Endless Waltz is set a year after the TV series, but it's technically a parallel world. The TV designs were by Kunio Okawara, while Endless Waltz's were by Hajime Katoki, hence the "Ver.Ka" label for Katoki's designs. Fun fact: Glory of the Losers, a prequel manga, retcons the TV Wing Zero as "Proto Zero," among other additions.
"So, these Gundams aren't 'custom' upgrades—they're just alternate designs," I concluded. "Calling them 'Custom' implies they were modified, which isn't the case."
"Ohh, I got it. My old Wing Zero kit had 'Custom' on it, so I thought it was an upgrade," Kanata said.
"Same…" Russhia admitted.
"Yeah, I thought that too when I was new," I said. "By the way, I prefer EW's Wing Zero, but for Wing Gundam, I'm a TV version guy. The recent RG kit was a dream come true."
"Enough trivia—let's finish the dry assembly!" I said. "We'll paint tomorrow with the airbrushes."
"Yes, sir!" Russhia saluted.
"Got it!" Kanata nodded.
With chatter slowing us down, we buckled down to wrap up the dry assembly, saving painting and final assembly for tomorrow.
Midnight
After finishing the dry assembly and dinner, I crashed in my bedroom while Russhia and Kanata laid out futons in the living room. They weren't sleeping yet, fiddling with their phones to pass the time.
"Hey, Russhia-senpai, can I ask something?" Kanata said.
"Hm? What's up, Kanata?" Russhia replied.
"Why do you use your old cutesy speech around Reiji-kun? He knows the real you, so why bother?"
"…Well, Kanata, I just want to be that way around Reiji-san," Russhia said softly. "People might think I'm putting on an act, but when I'm with him, I want to keep talking like that. It's… important to me."
Russhia didn't elaborate, but it was clear her speech was tied to something deeply personal. She had no intention of changing it.
"Oh… sorry for asking something weird," Kanata said.
"It's fine," Russhia reassured. "But, um… what's with you playing up the 'weak angel' act around Reiji-kun? He saw you crush a steel can with your bare hands. Kinda ruins the image, don't you think?"
"You're bringing that up now?!" Kanata yelped, blushing furiously. "I was so embarrassed when he saw that! Don't remind me!"
Russhia had turned the tables, calling out Kanata's gorilla-like grip strength (a fictional trait for this story, not real life). Kanata's flustered reaction echoed through the night.
The Next Day
The house was noisy last night, but whatever. After breakfast, it was time for painting. We cleaned the parts in an ultrasonic cleaner (thanks, Roboco), dried them, and applied primer. Now, we're ready to airbrush.
"I'll go first," I said, grabbing some paints. "Ooh, prismatic paints? These could be fun."
Prismatic paints shift colors depending on the angle—super cool. I think the deputy head of a certain Japanese model club loves these. For my Wing Zero, I chose Metallic Prism Moon Gold Silver for yellow, Prism Metallic Red Purple Red Gold for red, Prism Metallic Blue Violet for blue, and Clear Pearl for white. Man, these names are long.
"What'd you mix in there, Reiji-san?" Russhia asked, peering at my setup.
"This? Thinner," I said. "You need to dilute the paint, or it'll clog the airbrush and ruin your work."
I learned that the hard way at an event years ago—tried airbrushing without thinner and botched it. Pro tip: always buy thinner with your paints.
"The ratio depends on the paint, but usually 1:2 or 1:3," I said. "Alright, here goes!"
My second-ever airbrush attempt was a breeze—the finish was gorgeous. This is gonna be good!
Two Hours Later
"My turn!" Russhia cheered, scanning the paint bottles. She grabbed one labeled "Musou Black."
"I choose this! Ultimate black!" she declared.
Musou Black?! That's the ultra-matte paint that absorbs almost all light, making things look like voids. Roboco stocked that?!
"Let's do this!" Russhia said, starting to paint. "…Whoa! It's already pitch black!"
"No way!" I gasped. The parts were insanely black, like they were sucking in light. My brain couldn't process it!
"Let's keep going!" Russhia sang, coating Deathscythe's black parts in Musou Black.
Two Hours Later
"Phew, done…" Russhia sighed, finishing her painting.
Her Deathscythe looked unreal—like a shadow come to life. Creepy, but awesome.
"You two done?" Kanata asked, strolling over.
"Yup, Russhia just finished," I said. "You painting too?"
"Nah, I went with damage effects and weathering instead," Kanata said, showing off her parts. Bold scratches and wear mimicked a specific scene—nice touch.
"Alright, once the paint dries, we'll topcoat and assemble," I said.
"Got it!" Russhia cheered.
"Woo!" Kanata added.
Hours Later
Our three Gundams were complete. Let's check them out:
Wing Gundam Zero EW Prism Metallic Ver.
My Wing Zero was a stunner. My first airbrush attempt with prismatic paints paid off—the whole thing sparkles, shifting colors with every angle. A solid 10/10 for me.
Gundam Deathscythe Hell EW Hyper Jammer Ver.
Russhia's Deathscythe was wild. The Musou Black made it look like it was cloaked in its Hyper Jammer—pure stealth. Problem was, the paint's film is super thin and scratches easily. The topcoat also dulled the blackness a bit, which was a bummer.
Wing Gundam Zero EW Last Shooting Ver.
Kanata's Wing Zero skipped paint for heavy damage and weathering, recreating the iconic final twin buster rifle shot from Endless Waltz. The busted right shoulder was spot-on—she knows her stuff.
"Reiji-kun, your Wing Zero's so shiny and cool!" Kanata said.
"Your weathered Wing Zero nails that epic scene," I replied. "And Russhia, your Deathscythe legit looks like it's using its Hyper Jammer."
"Y-Yes… but the topcoat dulled the black a bit," Russhia pouted.
"Still, these came out great," I said, patting their heads. They both grinned, all bubbly despite their usual stream chaos.
Our first full-on painting session was a smashing success.
Side note: those prismatic paints cost 1500 yen, and Musou Black was 2500 yen! Where's Roboco getting this stuff?!