Episode 19: Ride on Shooting Star Part II
(At Immigrations Headquarters)
Amarao looks away from the screen to see Kitsurubami staring distantly at a memo she's holding. Her eyes are glazed over as if she's about to cry.
Amarao: (raising an eyebrow) You all right, Kitsurubami...?
Kitsurubami: (snapping back to reality) Oh...! Yeah, I'm fine.
She forced a smile to reassure him, but it was a pretty pathetic display. Even she was sure of that.
Amarao: Don't worry about it...
Kitsurubami: (sighing) ...
Amarao: You did the best you could...
Kitsurubami: No... I should have been there for him...
Amarao: ...
Kitsurubami: He was right... I'm no better than HER...
Amarao: Believe me, ANYTHING'S better than HER...
Kitsurubami: (hopefully) Commander, do you think he'll be all right...?
Amarao: I don't see why not... He can take care of himself...
Kitsurubami: I guess...
Amarao: You ... care about him ... don't you...?
Kitsurubami: (blushing) ...
Amarao: (thinking) Hmph. That kid gets all the luck...
Worker: Commander, look at this?!
Kitsurubami: Huh?!
Amarao: What is it?!
On the screen, footage of a fleet of ships led by what was assumed to be the "mother ship" were steadily approaching.
Worker: Sir what should we do?! They've already passed by Jupiter and Mars!
Kitsurubami: They're that close and you're just now picking it up?!
Amarao: (under his breath) Medical Mechanica!
Kitsurubami: What now, Commander?!
Amarao: (thinking) What are we going to do...?
Things were quiet the next day at the Nandaba house. No one seemed to be in the mood to talk or do much of anything. Naota still hadn't come back, but Kamon assured everyone that he'd be "walking through the door any minute, now." Haruko knew better.
They all sat silently at the breakfast table, avoiding eye contact. There was nothing to say. Suddenly, the loud announcement speaker split the eerie silence in half. Everyone looked up.
Loudspeaker: ATTENTION ALL MABASE CITIZENS. WE ARE NOW UNDER A STATE OF EMERGENCY. PLEASE RELOCATE TO THE NEAREST FALLOUT SHELTER AND REMAIN THERE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. I REPEAT PLEASE... (continuing on in the back ground)
Kamon: Huh...?
Haruko: Hmmm...?
Naota woke up slowly. It had taken him hours to get to sleep, so he didn't get much rest at all. Suddenly, a voice from above widened his eyes.
Amarao: (flatly) Morning, SUNSHINE...
Naota sat up with a start and looked up. The Commander sat astride his little motor scooter. His eyebrows stood out firmly against his orange sunglasses. He raised one in slight interest.
Naota: Huh...? Oh, what are YOU doing here...?
Amarao: I'm just out for a ride.
Naota: (scoffing) Liar.
Amarao: What are YOU doing out here...?
Naota: None of your business.
Amarao: Hey, no need to get defensive...
Naota: I'm not being defensive...
Amarao: You alone?
Naota: Why...?
Amarao: Where's Haruko?
Naota: Who cares...?
Amarao: I guess you're right... Must feel nice to drop a burden like her...
Naota: ...?
Amarao: Yeah... She brings way too much baggage to the table... You're better off without her...
Naota: (looking away, thoughtfully) ...
Amarao: So, where are you headed?
Naota: Away from here...
Amarao: Nowhere in particular...?
Naota: ...
Amarao: Sounds nice... I'd like to travel, but things like that aren't possible for someone like me... Too many responsibilities, right...?
In the middle of an abandoned Mabase, right beside the old iron-shaped factory plant, a giant beam of light comes down from the sky, glowing bright white. The moment it hits the ground, robots of all kinds begin to emerge from it.
They seem endless. Haruko, Canti and Ninamori arrive from the left, Kitsurubami and some of her soldiers from the right, both led to the same spot, each side ready to fight.
Naota: Whatever...
Amarao: The next town is about twenty miles away...
Naota: So...?
Amarao: Might be hard to get there on you're own...
Naota: I can manage...
The robots attack with unending stamina. The fight begins, each side striking with equal force. Haruko and Kitsurubami immediately took point with Canti, Ninamori (wielding a purple bass) and Kitsurubami's team back them up.
Amarao: Alone...?
Naota: Why do you care...?
Amarao: I don't. I'm just surprised Raharu isn't coming with you...
Naota: (glaring at him) I don't NEED her... I don't NEED ANYONE...!
Amarao: I bet you're right... You're a tough kid... You'll make it... I mean, who needs friends, right...? More problems; that's what I say...
While Amarao's talking, Haruko, Canti and Kitsurubami can be seen fighting off a hoard of giant robots, losing ground, inch by inch. Despite their strength and stamina, the overwhelming odds, they are slowly being worn down.
Naota: ...
Amarao: Friends have always been a crutch for the weak... Look at me... Do I look like I need any friends...? No. I did it all on my own...
Naota: ...
Amarao: I mean, what's being... LONELY...?
Naota: ...
Amarao: Who needs dead weight like them? They were just slowing you down...
Naota: ...
Amarao: I mean, did your brother ever had any friends...?
Naota: (slowly) Well... yeah... (thinking) LOTS of them...
Amarao: Oh, well... YOU don't right...?
Naota: ...
Amarao: You've always dealt with your problems alone, right...?
Naota: ...
Amarao: Well, I'm going to get going... In case you didn't, pretty much every city on Earth has been put under fallout standby... We're under attack...
Amarao starts up his scooter and gets ready to leave.
Naota: Where are you going...?
Amarao: I'm running, just like you... Its the only smart thing to do...
Naota: ...
Amarao: I'm not like Haruko and Kitsurubami... They stayed behind... I don't like fighting losing battles...
Naota: (thinking) Haruko... Kitsurubami...
Amarao: And there was a little girl with them... She had purple hair, I think...
Naota: (softly) Ninamori...!?
Amarao: (shrugging) Who cares...? They'll never pull it off... Might as well forget them...
Naota: ...!
Amarao: You know... There's a train leaving in about ten minute for the capitol. Want to come along...
Naota: You're just going to leave them there...?
Amarao: Why not...? Who needs them...?
Naota: (suddenly) Coward...
Amarao: What's that...?
Naota: You coward...!
Amarao: What are you talking about...?
Naota: You can't always run away just because things aren't going the way you want them to... Life doesn't work that way... You'd be running forever...
Amarao: What's wrong with that...?
Naota: I'M SICK OF RUNNING! I'M GOING TO FACE MY PROBLEMS, EVEN IF YOU'RE TOO CHICKEN TO FACE YOURS!
With that, Naota turned and ran back toward Mabase at full speed. Behind him, Amarao smiled knowingly.
Amarao: (to himself) Good job, kid...
(back in Mabase)
Kitsurubami: I don't think we can keep this up for too long!
Haruko: We're losing ground...!
Kitsurubami: We need help!
Haruko: Where are we going to get it?! We just have to tough it out...!
Kitsurubami: (thinking) If only Naota were here...
Without warning, one of the robots rushed up on Kitsurubami while her guard was down. It took its arm and knocked her to the ground, then raised one insect-like leg above her head, ready to crush her under its massive weight and power.
Ninamori: (panicking) Kitsurubami!
Haruko: No!
The foot came down with so much force, it cracked the ground beneath it. But when the dust cleared, the lieutenant was nowhere to be seen. Everyone stopped and looked around, completely baffled. Ninamori was the first to spot her.
The unsettled debris split away like great cloudy curtains as the iron suddenly roamed before them. and standing a few yards away was Naota with a trembling Kitsurubami on his back. He stood proudly, the worn-out demeanor gone from him. In his right hand, he held his trusty Rickenbacker. Haruko remember that she left it back at the house when they came to fight. Ninamori was in shock. Canti stood dumbly. Haruko paused, then grinned from ear to ear. He came.
Haruko: I thought you weren't coming back, Takkun...
Naota: I'm done running...
Ninamori: Naota...
The robot's, who'd been watching for a few minutes, all turned their attack to Naota, rushing straight at the boy. Naota gently put Kitsurubami down beside him and raised his guitar, braced to strike the first blow.
With amazing speed, he leapt forward and brought his guitar down on the ground between him and the oncoming robots. The street erupted in a shower on dirt and concrete. Naota hopped back and shielded his face with his arm.
The blast sent the robots high into the air, writhing and squirming helplessly, only to come crashing back to Earth in piled of scrap metal. A deep, empty creator stood where Naota had made contact.
Ninamori: Whoa...
Kitsurubami: ...?!
Naota: (still ready to fight) ...
Suddenly, a flash of red light broke out from the sky, parting the clouds of smoke released by the MM plant. The hot brilliance poured out over Mabase like a visible breeze. All eyes turned to the sky in awe; and there he was. From the above, a great crimson form descended; Atomsk in all his majesty. His wings flowed silently as he slowly swooped down over them.
Haruko: Atomsk...!
Ninamori: Wha...?!
Kitsurubami: Its him!
Amarao: (from outside of town) WHAT?! HE ACTUALLY CAME?! HE ACTUALLY SHOWED UP?!
Haruko: (grinning) I knew it...
Atomsk picked up speed and silently sped off, away from the group, headed away from Mabase.
The beam of bright light pulsed again, and in a few seconds, a new wave of robots emerged. This time, there were three times as many. Naota turned to Haruko.
Naota: HARUKO! I COULD USE SOME...!
Haruko: (cutting him off) Sorry Takkun, but I've got a date!
Strapping her guitar onto her shoulder, Haruko hopped onto her Vespa and rode off, riding directly under the great red bird.
Naota: HARUKO!
She didn't answer. Naota grumbled under his breath as he watched her heading off after the Pirate King.
Naota: Great...
Meanwhile, the robots were almost on them. Naota had to think fast.
Naota: Canti! Get them out of here!
The blue robot nodded and scooped up Ninamori, then flew over and grabbed two officers by their belt loops. With a final nod, he flew off in the opposite direction. Naota looked down at Kitsurubami. They both stood silent. Each wanted to say something, but neither had the courage to speak first. A sudden laser blast brought them back to reality.
Kitsurubami: What are we going to do?!
Naota: (turning his back to her) Grab on!
Kitsurubami was confused, but did it anyway. Naota crouched down to the ground, the sprang high into the air. Despite Kitsurubami's weight, Naota easily cleared the standard apex of a model rocket. Quickly, he turned his guitar in his hands, neck pointed down.
Naota: Hang on tight!
Kitsurubami: (thinking) I guess as much... (aloud) Okay!
Naota pulled the trigger on his guitar, releasing an awesome blast. The jolt sent both of them backwards as a great red orb shot forth. The ball of red collided with the mass of robots, engulfing them in light and heat. A blinding flash assured Naota that he'd hit his mark.
Kitsurubami: Wow... That's power...
Naota: (blushing) Heh...
Ina nearby field just outside of town, Haruko and Atomsk had landed. The strange alien girl faced off against the enormous bird standing a few yards away.
Haruko: (grinning) Heh... I finally got you...
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: "Why am I doing this?" Why do you think?!
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: What do you mean, "no?!"
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: "Destiny?!" You can't mean him?!
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: NO, THERE'S NO WAY I'M HANDING YOU OVER TO HIM! NOT AFTER ALL I'VE SACRIFICED!
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: "HIS SACRIFICES...?!"
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: WHAT ABOUT ME?! WHY DO YOU KEEP LEAVING ME BEHIND?!
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: (gasping in shock) ... (thinking) He's... he's right... I did the same thing to Takkun... I'm no different...
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: (grinning solemnly) I guess in the end, I couldn't win...
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: So, you came all this way ... for him...?
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: You think he has that much potential...?
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: (waving him away) Yeah, yeah... Whatever... But why...?
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: "Missing piece...?"
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: Well, it took you long enough... Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting on this backwoods planet? You could at least be punctual...
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: Sure ... yeah... RIGHT...
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: So... I guess, I won't be seeing you for a while, huh...?
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: Eh, I'll get over it... I always do...
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: All right, then...
Naota: HARUKO!
Haruko: (turning to grin at him) So, you FINALLY made it, huh...?
Naota: No thanks to you, you traitor!
Haruko: Hey, Takkun... C'mere...!
Naota sets Kitsurubami down and slowly comes to Haruko's side, carefully eying the red bird before them. The lieutenant just stares in awe.
Haruko: (throwing her left arm around the boy's shoulder) Takkun, this is Atomsk! (to Atomsk) Atomsk, Takkun...
Naota: (frowning) ...
Haruko: We don't have a lot of time, so I'll make this quick... Atomsk is in trouble and he needs your help... You see, guys like him don't live very long, so ever half-a-century he's got to find someone to pass his power on to or else it'll be lost for good... That's where you come in...!
Naota: Me...?
Haruko: Takkun...
Naota: (snatching away from her) Whoa! Wait a second! Why me?! Why not you?! You're the one that wants him so bad!
Haruko: He chose YOU...
Naota: ...
Haruko: That's right... He wants you has his successor...
Naota: Uh...
Haruko: Its not that hard-of-a choice, Takkun... You're always talking about how boring things are... Imagine what you could do with this kind of power...! Imagine...!
Naota: Well...
Haruko: But, right now, MM is about to launch a full scale assault on Earth and you're the only one that can stop it...
Naota: ...
Haruko: Time is running out, kid... So be smart about your choice...
They stand silently for a while. Finally, Nota answers.
Naota: All right...
Haruko smiled broadly and crushed him in a bear hug. Naota wrestles himself away from her and scowls.
Naota: But just this once...! Its not a permanent thing, all right?! When they're gone, he's gone!
Haruko: (to Atomsk) Okay! He's all prep-ed!
Haruko backs away, taking a seat behind a still shocked Kitsurubami. Naota steps forward, watching the bird closely.
Naota: Okay...
The bird nods to him, then takes to the air. His wings kick up sand and dry grass as he slowly ascends, higher and higher. His wings pump the air, pushing him up beyond the clouds.
Then, as gradually as he started, he stopped. Above then, the Pirate King moved into a free-fall, pointed beak down. He pulled his wings in for less air resistance. He looked like a glowing missile as he plummeted to Earth. Naota braced himself for impact. This looked like it was going to hurt.
They collided in a flash of red. The enormous bird suddenly caved in, drawing himself into an orb the size a basketball. His aura remain still brilliant, despite his change in size. With a jolt, it entered Naota's body through his forehead. The energy swirled around him, tunneling into his skull. Despite the unbelievable strain, Naota took it all in stride. To a bystander, it looked as though he felt nothing.
Naota was slowly engulfed in the red aura. It traced his entire body, making him almost glow hot pink. Red streams of electrical energy hopped around him, in and out of his body. And on his forehead, in bright light, was etched the insignia of the Pirate King.
Haruko: He did it!
Kitsurubami: He's... glowing again...
Naota eyed Haruko for a moment. Then his gazed landed on Kitsurubami. He watched her with interest, as if it was the first time he'd seen her. It puzzled the young soldier.
He nodded to himself in quiet content and with a quick jolt, took off toward Mabase.
Haruko: (getting up) What do you think of your "boyfriend," now?
Kitsurubami watched her mount her Vespa and start it. Haruko gave her a sly look.
Haruko: Are you going or staying...?
Kitsurubami: Oh!
She scrabbled to her feet and got on behind the alien, tightly gripping her small shoulders. Haruko ground the handlebars and hooted loudly.
Haruko: CLIMAX PART TWO!
Naota made it to Mabase in no time. He landed in the creator he'd made while fighting off the robots. Not far away, Canti and Ninamori were sitting on the street curb. They must have come back when they heard the noise die down and wanted to wait around.
Besides that, there was nothing but rubble and scrap metal left. Haruko pulled up behind him and glanced around.
Haruko: That's weird... You'd think this place would be crawling with robots...
Ninamori: Wait... (pointing to the top of the MM iron) What's that...?
All eyes followed her finger, over the ruined street to the iron. A humanoid form sat perched on the iron handle, dark and sinister, in a way. Haruko recognized it right away. She didn't have to look at it to know. Naota's face said it all. That mix of shock and dismay. His aura died down, leaving him looking like his normal self.
Ninamori: It's him...
Naota: (trembling) Tasuke...
---------------------
RIDE ON SHOOTING STAR
ORANGE no SLIDE utsusu sora
SPONGE no PRIDE burasakete
SPIDER
kike totta sono yokan wa
kakusanakuta tte ii n da
iro no tsuita yume mitai na
Ride on Shooting Star
kokoro no koe de sandanjû no yô ni
utai tsutzuketa
GRUNGE no HAMSTER otona bite
REVENGE no LOBSTER hiki tsurete
SNIPER
fuchi totta sono sekai ni
nani ga mieru tte iu n da
nerau mae ni sawaritai na
Ride on Shooting Star
kimi o sagashite kindanshôjô ch
uso o tsuita
Ride on Shooting Star
kokoro no koe de sandanjû no yô ni
utai tsutzuketa
---------------------
Haruko: I think that's enough now... We'll just keep you guessing for a while... Heh heh heh... Next on Fooly Cooly: Episode 20: Ride on Shooting Star Part III!
(At Immigrations Headquarters)
Amarao looks away from the screen to see Kitsurubami staring distantly at a memo she's holding. Her eyes are glazed over as if she's about to cry.
Amarao: (raising an eyebrow) You all right, Kitsurubami...?
Kitsurubami: (snapping back to reality) Oh...! Yeah, I'm fine.
She forced a smile to reassure him, but it was a pretty pathetic display. Even she was sure of that.
Amarao: Don't worry about it...
Kitsurubami: (sighing) ...
Amarao: You did the best you could...
Kitsurubami: No... I should have been there for him...
Amarao: ...
Kitsurubami: He was right... I'm no better than HER...
Amarao: Believe me, ANYTHING'S better than HER...
Kitsurubami: (hopefully) Commander, do you think he'll be all right...?
Amarao: I don't see why not... He can take care of himself...
Kitsurubami: I guess...
Amarao: You ... care about him ... don't you...?
Kitsurubami: (blushing) ...
Amarao: (thinking) Hmph. That kid gets all the luck...
Worker: Commander, look at this?!
Kitsurubami: Huh?!
Amarao: What is it?!
On the screen, footage of a fleet of ships led by what was assumed to be the "mother ship" were steadily approaching.
Worker: Sir what should we do?! They've already passed by Jupiter and Mars!
Kitsurubami: They're that close and you're just now picking it up?!
Amarao: (under his breath) Medical Mechanica!
Kitsurubami: What now, Commander?!
Amarao: (thinking) What are we going to do...?
Things were quiet the next day at the Nandaba house. No one seemed to be in the mood to talk or do much of anything. Naota still hadn't come back, but Kamon assured everyone that he'd be "walking through the door any minute, now." Haruko knew better.
They all sat silently at the breakfast table, avoiding eye contact. There was nothing to say. Suddenly, the loud announcement speaker split the eerie silence in half. Everyone looked up.
Loudspeaker: ATTENTION ALL MABASE CITIZENS. WE ARE NOW UNDER A STATE OF EMERGENCY. PLEASE RELOCATE TO THE NEAREST FALLOUT SHELTER AND REMAIN THERE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. I REPEAT PLEASE... (continuing on in the back ground)
Kamon: Huh...?
Haruko: Hmmm...?
Naota woke up slowly. It had taken him hours to get to sleep, so he didn't get much rest at all. Suddenly, a voice from above widened his eyes.
Amarao: (flatly) Morning, SUNSHINE...
Naota sat up with a start and looked up. The Commander sat astride his little motor scooter. His eyebrows stood out firmly against his orange sunglasses. He raised one in slight interest.
Naota: Huh...? Oh, what are YOU doing here...?
Amarao: I'm just out for a ride.
Naota: (scoffing) Liar.
Amarao: What are YOU doing out here...?
Naota: None of your business.
Amarao: Hey, no need to get defensive...
Naota: I'm not being defensive...
Amarao: You alone?
Naota: Why...?
Amarao: Where's Haruko?
Naota: Who cares...?
Amarao: I guess you're right... Must feel nice to drop a burden like her...
Naota: ...?
Amarao: Yeah... She brings way too much baggage to the table... You're better off without her...
Naota: (looking away, thoughtfully) ...
Amarao: So, where are you headed?
Naota: Away from here...
Amarao: Nowhere in particular...?
Naota: ...
Amarao: Sounds nice... I'd like to travel, but things like that aren't possible for someone like me... Too many responsibilities, right...?
In the middle of an abandoned Mabase, right beside the old iron-shaped factory plant, a giant beam of light comes down from the sky, glowing bright white. The moment it hits the ground, robots of all kinds begin to emerge from it.
They seem endless. Haruko, Canti and Ninamori arrive from the left, Kitsurubami and some of her soldiers from the right, both led to the same spot, each side ready to fight.
Naota: Whatever...
Amarao: The next town is about twenty miles away...
Naota: So...?
Amarao: Might be hard to get there on you're own...
Naota: I can manage...
The robots attack with unending stamina. The fight begins, each side striking with equal force. Haruko and Kitsurubami immediately took point with Canti, Ninamori (wielding a purple bass) and Kitsurubami's team back them up.
Amarao: Alone...?
Naota: Why do you care...?
Amarao: I don't. I'm just surprised Raharu isn't coming with you...
Naota: (glaring at him) I don't NEED her... I don't NEED ANYONE...!
Amarao: I bet you're right... You're a tough kid... You'll make it... I mean, who needs friends, right...? More problems; that's what I say...
While Amarao's talking, Haruko, Canti and Kitsurubami can be seen fighting off a hoard of giant robots, losing ground, inch by inch. Despite their strength and stamina, the overwhelming odds, they are slowly being worn down.
Naota: ...
Amarao: Friends have always been a crutch for the weak... Look at me... Do I look like I need any friends...? No. I did it all on my own...
Naota: ...
Amarao: I mean, what's being... LONELY...?
Naota: ...
Amarao: Who needs dead weight like them? They were just slowing you down...
Naota: ...
Amarao: I mean, did your brother ever had any friends...?
Naota: (slowly) Well... yeah... (thinking) LOTS of them...
Amarao: Oh, well... YOU don't right...?
Naota: ...
Amarao: You've always dealt with your problems alone, right...?
Naota: ...
Amarao: Well, I'm going to get going... In case you didn't, pretty much every city on Earth has been put under fallout standby... We're under attack...
Amarao starts up his scooter and gets ready to leave.
Naota: Where are you going...?
Amarao: I'm running, just like you... Its the only smart thing to do...
Naota: ...
Amarao: I'm not like Haruko and Kitsurubami... They stayed behind... I don't like fighting losing battles...
Naota: (thinking) Haruko... Kitsurubami...
Amarao: And there was a little girl with them... She had purple hair, I think...
Naota: (softly) Ninamori...!?
Amarao: (shrugging) Who cares...? They'll never pull it off... Might as well forget them...
Naota: ...!
Amarao: You know... There's a train leaving in about ten minute for the capitol. Want to come along...
Naota: You're just going to leave them there...?
Amarao: Why not...? Who needs them...?
Naota: (suddenly) Coward...
Amarao: What's that...?
Naota: You coward...!
Amarao: What are you talking about...?
Naota: You can't always run away just because things aren't going the way you want them to... Life doesn't work that way... You'd be running forever...
Amarao: What's wrong with that...?
Naota: I'M SICK OF RUNNING! I'M GOING TO FACE MY PROBLEMS, EVEN IF YOU'RE TOO CHICKEN TO FACE YOURS!
With that, Naota turned and ran back toward Mabase at full speed. Behind him, Amarao smiled knowingly.
Amarao: (to himself) Good job, kid...
(back in Mabase)
Kitsurubami: I don't think we can keep this up for too long!
Haruko: We're losing ground...!
Kitsurubami: We need help!
Haruko: Where are we going to get it?! We just have to tough it out...!
Kitsurubami: (thinking) If only Naota were here...
Without warning, one of the robots rushed up on Kitsurubami while her guard was down. It took its arm and knocked her to the ground, then raised one insect-like leg above her head, ready to crush her under its massive weight and power.
Ninamori: (panicking) Kitsurubami!
Haruko: No!
The foot came down with so much force, it cracked the ground beneath it. But when the dust cleared, the lieutenant was nowhere to be seen. Everyone stopped and looked around, completely baffled. Ninamori was the first to spot her.
The unsettled debris split away like great cloudy curtains as the iron suddenly roamed before them. and standing a few yards away was Naota with a trembling Kitsurubami on his back. He stood proudly, the worn-out demeanor gone from him. In his right hand, he held his trusty Rickenbacker. Haruko remember that she left it back at the house when they came to fight. Ninamori was in shock. Canti stood dumbly. Haruko paused, then grinned from ear to ear. He came.
Haruko: I thought you weren't coming back, Takkun...
Naota: I'm done running...
Ninamori: Naota...
The robot's, who'd been watching for a few minutes, all turned their attack to Naota, rushing straight at the boy. Naota gently put Kitsurubami down beside him and raised his guitar, braced to strike the first blow.
With amazing speed, he leapt forward and brought his guitar down on the ground between him and the oncoming robots. The street erupted in a shower on dirt and concrete. Naota hopped back and shielded his face with his arm.
The blast sent the robots high into the air, writhing and squirming helplessly, only to come crashing back to Earth in piled of scrap metal. A deep, empty creator stood where Naota had made contact.
Ninamori: Whoa...
Kitsurubami: ...?!
Naota: (still ready to fight) ...
Suddenly, a flash of red light broke out from the sky, parting the clouds of smoke released by the MM plant. The hot brilliance poured out over Mabase like a visible breeze. All eyes turned to the sky in awe; and there he was. From the above, a great crimson form descended; Atomsk in all his majesty. His wings flowed silently as he slowly swooped down over them.
Haruko: Atomsk...!
Ninamori: Wha...?!
Kitsurubami: Its him!
Amarao: (from outside of town) WHAT?! HE ACTUALLY CAME?! HE ACTUALLY SHOWED UP?!
Haruko: (grinning) I knew it...
Atomsk picked up speed and silently sped off, away from the group, headed away from Mabase.
The beam of bright light pulsed again, and in a few seconds, a new wave of robots emerged. This time, there were three times as many. Naota turned to Haruko.
Naota: HARUKO! I COULD USE SOME...!
Haruko: (cutting him off) Sorry Takkun, but I've got a date!
Strapping her guitar onto her shoulder, Haruko hopped onto her Vespa and rode off, riding directly under the great red bird.
Naota: HARUKO!
She didn't answer. Naota grumbled under his breath as he watched her heading off after the Pirate King.
Naota: Great...
Meanwhile, the robots were almost on them. Naota had to think fast.
Naota: Canti! Get them out of here!
The blue robot nodded and scooped up Ninamori, then flew over and grabbed two officers by their belt loops. With a final nod, he flew off in the opposite direction. Naota looked down at Kitsurubami. They both stood silent. Each wanted to say something, but neither had the courage to speak first. A sudden laser blast brought them back to reality.
Kitsurubami: What are we going to do?!
Naota: (turning his back to her) Grab on!
Kitsurubami was confused, but did it anyway. Naota crouched down to the ground, the sprang high into the air. Despite Kitsurubami's weight, Naota easily cleared the standard apex of a model rocket. Quickly, he turned his guitar in his hands, neck pointed down.
Naota: Hang on tight!
Kitsurubami: (thinking) I guess as much... (aloud) Okay!
Naota pulled the trigger on his guitar, releasing an awesome blast. The jolt sent both of them backwards as a great red orb shot forth. The ball of red collided with the mass of robots, engulfing them in light and heat. A blinding flash assured Naota that he'd hit his mark.
Kitsurubami: Wow... That's power...
Naota: (blushing) Heh...
Ina nearby field just outside of town, Haruko and Atomsk had landed. The strange alien girl faced off against the enormous bird standing a few yards away.
Haruko: (grinning) Heh... I finally got you...
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: "Why am I doing this?" Why do you think?!
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: What do you mean, "no?!"
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: "Destiny?!" You can't mean him?!
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: NO, THERE'S NO WAY I'M HANDING YOU OVER TO HIM! NOT AFTER ALL I'VE SACRIFICED!
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: "HIS SACRIFICES...?!"
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: WHAT ABOUT ME?! WHY DO YOU KEEP LEAVING ME BEHIND?!
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: (gasping in shock) ... (thinking) He's... he's right... I did the same thing to Takkun... I'm no different...
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: (grinning solemnly) I guess in the end, I couldn't win...
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: So, you came all this way ... for him...?
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: You think he has that much potential...?
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: (waving him away) Yeah, yeah... Whatever... But why...?
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: "Missing piece...?"
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: Well, it took you long enough... Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting on this backwoods planet? You could at least be punctual...
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: Sure ... yeah... RIGHT...
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: So... I guess, I won't be seeing you for a while, huh...?
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: Eh, I'll get over it... I always do...
Atomsk: ...
Haruko: All right, then...
Naota: HARUKO!
Haruko: (turning to grin at him) So, you FINALLY made it, huh...?
Naota: No thanks to you, you traitor!
Haruko: Hey, Takkun... C'mere...!
Naota sets Kitsurubami down and slowly comes to Haruko's side, carefully eying the red bird before them. The lieutenant just stares in awe.
Haruko: (throwing her left arm around the boy's shoulder) Takkun, this is Atomsk! (to Atomsk) Atomsk, Takkun...
Naota: (frowning) ...
Haruko: We don't have a lot of time, so I'll make this quick... Atomsk is in trouble and he needs your help... You see, guys like him don't live very long, so ever half-a-century he's got to find someone to pass his power on to or else it'll be lost for good... That's where you come in...!
Naota: Me...?
Haruko: Takkun...
Naota: (snatching away from her) Whoa! Wait a second! Why me?! Why not you?! You're the one that wants him so bad!
Haruko: He chose YOU...
Naota: ...
Haruko: That's right... He wants you has his successor...
Naota: Uh...
Haruko: Its not that hard-of-a choice, Takkun... You're always talking about how boring things are... Imagine what you could do with this kind of power...! Imagine...!
Naota: Well...
Haruko: But, right now, MM is about to launch a full scale assault on Earth and you're the only one that can stop it...
Naota: ...
Haruko: Time is running out, kid... So be smart about your choice...
They stand silently for a while. Finally, Nota answers.
Naota: All right...
Haruko smiled broadly and crushed him in a bear hug. Naota wrestles himself away from her and scowls.
Naota: But just this once...! Its not a permanent thing, all right?! When they're gone, he's gone!
Haruko: (to Atomsk) Okay! He's all prep-ed!
Haruko backs away, taking a seat behind a still shocked Kitsurubami. Naota steps forward, watching the bird closely.
Naota: Okay...
The bird nods to him, then takes to the air. His wings kick up sand and dry grass as he slowly ascends, higher and higher. His wings pump the air, pushing him up beyond the clouds.
Then, as gradually as he started, he stopped. Above then, the Pirate King moved into a free-fall, pointed beak down. He pulled his wings in for less air resistance. He looked like a glowing missile as he plummeted to Earth. Naota braced himself for impact. This looked like it was going to hurt.
They collided in a flash of red. The enormous bird suddenly caved in, drawing himself into an orb the size a basketball. His aura remain still brilliant, despite his change in size. With a jolt, it entered Naota's body through his forehead. The energy swirled around him, tunneling into his skull. Despite the unbelievable strain, Naota took it all in stride. To a bystander, it looked as though he felt nothing.
Naota was slowly engulfed in the red aura. It traced his entire body, making him almost glow hot pink. Red streams of electrical energy hopped around him, in and out of his body. And on his forehead, in bright light, was etched the insignia of the Pirate King.
Haruko: He did it!
Kitsurubami: He's... glowing again...
Naota eyed Haruko for a moment. Then his gazed landed on Kitsurubami. He watched her with interest, as if it was the first time he'd seen her. It puzzled the young soldier.
He nodded to himself in quiet content and with a quick jolt, took off toward Mabase.
Haruko: (getting up) What do you think of your "boyfriend," now?
Kitsurubami watched her mount her Vespa and start it. Haruko gave her a sly look.
Haruko: Are you going or staying...?
Kitsurubami: Oh!
She scrabbled to her feet and got on behind the alien, tightly gripping her small shoulders. Haruko ground the handlebars and hooted loudly.
Haruko: CLIMAX PART TWO!
Naota made it to Mabase in no time. He landed in the creator he'd made while fighting off the robots. Not far away, Canti and Ninamori were sitting on the street curb. They must have come back when they heard the noise die down and wanted to wait around.
Besides that, there was nothing but rubble and scrap metal left. Haruko pulled up behind him and glanced around.
Haruko: That's weird... You'd think this place would be crawling with robots...
Ninamori: Wait... (pointing to the top of the MM iron) What's that...?
All eyes followed her finger, over the ruined street to the iron. A humanoid form sat perched on the iron handle, dark and sinister, in a way. Haruko recognized it right away. She didn't have to look at it to know. Naota's face said it all. That mix of shock and dismay. His aura died down, leaving him looking like his normal self.
Ninamori: It's him...
Naota: (trembling) Tasuke...
---------------------
RIDE ON SHOOTING STAR
ORANGE no SLIDE utsusu sora
SPONGE no PRIDE burasakete
SPIDER
kike totta sono yokan wa
kakusanakuta tte ii n da
iro no tsuita yume mitai na
Ride on Shooting Star
kokoro no koe de sandanjû no yô ni
utai tsutzuketa
GRUNGE no HAMSTER otona bite
REVENGE no LOBSTER hiki tsurete
SNIPER
fuchi totta sono sekai ni
nani ga mieru tte iu n da
nerau mae ni sawaritai na
Ride on Shooting Star
kimi o sagashite kindanshôjô ch
uso o tsuita
Ride on Shooting Star
kokoro no koe de sandanjû no yô ni
utai tsutzuketa
---------------------
Haruko: I think that's enough now... We'll just keep you guessing for a while... Heh heh heh... Next on Fooly Cooly: Episode 20: Ride on Shooting Star Part III!