- 6,380
- United Kingdom
- RoJJieE
- mb6roj
Chapter 45 - Return Of The Atenza
Yuka and Hitomi arrived at their hotel near Monza. It was pitch black outside, but in the distance, one could point out the floodlights lighting up the Monza race circuit. Yuka sat by the windowsill and gazed at it.
Hitomi: Nice view huh?
Yuka: Yeah.
Hitomi: Is there anything to actually look at? I mean, it’s basically black out there.
Yuka: I always gaze at the lights at night at home.
Hitomi: Feeling a bit homesick?
Yuka: Nah. Although I do miss my own bed.
Hitomi: Typical you. You never felt homesick when you’d come stay at my house over the holidays.
Yuka: I like travelling and staying in new places. I’d get homesick after a while of course, but we’re constantly travelling so it doesn’t feel samey yet.
Hitomi: I see your point.
Yuka: So, excited for your race tomorrow?
Hitomi: I guess. I mean, it’s fun to race but aren’t our opponents going to be struggling to compete with us?
Yuka: Yeah but it’s like when we had the C4. We kept modifying it until it became a complete beast. Sapphire’s tuning did wonders for this 135i. If an R8 cant beat our Beemer, nothing can. I mean, in terms of this little tour of ours. I’ve got no doubt my Civic or your Corvette would beat it, since they’re basically classified as tuner cars at this point.
Hitomi: Of course. In that regard, the only thing that’ll beat the 135i is something that’s tuned up more.
Yuka: Yup!
Hitomi: Yawn… I should hit the sack.
Yuka: So soon?
Hitomi: I’m very tired.
Yuka: Actually yeah, now that I think about it, you’ve looked terrible all day. Did you even sleep last night?
Hitomi: Yeah… Of course I did! Just because I woke up earlier than you doesn’t mean I didn’t sleep at all!
Yuka: Well okay. Sweet dreams then. I guess I’ll join you when I’m tired.
Hitomi: Mhmm. Goodnight…
Yuka: Night!
The next day, TJ arrived at his workshop to find Dave already there, waiting outside the door.
TJ: Yo.
Dave: You’re late TJ! It’s already nine! You open at eight!
TJ: Late? Pfft. No one comes here before ten anyway.
Dave: Well I do. I’ve been waiting an hour already. I want to drive my car!
TJ: Well if you must know, I woke up late this morning.
Dave: How come? You weren’t keeping a lady company were you? Hmmm?
TJ: Nope. I was out racing last night.
Dave: Oh. How’d it go? I’m guessing you won.
TJ: Dragged some kid in an Impreza. I made him taste my RB26. He was surprisingly quick off the line, but there’s no escaping an R33 when it’s turbos finally kick in.
Dave: True that.
TJ: Anyway, let’s get started, shall we?
Dave: Yes!
TJ opened the workshop door and walked in, closely followed by Dave. TJ walked up to the Atenza, unlocked it and passed the keys to Dave.
TJ: Let’s hit up your old stomping grounds. Suzuka East.
Dave: Are you sure? We’d beat those guys senseless, it wouldn’t be much of a race.
TJ: Who said anything about having a good race? We need to dial this thing in. The best place to do that is on a track. Why not make some easy cash at the same time?
Dave: Good point. Let’s go.
Later on…
TJ and Dave arrived at Suzuka with the refreshed Atenza. Dave took the Atenza through to the pit lane, noticing the other racers staring at the Atenza.
Dave: They’re staring…
TJ: It’s the wing. They probably think you’re a ricer now.
Dave: What? I’m not a ricer!
TJ: I know. They’ll figure that out after you blow their doors off.
Dave pulled up at an empty bay, behind a pair of Mitsubishi sports cars, one being an FTO, the other an Eclipse. The drivers glanced at the Atenza before bursting into laughter. Dave reached for the door handle, but was stopped by TJ.
TJ: Don’t. Let me handle it.
Dave: Alright…
TJ got out and approached the Mitsubishi drivers.
TJ: I couldn’t help but notice that you both find my buddy’s car amusing.
FTO Driver: Well yeah, it looks ridiculous.
Eclipse Driver: And I get stick just for driving an Eclipse. Just look at that Atenza’s wing!
TJ: I see. Well then I’m sure you both won’t mind a small wager on this race?
FTO Driver: Sure.
TJ: How about 100,000 Yen to the winners?
Eclipse Driver: You’re on.
FTO Driver: Yeah that’s fine by us.
TJ: Excellent. I’m TJ by the way and the guy in the car is Dave.
FTO Driver: I’m Todd and that’s Matt.
TJ: I’ll see you both on the track gentlemen.
Starting Grid
1. Black Honda Civic Type R
2. Todd’s White Mitsubishi FTO
3. Matt’s Blue Mitsubishi Eclipse
4. White Honda Prelude
5. Dave’s Red Mazda Atenza
6. White Nissan Primera
7. White Toyota Celica
8. Silver Honda Accord
Civic Driver: Switching to the EP has been great so far. I’ve not lost yet.
Todd: This’ll be an easy win. This FTO is tuned by professionals!
Matt: And they talk Eclipse’s down for being ricer cars… What was that Atenza driver thinking?
Prelude Driver: I should have no problem overtaking this Tyrese wanabe.
TJ: Walk this Prelude and then tailgate Matt.
Dave: What?
TJ: Just do it, it’ll be hilarious.
Primera Driver: Hope dad doesn’t mind me borrowing the car…
Celica Driver: The car in front will be a Toyota!
Accord Driver: This is one hell of a sleeper. Best saloon here by far!
The lights went green. Dave floored the Atenza. The boost from the turbo took him by surprise. He overtook the Prelude almost instantly, without much effort at all.
Dave: Holy…!
TJ: Punchy, isn’t it?
Prelude Driver: There goes my chances…
Matt: What the?!
Dave braked as he tucked in behind the Eclipse.
Dave: This is too fast!
TJ: It’s good to have power, isn’t it?
Dave tailgated the Eclipse all through the first bend, laughing the entire time.
Dave: Oh this is just epic!
Dave pulled up alongside the Eclipse and waved to Matt.
Dave: Hi!
Matt: Why you son of a…
With a simple prod of the throttle pedal, Dave left the Eclipse behind and rocketed towards the FTO.
Matt: He walked me. He actually walked me. Crap.
Todd: That ricer is already behind me? No… That’s no ricer is it? That’s practically a tuner car… I’m such an idiot.
Dave pulled alongside Todd, toying with him as he did with Matt.
Dave: Where’s your tough talk now huh?!
Dave pulled ahead and cut in front of Todd’s FTO, just to rub salt into Todd’s wounds.
Todd: Alright alright! I get it! Sheesh! Goodbye lap dance…
Civic Driver: That Atenza is behind me already? Damn. I’m no idiot, I know when I’m about to lose my undefeated streak, but I know how to defend my position too. Come at me bro.
TJ: Alright, enough playing. Unleash the boost and let all hell break loose.
Dave: Yes boss!
Civic Driver: Well, I guess that’s me done.
Dave: Let’s go, Atenza!
Dave floored it. The turbocharger kicked in hard and sent the Atenza down the straight like a missile, completely leaving the rest of the pack in the dust.
Dave pushed hard in the corners, finally letting the Atenza off its leash. The Atenza took the abuse well, eating up the corners as if it were a touring car.
Dave: Man this car is fast!
Dave had no problem keeping up the pace for the entire lap. The Atenza soaked up the curves and blasted the straights. Victory was already certain, Dave was just having fun at this point. TJ however, was carefully analysing the Atenza, picking out flaws in its current setup.
TJ: How’s the car feel?
Dave: It feels great! Better than ever!
TJ: Great enough to beat Shin a second time?
Dave: Um, I guess so?
TJ: I think there’s some tweaking left to do. I’m definitely feeling some reluctance to turn.
Dave: But you’re not even driving, how do you know that?
TJ: I can see by your arm movements.
Dave: Ah… Yeah I do feel a bit of resistance when I turn.
TJ: Then we still have work to do.
Dave flew down the final straight and finished the race miles ahead of Matt, Todd and everyone else unfortunate enough to be racing Dave.
Dave: Damn that was amazing!
TJ: Feels good doesn’t it?
Dave: I feel like I could beat anyone!
TJ: Hahaha!
Dave: What’s so funny?
TJ: Except me of course.
Dave: Well yeah.
TJ: And Yuka.
Dave: Okay okay, don’t piss on my parade too much.
TJ: Just don’t get overconfident. We’ve got tougher opponents to face yet.
Dave: True. I’ll do my best!
Yuka and Hitomi arrived at their hotel near Monza. It was pitch black outside, but in the distance, one could point out the floodlights lighting up the Monza race circuit. Yuka sat by the windowsill and gazed at it.
Hitomi: Nice view huh?
Yuka: Yeah.
Hitomi: Is there anything to actually look at? I mean, it’s basically black out there.
Yuka: I always gaze at the lights at night at home.
Hitomi: Feeling a bit homesick?
Yuka: Nah. Although I do miss my own bed.
Hitomi: Typical you. You never felt homesick when you’d come stay at my house over the holidays.
Yuka: I like travelling and staying in new places. I’d get homesick after a while of course, but we’re constantly travelling so it doesn’t feel samey yet.
Hitomi: I see your point.
Yuka: So, excited for your race tomorrow?
Hitomi: I guess. I mean, it’s fun to race but aren’t our opponents going to be struggling to compete with us?
Yuka: Yeah but it’s like when we had the C4. We kept modifying it until it became a complete beast. Sapphire’s tuning did wonders for this 135i. If an R8 cant beat our Beemer, nothing can. I mean, in terms of this little tour of ours. I’ve got no doubt my Civic or your Corvette would beat it, since they’re basically classified as tuner cars at this point.
Hitomi: Of course. In that regard, the only thing that’ll beat the 135i is something that’s tuned up more.
Yuka: Yup!
Hitomi: Yawn… I should hit the sack.
Yuka: So soon?
Hitomi: I’m very tired.
Yuka: Actually yeah, now that I think about it, you’ve looked terrible all day. Did you even sleep last night?
Hitomi: Yeah… Of course I did! Just because I woke up earlier than you doesn’t mean I didn’t sleep at all!
Yuka: Well okay. Sweet dreams then. I guess I’ll join you when I’m tired.
Hitomi: Mhmm. Goodnight…
Yuka: Night!
The next day, TJ arrived at his workshop to find Dave already there, waiting outside the door.
TJ: Yo.
Dave: You’re late TJ! It’s already nine! You open at eight!
TJ: Late? Pfft. No one comes here before ten anyway.
Dave: Well I do. I’ve been waiting an hour already. I want to drive my car!
TJ: Well if you must know, I woke up late this morning.
Dave: How come? You weren’t keeping a lady company were you? Hmmm?
TJ: Nope. I was out racing last night.
Dave: Oh. How’d it go? I’m guessing you won.
TJ: Dragged some kid in an Impreza. I made him taste my RB26. He was surprisingly quick off the line, but there’s no escaping an R33 when it’s turbos finally kick in.
Dave: True that.
TJ: Anyway, let’s get started, shall we?
Dave: Yes!
TJ opened the workshop door and walked in, closely followed by Dave. TJ walked up to the Atenza, unlocked it and passed the keys to Dave.
TJ: Let’s hit up your old stomping grounds. Suzuka East.
Dave: Are you sure? We’d beat those guys senseless, it wouldn’t be much of a race.
TJ: Who said anything about having a good race? We need to dial this thing in. The best place to do that is on a track. Why not make some easy cash at the same time?
Dave: Good point. Let’s go.
Later on…
TJ and Dave arrived at Suzuka with the refreshed Atenza. Dave took the Atenza through to the pit lane, noticing the other racers staring at the Atenza.
Dave: They’re staring…
TJ: It’s the wing. They probably think you’re a ricer now.
Dave: What? I’m not a ricer!
TJ: I know. They’ll figure that out after you blow their doors off.
Dave pulled up at an empty bay, behind a pair of Mitsubishi sports cars, one being an FTO, the other an Eclipse. The drivers glanced at the Atenza before bursting into laughter. Dave reached for the door handle, but was stopped by TJ.
TJ: Don’t. Let me handle it.
Dave: Alright…
TJ got out and approached the Mitsubishi drivers.
TJ: I couldn’t help but notice that you both find my buddy’s car amusing.
FTO Driver: Well yeah, it looks ridiculous.
Eclipse Driver: And I get stick just for driving an Eclipse. Just look at that Atenza’s wing!
TJ: I see. Well then I’m sure you both won’t mind a small wager on this race?
FTO Driver: Sure.
TJ: How about 100,000 Yen to the winners?
Eclipse Driver: You’re on.
FTO Driver: Yeah that’s fine by us.
TJ: Excellent. I’m TJ by the way and the guy in the car is Dave.
FTO Driver: I’m Todd and that’s Matt.
TJ: I’ll see you both on the track gentlemen.
Starting Grid
1. Black Honda Civic Type R
2. Todd’s White Mitsubishi FTO
3. Matt’s Blue Mitsubishi Eclipse
4. White Honda Prelude
5. Dave’s Red Mazda Atenza
6. White Nissan Primera
7. White Toyota Celica
8. Silver Honda Accord
Civic Driver: Switching to the EP has been great so far. I’ve not lost yet.
Todd: This’ll be an easy win. This FTO is tuned by professionals!
Matt: And they talk Eclipse’s down for being ricer cars… What was that Atenza driver thinking?
Prelude Driver: I should have no problem overtaking this Tyrese wanabe.
TJ: Walk this Prelude and then tailgate Matt.
Dave: What?
TJ: Just do it, it’ll be hilarious.
Primera Driver: Hope dad doesn’t mind me borrowing the car…
Celica Driver: The car in front will be a Toyota!
Accord Driver: This is one hell of a sleeper. Best saloon here by far!
The lights went green. Dave floored the Atenza. The boost from the turbo took him by surprise. He overtook the Prelude almost instantly, without much effort at all.
Dave: Holy…!
TJ: Punchy, isn’t it?
Prelude Driver: There goes my chances…
Matt: What the?!
Dave braked as he tucked in behind the Eclipse.
Dave: This is too fast!
TJ: It’s good to have power, isn’t it?
Dave tailgated the Eclipse all through the first bend, laughing the entire time.
Dave: Oh this is just epic!
Dave pulled up alongside the Eclipse and waved to Matt.
Dave: Hi!
Matt: Why you son of a…
With a simple prod of the throttle pedal, Dave left the Eclipse behind and rocketed towards the FTO.
Matt: He walked me. He actually walked me. Crap.
Todd: That ricer is already behind me? No… That’s no ricer is it? That’s practically a tuner car… I’m such an idiot.
Dave pulled alongside Todd, toying with him as he did with Matt.
Dave: Where’s your tough talk now huh?!
Dave pulled ahead and cut in front of Todd’s FTO, just to rub salt into Todd’s wounds.
Todd: Alright alright! I get it! Sheesh! Goodbye lap dance…
Civic Driver: That Atenza is behind me already? Damn. I’m no idiot, I know when I’m about to lose my undefeated streak, but I know how to defend my position too. Come at me bro.
TJ: Alright, enough playing. Unleash the boost and let all hell break loose.
Dave: Yes boss!
Civic Driver: Well, I guess that’s me done.
Dave: Let’s go, Atenza!
Dave floored it. The turbocharger kicked in hard and sent the Atenza down the straight like a missile, completely leaving the rest of the pack in the dust.
Dave pushed hard in the corners, finally letting the Atenza off its leash. The Atenza took the abuse well, eating up the corners as if it were a touring car.
Dave: Man this car is fast!
Dave had no problem keeping up the pace for the entire lap. The Atenza soaked up the curves and blasted the straights. Victory was already certain, Dave was just having fun at this point. TJ however, was carefully analysing the Atenza, picking out flaws in its current setup.
TJ: How’s the car feel?
Dave: It feels great! Better than ever!
TJ: Great enough to beat Shin a second time?
Dave: Um, I guess so?
TJ: I think there’s some tweaking left to do. I’m definitely feeling some reluctance to turn.
Dave: But you’re not even driving, how do you know that?
TJ: I can see by your arm movements.
Dave: Ah… Yeah I do feel a bit of resistance when I turn.
TJ: Then we still have work to do.
Dave flew down the final straight and finished the race miles ahead of Matt, Todd and everyone else unfortunate enough to be racing Dave.
Dave: Damn that was amazing!
TJ: Feels good doesn’t it?
Dave: I feel like I could beat anyone!
TJ: Hahaha!
Dave: What’s so funny?
TJ: Except me of course.
Dave: Well yeah.
TJ: And Yuka.
Dave: Okay okay, don’t piss on my parade too much.
TJ: Just don’t get overconfident. We’ve got tougher opponents to face yet.
Dave: True. I’ll do my best!
Anyways, it's still a decent chapter.
