ACT 15 – 15000RPM 'Final Round – Sky Dragon VS Neon Serpent'

The days have long passed, and it seemed that the wait was endless. And so, it came to. The day of the final round to be settled at the newly re-opened Route F5.
Spectators have already gathered along various critical points along the open areas.
Some had even camped out there just to be able to witness such a spectacle.

The BXD staff made long and hard preparations for the coming event, neither officials, nor spectators could contain themselves.

Before 7PM even hit, the galleries were already jam-packed, and various tourist vehicles, as well as tuner models were parked along the sidelines, and tourist parkings.
The previous contests, who had been eliminated were also present, not wanting to miss the possibly most electrifying match of the entire tournament.

The heavens twist, and thunder roars along the mountain pass of Route F5, signaling the coming of a great and epic battle.

The main event was to begin at 10:30PM sharp, the competitors were not present as last minute preparations were made prior to the late night clash.

It was no doubt that there was a great mass in amount of Fukada Kumiko fans, as the new Chuan Fu Huo fanbase were also ready and unrestrained in enthusiasm.

And so it was to begin, the clash between the master and the pupil to be decided at the most uncanny of arenas set at the stage known as Route F5.
The battle of Fu Vs Ku .

The success of Operation: Zheng Fu did not seem to be enough for both Kumiko or Fu Huo, and winning the tournament may surely satisfy them to prove a point and make a statement to all those who came to witness their struggle.

The night was still young, the galleries filled each and every opening around the sidelines, yet there was one large area in which the spectators were unable to conquer a suitable view – the tunneling mine section within the mountain itself.

One by one, racers from the previous rounds have also showed up to witness the final conclusion of the tournament, and both had each of their favourites, one way or the other.

The Divine Unit Generals, South, West, and North had parked on different sections of the mountain route, in order to spectate different parts of the event.

Unlike usual, Kanae positioned herself at the finishing point this time, parking her Sileighty far alongside the beginning of the uphill section. Once again, she roamed by herself, speaking to nobody and nobody speaking to her. Not that she'd let anybody.
She seemed reserved as usual, very quiet and calm, but deep inside, she was excited as ever. She had retracted her previous statements and assumptions about both competitors, Fu Huo and Kumiko, as she finally believed that their true talent is not a hoax. However, neither is KYOKO and the reality of its unnecessary existence. But it was not a time to be pondering on such matters. With or without KYOKO, both drivers are at a level beyond which transcends straights and corners, according to Kanae's eyes.

The night was still young; Kanae had already thought a lot of things. There was actually a reason for her being positioned at the finish. Because whether Fu Huo won or lost, she could congratulate him and maybe try and court him afterwards. However, if Kumiko won, she would take the opportunity to finally ask for her autograph. Either way, it was a good choice for her to stay at the finishing point.

Raide and his Dreadnaught racing crew were all present at the tournament reception area, awaiting the details and conditions of the final race as Reiko made preparations and verified that the whole scene was secure and uninterrupted by any unwanted disturbances.

Both parties were already rambling on about their preferred victor, siding with their respective idols and arguing about various conclusions. Nevertheless, it was surely a night not to miss.

"Kumiko won't lose… She'll school that Fu Huo guy, just like she always does!" said one of the spectators.
"No way… after what Fu Huo did last time, its clear that he definitely has more balls than Kumiko. Just watch, he'll pull something out that Kumiko won't ever do!" said another spectator.
"Don't you get it? Kumi is the master. You can't compare Fu Huo to the level of Kumi."

They all argued on, until several moments later, a great, majestic vehicle approached the scene, cruising past the screaming and yelling galleries.

"There she is! It's her! She's finally here!"

A great hero's chant began, as the dark-burgundy colored 3000GT VR-4 Turbo climbed its way at the reveling spectators.

"Kumi! Kumi! Kumi!"

The chanting was spread all the way across the pass, as Kumiko made her way up to the starting point near the upper parking area.

"Kumi! Kumi! Kumi!"

After the long, hauling wait, the descent of the mighty Neon Serpent of Zui Hou R was heralded by the echoing chants and excited screams. With the coming of this wonder, those who feast their eyes upon her shall know the true meaning of beauty.

The door of the GTO slowly opened, and Kumiko stepped out as the fans torn the house down with their cheering. She wore a thin, burgundy back-less dress, which matched her car colors and exposed more of her figure. Though unusually, Kumiko did not wear her usual expensive, high-heeled sandals. Instead, she wore a pair of casual, comfortable-looking shoes which looked fairly knew, showing that she does not wear these quite often, but also pointing out that she was going to go all out for this race; as she was wearing more comfortable footwear which will allow her to push as hard as she could without putting much stress on her feet anymore.

She waved to the crowd happily, cherishing the moment. This might be the very last time I'd get to be a part of this sort of thing. I'd better make the best of it.

Amidst the stunning entrance, Reiko made her way up to the first competitor. She welcomed Kumiko and wasted no time explaining the conditions and wishing her some luck.

The whole scenery seemed like a much-awaited boxing match.
Kumiko was already a champion in many eyes, as well as statistics. She gazed on across the route, scanning the vicinity, as she waited for the arrival of her opponent…

Unfortunately for Maya, she was much too busy to attend such a spectacle. After all, her racing exposure had already long passed and her business and finances were her principles now. She had already long decided that she would not continued street racing for a living.
However, she could not help buy worry about the circumstances faced by both of her friends; Fu and Ku.

It was already 9:45PM, Fu Huo was stuck at Koda's as everybody had already gathered at the Route F5 mountain pass. He was the only cast left to complete the show, and he was yet to establish his presence.
He was clad in leather, wearing an Armani coat, a dark blue working Boss shirt and a pair of Versace leather pants which was given to him as a present saved up by Minako and Maya quite a while back.
It was clear that Fu Huo wanted to look good for this race, as he work his newly-bought pair of eight-hundred-dollar Gucci shoes. He was planning to match Kumiko in almost every aspect, including image.

It was safe to say that Fu Huo was caught in a bit of a jam, held back by personal issues and the little Bold & the Beautiful episodes he had to put up with.

"Why haven't you been down with me lately? What's wrong with you?" complained Minako, "You've really changed, you know!"

"Look, Mina…" Fu Huo tried to hold her back, and began to let it out, "I have my own life now; a life to live for myself. It's about time that I focused on what I want for a change!"

"But that doesn't mean you have to throw away our friendship! It doesn't always have to be about you!" argued Minako.

Fu Huo took a big deep breath, and sighed, "…You're the one who threw away our friendship back then. And during that time, it's always been about you, and only you! You threw it all away and never looked an any chance of making it right!"

A tear was shed from Minako's eye as she urged on to stay, "You… you don't understand… I…"
In a sharp, straight voice, Fu Huo cut it short, "…Forget it! You never gave me the time and chance I deserved to explain! So now why don't I treat you with the same courtesy?"

Fu Huo fiercely broke free and made his way to his Lancer, accelerating away with all his feelings and emotions popping from behind his exhaust…

"Where is your opponent?" asked Reiko, as the final preparations for the race have finally been made. "We're clean tonight. I've made sure that nobody disturbs our event. Fao already made the proper arrangements…"

"I have no idea where Fu is…" muttured Kumiko. "He'd better get here in time. A disqualification is not how I would like this tournament to end…"

"The stage is all set. Everything is ready; the only thing missing is the other competitor…" said Reiko.

The audience was not as patient, however. Complains were already flying about and demands were being yelled across the sidelines.

"I've already tried calling him a few times… No answer," said Kumiko. It was rather disappointing, as she and the rest of the participants looked forward to seeing Fu Huo.

Kumiko was getting worried. Not knowing what else better to do, she decided to ring one of the most likely of places that would hold information about Fu Huo's whereabouts.

Kumiko called the number to Kouda's café in the city, and requested to speak to Maya herself.
A woman answered, "Hello, good evening. Koda Maya speaking…"
"Hello, Maya, its me, Kumi…" Kumiko began to explain, "Listen, do you know where Fu Huo is by any chance…?"
"Haha… what makes you think I would know that?" teased Maya.
"Because you know everything! Haha…"
"Well… was here several moments ago. He's already left though. Have you tried calling him? Anyway, I'm sure he's on his way to wherever he's supposed to be…"
"Thanks a lot, Maya…"
"Hey… its fine, girl. You take care of yourself, alright? I'll always be worried about you,"
"Thanks again, Maya. Love you too, girl,"
"Likewise, and good luck!"

The black Lancer Evolution V sped across the half-empty highways, as Fu Huo raced the clock as a warm up before his race. The bass pumped on, as soft trance music flowed through his sound system – 'Will I?' (Lange Mix) – Ian Van Dahl

Fu Huo could not get the time he needed to cool down. From here on, it was strictly business.
Minako… It's too late now. I'm not a sucker anymore. Not like I used to be…

Fu gripped the steering wheel in aggression, pushing on his foot on the throttle even further.
I won't let you try and hold me back in my life anymore. Not even tonight!

Indeed, he was in a great rush. It was almost quarter-past. The Lancer breezed along the rest of the highway, speeding at around nearly 190kph, and coming across the overpass, then into the short tunnel in which he met Kanae for the first time.

Fu Huo had absolutely no time to make any unnecessary stops now. His mind struggled to set himself straight, still affected by the bitter argument with an old friend. His heart somehow ached for some reason, which was slowly eating at him along the way.

Several moments later, Fu Huo had already entered the path leading onto Route F5.
The place itself reminded him of nothing other than the young woman he had known as Mirishima Kanae. This is her home course…

Gazing at the twisted roads and rusted rails, Fu Huo began to realize that the route was not as he imagined. It was much horrible than he had originally imagined, most of the twists and turns were like something out of a Silent Hill game.
Damn… this place is so screwed…

He could hear slight yelling from outside, and finally was able to gain sight of a few spectators on the beginning of the hillclimb.
There's Kanae…

Fu Huo drove on. The road seemed to get worse. He got a glance at the full moon that night, just before he began to enter the winding tunnel section.
Damn… I couldn't see the shortcuts that Kanae told me about… It's gonna be tricky…

Thinking about Kanae managed to calm him down just a little.
But as he climbed on Route F5, he began to regain his focus, and concentrated on his target – Kumiko.
And thinking about Kumiko made him feel warmer, and more calm this time around for some reason.

Man, I feel like my hormones are getting the best of me again. When will I grow up?

Fu Huo eased off the throttle a little.
Damn… I guess they were right. I really am a sucker for the ladies…

Instead of tactically planning strategies against his opponent, Fu Huo began to fantasize about her.
I feel like I was just back in high school when we used to drool over those seductive-looking teachers, but never really had any hope with ourselves. We were just kids. I guess that's what I'm feeling about Ku at he moment… Someone like her is beyond my reach.

The Lancer exited the winding tunnel section and climbed on.
It's not like I carry any heavy affection for her anyway…

A few moments onward, and Fu Huo finally gained sight of the real reception of tonight's event…

Kumiko stared onward at the road ahead. Reiko had already confirmed the opponenet's approach and began to commence with the usual procedures before Fu Huo even got there.
The crowd began to build up pretty quickly.
"Fu Huo! Fu Huo! Fu Huo!"

The Lancer finally came in sight, as it was applauded with a grand ovation.

"Fu Huo! Fu Huo! Fu Huo!"

At long last, the final round of the tournament was due to commence.
Seeing the Evo V's mean-looking face brought a smile to Kumiko instantly.
He's finally here…

Fu Huo did not need any more preparation. He motioned his car back around and staged his car next to the GTO.

I'm getting so excited! Reiko walked over between the two cars.

Fu Huo stepped out of his car briefly, and walked towards his opponent.
They greeted each other with a soft kiss on the cheek, and then shook each other's hands.
Man, she smells nice…

"I'm glad to see that you have made it, Fu…" smiled Kumiko.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, master…" apologized Fu.
"Are you ready to dance with me again tonight?"
"Sure…" Fu Huo cut it short, "But let me tell you this…"

They smiled at each other like they have not seen each other in years.
"… This race will define my new vision. When I last raced you, I wasn't but the student, but now this time, I am the master!"

"Indeed, that may actually be true! Either way, let's have fun tonight. I've been looking forward to it," Kumiko just could not seem to take the smile off her face.

Both drivers feverishly made their way to their vehicles, stunned by each other's presence.
They stepped inside, and revved their engines, stirring up the crowd.

The night did not remain silent for long.
Reiko began to raise her hand to begin the countdown.

"Five…! Four…! Three…!"

Tension filled the air, as the highly anticipated final round of the BXD tournament was ready to begin any second.

"Two…! One…! Go!"

Tires screeched and revs soared, as the two competitors launched their vehicles into the night with nothing holding them back.
Both cars were side by side on the straightaway. Fu Huo locked eyes with Kumiko for a brief moment, doing the stare-and-drive until Kumiko finally stole the inside, catching Fu Huo off guard so early in the duel synconizing with the beats of 'M.A.Z.E' – Koda Kumi

The Lancer did not stall for a second as it pulled up right on the GTO's tail.
Kumiko was in great shape and good form, her control was even greater and experienced mild difficulty with the characteristics of her chassis.

'Can anybody… please… take me out of this maze?'

The cars stormed through the galleries as they wildly cheered on at the same time, stunned by both competitors' auras.

Kumiko confidently ploughed on down the first section of Route F5. The whole road layout looks so horrid and deranged. It is such a mess…
She took the time to dictate the pace, as she scanned through the area and attempted to get a feel of the flow for the battle. However, she had less time to stall her opponent, as she had to push harder and harder each time they clear a corner.

'Samayoeru kokoro doa wo sagashiteru'

The Lan-Evo did not disappear from Kumiko's mirror, as Fu Huo turned up the heat quite early in their match. He was really pushing her all the way.

'Koe ni naranai koe naze? to kurikaesu'

Both of them took grip lines through out the set of mild S-curves, using nearly almost the same techniques.
The GTO partially blocked Fu Huo's view, as he used its taillights as a guide for the moment.
She's using the same old moves as before. At this rate, I'll have had her all figured out quite early. But I bet she still has something up her sleeve. I'd still better be careful.

Kumiko accelerated on, steering her car smoothly through each curve as if her car did not weigh an ounce. Tonight is our night, Fu. Show me the result of all your past training!

The gap did not seem to widen at all. Kumiko struggled to keep the lead as Fu Huo struggled to even keep up.

'Kinou ni karanda kono yubi ga hanarenai
Amai maboroshi wo ima mo shinjitsudukeru'

Corner after corner, both cars were already exiting at insane speeds, gaining around 3-5kph faster than previously exited.
They both drifted at a crazy 135kph through the corners and mild straights.

Up next was another set of S-curves and blind turns.
Fu Huo copied Kumiko's swaying-like drifting, following her line precisely.

'Save me kono meiro kara
Tsunagareta yami kara
Hayaku dashite yobimodoshite'

Both cars exited the next hairpin sideways, and quickly regained traction and positioned themselves back in the right direction.
Fu Huo's techniques almost mirrored Kumiko's moves the entire way so far.

'Show me mou ichido dake
Torimodoshitai kara
Miushinakatta hontou no watashi
Mitsukedashite yo'

Kumiko felt a little pressure as much as Fu Huo did. He was one of the very few people to have this effect on her, and vice versa.
She continued her enticingly styled cornering techniques, which Fu Huo was already familiar with.
She's doing this on purpose. I know things are about to change much later on. But I'm ready for it Ku. Let's dance!

Fu Huo flung his car into the pin, crab walking side-by-side with his opponent.
It was as if the cars were magnetized together. But Fu Huo could not manage any opening as of yet.
He managed exceptionally in keeping his cool and patiently waiting for his chance to bring forth his newly acquired abilities…

'Save me kono meiro kara
Mada akiramenai de
Watashi rashiku I want to smile again…'

For some reason, I'm still excited on the result… Maya stood outside her café, gazing at the city lights and the busy streets as she made the most of her break, while Minako and other N-Angel members helped out inside the diner.

If Fu Huo understood what I told him… He has a whooping 49 chance of defeating Kumiko…
It has been years since Maya and Kumiko have clashed in battle. They both raced in many different conditions on many different routes, yet Kumiko managed to even the score on their very last encounter.

Ah… those days were real good. However there's nothing more I feel I'd have to accomplish, my enthusiasm for this dangerous game is still quite bright…
Maya stared at her old friend which she grew up racing and winning with – the MINE's Impreza WRX.
It was white, with the MINE's look all over the Impreza's body, and equipped with blue foglamps and blue pulse neons.

Old partner… I'm finished now. However, you're not done yet. Please take care of Mina for me…
Recognizing her sister's untapped potential, Maya hoped that she would one day see Minako flying high with the boxer-equipped blue-lit white monster.
She momentarily could not help but draw out a smile. She might even up Fu Huo and his Lan-Evo… Maybe one day, those two will be like Kumiko and I as we were back then…

Meanwhile, Fu Huo continued to pursue the Neon Serpent along Route F5 with fierce tenacity.
She's powered her car down again…

Fu Huo's techniques almost paralleled Kumiko's. Corner after corner, whenever Kumiko used drift, Fu Huo used drift. Whenever Kumiko braked, Fu Huo braked. Even as Fu Huo threw back whatever Kumiko threw at him, she still was able to dictate the pace until now.

I can't seem to outrun him like this… He's predicting my every action too accurately…
Kumiko applied the brake with her left foot, slamming it strongly this time just before the apex. Perhaps if I try something he doesn't expect…

The next corner, Kumiko motioned her car slightly to the outside. Ever-resillient, Fu Huo did the same, regardless of what he thought his opponent was trying to do.
The GTO suddenly turned hard into the next corner, sliding away as Fu Huo quickly reacted and copied the same line.
Both cars were almost paralleled in angle as they both nearly kissed the apex and exited at similar speeds.

I guess that didn't work… Kumiko applied more throttle, accelerating fiercely on the straightaway. There's no way I can shake him off no matter how much I up my pace.

Watching the GTO so closely from behind, Fu Huo felt Kumiko through and through, as certain gestures were emitted from her driving style.

Its almost as if she's telling me to come for her… This is how she usually is… but something's different. Fu Huo closed the gap between the opponent once again.

What's she trying to do? She looks like she's pushing it and struggling at the same time, yet she still seems rather slow. Its almost as if she wants to look helpless and urge me to defeat her…

The route became a little dimmer than before. Both vehicles were in a tight rush, clearing an array of S-curves, launching few hard drifting assaults through an ideal line.

"You've been trying to find out Kumi's weakness, haven't you? You'll find a way though… Her emotions…"
"Now just what was it that Maya was trying to tell me?" Fu Huo could not work out a solution, yet he felt something needed to happen in order for him to find his answer…

Maya stepped back inside her café, ready to continue back to work. She was a little tired, and a bit stressed from such a long day, yet she knew that she surely would lose count of the day's earnings.
It is what she had given up her street life for.

Kumiko's greatest and only weakness is that her driving style changes depending on her mood.
Maya took some plates from Minako and help her distribute some dishes to the customers.
She was happy with her new life. She had never been so content.

There is something about Fu Huo that captures Kumi. He is like her kryptonite in a way. The stakes that are on the line, and her affection for him may cause some conflict within her self.

Maya was confident in her long-time friend, yet she also had some faith for Fu Huo. Much of him is spoken through Minako, but Maya also knows a gifted racer when she sees one.
And Kumiko trains her drivers to eventually surpass her, as Maya thought.

The only way Fu Huo can win is luck. It may seem impossible, but if Kumi breaks, Fu Huo will surely take any chance and capitalize no matter how small his odds are…

Maya made her way back to the bar area and began to serve drinks, ignoring her fatigue.
Kumiko can really keep her focus and cope with pressure from each opponent. However, things are much different when she races those who mean a lot to her. I wonder if she's eliminated this by now…

The battle at Route F5 finally drew into the tunnels section. It was dimly lit and very difficult to navigate through. The gap between the two cars seemed to both widen and shorten at different sections.
At some points, Fu Huo mistakes a rock for the GTO, and vice versa.
Damn, that was close… And man, I still can't work out what Maya was trying to say. Kumiko's emotions? Hm…

There seemed to be no guardrails visible in the tunnel. It was more like a cave.
Fu… I open to you… my heart!
The GTO rocked itself violently to the side, sliding through the dirt and lighting up a focused portion of the twists and bends.

Oh man… I forgot what Kanae told me… left, then right? Or right, then left? Fu Huo kept his eyes open and focused for any openings. But the tunnel was almost too dark to see anything on the side.

The GTO began swerving aggressively, cleaning every corner, and flinging dirt away.
This partially distorted Fu Huo, yet cleared other portions of the road.
The dirt uncovered layers and layers of passage, as Kumiko flew past, quickly getting a glance at another route.
What was that? Was that where I should've been going?

Taking advantage of the GTO's lights, Fu Huo spotted the opening for another path within the tunnel. Without hesitation, he dived straight in.

Huh? Where is he? Kumiko glanced at her rear view and saw absolutely nothing. She continued on along the path she took and cruised along the way.

On the other hand, Fu Huo sped along confidently on the tunnel's shortcut.
This must be it.
His Lan-Evo wasted no time, taking full advantage of his grip. However, he kept on following a single pathway for several moments.

This is wrong… There's supposed to be another split…
Fu Huo turned on his high beam, in search for another opening. I remember now… it's left, then right, isn't it? But there's only one path! What's wrong, Kanae?

Kumiko sped along another path in the tunnel, confident, yet a little confused.
In a quick moment, she caught a sight of a divided path in front of her.
What's going on?

The GTO swerved quickly to the right, almost hitting the wall in between. The vehicle was close to the inside, yet was nearby the right side.
Two paths! I was never informed…

Kumiko cruised on in panic. She had no idea which path she had just taken.

On the other hand, Fu Huo continued along, yet also in confusion.
He began to see something he was not expecting – the end of the tunnel.
Did Kanae tell me something wrong?

Fu Huo dashed along the tunnel's exit, accelerating fully. I doubt she'd tell a lie. Besides, I don't see Kumiko anywhere. She must be behind…

Fu confidently ploughed through, on his way to tackle the rest of the downhill.

Wait a sec… if there was only one path along the one I took… then Kumiko…

The GTO suddenly popped out of nowhere, causing both drivers to lose control temporarily.

"Oh…shit!" Kumiko panicked, as Fu Huo lashed away, eager to win, and pressed on with nothing but courage, as the two drivers struggled to regain control.

Both cars were almost spun out, yet the Evo was at a better angle to recover. However, Kumiko was also nimble enough with her techniques and was able to set her vehicle straight back into the right direction, as the Lan-Evo suddenly overtook her swiftly on recovery…