At this point in time, I must apologize profusely for the long time in which it took me to update. There were many things which kept me from working on it, one being my writer's block: not being able to find a suitable way for Miyoko to defeat Sakai without making her appear too powerful, or, in fact, a way to end the chapter. Another being work-related: tons of my coworkers went on vacation, leaving me to fill in for them, giving me almost no time to myself; and the other being that I had to get my things organized for university. Yes, I'm starting university in the fall, and I'm quite excited. BUT, now that I've got everything under control, I've gone back to add more. Thank you very much for being so patient with me.

To GT4SilverShadow: When I read your review, I sent you an e-mail with my response, but I don't know if you received it yet, so… here it is:

I greatly appreciate that you decided to ask my permission first before using any references from my story in your own work, but even if you didn't ask me and used it anyway, as long as you credited my work as mine, I wouldn't have minded.

As for the collaboration/crossover thing, I'm sorely tempted, but I'd like to finish this story first before moving on to any other ventures. As you may see from my other posted works, I don't tend to finish stories that I begin, and for once, I'd like to break that tradition and finally get something completed. And what better way to begin than with this story? I already have the ending mapped out, it's just a matter of getting to the ending which is delaying me.

In any case, enough with the rambling. Here's Chapter Twelve!

Follow The Leader

by BoomChish

Chapter Twelve

Gamble Rumble

Miyoko just looked at me funny, then inclined her head. "So… you mean I should modify the internals of my car to make it go faster? I mean, the Evo's fast enough as is… and I'm sure if I work around it, I can still beat Sakai somehow…"

"You can't bank your victory on luck, Miyoko. That won't work in this case. Especially not against Todo Racing School."

"Well…" She hesitated, then looked at me earnestly. "But I mean… you've told us how we shouldn't underestimate drivers like Fujiwara, right? 'Cause he's got a lot of skill behind his clueless demeanor, right?" When I nodded, she continued, "But I'd rather win by skill, and not because my car is good. I mean, if my skill is shoddy and yet I still win against Sakai, won't people say that I only won because of my car? I wouldn't want that; I want to win because my skill got me the victory, not my car."

I let out a huge sigh. "Miyoko, in an uphill battle, skill is no longer the main issue here. Your car also plays an important factor in winning the race. There's a reason why Fujiwara will only race on the downhill; and that's because his Hachi-Roku could never outrun a 4WD car like a Skyline GT-R for instance… or even an Evo, on the uphill. His Hachi-Roku is just too underpowered on the uphill. Now, as for your stock Evo versus Sakai's tuned Integra, there are a few differences, but…"

Miyoko wasn't listening anymore. She appeared to be quite fascinated by the scenery outside. I said her name a few times to draw her attention, but my efforts were in vain. That is, until she finally turned towards me and said, quite simply, "I want to drive."

"What?" I was dumbfounded.

"I want to drive on the uphill. Let me drive," she spoke, quietly and firmly.

"You mean now?" We were almost at the foot of Enna Pass, as it turned out.

"Yes, now. Unless your car is too precious for me to sit behind the wheel?" she taunted.

I was stunned, but I quickly gathered my wits. "Uh… o…kay?" I pulled over to the side and we switched positions. Miyoko had a strange determined look on her face as she slowly set her foot down on the gas and fluidly shifted gears at the appropriate moment. I'd never seen that look before on her face, and to be honest, it really frightened me.

Especially when she started to attack the corners with mindless ease and didn't even bat an eye when she miscalculated her drift into a particularly sharp hairpin and nearly resulted in my car's rear end bumping against the concrete wall. She barely missed it, but she was way too close for comfort.

When she pulled off a second miscalculated drift into another corner, I really let her have it. "Will you watch what you're doing?! For the love of God, I can plainly see that you're set on beating Sakai with your raw skill, but don't go and destroy my car in the process! Especially not with me in it! I can't afford another life, let alone another car!" I roared at her. Which, in essence, was right; I definitely didn't have any money to throw away like that. Especially since Mitsubishi Motors was more preoccupied with releasing the later model Evos; it'd be a bit of a coil finding another Evo IV that would be similar, if not identical, to the one I currently owned. For a split second, I'd forgotten that Miyoko certainly had enough money to replace my car if she did total it, but that was besides the point; I didn't want her to destroy it with reckless driving.

I was so preoccupied with reprimanding her on how careless her drifts were that I hadn't even noticed that we were already at the top of Enna Pass. I was even less concerned with the fact that we'd reached the top because she abruptly forced my car into a sharp U-turn, resulting in a loud screeching of tires - my tires - as she wheeled the car around and headed on the downhill.

I knew she wouldn't be racing on the downhill, but either way, she was definitely going to get it as soon as we reached the bottom of the mountain pass. If I could even survive that long without Miyoko making one excessively big miscalculation, resulting in a nice crunched-up Evo against a concrete wall. With the both of us in it.

She finally slowed down as we reached the bottom of the mountain pass. Miyoko glanced at me once, then sighed and killed the engine before she said, "Go ahead, say it."

I let go; "Are you insane? The way you were driving back there, you could've killed us both! Of all the things I'd expected, the last thing I'd expected you to be was reckless! You're better than that, and we both know it!"

Miyoko didn't say a word, she merely shrugged and tapped her fingers on my steering wheel. I went on; "And you nearly wrecked my car in the process! Do you know how hard it would be for me to find another Evo IV almost identical to this one? Much less the repairs I'd have to pay for if this ever got totaled?"

Instead of directly answering my question, she started to drive off again, this time in the direction of home. I calmed down enough to say, "Now where are you going?"

"Home. I've learned all I need to know," she answered simply.

All she needed to know? "That's ridiculous. I didn't teach you anything today."

"You taught me more than you realize, Seiji. It's enough," she replied, then fell silent for the rest of the drive home.

---

I had no idea what she meant by that comment, but either way, she carefully dodged any questions heading in that direction all throughout the week. And before I knew it, Saturday had arrived and with it, the race between Miyoko and Sakai came too soon.

I decided to wait at the top of the mountain pass along with Jin. Alex said that he, the Night Kids and the ladies of Impact Blue would evenly disperse themselves among the route. Jin seemed surprised when I'd told him what had happened between myself and Miyoko that night when we went for a drive.

"So she drove up Enna like a crazy nut, nearly killing you and your car, but still managed to get a crazy fast time, then she said that she'd learned all that she needed to know for the race?"

I nodded solemnly.

"Weird. I know her personality varies from time to time, but that's very weird even for her."

There was a crackling sound from my radio. I grabbed it and answered it, to hear Alex say, "The race has begun. Sakai's in the lead with Miyoko in behind. Does the chaser theory still work on the uphill?"

I hesitated. "I suppose so. Although they're not just fighting each other to reach the top, they're also fighting the pull of gravity."

"Gravity? Oh, right… since they're going up and gravity forces things down, they're also fighting that. Makes sense… Anyhow… you think she's got a chance of winning?"

I let out a noise. "I don't know… The only modification I saw her do was change her brake fluid. Other than that, who knows?"

It was Alex's turn to let out a commiserating noise. "You're not making me feel any more confident, Seiji. You know I'm worried about this. It was pure luck that got me my victory against Daiki, but I don't know if Miyoko will be that lucky."

"No need to remind me," I answered sourly. And with that, I ended the communication with Alex. Jin seemed to notice my discomfort and patted me affectionately on my back. "Hey, don't stress too much, aniki. Wasn't it you who once said that it didn't matter if we won or lost at this stage of the game, since we're pretty new to the scene? That we could recoup our losses and cover them up with victories in the future if ever we were faced with a loss?"

I nodded. "But the anticipation of knowing the outcome is always there, regardless of whether you're expecting a win or not. And that's what's getting to me, right now… the prospect of who might win."

"Well, well… So it's the little princess who you've set loose on the scene now, is it, Seiji?" came a familiar jeering voice. I merely gritted my teeth and turned to face Kyouichi, who had obviously showed up for the race, as usual, surrounded by the whole Emperor crew. Considering his past with Todo Racing School, it didn't surprise me to see him there.

"He didn't send Miyoko out, she was challenged by Todo Racing School," Jin retorted angrily when he saw who it was. Kyouichi merely made a clicking noise with his mouth and shook his head disapprovingly at my brother.

"I don't recall asking you for your opinion. But in any case," he turned to face me again, "is this yet another attempt at your proof that you can achieve something on your own without any real expertise? Or did Ninomiya's race against your American friend merely get you into bigger trouble than you'd expected?"

I gave him a cold stare and bit the inside of my mouth to prevent myself from saying some scathing remark that I'd regret in the future, but all I said was, "I'm here because Miyoko was challenged to a race by Sakai of Todo Racing School. I'm here to support her, and that's all."

Kyouichi eyed me suspiciously, but didn't say anything. I could tell that Jin was seething next to me, but I gently patted his shoulder, then squeezed it to let him know that it wasn't the time or the place to get into an argument with Kyouichi Sudou.

Especially not when I suddenly felt a funny drop of water land squarely on my nose, followed by a few more droplets. Jin's angry look quickly subsided to worry. "Aniki, it's starting to rain! You think Miyoko will be fine in this condition?" he demanded as the skies opened up and rain started to fall on us.

I made a face. "Her Evo VII is 4WD, while Sakai's Integra is FF. As long as she knows how to control her car, she should be fine," I answered tartly.

"Assuming she doesn't drive the same way I heard she did a few days ago when you two went for a drive on Enna," Kyouichi cut in nastily. "If she were to drive like that in the rain, she'll smash her car up for sure." I rounded on him and saw that his face had taken on a look of malice.

"Where did you hear that?" I demanded.

He shrugged. "I hear lots of things, Seiji. Like about how Miyoko's temper nearly forced you to quit as their leader, then it was her feeble whimpering and crying which encouraged you to stay. Never for a second did I think that you were one of those types of men."

"And what exactly do you mean by that?" I raged, my temper flaring. Gossip about how my team performed on the road was one thing, gossip about our internal conflicts off the road was in another league entirely. I clenched my hands into fists and I was more than ready to punch his block off if he said anything else to smear my team's name.

Until I heard someone from across the road shout out, "Here they come! And… oh my god, what is she doing in the lead?"

My face immediately registered shock as Jin and I turned around… in time to see Miyoko zip past the finish line with Sakai right on her tail. I chanced a look back at Kyouichi, and he was surprised as well.

Like last time, Miyoko wheeled her car around into a sharp U-turn, causing her tires to squeal, then she pulled over to the side, killed the engine of her car and stepped out into the downpour and made her way to us. Sakai pulled over behind her, got out and came to join us as well. He wasn't smiling, but neither did he look condescending either.

Jin was first to speak. "I don't believe it, Miyo… How'd you do it?"

"We-ell… Seiji, remember when you told me that my reckless driving was capable enough of killing us both?" she asked innocently.

"Something of that sort. Why?"

"Well… I didn't quite kill myself, but I did manage to do that to my car," she answered as she gestured to a rather sizeable scrape on the left side of her back bumper. Both Jin and I stared at it in shock and confusion before I managed to blurt out, "What happened? How'd you get that?"

"Seems to me like Ieyasu-chan's been studying the tactics that Fujiwara has been using," Sakai commented as he wrinkled his nose. "She turned off her headlights at one point, so I couldn't see her behind me. Also add in the fact that it's dark outside and raining and her car color, it was almost impossible to see her in my rearview mirror, so at some intervals, it was as if she wasn't even there."

"Amazing…" Jin murmured in awe.

"That still doesn't explain the scratch in her car," I cut in, a bit harshly.

Sakai didn't seem to mind. "Yes, that… Well, at one particularly sharp hairpin, the last one before the final stretch, I suppose I braked a bit too soon - considering my car's drivetrain, I have to go a bit slower in the turns while in the rain, lest I want to spin out upon exiting. Ieyasu-chan used that opportunity to sneak past me on the inside and drift into the corner, taking up most of the space, so I had to ease up some, unless I wanted her to crash into me, or vice versa. Upon exiting, her car slid out a bit too much, and - as you can see - she grazed the outer wall. Unfortunately for me, that contact didn't faze her one bit, and she simply took off."

Kyouichi narrowed his eyes at Miyoko, who didn't even acknowledge his presence until he spoke, his voice low; "If you keep trying to imitate Fujiwara, you'll end up six feet underground sooner than you think, Ieyasu-chan," he spoke, causing her to glare at him, the venom behind her green eyes blindingly visible. Even Sakai ended up watching Kyouichi warily, not sure of which stance to take.

There was a deadly silence until he shrugged and turned away disdainfully. "Well whatever. Do what you want. Just that…" here, he turned to face me and his gaze was cold, yet mocking, "We'll be waiting for you. Whenever you're ready, we're there." And with that, he and the rest of Emperor left.

"If ever we're going after Emperor, I want to take a crack at that arrogant, good for nothing sonofabitch," Miyoko growled, her fists clenched. "I'll make him eat his words!"

"Okay, calm down," I spoke tersely. "I know you're angry right now…"

"Anger doesn't even begin to describe what I'm feeling right now!" she blasted, her fury now directed at me. I recoiled a bit, and Jin looked suitably cowed as well.

Interference came from an unlikely source, as Sakai patted her on the shoulder and said, "I understand that you're angry at what he said, but there's nothing you can do about it now. Just take pride in the fact that you won tonight, and save your anger for later."

She wheeled on him. "You stay out of this!" she snapped. He stepped back, shocked at her answer. I stepped forward to intervene, holding my hands up in defense and apology.

"Ehe… it's okay, Sakai… When she gets like this, it's best not to try and make her change her mind." To Miyoko, I said, "Tell you what, Miyoko… why don't we all go out to some place to eat? To celebrate your victory? My treat."

"You sure you can afford it?" Jin mocked as Alex and the Night Kids finally arrived, joining us in time to hear my idea.

I pulled out my wallet and inspected the contents, wincing when I saw the amount of money, or apparent lack thereof, in it. I let out a sigh. "Eh… I'll just charge it to my credit card. Well… What do you say?" I asked hopefully, watching her expression.

It gradually subsided. "Oh… all right. But by God, does that man ever infuriate me!"

I let out another sigh. "I know Miyoko… I know all too well…"

---

Okay… now before anyone says anything, I have not read any of the mangas, nor have I seen anything of the anime beyond the AE86 vs NA6C race, so I'm not too aware of how Sakai's character should be. So if he's OOC, then don't hesitate to correct me. I'd like to be as accurate as possible.

Yes, the way Miyoko defeated Sakai sounds a bit too much like I mashed the AE86 vs Spoon EK9 race and the FD3S vs BNR32 race together, but as I previously mentioned, I haven't seen the FD3S vs DC2 match, so I'm not entirely sure of Sakai's weaknesses on the road. I decided to use Miyoko's reckless driving as a means for her to achieve her victory, half testing out what she'd heard Takumi do, half trying too hard to win legitimately. She won in the end, but it was the rain, coupled with her drivetrain advantage and her reckless driving which made her win. As Sakai said in this chapter, if he hadn't eased up just a bit, Miyoko's drift would've been enough to smack into him and both of them would have lost control and gotten into a huge accident. More luck on Evo Prime's part, huh?

Kyouichi does really seem like one heck of a mean guy at this point, but he'll get his comeuppance much later on… in a way you'll all be shocked to see.

Now hopefully I'll keep myself on track and get this finished!

-BoomChish