ACT 2 – 2000RPM 'The Fateful Path'
Several moments have passed, as Kumiko began to wait outside the house patiently for Fu Huo to arrive. Rather than cursing him for his treason, she continued to hope and pray for his safe arrival. And at long last, the black Lancer had finally arrived. Fu Huo parked his car near the backalley access to Kumiko's place.
"There's
no time, come inside quick," said Kumiko.
"Ku… I'm sorry…
I,"
"Hurry up! You wanna get caught?"
Kumiko dragged Fu out of his car and shut it, taking him up to her apartment immediately. She closed the door slowly in relief, as Fu Huo took off his jacket and threw it on Kumiko's couch.
"Thank you,"
said Fu Huo.
"You should be safe here for a while," said
Kumiko with a blank expression in her face. It was clear to Fu Huo
that she did all she could to hide the disappointment toward him.
This moment made Fu Huo realized how much he really appreciates
everything Kumiko has done for him, instead of how he always used to
envy her and resent her for all that she was.
"Have you
eaten?" asked Kumiko as she took Fu to the lounge, "It's okay,
just sit down and relax."
"I'm sorry I betrayed you, Ku…"
began Fu in a pitiful voice, "I guess I'm not worthy of your
apprentice anymore, huh,"
Kumiko did not say a word, as she made her way to the kitchen. If she was ever disappointed or angry with Fu Huo, she really did well at hiding it.
Fu laid back and rested his head upward and began to stare at the ceiling. He then began to realize what he had done today and how he sold himself out just for the sole purpose of getting a better car. He felt stupid and low but also began to realize what Alex had once told him. His greed is finally biting him back.
Kumiko later on returned to the lounge with some wine for the two of them. Fu Huo was too ashamed to say anything more.
"Do you know what I found out today, Fu?" asked Kumiko, still with that blank expression in her face and emptiness in her voice.
Oh no, here it comes… Fu Huo prepared himself to face Kumiko.
"I just found out that Emperor Zui is actually Hyuga from C4," told Kumiko.
Huh?
She's pretending as if nothing happened?
"Hyuga? You're
former instructor?" asked Fu.
"Yes… I did not remember him
well enough to actually recognize it was him before he took off his
mask today…"
"So now we know his true motives for the
Fukakyon…"
"Yeah… I guess he was torn by both his shame
arisen from the tragedy he thinks he caused and his love for his
wife. To ease his pain, he hides his identity and at the same time,
tried to pay tribute to his wife by 'resurrecting' her concept on
the road," explained Kumiko.
"Sounds like a really screwed
up guy," mocked Fu Huo.
"A guy that you screwed up, by the
way," fired back Kumiko.
The two continued to drink up, without saying anything more to each other. Kumiko needed to cover Fu as much as she could. She put on some music, in order to muffle their voices in conversation and shut all the blinds and curtains. It was as if she was the one trying to hide rather than Fu. 'Sweet Sweet Honey' – Koda Kumi randomly played from Kumiko's home system.
Fu Huo really began to look down on himself. He wished he had a way to cheer Kumiko up. He began to forget about his panic for the time being and focused on what he had done to Kumiko internally.
"Ku… who is that new test pilot that Hyuga
mentioned?" wondered Fu Huo.
"I don't have the slightest
idea…" explained Kumiko, "And even if I did, I don't think
you have the authorization to find out anymore."
That really hurt… Fu Huo worked his eyes on Kumiko's thin dress, as she continued to peek out the window to see if anybody was coming. It was a wrong time for Fu Huo's hormones to play with him now.
After a few more drinks, the two had yet to plan about Fu Huo's future. He wondered where he would go when Kumiko could not hide him any longer. Perhaps he was not safer for as long as they both expected. He was too tired to think about anything more…
It
was a late night, the bottle had finally emptied, as Fu Huo picked
himself up and walked around as Kumiko discarded the bottle and
stored the glasses away.
Slowly, Fu Huo walked over behind her. He
gently placed his hands along her waist, feeling her dress from the
bottom up as he began to kiss her softly on the neck.
Kumiko did
not have any expectations, as she began to lean back on Fu Huo, as he
continued to rub his face gently around her neck. He then slowly
moved her around, leaning her next to the sink as he began to hold
her gripping her shoulders from the arm up pulling her towards her.
He began to kiss her and dig his mouth into hers while he moved his
hands down rubbing her lower back.
For some reason, Kumiko did not stop him. She began to pull Fu closer, digging further at his lips, then his mouth. The two continued to hold on to each other, and somehow managed to find their way upstairs. They almost busted through the door to Kumiko's bedroom, as Fu Huo did not release his grip on her for a second.
For a moment, they both stopped. Fu Huo struggled to contain himself. But it was too late for him to back out now. He admitted to Kumiko softly, "You know… I've always dreamed about this… But now it feels strange… Why… why are we doing this?"
I feel like such a big fool saying that… why can't I just rip into her now? Fu Huo held his head as he slowly sat down on the bed.
"This might be the last time we'd have an opportunity for this," said Kumiko softly, "We'd better make the most of it."
Fu Huo noticed Kumiko slowly walking over closer to him. He remained seated on her bed as she began to kneel down in front of him. Its scarier when she puts it in a way like I'm going to die tomorrow… But then, that makes this moment… agh what am I saying…
"You're safe here, don't worry… just relax," suggested Kumiko as she moved in closer.
Zzzzzzip…
Meanwhile at the headquarters…
The enraged Emperor Hyuga paced himself among his gangsters and hitmen alike around the Chamber of Fukakyon once again, preparing another search team to seize Chuan Fu Huo before he leaves the state. Aside from his orders, Hyuga was also preparing something behind him for the mean time. The lifting platform of the NSX-R was functional as if going through another operation.
The NSX-R appeared to be manned - the engine was running and the apparatus inside seemed to have been turned on. The engine began to rev softly, giving out a soft hum from the VTEC, while Hyuga prepared to move the lift upward.
"Your target is Shireishou X. Do not harm him, because I want him alive and well," announced Hyuga to his mob, as well as the pilot inside the NSX-R.
"I want a separate team backing up KYOKO. If Fu Huo retaliates, incapacitate his ride but do not kill him. I repeat that, do not kill Chuan Fu Huo!" demanded the Emperor.
Hyuga stepped down from the platform, and finally giving the signal to go up.
"Where is Kumi-chan?" asked Hyuga to one of his
men.
"She's not back yet, sir," said one of the gangsters,
"Her phone is not picking up either,"
The Emperor began to
pace himself again.
"Well go and find her. For all we know, Fu
Huo shot her too!"
It was a
fateful night that has been long due to arrive. And only Alex, the
very enemy of Zui Hou R himself saw it coming. Alex knew and
predicted that in some way or fashion, Fu Huo's attitude would some
day have a negative effect on him. Though he believed that such a
monster does not belong in the racing world, there was nothing more
he could have done to warn anybody else but Fu Huo himself.
The
moon fully glowed through that night, as the streets grew quiet and
town was still recovering after the commotion that had just took
place…
The master and the apprentice had continued their activities secretly amidst all the events that took place behind their backs. They remained in bed, not wanting for the next day to come. For they knew that it would be the time for judgement.
Fu Huo continued kissing down Kumiko's neck area
as she lay relaxed and held him on to her as they lost themselves in
every breath. In a situation like this, neither of them had time to
think or worry about neither the past, nor the future.
Kumiko
moaned softly, suppressing Fu Huo's inner conflict and used her
breathing as a barrier to his thoughts.
But yet he continued
to contemplate. What am I still doing here…?
He then
threw that same thought out the window as Kumiko softly groaned once
more. However, the deeper he dwelled, the more he began to question
himself. A part of him wanted to just lose himself and go all out,
yet the other side confused him, and held him back in a struggle and
conflict as to whether he should turn all the way back.
Fu began to rest his face softly on his master's chest, while he began to slow down and realized the longer he stayed, the less chance of him getting out of town and escaping. He's wasted so much time when he could have evaded his enemies even further.
Thought it was hard for him to give up this moment with Kumiko. Yet there was one thing that began to chew down Fu Huo's mind…
"It's just like you. It's just like how you always like to get involved with a woman, no matter who she is, without even having any feelings for her whatsoever. It's rather cold and deceptive… and at the same time, rather immature."
Minako…
In
a quick instant, Fu Huo picked himself up and panicked, "I can't
do this!"
Kumiko looked upon him in confusion, "What's
wrong? What happened?"
"I can't… I just can't… I've taken advantage of too many people…" for once, Fu Huo had a slight change of heart. I feel nothing for this woman… what am I doing here? This is just like the old days… Why haven't I changed?
Sudden noises could be heard momentarily
outside. Fu Huo quickly jumped out of bed and made his way over to
the curtains to check.
Oh shit… they're here.
Kumiko got up, covered in sheets as she joined him to check and there it was – Zui Hou gang members have arrived at the front.
"I gotta
go…" confirmed Fu Huo.
"Go where?" wondered Kumiko.
"I
dunno… somewhere… I gotta get outta here first,"
"You
can't! You've been drinking! I'll get you out of here
myself!"
"No, Ku… I've already put too much heat on you
already… This is my problem. I can't burden you any more…
Please… think of it as the final act I make for the honour of being
your student…"
"But you'll get killed!"
"If I die,
then fate has decided for my life to end. It's going to happen
eventually, whether today or fifty years from now. But if you really
believe in all that you have taught me, have faith and rest easy
during this night and count on the fact that I shall speak to you
again once this is all over… Trust me… I can make it. I'll be
fine."
"Then you must use the backalley. If you're car
hasn't been spotted yet, then you should go now. Don't worry;
I'll cover up here. Go."
Without saying anything more, Fu Huo ran swiftly but quietly all the way down and left through the rear entrance to the alleyway behind Kumiko's apartment. He reached for the keys down his pocket and opened the doors to his Lancer. He did not think of anything else other than he just has to ride. Ride away and never come back.
Fu Huo started the car, and backed
out swiftly, then began to accelerate. Unfortunately, the gang
members around the other side took notice of his car's distinctive
noises.
The Evo shot out of there as fast as it could, while the
hitmen of Zui Hou gathered their Civics, Eclipses and other vehicles
to pursue him.
Fu Huo only had once choice if he were to lose them for good – Route D1. There was an alternate way to get there from Kumiko's place to the downhill route, by first going through a series of tunnels along the highway, on the other side of the mountain from the city. He could go up D1's hillclimb, then go along the alternate downhill section that leads to a different route along D1 that was away from the city. It was a perfect plan and setting for Fu Huo's escape.
Fu Huo took advantage of his vehicle's capabilities and almost outran his pursuers. However, the apolcalyptic forces of Zui Hou did not quit the pursuit. Some of the drivers themselves were not afraid to use nitrous, at least on the highways.
Fu Huo was lucky to lose some on the way, yet the
truly determined kept on his tail as he tackled each obstacle that
came at him during that night. At long last, he had reached D1's
hillclimb section.
He could not tell whether it was his
misfiring, or the enemies shooting at him but he just drove on.
Hah… you all are still no match for me!
Fu Huo's Lancer, being a four-wheel-drive easily outran the mere Civics and Altezza's along the hillclimb sections. He began to fire more warning shots at them, not caring where the bullets traveled as long as he got away as swiftly as possible. He accelerated his Lancer further on, crusing his way along the mountains in big relief. There seemed to be no one after him at that point and time.
After crusing the
provincial area along the mountainside, Fu Huo cruised and made his
way along the downhill section. At this point on, he could rest easy.
Or so he thought.
The Lancer hurled its way through the mild
curves along the alternate downhill section. It was a much different
feeling from going upward.
'Trust Your Love' – Koda Kumi (Thunderpuss Mix)
Fu Huo heard a distinct noise suddenly traveling from behind him at such a fast pace. Much to his surprise, he had relaxed too much and was not aware that his pursuers was still on his tail. I guess I must have slowed down too much…
Fu began to throttle a bit harder, almost effortlessly trying to avoid the vehicle and lose it.
'Wandering in dark, looking for your love'
Fu Huo continued on effortlessly, and mockingly drifted his vehicle out of the sharp corner. But the noise still would not cease. The throttled on a bit harder and fully accelerated his vehicle. Taking advantage of his seemingly invincible misfiring ignition system, he dived through the corners with great velocity.
However, as Fu Huo glanced as his mirror again, the pursuer was still right behind him. Though this time, it seemed that the car was much closer.
'Need your
love Need your love
Kodoku no toki koete
Ease my pain Ease my
pain
Itami wo mata oboeta'
Fu Huo was taken by
surprise. Or perhaps he was still a bit tipsy from earlier on, he
began to struggle to maintain focus, yet he could not tell why his
attacker was suddenly so skilled.
At his current state, Fu Huo
pushed himself to a point of using all his acquired skills on the
downhill.
'Dreamin' about you night and day
Kokoro wo
nokoshita mama de'
After a while, Fu realized he still did not managed to lose his pursuer. He also realized another thing – the car was much different from all the others. Why can't I lose him…?
Fu Huo was giving it all that he has got. It seemed like the pursuer was pushing him instead. Fu Huo glanced at his mirror again … "Oh, it can't be…!" he called out to himself panic.
'Futari de hashaida kono heya wa
mada
Anata ga hazushita MACHISU no ato ga
Yubi de nazotte
hitomi tojita'
Fu Huo drove on in disbelief. He did not want to imagine what he thought the car he saw behind really was.
'Imasugu dakishimete My babe
Kotoba dake ja tarinai
no
Tsuyogaru kimochi dake My babe
Karamawari de sugite yuku'
The next sharp corner, Fu Huo planned to lose the pursuer once and for all. He motioned his vehicle for what probably would be the greatest drift he would have brought himself to do in the hopes to get his car at an angle out of the corner and lose sight of the car.
He turned sharply, and shockingly, he was now staring at
the car moving right past him slowly, yet so easily. The white body
of the perfectly crafted chassis was now clear to him, as the car was
slowly overtaking him. The NSX-R! It's operational now? But
who's in it?
Fu Huo began to countersteer his car, and
struggled to catch a glimpse of the driver. He was unable to get a
clear view due to the darkness, as well as the helmet, though he
suddenly caught eye with something very distinctive on the driver's
wrist. A very familiar bracelet that Fu himself would not think of
forgetting… Oh no way… that driver is…!
'Anata
no koto dake wo karadajuu ga hora
Hoshigaru netsu ni kawaru
Iki
ga tomaru hodo no amai KISU wo shite
Furueru mune ni daite...'
Fu Huo drove on in great shock, as his pace dropped
drastically. He felt a struggle just to keep up with the NSX-R.
Whether it was his current state of mind or his feeble capabilities
in comparison to the NSX-R, Fu Huo was surely no match.
His
dizziness slowed him down more and more, though he felt as if he was
pushing his hardest.
Fu Huo first of all could not believe
seeing the NSX-R finally released on the road by Zui, as well as the
new driver chosen to pilot it.
Each and every corner, he struggled
to even catch sight of the NSX-R's taillights. But there was
another problem at hand.
The same group of Civics and other
cars took advantage of Fu Huo's current state, as they began to
fire at him once again. He could not maintain focus, as his driving
became distinctively sluggish.
Bullets flew past, as Fu Huo
inadvertently loosened his grip on the wheel.
He was getting
tired and extremely fatigued, plus the shocking revelation of the
NSX-R.
The bullets had struck the Lancer's tires, as the car began to jerk around and about while Fu Huo struggled to gain control.
"…You, Fu Huo, are leading yourself into a path that will consume and overthrow you with your own greed…"
At that point and time, Fu Huo had finally lost control and began to spin out. His vehicle had wildly smashed through the guardrails and flung into the vast bushland at the side of the mountain, hurling the vehicle tumbling down the forest.
"Uh… didn't the
Emperor say to keep him alive?" reminded one of the
henchmen.
"Oops…"
Several moments later, the gang members had stopped their trail and pulled back. The traveled all the way to the spot the black Lancer had tore through the guardrail. The gang vehicles parked along the torn up rails and soon, the Zui henchmen had gone to survey the damage.
They glanced down the hill, yet only caught a faint glimpse. "We gotta hurry and get Chuan Fu Huo outta there!"
Unexpectedly, they were somehow too late. The legendary dark Evolution V had suddenly burst into flames and exploded into the night…
