ACT 5 – 5000RPM 'Nightmares'

Another couple of days passed since the Bu Xia De/Zui Hou R's second clash of the team battle had been settled. The numbers have been drawn. It had appeared that Bu Xia De had been already stopped dead on their tracks resulting from Zui Hou's counter-attack with the Divine Unit General of the West.
However, the war was not yet over. The battles seemed to be on a weekly basis, yet news of these events was strictly on low profile.

The two Generals of the Divine Unit, Stephen of the West, and Mark of the North had taken their spare time during the afternoon to lounge at the city's best café – Kouda's.
At the same time and place was Chuan Fu Huo, who continued to work at the venue for Maya as the usual waiter, bartender and janitor.

The two Zui Hou members sat on one of the tables near the window overlooking the city streets. Nearby were a set of pool tables and poker tables occupied by other customers.
Mark, the Shireishou of the North sat in boredom, waiting for his order to arrive while Stephen made himself busy looking at car magazines.

"Damn man, look at this," Stephen had brought his latest copy of Auto Salon magazine on the table.
"What about it? Anything new?" asked Mark.
"Just look at it! It's on the cover," exclaimed Stephen.

Mark's jaws instantly dropped as he speechlessly stared at the magazine cover.
"Man, save it. You're food's coming, relax," said Stephen.
"I didn't know she was the next cover girl," claimed Mark, "Oh my god, let's show Fu,"

Stephen called out to Fu Huo from the other side of the café, quickly asking him to come over wasting no time.
"What is it, man? I'm busy," hollered Fu Huo.
"Just come man, I must show you something," claimed Stephen.
"Better be good," said Fu Huo under his breath, as he walked through the tables.

He made his way to see what Stephen had to show him, and saw what he surely did not expect to find.
"Give me that!" grabbed Fu Huo, taking the magazine off the table.

On the front cover of that month's Auto Salon was the Neon Serpent 3000GT and Fukada Kumiko herself, which Fu Huo's eyes feasted upon endlessly.
Oh my god…

Fu rapidly flicked through the pages like a madman, skipping through allt he other articles and straight to the automotive supermodel section.
OH… MY… GOD…

Various photos of Kumiko filled the page, as Fu Huo did not bother reading the write-up at all.
There were pictures of Fukada Kumiko in mini-skirts, bikinis, casual attire, etc.

"Hey, Fu man, calm down," suggested Mark, "Let us see it too,"

Fu Huo ignored him, and continued to drool on at the Kumiko pictures. Without any notice, a hand pinched from behind Fu Huo and stole the mag.

"Hey, get back to work," said Maya, as she looked at the magazine, "So THIS is what you're looking at? Ooh, I'll tell Kumi!"
"Give it back, I was looking at it first!" demanded Fu Huo.
"No you weren't, we were!" claimed Stephen, "Aren't you meant to be working, Fu?"

Damn, she's so hot. Fu Huo did not say a word and walked away, taking some plates from other tables.

"Hey, the article says something about her retirement," said Maya as she read the article on.
"Um, can we talk about that later? I want to see the pictures!" begged Stephen.
"Oh… you guys. Fine," said Maya.

Mark called out to Fu Huo, "Don't be greedy Fu. You're the one that's always with her the most anyway!"
Maya looked at him and laughed, "Hmm… I wonder what you two get up to in the garage, huh?"
"Hey man, why don't you ask her then?" bluffed Fu Huo.
"Haha, what else does she teach you other than racing?" teased Stephen.
"Shut up man, you're probably just jealous," called out Fu.

"By the way, Stephen, how did the race go the other night?" asked Maya.
"H-How did you know about that?" asked Stephen.
"I'm a close friend of Kumi's, remember?"
"Oh, well I won," claimed Stephen, "It was pretty hard, but I managed,"

She's taught them well, I guess. I wouldn't mind giving any of em a run. But I'm over that stuff now.

Several moments later, a young man stepped into the pub. He wore a denim jacket and some jeans with a cap on. He was a European-looking man, who made his way to where the two Divine Unit Generals are currently dining. His peers knew the man as Sly – Bu Xia De Street Elite's S15 driver.
He introduced himself to Mark and Stephen, and had told them about his business.

"We've been informed about you. We've already accepted your challenge," claimed Stephen.
"I'll be up next," said Mark.
"Really? I appreciate it. By the way, what is your weapon of choice? I use a 200SX," said Sly.
"Integra Type R," said Mark.
"So that was yours outside," Sly paused, glancing out the window out at the parking lot, "It's a nice car. It would be a pleasure to see how well it runs,"
"Same with your car," replied Mark.

Sly reached for his pocket and pulled out a business card, with details about BXD contact information. He placed it on the table softly and claimed, "I appreciate your time accepting our challenge. But we have a reputation to uphold as the most sophisticated on the street. We will race you on your conditions and we will not lose,"

"Our team does not have a home ground," stated Stephen.
Mark cut it short however, "Though I have conditions of my own, on the other hand,"
"Any course then?" asked Sly.
"Yes. But anything goes," said Mark.

Stephen looked at Mark in confusion. Anything goes? What does he mean?

"Okay. We'll settle this tonight at 10:30PM. Battle will take place at Route C4," confirmed Sly.
"Fine with me," replied Mark.

Having taken the day off, Minako had spent her time during the afternoon doing a little bit of shopping around town. She was on her own, as she walked around shops casually dressed in a sweatshirt, a skirt and some boots. It was a little cold at that moment, without having the Impreza around; Minako endlessly strolled her way through different clothes shops and music stores.

Hmm… I don't know what to get…
She walked into one shop within a long busy street. They offered some casual and semi-formal ladies attire and some other accessories.

Minako browsed through the stalls, looking at dresses. She took one and gazed at the mirror as she held the dress in front of her. It was an indigo-coloured silk dress, with little silvertone ring design at the back and one at the front. She held it and looked at the mirror as she imagined her having it on.

"I think it would look good on you," said a voice unexpectedly.

It was a calm, deep, female voice. It seemed quite familiar to Minako.
There was a person who had just stood nearby another stall. Minako turned around to realise where the voice came from.

"Why don't you try it on?" suggested the woman.
"Oh, it's you," said Minako, "How are you doing?"

The woman walked over from the other stalls and made her way around closer to Minako. She wore a tight leather jacket and some jeans on along with a black leather top hat.
"Good afternoon," she said.
"You're Kumiko, are you not?" asked Minako.
"That's right," confirmed Kumiko, "I think that dress you are holding would look good on you. Maybe I should get one too,"
"You think so? I think it would suit you more than me," complimented Minako.

The two ladies began to accompany each other with their shopping. It just so happened that Kumiko was on a day out shopping as well.

"How about this one?" asked Kumiko.
"It's okay, I guess," replied Minako, "But I think this purple one looks better on you,"
"Okay," Kumiko took another dress and made her way to the fitting room.

Maybe I should get one for myself too, but something a little different.
Minako stood near the stalls with the indigo blue dress. I don't have anything of this color. I kinda like it too.

Kumiko called out to Minako from the fitting room to come over and check briefly. Kumiko stared at herself at the mirror, It looks okay, but I don't know where I could wear this.

Minako peeked into the fitting room briefly, "That actually looks good on you. But… where would you wear that dress?"

Geez, that's a great help. I usually wear dresses and stuff even when racing, hehe… But I'm not really going to race too often anymore though…
"Well… I don't know, but you're right, it does look good," Kumiko looked on at the dress. It was similar to Minako's choice, but it was purple and had a slightly different design on the front and back. The dressed seemed a little more expensive-looking and flashy which really defined Kumiko's personality.

Minako went into the other fitting booth to try on the dress that she's been wanting, while Kumiko had already decided to purchase the one she had tried on.
The silk indigo blue dress had a different appearance on Minako. It very well suited her and much amplified her innocent-like and pure presence which a pinch of cuteness. However, Minako failed to look at the price tag first.

Minako finished the fitting phase; her heart was set. She made her way to the cashier, where her jaw had suddenly plummet.
Oh my God, this has gotta be a joke… I'll be totally broke after I get this dress!

"Oh damn…" whispered Minako. But I really want this dress.
She took out most of what she had left and used it all to obtain the item. I shouldn't be doing this, but I can't resist.

Moments later, the ladies had took a break and filled themselves up at the food courts and then browsed around other shops for the rest of the afternoon.
Minako, who was dead broke, accompanied Kumiko as she had also purchased a new pair of Gucci sunglasses for herself.

Oh…this can't be happening… Minako suddenly felt a panic. I don't have enough money left for a taxi!

The ladies were ready to call it a day. It was fortunate for them to bump into each other however.
"How are you getting home, Minako?" asked Kumiko.
"Um…" Minako had no idea.
"Want me to take you home?" offered Kumiko.
"Thank you so much!" cheered Minako, "You're a lifesaver! Seriously!"
"I sorta guessed you would be needing it, since you spent it all on your new dress," chuckled Kumiko.

They made their way to the parking lot area near the shopping centre, which seemed quite full and a little damp.
That's a nice car. said Minako, as she glanced at Kumiko's ride. I've seen it before though. It was in a magazine. I guess Kumiko is kinda big.

The ladies stepped inside the great 3000GT, which sortly backed out of the parking lot and out of the building.
"So where do you live, Minako?" asked Kumiko.
"Around D1. I'll direct you from there. Thanks a lot, Kumiko," said Minako.

Kumiko turned up the volume, 'Cutey Honey' – Koda Kumi
The GTO cruised through the city streets, as the sun was slowly setting itself and dusk was upon them.
Minako asked, "You are a good friend of my sister? Did you race too?"
"That's right. But I'm thinking of retiring," explained Kumiko.

The GTO cruised through the lights, past the other cars who's passengers gazed at it like a monarch.
They have shortly entered the highways, and the ladies continued to cruise along.

'Kono koro hayari no onna no ko
Oshiri no chiisana onna no ko
Kocchi wo muite yo HONEY
Datte nandaka
Datte datte nanda mon'

"Why do people race on mountain passes, Kumiko?" asked Minako like a curious little kid.
"Well, different races have different reasons. I do it for the thrill of it. Your sister and I liked the dare of each night, putting our heart and soul into one moment that could determine life or death and separate the losers from the victors. It was a feeling that she and I becamed addicted on. It's much different from the track, that's what I'd say…"

'Onegai onegai kizutsukenai de
Watashi no HAATO wa
CHUKU CHUKU shichau no'

"So why are you thinking of retiring now?" asked Minako.
"Because I feel like there's nothing more to accomplish. And I feel like I've already reached my limit and it's time for me to step down and let the newbies to settle in. Plus the fact that I might as well quit while I'm still alive. This is not really a highly recommended hobby, you know," replied Kumiko.

'IYA yo IYA yo IYA yo mitsume cha IYA-…'

Minako had begun to open her mind about the dangerous spectacle that everybody was so crazy about known as street racing. It seemed much similar to her sister, Maya, in both Kumiko's concepts and words. She began to understand why so many people look up to Kumiko, as she felt an indescribably great aura and presence just by her driving. The GTO shortly exited the highway and the ladies made their way on to route D1…

'HONEY FLASH!'

Once again, the unpredictable ambience of Route C4 occupied the night; the Street Elite and the Divine Unit had gathered along the beginning of the inbound section of the route.
It was quarter past ten; the racers did not spend much time in discussion.
The white body of Mark's Integra Type R had a glowing presence along the line. Something was bound to happen.
The orange Spec R driven by Sly slowly rolled by next to its opponent. Both drivers exited their vehicles and briefly shook hands.

The only spectators for the race seemed to be either side's teammates. As much as Bu Xia De wanted Zui Hou R's defeat as public as possible, the race was to commence at such a short notice.
Ling Luan watched on with Stephen, talking amongst themselves amidst the swarm of Bu Xia De officials.

"This should be a classic," claimed Stephen.
"Why?" asked Ling, "I don't believe in the hype,"
"S15 versus DC5. Both are totally different machines in every aspect,"
"I don't know much about their cars. All I know is how Mark handles his front wheel drive layout," admitted Ling Luan.
"Don't worry, Mark shouldn't lose. Even if it's an S15, after all, Sly made a big mistake when he chose to race on C4…" hinted Stephen.

The wind was strong, and little drizzles started to drop. The cold, piercing breeze was as if it was signaling the coming of a disaster.

"Why aren't the others watching this?" asked Ling Luan.
"You mean Fu and Ku?" asked Stephen.
"Yeah, do you think they're…?" asked Ling.
"Oh get your mind outta the gutter, Ling," said Stephen, "Those two have other business to attend to with the Emperor,"
"The Emperor? I see…"

Mark and Sly were ready. For the pride of their racing team, the battle had commenced with no delay.

"It's rather hard to predict the winner for this one," commented Stephen, "That's why it's so exciting,"
"Hey… it's starting to pour a little," said Ling Luan.

Just after the countdown was made, both cars had took off speedily like they badly wanted to know the result before anything had even begun.
The S15 grabbed the early lead on the DC5 on to the first corner.

The road on the way here was extremely narrow. It's as if it only has room for one and a half cars instead of two. That's what C4 feels like.
Sly kept his focus, as the hissing sounds of valves echoed in front of Mark.
The gap began to widen a little, giving Sly a slight advantage.

Didn't he know that I am familiar with this course?
Mark knew what he was doing. Instead of throttling madly and accelerating further like Sly did, he knew that he had to get his car into position for a blind turn.

In an instant, the S15 suddenly skid outward slightly. Sly did not see it coming as Mark did.
The DC5 took an ideal line into the blind turn as the S15 slightly swayed to the outside a little.
The gap narrowed a little.

Thunder roared and lighting glared at the pass, as the clash between Zui Hou R and Bu Xia De was at locked horns yet again.
The drizzles then slowly became little raindrops.

"Looks like its gonna start raining before the battle even finishes," noticed Stephen, "You know what that means,"
"What is it?" asked Ling Luan.
"What the hell? You're the Southern General and you don't know?" said Stephen.
"Hey man, I just drive," said Ling.
"Well, if the road becomes wet, then Mark would have a slight advantage," claimed Stephen.
"Like he needs it," said Ling.

At around the same time during the battle, Fukada Kumiko and Chuan Fu Huo had their own little business to attend to. The master and pupil headed back and returned into the restricted area, where the various relics of different C4 vehicles had been on display, and finally, on to the somewhat 'launch pad' of which sits the crown jewels of Zui Hou R itself – the System KYOKO NSX-R.

"It's starting to pour outside," noticed Kumiko.
"Damn, that complicates things," said Fu Huo.
"It's okay. You have to get used to things like this,"
"Yes, I know. You've told me many times. I have to be ready for any condition. And I am,"

Fu and Ku made their way onto the platform.
"What's up, Ku?" asked Fu Huo, noticing his master following him.
"I'm riding with you during this test. I have to evaluate you and your reactions while under the new system," said Kumiko.
"If you're just there to babysit me, then that's fine," mocked Fu Huo, "But where's the Emperor?"
"I'm not sure. But any interaction with KYOKO, I'm sure he's already watching,"

A voice spoke through the surrouning P.A system around the 'launch pad' room, "That is correct. I am here. I will await your return after tonight's test. I will be watching you, Fu Huo. Good luck," said Emperor Zui Hou.

Fu Huo stepped in the NSX-R, slowly taking his time. I must not be afraid. If I were to harness such an incredible machine, I must not be afraid. I have to find a way to gain absolute control of this all-powerful beast of the street!

Fu Huo hesitantly shut the door at a slow pace. Kumiko began to sit down on the other seat, and buckled up as he did. The doors were shut, and Fu Huo took out one dose of Kyoko and swallowed it.
Very slowly, the put on the helmet which sat in front of him on the dash.

"Are you okay, Fu?" asked Kumiko.
"Uh… I'll be fine, Ku… thanks," Fu Huo pushed a button on the helmet, turning on the apparatus inside, then motioning his hand onto the shift knob.
Kumiko slowly placed her hand on Fu's warmly and whispered to him, "Good luck," then took her hand off.

Fu Huo felt a little rush inside him. He just suddenly felt an urge not to talk.
Moments later, he saw data briefly scroll past along with the scenery in front.

PILOT CONDITION: NORMAL
VEHICLE CONDTION: UNDAMAGED, STATIONARY
ENGINE STATUS: - - - - - - -
SKILL LEVEL: - - - - - - - -

Various other data floated around in which Fu Huo could no longer keep track of.
The platform suddenly began to rise. The platform elevated the car upward, as a large opening on the ceiling began to reveal itself.

This is it. I'd better not ruin his concentration from now. But he doesn't seem to feel good about it right now…

Kumiko felt a little concerned, but placed her trust in Fu Huo.
The playform had finally completed its motion, and positioned the NSX-R right at the Zui Hou R test track.

Without hesitations, Fu Huo started the engine.

PILOT CONDITION: NORMAL
VEHICLE CONDTION: UNDAMAGED, STATIONARY
ENGINE STATUS: NORMAL
SKILL LEVEL: 8
WIND DIRECTION: NNE
FUEL: 100
TRACTION: 100

More data was fed directly into Fu Huo almost rapidly that he almost could not keep up. The mixing of the drugs triggered a synchronized effect with Fu Huo's thoughts and the system itself, boosting up Fu Huo's comprehension almost ten times as rapidly.

In no time at all, Fu Huo made the change to first gear and suddenly took off like he was possessed.
Oh my… I don't know what that was… but it was scary…
Kumiko held on to whatever she could. So early into the test, and she was already almost in panic.

Fu Huo wildly shifted into second gear… then third…

BOOST: N/A
CURRENT BHP: 276

For an odd reason, the Bhp ratings were slightly going upward by a few digits, then back to 276, then up a little again, then back again.
This brought slight confusion to Fu Huo, yet his brain began to work so fast that he did not have time to worry about such things.

The NSX-R virtually flew through the first corner, almost losing no speed at all. From fourth gear to fifth, Fu Huo wasted no time.

WEATHER: 13 degrees / WET
TRACTION: 69

The traction ratings changed almost every second, which challenged Fu Huo's mind even further in synconization with other data being fed to him.
The combination of the drugs and synchronization with Fu Huo's brain patterns forced him to a more rapid comprehension level, pushing much stress on his mind.
The rain began to pour relentlessly.

The next corner came up, and Fu Huo seemed emotionless and silent, as he downshifted in a flash and in no time at all, sent his car gliding at such insane velocity.

Kumiko held on and watched in slight disbelief and minor panic. Oh my God… amazing. And it looks as if he's not even trying. He seems much much different…

Data continued to feed into Fu Huo. It all kept flying past him, little changes here and there, rapidly.
Deep down inside him, he slowly began to build up an urge to go faster – which was not even his own feeling, but an instinct forced into him by the system.

I… I have to go faster! I… KYOKO is forcing me to go faster!

Fu Huo's mind accelerated, the time he needed to do something in a minute, was forced to be done in a mere second.
Amidst the vast information being fed into him, a split second took him to notice a rather shocking aspect.

CURRENT BHP: 305

As KYOKO pushed on Fu Huo on and on, the numbers began to rise.
Fu Huo's moves began tighter, more precise, yet had to cope severe stress.

CURRENT BHP: 315

What the hell? Is the system making errors? Where is it getting all this power from?

Corner after straightaway, straightaway after corner, Fu Huo briefly noticed the gear ratios and shifting points began to vary from time to time as the horsepower ratings began to change.

It's as if this C32B engine already had more power to begin with! KYOKO is allowing me to access the remaining power as it demands me for more speed.

Kumiko held on in near-panic, puzzled and astonished at the rate Fu Huo was going. This car is definitely not stock… There's no way that the C32B on it's own can do this! Or… is there?

CURRENT BHP: 330

Fu Huo did not slow down his pace for a second. His breathing became heavier by the second, and his actions were nothing short of precise.
What is going on? Is KYOKO unlocking the abilities of this car in which the Emperor had secretly tuned? I don't believe it! It's as if KYOKO can manipulate the settings herself as she see's fit. That's why we initial thought that the car was only stock because we haven't really pushed it this far yet…

The battle at C4 grew tighter as the rain poured madly and the thunder echoed across the valley.
Mark serenaded the battle with tunes of 'Appears' – Ayumi Hamasaki

Mark fully accelerated cautiously, as he tapped the brakes with his left foot while throttling and bringing himself directly behind the Sly and his S15.

'koibitotachi wa totemo shiawasesou ni
te o tsunaide aruite iru kara ne
maru de subete no koto ga umaku'

Sly saw the next turn coming up and confidently turned in, yet his car began to oversteer wildly, more than what Sly had planned.
Mark took the advantage and took the inside once again.
Sly had an extremely difficult time maneuvering through the blind turns in the wet.

However, Mark coped with a little bit of understeer, as opposed to Sly's problem.
Sly glanced at his rear view mirror, and quickly noticed the mounted intercooler partially hidden within the DC5's front bar.

How very bold of you…
Sly turned in lightly on the hairpin. Yet much to his disappointment, his car began to oversteer again, yet sliding more to the outside, almost losing control. Damnit.

'itte'ru ka no you ni mieru yo ne
hontou wa futari shika shiranai'

Mark started off the corner's entry a little slower, braking hard, trying to cope with the understeer, then accelerated in a struggle, slowly passing the S15.
Mark kept focus. There was hardly anything on his mind. He felt a little sick, and lazy. But it was no time to kick back, however.

"I see… So the rain is on our side," confirmed Ling Luan, who sat in his car, avoiding being drenched by the weather.
Stephen, who was beside him in the same car, replied, "Yeah, man. Think about it. Mark uses his front wheels for turning. Mark can brake a little later and continue to turn. That Sly and his S15 would be far more unstable. He's probably copping a bit of shit by now from the sliding,"

"So, Mark should be more comfortable because even with his turbo DC5, his tyres shouldn't be much of a problem because the conditions are wet?"
"Something like that," said Stephen, "I'm not too good at explaining those things. You should ask Kumi about it,"

'hajimete no denwa wa juwaki o
motsu te ga furuete ita
nikai me no denwa wa rusuden ni
MESSEEJI ga nokotte ita'

Sly began to struggle against the DC5, almost spinning out on most of the sections.
Damnit, what luck! Why did it have to be tonight?

Mark continued on, attempting to manipulate his car's momentum as much as he could, ploughing through each corner he knew about.
I can't lose to you! There is just no possible way for you to counter-attack in these conditions! You've picked the wrong place and wrong time!

Mark began to cruise the corners, just as he usually does. He began to get a little cocky, and started to toy with his opponent.
However, Sly noticed Mark's drop in pace, and started flinging his car forward, almost throwing itself into the DC5.

'nanakai me no denwa de ima kara aou yo tte
sonna futsuu no mainichi no naka hajimatta'

"This is getting outta hand," whispered Kumiko under her breath. She could almost hear Fu Huo's virtually silent cries from within the helmet.

The NSX-R shot itself through each curve and chomped straight-aways like a fighter jet taking off.
Zui Hou R's test track was completely drenched, but that did not stop the incredible tenacity of KYOKO.

…PILOT CONDITION: UNSTABLE
SKILL LEVEL: 10
CURRENT BHP: 340
TRACTION: 57….

I don't understand? How can KYOKO do that? It's not possible! It's like she can utilize as much power as she wants. It's almost as if it can play with the engine itself. What the hell?

The power ratings that were given by the helmet apparatus were actually just a read on how much maximum power the car could currently pull. But since the ratings seemed to go higher, it could be that the system was somewhat 'censoring' or 'restraining' the car's actual power. It was as if the Emperor's modifications could be turned on and off at will by KYOKO itself.

There's no way KYOKO can physically install and uninstall parts. Or could it be, the parts were already in there to begin with? How can KYOKO 'choose' to and not to utilize them? This system is much crazier than I thought…!

Kumiko's panic began to skyrocket.
She tried to shrug at Fu Huo, calling out to him, urging him to stop.
But Fu Huo's concentration was protected by the syncronization of KYOKO.

'koibitotachi wa totemo shiawasesou ni
te o tsunaide aruite iru kara ne
maru de subete no koto ga umaku'

Fu Huo began to come under a lot of stress at this point. His mind just could not keep up much longer.
The NSX-R did not seem to drop in speed and velocity throughout the track. The car conditions seemed to have also been changed according to the system's functions.
From spoiler angles, traction control, limited slip differential, the lot; it was as if the settings could be changed directly on board through System KYOKO – giving the driver absolute control over the entire car itself, through the mere thought pattern of the driver. It was impossible for a real car to restrain its own power on its own, let alone change its own settings. It seems as though KYOKO gives the car a mind of its own…

Kumiko watched Fu Huo in horror. What this system does… its like… almost as if… its not a car anymore!

And it truly did not feel like a car anymore at this point.

CURRENT BHP: 350
PILOT CONDITION: UNSTABLE
SKILL LEVEL: INFINITY

"Fu! Can you hear me? Please! Snap out of it!"

This is the final section.
Mark seemed totally in control of the battle. However, Sly still did not let down. He relentlessly pursued the DC5 using swift and delicate car movement.
The rain was not very kind to the S15.
Too many close calls, if this keeps up, I'll probably spin out and crash!
Sly was trapped and nearly outrun.

"Stop skidding, damnit!" complained Sly.
The S15 was almost face to face with the apex during majority of the hairpin curves.

Mark quickly glanced at his mirror. Don't push yourself anymore or you'll regret it. Just give up now.

It was certainly a bad night for Bu Xia De. It was apparent that their stand against Zui Hou R seemed incompetent.

No way. I can't fail the others! We have a mission to complete!
Sly attempted to calm down, while the DC5 is slowly pulling away.
He seems to slow down a lot during turns. The understeer is getting to him. I can capitalize on that!

Sly had to take a chance. It was probably his last, yet he absolutely felt that he must try. Whether his plan was to work or not, this was the only chance to test it.

Sly awaited the next corner. He throttled on desperately, while Mark slowed down for the next turn.
However, Sly began to send his vehicle at a higher speed, almost too fast for the corner.

Very quickly, Sly downshifted to a low gear and turned madly, as his revs flew.
His car quickly began to slide and the rear end back to kick out.

Mark glanced at his mirror again and instantly realized what Sly had in mind. I wasn't quite expecting that. Not bad.

The S15 had nearly drifted through the entire corner with such velocity and was closing in on Mark's DC5.

Hmph… Don't look down on me for this…

Knowing that the S15 was gaining on him fast, Mark quickly moved his car in the central line and briefly slammed the brakes, attempting to block Sly in the middle of the road.

The S15 continued to skid, as Sly noticed the DC5's taillights flash.
"What the…?"

Sly had no other choice but to try and avoid hitting his opponent. If he had continued further, he would have caused them both to crash.
He slammed the brakes hard, yet his car continued to skid outward.
"Damnit! Why did he…?"

Sly began to lose control of his car and spun out as Mark cleverly escaped his opponent for the last time, leaving him behind and grabbed the win.

"That dirty sonuva…"

Fu Huo was coming under a lot of stress. So much that he could almost lose control of himself.
He could barely notice or pay attention to what Kumiko was yelling about beside him. Breathing heavily, Fu Huo's footwork on the pedals moved so quick and precise almost as if it was some sort of a Dance Dance Revolution mat.

"This is whack," said Kumiko under her breath.

The pressure was getting to Fu Huo. So much that it began to cause him some pain.
His head felt like it had a hundred piercing knives diving into his skull.

K-KYOKO…

The rain continued to pour heavily. The roaring VTEC cries collided with the echoes of thunder as Fu Huo continued to mindlessly drive in anguish.
The system continued to torment him, corner after corner.

I must shut that thing off! Kumiko could barely reach for the helmet, as the car made swift movements that were too unstable for her to be able to even keep herself steady. The seatbelt held her back as Kumiko continued to cry out to Fu Huo desperately.
He's going to have to take it off himself! This test is a disaster!

Fu Huo continued to struggle with pieces of his mind. Instead of managing to control the system, KYOKO had managed to take control of him.

Shut up! Please shut up!

The NSX-R quickly dived into the inside line through the next corner as Fu Huo turned madly.
He began to pull the e-brake in desperation and gathered every last bit of his conciousness and lifted his hands off the steering wheel.
The struggled to reacher for his head, as the NSX-R began to lose control. Fu Huo still had his foot on the throttle. He struggled to move his foot to the brake, and finally, in one desperate motion, Fu Huo grabbed the helmet and quickly took it off, throwing it at the wheel.

The NSX-R spun out in the middle of the track, then finally came to a stop shortly after.
Fu Huo quickly leaned his head on the seat and breathed heavily.
This is too much…

Rain continued to pour, as the NSX-R remained stationary along the track.
"Are you okay, Fu?" Kumiko quickly held his face in her hands gently.
"Ku…" muttered Fu Huo, "It's too much… I just can't…"
"I was so damn worried Fu. For once I'll have to tell you… I was scared," admitted Kumiko.

They held each other briefly in relief, looking out the windshield, through the eyes of the monster itself.

"Ku… the test is a failure," whispered Fu Huo.
"Yes… but who cares about the damn test. Things could have been worse…" said Kumiko.

Without question, Fu Huo focused back on the wheel, then cruised along the track slowly and made his way back to the platform area.
I've failed. I can't believe it. I've failed. I'm meant to be the only one who can tame KYOKO, but I've failed. Damnit! KYOKO is mine! Nobody else, but mine! I should be the one to rightfully claim it!

Kumiko glanced at Fu Huo. He doesn't look too good. He looks pissed off about something. But I don't really feel like asking him right now…

Several moments later into the night, Kumiko and Fu Huo returned back to the secret underground facility, where the NSX-R was also lifted back down on the platform.

The Emperor's voice spoke through the P.A system, "I am disappointed, Fu Huo."
Fu had a loss for words.
The Emperor continued, "This was an absolute failure. Last time was a 57, now it plummeted down to 49."

"Emperor, please cut him some slack. It is a rather difficult system to handle," said Kumiko, attempting to stick up for Fu Huo.
"That's pathetic!" said the Emperor, "In any case, I have no use for a failure like him,"
"Hey, why don't you give it a try then?" suggested Fu Huo angrily, "There is nobody else but me who can best handle KYOKO!"
"Is that a joke? KYOKO was handling you! You barely managed to keep in control!" claimed the Emperor.

Damnit, this guy pisses me off…

With nothing but anger and frustration, Fu Huo made his way out of the room in a hurry.

"Fu!" called out Kumiko.
"Let him go, Kumi-chan. I guess we'll have to find someone else who can pilot KYOKO…" suggested the Emperor.
"But…"