Lap 12 - Black Shadow Laughs

Black Shadow Laughs is the 12th episode of the F-Zero Farukon Densetsu anime.

## Overview

In the middle of a race, Zoda has a flashback to the days of when he was a New York crime lord. The Death Anchor and Blue Falcon are seemingly neck and neck, until Miss Killer's Moon Shadow uses the Death Anchor for extra speed after her boost. She wins first place, with Falcon coming in second. Falcon secretly watches her as she walks through an empty track garage.

On a Dark Million battleship, Miss Killer holds her trophy as Zoda sarcastically congratulates her for beating him in the race. Miss Killer instead teases him about whether or not he would've been able to beat Falcon considering his 150 years of age, and then proceeds to Black Shadow's throne room. There, Black Shadow commends her for winning. Miss Killer informs her master of the upcoming Christmas Cup, as well as her intended entry. She then asks if Zoda will be joining the next race, but Zoda remarks that while he has to fix his machine, he has a "big present" in store for everyone.

In a lab room, Jody undergoes her checkup with Dr. Stewart. Upon leaving, she receives an envelope from a Galaxy Police officer, containing a flash drive from Captain Falcon. Ryu is then called to Director John Tanaka's office to view its contents on a screen. Miss Killer and her machine are presented on the screen, as Ryu has a flashback about their first encounter from Lap 8.

Outer Space's Meteor Stream track is the featured venue for the Christmas Cup, as a few of Mobile Task Force members and the other machines finish a practice lap. Dr. Stewart, Jody, and Dr. Clash watch the race, with Jody suggesting something suspicious about Zoda's absence.

Dark Soldiers infiltritate the F-Zero Committee's control room, with Zoda threatening them to begin the race. The race soon begins, with Jack proposing that him and Ryu should work together for first and second place. Captain Falcon breaks in between them as they exit the tunnel, while Mr. EAD stays besides Lucy. As the race continues, Meteor Stream's defense malfunctions, as meteors begin to hit the track. The other Task Force members attempt to determine the cause and try to establish contact with the Committee, to no avail.

Zoda informs Miss Killer of his ongoing plan, but soon turns to see Black Shadow in the room. Jody and Dr. Stewart draw their weapons, but it turns out to be a hologram. The Black Bull then makes an appearance on the track. Jody warns Jack of the machine, though he is soon retired by the Black Bull.

The Blue Falcon, the Dragon Bird, and the Moon Shadow struggle for control due to the meteors. A meteor makes contact with the Black Bull, destroying it, much to Zoda's delight. The Dark Million battleship leaves the scene, as Miss Killer expresses concern for her master. Black Shadow is revealed to be alive, and the Black Bull and Moon Shadow use their boosters, with Falcon pursuing Black Shadow.

At the site of the destroyed Black Bull, Ryu sees an android replica of Black Shadow emerge from the wreck before it also falls apart. Mr. Zero announces that the race is cancelled due to track damage, and that the Committee is declaring whoever is closest to the finish line as the winner; which turns out to be Lucy, for the first time in her racing career.

Zoda strolls to the throne room, surprised to see Black Shadow still alive, as well as Miss Killer. As "thanks" for Zoda's Christmas "present," Black Shadow removes the tube from Zoda's head.

At the Falcon House, a celebration is held for Lucy's victory.