Heartaches

Chapter 74

By KellyQ

The race was relaxed and both opponents were shoulder to shoulder. Taro was handling the motorcycle with skills, and the crowd started to watch with interest. M.C also watched carefully, to see that they were on their third lap. People watching the race on TV, like Team Unicorn, Team Ragnarok, and Taro's dad was impressed that Taro got the crowd to chant and cheer.

Harald, Brave and Dragan sat casually on the couch.

"I wasn't expecting that!" Brave commented, watching the crowd chant.

"We have a colorful crowd this year don't we," Harald shared to Brave, who nodded a 'uh-huh' in response.

Taro's father watched closely at the TV screen. The crowd was chanting, Taro was on his last lap, and Jinbei and Yoshizo were encouraging their friend to win. Taro's father was proud that his son fulfilled his dream.

From the pit stop, Yoshizo and Jinbei glanced around the arena with hope. The crowd was cheering for Taro and their team.

"They're cheering for us!" Yoshizo said, shocked.

"I know!" Jimbei commented, amazed.

Within the crowd in the second row, Rally, Luna, Leo, Carly, Mina, and Trudge shifted in their seats.

"You have to admit that Taro is skilled on a motorcycle that's barley functioning," Trudge commented.

Leo scowled at him, before he got to his feet, cupping his mouth with his hands. "Don't lose Yusei!"

Leo's cry fell to deaf ears. The roar of the crowd increased as the two opponents started on their forth lap. Taro blinked when the sound of the crowd reached his ears. He glanced around the arena to see that the crowd was cheering him on. Taro's face lit up with joy. We … we did it, Taro thought, remembering how he encouraged Jinbei and Yoshizo to come with him to the city. He revved up the engine and he increased his speed, when he was going to pass the pit stop. Taro eyed his friends as they got up. Taro couldn't hear what they were saying, but he could tell that Jinbei and Yoshizo were encouraging him to win.

By this point, Taro was ready to win. He glanced over his shoulder at Yusei who had an intense look on his face. Taro tried to read Yusei's expression, but his gaze made Taro cringe lightly. The last thing I want is to make Taro nervous, Yusei thought when Taro quickly went back to concentrating on driving.

The race continued until Taro's motorcycle started to make some funny sounds. What the … Taro thought. He was starting to have a hard time steering his bike. The back wheel started to wobble, and black smoke started to come out of the pipes. The crowd paused as they watched Taro drive his motorcycle dangerously. Jinbei and Yoshizo eyed each other, concluding that they had lost.

Yusei closed his eyes for a moment, feeling sorry for Taro and his teammates. With a sigh, Yusei increased his speed and drove over the finish line. Jack, Crow, and Bruno and pumped their fists out of victory. Rally, Luna and, Leo hugged each other, while Carly, Mina and Trudge watched what was going on with Taro.

Jinbei and Yoshizo jumped to their feet. They watched helplessly as Taro blindly drove over the finish line. The smoke and steamed around the motorcycle had cleared as he managed to drive into the pit stop.

M.C. blinked a few times, trying to process what happened. He wasn't the only one. Taro still sat there, trying to process what just occurred – he and his teammates had lost the race. Jinbei and Yoshizo ran up and stood next Taro. They were both heartbroken for Taro as they stood there with tears in their eyes.

"And the winner is our shooting Star – Yusei Fudo from Team 5D's!" M.C announced.

"We … lost … didn't we … I'm sorry …" Taro finally spoke up in a timid voice.

Jinbei growled softly. He hated it when Taro talked like that. One by one, people in the crowd glanced at each other. A random guy started to clap, and pretty soon, people joined. Yoshizo gave the crowd a quick glance. Jinbei growled again, wondering why Taro wasn't acknowledging what was going on around him.

"Taro!" Jinbei said sternly. His friend blinked and all the sounds he blocked out, reached his ears. "Do you here that?" Jinbei spoke up. Taro glanced around to see that people were clapping and cheering. "It's the crowd expecting us!" Taro slowly turned his head to face his teammates.

"He's right, Taro. We accomplished our goals," Yoshizo said, blinking back the tears.

"Yoshizo …" Taro whispered.

"Your friends have a point," came Yusei's voice. Taro, Yoshizo, and Jinbei turned their heads to see Yusei, Crow, Bruno, and Jack walking up. "You got the crowd to accept you, and that's not easy."

"Maybe …"

Crow shook his head. "We crossed the finish line, but you guys are the real victors."

Jack nodded his head. "More practice and you guys will do fine."

Taro was touched that Yusei and all his friends cared. He nodded his head, got off his bike, and turned to face his teammates. "Thanks for helping me! I wouldn't have made it this far without you guys!"

In one swift motion, Yoshizo and Jinbei hugged Taro. The crowd clapped and cheered again as the evening sun shown down on the trio.

To Be continued …