==Lap 54=

The remaining days had went by. Chiya was not confronted with any more problems. Dark Rose was out of sight, Michael Chain was an ally, and Don Genie was being watched like a hawk by the Bloody Chain. Chiya was left wondering why Edward never showed up, she truly wanted to reward him in some way for helping her—even if the end results were less than desirable. From day one of working in Seppuku's organization, Chiya always spoke about unwillingness to go back to Mysteria, but, a part of her always knew that she would return, and part of her wanted to as well. While here, Chiya reconnected with her Mom, learned the truth about her father, became friends with Michael Chain, placed well in the race, got new boots, and of course, learned that she was a celebrity on her planet. Overall, she had to view her trip here as an accomplishment, but until the day Fiona would be completely off the hook with Don Genie—she planned on returning many times. Chiya was gaining more and more reasons every day to work hard in the Grand Prix, with the simple goal of winning the one billion credit prize money.

Chiya slowly opened her eyes for the final time, she was once again holding onto Earl's jacket. She blinked a few times with a somewhat saddened look, the past two days were much easier for her, as she spent these days learning to cook and simply talk to her Mom. As always, Chiya woke up fairly late in the afternoon, she had about two hours before the weekly Mute City transport would arrive—she was praying that she would see Earl come off of it. This is something she never considered, if Earl failed to walk out of the transport to get her—she would be stuck on Mysteria for seven more days.

"He'll come…" She reassured herself, she sat up and smiled at his jacket, squeezing on the sleeve tightly, "I know he will…"

A few minutes later, Fiona woke up as well and had gotten dressed. She was immediately confused at the sound of the sink constantly going on and off, along with the sound of dishes clashing together. She immediately exited her room and looked down the hallway—the smell of dish washing filled the entire house. Fiona walked in and gasped at the sight of Chiya quickly moving through every dish that was left unclean.

"Chiya, you didn't have to do the dishes…"

Chiya looked back at her and smiled, then shook negatively, "It's no problem, really."

Fiona let out a happy groan, "I'm gonna' miss you so much Chiya…"

Chiya chuckled softly at her, "Mom, we'll be coming back in the future, me and Earl."

"And Seppuku?"

Chiya let out a hiss at the question, "Preferably not…"

Fiona continued to smile at her, then broke the smile and sighed sadly, "Only, I don't think I'll be alive much longer…"

Chiya raised an eyebrow at her, "Why do you think that?"

Fiona's eyes began to water as she began to dip her head down, "Chiya, last night…" she grunted and let out a heavy sigh, "The Queen, she's dead Chiya."

Chiya gasped and put a glass down, "Th- the Queen died!?"

Fiona nodded sadly, "She's been our Queen before I was even born, this new Queen, she's too young to rule…"

Chiya let out a humorous snort, "And how does that endanger you?"

"The warmongers Chiya, the Federation Warmongers, they'll come and invade our planet now that they see a weak point in our government!"

Chiya grunted and gave her an intense stare, "The Galactic Federation?"

Fiona clenched her fists and gritted her teeth, "You've heard the media Chiya, the Federation Warmongers have been trying to rule us in their imperialistic empire for years and years…" She bit her finger and began to tremble, "Your father saw this coming, and now it'll happen—we're going to be enslaved by the Federation, Chiya…" She shrugged and held her forehead, "They'll throw someone like me right in their labor camps…"

"Th- that's crazy, the Federation only wants universal cooperation between planets."

Fiona gasped loudly and took a step back, "Wh- what!?"

Chiya nodded, "I'm kind of friends with the chief commander of the Federation, she never said anything about invasions."

Fiona shook her head in disbelief at Chiya, "You've become one of them…" Chiya grunted at her remark, "You've allowed yourself to fall under the influence of the Federation…"

Chiya lowered her eyebrows and shook negatively, "What?"

"You support imperialism, don't you?"

What's imperialism? Chiya thought nervously.

"Have you become daft child? Where is your patriotism for Mysteria? Are you even a fan of our soccer team?"

Chiya nodded, "Yeah, but we don't ever win so—-o…"

"We win the Universe Cup every year!"

Chiya stomped her foot down, "No!" Fiona gasped at her, Chiya then pointed a straight finger at her, "Don't you get it? You're the brainwashed one."

Fiona shot back an offended look, "Blimey! How dare you approach your own mother like that!"

"Mom, you don't understand, you've been lied to all these years by the government, we're the bad guys, the Federation has been suppressing us for years!"

"Us? The bad guys? Nonsense. The Federation wants to take away our children and put them in camps."

"No! They don't! These are all lies!" Chiya then shook her head negatively in a violent matter, "What the bloody Hell are you not understanding? They lie to everyone, so we don't learn the truth, that way the Social Workers Party of Mysteria will always have our support!"

Fiona grunted and became silenced at this, Chiya then wiped her hands and got closer to her, "I came to Earth somewhat frightened, but guess what? It's better than this planet, the Federation doesn't threaten us daily with weapons like they do here!"

Fiona bit on her finger and continued to shake negatively, "Haven't you wondered why Mysterian citizens weren't allowed into the final soccer match, which took place on this planet. Don't you find it suspicious that only offlanders get to watch the game?"

Fiona glanced away from her and lowered her eyebrows, "I- I'm sure some get to watch…"

"Yeah, the government does."

Fiona widened her eyes and felt her heart drop, Chiya grabbed her shoulder, "White Land, the team from White Land won the Universe Cup this year mom, not Mysteria, we've never won a Cup before."

Fiona sat down in her chair with a shot down look, "So, we're the warmongers?"

Chiya nodded, "That war we had with Magica? The Federation didn't start it, we did, we were trying to conquer it, and the Federation intervened to protect Magica's independence."

Fiona nodded, "I- I'm glad you told me this, Chiya…"

Chiya sighed and nodded, "I'm sorry if this disappoints you."

"No, it doesn't."

Chiya smiled and momentarily went back to doing the dishes. Fiona continued to sit watching her as she did this, completely sent back by this discovery. Chiya appeared to be trying to distance herself from the topic, but knew that Fiona would have more questions about this.

"So you like it on Earth more than here?"

Chiya let out a chuckle, "Mom, I think I liked Sand Ocean more than here—and you know how I am about the heat."

Fiona nodded, "Yeah, I remember the family trip we took to the sauna…"

Chiya smirked and looked back at her, "You gotta' try an Onsen out, it's magnificent."

"What is it?"

Chiya smiled, "Well, you get naked with a bunch of women and just sit around a hot spring."

Fiona cringed and rubbed the back of her head, "Forgive me, but that sounds a little—-e-"

"No, no, no. I thought it sounded weird too, but if you can get past that part, it's an experience you'll never forget."

Fiona continued to smile at her, she then nodded and looked back at her room, "Have you packed your things?" Chiya nodded, "Is there anything you'd like to bring back with you this time?"

This time… Chiya thought with a shock going down her spine.

"As I recall, I hadn't given you much time to pack your beloved things when I sent you away."

Chiya chuckled and crossed her arms, "I think I'd like to keep everything here the way it was, but don't worry, as I said, me and Earl will be back a couple times a year."

"Why would you want to come back here?" Fiona said while chuckling.

"Because, you're my mom, and probably the closest thing Earl has to a mom right now."

Fiona raised an eyebrow at her statement, but decided not to ask about Earl's family. Chiya finished cleaning the dishes and stretched, "Well, what can I do now?"

Fiona smirked at her and stood up, "I don't mean to kick you out Chiya, but I think it's time you leave."

Chiya widened her eyes, "Geez!"

"Dear, you need to be at that starport on time to meet Earl, we can't risk your machine having engine problems at the last minute, now can we?"

Chiya lowered her eyebrows and momentarily nodded, "I suppose you have a point…"

The two continued to stare at each other for several moments. Both then smiled at each other and nodded, Chiya immediately charged into her and gave her a strong hug.

"I- I'm gonna' miss you Mom!"

Fiona chuckled and patted her back, "It's been wonderful seeing you again after so many years Chiya, I'm so happy that your life didn't go to Hell."

"You'll see Mom, I'm going to fulfill my destiny, bring fame and fortune to the Flower name."

Fiona chuckled again, "Well, you're half way there, you've got the fame, now you need the fortune," she let go of Chiya and looked her in the eyes, "And I know that you'll win the Grand Prix many times in your life, just like Earl said."

Chiya nodded and momentarily exhaled, she then turned around and began walking towards her room once again.

About five minutes later, Chiya came out of her room with all of her bags. She walked through the kitchen one last time and stepped by the door. Fiona approached her quickly and gave her yet another hug from behind.

"You've come a long way Chiya, you should definitely be proud of your accomplishments."

Chiya smirked back at her and nodded, "I am."

Fiona let out a long exhale and nodded, she then looked Chiya in the eyes, water filling her eyes immediately, "I love you Chiya."

Chiya smiled back at her, then made a farewell hand gesture, "I love you too Mom, and I'm gonna' find Abby, one day…"

Fiona nodded at her and bowed, "Good luck, Chiya, I'm proud of you, your dad would too…"

Chiya nodded, then continued out the door towards the Purring Kitten. Fiona stared at her with a smile as she immediately began filling the cockpit with her bags. Fiona then lowered her eyebrows and stepped outside slightly.

"Oh, and sweetie."

Chiya puckered her lips and turned around, Fiona lowered her eyebrows and grinned.

"Earl's a great man. He cares for you, doesn't want to be away from you, and wants to help you with many things," Fiona then shrugged and smirked, "He loves you, don't let him go—you two are much different from me and Robert, you two are puzzle pieces that belong together."

Chiya slightly smiled at this, Fiona then crossed her arms, "If you two ever get in any fights, work it out, but don't leave each other. Even though you were shy to admit it, I could tell when you had a crush on a boy at school, and every single one of them were bad, but Earl, I know he's perfect for you."

Chiya began to blush and turned her head around, "Yes, I don't plan on letting him go any time soon…" she admitted.

Fiona nodded at her, "Oh, and bring me grandchildren!"

Chiya then got a very red face and began to laugh, "O—-oh man, yes, I- I'm sure we'll get that far along the road…"

Chiya then hopped in the Purring Kitten and gave her a thumbs up, "Love you again Mom!" she concluded as she closed the cockpit.

Fiona then dropped her arms and watched as Chiya instantly darted away from the house for the final time. Fiona smirked and nodded in approval at her.

"If Chiya became that successful, I wonder if Abigail will?"

Much later, Chiya was walking down the streets of New Edinburgh once more. She had an excited look on her face, but was also afraid that Earl could have been killed during the past days. Chiya was hoping that that everything would go perfectly, including a romantic reunion. As always, Chiya was on her toes as she walked. Ever since her fight with Dark Rose, she was always on guard as she walked, prepared for the assassin to reattempt her life.

At this point Chiya was just killing time, she somewhat wished that she would've stayed a bit longer at her house, as she was already saddened at the thought of returning to her life without her mother. She knew that she would never again want to be distanced from Fiona, she had gotten fairly used to it, but now that she had her reunion, she never wanted to be separated again. Chiya however, wouldn't feel complete until she could find her final family member, which was Abigail Flower. Chiya had no plans of going to Sand Ocean however, but knew that she would eventually if she could obtain information on her whereabouts.

"There's only a few cities on Sand Ocean, and they're not even that big, finding her would be a piece of cake…" Chiya said aloud to herself.

She then stopped and looked to her left, she had caught a glimpse of her own face somewhere—but she didn't know where. She backed up a little and momentarily spotted a poster in a window, it was of Chiya. She gasped and walked up to the window, immediately reading the poster.

"Chiya Flower souvenirs?"

She beamed at the window and immediately entered the building, she then gasped in amazement at what she was seeing. It was an F-Zero shop—only it was Chiya Flower oriented.

"Ho—-oly…"

The shop owner glanced over at the door and gasped, "Ho—oly, it's Chiya Flower!"

Chiya looked at the bearded man and blinked a few times, "Hi—i!"

The man began to panic and quickly pulled out some pictures of Chiya, "Uh, uh, c- can you sign some of these papers? It'd really help my business out a lot if I could sell some real autographs!"

Chiya nodded at him and walked over to the counter, she was looking around in amazement at all of the Chiya Flower goods. She came up to the counter and grabbed a pen out of the man's hand, immediately signing a few of the pictures. The pictures depicted Chiya and the Purring Kitten—but the images were edited professionally by a graphic designer to add flare. The owner continued to grunt in amazement at the F-Zero racer.

Chiya spent about two minutes signing as many as she could, but momentarily became bored and dropped the pen, "I'm gonna' stop there."

"That's fine, great, thank you!"

Chiya turned around and looked at some toys hanging on a rack. She picked up a box and stuck her tongue out as she observed the toy—it was a Chiya Flower action figure. She then cringed and looked back at the manager.

"Is this one of those creepy toys where you can take the clothes off and stuff?"

"Yeah, but there's no details on the body, trust me, I have a little daughter who owns those things."

Chiya rubbed the back of her head uncomfortably, "I have a feeling that this is more pleasing to adult men…"

She then looked down and found shirts hanging on racks as well. The manager raised an eyebrow and smirked, "You're still young, are ya' gonna' buy that new upcoming F-Zero video game?"

"New game?"

He nodded, "It's been years, but they're finally pulling out a new F-Zero game, you'll be in it."

Chiya widened her eyes, "Really!?"

"Yep, do you have the latest console?"

Chiya shrugged, "What's a console?"

"Like, the game player?"

Chiya rubbed her chin, "I think Lily Flyer mentioned that ours is outdated."

"Well, better buy a new one!"

Chiya chuckled and rubbed her head, "Eh, I'm not much of a gamer…"

"Good race you had there."

Chiya nodded, "I should've gotten third place, I just made a dumb move by going down the restoration pad."

The two continued to chat for a while, and the time for her to get back to the starport was inching ever so closer. Chiya stretched her arms in the air after looking at many of the other goods. She had picked out several souvenirs and was prepared to check out—despite the fact that she was using the little money she had on useless things.

The owner began scanning all of the objects, then widened his eyes and rubbed the back of his head, "U—uh, y- you realize that's a sex toy, right?"

After widening her eyes, Chiya dropped the item in question. "Apparently, I'm just browsing, then…"

"Well, hm…" He proceeded to hold up a Purring Kitten plastic model kit. "How about this? Do you build models?"

"No, but, I bet I know someone who does!"

He nodded and checked this item out for her. Following their transaction, the model kit was bagged and handed to her.

"Well, have a great day Chiya Flower, and keep on racing."

"Thanks!"

She gleefully went back out the door, she decided that there was little left to do in town, so she would go wait the final hour at the starport for Earl. She began walking towards her machine again, but grunted to find someone was standing by it. She stopped moving and spotted Edward leaning against the door with his arms crossed—he appeared to be waiting for her. Chiya smiled and began to run towards him.

"Hi, Edward!"

Edward turned his head and smirked at her, "Ah, thank Heavens."

Chiya opened her cockpit and put the bag of goods inside, "Haven't seen you in a few days."

Edward lowered his glasses and broke his smile momentarily, he looked her in the eyes with a serious look, "Did you find Michael Chain?"

Chiya nodded, "Yes, I did."

He then smirked at her, "And I presume he's in the ground now?"

"N- No, I spared him."

Edward lowered his eyebrows and clenched his fists, "Excuse me? Why is this?"

Chiya shrugged, "He's changed. I couldn't kill him, he just wants to live a happy life as a machine parts creator, along with his gang."

Edward shook negatively, "No, no, no, we need to kill the bloody bastard!"

Chiya widened her eyes at him, "Uh, well that's a change in tone…" she said with a nervous smile.

Edward now had a frustrated look, "We have to go back and kill him Chiya, once a criminal, always a criminal."

Chiya sighed, "Well, see, the thing is, we're kind of on friendly terms now, so I can't do that." Edward bit his lip and lowered his eyebrows, Chiya then reached her hand out towards him, "But thank you for the help, I'll be coming back eventually, and I'll certainly reward you in some way for all your help."

Edward continued to give her a heavy stare, but momentarily sighed and smiled, "Very well." He grabbed her hand and shook.

"Goodbye, Edward, I won't forget what you've done for me this week."

He nodded at her as she climbed aboard the Purring Kitten, momentarily darting away from him. Edward continued to stare at her machine as it drove down the road quickly, he then let out a growl and held up a device. He dialed a few numbers and held it up to the side of his face.

"Hello?" a woman's voice greeted through the device.

"Yes, Jody, Chiya found Michael Chain, but spared him, claiming that he's a changed man."

"What? No! You're failing your mission, get her to kill him!"

Edward sighed, "I tried, she claims they are now on friendly terms."

Jody sighed, "Well find and kill him, I do not want that man alive any longer!"

"I cannot do that ma'am, I am but a Federation Spy—not an assassin." Edward watched as Chiya momentarily went around the curb, vanishing for good, "Perhaps we should just let this one go, Chain apparently wishes to live a new life, as a machine parts creator."

Jody sighed again, the sound of her fist pounding could be heard in the background, "Fine, I'm done with you, I'll recommision you back to your commanding officer, starting tomorrow, you resume duties as a spy."

Edward smirked, "Yes ma'am."

Chiya remained in the starport for about an hour. Simply sitting in the lobby waiting anxiously for the door to open that the passengers would be entering from. Chiya was in a frantic state, now beyond frightened to see the results. She was fearing that Earl wouldn't come through the door. She would be without Earl, would be unable to continue her F-Zero career, and would have to remain with her Mom. Everything depended on whether Earl came for her or not.

Chiya's eyes began to water as she stared at the door nervously, the loud booming sound of the transport ship echoed through the room. She knew that the ship had just landed, the moment of truth was approaching. Chiya constantly kicked her feet down, her heart beating frantically as she waited for the doors to open.

"We welcome all passengers to Mysteria, long live the Mysterian Empire and her majesty!"

Chiya looked up at the intercom and gritted her teeth nervously, she then looked back down at the door. She would also have to spot Earl within the crowd of passengers that enter the lobby. She lowered her eyebrows and looked down at her bag, which contained Earl's jacket. She then got a faithful look on her face as she looked back up at the door. A violent shock went down her spine as the door then began to open, she widened her eyes and became perfectly still.

It was then that two hands grasped each end of the slowly opening door, Chiya widened her eyes at this. She then gasped as the door finished opening. Earl was standing in the very front of the crowd, clearly with the intention of being the first one off the ship. Chiya's eyes immediately began to water as she jolted up with a large smile of happiness. Earl gritted his teeth fearfully as he scanned the room for Chiya, the fact that he couldn't see her at first sight had already put a bad shock into his body. It was then that Earl gasped and widened his eyes. Chiya was sprinting towards him with a quivering smile, she had dropped both her bags at the chair she was sitting at.

Many of the passengers and soldiers in the lobby were watching as Chiya ran towards Earl at top speed. Earl smirked and held his arms out towards her. Chiya then practically leaped into him and wrapped herself around him, instantly locking lips with him. Many people began to awe happily for the two, including some female soldiers, who had heartwarmed smiles.

Chiya pushed his face against hers and continued to lock lips with him, they hadn't said one word to each other in five days—but the passionate kissing was enough for both to tell that they missed each other. Earl then began pushing downward on her more, making it so he was kissing her in a downward position. A tear rolled down Chiya's cheek as they continued to kiss, it was their second kiss, and just like the first, Chiya felt like all of her problems were gone while in this state. No Dark Million, no angry Seppuku, no present problems. Chiya then hesitantly let go of him, she didn't want to, but she assumed that a kissing session should never last so long. She then grabbed both of Earl's hands and continued to tear up while looking at him.

"I missed you so much…"

Earl smirked at her and closed his eyes, "Yeah, it's been lonely at the base without you too."

Chiya's mouth was quivering happily, Earl then wiped her eyes and smirked at her again.

"Time to go home Chiya, see Mauser."

Chiya jumped up excitedly, "Mauser!"

The two then held hands and began walking towards Chiya's bags, preparing to finally head back to Mute City and continue life in Seppuku's organization. The next race would be bringing them to Green Plant, a jungle-like planet. Chiya was expecting Seppuku to have some new crazy mission when they got back, likely having to do with Green Plant. Chiya wouldn't want it any other way. Chiya, Earl, and Seppuku. Her family…

To be continued…