Heartaches

Chapter 72

By KellyQ

Jack observed how Yoshizo was driving his motorcycle. He really needs to practice, Jack thought, trying to pass by him, but passing was impossible with the way Yoshizo was nervously controlling the motorcycle. He was swerving in and out of racetrack.

"Come on! Let's see some action here!" some random guy shouted from the crowd.

It wasn't long before the crowd started to complain. Yoshizo looked sheepishly at them. He knew the way he was handling the motorcycle was the best; he uncomfortable going up against Jack. The blond-haired groaned. Fine, if they want a show, I'll give it to them! Jack thought. He gripped the handlebars and jerked his motorcycle up so that it was on its back wheel. Yoshizo paused for a moment and watched with awe as Jack passed him before he went back to concentrating on steering the bike he was sharing with Taro and Jinbei.

The crowd seemed to quiet down with their complaints a little as Jack brought the front of his motorcycle down. He firmly pushed the shift lever upwards with his left foot, eased off on the clutch with his left hand and twisted the throttle with his right, giving his motorcycle speed. Yoshizo quickly glanced at Yusei, wondering if he was watching, and Yusei was. Taro and Jinbei was too. I just have to make sure that I last long enough to make the crowd realize that we're not bad, Yoshizo thought. A boost of confidence replaced nervousness that Yoshizo felt. He managed to have better control of the bike he was sharing.

Jack looked over his shoulder to see Yoshizo had managed to stabilize his bike. The race continued. Jack made sure that he maneuvered out of the way of Yoshizo when he tried keeping the motorcycle from wobbling. I guess I can drag this race long enough for Yoshizo to ride his motorcycle properly – or I can just take him out! Jack was so deep in thought, he failed to realize that Yoshizo had passed by him, until a gust of dust, wind, and carbon monoxide brushed against Jack. Two can play at that game! Jack thought, snapping out of his shock. He clutched with his left hand and eased back on the throttle with his right hand, shifting gears with his foot. Jack eased off on the clutch as he used his left hand and twisted the throttle as he continued his acceleration.

M.C watched the two competitors try to pass by each other. The crowd started to whisper among each other, and it started to make Jinbei nervous.

Taro placed a hand on Jinbei's shoulder, giving his friend reassurance. "Relax, Jinbei. Yoshizo knows that he can't beat Jack, but if we just stay in the race long enough for the crowd to respect us … then we're good to go." That's what I'm hoping, Taro thought, glancing around the arena.

Taro quickened his pace with a rolled up newspaper in his hand as he made it through the rows of blueberry patches. Jinbei and Yoshizo turned when familiar footsteps reached their ears.

"What's up?" Jinbei asked, surprised.

"You know how we've always talked about living in the city?"

"Yea," Yoshizo responded.

"I think I found a way!" Taro unrolled the newspaper and the first page the article of the World Racing Grand Prix. "What do you guys think? Should we do it?" Jinbei and Yoshizo glanced at each other, before Jinbei sighed. He had hoped that he had talked Taro out of it, but apparently not. Taro studied his close friend. "I'll be alright …" he paused when Jinbei turned away, gazing at nothing in particular. Taro frowned. "I thought you were going to come with me!" Jinbei shifted his weight. Yoshizo glanced at the two nervously.

"I think it would be fun!" Yoshizo spoke up.

"So do I, but I really want Jinbei to come with us," Taro said, looking down. Jinbei straightened up, glanced at his friend, and studied him. Taro did have a determined look, but he also sounded alone. "There's nothing here for us," Taro started, glancing at Jinbei. "Come on, we should do it!"

"I agree with Taro! We should leave!" Yoshizo had a thoughtful expression and a light blush made its way to his face. "Who knows? We might find love while we're there!"

Jinbei whacked his friend on the back of his head with his hardened fist. "You watch too much TV," he mumbled as Yoshizo rubbed the back of his head.

Taro walked up and placed a hand on Jinbei's shoulder. The soft reassuring touch snapped his attention to Taro, and they stared at each other for a moment. "I really want you to come with me! Please!"

"Fine, I'll come with you," Jinbei said, giving in. He couldn't help but smile as he stared into Taro's brown eyes that were full of warmth.

"Just two laps to go!" came M.C's booming voice, snapping Taro out of his memory.

Taro glanced back at the race to see that Yoshizo was keeping up with Jack until the front wheel to the motorcycle Yoshizo shared with Taro Jinbei started to wobble. Come on! Don't give out on us now, Yoshizo thought. He was having a hard time trying to control his bike. Jack saw this as an opportunity to zigzag in front of Yoshizo to cross the finish line. Yoshizo blinked when a gust of wind brushed passed him as Jack increased his speed. The white motorcycle rode over the finish line, and the crowd roared.

"And the winner is Jack Atlus from Team 5ds!" M.C announced over the cheering crowd.

To Be Continued ...