Bleach Grand Prix

by UnitedOsprey1991

AU: It is 2070 the 50th year of the World Grand Prix. Join Ichigo and the rookie Kurosaki-Ishida team as the brave their rivals, the media, the drama and each other. They may find someone worth racing for as well. Ichihime OC/Tatsuki. Uryuu/cannon girl Chad/Isane. Chapters will be longish and may be a little complicated but don't let it discourage you. Review kindly.

20. A Day at the Glen

Chapter 20: A Day At the Glen

Sunday June 12th Over the Atlantic, about 6:00 London time.

Last time, the Grand Prix headed to its oldest track, the Silverstone Circuit. Despite putting up a great effort, the experienced Brian McNish was able to beat them both on his home track. But Ichigo and Andrew were not upset as they probably had one of the better races of their respective careers.

Now they were on a jet headind towards their next destination, an airfield outside of New York City that was contracted to hold the planes for the upcoming race at Watkins Glen.

Ryuken pulled out "The final thing on the agenda is the discussion of the upcoming race. The course we will use is the 3.4 Grand Prix configuration. From the starting line we go downhill to a tight right hander at turn 1. Then we have long winding S-turns at turns 2-4 before moving to back straight. At the end of the straight is the Inner Loop a bus stop Chicane before the outer loop turn 5. This leads into the chute that leads into the Boot. Turn 6 is a winding turn that sets up a right handed double turn 7. A short straight leads to turn 8 another right hander that leads into a blind turn 9. Then turns 10 and eleven is a left and then a right and back onto the main stretch."

Ryuken looked at the drivers who were taking notes. He looked at Andrew. "You've driven this circuit Andrew what can you tell us?"

Andrew leaned back. "NASCAR uses the Short Circuit, the IRL and the Sports Cars use the Grand Prix Circuit. Save for the Boot for the Grand Prix course, the track is the same layout. It is really fast. From Turn 1 to the Bus Stop, you are on the throttle which causes a lot of stress on the engines and the brakes. Without the Inner Loop you would be doing almost 200 into the chute."

"That fast?" Uryuu said amazed.

Andrew looked at Uryuu. "Why do you think they put it in Uryuu?"

Uryuu thought hard. "Someone…died?" Uryuu said.

Andrew nodded. "Oddly enough it was a NASCAR driver being killed that forced them to build it. Fortunately it's a safe enough track."

Uryuu sighed as the meeting broke up. They would be landing in a couple of hours in New York and the drivers would be crashing at Andrew's place.

Two hours later they landed at the airfield in a town called White Plains. It was a smaller airport compared to the other three airports in the area according to Andrew but it had the facilities to house those planes.

After clearing customs they were now on the road to Andrew's house. As they traveled they had to suppress a groan or at least Andrew did.

"Great I forgot people start vacationing this time of year and we landed in the middle of traffic on the Tappen Zee. Thank god no tolls this way." Andrew groaned. He flipped on the radio and tuned it to the rock station. He heard a familiar keyboard riff and smiled.

"Oh yeah Bon Jovi. I'm back home." Andrew said.

Tatsuki watched Andrew drum out the music as they through the traffic though she was feeling extremely nervous.

Orihime ever the optimist looked at her long-time friend with a small frown. "What's wrong Tatsuki-chan?"

Tatsuki looked at her long-time friend. "It's my first time meeting Andrew's family, I'm nervous that I will make a bad impression on them." She said a little shyly.

Orihime blinked. "Is the same girl who won karate tournaments on an injured leg? You've seen scarier stuff then meeting your boyfriend's parents. So where is she?" Orihime pouted.

Tatsuki giggled. "I guess you're right." Tatsuki said as they finally cleared all of the traffic and was now getting closer to the house with Chad and Uryuu in the car behind them.

Twenty minutes later they pulled off the highway and immediately they could see a contrast. Whereas Ichigo's home was on a bluff overlooking a town, the area where Andrew grew up was full of trees with houses doted through them. As they drove through what Andrew called the residential district it was clear this was a very upscale area. They drove until they came up upon a complex with a long drive. It had a white façade with two stories. Compared to the Kurosaki mansion it was really small. As they pulled up they noticed two SUV's, one that looked very old and one that looked brand new if the dealer tags were any indication.

"Huh, Mom must have gotten a new truck." Andrew said turning off the car. They got their bags and walked up to the door and rang the doorbell. Moments later an older version of Andrew opened the door.

"Hey Sport!" William said hugging Andrew. "Welcome Home." He whispered as the two men embraced. Separating Andrew regained his composure.

"It's been awhile hope you don't mind putting us up for a couple of weeks." He said.

William shook. "No problem we have room." He said as they stepped into the foyer.

Andrew smiled. "Where are my manners? Let me introduce you if you haven't met them. The big guy is Chad." Chad stepped up and said hello and helped bring in some of the bags. "The guy with glasses is Uryuu." Uryuu respectfully bowed. "The red heads are Ichigo and his girlfriend Orihime." Orihime bowed while Ichigo shook William's hand. "And this lovely lady" pulling Tatsuki close. "Is my girlfriend Tatsuki."

Tatsuki looked nervous at greeting her boyfriend's parents but the warm smile on William's face eased her worries.

"Great to meet you Tatsuki. Guess we have a lot to talk about. Hope you like steaks."

"Oh man I haven't had steaks in a long time. You guys will love it." Andrew said as they went into the living room where his mother Kathrine was greeting the rest of the group.

An hour later they were sitting down to dinner as the drivers regaled the two parents with stories that weren't seen on camera and the reasoning behind some of the on-camera stuff.

"That's how I somehow won the Monaco race." Chad said in a monotone voice. Kathrine being the short woman she was, she was a little intimidated by the large man. But she started warming up to him with his kind demeanor. In addition to her short stature she had red hair that reflected her Irish roots and brown eyes. Her face despite her age was neat and without too many wrinkles.

William turned to Tatsuki who had listened and ate quietly. "So what do you and Orihime do?"

Tatsuki was startled a bit. "Oh…we are reporters. We work with National Geographic. They assigned us to the team and well you can see history wrote itself."

William nodded his head. "National Geographic huh? I know you guys have a lot of documentaries and other shows, before this assignment what else did you do?"

Orihime chose to step in. "We did some photography and editing on the Arab War story. But this is our first real assignment."

Kathrine looked at the girls. "So how did you two got assigned to the job?"

Tatsuki chuckled. "I don't know but I guess my parents being good friends with the higher-ups. I should confess something, we were not supposed to be on the Kurosaki team."

Andrew put his silverware down surprised. "Really? First I'm hearing this."

Tatsuki nodded. "We were supposed to be on Hendrick, covering the champion and her struggles. But when it was announced that Jushiro retired and you took his job we were assigned to see how the rookie team was handling the pressures of the Grand Prix and an American who is adapting to a foreign team. I guess the story evolved from there."

Andrew chuckled which got everyone's attention. "I find it funny that I was going to Hendrick before Jushiro stepped down and Isshin called me. Maybe there was something to this red string proverb."

Tatsuki blushed at that making a certain anime character proud. The dinner passed uneventfully from there and they cleaned up the dishes. They also discussed plans for the next couple of days. Tomorrow the foreign members of the team would be visiting a local bar and meet with Andrew's friends from high school while Isshin would meet with William. The day after they would meet up with a couple of friends from his therapy group.

In Andrew's room, Andrew was watching baseball when Tatsuki walked in. The big mansion had enough rooms but Ichigo and Andrew insisted on sleeping with their girlfriends with the condition nothing other than sleeping happened.

Andrew looked at Tatsuki as she walked in. They had started wearing less to bed especially in the summer heat, with Tatsuki down to a pair of panties and a bra while Andrew was in his boxers.

"So you survived my parents." Andrew said chuckling. Tatsuki pouted as she crawled on to the bed and moved to his chest. "Told ya you had nothing to worry about."

"Yeah I know that now." Tatsuki looking around the darkened room. She could make out some history maps and some sports posters, just like a typical guy's room.

Tatsuki looked at Andrew who was thinking hard. "What are you thinking about?"

Andrew looked at Tatsuki. "Just thinking about what you said and then my response. It sounds like a coincidence that Jushiro retired so I can take his spot now that I think of it."

Tatsuki raised an eyebrow. "Really? You're being paranoid again.

"I didn't hear any other suitors come calling to them. Maybe they were just waiting for me to mature or something."

Tatsuki snorted. "You mature?"

Andrew looked at Tatsuki. "Yes. And I can prove it by doing this." He rolled over and started tickling Tatsuki senseless getting her to laugh. After a few minutes they felt exhausted especially from the jet lag and started dozing off to sleep.

Next day June 13th Office of Allied Insurance Inc.

William was leading Isshin and Ryuken through the offices of the company. Despite its reputation as a leading insurance company, it had at the moment 20 people. This allowed for personal connection between William who was the boss and the employees. William led them to a conference room.

"So you can see despite our size we've been able to get our products out. We are actually trying to expand to include a second official office but we hope to give the same amount of personal attention to our employees." William explained.

Isshin chuckled. "You know when I took this job from my father, I thought that big business was good. When me and Masaki married and merged with Ishida, there was so much to go through so many employee files and so many businesses. We could never interact with everyone. But you somehow turned a small company into a powerhouse with the amount of employees you have."

William smiled and sat down. "So we had dinner with the group last night. Andrew said something about going to Hendrick until you called. Something about Jushiro retiring."

Isshin shook his head. "He was contemplating retirement before last season. Jushiro retired because he had an illness that eventually kept him from racing. Nearly killed him at India when the G-forces suffocated him and blacked out. It was a really scary wreck. As for your son, our sons though they started on the wrong foot they are friends and even brothers in a sense. When Jushiro approached me about retiring I told him we had a guy ready to replace him. He was shocked and wanted to see your son race. He was at Talladega the week after the Indy race last year and then he saw him at Watkins Glen where we race this week to see how his replacement would fair.

William smiled. "I believe he won Dega and was Top five at the Glen."

Isshin nodded. "He approached Andrew after Talladega and told him about the possible offer. Andrew said he had an offer from Hendrick and Ferrari. We didn't announce Jushiro's retirement because it unfortunately would have tipped our hand to Souske."

William looked confused. "What do you mean tip your hand?"

Isshin walked over to the door and locked it. "Is there any other way to get into this room?"

William shook his head. "No the only way into this office is with the keypads on the doors leading into the office and only employees have the number. We change it with every change of employment.

Isshin turned serious. "What about your servers?"

William looked mad. "Our servers just got their security upgraded. We used a guy we rely on to install it. What is going on?"

Isshin reached into his pocket. "I didn't come here just for a social visit. Here plug this in." Isshin said pulling out a flash drive and tossing it to William.

"What is in there?" William asked.

"Something that as a business man you should despise." Isshin said.

William looked confused but put it in and activated the hologram projector. Pulling out the files he looked at them.

"What are these?" William asked.

Isshin looked at William hard. "These are the financial records of Souske Limited. The ones on the right are those Souske is reporting to the world. The ones on the left are the real records."

William looked at the numbers and saw the massive discrepancy. "If they are not reporting these then where the heck ae they getting the money. This is worse than Enron."

Isshin sighed. "Souske might be seen as a legitimate businessman but he has huge connections to the black market and the underworld. The worst part is that he is perfect position to control the world. Only Me and Kuchiki are standing in the way."

William looked through the records and saw the acquisitions. "He wants to box you out of the market or remove you two as players on the Hydrogen fuel market. Why is he not in jail yet?"

"Because he has blackmail, murder and other ways to make sure investigations disappear. We had to cooperate with Interpol to insert a man into the organization just to get this much because of how much influence he has."

William looked at Isshin. "What do you want with me?"

"I need you to find enough on there to forward to me that they cannot cover up. Find deals, connections, heck find tax evasion. I need enough proof to allow Interpol to launch an investigation. I came to you because if Souske attacks you, they will be investigated sooner and Souske is too smart for that."

William leaned back in his chair. "This will be something to tell Andrew—

"Don't you dare tell him!" Isshin snapped.

William was startled. Isshin looked at William. "I am not telling my son. I am doing this to protect them."

William jumped out of his seat. "You're putting my company on the line with this stunt!"

Isshin stood his ground. "Don't you think I know that? I would not have come here if I didn't think we would succeed."

The two men glared at each other and then Isshin sighed. "You know your son did something similar when I called him out on not following orders. If this spreads out of control I will take every measure to make sure you are kept out of trouble."

William sat down. "You better. This company was built by my grandfather I will not see it go down because a big shot decided to play politics."

Isshin laughed bitterly. "I wouldn't be surprised if Souske did influence the politics of several countries. (Sigh)…Look just find something that will get Souske at least looked at. That's all you need to do."

William looked at Isshin. "Fine. But I need something to make this worthwhile."

Isshin nodded. "I know. If your company goes down, I will provide for your company. Pensions and all, I will protect my driver's families."

William smiled. "That's all I ask. Now enough of this. Let's go out to this bar I like. A beer is just what the doctor ordered."

Isshin laughed. "Yes exactly what I ordered. Let's go." Isshin said as they walked to William's car.

Same time at a separate bar

Andrew had driven the group out to one of his favorite bars to meet up with several of his friends. Driving up the visitors saw the sign.

"'The Stables'?" Tatsuki said.

"Yep good bar food. I ate here at least once a week between races. Wonder if they missed me?" Andrew said as they walked into the bar. Almost instantly the bartender spotted them.

"Andrew! I knew you were coming with the race this week." The middle-aged man said.

"Sal, what is up it has been a while." Andrew smiled. The three patrons in the bar realized who had just walked in. It is not everyday celebrities walk in like the Kurosaki team. One of the patrons walked up to Andrew. It was a young lady about their age and from her features shouldn't be in this type of place with her brown hair and lightly tan skin.

"Hello Nii-chan." The girl said gently.

Andrew's look softened. "Hello imouto-chan." He said hugging the girl. Turning around he smiled. "This is Mary Haviland, my sister in all by blood and like me an anime and video game lover."

Mary put out her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet Andrew's team. He's told me a lot online. By the way the rest of the crew should be here soon."

"Soon being right now Mary." A loud voice sounded. The visitors turned to see three men and one woman approaching. The first looked like had the build of a football player with European features. The second was a short man and looked dressed for running. The third was taller than the football player and was dressed in a baseball jacket. The woman had Hispanic features and looked like she was some sort of artists.

Andrew was grinning ear to ear. "Michael, Justin, Pete, Emma. I've spoken but haven't see you in a long time."

Introductions were made and everyone sat at the bar while they got their drinks. The World Cup was on as they started talking about how they've been.

"Who's playing today?" Michael asked.

Peter looked at the screen. "Looks like Germany and some country called Fiore?"

Emma nodded. "Yeah they were the first to have women in their men's league and on their national team. Looks like they are fielding three here. Their top division, the First Saint League is on par with Portugal and France but a bit more competitive." (A/N: Geographically in this world they are off the coast of France. The countries that made up the Fairy Tail World are mixed together like states to form a country the size of Florida)

Andrew nodded as the game kicked off. After a few minutes Andrew started relaying the numerous stories they had encountered on their journey through the season as patrons walked by to take pictures and hear stories.

About twenty minutes into the game as Ichigo was helping explain the story at Abu Dhabi another group walked in. Andrew turned and he had a large smile on his face.

"Eren Jaeger, Armin Arlet, Mikasa Ackerman and Annie Leonhardt. What are you guys doing here?" Andrew said walking over. (Look them up you should know who these guys are)

Eren grinned. "I came here to watch Germany win this cup." He boasted as they shook hands. He did the same thing hugging the girls as well. He turned to his team. "Guys meet my let's call it apprentice, Eren Jaeger and his team, Ackerman Enterprises. They currently race in the Junior Light Division here in the U.S sound familiar Ichigo?"

Ichigo rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Nice to meet you all." Ichigo said. Before Ichigo could meet there was a commotion at the bar. They turned to see Fiore had score a goal and the game was tied at 1.

"Damn it what happened." Eren yelled. They watched as the lead striker Sting Eucliffe hit a finisher from a corner kick said up by one of the female players Erza Scarlet.

Andrew sighed and was about to go back to telling his stories when another man walked in. This guy was dressed in a military uniform and looked very serious. "Lieutenant Levi Ackerman it's been a while."

Levi hummed. "It's Captain now and yes it has."

The two stared each other down until Levi had a smirk. "How's it going brat?"

Andrew shook his head. "I'm only two years younger than you."

"Still going to be the same racing brat that I grew up with."

Sal served Levi his tea as he sat to watch the game as Andrew ordered food and traded stories. About 60 minutes into the game after half time the groups broke off to talk individually and Andrew sat down between the two 16 year old boys.

"So Armin, Eren how's racing in the lower tiers treating ya?" Andrew asked.

"We've been doing awesome. I'm in sixth, Mikasa is tied for 3rd, Annie is 8th and Armin is 12th. We've done alright in the team standings I am thankful we found some backers." Eren said sipping his coke.

Andrew hummed. "Good, I don't want your dreams to die because you didn't have money."

Eren and Armin nodded and started to drink again.

"So any girls on your mind?" Andrew asked which caused the two boys to choke. When they recovered they looked cross with Andrew. "What the heck all I care about is racing." Eren said quietly. But Andrew saw his eyes weren't on him they were shifting towards Mikasa who was talking with Orihime, while Armin kept his head down.

"You are such a liar Jaeger." Andrew said. Eren blushed. "Fine, Mikasa has been on my mind since I…inadvertently walked in on her changing." He said mumbling at the end

Armin chuckled. "I remember that, Captain Ackerman made you clean the garage five times."

Eren smacked Armin. "Shut up. But yeah until that point I thought about her like a sister but then what I saw…I wondered where the little girl grew up went and became a woman. Now that I think about it I believe Mikasa might have had a crush on me. God I am such an idiot."

Armin laughed. "No question there. You fly by instinct like that pilot in Top Gun."

"Hey don't mock Maverick. Besides Armin, don't get me started with your infatuation with Annie." Armin blushed mightily looking at the blonde girl watching the soccer match with Tatsuki.

Andrew chuckled. "You guys are so funny. It's alright, your growing up." He took another sip. "Take advantage of this. They understand the rigors of the job better than anyone. I had to break up with my first girlfriend because of that misunderstanding."

Eren looked over to Tatsuki who talking to Annie, who had started to warm-up a bit. "I'm glad to you happy with Tatsuki." Andrew looked at Eren. "Yeah…me too." Andrew said.

After the soccer match which ended in a 2-2 draw, the crowd dispersed. They said their good byes to Andrew's friends and hopped into his Mustang.

"Your friends were really nice. Especially your young friends." Tatsuki said.

"Yeah I saw you talking with Annie, I never thought you two would get along well similar personalities and all." Andrew chuckled at the light.

Ichigo looked at Andrew from the passenger's side. "It's so different. Our clients and customers we aren't as personable to them."

Andrew hummed. "Allied Insurance is and always has been a relatively small company. We try our best to get to know our clients, main reason why our dads are out to lunch. I may not see them every day, but the rapport I've built with them online and our friendship has endured to this day. You saw them most of them don't look like they should be hanging out with a racer like me. But it's that friendship I am thankful for. I can count on them to bail me out."

Ichigo looked out the door as they passed through Oakwood the town next to Franklin's Woods. "Yeah, I guess I never got around to making those types of friends. It felt different to actual go to a place like that and have a good time."

Andrew chuckled. "If anything, that illustrated the difference between our worlds. I had to earn my connections. This whole area is pretty much middle-class. Franklin's Woods and the town next to it Woodcliff are among the more upscale areas in this part of the state. It's tough trying to get the money to race as long as we have. I'm glad that Eren and his friends can still race. Because you could be racing one day and not the next."

The whole car nodded remembering Andrew's story as they headed back to the mansion.

Next day June 14th noon

The next day Andrew invited some of his friends over to catch up and play some games. Chad and Uryuu went out and explored the area. When Ichigo asked which friends, Andrew responded by saying they were autistics he met in a support group and they were of different ages. He also mentioned that his ex-girlfriend would be coming which set Tatsuki on edge. Uryuu had accompanied Isshin while he went to take care of some business in the city but Ichigo and the girls had stayed.

Soon enough the first guests arrived. The first was a short girl about 17 who had a really sweet deposition with brown hair and eyes and was wearing a grey shirt and jeans. This was Diana and she almost immediately gravitated to Orihime. With her was a boy with dark blond hair and blue eyes who looked like a jock wearing a yellow shirt and jeans. This was Chris who immediately made for the T.V which had the game systems set up.

Ichigo looked over to Andrew. "Are you sure they are autistic?" He whispered. Andrew nodded. "Trust me there are three more coming, they are a bit worse than that. Including my ex." Andrew whispered back.

Soon enough the last guests showed up. The first was a lanky kid of about 19 who with a similar hair color to Chris. This was Steve who almost immediately went about setting up a video camera to record something for his video log. The second was a guy with red hair and freckles who was of a similar height to Dana. The last one got at least Tatsuki's attention. From the skin color and appearance she appeared to be Indian with black hair tied up in a ponytail wearing a pink blouse and black jeans. This was Sadi, Andrew's ex-girlfriend. Tatsuki walked over to her as they made introductions.

"Hello there I'm Tatsuki. Nice to meet you." She said holding out her hand.

Sadi smiled. "I'm Sadi. It's nice to meet Andrew's girlfriend." She returning the handshake.

Tatsuki blinked. "Wait you don't care about me being his girlfriend?"

Sadi shook her head. The two walked over to the table while the boys set up their games and started talking about what they do. Tatsuki then asked how Sadi and the rest knew Andrew.

"Andrew and we go back about five years. He had started attending therapy groups when he was ten years old but it wasn't until his therapist told him about this group we had started. So during one of his off weeks he came to our get together and we hit it off." Sadi said looking over as Ichigo was yelling at Steven while Andrew was just laughing.

"We didn't know he was a racer for several weeks until one of us happen to catch him racing in one of NASCAR's divisions. When we went to confront him he panicked. He told us he didn't want us to know for he didn't how to approach the subject and it was nice to have friends outside his gamer club. We said it didn't matter to us. We were friends because we cared." Sadi chuckled. "You have no idea how relieved he was and we let it go. Nowadays we try to watch him race whenever we can."

Tatsuki looked at Sadi. "What about your relationship?"

Sadi sighed. "Because of our ages I guess we fell into the leadership role of our group. We danced around each other for a few months then we got together. We were happy for those months we were together but because of Andrew's schedule it became harder to keep our relationship. In the end we broke it off mutually. We still talk to each other when he's home." Sadi said. The two girls watched the boys play some multiplayer game while recording for Steve's video log. Andrew just did something that got Ichigo growling and everyone laughing at him. A few seconds later Ichigo grinned and Andrew growled as he returned the favor.

"I know people say we looked great together but I think you and him look great together." Sadi said surprising the tomboy. "Really?" Tatsuki asked surprised.

She nodded. "You travel for work. You are with him more than his own family. He said to us that it takes commitment not just from the drivers but from those who support them. Families, crews, friends, relationships. We both realized that I couldn't make that commitment." The dark skinned woman said.

Tatsuki looked back over at Andrew and both girls got up to walk over. Sadi to talk with Diana and Orihime while Tatsuki got behind Andrew, who was watching the others play for the round, and wrapped her arms around his back.

"Tatsuki?" Andrew asked in concern.

"Sadi told me about what happened with you." She said from his shoulder. "Its nice to have friends like this. No need to worry about fame or money." She said a little quietly. Everyone else was distracted with the game. "I just realized how much we are willing to give up to travel with you all."

Andrew smiled. "Would you change it?"

Tatsuki shook her head. "No. Not a single thing to this point/"

Andrew chuckled. It was at this point Steven had a remark about Andrew and Tatsuki. Andrew and Tatsuki separated and glared at the young man before Andrew proceeded to crush the competition. Many laughs, smiles and jokes were had as they forgot the world for a while.

Two Days Later

After a day of rest and relaxing, the drivers packed up and started to make the four hour trip to Watkins Glen. Joining them in his truck Mr. Michaels. Considering it was Father's Day, the elder Michaels decided to make it an outing with his son. To add to the family atmosphere Isshin was going to be bring the twins to the track as part of the crew. They were now driving through the Catskills taking in some of the scenery. Ichigo though was silent and watching it through the window.

Orihime was the first one to really notice. "Ichigo-kun?" This had snapped the red headed male out of his thoughts. He looked to the rear seat. "Yes Hime-chan?"

"Are you alright?" She asked concerned.

Ichigo put on a smile. "Yeah. I'm just glad that we can have some family here this week. It's just…"

Tatsuki filled in the blanks. "You would want your mother here too." Ichigo staying silent answered the question.

Andrew decided to try and change the topic. "What's the weather going to be like?"

Orihime got out her phone. "Let's see…Watkins Glen, New York. Cloudy with 70 percent chance of rain. Saturday rain all day into Sunday which won't clear up until race time at the earliest." Orihime frowned and everyone saw Ichigo flinched at the weather report.

Andrew sighed. "Guess you didn't want to hear that. So let's that would mean a clean race-track, no grip until the rubber gets put down. Might have to also worry about softer tires.

Ichigo zoned out as he watched the scenery pass by. He then drifted into his memories of his mother.

Flashback: Ichigo Age 6

Ichigo was looking around curiously. His mother had taken him to what she called a race track. His father was at home watching his newly born twin sisters while she took Ichigo to what she called one of her passions, being a race fan. She had bought him a pair of ear phones which she said protected his ears. Getting into the stands he was amazed at the amount of people in the stands. Looking at the pit area he saw the many colored cars that lined the road. Shortly thereafter the engines fired up and he was thankful for the headphones as they were loud. For the next three hours he watched as the cars jockeyed for position, crash and even perform on pit road. His mother didn't have a particular driver to root for but as she watched the race she peered down at her son and smiled at the rapt attention he gave the race. When the final flag flew and the race ended, the mother-son duo left in really high spirits and full of adrenaline.

As they made their way to the car Ichigo was deep in thought about something. As they drove through the traffic, Ichigo turned to his mother.

"Kaa-san?" Ichigo asked cutely. Masaki turned to her son. "I want to be a race car driver!" He said smiling.

Masaki widened her eyes and then smiled. "Really Sochi?" She asked. Ichigo nodded. "Well then I guess we should convince your father to build you a race car. Your going to be a great driver. I can feel it."

Ichigo beamed at that. Thanks to his mother taking him to the track, he began his career."

Flashback end

Ichigo had to let out a small smile at the memory as they continued to head towards the track.

Later that night.

The drivers had checked in and had toured the facilities. After a brief reunion with Ichigo's sisters they had eaten dinner and enjoyed their families enjoying together.

Now they were sleeping in preparation for tomorrow's practice. But for Ichigo, his sleep would be plagued by his memory.

Dream sequence Ichigo Age 8

Ichigo could only pout as the weather had shortened his on track practice. The karts they were driving were not meant to drive in rain.

Masaki looked from under the umbrella. "Don't worry sochi. We can come back when the weather clears up. Come on let's go get some ice cream.

"Okay kaa-chan." Ichigo said as he followed his mother to the car. Masaki called Isshin and let him know they were on their way home. After they had gotten ice cream, they headed home. With the increase in the rainfall there was potential flooding so Masaki took her time getting home. They were approaching a bridge that was near their home when she saw police lights. Looking through the wind shield she saw that they were chasing a car that was driving erratically. Before she could react the car drove into her lane. In a panic she drove into the guardrail and it gave way.

She only had enough time to yell at Ichigo to brace before they fell into the river. The car started to fill up. Masaki who was driving looked back at Ichigo who looked like the terrified eight-year old he was.

"Sochi it's going to be okay. Try to unbuckle yourself." Masaki said calmly.

Ichigo tried to unhook from the belt doing so only as the water go up to his knees.

Masaki checked herself and saw that on impact something had punctured her chest. She was bleeding but her son didn't need to see it.

Masaki reached for the hammer she kept in her glove compartment and tried breaking the window. The car had settled on its roof by now and the car was filling up. Masaki looked at her son who was still scared. With one more break the driver's broke. She turned to her son. "Ichigo I want you to take a deep breath and go down alright."

Ichigo nodded and swam right to his mother. "I'll be right behind you" She said kissing him. Ichigo took a deep breath and did exactly what his mom said. After a few tense moments he breached the surface. Due to the police chase there were police men in the area and they spotted Ichigo in the river. With great risk to their life a police man waded out to Ichigo and grabbed him.

Ichigo though was in hysterics. "Save my mom please! She's still down there!" Another police man dove down into the water in attempt to find Masaki alive. He saw the car and surfacing he dove down to see if he could save her. Approaching the driver's side door, he saw that Masaki wasn't moving. He saw the wound and theorized she either drowned or she bled to death.

Surfacing the officer swam for the shore. The first officer looked at the second officer who shook his head. Ichigo who looked at the officers starting yelling.

"Where's Kaa-san? Where is she? She said she would be right behind me! Kaa-san! Kaa-SAN!"

End of the dream

"MOM!" Ichigo yelled with a panic. He started breathing heavily. He looked at Orihime to see if she woke up but it looked like she was in the middle of her own nightmare if her whimpers were any indication.

Orihime's memory Age 8

Orihime was walking happily alongside her brother talking about her day at school on the way to their apartment from her brother's bake shop. As she was talking it had started to rain and her brother had given her his rain jacket.

They neared their destination when they heard tires. Sora saw a car going out of control and barreling towards them. Orihime being the naïve girl she didn't notice the car at all and with her being closest to the road she was right in the line of fire. Sora grabbed her arm and pushed her towards the shop. Orihime squeaked when this happened and then widened her eyes as her brother was run over by the car.

"ONI-CHAN!" Orihime cried out hysterically. Bystanders were calling the cops as Orihime went to her brother.

Sora looked at his sister. "Orihime you're okay." He said pained. "Don't speak oni-chan the ambulance is coming you'll be fine.

Sora coughed and some blood came out. "I don't think so Orihime. Listen, I want you to remember three thing. Number one is your beautiful especially with your hair, don't…(cough) let anyone tell you otherwise. Number two, this world…is beautiful…it might be ugly now but the world around you is breathtaking, never give up your passion. Finally… Let the world you capture have your smile. Bring the world your boundless happiness and never lose your beautiful smile." Orihime who was now openly crying nodded.

Sora nodded and just as the ambulance pulled up Sora closed his eyes. "Oni-chan? Wake-up. Please Wake-up! Don't Leave Me! Oni-chan please! Oni-chan? ONI-CHAN!"

End of memory

Orihime was shaken out of her dream when Ichigo shook her shoulder. Her eyes shot open and saw Ichigo over her. Sitting up, she took one look at Ichigo and she broke down and started openly crying. Hugging Ichigo she balled her eyes while Ichigo hugged her tight silently crying with her. They heard a knock on the door.

"Orihime? Ichigo? You alright?" Andrew's voice sounded. A second later the door opened to let Andrew and Tatsuki in. One look at the crying duo and they sighed.

"I forgot. Today's that anniversary." Tatsuki said. Andrew sat down on the chair and put a hand through his hair.

"Nii-chan?" Yuzu's voice sounded. The black haired duo looked to see the twins standing in the door way, Yuzu in a pink night gown, Karin in a black shirt and shorts.

"Go back to sleep girls. He just had a bad dream. Orihime as well."

"Was it about mom?" Karin asked. Ichigo looked at his sisters and from the tears the sisters guessed right. The girls walked over to the bed and hugged their big brother and the girl they saw as a big sister.

Andrew smiled sadly. "I feel like I'm imposing, Tatsuki let's give them some…privacy?" He trailed off as Tatsuki went over to hug Orihime who was starting to hiccup. Andrew sighed and left the room for a couple of minutes. He returned with pillows and a glass of water for the crying princess and the silently crying guardian.

"You miss her terribly." Andrew said from the foot of the bed. Ichigo looked from the mass of girls he was in. "She was the light of my world…the twins barely knew her. She's the reason I raced, and the reason I nearly gave it up." Ichigo said sadly.

Andrew sighed. "She must have been a great woman."

Ichigo smiled. "She was. I miss her every day." He looked down to see Orihime had fallen asleep along with the twins and Tatsuki. "Guess our bed will be crowded tonight." Ichigo said.

Andrew chuckled. "Don't think I'm hugging you. I'll stick to the edge of the bed thank you." Andrew said as he laid back.

"Andrew?"

"Hm?"

"Thank you. Just for being a brother."

"Anytime." And with that the room fell silent save for the sounds of breathing.

Early the next morning, Isshin searched for his family. Coming to Ichigo's room he was about barge in and attack his son when he noticed the group on the bed. He had to chuckle seeing his biological daughters his future daughter-in-law and his daughter all but in blood hugging his son while his second son was off to the side. He sighed he knew why they were like that. He remembered when Masaki died there was another little girl who lost her brother to the same drunk driver. Now he knew it was Orihime who lost her brother. He clenched his fist. That driver got sentenced to life in prison in the Maggot's Nest. For all Isshin cared, he hoped the man rotted there. He left the room to get ready for qualifying.

Qualifying

Ichigo was suited up and walking towards his car. He would be going out in the third session. Archie had set the time to beat and Andrew was currently 4th out of 12 qualified.

As he approached he suddenly had a memory flash.

Ichigo Age 6

Ichigo widened his eyes. His dad had just unveiled to him his first kart for him to race in.

"Wow! Thanks Tou-san, Thanks Kaa-san!" He said happily

Isshin laughed. "Anything for you my son. I'm sure you and your mother will do great.

Masaki giggled. "Its fine Isshin. Kisuke come get a picture of us."

The three Kurosaki's lined up with Ichigo in the kart as the Kisuke took the picture.

End Memory flash

Ichigo smiled at the memory as he strapped in. Starting the engine he pulled out onto the track which had dampened from the drizzle that had started. When the green flag dropped, he started racing. His car was handling good despite the weather. As he drove through the inner loop he suddenly got off the track and kicked up some mud.

"F^$&" Ichigo said as he got his car back under control but his momentum was shattered.

In the pits, Isshin cursed as well. The crew was watching the qualifying run and they could only groan.

"Ichigo is distracted. He knows to have a clear head this week with the weather." Uryuu said.

"Could it be that it's the day?" Andrew asked.

"No he normally does okay. But this is the first time we've had to have a significant event on the day that Masaki died." Isshin said.

"What do you normally do on this day?" Tatsuki asked as she videotaped the qualifying run.

"We…normally take the day off. I actually ordered the company closed on this day because I cannot function well on this day. I take the kids over to Masaki's grave and well we spend the day there. This…is probably the first time we've been away from home on this day." Isshin said somberly.

The crew looked at Isshin with sympathetic looks. The session came to a close and the cars on the track came off the track. They walked over to where Ichigo parked his car. They arrived as Ichigo climbed out and tossed his gear into the car, clearly frustrated. He stormed off not even looking at his crew. Orihime looked to go after him but was held back.

"Leave him. He needs to cool off on his own. Please do your job properly and get back to the pits." Ryuken said scolding the gentle girl.

Orihime frowned and could only follow the crew to the pits. An hour and a half later Orihime approached the door to Ichigo's room and knocked softly. She cracked open the door and saw Ichigo listening to his Ipod. He looked and saw Orihime in the doorway. He patted the space next to him and seeing the invitation the reporter entered the room closed the door and walked to Ichigo's side. She laid down on his shoulder and quietly comforted Ichigo.

"I'm here for you." Orihime said quietly

Ichigo just wrapped his arm around the girl and they silently remembered their lost loved ones.

Starting line-up: Watkins Glen

Robert Johnson

Archie Stewart

Serenity Gordon

Renji Abarai

Marcus Andretti

Brian Mcnish

Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez

Chad Yasotora

Andrew Michaels

Flippe Massa III

Ulquiorra Cifer

Rebecca Kirkland

Soi Fong

Bjorn Kristensen

Dale Earnhardt IV

Jessica Rosburg

Tier Harribel

Raoul Garcia

Uryuu Ishida

Gin Ichimaru

Ralph Dillon

Ichigo Kurosaki

Patricia Stenhouse

Ikkaku Madarame

Ralph Hamilton

Alexandra Edwards

Maria Robertson

Allen Regan

Jason Webber

Kira Izuru

Michael Kennseth

Michael Busch

Shawn Newman

George Schumacher

Jason Vettal

Francesca Alonso

(Will Ichigo make the right changes to get to the front?)

Sunday June 19th Father's Day

Ichigo yawned and looked down at Orihime. He had taken to watching the red head sleeping when he woke up. Her innocent sleeping face was something he treasured and he love the way her hair framed her face. He ran his hand through her hair which reached her heart shaped butt and despite the traveling was soft as silk. He looked at his phone to see it was 730. He moved his hand to her forehead and moved some of her hair.

"Hime? Time to get up sleeping beauty." Ichigo said softly.

Orihime whimpered. "No blue men I don't want you to take my waffles. Their mine and Ichigo's." She said getting Ichigo to chuckle. He took a sniff and he could smell pancakes and waffles being made. Orihime opened her eyes and looked up to Ichigo.

"Morning Ichigo-kun."

"Morning Hime-chan."

The two sat there in comfortable silence as Ichigo petted Orihime's hair while the girl laid on Ichigo's chest.

A knock on the door snapped them out of it. "Yes." Ichigo answered.

"Just coming to wake ya two. It's almost time for breakfast." Andrew called behind the door.

"Thanks." Ichigo said and after a kiss on the forehead, they made themselves decent and went to the kitchen. Once there they saw everyone for the team was lined up at the tables as Andrew, Yuzu and Uryuu finished preparing breakfast.

"Oni-chan your just in time. Sorry we wanted to wake you up but you two looked cute sleeping."

The couple blushed but smiled. This team knew their relationship and gave them good-natured ribbing. They sat down next to Isshin as William tapped the glass.

"If it isn't too much to ask I would like to say a prayer before breakfast." William said. Most bowed their heads while Andrew and Ichigo held their girlfriends hands.

"Dear heavenly father, we thank you for this day to allow us to enjoy a race as fathers and sons. We pray for a safe race and we pray for those who cannot be here." Here Ichigo squeezed Orihime's hand. "We bless this food to the nourishment of our bodies and hope that today's race results in a victory. In your son's name we pray. Amen."

William looked up. "Alright dig in guys." William said as the crews and drivers dug in.

(Play Simple Man by Lynard Skinner as the crews began to eat)

Andrew was dressing in his suit with Tatsuki in the room. William stepped in as he finished and gave his son a hug.

Uryuu was adjusting his glasses as his father was talking on the phone. When Ryuken hung up he sighed as he remembered his sister.

Chad was looking at his pictures of his parents. He shed a small tear as he put it down and walked away.

In Ichigo's room he was finishing getting ready as he looked at his mother's picture. He turned around to see a sadly smiling Orihime. He hugged her and then grabbed his helmet.

Up and down the garage especially in the American garages, the fathers of the drivers were spending time with their kids as they prepared for the race.

In the various booths, many of the reporters also had their kids out and were interacting with them before they went on the air.

Through the track various families especially fathers and sons were filling up the stands. They were excited for the upcoming race.

In the driver's meeting in a departure from the norm they allowed the parents to attend the meeting knowing that at least the American drivers this was a special day for them. The meeting went surprisingly well though William took a glance at the Souske drivers. He could see the arrogance in the blue haired one, Grimmjow he believed and the aloofness in the woman's and the pale skinned driver, Tier and Ulquiorra. He glanced over at the team owner Aizen as he was watching the meeting progress. The businessman happened to turn to catch William's eye but William turned his head quickly as the meeting let out.

William let out a long breath as he rejoined his son to get ready for the race.

(End previous song start up the Fox Montage with Carry on my Wayward Son)

Father's Day is a special day here in the United States. As the summer begins, many sons and daughters stop and take a day to spend with the men who made them who they are or helped them grow up. It's a special bond a father and his kid.

In racing, fathers and sons have made up the backbone of racing for generations. Many have a legacy to live up to. (Images of Serenity, Robert, and Schumacher are shown with their famous fathers or grandfathers next to them.) Some have their fathers in there corners (Ichigo and Isshin and Uryuu and Ryuken are shown in front of their cars) Others have to spend months away from theirs. (Andrew is shown walking with his father in qualifying.) And some don't have a father for them to root for. (Tier, Michael Busch are shown). It's fitting that on a day made for father's they come to the granddaddy of American road racing. This race has been raced in the foothills of the Adirondacks for years with countless drivers and families racing on it. For those fathers with children racing, they shouldn't be more proud of their children. All they can say to their wayward children, is to carry on and race till they can't race anymore.

(Cue chorus and fade over the track)

Welcome to Watkins Glen

(Fox intro as it pans over the race track)

Jeremy: A cloudy day greets us here in upstate New York. But the drivers are ready and so are the fans.

(Cuts to the American Booth)

Jeremy: Welcome to Round 14 of the World Grand Prix and round 6 of what is being called the Gauntlet. I am Jeremy Buck alongside my co-host Nate Jarrett. We have travel thousands of miles in the last six weeks. Starting with Austria we went to the resort town of Sochi Russia then the famous Monaco streets. We then went to Barcelona and then we just had a round at the legendary Silverstone Circuit in Britain. We now are in one of North America's racing meccas Watkins Glen here on this Father's Day weekend. Nate, we have been racing six straight weeks going to many different countries and we still have two races left. What are the drivers feeling at the moment?"

Nate: Probably exhaustion and frustration especially those chasing our points leaders. (Points standings are shown. See the end of the last chapter for the updated ones) Ichigo and Andrew seem to be super human. They have not gotten rattled with this long travel schedule as we look at the team standings, the Kurosaki team is defying all expectations.

Jeremy: Indeed but now they are approaching some of the faster tracks on the circuit and I'm talking about Daytona where we are going to be for the 4th of July weekend. The vast differences in banking compared to what they normally run will test those who did not grow up on those tracks. But that's in the future. Let's talk about today. We have a great team of reporters with us as we always do. Let's head to our pit reporter Jermaine Ferguson who is standing with the man who is in second place in the points. Jermaine?"

(Cuts to pit road) Jermaine: Thank you Jeremy. Andrew you are fourteen races into your Grand Prix career yet you are in second place in the points. Is there any reason for that?

Andrew: (Laughs) Well I can think of a couple. These Kurosaki Hondas are a big reason. I wouldn't be able to get this far without them. The organization is not that bad either, we are a big family even after five months together and I guess that has diffused some of the possible tension. But I think the biggest is that we leave racing on the track. Off the track we don't even talk about it save for driver's meetings. That probably takes a ton of stress off and since we are traveling the world why not enjoy it.

Jermaine: Well it seems to be working. Now this is essentially your home track you live about four hours away and you brought someone to be in your corner. (Motions to William)

Andrew: (Chuckles) Yep. He hasn't seen me race live. So I figured with the race so close to home and being Father's Day he sees how his boy has done.

Jermaine: Quite right. Andrew rolls off 9th. Now to my colleague Kiyone who is with our winner from last week.

Kiyone: Thanks Jermaine. Brian you come off a great win last week. What does that win do for your confidence going forward?

Brian: I think it bodes well for me personally but if Ichigo and Andrew keep up their pace, then I do not know who can catch them.

Kiyone: You definitely did last week.

Brian (Laughs) Yeah but who knows, they've done well regardless of starting position. The whole team has. But these Audis are ready.

Kiyone: The Scholar rolls of 6th. Back to in the studio.

An hour later after the national anthem, the driver were strapping into their cars. Andrew was strapped and placing his ear buds in.

"Good luck sport." William said through the window. "You've made me a proud dad you know."

Andrew smiled and put on his helmet.

Further back on the grid Ichigo was placing his helmet when Orihime leaned into the window.

"Good luck Ichigo-kun." Orihime said as she reached into hug Ichigo. She pulled back and went with Isshin to their pit.

Ichigo looked at the small trinket with his mother's motto on it. "Love you mom." Ichigo said through his helmet.

"NOW FOR THE MOST FAMOUS WORDS IN MOTORSPORTS! DRIVERS! START YOUR ENGINES!

Thirty-six cars roared to life to prepare for what was sure to be an exciting race.

Japan Booth

Jushiro: An enthusiastic crowd greets the cars as they begin the parade laps on this 3.4 mile circuit.

Kommamura: As they drive let's look at what will make up this race. It is 105 laps on this 3.4 mile Grand Prix circuit. Fuel window is about 24-26 laps. But look for some people to take a gamble near the end.

Jushiro: Three things to keep an eye. Number one is the speed. In NASCAR this is called the Talladega of road courses. From the exit of turn 1 to turn 7 most cars will be on the throttle all the way. The Inner Loop can be taken in about fourth gear which doesn't slow them down. This will obviously affect tire ware.

Kommamura: Number two is the Brakes because of these speeds. In the three main braking zones you are going from sixth to nearly second gear. The last is the return to the short circuit. Turn 9 is a blind turn. If there is a wreck it could easily take several cars with it.

After a few parade laps the race began in earnest as they came out of turn eleven and saw the green flag. Archie led them down to turn 1 as many had to lock up the brakes to avoid running into each other. Some of them ran into the run off but they managed to get their act together before starting to go up hill and picking up speed. By the time they got onto the back stretch they were pushing sixth gear. They slowed down just a hair entering the inner loop. But then they picked up speed as they headed towards the chute and down into the boot area. They were still fighting in the back of the back as they went up and down the hill on the straight before slowing down to go into turn 8. Climbing into turn 8 and going through turn 9, many slowed down a slightly before hitting the stretch to turn 10. After the right left switch back Archie led the first lap with Robert hot on his heels.

In the way back Ichigo had fallen to 24th and was frustrated at his handling.

"Dad can't really turn the car right now." Ichigo said as he finally passed the start finish line.

"Wait till the car burns off fuel."

Ichigo cursed as he nearly took out Alexandra.

Four laps later Robert managed to use his knowledge of Watkins Glen's Inner Loop to pass Archie and drove into the chute with a considerable advantage. Further back Ichigo was trying to avoid getting dropped further back as he tried to hold onto 24th. His car was slightly loosening up but it was not helping the often temperamental red head.

"This is pissing me off." Ichigo growled going into the boot.

"Relax. I am telling you calm down." Isshin said over the radio.

"Isshin is right bro. Chill man. This ain't the best track to get mad at." Andrew said.

Ichigo growled as he managed to separate from Kira.

Ten laps later, Grimmjow took the lead away from Robert. The blue-haired playboy laughed.

"Later losers." He roared as he shifted gears through turn 2.

Five laps later, the first retirement of the race occurred as Michael Kennseth had lost his power steering going into the chute. He was able to limp his way to the pits but he could not continue. He was lucky he did not wreck anyone else.

On lap 22 the drivers started coming in. Ichigo came in from 21st and slid into his pit. Isshin called for a spring rubber and a small air pressure adjustment and sent him on his way.

Two laps later Andrew came in and started his service. However when they pulled away his car refused to move.

"What the? Kisuke!" Andrew yelled over the radio.

The crew scrambled to get his car going. After an agonizing couple of minutes and losing a lap to Grimmjow they finally got him going but he was not happy.

"What the F*** happened?" Andrew called out.

"Something happened when you revved up fortunately we were able to find it. Sorry about the time loss.

Andrew growled as he picked up speed.

American Booth

Jeremy: A costly mistake for the 91. What do you think happened?"

Nate: Might have been a fuel issue. All I know is Andrew is not happy.

Twenty-three laps later on lap 47 as Grimmjow was leading the first full course yellow came out as Jason Webber blew his engine heading back on the short track. Because of the location the officials decided to air on the side of caution and threw the yellow.

Japan Booth

Jushiro: A blown engine ends the Red Bull car of Jason Webber as we work Lap 48. This will let the drivers come down pit road and make their changes.

Kommamura: It will be interesting to see what kinds of strategy they will have going forward with as we approach half-way. Here they come and they are going to Kiyone.

Kiyone: (As cars are coming in) Robert is complaining of a loose car and his crew chief is going down on the track bar along with four tires. Grimmjow says nothing is wrong with the car and his feeling confident going forward.

As the cars pulled off, Andrew was one of four cars a lap down. Due to a new rule, if there was a full course yellow, the first lapped down car was allowed to get the lap back. Thanks to that rule he got back on the lead lap and went to the tail end of line on lap 50 one lap before the green. As he raced to catch up he passed the speed dry where Jason had blown his engine. He had a feeling of dread pass through them.

"Guys I have a really bad feeling something might happen on the restart. Where are you?"

"I'm in 12th." Uryuu responded.

"8th." Chad said.

"17th." Ichigo replied.

"What's going on Andrew?" Kisuke asked.

"The speed dry, combined with the speeds we are pushing…something doesn't feel right."

"Your last couple of hunches seemed to pay off. Guys be really careful." Ichigo said.

"Speak for yourself cousin. Your in the danger zone as they say." Uryuu said.

Ichigo grunted as the race was restarted. The racers went through the gears and traveled through the track like normal. As they headed through turn 8, one car went through the speed dry and moved to avoid it. The problem was he did not see the car behind them and they got clipped sending him into another car that was passing him. The driver over corrected and bounced hm across the track which hit two cars behind them and forced them into the wall on the left as they spilled onto the short circuit sending one nearly over the fence and helicoptering and nearly collecting another car behind them. The cars behind them checked up sending a couple almost sliding into the wreck as they tried to get through the wreckage.

American Booth

Jeremy: (Camera is on the leader in turn 10) Grimmjow makes his way around the turn as he is fighting off the champ-

Nate: (Cuts to the car in the fence) Trouble coming out of the boot. Oh good lord! Debris everywhere. At least five cars involved, maybe more.

Jeremy: Two cars completely destroyed. I think that's the Kuchiki Toyota Ikkaku Madarame in the 11 and Shawn Newman in the 39. (Cuts to a car with front end gone as they drove back) That's Raoul Garcia. Who else?

Nate: Allen Regan and Jessica Rosburg also involved they've stopped in the run off in turn 10. Who's that in the fence?

Jeremy: The 99 Alexandra Edwards. Flippe Massa involved and it looks Michael Busch is stopped on pit road. What happened is the big question as the pace car picks them up. They are going to red flag them and bring them down pit road. This is going to take a while to clean up.

(Replays begin)

Nate: Let's see that's Allen Regan. He gets into the speed dry and slightly panics he tries to cut away not seeing the cars behind him. (Wreck begins) He tries to overcorrect and he ends up hitting his teammate. She end up sliding across and he being flipped up and helicoptering into the fence.

(Shows contact with Raoul) Damn that was a hard lick and wow it nearly got Ichigo as he drove underneath the wreck.

(Replay from Ichigo's camera) Jeremy: He's about 18th when the wreck began. (Yuzu is heard telling him to check-up) He goes through the smoke and is completely blind. He sees the 99 flip and hit Garcia and nearly hit him. He must have a four leaf clover with him.

Flashback five minutes

As Ichigo was racing for 19th, he saw the smoke ahead.

"Oni-chan big wreck ahead many of the team spotters are calling their drivers." (I realize now they need more spotters)

Ichigo said nothing as he slowed down as he drove through the smoke. The moment he cleared he saw the 99 flipping through the air and hitting the car in front. He widened his eyes as memories flashed through him. He shook his head as he started to breathe heavily.

Present time

He was still breathing heavily as he drove into the pits. With the red flag out the Grand Prix officials allowed the drivers out of his car, due to how long the clean-up would be. Ichigo calmed down and removed his helmet.

"Ichigo? You alright?" Isshin said walking up to his window. Ichigo looked at his father. "I'm fine. I had…a really bad memory flash. The car coming at me was like mom's wreck.

Isshin nodded. "Just try to relax. We'll let you know when the red flag is being lifted.

Ichigo was left to his own devices and before long he fell asleep.

Dream sequence

Ichigo opened his eyes and he found himself on a deserted race track. Looking around he widened his eyes. He knew this place. It was the track his mother took him to see his first race.

"Ichigo?" A soft female voice said. Ichigo stood still. He never thought he hear that voice again. He turned and saw his mother, as beautiful as the day she died.

"Mom?" Ichigo said in disbelief.

"Hello sochi. My kami you have grown up so handsome. I bet you are beating the girls off with a stick.

Ichigo said nothing and walked over to hug her shedding tears. After the extended hug they separated and sat on the pit wall.

"I don't know what to say mother." Ichigo said.

"It's fine sochi. I've seen your life up to now. It's so satisfying to see my family stay together after my death. I see you have a girlfriend."

Ichigo blushed getting Masaki to giggle. "It's okay sochi. Orihime is such a pretty girl. I've talked with her brother. She misses him like you miss me."

Ichigo smiled. "I don't know why I never met her before this year."

Masaki smiled. "That's what love is Ichigo. I felt that way with your father."

Ichigo thought about it and he realized through his interactions with the girl, whether it be her infectious smile, her laugh, her beauty, her figure, her innocence. Why was he so dense before?

"I…love her mom. I just don't know how to tell her."

Masaki smiled and hugged her son. "When the time comes Ichigo, you will know." She said as she stood up. It's time for you to head back to where you are supposed to be."

Ichigo nodded and started to fade away. "I'm with you in spirit and in your heart Ichigo." Masaki called out as the dream faded.

Dream sequence end

Ichigo opened his eyes. He looked around a little disoriented at first and then he regain his composure. He saw the officials still talking with the carious crews. He unhooked himself and climbed out to stretch his body out.

"There you are. I heard you were taking a nap." Andrew said walking over with the girls.

Ichigo looked at them and smiled. "How are you feeling?" Tatsuki asked.

Ichigo looked at Orihime with a genuine smile, which the cheerful girl returned. "I haven't felt this good in a long time. I feel like nothing can beat me right now.

Andrew looked up and down the grid. "Hope you can back that up. You've got some ground to make-up."

Ichigo nodded and looked skyward. Since the race had been red flagged the sky had clouded over a bit.

"Looks like its going to be cloudy. Dad?" He called noticing his father walk over. "We need to adjust for the clouds. Loosen me up once we get back to the pits."

Isshin nodded and told the group that the drivers were being called back to their cars. Before Ichigo got in, Orihime hugged him.

"Stay safe Ichigo." She whispered and walked away. Ichigo watched her walk away and he could have sworn there was a slight sway in her step as she did so.

Ichigo chuckled and got himself strapped into the car. Ten minutes later the engines were re-fired and they were released back onto the track.

American Booth

Jeremy: After an hour and half red flag, the race track is cleared up and the fence is repaired. We are back racing. They will do two laps and then be allowed to come back down pit road.

Nate: This is just like back at Malaysia this was like a halftime break. There are a couple of people this could benefit. Ichigo was starting to make his way through the field after making several adjustments on the previous stops. He got a lucky break that he did not get hit in that wreck.

After two laps everyone that was still running came into make some adjustments and change the tires. Grimmjow led procession out of pit road with Serenity in second. As they came around for the one to go, the drivers tried to heat up the tires as much as they could considering they've been on pit road a long time.

They came around for the green flag and Grimmjow punched the gas only to feel the tires not grip, indicating he spun the tires. This forced people behind him to check up. It got worse for the Panther as he dove into turn one and he wheel hopped almost causing another wreck with his spin. Fortunately for everyone there was ample run off for them to get around the 06. Unfortunately for Grimmjow he was turned the other way as everyone drove around him. He was furious and he made it known on the radio.

"God F*&^%$ ! Damn it! What the Hell!?"

Aizen frowned as he heard the driver that was leading the majority of the race completely throw his chances away.

Meanwhile Ichigo had gotten around Grimmjow's spin out and now was working on the 002 of Soi Fong for 15th. Passing her before the Inner Loop he quickly set his sights on the next car Shawn Newman. Evidently the changes they had made were paying off. Within five laps he was in 12th and in the Kurosaki pits there was something flowing through the crews. Like they felt one of their driver's was going to win. As all four cars passed the start finish line, that feeling seem to radiate towards Ichigo as he passed Uryuu for 10th.

Ichigo didn't know what was going on but he felt incredibly at peace. He felt a presence on his shoulder and felt the motherly feeling radiating from it. He knew his mother would be watching from above but to actually be his wingman it felt comforting.

The race kept going and soon it came for everyone to make their final stops. Ichigo came in giving up 6th place.

Japan Booth

Kommamura: Final pit stops are underway and the 15 of Ichigo Kurosaki is coming in from 6th place, Kiyone what can you tell us?

Kiyone: He has been quiet almost since the last pit stop, save for check ins. Isshin has told us he has entered some sort of zone. Four tires and the 15 is down and away.

Jushiro: I…I've been in that zone. It happens when your car, you're driving and your luck are going your way. You throw out all thinking and drive by instinct. To see it in someone so young.

Kommamura: This has been a tough weekend emotionally for the 15.

Jushiro: Yes…his mother died 15 years ago Friday. He says she's the reason why he started racing. (Camera Pans to Isshin) Isshin provided the cars but it wasn't until Ichigo was a teenager that it became truly a family thing. (Pans to Karin on the pit wall) Karin and Yuzu are his younger twin sisters, when they aren't in school they are here supporting their big brother. (Pans to the roof with Yuzu on the paddock.) To think that these girls can barely remember their mother, it must have been hard on the whole family to keep racing.

Kommamura: But they aren't the only family members here.

Jushiro: (Pans to Ryuken) Yes Ryuken Ishida is Ichigo's uncle, Masaki's older brother. He and his son Uryuu have long supported Ichigo and Isshin. (Cuts to the 32 who is currently fourth after the cycle of pits stops but Ichigo was in the camera shot.

Kommamura: Do you feel he can win?

Jushiro:…Yes I do believe they can win.

On lap 85 after getting through the lapped traffic, Ichigo had caught Robert in the boot. Exiting Turn 9 he pulled a crossover into turn 10 and passed Robert exiting 11. He then proceeded to check out, meaning pull away from the pack as the car just seemed to be on a different level.

Grimmjow who had recovered from his earlier spin had cracked the top ten. But the drivers ahead of him had given him a hard time to get to the front. By the time he cracked the top five, there was less than five laps to go and he was absolutely furious.

Up front Ichigo had opened up a 12 second lead as he took the white flag.

"Just one more lap Ichigo. Just hit your marks. Don't get emotional." Isshin said but he was trying to hold back his tears as well.

Ichigo has tears in his eyes as he went through the last few turns. When he saw the flag he raised his fist and pounded it on the steering wheel.

American Booth

Jeremy: Final two turns for our point's leader, he must be an emotional wreck right not. Out of turn 11, Mrs. Kurosaki you must so proud of your family. Your son has just won at the Glen.

(Play the Top Gun theme. Somehow this fits)

In the pits the entire crew was cheering loudly. Isshin was hugging his daughters as they cried happy tears. Once it was safe enough, the whole Kurosaki contingent, Andrew's, Chad's and Uryuu's crews included walked onto the race track as Ichigo pulled up to the line.

Ichigo pulled off his helmet and you could see the tears he was shedding.

"Mom…I did it. This win…is for you." Ichigo said as he climbed out of the car. Once outside he saw his whole team cheering for him and the crowd. Raising his hands in triumph he gave out a big cheer to the delight of the crowd. His eyes scanned the crowd and caught the familiar red hair.

He climbed down and approached Orihime. The crew parted as she walked up to him.

"Ichigo?" She asked.

Ichigo said nothing and cupped her cheeks. Before he leaned in, he whispered.

"I love you." Ichigo said.

Orihime's face lit up. "I love you too." And the two kissed and fireworks figuratively exploded around them.

The crews cheered for the couple and they cheered for their win. Everything seemed right with the world for the Kurosaki team at the moment.

But what plans does Souske have? Will the Kurosaki luck hold? Find out next time on Bleach Grand Prix.

Finish Order: Watkins Glen

Ichigo Kurosaki, Kurosaki 37 points 20 laps led

Robert Johnson Hendrick 38 points 34 laps led

Uryuu Ishida Kurosaki 34 points

Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, Souske 34 points 23 laps led

Archie Stewart, Stewart-Haas 32 points

Gin Ichimaru, Souske, 31 points

Maria Robertson, Ferrari, 30 points

Serenity Gordon, Hendrick 30 points 15 laps led

George Schumacher Ferrari 28 points

Patricia Stenhouse, Rousch 27 points

Marcus Andretti, Stewart-Haas, 26 points

Chad Yasotora, Kurosaki, 25 points

Brian Mcnish, Audi, 25 points 2 laps led

Renji Abarai, Kuchiki, 23 points

Rebecca Kirkland Audi 22 points

Francesca Alonso, Ferrari 21 points

Jason Vettal Red Bull 20 points

Andrew Michaels, Kurosaki 19 points

Ralph Dillon, Hendrick 18 points

Ulquiorra Cifer, Souske 17 points

Soi Fong, Kuchiki 16 points

Bjorn Kristensen, Audi 15 points

Kira Izuru, Kuchiki 14 points

Tier Harribel, Souske 13 points 1 lap down

Ralph Hamilton, Red Bull 12 points 1 lap down

Dale Earnhardt IV, Hendrick 11 points 1 lap down

Michael Busch, Stewart-Haas 10 points Out

Jessica Rosburg, Ferrari 9 points Out

Alexandra Edwards Rousch , 8 points Out

Raoul Garcia, Audi 7 points Out

Flippe Massa III, Red Bull 6 points Out

Allen Regan, Rousch 5 points Out

Ikkaku Madarame, Kuchiki 4 points Out

Shawn Newman, Stewart-Haas, 3points Out

Jason Webber Red Bull 2 points Out

Michael Kennseth Rousch 1 point Out

Drivers names Team Points

Ichigo Kurosaki Kurosaki 378

Andrew Michaels Kurosaki 363

Brian Mcnish Audi 351

Uryuu Ishida Kurosaki 325

Serenity Gordon Hendrick 322

Ulquiorra Cifer Souske 305

Gin Ichimaru Souske 303

Archie Stewart Stewart-Haas 302

Grimmjow Jagerjaquez Souske 294

Chad Yasotora Kurosaki 290

George Schumacher Ferrari 282

Marcus Andretti Stewart-Haas 274

Renji Abarai Kuchiki 267

Tier Harribel Souske 265

Maria Robertson Ferrari 260

Soi Fong Kuchiki 257

Ralph Hamilton Red Bull 256

Patrica Stenhouse Rousch 250

Flippe Massa III Red Bull 248

Ralph Dilion Hendrick 247

Ikkaku Mandarame Kuchiki 238

Michael Busch Stewart-Haas 224

Bjorn Kristensen Audi 224

Michael Kennseth Rousch 221

Jessica Rosburg Ferrari 219

Jason Webber Red Bull 218

Robert Johnson Hendrick 218

Jason Vettal Red Bull 218

Rebecca Kirkland Audi 217

Fransesca Alonso Ferrari 216

Kira Izuru Kuchiki 197

Alexandra Edwards Rousch 193

Shawn Newman Stewart-Haas 191

Raoul Garcia Audi 187

Allen Regan Rousch 173

Dale Earnhardt IV Hendrick 168

Team Names Combined points

Kurosaki-Ishida 1355

Souske 1167

Stewart-Haas 991

Kuchiki 981

Audi 979

Ferrari 977

Hendrick 955

Red Bull 940

Rousch 837

END OF CHAPTER

UO: GOD DAMN IT I WANTED THIS OUT SUNDAY. Well I hope this made up for it.

Tracks

Watkins Glen: This track has been around since 1956 as a permanent course. It used to hold the U.S Grand Prix in F1. The IRL, the Sports Car series and NASCAR run on this track, though NASCAR runs the short track.

Preview: As the Grand Prix heads to Montreal, misfortune befalls many teams at this unusual track, none more so than the Kurosaki team. As misfortune on the track ensues more misfortune seems to be in store for the business world as Souske makes plans. What will happen? Find out.

Please Review. Next update is Journeys. Also check out my pals, Lalapie203, Spartan719, Code-Emperor07, Kurogane 7, Soleneus, Soulsilverlord, Vanishing Raptor, Kage Bijuu, Giratina Zero and EvashinoniKaiserKnight. I help on a lot of their works. I have also taken on an apprentice of sorts in Kamen Rider Super-Fan.

OSPREY….SWOOOSH

Edited 11/22/2014 Minor changes made