Chapter 10
The next day.
Asuka, Shinji, and Rei walked along the sidewalk to school.
"....so your saying that all I missed was a lecture on the first impact?" asked Asuka.
Shinji and Rei nodded.
"It was really sad." said Rei, "Especially when Sensei pulled out the plastic dinosaurs and made them fight."
"Don't forget when he dropped the bowling ball on his desk to show what happened when the meteor hit." said Shinji.
Asuka raised an eyebrow, "Bowling ball?"
"He stood up on his desk and dropped it on the plastic dinosaurs." replied Rei, "The ball smashed through his desk, and then through the floor and into the class below. If you want to see it, I think Kensuke recorded the moment."
"Right. So what's going on with the group and the go-cart?"
"Hikari, Touji, and Kensuke have been the only ones really working on it. Skuld was busy finding you. Megumi helped out when she could, but she was distracted about Sayoko missing. I was keeping an eye on Shinji." Rei smiled, "He really missed his Asuka-chan."
Shinji blushed red.
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Later that day.
Asuka, Shinji, Rei, Touji, Hikari, Kensuke, and Sayoko all stood inside of the apartment garage. Before them sat the mostly completed cart. It was only missing the wheels, and a few other pieces.
"You guys were busy." said Sayoko, "A few more days of work, and we'll be able to test it this weekend."
"Great!" said Kensuke, "And then I can show you how great I drive."
Touji frowned, "What do you mean your going to drive? I'm driving!"
"Are not!"
"Are too!"
"Are not!"
Hikari let out a sigh and pulled Touji out of the garage. Rei followed pulling Kensuke along. The boys never even realized they had moved. Hikari and Rei then shut the door. The sound of the boys arguing could still be heard. Shinji looked at Asuka curiously.
"How come you didn't say anything?"
Asuka shrugged, "I just decided I didn't want to drive."
Shinji, Hikari, and Rei all stared at Asuka shocked. Hikari placed her hand on Asuka's forehead.
"She feels normal. Shinji maybe you'd better take her home and......."
"I'M FINE!" shouted Asuka, "I just don't think I'm the right one to drive the thing."
"So who do you think should drive it?" asked Rei, "Kensuke? Touji?"
"Sayoko."
Sayoko looked up. "Eh?"
Asuka smiled, "Who better then the daughter of a racer and a goddess. After all, aren't all the Morisatos naturals at racing?"
Sayoko paled, "I......well......that is......I haven't......'sigh' You know I haven't done any racing."
"So? Neither have any of us." Asuka moved next to Sayoko. "Look, you're the best shot at us winning this. Give it a try."
Sayoko closed her eyes for a moment. She then opened them and looked at the others. "Kensuke and Touji aren't going to like this."
"So, we'll have a race off." said Hikari, "This weekend. We'll set up a test course and whoever has the best time will be the driver."
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That weekend.
Sunday.
Tokyo-2 High School Parking Lot.
Touji and Kensuke glared at each other, periodically turning and glaring at Sayoko. Sayoko however wasn't paying them any attention. Instead, she was quietly talking to Megumi, Asuka, Rei, and Hikari, while Skuld and Shinji finished prepping the cart.
"Alright!" said Skuld, "Listen up! This time trial is to see who is the best driver amongst you three." Touji and Kensuke glared at the other before turning away. Sayoko just rolled her eyes at them. "We've set up the course similar to what we'll find at the competition. The only difference is that there isn't going to be 20 other carts here." Skuld clapped her hands together. "Alright! Let's do this!"
"Prepare to eat my dust!" muttered Kensuke.
"In your dreams." replied Touji, "Your lucky Sayoko's racing, otherwise you'd end up last."
"Eh?" Sayoko looked at Touji.
"No offense. But this is a man's sport."
"Oh shit." muttered Shinji as every single female present glared at Touji. "They're dead men......."
By previous draw, Kensuke went first, followed by Touji. Both got a decent time, Touji 3m 45s, Kensuke 4m 5s. Sayoko then climbed into the cart for her turn. Asuka knelt next to the cart to help Sayoko put her helmet on.
"Go get 'em." Asuka said.
"Right." Sayoko gunned the throttle and with tires squealing, went off onto the course.
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The next day.
Touji and Kensuke sat at their desks stunned.
"Ken, we lost."
"I know."
"We lost to a girl."
"I know."
"We're never gonna hear the end of this."
"I know."
"Hikari still isn't talking to me."
"You screwed up."
"I screwed up??" Touji turned and stared at Kensuke. "What do you mean 'I' screwed up??"
"All that talk about how racing was a man's sport."
"YOU AGREED WITH ME!"
"Yeah, But I'm not dating Hikari am I?"
Touji slumped down into his seat. "Well, I guess there's no point in putting it off any longer."
Kensuke frowned, "Put what off?"
"Swallowing my pride and begging for forgiveness."
Kensuke snorted. "Dude, you're whipped."
Touji narrowed his eyes. "I am not whipped."
"You are too! Just like Shinji."
"At least we have girlfriends."
Kensuke winced, "That's harsh man."
Touji looked away for a second, then turned back. "Look. Like it or not, Sayoko's driving. We're part of her team. I say we suck it up, apologize for what we said, and then go out and win this competition."
Kensuke nodded, "I think I can handle that."
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The next weekend.
Saturday, the day of the competition.
Nekomi Tech Campus.
Chihiro Fujimi, owner of the Whirlwind, let out a sigh as she looked over the crowd. This was the first major event that the Nekomi Tech Motor Club had put on in almost 15 years. Yet it still felt a bit hollow. Being at competitions had stopped being fun after the loss of the Morisatos. This was the first one she had actually attended in years. Chihiro looked over to where Otaki and Tamiya were trying to pump up the crowd with tales of the club's past. Unfortunately, instead of inspiring the masses, they were driving them away.
"Otaki! Tamiya! Get over here!" she finally shouted.
"BUT WE ARE INSPIRING THEM TO GREAT..........." began Tamiya.
"You're inspiring them to run for the hills!" replied Chihiro, "And don't shout at me."
"Yes ma'am." said Tamiya, bowing his head.
"I know you're excited about this event," said Chihiro, "but remember, you guys aren't members of the club anymore."
At that Tamiya and Otaki let out a sigh and sagged.
"Our glory days.......long gone." muttered Tamiya.
"And yet my glory days are about to begin."
Chihiro, Tamiya, and Otaki all frowned, then turned to the man who had just arrived.
"Aoshima...." snarled Tamiya, "Why are you here?"
Aoshima smiled. "Why, the competition of course. My son, Kenji, will be participating in the races." Aoshima looked out at the groups gathered. "And judging from the looks of things, he and his school will win this easily." Aoshima turned to Tamiya. "So Tamiya, care to bet on the outcome?"
"Grrrrrrr."
Chihiro stood up. "Alright Aoshima! You have a bet!"
"Very well." said Aoshima, "I expect you to name a team in 2 hours."
Aoshima gave one final smirk at Tamiya, then left.
Chihiro let out another sigh. Tamiya glanced at her.
"You shouldn't have spoken up." he said, "It'll just give him something else to gloat about."
"Yeah yeah." Chihiro waved her hand. "I know I'll regret it tomorrow." Chihiro looked back out over the crowd of competitors. "Sora is out checking in the racers right?"
Otaki nodded, "She's getting ready to do it now."
"Tell Hasegawa to pick me out a winner."
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Sayoko and Asuka stood watching the crowd. Both were wearing jumpsuits that Megumi, Skuld, and even Misato had gotten made for the team. Other then Kensuke's and Hikari's, each teen had a jumpsuit in the same colors as their old plug suits. On the right shoulder of each was a patch that said 'Tokyo-2 High School'. On the left shoulder was a patch only the pilots had. The patch had a picture of that particular pilots Eva and it's name. 'After all' Misato had said, 'you are not only representing your school, but the UN and everyone from NERV.'
"I didn't think there were this many schools in Japan." said Asuka.
"Surprising isn't it." said Sayoko.
Asuka glanced at Sayoko, "Still think we're going to win?"
Sayoko shrugged, "I never said we would win, just said we had a good shot at winning. I'm just glad Auntie changed Urd's mind about that outfit."
Asuka shuddered. Urd had want to come in her old cheerleading outfit from the old Nekomi days. Skuld had finally convinced Urd that the outfit was just not appropriate for high school students to see.
"Asuka! Sayoko!" Both turned to see Shinji waving at them. He was wearing a jumpsuit in the same colors as his old plug suit. "They're beginning the check in! We have to be by the cart!"
Sayoko and Asuka took one last look at the crowd, then turned and hurried off to their cart.
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Sora Hasegawa moved along the line, examining the carts and checking off the various schools on her clipboard. She had already seen 20 schools and had another 15 to go. She sighed as she remembered Chihiro's request. So far she had seen nothing that set any school apart from the others. She walked to the next group, staring at her clipboard.
"School Name?" she asked for the 20th time that day.
"Tokyo-2" came a familiar voice.
Sora looked up and gasped.
"Megumi?"
Megumi smiled, "Heya Sora. You running this show?"
"Megumi!" Sora threw her arms around her old friend. "How are you? Where have you been? It's been ages!"
"Hey hey hey!" came another voice. "Isn't that showing a bit of favoritism?"
Sora turned and saw another unexpected sight. "Skuld?"
"Last time I looked." said Skuld with a smile.
"It's good to see you, but...." Sora looked at her clipboard, "Why are you here? You two have kids at Tokyo-2 High?"
Megumi and Skuld both snorted with laughter.
"Us? Kids? Yeah right." said Megumi.
"Actually, I'm here with my niece and her friends." said Skuld.
Sora turned to the group by the cart and had her second shock of the day. Standing before her were 7 teenagers, but one caught her attention, an almost perfect copy of Belldandy-sempai.
"Sora, I believe you remember my niece Sayoko." said Megumi with a smile.
"She......she was only 5 last time I saw her," said Sora, quietly, "at the funeral." To Sayoko she said, "You've grown up a lot. Your parents would have been proud."
Sayoko blushed. "Thank you."
"Umm. Who is your team's driver?" asked Sora, looking back at her clipboard.
"Who do you think?" said the red haired teen.
Sora looked at the red head confused.
"Sayoko of course!" replied the red head, "If she can pilot an Eva she can handle a little go-cart."
Sora gasped. "You're the Eva pilots?"
"Well, except for those two." said the red head, point at two of the others, "I piloted Unit-02, Shinji piloted Unit-01, Rei Unit-00, Touji Unit-03, and Sayoko Unit-04."
"Hey lady! Hurry up!" came a shout from further down the line.
Sora turned red. "Sorry, I don't have time to chat longer."
Sora quickly looked over the cart and wished Sayoko good luck. She then turned and moved on to the next cart. She smiled slightly. At least now she had a good team for Chihiro.
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30 minutes later.
Aoshima and Kenji sat atop a raised platform watching the racing. As luck would have it, Chihiro, Tamiya, and Otaki were sitting on the next platform over. Aoshima had grumbled about how the universe seemed to be out to get him, but he then realized when his son won, he'd get to see the looks of disappointment on their faces. The platform vibrated slightly as another person climbed up. Aoshima turned to see his cousin arriving.
"Hello Sayoko." He said, "What brings you here?"
"I'm here to support my nephew." replied Sayoko, "How are you Kenji?"
Kenji smirked, "Ready to show these fools why they should have stayed home."
"Kenji currently has the best time." said Aoshima, "No one has even come close."
'Like father, like son.' Sayoko sat down. "I hear the Eva pilots are supposed to be here."
Aoshima snorted. "Racing carts is vastly different from piloting a 400 foot robot." Aoshima looked back over the course where another heat was running. "Out of curiosity, which school are they in?"
"Tokyo-2 High."
Aoshima looked over at Chihiro. "So that's why they picked that team." He then looked at the racing schedule. "They should be in the next heat."
Kenji put his feet up on the railing and leaned back. "Wake me when it's time for the main race."
One platform over, Chihiro was sitting nervously. Finally she turned to Tamiya.
"Are you sure she said Tokyo-2?"
Tamiya nodded. "Yeah. Sora said the Tokyo-2 team had a great driver, natural ability."
Chihiro narrowed her eyes. "Natural ability? They haven't even raced yet!"
Tamiya looked at her nervously. "Well, Sora seemed so sure. She even said the driver was an Eva pilot."
"Like that will make a difference. This is go-carts!" Chihiro grabbed her head. "Dammit! I don't want to lose this bet!"
"Ladies and Gentlemen!" came Sora's voice over the P.A. "We are ready to begin the 5th heat of the day! Representing Osaka-2 High School........."
Chihiro grabbed her race schedule. "Tokyo-2 is in this heat. Let's see how they do."
Nearby, Aoshima was taking a sip from his drink.
"....... And representing Tokyo-2 High School, the former Pilot of Eva Unit-04, Sayoko Morisato!"
Aoshima spat his drink out in shock. He stood up and stared at where the carts were being lined up for the heat. Kenji stared at his father curiously.
"What is it?"
"It can't be......" muttered Aoshima as he grabbed his binoculars. There in his view was the daughter of his biggest rival and the woman that should have been his. Aoshima scowled, the lenses of his binoculars shattering as he clenched his hands. Sayoko Mishima smiled at the reaction of her cousin. She then stood up.
"Well, I'm off to wonder a bit. Later."
On the other platform, Chihiro was practically dancing.
"That little......Why didn't she tell us?!?"
Tamiya also had a big smile on his face. He looked at Otaki. "Think we can get her to come to Nekomi Tech?"
Down on the track, Sayoko had just got into the cart and was buckling herself up. Asuka knelt on one side with her helmet while Rei knelt on the other to help her strap in.
"You ready?" asked Asuka.
"Ready as I'll ever be." replied Sayoko.
Rei looked up. "Ok, you're in. Hope you used the restroom before cause you're not getting out now."
Sayoko glared at Rei while Asuka laughed.
"Thanks a lot Rei."
Rei smiled. "No problem. Now beat these guys." She got up and moved off to stand with the others. Asuka helped Sayoko get the helmet on, then started the cart.
"Hey Sayoko?"
Sayoko looked up at Asuka.
"What?" came her muffled reply.
"Kick some ass." Asuka then smacked the top of the helmet and ran off. Sayoko adjusted the helmet and revved the engine. One minute later she was off and racing.
Five minutes later the race was over. Sayoko had blown away the other carts and had come within two seconds of Kenji's time. Aoshima was very unhappy.
"Why must I constantly be cursed with the presence of a Morisato?!?!"
"Don't worry about it father." said Kenji, "She didn't beat my time. I can still win."
"That's not it!" shouted Aoshima, "Everything has gone perfect before, only at the end to be defeated because of Morisato's luck! She might have it as well!"
"There is no such thing as luck." replied Kenji, "We have put together the best cart that money can buy. We WILL win."
Aoshima smiled. "Of course we will. Pardon me for a moment while I go see about a bet."
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Sayoko stood off to the side while Touji and Kensuke checked over the engine under Skuld's watchful eye. Hikari, Asuka, Shinji, and Misato had wondered off to get drinks while Megumi had gone to see Urd in the stands. Suddenly Sayoko found herself wrapped up in a hug.
"You little devil! What didn't you tell me you were racing!"
Sayoko turned and smiled before grabbing the woman in a hug. "Aunt Chihiro!"
Sayoko then found herself being pulled away from Chihiro into the arms of a huge man who began tossing her into the air.
"YOU HEARD CHIHIRO MORISATO!!" shouted Tamiya, "WHY DIDN'T YOU........"
"Tamiya, put her down." said Chihiro, "She still has a race to win."
"Yeah!" said Sayoko.
"You can toss her around later though."
"Hey!"
"Give her a break." Came another voice.
Chihiro turned and frowned. "What are you doing here Mishima?"
The older Sayoko smiled. "Nice to see you too Chihiro."
Sayoko frowned at the two women. "No fighting please?"
"I'm not here to fight." said the older Sayoko, "Just wanted to see how your doing. Where's your friend? Asuka wasn't it?"
"She's off getting us some drinks." said Sayoko, "She should be......" Sayoko's voice trailed off as she saw someone approaching. "Oh great...."
Chihiro turned to look. "What is ......oh."
"Well, so the youngest Morisato has decided to try her hand at racing." said Aoshima with a smirk. "Has your father's luck carried over? Oh wait.......he ran out of luck on that plane ride. Too bad your mother was there with him."
Sayoko started at Aoshima, only to be held back by Skuld, who had noticed Aoshima's arrival.
"What do you want Aoshima?" she asked with a glare.
"Ah yes. Skuld wasn't it? I see that you've grown up to be just as beautiful as your sister." Aoshima adjusted his glasses. "Too bad you didn't mature as well as Belldandy did."
Now Chihiro was holding Skuld back.
"Well Chihiro," continued Aoshima, oblivious to the reactions he was getting. "Shall we discuss the bet? It's obvious that my son will win."
Chihiro narrowed her eyes. "The race hasn't been run yet."
"Ah but my son's cart is in much better shape then this.........scrap heap." Aoshima smiled, "Perhaps she is like her father, having to use substandard parts........"
Touji and Kensuke frowned and glared at Aoshima. Aoshima continued.
".....do you really want to pin your hopes on her winning?"
Chihiro glared at Aoshima. "I like her chances better then your son's."
Aoshima just smirked. "Whatever you say. Come along Kenji." Aoshima turned and left.
Kenji followed for a second, then looked at Sayoko. "Maybe after I beat you, you'd be interested in dinner?"
"Sorry..." replied Sayoko, "I don't date lowlife scum."
Kenji frowned, then turned and followed his father. Chihiro looked over at Sayoko.
"Please tell me you can beat him."
"Oh yeah...I'll beat him." muttered Sayoko, "I'll wipe that smirk off both their faces."
"Yoko!" said Skuld, "What would your mother say?"
Sayoko looked at the ground. "She'd say the goddess of victory doesn't shine on those who think of no one but themselves, that true victory is compassion for others." Sayoko looked up. "But I have compassion! I really want to stomp his ass!"
"Yoko...."
"What about Mara? She could curse them! Where is she? Can we call her?"
"Yoko!"
"What?"
Skuld leaned over and whispered in her ear. "Just this once.......crush them."
"YAHOO!"
"What's going on?" Everyone turned to see Shinji, Rei, Asuka, and Hikari returning. Sayoko shrugged.
"Just having pleasant conversation with the competition."
Old Sayoko smiled. "Oh is that what you call it. I just thought it was my Nephew being a prick."
Sayoko shrugged again. "That too." Sayoko then frowned. "Where's Misato?"
The other 4 children let out a sigh and looked at each other. Each held out their hands.
"Ja. Ken. Po."
Shinji let out a sigh and looked at Sayoko. "She and your Aunt discovered that beer was being sold here."
Skuld went pale. "Oh no......"
"Gets worse."
"How can it get worse?"
"Well....." Shinji turned and pointed.
Sayoko and Skuld looked in the direction he indicated. Their in the stands drinking their beers were Urd, Misato, and.......
Skuld grabbed Shinji and began to shake him, "What the hell is Mara doing here?!?!?"
Asuka and Sayoko grabbed Skuld.
"Calm down Auntie! He doesn't need shaken Shinji syndrome."
Skuld released Shinji. "Sorry."
"It's ok." replied Shinji, "Asuka has done worst."
Asuka glared at Shinji. "Anyway...." She turned back to Skuld. "She just wants to watch a race without worrying how she's going to screw it up."
"Un huh..." Skuld looked unconvinced.
"....Besides...Urd is there watching her."
"That's like having a drunken mouse guarding the cheese."
"Huh?"
"Never mind."
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"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!! IT IS NOW TIME FOR THE FINALS! WILL ALL DRIVERS PLEASE REPORT TO THE STARTING LINE!"
Sayoko sat in the cart waiting at the starting grid. Next to her was Kenji's cart. Sayoko kept sending daggers towards the 'Spawn of Aoshima' as she had begun to refer to him as.
"You know there is a race right?" Sayoko turned and looked up at Asuka.
"Yeah..."
"So quit staring at that baka and concentrate." Asuka then placed the helmet roughly on Sayoko's head. "you have a race to win and we're all counting on you." Sayoko glared up at Asuka as she adjusted it.
"Thanks."
Asuka smiled. "No problem." She then ran off to where the rest of the team stood.
Sayoko turned back towards the course and revved the engine. She took another glance over at Kenji who was taking last minute instruction from his father. Both of them looked over and glared at Sayoko before Aoshima turned and walked off the track. Sayoko turned and looked towards the starter. The starter in turn waited for the track to clear of non-racers. When the track was clear, the starter held up the green flag. Sayoko immediately gunned the engine, as did the other racers. The starter held the flag up high for several more seconds before bringing it down. Sayoko slammed the cart into gear and peeled out of the starting grid. As quick as she peeled out though, Kenji was a bit faster. For the first lap, Sayoko trailed behind in second. For the next 5 laps, Sayoko remained behind Kenji. The race was only 10 laps, and with it half over, Sayoko knew she had to make a move. She began taking the corners a bit closer then she had before, and used less brake. As a result, her tires squealed as she rounded the corners, but she was able to get closer to Kenji. But she could not get past him. Everytime she tried a move to pass, Kenji would move his cart to block her.
3 laps to go. Sayoko moved her cart as if she was going to pass Kenji on the right. As he moved to block her, Sayoko spun the wheel and moved to his left. The move worked. Now she and Kenji raced side by side along the course, sometimes she was leading, sometimes he was, but only by a few inches.
The final lap. Kenji was getting very annoyed that Sayoko was still with him. She was a pest that he wished to squish, even though she was a very beautiful pest. He moved his cart over, smashing it into Sayoko's. Sayoko lost control and went off track a bit. She was quickly able to regain control and was still along side Kenji, though he was a bit further ahead. Kenji glanced over his shoulder. Seeing the girl still there with him, he grew more annoyed. He swerved into Sayoko again. This time Sayoko was waiting for him. She slammed on her brakes, slowing down drastically. Kenji hadn't expected that. His cart swerved directly in front of Sayoko's and kept going, off the track and slamming into a railing. Sayoko's cart continued on its way, taking the checkered flag.
On his platform, Aoshima tossed the race sheet down in disgust. He then glared at his cousin, Sayoko, who was cheering for the girl who had been named for her. Next door, Chihiro, Tamiya, and Otaki were also whooping it up. On the track, Touji and Kensuke, who had gotten to her first, now had Sayoko sitting up on their shoulders amongst the cheering spectators. From her perch, Sayoko could see over the crowd of well-wishers to the stands, where Misato, Megumi, Urd, and Mara were standing and cheering. It was a fifth person standing with them that shocked her. There, standing next to Urd, was her grandfather, Kami-sama. He waved at her. Sayoko, still stunned, waved back.
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That night.
The Motor Club was holding a party at their clubhouse.
Members past and present were whooping it up, making up for the lost years were there had not been much celebration. The beer flowed like water. Already Misato, Urd, and Mara were well on their way to oblivion. Asuka had somehow gotten her hands on some beer and was currently in a corner making out with Shinji. Skuld had tried to avoid the attempts to get her to drink, but finally succumbed to the efforts of Tamiya, Otaki and Chihiro. She now lay passed out on a couch. One reason for the clubs celebration was that the event that day had been a great success. But another was a bit more personal to some of the older members. They were honoring the memory of their lost friends, by honoring their daughter. Everyone had some sort of Keiichi and Belldandy story to tell. After hearing 6 stories about her parents, Sayoko needed a break. She slipped quietly outside. She stood against a railing, looking up at the sky over Nekomi-2.
As she looked up at the night sky, a voice softly spoke in her head.
'Your parents would be proud of you, as am I.'
Sayoko smiled. "Thanks Grandpa."
"Eh?"
Sayoko turned to see Rei standing behind her. "Hi Rei."
Rei looked at Sayoko curiously. "Who were you talking to?"
Sayoko looked up. "Grandpa."
"Oh." Rei walked over and stood next to Sayoko. "How come you're out here?"
"Just needed a break from the stories about mom and dad."
"I find them interesting."
Sayoko rolled her eyes. "I've heard some of them before. Heck, I'm in some of them."
Rei glanced over her shoulder and smiled. "Looks like break times over."
"Huh?" Sayoko started to turn around when she was swept off her feet by Tamiya and head high over his head.
"THERE YOU ARE MORISATO!" shouted Tamiya, "IT'S TIME YOU JOINED IN ANOTHER MOTOR CLUB TRADITION! THE DRINKING CONTEST!!"
"WHAT!!" shouted Sayoko, "I'M NOT LEGAL DRINKING AGE!!"
Tamiya shrugged, "YOU'RE LEGAL SOMEWHERE! COME ON!"
"REI!!!! AUNTIE!!! ANYONE!! HELP!!!"
Rei smiled as Sayoko was carried away.
"She really needs to loosen up."
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Omake.
The party had gone late into the night. Most of the hardcore partiers had finally succumbed to sleep and booze. Only 2 now remained awake.
Sayoko wobbled slightly and looked at her companion.
".....so you see.....hic.....I'm like my mom....hic....She could drink anyone under the table......hic.......and not be drunk or have....hic.....a hangover......Only soda got her drunk......hic...."
Her companion nodded knowingly.
".....unfortunately....I'm half goddess.....half...hic....mortal.....I guess the booze does get to me eventually.....hic...." Sayoko wobbled slightly and looked into the eyes of her companion. "You know......hic......you're kinda cute........wanna kiss?"
Her companion just blinked at her.
"....awww....you're no fun.....hic......" Sayoko yawned. "K.......I'm going to sleep........hic......don wake me unless it's the 4th impact.....hic...." Sayoko then waggled her finger. "...an don try to cope a feel either....hic.....Asuka told me you're a perverted hentai......hic...." Sayoko's eyes then rolled back into her head and she fell off the couch asleep.
Pen Pen, King of the Party Animals and sole survivor of the Nekomi Tech Motor Club party, looked over the fallen and raised his beak high in triumph.
"WARK! WARK! (I KICK ASS!)"
The next day.
Asuka, Shinji, and Rei walked along the sidewalk to school.
"....so your saying that all I missed was a lecture on the first impact?" asked Asuka.
Shinji and Rei nodded.
"It was really sad." said Rei, "Especially when Sensei pulled out the plastic dinosaurs and made them fight."
"Don't forget when he dropped the bowling ball on his desk to show what happened when the meteor hit." said Shinji.
Asuka raised an eyebrow, "Bowling ball?"
"He stood up on his desk and dropped it on the plastic dinosaurs." replied Rei, "The ball smashed through his desk, and then through the floor and into the class below. If you want to see it, I think Kensuke recorded the moment."
"Right. So what's going on with the group and the go-cart?"
"Hikari, Touji, and Kensuke have been the only ones really working on it. Skuld was busy finding you. Megumi helped out when she could, but she was distracted about Sayoko missing. I was keeping an eye on Shinji." Rei smiled, "He really missed his Asuka-chan."
Shinji blushed red.
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Later that day.
Asuka, Shinji, Rei, Touji, Hikari, Kensuke, and Sayoko all stood inside of the apartment garage. Before them sat the mostly completed cart. It was only missing the wheels, and a few other pieces.
"You guys were busy." said Sayoko, "A few more days of work, and we'll be able to test it this weekend."
"Great!" said Kensuke, "And then I can show you how great I drive."
Touji frowned, "What do you mean your going to drive? I'm driving!"
"Are not!"
"Are too!"
"Are not!"
Hikari let out a sigh and pulled Touji out of the garage. Rei followed pulling Kensuke along. The boys never even realized they had moved. Hikari and Rei then shut the door. The sound of the boys arguing could still be heard. Shinji looked at Asuka curiously.
"How come you didn't say anything?"
Asuka shrugged, "I just decided I didn't want to drive."
Shinji, Hikari, and Rei all stared at Asuka shocked. Hikari placed her hand on Asuka's forehead.
"She feels normal. Shinji maybe you'd better take her home and......."
"I'M FINE!" shouted Asuka, "I just don't think I'm the right one to drive the thing."
"So who do you think should drive it?" asked Rei, "Kensuke? Touji?"
"Sayoko."
Sayoko looked up. "Eh?"
Asuka smiled, "Who better then the daughter of a racer and a goddess. After all, aren't all the Morisatos naturals at racing?"
Sayoko paled, "I......well......that is......I haven't......'sigh' You know I haven't done any racing."
"So? Neither have any of us." Asuka moved next to Sayoko. "Look, you're the best shot at us winning this. Give it a try."
Sayoko closed her eyes for a moment. She then opened them and looked at the others. "Kensuke and Touji aren't going to like this."
"So, we'll have a race off." said Hikari, "This weekend. We'll set up a test course and whoever has the best time will be the driver."
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That weekend.
Sunday.
Tokyo-2 High School Parking Lot.
Touji and Kensuke glared at each other, periodically turning and glaring at Sayoko. Sayoko however wasn't paying them any attention. Instead, she was quietly talking to Megumi, Asuka, Rei, and Hikari, while Skuld and Shinji finished prepping the cart.
"Alright!" said Skuld, "Listen up! This time trial is to see who is the best driver amongst you three." Touji and Kensuke glared at the other before turning away. Sayoko just rolled her eyes at them. "We've set up the course similar to what we'll find at the competition. The only difference is that there isn't going to be 20 other carts here." Skuld clapped her hands together. "Alright! Let's do this!"
"Prepare to eat my dust!" muttered Kensuke.
"In your dreams." replied Touji, "Your lucky Sayoko's racing, otherwise you'd end up last."
"Eh?" Sayoko looked at Touji.
"No offense. But this is a man's sport."
"Oh shit." muttered Shinji as every single female present glared at Touji. "They're dead men......."
By previous draw, Kensuke went first, followed by Touji. Both got a decent time, Touji 3m 45s, Kensuke 4m 5s. Sayoko then climbed into the cart for her turn. Asuka knelt next to the cart to help Sayoko put her helmet on.
"Go get 'em." Asuka said.
"Right." Sayoko gunned the throttle and with tires squealing, went off onto the course.
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The next day.
Touji and Kensuke sat at their desks stunned.
"Ken, we lost."
"I know."
"We lost to a girl."
"I know."
"We're never gonna hear the end of this."
"I know."
"Hikari still isn't talking to me."
"You screwed up."
"I screwed up??" Touji turned and stared at Kensuke. "What do you mean 'I' screwed up??"
"All that talk about how racing was a man's sport."
"YOU AGREED WITH ME!"
"Yeah, But I'm not dating Hikari am I?"
Touji slumped down into his seat. "Well, I guess there's no point in putting it off any longer."
Kensuke frowned, "Put what off?"
"Swallowing my pride and begging for forgiveness."
Kensuke snorted. "Dude, you're whipped."
Touji narrowed his eyes. "I am not whipped."
"You are too! Just like Shinji."
"At least we have girlfriends."
Kensuke winced, "That's harsh man."
Touji looked away for a second, then turned back. "Look. Like it or not, Sayoko's driving. We're part of her team. I say we suck it up, apologize for what we said, and then go out and win this competition."
Kensuke nodded, "I think I can handle that."
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The next weekend.
Saturday, the day of the competition.
Nekomi Tech Campus.
Chihiro Fujimi, owner of the Whirlwind, let out a sigh as she looked over the crowd. This was the first major event that the Nekomi Tech Motor Club had put on in almost 15 years. Yet it still felt a bit hollow. Being at competitions had stopped being fun after the loss of the Morisatos. This was the first one she had actually attended in years. Chihiro looked over to where Otaki and Tamiya were trying to pump up the crowd with tales of the club's past. Unfortunately, instead of inspiring the masses, they were driving them away.
"Otaki! Tamiya! Get over here!" she finally shouted.
"BUT WE ARE INSPIRING THEM TO GREAT..........." began Tamiya.
"You're inspiring them to run for the hills!" replied Chihiro, "And don't shout at me."
"Yes ma'am." said Tamiya, bowing his head.
"I know you're excited about this event," said Chihiro, "but remember, you guys aren't members of the club anymore."
At that Tamiya and Otaki let out a sigh and sagged.
"Our glory days.......long gone." muttered Tamiya.
"And yet my glory days are about to begin."
Chihiro, Tamiya, and Otaki all frowned, then turned to the man who had just arrived.
"Aoshima...." snarled Tamiya, "Why are you here?"
Aoshima smiled. "Why, the competition of course. My son, Kenji, will be participating in the races." Aoshima looked out at the groups gathered. "And judging from the looks of things, he and his school will win this easily." Aoshima turned to Tamiya. "So Tamiya, care to bet on the outcome?"
"Grrrrrrr."
Chihiro stood up. "Alright Aoshima! You have a bet!"
"Very well." said Aoshima, "I expect you to name a team in 2 hours."
Aoshima gave one final smirk at Tamiya, then left.
Chihiro let out another sigh. Tamiya glanced at her.
"You shouldn't have spoken up." he said, "It'll just give him something else to gloat about."
"Yeah yeah." Chihiro waved her hand. "I know I'll regret it tomorrow." Chihiro looked back out over the crowd of competitors. "Sora is out checking in the racers right?"
Otaki nodded, "She's getting ready to do it now."
"Tell Hasegawa to pick me out a winner."
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Sayoko and Asuka stood watching the crowd. Both were wearing jumpsuits that Megumi, Skuld, and even Misato had gotten made for the team. Other then Kensuke's and Hikari's, each teen had a jumpsuit in the same colors as their old plug suits. On the right shoulder of each was a patch that said 'Tokyo-2 High School'. On the left shoulder was a patch only the pilots had. The patch had a picture of that particular pilots Eva and it's name. 'After all' Misato had said, 'you are not only representing your school, but the UN and everyone from NERV.'
"I didn't think there were this many schools in Japan." said Asuka.
"Surprising isn't it." said Sayoko.
Asuka glanced at Sayoko, "Still think we're going to win?"
Sayoko shrugged, "I never said we would win, just said we had a good shot at winning. I'm just glad Auntie changed Urd's mind about that outfit."
Asuka shuddered. Urd had want to come in her old cheerleading outfit from the old Nekomi days. Skuld had finally convinced Urd that the outfit was just not appropriate for high school students to see.
"Asuka! Sayoko!" Both turned to see Shinji waving at them. He was wearing a jumpsuit in the same colors as his old plug suit. "They're beginning the check in! We have to be by the cart!"
Sayoko and Asuka took one last look at the crowd, then turned and hurried off to their cart.
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Sora Hasegawa moved along the line, examining the carts and checking off the various schools on her clipboard. She had already seen 20 schools and had another 15 to go. She sighed as she remembered Chihiro's request. So far she had seen nothing that set any school apart from the others. She walked to the next group, staring at her clipboard.
"School Name?" she asked for the 20th time that day.
"Tokyo-2" came a familiar voice.
Sora looked up and gasped.
"Megumi?"
Megumi smiled, "Heya Sora. You running this show?"
"Megumi!" Sora threw her arms around her old friend. "How are you? Where have you been? It's been ages!"
"Hey hey hey!" came another voice. "Isn't that showing a bit of favoritism?"
Sora turned and saw another unexpected sight. "Skuld?"
"Last time I looked." said Skuld with a smile.
"It's good to see you, but...." Sora looked at her clipboard, "Why are you here? You two have kids at Tokyo-2 High?"
Megumi and Skuld both snorted with laughter.
"Us? Kids? Yeah right." said Megumi.
"Actually, I'm here with my niece and her friends." said Skuld.
Sora turned to the group by the cart and had her second shock of the day. Standing before her were 7 teenagers, but one caught her attention, an almost perfect copy of Belldandy-sempai.
"Sora, I believe you remember my niece Sayoko." said Megumi with a smile.
"She......she was only 5 last time I saw her," said Sora, quietly, "at the funeral." To Sayoko she said, "You've grown up a lot. Your parents would have been proud."
Sayoko blushed. "Thank you."
"Umm. Who is your team's driver?" asked Sora, looking back at her clipboard.
"Who do you think?" said the red haired teen.
Sora looked at the red head confused.
"Sayoko of course!" replied the red head, "If she can pilot an Eva she can handle a little go-cart."
Sora gasped. "You're the Eva pilots?"
"Well, except for those two." said the red head, point at two of the others, "I piloted Unit-02, Shinji piloted Unit-01, Rei Unit-00, Touji Unit-03, and Sayoko Unit-04."
"Hey lady! Hurry up!" came a shout from further down the line.
Sora turned red. "Sorry, I don't have time to chat longer."
Sora quickly looked over the cart and wished Sayoko good luck. She then turned and moved on to the next cart. She smiled slightly. At least now she had a good team for Chihiro.
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30 minutes later.
Aoshima and Kenji sat atop a raised platform watching the racing. As luck would have it, Chihiro, Tamiya, and Otaki were sitting on the next platform over. Aoshima had grumbled about how the universe seemed to be out to get him, but he then realized when his son won, he'd get to see the looks of disappointment on their faces. The platform vibrated slightly as another person climbed up. Aoshima turned to see his cousin arriving.
"Hello Sayoko." He said, "What brings you here?"
"I'm here to support my nephew." replied Sayoko, "How are you Kenji?"
Kenji smirked, "Ready to show these fools why they should have stayed home."
"Kenji currently has the best time." said Aoshima, "No one has even come close."
'Like father, like son.' Sayoko sat down. "I hear the Eva pilots are supposed to be here."
Aoshima snorted. "Racing carts is vastly different from piloting a 400 foot robot." Aoshima looked back over the course where another heat was running. "Out of curiosity, which school are they in?"
"Tokyo-2 High."
Aoshima looked over at Chihiro. "So that's why they picked that team." He then looked at the racing schedule. "They should be in the next heat."
Kenji put his feet up on the railing and leaned back. "Wake me when it's time for the main race."
One platform over, Chihiro was sitting nervously. Finally she turned to Tamiya.
"Are you sure she said Tokyo-2?"
Tamiya nodded. "Yeah. Sora said the Tokyo-2 team had a great driver, natural ability."
Chihiro narrowed her eyes. "Natural ability? They haven't even raced yet!"
Tamiya looked at her nervously. "Well, Sora seemed so sure. She even said the driver was an Eva pilot."
"Like that will make a difference. This is go-carts!" Chihiro grabbed her head. "Dammit! I don't want to lose this bet!"
"Ladies and Gentlemen!" came Sora's voice over the P.A. "We are ready to begin the 5th heat of the day! Representing Osaka-2 High School........."
Chihiro grabbed her race schedule. "Tokyo-2 is in this heat. Let's see how they do."
Nearby, Aoshima was taking a sip from his drink.
"....... And representing Tokyo-2 High School, the former Pilot of Eva Unit-04, Sayoko Morisato!"
Aoshima spat his drink out in shock. He stood up and stared at where the carts were being lined up for the heat. Kenji stared at his father curiously.
"What is it?"
"It can't be......" muttered Aoshima as he grabbed his binoculars. There in his view was the daughter of his biggest rival and the woman that should have been his. Aoshima scowled, the lenses of his binoculars shattering as he clenched his hands. Sayoko Mishima smiled at the reaction of her cousin. She then stood up.
"Well, I'm off to wonder a bit. Later."
On the other platform, Chihiro was practically dancing.
"That little......Why didn't she tell us?!?"
Tamiya also had a big smile on his face. He looked at Otaki. "Think we can get her to come to Nekomi Tech?"
Down on the track, Sayoko had just got into the cart and was buckling herself up. Asuka knelt on one side with her helmet while Rei knelt on the other to help her strap in.
"You ready?" asked Asuka.
"Ready as I'll ever be." replied Sayoko.
Rei looked up. "Ok, you're in. Hope you used the restroom before cause you're not getting out now."
Sayoko glared at Rei while Asuka laughed.
"Thanks a lot Rei."
Rei smiled. "No problem. Now beat these guys." She got up and moved off to stand with the others. Asuka helped Sayoko get the helmet on, then started the cart.
"Hey Sayoko?"
Sayoko looked up at Asuka.
"What?" came her muffled reply.
"Kick some ass." Asuka then smacked the top of the helmet and ran off. Sayoko adjusted the helmet and revved the engine. One minute later she was off and racing.
Five minutes later the race was over. Sayoko had blown away the other carts and had come within two seconds of Kenji's time. Aoshima was very unhappy.
"Why must I constantly be cursed with the presence of a Morisato?!?!"
"Don't worry about it father." said Kenji, "She didn't beat my time. I can still win."
"That's not it!" shouted Aoshima, "Everything has gone perfect before, only at the end to be defeated because of Morisato's luck! She might have it as well!"
"There is no such thing as luck." replied Kenji, "We have put together the best cart that money can buy. We WILL win."
Aoshima smiled. "Of course we will. Pardon me for a moment while I go see about a bet."
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Sayoko stood off to the side while Touji and Kensuke checked over the engine under Skuld's watchful eye. Hikari, Asuka, Shinji, and Misato had wondered off to get drinks while Megumi had gone to see Urd in the stands. Suddenly Sayoko found herself wrapped up in a hug.
"You little devil! What didn't you tell me you were racing!"
Sayoko turned and smiled before grabbing the woman in a hug. "Aunt Chihiro!"
Sayoko then found herself being pulled away from Chihiro into the arms of a huge man who began tossing her into the air.
"YOU HEARD CHIHIRO MORISATO!!" shouted Tamiya, "WHY DIDN'T YOU........"
"Tamiya, put her down." said Chihiro, "She still has a race to win."
"Yeah!" said Sayoko.
"You can toss her around later though."
"Hey!"
"Give her a break." Came another voice.
Chihiro turned and frowned. "What are you doing here Mishima?"
The older Sayoko smiled. "Nice to see you too Chihiro."
Sayoko frowned at the two women. "No fighting please?"
"I'm not here to fight." said the older Sayoko, "Just wanted to see how your doing. Where's your friend? Asuka wasn't it?"
"She's off getting us some drinks." said Sayoko, "She should be......" Sayoko's voice trailed off as she saw someone approaching. "Oh great...."
Chihiro turned to look. "What is ......oh."
"Well, so the youngest Morisato has decided to try her hand at racing." said Aoshima with a smirk. "Has your father's luck carried over? Oh wait.......he ran out of luck on that plane ride. Too bad your mother was there with him."
Sayoko started at Aoshima, only to be held back by Skuld, who had noticed Aoshima's arrival.
"What do you want Aoshima?" she asked with a glare.
"Ah yes. Skuld wasn't it? I see that you've grown up to be just as beautiful as your sister." Aoshima adjusted his glasses. "Too bad you didn't mature as well as Belldandy did."
Now Chihiro was holding Skuld back.
"Well Chihiro," continued Aoshima, oblivious to the reactions he was getting. "Shall we discuss the bet? It's obvious that my son will win."
Chihiro narrowed her eyes. "The race hasn't been run yet."
"Ah but my son's cart is in much better shape then this.........scrap heap." Aoshima smiled, "Perhaps she is like her father, having to use substandard parts........"
Touji and Kensuke frowned and glared at Aoshima. Aoshima continued.
".....do you really want to pin your hopes on her winning?"
Chihiro glared at Aoshima. "I like her chances better then your son's."
Aoshima just smirked. "Whatever you say. Come along Kenji." Aoshima turned and left.
Kenji followed for a second, then looked at Sayoko. "Maybe after I beat you, you'd be interested in dinner?"
"Sorry..." replied Sayoko, "I don't date lowlife scum."
Kenji frowned, then turned and followed his father. Chihiro looked over at Sayoko.
"Please tell me you can beat him."
"Oh yeah...I'll beat him." muttered Sayoko, "I'll wipe that smirk off both their faces."
"Yoko!" said Skuld, "What would your mother say?"
Sayoko looked at the ground. "She'd say the goddess of victory doesn't shine on those who think of no one but themselves, that true victory is compassion for others." Sayoko looked up. "But I have compassion! I really want to stomp his ass!"
"Yoko...."
"What about Mara? She could curse them! Where is she? Can we call her?"
"Yoko!"
"What?"
Skuld leaned over and whispered in her ear. "Just this once.......crush them."
"YAHOO!"
"What's going on?" Everyone turned to see Shinji, Rei, Asuka, and Hikari returning. Sayoko shrugged.
"Just having pleasant conversation with the competition."
Old Sayoko smiled. "Oh is that what you call it. I just thought it was my Nephew being a prick."
Sayoko shrugged again. "That too." Sayoko then frowned. "Where's Misato?"
The other 4 children let out a sigh and looked at each other. Each held out their hands.
"Ja. Ken. Po."
Shinji let out a sigh and looked at Sayoko. "She and your Aunt discovered that beer was being sold here."
Skuld went pale. "Oh no......"
"Gets worse."
"How can it get worse?"
"Well....." Shinji turned and pointed.
Sayoko and Skuld looked in the direction he indicated. Their in the stands drinking their beers were Urd, Misato, and.......
Skuld grabbed Shinji and began to shake him, "What the hell is Mara doing here?!?!?"
Asuka and Sayoko grabbed Skuld.
"Calm down Auntie! He doesn't need shaken Shinji syndrome."
Skuld released Shinji. "Sorry."
"It's ok." replied Shinji, "Asuka has done worst."
Asuka glared at Shinji. "Anyway...." She turned back to Skuld. "She just wants to watch a race without worrying how she's going to screw it up."
"Un huh..." Skuld looked unconvinced.
"....Besides...Urd is there watching her."
"That's like having a drunken mouse guarding the cheese."
"Huh?"
"Never mind."
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"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!! IT IS NOW TIME FOR THE FINALS! WILL ALL DRIVERS PLEASE REPORT TO THE STARTING LINE!"
Sayoko sat in the cart waiting at the starting grid. Next to her was Kenji's cart. Sayoko kept sending daggers towards the 'Spawn of Aoshima' as she had begun to refer to him as.
"You know there is a race right?" Sayoko turned and looked up at Asuka.
"Yeah..."
"So quit staring at that baka and concentrate." Asuka then placed the helmet roughly on Sayoko's head. "you have a race to win and we're all counting on you." Sayoko glared up at Asuka as she adjusted it.
"Thanks."
Asuka smiled. "No problem." She then ran off to where the rest of the team stood.
Sayoko turned back towards the course and revved the engine. She took another glance over at Kenji who was taking last minute instruction from his father. Both of them looked over and glared at Sayoko before Aoshima turned and walked off the track. Sayoko turned and looked towards the starter. The starter in turn waited for the track to clear of non-racers. When the track was clear, the starter held up the green flag. Sayoko immediately gunned the engine, as did the other racers. The starter held the flag up high for several more seconds before bringing it down. Sayoko slammed the cart into gear and peeled out of the starting grid. As quick as she peeled out though, Kenji was a bit faster. For the first lap, Sayoko trailed behind in second. For the next 5 laps, Sayoko remained behind Kenji. The race was only 10 laps, and with it half over, Sayoko knew she had to make a move. She began taking the corners a bit closer then she had before, and used less brake. As a result, her tires squealed as she rounded the corners, but she was able to get closer to Kenji. But she could not get past him. Everytime she tried a move to pass, Kenji would move his cart to block her.
3 laps to go. Sayoko moved her cart as if she was going to pass Kenji on the right. As he moved to block her, Sayoko spun the wheel and moved to his left. The move worked. Now she and Kenji raced side by side along the course, sometimes she was leading, sometimes he was, but only by a few inches.
The final lap. Kenji was getting very annoyed that Sayoko was still with him. She was a pest that he wished to squish, even though she was a very beautiful pest. He moved his cart over, smashing it into Sayoko's. Sayoko lost control and went off track a bit. She was quickly able to regain control and was still along side Kenji, though he was a bit further ahead. Kenji glanced over his shoulder. Seeing the girl still there with him, he grew more annoyed. He swerved into Sayoko again. This time Sayoko was waiting for him. She slammed on her brakes, slowing down drastically. Kenji hadn't expected that. His cart swerved directly in front of Sayoko's and kept going, off the track and slamming into a railing. Sayoko's cart continued on its way, taking the checkered flag.
On his platform, Aoshima tossed the race sheet down in disgust. He then glared at his cousin, Sayoko, who was cheering for the girl who had been named for her. Next door, Chihiro, Tamiya, and Otaki were also whooping it up. On the track, Touji and Kensuke, who had gotten to her first, now had Sayoko sitting up on their shoulders amongst the cheering spectators. From her perch, Sayoko could see over the crowd of well-wishers to the stands, where Misato, Megumi, Urd, and Mara were standing and cheering. It was a fifth person standing with them that shocked her. There, standing next to Urd, was her grandfather, Kami-sama. He waved at her. Sayoko, still stunned, waved back.
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That night.
The Motor Club was holding a party at their clubhouse.
Members past and present were whooping it up, making up for the lost years were there had not been much celebration. The beer flowed like water. Already Misato, Urd, and Mara were well on their way to oblivion. Asuka had somehow gotten her hands on some beer and was currently in a corner making out with Shinji. Skuld had tried to avoid the attempts to get her to drink, but finally succumbed to the efforts of Tamiya, Otaki and Chihiro. She now lay passed out on a couch. One reason for the clubs celebration was that the event that day had been a great success. But another was a bit more personal to some of the older members. They were honoring the memory of their lost friends, by honoring their daughter. Everyone had some sort of Keiichi and Belldandy story to tell. After hearing 6 stories about her parents, Sayoko needed a break. She slipped quietly outside. She stood against a railing, looking up at the sky over Nekomi-2.
As she looked up at the night sky, a voice softly spoke in her head.
'Your parents would be proud of you, as am I.'
Sayoko smiled. "Thanks Grandpa."
"Eh?"
Sayoko turned to see Rei standing behind her. "Hi Rei."
Rei looked at Sayoko curiously. "Who were you talking to?"
Sayoko looked up. "Grandpa."
"Oh." Rei walked over and stood next to Sayoko. "How come you're out here?"
"Just needed a break from the stories about mom and dad."
"I find them interesting."
Sayoko rolled her eyes. "I've heard some of them before. Heck, I'm in some of them."
Rei glanced over her shoulder and smiled. "Looks like break times over."
"Huh?" Sayoko started to turn around when she was swept off her feet by Tamiya and head high over his head.
"THERE YOU ARE MORISATO!" shouted Tamiya, "IT'S TIME YOU JOINED IN ANOTHER MOTOR CLUB TRADITION! THE DRINKING CONTEST!!"
"WHAT!!" shouted Sayoko, "I'M NOT LEGAL DRINKING AGE!!"
Tamiya shrugged, "YOU'RE LEGAL SOMEWHERE! COME ON!"
"REI!!!! AUNTIE!!! ANYONE!! HELP!!!"
Rei smiled as Sayoko was carried away.
"She really needs to loosen up."
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Omake.
The party had gone late into the night. Most of the hardcore partiers had finally succumbed to sleep and booze. Only 2 now remained awake.
Sayoko wobbled slightly and looked at her companion.
".....so you see.....hic.....I'm like my mom....hic....She could drink anyone under the table......hic.......and not be drunk or have....hic.....a hangover......Only soda got her drunk......hic...."
Her companion nodded knowingly.
".....unfortunately....I'm half goddess.....half...hic....mortal.....I guess the booze does get to me eventually.....hic...." Sayoko wobbled slightly and looked into the eyes of her companion. "You know......hic......you're kinda cute........wanna kiss?"
Her companion just blinked at her.
"....awww....you're no fun.....hic......" Sayoko yawned. "K.......I'm going to sleep........hic......don wake me unless it's the 4th impact.....hic...." Sayoko then waggled her finger. "...an don try to cope a feel either....hic.....Asuka told me you're a perverted hentai......hic...." Sayoko's eyes then rolled back into her head and she fell off the couch asleep.
Pen Pen, King of the Party Animals and sole survivor of the Nekomi Tech Motor Club party, looked over the fallen and raised his beak high in triumph.
"WARK! WARK! (I KICK ASS!)"