Chapter 21
After their classes dismissed for the day Nika took to the course for a few laps. While she was on the course Gavin and Tatsuo were going over the FD's engine with Kyoko and Reiko. When Nika came off the course after completing a cool down lap her class and teammates met her car in its place on pit lane.
"Ms. Mahara, you managed to beat Takumi's lap time from your first day here, congratulations. You may choose your staff member any time," Keisuke said with a chuckle as the brown haired young lady's eyes went wide.
"Thank you for telling me Takahashi-sensei," Nika said with a slight bow.
"Let's all go celebrate Nika completing the set then, I'm buying," Tatsuo said with a smile as Reiko and Gavin quickly agreed.
As the students moved off the course after Keisuke's announcement, Wataru started his practice session in Takumi's S2000. Since it had been a rather short week since Tatsuo challenged the black haired man it was no longer a shock to see the Grand Prix white machine on the course before or after classes. They left the school and drove to a quiet little restaurant between Gavin and Nika's apartments. While they waited on their food orders Gavin and Tatsuo talked about his race against Wataru while Nika and Reiko planned another shopping trip with Emiko.
"Hey, we all know why we're here, to celebrate that Nika made our class' main goal and will soon be competing against the man who set that goal for us," Tatsuo said just after the waitress left their food on the table, "But she did something else as well, our little team here is going to move into using the GT spec cars as soon as her race with Fujiwara-sensei is completed."
"I haven't even told them who I want to race, how could you know that?" Nika asked in a shocked tone.
"I overheard Keisuke-san saying something about it before Akiyama-sensei took the course for his practice time," the black haired man replied with a huge smile, "I can't wait to get in that FD again, it may have less power than my SE3P but damn I love the feeling."
"I wouldn't mind taking a few laps in that FD just to see how different my own is," Gavin said with a smile of his own.
"Yeah, but we get to drive the NSX, it's faster than your FD is," Reiko said with a chuckle at the buzz cut blonde's insulted look.
"You can't let that slide Gavin, you have to race her, your FD against the NSX," Nika laughed as she pointed her fork at the man.
"You know, that's not such a bad idea, might finally get to use all of that six speed transmission on the course," Gavin said with a poorly hidden chuckle.
"Yeah, we can set it up after my race with Akiyama-sensei," Tatsuo said with a laugh at his twin sister's astonished face as the joke continued.
"Alright fine, it's a challenge then, if our teachers will allow it that is," Gavin said with a smirk as Reiko's face changed from astonished to one of total determination.
"Whoa, wait a minute, you're taking this seriously?" Tatsuo nearly shouted as his sister and her boyfriend stared at each other, "You know Keisuke-sensei would never allow something like that, so why even bother?"
"If I tell him I'm going to use my car's full potential in the race I see no reason for him not to allow it, with all the improvements we've made to it I've still been running against my car's fifth gear, it's time for it to show off a little," the buzz cut blonde said matching the serious tone his black haired classmate had used, "Besides, it might be the only way Reiko here can beat me." he added with a smirk.
After talking things over for a while longer, Tatsuo finally relented and joined in on the plan to put Gavin's FD on the course with the NSX to see who of the two drivers was truly the fastest in the class. They also talked about what Tatsuo would do in his race against Wataru when the time came before leaving the restaurant.
"Hey Tatsuo, do you know anywhere to look for body kits for my Z?" Nika asked through the radio as the couple made their way to her apartment.
"I designed one for it if you'd like to take a look at it," the black haired man responded, "Why are you looking for one though? Is the one you've got messed up or something?"
"Just want something a little more functional is all, this one is all flash to me these days," the brown haired young lady replied.
The rest of the short trip was quiet, when they arrived at Nika's apartment Tatsuo showed her the design for her Z33 that he'd started in the hospital and completed while he had the cast on his right arm.
"I like it, but I don't think I could handle the costs to have it made, installed and painted right now," Nika said standing over Tatsuo and staring at the screen of her computer.
"Well how about I cover the cost of making it and having it painted? Since I would be the one sending in the design to the fabricators," Tatsuo said not turning around.
"I can't let you do that, not if it's going on my car Tatsuo," the brown haired girl said with a saddened tone.
"Well how about we call it an early birthday present then?" the black haired man replied, "Besides, what kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn't buy you something now and then?"
Nika just stared at him before smiling and wrapping him in a hug. The two spent what was left of the night watching a few race videos on the computer.
Meanwhile at Gavin's apartment Reiko and the buzz cut blonde were talking about their little impromptu challenge that sprung up out of nowhere.
"Why did you take the joke so far that it turned into a real challenge?" the curly black haired young woman asked from the couch.
"I didn't think it was a bad way to see who was better. You've got a horsepower advantage in the NSX, I've theoretically got no way to win," Gavin replied as he stepped out of the kitchen, "Might just prove that you are better than me."
"How would you being nearly a hundred horsepower down from me prove I'm better?" Reiko asked skeptically.
"Because you really are better darling."
"Gavin, why do you really have a six speed transmission in your FD?" the curly black haired young lady asked after some time just sitting.
"Well as you know grandpa bought me the car when I was fifteen, at seventeen I started drag racing it on base, I put the six speed in it then just to keep the 13B-REW that it came with in the power band a little longer," Gavin said leaning his head back, "After I got my license to drive legally I started road racing, it was also right around that time I found the 20B that's in it, the six speed just stayed; after I moved here for the mountains it became a necessity to keep the horsepower under control."
"Didn't you say that the 20B and racing came after your grandpa died?" the black haired young lady asked cuddling up to him.
"Well I lied about the timeline of things, he knew about the drag racing and the road racing, he really didn't approve though, but he helped me with the modifications none the less," the buzz cut blonde said with a saddened tone, "I moved out here just before he passed so I don't know that he knew about the mountains."
"Why not say so when you were asked?" Reiko asked taking her head off his shoulder.
"To be honest I don't know. I think he would have liked it better if I never started street racing, but seeing where it's gotten me now; I think he would be more than proud."
"I never got to meet him, but I'm sure you're right."
As the day came to a close for both couples Tatsuo had already called and arranged for Nika's new kit to be built, and ordered a new spoiler as well before falling asleep with Nika in his arms. Gavin and Reiko had fallen asleep on the couch while watching Reiko's favorite movie.
As the students gathered at the track two weeks after Tatsuo's beating the required lap time, Wataru met them wearing a racing suit with a helmet under his arm and the S2000 waiting quietly behind him on the track.
"Tatsuo Sasaki, whenever you're ready to race me, say the word," the long black haired man said with a smile, "Oh and your parts arrived as requested, Kyoko is waiting for Nika's Z in bay 4."
"I'd like to take a short amount of time to ask about something first Sir, but we can race today," Tatsuo replied as Nika moved her car to the school's main garage, "It requires Fujiwara-sensei and Takahashi-sensei's approval as well Sir."
"Well then ask what you want Mr. Sasaki, we do have a full schedule planned," Keisuke's voice came from the other end of the pit lane.
"Sir, Gavin and Reiko wish to race each other on the throttle course," Tatsuo paused, thinking twice about even asking the real question.
"That didn't sound like the question you really wanted to ask, so what is it?" Takumi asked calmly.
"Reiko wants to use the GT500 NSX to race Gavin's FD Sir," the black haired young man said failing to hide the nervousness in his tone, "They want to do this after my race with Akiyama-sensei."
"Takahashi-sensei, you asked to see my FD's full potential, this would give you that opportunity Sir," Gavin said noticing the looks Keisuke and Takumi were giving each other.
"Not yet, after two weeks in the GT cars you can have your race," the spiky blonde haired man answered, "This is solely for getting you both adjusted to the NSX before the race so we don't have to clean up a crash."
Gavin nodded and went to the garage to help Kyoko with the upgrades that Tatsuo told him he wanted done to Nika's Z33 besides the new body kit. Nika rejoined Reiko trackside after being kicked out of the garage to watch the race.
"Is there some reason I'm not allowed to work on my own car?" Nika asked as the two waited for Tatsuo to get ready.
"It's because you're his girlfriend, you should be here watching, plus you want to race the S2000 so this is the best time to watch it," Reiko said in a calming tone, "And I wasn't allowed to help on your car either so don't feel bad about it."
The engines of both cars roared to life catching the attention of both girls as Nobuhiko stood between the two cars ready to give the go.
"FIVE, FOUR, THREE, TWO, ONE…GO!" the tall black haired man shouted before the two cars flew by him.
The grand prix white S2000 was off the line and headed into the first corner with the Aztec gold SE3P hot on its bumper before anyone knew what was happening. The two cars made their way through the first long s-turn at full throttle.
Over in the garage Gavin and Kyoko had the old body kit off the Z and were now replacing the shocks and springs with stiffer components, as well as any other close to gone parts.
"She's going to have to adjust to the new suspension before her race with the staff Mr. Reynolds," Kyoko said as they continued to work.
"We have every intention of telling her that, as well as possibly setting up a race for her," Gavin said with a small smile, "This thing is going to be insanely different from before, but it will be better."
Out on the course Tatsuo was still nose to tail with Wataru as they moved into the right handed two hundred and seventy degree loop turn. As the two cars flew through the corner the RX-8 stayed pinned to the S2000. When they came out of the loop into the following left handed u-turn the Aztec gold machine slipped to the inside, but somehow the S2000 found some acceleration and beat him out of the corner.
"That's the closest anyone has come to passing one of the staff yet, don't give up Tatsuo," Takumi said with a chuckle as he watched his S2000 and the SE3P fly through the long corners at a record pace for Tatsuo.
"I think he's not being serious about this Sir, just wanted to give him a jump start," Tatsuo replied with a chuckle as he tried once again to pass the S2000 and failed.
"Okay Wataru, time to pick it up, you're letting him get by you too much," Keisuke's voice came through Wataru's radio.
"Fine, let's start this show then," the long black haired man said as he floored the throttle of the S2000.
As the pace climbed Tatsuo was keeping up easily through the long straight before the hairpin. When the two cars entered the hairpin, the S2000 closed the door on the inside line as Tatsuo tried to pass.
"It's only the first lap, and he's tried three times to pass, Tatsuo's lost his mind," Reiko said with a short chuckle.
"Maybe Wataru just isn't as good as the two you and Gavin raced," Nika said trying to comfort herself more than Reiko.
"My cousin is an endurance style racer, the longer the race the better for him," Nobuhiko said from behind the two ladies, "But he's also in a different car than normal so Tatsuo-kun might just stand a chance."
As the two cars flew through the v-turn and made their way through the straight, they weaved back and forth as Tatsuo continued to attempt and fail to pass. When they cleared the final u-turn of the course Wataru floored the throttle as the engines of both cars screamed to their peaks.
"Fujiwara-sensei, what modifications does your S2000 have?" Tatsuo asked through the radio as he pinned himself to the bumper of the AP1.
"I think you should have done this on the braking course Mr. Sasaki if that's what you're trying to figure out," Takumi said with a slight chuckle as he heard a groan, "But, Wataru is a great blocker so you can still learn something."
As the two crossed the line Tatsuo had yet to make it by the AP1 even though he had a horsepower advantage that was obvious coming out of corners and on the longer straights.
"Geez Wataru, you could at least give Takumi his car back in one piece, you keep up all this weaving and we're going to have to replace half the front end," Keisuke laughed as the two continued on their way.
Over in the garage Gavin was helping put the final touches on the suspension parts they had replaced while Kyoko started on replacing the brake discs and calipers.
"Mr. Reynolds, once you finish that start taking apart the rest of the brakes, I'll come behind you and put in the new parts," Kyoko said as the engines screamed outside.
"Yes ma'am, just glad I'm not watching that race right now, sounds like Tatsuo's getting upset," Gavin said with a chuckle.
"You can tell that from the engine noise?" Kyoko asked not really believing the younger man.
"The rotary screams but then it lets off like it was blocked, but screams again before too long, that's Tatsuo letting off the throttle completely before slamming it to the floor again," Gavin explained, "Only time I have heard that is when he's upset or I am, mine does it because I coast rather than braking for corners, Reiko's engine just drones on like nothing is wrong even though her driving style changes pretty drastically, it's a little eerie actually, and Nika's Z here screams pretty loud when she lets her anger loose in a race."
"Well I guess when you've raced with someone this long you hear things that others might not," Kyoko said with a shrug before continuing on with their work.
As the two remaining laps came to an end Tatsuo couldn't get by the S2000 as they flew through the corners; everything he tried was countered almost as fast as he thought to try it. As the two cars flew through the last corner, Tatsuo tried to feign going to the outside; Wataru saw it coming and stayed on his line resulting in a small gap between the two cars as they cleared the corner. Tatsuo managed two more attempts before the finish line but never got closer than the rear bumper of the AP1.
"Nika's car is ready and waiting in the garage Mr. Sasaki, this information courtesy of Mr. Reynolds," Takumi said with a chuckle as the two cars went through a cool down lap, "He also says the keys are on the driver's seat."
Tatsuo acknowledged the message and continued his lap until he reached the garage area, where he maneuvered the SE3P into the garage. The black haired young man quickly switched cars and drove into pit lane in Nika's Z33.
The new kit was made to fit with the fender flares from the old body kit. The new front bumper had a narrow gap close to the ground with two fang like pieces near the outside edges of the opening; there were also two smaller holes in the top of the bumper near the hood, between the head lights. The two fins on either side of the car were curved upwards starting near the grill opening and ending close to the top of the wheel wells. The new back bumper had a grill between the two exhaust pipes, with two scoops behind the tires. The spoiler was a body fit style with one cross piece between two uprights, all paint matched to the car's factory pearl blue paint.
"Tatsuo, it looks ten times better on the car," Nika said jumping into his chest and hugging him tightly.
"You can take it for a few laps after your track time is finished, right now you need to get into one of the trainers," Takumi said snapping everyone back into school mode as the students scattered, "Mr. Reynolds, you go clean up, Ms. Sasaki will be making first runs today."
Once everything had calmed down Tatsuo and Gavin were standing trackside watching their girlfriends and teammates go around the track.
"So you got everything done?" Tatsuo asked as the two cars passed by for the third time.
"Almost, we got the suspension, brakes and kit done, we only did a tune up on the engine though: plugs, wires and an oil change," Gavin responded, "She's going to need time to get used to the stiffer suspension but everything else should be pretty easy to get used to."
Tatsuo simply nodded and watched the training session continue. After classes, the lap times Nika was putting on the board in her redone Z33 were astonishingly low for her not being used to the way the new suspension parts reacted and while it was a little stiff, she was quickly finding that it seemed faster than it ever had before and was loving every minute of it. As her classmates watched the pearl blue machine start yet another lap, Gavin looked at his watch and started walking towards the parking area.
"Where are you off to?" Reiko asked after he'd taken a couple steps.
"I've got a student coming, I'm already running a little late as it is," the buzz cut blonde replied with a smile.
"Okay, give me a call when they've left and I'll come over if we're still here with Nika," The black haired girl said with a matching smile.
With that Gavin turned his back to his classmates and headed towards his FD. Just before Gavin got into the toreador red machine his phone notified him of a new text.
'Mt. Akina, Two Weeks, 10 PM' was all the message said, Gavin replied with a simple 'agreed' before leaving the school for the day.