And now, the double-sized conclusion!-
(Somewhere, Graham enters a room by himself. There’s an explosion heard in the distance, and the building shakes a little. Graham looks at the ceiling briefly.)
GRAHAM: Hm, it appears the battle has been joined.
(His eyes dash back and forth, making sure the coast is clear, then pulls a briefcase out of nowhere. He opens it, revealing his MR. BUSHIDO garb and mask neatly folded within. Graham regards it solemnly for a moment.)
GRAHAM: (Focused) Let’s Samurize, guise.
(Meanwhile, outside in the skies above, the 00-Raiser smashes into the Reborns, knocking it back, but quickly finds itself under fire from the Gadessa and Regnant. The Garazzo and Empruss fly directly at the Seravee, but are forced to veer off as the Gundam unleashes a series of staggered GN Cannon bursts. And the Gaddess and the Cherudim enter their own little dance of death, strafing each other with beam fire. Back on the ground, most of the audience has cleared out of the auditorium in a panic. The roof of the building has been opened and the rest of the 00 cast just watch the battle from the remains of the stage. Patrick is on his hands and knees, completely despondent.)
PATRICK: All I had to do was prevent THIS from happening! And I couldn’t even do that! Kati’s right! I’m an appalling failure! An appallingly-handsome failure!
(Ali walks up beside him, hands casually in his pockets and comfortingly pats Patrick on the back.)
ALI: Eh, don’t worry about it. Stuff happens. I remember this one time, I sent this suicide bomber out to blow up this town square, and the dumb ZOINK went to wrong place and-
(Ali turns slightly and notices Neil and several other cast members glaring hatefully at him.)
ALI: (Clears throat) …I’ll continue this story at a more appropriate time.
(Meanwhile, Mileina is staring mournfully at Tieria’s corpse, still slumped back in his chair and leaking blood from his forehead. Ian takes her by the shoulders and leads her away.)
IAN: Come on, sweetie, he’ll be back. Probably.
MILEINA: (Between sobs) But, Papa…
IAN: Besides, if you got married, you’d grow to be an old hag while he never aged, so he’d probably end up leaving you anyway.
MILEINA: (Crying harder) Daaaa-ad! That’s terrible!
IAN: Well, it’s kinda like me and your mom, only reversed. Your mom will never age because she’s a robot. But she’ll never leave me cuz I made her. Right, hon?
(Linda looks over at Ian and smiles.)
LINDA: (Pleasantly) Yes, dear.
(Mileina looks even more distraught and latches on to Feldt’s arm, sobbing into her jacket sleeve.)
MILEINA: (Screaming) AUGHUHUAHAHAH!
FELDT: (Monotone) Yes, yes. Let it all out. Ruin my jacket. There’s a good girl.
(Meanwhile in the front row of the audience, Shinn and the rest watch the battle unfold above them. Shinn is starting to look antsy, gripping a soda can in his hand tightly.)
LUNA: What’s wrong, Shinn?
SHINN: (Sourly) Nothing.
LUNA: (Reaches over and strokes his hair) C’mon, tell me. Did you run out of wa-wa in your ba-ba?
SHINN: (Annoyed) There’s a more than adequate amount of wa-wa remaining in my ba-ba, Luna!
(To illustrate, Shinn takes a quick swig of his soda, then forcefully slams it back onto the arm of his seat.)
LUNA: Then what’s wrong? Aren’t you enjoying the show?
SHINN: That’s not it…it’s just…I should be up there, helping them!
LUNA: Shinn, this isn’t our fight. We don’t have to get involved. And besides, remember the last Reunion Special?
(Shinn looks over at Luna, confused.)
SHINN: Yeah, and?
LUNA: (Rolls her eyes) You totally started that whole fight last time!
SHINN: Nuh-uh!
LUNA: Yuh-huh. What, all of a sudden you can’t have spontaneous flashbacks? Is your memory broken?
SHINN: (Folds his arms) Whatever I did, it was totally justified! And I’ll have you know I have a photographic memory! I used it to solve mysteries in a popular series of children’s novels. I think.
LUNA: (Sighs) Oy. Look…just please stay calm for now, okay?
SHINN: (Looks away) Maybe.
(Meanwhile in the air, beams fly everywhere. The 00-Raiser desperately weaves through enemy fire as the Reborns Cannon and Gadessa try to catch Setsuna in a crossfire. Suddenly, a massive blast materializes in front of 00-Raiser, forcing Setsuna to wildly bank into more beam fire. The blast bends and follows him.)
SETSUNA: (Grits teeth) Damn.
(The 00-Raiser generates a GN Field around itself as multiple beams crash into it, buffeting everyone inside the Gundam around.)
LOUISE: Agh! Make it stop, Saji!
SAJI: What the heck am I supposed to do??
SETSUNA: (Strained) Hold on-!
(The 00-Raiser breaks free of the barrage, only to find the Regnant in mobile suit mode looming over it from above. In its cockpit, Hiling grins.)
HILING: Gotcha!!!
(The Regnant fires off its taser-whips, seeking to ensnare the 00-Raiser, but Setsuna whips his GN Sword III around and slashes them out of the air. He flies up and over the Regnant as it swipes at him with a giant clawed hand. Inside the 0-Raiser’s cockpit, Louise’s eyes widen with recognition.)
LOUISE: Hey…that’s MY old unit she’s flying!
See Hiling’s Custom Regnant.HILING: (Grins) Not anymore, little girl! Ribbons granted it to ME now, as it should have been in the first place! I’m the bitchiest bitch that ever bitched a bitch!
LOUISE: (Narrows eyes) Oh, not EVEN. No one out-bitches ME!
(As the Gundam tries to climb higher and away from the Regnant, the 0-Raiser’s cockpit suddenly straightens out and starts pulling the rest of the suit backwards. In his cockpit, Setsuna seems totally flabbergasted.)
SETSUNA: (Startled) Louise Halevy!
SAJI: (Groans) Yeah, she does this.
(The 00-Raiser continues flying backwards, now chasing the Regnant around. Meanwhile, the Cherudim and Gaddess strafe each other with beam fire.)
LYLE: Anew! You don’t have to do this again!
ANEW: I do, Lyle. I’m only an instrument wielded by Ribbons.
LYLE: You’re not just an extension of that guy’s will! You’re a person, dammit! A person with flawless skin and perfect breasts!
ANEW: Lyle…
(The Gaddess launches off its Fangs, forcing the Cherudim to dodge wildly as the beam-tipped remote weapons careen at it from all angles.)
LYLE: Dammit, woman, do not start this crap!
ANEW: (Pleading) Please, Lyle, just stand down.
LYLE: Oh no, I’m just rollin’ up my sleeves!
(The Cherudim moves in closer to the Gaddess, even as the Fangs zip around it. Close by, the Garazzo attacks the Seravee.)
BRING: (Flatly) Surrender, Regene.
REGENE: (Grins) Come on, Burrrr-ing! Have some imagination for once. My side is totally gonna win.
(As the Seravee tries to back away from the approaching Garazzo, firing GN Cannon bursts, the Empruss attacks from the opposite direction.)
DEVINE: (Also flatly) If you won’t surrender, we’ll simply eliminate you.
(The Empruss fires a large blast that the Seravee barely blocks from behind with a GN Field. The Garazzo opens up with its beam machineguns, trying to pin Seravee down. In Seravee’s cockpit, Regene just maintains a cocky smile.)
REGENE: You guys? Eliminate me? Sure, bring it on, Blunder Twins. No wonder Ribbons felt your Innovade model was best suited as cannon fodder.
(Both Bring and Devine bristle with rage in their cockpits, but remain silent and continue attacking the Seravee. Back on the ground, everyone continues to watch the battle above. Patrick is standing now, looking a bit less distraught than before.)
PATRICK: We…we’ve gotta to put an end to this fast! If Kati…if the Colonel…if the General finds out things have gone to crap, I’m not sleepin’ in the bed tonight!
LASSE: (Smirks) Couch duty, eh?
(Patrick looks back at Lasse with a worried expression.)
PATRICK: Man, I’ll be lucky if she’ll let me sleep on the LAWN.
MR. BUSHIDO: (Off-screen) Have no fear, lowlies.
(Everyone turns to look up at a balcony in the auditorium, where MR. BUSHIDO is standing on the edge, arms folded. On stage, Billy facepalms.)
BILLY: Oh lord.
PATRICK: Mr. Bushido!
MR. BUSHIDO: (Sternly) That’s “Mister” Bushido to you!
(Mr. Bushido takes a step off the balcony and promptly plummets straight down, falling and crashing behind some seats to the left of the stage, out of view. Everyone else stares dumbfounded and silent, except for the flash and click of Mayu’s cellphone, which Shinn quickly snaps up. Without missing a beat, Mr. Bushido stands up from behind the seat, dusts himself off and adjusts his mask. He then brusquely walks to the edge of the stage until he’s in front of Patrick.)
PATRICK: Are…are you gonna do something?
MR. BUSHIDO: Of course. I shall lend my strong left arm to that young man’s cause.
SUMERAGI: Wait, so you’re going to help Setsuna?
MR. BUSHIDO: For the moment. Now, enough chatter. To battle!
(Mr. Bushido dramatically points to the sky with an overblown flourish. Everyone looks up at where’s he’s pointing. While everyone is looking up, Mr. Bushido runs in the opposite direction, out of the auditorium. Up in the sky, the battle continues to rage. Setsuna has obviously reestablished control of the 00-Raiser and dodges a number of Fangs whirling around it and several beam blasts. The Gadessa tracks the Gundam’s frantic movement with its GN Mega Launcher. Inside the cockpit, Revive calmly waits for a clear shot.)
REVIVE: One Mississippi…two Mississippi…
(Finally, the 00-Raiser is forced to block as the Reborns Gundam smashes into it from the side, sending it spiraling away uncontrollably.)
REVIVE: (Smiles) I have you.
(The Gadessa prepares to fire its blast when suddenly…)
MR. BUSHIDO: (Off-screen, screams) I APOLOGIZE FOR THIS SNEAK ATTACK!!!
(The Gadessa is suddenly smashed into from behind by another mobile suit. Revive manages to right himself and turns to regard the newcomer. Likewise, the Reborns and 00-Raiser stop fighting and look over. The Regnant hovers down behind them as well.)
RIBBONS: (Annoyed) You?
HILING: (Confused) Him?
MR. BUSHIDO: (Smirks) Me!
(We see that Mr. Bushido is piloting yet another variant of the MASURAO, this one decked-out in colors approximating the Gundam EXIA. In addition, it has two American flags sticking up from behind its shoulders, waving proudly in the wind.)
REVIVE: (Eyes narrow) You cannot be serious.
MR. BUSHIDO: (Smugly) This is the Masurao-custom Susanowo-custom…the HATABEIKOKU*!!!
*Mr. Bushido hopes this translates to “American Flag”.
See the Hatabeikoku.(In the 00-Raiser’s cockpit, Setsuna also appears confused.)
SETSUNA: (To Mr. Bushido) You? You helped me?
MR. BUSHIDO: I am only aiding you now so I can defeat you later, boy. Understand?
SETSUNA: Understood.
MR. BUSHIDO: (Smirks) So it shall be! Arch-enemies working together for the same goal! Is there anything more romantic?
SETSUNA: Uh…
RIBBONS: (Still annoyed) I can assure you, if that boy has an arch-enemy, it’s me.
SAJI: (Meekly speaks up) Wait, uh…what about the mercenary guy?
MR. BUSHIDO: (Muses) Yes, I suppose he too could be considered the boy’s arch-enemy.
LOUISE: (Speaks up, peeved) Look, he’s got a lot of arch-enemies, can we get back to fighting?
REVIVE: Agreed.
(The Gadessa swings its GN Mega Launcher forward and fires a blast at the Hatabeikoku. Mr. Bushido easily dodges and draws twin GN Swords. The Reborns converts to Cannon mode and begins bombarding the 00-Raiser again, and is joined by bendy blasts from Hiling’s Regnant. Back on the ground, Marina steps forward on the stage, looking worried but also determined.)
MARINA: (Looks around) Everyone, let’s please gather up our good wishes and hopes. I’ll sing a song to focus them toward Setsuna and the others who are fighting so very hard right now.
(Everyone watches as Marina clears her throat and begins to open her mouth. Suddenly, Lacus jumps up on the stage alongside her.)
LACUS: (Smirks) How cute. Now stand aside and I’ll show how this is done.
MARINA: (Smiles kindly) Oh, do you want to help? I could use a backup singer.
LACUS: (Eyes narrow) Back…up? BACKUP??? You- !
(Marina doesn’t hear the rest of Lacus’ outburst, because she starts singing her song. You know the one.)
LACUS: HEY! Stop that! I’m the one who’ll-
(Lacus is interrupted by a chorus of children’s voices, which come out of nowhere to back Marina up. Lacus looks around in bewilderment.)
LACUS: What?? Where is that coming from?? Stop it! STOP SINGING!
(The song goes on as Lacus grabs Marina by the shoulders and begins shaking her violently. Marina still manages to sing perfectly, her eyes closed.)
LACUS: This is MY thing, you don’t- !
(Suddenly, Lacus is repelled by some apparently invisible force field that encases Marina, powered by the hopeful wishes of children. Lacus slaps futilely at Marina, but can’t seem to touch her.)
LACUS: (Screaming) Cities will burn for this! Whole cities!
(As Marina continues to sing softly and sweetly as the battle rages above, Shinn leaps up from his seat, fists clenched.)
SHINN: That’s it! I’m going up there!
LUNA: (Worried) Oh no, Shinn, no.
SHINN: Sorry, Luna, but I can’t stand around and not interfere!
LUNA: (Sighs) You realize this is massive hypocrisy on your part?
SHINN: Wha- ?
LUNA: You’re always going on about how Kira and Athrun butt into things they have no business butting into!
SHINN: (Loudly) THAT’S COMPLETELY DIFFERENT! They’re stupid jerks!
ATHRUN: (Speaks up from off-screen) We’re sitting right next to you, Shinn.
SHINN: (Waves politely at Athrun) Stupid. (Waves politely at Kira) Jerk.
LUNA: Shinn…
SHINN: Sorry, Luna! The cast is die!
(Shinn runs off-screen, out of the auditorium. Luna and the rest watch him go.)
ATHRUN: Hm. Shinn was almost accidentally clever there.
LUNA: (Shakes her head) It happens. I’m just thankful he had the presence of mind to go outside before summoning his mobile suit this time.
(Athrun turns back and looks thoughtful.)
ATHRUN: But maybe he has the right idea…this could get out of hand.
KIRA: (Nods) Yeah.
ATHRUN: Do you think we should butt-in this time?
(Kira turns, gives Athrun an odd look and extends his hand.)
KIRA: Hi, I’m Kira Yamato, have we met?
ATHRUN: (Annoyed) Don’t be an ass.
KIRA: (Starts to get up) Yeah, let’s go do this.
(As soon as Kira stands, his collar goes off and shocks him into submission.)
KIRA: (Falls back down) ACK!
(Lacus walks up, still looking annoyed at Marina’s singing. She removes her finger from the shock-trigger, looking stern.)
LACUS: Absolutely not.
KIRA: (Pained) W-what? Why?
LACUS: I don’t care about Shinn, but I won’t have you two fighting.
ATHRUN: WHAT? You make us fight people all the time!
LACUS: (Shrugs) Only to impose my will.
ATHRUN: Argh, well, we have to do SOMETHING!
LACUS: (Folds her arms) No.
(Athrun looks helplessly at Kira, who just nods at him.)
KIRA: Don’t worry. Maybe WE can’t get directly involved personally…but I can still help out.
(Kira looks on-stage, where Allelujah and Marie still stand, watching the battle. He squints his eyes at them and strains.)
KIRA: (Concentrating) C’mon, c’mon…
(Suddenly, a Newtype flash splits the air in front of Kira. Simultaneously on-stage, Allelujah grabs his head and doubles over with a cry of pain. Marie also touches her head and appears uneasy. Kira stops straining and sighs in relief.)
KIRA: There we go. Thought I’d lost it.
(On-stage, Allelujah straightens back up slowly, an evil grin plastered on his face. And Marie looks around with wary eyes at her surroundings.)
HALLELUJAH: (Amused) Hm, seems someone kicked in my door.
SOMA: What the hell just happened?
(Hallelujah turns to regard Soma, his eyes wide and his grin growing wider.)
HALLELUJAH: Soma Peires! It’s been too long!
SOMA: (Eyes narrow) Oh, you’re the other one now, eh?
HALLELUJAH: I wanted another chance to kill you, and now its been handed to me!
(Soma immediately draws a gun from behind her back and points it at Hal. He just smirks more.)
SOMA: I wouldn’t mind eliminating you either.
(Sumeragi steps in-between them.)
SUMERAGI: Uh, suggestion? Why don’t you guys exercise your murderous tendencies towards our enemies up there? There’ll be plenty of time to kill each other afterward, I’m sure…
(Hallelujah fixes on Sumeragi with a predatory grin.)
HALLELUJAH: (Cackles) You always make so much sense. That’s why they pay you the big boobs, lady.
SUMERAGI: (Annoyed) Simmer down.
SOMA: (Nods) We’ll engage then.
(Hallelujah just laughs manically and he and Soma run off stage. Back up at the battle, the Cherudim and the Gaddess clash against each other. The Gaddess pushes off and unleashes its Fangs, which swarm around Cherudim, nipping chips of armor off the Gundam. In its cockpit, Lyle grits his teeth in annoyance as he tries to dodge.)
LYLE: That is IT! I have HAD it with these motherZOINKin’ Fangs on this motherZOINKin’ suit!
(The Cherudim activates Trans-Am, and easily breaks away from the Fang swarm. The remote weapons are unable to catch up with him.)
LYLE: Haro! Shield and Rifle Bits! Light those suckers up!
HARO: Roger! Roger!
(All of Cherudim’s remote weapons detach and target the Gaddess’ Fangs. Lyle aims the GN Sniper Rifle and everything fires at once. All of Anew’s Fangs are destroyed in a single barrage. Within the Gaddess, Anew simply looks grim. The Gaddess flies directly at the Cherudim with its GN Sword brandished, but the Trans-Am-activated Gundam switches to its GN Pistols and easily parries all the blows.)
ANEW: (Grits her teeth) Lyle…
LYLE: It’s OVER, Anew!
(The Cherudim disarms the Gaddess with a flurry of Trans-Am-assisted pistol blows and then shoots its arms off. Lyle finally takes aim at the Gaddess’ main body as Cherudim fades out of Trans-Am. Within the Innovade suit’s cockpit, Anew closes her eyes, accepting her fate.)
ANEW: Make…make it fast, Lyle.
LYLE: (Determined) If you insist.
(The Cherudim simply tosses its pistols aside and extends an open palm to the Gaddess.)
LYLE: (Smiles warmly) Come back, Anew.
(Anew’s eyes cloud over with tears as she regards Cherudim’s inviting hand.)
ANEW: L-Lyle…
LYLE: No matter what you’ve done, you’ll always have a place with me.
ANEW: (Happily) Lyle!
(Anew starts to get up out of her seat, when suddenly…)
SHINN: (Screams from off-screen) DAAAIGGGGGH!!!
ANEW: H-huh?
(The DESTINY GUNDAM suddenly blazes in at a great speed, blows the Cherudim aside and unceremoniously impales the Gaddess in the cockpit, mortally wounding Anew.)
LYLE: (Screams) NO!
ANEW: (Dying) L-Lyle…ack-
(The Gaddess explodes into pieces as the Destiny yanks its ASSword out. Lyle cries out in grief.)
LYLE: (Anguished) ANEEEEEEW!!!
SHINN: (Smiling broadly) There ya go! I handled it!
(Cherudim suddenly flies over to Destiny. Lyle’s suit grabs Shinn’s suit by the throat with one hand and starts repeatedly punching it in the face with the other.)
LYLE: (Screaming tearfully between punches) YOU! KILLED! ANEW! SHE WAS GOING TO COME BACK THIS TIME! SHE WAS! YOU KILLED HER! AIIAAAAAGGGGH!!!
(In Destiny’s rattling cockpit, Shinn still bears a wide grin.)
SHINN: (Excited) Wow! I’m being beaten up by Lockon Stratos! This is awesome!
(Nearby in the Reborns Gundam, Ribbons takes notice of the Gaddess being destroyed and grimaces, then touches a button in his cockpit.)
RIBBONS: (Annoyed) I didn’t want to have to do this, but it’s time to call in the meat cavalry.
(A moment later, the skies become dark as hundreds of GAGA suits begin arriving. The ARCHER ARIOS also arrives on the scene, with Hallelujah and Soma piloting their respective suits. Hallelujah grins at seeing the Gagas.)
HALLELUJAH: Ah, a near-endless amount of warm bodies for me to carve into. Those Innovade twerps are too kind.
SOMA: Wide bursts of fire. Destroy as many as possible while they’re still close together.
HALLELUJAH: Don’t give me orders, woman.
SOMA: Shut up and do your part or I’ll shoot you down myself!
HALLELUJAH: (Grins) Ooh, hurt me, bitch.
(The Arios Gundam and the GN Archer split up and begin engaging the Gaga forces, firing flurries of missiles and destroying dozens of the Innovade troops at once. Meanwhile, the Hatabeikoku swings its twin swords at the Gadessa, destroying its GN Mega Launcher. Revive grits his teeth and draws a beam saber.)
MR. BUSHIDO: (Excited) Yes, that’s it! We’ll duel to our heart’s content! Our long, glistening swords meeting each other in the pale light again and again and again!
REVIVE: (Creeped-out) Stay the hell away from me, you fricking perv!
(Nearby, the 00-Raiser and the Reborns clash against each other again. The Reborns kicks off the 00-Raiser as the Regnant suddenly comes up from behind the Gundam.)
SAJI: Ah! Setsuna, behind!
LOUISE: (Rolls eyes) He already knows that, Saji.
(Setsuna isn’t quick enough, and the Regnant gets the 00-Raiser in a bear-hug from behind.)
SETSUNA: Damn…
HILING: (Grins) Fast as fast can be, you can’t get away from myself! Ribbons, go for it!
RIBBONS: (Scoffs) I’ll take advantage of this, but just remember I didn’t need your help.
HILING: (Winks) ‘Course.
(The Reborns flies directly at the entrapped 00-Raiser with its beam saber drawn.)
RIBBONS: (Smirks) This is your end, Setsuna F. Seiei, Louise Halevy, and etcetera!
SAJI: (Frowns) Thanks.
(As the Reborns approaches, Setsuna grits his teeth and his eyes begin to glow orange.)
SETSUNA: (Innovating) I-I won’t let you- !
(At the last moment, the 00-Raiser undergoes quantization and phases through the Regnant’s grip like a wraith.)
HILING: (Stunned) Wha- ?
(The Reborns accidentally slashes a deep wound into the Regnant’s chest with its beam saber. Hiling screams as there are a few explosions in her cockpit.)
HILING: (Pained) AGH! RIB-BOOOOOONS!
RIBBONS: (Annoyed) That was your fault! You let him get away!
HILING: (Mad) I didn’t….! (Blinks in confusion) Uh…
(Ribbons quickly spins his suit around to see the 00-Raiser materialize behind him in Trans-Am, with its GN Sword III in rifle mode brought to bear. The 0-Raiser’s wing binders also swing up and its missile docks open. In the 0-Raiser’s cockpit, Louise narrows her eyes and smiles.)
LOUISE: Eat it, flat-chest.
(The 00-Raiser fires all its weapons. The Reborns easily flies up and over the barrage, but the Regnant is struck by a powerful blast and a swarm of GN missiles that cause critical damage to it.)
HILING: (Desperately) R-Ribbons, save m- !
(The Regnant succumbs to its wounds and explodes violently. In the Reborns’ cockpit, Ribbons frowns as he watches his twin’s suit go down in flames.)
RIBBONS: Well, that’s what you get for sucking.
(Ribbons turns his attention back to the Trans-Am 00-Raiser. He smirks and activates Reborns’ Trans-Am, then blazes directly at Setsuna.)
RIBBONS: I’m not impressed by your hyped-up Doozy-Bot!
(Setsuna’s glowing Innovator eyes widen and he grits his teeth.)
SETSUNA: Doozy-Bot?? DOOZY-BOT???
SAJI: Uh-oh.
LOUISE: (Smiles) You just leaped over the line, ZOINK-face.
SETSUNA: (Enraged) RAAAAAAGHHHHH!!!
(The Reborns’ forward charge is suddenly violently halted as multicolored GN Particles erupt from the 00-Raiser’s frame. Ribbons struggles to right himself, but the Reborns spirals out of control as it is buffeted by the brilliant light streaming from Setsuna’ Gundam. In the 00’s cockpit, we see that Setsuna’s monitor reads “Trans-Am Burst Activated”.)
SETSUNA: (Screams) THIS IS NO DOOZY-BOT! THIS. IS.
GUNDAM!(The torrent of GN particles flowing from the 00-Raiser shoot everywhere, blanketing the entire area. Everyone in the vicinity is doused in the particles, each experiencing a different effect. Nearby, Regene Regetta grins from the Seravee’s cockpit as GN particles fill the air. The Garazzo and the Empruss halt in midair, as their pilots are overwhelmed.)
BRING: (Straining) Gkk! What???
DEVINE: (Gasping) Our, our quantum brainwaves are-
REGENE: (Smiles) Yeah. Also, I cut you off from Veda’s support. I’m a stinker.
BRING: (Snarls) You…bastard!
(The Garazzo lurches over to the Seravee and swings a beam-fingered arm at it.)
REGENE: (Still smiling) Still kicking, eh? We’ll just have to remedy that, eh Ti-errrrr-ria?
(The Garazzo’s slash comes down at the Seravee, only for the Gundam to twist to the side and separate from its backpack. The slash passes between the two Gundam parts as Bring looks confused.)
BRING: Wha-?
(The Seravee’s backpack transforms into the SERAPHIM GUNDAM and flies towards the unsteady Empruss. Bring watches it fly away in confusion.)
BRING: What are you- ?
TIERIA: (Disembodied voice) Just a little divide and conquer.
(The Garazzo turns back around just as the Seravee’s fist solidly connects with its head, shattering the Innovade suit’s visor. Bring growls and rights itself as he regards the Seravee’s main body. We briefly see a ghostly image of Tieria made up of GN particles superimposed over Seravee. The Gundam fires up its four remaining arms with beam sabers and then rotates them into an attack position.)
TIERIA: (A hint of amusement in his voice) Attack, Stabity.
(The Garazzo falters for a moment, then flies directly at Seravee. Meanwhile, the Seraphim nimbly zips over and behind the Empruss. In its cockpit, Regene still wears a mischievous smile.)
REGENE: I suppose this is kinda unfair, what with me being protected from this particle storm by Veda, but I really can’t complain.
DEVINE: (Pained) Die!
(The Empruss spins around and fires a massive blast, but the Seraphim easily darts around it.)
REGENE: You, however, can complain all you want. I won’t mind. You are totally getting beaten like a redheaded stepchild, after all.
(The Empruss raises its claws and fires off its taser-whips, but Seraphim deploys beam sabers and cuts through them in mid-flight. It flies right in front of the Empruss and stabs both beam sabers into the mobile armor’s claws, disabling them. The Seraphim lets go of the saber handles and converts its arms into GN Beam Cannons, pointing them both at the Empruss’ center.)
DEVINE: (Eyes widen) Wai-
REGENE: (Smirks) BAI-BAI!
(The Seraphim fires, shearing the Empruss in half. The mobile armor crumbles and explodes. Close by, the Gadessa and the Hatabeikoku clash blades, with GN Particles surging around them. In his cockpit, Revive is clearly feeling the disruptive effects of the particle storm, but is still managing to focus on the fight. Mr. Bushido, however, seems somewhat distant.)
MR. BUSHIDO: (Murmurs) This phenomena, what is…
REVIVE: (Grits teeth) You won’t beat me with these tricks!
(The Gadessa breaks the blade clash and kicks the Hatabeikoku, stunning Mr. Bushido briefly. The Innovade suit raises its beam saber for the kill, when it is suddenly struck by a series of light beam blasts from above. Annoyed, Revive looks up to regard his new attackers.)
REVIVE: Who the- ?
DARYL: (Screams from off-screen) YOU DAAAH-IEEEEE!!!
(Another series of beam blasts hit the Gadessa, destroying its beam saber-wielding arm. It drops back, trying to evade as two customized GN FLAGS descend from the sky above it, firing. They are piloted by HOWARD MASON (!) and DARYL DODGE.)
HOWARD: (Shouts) CAPTAIN!!!
(Mr. Bushido’s eyes widen in shock as he beholds the newcomers that have apparently materialized from a cloud of GN particles.)
MR. BUSHIDO: (Disbelieving) HOW-ARD MAY-SON!!! Daryl! You’ve come back to life!
HOWARD: No, captain! We’re actually just GN Ghosts!
MR. BUSHIDO: GN Gho- …does that even make sense?
HOWARD: All thanks to the power of that boy’s Trans-Am Burst! We’ve manifested to aid you in your battle and also remind you of who you really are!
(Within the cockpit, Mr. Bushido shivers and retracts his helmet’s visor. He then rips the bushido mask from his face, revealing he is actually GRAHAM AKER! WHOA! Tears begin to stream down his scarred visage.)
GRAHAM: You’re right. I’m not Mr. Bushido. I’m Graham Aker, ace of the Union! And now I’m going restore my lost pride alongside my Flag Fighter brothers!
HOWARD: That’s the spirit, Captain!
GRAHAM: (Determined) Let’s do this!
DARYL: (Screams) LEEEEE-ROOOOOY…JEN-KINS!
(The Hatabeikoku and the two GN Flags tear after the damaged Gadessa, pelting it with fire. In its cockpit, Revive desperately radios for help.)
REVIVE: RIBBONS! This situation is deteriorating! We can’t- !
(The Reborns Gundam is clashing repeatedly with the 00-Raiser, which is still spewing multicolored GN Particles everywhere. Despite both suits being in Trans-Am, the Reborns is clearly being overwhelmed.)
RIBBONS: (Screams) NO! We don’t lose this! Not again! Not to stinking humans!
(Ribbons’ eyes glow brilliantly for a moment as he issues a mental command through his quantum brainwaves.)
RIBBONS: All Gaga forces, kill everyone on the ground! EVERYONE!
(The remaining Gaga forces in the area all suddenly begin flying at the ground at top speed, heading back towards the auditorium. Dozens are shot down as the Arios and GN-Archer move to intercept.)
ALLELUJAH: (Desperately) Protect everyone that is dear to us!
HALLELUJAH: (Snarls) I’m the only one that’s dear to me!
SOMA: (Determined) We won’t let a single one through!
MARIE: (Also determined, but less uppity about it) This is a battle to save lives!
(Several Gagas make it through the initial barrage, but they are quickly destroyed as well as the Cherudim swoops down to help out, furiously firing with a GN Beam Pistol in one hand and its GN Beam Submachine Gun in the other.)
LYLE: (Screaming) RAAAAAAAAAGH!!!
(Another handful of Gagas are rent asunder before they can reach the ground as the Destiny blazes by and swings its ASSword through them. In its cockpit, Shinn wears a wild grin.)
SHINN: I’m helping! I’m totally helping Celestial Being!
(Shinn looks up to see another mass of Gagas flying down towards him and suddenly pauses in confusion as he begins to hear a beat beginning to build in his cockpit.)
SHINN: Huh?
(The “Under Cover” remix of the song “ZIPS” by T.M. Revolution begins to play in the background. Shinn’s eyes grow wide as GN Particles flutter around in his cockpit. He lets out a joyful cry.)
SHINN: (Tearfully) MY OWN SONG! FINALLY!
(Down on the ground in the auditorium, Luna frowns and shouts up to Shinn.)
LUNA: No, Shinn! That’s just a remix of a song Kira already used in the first Seed Special Edition.
SHINN: I CAN’T HEAR YOU THIS IS MY SONG AND I WILL ROCK IT!
(The Destiny blazes upward and begins hacking through another swarm of Gagas with gusto. Back on the ground, Luna just sighs.)
LUNA: Oh well. As long as he’s happy.
(Luna looks over at Athrun as GN Particles swirl around everyone.)
LUNA: You okay?
ATHRUN: (Nods) Yeah, I seem to be fine, other than a sudden need to never switch sides again…something’s definitely up with Kira and Lacus though.
(Athrun and Luna look over at Kira and Lacus, who are holding each other and gazing deeply into each other’s eyes as if no one else in the universe exists except for them.)
LACUS: (Lovingly) Kira, can you ever forgive me for being so mean?
KIRA: (Lovingly) Lacus, you are the moon and the stars and the sun and the sky.
LACUS: (Melodramatically) Oh Kira!
KIRA: (Melodramatically) Oh Lacus!
(The two embrace, clinging to each other adoringly and remain like that. Athrun and Luna both raise an eyebrow.)
ATHRUN: Something is horribly, horribly wrong here.
LUNA: Uh…yeah, a lot of the people on-stage are feeling it too.
(Athrun turns to regard the 00 cast on the stage. The GN particle storm is having an effect on some of them. Ian looks around in confusion, waving his hand through a cloud of GN particles, then looks back up at the battle.)
IAN: (Shakes fist up at sky) Science does not WORK this way, Setsuna!!!
(Ian turns to Sumeragi, who has a pleasant look on her face and is slightly swaying back and forth. Ian taps her on the shoulder.)
IAN: Uh, hello?
SUMERAGI: (Hiccups) Huh? Wha?
IAN: Are you…okay?
SUMERAGI: (Sluggishly) Never…huk…better.
IAN: Oh my lord, you’re getting buzzed off this, aren’t you??
SUMERAGI: (Hiccups again) No I’m nah.
IAN: (Shakes his head) The GN particles must be reacting with the alcohol already in your bloodstream.
SUMERAGI: (Smiles) That is awesome.
(Sumeragi turns and lightly hits Billy on the shoulder.)
SUMERAGI: Isn’t this awwwwwe-some, Willy? Reh-minds meh of our university days…
(Billy just turns and regards Sumeragi in a somewhat peculiar manner.)
BILLY: (Goofy grin) Yeh-HEH!
SUMERAGI: (Giggles) You always were such a lightweight, you!
(Ian just shakes his head and looks over to Lasse, who is still watching the battle above impassively.)
IAN: And what about you? Are you being affected by this?
LASSE: (Shakes his head) Nah, I can’t possibly get more awesome.
(Mileina pops out on the other side of Lasse, her eyes freakishly large and shiny.)
MILEINA: OMGTHESESPARKLESARESOPRETTYANDSTUFFISSOBRIGHTLYCOLOREDNOW!!!
IAN: Uh…sweetie?
(Mileina runs a few circle around Lasse, who doesn’t pay her any attention and runs over to Feldt, who is also intently watching the battle above. Mileina grabs onto Feldt’s arm and tugs at it repeatedly.)
MILEINA: OMGI’MSOGLADI’MHEREAREN’TYOUGLADYOU’REHEREFELDT OMGYOUAREMYBESTESTFRIENDANDOMGTHISISTHEGREATESTDON’TYOUTHINKSOFELDT???
FELDT: (Deadpan) Mileina. Shut the ZOINK up.
(Ali staggers around the stage, frantically clawing at his clothes and trying to futilely swipe GN particles out of the air.)
ALI: (Unnerved) Get them off, get them OFF! They’re so fluffy and clean and soothing and full of good will. I can’t take it, I can’t TAKE IT! AAAAAAUGH!!!
(Ali collapses in a fetal position, writhing in pain. Neil walks up to him, hands in pockets and looking amused.)
NEIL: (Smirking) D’awww, this must be rough for you. Don’t worry, the princess is coming over to make it all better.
(Marina walks over, still singing softly, kneels down and puts a comforting hand on Ali’s shoulder. He immediately shoves his hands over his ears.)
ALI: (Pained) AGGGGGHHHH! Make it stop, I’ll find religion, I’ll try to not kill quite so many people anymore!
PATRICK: (Screams from off-screen) OU-SHAAAAA! That’s IT!
(Everyone looks over at Patrick, at the fore of the stage, who is pointing up at the battle. GN particles gather and swirl around him.)
PATRICK: (Hot-bloodedly) I’m mad as hell and I’m not gonna take it anymore! I’m going up there!
(Patrick whirls and looks at the remaining cast members behind him with a determined expression.)
PATRICK: WHO’S WITH ME???
(No one moves at first, then Neil sympathetically steps forward and shrugs.)
NEIL: (Speaks up) I’d love to. But like I said before…rules say I can’t.
PATRICK: Aw, too bad! If we combined our forces, we could be Neil Patrick Harris!
NEIL: I’m…gonna imagine that makes sense to someone somewhere.
(Ali screams over Marina’s singing from his twitching position on the floor.)
ALI: You can take my suit! NGH! Just…just get this to end!
(Patrick points at Ali’s crumpled form intently, grinning.)
PATRICK: Thanks, fellow ace!
(Ali spastically digs into his coat pocket and tosses a set of keys at Patrick from the floor. Patrick catches them, bounds off stage and runs out of the auditorium, passing by Kira and Lacus, who watch him go.)
LACUS: (Worried) Will he be able to stop this awful fighting, Kira?
KIRA: (Comfortingly) We just need to have to have the courage…to believe in hope.
LACUS: (Melodramatically) Oh Kira!
KIRA: (Melodramatically) Oh Lacus!
(The two embrace once again as Athrun and Luna watch with disturbed looks. Up in the sky, the battle still rages, but the Gaga forces have been reduced to merely a fraction of what they were. The 00-Raiser is still streaming GN particles from all over its frame as it chases the Reborns Gundam around. In the 0-Raiser’s cockpit, Louise grins as Setsuna smashes into Ribbons’s suit and sends it for a loop.)
LOUISE: This is the best! We’re winning, we’re totally beating him!
(Louise turns back to look at Saji, who has a sullen look on his face as GN particles float around in the cockpit.)
LOUISE: (Sighs and rolls her eyes) You know, the least you could do was smile, Saji!
SAJI: (Yawns) Damn, woman. Why y’always gotta be such a bear-trap on m’balls?
LOUISE: (Pauses, confused) Pardon?
SAJI: (Mockingly) “Pardon? I can hear you Saji over the sound of my stupid whiny bitch voice”.
LOUISE: S-Saji…you’ve never spoken to me in this way… (Suddenly grins) I LIKE IT.
SAJI: (Shrugs) Bitches don’t know ‘bout my backbone.
(Nearby, the Garazzo flies around with no arms or legs, trying to escape from the Seravee, which is still wielding four beam sabers. In his cockpit, Bring looks agitated. Suddenly, the Seraphim drops down in front of the Garazzo, aiming its beam cannon arms.)
REGENE: (Grins) Any last words, Buuuuur-ing?
(Bring just grits his teeth and the Garazzo’s escape pod breaks off from its main body, flying straight up.)
REGENE: (Shakes head) Right then. Forgot we don’t talk on Planet You.
(Without an ounce of hesitation, Regene aims upward and blows Bring’s escape pod up with a single shot. The Seraphim then moves and recombines with the Seravee.)
TIERIA: (Disembodied voice) Was that really necessary?
REGENE: (Smiles) Aw, don’t be cross, my double from an adjacent bubble.
(Nearby, Howard and Daryl’s GN Flags hold the damaged Gadessa by each of its arms as the Hatabeikoku floats some distance away.)
GRAHAM: Hold it steady, boys! This is gonna be EPIC.
(The Hatabeikoku flies directly at the captive Gadessa at top speed. In his cockpit, Revive’s eyes widen.)
REVIVE: You humans are insane! Insane!
GRAHAM: (Grins) Always wanted to try this…
(The Gadessa’s escape pod breaks off and begins to fly away, as the Hatabeikoku swings forward with its leg.)
GRAHAM: GRAHAM KICK!
(The two GN Flags let go just as Graham makes contact, kicking the Gadessa’s main body toward its fleeing escape pod. The Gadessa’s main body smashes into Revive’s escape pod, sending them both towards the ground.)
REVIVE: AGH!!!
(The Gadessa smashes into the ground, crushing the escape pod under it. Then both of them explode. Above, the two GN Flags and the Hatabeikoku exchange high-fives and fist-bumps.)
GRAHAM: Yeah!
HOWARD: WOO!
DARYL: (Screams) YOON-YUN FUH-LAG FIGH-TAAAAAAHS!!!
GRAHAM: (Smiles) Thanks, you guys. (Pauses, suddenly surprised) Hey! What’s happening??
(The two GN Flags begin dissolving into thin air. The Hatabeikoku reaches out desperately to them.)
HOWARD: Sorry, Captain, but we have to go now.
GRAHAM: But…
HOWARD: (Smiles) We’ve helped you regain your pride. Never forget it again.
GRAHAM: (Nods) Thank you, men.
(The GN Flags have almost completely faded out of existence, when Daryl’s suit points at the Hatabeikoku.)
DARYL: (Screams) YOU LIIIIII-VE!!!
(Graham just watches them fade away completely with a sad, but prideful smile. Meanwhile, the 00-Raiser and the Reborns clash yet again, and the 00-Raiser fades out of Trans-Am Burst.)
RIBBONS: (Snarls) FINALLY!
(The Reborns shoves the 00-Raiser away and converts to Cannon mode, targeting Setsuna with all its weapons. But the 00-Raiser suddenly halts and holds its hand up.)
RIBBONS: (Annoyed) What?
SETSUNA: (Calmly) Surrender, Ribbons Almark.
RIBBONS: (Infuriated) WHAT?
LOUISE: (Speaks up) Yeah, you’re just-
SAJI: (Interrupts) You’re ZOINKing done, snotball.
(In the 0-Raiser’s cockpit, Louise looks back at Saji with wide eyes, Saji just regards her with annoyance.)
SAJI: What?
LOUISE: (Trembling) Get your suit off. Take me right now, in this cockpit.
SAJI: (Rolls eyes) Psh. Whatever.
(We cut back to outside, where the Reborns Cannon angrily gestures at the 00-Raiser.)
RIBBONS: How dare you! My Gaga forces will-
REGENE: (Off-screen) Do nothing.
(The Reborns Cannon converts straight back to Gundam mode so it is facing the opposite direction. Ribbons’ eyes widen as he takes in the sight. All the Gagas have been destroyed, and he is now facing the Seravee, Arios, Cherudim, and the GN Archer, all aiming weapons at him.)
REGENE: (Smirking) We win.
LYLE: (Darkly) You’re going to PAY for what you’ve done.
ALLELUJAH: You’re not getting away this time.
SOMA: Stand. DOWN.
MARIE: Please.
HALLELUJAH: (Irritated) Oh COME ON, we’re not really doing this, are we?
(The Arios fires on the Reborns. Ribbons quickly dodges and flies his suit up and over everyone.)
RIBBONS: This…this is just a setback! I’ll retreat for now and come back when I-
PATRICK: (Off-screen) NOT SO FAST!
(The ARCHE GUNDAM pulls up into the Reborns’ flight path, with Patrick at the controls.)
RIBBONS: (Confused) What the-?
PATRICK: “Barely-trained chimp”, am I?? Take this! COLASOUR-MANNEQUIN FANGS!
(The Arche Gundam does a bizarre pirouette in midair and unleashes its Fangs with a flamboyant gesture. The Reborns desperately corrects its flight path, spiraling out of the way of the Fang swarm.)
RIBBONS: Ngh!
(The Arche Gundam intercepts and hits the Reborns with its GN Buster Sword, back in the direction of the others. As the Innovade suit tumbles back through the air, the 00-Raiser comes up from behind it, GN Sword III extended and pointed forward.)
SETSUNA: (Intently) Setsuna F. Seiei, removing the distortion!
SAJI: (Faintly in the background) Saji Crossroad, rounding the bases.
LOUISE: (Faintly) Tee-hee!
(Just as the 00-Raiser is about to impale the Reborns Gundam, the Destiny comes out of nowhere from another angle, with its ASSword pointed forward in Shinn’s signature attack.)
SHINN: (Shouts) LOOKIT ME, I’M HELPING!
SETSUNA: Wha- ?
(The 00-Raiser is forced to hit the brakes as it narrowly misses the Destiny on the way to the floundering Reborns.)
SHINN: (Looks back) Huh?
(In the split-second of confusion, Ribbons manages to right his suit and avoid the Destiny’s charge.)
RIBBONS: Yah-HAH! Ribbons Almark- AWAY!
(Ribbons quickly turns his suit around and retreats, with both Setsuna and Shinn too off-balance to stop him. The Reborns is in the distance when they finally get their bearings. The rest of the mobile suits in the area converge on them.)
PATRICK: What happened??
LYLE: (Growls) The kid with the personality disorder let him get away!
SHINN: Hey, I don’t have a personality disorder! I’m just antisocial!
REGENE: It doesn’t matter. He’ll be back. His ego won’t allow him to leave it at this.
ALLELUJAH: Not-Tieria’s right. We’ll get another opportunity.
HALLELUJAH: Agh, what a bunch of pussies. I’m going back to sleep.
PATRICK: Let’s get back to the ground for now.
(The suits all begin to descend, except for the 00-Raiser. Setsuna keeps staring in the direction that Ribbons retreated in for another couple seconds, then turns his Gundam away and down.)
SETSUNA: Saji Crossroad, Louise Halevy? Are you alright? It’s finished.
SAJI: (On intercom) Oh no it isn’t.
LOUISE: (On intercom) Oh Saji, you insatiable beast!
(Setsuna just makes a confused face as we watch the 00-Raiser gently land. Some moments later, everyone (save Saji and Louise) has gathered back on the stage. Lyle’s sitting in a chair, looking depressed as Neil and Patrick stand over him, apparently trying to comfort him. Everyone else kinda hangs out and chats with each other. Feldt shyly moves over to Setsuna, holding a flower in a glass case.)
FELDT: Uh, Setsuna? Linda bred this new flower just recently, and…and I want you to have this one too.
(Setsuna accepts it, with a nod and a hint of a smile.)
SETSUNA: Thank you, Feldt, I-
SHINN: (Off-screen) YAAAAGH!
(Shinn suddenly runs up and kicks the flower out of Setsuna’s hand. The glass case flies off and smashes on the ground. Shinn then runs over and steps on it several times.)
SHINN: Phew, that was a close one. Another flower destroyed by yours truly!
(Feldt looks sad. Setsuna walks over to Shinn with a scowl on his face.)
SETSUNA: (Annoyed) You’ve upset Feldt Grace.
SHINN: (Shrugs) Ah, just kill her sister. She’ll be all over you.
(Setsuna gives Shinn a odd look, then turns away to walk back to Feldt. Luna pops up beside Shinn.)
LUNA: Huh, that was distinctly unlike hero worship. What’s up?
SHINN: I learned a valuable lesson today. I-I understand now…these guys aren’t some celebrities that I can harass or idols I can look up to. They’re just Gundam characters. Like me. Like all of us.
LUNA: Terrific. Good on you. Can we go now?
SHINN: Sure.
(Shinn and Luna walk off-stage, to the floor where Athrun, Kira, and Lacus are waiting. Kira and Lacus are still clinging to each other tightly.)
KIRA: Friends! Let us return to that place…that place where there is peace and all our friends are!
ATHRUN: (Confused) Uh, you mean Murrue’s house?
LACUS: I just hope those other nice people find the peace of heart and mind that we’ve discovered!
KIRA: (Melodramatically) Oh Lacus!
LACUS: (Melodramatically) Oh Kira!
(The two dramatically embrace again. Athrun, Shinn, and Luna just watch, dumbfounded. Luna whispers over to Athrun.)
LUNA: What’s the deal? Why are they still like this?
ATHRUN: I don’t know and I don’t care. Besides, they seem to be happy. I say, let ‘em stay as they are.
SHINN: Feh, now it’s gonna be a boring wait until the 00 movie actually gets released.
ATHRUN: Well, at least there’s Gundam Unicorn.
LUNA: (Quickly) Athrun, no!
(Shinn snaps his head over to look at Athrun with stunned eyes.)
SHINN: (Dubiously) Gundam What-kinda-corn?
LUNA: Crap.
SHINN: (Wildly) Another new series I didn’t know about??? Holy crap, I gotta get to an internet!!!
(Shinn runs at full-speed out of the auditorium, leaving the others behind. Luna and Athrun both stare after him for a moment, then Luna turns and punches Athrun’s arm really hard.)
ATHRUN: (Rubs arm) Ow.
LUNA: (Annoyed) Thanks, ass.
(The Seed cast begin to slowly walk out as we cut back over to the stage, where Marina is chatting with Setsuna now.)
MARINA: -and with the sales of my song’s single, I had enough money to rebuild Azadistan within a few months.
SETSUNA: That is very good to hear. I’m sure you’ll be able to maintain peace this time, Marina Ismail.
MARINA: (Smiles) Yes! And I’ve even gotten that nice Mr. Al Saachez to do some community service to make up for his sins too.
SETSUNA: (Warily) What?
MARINA: I just had to promise never to sing near him again and he eagerly agreed to it. Oh, look over there! He’s already gotten into his uniform!
(Setsuna looks across the stage, where Ali stands, dressed in blue overalls and holding a rake for some reason. He looks miserable. Marina shouts over to him.)
MARINA: You can start with the gardens of the palace, Groundskeeper Ali.
(Ali mutters something incoherent and walks away. Setsuna looks satisfied and turns back to Marina when suddenly…)
GRAHAM: (Off-screen) YOUNG MAN!
(Setsuna looks to see Graham standing, arms folded, a short distance away from him. Graham’s expression is stern and filled with intent. Billy hovers behind Graham, looking worried.)
BILLY: Graham, I thought you said you were beyond this now!
GRAHAM: (Closes his eyes) I’m not that easily satisfied.
SETSUNA: What do you want?
GRAHAM: (Looks at Setsuna) I’ve regained my honor as a Flag Fighter, but there is still a score to be settled with you!
SETSUNA: (Narrows eyes) You’ve learned nothing.
GRAHAM: Fate must be met head-on, young man! We shall have an honor duel right here and now! Mount your Gundam!
(We hear a voice over the external speakers of the 00-Raiser, which can be seen through the hole in the auditorium’s roof. Setsuna and Graham both look up at the sound of the voice.)
SAJI: (Over speaker) This Gundam’s occupied right now, so screw off.
LOUISE: (Over speaker) Heeheehee, Saji, you’re such an untamable maverick!
SAJI: (Over speaker) Quiet, woman!
(The speaker switches off and Graham and Setsuna turn back to each other.)
SETSUNA: I don’t quite know what they’re doing in there, but obviously I can’t fight you now.
GRAHAM: (Grits his teeth) I will not leave you alone until my thirst for glory is quenched! Fight me, boy!
SETSUNA: No.
GRAHAM: Fine, how about some air hockey? Best two out of three?
SETSUNA: (Pauses) …Okay.
GRAHAM: (Pumps fist) So it shall be! Let’s get out of here!
(Graham leaps off stage and heads for the exit, with Setsuna reluctantly following. Feldt hesitates for a moment and looks over at Sumeragi, who nods with a smile. Feldt jumps off stage to follow Setsuna. Mileina looks over at her parents.)
MILEINA: Oh, oh, can I go too, papa? Mama?
IAN: I don’t see the harm, do you, dear?
LINDA: (Smiles pleasantly) Yes, dear.
(Mileina squeals and runs to follow Feldt. Patrick also jumps off stage.)
PATRICK: (Cheerfully) They’ll need a referee! And I, the Indestructible Colasour, am perfect for the job!
SUMERAGI: You sure you shouldn’t be getting home to Kati?
PATRICK: (Waves dismissively) Oh, I’m sure I’ll get off with a couple kicks to the ribs, it’ll be fine. Seeya!
(Patrick saunters out of the auditorium. Sumeragi looks around at everyone remaining.)
SUMERAGI: So, what’ll us adults do now?
(Lyle’s still sitting in a chair, looking despondent.)
LYLE: (Mumbles) Whatever, I don’t care.
(Regene walks up beside him and slaps a hand on his shoulder.)
REGENE: Oh, buck up, laddy! Soon as we get back to Veda, I’ll pump out a new clone body for Anew. (Motions at Tieria’s corpse, which is still just sitting around limply in a chair) And for T-Sphere over there too.
(Lyle abruptly springs from his seat and grabs Regene by the collar.)
LYLE: (Disbelieving) REALLY???
REGENE: (Smiles) Sure! I’m just that kinda guy…or girl…or whatever.
(Tears build in Lyle’s eyes and he hugs Regene, who just smiles more.)
REGENE: See, I’m not sure if I should like this or not. Weird humans…
(Lyle releases Regene and looks over at Sumeragi.)
LYLE: (Wipes some tears away) That settles it then, we’re goin’ drinkin’!
SUMERAGI: Now you’re talking!
(Lasse gets Neil in a headlock.)
LASSE: First round’s on this guy! That’ll teach him to go die on us!
NEIL: (Struggling) Hey, now wait just a minute- !
ALLELUJAH: (Smiles) Marie and I kindly accept your offer, Lockon.
MARIE: (Smiles) That’s very kind of you.
SOMA: (Frowns) I’ll pay for my own, thanks.
BILLY: And I’ll just get something non-alcoholic, if you don’t mind.
(Lasse releases Neil and Lyle throws his arm around his brother’s shoulders from the other side.)
LYLE: C’mon, let’s show ‘em how the Dylandy boys drink!
NEIL: (Grins) Alright, alright! After all, I’ve still got one working eye left!
SUMERAGI: (Slaps Neil on the back) Ha! Not after tonight! Let’s do this thing!
(Everyone files out of the auditorium, except for Regene (and Tieria’s corpse, which everyone seems to have forgotten about). He lingers around on stage as everyone leaves, with a smile on his face. Once everyone is gone, Regene turns to look off-stage.)
REGENE: You can come out now.
(A hunched, shadowy figure using a cane slowly walks out on-stage. It is AEOLIA SCHENBERG!)
AEOLIA: (Smiles) Ah, everything has gone according to plan.
REGENE: (Confused) Yeah, I’m still a little foggy on that…wasn’t the plan to unite the world?
AEOLIA: Oh dear me, no. It was to get the Dylandys and Sumeragi Li Noriega into an epic drinking contest.
REGENE: Huh. I…see.
AEOLIA: (Waves hand) Nah, I’m just messin’ with ya. It was really a complex marketing scheme to build a merchandising empire based off Celestial Being. Man, it has turned out great. Action figures, trading cards, video games, now a movie…and the next step…is Celestial Being Land.
REGENE: Huh?
AEOLIA: A giant amusement park with a Celestial Being theme! And if it takes off, we’ll expand with Euro Celestial Being Land! Which probably won’t be as successful, but whaddayagonnado?
REGENE: Oh. So my whole existence was brought about to sell toys and trading cards?
AEOLIA: Correct.
REGENE: And you cryogenically froze yourself hundreds of years ago so you could reap the benefits of this merchandising empire.
AEOLIA: Again, correct.
REGENE: Hmph. (Smiles) Works for me!
AEOLIA: (Smiles) That’s the spirit, old boy/girl!
REGENE: (Grinning) Hey, after all… (Throws fist into air and shouts) ORETACHI WA GUNDAM DA!
THE END
