OSPREY…SWOOOSH
UO: Alright sorry for the delay I had some other business to take care off. I was also working out my update schedule so I know which stories I start up after I finish my current projects.
Ichigo: Hard to believe we're winding down this story soon.
UO: Don't worry you guys won't be forgotten. So is everyone here?
Tatsuki: (In a bathrobe) Here
Andrew: (Without his shirt) Here.
Orihime: Ready
UO: Disclaimer please and Tatsuki and Andrew put a god damn shirt on.
Ichigo: UnitedOsprey1991 doesn't own the teams, manufacturers or the drivers or Bleach. He only owns the plot and any driver you would not recognize.
UO: Thank you on with the show.
Normal: Dialogue
"Italics and quotations": Radio, track announcer, phone conversation
Underlined and Italics: Lyrics or TV broadcast
'Italics and apostrophe': Thoughts
Bold: Yelling
Bold and Italics: Yelling in head:
Name followed by a colon: In-race TV Announcer
Chapter 27: Belgian disaster
August 13th about 9:00 AM Eastern U.S time
When we last left our drivers, they had uncovered a conspiracy involving the Souske team. The fact that Andrew's and Ichigo's father fought to kept it from their kids almost ruined both relationships. Fortunately for Andrew, his father knew he messed up and made amends before he left for his vacation house. At the house, he and Tatsuki proved their love for each other and consummated their relationship.
Tatsuki groaned as she blinked her eyes open. As her brain fired up, she felt a chill around her body that caused her to shudder in pleasure. Looking down, she saw that bare the thin sheet, she was naked as the day she was born. She sat up and let the light that was streaming through the windows shine over her glowing form. She giggled, last night was probably the best night she ever had. As her brain became more active, she felt her whole body was sore, a consequence of last night. Not even caring about covering herself she eased her body to crawl across the bed. She could only manage a couple of steps before her body protested and she fell back on to the bed. She sighed and rolled over unconsciously going to into a spread eagle. She had to smile, Orihime was right what they went through last night was amazing. She would do it several more times. She even liked being submissive, probably why she was sore like this.
The door opened and she got her head to turn to see her boyfriend in nothing more than his boxers.
"Hey there." Andrew said. "Must say this sight I don't mind walking into.
Tatsuki stuck her tongue. "You made me like this. Every part save my face is sore." A growling from her stomach got her to blush. "And I'm hungry, did you make breakfast?"
"Yeah, I just started and I came to get you." Andrew said walking over and picking her up. Tatsuki wrapped her arms around his neck as they headed to the kitchen. Placing her down, Tatsuki could barely keep her legs working so Andrew helped her over to granite table top and placed her on it getting her to shiver.
"Damn I don't think I can walk today." Tatsuki said as Andrew walked over to the portable grill. After starting up the bacon, Andrew spoke. "So where do we go from here?" He asked.
Tatsuki sighed and leaned back on the counter. "Honestly, this changes nothing. We love each other and that was just a confirmation of that bond. We are way too young for kids, so quite honestly I think we will be fine."
Andrew hummed and went to get out some fruit. "That's good. I don't think we are ready to have kids. Besides, that bastard Souske would probably use it to leverage against us." He pulled out some blueberries and strawberries. He left some for Tatsuki to grab and then went to flip over the bacon.
Tatsuki took a sniff. "That smells good." She said taking a bit out of a strawberry. "What about Isshin?"
Andrew was silent as he took out the bacon and then started the pancakes. "I understand why Isshin did what he did, but he still could have put us in danger for his inactions. If something had happened, we could not have done anything without making us look like the bad guys." Andrew sighed. "He should be grateful though, Aizen doesn't know we know and we could theoretically get him to mess up."
Andrew looked out the window. "All I wanted was to race, not save the world. Damn it." He groaned. Tatsuki heard him and turned her head. "Hey, it will be alright. You've got me, you've got Ichigo, you've got Hime, you've got Chad and Uryuu…your not alone. We'll get through this."
Andrew chuckled. "Coming from a girl that's practically exposing her herself like that, its comforting." He took the pancakes off and put them on a plate. Getting the syrup out he placed it next to Tatsuki while he finished up the last of the food. Turning around he gaped at what Tatsuki was doing. She had taken the bottle unscrewed the capped pour the sticky substance from the top of her breasts to her navel.
Tatsuki looked up with a seductive smile. "Come and get it big boy."
Andrew grinned. "Thank you for the food." The rest of the day was spent eating, cleaning up, getting dirty, and other sexual pleasures. If one could see the couple, they would be hard pressed to believe they were prudes before they met each other.
Two weeks later, about 10 PM August 23rd Eastern Time, Noon Tokyo Japan time August 24th
Two weeks later, Andrew and Tatsuki were decently dressed for the meeting that was about to take place. The previous several days they had experimented with different things and even went out to several places around the town they were staying in. However for the meeting with their boss they dressed up more casually than they wore during their time here. The other drivers and Orihime were in the room as well.
"I hope you all enjoyed your time off. The last eight races will take place over the next three months, with two races in September and October and three straight in November. This race is a great way to catch unsuspecting drivers off guard after our break." He activated a hologram. "The next race is the Shell Belgian 400 will be 100 laps on the Spa-Francorchamps course." Andrew winced at that something Tatsuki noticed.
Ryuken picked it up. "It's an old track dating to the formation of racing around the same time as Le Mans. A very popular track for fans and drivers but very hard. From the start-finish line you go into the La Source Hairpin. On the starts and restarts be careful because its an incredibly slow turn. After the turn you go into a downhill sweeping right turn 2, you encounter the Eau Rouge Radillion combination. The left hander sends you straight up hill for a right hander then a quick left hander before going out onto the Kemmel Straight. Turns 7, 8 and 9 are the Les Combes turns, they are a slow right left right combination. A short straight leads to turn 10 which is a right handed hairpin. After a left turn, you pick up a lot of speed before a wide turn twelve. Then a series of more standard S-turns at 13 and 14 called the Campus turns leads into a slower turn 15 before picking up speed into turn 16. Then it enters Blanchimont a very fast sweeping left turn that you will reach full speed. This will be for nearly three quarters of a mile before you break for the right left bus stop chicane to complete the lap."
Isshin looked at the meeting. "Any questions or comments gentlemen?"
Andrew sighed. "There were three tracks I was extremely worried about coming into this season, Monaco, Buddh International in India and Spa. Spa is a different animal. The full Nordschliefe was one thing but those turns were more sweeping than here. These are sharp turns combined with sudden drops and inclines. In fact, this isn't the original circuit this was built because of the speed and the fatalities in an area called Masta. The two areas I'm most concerned about is Eau Rouge and the Blanchimont. If there is going to be a big wreck, I's at those sections, Eau Rouge because of the sudden narrowness and Blanchimont due to the speeds. Top that off with the unpredictable weather, Spa is rightfully called one of the hardest purpose-built tracks in the world."
Isshin nodded. "Thanks for that. I would also like to apologize for what happened a couple of weeks ago. Ichigo kicked my butt for what I said and for I've done. I should have trusted you more.
Andrew waved it off. "I understand why you did it, doesn't mean I didn't like it. Just didn't feel like saving the world was something I signed up for."
"Sorry. Anyway, what's your plans on getting here?"
"We are going to be flying from Boston to Brussels tomorrow, we should be there early Thursday I guess. You guys flying tomorrow or something?"
"We'll be leaving later tonight. We will pick you guys up at the airport. See you in Brussels." Isshin said as the conference call ended.
Andrew sighed. "So last day of our break and then back to the old grind. House is cleaned up, sheets are changed and fridge is cleaned up. Dad should be up here in a couple of days." Andrew said stripping down to his boxers."
Tatsuki had already stripped out of her clothes. "Guess we won't be doing this for a while. Shame I liked what we did these past couple of weeks."
"Same." Andrew said as he gently laid back onto Tatsuki's chest. "We'll find another time to do this. We came up with some interesting ideas."
Tatsuki nodded. "Yeah. Good night." Tatsuki said leaning down to kiss him, then Andrew rolled her over getting her to giggle. "I don't think my legs have fully recovered."
"You complaining?"
Tatsuki tapped her chin. "Not really. Though it is a good thing my period happened in the middle of this because I don't think my legs could handle it."
"One more for the road?"
"You got it." And the couple went at it again, knowing this was probably the last bit of alone time they would get.
Souske Plane Over the Sea of Japan August 24th
Aizen was now in a very sour mood. The attempts at getting Shell to see things his way were off to a bad start. The first attempt, to strike against one of the refineries in Gulf of Mexico failed when the U.S Coast Guard and the FBI got a tip off and arrested some of the conspirators. They chalked it up to a terrorist plot. They might have been be out of war for over a decade but they were still schizophrenic about terroristic plots and their military was still top notch, something that has kept the world at peace since the Arabic Civil War.
The second attempt, to kidnap one of the executives' child was foiled when they suddenly had changed plans and the spy within Shell could not get out before he was found, fired and sent to jail.
The most recent attempt was to disable the floodgates that Shell had developed. This was going well in the preparation right up until the day before the attack occurred. Interpol acting on a tip, caught the perpetrators and shut down one of his main terrorist groups in Europe.
Aizen swirled his wine glass. There were several reasons all three could have failed. One was that the police have been wire taping something that was in a legal grey area. The second was there was a tip off within the groups he hired. This was extremely unlikely for all three groups. This led to the third idea and this is what made him mad. There was a traitor in his company and he had no choice but to call an internal review and get some of his auditors. He needed to know who would willingly betray the company like this.
He went over in his head who could not have done this. First he concentrated on the drivers. Grimmjow and Ulquiorra were out they were steadfastly loyal to him. Tier would not want to put her crew in danger like this. As for Gin, he had to chuckle. After what had happened with the Kuchiki team, he could count on Gin being loyal to the company. This left some of the division heads who had access to the servers. Either way he needed to find the leak and fast.
Speaking of Gin, the fox man just walked into his office.
"Something on your mind boss man?"
Aizen looked at Gin. "Our operations have started to become compromised. We need to figure out who is leaking it out now! This company's public face may start crumbling soon and we will be history. I've already had to let some workers go to make up for the profit loss."
Gin frowned. "Any idea who it might be? Perhaps one of us."
"No, Grimmjow and Ulquiorra are too loyal and too stubborn to do something like that and Tier won't make a move to put her companions in harm's way."
"And me?"
"Simple, you don't have anywhere to go, so you have no choice but to be loyal to me. Regardless we need to focus on Belgium, this race is supposed to extremely hazardous to all drivers involved. I want our drivers to be mentally prepared for this race. The weather is calling for possible rain. With the way the course is laid out it can be tricky to set up for the weather and the track. Go inform the drivers.
"Yes, Aizen-sama." Gin said leaving the room. Once outside, Gin had to smile. 'Oh you deluded fool. It's the two people who you trust the most that will burn you alive.' Gin said as he headed towards his so-called teammates.
Thursday August 25, about 10:30 Central European Time, Brussels Belgium
Andrew yawned as they walked through the customs area of the airport. The flight was uneventful till the end when they encountered some turbulence due to a rain storm that had come in. They landed without incident and had gone through the passport checks. Andrew was lucky to get his passport updated otherwise this would have been an issue. Now in the baggage area they were waiting for their bags. Tatsuki had the majority of the bags as they carried not only her clothes but her camera equipment as well.
"I do not like waking up early. But that was a nice flight." Andrew said leaning back against the wall.
"It kind of does in first class." Tatsuki said watching for the bags. Upon seeing them she woke up Andrew and grabbed their stuff and left the customs area.
The walked through to the passenger waiting area looking for their friends. They didn't have to wait long as a red blur tackled Tatsuki. She laughed as she squeezed Orihime.
"Tatsuki-chan! Oh I missed you!" Orihime said smiling as she hugged her best friend.
"I missed you too, we have quite a bit to catch up on huh?" Tatsuki said.
Orihime nodded and started walking towards their friends. Andrew and Ichigo's meeting was more subdued.
"Hey man." Ichigo said as they shook hands and gave each other a hug.
"How's life." Andrew asked as they separated.
"Life's been…wonderful. I don't know if I've ever been this energetic or peaceful."
Andrew looked over at the giggling girls as they headed to Ichigo's car. "Orihime does that to people. Especially to the person she gave her precious gift to."
Ichigo hummed. "She deserves nothing but the best I can give her. Happiness, family, wealth."
Andrew chuckled. "I am glad you have your priorities straight. As for me, let's just say Tatsuki is a minx and leave it at that."
Ichigo chuckled at that and they pounded each other's fist and got into Ichigo's car to head back to the track.
An hour later they were pulling up to the plane where Isshin was waiting for them.
"Andrew. Tatsuki. Welcome back." Isshin said with a smile. He walked over to Andrew. "Andrew I…"
Andrew held up his hand. "Isshin, I forgave you already. Water under the bridge. We need to be united for the rest of the season."
Isshin nodded. Andrew looked at the garage and noticed the extra teams in the garage. "What other divisions are here this week?"
"The F1. This is one of their most prominent races on the schedule. Honda, Red Bull and Ferrari have teams in the top tier."
Ichigo rubbed his chin. "Perhaps we can get a pit pass to watch this Grand Prix from their pits."
"Already ahead of you on that. Anyway because of the tiers racing, the schedule is this. They have practice and then we have practice in the morning. In the afternoon they have qualifying then we do. They race on Saturday, we race on Sunday." Isshin said.
The group nodded as they moved into the plane.
Several hours later (Slight Yuri warning ahead Blame my mind)
Orihime and Tatsuki were catching up while also editing the footage they had acquired in the month. It was about 10 at night and they were dressed in their night wear, Orihime in a knee length shirt, Tatsuki a sports bra and panties.
Orihime stretched her limbs out. "Mou…this has been exhausting especially after traveling and the vacation we had."
Tatsuki looked at her orange haired friend with a smile. "I can tell. Your absolutely radiant Hime. What did Ichigo do to you?"
Orihime leaned back with a smile. "What didn't he do? It was the Tanabata festival. We came home from the festival and he compared me to a goddess." Orihime shivered at the memories. 'It was beautiful, I never felt so loved before. The only thing I wished was if it was our wedding night. Other than that it was absolutely everything I dreamed of." Orihime giggled. "Until that night I was so shy about showing off my body. Now, I feel liberated. Hence no underwear." She said. She looked at Tatsuki who was sitting on the bed. "What about you?"
Tatsuki sighed. "First off, I think I was a little drunk but I felt like I had inhibitions at all. Then we started kissing and Kami it felt good." Tatsuki's eyes glazed at that getting Orihime to giggle at her expression. "I felt…shy. A feeling I never experienced before. When it came time to actually do it…I turned into a school girl. He thoroughly dominated me and it felt good. I never in a million years would have submitted like that to a guy. Anyway, after that night let's just Andrew and I had some very vivid imaginations. I don't think my legs are fully recovered."
Orihime nodded and slowly stood up. Tatsuki recognized the look in her eyes. On occasion when they were alone, they would experiment with each other. They never did it with each other because they did not swing that way, but they were always bi-curious. Their family had known that they supported each like this and were happy they were comfortable with each other.
"Hime?"
"You said you would have never submit like that to a guy. But you know who is the dominant one in our relationship right?" She said with a sway in her hips. Tatsuki shivered. Orihime was all sweet and innocent to everyone even to Tatsuki. She just was more assertive and dare she say sexy. Tatsuki didn't even blink as Orihime pressed her back into a small kiss.
"Can we sleep together?" The princess said.
Tatsuki nodded and crawled under the covers and kissed her friend back. They fell asleep in each other's arms content in each other's arms."
An hour later their boyfriends came into find them hugging each other.
"Okay I might have drunk a little too much, but I see our girlfriends hugging each other like lovers." Andrew said holding his head.
"Uh…I think I see it to. Not that I'm complaining about the sight, but it would have been nice to know this relationship beforehand." Ichigo said.
Andrew sighed. "Would it have made a difference? I think they kept it because they probably be scrutinized by us our team and the media."
"So are they…"
"No more like Bi for each other because of the amount of trust they have." Andrew said.
Before Ichigo could retort a female voice snapped them out of their arguments. "You know its 11:00 at night?" Tatsuki said with a smirk. Orihime was behind her with a blanket over her chest, also with a smile.
This shut both of the males up. For a few moments there was silence. Ichigo addressed the elephant in the room. "So…how long have you know…?"
Orihime giggled. "A few years. We experimented in high school, decided to keep it between us and decided that regardless of whether or not we got a guy we would have each other."
"So…would this be cheating or just something on the side?" Andrew asked.
Tatsuki walked up to Andrew. "I like to think that its not cheating." She trailed her fingers on his chest. "More like we just wanted to help each other out but now that we're a couple, it won't happen as often." Tatsuki put on her best puppy dog look. "I'm sorry we didn't tell you. We didn't know what you would think."
Andrew smiled. "Its alright Tatsuki." Andrew looked at Ichigo who nodded. "Hime if you feel the need to do this with Tatsuki, then we aren't stopping you." He said walking over to Orihime and giving her a kiss. "We'll leave you two alone." He said as they began walking back.
"Um….if isn't too much…you two can stay." Orihime said shyly.
This stopped the boys and caused everyone to look at the red head. "I mean I know you two don't love each other like that, but…I think it will be fine sharing a bed like this. It might be a tight fit."
Andrew and Ichigo looked at each other and shrugged. "Can we really say no to Hime?"
"Not really."
A few minutes of awkward moving around and the girls were in the middle of the hug. Ichigo was lying behind Orihime while Andrew had his arms around the karate girl. It was a tight fit but for some odd reason they were comfortable like this."
Next day about 10:45, getting ready for qualifying
Andrew was sitting on a set of tires listening to his music, dressed in his suit and trying to keep his mind off of what happened the previous night and this morning. Nothing had happened but being in the same bed as Ichigo and Orihime along with Tatsuki was weird but it was comfy.
"Still thinking about last night?" Ichigo asked walking over. He was slightly wet due to the d
"Yeah. Tatsuki and Orihime having that type of relationship. I don't judge, quite honestly I was wondering why they were so close."
Andrew sighed. "I'm still straight thank you for asking. You might be handsome to other girls but to me your like brother, no way I would consider kissing you."
Ichigo choked. "I wasn't thinking that but thank you for saying what was on our minds."
Andrew chuckled. "We are going to have an interesting relationship with both of them. But we wouldn't trade them would we?"
Ichigo shook his head. "Nope."
A familiar voice called out to them. "Ichigo, Andrew. There you two are." They turned to see the eccentric mechanic and crew chief Kisuke walk up."
"Hey Kisuke." Andrew said shaking his hand. "How was the vacation?"
"Quite well save for your little outburst. But I think we all want to get back racing. F1 is about to finish. The crews are about to finish up the cars so let's get ready to go."
The two drivers nodded and headed towards their garage clearing their minds to focus on the race. A few minutes after 11, Kensei closed the hood on the 91 and Andrew started up the engine.
Andrew took a deep breath. "Oh I missed this." He said behind his helmet. Activating the wipers he backed up into the humid garage area and headed towards the track. Ichigo had just left the garage and was already on track. Andrew eased his way onto the pits and saw he was not the only one on the track as one of the Audis sped past him. Going down the hill, he was only in third gear as he climbed the Radillion for the first time. He completed his warm-up lap and came around the first turn. Gunning it down the hill he suddenly felt the reversal of the forces as he climbed up the hill and climbed to his maximum speed. After a full lap of shifting g-forces, Kisuke came onto the radio.
"How's the car feel?"
"Car feels fine. My body not so much, I now know how fighter pilots feel."
"Neck straining you?"
"Yes."
The sentiment was shared up and down pit road as the drivers practiced their race trim. At the end of the session, the weather had picked up slightly as the last of the cars rolled into the garage and F1 moved into the pits to begin their qualifying effort. By the time they finished qualifying, the rain had picked up to the point that the Grand Prix officials were debating having the session.
The Kurosaki team was in the garage waiting out the rain, while the crews were adjusting their cars to race trim.
"It appears that is rain will keep us from qualifying. A shame, I think there quite a number of cars that can do well in qualifying." Uryuu said.
"So what is the procedure for this?" Tatsuki asked holding up her camera.
"I think…it's the rule NASCAR uses. It's the fastest practice speeds, which would mean I would start 3rd, Uryuu would be 21st, Ichigo would be 17th and Chad would be 12th. I don't blame them, this track is tricky enough in race trim, add a rain slicked track and there would be sliding everywhere."
Before anyone else could comment, a very snide voice was heard. "Well, well. Look who we have here. It's the Kurosaki whelps."
Ichigo scowled as Grimmjow and Ulquiorra approached while the rest of the crew prepared to intervene. "What are you two bastards doing here, I thought you were supposed to stay away from us."
Grimmjow waved it off. "Yeah, yeah. But we haven't seen each other in a month. I thought we say hello."
"I am surprised you aren't behind bars with the stunts you've pulled." Andrew said.
"Whatever happens on track is not conductive of behavior off the track." Ulquiorra said silencing the playboy. "Regardless of our conduct, we have stayed out of trouble for the most part. Grimmjow's hot head was a moment of lost clarity."
"Loss clarity or not, you were not going to be qualifying anyway due to fighting at Hungary."
"And the reason we got in trouble is because you decided to be a jerk on the last lap." Grimmjow growled.
Before Andrew could retort, an official walked up to them to quell the argument.
"That is enough gentlemen. I came over to let you know that qualifying is rained out. Jaegerjaquez, Cifer due to your penalties you're starting in the back. Michaels, Kurosaki, Ishida, Yasotora, your speeds in practice will be your qualifying speed. Newman has the pole if you're asking." The official said as he walked over to talk to Kisuke.
Andrew grinned and watched the Souske drivers walk over.
"If we ain't qualifying, I'm going to go get changed, If anyone needs me other than Tatsuki I'll be online." He said as he walked back to the plane with his teammates following shortly after.
Starting Line-Up: Belgium
1. Shawn Newman
2. Bjorn Kristensen
3. Andrew Michaels
4. Jason Vettal
5. Ralph Hamilton
6. Gin Ichimaru
7. Soi Fong
8. Brian Mcnish
9. Ralph Dillon
10. George Schumacher
11. Tier Harribel
12. Chad Yasotora
13. Serenity Gordon
14. Maria Robertson
15. Michael Kennseth
16. Jessica Rosburg
17. Ichigo Kurosaki
18. Archie Stewart
19. Ikkaku Madarame
20. Dale Earnhardt IV
21. Uryuu Ishida
22. Robert Johnson
23. Patricia Stenhouse
24. Raoul Garcia
25. Kira Izuru
26. Marcus Andretti
27. Rebecca Kirkland
28. Allen Regan
29. Michael Bush
30. Renji Abarai
31. Jason Webber
32. Francesca Alonso
33. Flippe Massa III
34. Alexandra Edwards
35. Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez (Penalty for previous race)
36. Ulquiorra Cifer (Penalty for previous race)
(Will the lack of actual practice impact the race?)
Saturday August 27th about 12:15PM Central European Time
Andrew, Ichigo and their girlfriends were now in the pit area of the F1 Honda team. Looking down the pit road, they saw the Ferrari drivers George Schumacher and Francisca Alonso in their respective pits getting interviewed, along with the Red Bull drivers. The girls were curious about how F1 runs their races.
The first thing they noticed was that the cars were already on the track similar to when they were at Nordschliefe. The second is like at tracks like Monaco the teams were sharing the pits. Third was unlike the Grand Prix these teams were two team operations which made sharing pits and crews easier. The last were the team names. Sure there were some recognizable teams, Red Bull and Ferrari being the two main ones, with Honda backing their own team as well. The other seven teams were a bit more obscure. Williams-Reanult, Sahara Force India, Mercedes, Toro Rosso, McLaren, Sauber, and Lotus. With the exception of Force India and Honda they were all European teams. Based on the media coverage, the Ferrari, Red Bull and the Mercedes teams were the big name teams.
One set of reporters actually came over to interview them as the broadcasters knew that three of the teams also had GP drivers. The brunette, an American by the looks of it immediately started gushing over Andrew.
"Mr. Andrew Michaels. Oh what an honor. I didn't think you were this handsome. Sorry, I'm Jennifer Johnston, working for NBC Sports. They wanted to interview the Kurosaki, Ferrari and Red Bull Teams and I was the lucky one to get you. Alright let's get this going."
Tatsuki growled at the harpy around her man. But she had to maintain her cool, she was dating one of the drivers so some professional decorum was expected.
The cameraman counted them down. At the signal Jennifer immediately went into her job.
Jennifer: Thanks Jim. I'm here with all four of the Kurosaki-Ishida Drivers, here to take in the F1 race. Now Ichigo, you came out to help support the F1 team, what do you think of the cars considering your used to racing something a bit bigger.
Ichigo: Just because we race larger cars does not mean that we don't have equal horsepower. F1 can definitely beat our cars in a sprint. But you never know in the long run.
Jennifer: You never know right. So Andrew, why come out to see this race, when F1 runs on some of the same weekends.
Andrew: We felt with the distractions we had at some of the races we couldn't really find time to watch. But with the break we had, we feel we can watch the race with no issues. Besides, like you said we grew up racing in much larger cars, we can also watch how they race differently from us.
Jennifer: Alright then, so you think Honda can win today?"
Andrew: (Shrugs) Anything is possible.
Jennifer ended the interview and immediately started talking up Andrew. He clearly was uncomfortable as he did not know how to politely get her to leave. Finally Tatsuki stepped in.
"Excuse me, but I think Andrew is feeling uncomfortable, please give him some space."
Jennifer looked at Tatsuki. "Who are you supposed to be? His guard? Man you rich types will hire anyone to protect them, even butch girls."
Before Tatsuki could go to throttle her, Andrew voice stopped her. "I would appreciate if you did not insult my girlfriend. So I suggest you back off. Now!"
Jennifer gulped. She had just insulted the girlfriend of one of the rising stars of GP1 and he was backed by a company that could ruin her.
Ichigo had waved down an official who had heard the situation.
"Ms. Johnston we are going to have to ask you to come with us. Your press pass is being revoked and NBC will hear about this."
Andrew smirked as the girl and camera crew was led away. He turned to his girlfriend. "Thanks Tatsuki."
Tatsuki gained a cocky smirk. "No hussy is moving in on my man." The group of four walked to the Honda pit and observed the crews getting ready for the race. At the scheduled time, the engines were fired up. The noise was clearly different, instead of the roars they were used to, they sounded higher pitched. The cars left the grid and rolled down the track for their warm-up lap which was similar to the Grand Prix save they did it single file. The pits had T.V's which tied into the broadcasts as the cars came up to the grid in the order they were given. A couple of the drivers had been dropped in the grid due to various penalties in their scoring. When they were all set, a set of lights turned on and all the engines went to their max power. It took less than two seconds to go full throttle as they waited for the lights to extinguish. Once the lights went off the cars raced towards the first turn and charged their way through the hairpin and nearly wrecking most of the field. They cleared up as they went to Eau Rouge with one car having been knocked off the track resulting in a local yellow for the turn.
After a few minutes, it became obvious that there was not going to be a lot of passing out side of Eau Rouge and the hairpin turn. As the race wore on the weather started becoming damp and many of the teams were preparing to change tires.
Andrew pulled out a stopwatch. "Blink and you'll miss this stop."
Tatsuki looked through her camera as one of the Honda drivers came into their shared pit. He pulled up to a set of tire already set up, a set of intermediates. Once the car stopped, the flurry of activity changing the tires and making a small wing adjustment took nearly no time at all.
"2.8 seconds. Not bad." Andrew said.
"Sugoi." Orihime said with wide eye wonder.
"Wait that whole thing was less than 3 seconds?" Tatsuki said with bugged out eyes.
"Yep, every second counts. In a league where passing is premium, races are won or lost in the pits."
Andrew chuckled as the other Honda entry came in. "Most of the innovations we take for granted today, were innovated over a hundred years ago and not in Europe. Rubberized Fuel Cells and Seatbelts were in NASCAR's Grand National Division, which predate the Winston Sponsorship in NASCAR's A Division were standard before Le Mans and F1. The pit stops as we know it were innovated by Wood Brothers Racing, a team that currently races in the B Division of NASCAR, in the 1960's. To give you some perspective, My Grandfather's Father wasn't even born when that happened. Yes I have pride in NASCAR, they are one of the reasons racing is what it is today."
Tatsuki was thankful the camera was on, because that probably was one of the better lines she had heard from any driver.
They stayed to watch the rest of the race which was won by a Ferrari, with a Honda driver getting one on the podium and another got points as well by finishing in the top ten.
Next day August 28th, 730 AM
Ichigo groaned awake. "Damn…it's been a while since I had to get up early like this." He yawned and laid back on Orihime's chest getting her to giggle.
"Good morning Ichigo." She said softly. Ichigo looked up. "Your too perky in the morning, Hime."
The red haired princess giggled as her boyfriend raised himself over her, showing he was as nude as she was.
"Sorry you just look like a child. It's adorable." She said raising her hand to his cheek.
Ichigo playfully growled. "A child, huh? I don't think a child would do this." He leaned down to kiss her which got moans out of the princess.
Looking at the clock and seeing it was not even 8, he gained a cocky grin. "You think we can get a round in before we have to get ready."
Orihime smiled. "Like I'm going to stop you anyway, just have to keep it down."
Ichigo said nothing as he leaned into kiss her.
Meanwhile, in the other room, Tatsuki and Andrew were catching their breath after their session.
"What a way to wake up." Tatsuki said catching her breath.
"Yep, now I am all pumped up. I've been itching to get racing." Andrew said jumping out of the bed. Tatsuki giggled and laid in bed while Andrew took his shower. Once out he went over to to his music player and selected a song. A familiar riff played and he had to grin.
(Play Highway to Hell by AC/DC)
Andrew finished getting dressed. Turning to Tatsuki who was in the middle of zipping up her suit, he grinned at what little she was wearing underneath. Tatsuki turned around and grinned at her boyfriend as she made a show of slowly dressing.
Ichigo was finished dressing and watched Orihime bounce over and kiss him for luck before the left their room.
In the nurse's station, Chad was kissing Isane before he went to go race. In the garage area, Uryuu was watching his girlfriend finish up his car. A smile that wasn't normally present on his face was shown as he appreciated the work.
In the garage area a small drizzle was beginning to fall, forcing the teams to change the tires out before they put the cars on the grid. Meanwhile, on the track, some portions of the track were drier than others. For those who have seen a race on this track, this was a common occurrence due to how the track as built and where it was built. Despite the weather, it was another sellout for the Grand Prix.
In the Souske garage, Aizen was watching with a critical eye as the crew moved the cars to the grid. His mind was clearly not at the race, it was more focused on the issues his company was facing.
Up in the booths, the broadcasters were finishing their prep work, while talking about their month off. Around the track, the cameras and the safety crews were keeping dry as the drizzle continued.
In the driver's meeting, Yammamato was reminding them of the different aspects of the track and the weather affecting the track. With one last message he broke the meeting to let the drivers prepare for the race.
(End Previous song. Begin Adrenaline by Shinedown)
After a month of relaxing, 36 of the world's best driver return to action as they begin to enter the final stretch of the season. The year has been long, but the fire in their eyes has not diminished in the slightest.
For some the fire has been burning hot. Like the Kurosaki-Ishida team. (All four drivers are shown) They have taken the racing world by storm. Two of them Ichigo Kurosaki and Andrew Michaels are at the top of the standings, the team combined has won seven races out of seventeen and have a very comfortable points lead in the team standings. Nothing seems to be going wrong for the rookies.
But their luck may just run out. Spa is a word that excites and scares racers. In the Belgium countryside, this track is one of the fastest trucks that is run regularly on the Grand Prix. So fast in fact, the original version of the track had to be cut in half. With unpredictable weather, (Rain is shown on section and dry on another) dangerous turns (Eau Rouge is shown) and a penchant for speed, fans and drivers love this track
You feel that. (A speedometer is shown approaching the red zone) It's the thrill of danger, the taste of victory, Its. (Maximum speed is reach as it begins to fade out) The Adrenaline."
The track outline is shown.
"Welcome. To Belgium."
(Pans to the booth)
Jeremy: Welcome to the 18th round of the World Grand Prix and welcome back to racing after a month. Good morning, Good Afternoon, Good Evening to all of those watching. Welcome to Spa-Francochamps, and Nate, this course is unpredictable as the weather.
Nate: That's right, it's drizzling now but it can turn into a downpour later. This is on top of the fact that this course can reach speeds rivaling Talladega and Daytona, makes for a very excited and very dangerous race.
Jeremy: It's been a month but let's bounce back to the Hungary race before we move forward.
(Begin replay)
Nate: It was wetter than normal in Budapest as the Red Bull team seemed to take control of the race. Most of the racers struggled with grip as the rain fell. The rain did not dampen any of the tempers. Raoul Garcia and Michael Busch continued their off track issues after the wrecked each other. But the big issue was after the race.
Jeremy: Tension have been rising between both the Souske and Kurosaki pits and seemingly came to a head as Grimmjow and Andrew exchanged words (Scene is show where the fight breaks out.) The crews get involved and it seemingly ended. The Kurosaki drivers are heading back to their plane and they get jumped by Grimmjow.
Nate: Now the Kurosaki team in the interview after the race tried to take the high road and remove themselves. When Grimmjow jumped them, they had every right to defend themselves like they did.
Jeremy: The penalties were particularly harsh on Grimmjow and Ulquiorra the instigators of the incident. $300,000 each, their crew chiefs are suspended until China and they are starting from the rear. Three Kuchiki crew members involved were suspended as well. There was no penalty for Ichigo and Andrew as they determined they were defending themselves and their girlfriends.
Nate: For more on this story, let's send it over to Kiyone Kotestu who is with our two points leaders.
Kiyone: Thanks Nate. Andrew, Ichigo you were in the middle of that scuffle could you tell us what exactly led up to what happened at Hungary.
Andrew: Grimmjow has been talking smack all season and he hasn't backed it up. I think what happened at Hungary goes back to Germany. We passed him on the last lap after being behind most of the race and my engine gave out after we crossed the line.
Ichigo: I think he has it in his head that as rookies we don't belong with the big boys this year. He has not been competitive all year. So when that fight broke out and we found a way to remove ourselves. Grimmjow decided to attack us from behind and with our girlfriends there we had to make sure it didn't spiral out of control.
Kiyone: Thank Kami you two did that. Thanks for clearing that up. Andrew will roll off seventh and Ichigo 17th.
The moment the interview ended, Grimmjow who been talking with the British crew had heard their comments and stomped over. Aizen had the foresight to send one of the crew members to hold him back. Being near their cars, allowed Andrew and Ichigo's crew to separate them.
Up in the booths Jushiro had to wipe his brow.
Jushiro: Well that could have been ugly. Cooler heads seem to be prevailing at the moment.
Kommamura: Let's hope that translates to cooler heads on the track.
With the weather moving in, the ceremonies were quickly held and the drivers strapped in.
Andrew was putting on his gloves and smiled at Tatsuki as Kisuke gave him final instructions and then shook his hand.
Orihime gave Ichigo a kiss before he strapped in and placed his helmet on. He smiled behind his helmet as Orihime left.
Further back on the grid Aizen was talking with the two drivers he got sent to back.
"We have fast cars. Do not let anyone get in your way." He said walking towards the garage.
"NOW FOR THE MOST FAMOUS WORDS IN RACING! DRIVERS. START. YOUR. ENGINES!"
Thirty-six engines that had been dormant for over a month roared to life and excited the crowds.
American Booth
Jeremy: Nothing like hearing those engines roar after a month layoff. The fans are excited and I hope the fans at home are ready.
Nate: As we watch the cars roll off in rows of two, the order is set by their practice speeds due to the wash out in qualifying. Unlike NASCAR we can run in any weather condition so there won't be a yellow to check the grips. They are currently on the Soft tires for more grip and the intermediates will be in play before too long.
Jeremy: Let's look at the race stats as they do their warm-up laps at a pedestrian 65 to keep the tires warm.
Nate: 100 laps on the 4.3 miles circuit that is currently very wet. They might be a little slow but the fuel and tire window is going to be about 19-22 laps.
Jeremy: Factors watch include the weather which on this track is extremely unpredictable. And then there are two sections that are particular that might give drivers a lot of fits.
Nate: (Eau Rouge is shown) Eau Rouge which is early in the lap is one of those areas. Your coming downhill from the La Source Hairpin and then shoot back up in a left right left combo. If you make a mistake here you could lose a lot of time or possibly crash.
Jeremy: (Camera shifts to Blanchimont) The other area of concern is the Blanchimont straight especially before the bus stop. They can easily reach max speed and then have to slow all the way to first gear. That could cause some issues, but it is a great passing area.
Nate: Before we get racing let's talk with our pole sitter Shawn Newman. Shawn this is Nate Jarrett, you got a copy.
"10-4. What's up?"
"Qualifying was rained out and you got the pole you think you can be competitive today.
"Well we are used to driving fast in the rain but we are up for the challenge."
"How do you think the layoff will impact your driving?
"The break was nice but its nice to be racing again.
"Alright good luck."
Another lap passed and the safety car extinguished its lights. Going through Blanchimont the safety car sped up to get of the way. Coming out of the bus stop chicane the green flag was waved and those at the front of the pack sped up and then quickly slowed to get around the first turn. It was thankfully wide enough to allow people to go around but with the slick track, some had to go wide to avoid any wrecks. Leaving the turn they quickly approached Eau Rouge and the climb up the hill. While the softer tires weren't as durable they could still get to top speeds as they sped down straight nearly approaching top gear. Heading into the chicane, Shawn was able to get some separation before he headed into the hairpin. In the next section, despite the wide turns, they had to slow down before approaching the s turns. After the turns they started picking up speed as they went through the quick right handers before the Blanchimont stretch. It was a sight to see 36 cars approaching their max speed through one of the faster sections of track.
The final stretch of the lap had all of the cars hard on the brakes to enter the chicane and head to the finish line.
Japanese Booth
Kommamura: Lap one in the books, Shawn Newman leading Jason Vettal back into the La Source Hairpin. Mcnish up to third, Michaels shuffled back to fourth.
Jushiro: No trouble so far but that could easily change as Soi Fong makes a move to fifth at the top of Eau Rouge.
After the opening laps the racers settled down. Five laps in, Brian Mcnish managed to get past Newman as they went through the La Source straight. Soi Fong managed to get up to third and was quickly picking up time.
"Omeida whatever our techs put in this car is freaking amazing.
"That's great mam, we'll try our best to keep you on point." Omeida said glad at the rare good mood of his driver.
Five laps after the conversation, Soi Fong took to the lead of the La Source hairpin and quickly put distance on second place. By the time she reach the line, she had a near two second edge.
American Booth
Jeremy: Soi Fong has put some considerable distance on the second place Mcnish.
Nate: If qualifying wasn't rained out, I think this car would have been on pole.
On track Soi Fong put some considerable distance on second and there was only one retirement. Flippe Massa had blown a tire and went off at La Source and pulled behind a wall. The first round of pit stops occurred around lap 19 with Soi Fong coming in around lap 20 with a bunch of cars.
Japan Booth
Jushiro: Leader is coming in. Kiyone what is Soi Fong looking at.
Kiyone: (As Soi Fong pulls in) She is saying this is one of the better cars she has ever had. A little tight but nothing she can't handle in the weather. Four tires with a small air change and she is down and away a great stop.
Another lap passed and Andrew came in losing the lead.
Kommamura: Maverick is coming in, what's up with him?
Kiyone: He wants whatever is in the 002, because he can't seem to get any closer than he is right now. Wedge adjustment and four tires and he's away.
Jushiro: That seems to be the mindset of the front runners at the moment. Soi Fong has been nearly untouchable sense the drop of the green flag.
On the track the pit stops cycled through and Soi Fong took the lead back with Andrew stayed in 2nd and could not get any closer than three seconds. Grimmjow after starting in the back had made a serious trackbar change to tighten up the car and it took like a rocket after changing to the harder compound. By the time second set of pit stops, the blue-haired playboy reached seventh and the rain started to fall again forcing everyone who wanted to switch to the harder tires to switch to the intermediates. Due to the slower speeds, Soi Fong was able to stretch the fuel out but Grimmjow who had gotten around Andrew had closed the gap.
Heading towards Blanchimont, Renji was attempting to pass Bjorn heading into turn 17. As he went to his right, he misjudged where the dirt was and his right side tires. He overcorrected hit Bjorn and headed towards the inside wall. Bouncing back, Allen Regan was an unfortunate victim as the tumbled into the wet sand tearing up the cars and impacting the tire barrier. Safety crews were already on the scene as the yellow was thrown.
American Booth
Jeremy: Grimmjow now two seconds back and closing fast on Soi Fong as the leaders consider their next pit stop-
Nate: (Camera shifts to catch the end of the wreck) Trouble at the Blanchimont. Hard hit. It's the 64 all torn up. I see an Audi it's the 008 of Kristensen and I see a Rousch 6 of Allen Regan. Hard impact, but all three nets are down and the safety car is out.
Jeremy: Let's see the replays. (Previous scene is shown) Looks like Renji got overeager and misjudged at the wrong spot on the track. Regan was an unfortunate bystander.
Nate: Fortunately they are okay. What this does is close up the field so they could make it on one more stop as the rain starts to pick up.
Jeremy: They pass by the wrecks and heading towards the pits, what do you think the strategy is at the moment.
Nate: Get to the end as safely and quickly as possible. They have turned on their windshield wipers. They had the intermediates out and the wets as well on standby.
Jeremy: Here they come, leaders coming to you Jermaine.
Jermaine: Due to starting in the back, Grimmjow has the second to last stall. He wants no changes, four tires no changes and he's away before most of the teams even get onto pit road. Kiyone?
Kiyone: Soi Fong is saying the car loosened up as the run progressed. Four tires and trying to pack as much fuel as she can and she won't beat Grimmjow out. Harry?
Harry: Andrew is looking for some grip so they are going down on the track bar, four tires and the engine stalls. He's going to lose three four five spots as he finally gets his car going and he will be eighth as he leaves the pit area.
Andrew growled and pounded on the steering wheel. "What the hell happened Kisuke!?"
"Must have over revved the engines. Looks like we will have to fight our way back."
Andrew sighed. He then got hit with a series of images.
Images
As they come down from the La Source Hairpin, someone in front of him gets anxious and tries to make a move. The move backfired as they went through Eau Rouge. One car bounced back off the wall and looked to be heading towards him.
Andrew gasped.
"Andrew?"
"It happened again. It happened in front of me and it nearly hit me. Its at Eau Rouge."
"Calm down, when does it happen?
"I think…I think after the flag drops. The field is too bunched up."
"Oh boy…" Kisuke said as the pace car started speeding up. It was lap 68 and even the fans were starting to feel the tension. Coming to take the flag, the drivers got through La Source okay. It was on the stretch heading towards Eau Rouge that disaster struck.
Next several lines take place at the same time
Brian Mcnish who was in third was looking to get around the Ferrari of George Schumacher. The track suddenly shrank as the climbed the hill and he moved to his left clipping the Ferrari. Mcnish and Schumacher were sent straight into the barriers and Mcnish's car disintegrated. Schumacher's car bounced back nearly hitting Andrew and got T-boned by Ichigo who was in 8th, who got rear ended by Gin Ichimaru. The three cars blocked the rest of the turn as more cars seeing the wreck checked up and got into the wreck. Somehow, eight other cars managed to drive through the grass on the right side of the turn or was far enough behind to react.
Japanese Booth
Kommamura: Through the La Source and heading towards Eau Rouge Mcnish is trying to pass Schumacher and the track closes up they touch! Mcnish hard into the barrier, Schumacher back across the track! T-Boned by the 15 rear ended by the 003 more cars involved!
Jushiro: It might be easier to sort through the cars that did not get involved this is going to bring out the red flag.
American Booth
Jeremy: Grimmjow leading them into the Eau Rouge, Mcnish trying to get around Schumacher. They Touch! Mcnish hard into the barrier. Schumacher bouncing across the track! T-boned by Kurosaki! More cars trying to check up and get involved!
Nate: Good Lord! This reminds me of Talladega and Daytona. Except this wiped out half the field as somehow eight cars behind this mess escaped.
Ichigo's Car
Ichigo was battling for ninth when he spotted the Audi and Ferrari colliding. He widened his eyes when the Ferrari bounced back.
"S&%*!" Ichigo yelled as he T-boned the spinning out Ferrari at over 130 MPH. The car behind him hit him hard too as the cars drifted to the wall at the top of the hill.
"ONI-CHAN! ONI-CHAN! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?
"Ichigo! Respond! Are you alright!"
Ichigo groaned as he moved to remove the belts and his HANS Device.
"Yeah, though I am going to be feeling that for a while." He moaned as he heard ringing in his ears as he pulled down his net and pulled himself out. Some of the safety workers helped him out. He took a couple of steps and then had to sit down.
"Are you alright?" The man asked concerned.
"I don't have any injuries if that's what you mean, but I feel like I just got hit by bull. You try to walk away from that wreck. How are the other drivers?" He said as he stood up a little wobbly.
"Most of the drivers are okay. So are the fans, none of the debris hit the stands."
Ichigo nodded and recovered his wits. "That's good."
Kurosaki pits
Isshin was watching the green flag drop and watched the cars head to Eau Rouge. When the wreck started he was watching the cameras and gasped as Ichigo slammed into Schumacher. He did not even need to see Orihime's reaction. He immediately went on the radio. "Ichigo! Respond! Are you okay?" Isshin said in a panic.
"Yeah…though I am going to be feeling that for a while."
Resume normal time
Isshin sighed. Ryuken walked up. "Uryu is involved too. Chad somehow avoided the wreck. Andrew is in third.
"Andrew is breathing heavily. He had some sort of vision and he couldn't prevent it." Kisuke said as the officials came to tell them the race was being red flagged. The cars came in and stopped down pit road to allow the clean-up.
Andrew could not unbuckle fast enough and climbed out of the car. Tatsuki filmed as Andrew ran through the garage. A look at Isshin who nodded and she ran after him.
She found Andrew breathing heavily on the ramp to her plane.
"I…tried to get around it, I tried to warn him. Ichigo is in the hospital." He started to panic.
Tatsuki watched her boyfriend nearly break down and did one thing that she could think of. She turned off the camera and slapped him.
SMACK
Andrew held his cheek. "First off, OW! Second, what the heck?"
Tatsuki grabbed his shoulders. "You were becoming hysterical." Tatsuki sighed. "Ichigo is fine and so is Uryuu. They are in the infield care center. Ichigo might be there for a longer time but he was able to walk to the ambulance. Hime should be there now. They are fine, they aren't dead."
Andrew calmed down. "Good." He looked up at the sky and say it was drizzling. "They are going to have a hard time getting this race back up. We are passed halfway and its going to take a while to clean this up."
Tatsuki nodded. "Okay, let's go the center. I think my boss wants to see our team in the center."
Andrew nodded and they went to infield care center. There were already multiple camera crews there and Andrew and Tatsuki pushed their way through the crowds. Inside the center was filled up and the doctors were closely examining all the drivers.
"Andrew, Tatsuki. Over here." Isane's voice cut through the confusion. The two saw the silver haired nurse approach them. "Ichigo and Uryuu are in the back, Dr. Unohana is looking after them. Chad is here as well as the crew chiefs."
The two followed Isane to the room where their friends were. Opening up the door, they saw Ichigo wrapped around Orihime tenderly while Uryuu was sitting up talking to his father.
Andrew smiled. "Ichigo, glad your okay."
Ichigo grinned and then grimaced getting Orihime to ease up on the hug. "I've had worse, but this was pretty bad."
Isshin sighed. "Thank god for all the safety features. However, the concern is to get the race going. Its going to a while to clean up."
"There is also the concern about the drivers to continue the race. If the race were to end now…"
"Grimmjow would win." Andrew said. "So its in their best interest to see this race called."
Ichigo struggled to sit up. "Well we can't have that happening." He winced in pain.
Dr. Unohana walked in. "Kurosaki-kun, while I admit you do not have anything broken, I would advise you take it easy for the next few days. Perhaps get someone to massage your back." She said with a smile at Orihime who blushed. He addressed the rest of the team. "There will be a driver's meeting in twenty minutes to discuss how to proceed with the race."
The team nodded and proceeded to where the driver's meeting was held. When they got there the rest of the racers and their crew chiefs were there along with the top ranking racing officials.
Yammamato cleared his throat. "Thank you all for coming. It has come to our attention that some drivers have expressed concerns continuing the race due to the weather and the time it will take to clear the wreck. Our estimates say it will be another half an hour to clean up and repair the barriers and there is rain coming in. I now ask if there is anyone who believes strongly that this race should end.
Grimmjow grinned and stood up. "Well like you said boss, you have to take our safety into account. After a wreck like that, I'm sure some of us are lucky to be in the race. And with the weather rolling in, I don't think we can the remaining distance in." He said with a cocky smirk.
There were some murmuring from the drivers and the Kurosaki team scowled. Andrew looked at Tatsuki and whispered. "I'm about to do something really stupid."
He stood up. "I didn't take you for a coward Grimmjow." All eyes turned to him. "You were always out to prove you're the best. Now that you're in front and there is questions on continuing the race you're taking the easy way out? Sounds like you're a pussy cat instead of a panther."
Grimmjow growled. "What do you know you NASCAR wannabe you didn't race in the rain?"
"For good reason, ever try to race an oval in the rain with all of the banking?" Andrew fired back. He looked at the group. "I will admit that wreck scared me. But so did the wrecks at Daytona and Talladega. Excuse my language, but hell I've been in bigger wrecks. And I was racing the next week. So there is a little rain coming in. Big deal. I'm willing to race in it."
Andrew looked at Grimmjow and then at Yammamato. "How about this. We let the drivers vote since it impacts them."
Yammamto rubbed his beard. "Hm…very well are there any restrictions?"
"Yes. Only the drivers still in the race will vote." Andrew said. "Also as me and Grimmjow are already on either side of the argument we will remove ourselves from the vote. Seven votes will decide this.
Grimmjow grinned. "Fine then. If it will get you to shut up I'll play your game."
Yammamato stood up. "If you vote to continue the race, stand next to Michaels-san. If you vote to end it, stand next to Jagerjaquez-san."
Almost immediately, Chad and Ulquiorra stood next to their teammates. The remaining 3 Kuchiki drivers, Soi Fong, Kira and Ikkaku looked at each other and immediately stood next to Andrew.
Ralph Dillion and Dale Earnhardt stood silent and abstained which got Grimmjow to grin. One of the biggest hurdles to the vote went in his favor. It was still 4-1 with two no votes. He could still dead lock the vote which would then go to Yammamato.
Maria was the only Ferrari entry left. She was in currently in fourth her best run this year and she had a chance to win. There was no way she was going to give this up.
"No way am I giving up a chance to win because a certain panther is scared or too greedy to fight for the win." She said walking over to Andrew making it 5-1 with five drivers left and two no votes.
Marcus stood up. "All I have to say is rubbing is racing. Let's do this." Marcus said as he and his teammate Archie walked over to Andrew. The Hendrick team just stood up and clapped as they walked over to Andrew as did the Audi entries, Rebecca and Raoul.
"Well I see the driver's voices have been heard. Once the track is cleared up we will race again."
Aizen watched as the other drivers left the meeting room, anger clear on his face. His drivers were humiliated and now Kurosaki had the support of the entire garage. He stormed off to his plane with Tier and Gin watching him march away.
A half hour later, the track was cleared and repaired and the red flag was pulled. They were allowed to make a lap and then came in for service. During the service, Grimmjow's engine stalled. They got it to restart and he went back out on the track after about 5 minutes during which the field was already in turn 17. Only for him to be called for speeding and also taking a piece of equipment out of the pit box. He growled as he had to come back down pit road and stop in his pit box for 15 seconds as the field got the one to go signal on lap 72.
American Booth
Jeremy: As they get the one to go signal, let us show who is still in the running.
Nate: In first at the moment is the lone Ferrari entry left, Maria Robertson. In second is one of the surviving Stewart-Haas cars, Shawn Newman in the 39, followed by the 002 Kuchiki Toyota of Soi Fong.
Jeremy: Fourth is the 91 Kurosaki Honda Andrew Michaels who will finish today as the points leader over his teammate. Fifth is the Hendrick Chevy 3 of Ralph Dillon. 6th is his teammate Dale Earnhardt IV in the 88.
Nate: 7th is the Audi 004 of Raoul Garcia. 8th is the second surviving Toyota, the 003 of Kira Izuru. 9th is the other Audi the 007 of Rebecca Kirkland.
Jeremy: 10th is the 66 Kurosaki Honda Chad Yasotora. 11th is Archie Stewart the 14 Viper from Stewart-Haas. 12th is the first Souske entry left, the 04 of Ulquiorra Cifer. 13th is the last Kuchiki entry the 11 of Ikkaku Mandarame. And after being forced to serve a penalty, the 14th and last car left racing is the Souske 06 of Grimmjow Jagerjaquez as the field comes down to take the green flag on lap 73.
The field took the flag and Maria jumped out front and pulled away after the hairpin turn. After the large wreck and with rain moving in, some drivers were more careful. Still, the cars that were good before the wreck were good after the wreck as Soi Fong reeled in Maria and passed her in Blanchimont on lap 83.
Grimmjow had been in an extremely sour mood as he climbed through the remnants of the field. By the time he got up to 3rd there were two laps left. Based on how Soi Fong was pacing the field, he would have to settle for trying to get to second. Which was going to be tough, because it was Andrew and his dislike for him was obvious.
Soi Fong was already up Eau Rouge when Andrew and Grimmjow took the white flag. It was a heated battle as they climbed the hill and headed down La Combe. The section time had Andrew ahead by two seconds as they navigated the second hairpin. Grimmjow still could not get any closer as the approached Blanchimont. His one chance was to get him in the bus stop chicane. As they approached the turn, they knew Soi Fong had already crossed the line and they were fighting for second. Andrew slowed down and Grimmjow decided to try to attack the turn in an effort to pass Andrew. He almost skidded off the track as Andrew successfully blocked him and beat him to the line for second.
After all of the chaos and carnage, the Kurosaki team came none the worse for wear. But Souske is getting angry and drastic actions could be taken. What will happen? Find out on Bleach Grand Prix.
Finish Order: Belgium
1. Soi Fong, Kuchiki, 40 points 73 laps led
2. Andrew Michaels, Kurosaki 36 points 2 laps led
3. Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, Souske 35 points 5 laps led
4. Maria Robertson, Ferrari 34 points 12 laps led
5. Raoul Garcia, Audi, 32 points
6. Chad Yasotora, Kurosaki, 31 points
7. Archie Stewart, Stewart-Haas 30 points
8. ,Ulquiorra Cifer, Souske 29 points
9. Ralph Dillon, Hendrick 28 points
10. Shawn Newman, Stewart-Haas 5 laps led 28 points
11. Rebecca Kirkland, Audi 26 points
12. Kira Izuru, Kuchiki, 25 points
13. Dale Earnhardt IV Hendrick 24 points
14. Ikkaku Madarame, Kuchiki, 23 points
15. Jason Webber, Red Bull 22 points Out
16. Ralph Hamilton, Red Bull 21 points Out
17. Tier Harribel, Souske 20 points Out
18. Serenity Gordon, Hendrick 19 points Out
19. Robert Johnson, Hendrick 18 points Out
20. George Schumacher, Ferrari 17 points Out
21. Michael Kennseth, Rousch 16 points Out
22. Michael Bush, Stewart-Haas, 16 points Out 1 lap led
23. Jessica Rosburg, Ferrari 14 points Out
24. Jason Vettal, Red Bull 13 points Out
25. Francesca Alonso, Ferrari 12 points Out
26. Ichigo Kurosaki, Kurosaki, 11 points Out
27. Patricia Stenhouse, Rousch 10 points Out
28. Uryuu Ishida, Kurosaki 9 points Out
29. Alexandra Edwards, Rousch 8 points Out
30. Brian Mcnish, Audi 8 points 2 laps led Out
31. Gin Ichimaru, Souske 7 points 5 laps led Out
32. Marcus Andretti, Stewart-Haas 5 points Out
33. Allen Regan, Rousch, 4 points Out
34. Renji Abarai, Kuchiki 3 points Out
35. Bjorn Kristensen, Audi 2 points Out
36. Flippe Massa III, Red Bull 1 point Out
Drivers names Team Points
Andrew Michaels Kurosaki 509
Ichigo Kurosaki Kurosaki 495
Brian Mcnish Audi 485
Serenity Gordon Hendrick 465
George Schumacher Ferrari 423
Chad Yasotora Kurosaki 418
Gin Ichimaru Souske 416
Archie Stewart Stewart-Haas 413
Ulquiorra Cifer Souske 412
Soi Fong Kuchiki 410
Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez Souske 401
Uryuu Ishida Kurosaki 392
Tier Harribel Souske 372
Michael Kennseth Rousch 356
Patricia Stenhouse Rousch 355
Ralph Hamilton Red Bull 349
Ralph Dillon Hendrick 347
Renji Abarai Kuchiki 335
Maria Robertson Ferrari 329
Rebecca Kirkland Audi 325
Jason Webber Red Bull 320
Kira Izuru Kuchiki 313
Robert Johnson Hendrick 310
Michael Busch Stewart-Haas 303
Marcus Andretti Stewart-Haas 296
Jessica Rosburg Ferrari 296
Fransesca Alonso Ferrari 292
Ikkaku Mandarame Kuchiki 290
Bjorn Kristensen Audi 288
Jason Vettal Red Bull 286
Alexandra Edwards Rousch 281
Flippe Massa III Red Bull 276
Dale Earnhardt IV Hendrick 275
Raoul Garcia Audi 272
Shawn Newman Stewart-Haas 232
Allen Regan Rousch 230
Team Names Combined points
Kurosaki-Ishida 1814
Souske 1602
Hendrick 1397
Audi 1370
Kuchiki 1348
Ferrari 1340
Stewart-Haas 1244
Red Bull 1231
Rousch 1222
END OF CHAPTER
UO: Well that took slightly longer than I thought but whatever its out.
Terms
Tracks:
Spa-Francochamps: An old track dating to 1924. The current version at 4.5 Miles is shorter than the 9 mile track that was originally built. This section was lost after several drivers and race officials were killed. Eau Rouge and Blanchimot were two sections from the old track that survived.
Teams:
Wood Brothers Racing: One of the oldest teams in NASCAR. They were the team that discovered that less time in the pits equaled better times on the track. Their success helped propel them to success in the 60's. Their choreographed pit stops helped Jim Clark win the 1965 Indy 500.
Preview; As the teams prepare for Italy, Byakyua invites the Kurosaki team to his manor to help facilitate camaraderie. As they relax, a scheming Aizen uses this to make a move he's been waiting to do all year thanks to his inside man. What will happen? Find out.
Next Time: Illusions shattered
Next Update is 2nd Magnolia
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