ACT 13 – 13000RPM 'Kumiko VS Reiko'

Still in shock from the overwhelming duel that took place half an hour ago, the anticipant audience waited and endured each of every minute that had gone past. Fu Huo on the other hand, had left the entire scene several moments ago, as he did during the previous round, not staying to spectate any of the other battles.

The second match of the preliminaries was about to start, as Fu Huo sped away on his way back into town. His mind was clear, even though a little proud of himself, he felt a little different, after the effect that the crowd had given him during his bout. I have fans…?
Cruising his way through the intersections, Fu Huo felt that he still had much energy left. Mission complete… I guess.

Keeping the last remaining KYOKO samples close by his side, Fu Huo rolled away in his Lan-Evo, making his way to one of the many places that so warmly rested in his heart known as a 'home'…

The atmosphere at Route H3 grew somewhat turbulent, as if a storm front was about to arrive. Sounds of roaring engines growled across the reception, both drivers focused their eyes forward, positioning their cars at the starting point.

I'm so excited! This is a lot better than going shopping! Kumiko stopped parallel to her opponent's car, as she revved on enthusiastically. She took her coat off and placed it on the passenger's seat, with expectations that the race is going to get real hot real fast.

This part is so frustrating! The longer I wait, the more I get eager for things to start already! Reiko gripped the steering wheel, rubbing her gloves around as she kept her other hand on the shift knob, rattling like it's her birthday.

The continuous cheering and chanting outside silenced both drivers' thoughts. The crowd was divided into two sects, the BXD staff and Kumiko's fans.

Once again, Fao slowly entered the scene, feeling that he had the best role in the battle.
I've been waiting for this match for quite some time… And now I'm right here headlining it… It's time…!

Fao raised his hand, and called out to begin the countdown. "Five…! Four…!"

Vrrmm…! Vrrmm…!

"Three…Two…One…Go!"

Screeching at the crowd, the cars both shot out like two fighter jets taking off an airstrip as the crowd grew louder, cheering for both competitors wildly.
The GTO poked itself ahead of the Spirit R, gaining the slight advantage in take off once again.
Kumiko quickly released the throttle briefly, then on again to adjust her speed, to get her car parallel to the FD.

Realising what Kumiko was doing, Reiko sped up, grabbing the lead in the first corner. Neither of them went full throttle, as it was not just a battle of power, but also a clash of the minds.

Kumiko was unfamiliar with the track, as Reiko was unfamiliar with her style.

Is she really that good? Wasting no time, Reiko accelerated further, blocking the inside early from her opponent, and taking the best line possible out of the corner.

How precise… She's not too bad actually. Kumiko understeered a little, attempting to manage her slightly heavier frame that the FD to maneuver itself swiftly out of the turn. But she was very used to driving the GTO for so long. She's mastered various left-foot braking techniques and weight shifting strategies to manage and improvise her technical flaws.

Reiko's moves were like fluid through the track. She glided through each curve as if she was doing an ice skating performance, her graceful maneuvers differed much from her race at Route C4 against Gallard Raide. I know you're trying to hide your skill, Kumiko… I'm not gonna give you that chance to warm up. C'mon, you'll have to overtake me somewhere…

It did not take long for Kumiko to catch right back up to Reiko's FD, closing the gap and finally drawing itself side by side with the opponent.

The race was indeed a battle of the veterans. They both used techniques that designated themselves the ultimate control for their respective drivetrain.
Despite the revelry of that GTO, this is still my domain. It's pretty much safe to say that the conditions are even. Come at me, Fukada Kumiko. Show me what the true spirit of the Neon Serpent!

Kumiko kicked on the throttle, passing the FD3S pretty easily on the straightaway. Unfamiliarity with the course is a disadvantage in many ways. I'll just have to improves on my speeds…

There was almost no gap at all; Reiko did not slow down to give Kumiko any more opportunities to pull away.
Kumiko did not dare slow down her pace at this point. She's pushing me. She wants me to try harder. I guess she knows. I'm going to have to let it all out if I'm to even survive…

Reiko entered the corner at different lines than Kumiko, but both speeds were rather comparable. For that perspective, Reiko could see the marvels of Kumiko's real style.
But at the same time, Reiko had no time to hold back either. She was already pushing herself 110 just to be able to keep up. Precise braking control, excellent line prediction… its as if she's done it all before…

Both of them knew that the race could go either way.
Until somebody's mind breaks…

It was a late night, Fu Huo once again cruised along the city streets, passing by strolling lights and mild traffic. He felt relaxed, as well as relieved. He did not know what would happen to him if things went wrong. He rested everything on such dire risks. Turning away from the intersection, Fu Huo drove on being glad that it was over for that night. But not for the tournament. Even though his job was done, Fu Huo was still in the tournament.

And speaking of the tournament, it's been a great experience for him as he learned more about himself on the road, trusting his instincts, yet he felt that this was unsafe and very dangerous. He needed to learn how to better control his actions as well as get a hold of his emotions, even on the street.
But the tournament also gained him something rather new to him – a fan base.

Fu Huo was always used to Kumiko getting all the attention all the time, while he usually did not seem to bother or worry about things like that. He never really did care about attracting people or impressing anybody. Well at least not during those times.
They were… chanting my name… over and over… It was as if I did a performance or something. I put it all on the line for tonight's race. They love me for that?

Thinking about Kumiko, Fu could not help but wonder how she thinks about this kind of matter. Knowing her for so long, he assumed that she was probably used to it. He has never seen or heard Kumiko ever boast her talent eagerly before. Yet each and every encounter, she always seemed like a mentor to him. These feelings made him picture himself as if Kumiko was always a step ahead of him, always above him, and always better than him.
Man, she's not that good. Surely she's mature… and maybe a little charismatic…

Fu Huo stepped on the throttle lightly, as he rolled his windows closed.
But she's highly overrated!

The lightness of Reiko's FD3S gave her a real edge in maneuverability. It was one of the factors that made RX-7's really shine. I see you, Kumi…
Reiko confidently pulled up close to her opponent without holding back for a second. You're very good indeed. But is this all there is to your talent?

Even though she was behind, Reiko felt very comfortable with the conditions. It was fun for her nonetheless.
On the other hand, Kumiko attempted to pull away as soon as she could at every chance she saw coming, though it was difficult for her to predict each corner's ideal speed.
Nevertheless, she kept up her quick pace long enough for Reiko to be pushed harder.
She's not trying to overtake me… There must be an ideal attack point that she's waiting for…

Kumiko slowed down her vehicle getting ready for the next sharp turn. In an instant, she punched the throttled, sending her vehicle nearly flying outwards. Using her other foot to brake, Kumiko was able to keep her right foot holding the throttle and at the same time, she was able to accelerate on the inside.
She turned her car sharply this time, rather than her usual non-aggressive smooth turn-ins. Her swift motion synchronized with precise braking and weight shifting cause her vehicle to break traction at will, as well as the downforce and the momentum gained from the downhill twist, causing her car to almost spin out.

I have to find out what she's planning. Whatever it is… I'm ready for it.

But the mighty GTO was quickly able to steer back into position utilizing the remaining power from the front wheels.
The gap began to widen a little, but Reiko kept her composure, cleanly tackling the downhill twist, drifting through the apex with minimum counter-steer.

Kumiko glanced at her mirror and barely saw her opponent's headlights. Hmm… I know you'll come at me again sooner or later. This is just the beginning, isn't it?

A few moments after another set of tight S curves, the humming of the rotary drew closer and closer as Kumiko attempted to manage controlling her GTO through tight consecutive S curves.
It's just a matter of time…

The two cars twin-drifted out of the previous section, as a slight uphill was coming up. Kumiko took this change to slightly pull away yet again.

What's so special about her technique? Fu Huo accelerated slightly, strolling down the path in which he has passed by so many times before. Surely, I haven't beaten her before… But it doesn't seem like Kumi's using any special techniques…

He drove up a ramp, and past an alley, leading into another section of town.
It was less than ten minutes left to his apartment.
Well sure, I'm not that surprised that she has so many fans. Kumiko is a fine woman after all.

Fu Huo drove past more set of buildings. The night was late, and Fu grew a little exhausted.
He parked his Lancer at the petrol station to fill in some gas.

She's not that much older than I am… But it'll look awkward if we… Hmm… I'd better not think about it. Zui Hou might consider all these sorts of conclusions…

Fu rested his head briefly on his Recaro bucket seat, crossing his arms in thought.
I wonder if she will lose tonight?

After being served by the gas attendant, Fu Huo slowly drove off, reaching for his phone to turn it back on as he left he premises.

Reaching for the packet of cigarettes, he realized that he was out and forgot to buy some from the convenience store near the petrol station.
But he felt too lazy to go back, and continued on his way back home.
Wanting to listen to his favorite singer, Fu Huo turn on a little bit of Koda Kumi 'So Into You'

Reiko kept up the fight, struggling to get past Kumiko's blocking flurry, as confident as she felt on her home course, Reiko had to really give it her best shot to defeat the Neon Serpent.

'Me no mae ni hirogatta. Kono sekai konna ni mo sou. Utsukushiku-tte kiboutachi ga
Michiafureteru'

The FD3S flung itself almost too close to the GTO, with his front bumper nearly thrusting through Kumiko's door.

'Ai wo shiru tame dake ni umareta no?
Itsu kara na no darou
Tsunagatteta? Hikareatteta?
Sore ga ayamachi da-tte'

Reiko already knew what was up next. She slightly pulled the e-brake quickly in order to quickly gain her some oversteer through the blind curve, which Kumiko had failed to predict.
The angle of the FD3S enabled Reiko to take a better inner line than the GTO.

The cars were side by side yet again on exit.
Is this the limit of the great Fukada Kumiko?

The two cars rivaled each other in acceleration on the mild straightaway, and then came the next 360-degree twist.
Both drivers sent their vehicles twin drifting past the shouting spectators almost parallel each other, with the Spirit pressing on further as the GTO matched its counter-attack blocking any chance of passing through the apex.

'Sou
Onaji hohaba de arukihajimeta
Nukumori mo ano namida mo
Sunao ni mitsumeaou
Futari no omoi
Ima shinjitsu naraba'

At the corner's exit, the GTO accelerated forward as the RX-7 already positioned itself at an angle getting ready for the next turn.
Reiko was in top form and was closing in on her opponent.
You're managing very well thus far. Your instincts seem to be finely tuned. It almost seems as if you have a sixth sense when driving through unfamiliar conditions. But how long can you keep this up?

In time, Kumiko's moves began to flow smoother through each corner. She began to pick up more speed each turn she cleared while still shaking off her opponent. The rhythm of this track is rather difficult to get the hang of. There is no pattern whatsoever. But I'll manage…

She quickly made a glance at her mirror, looking at her opponent's FD.
The reason why she gets so close is that she enters at a quicker speed than me at a better angle to position herself to take the corner. There are certain turns that can be taken at certain speeds. And Reiko knows them all.

The Spirit R finally caught up with the GTO once again. This game has been passing the ball back and forth for quite a while now. Both drivers remained focused, attempting to refrain their minds from any pressure that seemed to follow them.
They both felt each other's aura as they closed in on each other through almost every corner.

Without realizing it, their speeds became faster and faster until they began exiting at insane pace.

'Furikaereba
Itsumo anata ga ita ne
Nando tashikameatta darou
Kuchibiru wo kasanereba mou
Fuan mo kieru'

Reiko gripped the steering wheel, as her turn-ins became more aggressive as Kumiko's moves became more smooth and fluid.
Hm… she's much better than I previously thought… I have to strike soon before she has everything all worked out…

Once again, Kanae found herself resting along the guardrails by herself, keeping to herself as she sat quietly near the sideline. She had no idea why she was still around.
I guess I didn't make it to the finals…

Kanae buried her face within her arms, which rested on her knees as she sat against her Sileighty. She felt a little fatigued, but relieved at the same time. But I don't really feel bad. Racing Fu Huo made me feel higher than I ever felt before… I've never had that effect from anybody before…

Kanae still felt a little bit of the after-effects from the adrenaline during the previous race. It was indeed a fun and challenging experience for her and it ended without any accident. That was all she cared about.

For me, winning a race on the streets only means coming back alive. So far… I guess I've never lost.

She remembered the sudden fear she felt when Fu Huo stretched out his vehicle which nearly could have been tail whipped by her Sileighty.
That was a close one… I almost lost it then… It just goes to show… the things he can and will do according to how badly he's willing to do it…

Even though Fu Huo's actions were rather naïve and a little unprofessional, the street is still the street. Regardless, Kanae was a little shaken, and possibly inspired by Fu Huo's efforts. Reminiscing on his victory, Kanae remembered how loudly and insane the fans loved him.

One thing was for certain in which she had realized, Kanae was now a fan of his too.

Almost… Reiko was already attempting to attack. She flung her car into different angles through each curve, as Kumiko successfully managed to keep her at bay. Damnit! I can't seem to find an opening! What's wrong? This is my track!

The FD suddenly slid straight past the GTO at such great velocity, as Kumiko slowed down her car slightly in order to maintain a little more grip and stability through the corner.
That was such high speed cornering. One that only a master of H3 could perform.
Kumiko turned her wheels toward the inside again nonchalantly, keeping her foot on the throttle.

Even though her GTO was easily overtaken on the curve, Kumiko somehow kept her cool.
She could her a faint screeching noise directly in front of her, as she was tailing her opponent's FD3S.

The final section was upon them, as both drivers wasted no time clearing each and every hairpin curve systematically using different cornering approaches.

It's so hard to predict the corners here… And she keeps changing her moves each time…
Kumiko unleashed full throttle, attempting to catch the FD3S along the mild corners.

There were consecutive hairpins coming up. This was indeed a very difficult point to tackle, according to Reiko. She was meant to use this part as an attack point as part of her plan, although her great power-slide passing the GTO earlier on caused her to be in front. No matter. I still haven't perfected this section… But neither has Kumi. I'll lose her in the next few corners!

Kumiko drew closer to her opponent's vehicle.
Flying through the first hairpin, both cars twin drifted close to the apex, with the FD aggressively turning itself back out in a rush.

Kumiko counter-steered rather late, but then regained grip eventually and positioned her car angled for the next turn.
The FD seemed to be slowing down more as it cleared each corner by means of drift.
Damn! Stay back! Reiko felt a rush within as she saw her opponent drawing a little closer to her.

Kumiko ceased to copy her opponent's flow, as she focused on the road ahead as if ignoring the car in front. Her turning is really sloppy now… She's been taking a slight outer line even though she tries to drift close to the apex…

As the GTO drew even closer, Reiko's moves began more and more aggressive. Her turn-ins were so sharp that she almost hit the apex of the next hairpin. Yet she slowed right down, trying to prevent her car from skidding.

My tires are probably just as bad as hers… Kumiko made a slight change to her car control, though she tried to keep her moves 'flowing' through the road. …But I think I have enough to take …this chance.

Both cars were slower throughout each corner at this point.
I can still win! I'm in front, aren't I? Reiko glanced at her mirror again.

Kumiko accelerated further. I need a little bit more over-steer… Steal the inside from her and force her to the outside… Get out' the way… She quickly pressed the e-brake button on the handle, the quickly pulled it as she steered mildly, and already her car was flung sideways, as the bass pumped on – 'Love Across The Ocean' – Koda Kumi

Reiko broke a sweat, counter-steering her vehicle, but hopelessly slid to the outside.
Damn! She's closing in! She glanced at her mirror again.

The GTO was moving in sideways getting closer and closer. What the hell? She'll hit!
Reiko kicked the throttle, though as soon as she focused back in front, her car was at a wrong angle on exit due to her slight lack of attention and would crash if she did not act fast.

'donna ni hanarete temo
kokoro de tsuu jiru'

Kumiko on the other hand, struggled to counter-steer her car back into the right direction.
Turn…! Turn…! Please turn, my GTO!

Reiko quickly maneuvered her vehicle inward, turning madly away from the wall, but hit it partially, which changed the car's behavior as well as direction.

'kotoba de ienaku temo
hitomi de tsutawaru'

The 3000GT pushed on at an angle, as Reiko had no room to block, forcing her to slow down to prevent herself from crashing into the wall while her car was already at an under-steered state.

Kumiko swiftly squeezed through the small gap between the guardrail and the FD, while positioning her car back into the right direction.

'kimi wo omou tabi naze ga
yasashiku natte yuku
sonna ki ga suru no
hanasanaide'

Reiko did not give up the fight however, even as her overconfidence threw her off cuard.
I've practice endlessly here at H3… but she totally cleared the section I was most weak at as if she had already mastered it all…

The FD struggled to catch the GTO, with Kumiko slightly swaying her car to speed past the mild corners.
It seemed like the race was back to where it started.

However, Kumiko kept on, utilizing her control, focus, as well as her remaining stamina in the attempt to pull away from Reiko.

As every last corner came by, the gap widened more and more.
I can't… keep up with her anymore… Both drivers' were losing their pace, but Reiko was the one who was going down quicker.

'kimi wo dakishimeteru kokoro no nakade
soba ni itai kara sou
MELODY ni kizan de kanade tsuzukeru
Oceans apart
longing to be with you again'

Moments past, and the FD was now a little dot in Kumiko's rear view that was slowing fading away.
Unsurprisingly, the crowd roared and cheered all across the sidelines, as they saw the fan-favorite 3000GT VR-4 Turbo cruise past and claim the victory.

Fukada Kumiko advances to the final round of the BXD Tournament to face Chuan Fu Huo, and the galleries chanted on; "Kumi! Kumi! Kumi!"

It had the same effect, as previously by Fu Huo himself, only this time, the crowd was rather mild…
Portions of random spectators called out various criticisms about the event such as "Fu Huo's race was better!" and "Fu Huo could do better than that!"

Perhaps the fans grew tired of seeing the same old heroine win. Nevertheless, Kumiko struck under the name of Zui Hou R, flawlessly completing her objective; Operation: Zheng Fu.

However, the tournament is not yet over…