ACT 11 – 11000RPM 'Semi-Finals'

After two weeks have passed, the preliminary round for the Bu Xia De Underground Street Racing Tournament had finally been completed, in which began at Route C4. The four semi finalists for the tournament are Chuan Fu Huo, Mirishima Kanae, Mirishima Reiko and Fukada Kumiko, whom will compete against each other on the second round of the tournament, transferring at Route H3 – home ground of the Bu Xia De street division.

H3 was once a public road – now made into a part time racetrack. It is set on the side of its surrounding mountain, but its design is completely unconventional and unorthodox, containing bridges which elevated the actual road, creating a set of twisting uphill-to-downhill sections, making the road very much similar to a roller coaster track. One could not that the track has partly uphill as well as downhill angled corners. It was basically a route, used by public, but designed as a roller coaster track for the purpose of racing. This course was truly one of a kind in its own area. However, the roads were a little wider than C4's first section, though the area seemed clean and free of any dirt patches on the side of the road.

Fu Huo did not spend much time preparing for his race. He wasted most of his time during the day with his friends from Zui Hou's Divine Unit, the North and South Generals. They parked their cars along the side of the tourist parking on Route D1, overlooking the town. The two Lan-Evos and a DC5 Type R Integra sat along side each other, as the drivers stood around had talked amongst each other.

"H3's the next course… I haven't even raced there before…" claimed Fu Huo.
"Who's your opponent?" asked N.
"I don't know… I left after my race with S. I didn't stay or attended to see the other races. So I don't know who else has advanced," replied Fu Huo, killing his cigarette, leaning against his car's spoiler.

S looked on to the horizon, trying to remember the results, "I think you're up against that girl with the aqua Sileighty…"
"Kanae, huh… I thought so…" Fu Huo spoke in a somber tone, lifting his face up to gaze at the bright blue sky, his eyes half closed.

"You know her?" asked S in a rather urging tone.
"…Kinda," Fu Huo stared on upward.

S did not say anything to him, but smiled at him teasingly.
"What? She's just another road racer," suggested Fu Huo.
"Never mind," said S.

Fu Huo turned his head back down and turned to look at N.
"What's up with you?" asked N.
"Nothing, man," paused Fu. "And you?"
"Mehh… My Evo III's busted…" explained N.
"What's the matter?"
"I dunno. The ignition's basically screwed and I can't get it to run anymore,"
"I see… You've had that misfiring crap for a long time now, haven't you?
"Yeah… but I dunno why the car's suffered damage internally…"
"I'm not every good at these thing… Kumiko's better at explaining them… But I think the misfiring system fucked your car up…" guess Fu Huo.
"It's Zui Hou's car anyway… oh well…"
"You still got the DC5…"

They spent the rest of the afternoon running back and forth through Route D1. They all are of different class, personality, and views. But the one thing they shared in common was that they all loved to drive…

They took a break after a few runs.
"So what plans you got, S?" asked Fu.
"When I'm good enough… I'll probably get into rally," dreamt S.
"What about you, N?" asked Fu.
"Dunno… I can't be bothered thinking about it…" replied N.
"You're so lazy… Phh…" Fu reached for his pocket taking his keys out. "I'm off, guys. Laters…"

Fu Huo drove off with his Lancer, cruising the rest of his way down D1. After being informed of his next opponent, his mind was set. He almost did not take his mind off Kanae, his absolute target.

The stakes are much higher for me now…

Fu Huo sped up, throttling in aggressiveness. This was not his usual style, as he is normally smooth, cool and calm as per Kumiko's flow. …Not only are the stakes high… but also I've now such a strong desire to win. My pride has been grazed… I was told that I was 'fake'…

Fu Huo shifted up a gear, and set his feelings diving into the turn as his car flew sideways. I'll show you how real I can be!

His engine howled angrily as Fu revved his car high on the straightaway.

As often said by the Emperor himself… all those who constrain Zui Hou's goals are considered as enemies. Kanae… you are an enemy!

Aside from shopping and getting herself a new dress, Kumiko spent a little time analyzing on the current race results of the BXD tournament. After de-tuning her car for Route C4, she had configured settings based from the estimated settings of the next course according to Zui Huo's simulations.

Reiko's adaptability through courses is similar to Fu Huo's…

Just a few days before the semi-finals, Kumiko had took the time to tune her car, upping the power output slightly, modifying her stabilizers and spring rates, as well as brakes and limited slip differential settings, to such a balanced uphill and downhill runs for a high and low speed track, which what she expects H3 to be.

The difference is, Reiko's ability to adapt situation-wise. During her race with Raide, she was able to change her flow without revealing any of her attack strategies fully. This can leave me with nothing to come up with, but nevertheless, I like surprises… There aren't many drivers who are unpredictable nowadays.

Kumiko shut off her computer terminal. She turned her chair around, walking over to the large glass window of one of the Zui Hou office buildings. She stared at the traffic strolling along, as the sky exposed itself, Kumiko staring at her reflection on the glass.

I'll defeat Reiko… and then complete Operation: Zheng Fu, should Fu Huo lose to Kanae. I'll defeat her too!

Kumiko had a rather serious look on her face now. Her pride was now taking over, being swallowed by Zui Hou's objectives. As I am a drift knight of Zui Hou… I am also the Neon Serpent, before I am Master Ku… And I am not a fake…

Kumiko's road racer blood started to boil for the first time in a long time. Not only will I complete Operation: Zheng Fu on my own, but I'll show you all how scary the reality of the Neon Serpent really is!

To this time, its been Fukada Kumiko and Koda Maya who have been considered the absolute best.
Little is known if it is possible for her long reign of excellence be finally passed on within this tournament…

With high expectations, Reiko had a couple of runs, both inbound and outbound of Route H3 – her home course. Her limited edition FD Spirit R was tuned for a battle of power and maneuverability against her opponent – Kumiko's 3000GT VR4 Turbo. This is our tournament. In the name of Bu Xia De, I will win our own competition…

Reiko slowed down and cruised along the rest of H3, as Fao was parked near the tourist parking near the end of the route, with his black AMG E55, along with Roni on the passenger's seat.

"Is mother fast?" asked Roni, curiously.
"Yes, Ron. Your mother is very fast. She's even better than ever," replied Fao.
"How fast is she?" Roni asked on persistently.
"Well… she just beat her old record on this course today," explained Fao. "Your mother won't lose,"
"Who is she racing?"
"She's racing another woman named Kumiko,"
"Really? Wow dad, girls are such fast drivers. No wonder you quit racing,"
"Haha… yes Ron, some girls are fast…" paused Fao. "But your mother… is more than fast…"
"But… Auntie Kanae is fast too…!" cheered Roni.
"Well yeah, I guess…" figured Fao. "Both your mother and auntie are good drivers…"
"I want Auntie Kanae to win!" exclaimed Roni.

Fao did not continue on. He did not really bother as much about racing, unlike his wife. He does not like to constraint anybody from what they really want to do.
It will surely be a tight clash. The remaining competitors of the tournament are the fastest of H3, the fastest of F5, and the fastest of D1. I don't know much about the other guy.

From the corner of Fao's eye, he could see the lights of his wife's RX-7.
Since this is H3… Reiko has the advantage. She'll win, then she'll probably face Kanae at the finals. Now that's a match that Roni would surely like to see. I wonder where they'd do it…?

Kanae did not do any better preparing for the next round either on the other hand. During the nights, she preferred to sit down by herself quietly in front of her PC, connecting to chat programs.
Even though as she began to type, her mind did not stream off her next opponent for the tournament.

She began to fix her soft layered hair a bit, in the hopes of getting the webcam ready, which she has not used before.
Kanae continued to chat;

KaNny: hello!
Resurrection: hi Kanae, how r u?
KaNny: I'm god,
KaNny good
KaNny: how bout u?
Resurrection: I'm ok
KaNny: I didn't see u at the tournament last time.
KaNny: Where were u?
Resurrection: Sorry
Resurrection: I couldn't make it that night.
Resurrection: But maybe I'll go on the nexto ne
Resurrection: next one
KaNny: Really? Cool
KaNny: sooo… what u been up to?
Resurrection: the usual…
KaNny: oic
Resurrection: hey Kanae…
KaNny: yes…?
Resurrection: do u have a boyfriend?
KaNny: Um…
KaNny: no… not really, but there's this guy I'm sorta interested in.
Resurrection: oic
KaNny: But I think he probably hates me
Resurrection: He probably does
KaNny: U think so?
Resurrection: Dunno. Maybe not. I don't know who u r talking bout anyway
KaNny: ey, do u use webcam?
Resurrection: Yeah, but my friend borrowed it.
KaNny: Oh dat's too bad…
Resurrection: brb
Resurrection: back
KaNny: w/b
KaNny: where'd u go?
Resurrection: just a fone call
KaNny: oh ok
KaNny: oh hey, I g2g
KaNny: sorry
Resurrection: bye
KaNny: c ya mwah

A couple of days have finally past, and the time to settle the semi-final round of the BXD tournament is finally due to commence at Route H3. It was scheduled to be two races in one night, as did with the preliminaries. The first race will commence at 9:30, then a 15-30 minute interlude takes place as a break before the next race.

It was 9:00PM; Route H3's galleries were heavily packed. Tourist vehicles, racer and non-racer vehicles littered the parking area, as Chuan Fu Huo had arrived early and parked his black Lan-Evo nearby. Only little among the crowd had noticed him.

A couple of minutes have passed, and the aqua Sileighty cruised its way through, the audience stepping back and slowly making way as Kanae rolled by, as she parked her car near Fu Huo's, eagerly awaiting to speak with him. She quickly got out of her car and walked over to the black Lan-Evo, knocking softly and shyly on the window.

Fu Huo turned down his music, and rolled his window down. "Yes?"
"Hello, Fu Huo…" Kanae let out a shy little smile, "Can we talk?"
"What is it?" said Fu.

Kanae reached for her pocket, and took out a packet of capsules.
"Here's KYOKO… Take her… I intend to win this round…" claimed Kanae.
Fu Huo took her hand, but closed it again, rejecting the KYOKO. "I haven't beaten you yet. So keep them till then,"

Fu Huo turned to look at her. Her face began to blush for some reason. "What's wrong?" asked Fu Huo, Is she trying to bribe me into letting her win by giving back KYOKO?

"Um… nothing. Actually, there was something else I wanna talk about…" suggested Kanae.
Fu Huo made up his mind Well I don't think she's the type to make bribes… after all the stuff she's been saying about real skills…

Kanae continued on, "…Its about the other week…"
"The other week?" Fu Huo looked puzzled.
"Yes… the night we first met… when we stayed at your place…"
"Oh… that. Sorry about that. It wasn't meant to happen…" apologized Fu.
"No, no need to apologize… Its just that…" paused Kanae.
"Save it," Fu interrupted. "As long as you hold KYOKO, you are an enemy of Zui Hou. That means, you are mine,"
"…That's why I want to give you back these pills. I don't want to be your enemy…"
"Don't worry, I'll just defeat you quickly and you'll be out of the crosshair… But don't think I'm using this just to get you to lose to me. I want you to throw me your best shot,"

"Fu…" Kanae could not make out any more words to say.
Fu Huo slowly stepped out of his car briefly.

He gazed into Kanae's eyes, as she did into his. Slowly, Fu Huo began to take her hand gently, and gave her a warm smile. This gave Kanae a very warm, feverish feeling. Her body felt intoxicated, feeling as if she could not move. She did not want to move. She wanted to be taken. Taken away. She wanted something to happen.

"Please hold on to KYOKO… Just for this race, I need a reason to unleash all I've got. I need to be able to say to myself that I gotta win no matter what. That's why I want you to only hand over KYOKO if after I defeat you. Because I will do so, even at your very best…" said Fu Huo in a deep, soothing voice.

"…Okay," said Kanae softly, tucking the pills back in her pocket. "I'll give you my absolute best."

Slowly, Fu Huo motioned his hands from Kanae's hand, gradually moving his around her lower back, gently moving her closer and closer.
He then placed his other hand on the back of her head, stroking gently through her hair as he moved her face into his.

Fu Huo gave her a hot kiss, and they started pashing, almost chewing at each other's mouths. Kanae slowly moved her arms to lean on him, as she continued to kiss Fu.

After a warm, but short encounter, Fu Huo looked into her eyes and smiled at her. He began to speak to her softly.

"Kanae… I challenge you."

Kanae could not help but smile. She wanted to kiss him again. Daaaamn. If this is the way he treats his opponents, I should challenge this guy whenever I can!

Moments later as the competitors arrived, the tournament officials made the final preparations before the race, making sure all sections were clear. The anticipant crowd awaited the clash of the first to semi-finalists as the cars rolled by near the starting point, side by side. Fao slowly walked in between the two, motioning them when to stop.

The driver of that black Lan-Evo V was kissing my sister. Heheh… I guess she's finally found a man?

Fao began to raise his hand, signaling the countdown. I'll probably have a word with him after the race. Its about time for Kanae to find a guy anyway…

His eyes then motioned toward the aqua Sileighty. Kanae… you've grown up.

"Five…! Four…!"

Fu Huo made a single glance at his opponent, as he revved his engine in order to warm up.

"Three…! Two…!"

The howl of the Sileighty's SR20 Turbo clashed with its opponent's growl.
Kanae focused her eyes on the road ahead, gripping the steering wheel.

"One…! …Go!"

The Sileighty dashed from its starting position, chassis nearly twisting off the line as it quickly accelerated, followed by the hissing of the blow off valves.
Strangely, the Lan-Evo delayed its start-up, giving Kanae the headstart, as it sent itself plowing down the straightaway shortly after the Sileighty.

Fu Huo closed the gap a little between him and the opponent infront, as he began to merge lanes.
That's it. Keep going.

Shifting up a gear, Fu Huo followed Kanae right from behind along the straightaway.

Vrrrmmm…!

Kanae pushed her car on the first uphill at full throttle, which had a mild curve.
Some fast eurobeat music played from Kanae's car – 'Be My Babe' – Initial D

'B-b-b-e my babe…Be-be my babe…'

After the quick uphill, came a sharp downhill. Kanae saw it coming and moved the weight of her car's rear flying to the side, bringing the whole car forward in an awkward position with just the momentum of the previous turn.

Fu Huo watched her closely, as he copied the same thing with his four-wheeler. Impressive. It's like you control the balance of your car with your own technique…

'Be my baby tonight, be my baby tonight…'

With minimum countersteer, Kanae had already set herself up for the next turn.
Following his instincts and using his opponenet's tail lights as a guide, Fu Huo followed her lines effectively, using precise steering and braking, as he made accurate judgements of how much Kanae slowed down and how much margin he had to do the same.

'Be my baby tonight, be my baby tonight, I'm ready to be with you…'

And S curve was ahead, Fu Huo observed Kanae, noticing her brake lights did not come on. I've watched you from in front once before. Let's see how it looks like from behind…

He waited for Kanae to make the sudden turn. But to no avail, the Sileighty shot past the entire S curve in a near-straight line, as the road was big enough to move straight in anyway. Fu Huo realized this too late, as he already slowed down, completing the S curve conventionally. This widened the gap a little.

'Your body lights a burning lamp… I'm getting crazy… My body's ready…'

Kanae confidently pressed on but did not let her guard down for a second. Each and every corner she passes, she was always ready for Fu to attempt a move. If he really wants it, one way or the other… I'll give him the best of me! Whether on the street, or elsewhere… You'll get my absolute best, Fu. I promise I won't hold back!

A sharp downhill hairpin was up next, followed by a mild uphill curve. Kanae entered the pin at full throttle, a tear dropping from her eye as she shifted down, revving her car insanely. Her car broke traction, and Kanae positioned her car at an angle in order for her to regain enough grip to set up for the turn ahead.
'Get up and take me when I fall… My special lady… I need you baby…'

Fu Huo made full use of his car's grip, swerving from the outside, to the inside as he almost 'skipped' the hairpin then climbing fiercely. That's what I like Kanae… Thank you… Now bring it!

Fu Huo accelerated as the Sileighty finally came back into view.
Kanae made a quick glance at her mirror. She smiled briefly, and then took the inside on the next turn.
My car is much lighter than his. But nevertheless, is common sense that four wheels dominate two. But that's on the track… and this is the street. I can rely on tricks to win!

The Sileighty sped off, exiting the blind turn, being followed closely by the Lan-Evo

'Why don't you feel the love I feel for you… (Gonna get your body) Why don't you tell me babe I love you too… (Gonna take you high)'

The road became slightly uphill again. Narrow S curves littered the next section; Kanae steered aggressively and blocked the inside whenever she could.
Fu Huo kept up his pace, his Evo almost closing the gap between the opponent.

The Sileighty's started swaying from lane to lane, as Kanae knew that Fu Huo's traction would dominate in this area, she began to stall him.
Fu Huo could not use the full advantage of his acceleration, as the Sileighty obstructed him annoyingly.
Fishtail blocking… Smart.

'Be my baby tonight, be my baby tonight, be my babe tonight.'

Another blind turn was coming. Kanae did not want to ruin herself in the end by sacrificing the tires so early in the race. As a teaser, Kanae hit the clutch as she turned at full throttle, braking rear traction as she entered the corner.

Fu Huo noticed that she was not braking. Clutch kicking… Heheh… its just like you. Fu smiled to himself, as he sped along, following his opponent to the next section.

Surprisingly, the uphill slowly began a gradual downhill again.

'You got to live inside my heart… to do together… a love forever. I fall in love with you tonight. My only lover… you take me over.'

Suddenly, a tight but wide curve came up. Kanae pulled the e-brake lever, as she turned her car, sending her vehicle sideways. Fu Huo followed her along, taking the inside line, using left foot braking, but at a lower speed.
The gap widened a little
Much to Fu Huo's surprise, the Sileighty continued to drift, and the curve did not seem to end, but just keep going further and further, twisting down. What the hell? A 360-degree curve?

The Sileighty regained traction as Kanae's superb car control took over.
The Lan-Evo lost a lot of speed gripping through the downhill 360-degree turn, widening the gap even more.
I'm… I'm… I'm so excited!

Fu Huo's eyes widened in enthusiasm. He fully accelerated out of the turn, launching itself like a cruise missile.
The other section began another slight uphill S curve section, much like previously.

This is so much like a roller coaster… except controlling the actual coaster… Kanae glided her way past the corners.

Realizing that there was a better line, Fu Huo cruised his way forward in a near-straight line, losing minimal speed.

'Why don't you feel the love I feel for you… (Gonna get your body) Why don't you tell me babe I love you too… (Gonna take you high)'

Finally, Fu Huo spotted the Sileighty back in his view, at the same time, Kanae realized the Lancer's foglights as she glanced in her rear view.

She focused her eyes back on the road, but all of a sudden, there was a tight curve she failed to notice.
Her car understeered much, as she was going a little too fast, and had to brake hard, taking the outside. The Lancer drew closer and closer, as Fu Huo spotted Kanae's mistake.

He saw this as an opportunity to give out his own teaser.
The Lancer positioned itself back directly behind the Sileighty.
Going at a higher rpm, Fu Huo shifted up a gear then accelerated out of the curve at a higher speed than his opponent. You've screwed up. I won't let that go unpunished.

The road grew wide enough for both cars to fit alongside each other.
Fu Huo, taking advantage of his acceleration, sped up, slowing positioning his Lancer side by side with his opponent.

"For Zui Huo!" he yelled as if he was at war.

Kanae realized the black Lancer's body slowing moving ahead of her Sileighty, little by little. She smiled, as she kept the throttle on.

In a matter of moments, the Lan-Evo was fully ahead, giving Fu Huo enough room to show Kanae something in return.
The next hairpin was coming up. It was another one of those 360-degree downhill twisters.
Fu Huo could feel it coming.

Turning his car slightly to the outside, away from the direction of the curve, then snapped back his rear using a feint motion, kicking back the car sideways, while Fu used precise braking and throttle motions to keep control of his car.

The look on Kanae's eye's widened in excitement, as she watched the Lan-Evo glide sideways in a four-wheel drift, sliding down the twist.

'Be my baby tonight, be my baby tonight…'