The wind flows away...
...across the faded landscape
Gently reviving my memories
As I proceed down these familiar paths,
There's no going back
The first lies, the final words
The promise we made that day...
...has crumbled and scattered away
An intense but short-lived fragment of memory
And even if I awaken from the dream...
...we once both shared
I'll never forget this feeling, not ever
Those remembered days will shine on, even now
Norma 02 to 01. I have reached the target point.
This is 01. Any response from the sensors?
No response on the heat sensor or the Compac interferometer.
Roger that. Search the area and remain on alert.
Headquarters to Norma 01. Status report, please.
We've reached the point where White KLF squad last reported in.
Number of survivors is currently unknown.
Due to dense fog, it's hard to check with our naked eyes.
We can't even confirm the KLFs themselves.
Captain!
03! What's wrong?!
Right front! Confirm heat source at 2400!
I think it's an enemy ship!
What?!
This is 02! Another heat source confirmed at left front!
Multiple targets, increasing in number!
02, what's going on over there?! I can't confirm from over here! 02!!
Headquarters to Norma 01! 01, do you copy?!
This marks the 6th, starting from Asyris.
I'm sure the media will no longer keep quiet about this.
It's not that we were avoiding this issue!
Even so, where has that man strolled off to now?!
Cold!
Hey, wake up! Come on!
Time for work!
EPISODE 7 ABSOLUTE DEFEAT
You must be tired from being in the brig all week.
I thought that you guys had forgotten about me.
Well, honestly, we HAD forgotten...
That's so cruel!
Don't worry about it. That's Stoner's best attempt at a sense of humor.
But, is it all right? Holland said that I was to be locked up for 10 days...
I told you, right? I have a job I wanted you to work on.
Or rather, this important job can only be done by you.
Wh-What's this?
Look out! What are you doing?!
I can't believe this! You'd touch it with your bare hands?!
Why not?
You understand that this is an extremely dangerous item we have here?
What do you mean?
Hey! You can tell him all about it.
Sure.
Moondoggie here, going for it!
Roger!
Be careful...
This is ordinary ramen noodles, right?
That's right!
It looks just like a bowl of pork ramen soup.
However, what this one bowl can do to an entire city...
An entire city?! You don't mean!
Don't ask any more!
It's better for you to not know.
However, circumstances have forced us adults here...
to deliver this to a certain individual.
I know that you're not quite up for this job.
If I could, I wouldn't be asking you such a thing.
But, there's no other way.
All I can do is to ask you to help us out.
I'll do it.
I mean, please let me do it!
Seriously? You're one in a million!
Aw, you're exaggerating...
Well then, change into this and get going.
Wh-What is this outfit?
It's a type of urban camouflage.
It's so that you won't be spotted by the enemies!
We're counting on you, kid!
Yes, sir!
A good answer!
We're counting on you.
Renton here. Mr. Hap?
Hap here. What's wrong?
About this "urban camouflage"...
Doesn't it make me stand out more than blend in?
But because of that, nobody would believe...
that you're someone on a special mission! Right?
I suppose, but... I feel like everyone's staring at me.
Don't worry. That's what adolescence is all about.
What's wrong?
I just saw a man with a camera! It looks like I'm under surveillance!
Get away from there for now! I'll ask for the deal location to be changed.
R-Roger that!
That was close...
Is Renton psychic? He's pretty keen on things.
It's Moondoggie's fault!
He insisted on being the cameraman, but he's doing no good at all.
I wish I'd gone, instead...
Hey, Moondoggie!
Hey! Can you hear me?
I hear you!
Get with it.
I-I'm getting with it!
No, you're not! We've had a fine view of your crotch...
on the monitor for a while now!
Gidget... By any chance, have you been there for a while?
Do your best, Moondoggie!
Roger!
It's crazy how much junk food they eat around here...
Maybe I should ban it outright.
Hilda!
You surprised me!
Don't just pop in like that! What's wrong?
Have you seen Renton? It's time to eat, but he's not in the brig.
Oh, he stepped out a few minutes ago. Said he was going on some errand.
He was wearing a jersey outfit that was too small for him.
I see...
Got it. Thanks.
Renton here. I've entered the Rainbow sauna, as instructed.
Stoner here. Good job, Renton!
Hap is currently performing emergency hazardous waste disposal.
I'll be giving the commands in the meantime.
First, find the recipient among the sauna customers.
Okay!
The target has a tattoo all over his back.
A... A tattoo?
That's right! A tattoo of a legendary figure!
Do you understand?
Um, Mr. Stoner...
There are an awful lot of guys in here like that...
Could you maybe give me another detail to look for?
Roger that! Hang on!
What should we do? What should we do?
The guy with flowered underpants!
The loincloth! The loincloth!
How about someone with a wig?
I'll take that! I'll give you a new characteristic!
Sure!
It seems that the recipient wears a wig.
Wait a minute! I can't do that! They'd kill me!
If it is the recipient, you might get by without making him mad!
Which is it?! You're not being clear at all!
All right, then. Unfortunately, we'll have to call it off...
Mission aborted... Come back up.
I'll do it!
Continuing with the mission. I'll search inside the sauna room!
Well said! Best of luck!
Right!
What's up with him?
He's for real.
Yeah, a genius. No wonder why Moondoggie gets jealous.
Jealous?
Did he give up? Is it all over?
No, we're just getting to the good part!
Yeah... He's gonna pull the wig off of a mafia guy!
Really?! This is turning out fantastically!
We're still not safe yet.
It's not certain if there is a guy with a wig inside that sauna.
Oh, true...
The screen's all foggy. It's hard to see.
It's getting to the good part! Come on, Moondoggie!
Hey, wipe the lens! The lens, Moondoggie!
Why am I doing this? It's all his fault...
His character is starting to become strangely clear...
I'm scared! He sounds weird!
That idiot. The heat's getting to him.
So, it was you guys after all.
What's wrong, honey?
Don't "honey" me! For now, junk food is off-limits!
You guys hazing our rookie again?
It's a traditional event!
Besides, this is a way of showing affection!
If you show me affection like this, I'll punch you out!
Got that.
Besides, do Holland and Talho know about this?
Talho's the one that brought the idea up.
Holland was all excited about it, too!
He's the one that told us to make sure we get a video recording of it.
Each and every one of you...
Oh, the picture's back.
Here we go!
Mr. Moondoggie? Why are you here?
Hey, Mama! Let's watch this together! Um, um, well!
Can it be... You came here for my sake?
Renton?
Three days ago, a tectonic shift was observed in this area at a depth of 45.
Before sunset on the same day, the area within...
a 20 kilometer radius of this point was completely sealed off.
0700 the next day, KLF White squad entered the area,
met enemy fire, and engaged in battle.
At 0740, all communications were severed.
Two hours later, communications from KLF squad Norma were also severed.
Lieutenant Colonel?
Lieutenant Colonel? Is something wrong?
Look at this.
Th-This is!
Norma 01!
Your report?
Th-The fact that the enemy fire is concentrated on the captain's unit...
is the same as in the preceding five cases...
What the hell is Moondoggie thinking?
Why are you asking me? It's not like we're dating or anything yet.
What are you talking about? You're always making googly-eyes at him!
At least say that we make a cute couple!
Ow! Ow! At least say that we make a cute couple!
He's jealous...
Moondoggie used to be the one that people messed with.
That's the case, isn't it?
Well, in any case, let's watch how they interact...
and think about what to have them do next.
But still, this is some picture we got here...
Um, we don't have to go on with the mission?
What are you recording with that?
Don't touch it!
This is your camera, right, Mr. Moondoggie?
I told you, don't touch it!
I didn't touch it!
He's not doing any of it on purpose.
That's rare talent...
Moondoggie looks normal compared to him.
Go!
Wow! A Roundhouse Cutback!
They're amazing...
After all...
It's because I'm so pathetic that you came here to help me out.
Am I undependable?
That's right, isn't it?
You can't leave an important mission like this to just me...
Honestly, I was relieved to see...
that you came here to help me, Mr. Moondoggie.
Heh, this is pathetic...
This is too much for me to eat...
Why is he crying here? It's game over, man!
No, tears of frustration don't count.
Yeah. I'm looking forward to seeing how Moondoggie gets by this one.
Let's see which side the gods of laughter are smiling upon!
How stupid.
My brains are gonna rot hanging out with you guys.
I've had enough, thanks!
Leaving already, honey?
I've got work to do!
What the hell are you up to?!
You know exactly what's going on here, don't you?!
What do you mean by that?
You know exactly what's going on and you're doing this on purpose!
And now he lets the cat out of the bag!
He's self-destructing.
He's just honest with his feelings.
I think it's time for Moondoggie to make an exit.
Don't pretend you're crying! You're making fun of me!
Mr. Moondoggie...
You're such a nice guy!
Huh? What do you mean?
I haven't completed anything, but I'm just letting myself get depressed...
I'm sorry. I'm really embarrassed right now!
I was taking my position too lightly.
What are you saying?
I was scared!
I was afraid that someone innocent would get hurt by me delivering this.
But, that's not how I should look at it!
Shut up...
I'm such a kid!
Shut up.
I decided when I boarded the Gekko...
that even if I made the entire world my enemy, I was going to help Eureka!
Thanks to you, I've finally made up my mind!
The true kindness that lies within strictness...
Thank you, Brother Doggie!
"Doggie"?
Brother?
Wait... Brother, what's wrong?
I AM NOT YOUR BROTHER!
Ow! Ow! That hurts! Ouch, ouch, ouch!
Shut up! Until you showed up, I... I was!
Too strict! You're being too strict, Brother Doggie!
DAMMIT!!!
Hey.
That's enough. Forgive him already, brother.
Yeah. Fights don't fit the atmosphere of this lifting spot.
Well... We're just kidding around.
A tattoo of Holland...
Mr. Hap!
I found the tattoo of the legendary figure!
It's a big guy, a ref-boarder!
That's him! He's the recipient, little Renton!
I told you that you were the only one that could pull it off!
I'm dying here! Dying! I told you that you were the only one that could pull it off!
Because you're shorter than anyone else aboard!
The key phrase the recipient gave me is also connected with that!
All right, the key phrase is...
Yeah! Got it!
That felt good.
Yeah... It's about time we headed home.
He's huge!
This is bad... he's dead. He's dead for sure.
Um...
Oh, what's up, shrimp?
It's all right. He'll never be able to say it.
Cry! Cry and give up!
Hey, bro!
What do ya have to eat to grow so big?
Don't mock me, boy. That's biting the hand that fed you.
Kids these days... Let's go home.
Yeah...
He...
Oh boy, this one was an absolute defeat for us!
The operation was a huge success,
even if the candid camera was a total failure!
You're the real thing, kid!
Nobody else could have put up such an effort to raise a laugh!
Even Eureka?
Was she watching it, too?
Can't say for sure if she was watching or not.
Right?
Yeah, that sounds right...
Hey, he's got it pretty hard.
I think we may have gone a little too far with this...
You knew?
So, inside, you were laughing at me the whole time?!
There's no way I could laugh.
They did the same thing to me, once...
But, I was still really happy about it,
because I really looked up to Holland and stuff.
By having them laugh at me, I could feel that they were all my friends...
Moondoggie...
So, how do I put it?
When you totally nailed what everyone was expecting of you today,
I felt like I'd totally wiped out and it sorta bugged me!
For today, I admit defeat.
But! Next time, I am sure to be the winner!
Miss Gidget?
What?
Can you translate what he just said?
So? How was it?
Bingo. He was released.
I see...
Well, no use getting worked up about it now, after all this time.
You didn't think that he'd croak in prison, did you?
I suppose...
How about you take a hot bath and relax?
Yeah! And I'm sure you were looking forward to watching this!
"Renton's First Errand"
Can that be?
Yeah. What we did with Moondoggie doesn't even compare.
It's almost touching.
So stupid...
Come on, Hilda, be honest!
The gods of laughter smile down upon us!
And that is what makes us Gekkostate!
With all due respect, they don't possess the will to do what you're suggesting.
It's coincidence that the squads...
were all annihilated after losing their commanders.
For them, the commander is merely a point...
where information is gathered and disseminated.
They all merely swarm around there as is their instinct.
Thus, if we maintain the traditional form of a syndicate,
then I'd have to say we have no chance for victory in the battle against them.
What really is important here is the existence of the Three Sages...
who always show us what noble causes we have for which to battle.
They have not evolved!
Because, they have not even awakened.
They are Corallians.
What has he been doing?
It's because he can't go see Mama. 'Cuz he's so embarrassed.
Uncool! So uncool!
Yeah, yeah. Just like you say, I'm not cool at all.
Especially to get all serious about a prank and then depressed about it...
Renton.
Wh-What's up, Eureka?
You haven't eaten yet, right?
Here!
This is harsh!
Eureka's kindness is too harsh to take!
No, wait...
What if this isn't kindness?
Then, what is it? Can it be pity?
Oh no, I might really cry over this...
You're amazing, Renton.
This looks tasty! I'll bet this ramen will be salty from all the tears...
WHAT?! Amazing?!
Did you just say... amazing?
Yeah! Everyone has changed since you came aboard, Renton.
They all seem to have so much fun interacting with you!
The Nirvash isn't the only one you've made happy!
Not uncool, but amazing?
That's what everyone was saying as they laughed...
Hey, what does "uncool" mean?
No, it's okay, it's all right if you don't know. Just stay the way you are.
Oh, yeah! Can you take a look at the Nirvash once you're done eating?
There's something I'm worried about.
At this time, just vaguely, I thought I saw a glimpse of my place in Gekkostate.
I'll take a look right now! I can eat while I walk, anyway!
"Stupid! Totally uncool!"
I haven't completed anything, but I'm just letting myself get depressed...
"I'm sorry! I was taking my position too lightly."
I'm so uncool.
TO BE CONTINUED
To be continued!
Back when I was very small, when I'd look up
The sky above really seemed so vast
I honestly thought that I could
Protect the one I loved with my own hands
Why wasn't I big enough, I wondered
That irritated me so much
No matter how I'd stretch out my hand
I knew that it would never reach
That sky, so very, very large
Even so, I had no doubts at all
Because I believed in a beautiful future
There were times I was irritated
And times I couldn't take it all
And I shed such very, very big tears
Still, I think my eyes never shone so bright...
...as they did when I was young
A Terminus pursues a key person in an antigovernment organization.
The boy encounters the door that leads to the world.
NEXT EPISODE GLORIOUS BRILLIANCE
Next episode: Glorious Brilliance