ACT 4 – 4000RPM 'The Wrong Pills'

It was definitely not a time of relaxation, as Fu Huo soon realized. He gazed at his mirror…
What a nice car.

Kanae's Sileighty sped up, drawing closer to the Evo. Can't help it, can you? You're a street racer after all. thought Fu Huo, has he sped up his car at the same moment.

Vrrrttsshhh…

Fu Huo observed in his mirror again… That's weird… its as if she wants me to speed up. Is she insulting me?

Fu throttled on, widening the gap a bit between the Evo and the Sileighty. Let's see how good your baby runs.

Kanae increased her speed, keeping up with Fu, but for some reason, not trying to catch or pass him.
That's weird. Fu looked at his mirror again. She seems in quite a rush, yet she doesn't seem like she's trying to race either?

The two cars ended up skidding slightly on a sharp curve, then slowed down to stop at an intersection. Oh, maybe she just can't wait to get in bed with me? Hehe… Fu shook his head off that previous thought, and concentrated on his driving.
They stopped their cars side by side at the lights. Fu rolled down his window… "Hey, what's the rush?"
Kanae, with her windows already open, replied, "I really need to use the phone. There was an accident at F5, another racer is stranded up there."

So that's why she's in such a hurry. Damn, she could've told me earlier. Well it won't help anyway. My phone's battery is dead and the next payphone is further than reaching my place.

The two cars dashed off quickly, the Lancer being the guide. Fu Huo increased his pace, as he now became aware of the situation. He throttled on in a hurry, and much to his surprise, Kanae seemed to be keeping up pretty well. Not bad.

He's being followed by a two-wheeler after all. Fu Huo felt something about Kanae's pace which pushed him further. It was almost as if he was being pressured, yet not quite. Nevertheless, he was not going to allow himself to 'lose' twice on the same night. Despite the situation, Kanae's surprising skill was a turn on for Fu Huo. It was clear to him, that he'd eventually face her one day in a battle…

Moments later, the two finally arrived at Fu Huo's place. It was in a small apartment-like building he was renting, complete with a main room, kitchen, laundry, and a garage. However, there was only one available bedroom where he was staying. Fu Huo and Kanae parked the large garage-like car park, then quickly rushed their way to Fu's apartment…

Much later, Fu was walking off from Kanae's Sileighty, carrying a few CD's and Kanae's handbag.
He walked into his apartment, as Kanae just got off the phone.

"How was it?" asked Fu Huo.
"It's all good…" explained Kanae. "A rescue team had already been there moments ago before I even called. The driver is safe, just a few minor injuries, but the car isn't really…"
"I see…" replied Fu Huo. "How lucky. I wonder who could've made the call before us...?"

What puzzled Kanae is, how the hell anybody can still be 'fine' after that. Was it an illusion? Is this another one of F5's cruel pranks?

Kanae mumbled to herself, "…I guess the tournament's cancelled now? F5 is screwed."
"What are you talking about?" asked Fu.
"Oh, its nothing…" excused Kanae. "I'm just glad everything's fine."

In a short while, they both walked over to the table and sat down. "Can I get you anything?" offered Fu.
"Anything will do," accepted Kanae. Fu Huo walked off briefly, as Kanae sat at the table in her thoughts. He's so kind. Or maybe he's…

Shortly, Fu Huo came back with a bottle of white wine and two glasses.
Oh my… Is he really…?

Kanae could not resist, and took a glass.
"So…" Kanae tried to make conversation with him, though she was rather tired, "How old are you, Fu Huo?"
"I'm nineteen. How 'bout you?"
"I just hit twenty… Anyway, how long have you been racing?"
Fu Huo sipped his glass, and made a long pause. "…For as far as I can remember."
Kanae could not make out anything to say afterwards. She was getting a little tired…

"Um… Fu,"
"Yes?"
"Where would I be sleeping?"
"Well, I thought it'd be convenient if you'd sleep outside,"

Kanae looked puzzled. Fu Huo laughed a bit, then continued, "I'm joking. You can use my room. I'll just stay on the couch."
"Oh, that's too much," Kanae felt embarrassed. "I'll take the couch."
Fu sipped his drink, "This is my place… You do as I say, you understand?"

They both laughed together, as they continued their drinks. "Anyway…" Fu got up. "Let me show you the bedroom.
The two of them walked over to Fu's room. Much to Kanae's surprise, the bed was not only neat and tidy, but it was unusually huge.
"Thanks," said Kanae. "But why you got such a huge bed?"
There was no real reason. Fu Huo replied jokingly, "Well, you know… I like sleeping with fat chicks."
They both laughed together, but Kanae could not take her eyes of the bed size.
"You know…" Kanae turned to face Fu. "There seems to be a lot of space there… Um… I wouldn't mind if…"
"Something wrong? You don't like it?"
"No… it's not that. Its just weird if I made you sleep on the couch…"
"Well, fine then. I'll take the floor."
"No, no… I was just gonna say… that I wouldn't mind if we… can both use the bed…"

Fu's face lit up in both excitement and confusion.
Wow, is she serious? "Uh… well its fine with me…"

Neither of them spoke afterwards. Fu Huo walked over back at the table in doubt. Damn… what a night, what a night!

They both sat down, drank and talked for a bit more.
"…and yeah, that's how I got my Evo," Fu finished his story. But Kanae did not seem to be listening anymore. She looked at him all beady-eyed, yet eyes were only half open.
"Fu…"
"Uh…yeah?"
"Do you… have a girlfriend?"
"Hm? You mean right now? Well, I've had a few… but to answer your question…No… I'm sorta single at the moment."
"Sorta…?"
"I can't explain it. What about you? You got a boyfriend?"
"Nah…" Kanae rested her face on her palm, with her arm leaned on the table. "I'm not sure if I really want one at the moment."
"That's understandable," Fu pretended to agree, "You shouldn't rush and get desperate you know. Sometimes, relationships are a pain, maybe even a waste of time."
"Well… it can be good sometimes too, doesn't it?"
"I guess…"

They soon grew silent after a while. Neither of them said a word. Fu Huo took one last sip off his glass…
Before he knew it, Kanae drew closer to him, little by little. He pretended not to notice anything.
He turned to look at her for a brief moment. Everything stood still for about a few moments…

They stared at each other… and before they knew it, they could feel each other's mouth digging into the other. They kissed on, as Fu Huo slowly moved his arm around Kanae, while the other hand went up Kanae's shirt and worked its way up her back, grabbing a brief hold of her bra.
Neither of them knew what they were doing. They both chewed at each other's lips, then mouth, as if they were both possessed. Kanae felt Fu's warm cheeks rest into hers, as she laid her arms around him slowly.

This isn't right. Fu thought to himself. I… feel nothing for her. Yet I still go on.

Kanae continued to kiss him, her body slowly moving closer to his… We've only just met… Why am I doing this? thought Kanae.
Her conscience did not seem to stop her. The lustful feeling inside them was too dominant. It was a feeling that not even they were able to hold back…

The phone suddenly rang…
It took a short while before the two realized it, and quickly let go of each other, as Fu walked over to the phone and answered. Damn, why the hell would anybody call at a time like this?

"Hello?" answered Fu.
"Hello, Fu, its me,"

Minako…

"Uh… hey Mina, how you doin'?"
"Well I'm fine, Fu. But I was more concerned about you. You were supposed to call me after the race. I was so worried that something might've happened," told Minako.
"I'm sorry," apologized Fu. "I'm alright, don't worry."

Kanae walked over to Fu and tapped him on the shoulder. "Excuse me, may I use the shower?"
Fu's face lit up red, "Uh, uh… yes… sure. Go ahead."

Kanae walked off, and Fu went back to the phone.
"Who was that?" asked Minako. Fu did not quite like her tone at the moment.
"Uh… she's a friend," explained Fu. "She's a foreign road racer who was just passing by, so I let her stay at my place for a while."
"Really?" questioned Minako.
"Uh yeah… well it's cheaper than checking into a motel…" Fu swallowed in embarrassment.
"Okay… well, good night Fu," said Minako in a straight voice.
"Good night," replied Fu as Minako quickly hung up.

Geez, what's her problem?

Fu Huo put down the phone. He walked over to the table and sat down, thinking to himself.

What the hell am I doing…? he took a sip out of his glass once more. I was about to get down with someone I barely knew… Sounds much like the old days… But it doesn't feel right. It doesn't feel right at all…

Fu Huo crossed his arms and kicked back, closing his eyes in thought. I was such a curious young boy back then… But I was just a boy… How could I have known what I was doing… I guess after all the pain I've caused on myself and others… I was still just a boy…

He shook his head. Moments later, Kanae called out to him. Fu Huo made his way to the bathroom. His face turned red, as he stepped in, "Um… what's wrong?"
"May I please have a towel?" asked Kanae.
"Oh sure, sorry about that. I'll be with you right away."

Fu grabbed her a fresh towel from the closet nearby. He slowly handed over the towel to her, without looking behind the shower curtains.
"Thank you," said Kanae.

Moments on, Fu Huo prepared the bed. He got himself ready for bed, and left the bed lamp on for a while for Kanae later. Fu Huo rolled to the side, and closed his eyes, pretending to be asleep. Soon, Kanae walked in the room. Fu kept his eyes closed, facing one side of the bed. He noticed Kanae had just lay on the bed, next to him, then turned out the lights…
Assuming Fu was already asleep, Kanae did not say a word and shut her eyes, trying to sleep.

After a long while during that night, Fu Huo was still awake. It was around 3AM.
Fu moved slightly, and turned to look the other side. He began to stare at Kanae, who was laying next to him in just her lingerie. Fu's jaws dropped and eyes widened… Whoooaaaaa man…

Fu Huo stared on until his eyes became watery. He could barely contain himself.
Kanae then began to slowly opened her eyes.
"Is something wrong?" she spoke softly.
Fu Huo blushed in embarrassment Oh… shit!
"Uh… n-nothing… I just have a little trouble sleeping," replied Fu Huo in a bit of a stuttering tone.
"Neither can I…" said Kanae, "I forgot to tell you that I have a problem with sleeping. My new pills didn't seem to work…"

Oh what the hell… she was awake the whole time?

Fu could not help but stare at her body.
"Damn doctor said that the pills were really good… pff…" complained Kanae.
"Uh… yeah, I'm listening," replied Fu.
"Maybe I should try taking another one," suggested Kanae.

Kanae turned on the lamp.
She reached over for her bag, and took out the pack of sleeping pills. Fu Huo finally took his eyes off her for a brief moment, and checked the pills she was going to take.

"Hey, wait a minute," said Fu. "Can I see those pills?"
"Sure," Kanae passed the little plastic tray of pills to him. "It didn't come in a packet. Fricken doctor said they were really good super rare sleeping pills."
Fu Huo examined the pills. He held up a capsule and took a closer look at it…
What… the hell…?

Fu Huo held the drug in shock…
"What's going on?" asked Kanae.
"Where did you get this from?"
"Um… from the clinic…"
"Which clinic?"
"Well, the only clinic you'll find at the top of F5…"

Fu Huo showed her the drugs she was going to take…
"Kanae… these are not sleeping pills!"
"Huh?"
"Look…"

Fu held the little capsule in front of her. On it was some printed text that could only be seen if you looked closely.

The letters on the capsule spell: 'KYOKO'

Two days later…

It was raining outside, the droplets splattered all over the huge window of a building overlooking the streets. Inside, is an office of one of Zui Hou R's tuning branches. The time of day was rather early, about 7:30AM in the morning and the place was nearly empty. It was dimly lit, except for parts of the corridors.

"I don't know how it happened…" Shireishou E, General of the East Garage made his way to the lift area, followed by the one and only Fukada Kumiko. "It was an accident. I must've given it to that girl…"

"Do you have any way of contacting that woman?" asked Kumiko. She definitely did not have a happy look in her face. It was a significant change from her usual charming expressions.

"I have her addresses and contact information back at the clinic's database… But as you already know, I can't get there right now…" explained E.

"Phhuh… well at least we're not gonna have sleeping problems with these…" Kumiko grabbed a packet of medicine out of her pocket and tossed it at E's face.

"Sorry… It was a terrible mistake," he apologized.
"The only hope we have is if we find that woman before she's taken it all. That was the last set that was produced. Without that, we can't mass-produce any more…" explained Kumiko. "The Emperor will not be pleased."

"Oh…shit…"
"You didn't forget about the Emperor did you? Well, you're mistake is also my mistake… We might even end up being demoted," continued Kumiko.

The got off the lift afterwards, and ended up in a huge open area, in between the set of buildings. The layout revealed a racetrack surrounding the area, along with four buildings with huge garages surrounding it, along with one huge building in the middle, also with a garage.

Along the racetrack, were two cars doing drift sessions, a S15 Spec R Aero and a Trueno GT-Apex, both with the Zui Hou R stickers. Kumiko and Shireishou E walked across a bridge which over passed a section of the track, and watched the two drivers training.

Moments later, Kumiko's phone rang as the two cars disappeared from view.
"Hello?" she answered. E could not hear clear enough on the conversation however.
"What? Really? Since when?" said Kumiko. "Where is she now? What do you mean she didn't give 'em to you?"

Kumiko made a long pause, listening to the person on the other end. She soon replied, "Can you come see me sometime? I'd like to talk to you some more…"

E noticed Kumiko's expression began to change. But during her little phone conversation, she seemed different in such a short moment. A while ago, she was dead serious and a lot worried, though it seems as if she's light-headed and relieved compared to how she was earlier on. Who could she be talking to?

"Oh yes, that's fine. Okay, see you soon, buh-bye!" Kumiko hung up the phone.
"Who was that?" asked E curiously.
"That was Shireishou X. He says he may have found your patient, but wasn't able to recover anything."
"Damn…"

Kumiko walked off, as E stood to watch the drifters, to take away his stress. She headed to the building in the center. As she was walking over to inspect the garages, Kumiko received another phone call…

"Hello?" she answered.
"Hello? This is Fukada Kumiko?"
"Yes it is. May I know who I'm speaking to?"
"Oh, you don't remember me…?
"Well… you sound familiar…"
"Oh quit playing… its me."
"Yeah, 'me' does sound familiar."
"Oh stop it. Its me, Reiko."
"Reiko? Mirishima Reiko? What's going on here? I haven't heard from you in years!"
"Yes…! That's because you never call or write!"
"Oh my god! How've you been?"
"I'm good, good. And you? I've been hearing much about you. You're pretty famous now huh."
"Not as famous as you, Rei!"

The two began to chit chat on the phone like no tomorrow.

"Actually, Kumi, there's another reason why I called," paused Reiko. "You'll be joining the BXD Tournament, aren't you?"

"Well, I was going to," explained Kumiko. "But I heard F5 is going through maintenance right now…"
"That's what I called you for…" Reiko continued. "The first round has been moved to C4."
"So the tournament is still on? Great!" Kumiko was ready; she walked on into the garage area, where she had parked her car for some maintenance. "So when does it start?"
"The tournament starts this Saturday, and continues through the Saturday after, and so on."
"That's good, that's good…" something came to Kumiko's head… "By the way, do you often go to the clinic near your area?"
"The clinic? Well, barely, only sometimes. But why?"
"Have you ever bought sleeping pills from there?"
"Uh… no, I can't remember… but my sister in law has a sleeping disorder and goes there a lot."
"When's the last time you think she visited the clinic?"
"Um… I dunno, but I'm guessing she's just been there a couple of days ago… Why?"
"Its hard to explain…" excused Kumiko. "Anyway, has she said anything about the pills being ineffective?"
"Geez, Kumi, its not like I chat with people about sleeping pills."
"Can you ask her for me?"
"Hmm… okay. But why? Tell me."
"Uh… well, one of my colleagues works at the clinic there. He says he gave some woman the wrong medicine instead of the sleeping pills by accident."
"I see… The reason why you're concerned is… those other pills that he gave away instead of the sleeping medicine?"
"Yes… We need it back…"
"But how can you be sure you've found the right girl?"
"Well, I'm not sure at all. But another colleague of mine seems to have spotted her. Says that he saw her carry them himself. The thing is, the girl did not want to give him the pills. Said she was gonna return them to the clinic herself and complain once she can go back through F5."
"Oh that's right, F5 is still pretty much screwed. By the way, what did your colleague say the woman's name was?"
"He said her name was Kanae or something…"
"Kanae… She IS my sister in law. My brother said she was in town recently and couldn't get back. She must still be there somewhere… Anyway, if she says she's off to return them, either way, you'll get the pills back…"
"That's not the issue…" explained Kumiko. "Its how much time left we have to get them back…"