Al watched as Pete and Ross sped by the line ahead of the Integra and skidded to a stop. Al smiled and walked over to their car, "How was it?"

Ross smiled, "He refused to pull ahead at the start so I ended up having the lead up until the fifth or sixth corner. I oversteered lightly and he took the inside. Then I passed on the 4th to last like you said. It was fucking beautiful."

Al smiled, "Congratulations."

He smiled, "Thanks, you're up man, and I think I have an Idea."

"Well?

"He has more power then you, so he'll dominate in the immediate take off. The curves of Irohazaka don't become apparent until a little bit into the course, so give him a false sense of security."

"Ok, then what?"

"Then wait for your opportunity, even if it seems like it comes early. Take it and win, alright man?"

Al nodded, "You got it."

AL pulled up to the starting line next to the white FTO. The FTO's V6 was a powerful engine, and turbocharged it was even worse. Al sighed as he stopped at the line and idled as a member of the opposing team came to the line. He started the countdown quickly.

At one he hit the throttle and began his way down the mountain behind the FTO, which was very quick of the line. He shifted into third gear and followed him through the first light corner.

He continued until they reached the first difficult turn. He downshifted and watched as the FTO began to over steer as if it was an FR, with the front wheel's smoking. It was an amazaing turn.

Al continued to follow him down the mountain while the FTO used the same technique on almost every corner. He kept his eyes open for an opportunity, but he didn't think it would come very easily to him.

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

Mei checked his rearview as the headlights shone heavily behind him. He had told Rage to not hold anything back, but he didn't expect them to be this good. The S2000 had pulled ahead of him, so it was leading. He was fighting back Sara and Kevin on the uphill. Behind, he saw Jen and the other FD going at it. The other cars were hard to see, but could be heard loudly. The mountain was a roar.

Mei wanted to pull ahead and take the S2000, but he couldn't because of the drivers behind him. If he want offensive, the combined ability of the Rage uphill team would overtake him and the S2000 easily. From there, they could push him back and help Jen pull ahead. He had to keep them separate. He just had to wait for Nik and Kim…

Meanwhile…

Kim drifted through the corners with the RS Camaro on her tail. She couldn't pull away. The FD she was with took off from the start while she held back. She was starting to wish she hadn't.

She looked behind her and saw the other two muscle cars with Nik. They were behind him but he seemed to be struggling on the uphill. She had to wait. He was a downhill racer after all.

A little farther back…

Nik picked up his cell phone and dialed Kim's number. They had to make a plan. After receiving a 'not-so-nice' answer from Kim, he three way called Mei and then connected all the calls.

He asked, "Kim, how are you?"

"I could pass the FD's ahead of me, but this damn Camaro would follow me through right on my ass. They really have a lot of pedal control."

Nik nodded, "I know the feeling. I'm pretty sure they're waiting to spring something on the downhill; I want to wait and see. Mei?"

"Well, I'm…Hold on, hairpins."

Nik tucked his cell phone in his seat belt and took the turns. Behind him, the Knights where driving in an erratic pattern around the vehicles. They'd been doing it for a while, that's how he knew they were up to something."

Nik picked his phone back up and asked, "We'll?"

"The S2000 is ahead of me, but I could pass. The problem is that if I switch from defensive to offensive, the ER33 and LanEvo behind me will take me over."

"Alright, but what about on the downhill?"

"I could probably pass ok."

"Then wait until we get there. Then I'll see what the Knights are planning and you can make your move on the S2000. Kim, hold tight and don't let that Camaro pass you. I'll call back after the downhill."

Nik hung up his phone and got back to being serious. He hit the gas and caused over steer around the previous corner. The car was handling a lot better. They did a good job. They passed the last corner and began to loop around to go down the downhill.

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

Al had began to see the harder part of the course. He was tailing close to the back end of the Integra. Yet he still couldn't pass. The ability of this car to over steer was amazing.

Al upshifted as he drove down the straight. He was recalling the mountain over and over again in his head. He couldn't find a point where he could pass, especially now that he was drifting.

Al broke along a solid line as he turned into the left hand hairpin and then into the right. He just couldn't pull ahead. He gritted his teeth and pressed down harder on the throttle.

He was gripping more now, but the car ahead was still pulling ahead. Al kept looking for an open line, but nothing was popping up. This car had an amazing ability to block.

Al could only guess that the cars rear tires were as bald as his uncle. That was the way he got them to slide. If he combined that with a heavy rear end, he could maintain a drift longer in an FF.

Still didn't help Al find a passing line. He decided to try the outside. He gassed up as they entered a hairpin turn. He held off breaking until after he passed the FTO and then accelerated.

He caused some over steer right next to the rail. He watched as the FTO followed through, much more grip then drift with this turn. It's like with the touch of a button he changed the car from drift to grip.

Al concentrated hard on his turning. This was the closest he'd ever been to a car in front of him. There had to be less then an inch between them. He knew as the car turned, he wouldn't be able to maintain his angle.

He let off the gas and watched as the FTO pulled ahead again and he fell back. He then get on the throttle again and went after him. He sighed and shifted into a higher gear as he thought of where he would be able to pass or if he would be able to at all.

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

Mei clutched in and downshifted as he turned into the corner. He looked at the rear view mirror and saw the Evo and the ER33. He downshifted and fully drifted into the corner.

The Evo fell back. The downhill was not Sara's specialty. Kev, on the other hand, worked the downhill very well in his N/A GT-S. It was front heavy like his old Supra and he was able to use it to carry his car through the corners.

Mei had to slow down more then usual to be able to adjust himself with the S2000. Kev was still on his ass. The more the car followed a tight line, the less of passing opportunity was left.

Mei drifted on the outside line next to the S2000. He then drove along the outside of her as the curve finished. He had the inside of the next turn and forced her back so he could take the lead. He smiled.

On the next straight, he got a good look at the line up. The FD's and LanEvo were closing fast on Sara. It wasn't surprising, since Sara's car had only been lightly tuned up till now.

He could make out the lights of Kim's NSX with the ones of the older Camaro. Nik and the other two racers were farther back apparently. He groaned and turned into another hairpin, noticing that the S2000 was blocking Kevin from using the same passing maneuver.

Mei hit the gas. With them battling, He could push his car ahead before the higher HP cars reached him. The lead would help. He just hoped that Nik and Kim would catch up soon.

A little farther back…

Her eyes faded back and forth between the road and the car behind her. Then she looked at Nik and the other two. They were about halfway down the downhill run.

She then looked at Nik. He was struggling and those cars were closing. She wanted to now what they were doing. They were moving so weird. Why would they race like that?

Then the plan was sprung. As she entered a hairpin, the RS Camaro broke hard. She did in retaliation. Then as Nik entered the corner, both cars swerved in front of him.

Nik had to brake to avoid his front end being smashed in by the muscle cars. They then returned to the same swerve pattern behind Kim. Kim soon found herself dealing with another heavily braking car in front of her. The new Camaro pulled along side her and the other one held back.

As she entered the next turn, the Camaro pulled along the inside with the Chevelle pushing him on his bumper. They both passed her and she fell back to the end by Nik. She pulled along side him and looked into his window.

He mouthed the words, "Follow my lead." She decided to go with it. Nik pulled behind her and she lead into a corner. As she was on the inside, going at medium speed, Nik passed her on the outside. Then on the next turn, Kim passed him on the outside.

They continued moving like that and Kim noticed how they were gaining speed. The cars swerved back and forth. The soon where on the tail end of the USDM's. Kim smiled and looked over at Nik. Then the uphill was coming upon them.

Kim looked at the side as the LanEvo from Rage pulled over and the S-14 took off. They were switching places. Kim was worried. She didn't know how good this S-14 was. It was behind them. She sighed and continued the pattern, even though it slowed them down on the uphill.

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

Al downshifted and drifted into a corner hard. The FTO was still ahead. He was getting ticked off. He didn't feel a flow and the unstoppable corners of Irohazaka were getting to him.

He sighed and upshifted along the straight. He wanted to pass. He needed to pass. There were only ten corners left. He had to pass. He just had to. He hit the throttle and looked down the road at the next turn.

He slid along the outside of the turn. The road was tight at the end. He'd have to pass on a straight, meaning focusing on coming out faster. It would be difficult because the turbo will experience lag when exiting the curve, meaning he needs to figure out a way to pass the V6 FTO fast and quick. Thing's weren't looking very good.

Al powered hard into the next turn and then the next. He didn't want to let up. He gritted his teeth and powered hard, putting himself on the tail of the FTO. They tandem drifted through then next corner. Al tried to force the FTO to the outside of the turn.

He entered the next curve faster then any other on Irohazaka and pushed the FTO to the outside. He slammed on his breaks and once again tandem drifted, close enough to reach out and touch the FTO.

He hit the gas, causing the RPM to shoot up and the rear tires to spin. The turbo lagged and then rose up as his back end slid more, tapping on the FTO's rear bumper. Then he shot ahead lightly. He then turned in for the second curve, nearly scraping the front end of the FTO.

He counter steered and rode along the inside guard rail. He slid out at the end and feathered the throttle, trying to let his speed down slowly. He then entered the next curve, totally losing the FTO in the dust. He passed the finish line 5 seconds ahead.

He breathed out heavy as he pulled to the side of the road. He felt his cell phone ringing. He reached into his pocket and called heard Ross talking on the other line. He smiled as he told him he won…

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

Nik and Kim continued to slide between each other, as their rhythm became smoother and they began to mix up the technique, while alternating corners became less of a hassle and more of an art.

The USDM cars were ahead of them and head worked their way past the FD's and were now working on the S-14 and S2000. Mei still had the lead although he was no contending with the ER33 and Evo VIII

Nik rang Mei and Kim again, who answered slightly better then last time before they started their mid-race strategy meeting. Nik waited until a straight to start talking.

Nik asked, "How are things up front?"

Mei replied, "I have the lead, but the USDM's are gaining fast. They've made all the other cars go faster so they're all right on my ass. I'm good for the lead though, at least till the downhill."

Nik nodded, "Alright, Kim, have you gotten a feel for the driving pattern?"

"Yeah, I'm starting to feel a rythym. If we use it on the downhill, we might just pull ahead."

"Ok, be careful though. That S-14 has me a bit scared."

Mei raised his eyebrow, "The S-14?"

"Yeah, they switched him in for a reason and I want to know why."

"Ok, see you on the way down."

They all hung up and then hit the course just as hard as before, they had to with the way the Knights were driving. When the downhill came, Nik and Kim sprung open on the Knights.

There patterns meshed as they went down the mountain. Nik got Kim ahead and then he started fighting to get past the Chevelle. With its drift pattern, it was impossible to get by with out ramming through it, which would be hard considering the weight difference.

Kim was in front, dealing with the Camaros driving in their swerve pattern. Kim began to swerve with them, trying to figure out their pattern. It was very difficult. She attempted and failed at passing twice.

Mei held the lead, but figured out something about Sato. He was a downhill racer. His S-14 was following a perfect grip line, with no unwanted slippage in the rear. He was moving so fast, he couldn't even be stopped by the ER33 or the EVOVIII.

He caught up to Mei's back end in no time. He began to accelerate harder and attack the corners. With more speed, the car only managed to slip more. He hadn't replaced his tires in a while and it was beginning to show.

More and more, Mei found himself in a tandem drift with Sato. The damn bastard had had a lot of experience in track racing. That's one of the two reasons he got picked for the team.

Mei and Sato battled through the front curves as the speeds kept increasing and increasing. The USDM's had slowed and were now in a battle while all the other cars kept fighting as the Tochigi hairpins continued to take their toll.

Mei had figured that Sara had pulled out because of the pressure on her caused by the full course run, but apparently they had some sort of strategy cooked up. He had taught them well.

As the downhill finished and the uphill started up again, the line up was Mei, Sato, Kev, Juju, Kiosuke, Jen, Ryoko, Kenneth, Richard, Kim, Brandon, and then Nik. The mountain still looked like a Christmas tree.

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

Al smiled as he downed the soda Ross had bought him at the restaurant. He was so happy to race tonight, although he was finally starting to see the lack of power in comparison to other cars.

Al looked behind him as a couple of guys walked over and sat at a table across from them. Then they looked over at Ross. It took Ross a second to realize they were looking at him.

Ross asked, "Something wrong?"

The guy who seemed like the leader shook his head, "No, it was just, we were at the race and we saw you run. You were amazing. This is my team; we're called 4-door drift, or just 4D. We're all sedan racers."

"Cool, I always liked sedan racers."

"Yeah, well, we we're wondering if you might want to race with us. We could probably learn from you and rise up a better rep."

"What are you guys driving?"

"My names Washi, I have a Nissan Skyline ER33 Sedan turbo." He points to his right, "This is Yaru, he has a Nissan Laurel GCC35 turbo and the guy next to him is Saru, he has a Toyota Celsior UCF20. In front of him is Nobu, he has a Nissan Cedric PBY32.""

Ross nodded, "Not bad, I'm Ross and this is my co-driver Pete and our team mate Al. I've got a Chaser and Al has a Mark II."

Washi nodded, "Cool, so, will you guys join up with us?"

Pete nodded, "Why not Ross?"

Ross nodded, "Al?"

Al shook his head, "You're decision, I'm a Nite."

"Dude, come on. You know you want to run with us."

"I know, but my bro…"

"Al, you're 17. You're a big boy, decide. I want you to race with us."

"Man, I…"

"Dude, take your time. We'll always be here for you man."

Al smiled, "Thanks man."

Al stood up and walked away. He walked down to his car and started it up. He listened to the engine idle. He smiled. He hit the gas pedal and the rear tires spun as he pulled out of his parking space.

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

Nik looked ahead at the Chevelle ahead of him. This would be quite a feat, to pass this amazingly wide car. Nik attacked the corners as hard as possible, trying to find the inside line he wanted.

He growled and looked ahead at Kim. The separation wouldn't allow them to be able to work together. He sighed. She was good. She'd be fine. He had to worry about himself.

He upshifted and though over the course. The downhill was where the action was. He had to think of how to pass the monster of a car ahead of him. He'd have to use some power…

Right now, he was shifting below the red line, about 1500-2000 rpm below. He was still reaching the maximum horsepower, but he could be going faster. But he was scared.

Nik shifted down as he powered around a left hand turn and then into a right hand hairpin. He then got to a straight. He hit the gas until the car raised up to the red line and shifted.

Nik accelerated hard until his car hit 195 km/h. He broke and heel-toed down to an acceptable speed and drifted through the turn. He drifted safe, but fast. With the way his suspension was set up, he could feel more control in the throttle and steering.

It was the old FC, but with a new body. The soul remained, but the abilities were increased. It could punch harder. I could run faster. It could dominate. Nik hit the throttle and watched as the rear end flailed out to the side as he began the downhill.

Nik pulled along side the Chevelle and powered along next to him, not allowing him to drift. He had to slow down to stop the full body from sliding. Suspension was one thing, but you couldn't get rid of the weight that came from what was a metal body.

Nik passed by him and then by Kim. He motioned for her to follow him. She got behind him in his draft path. He then headed towards the back end of the large Camaro.

Kim followed him and Nik watched as they swerved. He waited until after the next corner. He sway drifted out and into the middle of the two muscle cars, creating a wedge.

With the cars separated, the flow was obstructed. Close to the end of the downhill course, Kim was able to get herself in by Nik. Nik wedged his way between Kenneth at the wide part at the bottom and Kim followed him through.

Nik knew that the team that won would be the one that got all their team members past the downhill. Meaning Kim would have to interrupt everyone else from passing.

Nik waved at Kim to send her ahead towards the FD's. Nik would stay with the high powered cars behind him. He had to keep them back until the downhill and then, drive like a maniac to get ahead of other teams.

In front…

Mei lost the lead. Sato was an amazing racer. He looked behind him and saw ER33 and LanEvo. He could also see the shiny orange NSX with the FD's and the S2000.

Mei powered hard, put the car ahead of him was very powerful. He was gonna have to push more power out of his R32 if he wanted to remain competitive. He sighed and kept up with the back end of Sato.

He doubted that Nik could overtake 5 cars and Kim in just the downhill. The best he could hope for was to take the lead. At least then it wouldn't be a total loss. Mei hit the gas pedal and drove towards the next hairpin.

The uphill on this course was very difficult. He could barley keep his eyes open any more. He was exhausted, but he had to keep focused. The sharp right was coming up. Mei took it hard. He stayed tight to the inside.

He slid around a hard left and headed down the mountain to drift down the mountain. This would be there last chance to take the lead. Mei attacked hard and was prepared to show Sato all the power this R32 had.

A bit back…

Kim attacked the downhill aggressively. The FD was the same one she'd beaten before on Tochigi. She smiled at her and then attacked on the inside of the black and red FD.

She took the inside and push ahead towards the S2000. Its wide body aloud her to drift through and then block around the turn. The Evo and ER33 were blocking hard, almost in sequence.

Kim fought for an opening she couldn't find. She wasn't sure how to pass these cars. There movements were tight and the ER33 was heavy, causing her to slow down excessively.

Kim slid hard. Nik had given her an opening and she wanted to take advantage of it. She sighed and rubbed her head. She wanted him to…to…know she tried. Yeah, that's what she wanted.

Kim kept slipping the car back and forth. She was practically sway drifting down the entire mountain. She was waiting to see Nik come up behind her, guaranteeing the win.

Unfortunately, what she saw was the 67 Camaro and the Chevelle. Her eyes widened at the site of them before narrowing on the next corner. She slid around it and then caught up with the Evo and ER33.

A bit farther back...

Nik drifted around the hairpin turn at 165 km/h. It was getting scary up here. The car was fast, and light. He was practically sliding off the mountain while he was trying to keep it tight.

He accelerated back up to 200 km/h and headed back downward. He had to keep Kenneth behind him in order to guarantee third. Maybe if he could pass one or two cars ahead of him, he could get a hold of second or maybe even first.

Ahead of him sat two FD's. Behind him sat the powerful Camaro. He had to make his move. He moved in on the black FD and drifted tight on its tail end. He was looking for an opening.

Nik used the Kansei technique on the next bend. It was amazing, how the car slid so easily. He counter steered and followed the long left hander. He went to the outside of the corner carefully and left on the outside line. He got on its side.

He then went towards the red FD. He figured on pulling the same move. He went for it and…blocked. He slowed down and went again towards the next corner. He'd try something else.

He faked on the outside and pulled in. She didn't fall for it. He readjusted himself and tried another move. He broke in and gripped the outside, trying to use the 'Highland' technique. It had always worked on the lake in a jam.

He began to drift away from the corner. He was sliding the entire body and losing speed at an alarming rate. When the other car began to drift, he whipped around and went to the inside just before falling back to the outside at the point where the other driver would began to fall back to the outside.

As he was about to hit the gas and pull through on the inside, the car followed the inside and continued drifting. Nik then watched as the car pulled another move that he knew. The "Avon" technique.

She drifted wide and then whipped the back end around, following the outside line. This was a technique designed for use in a triple tandem drift. The third one was the most familiar.

Nik's wide eyes watched her, "Jen…"

His moment caused him to be off timing. That's bad at 214 km/h. He was past his braking point by 10 yards. He slammed onto the brakes and turned the wheel instinctively. He started to slide the whole body again.

He hit the gas in an attempt to balance the car. It caused the rear to sway farther out. He managed to avoid the rail although his car was now sitting at a 90 degree angle w/ the straight road.

He decided the smart thing to do was finish the spin out 180 degrees and avoid crashing with anyone. He used his E-brake to end the slide. And brought himself around while holding in the clutch.

He rolled backwards as Kenneth passed him on the left. Nik hit the brakes and skidded to a stop. He sighed and turned the car around to finish his run. He came in last, but Mei managed to take second and Kim had fifth. The team still took last.

He pulled over by the red FD. He got out and looked over at the driver as she stepped out. Her body was unmistakable and the face closed all his doubts. It was her.

She smiled and brushed her brunette hair out of her face, "Hey, been a while."

Nik nodded as he walked around the hood and nearly tripped, "Yeah, hi."

She smiled, "I saw you spin out, you ok?"

"Yeah, I'm fine, when did you get here?"

"A few months back when Mei called me."

About twenty feet behind them…

Mei noticed the stare from Nik and smiled a little. He then shook his head when they started talking again. Nik had no idea of the truth. He then looked behind him as he felt a gentle tap on his shoulder.

He looked back at Kim as she asked, "Who's that?"

"Jen, Nik's ex."

Her eyes widened and then returned to normal, "Oh…"

"Yeah, they were together until Nik left to come here. I'd half expected him to try and find her but we never really left the area."

She responded with a raspy voice, "Ahuh…"

"You alright? You don't sound too good."

"Yeah I'm fine. I'm gonna go home though, I'm tired. Tell Nik I said bye."

"Ok."

Mei watched as she walked over to the NSX and started up the engine. The loud V6 roar got everyone's attention. She then left and Nik ran over towards Mei, "Hey, where's she going?"

"She said she was tired, she's been up since 7 when she met you."

"Oh, alright, hey, I'm gonna talk to Kenneth and Kiosuke, then I invited everyone from Rage back to our house, alright?"

"Cool, I'll head back. Al should be home by now. See you in a bit."

Mei walked over to his GTR and started the engine. He flipped the back end around and took off down the road. The team followed him towards the Tochigi exit and onto the highway.

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

Nik walked over to Kenneth and Kiosuke. They stood up to greet him and he smiled and said, "Good race. We should run a one on one sometime, with both of you."

Kenneth smiled and nodded, "First we need to find out who the best racer on Akina is. Then you can race the true king of Akina."

Nik smiled, "That works. I'll see you guys around."

Nik walked over to his FC. He was glad he could make friends with these racers. It's better to have friends, even though the winners were Rage. Second were the Starz, then the Knights, then his Nites.

Nik sighed as he pulled onto the highway and got off at the Myogi exit. He drove up to his house and parked on the side of the road. He couldn't get to his spot in the garage.

He locked the FC and walked in through the front door. He smiled as he looked over at everyone, including Al, sitting at the kitchen table. He then looked at the bottle and his eyes widened

"My sake…"

Mei smiled, "Sorry man, it is a party."

Nik smiled and walked over. He picked up a glass as they went over old times. Nik and Jen had a big past. Soon after, came the true introduction of Sato. Something he wasn't expecting.

Jen smiled, "Oh, I forget to tell you, this is Takagi Satochi, my fiancé."

Nik choked on his sake, "You're what?"

Jen smiled, "Yeah, I met him when I was racing in the SCCA club series back home. He's a national competitor."

Mei nodded, "That's why I picked him for the team. Jen had bagged 3rd in the New England regionals and I knew her from back in the old days. Kev, of course, was our old team mate from back home and Sara had just recently come into her Evo and she wanted to do it."

Nik was staring at Jen for a minute before replying to Mei, "So you built this team? Why?"

"Because, while we were on vacation, I started to think that there was no way we'd just stay at number 2, or at least stop racing. We're a competitive team and part of being competitive is having the best racers around."

"So you did this for their whole team?"

"Yeah, and with your permission, they'll become part of our team."

Nik sighed and then looked back at Mei, "Who's their fastest?"

Sato stood up, "I'm the fastest on the downhill."

Nik nodded and stood, "We race. Then I'll decide."

Sato looked at him seriously, "There's a very large power difference between my S-14 and your FC. I'd appreciate if you could drive another car so to even out the odds."

Nik sighed and looked at Al, "This is why I wanted the 86."

Mei looked over, "You think we need to buy you a new car?"

Nik asked, "Why?"

"The FC is a monster, but it's intimidating to a lot of racers. I think that we may need to buy and tune you up a new car."

Nik sighed. He was sick of letting everything get to him, but money was a big issue. He sighed and said, "I'll think about it. Now, get out of my house."

Everyone smiled and said goodbye. Nik then walked into his room and lay down. A new car? He loved his FC. How was he supposed to drive anything else besides it…?

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For those who still are reading, I'd be interested in knowing what everyone thinks about Nik getting a new car. Give me your opinion, should he get a new engine? Down tune the 26B? By a new car? What kind of car? Please review with that info. I'd appreciate it cause I have no idea what to do yet.