Lap 32 - Scream From The Darkness

Scream From The Darkness is the 32nd episode of the F-Zero Farukon Densetsu anime.

## Overview

Ryu awakens from what seems to be a nightmare of Zoda in Dark Space.

In the final lap of a race, the Astro Robin and Dragon Bird compete with each other. Just as Ryu attempts to use Boost Fire, he becomes overwhelmed by the energy of Zoda’s Reactor Might. Jack wins first place, as Ryu holds his arm in pain. Dr. Clash and Lucy examine the Dragon Bird, as Lucy reports that she’s unable to find anything wrong with the machine. Ryu apologizes for the trouble, but Dr. Clash assures him that it’s fine. However, he suggests to Ryu that it could be something to do with the Dragon Bird’s engine design. Jack notes Ryu’s restless state, and convinces Ryu to accompany him for some fun.

In Dark Space, Zoda attempts to escape. Black Shadow senses the power of the Reactor Might, and calls upon Miss Killer. He tells her that she doesn’t have to attend the race the following day, due to his legion of Blood Falcon clones. On the day of the race, Ryu groggily arrives at the track. He confronts a sleeping Jack in the Astro Robin, calling him a traitor for sleeping at the venue while Ryu actually went home to sleep. Jack laughs at him, as Lucy asks Ryu if he feels better. Ryu scratches his head and confirms, and Jack takes the credit for helping ease his nerves.

Captain Falcon prepares his machine for the race, noticing something off about the other machines. Ryu and Jody even notice their fellow Mobile Task Force members’ machines, but note that Dr. Stewart, Dr. Clash, and Mr. EAD aren’t even participating. Jody advises Jack, Ryu, and Lucy to keep their guard up as the race begins. Falcon takes note of the machines being aligned in a perfect grid, just before the machines are revealed to be Blood Hawks, each piloted by a Blood Falcon clone with a different scarf color. Miss Killer watches the race, questioning her master’s motives. She also recalls Black Shadow telling her that Blood Falcon was cloned with the power of the Reactor Might.

A group of Blood Hawks ram into the White Cat and Elegance Liberty, pursuing after the Blue Falcon and Dragon Bird. Suddenly, the Black Bull appears on the track and uses Black Fire to create a Dark Space warp hole, which sucks the Dragon Bird, Blue Falcon, and the other Blood Hawks into it. Black Shadow then leaves the scene. However, Zoda laughs as he realizes that he is no longer alone. Now in Dark Space, Ryu attempts to contact Jody to no avail, before turning to see a flaming Blood Hawk in the distance. He enters his machine to investigate before the area absorbs the Blood Hawk. The Blue Falcon is then attacked by two Blood Hawks, and Ryu helps to fight them off. Afterwards, Falcon informs Ryu that they are in Dark Space, an area full of pure evil which is also capable of strengthening the evil energy. Ryu then sees Jack run towards him, who seems normal at first, but Falcon warns Ryu to get away from Jack. Jack then fires several shots at Ryu, though the latter manages to dodge. As Falcon tries to move, Zoda grabs his leg, forcing him to watch. The image of Jack chokes Ryu, as Falcon urges Ryu to shoot him, telling him that the image isn’t real. When Ryu hesitates to pull the trigger on his gun, Zoda lets go of Falcon’s leg, and the image of Jack disappears.

The Death Anchor emerges, and Ryu is surprised to see that Zoda is alive. Zoda briefly taunts Ryu by saying he created the image of Jack, and laments that Ryu wasn’t able to shoot him. A group of Blood Hawks also emerge, just as Zoda’s Reactor Might begins to power up. All of the Blood Hawks are then sucked into the Reactor Might, which transforms Zoda into Hyper Zoda, and powers up the Death Anchor into the Hyper Death Anchor. Zoda then uses Boost Fire, but it isn’t strong enough on his own. He explains to Falcon and Ryu that they can all use Boost Fire simultaneously to escape, and despite Ryu’s defiance, Falcon asks Ryu if he wants to stay in Dark Space, ultimately changing the other's mind. All three pilots use Boost Fire at the same time, but Falcon notes that they still don’t have enough power. Zoda urges Ryu to work harder, and offers the power of his own Reactor Might to activate the Dragon Bird’s Reactor Might. He then tells Ryu that the Dragon Bird, Blue Falcon, and Black Bull all have Reactor Mights within them. Now with the Dragon Bird’s Reactor Might being activated, the three attempt to use Boost Fire at the same time again, managing to escape.

At the venue, the three machines emerge from the warp hole, with the Blue Falcon and Hyper Death Anchor continuing the race as Ryu stays unconscious in the Dragon Bird. Jack wakes him, which shocks Ryu before he is relieved to see the real Jack standing before him. His relief is cut short as Hyper Zoda announces his return to the crowd. The rest of the Mobile Task Force watches in disbelief and Falcon notes that Zoda had manipulated both him and Ryu. While Miss Killer can’t believe that Zoda is alive, Black Shadow simply laughs.

In the preview for the next episode, Jack mentions "a new guy" coming along, as Ryu nervously approaches Jack. Jack asks if Ryu has "made a mistake again," and Ryu laments about a "bill from Dark Million." In response, Jack assures him not to worry, recommending him to have a drink and cheer up. Ryu states that "McCloud" has made a special coffee. Jack notes that it's "not sweet, but not bad. It's a new style."

## Bart's Classroom

Bart goes over the events of the episode, while talking briefly about Zoda.

* His real name (Dreadopp and Zedopp's fansubs render this as a nickname, although F-Zero Climax states that it is indeed his real name) is Zoda Strawberry.
* He was born on May 19th, is 42 years old, and has a blood type of O.
* He was born in New York and has been Ryu's enemy for 151 years (the year is already past 2021 by this episode, hence 151 years, not 150).
* He likes sweets and being evil.
* His hobbies are travel and fashion.

Although Zoda is "a bad man," Bart thinks that he's funny. He also questions how Zoda survived Dark Space.