Lap 47 - Fate

Fate is the 47th episode of the F-Zero Farukon Densetsu anime.

## Overview

Deathborn watches Captain Falcon and Ryu’s previous race performances on several screens. Black Shadow sits in his throne room, sensing something.

Meanwhile, Jack wakes Ryu in the Dragon Bird, telling him that “time’s up.” Lucy expresses concern over Ryu’s tireless practice, as Ryu navigates a turn, determined to defeat Black Shadow. Jack jumps into his Astro Robin in order to discourage Ryu from continuing, but Lucy receives a call from Jody. The Mobile Task Force is called to the Chief’s office, where it is revealed that the F-Zero Committee has arranged a race between Black Shadow and Ryu. Ryu agrees to participate, and leaves the office. Jack discourages him from participating, but Ryu refuses before collapsing. In his hospital bed, Ryu awakens, but Jack holds him down, telling him that he needs to rest. He assures Ryu that everyone in the Task Force is doing what they can to help, and reminds him that he’s not alone. Dr. Stewart and Jody find Jack staring out to the city in the evening, as Jack tells them that Ryu is resting, but he’s not used to be depending on others. Jack then laments that they can’t help him for the rest of the way, and remarks that Ryu can’t take Dark Million on his own. Jody assures Jack that Ryu is not alone.

Miss Killer volunteers to go with Black Shadow to the upcoming race, but he dismisses her. Don Genie and Berserker watch the start of the race as Ryu prepares himself. The Task Force encourages him and reminds him that he isn’t alone, as Jody also adds that Ryu should punch Falcon if the latter leaves him to face his destiny alone. The race begins as the Dragon Bird and Black Bull face off, with the latter ramming into the former. As Ryu attempts to attack the Black Bull, it proves to be useless, and Clank informs Ryu of the other machine’s durability. Black Shadow tells Ryu that he prefers to destroy his opponents, before utilizing Black Fire, and Ryu uses Boost Fire afterwards. The reaction causes a massive burst of energy, but both machines are revealed to be fine. Black Shadow then uses Black Fire again, revealing that his machine actually has two Reactor Mights in its engine. The Dragon Bird is knocked off the track as Jody urges the Chief to act, but Don Genie and his men stand in the Chief’s way. Ryu remains unconscious in the Dragon Bird before the Black Bull drags the other machine with it through a portal. Clank attempts to track Ryu’s position as Jody realizes that the Chief is being held by Don Genie’s men. When Don Genie leaves, Berserker disarms the Dark Soldiers, but leaves without a word.

Ryu awakens in a spider web, as Black Shadow informs him that he is on the F-Zero Committee’s planet. Don Genie approaches to reveal that Black Shadow owns the place, and explains that with money and power, it wasn’t difficult to create an organization. Black Shadow offers Ryu a chance for Ryu to join him, considering the legend behind him, but Ryu refuses. A pod rises from the ground, as Black Shadow explains that the device, built from Reactor Mights, was also used on Miss Killer to erase her memories. Ryu breaks free from the web, drawing his gun towards Black Shadow and Don Genie. Don Genie tells Ryu that the Galactic Space Federation are probably already investigating them due to the reports of them manipulating the F-Zero Committee. He then teases Ryu about being fearful due to the Legend of Falcon, and orders Deathborn, the F-Zero Committee chairman, to put Ryu in the device. Liquid fills the pod as Black Shadow taunts Ryu, who gradually becomes weaker as he is told to relax. However, Ryu hears the voices of his friends, ultimately hearing Haruka’s voice telling him not to give up. Ryu emerges from the pod with a surge of power as the Dragon Bird’s Reactor Might activates, and the machine comes to its pilot’s aid. Black Shadow calls upon his Black Bull to stop the Dragon Bird, but Berserker’s Red Bull arrives and gradually reveals itself to be the Blue Falcon. Berserker unveils his disguise, revealing Captain Falcon underneath. Using Boost Fire, Ryu and Falcon escape.

Jody receives a call from Ryu, and Clank calls for Jody to look at the screen. The Falcon Flyer appears on the Galaxy Runner’s screen, confirming that Falcon is alive. At the Falcon House, Ryu enters, relieved to see Bart behind the counter again as the latter welcomes him. Bart offers to serve Ryu his usual order, telling him that he infiltrated the F-Zero Committee as Berserker. He laments that his absence must have made Clank feel lonely and been difficult for Ryu as well, as he serves Ryu his coffee. Ryu responds by saying he has so much to tell Bart, but Bart assures him to take his time.

In the preview for the next episode, Ryu is briefed on his next mission by a tape from “Commander” Jack. Jack orders him to deliver a chip to a specified location, where a man with horns will be waiting for him. Ryu obliges, but Jack notes that if anything happens to Ryu, the organization will deny responsibility.

## Bart’s Classroom

Bart skips his usual introduction to the segment and instead cheers for Captain Falcon’s return. He advises Falcon fans to keep their distance from the TV, as he references the anime’s advisory segment at the start of every episode (except Lap 51) in his Falcon voice. Then, he notes that Ryu and the Mobile Task Force had a difficult time while Falcon was gone, and claims that the galaxy wouldn’t simply allow Falcon to die. Disregarding Black Shadow’s feelings on the matter, Bart then announces that he’ll be attending a party for Falcon’s return, giving three cheers for the Captain.