I've decided to try to pick this up again. This is kind of a filler chapter until I can get back on track.

Chapter 4-Project Remains

Fujiwara household, 12:15 PM

As Akito walked into the front door, he saw his dad reading the day's newspaper, sitting next to the table. He glanced up from the paper.

"Did Nakazato fill up the tank for you?"

Akito scratched the back of his head. "Yea. Sorry for taking the car so early."

"It's alright. Did you help out tonight?"

"You mean around the shop?"

"You know what I mean, Akito."

How does he always know? he thought. "Yea. We stopped them. I'm going to bed now, it's kinda late." He started to head up the stairs.

Takumi put down his newspaper. "You've still got to go up and help them in the morning."

Akito stopped walking up the stairs. "What?! But I...I was just up there!"

"Well, it is a job, and you still have responsibility to it. And tomorrow afternoon, you've got a doctor's appointment."

"But it's Sunday! What doctor is open?"

"I can think of one."

Akito sighed. "Alright. Guess I should get to bed then." He marched up the stairs.

Takumi started reading his newspaper again.



The next day, Akito had finished his checkup early. The doctor, a little older than his father, was putting away his equipment. "No problems, you're still healthy. I take it your dad has you up and about?"

"Yea, early every morning. It's not so bad, I kinda enjoy driving, but it's always so early...."

"Well, that's how your father started, you know. It runs in the family."

"I see. Well, I'll need to see you again in a few months, so you can make an appointment outside."

"Alright. Hey, you said you were gonna come up and see me drive sometime? Why is that?"

"It been a while since I've seen a real car go. I'm a little curious myself. And I might see a thing or two that could help you."

"Yea, I've heard some stories about it. Thanks a lot, Dr. Takahashi. Say hi to your brother for me."

"When he comes back from vacation, I will. Take care."



The next day at school, the three Ex-Drivers entered among a class of hustle and bustle. As soon as they had stepped in however, the class fell silent. Many of them had been at the chase, and they all watched in awe at the drivers, each of whom could control their car far better than any AI car could. They took their seats.

No sooner than Lisa had sat down that a voice answered her. "Hey, that means they like you. Or at least your skills."

Lisa glared at Akito. "Ha ha. You know, where we came from we were pretty respected in school."

"That's because you weren't stopping kids your age. You do know one of the guys we caught is from class 2-D. His rich parents are mad at him, and now he's mad at everyone. Don't be surprised if he snaps at you three."

Lorna looked concerned. "Well, it was for their own safety, and the safety of others. I mean, programing an AI car isn't safe. What if it breaks down in the middle of a run?"

"Just relax, you guys. Everything will be fine, don't worry about it."

Ex-Driver Headquarters

A message flashed on the screen of one of the technicians. She brought it up to the main screen. All that showed was the picture of a bright red AI car, so modified it could be seen along every line on the car. It presented simple text message along the bottom. "Saturday, 10:00 PM."

Nakazato recognized the car. it was one of the fastest AI cars that existed in the prefecture. Even in his days as a driver, this car would of given him a run for his money. He chuckled. He knew the Ex-Drivers would accept, and even if they didn't, Akina's own legend would.