Lap 34 - Clank And Gazelle

Clank And Gazelle is the 34th episode of the F-Zero Farukon Densetsu anime.

## Overview

The Dragon Bird and the Astro Robin face off as the leads in a race, soon interrupted by the sudden arrival of the Red Gazelle. The machine quickly eliminates the other machines in its way, with Mighty Gazelle intent on targeting the Mobile Task Force. Ryu urges Jack to double his speed, but Jack is unable and instead advises Ryu to use Boost Fire. Ryu hesitates to use the technique due its power, knowing that Mighty Gazelle is Clank’s father. Captain Falcon arrives, hitting the Red Gazelle with a Boost Fire of his own. Gazelle exits his own machine and collapses, as the Blue Falcon drives off to continue the race.

Miss Killer demands to know who ordered Gazelle to attack, as Hyper Zoda reveals himself to be the culprit. She tells him that he doesn’t have Black Shadow’s permission, and Zoda threatens her with his Reactor Might. Black Shadow inquires about the commotion before stating that he knew of the plan revolving around Gazelle. Zoda leaves the throne room, as Miss Killer questions her master in letting him go. Black Shadow explains that Zoda can do what he likes, as he will be required later on.

At the Task Force meeting room, Clank pushes for Gazelle to be destroyed, after having seen the damage caused on the race track. Jack reminds Clank that Gazelle was controlled by Dark Million the last time, and Jody even attempts to assure Clank, but the boy states that he won’t trust Gazelle. The rest of the Task Force watch as Gazelle is repaired, as Jody explains that his memory was reset again. Ryu laments that Gazelle won’t have a normal life, as Jody realizes someone will have to guide Gazelle. Ryu reluctantly volunteers, but Jody says that she has someone in mind.

In the Dark Million hangar, Octoman and Bio Rex discuss who they’ll align with between Zoda or Miss Killer. She overhears their conversation, warning them of the consequences of betraying her. At the Falcon House, Clank refuses to be Gazelle’s guide. Ryu tells Clank that like his father, Roy, Gazelle makes a good Galaxy Police officer, and Bart adds that Captain Falcon’s action against Gazelle on the track was not out of malice, but to save Gazelle. Clank reconsiders his position, and agrees to be Gazelle’s guide. Jody introduces Gazelle to Clank, as Dr. Stewart explains that Gazelle’s memory was wiped again. Clank introduces himself to Gazelle as his teacher and instructs him to clean the area first. Gazelle picks up Jack, regarding him as trash.

Back at the Falcon House, Bart asks how things are going between Clank and Gazelle. Ryu states that the boy was hesitant, and Jack wonders if Gazelle will be an official part of the Task Force. Lucy also wonders, noting that Gazelle has changed for the better, but sometimes does more harm than good. At the canyon, Jody and Dr. Stewart train Gazelle for machine training, as Clank helps. Dr. Stewart notes that even with a memory loss, Gazelle still knows how to pilot his machine. Jody hopes that he’ll also remember Clank, and asks when they should tell Clank, to which Dr. Stewart responds that it will depend on Gazelle.

Ryu, Jack, and Lucy come across Clank confronting Gazelle about throwing away his locket. Gazelle defends himself by stating that Clank told him to tidy up the area. Jack and Lucy try to calm Clank down, before realizing Gazelle had also thrown out Jack’s phone book and Lucy’s flowers. They dig through the garbage before Gazelle continues on his own, and manages to find Clank’s locket. He is then struck by memories of a young Clank. In the meeting room, Lucy asks for Gazelle’s whereabouts, and Dr. Stewart responds that he doesn’t know. Jack remarks that they’re all getting sick of him and Jody urges them to be more patient. Lucy adds that if Gazelle really is Clank’s father, he’ll eventually find out the truth. Clank, who overheard, refuses to accept it. He runs out of the room, bumping into Gazelle and declaring hatred for him. Gazelle presents Ryu and Dr. Stewart with Clank’s locket before walking away.

Alone in the night, Gazelle gazes out towards the rest of Mute City. Dr. Stewart enters, telling Gazelle that his true identity is Roy Hughes, and that Clank is his son. Ryu and Bart find Clank sitting alone in a park, and Ryu hands Clank his locket, adding that Gazelle found it. Later, at a race, Ryu and Miss Killer lock eyes. Octoman and Bio Rex ultimately decide to remain by Miss Killer’s side, and lead the race, followed by the Sonic Phantom. Clank asks the other Task Force members about Gazelle, and Dr. Stewart tells him that Gazelle is back at the Galaxy Police headquarters.

The Big Fang and Deep Claw block the Dragon Bird from passing, but the Dragon Bird manages to find an opening in between, then uses Boost Fire. To the surprise of the Task Force, the Red Gazelle appears on the track. Clank runs out to the track, as Dr. Stewart urges him to return. Miss Killer welcomes Mighty Gazelle back to the team, to the joy of Octoman, Bio Rex, and the Skull. However, this is short lived, as Gazelle attacks their machines. The Red Gazelle returns to the hangar, as its pilot steps out and approaches Clank. Dr. Stewart points his gun at Mighty Gazelle, only to realize Gazelle has pulled Clank into a hug. The hug makes Clank realize that Gazelle is actually his father. Zoda interrupts this reunion by dropping a bomb in the area. The Task Force manages to enter the hangar in time, but Clank trips. Gazelle takes him into his arms, protecting him from the blast. After the explosion, Gazelle is severely damaged and collapses. Clank desperately calls out for his father and tearfully apologizes to him. Dr. Stewart consoles Clank, telling him that he will do everything in his power to help Roy.

In the preview for the next episode, Ryu tells Jack to finish eating before he leaves, only to find him wearing a dress. Jack then confesses that he is actually the "F-Zero Princess, Levinelle"

## Bart's Classroom

Bart answers a viewer’s question about what Captain Falcon’s favorite food is, which happens to be putting tripe into a bundle and binding it with thread. He adds that it can increase perseverance and resistance, and then laments that while the Falcon House has curry on the menu, Ryu doesn’t eat it. Bart also remarks that mushrooms are disgusting, as an image of a Dark Million battleship appears and the segment’s usual merry-go-round music stops for a moment.