ACT 2 – 2000RPM 'Our Own Path'
One
week later, the moments of herald have commenced and Gallard Raide
had been scheduled at the airport around the afternoon, welcoming the
coming of the true Emperor of Dreadnaught, the man known as Bao Fu.
Raide had awaited the Emperor, whom he greeted with his own personal
limousine. The airfield was clear as if the Emperor's arrival was a
large set-up.
The jet had finally landed and just by the humming
of the aircraft emphasized the Emperor's already seemingly growing
financial power.
The man stepped down from the aircraft in a calm
and relaxed manner. Bao Fu wore a trench coat similar to Hyuga's
Emperor outfit, though Bao wore black with a white business shirt
underneath. He was a little tall, medium build and also wore a mask
just like Hyuga once did as Zui Hou. His mask was red and covered his
whole face. It seemed more like a dragon or sphinx-like helmet,
though only as thin as a mask. He wore black gloves and some
expensive high-cut shoes with gold buckles. He wore a set of gold and
silver chains down his neck along with a few rings on his
fingers.
Bao had a truly sophisticated image and seemed almost
much like a duplicate of Emperor Zui.
"Welcome, Emperor Bao. I believe this is your first time in our region," greeted Raide.
Emperor Bao Fu spoke with a deep masculine voice that sounded very cold and sombre. The jewel on his foreheard shined the sun's reflection as Bao threw down his briefcases and luggage.
"How are things?" asked Bao.
"Everything is
in order," explained Raide, "Although I'm sure your reputation
should already spread in a matter of days after your arrival,"
"My
reputation? People know I'm here?"
"Not yet. But we will
soon establish a new generation of Dreadnaught R, under your lead,
Emperor Bao. Thanks to your funding and support, I am more than
positive that you will lead us to greater heights."
"Don't
get me wrong, I might support you guys for the time being, but I'm
really in this all for myself. There's no need to hand over the
leadership to me. The team is still yours in a way, except I provide
the blood to flow within the veins of your organization."
"As
you wish, Bao Fu. But our decision was to have you taken in as our
new leader. It was basically our idea, not yours," explained
Raide.
"I see… Very well then," agreed Bao.
The new
Emperor seemed even just a little shy after all. Perhaps he was still
trying to work out the impression at first, but he later on realized
that this was serious business – and so was he.
Several vehicles
accompanied the Emperor's vehicle to escort him on his way down to
the Dreadnaught headquarters. The streets seem to have emptied
intentionally, as if Bao Fu himself was had already been expected to
arrive. He sat quietly in his seat, crossing his arms and staring out
of the window without saying a word.
Moments later, the
escort had finally arrived at the Dreadnaught R headquarters as the
group of vehicles made their way into the rear entrance of the block.
It appeared that their facilities were much larger than initially
expected. The entrance at the rear had revealed a much more vast
enterprise that had been concealed from the eyes of the public.
It
was clear that Dreadnaught was just as large as the one Zui Hou
R.
Emperor Bao Fu stepped out of the vehicle and finally, Raide had then given him a brief tour of the block.
"We offer the finest in racing development and circuit training facilities locally. However, our rivals have been closely competing with us closely and even to the extent of overshadowing us," explained Raide.
"I thought you people were meant to be the
finest, most sophisticated?" wondered Bao.
"Just hold on a
sec, Emperor. I have already completed the ace that will put us right
back above all entities. The ultimate project that will surpass all
currently existing means…"
"Is that so? In that case, I
am rather interested in this 'ace'."
"I am getting to
that. Follow me,"
Raide had led the Emperor into Dreadnaught's own high-level security chambers located underground. It was very similar to Zui Hou's own Chamer of Fukakyon. Raide had swiped his cardkey and entered the passcode, and then took Bao down the lift.
Very impressive. I thought these guys would need
renovating. I guess not…
Bao leaned against the wall with
his arms crossed; watching on as the levels on the counter had began
to descend.
Deep beneath Dreadnaught was another chamber,
leading to a small underground warehouse, which span right up the
ground disguised as a regular apartment block. Raide led Bao on
through a short series of corridors.
They had finally reached the
two large double automated doors and stepped inside and found a large
object – most likely a vehicle, sitting on a platform covered in
sheets.
"Behold…" began Raide, "Our own path to infinity!"
Raide stepped up the platform with
great excitement, and unveiled the vehicle on the platform.
It was
a silver sports coupe with a rather steady and curved shape with
angular headlights, curved front guards, bronze rims and a gray wing
fitted on the rear. There was a single thin stripe across from the
doors to the tails and some small decals on the side. It resembled
the Z33 a little in shape, yet the rear lights were an odd shape and
had a different front bar. However, everything else seemed definitely
unlike the Z33 – it was a completely different car. It already had
a fearsome presence even as it remained dormant on the
platform.
"What is this? A G35?" wondered Bao in
excitement.
"It's not just any other G35," Raide continued,
"It's the new Skyline 350GT TT prototype we had inherited from
HKS Kyusyu…!"
"Then that thing must be…"
"Yes, sir.
This is currently the closest thing to a prototype R35 GT-R model,"
flaunted Raide.
"Though it's still not a four-wheel drive, is
it?"
"No, it is not the true GT-R, but this thing still packs
its a 3.5-litreVQ35DE V6 engine. However, this G35 Skyline is armed
with twin Garrett turbochargers along with an extensive array of
HKS's own parts line-up. The Skyline 350GT is one of a kind
indeed."
"Now that is respect! I'm already impressed. So who
did you select to drive it?" asked Bao curiously.
"Well, I
have tested this thing myself. After receiving this thing from HKS
Kyusyu, we have designated our final project to be completed on the
350GT itself. Aside from that, we have added a convenient new drive
system to assist the driver with certain variables. This thing is
truly amazing and what's more, it is ours now. I've given it the
name 'AYUMI' as an indication of that factor. I've taken it on
our test track out the back. However, I soon found out that I am not
fit to drive the 350GT. I just could not handle its power. Perhaps
someone like you can be able to tame such a monster…"
"So
this… this is the 'ace' you spoke of. And you have chosen me to
be it's pilot. So be it. When do we begin?" asked Bao.
"Anytime
you wish, Emperor. Maybe now if you want," suggested Raide, "Go
on, sir, step in! Here are the keys!"
A completely modded twin-turbo G35…Let's see what the combined resources of HKS Kyusyu and Dreadnaught R could produce!
Raide had a
slight smile on his face, as he tossed the keys over to the Emperor.
Bao opened the car, as Raide stepped off the platform and made
his way to the terminal, where he could operate the lift as well as
communicate with him.
As Bao Fu stepped into the vehicle, he then
noticed an odd looking helmet placed on the dash which seemed to have
some sort of apparatus inside.
"What is this?" asked Bao,
reaching for the helmet.
"Oh, the helmet? Put it on, sir. You'll
need it to operate AYUMI. She will provide you with onboard support.
Let her guide you to the future and claim your place not only as
Emperor of Dreadnaught but of all racing as a whole!" announced
Raide.
AYUMI, huh? I guess it's just some form of satellite navigation or something… implanted into a helmet. It's more convenient than having to look down on the monitor of a normal sat nav all the time…
Bao Fu put on the helmet and shut
the door, sitting on the black leather seats. He keyed the ignition
and then activated the drive system for the vehicle –
'AYUMI'.
Various sets of data were displayed onto the helmet,
as the lift began to rise upwards while Bao began to playfully rev
the engine.
The 350GT was taken into the back of the warehouse, where a set of large dumpsters, cones and crates were stacked together along an airfield-like area to set an actual track itself. As an experienced driver and racer, Bao Fu had already visualized the line and began to accelerate into the open. The vehicle seemed to accelerate smoothly, creeping up the starting point and soon, the 350GT launched fiercely alongside past crates.
What sharp response time… and maneuverability…!
Bao could
quickly feel the power of the twin-Garrett turboes loaded on the G35,
such immense power even until redline. It was apparent that Bao did
not seem to have driven a Skyline before, though even if he has, this
car was much more than just a Skyline.
Vast sets of data began to
fill Bao Fu's head.
What's going? Front-engine, rear drive… Pilot level infinity, 0.4bar of boost? Hold on a sec… What is all this?
In an instant, Bao shifted up a gear as soon
as the next redline. A hard corner then came up, though without much
thought, his body quickly prepared for it as if the car itself
predicted the corner's angle and distance. Bao downshifted once
more as he turned aggressively while tapping the throttle to rev
up.
Little did Bao realize that he had been already exceeding the
speeds that he would usually push himself up to. Being a RWD, Bao
could also maintain aggressive angles when cornering, causing his
tyres to skid easily but gain control quickly afterwards.
Over 300 kilowatts of power… what they say is true… but… this thing…
Bao's movement was very precise, his eyes, arms, feet moved just as fast. He began to execute techniques almost unconsciously as his speed increased greater and greater.
Hold on… this is the same feeling… This is exactly the same! This is exactly like the KYOKO!
The Emperor had begun to struggle
to catch his breath. Both the power and capabilities of the drive
system had overwhelmed him.
This is crazy! I never expected
this…! I gotta stop it!
The Emperor had rushed the car
in the other direction, making a swift U-turn in the hopes of
returning back to where he started with the little control he had
left.
Raide… what have you done?
Various images
have flashed before Bao Fu, though he was too consumed with the
weapon already.
"No…!" he yelled in panic.
The quickly pulled the E-brake and slammed on the brake pedal, struggling to safely maneuver his vehicle.
A short moment later, Bao's eyes remained partially opened, as he gazed out the window in fatigue watching Gallard Raide slowly walk up to the door, muttering words through the window.
"That's it, Master Bao… Now you know true power!"
Bao opened the door slightly and fell out of the vehicle and dropped on his knees, struggling to catch his breath.
"So… you decided to do it after all… you
decided to create a duplicate of KYOKO…!" confirmed Bao.
"That's
right! It is the will of Chuan Fu Huo!" claimed Raide, "Because
of him, this was possible!"
The Emperor coughed up dirt and muttered, "But…but he is…" Bao had then fell to the ground as he began to faint shortly after…
At
the same time that day, Mark and Minako had spent their time at the
memorial, paying their respects at the graveyard and putting flowers
on Chuan Fu Huo's grave. There was nothing Mark could do to comfort
Minako; though she was strong enough on her own either way. She knelt
down slowly and lowered her head, giving Fu Huo's grave a soft
kiss, as tears began to run down her face.
Though she had numerous
amounts of supporters, without Chuan Fu Huo, Minako had still felt
the incompleteness of being lonely.
"You're not alone,
princess," cheered Mark, "We're all right beside you. I'm
sure Fu Huo would say the same,"
"Thank you…" muttered
Minako, without saying anything more.
She had grown tired of
blaming herself, and blaming others. It has already been almost six
months that have past and it was about time that she got over it.
But
no matter how hard she had tried, the fact that Fu Huo's body still
remains missing did not ease her at all.
Though Minako had always seemed to have a feeling behind her that Fu Huo was reaching out to her in some way or method. She used all her courage, patience and hope to survive and so far, she had been skating on thin ice. As Shireishou X, Minako had to stay strong.
"Princess… were you in love with Mr. Fu Huo?" asked Mark casually. It took Minako some time to reply, as it seemed that she was not listening. After a while, she muttered, "I… don't know…"
Minako stood up, wiping the dirt off her knees and looked up to the birds at the sky, as it turned red among the sunset. "I really don't know… but that's not important right now…" she continued, as she took her sunglasses off. "What do you reckon, Mark?"
"I don't
know. I just thought you two might have had something going on… I
guess not…" replied Mark.
"Um… do you see us… being
together?"
Mark sighed and after a brief moment, he came
back with, "If you would have asked me back then, I'd say so for
sure. But now, looking at the present situation…"
"So you
really think he is dead?" sobbed Minako.
"That is a bit
extreme. But it is not mockery to say that a dead man is dead."
All of a sudden, Minako had snapped. She stamped her foot on the ground like a child and cried out, "He is not dead! Fu Huo is not dead!"
Minako had then walked away quickly in agony, making her way across the graveyard in tears…
The
apartment was rather quiet this time round, unlike usual during the
times the music was turned up loud. It was six o'clock in the
evening, and the provincial area at the top of the F5 sector was also
just as peaceful. Soft breeze blew through as the kids have gone
inside after hours of play and locals walked home from shopping.
Remaining indoors, the young and restless Kanae spent her time on
the chat server once again. She had just arrived at home from work,
and went straight to her room in front of the monitor as she eats her
dinner at the computer. She slapped down her noodlebox and started
typing.
Kanae was as bored and tired as usual, as she opened
up her chat program and began conversations with her friends. She
highlighted on of their nicknames on her groups and click on it to
begin chatting.
It's been a while…
Kanae had decided
to talk to one of her old friends. She felt a little awkward and shy
talking to him, but then again, she felt shy and awkward with
everyone else.
KaNny-s2-FHC: hello .
LilFiloDriftah:
hey
LilFiloDriftah: oh kanae, its u
LilFiloDriftah: its been a
while, girl! How u been?
KaNny-s2-FHC: I been good! And
u?
LilFiloDriftah: Same here. I dunno why I stopped talking 2
u
KaNny-s2-FHC: I was under the impression that u hated
me
LilFiloDriftah: lmao… where u pull that from?
KaNny-s2-FHC: dunno… maybe it's just me…
LilFiloDriftah:
lol… yeah…
LilFiloDriftah: anywayz, what've u been up 2?
Been racing lately?
KaNny-s2-FHC: um… a
little
KaNny-s2-FHC: Btw, how's your fanfic
going?
LilFiloDriftah: Almost finished! Phew, I didn't know it
would take this long
LilFiloDriftah: Anyway, so who've u been
racing?
KaNny-s2-FHC: I only had one battle
recently
KaNny-s2-FHC: I lost to this woman, she was really
good!
LilFiloDriftah: lol… you? Lose? It's not like u anymore.
U seem to spend more time behind the monitor than behind the
wheel.
KaNny-s2-FHC: I know, but I had no chance. She had this
really fast Honda.
LilFiloDriftah: oh…
LilFiloDriftah: I
see…
KaNny-s2-FHC: Do u know her?
LilFiloDriftah: Well, I
only know of one woman who's really fast with a Honda.
LilFiloDriftah: Forgot her name, but I read about her in a mag
before.
LilFiloDriftah: I'll show u the article
sometime.
KaNny-s2-FHC: U should try beating her! U'll win
for sure! You're the best I know!
LilFiloDriftah: lol… that
would be unfair
LilFiloDriftah: And my car… well, if u'd even
call it a car…
LilFiloDriftah: It's forbidden! I can't take
it out on the street
KaNny-s2-FHC: Y? what kind of car do u
drive now?
LilFiloDriftah: the unstoppable Escudo of course.
Instant win!
KaNny-s2-FHC: lol
KaNny-s2-FHC: that's
cheating
LilFiloDriftah: lol…
LilFiloDriftah: Btw… who's
'FHC'?
KaNny-s2-FHC: not telling!
LilFiloDriftah:
awww… am I not good enough 4 u anymore?
KaNny-s2-FHC: oh no
no, its not like dat, of course ur still my papa!
LilFiloDriftah:
lol… papa. U make it sound like ur mogi or sumthin…
XD
KaNny-s2-FHC: . !
KaNny-s2-FHC: I know
I need money, but nothing like THAT!
LilFiloDriftah:
lol…
LilFiloDriftah: What you need the money
for?
KaNny-s2-FHC: Nothing, just upgrades. I've been losing
a lot often lately.
LilFiloDriftah: Wanna borrow my
360?
KaNny-s2-FHC: lol… what?
KaNny-s2-FHC: 'sif
you've got one of them ;p
LilFiloDriftah: lol, fine -.-
Kanae
took a sip of her tea momentarily, as her phone started to beep. The
rumbling vibration caught her attention as she slowly slipped her
hand away from the mouse and picked up her handset and still
continued to stare at the monitor.
She looked into her phone and
opened her inbox. Who could this be?
Kanae read the
message;
'There's a group of racers from D1 going to show up tonight here at F5. They claim themselves to be known as 'Dreadnaught' and they're looking for challenges. We're talking big wages, so if you're up for it, 10:30PM tonight, downhill section. –Fao'
Dreadnaught? Tonight?My brother mentioned big wages… perhaps I could gank out some dosh sooner than I expect…
Kanae went back to her chatting, returning to her keyboard and mouse as she began to type away in front of the monitor.
KaNny-s2-FHC: hey guess what
LilFiloDriftah:
what is it?
KaNny-s2-FHC: I'll be racing tonight
again!
KaNny-s2-FHC: Just up here at home ground.
LilFiloDriftah: oic
LilFiloDriftah: tonight huh? What time?
And who's your opponent?
KaNny-s2-FHC: Around 10:30PM they
say. I dunno who I'm racing yet though. I haven't even made the
challenge. Some team called Dreadnaught is coming
KaNny-s2-FHC:
And I'm going to intercept em
LilFiloDriftah: I see. Good luck
and come back safely! Remember, you've already lost once in your
home course!
KaNny-s2-FHC: It won't happen again. I guess
I'll go fill her up and get ready now.
KaNny-s2-FHC: See
you later, papa!
LilFiloDriftah: Laters, Mogi!
;p
KaNny-s2-FHC: Aw, shut up! I'm off
KaNny-s2-FHC
has left the conversation and appears to be offline.
