A/N: Sorry, but this is only a resolution chapter, so don't expect much action. I don't think I could top the climax of the last race.
Episode 12
Team Fire Fox reclined back in their seats to wait for the upcoming race. Vince and Shingo each popped a soda and gave a toast, smiling like old friends. And they were once again. Shana smiled. Everything was back to the way it should.
Team Velshtein also watched the track. They were beaten by team Sledgemama during the semis. The race against Satomi had taken a toll on them, but it wouldn't happen the same way next year. Cunningham was sure of it. But that was a long ways off. For now, there was a great race about to start.
"Today we have the 2051 IGPX Finals! The dark skies are clear of clouds, making for perfect race conditions. Team Sledgemama, still short of one pilot, is itching to go up against team Satomi once again. This promises to be a heated race, so stay tuned."
Takashi looked up at his mech. It shone under the lights like a bright gem. And for such a big event, it should. It was finally time for the finals. Hopefully, another championship would be on Satomi's mantel.
Liz came passing by. Takashi gave her a high five and a kiss before she continued on and he climbed up into the cockpit.
The mechs slowly lumbered out onto the track and took their positions.
3
2
1
GO!
All six machines blasted off into the night.
Several minutes later, the six machines could be seen over the final hill. Takashi and Yamma were out in front, neck-n-neck. Both were incredibly scarred, Takashi's didn't even look like the bright figure it had earlier.
"They're coming down to the wire! Who will take the win? Team Sledgemama's Yamma or team Satomi's Takashi Jin?"
Both pilots pushed as hard as they could, trying to get as many inches ahead as possible. They flew through the stadium with a roar of applause.
"Too close to call. We're going to have to go to the computers."………"I don't believe it! The winner is…"
Takashi stood watching. It had been a long time since he had been at this end.
"So, team Sledgemama," Ben asked. "How does it feel to win the championship once again?"
"It feels great!" Yamma screamed. "Team Sledgemama is back! And don't expect us to go anywhere soon!"
Takashi smiled and walked through the crowd back toward the hanger.
Liz was waiting for him at the door, sitting against the side, deep in thought. When she spotted him, she stood up and brushed herself off. "What happened out there, man?"
"I'm not sure," he answered with a shrug. For some reason, he was smiling.
"You didn't use the Keashin at all tonight. Why?"
Takashi shrugged again. "I guess it didn't feel…humane using it against someone who couldn't defend himself."
"But we lost the championship because of it."
"Oh, well." That surprised Liz. Almost everything Takashi cared about was winning the championship. What surprised her more was when he whipped forward and pulled her into his arms and bent his head close to her's. "I think we've each won enough."
Liz realized the slight irony and kissed him back with a smile.
Three months later, same loving embrace, same passionate kiss. The two stood in front of a podium right on the starting line, a reverend standing with them.
As soon as the two kissed, the crowd behind them rose to their feet and began a joyous clapping. Several hundred uninvited fans from the stands also rose in thunderous applause.
The two separated with a slight laugh. So much for a small wedding. They turned hand-in-hand as the reverend called out, "May I present Mr. and Mrs. Takashi Jin."
They walked down the aisle as the clapping continued. Takashi spotted an empty chair in the second row. His sister's seat. He smiled, knowing that she would have been happy. The entire Satomi team was behind there. Amy seemed to be cheering louder than anyone, and Liz laughed at that.
Takashi looked to the other side and caught the eye of one particular man. He was wearing a neck brace, but still managed to nod his head a bit. Takashi nodded back. After everything that had happened, the old teammates still had an understanding.
The two continued down to the limo waiting for them. The driver closed the door behind them and drove off. The massive "Just Married" sign was plastered across the back window.
The two kissed once more as they rode off to their waiting flight.
Nine Months Later
"Welcome, race fans, to the 2052 IGPX season. A lot has happened since team Sledgemama won last year's championship, but I, Benjamin Bright, and here to bring you up to speed. Sledgemama's River Mark, who was injured last year, is back and ready to give the other teams some hurt. Team Black Egg, the team eliminated during the 2049 season, has returned to take the place of team Edgeraid, eager to get their revenge. Apparently team White Snow has upgraded their mechs, though policies forbid us from going into any detail. Just expect them to be ready for just about anything.
"And here's the biggest piece of news that you all have been waiting for. Team Satomi's lead pilot Takashi Jin, a.k.a Rocket T, is back this year. The former Liz Ricarro, now Liz Jin, is taking a maternity leave for this year. She will be replaced by the youngest pilot this year, Johnny Limpkin. Amy Stapleton is also returning to fill out the roster. Despite losing last year's final, this team has been called by many experts the most talented team in years. Once again, it seems that this team is still the one to beat.
"That's all from me. Thanks for watching, and keep on racing."
A/N: And thank you for reading. Sorry if you wanted a better finals race, but I wanted the semis to be the climax. And no, Sledgemama winning is not a typo. Flame me if you wish, but I like it. And could this last piece be a set-up for a sequel? I don't know. Tell me what you think in the review.
Special thanks go to everyone in a particular forum that I cannot remember the name of for giving my ideas for the romance. Also, thanks to Shaden who was my beta reader.
And of course, thanks so much to you faithful readers. This wouldn't have come about if it were not for you.
