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.