emotion.
-Hikaru...
she murmured, and took a few steps towards him
-Hikaru... did you come for me? Did you choose me over her?
Her tear-stained face, lit up with pure joy.
But Hikaru's eyes were coldly distant. He said nothing but reached into his pocket and pulled out the small crumpled piece of paper.
Minmay didn't have to guess, she knew at once what it was about
-I... want... I want you to sing this song...
She looked at him in horror, bringing both hands to her face. She stepped back. Then her eyes flashed with anger.
-What?! How can you ask me to sing that song... that woman's song? HOW?!
Hikaru remained silent, still handing her the sheet of paper, then he said firmly
-I want you to sing this.
She shook her head in refusal
-No...
-Everything is about to end. Please... I'm begging you!
-What's the point?
she cried
-Even if I sing there is no hope for us! We will die anyway!
A colossal explosion shook all the windows on the Observatory. The lights flickered and Hikaru and Minmay's faces glowed with shades of fire. Minmay was trembling with disdain.
-You... you don't know what I've been through! Trapped in that enemy ship! You don't know how much I wanted to see you again!
Her eyes were full of tears
She fell into his arms and sobbed
-Oh Hikaru!
He sighed and weakly reciprocated her embrace.
-Minmay... I'm sorry.
She lifted her face to his.
- I... I fell in love with her... I... I love her.
In that exact moment of awareness, Hikaru realized that he had never said those words to Misa. Perhaps, he would never get the chance to tell her, he would just die, unable to tell her that how much he loved her.
Minmay looked at him completely dumbstruck: this was far more than she could stand.
-No!
she cried
-Don't speak! Dont wanna hear this! Forget about that song and stay with me! If we're gonna die I want to be with you! Oh Hikaru I wish everyone would die except for you and me!
Tears were streaming relentlessly deep down her beautiful face. She didn't even know what she was saying.
Hikaru looked at her with contempt.
-Minmay!
he yelled angrily
He thought with dismay that he would have wanted to slap her*.
-Minmay! How can you say such a thing! Sempai is dead... Kakizaki is dead... as they were trying to protect the ship!
his gaze went blurry.
-We can't just think about ourselves! We have to think about every single person aboard Macross!
Minmay stared at him in astonishment: Hikaru had yelled at her, but now just now, she saw he was crying too, and his were bitter tears.
She walked a few steps around as if staggering.
At that very moment a Valkyrie was shot down by a Zentraedi pod. The large mecha broke into a thousand pieces, leaving a trace as bright as a shooting star through the large panoramic window. Hikaru and Minmay gasped, smelling the scent of fire. A burst of shots surrounded the Observatory's dome, and split it down in the middle. The Earth's sky was daylighted by the enourmous explosions: Hikaru stared in amazement at the horrible sight, his hands were shaking
Misa... please be safe
he prayed inside his heart
When his eyes turned back to Minmay he found that her look had changed. She reached over his hand, took the paper with the lyrics and grasped it tightly.
-Minmay!
his eyes lighting up.
Still without speaking, she looked him in the eyes. He gazed back into hers. Her face gave a brief flash of a smile, and then started beaming with joy.
-I'm sorry Hikaru, I don't know what came into me... I chose this path of my own will... if I dont sing... my parents won't be able to rest in peace.
Oh Minmay...you look so bright as a beautiful summer morning*.
he thought
The Lynn Minmay he had met before had simply been a sweet, smart young woman. The Lynn Minmay who stood before him now, still looked like the same girl, but she had changed completely.
As Hikaru and Misa had walked the ravaged earth, finding their little happiness, Minmay had been a hostage of the Zentraedis. Hikaru had no idea of what she had experienced among them. He could only imagine the immense isolation and loneliness she must have felt. Minmay's memories and feelings will now pour out of her voice, and flow through all of infinite space... gazing into her deep blue eyes, he saw the whole galaxy.
-Minmay will you sing? Will you sing for the people on Macross?
Minmay smiled, it was a sad smile
-Yes I will do! But, today...today I will sing only for you*
On the bridge, Misa, Claudia, Global and the girls were experiencing the same horror of Hikaru and Minmay, and of the other officers, Valkyrie and Destroid pilots, and of all the people on Macross.
The ruined Earth was right at the center of the battlefield.
From all over the galaxy, massive battleships were folding in, one after another. On one side were the males, the Zentraedi forces. On the other, the females: the Meltrandis. They had fought each other all over the outer space, but had chosen the Earth to their decisive battle.
-They're massing all of their fleets!
cried Vanessa: the Macross itself was in the battle zone and just as the opposing fleets started to bomb each other it was caught in the explosions, and the ship was tossed around like a dust mote in the wind.
- Lieutenant La Salle prepares to leave the atmosphere! Mayor Hayase, organize all the Valkyries! We need to get out of this area before the battle really starts!
said Captain Global, his face impassive as usual.
-Aye, sir!
retorted the two young women.
Misa clenched her jaw and began to call out to the squadrons
-Sir! Something reporting from the streaming station!
said Kim
The girl stared at the display with curiosity
-It's... it's Minmay!
Misa gasped in surprise and turned around abruptly, her heart pounding furiously in her chest.
-They are preparing to stream the song!
went on Kim
-But... how is it possible!?
-It's a miracle!
cried Shammy
Global just nodded, still maintaining his composure.
-Of course, it's just an attempt but we have to try.
Claudia cast her gaze on Misa, she had both hands on her chest and was smiling: the corners of her eyes glistened with tears... then she knew.
The captain got up from his chair and took a few steps onto the bridge, then stopped right in the way:
-As soon as we get out of the atmosphere we shall be ready to start Operation MINMAY ATTACK*!
Hikaru reached the ARM-02. His heart was racing furiously and sweat was freezing on his back. His feet lifted slightly off the ground, a sign that Macross had exited the atmosphere.
This time there was no Max waiting for him, no Roy. A Super Armored Valkyrie was being slowly dropped from a pulley on the ceiling. As he fastened his flight suit and slipped on his gloves he saw one of the engineers waving a hand
-Lieutenant Ichijo!
Hikaru joined him. The old chief's name was Nakajima*, he had served UN Spacy for years and was Roy's close friend. He stared at him intently, as if seeing him for the first time.
-Your Valkyrie is ready!
he said pointing at the fighter
-Good luck, Skull leader!
Hikaru felt Roy's presence among them, like a spark of life: he furrowed brows and nodded, saluting the old man.
Hikaru headed out into space, once again. In front of him, he saw endless explosions of the ongoing battle. His stomach sank.
We need to stop the war as soon as possible.
All he had to think about now was helping the Macross get through the battlefield without getting shot down. He kept keenly focused on the enemy's movements. A Pod detached itself and jumped toward straightened his spine, and all his nerves twitched. His hand was tightening on the stick when he heard the call from the bridge.
-Lieutenant Ichijo! Are you all right?
Misa appeared on the screen: her face was tense.
-Major Hayase! I'm fine!
Hikaru reached out a hand and placed it on the display - it was all he could do. He didn't know if he was breaking some official protocol, or if Global was watching him, but he didn't care, that gesture was all he could do to tell Misa that he was still alive, and that he loved her.
On the other side of the screen she froze, her heart in pieces. Instinctively she mimicked his movements and stretched her arm toward the display. Their hands, miles apart, reached out and touched. No one on the bridge breathed and no one let go of a sound.
-We're about to begin the Minmay Attack... Skull 1 be safe!
said Misa with a soft voice.
Hikaru nodded and gazed at her tenderly, as inside the Macross, the music started to play.
to be continued
notes:
1) In the reboot manga version Macross -The first it' s Misa who introduces the Valkyries' air show on the day of the launch ( instead of Roy, ep.1 Boobytrap).
2) & 3) Lines from SDFMacross tv series, ep. 33 Rainy Nighy
4)Lines from ep. 36 Farewell to Tenderness
5)Excerpt from the screenplay of the movie "Final outpost Macross": look it up online. It was a made in USA project for an action movie sponsored by Kawamori himself. Sadly it was never produced, but it is an interesting read!
6)0-G Love is a song from Macross OST, performed by Mari Ijima-Lynn Minmay
7) Shousa = Major in Japanese
8) I decided to delete the slap scene. In 1984 it could might be tolerated, but I find it too much for nowadays
9)Lines from ep 32 Broken Heart
10)Lines from ep 27 Love drifts away
11)Minmay Attack: in all Macross sequels is the procedure that combines music with "conventional weapons"
12) Raizou Nakajima is a supporting character in the Macross Zero OVAS
Hello everyone! Welcome to the 6th and second-to-last chapter! I saved the final battle-scene for chapter 7 -that will be also an epilogue!
Two days ago was Minmay's birthday (10-10-1993) and in Japan it was celebrated with a television broadcast of Macross DoYou Remember Love?. Needless to say, it has been an incredible success with viewers: its truly a terrific movie that won't ever get old.
Well I just wanted to thank you for being here and most of all, for your lovely reviews! They are what keep me going in my writing!
See you soon.
With all my love,
Mao :D