ACT 5 – 5000RPM 'On Her Own'

"Hello? Can I help you?" answered Reiko on her handsfree set as she was on her way home, driving off along the highway in her powerful FD3S Spirit R.

"You are Mirishima Reiko, are not?" asked the man who had just called her.
"That is correct," confirmed Reiko, "May I know who's calling?"

The man had a rather deep, but familiar voice. Though it was a voice that Reiko did not expect or wait to hear. His tone seemingly pierced through her ear as she struggled to comprehend who she was dealing with in the first place.

"Do you still remember a couple of weeks ago?" asked the man, "You said that you would do anything I asked,"
"Chuan Fu Huo?" wondered Reiko.

"I've finally figured out what I want from you. The only thing I'll ever want from you," continued Fu Huo.
"If you want my respect, you already have a vast amount of it," explained Reiko, continuing to cruise along the highway.

"I don't need your respect," said Fu Huo sharply, "I have something else in mind,"
"Hey listen, I'm married, you know. I hope you're not thinking…" excused Reiko.

Fu Huo briefly laughed at her mockingly over the phone, "Oh my, and I thought it was me who had the dirty mind. You're mistaken. I don't want that sort of stuff from you!"

"Oh, that's okay then…" Reiko sighed in relief, "Anyway, how have you been, Fu? May I call you Fu?"
"I'm fine," replied Fu.
"So… what is it I can do for you, Fu?" asked Reiko humbly.
"You can do either one of two things. Doesn't matter to me what you choose," explained Fu.
"Go on,"

"One: you give me the contact details of Yun Alex to me. Or two: you contact him yourself and tell his ass to be at Route H3, nine thirty, Friday night,"

"Hmm… I understand. I'll give you Alex's contact details, but I'll also let him know about you. I understand why you're doing this. Payback for your car at F5, huh?"

"Something like that. But I got other reasons," added Fu Huo.
"You're planning to use my sister-in-law's Sileighty again?" wondered Reiko.
"There's no need for that. I've found another car for myself,"
"That's good," patronized Reiko, "You should know that Alex is a very tough opponent. No matter what you do, don't fall for his tricks. Especially if it's H3. Good luck,"

"Thank you, Reiko,"

The rest of the Shireishou Divine Unit Generals have received word of the sudden crack in the test track's fastest course record, as well as the re-awakening of Zui Hou's mighty dragon of the skies whom once struck the racing world with ferocity, now takes flight along the tracks once again.

The first to come the shock was Shijian himself, the previous record holder of Zui Hou R's test track.

"I'm really impressed," admitted Shijian, "Not even Mark could come close to my record when his Evo III was still running. The anti-lag system he installed screwed him up more than it actually helped him,"

"…You think Fu Huo could defeat Kumiko now?" wondered Stephen, "By the way, it's been a while since he's challenged me and my FD,"

"He could possibly beat all of us," hunched Shijian, "We'll never know unless he does it first hand,"
"Surely, his new upgrades wouldn't help that much,"
"Oh, actually, they could help greatly," explained Shijian, "Fu Huo's Evo may not have excelled too far in performance, but Kumiko has found a way to get the car to very well suit Fu Huo's driving style. He was very skilled in the first place, but his old settings were holding him back. So Kumiko and the Emperor found a way to make the Evolution amplify Fu Huo's talent, rather than suppress it. You've already seen a portion of its results through his recent time trial. It'll be interesting to see what he can do on the street,"

"In that case, there would be nothing that can stand up to that combo," said Stephen.
"You think so? I'm betting there could be," guessed Shijian.

"Are you serious? After seeing the current results, how can you quickly come up with a theory that can match against Fu Huo's power?" contemplated Stephen. "There is no car, no driver I know that can stand up to him now,"

"I don't know of a driver that can," continued Shijian, "But I at least know that he is still no match for the Fuka-kyon…"

"The Fuka-kyon… KYOKO… though Fu Huo is the only one worthy to drive it anyway,"
"Drive? You mean… pilot…"

This is for me. I am doing this for me now. Because I am on my own…

It was late evening when Minako had taken her sister's GC8 and followed Gallard Raide along the slow hill climb section of Route D1. She cruised along moderately following the black S2000 patiently on the left side lane. The moon's glow applified the white pearl of the MINE's WRX as Minako glanced on and off on the road and the S2000's taillights.

Let's see if I can remember the stuff that Fu Huo taught me…

The two had eventually reached the end of the route, and then positioned themselves facing the downhill section. The wind was calm and roads were dry – everything seemed ordinary at that point.
Minako rolled in the vehicle slowly lining up next to the S2000.

Raide had briefly stepped out of the vehicle and made his way over to Minako. He gently knocked on the window, requesting for a quick word with her momentarily.
Minako rolled down the window and began to listen carefully and obediently to what Raide had to say.
"You go on ahead, while I stay on behind you. Just drive on like usual, I'll observe you from behind,"
"Okay," agreed Minako.

Raide made his way back to his ride and started up the engine. He signaled Minako to get moving, while he began to rev his engine excitedly and turned on some fast paced eurobeat music, 'Stop Your Self Control' from Initial D.

The white MINE's GC8 finally took off, with Raide knowing how great its acceleration could be, he decided to start at the same time as Minako, knowing that she would end up being in front anyway.
Minako was running at a seemingly moderate pace, which was yet to be at level with Raide's expectations. It seemed like her skills was as poor as a local beginner.

Raide followed on, without using 100 of his abilities and lightly glided through the corners, keeping right behind the GC8. What's going on with her? Why isn't she as fast as she was before?

Minako continued to cruise along the first section, kicking back on the pedals and strolling past the corners with ease. As she began to maneuver the car as she pleased, she had also begun to notice a slight change in her car's characteristics from previously. Minako was very inexperienced when it comes to cars, but she had the feeling that Maya has done something to the car. It seemed to have less power, but a little easier to control. She did not realize it sooner because she did not use full throttle, assuming the car had enough power earlier on.
However, little did she know that Maya's knew settings would force her into pushing herself further.

He's doesn't seem to be as easy as the foreigner… He just doesn't want to leave my mirror…Oh well, doesn't matter. He just wants me to drive.

Raide continued to follow her closely, observing his opponent precisely, at the same time, applying a little bit of pressure to Minako. Yet, Minako's pace did not seem to change.
That's unusual. She doesn't seem to respond, even when I tailgate her this closely…

Minako continued on, with less carefactor or effort about the whole activity. She was quickly able to adapt to the car's new settings and do as she pleased. Little by little, she began to push the car and without even realizing it, she began to skid a little.
Fu Huo said that I sometimes have to brake with my left foot while keeping the gas on while I turn?

The next few sections did not see much change in pace for the race at hand. Even though it was a mere test for Raide, it was still considered a battle. This was not intended as part of the plan but… perhaps if I overtake her? Maybe she will try and drive faster?

The S2000's VTEC screeched fiercely as Raide began to turn up the heat. Hearing this, Minako still seemed to ignore it and drive on at normal pace. Raide began to push her on, yet it seemed to have no effect at all.

Impressive… She still maintains focus. Let's see if you can keep up from behind this time…

Raide quickly made an aggressive turn in through the inside, squeezing through the gap. The S2000 slowly popped its face past the GC8's. Right after the next sharp corner, Raide was able to sneak past Minako and finally lunge in front of her surprisingly.

Raide was in control now. He began to dictate the pace, increasing his speed after each corner. He wanted Minako to keep up with him on and on until Raide eventually pushed to the limit.
Raide glanced at his mirror, and surprisingly saw the GC8 still behind him.
I knew she would keep up… But not for that long…! How the hell is this happening? It's understandable that her car somewhat outclasses mine, but for someone with almost no experience, it's like she can push that thing greater than I can with my own car.

Minako drove on calmly and patiently, maneuvering her car in a similar pattern Raide was moving at. He's making his car slide through the sharp turns…? Perhaps I should do the same…?

Minako was next to clueless. She tried many methods, such as trying to do what her opponent was doing to see if it was the right thing. Fu Huo said I could make the car slide with the e-brake…

The GC8 began to skid through the hairpin curve very closely to the guardrails, almost hitting the S2000 as well. Using only her instincts, she motioned her car and maneuvered it back into position.
Fu Huo also said, I have to be fast if I want to slide better…?

Raide began to feel as if his plan was backfiring at him right at that moment. Instead of him pressuring his opponent, it was him who began to feel his own effects. His idea did work, overtaking Minako had turned things up greatly. But no matter how fast he drove; Minako was still very close behind.

It'll be very awkward if she overtakes me back and actually wins this so-called battle. I have to leave her behind right now! Raide did not slow down much at all. His moves were more aggressive, and broke a sweat. It was a sign for him that he actually had to give this battle 100 after all.
What has Maya done to her?

A sudden spark of adrenaline came to Minako, as she began to try and push herself further wanting to keep up with Raide no matter what. She too was giving it all she has. She was pushing herself to 100, yet she had a great feeling within herself that keeping up just was not good enough. What if I win this battle? I wonder what everyone will say? Raide is the most well known figurehead in DNR… if I defeat him, then…

Minako knew that she had to pull out something. Yet all she could do was drive on. She was so pumped as she matched everything Raide could do that she did not realize that she had already began to drift on some corners. She did not really understand what the whole concept of drift was.
For somebody who has been driving the mountains at odd times, conditions, whether she was sleepy or tired, Minako was homegrown and had not been as fatigued as Raide was.
She was very at home with driving with less strength and some fatigue, which was part of the reason why she could still keep up with her opponent.

The two cars sped along, taking notice of a lone spectator, watching the battle from one of the galleries. The woman with the GTO looked on, quickly observing the battle with a mere glimpse.
Not bad at all. She's giving Raide a bit of a run. She must've been training with Maya or something…
Kumiko was just about ready to wrap it up and call it a night. Raide's gonna lose. He seems to have cracked already, even before his opponent began…

Raide glanced at his mirror quickly, looking on at the unexpected monster that chased him through the valley. The bright light from behind him blazed like a hazy spectre, haunting Raide's mind like a white ghost. The same white light he had long ago witnessed over a decade ago within the galleries, in the middle of a crowd, before he had even began his racing career… Ky… Kyoko…?

Shaking his head of the dazzle, Raide focused forward, yet not realizing his speedy entry into a very sharp turn. He slammed the brakes in panic, as well as pulling the e-brake, jerking his car around in an angle, swaying into the turn uncontrollably.

Minako skillfully maneuvered her car past the S2000, which spun out just after she had passed the apex. The WRX sped along hastily, leaving Raide behind in the wrong direction…

Meanwhile, a lightly crowded reception gathered at the inbound section of Route H3 that very same night. A set of vans and a medium-sized truck, all representing Zui Hou R in a somewhat corporate and formal fashion arrived at the scene to greet a limited amount of Bu Xia De staff members.
Various members from both teams took their positions on each section, in order to monitor the events of the upcoming battle as well as incoming traffic.

The Burning Ruby patiently awaited his opponent, lining up his fearsome twin turbo MR-2 GTS in preparation for the battle.
The Zui Hou supply truck had briefly parked itself along the sidelines, as the other staff gathered around it to move out their special vehicle. A black Lancer Evolution V with a HKS Kansai & Monster kit rolled slowly down the ramp. The vehicle's driver slowly moved into the starting position as the other Zui Hou members directed him like it was an airstrip.

The Evo V had finally lined up next to the MR-2. All sections were clear. Everything was ready to go.
Alex stood by his car, in exchange of a few words to his opponent.
Chuan Fu Huo stepped out of his new ride, looking down on Alex, as he began to announce his challenge once more.
"Good to see you again, Chuan Fu Huo," greeted Alex politely, "I see you still won't give up your relentless pursuit of power,"

"I'm much different to how I was previously. I thank you for your time accepting my challenge… and also making your biggest mistake. Now it's time for me to destroy you with the unparalleled force of me and my new Lancer," announced Fu Huo.

What a ricer…
"Actually, you still seem pretty much the same," commented Alex, "Your still the same greedy and power-hungry madman who once destroyed himself being consumed with his own ideals. Unless you change your ways, it is apparent that you may even repeat the same mistakes."

"Your words won't affect the inevitability of your defeat. You have no idea of what you are now up against," bragged Fu Huo, "Payback will surely be sweet,"

"We can debate about this all night. Why don't we just let our skills do the talking, shall we?" suggested Alex.
"Let's go,"