A/N: omg! I'm sooooo sorry I haven't updated in a while! i'm usually okay with that. sorry again! well, to make u wait no more here's chapter 5! the fight against sledge mamma! will they win the race? or will they lose due to something holding two team members back! tensions rise, here's chapter 5! Too Close For Comfort! Happy Reading! (and thanx for the reviews ev'ryone! hope i don't disappoint u with this chapter since u've been waiting for a long time! -emiieroxs pleaded on her knees, hoping the reviewers like the chapter- lol jk i just hope u like it!)
Chapter 5: Too Close For Comfort!
As Takeshi made it back in time, he waited for Liz, Amy, and Luca. As he waited, he began to wonder what he'd say to Fantine. Then again, what he'd ask her, if his anger might take over, anything really. He'd say anything he wanted to to make things right. He went deep into thought. 'How should I start it out?...How should I talk to her?...Oh well. Whatever happens, happens.' he said to himself and then felt something greet him with a purr.
"Hey there Luca, Amy, Liz." Takeshi said and then gasped as he saw Liz's hand bandaged up. A little blood spot could seen.
"Liz, what happened to your hand are you all right?" he asked, concerned. Liz was glad he cared, but she couldn't let him get in her way of winning the race. She pulled away when he took a step foward.
"I was just being careless. I just got a little hurt. Nothing big Takeshi let's just leave it at that." she said sternly. He stopped, and sighed and put a smile.
"Right. Nothing could ever hurt you that bad Liz." he said through grit teeth. 'Nothing could ever hurt me?...You're wrong...' she thought and sulked. Amy could sense the mood, and didn't know what to do until finally she spoke up.
"Well I don't know about you guys, but I sure am ready. How about it?" Amy asked.
"Yeah. I think we're gonna win it no problem at all." Takeshi said with a weak smile. There was no answer from Liz, she seemed to be deep in thought, shifting impatiently.
'Do you think you're ready for this race?' her inner self asked.
"To tell you the truth, I feel that I'm too heartbroken to even pilot my own racer. But I don't want to let them down...it's just," Liz replied and sighed heavily.
'Hey, just keep your mind focused on the race. Don't even think of anything else and you'll be fine.' her inner self coaxed.
"I know I know...but it's just, hard to do that." Liz replied silently and snapped back into reality when the team gathered round.
"Okay everyone. If we can win this race then we can still win this! So let's do our best out there all right?" Miss Satomi said and everyone nodded. As they went into their cockpits, the mechs rose and were ready for the race. As they lined up, Team Sledge Mamma followed right after.
"It's the big race we've all been waiting for folks! Team Satomi versus Team Sledge Mamma! Will the champs be able to win this race? Remember everyone that if they lose this there might be a chance to regain the title!" the announcer, Benjamin Bright said with a shout as the crowds cheered and roared. The teams got into position, ready to shoot out when the timer said for them to go.
"Everyone ready?" Takeshi asked his teammates.
"We're ready." Amy said.
"Let's kick their sorry behinds and knock them off to the curb!" Luca meowed happily.
"Haha. You said it Luca let's win this!" Liz said and everyone was glad of the confidence they had.
"Let's kick these guys asses." Yamma said.
"Whoa easy there chief. We don't want you overdoing it, remember?" River said with a slight chuckle.
"I hear you I hear you. Okay, so here's the plan. We take them down, and win this race!" Yamma said and the other two answered with a loud roar. As the screen showed 3, then 2, then 1, and finally GO, they raced off at top speed. Sledge Mamma was in the front, while Satomi was behind them.
"Okay, we have to be careful when we're around Yamma." Takeshi said and everyone read it loud and clear.
"It seems that Sledge Mamma is in the lead so far, with Satomi slowly falling behind!" Benjamin explained. "They're coming to the finish to end the first round, they're almost there, and...Here we go folks! The second round has begun!" Benjamin roared and at the exact moment both teams crossed, Sledge Mamma immediately attacked, giving Satomi no way to defend.
"Be on your guard everyone!" Takeshi cried.
"Right!" the three replied and attacked with all their might to counter whatever Sledge Mamma threw. Takeshi took on Yamma, Liz took on River, and Amy and Luca took on Dimma. Each one was prepared, each one copied the other's ability. The match was even...so far.
'C'mon! KICK HIS ASS!' her inner self roared.
"Will you shaddup! I'm trying to concentrate here!" Liz roared inside her head as she dodged a punch. She wasn't looking too good out there, she knew it, but still, she had to try and give it her all.
"Liz! You're too slow! You're giving River time to throw anything at you and not attack back, only defend! You need to seperate yourselves just for a split second, and then give him a one-hit KO!" Andrei told her and she jumped back away from River. It wasn't what they were expecting though. The moment she jumped back, River lunged foward and jumped up, forcing her down on to the track. Her mech started to show sparks flying, and inside she had a bumpy ride.
"What's the matter Liz? You too heart broken or something? C'mon, show me what you've got!" River cried.
'Oh no he didn't!' her inner self roared, a vein popped on her fist.
"Who the hell are you to tell me that I'm heartbroken you jerk!" Liz roared as she tried to get up.
"We all know this isn't what you can do to your full extent. Get it together and stop messing around!" River called.
"Just cause I got some problems going on, doesn't mean you can shove them in my face!" Liz screamed and her anger rose. She pushed up hard, able to stop the bumby ride. Now all she needed to do was get River out of the race.
"What're you gonna do? Cry me a river?" he asked.
"No. I'm gonna kick you sorry ass and then give you a hellova beating after the race, leaving you so black and blue you would wish you had never pissed me off! NOW GET THE HELL OFFA ME!" Liz cursed and pushed up to have River lose his balance. (A/N: that's the liz we all know an' luv! haha) He stumbled a little, and Liz charged, knocking River on to the track. He was now left behind, and Liz raced up to help Amy and Luca. This wasn't the end of River though, oh no. He was able to regain balance, and rushed at lightning speed to catch up.
"What's the matter Takeshi? Can't handle the pressure!" Yamma teased as he toyed with Takeshi.
"I'm just getting started!" Takeshi managed to say as the two were locked in a fist fight.
"Well then show me what you're made of kid!" Yamma roared as he began to crank it up a notch.
"ARRRGGHHH!" Takeshi roared as he tumbled from all the punches. He couldn't believe they were only halfway through the second round. He was able to detatch himself from the beating his mech recieved, and went on the defensive just to be on the safe side.
"Aw, is the wittle baby had enough and want to just surrwender?" Yamma cooed and Takeshi growled.
"Oh shut up! You're gonna regret ever saying that to my face!" Takeshi roared in anger as he charged foward, once again engaging in a fist fight.
"Amy! How are you doing up here?" Liz asked as she was almost to her friend.
"We're managing that's all I can say for now!" Amy answered.
"We'd like your help right about now!" Luca added. As Liz finally came round, the two worked together and Dimma was left behind. Now they raced off to help Takeshi, but something held them back.
"Not so fast there Liz! I'm not done with you yet!" River called.
"Ugh. Damn. You didn't learn your lesson the first time?" Liz asked in disgust as the two were pulled in.
"Guess not. But now that I have two in my grasp I can easily finish the job. That way Team Sledge Mamma will win for sure." River replied simply.
"Okay buster, your fight is with me not Amy!" Liz roared and was able to have Amy become detatched from River.
"I'll catch up with you guys later! Go on and help Takeshi!" Liz called and Amy nodded as she raced off to him.
"You've been a real pain in the ass right now River. Time to teach you some manners." Liz hissed.
"Is that a threat?" River asked and Liz gritted under her teeth, ready to give it her all.
Takeshi was able to manage the beating he was recieving from Yamma, but something was holding him back. He wondered if she was being affected as well. He was glad to see Amy and Luca come to his rescue as they knocked Yamma back.
"Takeshi! You all right?" Amy asked in alarm.
"Yeah! Thanks for your help Amy, let's whip his ass before the third round so we can win this hands down!" Takeshi replied and Luca laughed.
"Let's not get too hasty Takeshi." he said as his eyes narrowed. As the two attacked Yamma head on, the scene switched back to Liz and River.
"SO YOU WANNA SEE MY FULL POTENTIAL! YOU ASKED FOR IT!" Liz roared and was on the verge of totally destroying River's mech.
"Whoa! Easy easy! I SAID EASY!" River yelled back and was able to give Liz twice the damage. She grunted as she regained control and punched. She jumped back and at top speed charged, knocking him down. She jumped in the air and crashed down on to River's mech, making his vehicle vibrate uncontrollably. (A/N: i thought i'd let liz show river what she's made of, now he's almost defeated! BURN RIVER, BURN! sorry to people who are river fans -sweatdrops- -nods-)
"Who's gettin whooped now River?" Liz asked happily at her victory.
"I...n-n-never...s-said that IIII was b-beaten!" he managed to say and got her off, tackled her to the ground, and finally started to fling her!
"Whaaaaaat! GAH! RIIIIVER YOU'RE SO DEAD MEAT!" Liz roared as she was flung down the pathway. Suddenly things seemed to be in slow motion. At least, for Takeshi and Liz. For Amy, it was a split second. There, he could see it. Liz was up in the air after being flung to be left behind. The mech was reaching the harsh track that would be her downfall. Takeshi's heart seemed to stop for just a moment, and he called out her name. But there was no sound during this slo mo, nothing. It was quiet. Finally she landed and in seconds seemed to be gone, out of sight, her mech crashing harshly backwards.
"NO!" Takeshi roared. "Liiiiiiiz! Amy, take over for me!" Takeshi commanded and raced off to get Liz.
"A-all right Takeshi! Just hurry back I don't think Luca and I can hold them off for long!" Amy hollared back.
"Kid, what are you doing! Let Liz go! You're already in the third round you can't just go back! It's too risky!" Andrei called to him.
"I have to! I gotta! LIZ!" Takeshi roared and forced himself to reach her at top speed.
"What's this! Liz Ricarro has just been left behind, but Takeshi has gone to save her! What's going on! They're almost done with the third round too! Could Takeshi's decision be his team's downfall!" Benjamin exclaimed in awe. The crowd was silent, sometimes gasps could be heard.
Liz couldn't believe this. She could hear the mech in it's unstable condition. Already sparks were flying, hearing that noise made her head spin. The track was too bumpy, she didn't think she'd be able to gain control. Her mech began to shut down on it's own, giving up. That wasn't something she would do, never. But why now? What was the reason? Why him?
'Come on we can't give up now! It's not over till it's over!' her inner self roared.
"I just..don't care anymore..." Liz said to herself but then, saw something rush toward him. If it was River he'd be asking for it after the race. It wasn't though, it was Takeshi. Her eye grew wide as Takehi's hand was outstretched. She could see his mech reach out desperately to stop her fall. Everyone saw their mechs, but to them they saw eachother. Liz was so happy to see him, and when her hand was in his grasp, she gradually got up. They smiled, and realized the match was almost over!
"Takeshi! I got an idea!" Liz cried and went into her vehicle mode (a/n: um, it's the mode they usually go into, like their 'car' mode, lol i don't really know how to explain it but if u watch the series u should have a good idea -sweatdrop-)
"Get on! And hurry!" Liz commanded and he did so. It seemed he felt like a skater boy right now, but he didn't care. He just wondered what kind of idea Liz had in mind.
"TAKESHI! LIZ! I CAN'T HOLD UP MUCH LONGER!" Amy managed to tell them, and saw her teammates bringing up the rear. She had a worried look though of what dangerous stunt they were planning.
"Amy! Get yourself outta there! Move back to us!" Liz roared and Amy did so. She willingly rushed back to them.
"Okay Takeshi, I'm gonna let you fly! You'll attack up top and I'll go down low!" Liz cried. Everyone was shocked, tensions rose. Would Liz's plan work? And how dangerous could it be?
"Look at this! This is a new tactic ladies and gents! What will Team Satomi muster! And can they do it in time!" Benjamin yelled in excitement. Everyone at the stands rose to see what would happen.
"Um...Liz..are you sure about this?" Takeshi asked, a sweatdrop began to form.
"Trust me Takeshi! Ready...set..." she started. Yamma and River awaited for what was to come, they didn't really worry. Too bad though, they'd be in for a beating.
"GO!" Liz roared and in an instant she switched back and Takeshi went flying.
"AAAAAAH!" Takeshi screamed in surprise, but then regained himself. He flew down at full force at Yamma while Liz tackled River to the ground, and then threw him so Yamma would catch him. Slow mo took over once more. River was sent flying, Takeshi came closer to Yamma. Before Takeshi hit Yamma was slammed by River, and then Takeshi nailed a punch! A close up could be seen of parts flying from Sledge Mamma's mech, both of them. The crowd gasped in awe, and everything was screamed, "SATOMI! SATOMI!" in a chanting tone. When all three of them crossed the finish line, it was clear that Satomi had won.
"THERE YOU HAVE IT FOLKS! THANKS TO QUICK THINKING, SATOMI'S WON!" Benjamin called happily. As everyone exited their pit, Liz was sweating like crazy.
"Man...that was just too close for comfort." Liz said to herself.
'There is good news though!' her inner self roared.
"That would be?" Liz asked out loud.
'WE'RE BACK IN BUSINESS BABY! THAT WAS AN AWESOME STUNT YOU PULLED OFF!' her inner self answered happily.
"Yeah...you're right. Liz Ricarro is back in business baby! WHOOT!" she roared and saw Takeshi and Amy walk over.
"Way to go Liz!" Takeshi congratulated and they gave a high five. Luca meowed happily.
"Nice going Liz. That was a brilliant plan." Amy said with a smile. As they gathered round the interviewers, Benjamin raced over to them.
"This was an amazing match today! I couldn't believe how it came out in the end! For a few minutes there I thought you guys were going to lose the race!" Benjamin exclaimed and put the mic to Takeshi's mouth.
"Well, I bet we would have lost if it weren't for Liz's quick thinking." Takeshi said and the mic quickly moved to Liz.
"Well I can't argue with you there. But we would've lost if Takeshi didn't come back to save me from an embarrassing loss." Liz commented and the mic went back to Takeshi.
"Hey our team's nothin without you. I mean, you're the one with the most spunk." Takeshi added and the mic then moved to Amy.
"What about you Miss Stapleton? How do you feel about today's race?" Benjamin asked.
"To be honest, I was scared to death cause it didn't seem like we were giving everything we had. But then we made a huge comeback! Thankfully, we won the race and now we're going to win them all and stay the champs!" Amy answered happily and threw her fist in the air. The others joined in and Luca meowed, moving onto his hindlegs and raising a paw.
"There you have it folks! I'm Benjamin Bright giving you the report on today's race! To end this report, Congratulations Team Satomi!" Benjamin cried, and those who watched it on the big screen saw the broadcast end.
The four teammates walked back home silently. No one had said a word since the interview, and as always Amy decided to say something.
"Boy that sure was a nice combo you two did back there." Amy said.
"Thanks Amy. It was a big risk, I didn't think it'd work myself." Liz replied honestly.
"But it did. Thank goodness too." Takeshi said with a smile and Liz blushed.
"We make a great team you guys, I can't wait to have that trophy in our grasp." Liz said with a smile.
"Yeah! Like I said, we're going to win them all and stay champs!" Amy laughed.
"Oh yeah! Let's hear it loud and proud! TEAM SATOMI!" Liz roared happily as she raced down the street, motioning for them to follow at her pace.
"C'mon you slow pokes!" Liz said with a smile as they entered Satomi HQ. They were waiting for a nice congrats from the team, but what they got wasn't what they were expecting.
"Um...isn't this where you guys congratulate us?" Liz asked.
"What's there to congratulate?" Mark asked sternly. Jesse looked off to the side, she made sure to not make eye contact.
"Something wrong? What'd we do that was so bad?" Takeshi asked.
"Oh I don't know Takeshi. Maybe leaving a teammate behind just to go back and save another when already we knew clearly that Liz would have been out of the race. You risked the whole team by going back farther and leaving Amy to get a rough beating. Do you realize that by pulling that little love stunt, you put one of your own teammates at risk again?" Miss Satomi cried.
"Hey! At least be happy that we won!" Liz roared.
"We might have won, but at a very big risk. You weren't even listening to Andrei Takeshi! What were you thinking?" Miss Satomi asked.
"I was thinking of saving a teammate and then winning the race by pulling off the combo we did!" Takeshi answered back harshly.
"Did you ever think that maybe saving Liz would put Amy in the same situation? Would you really want to send her to the hospital again?" Miss Satomi stormed. Everyone grew silent and she realized what she had said and cupped her mouth with a sigh/gasp.
"It wasn't Takeshi's fault Miss Satomi! It was...mine. I didn't have my game on during that race so I guess I didn't give it my all. This was probably my fault from the beginning because I wasn't focused! Don't blame Takeshi, and don't bring up the fact that it was Team WhiteSnow that made him hurt Amy! So technically it wasn't even his fault to begin with!" Liz defended. Miss Satomi sighed, and walked off.
"I'm sorry for bringing that up Takeshi. All I'm saying, is that the stunt you pulled today was very dangerous. You don't realize the risk you put on this team. I just hope that you won't do that for the next upcoming race. You're all dismissed." she said and everyone left. Jesse walked up to the four, and whispered silently, "...Congratulations..." and walked off to Miss Satomi. The three were quiet, and they stood where they were. Takeshi made one movement and the silence ended.
"Thanks Liz...for sticking up for me. But it wasn't your fault." Takeshi was able to say.
"Don' mention it Takeshi. I got your back and you got mine. And we both have Amy and Luca's." Liz said, making sure to include her other teammate, her other friend. Amy smiled weakly.
"At least we won. So we might've messed up this time, I'm sure we won't next time. Well, see you two tommorow." Amy said with a wave. Luca meowed once, and walked off, following Amy back to her room. The two looked at eachother, and then in different directions.
"Well...guess I'd better get going..." Takeshi finally said.
"Yeah...see you tommorow at practice Takeshi." Liz answered. It was still weird for them to talk as just friends, but they stuck with it. Takeshi waved goodbye as he exited HQ. Liz waved back, and finally put her hands in her pockets, walking down the hall, alone. She lost her train of thought, and had a nice chat with her inner self. Something that didn't really happen often anymore.
'YOU TOTALLY SHOWED THEM WHO'S BOSS!' her inner self laughed.
"Cha! You know it! I'm the best there is and don't you deny it!" Liz roared with a fist.
'So I guess we're back now for good, huh? No more destractions?' her inner self asked.
"That's a definate no. It's cool now. I'll just wait for Takeshi's return, and till then I'm not gonna worry myself to death. Otherwise I might have to pull off another weird stunt made by the one, the only! Liz Ricarro herself!'" she teased.
'Good! I'll hold you to it. Well, better get some rest for tommorow's warmup. Oh yeah, and if you see River, kick his ass for me will you?' her inner self asked and disappeared. When Liz was pulled back into reality, she saw herself in front of her door. She didn't even realize she had gotten there!
"Oh yeah. You bet I will. I can't wait to open up a can of whoop ass on him." Liz said quietly to herself, smiled, and clenched a fist that had River's name on it. (A/N: again, sorry river fans! -sweatdrop-) She flopped onto her bed, and looked at her gold piece. She smiled and then looked at her gold bracelet. She hadn't worn that in a while now, and hoped that Takeshi didn't think she didn't like it. She decided she'd wear it tommorow. She smiled as she snuggled up to her pillow, and couldn't help but laugh out loud. She hoped no one could hear her. She wanted to reassure herself one more time. She jumped on her bed and yelled, "LIZ RICARRO IS BACK IN BUSINESS! AND YOU DON'T WANNA MESS WITH HER!" 'OOoooooh I can't wait to smack someone!' she thought to herself, a devil's smile appeared on her face. Finally, she went to bed happily, waiting for the next day. Somehow she knew that that day would be great!
Takeshi finally reached his house, late-- again. He sighed, and went inside. His little sister was there to greet him.
"Boy Takeshi that was a great race today! Especially that stunt you pulled!" Yuri exclaimed as he made his way up to his room. He didn't answer, and kept a stern face on. "I mean I really had my doubts when you went back to get your girlfriend, leaving Amy to fend for herself, but then that move was totally cool! Everyone's talking about how cool it was! It's never even been done, let alone been thought of!" Yuri continued to blabber until Takeshi's bedroom door met her face.
"Yuri go away! You're being annoying!" Takeshi yelled inside his room.
"You should be thankful I'm complimenting you on your race!" Yuri shouted on the other side.
"Fine! Thanks for the compliments! Now go away!" Takeshi yelled again and finally heard Yuri stomp down the steps angrily. He sighed, and looked at the ceiling. He smiled, and knew that tommorow would be the day. Tommorow he'd go see Fantine, get this all straightened out, and finally have Liz back in his loving arms. He really couldn't wait to kiss her again. Was that strange to feel that? he wondered to himself and just shrugged.
"Nah." he said to himself with a smile and leaned against his pillow. He began to close his eyes, until finally he fell asleep. The same thing he told himself kept repeating itself in his head though, making sure he wouldn't forget.
'Tommorow I'm going to see Fantine. I'm going to finally give her back the bit of love I still have for her, and maybe I'll be able to get my revenge on Cunningham and beat the snot out of him. (a/n: sorry for those of u who r cunningham fans! -sweatdrops-) That's right...I can just tell tommorow will be great.' he thought to himself and finally, with that statement out of his mind he really fell asleep peacefully.
A/N: there ya have it. i hope the ending wasn't bad. :-/ . anywayz, reason why it was so late is cause i'm workin on some stories and its' gettin me outta whack! lol well, i'll update as soon as i can once i'm done with chapter 6! the day where takeshi finally talks to fantine about his problem, and get some questions from her as well. well, plz R&R for this chapt! u'll make me happy i can tell ya that! lol anywayz, chapter 6'll be here soon (i hope), promise! besides that, later! -Em