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Initial D World - Discussion Board / Forums > Initial D Fanfiction > [Fanfic turned Original story] SPEED LEGEND Z!!

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Dec 14 2007, 06:10 AM

I just finished my whole series sort of alike to initial D - Speed Legend.
It's my own story but unlike Initial D, street racers in my series are damn young!
around 18 to 20 starting.
The hero in my series never started out as a really great driver, he was a total noob when it comes to street racing. In fact, he's just a spectator most of the time before he held the wheel of his NISSAN S14 SILVIA K's Aero (S14_2). Luckily, he adapts quick.
But, his primary car is a NISSAN SKYLINE GT-R V-SPEC2 R34.
The story is great! I've received good comments, reviewes and orders from my school mates & teammates. I hope there will be some who are interested with my work. I'll post some images soon.

see our team profile: Team Noyzee tribe also. and send us an e-mail!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
edited: 3/1/2009

The story is titled (as said above) Speed Legend.

PREFACE:

It's the story of a normal late teen-aged boy who was fond of racing in general but never gave the chance to experience it by himself. When he reached the proper age, he tried it and met his first high-skilled opponent while driving down Myogi's DH in a aged Nissan S14 aero K's. Through that rival, who was named as the undefeated Myogi's Knight, he improves drastically and realizes his talent at this. Every race he takes, which looks impossible or discriminating, his talent starts to bloom and after his big debut at Myogi, which ended up being his home course, word has spread and expects him to visit their home courses for a challenge to see how great the kid is. The once-defeated Myogi Knight, who turned out to be Kyosuke Katsumaru; well known around the Northern Kantou, would help him realize this moment even if in the end they'd still be bitter rivals.

Side stories include love and comedy in moderate amounts in the story. The hero, Tomogashi Kitsumoro, would soon figure out what to do with this unforseen talent that he just realized; whether he'd go pro or leave it as just a small part of him. He takes a choice and begins his glory only to see that his uncanny ability to adapt real quick on the roads would lead him to a place in the legend.

The rest would take place around the Northern Kantou Region, where a new generation of drivers would dominate one another and race after the spot to become one of the youngest legendary drivers.
--------------------------------------------------

The rest would be explained by comic series.
The prologue is posted and it would give you an idea of the character's inner driver.

Enjoy as you follow along the legend!

Posted by: Meteor Dec 14 2007, 06:49 AM

Hmm. So he's a rich kid that owns both an S14 and an R34 GT-R and can adapt at an extraordinary pace?

Well. I can't judge something without seeing it first. Seeing as you claim others enjoyed it, I'm interested in this.

So do post up those pics

BTW, your sig is over the limit.

Posted by: Tessou Dec 14 2007, 10:09 AM

Text alone won't sate my hunger, man. Scan some examples up so we can see what you've done!

And, like Meteor said above, your signature is exceeding the height limit of 200 pixels. You need to edit it so that it conforms to the limits... or a moderator will do it for you along with a fine verbal warning.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Dec 16 2007, 06:59 AM

Thanks for the warning Tessō. I'm working on that. and yeah! I'll post images of them real soon! Hey, I'm just a student... a high school student, okay? so don't expect too much. And plus, it's merely in lead. I only have time to color two volumes. the rest are lead but are good. Look out for comic shots of them soon! I'll post em' I promise.
I still have a quarterly exam so it might take a while. Wait for them at the 22nd of December.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Dec 26 2007, 11:23 PM

Sorry. I'm not done with the pics yet. But I am almost done and ready to post 'em. Just a little photoshop left to detail. Anyway, additional info on the story outline:

No! He's not a rich kid

He happens to get his GT-R by chance... as a gift... from a rival... note: he's a fair player. he didn't internally wreck the R34.

As for his S14, it was a birthday gift from some guy when he was just 15; a guy whom he does not know

. Obviously he didn't get his license yet so it just lays around his garage for 3 years or so.

He's just a high school student so his racing style is very mediocre at first.
and more if you guys are interested.

P.S. I'll be posting the prologue AFTERMATH. So... it's more of after the characters are introduced.
Seriously, don't expect too much like a ID Fourth Stage drawing.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Mar 31 2008, 10:00 PM

forgive me for the long wait! here! This is Speed Legend Prologue part 1!
part 1 because the total is 40+ pages and these are just 20... anyway, here they are in chronological order...

user posted image

Let me know...
don't just focus on the drawing...
i did the drawing a year ago.
and got lazy on inking them... forgive me.

Posted by: Meteor Apr 1 2008, 02:28 AM

Quite a good start. But there are a few issues.
1.What the hell? Drifting isn't as simple as just moving your limbs in co-ordination with each other (explained later in this post). And the whole "a single mishap'll kill ya" line seems a little too dramatic.
2.Lexus doesn't exist in Japan (just like how Acura doesn't exist in Japan). So the conversation about whether the Altezza was a Toyota or a Lexus shouldn't be here.
3.How does a "n00b" who "never started out as a really great driver" perform zero-countersteer drifts like that? (16)

And, I'll explain to you what I find wrong with the drift parts.
1.Even if you moved your hands and feet in co-ordination, that wouldn't immediately perfect the drift. Moving your limbs in co-ordination with each other isn't a super technique. It's a basic and always required technique. Without it, you can't even perform a low-speed E-brake drift right. It is certainly important for a driver to be able to do this, but it alone won't suddenly turn them into super drifters.
2.What's up with the countersteer? I'd understand if they were putting on a show. But if they're trying to race as fast as possible, they shouldn't be putting in that much countersteer (In an FR, more countersteer+throttle=greater angle=slower speed. The only exception is with the scandinavian flick)
3.The lead character is evolving far too fast. From simply powersliding to suddenly performing zero-countersteer drifts inches away from the inside wall. And it takes a lot of skill to perform a zero-countersteer drift like that. One has to be quite good at braking; shifting the weight to the front tires and slowing the car down while keeping just enough speed left. The steering has to be precise too as well as when the driver stops braking, where he/she goes zero-throttle and where he/she applies throttle for the entry to be successful. Then, the driver has to constantly manage the throttle. Keeping the car from gaining too much angle but at the same time keeping the slide going. And that's just the entry to apex. The exit requires precision as well.

But other than that, it's a great story. Keep it up

Posted by: MattW Apr 1 2008, 02:34 AM

The roofs, they are too short!

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Apr 2 2008, 05:57 AM

to MattSAF1, didn't you read the previous post? don't expect much from the drawing standpoint. I'm just a student. okay? no hard feelings...

You got me there Meteor. I forgot to mention this is part-fiction so anything unanimous to the real thing, I could twist things a bit... sort of like a game or a low grade simulation...

as for your comments, it's a good analysis, for a critic post. I commend you for that.

anyway my own opinions for the first 3 comments, if you don't mind...

1. the lead character is a kid. so hearing that from another kid, who's a pro & well known at Myogi, would seem as a special kind of thing for him. Most of the people who read this at my school are powersliders and little kids este Initial D anime fans.
the lead character has the talent. an unconscious talent so OBVIOUSLY, he doesn't know about it at first. it's like walking. if you're the type who walks fast, you're at your destination quickly without you knowing it. again, unconscious talent.
and I don't seem to get the "i'll kill ya" mishap you're talking about. mind if you tell me where (which page) exactly? then I'll follow that comment up.

2. the girl's (Rikona's) father bought the car and her father goes abroad most of the time (that's why I didn't show the father at all). if there would be a side story (not mentioned) to this, it could be this:

The father went to Europe or the States. He saw a good looking car, the Lexus IS (Altezza). He decides to buy one for her daughter at Japan. He checks the web for anything about it and was unhappy of how the Altezza looks compared to it's foreign twin, the IS. He buys what looks good on the IS for the altezza when he buys one when he comes home at a local "pimping" shop or a shop that sells car surplus accessories. When he came home, he bought the altezza at some prefecture, placed the accessories and screwed the removed parts or kept them for himself. OR the dad just likes european interior design than ordinary japanese interior. The dad has an eye on the interior material.

3. like at number 1. He has the pure talent. He doesn't know it. as in 100% I-have-no-idea-type of attitude. he'll realize it sooner. in the latter part of the series. There are 17 other pocket-sized volumes to follow after this. this is just a prologue.
Oh, yeah; he has the supernatural sense of adapting to any situation; now this is the fiction part. Sort of like Initial D's takumi when he easily adapted to the gum tape deathmatch.

Posted by: Meteor Apr 2 2008, 06:18 AM

QUOTE

and I don't seem to get the "i'll kill ya" mishap you're talking about. mind if you tell me where (which page) exactly? then I'll follow that comment up.

I was talking about the part where the pro was telling Tomo about moving his limbs in co-ordination. It seemed a bit too dramatic. There would be injuries from the crash, but I don't think the crash from a mistake during drifting would kill the driver (unless he fell off a cliff or something, and the guardrails aren't that fragile so I don't see that happening)

Anyway, as I said. It's a great story, so keep at it.

Posted by: ankitredevil Apr 3 2008, 05:39 AM

this is great..keep it up..

..ur drawings r really gud too.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Apr 10 2008, 11:59 PM

Sorry for the wait again...
think that's not enough?
how did Hiroto and Takeshi finish their battle?
Is the match between Tomo and Kyo gonna continue?
wait no further, here's part 2 of the Prologue.
page 21 onwards!

user posted image

But it's not over. If I have time again, I'll post the last part of the prologue.
I'm not gonna spoil everything though.

I'll just post THIS prologue.
There are still 19+ more battles in my story...

Posted by: Gizmo Apr 11 2008, 01:18 AM

Loving this! youve sorta made my day, been scouring the net for a Fan-Fic for an Anime project ive been wanting to work on, mite give it a shot

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Apr 12 2008, 02:50 AM

QUOTE (Gizmo @ Yesterday at 1:18 AM)

Loving this! youve sorta made my day, been scouring the net for a Fan-Fic for an Anime project ive been wanting to work on, mite give it a shot

Just remember that IT'S my work. I posted these pages because I want to share this to the world... my racing story... what's the following art to MY INITIAL D...
it's like my OWN preview of the next D stage.

I really like the way on how you reacted to this comic of mine...

I never get this "intense" praise abroad....

thanks anyway...
I hope others who view this would think of this art the same way as you did...

Posted by: Meteor Apr 12 2008, 03:41 AM

I'm still waiting for all the images to load. But from what I've seen so far, it's still going great. Keep it up.

The writing is good, as is usual. A little comedy always helps. And a small bit of romance is good too. The new Retractable Tiptronic Manumatic does feel a bit over-the-top, but at the same times adds to the story.

Posted by: Tessou Apr 13 2008, 08:44 AM

QUOTE (Gunma's 34 @ Yesterday at 6:50 AM)

Yes, we get it. It's YOURS and YOU made all of it so nobody steal it or YOU'LL stab them with a rusty spork, which is probably also YOURS as well so don't steal that either kthxbai.

Posted by: Cappuccino, 2 sugars Apr 15 2008, 04:07 PM

nice job! my skills at drawing suck so i could never do something like this

Posted by: zomg Apr 20 2008, 09:30 AM

Nice indeed. I particularily liked the "camera angles" - they are quite clever and dynamic, and make the scenes more interesting looking.

If you want to improve, I'd suggest you work on typesetting - while the text is readable, it is a bit difficult at times when the letters are close to each other and the words curve a bit etc.

I have horrible handwriting btw

Posted by: fettman53 Apr 21 2008, 10:05 AM

The images don't load on my computer...I just get the red "X" that means "you and your sucky internet connection are not worthy of seeing this picture..."

There are a lot of red X's.......

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Apr 21 2008, 08:40 PM

QUOTE (fettman53 @ Today at 10:05 AM)

The images don't load on my computer...I just get the red "X" that means "you and your sucky internet connection are not worthy of seeing this picture..."

There are a lot of red X's.......

Try logging on an internet cafe... and see this thread again
or refresh your web settings... (right click, refresh or reload)
works everytime...
you just need to be patient...
there are currently around 36 pages all in all...
ALL SHORT BOND SIZES so of course it'll take long...
try it and tell me what you think once all pics load on yours...

Posted by: Chiba_FC Apr 25 2008, 08:19 PM

Wow! you are doing a good job. I especially like your car drawings. keep it up

Posted by: Import_Lexus Apr 26 2008, 11:22 AM

awesome job, keep it up

Posted by: MîGüÊl May 3 2008, 06:53 PM

QUOTE (MattSAF1 @ Apr 1 2008, 02:34 AM)

The roofs, they are too short!

you people are too picky, i love the comics man nice work, hell, i dont have time or skill to do that, and someone that has more skill and time than me, props to you man, keep doing what you do

Posted by: Gunma's 34 May 3 2008, 08:41 PM

Here's the last portion of my comics!
A conclusion to the Battle Between Tomo and Myogi knight's Kyo Katsumaru...
And a sort of, what I call, mood maker for those who are not satisfied with the ending and want more or wants to know the ending to this unfinished ending...
anyway... less small talk, here it is!

user posted image

The driver of the Z is obvious... Tomo just didn't pay attention to it after his race so he has no Idea who it was at Akina/Haruna when he followed his crush's Altezza...
And that's the prologue for ya!
Oh! and the Tomo vs Hiroto battle...
i'll ask my friend to post the battle on youtube...
I used my old PS1 GAME - TOGUE MAX 2
Silver S14 vs FD...
as of now... enjoy the last portion of this prologue

Posted by: Poznanman May 4 2008, 07:21 AM

Rad comic Mate!!! Looking forward to more in the future!! Keep up the good work.

Posted by: Tessou May 5 2008, 03:37 AM

I still think you're drawing the hands too big.

Posted by: Meteor May 5 2008, 05:11 AM

^Don't expect any changes in the hand sizes coming up soon. The ones he's posted so far were drawn long ago (the reason behind the delay in updates is because he needs time to upload them all).

As for the updates, still not bad. But the text needs a little cleaning up. It's a bit hard to read at times.

QUOTE

Due to the heavy understeer, its body weight and ATTESA-ETS system, it's impossible to drift a GT-R

There's a clip of Jeremy Clarkson sliding a GT-R at the Top Gear test track. I'll post a link to it here when I dig it up.

BTW. Would you mind if I put all the chapters into .zip files to make it easier for the people with slow connections to read it?

Posted by: Gunma's 34 May 6 2008, 09:10 PM

To Meteor:

Yeah you could... just post it here for easy access... and say that's for slow connection users use only... to make things fair with that of other high speed connection users.
I had a problem with size that's why i resized it like that... for faster uploading. My internet speed sucks, that's why... sorry if it's partly readable...

About the sliding GT-R... yeah a pro could but a conventional driver wouldn't think of sliding a GT-R without knowing the way how. Top Gear drivers know so much about what they're doing so sliding a GT-R is just cake for them... Special Mention in initial D? Kozou Hoshino...
The knowledge here is pretty basic... and in terms of Basics, GT-Rs are not meant to be drifted, basically but skilled drivers can...

Back to my topic: my story.
Since I don't want to spoil the whole series... I'm just giving out the results of the other battles after this...

Tomo Kitsumoro vs Hiroto Agesoma: Hiroto understeered on a corner, Tomo won
S14K_2 vs FD3S
Tomo Kitsumoro vs Kaede Shimuji & Shuji Hokuge(rally @ USA):Outside drift at uphill corner, Tomo won
Gran Turismo - Grand Canyon
R34 GT-R Nur spec vs Lan Evo 5 Rally tuned
Tomo Kitsumoro vs Rikona Shimmitsu(tsukuba circuit wet): GT-R overpowers Altezza, Tomo won
R34 GT-R Nur spec vs Altezza TRD tuned 280T

Speed Legend 6 (I made this when I graduated from CSA Grade school, so I have a horrible imagination and unconsciously copied the battle sequences from Initial D battle stage and added a different story line)

Tomo Kitsumoro vs Hiroto Agesoma vs ??? (Akina DH): FD lost control like when Keisuke and Takumi first battled
R34 GT-R Nur spec vs FD3S (keisuke tune, red) vs 350Z ST

Tomo vs Ryuchin Kasatome(Somewhere near Tokyo, got from Togue Max 2 "Big bridge" stage)
Supra understeered on last corner, lost
R34 GT-R Nur spec vs Supra JZA80

Natsumi Tanoshiku vs Hikaru Nikizuke(Akina): Z used gutter on one corner near goal
350Z ST vs SW20

Tomo vs Takeshi Musashiro(Akina): Imagine Takumi vs Ryosuke at Akina; first stage
R34 GT-R Nur spec vs FC3S Ryosuke-like tune

Natsumi vs Akari Musashiro(Irohazaka): Imagine Takumi vs Kai; third stage
350Z ST vs Nismo 400R (BCNR33)

Tomo vs Genjuro Densetsu(Irohazaka): Imagine Takumi vs Kyoichi; third stage
R34 GT-R Nur spec vs Mitsubishi Eclipse NFSU1 tune

Tomo vs Rukusho (Akina snow): Imagine Takumi vs Miki; third stage
S14K_2 vs Mitsubishi Lancer evo 6 TME

Tomo vs Kyo vs Takeshi vs natsumi vs Genjuro vs Shuji (Arcade Myogi)
R34 GT-R Nur spec vs AE86 B-Tune vs FC3S Ryosuke like tune vs 350Z ST vs Bunta Impreza vs Kyoichi evo 3 (red)
finish in order: Kyo-natsumi-tomo-genjuro-shuji-takeshi

Tomo vs natsumi (Akagi)
R34 GT-R Nur spec vs 350Z ST

Speed Legend R (now my imagination is running wild, with my original stories)

Shuji Hokuge vs Ayumi Hokuge (training match at Iroha)
GTO Z16A vs FTO DE3A
GTO won.

Tomo vs Natsumi (akina)
R34 GT-R Nur spec vs S14K_2
unknown finish, last scene S14 & R34 tied after 4th of 5 consecutive hairpins

Reminiscent White matches:
Kyo Katsumaru vs Tomoko Saeki (arcade usui)
EA11R Cappuccino vs NB8C Roadster
Roadster spun out at C121

Tomo vs Himiko Amatsuka (arcade usui)
R34 GT-R Nur spec vs FD3S Mazdaspeed GT-C Tune
FD spun out at C121

Tomo vs Kyoichi Sagara (arcade usui)
R34 GT-R Nur spec vs Lan Evo 5 GSR
Evo CRASHED at C121: Imagine initial D extra stage; sil80 vs evo4

Tomo vs Kitami Kitamaru(akagi UH)
Kyo EA11R Cappuccino vs RX-8
Rx-8 won on straight

Reia Kitsune+Kyo vs shinosuke Kitamaru(akagi DH)
Civic Spoon EK9 vs FD3S RX-7 Spirit R B-Tune v3
EK won at 3rd of 5th consecutive hairpin section

Tomo vs Sakai Matsumoto (happogahara)
R34 GT-R Nur spec vs Civic Mugen EK9
GT-R outpowers EK

Takeshi vs Kozumi Shoji(Double Ring - Togue max 2 course, ps1)
FD3S ??? vs EF8 Civic SiR
EF overtakes at Rally section lap 2

Kitami vs Riyoko Takahashi (1/2 mile drag)
R34 GT-R Nur spec vs Accord euro R turbo
R34 won... more powerful

Kyo vs Keiya Takashi(Double ring. see Takeshi vs Kozumi)
R32 GT-R V-SPEC II vs Integra Mugen DC2
R32 overpowers Integra lap 1

Tomo vs Kimitaka Matsumae- pro racer (Tokyo R246, GT4)
Natsumi 350Z ST vs Prelude Mugen type S FT
Result? Imagine Takumi vs Tomo tachi 4th stage

Tomo vs Sakura Johina(Akina UH DH)
R34 GT-R Nur spec vs R34 GT-R Tommykaira R
fading line at last hairpin of DH run, Nur spec won.

Shinosuke vs Kitami (Shomaru OB-IB)
FD3S RE Amemiya vs RX-8 Mazdaspeed
Rain came, RX8 advantage, FD understeered. RX-8 won

Tomo vs ??? Ghost (Rome-Night, GT2)
Sakura R34 GT-R Tommykaira R vs KPCG10 GT-R 1971 "Hakosuka"
again, imagine Takumi vs Tomo Tachi at straightway.

Noyzee tribe expedition

Kyo vs Abashi Kochiiro (suzuka)
S13 GT300 vs AE111 Trueno Supercharged
Braking contest, AE111 understeers

Kitami vs Hiroya Kagami (suzuka)
Celica GT-FOUR C-ONE vs Mine's Evo 6 GSR
Evo 6 imitates weight shift at final chicane, evo loses control

Shinosuke vs Shimizu Ohyama (suzuka)
FD3s RE Anemiya vs R390 GT-1 Road version
R390 runs out of gas at straight

Tomo vs Daiki Akiyama (round 1, akagi DH)
R34 GT-R Nur spec vs NA2 NSX type R concept
Tie!

Tomo vs Daiki (round 2 tsuchisaka UH)
R34 GT-R Nur spec vs S2000 GT tune (Joshima tune + carbon stock hood)
S2K outruns GT-R at downhill

Tomo vs Daiki (round 3 wangan tokyo)
R34 GT-R Nur spec vs 350z Z-Tune
R34 GT-R Nur spec splitstreams behind Z and won

Tomo vs 3 ??? Americans (akina DH)
Rikona altezza 280T vs Evo 8, Impreza gdb, Evo 9
Despite distorted settings done by the americans, Altezza won; evo 8 crashed, impreza crashed, evo 9 TOTALED crashed down Akina.

Speed Legend Epilogue 2 - Italy
Shinosuke vs Yoshikuni Kazuma (italian road to countryside)
Kyo FD custom GT tune vs Porsche Cayman S
DNF, tied... stopped at broken bridge

Tomo, Sakura, Kitami vs Keiichi Iwata, Kazuhiko Aizawa, Seiji Tsuchiya (custom course)
R34 GT-R Nur spec, R34 R tune, RX-8 Mazdaspeed custom vs Integra DC5, Mazda FD3S NFSU1 tune, Evo 9
Tomo vs seiji - Tomo won by splitstream
Sakura vs Kazuhiko - FD won by oversteer drift
Kitami vs Keiichi - tie. air resistance factor

Tomo vs Kitana Tioseco(cote d' azur to custom course, 300 km battle)
R34 GT-R Nur spec Z-tune vs Lamborghini Diablo VT Custom
Tomo won but GT-R and Diablo went engine total/breakdown

I'm planning to continue the series in a global state... more non-japan super rivals...

Posted by: Meteor May 7 2008, 07:23 AM

I uploaded the file.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=BH8MWSRM

Can't check if it works right now. But if you see a file, and it's name is Prolouge.zip and has a size of 11.94 MB, then the upload was succesful

Posted by: Gunma's 34 May 9 2008, 06:24 PM

As of now, my story is still on hold.
I'm not ending it just yet.
In my story, there's still the world to face off against.
It's not only limited to the boundaries of Japan.
The last battle entry there (my last post) was held at Italy.
Right now, in my story, they're heading off to America.
The next rival they're going to face off rides a
Chevy Corvette C6 ZR-1...
And one of their members, Kyo, has left the group.
Do you think they'll have the chance on the next "arena"
which is against US muscle and underground tuners/exotics at USA?
Gimme your opinions so that I'll be able to work on a cool plot for this stage.

*just an FYI here, the hero team - Team Japan consists of the following drivers & their cars.
(reference is my previous post line up and my comics)

Tomo - Nissan Skyline GT-R V-spec II nur Nismo Z -tune BNR34 blue
Daiki - Nissan fairlady Z 350Z ZS-Tune silver
Sakura - Nissan Skyline GT-R V-spec R-tune BNR34 red
Kitami - Mazda SE3P RX-8 type S Mazdaspeed Custom tune red
Shinosuke - Mazda FD3S RX-7 type R RE-Amemiya tune yellow

*non driver team members*
Kasumi Nadeshiko (the Kasumi mentioned in prologue)
Hiei Kamura
Ryusen Kennichi
Tetsuya Kudou (team Mechanic)*

another question for you guys to ponder on... additional to the working plot
For certain conditions that Kitami's RX-8 and Shino's RX-7 cannot compete any further, what substitute cars do you think suits them?
*note No GT-Rs nor Zs can be considered as subs as their cars are already used*
I'll be following the lineup by a game so use these games as references too:
TEST DRIVE UNLIMITED
NFS PRO STREET

Posted by: Civicnote May 11 2008, 08:28 PM

QUOTE (Poznanman @ May 4 2008, 07:21 AM)

Rad comic Mate!!! Looking forward to more in the future!! Keep up the good work.

I hope you don't take this the wrong way, i really don't. I simply have constructive critisim that could turn your art into a professional piece. With some pro tips too! I want you to know ahead of time these are tips that will help you if you want to take this project further, if not, that's cool. Just read it through, i did write this for you and your art after all.

First off, you need to spend more time on the drawings. The more polished the drawings are, the more people will want to read it. Trust me.

For an example, even if your story is amazing, only about 1/2 of the people possible will read it because of the story (as sad as it is). As an art major (illustration and graphic design), i've seen people beaten senseless because of this (again, sadly, but you NEED a balance of art and story). Drawing wise, you need to work on your value (darks, lights, midtones, etc.) And try to work with pen and ink as much as you can (no not fine tip sharpies, the old school dip pen and ink) because pen and ink allow you to have A LOT of control with line (thickness and quality, it will save you from constantly switching pens and crap and will look much better. Art students and instructors use pen and ink to this day, it's a very common medium, and the only medium used my pro manga artists.

I have been practicing drawing manga since i was 10, that was over 9 years ago. And even though my drawings are really getting good, they never stood a chance until after i took a figure drawing course, once you have seen how the figure's proportions are, it will be much easier. And yes, i know manga is differant from real-world figures, but it will help you with the shoulders, legs, arms, etc. Just the shapes and all (but yours are looking pretty good so far, so don't worry so much about that)

The story is pretty good, but it's very common in car mangas for the main character to have "quick adaptiveness". Look at not only Initial D, but Wangan Midnight for examples. Just a tip.

And if i may, pick up a few perspective books (that way when the "camera" is looking up at the person from the ground (heroic shot) with other people, they'll all seem the same size and placement based off of good horizon lines.) Work with perspective to understand height and distance if the person is X tall, they should be X tall when they are Y far away. Even if your drawings arn't professional, perspective will make them, trust me, bad perspective is the #1 killer. It does take a bit longer to do, but it will look 100x better!

Other than that, it is looking pretty damn good and your choice for how to layout each shot and decide how to present things are good, so be proud of that! I think with some work it could look really professional and great.

And just to clarify. I'm not trying to bash you or your comic, i think you're doing a pretty good job. And yes, i did enjoy reading it!

These are simply some tips if you really want to take this project further. If this is something just for fun or a side project or whatever. That's cool man.

Just remember, don't ever rush things, especially your drawings. If you spend a month on one chapter, it will look much better than something done in a week, and you won't stress during and after it. Relax, and enjoy what you're working on!

Best of luck!!! Keep it up man! Hit me up with ANY questions you have, i'd be mroe than happy to help you out!

Posted by: Gunma's 34 May 11 2008, 10:26 PM

Don't worry CivicNote. I respect your opinion as an Art Major student...
And yeah... you're the pro so you know what's best.
Sadly though, I was rushing this as my aim before finishing high school is to finish my series. Somewhat, I fulfilled that aim but not as how I expected it to be...
well thanks a lot for all that 101's...
I'll keep that in mind when I have plans of making another installment of my series - the international kind.
Hey, any suggestions for the next installment's plot?
See my May 9 post about the hero team and the C6 US leader...

Posted by: Gunma's 34 May 17 2008, 06:11 AM

Here's a typewritten update on the working and current progress of this story...

As you read before, team Japan was composed of the drivers: Tomo, Daiki, Sakura, Shinosuke and Kitami Kitamaru.

as for team Royal Blood, by the way, this is a new team coming out in my next series..., they're composed of the following:

Team Royal blood is not what you may call a team, compared to all the other teams.
they're not actually team members from the start. Legend has it, that their forefathers are once in leagued with each other. They represent a specific country as their home turf, and they all specialize in almost everything. They are considered Gods in ranks to that of the Medieval times, like king, queen, jack, knight, prince, princess ranks.

The team is composed of...
The King - ??? - Germany
Specialty car: Mercedes SLR McLaren, BMW M5, Porsche 911 Carrera GT4 (that's right! the best of Germany in his hands!!)
The King is once a young monster of the German roads and dominated the world of German Racing. Starting at an early age of 12, during the latter part of the Classical Era, he conquered and specialized in Mountain and circuit competitions around the country. Now, in his late 40's he's still a person to be feared and was never defeated. Rumor has it that in one session of the Classical tournaments, he crashed on a cliffside battle and returned from the dead. No one knows how or why it happened. A mysterious driver indeed.

The Queen - Adriana Eizaguirre - Argentina
Specialty car: Mc Laren F1 GT

The Queen is what I could say, as a female that every man and/or racer dreams off. She's got it all; smarts, beauty, wealth, personality, credentials, all of it. However, though, she wasn't satisfied with her current life. She had a brother who was a famous race car driver at Brazil. He died from a car accident during a race session in a Mercedes CLK GT-R during the Buenos Aries finals. She's vowed not to commit the same mistake that her brother did. eventually, she became the top driver of South America but she still keeps the memory of her brother inside her. She even admitted that Her brother is the reason why she came this far. She was undefeated ever since...

The Jack - Lucas Scott - USA
user posted image

Specialty car: choice of Corvette Z06 C6
Looking on the outside, there's nothing special about him. A dude who loves break dancing, basketball, r&b and illegal street racing. But when it comes to racing, he's the king of the crop around the US. He has driven four Corvettes in his time: from a C4 to a C6 type. He races for rep. Now that he has it, he still wanted more. His style is so fast that on the streets, the cops couldn't touch him. Most wanted in racing and by the law. Imagine a NFS Most wanted, Carbon and Pro street rep.

The Knight - Nathan Archibal - Canada
user posted image

Specialty car: Ford GT
He's so fond of the 60's Le Mans that he even joined it during the 90's. He loved the GT40 and bought a vintage model that he intended to practice with until it broke down. Having heard rumors of the latest supercar launched by Ford, he was the very first person to buy one. With the image of the next Le Mans in mind, he became well known around the Vancouver Race track and set an undefeated record that no one was able to defeat. He became a top celebrity by just racing and being part of magazines, yet this didn't hinder his gifted skill in street and professional racing. As a side note, he likes ice skating and anything cold that he could even perform a rally drift with a Midship type 550 hp supercar on ice and snow like it was nothing!!

The Princess - Kitana Tioseco - Italy/China
Specialty car: Lamborghini Gallardo and Lamborghini Diablo VT (GTR Spec)

She's part EMO as her team mates would say by just looking at her outfit. She denies that fact a lot but some say that her car too speaks of it. She doesn't mind that fact about her life. She also likes Guitars and music that makes the guitar the leading instrument in a song. She also owns her private, custom made race track at Italy. She has somewhat a liking for The Prince, Daiki Akiyama, who inspired her to become the best in all of street and pro racing. She even custom built her own Lamborghini and Merged the Murcielago and Gallardo into one car, what she calls the Murciel-lardo. She's pretty proud of her skill as it was all thanks to Daiki. Her specialty is to drift her Lamborghini in a 35 degree angle for one kilometer on the straightway She's just 16 but she's as skilled as a middle aged veteran! Young, but inspiring! She's also the Team Leader of an Anglo-Japanese street team in Italy known as The Stallions and Torros.

The Prince - Daiki Akiyama - Japan
user posted image

Specialty car: Nissan Fairlady Z Nismo Z-tune
In Japan, he's the youngest driver ever to conquer the racing world. Being considered a legend on the Chiba region, he was given the title The Prince of all racing divisions. He has never lost a battle on the Northern Kantou. Rich? yes; his family even owns the Akiyama Racing School located at Chiba and Tokyo respectively. He was once the Leader of Team Midnight Masters - a well known Semi-professional team composed of Professional champions, contenders, and test drivers of famous Tuners specializing at the Suzuka Circuit. Daiki was just a newbie and defeated all the members of the Masters on a one-vs-all assault. A gifted driver, known around the whole country. He recently used his NSX NA2 and S2000 AP1 GT on a battle and tied with a common street racer known by the nickname Gunma's 34.

The Joker - ??? - ???

Specialty car: Nissan Skyline GT-R R35 V-spec
Very minimal information is known about this driver. No one even knew if the person is male or female; but definitely not gay. No one knew which country he/she is from. No one knows how old is this person. All people know about this guy is that he/she drives a black Nissan R35 Skyline... His/her style looks as if it's a combination of all the skills of the members of the Royal Blood team. He/she cares less of the competition. His/her aim is to fight the best drivers outside of the Royal Circle... His/her intentions are as unknown as his identity. A driver riding in the shadows.

Anyway, here's the first chapter of my story. <I don't know why or how It got deleted along with chapter 2 but, here goes nothing. hope I remember 'em. There'll be a couple of changes, though>

Speed Legend S

Episode 1 - The New Battlefield
Chapter 1 - The start of a new journey

Daiki raced for the International Tournament, representing team Japan.
He placed third all in all at Cote d' Azur.
No one ever knew that this group of youths would be able to make it this far.
The next day is upon them and they're all ready to leave.
A couple of strollers are on one area.
The rest of the Team is merely talking with each other about anything under the sun.
Tomo and Daiki came out of the reception hall with the tickets.
Hiei and Ryusen are getting snacks for their trip to the US.
The two girls, Kasumi and Sakura went to the rest room to freshen up.
The rest of the team are simply, well... talking.
Outside of the airport, there was a girl standing in agony, looking at the skies; listening to the sound of planes taking off and the PA calling out the next plane to depart.
It was Kitana, who was known as the European Matador.
The reason for her gloomy state of mind is that she and daiki have to part ways again. poor girl.
"Tell me Kitana," Yoshikuni Kazuma, her companion asked. "Why are you acting so emo again."
Hearing the word Emo, Kitana's gloomy state is now all fired up in rage.
"Say EMO one more time and I'm forced to push your PORSCHE CAYMAN S off the broken bridge like it was supposed to happen!!"
She faced the sky again and wondered...
"Oh, Daiki..."
She suddenly sprinted towards the main door of the airport.
Inside, Daiki is taking roll call.
"Tomo?"
"here!"
"Kitami? Shinosuke?"
"Yup!"
"Yoh!"
"Shimizu?"
"Hey"
"Hiroya"
"Here!!"
"Tetsuya? Hiei? Ryusen?"
"Here!"
"Here!"
"Present!!"
"Uh, Hiei, that's so childish of you! We're not in school anymore." Ryusen reacted.
"I know. I just felt like it." Hiei said. Everybody laughed afterwards.
"And the Girls?" Daiki asked?
"They went to the rest room to freshen up..."
"Sorry we're late." Kasumi said across the hall with Sakura behind her.
"and... here they are!!" Tomo said to Daiki in excitement.
"Good. Let's board then." Daiki said, pointing towards the door.
"I get dibs on the window seat!!" Hiei said as he ran towards the door.
"Not unless I beat you there!!" Ryusen answered as he chased after hiei.
"No fair guys!! It's my turn!" Tomo shouted. He ran towards them also.
"Those guys will never grow up..." Sakura chuckled as she walked towards the door with Kasumi.
The rest followed with Daiki being the last to board.
"Daiki wait!!" A voice that echoed throughout the hall. It caught the attention of everyone in the hall. It was Kitana, who was catching her breath.
"Kitana..." Daiki whispered.
Tomo held Daiki in the shoulder and nodded.
Daiki went to Kitana. Her atmosphere suddenly changed.
"Are you sure you're leaving again?"
'Sadly, yeah. I know how much you missed me..." Daiki said as Kitana blushed. "But just so you know... I'll come back. promise. We will see each other again. Just remember that."
user posted image

With a smile, Kitana replied in a happy tone "yeah."
"Kitami hold up!!" This time, Kazuma called out to Kitami.
"What is it, man?"
"I got some information that will help you out. It'll really help out those two over there."
"Daiki and Kitana?"
"Yeah. Listen, and Listen well..."
Kazuma whispered to Kitami everything he needs to know about The Prince and the European Matador.
Silence covered up the whole area. The wind whooshed passed by the plane.
"you serious!!"
"I am. now go. ponder over it during your flight, not here. see ya."
kazuma left with a satisfied look.
Kitami re-boarded the plane.
"well, looks like we're off now." Daiki said.
"I guess... but don't worry. I'll wait for your return." Kitana replied.
"see you soon, Kitana." Daiki said as he pats Kitana's head like a cat.
"Stop that." Kitana reacted while fixing her hair. "I'm not a kid anymore. I'm a grown woman."
"yeah, yeah..."
Daiki boarded the plane.
Kitana watched as the plane took off.
Team Japan is now heading for America.

Chapter 2 - Pondering over prevailing thoughts
This chapter is unusually short for I forgot the original contents of this. forgive me

Everyone was asleep. It's already 3:00 a.m. All but Kitami who was still wondering over his conversation with Kazuma...

QUOTE

"You know very well Kitana and Daiki's nicknames right?"
"The Prince and the European Matador?"
"Yeah those. Unknown to Kitana, she still has another nickname that the whole world of street racing calls her by..."
"and that is?"
"The Princess?"
"Princess? Isn't that sort of medieval."
"Weird but true. There was a team that existed with nicknames such as those before. And it seems that..."
"Daiki and Kitana are two of the many successors of this..."
"Ancient team... we think alike."
"yeah, but that's freaking me out."
"Same here. But, that's all that I could help you with. The rest of this "puzzle" is up to you to finish."

"Then... what is this team that Kazuma is talking about? and how are Daiki and Kitana connected to this at all?" Kitami wondered while staring at the moonlight flashing through his window...

*note, all these cars are just mere reference on what they drive. In my manga or comics, the modifications are custom.*

Posted by: Tessou May 20 2008, 03:40 AM

The royal/face cards deal has been done to death a million times already. Originality? Why not give them codenames like the names of certain animals or elements or something, that correspond to their skill or abilities, instead of something so horribly cliche?

Also, those are some extremely strange car choices for people who are apparently the gods of the touge in their area. I hardly think any smart racer would choose a McLaren F1 or even a Corvette for touge. A Corvette spins so easily, it would be a terrible choice.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 May 22 2008, 06:51 AM

Chapter 3 - The Most Wanted

On the streets of Chicago, a huge roaring engine has been plaguing the streets.
This commonly happens every late evening from 12:30 a.m. At one block, street racers gather at the brink of the night.
Everyone was having a prime time of their lives. As they showoff their break dance moves, tuned sports cars with their big-ass speakers in the trunk, neon lights, women in tight fit clothes, it was a loud party.
Guys from the area gather around for trading info, skills, and parts.
It's like an underground bar and store there. The commoners try to come to that spot; but as they do arrive... to their dismay, no one is around anymore.
Every weekend this happens. The locals can't even get rest and have to resort in calling out the cops.
Those who were disturbing the peace really panicked when they hear sirens coming close by. Out of the crowd, there was just one driver who got the car, the skills, and the balls on taking out the police.
He drives a flashy Chevrolet Corvette Z06. His name? It's Lucas Scott.
Years back, he was known for being a top professional Basketball player in a college aiming to go for the NBA. Suddenly, he disappeared from that light and is now a different person all in all.
There was this one moment when he intentionally let the cops come after him in full force and loses them in one swoop after passing 8 corners. There were battle scars all over his Corvette's front bumper. Definitely a driver who never cares for his car's needs whenever he drives recklessly.
Even in racing he was undefeated. Climbing up the ranks in a short amount of time, he was crowned a god in that area. From building up rep, he also destroys rep; driver after driver.
The Old Lucas Scott was completely lost; and he is now what we see. Showing off in a bad boy look with his Metallic Blue Corvette, he cruises around town every night pounding on a street racer who dares to challenge him.
Back to the present...
He drives around Chinatown causing acoustic havoc. Only his peers adore his annoyance.
His Corvette's loud engine roar, coming out of the 7.0 L LS7 V8 comes and goes around the state. It disappears through the night. What he was doing is what he calls a performance run only.
user posted image

"There's no one for me to race against... everyone here I've already beaten... this is really boring. I'm heading out back."
He drives to his mansion in the hills as the LS7 V8's tone fades into the night with disappointment...

QUOTE

Isn't there anyone who could make me topple? That'll really give me a race to die for!!

Chapter 4 - Moment of Arrival

The plane is on the roadway in the California airport. It's already 6:00 pm. Most of the group is now awake. All except for Daiki.
He was dreaming of a past; a faraway past. He's dreaming of him in a throne, wearing a royal cape & a crown. Next to him was Kitana wearing the same cape but in a tiara. Next to her are 4 other people - 3 guys and a girl; all on their late 20's or 30's or so. However their faces are covered in the shadows. Before Daiki could even get a glimpse of who they were, a light suddenly blinded him. Before he knew it, somebody is calling out his name...
"Daiki...Daiki!"
"Wake up!..."
Daiki was as quiet as a bird.
"Akiyama! Wake up, we're here!!"
Somebody slapped him to consciousness.
"Ouch. what was that for? Who did that?" Daiki said in pain.
" I did it." Hiroya said in an ironic accent. "We're here already. C'mon!" Hiroya left facing the door.
Tomo was waiting in the reception hall. Shinosuke was with him; so was Kitami, Hiei, Ryusen, and Tetsuya.
Kasumi and Sakura went to the restroom.
"Hey, here comes Daiki, Shimizu and Hiroya" Hiei said.
"Is everyone here?"
"Sakura and Kasumi are at the restroom" Tomo replied. "They'll be back in a while."
"So, where's the venue?" Shinosuke said.
"Infenion raceway. There will be 2 rounds. One is the Sports car course, the other is the stock car course." Shimizu said in detail.
"But that'll be 2 weeks from now. We have time to get to know the course. We'll be going to the venue first thing tomorrow afternoon." Hiroya said.
"So, brother; you thinking what I'm thinking?" Kitami said facing Shinosuke.
"Girl Scouting? You got it!!" Shinosuke replied in excitement. The 2 brothers said that they'll text if they're to meet up again.
"What now? we got a day to spare so where to Ryusen-san?" Hiei asked.
"To the Arcade!! Tomo you joining?"
"Nah. I need to go somewhere." Tomo said.
"aww... too bad. Oh well... text me for updates 'kay? We're off." Ryusen left while Hiei followed.
"Well, this is unusual... bit by bit everyone's parting..." Tomo said with a curious look on his face.
"Waddya mean, Tomo? i'm still here" Kasumi said as she gave Tomo a stern look on her face.
"and Sakura?"
"Well... She and Tetsuya went to a tuner center to check on her GT-R34 to see if it's still in top condition. 'You could never be careful' she said."
"And Daiki?"
"He and the other 2 went to Infenion to check it out. So they'll be back longer than we expected."
"I see... wanna check in first? i'm starving. I wanna see how the hotel's delicacies taste like."
"Is this for your further training as a chef or just to stuff yourself with food like usual."
"Oh, come on, Kasumi. Am I that much of a glutton to you? That hurts you know!"
The two laughed and went to the cargo bay to pick up the GT-R. They look like a sweet couple walking towards their car.
They're now on the main road going past the golden gate bridge - heading towards an unusual city. The only thing unusual about it is that it sort of looks like Las Vegas with most of the replicas of most of the wonders.
"Weird. This looks like one of my Video games when I was young... Sort of like Palmont..."
"Palmont?" Kasumi said with a confused look.
"Nothing. It's game talk. You might not understand it."
The Skyline is going in a normal state likewise other cars in the vicinity.
Suddenly, Tomo decided to go to a hault.
His car was standing on a hill. The 2 stepped off the car.
"This place sure brings back memories of home, don't you think?"
"Somewhat... Say Tomo... I noticed just now... do you have any sibings?"
"I dont. You?"
"none that I could think of."
"But what's with the sudden topic Kasumi?"
"I'm just wondering that's all..."
"Since you brought that up... my turn to ask you: How's your family? I never bothered to ask you before, since it's personal information; and you brought up the topic of family just now..."
user posted image

"I never had a family. They all died in a fire. I was a mere babe then. My guardian was the one who brought me up. He left me all of a sudden when I was old enough to understand the world and how to blend in and survive. How about you Tomo? How's YOUR family?"
"I had the same fate as you; except for the dying part. They're somewhere they didn't tell me. But every now and then, they call and send me messages - making me think that they're okay. I've been living on my own now and my heart says that I don't need to worry about them anymore since they said so. I don't want to interfere anymore as doing so would..." Kasumi interrupted saying "You're lucky. Lucky that you have one. Though you're independednt, you know that they're okay, looking out for you. Unlike me living on my own most of the time. I really never experience what it means to be loved by a family member."
"Don't you think... you're experiencing it already, Kasumi?"
"Tomo..." Tomo was pointing at himself as he said: "You got me. You could consider me YOUR family, right?"
Kasumi smiled and just stared at Tomo's eyes... "Silly", she said.
"C'mon. Let's check in at the designated Hotel."
The two board the car and drove off, not knowing somebody was there watching the car drive off...

Chapter 5 - Dawn of Encounter

There were minimal cars present in the City at this hour. Tomo decided to floor it. Kasumi held tight on to her arm handle. The GT-R's RB26DETT engine screams around the region. The tires were squealing all around. The muffler back-fired when Tomo switched t gear 4. All 530 horsepower within the GT-R's RB engine are as active as Tomo's battle against Kitan's Diablo SV a at Kitana's Circuit, Italy. Behind them was a LancerEvolution 9 all covered in Vinyls and stickers. It passes by the GT-R and blocks it's way forcing Tomo to go to a stop. Something came out of Tomo's GPS system - "Challenge" it says.

Being new around town, Tomo wants to see how the local drivers fare; so he accepts the Challenge. The Evo 9 driver wants Tomo to select a goal. He selects one 3 miles away. From that post, they took off! The sqealing of the tires at 8000 rpm screams around the area where they met. The Evo 9 is leading with Tomo close to its tail. Slowly, the GT-R catches up; he was applying a split stream tactic, the same tactic he used when he fought Daiki...

"Kasumi... I want you to hang tight. I'll try to give my all in this mock battle. So don't be afraid, okay?" Saying that, Tomo's foot went deeper, pressing the Accelerator even further. A corner was up; the two are approaching it already at maximum speed. Tomo grabs hold of the e-brake and attemps to bring the GT-R to a drift. The Evolution driver plans to nail the apex; but to his dismay, understeer triggered. The Evolution is veering towards the outside. The GT-R's nose is in front. Once the Evo driver downshifts to gain acceleration, The GT-R overtook...

"Is this how the locals drive?" Tomo wondered. His GT-R punched to 5th and outruns the Evolution. One more corner to go before the battle ends. The GT-R is now reaching 156 mph and the Evolution right behind him - around 6 cars away... Tomo won the mock battle without much effort. He decelerates and waits for the Evo driver. "That was great Tomo. It's your first battle here, still you managed to beat him hands down. Good job!" Kasumi said with much excitement.
Little did the 2 know, police are now contacting each other about street racers illegally racing on the streets.

Clearing a corner, he caught the attention of one of the cop cars.
"Suspect has been spotted. I repeat, Suspect has been spotted." the Police driver said to the intercom...
"It's weird, Kasumi... how come my car is picking up the conversation of the Police?"
"I'd rather not talk about that now, Tomo", Kasumi said in a pale voice. "You'd better get out of here. Looks like he wouldn't entertain any questions you'd draw at him. Let's get out of here!"
The GT-R accelerates even further and is being followed by the Police unit. A little while longer, 4 more police units are chasing after TOmo. He needs to getaway. Beside the GT-R, another Sports car is following Tomo's speed; neck to neck with his GT-R. It was a Metallic Red Viper SRT10... It removes one of the poles from the arc and disables ALL the cop cars. They were no longer being chased. They escaped.
"Thank goodness..." Kasumi said with a sigh...
"You're right Kasumi. I better thank that... guy?" The mysterious Viper driver vanished once more. Tomo was dumbfounded. He waits for evrything to cool down before he heads his way. But that Viper was all that is occupying Tomo's mind for a moment.

Chapter 6 - A new Sakura Blossoms

Tomo and Kasumi have checked in. Their room was in the 12th floor of a 20-floor 5-star hotel. Kasumi was so excited about the layout of the room. It was good for two. She then jumped on one of the beds and started frolicking and bouncing like a little girl. Tomo on the other hand has his mind preoccupied about the Red Viper that helped them a while ago.
"Who was that guy?" Tomo murmured...
"Hmm? Did you say something Tomo?"
"Oh, it's nothing. I was just talking to myself."
"I see..." Kasumi said softly as her hand reaches for the pillow closest to her.
As Tomo locks the door. Foom! The pillow landed on Tomo's head.
"Gotcha there! Not so fast with your reflexes now are you?" Kasumi laughed seeing Tomo's head completely covered in feathers.
"So... you want to play games huh?" Tomo murmured with a grin on his face.
He took the pillow slowly and with a quick reflex of his feet he charges towards Kasumi as he shouts out "LET'S PLAY THEN!!"
"Ahh! Tomo, that's my ticklish side!! You ask for it!"
The two played around, hitting each other with the pillow they're holding tight. Tomo hits Kasumi; she hits him back. The two laughed as they smacked each other senselessly until they both ran out of breath.
"That was fun" Kasumi said as she catches her breath.
"Once in a while, yeah..." Tomo replied. "It's really fun... to be..."
"to be what?"
"to be doing stuff with you, Kasumi..."
Kasumi blushed there for a sec. "Oh, come on, you're just bluffing", she said as she hits Tomo back with the pillow and cost him his balance.
"What was that for?"
"Oh nothing..." Kasumi said with her face looking at the window, pretending to ignore Tomo. "It's just that... it's fun also... to be doing stuff with you, Tomo."
"Copycat!!" Then, Tomo huddles on Kasumi like an excited dog, let's say a golden retriever, pouncing on its owner.
Heartbeats then pounded.
Tomo and Kasumi just stared at each other for a long time as the heartbeats began pounding even louder than before...
Kasumi then pushes Tomo away causing him, again to lose balance and fall of the bed. Careless oaf.
The door knocks and Tomo decided to open the door.
Tetsuya opened the door with great force as soon as Tomo unlocked the door.
"Not fair, you two! You had a party, and you didn't even bother to invite me!"
"this is nothing Tetsu-chan." Kasumi answered in embarrassment.
"So, where's Sakura-san?"
"Her? wait." Tetsuya went and called Sakura to come in.
"Sakura?... Is that you, girl?" Kasumi asked in excitement
user posted image

Sakura had a new haircut; in turn made heads turn as she goes to the room.
Her hair is now until the end of her neck with the ends curling back. It really suits her, and made her even prettier.
Even Tomo can't help turn his head around too.
"Hey, Tetsuya who's your friend?" Tomo said.
"Are you blind man? that is Sakura!" Tetsuya said.
"Sa...Sa...SAKURA!?" Tomo's whole body froze up from the shock!
"So Tomo... how do I look?"
"You look fantastic!" Kasumi butted in.
"Thanks."
"But that's not all that changed." Tetsuya said.
"What else is there?" Tomo asked after coming out of the shock.
"Come with us to the entrance." Sakura said, leading the group.
As they went down the elevator, from the 12th floor all the way to the ground floor, something was waiting to be seen.
"Is that...?" Tomo said.
"No way...!" Kasumi added in shock.

SPOILER

"Let's take it out for a spin, shall we?"
The 4 went to the Canyons to test the new car out.
Tomo and Kasumi followed as he took his GT-R out from the parking and followed Sakura's car.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jun 1 2008, 07:47 AM

Chapter 7 - Rites of passage

Tomo, Sakura, Kasumi, and Tetsuya went to the Canyons to test run Sakura's newly updated GT-R34. From below, you could hear the tires squealing and sliding from the top...
user posted image

"My GT-R is driving unusually different than before... It's like... even wilder..." Sakura murmured to herself as she switches to gear 4. Flames came out of the exhaust as she did so. In the base, the other 3 are waiting. Kasumi is holding a stop watch while Tomo and Tetsuya are discussing about the GT-R...
"Her car is more powerful than before. Joining the mods I placed on yours and her previous mods when she raced you." Tetsuya said.
"Really now... so her car is strong enough to kick my ass, right?" Tomo wondered.
"That's right. and since she could handle drifts as well as you do, I turned off her ATTESA ET-S so that she'll have more specific control over her car."
"If she nails this then... YOU DID WHAT!?"Tomo suddenly raised his voice while nabbing Tetsuya by the collar.
"Alright! I know it's dangerous. I'll stop her." Tetsuya panicked.
"Sakura! sakura!..." a voice coming out of the earpiece Sakura was wearing; it's like just a piece of a headset.
"What is it Tetsuya chan?", Sakura wondered.
"Come here quickly! but slowly." Tetsuya said through the little ear piece.
The GT-R slowly went to a halt once it reached the base.
Tetsuya re-activated the ATTESA ET-S.
"So the ET-S system is off? No wonder my car is acting drifty-like." Sakura said in relief.
"Good thing Tetsuya is DUMB enough to say that to my face. I'll really wonder if something bad happens to you because of that DUMB decision." Tomo said as he said 'dumb' while facing Tetsuya with an ironic face.
"Hey!!" Tetsuya replied.
"C'mon guys don't fight here just because of my car." Sakura said as she breaks up the two.
In the corner, Kasumi was in a gloomy state, sulking in the corner next to Tomo's GT-R.
"I really feel as if I'm ignored. What am I doing here in the first place?" Kasumi wondered to herself.
Tomo saw Kasumi and approached her to make her feel better.
"There. there. there." You're still in this. Don't think you're left out." He said.
Kasumi hugged him for relief, which in turned make Sakura show off a blazing aura of rage.
"Not infront of my eyes you would!!" Sakura said to herself directing it to Kasumi.
"There. It's reprogrammed." Tetsuya said as he puts the hood of the GT-R down.
As he was about to tell Sakura it's okay, he saw her flaming aura and he backed up in fear...
Later on, Tomo's cell phone rang. It was a call from Daiki.
"Hello?"
"Kitsumoro, where you at?"
"At the Canyons with Kasumi, Sakura and Tetsuya."
"I see. Well, I just called to confirm that we're having a meeting tomorrow at the dining room at the hotel."
"Alright. What's it about?"
"We need time to know who'll race for us in the sports car and stock car course rounds."
"So I pass this on to the other team members?"
"You betcha! See you tomorrow at the hall." Daiki hung up. Tomo did too and suddenly talked to himself.
"hmm... if we're talking about class then... which of us then would race for the stock car course and which of us would fall under the sports car course class?
It is a tough decision to make. But what bugs me the most is... how would the decision making take the form of? What does Daiki have in store"
Tomo looks at Sakura.
"Man, she's prettier than before... FOCUS MAN!!" Tomo said talking to himself "With Tetsuya's upgrades, she's more stronger. How would she fare against me then, that's the question..."
"C'mon guys let's head back." Kasumi said in excitement. "Let's head back. It's getting late. And Sakura, sorry about that."
"Sure. Sorry I got fired up too for some unknown reason..."
The two girls just laughed.
Tetsuya's wondering what on earth happened between those two girls.
Tomo boarded his GT-R, Tetsuya boarded with him.
Sakura boarded her GT-R, Kasumi boarded with her.
then, those 2 cars headed back for the hotel.

Episode 2 - Rise and Fall
Chapter 8 - The next top road warrior

The next day has arrived. Tomo was waiting at the reception hall, reading a paper. He was just about to text Daiki where he is when Daiki suddenly appeared out of nowhere infront of him.
"'Sup!"
"Hey, Daiki. So... I have a question. how do you plan to decide who'll race."
"Well... since the race is next week and I checked the course already, I've formulated a plan on deciding who'll battle."
"And?"
"Since I raced last time at Cote d' Azur, we need to pick someone else for the job."
"And?" Tomo's getting irritated bit by bit as Daiki is not getting into the point.
"There's you, Sakura, Kitami, Shinosuke, Shimizu... we still need one more for this"
Tomo breaks up Daiki's statement, throwing his arms down on the table and shouts at the top of his lungs
"JUST TELL ME HOW!!"
"Easy, dude. Easy. It will be in a form of elimination. Like those fighting rounds."
"oh..." Tomo sat down knowing how the battle would go.
"However, we need one more driver who will be qualified to battle since Hiroya went back to Japan to get some parts for the race itself a week from now. Anybody in mind, Tomo?"
"We could ask Hiei or Ryusen to..."
"ARE YOU MAD!? THEY'RE YOUR PIT CREW! I NEVER EVEN SAW THEM RACE BEFORE!!"
"I noticed something about Hiei that will work..."
"If you're f***ing with me Tomo... then don't"
"Trust me, Daiki... it'll work."
Tomo takes out his cell phone. He dials Hiei's number.
Daiki takes his out and dials some number.

(later... 11:25 a.m., Canyons)
Tomo called Hiei and Ryusen out to meet up at the Canyons.
Once there, Tomo was waiting with his GT-R, Daiki was there with a borrowed car. A Mazda Roadster NB6C and a Volkswagen R32. Hiei and Ryusen came up with a cab and got off.
"Thanks man." Ryusen slammed the door of the cab shut and it drove down.
"Now, what's this about Tomo?"
"Well... I'm planning Hiei to race in the eliminations" Tomo replied.
Hiei was in shock. "M...me?"
"Yup. you took up private driving lessons from your mom, right?"
In a corner, Daiki was looking worried.
"Yah. I did." hiei Replied "In fact, I PAY her to do so."
Tomo and Ryusen were in shock "damn..."

"Ahem... anyway, Hiei. take your pick. Roadster? or R32?"
Hiei points towards the Roadster.
"Fine choice." Daiki said. "Let's get this on, Tomo (before I hurl up with this stupid idea of yours)"
The canyon run reminds us of Irohazaka as the first section consists of 6 hairpins close to each other. Tomo blindfolds hiei, who's all set on the wheel of the Roadster.
Daiki sets up in the R32.
The race is a runner, chaser fashion. The R32 infront, the Roadster behind.
Ryusen stuck something behind the Volkswagen. Something I don't want to say at this moment and is awkward...
"Alright guys, I'll give the 5 counts. Ryusen, remove the blindfold after the 5 counts. We'll see how Hiei will fare against Daiki. If he sticks for at least 20% of the race, passing Daiki or not, he's in."
"Alright! Let's do this."
5-4-3-2-1-GO!!
The R32 Accelerates real quick thanks to the 4WD system. Ryusen removes the blindfold. Hiei saw the sticker behind the R32 and dashes away like a panther coming after a wilderbeast!
"To prove Tomo's wrong, I'll outrun his friend from the first corner!!"
The Volks drifts through the first hairpin nailing the apex.
Hiei stays on the inner lane without losing speed, although his move is entry oriented, his roadster drifts through the exit, in a fishtail move.
"P...P...G...Z!!" Hiei chants. "I'M COMING ME DARLINGS!!"
By the second hairpin, Daiki exits in a grip fashion...
"What the!?"
The roadster is now behind the R32. The roadster's BP-Z3 engine revs all the way to the red zone!!
user posted image

"I'M COMING BLOSSOM! BUTTERCUP!! BUBBLES!!!" Hiei shouts.
"What in the world is this? It's like Tomo when he split streamed behind me before at Japan..."
Atop...
'Do you think it'll work Ryusen?"
"With hiei behind? AND that sticker? Of course it will. You know hiei."
'Yeah, you're right. Who am I to doubt his... <gulp> Obsession...?"
On the radio, there's a panicking voice coming out of it.
"Tom...o.... I get... your.... groove.... stop this race....!!"
Tomo and Ryusen went to the spot where Hiei and Daiki stopped.
" I told you Hiei was qualified." Tomo said.
"Okay, Kitsumoro. I believe you." Daiki replied.
"MINE! MINE!!"
"Hiei my love! I knew you could do it!! Hug meeeee!!"
"HEY! THAT CAR'S JUST A RENTAL!!" Daiki shouted.
Hiei was *simply* removing the sticker off the Volks R32.
Ryusen was holding hiei in the stomach area as Daiki, for the first time, acted childlike and tried to remove Hiei's hands off the R32 that are as tight as clamps to an iron stand.
"So it's decided, then. Hiei will be the 6th driver, right daiki?"
"Okay. Let's head to Infenion tomorrow afternoon."
"I'll tell everyone?"
"yes. Everyone."
Tomo started sending text messages to everyone in the group.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jun 6 2008, 01:00 AM

Chapter 9 - Upon Angel's wings

Everyone has gathered at Infenion Raceway. The place is coated in a large stream of heat. It's like being in a sauna. All of the drivers cars are now there in this order:
Tomo's GT-R34 V-spec 2 Nur, Mine's-Nismo Z tune combination
Sakura's *newly upgraded* GT-R34 V-spec I, Tommykaira-Nismo R tune combination
Kitami's Mazdaspeed RX-8 with GT wing
Shinosuke's RE Amemiya RX-7 basic tune
A Red Mazda Roadster NB6C
and Shimizu's Nissan R390 Road car.
Everyone is sitting in a tent with a glass of lemonade, each in their left hands.
"So, who do you think will race first?"
"I don't know. But what matters is... who will win?"
"We won't know until we see it for ourselves."
Tetsuya is checking each of the cars if they're in top form.
"Okay guys, the table is set. See your opponents."

QUOTE

Battle Format for the Infenion Cup finals

Tomo Hiei Shimizu Shinosuke Sakura Kitami
I I I I I I
I I I I I I
I I I I I I
________ _____________ ___________
I I I
??? ??? I
I I I
I I I
I I I
_____________________ I
I I
I I
I I
??? ????

"Hiei huh?" Tomo murmured to himself.
"Yo...YOU AGAIN?!?" Shimizu and Shinosuke shouted out together
Kitami approaches Sakura and decides to shake hands.
"Although we're team mates, let's shake on it."
"Let's give it our all, Kitami san." Sakura shook Kitami's hand.
Daiki was in command of the mock contest taking place.
"Okay. Let's begin. Tomo, Hiei. You're up first."
Hiei was quiet as he approached Daiki.
Tomo was wondering why Hiei was like that.
"I...I..."
"Yes, Hiei? Speak up?"
"I'D LIKE TO DROP THE RACE!!"
Everyone was in shock...
"WWWWWWHHHHHHHAAAAAATTTTTTT!!!!!!??????"
"That's right, folks! I'm dropping this battle as I am NO MATCH against Tomo when it comes to racing."
Tomo was acting arrogant and proudlike.
"You betcha!" he said.
"But I can kick his ass when it comes to PC, console and board games! Right, Tomo?"
"You betch.... WHAT!?"
"Easy, friends. easy." Ryusen said as he held Hiei and Tomo's shoulders tightly.
"Okay Ryusen..." Tomo bleated in pain.
"He's right. Now let go of us before we BOTH die as you're cutting off our blood circulation!!"
"Whoops. Sorry."
Daiki was still in a state of shock; so were the others.
"Anyway... as Tomo immediately goes to the semi finals... let's go with the next set."
"Looks like it's us again, huh?" Shinosuke noted.
"Like we first met?" Shimizu replied.
"Let's do this. Check also if your tank is full."
"Oh it is. I'm not as careless as before. Get ready, Shino. Despite your GT300 tuned FD, it'll lose this time to my R390. I did a bit of upgrades..."
"Well... let's let the road decide."
"Alright guys, enough with the intimidating chit chat. Let's start already." Daiki said in an irritated tone.
The cars are in a rolling start. The R390 in front, and the FD behind him.
user posted image

*note, these images are "rented" from other sites, as a reference on what the cars are and look like *
"I really wanted to fight Sakura, not because she's a babe, but because of her GT-R"
Shinosuke said to himself.
Everybody is cheering for whoever they think would win.
"Shino! Shino!"
"Shi-mi-zu! Shi-mi-zu!"
Shimizu's foot is ready to pounce on the gas as he's about to pass the checkered line.

The R390 passed it. Shimizu quickly presses on the accelerator.
Shinosuke followed along.
"Shinosuke's only fighting chance here is the RE Amemiya tuned 13B Rotary engine" Kitami narrated to the other team members.
"So how much power is it maximizing?" Ryusen asked.
"A mere 350 hp. Weird though. After our expedition with team Midnight Masters months back, he detuned his FD and removed the turbo."
"He removed it?" Tomo pondered.
"Yup. He says that 'the turbo is too much for my FD. It's better if my car reacts like an NA for more rev control." Kitami followed up.
"Rev control? As in concentrate more on the highest possible rpm it could attain and have better cornering control?"Tomo answered,
"Right. It's basics actually. Infenion, although a circuit, it's corners are pretty much technical. Sort of like Tsukuba especially on the Sports car course. There are very minimal straightaways here, despite the wide driving range. Most here consist of light bends reaching from different elevations especially in the first section. So Shinosuke's strategy is to attain a much higher and controllable speed done by an NA compared to the turbo."
"I'm confused. Tomo can you translate?" Hiei asked.
"Ai yai yai... In terms you understand... Turbo is a double edge sword. NA is not. This is fact when technical courses with less straightaways are concerned." Tomo answered.
"I get it..." Ryusen acclaimed. As for Hiei... "Ohhhhhh.....WHAT?"
Back to the race.
The uphill and the first hairpin is the trickiest part of Infenion. Shimizu minimized his speed, shifts from 5 to 4 and attacks the inside closest to the nylon ramp, which sets half of the R390 airborne but clears the corner without touching the grass.
Shinosuke however, attacks directly through the corner, overpassing the apex and let's his FD fly.
"Hmm... good tactic." Shimizu whispered as he glances at the rearview mirror. "It reminds me of his tactic when I first fought him (he let's the inside tires grab the grass just close to Suzuka's elevated nylon ramp; he intentionally oversteers causing me to immediately brake to avoid collision)."
"But something is different... I don't seem to hear a hissing sound as he switches gears". He pondered. "Did he remove the FD's turbo?"
"Looks like my theory is correct. My FD corners better without the turbo."
The next corner's up. Shimizu's R390 grabs hold of the inner nylon while Shino's FD goes through the corner without lifting his foot off the gas.
"I'll play safe on the next bend." Shimizu says as he centers his R390 in the middle of the road through the next right hander.
"I can't seem to calculate the angle of this next bend as the elevation is way too high..." I'll thrust through the corner and hopefully land on the asphalt in the end." Shino planned as he was ready to "thrust" through the S-curve.
Shino's FD did just as he had planned. What he didn't calculate was that at the apex of the S-curves right hander, elevation drops significantly so he was airborne longer than the first turn.
He was ready to press on the brake as he lands.
Shimizu has already laid ground, and distance between them, though Shinosuke successfully puts the FD right back on track.
At the tents in the pits, some were watching the battle through the micro-cam connected behind the R390 which pictures the flying FD.
user posted image

"He's nuts!!" Kasumi exclaimed.
"That's my brother!" Kitami proudly shouts to the amazed crowd.
The FD slides through the corner, well prepared for the more-or-less-90 degree right hander. He's slowly decreasing the gap.
"That was a good move Shinosuke. We're just halfway, try to keep up!" Shimizu shouts out in his R390.
"I can do this... I can do this..." Shinosuke chanted.
"I can beat you one more time!!" He yelled as he changes from gear 3 to 4 with lightning fast reflexes.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jun 10 2008, 09:47 PM

Episode 3 - The dusty roads of infinity
Chapter 10 - Backfire

The engine roar of the R390 and FD is what echoes around infenion.
At the pits, Daiki is inputing all the data gathered about Shimizu's 390 and Shinosuke RE FD...
"Impressive. Despite the Road version tune of the R390, it's performance reaches that of the GT300 class. As for the FD, it's in the same class based on the data. Everything is great. Both cars..." Daiki said as he browsed through the data real quick.
"Well, Shimizu was one of the racers in the le mans national eliminations. He lost though since he miscalculated one corner and ended up hitting the wall, thus ruining his chances of entering the tournament years back." Hiroya said to him.
"No wonder he's part of the top 3 at Midnight masters."
"He's actually top 1 of the 3 before you came along and kicked all our asses."
"Hiroya! Daiki! Something is happening, come over quick!!"
The 2 ran quickly to the TV screen picturing the FD drifting at a certain high angle.
"What's he doing? doesn't he know he's destroying his tires even further!?"
Tomo analyzes Shinosuke's move and starts to drift to his own world.
He imagines as if his GT-R is an FR and mimics the same move that Shinosuke made.
"Now I know!!" Tomo yelled.
"What is it man? you don't have to shout!!" Tetsuya reacted.
"Sorry guys. but I know what shinosuke's planning. can't you picture his car's position?"
"Nope."
"u-uh..."
"I don't get what you mean."
Everyone was stumped. However, one of them was smart enough to see Tomo's point.
"I get your idea Tomo." Sakura answered.
"He's preparing to do an inertial drift. His car's positioned that way as he entered because he's trying to decrease the gap between his FD and the Nissan by drifting through the next turn."
"... that way, he can turn without needlessly braking for the next turn." Daiki interrupted.
"Right." Tomo said. "That way too, his exit speed could be enough to overtake the R390 at the long straightway.

(consult the map for details)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/67/Infineon_Raceway.gif

As the FD was drifting, like what Tomo said, Shinosuke taps the gas to transfer the weight of the car from the outside to the inside as he approaches the next corner.
Shimizu though, was tapping his brakes and sticks to the inside of the corner.
"As I exit this, we're now on the long straightway, I'll increase the gap further there. If I increase my press on the gas, I might understeer and lose time recovering. I'll earn a time loss if that happens. I won't allow that. That's why I'm limiting my speed here." Shimizu murmured to himself.

Shinosuke's FD, just as it hits the apex of the long, semi-round corner, starts to understeer as his speed increased, but was enough to clear the corner without letting his tires rub the grass.
Tomo was right. His exit speed is far more higher than the R390.
Shimizu was in shock. He could feel the FD right behind him.
"Wh...wha...what is this!?" The FD swerves a bit to the left lane to go neck-a-neck with the R390.
"Time to take the lead!!" Shinosuke yelled.
user posted image

The FD is reaching 9000 rpm already, close to the 9500 red zone. However, his shift timing was delayed. He forgot that his car is in the limit and it slew down a bit.
"Sh... I forgot!!"
"What the? oh well.... go R390!!"
The R390 entered the corner from the outside, but the FD still insists on braking late into the corner.
"You're not serious!! Do you really think you'd pressure me this much like before? No chance!!"
The R390 pursued to turn despite the FD right beside him.
*this scene sorta reminds us all of Daiki Ninomiya's attempt to pressure Takumi at Initial D fourth stage episode 3*
The hairpin has its inner line covered with high-elevated nylon gutters; big enough to make your car lose its balance. Shinosuke's FD, sadly, hits one of them and forces him to start countersteering back.
"Like before!! Just avoid me, go on!!" Shinosuke shouted.
"No way!! I won't be fooled twice!!" Shimizu yelled.
Their cars then, started kissing each other's sides. Sparks were flying!!
The R390 slowly accelerates away from the contact, but it's starting to understeer.
Through the crooked straightway, the R390 and FD's noses were alternating in terms of who's got the lead as they're well positioned on the inside and outside of each bend.
As they approach the last hairpin bend, they're still neck-a-neck. They were both approaching the corner without slowing down. Shimizu brakes at the exact moment, while Shinosuke's not braking at all...
"What? You're not braking? You'll crash!!"
The FD brakes at the moment it passed the R390.
"you won't make it."
As the FD braked, Shinosuke controls it with throttle control through the corner.
The FD cleared the last hairpin in a very high speed.
Shimizu was in a state of shock. So was everybody else.
"Who would've thought... an NA modified FD surpassed a Le Mans turbo road car."
"Alright!!" Shinosuke exclaimed passing through the finish line.
"Well waddya know..." Tomo wondered. "I'm facing Shinosuke"
As Shinosuke boarded off the car, he went to Shimizu's R390.
"That was a good run."
"But you won. You deserve it. I guess, I shouldn't just stick to the circuit. Looks like your training in the togue really paid off."
"When we see a good course during our breaks, I'll teach you a thing or two on intense car control."
"Intense huh? looking forward to it!!"
The 2 drivers shook hands. Shinosuke then faced Tomo.
"I never thought I'd face you until now, Tomogashi."
'Neither have I, Shino. I've seen your brother race and his skill is superb. I want to see how fast you are... as my rival."
"Let's give it an all out battle then; after my little brother's battle against Sakura."
"Sure. Let's see how Sakura and Kitami would fare against each other."

QUOTE

Battle Format for the Infenion Cup finals

Tomo Hiei Shimizu Shinosuke Sakura Kitami
I I I I I I
I I I I I I
I I I I I I
________ _____________ ___________
I I I
Tomo Shinosuke I
I I I
I I I
I I I
_____________________ I
I I
I I
I I
??? ????

"Would Sakura and Kitami please position their cars on the starting line." Hiroya announced.
"Who'll lead? and who'll chase?" Ryusen asked.
"Let's do this the old fashion way, waddya say Sakura?" Kitami asked.
"It's alright with me. Coin toss?"
"Yeah. You know the drill, Ryu-san."
"Gotcha. Heads or tails?"
"Heads." Sakura said.
The coin flipped. it landed on tails.
"Kitami takes the lead."
Ryusen leaves and tells Daiki the positions.
Meanwhile...
"Since it's our first time to face each other, let's introduce each other formally."
Kitami gives his hand.
"I'm Kitami, Kitami Kitamaru. Yorushuku"
Sakura gives her hand.
"I'm Sakura Johina. Nice to meet you too."
They turned back at each other and went to their cars.

Sakura went to her newly upgraded R34 R-tune.

Kitami went to his Mazdaspeed tuned RX-8
user posted image

As they did, they started the engines and revved all the way to the red zone.
"This is it." Kasumi said.
"Another one of the GT-R vs Rotary die-hard matches." she followed.
"you're right" Daiki said.
A voice screams out the next race that is about to begin.
"THE BATTLE BETWEEN SAKURA AND KITAMI IS ABOUT TO START!!"

Posted by: Meteor Jun 11 2008, 06:29 AM

The most recent battle was quite good (but I did have 2 problems with it). You're starting to get better at this.

As for the problems I had:
1.The "KANSEI DORIFTO?!" part. It takes a car a lot less time to drift around an S-turn than it takes to finish all that dialouge. The FD would have finished the inertia drift long before those guys finished that little discussion.
2.So all the FD does to win the battle is to take the last corner without braking?

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jun 12 2008, 01:18 AM

QUOTE (Meteor @ Yesterday at 6:29 AM)

As for the problems I had:
1.The "KANSEI DORIFTO?!" part. It takes a car a lot less time to drift around an S-turn than it takes to finish all that dialouge. The FD would have finished the inertia drift long before those guys finished that little discussion.
2.So all the FD does to win the battle is to take the last corner without braking?

To answer that... by the way, pretty good analysis...

1) Check the map. Before the Kansei Dorifto takes place, Shinosuke's preparing the car for that move, controlling his FD in a long drift, adjusting angles. He set it up at a high one to induce the car to a drift. I did a simulation in NFS Pro street of some sorts, and mimic the same movements, it was a success. Sorta. In a technical note, I forgot to mention, the TCS and ABS has been disabled. In short, the discussion was taking place while Shinosuke entered the right angle-like hairpin towards the long semi-round corner.

2) Actually... the FD DID brake. His aim was to overtake the R390 first BEFORE braking. He did brake, but only for a short while as he followed this up with weight shifting to clear the hairpin.

I'll be posting the SAKURA vs KITAMI battle soon.
Hope I answered your questions so far. Feel free to re-read the others and look out for more.

SPOILER

Posted by: Meteor Jun 12 2008, 08:28 PM

QUOTE

1) Check the map. Before the Kansei Dorifto takes place, Shinosuke's preparing the car for that move, controlling his FD in a long drift, adjusting angles. He set it up at a high one to induce the car to a drift. I did a simulation in NFS Pro street of some sorts, and mimic the same movements, it was a success. Sorta. In a technical note, I forgot to mention, the TCS and ABS has been disabled. In short, the discussion was taking place while Shinosuke entered the right angle-like hairpin towards the long semi-round corner.

Yeah. But the inertia drift would have been shown before they finished the dialouge. It would probably take a lot of time to drift the long straight, but the hairpin would be finished quite soon.

QUOTE

2) Actually... the FD DID brake. His aim was to overtake the R390 first BEFORE braking. He did brake, but only for a short while as he followed this up with weight shifting to clear the hairpin.

Ok. So all the FD does to win the battle is to brake really late and somehow take the corner without sliding off-road?

QUOTE

I'll be posting the SAKURA vs KITAMI battle soon.

I'll be waiting patiently for it.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jun 13 2008, 05:23 AM

QUOTE (Meteor @ Yesterday at 8:28 PM)

Ok. So all the FD does to win the battle is to brake really late and somehow take the corner without sliding off-road?

Actually, for the last corner, there is no grass, off road, whatsoever.
it's a blind corner - the last tight hairpin curve. The outside is bordered; so is the inside.
the outside though has a big pile of tires on the ledges, and next to it is the pit lane.

NOW!! Let's get back to the story!!

Chapter 11 - A Crimson Spark

Sakura is checking if she got everything correctly, and in place. Her seatbelt, the gauges, the seat setting, the tires, the engine everything. Kitami on the otherhand is merely observing her.
"What is she up to? It's like she's about to ride a car she's not familiar with. Well, by looking at the exterior, her 34 is much more different. Her wing is remodified, the hood, and body kits, everything. The hood seems to be well ventilated, her body kit reminds me a bit of the MCR version... What the engine holds is what I fear..." Kitami murmured to himself. He approaches the hood of his RX-8 and opens it. He observes it for a while as the battle isn't starting yet.
"My RX-8 holds around 390 horsepower; good enough for uphill and downhill." He closes the hood and observes the body. "The body is ever since I met Tomo, along with my big bro at Akagi. I remodified the wing and replaced my rims with much lighter ones. I know I can't lose. Sakura, you may be a girl; I may be a girl addict, but I won't lose to the likes of you. My Renesis Wankel Rotary, is as strong as the 13B REW Rotary to take out your RB26DETT Skyline engine!!"
Tomo approaches Sakura to see if she's all set.
"You ready?" Tomo asked.
"Yeah, I am. My 34 seems to be 100% okay." Sakura replied.
"Hmph. Good to hear."
Tomo looks at Sakura's eyes. She looks back. Tomo, then, held Sakura by the shoulders. she felt a sudden chill.
"Do good out there, okay?"
"S...sure."
Tomo walks away.
Shinosuke approaches his brother and says the same thing.
"Hey bro," Kitami asked. "If I win; I want you to win against Tomo."
"So that we can rematch our battle at Shomaru before?"
"Yeah, that."
"You can count on it. I don't know how great Tomo is, knowing that we never faced each other yet, but I'm looking forward to it. In the mean time, don't lose, lil bro."
"You don't have to tell me that."
Everything was ready. The others went back to the stand at the pits.
Sakura checks the revs by letting it go all the way to 8000 rpm.
Kitami does the same thing.

QUOTE

"Do good out there, okay?"

"I will win. I want to face Tomo again. I promise you, Tomo. I'll win."
At the stand, Kasumi seems worried.
"You seem worried, Kasumi. Anything on your mind?"
"Oh, it's nothing." She replied to Tomo.
"It's about Sakura."
"Sakura?" Tomo pondered.
"Right. The only thing I'm worried about is what will happen to her after her battle, if she lost..."
"Why say that?"
"Sakura and I have been hanging out ever since we were both on the team. We got to know each other pretty well. As for Sakura, she might have... a relapse if she lost..."
"Fear of losing? Hating failure?"
"Sort of. You could put it that way."
"Don't worry, Kasumi. Sakura can handle it. If she was able to control the car without the ATTESA during the training, she can handle Kitami."
"You're right..."
The RX-8 and the R34 are running at a constant 20 mph.
As the RX-8 passes the checkered line, Kitami punches it.
Sakura's GT-R follows.
Because of power, Sakura intends to pressure Kitami before the first corner. The 34's bumper is only a centimeter away from the RX-8's.
"Wow. It's like her R34 powers out around 550 horsepower."
Kitami applies his attack - ride the nylon; the same tactic he used against Hiroya's Mine's evo6 when he used his Celica, and when he fought Keiichi at Kitana's Circuit.
"Mizutoshi, huh? Don't you think it's a bit early?"
Sakura attacks from the outside. Her 34 is immediately side by side with the RX-8. She braked early however, when they entered the first tight right corner. Kitami still held on to the lead. A slim lead.
the Renesis engine shouts and makes a backfire when Kitami downshifted from 4 to 3. The RB26 maintains its speed and acceleration power through the corner, despite it being on a steady 3700 rpm at gear 3.
Kitami centers his car on the road.
Sakura isn't rushing on overtaking the RX-8.
Before entering the 90 degree right corner during the downhill, Kitami intends to make the rear tires skid and lose control.
"He's losing control." Sakura exclaimed.
The Rx-8's body is slowly coming onto a high angle. He countersteers before the apex and exactly clears the corner with the outside tires slightly kissing the road and grass area.
Sakura uses the inner nylon to clear the corner.
Because it was downhill, Kitami is slowly increasing the gap.
Sakura's hand though is ready to hold the e-brake.
The RX-8 brakes and drifts through the long corner, controlling the car, maintaining it on the road, not caring whether it was on the inside or center.
There was a split second of delay on Kitami's front tires. Sakura's eyes were quick enough to notice it.
She enters the corner without braking to decrease the gap.
"She's not braking?" Hiei exclaimed watching the action via TV screen.
"Is she planning to hit the X-8?" Hiroya followed.
"No she isn't" Daiki mumbled.
Daiki was right, as soon as the 2 cars are parallel again, Sakura braked long and hard directly on the apex of the corner, quickly shifts down, letting the needle go nuts on the red zone.
As they clear the corner, the 34's rev falls down a bit; she let's it reach the gear's limit and shifts to 4.
Kitami shifts to 4 and smoke starts to come out of the rear tires, as it skids quite a bit.
"They're on the straightway, and Sakura is just half a car away from taking the lead away from Kitami." Tetsuya said.
"It looks like my little brother could lose this race." shinosuke whispered to himself.
Slowly, the GT-R is about to overtake the RX-8. They braked at the same moment before the hairpin. The GT-R is on the outside lane, the RX-8 is on the inside.
Kitami decides to play it safe but Sakura has something in mind.
The RX-8 attacks the inside too early and heads towards the outside.
Sakura does the out-in-out tactic.
"You still need to brake again on the next tight bend, Sakura!!" Kitami says as he tries to overtake from the outside.
Sakura thrusts through the nylon board, causing her 34 halfway airborne.
user posted image

Kitami was stupified.
Everyone was. Even Tomo was amazed by what Sakura plans.
Sakura managed to pass Kitami and his RX-8.
"There are still some chances to pass her again!"
But despite Kitami's expectations, the Skyline slowly pulls away as it hits the bends.
Kitami was shocked again.
"What's... in her... Skyline...?"
Kitami slowed down. No doubt about it; he lost.
Sakura was relieved, she eased up as she finishes the race.
She took a deep breath.
"I guess my GT-R is better... no... I think... I've improved..."
She said with a sigh.
"Told you she could do it, Kasumi."
"Sorry if I have doubted her." Kasumi replied to Tomo with a smile.
"Looks like we won't be having that brotherly rematch..." Shinosuke said with a dissapointing tone.
Sakura enters the pits. Later on Kitami enters the pits too.
Everyone went to Sakura's Skyline. Everyone but the following: Shinosuke, Shimizu, and Daiki.
Tomo approaches Sakura.
"Congratulations, Sakura." He gave his hand to her.
"Thanks." They shook each others hands.
Everyone wanted to talk to Sakura on how she knew the attack point.
Kitami was still in a dissapointed mood but with a smile.
"I seem to become rusty for a moment... Ever since we went global, I tied with a FF driver and lost to a girl..."
"You didn't lose to the girl." Shinosuke said.
"Big brother..."
"You lost to both. Her and the car."
"Gee. Thanks. Now I just lost my dignity as a rotary driver!"
"Seriously, your RX-8 hasn't been upgraded much. Street battles and team contests like this are harder than before. Your car needs more power and better upgrades. It's the best for your car." Shinosuke rubs Kitami's hair - thus messing it up.
"You're not rusty. Your opponent... has improved a bit, that is why you lost."
Shinosuke enters his FD and does an exhibition. He came out of the pits through the entrance.
"Looks like Shino can't take it anymore." Daiki commented.
"Tomo!" Tomo glanced at Daiki.
'You're up!"
"Right."
Tomo prepares himself and starts his GT-R34. He equips his seatbelt.
Sakura and Kasumi approached Tomo's blue GT-R.
"Sakura... Kasumi."
Kasumi wanted to say something but Sakura first opened her mouth.
"Tomo... I'll wait for you in the finals. Win this, okay?"
I will. I never faced him before, I can't assure a unanimous win, but I'll try. I'll win because I want to race you."
"Um... Tomo..." Kasumi said to Tomo.
"Yeah?"
"Even if it's Shinosuke... do your best but stay safe."
Tomo became silent. Sakura did as well as she glanced at Kasumi.
Later on, Tomo started to speak.
"Thanks for caring Kasumi. I'll be off so the two of you... move a bit."
The GT-R comes out of the pit's exit and reverses towards the starting line.
His GT-R is wearing the standard Mine's front body; not the Nismo front body.
He removed the muffler and installed a twin for a single for this event. He aligns his car parallel to the FD. He looks at Shinosuke.
"you know, Tomo, this is the first time we faced each other."
"I know. Let's begin shall we?"
"Yeah. Daiki!!" Shinosuke said. "We're ready!"
"okay." Daiki replied. "Let's start."

Posted by: Meteor Jun 14 2008, 06:36 PM

Still not bad. Keep it going yo

Posted by: Kylie_FD3S Jun 14 2008, 06:57 PM

Can u give me a brief summary of ur story? I'm kinda lazy to go back and read from the beginning. Sorry. At least I know what it's about.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jun 15 2008, 04:19 AM

QUOTE

Can u give me a brief summary of ur story? I'm kinda lazy to go back and read from the beginning. Sorry. At least I know what it's about.

Special Request from Kylie_FD3S: A summary of the previous chapters before I head on to the next one...

Prologue: See comics.
Speed Legend 6 Series: Tomo starts to like Natsumi a bit. He gets the chance to race Akina's FC, Takeshi Musashiro. He gets challenged by one of the Underground racers at Irohazaka. Natsumi is about to move away and she decides to have a race with Tomo one last time at Akagi.
Speed Legend R: Tomo was recruited by Takeshi to his new Team: Reminiscent White (sorta like Project D). After a few expeditions, Takeshi was confined by his wife and was forced to retire. This led to a GT-R vs GT-R battle between Tomo and Sakura for Takeshi's fate. Tomo won; Takeshi decides to restart reminiscent white all over again. Later on, Tomo gets recuited, again, by Kitami Kitamaru of Saitama to a team called Noyzee Tribe. They had a battle with the Midnight Masters at Suzuka City, Mie prefecture. Daiki Akiyama, the fastest in Japan, challenges Tomo & his 34 to a 3-round battle at Akagi, Tsuchisaka, and Tokyo wangan area. Later on, he recruited Tomo to the Super GT league.
Speed Legend Epilogue: The Super GT teams had a break from the last round for a week. Tomo reminisces on his runs at Myogi and the persons he's about to leave behind. A couple of 4WD drivers from the US decides to conquer Gunma for their keeps; Tomo defends it and wins. He later on went to a date with Rikona, his long-term crush before he leaves Japan for good.
Speed Legend Epilogue 2: Team Japan starts their inter-league at Italy, where they met Kitana Tioseco - Daiki's student years back. They had battles at Italy, pro and street races; including a match from a Japanese street team who went abroad - Blue Crimson. Kitana decides to race tomo in an inter-state battle from Cote d Azur to her private circuit totalling 300 km. Their engines gave in in the end but Tomo's was half dead. The engine of Kitana's Diablo was totalled. He took the liberty of fixing her car.

Speed Legend S
Chapter One: The Start of a New journey
The team is about to leave Italy. Kitana and Daiki said their goodbyes. Kazuma gave Kitami some information about the 2.
Chapter Two: Pondering over prevailing thoughts
Kitami ponders over what Kazuma said to him.
Chapter Three: The Most Wanted
Details on the American Jack, Lucas Scott and the environment he prevails on.
Chapter Four: Moment of Arrival
Their plane arrived and everyone split up to explore the new area. Kasumi shares something to Tomo about her.
Chapter Five: Dawn of Encounter
Heading back to the hotel, Tomo suddenly got a challenge from the Locals; and his first encounter with the police over a huge misunderstanding. He was saved by somebody in a Viper.
Chapter Six: A new Sakura blossoms
While Tomo and Kasumi are playing around, Tetsuya comes over to show the new Sakura Johina, who got a new look; also her newly upgraded car.
Chapter Seven: Rites of Passage
The 4 test out the GT-R, where Tetsuya accidentally spills out the truth why the GT-R was drifty. Tomo panics and forces Tetsuya to turn the ATTESA ET-S on again. Daiki makes a call concerning the match at Infineon.
Chapter Eight:The Next top road warrior
Making arrangements, Tomo recommends Hiei onto the mock-tournament. Daiki restrains but has no other choice but to test him out. A downhill match between a Mazda NB6C Roadster and a Volkswagen Golf R32.
Chapter Nine: Upon Angel's wings
The first match begins at Infenion Raceway. Hiei forfeits the race and brings Tomo to the semis. Shinosuke and Shimizu fare out in the second round.
Chapter Ten: Backfire
The battle between Shinosuke and Shimizu was about to end in a tight dogfight. Did Shinosuke win? or was it Shimizu?
Chapter Eleven: A Crimson Spark
A quick battle between Sakura and Kitami. Power was the issue costing Kitami the race halfway.

Posted by: Kylie_FD3S Jun 15 2008, 10:24 PM

Hehe...thank u!

I feel so special!

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jun 16 2008, 02:01 AM

Anytime, Kylie_FD3S. GOt any other requests, feel free to tell me... and to those reading this as well...

Now... Back to the story!!

Episode 4 - Forfeit is never given into
Chapter 12 - Split second

The FD and the GT-R are both set for the race. They're starting on a side-by-side fashion.
Tomo, since he's battling on a course he never had a chance to test on, is at a huge disadvantage. He can't seem to picture the course in his mind.
Shinosuke, on the other hand is calm enough to close his eyes before the race.
Later on, Hiroya starts to speak.
"This battle is the semi-finals between Tomogashi Kitsumoro and Shinosuke Kitamaru.
The race takes the form of a side by side start. This is a two lap race around the Infenion stock car course and..."
"Just get on with it and let's start!!" Shinosuke said in an irate tone.
"Sheesh... stingy..." Hiroya muttered to himself.
"Fine... Countdown..."
Hiroya left and the countdown lights start to appear...
"Will I chase? or will I floor it?" Tomo said to himself.
3....2....1.... GO!!
The FD and GT-R accelerated off the starting line... Tomo, however decided to ease up on the gas.
"Hmph. so despite the fact that your car's a 4WD, you decided to take the chaser position... Stupid choice. I'll outrun you from this point onwards!!"
the FD revved all the way to the red zone at 9500 rpm...
"He's increasing his pace!" Tomo exclaimed. "I better do something!!"
He follows the line of the FD and starts to splitstream through the bends at the exact speed that Shinosuke was on.
"Hi-ai!" Tomo said before they entered the next corner...
The next corner was an exact 90 degree right hander.
Shinosuke tapped his brakes and started to drift through the corner, nailing the apex.
Tomo just eased off the gas and lets weight shift do it's thing.
At the exit, Shinosuke's FD stopped drifting exactly at the center.
The GT-R was faster through and was only a ruler's width away from hitting the wall, yet he managed to decrease the gap even further.
"Na...NANDA!? B...bureku-janai?" (Japanese for "W...What? Not Braking?")
Shinosuke was in shock...
"Isn't he forgetting that this is a circuit course?" Shimizu wondered.
"there's actually something different about the stock car course from the sports car course, Shimizu. At the end of the long straight before the right angle corner, space is wide enough to drive through it without drifting much. Releasing the gas is enough to cut your sector time... Shinosuke just didn't notice that much." daiki reasoned out to him.
"So... in order to even the score between Tomo and Shinosuke, you let them race in the stock car course right?"
"Yup. I don't want any disadvantages here between rival who haven't raced with each other..."

(flashback)

QUOTE

"when I faced the same FD during my practice run at Tsuchisaka, I knew it was Shinosuke's driving style - comparing this to the past race. I easily passed him on one of the high speed corners..."

"Since he has no Idea what the stock car course consists off, he's a stag at this section, giving Tomo the upperhand." daiki commented.

Back to the race, the FD and GT-R are now entering the next right hairpin of the stock car course.
"I can't do what I did on the last corner... what to do?" Tomo's starting to panic mentally.
Shinosuke had another plan up his sleeve. He plans to steal his little brother's attack and revise it back to the conventional style: curb riding.
"As far as I know, this is a common move in circuit races; let me apply this with a bit of drifting..." Shinosuke planned.
Shinosuke swerved to the outside, aimed at the apex AND braked at the same time. Since the GT-R was too heavy to make a critical turn, Tomo braked 100 meters before the corner; but due to stronger braking power in the GT-R because of the aftermarket racing brakes, he slew down even faster.
Shinosuke rode the nylon curb and cleared the corner faster. The GT-R got an exit boost due to it's turbo. It was enough to limit the gap increased by the FD...
user posted image

"pull away, FD! PULL AWAY!!"
"Catch up, GT-R!! go!!!"
They're now on the long straightway with the light bends in the beginning. It was enough for the GT-R to narrow the gap.
Tomo suddenly slowed down and let's his tachometer drop.
"He was so close to taking the lead from me from the outside, what's he up to?" Shinosuke bothered.
"Tomo..." Kasumi and Sakura wondered.
"Is he giving up?" Hiei and Ryusen wondered.
"Kitsumoro, what are you up to?" Daiki asked himself.
As it reached 2900 rpm, Tomo attacked the inside.
Shinosuke's FD was on the center of the road as he braked for the final hairpin.
As he looked at his right windshield, he saw the GT-R on the inside, close to his FD...
"What the!?"
"huh!?"
"What was that!!?"
Everyone, including Shinosuke was confused with what Tomo's GT-R did.
"He applied both the fading line, out-in-out, and engine braking! Impressive." daiki said in an awe of "silent" excitement.
Tetsuya didn't get what Daiki said.
"What do you mean by engine braking?"
"Engine braking is like this," Daiki explained. "Engine braking is when you take your foot off the accelerator, wait for the revs to drop by about 1000-3000 RPMs, then downshift. This slows the car down without using the brakes, thus reducing the wear on said parts."
"Parts like tires right, and brakes?"
"You got that right." Hiroya added. "It's a common rally technique as well on those medium bends that need some braking... I think."
Tomo came out of the outside and Shinosuke ended up on the inside; making them side by side.
"Which of them will cross the checkpoint first?" Ryusen asked.
Suddenly a loud banging burst came out of the FD... It's front tires were punctured; Shino lost control. He braked for his life. Tomo accelerated further and braked later on to avoid the collision.
Later on, both cars went to a halt.
The front of the FD was damaged, he hit the wall while he was braking. Shino was safe but the FD earned itself Heavy damage.
Tomo came out of his car and chased after Shinosuke. Everyone went towards him too.
Shinosuke took out his safety belt. He stepped out of the car.
"You alright?" Tomo asked.
"I am... What do you think happened?"
"Beats me."
"Tetsuya, mind if you check it out?"
Tetsuya came towards them with a jack.
"I got it. Ryusen, raise the front.
Ryusen raised the jack - raising the front of the FD.
"The tires were punctured."
"Tell me something I don't know."
"Looks like somebody doesn't want us to race here."
"That didn't happen a while ago... why just now?"
"As far as I can remember... in the previous battles..."

QUOTE

When Shinosuke overtook Shimizu, his FD came out of the outside after the right hairpin before the finish. Shimizu just tailgated behind him after that attack concluding that the race was over.

QUOTE

Between Kitami and Sakura... the race was over already before the hairpin. The two never bothered to finish the race and just went straight to the pits.

"What could be the cause then?" Sakura asked.
"Found it." Ryusen said.
There were spikes placed on the road; just a car's width - from the railing to the middle of the road. They were opaque in color - painted the same as the road it was on not to be seen. Whosoever did this preparation must have done his or her job pretty well...
"In other words, the 4 who raced a while ago... well, two to be exact didn't bother to drive on the inner lane after the hairpin... I think it was placed there before we came." Daiki explained.
"You are so great at explaining stuff, Daiki Akiyama. I've heard a lot about you. Lucas knows you through your many credentials all over the net." A voice came out of nowhere - 300 meters from where the whole team was standing.
"Now, that you're done... leave. We got training here."
"Get out a here, you bunch a noobs. we got an event here.
Everyone was angry; however, neither one said a word. They just gave the locals who called their attention an angry stare...
"Who... are you?" Tomo asked in an angry tone, with a grin on his face...

(consult the Infenion map at chapter 10 post to know what the stock car course looks like. - pretty much like the sports car course only on the straight after the S curve.- gray section)

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jun 21 2008, 05:51 AM

Chapter 13 - A battle for the wrong cause part 1

There was a dark atmosphere surrounding everyone at Infineon.
Both sides were giving the opposite group a stern stare.
"Weren't you noobs listening? I said, get out of here." One of the locals said.
"We don't want to. You can't force us." Tomo said.
Sakura started to become concerned over Tomo's actions. "Tomo, please, don't start a fight."
"I'm not, Sakura. I'm just showing these locals the meaning of democracy that the Americans are proud of."
Sakura and the others were wondering over what Tomo had just said. "Isn't he just agitating them to start a ruckuss which will start a fight?" everyone wondered.
"If you won't move. What way would you decide to settle this? Like a winner takes all thing? Or are you scared you little pussy?" Everyone in the locals group are laughing at Tomo for calling him a pussy.
user posted image

"Uh-oh! This isn't good. If Tomo gets mocked further, he's bound to explode" Kasumi panicked. Before she could even reach for Tomo's hand to lower his temper; Daiki spoke in their behalf.
"You just gave me an idea. How's say this. Right now, let's have a battle - an AMBUSH battle."
"A-ambush battle!?" Hiei, the Kitamarus, Ryusen, and Tetsuya reacted in fear.
"You mad, Akiyama? We'll get completely screwed that way!"
"No it ain't. It's a good way to know if our skill is high enough to meet the standards of the highly skilled locals here. This battle is beneficial." Daiki explained before turning to the locals group.
"waddya say, gentlemen? Battle it is?"
"Like always - the great Daiki Akiyama, as casually behaved as any gentleman. Fine, Mr. Jap-man. Battle it is. Who's facing us?"
"Me." Tomo answered.
"No, I'll do i-" Sakura insisted as she was utterly interrupted.
"You wouldn't like it if I lost to you without knowing the layout of the sports car course, now would you, Sakura? It would be unfair on your part as well..."
Sakura thought about what Tomo said and agreed.
"You're right. You battle then. Just... be careful, okay?"
"Don't worry. I will" Tomo said to sakura, patting her shoulder as he boards his GT-R.
"Let's begin, shall we?"
"fine. Guys, you race."
"Gotcha." three voices said in succession coming out of the entrance.
Three cars came out and headed onto the starting line.

SPOILER

"Let's take this outside. Performance of these are too overrated for this limited area."
"Where to?" Tomo asked.
"The Nevada desert Highways. We fight there, it's the perfect spot."
"That's far!" Kasumi reacted.
"No need to worry, Kasumi. You don't need to go. It'll be only me and Daiki."
"We'll keep you a visual of the battle. I'll be placing this webcam on the GT-R." Daiki answered.
With that, the 3 local drivers, Tomo and Daiki set off to Nevada.
"Is it a long drive?" Kasumi asked.
"They're close by. California and Nevada I mean." sakura answered.
http://www.geographicguide.com/north-america/north-america-map.gif
"Those two states are just next to each other, so it'll take them a quick drive." Tetsuya followed.
Once there. Daiki set up the web cam onto the GT-R's dashboard.
"All set. You sure it's not obstructing your vision?" Daiki asked.
"I'm okay." Tomo replied.
"Tomo, I have one piece of advice for you."
"What is it?"
"Well, based on the revving of the cars a while ago, they seem to possess around more than 950 horsepower."
"Are you kidding me?" Tomo said in shock.
"Not to worry. I asked tetsuya yesterday to reinstall a stronger turbocharger onto your GT-R. It now has around less than 800 horsepower. I had a feeling that an intrusion such as this means big big business so it's time to take it up a notch for this battle only. We'll return it to it's original state after it. So now, you won't have any problems. But that's not what I'm trying to say here. Actually, I'm advising you to do a splitstream as much as possible."
"The splitstream? like the one that I used to beat you?"
"Don't remind me. Anyway, this might be what these locals call a speed challenge. Just retain your highest maximum speed."
"what about engine bre-"
"You don't have to worry about that. I set the ECU to limit your maximum speed to 230 mph once you attain that. During a splitstream, it may reach up to 240 but don't count on it, you hear me? You won't be able to control the car at that speed. The 230 limit is the highest you can reach and is the maximum limit of handling capability for this battle. Use your splitstreams frequently but catiously, okay? Don't push the car too much."
"So this could reach up to 230?"
"That's right."
"Cool!" Tomo said in excitement.
"I'll be alright." Tomo said.
"Now... let's do this!!"
With the locals group...
"Hey, shouldn't we tell Lucas about this?"
"He won't know a thing, as long as we beat his kid. Besides, my Evo is fit for this..."
"So is our GT-R and corvette. So there's no worry."
"You're right, I mean, look at it!! That blue GT-R? It's not that scary unlike ours."
"Just look! I mean, all stock, BBS Rims, a carbon hood... that's it?"
"Let's outrun him at the very start."
"Let's begin! Let's not waste anymore time..."
user posted image

Posted by: driftsucky Jun 21 2008, 10:04 AM

Wow. That is pretty good. I'd buy it or download it from a bit torrent or pick one up from world news.

Hey!! YOU'RE my FIRST post. Congrats!!!!

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jun 21 2008, 11:01 PM

Hey guys! for those who miss my comics, never fear!!
This was a late comic post since I was looking for these for days now. Anyway, here it is! The speed Legend Prologue Insert Story!!

user posted image

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/2937765/8405067

Now! Back to the current story.
Chapter 14 - A battle for the wrong cause Part 2

At Infenion, the rest of the team seem worried.
Kasumi is in a corner holding a picture of Tomo tightly in her chest.
Sakura is just beside her to comfort her.
The rest of the group have their eyes pinned on the Television screen hoping to see Tomo win the race.
All 4 cars are stepping on the accelerator, making huge rev sounds.
They are placed in this order (from the back)

Tomo GT-R --> Corvette C6 --> Lan Evo 9 --> Skyline R34 GT-R

Daiki is starting the countdown.
3!! 2!! 1!! GO!!!!
The GT-R and Lan Evo rocketed out of the starting line.
The corvette followed in it's usual FR type acceleration - slow start with a huge burnout compared to a 4WD.
Tomo followed along.
He passed the corvette before entering the first bend.
The blue GT-R rode the center of the road and the inner dirt lane.
Distance was huge when comparing these 4...
There was around 200 meters per car. 75 meters between the leading black R34 and Evo 9.
"To save some time and to decrease the gap, I have to control the car in high speed through the bends. Deceleration will be my braking. I hope tetsuya managed to set the suspension right... Because... the car's jumping all over the place... the road surface is bad in this road... It is totally killing my speed!" Tomo strategized.
The GT-R driver leading is communicating to the Evo driver...
"Looks like he's having trouble with the road surface."
"What an idiot. He never bothers to check his suspension setting? such a big L!"
"Guys" the Corvette driver joined in the conversation. "You better pull away quickly. despite what you're saying there, he's picking up speed."
"you sure with that?"
"I'm positive. Quickly! Pull away. I'll be alright as long as you guys are leading."
With the big turbo equipped on the lancer and GT-R, they start to pull away once they reach the exit of the corner.
Tomo followed up. His GT-R punched to fifth at 9000 rpm. He is reaching around 187 mph. He's slowly catching up to the Lan Evo.
There was a huge change in elevation in the road they're on.
The Lan Evo and GT-R slowed down as their cars gained air.
Tomo on the other hand can't help but pin his foot in the accelerator.
His GT-R gained air but as soon as his car lands on the road surface, the front bumpers lower extension made contact with the road first, causing his GT-R to lose balance.
Tomo panicked and removed his foot from the gas. He powerslided to safety as soon as his car was tilting at an angle.
user posted image

He gained control again; he was safe.
At Infenion, everyone was relieved to see Tomo still alright.
Kasumi was an inch away from fainting over the close-call-calamity.
Tomo's jump was high enough to clear a 50 meter gap behind the Lan Evo 9.
They are now halfway through the pass.
The Lan Evo driver is starting to become cocky.
"Alright we're so gonna win this."
Suddenly he hears a car tap the back of his bumper.
"What the? Is it our corvette? or that noob?"
He looks at his rearview mirror and notices a blue GT-R right behind him!
"What the!? No way!!"
Tomo's GT-R is riding in a steady 235 mph.
He now decides to cut through. He quickly swerves to the left of the Evo and overtakes at a higher speed.
The Evo was just stuck at 210 mph; it was easy for Tomo to cut through; but he didn't stay infront of the Evo but he was just on the next lane, trying to retain his 230 which is slowly dropping.
He's slowly catching up to the leading GT-R.
"I need to get closer to this fast GT-R..." Tomo reacted.
"I need to pull away from this dude!" the black GT-R driver said to himself.
They are only 2 miles away from the finish.
The GT-R's are closely tailing each other.
Tomo now decides to splitstream next to the other GT-R. It was a successful attempt.
He's closing in; they're now neck a neck!
"I'm not gonna let you! Not a chance!!"
The Black GT-R rammed Tomo's GT-R causing both to lose control.
Both cars are off balance. The Black GT-R suddenly went into a barrelroll and landed on it's hood. Tomo stopped but was facing the wrong direction. He immediately shifted to Reverse. He was 100 meters away. The Evo 9 is closing the gap. Tomo was about to panic!
"It's time for a 360!!"
He is still geared in reverse; he turns his car towards the left for a quick spin; he immediately shifts from R to 1 and punches on the gas and clutch.
Tomo made it to the finish and made a quick sigh of relief.
His car is positioned horizontally like a roadblock in the middle of the street.
Tomo was exhausted.
But the Evo driver is coming close by!
Tomo quickly shifted to 1 before the impact.
Luckily there were no serious damages except for the black GTR; but the Blue R34's rear bumper was severly damaged from the impact with the Lan Evo.
"Whoo! Close call... You alright Kitsumoro?" Daiki asked through a walkie talkie.
"I... am... let's head back... we got a finals to settle..."
The GT-R returned for Daiki then, they headed back to Infenion.
Back at the carnage site...
"This is supreme bull!"
"Don't say anything further. If Lucas hears about this..."
"He won't do anything unless he hears it."
Suddenly, a blue Corvette speeding by skids to a stop at the Black GT-R with the evo and C6.
"I...it's..."
"Lost huh?" A voice said from the Blue Corvette.
"It's nothing, boss..."
"Boss... don't tell me you'll be after..."
"No I won't... I wanna talk to this kid. Plus, I got some stuff to do right now."
"What a relief... We don't want your hands to get dirty over this."
"I heard he's in town... with team Japan is that right?"
"yeah..."
"Along with Akiyama Daiki?"
"Whoa! How did you know, boss?"
"It's in the net, stupid."
"Anyway... I'll talk to him once I see him, but not now. See you in our next meeting."
The driver of the Blue Corvette shifts to first.
Then, he speeds off with a huge burnout.
The LS7's supercharged engine shifts to 2 at amazing speed.
The rest of the crew were left dumbdounded.
"I've never seen boss so calm like this"
"you got that right. I mean when we lose, he'd like hit our heads or something..."
"Something's up with boss... but I don't know what or why..."
They just stood there thinking... or in the point of view of others, acting stupid as they looked towards the sky.
The sound of the Blue Corvette ZO6 was the only sound that echoed throughout the Nevada desert speedway.

Chapter 15 - Battle of the R Emblem!! A rerun

The Blue, battle-scarred GT-R returns to Infenion to race in the final match of the mock-contest. The Rear bumper is close to falling off; everybody was shock seeing the damage done. Tomo comes out unharmed, which gave a sign of relief for the rest of the team members. Kasumi however is still worried.
"Tomo! Are you sure you're alright? Can you walk?"
"I still can. Don't worry too much about me."
"But... but..."
"Kasumi, Tomo's fine. I saw him unharmed after the race..." Daiki said.
"Alright." Kasumi is convinced.
"We're back on track, team. Thanks to Tomo here, we can pursue the final match. There will be a 15 minute break first, giving time for Tetsuya to fix the rear of the Skyline."
"I'll help." Hiei insisted.
"Me too!" Ryusen followed.
Tetsuya, Tomo, Hiei, and Ryusen are hurriedly fixing up the Skyline. Good thing they bring spare parts of the cars in one of their trailers. It was easy for Tetsuya to change them.
Within fifteen minutes, the R34 was repaired.
"Is the rear okay?" Tomo asked.
"It's all good! You can start anytime." Tetsuya replied.
Tomo gives a thumbs up to Daiki.
"Okay. Will Tomo and Sakura please line up their cars to the starting line." Daiki hollered.
Sakura slowly brings the GT-R onto the starting line.
Tomo was all set, he was just waiting for her to line her car up.
Sakura gets out of her car.
"Doesn't this remind you of our battle at Akina?"
"I still remember that battle."
"You guys already battled?" Daiki wondered.
"Yeah. When I was still under Takeshi Musashiro and Reminiscent White. A slight Musashiro conflict that got both of us involved unfortulately." Tomo answered.
"Yeah, I mean... we're the solution to the debate of Takeshi and Hikari"
"It's too bad though, neither in the team except us knows that we raced against each other."
Tomo faces Sakura, Sakura faces him back.
"Shall we start?"
"Lets!"
The 2 RB drivers got into their cars. Daiki was starting the countdown.
Sounds of loud, roaring engines are what they hear.
The needles are approaching 9000 rpm.
"Let's start the countdown!!"
Everybody was excited. They were all cheering for both!
3!-->2!-->1-->GO!!!
Both GT-Rs took off the starting line at lightning speed! Daiki got blown away a bit when they boosted away!
This battle is gonna be good
Tomo was on the outside, Sakura was on the inside.
The first bend of the Sports car course was up. Tomo decides to floor it on the outside.
Sakura decelerates a bit to position her car for the next corner.
Then there was the right hand corner.
Sakura attacks towards the inside.
She was too close to Tomo who was riding the curb. Tomo gained the lead exiting that corner.
"argh..." Tomo whispered as he switched gears...
"It wasn't like this a while ago. Why now?"
Because of the pain plaguing Tomo, his car slowed down during shifting.
Sakura is sticking really close to the GT-R.
Back at the Pits...
"Say, Tetsuya," Shimizu wondered. "What's the difference between Tomo and Sakura's GT-R34s?"
"The difference?" Tetsuya verified.
"Yeah... are there any, since you are their repairman."
"Well, for starters, the model year and type. Tomo's is a V-specII Nur, while Sakura's is an early V-spec I based on the 1999 model. In terms of upgrades, Tomo's basic upgrade was Mine's based while Sakura's was Tommykaira based. Now they both have a percentage of Nismo upgrades. Sakura's is racing based, when it comes to other parts; Tomo's is street based with a bit of pro-racing influence."
"If there's a difference, it's unlikely..."
"So their cars are equal, apparently, huh?" Daiki added.
"That's right." Tetsuya concluded.
"Now... only driving style and technique will differentiate these two equals"
The 2 GT-Rs sped through the next set of corners before the hairpin...

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jun 28 2008, 06:42 AM

Episode 5 - Fate's decision...
Chapter 16 - Desparation Over Determination

The 2 Skylines' engine tones are clearly heard atop the highest peak of Infenion.
Tomo's GT-R desperately maintaining the lead against Sakura's red GT-R.
"This is not like Tomo at all" Sakura whispered.
There's something wrong with him... not his GT-R... I'm sure of it!!
Tomo shifts gears down from 4 to 3...
Damn... again?
"It's human lag!" She concluded.*
She presses on the accelerator further. She's pushing the car.
"She's about to overtake me..." Tomo wondered.
He left a short, car width distance from the inside of the upcoming corner.
user posted image

"(In order to stop Tomo's misery, I... I...) I AM CONCLUDING THIS RACE RIGHT NOW!!" Sakura has made up her mind. She won't waste anymore time behind Tomo's GT-R.
She's ready to overtake!
She swerves her car towards the right...
Tomo was ready to brake for the upcoming corner but his aching foot is preventing him to push the brake pedal to the full... It was actually too early for him to brake...
"this early? What are you trying to pull, Tomo-kun?"
Sakura decides to finish the race in the last corner. She positioned her GT-R side by side with Tomo's GT-R.
Tomo wasn't in shock at all and was concentrating on his foot on the pedals...
They both pressed their brakes to the max, with Tomo feeling a little pain and hesitating a bit...
They enter the corner together...
Tomo was slowly regaining the lead but understeer triggers.
Sakura applies one of Kitami's moves - nylon run (sort of like gutter run but your tires are in the grass close to the nylon.) She slowly gains speed.
Tomo tries to restore his GT-R back on the inside lane; he attempts to tap the gas and brake simultaneously but he just understeers further until the whole car is now driving outside the road. Tomo presses the brake with his left foot as an emergency.
It didn't matter to him if the engine dies momentarily but what matters is that he could stop the car immediately.
The car came to a stop.
Sakura saw the GT-R on a full stop. She makes a direct 180 and heads towards Tomo's GT-R...
She comes out and heads to Tomo immediately...
She opens the car door.
She saw Tomo sweating, hearing moans of pain, his head resting on the steering wheel.
"Tomo..." she said in a pale voice.
The Blue GT-R's engine died down. A gust of wind just blisters through the two of them.
"Are... you okay?" She asked...
"To tell you the truth... no..."
"Is it because I won against you?"
"No... not that... seriously."
"Then what is it?"
"It's... my left foot..."
Tomo shows the foot to Sakura. It was swollen, bleeding slightly, it was completely red.
"What happened?"
"It's from the impact a while ago when I finished the Nevada race."

QUOTE

"As soon as I finished it, I barely cleared the goal since my rival bumped me aiming to bring me to a barrel roll... I thought it was over but an oncoming rival car, an Evo running at 225 mph didn't bother to stop. I barely got through..."
"Barely?"
"That's right. That piece of... hit my rear bumper. From the impact it sprained my foot while it was planted on the brake pedal."

"you poor thing..."
"Let's head back okay?" Sakura followed.
Later on; at the pits...
"It's quiet... too quiet..." Daiki uttered.
"Do you think they stopped the race somewhere?" Hiroya hypothesized.
"Wait... I see them..." Shimizu exclaimed pointing at a red GT-R...
"So... Tomo lost?" Hiei wondered...
"What could've happened?" Ryusen thought to himself...
The Red GTR was pulling the blue GTR to the pits...
Tomo was sitting in the passenger seat of his car as Sakura slowly brings the car to a halt at he pits.
Everybody went towards the cars.
"Kasumi-san" Sakura called out.
"Yeah?"
"Come help me... Tomo is injured...
"In...jured?" Kasumi gasped a bit.

QUOTE

"Tomo! Are you sure you're alright? Can you walk?"
"I still can. Don't worry too much about me."
"But... but..."
"Kasumi, Tomo's fine. I saw him unharmed after the race..."

"Bu... I thought..." Kasumi's words started to chop thinking that Tomo's injury is completely severe...
She runs immediately towards Tomo and his GT-R.
She had a worried face as she looked at Tomo.
Tomo cannot look back at Kasumi since he lied to her about his condition and insisted to battle with an injured foot.
"S...sorry, Kasumi if I lied... to you..." Tomo said in guilt.
"You shouldn't have raced with that injured foot in the first place." Kasumi raised her voice.
"I'm sorry..."
"Kasumi," Sakura interrupted. "He said he's sorry. Sorry that he got you worried."
Kasumi was looking away where a tear slowly ran on her cheek, falling on to the ground.
"Tomo..." she spoke.
Tomo turned to look at Kasumi who had her back infront of him.
"Don't lie to me about your condition again. If you're injured... tell me ASAP..."
"Y...yes..."
After saying that, Sakura and Kasumi dressed his injured foot.
Then, they got off the Skyline and escorted Tomo to a seat nearby.
Daiki was about to reschedule the rematch but...
"Daiki." Tomo called out.
"Yeah?"
"you better let Sakura race in the Infenion Sports car league and Shinosuke for the Stock car league. I can't battle with an injured foot."
"Of course you can't."
Daiki then faced Sakura.
'Sakura, the battle will be 4 days from now. Are you sure you're up to the challenge?"
"Leave the Sports car battle to me, Daiki. Like Tomo, I won't let the team down. I'm gonna race with all I've got."
"That's good to hear."
After Sakura giving her Speech of guarantee, the rest of the team started to applaud.
With that, they all left Infenion. Daiki, who was driving the Blue GT-R, brings Tomo back to the hotel.
Tomo fell into a deep sleep which lasted 1 day and a half.
The next day, he was watching Television at his room when the phone rang...

*Human lag was a coined term by Sakura indicating the loss of a huge amount of speed when Tomo shifted gears. His timing with pressing the clutch and accelerator was completely off Key, which cost Tomo the race

Posted by: Meteor Jun 30 2008, 01:05 AM

Finally managed to get around to reading the updates.

I'm not liking this particular story arc as much as the first, but keep at it. I'll be waiting for the next update.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jun 30 2008, 02:57 AM

QUOTE

I'm not liking this particular story arc as much as the first, but keep at it.

I think for Meteor, I'm making the story a bit too much on the senti side...
sorry about that... I'll make the story a bit more on the serious and technical side this time around.
Why? The Jack is about to make his move!!
Here we gooo!!!!!

Chapter 17 - Apprenticeship

The phone rang while Tomo was watching TV.
"Hello?"
"Tomo? It's Kasumi."
"Where are you?"
"I'm at a street near the Golden gate bridge. I saw a good restaurant here that could be of use to you?"
"Waddya mean?"
"So that you won't be much a stag with your culinary skills, how's say you do a bit of OJT training here?"
"You know... you're giving me a good idea... I'm almost becoming a stag, as a matter of fact."
"You really need to get your ass up, Tomo. Remember, you're not a full time Hashirya . You're also a chef in training."
"Alright, alright... you don't need to sound much like my mother."
"I'll send you the address of the area, alright? ciao."
"Okay, I'll be waiting. Take care now..."
She hangs up.
Tomo gets up from bed and walks towards the closet.
"Looks like my foot is completely healed. I better thank her and Sakura one time."
He then goes to the elevator; presses the G button and heads down to the ground floor lobby.
He boards his GT-R parked by one of the attendants and heads of to the place that Kasumi is recommending.
*ring*
He got a message from his cellphone reiterating the location.
He places the points onto his onboard GPS.
The Skyline accelerates off the hotel; however...
little did Tomo know, a blue corvette was waiting across the street for his car to make a move.
It was Lucas Scott's corvette.
"So that's the GT-R which kicked the asses of my troops. I'll follow him later on and talk with this guy."
Lucas then marks Tomo's GT-R on his GPS; thus having an idea where he's heading.
Later on...
"You Tomo-dude! We got some orders of Southern Fired Chicken for table 6!" A voice shouted calling out to Tomo.
"You mean Southern FRIED not Fired!!"
"Whatever!!"
It looks like Tomo was easily accepted on the restaurant. The restaurant was a bay side restaurant. The name? The Golden Plate , named close to the Golden Gate bridge. It has a good atmosphere.
"Okay, let's see... hmm..."
As Tomo was trying to recall the process of preparing Southern Fried Chicken, he plays around with it while thinking.
"I got it!"
He starts removing the chicken from the milk marinade and places it infront of a breading station ; flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, all separated.
He dips them one by one in each filling and throws it onto the deep fryer.
He's got 2 plates ready with some java rice.
Later on, the bell near the door rang. Another visitor.
He went in line like everyone else. There were around 5 other customers in line.
5 minutes later.
"Tomo! I need those chickens! Are they done?"
Tomo quickly removes the done and checks for doneness with the use of a cooking thermometer. It reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
"ORDER UP!! He said."
user posted image

He slides the two plates through the aisle onto the trays of the waitress.
"Thanks, cool Jap dude..."
Inside, Tomo was acting conceited again...
"Cool she said..." He faced another chef and starts to brag about it.
"She said I'm cool..."
The chef hits Tomo with a hot spatula.
"Hot! Hot! Hot!!"
"Easy, Tomo... you just started! Don't get so high on yourself. You can get thrown out with that attitude, remember that!!"
"Okay... okay..." Rubbing his head off the spatula mark.
Finally, it was Lucas' turn to order.
"What would you like sir?"
Lucas stares at the menu and decides to...
"gimme one of them Southern fried combo meals..."
"Guys! One Southern fried combo meal!!"
"You got it!!" everyone in the kitchen hollered.
"Tell me..." Lucas asked the waitress... "when are your cooks on a break?"
"One of them... the new guy will be having a five minute break later after your order..."
"Alright... is it okay if I could talk with him with that duration?"
"Sure, no problem. I'll tell him."
A few minutes later.
"Order up! Southern Fried Combo meal!!"
The waitress comes up to take the order.
"Good job, Tomo. You can take a break; oh! and the customer who ordered this... requests for you to talk to him."
"Okay... let me clean my station first."

Tomo comes out of the hot kitchen and heads for the table where Lucas Scott is sitting.
"You called me out, sir? How's the food?"
"It's great. For a non-local, you sure got the exact taste of the ideal American Chicken! Congrats."
"Thanks."
"Anyway, I'm not here to talk about the food. I'm here to talk to you..."
"M...Me?"
"You're Tomogashi Kitsumoro, aren't you?"
"Y...yeah? How'd you know?"
user posted image

"Daiki Akiyama's apprentice... hmm..."with a slight grin on Lucas' face. "I can't believe I'm actually face to face with the person who defeated Akiyama in his home country... Forgot about introductions. My name is Lucas Scott..."
"Nice to meet you Mr. Lucas Scott."
"Call me Luke if you want... Lucas is fine too..."
"okay... Luke..."
"I saw one of your current races here, and I say, you got potential... how old are you?"
"I'm 20."
"Twenty... hmm... not too young but not too late to start either... You really put up quite a fight there... against that black GT-R and Evo 9..."
"How'd you..."
"I was following you from way behind... a stealthy like approach... and by how your engine echoes through the Nevada highways make a huge statement... I know how you do by listening to it..."
Tomo started talking to himself...

QUOTE

"Man... by how he stated that... he must be a really good driver... probably the best here in America... Does he know of this because of my battle or is it because I'm affiliated with Daiki who is globally famous as well...?"

"Hey..." Lucas snapping his fingers in between Tomo's eyes... "HEY!!"
"oh! Sorry..."
"Anyway, come outside for a moment... Let's talk there... it's too noisy here..."
The two left the table but...
"Lucas... are you still gonna eat this?"
"Obviously... Just make the remains a take out, okay?"
"Fine. Waitress!! Take out here, please!"
The waitress comes over and brings Lucas barely touched plate for take out.
Lucas was sitting close to his Corvette, but Tomo never gave a sign of excitement...
"I'll see you soon then. It was nice knowing you..."
"Same here." Tomo replied. "Lucas, right?"
"That's my name... lose it, your ass is mine."
"Wh...!?" Tomo immediately reacts.
"Kidding, dude. Kidding..."
The waitress brings the take out to Lucas...
"here's my number. Give me a miss call and I'll text you if I want to meet up, ayt?" Lucas shows Tomo the number; Tomo inputs to his cell and miss calls Lucas.
"Got it. Thanks man... Next time, we could have a longer chat..."
"Sure..."
"I suddenly got an interest with what you could do with that beat up GT-R of yours... if it could match up to My Vette's LS7 supercharger..."
That statement of insult to Tomo's GT-R, nearly made Tomo himself, crack and strangle Lucas; but he resisted.
"I'm out." Lucas shifts to gear 1 and heads off.
"interest with what I could do...
'What did he mean by that?"
Tomo just stares abruptly at the Corvette slowly fading away onto the horizon.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jul 14 2008, 05:04 AM

Here's a follow up on the story. Took me a long time before I was able to make a plot for this:

Chapter 18 - Words of empty Memories

After work, Tomo heads towards his GT-R to go back to the hotel...
The image of Lucas, insulting his car, was stuck on his mind.
He then makes a resolution...

I need to know who this Guy Lucas Scott is... who he REALLY IS! Ore-te yurusanezo!!

He turns on the ignition and punches on the accelerator.
To the sound of a seasoned driver, it was a tone of rage that came out of the GT-R's exhaust.

[Hotel Square; Lobby
5:45 p.m.]

Tomo was still infuriated over Lucas' insult.
He angrily took the keys from the lobby desk and heads for the elevator, all tired and pissed.
As he boards off the elevator to his room, he opens the door and sees Kasumi looking out at the window.
The wind passing through her long, orange-colored hair and freely touching her cheeks.
Looking at Kasumi from afar calmed Tomo down for the moment.
user posted image

Kasumi, slowly tilts her head, facing the door and sees Tomo staring back at her.
"AH! You-re back... sorry I didn't notice you come in..."
"It's okay. Not to worry."
Tomo drops his things and goes towards the computer in the other room.
Kasumi follows. "Watcha gonna look for, Tomo-kun?"
"Something about Lucas Scott..." He replied.
"Lucas Scott?" Kasumi reiterated.
"You know him?" Tomo asked. "No." She replied. "I know 'coz, I saw that name on one of the headlines on one of the old magazines at the Lobby."
"can you get it?"
"I'll ask through room service."
As Tomo goes to the internet to research on Lucas, Kasumi calls room service in order to help him.
He found a site, which has stuff about Lucas.
"I got something."

QUOTE

Basketball idol gone bad
This post was dated 7 years ago

Previous ace center player for the LA Academy's basketball Team Lucas Scott becomes infuriated over the loss that he and his team had on the final eliminations of the Youth's basketball champoinship.
Lucas tried to insist that it was all his fault that the team had lost the game. His teammates tried to calm down the young ace player but goes ballistic and accepts the blame for the team. He was a well known and talented player in the field of basketball and because of just one loss, he feels as if the world is about to end...
I don't want to interfere with his personal opinion on this game but hasn't he heard the statement You learn from your mistakes? His opponents were just too powerful for his team.
"He says that he's let the team down... He won't accept what happened..." Everyone in the basketball team had their doubts of what happened but the coach told us the main reason why. He got knocked down and the referee claims the foul on him. Without Lucas, the team was nothing more than a stepping stone to the other team."...

"So he was once a basketball star... how about this one?"
Tomo shifts tabs and opens another site about Lucas...

QUOTE

The Return of the *Dark* Star
This post was made 15 months ago

"The once known Idol of Basketball, Lucas Scott, reappears in the dark realm of import street racing. One of our journalists posed as a local spectator in one of the racing league sessions and happens to see Lucas Scott in a Chevy Corvette Z06...
He was infamous at first but as our man continued to spectate the battles, Lucas quickly reaches the top of the game. In just one night, he came out of low ranking to the top 5!! He was insanely fast.
He was fast. An incredible driver. But his groove shows no sign of the old Lucas Scott that everyone adored during the Youth Basketball tournament... I wonder what happened to him?..."

"I think what happened in the past made him disown himself and become the person he is today. What a waste of good talent... His rage and regret might've been the reason for his brisk development... no wonder some consider him a dangerous driver... It's like the he and the night are one..."

"Tomo! Here's more information on Lucas." Kasumi followed.
Kasumi shows the main article about Lucas Scott becoming a street racer.
"It was written by his brother, Regis Scott; a local journalist..."

QUOTE

My brother wasn't born to be this way
by Regis Scott

My Brother Lucas Scott was an amazing basketball player. But I'd like to reiterate when I say WAS. It's like I never knew my brother. He was humble during his high school years. After the last basketball match he had, he became a total stag. He was close to withdrawing out of school but he lasted until graduation.

Lucas never said a word; he never shown any emotions at all. One moment, he was walking on the local california streets; I decided to follow him to know where he's going. He then was surrounded by thugs in leather shirts. He was told that he was to become 'one of them' and he humbly accepted.

Ever since that moment, he hasn't come home. He did once, riding in a souped up Chevrolet Corvette Z06. The latest model if I'm not mistaken. He brought tons of cash in a bag and wants me to come with him - permanently to a brand new house he bought out of his 'racing earnings'. When he said that I got confused and decided to go with him. He says that we'll be living there at his mansion.
I said to myself, 'what have you become brother?'

He quit his dream of becoming part of the NBA. He was convinced that his previous life is burned to ashes. He starts anew but with the wrong first step. I can't stop him now. It was too late.

The life we had was better but the atmosphere lacked something dear to me. The presence of MY brother wasn't there...

"How sad..." Kasumi whispered; shedding a tear or two...
"I'll see you later, Kasumi. thanks a lot for your help." Tomo said getting his coat and facing the front door.
"Where are you going?"
"Don't tell me I'm gonna lose you too?"
"Of course not. I'll just go to a nearby starbucks. I'll be back okay?"
Tomo slowly approaches Kasumi.
"I'll be fine. Trust me. So don't worry so much okay?"
Tomo kisses Kasumi's forehead and leaves. He closes the door.
"T... take care... T-tomo" Kasumi said in a pale voice, talking to the wind.

Episode 6 - Extracting the hidden ability
Chapter 19 - Rebirth! The GT-R goes to hell and back!!

Tomo heads for the hotel garage but finds his GT-R going towards the exit.
"Who the hell is driving my car? HEY YOU!! GET BACK HERE!!"
He chases after his own car which suddenly came to a stop after Tomo shouted.
"Easy, dude. We'll get it back." The driver said.
"Wait a minute... Tetsuya!?"
"Bingo!!"
"Where are you taking it?"
"To a legal aftermarket shop nearby. If I'm right, it's HKS. It's one of the local tuners here. They make insanely fast cars here."
"Watcha gonna do to my GT-R?"
"It needs a new turbine with extra power. and I'm gonna have the body refined."
"Refined"
"yep. It means that The body will be restored to how you first had it. Obviously we'll return the other parts with more refined ones for a more stable body."
"I see; wait! What will I drive then?"
"Use my Commander. It's on the far left, the green one."
"fine."
Tetsuya throws the keys to Tomo and heads for the tuner shop.
"I'll call ya if it's done!!" tetsuya shouts for one last Time.
"Well... Guess I'll have to do with this then."
Tomo boards the Commander and heads off to a local coffee shop.

[Starbucks - 6:45 pm]

Tomo ordered a cappuccino 'frape' and sat down looking at the city horizon; waiting for neon lights to start flickering on and off. As he makes another sip, his phone rang.

Tetsuya Calling...

Tomo answers the phone. "Looks like he's done..." *click*
"hello?"
"Come here. Your GT-R is done."
"Seriously?"
"Told ya it'll be fast; they got all the necessary machinery here and boy are they damn fast!!"
"Where's this HKS facility that you're talking about?"
"Go to my Commander and I'll tell you on the necessary pin-points."
Tomo heads out of starbucks to the parking lot. He enters the Jeep Commander...
"Location, please?"
"Okay; it's around 4 blocks from where you are right now."
"Okay, I'm on it."
He starts the Commander and shifts to "R". He heads for the HKS tuner shop.

[HKS Tuner co. - 7:00 pm]

There was a banging sound on the garage gate.
"Who is it?" One of the employees asked.
"Tomo Kitsumoro. I'm a friend of Tetsuya there."
"Kudou, you know this kid?" the employee asked.
"Send him in. I'm expecting him."
The employee presses a button raising the gate.
The Commander comes in and comes to a slow stop. Tomo steps out of the Jeep seeing that his GT-R is raped down to the body.
In shock, "WHAT IN THE DAMN HELL DID YOU DO TO MY GT-R!?"
"Easy Tiger", Tetsuya answered back in a calm manner. "This is just step 1 of the process. They're just "massaging" the body."
"Massaging?"
"Yup. They're refining the body; just like I told you hours ago. They're bringing the car back to it's 'original' state like when it was newly bought."
"Like fresh out of the factory, eh?"
"exactamundo."
"Where's the engine?"
"Right over here."
The RB26DETT is placed on top of an industrial table.
"We're equipping it with a stronger turbocharger - bigger fan, titanium finish, larger rotors; the big kahuna."
"Like a stage 3?"
"Sorta. That information you get from playing too many racing simulators back home helps you quite a bit... but not too much compared to my vast knowledge."
"Like that'll boost my confidence; thanks a lot!" Tomo replied in an irritating tone.
"This turbo will multiply your HP by x2.5 of the original HP in stock..."
"So wait... 350... times 2.5... MORE THAN SEVEN HUNDRED!?"
"We're not going that far Tomo... the car will become more unstable then... we're controlling that. I'll be calibrating the Turbo's capability once the body has been done."
A siren sounded in the factory...
the GT-R's body refining stage is done.
"Okay... now we can reassemble... Tomo give us a hand here... it's YOUR car..."
"I'm coming... I'm coming."
They reassembled the GT-R with a little help from the machines...
in 30 minutes, the car is back to how it was before...
They placed the engine back onto the car.
"Okay, Tomo. Rev the engine!"
Tomo turns the car on. *VVVRRROOOMMM!!!!!!!!*
"Whoa Nelly! That's some engine tone!!"
"Told ya..."
"Let's set up the engine outputs..."
Tetsuya is using a contraption... some sort of calibrator, controlling the whole ECU and power management of the car.

*...10 minutes later...*

"Do you guys have a test course here?"
"They got one... Can we use it?" Tetsuya asked...
'Well... we're about to close but... for you guys... we'll let you. Just close the lights here when you're done..."
All the employees are out. It's only Tomo and Tetsuya left in the facility.
Let's test it out...

[HKS TEST SITE... (think of it as the NFSU2 URL course) - 7:45 pm]

"Let's start with a short battle." Tetsuya said.
"With who?" Tomo asked.
"Me..." a voice came behind Tetsuya; it was Daiki.
"Where'd you come from?"
"Here and there... anyway... watcha got Tetsuya?"
"we refined the GT-R and placed a larger turbo..."
"Funny, I got my Z's turbo tuned up too and lighter carbon made rims"
"Let's start, shall we? I promised Kasumi I won't take long..."
"Okay. Akiyama, get your Z on the starting line."

The blue, newly tuned GT-R faces off against the Silver Z once again.
A side by side start.
Tetsuya starts the countdown. 3!! 2!! 1!! GO!!
The GT-R accelerates; so did the Z!!
Like their previous battle with each other, it was a side by side start by the Z and GT-R.
The Z takes the lead by the first corner.
"Hello, Daiki... is this a rerun of our last battle at Wangan?"
The GT-R is prepared to splitstream behind the 350Z..."
"Not this Time Tomo!!"
The Z swerves before Tomo could even align his car right behind the Z..."
Daiki does an inertial drift as he enters the first 90 degree turn.
Just tapping the gas, he induces his Z to a slide.
Tomo analyzes the Z's movement and attempts to mimic it.
Are you kidding me!? You attempting to induce your GT-R to a drift? Daiki thought
But he was right, Tomo induced his car to a slide...
And successfully mimics the inertial drift that Daiki was doing...
What's this!? Did he suddenly become God Foot or something? or is that turbo doing something to it?
As they head on the straight, Tetsuya computes the performance output of the GT-R...
When an FR has a turbo carrying too much power, it tends to slide too much causing it to oversteer too much especially at first or second gear... if I could apply that theory onto Tomo's GT-R... then he can make drifts become so simple that it's just child's play... but It's just a theory... It might not work either... since that ATTESA can recalibrate the tires to prevent wear... can Tomo break the ATTESA's seal without destroying it?"
Tomo cuts through the next turn in lightning speed with his front bumper stuck close to Daiki's Z...
This is good... extremely good... that turbo did help... At this rate... he can conquer the underground derby here and stop their disturbance of the peace.
user posted image

As they enter the last bend the Z understeered for some reason. Looks like Daiki intentionally induced the car to an understeer to let Tomo take the lead.
Tomo pounces onto gear 4 at 135 mph onto the straight.
Daiki presses on the accelerator harder as well...
The cars were both side by side onto the long straight.
The race was close but the GT-R managed to win by a nose!!
"He's ready..." daiki said. "ready to take on the 'jack'."
The race finished in a close fight.

*footnote: by the looks of it, Daiki did some research on the fastest driver in the US in his own way not mentioned in the other chapters, treated to be confidential.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jul 21 2008, 05:27 AM

I got Chapter 20 ready but it's in my laptop w/c my dad is using for work.
So for now, as something like an intermission, here's info on the current 'hero' team, Team Japan. Details on their members, cars, etc...

Team Japan

Daiki Akiyama
AKA the Prince
Daiki is the team manager and planner of the group. He hosts practice sessions, provides the stuff as he is rich & all, and has the most links to many in the racing industry. He is formerly associated with a local team from Japan's Mie prefecture: Team Midnight Masters - the fastest street racing team in Mie.
He is known globally as the Prince of Racing; since he, on the age of 14 started to claim racing titles on the togue roads and circuits and almost every racing competition ever known.
He was also once the mentor of the Princess , Kitana Tioseco of Italy.
as for his racing skill, it's phenomenal, as if he's creating music and/or art as he races.
Currently, Daiki is not much active in the racing industry as a participant as he hones the skills of the new generation that he's managing.
*Car: Nissan 350Z Nismo Powered (350Z R Tune Power)

Tomogashi Kitsumoro
AKA Gunma's 34
The lead protagonist of the story. Tomogashi was inspired all about cars at an early age and has developed his interest as the years pass. He knows much about the cars but not much on how the racing industry works. He's willing to learn new stuff. Being a chef-in-training at the same time poses a huge challenge for Tomo as he needs to balance both his racing and culinary career.
He has a great personality, thus entering into good relations with anyone he meets. Note though, he has a slight problem when it comes to his patience as any form of insult, he immediately reacts in a harsh, physical manner just to retain his respect - he thinks of it as saving his own hind from the spread of embarrassing, false or true information.
In terms of driving ability, he started out mediocre; right now, he's a much fully competent driver at such a young age of 19 or 20 participating in the professional league. He's always inspired and motivated to become the best he can be. Currently, aided by the Prince, Daiki Akiyama, whom he once defeated back in Japan.
*Car: Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 V-spec II Nur Mines-Nismo powered (Z Tune BNR34)

Sakura Johina
The female driver of the group. Like Tomo, she also has a double career of a professional racer and a soon-to-be doctor, pathologist or anesthesiologist she says, whichever one comes her way. She loves to make friends and loves whatever a girl loves. A typical female with an extra-typical career.
The only thing Sakura despises is failure and hates to come out last, either if it's racing, career or anything for that matter. She does her best to attain perfection in that field, and she does that pretty well.
She & Tomo are good & close friends. But it was her personal decision to join the pro league and hone her driving skills which she attained from being under Takeshi Musashiro, a well known young street racer of Gunma Prefecture, Japan.
The only thing that can pose as a delight and threat could be - chocolates...
*Car: Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 V-spec I Nismo-MCR Powered (R-tune)

Kasumi Nadeshiko
Kasumi's past is shrowded in mist as little is known about her, aside from being Tomo's guardian. She has a liking for Tomo; she doesn't deny it. She's willing to support anything Tomogashi does unless it dishonors her code of rights.
She's not a racer; yet a valuable member of the team. She tries not to be a stumbling block to everyone and ensures the success of whatever plans the group is doing.
And on a side note, she's very pretty, has an excellent figure paired up with long, straight, beautiful orange toned hair; which matches her orange colored eyes.

Shinosuk Kitamaru
AKA 1/2 of Shomaru's undefeated
We could consider Shinosuke to be a well matched driver to Tomo. The only difference could be their choice of cars. He owns an FR type Mazda and he's proud of it. His driving skills were developed in the Saitama prefecture where it's not much of an easy run compared to other areas in Japan.
He starts out strong and comes out strong.
One of his past times if he's not racing is playing the guitar and what he calls as "girl scouting". He even has his own philosphy when it comes to life, love and women. A certified woma-holic... er something... (something shorter meaning addicted to *hot* women).
*Car: Mazda FD3S RX-7 Type R RE AMEMIYA powered (RE Amemiya GT300 tune)

Kitami Kitamaru
AKA 1/2 of Shomaru's undefeated
He's obviously Shinosuke's brother. They love each other despite the disputes that they had in the past (i.e. Fighting over the newly bought & modded Celica ST205 GT-FOUR by C-one). Kitami is more on the literal artistic side compared to his brother. He likes to draw what he defines as Indy style - like them Marvel comics. The only thing he & his brother always agree upon is women. They have a philosoply & code about it.
As for his driving technique, not much to say as he & his brother's driving technique are 100% identical. The only difference about it is how they use it.
*Car: Mazda SE3P RX-8 type S Mazdaspeed Powered (Mazdaspeed RX-8)

The Pit Crew - Tetsuya Kudou, Hiei Kamura and Ryusen Kennichi
Tetsuya is nicknamed as 'God's right hand' as whatever tuner car you have, Tetsuya can tune it better. Like Daiki, he's got lots of links to many legal tuner shops in town. No Chop shops as he knows the consequences of getting linked to those kinds.
He gets along well with everyone and he was known for his tuning expertise during the expeditions of Team Noyzee Tribe.
Hiei & Ryusen are Tomo's long time best friends, until present. They love to do gags and jokes during their free time but they all know when to get serious. These 3 are the pure heart of the team as they do what the pros can do, despite their youthful age.

Shimizu Ohyama & Kagami Hiroya
These 2 are more or less like Daiki's consultants and friends. They were together ever since Daiki joined Midnight masters, which was formed by Shimizu. Shimizu & Hiroya are the only people who understand Daiki's intentions with the group; and only they know and EVEN doubt if the plan will succeed.
*car (Shimizu): Nissan R390 GT-1 Road car 98.
*Car: hiroya: Mitsubishi lancer Evolution 6 GSR Mines Powered.

edit: Here's Chapter 20 ready!! For all who're viewing... sorry for the wait...

Chapter 20 - Escaping Twice is unecessary

[City Streets - 8:45 pm]
The Blue GT-R travels around the city - before it heads for the hotel that day. Tomo was searching for the people he raced against at the Nevada Highways; he wanted to talk to them.
Because of that invigorating battle between Tomo and the Locals, less drivers appear at the brink of the night; the city is becoming peaceful, bit by bit; but it doesn't mean that it'll be this peaceful from now on.
He could still see a Porsche (997) 911 Turbo drifting along the corner being chased by a Subaru Impreza (GDBF) which is gripping through the intersection's left bend like glue.
"It may seem there are some races still on going... I might be close."
He is dead serious in looking for those 'fools' in their imports.
He came towards an alley with neon lights flashing at the end of the road. He sets his lights to low and slowly approached the flickering light.
There were people dancing and talking; getting drunk with beer, hogging all over 'hot' women and banging their heads to the beats coming out of their cars' trunks. Beat music everywhere.
As the GT-R comes closer, the music stopped. The lights stopped flickering on and off.
Tomo steps out of the R34; then everyone started to panic for some reason.
He calls out: "Where are the drivers whom I raced against yesterday?"
"Y...You mean us...?"
"Stay back you monster!!"
"Monster?" Tomo wondered. "Why'd you call me that?"
"Don't play dumb with us!!"
"How you drive... you're not human..."
"I mean... we gots 800 horses under our hoods and you beat us in a speed match with just 500+ HP... YOU ARE A MONSTER..."
" Oh, come on... are they really that scared to someone whom they lost to? Anyway, since you guys might at least answer me a few questions, if it's okay with you..."
"S...u...re... just don't race us...!!"
"We've been through enough shit in this sport...Don't you dare give us more. We've had enough!"
"Would you guys just can it already?" Tomo said in an irritating tone.
"Anyway, where does Lucas Scott do his practice rounds?"
"Lucas Scott you say? the god of American Youth street racing?"
"He practices at the canyons every night... if you hurry, you could meet him during his runs... Trust me, you, even if you're a monster, cannot beat him in his turf; none of us have won against him ever since he appeared. He's unstoppable!!"
"You don't have to go through all that detail. That's all I need to know. thanks."
Tomo faces his GT-R and boards it. He swithches to R and drives off back to the main road. As the road becomes wider, he pulls his e-brake and performs a quick 180 degree spin and with lightning reflexes, moves it to gear 1 and heads off to the highways...

While driving,a bunch of sedans are tailgating his car.
"What's up with these sedans? every exit I go to, they follow. Every lane I transfer to, they copy me. What do they want?"
Tomo accelerates to pull away from the 6-pack.
As he executes a drift onto the main road, out of the highway, sirens start overlaping the atmosphere. A huge band of undercover police cars are now chasing after Tomo and his GT-R.
"I don't have time for this... I better outrun them!!"
Tomo presses harder on the accelerator. He switches to gear 4, reaching a speed of 145 mph. They enter a fork intersection through a construction site. Some of the drivers from the underground are having their race and somewhat interferes with the chase. One of them hits the control booth of the crane, making the load being carried fall. IT nearly hit Tomo but it did stop SOME of the cops on their tracks.
There were still 3 more chasing the GT-R. Then, one of the cops request for back up and a roadblock near the mall.
"What the hell is going on here?" Tomo asks not knowing anymore what's happening here. He holds his ebrake and engages the GT-R into a drift. The roadblock is coming up. Tomo is looking for a small gap in the roadblock. He sees a road with an end in his GPS. He tried to go there. A small alley leading to a parking lot with it's road ending with a huge poster.
"I got no choice do I?" Tomo never hesitates to go through the poster/billboard in max speed. He swerves his car to the left and is attempting to do a shortcut-jump variation of the out-in-out attack.
"DO IT!!" His car went through the billboard, at the same time avoiding the roadblock. But the car was losing control. He countersteers as soon as he landed and uses his tap-tap-tappy technique on the accelerator. The car was induced to somewhat like an inertial drift at that point.
"Control, we need a spike strip set up..."
"Now they're serious!!"
Tomo comes across the casino area passing by it at high speed. He thought that he was in the clear. As he enters another narrow route, he didn't expect the spike belt that was waiting for him as he entered it. user posted image

There were 2 cars blocking the road at both ends with the spike belt centered on the road. There was no escaping as 3 other cops are chasing behind him. "What to do? Should I resist arrest or what?"
He prepares his car to pass through the belt. BOOM! His tires went flat as he passed it; but he still attempts to drive. Sparks were flying. The GT-R is being tortured.
Tomo suddenly feels himself communicating his own car. "My GT-R is crying... am I pushing you too hard this time for my own selfish desire of freedom?" Tomo removes his foot off the accelerator. "I'm sorry my 34... Please forgive me..."
He brings the car to a complete stop, he raises the e-brake. All of the cop cars surrounded him. He can't escape. Not even on foot.
He puts his hands up in the air. The police calls out an EMS team. The all-powerful GT-R driver has given in to the law, not knowing why he was pursued.

Posted by: Meteor Jul 24 2008, 06:44 AM

So Tomo had zero clue why the cops went after him? Perhaps it had something to do with. . Speeding and intentional loss of traction on public roads?

He was doing that before the cops turned on their sirens.

Anyway, keep updating. But try to cut down on the Underground/Most Wanted/Carbon/ProStreet/etc. stuff.

Posted by: White Sil80 Jul 24 2008, 04:52 PM

You kinda need to work on drawing cars more. Start off with perspective points. I draw cars without them though.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jul 27 2008, 05:06 AM

Remember, Meteor... this is just area one of the remaining 4... I don't wanna spoil the areas... since it's the US setting... there will be a bit of the Underground/Most Wanted/Carbon/ProStreet/etc. stuff... the 2 are about to face off so as soon as their battle ends... so does the Underground/Most Wanted/Carbon/ProStreet/etc. stuff... I assure you that...

Now... why were the cops chasing Tomo aside from the fact that he violated some laws of the road? Here's the answer on the next chapter!!

Chapter 21 - Rights and Privileges

The setting takes place on a local police station... Tomo was in a cell waiting; sitting on the bench which was there on one side of the cell. A guard approaches him.

"Sir, the inspector would see you now." He opens the cell door and Tomo comes along.

He sat right outside the inspector's office... thinking why did the feds arrest me? if I was speeding they could've at least just gave me a ticket or something...
The police officer tells him to come into the office. He sits down looking at a someone in his chair, with his back against him.

"Um..."
"sorry for the intrusion... It seems that you're not from here and your car resembles one of the vehicles that we're after... But you did break a few rules here so I'm afraid I have to issue you a ticket."
"Okay... Wait... this car you were after that looks like mine... how'd you & your men come to the conclusion that MY car was the car YOU GUYS were after?"
"We never got any close visual contact with the vehicle. He was just too fast for our crew's standard sedan cruisers."
"(Don't you guys have like a registered hidden camera or something or a file on registered cars on your district? Saying that, it sounds like you guys are in the lowest division in the whole PD squad...) So the only thing you're familiar with is that it's blue?..."
"And it had those two round paired taillights at the back."
"Sounds like my GT-R but not quite. Why is that you guys never had visual contact with the car that you were after?"
"One word, Skill. and besides; are division is more on the on-foot patrol and crime scene investigating ability; when it comes to driving maneuverability and techniques, are division was the lowest; especially when it involves apprehending a suspect who has that advantage; we need to rely on the other divisions for that."
"Ouch... Got any leads aside from the information you got?"
"Well... we were told that the car was a CHEVROLET."
"MY CAR'S A NISSAN FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!!" Tomo breaked into rage.
"Wait..." Tomo thought for a moment. "Chevy? Blue chevy? (The only car that matches that is Lucas' Corvette! So... he's the wanted person!?)"
"Inspector... I think I know who you're dealing with..."
"Okay... let's make a deal." The inspector said as he puffs out a huge cloud of smoke from his mouth. The close eyed inspector goes towards the window. Later on, he tilts his head and looks at Tomo.
"I'll drop the charges; but you gotta help us with this abomination."
"Deal."
the 2 drivers shook on it; suddenly...
"Tofu?" The inspector asked.
"Eh?" Tomo was freaked out when the inspector showed the tofu wrapped in plastic. "N...no thanks."
"Fine... Anyway... what's your name son? I don't give out my name to anyone so just call me inspector."
"I'm from Japan; you can call me Tomo."
"Tomo huh... welcome to the force..."

Posted by: Meteor Jul 27 2008, 06:32 AM

What the hell? Those cops can't tell the difference between a 'vette and a 34?

I'll be waiting for the next update as usual.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jul 27 2008, 07:32 AM

speed my friend; speed. the cops of this division aren't good with car identification at all. all they know is basic driving. Sad for them; they need to deal with a 'crime' they're not regularly used to or specialized at.
The inspector did say that:

QUOTE

our division is more on the on-foot patrol and crime scene investigating ability; when it comes to driving maneuverability and techniques, are division was the lowest; especially when it involves apprehending a suspect who has that advantage; we need to rely on the other divisions for that.

plus, they always see the vette come out infront of 'em; and since it's night, they can't tell if it's a local car or a import.
in specs, the vette carries immense power that I don't want to tell since it'll shock all who read this; in relation to togue racing, and it's a spoiler so I am not gonna tell of the power here until the right chapter.

just a clue; because of this:
The inspector said as he puffs out a huge cloud of smoke from his mouth. The close eyed inspector goes towards the window.
the inspector could be Bunta... He COULD be but when i brainstormed this topic, bunta fitted the part. Imagine Bunta in a detective rain coat, with the same hair he had in 4th stage. he really fits the part.

I might add him on this chapter's image pic which I didn't do yet, but planning to.

Posted by: Meteor Jul 27 2008, 07:49 AM

Relax yo. I already understood that those cops aren't all that good when it comes to cars.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jul 27 2008, 07:55 AM

But do you think Bunta is fit for the inspector role?

Posted by: Meteor Jul 27 2008, 08:56 AM

QUOTE

But do you think Bunta is fit for the inspector role?

Appearance-wise = Fits
Personality-wise = Nuh-uh

Posted by: White Sil80 Jul 27 2008, 10:14 PM

You can say I'm an amateur as well in art, but could you show me the stages you go through when you draw out your cars in your comic strips? Maybe we can correct some of your mistakes to increase the level of accuracy when you draw. I myself have drawn cars since the 8th grade and many have told me I have improved a lot. So you can compare your old and your new after a few advices.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jul 30 2008, 06:11 AM

Don't worry. I know what you mean, white sil80.
Besides, I'm drawing without guides... relying on my photographic memory...
No perspective points no guides; just plain photo memory in me mind. It's stupid but it works.

and I did compare my ex-drawings with today & there were improvements. I was advised by my seniors back at High school...
I'll post "screenshots" of the other volumes as a "commercial/ ice breaker post" later on.
For now... here's chapter 22...

Chapter 22 - When the first petal falls on the ground

The 2 head from the inspector's office down to the garage in the basement.
"Sorry again for the intrusion." the inspector said looking at Tomo with his eyes closed.
"It's alright."
"As a token of apology; we called out the EMS team to bring your car to a local tire shop close by. I'll take you there in my Subaru..."
"A subaru? You're a tuner fan?"
"You can say that... anyway; no time left. Who knows if we've lost our lead."
The 2 reached the B1 floor. As they were about to step out, Tomo sees a grey Subaru Impreza WRX STi Ver. V... However; despite the Impreza's presence in a 'foreign' land, Tomo was unimpressed.*

The two got on the car and headed out for the tire shop.

[9:30 p.m. - Local Tire shop]
"I'll leave you now. Here; it's my number. Call me if you seen him do any other mischief." The inspector said. He heads for the door and leaves.
Tomo heads for his car and checks the tires.
"What kind of the tires are these?"
"Those are high-class AVON tires." The shop owner said to Tomo.
"Avon? Isn't that a soap brand?"
"Coincidentially, it is. But this brand has been supporting the 24 hr. Le Mans to all competitors."
"Really? I never knew that?"
"Anyway, those are free. This has been approved by the inspector of this block's division. Hope you enjoy it."
"Okay."
Tomo boards his GT-R and heads back to the hotel at last.

[9:35 p.m. - Infenion raceway]
Daiki, Sakura & Tetsuya went back to Infenion after the modification of Tomo's GT-R34. Sakura was still in the midst of training but it seems she has reached her limit.
A red GT-R34 Skyline approaches the last hairpin of the course. She brakes hard; changes gears from gear 4 to 3 to 2 and hits the apex of the corner perfectly but there was something wrong with the way she exits the corner. As soon as the front end of the GT-R has faced the straightway, it was still turning right. As Sakura came back to her senses, she quickly countersteers, but sends her car spinning when she tried to de-gas a bit. g-forces suppressing her in her seat; the seatbelt, crushing her chest. The red GT-R went to an instant 360 spin.
user posted image

It came to a stop.
The tires were smoking hot as it came to a halt.
Sweat drops fell on Sakura's cheeks, running towards her chin.
Daiki and Tetsuya just noticed the red GT-R just 200 meters away from the goal.
"She's been at it for how long again?" Tetsuya asked.
"35 laps, if I counted correctly."
"How long IS the sports car battle?"
"double of what she's done tonight. I only saw her at lap 10 onwards."
"70 laps huh... that's harsh..."
"Tell me about it. she stopped at lap 17 to change the tires on her own."
"Wow... she really must want to win..."
"On the contrary" Daiki interrupted.
"Eh?"
"I was able to ask Tomo and Kasumi about her one occasion why she's included and if she gots what it takes..."
"And?"
"Sakura has this... fear of failure syndrome..."
"Like she doesn't wanna fail or something?"
"Yeah... 'she hates that' Tomo said to me."
"But as far as what we see tonight, she's reached her limit... or is it because it's the dead of the night..."
"She's not much of a dead-night racer, I can tell."
"I better help her out." Tetsuya says snatching a bottle of water from the tabletop.
"Sakura, I know you wanna perfect this... picturing the course 100% perfectly on your mind... but I think you know when to draw the line... or you're just ignoring it... you should know too that you're not the only one suffering as you go... your car as well..." Daiki muttered to himself.
Sakura reached out for the bottled water Tetsuya was handing over to her.
"Tomo... where are you? Why is it I have a feeling something new has come up that involves you?"
The 2 push the GT-R to the pits after Sakura was rejuvenated. Tetsuya checks the GT-R for any internal damage.
"Say... Sakura... when did you start practicing?"
"Um... quarter to eight..."
"for 2 straight hours... I can't believe it..." Tetsuya uttered to Daiki.
"She's a fighter I can tell you that..."
"You seemed fatigued..."
"Yeah... sorry if I got you worried..."
"Well, it's just like how Tomo described to me about you."
"Tomo told you that?"
"Yeah... he did say that despite your personality infront of people; privately, you're a real fighter & strives for greatness. You can tell by your heart if what you did or doing is right and..."
Daiki cuts his descriptions short as he notices Sakura blushing...
Did Tomo really say that... OMG... Wow... Sakura talked to herself.
"You alright?"
"Ah... y...yes-yes... I'm okay..." She said in panic.
"Anyway, it's getting late. We'd better head back. We'll continue your training tomorrow... besides, you still got 2 days before the big competition, right?"
"Yeah... even if it's practice, I'll still do my best." Sakura said in excitement, with a smile.
"That's a good attitude." Tetsuya followed.
"C'mon Kudou. Help me up with her GT-R onto the carrier." Daiki said as he points on the carrier at the back of Tetsuya's Jeep Commander.

[later... 10:00 pm]
"Okay. the gate's locked." Tetsuya confirmed.
"Good. waddya say we head on back. I'm pooped."
"Same here. what about sakura."
Daiki and Tetsuya rushed to the Jeep Commander to see.
She's quietly sleeping. Like a little kid who passed out due to fatigue.
"She's sleeping soundly..." Tetsuya confirmed.
"Let's go, then. We're all the same - tired." Daiki says as he puts a long cotton blanket on her.
The SUV leaves the venue, with the Red GT-R on the carrier, covered; being pulled by it.
Inside the car...
Tetsuya sips on a cup of hot choco.
Daiki fell asleep with his fist on his cheek while leaning on the window.
Sakura, who was sleeping soundly with a smile on her face, sheds a tear for some reason...

edit: forgot my footnote...
*the primary reason why Tomo was unimpressed by the Impreza's presence are due to 2 reasons:

He totally envies the Impreza as it does almose everything better compared to the GT-R... being lightweight and all...
He encountered one back at Akina, Gunma Japan in the hands of a complete juvenile who planned to ram the car he's driving on down Akina's DH; note: he (Tomo) was driving Rikona's SXE10 TRD Altezza

Posted by: Meteor Aug 2 2008, 09:04 AM

The trouble with the cops sure ended quickly. I wonder if that inspector dude's gonna play a bigger role in the plot soon or not though.

And Sakura spins out by turning too much after exit and trying to correct it while letting off the throttle? Unless she's got a disadvantageous oversteer setup on that car, I don't see how that's possible (maybe you meant to say the GT-R was drifting around the corner or that it entered a powerslide upon exit? Because the spin-out would make more sense then within your self-described "low grade simulation" physics.).

Well, anyway, keep working on it.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Aug 4 2008, 03:32 AM

QUOTE (Meteor @ Aug 2 2008, 09:04 AM)

The reason for Sakura's mishap is more on the driver than the car...
The setup is perfect for infenion... the problem is with her as soon as she enters lap 36.
she was on the track for 35 laps straight... she only had one break which was changing the tires on lap 15...
it was also night time so it's inadvisable to drive/race that long in one shot for her case.
In her mind or subconsciously, if I could call it, she thinks that she's still taking the corner even if she had cleared it and should center the car back on the straight...

still, she's veering inward in reality.
As soon as she came back to her senses, then she lost control over the car...
Her physical endurance came to its limit at that moment... but it doesn't mean that her endurance is just up to there... we'll all see in the later chapters.
the next chapter is in my other computer, which is under use for important reasons...
I'll post it soon as it is done...

Posted by: Meteor Aug 5 2008, 08:54 AM

I already know that Sakura was tired and was steering even after exit, and that doesn't explain how she managed to spin out.

If a car simply turns around a corner (and does not slide at any point), then turning the other way on or after exit won't cause the car to spin out (unless it has an oversteery setup, the car'll simply steer itself in the other direction)

The question is: Was she simply gripping around the turn, was she trying to drift around it, or did she try to grip around the corner but ended up powersliding at the exit?

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Aug 6 2008, 04:50 AM

OHH!!!

THAT... I understand now...
sorry for being tactless...
as for her setting...
let's say more of an in between setup (in between grip & drift I mean)
she has the option of drifting through the corner or gripping through it...
bleh... becoming tactless here again...

Basing my answer on your 3 choices...
it's gotta be the 3rd one

yes... no doubt about it. she ungassed so a probability of powersliding a 4wd is possible.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Aug 24 2008, 03:49 AM

I know, it's been a while... it HAS been ever since I updated. I'm not planning to stop this just yet... my shifts aren't going my way at all not giving me time to keep writing the next chapter...

Well, at least I got time now... A LOT I mean... here are the next couple of chapters...
to those who have waited long. sorry, my apologies and enjoy!!

Chapter 23 - Climbing up the Stairs to the Mountains above

The next day came. Kasumi was still asleep in the bedroom. Tomo was asleep also on the sofa. There was a note stuck on their door.

QUOTE

Tomo & Kasumi,
Off to training at Infineon again. I'll be back before sundown.
See you later, then.
Love,
Sakura

Hiei & Ryusen were rushing towards Tomo's room to warn him of something.
"TOMO TOMO!! Something's up bigtime!!"
"THERE'S A DUDE IN A CORVETTE WAITING FOR YOU IN THE LOBBY!!"
"HE LOOKED SCARY & GAVE US A PRETTY BAD LOOK...!"
"Alright, alright... I get the picture..."
Tomo had a huge hunch that it was Lucas Scott who is waiting for him at the lobby.
He dressed up and went down to the lobby. And there was Lucas waiting for him...
"Tomo, right? I got an invitation for ya from our troops..."
"Is it a race invitation or something?"
"That's right... I recieved word that you were looking for me one night; in our "culture", that's looking for competition..."
"And?"
"To show you that I accept, I'm giving you an opportunity to battle me..."
"Just an opportunity? What do you mean exactly?"
"You can't fight me directly. You need to work your way up. It's the way of the underground & you can't go against it."
"Whatever it is... I accept it..."
"Alright, that's the spirit... Before I go..." Lucas said as he goes out of the building, looking at Tomo..."I want to know your motif for challenging me... I know you're not the type who's just greedy for a battle."
"Let me answer that with a question: why did you abandon your previous passion? Why did you leave that part of you behind?"
"Why did I? I wasn't suited for that in the first place. I was walking in the wrong road. They were all pushovers - my teammates in my basketball days; seriously, if you need something done, you need to do it yourself. Until I saw this road called "street racing", I need to get with the times. I can't accept that lost I had a decade ago. Yeah, people could say I'm too proud of myself that I'm the best and I couldn't let anything, not even defeat get the best of me. They all need to understand that... I AND my PRIDE are one... I'm proud of myself, got a problem with that? And now that I'm unstoppable in this field... not even you can stand a chance! I'm letting you give me your best shot at pushing me off this field... If I lose, I'll get your word for it. BUT if I win, you need to accept this fact Kitsumoro, that without pride... you're nothing."
Having said that, Lucas went off...
you're a fool Lucas Scott... your philosophy is something I can't approve of. Pride isn't everything. I'll show you. Being proud does nothing but make you see defeat... I will show you the light and bring you back to the person you once were and move on as that person; not the person you are today...
"T...Tomo? You okay?" hiei asked.
"Can't you see it Hiei? Tomo's aura is blazing..." Ryusen said in awe.
Tomo heads back to the room that he's staying at, grabs his GT-R keys & phone and heads down once more to meet up with Tetsuya & Daiki at a nearby coffee shop.
He dials Daiki's number.
Ring. Ring. Daiki picks up the call.
"Hello?"
"Kitsumoro. Call Tetsuya and meet me at the coffee shop just a block away from the hotel."
"You're making a move on the derby?"
"Yeah. It's time to settle things. He came up to me with a challenge."
"by he do you mean Lucas?"
"Right. If he's desperate for attention, I'm giving him."
"Don't get too overconfident now, okay? You know what happens to those who get puffed up with pride."
"I am aware of that. Just make sure I do."
"eh? (What the heck does he mean by that?) Well, I'm off now - to the coffee shop. You can tell me your plans there."
"Good." Tomo boards the GT-R and heads off.

[Coffee Shop - 10:45 a.m.]
(15 minutes later)
Tomo tells Daiki and Tetsuya of his plans. He wants to prepare his car for the underground.
"What WERE his conditions that he threw at ya?" Tetsuya asked.
"These." Tomo hands over the note of the conditions that Lucas is expecting to be met.
Let's see...

QUOTE

1. Battle the locals by our rules of circuit and sprint.
a. Tier battles of most kinds.
b. If canyon sprints were called for, you start last.
c. You race without Nitrous as they have it during the battle.
d. all-for-one style accomodated battle.
2. Survive a canyon duel.
3. The main event: Tomo vs Lucas the night after.

"That ain't much of a problem to ya as I could see." Tetsuya affirmed with pride.
"It's not as easy as you think it is Kudou. Don't ya know the abilities of applying Nitrous oxide to your car?" Daiki interrupted.
"What then?"
"If the battle was a straight match, obviously, the one who is equipped with it will most definetly win."
"Then I should leave 'em behind at the start."
"You're getting puffed up Kitsumoro..."
"No I'm serious. I can still remember the racing style of that flame-bodied Evolution 9 that challenged me when we got here...
because of too much power in the cars, the tendency to understeer is definetly assured. If they need to counteract that, long braking is required.
That way, with my car having less power than them, I can increase the gap in the corners, adding the factor that my car's 4WD..."
"There's a glitch to what you concluded there Tomo. Remember, weight reduction is common here, so even if you have a corner-advantage car in your hands, they'll still close the gap with a lighter body, thus larger cornering speed and a higher exit-corner speed."
"Daiki's got a point. any other bright ideas?"
"Then let fate do it's bidding." Tomo said in a serious tone.
The other two were confused with what Tomo said.
Daiki later on realized what Tomo meant when he reminisced on his battles against him back at Japan.
"He could be right you know. (We wouldn't know what to expect from Tomo once he's in action. if his car is weak, then he just has to compensate on some other factor that is unexpected)"
"Tetsuya."
"Y...yeah?" He replied, still trying to read between what Tomo said.
"bring a small tanker. we're starting this tonight."

Episode 7 Silence could never supress the RB's howl
Chapter 24 - Night of the full Moons

[12:05 a.m.; Local city streets.]
The city is quiet on one end. On the other end, there were drivers with highly modified cars on the road, just waiting for one more competitor to show up. Later on, they can hear an RB26DETT Engine come up to them. It was Tomo and an EMS service truck behind him.
The locals started to laugh.
"Hahahaha... what's up with this clown....!?"
"Lucas told us to race this wreck!?"
Tomo pulls over, does a quick 360 spin and positions his car parallel to the other 3.
Round 1 is about to begin - a circuit race around the main road - near an industrial park & factory.
3...2...1... go!!
Tomo quickly gains first, thanks to the AWD system.
He's being followed by a Supra, an Impreza, & a 350Z coupe.
The first 125 degree hairpin is coming. With Tomo just a hundred meters away from the corner.
"Tetsuya, I want you to turn off the ATTESA ET-S for this moment."
"Let's see if I can increase the gap from here..."
Tomo brakes, de-gasses as he hits the corner's apex. As it starts to gain a higher angle, he countersteers before his rear bumper hits the wall.
The gap increased even more, down to 200 meters and increasing after every corner...
"w...what is this guy?"
"He's extremely...no... monstrously fast!"
"We...can't keep up..."
After 10 minutes, the battle was over... With Tomo clearing around close to a kilometer's length from the 2nd placer...
At Lucas' Mansion, Lucas was there on his study looking at the city from his window. He recieves a text from his peers who is included in the street racing scene as of this moment. The text says that Tomo has easily defeated the top circuit racers in record time. Reading this, Lucas made a huge tantrum - getting a book that he sees close to him and releases all his rage in it; throwing it to the ground.
Hours later Tomo was asked to race in a sprint match from where they are all the way to the entrance to the canyons.

QUOTE

The GT-R simply kept up with the high end US muscles: a Plymouth Cuda, A Ford Mustang GT, and a Pontiac GTO; with the Cuda leading the pack. At one corner, an incoming car was on the inside of the apex where all 4 drivers were driving on. Tomo intentionally lets his GT-R understeer at that moment, veering outward while the other 3 still insist on drifting through the apex and brakes as they were inches away from contact with the comonners' car. Yes, they lost an intense amount of speed passing through the corner, except Tomo who had enough speed to clear the corner onto the 1 kilometer straightway from the finish. The R34 gracefully overtakes all 3 Muscles, one at a time. Another easy victory for the young professional.

[2:55 a.m.; Canyon]
The battle reaches the climax: a one on one duel with a Street Tuned Lambo Murcielago; equipped with a wide body kit with larger air dams for better wind ventilation, in a downhill canyon duel. The canyon's name was nicknamed "Journeyman's Bane". Tomo starts of as a chaser.
"They made a false move this time. We all know that the chaser has the ultimate advantage in this sort of race." Tetsuya told Daiki in assurance.
"I wouldn't count on that, Kudou. Not all who have the chaser position has the full advantage. If the runner is skilled, which supports his car's opitmum performance, then he could increase the gap from that point; thus rendering the chaser out of league." Daiki responded.
"Will Tomo do well?" Tetsuya asked.
"Well... he still has the advantage here."
"eh?"
"It was the mistake on the part of the locals to pit in a Lamborghini."
"I still don't get it..."
"Have you forgotten? Tomo already had experience dealing with Lamborghinis. He did race Kitana back at Italy who was driving A LAMBORGHINI."
"Now I remember. In terms of history, the Diablo and Murcielago 'play' alike. Afterall, the Murcielago IS the Diablo's successor. And the fact that Tomo has battled a Diablo makes this next race of his easier."
The race began. The Lambo immediately increased the gap from the start with the small straight that was infront of them. The Lambo was heavy so it only attacks following the center line of the road for balance. Tomo attacks on the apex, 1 to 2 feet away from the guardrail. With the ATTESA ET-S off, the car was acting like Sakura's newly modified R34 when they tested it out. At one corner, the Lambo braked before entering the medium right bend to the small tunnel. Big mistake Tomo reitterated to himself. Tomo, with perfect timing, ungassed while turning causing the rear end to go beserk. With that move, the gap decreased. As Tomo turned early and hit the apex; corner after corner, the gap decreased... until the GT-R is directly behind the Lamborghini.
"What's wrong with this kid!?" The Lambo driver asked.
As they reached the long straight before the Iroha-based chicane, The Lambo driver increased the gap yet needed to brake early as soon as it reached the first hairpin. Tomo's GT-R was on the range of 1275 kg so he just braked half the distance of what the Lambo needed. holding the e-brake, Tomo induces the GT-R to a zero countersteer drift through the first bend. He intentionally wanted the car to oversteer and instead of countersteering to clear the first, he let's the understeer kick in to not countersteer. He does the same for the other 4 corners. Following this section is a long circular section where one huge corner is shaped like 3/4 of a circle, reminding us all of the second checkpoint of the Myogi downhill. "This seems familiar..." Tomo said.
The Lambo on the other hand is having trouble. Understeer is already kicking in real bad and he needed to brake as soon as his car is veering off the center line. This gave Tomo the ultimate advantage, sticking his car on the inside, he's positioned well for an out in out attack at the next right hander. As the Lambo faced the next corner, he braked hard, even using the e-brake to pull away from the barricade. Checking his rearview mirror... "Wher'd he ... go!?" The Lambo driver exclaimed. He looks at his right side seeing a GT-R already overtaking him...
"NO!! IF he overtakes me and stays for 10 seconds in the lead, it's over..."
But it was too late, the GT-R took the lead and increased the gap bit by bit.
user posted image

"His Tires gave in because of too much braking and the weight added that effect. Stupid fool. His car is too heavy for the downhill, obviously before the race ends, you'll lose despite all that power."
Ten seconds passed and Tomo still has the lead, increasing the gap after every corner. No doubt he won already.
Everyone in the base was shocked. Daiki and Tetsuya weren't as they already know the outcome.Once they saw a GT-R speeding down the pass, they were all silent.
The GT-R stops infront of Daiki, Tetsuya and the Wercker behind him. "Fill 'er up." Tomo told Tetsuya pointing at the gas tank in the EMS. "What am I? your gas service?! sheesh..."
"Good job Kitsumoro."
"It was nothing. Knowing that I'm gonna race a Murcielago; gave me all the attacks that I needed. Thanks to Kitana; this race was nothing at all..."
"C'mon. Let's head back. I need rest if I'm gonna be tutoring Sakura tomorrow for the race that'll take place the day after tomorrow."
"I'll try my best to be there, tell her that. I just need to loosen up some end with Lucas."
After that conversation and the GT-R gas filled, they went off the canyon.
The locals on the other hand had their heads down. They had their best of the best yet they lost.
I guess, Lucas is the only one left... We're supposed to not let the kid win and not get Lucas' hands dirty.
the kid is a monster
Don't worry, Lucas is an even bigger monster.
You got that right.
Back at the mansion...
Lucas threw his cellphone to the ground, thus breaking it. "If you want something done... you should do it yourself... incompetent people. They can't stop a midget Skyline... gimme a break. Well, I'll show that kid that if you ain't got a whole lotta pride in ya' then a loss is well assured. My Corvette with my skills is like the dragon engulfing a town in flames. I can't be stopped. He can catch up but that's all he can do... I'll guarantee that. I AM the best in this town." With that said Lucas kept on laughing like a demonic evil-doer.

Chapter 25 - Grand Prix

Kasumi was busy reading a book, while waiting for Tomo's arrival, entitled Mankind's search. Sakura comes back from practice. "Hey Sakura" Kasumi said closing the book she was reading.
"Hey, Kasumi... w...what time is it?" Sakura asked in a gloomy tone. "quarter to 4 in the morning..." Kasumi replied...
"I see..." Sakura's voice went pale and she suddenly went falling down; plunging towards the floor. Kasumi quickly grabs her by the stomach. "You okay?"
"I'm... just tired..."
"You need some rest."
"Yeah... you're right... don't wake me up okay?"Sakura said as she went to the bedroom and closed the door shut.
"She's working really hard..." Kasumi uttered to herself.
Tomo later on arrives completely fatigued and falls down near the door. Kasumi hears the bang of a fallen body and sees Tomo on the ground.
"TOMO!!" Kasumi panics and heads quickly for Tomo's fallen body.
"You alright?"
"I...I'm f...fine...I just need to rest..."
"Here" Kasumi assists Tomo to the sofa "Sakura's in the bedroom. You can sleep here."
"Thanks..." A completely tired Tomogashi said as he slowly lies down on the sofa...
"What have you been exactly doing?"
"Climbing my way up to fight Lucas..."
"Are you sure you're ready to take him on?"
"Kasumi... I need to show Lucas that his principle of pride is an ignorant theory...as the Proverbs say...Pride before a crash..."
"haughtiness before a stumble I know that line too..."
"I'm racing him tonight... I can't go to work today... call the manager I got a fever and I'll come the day after tomorrow..."
"Okay... sure..."
Kasumi looks at a pitiful looking Tomo catching up on his sleep...
"No one knows what Tomo's intentions are... because I was taken under his wing..." saying the last few words, Kasumi blushed... "Um... only I could sympathize with what Tomo is doing..."

<to be continued> ))<"

Posted by: Meteor Aug 24 2008, 08:06 AM

QUOTE

Kasumi was busy reading a book, while waiting for Tomo's arrival, entitled Mankind's search. Sakura comes back from practice. "Hey Sakura" Kasumi said closing the book she was wearing.

Wow. Fashion designers are running out of ideas

Race scenes have improved slightly. Good work.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Aug 24 2008, 05:00 PM

whoops!! My bad!! I'll edit that in a little while.

EDIT: Okay. that settles that problem... I can't imagine a hot chick or anyone for that matter reading a book AND wearing it at the same time

EDIT 2: Here's the continuation of the rest of the story!!

Chapter 25 - (continued) Grand Prix

That happened at around 4:54 a.m. Some are still asleep and some have gotten up from bed to fix breakfast up...
Hours later, 7:00 hits the clock. Sakura, Tomo and Daiki are still asleep. Kasumi was sitting next to Tomo... waiting for him to get up.
Someone knocks at the door.Telegram the voice from the other side of the door said to whoever was in there, and slid the letter under the door. Kasumi picks it up and sees Tomo's name in the back.
"This must be Tomo's... It could either be from his Boss at the internship training or from Lucas Scott..." When she saw the japanese characters "CHALLENGE" in the front. "It's from Lucas...I had a huge feeling..."
She opens the letter.
"I know Tomo won't mind at all..."

QUOTE

Tomo,

You've made an impressive show out there. Fantastic; eh... somewhat... There's a huge difference between watching a race and being part in one... My boys told me that everytime you win, you immediately go to the next race...Humble, somewhat... YOu sicken me!
Humble people like you don't deserve to win... people who know their true potential are the true warriors of the field... I won because of my hard training and perseverance... and I'M PROUD OF IT!! Unlike you who disowns even the smallest of praise for being a road warrior.
Anyway, Like what we've discussed... Our battle goes as planned. You come alone, a'ight?
Show me what you & your GT-R can do... I'll meet you in the L.A. looking part of the course... where's that? Think! I won't tell... if you can come on time... Race night proceeds as planned... If not... then, I'll think about it... If you're a proud man of honor, then come...
P.S. don't attract any of the PD tonight...

Sincerely,
Lucas Scott

"So he is racing him... those previous races must've worn him out completely..."
"So the Top Driver makes his move, huh?"
Kasumi wondered who it was. It was Kitami.
"Yes. He gave Tomo this letter." Kasumi said while showing Kitami the letter."but... How'd you know about Lucas?"
"Long story. But I'll tell you anyway..."

QUOTE

I took my brother's advice and thought of completely changing my driving style. So I went to Ford to find a good "equal" to my RX-8. I'm planning to combine my togue skills with that of American machinery. While I was at Ford, I saw this Blue corvette with white stripes and a shady dude wearing an old school leather jacket. As I exit the shop, feeling somewhat unimpressed with the lineup of the shop, I overheard some guy wearing huge DJ earphones talking to that guy:

"It's yer turn, eh Lucas?"
"I can't seem to rely on those 'little' people of the 2nd tier group."
"So do you have a plan on beating him? He completely took out our squad on one swoop without knowing the situation in the first place. Sure, he may be fast but he must have a weakness..."
"Dude, It's like this, when you reach a certain level, you know if someone's fast or not by just looking at 'em. But this kid is different. He looks 100% lame when you see him on foot but when he races, it's a completely different story... But unless you show off both... you're nothing but a poser... I can take him out..."
"Well, if you can beat us in one sitting, what more you can beat a young pro at his own game... heh heh..."

As I heard that, I have to make a choice already... If he has to beat Tomo, he'd better go through me first... so I went back to that shop, chose a Mustang GT, finished the papers and had it upgraded... By the time I was done, he was gone...

"So you have no idea what Lucas has in plan against Tomo?"
"No. That's all I heard."
"Useless..." Kasumi said in a sigh of discontent...
"Say, Kasumi... If Tomo's planning to race that Z06..."
"Yeah?" She answered.
"Tell him to attack on the right areas... that way, he won't lose at all..."
"Okay; sure."
With that, Kitami made his departure.
Kasumi looks at Tomo again, thinking about what Kitami said to her.
"Attack on the right areas, huh? What did he mean by that...?"

[Troy's peak...
11:35 p.m.]
A lot of street racers have appeared to see Lucas Scott race the GT-R that everyone despised.
All are anxious to see the winning streak of that GT-R come to an end.
Many, who were spectating bid for Lucas to win.
in one road, close to a wide intersection, a blue Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R waits...
The GT-R is patiently waiting for the Z06 to appear.
"He told me to wait here... Where IS he then?" Tomo uttered.
From his behind... a huge roar from a modified LS7 engine makes a ruckus turning all heads.
It was the Corvette itself... And it's none other than Lucas Scott's Corvette. Evidently, it was his because of the custom GT wing behind it and the blue stripes in it's front.
At the same time, Tomo's phone rang. He recieved a text from Kasumi...

QUOTE

Tomo,
don't crash...

"I won't... I'll assure you that..." Tomo whispered to his cellphone.
The Corvette does a zero countersteer drift on a T-intersection towards the starting line.
As soon as he sees the GT-R in sight, 500 meters away... the corvette brakes at 325 meters - in between him and the GT-R...
It stopped right next to the GT-R perfectly.
The same guy who talked with Lucas, whom Kitami saw, stepped out of the Corvette to start the countdown and give Tomo what he needs to know.
"Hey kid. I'm pin pointing the location of the goal on your GPS. You're on your own from this point onwards..." Tomo just nodded hearing that.
"LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED PEOPLE!!" The guy shouted out to the crowd.
Everyone was excited and were all rooting for the Blue Corvette. Lights all around. people covering the other lanes.
All this ruckus catches the eyes of the Inspector, that Tomo negotiated with before, from his office.
"So this is the night..." the Inspector said puffing out a huge ball of smoke.
Kasumi, too sees the many colored lights coming out of one small area. She knows that Tomo is there. She just stares intimately at the lights, trying to picture in her mind what is happening.
All the odds were against Tomo, as everyone thought...
Tomo was only in a state of silence. Ignoring all the boos and hisses that the locals throw at him.
Concentrating on his revs, he taps his foot on the gas raising the needle to 7500 rpm.
Backfires coming out of the GT-R's stock muffler (yes, he's still using the same visual upgrades during the Infineon mock-contest)...
Lucas revs his engine all the way to the 8000 rpm red zone and looks at Tomo with an utterly serious look. Tomo on the other hand is focused on what he's thinking - not losing to a lowlife like Lucas...
"Pride before a crash..." Tomo whispers..."haughtiness before stumbling..."
"I'm number 1! I'm the best... there's no one else!!" Lucas uttered to himself boosting his self esteem...
FIVE!! FOUR!! THREE!! TWO!! ONE!! GO!!
The GT-R and Z06 blast off the starting line and onto the city streets. Their goal was the exit of the city onto the canyons; they made the race more of like a togue battle as evidently, the GT-R's power isn't capable of outrunning a much-modified Z06's LS7 engine...
If Tomo could stay behind Lucas and cling to him, he wins... but if Lucas outruns him, completely, for 15 seconds, then the race is over...

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Aug 30 2008, 03:47 AM

Just in case those who thought I haven't placed the new chapter yet, it's edited in my last post where I goofed up on the post before that. Well, nothing else to say but enjoy Chapter 25...

Posted by: Meteor Sep 2 2008, 07:06 AM

Ch 25 wasn't really all that interesting. But I'll be looking forward to Ch 26 (you're at your best when it comes to writing race scenes).

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Sep 4 2008, 11:29 PM

Chapter 26 - Breaking the Silence

Tomo and Lucas never said a word as soon as they made eye-to-eye contact with each other before the race... A 'hot', beautiful, dark brown long-haired woman stood in between the 2 cars and is ready to count down...
She looks at Lucas and he just gave a thumbs up along with a wink. Then, she looks at Tomo and gave a wink at him. He blushed a bit and nods afterwards.
The woman raised both of her arms and everyone started shouting "Three! Two! One!" altogether. after everyone shouted out the numbers, the woman threw her hands down signaling a go. The GT-R and Z06 rocketed out of the starting line.
Since Lucas' Z06 is accustomed to the public roads here, it was set for the ultimate acceleration capabilities it was known for and holds the lead. The GT-R although a 4WD has lost to the Z06 in terms of off the line acceleration.

Lucas shifts to gear 2 with a backfire coming out of his exhaust, screaming at 4500 rpm. Tomo shifts to gear 2 with a bit sluggish movement as he directs it to the powerband of 9000 rpm. Both the cars have reached a current speed of 120 mph with a gap of 70 meters in between the Corvette and the Skyline. "As soon as we hit the first hairpin, we'll see what he's capable with..." Lucas uttered as he shifts to gear 3.

"The Z06 is pulling away bit by bit on this straight... if Tetsuya haven't upgraded my GT-R back there, it's obvious that I have lost in the beginning. Good thing I never said a word to Tetsuya about detuning my R34 from 700 hp down to 550 hp. Now, CATCH UP GT-R!!" Tomo declared to his car. The first Hairpin is up - the perimeter of an exclusive hotel displaying a volcano mold/monument with fake, yet realistic lava. Lucas has his hands ready on the e-brake. He brakes 150 meters ahead and induces his Z06 to an e-brake drift.
Tomo, who braked late, closed the gap and braked as it hits the apex. Although there was no gap present between the two as they passed the apex, the Corvette slowly increases the gap from that point up to the exit.

"The corner was wide but because of the speed we've reached moments ago, understeer is very evident on all cars. The settings of most cars here is focused on power and is aided by a bit of weight reduction and suspension settings because of the handling capabilities are very weak from that moment on... But they're all irrelevant compared to my Corvette. Mine is completely balanced, both power and handling are top-notch; only I can control my Z06 the way I want." Lucas proudly declared as he presses on the gas even harder.

There was a hooded person standing with the other spectators, watching the race from afar. It was Shinosuke Kitamaru; he sees Tomo's GT-R acting unusual. "Is it because his R has too much power? Is that the reason why his GT-R is acting unusual?" he pondered.
A 500 meter straightway, followed by another right hander, leading to a tight, left hairpin. The Corvette understeered drastically but powerslides like crazy as it's rear tired touched the grass on the outside. It's as if he's preparing to induce his Z06 to an inertial, out-in-out drift attack. Tomo, on the other hand, 200m meters behind, veers towards the outside and brakes hard as soon as he's 50 meters from the apex; thus having his car well positioned on the outside of the upcoming hairpin curve. "What kind of move is he planning?" Tomo wondered. He sees the Corvette doing a perfect drift on the apex of the corner. "His angle is too high yet his car gracefully glides through the turn..." he stated in awe.
Coming out of the bend into the straightway next to a casino, the GT-R and Corvette shouts throughout the straightway. "Full powerrrrrr!!" Lucas exclaimed. "It ain't over yet!!" Tomo thought to himself as he shifts to gear 4 at 135 mph. At the end of the straight next to the casino, elevation rises as soon as they pass the next intersection. It was an uphill section composed of multiple, light S-curves. The road however is wide so it won't be a problem nor a hindrance for the 2 drivers. Lucas increased the gap to 425 meters with Tomo's GT-R catching up. The GT-R's rev needle is close to the powerband, once more. Both cars zoomed through the light bisection into a cliff-side road. The Z06 is sliding through the road, driving eratically. The GT-R, meanwhile, is stable as soon as it catches up to the zig-zagging Z06. "What's he up to? Why is his Z06 swerving eratically?" Little did Tomo know that Lucas has something in store for what he's doing. He's adjusting the weight shift of the car, looking for the exact position of the weight ballast. As soon as Lucas braked while swerving, the weight pushed the car further into a slide position, fit for drifting. Tomo observed the Z06's movements closely as he grips through the corner. "Pushing the car by positioning its ballast on the exact area where the weight pushes the car further, increasing its angle and inducing it to a drift... Sounds illogical but... what he did is somewhat... SOMEWHAT similar to what I've concluded." Tomo observed. "Beat that, GT-R Boy!!" Lucas proudly shouted, directing it at Tomo.
user posted image

The 2 cars are now close to the Silverton Town exit onto the highway, with the Z06 leading and the GT-R34 500 meters behind. Lucas grips towards the entrance to the highway as Tomo attempts to drift his GT-R through the junction...

[Local Police department]
A police officer hurriedly rushed to the inspector's office. He bangs on the door and calls out "INSPECTOR!! INSPECTOR!!"
The inspector, sipping a shot of beer, replies "WHAT I'M BUSY!! REPORT FROM THERE!"
"Sir, street racers are racing around Silverton!! Should we do something?"
"Just stand down..."
"but..."
"STAND DOWN, officer!!" The officer didn't bother to argue any further.
The inspector puffs out a huge ball of smoke out of his mouth. "We make our move as soon as that kid is in the Canyons... In the meantime, go back to your post. You're dismissed."
"SIR!!" The police officer said as he leaves the office.
"That kid... could be the one who can do what no one ever dared..." The inspector whispered with a grin on his face.

[Silverton highway to Downtown]
The GT-R slowly closes the gap using his splitstream attack. But it wasn't enough to close the gap completely. From 500 meters, it's now down to 175 meters. As Lucas brakes, Tomo only decelerates, thus decreasing the gap even more.

"I don't want to look at the mirror... I know it'll disrupt my concentration. But I know he's near. closing in; but as soon as we pass the apex, the lead is assured. But with his capabilities, I know from a few kilometers back, there's no way I could relegate him and ensure my full victory. What I just need to do is... MAINTAIN THIS LEAD..." Lucas said, analyzing his situation.

The Z06 increased the gap once more as soon as both cars exited the apex. Going through the downtown expressway. "Wait... there's something wrong with what I'm doing... why'd I forget that I should just minimize the gap and no need to take the lead... what an Idiot I am..." Tomo said in an irritating tone. "As long as I limit my distance from the corvette infront of me... this win is assured... No need for me to take the lead... I only need to close this gap and I'm safe!"

Lucas attemps to increase the gap much more... and getting a bit frustrated...
"Argh... how is it that this kid, who doesn't care how good he is nor is he proud of his skill, could be this good; compared to me...? My skill is perfect and I'm proud of it but... why is that somebody like him... equalize with me?" he pondered while briskly shifting 2 gears down as he enters the next junction to the other side of silverton from Downtown.
Tomo, on the other hand, as the first race comes to a close uses engine braking to close the gap and clear the corners faster before the Z06 could even pull away. "A little more..." Tomo uttered.

All who were part of the spectators in the starting line went to the canyons boundary awaiting the victor. The same woman who started the countdown, the guy whom Lucas was with and all the others in the crowd are awaiting Lucas' Corvette coming to the finish all alone...

2 familiar engine tones can be heard 200 meters away. They know it's Lucas but...
"If that other engine tone is the GT-R... could it possibly mean..."
As soon as the 2 cars approach the last bend, everyone can't believe their eyes!
The Corvette; leading, but...
THE GT-R is behind it.
"No way!! Lucas Lost!?"
"This can't be..."
"Am I seeing things or did I see OUR Lucas Scott lose to a nobody...?"
Everyone was panicking in connection to the battle...
"So he was able to keep up... sweet moves, Tomo. The Corvette may be powerful but like any other sports car in the GT-R's level it has one basic flaw - it's heavy and the Z06's peak power is way too high... It's surprising to see Lucas control powerslides with such a beast but it's even more surprising to see that the GT-R kept up with those kinds... He (Lucas) was weak with turn in up to the apex & Tomo was able to close the gap at that point... As far as what I can see, the race is unanimous." Shinosuke whispered as he went to his FD and leave.

Tomo stepped out of the Skyline; and Lucas stepped out of his Z06. The 2 approach each other. They stared abruptly in each other's eyes.
"Let's do the canyon..." Tomo said...
"We're feeling a little cocky, eh? Just because you kept up with my Z06..."
"Who says I am." Saying that, Tomo steps back on his GT-R and heads for the mountains. Lucas, evidently did the same thing...

Posted by: Meteor Sep 10 2008, 02:50 AM

Sorry for the late reply.

Anyway, I didn't really like the swaying drift technique you thought up for Lucas. That would simply decrease momentum and waste tire grip, and is useless in any race. The high-angle drift wouldn't have helped Lucas in regards to speed either, and he didn't have to block the 34 at that point, making it useless.

Oh, and it's spelled "slipstream". Not "splitstream".

I'll be waiting for the Canyon Duel chapter though.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Sep 10 2008, 03:20 AM

QUOTE

The high-angle drift wouldn't have helped Lucas in regards to speed either, and he didn't have to block the 34 at that point, making it useless.

Lucas is a complete showoff... he always makes his run sort of like just a show. Too proud of himself & his car, he plays around during races when he feels like it. When he drives at Silverstone, he never finishes a race without showing off. It's his character when he races there... A jerk at best... jerk... jack... HEY!! That's close!!

For the swerving attack there, it was hard for me to describe how the Corvette is moving. Took me a long time to think about it - disturbing the car's balance to slide the car er something like that. Did my best in describing it though; sorry if it didn't work out for ya.

I'm working on the canyon chapter already... since it's like ID4S style in US este, NFSC style, expect a runner chaser style from zero (not running start unlike in first player mode)... don't miss it!

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Sep 15 2008, 03:34 AM

Episode 8 - Glorious moments that never surprises the experienced one.
Chapter 27 - Going down the Deadfall Junction

The Canyons were dark. Lights were very dim; but the Sounds are enveloped with the noise of revving engines. A lot of cars were parked on the sidelines. A Blue Nissan Skyline R34 and a Blue Chevrolet Corvette ease up on the gas going up the canyon pass. They both slowly reached the top and made a turnaround, getting ready for the race.
Once again, everyone was rooting for the Corvette to win this time. Most of the spectators showed an irritating grin when they saw the GT-R close to the Z06.
I can't believe this jerk...
Could that loser think he'd win this time around?
I'd wish he got knocked over the canyon...
Back atop, Lucas Scott, the driver of the Corvette & self-proclaimed hero of the town steps off his car and approaches Tomo, who's sitting in the GT-R.
"By the looks of your face, you're ready. This will be similar to your so called togue battles at Japan. First round, you lead & I chase. Try to keep the lead as long as you can; that is if I didn't overtake you soon enough... heh heh..." Lucas laughed as he went back to his car.
Tomo was completely silent. He never said a word. His hands were glued tight to the steering wheel.
Lucas, too, was ready. He has all preparations made.
The same girl who started the countdown at the city race, arrived for the sole reason of starting the countdown also in this canyon battle.
She reached her arm out to her left, then to her right; later on, raised them both up in the air - this signaled "THREE, TWO, ONE"...
Tomo was compelled to press his accelerator all the way to the red zone.
As soon as the girl threw her hands down, Tomo quickly shifts it to gear 1 from N.
Lucas though was too calm and just waited before he could make his move as well. Suddenly, Lucas slowly shifts to gear 1 but kicks his accelerator, resulting in astonishing acceleration!
The gap that Tomo has made, 295 feet, was significantly narrowed down to just 20 feet.
Amazing acceleration... I'm outmatched again!!Tomo thought to himself.
"You should know by now that your defeat and my victory is 100 percent assured!"
A soft left bend followed by a medium corner and a tight left hander - a chicane of all sorts that the GT-R and the Z06 is on. The GT-R was close on the inside not veering off at all, unlike the Corvette that is drifting on the outside, induced in a drift at a 20 degree angle. Lucas controlled the position of his car via technical footwork - stabilizing its position. Reaching the incoming tight left section of the chicane Lucas does an out-in-out drift in succession to keep up. Tomo, however brakes too long and the Z06 easily kept up. The Z06 is now side to side with the GT-R.
user posted image

"I won!!" Lucas exclaimed.
"No... not yet!! NOT YET!!" Tomo reacted in defense. He accelerates further and was able to break the tie. The cars were bumper to bumper and neither driver slowed down.
Soft bends followed the chicane a slight left-right-position yet makes it easy for cars, running at high speed, to lose control and to be induced in a weight-shift; yet both drivers cleared that section with no problem at all. They soon reach the tunnel leading them to a long straightway which was unusually angled at 10 degrees to the right, followed by a steep downhill.
The GT-R was picking up the pace & so is the Z06. Zooming down like 2 rabid dogs chasing each other, they raced through the cliffside at 150 mph.
"As soon as we reach the hairpins, I'll release my trump card at him. A card which I call Zero-Rocket!" Lucas strategized.
"I have a huge feeling that he's planning something..."
The 2 drivers have reached the 1st of the 4 hairpins. Lucas brakes hard and long halfway to the apex while Tomo slowed down just before the apex. The gap was big but that's what Lucas wanted...
"NOW!!"
The Z06 was slow on his turn in but with extensively amazing acceleration he was able to go side by side again with the GT-R!
"It's my version of the Out-in-out attack making good use of my ZO6's superior acceleration capabilities. At the same time, it's a good way to play mind games at my opponents! Think you can heighten the gap at the hairpins? Well, your luck is out my friend!!" The Z06 was on the outside of the next hairpin and slowed down drastically once again. The GT-R was on the inside yet it veered outward quite a bit. From there on, Lucas shortened the gap again and the 2 cars are nose-to-nose. This went on for the 3rd and 4th hairpin.
The Corvette easily closed the gap, yet Lucas isn't planning on overtaking him on the first round.
"I want to see him suffer bit by bit! I want him to break down further on the second round."
Nothing special much happened from the hairpin section until the goal.

The second round was up. The cars were ready. 3!2!1! GO!! The GT-R and Corvette rocketed out of the straightway! The gap slowly increased, later on drastically! Tomo was close to losing but he was only 10 feet away from the outrun countdown. As Lucas clears every corner at a speed far higher than the first round, Tomo just ungasses at every corner entry he enters. At the straight before the 4 hairpins, Lucas was acting high and mighty again...
"Alright! He's out of my sight! Now's the time to end this!!"
He slowly brakes shifts from 4 to 2 and holds the e-brake to induce his car to a drift. As soon as he did a surprise beheld Lucas' high & mighty eyes.
"No... NO WAY!! This CAN'T Beeee..."
Tomo was there bringing the gap back to a bumper-to-bumper state.
Through the 4 hairpins Lucas shows off his Zero Rocket move again as Tomo holds the e-brake before the corner and drifts through the corners at lightning speed.
The next straightway is followed by a bridge. Tomo ungasses at the end of the bridge, which was followed by an S-bend. Lucas increased the gap from there but he braked long & hard as he reaches the S-bend.
The Z06's tires were slowly deteriorating, losing it's grip.
A wide M curve awaits them after the steep downhill.
Tomo zeroed the gap as he goes through the corners. As they pass the last corner of the M curve, the Z06 veered outward even more, scratching the old guardrail. It was Tomo's chance to close in even more.
"Let's do this!! I'm ready to take the lead!"
The GT-R went side-to-side with the Z06 as soon as it braked and braked at the same time, next to the Z06!
The GT-R was on the inside & the Z06 on the outside.
The Z06 veered outward even more as it cleared the corner, losing speed at the same time, whilst the GT-R gripped through the inside increasing speed.
Tomo took the lead successfully.
"No!! NOT YET!! THERE'S STILL A CHANCE!!"
There was a 200 foot lead between the GT-R and the Z06. Lucas increased the acceleration of his Z06 and closed the gap.
The race was close! Lucas is closing in.
"I'll... win...I'LL WIN!!!" he exclaimed.
Before he knew it, bang! He hit the bumper of the GT-R! And increased the gap even more. His lust for victory ensured Tomo's...
It was over.
The Jack was toppled down!

Chapter 28 - Two minds, one theory... a nocturnal end

2 cars on the base of the Deadfall Junction canyon pass, joined by a group of locals in their highly upgraded cars. Tomo Kitsumoro and Lucas Scott have settled their disputes and Tomo was victorious.
A furious Lucas Scott looks at a calm Tomogashi.
"I can't believe this!!" Lucas shouts out in rage.
"There's no point in dealing with this. It was obvious, am I wrong? My 34 passed your Z06. There's no theory that you could point out that can turn the tables around."
"Why... you... Don't try to talk to me like that!"
"Just for curiousity sake, do you want to know why you lost? And for a clue, it ain't your car."
Lucas was in shock when Tomo gave that point.
"Your car was a perfect one. It has no weaknesses despite the huge power output it possesses. The problem was..."
Tomo points his finger at Lucas' nose.
"your attitude towards the battle!"
"M...my attitude? Give me a break!!"
"All you talk about is how great your skills are and how great your car is blah blah blah!... You got puffed up with pride. It clottered your thinking. Instead of thinking of a way you could outrun my 34, you were entangled with your thinking of the inevitable victory under your grasps. That's what led to your downfall."
Lucas' hands were shaking in fear. He makes a fist to stop his shivering.
"Don't try to talk to me like a priest!! My pride got me this far! I won't accept your reasoning! I'm still victorious despite this!! I'm still a winner!!" he reacted.
"Tell me... who was responsible with all your victories? You? or your pride? Your pride cannot be a source of glory. It's just a hindrance. Nothing good comes out of a person who just talks about himself. Let me give you a little fyi. Sure I may have been the only person who could bring out the potential of this 34. But guess what, Lucas... do you know who taught me and tuned my car? My companions, my friends; without them, I wouldn't be here at all. My victories are not mine because everyone had their part. I wasn't alone."
Lucas didn't say a word and was in shock, again, to what Tomo explained to him.
"No man is an island. That's an inevitable truth. Man was not made to live alone. He was given a partner. Almost in everything we do... no one succeeds alone. Being independent has brought you this far; but it doesn't mean that you can conquer all the pressures alone. That's what led me to my victory and led you to your downfall..."
Lucas' pride was shattered. He got down on his knees and regretted everything that he was proud of - himself.
"Pride before a crash, a haughty spirit before stumbling. You can't escape that fact."
"Tell me Tomo... you told me that you became great in racing because you were aided by your friends, right?"
"Yes."
"Who inspired you to this field?"
"No one."
"What?"
"No one inspired me. I had that personal interest."
"But you work as a chef..."
"I'm inspired by both. Is there a problem?"
"Doesn't that mean that you're a two sided driver?"
"No. It doesn't mean that."
Later on sirens started approaching them; becoming louder as a group of police cars come close. The whole police force led by a gray Subaru Impreza. Others panicked, but Tomo & Lucas stood still. The police came out with their guns aimed at Lucas.
"DON'T MOVE!!"the police said.
The inspector cane up close to Tomo & Lucas and faced the latter.
"Lucas Scott?"
"That's me." Lucas responded in a pale tone.
"You're under arrest for the following crimes: damage to property, disturbing the peace, reckless driving, owning illegal car modifications, unregistered modifications and the most common of all - Speeding. These infractions have totalled to impounding your vehicle and to be brought to the nearest police station for debriefing." The inspector said as he puffed a ball of smoke.
Two other police drivers came close to Lucas and cuffed him.
The inspector approached Tomo and gave him a warm handshake.
"Thanks, kid. You have helped us stop this menace. I thank you. And as promised..." The inspector took out a ticket, with Tomo's name on it and his infractions, and ripped it apart. "You're free to go. Your crime is adjurned." The inspector gave Tomo one last smile and headed to his Impreza.
"Tomo..." Lucas called out.
Tomo looks back at the arrested rival...
"Are you really into this? Racing I mean..."
"Why'd you ask...?"
"If you're unsure, then I assure you... you're just wasting time, energy and effort."
"C'mon, get movin'" the police officer said to Lucas.
user posted image

"At this rate Tomo!!..." Lucas followed while being pushed into the cop car; "you'll lose all of this sooner or later!! All this will be a huge piece of s-" his last word was cut short when the cop closed the door infront of him.
The rest left. There were some who were arrested by the cops as well - Locals in gahoots with Lucas & his crew.
Tomo and his GT-R were the only ones remaining in the canyon.
"That isn't true, Lucas... I can succeed... c... can I?"
A gust of wind passed by Tomo's face, which was down, looking at his shadow...

Posted by: Tessou Sep 15 2008, 08:31 AM

I dunno if I missed something in this thread, but is there a reason you're not drawing these chapters anymore?

Posted by: TogueRacer Sep 15 2008, 10:00 AM

Maybe it takes time? Or maybe it's a bit hard? But it's ok for me.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Sep 18 2008, 06:17 AM

Not much of a story update right now.
But I did upload a couple of pics in the previous chapters.
Why dontcha review the others and see what's new.

I'm still working on the plot for the next chapter.
Thanks for that observation Tesso...

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Sep 22 2008, 04:46 AM

Guys, if in case, you're worked up with waiting for the next update, how's say I recommend my other story. It's in the Initial D General thread.
https://idforums.net/index.php?act=ST&f=2&t=35711&st=0#entry1011641

Oh, Kyushi means intermission BTW.

Hope you enjoy that. I'll try to finish the update for this story. I got a story in my head now.
Patience, people.

EDIT: The next chapter is out; but it ain't done yet.
Chapter 29 - Plans of a Transformation

That night, Kasumi was anxiously waiting for Tomo's return; also Sakura's. Later on, a knocking sound was heard by her.
"Who is it?" She asked. "It's me, Kasumi. It's Sakura." The voice said. She hurriedly went to the door.
As soon as she opened the door, she saw a happy Sakura.
"You seem happy. Did something good happened?"
"That's right. There's a glitch in my practice."
"Eh?" Kasumi wondered as she fixed her hair.
"While I practiced, the stopwatch, este timer, recorded my fastest time and was registered in this upcoming race. I can't wait to start my qualifications."
"Well, congratulations to you on that." Kasumi said with a smile.
"Now I got a time to beat to ensure the podium at the start of the race." Sakura followed happily.
"Say, where's Tomo?" She followed.
"He's at the canyon as of now. He faced Lucas Scott." Kasumi replied.
"Any news on it?" Sakura asked with a concerned tone.
"Not yet. I'm begginning to worry. About Tomo that is."
"Me too. Why don't you call him?"
"I tried but his phone is unattended."
Kasumi and Sakura went to the balcony to look at the starry night.
"Oh Tomo..." Sakura murmured.
"Where are you? I'm so worried about you..." Kasumi uttered too.

[Local Burger shop - 11:30]
"Okay Hiei!! This is it! The Final Frontier!!" Ryusen told his bestfriend.
"Ready for it? Can you still do it?" Hiei repled.
"Oh, come on, you know that I'm the man with 4 stomachs... Of course I can!!"
The 2 friends get ready as they have a hamburger on each hand.
"Ready..."
"Set..."
"G... HEY! It's Tomo!!"
Tomo comes in the shop and sits on the countertop.
"Coffee... make it a latte"
"Tomo!!" Hiei shouts out to Tomo.
"Come here! Wanna burger? It's a double pounder! Your fave with cheese and salsa..."
Tomo tells the waitress to bring it to their table. Tomo steps off the chair and goes to Hiei & Ryusen.
"What's up? Anything happened?"
"I just defeated Lucas..."
"WHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTT!!!???" Ryusen freaked out.
"No no no, Ryusen... like this. HHHHHHUUUUUUUWWWWWWWHHHHHHAAAAATTTTTT!!!!!?????" Hiei corrected.
"Yet, why aren't you happy? Aren't you glad you beat him?" Ryusen asked.
"Because, he said this to me after our battle...

QUOTE

"You're just wasting your time and energy..."
"Remember this!! At this rate, you're bound to fail sooner or later!! Not giving your all because you're half-hearted in this... all this to you will be nothing but a huge pile of..."

... that's what he said." Tomo answered.
"Nah, I don't think you're wasting any time." Ryusen concluded.
"Though you're a chef-in-training and a professional racer at the same time. You're doing quite well with managing both! I know you won't fail!" Hiei followed.
"So... I won't fail in life?" Tomo asked.
"You will..." Hiei answered.
"Gee, thanks..." Tomo said turning back to his frowning face.
"... not fail..."
"Wha?"
"We know you won't! Tomo, the 3 of us are friends ever since High School. And Lucas met you only this week. WE know you more than that biker wannabe!!"
"He's all talk so get that off your head."
"Thanks guys..." Tomo said, shedding a tear...
"Whoa, dude... are you crying?" Hiei asked, quoting a line from the Disney Movie CARS.
"NO, HE'S HAPPY!" Ryusen replied, also quoting from the same movie mimicking the same voice.
user posted image

Tomo can't help but laugh a bit.
"C'mon guys, it's getting late. We better head back to the Hotel." Tomo said with a smile.

[Hotel - 10 minutes later]
"Girls, we're back." Tomo said opening the door.
"Tomo..." Sakura said with a tone of relief, who was near the door.
"You're home!!!" Kasumi charged after Tomo, crying and pushing Sakura out of her way.
She hugged Tomo and he rubbed his hand down her long, orange-toned hair."
"Don't worry. I'm fine."
"You sure? You got me worried!" Kasumi said about to cry.
He rubbed her eyes, removing the soon-to-become tears. "C'mon, don't cry. You know I don't like it when you cry, Kasumi."
"Kitsumoro." Daiki called out, who was sitting in the couch. Tetsuya was sitting next to Daiki too.
Tomo went to Daiki and sat next to him.
"So you beat Lucas, huh?"
"That's right."
"Was it hard?" Hiei asked.
"Extremely."
"Side by side? or Runner-chaser fashion?" Sakura asked.
"The latter."
"How's the GT-R?" Tetsuya asked.
"Back bumper is damaged."
"AGAIN!? I JUST FIXED THAT AND YOU GOT IT DAMAGED AGAIN!?" Tetsuya panicked and tried to strangle Tomo.
"Not my fault, it was Lucas..." Tomo said, trying to calm the heated mechanic down. "That happened when he broke down and cracked"
"As if all his senses were deactivated and all he wants is to win, not carring whether you're in his way or not." Daiki commented.
"That's right." Tomo replied.
"Where's Lucas now?" Hiei asked.
"In prison. After our race, the police came by and arrested him."
"What about you?" Sakura asked. "How did you get away?"
"I teamed up with them for a moment to drop the charges I got before. I accepted and the inspector has my word."
<to be continued...>

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Sep 26 2008, 06:26 AM

<Continuation - Chapter 29>

"You never told us that! Are you hiding something?" Hiei asked.
"I'm not" Tomo said. "It's because they were after Lucas and I know how to help them... so the inspector gave me this proposition...

QUOTE

"Okay... let's make a deal." The inspector said as he puffs out a huge cloud of smoke from his mouth. The close eyed inspector goes towards the window. Later on, he tilts his head and looks at Tomo.
"I'll drop the charges; but you gotta help us with this abomination."

...and the rest is history."
"If he's in prison, then should you see if anything changed with him?" Ryusen requested.
"I don't think he'd change in one night, Ryu. He's completely stubborn with what he believes in." Tomo replied.
"You're right there." Kasumi agreed.
"But still, I'm going to visit him tomorrow. Anyone wanna come?" Tomo asked the group.
"I could." Kasumi answered.
"We'd all like but..." Daiki uttered. "Sakura's race is tomorrow. The big time. We all need to be there. Ryusen and Hiei as the pit crew, Tetsuya to do the setup, Me as the head of the pits. You understand right?"
"I know. I wish I could be there. What time does it start anyway?" Tomo asked.
"It starts at 2 p.m. the peak of the afternoon." Tetsuya answered.
"Aw man" Sakura reacted with her head down. "It's too bad you can't come. I guess we have our daily objectives and all. I just wish we could..."
"Don't worry Sakura. I'll be there. My visit with Lucas will be short." Tomo answered.
"You sure?"
"Positive."
"You'd better be." Sakura said pointing her finger as a warning. "We never get to talk much, even though we're on the same team. Priorities are different when we're there & we need to concentrate and..." she breaked in to silence.
"Really. Sakura, look at me."
Sakura raised her head and looked at Tomo.
"Do you trust me?"
"Well... I..."
"I'll be there." Tomo assured her.
"Also me." Kasumi followed up.
"We'll be there to cheer you on. To cheer ALL OF YOU on." Tomo assured the whole team.
"Another set of assuring words out of Kitsumoro's mouth..." Daiki uttered.
"Speaking of the race, where's Shinosuke & Kitami?" Hiei asked.
"They're with Hiroya and Shimizu doing their plans. Don't worry, they're a good enough team. Those 4 will do fine. We just need to make sure that nothing goes wrong with Sakura's run. That's our objective of the race." Daiki said.
"YES!!" Hiei, Ryusen and Tetsuya said in confidence.
"Alright. That settles that. Sakura, give me a call when it's starting okay?"
"Yes."
"Let's go get some rest guys. Tomorrow's a big day for Sakura. WE all need to do our part." Kasumi told the group.
With that the group went to their rooms and went to sleep. Tomorrow is something they need to have all their strengths ready for the start of the next round of the GT International Tournament.

Chapter 30 - Visiting the Imprisoned Adversary

As said by Tomo; the moment he left work, he went to the prison where Lucas was in. His shift was from 8 to 12, being a part timer. Kasumi brought the car to Tomo's workplace and waited for him to come out.
A few minutes after Kasumi arrived with the 34, Tomo came out of the backdoor, wearing his trainee's chef's jacket and knife kit. He placed his kit on the trunk and went to the passenger seat. Yes, Kasumi will be driving for the day.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Did you wait long?" Tomo asked, panting a bit.
"No, no. I kept myself busy." Kasumi said while she shows the book she read - Revelation - It's Climax at Hand .
"You never let go of the books I brought, did you?"
"Well one, it was yours. I gotta see it for myself why you brought such interesting books that opened my mind up."
"Like..."
"Well... uh... I'm still working on that." Kasumi said sticking her tongue out in embarrassment.
"The other reason?"
"Right. I think It's because; I too could benefit from this as much as you have."
"Good of you to come to the right path"
"I think I know what verse you're saying..."
"...the path to the light; small and narrow, and only a few are seeking and walking on it to salvation." Tomo said, quoting another verse.
"That's the one! I knew it!"
"Well, that's good. Now! Let's get a move on?"
"Okay. But we need to make it quick. Sakura's counting on us to be there on her debut at Infineon."
With that said, Kasumi shifts from N to gear 1 and slowly brings the GT-R up to a smooth 50 miles per hour speed on the freeway. The RB26DETT engine smoothly sailing across the Golden Gate Bridge, heading towards Tomo & Kasumi's destination.

[12:20 - PD Local Prison State Correctional Facility]

"Name please?" The police officer on the secretariat section said.
"Tomogashi Kitsumoro and Kasumi Nadeshiko." Tomo replied.
"Foreigners huh? Yorusu-ku onegaisimasu" The police officer replied.
"Yorusu-ku ne." Kasumi answered.
"Your Japanese is good, sir." Tomo commented
"Thanks. Now, who would you be visiting?"
"Mr. Lucas Scott." He answered.
"Let me check my records. Here we are, prison code B43B9F5. Lucas Scott. Apprehended for resisting arrest, damage to property, disturbing of the peace, and owning an illegally modified Vehicle."
"Yes. can we please speak to him please?" Kasumi forwarded.
"Please wait on the communications center. We'll bring him out shortly."
Tomo & Kasumi went to the place as directed by the secretariat officer. Moments later, Lucas Scott came out. He was wearing an orange uniform - top and bottom with his prison code tag on the back. They knew it was Lucas because of his hair and his sunglasses that were hanging on his hair. Tomo took a seat; so did Lucas and both picked up the phone. Kasumi just stood behind Tomo.
"Scott."
"Jap boy..." Lucas answered with a frown directed at Tomo.
"Don't tell me you haven't learned yet?"
"This place is hell man! Now I know why a lot of hoodlums end up here and this is the punishment they deserved."
"What about in your place?"
"I'm getting what I deserved. Thanks to the lowly goody likes of you." Lucas answered in a bitterly harsh tone.
"Hey, don't take it on me, you're the one who did all those infractions you caused. No other form of twisted politics could undermine your sentence. How long are you in for?" Tomo asked.
"Five years, what is it to you?"
Tomo made a huge sigh and followed, "Look man! you need to let it go. None of this would've happened if you just kept satisfied with that you've attained and not go for something more than that which is pointless. You climbed up the stairs to victory and you let others who're on the bottom be your prey and let them kiss your feet or something like that for being number 1..."
"How'd you know about me being number one."
user posted image

"It's in the net, man. There's an online article of you abusing your right as a street racer. It said that although you're in the top of the charts there, you still destroyed the rep and dignity of others who had the ability of climbing up the same way you did. Being number 1 doesn't mean that you can destroy other people's futures on the same field. It's just not right. Get what I'm saying? Your pride got you to that danger point which you crossed over. Let go of what you believed in before and become a better person by starting anew."
"Y... you sure it's the only way to get out of this purgatory?"
"There's no such thing and it IS the only way out of this. You better get it through. This won't happen if you don't put your heart into it and seriously begin change. You should, by all means, NOT go back to the person you once were, which was yesterday. You want to get out of this? Do some change, think about what you've done... make amends for the better!" Tomo said.
"Mr. Kitsumoro. Time's up." The officer said to Kasumi.
"Tomo... we need to go." Kasumi said pulling his shoulder.
Tomo just gave Lucas a quick stare showing that what he said was true.
Lucas never said a word after that. Later on, he was brought back to his cell.
As Tomo and Kasumi head for the door, Kasumi asked Tomo something that disturbed her.
"Tomo, are you sure you did the right thing?" Kasumi asked.
"What do you mean?" Tomo answered.
"I mean, are you sure it was right of you to talk to Lucas that way? He seemed pissed at what you said..." she replied.
"I didn't want to do that but I had no choice back there. It's the way of the world - I hate doing it but I don't got a choice. If I don't do it, Lucas will still be as stubborn as ever." Tomo said opening the door.

Posted by: Meteor Sep 27 2008, 06:08 AM

Reasonably good conclusion to the Lucas story, though I didn't really like the minor yet unwarranted tear-shedding (Tomo letting a tear loose over something like that, Kasumi crying as if Tomo had just come home from war). However, it was in such small amounts I could simply ignore it. I'm just thankful that there wasn't any wangst present here.

Time to see how Sakura does in her next race.

Keep on writing

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Sep 27 2008, 08:59 PM

Chapter 31 - A Promising success

[Infineon Raceway - 1:30 p.m.]

The qualification races were being currently held. Many fans await the start of the real race. Locals, fanatics and critics alike. Many work teams are making different settings on their cars. Vipers, Mustangs, Infiniti V35's, Camaros, all of it. Out of all the cars in the qualifying line-up, one car stood among the rest; as if it's misplaced. A Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 with a silver and red color layout. In the pits, the GT-R is being checked for final preparations. A girl stands on one corner fixing herself up. raising the zipper of her race uniform up, strapping on her gloves, and snatching the keys off the tabletop counter, she comes close to a person posing as the team's manager.

"Daiki... am I gonna drive this?" she asked.
"That's right. I negotiated with the Super GT FIA department. Since the new R35 is the current car being used at the Super GT in our home country, they gave me full rights over this car since it's unused ever since the R35 made a debut in the race scene. So now, this is our Team car along with the other 34 that Tomo uses. You ready? Because our team's up." Daiki replied.
"I am. The R is what I'm worried about." the girl answered.
"Don't worry, with the TCS on, this R34 handles like it's natural 4WD production partner. We all know that this is converted to an FR so with this driving aid on, it's as if you're using your own car. Would you like me to turn off the TCS?"
"Could you please? I want to see the difference between an FR type 34 and my personal 4WD type. I want to achieve the same results as I did."
"We're on it. Just be sure YOU'RE ready... We're all counting on you... Sakura." Daiki answered as he heads to the pit crew.
Sakura just smiled looking at how the Xanavi Nismo R34 looks. She tied her hair to a ponytail as she stares in awe at the car she's about to lay her hands on.
"You ready for this, Sakura?" A guy asked her from the other side of the pit lane.
"Shinosuke-san!" She exclaimed.
Shinosuke, in his yellow & blue racing jacket, jumped off the ledge and talked with her.
"Well, I'm still using the same GT300 FD I used before."
"It's because the drastic evolution of the cars used in our country is the reason why we're driving them today. Mazda didn't come up with a new race entry in the GT300 Super GT, have they?" Sakura asked.
"As far as the GT300 is concerned, nadda." Shino answered."And just because our opponents are in much higher and newer models doesn't mean they have the upperhand. We still got a chance with winning this."
"Yet, Shinosuke, I don't think winning is the reason why we're here. Winning ain't the only reason; nor is it the primary reason. We're here to show what we can do." Sakura corrected.
"You could be right." Shinosuke said in agreement. "But one thing's sure, we won't lose to them."
"SAKURA!! YOU'RE UP!!" Hiei shouted.
"OKAY!!"
"Do good out there." Shino said as he faced his back on Sakura.
"You ready?" Daiki asked.
"I'm okay. Let's do this!" Sakura said as she boards the Xanavi R34 GT-R.
Sakura turns on the engine and slowly brings the R34 out of the pit lane at a constant 49 miles per hour. As soon as she exits the pits, she was given a lap to warm up the tires and to get use to the car. The lap passed by and Sakura is about to cross the checkered flag signaling the start of her time trial run. She pushes the car hard up to it's 9750 rpm red zone. The engine giving off a backfire sound as it hits gear 3, roars like a charging lion on its prey.
The R34 zooms by and is ready to attack the first corner. She quickly shifts down from gear 3 to 2 and nails the apex perfectly in a grip motion. She mimicks the battle she had with Kitami and clears the next corner or two in a very speedy pace.
Back at the pits.
Ryusen checks out Sakura's movements through the Heli-cam that the TV is picking up.
"She's driving as if she's not in a circuit, Daiki." he commented.
"Tetsuya, is Sakura chasing after a time or something?" Hiei asked.
"She is. When she practiced for that 37 straight lap run one night ago, she got hold of her fastest time. With that time, she wants to break that time on this run. That way, she could see how far she could push herself."
"Wow... I'm speechless..." Ryusen followed.
At a very quick pace, Sakura has just passed the 2nd to the last hairpin before the crooked straightway. Sakura just kept on going and going. Hitting the apex of every bend, she balanced the car through the bends before she could reach the final hairpin. She braked hard shifts two gears down in quick succession, ungasses for a moment, and hits the apex of the corner.
As soon as the nose of the 34 is facing the straightway, she punches on the gas and the rear tripped. The GT-R is induced to a quick drift; whilst in a drift, the rev meter is running eratically as if it's about to break, yet at the same time speed was increasing for some reason.
She cleared the corner with the rear bumper a centimeter away from the outside wall. She got her foot nailed to the accelerator and passed the checkered flag in an outstanding time.
She makes a U-turn and heads for the pit lane. Moments later, she got out of the car and removed her helmet. Approaching Daiki, she asked: "So, how did I do?"
"Why don't you look at the split time tower?"
Sakura looks at it and sees her time. 1"22.268
"That's some fast time you got there!" Daiki praised Sakura.
"Not only that, You're on fourth in the starting lineup!" Tetsuya said.
"You did great out there, Sakura. Tomo will be so proud of this." Daiki said patting her shoulder.
Sakura can't help but smile at her lap time. "With a GT-R34...away from its home country... this is unbelievable. Now, what I need to do... is maintain this or go higher!"
She looks back at the pits and heads for the work team's parking lot looking for a blue custom modded GT-R34 around.
"I hope you make it Tomo... Kasumi..." She wondered.
user posted image

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Oct 1 2008, 05:53 AM

Chapter 32 - The Fast Lane

At the end of the qualifications, the results were satisfying to Team Japan. They ranked 6th all in all. Out of 20 competitors, the ones leading were a couple of Vipers. Chevy's and Ford GT spec II's. The ones behind are some Pontiacs, Camaros, a few Lexus cars and some european representatives such as Porsche and BMW. Pressure was on the drivers and the mechanics as they make final preparations to their vehicles. In the garage of team Japan, Sakura finishes off her bottled water and checks the time.

"We have to make sure that we retain our post. It's hard enough that we gained the slot. It's even harder to maintain it." she said wiping off her sweat drops falling down her cheeks.

"Sakura, we're off in a rolling start on this okay? Remember all the tactics that you and I've planned during the eliminations and your practice rounds. Got that?" Daiki asked. "I got it." she answered. "THE GT-R IS READY!" Tetsuya shouted out to Sakura.
Sakura boards the car and drives off with the rest of the racers in a rolling start. The safety car, that leads the pack, guides the drivers as they follow in a slalom motion. From inside the GT-R, a voice comes out of Sakura's ear piece. Remember, the TCS is off. Even if this is an FR, a GT-R is a GT-R. Conserve your tires when necessary. If you push it, the tires won't last until lap 10 and... "I got it. Thanks for the concern, Tetsuya-san." The sports car league of the GTL is about to begin as the safety car enters the pits and the racers close in on the starting line.

The leading car of the pack, a Viper GTS-R Oreca presses on the accelerator further, signaling the start of the race, as he passed the starting line. Followed by a C5-R, then a Ford GT race spec II, then... the GT-R. The race began! Passing the first corner, all the cars followed the same line, forming a multi-colored caterpillar. All but Sakura and her GTR34 followed the racing line the Oreca was taking. It may not look like it but Sakura hits the apex half a meter closer than the rest, thus closing in on the other cars.

"I lasted until lap 37 before... I wonder how long I could push this car..." She wondered. "But... I need to coordinate with Daiki on this. It's not like in the Super GT, where we can't negotiate between driver and pit crew. We need to strategize how we could lessen the time loss that it'll eat up.

[minutes later - lap 9 of 40 - crooked Straightway after hairpin - Infineon]

Tomo's car still hasn't arrived yet. Sakura is pushing herself hard. Currently, she's in 4th place. She's not losing any momentum at all despite the heat. While driving on the crooked straight, she contacts Tetsuya. "Kudou-san, prepare the pits when I reach lap 11."
"Lap 11? can you still make it?"
"I just need to finish one more lap."
"What's the gap between you and the car behind you?"
"Pretty big. He went to the pits at lap 7."
"You mean the Camaro LM? I saw it. That must be the one behind you."
"Anyway, better get it ready."
Sakura closed the radio as she gutter-rode the nylon.

[start of lap 11 of 40]

The Xanavi Nismo R34 enters the pits and Hiei & Ryusen quickly switched the tires. Tetsuya brings out the gas tank and refills the car. Daiki comes through the window and tells Sakura to push it for the next 10 laps. Sakura gives a simple nod. Hiei taps the rear, telling her that service is done and she can immediately go.
Sakura rockets out of the pits. Her position between the car infront of her and the car behind her is equal.

[lap 15 of 40]

She's now right behind the 3rd placer again but she feels as if something is missing. Only at that moment, she realized she forgot all about Tomo. While driving, once more, she opens the radio and calls out to Daiki. Is Tomo there yet? Well, Is he? Daiki gives just a "no" to answer that. Sakura just kept on driving but she's not into overtaking the 3rd placer realizing that Tomo ain't there yet...
"I thought you promised me... Where are you guys?" Sakura thought as she presses on the accelerator even harder. The modifed RB26 screams in angst as Sakura wonders what's taking Tomo so long...

Sorry if I had to Jump from one lap to another. It's hard to describe every lap as it is. I'm just iterating what's really happening to remove the boring parts. After all, this is the pro league so Endurance is of the essence and most laps run just like previous ones so I don't need to say the same actions over and over again. I'll just go to the good parts of the story that is more important.

Posted by: Meteor Oct 1 2008, 06:58 AM

Sakura. Just concentrate on the race. That RB26's supposed to roar for roaring's sake, not screaming in angst.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Oct 2 2008, 03:39 AM

Episode 9 - Awaiting the Future Generation...
Chapter 33 - Believe

[lap 35 of 40 - Infineon]

The Xanavi GT-R pulls over for her last pitstop. Hiei & Ryusen went straight for the tires and unscrewed them in lightning speed! Daiki looks in the cockpit and sees a depressed Sakura holding the steering wheel with her head down.
"What's wrong Sakura? you're doing great out there. 5 more laps and this is over." Daiki encouraged her; somewhat. "It's because, Tomo's not..." she was short of a word as Hiei tapped the rear saying that the pit is done.
"Tell me as you drive." Daiki said as he gave way for Sakura to accelerate. Later, a voice came out of the radio. Is it because Tomo ain't here? That's why you can't give your max? "Yeah. He promised me. I just remembered." Don't get it too much on your head. come on, you got a race to finish. who knows, he might show up before the final lap. Just concentrate and bring out the inner power of that Xanavi R34.
"Bring out the inner power huh?" She wondered as she enters the next hairpin. She closes in on the 2nd placer - a Corvette C5R.

[lap 39 of 40 - infineon; approaching lap 40]

From the sidelines, Tomo and Kasumi work their way through the crowd.
"Move it tourist!"
"I'm sorry."
"Watch it!"
"Very sorry."
"Hey! You stepped on my drink!"
"Sorry."
"Come back here noob!"
"lateh!"
"Kasumi, do you have the poster?"
"Here!" Kasumi throws it who was 3 feet away from Tomo. He barely got the poster and runs for the starting line.
Sakura's about to reach her limit. She's panting as she drives. She's close to losing her momentum. She takes a glimpse of the guy who's waving the white flag - signaling the final lap. She sees Tomo right behind him with a poster.

QUOTE

I'm sorry if we came late. I kept my promise! Do your best! - Tomo

Seeing that poster held by Tomo, Sakura's spirits were lifted and she regained some energy. She sat back on her seat and is ready to overtake. A tri-duel begins at this moment.

[final lap - Infineon Sports Car Course, hairpin before crooked straight.]

The C5R and Viper approach the apex of the hairpin. Sakura's R34 just entered the hairpin and attempts to remake her attack during the eliminations battle. She drove through the nylon plank and had her R34 halfway airborne. As the car has it's four wheels on the ground again, she's side by side with the C5R and overtakes at the first and second bend of the crooked straightway.
As she approached the final hairpin, she's a few meters away from the Viper, but it seems it's too big of a gap to decrease.
"I'm going to have to togue my way out of this." she planned.
As Sakura sees the Viper enter the apex, she brakes late and continues to brake as she turns. The GT-R did a slide and does what she calls an out-mid-in corner entry. With the back still sliding, she countersteers and does a perfect exit-oriented drift.
"What the!?" The Viper driver reacted.
"DORRRRRIIIIYYYYYAAAAAA!!!!" Ryusen and Hiei exclaimed.
"Amazing..." Tetsuya said fixing his glasses in place.
Daiki and Tomo just smiled at what Sakura just did.
Her exit speed is higher than that of the Viper and she was able to catch up.
It was a close match in the straight. The Viper in the outside lane with the R34 in the inside lane. The GT-R catched up even more.
The race was close!!
Zoom! The 2 race cars passed the finish line. Officials checked the camera for a slow motion analysis. It was close but the R34 won by 5 millimeters from the side.
The GT-R barely won and everyone was excited in the Team Japan Garage.
Ryusen hugged Hiei over excitement. As soon as he got to his senses he tried to break free. Shinosuke on the back leaning on his FD smiled and just told Hiroya and Shimizu to get ready. Tomo was happy and went to the garage with the rest of the team. Daiki gave a personal applause. Tetsuya just nodded. Sakura, as soon as she came to a stop, she panted, gasping for a bit of air; but with a smile. She was happy. They all were.

Posted by: Meteor Oct 7 2008, 11:32 PM

QUOTE

"I'm going to have to togue my way out of this."

Sorry, but that was just bad

However.

QUOTE

As Sakura sees the Viper enter the apex, she brakes late and continues to brake as she turns. The GT-R did a slide and does what she calls an out-mid-in corner entry. With the back still sliding, she countersteers and does a perfect exit-oriented drift.
"What the!?" The Viper driver reacted.
"DORRRRRIIIIYYYYYAAAAAA!!!!" Ryusen and Hiei exclaimed.
"Amazing..." Tetsuya said fixing his glasses in place.
Daiki and Tomo just smiled at what Sakura just did.

That was nice

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Oct 12 2008, 08:13 AM

Chapter 34 - Shinosuke's final Drive

The Stock Car race of Shinosuke quickly ended. They had the same regulations as that of Sakura's battle - 40 laps, 20 race cars and pit enabled service. Hiroya and Shimizu as Shino's pit crew did a good job. Shinosuke's race was very straightforward. It was nothing really. It's like any other race. Winning over LM edition racers in a JGTC RE Amemiya RX-7 from the GT300 2004 league. No one knew that the weak-powered Rotary could dominate from last place; they all stood corrected, even if Shinosuke placed second - half a car away from gaining first. Everyone gathered at the Hotel in Daiki's room. They had a huge celebration. Beer, Yakitori (Chicken Skewers), Juice and cake all laid out in the table. Hiroya, Shimizu, Shinosuke, Kitami, and Ryusen got drunk after drinking 3 bottles straight. Kasumi and Sakura chatted in one corner of the room. Tomo joined along with the others but never intended to drink. Hiei stuffed himself with chicken skewers while Daiki gave thankful remarks to the rest of the crew. Later on, Shinosuke spoke.
"Guys, I have something to say..." Shinosuke said.
"Oh come on! No need for a speech, your race is everything that we need to see and hear." Shimizu said.
"He's right, Shino. We all did a good job just as Sakura, Hiei, Ryusen, and Tetsuya." Hiroya commented.
"Aww... come on, Hiroya. You're making me blush. My run is nothing compared to Shinosuke's." Sakura said, covering her cheeks.
"Can I talk now?" an angry Shinosuke interrupted.
"Whoops. Sorry, man." Tetsuya said.
"Ahem." He said cleaning out his throat. "As of today, I'm quiting the group."
Hearing that out of Shinosuke, Everyone else dropped their glasses.
"But why brother? Why are you leaving the group?" Kitami stood up in angst trying to change his brother's mind.
"I got a contract with a couple of Holywood people. And if I accept that, it'll be much harder for the team as my skills would be something that will be affected."
He looks at Tomo and followed. "I'm not like Tomo nor Sakura who could control both my secular and my racing careers. I mean, there's still Kitami."
"M...me?"
"That's right, little brother. Even though your wins went downhill, like getting to a tie with an FF driver and losing to Sakura during the eliminations..."
"YOU DON'T NEED TO GO THAT FAR."
Everyone laughed as they saw Kitami turning red over his defeats.
"...Sorry bro. But if you look at it, you improve more when you lose. I feel as if you've surpassed my skill and I'm growing weak over quick Victories. I feel as if I'm too dominating."
"Don't you think that's a good thing for the team?" Kasumi questioned.
"The only problem with that, we might get the tendency of being too conceited with our victories that our further adversaries will not care about us no more. It won't be very beneficial for the team at all." Daiki said.
"I think I get what you mean. No one will learn over easy victories." Tomo followed.
"Tomo's right" Shino said. "Starting something new such as this could be something good for me."
"Well, I don't think Haruka would pay attention to that statement." Hiei answered.
"That's what she thinks."
"It could be a good start for you Shinosuke-san" Kasumi said. "If I remember right, Tomo told me that your father is part of showbiz right?"
"And still is. While the night is young, let me enjoy this last moment with the group."
With that said, the group went to another round of shots. Tomo stood up from where he was sitting and went to Sakura who was standing at the veranda, enjoying the view."It's breezy here, ain't it?" Tomo said as he came close to her.
"Um... yeah. I like this feeling." Sakura answered.
user posted image

"You know..."
"hmm?"
"I'm kinda... sorry for coming late for your race, Sakura. On our way there, traffic was soooo... long it took us around half an hour to break free off the traffic. Not to mention the crowd control in the arena."
"Forgiven... I knew you had it coming..."
"yeah..." Tomo stares for half a second at the view and gets what Sakura is saying... "Hey!" he followed in a pissed tone.
Sakura just giggled. "Took ya long enough to figure that out."
"Tsk. Come on Sakura... gimme a break... hold on..." Tomo came close to Sakura's face and noticed something. He wipes something off her cheek. "You got a bit of Chicken sauce over there."
"Th...thanks."
"There. Now you look as cute as before..."
Sakura can't help but blush. Kasumi, who is sitting with the others who're drinking hapilly overheard the conversation of Tomo and Sakura and is furious with jealousy. Hiei, Ryusen, and Hiroya are scared over Kasumi's blazing aura as she drinks from her cup.
"S....sca....ary..." The three whispered.
"Hey, Shinosuke-san", Daiki stood up and approached him. "I know of a way to complete your last get together with Team Japan."
"Are you thinking of a duel? You and me?"
"That's right."
"Well, I'm in. We didn't battle against each other right?"
"On the contrary." Daiki answered.
"huh?" Shinosuke was dumbfounded. "Remember? Tsuchisaka? The S2000... remember now?"
"That! I get it... I never knew that. But that race was illegitimate."
"An hour from now... would it be alright?" Daiki requested.
"Okay." Shinosuke agreed and shook hands with Daiki.

[Eternity Pass - 10:30 p.m.]
A 350Z waiting at the peak. It was Daiki's but it's not the usual Z that he had when they arrived at USA. The body's a bit wider than usual, Carbon canards on the sides. The rims, though, are retained. A low spoiler that is alike the original Nismo spoiler.
Behind them are Daiki, Hiroya, Shimizu, Ryusen and Hiei.
On the other side is Shinosuke's FD. His FD has close to the same upgrades as of Kyosuke's silver FD back at Italy. The GT wing on the back, though, is different and equipped with Konig Blantant rims. With a smooth yellow coating, the FD poses power that is admirable. On the other side of the road, next to the FD, is Tomo, Shinosuke, Kitami, Kasumi, and Sakura.
"Shino. Let me give you a few pointers about Daiki." Tomo said.
"No need, man. I need to do this alone. It's my race so please don't interfere."
"Brother. just do your best, okay?" Kitami said.
"I will, little brother. I will."
On the other side...
"Daiki, how's say I ive you a few pointers when racing against Shinosuke." Shimizu said.
"Don't butt in on this Shimizu." Daiki answered.
"Why do you say that?" Hiei asked.
"This is not a race where winning or losing is essential or anything. Nor is it a race of pride. It doesn't matter if I win or he wins, fellas. This is a race between Shinosuke and me."
Daiki goes next to Kasumi and requests her to start the countdown. Daiki and Shinosuke boarded their cars and begin to rev the engines high.
It's been a while since I drove seriously. THe last time this happened is when I faced Tomo and when I raced against Hiei. I'll give Shinosuke a race that he'll remember.
The VQ35DE, custom turbo and supercharged engine of the Z roars with confidence up to 7500 rpms.
The 13B REW engine shows that it is not showing any weaknesses either as it revs all the way to 9300 rpm. The turbo hisses with angst as neither driver can't wait to begin. Shinosuke looks at Kasumi and waits for her arms to rise, getting ready for the countdown; but Kasumi is giving a signal saying that Daiki has something to say.
Daiki lowers his window; Shino does the same. "This'll be a handicap match. My Z's enigne is too advanced as engine statistics is to be taken to account. I'll let you lead for up to a hundred feet then I begin. An overtake nor outrun countdown won't be declared. Just finish this race."
"No. I would like it to be the other way around. Is it alright if you? I don't care if your engine is that advance or something like that but I want to see if what you call your superiorly advance engine is that strong and I too want to see if I can keep up with it."
"Alright. It's your race afterall..."
"Thanks a lot. Let's begin." Shinosuke closes his window and gives a thumbs up to Kasumi. She looks at Daiki who gave a nod.
"sa-te... hajimeruso desuka!!" Kasumi shouts starting the countdown.
"GO! YON! SAN! NI! ICHII!...GO!" As she throws her hands down.
Daiki rockets out of the starting line. Tomo counts how far before Shinosuke could take off.
Tomo gives a thumbs up and Shinosuke raced off. The first hairpin is up and Shino braked long and tapped his accelerator as he gets through the apex. "FD is light so as I reach the final hairpin... the gap between me and the much heavier Z will decrease by half. Go, my 13B REW. Harima-kure!" Shinosuke exclaimed as he boosts to gear 3. Daiki on the other hand, is also drifting through every corner with finese. Controlling wheelspin as he goes through the apex, his delicate acceleration techniques prevents him from going any slower than a normal Z through the corner. Daiki smoothly drifts out of the fifth hairpin and ruggedly presses on the accelerator, shifting to gear 3 to gear 4.
As the Z reaches the downhill section, the FD clears the 5th consecutive hairpin. "I'm right! There's the Z and is right there on the downhill. Close the gap, FD!!" Shino shifts to gear 3 as soon as the needle is close to the 8200 rpm redzone.
Back atop...
"Do you think Shinosuke could pull this off?" Hiroya asked.
"Even I, his brother ain't sure if he'd win." Kitami followed.
"So do I; even though I lost to him twice already." Shimizu said.
"Didn't you guys listen to Daiki?" Tomo asked. "It doesn't matter if Shino wins or loses. This is his greatest battle, to race against the prince like what I've been through. I'm going down to see who wins..."
"No need to do that, Tomo." Sakura interrupted as Tomo's about to board the GT-R.
"Daiki said that after the battle, they'll come up to pick us up."
"I see." He closed the door of the 34 and leans on the side as he thinks of who'll win...
"WHO Will win?" Tomo asked himself silently.

At the tunnel which is the 1/3 part of the whole pass...

Daiki raises the e-brake and shows off one of his signature moves - out-in-inertial drift. He hits the apex and stays on the inside while drifting and controlling wheelspin. Shinosuke slowly comes up close to Daiki's 350Z and grips through the corner. Distance between the Z and FD increased slightly as they reach the straightway before the low speed chicane. The FD is now 15 feet away from the Z and both grip through the low speed section. They tapped the accelerator in controlling understeer and clears the next right hander in top acceleration. A VQ35DET roars down the steep hill of Eternity pass as it is followed by an equally faster Rotary Engine. Just for kicks, Daiki and Shinosuke drift through the mid-high speed left corner. A parallel drift. A small distance of a ruler's width in between the Z and the FD.
The Z slowly smoothens his position, getting out of the contersteer and centering the front tires facing the straightway. The FD clears it at a slightly slower pace compared to the Z. Daiki makes a gap and slowly increases it.
"There's still a way..." Shinosuke said while punching the car to gear 5.
"It's because you're FD is NA tuned. You removed the turbo to increase cornering ability and avoiding the double-edge sword effect of the turbo... Break your way into the lead, just try, Shinosuke!!"

Daiki said pushing the accelerator even further.
The last tight corner (a J turn) is close and both drivers are ready to brake hard. Shino braked a bit later than Daiki. As soon as the FD is near the Z's bumper, Shino removed the accelerator and hits the inside hard. Daiki eased up on the brakes on the latter part of his braking to lessen deceleration as his Z's speed is near to the exact speed.Shino clears the final corner and exits from the inside whilst Daiki on the outside. It's full speed all the way and Shino's close to gaining the lead but...
As soon as both drivers reach gear 6*, the FD's gear response time is longer compared to the 350Z's and Daiki gains a bit of a lead - half of a car distance. Daiki and Shinosuke still push through passing 150 miles per hour. Once they reached the finish line, Daiki maintained the lead. With Shinosuke on his side. A close match indeed. Shinosuke wasn't dissapointed, nor did he break a sweat.

He smiled - he was happy. What a way to end his racing career with Team Japan.
"What a match... if during the Infineon eliminations the spike belt wasn't there, my race with Tomo would've ended the same way... If I retained the turbo in my Rotary, we would've ended in a tie or

better, I would've won... oh well... a great way to finish this story of mine..."Shinosuke said, reclining on his racing seat.
"You remind me of Tomo a lot, Shinosuke-san. No need to thank me for this wonderful race of ours. If the Z is not as strong as it is tonight, you would've won... Don't forget this race. If you would ever return to this field, remember this battle. Let it be your guide as how I experienced it in my youth days." Daiki commented.

[Next Day, Hotel Entrance]
Shinosuke checks out and is ready to board his FD. Before he can put his head into the car, Kitami calls out to him.
"What is it, little bro?"
"Here." Kitami said as he gives his keys.
"What's this? your RX-8's keys?"
"You're right, little brother, I need a couple of improvents on myself AND my car. The capabilities of my RX-8 is limited compared to your older but more powerful FD. I already made arrangements for a new car that I'll use during the team conquests...It's non-Japanese but I think it has the same capabilities as that of your own car."
"What car is it?"
" A Ford." Kitami proudly replied.
"Well, good for you." Shino said as he smiled.
"The races you and the team that'll be experiencing are going to be much harder than before." Shinosuke asnwered.
"How'd you know that bro?"
"Just a feeling. But I know that'll happen."
"Thanks for the reminder bro."
"No prob. Let me help you hook up the RX-8" Shino said as he pats his brother in the back. They loaded the RX-8 into the carrier and hooked it up to the Rx-7.
"So... you'll be letting go of your identity of being a rotary driver is that right?"
"That's right, bro. It's time for me to explore new things, new skills. And hopefully, once we return home, I'd be able to do something I've never done in my RX-8. Who knows, driving a completely different car would be a good thing."
"You could be right there, Kitami."
"So... this is goodbye, eh Shinosuke?"
"No... not goodbye... but see you soon. Why?"
"Tell me." Kitami answered who was a bit confused.
"I'm still there." Shino said as he points at Kitami's heart. "I mean, come on... everytime we raced, we're more of rivals than brothers and there are a lot of moments where we're on the same side. With you or against you... I'm still your brother; you know that."
"Oh yeah... I nearly forgot about that. Thanks for reminding me that..." Kitami commented.
"I'm off for my interview... I think I'd do quite well... I'll send you e-mails from time to time."
Shinosuke boards his FD and drives off to California's showbiz central...
Kitami stood in awe as the FD drives off to the horizon.
"See you soon, brother..." Kitami's last words as he held tight to the keys of his new machine. The machine that he'll be using from this day forth...
A car that is close to his brother's FD but more non-Japanese... what car could that be?

Chpater 35 - Futility

As soon as Shinosuke had made his leave, Kitami went to the Ford Motoring Center to check up on his new car. Back at the Hotel, everyone else was wasted over the party. Most of them slept on the floor surrounded by beer and juice bottles. Sticks of Chicken Skewers were everywhere. The girls, Kasumi and Sakura slept on the furniture. Someone though is missing, aside from the Kitamaru brothers... Tomo's not around; how come?

[Golden Plate Restaurant - 8:45 a.m.]

A Blue Nissan Skyline R34 is parked in the employee's parking area next to the restaurant. Tomo's back at work.
Tomo opens his locker and gets ready to put on his cooking add ons - his apron, skull cap, and his side towels. He's ready for his shift.
"Kitsu, right?" someone asked Tomo from the office door.
"Yes, boss. What is it?" Tomo answered.
"We have a new recipe in our menu; it's kind of awkward for a quick casual restaurant like ours, that serves most of their chickens fried and roasted, to serve something like this." The boss described.
"let me see..."
Tomo browses over the recipe ingredients and procedures; he was stumped.
"What's it called, boss?"
"It's called coq au vin..."
"Coke a Vin? What's that? Vin Diesel drinking coke?"
"No! Don't make it sound so childish. A French guest requested it. Thanks to that Frenchy, our restaurant is slowly upgrading from a quick Casual restaurant to a just-plain casual restaurant expanding it's cuisine. Turnover of customers will be slow though due to these recipes but it'll raise our reputation. If we try to do our style with the conventional service of this casual restaurant thing, it could be a trademark of our restaurant. But we need your help."
"I'm ready for anything boss. Name it."
"Buy us some red wine why don't ya?"
"You don't got any in our storage?"
"Weren't you listening? We only serve our chickens fried and roasted. Using wine is new to us and our restaurant could be becoming quite Europeanic... No one in the cooking staff tried this yet. Could ya?"
"Alright. I'll be back then we try this out."
"Good to hear that. You got 5 minutes."
"WHAT!?" Tomo screamed in surprise.
"Do it or you're fired!" The boss said.
Tomo is in his frozen-like-a-stone reaction hearing that. "Kidding, boy. I'm kidding. You Japs easily get surprised over stuff like this..." The boss said as he went back to his office.
Tomo stepped out of the restaurant and went to his car. Where's the nearest Wine bar here?, he wondered. He shifted to reverse and accelerated smoothly out of the parking area. From one corner of the opposite street stood someone who has known Tomo. It was Lucas Scott. What's he doing in broad daylight? And we all thought that he's still in prison, what's going on here?
[5 minutes later...]
"Boss, I'm back." Tomo said in excitement.
"Ah, good. Waddya get?"
"This. Red Wine from freshly pressed red grapes. It's great. The alcohol content is not that much but flavor is strong."
"You really know your way around the ingredients huh?"
"Bad habit when I was young; back home, they call me free-taste-boy."
"Why do they call you that?" One of the chefs asked.
"Because everytime there's a free taste stand at the supermarket, I'm often the first and last taster they get if I liked it." Tomo said, scratching his head.
Everyone laughed over that story.
"Listen up guys, He'll show us how to do this coq-au-vin thing that the french guest requested. Seeing that most of our customers are Europeans, changes in the menu had to be done. I'll ask some help from you guys what to change later on. Right now, we have ourselves an in-house demonstration."
After 20 minutes, the demonstration begins.
Tomo cuts up some onions, carrots, celery into rough cubes. He then took out the Leg and Thighs that are already soft & marinated in red wine and placed it in a hot saute pan, with a little oil to brown. He browned the veggies in another sauce pot on the side. 6 minutes later, the chicken showed some good brown spots and is ready to be cooked with the veggies.
"It's like you roasted it but using the saute pan, not the oven. Impressive." One of the cooks commented.
Tomo placed the chicken in the veggie mix and deglazed the hot saute pan with half of the red wine in the recipe. He later on added that to the chicken and veggies; also added the rest of the red wine. He seasoned it with salt, peppercorns, rosemary, and thyme. 20 minutes later, the chicken is done. Tomo strained out the pieces and returned the red wine in the saute pan to reduce. Minutes later it was done. Tomo just took out the chicken and placed it on a plate that has rice. Later on he drizzled some of the sauce on the chicken.
"Wait! What about the veggies you cut up awhile ago?" A cook asked.
"It says on the recipe to discard the vegetables"Tomo answered.
"Why is that!? If We're doing this then I quite! I won't allow myself to waste any ingredients over such recipes." One of the cooks argued.
Tomo tasted the onion himself to know why. He showed a dissapointed look and swallowed the chewed up onion. "It's tasteless." he commented. "That's why it has to be discarded."
"I see... oh!... no wonder..." The chefs and cooks uttered.
The boss tasted the coq au vin. He showed a very excellent reaction by showing a thumbs up on the air. "DEEEEEELLLLIIIIICCCCIIIIOOOOUUUUUSSSSS!!!!!" he said as he posed like Napoleon and stood on one of the cooks, who in the boss' mind, is his faithful horse.
"Th...that's....!?" The cooks shouted.
"Napoleon Bonapart..." Tomo followed.
"I've decided! We're going to put this in our menu!!" The boss said. "Now, let's begin the meeting. shall ... we?" The boss' words were cut short as the rest of the cooks rampaged on the coq au vin, trying to taste it.
He went to Tomo and patted him on the shoulder saying... "good job."
Hours have passed and Tomo's shift ended at 5 in the afternoon.

[Golden Plate - 5:10 p.m.]

"See you tomorrow, fellas." Tomo said as he leaves his workplace.
He removed his cooking gear and boards his GT-R.
As soon as he could shift to gear 1, someone stood in his way.
"Let's talk a moment. Okay?" It was Lucas Scott.
"Lucas!? I thought you're in prison. If this is your escape plan, sorry. You can't ride with me."
"Let me explain, alright? Don't get pissed at my presence because of our confrontations."
"Fine." Tomo said with an angry grin. "Hop on."
Lucas boarded the car and the GT-R was off to the metropolitan.
"Explain yourself Lucas, why are you out in broad daylight?"
"Is it a crime to be outside?"
"Prisoners like you? then, yes."
"I'm still under police supervision, okay? See this arm watch thing on me?" Lucas shows his right hand to Tomo.
"My perimeter from the prison to downtown is quite limited. They gave me the whole day out."
"So, you're still under probation, is that it?" Tomo verified.
"That's right."
"What about your Z06?"
"Impound. I won't be getting it after 5 years.
"How long are you in for?" Tomo asked. "9 months. I didn't do any killing sprees so the sentence is quite minimal - down to less than a year. I've been there for 2 days and I know what it's like to face the consequences now. I was a complete ass. A complete moron, I admit it. I got into the wrong side of life." Lucas admitted in a pale voice but with a smile on his face as he stares at the fast moving horizon.
Tomo just looks at Lucas.
"It must be hard for you, huh?"
"People around the area know me. Both fans and rivals. Some praise me but the truth is, they all fear me. My pride, no... I got myself this far. I don't want to live like this, being feared by the public. Back in the prison, it was the complete opposite. I fear them; they knew that among those who comitted crimes, I was the softest - just broke property. The rest? Some were serial killers, others killed at least one person in their life... It was scary there. I have to get out of there. I don't want to be a racer anymore if that'll be my future safe and under the law... It's like Karma, you do something..."
"...that something will get you back two fold." Tomo followed. "It's like the law of equivalent exchange. You've treated others harshly, and here you are now, the victim of all the opression."
"I know; so you don't have to repeat it all on me, man." Lucas interrupted. "you're a good man, Tomo."
"I'm not. I'm already telling you. I'm no different from you."
"eh?" Lucas was confused with what Tomo just said as he takes the R34 into the peak of Devil's creek pass. He stopped the car, raised the e-brake and got out. Tomo just looked at the horizon and kept on talking.
"I was often the oppressor when I was little. I controlled everything; I controlled my friends. What happened? Because of me acting all high and mighty, when they all left the village that I was living in, they never said goodbye. I lost a couple of friends whom I never get to keep in touch with. I changed and became the oppressed as the years go by in school."
"Tough luck." Lucas said.
"I tried to stand up to those who were helpless but I end up looking at the sidelines, seeing them being socially tortured. In their eyes, they knew I too am an oppressor. I was no different. Instead of gaining friends, I lose more. As soon as my school career ended, my circle of friends never expanded. Maybe it's because they were looking for something that I'm not capable of being. I'm becoming someone I know that is good but in their mind, is just a fantasy poorly becoming a sad reality."
"That's how they think." Lucas followed up. "you've shared something about yourself... mind if I share a bit of mine? Besides, by 6:30, the cops will be tracking me down, bringing me back to my cell."
"Sure. I'm listening." Lucas came close to where Tomo was standing and started talking himself.
"Whenever I race, winning was all in my mind. The competition? I didn't worry about it since I know my skills are superior. As I reached the top. All the so called blessings of being number one shadowed my conduct. I end up wrecking others instead of helping them. Probably also, because, I don't want to give up this post, even if there's someone else improving and about to become the next number one who could beat me. I realize now that winning isn't everything at all. Once you get there, what now? Staying there, protecting that worthless position, I'm just wasting minutes of my life. There's always someone better; that is where the youth generation appears. New things come up, things that some can't understand fully. While I was in my cell, all of that came into my mind and made my mind even clearer. It made me realize how much of a fool I've become through the years ever since I became number one. I guess, being proud too much doesn't do any good, now does it?"
"Wow. That's a lot out of you, Lucas. I can't believe after 2 days, your way of thinking changed." Tomo said. He was impressed by how Lucas self examined himself.
"You've read the post of my brother in the internet right?"
"Yeah...?"
"I quit the team because of the same reasons why I became a street racer. The similarity among the two? I feel as if I'm too good and no one would dare topple me down. I did all the shots. I threw the passes. The team was nothing without me - even they knew that. In my last game, the opposing team cheated to win. When I stole the ball from them for a fast break, one of the opponents acted his way on getting me a foul. I was one foul away from getting fouled out. Yes, I did hit him by accident but he made it look as if I made a foul. I tried to explain to the referee but he won't bother to listen. I was sent out and in 2 minutes, a 10 point gap was made between our team and the opposing team. Even my team members didn't believe me. From a far away view, it may seem that I've committed a foul. I was just an inch away from one but I know what I was doing. After the game, I overheard my teammates saying that I was nothing but a lousy cheat. TO me, I thought otherwise. I felt that they were pulling me down. I'm better off playing alone. That's what I thought before. Then came my street racing career. Though we race alone, it's still a team effort. When you came along, how I looked at my basketball team on my last game is how I treated my team mates in racing. You, winning without a sweat, made me think that all the while, I've been hanging with a couple of noobs, doing the dirty work. You were right Tomo. I can't do everything alone."
"I realize that and that's why I brought it up to you after our canyon duel. If racing is an individual thing, teams shouldn't have been formed in the first place." Tomo said.
"I've decided..."
"eh?" Tomo this time wondered what he meant.
"I'll try to give my basketball career one more chance. I'll use my time in the prison to practice - not alone, but with a team. I'll try to get along with others. Hopefully, they'll change just like how you changed me."
"It's never too late to go back to an old passion, Lucas. But what about you-"
"I think racing is not my thing. Even if some say I'm skilled at it. I don't have the right heart to race unlike you do. I race for myself; for all the glory; for victory. While you race for others... You make sure that what your teammates did to your car won't go to waste. That's sorta surprising about you Tomo."
"Thanks, man. (But why is it I have this feeling that what he said to me was a lie?)" Tomo said.
Later on, a Crown Victoria and an Impreza came by.
"You know the drill Scott."
"I know, inspector. Back to the old brine, I guess."
"Good of you to cooperate. Survive these nine months and I might bail you out for good behavior..."
"That could happen, Inspector."
"In your dreams, kid."
With that said, The Impreza and crown Victoria went down the hill; as the GC8 did a few drift moves of his own.
Tomo stood silently as he stared at the sun completely out of his sight and night begins to fall.
"Am I really racing for others? Or am I no different from Lucas? Am I racing for fame?" Tomo wondered.
He got on his car and drove down Devil's creek pass.
"...race for myself...since I know my skills are superior......I'm the oppressor..." random things that Lucas and Tomo said cluttered Tomo's thinking as he drove down the pass.
As he cleared one corner, and getting ready for another, another car comes down from behind. There were no lights down the pass and the sky became pitch black. It was hard to see the car behind the GT-R. Tomo wasn't minding about the car at all. He tried to remove all the words that he and Lucas said out of his mind. Tomo tried to drive himself out of his thinking. He raised the e-brake and downshifted as the needle is eratically pointing at 9000 rpm. The RB26 screaming down the hill. An unfamiliar racing tone followed the RB's engine tone, getting closer to the GT-R's tone.
As Tomo is ready to face the straightway, a couple of lights blinded him from his rear view mirror.
"What car is that? Could that be Daiki? It can't be him!"
Tomo pressed on the accelerator to get away but the gap didn't increase at all. The unknown car just nailed itself on Tomo's behind and is not losing any momentum. Tomo does an out-in-out attack on the next hairpin and induces the car into a drift via weight shift along the way. But the unknown car still kept on going.
"This car behind me... it's alot faster than my GT-R... In terms of acceleration, it's as quick as Lucas' Corvette. What IS that car?"
Tomo plans to late-brake on the next corner to increase gap. He does so but understeer kicked in. "DAMN! TOO WIDE!!" Tomo panicked and presses on the brake longer as hen aimed for the inside. The unknown car minimized the gap to a bumper to bumper distance. They approach the third to the last hairpin and Tomo's GT-R barely could manage the lead. The unknown car plans to attack from the outside as soon as they pass the apex. But because of Tomo's quick response time, he sees its plans and counterattacks quickly, centering his car where there's no gap wide enough to pass.
He was wrong...
The unknown car still insisted on attacking from the outside. The gap between the GT-R and the mountainside is just right. "No! What are you doing!?" Tomo said in panic.
The second to the last hairpin approaches and Tomo's 34 tried to close the gap in the inside as they enter the right corner. Both cars braked and entered through the inside. Problem? There was a couple of rocks on the road, big enough for you to lose control once your car hits it. Tomo avoided the rocks but the rear right tire hits and induces Tomo's GTR to a spin out. The unknown car didn't move a bit at all and maintained his position in the inside - still attacking. The GT-R can't do any countersteer attacks anymore. It's bound to lost control. Tomo didn't know what to do, he had no choice but to brake hard up to a full stop. He sees the figure of the car that is slowly passing him.
user posted image

It was a Dodge Viper SRT10 coupe. The same Viper that saved Tomo and Kasumi when they had their mistaken encounter with the police. Everything went into slow motion: Tomo's GT-R slowly increasing in angle as the Viper smoothly overtakes him. "Vi...viper!? A DODGE VIPER!?" Tomo exclaimed in his mind.
Seconds later, the GT-R came to a full stop executing a close-to-death 360 spin. The SRT10 Disappeared.
Tomo panted out of restraint. "I...lost... even if it was an illegitimate match... I still lost... but that's not the problem I'm having... who's that in the viper and what does he want with me and my 34?" Tomo asked himself.
The RB26 engine died again from the conflict. Tomo slowly turns the car back on and cruised down the rest of the Devil's creek pass. No scratch in the car but the battle was too intense that it raided much out of Tomo and the tires of his 34. His hands tremble from the race. The Viper was too much for Tomo...

* because Shinosuke's FD3S engine is a custom duplicate/close-replicate of the GT300 RE Amemiya Engine, a 6-gear transmission is added to the car. This self-explains why Shino was said to shift to gear 6 at the same moment with Daiki's 350Z, which is already 6-geared.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Oct 19 2008, 05:36 PM

Just in case the ID Merchandise didn't feature this update...
Chapters 34 and 35 are now ready.
Hope y'all like it.

The Rotary driver takes one last battle and a new adversary ambushes our GT-R hero...

Read to see the outcomes.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Oct 25 2008, 04:03 AM

Episode 10 - Destination Lockdown! Onto the North!!
Chapter 36 - A mysterious new machine!

Tomo, who broke into a sweat, got out of his car and stood at the scenery. He was totally in shock. "That car was something else! I never expected that around the mountains..." he said wiping his sweat off. "That Viper... resembles a lot like Lucas. But It couldn't have been him. I saw him being taken away by the Inspector and his escorts. Whoever it is must be a talented driver. His car also looks like it's not from any of those bozos of the underground league. I better keep my eyes peeled for that car again" Tomo said with confidence as he looks at the starry night. He boards his GT-R and heads on home - back to the Hotel where Kasumi and the others are.

Before Tomo could go to gear 1, he opens his cell phone and calls Kasumi.
At the hotel. Kasumi just woke up. She stretches out her arms and fixes her hair and her blouse. As she stood up, her phone rings. She looks at it and reads Tomo-daisuki. "I wonder what Tomo wants..." She answers the call.
"Hello? Tomo-kun. I-tai, nani? (What is it)?"
"You won't believe this, Kasumi..."
While Kasumi listens to Tomo's story, she went to the veranda for a better reception of the call. She later then broke into surprise.
"Yo-YOU WERE AMBUSHED!?"
"Not necessarily physically ambushed. I was ambushed on my way down Devil's creek pass."
"What car was it?"
"A Viper."
"Viper? Naniga Viper-ru desuka?"
"It's an American car. I was gonna ask you if Daiki's there."
"He is but he's asleep along with the others. You didn't get hurt did you?"
"Well... no. I barely faced the wall. Luckily the brakes of my 34 stopped in time. It was a close call."
"Well, that's good to hear. You coming back?"
"I am. Tell Daiki about this. I might get some useful information from him about that car."
"Okay. I will. Take care Tomo."
"Yeah. I will..."
She hangs up and stares at the moon.
"Viper..." she said.
"Are the cars here in America that threatening to Tomo-kun?"

Everything is quiet around the Canyon area after that; however, there's an ominous background around the Lookout Point pass. A couple of local drivers are toying around the course. One is driving a silver Renault Clio and another one is driving a red Dodge Charger SRT8. The 2 friends are practicing their drift moves around the pass. The Renault clears one corner with an e-brake feint motion drift while the Charger does a simple powerslide with brute power. Both cars, however are veering to the outside - obviously a couple of starters in the art of drifting.
"Woo-hoo! I can't believe my Clio is so smooth at this!!"
"Oh yeah? Top what my Charger and I did! no one can top that!"
"If this is the pure drifting league, we could've been the champs!"
"OR better yet, we tie up in first place!!"
"C'mon bro. It's getting late. Best we head back."
"You go on ahead. I'm gonna do one more trial." The Charger driver said as he haves goodbye to the Clio.
He heads back and does a few more runs.
As soon as he reaches the top, he does a 180 burnout and heads on down. A few seconds later, another car comes speeding down the same pass.
As soon as the guy clears 2 corners, a couple of headlights flashed at his rear view mirror.
"Hmm... another one? You wanna mess with the new king of drift? Watch as my moves make you eat my dust!!"
Inside the mysterious coupe is a young guy, with medium length hair and wearing a pair of glasses, commenting on the moves of the Charger.
"Too fast my friend."
The Charger driver brakes long, turns left, countersteers and shifts all the way from gear 4 down to gear 2 and does another powerslide on the inside. Shifting to gear 3 on the small straight, he looks at the back. "Told ya you can't touch me! Me and my peer practiced on the drifting circuits! You know like the Japanese D1GP!! You dig that -!? What in the!?"
As he was done chatting himself, the mysterious car is doing a perfect out-in-out drift technique. At the exit of the corner, the mysterious car closes in on the SRT8.
"This guy is remarkable! What he just did... was it magic? I need to pull away from him!!"
The SRT8 pulls away and brakes long again on the upcoming right corner.
From the point that the SRT8 braked, the mysterious car makes a big gap, planning to do some kind of special drift attack. While drifting, the Charger driver looks and sees a Yellow Ford Mustang with a GT Wing and carbon hood.
"A mustang? You gotta be kidding me!! That car's obsolete compared to my 400 hp Charger!!"
The Mustang quickly decreased the huge gap that they made and they're now side to side.
"What Kind of mustang is it then? Is it a GT, or a Shelby Mustang?"
At the next corner, the Charger driver plans something he somewhat learned from the drifting circuit! "Though this isn't the car I used at the drifting circuit! I'll at least give you a sampler of what I CAN REALLY DO!!"
He aims for the next corner's outside area.
"Not yet... not yet... a little more..."
As soon as he's in the bank of the corner, he shouts out...
"HERE WE GOOOOOO!!"
"Stupid." The mustang driver said.
"SPECIAL TECHNIQUE OF THE D1GP!!" The guy hollers as he steers, brakes and holds the e-brake at the same time! "CROWD WAVER!!" The charger is placed on a 90 degree position, with a countersteer, facing the inside wall of the apex. "ULTRA SUPER LATE RIGHT-ANGLE DRIFT MOVE!!"
"Idiot. You don't know the difference of a drift race to a duel do you?"
The Charger lost a huge amount of speed and is slowly coming into a stop. The Yellow mustang does an e-brake drift. "This is the proper way of using your e-brake!"
He brings the mustang to a 40 degree angle and countersteers through the turn hitting the apex perfectly!
The Charger driver was in shock. As much as he wanted to get back in the race, the engine stalled.
The Mustang positions itself to a feint at the exit of the corner and executes a beautiful inertial drift on the next corner.
user posted image

The Mustang driver's cell phone rings. He picks it up and answers it while holding the wheel with one hand and slowing down a bit.
"So how did you like it, sir?"
"It feels great. A bit beasty unlike my rotary but it'll do."
"That's great. At least that's what makes my customer happy. Let me know if you need anything for your car... Kitami Kitamaru."
Kitami hangs up and proceeds to finish the rest of the pass.

Posted by: Meteor Oct 25 2008, 04:39 AM

I apologise again for the late reply.

You know. There's one thing to like about this story, it keeps going in a straight line even after Chapter 30. Yep, you've got potential to be even better than you are now (It's gonna take a while though).

And your writing showed a little bit of realism when Lucas described how he felt around all the inmates in that prison. That's a sign of improvement.
The slight peek at Tomo's backstory was good too, certainly a hell lot better than just leaving it as "I have parents but I don't know where they are". It's also a relatively unique one that you gave him.

You still haven't explained how Lucas avoided capture for this long though. I mean, he drove a 'vette that wouldn't be hard to spot, he probably kept the license plate on, and he lived in a freaking mansion. Even though he's good at escaping pursuits, they'd have eventually set up roadblocks (which he wouldn't be able to smash through without killing himself or seriously damaging his engine in the process). And I'm quite sure the 'vette was obtained through legal means. They could've just tracked it to his mansion.
And then there's the question of how he bought food, paid his water bill, electric bill, filled up his car, etc. when he's such a well known person to the police.

And now we've got a Viper in the mix. So, what does he want?
Anyway, keep on writing.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Oct 27 2008, 05:24 AM

QUOTE (Meteor @ Oct 25 2008, 04:39 AM)

You still haven't explained how Lucas avoided capture for this long though. I mean, he drove a 'vette that wouldn't be hard to spot, he probably kept the license plate on, and he lived in a freaking mansion. Even though he's good at escaping pursuits, they'd have eventually set up roadblocks (which he wouldn't be able to smash through without killing himself or seriously damaging his engine in the process). And I'm quite sure the 'vette was obtained through legal means. They could've just tracked it to his mansion.
And then there's the question of how he bought food, paid his water bill, electric bill, filled up his car, etc. when he's such a well known person to the police.

About that...
Thanks for the compliments, BTW.
Let's look at things in a NFSMW way. Looking at the drawings of the Vette at chapter 3 and the battle (chapter 29 or 30, I think) No plate was present. Must be because he removes it during races, which we could say as weird or 'for what?', but let's leave it at that. Either that or he swapped his legal plate with the Showroom Plate of the car saying "Corvette", or "Z06", or "Chevrolet" as if the car's still newly bought to avoid being recognized.
And possibilities about the Vette and Lucas, the owner, could go as this...

a)

QUOTE

Even though he's good at escaping pursuits, they'd have eventually set up roadblocks

Being the self-proclaimed hero of the illegal street racing area, and being loved by most of those "outcasts", he has an idea of all possible shortcuts where not even the police could touch him; And probably pulled off some quick moves in the process... This may sound like a stupid resource/simulation but try using The Same 'Vette in NFSMW and try some hard-to-do-maneuvers around roadblocks. All this went to my mind, visualized as a Most Wanted scene at the back of my eyes.

QUOTE

and I'm quite sure the 'vette was obtained through legal means. They could've just tracked it to his mansion.

The Corvette? Yes. It's legal. The modifications... that's ILLegal. Chop shops/Unregistered auto shops, connections that Lucas Scott might have, made things easy for him to lose track of police registration. The cops could've remembered how it looked at first; let's say only with the stripes. No new rims nor wing... they know that's Lucas Scott's car. Now with the wing and etc... the cops are dumbfounded at that point and have no Idea who's driving it. That's where Lucas got away.

c)

QUOTE

the question of how he bought food, paid his water bill, electric bill, filled up his car, etc.

Being such a well known person in the streets, he knows his cred and exposure is high. He could've hired someone else to pay the stuff for him, addressing everything to that guy or Lucas' Brother whom we never heard of after the "Who-is-Lucas-Scott?-I-need-to-research-on-him" chapter. I'm actually thinking of this just now. Sorry, on my part.

Currently...

QUOTE

And now we've got a Viper in the mix. So, what does he want?

That we have to wait and see. Still in the midst of processing while handling my other necessities and working on Speed Legend Kyushi's next chapter during my breaks. We'll all see what this Viper wants with our GT-R hero...

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Nov 3 2008, 05:34 AM

Chapter 37 - Heartbreaker

Tomo reached the hotel as soon as he came from the Canyons. He parked his car and went

back to his room to talk to Daiki.
He knocked on the door; Kasumi let him in.
"Tomo, did you say that you were ambushed by a Dodge Viper?" Daiki asked who was sitting on the couch with his laptop on his lap.
"That's right. But it was something like I never seen him before." Tomo answered.
"What model was it?"
"It was something new. I don't know the year."
"Probably the SRT10; the only latest generation of the Viper. You're dealing with an extremely powerful car here. As powerful as the Corvette that you faced a night ago."
"The worst possibility of all is if that Viper that Tomo raced against is carrying a VENOM engine." Tetsuya said as he came out of the Kitchen carrying a cup of hot chocolate.
"Venom? What's that? (sounds scary)" Kasumi asked.
"VENOM is more or less an integrated and more powerful version of the Viper's Engine bay, making use of a V12 instead of a standard V10. It carries a demonic 800 brake horsepower status level."Tetsuya answered.
"What I don't understand is it's presence in the canyons. Normally, an engine with that much power has the hundred percent tendency to go off course... as in spin or worse..." Daiki commented.
Tomo just nodded and looked on the floor, showing sure grief over his adversary. It is something he never faced before. Hearing about the VENOM version of the Viper sent chills down his spine. Eight Hundred... that's a big number.
"I checked the US car registration database, ever since Kasumi told me about what you told her. There were a few registered Vipers here and their corresponding registered modifications. Tell me, what does that Viper look like compared to this?" Daiki asked Tomo as he shows a stock picture of the Dodge Viper SRT10.
"The color is red but...That pic is not like the one I faced. That one's ride height is too high. The one I encountered had a lower center of gravity. The Front bumper's end is a centimeter away from kissing the pavement and send sparks. Even the back looks different... it is like it had a..."Tomo's words were cut short as Tetsuya finishes it for him.
"...a Widebody kit."
Daiki double checks the results but to no avail. The database shows NO RESULTS FOUND.
That's odd. Tomo either faced against a foreigner or a ghost of a Dodge Viper that crashed down the Canyon.
"He must be a foreigner then" he uttered.
"Could be. He must be from..." Daiki's words were cut short at Hiei exclaims "CANADA!!"
"huh!?" Everyone was stumped at what Hiei said.
"Well, I was gonna say European but he may have a point there."
"In what way?" Kasumi asked.
"Canada and the United States may both be on the boundaries of North America but their borderlines claim otherwise. Both are independent and have their own govermental systems. This may Include the registration services of the countries." Tetsuya explained in detail.
"What a coincidence then... We were gonna have our next round at canada - the famous Vancouver street course. Unfortunately, our team doesn't have a stock car nor a stock car driver so I'll fill in for this one. I'll try to negotiate with the other previous stock car teams on this. Best we make a move on to ample some time. Pack your bags people! We're heading for..." Daiki's words were AGAIN cut short.
"CANADA!!" Hiei finishes his statement.
"Will you stop that!!" Daiki panicked!
"Sorry." Hiei said as he moved his head down.

The group took a convoy all the way from New York to Vancouver. It took them 2 days to travel at moderate speed. In the end, they made it to their hotel... COMPLETELY WASTED... all except Daiki, Hiroya, and Shimizu. As soon as Tomo brought the car to a stop, he passed out. So did Sakura and Kitami in their respective cars. Hiei & Ryusen slept at Hiroya's Evo - it was the only one that could carry more than 2 passengers among the team.
The 3 came back from the lobby confirming their reservation to the group.
"Tomo, wake up." Daiki said as he nudges Tomo's shoulder.
"What I was having a nice dream of me and Ka-..."
"I didn't wake you up to tell me about your romantic fantasies. This round is pretty simple and I don't need the whole team to be involved. This is something that we from Midnight Masters are fond of doing. You, Kasumi, Sakura, Kitami, Hiei and Ryusen could take a breather from the tournament; but I'll need Tetsuya for this one. Here are some tickets to the skating rink. Hope you like skating. Register first on the lobby before you guys could do any sight seeing around Vancouver. Ciao."
"W...wait, Daiki!" Tomo said.
Daiki just gave a peace sign as he leaves with Hiroya and Shimizu. The Z, R390, and Lan Evo 6 took off to spectate the area. Hiei and Ryusen were dropped off next to the red R34 and Yellow Mustang. Obviously, Hiroya isn't dumb enough to let those two tag along with them.

[2 hours later]
Tomo came out of the hotel wearing a green shirt, topped with a black jacket with white stripes, Denim pants and black leather shoes.
"C'mon you guys. Let's go."
Kitami came out in his casual snow clothing: a long sleeve sweater topped with a coat, cotton pants and boots. Hiei and Ryusen wore the same long sleeve shirts and 6-pocket pants, but the shirts are of contrasting colors.
Sakura came out in her pink, long sleeve cotton blouse and mid-knee skirt with thick stockings all the way to her knees. Her blouse is topped with her favorite, Hello-Kitty style, pink jacket. Kasumi, who came out last is dressed in a way that makes jaws drop among the locals. She's wearing a sleeveless blouse, above the knee "mini"skirt and long stockings as long as Sakura's; she also has a pink scarf/muffler around her neck.

Tomo took a quick glance at Kasumi and he can't help but blush. Kasumi blushed at Tomo in return. As she passes Tomo, she asked "umm... Is what I'm wearing too awkward...?"
"Well...I...uh...no...you look breathtaking."
Hearing that, she blushed a bit deeper than before and said "thanks."
They boarded their cars and went to the Skating rink that Daiki is recommending.

[Skating Rink - 2:00 p.m.]

Hiei just came out of the food court carrying a tray of hot drinks. All are hot chocolate with marshmallows. He brought it to the rest of the guys who are on the stand-up table.
Kitami is staring at Kasumi as she practices her balance. "You're one lucky dude Tomo. You got the hottest girl that you could ever find and claim her as your own."
"Oh, shut up Kitami. I don't "own" her..." Tomo said making quote icons with his fingers. "Yeah, sure she's pretty and has a nice figure... but it's her decision. I didn't force her to... but you're right... she does look astonishing today." Tomo said as he too stared at Kasumi as she skates.
Sakura is having no trouble at all keeping her balance.
"Drinks?" Hiei asked.
"Here, darling!" Ryusen said.
"Okaaaay... so one for you, for you, and for PUH!!" Hiei said as he gave one to Kitami, one to Tomo and one to Ryusen, with a bonus uppercut to his jaw.
"When would Ryu ever grow up...?" Kitami said as he sips his cup of hot cocoa.
"Beats me." Tomo answered in doubt as he sips his cup also.
Moments later, Tomo took his skates and goes to the rink. "I'd better help Kasumi before she hurts herself."
"You sure you can do it, dude? I mean, you did tell me you haven't skated before."
"Don't worry Kitami I know what I'm..." BANG! Tomo slipped and hits his face onto the ice. "...do...i..ng..."
"Keep your balance man. Balance is the Key." Kitami commented.
"I know!" Tomo said as he tries to get up. Later on, Sakura comes close and picks Tomo up. "Here Tomo. Let me teach you." He held her hand as he tries to keep his feet balanced. "Remember when we were young, Tomo-chan that you love 'skating' around the slippery floor with your socks right?"
"Yeah?"
"This is your chance to Improve. Go on, as soon as I let go; do what you normally do... okay?" Sakura said with a smile as she's ready to let go...
"Uh... O..." Sakura lets go of Tomo's arm and he starts to panic.
"...KKKKKKAAAAAAYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!?????" He tries to stop. For some unknown reason, he did stop. How? What Sakura told her brought back Tomo's childish instinct. "I can do it!!

" Tomo said in excitement. "Now to help Kasumi-chan" He skates to Kasumi who's losing even more control.
Kasumi is skating backwards in an awkward position - her butt is sliding in the rink. Somebody stopped her. She looks at the guy who caught her.
"You alright mademoiselle?"
"Um... yeah..." The man helped her up.
"Thanks a lot for saving me mister. How can I ever repay you?"
At the food court; Kitami senses a Casanova nearby hitting on one of the girls that he knew.
"Well..." the man said. "Hold on you got a little bit of ice on your cheek."
"Where?"
"Let me get that for you."
As soon as Tomo is close enough to ask Kasumi how is she, an ominous sight beholds Tomo's eyes; not only his... but the rest of the team is watching...
The man KISSED Kasumi in the lips. She was shocked.
Hiei & Ryusen dropped their drinks. Kitami just uttered "...damn..."
Sakura gasped in an OMG state of mind with her hands on her mouth.
user posted image

Tomo was also shocked at what he saw. All his weight went to his legs and caused a crack at the ice. He's flaming in anger and stomps all the way to the 2. Every stomp that Tomo makes leaves a crack in the ice.
He pokes at the man's back to get his attention.
"Hey mister." Tomo said in anger.
"Yes?"
As soon as the man tilts his head, an oncoming fist is close by. Surprisingly, he caught Tomo's fist. "Whoa there, Monsieur. Don't cause violence in a public area such as this." He said with a smile, suppressing Tomo's punch without shaking.
"Tomo..." Kasumi said in a low undertone.
"She's your girlfriend? I'm sorry. It's ac customary to my family background, you see." the man assured Tomo.
"Yeah, like I'll believe that." Tomo said, still in anger.
"Pardon me, mademoiselle & monsieur, let me introduce myself. My name is Nathan Archibal Jr."
"Well, your father must be a huge cassanova to teach you that..." Tomo commented in a pissed-off tone.
"Tomo, please! Calm down." Kasumi begged.
Hearing that from her; Tomo takes a deep breath and Inhales. exhales.
"Feeling better?"
"Yeah. Sorry if I tried to hit you sir Nathan."
"Please. call me just Nathan."
"Okay, Nathan."
Sakura skates her way towards the 3.
" To show you my sincere apology, Mister..."
"It's Tomo. Just call me Tomo."
"To show you my sincere apology, Tomo... let me invite you and your group of friends for tea and biscuits at my place. Please. Follow me." Nathan said in a gentleman like manner.
Kasumi watched as the group leaves; touches her lips and quickly wipes the 'kiss' off with her handkerchief as to not remember the event again. She later on follows but...
"Uh... guys? Tomo? Sakura?" She's still stuck in the ice and can't move. Sakura comes over and reels Kasumi into motion.

[Skating Rink, Parking area - 2:30 p.m.]

"Just follow my vehicle, and we'll be there shortly." Nathan said.
"Okay... so what's your car?" Kitami can't help but ask.
"This one." He points to the red sports car just a few cars away.
Looking at what Nathan is pointing, Tomo can't help but freeze in fear.
"That... that's...." Tomo was in shock to see the car that he & his group is about to follow.

Posted by: Meteor Nov 7 2008, 08:10 AM

BOOOO! Where's the epic fail? No one did anything that was embarassing enough to be epic fail.

Ohh Canadaaaaaaaaa. .

Hmm. . An 800 bhp Viper that doesn't spin. . Amazing tires? Godlike control? Lack of a differential? I'll wait and find out.

As for the last two chapters of your other fic. Sorry, but I am unable to come up with a review for those

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Nov 8 2008, 05:44 PM

Where Tomo saw his beloved Kasumi kissed by some other dude IS THE EPIC FAIL...
Everyone witnessed it and that tore Tomo apart big Time... still planning how this will affect his driving though... In Epilogue 2 (the last of my comics which I'll be posting a part of it if I have the time), Tomo said some words that broke Kasumi's heart and in return she said more breaking words that brought Tomo to complete EMO mode. That's an Epic fail on that part...

anyway... enough with that. On with the next chapter.

Chapter 38 - The Element of Surprise

Tomo was in a state of shock when he saw the car that Nathan jr. would be driving.
It's the Dodge Viper that ambushed him back at the US. What's it doing here all the way from there?
"Anything wrong, Tomo?"
"Yo...you're the one who caused me the near-crash back at Devil's Creek pass!!" Tomo hollered.
"So... that's the Viper that you've been talking about, dude?" Kitami verified.
"About that... I never knew it was you. It's just that I saw that blue Nissan by accident and as I got close, seeing that it's a GTR34, he started to pull away and I can't help but accept that challenge."
"Challenge? Isn't it you who challenged me?"
"I told you, I never knew it was you."
"Well thanks to you I was about to face my first time in the hospital."
"At least you'll get special treatment there."
"Why you little-!"
"You two, stop!!" Kasumi screamed. "Would you two just give it up already!! It was just by chance that the two of you faced each other in that canyon pass. Don't tell me, Tomo, that what you saw awhile ago is still in your mind is it?"
Tomo gave a fierce, angry look at Kasumi that sent chills down her spine as their eyes connect. "Why, Tomo?" Kasumi said in her mind.
"She's right. Forget that incident. Let's just go to my place and soften things up there. I might have a couple of things that could move your mindset." Nathan said as he boards his Viper.
Tomo still has a pissed look on his face. Not even Kasumi's heart warming words could calm him down at this state. "Hiei, you ride with me." he said.
"What about-?"
"Don't worry." Sakura answered. "She could ride with me. Right, Kasumi-chan?"
Kasumi just nodded as she boards the red GT-R.
"Well, looks like I don't got a choice. Ryusen, hop on."
"Cool! I get to ride in your mustang. Can I touch the-"
"No!! I'll think about it."
"Fine!" Ryusen said while showing off a pouting face.

[Highway - 2:45 p.m.]

The Viper smoothly leads the group with Tomo's GT-R behind it; followed by the Mustang and the other GT-R.
As Tomo follows the Viper, visions of that last canyon match still clogs his mind. Seeing his car spin over and over again - that's all that he could think of. Kasumi, meanwhile, isn't bothered about Tomo's look at her despite the chilly feeling. She knows deep in her heart that whatever obstacle stands between him and her, she'll always love him no matter what.
Later on, the viper signals his hazard lights in the middle of the highway, but he's not pulling over to the side.
"Could this be a challenge?" Tomo thought. "It's time for a rematch!!" He said planning to push the accelerator further down. Before he could do so, Kitami went side to side with Tomo's GT-R. "Best not to take him on, man. At that state of mind, you WILL crash." Kitami said.
"What are you trying to say?" he asked.
"I'll race him. I want to see if my Mustang is good enough, better than my previous RX-8 or even my brother's FD." With that said, Kitami pressed harder on the gas to accept the challenge. Nathan looked at his side mirror, seeing the Mustang coming up fast. He later removes the hazard lights and overtakes the mustang. Kitami followed in a higher pace, leaving the two GT-Rs behind.
It was down to the Viper and the Mustang. Two Muscle cars battle it out Wangan Style.
The map is as follows: an 800 meter straight followed by a medium right hander, another straight with a length of 2 kilometers, an S-curve section, a long straight and a left to the exit of the highway. From where they are until the exit, it's a 6 kilometer race.
At the first part, the straightway, Kitami knows that he couldn't stay with the Viper for long on the side, so he slipstreams behind him to gain some level ground. "Starting off with a draft, eh? Not a bad one. Tell ya what, eh. I'll let you stay close to me. Let's see how you'll fare in the corners." Nathan uttered with a smile.
"Tomo was an idiot to face off with the Viper back then. I won't make the same mistake in my Mustang. My GT has 600 flat horses thanks to the Shelby engine swap and a supercharger upgrade. It's enough to stay with this Viper!" Kitami uttered in excitement.
"Uh... I think I'll just be quiet and hold tight to my seat." Ryusen said in fear.
The first right is up and both cars are reaching 274 kilometers an hour. As Nathan braked, Kitami got out of the slipstream and timed his braking to go side by side with the Viper. Both shifted down to gear 4 then gear 3 with the needles going crazy at the red zones. There was something up with the viper though - as they drifted into the corner, the Viper is breaking the tie by a notch as he enters the turn. By the apex, he's now infront of the Mustang at 45 degrees. A perfect parallel drift was accomplished. As they hit gear 4 again, both cars backfired from their exhausts. Not a scratch at all on the new GT. "Not bad. He's a rad driver." Kitami itterated. While on the 2 kilometer straight, he stayed behind the Viper again. Looking at Ryusen, he already passed out. Why? That's the first Time Ryusen got into a parallel drift seeing the distance between the Viper and the Mustang nearly 2 centimeters away from each other's doors.
"Ugh, what a drag. I knew I could've brought Hiei Instead of him but he might go DORRRIYYYAAAA then pass out too. Oh well..." he said as he followed the Viper. 2 Kilometers later, they're now facing the S curves. Although Kitami was in a slipstream for long, a gap was still made as the Viper pulled away. Thanks to the slip streaming though, the rate of the increasing gap was relatively slow and a 1 car gap was made before the entrance of the S curve. "Alright. Let me try it one more time!!" Kitami said, getting ready to copy the same attack once more."
"Don't tell me you're gonna copy the same move you did a while ago, eh?" Nathan wondered.
As they entered, Kitami is ready. "Alright! Parallel drift, Take 2!!" He shouted. He got on the same side again but... The rate of the Viper breaking the tie is now double than a while ago. He cleared the S-curve in an unbelievable speed! Kitami was shocked. As he drifted through the S curves as well, he was amazed as soon as he got to the exit. The Viper was gone. "What was that!? It was astonishing!!" He said. As soon as he got to the exit, minutes later, he saw the viper with it's hazard lights on, parked on the side. Kitami came to a stop as he parked behind it. The 2 waited for the GT-Rs.

[Archibal Mansion - 3:00 p.m.]

Kitami, Tomo, and Sakura parked their cars at the driveway of the Archibal's front door. Nathan called for his dad. His dad came out, with a cup of hot chocolate.
"What is it son? I was busy watching my soap opera, erm... I mean watching Discovery Channel."
user posted image

"Sorry dad. I'd like to introduce to you some friends I met at the Skating rink at Vancouver. Tomo, the Spikey haired one; Kitami, the girly faced one..."
"Hey!!" Kitami and Tomo squealed at Nathan Jr.
"Hiei the thin one and Ryusen the thick eye-brow one..."
"What does thin supposed to mean?" Hiei squealed, too.
"Well, my eye brows DO look thick." Ryusen uttered.
"Sakura and the lovely beautiful angel, Kasumi." Nathan finished.
"What? No description for me?" Sakura said as she pouted and faced her back at Nathan jr.
Kasumi was just silent, glancing at Tomo and looking at the floor.
"Well, she does took beautiful." Nathan's dad said.
"And this is my dad... Nathan Archibal Sr." Nathan jr. Finished.
"Hello to you all. Come inside. let's have some tea shall we?" Nathan Sr. said as he escorted the guests into the dining hall.

----------------------------

Note: I'm just being sure here... is it alright if I could at least recieve a comment before the next chapter? Just to be 100% sure that there are some reading the updates here. I saw at fettman53's thread (TXR STORY) who did this and want to see if this could help out too, for my story's part. Recieving any form of comment would do nicely; then I'll happily post the next chapters once they're done. This goes double for the Kyushi story too. Thanks a lot to all who viewed this and don't worry. This story is still long. Pics also imply.

Posted by: Meteor Nov 10 2008, 06:18 AM

Honestly, I think Tomo needs to calm down.

And I'm starting to be surer of the theory that Nathan's actually removed his diff-axle for a live-rear axle. His Viper's power-loaded, and he slides it through every corner at high-speed without even messing up slightly on the exit. Must be murder on his rear tires.

Posted by: fettman53 Nov 11 2008, 10:21 AM

Yep, I can do that too (the comment thing). I'll start reading it as soon as I can.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Nov 12 2008, 04:23 PM

Chapter 39 - Silence in the Moonlight

Nathan Sr.escorts his guests to the garden patio half a kilometer away from the back of the house. 500 meters worth of green fields stay in between the home and the tea garden.
The place was huge. I'm talking about the garden. This includes the bushes, the fountains, even...
"Whoa... it's like you could own your own golf course with this." Ryusen uttered.
"We actually do... a mini-golf course to be specific..." Nathan sr. chuckles saying that.
After the long walk, they reached the wonderfully crafted garden where a variety of biscuits were laid and a set for 8 of house blend milk tea was ready.
Later on, while they're all sipping their tea and rampaging on the biscuits... well, Hiei and Ryusen to be exact, Nathan Sr. Notices something about Tomo.
"What happend to your arm, sir? I just wanna know, eh." he asked.
"Oh, these? They're just common bruises I got from work."
"What is your work?"
"I'm a freelance chef."
"Freelance chef? mind if you explain."
"It goes like this, sir..." Tomo said in a courteous manner. "Being part of an international racing league and being a certified chef as well, my group manager negotioated with an F&B outlet that I like to apply for to be recognized as either an intern of the brigade. It's working well and they often treat me as an equal."
"Well, that's good to hear. Hey, since you're a chef, mind if you join me? I got something to show you in my cellar below. Please excuse us." he courteously said to the remaining people in the area.
Tomo followed.
"Um, Ryusen-san..." Kasumi said while patting his shoulder.
"Yeah?"
"Could you...you know, look after Tomo for me?"
"What for? He'll be alright, right..."
"Well... it's just that..."
"Something to do with that cellar? Okay, me and Hiei will cover for him. Let's go darling." he said as he pulls Hiei by the collar.
"H...Hey! I'm not done with my shortbread... SHORTBREADDDD!!!" Hiei screamed while freeing himself from Ryusen's very gripped fist.
As the others go on about their 'tea and biscuits' session, Kitami opens up the discussion:
"Hey, 'than... mind if I call you that?"
"Best go with Nathe, eh?"
"Okay,Nathe... I was wondering... how did you clear that S-curve at the highway back there? It was amazing... It must be murder to your rear tires."
"I'm glad that you brought that up. It's like this, you see. I modified the differential and disabled the one on the rear. I let it freely spin as it pleases. My tires, though would be another story. Do you know the tire compound used in them drag races, eh?" Nathan freely asked.
"Aren't they the big, so called 'wheelie' kinds at the back?" Sakura answered.
"Those. In my case, my rear tires are based from that but with a few extra alterations. It's that very hard compound, based on the drag wheelies but looks like an ordinary set of rear tires. It's something done only here in our area and fir only for my SRT10. The secrets of the production? I won't tell. You're no exemption to the rule." Nathan jr. confidently said. "Now, my dear..." he then turned to Kasumi.
"Please excuse the harsh actions I've done infront of your boyfriend. I hope it didn't offend him much in any way..."
"Well...I..."Kasumi can't speak being considered as Tomo's girlfriend or her having Tomo for her boyfriend. To her, the term is inappropriate and it goes against what they believe in and against their conduct. She knows this very well.
"Don't worry. They're not." Sakura answered in behalf of Kasumi.
"Thanks" the latter whispered.
"I know. Remember, I know what you're thinking. I'm just the same as Tomo-kun." Sakura told Kasumi.

[WINE CELLAR]

At the bottom of the mansion, there's a wine cellar. Barrels containing different wines are stored here where they maturely age more. Local and Imported Wines that Nathan Sr. has in store are located here.
"Try this Crown Royal whisky, my friend. It's made from the best barley wheat of the countryside of Canada." Nathan gives Tomo a shotglass full. A bit up to the rim, though.
He drinks it all in one shot and gives a nod saying that it's good; however, his face shows otherwise. 20 percent of his face turned red all of a sudden.
Nathan sr. Walks a bit to the other side, opening a cabinet of red wine bottles imported from France.
"Ah, here we are. Try our Rouge Champagne. Grapes harvested from the Rhone Valley of France. They're from the Merlot grape Variety if I remember. Here you go." He said as he gives Tomo more than 1/3 of a goblet full.
"Don't be shy now. Drink it up." He does so but drinks it as if it's water. In truth, Tomo doesn't drink at all, whether it is wine or alcohol. This is his first time as he knows more by word than by mouth.
Later, he becomes quite Tipsy and starts mocking Nathan jr. He sees a vision of Nathan jr. and Kasumi Kissing in the skating rink once more.
"you...b...bet...betta...raise...you....r...son....more....man...I mig...ht... do...something....threatening...t..u...your....son...if...you're...not...careful...and...hits on..." Before Tomo could even talk any further, Ryusen knocked him out with a Karate chop at the back.
"I'm terribly, sorry." Ryusen said in Tomo's behalf.
"First time trying, eh? It's natural for youngsters like him to act this way after drinking 2 of a different kind..." He chuckled as all of em got out of the cellar.

[GUESTS' ROOM 7:00 P.M.]

Tomo wakes up in an unfamiliar room. The Guests' Room. He looks around and sees only Sakura, who is lying next to him, Hiei, and Ryusen in the room. The latter 2 are busy looking around the room.
"You okay, Tomo kun?" Sakura asked as she helped her up.
"I'm fine. Ugh, my head."
"I figured you couldn't take it. Knowing you bro... stay away from the wines for the moment. It could get worse." Hiei said.
"Wait. Where's Kitami?"
"He's in the other room with Nathan Sr." Ryusen said, pointing to the door.
"and Kasumi?"
"Well...uh..." Sakura doesn't want to say where as she knows that Tomo will freak out once he knew.

[NATHAN SR.'s LIBRARY ROOM]

Kitami looks around with the books ranging from History books, to old novels, and old compilations of the 24 hour le mans.
"You into racing, sir?" Kitami asked.
"My, that's a sudden question to stir up a Topic, eh? Yes I was. Back in the old days but not in the Le Mans. It was my childhood dream that never came true. I became a real estate broker and look at me now. But it doesn't mean that I abandoned the LeMans part off my mind. I still have it in me."
"What car of the Le Mans were you into?"
"Definetly not the prototypes, my boy, although they're the best in the groups. I'm into more on the very first Midship that Ford has made." he said.
"About Ford... I have another question, sir."
"Please. Have a seat first, my boy." Nathan said as he extends his arm to the chair infront of him.
Kitami takes his seat and then follows along.
"What is the Ford Mustang capable of?"
"So, you're the driver of the yellow Mustang outside, eh?"
"Correct, sir."
"You drive one and you've no idea what's it capable of?"
"Well, I know... numerically but in a more personalized comment such as from yourself sir. What do you know about it's capabilities; because I'm new to this car. I was into rotaries my entire driving life, you see."
Kitami said.
"As Nathan Sr. puffs his cigar before he could talk, "The Mustang to me, son... is a wingless horse."
"A wingless horse?"
"You know the Greek Mythological creature right? The white horse with the wings?"
"Pegasus?"
"You know what I'm talking about do you? Then I shouldn't tell you since you know."
"No, sir. It's true. I have no Idea."
"Alright. Since you honestly told me. To me, the Mustang is a fraud personification of Pegasus. They tried to raise a horse onto a higher level but eventually failed. Shelby even tried to, in my context, clip on the wings by the means of the GT350 & GT500 Mustangs but they too ended in failure. It still cannot be considered as the rank of a Pegasus type, despite the better performance and credibility. Well, I did my own experiment and I now own the real Pegasus of the Ford Family. It's in the hobby room. Wanna see, eh?" Nathan Sr. escorts Kitami to the hobby room.
"The Pegasus of Ford? What is he talking about?"

[MAIN DRIVEWAY]
Tomo ran outside to see if Nathan Jr. took Kasumi somewhere else such as what Sakura said.
"Where is that guy? Just because I'm not around her doesn't mean he could do something with her without me knowing..." He said in a pissed tone as he checks out the garage.
"Wait up." Sakura shouted.
Both saw the garage door up but... the Viper is still inside.
"If his car is here... then where could they have gone to?" Tomo wondered.
"Look." Sakura said pointing on an empty car space.
It has a Pontiac logo painted on the space.
"I better see where they went. I wanna know what that guy wants with Kasumi." Tomo is still pissed at the current sceario. He jumped on his GT-R and drove off like a madman out of the Archibal mansion.
Sakura evidently followed.

[TUNNEL FREEWAY, Vancouver outskirts of "Bayview" area]
A red GTO cruises along the traffic endowed area. 2 people, in the car discuss their unknown agenda.
"Where are you talking me?" It was a girl; and by the looks of what she said, she's the passenger.
"I can't get enough of you out of my mind now, even with him around. I need to give you something but I want it somewhere disceet and secure. Just the two of us." the guy said as he drives along the road.
The girl's heart pounds faster and faster hearing that from him.
"What does he want with me?" she wondered to herself. "What does he really want?"
She just stared at the night sky waiting for something extraordinary to soon happen. Or perhaps just waiting for this event to quickly pass.

[HOBBY ROOM - ARCHIBAL MANSION]
Nathan Sr. shows off the car that's hidden under the blankets.
"allow me to introduce to you, Mr. Kitamaru... Pegasus with it's wings..." He said as he removes the blanket.
As Kitami sees the car in full, his throat dropped. He was surprised.
"This is... this is..." he uttered in shire excitement and doubt.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Nov 17 2008, 03:05 AM

Chapter 40 - Clash of misunderstood thoughts

Tomo arrgessively swerved throughout traffic searching for a Pontiac that has Kasumi on board it.
Sakura tries to keep up with the GT-R infront of her on her own GT-R.
There was one problem though - what model and color is it? Does it have any visual changes? Tomo never thought about it before. Luckily, there are not much cars holding the Pontiac badge.
He heads for the mountaneous area where the possibility that she could be brought there.

For some reason, his guess was right. A red Pontiac GTO, a 2003 model, is parked on the side with its hazard lights on. Two people stand on the veranda showing the cliffside scenery. Lights of various colors give shine to the scenery. Kasumi gives a serious look at Nathan Archibal Jr. who took her there. Nathan gave her a 'cool' look as he thinks what to say to her.

"Good thing that Kasumi's my locator is activated and synchd to my cell phone. They're a few meters away.
He stops the car and walks towards a bush to see closely what is going on. Tomo is 300 meters away from the 'couple'. Sakura stands next to him.
"W-what are you doing here?"
"She's my friend too, Tomo. I too am worried."
"Okay. Let's not make any noise, then." Tomo whispered.

Moments later, Nathan got on his knees as he holds Kasumi's right palm. Tomo, who is hiding in the bushes, is trembling in rage. Sakura just notices the infuriated Tomo next to her. Later on, Nathan spoke: "Kasumi, please?"
"I'm not gonna be your girlfriend or spouse or anything."
"No, it's nothing like that." Kasumi lost the words she was about to say to Nathan. She is confused. If Nathan doesn't want her to be his girlfriend; then, what is this conversation he's stirring up to her?
"Would you help me?" he asked.
"What for?"
"You see, this sounds completely childish but hear me out here." he begged as he bends his other knee.
"Please, mo cherie?"
"Tell me all about it first." she said.
To Tomo and Sakura, they thought that it is a BF-GF proposal and Kasumi rejected it. They gave a sigh of relief.
"I need help you see. There's this girl I'm in love with and I don't know what to do or say infront of her."
"Then why did you kiss me?"
"'cause you look alot like her. And... well... it happens automatically; I don't know why."
"(He's weirder than Tomo) What do you need help with?"
"Can you be my girlfriend-for-training?"
"What!?"
"NANDA-TOO!!!???" Tomo's close to cracking and can't control himself much longer.
Sakura just gave an OH MY GOD reaction overhearing that.
"Just to know if I could take it;talking to her I mean; you know..."
"Does she know you?"
"Well, yeah but..."
"But?"
"I just don't know why I can't face her."
"(What a weird situation I got mixed up in) Tell me, are you known around here?"
Saying that, Nathan released his hands off Kasumi and started to act mature.
"Actually, I'm a showbiz celebrity; me and my dad are. We're famous around Canada."
"Just Canada?"
"Well, I'm new and all... My dad is part of it for as long as I could remember."
"(Well, that explains the completely wealthy condition of his) And you're shy over a fan?"
"I didn't know she was a fan of mine; unless she mistakes me for my father."
"Can't be, I mean look at you. You got the looks; why wouldn't she fall in love with you then?"
"Well... you see... uh..."
"You can't read a girl's mind can you?"
"Some but... I'm telling you, her case is of a higher level that I can't manage."
"Fine, I'll be your gf-for-training if that's what you call it."
"Really!!? Oh, thank you!!" Before Nathan could hug Kasumi happily, Kasumi shows off her hand telling him: "Hands off, okay? Kissing and hugging though is where I draw the line. I don't want to tarnish my innocent body because of somebody I don't completely know." she said as she blushed.
"Let me at him!! I'm gonna give him a pounding!!" Tomo broke into rage and tries to charge after Nathan, but Sakura is preventing him by pulling him back.
"Alright, you have my word, mademoiselle." Nathan Jr. assured Kasumi. "I swear beyond my soul that I won't lay my lips on any part of your body."
"Alri-... what did you just say you pervert!?" Kasumi now breaks into rage and slaps Nathan's cheek, rendering him unconscious after a while later.
Tomo was able to break free off the grapple and runs toward Kasumi until he sees a knocked out Nathan on the ground.
"Kasumi... mind if you tell me what's going on here?"
"Yeah, we're confused as it is." Sakura said as he ran to the two.
"Sorry I got dragged into this but... alright let me explain." Kasumi said as she gave a huge sigh.

[ARCHIBAL MANSION - HOBBY ROOM]
Kitami lost his balance and was shaking over the vehicle that Nathan Sr. showed him.
It is a 1969 Ford GT40. The car was a hundred percent replica of the 24 hour le Mans of the late 60's.
"This is the Pegasus, that you're telling me?"
"It is, my friend. I'm fond of this because of the Le Mans; and I'm fond of the Le Mans because of this. It's a one of a kind car - this is an asset to my investments. This GT40 has reminded me of the past much. Oh how I wish I was young again. I never got hold of this car until this part of my life."
"Then, why didn't you take it out for a drive?"
"The car is as weak as it is now. This is just a body frame duplicate. It looks like a replica but internally, it's not you see. Besides there's another car here in my garage that is related to this. It's my personal car. It's what I use most of the time. Have I answered your question?"
"In a way. Is it the Ford GT?"
"You know your catalogues, don't you?" Nathan sr. chuckled as he walks to the garage with Kitami.
He looks back and takes one last look at the GT40. "a GT40, eh? First a Corvette, now a GT40... could USA be any more threatening?" Kitami uttered.
user posted image

Back with the son and the rest...

Nathan regained consciousness and woke up in his GTO.
"And that's the rest of the story." Kasumi said to Tomo and Sakura.
Tomo and Sakura just showed a "what the hell" look at what they've heard.
"A superstar with the dumbest of all dilemnas..." Tomo said.
"This is more of what Kitami would do." Sakura said.
"Well, I just need majority of this girl's info then Nathe and I could start." Kasumi mentioned.
Nathan got out of the GTO and approached the group. "What happened?"
"You got slapped by one of Kasumi's killer face palms." Sakura answered.
"I see."
"Well, I'll accept your request Nathan. Just give me what I need to know then You'll be out of that dilemna in no time."
"Thanks a lot. Come on. I'll drive you back to my place."
"No thanks. I'd rather hop along with Tomo-kun."
"Alright. You know where my place is. I'll meet you there." With that said, the GTO bursts off from zero to sixty or so.
"You sure with what you said to him?" Sakura asked.
"Of course. What could possibly go wrong?"
"I don't like the sound of that." she replied.
"How come?"
"I know you want to help and all but, this is dangerous. You start off this way then before you know it, you're under him and you might even take this training too seriously ending up with your emotions blending in..."
"Oh Sakura, you know that I'm not ready for that stuff... Even if I am with Tomo-kun."
"Alright but just to keep you safe, take this. Read it privately." Sakura hands over a book entitled Questions Young People Ask, Answers that work Volume 2.
Before Kasumi could even ask something to Sakura, she's already boarding her car and drove off.
"Come on, Kasumi. Let's head back. We need to sleep." Tomo said, waving his hands to her.
Kasumi follows and they headed back to the Archibal Mansion.

At the garage, Nathan Sr. shows Kitami his Ford GT. The car seems like a blast from the past to Kitami. Not because the body of the GT is identical to the GT40, but the vinyl. "You're really into the Le Mans GT40, are you? You even reincarnated the old into the new GT." Kitami mentioned.
"Well, this car happens to be the first model that came out in the market on its opening. I was the first to purchase one as I heard the news years ago. It's still running as smooth as when I bought it. I did a few upgrades on it and replaced the vinyl design to represent the 69' GT."
"So you're into the racing business, yes?"
"No."
"No?"
"Yes. I'm not. I'm in the showbiz and real estate stuff and all that. The part of me having knowledge on racing is a mere hobby. Well, it's getting late. We'll continue this discussion of ours tomorrow morning. Have a good rest, Mr. Kitami."
"You too, sir. And thanks a lot for all the helpful commendations you gave me about my GT."
"No problem. Glad I could help out a fellow Ford owner."

Later on, the rest of the group came home. They bid their goodnights as soon as they settled in. Before Tomo could get into his room, he asks Sakura - who's about to go inside her room. She's wearing her favorite pink pajamas. "If we'll be staying here... then what about our Hotel Reservation? We went straight here after the skating rink thing..."
"Oh that? I'll inform Daiki about it. As far as I know, he and the rest must've settled in there so there's not much of a problem. Anyway, good night Tomo. I'll see you tomorrow morning." With that said and done, Sakura went in and closed the door. Tomo went in and did the same in his room. An hour passed and the whole mansion is silent. Even the maids and servants went to sleep in their respective provided rooms. Kasumi, though is the only one awake in the whole house. She's still reading that book which Sakura gave her. She is reading the topic on How far is too far?
As she reads deeper into the chapter, her hands shivered. "What have I gotten myself into?" she said to herself.
"I know this is more of a training but what it is is STILL what it is. It makes no difference. I don't want any of this to happen to me at all - not even Nathan, not any other guys; but... with Tomo... I... why can't I decide once it's him? Sorry for Nathan but I need to decline his offer. I need to get him straight; he needs to get out of this demeanor he's into." She assured herself. "These things are all driving me nuts. Best I go to sleep right away." She closed the book, placed it on the desk next to her and covered herself with the blankets.

The next day came. Kasumi and Nathe had a talk in the kitchen - all closed up for a serious private conversation. Looking at Nathan jr. He's scared of all the things that Kasumi told him. Moments later, his dad called him out to the front yard.
He came out with a wasted look.
"Son, what's the matter?" the dad asked him.
"..." He said nothing in return.
To know what Kasumi told him - she asked if he's ready to marry at his young age of 23? 'You barely even know how to deal with such yet'Kasumi told Nathan jr. which left him confused and afraid for some reason. Come to think of it, all that Kasumi said was true. Even with that thought in mind, he went to his dad to ask why he was called out.
To change his mindset,' Nathe saw the Ford GT out of the garage. "Uh, dad? What's your GT doing out here?"
"What? Is it a crime?"
"Well... no but... it's been a year since you brought that car out."
"You've got a point there son. I just want to see if this old baby still has what it takes to be better than the old GT40..."
Later on, Tomo came out of the house and joined in. "Hey Nathe, Mr. Archibal; good morning I was wondering if..."
"Oh, Tomo good morning." Nathan Sr. greeted him.
"what's the matter...?"
"I was wondering if you guys saw Kitami and the other two guys..."
"Those three?" Nathan Sr. clarified. "I saw them drive off to the top of the mountain pass in Kitami's Mustang GT."
"Probably a test run if I'm right."
"I see. Well, thanks." He runs to his GT-R to check a few things.
"you know son, I change my mind. I'll just let it out for a few moments under the cool sunlight."
"Okay. (cool he says) I'll do a few rounds of golf at the back." Nathe said as he leaves his father.
Inside the house, Kasumi drinks one of her favorite fruit drinks. A Strawberry Mifuelle shake. Sakura joins her. "You seem carefree." Sakura said.
"Well, I figured if I used the book against Nathan's childish problem he'd snap out of it. It worked. Thanks for lending me the book."
"No problem. I knew someday that would come in handy." Sakura chuckled saying that.

At the local mountains near the Archibal Mansion, The sound of a highly modified SOHC V-8 roars down the pass. Traffic was minimal and the car swerved from bend to bend. Kitami is still adjusting to the way the Mustang responses to his footwork and driving ability. The car is still a monster to be frank. The tail just kept tripping into a slide. Kitami kept on countersteering so much that it wore out a lot out of his tires. A clinking sound from the gearbox as Kitami shifts from gear 2 to gear 3, adds up to the morning 'holler' that the Mustang "GT-R" is making. Hiei and Ryusen are waiting at the base. Moments later, the Mustang is on the home stretch. It passed the two guys with a menacing breeze and Kitami braked hard into a stop. The tires screeched so hard that it made a 50 meter mark on the road. The tires were steaming. This never happened before to Kitami. It must've had something to do with the major drifts and 'maniac' revving of the car, as he would describe it. This car won't do with just ordinary tires, unlike my X-8 or my ST205. Something has to be done. I wonder if Nathe has something in his garage that could help me. With that said, he calls out to the two guys and heads back to the Mansion, hoping to find a solution to his Mustang problem.

Time flied so fast that it's now midnight. Everyone is asleep again; but there was something ominous around the mansion. Somebody was missing and there are a couple of skid marks near the driveway. A smooth engine roar engulfs the mountain road near the mansion; it's fading as the sound lengthens.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Nov 21 2008, 06:04 AM

there are no updates as of now on the story. A bit busy at the moment with the Kyushi Story. Don't worry. I'm asking my other co-story writers on the next chapter; so don't fret. For now... there will be some picture updates of the previous chapters. Enjoy them for the moment.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Nov 27 2008, 05:55 AM

Chapter 41 - The Reprove and breakdown

Kitami approaches Nathan Sr. who's watching Television at the Living room. Nathan Sr. is watching a documentary video of the Le Mans of 1970 as he admires the Ford GT40 of the olden times. Seconds later, Kitami interrupts Nathan Sr.'s reminiscing moment...
"Um... sir... if I may ask..."
Nathan Sr. pauses the video and faces Kitami who shows a depressed look.
"What is it my boy?"
"I tried to use the information you gave me about the whole Pegasus thing but it seems that I still don't understand what you mean by it. Yesterday afternoon, I took my Mustang out again and nothing much changed. It's still driving monstrously. The tires of my Mustang can't hold on much. As soon as I stop, the tires were steaming as I looked at it." Kitami uttered.
Nathan Sr. crossed his arms and gave Kitami a serious look.
"You're not that good behind the noggin, eh?"
"What's that supposed to mean, sir? (Is he insulting my intelligence?)"
"You can't find the balance of your car. The only way you could manage your car without balance is through excessive drifting. As your car is heavy in weight, it's really killing your tires. You get what I am saying? You don't have the balance. That's why your tires are quickly running down." Nathan Sr. said.
"The balance? Is it that important?"
"It is, my boy. Drifts are necessary only at the last moment, where you're bound to lose grip. It's a racer's last resort. If you use it at the very beginning in a car such as the Mustang GT, then you're bound to be caught up or worse - crash. If you still can't get the balance; don't dare to ask me again. Come back to me once you got the balance right, okay?" Nathan Sr. Walks away leaving Kitami in shure doubt.
As Nathan Sr. opens the Kitchen door, he sees Tomo working with the workers. He approaches him to have a quick chat.

"I see that you're serious with your career, eh?"
"That's right sir. If I don't at least do this, I'll become rusty in the industry."
"I get your point, son." Tomo snatches a quarter of a cabbage and begins to chop it. With mayonnaise infront of him, it seems that he's planning to make coleslaw.
"Tell me; what do you value more: your career as a racer or this career?"
Tomo freezes in the middle of his chopping and ponders over the question.
It was total silence. Later on, he spoke. "Well... I like both..."
"I'd have to disagree with you there, boy."
"Why? Is there something wrong with loving two careers in life?"
"Nothing but, do you have the balance between the two?"
Tomo didn't say a word.
user posted image

"Give me the keys to your car?"
"What for?"
"Just give it." Nathan Sr. is serious. He's demanding the keys. Tomo is about to give him the same look but is in fear as he glares at Nathan Sr.'s eyes. He gives in to the look and gives it to Nathan Sr.
"Starting right now, you can't touch your GT-R until I call the shots. If you can show me that you have the balance between this life career of yours and your racing career then I'll see what I can do. Concentrate there and prove me wrong."
Nathan Sr. left once more. Tomo was at a loss but it seems the loss he has now would grow bigger in the future. What will he do without the GT-R's keys? How can he hone his skills if he has the time? How will he face Daiki after the Vancouver Touring car race? What does Nathan archibal Sr. have in store for him?

Hours later, the news got to the rest of the group down at the garage where Kitami is tuning his Mustang. "What!? Tomo was reproved off his car?" Kasumi exclaimed. "No way; how will he polish up his driving?" Sakura wondered. Yes. Everyone can't believe what they heard. Tomo was the best among the group and with him without his car, they're no more than a couple of newbies in the area. Everyone relied on Tomo's support and with him not on his natural condition, the team's career is as good as dead.
Ryusen, on one corner of the Mustang, analyzed Tomo's situation. As soon as he got the idea, somewhat, he said "Let it be. We just have to put faith in Tomo." Hearing that, the team became completely silent. No one spoke a word after what Ryusen has said.
"What if Tomo can't handle this?" Kasumi asked.
"Then, let's leave it to God and see what happens."
No one but Sakura and Kasumi disagreed with that statement.
"I won't accept the leave-it-to-god attitude... I know Tomo can do this." Both girls said in their minds. To their dismay though, days passed and Tomo can't help but look at his GT-R everytime he's not cooking nor in the kitchen. He just glances at the GT-R. "What will I do? This feeling isn't new to me or anything but if this keeps on going, then I'll be as slow as I was in my S14 years ago..." Tomo uttered. He sat on the GT-R's hood thinking about what Nathan Sr. has in mind.

"Come to think of it, where are the Father and son duo at this hour? They're not at home... maybe they're out on another film shooting or something. The Dad did say that I should prepare dinner by 6. And they're coming home at 5:45 which is an hour from now. I'd better get my butt moving..."
He stood up and headed for the Kitchen. One last time he stares at his GT-R. The Nismo Z-tune front Bumper, hood and Mine's rims are the features that his GT-R holds. He thought to himself, even with a car like this... If I'm not as good as my car is, then... I'm not fit to be Daiki's companion at this team... He walks to the kitchen with his head down.

Sakura and Kitami did a few runs at the nearby mountain road. Sakura drifts through a corner, nailing the apex in her red GT-R34 as Kitami equalizes with a parallel drift. Flames bursted out of the two cars as they prepare for the next corner - a right J turn. Both cars were positioned at the outside and slowly make their way inside. Sakura grips through the turn as Kitami's Mustang slowly clears the corner at the same manner. The mustang though was understeering and as Kitami nudges a bit on the gas, the rear trips. He immediately countersteers and regains the car's balance. The gap widens and Kitami pounds on the accelerator as the straightway is up. Whilst on the straight, Kitami checks the grip meter screen on top of the airconditioning next to the gauges. He was able to make it out with three quarters of grip remaining. He still wasn't satisfied. He wanted it to reach at least half. He still hasn't got the balance that Nathan Sr. is talking about.

Sakura steps out of her GT-R and wipes the sweat off her face. Kitami approaches her and begs for one more round. "Eh? Wasn't that enough for today? I mean, we're at it for the past 5 rounds and you still can't get the balance of your car?" Sakura asked.
"I know it's too much, but could you at least race me one more time? I need to make it reach half of the grip left. I beg you, one last round." Sakura just gave a sigh and said "Alright. One more round. Then we head back, I'm starving."
"Thanks." Kitami said as he boards his Mustang.
"What? We need to wait here again!?" Hiei asked.
"Just one last time, Hiei-chan. We'll just do one more round." Sakura answered.
"Oh, alright! I'll just time your run like I used to do. Ryusen, you time this time."
Hiei leaves and gets a soda from a nearby vending machine.
"Ready for one more, Kasumi?"
"alright. One more. If I scream; sorry in advance if I freak out over your driving."
"Forgiven. Now, let's go. I can't wait for what Tomo is making for dinner." Sakura shifts the car to gear one and presses the gas real hard. The red GT-R went to a 180 degree spin. Kitami followed as the red Skyline boosts out of the finish line.

Tomo was in high pressure in the Archibal Kitchen. Even the other chefs he's working with are pressuring him. Everyone is moving at a high pace. Tomo, because of his current state of mind is working at a pace half of that of the rest. He's working on a couple of monkfish fillets. He rolled them up on all spice and Paprika and pan fried them in a hot Saute pan with olive oil. Pretty easy? Well, Tomo's keeping an eye for the right timing - not too early as it'll still be raw and not too late as it'll burn and dry up. He has already burned 2 fillets earlier. One of the Chefs next to him is working on the Citrus Vinaigrette while another one is sauteeing potatoes and asparagus in butter. The head chef is calling the shots and he's like a processor as he talks. "Guest-Chef hurry with the fish you there is the vinaigrette done how are the desserts doing is the chocolate holding its shape it better be!!" He's talking straightforward; no stops, no periods. He's like a stopwatch timing everyone every second. "You guys got a few minutes before we start serving and guest chef the fillets the fillets!!" Tomo was spacing out a moment ago until the head chef calls his attention. He nearly burned 5 fillets there but he was able to save them.
The head chef approaches him and says "stop that. Take a break first. You can't work at this rate."
"No chef. I need to finish this. I only got 2 sets of 5 left. I can do this, don't worry."
"Easy with the stubborness Kid. If that stubborness gets to your cooking, who knows what Sir Nathan would say about it. Okay fellas double time!!" He's right. Tomo's not giving his effort at all. Why? What Nathan senior told him is still bugging his mind as he works. He tries to concentrate but he momentarily sees his GT-R at the back of his head. He's sweating as he continues his work. A simple task yet Tomo's having a hard time doing it at a face pace which is regular in a kitchen brigade.

edited: (as of 11/28/2008)

Episode 11 - Elements of Devotion

Chapter 42 - Priorities

A weeks stay at the Archibal Mansion has passed by and Tomo never had the chance to practice in his car. It is murder for him. He can't stand it. He loves his cooking career but he loves his car and his driving career equally. Without the other one, he'd fall apart. He's sitting next to the Kitchen door, spaced out as he blindly stares at the scenery. He's completely out of it.

One of the line cooks noticed this and went to the head chef. "Sir, don't you think that Sir Nathan ought to return the boy's car keys? If his car is that important to him, it'll be unjust to rip him off that passion as well. What do you think, eh?"
"I have no say in this at all. I can't approach Sir Nathan about something like this. This is between him and Sir Nathan. We can't interfere. If the kid pulls this off or not, Sir Nathan will give the final call."
"Can't we at least encourage him to work harder even without..."
"Like I said, Grillardin We can't interfere. I can only approach him if he's not working pretty well."
During the conversation of the 2 cooks the rest of the kitchen brigade joined in the discussion. Later on, Tomo stood up, still with the spaced out look.
The rest of the cooks and chefs hid behind the back door.
"Do you think he heard us?"
"SSShhh!!"
"Where's he going?"
"I said ssshhhh!!"
Tomo removed his apron, hanged it where he used to hang it; along with his towels and training skull cap and heads out of the Kitchen.
He slowly walks around the Mansion, in a completely depressed look. The rest of the maids and servants who noticed him wondered why. Did the Master do something to him? They started to feel sorry for their visitor.
Tomo decided to go up and sleep for the rest of the day. His friends are out doing runs in the nearby mountain roads. Only he was left in the Mansion. The Father and Son are also out. No one knows whether it's business related or something. One thing's for sure that the Ford GT and Viper are out of the Garage.
Before Tomo could open the guests' room door, his pants were being heeled by somebody. It was a little girl. Probably one of Nathe's siblings; around 4 years old. A cute, Goldilocks like girl with blue eyes, wearing a gown-like dress. You could even consider her as a doll. She was crying. "Mister, could you help me, please? My big brother and Father are out. Please help me!"
user posted image

Tomo's depressed, spaced out look soon faded and he begins to show a more compassionate look as he stared at the child's big blue eyes. He bends down to the kid and asks: "What do you need help with, kid?"
"My sister... I can't find my sister..."
"What does she look like?"
"She's got smooth lines and wears a shiny pink..."
The kid kept on talking as Tomo forms, in his mind, a teenage girl who resembles Kasumi...
"...and she's got Shiny wheels...!"
"And any more t-... what?"
"Shiny wheels!"
Tomo covers his face with his palm. "Idiot I am. She must be referring to a toy car or something. Okay where did you last saw "her"?"
"I'll show you, mister." They went to the little girl's room. A typical girly like room with dolls one one corner, a cute bed on the other corner and all that. Something unusual though next to the door - a Diorama of their house where she plays with her dolls. "Where'd you last place your toy?"
"Over there." She pointed to the teddy bears at one corner. Tomo, one by one, removes the bears and before they know it, Tomo found the car. It was a pink Honda AP1 S2000. The second generation kind. And it had a few changes. It almost seemed real.
"Is it this one?"
"Marie!! There you are!!" The girl nabbed the toy car off Tomo's palm and hugs it dearly. "What's so special with that car? You're a girl. You should be more on dolls and teddies..." The little girl gave Tomo a pouting face. "You're mean, mister. My dad made this for me."
"Oh! Sorry. I didn't know. How long was it with you?"
"Mommy said ever since the day I was born."
"Where is your mother?"
"She's out in the back near the cars." the little girl jumps to the window where you can see a good view of the garage all the way to the green fields and the flower garden. "See?" She points to a Blond haired woman, in her late thirties, picking flowers near the cars. As she picked some, her eyes were on Tomo's Nissan Skyline. What for? What is in his GT-R that caught the attention of someone who seems to not care about cars in a detailed aspect? "That's your mother? (Must probably be as old as the Sr.)" As the woman tilted her head, it showed a very young faced woman With teal eyes and smooth blond hair. "(OMG! She's young!!)..." Tomo was speechless while the little girl intimately stared at how Tomo looked at her mother.
"Come on, Mister. I'll introduce you to my mom" she called out to Tomo as she skipped to the hallway. Tomo just followed.

[FLOWER GARDEN NEAR GARAGE 1:45 p.m.]

"Mommy! Mommy! I want you to meet someone." The little girl called out to her mother.
"What is it dear. By the way, do you like daisies or dandelions?"
"Later mom! I want you to meet him."
As she got a glimpse of Tomo, she told her daughter. "Mommy knows him already."
"Really? What's his name?"
"His name is Tomo. Now run along baby. Mommy needs to put these in a vase."
Tomo looks at the girl as she plays on the green fields, like her mom told her.
"Is this your car?" The mother asked.
"Ah, yes ma'am. By the way... I think we didn't meet. But it seems you know me."
"My husband told me about you."
"May I know your name?"
As the flowers are starting to whither, she says "Let's talk later. Is it alright if I ask for your help with these? I don't want these to die..."
"Okay ma'am." Tomo said as he helps her with the flowers.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Dec 3 2008, 01:26 AM

Chapter 43 - A Dazzling Melody

Nathan Sr.'s wife arranged the flowers she picked and placed them in a wonderful looking vase filled with ice water. Tomo helped a bit in the flower arrangement. "Thank you so much." She said to Tomo.
"It's no problem at all Mrs... uh... ma'am."
"Oh, I forgot to tell you my name. My Apologies. I am Dorothy. Nathan's wife. It's pleased to be talking to you at this moment, Mr. Kitsumoro." She bends her head down in respect for Tomo being Japanese.
"Please, ma'am. Lift your head up. I appreciate it." Tomo said as he panicks in embarassment.
"Would you like to have some tea? You must have worked so hard in the kitchen."
"Thanks a lot. Well I was planning to take a nap until your young daughter came up to me."
"Margarette? She's been asking me to help find her toy but I don't have the time. My Husband and Nathe are always out too. She rarely gets to talk to the rest of us. It's often me when I at least have the time."
"Must be hard... for her I mean at this very young age."
"Oftentimes her only playmates are the maids when they come and clean her room. That enough, she's happy." One of the servants came with some tea and muffins. A sweet fruity aroma embraces Tomo's nose. "The sweet smell of oranges surrounds me."
"That's because it's made with orange zest." The maid says.
"It happens to be one of my favorites. Please try it." Dorothy claimed.
While Tomo takes a bite out of the muffin, Dorothy sips some tea from her cup. "So, how do you like the ambiance here?" she asked. "The place is wonderful. I can't believe Sir Nathan has managed to get a lot here. It's like being in a wonderful flower garden not too far from Vancouver. It reminds me a lot of home."
"If I may ask, where in Japan were you from?"
"I'm from Gunma. By the way, the muffin tastes great."
"Glad you like it. Gunma eh? That place has a wonderful ambiance as well."
"Have you been there?"
"Before. The place is peaceful."
"Not exactly. At night, the prefecture is something else. It's like being in Tokyo." With that said Tomo sips some tea out of his cup. He continues to describe the difference of Gunma by day and Gunma by night. Dorothy was able to understand as she admits that she did go to one of the mountains one night. Moments later, she changed the topic from what's Gunma like to What's with Nathan Sr.?
"Before we go on any further with this conversation, I'd like to give to you my apologies for the actions of my husband."
"Oh, no no. You don't need to apologize. I'm actually treating Sir Nathan's 'command' to me as a test."
"I think it's best that you know the reason behind my husband's actions." Dorothy's eyes look serious as she tells Tomo about Nathan Archibal sr.
"My Husband, he can tell the presence of a person specializing in driving techniques. He can tell if a person needs improvement or not. To tell you the truth, my husband is actually doing you a favor. He likes to help people out but in a way that seems annoying to his recepients."
"Well, that's unusual in a way... If I may ask, what does Sir Nathan's ability to see driving ability have to do with his identity as a hollywood star and real estate broker?"
"None. It's his secret 'profession' that only we in the family circle know.He even got my son, Nathan Junior involved in his so called adventure. Despite this, he keeps it as a sidestory of his life."
Tomo leans back on his seat and thinks of what Dorothy said to him moments ago.
"Now I see... It's his way of seeing if my driving ability is acceptable to his standards. What car does he drive any way?"
"I'm sorry. That I cannot tell you."
Tomo just gives a sigh. He takes his tea cup and sips on it again, thinking, at the back of his mind, how to cope with this situation he's in.
"But I could tell you how he drives. It was an experience that is still tatooed on my mind." Dorothy suggested.
They placed their tea cups back on their saucers before she started telling another story.
"The last time he took me for a drive was no more than 4 years ago.

QUOTE

The flashback takes place in a highway at the United States, a few kilometers away from the Canadian Border. A couple looks at the bay at Seattle as they lean on the hood of a Metallic Red, black striped Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe. Nathan Archibal Sr. looked a lot younger, obviously. His hair wasn't that grayish. It was still having that burnt aumber tone - the same tone that his son's hair has right now. Dorothy looked a lot different from today. Right now, her hair was rebonded. Straight with blondish hair tone. 5 years back, her hair's still blond in color but it was curly. It suited her more. Both of them are just wearing their casual clothes. Obviously, they're still married. Nathan Junior is close to finishing college. Margarette just became 6 months old. Nothing went wrong between Nathan Sr. and Dorothy after nearly 20 years in marriage.

"You know, honey?" "What is it, love?" "Do you think this car is a good choice?" Nathan asked.
"Oh, come on, love. You're still at it with these things? I mean, Ever since we were dating 3 decades ago, you're still into this stuff. I mean, what's important to you, your career as a star and a real estate broker? or this?"
"I told you a million times, hon, I don't want you to be over cautious about my well being. That's why I placed my choice of driving to be third in my life, my careers second and you as my top 1." Dorothy blushed from hearing that. "How would I have forgotten that. I'm so careless with words..."
"Heh, don't worry. I forgive you honey."
"Well, since you put it that way, I honestly have no idea what this car could do. What are your plans on it?"
"I am planning to give this to Nathe once he comes home after graduation."
"A graduation gift? Are you really confident enough that he could drive this?"
"Of course, he has that good ol' Archibal blood. The blood that came from his Father's dying passion."
"As far as you're concerned, I know that there's only one way for us to see what it can do. You ready, love?"
Nathan Sr. looks at the long stretch of highway road. It was blank. Not many drive at this interstate. He sits in the driver's seat and checks the GPS. Not many obstacles in the way of his test run. Just a few Sunday drivers, here and there but it's enough for Nathan to 'use' as a test course. "Get in." He said to Dorothy. "Let's dance!"
He turns on the ignition of the menacing V-10 engine. Dorothy and Nathan fastened their seatbelts and are ready to take on the road infront of them. A gust of wind passes by the Viper, that is positioned at one side of the highway. He revs the car to the 6000 rpm redline and immediately floors it by the time he shifts the car to gear 1. The rear tires spun like crazy, and a huge burnout engulfed the rear end of the car. As it makes its way to gear 2, the car boosts to a higher pace. They passed the other cars as if they were standing still. The viper soon reached speeds of 120 miles. 130. 140. 150. Then comes a hairpin. Nathan slammed on the brakes. The inertial movement of their bodies pressed forward, only to be supressed by the seatbelts. Nathan maximizes the steering radius of the Viper to the left and pounds on the gas causing the car's rear to trip. But there was one unusual instance going on. He didn't bother to countersteer. As soon as they made it halfway through the corner, Nathan accurately taps the gas press by press managing the tire wear and wheel spin. They cleared the corner in a fascinating 92 mph and is facing the next right hand bend. Every corner they come across, Nathan would simply do the same thing that he did at the first one. As they reach home, Nathan brought the car to a stop. The rear tires were completely fine. A little worn out but it's still okay. They stepped out of the car. Dorothy didn't get a seizure. She must be use to Nathan's way of driving. Nathan smiled as he stared at the Viper. "Our son will love this."

"And that explains why Nathe has the Viper..." Tomo said as he crossed his arms.
"He has a secret to that way of driving." Dorothy followed. "He acutally practices in the snow with cars like this. He even took out his personal car out the same way and improved drastically."
"I know you wouldn't tell me what car it is but at least may I know where its engine is placed?"
"It's in the back of the car and the power is immense."
"A mid ship eh..."
"Is that what you call it?"
"Yes ma'am. Unlike a normal car, a mid ship car has it's engine at the back to gain a more or less 50-50 weight distribution of the car giving it better cornering than that of a normal car with its engine at the front. Um... I'm sorry if I'm talking too much like this. I can't help it."
"No no. It's alright. I understand. Nathan used to give me these 101's that he call most of the time years back."
"I see. So in your own words, how would you describe his driving?"
"How would I describe it?" Dorothy looks at the scenery as she thinks. The flowers waving her "hi", the birds nesting on a tree, the butterflies swarming around the flowers, helped her think of how to describe her husband's driving."
"Hold on." She calls for one of the maids and requests something. The maid leaves and gets what Dorothy asked. A minute passed and she came back with a case of somesort. A violin case, holding a special violin. A stradivarius.
"Tomo, this is how I describe my husband's driving."
Dorothy takes the violin and positions it as how most violinists would. She takes the rod and starts to play a song.

SPOILER

Once she stops playing, Tomo was in a state of shock. He was able to picture in his mind a violinist at work and compares it to Nathan's driving. Driving in the snow. It was as if he's making an art. The line he took, in Tomo's mind, was perfect. "So that's how Nathan drives. Unbelievable." He said in a soft tone. Dorothy looks at Tomo to see if he's alright or was he mesmerized by the song. "You alright, eh?"
Tomo soon got to his senses. He holds his head. "Yes. I'm fine. That piece was something."
"Did you like it? It was the only way for me to describe my husband's style."
"It was lovely. You're really good at the violin aren't you?"
"It's nothing really. I do this whenever I'm bored at home, my boys are somewhere else and Margarette is sleeping."
Tomo stood up and decides to go back to the Kitchen.
"Thank you, Mrs. Archibal. Now I know; I don't need to doubt myself anymore. I'll show your husband that I can surpass his expectations."
"Please, call me Dorothy. Afterall, with you guys around the house, things are becoming livelier. I even considered you guys as part of the family."
"Thank you for that too... Dorothy."
Tomo walks away and looks at his watch. He needs to get ready. Dinner is coming. He and the rest need to prepare ASAP.
Dorothy looks at the GT-R one more time. Her smiling face soon soaked down to an emotionless face. "Will he be able to prove my husband wrong? Only a few have done so. Many have failed. Will he be the fourth one to surpass his expectations? I sure hope he knows what he's doing for I know what will happen after this." she said to herself. What could she mean by this?

Posted by: Meteor Dec 4 2008, 08:10 AM

I'm liking Speed Legend Intermission far more than than this story, but things have turned interesting again.

And what Kasumi gave Nathan Jr. was a slap, not a facepalm. A facepalm is when you put your palm to your own face.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Dec 7 2008, 03:42 PM

Glad you like the intermission too. I'm trying to equal things up here - making the other one interesting like the other one and so forth...
Anyway, here's MOAR!!

--------------------------------

Chapter 44 - Familiarity

Everybody came home before the sun completely sets. Dinner was ready. It's now 7:30 p.m. and everyone gathered at the dining area. A whole variety of food was placed infront of them: Pan fried spiced monkfish fillets with citrus vinaigrette, Deep fried Polenta, Bacon and cheese quiche lorraine, American style Beef Steak, Sashimi and for dessert, fruit & nut chocolate fondue. Sakura was trembling in excitement over the food they're about to eat. Well, mostly on the fondue part. Hiei and Ryusen took photos of the dinner table before they settled in. Kitami was talking with Nathan sr. about how he nearly got the balance he was talking about. Nathe was busy talking to his manager by phone. Kasumi went to the kitchen to check up on Tomo. As she peeps through the round window, she sees Tomo intensely working hard with the rest of the kitchen crew. "I guess he's adjusting well; even without me around. That's good."

Dorothy had everyone take their seats and gave the opening statement before eating. "As you could see, the food tonight is completely different. It's a mixture of flavors from around the world. Honestly, this is planned by our house head chef and Tomo, our guest chef; so please, enjoy." With that said, everyone gave an applause. The guests took their portion of the meal, except for Ryusen who took in double of his own weight. By 8:15, they were done and they went straight to their rooms, getting ready for bed. Tomo on the other hand is still busy preparing which looks like tomorrow's morning and afternoon tea - a chocolate chip cookie dough and a sugar cornmeal cookie dough. He's currently wrapping them up in cling wrap. But he's not done yet. Everyone in the kitchen left for their rooms except for him. He's still busy preparing the meals for tomorrow; getting whatever meats to use tomorrow marinated and whatever ingredients, segregated. He volunteered to do this on behalf of the head chef. Two hours passed and he's still not done, working on the lunch ingredients. It looks as if a slab of pork is being spiced and wrapped as well. If my guess is right, it could be a German recipe he's working on - German pork knuckle. The head chef said that it's the master's favorite lunch for he has been to Germany recently. In connection with Tomo's intentions, I think he's trying to impress Nathan sr. so that he could drive again. Another hour passed and he's still not done. He's cleaning up the place. Mopping the floors, sanitizing the pots and pans, double checking the knives; all that all by himself. Moments later, Dorothy went down to get a glass of warm milk and witnessed Tomo's perseverance. She said to herself "I think he's overdoing it a bit. But I guess for this moment, it's alright. He needs to do this." Tomo felt a presence as if he's being watched. "Am I being watched?" he uttered. He looked at the back and saw mistress Dorothy by the door. She lets her in and they had a chat over some warm milk. "You know, I think you need to go to bed. Some of your friends have slept already. I am getting worried that something might happen to you if you don't sleep well."
"Don't worry, ma'am Dorothy. I'm quite used to this." Tomo said as he assures her by holding her right hand, which is next to the glass of milk. "I hope you are sure of it."

At Kitami's room, he still can't get to sleep. He tried nudging from end to end of his bed and still can't sleep. He covered his head with his pillow until he nearly suffocated. "Arrrgh! Why can't I sleep!?" He yelled. He decides to go down to ask for a glass of milk as well. At the stairs, she saw Dorothy. "Good evening ma'am." he said courteously. "Oh, Good evening Kitami." She answered back. "Your friend Tomo's down at the kitchen cleaning up. If you need a glass of milk there's one he placed at the dining table."
"Oh, really? I'd better thank him. Well, goodnight ma'am." Dorothy nodded her head and makes her way up to her room.
As soon as Kitami took the glass of milk and drank it all, Tomo just came out of the kitchen completely wasted. "Uggh" he moaned. "I'm so tired. I gotta rest. I need to do this to get my R back."
"So this is what is all about?" Kitami asked him out of the blue.
"Whoa! Kitami is that you?" Tomo's eyes are quite blurry at the moment and he can't recognize who was there.
"You can't tell?"
"At first glance, I thought you were a macho dancer or something."
"What are you-... hey!?"
"I'm kidding alright? Sheesh, calm down. I'm going to bed." Tomo said in a sleepy tone.
"Fine. Just don't let me catch you sleeping infront of your room just like when we were in high school, you hear me?" Kitami reminded him.
As Tomo got up the stairs, he noticed something as soon as he got to the flooring of the second hall: Sakura's keys to her GT-R. Tomo could tell by the Hello Kitty Key chain that is attached to it. "I'd might as well give this back to her." Tomo thought. It took him a while to think.
A minute of thinking past. Kitami's coming up the stairs. Tomo silently panicked. "What to do, what to do... if Kitami sees me with this then... Agh! I don't wanna think about it! Where to hide?" He shouted in his mind until he found the large indoor plant near the second floor library room. It was big enough for someone to stand behind it and not to be noticed. Tomo took the opportunity and stood behind it as Kitami walks tipsily back to his room. He closed the door. Tomo gave a sign of relief and stares again at Sakura's car keys.
"D'oh, it has been nearly half a month's worth of stay here with the Archibals, where my friends are out finishing up their techniques and me stuck in the kitchen. I can't miss this chance." He whispered to himself. "But... I kept my word that I won't touch the GT-R until Nathan Sr. gives the signal. But... Sakura also has one... and I have the key to it... the key to liberate me from this cage that I'm used to - the kitchen. Now's my chance."
Tomo was anxious to get out and drive Sakura's car even for a short while.
As he walked down the stairs, he taught to himself: "wait a minute, why would Sakura leave her keys outside her own room? Hmph. must've dropped it as she tiredly went to bed or something. It's a typical case." He sneaked up to the back door. He's halfway through the long main hall of the mansion until.
"Are you seriously going to go against your own words?" A voice from behind him said.
user posted image

Tomo slowly tilted his head to see who it was.
"Dorothy? Kasumi? Little Margarette? Mommy?"
As Tomo got sight of who it was, it was Sakura in her evening dusters.
"Damn. Busted." He uttered to himself.
There was something odd though about Sakura - she looks as if she's half asleep.
As Tomo looked down, Tomo shrivelled in embarassment. "Please, cover yourself up" he said.
Sakura did just so; but she wasn't embarassed much over it. Her face partly went red hearing that as she fixed her clothes up.
"Okay, I'm sorry. I saw your keys next to your door and as I looked at it, I couldn't help myself. Alright? Here, take it. And let's go back to bed."
"What are you talking about?"
"Ha?"
"Not so loud. I'm already doing you a favor here." She whispered. "I'll allow you tonight on one condition. I come along with you. So that things won't be that obvious okay? I'll tell the guard at the guardhouse near the gate that I'll just go and buy some milk or something then we trade places, got it?"
"O thank you Sakura, I lov-"
"Less talking more sneaking, got it?"
The two of them sneaked towards the back door. They rode Sakura's GT-R and turned it on. Sakura nimbly tapped on the gas in order to not make any excessive engine noise. She lets the idling of the engine lead them to the gate. The guard on duty woke up as a couple of headlights came up close. He opened his flashlight and saw Sakura driving it.
"Um... I am... just buying some milk. A bit health conscious here. I'm gonna go to the convenience store to see if my favorite brand is there."
"Oh. Okay." The guard silently opened the gate, lets them through, closes it and goes back to sleeping on the job.

Kilometers away from the mansion, Tomo and Sakura traded places. Tomo happens to be scrunching up in the back, covered in blankets in order not to be noticed. Sakura keeps a few blankets if ever there were moments that she needs to catch up on her sleep and does it in the car. Tomo accidentally witnessed one of Sakura's brassieres there but he didn't bother to tell her that. He knew what'll come next if he does so.
"There we go. No need to thank me, Tomo-chan."
"Tell me Sakura, why are you doing this?"
"What do you mean?"
"Helping me go against me and Nathan Sr's conditions?"
"I was concerned about you. I knew that if you don't get a feel of a car at all, you will collapse no matter how determined you'd become the next day, You'll get relapses and mistakes on the way. I don't want it to happen to you. That's why I'm doing this."
"Really?" Tomo said as he blushed. "T-Thanks a lot."
"Don't mention it. Remember we only got until 2 a.m. on this. We have to get back before 2. It's 12:25 now. Let's go."
Tomo shifts the red GT-R to gear one and slowly presses the gas. The car smoothly gets out of the service road and into the main highway.
Tomo took a right turn at the second junction. He checked the time: 12:35 a.m. Moments later, he got to an area where it reminds him of one of the passes where he and Lucas Scott raced. The layout of the area, as he makes his way up, resembles the passes he's been on when he was at USA. As he reaches the peak, he turns the car around and stops. BOth of them got out to see the landscape pictured.
A lot of Neon lights flashing from afar. A huge round light in the middle and a blimp floating above it. They could tell because of the small red light blinking as it makes its way around the big light. "That's the staduim at Seattle." Sakura mentioned. She's still wearing her dusters but she wore her denim jacket on top of it. "Who ever thought that its lights are that powerful. Must be a huge concert or something going on." Tomo commented. Tomo's still wearing his chef's uniform that night.
Sakura glances at her watch. A rolex GT-4 golden studded watch. It was a gift from Daiki, Hiroya and Shimizu for that race at Infineon for doing a good job. "we better head back now. It's almost 1 a.m. Start practicing here. This is where Kitami and I practiced days back with the rest of the group. Here's my personal record." Sakura takes a small piece of paper from one of the pockets of her denim jacket. It was all crunched up and Sakura unwrapped it open. It says 2:14.658 - that is Sakura's time record with Kitami on one session. "Think you could beat that in my car?" She asked with a grin. "I'll try. But I won't guarantee that I could beat it."
"You don't have to obliterate my record. Just do what you can do. And we better hurry. Time isn't on our side, you hear?"
"Gotcha there. Let's get in and start."
Tomo re-ignites the GT-R It sounds as if it's holding a bigger turbine. The muffler backfires successively, like that of some WRC cars. A huge hiss came out of the car as Tomo releases his foot off the gas at certain moments. He's ready. He shifts from Neutral to gear 1. He taps the gas and holds his foot on it afterwards bringing the car from a smooth start off to a serious run. He shifts gears as if it's an ordinary thing. Letting go of the gas, pressing the clutch, shifting to the next gear and swapping the position of his feet, it's a feeling he missed so much. Being far from the cockpit has caused Tomo's feet to slightly tremble. Sakura looks at him and gives a cute smile. "Glad I can help you out at moments were you're desperately in need of it." She mumbled. "Did you say something?" Tomo asked.
"Oh, nothing."
The first corner's up - an immediate tight hairpin pattern staring off with a right hairpin. Tomo grips on the steering wheel much harder. He removes the gas, shifts down and presses the clutch and brake together and makes his turn. The car slightly understeered but his entrance was too general which made him clear the corner just right. He lost a huge amount of speed though, upon entry.
He shifts up and simultaneously presses and lifts both the clutch and gas pedal. Flames bursted again from the muffler. And a huge hissing sound out of the turbines. The turbine gauge points at an area in between 1.5 and 2.0. As they shift gears, their bodies leaned forward a bit yet are supported by the seatbelts.

Tomo makes his way through 1/3 of the pass, He's doing just fine. To Sakura, his driving is a bit too common today. Too standard but she lets it pass. She knows that because Tomo was out too much on the kitchen and not out at all on the driver's seat, Tomo didn't get use to his own driving style and copied a basic, orthodox pattern. He passed a few hairpins and stuck onto the inside lane nearly causing the car's rear to skid. The ATTESA ET-S works up and corrects the tire position, thus regaining grip and no skidding.
Tomo looks behind him and concludes - "someone's coming from behind"
"hmm?"
"Somebody's coming. Do you think you want to let it pass?"
The car behind them suddenly got close to the 34's rear bumper and signals his high beam at Tomo.
"It looks like it wants to challenge me down the hill. What should I do?"
"I think you should..."
"let's race then!"
"I was gonna say pull to the side and let him pass but...oh well..."
Tomo pounds on the gas and tries to make a gap between Sakura's car and the car behind them. The car can't be identified completely except for the 2 figures that Tomo's able to see: a couple of headlights, the shape of a thin almond in an angle and a yellow and green metallic circle at the middle. Even Tomo has no clue about the car behind him. They passed 2 successive hairpins. Tomo checks the mirror and saw no car from behind. He gives a sigh of relief. After that sigh, it reappeared again. It shocked TOmo and Sakura out of their seats.
"Who is this guy?"
"I don't know Sakura. But there's one thing bugging me. The line he's taking... I think I've seen it before. Back at home."
The mysterious clubman car from behind slowly decreased the gap. It's closing in to the red GT-R that attempts to pull away.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Dec 10 2008, 04:57 PM

Finally, a new chapter! I'm actually on the groove here and got the synopsis of some chapters ready for fast mind-upload. Heh, heh. No further, here's 45!

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Chapter 45 - Resolution

An infamous mountain side road at Canada is beholding a secret unknown battle. This infamous road wasn't given a name to be recognized as. Frankly, touge racing isn't much of a trend in Canada than it is in Japan and the Canyons of USA. A road that we could name as ANONYMOUS. A red GT-R and a mysterious black compact duel down Anonymous pass.
user posted image

The past gives a somewhat similar road layout as that of Momiji line pass, which is located at Tochigi, Japan: long and wide straights with a few bends and an oncoming hairpin at a steep slope. Some sections would have high speed chicanes as that of its twin pass from the east. The difference? No gutters present. It's easy to gain speed but it's easy enough also to lose control and understeer.

Sakura's GT-R can barely hold on to the lead against the oncoming chaser. "I still can't identify the car from here. Its lights are too bright." Sakura, who was sitting at the passenger seat, said as she tried to identify the oncoming car from behind. "But, what did you mean that this line he's taking is familiar?" she asked Tomo.

"I can't quite put my finger on it Sakura, but I know I've seen it somewhere before." Tomo answered. Mid way through the pass, they've cleared 4 hairpins and 2 sets of steep chicanes. Going down at full throttle, you could really feel the weight shifting from one side to the other. As the GT-R brakes for every oncoming chicane-hairpin combination, the mysterious car clears every corner faster as if it ain't braking at all. The maneuveres the unknown car shows from behind is unexplainable. To top it all, it's stable as it exits every corner.

"The next series of turns would tell if I could outrun him, or her... After this is a long straight before one final hairpin." Tomo has his plan in mind, yet he still wonders if that plan of his would coincide with his current mediocre driving style. He has nothing to lose. He only has one shot at this. Sakura notices the determination and concentration in Tomo's eyes that she prepares for the worse that is to come. She held tighter to the hand grip and her seatbelt.

Right turn. Tomo immediately steps on the brakes; downshifts 2 gears lower and delays his gas timing as he turns the car into the apex. Once he passed it, he went full throttle and times his shifting. Unfortunately, he was a second late as he shifts one gear up. The car veered back a bit compared to his same attempts corners ago. He shifted too early. The unknown car swerved to the side, getting ready to overtake from Tomo's side. BOth cars are now nose to nose with each other. A short S bend is approaching.
"Gotta un-gas at this area to maneuver through with ease. Against a car of the same weight as that of the GT-R, it's a good plan to increase the gap. There was just one problem though. His opponent's car seemed so small, so it must be light. Tomo was on the outside of the first bend. He ungasses as the car's nose is perpendicular to the change of the road's line - coming into a linear angle by the moment. The other car didn't bother to slow down and the driver had his foot glued to the gas pedal. As he turned the car, it moved with ease - just like what TOmo had in mind. The tie slowly diminished and the mysterious car was in view in front of the R34. It is the latest Lotus model. As the Lotus positions itself infront of the R34 while clearing the chicane, a few letters, made from chrome in between the tail lights spell out the model - EXIGE.
Below the right tail lights is a mark spelling out 240R. Yes; it was a Lotus Exige 240R. A car equally light or much lighter than the AE86. Engine output as high as a Honda S2000's. A body as compact as a Mazda Roadster's. It's the ultimate British downhiller. Add the midship component of the car, it kills all corners. The exige's exhaust burst out flames as the car pulls away from the R34.

Tomo gave a huge sigh. His sigh either means 'glad that's over. I didn't know what I was up against so, it's okay' or 'damn! Another loss!? Oh, man I really can't face Daiki like this!'. By the time they reach the base, the Exige disappeared as well. Tomo entered into the main road back to the Archibal mansion before he gets caught for breaking his word. Also to catch up on his sleep, as well. Sakura patted Tomo's shoulder. "Well, so much for our little challenge. We'll try next time okay?" Sakura mentioned. Tomo intimately looked at the road. "Are you okay Tomo-kun?" Sakura pats his shoulder some more until he got irritated that he needed to know why. Sakura just said "Forget about that encounter. You weren't ready. Let's leave it at that alright? It caught us off guard so it's not your fault you lost to it." Tomo simply nodded as they make their way back to the mansion.

[7:55 a.m.]
Everyone is awake. All but Tomo, who is still in his room sleeping. They actually made it on time. They came home 1:30, they swapped seats before entering the gates, and quietly made their way up to their rooms. A close call.
Nathan Sr. went to the kitchen to check up on the brigade. Actually, he's there to see how Tomo is doing. To no avail; Tomo wasn't there. "Huh? He's not here?" He stepped out and continued to think. Probably he has given up, he thought to himself. "But he couldn't have. I know a lazy one from someone determined. As far as he's concerned, he's more of the latter. Where could he have gone off to? Did he break our agreement and borrowed one of his friends' car?"
Dorothy, who just came down noticed her husband thinking deeply.
"Morning, love." she called out.
"Hey, hunny, have you seen that Tomo kid anywhere?"
"Oh, him? He's still asleep."
"Asleep? (I guess I was completely wrong about him. He's a bum alright.)"
"He stayed late last night preparing everything for today and the next day. He stayed in the kitchen all the way until nearly 12 in the evening."
Nathan Sr. made a whistling sound hearing that. "I see."
"That's all you could say, love?"
"For now, yeah. That was something out of a guest. Staying late at night to do most of our crew's work while they're out asleep." Nathan walked away and went to his study.
Dorothy started to doubt what she said. "If that's the case, then he must have gotten up earlier than we expect. But I checked his room. He's still snoring and sleeping soundly. It's either he was worn out or did something at the back of our eyes." She kept on thinking about it as she got Margarette's breakfast ready.
While Tomo's fast asleep, the rest of his friends were out practicing again. Kitami has the hang of his car already. It's not sliding needlessly as compared to before. It's as if the car has more grip now. The mustang's tires stuck to the pavement like glue as it clears a mid speed corner at 117 kph. Sakura, in her red GT-R is the chaser for the current session. She can keep up but...
The gap gets wider and wider after every corner. "looks like Kitami has the hang of it now." She shifts the car to gear 4. Flames burst out of the exhaust. The needle slowly makes its way to 8400 rpm. Sakura smoothly turns the wheel and the car follwed. She yawned quite a bit whilst on the straightways. She barely got enough sleep at all but she could manage. She didn't do anything tiresome unlike Tomo who cleaned the kitchen from top to bottom.
As they're on the last section of the course, Kitami has made a 2-car-length gap in between the Mustang GT and the GT-R. Alls he got to do is clear the next right corner and they're done. As the Mustang is less than a hundred meters away from the corner's turning point, Kitami presse hard on the brakes. We could say he overdid this corner a bit. The car swerved to the outside a bit as it makes its way through the corner. The rear tripped and is slowly coming into a drift.
Kitami gritted his teeth as he countersteers. "This wasn't supposed to happen." He plans on clearing the corner in a grip manner, not a drift approach. As he clears the corner, his rear end was a ruler's width away from the outside wall. Sakura, who drifted through with ease; possibly coming in with a weight shift-feint maneuver, decreased the 2 car gap down to less than a car's length worth of gap. 200 meters later, they came to a stop.
Sakura and Kitami stepped out of their cars. They approached Hiei, who was holding two stop watches, Ryusen, who was holding a clipboard containing their session times, and Kasumi, who had some bottled water ready for the two of them.
"How was the time?" Kitami asked.
"damn..." Hiei said. "Remember on our first session, you two did a 2:14.XXX-ish record right?"
The two drivers nodded their heads.
"Well, you won't believe this." Ryusen showed the clipboard comparing the first session time and the time they just made. It was a 10 second difference. "You guys nailed the downhill completely."
"Exactly what was our time?" Sakura asked.
"A 2:04 flat!"
"Two minutes and 4 seconds? That's quite an improvement you two did!" Kasumi said.
"Really? I never knew that even Sakura could improve in a heavy weight such as her 34." Kitami uttered.
"And what does THAT suppose to mean?" They all laughed after Sakura gave that question in an ironic tone. Their comic moment was disturbed as a black Lotus Exige pulled up from behind Sakura's car.
"Hmm?" "What could possibly that guy want?" "Who the heck is he anyway?" Kasumi and the guys start to talk amongst themselves about the Exige that parked. As for Sakura, she starled as she saw the car much closer. She gasped as she took a look around the whole body. "Th...this is the car! The car that challenged us!"
"What are you talking about? WE raced amongst ourselves remember?"
"I wasn't talking about you, Kitami. I mean Tomo and I. We..."
"Wait a sec! When did you exactly race with him?" Kasumi started to become suspicious.
"Last night when you were all asleep."
"w...wh...W-WHAT!?"
"Easy, girl. WE didn't do anything that'll hurt you okay? We just went for a drive."
"Halfway down last night, that Lotus approached us and raced us while Tomo was practicing."
The Lotus driver came out and approached Sakura.
"By the looks of this crummy ol' 34, I know the reason why you lost."
"It wasn't I who raced you it was..." As Sakura kept on talking while facing the Lotus guy, she stopped as she saw the face of the driver.
Everyone was covered in deep silence. As if they saw an old friend. A friend that they haven't seen for a while now. Hiei and Ryusen's hands were shaking as they pointed to the guy's face. "Y...y-o...you-re..."
"Yo!" The guy raised his right arm and gave a peace sign to the group. His hair is styled to look as if it looks like a porcupine's. Not that much of a tall guy, I'd say, but his face does look quite Japanese. His hair though is long enought that the tips nearly touched his back collar. His side burns' length was parallel to the tip of his ears. He wore a red and black cotton jacket. No doubt about it. It IS an old friend of theirs. It was Kyosuke Katsumaru.
Kitami's glasses went down in awe. He fixed it up and asked "Kyo? Is that you?"
"Waddya expect? Elvis?"
"Probably."
"Well, it's just... H-HEY!"
The group laughed. Kasumi took Kyo's hands and held it with both of her hands. "it's been a long time, Kyosuke-san. Tomo will be so glad to hear from you."
"What are you exactly doing here?" Ryusen asked.
"Long Story guys. I quitted Scuderia D."
"Scuderia D? Isn't that Takeshi's new project?" Sakura verified.
"It is. Now, they're halfway through the Northern Kantou and they're planning to start up north." Kyo answered.
"Wait a sec. Something's not right here." Hiei wondered. "If that black car is yours, what happened to your R32 Skyline, AE86 Group A trueno, GT300-based PS13, Your Cappuccino, and your Custom RE Mazda FD?"
"All my babies? They're at home. covered soundly. This is my new car."
"Hmph. Babies he said. So you decided to go for a Lotus?" Kitami asked.
"It's my own judgement, alright? You guys know me for driving quite light vehicles. Well, the GT-R is an exemption to that rule of mine. All those cars that I own and Hiei mentioned are quite overused already."
"Overused? I mean, back in our days as Noyzee Tribe, you kept on switching from one car to another." Kitami corrected.
"True. But I practice more with them, which makes me better than you anytime."
"Take that bacK!!" Kitami tries to strangle Kyo but Ryusen holds Kitami in place.
Kasumi takes a look at Kyo's Exige. The car's quite compact, coated in a metallic Black mica. The rims seem to be matte painted and appear to be light. She looks at the back and notices the spoiler. It's quite small, she thought. Atop the Exige is a very small roof scope. Before she finished observing the car, she noticed a shiny sticker at the gas valve. It was Kyo's old team sticker on it. MYOGI KNIGHTS written on the blades of a sword.
"I'm curious, where are you staying?" Kasumi asked.
"Me? At a hotel in Vancouver. I actually came across Daiki and the others. Tetsuya was so surprised to see me. He said he wanted a tuning rematch or something."
"I see. By the way, Kyo. Your car seems pretty light." Kasumi added.
"It is. It's like my AE86 but shorter like a Mazda Roadster and as light as a Suzuki Alto. add the fact that it's a midship, it's the fastest downhill car I've owned. Small, nimble and fast. Just the way I like it."
"Like you?" Kitami broke into laughter saying that.
"Shuddup!" They all laughed afterward.
"Hey, wanna come with us and visit Tomo?" Sakura offered.
"Thanks but no thanks. I need to catch up on some business of my own. I ain't here for nothing you know." Kyo goes to his car and hopped on. He ignites the engine and a high pitched racing engine-like tone came out of the Exige. 300 horses, 700- kilograms. It's like carrying a 550 hp monster in there. He lowers the side window and shouts out "Kasumi! Give my regards to Tomo okay?" Kasumi nodded in return. What a loud sound coming out of a small car. It's weird but you have to get used to it. Kyo shifts to gear one and blasts out of the spot he parked. The group watched the Exige fade into the fog as Kyo leaves them.
"Great. Shino out, Kyo in. What's next?" Ryusen said.
"Don't start Ryusen okay? It's good enough that Kyosuke san came back." Kasumi answered.
"Good enough? I won't be too sure about that. Now I got one meddler to deal with. How can I par up to the best of our team if another one shows up and nabs top 1 away?" Kitami said in disbelief.
"Let's go guys. We had enough training for today." Sakura mentioned.
The group boarded the cars and headed back to the Archibal mansion.

Hours passed and the current time is now 4:30 p.m. Tomo woke up around 2 in the afternoon already. He had something in his mind. It felt great enough for Tomo to hold the wheel of an R again, even if it isn't his own car. He wanted to thank Sakura. He had something in mind already. He plans on making her a personal dinner. As soon as he got to the Kitchen, he gave this idea to the head chef. "Alright. For today; let's just make sure we keep this a secret amongst ourselves. Master Nathan always want everyone, family and guest, to eat dinner together. Tell me what you need, and get started. Me and my men will handle tonight's meal. You go ahead and fix up for your friend." the chef complied. "Thanks a lot!" Tomo answered as he bowed his head. Knowing the fact that Sakura's both physically and mentally active, he makes sure of it that the food he'll serve would benefit her. He took out a quarter of a chicken, some spices, some green veggies and some tofu. He even got some liquid seasonings and some chicken powder, which he considers his magic powder. Before he got started, he took third of a cup of Arborio rice. He's planning a risotto. But what kind?

Two hours and a half passed. It's dinner time. As everyone got down, Sakura was stopped by one of the cooks. He whispered to her ear "Guest Chef Tomo has something for you personally and would like you to separate from the group. If they ask, tell them that you're not hungry as an excuse. Hurry ma'am. He's waiting for you." That message made her blush a bit. What is it that Tomo planned for her?
Kasumi wondered why Sakura slowly walked in the middle of the main hallway, "What's wrong?" she asked her. "Oh, nothing. My stomach's acting up. I can't join you guys. I'm quite full at the moment." She acted. "Oh...kay? I'll tell Miss Dorothy that. See you later then." Sakura went to the second floor again to her room. As she got there, something was wrong. She can't open it. "Darn it! Why won't it open? And I left the keys to it inside. Why would Tomo want to drag me here just to find out that my room is locked from the outside?" She holds her stomach in depression. "and I'm getting hungry here too..."
Inside, Tomo climed from the balcony and asked help from the cooks to lift the food up.

Five minutes passed and Sakura was becoming helpless. She later heard a click sound. Is it opened? She opens it to make sure. It did. She went inside witnessing Tomo lighting a candle on the table. Tomo got throught the trouble of wearing a vest, holding a towel in his left arm, all well dressed just to be her waiter for the night. "W...what is this?" She asked as she blushed. "Your dinner, my lady." Tomo said.
As Tomo assisted Sakura to her seat, she asked again "No, seriously. What is this for?"
"I just wanted to thank you. For last night. For that cruise. It's all I need to get out of that slumber of mine. And this is how I show my thanks to you." Tomo opens up the covered plate showing a personal dish he made. Risotto Milanese with Parsley, Chinese mushroom-vegetable stir fry and Sauteed Chicken breast with Ivory sauce. For dessert he offered Sakura a slice of Devil's food Cake topped with Strawberries and white fudge icing. "How'd you know?" she asked.
"I knew. Why must you ask?" Tomo answered completely red. Sakura blushed back.
Before Tomo could properly say a thank you and goodnight, someone knocked at the door. It startled the current ambiance. It was one of the cooks. Tomo took the liberty of answering the door for her. "It's for you sir. Master Nathan wishes to talk to you. He's at his study" Tomo nods and leaves Sakura for the moment. Sakura smiled back at him before he went down. He told the cook to bring the plates down once Sakura gives the signal.

At the study, Tomo reported as Nathan Sr. wished. "You called, sir Nathan?"
"Come on, please call me Nathan. You're not one of my cooks here. You're my guest too. Don't need to be so modest."
He extended his hand to a chair offering Tomo a seat.
"I got word from my wife that of you're work and..."
Tomo curled up his hand to a fist waiting for the words.
"...I'd like to say..."
Tomo shivered a bit; as he can't wait any longer.
"...I appreciate your efforts."
That's it? Tomo froze for a moment. All that hard work and he won't be able to reach the end of their agreement? It has been nearly 3 weeks now and still no go signal? "Just that?" He said in disappointment.
"What? you expect me to let you off the hook that easily? That ain't the way to get me to change my mind you know!" Once Tomo gave that 'just that' comment, Nathan knew that all the work he has done is for the wrong cause. While working, no doubt his heart wasn't in the right place. Tomo felt so frustrated. He struggled for nearly 3 weeks worth of not driving and he still can't claim back his own car? "But..."
"You're rushing things. Your actions said it all. Cleaning everything and doing everything in one night, acting as if you are a one man army? Haste Makes waste my child. And from what you first said, I knew that your heart wasn't in the right place. Get your act together, child. You still haven't met my expectations. YOu cannot drive yet, you hear me? If you still don't accept what I just said, you're better off with the failures that I met before. They went through the same things you're in now and I assure you that they all failed. Not one passed this challenge I offered to them. And you? You're this short from falling off." Nathan said as he makes an almond shape with his thumb and forefinger. "You want to drive? Then work for it. Don't rush it. Put your heart into your work!" He turns his chair around and kept on talking. "I don't want to cause any ignorant arguments in my household. So please leave me in my study if you're still not satisfied." Tomo did just so, in anger. His actions do not show it but his face shows a lot. It's so childish for someone who was happy moments ago to shift into this person full of self-hate. He went to the garden and slammed the door shut. Coincidentally, Kasumi was there, meditating on the sound of the shrugging leaves. She notices Tomo who was standing still with an angry face. She could tell by how Tomo looks what he's saying. It shows 'idiot. What an ass I am. I hate myself.' She approaches Tomo and confronts him. "Something happened, am I right?" she asked. Tomo just looked at the ground. He pretends not to listen to what Kasumi's trying to say. "at least say something Tomo." He wouldn't respond at all. He just stood there. With that same old angry look on his face. All that he thinks to himself is how much he hates himself. He was ignoring all the senses around him. Moments later, Kasumi knew that words won't get to him. Her words won't calm him down. Her words won't stop him from hating himself. And so she hugged him. Hugged him hoping that it would do something good. She rests her head on Tomo's shoulders and wrapped her arms around his body. "There, there." she said. "You can get through this. I know so. Soon, you'll be able to ride your 'body' again." She was obviously referring to the car. She said 'body' because she knows the aura that surrounds Tomo and his Skyline R34. It was a powerful connection. A connection as powerful as what Kasumi and Tomo have at the moment. Kasumi didn't let go of Tomo for a while. The wind flew by them. Her orange-toned hair smoothly touching Tomo's face. Through Kasumi's love, Tomo slowly lets go of the fault he had known minutes ago and is now in peace. Suddenly, a small tear fell down from Tomo's eyes. He shouldn't have said that to himself. He wasn't only hurting himself. He was also hurting the ones who cared for him. He was blinded by self-hate. Now, he's free. Shortly, thereafter, he stopped hating himself. As his body responded and noticed Kasumi still hugging him, he hugged her back. That hug meant 'yeah. You're right. What was I thinking? Thank you.'
Kasumi later quoted something that would always remind Tomo of how he reacts to those sorts of comments about him: "An enraged man stirs up contention but one that is slow to anger quiets down quarelling. You somewhat did the right thing Tomo. I'm happy you didn't do anything that would harm your connection with Sir Nathan as..." "Harm will return. I know. Thanks for reminding me of that as well, Kasumi."
user posted image

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I also have one more like this, with added text. You can save it as your wallpaper also...

Just click on the link by highlighting the small image.
http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh307/jay2_034/sentimentswallpaper.jpg

Posted by: Skv012a Dec 14 2008, 11:40 AM

Insane work, KUDOS! My only lil gripe is that you draw front bumpers way too tall in the front-side shots, but otherwise great work.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Dec 17 2008, 08:47 PM

I got 3! YES! THREE CHAPTERS UPDATED coming at ya! But the third one causes my post to go blank. I hope someone types a comment so that I can add the 47th chapter already.
Anyway, sorry for the wait! Here's MOAR!
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Chapter 46 - Focus

Another day passed. Tomo understood his fault and is now working twice as hard. Was there a difference between his hard work before and now? There is. He's working to his full potential. But that isn't the only thing that proves a difference. He's putting his heart into his work. For some reason, he can't help but smile while working. He realized now that loving what you do puts your heart in the right place for the right purpose. For now, it doesn't matter if Tomo would be able to drive already or not. All that matters to him is giving his heart into the food that he's preparing. A food to be made for a selfless reason.

As for the Father and son, the two of them took out Nathe's Viper SRT10 and went for an early drive up Anonymous pass.
The SRT10 rests upon the peak of the mountain pass. Both father and son stepped out of the car. Nathe shows a small note to his father. Written on it is: 2:03.486. It's the last record he has done. "I'm just curious dad." Nathe opened up a conversation. "Well, what is it about son?"
"ever since you brought the GT out of the garage, after nearly a year's stay there; what made you bring it out again?"
"Gee... that's a toughie. I guess, I acted on my own. As if my dying passion got another leash of life or something. It's telling me that I want to drive a little while longer before I pass on all these skills of mine to the next generation." He faces Nathe and points his forefinger at his heart. "And when I mean the next generation, I mean you, son. Who knows, you might be the one to bring my passion back to life again; but in your hands that is."
"So, what you're telling me is that you still got it in ya, eh?"
"That's right, eh."
"Just to be sure, how's say you break my record. See if you still got it."
"Hmm? My old son, issuing me a challenge such as this? You're starting to act like me during my youth days before I met your mother." Nathan Sr. chuckled as he said that; before continuing with: "Fine. Hop along."
"Me? join in the trial? Wouldn't I disrupt your power to weight ratio or something?"
"What are you talking about? Of course you won't. With all that power in your SRT10, a venom replica of the Venom 800, PW ratio is nothing to worry about to me."
"I don't like the sound of this one bit."
"Just get in son. Then we head back and pick up the GT, come back here. I'll show you I still have it in me in my own car afterwards."
Nathan sr. shifts the car to N, lets the needle rise up to the 8000 rpm red zone, and shifts once more. A huge burnout was created. A ball of smoke right behind the SRT10. It blasts off its zero postion like it's second to none. Nathe, who had his seatbelt up real tight, nearly chocked as the intertial movement of his body, from zero was very strong. "Damn. We just took off and I can tell that he still has it. If I'm crazy enough to cause a burnout on S curves, my father is much crazier. No wonder he lets this career of his sit on the sidelines." Nathe thought to himself.

Back to Tomo; right now, he's on his one hour break before he goes back to work with lunch. He reminisces on his past journey at Italy, the country where he met, befriended and raced Kitana Tioseco - the European Matador.

At the same time, Kitami suddenly remembers what Kazuma told him at the Airport before they left Italy for good. It was all about the nicknames of Daiki and Kitana and how they're interlinked with their upcoming rivals. "Prince, and princess... hmm... what is it in those two titles that is related to our journey? Well, Tomo did face Lucas Scott, the self proclaimed American Jack and... God am I slow! Now I get what Kazuma means! Prince, princess? Jack? It all makes sense now! The pattern they follow resembles that of a royal family. But the question now is... how are they related to it? Literally or what?" Kitami begins to think. 5 minutes of thinking past and somewhat Kitami had some weird theory he had in mind. "Gotta tell Tomo about this."

He approaches Tomo, who was leisurely reminiscing near the flower garden. "On break?" he asked. Tomo looked to see Kitami. "Uh, Yeah. For an hour." "Good." "Good?" "I got something to tell you. Something important. It's not certain but it's worth a shot." Kitami stood next to Tomo and started talking on how Daiki's nickname - the Prince, Kitana's nickname - the Princess, and Lucas' possible nickname - the Jack, are related to each other. After going halfway through Kitami's explanation, Tomo stepped off and faced back. "You got to be kidding me! That's stupid." he said "how sure are you with that?"
"I'm not but the relation's close. It might not be literal but it could be a rank. Like top 2 of a team and its second tier and third tier members and so forth." Kitami replied. "I don't think so." Tomo answered in return. "It's ironic, illogical and childish. I mean, Medieval posts as a racing rank? Puh! Please!"
"Think about it, man! Yes, Daiki is great. But that's just Japan. Obviously, there are more people who are faster than him. Then, there's Kitana. Z against Lambo; think about it as well. Daiki doesn't stand a chance or if he could, he'd be just par to her but not better. Like in a medieval setting, the Prince and Princess' relative Importance within the Royal Family is the same."
"How could you explain the Jack then? Doesn't that just exist in card games? You know, the ones with the 'J'?"
Kitami can't answer. He got the part of the prince and princess right, but what about the Jack? What's its relevance in the family?
"See? There you go! It's bogus. The end."
"No wait! I still need to research on the meaning behind a Jack. Going beyond what we've encountered, I tried to co-relate other members of the Royal Family into instances like that. No driver could rank a Bishop, no driver could be religious about his driving. But a knight is possible - the defender of the family, so there's one. Then there's the qu-..."
"Just zip it, alright? I have no idea what you're talking about here! Yeah Daiki's called as the Prince, and Kitana's only, and I mean, ONLY the Euro Matador. The Princess thing was just a hypothetic theory behind it. While we're in Italy, she wasn't called by that at all. And For Lucas? What does he have to do with the two of them, huh? Stuff like this just confuses me, Kitami. I think you approached the wrong person for this sort of thing. Save it for someone who cares; like Ryusen or something." Tomo leaves Kitami dumbfounded, standing there.
"Idiot." he murmured. "If what Kazuma says is right, and is related to what Tomo's going through now, Nathe or Sir Nathan could be the next one in the Royal Family. But, Tomo's right. I need to get my words in the right places. Kazuma told me about who're part of the Royal Family yet... what IS the Royal Family? And what does this have to do with Racing at all? In other news, why is Tomo's reaction like that anyway? Does he know something about this Royal Family but just won't admit it? Or is it in his character?" Kitami thought about going to Kasumi to know why. Kasumi happens to be at the other side of the front garden, playing with Margarette.

"Kasumi!" A voice called out from the other side of the mansion. Weird much, or is Kitami's voice just that well projected? Anyway, Kasumi heard it and turned to see who it was. "Kitami-san. What is it?" Kitami talks to Kasumi with a very serious yet concerned look. He tells about what he told Tomo and what Tomo's reaction to that information is. Kasumi crossed her arms and thought to herself. She was looking for the answer right behind her mind. She closed her eyes to concentrate a bit more. A moment later, she opened her eyes and answered Kitami straight. "It's just Tomo. He doesn't want any unknown information coming at him from nowhere which has nothing to do with what he's doing - whether it would be driving, his cooking career, or his life. He thinks of it as an added load and he doesn't want to think about it too much unless it intrigued him." she answered.
"But it DOES have something to do with his driving career. And I have a feeling, Nathe or his father would be the next one on the Family."
"He probably just doesn't understand it. Oftentimes, his mind doesn't quite grasp what others mean. He has his own way of understanding things. Don't worry. It's him. He can understand soon. Just give him some time to think over it. Then he'd understand what you mean." Hearing those comforting words made Kitami feel calm. Kasumi does have a way with making someone feel good after a hard or confusing moment. "Okay?" She followed with a smile.
"Now I understand. Thanks a lot Kasumi." Kitami heads back into the mansion to do what he calls "research".
"Anytime, Kitami." she shouted as she saw Kitami run into the large house.

Back at Anonymous road, A menacing Viper SRT10 cruises; no, blasts its way through the peak's straightway. It's approaching the first left corner at an amazing speed. 150 meters ahead and the Viper isn't slowing down. 100 meters left and still no sign of deceleration. Nathe is about to panic. "Is my dad crazy enough to take on the first corner at that speed!?" Before Nathan Sr. goes past the 50 meter point from the corner, He swerves the car to the outside and launches to the inside immediately. An Out-in-out attack if you ask me. "I can really feel the G forces acting up on me!" He uttered to himself as he gritted his teeth. He looks at his father who shows a calm yet happy face. Their speed? Due to the G forces acting up and the TCS still on, the car decelerated but it doesn't stop there. The rear tripped. It's induced to a drift. Nathe once again looks at his dad. "You-'re not countersteering!?" The Viper is close to a 30 degree angle and still he isn't countersteering the car. The first corner happens to be a J turn. Taking that in mind, Nathe remembers that when he made his run, he accelerates through the first bend and as soon as the corner deepens in its angle, he brakes and nails the apex. As for his father, he's taking a very unusual attack point. Letting the speed drop at the first section of the J turn. What's he planning? As soon as they reach the critical point of the corner, his dad finally countersteers yet it seems to Nathe that he countersteered too late. There's the inner wall right infront of them. Will Nathan Sr. clear it? Evidently, he has, but...
the distance between the Viper's front and the wall was close to half a centimeter. A small set of sparks went flying as the Viper barely clears the corner at past a hundred kilometers. Nathe was sweating immensely. He has never cleared a corner that close to the apex. More so, he loves playing with the corners even if he clears them faster than anybody else. "Hmm... still rusty a bit, I'd say..." Nathan said. "Rusty!? Yeah, right!!" Nathe replied in his mind. There was no room for Nathe to give a sigh of relief. The next left corner is up; followed by an S curve starting with a right hander. Nathan lets the car's rear end trip once again. There was something unusual about the Viper's tires while on the drift. There was no smoke coming out of the tire-to-pavement contact point. As if he IS NOT drifting nor is he gripping hard. Like it's somewhere in between. Nathe compares his own style with that of his father's: he likes to make the rear tires burn as he's confident of the unique tire compound he got installed. His father though... "Is my dad's style that conservative?" Nathe wondered. AS they make their way through the half point of the left corner, the Viper shifts its weight to the other side causing the car to 'drift' through the other side. Another set of G forces acting up on Nathe in his seat.

"Ack! I'm getting squeezed in here!" He wondered. "Is this what it's like racing alongside my father in one car?" Most of the time, Nathe drives alone when he does his runs. He lets his father time his run from below. Personally, he has never seen his father go all out until now. But this wasn't his full potential. Nathan is hiding this from his father. The S curve is up but Nathan didn't position his car through the next half in a drift motion. After that weight shift, he neutralizes the drift and thrusts through the corner in a straight line with the sides nearly kissing the walls; almost causing sparks everywhere.

Nathan Sr. blinked and his look completely changed. He looks as if he's spaced out. There was a long stretch of straight road - enough for Nathe to catch his breath and notice his dad. "Huh? Hello?" Nathe was confused. Is his dad like this on the straights or is he thinking of something for the next series of bends? He waved his hands infront of his dad's eyes; yet, there was no reaction. As Nathe looks back at the road, the next hairpin is up. He gasped as he stared at the spedometer: 215 kilometers. Looking back at the road, he shouted out in the car: "DAD! SLOW DOWN!!" He squealed. His dad wasn't responding. They're still heading for the corner at high speed. Once they were 75 meters away, he finally braked but the understeer kicked in. Was it all part of his plan or did he make a bad move? From the outside, he raised the e-brake and balanced the car through via throttle control. Nathe looked at the side mirror seeing how close the car was to the outer wall. He is close to screaming in fear. Once through that hairpin, it wasn't over. A sudden drop in the slope and the Viper was sent flying. Once they land, an S curve is up. He has no room for clearing it at high speed unlike a while ago. Nathan Sr. braked hard and raises the e-brake. He intentionally makes the Viper come to a 90 degree position - perpendicular to the road. He immediately shifts to N and lets the needle go wack on the red zone. "Dad are... you breaking my car!? How could-"Before Nathe could finish his exclamation, Nathan Sr. brings the car to gear 1 and it blasts off once more. Thrusting through the S curve. "Ugh... forget I said that..." Nathe said as he passed out halfway through the pass. He's being chocked by the G forces of his own car and can't take it anymore. His father "leisurely" clears the rest of the pass and ends up finishing it in 2 minutes flat.

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Chapter 47 - Inspiration

A little kid, a boy, scurries through the grassy garden. He carries along his little toy car - it looks like a die cast model of a BNR32 GT-R Skyline. It's his favorite car and he plays with it all day. When he got bored he sees a little girl, sort of his age, and asks if they could play in the swings. Every week, they meet and play. When they got older, the moments start to fade. They ended up meeting just once every 2 months or so. When they got even older, the little boy had to go to another prefecture. The little girl was left behind. To make up for it, he gave her the BNR32 toy car he cherished. The girl held it tightly in her arms as she sees the van, the boy's family car, drive off.

Years passed and they had their separate lives to deal with. The girl evidently, became the smartest in her class until she was smart enough to be considered an accelerated student. The boy just finished his grade schooling while the girl just passed junior year. The age gap of the two was just eleven months but it seems they considered themselves to be of the same age. They never met since; they had their own lives - lives where they had no time to contact each other. A new set of friends to keep them company; a new set of educational challenges for them to face; a new set of life's obstacles to go through.

Once the boy reached half of his his first year, the girl was now a graduate of her high school and decided to take college in France. The girl's parents cannot accompany her there as they have their seculars to deal with. She was taken under the wing of the Musashiro family, who is also heading for France. When she had time, the eldest son of the Musashiro family offered her some driving skills. Apparently, this eldest son is planning on making his own racing team. She still has the toy car that the boy gave her for so long. She accepted the Musashiro's son's offer but for one condition - to drive a car like that of the toy car she had. And yes; in France, she was trained by this son with use of a Nissan Skyline. She started out in a BCNR33 Nismo 400R. The Musashiro's were wealthy and transportation seems to be a regular finance to them. As months passed, she became skilled. Although she is a nursing student in France, she was as devoted to her driving as she is to her college course. She was given the best, in both fields, and she makes sure of it she excelled. She knew what it's like to drive differently. At the back of her mind, though, she wondered: why do I drive? What does this have to do with my career? Am I doing this so that I could see that boy again? They seem to have something in common and they were getting along just fine. Their passions though were different. Back then, before the day the boy had to leave, they asked each other what they would want to become.

QUOTE

"I want to become the best doctor or nurse the world has ever known. I want to help lots of people out. It's my duty to help them! That's why I want to take medicine!" the girl exclaimed. She had her mind already set.
"I... want to... uh... well... you see, I don't know what I want to become yet but if my love for cars would go any longer, I'd want to be the greatest race car driver ever!" the boy exclaimed back.
"But that's selfish!" she reasoned.
"That's why I don't know what I wanna be yet." The boy answered.
"I like how you think, though." he followed up to the girl. "Helping people, I wanna do that too."
"You'll see what your calling is soon. But don't take the same thing I'm taking okay? I don't want to fight with you over it." she said.
"fight? I don't like that either. I promise you, I'll find a way how I could help but I won't take what you plan on taking. Promise?"
"Promise."
The two kids gave a pinky swear sealing their future fates.

She really wondered, during her stay in France, if that boy had known his calling. They both like to help people the best way they know. On their return, she became a regular in both her field and street racing. She was known in both worlds. After all these years she was able to see the boy again. He followed what he said on becoming a racer; but was he serious with it? She thought that he wanted to help. How could he help people with driving all day? Did he change? or was he the same old person he could remember?

Months sooner, they raced. Against each other. She doesn't want to race him but she had no choice. The Musashiro's there had a family dilemna and this was their only way of settling the dispute. That race brought the boy and girl closer. A race of the R emblem. A battle of destiny. A red and blue GT-R34 battled through the likes of Haruna up and back. As soon as the days pass, they ended up on the same side. At the same time, the boy has found his calling - the best way he know of how to help people: food service. He wanted to become a chef.

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Many things passed. Many experiences encountered. Many questions answered and many unanswered. Many people met, but can they remember them all? Many words said in the past - could it be recalled? Before she could arrive at an answer, her eyes opened and showed her the current present time. sakura Johina just woke from a nostalgic dream. She holds her head and wondered: "Dreaming of the past... what do those visions mean? 'Why DO I drive?'... it is the only question in my dream unanswered. It's as if I quickly browsed through my childhood until today." She got up and opened the windows of her room. A soothing gust of nature's wind blew upon her face. The feeling was nice. It was a remarkable feeling. She starts to utter the unanswered question in her dream: Why is it that I drive?

Tomo, who is on his break, is like that of Sakura today. He is pondering over an unanswered question thrown to him: What do you love more: racing or your cooking career? He has been searching for an answer but to no avail. The rest of the cooks who were on break left the mansion to buy more raw ingredients for the days to come. The only cook behind was Tomo, whose company is just his Chef's knife that he had ever since college. It had his name engraved near the tang of the knife, close to the handle.

Not too far from the Kitchen's back door, he can see his GT-R34 by the shadows of the Garage. The amazing Nismo body kit it had astonished many drivers. More so, it amazed Tomo after all he had been through. Ever since his Third Year in high school, he has started racing. That's when his name - Gunma's 34, developed. With that aside, he is still looking for an answer to why he loved cooking and racing, and an answer to which of them he loves more.

From there, he remembered the words of Daiki Akiyama when they finished their second round of a 3 round duel: It's easy to give up an old passion; it's easy to choose a new; but it's hard to adopt to the new. He was referring to his experience of giving up racing and going for something else. Then he also remembered what Kasumi told him while on his battle with Daiki. He was concerned over staying in Japan or going global - she said that 'Even if you want both, you should pick one and give up the other.' That statement is true but... Tomo's passion for driving and cooking are the same. He doesn't want to give up one but he knows that sooner or later, he needs to let go of one of them. To Tomo, they make up his entire entity. He knows this because of what he and Kitana talked about in Italy: sympathizing with Kitana when her Lamborghini Diablo VT died, Tomo uttered that she and her Lamborghini are part of her being. Kitana didn't argue about that. Tomo was absolutely correct at that context. She loved her VT as if it as a part of her family; as if it is a part of her; as if it is human.

His thinking starts to go deeper and deeper; and it's just confusing him even more. He decides to take a walk to forget he ever thought about the question. At the same moment, Sakura decided to take a walk to forget that dream she had. Subconsciously, both of them met at the same spot and decided to talk it over amongst themselves.

"Hey..." Tomo started off.
"Aren't you at work?" Sakura asked.
"I'm on break. The rest of the cooks went to buy raw ingredients."
"Why didn't you join them?"
"I... had something in my mind and I want to think it over."
"That's funny."
"Why is that."
"I have the same situation as well."
"Huh? How's say we talk it over here." Tomo sees a bench by the small lake in the back garden. The grassy fields are quite calming to the mind - as if you're body's becoming in tune with Nature. You can think deeper without any unecessary feeling of doubt or fear. Tomo and Sakura sat and stared at their reflections in the water.
Sakura started talking. "You know, I dreamt of you this morning."
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"Really? About when?"
"When we were little kids. You used to mistook me for Ruri."
"Well... the two of you DID have the same hairstyle. It's hard to tell you two apart until today."
Sakura just giggled.
"So, what was your dream about?"
"Remember when you're about to leave Omiya for Gunma, you gave me your toy car?"
"The die cast Skyline R32? I remember."
"I still have it."
Hearing that, Tomo blushed.
"It's at home. I don't want to lose it while on our trip. Then, I start to wonder... why did I decide to drive, drive the way you and I do right now?" She stood up and stared at her reflection. "It's weird. It's as if I could say... you're the reason why I DO drive. I just don't know why of all possible answers... why is it you? Why do you think You're the reason behind this second passion of mine?"
"Passion? Since when?"
"Since now." She turned around and faced Tomo.
"It is not something for me to answer, Sakura. The reason to why I could be the reason for this 'passion' of yours is within you."
"You could be right there."
"Say, how's your medicine side of yours going?"
"It's alright. I mean, most of the time during tuning our cars, there are instances where Kitami, Hiei, or Ryusen got injured and I had the opportunity to put my knowledge to the test."
"That's good to hear."
"well, you on the other hand have more time to exercise your career than do."
"I guess so..."
Tomo stands up and stands next to where Sakura was standing. "You know, I am starting to question myself as well. Why is it I chose this path? Why did I decide to drive? Does it have to do with my childhood?"
"Maybe. You did say that you wanted to be one and now, here you are."
"But I feel as if this is just a start or it's all happening so fast... If I had not accepted Daiki's offer, what could I have become?"
"I guess, I'll be throwing the same answer at you. It's not something for me to answer either. The answer lies within yourself only." Sakura answered.
Tomo lifts his head up and stares at the sky. He goes back to the troublesome question. What does he love more? Cooking or racing?
After 10 minutes of staring upward, he finally got an answer. "I got it! He said." He lowers his head, which ached a bit due to his position. "Now I know what to answer to Nathan Senior!"
"Really? I'm so happy for you."
"But..."
"But?"
"Would my answer be acceptable? Would that be an appropriate answer?"
"You wouldn't know unless you believe in it and try it at least."
"Yeah. You're right."
Tomo looks at Sakura and the sky successively. "I wanted to see this through. Things such as lifetime careers would take me years to master. And I only got a short amount of experience on both. And I feel as if they make up who I am. It makes me feel like me. It makes me feel I am somebody. I'm not just someone. I have this talent in me. I have the passion in me like no other person has. Only I have that; and both sides of my life need it. Some would disagree but I don't care. Some would criticize me I don't care. As long as I know that they make me up, then that's what matters most of all. No one could alter that. Only I can."
"You're right. Only you can make your own happenings."
"Same with you. For some reason, we went on the same path and we both wondered in between it who we are. Now that I have the answer, it may seem that it'll work for you as well. Medicine and Racing? Only you know what makes them go hand in hand. Only you can say and believe that. No one can take that away from you, Sakura. No one at all."
"It's within us. It makes us who we really are inside, right?"
"That's right. Only we know ourselves better than others do."
"Except for Jehovah God but amongst our kind, it's just us."
"I have to tell Nathan right now. I want to return my yin and yang to its proper state." Tomo runs off to the study, hoping to see Nathan there. Sakura, stood there and smiled. Thanks to Tomo, she has the answer within her. She now knows why she drives. She drives because she was born to. She has the talent. She won't waste it. Same goes for her passion for medicine. She has the drive. She won't ignore it either.

Nathan is in his study, as told to Tomo by one of the servants. Tomo knocks at the door. His heartbeat rises. He feels quivery around Nathan. He hopes this time, his answer would be valid to Nathan. Valid enough to restore his post as a driver of a GT-R34. He's anxious to get back on his driver's seat. The door slowly opened for him.

Posted by: Meteor Dec 20 2008, 03:29 AM

Sorry for taking so long to reply! Please forgive me!

There's one small change you could make in Chapter 45

QUOTE

"Hmm? My old son, issuing me a challenge such as this? You're starting to act like me during my youth days before I met your mother." Nathan Sr. chuckled as he said that, before continuing with: "Fine. Hop along."

That makes it clear that it's Nathan Sr. who said that last bit, and not Nathan Jr.

In your writing, there are moments where although the writing isn't perfect, what you were thinking of manages to jump out of the words with an almost pristine quality to them. In this case, it would be when Nathan Sr. did his run in the Viper. That was just. . . nice

Most of the rest of the chapter wasn't bad either. And Chapter 46 was good too, but there was this one error.

QUOTE

"Remember when you're about to leave Gunma for Gunma, you gave me your toy car?"

Tomo's come up an answer? So what's he gonna say? Update please.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Dec 21 2008, 06:11 AM

The edits were made. Thanks for pointing 'em out Meteor.
Update? With Pleasure!!

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Chapter 48 - Evidence

Nathan is humbly sitting on his recliner at his study as he notices Tomo walk in. Tomo had a serious look on his face. Is he gonna take a stand against Nathan's words to him the other day, or is he going to say something else that could turn the tide?

"Now, Tomo. What is it you want to talk about?" he asked.
"Remember what you told me weeks ago that started all this?"
"The part where I ask you 'what do you love more?'"
"Yes, sir. That one. I finally have an answer to that question of yours."

Nathan gave a somewhat smiling grin on his face. It seems to him Tomo finally got into his qualifications for a battle.

"My answer to that, sir, is both." Hearing that, disappointed Nathan. From a happy grin, his mouth shows disappointment. Nathan's face showed seriousness as of this moment. How could he possibly love both? It is illogical. Tomo continued to talk his way out of the gloomy situation: "I know that answer is quite uncommon and stupid but hear me out for a moment. When I drive or whether it be I cook, I find contentment in both. If I am not cooking, I drive. Same goes for the other way around. It's like my balancing factor - my yin and yang to my identity. Many have wondered what is the connection to both careers because fact shows that there is none. Well, I know something they don't about them. The happiness you could feel in one is the same happiness you could feel for the other. There is a catch, though. When I race, it is for myself and oftentimes for others. When I cook, on the other hand, it is for others and oftentimes myself. There's a balance between the two and it makes up who I actually am. I cannot deny both as denying one would destroy my identity - who I actually am. Well, that's how I believe in it, sir." Tomo's legs shook there as he was talking. He wasn't sure if what he said is enough and is ready to take any verbal attacks at him.

Nathan turned his recliner around showing Tomo only the back of it. "I guess that isn't the right answer afterall..." he thought. Finally, Nathan spoke: "What you said, it is something that no one would opt to say. It's like a childish reasoning just to save one and the other. But if that's what you believe in, then nobody could judge you for that unless proven wrong. However..." he stood up and continued talking: "What you've mentioned awhile ago, the one about balance... it intrigued me. How is it that both careers balanced you out? That's what I want to know, NOT by verbal reasoning. I want something with evidence, if you know what I mean..."
The last statement made Tomo's eyes bulge. He knows what Nathan is saying. He's giving him his car back. Nathan looked back at Tomo with a smile. There was something odd though in the atmosphere. Tomo was happy; of course but, he's also afraid. Afraid of what?

He could see Nathan's immense aura. An aura depicting a Lance wielder sitting on a stallion of sorts. The Lancer had the lance on one side, and a sword on the other side; well that's how Tomo sees it. Nathan knows that it is time to release him from confinement. He wants to see this boy's skills.
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Nathan approaches Tomo to say a few words. "It is time, boy." he said. He approaches Tomo's ear and whispers something to him. "But I won't let you out of the cage and into the seat just yet." Of all things that Nathan said, this is something that puzzled Tomo a lot. He doesn't want to think anymore as to his glorious moment.
"What do you mean?" he questioned.

Nathan turns around once more before he has his hand on the door knob of his study: "You can drive now, but on one condition. We will race 3 days from now; HOWEVER! You cannot drive until the third day. This means you also cannot request your friend's car just to practice. If what you said is true, I want to see for myself if it is. Remember, Tomo. Only until the third day I'll give you your car keys back." He answered while showing the keys to the GT-R. Tomo gave a simple nod accepting terms but he wasn't disappointed or angry over the situation. Nathan nods back and exits the study leaving Tomo to think of a strategy. But could he even have a strategy at this moment? He doesn't even know who he's going up against.

Outside the study, Nathan closes the door finding out that Dorothy was standing outside also. She overheard the discussion among Tomo and her husband. She's beginning to worry. "Love, are you sure with your conditions to Tomo? Isn't it that you're just making things harder for him?"
Nathan puts his head down and answers: "It shouldn't be this way either. But this is in a way punishment for breaking our word."
A short moment of silence envelops the hallway. "What do you mean punishment?"
"I know he got out one night to practice. I have a keen ear for modified machines and that late night proved it. It's for curiosity's sake if that short practice of his without my consent would help him with the race 3 days from now or not. Don't worry, hon. This won't be long at all."
"You're seriously going to drive? But you haven't raced after more than a year. How could you possibly win?"
"Let's say I'm in the same predicament as that of Tomo. I also raced one night. So we're pretty much even. The question is, would he still par with me even without practice on his side?" Nathan leaves Dorothy and heads for the garage to start his "skill refinement", He looks at his Ford GT and wonders "It's been a long time since I held the wheel of my own car. Can I still remove the remaining rusts within me?"
Someone overheard Nathan talking from behind. It was Nathe, his son. "Only one way to find out, dad." Nathan looks back and sees his son. He gave a grin and calls his son. He has something to say.

At the nearby city of Vancouver, Kitami made research by asking most of the circuit racers and locals alike about the Archibal Father and son. Some know them, some don't. Kitami meets up with Kyo once again, who was spectating the practice rounds for the soon to be stock car tournament held at Vancouver itself. Kitami thought that Kyo might know something about them. "Kyo!" he called out. Kyosuke tilted his head seeing Kitami and the two of them approached each other. "What is it, man?"
"Do you know anyone by the name Nathan Archibal?"
"Which one?"
"So you know."
"Are you kidding me? He's well known here in Canada and Seattle. The artist of the circuit and the street. A real charismatic driver if you ask me. He could be old but he drives as great as you, me, and Tomo combined."
"Even tougher than Kitana?"
"Kitana is nothing compared to the Nathans"
"Are you telling me even Nathe is as great as his father?"
"Nathe, if you mean Nathan's son, then yes. He is."
Kitami had a sudden chilly feeling that went down his spine. That really doesn't sound good.
"Why? Are you racing him?"
"No. But I have a feeling Tomo would."
Kyo's face turned serious and he puts his head down. Tomo's always the one targeted because he has that intense passion over it, even if it isn't the first in his life. But almost anyone who gets his name, outside of the team, is entangled to race him for some reason. Kyo leaves Kitami for a moment to get something from his Exige. He took out something from the car's glove compartment. A Video tape of sorts. The label shows ARCHIBAL RACE ARCHIVES. "Are you just leaving without helping?" Kitami asked in anger.
"Easy, man. Keep your cool."
"Dude, don't tell me to keep my co-"
Kyo hands over a VHS tape near Kitami's face.
"Give this to Tomo. It could give him an idea who he's dealing with."
Kitami looks at the tape and looks back to Kyo.
"Tell me, Kyo. Is this the business you've told us about before?"
"Hmm... probably." he answered with a grin.
Kitami smiles back and offers something. "Say, Kyo. We're a little short on drivers seeing that my brother left the team. How's say you come back to Team Jap?"
"Are you kidding me!?" he answered. Kitami thought that he rejected the offer and he was wrong about Kyo.
"I already got ahead of you. Daiki already asked me the same thing and I accepted. Get with the times man."
Kitami was happy to hear that. Could be competition for him but to Kitami, it's better than no competition at all. Besides, they got a score to settle still.

Sakura and Kasumi are leisurely talking in the ground hall of the Archibal Mansion. Suddenly, Kasumi had a thought in mind. "Say, Sakura. How do you think Daiki and the others are doing?" she asked.
"Well, how's say we call him right now?"
"Wouldn't we disrupt his training?"
"we won't. Knowing Akiyama, he's ready anytime even if he's interrupted."
"Hold on, since when did you and Daiki ever get close?"
"Um... we aren't... just a feeling I had. But when did you ever worry about him?"
"Well... I... uh, am just being sure."
It's a weird atmosphere between the two girls. Anyway, Sakura takes out her cell and calls Daiki.
"Hello?"
"Daiki-kun."
"Ah, Sakura. Where exactly are you guys? I'm beginning to worry about you guys. It's been a month since you didn't bother to call."
"We're staying over with the Archibals."
"Who?"
"With Nathan Archibal. He offered us a stay here and helped Tomo with his culinary training too."
"Wait... Nathan Archibal?"
Kasumi butted in and asked "You know him?"
"Girls. Between us. Nathan Archibal is actually a racer."
"What!? Get out, Daiki. He's a real estate broker and a hollywood star. He told us that."
"That's just his morning job. When he has the time, he comes here to the Vancouver track to do runs. I saw him during our practices. I even got to talk to him."
"I see..." Sakura and Kasumi's tone started to fade to a disappointing one.
"Is Tomo there?"
"Yeah but... he was confined from his car."
"I was afraid of that."
"What do you mean?"
"That's how Nathan gives a test to high ranking drivers such as ourselves. Nathan starts out with that and declares a battle. I'm telling you, once you were given such a condition, you could expect defeat coming your way. It's a scary feeling for a racer not to practice at all."
"You'll lose your touch and eventually end up being a low ranking one at best." Sakura answered.
"Yeah. So if he declares a battle to Tomo... tell Tomo to reject it at all cost. He'd lose I know that."
"How did you know?"
"I'll explain when I have the time to talk to the two of you personally. I got to go. Hiroya and Shimizu did some settings for me to 'win' this and I need to try them out."
"Okay. Take care Daiki." the two girls said.
Daiki hangs up and the two reclined in disbelief.
"I can't believe Nathan is a racer and he hid it from us."
"Yeah... I guess, some things aren't meant to be told; especially to guests like us. If we found out, then we're in trouble."
"In what way?"
"I dunno. It's a feeling I have."
They look at the stairs and noticed Tomo walking down. He had a serious look.
"Tomo-san!""Tomo!" the two of them reacted and went to him.
"Oh, hey girls."
"Did you talk to Nathan?" Sakura asked.
"Yeah. He said something about a battle. From what I know, it's obviously a car battle."
"Oh no. We're too late."
"Waddya mean?"
"You see..." Kasumi started "we just talked to Daiki on the phone and he told us that Nathan is a high level racer. He often goes to private circuits to race."
"Who knows, he could be doing the same runs we do at the passes as well..."
"I already know that."
"Looking at how he issued the confinement and how I saw his aura, he definitely is a racer. I accepted the race and there's no turning back now."
'But even with practice..."
"I wasn't given any."
"What!?" The girls were shocked hearing that from Tomo.
"He told me that I can only touch my car at the third day from today. And I can't borrow your car either. I can't break that promise." he said.
"TOMO!!" Hiei screamed from across the hall.
"Hiei! Pipe down! We're not in the fields you know!" Kasumi answered as to show courtesy for being guests.
"Sorry, Kasumi. Tomo, I got something for you. Kitami told me to give it to you." Hiei hands over a tape. It was the tape that Kyo gave to Kitami.
"What is it?"
"An archive of Nathan Archibal's battles?"
"We better check it out. Which one of you has a TV in your room."
"Well, I do..." Kasumi answered.
"Why do you have o-" Hiei squealed.
"It's Nathe remember? When we first arrived here."
"Oh, yeah."
"Anyway, let's check the tape out." Tomo said.
The 4 of them went to Kasumi's room. Kasumi wondered: "Say, Hiei. Where's Ryusen?"
"Him? Doing his early training outside."
"What kind?"
"The usual physical training."
"Oh..."

When they got into the room, Tomo immediately placed the tape on the VHS. He gets the remote and turns it on. Kasumi and Sakura sat on the bed, Tomo stood next to Kasumi and Hiei sits on the floor, just in between the two girls.
The video shows a Pontiac GTO and a Ford GT drifting through seattle.
"Drifting!? But that's a circuit."
"Do you think it's them?"
"I dunno."
Further into the film, it shows scenes of the Ford GT doing zero countersteer drifts, a parallel drift with a Corvette C6 and a Viper SRT10 roadster, weight shifts past the railways, a continuous no-skid drift through the S curves. Another scene portrays a race meet where it shows Nathan and Nathe come out of the Ford GT and Viper SRT10 Coupe. The 4 of them cannot believe it. It's actually them. And it's actually Nathan Sr. doing all those drifts in seattle as well.
It shows a battle between Nathan & his Ford GT where he obliterates a Pagani Zonda F in a speed match, beat a Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 on a circuit match and a R35 Proto on a drift match.
They were all stumped by the video. As the tape goes on, Tomo knows what he's dealing with. It's scary. So scary that he cannot picture himself keeping up. Definitely harder than his race with Daiki, Kitana and Lucas Scott. Probably, the hardest match he has up to date.

Posted by: Meteor Dec 23 2008, 07:31 AM

Wait. Something as old as a VHS tape includes recent cars like the Zonda F, LP640 and the GT-R?

I wonder how Tomo's going to win this race. What? Is his R34 going to get tuned or something? I'll wait for the update. It'll be interesting to see how you write this one.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Dec 24 2008, 05:53 AM

How WOULD Tomo win this race? I mean, he hasn't driven for like weeks and he only drove once which obviously didn't help. Kyo thought of that ambush race as just a speed bump in his way. Let's see how he'll cope with it in this chapter.
--------------------------------

Chapter 49 - Strength

It's almost a month ever since Tomo and the rest of the team stayed in the Archibal Mansion. The family didn't mind a couple of young strangers staying over; even for that long of a period. In fact, they were very grateful. The house has become livelier than before. They have tasted food that was uncommon to the local group, thanks to Tomo's career training. Most of all, though, it rekindled the spark that was defused within Nathan Sr. The happiness though seems to change as things start to become serious. The race was issued and Tomo doesn't know how to cope with it. Without practice by his side for nearly a week, he's down to a rookie; as stated by Sakura. Does he even have a chance at this?

[DAY 1]
A usual day goes by as Tomo helps out with the Kitchen for the usual morning, afternoon and dinner preparations. Time flied so fast that nightime approached quite fast. Tomo was exhausted. As he got up to the second floor landing, he noticed someone giving him "the look". It was Kitami; he had a serious look on his face. Tomo just leisurely passed by him. Kitami took his right arm and said something.
"You sure about this? Could you even match this guy?"
"I have no other option. The battle was issued. The preparations are being made."
Kitami scrunched his eyes a bit.
"There's nothing we could do now. All we could do... is wait."
Kitami lets go of his arm and allows Tomo to do as he wished. He just stood there, looking seriously at the person who's about to fall prey to this house's master.

[DAY 2]
Kasumi looks at Tomo's GT-R at a distance. Visions of the soon-to-be battle comes into her mind. She crosses her arms and gives it a thought. I sure hope he doesn't over do this. According to Daiki, Nathan could be a very skilled driver. This is bad for Tomo, who never had gotten back onto the wheel of his own GT-R. He had a run in Sakura's but it was a different one. His own GT-R is different; one of a kind, and Kasumi knew that very well. As she looked intensely at the car, she could see Tomo in it. Struggling. In her mind, he struggles on his battle against a mysterious car.
Only Kasumi was the one who doesn't know what car the father of the household uses.
She couldn't care less but Tomo's safety, yet she also cares for his victory. How come? The answer is only within the boundaries of Kasumi's mind and heart. She won't blurt out the reason. She won't talk about it. It's something she keeps between her and her alone. Not even Tomo could convince her if he ever found out.
A couple of footsteps approached Kasumi. She turned around and looked to see Dorothy holding a cup of tea. She shows it to Kasumi. "Would you like to have some milk tea and Strawberry shortcake?" Kasumi nods and assists the mother of the house.
"Tell me, is your husband that great?" Kasumi asked out of the blue.
Dorothy just gave a nod.
"I see. But... do you think he'd have a chance?"
"It is not something for me to answer."
"What would happen then? How would we know if Tomo even has a chance against your husband?"
Dorothy raises her left arm and extends her left pointing finger at Kasumi, directing it at her heart.
"My...heart?"
"If you believe he can, then he will." Dorothy followed.
"If you believe he can... then... he will?"
Dorothy nods again to the naturally affected female. She (Kasumi) holds her chest and feels her heartbeat. a fast paced one. Slowly, it slowed its beat down. Her heart soon beats as if nothing extreme happened or came to her mind.
"If I believe..." she uttered.

Late at night, Tomo grabs a glass of warm milk and heads outside to get some fresh, cold air before he'll go to sleep. He stares at his own car. Can I possibly do it? For the whole day, that's what he thought, thinking positively and otherwise. He's starting to doubt his own capabilities. He gave a huge sigh.
"What a bad moment not to have Tetsuya around..."
"Relying a bit too much on tuning, eh?" A voice behind him said.
He turns around and sees Nathe looking at him.
"If you rely too much on your tuning, you're bound to lose and fail. besides, what is more wrong if you have a car wherein you're unfamiliar with the settings? What would you do? The answer is obvious. But what do I care? It's not my problem anyway."
"Nathe... what are you-"
"I got to train a bit..."
"Train?"
"In case my father would allow me to, I'd want to be part of the race myself."
"What are you talking about? It's only between your father and I..."
"Wrong my friend... My dad calls the shots. Who knows, he might allow it. I'm his son after all..."
Tomo gritted his teeth. He was right. With Nathe included, he'll be at a complete disadvantage. The probability for Tomo to even keep up is no less than zero percent. He watched as the Red SRT10 Viper speeds off into the mountains.

[DAY 3]
Sunset. The day is almost near. Tomo feels like giving up. Kasumi looks at him at a distance. "At this rate, he's bound to lose. I guess, I need to put into his mind what Dorothy said to me yesterday. If it is true that he believes he can..." Kasumi goes closer to Tomo trying to get his head into gear.
"Tomo-kun."
"Kasumi..."
"can I sit here?"
"Oh, sure."
Kasumi sat next to 'her' Tomogashi-san. She was wearing a pink spaghetti top blouse and wore what looked like a denim-material skirt all the way to her knees. She had her hair ponytailed. She got close to Tomo to say something important.
"You know..."
Tomo looked to Kasumi and nearly broke out in surprise seeing Kasumi's outfit. He blused completely. He was red as a freshly picked tomato. But what for? I guess Tomo and Kasumi didn't talk that close for a very long time ever since they met the Archibals and got to stay with them. He sat again feeling a somewhat sense of relief.
"Sorry if I went jumpy there."
"It's okay."
"You were saying?"
"Oh..." she blushed back before she got to say what she tries to say. "this race of yours... do have a plan or something?"
In a gloomy state, Tomo answers "None."
"Is your opponent that fast?"
"If you've seen his aura, Kasumi... It's fearsome for a driver such as myself to see an aura like that."
"But I know that you could do it."
"eh?"
"I know you can win."
user posted image

"How could you say that."
"Because I believe so. I know you can." she said as she stood up.
"You really think so?"
"What I said will only come true if you believe it also." She replied with a smile.
She bends down on her knees and looks at Tomo with a sweet look. "So don't be gloomy. Be positive." Tomo blushed as Kasumi stares much closer to him. Those glossy lips of Kasumi are somewhat beautiful to watch. The peachness of it mesmerized him a bit. He tries to resist. "Okay?" she asked again. As she got close, she hugged Tomo and her mood changed. "I don't want to see you like this."

[THE BIG DAY]
Nathan Sr. waits at the main hall. He is waiting for his combatant. Tomo comes out, wearing his casual outdoor clothes. Tomo comes down the stairs with a serious look on his eyes and a smile on his face. The rest of the group awaits the racers outside next to Tomo's GT-R. Nathan shows to Tomo the keys of his car. As he got to Nathan's side, he opens his hand and Nathan lets go of the keys.
They step out and board their cars. Before Tomo could even step into his car, he told Kasumi "Arigato, Kasumi. I'll win this. I'm saying it because, I believe so. Thanks to you, I'm mentally prepared. This race will be for you, especially."
Kasumi blushed hearing that and nods happily.

The rest of the group boarded their own cars and some carpooled. They head out to the start, following Nathan's car. Tomo gives Nathan sr.'s car a serious look. A ford GT, resembling the old GT40 of the late 60's le mans. He's wondering though as they went to the starting line... where is Nathe? Is he really gonna join the match?

Posted by: Meteor Dec 27 2008, 01:06 AM

Ah yes. There's just nothing like a little confidence. Tomo'll do a little better that way.

Looks like the race is going to start now. I wonder if Nathe's gonna drive too.

Take your time on the updates.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jan 4 2009, 06:30 PM

Episode 12 - The Knight Rides again
Chapter 50 - Wonders of the Open Road

Tomo, Nathan Sr. and the rest of the members of Team Japan arrive at one of the roads leading to the British Columbian Mountain Region. The Cypress Bowl Road; or as some may call, the Cypress Mountain Road is located at West Vancouver by the British Columbian Mountain range. The base of this pass leads to Vancouver. The road map doesn't seem to carry as many hairpins as that of Japan. It has around 4 to 5 hairpins from the base. As they reach the peak, the road becomes a bit more complex. Once in view of Cypress Provincial Park, the road divides into two - one route leading back to the route down Cypress road and another leading to a dead end.

Atop Cypress Road's midpoint, Tomo and the rest stopped there in order for the 2 drivers to discuss the road map. Both drivers step out of their cars. As Tomo steps off his GT-R, he can't help but notice the look of the Ford GT that is parked right infront of his car.

The FORD GT. A reincarnation of the Ford GT40 of the late 60's Le Mans. No one among the europeans that time had ever thought that America could match up to their racing standards. The GT40 proved them wrong as in its first debut, it dominated the round. Now, the GT resembles the GT40 itself, in modern times in the hands of a secretly skilled driver named Nathan Archibal. The body seems very aerodynamic. 550 hp roaring at the back of the car. To Nathan, 550 isn't enough to bring out the beast within the GT. He upgraded it to a 710 flat horsepowered stallion. It deserves the name that Nathan gave to it - Pegasus. With this, he could "fly".

Just looking at the GT gave Tomo the chills. Part of him is in fear of the GT. "It looks so light" he thought to himself. Well, he's correct. The GT, though originally, weighs as much as the GT-R - 1500+ kg. Nathan was able to bring it down to 1150. A very light supercar at that. The Engine is out of the ordinary - the racing engine used by Ford exclusively for the GT LM spec models used to compete in the modern Le Mans. To top it off, Nathan also equipped it with a twin supercharger thus increasing total power output from 610 to 710. It even has the latest in racing engineering geared up upon the GT's chassis. Bridgestone racing Tires, the whole car reinforced with a set of roll cages, and for the heck of it, a vinyl set just like the GT40 in the past.

"You read to listen to the route, son?"
Tomo was startled as he hears someone call out to him. Nathan was waiting for him to approach him for the race's route.
"I'm ready, sir."
"Well, good." He brings out the map of Vancouver. It covers the West, North and Eastern Region. "We're here. In Cypress Bowl Road, 70 kilometers away from my place." Nathan said. Tomo simply nodded in agreement.
"As we go down the road, from the peak, we head straight for the Main freeway. We exit the freeway at the 19th exit, leading us to Lynn Valley road. We take a left at Mountain Hwy upward until we reach the next mountainpass."
"Another one?" Tomo questioned.
"Yes. But this one is much more treacherous than Cypress Road. It is Crown Mountain and it is still part of Mountain Highway. Next to it would be Lynn Headwaters Regional Park - that would be your aid knowing that you're on the second pass." Nathan followed. "The dead end of that road is the finish line; the one consisiting of the 6 consecutive hairpins. The goal is located at the last of the 6 hairpins. BUT! It doesn't stop from there. From that point, we make a turnaround and HEAD BACK. All in all, it will be a 80 mile race."
"HEAD...BACK!? 80 MILES!?" Tomo freaked out hearing that.
"Is there a problem?"
"No...no sir! No problem at all!" He answered." (So it's a round trip. This is serious. Especially concerning my tires.)..."
"Shall we begin?" Nathan asked. Tomo once again nods in agreement to terms.
As he looked back, Kitami wasn't there. "W...where's Kitami?"
"You're friend in the Mustang? He went ahead to Crown Mountain. He'll be staying at the goal waiting for us there."
"While we wait for your friend, I'll help you plot out the route in your GPS."
Tomo goes to Sakura and Kasumi, a few meters away from where the 2 contenders are.
"This is it, huh?" Sakura said.
"Probably. I'm really not sure if I could pull this off."
"You don't have to win at all." Kasumi commented.
"What?"
"She's right. I mean winning won't make you a better driver."
"You sort of got a point there."
"I mean, do you remember this statement? Of what does a man benefit and gain the whole world and lose his soul in the end?" Kasumi quotes.
"You don't need to win. You just have to give your best." Sakura followed.
Tomo was silent. The girls thought that what they said might have discouraged him in this race. A little while later, Tomo spoke.
"You know... I was about to think of the most stupid plan that I have cooked up with. If it weren't for the two of you, I'd end up like what most drivers are. And I don't want to end up like Lucas either."
"Yeah... him... Lucas Scott... it's enough that you changed him for the better. But it's wrong to end up wearing his shoes in the process." Kasumi commented.
"What do you mean?" Sakura questioned. She has no idea who Lucas Scott really is. Only Tomo and Kasumi were the ones who got to know him in the 'slammer'.
"I'll tell you later. You didn't get to see him since you were out busy with your pro race at Infineon, remember?"
"Alright Kasumi. But what we need to focus now is Tomo's race today. So Tomo-kun, do you have any plans?"
"Well I was planning on driving like a mad man just to keep the lead but I change my mind. I might as well drive to the best of my abilities and try not to push myself too hard on this race."
"Now that's the Tomo we know and love." Kasumi and Sakura said together. Tomo blushed while the two girls looked at each other. They laughed for that short moment while they wait for the official start.

Ten minutes passed and Tomo received an incoming call. It was Kitami.
"Kitami. Where are you?"
"I'm at Crown Mountain. And let me warn you man that this road is no walk in the park either. This is a tough pass. Near the summit of this is a snow pass so you better take extra caution. Even a 4WD could lose control here."
"Thanks for the Warning, Kitami." Their talk was interrupted when Nathan approached Tomo. "Say, Tomo... that's your friend, eh?" Nathan asked.
"Yeah."
He asks for the cell and Tomo willingly gave it to him.
"Kitami, is this you?"
"S...sir Nathan. Yes. I'm here at the pass near Crown Mountain."
"Good good. Here's the thing. Once we get there, we'll be heading back here."
"A round trip?"
"That's right. So once we go back, you come along with us back here okay?"
"Y...yes sir."
He hangs up and throws the cell phone back at Tomo.
"Let's start." Nathan mentioned.
"Yes."
They slowly walk to their cars. Everything went in slow motion as Nathan and Tomo drive their cars before the first hairpin of Cypress Road. Tension was everywhere. Everyone who's witnessing this battle can feel it also. The Tension is embracing everyone. The doors slowly close as the drivers buckle up slowly too.
The cars were slowly brought to the starting line. They slowly rev to their red zones.

Kasumi knew that they're about to begin so she walked in front of the cars; in between them specifically and is volunteering to start the countdown. She extends her hand, holding a handkerchief - a classical way of starting car races in the past. Once the handkerchief touches the pavement, the race begins.

Both drivers concentrate on their accelerators. The needles hit the red zones. They're anxious to bring their cars to gear 1 and blast off the starting line. Kasumi lets go of the handkerchief and they watch as it lands. Once the tip touches the pavement, Nathan quickly puts the car on 1st. Tomo hearing the burnout of the GT, puts his car on 1 as well and both drivers blast out of the starting line with the GT slightly in front. Add the fact that the GT is in the inside while the GT-R is on the outside of the corner, Nathan obviously has the lead.

Kasumi and Sakura ran to the exit of the corner and watch as the cars take on the first left hairpin. "And so it begins." Sakura said with a serious look on her face.
Kasumi holds her chest and hopes for the better. She wishes that Tomo would succeed; whether he wins or not. The battle between Tomo and Nathan has begun. Who knows what will happen.

Posted by: Meteor Jan 6 2009, 05:35 AM

QUOTE

Everything went in slow motion as Nathan and Tomo drive their cars before the first hairpin of Cypress Road. They slowly walk to their cars.

So they're already in their cars, and then they slowly walk towards them? You actually meant that the crowd slowly walked towards the cars, right?

Anyway, I'll be waiting for the next update.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jan 7 2009, 02:42 AM

Not too many people were out to witness this race. Nathan, unlike Lucas, is part pro and never engaged in the underground races. The crowd is actually just Sakura and Kasumi.
Thanks for pointing those out , again. It helped a lot. Now... the start of the chapter!
Nathan Archibal Sr. vs Tomogashi Kitsumoro (part 1) has started!!
----------------------------------

Speed Legend S
Chapter 51 - An Indefinite Road of Discomfort

The gap slowly increases ever since the race between the GT and R34 started. Nathan is keeping a calm face. He always knew that his GT is faster than any 4WD or any other car in the US when it comes to start offs; not to mention that he had the utmost advantage in the beginning of the first corner. Tomo is feeling uneasy. He feels that he's beginning to succumb to the immense power of the GT and felt like giving up in the start. Then, he remembered what Sakura and Kasumi told him and what he said back.

"No... the race just started!"

He shifts to gear 3 as he makes his way halfway through the straightway before the second hairpin. Flames bursted out of his exhaust and the needle is right on the red zone when he shifted. Then it came: the next hairpin. He saw the GT take it without much effort - braking effort. The line that Nathan was taking was very smooth; compared to Lucas' unnoticeable racing line. He saw that the rear of the GT tripped and was induced to a drift however, there was no friction smoke that came out from the lower end of the tires. He didn't see the car countersteer; not even for a slight moment. What was he doing to his car on the corners?

It's now Tomo's turn. He brakes not too hard but not too soft within 250 meters from the start of the corner. Swerving the car to the outside, he's planning to take it on using an out-in-out attack. The weight though of his car is 200kg heavier than that of the GT. As he entered and nailed the apex, the car understeered before he passed the apex. He decelerated to clear the hairpin completely in the inside and slowly position it on the outside.

Nathan, while driving on the straightway, glanced at his rearview mirror. "Hmm... what are you planning?" He was wondering why he wasn't going all out yet. Is it because the GT is overqualified for the GT-R? He isn't thinking of any stupid reason why. Alls he know is that he should finish this and see if he could make a comeback.

Tomo was in a completely uncomfortable pace. He still wasn't used to his car again. It has been a long time since he rode on it. For the past weeks, he just glanced at his car. He could feel the car pull itself when he hits the wrong shift points. It wasn't helping him at all in the race. The rate of his spedometer at every shift decreased and the time that he gained speed was too long. But this is just the beginning. It is just the beginning. He still has a lot of chances. He could do this. His only problem? could he do it and regain the lost distance?

Back atop Cypress road, Kasumi is in her usual state - too concerned. She isn't like this when Tomo is out in the passes against a rival that she knows is par to Tomo, but against a car like a GT? She is beginning to worry. "I wonder if Tomo-kun IS pushing himself too hard?"
Sakura glanced at her. Didn't he just say that he wouldn't? "Kasumi, I know that what Tomo meant, he will. He will not push himself too hard on this race. This is just the start."
Sakura closed her eyes and listens to the engine tones that are still hearable. She could hear tire screeches as well. By the looks of things, the screeches between the GT and GT-R are very far away from each other and are not that 'intense'.
"He's not overdoing it I could tell." Sakura spoke.
"You sure?"
"When Tomo pushes the car too hard, the screeches of the tires and the sound of the targeted shift points are higher than what I just heard. In fact, he's still getting used to his own car."
"Isn't that both a good and bad thing altogether?" Kasumi wondered.
"True. It's good that he could plan out his strategy during the long round trip battle but... it's also bad that he might not be able to decrease the gap compared to how it is right now." Sakura answered.
Kasumi takes her eyes off Sakura and looks at the horizon.
"Tomo... please drive safely." she said to herself while feeling her heart.

Back with the race...
through another hairpin, the GT-R is slowly gaining ground however, it is still not enough to catch up to the GT. The GT is still dominating the first half of the race. The gap hasn't changed yet. He grips through the next corner without stressing the tires too much. As he exits the corner, he was not surprised with what he saw. The GT was gone. He got ahead and the gap is around a kilometer long. He wasn't surprised though. Most racers would give up when their opponent is no longer in sight. Tomo is different. Until the finish is up, he won't rest until the goal was passed. "Just keep going, GT-R." He said to himself. He shifts to gear 3 after exiting the corner. This time, he nailed the correct shift point and his car pushed a bit as it gained speed down the hill. 300 meters before the next bend; the last bend before the freeway's entrance, he lightens his pressure on the accelerator; anticipating the degree of the upcoming corner.

Nathan has now reached the main freeway's entrance and his GT is still in top condition - no tire deterioration, perfect acceleration control, everything was flawless. The freeway is a measure of aerodynamics; very much like the Wangan. It's all about straight line driving. Obviously, the only obstacle in the freeway is the cars on the driver's path. Local drivers getting to their destination through the freeways. Nathan smoothly makes his way through the light traffic. As for Tomo, he's still far behind, obviously. The corner that he's on is pretty much like in Myogi's 2nd section. He goes through it in mid speed on the inside lane. As soon as he got view of the junction road - a fork road where one leads to the freeway, he presses his brakes and induced the car to a powerslide. A fatal mistake. "Damn! Don't drift!" The ATTESA ET-S kicks in and recovers the car's position. Tomo gave a huge sigh as he directs the R34 into the freeway.

"By now, the distance between me and Nathan could be around 2 kilometers... He has the utmost advantage at this point in the race. I need to somehow decrease the gap. Power margin is quite large between my car and the GT. 550 to 710. I need to compromise... but with what?" Tomo wondered. Then it hit him. A flashback of his battle with Daiki.

The third round match between Tomo and Daiki years back. It was Tomo's first time on the wangan. He didn't know what to do, not to mention the fact that he was in a completely disadvantageous position - the runner that time. Daiki initiated an attack that got him the lead. Slipstreaming. Of course. That was the complete advantage of an underpowered car in the wangan. If your car is capable of catching up, despite a huge difference in power, you could still catch up by means of it. Using the same attack against Daiki, Tomo was able to level the playing field and maintained his gap with Daiki. He wondered in one moment at the Complete New Belt Line battle; Daiki's speed decreased when he got out of the slipstream and positioned his Z right infront of the GT-R. That's when he knew the secret. At one J turn, he stuck right behind Daiki; even thorugh the corner. At the exit, his speed is higher than the Z's and overtook Daiki at the last corner's exit. That gave him the win.

He only had one problem though when he thought of that plan right now... there was no car fast enough to be his 'shield'. As he entered the freeway, he noticed the pattern of the local cars. Some have formed a diagonal line. "If I use all of the cars as a slipstream..." he thought. It might be possible. His speed reads 257 km/h. In the Wangan status, it is a bit too low. Drivers there reach 300+ kilometers and maintained it through the road. As for the GT, it is going at a steady 320 km/h. The racing engine really helped, along with the twin superchargers and the installed racing clutch & flywheel. Nathan had some time wondering what Tomo would do. He knows that Tomo is someone who has met his standards. Now that he's testing his capabilities, why is it that he's doubting his own isights on the guy? Or maybe he's just not showing his true potential yet. Well, neither is Nathan. The specs of his GT alone could make him a top class driver; but add the driving skills that he has honed and revived, he's like a legendary god amongst the roads of Canada. "Just show me what you could do Tomo. Bring out the driver in you!" Nathan said to himself as he deepens his foot on the accelerator. Flames came out of the GT's exhaust. No unfamiliar sounds coming out of it.

Daiki, who was doing his rented car for the Stock car race at Downtown Vancouver, could feel the presence of Nathan Archibal nearby. "He's close. I could feel the presence of his driving style." he uttered. While Hiroya, Shimizu, and Tetsuya are doing different suspension settings for the car, Daiki moved away and stared at the freeway. "Anything wrong, Daiki?" Hiroya asked. He shook his head, meaning 'no'. "He must be tired. He needs a breather." Shimizu said.
"Don't be too worried, Hiroya." Tetsuya followed.
The familiar tone of a Supercharged V12 is close by... close to where Daiki and the other professionals are. No doubt, it is Nathan's Ford GT passing through from above. Running at 330 km/h on the freeways, it feels like a quick hurricane passed by Daiki's face. "It's him." Daiki said.

Tomo's plan is working perfectly. His recent speed is increasing momentarily. 260, 270, 280... it's working as he thought. He could feel his car getting close to the GT. The RB26DETT roars like hell through the passing traffic. Swerving slightly from left to right Tomo's speeds are rising immensely. A high speed S curve is ahead and Tomo's GT-R narrowly kissed the inner wall. Weight shift kicks in at the middle of the S curve as Tomo makes his way through the second part of the corner. He couldn't believe what he just saw. A familiar sillouhette of the car he's chasing. His speed is now at 310 and he's pretty certain of the car that he saw. "The GT! I'm gaining!" Tomo uttered with excitement. He shows a smile on his face knowing that he could pull it off. Nathan just passed the 10th exit and Tomo just passed the second 8th exit. He continues his slipstream tactic and is able to shorten the gap. Speeds now of the GT-R are reaching an unbelievable 323 km/h. Could he be pushing his car too far? Or is it natural when you're on a slipstream for a long time at such a speed. Tomo had around 3 near misses with the local cars. He nearly hit the side of a Honda Odyssey, the back of a Mustang Convertible, and the front of a Ford Taurus. He was doing fine.

Nathan wasn't at his limit when Tomo saw the GT, he's toying with the accelerator - bringing it midway, then full throttle and back. He wasn't waiting for Tomo either. The downforce could kill his tires; being an MR. He heard of a rumor in one of the practice runs of team Nissan and their R89CP at Sarthe a decade and a half ago. The tires were thrashed after 1 lap around Sarthe. It was a mysterious moment for them. They wondered why would the tires burn up so quickly? They were medium racing tires and they burned as quick as those Super Soft compounds!? Nathan was cautious with his tires even if he maintained his speeds at 330. He doesn't want to bring it up to 350 even if his GT could go all the way to 375 km/h. He knows that even at straightways, his tires would be affected too. So he's simply playing safe while he knows that he has the lead here.

780 meters. That was the current gap between the R34 and the GT. another 280 meters more and Tomo's in the slipstream once again - right behind Nathan. He has to make it fast though, his speed is dropping as soon as he got out of the last slipstream. Suddenly, another car was coming right behind Tomo. It is coming up fast. It's not an ordinary car. He couldn't say if it is a Tuner either. The pitch was high and the revs were low. He hears a hiss of a turbine behind him. Kitami? Couldn't be. He's waiting at the second pass for the two of them. Daiki? He's still down there at downtown. Sakura? Her R34's revs are as high as Tomo's GT-R. The revs that he could hear are around just until 7000 rpm. Every shift, he could feel the needle going eratic. 7000 is its redzone. Only U.S. Muscles could go that low but that fast. Lucas? Couldn't be either. His car is in the impound for a decade. It also doesn't sound like an LS7. It sounds more like a V-10 coming up fast right behind the GT-R. It's far away though but the presence could be felt a mile away. There's a well known car that could be equipped with such a deadly turbine in a V-10, revving all the way until 7000 rpm.

"Is that you?" Tomo uttered.
The sound seems very familiar. It completely reminded him of that ambush race back at the Canyons..
Speeds of 340 km/h right behind Tomo's R34.
"It... is you..."

note: for your information, this is the course map. Just follow along the star's point all the way to the main road (thick orange line), then the exit to Lynn road, etc... as described in Chapter 50.
user posted image

Posted by: Meteor Jan 7 2009, 04:52 AM

Nathan sure has amazing control over 700+ bhp. He slid around that hairpin without smoking his rear tires at all, which means he didn't lose any speed at all around that corner, and kept his tires from overheating.

Ah. That's some smart thinking there Tomo; slipstreaming behind other cars.

So Nathe's decided to join in as well. . And it seems he's thought of that slipstream idea too.

This race shows promise. I also see you put more thought into it than you usually do. Keep it up!

Hmm. Will fuel play into this battle in some way? 40 miles is quite a long distance, let alone 80. .

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jan 9 2009, 10:19 PM

Chapter 52 - Dual Mayhem

A red Dodge Viper invades the battle between Tomo and Nathan Archibal Sr. Who was it? It was none other than Nathan's son, Nathe. His Viper is a custom replica of the 1st generation Venom 800. It boasts about 800 bhp and by the numbers itself, it is a total monster of the highways.

"It's you... I remember this feeling..." Tomo uttered. He remembered it clearly - this was the same feeling when he was being chased by the cops back at USA. The same red Dodge Viper interfered with the chase and disabled the cops chasing Tomo. Thinking about that incident made Tomo conclude that Nathan was the one who rescued him from that catastrophy. But... why him? How on earth does Nathe know who Tomo is? Was he awaiting their arrival or something?

Before Tomo could ponder any further, a car was infront of him when he glanced back at the road. He immediately steered the car to avoid the collision but he lost an immense amount of speed as body roll kicked in and forced him to slow down to regain control of the car. Because of that, the Viper was closing in thrice the speed than it was awhile ago. He gritted his teeth and tries to block the Viper.

Nathan, in his Ford GT glanced to see how the young contender was doing only to figure out that he disappeared from his rearview mirror. "Something must've happened... or this could be a trap set before me..." he wondered. The road was wide - wide enough to hide from your opponent and engage a surprise attack. Nathan knew that very well and didn't hesitate to stick his foot down on the accelerator.

Going back to Tomo and Nathe...
The Viper is closing in. He's only a few meters away from the GT-R's rear bumper. Nathe shows a huge grin on his face as he taunts Tomo and forces him to lose concentration. "Putting me and my dad on the same side on this race... we're the unbeatable duo of the Canadian roads!! Try to stop us if you can, eh!" Nathe shouts out to Tomo. Tomo on the other hand, tries to regain his speed by slipstreaming right behind local drivers again; even though he knows the presence of the Viper right behind him...

The pressured R34 just couldn't hold his place much longer and Nathe is anxious to overtake; yet he pleads himself to stay where he is and toy around with his opponent. A few minutes later, Nathe was bored... he toyed around with the GT-R for too long. He pressed harder on the accelerator and quickly rotates the wheel to the left. There was no car blocking Nathe's way and he didn't hesitate to overtake. The SRT10 blasts right next to the GT-R. Tomo wasn't surprised but he gritted his teeth out of dissapointment and anger. He couldn't take the feeling of being toyed around. He knew that Nathe wasn't taking him seriously. "I'll get back at you, Nathe. Just watch me!!"

The GT was 1.5 kilometers ahead and the Viper is slowly increasing the gap and catching up to his father. Tomo was in a complete slumber - his slipstream worked but he wasn't able to compensate the balance that he needs. He nearly crashed that time. He needs to think of another plan to catch up and fast. The gap increased and increased.

Posted by: dreamturtlegirl Jan 12 2009, 02:38 AM

whoa jayjay.. i made this thing so its easier for me to comment

As much as i really like the new outline of the story (its much more creative than the first time i ever touched/saw your comics three years ago-gosh its been so long na pala), i liked your comics because of your drawings.
I really have a problem with full text stories. My head goes @.@ and my eyes subconsciously skip certain words already. I really need pics.. i'll die without pics. My brain will lag off without pics. And your story is nice but noooo pics!
Lol i wouldn't mind reading if it were on a paper... but i cant stand reading PURE text on computer

draaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaw
people liked your story coz you drew! Your angles etc
From your story its like your confused with what you really want in life~ but still! You shouldn't give up your drawing.
waaaaaaaa dont do pure text! I can't read pure text and im missing out on a lot.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jan 12 2009, 06:37 AM

Firstly, dreamturtlegirl, You know and I know we know each other but for the sanctity of the forum, do not address me by the name that I know and you know... best use the username... NOT my prime name. (like what I am doing.)
Secondly... sad to say, It will be on my decision which scene I would draw. Since this is a new chapter and all, I am still picturing what scene would fit best this chapter on paper, scanned to this site. But since this is your first post and all, and hopefully, not your last... I'll let you off this once. Just remember what I told you (see your PM in your controls).

Anyway... here is the next chapter of this grueling battle. I'm wondering also if my regular viewer/s like Meteor are still reading this.

------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 53 - Pegasus shows his wings

The race is getting infuriating for Tomo, who's now left behind by his 2 rivals. He, however, is not giving up by the slightest. He's still fighting. He wants to regain his place from Nathe and get to Nathan as fast as possible. They're about to reach the 14th exit. 4 more exits then they head to mountain highway.

An S curve is close to where Tomo is driving on. He has recovered part of his speed; which is now at 269 km/h. He enters and removes his foot off the gas. Approaching the corner, he jolts his steering wheel to the right, thus approaching the inside. As he gets close enough to the inner wall, he accelerates and the car understeered due to the high speed he's at. Running at 250 through the first part of the S curve, he's doing well. He shifts to gear 5 as soon as he exits the first half of the S curve. Approaching the second one, he intentionally lets his rear trip and brought to a powerslide. He does a perfect 4 wheel, Zero countersteer drift through the second half at an amazing 267 km/h.

Nathe is wondering if he should wait for Tomo or go straight to his dad. It was a tough decision and the race is just 1/4 done. Shifting to gear 5 half a thousand rpms early, his car slowed down. The rate of the viper's increase in pace was disturbed for a moment. Once the needle is in the higher rpms, the car jolted back to its usual pace. He passes through a couple of passenger cars in a slalom motion, pretty much showing off a performance run.

"I can see my dad from here. An estimate of around 350 meters ahead. And still no sign of the GT-R at this moment." Nathe said as he passed the 16th exit. Running at a steady 300 km/h, he tailgates right behind a Corvette C6 convertible and breaks free from the slipstream once he's bumper to bumper. He looks again at his rearview mirror to see if the GT-R is still catching up. He feels that their cars are too powerful for the lone tuner. He didn't care despite that. Nathe still insists on increasing his pace and hopes for something out of the ordinary to happen.

Tomo is slowly applying all the techniques he used in the Wangan against Daiki in the past. Slipstreaming, deceleration instead of full braking, late shift technique, and all the other highway interpreted techniques just to lessen the gap. Although he's bringing out all the techniques he know related to the highways, he's not pushing his car to the limit. He promised Sakura and Kasumi that he won't overdo it. Moments later, all the driving techniques he know of before the "probation" are slowly coming back to him like magic. He has regain the confidence he had lost due to a long duration of not holding his own car. He's back! Tomogashi the racer is back in action. He presses harder on the gas to gain more speed. His speed, for some reason are increasing as fast as Nathe's viper! 270, 290, 310... He's at 315 km/h and is coming in fast. He blazes through traffic like a bullet. Flames burst out of the exhaust like crazy and his revs are reaching 8700 rpm. Slipstreaming at every car infront of him, he is getting close to the Viper and GT!

Half a kilometer ahead, Nathe has caught up to his dad. A clear 100 meters right behind the Ford GT. Nathan glances to see his own son's Viper. "Where's Tomo?" he wondered. While the father and son leisurely cruise the highways at 300+ kilometers, Nathe felt an incoming aura right behind him. After a light right turn, he stared at his rearview mirror to see if he's behind him. To his surprise, it is him. "That Skyline... how did it appear all of a sudden." He flashed his headlights at his father saying to pull ahead. Nathan recieves the call of his son, via rearview mirror and did just so. He's about to reach the 375 km/h top speed of his GT. He doesn't want to let the GT-R catch up. Nathe wouldn't want that either. All the 800 horses of his SRT10 are kicking in. The Aluminum V10 and the racing modified, DOHC Pushrod V-8 roar in succession like a horse's neigh of determination. As Tomo still insists on catching up, something nearly frightened his fighting spirit. Once the Viper and GT went side by side on the remains of the long straight to the said exit, he saw their aura blending together. The aura took form of a pair of wings that came out of the opposite sides of the 2 supercars. Another part of the aura formed something in between the two cars and adjoined with the wings: a horse shaped aura. Yes, their aura combined, brought out the shape of the mythological horse of Hercules... Pegasus. As the engines reach the top of their revs, the aura, at the same time, neighed loudly. Tomo was shocked to see it but his foot isn't letting go of the accelerator.

The GT-R is running at 320 km/h steadily while the GT and SRT10 ran at 360 tops at the same pace. They passed a sign that says that their exit is near. To show courtesy to the locals, while in the race, they turned on their turning lights. Tomo did the same thing in his R34. The RB26 is running the best it could. The GT and SRT10 are just too powerful to race against at a place like the highways. They; the GT and Viper, braked as they enter the exit. It is a tight round corner; that gave Tomo the moment to catch up; and he did. Because the GT-R's speeds are much lower than the other two, he braked less compared to the father and son duo. Tomo downshifts to gear 3 as he took on the tight exit. He lets the spedometer go nuts at its high revs. The needle nearly went crazy when it was a few revolutions away from the red zone as the rear tripped at the same time and induced the car to another powerslide. A high-rev powerslide and Tomo intended for it to happen. While Nathe and Nathan tapped the accelerator to balance their car through, Tomo is slowly closing in. By the time they're about to exit the corner, the GT and Viper went full throttle as they reach the flat street of Lynn Road. They veered to the other lane as Tomo steadily clears it on the inside. It wasn't over from there.

The 700 and 800 respective horses of the 2 leading cars kicked in once again and boosts away from the GT-R. Tomo wouldn't let it happen and still kept his foot glued on the gas as he shifts to gear 4. He's in the slipstream as soon as he regained much of his speed. All 3 cars are now running at 200+ kilometers as they swerve through oncoming traffic. With ease, they all turned left to Mountain Highway. Once again, thanks to Tomo's underpowered GT-R, he braked less as he entered the corner while the other two spent more time braking as they entered the corner.

"They'll leave me behind for a while but I'll catch up as soon as the first tight corner is up. I'll catch up from there." Tomo strategized as he still insists on barely sticking right behind Nathe's Viper. "I never had a thrilling match as this in my entire life. It's right of me to join in the race." Nathe thought to himself. "The inner driver within me has awaken, thanks to that kid. Now, I don't need to hesitate through the corners of this pass. My tires are as fine as they were when we started. At the downhill; the road back to Cypress Road, I'll push my car to the limit from the turning point and finish this race!" Nathan planned out.

Although Tomo is doing well, he can't help but grit his teeth as he watches the Viper and GT pull away. "This race is no different from my race with Kitana at Italy... But this is even far more extreme..." Tomo thought to himself. The third part of round 1 is up - the second mountain pass and all 3 cars are raging to the entrance to the pass.

Near the gates to the pass, Hiei and Ryusen are waiting for them to appear. Ryusen's S2000 parked at the side of the road with Hiei leaning on the left door of the car. Ryusen is holding his cell phone which is set to Kitami's phone. "Do you think Tomo could catch up? I mean, against that monster?" Ryusen asked.
"No idea. But I could say that they're extremely good." Hiei answered explaining what he just saw in the documentation that he, Tomo, Kasumi and Sakura watched.

Before the two could talk any further, they heard a couple of high revving engines close by. "Is it them?" Hiei wondered as he leaned off Ryusen's car. Ryusen immediately called Kitami, who is waiting for their call.
"Hello?" Kitami answered atop.
"They're here."
"Alright." Afterwhich, Kitami hangs up.
"What? Doesn't he want to know who is leading at all?"
There was a Moving truck on the incoming lane. They couldn't see who's actually leading but they're certain that it's Tomo's Skyline and the Ford GT. The cars screeched telling them that they're overtaking the truck. Hiei saw a vintage looking body approaching the side of the moving truck.
"It's the Ford GT!!"
"Where's Tomo?"
Once the GT positioned itself infront of the truck another car was in view...
"TOMO?" the two exclaimed.
A red Dodge Viper was in view this time.
"What's that?"
"Isn't that Nathe's car? What's he doing in the race?"
Before they could doubt any further as well, Tomo's blue GT-R shows up. The gap wasn't wide at all. It was around 70 to 100 meters. They were relieved. They watch as all 3 supercars blast by them.

Posted by: Meteor Jan 12 2009, 07:07 AM

QUOTE

Anyway... here is the next chapter of this grueling battle. I'm wondering also if my regular viewer/s like Meteor are still reading this.

You have potential, you need to write more to bring it out, you won't write if there are no readers (who would write if there wasn't anyone reading anyway?), and I want to see you write better. In short: yes, I'm still reading this.

Your description of racing scenes has improved quite a lot. I'm really looking forward to the update.

Just two things:

QUOTE

An S curve is close to where Tomo is driving on. He has recovered part of his speeed;

Speeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed!

QUOTE

"I ~~could~~ can see my dad from here. An estimate of around 350 meters ahead. And still no sign of the GT-R at this moment."

I'd also like to see you start drawing more comics. At this point though, you'll need some time to get used to your character designs again. You've stopped drawing them for so long; some of them just don't look right in your recent drawings.

(And what's wrong with dreamturtlegirl calling you by your nickname? Quite a lot of people here refer to others by their real names or nick names. Besides, you have both your real name and nickname written on the very first page of the comics

)

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jan 13 2009, 01:41 AM

You got me there. I forgot all about that (writing my name and all on the Speed Legend Prologue story scans) So for that; dreamturtlegirl, I am NOT letting you off since I take back all that I have said before concerning the name thing... It just that in this forum... I'm quite used to being called and calling others via their username like Meteor, Tesso, MattW, Damien_Wolf, etc... (12000 names)... that's all... Habituality

Since I haven't started with 54 yet... (slightly busy with ... stuff), who'd want to see my other comics? They're quite old though and not much of an extreme detail compared to the Prologue (since I did that while doing the R series even if it should come out first) though...

They could be considered archives also (to me) as they've been sitting with me for a long time (ever since I did some sales back in high school)... Do you want to see some race scans of my previous Speed Legend series?

If you guys want something specific, you could refer to this page of the thread

https://idforums.net/index.php?showtopic=32813&st=25

... the third post at that page to see which race you'd like to see. Just post here which race do you want to see, then I'll dig 'em up, scan 'em, pretty them up a bit (especially the text), and post them for this thread.
I'll wait for requests starting.... NOW.

Don't worry; to those still liking the current story also, I'll post up the next chapters the best I can.

EDIT: Still waiting... You won't regret them, I promise... There are lots of 'em!
Waiting very long... getting old...

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jan 18 2009, 05:01 AM

This is a request from Meteor; in relation to my last post. This might be my first and last as I am planning to continue further and finish this story. 2 rounds are left and I'm about to close this one to move on...

Here's Speed Legend Volume 14: The Final Frontier!!

Synopsis: A recent conclusion to the match between Noyzee Tribe and Midnight Masters. Daiki Akiyama, a young retiree of the team receives word of the opposing team's conquest and would like to challenge the remaining driver of the team - Tomo.
Tomo receives an invitation from Daiki to review their battle output and declare a race. He asks help from Kasumi on what to do; knowing that Daiki is giving a secret offer to him. He prepares for battle but was having trouble with his new ECU during his practice runs at Mt. Akina. Kyosuke gives Tomo an original, computer controlled ECU modifier, to help Tomo decide during his battle, which he made himself. The battle between Tomo and Daiki is about to begin. Round 1 is on - GT-R34 vs NSX-R NA2 at Mt. Akagi, mid day.

user posted image

Posted by: Meteor Jan 21 2009, 02:24 AM

Thanks for posting the images.

And here's a post so that you can post up the next chapter and get to sleep.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jan 21 2009, 02:47 AM

Okay, moving on... I really gotta catch up on my sleep... Feeling weezy at the moment... here's the next chapter to avoid further waiting...

Chapter 54 - Twilight Heavens

The 3 racers have approached the final part of the course before they head back. The GT still holds the lead, with the Viper right behind it as the GT-R barely holds on to the slipstream behind the SRT10. Father and son Nathan are keeping their cool while Tomo grits his teeth just trying to keep up. As they reach the first corner of the uphill, Tomo noticed something. By the time he starts braking, he expects the GT and the Viper to release their brakes and enter the corner at full throttle.
user posted image

"I get it now." he said. "The faster they enter the hairpin, the longer they need to brake. That could be my only chance of minimizing this gap. As soon as Tomo's 3/4 way of braking before releasing it, the 2 cars have accelerated through the corner. The gap, though, minimized as what Tomo predicted. He still has a fighting chance. At the back of Tomo's eyes, he could still see and feel the immense aura that the duo has formed moments ago. Pegasus still shines forth right above them. It didn't matter to Tomo now that he has found a glitch on their attack. The GT pulls away further and Nathan sr. is pulled back on his seat as he shifts to gear 4. Reaching nearly 8000 rpm before shifting to gear 5, the exhaust chokes out a pair of flames. The Viper hisses as it shifts to gear 5 as well. Another corner is up and the 2 started to brake. Halfway through theirs, Tomo started his. The Viper and GT are entering the braking zone at a speed of 263 km/h while Tomo enters it at 220 flat, giving him time to minimize the gap.

It's slowly decreasing. Tomo still has that fighting chance. Atop, Kitami listens to the engine Tones so that he could figure out how far Tomo is behind the GT. To his surprise, the sounds were directly successive. That means the GT-R is close to the engine tone of the GT. There was one thing bugging him. "What's that other engine tone I hear? Sounds like a twin turbocharged V10..." he uttered to himself.

After a series of more hairpin turns, the GT-R is now a car's length away from the Viper, which is bumper to bumper to the GT. There was a long straight for Nathe to take a breather. Although being Nathan's son, he's having quite a hard time keeping up with his own father. By the time he glances at the rearview mirror...

"That's not possible!!" He said. Because of the presence of the GT-R that made such an impact on him, he forgot all about his own pace. Now that the needle went past the 8000 rpm limit, the needle dozed down causing the viper to fall back a bit from the GT.
"Now!" Tomo shouted in his mind as he attacks the Viper. Entering the slipstream, his speed reaches 285 km/h, just like Nathan's viper. It increased to 300+ km/h and he was able to pass the SRT10.

"Not over yet, eh!" Nathe answered in contrast. He still tries to keep up with the GT-R that is closing in on the GT. A fork road is ahead and Tomo checks his GPS while on the straight after he shifts from 4 to 5. "turn right..." he quoted. Nathan's GT turned right and the other 2 young drivers did the same thing. It had a series of weak bends for a rugged straightway. It felt as if you're going through a high speed slalom test. Nathan flawlessly clears the straight nearly hitting the guardrails. Tomo followed along with a much centralized line yet maintains the gap as it is. Nathe copies the GT-R's movements and has shortened the gap as well.

Moments later, they're on the consecutive hairpins. Tomo's gaining more ground here. Being a 4WD, he could blast his way through the exits of the corners where as the GT and SRT10 should wait for the needles of their tachometers to calm down at the exit as the high rpms cause the car's tachometers to go crazy if they're not careful. At the 4th hairpin, Tomo was nearly close to overtaking the GT. But as soon as Nathan hits the next gear, he pulled away even further. Not to mention that the course is quite snowy. Nathan was very good with snow conditions, even with his GT. he does a couple of zero countersteer, low rpm drifts and executes them as if he's making art.

Tomo initiates drifts as if his GT-R is an FR. Countersteering quite a bit at some exits and flawless zero countersteer 4WD drifts at others. A small straight is left before the turning point. From there, Kitami sees the contenders. "Here they are!" he told himself. The GT brakes and Nathan sr. raised his E-BRAKE. Tomo let's the engine doze down to gear 1 while braking and turns at the process. Nathan countersteers late as he exits the hairpin. There was a scene that caught Kitami's eye - As the GT-R enters too early, the GT countersteers too late and it looks as if the 2 are going to hit each other.

Everything went in slow motion as this scene happens: As Nathan brings the car to a full countersteer, Tomo lessened his turning radius a bit to avoid the collision. Nathan shifts at the same time, to allow his car to be pushed. It did just so and it's a near miss collision. The GT and GT-R got out of that predicament safely. a sweatdrop went down Kitami's cheek in awe. As Tomo exits, Nathe enters this time. With twin turbochargers powering his Viper, he presses hard on the gas by the time he hits the apex; near the cone. A huge pile of snow was pushed back by the Viper's rear tires, covering up Kitami. He wasn't able to see if the Viper cleared it but one thing is for sure to him...

"No one makes a fool out of Kitami Kitamaru! No one!!" He got on his Mustang GT-R and turns it on. He shifts to one and blasts off like a mad man on wheels. Because it's a downhill this time, Nathan has a bigger upperground on the straightways for sure. Even slipstreaming couldn't help Tomo right now. His approach to the corners would tell if he could keep up or it's all over.

There was something in the snow that caught Tomo's attention. Most of the time, the roads here are plowed but not completely. Sometimes, some locals; especially kids, would play snowball fights in the snow. Some were too brave enough to make ditches as their home bases and shields for the sake of the game. That's where Tomo got this insane idea. He thought of Mt. Haruna and his fight with Takeshi's FC. He plans on using the ditches as a gutter. He approaches the apex as early as possible and attempts a mizutoshi.

The GT-R's front left tire drops with the rest of the tires on the plowed asphalt. His car gained an extra boost of speed through the corner and he's closing in on the GT. To his dismay, Nathan knows of this as well and does the same thing on the second hairpin. The good news is, though, Nathe was falling behind.

Tomo is gaining on the GT but not quite as much as he would expect. Nathan is concentrating on the road he's on - no time to be distracted by the rearview mirror. He's hallucinating as if he's part of hte mille Migia - an Italian racing tournament of the late 50's when the famous Mercedes Benz 300SL touring car was in play.
He clears those corners without a problem at a range of 180 - 197 km/h. Tomo barely caught up with it. The battle was fierce and it's down again to just Tomo and Nathan Sr. Nathan, obviously has the upperhand. Even though Tomo regained his memory of his racing times, it's not helping much though he's not falling too far back.

Nathe still hangs on and still has a visual of the GT-R infront of him. The rugged straightway is up again and Nathe clears this section at a higher pace nearly setting off sparks on the guardrails. It looks as if he's going through it in a straight line rather than swerving his car from left to right. By the time they reach the set of hairpins before the entrance gate to the pass, Nathe recovered his pace and is now right behind the GT-R once more.

"I believe you forgotten about me, eh..." Nathe mumbled, directing it to Tomo in anger.

All 3 cars are now closely knit to each other as they enter the set of variable hairpins once again.

Posted by: Meteor Jan 22 2009, 06:50 AM

First of all, I think you could tone it down with the "Eh"s from Nathe. It only sounds natural if there's a question mark after it. On the other hand though, "Eh!" is somewhat funny, and accidentally parodies the trope of Canadian characters ending every sentence with "Eh?".

Anyway, this particular battle is still going well. Your descriptions are still at their recently upgraded quality, the battle still shows a lot of thought behind it, and I like how your race scenes have turned a bit more creative these days. Keep it up. Also, the scene with Kitami was a little funny.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jan 24 2009, 05:30 AM

chapter 55 - Melodious Disaster

Huge engine roars echo down The mountain pass of Mountain Highway. Some ignored the sound while others stood in awe and fear - enthusiasts and commoners alike. Nathan still clings on to his lead as Tomo desperately hangs on with Nathe right behind him. The race back just began and the competitors drove down the pass like wolves. The GT executes a wonderful outside drift in the snow while the GT-R goes through it in a grip-like fashion whereas the SRT10 plows through the corners at blistering speed and at a high angle powerslide.

"Nathan sr. doesn't seem to be bothered by my presence. Is this how professional drivers of the past race?" Tomo wondered.
"What's the idea of this kid?" Nathe argued to himself while gritting his teeth. "He looks as if I don't exist. Ever since he overtook me, it doesn't seem like I'm there. Dad, you better be wary of who you're up against."
The GT revvs all the way to the red zone once more and Nathan hits the perfect shift point for 7 consecutive times in a row. Despite old age, he has full control of the young automobile.

Back at the Archibal mansion, Dorothy, Nathan's wife, feels uneasy as she stares at the city from afar at her quarters. Later, her young daughter, Margarette, enters the room looking worried over her mother's expression.

"What's wrong mommy? Why the sad face?" she asked her mom.
"Oh, nothing dear. It's your father that's all..."
"Did you have a fight?"
"No; it's nothing like that. He seems different now that he's racing against Tomo?"
"Mr. Tomo is a racer? Since when?"
"well, he's of both - a racer and a chef. Your father challenged him for particular reasons..."
"Like what mommy?"
"Like... um... to tell you the truth, he didn't tell me."
"Isn't it bad, mommy? For daddy to keep secrets?"
"Some cases. But I think this is something for us not to be involved in. It's between your father and his ... well... rival."
"Are they fighting? But Mr. Tomo seems like a nice guy."
"They're not fighting. Your dad just wants to see something from Tomo."
"Like a talent, mommy?"
"That's right." Dorothy answered as she goes to her daughter and gently rubs her hair back and forth. Margarette blushes a bit feeling her mother's warmth and love.
"So... what's gonna happen...?" Margarette asked.
"I can't put it in words, my dear..." Dorothy goes to one corner of her room to get something. It was her stradivarius. She's obviously going to explain it to her daughter by means of a violin piece.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ798THmR5Y&feature=related

As Dorothy plays it; at the same moment, Nathan is giving more than what he gave at the first half of the race. He's giving around 66% of his full ability to pull away from Tomo. He's applying all tactics to remove that GT-R off his rearview mirror. Every corner, the GT-R would catch up; every straight, he won't leave his sight. The GT-R was a fighter; yet, so is Nathan. He's fighting for his post in this race. Slipstreaming after every city car on his way, he increases the gap and is desperately trying to end the battle, hoping the GT-R would give up in the end.

To his dismay, the GT-R is still there; gaining and closing in on the GT. On the highway, they're on equal ground. The one thing that would disrupt this equity would be driving skill - how they use their location to their advantage. Tomo begins to slipstream from side to side, nearly 2 car lengths away from the GT. A sweatdrop falls upon Tomo's cheek. He didn't budge; not even the slightest. His full concentration is locked on that GT infront of him. The Viper behind him is coming in fast but he has a way of eliminating it from his mirror. They enter a wide right corner. Nathan decelerates and enters the corner through the inside. Nathe is planning on attacking by drift. Tomo, on the other hand has something else in mind. There is a pair of sedans infront of him. He halves his acceleration and cuts through the cars from the inside. "That's suicide!!" Nathan uttered. "Entering a corner with a pedestrian car close to the inside lane? You got to be kidding me!!"

The GT comes out of the corner. Nathan is halfway through the corner as of this moment. As he sees the long stretch of straight road in view, he was shocked by what he saw. No trace of the GT-R in his sight. What Nathe could see are the following: the 2 cars that Tomo 'attacked', A cargo trailer in the middle of 2 trucks leading, mainly a gasoline carrier and a car carrier. Where could have that GT-R gone to?

Unknown to Nathe, Tomo actually is infront of the cargo trailer. The 2 trucks are covering his presence as to not to be figured out by Nathe. How did he do it? As soon as his car starts to understeer after hitting the apex and narrowly avoid the car on the inside, The position of his GT-R was rightly placed infront of the cargo trailer. With a couple of trucks infront, not blocking the way, he placed his car in between them while catching up to the GT. His move, though, cost him the race. The 2 car length gap increased to four.

Luckily for Tomo, there is another set of cars positioned like a slalom. He slipstreamed right behind them. As he did so, the gap decreased once more. He looked on his dashboard - his car status display screen to see if his car is still in top form. The display denoted the following figures: 40% grip remaining on front tires, 61% grip remaining on rear tires, and so on and so forth. He was able to control the grip loss in his car to a minimum. 5/6 of the race down, he's doing great.

Nathan Sr. couldn't help but glance at his rearview mirror once in a while. The presence of the GT-R not behind him is driving him crazy. He started thinking as to where he'd come out. The highway is a wide place - you could take the lead anywhere without being detected. Thinking of such things has subconsciously caused him to slow down. As Tomo came out of the last 3 cars infront of him, he's drastically catching up to the GT. How come? Is he waiting for him or something?

Tomo scurries to take the lead. He slipstreams once again behind the GT - for sure this time. Nathan stops thinking about what tactic would Tomo do to him. Because of too much thinking, and too less driving, he gasped as he saw th GTR right behind him. "Ho...how could this be!? When did he get here?" He starts to thomp on his accelerator and tries to pull away. The GT-R, though is still behind him. Tomo's in the perfect spot - at the drafting zone behind the GT. He has gained too much momentum that he is about to hit the rear of the GT. Realizing this, he swerves to the right and attempts to overtake. The GT is fighting for it's lead where as Tomo fights for his lead. It was a dead-beat down the long 2 kilometer straightway. For one kilometer, they're still tied. Past the 1.5 km mark and still tied. As Nathan hits the sixth gear, that's where he got the lead finally. Tomo swerves right back into the draft zone as to not to be left behind again. They're close to Cypress Bowl's entrance again.

"Tsk... not enough." Tomo said as he grits his teeth.
While on the straightway, somebody was honking their horn at Tomo's Skyline. As Tomo takes a moment to check what it is about, he, this time, was shocked over what was behind him.

"I'm back!!" the driver behind Tomo said.
A red Dodge Viper with Black Stripes is right behind the GT-R once again.

Posted by: Meteor Jan 25 2009, 08:42 AM

How will this battle end?!

I'll be waiting for the update.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jan 26 2009, 01:46 AM

The End is close... here's the next chapter!!
-----------------------------

Chapter 56 - The Last Breath

As the race is about to be brought to a close, the racers are getting pretty high on themselves. The race is fierce as neither combatant wants to give up. They're all on the final section of the course - Nathan Sr, Tomo, and Nathe in that order. The GT, holding on the lead with the Skyline GT-R34 and Viper right on its tail. They've been passing through traffic at speeds of 250 to 275 km/h. The exit to Cypress Bowl Road is just an exit away now.

"We're close to the exit. I'll settle it from there." Nathan told himself.
"I still have a chance at this. Just go on, GT-R!" Tomo said.
"Hmph... I wonder if you could still catch up after we do that..." Nathe wondered.

The exit is a left corner to a sudden right from the Highway itself. Nathan swerves his GT to the left as Tomo follows along with Nathe. With the Ford GT still ahead, and the 2 cars right behind it, they successfully clear the sudden chicane with ease, copying each other's entry. This is where the real challenge begins... To a competitor like that of Nathan Archibal Sr., Cypress Bowl Road is not just a mountain pass where skill is needed... Power must support it to be a 'god' in the course. He has that in his GT, which Tomo lacks in his R34. Once the road was clear enough, Nathan went full throttle. The GT's tachometer reads a staggering 8250 rpm - right past the red zone's starting point. He's over-revving the engine but to an extent that it aids to his driving style. Tomo shifts at the same moment but the GT starts to pull away. How come? They did it together yet the GT is increasing the gap for some reason.

The GT's V8 staggers across the road to Cypress Road. He's exceeding what the GT could do. That was the GT's only flaw in it's production. The GT40 before had that drastic catastrophe of its nose lunging upward due to too much wind pressure; not to mention the top speed it has reached. Ford has opted not to cause this again in their resurrected production model. What the GT40 could do before could not be done in the GT. Limitations were breached on it and Nathan plans on breaking it.

Tomo's at a huge disadvantage now. Not because of Nathan raising the gap... It's Nathe. His Viper's front bumper is a millimeter away from the GT-R's rear bumper. Its twin turbos are far superior than that of the GT-R's... Despite all this, Tomo isn't planning on losing. To Nathe, this is what he was talking about. It was their father and son strategy: The father pulls away as the son sticks to the opponent. They double team on their rival causing intense pressure from the front and back of their target. Through this, they play mind games on their opponent: making them fear of losing the race and their car in the process. Nathe called this the ENCLOSED WINGS attack. It was as if Nathe has his opponent right where he wants him to be. Instead of killing two birds with one stone... it turned out to be killing a bird with two stones - from the front and back. This ensured their victory from time and again and they saved this attack for Tomo to be their trump card.

"I don't need to know if Nathe is still there..." Tomo said to himself... "I know he's right behind me but... is he holding back? What does he plan on doing behind me? Will he overtake or hit my behind?" It is starting: what Nathe wanted Tomo to think. Placing himself at a very inconvenient place would lead to Tomo's breakdown.

"No... now's not the time to think like this! I have to overtake Nathan!! I must!!" As he enters the first corner of the 4 primary corners of Cypress Road, he blasts through with a out-in-out attack. Nathe copies his move evidently. The hillclimb is Nathe's utmost advantage and he has total control over Cypress Road with his 800+ hp, twin turbocharged Viper SRT10. Before reaching the long straight, there is a left bend. Tomo's GT-R understeered at its exit where as Nathe has his Viper placed in the center of the road at its exit. For once, understeering helped Tomo. The Viper overtook the GTR and now Tomo's back on the slipstream once again. They've reached the 300 kilometer mark on this treacherous pass. Nathan Sr makes sure of it that in Cypress road, he doesn't exceed 295 km/h on the hillclimb - the fatal flaw of the GT40. Due to the long slipstream attack, the gap was minimized once again. Even during the second corner, the first hairpin, Tomo overtakes Nathe at the apex. Intense wind pressure infront of Nathe caused his Viper to understeer more than what Tomo experienced.

Upon reaching the exit, Tomo sees the GT 450 meters infront of him. As soon as he's on the straightway, he sees Nathe lose control of the Viper as its rear hits the outer wall causing him to go to a spin. Nathe was able to counteract this but the gap immensely increased. The high powered turbines caused it to spool and also induce a large amount of rear wheelspin making his rear tires go whack in seconds. It was the first time for Nathe to see his plan backfire and his Viper let him down.

Now it is down to the GT-R and GT for good. He's once again on the GT's drafting zone. He's closing in. By the time he reaches the next hairpin, Tomo brings out another corner-oriented attack that Daiki taught him during the moments of the Super GT...

The exit oriented out-in attack. What makes it so special?

Nathan Sr. is on the inside; riding it casually. There was something wrong in his approach - he's too slow considering the fact that it is a hairpin. This gave Tomo a good chance. Tomo enters from the outside but he didn't attack the apex head on. As he passes it, the car starts to enter the inside at a higher speed than Nathan's entry speed. Nathan swerves to the center in planning to block Tomo for good. He brings out another touge based tactic - he rides the sidewalk. Nathan was expecting Tomo to slow down knowing the fact that he could ram each other. Tomo saw through this and rode the sidewalk, using it as an extension of the Road. By that moment, Tomo regained the lead.

They still have one last hairpin to clear; followed by a right bend.
"I'm not through yet. I still have one last ace..." Nathan uttered while observing the GT-R. Nathan still lingers behind the GT-R even if it could overtake at the straights with ease. The hairpin is up. What is Nathan planning? Tomo enters again with an out in out attack for one last time. Nathan did something that no one would expect to do in an American Exotic. As Tomo is in his braking zone, he positions his GT right next to it. Tomo, on the inside, and Nathan on the outside. "I still have the win, Sir Nathan!" Tomo said. But he was wrong. Tomo changed his attack from an out-in-out to a full inside attack. Nathe enters the corner from the outside and... raised the emergency brake.

Through the apex, Tomo still has the inside. Remember where Tomo used the sidewalk on the cliffside as an extension of the road? Well, it was Nathan's turn to do the same thing. He induces the GT to a high speed outside drift; balancing the car's position through the curve. The catch? His rear right tire is riding the sidewalk. Upon exiting the corner, Tomo is now in a deadbeat. He was about to feel that it is over; then, he remembered... his race with Daiki was like this very moment. The race at Akagi and the position he is in... it's the same...

The nose of the GT is leading before the right bend is in play. Sakura and Kasumi are witnessing what would happen! Sakura's GT-R is noted to be the finish line; parked perpendicular to the road yet on the grass. Sakura had her camera in hand as soon as she was about to hear them come up 2 hairpins ago.

The GT-R didn't slow down as contrast to Nathan's GT, which decelerated slightly upon entry. Exiting the bend, They're neck to neck. Both cars reached their red zones and both drivers shifted their cars to gear 3. It was the key point of the whole race. Which car would be brought to victory? At that short 50 meter point from the finish all lies now to tuning. Which car would pull back less after the shift?

Things start to go to slow motion once again as both cars' gears changed... The needles start to retract to the starting rpm point of the 3rd gear. Once they attained it, it was a close match. The GT's nose though extended by 2.5 millimeters. The cars passed Sakura's GT-R at a staggering 210+ km/h. Sakura took a clear sports-mode shot of the race from her car.

She couldn't believe what it showed. Kasumi took a look herself and was shocked as well... Both drivers brought their cars to a full stop and raised their e-brakes.
Sakura and Kasumi slowly went to them to announce the victor. Kasumi brought along a pair of bottled water for the 2 drivers. Once Tomo finished his, he asked "So... who won?" Sakura and Kasumi bent their head down upon Tomo asking it. Nathan gave a stern and concerned look at the two girls. "I guess... by looking at those two over there with Tomo, I know who won..." he said in his mind.

It looked as if Kasumi's eyes went watery...
"Kasumi?" Tomo asked. "You alright?"
"Gomenasai...Tomogashi-kun...(I'm sorry... Tomogashi-kun...)" She said in return.
"So who won?"
Things went mute as Kasumi told him who actually won. By the looks of Kasumi's lip movements, she commented that Nathan is the winner.
Tomo forgot that he had an empty bottle of water in his hand and he just suddenly lets go of it... The only sound that brought everything back to normal was the sound of a falling empty plastic bottle.

Posted by: Meteor Jan 26 2009, 09:56 AM

So Tomo actually lost. . He sure put up a good fight though.

Nekusuto chaputa purizu.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jan 27 2009, 05:43 AM

Chapter 57 - Ends of the Means

A Ford Mustang GT-R climbs up Cypress bowl road. Kitami was anxious to see the result; not to mention to pick a bone with Nathe for a while ago. As he got to the fourth corner's exit, he could see a couple of cars blocking the way - A Dodge Viper Coupe, a Ford GT, and... a Nissan Skyline... it's them.

Kitami parked to the side and got out of his car. What he could see is the whole gang: Tomo, Kasumi, Sakura, Nathe and Nathan Sr. He could see Tomo sulking in the hillside. "Must be bad news..." Kitami told himself. Before he could even approach them, a black S2000 came. Ryusen's S2000 stopped right behind Kitami's Mustang. "You guys..."
"What's the result?" Hiei asked as he stepped out of the passenger seat of the S2000.
Ryusen silently stepped out and closed the door. Both of them approached Kitami and all 3 of them went to Tomo and the rest.

"Sakura!!" Kitami yelled her name out to get her attention. Sakura tilted her head to see who it was. She looked at Kitami with a teary-eyed face and a sad expression. Kitami stopped and translated her look at him. "Tomo... lost didn't he?"

She bowed her head in reply to Kitami's question.
"It's not like he crashed or anything." Nathe said as he faced Kitami. "He was obviously too young to face my father. Really, arrogance takes this consequence..."
"Why you..." Kitami grits his teeth and desires to strangle Nathe by the colar.
"You take that back, Archibal!" he answered back to Nathe with an angry look.
"Shut it son. You've said enough." Nathan called his son's attention.
"But Dad? It's the truth right? No matter how strong he clinged to you, he didn't have the chance to get the lead from you and..."
"I TOLD YOU TO SHUT YOUR TRAP!" Nathan snapped and shouted at his arrogant-speaking son.

Silence engulfed everyone in the area. It was a sad moment for Tomo. He promised Kasumi that he'd win but... he let her down. He let the whole team down... that's what Tomogashi thought.
"Tomo." Nathan spoke to break the silence. He lifted his head slowly.
"You put up a good fight there. At your age... you are amazing."
"How could you say that, sir? I lost and you know it."
"It doesn't matter."
"Eh?" Everyone was confused with what Nathan said.
"In a race... there are two things that you, as a participant, are aware of: surviving and winning. You could only claim one trophy over the other. There are masters who attained both but there aren't too many of them. Some were greedy enough to win that they even plan on losing their lives to do so. Rubbish thinking if you might ask me."
Tomo looked at Nathan with a doubtful look in his face.
"Winning isn't everything, my boy. You remember what your little girlfriends told you before we started?"
Overhearing that, Kasumi, Sakura and Tomo blushed as they thought about it. All 3 of them closed their eyes and looked back.

QUOTE

"This is it, huh?" Sakura said.
"Probably. I'm really not sure if I could pull this off."
"You don't have to win at all." Kasumi commented.
"What?"
"She's right. I mean winning won't make you a better driver."
"You sort of got a point there."
"I mean, do you remember this statement? Of what does a man benefit and gain the whole world and lose his soul in the end?" Kasumi quotes.
"You don't need to win. You just have to give your best." Sakura followed.

"Yeah, you're right." Tomo answered. "What the damn hell was I doing sulking?"
"Of course... why are we sulking?" Kasumi asked.
"Must be immediate to us. We're not used to losing... especially when Tomo is the competitor..." Sakura answered.
Tomo rubs off the tears from his eyes. So did Sakura and Kasumi. They started to laugh thinking how stupid they reacted to the result. Kitami, Ryusen and Hiei are confused with what was happening; so is Nathe.
"What is going on here?" Kitami wondered.
"Who are they and what have they done to Tomo, Kasumi and Sakura?" Hiei asked.
"No, no, Hiei. Nothing is wrong with us..." Kasumi answered.
"That was a rhetorical question!" Hiei followed.
"Yeah... I know... we all know it was." Sakura commented.

Tomo looked back at Nathan to say a few words.
"Thank you, Sir Nathan. I was too absorbed with the battle that I forgot all about what I just told myself before the race."
"No need to thank me. We often forget when we are too concentrated with what we do that we lose control over our minds and the shadows of our heads take over."
"You said the exact same reason that I was thinking."
"But most of all... I would like to thank YOU."
"Thank me? For the food?"
"No, I didn't mean that. I meant for this race. You made me feel young again. It was the feeling that was about to die in me. I am glad that I was able to experience it again; as if I'm living my life all over again. Thank you for letting me race with the likes of you."
Nathan turns his back with a smile as he looks at the landscape. Tomo separates from the rest, who are busy playing around with each other, and walks towards Nathan.
"When you race... winning isn't everything. It doesn't make things better. What is most important is the race itself. You learn things that you wouldn't expect. You get to help co-racers in ways you wouldn't expect either. Racing is a mysterious field..."
"Yeah... I... mean- yes sir... you're right about that." Tomo answered.
Suddenly, Nathan's face showed seriousness after a moment of happiness.
"So... are you planning to go pro after everything is over?"
Tomo looked directly at Nathan with the same serious look that Nathan just shown.
"So are you?"
He bites his lips thinking of an answer; an answer that would please and satisfy Nathan.
"I'll know if you're going to lie or not. Just say the word." Nathan 'warned' him.
"I'm not." Tomo answered.
"Not what? Not gonna lie to me?"
"No sir... I mean, I'm not going to go pro."
Nathan scrunched his eye as he looked at Tomo with the same current look.
"I am part of this team because I am helping a friend see it through the end. But if the time comes for us, everyone in Team Japan, to go to our own separate paths... I don't want to go pro at all. What I am experiencing right now has made me see enough of what this world behelds. The World itself... isn't what I expect it to be. I don't want to be someone to be chased after in this world. What I am seeing now is just good enough for me. And No. I am not wasting my time on this. I want to see this to the very end as well before I move on with my life."
Nathan softens the way he stares at Tomo and slowly looks back at the horizon.
"Hmph. A very deep answer... But I respect you for that. That IS what you decided after all. Who would bother to change your mind? Only you could do so."
Tomo smiled hearing that.
"Actually..." Nathan talked further.
"Part of what you said is the same reason why I didn't go pro either. I hate how the world sees automobiles. They see it as a luxury, a way to express themselves in a dominant manner, a way to be number one the shortest way possible. There are only a few people who'd appreciate auto racing just as how I look at it. This world isn't desirable to see cars the way I do. I am not being to predominant myself; that's just how I look at things. That's what I am trying to inculcate to my son. How I look at auto racing, it's not for the money, the popularity, nor for the sponsorships and the victories. It is all about having a wonderful time and seeing things pass you by at feelings only you could understand. It is all about appreciating the work of your hands... Besides, it is us who made these automobiles the way they are now." Nathan said as he looked at the Viper, GT, and the Skyline.
"But..." Tomo mumbled.
"Hmm?"
"I'm not sure if I would decide to go pro later on in the future..." he said with a sad expression depicting the fact that he's totally unsure.
Nathan approaches Tomo and pats him in the shoulder.
"Don't worry. You're still young. You still have many decisions to finalize and make. This is one of them."

Nathan walks to his GT and is ready to go home. "I heard that your friend is part of Vancouver's stock car race a few days from now, right?"
"Y-yes."
"I would like to see him. Do you... and your peers want to watch it with me live?"
Tomo nods to agree. He looks at his friends playing around, acting stupid as they don't have a clue of how he & the girls look at the race. Kasumi was on one corner holding Sakura's camera. She turns around and slowly approaches Tomo.
"Kasumi..." Tomo uttered.
"I...I am... r...really happy for you..."
"Really? even if I lost?" he asked with a smile.
"That doesn't matter, silly. You did great today; that's what mattered to me. Atashite... bokuwa... shiawase... You've really improved a lot, I can tell... even... if I don't know too much about cars and racing as much as you do..."
Tomo held Kasumi by the shoulders. Kasumi blushed and stared at Tomo's eyes. Tomo moves his head a bit closer to Kasumi. She thought that it would be a kiss. Her heart is pounding really fast and really hard on her.
"Thank you Kasumi... I am just glad... that I am here celebrating the end of this race with you and the rest."
Kasumi's eyes glittered as Tomo stared. When she knew that was just it, she pushed Tomo off her saying "You pig!"
"W...what?"
"You were planning to kiss me are you?"
"No...no...no... that wasn't it (sheish... what the hell was wrong with my body there?)"
"...T...To...Tomo..." Sakura slowly approached Tomo with a fiery aura. "W...was... th...that... true...!?"
"Sakura, not you too?"
"It was your plan the whole time, right?"
"what plan? What are you saying?"
"You wanted to, don't you?" Slowly, the two girls are taunting Tomo with their aura as they came up close to him while Tomo walks away from them slowly.
"You...you don't understand..."
When they were close enough and Tomo's back touched the railings, His heart started pounding really hard... the girls slightly stuck their tongues out and laughed.
"Ha ha ha... boy, we really got you there..." Kasumi said as she held her stomach.
"You should've seen the look on his face when we came close. It looked as if he has seen a ghost."
"C...CUT THAT OUT!" Tomo said with an embarassed look on his face.
The other guys just laughed at him.
"What's so funny? I believe you guys were no different..." Tomo said in embarrassment. The rest just kept on laughing.
"Ah, Youth... what no better way to spend the time in the mountains with laughter and camaraderie..." Nathan said.
"Yeah. I mean, I'm a few years ahead of them yet I am jealous. Tell me dad, you held back at the last straight did you?"
"Nope."
"Seriously? I mean, your pace was not like it was during the highways."
"My GT's at its limit. I am planning to double my supercharger but I wanted to see how far it could go with just a single supercharger."
"So if it weren't for that custom racing clutch you installed, you would've lost did you?"
"Hmm... probably."
"Probably?"
"Who knows what could've happened if that was the case." Nathan said with a smile.
"That guy Tomogashi sure is something." Nathe commented. "Team Japan's next race after here is Buenos Aires right? Do you think we should recommend her?"
"Now's not the right time. He'll figure it out soon. I heard from a friend of mine in South America that she's racing again after that huge incident that left a big mark at her career." the father answered.
"And I was about to think that you're not recommending her because you were afraid to say that you lost to her in a fair match." The son answered.
"Well, you were no match either, my boy. You're no different from me, eh?"
"Just leave it at that, dad. I've had enough racing for one day."
"Let's head home. Tell them to follow up."
"Sure."
Nathan heads down in his GT as he drives back to his mansion. Moments later, they followed. Little did they know, somebody was spectating the secret battle. This exact person was part of the crowd of spectators who were watching Tomo's battle with Lucas Scott. Only a silhouette of the person was visible yet undetected by anyone in the area.
Everyone is getting anxious over the upcoming main event at Vancouver. They'd want to see how Daiki will do this time. Tomo may have lost this match but he has won a lot in replace of it. Something that cannot be answered with a simple First place or second place. Tomo, aboard his GT-R alongside Kasumi, drives down Cypress Bowl Road with a smile.
"Good thing I got my rematch with Nathe back there." Tomo said with a small grin.
"And I thought you didn't care if you'd win or lose?" Kasumi asked.
"Got you back, girl. I was only kidding."
"I don't understand you sometimes, Tomo..."
"And that's what I like about you as well..."
"Stop it with the romantic quotes already..."
"Fine..." They just giggled in the car as they drive to the Archibal Mansion once again.

Posted by: Meteor Jan 28 2009, 06:39 AM

Stop sulking guys. It's just a damn race.
Ah. Thank you, Nathan, for putting some sense into them.

This was a nice conclusion to the race though. So who was that silhoutte watching them? Well. . Only one way to find out.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Feb 1 2009, 07:40 PM

Episode 13 - Professionalism
Chapter 58 - Earning your Wings

The next day arrived and it seems to it that nothing ever happened. It obviously looks as if the feud between Tomo and the father and son duo of the Nathans didn't happen at all. Everything seems normal. Tomo was doing the usual stuff. The rest of his friends are doing whatever they could lay their hands on; such as Kasumi and Sakura baby sitting and playing around with Margarette. Kitami decides to slack off for the whole day and go to places where he wouldn't expect. Hiei and Ryusen decides to help out with Tomo in the kitchen for a change, hoping they lessen the load rather than increase it.

In Nathan's study, he and his wife are talking about that whole race that they just concluded while Nathe is out on another film shooting. "...and that is what happened, love." Nathan finished telling her the story.
"That boy... he sure is quite talented. I mean, even a months worth of not driving didn't stumble him at all." Dorothy commented as she sips from her tea cup.
"Not completely though. He had quite a few relapses in the beginning but he was able to compensate all that hard predicaments that befall him. What a person he is." Nathan followed.
Silence engulfs the study while the couple think of something else now that the topic they just finished talking about one.
Finally, Dorothy breaks the silence by starting off with the next conversation.
"Um... not to be rude, honey... but... how long are they going to stay here? I mean, they've been with us for more than a month now, right?"
"I know what you mean, love. I was able to talk to Tomo about it and he said that right after they're well prepared to leave for their next venture."
"Which is?"
"Around 2 to 2 and a half more weeks."
"It's quite sad though... to see them leave after a short period of time."
"Short? a month and a half is short to you?"
"Well... you see... I was able to accept them as part of the family... well; most of them are..."
"We did accept them with open arms. I'm starting to feel the same way." Nathan Sr. said as he stood up and looked at the horizon through his tall window.
"You know, we're all going to watch the race tomorrow. Do you want to come along? I know it isn't much of your thing but I want us to go as a family. All this secular stuff of my real estate and showbiz has kept me from enjoying time with my one and only family."
"Why do you even ask? Of course, I'll come along. I'll even bring Dorothy along too."
"Thanks love. That is well appreciated of you." Nathan said as he approached his wife and kissed her.

What do I mean when I say Tomo's back doing the usual stuff? Well, he's back in the kitchen. The other chefs are wondering why he's back due to his recent situation. Tomo explains briefly but fully that today will be different and he's ready to help out with the best of his abilities.

Everybody worked hard to prepare, what they may call as the start of their last working days with the best help that they have found. As Tomo sautes the vegetables with the commis, Hiei and Ryusen help out in butchering slabs of meat with the butchers and meat chefs, not to mention helping with any group that needs help. Time didn't wait for anyone and it is now 11:30. They were given a break by the head chef, who just came out of the storage checking stocks.

"So this is what it feels like working in the kitchen." Hiei said after he drinks a glass of water.
"It's kind of like our fourth year military training classes." Ryusen commented while wiping the sweat of his face.
"No kidding." Tomo followed along.
"Look who's talking. You were able to skip that part of school while me and Ryusen had to deal with it... It was fun though."
"For you it is. Good thing I stood against the odds back then."
"Yeah. It's because of your belief, right?" Ryusen asked. "Out of everyone in school, we were the only ones who respected you for that. We didn't question you why."
"But it's not like we didn't care. We do and we understand your side of things. No one in our batch could've done anything better than that." Hiei said as he looked at Tomo with a smile.
"Not that smile, Hiei!"
"What? Why?"
"I SEE A PEDO!!" Ryusen exclaimed. Hiei's smile was a bit jagged but it didn't matter to him. That's him and he likes the way he is now unless he says so. Tomo can't help but laugh. "Really, you guys are the best!!" He said as he hugged them tight around their necks.
"Hey, don't forget Sakura and I. Well, Sakura is just like Tomo but I, on the other hand respect his belief double that of you guys combined." Kasumi said as she walked over to the trio, overhearing the conversation.
"Thanks a lot... everyone. Only you guys made me feel like a man." Tomo commented as a small tear fell from his cheek.
"Aww. Can it with the senti stuff for a while, man."
"Sorry. Sorry, Ryusen. Times like this make me emotional and grateful to have known you guys." Tomo apologized as he took out his handkerchief out of his pocket.
"Say, where's Kitami?" Tomo asked out of the blue.
"Out joyriding with his Mustang." Kasumi answered.
"If I am right, he made a few settings of his last night to corner better." Ryusen told Tomo.
"At least he gets to familiarize himself more with his car." Hiei wondered.
"Guys, it's 11:50. C'mon. Let's get the food ready on the table."
"Yes, sir!!"
"I'll call Kitami over and Sakura as well."
"Thanks, Kasumi." The trio heads back to the kitchen while Kasumi goes to Sakura, who is playing with Margarette at the flower garden.

[3 hours later]
Everything else was settled after everybody had their lunch. They went about doing their personal stuff around the mansion. Tomo decided to take his GT-R out for a spin once again. To his happiness; somewhat, Kasumi wanted to come along. She's already used to Tomo's driving and has no problem hopping along with him. They went to Cypress Bowl Road for the second time to do a quick run. They actually want to visit Daiki a day before the race itself and they know that he's still at the Vancouver city track practicing and formulating a strategy with the group.

Approaching a low speed corner at a speed of 242 km/h from the start of the long straight, Tomo removes his foot off the gas and brakes hard. 50 meters upon the corner's entry, he removes his foot off the brake and lets the intial idling of the engine to slow the car down. Hitting the apex, he accelerates from that point on and exits the corner at an outstanding 120 km/h. "Without the trouble of either the Viper and GT behind and infront of me, I am able to clear corners better and at my own pace." Tomo thought to himself. Kasumi glances at Tomo and can't help but smile at him."He seems so cheerful. It's great to see the old Tomo back." She said.
"huh? Did you say something, Kasumi?"
"Oh, nothing." she said with a chuckle.
Tomo looks back on the road and enters a mid-speed corner at 169 km/h. He removes his foot off the accelerator again and enters the inside. He nearly hits the exit's outer wall by a millimeter or two at the same entry speed. Every corner he clears, his entry speed and exit speed are starting to come out at the same value. He learned this during his battle with Nathan and Nathe. Although he lost, he picked up a thing or two from that epic race. At the back of Tomo's mind, he could feel his aura caressing the R34. In his imagination, he could see that the 'wings' of his car are starting to expand. Hitting 5th gear, the wings expose themselves around the car. The length is the same with that of Nathan's aura - Pegasus. He has earned it - the wings he had lost. Kitana, back at Italy, described Tomo's aura to be taking the shape of a eagle or phoenix. At some point in their completed journey, Tomo is starting to see what Kitana had figured out. He could feel his car lifting up from the road and onto the heavens. The car, to him, felt light and agile. For some reason, he could feel the wind touching his face. His windows; however, are closed. It isn't a literal figure - the wind. It was another kind of wind. Even Kasumi is able to understand and feel the same feeling. It was extraordinary.

Moments later, they were able to reach their destination. He parked his car along the trailers and corporate vehicles that were present in the parking area. The pair walked up to Daiki who was talking amongst Hiroya, Shimizu, and Tetsuya.
"Guys!! Over here!!" Tomo called out to the others.
"Tomo!! How's it hanging?" Tetsuya asked.
"Nothing much, despite the fact that you guys are busy with this sort of thing for more than a month." Kasumi answered.
"Well," Hiroya said shrugging his shoulders, "We need to make sure that everything is in the right place. We don't want to have any problems during the race."
Daiki turned around to face Tomo. He had a serious look on his face.
"So, Akiyama, ready for tomorrow's race?" Tomo asked with a smile.
"You raced him did you?" Daiki asked in a serious undertone.
Looking back at Daiki with a confused look just agitated his anger at Tomo's action.
"I told you not to!" Daiki's voice started to sound scary.
"What do you mean?"
"YOU BASTARD! WHY DIDN'T YOU LISTEN!?" Daiki charges at Tomo, about to punch him for not following what he said before. Kasumi immediately stood infront of Tomo, hoping to take the blow for him as she shouted. "STOP IT! DAIKI, STOP!"
Daiki stopped his fist from making contact with Kasumi's face. He held his fist down.
"It isn't his fault." She said.
"Why? WHy did you race him!? I know that you'll lose that race."
"Is this about my race with Nathan?"
"What other race is there?!"
"I lost, to tell you the truth."
"SO you did!" Daiki's face shows intense rage. He reminded the girls to warn Tomo of the consequences if he is ever to race him.
"When Kasumi and Sakura called you, it was too late. The race was already issued."
Daiki started to calm down hoping that Tomo would say something that would turn the tide of the swarming emotions around them. He didn't regret accepting the terms between him and Nathan. He knew that he'll lose but it didn't matter to him. He told Daiki that winning isn't everything and that race of his was impossible to conquer; yet he faced the odds and kept up with the GT. Daiki was amazed hearing that.

Daiki approaches Tomo slowly with his head down. He held Tomo by the shoulders, saying... "You're something else, you know that?" Daiki raises his head to show a somewhat happier mood. That face of his meant an apology. An apology for his actions minutes ago. "So... how large was the gap from the finish?"
"3 millimeters."
"You're kidding, right?"
"He isn't." Kasumi followed.
"Say, Daiki... You better do your best too, okay? For tomorrow, I mean." Tomo told him.
"Yeah. You don't need to worry about me."
"And this is the car that you'll be using?"
"This is the car that I was able to negotiate with."
"A BMW?" Kasumi asked.
"A 328i to be exact." Shimizu added. "Daiki had a 3 series at his place so he has no problem handling such a car. we just need the proper settings and he's good to go for tomorrow."
"Glad to hear that."
The rest of the day was spent talking until 4:00 hits the clock. The big day is a few hours away and Tomo assured them that they would be rooting for them. The GT-R leaves the parking lot in a very authentic fashion - Making a 360 spin before heading back to the mansion.

Posted by: Meteor Feb 4 2009, 12:05 AM

QUOTE

Approaching a low speed corner at a speed of 242 km/h from the start of the long straight, Tomo removes his foot off the gas and brakes hard. 50 meters upon the corner's entry, he removes his foot off the brake and lets the intial idling of the engine to slow the car down. Hitting the apex, he accelerates from that point on and exits the corner at an outstanding 120 km/h.

I believe a low speed corner is one taken at under 100 km/h.

QUOTE

Tomo looks back on the road and enters a mid-speed corner at 169 km/h.

And that is definitely a high-speed corner.

I'll wait for the next chapter.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Feb 4 2009, 03:25 AM

Chapter 59 - Competitive Secrets

There was a huge gathering at the prime state of Canada, Vancouver. It was one of the most thrilling races that has ever been held ever since the late 1990's touring car championship. At this very moment, time is starting to rotate itself once again. The moments return with a few modern changes. It is the Canadian Touring Car championship - a contemporary of the ongoing international Racing Tournament.

Representing Japan is Daiki Akiyama in his BMW 328i touring car. Unfortunately, in a nationalistic sense, there was no available car of the old ages that could be used to race once again; the statistics of the current models, isn't enough to match to that of the European standards of Touring Car racing. Lucky for Daiki, he had a contact who is actually the person who offered him the BMW. With contenders such as Audis, Mercedes Benzes, Alfa Romeos, and Opels as to name a few, Daiki has chosen the rightful car for the job. With Hiroya, Shimizu, and Tetsuya in charge of the pit stop, things would seem to be fine.

Time is in the break of 12 noon and there are around ten thousand spectators viewing this thrilling 24-lap battle. The race compromises of Marine drive, primarily, going to Capilano Road, then Montroyal Boulevard directing the drivers to the North Vancouver District, going into the main freeway's underpass with a right to Stevens Drive around the Capilano Golf & Country club and back via the following avenues: Southborough drive, Eyremount Drive, Cross creek road,a right to Matthers avenue bringing them back to the starting point located at Marine drive. The competition seems quite challenging for the head of team Japan.

Daiki double checks with his team concerning the settings and is awaiting the Go-signal from the Racing committee. Nathan Sr., along with his family, and Tomo along with his friends have the best spot to see the whole race: at Marine drive.
"Say..." Sakura disrupted as she looked at the brochure of the race. "Isn't the race a bit too long for just one lap? Isn't it kind of like Germany's nurburgring?"
"Well..." Nathe answers, "Considering the fact that this is just 24 laps, and add the fact that the average time that they could attain here is around 7 to 8 minutes per lap, I'd say it'll go along with those long lap but short course races in this tournament."
"I see... now I understand." Sakura wondered.
"The only problem is how would drivers manage their tires without going into the pits too much per lap..." Kitami concluded.
"Yes, that would be a problem." she wondered again.
"Looking at the course layout, it kind of resembles Infineon in many ways." Tomo butted in. The other 2, Kitami and Sakura, didn't get what Tomo is saying.
"You don't get it?"
"Could you expound on it?"
"Take this example: Capilano Road. It resembles the straightway of Infineon, just after the hairpin of the sports car course. Also the road around the Golf & Country club. It resembles the wide turn of the same part of infineon. Lastly, the road between Matthers Avenue and Marine Drive. It is like the first bisection of Infineon as well."
"Tomo is right." Nathan Sr. added. "The course layout of how this race would be compromising of is more or less an extended duplicate of Infineon raceway. You will encounter this in some of your professional races. Race courses will differ but at one point, they share a common pattern."
Sakura and Kitami nodded in agreement. They understand now.
The race is about to start and Tomo just noticed... "Hey... where's Hiei and Ryusen?"
"Over here!!" Hiei shouted from a corner. He is carrying snacks and drinks for everyone.
"Cool! Whatcha get?" Kitami went to Hiei to get his share before he starts talking.
"No touchee!!" Hiei exclaimed slapping Kitami's hands.
"Here we go: chips, chips, chips, chips, mixed nuts, chips, chips, and..."
"Let me guess... chips?" Kasumi asked ironically.
"No. Soda, then chips."
"IT figures..." she said shrugging her shoulders.
"Where's Ryusen?"
"Got a sudden feeling of constipation upon arriving. He's still at the bathroom."
"Make sure he sanitizes..." Kitami said while eating his hotdog w/ mayo and relish.
"It's about to start. Too bad Ryusen would miss this..." Dorothy said while holding Margarette firmly on her lap.
Hiei took out a foam finger to support Daiki.
"Dude," Kitami followed. "we're not in a baseball game."
"And your point is?"
Kitami didn't answer. Neither one budge as they stared in each other's eyes.
"Gimme. The finger."
"You wanna do it, do you?" Hiei asked silently.
"You read my mind." Kitami silently replied in return. Hiei gave it and leaves Kitami be.

The countdown begins and everyone is cheering for their favorite competitor and or car to win. Daiki is in position 12th of 20. He lowers his visor and gets ready for the race. Once the light shines a bright green, all 20 cars took off at blistering speed. It has begun, another thrilling professional race for Team Japan!!

Everybody is cheering wildly for the competitors; Tomo and the group aren't an exemption to this. Daiki's BMW is chasing an Alfa 155 GT, a pure classic touring car that has 4WD and 4 huge exhaust pipes. His 3 series is the sedan type equipped with the M3 GT-R race body kit. He doesn't have any problem staying with the group. He's not straying too far behind the leading cars but he also isn't being caught up by the others behind him. He's doing just fine, yet this is only the start of the race. He still has 23 laps remaining after this one. As far as that is concerned, it won't be a problem for Daiki at all, nor for the pit crew.

[mid point of first lap]
At the pits...
"Looks like Daiki is doing just fine. By the looks of the readings of his 3series, everything is going just the way we set it up to." Tetsuya said as he looked at the monitor showing the overall status of the BMW. The monitor depicts the following primary figures:
Tires are still at blue interpreting cool condition and maximum grip.
Brakes gauge is still empty interpreting no fade conditions present
Aerodynamic figures are still evident and no physical contact nor damage present yet.
"Hmm... you're right, Tetsuya." Hiroya went near to Tetsuya and looked at the figures himself.

As for Daiki...
Still holding 12th place and gaining on the 11th, they enter Stevens Drive at medium speeds of 168 km/h. In Daiki's mind, he could see the correct line to take at the round section. He shifts to gear 4 at 7000 rpm out of 9000. The BMW is tailgating behind the Alfa at a constant pace. Upon entry to the left corner, The Alfa takes the inside lane at a speed of 150 km/h. Daiki approaches the corner at a much higher speed of 160 km/h at the inside. Normally, at this speed the car would start to undertseer however, Daiki suggested to turn his TCS at level 1 of 15 for the time being, a close to OFF setting. The Alfa Romeo driver could feel the presence of his opponent closing in and decides to deepen his press on the accelerator. This was a fatal mistake on his part as his car begins to understeer giving Daiki the upperhand. Daiki noticed this and beghins to accelerate and take the lead. His distance from the inside fence of the club and the Alfa is just enough to pass.

The entry speed was high enough to take the lead. Daiki begins to make some ground as his BMW overtakes the Alfa successfully. His rear skid as soon as he passed the alfa inducing it to a drift. Daiki slightly turns his wheel to the opposite direction at a very small angle. He executed a drift without letting the tires smoke too much. At the exit of the corner, he exits it at 180+ km/h, outrunning the Alfa far behind. He slowly gains on his next target: An Opel Calibra, another 4WD touring car.

Tomo, Nathan and the others are watching the race from the large screen monitor from the Starting line. "That fellow Daiki..." Nathan Sr. uttered. "...I've seen his driving before; I just couldn't remember when but I am certail that it isn't here. It was a long time ago." Tomo glanced at Nathan unsure of what he just said. Did they really meet before? Why didn't Daiki tell him of this if they have met? "I just couldn't put my finger on it... When did I meet him exactly?" Nathan continued. "I'm sure of it..." Tomo said in his mind. "They have met. It explains why Daiki warned me of not racing him, even if his warning was too late." Tomo stopped cheering and just sat there. NOw that one problem is over, another arises: Who IS Daiki? What else did he not tell me? By the looks of things, how did Daiki know that Nathan was that good?

Unsure of what is happening now, he goes to the restroom without informing the ohers. After a minute passed, Kasumi was the only one who noticed that Tomo wasn't with them. She goes out to find him. Taking out her cell phone as she makes her way through the crowd, she calls Tomo and ask where he is and why. He received the call and answers it.
"Hello?"
"Where are you, Tomo-kun?"
"I'm at the parking lot and just came out of the restroom"
"Why didn't you come back?"
"Are you still there? Perhaps you might not hear me."
"Well, I could barely hear you."
"Come to the parking lot. I'll explain."
Kasumi made her way through the crowd and went to the parking lot, as Tomo wanted.

[minutes later...]
Kasumi got to the parking lot with barely enough air to inhale. She was fatigued from making her way through the large group of people.
"Why didn't you come back? Don't you want to see Daiki race?"
"You see, Kasumi... I am starting to feel that Daiki is hiding something from us."
"What do you mean?"
"I... you sure you could keep a secret?"
"Of course."
"Swear?"
"I do. Just tell me why."
"Alright... I overheard Nathan saying something about Daiki as he noticed him drive. He said that 'he met him before and he's sure of it. He's just not certain when."
"Don't you think it was mere coincidence?"
"He sounded so firm saying it... He wasn't kidding and he had a serious face trying to recall that moment."
"So... you think that Daiki has met Nathan?"
"WHY then do you think he warned you about me not racing Daiki as he knew who I was about to deal with?"
"Hmm... good point..." Kasumi said holding her chin. 'It is strange. How could Daiki know about Nathan Archibal by just knowing his name? Why would he warn us of how he drives if he didn't brief us about it before?' she thought to herself.
"With the case with Lucas, it was different because he was new to the scene. Nathan, however, was experienced and his name could be breached out as far as the world or Japan at the very least aside from the USA. He should at least know of this and inform us in advance of some well known drivers..." Tomo thought.
"professionals, in the very least should know who are some of the top drivers that they're associated with, right?"
"That's right, Kasumi."
They stopped talking and started to think. They thought to themselves what is actually going on. They could hear the engine roars of the cars racing in the match and the cheers of the audience.
"I really think we need to keep this to ourselves, Tomo. Bringing this discussion to the others would destroy our team." Kasumi suggested.
"Destroy?"
"Friction will come in between you and Daiki and could possibly lead to the disbanding of the group."
"You really are conscious of what happens to the team, huh Kasumi?"
"It's what binds all of us together, don't you remember? You, me, Sakura, Kitami, Hiei, Ryusen, Daiki, Tetsuya, Hiroya and Shimizu."
"Y... you're right, Kasumi. Let's keep this a secret. We'll figure this out ourselves. What the connection between Daiki and Nathan is. WE should investigate before our departure."
"When is our departure?"
"A week from now." Tomo said softly.
"I need to give a gift."
"A gift?"
"To show my appreciation of letting them offer us a stay in their place. That's why."
Tomo smiled at Kasumi hearing that. He never knew she had it in her. She wants to really appreciate their hospitality. He wanted to help out as well.
"I'll help. How about we go now?"
"But what about... Daiki's race?"
"I'll make something up like, you don't feel so well and I need to take you to a doctor or something."
"That is so sly of you... but I think it's for the best. You might cause a ruckus with the thought of Daiki keeping a secret against you."
"Thanks of you to understand Kasumi. I'll apologize to Daiki about this soon."
"I'll text them so that they'll know." Kasumi volunteered as she started texting Sakura and the others.

They left the parking area and went to the well known shopping mall at Vancouver.
"Daiki will do alright, right?" Kasumi asked as she strapped on her seatbelt.
"He will. He will. I am sure of it. A race like this is nothing to the Prince."

[lap 12]
Daiki's BMW enters the pits for the second time around. The first time was during lap 7. He started to up his pace from lap 8 onwards causing his tires to burn faster.
He stops at their spot and lets Hiroya and Tetsuya do their thing- changing tires as fast as they could. Shimizu gives Daiki a few strategy guides for the rest of the remaining laps. Daiki is currently in 5th place but as he enters the pits, the 6th driver nabs the 5th post from him.
"You're now on 6th Daiki. You could get the lead for the next 2 or 3 laps right?"
"I could but I need to expand the gap as much as I could to retain the lead once I get into the next pit stop."
"Just don't overstress your tires okay? Tire conservation is key to a race as long as this."
"I got ya." Hiroya tapped the rear hard denoting that the pit stop is complete. Daiki shifts to 1 and blasts out of the pit lane with the 7th driver behind him. He starts to outrun everybody and hurriedly steals the upper posts. Within 2 laps, he gains the 3rd position that fast and is now playing with the podium drivers for a lap or so.

Within lap 20th, he heads for the pits once again. He is now holding the lead and has around a minute's worth of gap in between him and the second placer.
"4 laps to go, Daiki. You only need to retain this gap and post to win."
"Thanks for the info. I know that, Shimizu."
Another tap from behind and Daiki blasts out of the pit lane once again, still retaining the lead. He never had much of a problem with the race and is leading against the Audi Touring car and Benz 190E touring car. At the end of the race, 20 minutes later, Daiki cleared the whole race, in first place, setting a new record.

Posted by: Meteor Feb 5 2009, 11:40 PM

QUOTE

"The course layout of how this race would be compromising

The correct word here is "Comprising". Not "Compromising."

The chips scene was funny and so was the foam finger scene. Anyway, I'll wait for the next chapter.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Feb 8 2009, 08:35 AM

Chapter 60 - Goodbye is never the right word

The next night, the night after the Vancouver touring car championship, Daiki gathers everybody for a celebration of his victory at the hotel that they are staying in. He paid extra to rent the penthouse suite for the said event. Gathering some of his combatants of the recently concluded race, and his crew along, Daiki wants this to be a well-planned celebration. There was one problem in the atmosphere... Where is Tomo? Where is Kasumi? Where is Kitami? Only 1 of the said 3 are nearby and Daiki knows where he's gone off to. Kitami is doing a couple of rounds at the Cypress Bowl Road once again. He plans on imitating the battle that happened between Tomo and Nathan. He wouldn't rest until he gets close enough to their speed and times without losing control. He exceeds his own expectations and attempts to bring his Mustang to the next level.

He enters a left hand, low speed corner at an entry speed of 188 km/h. He brakes hard until 114 km/h and enters it at a drift maneuver steadily on the inside. The mustang exits the corner at the outside with speeds of 137 km/h and gains some evident ground. "Now I see the secret to my Mustang. The strong oversteer would be my primary weapon in this car. I think, though, that the turbines spool too much at certain moments. I need to ask for Tetsuya's help to adjust the ECu of this once again if we have time." Kitami uttered to himself. He shifts to gear 3 and hits the perfect shift point - right in between the red zone and the normal safe zone upon exit. Flames burst out from his exhaust more often than so. His front's toe angles are toed in at the right setup which contributes to his oversteer and his Turbines add an extra boost of oversteer upon entry to the higher rpm values of the car. He's doing quite well? I guess so.

Midway through the pass, he sees a vintage Ford Mustang parked at the side with its hazards on. The car is coated in a bright yellow tone with black stripes down from the back to the hood. It holds the body of a Fastback Mustang but the rear lights says otherwise. It is actually an ancient Shelby GT500 coupe. Kitami slows down to see who drives it. "Pathetic vintage owners... don't they see that the modern Mustang outclasses that kind?" Once Kitami got a glimpse of the driver, he was amazed that he forgot the feeling that he is holding his steering wheel. It was a girl... no a woman. A pretty woman at that. Her hair lengths down past her shoulders right before her middle spine, She has a sweet looking face with her bangs shaped just right. Quite small in height but she looks like an angel. Kitami's jaw dropped upon noticing her and before he knew it, his Mustang is kissing the outer wall of the pass. He got back to his senses by the time he feels the awkward vibrations. "Whoa..." he moaned by the time he stopped his car a few miles down... "That was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I can't wait to brag that at their faces!" he said with a grin.

Minutes later, Tomo and Kasumi were running down the same pass and saw the same car, still parked there helplessly at one side. The woman that Kitami saw earlier is now sulking, sitting next to the Shelby's front tire. Her face shows desperation and disappointment altogether. "Hmm? Mind if you wait here a sec, Kasumi?" Tomo asked as he slows down his GT-R. "Uh, okay... go ahead." she answered.
Tomo brings the car to a full stop and steps out of his car. It was dark and he couldn't see clearly what she looks like. "Um... excuse me, miss?"
The woman tilted her head to answer that call. By the time she got up and walked towards tomo, the moonlight reveals itself, hidden by the clouds, and reveals her face. Kitami was able to see her awhile ago because of the hazard lights. This time, she turned them off and sat there waiting for something to happen or something. She just called a wrecker 30 minutes ago but it still hasn't arrived.

Tomo couldn't believe who it was; nor could the woman recognize Tomo. "IT'S... YOU!?" "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!?" "I ASKED YOU FIRST!" "NO! YOU START!"... "Wow! I never expected this!" Tomo exclaimed and the woman said the same thing. "Is this for real? Is that really you, Sabine?"
"I should be asking that question, Tomo."
The two of them laughed and gave each other a welcome hug. Kasumi took a glimpse of what's happening behind her and was dumbfounded with what is happening. She nearly flipped in rage. "What the hell is happening here!?" Kasumi shouted in the car. When they finished hugging, Sabine and Tomo went to check out the car.
In the GT-R, Kasumi couldn't take any of it any longer. She turned the car off, took the car keys of the R34, and stepped out of the car to give Tomo a piece of her mind. Jealous girl. It looks as if a casual romance comedy of some sorts.
Tomo asked Sabine where's the problem in her Shelby and she pointed at the battery which is not that visible due to low lighting.
"Where?"
"Over there right next to the..." while pointing the part in the engine bay closer, Sabine suddenly slipped and lost her balance nearly landing on Tomo. He caught her by the waist to catch her fall. Kasumi saw this as well and is infuriated. Is he seriously hitting on a girl that she doesn't know?
Joking around, Sabine told Tomo "You did that on purpose, huh?"
"Huh!? N-No! You're mistaken!!" Tomo reacted in embarrassment.
"I know you had a crush on me back in college but isn't this going a bit too far?"
"IT'S A SMALL crush only! And besides..." his voice suddenly dropped to a whispering tone "I already have someone I like, remember?"
Kasumi only heard the 'crush back in college part' and got sent into eternal rage. She really wants to hit Tomo right now.
Sabine laughs and admits that she was kidding. That wasn't very nice for Tomo; she was playing with his emotions, even if it was a simple kiddie joke. Before Tomo could talk any further concerning the Shelby, someone caught her by the ear.
"Ow, ow ow!!" he said. "Who in the..."
When Tomo looked behind him, he saw a disappointed looking Kasumi staring angrily at him. "Oh, heh heh... Kasumi..."
Kasumi just gave him, 'the look'.
"Uh... I can explain..." Tomo said.
"Say, Tomo... who's your friend? Your girlfriend?"
"W-Wait a sec! One at a time here!!"

[10 painful and unexplainable minutes later]

"And that's the whole story, Kasumi. Sorry if you misunderstood some things." Tomo finished explaining. He had a hard time explaining everything to convince Kasumi not to be angry at him anymore.
"Oh! I forgot to tell you my name... You're Kasumi, right?"
"Yeah?" Kasumi replied.
"I'm Sabine. I happen to be one of Tomo's college mates. We were on the same Business Entrepreneurship class back at Japan."
"Funny. You don't seem very Japanese looking, although I have to say, for a girl such as myself, you do look pretty cute."
"Thanks. I happen to be Irish. You know? Ireland? Europe?"
"Oh." Kasumi answered with a smile. Looks like her fit is over. Thank goodness.
"Anyway, back to my car... What am I to do? I don't got any jumper cables at the trunk... Do you have any?" Sabine asked.
"Sorry, Sabine. I don't have a set at my car. I didn't bring it." Tomo apologized.
"Well, we couldn't leave you here, now can we?" Kasumi said as she looked at Tomo.
"By the looks of things, you two talk as if you're friends already."
"You think?" The two girls asked Tomo rhetorically.
"Well, we could tow her to a nearby gas station at the Main Road."
"That could be alright." Sabine said. "I have a hard-bound nylon rope at my trunk just for the job."
"What have you been exactly doing ever since we part ways?"
"Tee Hee... Secret." Sabine said showing off a 'shh!' sign with her finger on her lips.
Sabine asked Tomo and Kasumi to help hook up the GT500 to the GT-R. Kasumi took out a flashlight from the glove compartment of the Skyline and assisted the two on hooking up the cars together. Moments later, they're driving again. Kasumi sat next to Sabine while Tomo pulls the 69 Shelby via his own car. Holding a short range receiver in hand, Tomo tells Kasumi to tell Sabine to get her brakes ready in case they slow down after the long straightway. Everytime Tomo brakes at speeds of 80 to 20-40 km/h, Sabine brakes simultaneously with the Skyline.

Within half an hour, they made it to a Gas station by 31st street near Marine Drive. Kasumi assisted Tomo on unhooking the cars while Sabine went into Customer Service to ask for some assistance with her car.
While waiting for Sabine to come out with some help, Kasumi stared at Sabine's car. "Isn't this car a bit too old?" Kasumi asked.
"well, it actually is. It was made in 1969. A powered version of the 428CJ Mustang Fastback made on the same year. It is probably released to the public at the early 70s or so." Tomo answered.
"Is that so?" Kasumi rhetorically asked. "What an old car..."
"30 plus years, huh?" Tomo wondered himself.
Later on, Sabine got out of the center and approached Tomo and Kasumi to thank them.
"Thanks a lot and sorry if I was too much of a disturbance to you guys."
"It's okay, Sabine. I mean, I was really glad to see you after all this time." Tomo told her.
"In what way?" Kasumi asked in a serious tone. She keenly looked at Tomo with a bad look on her face.
"Don't tell me you're jealous, Kasumi? I mean, haven't I explained much?"
Sabine just laughed while Tomo was desperate to get Kasumi's good side again.
"Well, if I ever see them, I'll tell Isabella and the others that you said hi."
"You mean they're here too?"
"Who's Isabella?"
"She's another classmate of mine, just like Clarice, Jonathan and Damian."
"Wanna come and have a drink with me after this?" Sabine offered.
"Thanks, Sabine but we really have to get going."
"Oh? Where to?"
"We need to bring a couple of gifts to some friends here." Tomo said as he boarded his GT-R.

Sabine, Tomo, nor Kasumi know how to end this reunion of sorts and they were engulfed in silence once again. Sabine asked something so that they could go on with their personal activities...
"So... uh, when will we see each other again?" Sabine asked.
"Soon. Promise. When will you be heading next, by any chance?"
"Argentina. Why do you ask?"
"Funny... It's near where we're staying."
"We?" Kasumi doubtedly asked.
"Hawaii. If you guys have the time, and booked flight, I wish you could come and see us."
"Okay. We'll try." Tomo agreed. Kasumi nodded her head in agreement and they left Sabine alone with her Shelby.

[Days later...]

It is now the day for team Japan to end their journey at Canada and move on.
Daiki, Hiroya, Shimizu, and Tetsuya are waiting infront of the Archibal Mansion's main gate; waiting for the others to come out.
The Archibal family, along with the entire kitchen brigade, are ready to bid farewell to their long term guests.
"Are you really leaving, big sister Kasumi?" Margarette sadly asked.
"I know it's hard, Margarette but we really must be going." Kasumi answered.
"But I'm really gonna miss you guys." Margarette pleaded.
"Don't worry" Sakura encouraged. "We'll be back."
"So, you're off to Argentina, eh?" Nathe said.
"Probably. Boy, I'd wish I could beat your Viper." Kitami uttered.
"Someday. But not now. After 10 years then we'll see."
"Heck. It won't take me that long."
"Do good there, kid." The head chef told Tomo. Nathan nodded stating that he was about to say the same thing.
"Yes. I'll do my best."
"And Tomo, one more thing." Nathan interrupted as he whispered something to Tomo's ear.
"Be wary of that Akiyama guy. I swear we met and it seems that he is hiding something from you guys. Stay on your toes, especially you. There's something concerning you that he desperately wants. You won't know it right now but you will find it soon."
"Thanks for the concern, sir."
With all that said, Tomo, along with his friends made their bow gestures as a way of saying thanks and farewell to the Archibal Family.

Their cars are now with Daiki and the rest; they walked down the long driveway as they make their exit. "So, it's off to Argentina now, eh?" Kasumi asked Tomo.
"Hmph."
"What? Did I say something?"
"No, it's just that you're starting to sound like them."
"Am not!"
Hiei & Ryusen decided to make things a bit interesting as they make their walk.
"Race you guys to the van!"
"Last one in pays for our in-flight lunch!" Hiei & Ryusen race off; Sakura & Kitami decides to play along and ran after the 2 guys.
Tomo's face starts to look serious as he recalls the last bit of advice that Nathan Sr. gave him. 'I'll figure it out...' he said to himself. '...what Daiki is hiding...'
Kasumi, looking back, sees the family and the kitchen workers waving their hands at them except for margarette, who is holding something. It was the gift that Kasumi chose for her. It is a medium sized snow globe with a house made to look like their own mansion. It even has her brother's and her father's cars right there with all the detail. There was a note stuck at the back of the globe saying
'Be a good girl always.
love,
big sisters Kasumi & Sakura, big Brother Tomo and the guys.'
Another journey in another country ends and another is in their view. It would be, somewhat, the most emotional and thrilling journey that they'll face.

-------------------------------------

Finally! We get to the good bit. And I got good news and bad news.
Bad News: This is the End of Speed Legend S.
Good News: The next chapter is the start of Speed Legend Z. The most awaited supercar will make it's full appearance. and a statement to describe the next chapters: A blend of emotions altogether.

Speed Legend Z! Don't miss it!

Posted by: Meteor Feb 10 2009, 11:59 PM

I wonder if Daiki's keeping anything more from the rest of the team.

Time for Speed Legend Z.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Feb 11 2009, 12:04 AM

I'll be posting this in continuation of my story but under a new Title.
This could be, I'd say one of the well developed levels of my story.
I hope you all enjoy this and receive good posts of the story.
HERE WE GOOOOOO!!

----------------------------------------------
Preface:

The tests have ended at the North of the World.
Curiosity was put to rest.
The instigator was conviced most of all.
All has been accomplished.
Not all, though, has been settled.
There is no end to it all.
In this world, a finish is inevident.
The completion, when would it arrive?
No one will know.
The jack's service to 'superiority' was put to a finish.
The Knight was slain in the end, even if the hero died first.
Yet, the hero rises once again.
The demise of failure has faded.
Things begin and restart the way it was before.
There is no originality abounding this fate.
Everything goes in a circle.

SPEED LEGEND Z - Argentina, Hawaii
Episode 14 – Wonderful…wonderful Woman
Chapter 61 - The Natural Wonders of the South

Inside the Main Airport at Vancouver, team Japan gathers and sat in the lounge, waiting for their flight to commence.So far, the team is still composed of Daiki Akiyama as leader and general manager, Tomo, Sakura, Kitami as the main drivers of the team, Kasumi - their muse, Hiei, Ryusen, Tetsuya, Hiroya & Shimizu as the pit crew...
"How long are we gonna wait here?"
"Chill, alright? We're a few minutes away from boarding."
Hiroya is getting a bit impatient with the time. He has been in the airport for 2 and a half hours with Daiki, Shimizu and Tetsuya. The rest of the group came an hour later.
"Do you think our baggage is placed on the same plane?" Kasumi wondered.
"No need to think it that way. Everything is fine." Hiei answered.
Tomo was still busy thinking, in his mind, what Nathan Archibal Sr. last told him. As he looked at Daiki from a distance, he couldn't help but get serious, even by just staring at him. It looked as if he doesn't know him any more; he feels as if Daiki is a total stranger once again. Hiding something this mysterious from him frustrates Tomo. He isn't used to that feeling.
Moments later, somebody tapped Tomo's shoulder. It happened to be Kyosuke.
"Sorry I'm late, Daiki."
"Oh, Kyo... you're here... W-What are you doing here!?" Tomo asked as he jumped from his seat.
"Right... you're the only one who doesn't know." Daiki says. "From now on, he's part of the team... once again. He'll be taking over Shinosuke's role in the team."
"Why wasn't I informed of this days ago?"
"You're busy with work, remember?" Ryusen answered.
Since Tomo just saw Kyosuke as of now, he hardly recognized him. Back in Italy, he still had the same hair he had ever since graduation. This time, his hair lengths down to his neckline, from the back; he still has those gel-like spikes in his front.
"Well... welcome back to the Team, Kyo." Tomo greeted as he extended his hand.
"Come on, Tomo. Don't be so subtle and formal." Kyo said as he passed him and went to talk with the others.
Kasumi, a second after that, asks Tomo "What do you want?"
"I want to quit the-..."
"No, I don't mean THAT. What do you want?"
"huh?" Tomo looked back at Kasumi who was holding a menu card of a vending machine. She was asking him what he wants as something to sate his stomach. "This one." He points to a picture of a chicken leg club sandwich.
"The boneless chicken leg sandwich?"
"Yeah."
"Okay." Kasumi heads off to the vending machine a few feet away from their waiting spot. Once Kasumi got his order of a chicken sandwich and her order of a small sugar free strawberry short cake, the receptionist announced: THE FLIGHT TO CORDOBA, ARGENTINA, please go to hall 7. This boarding call is final. Please board your designated plane. Again, those boarding for the flight to Cordoba, Argentina... please go to hall 7 as of this moment. Thank you.

"I guess, that's our cue." Daiki answered.
Everybody stood up and went to hall 7. Kasumi hurriedly followed the team.
While walking, Kitami asked. "I thought we're going to Buenos Aires?"
"we are. Cordoba is a stop over and is the only public airport close to Buenos Aires."
"Can we just bord the Buenos Aires airport?"
"No can do. They're doing renovations to the main building there. I got news from the Committee about it."
They passed through the metal detector, into the plane, and towards their designated seats in the plane. Kasumi is seated right next to Tomo, Kitami next to Hiei, Ryusen next to Kyosuke, Daiki with Sakura, Hiroya with Shimizu and Tetsuya sitting alone but seated behind Kitami. "So, Tomo... what side do you want to take?" Kasumi asked.
"I guess... I'll have you the honors." he answered in a gentleman like manner. "Okay. I take the window side then."
The flight attendant stood in the middle of the second class group of guests and announced that they'll be flying in a little while. The plane was one of a kind. It was like a cross between a jumbo jet 747 and a concord. Their cars are being transported by sea with surveilance of the Committee. This was also a standard operating procedure of the other teams involved in the tournament. All national teams have to comply with this rule. 10 minutes later, the plane's engines start to pick up their momentum as soon as the captain turned the engines on. They begin to spool like turbines.
Inside the coaches, the 'FASTEN YOUR SEATBELT' sign just lit reminding guests to fasten their seatbelts. They were about to take off. The plane got on the runway, slowly.
The captain is talking to the control tower personnel via radio telling them that their flight is about to take place.
"This is flight BBF6749J, we're about to commence take off. Awaiting your confirmation"
"Affirmative BBF6749J, you are clear for take off."
"Thank you, control." The plane starts to increase velocity as it makes its way down the runway. 100 meters before the end, the plane is starting to gain vetrical momentum and the wheels have lost contact with the pavement surface. They are now airborne. The wheels of the plane have electronically raised into the underbody of the plane. The hatches were deployed making room for the wheels to enter. Once all 3 wheels of the plane are intact, the hatches close once again.

In the plane, the captain has made an announcement, as the 'FASTEN YOUR SEATBELT' sign turns off in the process. "Ladies, and Gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We hope you enjoy your flight. Any services you wish to have, our lovely flight attendants would entertain your needs. Thank you and enjoy flying with Vancouver air. We'll be arriving in Cordoba Argentina within the parameter of 6 to 12 hours respectively. Have a nice flight."

"Um... Tomo?" Kasumi asked as she shrugged Tomo's shoulder.
"Hm?"
"mind if we switch? I want to be in the center row. I'm not that used to the window side. That's all..."
"Huh?" Tomo looked at Kasumi with a spaced out look and nodded. They changed their seats and continued on with their flight. 3 hours passed and Kasumi fell asleep. Tomo just bluntly stared at the setting sun. As he looked at the horizon compromising of the green mountains of the countries below, the view of the large sea, and the ever-puffy clouds, he remembers all that happened in the Archibal residence. It is like working and staying at home. He was glad enough to meet with the Archibals.

All those moments, all those conflicts, all those battles between what Tomo wants more of all is yet to continue; for now, they BOTH make up who he is. The Ford GT, Nathe's Viper, and that mysterious Exige which happens to be Kyosuke's... not as many battles as compared to the US but is even more thrilling and challenging than America.
As Tomo felt a sudden amount of weight in his shoulder, he looked to see what and from who the weight came from. It was Kasumi. Her head is resting on his shoulder; she couldn't help herself. She is in a deep sleep and her body functions, well some of them, are subconsciously moving to where she desperately wants to go to. Tomo didn't mind at all. He was too busy reminiscing to ever be embarrassed or disturbed by the one who sympathizes with her the most. She was the only one who understood him and was the only one who could sympathize with what he feels and thinks most of the time.

The silence was calming. It was soothing to the mind. It brought tranquility to the people in the plane. The only sound that they're able to hear is a soothing classical piano piece by Mozart - His Sonata in D major. A lovely piece it was. Tomo, though still has a serious thought in his mind - it's still about Daiki. There was an odd eminent aura surrounding him everytime it involves Daiki. But, at the back of his mind, he still remembers Kasumi telling him to calm down and forget what he currently feels about Daiki. Moments later, he slept as well; the cold air has massagged him to sleep.

[A FEW HOURS LATER...]

The time now is around 3:45 early in the morning. It is still dark but the neon lights surrounding the main cities of Las Vegas and New York keeps it as bright as possible. Sakura was one of many who is now wide awake after a relaxing nap. She looked around to see the rest; they're all sound asleep. Sakura is often used to waking up very early. She took out her laptop to send an e-mail to her other friends to make a storytelling of her adventure to them. She heard a voice call out to her saying "So, you're awake too?" She looked to see who it was. It is Tomo. He waved right next to her. "Tomo... you should rest more..."
"I'm alright, Sakura. I'm quite used to this. Really, it's alright."
"Well... if you say so."
Tomo slowly stood up to see what she was typing.
"That's uh...?"
"I'm sending an email to my college friends back home. Some of them are online and I'm chatting with them right now."
"I see... say, I need a favor to ask of you..."
"Yes?" She looked at Tomo with a bright smile on her face.
"I need information on Buenos Aires, the race course we'll be driving on days later..."
"Okay. Coming right up."
She opened a new tab and quickly typed the info she's to look for on the search engine.
"We're going first to Cordoba, right?" Tomo asked.
"Yeah. I searched about it way before you did."
"Thanks." He answered happily.
Sakura searched through the search results page on Cordoba province and Buenos Aires state.
"Here we go..." she clicked on one of the links and she waited for the site to load.
Tomo sat back on his seat where Kasumi is on the aisle side with her head resting firmly on the head rest.
He looked on the window to see the Mexican Gulf in view near the southern states of the United States.
"We're halfway then." He said. He glances at his watch to check the time. 3:49 A.M. was shown on his digital watch. They left the airport at 11:40 p.m. and have been on flight for at least 3 hours. Tomo couldn't see anything from his window but grayish clouds illuminated by the Moon light.
"Here, Tomo. I got some information you're looking for."
"Mind if I look?" He stood up again and knelt right next to Sakura.

QUOTE

"...Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina. It is geographically located on the southern shore of the Río de la Plata, on the southeastern coast of the South American continent. The city of Buenos Aires is not located within Buenos Aires Province, nor is it its capital; but is instead an autonomous federal district. Greater Buenos Aires is the third largest conurbation in Latin America, with a population of around 13 million.
Buenos Aires (English: Fair Winds or Good Air) was originally named after the sanctuary of "Nostra Signora di Bonaria" (Italian for "Our Lady of Bonaria") in Cagliari, Sardinia. In the 1994 constitution the city became autonomous, hence its formal name: Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, in English, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires..."

"...Cordoba, on the other hand is one of the neighboring countries around Buenos Aires, and is the second largest city in the country; located on the central part of the country. Tourism, as in the rest of Argentina, is a growing industry favored by the mild weather, a number of small rivers, and low height green hills. Around 3 million tourists from the rest of Argentina and other countries visit Córdoba every year. The province has 500,000 hotel beds, including hostels, tourist farms and other types of accommodation. Important festivities include the Cosquín National Folk Music, and Jesús María Folk and Taming Festivals.

Córdoba is connected by rail with Buenos Aires, Rosario, Mendoza and Tucumán. The Ingeniero Ambrosio L.V. Taravella International Airport, known as Pajas Blancas, handles international and domestic air traffic, while the Las Higueras Río Cuarto Airport handles only domestic flights."

"That's a lot of historical information, don't you think?" Sakura asked Tomo.
"Yeah. But what about racing homage and sports?" Tomo asked.
"Hmm... I've thought about that, for you, as well. I asked one of my male friends back in college to give me information." She answered. "The good news is they do have a love for racing, aside from their national sport, soccer. It is composed of the TC2000 and the WRC..."
"The bad news?"
"there are too many courses here in Argentina itself."
"How could that be bad news?"
"Well... the courses aren't like in America nor Japan. South American courses have very unique styles of layouting their courses. I could say that it is more difficult than Infineon or Suzuka... but not as hard as Nurburgring Nordshiefdier."
"Well, good thing we had that short trial before round 2 at Cote D Azur." He laughed.
"Give my thanks to that friend of yours,Sakura."
"Can do."
Tomo sat down again and thought to himself the information that Sakura has recently gathered.
"So they're into Soccer and Racing itself."
Visions of a WRC match and touring car match comes into Tomo's mind. Before he could think about something else he had in mind, Tomo asked another important thing to Sakura.
"Say... Daiki said that since it is mandatory for participants in the International league to bring their cars via ferry, where would they land it? Afterall, Cordoba is in the center of the country..."
"In Buenos Aires of course. There's a main port there. Estacion Saldias, as the site says."
"How do we get there, then?"
"By train. There is a train connected from Cordoba to Buenos Aires and at other parts of Argentina surrounding the main state. Come on, Tomo. I know you're somewhat smarter than that."
"Yeah... I know a-... HEY!!" Tomo jumped in a fit.
"Tee hee..." Sakura giggled at her seat.
Tomo sat back at his seat with a pout face because of what Sakura said.
"Aww... come on, Tomo. I was just kidding." He smiled hearing that and said back to her "Yeah... I knew that."
Kasumi is getting restless at her seat and is starting to curl up next to Tomo's left arm. The bad news is, Sakura was looking at Tomo at that very moment. It was a sight she couldn't dare to take. Kasumi wrapped her arms around Tomo's left arm.
"S...Sakura! It's not what you think!!"
"Whatever." She answered in a disappointed, pissed tone. She closed her laptop and sat there like a little kid punished by her parent. "Aw! C'mon... gimme a break." Without Tomo knowing, Sakura was laughing at the back of her mind. She wasn't taking that view that seriously. She couldn't possibly be angry nor jealous at 2 of her best friends in this trip, Tomo and Kasumi.

Tomo does nothing but look at the cloudy view that he could see through his window. He later heard Kasumi moan in her seat. She was having a nice dream; perhaps a too personal dream. She was dreaming of her, Tomo and a field of golden wheat. Tomo later heard her say "...Mmm...Tomo-kun...aishite..." Hearing that sent Tomo's heart racing. She looked at Kasumi with an embarrassed look. "Am I... that important to her?" Tomo's thinking started to blurr. The sound of his heartbeat is overpowering the sound outside Tomo's body. It's all he could hear.

[11:50 A.M.]
Their plane has arrived at Pajas Blancas International Airport at Cordoba dela Nueve Andalucia. They boarded off the plane and is set to go to their hotel. Which hotel are they going to stay in? Daiki has that covered.
"Where are we gonna stay in?" Hiei asked.
"Funny you should ask..." Daiki said.
"Why do you say that?"
"We won't have a problem with that. Because Cordoba hosts 500,000 hotel rooms all in all!"
"F-FI-FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND!?" Everybody gasped in awe. "That's right. But we better reserve ASAP. C'mon."
They all followed Daiki and all of them took a cab. 4 cabs to be exact. They head for their hotel, not too far from the City of Cordoba Andalucia nor that far from the border to the province of Buenos Aires.

Kasumi, Sakura and Tomo rode on the same cab. Hiei, Ryusen and Tetsuya rode on the second. Kitami & Kyosuke rode on the third while Hiroya, Daiki & Shimizu rode the leading, and the fourth cab. Within half an hour, they were able to reach their hotel and were able to check in on time. Before everybody got set in, there was another problem... everybody was dueling on which room they would stay. All are arguing which room and room mate they would go with. When everything is going wrong, Kitami calmed down the group by shouting out "EVERYBODY PIPE DOWN!!"

"Here's what we do." Kitami suggested "We pick papers. There will be two with the same name. So if two of us will hold the same note, then..." He adjusted his eyeglasses before he continues. His eyeglasses reflected the view of the bright sun outside the hotel and they could barely see his eyes. "...they'll partner for the rest of the stay here in Argentina."
All the guys; except for Hieiand Ryusen, agree with Kitami and caused Kasumi and Sakura to have a chilly feeling. "Daiki. Give me the list." Daiki did just so and Kitami started writing the room numbers and ripping them to strips. He crumpled them up into balls and started distributing the strips of paper. Everybody got a piece and Kitami commanded them "Now, open your papers."

Before everybody did just so, they have their own thoughts of wishing who their partner is.
Kasumi - I hope I stay with Tomo-kun...
Sakura - I could only trust Tomo. I must be his room mate.
Ryusen - I hope I get Hiei
Hiei - Anyone but Ryusen!
Hiroya - Kasumi or Sakura
Shimizu - I'm good with anyone I get paired with
Kitami - Kasumi or Sakura
Kyosuke - Kasumi or Sakura
Daiki - Kasumi or Sakura (who ever thought this serious guy had the natural male impulse still in him.)
Tetsuya - Kasumi or Sakura
Tomo - Hmm... I think Anyone BUT Daiki would do (he still doesn't trust him even after Canada)

They reveal their papers witnessing their fate. And the results are in!
Room numbers: 428, 425, 426, 421, 420

Room 420: Daiki and Hiroya
Room 421: Kyosuke and Tetsuya
Room 425: Tomo and Kasumi
Room 428: Kitami, Hiei and Ryusen
Room 426: Sakura and Shimizu

Kitami felt as if he lost his will to live. He got, to him, the worst room mates. Daiki and Hiroya were okay with the selection. Sakura was disappointed but didn't mind. It was Shimizu she's paired up with. Kyosuke and Tetsuya, the two tuner rivals, were paired together. Tomo and Kasumi were paired together. Probably it was fate for them to be paired up.
"CHEAT! IMBECILE! NO GOODER! TWO TIMER!" All the guys hollered on Tomo who were hoping to team up with Kasumi or Sakura.
"Hey! Why blame me!? I didn't do anything."
Kasumi's heart started to race and she couldn't help herself. She successfully got her 'dream partner'. She is surrounded by angels and flowers. She was happy. As for Sakura, she told Shimizu "Please take care of me." as she bowed in courtesy. "Yes, I will." They went up and got settled. Daiki watied for them at the lobby half an hour later.
Tomo and Kasumi are the last ones to exit their room and go down to the lobby. "Um...Um...uh..." Kasumi is very embarrassed of what happened - they're room mates and she still couldn't believe it. Tomo looked back at Kasumi as he knows that she is going to tell him something important. "Um...uh..." She couldn't say it directly to her. "Go on... say it..." Tomo encouraged Kasumi.
"p...ple...please...PLEASE TAKE CARE OF ME!" Kasumi immediately 'shouted' to him as she courteously bowed down to him.
Tomo smiled in return and says "Yes I will take care of you." as he blushed. Um... "hai!" she answered. She was red as a tomato. She never thought that it would be like this. She scurried along and went down with Tomo.

Everybody waited for the last 'couple' to meet up with them in the train station. "Took you guys long enough. Stopped by to get flowers for her?" Kitami said in a neutral tone.
"Would you cut that out?" Tomo said. He knows they're all jealous of him. Why'd he get Kasumi? Hasn't he had enough time with her? Tomo didn't care much about that. They rode the bullet train to Buenos Aires. On their way to the train station, there are lots of barbeque stands near the local streets of Cordoba Andalucia. They passed through the shopping district and saw more barbeque stands whereas the children playing in the fields are playing soccer team against team. The cinemas they passed by depict wonderful nostalgic classics and new modern movies. It all seems wonderful at Argentina but Cordoba is just a part of the whole country itself. There's more to Buenos Aires than meets the eye; well that's what they all expect.

They'll be passing by Rosario before they reach Buenos Aires. They will be taking the High Speed Rail. It reaches 320 km/h; and it happens to be new. Team Japan is one of the many groups who'd get the chance of riding this high speed railway. Other contenders of the currently held tournament would be landing on other parts of Argentina; but the most important thing of all, Buenos Aires would be the state where the next race would be held. Argentina happens to pay homage to legendary Formula 1 events. It is also one of the place where many famous F1 drivers claimed victory like Bruce McLaren, 2 time winner, Damon Hill and the world known german, Michael Schumacher.

Their itenerary is to do time attacks for the first day at Buenos Aires Oscar Galvez racing circuit - the venue of the next race of the current tournament. Tomo is awaiting what Sakura told him about the Argentina racing circuit. Argentina would be a worthy homage of racing legends. He can't wait to begin his time attacks at the circuit he's about to race on.

--------------------------------------------
In the next episode/chapter:

An Angel lowered from the heavens
A Forbidden Sword of Gold
A Sword made by a legend of the early times
Undefeated in Buenos Aires
She never felt defeat
She never felt anything
THe only thing she feels
is the call of her late brother
Her name depicts beauty
In the road, it depicts Royalty
But at home, it depicts silence
Silence conquers all to her
She is a slave of silence
For an Angel, she is enslaved to her heart
An awaited siren of the South
she returns from the heavens to the earth
She steps once again to the road she's accustomed long ago
only to see someone dear to her in another person's being

Posted by: Meteor Feb 11 2009, 12:50 AM

QUOTE

As Tomo felt a sudden amount of weight in [[my]] shoulder, he looked to see what and from who the weight came from. It was Kasumi. Her head is resting on his shoulder; she couldn't help herself. She is in a deep sleep and her body functions, well some of them, are subconsciously moving to where she desperately wants to go to. Tomo didn't mind at all. He was too busy reminiscing to ever be embarrassed or disturbed by the one who sympathizes with her the most. [[She was the only one who understood her and was the only one who could sympathize with what he feels and thinks most of the time.]]

I believe I spotted an error.

QUOTE

"Aww... come on, Tomo. I was just kidding." He smiled hearing that and said back to her "Yeah... I knew that."
Kasumi is getting restless at her seat and is starting to curl up next to Tomo's left arm. The bad news is, Sakura was looking at Tomo at that very moment. It was a [[site]] she couldn't dare to take. Kasumi wrapped her arms around Tomo's left arm.

"Sight". Not "site".

Now that that's out of the way; I'm quite impressed at how much your writing has improved.

QUOTE

This could be, I'd say one of the well developed levels of my story.

I'm quite sure this will turn out to be correct.

I am looking forward to the next chapter. Take your time and write up another quality update

Posted by: dreamturtlegirl Feb 11 2009, 02:39 AM

I have to say, without the technicalities, I understand this chapter pretty well. After all, I AM a girl; even back at high school I barely understood some technicalities and I even asked you about it. I really like the part with Tomo and Kasumi. It was the best for me for this chapter. I want more!! Tee Hee....

Posted by: javierel22 Feb 11 2009, 06:50 AM

What a good story, i'm argentinian and we're huge fans of motoring, specially TC2000 (sort of DTM but with Fords, Chevrolets and Civics

) and of course WRC (it runs in Cordoba, who has amazing rally stages, mostly in the mountains)

If the Formula 1 places weren't decided by money, i'm sure that one of the F1 locations along the season must be Buenos Aires. Singapore has F1 and Argentina (with a 5 times F1 world champion, Fangio) don't. Is that fair??

Keep up the good work...and viva Argentina!

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Feb 13 2009, 01:30 AM

Chapter 62 - Queen of Argentina

The life of a young woman revolves around part of the state of Los Hornillos, Argentina.
A subtle yet peaceful rest house lies upon one of its many wonderous cliffside properties located at the Totoro Hills. A young, long golden haired woman, probably at her late 20's sits on the grassy land, 10 meters away from the cliff. She looks at the beauty of the rising sun that everlasts her in unforgotten awe. She may be in her late 20's but she's as young as the newly blooming flowers of a field of roses. Yes, she looks as if she's just in her early 20's or late teens. Innumerable colors that the sky behelds upon here left her drunk with the beauty that is the land. She feels this, yet her face doesn't show such happiness. Most of the time she is in a slumber. She remembers her late brother from time and again.

Her name? She is Adriana Eizaguirre. She is well known around Cordoba as well as the country's prime state, Buenos Aires. Her appearance was claimed to be the best of the Lord's creations. Some call her the second Eve that ever stepped forth in this earth because of her immense beauty. Her slender, perfectly made body paired with that long and gorgeous gold hair of hers make her the talk of the town and the answer to the men's dreams. She seems perfect, and so was her way of living. She has no problems in life - she believes in the lord, she's financially stable, she's surrounded with well caring friends but...

She had one thing that stood amongst the rest - she was a street and professional racer. Her family was part of this business even for a short while. She wasn't associated with just any racing team that she could find. Oh, no. Her family was partners with the TC2000 and the long going LeMans committee. The Eizaguirre family was well respected not for their money, but for Adriana. In a short period of time, she made her way up the ranks and has been the number 1 champion and contender during the late 90's events. Her car, if you ever ask? It was unordinary. She didn't use any prototypes nor does she use those old le mans favorites. She went with history. She has been driving a McLaren F1 LM and has been driving it until this time.

What is the reason for her painful demise? It was the death of her older brother, Marcelo. Marcelo is Adriana's prime idol and the reason why she went pro in the first place. He has taken care of her for years and has even been with her since childhood. He was more than a brother to Adriana; he was a guardian angel until one faithful day that they permanently went their separate ways. It was the year 2001 when it happened. At Circuit Dela Sarthe, France, Marcelo and Adriana are doing time trials for their big debut on becoming the next Argentina champions. There were many drivers that have made Argentina proud but Adriana and Marcelo went up a notch to make their victory absolute.

The rain was pouring heavily that day. Marcelo is going for his time attack to set the podium. Although he and Adriana are a team, Marcelo decided to win this alone. Adriana didn't hinder her brother from doing so and watched at the sidelines. She was unsure of the condition of the rain and asked Marcelo to go with her as a back escort on his time attack.

She got on her McLaren as Marcelo got on his twin-performer; a Mercedes Benz CLK GTR. Holding 700 horses that power a V12, Marcelo was a God of the tournament. As long as he is in the road, he never loses. Once he holds the lead, he holds it until it is over. Marcelo ups his pace once the race started. Adriana's 630 hp McLaren could barely catch up to the Benz. Even slipstreaming could not aid her. As they got on the 6 kilometer straight of Sarthe, The gap increased and increased. Adriana reached a peak speed of 330 km/h but Marcelo is pushing it to 370. Halfway through, Adriana has lost sight of Marcelo. She slowed down and thought to herself if she was still good enough to be catching up to her brother. Her thoughts were scattered when she heard a loud boom a few kilometers ahead. She slowed down upon entry to the braking zone before the hairpin. She couldn't believe what she could see. A CLK GTR engulfed in flames. She immediately got out of her McLaren and ran to her brother.

Where is her brother? What could've happened? All that Adriana could find is her brother's gold necklace that was given by their great great grandfather. It was the last thing that Adriana could see when it comes to her brother. There was nothing more she could say. Tears suddenly kept falling from her Amber eyes. Her hair was moistened by the pouring rain. She screamed the name of her brother towards the cloudy grayish sky...

"MARCELOOOOOO!!!" She called at the top of her lungs. He was gone. She just lost the only person who had loved her besides her parents.

That was the past and it still haunts her present. She barely could go out of her house as she believes that she doesn't want to leave her brother's memory behind. She can drive but not as far as to lose sight of her house either. She was at a huge slumber. Painful it is yet time couldn't change the pain. It looks as if an Angel that had her wings plucked out. She has broken up connection with the outside world after that but her name still lives on. Sometime soon, she had to step back in her car and drive off farther away...

Posted by: Meteor Feb 15 2009, 03:41 AM

QUOTE

What is the reason for her painful demise?

*opens dictionary*

"Demise (noun) - 1: the end or failure of an institution, an idea, a company, etc. 2: death"

I see this character still has a pulse, so "demise" would be the wrong word to use here.

Anyway, this chapter wasn't quite as good as the beginning chapter of Speed Legend Z, and this new character isn't very interesting at the moment, but I'll be waiting for the update.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Feb 15 2009, 04:45 AM

I understand. Chapter 62 doesn't have much of an impact; I admit it.
As for the demise part...
I used the word demise for these reasons:
1. you gave the second definition of it which is death. Yes, part of her died - her emotions died.
2. A painful way to end her happiness. Her happiness is all on her brother and without him by her side, life is meaningless to her. He meant everything to Adriana.

This Chapter is a glimpse of who she is. As the story progresses, you'll get to know more of her.

Enough about that... here's the next chapter!!
---------------------------------------

Buenos Aires...
The Land of Fair Winds
The Land of Good air
Team Japan has inhailed
they're forever in its debt
The Beauty of the land
The beauty of it all
Foreigners would Appreciate
The movements of the wind
Left then right
Upon sighting an Angel
in Radiant Light
With the Golden Sword in Hand...
Tomo could barely stand in front of her being
The Angel has stepped out of her home
and has revealed herself to him...
At the most unexpected land...
The land of Oscar Galvez...

Chapter 63 - Sentimental Angel

On the high speed railways routing to Buenos Aires, A blue bullet train rockets through the rail road. The passengers inside it could barely see a clear picture of the scenery that passes them by. The magic of the green fields could barely be appreciated as 320 kilometers are blazing through it. Despite this fact, Kasumi and Sakura still look in awe of the grassy fields of Argentina. Who would have thought countries other than japan could hold heritage to even better taken natural wonders.

"This is great!! Japan has these but this is too much for it!" Kasumi said in amazement of the view. "Hey guys, why don't you check it out for yourselves?"

Tomo is half asleep to even bother to look at it. Hiei and Ryusen are busy card dueling while Kitami is on his music player. "Pff... boys..." she said in disappointment. "What about you guys?" Sakura asked afterwards.
"We've seen tons of stuff like that years ago." Shimizu answered.
"Yeah. Especially Daiki." Hiroya added.
"I see... well, more for me then! Tee hee." Sakura smirked.

They enter a dark tunnel that continues to their destination. There were just mild yellow lights illumintating the dark tunnel. "OKay Hiei. Take 5. We resume after this tunnel." Ryusen urged.
"Fiiiiinnnneee... (I was about to bring out my trump card. Stupid ass tunnel wrecking my moment...)" Hiei complained as he reclined in his seat.
The lights of the train lit but it wasn't enough for the 2 duelists to continue with their fight. Ryusen notices Tomo sleeping where he is about to fall off his seat.
"I wonder what Tomo's dreaming about..." Ryusen wondered.
"Probably another wet dream with Kasumi, I guess."
Kitami can't help overhearing the discussion of Hiei and Ryusen about Tomo.
"Do you think he's still in love with Rikona? It's been more than a year since we left Japan."
"Are you nuts?" Kitami interrupted. "But in the end... that bonehead Tomo sure cannot let go of his pasts."
"Yeah well..." Tetsuya added, who was sitting behind kitami. "If he's still at it on Rikona, he's hopeless. That moron of a guy he is. Just look at him drooling on his seat as he sleeps."
Well, Tetsuya was right about the drooling part but they were all wrong about the dream part. He wasn't dreaming of Rikona nor Kasumi. He was thinking what would Argentina show them especially about their food and cuisine... he was utterly curious.

Minutes later, the tunnel ceased and they were back on the bright and wonderful horizon once again, passing by some metropolitan landmarks on the way.

Finally, they arrived at their destination. The train stopped at the Retiro rail terminal. The team steps off the railway and takes a complimentary bus to the docks to claim their vehicles. All transport are compliments courtesy of the Abiding International GT racing committee, except for airport selections even though air fare is another compliment of theirs, the team's selection of available flights would depend solely on the team's General Manager. They had a 2 hour trip by bus to the docks at Puerto Madero. The 132 Collectivo or bus line drops them off at the Docks. There, the boat carrier, which was there for the past 4 hours, holds team Japan's individual cars.
Slowly, each car was driven out of the carrier. First out was Daiki's 350Z, followed by Tomo's GT-R34. Afterwards, is Kyosuke's Lotus Exige 240R, Kitami's Mustang GT-R replica, Sakura's GT-R34, and the team's official Truck & carrier.

"Now, team. We'll convoy together to our Hotel to check in, then we head straight to the course to begin exploring the Oscar Galvez race track." With that said by Daiki, they rode their individual cars while the rest car pooled with others. Hiroya and Shimizu were slated to ride the truck & carrier. Kasumi rode with Tomo. Tetsuya rode with Kitami. Hiei rode with Daiki and Ryusen rode with Kyosuke. As soon as they reach the main road of Buenos Aires, the Avenida General Paz, Daiki upped his pace a bit, hoping that the rest would plan to race with him, except for the truck-carrier of course. To his dismay, he wasn't able to taunt Tomo in upping his and maintained his 40 mile speed. "Doesn't he want to at least play around in the Gen. Paz?" Daiki uttered to himself. "Oh, well... I'll save it for next time." The Z slowed down and maintained its pace with the other cars.

They pulled over at the Southeast Freeway's exit to discuss who'll go with Daiki to the hotel and who will go straight to the course. Everybody had their hazard lights turned on and got out of their cars. They gathered behind the carrier to talk.
"So, who'd like to go rest up and come with me to the hotel?" Daiki asked.
"I would" Sakura answered. "I need my beauty sleep."
Kyosuke, Hiei, & Ryusen rose their arms in agreement.
"What about you Tomo?"
"I'd rather go straight to the course and see it for myself...
"Same with Kitsu." Kitami added.
"And you, Kasumi?"
"I don't feel like checking in at the moment so I'd rather go with Tomo for this one."
"This is a good chance." Tetsuya uttered. We could now setup your car for this upcoming event." Tomo nodded in agreement.
"Then it's settled." Daiki finalized.
"Sakura, HIei, Ryusen, Kyosuke and I will go to the Hotel to saddle up. Tomo, Kasumi, Tetsuya, Hiroya, Kitami and Shimizu will go straight to the Oscar Galvez track. We part from here. I'll be coming in a little while after we checked in."
Everyone nodded and headed back to their cars. Sakura volunteered to bring Tomo's & Kasumi's luggage. Kitami said that he'll check in later and asked Kyo to reserve him a slot. The Z, Sakura's R34 and the Exige went straight to the main freeway whereas Tomo's R34, the Mustang, and the carrier went to the SE exit and headed for the Oscar Galvez track.

30 minutes later...
[OSCAR GALVEZ RACE TRACK - BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA]

Prime Formula 1 races were held at this course. It has paid tribute to famous F1 drivers in the world, 5 of which champions are Argentines. And now, Tomo is stepping into History that was made.
"So this is the course."
"It looks as if it is 5 kilometers long."
"It must be like Sarthe back at France."
"Tell me about it."
Kitami looked at the GT-R and Mustang and compared it to the course layout.
"Elevation wouldn't be much of a problem as the course layout seems minimal but..."
"But what?" Tetsuya curiously asked.
"Would our cars hold on for long at this course per lap?"
"Waddya mean?" Tomo asked.
Hiroya hurriedly raced from Tetsuya's Commander and went to him, holding a printed page of the course from a Bird's Eye view.
"Here you go. The course layout." Hiroya panted.
"Thanks." Tetsuya looks at it and understood what Kitami is talking about. Tomo took a peek and understood it as well.
"Kitami-san is right. The course seems long." Kasumi said in agreement.
"Yeah but not as long as Sarthe."
"More like half its total length,if you ask me."
"sarthe has a 6 kilometer straightway all in all. The total length of the Oscar Galvez extension track compromises of the same quantity." Tetsuya analyzed.
"Not only you should set it up for corner precision, as the last section of the course denouces, but you should set it up in a way that your tires would last long too." Shimizu suggested.
"He's right. We could use hard or medium racing tires on the day itself..." Tomo thought.
"... so it all comes down to the Suspension set up. If we make it a bit oversteery upon corner entry, the lack of grip at the start due to colder tires would compromise that." Kitami added.
"...but you must be careful as once the tires are on their peak grip, It'll become too oversteery." Hiroya warned.
"Hey, look!" Kasumi pointed to the mysterious orange car racing on the track.
"Looks like somebody is racing already on the course." Shimizu followed.
The unknown orange sports car races through the course at astonishing speeds. Acceleration was completely God like and how it enters the chicanes is a pure work of art. The team stood on the last hairpin and is ready to see how this driver would face it at a very high entry speed. Tetsuya immediately took out his binoculars to see the car's badge upon its exit.

The car enters with full braking force. It oversteers suddenly as the driver brakes and turns at the same time.
"Bad move! He's going to spin!!" Kitami concluded.
Suddenly the fronts countersteered with amazing speed. And the car drifted through the corner smoothly at 179 km/h where that hairpin is usually taken at a 150 - 160 km/h speed. The car is still in the drift as soon as it faces the exit. The driver removes his foot off the gas by half and was able to stabilize the car. It's now Tetsuya's chance to see the badge. As soon as he did, his hands shook. His whole body is shaking.

"W-what's wrong?" Hiroya asked.
"M...Mc...M...Mc..." He couldn't say it.
"What? Mc Donalds? You're hungry? We just had that drive through moments ago." Kitami joked around.
"Mc...Mc..."
"Go on, say it." Kasumi encourages.
"That car... IT'S A MCLAREN!!"
"Say what!!?" Everyone shouted in surprise.
Everybody knows of the McLaren. It was the previous Guiness record holder of the world's fastest production car. It is a living legend; not to mention the fact that they all saw it with their own eyes.
"C'mon. We got to see who the driver is!" Kitami said as he got on his Mustang.
"W...Wait up!" Tomo called out as he rode his GT-R. They all got on their cars to give kudos to him - the driver.
The driver, in his Racing suit, got out of the Orange McLaren to talk to his superior mechanic. The two of them noticed the oncoming cars and decided to take a look at them if they are ever locals or not. Once the gang stepped out of their cars, they were amazed to see Japanese people.
"Oh. They're Japanese." The mechanic said in surprise.
The driver just raised his visor upon noticing them. The driver had aumber tone eyes. That's all we could see of him at the moment.
"Hey. Sorry to barge in. We just arrived and can't help noticing that car drive. It was amazing. We were all amazed!" Kitami said.
"Yeah. He's right." Tomo added.
The mechanic looked at the driver and said "Why don't you show yourself to them?"
The driver nodded and removed his helmet. His inner head protecting mask only shows his eyes. He removed it and removed the mask next.
"I can't wait to see who's behind that mask!" Kitami said in his mind.
"Who could this guy possibly be?" Tomo wondered himself.
"An amazing driver piloting an amazing McLaren..." Tetsuya thought.
Once the driver removed his mask, he happens to be a she! Gold long hair, amber toned eyes, pinkish rose lips and with the face like that of a Goddess... the team was shocked!
"A girl!?" Kitami said in excitement.
"Piloting..." Tomo said in shock.
"...A MCLAREN F1!?" They all screamed out.
"Surprised?" The mechanic said.
The gang nodded. Once Kitami got to his senses, he immediately asked.
"Say, Miss. What's your name?"
She softly said her name: Adriana Eizaguirre.
Tomo's eyes slowly went from shocked to normal as he now knows the name of that amazing McLaren artist. Kasumi was shocked as well...
"Adriana..." Kasumi uttered.
"Eizaguirre..."

--------------------------------------
In the next chapter...

Pain and demise...
The enemy of a Woman's heart.
More powerful than their being
One couldn't comprehend
A past filled with gray images
A present filled with self doubt
The winds go against them
But Kasumi stood against it
Holding her ground
The pains shoot at her
She didn't budge
Despite receiving it all
A woman's slumber...
It is all the same
she knows this and feels it
How an Angel nearly shed off her wings
when her halo was lost forever...
No one understands
except for two of the same being...
The Breeze of a Woman
is what only a woman feels...

Posted by: javierel22 Feb 15 2009, 06:02 AM

Nice chapter pal, i would love to see a Mc Laren here

Keep up the good work, it's getting better and better, greetings from Argentina

Posted by: Meteor Feb 17 2009, 10:09 AM

That was one nice intro for the McLaren F1 and its driver. Rest of the chapter was good too.

The text at the beginning and end of each chapter has decreased a little in quality though. The first chapter of Speed Legend Z had the best ones, and the later ones just seem like they're trying too hard to match.

QUOTE

I used the word demise for these reasons:
1. you gave the second definition of it which is death. Yes, part of her died - her emotions died.

Yeah. But the way you worded that sentence applied "demise" to her (and not a part of her).
Her painful demise = Her painful death. And not anything else.

Anyway. Could we have some more chapters please?

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Feb 17 2009, 09:06 PM

Sure why not? And Yeah... it's a bit hard to match... things will clear up... eventually... I'll try my best... It's hard at first but it will clear up...

Chapter 64 - Breeze of A Woman

Adriana has revealed herself to Tomogashi. An Angel beholding the ability of a goddess of the road. Purely an artisan of great beauty. She doesn't talk much however. But she does talk with her driving. She was like that ever since that faithful day...

QUOTE

"...the day that Marcelo died... her beloved brother..."

QUOTE

losing him is as tough as losing her own life

She showed no emotion whatsoever. Despite her heart throbbing human features, she couldn't respond to any form of compliment in a way that ordinary people would. That's Adriana's entire being.

"Um... if I may ask... how long has she been driving?" Tomo asked.
"Around 12 years or so if you ask me." The mechanic answered.
"And how old is she?" Kitami asked.
"She's around 27 years old."
"T-TWENTY...SEVEN!?"
"So she started at age 15..." Hiroya uttered.
"Nearly just like Daiki... but at a time where racing wasn't much given attention..."
The guys stayed with Adriana's mechanic asking tons and tons of questions. Kasumi notices Adriana go to the back of the garage, and so she followed her. Step by step, she makes sure of it she's undetectable. Her movements are sly as a fox. She peeks from her position, just enough to see her but not too much as to be exposed.
SUddenly, the north winds changed direction and speed. A huge gust of wind breezes by everyone in Autodromo Oscar Galvez.

"Feels great..." Adriana whispered. She loved how the winds touch her flawless face. She always adored the wind ever since she was a little girl; she still does up to this day. Kasumi still continues to observe her. She can't say why but she has that strong urge to discuss something with her. Adriana's face seems to show uninterest most of the time which made Kasumi hesistate. She just stayed there looking at Adriana who had her head high at the clouds. She takes one more step closer where she accidentally steps on a twig. The breaking sound caused Adriana to stir.
"T...this is bad. She figured out." Kasumi thought to herself.
Later on, she heard footsteps fading. She's on the move again. Kasumi didn't waste any time however...

Adriana continues to walk up to the center of the course, where the large high speed section of the Oscar Galvez track is. She stealthingly followed her. Step by step, she tracks her destination. Once at the center of the track, she stopped walking. Kasumi hid right next to one of the trees. "Did she figure out I'm following her?"

Suddenly... she could hear whimpers. "...hic...hic...hic..." is what Kasumi could hear. "Is she sick?" She thought once again. When she tilted her head to check, she saw Adriana in her knees... crying...with her head down on the ground. She felt so sorry for her. Why was she crying though? What is she crying over? One by one, her cries become even louder. "Poor girl..." Kasumi said. She took out her handkerchief and slowly approached Adriana.

Who would've thought a woman like her is this fragile. The leaves of the fields crunch as Kasumi steps on it. Adriana's tears endlessly fall onto the soil. She had her face covered with her hands but it wasn't enough. Her racing uniform is slowly coated with her never ending tears. At her side, a hand holding out a handkerchief is extended to her. Adriana stops 'hic'-ing for a moment and looks. She raises her head to see Kasumi whose face is shadowed by the light behind her.
"Here..." she softly spoke to her.
"...gracias..." Adriana said in spanish.
Kasumi sat next to her. She held her hands together. She intimately looks at Adriana. Adriana looks back at her. Kasumi staggered in embarrassment and told her "Um... it's nothing... really..." she laughed at herself feeling so stupid infront of a stranger.
Adriana raises her head slowly and stares at the moving clouds.
Kasumi notices this and decides to take a look herself. What's so special about the clouds here in Argentina? "We live in different lands... per se... different worlds..." she uttered, talking to herself.
"But... they share the same sky..." Adriana followed.
Kasumi looks again and smiled. "Hmph... I guess you've heard that one already..." She stared at the sky again.
There was nothing to say. They just met. When a thought landed on Adriana, she asked Kasumi...
"What do you think of the sky?"
"Hmm?"
"What do you think of it? The Sky?"
Kasumi puts her left thumb right on her chin and thinks what to say. "Um... well I couldn't say much about it except for the fact that it is endless..." she looks to see what Adriana's reaction is to her question... she didn't budge and just stared upward.
It's Kasumi's turn. She forgot the most important part of making a discussion with somebody - once a conversation starts, immediately introduce yourself after the first question was raised and answered.
"I forgot to tell you my name." Kasumi said as she intimately looked at Adriana's amber eyes. "I'm Kasumi. Nadeshiko Kasumi... My name actually means pink mist when translated from Nihon..." she said confidently with a smile. Adriana didn't show any response of any sort. Is she uninterested to have met Kasumi?
"You..." Adriana said afterwards, looking at Kasumi... "Nihon... Japanese, right?"
"That's right..."
"...'suki'..."
"eh?"
"Is there anybody you like?"
She suddenly blushed. Whenever that comes into her mind, there's only one person who could be her answer - it's Tomo.
Adriana's face became quite serious as she asked it again to Kasumi.
"Well... there's this guy... He's with our group. Black Spikey haired, smart, happy go lucky sometimes... although quite emotional..."
As Kasumi kept going, another tear fell on Adriana's cheek.
"Oh my God, I'm so sorry. Did I say anything wrong."
"No... you didn't... I just remembered somebody..."
"Somebody you like?"
Adriana nods in response. She softly spoke a phrase to Kasumi. "I lost the one I like..."
"lost?"
Adriana couldn't take her emotions any longer, she broke into tears again. Yes, she was thinking of Marcelo again but she couldn't say to Kasumi that it was her brother who she likes most of all.
Kasumi wrapped her arms around Adriana's shoulders and comforts her. Slowly, Adriana stopped crying. "There, there..." she said.
Slowly, the two girls walked back to the pit area.

Adriana and her mechanic stayed as they notice Tomo and the others got to work on the Mustang and GT-R. Tetsuya works on both cars well with the help of Tomo, Kitami, Kasumi, Hiroya and Shimizu. Their cars are being tuned to match the course. It may look so ordinary but each race track has their distinct features. If it's going to be like Twin Ring Motegi, there is still a lot to be done on the cars. By the end of the day, they finished tuning and saddled up.
Tetsuya noticed the mechanic and Adriana still there, noticing the way they tuned the cars.
"Oh, were you two watching? Sorry if our job ever delayed your plans for this afternoon." Tetsuya apologized.
"Oh, no." The mechanic said in return. "In fact, we were done hours ago and we just happen to notice how you guys go about your business. It is fascinating to see young people like you strive so hard."
Adriana slowly took a step and approached Kasumi who was talking to Tomo and giving him a towel and a bottle of water from the carrier.
"Kasumi, right?"
Kasumi tilted her head to see Adriana. It was breezy that late afternoon, with the sun setting beautifully on the sky. Adriana's gold hair followed the wind current; Kasumi's hair followed the same current and both girls' hairs flow wonderfully with the setting sun. Adriana gave her a piece of paper. Kasumi extended her hand to it where Adriana placed it in her hand and firmly closed it.
"Tomorrow. Take at most 2 of your friends with you. I have something to show you."
Kasumi looked at her with a confused face.
Adriana turned around and faced her mechanic.
Speaking in fluent Spanish, she told him that they'll come back the day after tomorrow for fining the camber settings and the rest of the car.
Adriana got on her McLaren and the Mechanic got on his local car - a Land Rover Defender 90 and both locals exited Oscar Galvez onto the freeway.
Everybody who was left behind intimately stared at the two drive off.
"What was that about?" Kitami wondered.
Hiroya and Shimizu shrugged their shoulders in response.
Tomo looked at Kasumi and asked. "What is that she gave you?"
Kasumi peered at the piece of paper showing her the address to Adriana's rest house at Los Hornillos, COrdoba. She looks back at Tomo saying.
"Let's go somewhere tomorrow. Just the two of us."
"Does it have something to do with Adriana?"
"She asked me to come... and if I want to, to take a friend or two along with me."
"Okay then. I'll ask Sakura to come along as well. Where to exactly?"
"Los Hornillos, Cordoba."
"So we'll be taking the train to there, then a cab."
Kasumi nods in agreement.
"Great..." Kitami commented in a serious tone. "First, a Diablo VT, then a Corvette Z06... then a Ford GT & SRT10 Viper... now this? A McLaren F1?"
"Come on Kitami, cheer up. Those are cool cars owned by cool drivers if you ask me." Tetsuya said.
"Still...

QUOTE

"Weird but true. There was a team that existed with nicknames such as those before. And it seems that..."
"Daiki and Kitana are two of the many successors of this..."
"Ancient team... we think alike."
"yeah, but that's freaking me out."
"Same here. But, that's all that I could help you with. The rest of this "puzzle" is up to you to finish."

... It's just like what Kazuma said before..." He softly spoke to himself... "This must be what he actually means..."
The winds pass by Kasumi's hair once again. Her orange eyes intimately looked at the yellowness of the upcoming night sky.
"Adriana..."
"hmm...?" Tomo wondered why Kasumi would bring her name up suddenly.
"She seems like a nice person... not too snobish or tactless..." she said with a smile as she stared at the Oscar Galvez exit.
Tomo stares there too and says "Yeah... she is..."
----------------------------
In the Next Chapter:

Family is uniform
Family is one
Family is everlasting...
The death of a brother
plagued his sister for years.
A sanctuary made to her brother
Dedicated to him alone
Only she could 'talk' to him
as She lives independently for him
His memory lives on
Everyday in her life
Days pass, he exists
Unforseen presence, yet he exists
The time that pains her
becomes part of her
She isn't safe even in her dreams
For he also is there
'It wasn't meant to be' she says.
She calls out to him
her only brother, that she ever loved
and asks him...
even in the depths of her own dreams...
With open arms she says to him
Abrazame

Posted by: Meteor Feb 19 2009, 12:39 AM

So what's Adriana going to show them?

Only one way to find out. . .

(The story's currently set in 2008, right? If her brother died in 2001. . . It's not very believable that someone could stay that depressed for 7 whole years. Is she suffering from a Depressive-Disorder-Not-Otherwise-Specified or something?).

Next chapter please.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Feb 20 2009, 10:42 PM

Here's the next chapter opening the next episode. And before I go any further, here's the Manga-style cover of Speed Legend Z I made myself with the utmost help of Photoshop...

------------------------------------------------
Episode 15 - The Queen's Golden Sword
Chapter 65 - Abrazame

That night at their designated Hotel...
Tomo and the rest came in at 9:00 p.m. and went to their designated rooms. Tomo and Kasumi entered room 425 and was amazed at the bedspace. The place was quite huge for a hotel space. The room is equipped with 1 king size bed, an LCD screen with Satellite cable, A bathroom with a shower and bath tub, and a small dining area with a "mini kitchen".
"Wow... they even have a window view of the City skyline" Kasumi excitedly said.
"I'll ask our bags from Sakura." Tomo said as he exits the room.
Kasumi happily jumps onto the bed. "So soft... it feels great... It smells so clean. Su-goi-na..."
Then, she remembered Adriana again.
"Adriana-san..."
Her mood changed. It suddenly quited down. It feels awkward. Kasumi never felt this sad before. what feeling is this feeling? Could she be emphatizing with Adriana? How could this be or is it a subconscious ability of Kasumi - to comfort the others in need? She turned around the bed and stared at the ceiling. Placing her left hand on her head with her right hand caressing her bright silky orange toned hair that rests on top of her chest, she took a deep breath.
She stared at the ceiling light until her eyes couldn't take the light anymore.
She exhaled deeply.

At room 426, Sakura & Shimizu's room, Tomo knocks at their door to ask for their luggage. Somebody opens the door - it is Sakura.
Looking right at her eyes, Tomo blushed and in a broken tone says... "I-uh...um... our... luggage...where...it...is"
It obviously looks as if Sakura just woke up. Her hair is messed up, and her blouse is shrivelled.
"Wait a sec..." she closed the door and went to the corner of the room where their luggage is. She took out those that have their names on it.
She opens the door and hands them over to Tomo.
"Th-thanks..."
She gave a lazy smile and closed the door to get back to sleep.
Shimizu, who's sitting on the veranda's hand rest with his PDA in hand. He notices Sakura lazily walk back to the bed. He fixes his glasses as she notices the tired female walk in a zig zag motion towards her bed.
She lands her head really hard on the soft bed's comforter and is sound asleep.
"Poor girl... guess that is how it is..." Shimizu uttered as he got back on his PDA...

Tomo placed their clothes in the closet and places the empty bags under the clothesrack and closes the door. He looks at Kasumi who suddenly fell asleep. She looked so defenseless. Tomo subconsciously walks towards her and notices her from a distance. His heart is beating fast. Faster as he gets closer. That gentle long hair, her wonderfully built body, and those pinkish cherry lips of hers... Tomo couldn't take it. He is slowly getting closer and is attempting to kiss her. As he got close enough he nearly lost his balance but to his dismay, he fell right on her. The Good thing is she's still asleep... but not for long. She couldn't breath properly with his weight supressing her. When she couldn't take it any longer she breathed out deeply and rose her head just to see Tomogashi right on top of her... Their eyes met and Tomo gave an embarrassed smile. "Eh heh heh..." he laughed. Kasumi turned red and screamed at the top of her lungs. "eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeekkkkKK!"
There was a very huge banging sound that everybody heard.

The whole group of team Japan rushed to room 425. Daiki had a second key card to the room being the team's GM. "What happened!?... uh..."
They witnessed Kasumi wrapping herself around bed blankets looking at Tomo whose face is kissing the wall right next to the Television with his body partly in mid air with a few cracks on the wall.

"Who-hoa! Nice one, Tomo!!" Tetsuya and Kitami called out with a huge thumbs up.
"EPIC FAIL!!" Hiei and Ryusen said from behind.
Slowly Tomo's knees touched the ground and fell unconscious.

Half an hour later, the housekeeping and maintenance representative arrives and repairs the damage done by Tomo. Sakura, who's in room 425 is healing his face wounds.
"What has gotten into you exactly, Tomo-chan?"
"I dunno... ow! ow!..." The pain in his nose is not that severe nor painful. It's how Sakura dresses the wound that adds to the pain. "...It's subconscious if you ask me."
When Sakura heard the word subconscious she squeezed too much alcohol onto Tomo's injured left arm. "YYYYYYyyeeeeeooooouuuuucccchhhhh! It burns!!"
"Sorry about that..."
"Subconscious? Yeah, right!! You do want to do it!!" Kasumi said who was at the other side of the bed.
"Oh, come on Kasumi. Don't start on me again......OUch!!" Sakura just pressed Tomo's sprain a bit too hard when Tomo said a few stuff seconds ago... "You were saying...?"
"...nope..." he replied in a very high pitched tone.
"Say, Sakura..." Kasumi said without facing her.
"Hmm?"
"Wanna come tomorrow?"
"Where to?"
"Los Hornillos. Tomo and I are going and we need one more to join us."
"Okay... sure, I'm game."
"Great maybe we could..." When Kasumi turned around she saw Sakura holding Tomo's left arm and mistook it for another awkward moment...
"Let me do it this time..." she said as she took out Sakura's healing cream.
"I got this one, Kasumi." Sakura insisted.
"Easy girls! Easy!" Tomo assured the two of them.

[the next day...]
Tomo barely had a good night's rest that night. As punishment for his 'subconscious actions', he is slated to sleep in the floor. His back ached really bad.
Kasumi and Sakura walked to the nearest train station at Avenida de Mayo

From there, they bought tickets on route to Los Hornillos at the city of Cordoba. The trip would last for more than 2 hours from Buenos Aires as the whole trip would be an estimate of 700 kilometers at 200 - 260 km/h. They sat on their seats and waited.
Tomo is still thinking of that McLaren the day before.
Sakura is very interested on who this Adriana Eizaguirre is. She's so curious that she bombarded Kasumi with tons of Questions. Good thing for Kasumi, she was able to answer most of them and neither question became a bother to her - it's only what they know though as they only met for a short period of time.
"But... there is one thing that is kind of unordinary when it comes to her..." Kasumi mentioned.
"What's that?"
"She has some sort of like a traumatic experience..."
"Traumatic?"
"Her brother, who died 7 years ago... she still remembers him and grieves over his death up til now."
"Aren't you just exaggerating things?"
"If you're trying to relate her experience to what we know of death and the ressurection hope, then you couldn't point both things against each other."
"She's not like us, is she?"
"Bingo. And at that statement, we should at least respect her privacy concerning it. SO whatever you do, do not mention 'brother' infront of her. She might break into tears again... but who knows when that would happen... it might suddenly 'trap' her without us saying it..."
"What are you talking about Kasumi?" Tomo decided to join in the discussion.
"It's girl talk, you might not understand."
"Oh, come on... are you underestimating me?"
"Now, don't get things the wrong way, TOmo-kun." Sakura assured.
"This has something to do with Adriana."
"Is it now..." He softly replied.
Kasumi started storytelling to Tomo what she and Sakura just recently discussed. The talk lasted for almost an hour. When they got bored halfway, they stopped the discussion and went about their personal business. Tomo took out his ipod and listened to a few electronica-house music, while Kasumi reads a book that she brought, entitled Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, and Sakura reads alongside her.

Another hour passed and they reached their destination. They took a black taxi to Adriana's rest house... or we should say... rest "house"...
Like the time when Tomo first met Daiki and first came to his mansion, he also stood in awe over the rest "house". Furnished with Roman like towers at the front of the house with tall windows surrounding the first floor, a replica of the Venus de Milo as the water fountain statue, a bed of roses, orchids and sunflowers around the walkway.
Upon stepping off the cab, the gate was one of a kind - personalized with a Quill mark of an "E" in the middle of a circle. The E obviously means Eizaguirre. They came to the right place.

Tomo pressed the Doorbell located at the left of the gate. The doorbell has a minispeaker and mic right on top of it. A voice of a man in his late 20's blurred out of the speaker saying.
"Yes, how may I help you?"
Kasumi offered to answer the call and replied.
"We are friends of Ms. Adriana. I'm Kasumi and..."
"Ah, the mistress has been expecting your arrival. Please wait a moment."
The small red light, located right next to the speaker turned off and automatically, the gates open.
"Well? Let's go in." Sakura cheerfully said.
"After you, Ladies." Tomo offered in a gentleman kind of way as he extends his hand towards the walkway to Sakura and Kasumi.
"Oh, why thank you." Kasumi played along and slightly knelt to Tomo as she held her mid-length skirt in a lady like manner.
Sakura giggled a bit and bowed to Tomo the same way.
The 3 friends walked down the 144 meter walkway as they passed the gardens, the fountains and all the natural wonders surrounding the rest 'house'.
At the door, there is a well built, 28 year old man in a black coat welcoming the guests. He has mid length hair right up to his neck that has the same hair tone as Kasumi. His eyes also have the same color as that of her. The man bows down to the 3 of them and humbly introduces himself. His face shows a bit of East Asian-ness but it's pretty obvious that he is raised here or has been living here for most of his life at Argentina.
"How do you do. I am a servant of the mistress. My name is Ein. The mistress has been expecting the three of you to arrive. Please follow me to the living room."
Upon entering the hall, it was filled with wonderful lights held by 3 golden chandeliers. There are vases located successively at the sides of the hall - 3 each side where one doesn't coincide with another.
"Man, they must be really rich." Tomo stood in awe as he kept walking.
"You could say that again." Kasumi said.
"Man, they must be really rich." He reiterrated.
"That was a rhetorical question Tomo-kun." Sakura corrected.
"I knew that." He smirked.

Inside the living room is a huge glass wall that shows the swimming pool just at the other side of it. The pool is a bit standard, as in it's like any ordinary swimming pool of the elites; much like the ones in hotels - a pool forming a number 8.
Ein directed the 3 to the sofa where they could wait for Adriana.
"Your trip must be long. Do any of you want any refreshments. We have the finest luxury wines imported from the countries of Eastern Europe or even the local drinks we have here in the south..." Ein offered.
"Um... thanks but not to be picky... do you have lemonade?" Tomo asked.
"Lemonade it is then, for the young male. And for the ladies?"
"We'll have the same. Is it alright with you, Sakura?" Kasumi asked.
"Mm. It's okay with me." Sakura answered.
"Very well. Please wait for your refreshments and Mistress would be coming down shortly."

At Adriana's room on the second floor, she's finishing herself up with combing her long golden hair. She's wearing her pink morning gown covered with her Ordinary unbuttoned red 'shopping' blouse. She took out her necklace from her jewelry box and wore it. It was her favorite necklace for she had a specific reason why. It has the picture of her brother and herself in it when they were young. She closed her jewelry box and got out of her room to meet her guests. At the same moment, Ein arrived with their drinks - Lemonade with a slice of tropical orange, dalandan as called in the Philippines, slotted in the rim of the glass. All 3 of them gave their thanks and drank their drinks. It was refreshing to their throats. The sun in Argentina is very bright and hot at this time of the day and lemonade is the very drink that would soothe your throat. That could be the reason why Tomo requested that or he just had a craving of it.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting." A woman spoke behind the 3.
Kasumi tilted her head to see Adriana, who is showing a pretty decent smile. Back at Oscar Galvez, Kasumi never saw her smile right until they left the course. This is the first time she saw her smile. "Her smile is beautiful..." She said to herself.
They embraced each other as a sign of hospitality and Kasumi introduced Sakura and Tomo to her.
"Yes. Tomo. I believe we have met." Adriana spoke. "And Sakura. Nice to see you and I welcome the 3 of you to Los Hornillos, Cordoba, Argentina." She welcomed.
"So... tell me, Adriana." Kasumi asked. "What is it that you want to show me?"
"Ah yes... I have just the thing." Adriana answered as she told the 3 of them to follow her to one of the different rooms around the house.
She directed the 3 of them to her room, where Kasumi awaits the thing that Adriana is going to give her.
"Ah, here we go." Adriana uttered as she found what she was looking for.
It was a silver bracelet with the Argentine flag.
"It's my way of showing thanks for your kind hospitality to me back at the track. I highly appreciate it." She gave it to Kasumi and enclosed her hand upon giving it.
"A...arigato..." Kasumi replied in Japanese. "I mean... Thank you."
Tomo noticed something that got him intrigued.
"Hm... what is this?" he asked himself. It was a closet separate to that of Adriana's Wardrobe. There was no bottom drawer. It's a one layer closet standing on a separate wooden table. He opens it to find out it had a picture stuck at the inner wall of the closet. Once Adriana heard the doors of the closet open, she immediately closed it before Tomo had a glimpse of whose picture is it.
"Lo Siento... I cannot let you see what's behind it..." Adriana pleaded.
Tomo could empathize to the reason why... somewhat. He could feel that whatever is behind that closet is something very important and very personal to Adriana.
"Alright. I won't look at it."
"gracias, senior" Adriana thanked in Spanish.
They went down to the back of the house where the pool is and Adriana wanted to show Tomo & the girls one of her pride and joys around her life. She exposes a remote control in her hand and presses it towards the garage that reveals her very own 1997 McLaren F1 LM supercar.

"This is..." Sakura just saw it first hand and personal and she couldn't believe her eyes.
"Your McLaren... the one you used when we just arrived at Oscar Galvez." Tomo uttered.
"That's right. It has been my car for more than a decade now."
"I hate to be an oddball nerd here but, could you tell me the stats of your car?"
"It's with Ein. He keeps the records. Personally, I don't give any information of my car to any stranger but seeing that you're one of Kasumi's closest friends, I don't mind." Adriana agreed.
"By the sound of it, looks like you two are beginning to become close friends, huh?" Sakura asked Kasumi.
"Mm... probably... I guess..." Kasumi answered back in an unsure tone.
Ein arrived with a folder containing the statistics of the car. Tomo browsed through the contents and became silent. His eyes narrowed as he looked at the numbers. It was inhumane - the numbers. Could a car possibly hold such numbers in complete accuracy? This isn't a car, he thought. It's more than a car... It's history...
Adriana showed her gloomy look again as she begins to visualize Tomo as not Tomo but... as Marcelo. Her brother is also very analytical, knowledgable and curious about automobiles. What Tomo's reactions are are what Marcelo's reactions back in the day - when they first got their personal supercars: his Mercedes CLK GTR and her McLaren F1.

Afterwhich they talked more concerning Argentina and they are ready to take their leave.
"We appreciate all the hospitality you have shown us today." Kasumi courteously said.
"It's no problem at all." Ein replied. "The Mistress barely gets guests coming into her house."
"Huh? Why is that?" Sakura curiously asked.
"It's because of the sad predicament she has experienced with her brother."
"Like his death or something?" Tomo answered.
"Hmm? How on earth did you figure out?"
"It's simple really. Her reaction when I was about to open that one closet at her room says it. It's definitely not her lingerie. It's something else." Tomo explained then later faced the girls.
"and you two said I won't be able to understand girl talk!"
The 4 of them laughed and Ein helped in finding them a cab that would bring them back to the train station. Once they were able to find one, Ein gave his last words to them saying "So the mistress will be seeing you tomorrow, then."
"Tomorrow?"
"She'll be coming back to Oscar Galvez with her chief mechanic. And I suppose that you'll be there with your team. The chief mechanic told me everything when the mistress wasn't at home yet yesterday."
"I see." Tomo wondered. "Tell her that we'll be seeing her then."

Back at the house, in Adriana's room, she opens the closet that Tomo failed to perceive. It does hold a picture - her brother's picture in grayscale. Everything that belonged to her brother, his remains, is there in that very closet. She looked at her brother's picture with sincere grief. "Brother..." she softly spoke.
"Have you come back to me?" she wondered.
She took out the racing uniform of her brother, that was partly covered with black ash from that incident, and embraced it dearly.
----------------------------------------------------------

In the next Chapter...

An Unprepared test
The most powerful opponent
The absence of fear
Just 2 drivers, their cars, and the road.
Daiki initiates a test
to ensure Tomo's failure.
The sword will be wielded against
another sword that was befallen
Could Tomo survive this encounter?
A new form of curiosity would endown
Daiki's attention...
to see if the Battle God
is but a mere mortal.
Once again...
at the land of Oscar Galvez
a duel would take place
Unofficial it may be...
but the stakes would rise
to the befallen one.
A demand that could not be denied
Determination is what to be sought
where the inevitable victory
is from the start...
well assured.
No form could interfere
with such souls.
For once it begins...
the end has begun...

Posted by: Meteor Feb 24 2009, 07:55 PM

The "cover" isn't bad.

Story is starting to turn a little generic at this point though, but I'll be waiting for updates.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Feb 24 2009, 09:56 PM

No need to wait. As here are the next two chapters. If you somewhat understood

Chapter 66 - Demands of the Determined

At Los Hornillos, an orange McLaren F1 slowly cripples out of its garage. It is the break of noon and the sun stands in the sky with all its shining glory. Adriana steps out of her house wearing a simple, short sleeve, aqua and white stripped blouse; which quite resembles the flag of Argentina. It is paired with an above-the-knee, country style denim, tight fit shorts. Her hair is combed the way she wanted and she is wearing her most cherished jewelry - the necklace that her brother once had. She clipped a disc-shaped pendant on it, as a carried memory of Marcelo. He meant everything to Adriana, even after death. She feels that he's always with her, from time and again.

Ein was busy watering the bushes until he notices Adriana's car right under the sunlight. While Adriana reminisces on one corner of the house for a moment, Ein gave the car a quick wash to give it a bit of shine. Right after that, Adriana is on the move and got on her car. Ein went up close to talk to his mistress.

"So mistress... will you be meeting your newly met friends at the course?"
Adriana just nodded in response to Ein's question.
"Here." Ein reaches to Adriana a small basket that has freshly picked tropical fruits - ranging from oranges to lemons and on the side, some apples and strawberries, although technically, they're not tropical but seasonal fruits.
"I picked them from our trees this morning."
"I'll give it to them." Adriana answered.
"Okay. Now you best be on your way, mistress. Traffic might be congested, as I heard from the news." Ein warned.
"Thanks for the concern, Ein."
With that, Adriana shifts to gear 1 and slowly brings the car out of the gate and onto the public road where she slowly presses deeper on the gas. How she pressed the gas was phenomenal as there isn't a trace of burnt rubber yet you could hear the revs go wild on the higher points of the tachometer.

[At a Hotel in Buenos Aires - valet parking area]

Daiki and the rest of team Japan head out of the hotel and onto the freeway once again to go to Autodromo Oscar Galvez for some trial runs. Within half an hour, they're onto the small stretch of road that leads to the entry way to the course for participants.

They saddled up on their designated garage space and parked the carrier right behind the garage space with a gap large enough for 2 cars, parrallel to each other, to pass through. Daiki gathered everyone for a team meeting.
"So... how would we go about on this race?"
"I got a call from the commitee on how the race would take place and I was able to get most of the details correctly."
"And they are?"
"Each team could have a maximum of 2 main participants for the team and at most, only 1 back up driver in case of any untoward incidents that may come about during the race."
"Okay. With that information on our hands, who are the 3 who'd race?"
"Our participants would be...Kitami..."
"Yes!" Kitami agreed.
"...Kyosuke..."
"Good." Kyo replied.
"...and for our back up, Tomogashi."
"...uh, okay." Tomo answered.
"However..." Daiki interrupted. Everyone went to listen. "The probability that there would be any untoward incidents would be minimal and the back up would only commence if both representatives are unable to continue if that is ever to happen."
"So, we don't need Tomo for this one, is that it?" Kyosuke asked.
"Hey! It's like you never needed Tomo, do you guys?" Kasumi protested.
"On the contrary. We wouldn't know the exact situation of the race until it commences but whatever the case may be, just make sure TOmo, that you're well prepared, even if the chances are minimial."
"Alright, Daiki. You're in command." Tomo agreed.
Just then, another carrier enters the course, which carries the Argentine flag, painted on one side. It's definitely Adriana's carrier. The McLaren is right behind it.
The team notices it get into their post.
Daiki looks at the McLaren with intimacy. He has this feeling that he encountered it years ago, but he couldn't remember when, yet he is certain that he has. As for the rest who weren't there like Hiei, Ryusen, and Kyosuke... they stood in awe with just looking at the car. The class isn't like that of the Ford GT, the Corvette, or the Viper back in America. To Kyo, it possesses a demeaning aura around it, a very strong one at that.
"It's her..." Tomo uttered to himself.
"She came..." Sakura thought.
"...Adriana..." Kasumi wondered.
The 3 of them walked towards team Argentina's garage space.
"where are they going?" Hiei wondered.
"Don't worry." Hiroya assured. "They know her. They went to her personally yesterday."
"I see. Wait, did you say...'her'?"

As Adriana stepped out of her car, Kasumi immediately greeted her.
But her expression isn't like the one yet back at Los Hornillos. She shows no interest on seeing Kasumi but she is eager to have met her again.
"Mm... hey..." she softly spoke.
Before any of the 3 could say a word, Adriana took something from the seat of the F1.
"Here..."
"What's this?" Tomo received it and wondered.
"Something from Ein. Newly & Freshly picked fruits of the season."
"Really? Thanks." Sakura said.
At team Japan's post, everybody were jaw-dropped upon looking at Adriana; all but Daiki. He gave a serious smirk on his face. He has some sort of plan for somebody against somebody... but what?

They, the pit crew, tuned up Kyosuke's Lotus while Tomo & Kitami started doing runs around the course. The GT-R is handling fine, and so is the Mustang GTR. Adriana, however hasn't stepped off the space as of now. She isn't in the mood to drive while the chief mechanic and his crew are working on another McLaren inside the garage space, a white McLaren but not like what Adriana uses. It had a more aerodynamic body kit, 20 inch chromated wheels, Pirreli racing tires in the front and back, and a colored carbon GT wing - a huge GT wing. The front and side had a FINA sticker around it with a second tone of blue on the side. The car seems like the one from the Le Mans, and it is that car, a replica of it based on how it was first made. It could be the car that Adriana would be using on the race 2 weeks from now.

After 5 laps of testing the course settings, Tomo was called by Daiki to enter the pit stop. He brings the Skyline to a full stop and wonders why. He exits the car and says "what's the hold up, Daiki?"
"I have a request... no... a demand from you as your General Manager."
"Hmm?" He wondered.
"I talked with the Argentine representative and agreed upon my request. I want you to... race Ms. Adriana Eizaguirre."
Holding his racing helmet, Tomo suddenly lets go of it in shock. The helmet crashes on its rim and rolls down to Kasumi's left foot.
"Are you serious?" Tomo asked.
Daiki just gave him the serious look. Even Tetsuya wasn't agreeing to Daiki's demands.
"Are you planning to put Tomo in a suicide match?" He freaked out in fear.
"What you call a suicide match is beyond my knowledge. All I want is a race between you and the top driver of Argentina."
Tomo isn't liking this one bit but he has no choice and just agrees with Daiki's commands. He looks at Tetsuya and says "Give me a new set of tires. The ones Nathan gave me."
"But, those weren't tested yet. And I have yet to consider it's structural compound"
"I just need a pair for the front. I won't be using the rear compound. You could examine those for the time being."
Tomo brings his car into the garage as Adriana drives the white McLaren out of their garage. Lucky for Tomo, she won't be using her own car. Due to restrictions and regulations set by the board of Governors of the racing committee, the McLaren has been detuned and weight added for the equality of the match in order for teams not to be, hows say, technologically at an advantage over another.
Ryusen wonders over what Tomo requested from Tetsuya. "Why just the fronts?" he asked.
Shimizu starts explaining to Ryusen: "The GT-R's fallback is its weight, thus causing the front tires to give in first. That's why Tomo suggested that from him. Get it now?"
"If you put it that way, it does make some sense. Because the tires could only last long according to the car's weight, the compound should at least compliment the duration..." Ryusen described.
Tetsuya removes the standard tires and installs the special racing tires, that Nathan Developed and gave to Tomo before they left, in the fronts.

Adriana waits, in her McLaren, at the starting line and awaits what Tomogashi is capable of. She knows that he is a racing representative all the way from Japan, but she's still unaware of what he could possibly do. She might over or underestimate Tomo's abilities but who knows? Only the race itself would show if she would or she wouldn't. The car is set and Tomo drives out of the pits from the entrance and slowly turns the car facing the right direction. He is ready, and so is Adriana.

To make things fair, Daiki asks Adriana to give Tomo a 15 second lead before she starts, considering the power of her McLaren against his GT-R. Adriana agrees upon terms and patiently waits for Tomo to park parallel to her.

Kasumi and Sakura are worried over the upcoming race.
"Don't you think it's a bit too soon?" Sakura wondered.
"I mean, we've seen her race and she's in a pace of her own. Tomo couldn't possibly compete with such skill." Kasumi feared.
"Well..." Kitami answered as he fixes his glasses in place.
"We wouldn't know until it begins. I heard that there's a handicap for Tomo's advantage in the start."
"Phew. That's a relief." Kasumi said.
"Yet I don't think it's enough to let Tomo survive this epic 'war'." Kyosuke described from Kitami's right side as he looks at that McLaren.
"Because... both Tomo and his car... they're unfit for the LeMans..."
"the leMans?" Sakura doubted.
"That car isn't an ordinary McLaren. It's from the 1997 LeMans, one of the many that Bruce McLaren has built fit for such events..." Kyosuke continued yet interrupted by Shimizu who was once a contender of the said racing event before.
"...the McLaren F1 GT-R..."
"GT...R?" The girls whined.
"Hearing about that extension really scares me." Kitami admitted.
"Yes. Weaker than the stock McLaren in terms of numbers but far more superior than any McLaren ever made." Shimizu concluded.
"Then, Tomo's defeated..." Kasumi finished.
"...from the very start." Sakura concluded.

-------------------------------------------------------------
In the next Chapter:

The race of Endurace
The race against ones self.
Tomo has stepped into an unfamiliar territory of sorts
Where his defeat is ensured.
The fall of the so called God of Battles
Its fraility is soon to be revealed.
No form of nature or words could counter this.
The horses of the McLaren, come in full force.
The horses of the SKyline, comprehend it
yet it isn't enough.
The huge gap of technology
between the 2 automobiles
isn't worth battling.
For one knows
a legend... shines at every pace
A legend survives the longest
Its legend lasts a thousand lightyears.

------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------

Chapter 67 - Powers of the Legend is Still Strong

A Nissan Skyline GT-R34 in Argentina. Equipped with a Nismo R tune body kit, was known to be a world class competitor. Unlike Lancer Evolutions and Impreza's of the same drivetrain, speeds of this car have qualified for the world class. It's uncanny for a car such as this to be equipped with a 4WD system yet that same system has worked wonders for drivers of this automobile. It was said to be possessing FR characteristics despite being a 4WD GT-R. Given the nickname, the battle God, the Nissan Skyline is a long-time legend.

The Home supercar of Argentina, a British originated McLaren F1. Created by the late Bruce McLaren, it was renowned in the Guiness Book of World records as the most powerful and the fastest production supercar in the world. It was all thanks to its BMW V12, prototype used Engine that pumps out 627 hp aided by its graceful and powerful Mid engine rear wheel drive drivetrain. Combined with the perfect aerodynamic, aluminum body, the car is well balanced even at high speeds. Beware when challenging one of the ultimate legends in the world.

Daiki has set the arena for Tomo and Adriana. As Adriana patiently waits for the race to start, the GT-R crippled at low speed into the starting area; parallel to the McLaren F1 GTR. Tomo's Skyline possesses 549 hp; they detuned it 2 days ago, upon their first arrival at Buenos Aires Autodromo Oscar Galvez. Adriana's McLaren GTR originally had 670 hp, yet they detuned it to a mere 617 hp; yet it isn't a bother to Adriana. She never cared about numbers. What she cared most of all is what she drives and to come in and out in one piece.

Kasumi seemed to be worried of this upcoming race. She doesn't know much about other automobiles and she doesn't even bother hitting herself to the auto books, but she could feel a huge aura coming out of the white McLaren; and it isn't associated with her car either. She knows that it comes from Adriana herself.

"Adriana Eizaguirre... this could be the first and last time I'd see her drive all out." Kasumi uttered. She could understand how this race would fare and Kasumi knows very well that it wouldn't end very pretty.

Shimizu was told by Daiki to manage the control tower, and the electrics of the whole course from there. It is just a two lap race so a pit crew isn't needed. As for strategy services before and during the race, Tomo has Daiki and Adriana has her chief mechanic. The delay between the McLaren and the Skyline would be 15 seconds. As Daiki approaches Tomo, he could see that Tomo is feeling a little uneasy behind the wheel. He has never raced a McLaren before. He knows the capabilities of it virtually but never up close in reality; he was shaking. He tilts his head to see Daiki who looks at him with a smile. "Daiki..." he uttered.
"Just do what you usually do." Daiki commented.
"Just that!? Anything like the attack points of the course?"
"Well, you and half of the group has raced here before I or Kyosuke could. You should at least have an idea of the attack points here. Just go all out and let me see how long you would last." With that, Daiki turns around and leaves Tomo all on his own.
"...how long... I... could last...?" He questioned.

"Adriana..." her chief mechanic called out to her via in-car radio. She takes it and replies. "Yes?"
"You know this course like the back of your hand. You should give only at most...56% only on this battle but you should not hold anything back. Just cut your speed by more than half, alright?"
"Yes." She answered as she puts the receiver back on the radio handle.

Shimizu activates the lights from the tower which shows to the 2 drivers a pair of red lights that flashed at them from above. There are 5 lights per set, one on the left; another on the right not too far from the center. The first red light from the left is lit. A second later, the second red light is lit. Since Tomogashi would drive off first, he firmly holds the steering wheel and slowly raises the revs - all the way up to 7000 out of 10000 rpm. The third light lights up; the rest went closer to the edge of the pit lane. The fourth one lights up. Tomo reclines on his seat and positions his right hand on the gearbox, his left hand on the steering wheel, his right foot on the gas - slowly pressing it to raise the revs, and his left foot on the clutch. The fifth light, a green light, is finally lit and Tomo shifts from N to gear 1 and the Skyline blasts out of the starting line. At the pit lane, the chief Mechanic of team argentina simultaneously started the timer on his stopwatch to tell Adriana when to accelerate.

The first section, right until the Curvon Salotto, is a high speed section and is composed only of 3 high speed corners. The only disadvantage that Tomo has is that his car is too boxy compared to the McLaren, which was aerodynamically built for speed. He needs to widen the gap as much as he can given the 15 second time limit. Adriana patiently waits for time to pass and for her mechanic to give the signal. As Tomo presses deeper on the accelerator and shifts to gear 4, the exhaust burps out a sphere of fire and the car pushed to a higher speed. At S del Ciervo, he turns the car to a higher angle to the left and nails the apex upon entering Recta del Fondo.

15 seconds have passed and now Adriana is on the go as well. The McLaren blasts out of the starting line, faster than the GT-R. The F1 GTR uses not a gearbox type but a semi-manual transmission, with the shifters hiding behind the steering wheel's sides - shift up on the right and shift down on the left end of the steering wheel. The GTR F1 could reach a revolution of 9500 rpm. Upon entering Curva Uno, Adriana clears it at a higer speed of 210 km/h whereas Tomo just cleared it at 184 km/h. Just as Adriana has exited S del Ciervo, Tomo has just entered the cornering zone of Curvon Salotto. He brakes lightly, downshifts 1 gear, and kicks at the accelerator, pressing deeper on it.

He maintains his speed on the mid point of Curvon Salotto, just high enough for him not to stray away from the inside lane. As soon as he exits the corner, he glances at his rearview mirror.
"I'm making good time..." he uttered. The McLaren isn't behind him... yet.
At Recta de Lago, the straightway is very long and gives the McLaren a flawless chance of catching up. The McLaren did catch up. When? When Tomo glanced at the rear view mirror. The McLaren isn't in his rearview mirror limit. The McLaren is actually 100 meters behind him from the inside lane near the course wall. When Adriana's car is straying off due to the wind, she immediately positions her car onto the slipstream. That surprised Tomo when he glanced again, 5 seconds later.

"W...what...the!? How did she...!? I didn't feel her car nor did I hear it." he said in fear.
Limiting Adriana's acceleration by half has decrease the noise induced by the V12 thus allowing her to secretly nudge right behind her opponent. It was a delayed speed tactic that is one of her trump cards.

Tomo delayed his shifting due to the surprise impact that she did to him. And has caused the Skyline to lag a bit. She swerved the F1 to the side and attempts to full her acceleration and in half a second, the F1 is now side to side with the SKyline at Recta de lago. Tomo couldn't counterattack this one and is prepared to face the music... or he has a plan of somesort.
---------------------------------------------

In the next chapter:

In the land of Fair Winds...
The winds went against Tomo.
The home course advantage...
is still superior over the advance mind.
The race is halfway...
yet the conclusion was brought to a close.
The Winds have proven the Battle God
but a mere mortal.
Never again would a loss like this
could destroy ones pride
The race was impossible at first
and is impossible at the end.
Inevitability... is everlasting.
No law or action could bend it.
-----------------------------------------------
And here's another art (while I was at the mood that time)
user posted image

P.S. Since I'll be starting with the next chapter with a whole new aspect, it will obviously take some time before it's posted. So FAQ's about the characters, cars used, further plans of the series, wishes for the series could be started here. Questions will be answered then on...

Posted by: Meteor Feb 27 2009, 06:36 AM

And just how will Tomo win this race? That was quite a creative attack from the McLaren.

You've overdone it with the gradients in the new "cover" though. Anyway, I'll wait for the next chapter.

Question: Are you planning on starting something new after you're finished with your Speed Legend series?

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Feb 27 2009, 11:09 PM

I'm planning on making a new comic entitled Speed Legend Z: Akiyama Chronicles. It's a side story of how Daiki became well known around Japan before He met Tomogashi.

I am still doubting myself If ever I should push through with it. It's more Wanganish and less Touge-ish but I'll try to inculcate touge on it too as the character is famous on BOTH. Since I started with page 1, maybe I will continue it and post 'em when I am done. It will take time and.... don't want to spoil most of my plans on it. We'll see it soon. I promise.

I'll be posting the next chapter later on. Just need to upload pics for fuji_tak's post at ID gen.

And about the "new cover"... I intentionally overused the gradients for a little something something different

-----------------------------------------
Edited: Here's the next chapter. It spells one thing only for now... RACE RACE RACE!

Chapter 68 - Ultimate Defeat

Closing in on the underpowered GT-R34, the McLaren shows its pure superiority on the straightways. Its speed is unlike any being that has ever exceeded the 200 kilometer barrier. Despite this fact, Tomo doesn't give in to defeat just yet. He knows that it just begun. All of his impossible battles start out like this: he leads, loses it very early and comes an alternate pattern of gain and lose the lead. The question then is raised: what makes this race different from his previous ones? Is there any or is it all the same? The McLaren F1 increases in pace and overtakes the Skyline. Tomo dodn't show any signs of budging in his seat. He concentrates on the car that is infront of him. "Could he possibly have a chance at this?" Sakura wondered. When she looked at the others, they were all silent; even Kasumi. All of their heads were down when Sakura raised the question. It shows one sign, they all know the result.

Halfway through Recta de lago, the McLaren increased its pace from half a car to 3 cars in a mere 5 second duration. "Horsepower difference isn't that large of a number, yet what makes her car more faster than mine?" Tomo wondered. "I mean, with the likes of Lucas and the Nathans, their power range was quite huge compared to my GT-R yet I was able to keep up; same with my race against Kitana and Daiki back home. What makes her so different from the others?" He thought to himself. What could it possibly be? If the answer isn't technical; could it be something supernatural? It can't be; or is it all technical... or a mixture of both.

Upon sight of Chicana de Ascari, the mid-to-high speed chicane after Recta de lago, Adriana just removed her foot off the accelerator 150 meters from the corner's entry point. "Is she toying with me or something?" He thought as he notices the F1. To Tomo, he feels this as either a chance of getting the lead or a sign of insult to injury. No matter what the reason is, he takes the chance and goes full throttle within the 150 meter gap. "Little more... just a little more!" He says as the GT-R closes in on the mcLaren. As soon as the cars are on the 50 meter range, Tomo brakes hard and angles his steering wheel a bit. There was just one problem. When he starts to brake, she presses on the gas and hits the same area of the corner. "Na-nani..." he whispered in Japanese.

As for Adriana, she didn't bother to look at the rearview mirror ever since she overtook the GT-R. It wasn't a sign of overconfidence or fear of breaking her momentum. She concentrates best when she's on focus. And when she IS on focus, only she could tell herself when to rest. Her car just keeps on pulling away at Chicana de Ascari. 3/4ths of the track shows a low speed section from Mixtos corner to the Senna straight - a small area where low HP cars would gain advantage - but would they gain such against the Queen of Argentina? At Ascari, Adriana intentionally strays off to the outside making Tomo think that she's understeering and has lost grip. "There!" He shouted in his car. He thinks it's another chance. He presses hard on the accelerator and turns hard throughout the Ascari corner. The distance between Adriana and Tomo is 10 car lengths; it's quite huge.

Entering Mixtos, Adriana brakes hard. Mixtos is one of the 2 main low speed hairpins in the Oscar Galvez race track. Tomo decides to drift through Mixtos while he notices Adriana's entry. Tetsuya, who is watching the race in a small TV, though a mini-cam on the roof of the GT-R, could know what Tomo's planning by just noticing the SKyline's movements. When he saw the car swerving slightly from left to right at the straight between Ascari and Mixtos, he knew that he is going to drift. "Bakero!!" He cursed in Japanese. "The tires aren't warm enough to give you enough grip through the Mixtos hairpin." When everybody in the pits heard Tetsuya, they all turned their heads to see why.

"Tomo's going to drift?"
"In a circuit?"
"That's the most stupid thing to do, especially in a race!"
"This isn't a practice run, you dope!"
"Idiot!"

They were all disappointed with Tomo's plan. If ever he accomplishes it, it would be futile to use. He will clear the corner faster but at the exit, his speed will stall and would cost him more than just the race. At Mixtos, he executes his drift. Halfway before the apex, he flawlessly executes it with his front tires countersteering at a proper 34 degree angle. The tail of his car is sliding purposely like that of any other drifting car. Tomo could feel his car closing in on Adriana's F1, who just entered the midpoint of the small chicane before the Ombu corner. He exits the hairpin with just 8 centimeters away from the edge of the road. That's the status of his front. His rear however, which is slightly worn out, slides right into the grass. He grits his teeth and decelerates to stabilize the car. Once stabilized, he downshifts and presses on the accelerator, only to see Adriana's McLaren pulling away at Ombu's midpoint. He didn't budge like awhile ago and still continues to catch up.

"I need to decrease the gap before the final hairpin... I must!" He thought.

When Adriana enters the last mid speed corner before Senna, Tomo just came out of Ombu. True, he did decrease the gap all the way from 10 to 6 car lengths; but it isn't enough. At the Senna straight, Adriana once again cuts her acceleration down: down to 3/4ths of the way this time. Is she waiting for Tomo or is she planning to take the pits? Neither if you ask me. 3/4 way of pressing the accelerator of a supercar is equivalent to a full press of the same pedal of a regular Japanese sports car. There is no difference though.

Tomo is still persistent on catching up. It was an impossible race to start with. He wanted to prove everybody wrong but all his efforts seemed to fail. He couldn't catch up at all, even at the low speed section where he thought that he could catch up. Once Adriana exits Horquilla, it is all over. From the start to Recta de lago, it's all straights and high speed corners - Tomo would not catch up at all at that state. They're two corners away from Horquilla. Tomo shifts over the red zone and up to the limit. Flames keep consequently burst out of the Skyline's exhaust pipes with his car being pushed harder and harder. The harder he pushes it, the Skyline wails in pain. Every over rev shift, every stomp on the gas and brake; he's not racing anymore, he's self torturing his car. It is just like before, when he tried to get away from the cops. His desperate attempt to regain his place has cost him his own vehicle. Tetsuya's modifications for the GT-R would be considered top-notch and fit for Endurance battles but pushing the car like this would hasten its duration; and that's what Tomo is doing. A Skyline vs a McLaren is like a turtle against a hawk in the heavens.

Entering Tobogan, Adriana hastens her speed again as she prepares to enter the Horquilla hairpin. She'll be doing what she has done before - a perfect drift through it. Question is, is it possible? Her personal McLaren is very different compared to the F1 GTR that she is currently using. There is just one switch in the F1 GTR that make her to do just so. The switch on her steering wheel says "TCS". It doesn't stand for time-temperature control system used in the food industry. It obviously stands for TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM. It is a switch that disbles the TCS momentarily and reactivates when the driver presses it again. To execute the impossible supercar drift, Adriana deactivates the TCS. Midway through Tobogan corner-straight, The car suddenly got a boost at the exit while cornering. The length between the two is increasng once again. The GT-R, that is desperately catching up is being left behind more and more. Tomo becomes even persistent and desperate and enters the Tobogan S-curve without; yes without braking. He slightly cuts through the S curve by placing his car close to the grass, yet leaving a part of it to stay in the asphalt. At the Tobogan exit, he slightly lost control when his right rear tire starts to smoke a bit and lose control. He decelerates and countersteers to regain balance but once he saw Adriana's car enter Horquilla, for the second time, she executes the same attack as when they first came and witnessed it. The same speed, the same angle, and the same exit... but in a different vehicle.

"S...Su...su-ge..." he uttered in Japanese. "Just like the first time I saw it." he uttered.

Adriana ends the race by going full throttle down the straightway and S del Ciervo. Tomo's outclassed. He exits the corner with a grip maneuvere only to see the McLaren not anymore in view. When Tomo reaches the straightway, she is already at S del Ciervo's exit. He is defeated. It is a complete defeat. He opens his hazard lights and stops his car on the starting line. Disappointed, he removes his helmet and turns the car off. The car released a lot of steam once the engine was turned off. It looks as if one of the parts in the engine bay was too worn out. when Tomo stepped out, Tetsuya rushed to see the problem. He shows a spaced out look as he faced Tetsuya. He never experienced a defeat as crucial as this in his racing career. Tetsuya pops the hood open and looks at the source. A lot of steam came out of the car. He looks at the parts one by one and sees the problem. - The fan in the turbine is slightly loose and the water ran dry causing a huge crack on his radiator. If the engine is diagnosed the same way, there might be another internal problem as well. He pushed the car too hard; they all know that very well. Too much persistence has lead to the car's breakdown. Good thing that Tetsuya has another spare turbine in the carrier, but it isn't as powerful and performance wise as the turbine installed in Tomo's GT-R, which broke. Tomo wondered if the excessive over revving has worn out parts within the RB26DETT. By analysis, it most certainly has caused internal damage. But before Tetsuya could conclude such, they need to wait for the car to cool down and take the RB26 apart.

------------------------------------------------------------------
In the next Chapter:

The Sword that Tomo wielded shattered.
Everybody wondered if the R could revive.
All focus was on the shattered sword.
They forgot the presence of another.
Curiosity interferes and they wanted to see
If the wielder of the Golden sword is still there.
Absence of a wandering angel...
Only the presence of the wind...
Adriana is gone.
In a blink of an eye, she vanishes...
and becomes one with the wind
As a competitor, they wonder...
why she never said a word.
She left the battlefield without warning.
She wanders around the fields & rivers.
Curiosity and concern trigger the only friends she has met
and they set out to discover the reason of her disappearance.
Only to see her looking...
looking at her reflection
with deep feeling

Posted by: Meteor Mar 1 2009, 10:45 PM

QUOTE

Closing in on the underpowered GT-R34, the McLaren shows its pure superiority on the straightways. Its speed is unlike any being that has ever exceeded the 200 kilometer barrier; [[whether it be domestic or mechanical]].

wut?

QUOTE

Adriana once again cuts [[his]] acceleration down

That poor Three-Four. . . I hope it gets better soon.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Mar 2 2009, 04:25 AM

I hope so too, since I don't know how it'll fare for the rest of Stage:Argentina.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Episode 16 - Thoughts of the deceased and of Royal Blood
Chapter 69 - Subtle Victory

Still wandering about at Oscar Galvez race track, Tetsuya does his best to identify the inner problems within the Skyline's currently damaged Engine bay. He disconnects every nut and bolt, every clamp and joint in the RB26DETT. He removed the pistons and the housing with the help of Hiei and Ryusen. Once the engine bay is close to empty, Tetsuya went deeper into the removed parts seeing a very battle-scarred set of pistons when he removed it off the housing. There's also a crack on the pipe line. Tetsuya cleans them optimumly before but it must be how Tomo uses it that caused all these internal damages.

He walks to Tomo who is sulking in his seat with his head covered with a towel. When Tomo, who was looking at the ground, saw Tetsuya's shadow he raises his head to see a very angry and demeaning Tetsuya Kudou. He hand crafted all those parts and this is how Tomo treats it? That could be the thought you have in mind that Tetsuya would say. But, he actually said this: "Parts like these don't grow on trees, you know. I couldn't replace all of them in one sitting, you know that?"
Tomo just nods in agreement. He didn't bother to say a word. The whole atmosphere was quiet; too quiet. Not even the others bother to say a thing. Everybody was in a slumber. Their arrival in Argentina and they have met defeat days before the main event. It is quite embarrassing. All but Daiki is showing off faces of disappointment. As for Daiki, he couldn't help but show a very small grin on his face. Did he plan for Tomo to lose? Why would he make him lose an important race such as this? Is it personal or does it have something to do with his future plans for the next circuit race?

"Look. I'll try to find replacements for these parts. If the truck doesn't have any other extra parts, I might as well look at the aftermarket stores around Buenos Aires if they have stocks. You won't be able to drive this for a while. Fixing the whole engine bay would at least take 6 days; and it would probably take me until the evening of that day." Tetsuya said. "S-six days? The race is in the 7th day." Tomo objected.
"Well you should have thought about that before you thrashed your own vehicle." Tetsuya answered back in an angry tone. "The race was impossible to start with. Did you even think that you could bend physics and laws on mechanics? An Inline 6 such as yours would never par nor keep up against a lightweight high-tuned V12 such as that!"
"I'm... sorry... Tetsuya..." Tomo humbly responded. Tetsuya was right. Tomo is just a driver. He's no Superman of the road. was it the desperation to win that made him wreck his car? That's pure recklessness on his part.

"Hey... where's Adriana?" Hiei brought up, that caught everybody's attention. The White McLaren is parked, but her orange McLaren is gone. Did she leave for the day? Isn't it a bit too early to do so? Things are getting more peculiar by the moment. Daiki 'wished' for Tomo's defeat that came about and now Adriana leaves without saying a word. Normally, in a competition, even the smallest of all competitions, the person who wins shows a sense of gratitude for the race or for the Lucas-like ones, they'd rub defeat onto their opponent's pants as a sign of pride and disrespect. But this is higher than what is mentioned in the latter. Leaving without saying a word, a sign of uninterest and thinks that the whole race was a waste of time. "I have to go find her." Kasumi said as she asked Sakura to take her to where she could possibly be in her GT-R.

"I-I am coming as well..." Tomo said as he removed the towel from his face and threw away the empty water bottle he was holding. The 3 rode on Sakura's Custom Nismo R-tuned R34 and it accelerated out of the circuit, hoping to see the McLaren again. As for the rest of Team Japan in Oscar Galvez, Kitami decided to have a mock battle between him and Kyosuke. "I highly discourage such." Daiki commented when Kitami gave the call.
"What? Why?"
"Save the cars for time attacks. We don't have time for such shinanigans. Hiroya will be handling the setups of the Mustang while Shimizu would help Kyo with the Exige." He then faced Tetsuya who is still analyzing further damage on the parts. "Would you be okay there by yourself? We'll also need Hiei and Ryusen for the same purposes."
"I'll be fine. This is something that needs delicate attention and care. Take care of our two combatants." Tetsuya assured.
Tetsuya's Jeep Commander has a carrier trailer attached on its back. He Laid the Skyline, by mechanical clamp onto the platform and brought it out of Oscar Galvez.

As for Tomo and the 2 girls, they kept a sharp lookout for an orange McLaren in the main freeway. Tomo has something to say to Adriana; where at least one from the party should give gratitude for the race. A long stretch of road extends to them but no sign of an Orange British Supercar. Sakura ups her pace on the freeway and brings her car from a steady 100 km/h to a 143 km/h current speed. "Where could she have possibly gone off to?" Kasumi wondered.
"Tomo..." Sakura called out to the back of the car.
"Hmm?"
"Yesterday, you said that her depressed look and situation has something to do with her deceased family member, right?"
"Yeah?"
"Don't you think that that race reminded her of something like that and she needs some time alone?"
"I couldn't conclude as of now. It could either be that or something else. Best I should now."
"But butting in on other's privacy is..."
"It's not butting in. I just need to give my thanks and we'll all go back to our hotel."

The group in the red Skyline past through traffic just to maintain the pace between them and the McLaren. She goes into one of the freeway exits, and the rest caught up to her on the exit. From there, Adriana punches on the gas and pulls away; she's no longer in the freeway so she's free to up her pace. Sakura noticed this and accelerates further as well. "Hold on everyone. I'm gonna accelerate further." The Skyline releases a boost of air from the exhaust and continues to raise her car's momentum. They seem to pass by a familiar house that has a huge gate; it's Adriana's house; they're now at Los Hornillos' entry.

Adriana, in her Orange McLaren, passes by her house for some reason. Ein was able to recognize the car through its engine sound. He knows where she is going so he never bothered to step out of his training room. Ein happens to be doing some martial arts training to keep himself physically fit. He stepped out for a moment to get some fresh air where he happens to see another car; a red car, pass by that seems familiar to Ein's memory; since he has some Japanese blood in him. They approach a fork road and Adriana takes the left without hesitation. Sakura didn't expect the sudden swerve of the car they're following which forced her to slow down - not to mention the load in his left and rear: Tomo and Kasumi.

The left road is pretty narrow for a pass, compared to the right. Tomo tells Sakura to slow down. Kasumi takes out a small map of Cordoba-Buenos Aires, which she borrowed from Tetsuya. It shows that there is only one destination leading to it. A lake at the end of the road. It's just one way where the way back is the same way. No one actually bothers to go here so the group wouldn't expect an oncoming car. The road is covered with autumn leaves and trees surround the area. "Take it steady Sakura." Tomo uttered as Sakura answers with a "hai." Sakura slows down to a steady 20 to 30 km/h while they go through the narrow pass. 100 meters away there is a hairpin that is angled at 30 degrees.

A few more corners and they're near the end of the road, according to Kasumi's map. One last corner and Kasumi was able to see Adriana's McLaren parked sideways. "STOP!" she called out to Sakura, who suddenly stopped. "Why?" she asked the orange haired maiden. "We should be very discreet, as to not for her to recognize us. We might get into her bad side for following her."
"But I need to tell her..."
"later. Who knows how she'll react-"
"she won't go anywhere as we're blocking the road right?"
"well..."
"It's settled then." Sakura ended. She lets the car idle and brings the car close to the McLaren.
Once they stopped, Tomo stepped out to talk to Adriana. He peeped on the side window only to see... no one.
"Nobody here?"
Kasumi and Sakura stepped out of the car as well. "What's wrong, Tomo-kun?"
"She isn't here." Tomo answered.
"Eh?" Kasumi questioned.
"She isn't here. Where'd she go off to?"
Kasumi closes her eyes and listens to her surroundings. She could hear the wind touching the water; a big body of water. She could also hear the bristling of the trees. "Water..." she spoke.
"Hmm?" The two asked.
"Water. There's water nearby." She took out her map again and double checked. There's a blue circle close to where they are. It's a lake. "There's a lake here."
"Do you think she's there?" Sakura asked.
"I'll check." Tomo volunteered who started walking. Kasumi caught him on the collar and said "Oh, no you don't. We're going together." She commanded.
The 3 of them slowly walked, following Adriana's footsteps. When they got a glimpse of a body, Adriana, they hid in the bushes. Tomo, Kasumi, and Sakura saw Adriana doing something...

She was taking her clothes off. When Kasumi saw Adriana removing her shirt and shorts, leaving just her bra and pantie, out of embarrassment, she quickly knocked him out of his misery. Tomo quietly fell into the ground, unconscious. Sakura and Kasumi observe why Adriana is taking her clothes off in natural, public land. Adriana slowly steps into the edge of the water, step by step. Her feet emerged into the water, and Sakura & Kasumi observed quietly. The environment seems awkward and unnatural. Half of her body is now emerged in the lake. She softly says "Marcelo" as the wind touches her hair once again. The bristling trees and the gusting of the wind has passed through the only 4 beings present around the lake. She could feel her brother embracing her, as his 'spirit' caresses her with a warm embrace.

Kasumi is slowly intrigued by the very different atmosphere and is slowly being drawn into the situation. Her eyes become opaque. Her body, for some reason, is acting on its own. Her breath slows down. She is completely drawn to Adriana. Why? The scene is very unnatural. We wouldn't be able to know the exact reason. It is very different - inhumane in a certain degree. Then finally, Tomo woke up. He raises his head to see Sakura slightly shaking with the feeling of the wind n her face. He looks and sees Adriana, who's third of her body is submerged in the lake and Kasumi slowly walking towards her. "Ka-Kasumi-chan." Tomo budged as he accidentally caught his foot on a twig and tripped, causing a flock of birds to flee from the trees and re-caught the attention of the two women.

"To...Tomo!! I thought you were unconscious." She uttered. "Well..." he said as he rubbed the back of his head "...it takes more than that to knock me out..." Tomo answered with pride. Sakura followed that up with an ironic statement "Or is it because you could finally see a partly naked woman submerging herself into the water up close in reality than just through the television." "NOT TRUE!" He answered back to Sakura. Adriana gives a cough to get their attention. "Um... I am sorry... to be doing something such as this in public. It comes... well... N-naturally." she answered. The 3 look at her in an awkward state as they were disturbed when Adriana said that that was natural to her. "Natural... she says..." Sakura quoted.

When Tomo got his thougths straighten up, he quickly told Adriana what she needs to say. "Um...Adriana...I..." he said in uncertainty. "I...would...um..." "About the race?" Adriana continued. "Uh...yeah." He answered back. She look at her reflection and replied... "Oh...it's nothing. You're welcome for the race. I did what your manager just told me." Tomo just gave a nod... seconds later, he raised a question. "Tell me..." he asks Adriana. "Did my manager, Daiki, tell you any reason why you should race me or did you even ask why you should or what for?" Adriana faced away from Tomo and looked at the sky. she answers "he said... 'that it is 'necessary'. Because I am a local of this area, he wanyted me to show you what its like to drive with us... that's all he said."

"I think that isn't a good answer to it. He has something more in mind than that." Tomo answered in a serious tone. "How are you sure?" Kasumi asked. "I have a strong feeling... as if..." When Tomo is finishing his sentence, the girls are getting tense. "it looks as if he wanted me to lose by using you to completely defeat me." "As in dispose of you or something?"
"I dunno. It is how I look at it." "Don't you think you're overreacting things?" Kasumi asked. "No. He could be right; or the very least... half right." Sakura answers. "I mean, we just arrived 3 days ago and he suddenly asks you to race her?" she continues as she looks at Tomo. "I am getting the same feeling as well." Adriana followed. "But it's just a feeling." "The situation, though..." Tomo commented "has finished. this could be the first of some changes within the group but a vague request such as this without any direct motive or purpose, is still questionable. Because we don't have any answers and asking Daiki about this personally would be very crucial, it's best to leave this be as a confidential matter between us... just the three...no...four of us." The 3 women nodded in agreement as no never bring back further discussion of the said even again.

"Adriana, we'd like to meet you again personally." Tomo requested. "Sure...(whispered) brother" she replied along with a nod for agreement. She didn't, however, show any smile upon accompanying her word. Either it is natural for her to do so or she has something else in mind. Adriana got dried up, dressed again rode on her McLaren and drove off back to her house to rest up. As for the rest back in the lake, Kasumi wondered why Tomo wanted to see her again. "Why do you want to see her again? Are you developing something like a love interest on her or something?" "What? Of course not, sure she is as pretty or, ahem... prettier than you..." when Kasumi heard that, she broke into stone. "but there is something more to her... something like when Nathan Sr. mentioned something about being with Daiki even though they haven't met face to face."

They went silent and finished talking. Everything is getting out of hand once again. Daiki is keeping something from Tomo and he knows it very well. Whatever it could be... they'd soon get to the bottom of it all and know why Daiki is secretly going against Tomo... the 3 boarded the red Skyline and drove back to the hotel.
------------------------------------------------------
In the next chapter:

Memoires of the past continue to haunt the suppressed one
There was silence abound the household
Marcelo the forgotten
Adriana the independent
The memory among brother and sister
Lasted for nearly a decade
Haunts of the good and bad
the happy and sad moments
the times in and out of the battle lands
Racing between past and present
she sought out the thoughts of her brother
She sought for her past
Some answers to why she is now
would be revealed
Why her brother is completely a part of her
The death would be a cause
Then the cause would tell the effect on her
She won't be alone realizing this
There would be witnesses.

Posted by: Meteor Mar 4 2009, 12:59 AM

(I would normally type about the latest chapter here, but I think I need to re-read this one. In the meantime, this post'll be made incase you have a new chapter to post up. I'll edit in what I think about Chapter 69 later)

Ok. So Adriana leaves the circuit. Why exactly did Kasumi need to go find her right there and then? And Tomo could've just thanked her later on. And. . . . Yeah, I just didn't get this chapter very well.

Daiki sure is acting mysterious though. I wonder what's up with him.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Mar 4 2009, 04:57 PM

Since you put it that way... don't worry I'll be waiting for your 69 insight...
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 70 - Pains of Memories

Water. It is endless... it is eternal. We are surrounded by it. We are it. A shadow of a man is shown against the sunlight, looking from the bottom of the sea. The body floats but is not on the water for he is in it. It shows as if he isn't that light nor is he that bouyant. His body floats in the middle of the sea, vertically.
The man is asleep and his body is slowly floating up to the surface. The refracting rays of the sun onto the water has blinded the man and forced him, even with his eyes closed, to wake up. He sees a body of a woman infront of him. His whole body was numb; he couldn't move at all. The woman faced the man and gave a cheerful smirk. She giggled a bit. There was not much to see of the woman as her face is against the sunlight as well. Her being posed as a shadow to the man's eyes. She extends her hands and called the man "...brother..."

The man finally woke up. TOmo had a dream. He got out of his bed and looks at his hand. He touches his face. It was slightly dry. "It was all a dream" he stated.
A day has passed. It was their third night in the hotel at Buenos Aires that they slept on. "What was that dream." He closed his eyes to remember the person, the woman, in his dream. "Adriana?" he asked himself. He could remember yesterday - Adriana in the lake, partly submerged.

He glances at his side to see Kasumi sleeping next to her wearing her glossy night gown. "Oh, it's just Kasumi..." He said calmly. After a few seconds, his emotions reacted and he jumped from his bed, surprised. "KA-KASUMI!? IN MY BED!? S-Slept with her side by side!?" A sweatdrop fell from his face. But he remembered that when they dressed and got ready for bed Kasumi slept on the bed right next to Tomo's. "She probably sleepwalked towards my bed this time..." he said with a sigh. "I couldn't say that I'm lucky or something. If the rest found out of this..." he suddenly had thoughts of what bad things that the rest of the team would do to him if ever they found out - especially the likes of Sakura.

Later on, Kasumi woke up as well from all the commotion coming about. "You-'re awake?" she softly said. "Why were you in my bed? Was it the whole night?" He immediately asked her. "huh?" Kasumi hummed then looked at the bed. She isn't in her bed. "Oh, that..." she answered with an awkward smile. "You see... last night was very chilly. Even my comforter couldn't warm me up. So I thought I'd sleep with you. Well, right next to you actually. You didn't even budge." she said blushing. "Oh..." he reacted. "You were warm..." she quoted, where Tomo suddenly turned reddish. "T-thank you..." she murmured.

At the same moment, Sakura opened the door telling them that they're to head down to the dining hall for a breakfast buffet. She came in at a bad time. She heard Kasumi say to Tomo... "Thank you... for last night..." Kasumi spoke as she blushed even deeper. Sakura suddenly snapped and yelled out "TOMOGASHI KITSUMORO!! WHAT DID YOU TWO DO EXACTLY!!?" "I-It's not what you think, Sakura seriously." Tomo pleaded. Kasumi decided to play along and made up a couple of lies about what happened. "You see, Sakura, Tomo was quite something. You should try sleeping next to him sometime. He hugs you at the right spots." She told Sakura with a sinster smile. Sakura flipped out in rage and continued nagging at the top of her lungs saying things like "WHAT THE F IS GOING ON!? TOMO, YOU PIG!..." etc. etc...

[dining hall - East wind Buffet Area.]

"So Daiki and the others didn't come back, now did they?" Tomo reacted when Sakura told the two that no one else from the team came home to sleep in their rooms. She said this because Shimizu didn't come to Sakura's room either. Maybe they overdid their work at the course and slept there... that's what they all thought...

"Say, Tomo..." Kasumi walked over to him as she brings to their table a tray containing their food: 3 fried eggs, Java Rice - American style, and what looks like some 6 strips of bacon for their breakfast. On their table is a set of seasoning condiments, 3 cups filled with Cappuccino latte, table napkins, 3 plates and silverware: spoons and forks. Kasumi lays the tray infront of them. "Thanks... and what?" Tomo commented. "Isn't...um...isn't this the day that we go to Adriana's place?" Kasumi confirmed as she sipped a thick spoon of cream of crab and corn soup. "Yeah it is..." he answered. "So then, what time do we go?" Sakura asks Tomo. He stood up from his seat, acting high and mighty and says "we leave immediately!" as he walks French style. This is quoted from a family animated movie and both girls played along. "What about breakfast?" they asked. Tomo walks back and does the same pose and gesture infront of them saying... "We leave... in five hours..." Sakura and Kasumi laughed. "No seriously girls, we leave an hour after breakfast. We'll take Sakura's GT-R there." Sakura agrees and the 3 took their portions of breakfast.

[1 hour later...]

Tomo is waiting at the lobby for the 2 to come out, he's wearing a white printed shirt with orange long sleeve extensions, blue denims and his Adidas branded sneakers. He has his hair gelled, his facial hair shaven and his eyes free of any sandbags. When he glanced at the elevator, the girls came out. Sakura is wearing her yellow sleeveless blouse, which has an aqua lining on the top, paired with one of her walking skirts - a black, mid length one, and clog like sandals...este slippers. Kasumi came out wearing her favorite pink printed, sando-like blouse, semi-mini skirt that goes right above her knees and wore clear stockings and for semi-casual purposes, her pink Nike branded sneakers. The girls glanced at each other saying...with Kasumi to start off: "A bit too early to wear something as that?" Sakura answered that back saying "Well now... attracting anybody else with that outfit?" Kasumi took it a bit seriously instead of a sarcastic joke and replied "Well... I'm not trying to attract any attention You see." She says as she lowered her sepia toned sunglasses. They walked normally as they chatted, walking towards Tomo's position. They got on the red car and drove off.

Driving for an hour, they reached the midpoint of the main expressway from Buenos Aires to Cordoba's Los Hornillos province. While driving, Sakura noticed some of the locals driving on the same route are upping their pace; Even the trucks. Later, a couple of teenagers and their classy European exotics: A Porsche 996 Carrera GT3, Lotus Esprit V8 SE and a Ferrari 360 spyder flying across the expressway. They suddenly ganged up at Sakura's R34 and taunted her to race. She resisted at first where the 2 exotics showed their far superior acceleration. On a side note, their cars are just stock and Sakura is just following the speed flow of traffic. She controlled herself as to not to give in... but in fact, she couldn't. A long straightway and all that power under her hood... she needs to show these locals that it's bad to intimidate her. When the Porsche, Lotus, and Ferrari shifted, Sakura gave into pressure. She accelerated and plans on taking on both of them. "Sa-Sakura... what are you doing!?" Kasumi screamed in fear as she held tight to the arm holder on her side of the car. "Tomo, do something!!" She said as she faced Tomo who's looking at the main road with a smile. "Let her be, Kasumi..." He softly spoke. "But...?"

"Hold tight, Kasumi." Sakura quoted while concentrating on the road. "Eh?" She curiously asked as she faced Sakura who's hands are gripping on the steering wheel with a tense look on her face. "I-keh! Atashi R-san-yoh!" She shouted in Japanese as she deepens her foot on the accelerator. A loud thump sound came out of her exhaust as she shifted. Because she shifted a bit late, the 3 exotics are gaining ground by about half a quarter of a kilometer. The 3 cars are playing amongst themselves until one of them, the driver of the Lotus sees a couple of flashing lights at them in mid day. The Lotus then gave a signal to the 2 other cars saying that 'the car we taunted is coming close!' The Ferrari accelerated and took the lead with the Porsche right at its tail. Sakura slipstreamed behind traffic and is closing in on the Lotus. There is a low-angled left up front and the 3 cars decelerated upon entry. What about Sakura? She hid behind a huge trailer and accelerated further. When the Lotus is cruising at the center of the road, thinking that they lost the Skyline, it suddenly appeared right in front of the Esprit. He braked hard and was left behind by the red Skyline that is closing in on the Porsche. She's in the slipstream and is gaining more speed. They're reaching 254 km/h with Sakura just at 4th gear whereas the other two are on the mid point of 5th gear. Entering a long tunnel, Sakura makes her chance by turning off her headlights. The 2 locals, who had their lights on, didn't know where the Skyline is at the moment. They slew down thinking it crashed or left them or something. When they got out of the tunnel, they were surpised to see that the Skyline is already in front of them when they passed a Toyota Corolla Altis. The Skyline just kept going and going. They never bothered to taunt the GT-R again as it is already 2 kilometers ahead. Kasumi sweated in her seat and was breathing hard. "That was just a straight but boy was that thrilling." Sakura just gave a sigh and slowed down. "Who ever knew 'racing' on the highways was fun..." she said with a smile.

In a mere 15 minutes past the midpoint of the expressway, they reached the Los Hornillos exit. Sakura brings her car to a slow stop as soon as she parks her car right in front of the huge Eizaguirre gate. Ein sees who it is via video security cam right on top of the posts of the gate. He sees a Red Nismo R-Tuned Skyline R34 with Kasumi stepping out of it. Kasumi sees the camera and gives a quick wave. When Ein identified that it is Kasumi, he opens the doors and lets them in. Grateful for the opening, Sakura brings her car in to the driveway. Once they're in front of the main door, they all stepped out of the car and approached the main door. Ein opens the door to tell them that Adriana isn't here.

"Just you today?" Tomo asked.
"Somewhat. The other helpers are out doing grocery shopping for household supplies while I'm here guarding the house. I'm not just a humble servant of the family, I'm also a bodyguard." Ein replied.
"So, two in one, huh? How long have you been with them?" Sakura asked.
"Most of my life actually. We're not blood related but Adriana and I grew up together. Long story but what you need to know is that I succeeded my late father who was as humble as I am to the family, right up to now."
"Forget that Sakura. Where's Adriana by the way?" Kasumi interrupted.
"Oh... you see... well, she isn't here today. I think she went to the usual area..."
"Like yesterday."
"Maybe but not exactly."
The 3 tilted their heads telling Ein where exactly. He gives in to pressure and tells them.

QUOTE

Adriana is about to step out of the house in bright light when she stops and tells Ein, who is fixing up the hall's furnishes... "Ein. I'm going out for a while..."
"Where to, Mistress?"
"I don't know... it's as if I'm being called..."
"Adriana... you need to rest..."
"..." She didn't follow up that statement. She later softly commented that "just like what my brother used to tell me..."
"Oh?"
"Never mind. I'll be back before noon." Adriana says as she closes the door behind her. Ein runs off to see where; he sees the McLaren drive off to the right as soon as she exits the gates. Ein stood there, thinking... He had an idea where exactly. In the past, when the family takes a break from secular life, they go to the picnic grounds at Los Hornillos not too far from where they are; it has quite a narrow road but it was worth the travel, even if it was a short one. When they were little - Ein, Adriana, and Marcelo, who is 4 years older than her, play around near the edge of the lake. Ein fishes while Adriana flies a kite with Marcelo's aid. Ein and his father were part of the family and it was one of those moments that Ein cherishes right up to now... 20 years later. But that was a hunch. There's this other place that the siblings go off to when his dad was requested to take them there and take care of them, mostly in the afternoon. Because Adriana has been to the lake yesterday, he has a pretty good feeling that she went to the latter.

"But if my hunch is right..." Ein says as he holds his chin with his left palm, "she could be going there"
"Where?"
"The bridge... the bridge near the lake where you last went. It is a narrow province path leading you to the freeway taking you to the Rio Tecero Reservoir... a car could pass by that bridge obviously. If you make it on time, you could catch a glimpse of Adriana's McLaren from the pass as the route is somewhat Downhill. There's a good view of the freeway from the peak and you could spot cars from there easily."
"Really? Thanks." Tomo says as he briskly shakes Ein's right hand up and down. They board the car and take the path that they took yesterday.

When they reached the fork road, Sakura went right this time. There's a small bridge with a good view of the lake where they were. The bridge is still whole and no signs of natural wear and tear as much. The road is paved well and not any sign of too much use of the road. Ein was right. The road wasn't used too much - not in the past and not so much in the present either. Kasumi tells Sakura to take things slow and steady. Tomo's keeping a good eye out for that McLaren at the other side of the road. He could also see the huge spec of water near the Reservoir. He narrows his eyes and looks far off to spot an orange rectangle like shape with a black line at the back. It's the McLaren, as Tomo thought. "There she is."
"Ein says that this leads straight to the freeway of the reservoir... Could your R34 do it?" Kasumi asks Sakura.
"Would it? Watch me!" She says as she accelerates down the one-car pass. The road isn't that paved much and there are a couple of pebbles on the way causing the car to budge and lose balance. With a firm grip on the wheel, Sakura maneuvers her GT-R as if it was a rally car. "Guess my trip with Takeshi before in Hokkaido really paid off..." she whispered with a smile.

[10 minutes later...]

They made it out of the narrow pass but... the car is covered with dead leaves on the wipers and a few sand marks on the wheel borders of the car; not to mention the front bumper as well. The R34 also had a couple of unwanted leaves and twigs clinging on the spoiler. Sakura gave a frustrated look after coming out of the pass and as she drives down the freeway. "I'm never taking my R to that route again. No wonder not too many people use it." She grins angrily.
"There's her car..." Tomo pointed to Sakura. Kasumi sees her a few feet away looking at the water. "And there she is."
The wind is blowing on Adriana's face and it lets her hair fly freely in mid air. It's wonderful to look at. Sakura parks the Skyline right infront of the McLaren and the 3 step off the car once again. Kasumi quickly rushed to the sentimental girl to cheer her up. "Adrianaaaaa!" She shouts out. Luckily, it caught her attention. She looked quite spaced out at that moment. She sees Kasumi waving her right hand at her saying "It's me! Over here!"
"Ka-kasumi..." she spoke softly.
"What are you doing here? I thought we're going to meet you at your place?" Tomo asked.
When Adriana faced Tomo, she remembered... him. A split second shows her Marcelo looking at her with a concerned smile on his face. This gave Adriana a sudden but short headache; she held her head and the handle bars to keep her balance. "Is something wrong?" Sakura asks. "No... it's nothing. I just woke up from the wrong side of the bed that's all... or its probably the sun..." When she was feeling a bit okay, she faced the 3 properly. "Now, what is it that you want to ask me?" She asked Tomo. "Mm?" He asked as he pointed himself. "Oh, yeah..." he then remembered. "Adriana... how did you become so good? In driving I mean..."
She looked away from Tomo upon hearing the question. While she looks away, Sakura and Kasumi whine at Tomo for talking about something girls don't bother to talk about. "Is that all that comes out of your mouth, Tomo?" Kasumi complained.
"If it isn't cars, it's food. Isn't there anything else in your head?"
"Oh, come on... ther is. I just have a curious thought, that's all..."
While the 3 kept talking amongst themselves, Adriana gets flashbacks of her with her brother.

QUOTE

It was Marcelo's 20th birthday; and they held a huge celebration of it as it is also the day Marcelo finished College. He took up BS in Marketing and Finance. They were all so happy. Their father, who was in league with the TC2000, a touring car association around Argentina, brought him a present that cost a fortune. "Go on son. See what's behind the covers." their father said. It was quite long and big for a gift. It obviously looks like a car; but what kind? Marcelo opens the covers to see, up close, a replica of the 1997 MERCEDES BENZ CLK GTR street version. "Is this mine?" Marcelo asked.
"Son. You know that I work with the TC2000 and mostly, with the whole automobile associations around here and Buenos Aires. I would always pick the best which I know that my son would love and cherish. This car is surely a rare find."
"You mean... I could drive it?"
"Not in public you won't. That's why I gave you specialized driving lessons, remember? You deserve nothing but the best. The whole family deserves it." The father looks at Adriana with a smile. "And soon. Just a few more years and Adriana would be getting her share of the family business as well."
When young, 16 year old Adriana heard that out of her father, she gave a huge smile on her face. She has loved auto racing and had a passion of it - she got that from her father. Her mother was once a famous race car driver of the TC2000 as well. She was also part of the Soccer association around Argentina as the Public Relations officer of the committee. Their mother wanted to let their children choose what to do in their futures and they went with their father on this. Marcelo agreed to as his father is getting old and soon, he needs to take over. Their mother didn't mind at all as her siblings from her side of the family are professional Soccer players so she wasn't at a loss finding out that neither Marcelo or Adriana agreed to be part of FIFA. In fact, she discouraged it as there's no family team spirit in it, unlike in auto racing where it is somewhat possible.
Back on topic; their father asked Adriana what she'd want when she finishes college - what car she'd like to personally own. She humbly answered ... "Daddy... I want a McLaren..."
"A McLaren you say... Why such?"
"Our late grandfather was a friend of Bruce McLaren, right? I wanted to let GrandFather know that he's still in us; especially his close relation with Mr. Bruce McLaren..."
"Very well... once I earn enough after 4 more years, you'll have your own... now do your best, alright?"
Adriana again gave a huge smile.

That wasn't the only one... 5 years after that, they started their careers as professional race car drivers.

QUOTE

Adriana is now 21 and Marcelo is 25. Back then, they had the same training given by their father about auto racing when they were at their early teens. It helped them a lot in their racing career. Majority of the events they joined, they placed the podium... if not just the podium, 1st and second place. They were well respected by other seasoned professionals and were loved by Argentine racing fans. From the TC events, to F2 events, to WRC rallies, all the way up to pre-le Mans competitions. Marcelo has been racing for nearly 10 years now whereas Adriana has been doing this for roughly 6 years.
When they were on their 3rd Le Mans event, at Circuit dela Sarthe... Adriana and Marcelo were thinking who would drive, concerning the regulations. It was nothing like in the TC2000. Yes, they qualified for the Le Mans and they're doing well... but the rules are stricter for the world league. Marcelo raced for the 1st event while Adriana raced for the second. Now that it's the third, they're quite unsure which one of them would race for Argentina. After a few technical debates with each other, both agreed that Marcelo's CLK GTR has a better fighting chance than Adriana's McLaren F1 GTR, which is built solely for the LeMans. She didn't use her own McLaren and left it at home. Marcelo had his modified for this purpose.
"That day... that faithful day... I won't forget it."
When it was their first run on the course, the weather was a bit unjust towards them. Only 14 of 20 racing teams had the chance to test the course first hand. Papers were arranged for Marcelo Eizaguirre to drive for Team Argentina D2. The 15th driver, Marcelo, is up for the chance until a downpour emerged from above cancelling his run. He was also so looking forward to this. When the rain got worse, their father requested to reset the car for rain purposes. Not only was it a chance to practice around the course, it is also a qualifying match. Marcelo wanted to make his father proud for this qualifying race and demanded that they turn off the driving aids of the Benz.
This brought out what it seems to Adriana, who was watching her father and brother, as a heated argument.
"Turn them off?" His father pleaded.
"I wanted it that way so that we'd be able to get a better time at this. Yes we may be holding the lead in the start of this season's tournament but I want our victory to be flawless, father. It's your dream to show the world that we Argentines are the best in professional car racing no matter what kind of race it is. If that dream is to be in reach, then it's my actions that would fulfill that..." He swore to his father.
"I know you wanted to win this as much as I do... but you know that it is dangerous to turn off your driving aids at this kind of weather."
"Are you saying you don't trust my judgement, father? You trained us not to use them and I got used to driving without it; even at the start of this season's qualifying matches. What makes you sure that this is different?"
"It's the weather, son and as I told you before, the weathe-..."
"Are you doubting your own specialty, father? You told me before that it didn't bother you when you did the same thing."
"You know, son... you're right... why am I doubting myself, when it is I who did the same choice before. I give in to your request, son. But please, be careful."
"Don't worry father. I will. If you have succeeded in it, then I would as well." Marcelo finished as he stepped out of the room to talk to the pit crew. Their father stood still in the office with his head down. Adriana heard it all. She was curious as well... "Tell me father," she asked as she approached him. "Why were you hindering Marcelo from doing what you've done before?" her father looked at her with a solemn face. "Because... a companion of mine died using it. He was confident that he could do it ever since I did the same thing and survived. It was reckless of me to do it before. After I accomplished it with that decision in my young days, I knew from that day forth that it is life threatening. My companion faced the same fate midway but met his demise in the end. I was a bad example to him that time. And now, I fear that it is deja vu all over again; this time... in your brother."
"Why didn't you tell him that before?"
"Because... I don't want to show your brother that I was a coward once in my life. When I did that race without driving aids, my whole body was shaking. I was nervous. I knew death was coming close behind me, tailgating me, waiting for me to mess up and then redeem what is left of me to his. I hid that expression when I faced my comrades but it still hits me from time to time."
"He idolizes you so yet you hid that from him?"
"I don't want your brother to see me like that. That's the reason that I went from front of the house actions of the racing committee to the back of the house - the brains of it all."
"Father... you shouldn't have hid that from him. If he knew, I know that he'll think of you the same way I think of you - a role model. A hero. A father of all fathers in his field."
"Adriana..." He softly spoke as he hugged his daughter tightly in his arms.
"Adriana..." he said again.
"Yes?"
"You better go with your brother. You better make sure he's safe. Ask him if you could but don't tell him why. I fear his confidence in himself would make him lose control..."
"Lose control? his self confidence?" she doubted. "Okay, father. I will."
Adriana stepped out of the office and approached Marcelo.
"Marcelo..."
"What is it, little sister?"
"Could I drive with you?"
"In my Benz? Of course not!"
"No, I'll follow you in my F1. I asked dad if it is possible and he accepted. It's a good way for me to know the course as well."
"But it's dangerous there... the rain and all..." Marcelo insisted on letting Adriana not to go with him.

"adriana...adriana...ADRIANA!" Kasumi called out.
Her thoughts were back on the present. She was out of her flashback.
"Anything wrong?" Sakura asked.
"Sorry. I was dozing off... what was it again...? How did I become so good?... well you see..."
Tomo was eagerly listening.
"It's...um..." she couldn't clearly give an answer to him.
"Okay... let me paraphrase... what's your driving style? I'm curious. I just want to know. Don't worry; I won't steal your style..."
"Just the casuals really..." Adriana replied firmly with a pale smile.
"Any tech behind it? Like driving aids or something?"Tomo further asked.
"Just the ordinary...with as how other cars go about" she answered.
"I see... well that's different. Coz' I deactivated mine." Tomo proudly announced to her. She suddenly felt a bullet hit her from behind when she heard Tomo say that he doesn't use such. It's like how her brother used to drive.
"On your own?" Sakura added.
"No-no... somebody taught me..."
"Really? Who taught you? Your mom? a friend? Your father? Your brother? You have a brother, right?" Tomo verified; but as soon as Adriana heard the word 'brother', she went down on her knees. Her eyes narrowed. Her breathing hastened. She is freaking out for some reason.
"Did I say something wrong?" Tomo asked. "All I asked is who taught her to drive with that style..."
It wa a tactless move from Tomo. He shouldn't have mentioned 'brother'. She had remembered Marcelo again and is hallucinating that Marcelo IS Tomo. She looked up to see Tomo extending his hand to her asking. "Can you stand up?" She blinked and suddenly saw Marcelo do the same thing that Tomo is doing and said the same thing Tomo asked... "Can you stand up?" She started to back off as if she saw a ghost. She then turned and looked at Sakura's car only to see Marcelo's Benz CLK GTR after a blink. She is paranoid now and ran off to her car panting and drove off like a mad woman.
"H...hey... was it something I said?" Tomo asked the 2 girls.
"Don't you remember?" Kasumi asked in a concerned manner.
"Her brother... you mentioned the word brother that made her go to a fit." Sakura finished.
Tomo then remembered that time... when they went to her house and he peeped at a separate closet that he feels is a sanctuary for her late brother... much like a small temple for him. He tried to see it but Adriana refused to let him see it.
"Oh... that..." so stupid of me...
"Great... now I need to apologize..." Tomo told himself.
"Again..." Kasumi finished.
"I feel so ashamed..." he said as he walked towards the edge of the reservoire view.
-------------------------------------------------------------
In the next Chapter:

A secret organization
Six medieval ranks
All in Succession
the Angel with the Golden Sword is part of it
yet she remembers none about it
For some reason
Daiki too is part of it
yet he, too, doesn't recall any memory of it
A group that vanished after
that left people who are part of it
dumbfounded about its existence
The pieces come back
bit by bit into their memories
in the form of dreams
but could they be interpreted?
or they are literal dreams?
Would these two realize
the past that they were
when they recognize each other personally?
Or would it be left as a memory
that they considered false?

Posted by: Meteor Mar 5 2009, 02:46 AM

Wow. Adriana's father held back that info from Marcello for quite a silly reason.

I'll wait for the next chapter.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Mar 6 2009, 04:37 AM

to answer those in 69 and 70th review...

For Chapter 69:
Tomo'd really want to thank Adriana there and then but his mind was too focused on his damaged GT-R. The damage was critical and it was the only thing that preoccupied his mind that time. He forgets about everything around him knowing that he broke his own car. Same goes to the time when he 'broke' Kasumi's heart at Epilogue 2 - when Kasumi, in deep pain, called out 'Tomo, I hate you!!", it is the only thing in his mind and he didn't care of anything else; even if when it rained and he didn't budge from his spot and lets himself get wet...
For Chapter 70:
Yes. Silly but makes sense. Although Marcelo's old enough to know this and that... their father could not stand being a mockery of his own son in any way; even the slightest he'd want to hide from his own son just to retain his trust and interest in him. We could say that even if Marcelo's in his late 20's, he is still his one and only son; he wants to retain each others trust 'til they part ways permanently. I menitoned about his youthful days when he turned off his driving aids once in a rain match. A MR is completely unstable without any driving aids - oversteering and understeering couldn't be prevented and throttle control would be the only thing protecting him that time. He could regain control but he'd lose valuable seconds off his track time, which is important for a professional - lowering their lap time as much as possible is their top priority, especially in qualifying races to aim for top 1 before the main event. What he calls as a 'companion' did the same thing but suffered a different fate.: he wanted to finish the Time attack safely but he doesn't want to be left off far behind the pack knowing that it's all because of lately-timed throttle control. In some sense... a car with its driving aids off could be pushed furhter and can set faster lap times than one with its driving aids on; plus as a bonus, it gives the driver a better feel of the car. Rain + 700+ hp midship could spell total disaster if the driver is not careful enough. The father doesn't want Marcelo to try this at all. This is moreso used as a last resort before concluding events and it works best at dry weather, not rain.

Enough chitter chatter on the techy details... let's move on with the tour, shall we? And on your right, we have here the next chapter... this chapter though, may sound more or less like an intermission but it would give more meaning to chapter 2 of this story... I hope.
If you cannot remember, here's a synopsis of what chapter 2 talks about...
Kitami was told by Kazuma about the titles that Daiki and Kitana had. Soon thereafter, as their tournament moves on, they meet people with the titles that coincide with theirs. What connection it COULD have (not exactly have) MIGHT BE answered here... but this is just a preview to this, btw.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 71 - Unfold Royalty

Another day, another dollar. The group is back in the hotel after that sad end with Adriana Eizaguirre. It was weird. Why would someone sulk over the death of a related member for so long of a time? It seems uncanny and abnormal to notice and observe even. Tomo felt really bad bringing back such times to Adriana. "I'm such an ass..." he kept cursing himself.
"Stop that, Tomo. So you did one itsy bitsy mistake..." Kasumi comforted.
"Itsy-bitsy, you say?" Sakura ironically verified.
"Oh, alright... a big one... but don't you think that you should go and apologize?" Kasumi said.
"Do I hear a discussion over somebody's grieving?" a voice from behind Sakura notes. The voice was quite ominous, and sounds evil-like. Sakura slowly tilts her head in fear thinking it was a stalker or somebody she doesn't know and wants to... well, let's not get too much into those details. She tilts her head to see somebody in a black hood. "Hi..." Ryusen said with an awkward, demonic smile. "Oh, it's just you, Ryusen-san."
"Ryu, don't scare Sakura like that. Yeah we don't believe in supernaturals and all that but I don't think convincing her to believe that way would do any difference..." Tomo answered unjustly.
"What the heck are you talking about? I am just quoting something from a favorite gore-movie I watched before..." Ryusen laughed as he removed his hood. "So, seriously, whose grievances are we talking about now, Tomo?"
"It's about Adriana from Oscar Galvez." Kasumi answered.
"The blonde girl from the track? Anything wrong with her?"
"Well, you see... Tomo said something that kind of got everything in the wrong side of the table you see and she sorta freaked out when Tomo here said the word 'brother'. She suddenly went paranoid and drove off without saying a thing again. We then thought that Tomo needs to apologize asap and... that's where you come along..." Kasumi answered unknowingly.
"Just let her be." Ryusen suggested.
"Let her be?"
"Let her calm down and forget it ever happened. Approaching somebody who's emotionally strangled isn't good and won't make sense. Furthermore, it'll just worsen the problem believe me. I tell Hiei that everytime he 'blows up' and is working fine. Even our other emotionally-impaired friends at school do what I say and things just went fine as it is." Ryusen explained.
"How long should we stay off her then?" Sakura asks.
"This is a first so... at least 2 or 3 days until Tomo here feels that it's an okay time to apologize... what are you apologizing for anyway..."
"For saying THAT word and making her go loco."
"Not your fault exactly but well... it is your fault."
"And your point is? (you're not making any sense, Ryusen)"
"Just leave her be for a while."
Ryusen then walks over to his room.
"Where are the others, by the way?" Kasumi suddenly asked.
"Oh, them? Still at the track. Hiroya-san and I just went back to go get some stuff we need for later..."
"What about my GT-R? Is Tetsuya back?"
"Not yet if you ask me." he replied as he shrugged his shoulders and opens the door afterwards.

[Oscar Galvez race track - 5:49 p.m.]

Hiei, Kitami, Kyosuke and Shimizu are quite busy with changing the suspension settings of the Ford Mustang and the Exige. Kitami wanted his to be a bit more grippy this time while Kyosuke stabilizes his car for less pitch and roll, with the help of Shimizu, who is very well versed with Midship type vehicles. As for Daiki, he's sleeping at his 350Z, with its window blinds attached. Daiki has reclined the driver's seat to relax and get comfortable in his own car. Looking at Daiki's serious face as he sleeps, his dreams are not exactly that pleasant... What is he dreaming exactly? Could he be dreaming about the upcoming race?

Inside Daiki's dream we see....

In sepia tone, we could see what Daiki is dreaming about, in his first person view. He could see a classic 2 door Nissan parked right next to a Lamborghini Miura, a Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 427, A Ford GT40 street version, and 2 cars hiding in the shadows of the trees. He blinks and tilts his head to see a couple of middle aged men and women talking amongst themselves. He blinks again and sees strips of white paint on the asphalt and a couple of street lamps. At the background, Daiki could see a circuit track's bordering not too far from where he is standing.

Where is this place? Is this during my childhood?

Daiki bends his head to see what he is wearing. Short denim shorts, long socks, a school kid's uniform... he goes over to the Nissan to see his reflection. He sees himself... when he was 11 years old. This was back in the day. It seems as if this is his past. He blinks and looks at the people talking. Their faces are covered by shadows and he could hardly recognize them.

Do I know these people? I-Is that my father? Are these his accomplices a decade ago?

Daiki approaches his father to listen to their discussion...
"So, what is your progress so far?" "Actually, I've been busy with the American Muscle Owners club to be exact." "Hey, try joining in with the ones up north. Seattle is the place to go." "Nah. I'd rather stay in South America. The tropics are great and all but what aspires me to stay in my home land are the racers I drive with. They're pretty good behind the wheel but not as good as we are." "I'm planning to tell my great great grandson or granddaughter to invest in a private race track for him or her to specialize in his or her driving." "Our heirs to our 'thrones' should be as skilled as we are." "Why do you even bother to doubt that? It runs in the family, you old goat." "Who are you calling old goat?" As the conversation went on, Daiki just stood there thinking what are they talking about. It doesn't seem that important. "So, tell me... who'll be your heir? Is it somebody from your town?" "More like in family. And I got two to choose from and they're quite good. They could even drive without the modern tech that we could see nowadays." "Modern tech you say." "It probably is in the car. Afterall, your car is handcrafted and runs like a rocket." "History wouldn't replace such things..."
The topic is starting to change all of a sudden and Daiki still stands there listening... until the person he's standing next with is called. "How about you? who'll be your heir?" Suddenly Daiki was raised up by this man that they're talking to. "I'd pick him. He's got the blood in him." "Well, once family, always family..." one of them said then everybody lauged amongst themselves.

I don't remember this in my childhood. That person seems to look like my father but he isn't... who is he? Who are these people?

Daiki turned over in his seat as he finds a more comfortable position to sleep. His dream was interrupted then it pictured something else. His dream shows him nothing but darkness. A pitch black, endless hollow. Just then, a mirror appeared to Daiki in his dream. He walks towards it to see himself; but it feels like he's not looking at himself - as if he's looking at a stranger. His reflection scolded him saying. "So you couldn't remember?"
"Huh?" Who is he? Moreover, why is Daiki scolding...well... Daiki? "This is just a dream, right?"
"Of course it is. But this is no ordinary dream... I mean... what you visualized a while ago, can't you remember?"
"Remember what?"
"The lineage. The objective. The goal. You know what I am talking about."
"What lineage? What objective? What goal? What are you trying to say to me?"
"Why is it that you decided to gather up the best in Japan? It's to conquer!"
"Huh?"
"You wanted to show the world that you, a Japanese, could stand side by side in power in the world of auto racing."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Oh? Then explain to me; why did you instigate this team in the first place?"
"It's to... uh..." he couldn't answer. What his reflection told him IS the answer. He wanted to show the world what Japanese drivers could do - how great they are when compared to the Europeans and the Americans.
His reflection started to give him more things to remember: "Do you recall... the guild?"
"The guild?"
"That's right. People who know you around the world call you 'the Prince of racing', am I right? That title is not just for show. It is a rank. An Entity. A symbol of who you are in this guild."
"What guild?"
"This ought to refreshen your memory." his reflection said as he snapped his fingers revealing what it seems to be a field. An empty, sepia toned field with 6 people and 6 automobiles - the same automobiles in Daiki's first vision.
"Somebody from your family, the Akiyama clan, used to be a member of this guild." Daiki's reflection stated. "He was your great great grandfather who used to drive the very first Fairlady that was ever made in the 60's."
"W...what is this place?"
"YOur grandfather, along with six other world known people have trodded the same path, carrying the same objective, the same goal. The goal to become the unforgotten legend of the streets of the entire world."
"Legend of the Streets of... the entire world?"
"That's right. There are many drivers around the world but only a handful have ever had the chance to see that second world - the world that only the fastest could discover. Your grandfather had that driving ability. A part of it was passed on to you. You're legendary... now could you remember?"
"I still can't" Daiki says.
"There was a reason why you couldn't recall your place in this royal guild. That same event, the 6 masters of the road met - each from different parts of the world. 2 from the east, 3 from the west and 1 from the central continent. They all had that same goal of becoming number 1 in this world. They decided to work together. Until at one session, their minds went against each other. They started to become nationalistic. Heated arguments about national pride intervened which led to the demise of this racing guild."
"I never knew there was a racing guild such as this in the 60's."
"SUch a thing was abolished permanently as though it never existed. But the lineage still lives on. You, Daiki are the Prince. People whom you've met before, whom your comrades got to know are also current heirs of that guild. It is surprising to know that there are still just half of the heirs that couldn't remember this."
"This dream is starting to get out of hand."
"May I remind you, that Kitana Tioseco was an heir of the same guild?"
"Kitana? Now you're making no sense at all!"
"Oh, but she is. in that other vision you once had, one of them quoted that their heir would invest in a private track. Kitana had that track, the skill and the tauros."
"The tauros? Are you talking about her Lamborghini?"
"Correct. Because on that same group, the very first master of the Lamborghini was part of it as well. And what about that Lucas fellow that your 'apprentice' took down?"
"What about him?"
"He is just a new heir and obviously seems that he wasn't ready to hold the post. He never knew it though he had the car and the skill. He ignored every soon-to-become memory of it."
"What!? What are you trying ot say..."
"The Royal blood is moving about in your soul, Daiki Akiyama. You must resume your goal of becoming one of the top drivers of the racing world. Legends would be retained and for you, this is the only way."

Daiki later on woke up. He held his head and placed his palm on his forehead.
"Such a nasty dream. It didn't make any sense. Maybe it's just another pointless dream like all the others."
He then looks at his car's interior. Later on, he peeps at his teammates through the side windows.
"Why did I make this team? I've accomplished being the fastest youth team on the face of Japan... am I going a bit too far on this? The purpose to why this team existed? Could that dream be any less pointless? It could be telling me something..." Daiki thought to himself. "This is just too confusing. This dream, if ever it is a message, does not add up. Best to ignore that I ever had this dream at all." he stated as he steps off his car to go help the team.

Coincidentially, at that very same moment, Adriana is sleeping soundly in her own house at Los Hornillos when she got the same visions as what Daiki had. It was as if, she had a calling. One of her ancestors, a part of an unknown racing guild? She too could hardly believe it. Dominating the racing world sounds a bit too farfetched. Adriana cared less about that dream as compared to Daiki. Who knows, this dream that they coicidentially had could help Tomo answer Nathan Sr.'s thought provoking statement that he and Daiki met before, though they personally didn't back in Canada.

Their place in the racing world had history - Daiki Akiyama, Adriana Eizaguirre, Nathan Archibal, Kitana Tioseco, Lucas Scott... their titles weren't for show at all. It had a background behind it it may seem. Prince, Princess, Jack, Knight, Queen... and obviously, there is a king in this so called guild. The Royal family of racers throughout history... the memory of it is revived. Only now it is recalled. But what is the purpose of recalling it again when more than half of the guild's heirs are now slain? Could there still be meaning to this?

A dream is a dream, yet this beheld more than a thousand stories told to both the likes of Adriana and Daiki...
-----------------------------------------------------
In the next chapter:

Dreams continue to pay homage
homage to important memories of one
homage to the good times
homage to the everlasting times
these though couldn't be touched
they are just a pigment of a memory and nothing more
When she thought it was all over
Adriana's memories of her brother soon
started to bloom once again
where she wished that it wouldn't
Her heart calls out to him
she ignored this feeling but
gave in to the calling...

Posted by: yujioh Mar 9 2009, 07:46 PM

That poor Three-Four. . . I hope it gets better soon.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Mar 10 2009, 12:55 AM

^Just asking: was that a copy-paste of my regular's post? forget I asked. Here's another update. (Man is the sun unjust to me today)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 72 - Death

In her own room, Adriana dozed off while lying in her bed. She just woke up from that dream she had. Compared to Daiki's, she didn't see her own reflection talk against her. That part of Daiki's dream never existed in her dream; though she did know stuff about the racing guild mentioned earlier. She rose up from her bed and sat on it, remembering what happened between her and Tomo's gang...

QUOTE

"Okay... let me paraphrase... what's your driving style? I'm curious. I just want to know. Don't worry; I won't steal your style..."
"Just the casuals really..." Adriana replied firmly with a pale smile.
"Any tech behind it? Like driving aids or something?"Tomo further asked.
"Just the ordinary...with as how other cars go about" she answered.
"I see... well that's different. Coz' I deactivated mine." Tomo proudly announced to her. She suddenly felt a bullet hit her from behind when she heard Tomo say that he doesn't use such. It's like how her brother used to drive.
"On your own?" Sakura added.
"No-no... somebody taught me..."
"Really? Who taught you? Your mom? a friend? Your father? Your brother? You have a brother, right?" Tomo verified; but as soon as Adriana heard the word 'brother', she went down on her knees. Her eyes narrowed. Her breathing hastened. She is freaking out for some reason.

"My father... he did most of the teaching at first... but it was my brother who helped me perfect it to how I drive today." She whispered. Suddenly, every heartbeat she felt, she starts to hallucinate and see pictures of Marcelo from their childhood to his last moment. It hurts her to see him again. Why does it hurt? It's because Marcelo died infront of Adriana's eyes: covered in his own blood before the explosion that
'eliminated his soul'; she was the only one there and was not able to do anything that could help save him. She could see the spewing blood, the burning CLK, the heart-stopping end to her brother's life.

She stood up and slowly walked towards the 'shrine'; the closet that holds everything that Marcelo left behind, and opened it. She took out a photo album located at the lower left shelf and walked back to her bed with it. Opening the book, she sees a lot of sepia-toned pictures of her and her brother; some of which shows them with their family while others only show them and their cars. She then remembered one time when they were just little toddlers.

QUOTE

A little girl in her school uniform came through the front door, with her hair freely swaying from left to right as she squanders around the house looking for her brother. It is Adriana. She is just 8 years old while Marcelo is 12 years old that time of year. Marcelo loved his toy car collection and has been playing with his favorite one for hours at home - a red Ferrari F50 toy car. Adriana just came home from school hiding something from Marcelo as she approached him. "Marcelo! I'm home!!" She joyfully called out to him. He stopped playing, looked at her sister, and said "Hey sis. Did mom pick you up?"
She nodded happily and followed up a question to him "Guess what's behind my back?"
He could see right angles from Adriana's shoulders and hips. He had a good idea what is it. "It's a book am I right?"
"Bingo!" She said as she extended her left pointing finger upward. "But it's no ordinary book." She then showed it to Marcelo - a book covered in SKy blue and white stripes with the initials "A" and "M" adjoined with a plus sign. "Tadaa! So, what is it exactly? Take another guess..." "A photo album?" Adriana's smile went to a sad face when he figured it out. "Party pooper. I was gonna surprise you... this is why dad likes you more than me." "Oh, cut it out sis. So what if I'm smart. You are smart too, you know. Did you make that during art class?"
She gave another cheerful nod. "I even asked mom to give me some of our baby photos together. See?" she said as she opened it up to Marcelo showing him pictures of when they were just babies. There's a photo there of Adriana's mom holding her in her arms when she was just a year old with Marcelo pulling his mother's skirt from below: he was just 5 years old then. There's another picture showing Marcelo when had his 1st birthday - he had a cake with him in that picture. "I didn't know you were a dead hungry baby..." Marcelo just blushed embarrassingly at his sister. "I couldn't remember!" Marcelo said in an embarrassed tone as he continued to play with his toy cars." Adriana just smiled at her brother from a short distance.

"I remember now... I made this during my early years in grade school for the family. I got an "A" if I remember clearly. Marcelo was so embarrassed when he saw those toddler pics of his. He thought he'd never see those pictures again." she softly said with a somewhat cheerful tone, even though her face doesn't show it - she wasn't smiling at all. She browsed through the album from page 1 showing all those wonderful times they had when they were little. She stumbles upon a picture where Marcelo graduated from grade school and is standing with their parents in his toga. In another picture, it shows him holding up one of his loved graduation presents: a model kit of a Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing. Her father bought it for him and loved to make it during that summer. As she continues to browse through the pages, she found one that struck her the most: when she was in high school...

QUOTE

Adriana was the top of her class - a lot of her classmates despised her for that. She was good with everything: from sports to academics to non curicullars... everything. One time, the class bullies were so fed up of Adriana earning all the credit and one dismissal time... they ganged up on her, stole her homework and tore it to shreds right infront of her; not to mention they spat at her bag as well. She cried there in the corner while they bad mouth her. They tore up Adriana's finals report - the one that took her half a school year to finish. Even Marcelo helped her do it even if he's already in 1st year college. Marcelo was around to pick her up; he's already in the school gates - close to where Adriana's being bullied at that moment. It wasn't hard for Marcelo to notice as he came by in the family roadster - a 1967 Shelby Corbra 427. He immediately got out of the car and confronted them. "HEY!" Marcelo called out to the bullies. "STEP AWAY FROM MY SISTER!" He said with a baseball bat in hand. The bullies got scared and ran off. He approached his sister and comforted her. "You alright, sis?" he asked Adriana who's crying out her emotions. "(sniff, sniff) Marcelo... they tore up my report to shreds. I couldn't pass my First Year without it. It consists of 25% of my...grade...and..." He embraced her in his arms and told her "Don't worry. I have a back up plan for that..."
"W...wad...waddya mean? You also worked so hard on helping me finish this...and they..."
"I got a soft copy of it. it's in my floppy disk. I kept it for emergencies..."
"you mean... you knew this would happen?"
"Frankly speaking, yes. Because I experienced the same thing when I was in high school as well... it's tough being the best of them all - they envy you and try to put you down... but I stood up again and again. So it's no different with your case, Adriana." He then took out his handkerchief and gave it to her telling her to wipe those tears off her face. "G...gracias..." she said in spanish.
"Tell me, is your head master here?" Marcelo suddenly asked.
"I think so... (sniff)... why?"
"Let's tell the whole thing to the proper authorities and bring justice to this."
They went to the headmaster to tell the whole thing. By the next day, those bullies were given the proper sanction and were expelled."

"Marcelo was there for me everytime. He was truly like a guardian angel. I was truly blessed to have a brother such as him. Through the years, he helped me. He was both like my brother and my parents altogether. Whenever something bad happens to me, he is there to bring justice to my situation... He was always there... as if God told him to be..." she thought to herself. Ending that thought, she browsed through the album and saw one photo that caused her suffering... a picture of her, Marcelo and their supercars at the beginning of the Le Mans. Continuing that flashback that Adriana had yesterday...

QUOTE

Marcelo was struggling over the decision of allowing Adriana to come along or to stay. Then, he made a conclusion. "Alright, sis. You could come."
"You mean it?"
"Of course I do. Think of it as a chance to go one on one with me." Marcelo proudly told her.
"It's not that I want to race you or anything..."
"I know... but it's just a teaser anyway. C'mon. I'm... We're next to qualify." he finished as he boards his car. Adriana smiled a bit when Marcelo approved. She turned around to see her father looking sorrowfully at the CLK GTR. She then got concerned and looked at it; seeing a huge aura of what she describes to be as genocide around the Benz. "Does it really make a difference? Of racing in the rain with all your driving aids off?"
Adriana talked with the pit crew to immediately switch the tires of the McLaren GTR. Within 10 seconds they finished it. She hopped on board the supercar and followed Marcelo. 4 p.m. on the clock yet the clouds are close to pitch black in color. Thunder roared around the sky and the rain was pouring immensely hard as a storm. The CLK came to a rolling start before passing Sarthe's starting line. Adriana followed not too far back. When Marcelo took off in his jogging pace, Adriana was startled and said "Wait for me!" They punched on the gas at the same moment. Passing through the first S curve, Marcelo's CLK slightly was induced into a drift. He countersteered it and controlled it with perfect throttle control. Adriana is catching up slightly on the corners but is being left behind at the exit. In the small straightway, Marcelo glanced at his rearview mirror. "Just go on, sis. You can make it." He raised the visor of his helmet to get a better glimpse of the stormy road.
On the clock, at the starting line, Marcelo was able to cut off 7 seconds off the leader's sector time. Their father is happy about it but is showing a concerned look as he stared at the clock.
Back with the 2 drivers, the gap between the CLK and the F1 GTR is increasing 2 fold. A sweatdrop fell down Adriana's cheek trying her best to keep up after every corner. The rain is hitting hard and is causing infernal racket to her ears. She increased the speed of her wiper to make sure she doesn't lose sight of Marcelo. At the corner before the 6 kilometer straightway, Marcelo instigates a powerslide of deep angle. "Brother, no!" Adriana said to herself addressing it to Marcelo. Luckily, Marcelo was able to reatin his pace and never lost a fraction of his speed. He stomps his foot down the accelerator and goes down the 6 km stretch of straight road.
Adriana just exited out of the corner only to see his brother's car 350 meters ahead. Quite a huge gap if you ask me. "I could still make it!" she said. She shifts to gear 5, causing a flame burst out of her quad exhaust. The roar of the BMW V12 engine sounds as if it's a lion just starting to get serious. There's only one disadvantage to her car - the gears are quite wide compared to the Benz and there is a less than a hundred horsepower difference.
500 meters ahead, Marcelo is concentrating on keeping his balance down the long straight. His speed had surpassed the spedometer's reading giving him the thought that his benz is going beyond 360 km/h. Not even the rain could slow him down. He only had one drawback - everytime he shifts, the rear tires are skidding causing it to heat up abnormally. according to his digital tire gauge, his fronts are pale blue but his rears are now bright green. "Does this have something to do with deactivating the TCS in my CLK?" he thought.
1 kilometer left and the corner ending the long straight is coming in fast. Marcelo's gap with adriana is decreasing to 370 meters now as he had a feeling the corner's coming in. 480 meters ahead, he hits his brakes but... his brakes locked up, causing his tires to lock up too. At Marcelo's braking zone, Adriana caugt a glimpse of his CLK's tail lights. "There's Marcelo!" she said. reaching the 800 meter mark, she slowed down. As for Marcelo, he's heading straight for the tire rack past the sand pit. His Benz is slowing down but a pace that is too slow. From 370 he's approaching the tire rack at 210 down. Adriana heard a huge banging sound 500 meters ahead.

"What was... MARCELO!"

Adriana immediately stepped on her brakes and brought the F1 to a full stop. She stepped out to see an inflamed Mercedes Benz CLK GTR with its front squeezed, the front windshield shattered, the engine smoking pitch black smog and the taillights lighting like hazard lights.
The door is crushed, thus Marcelo can't get out.
Adriana stood in fear over the wrecked Le Mans car, with her brother right in it.
"Marcelo!" She squealed out as she closed the McLaren's door and ran to him.

"STAY BACK, ADRIANA!" Marcelo said. "I DON'T WANT YOU TO GET HURT."

Adriana followed her brother's command but asked "WHY? IF I DON'T GET YOU OUT OF THERE, YOU WILL..."
"It's alright."
"huh?"
"It's alright whatever happens to me... I just don't want to see my sister getting injured because of my stupidity."
"Your... stupidity?" She whined while standing 100 feet away from Marcelo. "So you knew this would happen..."
"Heck... I was a fool. I thought I could take on the rain... I guess I was too proud of myself... thinking I was a hero of the circuit... a road warrior just like our father... he was fearless when he told me of his racing days... he was..."
"But our father wasn't fearless not like what he says he is!" She confronted her brother.
"He hid the truth from you so that you wouldn't be disappointed for who he is..."
Marcelo's eyes narrowed... believeing every word that came out of his father... where not everything was told to him properly... He then realized... his father was no different from the other racers. The only thing that made him special is that... he's their father... that's what Marcelo thought to himself.

"ADRIANA." He called out to her.

Adriana charged right for him but with the last of his strength told her not to. Blood is pouring down from his face. His left eye was pierced because of the shattered glass - he forgot to put his visor back down just for the sake of the race. His body was also pierced - mainly his chest because of the debris' accident.

He finally said...
"Tell father... I'm sorry... to have praised him so much in my heart..."
"MARCELO NO!" Adriana shouted as she tries to run to the burning benz.

The gas leaked and the fire out of the V12 impact is getting near the leak right next to the gas tank of the CLK. Then it happened. The Benz, with Marcelo in it, exploded right in front of Adriana's eyes. Adriana was pulled away by the impact, lost her balance and rolled down next to her McLaren with a few cuts and bruises from the explosion. Tears suddenly kept falling from her eyes. She couldn't believe what just happened. Her brother... her one and only brother... her guardian angel... the person who was always with him... died in a freak car accident.

She lowered her head and withdrew the falling tears but she couldn't. Then, she screamed to the heavens his name...

"MAR...MAR...MARRRRRRCCCCCCEEEEEELLLLLLLOOOOOOOO!!!"

Remembering that made Adriana shed a tear. It was the most brutal thing that she ever seen and experienced. She closed the album and sat there while the sun sets. Its rays made an elongated shadow of Adriana right infront of her. "Marcelo..." she sniffed and hicked. Outside her room, without sensing it, Ein was there listening to all that has happened. He, too knew this would happen. When things became silent, he slowly walked away from the door and went about his own business.

Posted by: Meteor Mar 10 2009, 01:56 AM

QUOTE

^Just asking: was that a copy-paste of my regular's post?

Yes, it was. Take a look at his other posts. He simply copies something from an earlier post in the thread and then pastes that into his new post.

QUOTE

For Chapter 69:
Tomo'd really want to thank Adriana there and then but his mind was too focused on his damaged GT-R. The damage was critical and it was the only thing that preoccupied his mind that time. He forgets about everything around him knowing that he broke hisblahblahblahblahblahblahblahblah

I think you misunderstood my question

The story's still a little generic at this point, but due to improved execution, it's beginning to hold my interest again. I'm not too sure a person could survive or stay conscious long enough for all that talking after crashing head-on into the wall at that speed, but anyway, I'll be waiting for the next chapter. Keep up the new quality

(or get it to a higher quality if you can)

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Mar 11 2009, 06:10 PM

Episode 17 - Investigation of the Queen of Argentina

A Book of her Exodus and her Genesis
The Hidden secrets of who she is
would no longer be hidden anymore
The family knows the secrets
yet never shared the story
Kasumi takes the chance
to investigate her memory
Ein gives the past
for he is part of the family.
The reason for her liabilities
and her emotional breakdown
would finally be exposed to the public.
It would no longer be between her and her alone
The story will soon show
the connection between that past and the present
In order to start
the Revelation.

Chapter 73 - Untold Stories Unfold

A day passed and it is now day 4 of their entire stay in Argentina. Kasumi, who's is in her room, watches Tomo, who is sound asleep. While looking at him with sure intimacy, she remembers all those good and bad times times they had ever since they met...

Meeting each other at Kyoto before and after a wild gang battle
Doing each other of returning the favor
Becoming his school clinic head nurse
Being visited by him every day during school recess
Going to her place during the summer
Kissing under the polaris star and fireworks
Able to see how he was in his early years through his photo album
Watching the snow fall together
Becoming his homeroom and english teacher in his fourth year
giving him that due-next-day take-home exam (she loved that)
Watching Tomo's battles, especially the one where he races at the Wangan vs. Daiki
Staying over at his place before their departure outside Japan
Having that small fight that cause each other intense sadness
Reconciling with each other and the hug in the rain
and the current happenings while in United States and Canada...

All those memories, whether be good or bad ones, she cherished... every moment with him was another adventure. Small or big, it doesn't matter at all. "Could it be love? Loving every moment spent with the one you want to be in love or fall in love with?" she wondered. "I was there for him... and he was there for me..." she touched her heart with her right palm and listened to her heartbeat. It was beating fast. She could be right.

She extends her left hand and touched Tomo's right hand. He didn't budge at all; sleeping soundly in his place, and Kasumi just smiled while fixing her hair with her other hand. Nothing could ever change this feeling she had with him. Well, that's what she thought to herself. Her phone vibrated and she stood up from the bed, took her cellphone, stepped outside, and answered it.

"Hello?" Kasumi started.
"It's me." a familiar voice came out of her phone.
"D-Daiki? Anything that just happened there?" she asked him all of a sudden.
"No. Nothing. What's Tomo doing?"
"Sleeping. Why'd you ask?"
"No-nothing. Anyway, how would you like to join the team and watch their time attacks?"
She hesitated to answer as she looks at Tomo. "Thanks for the offer, Daiki. But I have to stay with Tomo for the time being... he's not looking too well..." With that, she hanged up. When Daiki didn't ask why he is like that has aroused Kasumi's doubts about him. As the team manager, he should be aware of the conditions of his group; ask them if they are okay. "Daiki is totally not himself today... nor yesterday for that matter..." She later got a text from somebody. Her phone shows that it is from an unknown sender. She opens the text message that says...
"It's Ein. How are you doing? Sorry for the sudden text, I got your number from the mistress..."
"From the Mistress, eh?" she curiously said out loud. She later then remembered Adriana when she freaked out infront of them. She started typing something to Ein's phone. tick-tick-tick-tick...
She wrote: "Um... I have a few things to ask you... mind if I come over?"
she waited for a whole minute then Kasumi received the reply.
"Sure. I'll be waiting."

Kasumi, knowing that Tomo is asleep, removed her current blouse exposing her pink-ish brassiere and changed to a much more comfortable black-and-white striped sleeveless top. She then removed her mini-denim-skirt and quickly got dressed into a beige jumpsuit. She strapped it on her and fastened its locks. Removing her hair out of her blouse, she is ready. Kasumi later on went to the mirror to see how she's dressed. She puts on her hair-matching, white & orange striped wrist bands on both her arms and gave a moment of thought. "Hmm... not to shabby..." She said as she made poses against the full-body mirror. "This way, I won't be making too much attention... unlike that time with the two of them and I was wearing a mini-skirt. Some of the guys in the train were staring at me and they all gave off a uncomfortable aura on me...Brrr..." she said to herself while shrugging her shoulders to shake the thought off. Kasumi took her door card and went down the elevator, making her way to the train station.

There, at Retiro Rail Transit, she bought a ticket for Cordoba and boarded the first train that stopped - a Suburban train. Carrying just herself and a plastic full of sandwiches and orange juice drinks, she took her seat in the train and waited for the call for Cordoba Station. It would be another long 800 kilometer trip.

[2.5 hours later...]
Kasumi was partly asleep in her seat until the boarding call for Cordoba beeped woke her up. "H...here already? Must be because not too many people got off and on the train, huh?" She told herself. Upon stepping out of the Cordoba train Station, she called for a cab and told the driver to take her to the Address of the Eizaguirre Household. "You a friend of hers, Seniora?" the driver asked. "Y-yeah. Yes I am. How did you know about Ms. Eizaguirre?"
"Are you kidding me? She's the prime driver of the TC2000 S-class division. She's a living legend, seniora. You're not from around here, are you?"
"No..."
"Well, to give you a bit of insight on our country... Argentina pays tribute to two things here: Football, or the FIFA, and car racing, whether be WRC or the TC2000... what more so the touring car championships and the le Mans..." He told her while giggling a bit about his Argentine pride.
[after 30 minutes]
"Well, here we are, seniora..." The driver told her when he brought the cab to a complete halt. "Thanks. And Here's the pay for the fare." she said with a smile as she handed it to him. Upon exiting the cab... "Gracias, seniora. Adios. May God Be with you." he said. Kasumi nodded in return and the cab driver went on his way. She pressed the doorbell and Ein verified who it is.
"Yes?"
"It's me. Kasumi."
"Let me let you in."
The doors open up automatically and Ein waited at the front porch.
Kasumi ran to him with a lot of questions in hand, not to mention 1 last smoked salmon TLC sandwich she saved for him.

"Um... hi there..." she called out to Ein, who gave a hand gesture to come nearer and talk. She walked over passing through the rose garden that Ein just watered half an hour ago. There was a round table for two covered with an umbrella stand sticking out of the center of the table providing them shade. Ein prepared some strawberry shortcakes on the table along with some other home-made sweets. She handed over the sandwich that made Ein really happy. It was one of his favorite snacks. While sipping some tea out of one of the well taken care of French tea cups in hand, Ein asked "So tell me, what is it that you want to talk about, my dear?"

"You see... um... it's" she placed her hands in between her knees as she couldn't quite say it correctly. "It's about Adriana." "About... the Mistress, you say..." He placed the tea cup down on the table to listen attentively to what Kasumi has to ask. "Tomo, Sakura, and I have been thinking since she breaks into tears whenever she hears the word 'Brother'... I wanted to ask... could you give me at least a background of what actually happened?" She pleaded as she lowered her head down. "Raise your head, Kasumi. I'll tell you..."

"Thanks a lot." For a sense of humor around Ein, she took out a reporter's hat, a french coat, and a notepad with a pencil out of nowhere just to listen to the story. "You don't have to go that far. The story between them isn't that worth writing about, if you ask me." Ein told her, condemning her to take the writing part seriously. "I was just fooling around..." Kasumi told him.

"Okay. Here's what exactly happened and why..." He started off. "Adriana and Marcelo, her 5 year older brother, have been together for like most of their lives. People thought that they are lovers when they go about the streets of Cordoba or Buenos Aires but that's how this pair of siblings establish a connection between themselves as brother and sister. Marcelo, as what Adriana told me, is her one and only guardian angel. Things go wrong, he always shows up at the right time and place; though their locations are quite far, as concerning their high school and college life. I'll get to that part in a while. Their father is the president of the TC2000 and one of the board of governors of the Argentine Automobile Association; the A3. He is responsible for the mechanical bring up of Marcelo and Adriana..."

"Mechanical bring up?" She asked.

"Mechanical bring up as in he taught the two all that they know about auto racing, even when they were just kids who barely understand what is the difference between a differential and the kinds of drivetrains..." Ein answered.

"So you joined them in the learning process?"

"I did... but I wasn't able to last long. Maybe it's because cars are not much of my thing. I was stuck in her father's lesson 2 while they are starting to learn lesson 11 that time. Wait a sec..." he stopped. "I thought this is about Adriana..."

"Whoops. Sorry." Kasumi giggled with her left palm on her lips showing how sorry she was for laughing at the incapability of his youth. "Please continue..."

Ein reclined in his seat before he continued. "Even during that time, their middle school ages, their father taught them much about racing, bit by bit. Marcelo understood more and had advance lessons than Adriana. When their father isn't around, I could see Marcelo tutoring Adriana, on the lessons he took up, late in the morning. That is their past time during those days if you ask me. Just cars, racing, and mechanics."

"No wonder she was really good back at Oscar Galvez..." she chattered while biting her finger with disbelief... "By the way" she asked. "Were you there when all of this happened?" "I am. Didn't I tell you? When my father is the head servant of the household, the family also took me in. It was my way of owing my debt to them to serve them when I am fit enough to do the jobs my father did. During my young boyhood, I am no more than but a childhood friend to both her and Marcelo. Now back on topic..."

Ein Continued: "Marcelo wasn't the type of person to be hanging around with other people when he was in college. He always goes home early to see and help his younger sister with her homeworks. He even never had a girlfriend during his time. He always comes home before dawn yet is still a top student of his college course." When Kasumi is about to raise a question, Ein beat her to the answer. "How do I know this, if you ask me? Well... when Adriana is out sleeping and Marcelo is done with all his work, he approaches me for a little guy-to-guy talk and that's where he spills the beans out on me. So I get to know a little thing or two about him." Kasumi smiled as she fantasised how that happened. When she saw a vision of Hiei and Ryusen together, holding hands and saw another vision of Marcelo and Ein doing the same thing... she was completely disturbed and shrugged her shoulders in awkward fear. "Not gonna happen..." she thought to herself.

Ein kept on telling the story of Adriana and Marcelo to Kasumi as she eagerly listened every aspect of it. Ein reached a point where he told the tragic death of Marcelo. He wasn't there but Adriana told him all about it a day after the accident. He was able to see it in his mind - the last conversation between brother and sister. He too shed a tear when Adriana told him that. "After that day, back at home... Adriana could not eat, take a day to stroll around the house garden for fresh air, do exercise unlike before, come out of her room, communicate with the rest of the people at home, nor would she come out of bed for more than 2 months. The only moments when she only stepped out of her room is if she's going to the bathroom. I hear nothing out of her room when I pass by; just hicks and sniffs telling me that she's still mourning over it."

"That's sad..." she softly spoke to Ein. "I might even do the same things if I had a brother and lost him in a freak bloody accident in front of my eyes..."

"That's not the only worse thing that happened to her. She suddenly developed a Generalized Anxiety Disorder which further led to Congestive Heart Failure."

"By just hearing those sickesses... it sounds as if she really had a bad moment."

"It started first with Depression then this. When I heard that she was breathing hard... well unable to breathe properly, I immediately called a doctor. I was the only person left in the house to guard her as majority of the people at home escorted her parents to 2 important international meetings. It really pains me to see her like this." Ein told Kasumi dearly. It was a sad sight to see.

Kasumi didn't comment after that one. Ein continued... she rose her head down but shrugged her shoulders and controlled her breathing, just not to cry over it.

"But..." Ein stopped. Kasumi rose her head. "After quarter of a year, those two sicknesses stopped. She was able to eat again and all the normal things she used to do... but it didn't let go of the depression inside her. She was able to counteract the Congestive Heart Failure sickness of hers but there was no change with her G.A.D."
"Her Generalized Anxiety Disorder, am I right?" Kasumi verified.
Ein nodded his head in agreement.
"Not only that... it was also as if she lost her will to show emotions anymore; especially her will to smile. Depression still lingers around her when it became quite common to most of us afterwhich."

"Well, that's good to hear. Good for her... for counteracting the heart failure I mean."
"But the doctor came one day and verified to us that the Congestive Heart Failure syndrome of hers was just inactive but the sickness wasn't fully counteracted. More like a long-term delay or something..."
"So... it means that some time soon, if her emotional depression gets out of hand, she'll cause its rebirth, right?"
"Probably... but who knows when exactly..." Ein lowered his head.

Kasumi looked at her watch. it says 2:46 P.M. "Well, I better be on my way back. Tomo might wonder about me again." Kasumi told Ein as she walks down to the gate; Ein escorted her to the gate. "Thanks very much for the snack and everything. Even the information." Kasumi said as she bowed to Ein in a Japanese manner. "No problem." "And..." "Hmm?" Kasumi fixed her hair to the back of her right ear and said "Give my prayers and best regards to Adriana, okay?" She left the premises afterwards and took the next train headed for Buenos Aires.

Arriving at her hotel room, she looked at Sakura's door. There, she remembered the sicknesses that Ein told her. She approached Sakura for a few questions...

Sakura, who's a graduate of specialized medicine, is the best person to define the sicknesses to Kasumi. Kasumi told her all that is to know and then come the sickness names. Sakura crossed her arms and started to talk seriously. "Well... I think I've taken this up in my internist sessions, so I could give you an idea about it.
You've mentioned General Anxiety Disorder, right?"
"That's right, Sakura."
"You've also mentioned Congestive Heart Failure, too. Here's what you need to know about the two: General Anxiety Disorder or GAD is a chronic disorder leading to considerable impairment like headaches, heart palpitations (fast hearbeat sensations), dizziness, insomnia, chest pain due to persistent muscle tension. As for Congestive Heart Failure... it is the heart's inability to pump blood; caused by difficulty in breathing, bronchial wheezing, crackles or rales due to fluid, anorexia, general body malaise..."
"What's general body malaise?" she suddenly asked her.
"Well, it is where the body weakens or fatigues instantly after a quick yet stressful action of whatever physical activity. It's like climbing a set of stairs which has 2 landings. A normal person would be fatigued after reaching 8 or 10 floors at the very least. But a person experiencing General Body Malaise would start to feel fatigued after half or a third of the said number of stairs..."
"I get it..."
"But Ein told you that they're no longer present in her..." Sakura verified.
"True, but he told me that the sicknesses are long gone. It's still there. Just inactive..."
Sakura and Kasumi turned to the window showing a skyline of Buenos Aires at mid day, wondering how would Adriana comprehend such illnesses in relation to her career as a race car driver and in relation to her late brother...

Posted by: Meteor Mar 15 2009, 12:59 AM

Adriana sure is one ill girl. . . . Post up the next chapter.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Mar 17 2009, 05:43 PM

Ugh... long update up... I wasn't able to update immediately since I got struck with gas pains and a huge headache for 2 straight days right after my finals... that's why I gave an 'ugh'... anyway. Here we go:
----------------------------------------------------------------
Dreams become nightmares
Where nightmares become reality
A reincarnation in thought
Plagues Adriana's heart.
The Actions of Tomo
Parallel with Marcelo
Is thought of to be the same
An evil thought lingers
A message saying that
she is being delivered
Straying away from a thought of genocide
leading to an eternal barrier from a known friend
Would Any action comprehend such?

Chapter 74 - Whines of the Injured

Kasumi enters the room only to see Tomo standing on the other side with his arms crossed. He looks at Kasumi with a somewhat serious face. "Well... you see...um..." Kasumi tried to talk her way out of it. "You don't need to tell me anything." Tomo answered. "You went to Adriana's place didn't you?"
"That's true. I did. I asked Ein something about her and he gave me all the details."
Kasumi requested that they sit in the bed and talk everything over. When everything is very clear to Tomo, he puts his right palm onto his face and looks down on the floor. "I couldn't believe it... her depression level is higher than we expected."
"So now you're concerned too?"
"I am now. Besides, only 3 of us amongst the group could empathize with her. Others didn't care."
"So you're turning your back on the group just for the sake of one woman?"
"I'm not turning my back on the group. But I am concerned over her safety. I don't think Ein could handle everything alone..."
"He could do it and please don't involve Ein with this. He's been the family guardian so we better respect his obligations."
Tomo stands up and stares at the sunset thorugh the window. He opens the balcony doors to get some air into the room. He stared at the horizon for almost a minute without blinking. He later on spoke, which changed the entire subject.
"We have a kitchen in this room, right?"
"Like you just noticed? Of course we do." Kasumi ironically answered.
"I'll go out for a while and buy a couple of ingredients. There's a dessert that I want to try."
"You sure there are some good produces at this hour?"
"Who knows... if there aren't any I'll at least try the local supermarkets around Buenos Aires then." Tomo answered as he took out a cap and back pack. He waves to Kasumi and closes the door. Once he reaches the lobby, he called for a taxi and went to the local market.

[BUENOS AIRES, local market; 5:37 p.m.]

At this late hour, there aren't many food stuffs for sale as of now. Only a few root crops here and there, and some still pretty good fruits at some corners. The rest are pre-processed foods and canned ones. There are also a couple of ready to eat ones at that as well. Tomo thought of Kasumi while looking around. He is planning on making another strawberry themed dessert: something that looks like a French macaroon coated in strawberry cream; yet, resembles a cake. He sees a great pack of strawberries in one corner of the wooden carton. No bruises, no discoloration and well sealed with no parasites in it. He tells the vendor that he'll take it and the vendor replied "be my guest. It's the last good one on the group anyway." He extends his right hand and reaches for it, not expecting another hand reaching out for the same thing. When their hands made contact with each other, he looks to see a woman whose face is covered with a straw hat. "I saw it first!" Tomo commanded to the stranger. "I won't lose to anyone on account of this fruit. I have plans for it." The woman replied. "Well, so do I!" The woman rose her head revealing her face to Tomo. Once he got a glimpse of the face, he slowly released his grip off the pack of strawberries. "Y-you're..." The woman, with her curvy hair tied to a ponytail, looks at Tomo only to be surprised as well. They both weakened their grip on the pack and accidentally lets it drop. The vendor caught it on their behalf. "C-Cla-Clarice!?" Tomo surprisingly said to the woman. Yes, it is Clarice. A French woman who happens to be one of Tomo's college mates; like the Irish girl, Sabine from Canada.

"I never expected to bump into you here... what are you doing here anyway?" Tomo asked as they walked together along the market. "Oh, just doing my job." "Job?" "I'm looking for good fruits here in Argentina and I'm experimenting on our restaurant's next hit dessert." Clarice humbly replied. "You have a restaurant now?"
"Why are you so surprised? What about you? What did you do after graduation?"
Tomo couldn't answer properly since he stagged after graduation to concentrate a bit on the racing tournament that he is part of with team Japan. In the end, out of pressure, he told that to Clarice; who just giggled over the story. "Well, you still are young, Tomo." she comforted. "So there's nothing for you to be ashamed of. You still got a long way to go." "Yeah. That's what I was telling myself with that coming out of you... you've been in the business for how long... five years?"
"Five!? Oh, no." Clarice corrected waving her hands in negation. "I've been in the business for around nearly 10 years." "Wait a sec. How old are you anyway? Because when I first saw you, I thought you were as young as Sabine..." He said scratching his forehead with his left index finger.
"I'm 32... don't you remember? And Oh my gosh. Am I that young to you?" Clarice asked as she blushed a bit. Tomo froze in response to that. He never knew. In fact, he never asked; not even at college when they were in the same entrepreneurship class. "Now I see what you mean." Tomo said shedding crocodile tears infront of Clarice, who just laughed at his comedic reaction. Upon reaching the parking area, Clarice is ready to leave. "Well, I better be on my way. I still got a lot of buying to do. You can have the strawberries." She said handing them over to Tomo; who thanked her. His attention diverts from Clarice to her car beside her. It looks quite brand new. Coated in a goldish-beige metallic tone, 17 inch 5 spoke chromated rims and contrasting soft top... it reminds him of those german classy exotic roadsters; like Kazuma's Cayman S. Well, Clarice's car is a latest model Mercedes Benz SLK 55 AMG 1.5 Capacity Increase.
"Nice car." Tomo commented. "Suits you."
"Thanks. So, where are you off to? I could offer you a ride."
"Thanks but no thanks. My mom told me not to take rides from strangers." He chuckled.
Clarice laughed along with him. "The place where I am is around 2 kilometers east." Tomo answered. "Oh, that's too bad. I'm on my way to the west freeway. Then tomorrow, I'll be heading home to Hawaii; where the restaurant is." Clarice told him. "Maybe, if my group would be sticking around even longer, we'd go visit it sometime soon."
"I'm looking forward to that." Clarice said. She placed her straw hat over the passenger seat and waved good bye to Tomo. Putting the car on D, she accelerates out of the parking area. For a benz, the car pushed quite smoothly, without any burnouts. "For a Benz car, she sure could press the gas with much accuracy..." Tomo thought to himself since he knew that Benz cars are RWD and are very very heavy. He took a cab and headed home.

Entering the room, he saw Kasumi just normally watching TV on her bed watching some romance shows on air. He discreetly walked to the kitchen in order not to distract her. "You're back?" She said. Guess Kasumi knew all along even without looking. "Y-yeah. I'll be quite busy here for a while." "Hey, if you need any help just call me. I'm just right next to the kitchen." Kasumi offered. Tomo took out all the things he needed: the pack of strawberries, some flour, some eggs, clean water from the refrigerator, vanilla extract, brown sugar, something that looks like an edible food stabilizer, butter, all purpose cream, milk, and utensils that came with the room like a butter knife, fork, spoon and some light weight aluminum bowls. He started scaling some ingredients and putting them on one corner while breaking the eggs in one bowl. He crushed a few berries to a pulp in another bowl using a fork and mixed in a little cream as soon as he got rid of all the solid residues like loose seeds and the tops of the berries. "Watcha making there?" Kasumi asked, who is still watching TV. "Secret. By the way, did Daiki call?" Tomo suddenly asked. Kasumi didn't bother to answer. When Daiki called, he was not that concerned over Tomo for not coming over to the track. He never wondered what ever happened to him whether he got a cold or something. "Well, did he?" Tomo asked again. "He did but he said everything is in control and he was just checking. You were asleep that time." Tomo's speed of making the strawberry dessert slowed down. Tomo knew that this was coming. His unsure feeling over 'this' Daiki now is starting to come true, as to how he feels about him - a total stranger. "Guess he didn't need me now that he has Kitami and Kyosuke. Besides, Tetsuya still has my GT-R in lockdown and repair so there's nothing I can do." he thought while cleaning up. Partly, he is finished with the mixing of all the ingredients. The stiff cake-like batter on one side, the cream-based frosting on the other side, and left a few strawberries in the packing for garnish. He placed the frosting on the refridgerator for a while as he gets ready to bake. He opens the oven and sees a baking pan lined with a teflon pad and a pack of wax paper on top of it. "They sure know what to put to avoid unnecessary buying here..." He proudly said to himself which caught Kasumi's attention. "What to put what?"

He spooned out rounds of the batter onto the wax paper-lined baking pan and baked it roughly at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and sets the timer for 13 minutes with a double heat setting. He cleans up even more to make the kitchen spick and span, just the way it was before they even checked in. "Say, Kasumi..." Tomo asked. "Hmm?" "Is it alright if I go to the Eizaguirre residence tomorrow morning?" "Why are you asking me? I'm not you're mother so you don't need to go formal. Sakura and I got a few shopping sprees to go about tomorrow so it's alright." Sakura answered. "You won't get mad or anything, would you?" Tomo asked; Kasumi moved her head sideways indicating that she won't be mad. He watched with Kasumi while waiting for the 'ting' sound of the oven. After 10 minutes he went to check that the batter sets and is golden brown in color; pretty much like a cookie. He took them out with his hand covered with his thick hand towel and placed a fan directly aimed at it to cool the cookie-like cakes down. Once ready, he stacked 3 on top of each other on to a not-too-presentable plate and took out the icing mix bowl. He spooned out a few and spread it on top, on the side, and around the entire stack. He thickened it up more with a few more icing mix and by the time he's finished, he topped it with some whipped cream and 3 pieces of strawberries with their ends pointing upward. He chilled it for 10 more minutes and later transferred it to a much more presentable plate. He called Kasumi out for tasting and she couldn't believe her eyes. "It is like a strawberry short cake coated with strawberry frosting topped with 3 whole strawberries. What do you call this, Tomo?"
Blushing, he answered "It is called a Strawberry pavlova. I just saw it on the cover of an international food magazine near the market. It's a no-private-reading policy there so I wasn't able to figure out what ingredients and what procedure to use. I just looked at the picture and made a few alterations on what I know since it does look like a strawbery frosting coated 3-stacked cookie, if you ask me."

Kasumi cuts out a portion with her fork and tastes it. She stood still for a moment. "Kasumi?... are you alright?" He asked just to see a teardrop fall from her cheek. "Did I do something wrong or anything? Did I mess up?" Tomo asked as he starts to freak out thinking that he failed. "It's by far the best strawberry cookie-like dessert I have ever tasted. It's so wonderful." She said while crying at the same time. "Eh?"
"It's like the parfaits back home... only shaped like a cookie." She happilly quoted. Just add a licorice like sauce on the side and it's a good dessert... Strawberry Pavlova and it is Tomo's first successful try in doing it; not to mention coming at it with a very different approach - cookie style... They cleaned up and got ready for bed.

At the lobby, the rest of the team arrived; exhausted and can't wait to fall onto their beds. At Sakura's room, she heard a knock at the door and went to open it. She gasped as she saw a life-takened Shimizu Ohyama walk down the corridor. He gave a weak wave to Sakura and just fell head first right on to the bed and snored without letup. The rest of the team simultaneously did the same thing. The funny thing was in Kitami's room. Kitami, Hiei, and Ryusen fell on the bed stacking each other up like Tomo's Strawberry Pavlova. Tomo never heard them enter and never bothered to check out if it is them. He just went to sleep.

The next day arrived and Tomo is the only one awake. It is 6:47 a.m. And he is well dressed to go to Adriana's place. He remembered that he needs to apologize for last time. Wearing a white with black striped polo shirt with its sleeves folded, black slacks, and black sneakers he heads out to the lobby and walked to the nearest train station. To save money, he'll be taking the local rail transit and move to the next; he'll be train hopping to reach the Eizaguirre residence. At the Cordoba main station, he took a bus heading for Los Hornillos.

At the Eizaguirre residence, Adriana, sleeping in her bed uncomfortably is dreaming of not just Marcelo... but of herself trodding Marcelo's racing life. She nudged from corner to corner of her bed, dreaming of fighting herself out of the dream she's having. Her dreams of being with her brother soon became nightmares and instead of Marcelo protecting her, as she thought he is, he is taking her with him, saying "Come with me so that we could be together forever... Escape this life... and be with me in tranquility... It's what you want right? Sister?" In her dream, Marcelo forcibly pulled Adriana into the light. She tried to fight it and ran the opposite way. She doesn't want her parents to feel guilty over losing their daughter also to the same fate that Marcelo had. "Mama! Papa! Ayudame!" She called out in her dreams. What settled in her mind is: Instead of marcelo being her guardian; he wanted her to die to release her from all suffering. Her dream shattered like glass as soon as she rose up from her bed. She was sweating intensely with excessive panting and a running heartbeat. "A-another d-dream of my b-br-brother... but why is it that kind? Am I thinking of Marcelo too much to the fact that I want to be with him even after death? I don't want it this way. I just miss him so. I don't want him to take me. God already took him... why would he want me? What wrong have I done? What did I do to deserve this punishment?" She started to tell herself. She's becoming paranoid everytime Marcelo lingers in her mind. Excessive thinking of him has lead to endless nightmares and abnormal messages of how to comprehend it... death is not the right option to get away from it all but why is it that she gets this?

She stood up and got dressed for breakfast. She went down the stairs to see Tomo sitting at the living room. Ein took him in since Tomo said that he wanted to talk to her. "Mistress. Tomo wants to say something to you." Ein said as he passed by with a pitcher of lemonade and 2 glasses filled with ice on a tray. She looks at Tomo who waves at her with a smile. She blinked to see Tomo replaced with Marcelo doing the same thing. Her head starts to hurt and she held it with her right hand to contend with the pain. She later got to her senses and walked to Tomo. Adriana sat down and waited for Tomo to start talking. "T-The reason I came here unannounced... is that I want to give you my dearest apology..." Tomo started.
"Apology? For what, if I may ask?" Adriana followed.
"For making you go paranoid after saying something... back at the Reservoir a day ago."
She looks at Tomo with sincere interest. He shows the highest form of Humility - coming personally to apologize for something that seemed to be his fault against her. "It's probably hard for you..." He continued that took Adriana's attention again. She wondered what he meant by that. "...hard for you to contend with memories of your late brother..."
Hearing the word 'brother' brought a huge weight onto Adriana. She felt a weight striking her heart and she held her heart with both hands making Tomo think that it's happening again. "I-I'm sorry to have mentioned that tactlessly on you. I'm sorry."
"No..." Adriana spoke. "It's alright. This is nothing." She looks at Tomo with a smile and closed her eyes to let go of the sudden pain. Looking at Tomo again makes her hallucinate of Marcelo again. She shook her head to let go of that image and looks to see Tomo again. "To show you how sorry I am... let me help Ein in taking care of you. I heard news about you and your brother and I think that helping you out with it, whatever it is, is the best way for me to earn your apology and trust. So please," Tomo said while holding Adriana's left hand with both of his hands. "Let me. I will take care of you." The last sentence gave another haunting memory of her brother where In Adriana's mind... Marcelo said the same thing when they were little and when they start their careers as race car drivers. The huge mental pain plaguing Adriana has doubled in weight and has caused her a serious headache. She starts moaning and crying around the lobby. Her screams obviously denote intense pain and anguish. Ein rushed over to see what happened. Unexpectedly, Ein grabbed Tomo by the collar and angrily asked "What did you do to Adriana!?" "I-I didn't do anything this just suddenly happened. Honest!" Ein lets go and rushes over to Adriana; Tomo followed along. Adriana could picture in his mind freeze frames of her brother's last race - at the pits, at the race, at the near explosion, and at the impact. Marcelo's face before and during the accident. Everything in her thoughts became pitch black and she could see a dark hand lunging right after her. In reality, that was Tomo's hand; he extends it to help her stand up. Adriana's eyes turned into an opaque amber; she lost control of herself. "Get away from me!!" She yelled out to Tomo. He stood still wondering why would she ever say that.

"But I'm here to-" Tomo pleaded. "No! Get away!!" She yelled out further. "My brother was a good man. He's not only my brother... but he's the only person I have ever loved aside from my parents! I know that I have to move on after that horrid fraction of my memory. I was so close to living another normal life and continue with my career peacefully!" She screamed in pain. "But as soon as I saw you; everything started to return! All those nightmares! That scene! That Benz! That Bloody faced brother of mine! Everything!! Being around you brings back nothing but dreams that are becoming life threatening nightmares!" "W-what are you talking about, Adriana?" Tomo protested. "I'm afraid I have to agree with him, mistress. Tomo is but a total stranger when you first met him. How could he have something to do with your brother's demise?" Ein asked. "My thoughts and feelings have said it all. YOU ARE MARCELO AND YOU ARE OUT TO TAKE ME WITH YOU OUT OF THIS LIFE! You're his reincarnation but is out to bring me nothing but pain!" "I have no idea what you are saying! And I don't believe in reincarn-" "SILENCE! You are! And that is what you are! Stay away from me! I don't want to die! I don't want to! Get away! Leave at once." She commanded Tomo, while excessively sweating and panting hard again. "How could I be him? I don't even know the guy! I don't even know who your Marcelo is right until now!" "That is not true! You're him and seeing you act like him makes me remember that dreadful moment! Get out of my abode! Now!" Tomo didn't contend with that last statement. He just followed what the paranoid Adriana told him to do. "Alright. I'll be on my way then." He said to Adriana, facing his back at her. "But this stuff about reincarnation... let me tell you that I don't believe in such. I never knew anything about 'him' either. Put this through your head. The dead are conscious of nothing at all." He finished as he walked towards the door. A huge slam came out of the main door when Tomo closed it.

At the room, Ein holds Adriana by the shoulders, ready for whatever that would happen to her. "It's alright. He left. He's gone now." he said to her. Adriana is still panting excessively. Her heartbeat is slowly depreciating in speed and she is coming close to her senses. Her eyes turned back with the black core and reflection in her eyes. "W-where's T-To-m-Tomo?" She softly asked Ein. "He- he left... you told him to. you commanded him to..." "I...s...s...see..." She whispered and softly moaned all of a sudden. Her eyes negated and turned opaque once again. She has lost balance over her arms, that were holding her up against the ground. She lastly, lost consciousness and fell on Ein's hands. "Mistress? Adriana! Wake up! Wake up!!" She wouldn't respond; Good thing though is that she's still breathing. She's just unconscious after that horrid talk with Tomo. Ein didn't panic and continued to shake Adriana's shoulders hoping to see her respond; but she isn't. She fell into a deep sleep which calmed her whole body down. Ein just carried her to her room and placed her in her bed. He looks at the window to see Tomo ride a cab from the house gates. "Don't take what the mistress said earlier seriously. She had lost control over all these returning experiences she had endured. We'll look for a way to mend things between you and the mistress... right, Adriana?" He asks her, who's fast asleep in her bed.

Posted by: Meteor Mar 19 2009, 06:22 PM

QUOTE

Ouch. Good to see you're better now.

QUOTE

At the lobby, the rest of the team arrived; exhausted and can't wait to fall onto their beds. At Sakura's room, she heard a knock at the door and went to open it. She gasped as she saw a half-dead Shimizu Ohyama walk down the corridor. He gave a weak wave to Sakura and just fell head first right on to the bed and snored without letup. The rest of the team simultaneously did the same thing. The funny thing was in Kitami's room. Kitami, Hiei, and Ryusen fell on the bed stacking each other up like Tomo's Strawberry Pavlova. Tomo never heard them enter and never bothered to check out if it is them. He just went to sleep.

Fixed that for you.

I honestly never expected Adriana to suddenly behave in that manner.

Anyway, keep writing.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Mar 21 2009, 05:51 PM

Here's an update... note: This could be a mixture of fiction and reality as pertaining to the names. (Did my Wiki research when I did this heh heh)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Racing Background of the Eizaguirres
In the eyes of a commoner.
Daiki seeks it out
for Presonal reasons
The known family of drivers
around the land of Fair Winds
Would something beseech the mind of the Prince
as to why he would do such?
Time would answer that
but it won't say a word at all
It will be told
but would not be heard much

Chapter 75 - Legendary History

At Autodromo oscar Galvez race track, Daiki is managing the time trials of both Kitami and Kyosuke. The regular time to go about the course at a car class such as the Mustang GT-R and the Exige would be roughly 2 minutes and 15 seconds a lap. Through Ombu corner, the Mustang grips the inside real hard. From an angle close to the front left tire, you could see the Mustang holding that corner firmly with all its grip. By the exit of the corner, its rear suddenly trips to a slide causing a drift. Kitami liked it that way and lets the car drift all the way to the entrance to the Senna straightway. He isn't countersteering, causing his car's front nose close to entering the grass zone of the inside.

Time suddenly slowed down as the Mustang approaches the left corner to the Senna straight. The tires changed course - countersteered upon approach to the apex. At the Senna straight itself, the car is on the outside, close to touching the grassy land at the outside of the road. For some reason, when Kitami adjusted his accelerator with a few taps, the car stabilized and is going straight on the Senna road. The distance between his Mustang and the outside's border is roughly 10 centimeters away. Kitami didn't even break a sweat nor panted doing it. To him, it is natural for his car to react that way and he doesn't mind it at all. He got used to it.

As for Kyosuke, who is slightly leading infront of Kitami, He does a classic home-town move upon entering the Tobogan S curve. He drops his car's inside tires onto the grass right after the nylon and accelerates full speed through the corner. Yes, it is the gutter attack - circuit version. He manages to pull away a bit from Kitami with that move and is ready to take on the Horquilla hairpin. He brakes hard causing his Exige to lunge forward quite a bit, turns the wheel and lets the rear slide freely. To prevent further tire deterioration, he taps the gas during the drift. He is able to minimize the friction making it seem that he is gripping through the corner - somewhat in between a grip and drift attack.

He entered the corner at a speed of 192 km/h and goes through the corner at 121 km/h, exiting at 130 flat without letting his car's tires touch the grass upon exit. Kitami enters the Horquilla hairpin with an intentional drift execution and enters it with a zero countersteer drift. Upon exit, he stomps on the gas and catches up to Kyosuke's Exige with a slipstream tactic. 100 meters ahead, Kyosuke passes through the starting line, thus halting his lap time. Kitami followed and the same thing happened. Both drivers brought their car to a low speed of 50 km/h and enters the pits. The rest of the drivers in the current practice session showed different reactions to their time attack. Some were amazed; some were not; some were lost with what just happened.

"Them Japanese kids sure know their stuff"
"You could say that but what they did looks like more of a performance run than an actual time attack if you ask me."
"Show offs..."
"How were they able to exit at such high cornering speeds without understeering?"

Daiki approaches the two with their lap times. Kitami was able to accomplish it at 2'15"393 whereas Kyosuke cleared a lap with a 2'13"483 time. "HA!" Kyosuke gloated infront of Kitami. "I still beat you; even with a new flashy car such as that."
"For 295 horses in that Exige... you sure put up quite a fight there..." Kitami congratulated Kyosuke.
"Guys, guys..." Tetsuya interrupted. "Don't be fired up too much over these things. It's just a time attack. And with the current time you two set... we're in..." He takes out a clipboard with the other record times of the other drivers in the race and concludes... "Here we go! You two are in 11th and 8th respectively. Not bad if you ask me." "Eight? That's good enough." Kyo agreed. "What!? Eleven!? That ain't good enough. Let me go at it one more time and I'll..." Kitami shouted in a fit. "Sorry, man." Hiroya interrupted carrying 2 bottles of cold water. "We only get one shot at this and you tried. Just Do better in the race itself." He said as he threw the bottles at the 2 drivers.

Kitami was able to finish his bottle in one gulp and gives a huge sigh. "Ahh! Boy I wish that the Angel was here..."
"Angel? You mean that Argentine representative?"
"In the McLaren?"
"Yeah... her... I would've brought my time to a 2'10 if she ever showed up..."
While the rest of the guys are talking about Adriana and their weird fantasies of her, Daiki stood on one corner, thinking what is it about her that intrigued him so much? It obviously isn't her eye-turning looks or anything... it's more of a serious matter related to the way she drives: very strategic. "There's something about her that I need to know of..." He gave a moment to think. He remembered his dream. "Could she have something to do with that dream of mine too?" He stared at his 350Z sitting in the parking lot parked next to the Carrier and Tetsuya's Jeep Commander. "If that's the case... I better see the lineage and what others think of her driving if it's how I perceive it too." To make sure nobody interferes with what he is about to do, Daiki calls out to the team and says "Okay guys. That's enough for today. We'll continue tomorrow for the final setups and runs..." Everybody agrees and nodded their heads; they all went to their cars and left the track. Daiki's the only one remaining; he had plans of his own around Oscar Galvez. He started things off by asking a few questions to the locals and the veteran racers.

"Excuse me..." Daiki said to the group of drivers who are chatting in one side of the pit area. "say, aren't you the manager of team Japan?" One of them asked. Daiki nodded in reply. "Well..." Another started as he extends his hand to Daiki. "I must say, your drivers are quite skilled. I have to commend you for that. Kudos, man." "Anyway..." Another one asked. "What is it that you want to ask us?" Daiki went silent for almost a second before asking. "You see... I'm here to ask... what do you know about the... Eizaguirres?"

"You mean to tell me you don't know?" One of the drivers reacted. "By God's mercy you need to get with the times, bro." "He's right. The Eizaguirre family is a well known family around here - the TC2000, WRC, Le Mans, you name it!" "Is that so... could you tell me who they are?" "Before we even start answering that... how did you know about the Eizaguirre family even if you are asking us at this moment?" "Because I happened to talk to one of them days ago here at Oscar Galvez." Daiki solemnly answered.

"You mean Adriana? The newest prime driver of the Eizaguirre family?" Daiki just gave a nod in reply. "So the Sentimental Angel has returned..." One of the drivers who is leaning next to the lamp post and who happens to be eavesdropping on the conversation. "Sentimental Angel?" Daiki asked. "That's right." The laid-back driver replied. "She was nicknamed the Sentimental Angel right after the Eizaguirre family withdrew from the Le Mans competition. Back here, she drives, races, and disappears in one sitting. Very sentimental if you ask me."

"That doesn't make any sense. How could a professional driver be so sentimental?" One of the drivers protested. The same laid-back driver answered that question. "That is how she actually is. That is her personality once she steps into this circuit. If you ask me, its probably because she has something in mind everytime she drives here that is unrelated to her career that makes her sentimental of sorts." Daiki still isn't satisfied with the said information. He has already an idea about Adriana. What about the others? He forwarded a question to that driver asking "Sir, what about the other drivers of the Family? As in the ones before Adriana..." The other drivers seem curious as well. Most of them are of the new generation of drivers. "Glad you asked. You see, there's a couple of them ranging from the 60's up to date:

Juan Dominique Eizaguirre
Consuelo Eizaguirre
Mateo Eizaguirre
Marcelo Eizaguirre
and Adriana Eizaguirre

"Okay, so we have an idea what are their names..." Daiki reasoned. "Do you know anything about their racing backgrounds and when they started in the field?" "You've really come to the right person to ask, Akiyama Daiki of team Japan." The man replied. "Let's begin with Juan Dominique. He is an apprentice to the late Juan Manuel Fangio. You guys know him of the 1954-55 F1 tournaments right?" All of the people listening nodded in agreement. "Juan Dominique is as good as Fangio if you ask me and he even raced him one on one. He debut not so long ago right after Fangio's transfer from Maserati to Mercedes Benz. He participated, yes, but he wasn't able to get the gold. And that was just the F2 events. Soon, he heard that Fangio transferred to Ferrari in 1956 and he happens to be in training with team Cooper Climax. years later, he is Bruce McLaren's closest associate in Argentina and his teammate for that certain battle at 1960. He died a natural death due to cancer at 1964. That's Juan Dominique."

"What about Consuelo?" Daiki followed up a question. "Consuelo Eizaguirre..." the man answered. "...came into racing when the second decade of racing here at Oscar Galvez took place. From 1961 to 1970, there was a halt of events. They resumed it in 1971. Consuelo learned everything that his grandfather, Juan Dominique, did and surpassed him in terms of skill. He wasn't only part of the F1 & F2 events, but also he is part of the WRC that time. He was associated with Team Mitsubishi at that moment. In short his skills for both on track and off track racing is superior. He was given the title 'Toros los Hornillos' meaning The Los Hornillos Bull. He died the same fate as that of Juan Dominique."

"And Mateo?" Daiki asked again. "Mateo happens to be the father of the last two that I'll be defining to you guys." The man replied. "He is in league with the late 70's le Mans already. No F1 events. Do you guys know the Porsche 917K?" One of the drivers, who happens to be a German answered that. "That's Porsche's racing car right after the 550 Pinifrania. It was unbelievable. 800 horses, mid rear drive..." "Yes. that one. He too surpassed his forefathers. When driving aids were just introduced for the sake of the le Mans only, he has done the impossible: he didn't install it in his 917. He manages to set a life threatening time and survived a frivulous time attack in it. It is his trademark in his whole racing career. When he got married and bore his son, Marcelo, he retired and devoted his life to training Marcelo to become the prime driver of the whole family."

"Then there's Marcelo... the Sentimenta Angel's older brother, son of the great Mateo Eizaguirre. His development was like no other. From childhood all the way to his debut, he was a flawless driver. Some called him the Christ of the Autodromo - he performed miracles in the track that you would not believe is possible. He was loved by many - Argentines, fans, women... almost everybody in South America. At his racing times, he always placed first. He drove a german Mercedes CLK GTR at the year 2000 when he started his life in the le Mans field with his sister and father by his side. As for Adriana, she experienced everything that Marcelo has been through. We could say she is Marcelo's twin sister: Everything she did as well is commendable. It's sad though..."

"What?" Everybody asked. "Marcelo suffered a very tragic fate. The news was broadcasted when it occurred. He died in a freak car accident on one of his time attacks during the le Mans event. They said that Adriana was the only witness to the incident yet she wouldn't say a thing about it." "So that's why they retired from the le Mans..." One of them concluded. As for Daiki, it seems as if he has heard enough. "Thank you for the information, sir. It's all I need." Daiki faced the opposite side and left the drivers. The driver telling the whole story asked him "What would you do with that information I gave you about them. You asked me about them, so you should have a reason for asking so."

"It's personal and I don't want to blutter my purposes out to those uninvolved in this." He seriously answered. To everybody there, it is as if Daiki changed in personality when he answered that way. It's uncanny. It's weird. They watch as the Z makes a huge burnout and leaves the track in an arrogant manner.

Posted by: Meteor Mar 23 2009, 09:22 PM

You described that time attack sequence quite well

Combined with a map of the course, those paragraphs formed quite a clear picture of how those two drove. The information about the Eizagurre family was quite interesting too.

I wonder what Daiki's gonna do now.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Mar 25 2009, 05:11 AM

Before the main update: just want to remind you all that there's a photo update on certain chapters at page 5 & 6. Sorry if I wasn't able to resize some like in ch. 54.

You want a map of the course? Well, look no further...
user posted image

info is on this site:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aut%C3%B3dromo_Juan_y_%C3%93scar_G%C3%A1lvez
and for historic purposes: as to where Marcelo died in the story earlier... here's the track map of Sarthe:

info is on this site:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_de_la_Sarthe
and here's a double update. Note: the second chapter to this update is INTENDED to be short if in case you ever noticed...
-----------------------------------------------------

Awakened by the reality of fate
Adriana has realized her fault
being overpowered by her own thoughts and feelings
She felt she has lost
more than just a friend
Believing in reincarnation
She believes that
she wouldn't have another chance
to 'talk to her brother' once again.
Searching for the injured one
She pleads for an apology
would she be forgiven
knowing what would lie ahead?

Chapter 76 - Apology

Two days remain before the main event at Autodromo Oscar Galvez; yet Tomo doesn't feel like racing anymore. Everything was falling on him: meeting and instantly losing a friend, being treated as a nobody in the team, and realizing that he is just a back up. "Where's the love?" He whispered. He technically wasn't talking about true love; something figurative, only to be found within a group of co-workers or associates. He didn't take a cab from the Eizaguirre residence. No, he just walked and walked. 5 kilometers, he trodded; before he could reach the train station for Buenos Aires.

At the Eizaguirre household, Adriana suddenly woke up. It was a very short seizure - it was as if a part of her refuses to sleep. She got to her senses and kept searching for Tomo around the house. She called for Ein, who immediately answered her call. "Ein!" She said from the second floor landing. "Where's Tomo?"

"Don't you remember, mistress?" Ein asked. "You told him to leave. You went berserk just a while ago." "Did I?" she wondered. Seconds later she rushed back to her room, took her car keys, tied her hair into a ponytail, and rushed down to the garage. "Adriana!" Ein reacted as he sees her swoop by. She shut the door and opened the gate. Ein witnessed her take the McLaren out of the garage. "W-where are you going?" he asked. "I have to go look for him. I need to explain what just happened. I don't want him to think of me as what he just witnessed." She replied while revving the car. Ein took out the remote of the gate from his pocket and opened it. "Go. You may still catch up to him!" Adriana changed gears and stomped on the accelerator as soon as she released her left foot from the clutch. The F1 made a huge burnout from the driveway and accelerated out of the house.

She drifted the car right onto the main road, looking left and right for him. She never cared to notice the speed limit and mercilessly retained her foot on the accelerator as if she is chasing somebody. "I might not..." she uttered. She changed gears and the F1 bursted out balls of fire from its quad-exhaust pipes. "I might not..." she uttered again. Entering a right hairpin, she decelerated and induced the F1 to a inertial drift. "I might not see my brother within him again! I must hurry!" She told herself as she pressed on the gas firmly at the exit. Speeds were outstanding. She entered the corner at 230 km/h, decelerated down to 180 and came out at 230 again. Both the McLaren and her driving style are in a level that is literally out of this world.

Three kilometers away from Adriana's current position, Tomo could see the train station in view - roughly 300 meters away. While walking, he checked his wallet if he still has enough cash to transact a trip from Cordoba to Buenos Aires. He could hear a couple of tires screeching but he ignored the sound. He then heard it again and still he ignored it; he just kept walking. "Hmph... reckless local street racers..." he murmured. Unaware to his thoughts, it was actually Adriana, desperately trying to catch up to him. It is surprising though to hear a couple of tire screeches 3 kilometers away.

In her McLaren F1, Adriana pushes the gear shift from 3 to 4 right after coming out of a hairpin. The scenery blasts from her pereferal vision and she focuses on the upcoming obstacles 50 meters ahead of her current position. The BMW V12 engine roars in superiority down the Los Hornillos roads, exiting corners past the 120 km/h maximum exit speed with a flawless racing line. Coincidentially, there are a couple of locals, with their cars, talking amongst themselves.

"Did you hear that, man?" One of them asked.
"Hmm? Yeah, what on earth is that?" The other answered as he leaned on the hood of his Dodge Charger R/T.
"It sounds like a very fast car."
"Probably them... Honda's?"
"No... something more Ferrari-like..."

Suddenly, out of one corner, the Orange-painted McLaren speeds by in a powerslide through the high speed corner. Upon seeing the car blast by, their jaws dropped in awe. "The 'Eve' of Cordoba..." One of them uttered.
"No. The Eve of Argentina..." The other said as his hand slipped from the hood.

One kilometer left. "I could feel him..." Adriana whispered. "He's near." she uttered as she shifts to gear 5. She suddenly honked her horn right at Tomo, who is about to enter the station. Beep. Beep. Tomo had no choice but to turn his head to see who it is. He lets go of the door and faces the McLaren. "Adriana?" Adriana immediately switches her foot from the gas to the brakes and stomps on it hard. The tires squealed, skid, and screeched 100 meters down. Her speed was too high; causing her McLaren to jump onto the sidewalk then comes to a complete halt. Tomo scurries to make sure she's okay. He stood right next to the McLaren's door; Adriana opens it immediately and hugs Tomo. "Brother! I'm sorry!" She said with teary eyes as she grips on to Tomo tightly. "Adriana..." he uttered.

He pushes her off and says. "I am not your brother..." he firmly told her. "Probably. But my heart is not wrong. You are my brother; I won't deny it. No matter how painful the truth is. You may not be him; but you sure feel like him and I am positive about that..." She desperately explained. The leaves bristled a bit before Adriana talks again. Tomo eagerly listens to her side to this. "Look. I am sorry about what I said hours ago. I lost control over myself. I was too obsessed with the thoughts of his death that it distorted my entire way of thinking making me shout like that at you. Again... Lo Ciento Marce- I mean... Tomogashi Kitsumoro."

"I forgive you. IF that is how you feel about your brother so much... I would let it be as of now..." He confirms to her. "But you know for a doubt that I don't support the belief of a reincarnation in this world... Becoming somebody you think is already expired...What is your religion anyway?" Tomo suddenly asked. Adriana didn't think of the question to be too awkward and firmly answers "I am a Catholic but... I wouldn't say that I am a well spiritually devoted Catholic... I was planning to go wayward with my religion and concentrate with what remains of me in this world..."

"There is much for me to tell you concerning stuff as this; especially the ones concerning your brother... It would be for your benefit I assure you that." He says. "What do you mean...?" She asked. "You'll find out in the near future...probably later... Since... I am quite hungry now... Even if it's just an hour before sundown..." He complains. "Let's go then..." Adriana offered. "We could have dinner, right now. My treat." She says. I know a good place where we could dine freely, with a good view of the Sierras foothills. It's a bit of a distant place but you'll see soon too why I recommend that. It's one of my favorite dining places aside from home..." She giggled. "Well? What are we standing here for? Let's go!" he answers cheerfully as he approaches Adriana's McLaren.

Ein, back at the Eizaguirre residence, receives a text from Adriana saying that they'll be dining out near the Sierra Foothills and might come home late. At the bottom of the text, it says "You could order Chinese if you want. Adios." Ein looks at the text with a smile. "hmm..." he chuckled. "Looks like their friendship was re-mended successfully." he said.

At the Sierra Foothills at La Flada, Cordoba, the McLaren slowly comes to a halt at the family restaurant's parking lot. "Well, here we are Ma- I mean... Tomo..." Adriana says as she raises the e-brake. "Hope you like beef..." she said with a smile. "By the looks of how you say it, you must be proud to say that you Argentines love beef a lot... huh?" Tomo asks. "Hmm... there are lots to know about our food... I'll give you a good background about it later on..." She says as she walks up the stairs to the restaurant's entrance. Tomo follows as he locks and closes the door of the McLaren.

Tomo looks at the menu card and could not help being surprised over its contents. There's pasta, novelty breads, even pizza on their menu. "This is a fusion Cuisine, isn't it?" He asks. "That is right, sir." the waitress answered. "Ein told me a lot about food too when I was young. He's a good house cook. You should get pointers from him whenever you visit. You're a chef, right?" Adriana asks. "How'd you know?" "Kasumi told me a lot about you before... she must like you a whole lot..." She chuckled with a smile. Tomo couldn't help but smile back. "W-what?" Adriana blushed while touching her cheek. "Is there something on my face?" "No, it's not that..." Tomo affirmed. "It's just that... you look better off smiling like that... It's like an art wonderful to look at..." he says. Adriana blushed a bit and remembers another childhood experience with Marcelo:

QUOTE

Little Adriana came home with a test paper in one hand and her hand holding the test paper on the other hand. She was covering her arm. Marcelo noticed this and said "What happened? Why do you seem down? Don't tell me you failed the test? I tutored you right to the last part of the subject and..." "It's not that big brother. I aced the test yet... my classmates were envious and they tried to rip it apart. In the process of defending my test paper for me to show you, I injured my arm." She said with a few hicking sounds. She is about to cry. Coincidentially, Marcelo had a med kit in hand and he was about to ask their uncle for help on his health class in first year high school. He took this opportunity to help her out. He dressed the wound and kissed it. "There now. The pain would disappear in no time." He looks at a sad looking Adriana who is holding her tears back. To comfort her, he holds her face softly and caresses her hair. "You know... don't be sad. There is something that you have that your jealous classmates don't have..." "(hick, hick) What's that?" "A mind and heart of gold. You should be happy. Come now, don't frown. Turn that thing upside down, why don't you?" Adriana, instead giggled. "What? Is it something I said?" "It's like something out of that old batman movie." She said as she giggled with a smile. Marcelo looked at her with a warm smile in return. "Hmm..." "What? Is it something I did now?" "No... it's just that you look better off smiling like that... like an art wonderful to look at." The sun rises to the peak against them thus coating themselves in their own shadow. 2 silouhettes stand against the light. Adriana replies to her brother "Gracias..." "Denada..." Marcelo replies.

Adriana holds her head to place as to not collapse again infront of Tomo. "You alright?" he asked her. "Y-yeah... it's nothing, really." Adriana replies to Tomo. "Let's order now, shall we?"

[BUENOS AIRES...]

At their room, Kasumi sits on her bed calling somebody. "Argh..." she rumbled as she shuts the phone off. "Where the heck is he? It's almost dinner time. He said that he'd be back before sundown..." She complained. Kasumi was waiting for Tomo to arrive an hour ago but it seems that she couldn't wait any longer. She throws herself onto the bed and lazily reclines on it. The bed made a huge thump as her body weight presses the springs quite suddenly. "Tomo... baka... where are you?"

[LA FLADA, CORDOBA... ]

Almost done with dinner, Adriana brings up a recently said topic again to Tomo. "You said a while ago back at the station something concerning beliefs... what was it that you're going to tell me again?" "Tomo puts his fork down on the side of the plate of Seafood Carbonara. "You sure that you want to know. You might object to everything that I am about to tell you." Tomo forewarned. "True. But I will not. You said that this knowledge would be for my benefit... Well, I am here to listen completely." Wiping the sauce around his mouth and placing the table napkin on one side, Tomo starts to talk serious. He brings out a couple of topics concerning the dead as to how to think about their loss and her loss including how to comprehend such a loss. Adriana suddenly became curious as the conversation continues. She even asks what are the things that Tomo doesn't believe in that are included in the Catholic teachings. Tomo explains everything in detail at the best of his abilities. Adriana's mind starts to clear up hearing everything that she just heard. It was quite unexpected and at an extent, unconventional. She suddenly became interested at the faults she knew about her belief...

"Well..." Adriana said at the end of their discussion. "I wouldn't make a resolution concerning this just yet. But it is glad to realize such hidden truths exist. Thanks a lot for telling me those stuff, Tomo." "No problem. This way... you HAVE benefited from it as much as I did when I first learned it." he said. He looks at the time: 6:30 p.m. "Oh, Sh-...nap!" "What?" "Kasumi will Kill me! I promised her that I'd be back at Buenos an hour ago...!" He freaked out in pain. He couldn't imagine what would happen next... he might sleep at the hall if he gets busted. "Let's go then..." Adriana says as she gives the payment for the food. They hop on the McLaren for the train station, which unfortunately, is 14 kilometers away from where they actually are.

The truth has been revealed
The faults have been examined
Adriana keeps them in mind
There was one hindrance to this
The once forgotten memories of before
false or considered to be true
haunts Adriana at the worst of times
Down the roads of the Small Furnaces
a scene unapproachable to some
a close to death encounter
nearly cost the lives
of the ones grasp of the Sword
Tomo and Adriana...
who both nearly got stabbed
by the same sword they were holding.
Her thoughts go traitor on her
and affected the golden sword in some way...

Episode 18 - When Two become one
Chapter 77 - Return of Pains

At a constant pace of 50 km/h, the McLaren cruised down the Los Hornillos roads. Tomo, sitting at the left of Adriana, sulks in one corner, fearing what would become of his 'fate' upon returning to the hotel. He could see quite a few visions already. Adriana feels quite normal, thanks to Tomo. No sign of any of her old symptoms which Ein just told Kasumi days ago. It must probably be because of what Tomo shared with Adriana during dinner. It must be something very reassuring to her. It looked as if she is completely normal again.

The dark, moist looking roads that only holds homage to the natural 'greens' around it, are illuminated by a pair of high-beam xenon headlamps out of the McLaren's lights. Looking at the landscape though escaped Tomo from those horrid thoughts of his and got him in the mood of touge racing. At the back of his mind, he could see his GT-R running infront of Adriana's McLaren F1. When the GT-R bursted out flames from its exhaust and started to accelerate out of his sight, Tomo reacted immediately and shouted out "Don't lose sight of that GT-R!!" "What GT-R?" She asked. "huh?" Tomo looks again to see nothing. A Nissan X-Trail passed from the opposite lane at 52 km/h. "Oh... my bad..." "You miss driving already?" Adriana asked. "I mean... ever since that happening at Oscar Galvez... you know that request your manager made..." "Me against You?" Yeah, I still remember." "Sorry about your GT-R... Condolence..." "It's not dead yet! My mechanic is doing his best in repairing it." "Sorry... and glad to hear about that." The McLaren steadily goes by the corner without decelerating. She intentionally increases her press on the accelerator upon the corner's exit to make the car oversteer. When she could hear the tires squealing from behind, she lets go of her foot off the accelerator and readjusts her press on it again.

Tomo looks at her intimately and says "You driving... it's top notch..." "You think so? I don't think it is... Probably when I beat Mar-... oh yeah..." Adriana said in a sudden weak tone. "Adriana?" Tomo asked; probably his mentoring lessons faded. "You didn't see nothing yet." Adriana cheerfully tells Tomo. "tighten your seatbelt. I'll give you a sampler." Adriana presses her accelerator another half full. A while ago, it was only 1/4 pressed... now she pressed it all the way to 3/4 of the car's full acceleration capability. Tomo suddenly got pulled back by the sudden increase in acceleration. It wasn't like in his GT-R... It was as if he got suddenly did a stop-and-go move that nauseated some people. "W-what kind of acceleration does this car have!?" He thought to himself.

Yes, Adriana is racing again; even in the local roads, she does it if she's in the right rhythm. Tomo adjusts his position in his seat and looks at the fast-paced road. 100 meters ahead, there's an incoming medium speed left. The problem? There is an oncoming Lincoln Town car and a Cadillac Escalade on the other lane approaching the corner from the inside. "Is she intending on taking on the corner and the cars at this pace!?"

Adriana didn't speak at all. She had her hand grasped on the gear shift and the steering wheel. Neither of them were shaking either; not even her feet. As they come closer to the corner, Adriana suddenly brakes 25 meters away at 176 km/h. A bit too late? No, the McLaren's brakes act as if four disc brakes were installed in the front of the car giving double braking power. She lets the rear trip and be induced to a drift. She countersteers after the center of the corner, giving only an allowance of 3 centimeters away from the 2 oncoming cars and the outer cliff-side guardrail. Tomo's heart was racing while they approached the corner's exit. Adriana successively shifts while recountersteering the car in place. A perfect outside drift in a 760 horsepowered, mid-engine beast. It is definitely out of this world.

"Am I alive?" He asked her. Adriana just chuckled at her seat when Tomo said that. "That was just a sampler of what I did before when he and I used to do this back in the day." Adriana answered. She slowed down upon reply and brings the car back to the speed limit of 60 km/h. She taps her brakes when the spedometer was close to 60.

Not too many lights out in the road they're on which is the reason why street racing was never a big thing in Cordoba's provincial roads at night. Most of the racers here, if there are any, are day-people or they race when the sun is just coming up. Things get a bit too silent inside the McLaren. As for Adriana, her heart is awkwardly racing. Her heartbeat doubles in rate - why? In her thougths, she could see quick pictures of all her memories with Marcelo. She really wanted to let go of those and leave it as a closed memory; the problem is, something is hindering her from doing so; it is really kind of awkward. She closed her eyes and brakes at the same time. Tomo bulged from his seat and reacted. "Is there something wrong?" He saw Adriana holding her head up again. "Really, it is nothing." "You sure? Tell me if there is. We can stop for a moment."
Adriana nods and brings the McLaren from 29 to 60 again in no-time flat.

Upon view of the train station, half an hour later, 300 meters away, Adriana receives another set of irritating memory flashes inside her mind. This time, they are also inflicting physical damage on her - hitting her from the inside out. She suddenly lost consciousness and landed on Tomo's shoulder. "huh? Adriana, what happened!?" She lost consciousness for good this time. It wasn't in the food. It was the same body reaction she had when Tomo came to her place that same morning. The McLaren lost control as Adriana had her arm on the wheel when she fell to the left. This caused the McLaren to spin unwantedly in 360 degrees and back, nearly causing a collision with the local cars. Tomo immediately puts his foot on the brakes and raises the e-brake also. In a little while, the McLaren is brought to a stop. It left a huge trail of skid marks on the road and sidewalk.

"Adriana!" He then turned his attention to the unconscious female. He puts his hand on her head, which was moist and hot. "You're burning... I better call Ein. This is serious." He says as he takes out her cellphone from her pocket. Tomo immediately searches for Ein's number and he dials it instantly. He sets it to LOUDSPEAKER Mode and puts it on the other seat at her right. He shruggs Adriana's shoulders back and forth hoping to hear her respond or at least regain her consciousness.
"Wake up, Adriana! Wake up!!" He called out to her. "Why does this keep happening? Is Marcelo's death that much of an impact to her?" He thought as the moon shines on the McLaren on one corner of the street. There is no sound in the area but a bunch of people walking, talking and cars honking their horns at other cars.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Apr 7 2009, 06:29 PM

Here is an update. *phew! It's been a long time since I last updated this... Man, is my flu killing me!!* I have 79 ready but I'd be needing to wait for somebody to comment...

------------------------------------------------
Chapter 78 - "It is My Responsibility"

When memories become a hindrance
And a life was close to being reclaimed
an unknown savior arrived
Taking matters into his own hands
Tomogashi wishes to take care of Adriana
The once glorious queen
is a frail, fragile vessel
who was tarnished from her insides
over a tragic loss
Help was given & supported yet...
Would Tomo accept the needed help
or lest be taking everything on his shoulders?

A mislocated group of vehicles stand in the middle of the intersection close to the train station. Local police and other public service vehicles came on the scene to maintain the traffic flow. A Orange McLaren F1 that has lost control close to the station sits idle at the side of the road, leaving tire tracks at every part of the road. Tomogashi, who was nearly a part of the crash leans on the side of the McLaren intimately looked at an unconscious Adriana Eizaguirre, who silently sleeps at the driver's seat.

Adriana has lost consciousness and wouldn't respond to any call that Tomo hollers to her...

QUOTE

Right after the McLaren came into a full stop, Tomo raises the e-brake located in between him and Adriana and shruggs her shoulders to waken her up. "Adriana!! Adriana!!" Tomo hollers to her face.
"Wake up! Wake up!" He continued. Avast, she would not respond; not even a twitch. Tomo immediately stepped out of the car to see a group of angry drivers mercilessly complaining to Tomogashi what just happened.
"This is not the time! Call police! An ambulance! Anyone!! She needs help!!" He shouts out to the crowd who willingly responded.

He looks at Adriana with sad disbelief. "What just happened?" he whispered.
The police cleared out the crowd and told them to pressume amongst their business and drive away from the scene. The EMS arrived and went to Adriana to check her vital signs. Tomo stood at the side as he watches the EMS staff do what they do best - do their work.

5 minutes worth of analyzing Adriana has passed and one of the EMS crew went to Tomo to give the diagnosis of the investigation. The police stood alongside Tomogashi for the same purpose.
"Well..." the EMS crew said in fluent English. "She seems to be fine. No signs of any organic disorders or anything..." "That's good to hear." Tomo said with a huge sigh. "However... she seems to be having a temporary case of a severe headache and needs to rest. She is also having some unnatural body heat sensations but that would also pass within a few hours. She shouldn't drive if she knows that this will happen."
"Do you have something to do with this?" The policeman asked. "If so, we have no choice but to bring you in to the station for cross examinations."
"Oh no." Tomo reacted. "She went about this on her own free will. In fact, she was totally normal before this ever happened. As if it is something unnatural."
The policeman gave no further questions. As for the EMS crew member, he just told Tomogashi that they need to bring Adriana to the nearest hospital. "Mind if you assist us, sir?" he asked Tomo. "Because we need to take her to the hospital to ensure her health."
"I think that won't be necessary." A voice came from behind.
The EMS, police, and Tomo turned to see Ein standing against the bright lights of a classic Shelby Cobra 427.
"And who might you be, sir?" The policeman asked.
"I am a servant of her household and a certified doctor. Graduate of a Doctor's degree in Medicine from the Argentine Prime University of Buenos Aires. I'll be the one to take care of her so there is no need for you to take her to a hospital."
The EMS crew talked amongst themselves over the interruption of Ein. One of them answered that they agreed to let Ein take care of her. When that whole part of the city is quiet, and traffic is smoothly moving, the police and EMS team evacutated from the accident site and left Tomo, Ein, and Adriana's McLaren be.
"Tell me something, Ein." Tomo suddenly asked. "Are you really a doctor's graduate?"
"I am. I just don't say much about myself." Ein answered.
"What should we do?" He asked.
"You mean, what should I do..." Ein clarified. "I'll take care of Adriana myself. She is my responsibility as the house servant."
"No!" Tomo refused. "She's now my responsibility too. I was involved in this so I must do something to amend what happened!" He said with a serious look at Ein.
The two men just stood there; looking at each other eye to eye.
"Fine." Ein gave in. "But it's better that you tell your friends so that they won't be worried."
"Hmph. When did you suddenly become so soft on me?"
"I just... don't want Kasumi to worry so much over a guy like you. Help me clip the F1 to the Cobra and set it to Neutral." Ein says as he hops on the Shelby.
Tomo did what Ein just said and sent a text message to Kasumi saying that he won't be coming back to the hotel for probably the next two days or so. He rode right next to Ein after clipping the McLaren to the Cobra before they drove off.

Midway from the train station to the Eizaguirre household, Tomo's phone rang. The phone's profile was on loud and the ringtone activated. Ein, who's cruising and simultaneously glancing at the McLaren, noticed that Tomo isn't answering. "You're not going to answer that?" He asked Tomo, who was spaced out.
"Huh?" He reacted. "Oh yeah... sorry. Spacing out..." He took the phone from its holster and answered it.

"Hello?"
"Kasumi here. Why aren't you coming back?"
"Something important came up."
"Well, you don't need to hide it for long. Just tell me."
"It's Adriana. She suddenly went to a seizure..."
"..." Kasumi didn't say a word this time. She had an idea what it is but she is probably wrong.
"You there?"
"Oh, heh heh... sorry. What happened?"
"While she was driving me to the station, 200 meters from it, she lost consciousness and the McLaren went spinning. If it weren't for me to raise the brakes and countersteer the car, who knows what could've happened to her. But things went worse after that. She had a high fever and she wouldn't respond to any callout that I make..."
"You might need help. Sakura and I will-"
"Sorry. You two cannot interfere with this."
"Why not?"
"..." Tomo is thinking of what to say in connection to what Kasumi just recently said.
"Well!? Why not?" Kasumi is starting to feel that Tomo's acting suspicious. She doesn't like it and gets serious with him; even if it's just a phone call.
"She's my responsibility. I was involved so I need to do something for her." Tomo seriously said. "I'm sorry okay. But I need to take care of her. It might probably be for the next two days or so. So I'll be staying over at the Eizaguirre's place momentarily."
"You just can't do that. What would I say to the others?"
"Just say what I said to you. Probably they'll understand..."
"Like heck they would... Not gonna happen..." Kasumi thought to herself. She knows what would happen if she blurts this news out: They'll go on a riot or probably make the Anti-Tomo force just for being with the most beautiful girl in the world...
"I'll see what I could do. If ever they ask... I'll tell 'em."
"Thanks Kasumi. Hope you're not mad or anything."
"Mad? Why would I be ma-" Kasumi's word was cut short as Tomo closed the conversation and hunged up.

"So?" Ein asked as he looks at the road.
"It's alright with them. They could comprehend it."
"You could sleep in Marcelo's room. just don't touch any of the drawers. I'll lend you some of my clothes if you need some."
"Thanks, Ein."
A classic Shelby Cobra 427, that hooked up a McLaren F1 at its behind, breaks the silence of the dark lit provincial roads of Los Hornillos, Cordoba as it passes by the provincial roads.

[15 minutes worth of driving later...]

The 'dynamic duo', whose job is to take care of Adriana, has returned to the Eizaguirre residence. Ein took out something out of the Shelby Cobra's trunk: it seems to be a wheelchair folded for travelling purposes. Ein opened it out and told Tomo to put her there.
"In this?" Tomo wondered. "I could carry her there."
"Not a chance. As long as I am around, you hear me?" Ein seriously commented. He definitely wasn't getting along well with Tomo knowing that he's here to accomplish what Ein is supposed to do.
"Hmph. As if I have the hots for her..." He ironically mumbled to himself.
He gets ready to carry Adriana from the McLaren to the wheelchair. He looks at Adriana with the same stern look when he first met Kasumi. He just stood there, staring at Adriana, who's sleeping so soundly. "I don't get it..." He said to himself. "I am not attracted to her or anything... Yet... why do I have this huge urge to help her?" he wondered.
he looks keenly at her gold hair and didn't show much interest. "Is it because it is my personality? If I remember clearly, I gave the same vital signs when I first met Kasumi. Will I be destined to remake my fate? Impossible..." He said. "This is just infatuation... I barely know her at all..."

"How long would you be staring there? If she gets sick for staying too long in the cold night, I'll blame you for this big time!" Ein shouted from across the driveway. With that out of the way, Tomo just carried Adriana softly from the car to the wheelchair.

Ein tasked him to take her to her room, down on her bed; Tomo did just so. "Do you think she'll wake up?" Tomo asked as they stepped out into the hall. "Of course she would, you idiot." Ein answered in a serious tone. "What exactly happened anyway?" he further asked. "What happened you ask?" Tomo verified. "She just shown me a trick of her own down the road as a performance run then, by the time she got near the station... she suddenly passed out. And that's it; I swear." Tomo answered.
Ein crossed his arms and replies "Well... if that's how you say it... then I trust your word on this one." He puts his arms down and walks downstairs. "Where are you going?" Tomo wondered. "Kitchen. I'm making dinner. And no thanks. I don't need your help on this one." Ein seriously answered. "I didn't say that I'll help you there." He answers back. When Ein is out of his sight, Tomo crosses his arms and wondered "What's up with him?"

In her room, Adriana regained consciousness. Her body still feels kind of weak and numb so she didn't force herself to stand up. Her vision is a bit blurry but she knows that she is in her room. The scent, she recognizes it. It's her room.
"Huh? What happened to... me?" She thought to herself.
She closes her eyes to refocus her vision. After a blink or two, it recovered. She knew she was right all along. Unable to stand, she just stared at the ceiling, looking back to what just happened before she lost consciousness...

She and Tomo went out for dinner.
She decided to drive him back to the train station.
She performed a menacing drift maneuvere to impress Tomo.

"After that... everything went blank. It must probably have something to do with -." She wouldn't dare say his name again. She knows that if she did, all her thoughts might go against him like that time before; a contrary belief that she thinks could be the reason for before.

Tomo just stood there, at the back of the wall, in a leaned back posture with his arms crossed. He heard a clicking sound from the doorknob. "Guess she is awake." He murmured. when the door opened, he saw Adriana scratch her eye to clear up her vision. "You b-brought me here?" She asked Tomo, who nodded in response. "G-gra-" Adriana was about to thank Tomo who placed his hand on her lips informing her not to talk too much. "You need rest. Don't speak." Tomo told her, who nodded in response this time. "Ein?" she muttered. "Hmm?" "Where's Ein?"

"Making dinner." He answered. "He's downstairs." Suddenly, Adriana felt a sudden weight on her head and nearly collapsed if she didn't have leaned on the door frame. Tomo aided her to her bed. Adriana lied down on her bed and rested. "You're a good man..." she whispered to Tomo, who was sitting right next to her. "That's what they all say..." "Much like Ma-..." Tomo interrupts her again. "I told you not to talk too much." Adriana blushes in embarrassment and hows a sign that she is keeping her mouth shut: a strike through sign with her index finger. Moments later, dinner was ready. Tomo escorted her downstairs and the 3 of them had a presumptous dinner. After that, they went to their rooms to sleep. Before Tomo could get into the mood to sleep, he can't help noticing all the picture frames around Marcelo's room. He stood up again and decided to browse the photos. "So this is Marcelo..." he said. Marcelo is a good looking guy with a good personality, as described by Adriana. It is a shame to lose a person such as him; it is rare nowadays to find a guy just like him... almost like the world's third Adam, in terms of physical structure, but the racer's first Adam, in terms of his 'perfect' racing career.

The more he looked at pictures, the more Tomo gets to empathize with what is happening around this house. "What could all this mean to me?" he doubted. Before he could even think of an answer, he decided to sleep so he jumped on the bed and waited for his eyes to shut.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Apr 19 2009, 08:03 AM

Chapter 79 - "Was it Destiny for us to meet?"

The Second day at the Eizaguirre household
and Tomo gets to feel a home again.
The Team frustrates over his course of action
yet they ignored it for the sake of the competition.
Staying longer, he knew his way around.
A loss was found
and things inverted in her life.
If there is such a thing as inevitability, then...
is it inevitable for Tomo
and the Queen, Adriana, to be destined
to meet each other?
Would Time answer this quotation?

[1 day before the Oscar Galvez event...; 8:38 a.m.]

The team woke up very early and headed down to the buffet hall for a meeting. Kasumi & Sakura barely slept last night thinking what on earth has gotten into Tomo to stray away from the group and take care of a total stranger. "You didn't sleep well too?" Sakura asked Kasumi. "I barely got enough sleep. I need to find a facial center asap to remove these soon-to-come eye bags." Kasumi told her. "Count me in if you got one." She said with an emotionless smile.

"Is everybody here?" Daiki asked the rest of the group. "All but Tomo..." Tetsuya answered. "Don't you think we should wait or at least look for him?" Ryusen wondered. "There's no time. And we don't need to..." Daiki seriously said. "Snob..." Hiei thought to himself addressing it to Daiki. Daiki continued the meeting introduction. "As you could see, the race is close at hand... we only got one more day to finalize all the settings. So, any updates on the said matter?"
"Well..." Shimizu started off. "Kyosuke's doing a fine job if you ask me. And I am not only quoting on his driving style and response to the course, but his Exige, though, seems to oversteer a lot and its engine wouldn't allow us to exceed the 400 hp mark. Do you think it isn't necessary to increase further power in the Exige?" "Kyosuke? Wouldn't you mind answering that?" Daiki turned and asked him. "No need to. If we increase power, then the Exige's prime characteristic of going through the corners at the fastest possible speed would be utterly useless. It is how I set it up when I raced Sakura's R34." "This again?" Sakura moaned. "Don't remind me. Please excuse me." She said as she stood up to get a couple of eclairs for her morning dessert.

"What about your Mustang, Kitami?" Daiki continued. "It's cool. I try to make my GTR as balanced as possible. It wouldn't be much of a cornering champ unlike Kyo's Exige but I might be able to compensate it with my Mustang's superior acceleration capabilities." "By the way, Kitami..." Hiroya included. "How heavy IS your Mustang GTR?" "Tetsuya and I conducted a dyno test for all car statistics of it and the weight reads... well... 1238 kg." "Hmm..." Hiroya nodded and held his chin. "As heavy as a stock FD. I think you'll do good there. Were you able to compensate the excessive wheelspin at low gears?" "I was able to... by 43%." "How's the tire import report coming along?" Daiki asked Ryusen. "Well, they said that it'll arrive by noon today. A couple of sets of Advan brand semi-medium racing compound tires with tire circumferences ideal for both the Mustang and Exige." Ryusen reported. "And what about the gas tanks for refueling during the race?" Daiki followed on to Hiei. "It's good, sir. Yesterday, we were able to bring it to the back of the garage to prevent gas expansion by putting it away from direct sunlight. We still have 5 gallons ready per vehicle; for a total of 10 gallons worth of high octane." Hiei reported.

"That's good. So for our itenerary for today, we will be securing one last practice session after lunch. We will do a final setup with regards to the suspension alignment of both cars and we need to install temporary sponsor placements around our cars." "Sponsor placements? Do you mean like sticking sponsor names around our cars?" Kyosuke verified. "Uh-uh! no way would I put crapped up stickers around my car!!" Both Kitami and Kyosuke rejected. "Sorry. I don't make the rules here. It's an SOP. Besides, once it is done, we could remove it immediately... or at least bring it to a paint shop and let the pros do their thing..." Daiki suggested. "Since you put it that way... I guess we have no choice." "And that is it for our meeting. Meet up at the hotel garage for departure to the course by 1300 hours." Daiki finalized as he stood up from his seat.

"What is this? A military gathering?" Kasumi reacted and asked Sakura, who shrugged her shoulders in reply.

[Meanwhile... at the Eizaguirre household]

Looks like everything is good at Adriana's place. She is feeling much better now; a few relapses but she can manage it. She decides to stay home for the whole day to rejuvinate herself. Tomo is still there helping out, making sure that she helps Adriana as much as how Ein does it when he's the only one helping her. And as usual, there's still friction between Tomo and Ein over who gets to take care of Adriana while the other one does the rest of the house. It's too bad Ein lost that bet. Something came into Tomo's mind while he walked around the house - his GT-R34... He never had a call from Tetsuya concerning it. It must be finished... or so he thought. But he just couldn't leave Adriana behind. Wearing his clothes from yesterday, he approaches Adriana from a distance and asked her a curious question...

"Tell me Adriana..." he said. "About your car... I just remembered our race you see... And I want to know if the engi-"
"If the engine has force induction or not is that it?"
"Uh... yeah?"
"Well... to tell you the truth... my McLaren is an NA. There's never a midship car like that which has a turbo or a supercharger; with exception to the Jaguar XJ220 of course. Surprised?"
"So-sort of... still" he said, crossing his arms. "It is so uncanny for an NA car like that to accelerate as quick as a turbocharged engine..."
Adriana just smiled and asked Tomo a question this time. "Do you know the Guiness book of Records?"
"Who doesnt?" Tomo said with a chuckle.
"The McLaren... the McLaren F1 was a title holder on that book as the world's fastest production car."
"Is it? I guess I need to read the inside of the book. I only know just one thing in that book - the cover."
Adriana giggled hearing that.
Ein came along carrying some glasses of iced four-season juice. "Talking about the Guiness records?"
Adriana and Tomo nodded in answer. "Well... that record though was already broken."
"Broken?" Tomo staggered. "How? The McLaren is..."
"The McLaren is a fascinating car. Really! But when the Bugatti Veyron arrived, the Koenisseg CCX, and The Shelby SSC, the obliterated the old record of the McLaren..." Ein reasoned.
Adriana took a sip from her glass before she continued. "There was a controversy about it as pertaining to the car specifications of the 3. The McLaren still retained a title there. It was to be official by next year January that the McLaren is the fastest NA production car."
"So them Bugatti Veryons and CCXs used turbocharged engines to hasten their acceleration and performance runs? Hmph. Cheats."
Tomo reacted as he drank half of the juice in his glass.
"More like desperate..." Ein followed. "The Veyron used 4 turbochargers while the CCX used probably the same number of superchargers..."
"That is too desperate..."
"So... satisfied with our explanation?" Adriana asked with a smile.
"Pretty much, yeah."
Suddenly, Adriana's emotion dropped as she remembered something. "You know... years ago... it was my brother who made me interested with the McLaren. He kept telling me stuff about it as to why it is the perfect equal to his Mercedes CLK GTR. I was so impressed with all the details... I got sapped into the amazing world of supercars that made a name for themselves."
"I-I have another question... do you have a non-supercar... 4WD type of vehicle?"
"Well... there is a Peugeot 205 turbo in the garage. My father used to drive that around a rally course nearby. He kept racing his colleagues there back in the day when they only used Evo 2s against him and my dad won."
"So your dad ventured into WRC also?" Tomo asked.
"Of course. WRC & the TC are the reigning two automotive racing associations that has ever thrived Argentina; with the TC being the oldest in the world."
"So you want to try her dad's 205?" Ein asked Tomo.
"Is it still working?"
"I am also a mechanic. Her father taught me lots of stuff on it and I was able to maintain that Peugeot to how her dad left it. C'mon. Let's go."
When Ein went to his room to get dressed properly; and to get Tomo a set of new clothes, Tomo asked Adriana a serious question. "So... your father... where is he?"
"He's still with the LeMans committee. There is an ongoing event at China and the Middle East. My father is needed there and he's been out for a while." Adriana answered unwillingly. "You seem sad, when I mentioned your father..."
"It's nothing. He is just too busy nowadays... but we both couldn't forget what happened to 'him'..."
Tomo placed his arm around Adriana and said to her. "While Ein and I are here... there's nothing for you to worry about. I'm sure your dad's doing just fine out there."

Tomo walked towards the Garage, leaving a calmed Adriana behind. She opened her locket, whilst there, and stared at Marcelo's young picture. She wrapped her hands around it and said a short prayer. "God, I don't know how this happened at all but I thank you... for sending another guardian Angel to protect me. I am so blessed and glorifying your name through prayer is the only way I could repay my kindness to you Lord. But I have just one question... am I destined to meet him? I hope I attain an answer soon, God. Amen." After praying, she scurried to the garage to see her father's 205.

Looking at the Peugeot, Tomo was amazed as to how it is so well maintained. The exterior looks so brand new. Ein popped the hood open and Tomo was amazed at the interior as well. The entire engine bay is as shiny as newly bought chromated 'bling bling' rims as said in America. Ein looked at Tomo and threw the keys to him. "Take it for a spin if you want." Tomo stares at the car keys and later was embarrassed. A car he is unfamiliar with, hence was a 4WD. "Sorry. I just couldn't. Probably tomorrow if I get my hopes up." "Your hopes up?" Ein and Adriana got confused. "It's nothing, really." Tomo said and laughed at himself. He heads back to the other end of the house to take a breather.

Ein and Adriana stared at each other while looking at Tomo leave. "Just like Marcelo used to do years ago, huh?" Ein started. "Perhaps." "So, how long would he stay?" "It sounds as if you wanted him to leave. It would depend all on him. It is in his disposition as to when he'll leave. I'm happy though..." "For what?" Adriana smiled as he looked at Ein and says "for having people like you two in my life. Am I fortunate or desperate for a guardian, heck I don't know. This is what the present gives to me..." Adriana quoted "...and this is how you should live by..." Ein finished.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Apr 24 2009, 06:49 AM

Chapter 80 - Buenos Dias

Farewell, land of the good winds
Farewell, land of small furnaces
You have left me with a memory
a memory of another to live by...
As the queen decides between separation
and a new adventure
She tells Tomo of her future plans.
Hawaiian Islands...
The Island of Oahu...
A land of champions of the west.
Glory and a golden fate awaits the victor
Things beyond what behelds team Japan
would continue right after The race at Buenos Aires.
The veterans show themselves to Kitami,
a fighter of all sorts
The mustang strolls through the lands of winds
a gallop for one last round,
and Kyosuke,
a magician of kinds
and casts a spell on the land of good winds
turning tides to change the fate of roads.
Look out, Argentina & the people of the world,
The final road awaits for an action.

------------------------------------------------------
(BIG DAY! THE BUENOS AIRES RACE TAKES PLACE)

Early in the morning, when the sun is about to rise; at a vicinity around Los Hornillos, a silver Peugeot 205 hatchback blisters through the rugged cement road. Countersteering at an angle of 30 degrees through a right corner, the 205 seems to straw away from the right line on taking on the incoming left corner, which is to be taken on the same speed. As the turning radius of the corner weakens, the car seems to about to spin. Suddenly, with the driver just removing his foot off the gas, the car faces the inside of the corner instantly without any effort. The speed was retained and the car unusually clears the corner with the rear a millimeter away from the rugged outer wall. It is impressive - from corner entry to exit, the silver Peugeot's movements was described to just one word - phenomenal. Coming out of a jump at 102 mph, the chassis staggers slightly upon impact and immediately brakes as a hairpin approaches. Without nudging the steering wheel, the car's rear trips into a drift and slides onto the braking zone without a sense of it countersteering upon entry. Another close call exit right from the rock guardrails from the outside was accomplished.

"Wow... this 205 sure is something..." Tomo uttered. "Impressive, right? The 205 is one of many stock Peugeots that handles best as a 4WD. I really wonder why the new 206 and 207 suffers a bit of vulnerability. It is quite weird, really, you get what I am saying..." Ein shared, sitting on the passenger's seat. "I dunno. But really, it's surprising to get to listen to someone other than myself when it comes to these things." "Why do you say that?" "The only people who could talk like that are Daiki, Tetsuya, Kyosuke, and sometimes, Kitami. Aside from them... nobody else." "Really?"

Even while talking, Tomo is able to clear corners at formiddable speeds. An old 4WD such as that which still retains such potential as that is worthy of praise, indeed. The Peugeot speeds away leaving nothing but skid marks and a couple of flame bursts that came out of the exhaust. Bringing it back to the Eizaguirre residence, it arrived without a scratch; not even the jumps has caused any sort of damage to it. "So, how did it go?" Adriana asked, who was wearing her everyday rose colored in-house robe. The 2 guys stepped out and closed the doors after them. "He was able to maximize its potential. How are you so familiar with such a car?" Ein asked as he faces Tomo. "I saw one of those 205's in Hokkaido back at home. A black one, so I think, subconsciously, the response of the car left a mark on me. Weird huh?" "I don't think so." Adriana contested. "People with such talents are worth using it. Before, I was like that myself; I easily grasp the response of some vehicles even by just a glance."

"No wonder you became such a well known driver around here." Tomo concluded. "By the way, Adriana. How are you feeling now?" "Well, I do feel a bit better." "I guess I should stay more." "You sure. I could handle myself, really. Ein is more than enough to help me really. I think your friends would need you more than me." "I need to be sure." Tomo says. "That you are completely healed and alright." "You wouldn't let go of me wouldn't you?" Adriana ironically says in a teasy tone. "Yep..." Tomo answers firmly. Adriana laughs at his answer. It was a rhetorical question and he still answers. Adriana wasn't expecting him to answer that. Ein, who was serious in one corner, surrendered to his own laughter.

Adriana wonders why Tomo wasn't excited over the race of his team. "Say, Tomo... you're not going to Buenos Aires to watch your team race?" Adriana asked him. "Nah. I know the result already, since you're going to race and all." "I'm not going to." Adriana answered. "Huh? You're not going to? But I thought..." "My co-driver will race. I told my chief mechanic that I called in sick. He understands and transfers all racing duties to my co-driver. He'll be taking on your friends." "But that won't still change my point of view over the race." Tomo finalized. "But you're going, right?" She followed up a question. "I am." He silently answered. "I don't want to go but... I must support them. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't be here." Adriana just stared at her with smile hearing Tomo's resolution on the matter.

[BUENOS AIRES, AUTODROMO OSCAR GALVEZ - 2 HOURS LATER]

Tomo arrived at Oscar Galvez race track. The place is packed with spectators everywhere; locals and foreigners alike. Instead of entering through the main entrance, he enters through the competitor's gate. Entering the pits, he could see a lot of busy pit crew members going back and forth from their carriers to their garage posts, bringing tires and equipment in and out; back and forth. While walking, he stares at drivers conversing with their chief mechanics. Probably, they are talking about their setups and race strategies. "Nothing out of the oridnary here." He told himself. After a few blocks worth of walking, he finally got sight of his team's garage post - a bit close to the starting line and the pit's exit. "It's them." He said as he ran towards the garage. "Kitami? Kyosuke?" He calls out, who responded calmly. "Oh, Tomo. What a surprise." Kitami said in a monotonous tone. "It seems that you're not surprised to see me." "Well, duh!" Kyosuke raised his voice in a somewhat joyful manner. "We see you everyday and...well...no, we haven't seen you for 3 days, where have you been?" "With Adriana, she-" "YOU BASTARD! HOW COULDN'T YOU SHARE HER WITH US!!?" Both of the racers suddenly shouted in a fit. "What? It isn't my fault she got sick or something! DOn't blame me for your loss..." Kyosuke and Kitami who both gave a pouting look at Tomo. "If you're looking for Daiki..." Kyosuke stated; "He's over there with the rest of the team. Excuse us. We need to discuss our strategy here." Kitami concluded in a serious tone telling him to leave them be for a while.

Looking at the Mustang and Exige, Tomo wasn't surprised that much at all. "Hmph... what is up with these stickers?" Even Tomo was disgusted over the bombarded coating of stickers around the cars. The Exige looks like the old Motosport Elise. It doesn't look so flashy. The Mustang on the other hand is totally different. Aside from the series of stickers around it and the carbon hood that shows its entity, the GT wing simply looks menacing. The car looks like Kitami could easily take on Tomo's R34. With that thought passing by his mind, he wondered... "How IS my GT-R doing?" He runs to Tetsuya and asks him immediately. "Tetsuya-san!" He hollered. "Tomo. What are you doing here?" Tetsuya asked. "I thought you're with your two girlfriends or something." "No I-... can it..." Tomo said with a frown. He does like them both but he isn't taking the relationship between them very seriously, as he knows it isn't the right time yet. "H-how's my GT-R?" Tomo followed up. "Oh, yes... it's at the back of my Commander. It's all well and good. You better thank me again this time." "Thanks, man. But I won't be taking it out for now. I'll watch the race and support you all." "Gee, thanks Tomo... guess you got me back in advance." Tetsuya cheerfully said. "Tomo..." Daiki called him. "You know what I have in mind Tomo... We'll see you later." Tomo looks back at Daiki with a serious face. To Tomo's translation, he means that he doesn't need him anymore. "Yeah. I get you..." he softly answered back. With that, he leaves and goes to Adriana.

"Seriously... what's up with Daiki whenever he sees me?" Tomo wondered. He puts his hands on his pockets and walks towards the main entrance. Before he could do so, he remembered a couple of people - Sakura and Kasumi. "Oh yeah... I didn't see them..." He quickly returns to Daiki and Tetsuya. "Wait!" He hollered to Daiki and Tetsuya. "Where are the girls?" "I didn't see them." Daiki answered. Tetsuya on the other hand, gave a more detailed answer. "I think they are at the bleachers. The committee didn't allow them to enter the competitor's gate even if they are part of the team. How did you get to enter?" "I said that I am going to talk to my team manager. I requested for a visitor's pass. Anyway, thanks for telling me." He waved as he left.

Daiki got back to discussing the settings with Tetsuya. Everything is all set and the drivers, Kitami and Kyosuke, are raring to go. The race will start in 15 minutes, as announced by the PA. The cars slowly come out of the pits, warming up their tires at a decent speed of 59 km/h, in gear 2. A lot of cars came out of the pits, and after a few cars, the Mustang GTR and the Lotus Exige come out of the parking area. The race is all set and the cars form a long straight line down the Recta del Fondo. As Kyosuke reaches the midpoint of the Curvon Salotto, Kitami's Mustang just entered the corner.

While the warm up commences, Adriana was able to meet up with Sakura and Kasumi. "Over here!" Kasumi called out to Adriana, while raising her right hand to her. "Hey!" She gave a half smile to her right back. "You here to watch the race?" Sakura wondered. "Yup." "I thought you're participating..." Kasumi asked. "I called it quits with my chief mechanic. He bought it and here I am, heh heh." Adriana chuckled. "Have you seen Tomo?" Sakura followed up. "Yeah. Where is he? Sakura and I have a bone to pick with him..." Kasumi complained. "Don't worry. Let me explain everything to you..." Adriana offered to tell them to clear up the misunderstanding.

[After 10 curious yet grueling minutes...]

"I get it now..." Kasumi and Sakura simultaneously sighed together. "There you see? So there's no need to be worked up over what Tomo is up to." "We guess you're right." The two girls said together once more. They suddenly went into one corner and crouched together and talked amongst themselves. "I think Tomo gave her something to say such a thing..." Kasumi whispered first. "That fiend... but I still don't think..." Sakura sighed. "Yeah... I guess you're right. But this still does sound very fishy. We better keep our eyes open." Kasumi said as Sakura nodded in agreement. Ein arrives with a bunch of snacks in his hands. "Got the snacks, Girls And Tomo along to boot... pfft." Ein ironically mentioned. "Give it a break already, Ein!" Tomo arrogantly answered back. "You're just in time. The race is about to start." Sakura cheerfully told Tomo. "W-where's Kitami-san?" Kasumi wondered. "He's the eleventh. They yellow one filled with stickers and the black hood." Tomo points to Kasumi. "Oh, I see now... Ike!! Kitami-san! Kyosuke-san! Are...? Doko-iruno-Kyosuke-desuka?"

Kyosuke, who is near the top 5 of the group sits calmly on the racing seat of the Exige. "Hmm... Any battle stragegies? I guess not for this race..." He told himself. "I'll drive casually, then." He said as he wears his seatbelt. As for Kitami, he couldn't take the heat any longer... literally. "Damn, it's hot here with all the interior stripped off but my seat and the dashboard... and I must contend with this new gauge I'm unfamiliar with, pfft..." He snickered ironically.

Alright, race fans! It is time to get on with this special event courtesy of the TC!!

All the racers start to rev the engines of their vehicles. Different engine roars could be heard - In line 4 and in line 6 engines, v8s, v6s, rotaries, all sorts; but there was a pair of engines that stood out amongst all the others: Kyosuke's Lotus Exige and Kitami's Ford Mustang. The Audience, the committee, and the other competitors were doubtful of their appearance in such an event: the Exige in terms of numbers is quite underpowered; while the Mustang is a car in the wrong car class; especially when the engine's like a Shelby's, not a Ford's.

The countdown begins and as soon as the light on the very end is lit, the cars blast out of their starting posts and went to position. The Mustang outstanded everyone in the audience as soon as it blasted out of 11th place, it has now reached the 7th position; right next to Kyosuke's Exige. He passed some racing engine equipped Chevy Cobalts and Mazda RX-8s with a street tuned Shelby engine. "Aren't you attacking a bit too early?" Kyosuke thought, addressing it to Kitami. "Don't think I'm overdoing everything in the first lap, Kyosuke." Kitami addressed to him. "This is nothing compared to touge racing. As soon as I'm in front, i'll continue to to pull away and away." He proudly said as he brings his car infront of Kyosuke's. "Rematch?" Kyosuke uttered as he flashes his headlights to Kitami. "I thought you'd never ask." Kitami pressed hard on the gas and pulls away further, chasing after the 5th placer.

"What are they doing?" Daiki feared as he looks at the readings of the cars from the pits. "Let them be Daiki." Shimizu assured. "But..." "You need to calm down, bro. Let them have fun. THis WILL benefit them for the rest of the race... you'll see." "Make sure you are..."Daiki seriously replied.

As Kitami pulls away, the Exige stays on his rear, passing 3 of the leading cars in front of them in no time flat. There was one car though, leading the pack, a mysterious aqua and white striped Venturi Atlantique 300 B.I. As Kitami insists on leaving Kyosuke, he noticed the nearby Venturi and wonders... "A Ferrari?" he wondered. When Kyo swerved to the side, he too also noticed the weird car. "It looks like one... but it's definitely no Ferrari." Kyo was sure with what he said and he is right. The Venturi Atlantique resembles the Ferrari Testarosa in some way; but shorter and more compact.

Because they spent so much time talking about it it starts to pull away...
"No-not yet!!" Kyosuke and Kitami uttered together. They won't lose sight of that Venturi. That venturi happens to be of team Argentina's. It kept pulling away and pulling away from the 2 Japanese combatants. "Not this time..." Kitami said. Neither one won't just lose to each other, they don't want to lose to someone better than them either...

[LAP 14 OF 35]

On to lap 14 and the gap between the Exige, Venturi, and Mustang still hasn't changed; even after 3 pit stops. The three have gone around the rest once already and their pace kept increasing...

To Kasumi, Tomo, Sakura, Ein, and Adriana... this race isn't a race at all... but a three way battle between the Argentine substitute and the 2 Japanese representatives... "How fast is the racer substituting for you?" Tomo asked. "He was once a student of my father..." Adriana answered. "It figures..." Sakura commented. If Kyosuke nor Kitami could catch up to such a commonner, it must only mean that he or she is a student of a very powerful ex-driver.

Approaching Chicana de Ascari, the Atlantique has made a huge gap from Kyo and Kitami. Kyosuke gritted his teeth. The two just arrived at the start of Recta de Lago. Things are not looking good for team Japan; moreso, Daiki's plans of an absolute victory in Argentina seems slim enough to pass. They have no choice but to commence their classic attack - slipstreaming at the long Recta de Lago to lessen the gap. Kitami lets Kyo overtake and he enters the slipstream.

Kitami could feel the Mustang accelerate further within the slipstream. As soon as they reach chicana de Ascari, Kitami 'rode' the nylon at the right side of the road upon entry and breaks out of the connection at the apex; making the GTR face the other half of the left side as it blasts through the Exige upon entry. "Don't fret, Kitami. I can compensate this." Kyosuke uttered in his seat. He plans on gaining ground at the Mixtos hairpin to the Tobogan straight. Entering the earlier, Kyosuke does a grip move at a higher speed than the Mustang so the gap decreased from 6 car lengths from the mustang to a bumper to bumper status; plus, the gap between them and the Atlantique decreased by half. When the two just arrived at the Horquilla corner, the Atlantique has passed the checkpoint entering the 15th lap.

Kyosuke looked at his tire gauge seeing that the tires are more than 1/4 warm: a yellow green color status on the gauge. As for Kitami's tire gauge, it shows a pure yellow status. He needs to change his tires by the next lap. Even Kitami could feel the understeer of the vehicle; drifting away towards the outside - not what he had in mind. Slowly, the car is losing momentum whenever Kitami does a grip move. The Exige behind him is coming in fast. "Rgh!" He muttered out as he punched the TCS button on the dashboard of his car - he decativates the TCS at that moment making his cornering more obviously erratic and drifty. Exiting Curva uno, the rear of the Mustang tripped; 3/4 way through S del Ciervo. "I like it this way... let's see how far I could push my GTR this way..." Kitami urged as he shifts from gear 4 to 5. Revolutions of the Mustang went past the redzone by 2 millimeters from the tachometer.

[Lap 34 of 35]

After 6 pitstops, 2 rounds around the other competitors and the distance between the Exige-Mustang and the Atlantique partly halved, they have passed the checkpoint onto the last lap. Exiting Horquilla once more, Kyosuke pulls out of the back of the Mustang and pushes it. "Kyo! What the hell are you thinking!?" Kitami shouted in his car. "It's alright, man. The Atlantique couldn't take the pressure of being infront for long and needs to do one unwanted pit stop." Kyosuke answered. "Ta-tah!" He greets with a wave at Kitami as the Exige drifts through S del ciervo.

"Kitami." Tetsuya calls out via radio. "You're now on second place. Feel free to go mad but be sure you are in control." With that, Tetsuya signs out. Kitami gives an evil snicker in his seat. "Ahahahahahaha!! Now this is more like it! Forget this pro stuff! I'll show you how we do it in public!!" Kitami yells out. He thomps on the accelerator and the Mustang's acceleration doubled. Tomo heard the uncanny engine accent of the GTR and concludes... "Looks like Kitami is in mad-mode." he uttered.
"Mad Mode?"
"Mad as in go crazy on the course?" Sakura answered where Tomo nods in agreement.
"He doubles his acceleration and chases after the Exige."
"Well, whatever happens... they have the win for sure." Kasumi said in a laid-back tone.
And her laid back attitude proves to all that she didn't mind their battle at all. Too bad for Kitami, Kyosuke won first; he placed second. The Atlantique placed third. The aftermath commences among all the competitors after the race...

[Outside Autodromo Oscar Galvez...]

Everyone who watched the recently concluded battle left the course in awe - mostly Argentines. Everybody couldn't believe how the substitute Argentine racer kept up with the two Japanese competitors all throughout the 35 rounds around Oscar Galvez race track. Everybody but Tomo was astounded with all that has happened. Tomo gave a very serious yet confused face. "What's the matter, Tomo-kun?" Kasumi caringly asked him. "Hmm?" He turned around to respond to her question. "You seem serious... why the long face?" she followed up.
"You know... I am starting to think that... I am not fit to be part of the whole professional racing league at all..." He honestly answered. "I wouldn't say so if I were you. You must have not raced enough; most of the time ever since your GT-R failed you again, you haven't faced your car or any car for that matter ever since... and you just stayed there with Adriana."
"That's just me." he answered to Kasumi. "But, seriously, I am sure... I think I am not cut out for this."
"I think what you need is a ride on your 34 again..." she insisted. "Maybe..." he followed. "I'll think about it." he answered further.
"Well? How'd you find the race?" Adriana asked to change the subject in some manner. "Boring..." Tomo answered. "It seems you know the conclusion to the race, eh?" Ein hypothesized. "With Tomo very involved in auto racing, I'd have to agree with you there..." Sakura added.
Tomo is getting angst because of the weather. "Let's just get out of here. I hope it gets my head out of this." he said as he briskly walked. "What's with him all of a sudden?" Ein doubted. The 3 girls just shrugged their shoulders showing an I-don't-know answer.
Someone staring at Tomo from afar, wearing a hood snickers with what he just saw and heard. "The prophecy has been broken..."
Another one behind him continues the comment with: "Would this make our job twice as easy or twice as hard?" Again, another one behind the two adds a comment: "Make it twice as easy. This way, he won't be chasing the king any longer..."
"What's the point with this discussion anyway? The fact that he isn't 'born' yet doesn't give much value to this yet."
"But at least, we get to be able to reclaim our roles in the guild..."
"You think so?"
"Positive. As long as his true being isn't born yet, we can still relax and not get messed up with any of the elite for a while..."
Kasumi quickly saw the 3 men talking amongst themselves and she is pretty sure that they're all talking about Tomogashi. "What could they possibly want with him?" "Did you say something, Kasumi-chan?" "Oh, nothing. Just thinking out loud..." "About what?" "Let's just go already..." She said with a blushing face.

Tomo met up with Tetsuya and took the keys of his Skyline, which is sitting in the middle of the parking lot, right next to Tetsuya's Jeep Commander. Before Tomo could open the door after unlocking the car, he heard a very sporty yet unfamiliar engine tone. It sounds very Japanese. No, it's no V6 nor V10... not even a V12. One of the tones he could hear sounds so... Skyline-ish and another sounds very Fairlady-ish... He looks at Sakura who just stood there. He then looked to the horizon to see what that car was. To no avail, he couldn't see it clearly. But he is positive that it was a pure Japane-ish car tone. What are such entities doing in Argentina?

Interrupted again, before he could board his car, Adriana told him something. "Tomogashi Kitsumoro..." Adriana addressed Tomo with a calming yet serious look. Tomo looked back with the same face. Slowly, she extended her left hand to Tomo. "How would you like to..."
Tomo knows it's an offer so he intently listened to what Adriana is soon to say. Even Ein, Kasumi and Sakura were eager to know what it is... "How would you like to... come to Hawaii?"
"Hawaii?" Tomo wondered.
"Why Hawaii?" Kasumi wondered.
"There's something about Hawaii that made Adriana who she is today..." Ein quoted.
"Something... about Hawaii?" Sakura wondered.
"Oahu Island to be exact..."
"Oahu island, eh?" Kasumi thought to herself.
"If your little 'boy-friend' accepts this... you'll see what I mean..."
Kasumi and Sakura looked at each other thinking among themselves...
"Something about Oahu..."
"That made Adriana who she is today..."
They both turned around to look at Tomo - eager to see what he would say.
"So, Tomo... what would it be?" Adriana continued to persist with her left hand still extended.
Looking at Adriana intimately, Tomo thought about it perfectly - what would Oahu offer him?
The wind busts through them softly while Tomogashi thinks of his answer...

Posted by: Meteor May 16 2009, 01:36 AM

Those driving scenes were a good read. Nice work. Now to see what Tomo's answer to Adriana's question will be.

EDIT: Forgot to mention this.

QUOTE

he saw Adriana [[scratch]] her eye to clear up her vision.

That would be "rub". Scratching one's eyes is rather. . painful.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 May 22 2009, 06:44 PM

Oh, that... oh well... let it be. People tend to tell me that: DON'T SCRATCH YOUR EYES instead of don't rub your eyes... so I got quite used to putting it at that point... that's just me. Anyway... here's the continuation!!
----------------------------------------------

Speed Legend Z - Round Hawaii!
Episode 19 - Congruent Paths Leading to Roads of Victory
Chapter 81 - On to the next Destination

Adriana offered her hand to Tomo, waiting for an answer. "So, what would it be, Tomogashi?" Adriana reiterrated once again. Kasumi, Sakura, and Ein were wondering if ever Tomo IS hesitant about his answer. Not a single word came out of his mouth for the next ten seconds that passed by. Only a weak gust of wind passed by. Tomo had his head down, meditating about what would beheld him. He suddenly gave a smile and rose his head. "So..." he uttered. As he stopped saying the next word he is supposed to say, he extended his hand and it made contact with Adriana's. "When's our leave?"

Adriana smiled back with his answer. Ein did the same thing. Kasumi and Sakura sort of agreed in the end. "I can't say if this is the start of his growth as a racer or the start of his disclosure as one..." Ein thought out loud. "Oh?" Kasumi slouched next to Ein. "Since when did you become concerned over Tomo?" "Let's say... just now. Because it involved Oahu. Adriana, Marcelo, and I have been there and it posed... well... a huge challenge; I am not sure if Tomo would be able to survive this also like I did." He continued to think out loud. "I don't get what you mean." Sakura told Ein. "You'll all know soon enough. Tell Adriana that I'll be waiting in the 427. Tell her too not to stay long." he said as he leaves the group.

It seems odd. Days ago, there was extreme friction between Ein and Tomo. Now, he seems to care for him too like how he cared for Adriana. This was puzzling; especially for Kasumi. "Just what did he mean... by growth and disclosure of Tomo as a racer..." She thought to herself as she looked at Tomo from a distance.

[Hotel; Buenos Aires, 6:00 p.m.]

Tomo and the girls parked their cars at the basement garage. As they head for the elevator, something caught Tomo's eye. "Hmm?" He looks at the Nismo 350Z just a few steps away, with a Jeep Commander, Ford Mustang GTR, and a Lotus Exige parked right next to it. "Looks like they're all here." He told himself. "The rest of the group?" Kasumi verified. "Yep. Let's head up to our rooms. We all need to rest and pack up for tomorrow." Tomo told them.

"Wait!" Sakura halted. "What's wrong?" "Are you serious on packing up? What would Daiki and the others say about this?" She asked him. "Well Daiki did disown me from the moment we arrived here. It seemed as if he doesn't need me anymore. If that's how he puts it, fine by me." Tomo directly told her. "Aren't you taking things a bit too literal?" Kasumi asked. "I'm not. Let's just head back up." Tomo told them in a serious tone. The elevator arrives and they board the elevator. Sakura presses for '4' and the elevator rises.

When the elevator arrived at the 4th floor, they stepped off and came across with the rest of the group. Shimizu, Tetsuya, Hiei, Ryusen, Kyo, Kitami, Hiroya, and Daiki just gave the casual look at Tomo and the girls. "Damn, bro. You missed the after party! There were a lot of hotties there! And I even got 8 of their numbers." Kitami said in a tipsy manner. "I guess Kitami had too much vodka that time." Shimizu said with a laugh. Tomo just briskly walked past by them, took out his door keys and opened the door. "Where are you going, man?" Hiei asked. "Packing up." Tomo gave a straight answer. Ryusen panicked, grabbed Tomo by the shoulders, and yelled out "No! DO NOT GO TO PANGAEA!!" "What are you saying man?" Kyosuke asked in doubt. "There's no need to be doing such restless actions, Tomo." Daiki interrupted. "Why do you say that, bro?" Tetsuya asked. "Remember? We're leaving for Hawaii immediately. The next venue would be at Oahu Raceway. Besides, we've spent too much time here already... almost a month, I think. Anyway, with that aside, it's better off we get another head start and get a glimpse of the track before the others do." Daiki explained. "Enough for you?" he followed up to Tomo who just gave a simple nod afterwards. "Then it is settled. We depart tomorrow noon. Get some rest fellas and I'll see you all tomorrow morning."

[Eizaguirre Residence; 9:45 p.m.; Cordoba]

Adriana just had a relaxing bath. Covering up her perfectly built body with her favorite rose patterned silk nightgown, she walks to the veranda to get a glimpse of the evening wind. It softly bristled through her long, gold hair; but, she did feel quite uneasy. She knew somebody was watching her from behind. Without delay, she turns around to see Ein in his casual street attire: a sleeveless denim vest over a plain white muscle shirt paired with blue denim pants and brown leather shoes. "Couldn't sleep?" Ein started. Adriana nodded sideways and answers "I just took a bath. I'll be sleeping by 10." "Got your stuff ready. We might not be coming home for a long time as of tomorrow." "I know that, Ein. Don't worry. I just brought some clothes along. And you?" "I got my stuff ready too. A trolley and back pack is set in my room." "Hmm..." "Waddya mean 'Hmm?'" "I have the same amount of stuff ready as well." "Any valuables?" "Just a pendant with his picture in it." "He's that important to you, even though you feel that he's inside Tomo, is that it?" "You could put it that way, Ein." Ein approached Adriana and stood right next to her. "We would be leaving tomorrow afternoon. Got the tickets ready?" Ein asked. "Yes. I have reserved seats already for five people." "So that's you, me, Tomo, Sakura, and Kasumi, right?" "Who else is there?" Adriana rhetorically asked with a giggle.

"Well, I am off to bed now. Sleep early, Adriana." Ein finished as he walked back inside the house. Adriana waits for another gust of wind to pass by but she instead looks at her McLaren below. "Guess I'm bringing my car along too. I wonder if Ein is taking the CLK 320 since his Shelby 427 isn't allowed within the vicinity of the Oahu's car list." She stops thinking about it and goes inside too to rest.

[Buenos Aires International Airport; 2:30 p.m.]

At the lobby, everybody is waiting for their plane to arrive. Daiki is still in the counter, negotiating for ticket prices and slots available. Tomo, who is sitting at the aisle gets a pat on his shoulder from somebody. He turns his head to see Ein with Adriana. "yo!" Ein greeted. Adriana just gave a smile at him. "I got you and the girls tickets too." Adriana showed them. "Really!? I dunno how we could repay you." Sakura told the two. "But I think I know how she can..." Kitami answered as he glides towards Adriana's side. "Maybe a date around the plane would do the trick, eh?" He told Adriana in a casanova like manner. "Um... not now. Maybe next time." Adriana humbly rejects. Kitami, feels that he lost the love war, walks gloomily back to his seat with the rest of the guys. Hiei and Ryusen showed score cards with Adriana's and Kitami's names on them: Adriana - 1, Kitami - 0.

Shimizu stood up and said that he'll tell Daiki to minus 3 tickets off his order. Five minutes later, they got their tickets. Their cars have been boarded onto the plane, with their wheels clamped onto it, and they boarded along afterwards into the plane. Adriana got the 1st class tickets whereas the rest of the team, as purchased by Daiki, gets business class. They had a 2 hour trip and arrived at Honolulu Airport. As soon as their luggages and vehicles were out, they were told to go to the official car records building right after the Honolulu freeway section to register their vehicles.

[Oahu Island Department of Automotive Registrations building; 5:10 p.m.]

"WWWWWHHHHHHAAAATTTT!?" A huge scream echoes around the vicinity attracting the attention of most Hawaiians.
"There are tuning regulations!?" Tetsuya freaked out upon hearing it from the teller. "I'm afraid so", the teller answered. "There are tuning limitations also according to the sports car classes of the vehicles. And according to our database, here are the vehicles allowed and restricted upon Oahu vicinities." The teller shows them the list from the monitor:

Nissan Skyline GT-R V-spec II Nur 2002- Bay Side Blue - licensed - exterior tuning must be removed, detune to 394 hp - D Class
Nissan Skyline GT-R V-spec 1999- Red - unlicensed
Nissan Fairlady Z Nismo S Tune 2002- Silver Metallic - licensed - detune to 400 hp - C Class
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 6 GSR 1999- unlicensed
Nissan R390 GT-1 Road Car 1998- unlicensed
Honda S2000 AP1 1999- unlicensed
Ford Mustang GT 2004- Bright Yellow Ochre - licensed - recognized as GTR concept model - C Class
Lotus Exige 240R 2004- black - licensed - C Class

"Great!! Where could we leave our cars then?" Hiroya said in a fit. "Unlicensed models could be relocated at Pearl Harbor where we have an alloted space for unlicensed models not allowed to be present in Oahu roads. We guarantee that your unlicensed automobiles would be safe there and you could claim them when you are ready to depart." The attendant answered.
"And our previous upgrades that need to be removed?" Tetsuya angrily asked. "Because majority of your cars that need to be detuned are Japanese models, we recommend reallocating your parts at our Japan Tech tuning shop. We will give you a map of the island upon your accomplished registration."

As Hiroya, Tetsuya, and a few others argued with the attendant due to regulations that they think is unfair, Tomo and Kasumi stood in one corner with Tomo thinking to himself of the current situation. "This is a different set of current events, don't you think?" Kasumi asked. "Yeah. Now I need to train myself to maximize the potential of my car with these restricted car classes and detuned modifications." Tomo thought out loud. "This must be what Ein is telling me." Kasumi thought to herself, remembering what Ein just said.

As they exit the premises, it left most of the group unsatisfied. "Hmph. enjoy your Stay they say..." "My upgrades... worthless in a place like this!!" "Great. Now what am I supposed to drive while we're here." Daiki was silent and just went amongst his business. Somebody, from a distance, whistled out to Tomo. He turned to look and see Adriana right next to her McLaren F1 LM. "Why did you call me?" "I want to show you something. You haven't been inside a European British Supercar, have you?" "If by Supercar, as in authentic, then no. I haven't." Tomo answered.

"Didn't he had one? You know, with Kitana's Lamborghini?" Hiei wondered. "The Murciel-lardo doesn't count as it is a custom. Authentic supercars are cars whose chassis and body has been maintained. Just like Adriana's F1 LM." Kitami explained. Ein walked next to the rest of the group and leaves Tomo and Adriana be. "What's this about?" Kasumi wondered. "She's gonna bring Tomo along for the ride." Ein answered straight. "Ride? As in like a test run?" Sakura verified.

"Hop on." Adriana told Tomo as she boards the car. Before Tomo could enter, he gave the F1 LM one last look. I wonder how this car does run... it might be a good opportunity to see it run from inside the car..." He thought as he enters the car.

Posted by: Meteor May 24 2009, 03:22 AM

QUOTE

People tend to tell me that: DON'T SCRATCH YOUR EYES instead of don't rub your eyes...

Good advice either way

Having to detune their cars. . What an annoyance.

I'll be waiting for the update.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jun 7 2009, 05:00 PM

Here's the next update!!
----------------------------------------------

Chapter 82 - McLaren

Tomo boards the McLaren with no hesitation. Normally,the F1 LM would only have one racing bucket seat located in the middle since it is the street version of the original, race-spec McLaren F1 LM GTR. Adriana changed the interior layout of the car so that it'll be good enough for 2 people compared to the original interior layout of standard McLarens - a 3 seater supercar.

The dashboard, though was retained. This puzzled Tomo. 'How would she be able to drive if the McLaren's steering wheel is located in the center and not facing her seat?' he thought to himself. "What's wrong?" Adriana asked. "The layout... it seems awkward..." he admitted. "Oh this?" she realized. "This may seem awkward to you but no matter. The dash setup is adjustable. So are the seats. I only need to push my seat so that you could sit without hesitation. See?" She points to the seat setup. "My seat is pushed forward in comparison to the passenger seat.

"Before we go, I have one last curious question concerning the interior layout of the car" Tomo requests once again. "I intentionally retained one seat for 1 passenger purposes. This seat is lightweight so it doesn't hinder the car's weight. The other seat, that's for performance reasons. Since weight reduction processes need the car to have passenger seats removed for such circumstances, I have to at least remove ONE of 2 seats. Oh, need I mention that the passenger seat is removable? I could always remove it at my place if ever I need that extra boost in power-weight response." Adriana explained in full.

Tomo and Adriana got into the orange McLaren. Tomo sat on the left seat next to the driver's seat. There's no seat on the right of the driver's seat as Adriana mentioned. He had expected to feel cramped up inside the McLaren. But strangely enough, the passenger seat provided him no discomfort. Adriana got on the right side and sat on the driver's seat, placing the key on the ignition in the process, she lowered the right door's window and hollered to the group. "Everyone! Listen. Ein has a proposal concerning your stay in Hawaii. Talk to him for all details. We'll be back." She said as she slowly raised the window up again.

The F1 uses a standard manual, gearbox based transmission, which may seem awkward to some in connection to its car class equal to, though unlike those Formula 1 cars. She brings it to gear 1 and slowly accelerates the car, in order not to cause too much noise. She didn't care for wheelspin to occur as there's a switch in her car in activating and deactivating the Traction Control System (TCS), which is turned on at max setting.

As they make a left on to the Freeway, she slowly increased the pressure on the accelerator. Tomo was suddenly pushed to his seat as Adriana accelerated the car. He looked at the spedometer and couldn't believe the speed they're at. In the blink of an eye, they had gone from 50 km/h to 175 km/h. Speed increased bit by bit and Tomo couldn't help but find the seatbelt and secure himself in place. Looking at Adriana, Tomo could see no emotion in her face: no gritting, no sweating... she's gotten used to her car and how it reacts. The car seems to accelerate endlessly and the speed increases moment by moment. There is an incoming left bend and Tomo couldn't predict what Adriana would do. 'Would she brake? or would she approach the corner head on?' he thought. As they entered the corner itself at full speed, The F1 stayed on the inside lane. Since the TCS is on and their speed is above the maximum that it could hold, the tachometer slightly drops, causing a small loss of speed. At 288+ km/h, the car handles the mid-high speed corner very well without much effort. 'is this what a McLaren could do? or is this just a sample of it? Its capabilities completely overpower my Skyline GTR...' he admits.

"Driving with the TCS on is boring. I'll remove it and see if I still got it..." Adriana thought out loud as she turns of the TCS. 'what would happen now that she removed the TCS?' Tomo thought once more. Entering the Alimanu district, via the main highway, the F1 gathers more speed than usual; reaching a maximum of 310 km/h in an instant. 'The performance of this car is way beyond my expectations... is this even a car at all?' Tomo thought once again to himself. Looking at Adriana again, she didn't let her foot off the gas and neither did she stepped on the brakes once since they took off. 'This must be her real potential. If she's in her own McLaren, she could push it further than racing cars... The perfect bond between man and machine... the endless speed that both could create... It seems Adriana is the only one who has shown it to me. Not even Daiki or my previous rivals showed me this.' Tomo uttered. At the back of his mind, he recalls Marcelo and all of her stories about him. Adriana glances at the GPS and notes that they're already halfway to their destination. From that point, Tomo brings up a question to her.

"Say, Adriana." Tomo started off. "Hmm?" She uttered in her seat. "Did Marcelo drive your McLaren even at least once? If so, how did it go between this and him?" When Tomo mentioned that, Adriana let off her foot from the accelerator. Slowly the car lost a tremendous amount of speed. She let her head fall and starts to talk. "He has. In fact, he drove it faster than what you see today." She humbly answers. "I don't get it." Tomo said. "What do you mean by 'faster than what I just saw'?" he asks once more.

"You were all recently in the automobile registration building, am I right?" she asks Tomo, who nods in return. "This F1, is inclusive in the registrated cars database. This setup I've made in my F1 is just a level 2 setup." "Level 2? Is this why they impose tuning restrictions?" "That's right. It's to control the performance of vehicles as to not to be abused on the open road. They try to be formal and strict about these matters since they are very up to date with tuning properties of other countries. If vehicles were pushed too far in terms of upgrades and specs, then who knows of the casualties that lie ahead if one isn't careful of their choice of setup. It is also for the safety of the people, as they say."

"Though I still feel that my GT-R should be detuned to 400 hp is questionable, I understand their purpose in doing such. What car class is your car in?" He asks again. "My F1 LM is in the A-class." "Is there any class higher than that, like an S class?" "No. It's already the prime class only for supercars. No other car has entered into this category, lest some American models have failed to reach it like the Dodge Viper, despite its numbers." Adriana thoroughly explained. When she felt that the speed was already too low, she presses on the gas again to its recent speed. While keeping her eyes on the traffic ahead on the freeway, she kept on explaining. Tomo, later, brings up his first question again about Marcelo and her F1 LM. "Oh... that. My car and my brother are in good terms. As I said a while back, he has pushed my car beyond what I could do... as if it is on a level 3 setup. It could even keep up with his own Benz CLK GTR when we did runs at Oahu Raceway. The times were the same though he used both cars and drove on the same racing line and speed." Tomo just looked at the fast-paced passing horizon after hearing that. Adriana glanced at him whilst on an empty stretch of road, and didn't speak after that. She knew that it was enough to sate his curiosity.

After 10 minutes of driving from the center of Oahu island, Honolulu, they reached the south east part of the island: the Halona Blow Hole. She slows the car down upon sight of the beach and brings it to a steady 120 km/h speed. "Why'd you slow down?" Tomo asks out of the blue. "We're here." she said. "Where?" "My Hawaiian home... I named it the Kaloko Lost Heaven. Well..." She snickers. "The retailor gave that name to the place. It's the only one of its kind here. It cost me 10 million dollars, inclusive of all furnitures and house amenities and all that stuff. Adriana enters the gate of the house, which was opened via a remote control in her car directed to it. At a calm, steady pace of 20 km/h, she slowly brings the car to a halt, right infront of the Outdoor pool walkway.

They got out and entered the place. "Whoa! This place is huge!!" Tomo freaked out in awe. "Told you it's the only one of its kind. Say, where is your luggage?" "Oh, it's with Kasumi... who has my GT-R." "Does she race?" "Hell no. I just taught her the basics of driving... not racing, so that she could go wherever she pleases if she feels like it." Adriana smiled upon hearing that. From the way he said it, she could tell he felt much concern for her (Kasumi).

Entering the family room, which has a very large 40 inch wide screen Television with surround sound and a Sony entertainment board, Tomo took notice of a picture frame right at the table on the television's right side, facing north of the house. He took it and sees a picture of the entire Eizaguirre Family with the Benz and McLaren parked side by side. "Want me to get you a drink?" Adriana offered. "Oh, just water. I don't want to trouble you too much." he answers. He puts the picture down and sits at the sofa, exhausted with maintaining his body against all those G-forces during the high-speed drive. Adriana brought 2 glasses of four seasons fruit shakes with a fruit slice slotted on the rim of the glass. Tomo took one which has a green lemon slice and Adriana took the one with the Kiwi fruit slice. "I wonder when the group would be able to check in." He wondered. After sipping from her glass, Adriana assured him saying... "Oh don't worry. Ein is making arrangements for them to stay here in my place." "You sure? Aren't we not too much of a nuisance back at Argentina?" "OF course not. The more the merrier right?" "Well... if you put it that way... (Probably this way, Daiki might even cut down on miscellaneous expenses on this place for a while) alright..." he concludes as he sips from his glass too. "They'll be here in about an hour or so. Traffic is quite light today so they won't have much of a problem." Adriana noted.

An hour and a half later, they all arrived; all except for...

"Where's Kitami?" Tomo asked Kasumi, who came in last on to the house.
"Um... dunno. A while ago, he was just behind us during the highway a moment ago then all of a sudden, his yellow Mustang disappeared. It was strange." Kasumi answered.
"Where could he have possibly gone off to?" Hiei wondered.
"He probably saw a hot girl and veered out of the pack at the next exit I guess." Ryusen hypothesized.

Speak of the devil, Ryusen was right. He saw a hot hawaiian girl and brought her to her house hear the center of the island. Kitami bids farewell and drives down the hill. There was a junction and Kitami turned to the right, entering the freeway. Driving at a steady 5000 rpm at gear 2, Kitami cruises and notices the background surrounding the freeway; it is like a desert of yellow grass. Being drawn by the figure of the entire course, has caused Kitami to increase his pace. He drives at a very fast pace and lets the rear tires of the car spin eratically as he clears high speed corners. Reaching a point where the grass turns from yellow to green and the forest comes into view, a mysterious looking compact races behind Kitami's Mustang.

With fire licking the exhausts of the Mustang GTR, Kitami removes his foot off the gas when he feels the presence of the incoming car. "What car is that?" He wondered.
The car seems very unorthodox if you ever judge it according to looks. It's as small as a Lotus Elise with a first-generation front-end, but the rear reminds one of a Ferrari F355. With a GT wing aiding aerodynamics, the car is still not identifiable from a distance. Wrapped in a luscious red coating, the car gets closer to the Mustang. There was only one thing that is unnatural about that car - the audio system. The driver opened the windows and had his bass on high. It's weird for a driver to concentrate with that loud of a sound insulating around the cockpit

The car behind the Mustang flashes its headlights directly at Kitami. He tries to ignore the lights and concentrates on his own pace. The driver still insists on challenging Kitami.

"Does he really want to race me?"

Posted by: Meteor Jun 10 2009, 08:26 AM

QUOTE

He expects to feel cramped up in the seat but Tomo seems to feel comfortable with it.

Something about that doesn't seem right.

A better way of phrasing that:
"He had expected to feel cramped up inside the McLaren. But strangely enough, the passenger seat provided him no discomfort."

QUOTE

In a blink of an eye, from 50 km/h, they reached 175 km/h in an instant.

That's a bit redundant.

"In the blink of an eye, they had gone from 50 km/h to 175 km/h."

QUOTE

Adriana smiled upon hearing that from Tomo, because she can tell by how Tomo says it, he's very concerned for her (Kasumi).

And a better of phrasing that:
"Adriana smiled upon hearing that. From the way he said it, she could tell he felt much concern for that person."

BTW. Did you mean concerned as in "Tomo worries about Kasumi" or "Tomo cares about Kasumi"?

QUOTE

It size is as small as a Lotus Elise with the front of its first generation, but the back reminds us all of a Ferrari F355's.

Maybe, that's better phrased as:
"It's as small as a Lotus Elise with a first-generation front-end, but the rear reminds one of a Ferrari F355.

Anyway, your descriptions for the driving scenes seem to have improved.

I'm curious as to what that car is. And does it want to race Kitami? Only one way to find out. . .
I'll wait for the next chapter.

(I'm not very good at writing reviews these days for some reason. I seem to lack even more eloquence than before too).

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jun 10 2009, 05:48 PM

Oh, thanks for pointing those out. I did the edits as you have suggested. And don't worry, I am very sure you can regain that lost eloquence you have when it comes to writing reviews.

QUOTE

Did you mean concerned as in "Tomo worries about Kasumi" or "Tomo cares about Kasumi"?

And Yes, concerned as in cares about.

OKay, so we have a lotus front (1st generation Elise 98')and a F355 rear plus a GT wing... what car would that actually be? hmm...

It's (THIS WORD IS CENSORED AS TO MAINTAIN THE SANCTITY OF THE NEXT CHAPTER)

edited:

This is the next chapter...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 83 - Sound of Freedom

Down the freeway, Kitami is being pressured by a notorious black sports car. Kitami decelerates and lets it overtake him. When he looks at the badge, he could barely see the car's brand but could tell the text engraved on it.

NOBLE.

"Noble? Hmph. I never heard of that car brand before. Must be new... Time to see what this car could actually fare against my Mustang!!" Kitami hollers in his seat as he accelerates further to regain the lead from the Noble. The loud bass out of the Noble, however, is disrupting Kitami's concentration; even if it is just a straightway.

Now hear this! It comes a time that everyone might need a relaxation you know? Run! Listen this tune! Listen this! (As I was saying)

Out of the car's audio system, congo drums, loud clapping, and guitar strumming came out of the speakers, irritating Kitami. "What the hell? Is his car audio set on max? How could he drive with that on?" Kitami wondered. He shifts to gear 3 a little late because of the tune. It was catchy, though, but it wasn't actually Kitami's type of music, which disrupts his driving even more.

Everybody's free! (gotta be free, now) feel good!

He looks at the rearview mirror to see the driver jamming his head over the tune and singing with it. Seeing that disturbs Kitami a lot and gives him more of a reason to outrun this Noble. The driver in the Noble, even though he's jamming over the music and singing along out loud, he has his eyes on the Mustang GT-R and IS actually racing.

The Mustang's acceleration increased and left the Noble behind. Kitami, from the start, is giving all that he has to beat this mysterious challenger. Passing through the 150 km/h speed limit, they never hesitated to pass through traffic at a very threatening speed.

This is the sound of freedom (what we saying, coz!?)

"Ugh... couldn't he keep his lyrics to himself!?" Kitami complained. Shifting to gear 4, the flames licked the exhaust and the body shifted forward as well. As the air passes through the well-designed aerodynamic body of the Mustang GTR, it was able to increase the distance between him and the mysterious Noble car at his rear. The driver, though, of the Noble didn't budge at all and kept on driving. He doesn't care what Kitami does. He seems pretty confident about winning the unofficial match between him and Kitami.

They passed the 215 km/h mark and still they kept on going around the traffic at a very smooth pace. Going through high speed corners, they nailed the inside of the corner at a speed of 243 km/h. When Kitami looks at his behind, he couldn't believe that his high speed attach was ineffective. Ineffective, in the sense that he couldn't outrun the Noble.

"This Noble... what could it possibly do!? I don't understand this!! Is it more powerful than my Mustang!? I won't give in to such judgement!!" Kitami said in a proud tone. He's very proud of the car that he selected in replace of his RX-8. He has tuned it well and is quite proud of his work. He won't allow any do gooder who blurts out nonsense lyrics while driving to beat his current pride and joy.

They pass the Waikiki junction and continue to head southeast of the island. Their speed continues to increase as they burrow deeper to Adriana's household by the Halona Blow Hole.
The Noble driver keeps on singing... it is his way of calming his senses while acting also as a handicap to his opponents as a form of distraction. Kitami couldn't plan ahead because of this making the match quite dead even. Unknown to Kitami, the car he is actually facing is a Noble M12 GTO 3R. It is a very lightweight car: based on the Lotus Elise and as agile as the Ferraris. A british car with much overlooked performance... to those outside Europe.

Kitami could be in a very bad situation: the Noble is as powerful as the Mustang AND as light as the Lotus Exige... meaning something very close to that of a Formula 1 car of only half of its power and ability. If he ever loses to this car's 'superforce', well... what would happen would still be changed depending on how Kitami would look at the situation he is in.

Surprisingly, the Noble driver stopped singing out loud as the verse of the song kicks in. It's either he wants to enjoy the song for the moment, cannot understand the fast lyrics, or shifting his concentration to the race rather than the song. Whatever the reason may be, he begins to catch up to the Mustang, closing in on it up to its bumper.

"Hmm? He stops blabbing... I'm unsure whether he's relaxing or concentrating more on the race..." Kitami thought to himself. A long straightway is ahead of them, and Kitami has now passed the 278 km/h mark with the Noble closing in at 280 km/h. The race seems long... when would it end? They have already passed more than 10 kilometers worth of freeway road and neither one wants to call it quits...

"I'll have to pull all stunts to outrun this freak..." Kitami told himself firmly.

[at the Eizaguirre residence...]

Sakura is talking to her peers through her laptop's messenger. One of her friends, who happens to be in Hawaii too, by the north of the island, told her that if ever she wants something to pass the time like a part time job, there's an opening available at the Honolulu Call center.

She continues to talk to that friend of hers...
*tick, tick tick, tick* She reads to herself what she just posted:
"Well... my car is placed on impound as my car couldn't be driven through these roads so I have nothing much to do. Hmm... alright. Count me in!

We'll be staying for 2 months here in Hawaii so it would be alright."
Her friend immediately replied...
"You drive? That's something different. What car?"
"Two months, eh? Hmm... I could negotiate... yeah, a part time job is alright."
Sakura giggled a bit on what her friend posted. Well, she did keep a couple of secrets from her because she was too busy with driving nowadays right after her graduation from Tokyo's University of Medicine.
"It's settled then. Tomo does seem to have a point... Daiki does select who would race and would let those not in the position to drive as of the even to do as they please. And since I have nothing much to do... this might be a good opportunity to sow some loose ends with my college friends." she uttered with a smile.

Kasumi passed by and wondered what Sakura was smiling about.
"You seem pretty happy. What is it about?" She said while holding a tray with a glass of four seasons fruit drink that she'll be handing to her.
"I might be going for a part time job for a while." She answered with a smile.
"Really? What kind?"
"Oh, Call center... my friend told me of an available slot here in Honolulu. 5 days a week less than 8 hours... probably 7 or 6 a day. And the pay is quite good. I cannot depend on the team for my personal finances, you know." Sakura admitted.
"That's true." Kasumi admitted. "Well, good for you to find such a job here. I think I better make Tomo find a job on his own. He cannot depend on me either..." She answered with a soft laugh. "When would you start?" Kasumi followed with a question.

"Oh, probably after a week or so." Sakura said with an unsure tone. "I'll be informed by my friend when exactly." She finished off with a smile.

Outside, the girls heard Tomo's R34 leave the garage.
"Tomo? Where's he off to?" Sakura wondered.
"Let him go, girl. He's probably going to catch up with his college friends too. We met one of them back at America." Kasumi told her.
Sakura just gave one huge, happy sigh and turns to her laptop.

[back with the race...]

"Damn! Won't he just quit!?" Kitami uttered as he stomps on the gas passing the 295 km/h mark.
The chorus returns for the third time and the Noble driver continues to sing again, which is driving Kitami nuts.
The 2 cars dash off into the tunnel continuing their battle... Kitami, not feeling good about this battle, does all he can to beat the Noble driver.

Posted by: Meteor Jun 17 2009, 12:04 AM

Heh, this new racer's quite an entertaining character. And just how will this battle end?

QUOTE

And Yes, concerned as in cares about.

Then I'm afraid you mis-used the word "concerned", just like you frequently mis-use "angst". "Tomo is concerned for Kasumi" = "Tomo is worried about Kasumi".

Anyway, next chapter please.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jun 18 2009, 06:40 AM

This next chapter would be quite different... and if ever you're wondering when this would occur again... well, time will tell... if I am inspired to do so again... maybe there will be more. For now, let's deal with this in the meantime and let me know what you think:

------------------------------------------
Chapter 84 - A Noble Warrior

user posted image

Posted by: driftertrueno Jun 18 2009, 11:03 AM

you are great artist. good job reminds me of initial d.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jun 21 2009, 03:59 AM

Now. Let's get back to the updates... speaking of which, we bring you back our regularly scheduled and patterned program...

the text version.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Episode 20 - Cooperation! Uniqueness of a 4WD!
Chapter 85 - The Oahu Guardian, Back at Home

From afar, A stock, Bay Side Blue Skyline GT-R R34 cruises down the east coast of Oahu Island. The sound of the car seems quite different, compared to the other R34's around the area. That R34 is owned by none other than Tomogashi Kitsumoro. He accepts the regulations set by the Oahu Automotive Department, concerning car modifications and he doesn't mind it at all; he was also proud to say that whatever tuning his car undergoes, he could still drive it the way he used to.

By the time that Tomo had enough of cruising, he makes a right towards a dead end road. He parks his car and steps off it. Walking over to the sandy beach of Kailua, memories of the past haunts him at the most unexpected of times. He gets quick flashbacks of his moments at Japan, Italy, America, and Canada at one sitting, with an image of his old love, Rikona Shimmitsu, as a finale. He wants to forget her as a crush but somewhere in his heart, he goes against it. Why would he chase after another when he already has one... or two...?

"Why is she coming back to me!?" He angrily told himself. He puts his right palm over his forehead, blocking too his sense of sight, and desperately walks over to the car. "Why is it like this!!!?" He threw up in rage and puches a nearby coconut tree, causing it to loosen a fruit and let it fall... right on Tomo's cranium.

Bang!

The impact was hard enough for Tomo to lose consciousness. That was something utterly stupid of him to do. He fell head first on the ground with his mouth wide open and has been unconscious for hours. The only good thing was nobody was there to see the comic scenario.

At the north of the Island, by Oahu gulf...

A cab just stopped by a house at the very end of the Oahu Gulf. Somebody stepped out of the cab and watched it drive away. It is the girl from before, staring at the scenery of the sea by one of the beaches at the north west of the island. Her hair is mid length with a part of it curled up at the ends and the rest of her hair falling down right up to where her shoulder blades are. Her eyes could say that she is Japanese but the rest of her goes to say that she is foreign... more like a local of the area. She's quite pretty, though, and almost nobody could dare ignore her, even if she wants to be ignored at times. Wearing a translucent long sleeve blouse that has the ends tied to each other like a ribbon, an orange shirt inside it, and a contrasting colored skirt that goes all the way past her knees, she walks to the house checking if there is anyone home. Her name? Minami Suzuki.

Knocking at the door, nobody was there. Peeping through the window, nobody was there either. "Hmm..." Minami thought to herself. "Where could they be? I called them and said that I'll be coming home though..."

She reaches for her pocket and pulls out a key. "Lucky for me that Joseph told me to bring a spare key upon my arrival." She puts the key into the lock and opens it. "Hello?" She softly hollered. "Anybody home?"

It was silent. Very silent.

"Better check the garage. He and Anthony could be working some thingymagick with those cars they own..."

She walks past the stairs and makes a right, passing the bathroom, towards the garage door. Minami pushes the door only to be surprised by Joseph and Anthony, who are holding confetti shooting cones at her, giving a warm 'Welcome Home' shout.

"Welcome Home, Minami!!"
"Ya! Welcome Home, man!!"

"J...joseph? A...Anthony? Um..." Minami is quite a shy girl and thinks more of what she says than say it, even though she falls short of it sometimes. "well... I don't think it's my birthday and you both know I don't do birthdays either, right?" Joseph and Anthony are quite stumped with what Minami just said and just laughed out loud.

"Bwahahahahahaha!! What are you talking about, man?" Joseph asked in a jamaican manner.
"This is a welcome home party silly girl." Anthony reiterates.

Joseph is the one who has his hair on dreadlocks, wears a yellow-red-green hat like those Jamaican personalities, and is black by nature. He likes to talk Jamaican since he is raised in Jamaica, though a full blooded hawaiian.
Anthony is Minami's relative who studied law in Chicago, Illanois. He is the opposite of Joseph. If Joseph is the wild type, Anthony is the serious type of person; who, on a sidenote, likes 80's rock bands. You can tell by the goatee he has from his lower lip down to his chin.

"Say, Minami. We has a present for you. Wanna see, ya?" Joseph asks as he escorts her to the car covered in a gray sheet. "Um... okay?"
"Where's that car of yours anyway?" Anthony asks out of the blue. "Oh, that car?" Minami repeats. "I gave it to Ryan. Mileage is past 25 thousand kilometers so it's not running like I want it to before." Ryan happens to be her younger, hyperactive, and childish brother who is still in Japan.

"Told ya she'll give it away, Anthony. You owe me a surfboard for that, man. As agreed."
"Tsk. Fine. You win, Joseph."
"Here it is, ya." Joseph said as he walks over to the covered car to uncover it. "tadaa!"

It has a hard top, Volks beetle like shape, a medium sized duck tail spoiler, 18 spoke, 17" standard rims, and dual exhausts. Joseph pops the hood open showing an Inline 4 1.8 Litre NA engine with the Audi badge on the cover of the engine block. The entire body is coated in a sleet Misano red metallic with the hard top as is in a metallic black tone. The headlights though are the same 1st generation 2003 model's; so is the tail lights.

"This is the last model they had before they made another one with a more futuristic design for mid 2005. Minami. This car is yours: the Audi TT 1.8 Quattro sport." Anthony introduced to her. "Th...this is... mine?" Minami asked in doubt.

"Of course, ya. Plus... let me give you the guided tour of your new car." Joseph volunteered.
"How much do I owe you, then?" Minami asked all of a sudden.
"Owe me?" Joseph broke into laughter. "This is a PRESENT from us to you. It's yours for the taking. (Although I did use up a quarter of my savings to buy this TT. 42 thou isn't that short value of money.)..."
"Anywho... Joseph continued. Your car is modified, by the way. Upgraded to 290 horsepower, down to 1.3 tons. and has a top speed of 275 km/h with a 0-60 time of less than 5 seconds. Those are good numbers, eh?"
Minami couldn't answer. She's the type of person who knows the car by feeling and instinct. Not with numbers, unlike Joseph.
"Yo, Joseph. Minami." Anthony hollered.
"Yep?" the two asked.
"I'm driving out for a while. Going to the nearest aftermarket shop."
"OKay. That's like... 67 kilometers from here down south, right?" Joseph asked.
"Don't remind me." Anthony said in a fit as he boards the red Pontiac 2003 GTO and drives away.
"So that's anthony's car." Minami thought.
"Yeap. So... wanna take your new car out for a spin?"
"Would I?" Minami is anxious enough to get in. She's jumping in place just waiting for Joseph to give the signal.
Minami got into her new Audi and drove out of the garage. Shifting to gear 1 right after a full stop, she slowly presses on the gas. "Quite silent though... but it works for me." She snickered. "Time to drive." she thought to herself as she makes a left from the T intersection on to the main road down Kahuku point. Intentionally racing down the road, she noticed something on the car's gearbox. As soon as she shifts to gear 4, gear 5 starting point is already close to the red zone. "Did Joseph intentionally do this? But I could really feel a kick out of this car with it." Minami smiled as she said that. Pressing down the gas deeper, she felt the G forces acting upon acceleration and blasts past the 240 km/h bracket.

Down Hauula, she continues to drive in a faster pace unlike the others. 10 kilometers passed, she's still not stopping. She loves to drive down the Hawaiian Roads. She misses driving down it. She loved these roads. She won't stop. Looking at the sky while driving, the sun's colors and the blue sky slowly blend together. It is a sight of art. But to Minami, it is nothing compared to the roads of Oahu. She's surrounded by endless fields of green. It is like a road in Paradise.

Even the sea next to Kahana beach isn't distracting her from what she is witnessing. At Punalu'u, she makes her way up a steep hillclimb, causing the car to decrease in speed, up to a sudden drop in elevation surprises her. Mianmi was silent but she is happy. Running around her home island is what makes her the happiest person on the island.

At Kualoa Park, she feels more comfortable with herself. 16 km down and she still isn't stopping.
Passing by deep shrowds of trees, she gets in touch with nature as she drives. Down Heeia Park, she comes across a zig zag road with palm trees in red soil. Entering Kane Ohe Farm territory, she continues to cruise down... somewhat... she's now 30 kilometers away from her house.

She makes a left on to a dead end road, the same road that Tomo took hours ago. At the end of the road, she notices a Nissan Skyline R34 parked on the side. "Hmm? Looks like somebody's here and Kane Ohe as well." She wondered. She stepped out of the car, seeing someone, not too far from where she's standing, unconscious and fallen on the sand. She rushes over to help that person regain consciousness.

She stops by the person. It's a guy. His hair is quite messed up, he wears a dark short sleeved shirt, unbuttoned with a contrasting shirt inside it. She puts her ear next to his nose and could tell that he is still breathing. "Oh, what should I do?" She looks at the sea and got an idea. She ran towards it and dips both her hands on the water; raising it carrying a small amount rounded on her hands. She throws the water right on the face of the guy. "guess it didn't work. I better wait for him to wake up." Minami thought to herself. She sat right next to the person and just noticed the sea as the wind touched her face. The guy coughed the water out that was in his mouth minutes later. His vision is still blurry.

He looks at Minami but couldn't tell who it is. After a blink or two, he imagined that it is Rikona. Surprisingly, by coincidence, Rikona and Minami's hairstyle is the same. No wonder Tomo thought it was her. He raises his hand and gives a moan of pain. Minami looks back to say "Oh, good you're awake."

Minami holds a handkerchief on her hand and pats Tomo's face dry. He could see clearly now and knew that this girl isn't Rikona. "W..who are you?" Tomo asked.
"Me? Oh, I am Minami Suzuki. You can call me Minami."
The rustling water is the only sound that goes around them.
"And you are?" Minami asked with a smile.
"I'm ... T...Tomo. Tomo Kitsumoro."
"Tomo eh?" She thought as she looked at the sunset sky.
"Are you alone?"
"For now. I isolated myself from my friends. I came here alone, thought of something then something fell on me knocking me out."
"Are you okay now?"
"I think I am."
"That's good to hear."

Tomo just looks at Minami who is still watching the sunset sky. He looked at Minami's face.
"K...kawaii..." he wondered.
Minami heard Tomo say a word. "Hmm?" She wondered smiling.
"N..nothing. It's nothing Minami"
"Why are you alone?" Minami asked.
"I was thinking of something. But I don't know what it is."
"You must be going through hard times, then."
"I'm not going poor."
"No." Minami assured with a laugh. "I didn't mean that. I don't want to butt in to your personal stuff and problems so I am keeping my mouth shut with this." She said while gesturing showing that she will keep herself silent.
Tomo said nothing after that.

"I think you need a friend here."
"Eh?" Tomo wondered why she'll say that.
"How's say you? Wanna be best friends?"
"B-best friends? All of a sudden?"
"Just friends first actually..." She corrected herself with a smile on her face.
Tomo extended his hand to Minami enclosing the deal. She is Tomo's first friend ever since he got to Hawaii.
"Please take care of me." Minami said.
"Yes." he answered.
"Let's go for a drink then." Minami said with her hand up high.
"Aren't you too young to drink?"
"I don't mean hard drinks. And hey, I'm 19 already. How old are you?"
"I'm around 20 going 21 soon."
"C'mon. I know this neat place that serves the best strawberry daiquiris." Minami insisted as she boards her car.
"So she drives an Audi eh?"

['The Luau', 5:00 p.m.]

As they entered, they sat on the countertop seats and gave their orders to the bartender. Minami, as she said, ordered a Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri. Tomo, on the other hand just ordered a simple glass of Bailey's Scotch Whisky.
Starting a conversation with him, Minami just remembered a request from an old friend back at Japan before she left.

QUOTE

A young man wearing glasses and a windbreaker hands over a letter and a picture of Tomo to Minami at the Tokyo International Airport.
"Please give the letter to him. The picture would be your guide. He may look quite different compared to the picture but you'll eventually meet him. "
"OKay. If ever I see him, I'll give it to him."
"Don't worry sis" a peachy little boy, as high as the young man, says as he approaches her. "We'll be coming to Hawaii too for a visit."
"Don't push yourselves too hard while I am away, okay?"
"Sure..."
With that, Minami enters the airport, presented her ticket and boarded the next flight to Oahu.

"Oh. I almost forgot."
"What is it?" Tomo asked after sipping some scotch whisky off his glass.
"Here." She hands over a piece of paper to Tomo.
"A letter from Kaede." Minami told him.
"You know Kaede?"
"He's a good friend of mine. You know him?"
"Childhood pal." Tomo answered.
Without hesitation Tomo browsed through the letter. Seconds later, he closed it and puts it in his left pocket. "I'll read it when I get home."
"Where are you staying."
"Just living in with my friends at a mansion by Halona."
"That's the southeast bank of the island is it?"
Tomo nods in agreement.
They finished their drinks and left the bar.

Outside, Tomo noticed the sunset. "The sun looks good at this hour."
"Yeah, it is." Minami agreed.
From afar, a couple of Minami's friends noticed her. "M..Minami! Is that you?"
"Wow! You've grown a lot, girl."
Minami just giggled when she heard those comments.
"Who are you with?"
"Is he your boyfriend?"
Minami was shocked by that comment. Blushing, she countered that comment saying "He's not my boyfriend. We just met."
"Oh, what a drag then."
"How's Joseph? We heard that he is still the fastest."
"The fastest in Oahu?" Tomo thought to himself.
"I never got to see him race recently." Minami admitted.
"Well, best regards to him, okay?"
"We'll be seeing you then."

Tomo's personality changed when he heard them talk about racing. He got quick visions of bad encounters with Daiki and the team recently. Minami waved goodbye to her friends as they took a bus and leave.

"I'm curious Minami." Tomo asked in a serious tone.
"Hmm?"
"Are you a street racer?"
"I'm not that good though. Even if I am Joseph's student. He's my cousin, by the way." Minami shared with him.
Tomo's face became even more serious. He faced her with a serious expression and demanded something to her.

"I want you..."
Minami wondered what it could be about.
"To race me." He said in a deep undertone.
Minami is a bit shocked to hear that. They just met and now he wants to battle her? What for? Is it something about her that wants Tomo to race so badly? Minami just nods in agreement sealing another deal with Tomo. They board their cars and slowly make their way onto their starting point.

Posted by: Meteor Jun 23 2009, 09:06 AM

~~(Review of the latest comics to be edited into this post later. Nice to see you draw again by the way.)~~
The review is now edited in.

You tend to make decent looking comics whenever you're using a pencil. I'm guessing it's because a pencil gives much better control than the ballpoint pens you used to use and the tablet I think you're using now. A few panels looked lazily drawn, and the Mustang GT's proportions were messed up in two panels. Tomo's GT-R looked weird in one panel too.

And the parallel drift didn't look right either for reasons I'm not sure of right now.

But overall, the art was decent.

No praises or complaints about the writing, but the way Minami thought out loud about how good it was to be back in Oahu did seem like you could've made it less wordy.
_____

QUOTE

He threw up in rage and puches a nearby coconut tree, causing it to loosen a fruit and let it fall... right on Tomo's cranium.

Bang!

OUCH!

Good thing Tomo's a fictional character, or that would've ended very badly

QUOTE

Ryan happens to be her younger, hyperactive ~~yet~~ and childish brother who is still in Japan.

QUOTE

At Punalu'u, she makes her way up a steep hillclimb ~~decreasing her speed up to~~ and decreases her speed as a sudden drop in elevation surprises her.

QUOTE

At Kualoa Park, she feels more [[subtle]] with herself.

You mean "comfortable", right?

I'm seeing an improvement in your writing. Conversations are starting to seem more natural in recent chapters.

I'm interested to see the upcoming race. I'll be waiting for the next chapter.

(Better review of latest chapter to be later edited into this post)

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jun 26 2009, 07:54 PM

Chapter 86 - A Home Challenge

At the point where they entered the junction to the dead end road is where they start their battle. Both the red Audi TT and Blue Skyline GT-R R34 crawled to the intersection, in their connotation, the starting line. Minami and Tomo stepped out of their cars, ready to discuss the layout of the course.

"So... um... where do we start?" Minami asks.
"We start right here..." Tomo started off. "down the road and stop at Ford Island. Whoever gets to Ford Island's first intersection is the winner." Tomo explained.
"Do you know how to get there actually?" she verified.
"I'll just depend on my GPS, thank you very much."
Minami just smiled and goes to the driver's door. "We start when the light turns green."
"Agreed."
With that both drivers boarded their cars.
On board, Tomo lowers the window on his right and wants to tell Minami something.
"Hey, Minami." He called out. Minami lowers her window and asks what is it about.
"I'll give you a 500 meter start. Once you clear 500 meters, I'll start."
"Aren't you a bit overconfident with this condition?"
"I'm not. Well? Do you agree?"
"OKay." They closed their windows aftewards.

Inside the Audi TT, Minami was very conscious of the situation. "Why does he want to challenge me all of a sudden? Why here and now? And now he gives me half a kilometer advantage? I'm not being cocky or anything but I think he is underestimating me or something." She takes a deep breath after looking at Tomo's picture, given by Kaede, which is lying by the passenger seat. "At least... this is a chance for me to see if what Kaede told me about his driving is right. I want to see, personally, how good he really is."

Both drivers pressed their accelerators all the way down and the tachometers rose up. The GT-R's needle rose all the way to 8500 RPM. Minami's Audi's needle rose all the way to 7800 RPM flat. They anxiously wait for the light to turn green. A couple of traffic cars behind them are feeling quite disturbed with what those two are doing - obstructing traffic because of their own race.

The light finally turns green and Minami lowers her emergency brake, causing a short burnout once the tires start moving forward. Skidmarks were retained with an estimated length of fifty meters. Past gear 2, balls of fire licked the custom single, purple tip exhaust pipe. Tomo waited, slowly revving the engine while waiting on the same spot they started. Most of the locals behind him got irritated and swerved to the right leaving him behind and going amongst their transport business.

Four hundred meters passed and Minami continues to drive on a straight line, smoothly avoiding traffic. She flinched her steering wheel to the side, avoiding traffic, and maitaining her top speed. From that point, the 500 meter mark was passed... "Tomo could be catching up at this moment." All 290 horses of her Audi are in action as it reached a speed of 243 km/h, reaching the entry point of gear 5.

There was one problem...

Tomo did move but he crawled from the intersection... Yes, a cold start. From a full stop, he softly presses the gas and slowly increases the pressure on it. Tomo increases his pace starting at gear 2 as the sun begins to set. With 780 meters of gap between his GTR and her TT Quattro sport, Tomo never showed any signs of desperation. He justincreases his speed and avoided traffic relentessly. At the point where Minami reached 250 km/h, Tomo passed it at a speed of 255 km/h.

5 kilometers down and 8 kilometers from the Junction leading to Ford Island, Minami enters a high speed corner and rides the inside of the corner perfectly, avoiding traffic in the process. She glances at her rearview mirror and says "This is good. Perhaps I've overestimated him... but why is it I feel that he's charging after me?" Minami wondered.
Tomo enters the same corner without decelerating, unlike minami. He knows that his GTR has predictable understeer. Tomo, at that instance, enters the corner 20 meters earlier than Minami. With the TCS off, Tomo's GTR loses grip at the back, inducing it to a powerslide. He exits the corner just a snitch away form ramming the outer guardrail of the corner. Countersteering at the exit, he shifts to gear 4, chasing after his previous top speed of 265 km/h, as he enters at the speed of 234 km/h.

Tomo never spoke nor did he budge in his racing seat. He comfortably drives at speeds over 230 km/h. He passed the red zone multiple times and continues to drive relentlessly as multiple balls of fire burst out his stock dual exhaust pipes. He continues to drive with his dragon-like eyes focused on the road. Listening keenly to the sound of his GTR, he could feel the presence of the Audi close by.

Minami drives with finese; entering at the center and exiting at the same center line. She barely removes her foot off the gas. As the scenery gets darker, she had no choice but to open her headlights. Her lights flashed off a bright white tone onto the ochre colored road as it continues to get dark and black. Racing down the east coast of Oahu island constantly at 268 km/h, Minami is feeling unsure. She wants to remove her foot off the gas to ease herself as she felt that passing by traffic beyond 260 km/h is scary. But she didn't remove her foot off the gas. She wants to win this.

She glances at her side mirrors after every blink. Left and right, left and right, she looks at them and at the road afterwards. "Is he close?"

She enters a mid speed left corner with both sides barricaded by a set of guard rails. She couldn't enter it at full speed and is forced to slow down momentarily. She brakes for her life and downshifts two gears down. entering the corner at 135 km/h, she does a basic out-in-out attack on the corner and exits at the speed of 147 km/h. As the place gets darker, Tomo has a good view of the Audi as it brakes. "There she is." He uttered in his mind. As Minami leaves the corner, Tomo enters it with a very unorthodox approach...

Tomo releases his foot off the gas 150 meters from the corner, puts his hand, that is holding the gear shift, on the emergency brake, and corners & brakes midway. The car is fully induced into an intertial drift with the rear acting erratically. The front is positioned perfectly in a countersteer on the corner and exits at a speed of 150 km/h nearly hitting the guard rail by the outside.

Minami could see the bridge leading to Ford Island and is happy to know that she still has the lead.

"Ha! Here's the junction!! And the light is still green. Lucky!!"

She slows down upon approach towards the 90 degree left hander. While slowing down, she felt uneasy. Why? Tomo's right there behind her Audi, closing in faster than expected. When Minami decided to brake, Tomo does so as well, 30 meters behind the Audi. Why this early? Being heavier by 100 kgs compared to the Audi, He takes advantage of this to enter the corner parallel to each other.

They downshifted together and turned together at a speed of 180 km/h upon corner entry. Tomo removed his foot off the gas midway entering the corner's inside where as Minami's Audi tends to understeer further. Entering the bridge to Ford Island, Minami has a lead of 10 meters from the GTR with the R34, however, slowly gaining ground and closing in on the Audi.

Minami was too focused on the road to notice the approaching Skyline on her left. They shifted to gear 4 together and because of Tomo's highly advanced transmission system tuned by Tetsuya, his acceleration doubled in comparison to the Audi TT. Once Tomo has passed the Audi, he swerved right infront of the TT Quattro, thus shocking Minami.

"W-what?" She softly spoke on her seat. The Skyline continues to gain more speed as they make their way down the bridge. The gap keeps increasing and increasing, making the R34 leave the Audi behind.

Minami removes her foot off the gas as she continues to make her way down the road of Ford Island. Once Tomo passed the first intersection a kilometer later, with a gap of 500 meters from the Audi, he brings the car to a spin as he brakes hard and lets engine braking do its bidding.

By the time Minami arrived, driving at a speed of a constant 100 km/h, she noticed Tomo's Skyline, with the lights on, parked at the Opposite direction as the smoke done by the spinout clears out.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jul 2 2009, 09:38 PM

Chapter 87 - Remembering Somebody

At Oahu's Ford Island, Tomo, who is leaning on the side of his GT-R34, waits for Minami to pull over right behind or infront of him and step out to talk. She was the master of her domain - the Hawaiian roads with all those changes in elevation and corners, and yet loses to somebody who just stayed for almost a week now.

Finally, Minami stepped out of her car. She presses the ON button of her alarm which is hanging on the keychain of her car's ignition key. She placed the keys on to the inner pocket of her blouse, conveniently covering her left chest. She shows a face of disbelief. She couldn't go with the truth that she had lost on her home ground. It is not because Joseph didn't train her enough nor is it that she didn't give all that she has. Tomo is just faster in comparison to her.

She slowly faces Tomo who is extending his right hand to her. He is congratulating her; not because she thinks she lets him win but for giving him such an unorthodox battle. The Audi TT and the GT-R work the same way that only Tomo understands. A 4WD car, regardless of all the technology differences in each and every model, is quite astonishing.

Minami, on the other hand, hesitated when Tomo extended his hand. "What's wrong?" he asked. "It's clean. Don't be shy now." He sarcastically told her.
"No. It's nothing about hygiene. I'm just wondering why?"
"Why am I extending my hand to you right after a battle? is that it?" Minami just agreed with Tomo's last statement.
"Well, the crowd I'm with taught me this. Win or lose, this is what they call etiquette. This way, no grudges are held against each other." Tomo explained.
"W...works for me." Minami said with a smile. She gives her hand to Tomo too and gave a firm shake.

She looks at Tomo and then looks at the green grass leading to the shore leading to the North Pacific ocean. "Wanna talk? I'm kind of in the mood now, now that my curiosity has been sated." "I wouldn't mind a talk either."

As Tomo stands upright, he suddenly felt an unknown relapse trigerring around his body. He nearly lost balance but was fine thanks to the car still there; he held the door as means of supporting his body. Once he stood normally, he walks to where Minami stood and they went to the shore together.

While walking, Tomo started the conversation.
"S...so. What is it that you want to talk about?"
"I just want to get to know you better, now that we know the general information about ourselves."
Tomo faces away from Minami and looks towards the sky. At a quick moment, a picture of a serious Daiki Akiyama was shown to Tomo, which somewhat enraged him and at the same time gave him another unexpected but short seizure. He held his face with his left hand and cools his senses.

"Did I say something that is...?" Minami wondered in connection to Tomo's last action.
"No. No. It's just me. Just a relapse. You didn't do anything." when he felt a little better he told that to Minami straight.
"Come on. We're close to the shore."

By the time they reached the shore, they both sat on the grassy and sandy ground.
"Now, Mind if I start things off?" Tomo insisted.
"Okay. So, tell me something about you."
"Well." He started off. "I am a full-fledged Japanese, around 20 years old, I like my car a lot and I am a culinary graduate."
"Culinary, eh?" Minami thought. "So what's your specialty?"
"I don't have anything in mind yet. I mean, why would I go and choose one and ignore the rest? I want to be, well, familiar with all sorts of cuisines there is."
"So you want to be familiar with most cuisines rather than specialize in one."
"Well, the other people I know who too are in the same field kept telling me that I am still young, there's plenty of time for me to search for my calling; plus, I am fed up with that question already. It's an ear-sore to me."
"Whoops." Minami chuckled. "Sorry If I asked again then." she said sarcastically.

"Okay. That's one for me. Now, it's your turn."
"I'd go later. I wanna know more about you."
"Hit me with another question then." Tomo insisted.
Minami asked afterward if there was any girl he liked.
Tomo's heartbeat started to race.
"M...Mm....Any girl?"
"Yeah? So..." Minami creeped closer to Tomo with a curious face. "Do you?"
When Minami's face is close to Tomo's, he can't help blushing at her. "I-I-I-uh..."
"Come on!!" She kept insisting.
Tomo immediately turned his back, literally, against Minami and said. "No one in particular."

[at the Kaloko Lost heaven mansion... at that very same moment...]

Kasumi and Sakura are helping Ein clean up a couple of dishes until...
"ACHOO!!" Kasumi sneezed.
"It's in the middle of summer, Kasumi-chan." Sakura told her.
"I know and that's the mysterious thing."
"Somebody's talking about her."
"Get outta here, Ein!"

[back with Tomo and Minami]

Tomo's heart is starting to race. Is it either Minami's getting too close to Tomo physically or is it because of the question she threw at him?

He looks at minami again, by a glance and sees somebody instead. The person behind him, in Tomo's eyes, is not Minami Suzuki but Rikona Shimmitsu. How come? Well, Minami and Rikona seem to look much alike. Minami, though has a more serious-but-approachable look on her face compared to Rikona's lively expression.

"Hmm? What's wrong?" Minami asked.
"It's nothing. Really." Tomo is trying to act all mature infront of her and just sat stiff.

"Alright. I'll forget I even asked that question." Minami insisted. "Forget I asked that last one okay? It's making you look pretty tense at the moment."

Tomo's phone rang all of a sudden, playing a vibrant tune of the refrain of M.O.V.E.'s song "Nobody Reason. "E-excuse me a sec." Tomo stands up, hides by a nearby tree and answers the call. "Hello? Kasumi?"
"Who're you calling Kasumi?"
"Hiei, is this you?"
"Who'd you expect?"
"Anyway, what's with the call? I got..." Tomo covers the sending end of the phone and looks at Minami who is simply watching the soft current of the ocean pass by and observes as part of it slowly moistens the edges of the land. "...business going on."
"YOU GOT A NEW GIRLFRIEND!?"
"BAH! Of course not."
"Anyway, question. What class is your R34 again?"
"D class, why?"
"Well, I gots to tell you this." Hiei said suddenly in a much serious tone. "It's in relation to the race meet in Oahu Raceway. I was going through the papers. The only classes applicable for legal race sessions are ranging only from A to C class."
"And? What are you trying to point?"
"Call me stupid but I think you better expect Daiki not to select you in the upcoming race meet. That's just me but who knows what is going to happen."

Hiei is somewhat right. Looking at the details, ever since they went global, Tomo never had the chance to represent any battle. There was Sakura, Shinosuke, Daiki himself, Kyosuke, and Kitami. They have a pretty good idea that Shimizu is next as he's an A-car class expert. It's like majority of the racing sessions went against Tomo's wish to compete globally in world class circuits. It does sound unfair. It is as if he is just dragged along for the ride with no significant role or purpose in the team. All he does is drive, which is the only thing he is good at in connection to the group.

Tomo is starting to feel uneasy inside. He forgot all about it. Now that Hiei reminded him of it, he remembers why he is trying to isolate himself moments ago.
"Hello? Tomo you there? Hellooo?" Hiei asked on the phone.
Tomo has that serious look on his face once again. Now that he recalls it all, he feels heavy on the inside and his fists want to punch something to let go of all of this accumulating anger over Daiki. Who wouldn't if they noticed that he or she is being treated like nothing. It didn't stop in just the driver selection. Daiki's treatment to Tomo is starting to become colder and colder. Not to mention that important detail that Daiki seems to be hiding.

Recall the time when they were at Canada. Nathan Archibal Sr. told something that intrigued Tomo and Daiki warned him not to battle Nathan Archibal Sr. The latter admitted that he knows that they have met, but couldn't recall when exactly. It was a sure feeling that looks as if it didn't exist at all. It sounds fishy and Tomo wants to know all the details yet Daiki would not bother to talk about it. Then comes the arranged battle at Argentina when Tomo faced and met Adriana for the first time. Daiki dared him to race her one on one; a Skyline vs a McLaren. It's more like suicide than a match. It looked as if he wanted Tomo to lose. Lastly, how Daiki reacted when they had meetings concerning the race proper again. Almost everything that Daiki is saying is as if Tomo, although called to be the back up driver if any casualty occurs, is unimportant and not needed at all. It pains him to recall such injustices. He's been holding it for too long now, and here comes another obstruction: this time he is not even qualified to race in the pro league at Hawaii. In one way or another, it looks as if Daiki wants to make Tomo lose interest on racing. Whatever reason may it be, it just wants Tomo to race even more.

As for Minami, she's been waiting for too long and has decided to stand up and go to where Tomo is 'hiding'. Tomo is now on a seemingly personal case of an emotional breakdown. He just stood there as Minami creeped closer to him. "Hey, uh Tomo... you alright? What was that call about?"
He didn't react to what Minami was asking.
"Are you sure you are alright Tomo?" She asked. Tomo slowly rose his head.
Minami looks at Tomo with a concerned face.
Feeling sympathy that is touching Tomo's heart, a feeling that he is still wanted despite all that he is going through right now, has made him do what commoners would think and say as an irrational action.

He pulled Minami closer to his body, wrapped his hands around her waist and back and hugged her tight.
"A..." Minami couldn't say a word. What's with the sudden action? Normally, this disturbs a girl and wants her to slap that guy but before she could even do so, she can hear a couple of hicks form behind her. Slowly, Tomo broke into tears with every hick increasing in pitch. To Tomo, he was glad to feel that somebody is there for him at a crucial moment.

Minami never bothered to push Tomo away now. She lets him hug her and let it all out. To Tomo, this feeling reminds him a whole lot of Kasumi. Because he is alone, he yearns from this during such personal crisis. It was a fortunate experience for Tomo to have met Minami. All that crying has worn Tomo out, causing him to lose balance. He dragged Minami down to the ground, in the sense that his actions made Minami lose balance as well. She landed on her knees as she listens to Tomo continuously let out all that intense anger and rage in the form of tears, sadness, and a sense of longing. Nobody ever wants to be thought of as unimportant, worthless, or as something that could be manipulated at their backs. That's how Tomo feels about himself and the situation he is, professionally. Those who wouldn't understand him would just go judgemental on him for whatever logic they think is right and continue to look only at his faults, thoughts and actions.

[an hour and a half passed]

The sky is pitch black now. The time? Is around 7:13 p.m.
Tomo and Minami never strayed off from the spot that they were last on. Tomo fell asleep and his head rests on Minami's lap. Minami on the other hand just looks at the sky, pondering over Tomo's predicament... whatever it is on her point of view.
She looks at Tomo, who is sound asleep.
"A moment ago he was acting tough and strong." She thought aloud.

"I guess, he doesn't want to tell me because he thinks it's embarassing to say it... but I wonder if he realized or if has anyone realized how frail and fragile he is on the inside. Judging by how deep he cries and hicks, he has been through a lot of emotional turmoil."
She looks at the glistening moon that shines on the evening sky and thinks aloud.
"I know what it is like to be misjudged and thought of as too common. I now see... that somebody else had this ten times or maybe a hundred times worse comapred to mine."

Slowly, Tomo regains consciousness.
"W-what happened to me?" He asked Minami, who removed her white translucent blouse revealing her semi-sleeveless inner colored shirt.
"You had a bad moment and cried it all on my shoulder."
"Did I? Guess I have to apologize then." He thought aloud.
"No. I somewhat understand what you're going through, you poor thing."
"Hey I am not that poor to be called as emotionally scarred!"

Both stood up and fixed themselves up.
"Anyway, thanks a bunch Minami for keeping me company. It's rare of me to meet such people who would go through the trouble of just comforting an emotionally-broken fart like me."
"Don't call yourself such, Tomo. And hey, that's what friends are for right?"
"And you are a true friend to me, Minami Suzuki." Tomo called her.

"So... when can I see you?" Tomo asked her.
"You don't have to ask me that. But if you want a specific day or something, you could give me your number if you like." Minami suggested.
Tomo just did what Minami just suggested and gave his number to her on a piece of paper.

"You say you live at the very end of the Halona Blow Hole, right?"
"That's right. Staying at a friend's place." Tomo answered.
"I'm just at the very north of the island if you want to visit me. With a car such as your Skyline GTR, you could come there in no time flat." Minami told him.
"I'll take you up on that offer some time in the future."

Both new friends bid their so-longs and drove to opposite directions back to where they are staying... The blue GTR headed southeast of the island and the red TT Quattro sport traveled up north...

Posted by: LaLaLa Jul 5 2009, 02:17 AM

Wow, this is nice. How long do you take for one chapter?

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jul 5 2009, 03:27 PM

it varies, actually. If I have an idea as to how the chapter would go about, it would take around less than a week a chapter. If I'm really in the mood, then 2 a week or so. Of not, it would take longer than usual...

Posted by: Meteor Jul 9 2009, 08:36 PM

That was an awkward moment. . . . . 'least Tomo's feeling better now. Man, what a bad day. Along with all that, he even had gravity dropping a coconut on his head!

Sorry for taking so long for this post.

QUOTE

Tomo did move but he crawled from the intersection... Yes, a hot start. From a full stop, he softly presses the gas and slowly increases the pressure on it.

Umm. That's a cold start. A hot start is when the car tries to accelerate from a stop at high revs, resulting in the tires making noise and partially vaporising as they struggle to grab the road and send the car forward.

QUOTE

Minami was too focused on the road ~~that she ignored the incoming~~ to notice the approaching Skyline on her left.

QUOTE

"Well." He started off. "I am a full pledge Japanese, around 20 years old, I like my car a lot and I am a culinary graduate."

I believe you meant "full-fledged".

QUOTE

Kasumi and Sakura are helping Ein clean up a couple of dishes until...
"ACHOO!!" Kasumi sneezed.
"It's in the middle of summer, Kasumi-chan." Sakura told her.
"I know and that's the mysterious thing."
"Somebody's talking about her."
"Get outta here, Ein!"

It's funny how Ein believes in that Japanese myth more than the two Japanese people helping him do

QUOTE

I am fed up with that question already. It's an ear-sore to me."

Heh. I can somehow relate

Nice work, your writing is still improving. Race scenes are more entertaining when you can see the thoughts behind the drivers, and you've written them convincingly in the last one. That race itself wasn't bad. You've gotten better at descriptions; they're clearer, and the extra detail in places is nice. Character interactions have gotten more natural now, blahblahblahblahblah, etc.

It's nice to see improvement

And I wouldn't mind seeing more chapters.

Just what is up with Daiki anyway?

(God. . . I took this long to make a post like this?! Something is wrong with me.)

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jul 16 2009, 07:16 PM

Time now for an update. To be specific, a culinary update!!

---------------------------------

Chapter 88 - Meeting at the Same Ground

All the routines that the group is going through; from the Eizaguirre residence, to the Oahu Raceway, and around the entire island, is starting to be a routine for most of them. No one has bothered to complain. It is not because they are forced to do so... but it's because they got used to it. Once you are a professional, are things such as this just ordinary to us? As of now, it can be.

Tomo woke up, in his own room, all alone. Almost everyone was out. Adriana is busy with a few auto club meetings around the island, preferrably, Club Brittania and the Waihawa GTI. Sakura is already working, part time as a call center agent in one of the island's telecommunications towers at Honolulu, whereas the rest of the guys are doing their usual business with what was just mentioned earlier. And Kasumi... well, feeling a bit homesick, she takes a cab and goes to Maunawili Falls, where there is a Japanese Landmark of a few palace temples and the like around, a tribute of Japanese Culture in the Hawaiian Islands; leaving Tomo all alone and almost nothing to do for the rest of the day. His main job, as a member of Team Japan, doesn't feel like a job at all with Tomo, feeling as if he is unimportant to Daiki and of no use at all since the beginning... What else is there for him to do?

Walking down the stairs from the second floor to the living room, he hears a couple of gun shots from below the ground floor. "They have a basement here?" He thought. When he noticed a door, on the far right, open, he sneaked down to know what the sound was and who is making it. He found Ein wearing a couple of ear muffs and holding a pistol with his hands. It is a 45 calibur with the silencer removed. He shoots a target 3 meters away from where he is. There is a lot of what Kitami would call, men's toys around the basement; from target practice range, to a weights section at the right side behind the range area, and a square mat in the middle of the room, representing a dojo of sorts.

"Ein?" He judged by means of Ein's hair. He turned to face Tomo. "Phew. I had a feeling its you." "Well, who else do you expect?" Ein sarcastically asked him. "What are you doing in a place like this?" Tomo followed up.
"When I am done with all the housekeeping and stuff and seeing as the mistress is still out, I come here for a bit of recreation and stress free composture."
"That sounds neat."
"I don't usually do this sort of stuff, other than the martial arts area and the weights, but this really lets go of a lot of inner stress I have, whether it is of work or personal reasons."

Tomo walks over to where Ein is standing and observes him. Bang! Bang! Bang! 3 targets passed by him and Ein nearly got all 3 a close bulls eye. "Cool." He thought.
While reloading, Ein threw another 45 calibur at Tomo. In uncertainty, he clumsily catches the gun, thinking it was real and it might kill him if he doesn't catch it properly. "relax. It's a Pelette gun. It ain't real. It's air powered... like an air gun as what kids call it. Let go of all that stress in-"
"Sorry Ein. I don't do guns. Not that I am a pacifist or anything."
"Oh, cut the crap, man. Just do a couple of rounds and try to get a bulls eye. I can tell that something is bothering you. why don't you let it out here." Ein recommended to Tomo as he finishes reloading and aims at the 2 targets crossing each other.

Tomo accepted Ein's offer, for the time being and is ready to shoot away. He really doesn't do guns at all; as every shot he makes, it misses and strays away from the target zone. This didn't stop Tomo though. He just kept going and going.

After 10 minutes, they had enough. Ein only changed up to 4 magazines while Tomo had wasted 12 magazines worth of pelette ammo. "Boy did I mess things up."
"Calm down, man. There's a funnel at the bottom that leads it to the pelette chamber right below me." Ein said as he points it with his right foot with a stomp or two. "Nothing is wasted; even over something like this."

"Do you do kicks, Tomo?" Ein asked later on. "A little." he answered. "Any martial arts tricks you do?" "Well, Ryusen is teaching me some but I am not that inclined to a specific form of martial arts. It's more of a personal fusion of both." "Hmph. Sounds Childish." Ein said with a smirk. "At least it was of use. I used that during swimming class in junior high when I got raped in the pool. a 9 against 1 ambush." "Well, I think raped is a very strong word for that incident, don't you?" He asked Tomo again. "Bah! I don't care."

"Get dressed. Let's do a few warm ups." Ein suggested, pointing a set of Judo/Karate gear hanging on the bench. Tomo looks at the time and decides to refuse the offer. "Thanks but no thanks, Ein. I just remembered that I need to be somewhere. I'm really sorry, man." He apologized. "Oh." He said with an insecure tone. "That's too bad." He told Tomo. "And here I was about to see how you fight. I remember Kasumi telling me of the first fight that she saw involving you."

"The one in Kyoto? Hmph. Even I was curious where I got that strength..." He thought as well. He waves goodbye to Ein and heads for the garage.

The truth is, Tomo doesn't have some sort of very very important meeting or something. Like as said moments ago, he has nothing to do. He'd might as well explore the island. He boards his GT-R and drives off the garage. You might think he is planning to see Minami again. Well, you are wrong at that. He seriously wants to explore the place alone, something like a short soul searching journey. The continuous thought of him feeling unimportant has made him forget anyone has ever known him, thus isolating himself; even from the likes of Kasumi, Ein, and Adriana. He makes a left from the gate of the Kaloko Lost heaven and starts his exploration, heading south of the island.

He turns the radio on which was tuning in on a station playing Mariah Carey's song Cruise Control featuring Damian Marley. Afterwards, he ups his pace and presses deeper on the accelerator making the higher revs kick in and burp out a sudden boost. The Skyline pushes itself forward and is accelerating faster than the commoners' cars. He never wondered if anything is happening with the group. "Heck, like I'd care, if they never cared for me. Especially that "boss" of ours. Why would I even dare think of them if they treat me as disposable trash" he angrily said to himself as he shifts gears. At that very moment, a ball of fire was pushed out of the Nismo type, single tip Exhaust pipe as he reaches speeds of 158 km/h. Too stressed from the group and letting it build up in him has made Tomo careless when it comes to his speed, exceeding 180 km/h, not caring if he's attracting federal patrollers.

After half an hour of driving, he saw a familiar car turn left at a certain intersection. The car seems familiar... a yellow with black stripped 1969 Shelby GT500, still in perfect condition. "That Shelby seems familiar. I better follow it. The driver must be somebody I know." He thought to himself. It cruises at a normal pace of 70 kilometers down the long , 4 laned straightway, with the blue GT-R right behind it with a 4 car gap. It stops at another intersection with its turning lights lit up on the right. Once the light becomes green, Tomo followed it, turning right as well. 500 meters later, it stopped at a new-looking beach house-like restaurant. Tomo parked at the side and observe the person who's about to come out of the GT500. A mid-20's girl with small height, shoulder-blade length straight hair, dressed casually carrying two bags of groceries inside the restaurant.

"Is that Sabine?" He thought. At that moment, a flashback enters Tomo's mind: the day when he & Kasumi came across Sabine's Shelby back at the Canyons back at America. He parks his GT-R on the sidewalk before the restaurant's driveway. Before he entered the establishment, he looks at the parked cars. Those away from the Shelby are ordinary vehicles: Toyota Corollas, Camrys, Mazda 6's, Chevy Colts and Aveos, a couple of Jeep Brand SUVs and some ford trucks. Then, looking at the right side of the restaurant, parked perpendicularly at the driveway, He looks at the Shelby GT500 Mustang next to him, a Blue colored, well conditioned Chevrolet Camaro Z28 SS, A silver Chrysler 300C Hemi, and a Yellow Lamborghini Gallardo Coupe... no, a... Targa top?

"I know the Mustang Fastback but... the other 3, I am not too familiar with." Tomo thought to himself holding his chin with his right hand. Out of nowhere, a loud beep of a Benz's horn beeps at Tomo's back, startling him to death. He jumped in his place and immediately faced the car. A beige Mercedes Benz SLK? "D-don't tell me..."

"Aren't you going to let me through?" A mature female voice addressed Tomo from inside the car. Tomo looks in the window to see a pretty woman in her thirtys in charge of the SLK. "Hey!" She said to Tomo with a wink and a peace sign. "I knew it. Clarice. How are you?" Tomo asked immediately. "Let me park my car, and then we'll talk okay?"

The SLK parked right next to the Lamborghini Gallardo and the small hut, which looks like their dry storeroom. "Sometimes, Damian won't listen to me... I told him I get the center parking spot. I mean we even labeled our parking spaces and..." Clarice's personal complaint on the car was interrupted when Tomo asked her something. "Say, Clarice." Tomo asked in an unsure tone. "Did you walk all the way here?" She asked first to him. "Me? No. I can't. I have my car. See?" He told her while pointing to the blue Nissan Skyline right next to Sabine's Shelby but not as close as to park it on the sidewalk itself. "well, I advise you to park it here for the meantime." Clarice suggested pointing on her spot.

When Tomo got out of the car, again, after parking it, he finally asked it. "Is this the restaurant you were telling me before?"
"Why yes. Yes it is."
"Do you own it?"
"No. This is a 5-man partnership business. So, technically, I am part owner of it too. There's just 5 of us here. Some of the staff would be coming within a quarter of an hour from now." Clarice explained. "Well? Come on, let's enter shall we?" She offered Tomo, showing him to the door.

By the time Tomo got in, the entire place was jam packed with customers of all ages, genders, and races. "Wow. It is as if the whole place is booming with sales." He told Clarice. "Well, it IS lunch time already." She confidently told Tomo. "Here. Why don't you sit down and order something. I'll give you half the price of whatever you'll order." She agreed to Tomo.
"I was expecting something like on the house but fine." Tomo said as he gets the menu card lying on his right. After a quick browse of the menu, Tomo is ready to take his order. "I'll just try this Honey Roasted Chicken in pineapple rice meal."

"One Honey Roasted Chicken in Pineapple rice, then. Any drinks?"
"I'll just have water."
"Alright. Just wait there, Tomo."
Tomo looks at his watch as Clarice leaves. 12:29 p.m. No wonder the place is flooded with customers. He is wondering too, who are the other co-owners of the restaurant...

5 minutes he waited. The drinks arrived. It doesn't look like water but he is certain that it is. He didn't order any special drinks or anything. What makes this water any different? He took a sip and was amazed. As soon as the liquid engulfs his throat, it feels just like water. There is no residue or solid substance that liquefied in the drink. It is really water; only with a quite clear color. "It's kind of like those special waters infused with herbs... like those ones in Korean Bars and Restaurants back at home." Tomo concluded.

By the time his order arrives, it was just as he thought - in terms of time. The chicken is well browned with a crispy looking shine on it. His rice is placed on a halved, open pineapple. It looked intriguing. As if the pineapple fruit or meat has peen peeled right off and the outer shell is what is left. He tried a spoon full of the rice and loved it.
"The grains' flavor goes well with the sweet aftertaste of the Pineapple. But the juices aren't that strong. It is as if it is cooked in pineapple juice not water. I'm not certain of it but that is what I feel about it. It is so flavorful!!" He took a bite out of the chicken and concludes the same thing. There was something that caught his attention on both dishes: It is not that overpowering - the sweetness of the natural sugars of the Pineapple and the honey. "...and how the chicken is marinated... it was as if the honey and the chicken blended together perfectly... a perfect combination."

By the time it was 1:38 p.m., bit by bit, the rest of the satisfied customers left the establishment, all until it was Tomo. Clarice stepped outside to check on him, as if she is a waiter. "So, how do you like the food?"
"Absolutely delicious. As expected from the ace of the school batch."
"Thanks for the compliment but it wasn't me who made the dish."
"It wasn't?"
"It was Sabine."
"sabine!?"
"Oh right." She said with a soft gasp. "I didn't tell you. Didn't I?"
"Well... uh..."
"Stay there. I'll call them out."
Clarice rushes over to the kitchen and told the staff to come out. When Tomo made eye-to-eye contact with the rest of the crew... he was speechless. It was as if he knew them all. 4 more people stepped out of the staff door. One was a woman as high as Tomo, a bit stout on the sides but has a pretty attractive looking face, dark brown-red hair and is wearing a chef's outfit. Then there's Sabine, wearing the same stuff as the first one is. There's a tall guy, who has his hair crew cutted with a goatee and his right arm coated with tatoos; he wears a short sleeve muscle shirt. Then there's another guy who's as tall as the last one but has frizzy hair tied to a ponytail and wears a waiter's outfit. He has a pair of drumsticks on his slacks giving Tomo the impression that he is a band performer, more specifically, a drummer.

"'sup?" The 4 chanted together at Tomo.
Tomo could barely say a word. His jaw dropped on amazement. Is this for real, he thought.
"Isabela!? Sabine!? Jonathan!... and Damian!?"
"Yo, Tomo! Good to see you man!" Jonathan greets as he gives a hard pat on the shoulder to Tomo. "You've grown a lot since I last saw you..." Isabela, the girl who is as high as Tomo said as she fixes her hair with a flirtish hair sweep to the left. Sabine just smiled at Tomo. She wasn't surprised at all as they already have met before. "How's Kindergarten?" Damian joked around. "Was it fun?"
"I guess introductions won't be much of a problem, eh guys?" Clarice confirmed.

"You're kidding me, Clarice... You guys own this restaurant?"
"Beach house, dude. Don't forget Beach house." Damian reiterated.
"That's right." Clarice affirmed.
"We all chipped in right after we got enough experience." Isabela added.
"We all even live at the same place together. It is as if we are still family." Jonathan told Tomo.
"You like it? We got a few ideas from the business plan project we had where you helped us, remember?" Isabela asked.
"Well, it does have that Hawaiian feeling that foreigners would like as well. I like it."
"Allow us to give you the guided tour." Damian started as he pushed Tomo towards the kitchen. The rest followed along.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jul 23 2009, 12:50 AM

This isn't necessarily an update but an advanced announcement...

Something has come up and is really beating the crap out of my heart, if you know what I mean on this. With that in mind, I am planning to start a side comic book series for that person as a gift. It's just one volume approx. 40 half pages but I will give it my all. So as of this moment, until it isn't done... the story will be put on hold until my next update. Please bear with me on this. Thanks. and enjoy. If you like, you could browse my story at the wmexpressway forums while waiting.

I apologize once again for this inconvenience.

Posted by: Meteor Jul 27 2009, 03:10 AM

I don't know what's come up, but I wish you well. Do your best and make that gift as good as you can. You don't need to apologise.

I'm sorry I took so long to reply to this thread. Tried to make a longer post/attempt at an actual review to make up for it, and that made me take even more time.

Meh, excuses excuses. . . . Anyway, here's the (attempted) review.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Simpler things make for entertaining reads when written well. Chapter 88 is an example of this.

This chapter starts off mentioning how the group has gotten used to their routines in and around the island; a small detail which gives the reader a sense of the story having moved forwards. This also works well enough as a beginning due to that. I'm not sure about the "once you are a professional" part, but you don't need to take that out.

The reader is then informed that Tomo's woken up, and now told that almost everyone else is out. The chapter now quickly answers the question of where those characters are instead of wasting time and energy detailing things that aren't that important right now. The fact that almost everyone's out subtly informs the reader that Tomo woke up late. The bit about Tomo feeling useless seems natural.
This part could use a little editing though (which I've done below. Mostly removing/replacing some commas, and changing a few words to past-tense).

QUOTE

Tomo woke up, in his own room, all alone. Almost everyone was out. Adriana is busy with a few auto club meetings around the island, preferrably Club Brittania and the Waihawa GTI. Sakura is already working part time as a call center agent in one of the island's telecommunications towers at Honolulu, whereas the rest of the guys are doing their usual business with what was just mentioned earlier. And Kasumi... well, feeling a bit homesick, she took a cab to the Maunawili Falls, where there is a Japanese Landmark of a few palace temples and the like around, a tribute of Japanese Culture in the Hawaiian Islands; leaving Tomo all alone and with almost nothing to do for the rest of the day. His main job, as a member of Team Japan, doesn't feel like a job at all. Feeling as if he is unimportant to Daiki and of no use at all since the beginning... What else is there for him to do?

Onto the next paragraph. It doesn't seem right that Tomo suddenly hears gunshots and doesn't get even a little surprised (after all, real gunshots aren't exactly the kind of thing you normally expect to hear shortly after waking up), but that's a small issue. A few details like Tomo seeing the open door on the right and what the basement room has in it help the reader get a better image of the scene.
By the way, I don't think you need to mention that the .45 caliber has its silencer removed.

Again, small details like Tomo guessing it's Ein by his hair add to the writing. The target practice bit is written okay. The conversation between the two characters seems natural. (And I have to agree with Ein regarding Tomo's choice of words)

Tomo making up remembering that he needed to be somewhere because he wanted to get out quickly is a nice touch. With the later paragraphs, it helps in showing the reader how Tomo just wants to drive aimlessly to blow off some steam.
But what's with Ein saying "Oh. That's too bad." in an "insecure" tone. What would Ein be insecure about here? And why? The "insecure tone" part just doesn't sound right.

Paragraph after the next could use a little editing.

QUOTE

He turns the radio on which was tuning in on a station playing Mariah Carey's song Cruise Control featuring Damian Marley. Afterwards, he ups his pace and presses deeper on the accelerator making the higher revs kick in and burp out a sudden boost. The Skyline pushes itself forward and is accelerating faster than the commoners' cars. He never wondered if anything is happening with the group. "Heck, like I'd care, if they never cared for me. Especially that "boss" of ours. Why would I even dare think of them if they treat me as disposable trash" he angrily said to himself as he shifts gears. At that very moment, a ball of fire was pushed out of the Nismo type, single tip Exhaust pipe as he reaches speeds of 158 km/h. All that built up stress ~~Too stressed from the group and letting it build up in him~~ has made Tomo careless when it comes to his speed; exceeding 180 km/h, not caring if he's attracting federal patrollers.

Next paragraph, and the next. Blahblahblah-Again, a few extra details make it easier for the reader to picture the scene. Good work.

I have another question though:

QUOTE

"I know the Mustang Fastback but... the other 3, I am not too familiar with." Tomo thought to himself holding his chin with his right hand. Out of nowhere, a loud beep of a Benz's horn beeps at Tomo's back, startling him to death. He jumped in his place and immediately faced the car. A beige Mercedes Benz SLK? "D-don't tell me..."

Was Tomo outside or inside his GT-R at this point?

If he's outside the GT-R, the writing has to mention that, and not simply imply it. Somewhat like this:

QUOTE

He parks his GT-R on the sidewalk before the restaurant's driveway, and steps out of it.

Moving on. . . I still like the improvements you're showing in how you write character interactions. But this one line doesn't seem right.

QUOTE

"No. This is a 5-man partnership business. So, technically, I am part owner of it too. There's just 5 of us here. Some of the staff would be coming within a quarter of an hour from now." Clarice explained.

Is she being redundant and mentioning that's it a 5-person-partnership-business, and saying that some of the other five'll be there later? Or is she saying "There's only the five of us, but some of the staff will come 15 minutes from now"?

I liked the culinary part of this culinary update. You're enthusiastic about these things, and it shows in how well you write about them. The descriptions of what the food looked like, Tomo's descriptions of what the food tasted like; some of your readers just might get hungry upon reading this part

(Personally; I've never heard of pineapple rice before, and now I feel like trying it

)

But again, a little fixing (but I don't consider this a complete fix. I think you'd fix this a lot better yourself):

QUOTE

~~By the time his order arrives, it was just as he thought - in terms of time.~~The time his order took to arrive was as he had expected. The chicken was well browned, with a crispy looking shine on it. And his rice was placed on a halved, open pineapple. It looked intriguing, as if the ~~pineapple fruit or meat~~ pineapple's flesh ~~has peen~~ had been ~~peeled right off~~ scooped right out to leave behind the outer shell. ~~and the outer shell is what is left~~. He tried a spoon full of the rice and loved it.
"The grains' flavor goes well with the sweet aftertaste of the Pineapple. But the juices aren't that strong. It is as if it is cooked in pineapple juice ~~not~~ instead of water. I'm not certain of it but that is what I feel about it. It is so flavorful!!" He took a bite out of the chicken and concludes the same thing. There was something that caught his attention on both dishes: It is not that overpowering (do you mean the food isn't overpowering? Or do you mean something like "none of the tastes were overpowering") - the sweetness of the natural sugars of the Pineapple and the honey. "...and how the chicken is marinated... it was as if the honey and the chicken blended together perfectly... a perfect combination."

The remaining parts of the chapter were fun to read as well, and I'm looking forward to the next one.
Keep writing and keep updating.
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(Computer's starting to show signs of trouble again. Not necessarily a problem with the computer itself but. . . . Well, I may or not become temporarily absent again.)

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Aug 27 2009, 05:19 PM

I am glad to announce that I am resuming chapter updates. I have fulfilled my duty/mission/obligation for her. I've done everything that I could do as a friend, as a guy, and as somebody greater for her. The Comic is complete. And as a spoiler, a portion of it is relevant for the further progress of the story so it won't be complete without it. It is entitled Speed Legend Final Kyushi. I'll post it once Z is finished.

Boy do I miss her, it has been the 3rd day already. I sure hope that she, her lil brother and her mother are alright...

Most chapters starting with this would be dedicated to her mostly, and her little brother; along with our other friends here. Story related fact: the tides will change and probably Tomo would be joining another force. Would he? Is he really gonna go against the Team? We'll see...

-------------------------------------------------
Episode 21 - A Bond being mended together; Being separated from another.
Chapter 89 - Waipahu Showdown

Weeks passed and things start to become normal yet again, especially for him this time. Tomo's case is totally different from that point on. He got to meet his old College friends again. He was very happy to have met old familiar faces once again. Maybe to him, he's getting sick and tired of seeing his team mates; mostly the guys. Seeing Clarice and the others really rejuvinated him, especially his culinary identity. Ever since they started in Hawaii, he's becoming stagnant again with his training as a chef.

Now that was over, he is able to get back to his senses and continued what he has missed. He's been cooking alongside Ein in the Mansion nowadays. He's slowly forgetting the feudal feeling he had with Daiki. Most of the times now, if he is not cooking, he steps out of the mansion, boards his Skyline and drive up north just to see and talk with Minami, his new and only Best friend when he came to Oahu. She is the only one who has given Tomo a warm welcome.

Speaking of which, he is starting to become intimately close with her. What's Minami's side of things? She isn't revealing much yet. Tomo didn't noticed it at first but as weeks passed of visiting her, he starts to realize it. He just kept it a secret from the others, especially Kasumi.

Right now, he is at Minami's place, watching the sea from the shore. They watch as Joseph and Anthony catch some tidal waves. Both of them are good and Tomo can't help but let his jaw drop out of amazement. "Truthfully, I never did this sort of stuff before, nor have I seen people do it. They're amazing." Tomo appraised.
"You don't know the half of things yet. They're far greater than that, Tomo-chan." Minami answered.
"Tomo-chan? Since when did we become close?" He asked sarcastically.
"Ever since you kept on coming here. Joseph kinda noticed you." Minami said in a cheerful yet solemn tone.
"M...me?" Tomo reacted as he blushed looking at Minami as the wind frolics around her well combed hair. Minami notices Tomo's awkward reaction and decides to fool around a bit.
"Are you blushing?"
"W...what makes you s...sa...say that?" Tomo's words are beginning to be choppy. Minami can't help but laugh.
As they continue to watch Joseph steal the next wave from Anthony, Minami brought one topic up.
"To tell you the truth, I am only half Japanese." Minami admitted.
"Half?"
"I am part Korean too."
"But your name sounds awfully Japanese."
"I know. I was born in Japan and my mother is Japanese and my father is American but..."
"They're halffies?"
"Halffie?"
"It's a coined term I made, meaning dual citizens." Tomo answered Minami.
"Yeah. What you said, actually. They are Half Koreans too. So I carry Korean Blood in me."
"I see. No wonder I can tell by..." Tomo can't think of a better word to describe it as he looks intimately at Minami, as if he's lost in words as he looks at her, like a guy courting a girl for the first time.
"...tell by what?"
"I...it's nothing." He said as he stepped back until he slipped on a coconut and landed on the grass, elbows first. It's quite embarrassing for Tomo to act foolishly. Minami giggled a bit seeing that and he laughed with her.

Later, Anthony and Joseph are done surfing. "Wooh! That feels great, eh man?" Joseph asked Anthony. "Whatever you say, dude. I mean you stole 3 waves from me, how could you?" "Ya too slow compared to me. You better improve on your speed." Joseph then faced the two friends talking amongst each other as if they're boyfriend-girlfirend.

"You having fun with my niece, huh man?" Joseph lively asked Tomo. "Y...yeah I guess." He said in an unsure tone. "He's quite clumsy actually." Minami told Joseph.
"Hey!"
"Ahahahahaha! Take it easy man. Those are signs that you like my niece, right?"
Minami and Tomo looked at each other and start to act shy between each other. "I wuz kidding, man. Liven up. This is Hawaii! A haven for everyone. It's natural to act foolish. The sound of freedom is everywhere here!!" Joseph hollered to the skies as he described it to Tomo.

"Come on, Mr. Freedom." Anthony ironically said as he pulled Joseph by the neck. "They haven't even had any breakfast yet. You better start with your killer Kimchi recipe and your Bibimbap."

"So being a Korean, Kimchi is always in your table, isn't that right, Minami?" Tomo asked as they walked back to the house. "Yeah. It's a staple in our house nowadays. When I was little while my parents are still here and Joseph & Anthony are on their last month of High School, they feeded them Kimchi. They didn't like the taste at first. Joseph couldn't take the taste and he was about to vomit it out infront of me and my little brother." Minami told him eagerly. "Then Joseph took a look at me for almost 10 seconds straight, eye to eye, and decided to finish it all up. A week later, they both got used to the taste and added a little home specialty to it most of the time."

"Imagining Joseph at that time..." Tomo imagined. "...he doesn't want to hurt your feelings, knowing that you like Kimchi. He wants you to be happy about him back then, that's why he went through all that trouble just to love the food." Tomo interpreted. "That's what I thought about myself too." Minami admitted. "Well, what do you know, we think alike you and I." Tomo thought aloud.

A car was passing by at a moderately fast pace. It is an orange Saturn Skype Roadster, a couple of teenagers on a road trip, being followed by a pink Alfa Romeo GTV. Tomo and Minami are in the middle of the road and they are coming up fast. Like the concerned man Tomo is, he pulled Minami back to him and lets the 2 cars run around, enjoying themselves. He held her on the shoulders and their bodies were close. Tomo starled a bit in embarrassment. It was as if the same feeling between him and Kasumi. "y...you okay?"

"I am. Thank you." Minami cheerfully thanked. "Why didn't you move, Minami?" Tomo said in a concerned tone. "Sorry. It's just that I am fond of orange and pink colors. They kinda distract me in a good sense."
"So, pink and orange are your favorite colors, is that right?" Tomo asked. "Yeah. Pretty much. I have my two favorite carry around pillows in my Audi." She proudly shared with Tomo. "I like orange too."
"You do?"
"Yeah. I like to sip it to the last drop."
"You're talking about orange juice are you?"
Tomo nodded in agreement. "I know it's kind of a different thing and..."
"Orange is still orange. And do you know what else is orange?"
"what?"
"Pumpkin and squash. You should know that, being a culinarian Tomo. Or did you just forget about it?"

-At the Eizaguirre Residence-

Sakura just left the house 5 minutes ago to go to her call center work. She has a broken shift for the time being. Kitami is watching a few Metallica videos in the high definition large flat screen television with Hiroya, Tetsuya, and Shimizu. Kyosuke just got out of the bathroom. Hiei and Ryusen are practicing Martial arts outside of the house, sparring with Ein, thinking they can beat him by out numbering him. Kasumi just made some tropical drinks with Adriana in the kitchen for everyone. As for Daiki, he is busy with most paperwork involving the team. He us frustrated over the numbers, actually. Judging his reaction, he seems to be running on a loss of cashflow from most of the new maintenance and rentals of different cars throughout the tournament. He's losing his collectiveness as a manager and reacts like any businessman who is running low on stocks.

"Say, where's Tomo?" Kasumi asked while giving out drinks to the rest of the group. "Everybody gave an I-don't-know answer to her. Everyone but Hiei. "I heard that he went up north again." Hiei answered. "Up north?"
"Near the Oahu Gulf?" Adriana followed up a question. "Probably." Hiei answered back. "Why? Is there something about Oahu Gulf?" Kitami asked. "Well, remember that Noble that you faced on the freeway on your way back weeks ago?" Adriana directed a question to Kitami. "Oh, don't remind me. That freak?" "Yeah, well, that FREAK as you say lives there."

Kyosuke's attention was suddenly caught. "The fastest B class driver and the acclaimed King of Waipahu. His name is Joseph. He's quite good. If he drives the same A-class car as me, he's just a notch below me. He uses an unorthodox driving style which makes him stand out among all other street racers here." Adriana explained. "SO what is Tomo doing there in the first place?" Tetsuya asked. "I'm afraid I don't know. He didn't tell me much about it." Adriana admits. "Well, I know he's not there for him." Hiei answered from afar as he blocks a kick by Ein. "Hmm?" The rest wondered. "He's there for a girl, actually."

"SAY WHAT!!?" All of the other guys but Daiki and Kyosuke reacted to Hiei's judgement. "That sly dog!! When I get my hands on him, i'd!..." Hiroya groaned. "Is he a red head?" Kitami asked. "Um..." Hiei thought. "He didn't tell me any descriptions of the girl. Alls that he said that she is cute."

"DOWN WITH THE OPPRESSOR!!" All of the guys listening reacted. This caught Ein's attention. "What the heck are they shouting about?" He asked Ryusen. "Oh, just another girl having the hots for Tomo and he kept it a secret from them again. No biggie." Ryusen said as he continued to spar with Ein starting off with a right elbow thrust. Ein, obviously defended himself from that one and countered with a mid kick. As for Kasumi, she's shivering in rage and nearly broke the highball glass she is holding to bits with her bare hand.

-Back with Tomo and Minami...-

They just finished their breakfast. Minami volunteered to wash the dishes. Tomo volunteered to help her out eagerly. As Minami dips the plates in the foam filled sink, she srubs it then passes it to Tomo, who wipes it clean. As for Joseph and Anthony, they cleaned the dining area a bit, wiping the table and sweeping the floor.

"Thanks a lot in helping me with the dishes, Tomo." Minami thanked.
"Oh, this is nothing really. Well, I rarely get to help out." Tomo admits.
"Rarely?"
"Back at Japan, when I finish eating with my cousin and my friend Kasumi, I always slack off and run to the computer or to my GT-R and drive off."
"That sounds a bit unfair for the two of them."
"But now I am making amends. And I'm starting with helping you out."
"Really?" Minami said in a slightly embarrassed tone. "Thank you."
"It's my pleasure for doing so."

Joseph just smiled at the two youngsters from across the room. "Would you look at that, Anthony. That sorta like Summer Lovin', isn't that right, man?"
"Whatever you say, dude." Anthony just sighed out of boredom.
"Aren't you going to that meeting of yours at Waikiki?" Anthony followed up a question.
"That's still at 11. What time is it by the way?" Joseph asked him.
"Oh, around 10:30."
"Oh! Good Gordo!! I has to go, ya?"
"YA! GO ALREADY!! YOU CAN'T DESTROY YOUR REPUTATION AS PRESIDENT OF THE NOBLE AND CLUBMAN CLUB now can you?"

Tomo and Minami just watched Joseph run off to the garage, get the car keys, opened the gate, and drove off in his Noble M400. Why not his M12? It's because he just recently modified his M12 to an M400. A Noble M400 is the racing version of the M12 GTO-3R. It's far lighter and has more power to it; at the most at 420 in factory spec and it weighs only less than 1000 kilograms.

"So that's your cousin's car, huh?" Tomo asked Minami.
"Yeah. It looks kinda cool. He said it only cost half of my car's worth." Minami joked around for that moment.

"He said he is going to Waikiki, right? By any chance, where is it located?"
"It's located down west southeast of the island. It's near Pearl Harbor. It's where the crater like area is, If my memory is clear enough." Minami thought to herself. "When we were little and Joseph had his first car, a second hand Benz CLK, after he got his license, he took us there for a family picnic." You can see the bay from atop the crater." Minami shared with Tomo.
"I'd like to see it. Are you free? I have nothing important to do anyway." Tomo asked her out.
"Well..." She faced Anthony who is sitting on the couch reading a classic book: Of Mice and Men. "Can I, Anthony? Can I go with Tomo to visit Joseph's club?"
Anthony glanced at the two and gives a yes through a simple nod.

"Thanks a lot, cousin Anthony." Minami thanked with a classic Japanese bow to him. As Minami went up to her room to get dressed, Anthony called out to Tomo.

"Sit with me for a sec, Tom."
"It's Tomo, actually." He said in a courteous tone. Tomo did just so and sat down on the seat located at Anthony's front left side. He fixes his short sleeved polo shirt as soon as he sat down. He even fixed his slacks by running his arms momentarily down his legs.
"What do you think of Minami?"
"What do I think of her?" Tomo thought aloud, reiterating the question. "Well, she's a swell girl. Attractive and very kind to me. She was there for me when I was alone and..."
"Alright. Don't get too sentimental on me."
"Why would you say that?"
"Your eyes are starting to water. What Minami did for you when you first met her must mean a lot for you, huh?"
"If I may ask, Sir Anthony..."
"Please." Anthony insisted as he closed the book and placed it on the tea table. "Call me just Anthony."
"Um... Anthony... why are you asking me this stuff?"

"It's because..." Anthony started as he places his right hand on his chin. "Did she ever tell you that she had a younger brother?"
"Once. If I remember clearly..." Tomo thought aloud.
"While her little brother isn't here yet, I want somebody to look after her even in the presence of me and Joseph around." Anthony frankly told him.
"M...me?"
"Just don't do anything stupid to my cousin Minami and I won't regret talking to you like this, understand?"
"Y...yes."

"I'm done. Did you wait long?" Minami said as she walked down the stairs. She changed into something she commonly wears outside the house: her purple printed short sleeve shirt, a tight fit, paired with her blue jeans and her favorite black boot-like shoes.
Tomo can't help but blush. It's like from friends, Tomo took one step ahead of the relationship he has with Minami, whereas frankly speaking they're still just on the friends stage.

"Let's ride in my car for a while, is it okay?" Tomo insisted in a choppy voice. Minami just nodded in agreement and kisses her elder cousin Anthony on his cheek noting that they're leaving.

Tomo, acting all gentleman like, opens the door for her on the passenger side and closing it for her too. He gets on the driver's side and turns on the engine. With much ease and precision, he steps on the gas softly until it reaches the exact speed that Tomo desired.

He shifts gears again and brings it up to a speed of 100+ kilometers down the traffic-less main road.

An hour and a half later, they arrived at the Waikiki club parking area. And Joseph's red Noble M400 is parked outside the parking area. Both Minami and Tomo stepped out of the SKyline to see Joseph inside the club room.

But before Tomo could even open the door, the door opens and there pops out Joseph with a letter in hand. The letter was faxed in and it looks as if he just read it. "J-joseph..." Minami softly called out to him.
"Oh, It's you Minami, you're here to watch me race, ya?"
"Huh?" Tomo was confused.
"Not exactly, but... I thought your meeting doesn't end until at 1:30?"
"Things are a bit tight today, Minami. I just got a challenge letter from some boy from Japan." Joseph explained.
"From Japan?" Tomo and Minami harmoniously thought.
Minami looks at Tomo thinking he was the one who challenged him.
"No. It isn't me." He admits to her.
"Somebody named Ki-you-so-u-ke." Joseph said.
"Kyosuke? Don't tell me his last name is Katsumaru?"
"It is." Joseph answered.
"Why did you react all of a sudden, Tomo?" Minami thought.
"Kyosuke is with us in the team. Why would he race you out of the blue?"
"Yeah, why would he, Joseph?" Minami asked too.
"Hmm..." Joseph thought as he crossed his arms together. "Maybe it's because of that Mustang GTR I defeated."
"That's probably Kitami who you defeated." Tomo thougth.
"I Nearly defeated if you ask me, kid." Joseph corrected. "I was about to win until I turned right to my intersection, where I am only 2 millimeters from his side. Must be because I was too busy singing Bob Sinclair's Sound of Freedom again..." He said in guilt.
"Sing while driving?"
"It's a bad habit of his. He saw this after he tried experimenting with driving and music that best fits his style. He races at his best when he sings Jamaican-style house songs like the ones Bob Sinclair do." Minami shared with Tomo again.

Before their talk could even continue, a black Lotus Exige pulls up right behind the Noble. "A Black Exige... Kyosuke!!" Tomo thought aloud. "Your friend's car?" Minami asked. Tomo answers with a plain nod to her.

Tomo was right as the person who stepped out of the Exige had mid length hair right up to the colar of his jacket. His one eye was covered with his long hair and a part of his hair is moulded upward. That's definitely Kyosuke. Oh, and he's only 2 heads higher than his Exige's roof.
"Kyosuke Katsumaru, ya?" Joseph wondered.
"I challenge you here, Joseph. One round around the crater then down the tunnel. Who reaches the main road first, turning right at the last intersection until a hundred meters from it is the winner." Kyosuke explained indefinitely.
"I like that." Joseph grinned.
"Tomo." Kyosuke called out to him. "Is that your new Girlfriend?" He asked looking at Minami.
"W...what are you saying Kyosuke!?" Tomo jolted.
"Kasumi wouldn't like this, I'm warning you now." Kyosuke told him in a serious tone. Tomo just gave a huge sigh of embarrassment and steps aside. Kyosuke placed his Exige parallel to the M400. Both drivers reved their engines hard. Three. Two. one... and both cars roceketed out of the starting line in no time flat.

The Exige, which is far lighter than the Noble, pulled ahead. Shifting gears, a ball of fire was blasted out of hte Exige's exhaust pipe and pushed ahead of the Noble. Joseph, on the other hand is looking for the right track to play. He wants to go crazy at this point in the race and gives a smile when it is highlighted at track 8: What I want.

The vocals of the track sound like a man posing as a woman as he hollers in very high pitches with all the 'ha ha ha ha's in the song.

As they make a hard left, Kyosuke braked and downshifted, bringing the Exige to a strong power over drift. As Joseph enters the corner, he simply lets go of his gas, raises his e-brake and does a wonderfully executed inertial drift with no countersteer. At the exit of the corner, Kyosuke reached a speed of 150 km/h, while Joseph gained around 163 km/h, and it is closing in on the Exige, 4 car lengths away from the exit and fast.

"I am not so sure as to what a Noble could actually do but I won't let just the car's performance outbeat my Exige. We're on equal terms in this race. Anything goes here!! I'll show Kitami that I can beat this fella." Kyosuke exclaimed as he stomps on the gas deeper.

"what i what i why what what I want is you you you you-you yeah pretty lady..." Joseph starts to sing again.

Through medium speed corners, Kyosuke removes his foot off the gas to induce the Exige's rear into a drift where as Joseph continuously initiates out-in-out attacks on every corner's entry. With every corner done, he gets closer to the Exige.

Joseph suddenly stopped singing for a while as he analyzes the final corner before the tunnel. "The Exige and Noble are equal in terms of driveability but there is only one difference between the two - the straightways. The Exige's top speed is pretty limited to its engine size by my Noble could do just fine." After that, he starts singing like crazy once more.

The Noble is now 1 car length away from the Exige as Kyosuke brakes upon entry, riding the outer edge of the road just like a gutter. He gains a bit more speed midway but it isn't enough to pull away from the M400 behind him.

Joseph executes the same attack WITHOUT braking, entering the corner at 188 km/h, 20 kilometers faster than Kyosuke's entry point. Did he make a mistake? The angle of the Noble, during drifting, is slightly higher than the Exige's by 3 degrees, thus resulting in a bit more speed loss onto the corner. But by the corner's exit, they both came out the same. Joseph had one advantage over Kyosuke at the last section of the race - he's behind.

"What's good about being behind on a straightway?" Joseph uttered to himself. "It's the slipstream baby!!" He hollered in his mind as he continues singing. He positions his Noble right behind the Lotus and the speed boost starts to kick in. A moment ago, they were both on the 200+ km/h mark, now Joseph has reached 240 while Kyosuke's stuch at 220 down the tunnel.

Kyosuke focuses so much on the road ahead that he never bothered to check his rearview mirror to see how far he is from the Noble, which is gaining on him, by the way. In the tunnel, Kyosuke's Exige is on the right side of the entire road as Joseph nudges his Noble to the left side. Was it a good plan to do so?

Then there it is! The final right hairpin. Upon entry to the intersection is where Kyosuke realized that the Noble is side to side with him. "Crap!" He shouted in his car. "How did he get so close!?"
Both cars braked, with Joseph on the correct lane for an out-in-out attack. He slows down even more during braking. Why so?

AS they enter the corner at a mid speed of 192 km/h, Kyosuke's Exige starts to understeer to the outside. "D...damn it! Not this way!!" He reacted as he's about to hit the stop light right across the street. Joseph rode the gutter at the corner's apex and blasted onto the final straight. Kyosuke recovered from that understeer but it was too late. Joseph retained his title as the fastest in Waikiki.

(10 minutes later...)

Joseph stopped at the club area to pick Tomo and Minami up. The Noble, with its tires surprisingly unscathed, stops right infront of the R34. "follow me, man." Joseph exclaimed in a happy tone to Minami and Tomo. The two got on the Skyline and followed the M400 all the way to Waipahu.

During the trip, Minami suddenly feels sleepy and ends up sleeping for the rest of the ride. Tomo noticed this and puts his palm on the side of her neck, making sure that she isn't sick or anything. "Hmm... glad it's not that." He thought.

They stopped at a gas station near Waipahu. Tomo's R34 still as 3/4 of a tank full. Joseph asks for a full tank service and the Gas station employee did just so and assisted them. Tomo, who got out of the R34, approached Joseph and asked "Um... so, what happened? Who won?"

"Oh, the race?" Joseph verified as he finished his canned Coke. "I did, it was no biggie." He said as he crushed the can with his own hand. "I know the roads of Waikiki like the back of my head, well... almost all the roads here in Hawaii I got them all memorized. So I can race anyone with ease and not much pressure. That friend of yours is quite stupid actually."

Tomo's face begins to show signs of seriousness when he heard an insulting word about Kyosuke out of his mouth. "His judgement was stupid. I didn't mean him, man." Joseph repeated which made Tomo subside his emotions. What Tomo actually hates are judgemental people making a mockery out of his friends for their mistakes by calling them names such as 'idiot' 'stupid' and the like. He's just way concerned for other people more than himself. Even strangers who are addressed this way, he hates it when other strangers call them such, thinking that they are far superior at whatever activity they do.

"If he had made a few runs up and down that route, he would've seen that last corner, Ya? A sudden drop of elevation, as steep as the final corner back, causes trememdous amounts of understeer to kick in at very high speeds. If he had followed my line, he would've defeated me. But I give kudos to your friend, Tomo. He has some mad skills and his tuning is good. If he could adjust his gearbox for a wee bit higher top speed, he could be a far more formiddable driver parring up to me." Joseph told him.

"Wow. Just from that statement, I learned a lot from the route, even if I am not the one participating in it in the first place." Tomo exclaimed.

"That tactic is called a slow-in-fast-out tactic, man." Joseph starts to lecture. "In that tactic, you enter the corner at a slow pace and once you've reached the turning point, go at full gas making sure that your car's position on the road is just right. If it is, you can rocket out of the corner at a higher speed than entering it conventionally and accelerating only at the point past the apex. It is proven useful especially for Hard hairpins like a while ago."

"Thanks for the tip. When I race, I'll gladly keep that in mind, Joseph." Tomo thanked.

By that time, Minami just woke up and she stepped out of the R34. "Ah, you awake, ya?" Joseph asked her.
"I must have dozed off. I rarely get these moments. It's mostly when I am with my brother that I suddenly get sleepy while riding a vehicle for such a long time." Minami explained.
"Well, I'm glad that you're okay now, Minami." Tomo said.

Suddenly, his phone rang. It is a message from Kasumi. "Let's eat already. We can't start without you for lunch. And I need to talk to you." Tomo read out loud. At the back of his mind, 'oh no, 'I need to talk to you' she says. When she says that I know it's trouble coming my way. oh, well. I better face her than run away...' He thought.

"I got to go now. I'll just see you soon. I'll come by your place again." Tomo told Minami and Joseph.
"Ayt man. You can come anytime. You are always welcome, ya?"
"Take care Tomo. Thanks for looking out for me today."
Tomo blushed hearing upon that statement. "Y...yeah. Sure... I'm off." He said waving goodbye to the two of them.

Tomo turned the engine of the R34 on, shifted to gear 1 and drove back to the southeast section of the island. Tomo enters the freeway and can't help but think of Minami. "What is this familiar feeling?" He thought to himself as he holds his chest with one hand. His heart is pounding harder. Every beat becoming faster. "D-don't tell me!..." He thought as he drives past the Honolulu airport.

At the airport, a pair of teenaged guys just claimed their bags. One is taller than the other by a longshot and the other seemed peachy, wearing a black tribal shirt. The taller guy is wearing a grey windbreaker. Both took their stroller bags and headed out of the airport, riding a Black Nissan. The Nissan is an R34 but it doesn't resemble a GT-R.

Both guys placed their bags on the trunk and drove for the Automobile Registration building.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Sep 3 2009, 05:32 AM

DOUBLE UPDATE!!
-------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 90 - A Reunion Once Had

The sky seems cloudy at this time of the day. The Black R34 like vehicle parks right infront of the automobile registration building as mentioned awhile ago. The tall guy mention previously is Kaded Shimuji. He is going to register his R34 if it is possible. If you have followed the Kyushi series, the first volume, the black R34 is actually a Nissan Skyline ER34 25GT Turbo. He has a C-west bodykit paired with a universal GT wing equipped, making it look like a Nismo R tune of the R34.

He is with a slightly stout looking kid who is wearing the tribal black shirt. It seems that the kid Kaede's with is very familiar with the place. He's Ryan Suzuki; Minami's little brother. "You sure you want to do this?" Ryan asked Kaede. "It's a regulation for anyone overseas who carries his automobile as if it is part of his mobile property right?" Kaede asked back. "You have a point there but..."
"Let's just get this over with." Kaede insisted as they entered the building.

-minutes later-
"I'm sorry sir." The clerk verified. "According to our records, a vehicle such as yours cannot be accepted or insisted for that matter."
"Why is that?" Kaede asked. "It's because... for vehicles such as those, we have a definite list of a certain number of models we could allow."
"Can't there be any exemptions to the rule?"
"I am afraid not, sir."
"Told ya it wouldn't work, Kaede." Ryan told him from afar.
"Why didn't you tell me sooner then?" Kaede asked back.
"Because you didn't bother to ask." He answered.
Kaede was speechless. He knew he was right. "Good point, bro."

"So sir." The clerk followed up the discussion. "What would you do now? The only option is to impound your vehicle and look for another model to use in the mean time..."
"What do you suggest then?" Kaede asked the clerk.
"Well... we have two suggestions for your sake. Afterall, your registered vehicle shares a similar model in our databank." the clerk answered.
"Like?"
"Well, you could transfer part of your funds of your current vehicle and issue a downpayment for the model we are referring you to. A Nissan GT-R34 skyline."
"A Skyline GT-R eh?"
"What model is yours again, Kaede?" Ryan asked as he walked over to him.
"Mine is a 25GT model. An FR type."
"Do they share the same body?" Ryan asked the clerk.
"Substantially speaking, yes. They do. So if I were you I'd temporarily sell to us your 25GT and use the money from us to downpay a GT-R. The condition is, upon the date of your departure, you must trade to us the GT-R in exchange for your own car. It will be registered under our name from that point." The clerk suggested in a thoughtful manner.
"Sounds complicated... but I'd have to take my chances on this. This'll do for now."

"alright then." the clerk agreed as well. I'd make an arrangement with our primary, and only, nissan branch here in Oahu. I'll inform them of your arrival for an insurance trade in. The papers will be..."
"Registered on your name then. I get it." Kaede said in a fit.

-later... outside the building.-

"You know Kaede..." Ryan sarcastically started off. "If you wanted a car, you could use the V-rent here."
"Why didn't she tell me about that?"
"Coz I think that she can tell from your face that you'll only drive your Skyline... whatever it is."
"It's too late for that." Kaede said as he raises his hand to call a cab. "The agreement has been made. I can't be too indecisive, you know."
After their short talk, the cab stopped and Kaede told the driver to take them to the Nissan Motors Branch.

-at the Eizaguirre Residence-

Tomo just arrived from the gas station at Waipahu, where he bid farewell momentarily to Joseph and Minami. As soon as Tomo parks the car right infront of the poolside, Kasumi was there waiting, with her arms crossed as usual. This gives Tomo the straightforward impression that she's mad again. "Oh, God... spare me." He said to himself as he unbuckles his seatbelt.

He slowly steps out of his blue Skyline and walks to Kasumi. "Yes?" He softly asked her. "Where were you?" Kasumi said in a serious tone. Her tone sent chills down Tomo's spine and he's getting scared of her. "Don't get me wrong okay?" She tilted her head down and looked at the pool. "I am just concerned. You are the only one I am concerned with whenever you are out somewhere." Tomo's face turns from fear to guilt.

"well, I am sorry if I ever made you worry, Kasumi."
"I know how hard are things for you now, especially concerning the team. You should always know that I am here for you. Why look for the aid of someone else if you got me?"
"Sorry Kasumi. It seems I forgot all about that. My mind is cluttered up with malicious thinking and negative reactions. I am sorry."
"It's okay. To me, you are forgiven. Always forgiven, in fact. Just make sure you tell me next time, okay?"
"I will." He said truthfully to Kasumi.
"So, who were you with according to Hiei?"
"Hiei told you?" Tomo thought aloud.
"Of course. He is the only one who knows of your whereabouts so he needs to voice out when we were wondering where you are."
"I was with a friend." He humbly answered.
"A friend?"
"I met her weeks ago. Her name is Minami Suzuki."
"What's she like?"
"She's kind of like you."
Kasumi never fuzzed or said a word hearing that. "really?"
"Yeah. I'm going to their place soon. Tomorrow if ever not today. I want you to come with me. I'd love to make you meet her."
Kasumi looked at Tomo with a smile. "Alright." she uttered. "I'll go with you. Just tell me when you'll go, okay?"
"Okay." Tomo said. With that, he walked past Kasumi into the house. Kasumi just stood there, staring at his GT-R. "She's kind of like me, huh? What kind of person is Minami?"

-At the east bank of Oahu Island-

A black Nissan R34 GT-R cruises down the open road at a constant pace of 130 km/h. The car's automatic so the driver had both of his hands glued to the steering wheel. He has his foot on the gas halfway. Looking at the rearview mirror, he sees nothing but an empty road. "Are Oahu's roads this empty, Ryan?" Kaede asked, who is driving the black R34. "Not all the time it is." Ryan pondered. "But there is a first time for everything." He added.

Removing his gas until the spedometer reaches 100 km/h flat, Kaede makes a right turn without changing lanes. The car didn't show any signs of awkward behavior. It is stable all throughout. Kaede, then steps on the gas deeper, bringing it to a speed of 150 km/h. Suddenly, the GPS of his car denotes an incoming car right behind him past the 200 km/h mark.

WARNING. INCOMING CAR. DENOTE MAINTENANCE OF PACE AND LANE.

"What do I do, Ryan?" Kaede asked.
"TUrn on your hazards. The car behind would probably slow down. Most locals who drive past the current speed of 200 km/h would be obliged to slow down at instances such as this." Ryan explained.
"Is that so?" Kaede verified. So, he followed what Ryan said and turned the hazard lights on.
The car behind is still running past 200 km/h. The driver saw the black R34 from afar and swerved to the right side. He can't drive to the left as it is a double yellow line. He positions his car right between the emergency lane and the guardrail.

"He's not stopping." Kaede thought.
"He musn't be a local then..." Ryan thought.
The driver of the incoming car seems persistent. the space is still isn't enough so he made use of the edge of the road and the grass to cut through the black R34.

"He's crazy!!" Ryan thought aloud.
"Is he serious!?" Kaede thought the same.
The car suddenly zoomed by them as if the R34 was sitting there or something. The car that passed them was a blue Nissan Skyline GT-R. It shares the same body as Kaede's; all the way right down to the rims and exhaust. The only thing is that the car sounds tuned. The revs and the engine tone differ from each other. Unmistakeably, that is Tomo's R34 unknown to Kaede and Ryan.

"What a reckless fellow." Ryan thought aloud.
"Yeah but... I can't help but feel the presence of a familiar driver around." Kaede thought too.

Inside the blue Skyline, Tomo's definitely the one driving as he shifts the car to gear 6 at 245 km/h. He has a passenger with him. A girl with long brown-orange toned hair. Yes, it is Kasumi sitting on the passenger seat. "That was mighty reckless of you, Tomo."
"Was I? I wasn't paying any attention, that's all. I was concerned of the time. I said 4:10 I'd be at Minami's place and it is now 4 o clock flat." He crammed.
"Will you make it? I doubt it."
"as long as I can, I can, Kasumi. Don't worry."
They come across a high speed S curve with both sides of the road railed. Tomo decelerates to a speed of 230 km/h and removes his foot of the gas completely upon entry to the corner and accomplishes a power over drift, riding the edge of the road as if it is a gutter. The position of his R34 seems like it is driving on a straight line on the first turn then he turns the wheel to the second turn and accomplishes a double gutter-run.

His car's rear tires smoked a bit upon corner exit.
To Kasumi, it seems like he's just playing around. But to Tomo, what he is actually accomplishing is what Joseph verbally tutored to him. He still cannot do it. "No, it's not that way. What he said was different." He thought to himself.

-Oahu Gulf, Punauiua Terrace; Minami's place 4:12 p.m.-

Kaede's black R34 just pulled over. "So this is your place, is it?" he asked Ryan. "Not exactly." Ryan answered. This is my cousin's place. "What's his name? First name would do." Kaede was curious. "His name is Joseph."
"Joseph eh?"

Inside the house, Minami and Kasumi are getting along just fine. Moments ago, Tomo introduced Kasumi to her. It was a pretty good first impression for the two girls. While the two girls are bonding happilly, Tomo was with Joseph, where the latter is introducing Tomo to unconventional racing skills and techniques that would prove useful to him on the road.

seconds later... DING DONG. The bell rang.

Joseph immediately stood up and answered the door. A little clicking sound from the door as he turns the knob depicts that it has opened. He looked to see a stout boy, whose height is around up to half of Tomo's face, wearing a black tribal designed T-shirt and wearing cargo slacks paired with black sneakers. He waves a high five to Joseph. "Yo yo yo!! Word up, Joseph. Me cousin from another bringin'!" the stout boy rapped. "Ah! Ya man! I missed you so! Where have you been all this time, man!!" Joseph greeted in a jamaican tone and immediately hugged the stout boy. His grip on the boy was tight. Likewise, the kid counters doing the same thing on Joseph. Behind the kid was a tall guy whose height is past Tomo's by half of his face or 8.5/10 of a standard door's length. He waves hi to Joseph with a smile and is acting a bit shy. "A friend of yours, Ryan?" He asked the kid. Yeah, the kid happens to be Ryan and no doubt about it, that's Kaede whom he is with.

"Nice to meet you. My name is..."
"He's Kaede. A friend of mine from Japan. He doesn't talk much so talk ssssllllooooowwwww...." Ryan acted.
"I'm not that gullible unlike you, Ryan." Kaede said sarcastically.
"Ahahahaha!! Looks to me like you two are best friends, ya?"
"Yah indeed. In our entire 6 month stay at Japan, he's the first friend I have ever met. We even share the same beliefs, see?"
Ryan grabs from his bag a copy of what looks like a bible. The cover depicts the words "NEW WORLD TRANSLATION OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES" in English.
"Funny. Minami has a friend of the same belief too. He's a guy you know."
"Really!?" Ryan leaped for joy. "I gotta go find sis first!!" He ran past Joseph, ignoring Tomo as he makes his way up the stairs to find Minami. "Why don't you come in, ya?" Joseph asked Kaede who seems too afraid to ask.
"Thanks a lot." Kaede said with a smile. Upon entry he sees a guy who happens to be on his late teens or early 20's, with spikey hair wearing an overlapped white T-shirt with orange long sleeves, covered in an unbuttoned blue stripped polo shirt.
He never said a word. Kaede was amazed to see him again.
Tomo looks at him the same way. He gives Kaede, wearing a gray hoodie windbreaker paired with beige cargo pants, a serious look as if he has met him before; but with a smile. Tomo doesn't look at familiar faces like this... his eyes only tell that immediate judgement of character.

"Hey, Minami. Introduce me to that guy Joseph's talking about!" Ryan said as he pulls Minami's left arm down the stairs.
"Alright, alright but you don't have to rush. He's not going anywhere you know!" Minami said practically holding her ground against her brother. Kasumi walking behind Minami just giggled in her place as the 3 walk down.

Ryan just realized, by the time he steps on the ground floor, there was a guy looking at Kaede with a stern look. "Um... Minami, Joseph... who's this guy? Who is he?"
"Um..." Minami couldn't answer. Tomo's giving Kaede 'the look' and Kaede's giving him likewise the same thing.
Joseph just kept silent.
Kasumi noticed this behind the Suzuki's and has that weird feeling that another race might commence soon.

"It's been long since I last saw you... Kaede Shimuji." Tomo uttered.
"You don't look so beat up yourself. I've been spectating your last battles at Japan before... Tomo." Kaede uttered likewise.

Ryan, Minami, Joseph, and Kasumi are all surprised to know and see two long-time friends meet up after being apart just because of a racing event taking place worldwide...

An aura of intense proportions are revolving around the Suzuki's household.

Chapter 91 - News of Defeat

An aura of animosity develops within the Suzuki residence at Oahu Golf as the egos of Tomo Kitsumoro and Kaede Shimuji clash. Kasumi was sure of what is going on but Ryan and Minami are quite confused with what is going on at the moment.

"Why are they like this?" Minami asked.
"I thought these guys are friends." Ryan wondered.
"They are." Kasumi indirectly answered. "There is only one thing that makes them like this. One wants their own way and the other always goes against it, hoping to do their own. They almost never agree of the same page."

"Are you the one driving that blue GT-R outside?" Kaede asked Tomo.
"Who else is there?" Tomo arrogantly answered shrugging his shoulders.
"And lemme guess..." Tomo followed up. "You are the one driving that black GT-R moments ago, right?" He asked Kaede. "Man do you still race like crap. Don't you see that straights don't make you fast. You should've done the proper way and pulled to the side."
"What's with you all of a sudden? Aren't you glad to see your old childhood friend after all this time?"
"I don't know." He adnmits.
"You have to forgive me then. You should realize that people change over time and you can say that I have changed for the worse."
"Eh?" Kaede was confused with what is happening to Tomo. Moments ago, he was like an arrogant brat looking down on everyone else now, he has become a humble indecisive person.
Joseph breaks the ice and shouts...
"Aw! Come on, man! This is a reunion! Lighten up, ya?" he said as he got both Kaede and Tomo by the neck with his massive arms. "Let's have an extemporaneous get together party! We rarely gets such occassions! Liven up, will ya!" He said to them acting like a party animal.
"Ooh! I'll get the limbo gear from the back!!" Ryan insisted as he frolics to the back of the house.

-hours later, during the party-
The time is now 6:24 p.m. Everybody was having fun; all except Tomo. He was thinking of what Kaede just said.

QUOTE

"What's with you all of a sudden? Aren't you glad to see your old childhood friend after all this time?"

"What kind of friend am I?" He asked himself. "Shouldn't I be happier that Kaede's here? We've never seen each other for a while now. The last time we did was when I raced Sakura on a full lap at Haruna..."
He crunches up to his knees, and covers half of his face with his arms as he sits near the bonfire. From afar, Joseph, Ryan, Minami, and Kaede are enjoying the seashore's cool waters as they run around it.
Kasumi approaches Tomo, checking if he is okay. "Mind if I seat next to you?" Kasumi asked humbly. "Sure." He answered in return.
Kasumi moves her body closer to Tomo's until they made contact. "Tell me something Tomo." She started as she zips down her white sweater revealing her pink swimsuit top underneath. "Hmm?" Tomo said without looking at Kasumi. "Why were you acting cold to Kaede? He's your friend right?"
"I don't know. I know I should be happy to see him but why is it my character suddenly changes? I don't know what is happening with me now."
"Probably it's because you gave him 'the look' first... thinking as if he is a total stranger..."
"I can't say if it is that or I am too attached to Minami that time that I don't care for anyone else..."
"Why bring Minami up?"
"Um..." Tomo can't find a pretty good reason to that. It is just a feeling, he admits but he can't explain it properly in words.
"You should lighten up, Tomo. Let go of all your problems for a while. Daiki doesn't concern them for a moment."
"Now why bring Daiki up?" Tomo this time asks Kasumi.
"Because I can tell that he's the reason behind your current attitude. To me, you are quite readable. Your eyes say it all." Kasumi answers.
Tomo just stared at the flame as it dies out. He grabs a stick, lying next to him and softly threw it at the bonfire, rekindling the flame.

"You know... I spoke with Minami about Kaede. She says that ever since they met, all that he could talk about is you when Ryan brings the topic of street racing up."
"Really?" Tomo was surprised or maybe he just doesn't care what other people say since he is paranoid to the thought of people would only talk about bad stuff about him.
"Yes. Really. When I talk with Minami, she's so sincere. No wonder you have a liking for her."
"You're not mad are you?" He curiously asked Kasumi.
"Mad? Why would I be mad over a friend?" Kasumi answered with conviction.

The scene shifts from Tomo & Kasumi to Minami and the rest. Joseph and Minami are picking up whole seashells on the shore that are brought by the water's currents. Ryan suddenly brings up a question.
"Minami. How long have you met Tomo?"
"It has been 3 weeks now. He has been coming to our place for that same duration too."
"Sounds like a Romeo squabbling over to his Juliet, huh?" Ryan joked.
"It isn't like that. We're just friends." Minami negated.
"Anything interesting that happened between you and him?" Ryan followed up a question.
"Now when did you get interested about him?" Minami truthfully asked.
"I just want to know. Come on, is it bad to ask about him?"
"Well, since you asked..." Minami started to think back. "We did race each other once." She answered.
This caught Kaede's attention who decided to join along with the discussion. "Really? You raced him? What happened?" Kaede asked this time.
"I lost actually." Minami humbly admits.
"No way... Sis, you lost? Here on Hawaii?" Ryan couldn't believe what he just heard. Joseph is the fastest street racer around and he took both Minami and Ryan under his wing. Obviously they'll be the 2nd and third fastest around and probably the fastest D class drivers, according to car statistics.
"Who issued the challenge then?" Kaede thought.
"He did. He asked all of a sudden after he treated me for a daiquiri." Minami told them both.
Things start to turn silent. Joseph, who was eavesdropping on their conversation never said a word and just listened with his back facing them. He doesn't want to butt in.
"Do you want me to avenge your loss, sis?" Ryan asked.
"Um... I think you shouldn't..."
"Waddya say, Kaede?" Ryan turned to Kaede and asked.
"Why not? I still can't believe what he said to me this afternoon. My driving has changed and those were fighting words. I'd race him if I have to." Kaede confidently agrees with Ryan.
"Um?..." minami cannot say anything. Her brother and his friend has made up their minds.

Back with Tomo and Kasumi, they continue to talk about Tomo himself. "So you tend to judge people now according to the way they drive?" Kasumi asked.
"Well, I dunno. It's second nature probably."
"You should get control over your second Nature, Tomo-kun. You shouldn't It's a sign that you like to challenge and beat people. Do you want to end up like Lucas Scott in the near future?"
Tomo was shocked upon that statement in slight rage. What he despises when he is being sermoned is being compared to other people in relation to his mistakes. But because it is Kasumi, he tries to hold it in. Kasumi saw this and felt bad about what she said.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to make it sound like that."
"It's okay. I know you didn't mean to say that. You're just concerned for my social welfare, right?"
Kasumi just looked at him with a smile.
Later; Kaede, with Ryan, approached Tomo.

"Tomo. I have something to ask of you."
"before you do." Tomo interrupts. "I'd like to say sorry. Sorry for what I said to you when we made eye contact. I didn't mean to make it sound like that. Hope you forgive me."
Those words of apology made Kaede reconsider what he is about to say. He is about to challenge Tomo out of anger. He seems sorry for his awkward actions which made Kaede feel a bit sorry for him.
"So..." Tomo asked with a smile. "What is it you want to ask of me?"
Kaede is looking for a good reason to do so and crunched his fist in embarrassment. "I WANT YOU TO RACE ME!!" He said in anxiousness.
Tomo was in someway expecting that from Kaede. He asked later on with a smile. "What for?"
Kaede told himself to be true to what he's gonna say. He doesn't want to make up another excuse. "I was actually going to challenge you just so I could avenge Minami's loss and in order to get back at you for what you've said. Now that you've apologized to me, it made me recosider what my purpose for racing you is... But to tell you the truth... I just..."
Tomo stood up from his place and pats Kaede's left shoulder. "You don't need a reason to race somebody. Racing someone for a reason is the way of the world. You don't need to demand something in return. But frankly speaking... if you don't have a definite reason in challenging someone... the only logical explanation to that would be that you are looking for an answer, is that it?" Tomo explained to Kaede.
Kaede just nodded his head.
"Okay, so tell me. What is it that you want to find out?"
"I want to see if I am good enough to be considered a racer in your eyes."
Tomo just looked at Kaede and he could see eyes of determination in him. But at the back of his mind, he can still see a weak battle aura - the same battle aura that he had when they first battled against each other. It still hasn't changed; except for his attitude towards racing. Before, it was just a game... now it is something of greater meaning. Something that he learned from watching Tomo drive and drive.
"I accept your challenge." Tomo softly answered Kaede. "But your answer to the question... I won't say a word. It will be answered during our battle."

Joseph, this time buts in and says a few words...
"Well, a race at night might not sound bad but it is dangerous. If you're planning to race down the mountains, it's a very dangerous place to be at night. Majority of streets with no public housing are barely lit. You best should race tomorrow. It's for a better ensurance of your safety." He offered.
"Well, we could do it tomorrow, Kaede." Ryan answered.
"Yeah, why not tomorrow, Tomo?" Minami suggested.
"Sounds good with me." Tomo agreed. "How about you, Kaede?"
"Okay. We'll race tomorrow. 9:00 a.m.?"
"Tell ya what!" Joseph insisted. "Why don't you and your girl... same goes to you Kaede, spend the night with us!!"
"Yeah. That's a great Idea!!" Ryan leaped for joy!! "Kaede! You can stay in my room!"

While they are talking as to who would stay where, a girl steps out of the GT-R, which has its windows slightly down by the way for hours, carrying her fur-covered bag. She seems to be as high as Ryan, with hair as long as Minami's only straighter. She definitely has the same skin tone as Kaede, pretty much denoting that she's his sister. She rubs her eyes and looks for Kaede.
"Nii-san. Are we at the hotel? What's taking you so long?"
"Whoa Nelly! You got a hitch hiker in your car, man?" Joseph pondered.
"Actually, she was with me and Ryan the entire time but she fell asleep as soon as we arrived at Honolulu and stayed at the back of the car for hours." Kaede explained.
"Must be the jet lag feeling again." Ryan thought aloud.
"So..." Kasumi thought. "She's your little sister?"
"Why didn't you tell all of us that she's with you?" Minami asked Kaede and Ryan.
Tomo just gave the what-the-hell look and notices the girl. Looking closely at the face, he remembered her. "Satsuki!!?" He screamed in surprise.

The girl is Satsuki Shimuji. She is Kaede's little sister. She wasn't mentioned at the previous chapter for the sole reason that she has been asleep for the entire time at the back of the ER34 and the black R34. No wonder Kaede just maintained his speed before at only 150 km/h maximum.
"Huh?" Satsuki moaned as she rubs her eyes clear. "Ah!" She hollered as she saw Minami, Kaede, and Ryan. "Minami!!! It's you!!" She ran to Minami and hugged her as if she was a lost sister or something.
"Easy, Satsuki. Yeah, it's me." Minami assured her.
"I know who I am sleeping with." Satsuki answered.
"Bummer..." Joseph said as he looks at Kasumi and Tomo. "Would the living room be alright for you? I have some extra futons or sleeping bags if you need any."
"That'll be great. Thank you very much for the hospitality in advance." Kasumi greeted as she bowed down.
"Got a hammock? I prefer the outdoor wind, actually." Tomo insisted. "Ooh! An adventurer, alright. I'll leave the screen door opened at the living room. You have fun now, okay? Don't break any stuff." Joseph said as he approaches his Noble M400.
"Where are you going?" Ryan asked.
"I have to meet up with Anthony. He needs me for a while. We're installing a new supercharger on his pontiac and says that he can't do it alone. We'll be right back before midnight though. You should all be in bed by that time, okay?"
"What's with him?" Kaede thought.
"nah. He just cares for all of us, that's why he treats us like a bunch of kids." Minami admits.

2 and a half hours later, the clock shows 10:35 p.m. Tomo has a few extra clothes at the back of his GT-R, so does Kasumi. They all got dressed. Kaede and Ryan just slept at Ryan's room while Minami and Satsuki slept together at her room.
Tomo couldn't sleep and looks to Kasumi if she is.
"You awake, Kasumi chan?" He asked her.
"Kinda. Can't sleep?" Kasumi asked him back.
"Yeah. I wonder if they are. I better text Minami."
With a few little tick tick sounds on his cellphone, he sends a message to Minami...

Are you guys still awake.

A minute passes and Minami replied.
"We're about to be until you texted. I know you're just below us so don't worry. Don't spend too much load on us. Goodnight. Sleep tight. Don't forget to pray to Jehovah"

"That's good to hear." Tomo thought.
"So, what are you gonna do with the race tomorrow?" Kasumi asked.
"Well... I can't go easy on Kaede. Unless he picks a straight road again as usual, I have to give him a bit of allowance on the first half of the race... and end it on the second half." Tomo answered.
"So no mercy then?" Kasumi wondered.
"I guess."
"well, we better get some shut eye. Good night Tomo."
Tomo looks at Kasumi who just closed her eyes.

"Goodnight Kasumi." He whispered to her.
He puts his arms behind his back and thinks of what would happen tomorrow and what kind of a jerk he was back then. He takes out his phone and glares at Minami's name and her number...
"I'm glad enough that Kasumi understood my situation about me and Minami. AS for Minami..." He thought as his heart beats faster and harder, making him feel heavy on the chest.

"Am I... attracted to her?"

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Sep 6 2009, 07:55 PM

Chapter 92 - "You're Still Not Good Enough"

The morning of the next day breaks. Things are quiet around the Suzuki residence. Not a single peep out of the two groups who are about to face each other in four wheel combat. It is composed of the team of Tomo, with Kasumi by his side, against Kaede, who has the company of Ryan, Satsuki, and surprisingly, Minami. Althought Minami is quite close to Tomo too, but because her brother sided with Kaede, she has not much of a choice. She is always well supportive of her brother and looks after him so much. Even Tomo was fine with this. He never questioned Minami's decision. It is a matter of family after all. It is beyond his own comprehension.

Joseph and Anthony are the only ones siding with neither party. They stand neutral to this challenge between Tomo and Kaede. With arrangements made, the cars slowly come out of the garage and headed for their destination: near the Kane Ohe farm district. The race to be made is plain and simple - a straightway match, varying in overall vertical angle for 5 kilometers, followed by a hard right turn at the end of the district and one kilometer from there to the goal. The race is very straightforward and both have agreed upon it as soon as they woke up from their sleep and discussed it during breakfast.

One by one, the cars headed for their destination; starting with the Noble M400, followed by a bay side blue coated Nissan Skyline GT-R R34, then a black Nissan Skyline of the same kind, and lastly a Misano Red Audi TT 1.8 Quattro sport.

within half an hours travel from the Oahu Gulf, they made it. The AUdi went ahead to the goal, 6 kilometers from where they started. The Noble and the two Skylines made their final arrangements. Before the Audi has even left for the goal, Tomo requested something from Minami.

"Minami... could you take Kasumi along with you? She'd hate it if I leave her here. Joseph couldn't possibly take her along in her Noble. It only has room for two and..." Tomo asked.
"I understand. Come on, Kasumi-san."
"A...arigato, Minami-chan." Kasumi bowed courteously to the young girl. She sat on the back of Minami and Satsuki and drove off.

Tomo then faced Kaede who was showing a grin. "Understood the rules of the race? There will be a 50 meter handicap in the beginning. If you manage to overtake me before the goal, you win. If I make it first, I win." Kaede boldly informed.
"Understood." Tomo said before he faced his GT-R to do a final check up.
"Oi, oi. Kaede." Ryan interrupted. "You sure about this battle of yours?"
"I proposed it so I get to choose how the race would go." Kaede answered. He looks at the straight and continues to brag. "Afterall, this is a 6 kilometer straightway with traffic as the only interference; not to mention these hilly roads. I can beat him at this. A plain old straight is boring. It's a good thing your cousin knows where to race."
"Well... we'll definitely win this and avenge my sister's defeat."

Joseph goes around the two GT-Rs and debriefs them of a few rules. "Alright, here are a few rules to remember, ya?" He started off.
"One. Both of your cars are under strict surveillance of the Oahu Automotive industry. So I best be confident of you two that you never went past the 390 hp mark before we left, guaranteed? No funny stuffs like NOS or anything from that Speed Racer thing we watch 20 years back, okay?"
The two just nodded in agreement.
"Second. No funny stuff either while racing like car-to-car contact or ramming each other to the grass or to another car, okay? It's against the crime what not."
The two nodded once more.
"And a final note. In terms of off road penalty, if any one of you has lasted for an accumulated total of 5 seconds off the road with all 4 tires missing, the race would end and whosoever lasted for 5 seconds off the road is disqualified. Is all that clear?"
"Yes." Tomo and Kaede agreed.
"Good. Best to get used to this as this is how we do one-on-one battles here. Anthony?" He faced as he gives him a nod. Anthony walks over to the starting line; in between the two Skylines.
"Kaede and Ryan would start a 2 seconds ahead and are off on the count of 3. Tomo, you go on the count of 5."

Anthony raises his hands and declares the start of the race.
Tomo got on his Skyline and Buckled up, shifting his car to gear 1 and raising the E-brake. Kaede and Ryan buckled up on the black GT-R and places the car on N. It is very evident at this point that Kaede's GT-R is an automatic and he seems pretty confident racing in an automatic as well.

Tomo focuses his eyes on the road and never bothered to look on his side. Kaede can't help but look at Tomo's R34. "I'm different now, Tomo. I've changed. and I can still say that racing like this, is still my trump card. The cards are stacked on my satisfaction from here on out."
he thought.

Anthony has called the 'THREE' and Kaede blasts out of the starting line as he shifts the car to D. There is no car blocking his way so he steps on the gas completely. Ryan, who has both of his arms grabbed on to the belt harness, grips in his seat for his life as the G-forces start to kick in on every automatic shift.

'FOUR'

Tomo rolled his fingers on the steering wheel as he watches the black GT-R pull away. Thirty meters. Forty Meters. 'FIVE!' And exactly fifty meters away from Kaede, Tomo forcibly releases the e-brake and causes a huge burnout. Another difference between Tomo's GTR and Kaede's GTR is that Tomo has his TCS turned off. So he has even more control of the movements of the car. The G-force in his is much wilder. At every shift, he engages on the clutch only for half a second. And thanks to the upgraded clutch as well, the car's rpm response time is shorter, giving him ample speed to catch up.

Slowly, with half a kilometer passed by, the gap is now down to 43 meters.

Kaede is still not hesitating and had his foot down on the gas completely. He looks at the rearview mirror, seeing Tomo desperately catch up to him. "Hmph. This is where the real battle is. Both our cars are equal, there is no way he can catch up to me at this rate!" He thought to himself showing off a smile to Ryan.

"You're definitely going to win, Kaede. Show him the skills you possess when we defended Hiroshima pass!" Ryan thought to himself as he gives Kaede a nod. The black GT-R, at a speed of 170 km/h and increasing swerves around traffic as if they are nylon cones. Kaede is showing off his complete control over his R34.

Looking at things, 35 meters away, with just 3 kilometers left, Tomo shows a frown at what Kaede is doing.
"show off." He muttered to himself as he shifts to gear 5. Both cars now have passed 210 kilometers an hour and their speeds continue to rise endlessly.

The GT-R of Tomo slowly enters the slipstream and gains more speed as they reach a remainder of 2.2 kilometers from the turning point. Kaede doesn't notice the difference of awhile ago and now as he glaces once more at his rearview mirror. But from above, Tomo has cut down the gap in half. He is now just less than 25 meters away from Kaede's R34.

One Kilometer left.

The GT-Rs have now reached a speed of 269 km/h. They're now close to the braking point of the route. The corner is a hard 90 degree right with both sides barricaded. There is a passenger car on the very inside of the corner so riding the gutter is a bad option. "Here it is!!" Kaede shouted in his seat as he gets ready to brake.

With only 0.25 kilometers from the turning radius of the road, Kaede engages the brakes. The disc brakes heat up and slows the car down gradually. Without changing lanes, Kaede executes a wonderful grip move through the corner.

"This is it! We're gonna win this!!" Ryan shouted in his seat.

At the corner's entry point, Tomo brakes at 0.35 kilometers away and engages the gas at exactly 0.15 kilometers from the turning point. The rear trips but the car gains enough speed to cover the corner through without any collisions. Tomo regains the spot right behind the black GT-R, entering the slipstream at the very moment.

"A little more!!" Kaede thought to himself.

But as he thinks of his own victory ahead, the GT-R behind him swerves to the side and is ready to overtake. Kaede's R34 has reached a speed of 230 km/h from the corner's exit. Tomo kas reached, well, an exit speed of 250. What he did actually during cornering was what Joseph has tutored him - the slow in fast out tactic. He has gained so much speed right before the apex that the speed gained was enough to clear the corner at a much higher speed.

"Only 200 meters to go!!" Kaede thought once more until...

Tomo swerves right infront of the black GT-R startling Kaede and Ryan, forcing Kaede to step on the brakes and swerve to the other side of the road.
"Aaaaah!" Both of them screamed in their seats as the blue GTR blocks their way all of a sudden.

"And I thought you've changed, Shimuji." He thought.
Tomo passes by Minami's Audi first, denoting that he won the race hands down. Kaede passes the TT 179 meters later.

As both GT-R's parked to the side, Ryan immediately panics and runs after Tomo, who just got out.
He grabs Tomo by the colar and freaks out infront of him.
"Do you really want us to get killed!? What kind of recklessness is that!? You're no worse than Akio and his blasted Evolution back at Haruna!" Ryan screamed in suppressed fear.
"What's with you, Tomo? I thought Joseph said no funny stuff!"
"Yeah. Exactly." Tomo answered. "I didn't do anything that Joseph said not to do. I just overtook you that's all."
"Overtook us and nearly got ourselves killed is what you exactly did!"
"Ryan! Please." Kaede stopped him.

"I accept defeat." He humbly bowed to Tomo.
"You don't have to do that anymore Kaede. I knew the result already and the answer to your question as soon as you selected the route." Tomo admits.

Kaede raises his head in confusion. All the girls gathered up where the guys are talking. Even Ryan was curious to that 'answer' Tomo's talking about.

"You claim you are a better driver but you're still not good enough."
It felt as if Kaede's heart skipped a beat overhearing that.

"Not good enough... Tomo I think you're going too far on this." Minami contradicted. "I mean, I saw him race at Hiroshima. He was good, even through the corners."

"But even if you raced at Hiroshima with him, at what pace were you two driving at?" Tomo insisted.
Minami couldn't answer.

"I'm not saying it is bad to drive slow. It's just that to me, and if I were in Kaede's shoes, I wouldn't select such an easy route to prove my point. I'd take it somewhere that would really test me too. I wouldn't be assuming of my victory on a route where the result is quite predictable." Tomo explained.

"Sorry. But compared to you guys... I race differently. You may claim it as aggressive but that's how I drive. Reckless but safe." He said facing his back at them.

"I think you need to work a bit more on your judgment of race routes. DOn't take them too lightly. Challenge yourself most of all." He indirectly told Kaede.

"That way, you'd prove your worth. Try more corners than straights. One corner won't prove you anything." He added.

Tomo leaves a second to think about what he currently saying. He contradicts himself once more. "Are you sure with what you are advicing him? It is an okay race so leave your personal thoughts out of it. Don't try and act like a hot shot driver just because they're both here. You need to be humble, Tomo. Even infront of Kaede. He's not that determined to racing unlike you. He just wants to show you something. And I think he has proven his point and so do you."
"Shut up." He told himself.
"I'm begging you to stop Tomo." He adviced himself. "You're starting to act like Daiki."

By the moment he thought about Daiki as well. He kept silent for good. He needs to search for answers once more. And probably, Adriana is the only one he could approach at this time. Speaking of him and Adriana, Tomo needs to clear a few stuff between them; including this.

"Kasumi."
"Yes?"
"Let's go back to Halona."
"Um... sure."

Kasumi bows to Minami and the others and runs over to Tomo's Skyline.

"We'll be back soon okay? We'll inform you guys." Kasumi shouted to Minami and the others. Tomo shifts to gear 1, does a 180 burnout and leaves the rest of them behind.

"It's alright big brother."Satsuki assured. "You did your best."
"No. He was right about one thing."
"What's that?" Satsuki asked him.
"I still have a long way to go before I could par up with him."
"I understand what you mean by that." Minami shared. "When I raced him and when he is about to overtake me, I have that same feeling. He's faster than any of us."
"But I bet he isn't fast compared to our Joseph."
"Oh I don't think Tomo's that gullible or proud of a person to challenge Joseph out of the blue. He helped him with a few things. He just wont declare a challenge for no reason or just to flaunt his prowress in racing, you know." Minami assured that point.

"Then tell me." Satsuki asked Minami. "Why are you so protective of him?"
"Of Tomo?"
"who else?"
"I just don't want any animosity happening between us friends over this. Not even street racing should be an obstacle to our friendship. I don't want our friendship with him to break just because of this." Minami humbly admits.

"You know. Let's face it. He won I lost. That's that. Let's just go back and have lunch." Kaede insisted.

The group gathered to their cars and met up with Joseph and Anthony, 6 kilometers back.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Sep 10 2009, 09:46 PM

*sigh* another double update... THESE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT CHAPTERS IN THIS SERIES Finally we get to the main idea of the story. My friend said that it sounds like Naruto - only at the next season was the main topic exposed. What is it? Read to find out!! Right now!!
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Episode 22 - The Prophecy's Fulfillment! The Prince vs the Pawn!!
Chapter 93 - Stay By my Side

On one route, at the East bank of Oahu Island, the blue R34 runs down in a casual speed towards Adriana's Kaloko Lost Heaven mansion. Tomo never said a word after his battle with Kaede. He's thinking of what he said and how he feared, affected his friendship with him. "Was I being too harsh or hard on Kaede? Am I insisting that I am right and he is wrong all the time when it comes to stuff like this? Or am I really starting to think like Daiki when racing is the main topic?" He thought to himself. He's getting confused with who he is... He thinks he is walking on Daiki's shadow and his judgement is based on Daiki's reasoning too. He hates that thought; why? He hates Daiki for some reason. Was it because he was hiding something important from him? Or is it because he is just desperate to race in a formal round at the tournament since he wasn't given at all the chance to?

"Tomo... you alright?" Kasumi asked as she puts her palm over his forehead.
"I'm not sick or anything. I'm alright." He told Kasumi as he softly waves her palm away from his head.
"You're not. I can tell. You could tell me all about it; I'd understand." Kasumi insisted.
"Nah. I think it is best that you don't know of this at all, Kasumi my dear." Tomo prevented.
"I don't want to talk about it either." He followed as he slowly removes his gas off the accelerator upon approaching a T intersection which has a stop sign.

He slowly brings the car to a halt and goes on talking.
"But do you think I was acting a bit too harsh on Kaede after our race?" He asked her.
"Well... to be honest... you were. Is that wnat is bothering you?"
"Yeah. I regret saying it."
"Don't worry. I know you didn't mean it that way. He'll come around. I know Kaede would understand."

But Kaede doesn't understand it at all.

"God, I hate it when he acts all mighty about cars and driving techniques, thinking he is the god of all that crap." Kaede said in a fickle matter or disagreement. "Yeah, Don't worry. We'll get him back. Next time, it is my turn. I'll show that guy my secret technique, the one Joseph taught me!!"
Ryan said in confidence as they drive back to the starting line, where Joseph is. Or is he?

They see Anthony talking on his cellular phone, a blackberry storm. Minami and the rest quickly stepped out to check.
"Uh huh... is that so... I see... I'll keep in touch... okay... bye." Anthony said as he presses the call-off button on his phone. He turns to see the group of youngsters come by his position. "Um, Anthony..." Minami uttered.
"Oh, so it's you guys." Anthony said with a smile. "By the looks of your crummy faces, you lost the race, did you?"
"You don't have to rub it in, sir." Satsuki said in embarrassment.
Anthony's face turns serious as he raises a question - "Mr. Kaede, how strong is your R34?"
"How strong? It's just running as in its factory spec."
"Factory spec...? Do you mean just 320?"
Kaede nods in agreement to Anthony's last statement. Anthony crosses his arms and continues his serious discussion. "No wonder you lost." He uttered. "Tomo's R34 runs at 400."

"What's the difference?" Ryan asked.
"Ryan..." Minami called his attention. "Tomo's car has more power, so he can easily catch up to Kaede's car."
"Then how strong is yours, sis?" Ryan asks in contradiction.
"It's only at 300." Minami frankly answers.
"Then why is it weird that Tomo's car completely destroyed Kaede's when in comparison to your battle, you've lasted longer?" Ryan asks in deceit.
"It's because, Ryan..." Anthony uttered. "Both Tomo and Minami's cars are fully upgraded according to Oahu standards. Kaede's car is running on its factory spec so there is a huge difference between a stock Skyline and a fully upgraded Skyline. That's a basic fact, Ryan." Anthony assures. "Live with it."

"Tsk. Forget it. I hate Tomo only for the fact that I keep losing to him. Why can't I beat him?" Kaede said in a fit.
"If you want to put it that way, you should at least heed his words, niisan." Satsuki commented.
"Satsuki..."
"You have to test yourself. Don't just lie around your comfort zone. Take Minami for example... she can do corners almost as fast as Tomo because Joseph wanted to test them against the corners. You should at least do the same."
"Hey..." Ryan interrupted looking around. "Speaking of Joseph, Anthony! Where is he?"

Anthony places his hand on his head as he thinks of Joseph. "That nut. I forgot all about him!"
"Waddya mean?" Minami courteously asks her cousin.
"During the race, he suddenly disappeared and left me here. He must have went somewhere."
"Will he be back?" Kaede asks.
"I don't think so, if you mean will he be back within the day."

Anthony was absolutely right. Joseph is out on the mountains, intrigued by Tomo's resilience, driving his heart out. He has gone to one pass to the other. He event went as far as crossing mountains just to incorporate the feeling and thrill into his own Noble M400. The pass he's covering poses a lot of high speed Hairpin curves. As his car, running at 275 km/h, approaches the corner, he stomps on the brakes, turns the steering wheel to the left and lets the car slide.
He didn't even countersteer and lets the car drift until his front left tire grabs hold of the gutter and he executes a gutter-like run once again; with just 2 millimeters from the guardrail and his Noble's body.

After clearing another hairpin, a car intrigued him - an orange McLaren F1 running down the same pass. "Mc Laren eh? Could it be?" He thought.
In the entire state of Oahu, there's only one person bold enough to drive a McLaren for almost everyday; and that person is famous around both professionally and around the streets. The Orange F1's owner is none other than Adriana Eizaguirre. She is on her way down the pass to head back to her mansion.

She looks so calm in her McLaren. Her star-like skin and curled golden hair caressing her neckline is gleaming to the eyes of her fans as she turns the wheel and shifts a gear. Her body is well girded with the harness of her seatbelt, which lines around her waist, all the way to her bossoms and towards the side of her ears. She notices the red Noble catch up and flash its headlights at the McLaren.

"That red Noble... holding 490 by the wheels... Mid ship layout... and that wild-like driver behind that car's wheel. There's no mistaking it." She thought. "Alright. I accept your challenge. It's been a long time since I duelled outside the circuit." She said with a grin as she downshifts and presses fully on the gas. The McLaren lunges forward like a rocket as the car gets to gear 2 exiting a corner, in a grip like fashion.

As the sun goes down, and most of the clouds covering its rays, there's a spec missing among the clouds that lets the rays run down on exactly Adriana and Joseph. Their cars ran like rockets down one of the passes. As the cars gain momentum, the McLaren gains double of the value. Joseph gets surprised by the McLaren's abilities. "Wow. So the legend is true. There's no denying the perfect ability of a once known Guiness record holder. And not to mention the person driving it is a living legend! The Eve of Racing. ADRIANA EIZAGUIRRE!!" Joseph thought aloud. "But who is the Adam or who WAS the Adam? Forget I asked." he said with his hands, holding the wheel, shivering in excitement. "Let's see if you still got the magic touch, girl!!"

He quickly turns on the radio before changing gears. The radio - his CD player plays a funky house mix entitled Superstyling by Groove Armada. He bangs his head to the beat and presses deeper on the gas, lunging his car towards the F1 LM. Infront of them stands 3 S curves and 1 hairpin down the cliffside pass. Adriana runs a smooth line with very minimal wheelspin whereas Joseph runs wild and gutter runs every S curve. Approaching the hairpin curve, there's a commuter's car - a Ford Taurus climbing up the road. It is a blind corner and neither Adriana nor Joseph have ample time to slow down. Adriana brakes hard, minimizing the gap, as she enters the corner. From her right, Joseph attempts to overtake from the outside lane. Adrianna digs deeper into the apex and lets her McLaren ride the edge of the road and the grass - imitating Joseph's gutter run. Joseph on the other hand, freely drifts his car on the outside lane. This in turn, makes them both complete the corner without colliding with the said Taurus.

Joseph exits the corner at a speed of 240 km/h and Adriana exits at 170; but the McLaren F1 still holds the lead! Why is that? The racing-tuned hi-acceleration gearbox of the McLaren. The engine sound of the F1 LM sounds like... well, an F1. Joseph though wasn't surprised. He knew the capability of the McLaren. Who wouldn't? Unless the only cars you know are a BMW and a Mercedes.

Joseph didn't bother to chase after the McLaren any longer. He lets it get away. As for Adriana, she gets serious and executes impossible chains of powerslides down the pass and extends the gap in every corner, clearing each one faster than the previous one. 5 minutes later, Joseph gets to the base and sees the McLaren parked on the side with its hazards on. Joseph does the same and gets out of the car.

Adriana, wearing a white spaghetti strap and a black blazer paired with jade black skinny jeans and matching boots, calls out to Joseph, who walks towards her. "Hey, Adriana. It's rare to see you drive again." Joseph started.
"Why? Is it a crime for me to drive out in public?" Adriana joked around.
"No, it's not that. I mean, it's been like what, half a decade since you last raced out in the open roads. You are like a bird trapped in a cage, you know what I am saying, Ya?" Joseph asked.
"I see... that one." adriana softly said. "But that's the past. Thanks to a certain someone, I got back on my feet and decided to drive again. It's a feeling that I missed so much."
"Mind if I ask who this person is?"
"A Japanese man named Tomo."
"Did you just say Tomo?" Joseph corrected.
"Why? Do you know him?" Adriana asked him. "Why, he's a friend of my cousin. He even has a thing for her, that sly coconut of a rind he is." Joseph said in confidence.
"So that's why he's not home yesterday."
"Ah!" Joseph deduced. "He's staying with you now is he? Man is he complicating things for himself."
"No, no. It's not what you think... um what is your name? I mean, you know my name, so it is fair that I know yours."
"Just call me Joseph." he answered.
"The famous one from Waikiki, huh?"
"So you DO know me!!" He answered back.
"It's not that hard to notice your car you know." Adriana said shrugging her shoulders. "There are a lot of Noble drivers but your red M400 stood out when you're behind its wheel."
"Anyway. Back on topic, man. About that Tomo guy. Why is he staying in your place if he has stayed over in my cousin's place?"
"It's because his team is staying in our place. Team Japan of the Youth Internationa GT league."
"Is that the one led by Daiki Akiyama?"
"Yes. Yes it is." Adriana agreed.

Joseph's face changes and he moves to the hood of his Noble. He sits on his M400 and continues to talk. "Tell me... do you have the 'message' delivered to you? The Awakening?"
"The Awakening?" Adriana asked back. What is this awakening he is talking about?
"You see... those dreams that you have or will be having... I'm warning you now, is the awakening of the historical team of the past."
"Dreams?... The Awakening? I still don't get it." Adriana frankly answered.

"Let me explain further... on my context. I was given the message of being the Jack of this group. I went against that awakening. I don't want to be no servant of the king!" Joseph said to Adriana. He looks to Adriana who gave a confused look back. "Oh yeah." Joseph remebered. "I didn't tell you about that team yet, now have I."

"What team?"
"Royal Blood." Joseph uttered in a serious tone. "It is a historical association unknow to the entire racing society made up of the world's fastest race car drivers. Only those who have received the calling know of this. This team is actually dead for years. It is as if history is now repeating itself. I don't know why this is happening. But as far as I remember concerning you and this group..." Joseph closed his eyes and remembers the dream. "You are the queen of this group."

"Why is it that you called yourself a Jack and you refer to me as a queen of this so called Royal Group?"

"So I guess... you haven't received the awakening message yet. It's fundamental that you know of this as soon as possible. Other members of this group have now had their awakening. Only a few members of this group didn't have their awakening messages yet. You'd probably get yours soon."

"Is there something in this group that I must know of before I receive this so called message?" Adriana verifies.

"As of now, I don't know. I rejected the destiny that I must have before they could even tell me. It's on your decision to know of this as soon as you get your message. But I think you must. Your post plays a very important role as far as I remember."

"I have one last question to ask you, Joseph, concerning this." Adriana asks once again. "You started to talk about this awakening after I mention that Daiki is with us. What does Daiki have to do with this awakening?"

"It's because, man." Joseph started. "He just had his awakening and his role... is a cruicual one. But is not in comparison to your role. His is something less primitive. But the history of this you will know soon, I promise you that again and again."

Both look at the sky and think about this awakening within Adriana.

"Well, It's time for me to go. It's my turn to make dinner now for my cousin and her friends. It's been nice chatting with you Adriana. Oh, and thanks for the race, although I lost." Joseph told Adriana. "It's my pleasure, Joseph of Waikiki."

When Joseph opens the door of his Noble, he utters one last warning. "And Ms. Eizaguirre."
"yes?"
"About Tomo."
"Hmm?"
"Be watchful of him."
"Huh?"
"Aside from you, I have a very huge feeling that he has the awakening as well. He is just ignorant of his destiny and hasn't realized it. There will be a conflict between him and Daiki Akiyama coming up. I was at least told to tell you of this."
"Told of? By who?"
"The one who also brought me the awakening message."
"A dream?"
"That's right. That'll be all." He turns to his car and his character changes back to his lively self.

"So! Take care ya!! Run with the sound of freedom carrying your F1's wings!!" Joseph said as he boards his car and leaves Adriana behind.

Adriana looks at her McLaren and thinks over everything that Joseph has said. "This awakening... me, being the queen of this group... Royal Blood... I haven't heard of this before... it is something new to me... or perhaps... something that I don't remember deep inside me. Come to think of it... why AM I a racer in the first place? Does the relevance of this team carry an answer to this question of mine? Would the answer comprehend my question?"

She ignores all these thoughts for the meantime and heads back to her mansion.

-Kaloko Lost Heaven, Halona Blow Hole 6:28 p.m. -

Tomo just arrived and removed his jacket as soon as he gets into his room. He feels thirsty afterwards and immediately heads down to the kitchen, hoping that he could make another concoction with what is available and hope that it is a good tasting drink or something... on the good side. On his way to the kitchen, he comes across Ein. He gives him quite a stern look for some reason.
"Oh, Ein. Sorry I just came back." He said scratching his head.
"No worries. I'm not even worried at all." Ein said crossing his arms.
"Eh?"
"No matter. The mistress wants to talk to you privately."
"Really... does she now... Before that, may I ask, where are the others?"
"They're out on the track, Shimizu told me so. YOu better hurry. She's been waiting for your return."
"Oh, hey Ein! Tomo." Kasumi said from across the room. She frolics over to the two men and wonders what they are talking about.
"Anyway, you better get to her room. You know where it is right?"
"Of course I do. Could you at least bring us a couple of drinks while you're at it, Ein?"
"I'm not your manservant or anything like that but if the mistress wishes so later, then so be it."
Ein and Tomo turned around and left the living room leaving Kasumi all confused.

"U...um, Tomo-kun." She said running towards Tomo.
"Sorry Kasumi. Ein told me that it's an important matter between me and Adriana. Best we talk later. Okay?" He said with a smile to her.
"Oh, sure." She softly said in return.
Tomo walks up the stairs and Kasumi decides to help Ein out with the drinks.

At Adriana's room, she looks at the balcony and observes the McLaren at one side and Tomo's R34 on the other side. She is still thinking of what Joseph told her. It really sounds like it is important since it concerns both her and, this time, Tomo. Her thoughts were disturbed as soon as a knock on the door was heard.

KNOCK. KNOCK.

"Come in." Adriana said politely.
Tomo comes in and closes the door upon entering.
"Oh, Tomo. It's you. Glad you came." Adriana started off.
"Well, Ein told me that it is important." He said in return as he walks over to Adriana.
"So." He said, putting his hands on his pockets. "What is it about."

Adriana gives one gulp followed by a huge sigh. She slowly turns to Tomo showing a concerned face. With her right hand, as she turns right, she moves her hair aside to see Tomo clearly. "Honestly, Tomo. Did you receive the awakening yet?"

All of a sudden, the part in Adriana's window that can be opened was forced opened by a gust of wind. The sky slowly becomes dark in color and clouds begin to revamp the blue sky - a storm is coming. The winds get harder and harder. The sky slowly becomes grey-red as the winds continue to blow.

"W...what are you talking about, Adriana? This isn't like you talking at all... mind if you explain further?" Tomo courteously asked.
Adriana looks down and sees her photograph with Marcelo on the ground. Next to it is a picture of her McLaren with Marcelo behind the wheel.
"I wish I could explain but I can't."

"why can't you?"
"I was given the same question and I don't get it either. I don't know what Awakening is this that Joseph told me."
"Joseph, as in Minami's cousin? The guy with the dreadlocks?"
"That's him, Tomo. He's the one. He used to be... no was supposed to be the jack of this clan. But he denied the so called prophecy of his future as a driver. That's all he told me."
"You mentioned the word 'jack'." Tomo puts his hand on his chin and thinks back. He then remembered Lucas Scott. "Lucas Scott was once called the American Jack. I thought that title was a fad. But now that you mentioned something about Joseph being or supposed to be the Jack... got me intrigued. What IS this about?" He thought aloud; obviously addressing it also to Adriana.

"I told you. I have no Idea. What matters in this discussion is that Joseph said that our presence and our soon involvements of this clan is very important." Adriana explained.

"How so would it be important."

Adriana simply shrugs her shoulders. "He just said that everything will be answered as soon as we get that 'awakening'."

Things start to become silent. Neither person uttered a word. The only sound in Adriana's room is the ticking of the wall clock. Then the alarm rang - 7:00 p.m. From the wall clock, comes out a little dolphintoy , standing on its plastic fins and making those Dolphin sounds for 7 times. After the seven squeals, it slowly goes back into the clock. From that point, Tomo starts to speak.

"I don't know where this is going to. But I think you and Joseph misunderstand the situation. I don't think I have an important role in this so-called guild you guys are talking about. I don't even have the slightest clue as to what it actually is. Not to disappoint you or anything, Adriana. But I don't think the guild Joseph is talking about ever existed. If it did, why didn't it appear or record its existence on history? It should be if it is that high of a value in this field. I'm sorry but I think I do not comprehend this mysterious matter of yours. Now if you please excuse me, Madam Eizaguirre. I'll be taking my leave now and get my beverages." Tomo formally concluded and exited the room.

"I want to believe you Tomo. I want to trust your words as well. But I think Joseph is right about the entire thing. Back in Argentina, I think I have that dream. I obviously declined its message from the very beginning. And now that the purpose of it is out... I want to have that dream again." She thought aloud. Adriana turns to the grey-red sky. "Oh my Lord, I pray that I get that message again." She prayed to the skies.

Chapter 94 - Royal Blood

As per Adriana's wish, that night... at around 12:28 a.m.... her sleep commences.
Wearing nothing but her favorite silk pink night gown where her white laced brassiere is almost visible, She lets her eyes fall as she reclines on her bed. "I hope..." she moaned. "... that this is the dream I desire for..."

Upon entering the REM stage, the commencement of her dreams, she visualizes herself in a dark, empty place. There is no floor, no wall on her sides, nothing. All she could see is a life size mirror.
She approaches it, in her dream, slowly. Step by step, her footprints made ripples as if a stone has been dropped in a calm river, causing ripples to appear. The ripples negated the black 'floor'.

She sees her reflection and tries to touch the mirror.
Her hand went through the mirror and soon after, she voluntarily went into the mirror. At the opposite side, she could see a line of cars parked on the sides of a long red carpet in a white room. "A red carpet? And cars dating the entire automobile history?" She uttered.

Step by step, she walks down the red line. Multitudes of cars are parked and Adriana noticed them all. There was even a Ferrari 250 GTO, the Hakosuka GT-R, a Datsun S30, The Subaru 360, a Volkswagen Beetle, mazda 110S, A Lancia Stratos, The very first Super 7, The oldest Jaguar sports car, the Benz 300SL gullwing, the very first BMW M series; all of the cars she knew. There was even the Porsche 350 and the 917k short tail, as some rare finds. Then she couldn't believe what she saw next: her McLaren F1 LM GT and Marcelo's Mercedes Benz CLK GTR parked next to a 1980's Peugeot 205 and a ACR 427 cobra. After those cars, the models start to become more civilized and more recognizable: the 80's and 90's models. She continues to walk at a steady pace, expecting something at the end of the long walk. Because it is a dream, she never felt tired. She just kept on walking and walking.

After what it seems like 20 minutes worth of walking down an entire automobile history, she comes to a stop. It is the end of the red carpet mat. She looks up now to see a group of white stairs directing all the way up to the heavens, where the clouds are situated. "And here I was thinking that the walk was tiring." Tiring, she said. She continues to walk up and expecting something else.

In her dream, she climbed the stairs for nearly 30 minutes. By the time she got to the top, she could see the back of a familiar person. He is wearing the racing jacket of their father's team. The Aqua and white colors of the jacket never surprised Adriana; but the person wearing it did. Her eyes bold up and she ran towards the person with angst.

"Marcelo?" She asked in her thoughts.

The person, who seems to resemble Marcelo turns around, where what seems to look like a mirage of Marcelo fades and in turn becomes a reality. "I'm sorry my dear." The person who actually looks like Marcelo, in Adriana's mind, turns out to be... Adriana herself.

"W...who are you?" She thought.

"I guess we haven't formally met each other right until now."

The person whom Adriana is conversing with completely looks like her. There is only a catch. She is wearing a thick red fur cape and she holds a golden staff. There is a crown nesting on her golden hair. She looks to be like a queen.

"Don't tell me..." Adriana started. "You're me? Me as in the member of a guild called Royal Blood?"

"You are absolutely true about that. I am very impressed. You are correct." The Adriana lookalike noted. "I am your destiny" she continued.

"My destiny? So are you telling me that this place... this dream... this is the message calling out my Awakening, is that it?" Adriana asked informally.

"You could say that. To a certain extent. You see, I want your awakening to be earlier but it seems that your current state is not prepared to gather in the information I am about to convey to you right now. That is the sole reason as to why I didn't appear in the dream of yours weeks back in Argentina."

"So, what is this Royal Blood group? A friend of mine has conveyed this to me. I want to know everything! About the Group. What is its motive or motives. What is my involvement and role in it. Everything! I have to know."

The Queen Adriana, as we may call to distinguish the two, closes her eyes and gathers her thoughts in place. When she opens her eyes, she begins to speak seriously. "Royal Blood. It is an institution. An Association. No, better yet to be described as a guild. It is a guild entirely unknown to the racing society of this modern world. It is composed of the world's fastest race car drivers, aiming to accomplish something through auto racing."

"What is this accomplishment then?" Adriana asks.

"To understand their accomplishment, you should first understand their motive. Their purpose. The purpose of Royal Blood is to make a permanent name in racing. This is the purpose for the people as an individual. As an entire guild, their purpose is to appraise this sport. As generations pass, the sport boils down to just the wealthy and the bourgeoise. It is not appreciated by those below it. We want the entire world to appreciate this sport - all levels all races. It must not be looked down or discriminated by any person of any form."

"Come to think of it..." Adriana thought. "It's only those who can afford who can appreciate the true value of such man made creation."

"I've emphasized on the word discrimination as people tend to have a very distorted view on this. Many have thought that these only have one purpose. But just like anything else in the world, they have another purpose; they are not just limited to the task they are made to do." The Queen uttered.

"So what do they want to accomplish with that purpose in mind?"Adriana continued.

"They want to realize the true form of speed."
"The true form of speed?" Adriana repeats to the queen.

"That's right. To some, it may seem dangerous. It is only dangerous to the sense if what you only think of are the negative outcomes or precautions during the journey. But once you've realized it, your view on things would definitely change. And if I am correct, that already has happened to you. You have accomplished this goal." the queen addressed Adriana before she continued.

"Aside from this, the guild wants to transform the ideals of the regular people on what it means to actually drive. Some look for a reason to driving fast, driving slow, and anything in between. We are messengers on that account. We carry the answer to those who seek it. WE also want to explain the modules of driving in a much believeable yet reasonable way where all of us get to understand its true nature and beauty."

"But isn't speed dangerous to those who don't have control or abuse it?"

"Ah, but that is our last goal as a guild - to harness AND CONTROL speed and power. Yet all of this boil down on one aspect that we want to share with the world and to make them understand - the reason to the origins of racing. It is not just some game for people to notice, or in this corrupt case, bet and wager. A sport is a sport yet there are other reasons in doing so."

Adriana seems to understand this bit by bit. The purposes of Royal Blood, yet one question is remained unanswered. She takes the initiative of asking it: "Why is it that this guild was hidden from the rest of us and only open to those who have this 'calling'?"

"You want to know the answer? Are you sure you wouldn't just judge it according to mere logic and basic normal understanding?" The Queen asked her. She took a gulp and answers firmly. "I won't judge its origins. I want to know. I wouldn't consider it as stupid if that is what you want me to understand about it's origin!"

"Adriana Eizaguirre. You have the courage and determination worthy of someone to assist the heir to the throne. Very well. Your confidence and worthiness to these words would be revealed." The Queen raises her staff and makes an arc with her arm movement, while holding the staff, revealing a kingdom like structure.

"The Origin" The Queen started off. "dates to the times when automobiles were inexistent yet. It dates to the first ever race in history." "What is that race?" Adriana interrupts. "No one ever dares to know what it is so no one ever had a clue about it. But I can tell you the answer you are seeking."

"It's disappearance..." She remembers seconds later.

The Queen nods and continues. "There was once a king during the 3rd heirloom of the kingdom, as legend has it. His views towards the guild's principles were different. Because we all came from different races... is the sole reason why it was abolished."

"All because of races of people?"

"Correct. He wants to uphold his nation above everyone else's. Take for example, you appraise Germany... so as king, he does what it takes to appraise German cars as number 1. That brought the downfall and abolishment of the guild from history. This brought about discrimination, racism, and even monstrosity among the group. Many have rejected his motive. But because he is king, he had them all taken away; along with their memories of being involved with the clan. All because he wanted to appraise his nation's creation, this brought animosity amongst us. And it seems, this generation's set of members... is merely repeating the same instance over again."

"There was somebody, however, amongst the ranks who took action. His heart was directed straight into the original principles of the guild. He held strong to the words and boldly went against the king. The king was about to decree his nationalistic attitude onto paper until that member stood up and took his stand."

"What happened to that member?"

"Same as the others who opposed. But he fought for his right."

"And then what happened?" Adriana asked like a little girl asking her mother what happens next in the fairy tale story.

"That member fell in the hands of the king and his accomplices: the prince and his servant, the jack. And the rest is history in itself."

"..." Adriana never bothered to say another word after that. "So it was a matter of change and a matter of pride..." she thought aloud.

"We can see now that in modernization, national appraisal is still present. Nations go against nation, fighting for the title of the 'number 1' among all the others. It sickens me." The queen honestly said her side of things.

"So what is my role to this?" Adriana asked.

"Your role... is to at least help return the decrees to its rightful place, not just among the guild... but for the sake of our purpose to the world. It'll start with auto racing. Soon hereafter, once that is accomplished, it will be realized by all forms of living. There'll be no competition among the same any longer. Like destined, we'll all live and in our case, drive in peace, run in peace, whatever we may call it." The Queen ended with a smile.

"Adriana Eizaguirre. Now that you know fully the understanding of the Royal Blood Guild. Fulfill your destiny as the Queen of it."

Her dream fades to white and before she knew it...

It is already daybreak. The time? 7:32 a.m.
Adriana slowly stands up and walks over to the window. The sky is still gloomy and may be best described as unforgiving. A storm is approaching; and it may seem inevitable. She looks back on her dream. "So that is the awakening." She thought aloud. Now that the message has been laid out, her answers seem to be present: What the guild is? What is her involvement? What is its purpose? and most importantly, why wasn't it known to the rest of the world?

"Royal Blood..."

"I only have one unanswered question... why me? Why is it my fate to become a queen of a guild such as that? It seems hard enough to believe if it is a message or it is my imagination playing games with me." She thought.

She closes her eyes and opens them up again. "No luck." She uttered. "Guess that won't be answered and would remain but a mystery. All of a sudden, as she turned around, she could see a translucent figure of herself standing rignt infront of her. The Queen Adriana is smiling back at Adriana for some reason. "The answer you seek to that question has been answered."

"How?" She asked the figure.

"Your brother." She said as she points to the pendant around Adriana's neck. She holds it and wonders. "My Brother? Marcelo? He is part of this guild?"

"Doesn't the presence of the Benz CLK in your dream ever made you wonder why?" The figure asked back.
"Well..." "That explains it." The figure continued. "All the cars you see there on your way down the carpet in your dream denote a symbol. Each car represents somebody who has been part of the guild or had the calling and accepted their fate."

"So all of those? Including my brother?" Adriana wondered aloud. "He didn't tell me because?"

"It is the code of the guild. The only people who must know of this and could talk about it are the ones who only received the said calling. You cannot talk or ask anyone about it. A certain feeling would tell you if a certain somebody is worthy of such discussions." The figure addressed. Adriana turns to see Tomo walk towards his GT-R. The figure soon stood alongside her. "That person over there... he is worthy however..."

"?" Adriana wants to hear what 'she' has to say. "He still hasn't received his calling. Is that it?" Adriana answered first. "He's just plain ignorant of the situation. He keeps on discouraging himself of the matter. He seems to be a person who has gotten use to being discourage so it is easy for him to ignore such a matter like this." The figure explained.

"SO... he has received the calling. When?"
"That person..." The figure explained with her arms crossed. "Never has the calling but is a member of the guild."
"Why is it you confidently say things like that?"
"Remember my story of the 3rd heirloom? There is somebody amongst the guild who stood against the king..."
"...and had his memory of the guild erased along with his exile... Are you telling me that Tomo... is..." She quickly turns to Tomo to see if he is going somewhere. He boards his GT-R and lets it rev. SHe immediately turns to the figure hoping that she'd answer what she expects it would be. The figure nods. "...the last exiled member..."

"He's the pawn... The lowest among the guild's ranks." The figure explained.

Adriana went to her closet and took out a change of clothes - She took out her denim jacket, a brown tank top, and a pine green knee length skirt and got dressed. The figure approached her as she gets undressed. "You need to make him know of the situation. He's the most vital member of this guild."

"Why do you say that the lowest member is the most important? Isn't it supposed to be the king?" Adriana contradicted.

"His actions... in relation to the 3rd heirloom's pawn... carries the salvation of the guild. He has failed once but I have a strong feeling that the prophecy will be broken."

"The prophecy will be broken?" Adriana remembers Joseph's final warning of the conflict between Tomo and Daiki. "Could that be that prophecy Joseph is talking about?"

She quickly ran outside her room and hurries to the garden, where Tomo is. He is planning to go to Minami's place again, but he got caught by Adriana. "Tomo, wait!!" She called out. Tomo turned off the engine and got out. "What is it, Adriana-san?" He wondered as he closed the GT-R's door.

"I received it. The message. The Awakening..."
"This again? Must I explain what I think of the matter?"
"No! You have to listen to me, this time!" Adriana insisted raising her voice, which nearly woke up the rest of the group.

Adriana looks around to see if there is anybody at present around the area. She grabs Tomo by the hand and tells him "Let's converse about this at the garage." She insisted. Tomo had no choice but to follow. He doesn't want to be rude to her.

Adriana closes and locks both Garage gates before she starts talking. "Alright. That would prevent any interverence to this matter."
"So tell me, Adriana." Tomo asked as he sat on the hood of Ein's ACR 427. "What is the message all about."

"It is about the entire being of Royal Blood. The Guild I keep telling you about." She started off as she walks towards Tomo. "It is hidden from history as what Joseph said to me. A mysterious association trying to accomplish something for the world through auto racing and automobiles in general..."

"Why is it hidden?" Tomo immediately asks.

"It is hidden for the fact that the guild broke up. A matter of well... racism amongst the members; mostly done by the king, a title denoting the prime leader of the guild or group. Some support his opinion but majority rejected the king's own principles, that soon became a decree..."

Adriana continues to talk of Royal Blood's principles, the story of the animosity, and Tomo; being the predicted pawn, having the most vital role in restoring the guild's entity. Tomo has had enough of the conversation and without warning, walks to the garage and forces it open.

"Where are you going, Tomo? I'm not finished yet." Adriana staggered. "I don't think I could comprehend what you are saying Adriana. It makes no sense. I mean, me? A member of an important yet inexistent guild? Toppling the king over just to restore inner peace amongst the members? It sounds too good to be true I think. I don't know. It's probably me. But the point is, it makes no sense at all. History won't just go and repeat itself like it used to with the scriptures..." Tomo explained as he walks out.

"Religion is different. This is another matter tha we both don't completely understand until it takes fulfillment." Adriana insisted.

"It's best we not talk about this in the meantime. Who knows... if what you call prophecy of me going against Akiyama for good comes true... then I'd believe you." Tomo dared. He got on his car and left the mansion again.

Adriana looks at the GT-R that fades away with a concerned look. "You better be watchful of what you say Tomo. That battle could be a guarantee..." Adriana said in fear.

From Daiki's room at the far right of the mansion... he just woke up. It looks to be that he too had a dream. Upon waking up, his eyes seem different. Could he have dreamt of his awakening for the second time already and has accepted his fate? Would the fulfillment of Joseph's 'prophecy' come to life?

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Sep 18 2009, 07:16 PM

I ought to edit my last comment before the chapter post. Make that the MOST IMPORTANT EPISODE IN THE ENTIRE SERIES - all 4 chapters compromising Episode 22 are the most important ones. Wait no further, here they are!! Oh, please comment on the chapters when you can.
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Chapter 95 - The Mask Unfolds

What could have been the content of Daiki's dream? But one thing is certain, in this scenario: it may have something to do with his awakening. Unconsciously, because of prevailing over little matters concerning the GT league, a part of him detaches and subconsciously demands decisions straight from him - decisions that he cannot even come to.

That night, before going to bed, Daiki takes a look at all the things that the team has spent, or in his case, wasted:

They have spent a lot on low tier modifications, most specifically: the suspension and tires of the team. There was even a huge investment on Tomo's R34 back in America when it was physically tarnished, not once but twice. The upgrades that Tetsuya recommended to Tomo, especially the turbo, all came from the team's finances. Shinosuke's release pay was another compensation that the team has to spend on. Kitami's new Ford Mustang, in replace of his Mazda RX-8, happens to also come from the finances of the team - well, mostly on the upgrades; which cost far more than a stock Mustang GT. Then came the GT rental vehicles. The team never had a standard car to run on so Daiki has to result to his connections: people whom he can trust and could rent their top of the line available model for track use - there was the Super GT Xanavi Nismo GT-R and the BMW 328i touring car; which both cost a fortune to rent. It may have cut down on the modification expenses, as the rent is inclusive of necessary parts; but the end is still the same.

Totalling majority of necessities, and miscellaneous needs of the entire group, Daiki is frustrated over the overall expenses. Their earnings back in the previous events; except for the recent one in Argentina, only made the entire earnings a dead even to their costs. The Argentine prize was a huge benefit but almost half of it ended up on parts again, concerning the Mustang GTR, the Exige, and now... Daiki is planning to rent another car for the A-class events: a Saleen S7 twin turbo to be piloted by Shimizu in the upcoming A class event coming up soon.

Like a typical businessman concerned with finances and stocks, Daiki can't help but cram over the values he has resulted with. "Argh. At this rate... we may end up not gaining enough income to finance, not only our salaries, but also upcoming events. Who knows! The next one might be a 24 hour one and may result to double... no triple the cost of what we have spent on just one event. This sucks!" He said as he bangs his fist on the desk, located near his bed.

It was only a coincidence that nobody heard him tantrum; they were all fast asleep. Good ridins.

Daiki stands up and jumps on his bed, back first. He places his hands at the back of his head and thinks everything over. "Damn. I wish there was some way for us to balance all of this out. Second or third place isn't half bad but looking over the costings... the winnings in second and third ain't enough to sustain us. WE have to place first to double our finances. Sakura may have a job as of the moment but it is only enough to sustain her. We're still in a deficit at this rate..." His mind starts to linger and soon hereafter, he passes out into his REM stage of sleep.

In his dream, we can see nothing but a white room; everything is white; there are even pillars and walls of the same color - pretty much identical to Adriana's dream. "T...this place..." He thought. "So, you have returned..." A familiar voice echoes around the room. It was freaky since the echoing voice, sounds exactly like Daiki's. "W...who are you?"

"Don't tell me you've forgotten? We just met, remember? At Argentina? That old school dream of yours? Now do you understand?"
"What are you talking about? Show yourself!!" Daiki demanded. A gust of wind passes by engulfed in bright light and lands right infront of Daiki. Once the light dissapates, he couldn't believe his eyes. The person IS EXACTLY like Daiki, as he had felt. The only difference was this Daiki wore a head-fit crown with jewels and wears a black cape with white furry collars.

"Have you arrived on a reasonable decision?"
"Does this have to do with the last time? The one at Argentina?"
"SO now you remember?" The 'prince' like Daiki smirks.

"Have you came accross it?"
"Came accross what?"
"Royal Blood?"
"S...sort of... it's the one in the first dream right?"

"That group of people... they were the 9th set of leaders of the giuld. The ones you saw in sepia tone..."
"The ninth guild? What are you talking about?"

From then on, the prince describes to Daiki everything about Royal Blood, such as the way how the 'queen' and Adriana discussed it. He told everything except for the part of the incoming threat. How he portrayed that part of the message was different in comparison to the queen's. He even twisted the truth about the 3rd King's ideals - he made it sound so convincing... convincing enough to be accepted by Daiki.

"He wants a certain nation to be appraised above all the rest...?"
"That's what you desired, right? That's what you desired for Japan when you made this team."
"When I... made this team?" Daiki looks back. He recruited the finest drivers in Gunma for that sole reason - he wanted to appraise Japanese drivers and Japanese Automobiles above all the rest - even above the European Exotic monsters.
"You see..." The prince image starts to define. "You share a bond with the king. As his son, you uphold the same ideals as him. That is the driving force aiding you to accomplish this goal of yours. Your goal and his goal are but the same. It is your destiny to carry out this goal and make it a reality. Be sure to uphold Japanese auto racing as number 1 above all the entire nations." The prince commanded.

Normally, Daiki would look at the matter as farfetched and stupid. The only reason why he's taking it very seriously is because the thought of looking back at his last recent duty, is blurring his sense of judgement on things. Daiki kneels before his princely counterpart and answers. "I am willing to accept my destiny. If that is my aim, to appraise Japanese racing, as a member of this guild, then so be it. This way, my dream and the guild's dream shall be real on both sides of the world."

The princely figure slowly walks towards Daiki. Step by step; without a sound, he approaches the desireful team manager. He is about to unite with Daiki, forming the contract made - issuing that he is serious in doing this. Before completing the unification, the prince muttered something important. "It is vital that you make your followers think the same way. If even one of them disagrees and makes immediate action of the matter, dispose of that person. That person would be nothing but a hindrance to our plans. To assure a full execution of the matter, everything and everyone must follow.

Daiki but nods in agreement.

"Daiki Akiyama... You have accepted your destiny... as the 'King's son.' The Prince of the guild. Make sure everybody follows what you say in order to achieve absolute victory. I shall aid you in your journey to your persevering reward."

The entire dream fades to white and Daiki is 'brought back to reality.

He slowly opens his eyes to see that he is back where he is. He stands up and looks at his desk, containing the papers he placed his frustration on, once agian. "The only way to esnure nothing like this happens, is to attain victory at the very beginning." Daiki shows his eye color, from an almond brown slowly becomes of a red shade and is completely blood red by the time it finishes. He takes out his Coat, a new pair of slacks, his Gibi leather driving shoes and leaves.

Coincidentally, Shimizu is at the door. He was supposed to invite Daiki, with Hiroya, on a local tuning shop that would be the venue of their meeting but things immediately change. Shimizu first greeted Daiki but he never shows any sign of interest. He passes by him for 3 times already. Before Shimizu could even knock at the door, he opens it himself and walks away. "Um... Daiki...about our financial records..."

"Cut that crap, Ohyama." He said in a serious Tone.
"Huh?" Hiroya and Shimizu are both confused of Daiki's reactions.

He stopped in the middle of the stairs: "The team would be commencing a meeting within 5 minutes. Call everyone right here. It is for our good to hear this." Daiki insisted.

Hiroya looks at Shimizu, telling him one thing: Is Daiki serious? Is this the real him?"
Shimizu foolishely looks away and declars that he doesn't know any of it. The two just followed Daiki down into the hall.

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Chapter 96 - Grudgery (Part 1)

There was an important meeting going on at the Eizaguirre residence. Now that Daiki's true personality - his past personality and his persona as the Prince of Royal Blood is exposed, he takes the next professional race seriously; involiving all elements, including money.

Tomo is still part of it but he feels two things going on as of the moment. One of them is that he knows that he's being treated poorly again - thought of as unimportant to the team, an outcast in their team manager's eyes. Secondly, all that Daiki, in Tomo's term, is bluttering out seems to contradict what Tomo believes in; his principles as a racer. He speaks nothing more but being number 1, earning money and gaining fame as to name a few.

"Oahu Raceway is open to all teams who has a minimum of a C-class ranked vehicle. Unlike Argentina, only one competitor would represent each team for the Oahu raceway battle." Daiki started off.
"Sounds simple enough." Tetsuya commented.
"No it isn't."
"What do you mean, Akiyama?" Shimizu asked.
"We'll be changing our game plan on this, folks. We won't be doing things like we used to do. Starting now, we're doing things up a notch."
"Up a notch? As in more serious than before?" Hiroya thought aloud.
"Exactly. This way, we are ensured of an absolute victory, guys."
"Well, I like the sound of the term absolute victory." Kyosuke uttered.
"I second that notion." Kitami agreed.
"The prize this time is at 175 thousand american dollars. We have to win this in order to make even more decent upgrades, add to our morale and reputation amongst the other competitors."

Tomo, on one corner and still listening, gives a 'tsk' sound which he kept to himself. He doesn't like the sound of that. Daiki is starting to sound more like Lucas Scott, when he first met him.

"In comparison to the other teams, we are always on a dead even status, just close enough to borrow money from our sponsors just to stay in this. With this prize up close, and our skill, we can be equal to them in terms of finances, and we could even make our cars far more superior than others." Daiki suggested.

"Hmph. I do like the sound of more power, though." Kitami once again agrees.

"As we keep on racing on this tournament, and other available races as we are here, let's just keep winning to earn and to improve on our vehicles' performances in order to gain that flawless victory that we all aim for and to gain the gold prize which is in the end of this road we are taking."

"Psst." Ryusen whispered to Hiei.
"What?" He hollered softly.
"Is it me or is Daiki sort of different?"
"I don't know. Probably it's the way he speak, if that is what you're saying."

"Once we have won this tournament, we'll continue to join in on other events and gain the gold. In this manner, we will be known even more and would be deserving of their respect!" Daiki dictated.

Tomo just gave another 'tsk' sound in his place. This time, he is shivering in his place too; literally. He hates this idea. It is as if he races to earn money.

"We are made to be racers that would represent Japan. Let's show them that we are not just a nation of creation but a nation of performing superb action as well!" He concluded at the top of his lungs making the rest of the team cheer with him as if it was a presidential conference and an announcement of a 'better' world.

At that particular moment, Tomo snapped. He puts his arms, which were awhile ago crossed infront of his chest, down and walks over to Daiki. He walks slowly, but silently. Despite this, it caught the attention of most of the team. The only ones in the team who are not around are Kasumi, who is helping Ein with the garden, and Sakura, who is still at work.

"So, Kitsumoro. You agree with me don't you? Now you can finally get something better, like that all new R35 GT-R. You can even afford the engine or better yet, the car and become unstoppable when you race." Daiki hypothetically suggested. "You can even know what it means to be a winner for once, and even take down that McLaren in the near future. You want that, right?"

Tomo explodes in rage and throws a fist at Daiki's face. It connected with his left jaw, sending him off balance and landing on the seat right next to him. He lands on his butt first and supports his body with his right elbow.

"Cut the crap, Daiki."
"What? You don't want the VR38DETT?"

He bends over to Daiki and throws another punch at him.
"I said shut up!!"

"Tomo!!" The rest of the team tried to keep him in his place and his distance from Daiki.
"What's gotten in to you?" Hiroya wondered.
"Yeah, I thought you and Akiyama are in good terms..." Kitami wondered too.
Daiki stands up and wipes off the stream of blood flowing from the left side of his lip.
"SO TELL ME IF WHAT I HEAR IS RIGHT! I RACE FOR MONEY!!? WE RACE FOR MONEY!!? FOR FAME!!? FOR FORTUNE AND GLORY!!? IS THAT WHAT WE RACE FOR!? WE ARE PAID TO RACE IS THAT WHY WE ARE IN THIS TOURNAMENT!!? IS THAT IT!? IS THAT WHAT THIS IS ACTUALLY ABOUT, DAIKI!?"

"Cut it out Tomo." Ryusen pleaded as he restrains him with an ab lock on Tomo's abdomen.

"It is how the world revolves, Kitsumoro." Daiki said after coughing blood out. "This is how we survive. From day 1 we are always on the losing end. We are close to losing what we have just to stay in this race. Our only victory was under Sakura's hands but that victory was just mere luck. She struggled for victory that time. The only thing that retains us in this tournament is to earn the title 'number 1'... that is what we are aiming for and that is why we are here. With that, everything else will follow. We can get something out of this sport unlike back at home. Pride and friendship made is nothing in comparison to what we will be earning once we win this next race and the ones afterwards."

"SO ARE YOU TELLING ME THAT I AM RACING FOR NOTHING FOR ALL THIS TIME!? IS THAT ALSO THE REASON WHY YOU KEPT IGNORING ME AND THINKING THAT I AM OF NO USE EVER SINCE WE REACHED AMERICA!?" Tomo shouted in a fierce tone.

"It's how the world and how everyone else thinks. Once we follow them, evidently, they'll follow us." Daiki followed.

"ARE YOU TRYING TO SAY THAT MOST OF THE TEAMS HERE... THEY RACE FOR THE FAME THAT THEY'LL BE EARNING AND THE MONEY THEY'LL GET FROM IT? AND IS IT TRUE THAT THEY ONLY RACE TO BECOME NUMBER 1!?"

"That's right. It was about the money and respect and it will always be about it."

Tomo cannot struggle any longer. His vicious attempts of breaking free keep on weakening. His body is slowly surrendering to their tight clutches.

"Everything comes with a price, Kitsumoro. You do something... you SHOULD have something of COMPENSATION. IT'S A GIVE AND TAKE SCENARIO. A dog eat dog world."Whatever it is that you do, you have to earn something in return!!" Daiki said in a threatening tone, as if he is talking like Furher Adolf Hitler giving his speech to the Nazis.

"..." Tomo didn't say a thing after that.

"Looks like he understands now." Daiki thought and turns to the glass doors to drive to the Racing association.

"I hate you now..." A soft whine of deceit from his back.

"I hate you now. I hate you more than ever. When I first met you, I was honored to have met a person such as you. I guess, First impressions never last do they? This is your true character. And I detest it. I was a fool to have befriended the wealthy, only to be told by others to take advantage of their money and to earn money from them in the end..."

He tries to break free once again but failed.

"I did not join the team, knowing that I'll be paid bountifully. I did not join just to be known by strangers and business men of your kind. I did not join the team for any material reason nor for us to do your dirty work of beating other countries in order to become number 1 in the world. I don't care if we're number 1 or not. I joined the team... FOR A REASON THAT BENEFITS ME DEEPER."

"And just what that benefit would that be?"

"That is... that is... to have met people from different lines of life and to understand their viewpoints on this what you call... business. And it's because I don't treat Racing as a business but as something for me to be a free man. I race for the sake of racing not for the sake of any selfish gain." Tomo uttered. "Nathan Archibal Sr. was a good man. He did not race for what you chase after at this time and is happy to have retired. He never wanted to become a pro. I respected him for that. Adriana Eizaguirre was a good woman. She never raced for personal gain. In fact, she never raced for gain at all. She raced for her deceased brother, hoping that through driving, she might get to see him one way or another and that she can share this with the rest of her family, wherever they may be right now." Tomo continued.

"But you... I never understood what your intentions are as to why you race... not until now. You are no worse than those Leaders of big companies who wanted to become number one, those certain kinds of chefs who have huge egos and wanted to stay number one, or even like those politicians who would even resort to anything low that would make them stand out. You, making this team, just to become known... just to become number one, just to earn money in compensation for your hard earned driving skill? You make me sick to my stomach, Daiki. And I MEAN THAT." He shouted.

Later on, he starts saying things in his mind.

"I am here... as a racer... I am here because I love my car. I love to drive. This is a passion that burns immensely on me. I don't want anything in return for this. I just want to drive and see where it would really take me. It is a foolish principle... It is a stupid way of thinking... but that is what I personally believe in. Whether it came from somebody related or someone dear to me, bad mouthing what drives me to live... bad mouthing what I believe in, thinking that what I do is pointless... I push aside all those words and still cling on to what I understand is right. There is no compensation for my driving. There is no value that could ever take its place..." he thought.

"MY PASSION CAN NEVER BE EQUALLED TO ANYTHING THAT YOU THROW AT ME!! MY PASSION TO DRIVE FREELY IS IMMEASURABLE!!" He hollered, that got the attention of Kasumi and Ein, who are outside of the house and at the garden. Both of them rushed to the living room, knowing that something bad is happening.

"Hey! What's happening here!?" Ein complained as he enters the living room seeing Tomo grappled in the shoulders and Daiki's mouth bleeding. "Oh my god. What is happening here?" Kasumi asked in fear as she saw the same thing. She placed both of her hands on her mouth and looks away at the sight of blood that spewed in Daiki's shirt.

"You're but a kid, Kitsumoro. You're in a world where your words are mere sounds of a toddler. What I have been saying is the truth of life. Better yet you change that mind of yours and think of what you said and consider it as false." Daiki said wiping the blood off his mouth.

"Tomo-kun... what is going on here?" Kasumi shiverously asked.

From the second floor, near the stairs, Adriana was eavesdropping on the entire conversation and commotion. She had a feeling that something like this would come true. Joseph was right and it seems that Daiki has... awakened. With her left hand, hidden in the shadows, she texts Joseph of the bad news and reports that there might be a race commencing.

"I can't believe you treat us as mere objects... objects to carry out your purpose. We're not tools, Daiki!"
"Talk all you want. Obviously your other members here aim for the same thing as I do. You heard them moments ago, right?"
Tomo gives a furious yet concerned look at Kyosuke, Kitami, Shimizu, Tetsuya, and Hiroya. They all avoided eye contact with Tomo giving him the impression that Daiki is right. They all want the same thing like what Daiki just mentioned. "Why... Why you guys too?"

"Sorry Tomo." Kyosuke uttered. "We are friends, that's the truth. But despite that, our personal views on things differ."
"He's right, man." Kitami agreed. "My view and your view on this is totally different. We are all different but there are moments when a group of people share the same point of view that others don't."
"It's the sole reason why we're here at the moment." Shimizu finishes.
"We can't do anything about it. It's in us and not even your words could change us." Hiroya softly answered.

Tomo lost balance and landed on his knees seeing his friends agree with Daiki's principles on racing.

"To survive in this world, you have to be number 1, Kitsumoro. There's no place for a number 2, 3, 4, and so on. They won't last. Only the ones on top gain the respect that they yearn from the world."

"Where's the mistress? I have to report this..." Ein thought aloud.
"No, don't. Involving Adriana might make things worse enough." Kasumi discouraged.

At the second floor, again...
Adriana gets changed and is ready to go down and meet up with Joseph...

Speaking of Joseph...

At the Suzuki residence, Minami, Satsuki, Kaede, and Ryan are busy playing video games on the large flat screen TV on the living room - a game that resembles Star Wars in multiplayer mode. Joseph, who is watching them while drinking a glass of lemonade, receives a text from Adriana. "Oh?" He reads the message and his lively character changes. "Crap!" He shouted. This caught the attention of the group of friends.
"What is it, Joseph?" Ryan asked.
His hand, which is holding the cellphone, shivers upon the message.
"Is somehting the matter?" Minami asked again.
"It can't be!"
"Can't be what?" Kaede muttered.
"It's concerning your friend." Joseph answered in disbelief.
"What about Tomo?"

"He's in a fight with his team manager."
"Eh? THat's all? Boring." Kaede acts as if he doesn't care.
"But by how you said it, Joseph, it sounds problematic." Minami lets go of her controller and approaches her cousin.
"I'll explain. Come with me to the garage." Joseph and Minami walks over to the garage. Joseph explains everything that he has told Adriana days ago. After telling everything...
"You must be pulling my leg, Joseph."
"What I told you is a sin. A sin to the guild. Nobody must know of this except for its members. You are a stranger to the guild yet now you have known my identity as being one with them."
"If it is a sin to that group, then why did you tell me?"
"Because your friend Tomo is involved." Joseph answered.
"Tomo? How is he involved in this? Is he part of this group too?"
"Rumors have it... he is. He has that supernatural racing ability that we, of the guild, possess." Joseph explained.
"I find it hard to believe as of this moment but in one way or another, I believe you." She answered.
"Just make sure you don't say this to your brother or the SHimujis, understand?"
Minami makes a I-won't-say-it gesture with her mouth and right hand. Afterwards both of them told the rest that they'll be going somewhere and left the house in Joseph's Noble M400.

Back in Adriana's place...

"I still... won't accept that fact, no matter how truthful you say it to me!" Tomo uttered in place. "What does it take for me to prove to you that what I believe in is no toddler's talk? What must I do to show you that what I believe is no mere child's play?" He demanded from Daiki.

With a sympathetic look and an evil grin on his face, Daiki answers.
"A race"

Tomo raises his head upon hearing that.

"There's a mountain route not too far away from here on the right of this house. We do a downhill run and continously race, heading for the island's east bank. Would that be enough for you to prove your side of things? I'm giving you this chance, Kitsumoro." Daiki assured.

Tomo gets on his knees and something in him changes. Kasumi notices this too. There was a shine on TOmo's eyes. A blue shine. It seems that it resembles his battle aura. Kasumi immediately felt a chill down her spine as soon as she saw something that she never saw before: his aura embodies a pilgrim looking but strong warrior with a single wing, carrying a sword. His aura looks exactly like an one winged angel. She even saw Daiki's aura, a caped warrior with a crown and is carrying a sword as well. Their auras somewhat depict the prophecy of Royal blood's awakenings. It's weird though for the fact that only Kasumi saw this. She stood corrected. On her way outside, Adriana saw the same thing. "So what Joseph said was true..." She whispered to herself. "Daiki is the prince and TOmo is... a forgotten rank... what rank is he?" she whispered to herself again before entering the garage.

"As far as I remember Daiki..." Tomo thought aloud. "Our dispute is still not settled. Remember, back at Japan... our 3 round battle... we're still in a tie."
"I remember. Our test race at America... IS a test only. And we still are tied. This race will settle our unfinished dispute." Daiki reminded.

Tomo crunches his left hand to a fist. He shows a grin and says to Daiki. "I like it. Let's do this and settle everything."
Daiki smiles back at his reaction to the offer.

"But let me tell you this, Daiki. I am sick and fed up of everything about this team and its use for you after hearing you babble about your so call principles and all that crap." Tomo says in a firm statement. "I admit that we are tools to your bidding in racing... and I can't take that fact anymore starting with this battle."

Daiki's face also changed. What could he be talking about.

"Because I am a tool to you, you in a sense own me and could use me on whatever use, right?"
"that is correct. It's absolute when I am in control as your manager."
"Then... if I win this battle... I resign from this team. No questions asked. No alterating offers. It's a one hit deal. I win, I resign. You win? Well, feel free to use me on the next race or not, as a pit member to make use of me, I don't care what post I am in for that moment. Only if you win, you can decide."

Daiki gives off an evil grin with a serious face. "Interesting. That'll be the goal then."

"W-what are you saying TOMO!?" Hiei reacted.
"You shouldn't resign over stuff like this!? What would you do for a living without him!?" Ryusen said grabbing him by the collar making him reconsider the deal.

Tomo looks at Ryusen with a serious face but... he is shedding a tear. "I'll let fate decide." he softly answered to his best friend.
Ryusen saw the tears fall from his cheeks and becomes sympathetic over his own friend. This is the first time he saw him act like this. He lets go of Tomo and looks at him.

"I'm glad you fight for your rights like this. If only I were like you not resolving to anything physical, like what I do before. I'll watch you win the race Tomo."

Tomo looks at Kyosuke and Kitami - they gave him the serious faces. But they're not saying that they're glad that Tomo would be gone from the group, lessening a nuisance from their backs. "DOn't take it wrong man. We just want to see what you're capable of against our very own team leader as of this moment." Kyosuke started. "All of us are stronger now, so our skills are better and incomparable to the past. I want to see how far you've gotten to." Kitami said with a serious smile.

"You guys..."

"So, Kitsumoro. Shall we do it?" Daiki remindeded. He turns to show Daiki that same look in his eyes moments ago. "Let's race. Let's go to that spot."

Daiki directs Hiei, Shimizu, and Hiroya to head for the goal spot. He too tells Kitami, Kyosuke and Ryusen to stand by the intersection, managing a detour in case of incoming public cars.

Outside, by the main gate, Sakura gets dropped off by a cab. She just came from her call center job. As soon as she closes the door and watch the cab leave, a group of cars start coming out of the mansion: Tomo's R34, Daiki's Nismo 350Z, Kitami's Mustang, Kyosuke's Exige, and the rest of the group riding in a E-class Mercedes Benz. She runs into the house, hoping that there are a few people still there to explain what is going on. She sees Adriana, Kasumi, and Ein board an AC 427 and Adriana's McLaren F1 LM.

"Sakura." Kasumi said in a soft tone with a look of sympathy in her eyes.
"Kasumi... what's happening now?"
"Allow us to explain on the way." Ein said offering her a ride on his 427.

From the north east bank of the island, the Noble makes its way through traffic. Joseph, with Minami, rushes through traffic, hoping they arrive right on time to see what would happen.
"What is about to happen today, Joseph?" Minami asked him.
"You'll see your friend race. You'll witness him race against his own team manager - his manager too is a member of the guild I told you."
"And what about Tomo?" She asks further.
"He could be a guild member too. I have a strong feeling about that."
Minami was shocked to hear of this. Knowing that Tomo might be a member of the Royal Blood guild sounds very farfetched. "Does he know of this?"
"Dunno if he did. Why are you so concerned of him?"
"He's my friend. That's why I am."
"You sure?" Joseph verified. "You're not just forced to care for him or something?"
"Please don't put it that way, Joseph..." Minami answered in sarcasm.

Adriana and Ein, driving their respective cars, hope for the same thing - that they arrive early before the race would even start.
"Tomo got into a fight with Daiki?" Sakura asked again.
"It seems to be a clash of contradicting principles." Ein answered.

Kasumi, in Adriana's car, joins in the discussion via radio communicators; which are interlinked on both cars. "He stands strong to his own principles and cannot stand listening to something that contradicts his. If it wasn't a meeting, he'd walk out and none of this could've happened. But because it is a team meeting, he can't leave and he cannot control himself on that span of time."

Turning off the radio for a while, Adriana asks Kasumi something.
"Say, Kasumi..." Adriana asked.
"Hmm?"
"You saw it right?"
"The one winged pilgrim and the price auras? Is that what you're talking about?" Kasumi verfied.
"So you have seen it, like I did."
"Adriana-san... what do you think is going to happen between Tomo and Daiki."
"As you've heard, it is a race. But this race will decide their fates."
"A race that would... decide their fates?"

She turns on the radio again and calls for Ein.
"Ein!"
"Yes, mistress."
"Step on it. We have to hurry. They may start any minute."
"Understood." Ein answered as he turns off his radio.

"Ms. sakura."
"What is it, Ein?"
"Hold on tight." Ein said as he places his hand on the gearbox, getting ready to up his pace.
"Kasumi."
"What is it?"
"Buckle up."
Both the AC 427 and the McLaren F1, from a steady 80 km/h, blast to a stunning 230 km/h after changing gears and deepening their press on the accelerator, lunging both cars forward.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Oct 20 2009, 07:51 PM

Sorry for the long wait. I'm going over the edge with this to change the feel of the story. This was made by request by some friends of mine from high school. Yes, the continuation of the series: CHAPTER 97 - Grudgery (part 2)
-------------------------------------------------

https://www.facebook.com/MyogiWarrior34/media_set?set=a.103149773034450.6817.100000182824705&type=3

Enjoy!!

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Oct 30 2009, 10:02 PM

Now back to our regularly stylized update:

Chapter 98 - Separation

The race finally ended but at around 1.4 kilometers from the goal. The dispute was settled, and everybody knew who was victorious; none other than Tomogashi Kitsumoro. Everybody was thinking that Daiki would have the complete upperhand over the entire match. Nobody ever thought that Tomo would prove them wrong...

QUOTE

The battle that recently concluded was due to a slight collision between the combatants: Tomo's GT-R and Daiki's 350Z Nismo. Daiki thought of holding the lead on the inside, as close as he can to the side of the truck covering the entire inner lane, hoping that Tomo would be forced to stay behind. He stood corrected as Tomo forcibly places his GT-R right in to the tight space between the edge of the road and the truck.

Despite the fact that Daiki noticed this, he lets it be and has a back up plan: he'd cover the front of the truck to prevent him from passing. Daiki has that feeling that contact between the grass and the tires would lessen Tomo's overall top speed at the exit of the corner; alas, he didn't expect him to clear that part perfectly. By the time that Daiki swerves his Z onto that spot, the GT-R was there... thus making contact.

The Z was far lighter than the GT-R's current state, which in turn makes the Z more uncontrollable in imbalanced conditions, not to mention that it is an FR. Daiki and his Z spun out after impact and brought his car to a complete halt. Was Tomo interrupted with the collision as well? Well, he did so too. But, thanks to Kyosuke's interior-access mod in his car's small screen next to the dashboard - the control regulator, he immediately returned the activity of the TCS, which in turn along with the ATTESA ET-S, stabilizes the GT-R's current position.

Tomo parks to the side of the road, letting the other cars pass by as he waits for Daiki and the others. From a distance, he notices Joseph's Noble M400 but he acts as if he didn't see it. She saw Minami with him but acted the same way when he saw the Noble.

Moments later, the Z arrived with a convoy of all the other cars: Kitami's Mustang GTR, Kyosuke's Lotus Exige, Ein's 427, and Adrianna's McLaren F1. Each of them, except for Daiki, steps out of their cars. Shimizu and Hiroya knocks on Daiki's window but he didn't respond to the banging done by his two colleagues.

Daiki didn't let go of his hands off the steering wheel and shivers in place. He has his head down, ashamed to face everybody. Moments ago, he was acting all tough, proud, high and mighty... and what just happened in this race is the result of his cockiness.

Without more unwanted time delayed, Daiki steps out and faces the music. Everyone else just shows a spaced out face as they watch Daiki face Tomo in defeat. The wind blows by as a School bus and a delivery truck pass by them at speeds of 75 km/h.

"I won, Daiki." Tomo started off.
"I know that." Daiki replied in return. "I didn't expect you to win. My plan was flawless but I forgot one thing in mind - I didn't take into account your unpredictable capabilities of turning the tides of battle."
"Oh shut up. I know the reason to your loss - you are too high of yourself." Tomo answered back in a rude, serious, yet firm tone.

Daiki didn't answer after that harsh comment. Despite that however, he still kept his cool.

"I remember a chef that I met... back in the day... Chef Michael Caffrey... he said that the one with the skills and passion succeeds the one with just skills. But the right passion is needed to succeed in almost anything, I understand that. Our drives in this profession are totally different. From the tone of your voice back at the mansion, I could well tell that your motivating factor to this career is all for personal gain. Money, fame, publicity... My passions are far from that. I don't race for those. I don't drive to become famous. I just love to drive..."

"That part..." Daiki interrupted. "... Is what I understand about you, Tomo. You drive for the sake of driving. But hear me out, without anything coming back at you in return... what is the point in doing things? What's the point in climbing the ranks if you don't want to be number one? What's the point of learning how to play an instrument if you don't want to be a musician? That is what I don't understand about you. Why are you a racer then? Why do you love to drive? Isn't it not to become a pro?"

"Don't preach me stuff that would just make me blend in with all these 'people'..." Tomo answered making gestures with his two index fingers. "Look, I am not like you. I am not like them. I don't need something in return to do something! I do not seek for something of the same value. I don't cook just to expect money to come in. Same goes to my racing."

Kasumi just held her fist closer to her heart as she listens intimately on this final wave of insults to their principles at each other.

"Seeing things in this perspective... I think becoming a pro racer isn't cut out for me." Tomo admits.

"What are you saying, man?" Hiroya interrupts.
"If you put it that way, what's the future of your talents? It will be a waste! You should put your driving skills to good use and this is the only way!" Shimizu adds.

"This way? And build my ego at the same time? I've hated my Ego as well, understand that." Tomo answers back with a respectable tone. "I hate being egoistic. I don't want to be egoistic. Majority of people we see in this world are so Egoistic of themselves and their team. I hate those kinds of people, having such big egos."

Kitami, Kyosuke, Tetsuya, Hiei, Ryusen, and Sakura kept themselves quiet all throughout the conversation.

"Look, let's cut to the Chase, Daiki." Tomo followed as he faces him again.
"I'm no longer your puppet. We've agreed on that at the start of this race, if ever I won. And well... I won. We have a deal..."

"So... what are you gonna do now, Tomo?" Daiki asks in the same way Tomo talked.

"I don't know where to go... but one thing is certain. Being with you any longer with your perspective of things in mind... I will not tolerate it any longer."

"So you're quitting the team?"

"Not out for personal gains or anything. But I have a feeling... that it's the only way for me to save myself from myself."

"Save yourself from yourself? You're not making any sense." Hiei said in a confused tone.

"Save myself as a person, from myself as a racer."

From behind... Adriana and Joseph are talking about the recently concluded race...

"I was expecting Tomo to lose to the guy. But, I am glad that he won. He proved his worth, ya?" Joseph asks Adriana.
"I'm not so sure. Is this what is supposed to happen? Is this the fate that they are destined to go through?" Minami joins in on the conversation.
"Well... in the 3rd regime of the clan... the prince and the pawn did are not in good terms with each other. Ever since Daiki 'awakened', he's slowly becoming that prince as well, the prince who stayed loyal to his father's, the king's, wishes and dreams." Adriana continues.

"What is the wish of this King you two talk about?" Minami asks once again.

"It is sort of like something out of a colony's independence day or something - they take pride in the work of their own nation. Something like a nationalistic dream." Joseph answers.

"Nationalistic dream?"

"Yes. They'll rise against each other just to prove to the world, whose nation has the greatest car ever made." Adriana explains. "Something that went against the original purpose of the clan, as we have said before. The clan wanted peace but through this Nationalistic claim of their own automotives, it's like the beginning of a new war once more."

"A war?"

"Well, it did start already. A war between car forms. It sounds stupid, don't ya think?" Joseph wonders aloud.

"All this just to appraise one's motor works..." Adriana gave a sigh of disbelief.

"Um..." Minami interrupts. "Well, what about Tomo as of this moment? Is he doing the right thing?"

"Well, the Tomo's role to this is directed to the original inention as to why the clan was made - it's for peace. Eliminating the spirit of competition, making it to a point where we race for the enjoyment of it... not for something to wager, haggle, bet, or take pride of anymore. The peace would start in this field, and would soon affect all forms of life, living and entertainment. They're just man made machines... but through it, everything else would follow."

"Tomo's role in this... is to return order to the clan. But his current decision in things... it still gives a point to 'the prince'. Tomo will be quitting Team Japan. His resignation would prove to be something worthwhile for Daiki's kind."

"Where will you be staying at?" Kitami asks him.
"With Adriana and Ein." Tomo answers.
"What about us, Daiki?" Kyosuke asks him.

"I know this place where we're SUPPOSED TO BE staying at. We'll stay there and follow up our Oahu raceway strategies from there. We'll be moving out by tomorrow in the morning..." Daiki finishes.

"Are you sure about your decision, man?" Kyosuke asked Tomo once again who is still full of rage over Daiki... or who has a certain percentage of it. "I'm positive. Nothing could ever change my mind. I don't feel like a member of a team under his wing." Tomo answered as he directs the 'he' to Daiki.
"Put it that way, or whatever way you want, Kitsumoro. But if this is what is going to make you happy, then so be it. As of this moment, I won't stop you." Daiki answers crossing his arms.

"Just like that?" He sarcastically followed up a question to his once team manager.
"Just like that. If this satisfies you, then fine. But if I were you... I'd ask myself... Will it make the team happy? Well... I don't need to tell you the answer as if I am spoon feeding you. None of them are trying to stop you. They seem fine with your decision. They don't mind you leaving the group." Daiki continuously comments leaving Tomo scarred, emotionally over the 'answers' of his friends. He never bothered to look at any one of them in the eye.

"There's still time before the big race. Even if you won't be competing in the next round..." Daiki follows up, facing his back at Tomo. "... It's better off that you spend your time either practicing those new concoctions in the kitchen or go to various mountain passes and practice rather than sulk there in your place and grieve over your decision whether it is right or wrong. You best not waste time over needless things such as this and make yourself useful to yourself-" Those words of Daiki just now triggered something in Tomo that made him snap.

"DON'T TALK AS IF WHAT MY CAREER WOULD UNDERMINE AND RULE MY LIFE FOR ETERNITY!!" He shouted out to Daiki's ear. He clinches his hands into a fist and shivers in place out of rage. "Just because I am a professional racer doesn't mean I have to only do just that. And Just because I am at the same time a chef, doesn't mean I have to do just that. Again, DON'T TALK AS IF MY CAREERS WOULD RULE MY LIFE FOR GOOD!" He said in an infuriated tone.

Tomo's starting to lose it as he loses his cool. He starts to become paranoid with his words.

"So... do you want to continue to destroy my insides? My dignity? The rest of my remaining life span with an insult such as that which I cannot take any longer!?" He starts to laugh demonically as he continues to talk. "You know... Adriana has told me once of her deceased brother, who died because he tries to let his career rule over his life... and where is he now? DEAD! GONE! IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT TO HAPPEN TO ME!? Who gave you the right to judge me in what I do... Oh, that's right... IT'S BECAUSE YOU'RE THE ONE HOLDING US ALL TOGETHER AND GIVING ALL THIS TO US, IS THAT IT!? Just because I am your tool to this tournament of yours, does it mean that you decide what we ought to become and what our future behelds? BULL-CRAP!! What do you want us to do next? One of us dies for the sake of victory letting our other team mate pass onto the winners circle as another gets eaten up with flames from their own vehicle? Sacrificing one just for the sake of something so short lived!?" Tomo's eyes narrow as he continues to talk like this. Mentioning about Marcelo and how he died left Adriana emotionally scarred, remembering the time when she and Marcelo had their last conversation. She broke into tears and fell on her knees, hearing of it, right infront of Joseph and Minami.

"... So tell me, Akiyama! Tell this worthless crap that you call a racing representative, a driver, a soon to become "chef", a person..." He addresses himself as while he pats his chest, obviously directing such insults at himself. "... what have I been doing for the previous times? Don't you think, as someone who already had let himself be overruled by his life business or career, that I have wasted my time long enough!? What do you say to that!!? Do you really want me to become a slave that badly!? Perhaps I should step in Marcelo's shoes and kill myself in the process, huh? Just for the sake of my career that I'll gladly die for it!? Is that what you want!? I won't be happy about it though I won't mind it to happen to me just to make you shut up and smile. Want me to prove my usefulness to you in this team? Then just say the word and I'll gladly throw myself and all my grievances into that worthless garbage that we call a car and run like hell down the Oahu circuit, not minding what happens to me, just to set a record that no one would dare break! Huh? YOU WANT THAT!?"

All of a sudden... SLAP! Kasumi walks over to Tomo as he continues to talk of his insulting speech and slaps him hard in the cheek, waking up his sanity. His eyes revert to normal and he gains control of his actions once again. He looks at Kasumi who is shedding a stream of tears from her eyes of rage. Her face depicts sadness, rage, and doubt.

"Kasumi..." He whispered as he holds on to the slap mark done by the maiden.

"So... you think you've said enough?" She softly told Tomo.
"I...uh... didn't know what came over me..." Tomo answered.
"AS IF!" She replied back. "We know that you've had it rough in the past. You even shared to me that that is something that you couldn't take at all from your folks. That's why you decided to stay in Gunma to finish your studies, even if it means living an independent life at such as what they call an irresponsible age. You said that they continuously think that your soon to be career would undermine your life and that you should be enslaved to do what is only related to that career, as you say." Kasumi answered with a few hicks. "... BUT IT DOESN'T MEAN THAT YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO THROW YOUR ANGER UPON US AND MAKE US FEEL BAD!!"

"Oh, Kasumi..." Sakura whispered as she listens to everything that she has said.

"I know you've been through rough times. And we don't have the right either to compare our grievances with yours because I know oh so well that accumulating all your pain would still sum up to something much greater and more painful than that what we have gone through. But please, I beg you... Don't let it come to this ever again. It won't solve anything. It'll just be an endless circle of rage revolving around our ears. Plus, it'll break the bond that you have made with them. You don't want that to happen too, right?" Kasumi pleaded as she slowly takes a step closer to Tomo, hoping that he calms down.

Adriana steps up and says a few words with her back facing Tomo. "I know what you mean by what you said. Losing ones life through racing? I hardly think that it is logical. I also think it isn't worth dying for. But do not compare somebody's experiences, not even your soon to become experience that you wish to come true as how you say it, to that of my brother's!"

Things quiet down and move on afterwards. Tomo voluntarily, after realizing all the faults made by his wild sense of negative emotions, confined himself in one room; disfellowshipping himself from everybody after what he has publicly said. Daiki and the rest packed up and left the Eizaguirre mansion. Out of everybody who has left the mansion, Kasumi looked back at the room that Tomo confined himself in. She hopes that her words get to him somehow. She doesn't want to lose him but because it was a legitimate agreement, the two of them have to separate. Would he ever come back? Or would I be the one to come back to him? She thought as she slowly leaves the venue.

Now the mansion is back to the way it used to be; only with an addition of one person: Ein, Adriana... and Tomo. It is a tough moment for both sides as of this moment. Will things change for the better? or for the worse? Only time will tell...

Posted by: Lordstar Nov 5 2009, 04:00 AM

just curious as to why this is in merch? Would it not be better in discussion since this is not a comercial endavaour?

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Nov 5 2009, 06:22 PM

To answer that Lordstar... well, it's because of my first title: My Initial D Based comics... then... after reading the fanfics in ID General... I decided to expand the story even further... but... I forgot the fact that it is still in ID Merch. But... You got a point there... ever since I started typing the rest of the series... I've thought about it... could somebody from the moderators please move my thread to the ID General section instead? Thanks...

To Moderator/s doing the thread moving,
Please Give me a PM if this is moved, okay? thanks a lot.

Oh, and this story will still continue.

Posted by: J86 Nov 20 2009, 09:06 PM

Talk about BIG TIME betrayal,Kasumi and Adriana are sticking up for Daiki.I think you should have made Tomo a bit more emotional when Kasumi tried to 'knock sense' into him,like maybe ignore her,turn his back and walk away.Well,I still like your story,very creative.

So,are you gonna,like,make Tomo join a new team?Maybe make him join the 'Chef gang'?Those friends that work as chefs?Kasumi's sticking up for Daiki.MAKE MORE SOOOOOON!!!I'm 'hungry' for your stories. XD

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Nov 21 2009, 04:21 AM

Oh don't worry. I'll be continuing this. And to clarify things: Kasumi and Adriana are NOT sticking up for Daiki. Kasumi's obviously just beating sense into Tomo's impulsive mind. She's just telling him not to continue with Tomo's morbid talk of "I wish you just made me die in one session if that would make you happy, Akiyama"

Adriana, on the other hand, is simply put, protecting the name of her late brother. Tomo made it sound like all drivers who died on the track for the sake of the group are idiots, which includes in this context, Marcelo; Adriana's brother.

But we'll see how things would turn up. I have something in mind. I'll PM you once the new chapter's posted.

To get you riled up; here's a little poetic narration I have (like the ones in the Gundam Series and the FMA brotherhood right after the ending songs)

SPOILER

Edit:

And look no further!! Here it is!!

Chapter 99 - "I don't know Who I am Anymore..."

A weeks time flew by the Halona Blow hole residence. The presence of the residing visitors have faded and have come to a number of one. Tomogashi Kitsumoro, who has committed an endless array of taboos a week ago right infront of everybody else, locks himself in the room that he is sleeping in. Right infront of his team mates, and her hostess with her butler, he explodes in rage, giving too many opinionated morbid talk just to save his own principles of what being a racer really means.

For an entire week, without coming out of that room... he wonders if his actions are valid and respectable. One thing is for certain... even he himself gave a negative feedback on the matter and considers his own actions as morbid too.

"I am such a kid." Tomo admits aloud holding his lowered head up with his hands, as their shoulders carry the weight of his head to his knees. "I mean, what good would come out of my blasted mouth that time? NOTHING!! I just made the matter worse." Thinking back on Kasumi's reaction, he is in a flood of guilt. "And to think... I'd involve the one person I so never want to hurt."

"What am I going to do now? Even she sided with Daiki! Am I continuously gonna lose all my comrades over this fight the two of us have?" After a blink or two, an image of Daiki calls into his mind. "Back at Japan, I looked up to him. I was inspired by him to do better. Why would he suddenly change his personality at me? And to emphasize... AT me. What have I ever done to deserve such cruelty?" He thought aloud.

All his hollers of agony in his room, soon got to Ein's ears; who was carrying a load of Laundry from Adriana's room, passing by Tomo's room, towards down the hall. He soon came accross with Adriana herself. "And to think you'd still let him stay after what he has muttered out a week back." He sarcastically addressed the words to her mistress.

"I know, I know... All that he has said and done is hard to forgive. Before we could even make a move to mend this matter, he has to start moving first. He's not a child that we should spoon feed him the answers, Ein." Adriana explained in depth.

"But Still... what he said about a worthless death because of just some race... doesn't it sound like an insult to you? After what you have witnessed?" Ein reminded. Ein's words soon gave Adriana the image of the burning CLK again - an image she thought that she has ignored completely. "Well?" Ein reiterrated. He thought that Adriana is dozing off again and tries to get her full attention.

"The reason why... I let him stay with us... even if his groupmates excommunicated him... is because... he is my brother... Tomo IS Marcelo." Adriana answered firmly.

"But didn't you recall what he reminded you? That the dead are conscious of nothing at all? He has a point there, back at Argentina. I believe what he said back then. Don't you believe him?"

"It is not a matter of believing words, Ein." Adriana answered back in a humble manner. "It's also a matter of giving your wounded heart a chance."

"If he was just some person, giving me the impression that he resembles my brother, we would've done what the world could've done - ignore me for good and forget that we ever met. But he didn't. He stayed and wanted to learn about me for some reason."

In Ein's mind, he thought. "How sure are you that he's trying to study you, mistress? The only things I see in his mind are cars and food."

At the north bank of the Island, towards the Oahu Gulf, Minami waves accross the soft waves that carress her feet on the beach shore. She crunched herself up and thought about what Tomo has said also a week back.

QUOTE

"So... do you want to continue to destroy my insides? My dignity? The rest of my remaining life span with an insult such as that which I cannot take any longer!?" He starts to laugh demonically as he continues to talk. "You know... Adriana has told me once of her deceased brother, who died because he tries to let his career rule over his life... and where is he now? DEAD! GONE! IS THAT WHAT YOU WANT TO HAPPEN TO ME!? Who gave you the right to judge me in what I do... Oh, that's right... IT'S BECAUSE YOU'RE THE ONE HOLDING US ALL TOGETHER AND GIVING ALL THIS TO US, IS THAT IT!? Just because I am your tool to this tournament of yours, does it mean that you decide what we ought to become and what our future behelds? BULL-CRAP!! What do you want us to do next? One of us dies for the sake of victory letting our other team mate pass onto the winners circle as another gets eaten up with flames from their own vehicle? Sacrificing one just for the sake of something so short lived!?"

She bows her head down in a complete sense of doubt and pain. She never knew of Adriana's story because they never personally met. But Tomo's enraged words gave her a clue and she thinks that What's happened to Adriana's dead brother is wished by Daiki to happen to Tomo, as Tomo explained.

A group of guys approached Minami slowly from behind. Minami wasn't terrified nor did she give the impression that these men are strangers. And she has that strong feeling that Joseph is among the group. Minami raises a question to arouse her endless array of questions.

"Joseph..."

"Hmm?" Joseph hummed as he turns his head to face Minami.

"Tomo said something about sacrificing your life for racing. What do you think of his statement?" Minami asks him fervently.

"He did mention that, man." Joseph thought as he places his palm on his chin and thinks of a probable answer. "Racing to the point it is life-risky eh?" Joseph had a long session of silence. Minami thought that she could get the answers out of him; but she stood corrected and was about to cancel the question until... "I don't look at racing that way, ya. Racing... it is like creating wings under your tires lettin' ya fly in 'da sky you ghet wat I am sayin?" Joseph answers in a reggae like manner.

Minami just giggles over Joseph's gestures as he mimics an eagle carrying him by his shoulders, taking him to the skies.

"Be positive about things Minami." A person from Josephs back adivised her. It happens to be Anthony. "As what Joseph told me, Tomo is right about one thing. Why bother to sacrifice your life over something so short lived. Isn't enjoying the thrill and the world of racing that's why we do it? Isn't that a good enough reason why we race with our hearts and smiles? As somebody who owns a car too, I know what it means to drive and to race altogether - and both are two different things. I find no delight in driving but I find a devastating thrill in racing."

"Wow. That was deep of you, cousin Anthony." Ryan intervened as he carries his plate full of spam musubi, extending them to Minami; who hasn't eaten breakfast yet.

"Better Yet Minami... For ya to understand this matter... I turn the question back at ya. What does racing mean to you? What does racing give you that makes you attracted to it? Why do you race? But you don't need to answer 'em all man. Just pick one."

"Well..." Minami thought it over until...

"Racing... I race for passion." Another teenaged guy interrupted.
"Oh, come now Kaede. My sister was thinking over here." Ryan ironically stated as he pushes Kaede's stomach. "Hey, she was taking so long and I have a thought ready in my head." Kaede answers back at Ryan. "Anyway..." the earlier continued as he fixed his glasses. "I may sound selfish but I race with my heart. Everything I live for is expressed through my racing. Every movement of the char shows who I am. I may lack the skills but I have a heart and a desire to race to be the best. I race for myself and for no other person."

"This is no dramatic monologue, nii-san." Satsuki butted in.
"Not you too, sis!" Kaede dramatically said in an embarrassed tone.

"Well... what about you, Minami...?" Anthony soon reminded her. "Well..." She said as she stands up. "I am not a hard-core racer unlike you but the feeling is mutual and exhilirating! It's a feeling that nothing else could replace!" She answered with a smile.

"and... I enjoy that feeling..." She continued. "I love that feeling. It's like being surrounded by a bed of autumn maple leaves that freely fall on the ground right before you fall, breaking your fall. That's how I think of racing."

Everyone else just gave a warm applause to Minami's answer.

"So there you go." Joseph reminded. "How would you enjoy racing if you drive for the wrong reasons? So stop thinking on the negaive possibilities. Make that, stop thinking negatively on the matter at all." Anthony finalized. "You got that, Minami?"

"C'mon! I'm making my own version of the musubi! I can't wait any longer!!" Ryan interrupted as he frolics back to the house. "H-hey! You need an elser to help with cleaning the rice!" Anthony freaks out and chases after Ryan.

"Oh... ho-ho... so you're getting old now, are you?" Joseph kids around as he walks back to the house too. Kaede runs along to distract Ryan and the others and Satsuki runs as well to stop him.

As Minami returns back to the house too, she looks one last time at the sea and thinks... "Sure hope Tomo thinks of it the same way... as what I have discovered..."

Back at the Eizaguirre household... Adriana has brought a tray with two drinks to Tomo's room - a strawberry daquiri and a blueberry tropical smoothie. She knocks on the door, hoping to get a response. "Tomo. May I come in? It's me, Adriana."

A minute has passed and she feels that he doesn't care. As soon as she turns around, the door unlocks. Tomo asks her "What is it?" in a pale voice. "I just want to talk with you. Heart to heart."

Tomo opens the door to her in a slow manner and closed the door right after Adriana entered. He closed the door shut and locked it, hoping that Ein won't intrude. "What is it that you want to talk about?" He asks her.

"I just want to talk." Adriana replied simply put. "If this is about the week ago then don't talk to me. Nothing good will come out of me anyway." "But I know you didn't mean that... You didn't mean what you said. You were simply frustrated." Adriana described him. "You are someone who holds strong to the ideals that you have inculcated to yourself. It isn't wrong for you to defend yourself from the cruel words of your own manager. And I know you didn't mean to hurt Kasumi and the rest."

Tomo was depressed and at the same time touched with Adriana's way of words. She didn't hold on long to Tomo's mistakes and made him remember his mistakes. She assured him of the positives so that he'll be encouraged to mend his mistakes.

"Tell me. Why are you so nice to me despite what I did? I overheard Ein and I agree to the fact that what I have said does sound like an insult to your brother..."

"Oh come now. Don't be such a negaholic. And it is all because you are still my brother by heart."

"But I already told you. I am not your brother." Tomo insisted.

"True. I accept your view on the matter. I will deny that you are my brother. You are not. you said so yourself. But I am not sure if my heart would continue to agree with you." Adriana admits. She touches her heart and pretends to talk to it. "My heart said that I have lost my brother... yet I have found him again. I don't want to lose him ever again this time. That's what my heart says."

Tomo just gave her a sympathetic look and minds about his own biddings. "At the same way... you still accept me because of that... just for the sole reason that I represent you brother?"

Adriana nods in agreement on that point.

"Well... I do thank you for your hospitality, Ms. Adriana." Tomo started off. "But I don't know how would I be able to repay you for all this. I may have retained your trust in me... yet at the same time, I have lost my companions in the process. I really don't know what I would be doing as of now. My best friends, Hiei and Ryusen are gone... The person financing me inside and outside the racing career of mine is gone as well. The person who is there when I have an emotional breakdown is no longer with me... Who am I as of this point? What am I to do? I don't know who I am anymore."

"Are your friends that important to you?" Adriana follows up a question.

"My friends... They are the most important thing to me. Next to the lord of course and his will; but my point is... My friends... they make up who I am. They help me realize my true purpose in life whenver my own conscience is bothered and clottered up in clouds..." Tomo explained with depth. He then took the glass with the blueberry tropical smoothie and takes a sip at the shake.

"And is it also because you love Ms. Kasumi very much?" Adriana asks once more.

He spits his drink by accident out of embarrassment. It is a fact but he gets childish whenever he was thrown that question. He became entirely red right infront of Adriana. She just chuckled in place.

"I thought so..." She snickered. "Thought what?" Tomo asks. She stands up and looks at the window. "To tell you the truth... I never loved anyone other than my own brother. Why? It's because I was the only one who witnessed how he died. But don't take my word for it. You don't have to reach that point in time before you accept that fact, Tomo." She turned with a smile.

"Well... I think... Ein loves you."

This time, it was Adriana acting all childish as she fuzzed in her place. "Well... think about it. Why would he continue to serve you even after his father passed away? It is not just for gratitude. It is for something deeper. And that's why he stays with you for all his time, Adriana. We're but the same..."

"You think so? Well... I won't assume too much on that point... my friend." Adriana contradicted with a smile. "Feeling any better?" She asked him.

"This talk... well it did make me feel better. Thanks a lot Adriana. I don't know how I could repay you..." He wondered.

"Well..." Adriana thought as she bit her thumb. "A hug is alright. It's just us in the room and all." With that, they DID hug. "What are you gonna do now?"

"That... I don't know as of now... But eventually, it will come to me." Tomo answered with a fist of determination.

Ein, who was eavesdropping on their conversation gave a sneer. He has heard enough and walks down the stairs. "I better get the stuff ready..." he uttered. I wonder what he means...

Posted by: J86 Nov 22 2009, 11:13 PM

Weeeeeeee,nice stuff!!!Although I would have made Tomo a bit more depressed than that.But it depends on the author,so yeaaah,it's excellent.Tomo's personality has a little flaw in it.He becomes up-beat way too fast.That's what I think.And what's with Ein?!Is he gonna betray them?Or is he gonna race Tomo?

And Tomo's friends are....either hooked onto fame and fortune or they just don't get the 'in depth' of Tomo's words.I guess they like fame and fortune more than friends,can't blame them,being famous is waaaay better,no?Instead of knocking sense into Tomo,Kasumi should have noticed his behaviour earlier,it's her lose,that's what I think.But I'd stay behind for friends.Maybe Tomo should return back to Gunma,disappear for a long period of time.And then focus the story on Team Japan for that time span.Then maybe make Tomo come back with better skills...maybe even a new car....I sound bossy.Don't mind me,whenever I make some ideas up,I sound really bossy.So,just follow your own heart,and keep up the good work!Hoping for more soon!!

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Nov 28 2009, 07:32 PM

Chapter 100 - Resistance of the Heart

Things have somewhat cooled down in the Kaloko Lost Heaven residence. Tomo has finally regained the energy that he has lost due to an outbreak of emotions. That same afternoon, Tomo finally stepped out of the room. A glimmering light greeted him. He was blinded by the impeding light. "Agh!" He groaned. "It's so bright." He complained.

"Is the light that painful to you, Tomogashi?" A man from the end of the hall questioned.

"Ein..." He noticed. Judging by his current outfit: showing off his well built chest and abs with wearing just a pair of crimson jogging pants and weights on the back of his hands, he looks as if he came out of his usual training session. "Are you TRYING to pick a fight with me?"

"Hmph." He sneered. "And here I was thinking that my mistress has turned you to the good boy kind of person." Ein continued. Putting both of his arms at his waists, he added. "I am not trying to pick a fight. I'm just like this with a couple of strangers who hurt my mistres..."

"I'm telling you, those were unintentional. How am I supposed to know that Adriana will be in pain when I mention 'that' when I first met her?" Tomo questioned. Ein didn't react immediately. He retains his calmness. "Well, now that my mistress has accepted you, it's better off I think that I become at least a tad bit nicer to you." He faces the stairs and makes a hand gesture telling Tomo to go with him.

"Where are we going..."

"I won't say anything until we get there." Ein reminded. "Once you see the door up close, close your eyes."

They passed by where the Television set and the sofa are. They enter an open door leading right into the kitchen. Tomo, who had his eyes closed right after passing through the TV, wonders what is it about.

"Open 'em." Ein commanded.

As soon as Tomo opened his eyes, he can't help but question Ein's motives. "W-what's this!?" He immediately asked him. There was a prepared cutting board set up next to the stove with a partly frozen fish on a stainless bowl. The fish somewhat looks like a groupe. He feels the groupe's flesh and concludes that they are quite firm. The entire fish quite resembles a red snapper but with slightly smaller eyes in comparison to the earlier. "A red snapper?" Tomo asks Ein.

"No, it's a grouper. A south east asian kind. In the Philippines, they are red, such as this one and they call it a Lapu-Lapu. The name I think is derived from the famous warrior settler there who defended the land against the Spaniards until death. Well, that's what I think, understanding the country's history. Groupers vary from color to color." Ein deciphered.

He looks to the side of the grouper and sees threesome of a medium sized capsicum; red, green, and yellow respectively. Next to it is a single chayote fruit, a large red onion, some cloves of garlic, a small block of peeled ginger, and a large sized carrot. And next to that, he sees an array of bottled sauces, mostly the red ones, with a small bottle of soy sauce and vinegar as an exception to the group. At the end of the group are, as usual, seasonings: such as salt, pepper, and what he has never seen for a long time now, monosodium glutamate... locally known to Filipinos as vetsin.

"What do you want me to do with this?" Tomo asks.

Ein didn't mutter and throws a pink apron at his face. "Oomph!" Tomo said as the apron momentarily cuts off his incoming breath for a second. "Make Escabeche." Ein said as he leaves the kitchen.

"Escabeche?" Tomo utters again. Ein gaves a huge sigh and gives him quick information about it. "It is a Spanish dish which closely resembles sweet and sour fish, with a few additions. It is a Spanish delicacy. That's all I can tell you. As a chef, things like this must come instinctive. I think you WILL get the hang of this surprise treats."

"Wait!" Tomo interrupted. "Before you go, allow me to ask a question."
"Ask away." Ein freely told him.
"Is this some sort of a test? What are you doing all this for?" Tomo asked seriously.
"You said you needed a job right? Without that Akiyama person, you're financially hopeless." Ein's statements nearly ticked Tomo off. "And since there are no openings for to-be-hired cooks or chefs at some fancy, wackjob hotels or slow-style five star restaurants, not to mention that the only openings are at low paying but well managed family diners by the Western area of the island..."

"Just get to the point, Mr. Butler." Tomo said in an irritated tone.
"How's $3400 weekly sound?" Ein offered.
"Three thousand four hundred what?" Tomo questions.
"I'm offering you a job, dang it!" Ein freaks out. "The mistress insists. We have running income at a famous casino by Honolulu and at other forms of business that keeps our money rolling so 3.4 grand isn't that much of a deal for us to give to a house employ-"

Tomo, who was shedding tears of joy runs to Ein like a little kid who just got his christmas present and attempts to hug his leg, like the little chipmunk-like character of Madagascar... until something flies by Tomo; more specifically, above his left ear, right through his side's hair line, which made Tomo freeze to that like of a statue. "Prove your worth in this kitchen before you could touch me..." Ein said in rage. "No one touches me for no helpful reason... you got that!!"

Still like a kid, Tomo sulks in one corner, using a childish tone to threaten Ein. "I don't think Adriana would like it if she finds out that her act-alike-brother gets his ear cut off by her very own lifetime, devoted brother..."

"You little he-witch!" Ein groaned. "JUST GET TO WORK! DINNER IS HALF AN HOUR AWAY!!" He flipped in rage and slams the door shut leaving Tomo with the kitchen.

He wears the pink apron; ties the string around his back, and gets to work. "Understanding how Ein described this Escabeche to me, these vegetables must be julienned. There's some cornstarch right next to the salt. I better dab the fish in that then fry it in oil, right? The sauce will be made with the veggies, I think? Let's give this a shot." He said in confidence as he grabs his 10 inch french knife and gets to work.
______________________________________________________

At a five star, Shangri-la like hotel, where team Japan is supposed to be booked at, things are not as happy as it is in the Eizaguirre household. Majority, however seem to be alright except for another threesome within the group. It is an early dinner session and the teams; consisting of Japan, Britain, Central America, Mexico, Italy, Russia, and Korea, as to name a few, are busy in the buffet hall, selecting what they will be having. A wide array of spectacular dishes encircled them all from Curry-scented Chicken Stay, a Mongolian Barbeque booth, Pohole Fern Salad, Sopa de Feijao, Pipikaula, Beef Bulgogi, to Pineapple Bimbab and Malasada bread as to name a few.

Some groups even decided to pay extra to have a bottle of 1973 chardonay and Sauvignon Blanc on their table. Team Japan sits at a 10 seater table by the south west bound of the hall, near the beverage table. Although there are 10 seats, a few of them decided to sit elsewhere; they are Hiei, Ryusen, and Kasumi, who just got out of the buffet line and had their plates ready.

"Hiei-kun. You're just eating rice?" Kasumi thought as she saw Hiei's plate.
"It's the only 'edible' thing that I can find." Hiei answers.
"Aww, come on, everything is edible."
"Even this menu card? And this flower centerpiece?"
"I wouldn't go that far if I were you."
"Give him a break Kasumi. That's how Hiei eats. He chooses." Ryusen explained.
"You don't like the food list here, do you?" Kasumi asks Hiei.
"I'd rather be in a Pizza Hut bistro and eat a heaping basket of Fried Chicken wings rather than these fancy things. By the way, is RAT-A-TOTEE edible? It has the word RAT in it."
"I think you mean ratatouille. and It's just vegetables where half of the oven baked ones are made to a sauce." Kasumi explained, making Hiei throw up on his side.
"You alright?" Ryusen asked.
"Yuck! I hate the vegeta! Here I was thinking they are color coated mojos or something smuthered in weird textured ketchup."
"You seriously need to eat elsewhere aside from Shakey's my friend..." Ryusen said ironically.

As soon as Hiei gets back with just bread and butter on his second plate, all three of them gave a sigh.
"Things are dull without him, huh?" Kasumi asked the two.
"As if we can do anything about it. Daiki has our necks." Ryusen thought aloud.
"If I only I have the freedom to choose, like a choice, I'd go where Tomo is. It is because the three of us are so close to each other why I am here with you guys right now." Hiei shared.
Ryusen and Kasumi dropped their silverware from mid air down to the table cloth out of shear amazement. "That was a bold statement, Hiei-chan."
"I knew that you have something that made me love you, Hiei!" Ryusen cheered as he attempts to hug Hiei. In the end, however, he ends up getting his face smeared in a plate of Shrimp Pesto Spaghetti that Hiei decided not to eat.

Kasumi gives a glance at the other table, where Daiki and the others are. He sees Daiki talk all business like with the rest - Shimizu, Hiroya, Sakura, Tetsuya, Kitami, and Kyosuke. They all seem to be smiling over what Daiki is talking about. "I bet it is another news about how the group's finances will be now that Daiki secured the rental of a Saleen S7 turbo. I overheard him say that it has 700 plus horsepower... He seems different. Completely different." Kasumi wondered with a serious look on her face. "Tomo is right. Daiki doesn't act like this before... not until we had that Archibal incident at Canada and the Cypress bowl endurance sprint Tomo had with the father and son..." Hiei and Ryusen wondered what is occupying Kasumi's mind and snaps her out of it.

"Kasumi-chan. You okay? Do you miss him as much as we do?" Ryusen thought.
"You could say that..."
"I'm just curious. Call me an over skeptical person but I would just like to know... what is it in Tomo that made you like him? I mean, we understand him between us guys but what about you, considering the fact that you're a woman...?" Ryusen raised.
"Like a reason why I like him so much?" Kasumi verified.
"That's right." Hiei answered.
"Well... I l...like him... because he is the one who accepted me as a whole. Somebody who was once a complete stranger to him, he'd simply accept me without any hesitation. With that, I owe him a huge debt and I feel that my love for him... would be that debt." Kasumi admitted.
"Well, we all are strangers in the beginning..." Hiei agreed. "I can't argue with that."
"If you... YOU were given a chance, Kasumi." Ryusen added. "would you reunite with Tomo even if it means going through what he has recently gone through?"
"Gone through as in like the one between him and Daiki?" Kasumi recalled.
"Yeah." Ryusen whispered. "Well... would you?"

Kasumi's heart raced and thought about it. She then remembers what Tomo has said and what she has said to him back in the past. She looks at Hiei and Ryusen with intimacy and answers firmly, "Hiei-chan. Ryusen-chan. If given the chance... I would." She said with determined eyes.

"But we're not given a chance, are we?" Ryusen reconsidered.

"Maybe we don't need a chance." Hiei thought. "You've seen Tomo, he asserted his right. It's not usual for us to see him like this."

"You may possibly be right, Hiei. we all have rights. But I don't want to cause a scene. If ever Akiyama crosses the line, I have no choice but to disband from the group as well."
"Are you going too far with this?" Hiei reacted.
"You know how much I love Tomo. I have to protect his name. The possibility for his name to be totally tarnished worldwide would be on the upcoming press conference weeks or a week before the Oahu race proper. He should at least have somebody by his side by then. I am the only one who could do this for him."
"Hmph." Ryusen gave a small grin on his face. "I admire your resilience, Kasumi. I'll gladly observe that happening, when the time comes."
"Won't you guys do the same?"
"You will be taking a huge risk. We don't want to be copycats. And I believe that he'll come back. By then, we'll be ready to help him in his next race. That's why we need to stay with the group for the moment." Ryusen explained, where hiei simply nodded in agreement to Ryusen's statement.

Soon afterwards, the early dinner was over. Every group has went their way. As for team Japan, they exited and went infront of the hotel's gate.

"What is our next agenda?" Shimizu asked the group.
"Well, we're supposed to begin in testing out the Saleen you'll be piloting." Daiki assumed.
"But we'll still race right?" Kyosuke asked in addition.
"Of course. Weren't you listening, dude?" Kitami contradicted. "We'll just be racing in a different division. Shimizu's battle will be A class; we'll race in the B-C class division."
"We already got Sakura to drive as well, she'll be using that rental car, right? What car is it again?" Hiroya doubted.
"Not really. Daiki-san told me that I'll be a substitute driver for Shimizu-san halfway through the race. At least that'll give me a chance to try out how a true mid ship car works." Sakura answered.

Hiei, Ryusen, and Kasumi who are falling back behind the group talked among themselves about the way the rest are talking. "It sounded as if Tomo is dead to them."
"Tell me about it." Ryusen told Hiei.
"They'd just treat him as if he is trash? I can't tolerate this; not one bit!" Kasumi whispered. "I mean, even Sakura?"
"Are you saying Sakura is changing? I don't see anything different..." Hiei observed.
"Well... she's been like that ever since she got a side job during our stay here. I barely get to see her around. And most of the time, if we don't have meetings or stuff like that, she comes back late... I wonder why..."
"Do you think she's seeing somebody else?"
"That's a possibility..." Kasumi agreed. "I hate to contradict her but it's like... I am losing her... she's starting also to act like Daiki..."
"I get you there..." Ryusen noticed. "Even Kyosuke, Kitami, and Tetsuya are acting the same way... pretty much like this new Akiyama I have observed."
While observing them, Kasumi got a glimpse of something involving Tomo.

As they walk to the garage to meet up at the Oahu Raceway, Daiki said something to Tetsuya. "We're one car short in this, Daiki." Tetsuya told him.
"It doesn't matter. Really, it doesn't. Everyone seems to agree to me now that the nuisance is out of the way. Out of all the cars in this group, his is the most underrated one of all. It must be hard for you to manage such a drag..." Daiki comforted.
"He doesn't even care what happens to it. What a fool. He nearly broke it back at Italy... got it wrecked at America TWICE, and thought that he can outwit a Ford GT in Canada... not to mention... wrecking it once more at Argentina. Doesn't he know that his car is not something so super...?" Tetsuya complained.
"Enough with the jibber jabber. He's gone now. Best that you forget it even happened, Tetsuya. Your mods for the Mustang and Exige are even better than that one... Sakura's though is an exception to the rule. Her R tune is even better with that new dual GT wing you proposed... I see no improvement in Tomo's R though." Daiki commented.

"what a fool he is. His maybe a V-spec II Nur, but what I heard from Kyosuke... it was a hand me down model. It was so overused... no wonder he got it at a very very low price. I think Tomo never even checked the mileage in his car." Tetsuya observed.

"And you call yourself his friend..." Kasumi groaned silently from behind.
As they got to the garage and boarded their cars, a few of them: Shimizu, Sakura, Kitami, Kyosuke, Ryusen and Hiroya departed for the track, leaving Kasumi and Hiei to board with the Z. Daiki and Tetsuya continued to chat before the earlier opened the ignition and got the car moving.

While on the car, Hiei planned to ignore the conversation and took out his Ipod nano to listen to a few of his happy songs, such as caramelldansen. Kasumi crosses her arms and eavesdrop on the conversation from afar, just like how Tomo acted back at the Kaloko lost heaven mansion before their battle.

Down the freeway, Kasumi never heard anything except discussions of Tomo's faults and mistakes. She hates it when people look down on him and bad mouth him. All the words out of their mouths are insulting. "He never even cared about the team's victory. He never wanted to win at all. All he cared about is showing off..." Daiki continued.

"Remember that time at Infineon and at Oscar Galvez? He plans to drift but it was a dumb move..." Daiki reminded. "Such a complete klutz. It cost him those two important races... although technically one was just an elimination test." Tetsuya agreed. "He may be a good driver but his management skills with his car are so low that it disgusts me. I just stay with him before because he needs me as a mechanic and for some instances that he's using one of my client's cars... like Ms. Rikona."

Like Tomo, Kasumi gave a silent "Tsk" sound in her seat.

Down the freeway near Honolulu, Kasumi continues to hear more gibberish about Tomo's faults. She's close to giving Daiki a piece of her mind for sure. For fifteen minutes straight, all she hears is nothing but trash talk. Hiei doesn't want to get involved in this so he steps aside during the trip. As for Kasumi, she needs to deal with these words of torture of her loved one.

By the time they came to a stop, just them in the Z, Kasumi could no longer take it. "Please drop me off here." Kasumi commanded Daiki. "Ha? What was that?" Daiki asked. "I said... Drop me off here, please"

"Aren't you coming?" Tetsuya said.
"What's the point anyway?" Kasumi thought aloud. "What would be the point of being here if I hear nothing but insults of him?"

"We have a perfectly good reason why. He's a failure, that's why."
A person like him never deserves to be a part of a team that I have made." Daiki added.

"Is it because he is impulsive? Is it because he is emotional? Or is it because he could never meet up to your expectations of an ideal racing representative, is that it?" Kasumi complained.

Daiki turned on the hazards of his car and stepped out of his Z. Kasumi, Tetsuya and Hiei did the same thing and stepped out of the car.

"What are you trying to imply, woman?" Tetsuya reacted.
"Speaking of which... You Tetsuya Kudou! How could you?" She answered back pointing her finger at him. "You were a good person. You were. Are you just gonna let this newly changed dictator control you!? You even came to the point of insulting the one person who trusted your skills. True he may have damaged it countless times, but couldn't you see in his face his sincere apologies? He can't help it often. His rivals are ones who acknowledge him despite the fact that he himself is out of their league. I even heard one of his rivals acknowledge Tomo's car and he even gave a huge amount of credit to you, his mechanic... And here you are backstabbing him!?"

Tetsuya couldn't say a word. Half of him acknowledges his mistake but half of him too stands to the fact that he never cared for his effort to tune his Blue GT-R.

"That's enough out of you, woman!" Daiki said with bleaming red eyes. The same eyes that he had when he declared that meeting causing Tomo to snap, shows again.

"No... that's enough out of you, Daiki-sama." Kasumi said in grief. "He looked up to you in the past. He respected you. He never undermined you... and this is how you repay him in return!? I don't know what on earth happened to you that made you... this... but I won't tolerate it. I won't let myself suffer in your hands if you continue to destroy him right before me."

"Understand this, Nadeshiko. A man who speaks with mere words and no actions to prove his point is like a poem with no words that tell of it." Daiki quoted. "You're starting to sound like him, act like him, reason like him. What do you plan to do... now that you've said it all as if this is the last straw? Are you planning to abandon the team as well is that it?"

"I am planning to do so right from the start... from the starting moment that you plan to make him suffer more." Kasumi firmly acknowledged.

"Fine. Go. Run to your so called hero - that impulsive brat of a person you call a man. You don't even have a worthy role in this group. You're just a pre-involved bystander who does nothing and watches from the sidelines, merely observing all that we do. You just stand there, acting all hot for the crowd. A slut like you has to banish from this team. We shouldn't have included you in the first place."

"Daiki! You're going too far!" Tetsuya warned. But it was too late. As soon as Tetsuya gave his warning, Kasumi throws her palm right at Daiki's face and slaps him with all her might. The sound of skin connecting at a high speed echoes at the empty intersection.

"You bastard! What kind of person have you become!!?" Kasumi screamed. "This gives me even a better reason to leave the team. You never cared for how he felt, for how I felt of this. All you yearn for is victory. I won't tolerate any more insults from hereon out! GOOD-BYE!!" She shouted as she walks away from the Z and the group.

"Daiki. Are you alright?" Tetsuya wonders.
"Damn... that was one strong slap. It made my cheeks bleed slightly for some reason." Daiki said as he touches his red cheek. "Ah forget her. She's just another load. Glad enough that she's gone. But after this... we need the rest of the team. Hiei and Ryusen cannot leave..."

"Are they that important?" Tetsuya doubted.
"Hiei possesses a great amount of physical speed. Whereas Ryusen has the strength of 3 pit crew members. They may not be that knowledgable of cars unlike Hiroya, Shimizu, and the rest... But their physical attributes are needed. They are fundamental to the group."

"So you're saying those two, Tomo and Kasumi, are not?"

"Don't make me repeat myself Kudou." Daiki warned. "Those two, are too naive to be part of a professional group such as this." Tetsuya and Daiki stared intimately as Kasumi walks away. Hiei just stood aside and takes note of this to Ryusen.

As she walks away even further to the distance, Daiki indirectly says a few words to her from afar. "What would you do now that you have decided to do this? I don't think you'll get anywhere with those life outlooks that Tomo told you. I'm telling you now, by the time you realize it, I was right all along..."

Posted by: J86 Nov 29 2009, 04:29 AM

Ieeeh,so Daiki's talking bout 'God-like' humans,people who can't make mistakes,then he's waay out of his mind.People make mistakes too,don't tell me he didn't make a mistake(losing to the 'naive racer' earlier in the story)Doesn't that make him a naive racer as well.And TETSUYA!SAKURA!Man,those 2 are...urgh,forget it,lol,I'd be ranting for a long time if I keep this up.Nice story,reli makes me feel like the characters are alive.Come on Tomo,goooo!Make a new team with the others.

Team up with the Hawaiian racers(The Suzukis,their cousins,and the other guy I forgot.

Hehehe,no offence though,can't remember all the characters yet.

Keep it up!

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Nov 30 2009, 02:26 AM

You have given me an idea there, J86. This is official and is a life-related-based portion in relation to the story:

Each person, who is a member of the Royal Blood's elite 6 describes a certain kind of person in general. For now, here's what I have deciphered; based on appearance:

1. Kitana Tioseco - Princess Rank - Kitana best represents the young guns; the passionate young people who are living the dream. They empathize with the thing that is most important to their career most of all. They don't undermine fellow competitors or fellow workers and live their lives as wild as possible to a certain degree. They are very optimistic of matters and only look at the possibilities benefiting them the most. (Context: Kitana and her Lamborghini Diablo VT GTR) Real life examples of such are those who are new to the field but have gained an uprising amount of popularity/respect.*

(*- This is Kitana's personality in a manga that I made; Speed Legend R Epilogue II)

2. Lucas Scott - Jack Rank - Lucas best represents the ones who are full of pride of themselves. In movies, they are like the antagonists who think that they WILL beat them all. They don't allow defeat to rule their lives and would do whatever means necessary to reach the top. Their respect with people of the same calibur are quite at the low for they tend to undermine others as they continue to appraise themselves. Evidently, consequences befall their futures. Examples of such are high sprung characters of reality TV shows who get voted off early in the series and, in Filipino context, sobrang mayabang kind of people.

3. Nathan Archibal Sr. - Knight Rank - Although his son has a portion of the Jack's character, the father best describes this rank to be those who look after those with potential in the most unorthodox manner. Most of the time, he treats those with potential as if they are being tested; to see where their wits would last. He's a good mannered kind of person who tends to lose respect of those he/she test early in the session but as soon as they have seen his/her motives for doing so, their respect for that person grows infinitely for the better. They even give timely reminders or warnings in ways you wouldn't expect. The kind of people who can be compared to Nathan Sr. are college deans you're closely communicable to, executive chefs, High ranking professors in any field, SOME fathers, and those people who have a good heart but you can't tell because of their actions.

4. Daiki Akiyama - The Prince - Daiki is a humble type of person with a serious face to back it up; but as soon as his awakening begins, he becomes a completely different person all in all; and it ain't good. Those who could be compared to the new Daiki are those who act like perfectionists. They WANT and DEMAND those around him to meet his standards and ignores/abolishes those who would just get in their way. He will not tolerate any mistakes, even to the point of bad mouthing the one at fault, attacking even their ego. They discharge their own mistakes and only look at others, even to the point of bragging about others' mistakes to others. They tend to think that they are NUMBER 1 and Number 1 is only the number in their numerical list. Because the Prince and Jack are loyal to the King in the past, both the Prince and Jack tend to act the same way, for the sake of the king - copying his ideals and considering them as their own, which in turn turns their personality around. They tend to undermine everyone around him/her, thinking that they're better than them in what they do, think, say, act, etc. People who are like the Prince in reality are dictators, Misleading corrupt officials, SOME people who act this way, Over demanding bosses & business owners, and some high-strict parents. If you know any who are like this, then you're with someone who is like Daiki. YOU'RE OWNED!

5. Adriana Eizaguirre - The Queen - They are people who are most understanding of whatever bad situation that you have or will be having. They are very supportive and they don't disrespect your motives. People like her are those who believes in what is good and is very protective of those around them - especially those who are very, very important to their lives. They oftentimes, lavish, people with gifts to show how much they care but they don't fake a face. All their words are true to their motives and actions. You can well trust people like them. How they act, is how they think, feel, and understand the situation; there will be times though that they too will be emotional of their own situations. Any unexpected faults against them MIGHT easily be forgiven. You will feel safe around these kind of persons. They will love you back if you love them and they won't do anything to hurt you. An ideal woman, for those men seeking one; same applies vice versa. People who are like the Queen in reality are like mothers, understanding friends, Trustworthy Psychologists, ideal mates ( <- THIS IS VERY VERY RARE! If you're with one, you're the luckiest person alive)

There's still the King, The Joker, and the rest of the abolished clan; but we haven't reached that part yet. And the next chapter is STILL in the works... so watch out for it!!

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Dec 16 2009, 06:23 AM

Chapter 101 - Life Under the Wings of an Eagle

By the time the 350Z left, Kasumi just sat at the bus station for hours. She is confused whether she regrets doing what she did to Daiki or not - slapping his face for calling her a slut. She has her head down, thinking about it. "Oh god, did I just do the right thing? Why am I even asking this, I am right, aren't I? He insulted me as a person, thinking I am the team's harlot. How could he call me such!!?" She squealed. While thinking about it, a sound echoes from her stomach. "Great... I'm confused... AND hungry. But I have no money with me. I left my bag at the hotel. And the hotel is so, so far from here..." She wondered. She stayed there, worried of herself and for his welfare. She thought that her life is over until a familiar looking car stops right in front of her - A red Audi TT Quattro Sport. Kasumi didn't notice this, though, as her head was facing the road.

"Aren't you... Kasumi-san? A-Are you alright?" The person who boarded off the Audi, and approached her, asked. Kasumi was close to shedding a tear until something was extended to her face - an orange, autumn looking handkerchief. Saying thank you in advance, hopefully, she raised her head only to be surprised to see who it was. "M-Minami-chan!?"

"So it is you" Minami joyfully cheered. "What are you doing here?" she asked her. "Long story. I don't want to talk about it" she humbly told her. "Ha~?" Minami wondered but in the end, she didn't fuss over it another time - I won't force you to, Kasumi-san if you wouldn't say it." "Do you need a ride?" She added. Kasumi, however, was too humble to accept a sudden ride from a friend she barely knows. "No, it's okay. I can manage." She laughed her grief out.

"Well... in any case, I do hope you get a ride soon; a bus maybe or a cab." Minami added. "By the way," Kasumi interrupted... "What on earth are you doing in a place like this? Why are you in the Honolulu Airport drive?"

"Joseph asked me to do a couple of errands. Nothing out of the ordinary" Minami answered with a small smile. "Whoops. I have to go." She bowed her head to Kasumi and drove off in her Audi.

As she watches the red Audi drive to the horizon, she admits a few things... "I don't want to be a desperate, grieving woman to the likes of Ms. Minami. I don't want to sound that way. Then again, I don't have the slightest idea how to get back to the hotel; I don't have any money and it would be rude of me to ask her for some money..." She gave a huge sigh afterwards. "I guess I'm on my own here..."

To her untoward realization, Minami drove back and told her to get on board. "I would sound like a bad person if I don't let someone who knows Tomo stay at a dreaded spot such as this. Get in. I'll take you to where you need to go." "Seriously, you don't have to." "No, I insist; on my part!" Kasumi doesn't want to argue with her for long and decided to accept her offer.

Down the freeway, Minami wonders where she is supposed to go to. "I am staying at a hotel where team Japan was staying." "Was?" Minami thought back. "I am no longer a team member anymore..." "Wha!~ Why!?" Minami cried her question out. "Because I quit the team... now I know why Tomo decided to race Daiki-sama." Kasumi admits.

"Oh, Kasumi-san..." Minami whined as she held the wheel of her Audi tight.

Down the freeway, a few hundred meters from their exit, Kasumi raised a curious question. "I heard from Tomo that your cousin is a pretty good driver, is that true?"
"Well yeah. You've met him right? The black guy with the dreadlocks. He's my cousin but just by looking at us, it is hard to believe, physically. Weird huh?" Minami thought. Kasumi simply giggled in place and said nothing. "But that's not what I asked you. What I want to ask you is your opinion on a hypothetical manner."
"Hypothetical manner? What do you mean?"
"Suppose... I am Tomo." Kasumi started. "And?" Minami curiously followed along. "how would you like it if he'd ask to be part of your group?" Kasumi asks. "Not all of a sudden though. Suppose you two had a talk that would eventually lead to that request. What would you do? What would your cousin do or say?" Kasumi asked.
"Well... Tomo and I are good friends... and he seems to get along well with my cousin. We'd both warmly accept him. I also know Kaede and Ryan won't mind..." Minami cheerfully answered. Kasumi smiled back and said to her. "That's good to hear. So all of Tomo's goody-goody descriptions of you ARE true..."

Moments later, they arrived at Kasumi's hotel. Minami cannot stay any longer and left her at the lobby with just a wave before she left. Kasumi went to her room, got her stuff packed, and left the hotel. The receptionist knew that she checked in with a group and wonders. "Uh, ma'am? Just you? Where is the rest of your group?"

Kasumi, who is a bit emotional of the matter uttered, "What group? Any other charges will be directed to that person I am with, the one managing us all." Kasumi told the receptionist as she stayed outside the hotel thinking where to go.

She thought at that moment, where on earth would Tomo be right now. Thinking back on the time where he disbands himself right infront of the group, she has doubts whether Tomo is at Adriana's place or not. Where could he be? She thought about it for a long time and continuous to think about it as she checks in to a restaurant to have a bite to eat.

At one instance, she decides to take out her phone, dial his number and call him; but again, she had doubts. Thinking back, again, on what she did to him - slapping his face for talking so childish that time, she wonders if he'd still talk to her or not; reject her call or humbly answer it. "I think I shouldn't... But then again... taking a cab from here, at the Western bank of Honolulu to the very south east of the island... it will be a long trip; much like a cross country trip at that...

While waiting for her order of a strawberry partfait, Kasumi gives off a huge sigh of hopelessness and wonders what she'd really do. With too much excessive thinking, it has put her to sleep. Her head, even with the aid of her hand on her chin, slowly tilts downward until it makes contact with the table. The nearby waiter wakes her up after 5 minutes wondering if she is alright.

"Are you alright ma'am?"
"Um... how long was I asleep?" Kasumi asked the waiter with respect.
"Around 5 minutes ma'am. Your partfait has melted too, I'm afraid..."
"Is that so..." she moaned.
"Please excuse me for asking ma'am but is there something on your mind?" The waiter asked her.
Kasumi looks at the waiter's face and he sort of looks like him - like Tomo.
"I-is something the matter?" The waiter thought? Any young guy looking at Kasumi directly at her eyes, especially when she has that puupy-eye expression on her eyes, can't help but blush and have a very small feeling of intimacy.
"Oh, sorry. That was sort of rude of me. You seem to remind me of someone... I apologize." Kasumi hurriedly said as she stood up and bowed to the waiter she was google-eyeing at awhile ago.

Feeling embarrassed over what she just did, she took her stuff, laid out the payment for the partfait, apologized again to the waiter, and left the restaurant, hurriedly getting a taxi.

Upon riding on one, she thinks over what she would do once she saw him again. "Would apologizing for before make things better? Would he understand that I didn't mean to hurt him that time? WOuld he even listen to me? I wouldn't know the answers to this unless I try it. Off to Ms. Adriana's place." She thought to herself. She pats the driver's shoulder and says "Down to the Halona BLow hole, directly south east of the island, please?"

At the Eizaguirre Household...

Ein just had a one on one talk with Tomo about the Escabeche he made... make that, the sweet and sour fish he made.
"Were you sure of what you were doing, Tomo?" Ein asked him.
"Well... you said that it is instinctive for me..." Tomo admits. "So I simply tried to the best of my abilities."
"Well, you got one point of it right. Frying the fish is one thing and making the sauce with sauteeing the vegetables first is another. But you left out one ingredient, didn't you?"

Tomo was getting anxious. He is wondering if Ein figured out that he didn't add MSG into the dish.
"It lacked that... tingle...did you not add vetsin into the dish..."
"Well, Adriana liked it, right?"
"You're straying away from the question, Tomo. Did you or didn't you?"
"It doesn't matter anyway, right?"
"DID YOU OR DIDN'T YOU?!" Ein shouted. He can't stand Tomo's ignorance to the matter.
"I DIDN'T ADD THE MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE!!"
"WHY DIDN'T YOU? IT'S PART OF THE RECIPE, RIGHT?"
"DO YOU WANT ADRIANA TO DIE!!?"
Thinking of that last statement as a threat, Ein grappled Tomo by the collar and demanded him "Explain why you didn't add..."
Tomo gathers his thoughts up and became firm with Ein.
"Monosodium glutamate is already present in the sauces I used - vinegar, that tad bit of soy sauce, and the other flavorings you wanted me to add in it." Tomo started off. "And scientifically prove, MSG was considered to cause inflammation of the throat and tongue and causes some burning sensations to some people. Would you want that to happen to Adriana?" Tomo asked Ein.
Realizing that he was simply protecting her, by not causing it to happen, Ein lets go of Tomo's collar and faces his back at him. "Good job. You'll get your pay weekly... 6 more days to go before I give you your first paycheck." Ein says as he leaves Tomo.

"What's with him all of a sudden?" he thought to himself.
Seeing that there's still time before dinner preparations, he plans to loaf off around the Mansion proper.
As he walks down Adriana's garage, there are a couple of empty spaces - 3 of them, where Daiki's Z, Kyosuke's Exige, and Kitami's Mustang GTR were. The only cars in the garage are his own GT-R34, Adriana's McLaren F1, Ein's Shelby 427, a Benz CLK DTM AMG, a Ford Explorer, a late 80's Peugeot 206 model, and a blank body of a Mercedes CLK GTR. The last one caught Tomo's attention.

He walks towards the CLK GTR and stares at it with intimacy, curiosity and doubt. "Marcelo's car... the CLK GTR that Adriana has been talking about for ages." He observes the entire car from the front to the back. "Hmm... no engine?" The engine bay was blank, he could see a portion of it from the rear windshield, and the very end of the CLK looks a bit ashed. Adriana must have retained the CLK as how Marcelo last drove it... or right after he drove it for the last time.

Coincidentially, Adriana enters to check up on her own McLaren. Slowly she enters the garage until she spots Tomo, who is next to the Mercedes GTR. "Tomo?" she thought to herself. "What's he doing next to my brother's Mercedes?"

Back with Tomo, he extends his hand and 'talks' with the Mercedes. "You hold a painful memory in your last drive... I can tell from how his sister told me and by how you look right now. I feel pity for you but I admit that pity isn't a good enough word for it. But I feel for your pain. My 34 has gone through the same things, over and over. If only you could be driven again... but all I wish for you right now is to rest in peace." He told the Mercedes.

Adriana changed her mind and walked out of the garage, seeing Tomo act that way. Outside, by her poolside walkway, she leans on one of the posts, thinking aloud. "There was that one time... when my brother pushed his CLK too hard at one session before the Le Mans registrations..." she thought aloud...

QUOTE

This was the time when Adriana just got her McLaren F1, a week after she got it officially. They ran down the same pass that Tomo and Daiki recently raced on. At the top of the pass is a house, which happens to be Marcelo's personal cliffside rest house. Marcelo slowly took his silver Mercedes CLK GTR out of the garage for a test run, where he made a stiffer suspension setup. At that same moment, Adriana requested Marcelo to race her down the pass.

The orange McLaren pulls over right next to Marcelo's CLK, which is on the driveway of his rest house.
"Adriana. What are you doing taking your car out this early?" Marcelo asked her.
"Well... you see... how should I put it...?" Adriana thinks thoroughly on what to explain to her brother. She can't say that she's jealous that he has more racing experience than her.
"I just... want to know my car more..." Adriana reasoned out.
"Know your car more, huh?"
"T-That's right, brother. Well... could we... um... like... race until the base?" Adriana requested.
"Does father know of this?" Marcelo asked.
"He's out in a meeting with the rest of the racing crew for your final GT class race here at Oahu before we head on out for Le Mans, France."
Marcelo crosses his arms and tries to picture the situation. "Well, I did do a few adjustments to my CLK - shorter gears, stiffer springs... Alright. But this'll just be between us, alright?"
"Yup!" Adriana happilly agreed.

Moments later, their race began. They started off in a leader-chaser fashion type of battle with Marcelo at the back. Adriana doesn't mind leading but her problem relies on whether the McLaren would respond to her or not on her first run down a non-circuit road at a circuit based pace. They enter a hairpin at 221 km/h, both of them braked hard and turned the wheel to the right after the high speed S curve. Marcelo had his CLK induced into a weak drift, with the rear tripping at 13 degrees. Adriana cleared it with a traditional grip attack.

Marcelo, as he exits the corner faster than Adriana, gives her intense pressure as he positions his CLK right behind the F1 GTR with only a few meters in between them. Adriana wasn't afraid of her car running down fast on a not so smooth surface as she had her F1 on its standard setup - a high height speed setup, good for mountain driving too. "Aww, come on, brother. Give me a break, I only just cleared one corner I'm not used to this kind of pressure yet!" Adriana pleaded in her seat.

A left hairpin approaches and Marcelo plans to overtake Adriana at that point, attempting to do a 'gutter' run like what Daiki did with his Z to overtake Tomo. Entering the said hairpin, they braked at the same point but Adriana, who was just a beginner with her car, braked longer, thus made her lose more speed in the process. She decelerates and closes in on the apex of the corner, only to gasp at the view right infront of her - Marcelo's CLK doing the said run by Marcelo. Sparks flew from the chassis as Marcelo continues on the attack. "What the hell is that?" Adriana shouted in awe.

Making sure that Marcelo doesn't get too ahead of the battle, Adriana, bit by bit, pushes her car faster and faster. Unconsciously, she manages to imitate Marcelo's driving line. At a mid speed S curve section, Marcelo brakes on the first half and goes through the rest in full acceleration clearing the last one at 186 km/h. Adriana, surprisingly, imitates the same attack and clears it at the same speed.

Then came the last wide left turn before the crossing. Marcelo plans to experiment on the reactions of an MR to a four wheel inertia drift. He sways the CLK GTR to the outside then yanks the wheel to the inside all of a sudden, causing intense amounts of wheelspin out of the tires. He manages to control the position of the car on the outside of the road, with the back just centimeters away from making contact with the guard rail, until Marcelo's CLK hits a small rock on the road that made his car gain a much deeper and more critical angle than he expected. He couldn't control his car through the corner and pounces on the brakes.The rear duck tail makes contact with the guardrail sending sparks flying all over the back of the CLK.

Adriana who witnessed this slowed down and hoped that Marcelo stops before the intersection. To her relief, it did. Marcelo's car stopped perpendicularly to the pedestrial lane. Marcelo got out immediately and checked his CLK. The duck tail had a bit of scratches and his rear tires were brutally scarred down to the rim because of too much wheelspin at his last turn. Adriana brings her orange McLaren to a stop as well and assisted her brother.

"You alright, brother?"
"I am but my Benz isn't..." Marcelo admits. He taps the car and carresses it saying... "I'm sorry. If only I controlled you more with respect than this... I ignored your wiles... but not any more... Lo ciento, mi amore..." He said to his car.
"Marcelo..." Adriana thought looking at how he empathized with his car.

"Being up there in the peak of the sky... I remember now how Marcelo must have felt... holding himself against the draft and the wind currents stabbing him endlessly... A metaphor such as that well describes how he felt with his own car... I remember now how much me had to go through to make his Benz better..." She thought aloud as she looks at her reflection down at her pool's waters.

She intimately looks at the garage, where Tomo is at the moment and continues to think about ... him.
"No matter how hard I try to accept what he says, I still picture Marcelo whenever I see him. Would it be possible that he is his reincarnation? But Tomo already told me that the dead are dead, conscious of nothing. How could that be so if they're dead all in all? What would be the truth to my brother that would make that memory of him in me be at peace?"
She later heard the raising of the garage gate. It is Tomo, he stepped out of the garage.

He and Adriana crossed eyes and Tomo simply waved at her from afar. Adriana didn't respond however and instead, walked to him. "Hmm?" Tomo thought.

"Tomo." Adriana firmly started. She slowly and softly takes hold of Tomo's hands and wrapped her hands around his.
"W-what is it, Adriana?"
"Enlighten me..."
"Ha~?"
"About where IS my brother? What is going to happen to him right now? If all I understand about what life is after life itself is true or not... I think this is the only way for me to silence my sudden unwanted memories of him." Adriana wished.

Tomo looks away thinking that her reaction might be like before, at Argentina.
"Por favor?" She pleaded.
Tomo bows his head down and tells her...

"Let's talk it over... at your room, Adriana."

Posted by: J86 Dec 17 2009, 06:36 AM

Excellent story this time round,and about Kasumi?Tomo must have forgiven her,but i hope he'll act like he hasn't,makes the story better that way.But it depends on you,34.And why is the talk in Adriana's room? >_>

Posted by: jsam Dec 18 2009, 07:42 AM

HEY~~~~~~~~~~~
I really like the way on how you reacted to this comic of mine.

Posted by: J86 Dec 21 2009, 08:48 AM

@jsam,what do you mean?

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Dec 29 2009, 06:57 AM

ignore jsam. Probably a bot... or a spambot... or I dunno. If you look at his profile, it has no post count.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jan 6 2010, 04:00 PM

Chapter 102 – Happiness behind the Tears of Sadness

Entering right back into the house, Tomo and Adriana head for the latter’s room located on the second floor. Adriana still has her doubts, however. Why does Tomo want to explain it to her at her room? Is it something of grave importance that no one else, not even Ein, should know about? It continues to disturb Adriana every step she takes in her own humble abode.

“M…may I ask you something about this?” Adriana asks Tomo, while walking.
“What is it?”
“I am just curious. Why must we talk about it privately?”

Tomo stops walking and freezes in place, in order to fully explain to Adriana the reason why. “Remember your previous reaction back in Argentina?” he reminded her.

“I told you, I won’t act like that anymore. So you can relax. You’re no stranger to me, Tomogashi Kitsumoro.” Adriana assures. But Tomo is still looking back into that time, when Adriana symbolically broke…

QUOTE

"No! Get away!!" She yelled out further. "My brother was a good man. He's not only my brother... but he's the only person I have ever loved aside from my parents! I know that I have to move on after that horrid fraction of my memory. I was so close to living another normal life and continue with my career peacefully!" She screamed in pain. "But as soon as I saw you; everything started to return! All those nightmares! That scene! That Benz! That Bloody faced brother of mine! Everything!! Being around you brings back nothing but dreams that are becoming life threatening nightmares!"

“Trust me when I say that I will be alright. Anything you will say later that MIGHT bring me back to the state that I was once in, won’t take me back to those times.” She places her hand on her chest and guarantees Tomo, “I am a new woman. By letting you in my life and seeing how we differ in how we look at things have changed me for the better. You have my word, Tomo.”

Tomo just stood there and gave a sincere look at her. “Adriana…” he softly uttered.

“Let’s go… to my room. I am eagerly awaiting your words – the ones that would make my past peter out… and understand where my brother really is.”

Before Tomo decides to walk up the stairs, he asks Adriana one more time, “Your brother is that important to you, isn’t he?”

“As of before and now… he’s family to me. And he’s as important as my own life.” Adriana shares with Tomo.

“That’s all I need to heed from you. Now, shall we?” He offers as he extends his hand to the maiden up the stairs. Adriana warmly accepts the offer and the two begin to go up the stairs.

Upon stepping foot on the second floor hallway, they turn right. It’s strange as Adriana’s room is from at the left of the stairs. “I’ll just get something, that’ll help in our little talk.”

Adriana nods in agreement and patiently waits for him to surface from his room. A minute has past and Tomo comes out with a pocket book in hand. The book is entitled: “What does the Bible Really Teach?”

“I still wonder why Kasumi placed this in my bag. I thought she had it with her.”

They transfer to the left wing and began their discussion.

Adriana closed the door behind her as Tomo enters the room. She ensures that there are no interruptions by locking it as well. Tomo asks her if he could reel out the chair in her dresser. Adriana didn’t mind at all and chose to sit in her own queen sized bed. Her bed has linen that is lined in red felt, much like that of the royal colors with the edges lines in something that resembles white fur. Her bed has drape like extensions at its four corners with a translucent curtain that she closes together when she sleeps. Her room is as large as the Living room itself, in terms of height but is only a quarter in terms of length and half in terms of width.

Tomo opens up his yellow book and turns to the table of contents…

“Let me see here…” he said as he scans through the entries. There are 2 chapters discussing about death – Chapters 6 and 7 of the book entitled “Where are the dead” and “Real hope for your Loved ones who have died” respectively. “Which one do you want to start with?”

“Best we start with the first. It sounds more like an introduction.” Adriana suggests.

While Tomo subconsciously turns to chapter 6, he lets his eyes wander around exploring her room. Her room here is completely different in comparison to that at Argentina. This room looks grander but what’s strange is that she has the same pictures in one corner; like that at Los Hornillos, Argentina, where majority of which has pictures of her and Marcelo together, from birth until their racing careers.

As soon as Tomo hits Chapter 6, he scans through the text, finding out which would interest Adriana on their current topic matter – Marcelo. Noticing paragraph 3, he starts things off with a few opening questions. “Adriana, I’ll ask you a few things. For the meantime, answer me with just ‘yes’ or ‘no’ until I say so, got it?” Adriana nods in conformity.

“You obviously mourned when Marcelo died, am I right?”
“Yes.”
“Have you wondered what has happened to them right after their death, like are they suffering?”
“Yes.”
“Have you ever wondered if you will be able to see each other again, or he’ll just watch over you?”
“Yes.” Adriana said as she holds on tight to her necklace that bears small, silver, and cross-like sculpture.
“Answer me truthfully…” Tomo said with a sigh following that avowal. “Where do you think he is?”
Adriana looks away from Tomo and thinks of her answer. She is a Catholic and all that she knows about people who have died is that if they lived a good life, they’ll go to heaven and if they lived a bad life, they’ll burn in a place of torment; but now that she has a strong feeling that Tomo is going to teach her something different, she is starting to have doubts about what she believed.
“I don’t know. I just don’t know where he could be right now.”
“Remember when you screamed to me that I am Marcelo?” Tomo reminds her.
“That time?” She recalled. Well, an associate of mine before I became a professional racer, told me that people who die… their spirit passes on to someone else or something else… I was doubtful at first but when I had this misapprehension of you becoming him… that was the first thing out of my mouth.”

Before Tomo continues, he closes the book but he has his thumb pressed between the pages – his thumb acted as a bookmark, placed at the exact page where he left off. “Don’t be surprised when I tell you that all that you have learned about life and death is nothing more than a false truth. Let’s be rational, Adriana.” Tomo recommended. “What’s the opposite of life?”
“It’s Death.” Adriana answers humbly.
“So if in life we exist? What is death with respect to us, humans?”
“C…ceases to exist?”
“Exactly.” Tomo affirms.

He opens the book up for a second time, and tells Adriana, “You’re catching up quite fast…”
“Now I see why you want this discussion in private…” Adriana deciphered.
“Remember what I told you before I left, back at Argentina, once more?”
“The dead are conscious of nothing at all…?”
“If you are familiar with the holy writings, it’s written by King Solomon. And his father King David, earlier that time, noted in his Psalms that when a man dies, his thoughts perish.”
“So if that is the case… where are the dead now?” Adriana inquires.

“That’s where we turn to the most ‘holy’ person we know who has treaded on earth…”
“Jesus Christ?”
“This might be new to you… if you didn’t see this thoroughly… Christ said when Lazarus died that he ‘has gone to rest’.” Tomo confirms.
“What does that mean?”
“Allow me to read it to you.” Quoting from the book, he reads, “Notice that Jesus compared death to rest and sleep. Lazarus was neither in heaven nor in a burning hell. He was not meeting angels or ancestors. Lazarus was not being reborn as another human. He was at rest in death, as though in a deep sleep without dreams.”

“I have a question. If I may…” Adriana interrupts.
“Ask away…” Tomo answers.
“If that is the case… why are we, as persons, made? Are we just made to live and die?” She asks. “(If that is so, then does it mean that I am doing all this for nothing? Making a name for myself knowing that I’ll die out soon?)”
“Remember the first couple on earth, Adam and Eve? It said that they were immortal, right?”
“Yes?”
“Let’s give an emphasis on the word ‘were’. It means that we are not made to live and die just like that. We are made to live… forever…”
“Then why do we die?”
“I think you know the answer to that… I don’t have to explain it. We know where it starts from.”
“The first introduction of death…” She mumbled as she holds the necklace’s little sculpture as tight as she could.
“Now let’s advance a bit, to this subtopic: Knowing the truth about death is Beneficial…” Tomo introduces as he follows this up with the reading of the paragraphs.

While that happens, at a certain intersection by the east bank, Kasumi, who is riding a cab is frustrated with a recently transpire traffic jam, more or less caused by a slight collision of two vehicles in the yellow box. “Darn it. Talk about bad timing…” Having not taken the pressure any longer, Kasumi pays the toll and steps out of the cab. She took her bag out of the seat next to her and hopes to get another ride to the southeast bank of the island. “I’m just this close to her place and this happens…”

From a distance, as she mumbles in place, she perceives a familiar figure, coming out of the jammed intersection, taking route on the emergency lane on the outside of the road – a black Nissan Skyline GT-R V-spec I BNR34. “A black 34? Could it be…? Kaede?” Kasumi thought.

To her surprise, the black R34 stops right next to her. “Kasumi-san, what are you doing here by yourself?” “It’s a long story. I can’t explain it like this. Um…” Kasumi groans as she pinches her skirt. “Mind if I ride with you?”

“I…suppose… where are you heading?” Kaede asked.
“I am heading by the Halona Blow Hole. You know the one by the southeast part of the island?”
“Then put your stuff in the trunk.” He uttered.

As Kasumi gets in Kaede’s R34, Kaede wonders “Aren’t you staying at that place before, like you and Tomo said before?”
“I’ll explain on the way.” Kasumi assured. Having his Skyline equipped with an automatic transmission, he puts it on drive and softly engages the gas bringing the black R34 up to speed at an estimate of 60 km/h on the jam free road.

Back with Tomo and Adriana, the latter felt shame on what she believed in, realizing that most of which was a lie. “Lo ciento, Tomo. I am sorry that I acted with such cruelty to you.”
“You don’t have to be. It isn’t your fault. Most of us are merely confused with what is happening that we hallucinate with such stuff and thinking just to protect ourselves, even though we know that that knowledge is wrong or incomplete…” Tomo assured.

Tomo stands up from his seat and puts his hand on Adriana’s head, comforting her like a kid playing with a stray cat or a familiar house dog. “It’s hard to lose someone in death, huh?”
“Mm…” Adriana agreed.
“Do you wish to see him again? Do you want to see Marcelo once more?”
“After knowing all that you shared with me… is it possible?”
Tomo smiles and assures her. “It is possible.” He said as he sits next to her and goes on reading to her Chapter 7’s opening paragraphs.

While the reading and the question & answer commence, something happens outside the gates of the Kaloko Lost Heaven Mansion. The black R34 mentioned earlier parks right outside the gates with Kasumi stepping out and taking her stuff out.

“Thanks a lot Kaede.” She showed appreciation to the young driver.
“No problem. It’s after all, part of my route.”
“Where are you heading anyway?”
“Oh, somewhere that Joseph and Ryan are chattering about back at the Gulf.”
“Well, give my best regards to them.” Kasumi advised Kaede.
“Oh, and Kasumi-san…”
“Yes?”
“Have fortuity with ‘earning back’ Tomo’s trust.”
Receiving a huge spring of hope, Kasumi gives a cheerful and energetic wave at Kaede as he drives off. She faces the mansion in front of her with great resolve and heads for the door.

Knocking at the front door, she hankers for Tomo to open the door. To her consternation, it was Ein. “Oh… Kasumi…”
“E…Ein…”
“You seem to be in a rush. Need any help?”
“Is…um… Tomo there…?”
“He is…”
Kasumi, in her thoughts, leaped for intense joy. “Where is he?” She enthusiastically asked Ein. “He’s at the mistress’s room but…” His words were discontinued as Kasumi scampers up the stairs towards Adriana’s room.

At that same moment, when Kaede dropped Kasumi off at the Mansion, Adriana was contented and pleased with the message of the 7th chapter that she and Tomo had discussed. “So I’ll really get to see Marcelo once again…” she softly articulated.
“Now you know of and understand… the true meaning of the word resurrection. I hope this truth… satisfies you and helps you picture Marcelo’s future.” Tomo utters.
“At least now I know that truth… The truth does set people free…”
“Yes, Adriana… you are now free… Not even the sight of Marcelo’s beat up CLK GTR would make you have any dreaded memories of him turned vague and disturbing…”
“Hey, my brother’s CLK isn’t beat up. It’s just like that ever since the crash, but it isn’t beaten up.”
“Then what do you say in refurnishing the car again, if you have time that is…” Tomo suggested.
“I’d love that…”

As Kasumi opens the door, Adriana decides to hug Tomo as a token of thanks.

Upon opening the door, Kasumi saw the image before her that has led her to a delusion of what’s happening in front of her. Not to mention the fact that the only words that Kasumi was able to hear from Adriana’s lips are “Tomo… I’m so happy… to have met you…”

Kasumi’s heart started to race. The background around her starts to fade to white. Her heartbeat felt like she’s being stoned from head to toe. Her lips turned pale and her breathing hastened but not to the point that she’ll pant it out. Her body froze in shock and she couldn’t feel anything, as long as she could still see the sight of Tomo hugging Adriana with the misconception that Tomo has found love within Adriana, who undoubtedly was dubbed as the second Eve, by appearance.

In her thoughts… she cried out, “Tomo… why? You searched for new romance… and you have found it in front of me? How could you?”

She can’t bear the sight and slowly, without a sound, closes the door.

When the door closed, without neither Tomo nor Adriana hearing the click, Adriana continues to say… “I’m so happy… to have met you… If it weren’t for you… I wouldn’t know what my life would have become? I might be stuck in an uproar of depression for all I know. You saved me from the darkness of the words that this world speaks of and you have guided me to the true meaning of what life is now, before and tomorrow… With that… you have my thanks…”

“I am just glad that you understand what I have shared with you and you didn’t react in a downbeat manner.” Tomo said.

As they stood up, they heard the closing of the main door from the empty, quiet room that they are in.
“Hmm?” Adriana wonders.
“What’s the matter?” Tomo asks her.
“Somebody must have been at the doorstep. I better ask Ein.”

Adriana leaves the room along with Tomo and walks down the stairs with no idea who it was who just knocked or came in.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jan 13 2010, 04:03 AM

I checked my Story guide so far and up to now have I realized that this is the last chapter before the main event!! What is that main event? Well, you just have to sit in, read, and speculate before I could even post it... Enjoy this one for a while... it has important information relative to the main event battle!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 103 – Rendezvous
Reaching the lounge of the house, Adriana and Tomo approached Ein, who was at the door. “Ein, who was that just now?” Adriana asked. Ein lowers his head and passes by the two. Before Tomo could even come to the conclusion that he is rudely avoiding the question, Ein immediately answers “It was Kasumi.” To Tomo, it’s surprising to hear Kasumi come to the house on her own like that.

“I believe…” Ein continued. “…that she came here on her own because she looks as if she wants to ask something of Tomo.” “Like?” Adriana asked. “Some sort of reconciliation with him; probably for before.” Ein added. The two of them faced Tomo with a mixed look of concern and deceit. “I didn’t do anything. Honest.” Tomo admitted.

“Hey, Ein...What time did Kasumi arrive?” Adriana asked once more. “She came just not long ago. She was here for no less than 5 minutes then left, and that’s when you asked me where she is.” Ein answered humbly.

“If she came around that duration, we are close to done with our conversation, right?” Tomo asks Adriana who agreed without doubt. “We hugged in the end right?” he added. Adriana felt as if a stroke of lightning just hit her. “Any other girl would conclude that… Tomo… she thinks you’re having an affair with me.”

Tomo froze in shock, as well as Ein. Ein immediately grapples Tomo by the collar and yells at him. “YOU TWO KISSED, DIDN’T YOU!!?” Tomo and Adriana panicked and admitted to Ein that nothing happened between them. Evidently, Ein lets go of Tomo’s collar and calms down. “What do we do now?” Ein asks. He faces Tomo and concludes, “This person has no idea how to handle a girl. Of all the people I met, he has the worst and most complicated case of love-hate relationships.”

“Hey! I never intended for it to come to this, and I’m standing right here, Ein.” Tomo answered back with a pout. “Boys, Cool it. We need to think of some way for these two to get back together.” Adriana told them. “What do you suppose have in mind, then?” Tomo asks Adriana back, who just stood there all quiet and innocent. “You have no idea, do you?”

“I have a long duration of the General Anxiety Disorder, so don’t blame me, alright?” Adriana explained. “Although…” She thought as she places her left hand on her chin with her right hand supporting her left elbow. “I know somebody who can help… Someone who’s an expert on things like this…” Tomo and Ein are clueless as to who this person is but they have no choice but to go with Adriana’s plan. She thought of something, and Tomo hasn’t got any clue what to do about it. They both decide to follow Adriana towards the garage. Adriana pulls out the McLaren’s car keys and told the two guys to follow her… obviously they’d ride in Tomo’s GT-R.

Tomo rides his GT-R with Ein as the passenger. Both buckle up and chased after Adriana’s McLaren. Up to the East bank towards the freeway, Ein raises a topic upon exiting an intersection. “The mistress seems livelier than ever before.” “Huh?” Tomo whined. “When we first met you, she was so emotional and dull about the world around her that she couldn’t care less what to do and what to think of. The next thing you know, she’d collapse. I hate to say it but I have you to thank for this.” “Why me?” Tomo wonders while he keeps his eyes on the road and shifting to gear 4 down the freeway. “I know this topic has been settled already but in case you forgot, she looked up to you as her deceased brother; knowing in the end you’re not. Normally somebody who sees that what they think of somebody was actually a lie, they’d return to that state of being that they were in before. But not Adriana… there must be something about you that permanently gave her that kick back into life. She’s finally a normal woman again. She’s as cheerful as she was back in the day.” Ein described.

“Well, you don’t have to thank me for that only. All of us, we did our part to help Adriana back on her feet again. You have your share in this and so does Kasumi.” Tomo explained. “Speaking of Kasumi, we better get you two back pronto.” Ein said with a serious tone. Tomo was troubled by Ein’s tone and was about to ask why does he care for Kasumi so much as well. “I just don’t want to see another girl cry in front of me ever again. I don’t want to see another girl be in pain ever again.” Tomo smiled in his seat upon hearing that from Ein. “You know… that’s one thing we both have in common.” Tomo whispered.

“You think?”

Moving from their side to Kasumi’s…
When the group thought that she headed up to the Oahu gulf, she actually brisk walked to the pier a few kilometers from the Eizaguirre household. Her body was shrouded in a mix of various emotions that trouble her so much. Her heart aches as she visualizes the last thing that she saw about Tomo and Adriana… not to mention the words that uttered forth from the latter’s lips. “I know I am not supposed to be involved in this… and I know that has nothing to do with me but… but…” She feels her heart that races endlessly in a fast pace. “… Why am I troubled with this? Why do I feel a huge amount of pain hitting me from side to side…?” She bends down on her knees and watches the waves collide with the poles of the pier. Each thread of water reaches a certain height and falls down the stream. Kasumi relates her current state with that of the threads of water.

While sitting at the perch of the pier, Kasumi has nothing in her mind but the thought of Tomo for the past moments they had ever since they met. She even recalls a mysterious past involving her and Tomo at Lake Haruna back at Gunma. She was simply done fishing with a couple of her friends by the brink of 6 in the evening until she overheard the loud engine sound of an Infiniti G35 and other sedans nearby. She saw a young boy with spiky hair being pulled helplessly to the feet of one guy who looks to be their leader. The girl kicks the tied up boy with her shoes’ heel making contact first. Until the boy was thrown into the lake, giving the impression that they just threw a ‘thing’ away. Kasumi stayed behind and waited for the herd of cars to leave. She took off her top and her tight pants revealing her silken undergarments as she dives down into the lake, hoping that she’s not too late. As she grabs hold of the young, unconscious boy, she pulls him up to level ground and observes him closely. ‘Is he still okay?’ She puts her ear next to his chest and feels his heartbeat but as she checks his mouth, she found out that the boy isn’t breathing anymore. She immediately performed CPR on him until she hears another set of cars come up the pass, with one of them being a paramedic. ‘I guess I am not the only one who noticed what happened. There are other kind hearted people caring enough to even call an ambulance out.’ She grabs her clothes and runs away, hoping not to be further involved with a much bigger crowd.

Kasumi was able to picture that scene perfectly. It is just after a few weeks since that event that she got to know the person she saved… when he saved her from a soon-to-become-rape assault. “Tomo… can’t you remember those times?” She expressed. “I do. Can you?” While thinking in place, a seagull flies by where she is, to the point of grabbing Kasumi’s spaced out attention. She raises her head and sees the bird fly smoothly in the air.

“Tomo…”

Adriana and company actually visited Adriana’s hair dresser, who owns a famous hair salon in downtown Honolulu. Ein and Tomo couldn’t possibly be disappointed with where they are right now. “And why are we here again?” Tomo asks out of the blue. “Well, we’re here to see what you should be doing in order to get back with Kasumi.” Adriana answered humbly but straightforward. Moments later, the head hairdresser comes out, greets Adriana in a classic Hawaiian fashion and kissed cheek to cheek. Tomo was quite disturbed about what he is seeing, especially for the fact that Ein is seeing this as well. “Aren’t you a bit… um…” He asked Ein. The latter interrupts and continues Tomo’s statement. “Disturbed? No. Freaked? A bit.” “What do you mean?” Tomo asks him back. “He’s gay can’t you tell?” Ein asks Tomo, with his right thumb pointing at the head hairdresser. “Are you alright with saying that?”

“What on earth do you mean? It’s practically normal.” Ein answers his question. The Hairdresser joins in the conversation and proudly tells Tomo in a very feminine manner “I am proud of it, cutie!” the hairdresser answers with his left foot raised halfway, his hands curled up below his chin, coupled with a wink at Tomo. Tomo is definitely disturbed by the sight. The hairdresser is quite buffed up wearing a tight fit polo shirt and black denims and working shoes. He has black, widow’s peak like braided hair, a well grown beard and overall, a South American like skin tone… something that resembles much like Mr. T, only more effeminate.
“Now, what should I do with the hair of my most beloved and most beautiful client?” The hairdresser asks Adriana, who is ready in her seat. “I need my hair rebonded.” “Oh, no you did-‘nt girl!” The hairdresser reacted. “Didn’t you darlingly care for those bangs of yours?” He asked. “Well, I decided to have a change in style. You know? After all, I’ve been confining myself for too long now… you know, after that entire… incident?”

“I feel your pain, girl.” The hairdresser gave sincere condolence. “So, we’ll work on those young split ends too, right?”

“That’s right.” Adriana agreed with a smile on her face. Tomo, who isn’t that used to staying with homosexuals for long periods of time decided to walk out of the salon. “I’ll just get some fresh air…” he faked an excuse. “…where Ein is…”

“You stay here, Tomo.” Adriana reminded him.
“Eh?”
“You heard me. We didn’t come here only for my hair. We’re here for your problem too.”
“Who’s the cutie, your new boyfriend?”
“No. He’s a friend who’s in need of assistance with her girlfriend.” Adriana gossiped.

While the 3 discuss Tomo’s dilemma, as Adriana gets her hair done, something came up in a press conference near the Oahu Raceway. The entire pit area is flooded with sports cars, all arranged accordingly in an orderly fashion. Right outside the raceway, there stands a herd of reporters and camera men from various international news companies eagerly trying to get into the pit lane. “One by one, please!!” said the security guards who are preventing them from gaining unrestricted access to the racing teams.

Among the group of racers includes Team Japan. As of this moment, Kitami is fixing his hair and checking his breath for the press conference about to commence while other members of the team just act casual. Among them who aren’t lively enough for the press conference are Hiei and Ryusen. Without Tomo in the team, there isn’t much enthusiasm among the group. “Everybody seems to have changed.” Hiei thought. “I see what you mean, dude. I hate to name drop a couple of our group mates but Daiki, Sakura, Tetsuya, and a few of them have changed… it’s like they’re all totally different people.”

“God I miss having Tomo around. I don’t know how long I could keep this charade up.” Hiei wonders. “Not to mention the fact that Kasumi has also left the team for good. How do you think she’s working?” Ryusen asks Hiei. “Hey, I am no miracle worker so don’t ask me about what is their love life future.”

As the security members unlocked the gates, the group of reporters scurried to the drivers and their managers like a herd of cows in a stampede. “Mr. … Ms. … Mr. …” A lot of call outs from the reporters to the said people they are interviewing. Focusing on team Japan, Daiki was thrown the first question.

“Mr. Akiyama, how do you think would Team Japan handle the current situation, especially with the changes in the preference of vehicles you will be using from now on?” One reporter asks him. “That won’t be much of a problem. I am proud to say that our drivers, including myself of course, are well capable in adapting to the vehicles that we’ll be using. After all, in this competition, it is not about the car… but it is about the driver who drives the car.”

Another reporter from afar shouts out his question. “Observing your cars for the past few minutes gave me the thought of the upcoming A-class event. What would team Japan’s plan be in competing in the even with just C-class vehicles at your disposal?” Daiki gives a smirk and answers “That won’t be much of a problem. Thanks to the V-rent system of the entire Oahu Island, it gives us access to club-based vehicles suitable for the event you have in mind, with our dear Shimizu Ohyama piloting our rental car for the event: a Saleen S7 Twin Turbo.”

A reporter close to Daiki follows up another question to him. “How would the team progress with the absence of one of your primary drivers in the roster, Tomogashi Kitsumoro? Would the team do any better without him or would you be racing a strenuous neck to neck battle with the other national teams now that he is out of the picture?” Daiki staggers upon that last question. This question catches Hiei and Ryusen’s attention. Daiki nods his head, takes a deep breath and humbly answers the question…

“Even without Tomogashi Kitsumoro around, we’d still be able to successfully strike a mark in the field of Automotive Racing for the Japanese Nation. A sacrifice is often needed to attain the goal of making Japan a leading nation in the world of automotive racing. Although our vehicles were champions in the past, the people driving them weren’t Japanese at all. We’re here to show that we are not just developers but also noteworthy competitors who would give other nations a run for their money.”

“So does this mean that Mr. Kitsumoro is no longer affiliated with Team Japan?” Another reporter asks. Daiki gave a straight ‘Yes’ to that question almost triggering a spark at Hiei. Ryusen immediately stopped him in his tracks before he causes another commotion. “Don’t cause a scene, Hiei.” Ryusen warned. Hiei simply feels a mix of regret, for Tomo, and treachery at Daiki. After a few short moments, the interviews with individual drivers commenced until the end of the day.

Back with Adriana and Tomo, at the Salon at Honolulu, the head hairdresser is about to decipher the perfect way in getting the two back together again. “You know, dear, the only way for you to gain her back is obviously through apology. Have you recalled a time when she had this breakdown before?” The hairdresser asks Tomo.

“There was this one time… back at Italy. She overheard me say some things of a girl I used to like and she sort of only heard the last part of my conversation with a friend whom I was talking with. She ran off, saying ‘I hate you’ at the top of her lungs but she came back looking for me and freely forgiving me.” Tomo shared. “So, this time dear… it’s your turn to repay her for that time.” “I agree.” Adriana affirms. “We women are quite sensitive to words you know, don’t forget that. You rarely get to find a girl who would take the first step before you could do so yourself. You are quite fortunate to have met Kasumi. So it is time for you to straighten things out with her.”

“So all I have to do… is explain the entire thing and ask for her forgiveness?” Tomo verifies. “It was all a huge misunderstanding in the first place anyway. She’s just waiting for you to straighten things out for her.” answered the hairdresser.

“Then, go. Ein and I will meet you back at home. Now you go find her…”
“Where should I start?”
“Follow your heart. If you know her that well, you’d definitely know where she would be…” Adriana told him. “Or you could just phone her and tell her that you have some explaining to do, darling.” The hairdresser suggested. Without any second doubts, he rushes to his R34 and turns the engine on. He lets the revs go wild to the 8000 RPM red zone before he could even release the e-brake. Putting the car in first gear during in-place acceleration, he lowers the emergency brake and makes a 180 burnout back to the Southeast bank of the island.

“Will our suggestions work?” The hairdresser asks Adriana while snipping a few split ends away. “I am sure he would pull it off.” Adriana admits. “He’s kind of hot… don’t you want to… you know…” “I’m not that interested in searching for men, you know that. Marcelo is the only man I have. Plus, I already have someone else in mind…”

Down the freeway, Tomo deepens his press on the accelerator and blasts through traffic. At one high speed corner, he releases his foot off the gas and lets the horizontal inertial movement take place, inducing the car to a power slide. Before the ATTESA ET-S could even kick in, he pounces on the gas, creating a ball of smoke from his rear tires. Upon downshifting at the exit of the corner, his car rockets onto 160 km/h with flames bursting out of his exhaust. The Horizontal G forces kick in at every shift, pushing Tomo back at his seat. He ignored the feeling and concentrated only on one thing… one person… Kasumi.

[South East Pier… 5:15 p.m.]
Kasumi decided to stand up after a long stay with the still waters by the pier. She decides to call it a day and take a taxi, hoping Minami is kind enough to let her stay in for the night until… ring. Ring. Ring. Her phone vibrates from her small bag which caught her attention. “Who could it be?” She wonders. Upon grabbing hold of the phone, she was shocked with the name that appeared – “^Tomo-chan^”, but she wasn’t sure whether she must take the call or not.

Instinctively, she pressed the call button and answers. “H…hello?”
Kasumi! Where are you? I have something to say…
Kasumi was blunt and silent. Another group of mixed emotions start to play on her.
Kasumi, please tell me. I’ve been looking everywhere for you…
She was surprised to hear Tomo say that. She shivers happily and tells him where she is. “Why don’t we just talk it over right here on the phone?” She asked him after giving him an idea where she is. Because… I prefer that we talk it over face to face, so that you’ll know how serious I am in saying what I need to say to you.

“Alright; I’ll wait.” Kasumi answered as she hangs up.

Kasumi leans on one of the cargo boxes around her and waits for a Skyline GT-R’s RB26DETT engine blast by or its tires screech nearby. After 5 minutes of waiting, she finally heard it. She looks to see the body of a Bay Side Blue Nissan Skyline R34 stop near the pier, with its hazard lights open.
“Tomo…” She softly spoke aloud.
“Kasumi…” Tomo whined as he looks at her from afar.

“I…” Both of them voiced at the same time. “No… You see… Uhm…” They are so caught up with looking at each other that both of them wanted to say something, to start the conversation, at the same time.

“Look, about what you saw… what happened awhile ago… at Adriana’s room… allow me to explain…” Tomo pleaded. “No need to sound like that.” Kasumi answered with her eyes closed and with a smile. “I’m all ears. I am ready to listen.”

Later, the sun is close to setting, hiding behind the mountains of the Islands nearby the Southeast coast. “…And that’s what happened. It is all a misunderstanding, so you don’t have to worry about me and Adriana. Nothing’s going on between us.” Tomo finished. Kasumi just stared at him with a great, big, warm smile on her face. “Um… what’s wrong?” Tomo asked her. Kasumi simply giggled. “Hey, I just poured my heart and soul into those words so that you won’t misunderstand me anymore and you’d just laugh?”

“No… I’m not laughing at you… I’m just happy enough that you’re not the kind of person to seek someone else’s love when they know that somebody else already loves them.” Kasumi explained. “And… I am just happy for the fact that you decided to make the first move in settling this misunderstanding.”

“And I… have something to share with you too…” Kasumi, this time, started off. “What’s that?” “I quit the team as well.” Kasumi frankly answered. “Why… for me?” Tomo asked her, who nodded a yes. “Daiki-kun… I mean… Daiki kept on bad mouthing you for your mistakes and your faults as both a person and a racer in general. The rants were so much that I possibly couldn’t take it anymore and ended up doing what you did – take a stand. I stood up in behalf of your name. I don’t want to hear anyone else say bad things about you; I don’t want to hear anyone else talk only about your mistakes. I will not tolerate anything bad about you from anyone else. I did this because… I love you.” “And that’s why you decided to quit the team… in order to protect my name’s sake?” Tomo asks her who nods again. Kasumi glances away from Tomo and looks at his GT-R. “And there is something else that you’d like to know about your GT-R.” Kasumi added.

“The reason why your GT-R nearly ‘died’ a few times… is because it is a car that has a tremendous amount of mileage in it.” Kasumi discussed with Tomo. “No wonder…” Tomo thought aloud. “No wonder I felt it was weak back in the day.” He said as he looks at his R34. “No wonder Sakura’s older R34 was better down Haruna that time and why my match with Kyosuke was so hard. And no wonder he got it at a very low price for it when I was a junior in high school.” Tomo concluded. “But if you ask me, Kasumi… before I was recruited by Akiyama, I considered this disadvantage as a test. Up to now, I still consider it AS a test. So even if I only knew of this car’s mileage weakness just now, I don’t mind.”

“But isn’t the mileage reading supposed to show in your speedometer?” Kasumi asks him. “When Kyosuke handed the car to me, it was reset to zero. Not to mention… this R34… it seems different in comparison to the others… “He then faced Kasumi and discussed a bit of what his GT-R has gone through. “Remember when I raced Kitana? Both of our engines blew. But what was surprising to my GT-R… it still had that ability to ignite even at the most crucial of conditions. Tetsuya said so himself. And why do you think it was able to hold its own against international monsters like the Corvette, the Viper, and the GT? It’s nothing supernatural… It’s this feeling I have… this R34 is special… It must have gone through such a heritage before it came to my hands…”

“You think it is a probability as to why the last owner resets the mileage counter? To conceal the history it has gone through already?” Kasumi hypothesized. “Perhaps.” He answered. “We once changed the oil of my GT-R back at Gunma with Kyosuke and it still performed the same way like when we had our first battle… It’s nothing mechanics could answer but it’s not to the point that we have to resort to spiritism or supernaturalism. Whatever the answer may be… we will find it…” He said as he slowly faces Kasumi. “…together. Together, we’ll find the answer to my GT-R’s history…” Kasumi nods in agreement and holds his hand. Both watch the sun set behind the clouds until it was concealed from everyone’s eyes.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Feb 15 2010, 04:44 PM

sorry for double posting here. I'm just reminding that this story ain't dead yet. It's hard to plan out how they'd start and declare the battle. This is still continuing. Do wait for a little while longer. As soon as I get enough inspiration, I'll give the next chapter all I've got.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 May 8 2010, 05:53 AM

Well... sorry again for this isn't a story update.
I'm busy at the moment with having my story legalized so it might be on hold.
BUT DON'T DESPAIR!
I have a video in relation to this series!
So for now, here's what I have to offer first:

YOUTUBE ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80pS4vkLm3Q )

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Feb 12 2011, 06:31 AM

Sorry if there wasn't much of an update for these past few days. I was busy with a video series; it's linked with this one *which isn't done yet by the way; but I'll still be working on it* I just completed the web series along with the official playlist.

It's 10 episodes long amounting to more than 5 hours of live playtime. I want you guys to watch it and post your comments here.

Note: If you know a show that was once aired featuring still-animation-stories; it's pretty much like this with a mix of vid game replay.

Note 2: It's on a Wangan setting so don't expect much with drifts although *spoiler* act 5 has a touge scene.

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=9299FBCE596027C6

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jun 6 2011, 02:41 AM

Being the owner of this series; I would just like to announce that I am not neglecting the absence of the last chapters of this series. In fact, with the help of my video editor, a couple of friends on the field of multimedia editing, I'll be making a movie out of the last chapters of Supido no Densetsu Round Hawaii.

This will be done with the aid of Test Drive Unlimited, PC version; Magix Movie Edit pro 14 PLUS, any adobe software under my disposal (flash maker if I'm lucky) and voice acting from various sources of mine (http://thecolorless.net as to name a few) The project will take some time before the official release on youtube as an OVA for the series stated above this post is being under construction as well. I hope you've enjoyed the series so far up to this point; but I would like to note that it isn't over.

The climax is yet to be seen. Although I'd love to hear everyone's insights on the last few typed chapters, the video playlist as linked above, etc. All feedback will be accepted and some constructive ones may even be recognized for further development of this series.

I thank idforums.net for giving me the opportunity to complete this series up to this point and give my overall thanks to the 15,000 viewers who've looked out for updates; be it a member or non-member. You have my thanks.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jun 19 2011, 03:41 PM

Also for an added heads up while SLZ Hawaii Viaggio Grande *yes, that's the title* is being developed; here's the prelude video to SPeed Legend V; if you go watch it on youtube; it's been linked to the other videos via annotations:

YOUTUBE ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf8GzOXVq8U )

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Oct 24 2011, 06:12 PM

This thread has been bumped for the sole reason of incoming reviews by @Meteor.

Also the vid post above has been edited.

Posted by: Meteor Oct 26 2011, 04:49 PM

Here are some reviews, starting from. . .

Ch.89
The first paragraph did a decent job of starting this chapter. There were a few bits that could use a little work, like. .

QUOTE

Weeks passed and things start to become normal yet again, especially for him this time. Tomo's case is totally different from that point on.

The "Tomo's case is totally different from that point on" kinda makes it sound like "especially for him" was referring to a different character. I got what you meant, but some people may get the wrong meaning. You could change it to:
"Weeks passed and things start to become normal yet again, especially for Tomo this time. His case is totally different from since before."
People will have an easier time understanding this sentence.

There was another problem with that same part, but it doesn't make the paragraph confusing. If you read it again, you'll see that you ended up mixing past-tenses and present-tenses together in the same sentence. Doesn't ruin the writing, but it's not good grammar, so you'll have to work on avoiding stuff like that.

Rewriting it again to fix the grammar (and little more than that):
"Weeks passed and things started to become normal again, especially for Tomo this time. His case was now totally different from since before."
Added the "now" near the end just to make it a little more clear.

But the first paragraph did what it set out to do. It told us what you wanted it to (passing of time and minor plot developments) and quickly got the chapter started.

Same for the next two paragraphs. I'm not sure about the way you use past and present-tenses in them, but looking into it in detail will severely delay the review, so I'll leave that for you to think about the next time you decide to work with a text format.

I'm not too sure about "Tomo-chan" necessarily meaning he and Minami have gotten closer, and "halffie" is a word already used in Japan so I doubt Tomo came up with it on his own. But leaving that aside, I liked most of the writing in this chapter. The dialogue wasn't boring and the character interactions were fun to read (special mention to Mr.Freedom and Anthony). In this review, I'm not gonna point out everything that could be fixed a little, but I'm still gonna point out a few of them now before I get back to the compliments.

QUOTE

Tomo imagined. "...he doesn't want to hurt your feelings, knowing that you like Kimchi. He wants you to be happy about him back then, that's why he went through all that trouble just to love the food." Tomo interpreted. "That's what I thought about myself too." Minami admitted.

"about myself" makes it sound like Minami was thinking about herself and not Joseph. Something like "That's what I thought myself too.", "I thought about that myself as well", etc. would work better here.

QUOTE

It kinda sounds like she's saying she likes the colour orange twice. Judging by Tomo going "You do?" instead of something like "You already said that.", that's not what you were going for. The fix here is to change "I like orange too." to "I like oranges too.". That makes it clear she's talking about something more citrus-y.

EDIT: You pointed out that was actually Tomo talking, so you should've added a "Said Tomo" in there to prevent confusion.

She gets distracted by those colours pretty easily. Would she have moved out of the way on her own if Tomo hadn't pulled her away from those cars?

You wrote decent descriptions for what the mansion's other residents were up to, and an okay description of what was going on in Daiki's mind as he looked at his budget. The dialogue was okay here too and the spar between Ein and the comedy duo wasn't written bad. What little you wrote of it was described clearly and wasn't unrealistic. You also wrote the characters reacting to each other's moves and the few moves and blocks you mentioned (elbow thrust, middle round kick, etc.) made picturing the scene easy.

I think Kasumi could've reacted less strongly though. Or maybe I'm just tired of seeing "person sees/hears of familiar person with another person, misunderstands, and gets angry or sad or whatever." scenes popping up in fiction.

(Phew. I'm regretting that I said I'd post this review today. Took me a more than 30 mins to think up just this much. Past 4 AM now, gotta hurry up)

And now the beach house again. Conversations weren't boring and Joseph's still entertaining. The way you brought up how he'd recently modified his M12 to an M400 was nice too.

Going to skip a few things for the sake of quickness. Will edit later on request.

Tomo sure doesn't sound close to Tom. I'd have expected Anthony to mispronounce it more like "Tome" (the English word) or "Tomu". (This is an unimportant issue.)

Race scene was pretty good. Just remember that an inertia drift is when a drifting car changes the direction of its drift (like on an S-turn) and not when a car drives towards a turn and then slides into it. Anyway, the bit about slow-in-fast-out was a nice touch.

Ch.90
Still don't understand why the auto registration place won't accept particular cars (guess I'll just have to reread earlier chapters). Anyway, the narration in the first paragraph seemed a little weird (the bit about Kaede being a character from Kyushi's first volume and such). You should've put that into the pre-chapter notes or whatever you call them because that sort of narration didn't fit in the chapter itself.

The dialogue between the two new characters was okay and it's good that instead of going the boring route of Kasumi getting angry or whatever at Tomo for talking with Minami, you went with a different, less illogical and tired route. Might've been a little more sappy than it needed to but oh well. Tomo's expression changing from fear to guilt was another nice touch by the way.

One thing I want to point out though:

QUOTE

"Sorry Kasumi. It seems I forgot all about that. My mind is cluttered up with malicious thinking and negative reactions. I am sorry."

Most people don't talk like that. Just changing it to "My mind is full of negative thoughts right now" would've worked better.

The driving scene was well written. And the look at Tomo and Kasumi's differing thoughts about the driving was a nice touch too.

Your descriptions set up the beach house stuff well. You saved time by cutting to the new arrivals showing up at their destination, but didn't forget to point out what had happened in the meantime. You also didn't forget to point out where Tomo was, which explained why he and Kaede didn't meet earlier in this part.

Character intros and dialogue went okay.

QUOTE

"He's Kaede. A friend of mine from Japan. He doesn't talk much so talk ssssllllooooowwwww...." Ryan acted.
"I'm not that gullible unlike you, Ryan." Kaede said sarcastically.

I don't think "gullible" is the word you were going for here though. A gullible person is someone who tends to believe most lies very easily, so the word just doesn't make sense in this part.

Ch.91
Tomo suddenly switching from arrogance to self-depreciation and the way it changes the mood was a good moment. There were also other moments like Kasumi noticing that Tomo didn't like being compared to Lucas and Kaede's anger going away on Tomo's apology.

I don't remember Minami being Christian as well. Did you bring that up in an earlier chapter? 'cause I don't have time to check now.

Other parts of the chapter were also okay, and you adequately explained Satsuki's sudden appearance.

Ch.92
The description of the road they'd chosen and when they'd chosen it was nice, but "varying in overall vertical angle for 5 kilometers" would've been better as "varying in elevation for 5 kilometers."

The speed racer comment during the rule briefing was funny. But the off-road rule could've been described better. Did you mean "All four tyres off-road = DQ in 5" or did you literally mean "Off-road with all tyres missing from the car = DQ in 5"?
I'm thinking you meant the former.

I liked how you showed Tomo decreasing the gap throughout the whole race, and then overtake after a slow-in-fast-out turn. But I have to point out the "he accelerated 0.15 km from the turning point" stuff would've been better if you'd given the distances in metres or didn't give the distances at all and used adjectives to hint at them.

Eh. . . I'll just stop here and edit in the rest later.

Ch.93
Like how you followed up Tomo having second thoughts about what he was saying last chapter by having him think about if he should've said all that. Done well, small details like that make a character seem more real.

QUOTE

"What's the difference?" Ryan asked.
"Ryan..." Minami called his attention. "Tomo's car has more power, so he can easily catch up to Kaede's car."
"Then how strong is yours, sis?" Ryan asks in contradiction.
"It's only at 300." Minami frankly answers.
"Then why is it weird that Tomo's car completely destroyed Kaede's when in comparison to your battle, you've lasted longer?" Ryan asks in deceit.

This would make more sense if you took out "weird". Ryan is asking why Minami lasted longer against Tomo despite having less power than Kaede, but the "why is it weird" makes it look like he already knows the answer to that one and is instead asking why it's strange that 300hp car did better than a 320hp car. Also, "deceit" is the wrong word to use here. Deceit is related to lying.

I liked the description of Joseph's gutter attack, and the way the race began was nice too. You didn't really need to describe Adriana's appearance and how the harness wrapped around her and what she looked like to her fans and everything that much though (Wait. Her fans popped out of thin air to watch her drive?). It didn't really fit here and worked against the flow of the writing in this part.

I don't really have much to say here so I'll say I didn't have problems with the parts of this chapter I haven't talked about yet. There were a few typos here and in other chapter but I'm not gonna point them all out now since I'm trying to review a bunch of chapters together.

Ch.94
Had no real problems with this entire chapter. While the prose used wasn't amazing, it told the plot well. You described the sights of her dream clearly enough to provide a good mental picture of it, and the plot developments were interesting overall. Perhaps a little ridiculous, but not boring and not too ridiculous. And all this Royal Guild business has a lot of potential that you haven't really used yet, and I am looking forward to seeing that potential used in a later part of Speed Legend.

But admittedly, one part did look confusing.

QUOTE

"The Origin" The Queen started off. "dates to the times when automobiles were inexistent yet. It dates to the first ever race in history." "What is that race?" Adriana interrupts. "No one ever dares to know what it is so no one ever had a clue about it. But I can tell you the answer you are seeking."

"It's disappearance..." She remembers seconds later.

Could you explain it? I have no idea what "Its disappearance" could be an answer for in this case. Or are you intentionally keeping things back so you can reveal them later?

Ch.95
I didn't have any problems with the events of this chapter either. You did a good job setting up Daiki's awakening as the Prince of the Guild. The look at everything in the story that had affected the team's finances up till now was interesting, and the way you showed the effect it had on Daiki's emotional state also wasn't bad. The dream scene had okay dialogue and the way the Prince twisted some facts around, and the way that Daiki accepted the Prince's story easily because of how worrying about the team's finances just before had affected his mental state were nice touches. The rest of the chapter smoothly leads into the next one.

Ch.96
This chapter, however, I did have problems with. While Daiki's speech did start to get annoying near the end, Tomo punching him after Daiki suggested replacing his R34 with the new GT-R did go overboard. You didn't do a good job giving a reason for Tomo's sudden anger here. Before Tomo spoke up, Daiki's talk about money sounded less like money was the reason for racing and more like he wanted funds to upgrade the cars (money for the sake of racing rather than racing for the sake of money) and his talk about showing that in motorsports, Japan is capable of more than just making cars sounded less like nationalism and more like "Japan isn't known for producing world-class racers, but let's show the world that doesn't mean we don't have any". And later on in this scene when Daiki's lines started to get even more stupid sounding, Tomo did have some reason to get angry but the TREMENDOUS CAPS LOCK UTILISING RAGE he showed still looked fake.

(Just to be sure we're on the same page: What do you define as nationalism?)

QUOTE

"Whatever it is that you do, you have to earn something in return!!" Daiki said in a threatening tone, as if he is talking like Furher Adolf Hitler giving his speech to the Nazis.

And this comparison didn't really fit. If he was talking like Hitler, his speech would probably be less about having to earn money so the team could afford upgrades and more about harnessing the might of the genetically superior Japanese race and wiping out those inferior foreign races and whatever other race-supremacist stuff Hitler would probably ramble on about. All Daiki talked about besides money was giving Japan more recognition, and like I said, that part didn't even sound all that nationalistic due to the wording used.

And, come to think of it, his awakening looked like it was only supposed to make him nationalistic. Where'd the sudden obsession with getting money come from? The King's, and by extension The Prince's interests seemed to be only nationalistic and not monetary. I know the team needs money for upgrades, but Daiki sounds less like he wants money for the sake of racing and more like he races for the sake of earning money (and that change in personality is too sudden considering you only adequately explained why he turned nationalistic, and not why he began valuing money so highly).

I think I'm having trouble describing exactly what I didn't like about this chapter's defining moments, so I'll stop. But I'll say that both Tomo and Daiki's behavior felt unrealistic (though Daiki can be excused due to his awakening and all), and it took me out of the plot (broke my immersion into the story). This chapter has started a significant change in the story and, much later down the road, the developments that result from this could end up being very good. It is a very important chapter plot-wise. But on its own, it just doesn't stand well.

Ch.97
I remember you once made a coloured comic for Kyushi. Back then, I should've explained why I felt the comics you'd drawn previously looked better despite having less time and work put into them. Now I'll explain what I didn't like about the artwork in this one.

First panel was okay, but it'd have looked much better without colour. The daytime sky ended up being an abnormally dark colour with some paintbrushed areas. It was difficult to tell that the guardrail was a guardrail because the colour used was too dark and the line-art turned near invisible during colouring. All of the colours looked too dark for the setting.
Second panel was bad. The blur-lines you'd previously drawn onto the road got in the way during colouring, and you could've used Photoshop to draw new ones over the colouring and should've erased the old ones entirely so you wouldn't get unpainted spots in the finished product
Colour choice improved after the third panel. But the sky would've looked much better as a single light colour or a light gradient of some sort. The clouds look like very simple paintbrushing and also look out of place sometimes either because of the lack of perspective in the sky (clouds looking the same regardless of altitude or how far away they are in the distance) or because they seem very close to the road in some panels and end up looking like stuff you'd only expect to see at very high altitudes. You also still have the problem of leaving areas unpainted (however, it's been one or two years since then and you got rid of this problem near the end of SL V). There were some panels where you decided to give the road a texture, and it didn't turn out well since it didn't fit with how you drew other stuff and because it's very difficult to apply perspective to such textures. And I didn't like the way you coloured the scenery (trees and grass and stuff). The colouring there ended up looking too dark considering how bright the sky was in comparision, brought more attention to the lack of detail in the original art, and also made the line-art difficult to see (and visible line-art might've made it look a little better) You never came across that particular problem in the black-and-white comics since you didn't have to worry about colour and only needed to focus on the line-art. But you just weren't ready to use colours back when you made this particular comic.

The art was the only problem with this comic though. This race scene was much better than the one in the Kyushi comic.

Ch.98
The quick recap at the start did a good job of explaining what went on during the final seconds of Tomo and Daiki's race, and also acted as a good intro for this chapter. The description of Daiki not wanting to face everyone after being proven wrong was a moment that gave his character realism, so good job on that too.

But I'm still going to point out the unnatural wording Daiki used when stating what he didn't take into account.

QUOTE

"I won, Daiki." Tomo started off.
"I know that." Daiki replied in return. "I didn't expect you to win. My plan was flawless but I forgot one thing in mind - I didn't take into account your unpredictable capabilities of turning the tides of battle."
"Oh shut up. I know the reason to your loss - you are too high of yourself." Tomo answered back in a rude, serious, yet firm tone.

The "in mind" didn't work with the sentence structure here, and removing it would be an improvement. You wouldn't even have to replace it with anything since "I forgot one thing" would still work. And "unpredictable capabilities of turning the tides of battle." just doesn't sound right and (to give examples) you could've rewritten it to "I didn't take into account your unpredictability/your tendency to turn things around/how you can manage unlikely victories/what you'd try when desperate to win/your gift for making comebacks/how well you turn the tides of battle/etc."

Don't have much to say about the rest of the chapter now. But there is one thing. .

QUOTE

"Well, the Tomo's role to this is directed to the original inention as to why the clan was made - it's for peace. Eliminating the spirit of competition, making it to a point where we race for the enjoyment of it... not for something to wager, haggle, bet, or take pride of anymore. The peace would start in this field, and would soon affect all forms of life, living and entertainment. They're just man made machines... but through it, everything else would follow."

I'm pretty sure most people compete simply for the enjoyment of it. Maybe what you really meant was eliminating conflict from racing? Replacing "Eliminating the spirit of competition" with "Eliminating conflict from motorsports" doesn't make the paragraph make less sense, and I find it fits better.

Ch.99
Starting with the opening paragraph.

QUOTE

A weeks time flew by the Halona Blow hole residence. The presence of the residing visitors have faded and have come to a number of one. Tomogashi Kitsumoro, who has committed an endless array of taboos a week ago right infront of everybody else, locks himself in the room that he is sleeping in. Right infront of his team mates, and her hostess with her butler, he explodes in rage, giving too many opinionated morbid talk just to save his own principles of what being a racer really means.

It started the chapter decently and was okay at describing what happened between chapters, but:
1.Taboo doesn't really seem like the right word. You could try "social faux-pas", or more simply, "mistakes".
2."locks himself" should be "had locked himself"
3.And "explodes in rage" should be " had exploded in rage" (Remember. Past events should not be described with present tense).
4.The part after that would work better as "and said many morbid and opinionated things just to protect his idea of what being a racer really meant"

QUOTE

What have I ever done to deserve such cruelty?

That sounded unintentionally funny, to be honest. I just can't see people talk like this in modern times while staying completely serious. It really sounds like something out of a Victorian-era play (or something like that).

QUOTE

"And to think you'd still let him stay after what he has muttered out a week back." He sarcastically addressed the words to her mistress.

Your sarcasm meter appears to be malfunctioning, because that wasn't sarcasm. Sarcasm is more like seeing someone make a lot of noise and saying "Gee, that guy's certainly not being noisy at all. Nope, nada, completeeeely quiet. Definitely not noisy." or seeing some idiot nearly hit a guy on a bike then spin out into a wall while trying to drift on two-way roads in the middle of traffic , and saying "Clearly a most accomplished, safe and responsible driver." What Ein said does not count as sarcasm, so "sarcastically" does not make any sense here.

I'm not going to touch the "what does racing mean to you?" stuff. Joseph's answer was funny, but this part of the chapter didn't really look as deep as it thought it was. It wasn't awful but it was a little tiring to read through.

And while Minami's answer also wasn't awful, the "warm applause" it triggered just wasn't realistic. Her answer wasn't that amazing.

Rest of the chapter was okay. The conversation between Tomo and Adriana wasn't a bad read, and the mention of Adriana's way with words and how Tomo felt because of it was a nice touch.

Ch.100
Liked this chapter. It was pretty entertaining most of the way. I'd say more, but I want to finish this review today so that I don't have it nagging at me in the back of my mind anymore, so I'll just point out two error and also this one part I'm not sure about.

QUOTE

"You seriously need to eat elsewhere aside from Shakey's my friend..." Ryusen said ironically.

There was no irony here. Irony is more like that episode of Dexter's Lab where Dexter slows down time so he can quickly finish homework and prepare for school, but after going through all that trouble, DeeDee just tells him "Snow day. School's cancelled

". Irony is nothing like what happened here. "Jokingly" would've worked better than "ironically" here.

Now for that one part I'm not sure about.

QUOTE

"I knew that you have something that made me love you, Hiei!" Ryusen cheered as he attempts to hug Hiei. In the end, however, he ends up getting his face smeared in a plate of Shrimp Pesto Spaghetti that Hiei decided not to eat.

Maybe I'm remembering stuff wrong, but shouldn't it be Hiei that's trying to hug Ryuusen? Sorry, but mind clearing this up for me?

QUOTE

Out of all the cars in this group, his is the most underrated one of all.

"Underrated" means "better than most people think it is", not "slowest" or "weakest" or whatever you thought it meant.

Kasumi standing up to Daiki was written alright. The wording might've sounded slightly awkward, but this scene was okay.

Ch.101
Decent start again. Opening paragraph adequately described the situation Kasumi was now in. Also, there's something near the end of the paragraph that I want to point out.

(Again, I compliment something then point out something about. Getting repetitive, no?)

QUOTE

She thought that her life is over until a familiar looking car stops right in front of her - A red Audi TT Quattro Sport. Kasumi didn't notice this, though, as her head was facing the road.

This needs a little clarification. Did you mean Kasumi was looking down at the road or did you mean to say she was facing away from the road? Since you said "facing the road" it sounds like she was looking in the direction of the road in front of her and so should've noticed the car that stopped right in front of her.

What followed was also okay. Minami stopping to see if Kasumi needed help, driving away after Kasumi said she didn't need a ride, then coming back anyway because she doesn't want someone Tomo knows to be stuck way out there - This and the parts in between and afterwards weren't boring at all. They didn't slow down the chapter and they managed to feel authentic even though stuff could've been worded better.
(Also, I am again going to point out some things. Expected it, didn't you?)

QUOTE

now I know why Tomo decided to race Daiki-sama

"sama" doesn't work here at all as Kasumi doesn't have that much respect for Daiki now.

QUOTE

"Oh, Kasumi-san..." Minami whined as she held the wheel of her Audi tight.

"Whined" isn't the right word to use here because it makes it sound like Minami's annoyed at what Kasumi's saying, and you were probably trying to make her sound concerned rather than annoyed. This probably isn't the best replacement for it, but you could try changing "whined" to "said in concern".

You did a good job with the restaurant scene as well. And Kasumi's thoughts in the taxi about apologizing to Tomo felt authentic.

Also no real problems with the kitchen scene where Ein discusses with Tomo about him leaving out the extra MSG. The part at the beginning that goes "the Escabache he made... make that, the sweet and sour fish he made." felt like a good intro for why the convo began, and while I don't see why Ein would see Tomo's question as a threat, that didn't ruin anything. Ein "facing his back" at Tomo would sound better as "turning his back" to Tomo though.

I have a few questions about the CLK-GTR. I'm not sure what you meant by "the very end was ashed", but I'm thinking a fatal crash should atleast produce dents and scratches somewhere. Your description of the car made it seem relatively undamaged, but you also said it was kept exactly as it was when Marcelo crashed it, so I don't think Adriana would get those things repaired. Speaking of which, if the car was kept exactly as how it was after the crash, why is the engine missing? If the engine is missing, then the car wasn't kept exactly as how it was back then.

I'm not sure about Tomo talking to the Mercedes, but you don't have to change it.

In the race scene flashback, I think you could've described Marcelo's low-angle drift as being "subtle" or "slight" or "minimal" or the like, instead of describing it as "weak" since some readers could momentarily think Marcelo wasn't performing that drift well. Also, scarring a tyre down to the rim is very difficult to achieve with wheelspin alone. You could seriously scratch the contact surface provided temperatures stayed low enough to avoid the tyre's outer surface simply starting to melt, but scarring down to the rim sounds like you'd need something to scratch the sidewall. Road friction on the contact surface isn't enough - the furthest you could get would be just enough to make the tyres either burst or simply lose pressure.
All that aside, this was another enjoyable scene. And I liked most of the small details strewn throughout it.

Nothing to say about what follows, since I'll be talking about that for the next review anyway.

Ch.102
Okay start, okay writing overall except for the ending (as I mentioned earlier, I'm tired of seeing misunderstandings of this sort, but I'm thinking Kasumi can be slightly excused in this case). Don't have much to say about it, so I'll just point out two things that need correcting.

QUOTE

“That’s all I need to heed from you. Now, shall we?” He offers as he extends his hand to the maiden up the stairs. Adriana warmly accepts the offer and the two begin to go up the stairs.

Shouldn't this be "all I need to hear from you"?

QUOTE

“Darn it. Talk about bad timing…” Having not taken the pressure any longer, Kasumi pays the toll and steps out of the cab.

"Having not taken the pressure any longer" makes no sense here. Did you mean something along the lines of "Losing her patience"?

I'm curious as to what Tomo said for chapter 7 of the book. Planning on getting to that?

Ch.103
This chapter continues well from where the previous chapter left off. While I didn't like the whole Kasumi-misunderstands-and-runs-away bit from last chapter, I did like how the other characters notice this and actually try to think about how to quickly solve this before any more pointless drama erupts.

QUOTE

“I have a long duration of the General Anxiety Disorder, so don’t blame me, alright?” Adriana explained.

I won't blame you, Adriana. But I will say that "I have a long duration of the G.A.D." doesn't sound like natural speech. The easiest fix here would be to replace "I have" with "I've had".

The conversations that went on during those moments were okay reading material. You tend to have a decent grasp of making non-boring dialogue when you're working with normal and normal-ish conversations. Now, let's switch away to Kasumi.

QUOTE

It is just after a few weeks since that event that she got to know the person she saved… when he saved her from a soon-to-become-rape assault.

I remember that from the comics. Except in the comics, it went like:
.Tomo is looking for work
.He comes across an unlikely damsel-in-distress scenario
.He steps in to help
.And gets rewarded with a spiked weapon to the back of the head (among other things)
.Kasumi proceeds to kick ass anyway. All the bad guys run away.
.And Tomo somehow survived getting hit in the back of the head with a sharp object.

So, while Tomo was very brave in that situation, it was ultimately Kasumi saving him from a soon-to-be-murder assault. Are you still following the comics in these parts of your story? Or are you going for a ret-con (rewriting past events) now?

Well, I didn't really have any real problem with that part. I just find it funny how a comedic-ish moment from the comics is back here all super-serious.

By the way, how much of Tomo's past did you have planned out back when you started the comic? Were you planning all the brain trauma stuff from the start? Or did all the bullying and head-trauma-ing and thrown-in-pool-ing and bully-murdering and forgotten-person-faking-his-death-ing and stuff come to mind much later?

Well, now that we know that Kasumi is being sad and nostalgic, what are Tomo and his tomodachi up to? Turns out they're visiting Adriana's hairdresser.

QUOTE

“Aren’t you a bit… um…” He asked Ein. The latter interrupts and continues Tomo’s statement. “Disturbed? No. Freaked? A bit.”

Disturbed and freaked can sometimes mean the same thing. Was Tomo going to ask why Ein wasn't angry about the hairdresser kissing Adriana? If it was along those lines, then you could replace "disturbed" with "enraged" or something.

So, for what reason has Tomo to tomodachi come to this stereotypical-but-otherwise-okay-person for? Relationship advice? I see.

I also see that Hiei and Ryuusen don't like how the team has changed. These parts were okay too, and Daiki's answers to the press were convincingly professional. I still don't get why Tomo is later considered a lowlife by people even though all Daiki said to the press regarding him was that he left the team but they can still win, since none of that is really saying anything about Tomo betraying Team Japan or badmouthing him or whatever. But that's for series V, not ch.103.

Hiei's pretty angry about Daiki's recent actions. Can't really blame him, listening to all that team talk about Tomo must've been annoying. Good thing Ryuusen stopped him for doing something unwise.

And now, what answers has Tomo found? What's that? Explaining the situation to someone will make misunderstandings easier to clear up? Why, that's BRILLIANT!!!!! Well, you should've talked with Kasumi earlier Tomo. Go look for her, now!
(Thank you Ms. No-longer-depressed and Mr. Homosexual-stereotype. Pointless drama has been averted through your wise actions. I am grateful to you both.)

Tomo and Kasumi had some very well written scenes this time around. For now, this is all I need to say about the end of the misunderstanding: Good job, Three-Four of Gunma. Good job. I liked reading it. I liked reading Kasumi seeing she had a call from Tomo, and then having Tomo ask her where she was, tell her he had something to say and then asking again before telling her he's been looking everywhere for her. I liked Kasumi's reaction to hearing that last part. I liked reading how and where they decided to continue the conversation. I liked reading how they tried to restart the conversation after meeting up, but had trouble finding things to say. I liked that Tomo cleared up the misunderstanding, and I liked reading how happy Kasumi felt about Tomo coming to her.

And I liked these simply because you wrote them well. Originally this compliment was going to be much shorter, but I felt I should give you a little more encouragement for your moments of great writing.

I just want to ask about this.

QUOTE

“We once changed the oil of my GT-R back at Gunma with Kyosuke and it still performed the same way like when we had our first battle… It’s nothing mechanics could answer but it’s not to the point that we have to resort to spiritism or supernaturalism.

So, were Tomo and the mechanics thinking a simple oil change would make a car with a lot of miles on it perform like brand new? There's more to engine maintanence than oil-changes (like for example, cleaning and resharpening those old spark plugs). What were they really expecting from the oil change. Could you clear this up for me? I want to be sure I haven't misunderstood this part.

Anyway, the mystery of Tomo's R34 could turn out to be interesting later on. I'm letting you know you have a little potential here, and while that potential might not be easy to use, it is still there.

And there. All currently released text chapters have finally been reviewed.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Oct 26 2011, 10:11 PM

Read throughout and requesting more info on parts you may wish to add between 89-92 and onwards.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Oct 28 2011, 03:05 AM

QUOTE

"So, pink and orange are your favorite colors, is that right?" Tomo asked. "Yeah. Pretty much. I have my two favorite carry around pillows in my Audi." She proudly shared with Tomo. "I like orange too."
"You do?"
"Yeah. I like to sip it to the last drop."
"You're talking about orange juice are you?"

It kinda sounds like she's saying she likes the colour orange twice. Judging by Tomo going "You do?" instead of something like "You already said that.", that's not what you were going for. The fix here is to change "I like orange too." to "I like oranges too.". That makes it clear she's talking about something more citrus-y.

The one who actually brought up the "I like orange too" was Tomo, who was actually referring to orange juice as he stated "...sip to the last drop" hence the "that's orange juice" comment came from Minami.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Nov 11 2011, 11:54 PM

Le bump.

Thanks to Meteor for the Professional Criticism of the Recently posted Chapters. The best bit that I like with this is Tomo's new nickname *coughHomosexualStereotypecough* IF anyone agrees, please post on or read through that chapter and post on.

Announcement:

Current Series:

Supido no Densetsu OVA I Parts 1 & 2 have been released.

YOUTUBE ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTCcJCAOjlE )

YOUTUBE ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1aV2d5-BiQ )

Part 3 is coming soon.

Current Project working on:

The time has arrived. Speed Legend Z: Viaggio Grande is in the works. The story will follow the last text chapter of this web novel. All help, assistance, information & talent is much needed for this project. Commendations will be given to respective members who wish to participate and support this series. From car information, driving technique descriptions, voice acting & media providing, all is needed & much appreciated upon doing so.

Going 4 years with 19000 views (by newcomers & returnees) is a feat that I cannot accomplish without your help to inspire me to write on. I would also like to give my gratitude to the other talented writers of IDForums & WMExpressway who triggered ideas that I never thought possible would aid me in this story venture.

Promotional Videos will first be made while the script for Viaggio Grande is being made & proofread in the future.

YOUTUBE ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUgg0s2m7IE )

This is just one of those promo videos that I'll be making. I've finalized a list of 4 more promo videos to make. I hope the rest of the web novel hasn't bored you (despite some misunderstandings that were point out and some information re-clarified) and I hoped that you also followed the last video series I accomplished. IT could've been better if it weren't for my deadline that time and limited resources.

Viaggio Grande will be featured by the video game: Test Drive Unlimited, with the aid of TDU Forums in providing extra car-mods. Some features of the video will be limited but I try to expand my materials to be used for this series.

I also want to request from all who read this to subscribe to my Youtube Channel & refer both my channel & my videos to anyone else who are interested.

And also by request, once Viaggio Grande has reached Youtube shores, I will also upload & post the Manga that follows this video series; which would end all loopholes between Viaggio Grande & the V-series.

Thank you very much for all your patronage & support & I wish that our upcoming efforts would be a success as well in the long run.

Posted by: Randy Nov 12 2011, 06:38 AM

Wow...I hardly read the entire thing of your story, and already I am drawn to it... o_o

Nice job.

Actually, I was doing a project of my own too that was somewhat inspired by Initial D, like yours...but too bad my schedule ain't anywhere as good as yours though to share with. xD

Keep it up man...I really like your characters and their cars.

Posted by: IceStageN4SFD Nov 17 2011, 10:33 PM

QUOTE (Gunma's 34 @ Dec 14 2007, 06:10 AM)

Great story. Too bad it isn't in pdf or book form so I can take it wherever I go. I kinda like it without the pictures because I like to let my mind unravel the story...

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Nov 18 2011, 07:35 AM

@IceStageN4SFD Well, that can be arranged. If I recall right I have the web novel with me in PDF. Want a copy?

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Dec 11 2011, 05:37 PM

just a quick bulletin:

Do like & support the official Speed Legend Fan Page. Thanks.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Supido-no-Densetsu-Speed-Legend/258562987536492

We're doing special product promotions too so check the page for details.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Dec 13 2011, 10:22 PM

The first video of Supido no Densetsu VS Initial D & Wangan Midnight has been released.

Featuring Tomogashi Kitsumoro VS Tomoyuki Tachi
Course: Happogahara Inbound
BGM: THe race is the game / Dave Rodgers

Want to make your requests?
Like our Facebook page and post away!
All the details on this by-request series is noted on the page.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Supido-no-Densetsu-Speed-Legend/258562987536492

YOUTUBE ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ecnzf-Gd96A&feature=channel_video_title )

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Dec 24 2011, 06:30 PM

New video as the setting goes par with the holidays. (see video description for details)

New video! Enjoy! Please like comment & subscribe.

YOUTUBE ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph_nSUdNcgk )

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jan 17 2012, 05:13 AM

Still updating the other thread as a new story arc is in the Making.

On another note; I'm still taking requests for Speed Legend VS Initial D & Wangan Midnight.

Current battles WIP:
1. Raymond "Lightning Angel" Yamazaki BNR34 VS Takeshi Nakazato BNR32 @ Akina
2. Akio Asakura S30Z Fairlady VS Takara Nakayama S30Z Fairlady @ Yokohama
3. Hiei Kamura JZA80 Supra VS Gatchan Sasaki Celsior @ C1 Inner Loop

Posted by: Gunma's 34 May 9 2012, 05:40 AM

YOUTUBE ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roc4SUiy4cY )

This is a continuation of the Web Novel, and as promised, turned into a graphic novel-movie. Enjoy. And I hope to get more views/reviews about this and succeeding parts.

Posted by: Meteor May 10 2012, 02:24 PM

You've improved a lot in the time between the SL V vids and this one. The editing's gotten a lot better, the 2D cutouts and the game backgrounds fit each other better now (particularly in the opening race scene), the pacing is better, artwork's more consistent, you have a better understanding of using camera movements (especially in the opening race scene), etc etc.

Ein's VA is speaking in monotone too much, which is making him sound completely emotionless at points. But there's time before his next appearance so in the meantime you could tell him to practice putting a small amount of emotion into the voice (a small amount will do - overdoing it can easily lead to a weird sounding performance). Or you could just tell him to try relaxing his voice because the problem seems to be that he's focusing a lot on getting a particular type of voice and making his voice tense up too much in the process, leading to a slightly unnatural sounding performance. That aside, his voice sounds like a good fit for Ein. Just needs to be a little less monotone.

Ein referring to Adrianna as his master doesn't sound right, but I'm not sure if "mistress" would've sounded right here either. Also, the mental image Tomo got (the one before he said he didn't want Joseph preaching at him in Bob Marley's voice) was a bit hard to understand at first because it seemed to come out of absolutely nowhere. And I only got it because I know what's happened in your long-ass story up till now. But I'm guessing some of your viewers will have already read the parts that Viaggio Grande continues from, so maybe this isn't much of an issue.

Oh and, your pronunciation of Japanese names has gotten better.

The "R. . What are you hiding from me?" line. . . Since he's thinking/quietly talking to himself at this point, it'd sound better if the voice used was quieter than his usual speaking voice.

Oh look. More ponies. Anyhow, the way Joseph's hair sticks out of his cap could've been done better (it doesn't look like that hair is actually connected to his head - looks more like brown cylindrical-ish shapes glued around the brim of his cap).

Tomo's flashback of him losing it after hearing Daiki's speech had surprisingly decent acting considering some of the lines there were written in an unnatural sounding manner. You put in the right amount of emotion here and the expressions on Tomo's face in the early and late parts of the flashback were good for this scene.
The "Did I. . Actually say that?" line afterwards had good impact.

Also, kinda liked Kasumi pointing out that Daiki's intentions are probably more than just the ones given in his speech, but can't really pin-point why. Also kinda liked the line about trying to stay in a grey line.

Anyway, the acting overall was nice, the production quality has improved immensely, plot's progressing at a good pace and this is a decently made continuation to where the text story left off last time. I'm actually looking forward to the later episodes this time.

EDIT: One suggestion though. Don't use CAPS LOCK when typing the subtitles. Since we can already hear them speaking, typing any of their lines in all caps has a tendency to look unnecessary.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 May 17 2012, 07:56 PM

YOUTUBE ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnvAVXqwk-s )

Viaggio Grande 1.2 is now out!

Posted by: Meteor May 22 2012, 02:53 PM

Another nicely put together video. Good job again. Editing was good, the cutouts again did a surprisingly nice job of fitting in with the backgrounds, pacing was good, race scene was very fun to watch, the camera pans and sliding cut-outs made things look good, the artwork itself was nice and consistent (though the way Joseph's hair sticks out of his cap still looks weird) and the dialogue was nice for the most part. Good job to the actors too. They (and Joseph's actor in particular) played a big part in making this enjoyable.

The part where Team Japan's drivers were practicing did feel like it could've been made slightly shorter without really losing anything though. Not entirely sure about where the problem was, but I did notice Kitami was pausing too often during his lines (which contributed to the slower pace and also made his monologue sound unnatural). For now, tell him to practice saying his lines faster (but normal-fast, not super-duper-fast). That'll not only help with making his performance better, but can also help him loosen up his voice (potentially leading to even better performances).

That jump turn the Exige pulled off was awesome, by the way. The Mustang's slow-motion drift didn't look as awesome though and would've been better without the slow-motion.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to the next one even more. Viaggio Grande seems like it's going to be very good and stay very good.

Posted by: eatsuki May 24 2012, 11:18 AM

I like the art! The videos are great, I'll show them to my friends. Nice job man, I look forward to reading all of this in detail.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jun 3 2012, 08:15 AM

YOUTUBE ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htt1_415Fek )

Viaggio Grande 1.3 is out! Enjoy! Next video release I'll be exposing myself publicly for some important announcements.

Posted by: Meteor Jun 9 2012, 04:28 PM

QUOTE

Next video release I'll be exposing myself publicly for some important announcements.

There's a joke hidden in there, but I'm too tired to use it.

Yeah. . . I guess I shouldn't have taken so long to post here.

2 or 3 of the lines in the opening conversation had some weird grammar, but the scene overall was okay.
The effects you used in the scene right afterwards didn't work well though. The whole camera-zooms-in-then-fades-back-to-starting-position thing got tiring quickly and just felt overdone. Maybe you could've made the fade-out part slower while slowing down the zoom-in-and-repeat part a little, so the zoomed-in image wouldn't disappear completely in between repeats and the overall effect would look less on-and-off and overly fast. . . . I don't know how to describe what felt wrong with it and I'm not really all that sure if the above suggestion would've fixed it.
Then Adrianna's out of her car and the effect gets used twice more. It didn't work for the first one (Adrianna being out of proportion with the rest of the image looked weird enough and the effect being used on only her cutout made things worse), but the second one (where the camera is zoomed in on a different cutout and panning up) managed to make it work.

Ein still sounds a little monotone, but his performance sounds natural this time.

The conversation in the hotel was okay too. Though Daiki's mention of "if anything untoward happens" makes it sound like backup drivers only get to participate if something dishonest happens beforehand to the main car. The line would've been better if untoward was changed to something else/the whole thing was rewritten as necessary to work with removing "untoward" and not replacing it with anything.

So what's up with the random slight slow-mo moments in the following driving scene? Was that intentional or just the replay acting weird or something? If it was intentional, I'm guessing you did it to emphasize how much of a perfectionist Sakura is. Anyway, it worked in a few places, but looked unnecessary elsewhere.

The way the R34 went wide on the corner where it got overtaken ended up looking like the car was intentionally being driven very wide to make it easy for the opponent to win, but the race scene overall was good. You always manage to pull off a decent race scene.
And now Sakura's dealing with what she considers her first defeat. So, is she really going to give up racing for good? Guess I'll have to wait to see the answer to that. I wonder what the announcements are going to be.

Anyway, congrats on finishing the first part of Viaggio Grande. Good work to all involved.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jul 2 2012, 07:25 AM

Here's a little update to keep it alive:

1. The Official Website has been made! Check it out here:
http://supidonodensetsu.wix.com/speed-legend#!home/mainPage

Some parts are still a WIP like the Gallery & Trivia, but it'll be filled up in time... and yes it's a free-host web server.

2. Another potential trailer for Hachioji will be released. What's Hachioji? Check the website, lol. On a nutshell, it'll revolve around Seiji Tsuchiya and it's events in between Speed Legend Viaggio Grande & Speed Legend V.

3. Racing Battle C1GP will be added to the media sourcing for upcoming videos.

4. Viaggio Grande project will be on hiatus until further notice. Stay tuned for news of Viaggio Grande Movie II.

5. We're now accepting Fan Arts for the story. If you got some, post here and I'll feature it on the website.

---------------------------------------

For the site, I'd love to hear your comments about it and what do you think I SHOULD work on most importantly next. Thanks a million.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Aug 6 2012, 05:08 AM

NOT exactly an update to Viaggio Grande, but in anticipation of Initial D 5th stage, I played my dusty PSP again and played some Initial D Street Stage and managed to do this after loads of tries:

YOUTUBE ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1VaVTvbsl0 )

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Aug 14 2012, 04:02 AM

Here's a Viaggio Grande Related Video, a teaser clip of Viaggio Grande II

YOUTUBE ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ab-PaDEQdkc&feature=youtu.be )

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Aug 27 2012, 10:15 PM

another intermission battle video before the main Viaggio Grande movie. Do give me some time as I'm giving VG my 120% so I need to make it good.

[copy-pasta'd from WME Forums]

Here's the glorious battle of Tomogashi Kitsumoro VS Sakura Johina (R34 VS R34) in a uphill AND downhill race at Mt. Haruna (Akina). Can you guess all the attacks they've used in this epic race?

YOUTUBE ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lth8eF2RtRg )

P.S. This is me going all out on both. Because Mt. Haruna in TXRD2 is longer than in Initial D, the fastest time average is 4"10"XXX in an NA2. Both Runs clocked in at 4"14"XXX on the downhill and 4"2X"XXX on the uphill.

Posted by: Meteor Oct 13 2012, 11:02 PM

That Street Stage vid had some pretty good lines in it on some corners.

So anyway, how's Viaggio Grande II coming along so far?

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Oct 25 2012, 07:14 PM

We present to you Viaggio Grande Movie II Part 1. Do share it to everyone you know and love. We have a special message to you all in the video. It's definitely a must watch!

YOUTUBE ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFBgROykKOA )

Posted by: Meteor Oct 30 2012, 06:15 PM

Something's up with this laptop that occasionally prevents it from loading YouTube vids. I was planning to rewatch VG2 part 1 in order to better form my opinions on it, but since that's not possible right now and it usually takes some days for the problem to fix itself, I'll just rely on my memory instead for now. Here's a rushed late-night review that may be edited later once I can rewatch what I'm supposed to be reviewing.

Well, as seen from the start, the editing's still good. The flashbacks in the intro to characters from earlier parts of the story were also nice. And now I realize I should reread the Canada-arc to get what Sir Nathan was talking about (speaking of which; a tiny problem: the subtitles here misspelled "ought" as "opt", which isn't grammatically correct here). Cut to Tomo in the mansion; and it's apparent that the shading's going to stay pretty good these days too (Tomo here fits in with the background quite well). I liked that you tried to animate his eyes somewhat rather than simply having him open-eyed from the start - a little motion does these characters good - and the intro was nicely put together overall.

Kasumi's VA's clearly gotten better at pronouncing Japanese in the time between Speed Legend V and Viaggio Grande II. This phone call scene is a pretty good transition between the previous scene (Tomo waking up) and the next scene (Kasumi finding Tomo just standing by the pool, then eventually telling him about the phone call). The dialogue there was decent overall, what the call was about is adequately explained, the sense of plot-continuity is strengthened by Tomo not being able to drive the R34 since it's being worked on (that's another part I've forgotten and need to reread) and Ein and Adrianna showing up nicely picks up from where the previous Viaggio Grande left off regarding those two and manages to be conveniently-timed for Tomo without coming from out of nowhere.

Adrianna's still got that General Anxiety Disorder thing going on, so off to bed with her. Kasumi seeing how much Ein loves her and then remarking that Adrianna's the most fortunate girl she knows was kinda funny when you think about what Adrianna's been through.

So Tomo's now en-route to where Sakura is. This scene was put together well too.
The dialogue here was okay. Her talking about wanting to be the best was decently written, Tomo talking about why there's not much that he wants had okay writing as well; and the callback (is that the right word?) to an event from way back in the story and the mention of how it made Sakura want to keep racing was nicely done.
I did it funny though how Tomo and Sakura are talking like normal, then Sakura has a flashback; and once the flashback ends Tomo suddenly has his arms wrapped around her from behind. This was a small moment that did seem to come out of nowhere.

So Sakura's really going to give up on racing, huh? Yeah, the closer look at the perfectionist side of her does help a bit, but her giving up racing like that still does sound a little forced as someone on WME mentioned. I wonder if she'll change her mind anytime soon though. I don't know when or how you did it, but I'm actually caring a little bit about whether she's really giving it up or not.
One or two lines of dialogue may have benefited from some rewording in this scene, but the scene itself still worked (and worked fairly well) since the dialogue did have actual thought and effort put into it (as opposed to most aspects of a certain other series I didn't even bother finishing the first episode of. . . .).
The final scene with Sakura getting in the Porsche for one last ride was also decently written and nicely put together.

The art was pretty good this time around too, but I did notice that everyone other than Kasumi was consistently drawn well. Her face didn't seem to have as much structure to it as everyone else's did (there were scenes where her eye-placement could've been fixed a little); and there was one scene where her arms looked way longer than they normally are. Again, everyone else was drawn fairly well though.

Overall, Viaggio Grande II is also off to a good start. And I'm interested in the later parts this time around too.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Dec 6 2012, 08:17 PM

The only thing I could say about Tomo suddenly wrapping his arms around Sakura is... FANSERVICE XD.
I just made sure to show that Tomo's heart is still lingering - lingering in the sense that he doesn't know whose heart he should take / whom he should fall in love with: an exposed truth about youthful intimacy with the opposite sex. Sure he likes Kasumi, also Rikona & Natsumi back in his HS years but there's always the childhood lover; of sorts that Tomo's supposed to have and Sakura's that girl.

I'm still in the midst of creating VG-II but as a sideline; other than my secular work, I've done a little trailer for players of WMMT, which also includes some hardcore Initial D fans out there.

The fact that Hakone's in Kanagawa is a testament stating that WMMT is also okay as a secondary arcade game to feature Initial D based characters.

Check the trailer here. PM me for more info or if you're interested in preordering one, being an INitial D and WMMT fan.

YOUTUBE ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hmj6wnuL96U )

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Dec 15 2012, 02:00 AM

Latest update:
A teaser clip X AMV from Viaggio Grande 2.2

Regards to Lindsey Stirling for her awesome cover of "Grenade" with Alex Boye and the Salt Lake Pops Orchestra.

YOUTUBE ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eefjz4lAd4 )

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Jan 3 2013, 04:54 PM

YOUTUBE ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3kU6qCs63E&feature=youtu.be )

Focusing on Adrianna Eizaguirre, she gets challenged by a humble friend for the sole reason of getting concerned over her current physical condition. She declares it as a battle and shows her true prowess once again against the "loud" street racer of Waikiki, Joseph. Follow this intense race between the McLaren F1 and the Farboud GTS down the mountain roads of Makiki hill.

A must watch for all; do share it to everyone.

Hope you enjoy! and Like, Comment & Subscribe by the way!

Posted by: Meteor Jan 16 2013, 02:09 AM

Thanks for sending me a d/l link Gunma. Still can't load YouTube, so I wouldn't have been able to watch this otherwise. As requested, here's a review.

This time around, the whole thing gave me the sense of the plot getting somewhere.

Nice start with the Noble drifting around. I felt the car sounds could've been set slightly louder in relation to the music (was watching it on my desktop this time), but the driving here was good and you showed good editing skills again with how the whole driving scene was put together and how seamlessly it led into Joseph and Minami meeting up and talking. And it's still cool how you're putting 2D character cutouts into 3D video game backgrounds and getting the end results to look natural a lot of the time. And most of the other scenes show nice editing too, so I'm not going to point out every single one of them.
This conversation scene does a nice and quick job of setting up the plot for this part of Viaggo Grande and simultaneously establishes that the main plot is still moving forward, with the two talking about the Grand Battle that Tomo and Adrianna are supposed to have and Joseph revealing that he's going to try and take Adrianna's place; as well as sufficiently explaining how and (most importantly here) why he's going to do it.
Following this is what I'll call the opening to 2.2. The car sounds present here could've been slightly louder too IMO, but this was yet another well put together scene. Good footage, good driving, good artwork, good editing, good job making the 2D fit in with the game footage (yet again), good use of the 2D cutouts, good job putting part of the story in this opening; and good job getting the music to put it all together. Your video making skills impress me these days.

Next, a scene of Joseph driving to and parking at Adrianna's house to get things started again. This scene avoids being boring and decently sets up the next scene too, where Joseph ends up making his challenge (via "Desafiar Mon!" written big on a sheet of paper). This part amused me a little. It reminds me of the sort of humour you used back when the story just started out (something I liked about the earlier Speed Legend). The dialogue here flowed well too; and having Adrianna hold onto her pendant at the end was a nice touch.
The aura scene here didn't look right though, for reasons I can't really put into words right now. And the cutout of Joseph looking backwards at the camera could've been drawn better (his head is gigantic in that one!).

From there, you smoothly transitioned into the race scene by having other racers talk about it.
I felt the race scene here wasn't as good as it could've been though. The car sounds and the music in particular felt pretty quiet in comparison to the voices; and the slo-mo aura moments just dragged down the pacing (but keep experimenting with those auras. You might find something that works really well). The overtake at the beginning (where Joseph jumps right over Adrianna) also should've looked really awesome, but something about the editing here got in the way of its awesomeness (and I'm not sure what). It was still a decent race scene though.
Once that's over, it's dusk out as Adrianna and Joseph talk after the race; and the way you altered the lighting on the cutouts to match looked great. And as these two keep talking, there's eventually a genuine moment between them. This scene stood out because of how genuine that moment really felt. You did good with the writing there and all three actors in this scene played their parts well.

And the scene after Joseph leaves was okay. Don't have much to say about it.

Anyway, I'm certainly up for 2.3 now. I'd have liked to review this in better detail, but time's short, so I'll just say: good work on this one overall.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Mar 10 2013, 06:23 AM

Sorry for the extremely long processing time for the vid but hey, I did my best (after my whole stolen laptop fiasco and all)

Here's My Little Supra - Viaggio Grande 2.3

YOUTUBE ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keRM934dVI0 )

Posted by: DamienWolf Mar 11 2013, 05:35 AM

QUOTE (Gunma's 34 @ Yesterday, 10:23 PM)

Sorry for the extremely long processing time for the vid but hey, I did my best (after my whole stolen laptop fiasco and all)

Here's My Little Supra - Viaggio Grande 2.3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keRM934dVI0

Although I still dont buy into the story of this I've got to at least say that you have made an effort to get your idea off the ground and in a unique way too...

(while I cant even continue the fanfic I have created, you already have vids for yours...

)

Oh. That part where Tomo is driving the Supra, he says "understeer" while the caption says "oversteer".

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Mar 14 2013, 04:35 PM

QUOTE (DamienWolf @ Mar 11 2013, 09:35 PM)

)

Oh. That part where Tomo is driving the Supra, he says "understeer" while the caption says "oversteer".

My fault with the understeer-oversteer sub fail because I was rushing the subtitles given that I was being forced to leave my seat for something important.

Posted by: Meteor Apr 18 2013, 02:06 PM

Ugh, I held off on leaving a review here for way too long. Somehow managed to load up and watch 2.3 on one of those rare moments where I can actually watch Youtube vids without problems, but that was all the way back in March....

QUOTE (DamienWolf)

Although I still dont buy into the story of this I've got to at least say that you have made an effort to get your idea off the ground and in a unique way too...

I honestly have to agree with this. While this series certainly has its moments, the story as a whole isn't something that felt all that convincing to me. But I still like how much he's worked on it, how he actually tries to put out something nice, how he's still putting work into it and the fact that he aims for improvements and makes them. He has my respect for that.

Anyway, here's the review you asked for Myogi. Sorry for taking so long.
But in short: I liked this one. This new installment to the series was pretty entertaining overall.
Nice start with the radio broadcast, and nice dialogue between Hiei and Ryuusen. The comedy parts with those two have a tendency to actually be amusing more often than not, and they did decently once again, which is good since that's what makes up a good deal of this vid. Nothing laugh-out-hilarious, but never boring. And the more amusing moments do actually feel funny. The few non-comical lines weren't bad either. You did a good job on the dialogue between them, and their actors did a great job of bringing those lines to life too. The only line among them that sounded odd was the "KAMURA. Yaghhhh" one, but only due to the way it was delivered and nothing to do with the line itself; and again, every other line between them was either good or downright perfect.
And speaking of perfect, that's a fitting description for all the bagel lines.
The dialogue between Ryuusen and Kitana wasn't bad either, and Kitana's actor did a good job on her lines as well. You have a noticeably easier time with dialogue when you're aiming for funny or lighthearted scenes, and that continues to show even with one half of the show's resident comedy duo now off screen. Your lines, the way the actors deliver them; and your editing, timing and sense of pacing contribute to making sure there's still not a single boring moment. That Yoshi joke did feel a little forced though (though you didn't do too bad with it), and Ryuusen's voice kinda stumbled on the names of his teammates too.

(And to be honest, I also didn't really get the "attention span to relationships" line, but I'm guessing it has something to do with part of the story that I'm just not remembering right now.)

But anyhow, there's still no boring moments in this one. Not a single scene drags on and the writing/scripting, editing, art and voicework still keep things fresh as the vid sets up the rest of its plot. With the three characters present now talking with each other, the story naturally progresses from that to Ryuusen getting dragged into his car search for Hiei much earlier than he'd planned, and nothing about this seems too sudden or out of the blue.

Hiei had a nice reaction to the titular Little Supra.

The way the phone call scene cut from shots of the mansion to Tomo's "W-what?" look was perfect.

And now Tomo's there to test the newly purchased Supra at Hiei's request. You've got some okay tech chatter here and a little foreshadowing from Ryuusen too. He clearly knows what's gonna happen.
The pan over the Supra and across its gauges was nicely done. Nice touch with the translucent cut-out of Tomo there. The effects used for "Hiei jumping around in his seat" also weren't bad.
And here's the final scene - Tomo scaring the bejeezus out of Hiei on a little test run. You sure had some good gameplay footage here. And some more okay tech chatter from Tomo. And a bunch of random entertaining nonsense from Hiei.
(Though the momentary return to "AH! WE'RE SCREWED! etc." after all that samminamminamsoliddubstepping did feel a little repetitive.)
Maybe you could've set the music here a little louder (maybe), but all that drifting and Hiei nonsense was fun to watch regardless. And so ends a very consistently entertaining installment to Speed Legend. You were aiming for a fun watch and you succeeded.

(Damnit now I'm even getting writer's block typing up mildly-lengthy reviews. FML

)

So anyway, it had okay writing, it was well edited and well paced throughout, there was good acting from everyone involved, and while the art didn't have as much detail in it as in the earlier parts of VG II, it looked alright and did a great job of being expressive too. Didn't do bad on the memefaces and floatingheadthingsandfloatinglambobullthing/whatthefuckdoIcallthems either (or end up overusing them). Good job.

So what's this about a stolen laptop fiasco? Did you ever manage to get it back?

Posted by: Gunma's 34 May 6 2013, 05:35 PM

@Meteor about that stolen laptop thing; I was simply in the mall one time; my bag was right literally beside me, then someone called my phone. I looked away from my bag for no more than 10 seconds; not to mention I was getting dizzy due to fatigue prior to the call. Then when I looked back, my bag was gone and I freaked out. All... in the frikkin congested food court... -____-

Although I halted my search, whenever I pass by that mall I was victimized, I always ask the staff in charge who witnessed the theft for any updates.

I now got a more updated laptop in my hands but as per house rules that me & my parents instigated - it'll be on permanent-house arrest and the only time I could bring it out of the house is if I'm with my folks (i.e. outings, etc.)

------------------------------

An announcement from Adrianna Eizaguirre:

YOUTUBE ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rnHDzATrkHg )

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Oct 4 2013, 01:31 AM

Apologies for the 150 day old update but here are a few announcements:

VIAGGIO GRANDE III Part 1 is close to getting ready. It's going to be great, I guarantee that.
Here's a teaser and a shoutout to all Argentines here. Viva la Argentina.

user posted image

Image size reduced, original size: 960 x 576. https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1374071_596917993700988_655784210_n.jpg to view the image in its original dimension.

And while waiting, here's the full version of Viaggio Grande I uncut.

YOUTUBE ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0znDSclvl_4&feature=c4-overview&list=UURuL1oa9-uB_gof3l7FPQ5A )

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Oct 6 2013, 09:25 PM

Just released the trailer for Viaggio Grande III.

YOUTUBE ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3Pe4JNhEbM )

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Oct 27 2013, 08:08 AM

Here's the latest installment of Viaggio Grande III

YOUTUBE ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3REdsVVFnxU )

Let me know of what you guys think of it.
Thanks.

More to come!

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Dec 22 2013, 03:42 AM

The latest installment of Viaggio Grande III is now out.

Part 2 is officially live!

YOUTUBE ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX5KQ3F-ORU )

I'd love to hear/read all of your feedback/insights, etc.
Hopefully the effort was well worth it.

Posted by: Gunma's 34 Dec 31 2013, 06:12 PM

Since I just finished Viaggio Grande III Part 2 and working on III part 3, I've decided to veer off the Hawaiian story and created this to end 2013 with a bang.

It features Initial D Extreme Stage for the PS3

YOUTUBE ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1udBlex7Eww )

Posted by: Gunma's 34 May 12 2014, 10:59 PM

The release of Viaggio Grande III Part 3 is now. A huge step up compared to the previous VG parts.

SPOILER

Anywho, it's finally out. Enjoy the awesomeoness that is Viaggio Grande III Part 3 - NOW WITH LIP ANIMATIONS.

YOUTUBE ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laA_D6ZX9-M )

Posted by: Meteor Jun 22 2014, 05:02 AM

Probably can't apologise for how late I am on this, but anyway, here's the review.

3.1 started off pretty well with the scene of the airliner from before coming in for a landing. Those beginning moments specifically were done just right, and smoothly eased you into the episode as well as got you interested in what was to happen next. Then the reading from the archives starts up and well... it's quite a jump in volume, which ended up breaking the flow those previous moments had going. As for the reading itself, the performance was a little rough at the start too. As it went on, it picked up a more natural voice that added depth to the words and made them convincing and engaging, but the very start of it sounded a little stiff and forced.
So not the smoothest beginning overall. But what was said did make for decent foreshadowing and did manage to be interesting on its own, and the artwork here was pretty good too.

No real problems with the next scene (besides the fact that "disappointed to the fact" should be "disappointed in the fact"). Art was okay, the cuts worked like they were supposed to, the acting was good and the scripting was decent. Minami's first stuttering moment could've sounded a little more genuine, but it didn't get in the way of the scene much.

The scene after that with Tomo returning to the mansion was pretty good. It smoothly continued on where the last episode left off, then smoothly switched from that to more serious matters, and had good acting, editing and scripting to match. The successfully comedic start to it lasted just long enough and didn't overstate itself, the pacing was pretty much perfect, and you could definitely feel the tension when Tomo and Ein confronted each other.
And here the episode really starts kicking it into serious-mode. There was a little of it in the previous scene, but now you can really feel the episode building up to something as the scenes that follow this one show up.
3.1 definitely takes on a new, fully rejuvenated flow to it as that scene fades out and the establishing shot of Kasumi fades in, which quickly leads into the phone call from Adrianna, which then quickly leads into the start of an indoor conversation between the two. All of that happens without seeming the least bit jumpy or rushed. And the scripting, acting and video/audio editing are working decently here as well. Another nicely put together scene. And then, after setting up the scene that will eventually continue it, it effectively transitions to Tetsuya and Daiki.
More decent scripting and editing, more good acting (saying this is honestly getting redundant at this point with the quality of acting being fairly consistent overall) and more of the greater sense of plot development that has been brewing since earlier in this episode. Despite there only being two characters shown on screen throughout, the script and direction very successfully gives the impression of Tetsuya talking to an additional person offscreen at the start (unvoiced too), and the rest of the script capably demonstrates Daiki's new, unusual attitude as well as interestingly hinting at possible future events.
Though I say the acting is pretty much consistently good on a whole though, I must say the performance for Daiki's possessor sounded particularly forced here, like it's trying too hard to sound all grand and otherworldly and ending up with an overly stiff tone that just doesn't work for conversing with another character. That was a little distracting, but nothing too bad, and this is really the only minor hiccup in 3.1 when it comes to character voicing.

Back to Adrianna and Kasumi; no problems transitioning back to them either. Small tensing issue on Adrianna's second line (should be "heard" rather than "hear" since she's talking about the past), and the line about the depression disorder specifically sounded a little clumsily worded (I have no suggestions), but not a bad job here either. The scripting and editing works decently yet again, and the additional build up here makes things pick up even more. It seriously feels like the story is steadily nearing something, and it makes you want to know what. The lines manage to have power as a whole, and the other components of this scene bring it out without fail (acting definitely included among those components).
Mildly perplexed as to Adrianna deciding to keep the sheets on her when getting up, but overall, this scene is put together competently enough to succeed for how relatively ambitious it is on the ideas front.
Adrianna's awakening making her appearance continues from that moment very well, bringing forth more interesting plot details as well leading to more nice writing and acting, and then things start coming to a head as the footage fades out to the present day race between Adrianna and Tomo. While I'm not fully convinced with the technical details here (Adjusting the R34's ECU to make it match something as light and powerful as a McLaren F1?) this race scene works really well as an ending. Making good use of all the momentum the rest of 3.1 generated, it kept that momentum going to the end with its wisely chosen music, a script that kept the race interesting even though it wasn't the racing action itself that was the focus here; but the people involved in it, and continued use of good editing and pacing. And the integration of the credits was nifty too.
Sure looking like a jump in quality. I wouldn't call it amazing, but it's starting to get there.

Okay start to 3.2 with the transition to Joseph and then to the continuation of the race. Editing's still good as usual. The start of this race scene also has some good ideas behind it (which shows in the scripting for it), and the interior-shot of the McLaren F1 (complete with gauges, although not moving ones) was pretty cool to look at. The acting for Tomo sounded a little off near the end of "She also has amazing high speed control over it" and at "315... 320... 325... *gasp*", but nothing too bad, and the rest of the acting in this scene worked as intended. What probably happened with those two moments was that while you had the right idea for how to voice those lines - Tomo's voice has an appropriate amount of tension in it for how the race is going - at those moments specifically you ended up focusing too much on getting your voice just right and it got in the way of your acting.
The animation for Adrianna going full throttle was an okay first try at having your characters actually move, but it could've been a little better. For starters, you could've had her foot cover more of the pedal, since it kinda looks like it's actually half off it, and the pedal itself could be drawn with a little bit of thickness to it too. That wouldn't make it look completely right, as there's only so much that can be done without drawing actual frames of animation when it comes to rotating objects that are drawn at an angle to the camera, but I'd expect that much to make it look a little bit better.

"Race cars" ended up sounding like "ace cars" in the next scene, and I'm not sure what "he's planning to up Kyosuke and Kitami to share the same car" really means ("he's planning to get"?), but the parking lot conversation between Tomo and Shimizu turned out alright too. Nice transition to the R390 scene with the change in music and smoothly executed fade-in (nice choice of music too). Here it felt like Tomo's lines could've been slightly quieter/understated to better give off the feeling of an internal monologue, but it still worked, and the music; driving; pacing and editing certainly helped build back up to the main race. And that scene is also seamlessly transitioned to as well.

Not much to say about the racing part of the racing scene, other than it being done well enough, but that - again - isn't the focus here anyway. The BGM that starts up here works well once it starts picking up, the writing quickly establishes the tone this scene is going to take, the acting starts climbing back up to the highs of 3.1, and around the point 3.2 cuts to the people waiting at the finish line, the pacing and writing makes things really start to ramp up. The character shots at 6:58 and 7:27 are close to professional looking too. The slow-motion camera panning at 9:49 successfully builds tension as the F1 and 34 quickly near the finish.
And then the end begins. The absence of all music creates just the right mood. Maybe (I'm not completely sure about this) the recording for Marcelo's voice could've been played back at a lower volume, since it seems a little loud in comparison to Adrianna's lines, but the acting for him worked here as well, and you start getting the feeling something's about to happen. This feeling grows in the following scene as the acting immediately gets into top form and stays there. And it happens - the camera work and editing get the initial shock across in just the right amount of screentime, and the resulting cliffhanger is successful. Not entirely sure as to why Adrianna's buttons suddenly decided to undo themselves, but the ending to this race was definitely something.

(Could've gotten this much done way back last month if my internet hadn't started acting up)

On to 3.3. First, let me just say great job on the lip flaps. You got them right from the very first try and you definitely put some work into them.

3.2 honestly did leave me a little curious about what was actually going to happen to Adrianna, so that certainly built up some extra interest for 3.3. And despite the wait, this resolution was satisfying.
The first scene is, of course, a good chunk of what makes it so satisfying. It continues right from where 3.2 left off without a hitch, smoothly re-establishes the moment, takes just long enough to drive that moment in with some well picked cuts, naturally progresses to the first lines of the scene via timing them just right, and then Marcelo finally shows up with some really long-awaited answers. The ensuing exchange of words feels pretty genuine overall. The lines themselves feel right, the acting brings out the tone the script was aiming for and strengthens that feeling; things just end up feeling unusually real for this story, especially as the scene gears up for its conclusion and things start ramping up. As a whole, this might just be the most impressive scene in the video installments of Speed Legend yet. That fast blur at 2:05 may have been a little distracting (it didn't really seem to fit the scene, and using an additional shot with a different camera angle there might have made for a smoother transition to that moment), but that is literally the only flaw in how this scene is edited, and the editing otherwise does great in bringing out the scene's strengths. In addition, the setting/location for this scene is made well enough for what it's supposed to be - nothing amazing, but it manages to give off its intended feel, the small touches in it really add polish and character without overdoing things, it ultimately looks good, and it also fits the scene and helps it some more. And last but not least, your choice of music here and how the scene uses it proves stellar from start to finish.

It's been over two years since you first brought up this plot point. After all that time, it's good to finally see it resolved in a non-lame manner. And this isn't just closure for one plot point, but also a big step forward for this series.

Don't have much to say about the next two scenes at the moment (at least not without delaying this review even further). Something about the audio felt a little unpolished on average from this point on (maybe it's something I only noticed due to how that first scene went), but it's another minor issue. Adrianna waking up to the relief of all the people around her made for an okay continuation, and once it gets to Adrianna and Tomo speaking in private, things pick up a little again with their discussion of that old kingdom and the results of what happened to it. Once again, there's a good sense of progress, and it's good to see something like that in this series again. That sense continues through to the final scene, and there we go, 3.3 builds on what the first two parts did and makes VGIII into one of the best installments of Speed Legend I've seen in a long time. We can now finally close this chapter in Adrianna's life, and it is refreshing.

Nice job with the credits sequence - you clearly put quite some work into that too. Only thing for me to point out is that the scene of the CLK-GTR sliding off track could've been cut a frame before it made contact and made the GT crash physics obvious. That could've heightened the impact of it. Even with that though, that moment still worked with all the other editing choices you made there. Again, nice job.
Speed Legend seems to be getting better and better. Keep up the good work. I'm not sure if I really need to restate this, but I'm still interested in seeing how things go next. Take as much time as you need.

Posted by: KevinMCMXXCIX Sep 16 2014, 07:57 AM

Job well done! My compliments!