STREET TALES: Legend Of Zui Hou R
Fourth Gear: 'Resurrection'

ACT 1 – 1000RPM 'Foreign Challenge'

It was an early morning down Route D1 mountain pass at 5:15AM, the roads were clear and the sun had only barely risen, the roar of a mighty boxer engine clashed through the wind flocking birds out of the way and leaves up and about.

Grrrrrmmm!

The Impreza rocked through the corners at great velocity and as the shining white machine shot past each section with almost much drop in speed.
It was another daily routine for Koda Minako, who calmly drove down Route D1 almost everyday early in the morning and late at night. Sitting beside her was her sister Maya, accompanying her each and every journey, briefly giving her certain directions frequently.

Maya's Impreza WRX tuned by MINEs was a scarce breed and a rare sight for any local motoring enthusiast. It was probably a model more exclusive than another well-known local, who wielded a 3000GT. Complete with the white paint job, MINE's stripes, blue neons and foglights; Maya's ride was nothing short of a showstopper. Once a vehicle modified for racing, the Kouda Impreza had now been unofficially regarded as Maya's company car.

"You seem to be getting a little better at this," complimented Maya, observing her sister's smooth flow with the car's movement, "If you continue to drive like this on the freeway, people might mistake you as a road racer."
"Fu Huo's been teaching me stuff," explained Minako excitedly.
"Makes sense," shrugged Maya, "Just make sure you don't damage my car, though. You break it, you buy it."
"Perhaps I should buy a car of my own? So we wouldn't have to keep passing the car around all the time whenever either of us need it," suggested Minako.
"What made you think about that all of a sudden? Oh, I get it, you want to become a road racer like Fu Huo, don't you?" guessed Maya teasingly.
"No, I didn't say that," replied Minako defensively, "I just thought it would be convenient if I had a car of my own. It was just a suggestion. It's not like I even have the money."
"Okay, okay, cool it. So if you were to get a car, what would it be?" asked Maya curiously.

Minako was unable to come up with a straight answer. She knew next to nothing about cars, what are reliable, what are fast, slow, or even named. After a long pause, Minako threw out a joke, "Hmm… how about a Lancer Evolution V?"
"Hah! I thought so!" began Maya enthusiastically.
"I was kidding. I knew you would say that. That car is probably one of the only cars I know. Man, I don't even know the full name of this car. A lot of people call it different names, like Rex, Rexie, Gee-see-eight, whatever," replied Minako.

"You really don't know anything, do you? For a driver with such good driving as you do, you seem to have rather insufficient knowledge about this area," teasted Maya.
"Hey, I only know stuff from Fu, okay?"
"Okay, calm down, geez, now need to get so uptight so early in the morning."

The Koda Impreza continued its way down the mountain route, making its way past the bottom section, then tunnels and soon reached the highway sections going toward the city route.
The weather was fine, less wind and rain as the previous weeks with the spring season about to begin.
Minako hastily made her way through into town, and finally moderated her pace, knowing when to obey the traffic rules.

Upon arrival, the Koda sisters had finally opened up the café, along with other staff.
So tired… It was Minako who does most of the driving, though it was Maya who does most of the work in the kitchen. This was Maya's idea of a life away from the road. The restaurant was also basically sometimes considered as a 'rehab facility' for retiring street racers.
Not to mention the majority of them who hang out at Kouda's.

It was another typical busy day for the sisters. It had almost been the same visitors are almost the same quantities at often the same times of the day. The same rountines would basically have continued from then until nighttime.

Young Minako was not as naïve as she may appear. She often proved more worth in ingenuity than her sister at times. Yet at heart, she seemed to be a rather simple young woman, with a simple dream, and what appeared to be a rather simple life. And yet it was a simple life that she wanted to continue to live in.

Unaware of what destiny would soon have in store for the innocent little Kouda Minako, it would definitely be soon due for her life to one day be not as 'simple' as it was any longer; a life that a great number of her peers, including her sister used live in which she would never expect to ever be interested in – the hidden realm of underground street racing.

Minako stared out the window, glancing at the various assortments of hideously decorated vehicles. Though all she that could come up in her mind was that her best friend used to be among them who would harness the most awesome pieces of machinery at the risk of their very own lives for the sole purpose of feeling alive.
It was clear to her, that entering such a realm would probably bring her closer to all her answers – answers to Chuan Fu Huo…

Moments later, a pair of unfamiliar rides rolled by and parked near the front of Koda's as one of the first of the few customers on arrival. One of them was a pale gray Galant Super VR-4, which was accompanied by a black Accord R. Both drivers who were both male stepped out of their vehicles and then slowly made their way into the café.

The driver of the Galant was a European-looking man who looked like he was in his late 20's, had thick brown-tipped hair with a comb-over and a a rather huge build. He wore a slick brown leather jacket and a pair of dark jeans to match as well as a pair of purple specs.

The other driver, who came in the Accord was a younger man. He was an African-American with a small afro-style hairdo and a moustache. He wore blue trousers and a blue blazer, along with a golden chain hanging down from his neck.

Maya glanced out the window; her eyes met with the two vehicles along with the two new individuals. Never seen them before. They obviously look like road racers. Out-of-towners, perhaps?

It was soon that the two strangers had stepped into the café, and soon found a table for themselves. They made themselves comfortable next to the windows as Minako had greeted them and began to hand over some menus. Man, almost every customer appears to be road racers.

The two strangers had placed their orders with Minako, whom forwarded them to the kitchen shortly after.

"I guess they're from out of town," told Maya softly in the kitchen.
"How would you know?" wondered Minako in disbelief of her sister's ability to recall her customers.
"I can tell," bragged Maya, "Oh, check out their cars too."

Minako did not bother. Even if she had stared at the two cars for the entire day, she would have no idea or interest whatsoever.

"This was your idea of a holiday?" said the Accord driver, "I always knew you were the man, Dock. This town has fine booty everywhere!"
"I'm glad you're pleased," said the man called Dock, "but we're not exactly here for the ladies alone."
"Yeah, I know, I know. But we'll leave that for the night time, aren't we?"
"You're right. I guess let's just relax for now. Then we'll hunt for some real playmates," declared Dock. "You lead the way, Chris."

Moments later, Maya had arrived to the table and personally served them with their meals. She greeted them like newcomers in a friendly manner as she tried to restrain herself into asking them about their cars.

"Excuse me miss, but are you the owner of the white Subie outside?" asked the man called Chris.
"Yeah, that's correct. Nice isn't she? It's now Koda's company car," bragged Maya.
"She go hard?" asked Dock enthusiastically.
"Ooh yeah, she goes hard alright," continued Maya, "Oh by the way, you two have some sweet rides too…"

Minako continued to observe them from the counter cluelessly. Racer talk again…
She shook her head and continued her cleaning shift.

"Oh, I don't push her as much anymore actually, hehe…uh," excused Maya.
"You look like a road racer…" commented Dock, "You any good?"
"Uh… actually," swallowed Maya, "I'm retired. Like I said, I don't really drive her as much anymore."
"What a shame," interrupted Chris, "Such a beast of a machine, yet you don't even use it."
"Well, uh, it's my sister who usually drives with it, but I doubt that she…"
"Where's your sister?" quickly interrupted Dock.

What the hell is she doing? Minako overheard their conversation a few tables away. She glanced at them, as she found out that the two men were looking at her.

"That's her? She's young," commented Chris.
"It's the young ones that are usually unpredictable," spoke Dock.
"You mean the young and pretty ones, hey hey," added Chris.

Maya began to clarify something to the two strangers, "We're actually not racers at the moment. But we know a few friends who are. Is that what you're here for?"

"Actually, we're on holiday. As of right now, we have nothing else to do. The competition back where we came from isn't too great. Their skills are only in their chrome rims and oversized sound systems. So we came here to see if it was any different," explained Dock.

"In that case, if you have some time, you could check out the Notorious Angel racers. They're an all-ladies street racing posse which I founded ages ago. Aside from myself, they're still around. You could probably catch some of our members at Route D1 along the mountains…" said Maya.

"Thanks. Looks like we came to right place. I hope the rest of town is full of nice people like you, Miss Koda," thanked Dock.
"Hey, hey, did she say, all-ladies team? We're in more luck than we thought!" cheered Chris.

Meanwhile during the day, Mark and Fu Huo went down around the inner provincial area near the town for a leisurely drive in the Integra Type R. It was an early mid-day, the two had decided to take it easy after a set of weekly road battles. Fu Huo sat relaxed, as he continued to stare at the scenery flying past, not even taking notice of the increasing pace of Mark's driving.
He continued to think to himself, as Mark merely glided through sets of mild corners with little effort.
I am the one and only rightful heir to KYOKO, as well as the only one who can tame her power. Why can't I claim her now?
Fu Huo continued to dispute within himself. Aren't I good enough? I know I am. But…

"What's up, Fu?" asked Mark.

Fu Huo continued within his thoughts. Who or what the hell is the Street Angel anyway? I bet she was just another overrated posing mascot like Kumi.

"Hey, Fu, are you listening?" called out Mark.
Fu Huo shook his head, and finally turned to him, "Oh, sorry, what is it?"
"Wanna stop by somewhere and grab a slurpee?" suggested Mark.
"Oh, yeah sure. I've been dying for one of them," agreed Fu Huo.

The two were almost headed back nearing the commercial districts of the town area after their brief drive around the surburbs. They eventually stopped by the nearest convenience store and bought some frozen drinks for themselves.

"Ugh!" grunted Fu Huo.
"Brain freeze? Haha," mocked Mark.

They stepped out of the store with their drinks as they then noticed a very familiar looking RX-7 Spirit R. Equipped with the very same RE Amemiya kit, same rims, same number plate, then came the same driver.

It was just as they thought, as Mirishima Reiko from the Bu Xia De Street Elite had also finished stopping by the convenience store.
"Isn't that Reiko?" whispered Mark.
"Yeah… it's gotta be. Same car and everything," confirmed Fu Huo.

Little did they know, that Reiko had already noticed them and began to make her way over to greet them.

"Must be my lucky day," began Reiko, "I've just ran into two Zui Hou R superstars at Seven-Eleven."
"Uh, good morning, Miss Reiko," greeted Mark.
"Good morning," repeated Fu Huo.

"So what're you boys up to?" asked Reiko provocatively.
"Just cruising," explained Fu Huo briefly.
"Cruising? What did you say?" continued Reiko mockingly, "Haha… its not even your car,"
"I know that," replied Fu Huo calmly.
Reiko began to mock Fu, "So how does it feel? To finally realize that the reckless driving of such a reckless driver like you doesn't belong on the road?"

Mark butted in, "Hey, what's your problem, lady?"
Reiko continued on, "Oh, allow me to correct myself. You don't belong inside a car in the first place."

Fu Huo was easily insulted by Reiko's sudden attack. To be treated with absolutely disrespect by someone who did not even make it to the finals of her own tournament, it did not take long for Fu Huo to be fired up.

"Who the hell do you think you are?" replied Fu Huo sharply. "Don't forget how badly we ripped you during the team battle!"

"Oh that's right," said Reiko reluctantly, "It was your little Zui Hou mates who did a great job. By the way, how many points did you score for your team? I'm just talking about you here, Chuan Fu Huo. And in the end, you had to hide behind your instructor and rely on Fukada Kumiko to win your battles for you. Because you're not good enough to fight for yourself. I can't see what caused all this Sky Dragon hype in the first place,"

Fu Huo's mind began to spark. If only I could show her how much I'd own her ass with KYOKO…!

"That's enough!" interrupted Mark.
"You're going to regret saying that!" threatened Fu Huo.
"Oh, and why would I?" mocked Reiko.
"I'll prove to you that I can fight for myself. I can win my own battles!" claimed Fu Huo proudly. "And I'll show you just what I mean!"
"Hah… with what? You can't even drive a LanEvo properly. Oh, that's right, I forgot, you don't have one anymore!" insulted Reiko.

Damn…

"I have no time to waste on has-beens like you. I wonder what your leader thinks of you now," ended Reiko, as she slowly made her way to her FD.

I can't let her get away with this… But what can I do?

Fu Huo called out to Reiko desperately. He began to provoke her back with a surprise challenge, "Listen! I'll make you take back those words! You're racing me tonight! I'm going to find a car to race with and beat you at your own home ground!" announced Fu Huo.

Reiko began to burst out in laughter, "You-what? You're challenging me? Tonight? Are you sure that's slurpee you're sippin' in there, kid? What are you planning to race me with, a mountain bike?"
"I'm dead serious! If I can find a car to race with by tonight, I'm challenging you to Route H3 under your conditions!" explained Fu Huo.

Reiko continued to laugh, but began to form an idea. Perhaps schooling Fu Huo would be a good way to make up for her previous losses against Zui Hou R.
"Hmm… alright, fine. If you're not at Route H3 with four wheels and an engine ready to go by 10:30PM tonight, you've instantly lost. Haha… should be fun owning you. Just hope you don't crash another car again!" accepted Reiko, as she stepped into her FD3S and slowly drove off.

"What do you think you're doing?" asked Mark in severe confusion.
"I… don't know, man," muttered Fu Huo. "I guess I got a little carried away with her insults…"
"Now you're gonna have to find a car you can use, Fu. I guess any car would do, just to save face by just showing up with an actual car. Winning isn't even the point anymore…" continued Mark.

"Hmm… yeah. Now… what car could I possibly use…?" struggled Fu Huo.
"I'm sorry, Fu, but I can't lend you the DC5. By strict regulations of the D Unit, our models specifications are modified for each specific member for their use only. You know that man," apologized Mark.

"So I would have to borrow from someone outside the Divine Unit…" confirmed Fu Huo. Unless… I could use the NSX-R… That's it! If I take KYOKO out, Reiko wouldn't stand a breath of hope against such a car that knows no equal!

"Man, Fu, it's really bad how you always just rush into things. Now you don't even have a back up plan… not even a plan A to begin with," complained Mark.

I have to find a car by tonight!

There had been a small gathering later that night at Route D1. A series of friendly battles and time attacks between Dreadnaught Racing and N-Angel had taken place sequentially, as well as some show-off sessions on drifing and other stuff for the galleries. It was yet of course, another unauthorized event, but not like it was anything new that has ever happened at D1 anyway.

Without their leaders present, it was basically a more relaxed and easy-going night for the local road racers to come out and play. This was a good scene for Chris, whom dragged his buddy Dock out into the nearest mountain route. They took their time to show off their rides as foreigners along the sidelines. Dock had decided to give the D1 hillclimb a bit of a run with his Galant Super VR-4, while Chris tested the downhill right after Dock did in his Accord.

The two had merely made their presence clear enough to be noticed and opened a challenger pool. Dock took care of all the hillclimb challenges, and Chris took the opposite direction.
They each had a race each, winning both directions, and as a finale, they had both raced each other downhill.

The duo did not seem to have a label, name or title for their combination. But what was clear was that their skill level was comparable to the locally trained. The pair had little knowledge of the real wonders of the competition field that awaited them at the various other courses, such as C4, H3, even perhaps F5.
Neither of them had a clue about the true behemoths of the local's underground street racing scene.
Little to their awareness, one of them could be just around the corner.

The objectives of the pair were quite clear, yet far simpler than most others. Yet it was then before they had come under the influence of the one entity known as Zui Hou R – the most enigmatic of all the street racing wonders.

It was rather questionable whether either of them were compareable to the fabled Divine Unit Shireishou line up of Zui Hou R. but it was only a matter of time. The rally stripes of chaos, Ling Luan and his virtually invincible Lancer Evolution VII RS were only one of the great traps that Chris and Dock were unaware of. It was either him or the D Unit's rotor man, Stephen and his Mazdaspeed A Spec FD3S was also one of the added formulas of the deadly combination. In addition to the already formidable race force was the unpredictable and cunning Mark of the North with the DC5 Integra Type R.

The other flavour in the scene was Zui Hou R's more publicized counterpart – Bu Xia De. The renowned Street Elite's name spoke for itself. With the line up of an R32, S15, FD3S and SW20, they were once the most feared group of professionals that some believe still dominant to this day.

However, admist all the fiery factions were a quiet sleeper who lay dormant and unaware in the entire street racing realm. Without notice of her rapidly growing abilities, it seemed almost due for a new dominant entity to arise as what could possibly be noted as the untimely resurrection of the Street Angel…

At quarter past ten during that night, a small reception filled the inbound section of Route H3, signaling the coming of another racing event. However, it was not a properly scheduled match up. Reiko had already had plans to hang around H3 whether her supposed opponent would show or not. She stood by among her friends, who were not involved with BXD in a leisurely gathering of a car show-off session of their own.
And speaking of cars, it seemed to be a place in which Chuan Fu Huo did not appear to belong to.

"Hey, guess what, some punk who crashed his car is meant to come challenge me tonight," joked Reiko to one of her friends.
"You serious?" laughed one of the women. "What does he want?"
"He probably couldn't face the truth, so he decided to challenge me and see if it made him feel better," bragged Reiko. "…if he gets a car that is."

Reiko continued to mock the coming of her rumoured opponent. It seemed that time had began to fly as she continued to chat with her ladies, leaving her FD3S stationary at one of the parking areas.
She had left her husband at home to take care of her kid, while she remained out at the middle of the night to act a fool.

"…oh and you know what? He used to call himself like, the Sky Dragon or something. Like whoa, step back, haha. What a name for such a has-been," blabbered Reiko.
"Hey, Rei, what if that guy shows up tonight with like a 911 Turbo or something?" kidded one of Reiko's friends.
"Haha… he'll probably crash in that too. Probably has a better chance racing me in a taxi. At least he wouldn't be driving then, now would he?" Reiko continued to mock Fu Huo behind his back.

Several moments have passed, and Reiko had begun to lose patience. I guess he didn't manage to get a car after all…
Reiko had already told her opponent that it would be an automatic win for her if he did not show up. She badly wanted retribution for her past tournament result and team battle loss against Zui Hou R members. And Chuan Fu Huo was just the right one to pick on.

As Reiko slowly reached for the door, a faint sound of a roar engine could be heard from a distance. She looked around to see if any of her friends were beginning to drive out. But most of them lived the other way. It just could not be.

Reiko had taken a few BXD staff to spot for the race, and provide assitance on checkpoint times and traffic conditions in case Fu Huo would actually show up. She tried to communicate with one of them through radio, trying to get a confirmation of the car she heard in the distance.

"Is it Chuan Fu Huo?" asked Reiko through the comm-device, hoping for a positive response.
"Um…negative," replied the staff member. "Although, it's a much more bizarre situation I'd say…"
"What do you mean? Who is it?" demanded Reiko impatiently.
"Uh… m'am, did you invite your sister in law for your gathering?" asked the young man.
"Kanae…?"

What in the blazes is Kanae doing here? Could she be here to see Fu Huo…?

Reiko shut off the radio, and awaited the unexpected arrival of her sister in law. The strawberry-faced Sileighty had soon finally arrived to the scene, slowing down to greet Reiko face to face, or rather, bumper to face.

"Good evening, Kanae. How are you? Um… what are you doing here? Does your brother know where you are?" asked Reiko politely calling out at the Sileighty trying to hide her disappointment and impatience.

Reiko slowly walked over around the Sileighty to greet Kanae. The window of the RPS13 rolled down, as Reiko glanced at the driver's face in great shock. What the…

"…You ready?" said Fu Huo confidently.