ACT 14 – 14000RPM 'Preparation for the Final Round'

The following week seemed ever turbulent once again, many have been relentlessly disputing about the Bu Xia De tournament's final round, Chuan Fu Huo Vs Fukada Kumiko, and not to mention the battleground for the actual bout.
Accepting her recent loss, Mirishima Reiko still had to fulfill her role in the tournament as the main representative for Bu Xia De and was responsible for deciding the course for the finals.

A course that gives neither player an advantage would be ideal, but a course that is unique in setting is also essential for promotion.

Discussing with the BXD staff, along with her husband Fao at their own estate, Reiko needed further final suggestions for the main event. However, she already had a backbone for this a long while ago…

"You're kidding, right?" said Fao.
"It seems just right," Reiko began to explain, "Neither of them know hardly anything about the course. And this one should demand all they have. The battlefield is important, and this will show how badly they want the championship."

"You must be crazy, honey. Maybe you're still shaken from being defeated by Fukada Kumiko?" said Fao.
"You wouldn't understand," continued Reiko. "Both drivers not only won with their skills, but also with their guts. In both races, they've shown ways to overcome the odds because of their will to win."

Reiko took a sip of her coffee, "And there is one perfect track that will truly test the limits of how far they will go. There is none other than Route F5…"

Meanwhile, one of the finalists, the dark knight of the Lancer Evolution, Chuan Fu Huo spent his time at work, helping around every now and then at the one place he can always be found – Koda's.
Only this time, he was making himself useful, instead of the usual drinking at the bar looking at car magazines.
Other than him, the usual were ever present, folks like Ohjay, Minako, and of course, Maya.

Just like he always does best, Fu Huo stuck to his own business and served as waiter, janitor and bartender depending on which was needed.
He spoke less to Minako, in fact, he spoke even less to her ever since the past few weeks.

Such things seemed unimportant to him at the moment, Fu Huo needed some time to think about himself. He was in a situation of his own. Kumi won… That means I'm up against her in the final round…

Fu continued to sweep the floor, almost lost in his own thoughts, even ignoring the random voices that ricocheted across the café. He remembered the results of his past actions, and wondered, has he finally gained respect?
"Fu Huo! Fu Huo! Fu Huo!"

The sound of dozens of spectators chanting his name, the yelling of the ladies calling out to him, and the great praise of all the critics around… it really fired him up. He really felt different.
Neither Fu Huo, nor anybody else was ever treated at the same level as Kumiko.

And at that moment, not one other thing came to his mind – Kumiko is his next opponent. Surely, he has raced her countless times during training sessions, but still has yet to defeat her.
Though each time he tried were all such close calls. So close, yet so far.
She's a truly skilled driver, it's safe to say that Kumi is one of the best. She's fast… Her moves are smooth… Kumi is charismatic… She's very attractive too. I am truly thankful to train under her.

Fu Huo could still hear the chant of his name from the fans during his victory, playing in his head.
"Fu Huo! Fu Huo! Fu Huo!"

Yet, those chants, slowly faded, yet changed into a different chant, "Kumi! Kumi! Kumi!"

Fu Huo gripped the mop and tightly clenched his hand to it. …But in some ways… A lot of ways… She's highly overrated. Kumi receives too much credit. It's not like she's that damn good or anything. She might be one of the toughest opponents… but she's not invincible…

Reminiscing numerous times he has drove with and been defeated by his beloved racing coach, Fu Huo was never really able to acknowledge any 'special' technique or trick that Kumiko uses.
Its not like there's anything she can do that others can't…

Losing a bit of his cool, Fu Huo left the mop behind and walked out of Koda's.
He found himself standing outside, gazing at his Lan-Evo V…

Whatever she does… There's nothing stopping me from doing it too…

His beautiful Evolution V reflected the sunset within its black exterior like an artifact. Its 17' inch Enkei rims were like his car's own pair custom made shoes, fit for a king.

…And I'll prove it… through this tournament…! I… I can defeat Kumi! I know I can.

Moments later, Maya had stepped outside, searching for Fu Huo, whom she finally caught in the rear parking lot. She walked up to him, and stood near his black-armored beauty.
Maya could usually tell when something is up. Especially with Fu Huo.

"What's wrong, Fu? How come you're not talking to Minako?" she asked him.
"I dunno…" replied Fu. "There's nothing to talk to her about…"
"There must be something wrong…" Maya urged on.
"No there isn't…" lied Fu.
"Okay then… I won't force you…" Maya did not continue, assuming reverse-psychology would work on Fu Huo. She always had ways of getting people to tell her their problems.

Maya motioned herself to walk away. Fu Huo had to halt her.
"Maya…" Fu softly called out.
"…Yes?" Maya turned around, and came back. She knew it would work.
"…You've raced Kumiko before haven't you?"
"Uh…yes… why?"
"You've beaten her a few times, right?"
"Yeah… but we're basically even now…"

Maya made a quick glance at Fu Huo's Lancer. I see… I think I know what's the deal with him…

"Oh yeah, you're gonna face her on the tournament, aren't you?" she confirmed.
"Yeah…"
"Hm… I always knew it would come down to this…"

Fu Huo seemed a little desperate, but at the same time, he felt a little hopeful.
"Maya… please tell me… Am I going to beat her?"
"I don't know…" explained Maya. "It's possible; I'll give you that. But I seriously don't know, Fu…"

"Thanks…" hearing those words were good enough for Fu. It's possible.
And indeed he believe it was.

Maya continued to mutter something. "By the way Fu… Here's a hot tip…"
Fu Huo's eye's lit up, in hopes she would give him some advice.

"You've been trying to find out Kumi's weakness, haven't you?"
"Yeah… but it doesn't seem like she has any…"
"Try harder, Fu…" suggested Maya.
"Please tell me, Maya-senpai…"

Maya took a deep breath, and looked away, gazing at the red clouds set by the sunset. "This is a little hard to explain," said Maya.

Fu Huo seemed already confused.
Maya continued on, trying to work out what to tell him, without completely giving it all away.
"You'll find a way through…"
"Through what?" said the puzzled Fu Huo.

In one, straight, calm voice, Maya gave him one clue.

"Her emotions."

Now what the hell does she mean by that? Fu Huo stood still, gazing on into his Lancer's bonnet as he struggled to work out what Maya was trying to tell him before she walked away from him and re-entered Koda's.

Just when I had the slightest hope of taking Kumi apart… Damn, Maya just had to add that in, didn't she? Oh well… nevertheless, I should still be grateful. She knows what she's talking about and she sure wouldn't make things up like that…

Fu Huo has experienced a variety of mountain and provincial routes to further expand his adaptability throughout his training. He was already among the ranks at D1, along with Kumiko and the locals, Koda's Notorious Angels. And furthermore, Fu Huo has endured the ferocity of Route C4, as well as Route H3.

Within the minute, Maya had gone back outside as Fu Huo layed off his car and stood up.
"What are you doing? Get back to work," said Maya.

Fu shrugged, and then slowly made his way back into Koda's, glancing at Minako through the window, who was poking her tongue at him teasingly.
He walked over to his mop and continued his cleaning shift, ignoring Minako yet again.
Softly giggling at them, Maya brought herself back within the kitchen area to prepare and clean dishes.
Like the food and utensils, Maya always strictly kept her kitchen clean. Every now and then, she even prepares a fragrance within the air to suit her mood. It was just her style. If she wanted things clean, she had to go all the way.
The day any mice or insect intrude her kitchen is the day that Route D1 would grow arms and legs and move out due to being fed up of all the amateur drifters crashing about.

Even as the days of speed, adrenaline, and precision are over for her, Maya was never a stranger to the underground street-racing scene. So Kumi defeated Rei at H3…? I guess she's really improved a lot by now… Now I don't know if Fu Huo even has a chance…

She quietly observed Fu Huo during his cleaning shift. Maya knew things about Fu Huo that her sister told him. They both saw and treated Maya as some sort of 'elder' in a way, as they occasionally rely on her on basically anything they have problems with. Big sister really fitted her as a title.

…but Fu Huo is the kind of person to make a difference. I wouldn't be surprised if he pulls an upset from the greatest odds… That's the only reason I think he can win. Even Kumi herself says that he'll beat her someday… Could that day be coming soon?

Alone in her apartment painting her nails, Kumiko sat comfortably on her couch along her small living area, watching some recorded footage on her VCR – a race between a GTO and a Lan-Evo V. It was a video that was recorded a long time ago by Shireishou East.
Her feelings were rather mixed at that moment, being 'the master' for so long, she felt like the time to pass on the torch was coming up soon. But at the same time, the Neon Serpent is still alive and well ready to soar to the skies once again.

Kumiko enjoyed her long-lived decorated legacy as much as all the fans had enjoyed seeing her in action and even though she had constantly appeared in front of them numerous times in the past, it was still as if Kumiko's skills were exclusive compared to the level of others.

However, her opponent is no stranger to her either. Chuan Fu Huo was one of the only people other than Koda Maya who had been used to the experience of Kumiko's style for so long.
Having thought of that, there was also another factor that kept her thinking.
She had already lost attention for the video footage, during the part in which the GTO flawlessly overtakes the Lan-Evo, as well as Kumiko accidentally smuged a little bit of nail polish on her couch.

Not only was Fu Huo a good and humble pupil, a fine drifter and a fast driver, he was also rather close to Kumiko personally. She always noticed how her fame and professionality got in the way – realizing that Fu Huo would always only see her as a supervisor.
It was another inner conflict, as Kumiko felt that there was barely any opportunity for her to let her apprentice know about how she feels.

The fact ached in her heart, as Kumiko knew that she had Fu Huo would never be more than just racing partners.
She had countlessly asked her same dozens of questions, over and over. But never had come to any conclusion.
Why do I still race? What do I really want?

It was not about the fans, nor the fame. It was not about the thrill of driving anymore.
Where will I be once you have reached the peak of your dreams?

The feeling was much different at this point; from all the previous times she had faced Fu in a car duel, Kumiko had never felt so differently before.
Am I just an opponent to him?

Kumiko could have worked out a dozen conclusions, but deep within her, she totally had no idea.
I want to be more meaningful in his eyes. I want to be something more. I want to be somebody to him.

Kumiko gazed at her reflection, which shined on the glass table in front of her sitting in the lounge area. She took a long straight look at herself.
I don't want to be the Neon Serpent anymore.

She then glanced the other way, noticing her keys sitting on one corner of the table.

Fu Huo… For this match… I will be racing you with my heart.

Koda's was as busy as ever. Usually, Fu Huo would either take the day off, or be called in by Zui Hou. This time, due to the circumstances, he continued to work on his part-time job at Koda's.
However, this was not the only way he makes his money. Once in a while, he would make a killing from a single errand assigned to him by Zui Hou. Fu Huo continued his life even though it was not the most legitimate of errands.

Moments later, Maya noticed an unfamiliar vehicle parking in front of Koda's.
I wonder who that could be…?

An aqua-coloured RPS13 slowly parked outside, and out came a young woman, who slowly made her way into the café.
She looked rather familiar, yet Maya could only guess. Could she be Mirishima Fao's little sister?

The young woman stepped into Koda's, looking very shy and a little naïve. She scanned around the place, as if she was in search for something. She wore a brown sweater and a blouse and a casual pair of sneakers. Her hair was thin and straight, and her eyes seemed very reserved and unsure.

Not knowing why, Maya stopped what she was doing, and made her way to the woman.
"Can I help you?" asked Maya.
"Um…" the woman seemed rather shy and quiet. Her voice was quite soft and a little weak, "…Is Chuan Fu Huo around?"

"Fu? Yes, he is here. But he's working at the moment, may I ask your name?" said Maya.
"Um… Mirishima Kanae…" spoke the woman softly.
"…Kanae? So you are Fao's sister, am I right?"
"Um… yes. Do you know him?"
"I don't really know him, but I know of him," explained Maya, "If you'll excuse me for a minute, I'll go check on Fu Huo…"

Turning to her side, Maya had noticed Fu Huo already on his way toward her to see what was going on. He left his cleaning equipment behind and slowly walked over to the two women.
"What's going on, Maya?" he asked her softly.

Fu then noticed the lady who had just stepped in and recognized her the moment he saw her.
"Kanae… What're you doing here?" he asked her straight.
"Um…" Kanae looked at Fu Huo with her little beady-eyed cutesy look, "My sister in law, Reiko told me to give you a message…"

"Reiko? From BXD?" asked Maya.
"Yes…" replied Kanae. "Fu… its about the final round of the tournament…"
"What about it?" asked Fu Huo.
"Can I catch you sometime when you're free? We can talk more then…" suggested Kanae.
"Uh… I'm not sure…" replied Fu Huo.

Maya gave Fu a little pat on the shoulder. "Its okay, Fu. Mina and I will take care of things here. You should get as much preparation as possible. You're against Kumi after all. But don't overdo it, you hear? It's just a game. As dangerous as it may be, its still just a game…"

"Thanks, Maya…" Fu Huo did not know what to do other than what he was told. Its probably all he could do at the moment.

He stepped out of Koda's with Kanae, making their way to the parking.
"Let's go for a drive somewhere. How 'bout we kick back along D1?" suggested Fu Huo.
"Sure…" Kanae softly replied.

Reiko stared at her reflection on the glass of her balcony's sliding doors at her own home. She was rather excited without anything holding her back, chosing the appropriate course to settle the final duel of the tournament. But there were a few things that were puzzling her.

Fao got up and slowly made his way over to her. He placed his arms around his wife and rested his head near hers. "What's wrong?" asked Fao.

"Nothing," replied Reiko. "But I've been wondering something…"
"What is it?" continued Fao.
"Have you ever heard of Zui Hou R?"
"You mean the sticker on Fukada Kumiko's GTO? And on the Shireishou drivers' cars too?"
"Yeah… you saw them too, huh."
"I heard about Kumiko talking about Zui Hou R and their Operation Zheng Fu project. Little is known about anything else according to our staff. The only things we know are that Kumiko, Shireishou S and W are on the same team."

"Yes… I caught that part too," added Reiko. "I also heard Kumiko mention that Operation Zheng Fu's main objective was to dominate the tournament flawlessly, and the other week, she mentioned that she was the one to bring the operation to success,"

"What about that Chuan Fu Huo?" asked Fao.
"Kanae told me that he's Kumiko's racing apprentice… So they must be on the same team too…"
"So in that case… Operation Zheng Fu really has been completed…"
"But why doesn't Fu Huo represent Zui Hou R?" wondered Reiko.
"He probably wants to race for himself…" suggested Fao.

Slowly removing his arms from Reiko, Fao walked over to the side and glanced through the window, working out possible conclusions.

"I think… they might be on the same team… but Fu Huo is planning to win the tournament for himself…" continued Fao.
"You think so?"
"Well… since he doesn't represent his team through a sticker. And since all he's ever been was behind Kumiko's shadow… wouldn't you want a chance to shine as well?"

"I see… And you may be right. He's probably the guy who knows Kumiko the best. And a guy like him probably won't hesitate to show everyone that he does."

"Exactly…" replied Fao. "If he knows he can beat Kumiko, he'll surely take the chance to do it at the tournament. It would be a great step in his career if he were to slay the mighty Neon Serpent in front of everybody. Not only his peers, but also every other street-racing fanatic will hold him in high regard. He had nothing to lose, but everything to gain."

"I've raced Fukada Kumiko and was able to experience her flow first hand. The odds are definitely insurmountable for Chuan Fu Huo, even though their styles are a little similar," said Reiko.

"Man, I just hope they don't destroy themselves out there. Why did you have to pick such a course for their race?" added Fao.

"It would be the grandest stage to settle this master-versus-pupil clash. What better place for the young lion to step out of the shadows and claim his throne above all street racers than the bowels of the most notorious of battlefields, Route F5…" proclaimed Reiko, "…but then again, a lion is no match for the serpent."

Zui Hou's black Lan-Evo V parked alongside F5's Sileighty, sitting along the tourist parking area at the edge of Route D1, as their drivers stood along the guardrails, overlooking the view of the city.

Once again, neither Fu Huo, nor Kanae said anything for a while.
Moments later, however, it was Fu Huo who spoke the first words this time.

"You wanted to tell me something?" asked Fu Huo in a calm, deep voice.
Kanae began to feel feverish and hot again, although feeling a little nervous.

"Um… my sister in law told me to give you a message. Your battle with Fukada Kumiko on the final round will be held at Route F5…"

A little stunned from what he had just heard, Fu Huo could not make out any words to say or any thoughts to think. It was truly unexpected.

Then again, it was somewhat appropriate. Considering the fact that he did not believe in F5's rumours and folklore surrounding its notoriety, Fu Huo also knew that neither him, nor Kumiko ever raced at such conditions like F5.

Kanae continued. "Reiko actually wanted to tell you personally. But I decided to be the one to tell you myself. She also wishes you luck in your race. She says you're gonna need it,"

"Then tell her thanks, but no thanks. Kumiko is nothing special. She's just another opponent that's next in line for me to smoke. Believe me, and because I know her style precisely," commented Fu Huo arrogantly.

"I do hope you win too, Fu. But don't get cocky just because you've beaten me…" suggested Kanae.
"I'm sorry. It's not like that…" said Fu Huo. "Indeed, I agree Kumi is good. She's at least better than all the other half-baked road racers out there. But I just think she's overrated. I just wanna prove to everybody that she's not invincible,"

"Nobody is invincible, Fu…" claimed Kanae.
"…And she gets too much attention for no reason. The spectators are so bandwagon on this Neon Serpent thing. Kumi-this, Kumi-that. Aren't you tired of those teenyboppers that only recognize the biggest name on the ranks?"

Kanae slowly turned to face Fu. She gave him that sincere look again, touching his cheek with her warm hand, looking into him. "Fu… are you jealous of Kumiko?"

My, she is unpredictable… Fu Huo had not thought of things that way before. Maybe he was jealous. "I…" Fu Huo had a loss for words once again.

"I'd rather get your autograph than Kumiko's anyway…" said Kanae, trying to cheer Fu up.
"…Really?"
"There's something else I have to tell you…" continued Kanae.
"Yes…?"

Kanae walked over in between the their vehicles and gazed at them. They both stood out as relics of the street indeed. She is really getting into cars.

"Down at F5, you will come across a tunnel section which lies inside the mountain itself…" began Kanae.

"Wha…?" Fu Huo felt puzzled, and a little shaken. He did not say anything more and devoted his attention to what Kanae had to say for that moment as it could mean his victory at his next battle.

"You will come across a section with two dividing paths within the tunnel. The one on the right is the normal route, which you use to get from the mountain top, to the city and vice versa…"

Kanae turned to Fu Huo again. "Listen carefully… the path on the left is a little hidden. It's very hard to notice and by the time you do, you'll only have a split second to enter it by then. It leads to another two divided paths…" Kanae paused. "The one on the right is a shortcut which leads to the rest of the downhill continuing along the route toward town, which is the path you should take. The other path, which is on the left, will lead you plummeting through a tumbling mine shaft, in other words, a dead end."

"So all I need to remember is left, then right?" asked Fu Huo.
"Yes… but it took me a very long time to figure out the right entry and exit speeds for this shortcut. You'll probably cut a quarter of a second of your time, maybe even half, or if you're very lucky, a whole second, depending on the 'tunnel conditions'… but this portion of a second may prove a difference if you're able to follow up… And of course, I don't have to tell you how very dangerous that method is. I don't think anybody would be able to come out unscratched in their first try…"

"Then why are you telling me this…?" wondered Fu.

In a soft, calm and sincere voice, Kanae confessed, "Because I believe in you. That's the only reason I have."

After another lap on Zui Huo R's test track, Kumiko had already cut down her record yet again. The new record was 1.5 seconds faster than her previous record, though her section times were rather awkward, but overall faster.
The GTO parked along the pit lane, next to the open workshop along with the timekeepers and maintenance crew.

"Impressive, Master Kumi. I see you've gotten used to the next settings already," commented Shireishou E.

"It's a little slower than it was previously. But I find it easier to turn due to the changes in limited slip effect during acceleration and the detuning enabled me to utilize more power to be able to push this car to the limit…" added Kumiko.

"We don't have any accurate data on Route F5. We're just gonna have to guess on the conditions and work the best settings for the situation…" suggested Shireishou W.

"It's okay…" said Kumiko. "I've already balanced this car for almost any condition. Although the active stability management and traction control settings have been slightly changed to give me more freedom… I'm planning to race a little differently this time…"

"Do you really think Fu Huo is that special?" asked the East General.
"…Yes. Please do not ask any further. It is better to experience it first hand than me explaining," continued Kumiko, gazing at her sleek and shiny 3000GT.

"The lowest I've de-tuned the GTO was at around 305HP. The front tires are armed with super slicks, although the rear tires are equipped with the standard issue. They have less grip, but last a little longer. The suspension settings have remained the same, as well as the spring rates and downforce. Overall, the machine is still the same, but a little more 'free'," explained Kumiko.

I've changed this car only slightly, but enough to enable me to expose a different side of my overall style. I've released all the barriers of which had previously constrained me from my limits. Whether I win or lose, I want to be able to be able to push it all the way for at least just one more time. And Fu Huo is the appropriate opponent for my wish. If he were to slay me, then I'd want to go down doing my absolute best. I've always had a dream… or maybe a little fetish for being overcome by such a man…

Kumiko shut the hood of her car, and finally got a better look of her car's outer beauty. The GTO has been with her for as long as sh can remember.
But I've also had a dream that one day I would be regarded as somebody who represents all female road racers as the absolute best. My GTO and our passion and I through all our hard work in the past, all our experiences, our torment, our anguish, our victories… It would all come down to this one opportunity to become the one and only certified undisputed champion of all road racers… Either way, whether I win or lose, I'll have more to gain than I have to lose.

Kumiko was totally ready for anything. Her past regrets would finally bring her new hope, in the form of Chuan Fu Huo and possibly her last race.

Whatever the outcome may be… Through this final battle… My story will finally be complete…

The Dreadnaught workshop along the town area was bustling with rants and discussion, other than the usual pace of moving tools, trading parts or maintenance sessions.
The final round of BXD, namely the match between Chuan Fu Huo versus Fukada Kumiko was certainly the talk of the town. Everybody knew and was talking about it, although neither could assume nor come up with a possible conclusion.

Raide and a couple of friends, who are also Dreadnaught members parked along the driveway and lounged around the workshop.

"This is it… Who would ever have thought it would come down to this…" commented Raide.
"This race is gonna be a killer… I must go and watch! We need cameras too!" suggested Hokuto.
"I really hope Fu Huo wins! But… at the same time, I wouldn't want to see Kumiko lose…" said Cath.

Raide stood next to his new S2000, feeling its fenders as he caressed the bodykit of his dark tinted machine.
"They're way out of our league…" said Raide.
"You mean… Zui Hou R?" asked Hokuto.
"Fu Huo and Kumiko are in the same team, right? So it wouldn't matter to the leader who wins or losses," said Cath.

"Indeed, they are both from Zui Hou R…" continued Raide, "But since they have already fulfilled their mission, both racers are finally allowed to race for themselves…"

"Fukada Kumiko is too good. But from what I've seen, I wouldn't be surprised if that Chuan Fu Huo guy could stand up to someone like her… He's already gained a reputation so quickly, even under Kumiko's wing," said Hokuto.

"Yes… they both are really at a level beyond normal street racers. They're styles are both similar, and driving with each other for such a long time, they know each other's weakpoints and advantages… It'll truly be a match for the ages…" commented Raide. "Fu Huo's advantage is that he is still on his way to exploring his limits. He is the freshman outta the two, plus, Kumiko may be facing the 'masters rust', in which her time as long passed along with her skills. But then again, she still has a more vast experience which is definitely an edge ober Fu Huo's yet-to-be-awakened potential…"

"Hey Raide… Fukada Kumiko is actually very young for someone with as much experience as she does. Plus, she's so beautiful, and has an awesome figure to back it up!" said Hokuto.

Cath poked Hokuto on the head, "Being sexy does not have anything to do with good driving skills!"
Raide laughed, thinking to himself briefly. You're partly wrong, Cath. Good driving skills are sexy!