Part 65: Mission 26 - Individual Wishes - Part 1
Were back and nothings really changed, other than Ichitaka falling a wee bit behind.
The Dancouga was next in line to get 50%d, so there it goes. Aois Squad Bonus is now Crit rate +20, Armor +150, Accuracy +15.
Rest of the money goes for random bits in our squaddie Machinas, Alto and Iczer-3.
Kouichi and Iczer-3 are launching as event units, so heres how were going:
Ozma/Luca
Asuka/Domyoji
Daiya/Quatre
Lee/Norza
Kenji/Kyo
Jeeg/Micchi
Voltes/Yanma
Alto/Michel
Combattler/Rei
Shinn/Klan
Goh/Anna
Tetsuya/Canaria
Shinji/Rey
Kouji/Yagyuu
Dancouga/Hilde
Ichitaka/Miu
Jack/Duo
Forward!
Back at JUDA, Yui just got our message that were coming back. Looking at AI Ishigami, she figures he must be happy up in Heaven: the Mimetic Beasts and Jama Kingdom are beaten, the war with the Darius is over. And, actually, its pretty weird that she feels the need to report to the guys program still.
Her pondering is interrupted when AI Ishigamia screams AN IDOL CONTEST! Huh? Hes putting together a bit of an idol contest both to help our battle-weary folks relax and as a victory party. What the frick? Is he running those inane security routines again? We already cleared all those!
No, no, AI Ishigami says its wholly unrelated to the security system. Hes being a bit too life-like for Yui, but before she can question about it, AI Ishigami does his by the time you see this, Ill likely be dead and freezes on the spot. Of course.
FYI, this is an idol contest as in literal idol, not pop singer idol its a beauty pageant.
Wee bit later, Yuis relayed the plan to our leaders. Une concedes that, according to Alice, Franklin and Canarias reports, our people have been getting a bit stressed out from the nonstop action. Misatos a bit uneasy, but AI Ishigami tells her not to be: hes already got it all planned out, including arranging for some guest entertainers.
Apparently, Yui sees, hes sent out offers to both Ranka and Eida Rossa, so it seems the choice has been made for us. Une figures itll do us good to relax some, so its fine.
Absolutely no one expected this Idol Contest stuff, but Iczer-3 doesnt know what thats all about. Is it to decide whos the strongest? Not quite, Ru and Nagisa (Kasumi) explain: its more of a popularity contest. Athruns not exactly sure we can afford to spend our time with this, but Shinn says hes too much of a workaholic. Theres no problem with doing stuff like this once in a blue moon.
Athrun didnt expect to be hearing THAT from Shinn. I just figured it wasnt all bad after I saw how happy everyone was at the Diokia gig, he shrugs, and Lunas surprised he kept an eye on us despite how busy he was with Stella back then.
Daiya still remembers the event with a lot of joy, and figures this onell be even better since we got the contest, plus Eida and Ranka singing as well. But wholl be taking part in said contest? Obviously, says Puria, theyll be picking from our girls and shes already putting together a Miss LOTUS sash.
Shes awfully excited for all this, Luna ponders, and thats because Puria figures shes guaranteed to win. LOTUS may be a big family in itself, but pretty much all men in the Daiku Maryu crew are in the Puria Fan Club.
As Shinn stares in silence, Daiya thinks Lulu should be our idol her smiles gotten the crew through a bunch of tough times. As the girl flushes, Ichitaka sees from the Maryu crews enthusiasm that AI Ishigamis was right on the ball with this project. Shizunas worried over him starting to come around to the Prez antics
And, indeed, this is serious business to others in the Gaiking crew as well. Kyoko, the Daiku Maryus cook, has had enough of staying holed up in the kitchen now its her time to take the spotlight, and its clear as day that shes the cutest around in all of LOTUS! As for Rebecca, shes kind of thorn in half. On one hand, itd allow her to properly introduce herself (a chance she never got), but, on the other, she figures serving Vestanu is all that really matters for her.
Kyoko notices her, and is appalled that a MERE OPERATOR would apparently try for the contest. The gall! Rebecca also spots the she-devil and that pushes her to enter the contest: better that than risk her taking the crown!
As Asuka comes in and sees them glaring at the sign-up box, she sighs that putting women on display like thats so old-fashioned. Anyone who enters this must be seriously lacking in pride. Kyoko, quickly switching from her hostile inner voice to a much more friendly tone, says shes just trying to make everyone happy! Thats a load of crock, of course, and shes just trying to keep Asuka from entering as well. It works, though, and the girl tells her to do whatever she wants.
Nearby at the lobby, Klan, despite tolerating Miss Macross, isnt too keen on an event where only the guys get to have fun. Misato tells them not to worry, as the boysll be doing their part for the event as well.
Now, back at Ishigamis office, Misato has a special assignment for Kouichi and Emi. Circumstances have forced her hand, and now shes left with no choice but to rely on them. Itll be a heavy burden for them to carry but she really needs Kouichi and Emi to MC the contest and organize the side shows!
Um, why them? Ishigami. He said, and she quotes: this is supposed to be a skit, starring Kouichi, where he helps his worn-out friends get back in the game. The kid sighs over getting picked out as the resident party planner, but Misato thinks he can handle it since hes not doing anything right now. Toodles!
She runs off before Kouichi can say anything, leaving AI Ishigami to cheer him and Emi on: they must scrounge up the courage to face hardships or therell be no victory against the Cthulhu or the Katou Organization. Big words from the guy who put them in this position in the first place!
By the time you see this, Ill likely be dead. By the time you seeseeseesesesesesesesesssssssss welp, Ishigami froze again. Kouichi turns to Emi, and it seems theyll have to do the job
Cut to the Cthulhu fortress, its that time of the week again: Iczer-2 is JUST about healed up, so now its Golems turn to head out there, destroy Iczer-3 and bring Nagisa Kasumi.
As she confirms and sets out, Neos sees that Atross didnt care to show up, vying for revenge against Iczer-3. Not that it actually matters, as Neos expectations there were rock-bottom from the start. From Golem, however, shes expecting to hear good tidings. Hohohohoho
Rankas just arrived at JUDA, and is very impressed at the huge rooms Alto and the others have. No time to look around, though, as Grace wants to check out the stage right away. As she leaves and Brera steps outside to keep watch, Ranka sighs at how excessive he is. The door opens did Brera hear her?!
No, its actually Eida, who felt the need to come over and apologize for foisting that movie business on her way back when. Of course, Ranka did a very good job with it. And it wasnt just her acting that impressed Eida, but her singing as well she was blown away even when she heard her at the island.
Ranka appreciates the praise, but is also a bit bashful over Eida hearing her back then. She shouldnt be, as her heartfelt tunes really left a mark in Eidas spirit. Again, Rankas thankful, but thatll have to wait: she needs to get over to the stage.
Wishing them both good luck, Ranka leaves Eida to mull. Her current situation has made things a whole lot more unmanageable shes a bit jealous of the girl, actually. Rankas pet, Ai-kun, hops on over to seemingly comfort her. Aaw.
And Rankas off singing. The LOTUS crowds pretty fired up, which is impressive to Hiyoshi: just the few of us are being equivalent to a few hundred folks in enthusiasm! What matters to Ranka, of course, is whether Altos listening, and he actually is. And enjoying the music, even!
Seeing his smile fills her with energy and she redoubles her efforts. Nearby, Grace has her wicked face on: seems like the given situation is a very important factor in boosting her Emotional Index. Even as the training stages coming to an end, shes still collecting mighty fine results.
Kouichis really having fun, but the same cannot be said for the rest of the guys: theyve been assigned to work backstage and are scrambling to get everything ready for the idol contest up next. Whys Alto all mad for? Kouichi even saw fit to coincide his break with Rankas show
Thats hardly the point, though, and Alto tells everyone to get to it time is short. The stage is already set, thanks to a worn-out Kenji, but Boss tells him to suck it up. At the very least all the upcoming eye-candyll make it all worthwhile Koujis a bit disappointed therell be no swimsuit completion, mind, but the live concert and all makes up for it!
Ichitaka only wishes we could also have had Sheryl here for this, and asks if Altos heard anything of her. Not really (its not like theyre a thing!), but Kouichi heard that she turned down our invitation.
Details are sketchy but it seems shes done singing. Alto cant help but wonder what happened.
: O-Okay! Following Ranka and Eidas pulse-pounding show, its time for us to kick off the LOTUS Idol Contes-gck! My tongue !
: Stay calm, Kouichi!
: Hah, hes having a bit of a hard time up there.
: Takes experience to handle it, I guess... What about you, Vestanu? Something wrong?
: I see neither hide nor hair of Rebecca I was hoping we could all take this rare opportunity to relax but
: We havent seen her either Actually, Lulus gone too. You dont think
Some time later
: Next up is contestant #8: Rebecca Catherine! Who?
: (Youre being rude, Kouichi!)
: (When I agreed to this, I did not think Id be subject to such public disgrace )
: Shes from the Daichi Maryu, Im pretty sure
: Do you know her, Athrun?
: Shes a Darian woman who works at the ships bridge. She seldom has a chance to step outside, so not many of us have had a chance to speak with her directly.
: Oh, wow, Athrun. Howd you manage to keep track of everyone like that?
: Its nothing major, really. I just figure thats the kind of stuff I should remember.
: Hm
: Well, any CO has to pay attention to the folks around him. Thats just Leadership 101, you know.
: 101, huh I guess Misato and the others are just as amazing, then.
: Um, moving now Its contestant #11: Miu Kujo!
: (Miu I cant believe you let Domyoji and the others talk you into this )
* *
: Huh? Shes not coming out?
: Maybe the clothes were a bit too much for her ?
: What did you do, Domyoji?
: Hey, now, dont look at me like that. As the leader of the Hayase Corps, I just had a little something readied all to boost team morale, you see. But it was all up to her whether shed go with it or not.
: Domyoji you bought those clothes for Miu? O-Oh! Here she comes!
: I-Im Miu Kujo And while Eida and Ranka are a tough act to follow, I figured Id sing something of my own
: (A nurse costume God, just kill me now. But if thisll help me catch Kouichis eye, then )
*Whistle**
: A n-n-nurse?!
: Dont be distracted, Kouichi! You pervert!
*Slap!*
: Kouichi has a nosebleed Thats a sign that a new finishing move is incoming!
: It doesnt work like that! (JP wiki says this is a joke on Da Cider and Queen Sideron)
: Yow, I think thats a bit too intense for Kouichi
: Furuya?! Whatre you doing here?!
: They let all the Hayase Corps tag along to help with the show, ya know. Took the time to apologize to Shinji for all the crap I gave him, too.
: Really? Thats great to hear... Wait, all the Hayase Corps? Does that mean Risakos here too?
: Yeah, we came in together from her place. Somethings been off with her today, though.
: Should I examine her? I might be able to help.
: Sure, Ill take you to her.
: Eerr, next is contestant #14: Lulu Arges Hey, thats Captain Lulu, aint it?!
: Lulu?!
: Take a look at this, everyone.
: Its origami?
: It kinda looks like the Daiku Maryu?
: The Minerva and the Macross too!
: These were sent over by a group of kids. I dont really care about the contest, but I wanted everyone to see this. There are people everywhere rooting for us, and thats something that might slip our minds as we fight all these enemies.
: Lulu
: Sorry, I know this isnt the best time for this kind of talk. But we still cant let ourselves forget that were never alone, even when things are at their hardest
* *
: (Psh, you and your pretty speeches This was supposed to be my show, and I just got one-upped before even getting out there.)
: (But... thats what makes you the captain of the Daiku Maryu. I guess I can concede this one.)
The D Teams touring the mall, but they can hear the party going on nearby. Actually, why isnt Aoi taking part in the contest? As she reminds them, she used to be a model before all this (not that Kurara ever read those magazines, mind), and figured having a pro join in would go against the spirit of the thing.
Thats fair enough, but Johnny reminds the other three that they're supposed to be stocking up on stuff. What about him, then? Hes already wrapped up his part, so hes free to relax over lunch. Well, thats our resident high-octane businessman for Kurara - efficiency is his middle name.
Sakuya, Aoi and Kurara take off to finish their assignments and head back to the party.
Not long after Johnny sits down, Eida walks on over and asks to speak with him for a bit. Thats fine, but what surprises Johnny is that she apparently knows him by name. How come? Well, last year there was this big time ad campaign she had her eye on, but the whole gig got swiped from under her nose by another agency. Oh. Johnny didnt expect her agency to have been his competition back then.
Eida confesses that it was annoying to be blindsided by another idol taking her spot, but couldnt exactly be mad over the girl simply having a better manager. Still, she wanted to know who was responsible and searched the internet for a name: she got both that and a picture to match it, so thats how she recognized him right away.
Whatever the case, since hes here, does that mean hes with LOTUS? O-Oh, no, hes just the caterer. Alright, Eida wont question that though she does wonder, does he always wear those glasses? Pretty much, but he often takes them off for big, important moments.
Hes got them on now, so that means this isnt one of those times, Eida figures. Maybe they can change that, though.
: Whew its finally over. Who knew MCing could be so hard
: Todays experience may help temper your mind. Do not waste it.
: You take this way too seriously, pops. I just wanna grab something to eat and head straight to bed
*Door opens.*
: There you are! I brought cupcakes, Kouichi!
: Oh, you got the best timing in the world! Thanks a bunch, Risako!
: And I need to hand these out to the others, too. Youll lend a hand, right?
: Huuh?! Why me ?
: BECAUSE, while I dont know what youre doing in this LOTUS, you still had me worried sick.
: B-But
: Here you go, mister. I dont know much youll like it, but give it a try!
: !!
: (Such a lovely lass )
: Fine Guess Ill take some to Quatre or whatever.
*Door opens again.*
:
: Ah
:
: Ya jima ?
: We need to talk, Kouichi elsewhere. Risako, you and Jack Smith wait here for a bit, please.
: Hm
:
: Whats Whats going on?
: I heard what happened to you How, after my death, you joined JUDA and LOTUS
: And Ill be the first to admit that youre doing a lot better. But is this the Champion of Justice you wanted to become?
: What the hell Where have you been ?! If you were alive, why didnt you at least call to let us know?!
: This isn't about me!
: !!
: Ive also heard of what LOTUS has been up to, stopping the war between the Earth and PLANTs, defeating the Jama Kingdom and Darius Army.
: But, tell me: what is all this partying for? There are still tons of miserable people across the world, the battle is still ongoing! And you say youre Champions of Justice Do you honestly think them having all this fun is just?!
: I wont deny that I was an idiot before, and that you died because of that
: But so much has happened since then! For one, Ive also come to realize that even breaks like this are important !
: Do you think this is a game, Kouichi? How can I trust someone as weak-kneed as that to take care of Risako?!
: Much as you might say youre a CHAMPION OF JUSTICE, it wont mean jack if you cant actually save the entire world!
: !
: You dont have to push yourself to do this anymore. This wasnt supposed to be your fight to begin with. I dont need you to avenge me, either just quit the Linebarrel and go home with Risako !
: Enough! Whatd you think you know, huh?! How many towns have been burned to the ground, or how many people have been hurt or killed?!
: This isnt about revenge, and its been ages since Ive stopped fighting because of that!
: Think this through, Kouichi. It was the power you got that killed me, wasnt it? Something like that isnt capable of saving the world!
*Stumbles!*
: !!
: Wh Why are you fighting? And what did he say about killing ?
: Emi, Risako?! Whatre you doing here?!
: We were looking for you two Then we heard your voices, so
*Wrrrrrrr! BOOM!*
: The enemy ? You see that, Kouichi? LOTUS hasnt the time to be having fun!
: And this isnt the time for a lecture, either! Take Risako and get outta here, Yajima!
: I-I gave him the Linebarrels power
: Dont just stand there, Emi! We got stuff to do!
: Emi Kizaki Youll be coming with me, Im afraid.
*Grab!*
: Aah?!
: Whatre you doing, Yajima?!
: Yeah! Let her go!
: Just forget about all this, Kouichi. Leave, you and Risako !
: What are you up to, Yajima?! Wait youre not !
: Apparition!
Mission 26 Individual Wishes
:
*Yajima flies across town.*
: Hes not with LOTUS, I suppose. Ignore him, Dilos, at least while he does not stand in our way.
: Show yourself, Iczer-3! Your end has come!
: Eida, youd best stay at JUDAs shelters! Youll be safe there!
: Johnny
: Ive to go!
: What was the hold up for, Johnny? Figured youd straight-up turn that lunch into dinner while you were at it?
: When its time to scramble, youve to be ready to go in twenty seconds tops. Wasnt that what Mens Hotblooded Soldiers Monthly said?
: My apologies. I promise Ill make up for the annoyance!
: Alright, Im here! Who called me?!
: There you are, Iczer-3. I am called Golem, the strongest warrior in the universe
: Iczer-3, shes another of Neos Golds four generals! Be careful!
: (So thats where Nagisa Kasumis at. And with that in mind )
: Dont you run from me, granny! What gives?!
: Be patient, Iczer-3! You cant let yourself play her game shell turn up eventually!
: I know, Nagisa-1!
: Yajima! Give Emi back!
: Kouichi why wont you listen ?
: Are you for real ?! Its Yajima piloting that thing, and hes now a Factor ?!
: Weve footage of what happened. He summoned that Machina the Apparition and took Emi Kizaki.
: And thats the Stray Machina we tried capturing way back
: After it killed Yajima in its rampage, it was recovered by the Katou Organization, which means
: That hes with them ?!
: Thats right. It was Katou Hisataka who made me into the Apparitions Factor, and, in exchange, asked me to capture Emi Kizaki something I now see as being the right thing to do.
: I dunno what kind of lies hes been feeding you, Yajima, but nothing that guy does is the right thing!
: What happened?! We were all so happy to find out you were alive, and this is how our reunion plays out?!
:
: Troops, the Cthulhu are making a beeline for Iczer-3! And since Emis still trapped aboard the Machina, youre forbidden from shooting it down!
: Everyone forward! Attack!
Mission Objective: All enemies destroyed.
Mission Failure: Any battleship, Iczer-3, Linebarrel or Apparition destroyed.
I could send people up top to chat with Yajima, but thatd be a waste of time and resources. He wont even come after us! So, well just divert our forces south to clear out the Cthulhu same as usual.
: You three ready? The civs mightve been evacuated, but that doesnt mean were in the clear! Weve to clear out the enemy ASAP and make things safe for them all!
: Well, someones gung-ho today.
: Whats up, Johnny? Something good happen while we werent looking?
: Im afraid I cant tell you. I want those beautiful memories to stay safely within my heart.
: Somethings off with him. Think he ate something crummy?
: Who knows? But I think we all agree that the quicker we end this, the better.
: Lets get to it, and make it a good one! You never know who might be watching!
When turn two rolls over.
: C-Captain, weve Cthulhu reinforcements! And its the Iczer-3s sister model!
: I see her, Arthur. Its been since the battle with the 7th Angel
:
: Hm? But something feels different
: It seems shes not as certain as before in regards to fighting. Did the Nagisas words get through to her ?
: Were ending this today, Iczer-3!
: I dont wanna! Nagisa said we could be friends, so you stop this!
: To Hell with you! I can never again show my face to Lady Neos unless I end you! Come and fight, Iczer-3!
: Aah, you stupid girl! If youre gonna be like that, then fine!
: Oh, no ! I need to stop this they shouldnt be fighting!
: Ill help! Lets go!
: OK!
Secret Alert!
Make use you kill Atross with Iczer-3.
Shes exactly the same as before and wont even recover HP, so it shouldnt be hard. Itll take her a while to get here, though, so well just hang back and keep building morale.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXGJPdoXJh0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUb9LEpW4vU
Oh, and now we can see the weaker of Daiyas weapons. Every single Gaiking the Great trick has a DK!
: If I cant talk you down, then Ill slap you around til you get the message!
: Rant while you can, Iczer-3! That cheeky mouth of yoursll be permanently shut soon!
Kill enough stuff, or when turn 3 rolls over
: The Katou Organization!
: Urgh And theres Wufei with them, just like Quatre said.
: What are you doing, Factor of the Apparition? Wasnt your mission to capture Emi Kizaki?
: Sorry, but the situation wouldnt let me just pack up and leave.
: Did you answer your question?
: I did.
: Save the talk for later. Well cover you, so hurry back to the commander (If your secret points are low: Enough faffing about. This is our fun time, so get going already.)
: Roger that. Pulling back.
*Yajima starts retreating across the map.*
: Yajima, stop!
: Give Emi back to us!
: Oh, no, you aint dealing with him. Weve been looking forward to this for all this time weve been working in the shadows, see.
: Were not about to be beaten by people who fight for reasons like that!
: Ooh, what an intense boy weve got here But were 100% serious today! This is all to make our ideals a reality !
: Its clear that were stuck with them ! Then hold nothing back and lets get to it!
: Bring it, Katous! Youre gonna get an eyeful of how much weve grown since our last fight!
Off we go again. Word of the wise: start moving your guys up top now (in hindsight, maybe even have a couple head that way even before this happens), because soon youll have ample reason to dash up there.
While thats going on, though, well deal with Atross now that shes close.
: There should be a warm spirit somewhere within her like Nagisa said!
: And, in that case, the key to all thisll be Iczer-3! If we can just get them to talk, Atross might also realize that!
: Everything you do reeks of doubt. Do you seriously think you can win against us like that?
: Ive no doubts! None! I will destroy Iczer-3 today!
: And who are you to say anything? How soft youve become, so obediently following the orders they give you. Where did all your pride go?
: Whaaat?! You better not be calling me a lackey, because Ill make you take that garbage right back!
: Only way I can ever come back to Lady Neos is by destroying you all !
: Helping her cause is my entire purpose in life!
: Is that really true?
: What?!
: You could live your life anywhere, no? It doesnt have to be with the Cthulhu.
: Th-Thats not possible! I was created by Lady Neos, so of course I must live for her!
: ! Whatre you doing, Iczer-3?! Why are you not attacking anymore?!
: Because I want us to stop. This fight isnt fun!
: What?!
: And more important than that, you know about the Iczelio, dont you? Give it back to me!
: I told you before: I dont know! Now fight me, damn you!
: No! I dont wanna do this anymore!
: Idiocy! Take battle away from us, and what would we have left?!
: Plenty! There are tons of other good stuff out there!
: Shes right! Even today, I thank my ancestors for giving me a chance to have a life beyond endless battle!
:
: I aint gonna say that a brawl here and now cant be kinda fun, but therere a bunch of others ways to have a good time!
: U-Urk
: Atross, please, stop!
: !!
: Listen to us, Atross. You two shouldnt be fighting. Youre a mirror of Iczer-3 That makes you pretty much twin sisters, no?
: Huh ?
: No, I Im Lady Neos daughter!
: I can feel it, so Im sure youve noticed it as well. The only one happy that you two are fighting is Neos Gold herself!
: Shes the spawn of Big Gold, so shes been telling you lies to get you to kill Iczer-3!
:
: Why dont we all fight together, instead, Atross? Please!
: I can grant you that wish.
: The Cthulhu general!
: How did she get there?! None of our sensors pinged anything !
: Nagisa Kasumi, I now take you to Lady Neos side!
: !!
: Get back!
: AAAAH!
*Bloop!*
: Nagisa!
: Im detecting a distortion in space-time! That was a warp beam?!
: Hrm, that meddling pest got in the way. Still, Nagisa Kanou is Iczer-1s partner she should satisfy Lady Neos just as well.
: Nagisa-1 !
: She protected me
: Why ? That girl, Nagisa, and Iczer-3 the other day why would they both willingly throw themselves into the fire ?
: I dont understand! None of this makes sense!!
: The Cthulhu warriors withdrawn from this airspace! Her signals gone !
: Tsk Slipped right through our fingers !
: Focus on the remaining enemy forces, troops. Clean them up ASAP!
: Roger that!