Oban Star Racers

Oban Star Racers is a 2006 French-Japanese action cartoon following the exploits of Molly, a teenager trying to win a universe-wide race with a single wish as the grand prize.

Cruel Like Ceres (Episode 5)[edit | edit source]

While racing, the arrogant Ceres begins playing the flute he uses to control his racer, sending her into a deep trance where she dreams of Ceres' home world, even as her own racer careens out of control, threatening to crash into a wall. In the end, the team is saved by Rick's intervention, as he activates Molly's music player, shaking her from the trance and causing Ceres to lose control of his ship and crash.

"In my great mercy, I will put an end to your suffering, and offer you the most beautiful of gifts: Let me show you the world of the Mongs."
Molly begins to nod off from the music...
...and tries to jolt herself awake...
...but sinks right back down.
The blaring warning signals of the HUD begin to fade away...
...as Molly finds herself flying through space, towards the Mong homeworld.
Completely oblivious and apathetic within Ceres' thrall...
...Molly mindlessly marches along a narrow pier in her fantasy.
Back in reality, Molly has fallen asleep at the wheel.
Rick tries wake Molly, but it's no use. His voice is distant and faint...
...as Molly nears the end of her walk.
"Wake up, Molly..."
"...Wake up."
Straining against his illness, Rick manages to activate Molly's music player...
Which jolts Molly to her senses...
...causing her to stumble backwards in the nick of time.
Ceres howls in agony as Molly's techno music shatters his illusion...
...waking her just in time...
...to avoid crashing into a wall.
Ceres, however...
...isn't as lucky.
Concept art of Molly's trance.