Legacy Of The Dark Horse Ending: The Sun Sets. A Cowboy's Last Ride.

[RCKakashi14]

Liking the garage so far. Hmmmm.... once I am back online in PS3, I will help you out.

And also, I am eager to see this happen:

"I'd want to see the day he faces 'The Outlaw of The Dark Horse'."

 

[SomePlayaDude]

Part 7/Finale: Knock 'Em Down.

Back at the homestead in Fuji, Keith returned from his practice run. Coming home later than intended, a car pool came and drops him next to Alan, who is flowering some roses in front of Casa il Trio.

Alan: "How was it?"

Keith: "Fine as always, old man. Where's Jake?"

Alan: "Oh, he went somewhere with Bernardo. Doubt they'll be back anytime soon. I think I'll be the one cooking tonight."

Keith: "Suit yourself. I'm thinking.. some steak?"

Alan: "Is steak all you think about?"

Keith: "It's what Jake thinks about. Alright! Stay safe, gramps."

Alan: "Alright then."

Keith walks away to his home. As he opens the gate, he notices a straight shadow underneath. He then looks up and sees the zipline between the two houses. He makes a quick deduction:

Keith: "Bernardo's being a ninja?! I'm sure Jacob kicked his ass."

As he enters, he puts away his things and takes off the racing getup. Upon going downstairs from his room, he sees his PS3 still booted and in power saver.

Keith: "I'm guessing Jake wanted to play a game. That guy needs the common decency of saving power."

Outside, Alan expects a quiet day. He has flowers to groom. What's unusual is that they are roses, with sharp thorns all around.

Alan: "Hmm, and you grow such sharp thorns, oh beautiful.."

Lucia: "Diener Alan! Come help me pick up my car!"

Alan: "Well, i'll have a nice little drive, be back soon, my dears."

Lucia: "So, what are you planning to drive?"

Alan: "Hmm, since you're not really a fan of the heavy Chrysler, how about i take something light and slender.. the LF-A?"

Lucia: "I hadn't let it roar it's mighty sound for a while."

Alan: "So, the Lexus it is?"

Lucia: "Ja, let's go."

The lady and her butler get over to the secure garage. The cars are intact, and they come close to the recently toured White Lexus LF-A.

Alan: "Milady, how about i see your track racing prowess?"

Lucia: "OK, ich werde nicht scheitern."

Alan: "Good. Your father must be proud of you."

Lucia: "Papa..."

They turn on the ignition, giving a sound that rivals most Lamborghinis and Ferraris. The car leaves the area, with the garage locked tight by Keith as he heard the car leave. He does it with a button pushed in his home. Suddenly:


*RING*

Keith: "Hello?"

Jacob: "It's Jake. Where's Luce?"

Keith: "She left with the old man to... i have no idea."

Jacob: "Really?! Hit it Bern!

*heavy turbo sound, then hangs*

Keith: "What are those two up to anyways? Ah well.

Keith puts in a new video game he just bought in the Blueray slot: Sonic All Stars Racing Transformed. Being a veteran of ModNation Racers and Mario Kart, he initially underestimates the game and instantly starts with A-Class, and on the character select screen, he sees a face of Wreck-it Ralph; the star on a recent movie he bought on DVD and thus chose him as his character.

Keith: "It's wrecking time!"


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


On the way to the garage, Lucia and Alan tries to tame the LF-A. With Lucia on wheel, Alan hopes his teachings don't go too misled.

As Lucia sees the electronic meters to go from white to green, she reacts by shifting up or down, depending on the roads ahead. She then didn't recall how she got such an engineering marvel.

Lucia: "How did i end up spending the 375 thousand dollars on this?"

Alan: "Well.. Keith did it. You were.. 'incapacitated'."

Lucia: "Herr Ross? but how?"

Alan: "You and Keith were in Tokyo. A man knocked you out with a bottle. Keith thinks you were in an argument with that man."

Upon remembering, Lucia pushed down the pedal a little too much, causing unwanted oversteer.

Lucia: "Hmm.. i think i was arguing about something.. He was my boyfriend. I remember catching him cheating on me."

Alan: "And do you mind not losing control on the car if you remember?"

Lucia: "Oops! Pardon me."

Alan: "*sighs*"

Alan: "You want me to continue what happened with this car?"

Lucia: "As much as i hate what's coming, sure."

Alan: "Well, as Keith picked you up, he saw you lying on the floor. He sees a man walk away looking like he stained blood on his hands. You know where this is going."

Lucia: "Ja, i can see it."

Alan: "After threatening and arguing for a while, Keith called up Jacob, who was still street racing in Rockport. Jacob's advice was nasty, but Keith knows it's the right thing."

Lucia: "So.. Keith did it? He raced him for.."

Alan: "Yes.. Pink slips. I don't remember how it went there. Soon afterwards, Keith got better and more serious into racing afterwards, you know. He thinks he's destined for greatness on the track, like his father before him."

Lucia: "I'll be honest, I'd be pissed to lose this machine. That man.. what was his name again?"

Alan: "He was your boyfriend! How could you forget?

Lucia: "Well, i like to forget the things I've done if they lead to more harm."

Alan: "Anyways, this man was the son of a Yakuza boss. No doubt shamed by losing an LF-A like that. They did hunt Keith down for a while, until he met.. that man."

Lucia: "You meant Herr Yamazaki, correct?"

Alan: "Yes. I like Koji. Full of respect and talent on the business world. But to control Japanese crime.."

Lucia: "Technically, Jacob's the same man, with street racing on his quota"

Alan: "Right you are. Jacob never told us what he was up to, or how much does he own."

Lucia: "Jacob.."

Lucia enters a mind state of a flashback, but unlike Jacob's, her time continues as normal and she understeers, nearly losing control over a patch of grass.

Lucia: "Aahh!"

Alan: "Keep calm.. Keep calm, Lucia.. Let the car lose power on the grass, turn in to the road and hit the throttle then."

Following her teacher's advice, Lucia gets it done and gets on the road in no time.

Lucia: "Phew.. That was a close one.."

Alan: "Too close. A patch of grass sure is an evil foe."

Lucia carries on in silence, which broke as Alan asked her another question.

Alan: "How did you meet Jacob anyhow?"

Lucia: "...."

Alan: "You don't have to be so shy. I told you all the tricks you need on the track."

Lucia: "It's just.. it's just that.. i feel bad meeting him."

Alan: "I think i know how you feel."

Lucia: "I might not be alive or happy if it weren't for the Ross brothers. It's just that they're both evil in their own way. If any good comes from them, I'm sure i can tell you how i met Jacob."

Alan: "Keith's honest.. i can tell you that. He regretted the day he won that LF-A, which led to him giving it to you. He repented that street race, and found a way to sort out his racing needs on the track, and he got out of the Yakuza mess he got into pretty legally."

Lucia: "I know, but i want Jacob's repentance. He's hell bent on racing today for reasons i don't know."

Alan: "How about we settle this soon? A straight approaches. I want to see your control on high speed."

The LF-A powers up. The acceleration justifies the reason for it's electronic tachometer. The car rapidly speeds to 180 mph, with Lucia tries reaching the top speed of 202 mph.

The car finally arrives at the garage.

Lucia: "Send the car back, Diener! I'll be back soon. Auf Wiedersehen."

Alan: "That was quite the adventure. See you for dinner."

Alan drives the car home.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Lucia enter to see the garage all very busy. A mechanic approaches her.

Mechanic: "Hello. What can i do for you?"

Lucia: "Hey, I'm here to pick up my car. A purple BMW 1 series. Receipt's right here."

Mechanic: "Alright. Let me see if i have this on paper.."

The mechanic looks through the papers on the folder cabinet. After getting the right documents on the folder, he sees something is wrong.

Mechanic: "Here it is. Already paid... but.. something.. something is wrong!"

Lucia: "What?"

Mechanic: "It says your car is received and signed for."

Lucia: "But how, i have the keys. Let me get them in the bag.."

Surprisingly for her, Lucia couldn't find her BMW's keys.

Lucia: "Oh mein Gott!"

Keeping her calm, Lucia asks the man, in a threatening tone.

Lucia: "When did they and who took my car?! Answer me!"

Mechanic: "Please! Don't hold my shirt like that! It's expensive."

Lucia: "I don't want your mercy, i want MY CAR!"

Staring at the mechanic like a demon, an obvious response came from him.

Mechanic: "Aaahh. OK! OK! They took it earlier this afternoon. One guy was all showy but i have no clue, i swear!"

Lucia: "The other?"

Mechanic: "He's... he's.. he's unknown too, but everyone calls him Kuroiuma."

Lucia: "You and your folk tales should stay in your mind."

Mechanic: "But.. but he's real! I can show you a picture of him. Please, let me go!"

The mechanic grabs his phone from his pocket. After a while being held, he shows a picture of Jacob and his GT; the leaked picture used earlier, to be precise.

Lucia: "Jacob!"

She drops the mechanic, who crawled away after regaining his balance. Lucia, regains her temper.. for the mechanic, and aimed it at whoever remains guilty on taking her BMW. Upon thinking what to do, she noticed a green Lamborghini that finished it's checkup.

Lucia: "If Herr Bellini was away from home, that means.. They're going to regret the moment they took my car!"

At the moment Lucia realizes a bird escaped from its cage, the bird quickly appears on site, like a master calls for its return.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jacob: "Everything set for this car?"

Bern: "Well.. I'll be honest, after the handling tests, i need a car that'll go round the turns than my Toro. The darn thing's going good, but i fear it may die out after the years I've been driving it."

Jacob: "Well, why not sell it. I know a few buyers that'll buy the car for a fortune. Yet, i can call up Murph and see if he wants a Murcielago."

Bern: "Murph? Him? I didn't know he was collecting."

Jacob: "You'd be surprised. He collects as much cars as he can, for the sake of safety of course. That man's insa... OK, slightly insane."

Bern: "I'll consider it. I saw a few new Aventadors for sale in the dealership, but it's too extreme for me. But for handling... That's it mi, amico! Call him, and if he offers me plenty, I'll do it."

Jacob: "Haha, don't worry. Murph's a generous man. With the upgrades on your car, he'll offer you 350k no problem. Enough for another fighting bull. And.. we're here!"

Bern: "How about a summary, mi amico? The car i meant. We're just about to arrive."

Jacob: "Speed wise, we need a DYNO, but it can reach 200mph. The handling is excellent, don't you agree?"

The two arrive at the garage. They see who they don't want to see upon arriving.

Bern: "The signora.. she's going to kill us, is she?"

Jacob: "Now, Bern.. She's not going to do that. She's going to cut us up to ribbons. Unless you have an explanation, i suggest one of us suck up to her."

The two exit the car. Jacob takes the keys and the boys face off a severely pissed off Lucia. Known to have quite the temper, she prepares with raising her bracelets closer to the arm, mimicking a rolled up sleeves since she's wearing a dress.

Bern: "Esegui! Corri per la tua vita!" *flees*

Jacob: "That doesn't sound like an explanation!" *flees as well*

Lucia: "Du wirst dafür bezahlen!" *starts chase*

The chase lasted a good amount. While initially together, the two men split up in hopes of escaping her wrath much more easily, which backfired as they ended up running the same route. Eventually, Bernardo trips a man as he runs past him, and leads the Italian to a brick wall and falls. The man drops down to the floor. The man gets up, only to crash into a running Jacob. The two fall down.

Hideki: "Again?! Oh, Jacob-san?"

Jacob: "Ouch.. Is that girl... still here?"

Hideki: "Nope. Ayu-san's long gone. What are you.."

Bern: "I hear high heels, miei amici.."

The two, still on the floor, gets each other up. Bernardo feels a little dizzy and stayed for a while. When they're still sitting on the floor, Lucia finally catches up. The timing seems odd, especially when said chaser wears high heels alongside her mini dress.

Lucia: "Now.. you.. *pant* you are going to explain why you took my car!"

Jacob and Hideki hugged each other like characters in a classic horror and yelled. Bernardo was dragged in involuntarily.

Lucia begins the beatdown by grabbing..

*Montage of beatdown removed by Lucia*​

Really? Oh well.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Twenty minutes later...

Song: Faith No More - Midlife Crisis

Lucia: "A test run? You could've asked?

Jacob: "You can blame Bern for that.. oww!"

Lucia: "Did.. did i hurt you too much, Herr Ross?"

Jacob: "Just.. don't get your hopes up if something's broken if i do an MRI. But, unlike Bern, I'm fine."

Lucia: "I'm a natural at making him suck his thumb. You should've seen the day he put a boxing glove in my underwear compartment. And when he wiped oil on my bottle of expensive German beer."

Jacob: "Really? Poor guy; has the worst victim for pranking. Look out, a 'ramp'."

The car landed smoothly. It re-accelerates back to it's cruising speed.

Lucia: "So, how about a straight answer?"

Jacob: "Bernardo brought me to the shop, told me about it. He sees that I'd be the best test driver."

Lucia: "Hmm.. i don't doubt that decision."

Jacob: "Doubt me on racing one bit, and i might not be here today."

As the two continue talking, the car ends up on a speedy road to their home.

Lucia: "You know, Alan told me.. about Keith's rise to racing."

Jacob: "The tale of the LF-A, right?"

Lucia: "You know?"

Jacob: "Keith told me about it. I gave him the catalyst to make him the racer he is destined to be. He used to be in the back of the races, you know, and after that, he gets better, while not a champion, but a contender to the least."

Lucia: "Jake, that really changed him!"

Jacob: "Does it look like i had a choice? He got money for living here. If i left him for what he's doing before, i doubt we'll be in Japan, living our lives today."

Lucia: "But.. pink slips?"

Jacob: "I did suggest that, but i didn't emphasize on it. I really don't want my baby brother to be a criminal. I wonder why Keith would take it that far?"

Lucia: "He saw me hurt and sad. I broke up with a man and he hit me with something. I was hospitalized for a few days, but i somehow forgot about him. Keith wanted him to pay. A supercar was quite the price."

Jacob: "Ha ha. Keith is a good man, top to bottom. I would never let someone take advantage of you like that."

Lucia: "Let's get back on topic. How's the BMW?"

Jacob: "Hard to say since i haven't drove the car before the overhaul. I'll say it's comparable to my Ford in many ways, but i think you need to adjust the traction. Too skiddy on power."

The car travels the streets in 170 mph. A speed Lucia is new to, outside her LF-A and DYNO testing.

Lucia: "Handling?"

Jacob: "Made Bernardo pee.."

Lucia: "Ahh! Zum teufel!"

Jacob: "Joking."

Lucia: "....two for flinching."

Jacob: "Stop it. The handling is excellent. Whatever you put it through is worth more than you paid for."

Lucia: "Well.... danke. *gives Jacob a small kiss*"

Jacob felt something with that kiss. A feeling he hadn't felt in a long time.

Jacob: "This feeling.."

Lucia: "Rin?"

Jacob: "Yeah.. Watch the roads, Luce."

Lucia: "Don't go off topic on me, Herr Ross!"

Jacob: "Make me!"

The two laugh as the car goes on the roads fast. They reached home, with Bernardo reaching there after 30 minutes.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


After a hearty meal, Jacob watches Keith play video games. Not minding a conversation, Keith was asked by Jacob.

Song: Alice in Chains - I Stay Away

Jacob: "Well, Luce told me her side of the tale."

Keith: "I was right, right?"

Jacob: "Yep."

Keith: "You know that Bern plans to propose to her?"

Jacob: "Yep. With recent events withstanding, it'll be a while before we see that moment."

Keith: "Go figure."

After that, Jacob goes out and cleans up his Ford. Using a mix of various cleaning methods, he is reminded of what happened in the past month.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Keith's our future, son. We don't hate you, it's just that.. please take care of him!"

"I'm so happy, you're coming across the world! I'm tearing up a river, Jake!

"Such a noble cause. I wish i was in your shoes, Jacob."

"Come on out Outlaw! Your racing days are over. Come out with your hands up!"

"I'll make that call to you, no charge."

"I drove cars that handle like a barn. Don't you doubt me, Son!"

"Racing. It's in your father's blood. I know you can do it, Jake dearie."

"I hope for your sake, your friends accept you on who you want to be."

"When i see you without her, I'll admit, i miss Jess. Without her is kinda like soup without water."

"I heard if you give love to something, it gives it back as well."

"Friends help each other out."​

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Jacob: "Ha.. what a memorable month."

While foam is being blasted by water, Jacob receives a call. It's from Vulture.

Jacob: "You called?"

Vulture: "I received your request, and sent a team of specialists to do the work. Results are coming soon."

Jacob: "I see."

Vulture: "I have something here that gets us money if you get it done right. A race."

Jacob: "Name it, and i'll get it done."

Vulture: "Excellent. It's in 2 weeks, enough time for you to get ready and get into the track. It's in Fuji Speedway, and bring your GT. A Supercar Festival that acts as a qualification to a prominent supercar championship in Germany"

Jacob: "Germany? Sounds like a breeze, if there's no hypercars there."

Vulture: "Also, the winner will get a special prize car. Think you can do it, street racer?"

Jacob: "I'm sure it's not different than the streets, just traffic's not going the other way"

Vulture: "A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows public opinion. What do you think?"

Jacob: "I'm in."

Vulture: "Good. And Gary says hi. See you in 2 weeks."

*hangs*

Jacob: "Well, GT. It seems like we have a race to get to."

FIN PART 7. FIN CHAPTER 1.

Author's Notes

- Next chapter will introduce three characters already teased. And a start to the racing Jacob will be doing.

- Will be on hiatus for the 2nd half of the next week for holiday. I'll get to posting Chapter 2-1 before that.

- I revamped the layout to hit all of the fanfic, so have a 2nd look if you want. Author's notes has been added with a few more things.

- Added a new section: The Sequel Ideas, on the reserved post (Post 3). Have a lookie. There's a nice tease there.

- Next chapter's focus: Yakuza against Jacob. Why? You'll have to wait for the 2nd part.

Thanks for reading. Chapter 2 coming Wednesday.

 

[SomePlayaDude]

​

Part 1: The Fastest.

Fuji, Midday. 2 weeks later.

The race track is filled to the brim with spectators from all over Japan, while most being supercar enthusiasts. The place is being broadcasted in sports channels all over the country. Jacob meets up with his business associate Vulture, with Gary nearby. Vulture is busy talking to a few people and leaves Gary to be cordial with the once infamous street racer.

Gary: "Yo Jake! It's about time you twinkle to the people, you star!"

Jacob: "Hah! Gare-bear, you have no idea to be in the spotlight, do you?"

Jacob knows he regrets asking, after seeing the face Gary gives.

Gary: "Hell yeah i do! I once starred in a movie as a supporting character, boy! The movie "Way Too Fast", starring Rob Sulfer and Gary Dhetto! It was about 2 guys who race for their lives as they break laws of both the mafia they once served and the cops they worked undercover for. The chicks were all over me. Can't forget that s:censored:t."

Jacob imagined the movie poster. He imagined cars and women: a cliche of today's car flicks.

Jacob: "Well.. I'm not really a movie man."

Gary: "Come on, J. Watch it! It's got the top charts for a loooong time."

Vulture finally approaches the two.

Vulture: "You should, Jacob. I did it to get rid of this meddling."

Gary: "Mr. V, you're too straight.."

Vulture: "But i didn't say i hated it, Gary. Do a security sweep so nobody tries to kill us today."

Jacob: "I'll consider watching it; you don't have to remind me twice."

Gary: "Well, alright. But I'm expecting an answer from the plot soon."

Gary goes over a metal gate like an acrobat. Vulture then focuses on his golden goose.

Vulture: "So, you're ready?"

Jacob: "I studied the track beforehand and in many occasions, raced for my life many times, Vulture. I can't be more ready."

Vulture: "You have spirit. I like it. Since we pretty much put you late in this competition, you have to deal with starting last."

Jacob: "More reason to put me instead of Keith in this position."

Vulture: "Don't be so negative on him. He might be as good as you in a few years time."

Jacob: "I'll make sure he reaches that milestone."

Vulture: "Also, i did mention the special prize, right?"

Jacob: "You mentioned it, but you didn't tell me what it is."

Vulture: "It's on the track now. Shall we?"

The two move towards the cameras and sees various cars in practice. Vulture points out one car specifically: A yellow Bugatti Veyron 16:4.

Jacob: "I'm not a big fan of the Veyron, and that's a sickening color scheme."

Vulture: "This is the special prize car."

Jacob: "Really? I'd prefer something more limited, but a million dollar car to win is a steal!"

The car travels the 100R in a blinding speed.

Jacob: "What a car. It is an engineering marvel, it is."

Vulture: "Hmmm.. i have an idea for a nice proposal."

Jacob: "Name it."

Vulture: "Since my payment to Keith cover expenses for your living, I think you can have the Veyron, but i get the money."

Jacob: "If the prize is at least 100 million Yen.."

Vulture: "It's about 80."

Jacob: "That's too generous!"

Vulture: "I'm not a person who wants to fully test the Veyron's capabilities. I'm hardly capable of getting my car above the speed limit. You can't deny this offer, Jacob."

At the time Jacob gets thinking, the yellow Veyron gets round the 300R and approaches the Dunlop Corner.

Jacob: "That's very nice of you, but can i have 1 million yen for expenses?"

Vulture: "A haggler, eh? Why not. But, that will be yours only if you win. And you'll meet someone you know in that Veyron."

The Veyron travels through the Netz corner approaching the very critical Panasonic corner.

Gary: "Peekaboo, mo:censored:ers"

Jacob: "Oh? How goes your treasure hunt?"

Gary: "We got men all over the place, Mr. V. They reported no sighting of any threat towards us."

Vulture: "Alright, Gary. Job well done, but now, i want you to check out the GT with us. I'm having a lot at stake here, and it's important that nothing goes wrong."

Jacob: "Come, Gary. I'll show you the ins and outs. You remember Leona?"

Gary: "You have the hots for her, right? Come on, don't deny."

Jacob: "I would, but you know Rin too. And you told me that you like her much better. Touche, Gare-bear."

Gary: "S:censored:t..."

At the time the three head over to the Ford GT, the Veyron goes in.

The Veyron parks near the trio. A man exits the car, revealing to be Shinzo Nishimura. A veteran at the race tracks, Rin's father and Jacob's father in-law. He speaks with a very strong eastern accent.

Shinzo: "Watashi no mukoyoshi?(My son-in-law?) Jacob Ross."

Jacob: "Shinzo?"

Jacob bows in honor. The two start talking after not having seen each other for years.

Shinzo: "How's Louie-san?"

Jacob: "My Pa's fine. I'm worried about Rin more than ever nowadays. I apologize for.."

Shinzo: "Don't. We share the same goals, Jacob. I would hate you for losing my daughter, but that would bring more tears to my heart."

Jacob: "Where's Nami?"

Shinzo: "She's at home in Tochigi. She's not the same person since Rin's gone missing. She's a broken woman, and as her husband, i want to get things right."

Jacob: "We do share the same goals.. interesting."

Gary and Vulture, seeing the reunion, uses the time to check out the GT in ways Jacob would make a restraining order for.

Gary: "Man. This is some ride! I would LOVE to get me some wheels like this."

Vulture: "You better be named after your sister..."

Back to the serious issue at hand.

Jacob: "What brings you to Fuji?"

Shinzo: "I have connections with the racing around here and Koji-san over there. He's helpful and wise."

Jacob: "How long have you been working with a man like Koji?"

Shinzo: "Koji-san and i have been partners for a very long time. Hagetaka Finance is no finer company than it is, despite the rumors with Koji's actions as CEO."

Jacob: "You can see it from him. How about the Veyron? Are you going to race me?"

Shinzo: "No, there's a racer for that. But i own this very Veyron. I'm hosting this tournament in this country, and the winner gets to go to Nurburg, Germany, along with the Veyron."

Jacob: "You're giving your car away, like that?"

Shinzo: "It's not the best car i drove in my days, and I'm willing to part with it. Do your uncle a favor, and win it. Consider it a thank you, for the dedication you made to find my dear daughter."

Jacob: "Don't you dare doubt me, Shinzo."

Shinzo lets out a hearty laugh on hearing a recognizable response.

Shinzo: "HA HA HA HA. Just like your father."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The tournament leg in Japan starts with an announcement from Shinzo, standing from a stand on the podium. The racetrack's loudspeakers turn on alongside it's TV screens.

Shinzo: "Greetings, and welcome to Japan. I present to you, the final leg of the 4th annual King Of The Ring!"

The crowd cheers wildly, with mix of cheering, horns and waving flags.

Shinzo: "To help with new followers, the rules are simple. In each leg, a race determines who gets to go to the famed Nurburgring. Racers that sign up are going to show proof of racing pedigree. Qualifications are made by random. Since this is the final leg, this is your last chance, racers. Do you have what it takes? There can be only one winner, and a winner amongst them will be revealed."

Then, a man with a European vibe walks on the stand.

Shinzo: "May i present to you, the 3 time King of the Ring: Mr. Williem Weiss!"

Williem: "Thank you, Herr Nishimura. Now, you all on the track have what it takes? Do your families proud and prove your worth. Viel Glück!"

After the speech, there's not much activity in the pits, Lucia approaches a mentally focused Jacob.

Lucia: "Herr Ross!"

Jacob: "... Luce?! You're here?"

Lucia: "You think no one knows where you went? Dummkopf!"

Jacob: "Bern followed me here, did he? I swear, he has to put away his toys before.."

Lucia: "Nein.. My bruder is here."

Jacob: "Oh.. when i heard Weiss, i didn't think it was your brother."

Williem appears in the scene.

Williem: "And who's this, meine schwester?"

Lucia: "Meine bruder... das ist Jake. The man who saved my life in London and a street racer from Rockport."

Williem: "Oh! You raced in Rockport? I'm Williem, call me Will. Any chance you know who Outlaw is?"

Jacob: "Outlaw? He's dead."

Lucia: "Stow it, Jake. I told him that much."

Jacob: "Alright, but only because you're here. Tell anyone, and it's curtains for you."

Jacob walks up to the interested Will.

Jacob: "Mr Weiss, you are facing the man you seek."

Williem: "You're Outlaw?"

Jacob: "Yes."

Williem: "Am i honored or what?! I want to see your racing ability comparing to mine. Your talent on the streets will wipe the floor here. I'm sure i'll see you on the Ring, Herr Ross."

Jacob: "You don't have to wish me luck, Will. I'll be there."

Williem: "I'll be glad to take on the world famous street racer in Nurburg. Auf wiedersehen."

Lucia: "See you later, Jake."

As Lucia gets out, she runs into Gary. Gary, being a natural stud, gets started.

Gary: "So how you doing, Lucia? Hey, you ever seen me with my shirt off? Cause it is awesome."

Lucia: "Don't.. Just don't."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The race gets started. The drivers move in a rolling fashion after a warm up lap. The commentator introduces the racers one by one.

Commentator: "The classic C3 Corvette, driven by Jim Biggs. American racer of muscle fame! And last but definitely not least, The Dark Horse himself in his Ford GT!"

Never has Fuji had an uproar ever since Ayrton Senna's famed victory.

Song: Pendulum - Showdown

The race begins! All the racers, experienced and focus, only have words leave their mouth for their crew.

The Ford's acceleration pushes the car to the first hairpin, allowing it to overtake the first 2 cars in a flash.

Jacob passes a C4 Corvette, reminiscing him of his time at the hillside with a Chrysler.

Jacob: "What a car. I think i need to get my SVT Cobra another drive."

The GT easily passes an Aston Martin through the inside.

Vulture: "You're doing great, Jacob."

Jacob sees a few obstacles on the way to the Dunlop corner.

After that corner, Jacob sees a rare Cizeta V16T. While rarer than most vintage muscle cars, it had a controversial history for a supercar.

Jacob: "That's something I'd get if it wasn't a death sentence on wheels."

The Netz corner was bombarded by other cars, but Jacob's GT nukes it with speed.

By the Panasonic corner, Jacob overtakes a California.

Cali Driver: "No! It can't be! I am a prancing horse."

Jacob: "The name of horse belongs to Ford, you foal!"

Known as a Ferrari killer by many experts, the GT pierces enters the straight at a speed the cars behind couldn't catch.

The car reaches 130 mph.

The Ford enters the second lap at 180 mph.

Then, the Ford sets it's lights on another Corvette, a C5.

And takes it out on the Coca Cola turn.

Jacob: "Your Corvette's caught a storm you can't escape. Hahaha!"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


At their home 20 miles away, Keith suddenly had a thought.

Keith: "Don't know why, but i have a feeling that i want to kick Jacob's butt tomorrow.."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Back in the race, Jacob took the 100R a little too fast, causing one of the rear tires to hit some grass.

Jacob: "What the?!"

Gary: "J! Don't give in to the skid!

Jacob: "That was a close one."

Gary: "You can thank me later. Watch my movie wit.."

Jacob: "No!"

Soon reaching the Dunlop corner a second time, Jacob sees two more cars. An Italia and the special prize Veyron.

Jacob: "You guys have no idea how much i want to beat down on some Ferraris."

Shinzo: "You have your father's skills, Jacob. It's time you show me."

Jacob: "You're glad you're in the front row seats, Shinzo!"

Spooking the Italia, Jacob goes inside.

And then, he plays with the Italia by smoking his front.

Using the necessary technique to pass the Veyron's lackluster cornering, Jacob enters inside at the same speed the Veyron takes the outside.

On the straights..

Jacob: "Shinzo, what's happened to the Veyron?"

Shinzo: "The FIA put a limiter on it. I'll have it removed after the event, i promise you."

Jacob crosses the line in third place after two laps. The crowd has never been so excited.

Jacob: "What cars are left?"

Shinzo: "An XJ220 and a Zonda C12, upgraded to match your Ford. Huh? Koji will speak to you now."

Vulture: "Jacob. Their lap times don't compare to yours. Make short work of them."

Jacob: "Watch me."

Another lap has passed. The two cars ahead are too far ahead.

Until finally, they are in range.

Song: Lenny Kravitz - Are You Gonna Go My Way (GT3 Mix)

As Jacob reaches the Coca Cola turn..

Jacob: "Well, it's time."

Gary: "Yo Jake, i have someone that wants to speak to ya."

Jacob: "Patch it through."

Hideki: "Jacob-san!"

Jacob: "You? You're a long way from home, huh?"

Hideki: "I have relatives in Shizuoka. I came over to be part of the podium's crowd early."

Jacob: "You're a smart Alec.. Alright. I'm going to take out these 2 by the end. See you there.

Demanding silence from team, Jacob approaches the Dunlop corner fast.

Choosing to brake late, he passes the Pagani braking early.

And as they approach the corner, the Jaguar brakes a little too hard, causing the Ford to pass in a speedy fashion.

Jacob: "Game over."

The GT stays ahead of the two cars, giving it the win.

The crowd goes wild. Jacob has beaten the odds against him and it all pays off.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


A podium was arranged. Jacob, being on top, gets a trophy for winning, and the Veyron's keys inside the trophy bowl from Shinzo. After the prize giving, the podium gets showered with some wine. Jacob, using the bottle as a destructive water gun, doesn't drink from it, as he has to drive back home soon. His racing getup covers his identity.

Back at the pits. Jacob approached a crowd of different people.

Hideki: "Congratulations, Jacob-san. Don't worry, she's not here."

Jacob: "Haha, thanks for that. Here's the cheque for the prize money."

Vulture: "Hmm, yes.. OK. Here's the 1 million yen in notes i promised you. Now, anything else before we reconvene?"

Jacob: "Hmm.."

Hideki climbed to Jacob's ear and whispered something.

Jacob: "I think i have just the thing.."

Throwing a pair of keys to Gary, Jacob gives a word.

Jacob: "Get it home for me. Ask Shinzo to drive it. He knows where i live."

Gary: "This car? Your call, J."

As the gang leaves, Jacob refocuses on his Japanese friend.

Jacob: "Hideki? You did get here by taxi, right?"

Hideki: "Yes. I don't drive to my relatives place. I'm leaving, just need to call the taxi."

Jacob: "Hmm.. How about I take you to my place. Won't take too long. You coming?"

Hideki: "By all means, Jacob-san, I am honored!"


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Soon, the drivers leave the venue. Jacob's Ford GT, however, isn't moving due to the overwhelming amount of people crowding the car and requesting the true identity of the Dark Horse.

To their surprise, Shinzo gets out of the car, with Gary on shotgun.

Shinzo: "Kuroiuma-san himself has asked me to move the car, for fear of such happenings as this."

Gary: "Go on, scram!"

Random fan: "Where is Kuroiuma?"

Shinzo: "Well, you can say.. "

Song: Fear Factory (feat. Gary Numan) - Cars

Shinzo: "He's riding the sunset."

Jacob drives the cumbersome Bugatti with Hideki on shotgun. The power of 1000 hp flows through the car. Jacob struggles to get the car's turning ability to work, since it is lacking at such.

The interior is bespoke with every Veyron, with this model carrying golden with black trimmings, indeed an interesting combination.

Jacob: "Damn.. am i so glad i can control this beast!"

Hideki: "This is insane! Whoaaa."

Jacob takes the apex as he takes advantage of the lack of traffic on the road.

He then turns into a curve. The Veyron's heavy exterior is backed up with extreme aerodynamics and engineering prowess.

He climbs up a hill, nearly reaching his home at 150 mph.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Williem is busy getting to know his sister's friends, while Lucia is away.

Williem: "Kind of odd to see no Japanese people around here. You do know me as King of the Ring, so i assume you guys know i live in Nurburg, Germany."

Bern: "Well, what exactly do you do in Nurburg anyways, signore?"

Williem: "Our tuning brand is based there. Living near the ring has its advantages."

Keith: "We can tell that you have racing prowess. Maybe to rival Jake himself..."

Williem: "Finding out Jacob's true identity has inspired me. The ring is a perfect dueling ground, and i didn't bring my car if we were to settle it here."

The small group hears a heavy, menacing sound. The three look out to see a Veyron.

Williem: "And.. he's done it. Gratulation.."

Bern: "Mio Dio! A Veyron?!"

Keith: "Please not a pink slip, please not a pink slip.."

Jacob and Hideki gets out of the big yellow Veyron. They are approached by the three.

Williem: "Well then, Herr Ross. We'll see each other as enemies on the ring in 2 months time."

Jacob: "Don't get your hopes up on racing the Veyron, Will. My Ford will bury you, but, no hard feelings if i whip you to shape?"

Williem: "Nein. We settle this like real gentlemen."

The two shake hands. The scene gets responses from the 3 standing by.

Bern: "So, Jake's entered the King of the Ring. Incredibile!"

Hideki: "Wow. Jacob-san's got this, i think."

Keith: "The sort of things Koji can do.."

FIN PART 1

Author's Notes

- Next part next week, I'm afraid. Earliest on Thursday.

- Yes, i do have that banana colored Veyron. No illusions or weird editing.

- Next part will reintroduce us to someone before. It's spoiled if you went into my Photobucket.

- Shinzo is inspired from wise old Japanese men. Specifically? Ermm... hmm... the Emperor from C&C: Red Alert 3.

- No assists sans ABS were used in the making of winning that seasonal.

- You can tell the reference Gary made with his movie. 2 Fast, 2 Furious.

- I will reduce the use of the Ford GT when i can. It's going to make an appearance in every chapter though.

- King Of The Ring is named from another fanfic (i think), and I'm not bothering editing the name finalizing this!

- Williem will make another appearance next Chapter (not part). He's influenced by.. well.. he's another Jacob Ross that goes on Nurburgring. The teaser of a German really made a Lucia relative predictable, huh?

- Shinzo was to be introduced later, but this is much better. He is intended not to be a racer, but having a racer friend (Louie Ross Jr.) makes more sense.

Cars Introduced.

- Jacob's Bugatti Veyron 16:4. 639pp

Cast Introduced.

- Shinzo Nishimura. Once a street racer, but now a father looking for his missing daughter. Has weight in the racing world of Japan, but not a major one.

- Williem Weiss. A famous Ring Meister. Won the first 3 years of a supercar competition, based in the Nurburgring Nordschliefe. Is also Lucia's bigger brother, and he loves her. A lot.

 

[RCKakashi14]

Nice start.


Oh by the way, Mukoyoushi means Son-In-Law in Japanese. Giri means honor.



(Okay RC, enough being a Grammar Nazi...)

 

[SomePlayaDude]

^

I won't get into another Japanese conversation so you don't have to correct me every time. Hmm..

I'm skimming through my not yet finalized parts ahead, and the only thing that carries some Japanese grammar is conversation between Vulture and Izumi in a later part than 2, while only just the family suffixes. I don't know if nii-san or imouto-kun is right though.

And... should i release part 2 today?

 

[RCKakashi14]

Nii-san is more appropriate. There is no such thing as "Imouto-kun" unless Imouto is a name. Siblings call each other as:

Nii-san for older brother
Aniki for older brother (more affectionate)
Nee-san for older sister
Anesan for older sister

Imouto should not have a "-kun" beside it. Besides, they call their younger siblings by their names.

 

[SomePlayaDude]

Nii-san is right? Thank you, Jin Kisaragi

And.. for those interested: Part 2 introduces Izumi. Vulture already told us something to Jacob about that in Chapter 1-5.

Vulture: "You should meet my sister. She's the direct opposite."

And.. a small excerpt of wisdom in the Part 4 draft.

Vulture: "Try is a word of courage, but can is a word of power."

Izumi: "No more! Nii-san! Please! Before.. before I.. ahaha.."

 

[SomePlayaDude]

Part 2: Seasonal Shrines.

Ross residence, Fujinomiya. 5 am. A week after the race in Fuji.

Jacob receives a call from Vulture at 5 am. Luckily for Jacob, he's one to get up really early.

Jacob: "You called?"

Vulture: "Yes. It seems that your intuition on Rin's location is correct. According to the databases i received, she's in this country and hasn't left."

Jacob: "And?"

Vulture: "She's a tough b:censored:h to follow up on. She's covered her trails very well. Aliases, fake ids, even disguises. It'll be a while before we get more progress on this."

Jacob: "I see."

Vulture: "I'll update when i can. Has Shinzo gone back to Tochigi?"

Jacob: "Yep. I won't know when he'll be back."

Vulture: "Oh.. it appears that I've received an update on the situation. Please hold."

Vulture gets through the memo that he received on his computer.

Vulture: "Well, Jacob. One of her aliases has been spotted 2 weeks ago."

Jacob: "How's that going to help?"

Vulture: "I'm not finished yet, Jacob."

Jacob: "...."

Vulture: "The memo i just got here mentioned a shrine she frequently visits. At a passageway on Mt. Hakone. The shrine keeper, while an old man, witnessed her existence. I would suggest asking him for information. I'll send you the details of the place."

Jacob: "I see. Sunday's a fine day for a drive anyways."

*hangs*

Jacob finishes his morning routine and goes out. He sees Alan watering flowers and Bernardo leaning on his Murcielago, waiting.

Bern: "Buongiorno, amico mio"

Jacob: "Good morning. What are you doing so early up?"

Bern: "I'm selling my Toro here. The dealer's coming in 2 hours. I'm so anxious, while a little sad too."

Jacob: "And who is this man you speak of?"

Bern: "I have no idea. I just went online to this dealership site and he offered me 400k for my Toro. I paid for less than that; no doubt i won't say no."

Jacob: "Well.. since you're not so busy at this time, how about you drive me to a shrine on Mt. Hakone. I know it won't take too long from here and i think my Veyron needs a small break."

Bern: "Sure, but my Toro stays. We'll take one of the cars from the garage."

Jacob: "And which one will it be?"

Bern: "Hmm... Zonda it is!"

Bernardo leaves his Murcielago with Alan, should the deal start without him.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


On the way to the shrine near the base of Mt. Hakone, the two talk about what's been going on. The weather is dull and it starts to drizzle, but it's not very harsh.

Bern: "Sooo, why are we going there, mi amico?"

Jacob: "Personal matter."

Bern: "Come on, Jake! You can tell me. We're like family, only closer."

Jacob: "Well, if you insist.. I've been talking to Vul.. Koji."

Bern: "Koji? Dude, he's bad news."

Jacob: "He seems to trust me a lot, and we, as fellow criminals, see eye to eye on things we discuss."

The Pagani screams its way through the hill side.

Bern: "I get it, mi amico, but I'll keep an eagle's eye out for him, you know."

Jacob: "Don't worry."

Bern: "Now, answer my question."

Bernardo's lack of throttle focus has him screech through a corner, on which he countered early.

Jacob: "Well, i asked them to find Rin. They confirmed that she's in Japan and never left."

Bern: "Rin? You know i don't really see her often since you married her."

Jacob: "She's really shy, you know. Only met my family, Luce, Murph and Gary. None from your side."

Bern: "She's a catch, mi amico. I really have to get to proposing Lucia soon."

Jacob: "She's not awake, is she?"

Bern: "She's homesick, mi amico. I saw her last night after Will left. There were tears everywhere and the floor seems like it's been mopped, figuratively."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The flirty Bernardo has been interested in Lucia since the day they met. Already known each other since college, they get along over time, but never really touched in terms of emotional breakdown. The day Williem left Lucia broke her heart, mainly missing her home in Nurburg. Bernardo steeled up, and actually came side by side for the first time in the situation.

Bern: "Signora? You don't look so good."

Lucia: "..."

Bern: "Don't be so sad. Mi servo was worried when he saw you weren't eating your dinner."

Lucia: "This.. better not be *sob* a prank *sob*"

Bern: "No, no no, mi amica. Come on, let Bernardo light your soul."

Bernardo sits alongside her, and holds her hand, while getting the nearby tissue box.

Bern: "Look, mi amica. You're a big girl now. I'm sure your family would be proud, like.."

Lucia: "Papa?"

Bern: "Oh no.."

While Lucia tears up a little more, Bernardo hopes to use some sweet talking to her heart.

Bern: "I'm just wondering why are you crying. There's no way i would let miei amici suffer. Lots of good things happened recently. Your race team.. Keith's promotion. Even Jake's here to stay."

Lucia: "Jake?"

Bern: "Si. He needs our help, you know. I think he's the suffering one, not you. Just.. stop your tears, mi amica."

Lucia: "..."

Bernardo remembered a bit of advice while the girl he held stopped crying, while still sobbing less.

Bern: "I remember a small tale about this Italian racer in Japan. She finds a new life in Japan, struggles to make a living and would've threw the towel, until she met a man who lost something. She would go so far to help him rekindle his spirit. They just met too."

Lucia: "Don't tell me you made that up *sob*."

Bern: "I would, but i met this woman personally a year ago. It feels good to see another of my kin here."

After a moment of quiet, Lucia feels better now. The two stand up from the spot. While Bernardo was about to leave..

Lucia: "Herr Bellini?"

Bern: "Huh?"

Lucia: "... Danke"

She went up and hugged the man. Bernardo's heart pumped fast at the time.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Bern: "She hugged me.. That was the first time i felt that."

Jacob: "How about i help cheer her up? Has she any idea that i won the position for King of the Ring?"

Bern: "I assume she didn't. You were at Fuji that day, right? She went there with Will. I just don't really know why she has no idea who won."

Jacob: "How about you manipulate her schedule? Have no races for a week at the time I'll be butting heads with Will and some competitors in Nurburg."

Bern: "That's a good idea."

Jacob: "It should be."

Bern: "Don't be an asino, mi amico."

The two sees nature's weird side.

Jacob: "Remember the day when we "picked up" Lucia's BMW?

Bern: "You know i don't want to. Reminds me, how was the MRI you did?"

Jacob: "Fine. Just a few bruises on the chest and a few strains."

Bern: "You don't want to be me. I had a few beats, but a spanner on the head. Una chiave inglese!"

Jacob: "GPS on my phone says we're close."

Bern: "Finally. And it looks like the sun's getting in hot."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The two arrive in a shrine that looks hardly occupied. They park the Pagani in a far place due to the one way road. When they saw the massive parking spaces in front of the shrine.

Jacob: "Well, that was unfortunate."

Bern: "I don't think i want to walk back and get the car.

Jacob: "We'll just have to move ahead then."

The shrine was mostly empty. Jacob is in search for a shrine keeper that may know more information about Rin.

Jacob: "It's like a ninja mansion."

Bern: "Except there's no ninjas, and i don't see a mansion too."

Jacob: "Really? You know ninjas are to be unseen and act sneaky."

Bern: "Sneaky, huh? No wonder i feel like I'm being watched."

Unbeknownst to them, they are being watched. Watched by men wielding katanas hiding in secluded areas. While still unnerved, Jacob leads Bernardo inside, which is being obstructed by a car that's parked here: A red McLaren MP4-12C.

Jacob: "Well, someone has a taste for cars here."

Bern: "All the way out here? Reminds me about tales of cars racing down this mountain. A legend of Mt. Hakone."

Jacob: "How'd it go?"

Bern: "I don't know the details much, mi amico, but there was a name and a car: "Watanabe, and a Nissan 180SX." Must be some years old folk legend around here.

Jacob: "How about we research about it soon? Let's find that man and get out of here. I also feel vibes, like someone is watching us, and this McLaren.."

The two walked in a shrine that has it's door left open. The shrine has a giant statue and a few pieces of furniture, indicating someone lives here. Then..

Jacob: "That smell... Blood?"

Bern: "What the?! Jake! Over here."

The two walked to the doorway across the room and sees a bald, old man. Dead and his body sliced clean. His getup reveals himself as the shrine keeper.

Jacob: "Whoa.. what mess have we got here?"

Bern: "I'm going to panic if I'm without you, Jake. Hold me!"

Jacob: "No. Why don't you do something more resourceful?"

Bern: "Aww.. I'll just call the police."

Jacob: "You go do that."

Bernardo uses his phone and calls a number. He then says:

Bern: "Get me emergency! I need some help in some old shrine on the south base of Hakone. There's a dead man here!"

Jacob has a look at the body after putting his phone away.

Jacob: "Hmm.. Okay. Looks like a cut. A big cleaver, perhaps."

Bern: "In this country, it's called a katana. They cut more than a longsword and they cost a fortune to make. There's less master forgers for that than owners of intact Aventadors."

As they continue analyzing, they hear a few thuds from a nearby cabinet. It did startle the duo.

Jacob: "Bern, i can't carry you forever..."

Bern: "Mi dispiace, amico."

After regaining composure, the two open the cabinet. A man inside was tied up and muffled. Upon opening the cabinet, he falls to the floor.

Bern: "Is he dead?"

Jacob: "No.. but i do recognize him.. How's about you untie this man?"

Bern: "No problem."

The man is untied. Jacob immediately recognizes him after the unbinding.

Murph: "Cheers, Jake. But.. you dealt with them ninjas?"

Jacob: "Murph?! What's a guy like you doing here? And what ninjas?"

A small group of Yakuza enter the shrine, with katanas. They shut off all entry ways. A leader of the small gang moves forward.

Bern: "I think them, miei amici."

Jacob: "These guys, i think they want us dead."

Murph: "You forgot to mention me, right? Oh, wait, you didn't."

The leader then identifies himself.

Katsu: "I am Katsu Takaguchi. Son of the great leader and Oyabun Heishiro Takaguchi. You're the Dark Horse, Jacob Ross, correct?"

Jacob: "Well, that'll be me. If you wanted to race me, i guess you can try the fansites popping up.."

Katsu: "I don't want to race you, Kuroiuma.. You caused me great dishonor in my family, alongside that man, Keith Ross. It's you, then that man I'll get rid eventually."

Bern: "You can't get away so easy, young man. You know i have enforcement coming up the mountain."

Murph: "Yea, and i won't obey some punk's nonsense. You can't tie me up again!"

Katsu: "Don't you see what you're up against. The finest enforcers of my family. There's no way you're living, Kuroiuma-san!"

Jacob: "That's it? You really should get a life. And how's about these two sods."

Murph: "Sods, Jake? Really?"

Katsu: "We'll feed you to the crows. That's right, you're all going to die. If you do survive, you'll be crawling for mercy at the men i have outside the area."

Jacob: "As much as i don't negotiate, how about you spare these two. I'm sure that'll help with you empowering your family name with some witnesses. You can't have your men sugar coating your every move."

Katsu: "Hmm, you have a point. Come now and I'll spare them."

Katsu then looks over to his right hand man.

Katsu: "As soon as we're done here, kill the two."

Back at the trio..

Bern: "*whispering* Jake what are you doing?"

Murph: "*whispering* The man's got a plan in his 'ead. We get going with it, it's the last chance we've got."

Jacob: "*whispering* When i give the signal, you guys run to the back of the statue.

Jacob then speaks in a suspicious tone.

Jacob: "Well, it's been great guys. If you do find Rin, tell her i said hi."

Murph and Bern: "WHAT?!"

Jacob approaches the men slowly. Katsu smiles fiendishly.

Katsu: "Well, I'm sorry but i have honor to regain. Any last words, Kuroiuma-san?

Jacob: "Hmm.. *listens to door* how about.. BEHIND THE STATUE GUYS!"

Jacob suddenly closes his ears and looks at the floor. As the Yakuza were baffled at the scene, the door was shot open. The room was given a flashbang from the outside by Gary.

Gary: "Surprise, mo:censored:ers!"

Gary and his small posse starts killing the men with silenced SMGs while the two hostages hide behind the giant statue. Jacob crawls in afterwards.

Jacob: "Well, that went well."

Bern: "Jake. You had a guy watching us the whole time, mi amico?"

Jacob: "No. i received a message from Gary a few moments ago. You can say we were lucky they got here in time."

Murph: "That's Jake for you. A Bruce Wayne wannabe. Nice to see your arse again.

Bern: "The pleasure's mine, mi amico. We're here because of you, Jake?"

Jacob: "Well, you have one circle of friends and another. The man who's saving us is yet another. But how'd he get here?"


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Vulture's office. Earlier this morning..

*sends text message*

Vulture, being an early bird, sits on his desk. A desk with many possibilities. With about as much buttons as a keyboard, Vulture gets to researching the memo he just got.

Vulture: "Well.. i have to settle with their payment."

Dealing with banking, Vulture pays a special team of infiltrators an agreed share for their information sweep by online banking via a secure line; a method commonly used to do so. After a small while, he starts to meditate. Stances, balances and impressive kung fu moves are showcased. It continued for 5 minutes, until..

Associate: "Sacho-san! Emergency!"

Vulture: ".....you have 10 seconds."

Associate: "Sacho-san. Please listen to me. It's really important."

Vulture: "Alright. Hand me the news and be gone with you."

Associate: "OK. The memo with the shrine and Rin Nishimura. It's a trap."

Vulture: "WHAT?! Give me that."

The associate's note got swiped in a flash. Vulture gets a thorough reading.

Vulture: "A memo from a recent post on the Takaguchi clan's newsboard..lure Kuroiuma to shrine. Use surveillance of unknown woman. Katsu-sama will take lead of operation. Will regain favor from father Heishiro.. How did they know this much?"

Associate: "That means we have a snitch in our higher ranks, like we have snitches there. We'll have a cleanup to do later, Sacho-san."

Vulture: "Do what you want to find this snitch, but i want him alive and interrogated later."

Associate: "Alright. Sayonara."

The associate leaves the large office. Vulture, angry and concerned, approaches his desk and pushes a button, surely revealing his corporate phone.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


10 seconds later. A neighborhood in Shibuya, Tokyo.

*gangster rapping*

*answers*

Gary: "Huh.. Mr. V? I don't take jobs this early, ya dig?"

Vulture: "This is important. Jacob's in deep trouble."

Gary suddenly gets up, nearly startling the woman he's sleeping with. He walks outside his room quietly and gets out

Gary: "Gimme a sit rep, Mr. V."

Vulture: "A small Yakuza platoon. Head towards Lake Ashi on Mt. Hakone. I'll fill you in with the co-ordinates."

After a short getting ready period, Gary heads outside. He gets into his Challenger and starts it. This wakes up the neighborhood, and startles a few people. Gary sets up the GPS on his car and drives out to see a few of his freshly imported gangsters loitering.

Gary: "Hop in, you 3. We doin' a drive by to a Mount Ha-kou-nee."

Gangster 1: "Alrite!"

Gangster 2: "You da boss."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


After a while on the road, Gary drives as fast as he can. Trying to control his 600hp Challenger proved to be challenging for anyone. But after years with it, Gary drives it like anyone can drive a 4 wheel drive. The car travels through the mountain.

Gary: "Silencers under the chair. We'll need 'em."

The car powers the straights, reaching 160mph.

Gary takes the incoming turn cleanly.

Then, he powers on, to see that the road's not leveled. The car leaves a small trail.

He drifts round the next corner.

The car faces yet another steep climb.

Hurrying up, Gary forgets to brake and uses oversteer to get round the rising swoop.

Gary: "Alright, guys. We're nearly here. These guys will have no guns, but katanas. They will cut you if you're not careful.

Gangster 1: "Alright, i really do need a shave."

*laughter*

Gary: "I love you guys..Oh, you. Send a text to this number. Tell him to keep calm and carry on. We'll be there in 2 minutes, according to the GPS."

Gangster 2: "Hey, dude. How'd you use this thing-a-bob?

Gangster 3: "Gimme that!"


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The car arrives in the shrine. The Yakuza guards outside were alerted but were filled with lead from one of the drive bys. The silencers, along with the sound dampening temple walls make their approach a quiet one.

Gary gets out with the three. While his fellow gang starts firing, he gets a special something from the car's boot. A pair of flashbangs. The silence of the Uzis ensured their lack of attention. The three enter the area. All clear and a red sports car untouched, miraculously.

Gary: "Huddle up by that door. That closed one."

Then, they hear from the door Katsu's speech. Gary then hears Jacob's 'surrender'

Gary: "Open the door, man!"

Gangster 1: "Locked."

Gary: "Knew it.. Stand back boys. When this door get open, get one of these suckers to go."

Gary gave a flashbang to one of the gangsters. He then shoots the door locks. He then kicks the door and the flashbang flies in. The men started to get to work.

Gary: "Surprise, mo:censored:ers!"


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Back to the present. The gangsters outnumber the small Yakuza group in terms of firepower. Katsu apparently snuck by another exit on the side and ran outside quickly. He runs and falls by the door. As he gets up, hearing that mess was Gary. Giving chase while reloading, he sees Katsu trying to get away in his Challenger, showing that leaving his keys in the ignition really can mess up your day.

Gary: "B:censored:h! GET YOUR SUCKER ASS HANDS OFF MY CAR!"

Gary starts firing at his car's engine. With full auto on his gun. The car's engine parts start to break and oil leaks on the floor. And before Katsu could escape, he would get shot once and follows with a fire from the chain reaction. He died in a fiery blaze, with a saddened Gary.

Gary: "You maniac! You made me blow it up! God damn you! God damn you all to hell!"


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


After a while, Jacob gets out of the cover. Murph and Bern still struggle to get out due to fear.

Jacob: "So, what's the body count?"

Gangster 1: "10-ish. Can't be bothered to count. You got real lucky with what happened."

Jacob: "Bern here called the police to clean up. You guys gotta get out of here."

A police unit moves in to the area at a high speed, responding to the S.O.S. by Bernardo.

Gangster 2: "We got that covered. Gary's down in the dumps because his car's in smithereens.. We'll find a way out."

Gangster 3: "You're that guy they call Kuroiuma? Geez, you're like a girl's wet dream come true."

Then..

Gangster 1: "Hey boys, look at this secret passage."

Jacob: "If you're going to go, then go. Where's Gare-bear?"

Later by the wreck, Gary's having a hard time to accept the fact he blew up his car.

Bern: "Gary.. you looked like you killed someone?"

Gary: "Ohh.. i killed someone alright! I'm sure you haven't felt that feeling, man. The moment that when something you connected with, BAM, a goner like that."

Murph: "Calm now, mate. The cops be arriving in a moment."

Sirens are heard from a 4 mile radius. The police takes the mountain turns with experience.

Murph: "And they're gonna be here in no time."

Gary: "S:censored:t. Where's the gang? They have to bounce."

Gary received a message.

Gary: "Let's see... we found a ninja passage the Yaks used. We got going, it was nice hanging out with ya. OK. C'mon, Burner! Let's get outta here"

The cops cometh.

Bern: "Si! To the Horaciomobile!"

Gary: "Whu?"

As Gary and Bernardo escape the area quickly.The police arrived not seeing them, and are all over the area. They secured the area and sees Jacob and Murph.

Police: "Interpol! Hands where i can see them!"

Jacob: "Don't say anything."

Murph: "I planned not to, like always."

After a while, the police made autopsy reports to the bodies and confirmed deaths of Yakuza members and Katsu's imminent doom by fiery blowup. While initially accusing the two, they were let go after certain evidence remains missing or unable to match. Soon, a blue Lancer, modified and lightened, appeared.

The driver of said lancer is a woman with a Chinese dress, long silk bracers and a tied up hair bun. She arrives and immediately, the police gives way as a sign of respect.

Woman: "OK. You can get back to work. Have an autopsy by an hour, and analyze this burned mess."

As she looks around with the police occupying the scene, she sees an officer with Jacob. She reassigned him away, and asks Jacob some questions, with Murph being occupied with the police using his car as part of the crime scene.

Woman: "So, what's your business here, Mr. Jacob Ross A.K.A. Outlaw?"

Jacob: "Hold on a second.. You know me that much?"

Woman: "In my field of work, you have to know who you're dealing with. Have no clue who's the other guy though."

Jacob sees through her lie. Logically, Murph would be the stand out accomplice if Jacob is proven to be Outlaw.

Jacob: "Uhuh.. This is info your police network aren't supposed to carry especially if you know my identity. Also, Murphy Barrister's a wanted suspect and shouldn't really be let go so easy, and he's a free man, over there."

The woman just stands there, all stunned and pressured.

Jacob: "Come on.. you're pretty odd, stuttering like a small earthquake."

The woman starts to sweat a lot and stutters.

Woman: "Huh? What... what are you tal..king about?"

Jacob: "I don't need evidence to prove you're a looney cop! You should just give up and walk away if you're going to lie to me!"

The woman starts to frown angrily and hold her hands back and, smoothly, releases her hair bun and shows a mean Asian look, eventually turning into a seemingly different person.

Woman: "Fine.. you got me. I'm Izumi Yamazaki. Koji's my bigger brother."

Jacob: "That's what i was looking for. You're here because Vulture sent you?"

Izumi: "Vulture?!"

She starts to laugh uncontrollably.

Izumi: "I'm sorry, Jacob-sama. I can't believe Nii-san would still call himself names!... but on the serious side, I'm here just to check on behalf of Nii-san. Between us, this is my first day on the field as an agent, and I'm hoping i won't mess up. I'll tell the guys to let you off."

Jacob: "Well, if you have any questions, feel free to refer to him. I think I'm done here."

Jacob walks to the McLaren, while comparing Izumi to Koji.

Jacob: "She IS the opposite..Hey Murph."

Murph: "So, Jake. The cops got nothing with me, surprisingly. How's about you show me where you hang out? I have time to kill."

Jacob: "What's a man like you doing here anyways?"

Murph: "We talk later, when the cops are gone."

FIN PART 2

Author's Notes

- Had this chapter prewritten before my one week hiatus. Not much changed from draft to final.

- If you ask me, plot armor sure is powerful. I've no plans for deaths to the recurring cast, but I'll consider it..

- The initial draft had Jacob go round a time trial in Autumn Ring, with Katsu setting up a bomb on the circle underpass. Gary's role is unchanged, except for him driving his car to the underpass and bailing. He kills Katsu afterwards in a gunfight.

- I'm thinking writing down lyrics for music, to help sync the readers.

- Izumi is influenced from Calisto Yew, a laugh happy defense lawyer, from Ace Attorney Investigations. Beating that game helps you get the reference make more sense.

- While already teased, there are 2 more characters left: The enigma known as N.Z and the Latino, Eduard Alvarez. They'll make a small appearance this chapter, but N.Z will be a major character of the later parts, while Eduard gains that next chapter.

- I imagined Murph has a deep cockney accent, like Handsome Rob from the new Italian Job. Except he's not bald, but somewhat like Callum from FarCry 3.

- The police scenes were added late, but they look awesome to me. Expect another such scene.

- I'm lagging behind on the rate of finished drafts. Next page Tuesday.

Cars Introduced.

- Izumi's Lancer Evo 9. 585 pp.

Cast Introduced.

- Izumi Yamazaki. Secret Agent for the CIA. Also a snitch for her bigger brother Vulture. Carries a rather annoying penchant to laugh, or giggle. Also: is not a gun supporter, and is rather loyal to her Japanese side; opposite of her brother's views.

 

[Mat123]

Nice to see my old fanfic being mentioned.

Great work, as always. 👍

 

[Auraxir]

gotta love gary's surprise entry

 

[SomePlayaDude]

Part 3: Catalyst.

On the mountain roads back to home. Jacob gets on the wheel on Murph's McLaren, with its Hudsen Tech GPS on the works. The rain showered hard in the area, which made Jacob reassure Murph's driving ability.

CALCULATING ROUTE...

DESTINATION: FUJINOMIYA, SHIZUOKA PREFECTURE.

TIME FOR REGULAR CAR: 49 MINS
TIME EVALUATED FROM SUPERCAR SCAN (MP4-12C): 22 MINS.​

Jacob: "Don't be dumb, Murph. You can't drive in the rain with me as co-driver."

Murph: "You didn't mind the day i sent you packing in Seacrest."

Jacob: "It was a sunny day, and you caught me in a good mood."

Murph: "Jake.. we're buddies, you and I. You can't lecture me like i was a baby!"

Jacob: "I would let you if you behave and tell me why are you here."

Murph: "It all started the day i went from your parents' place. I went back to Guildford and restarted my online collecting spree. You'll be surprised how much i get from racing in the Blacklist."

Jacob: "I can get a lot of cars with the money i have. Expensive ones."

Murph: "Yeah. I'm looking for an intact second generation Murcielago. Found one and came all the way to Japan to get it. Italians in Europe are so finicky with prices. I'm not parting with a million dollars for one."

Jacob: "You're getting Bern's bull?"

Murph: "Yup. Don't worry. I drive these things, unlike some other collectors."

Jacob: "And how did you end up in a dresser?"

Murph: "Ahh.. let's see.. i was on me way to your place, but there was this nice roadblock. I got out of my car, and say.. the rest is history, old chap.

The McLaren brakes for an incoming turn.

Murph: "Heard you're getting famous in these parts."

Jacob: "Famous indeed. How's handling the blacklist for a change?"

Murph: "Believe it or not, we gave up on it and scram. Don't worry, our cars are in safe hands."

Jacob: "That's just what i needed to hear. I really have no plans to get back."

Murph: "There's a good reason though. It's not us just waving the white flag."

Jacob: "What could it be then?"

Murph: "I had a man clean our names from police database. The city of Rockport is literally crawling with police on every corner. They made an investigation after Outlaw's supposed death."

Jacob: "They're just chasing ghosts."

Murph: "Someone had an analysis on the camera tape and confirmed your car's not really dead."

Jacob: "How about a favor, old friend?"

Murph: "Yeah?"

Jacob: "Bring me my car, I'll pay 100k."

Murph: "That's too nice, mate!"

Jacob: "I didn't finish."

Murph: "Well.. you old slug! Come on."

Jacob: "I want you to strip of what resembles Outlaw. Change it's exterior, get rid of the body kit, and leave anything inside all intact. I'll hand you the keys."

Murph: "Now you're talking. I'll get to it when i can."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Just south of Fujinomiya. A yellow RX-7 takes a drive around the hillside. Driven by touge expert Ayumi, with Hideki on shotgun as her guide.

The car passed by a corner at 80 mph. Very fast for a mountain run.

Ayumi: "How's THAT for handling?"

Hideki: "I was hanging from my seat back there."

Ayumi: "Thanks.. How's your car, Deki-san?"

Hideki: "I'm getting a few things for it. Just need another month's allowance and.."

Ayumi: "WHAT?! Come on, Deki-san. You don't have to get upgrading your nice car. It's fast, and I'm sure what i did to the aerodynamics will help get it around bends like those baseball players."

Hideki: "Well.. it's just that.. I've been spending a lot recently. A few parts, some living expenses, a VIP pass on that race in Fuji..."

Ayumi: "That race? You mean that one with all those expensive sports cars? I heard Kuroiuma-san was in it and won it all."

Hideki: "He did. It was magnificent, but no one really knows who he is."

Ayumi: "You know as much as I need to know about him, Deki-san!"

Hideki: "I didn't really see anything there. Just a bunch of people in the pit lane."

Ayumi see through the vague referencing and the sloppy talking. She makes a guess.

Ayumi: "You met him."

Hideki: "Erk.."

Ayumi: "Then, you saw him at the pits."

Hideki: "..."

Ayumi: "Tell me, that's what happened, right?"

Hideki: "No! I met a lot of people. I wouldn't really know if one of them is Kuroiuma-san!"

Ayumi: "His face is well known in the racing world here. There's no reason to hide it, Deki-san. Besides, i know the trick he did with the Ford was your trick."

Hideki: "Oh my gosh, how'd you know?!"

Ayumi: "I didn't."

Hideki: "Phew."

Ayumi: "But you told me everything. He went home with the prize car. It was monitored that he went to this road."

Hideki: "So, we're seeing him again?"

Ayumi: "...I'll try to be more calm. Please, help me Deki-san! I need to win that American man's favor."

Seeing her mercy eyes, Hideki has no choice.

Hideki: "Well... alright. Take the left here.."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


At the homestead. The boys are in the Ross' home playing videogames. They're currently playing Injustice: Gods Among Us' versus mode, in hopes of cheering Gary up for destroying his car. Gary takes advantage of Doomsday's character power to get close, partially negating Sinestro's ranged capability.

Gary: "What's the matter, you freaking stupid? It's freakin' Doomsday!"

Bern: "Agh. Come on.. I though fear is the best weapon."

Keith: "I thought one liners only seem awesome on superheroes"

Gary and Bern: "Shut up Keith!"

Keith: "Oh, what can i do without you guys?"

Gary: "If you guys need to know, I have backup cars in the States, but the next car I'm getting don't do drivebys."

Bern: "It better be some sort of fast car that you can control."

Gary: "I know J's gonna be impressed."

Outside, the Yellow RX-7 arrives and parks near the gate, unaware to the video gamers. The two inside it walk out after turning off the car.

Ayumi: "Okay, they live in a new neighbourhood... OHMIGOSH I see the Ford! Yippie! Thanks, Deki-san."

Hideki: "I have this deep feeling, whoever Kuroiuma-san is, he's going to shoo us off like stray cats."

On a yard the opposite side of the road, Alan is reading a paper on the veranda while Lucia sunbathes. Alan notices the Japanese duo arriving on scene, while Lucia's too relaxed to bother.

Alan: "I'd say.. is Jacob expecting any guests?"

Lucia: "Oh, it must be that Koji man.."

Alan: "Hmm.. they look like a young couple from here."

Lucia: "Just warn us when it's police or criminals or something, Diener.."

Alan: "Haha.. they look so innocent. Maybe just a lost bunch."

Lucia gets up and wears a towel. She has a look at the two and made a summary.

Lucia: "Diener.. i know that boy. Get my clothes and the stopwatch."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Back at the game, Doomsday walks towards the destroyed background, just after finishing Sinestro.

Gary: "Score one for.. *mimics Doomsday* YOR DUUM!"

Weirdly, a sound that mimics a blink from the future is heard.

Bern: "Aiya.. Gary. You're soo good in these video games, man.."

Gary: "Man, thanks for cheering me up, guys. How's about we play something with co-op? Don't say we gonna play that Call of Duty s:censored:t."

Keith: "We can arm wrestle."

Gary: "F:censored:k no! I'd only agree if we played Russian Roulette."

Keith: "Messing with ya, Gary. I have LittleBigPlanet 2, if that's what you want."

Bern: "Keith, i think that's too cute for our age."

Keith: "Make your own little avatar. Luce made a Jake and he was cute.."

Gary: "SOLD! Come on, Burner. You with us or not?"

Bern: "Why not.. but no mercy if i leave you guys, eh?"

Keith: "You know, Bern. Luce did stitch up a mini Jake on her Bimmer's keychain. It's based on this game.."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Back outside, the two university students continue their recon. They see on the parking in the Ross homestead: Silver Corvette, Black Pagani and the Dark Horse's Ford GT. The latter of the lot takes the attention of a girl.

Ayumi: "Whoa. What kind of computer devices are these?"

To Hideki, the last time he got close to the Ford, Jacob just appeared out of nowhere.

Hideki: "You know, i have this feeling he's going to appear right... there!"

Nothing appeared.

Ayumi: "Don't be a paranoid man. It's not like this car has an alarm.."

*Alarm sounds*​

Hideki: "It's a road car, Ayu-san. Come on, we gotta get out of here before the neighbors.."

Unfortunately behind Hideki is a woman known to make any man cry, despite the age difference

Lucia: "You again, kleiner mann? And it seems you brought a little friend too. Diener! You want to count how long will it take to teach these two a lesson?

Alan: "I have the stopwatch ready, ma'am. Sock it to them."

Lucia cracks her knuckles. Alan pushes a button. What's to come next is unpleasant, supposedly. Fortunately at the time, a red McLaren arrived. Jacob jumped out quickly.

Jacob: "Luce! Stop!"

Lucia: "Aww.. Herr Ross came in time too. Der kleiner mann and sein Mädchen got lucky."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


After a short while, everyone went inside the home. Jacob talked to Murph for a moment outside.

Jacob: "What am i going to do with them.."

Murph: "So, Jake..who are these two brats sneaking up your place?"

Jacob: "I know them. One of them idolizes me and the other, well, i shared my little trip in Rockport."

Murph: "Good times."

Jacob: "You did say that the gang split up. Where are they?"

Murph: "Well, i know how to solve this! We play rock paper scissors."

Jacob: "For real? I'm too old for that sh.."

Murph: "Just give me a hand, you simpleton."

Jacob shows a paper.

Murph: "Paper, eh? Lee it is."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Murph: "Believe it or not, Lee's gone back to Malaysia to work on his new project. But since there's no high speed competition in that peninsula of his, he's staying in Japan. Man's racing his new car, a modern Pontiac GTO that's been buffed up to race with all sorts of cars."

Song: Bad Religion - The Resist Stance.

Jacob: "It makes me wonder why i haven't met him yet. I'd know it was him if there was a demon GTO on the roads."

Murph: "I'm sure there's been many cases on a demon GTO, but mention a Pontiac GTO, will you? Anyways, i called him and he got a photo. Lemme get it for you."

Jacob: "Hmm.. a digital speedometer. It says 234 mph. I don't know, Murph."

Murph: "Another pic will change your mind. I'm sure."

Jacob: "How is he getting a picture at that speed anyways? He catches up to a McLaren F1! Okay.. that's normal for Lee. How about.. Fred?"


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Song: N.E.R.D. - Rockstar (Jason Nevins Remix)

Murph: "Fred's still in the states after your departure. He's gonna 'succeed' Outlaw and race in the American League of Exotics. His recent race was in Daytona, and it's not NASCAR. Have a gander at this article."

Jacob: "Well, he's a fine racer. That Saleen.. Keith's going to love seeing this car again."

Murph: "The guy misses us. Do me a favor: tell me when you're leaving Japan so we can go storming or something."

Jacob: "Haha. I'll find a way out. After i find Rin.

Murph: "You ain't giving up on her, man. I'm not against you or what, but you did make a big decision that day."

Jacob: "You know i regretted it if I'm here. And, how's Leona?"

Murph: "Have a look in my WhatsApp.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Song: Garbage - I Think I'm Paranoid

Murph: "She said this is her new car. Well, i can't blame her but..

Jacob: "It's the same car back then."

Murph: "I know, right? She's on holiday in Europe. She's in Bern at the time. Not referring to your flirtatious friend, of course."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Jacob: "Well, let's get to business. Do you want to call Bern about the car?"

Murph: "I'll do that later. Right now, we have to deal with the 'intruders'."

Jacob: "I hope Luce isn't giving them a beating now.."

Jacob opens the door to see a whole bunch of people behind all scared while looking at the unexplainable chaos. Gary was tossed on the wall with an expensive picture on it.

Murph: "Wha?"

Jacob: "Gary! What did you do?"

Gary: "I 'accidentally' did a prod to a certain somewhere on a someone's body. It felt good, but i can't feel my legs."

Lucia appears.

Lucia: "Du bist tot! Tot!"

Alan: "I did all i could, Jacob. Help!"

Jacob: "*sigh* come on Murph."

Murph: "Like old times."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


20 minutes later, everything is finally in order.

In the shared home is Lucia and Alan, with Lucia on a sofa.

Lucia: "*regains consciousness*... What happened, diener? I remembered beating a guy senseless and then.."

Alan: "Hush, hush, my dear. Nothing much has happened. Must be one of your little pills working on you again. Now, you want something to drink?"

Lucia looks outside to see Gary limping with Keith.

Lucia: "*exhales* maybe not, Lucia.. maybe not. Diener? You're still offering me the drink?"


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Next, we have Murph and Bernardo, working over the Murcielago.

Murph: "Alright mate. I'm going to take off the exhaust and the things you put in this thing. I want a STOCK Murcielago. I'll get the parts taken off you, sell them and send you that bit of profit, eh?"

Bern: "Sure, but do please take care of her? I'm going to miss my Toro."

Murph hands over a cheque writing in 400k US dollars. He then shakes the hand of his customer.

Murph: "Cheers. Good doing business to you."

Bern: "Gratzie to you too."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Along the street, is Gary limping into the Corvette. Keith gets in the car.

Keith: "So, the nearest hospital?"

Gary: "Yeah.. that'll do. I'll get my way back home from there."

The Corvette's heavy engine shakes the neighborhood a little, mimicking the moment should Mt. Fuji erupt.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Jacob watches his friends, and then comes in to his messed home. He then comes to console a sobbing girl and a shaken boy.

Jacob: "Well, now i can properly welcome you into my home, despite the situation we had.. please don't be sad."

Ayumi: "...."

Hideki: "Jacob-san.. please.. maybe give us a moment of peace."

Jacob: "I did tell you right? You did nothing. The last time i did something, it got me someone i cared about so much. I lost it, and when i think of my powerful status as a racing god, i think of the sorrow i have within me."

Ayumi: "..you're.. you're married, Kuroiuma-san?"

Jacob: "Call me Jacob. It's the least i can give you."

Ayumi: "*struggles to say Jacob*"

Hideki: "You'll get it, Ayu-san. I was like this when i first met him."

Ayumi: "Huh? Really?"

Hideki: "Say it with me."

As the two practice saying the Dark Horse's name, Jacob walks away and cleans up a bit. He then steps on a photo of him and Keith posing in a beach with his wife. After the photo is picked up, he re-remembers the moment.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Song: Lance Hayes - Road Side

It was before Keith went to Japan and still studies in Los Angeles. He tried to attract women but failed miserably after a few tries. As he returns to the recently married Jacob, who's having a honeymoon..

Jacob: "Keith, it looks like you need work on your attraction before you get anyone."

Rin: "You know, my father once said to me that who travels for love finds a thousand miles not longer than one. It won't take long, but make sure the dedication stays."

Keith: "Thanks, guys."

Keith looks at the sunset.

Keith: "This sure is a pretty sunset, eh?"

Rin: "*gasps* Come on, you two! Let's remember the moment."

Jacob then aims at a random passersby. A shirtless young man with a bandana, and wearing only jeans and shoes.

Jacob: "Hey, you. What's your name?"

Gary: "You talking to me? *hides gun* Ermm.. call me Gary."

Rin: "Jacob-san! Come on!"

Jacob: "Alright Gary, take this picture of us. Make sure the sunset's visible."

The young Gary holds up the digital camera.

Gary: "Wow.. what a hot chick.."

Jacob: "What was that?"

Gary: "Nothing, nothing.. OK! One, twooo.."

*SNAP*​

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Back in the present, Jacob tears up a little.

Jacob: "That was a strange moment. And Gary on that beach? That freak.."

Ayumi: "What's that Jacob-san?"

Jacob: "You're done? How fast!"

Ayumi: "Deki-san told me all about your situation. A former criminal? That's awesome!"

Hideki: "Now, Jacob-san. Can i have information about your wife?"

Jacob: "Well, see this woman in this picture?"

The two sees the picture.

Hideki: "She's definitely Japanese."

Ayumi: "It stands out, especially on how short she is."

Jacob: "She's my wife. Rin Nishimura. I came here to find her after she left me."

Ayumi: "Doesn't that mean she doesn't want to be your wife, Jacob-san?"

Jacob: "I'm not sure.."

Hideki: "Jacob-san, i think i see something faint on the back of the picture."

Jacob notices it as well. A faint print is seen. Jacob uses the UV light from his key chain on the photo and sees a message.

Jacob, I'm so sorry for running away. Stay dedicated to our love and we'll meet, i know we will. ~
(凛 - RIN)​

Jacob: "Ha.. haha... I can't believe it.."

Jacob started to tear up heavily while smiling, letting his emotions control his body. The two others console and carries him.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


A Japanese tea shop in Tokyo. Two old men just split up from a meeting. One of them is Shinzo, while the other is Heishiro. Re meeting an old friend is warming to the heart, if he really is still your friend.

Heishiro: "So, I'll see you another time."

Shinzo: "Yes.. farewell, Shiro-san."

Heishiro walks away, muttering.

Heishiro: "Koji's next. I will avenge you, my son."

FIN PART 3

Author's Notes

- Rin's first physical appearance, though in a flashback. Her biography will come by the Epilogue, I'm afraid, but I'll see if i can push for a premature one.

- Next parts are full of racing, if you're one with that.

- Am hoping you all can feel the pain Jake's going through at the end of this part.

- Yeah, prepare to see more references to other video games. I was going to post a LBP2 picture of the gang's avatars, but i got lazy and scrapped it.

Cars Introduced.

- Leona's SL 55 AMG. 582pp.
- Fred's Saleen S7. 572pp.
- Lee's GTO. 590pp.

Cast Introduced.

- Heishiro Takaguchi. Once under Vulture, now against him. Plans to avenge his son's recent death by killing the ones responsible, ending with Jacob.

 

[RCKakashi14]

Pretty good. The races would be exciting. 👍

 

[SomePlayaDude]

Part 4: Going Down On It.

It has been a week since the mess involving the Yakuza happened. Murph has left the country and there has been no sign of progress in their objective. Jacob is checking the yellow Bugatti on the DYNO in the garage. The large W16 engine unleashes it's fury.

Jacob: "1036 horsepower, 251 mph. A speed demon. How did Shinzo get to owning the car if he doesn't like it?"

Keith: "You have no idea.. Rich man with racing heritage makes up for one hell of a combo, you know."

Jacob: "I'm not exactly clear with their racing heritage, you know."

Then, the brothers hear a knock on the garage door. Ramlie has arrived with his Pontiac.

Lee: "Oh! Boss. What's up, man?"

Jacob: "You're doing fine, i presume. I'm fine."

Lee: "Ahaha. You don't worry, ah. I always fine. You're his bro.. Keith? Oh yes, Keith!"

Keith: "Good to see a fan of mine, Mr. Lee."

Lee: "I don't follow GT500, but to see American man race in Japanese league? Exciting!"

Jacob: "Show's over, Lee. Now, how about you install the control panel?"

Lee: "Oh, saya hampir terlupa (almost forgot), boss. Don't worry. No rush. Also, i brought refills for your GT, since i heard you use Turbo. The cops were all over those streets that day."

Jacob: "What a nasty little device."

Lee: "Don't use, or you die on track. Nasty business. Good for highways though."

While Lee gets to work, the brothers have a look at the Takanori Edition GT-R.

Keith: "Maybe you can ask me why i bought this car?"

Jacob: "Well, GT-Rs are very popular in the world. You would feel like you're above them if you had a limited edition."

Keith: "Actually, i didn't buy the car. Someone bought it for me. Not Vulture or Gary or anyone i know."

Jacob: "Then who?"

Keith: "It was this strange man. Last i saw wearing a race suit and a helmet. Said he was an avid fan. Can't tell if it was guy or girl. Calls himself N.Z. and it's not New Zealand if you need to know.."

Jacob: "The 60s legend? And you sure that N.Z. is a he?"

Keith: "Hmm.. yea! I mean, there are no stand out female features. A woman has some pride in their body shape."

Jacob: "Did you just get that from Gary? That man's mindscape is sicker than the black plague."

Soon..

Lee: "OK, boss. The car's ready. But don't use the Turbo until you break down the engine, or you damage it."

Jacob: "Thanks. Now, how about a breakdown of your car."

Lee: "Sure, sure. Come over here."

They have a look at the Pontiac GTO. The car's fitted with a lot of aftermarket goodness, which gives it 700hp. The DYNO shows said power, and a top speed of just 235 mph.

Lee: "I don't do bodykits anymore, because they give weight. My car is 1400kgs only."

Keith: "That's a lot of work for one man."

Lee: "It's a long way to the top, dude."

Jacob: "I'd imagine the day you touge with this."

Lee: "Don't worry for me, boss. I know the ins and outs of this car like a durian! Only cost me about 150k to get all the pieces. Cheap speed racers can't match this thing."

No doubt Lee has fun explaining what he does best: speed racing on highways. Drag racing is also a forte for him. Eventually, he's done with the business he came with and drives out. He opens the windows..

Lee: "Hey boss. You guys come to Route 7 lah. Got a small 'speed test' there. Bring something fast."

As the 700hp Pontiac take its leave, Jacob gets into a small talk with Keith. Since they have no plans that night, the brothers get into the garage, looking at the cars.

Jacob: "Guess it's time to get something from the garage. I'll take the Ford.. Going to try out the new gearing ratios Luce got me."

Keith: "Corvette needs a small break since i take it to work a lot.. I guess it's time to try out the Ferrari. I'm sure you'll be able to keep up, Jake."

Jacob: "You know this car's heritage, Keith."

Alan: "Sorry to just nudge in the conversation, but can i clean the garage now?"

Jacob: "Oh. Sorry."

Keith: "I totally don't get why this is enjoyable to you, Al. I would be doing this if i was grounded or something."

Alan: "It's this or you look at a regular garage, with oil dripping everywhere and tools scattered like feathers in a pillow fight."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Yamazaki/Jing family home. 9 PM.

A regular ancestral Japanese home, but with Chinese accents and temples, making it a wonder why someone lives there. The home is always quiet every night, while only two people live there at this time, with servants and temple keepers on standby.

The two would be the siblings Koji and Izumi. After losing their parents in a criminal act 10 years ago, their lives took a turn afterwards. Izumi would be dedicated to upholding justice by serving the police force, and recently got promoted to a higher security level as a secret agent; while no secret to her bigger brother. Vulture, on the other hand, takes his studies and carries his father's business to the top of the world. He adapted the mantle of the ruler of Japanese crime as soon as the many criminal groups and Yakuza bowed to his genius.

The two treat their night as any normal night. Vulture meditates in his ancestral family home. Seeing the peace of the moonlight, he disconnects from the world, and seemingly enters his own. Izumi practices her sword strikes, with kendo stick at hand. Having a vendetta against guns, she prefers melee combat instead. Practicing every night, seeing the same target sliced with more precision each time, albeit slightly.

After a while, the two meet up for dinner cooked by a private chef. Naturally, they talk; trying to get over their differences as criminal and enforcement.

Izumi: "So.. nii-san. Your day's normal i bet?"

Vulture: "There's no such thing as a normal day if you enjoy it."

Izumi: "Must be one of your precious proverbs."

Vulture: "Maybe it is, maybe it isn't."

Izumi: "You need a book of proverbs, nii-san. They say Chinese ancestry is interesting, while all this learning sure is a difficult thing if you know a lot."

Vulture: "Learning is a weightless treasure you always carry easy. But, then again, i am a sucker for learning since my days of such are over."

Izumi: "*holds her mouth, eyes tearing up a little*"

Vulture: "You need to work on your sense of humour, Izumi. There are times you have to control that reverse temper.. oh no."

After a small laugh, Izumi regains control.

Izumi: "Oh, I'm so sorry, nii-san!"

Vulture: "Don't. I lived my life with you. I have to respect that."

Izumi: "I have to try getting this laughing stint controlled.."

Vulture: "Try is a word of courage, but can is a word of power."

Izumi: "No more! Nii-san! Please! Before.. before I.. ahaha.."

Vulture: "Oh Izumi.. What a day it has been."

At the time, outside, there are people guarding the home like warriors guard a magistrate or emperor in the medieval days of Japan. The night is silent, until a band of black cars led by a silver M5, arrive on scene. The gatekeeper arrives on the window of the car.

Guard: "Reason of visit?"

The guard was shot. A man gets out to open the gate. The cars enter the area and parks, revealing to be a band of Yakuza. Unlike previous engagements, they carry a handgun each and body armor. The increased security is because of the presence of their Oyabun, Heishiro Takaguchi. They enter the complex, threatening every guard that they pass by.

At the time, Vulture and Izumi are having Japanese tea on a garden with both Chinese and Japanese features.

Izumi: "Why don't we do this every night, nii-san?"

Vulture: "Make a moment special, Izumi. It's not like you want to try eating fusion every day. It'll be dull."

Izumi: "What a perfect moment.. it's like you spent every dime you get working on this.."

Vulture: "For the love of money, truth falls silent."

Izumi: "Says a man with millions in our coffers."

Vulture: "....Touche."

Then, the Yakuza appeared and threatened the two. While Izumi pushes a few buttons on her phone, Vulture makes a quick observation.

Vulture: "Body armor and guns? The Oyabun is here. Not going to be pretty, Izumi"

Izumi: "You know I'm prepared, nii-san. I want to see you doing such."

Vulture: "We'll hear him up. Don't worry. Stay quiet."

Soon, a man enters the area. Surrounded by his associate and a few guards, he walks towards his former boss.

Vulture: "Welcome to my humble abode. What brings you here?"

Heishiro: "Don't anger me, Koji. There's a lot i don't want to discuss with you."

Vulture: "Ah. Since you are my guests. I'll have some tea ready if you want."

Heishiro: "An endless amount of tea would not repent what you have done to me. I want vengeance for my son."

Vulture: "One who learns the value of compromise acquires wisdom. You know we have."

Heishiro: "Wisdom? There's no wisdom in shooting down my son!"

Heishiro proceeds to raise Vulture by holding his shirt. Izumi starts to panic a little.

Vulture: "Since i assume you killed a platoon of guards, I'd say i won't be getting away easy."

Heishiro: "There are a lot of plans for you. I'll have them done."

Vulture: "And what would they be?"

Heishiro: "Let's begin with this."

He throws Vulture into his little sister, knocking her out. Getting up from a woman's body is a feeling Vulture summarizes:

Vulture: "How unpleasant.."

While Heishiro proceeds with the beating, Vulture lets him continue, with bruises and wounds everywhere. This continues until:

Associate: "Oyabun! The police will arrive soon. You should stop!"

Heishiro: "... Fine. Have them in the cars in five minutes."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


10 PM, Route 7. The two brothers, after accepting the invite from a Malaysian speed specialist, drove their way through the wide roads in normal speed, until the road clears. Keith sees the GT accelerating.

Song: Airbourne - Runnin' Wild

Keith: "Jake! Don't you leave me behind!"

Jacob sees the Ferrari behind catching up, in which he responds with more speed.

Jacob: "Ha ha, Keith. Don't think of catching the Dark Horse!"

The Ford's superior tuning manages to make it go far away from the Ferrari.

They both enter the ramp ahead. Jacob brakes his car, seeing a load of cars ahead.

The brothers arrived at the speed meet at Route 7. There are many cars, from domestic tuners to top of the line supercars. As the Ford and Ferrari arrive, they are bombarded by enthusiasts in form of body and speech.

"That's Kuroiuma!"

"It's really him!"

"I'll remember this!"

"Give us your autograph, Kuroiuma-san!"​

The two exit their cars.

Keith: "Where's your weird Asian friend?"

Jacob: "He's named Lee. Look out for a grey Pontiac GTO."

Said Pontiac GTO is revving up on the line and races with another bunch of cars. It burnouts.

The Pontiac exits the ramp, with the NSX next to him.

Jacob: "Oh well. Might as well find someone to find out on how things work here."

As they look around at the various cars and drivers, a purple Shelby Cobra takes the attention of the Ross brothers. It has golden accents around and golden racing rims even. The owner is not present.

Jacob: "Holy! I thought i was making Carroll Shelby proud."

Keith: "Guess someone beat you to it then."

Jacob: "I would be so grateful to own a legend such as this. I mean, i just wonder what Japanese person would own this car."

Suddenly a man walks in, with sexy women surrounding him. His gold medallions and rings reflects the lamp post. This man, unfortunately for the Ross brothers, is Gary Dhetto.

Gary: "Okay ladies, get going. I have a word with these guys."

The ladies leave.

Gary: "Introducing....*mimics drumroll* Gary's second car!! Yayy!*mimics celebration*"

Jacob: "But how? Must've cost a fortune to get one."

Gary: "It isn't that expensive. You have to know the right people, b:censored:h! There's a garage in Houston that remakes these things. They have blueprints of most legendary classic Americans, and they have car historians look through everything so it's a 100% replica, sans fuel. It's all cool."

Keith: "Can this guy make me a Corvette? A C3 Stingray? For real, Gary, no jokes."

Gary: "Hell yeah! I'll give them a call and maybe you have to pay me."

Jacob: "Since we missed Lee on the briefing, you better know something about what to do here, Gare-bear."

Gary: "Alright, hold your panties, gentlemen. Well, you check the list, and then you drive along the highways until the end of the tunnel, where you have to brake or die. Simple and exhilarating 2 minutes of your life. You sign up over there."

Jacob: "Well, i don't know how much i owe you after that day, but.."

Gary: "It's all cool, J. Although, i have this hunch it won't be the end of Gary saving someone's ass."

After a while, Keith managed to sign up for a run, with Jacob nearby.

Keith: "Hey Jake, i signed for a run with some other Ferraris, how about you?"

Jacob takes a small peek at the list. He sees various categories and sees one he's interested in: a run with prototypes.

Jacob: "This is perfect. Can't guarantee outrunning them though."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


As the three wait for their run, Jacob watches a screen showing a list of cars passing by their camera, with their recorded speed. A grey Pontiac GTO clocks in at 229 mph. After that message is relayed, he gets a call from Lee.

Jacob: "Lee?"

Lee: "Sorry for leaving early, boss. Had a bet in my run, and you can say: money talks when they can't wait."

Jacob: "Indeed. And what are you doing now?"

Lee: "I'll call it a day, boss. I have a place in Nagoya, so it'll be quite a drive. See you soon, boss."

*hangs*

Jacob: "So, where's Keith?"

Gary: "His run's up. He told me to tell you that he'll head home straight after this."

Keith exits the line, and boosts from nil to sixty in just 3.4 seconds.

Jacob: "I need to see more of Keith in that Ferrari."

Gary: "How about you watch me? I'm going with a small group of muscles. American. Perfect for your little nostalgia, amirite?"

Keith goes outside to get more speed exiting, and overtake some of the safer racers.

He catches up to a TVR Speed 12, at 170 mph.

Eventually, he leaves the racers for good, at 211 mph, thanks to a small gear ratio change.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


After a line of tuners exit the highway, It's Gary's turn, with American muscles everywhere.

Jacob: "Well, i think i might get something like that here soon enough."

Corvettes, Vipers and Challengers fill the streets.

Tuned for speed, these cars travel at about 200 mph. Lucky that Gary wears a helmet, or the wind might blow him off the car.

The monitors show that the car's speed are recorded at minimum 221 mph, with Gary at the middle with 224 mph.

Jacob: "Hmm, i don't have plans to beat that."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


As Jacob prepares his car, a man approaches Jacob and begins talking to him.

Racer: "You're the fabled Dark Horse?"

Jacob: "Yep. What's it to you?"

Racer: "I heard you're in the King Of The Ring, correct?"

Jacob: "Yes."

Racer: "I knew it. I'm Eduard Alvarez. I'm one of the finalists, with you, Dark Horse."

Jacob: "Nice to meet a fellow champion. Call me Jake. What's a spaniard doing here in Japan?"

Eduard: "I followed the competition for some time, and finally got a place in the leg before yours in Suzuka. You should come over to the famed track yourself, amigo. And I'm actually Portugese."

Jacob: "Suzuka.. the F1 track?"

Eduard: "Americans. Typical that's how you know the track, correct, amigo?"

Jacob: "At least i know of it. What do you drive?"

Eduard: "A big monster Volkswagen W12. Won it in a time trial competition in Hawaii years ago, and we connected from then. Weirdly, i was having a holiday in Hawaii. I'm a bit of a spoiled brat for having something rare."

Jacob: "And what's with all the W12s I'm seeing here?"

Eduard: "Replicas. And it always comes in some weird orange, amigo. They're not street legal, unlike mine. I have a nice indigo to come with."

Then, people started packing up the festivities. Eduard talked to another man.

Eduard: "What's going on?"

Man: "NPA."

Eduard returns to Jacob.

Eduard: "I'm afraid out meeting is short lived, amigo. Here's my number."

Jacob and Eduard traded numbers.

Jacob: "Nice meeting you, amigo. I'll visit Suzuka soon, and I'll see you at the Ring."

Eduard: "Did you steal my line? Ahh well.. adios, amigo!"

Eduard leaves the area before the racers could get into position.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Jacob enters his Ford and lines up. Soon, Jacob enters the fray with some concept supercars.

Lining up next to one of the replica W12s, he then leaves with speed. He sees many old supercars.

Tailgating one of the W12s, Jacob sees the speedometer at 200 mph.

Seeing the W12 driver as a stranger to 210 mph, he overtakes the car.

He speeds up to 220 mph.

A Speed 12 is in sight, with Jacob going 10 mph faster..

He then brakes upon seeing the turn, with a concept car.

Battling it out in the tunnel, Jacob is reminded of his misadventures here with the Turbo powerup. This time, he has no plans to try it out.

The cars exit the tunnel, with the camera recording both cars at 221 mph. The cars brake, as ordered by the rules of the speed run.

The cars stop at a point. Seeing a man recording score, Jacob sees his results.

Jacob :"221? Gary sure has a car if his roadster does 224. I need to see what the people did for his car this time."

Jacob leaves the area, satisfied with his need of an adrenaline rush.

FIN PART 4

Author's Notes

- Yet another layout change.. it's painful to do it to every time. It's just removing the links from the pictures so you can go click happy on them.

- I got lazy with the progression with this, but introducing my recently teased should be of some importance.

- Next part: Suzuka. Next plot focus: Yakuza. Next subplot: Jacob Ross and Nobuhiko Hiramoto, my favorite character in another fanfic storyline. This isn't the crossover main plot by the way. That's reserved for Chapter 3.

- N.Z will make a personal appearance soon, but Eduard will appear at Chapter 3 next. And he's related to Williem.

- N.Z is easily gotten from the Japanese word 謎 (Nazo), meaning mystery. Totally a coincidence if any media uses the same reference.

- Eduard refers to me playing Test Drive Unlimited, a sim racer based in Hawaii. It's what i call my guy after endlessly outfitting him. I wonder how'd you get the Nardo in that game too..

- The next returning Blacklister won't be here for a while.

- Added leitmotifs in biography, while so far only Jake and Gary carries one. I might add the rest soon, should i get some inspiration.

Cars Introduced.

- Gary's Shelby Cobra. 582 pp.

Cast Introduced.

- Eduard Alvarez. A supercar enthusiast, who races them on his holiday in Hawaii. Qualified for the King Of The Ring, he's one to watch.

 

[RCKakashi14]

Writer's block does come, and even I suffered that.

It should be interesting how Nobu will affect the storyline here...

 

[SomePlayaDude]

Part 5: Everlasting Spirit.

A quiet morning. Something Jacob's not really fond of, especially if he gets up at 5 pretty commonly with nobody awake, except Alan. After the morning routine once again, he sits on the couch, thinking what should he do in the next few days. He hasn't received a call from Vulture for a while now. He then heads to the PS3 and plays a bit of Injustice, trying out the Egyptian prince Black Adam in the classic battle mode.

Jacob: "A foot dive and a fast projectile?! Shazam indeed."

After half an hour, he manages to defeat the misguided Superman. Upon seeing the ending, he gets a call from Gary.

Gary: "Hello, J! It's bad, man. Real bad!"

Jacob: "Bad?!"

Gary: "Yeah! I just went to Mr. V's crib to see what's up with his tardiness, and it's all destroyed. Dead guards and cops. I think i might've stepped on some blood.."

Jacob gets up from the chair, shocked at the turn of events.

Jacob: "WHAT?!"

Gary: "I know! Don't come over, J. There might be an ambush in the bushes or something."

Jacob: "Have you looked around? What about Izumi?"

Gary: "I'm having men look around and police are here doing some investigating. You're not the only one that's really worried about Izumi."

Jacob: "You know she's a secret agent?"

Gary: "Ah yup. She's one of the agents based in Japan. Her job is something like police on the racetracks. She's one of our snitches in that division, and pretty good at keeping that."

Jacob: "That's... interesting."

Gary: "I'll update the situation soon. Don't think of coming, or they might suspect something. Later, J."

Jacob: "OK."

Distraught by the news, he didn't notice the sound of a car leaving the neighborhood.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


After the morning has passed, Keith leaves the home for a race in Fuji, and Bernardo is nowhere to be seen. Jacob enters the other house, with Alan opening the door and sees Lucia practicing her punching on a giant sandbag in their private gym.

Lucia: "What do you want, Herr Ross?"

Jacob: "Any progress on the racing team thing?"

Lucia: "Well, i called up the FIA for a few events a while back, with Alan's reference of course. I should get a confirmation soon about it. Don't worry. What are you looking at?"

Jacob stares at the punching setup. He sees the scars on the sandbag, with some tape covering some holes due to long hours of hitting. Also, he notices Lucia's body is buffed; pretty rare for a woman.

Jacob: "This. You punch a lot?"

Lucia: "Oh, this? Just a small hobby."

Jacob: "No."

Jacob knows where her interest on being a roughhouse person comes from: the day they met in London.

Jacob: "It's from the time. The day i found you in an alley."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


6 years ago. London.

After an evening of drinking in a sports bar, Jacob appears outside with a drunk friend. Jacob is oddly sober as the clock ticks in at 8, while holding a bottle of unfinished vodka.

Friend: "Alright, mate. I'll see you back home, eh. I'll keep the door unlocked, i hope."

Jacob: "You can ask Bern to do that. Just make sure you catch him not studying for his paper so he loses that bet."

Friend: "OK. Memo noted. Good luck, loverboy."

Jacob: "See you."

As Jacob parted ways with his friend, he walks through the dark streets of London. While very active, it's not very lively. He walks past various shops and communities. As the weather is about to rain, the young Jacob covered his head with a hoodie. He starts to run as he tries not to get wet, and knows he's late as he checks his clock.

Upon nearing his destination, he takes a small shortcut by an alleyway. As he enters, he sees a large man threatening a teenage girl with a switchblade.

Man: "Money or life, kid."

Girl: "Help!"

Seeing that there is no time for calling the police, Jacob had to turn to heroics. He looks at his bottle of unfinished vodka.

Jacob: "Well, it's CQB, or this.."

Deciding with the bottle, he hit the man hard in his head. He fainted over the teenage girl, with her dodging his fall. As Jacob finishes looking arount briefly, he ponders at the girl he rescued. She curls into a ball, in fear.

Jacob: "Hush now, you're safe."

Girl: "Was ist passiert? Geh weg!"

Jacob: "The hell? What language is that? Do you speak English? I heard a 'help' there just now."

The girl stays quiet.

Jacob: "If you're going to be a b:censored:h, then I'll begin. I'm Jacob Ross. I study a bachelors in Physical Exercise. What's someone like you doing in an alley at this time?"

The girl, still teary eyed, rubs her eyes and gets up. Jacob sees that as a sign of good faith, while seeing how late he is for his date.

Jacob: "Great, i have to get going. Stay safe now, and get away from these alleys, OK?"

As Jacob walks away, the girl finally speaks up.

Girl: "Wait! Mister?"

Jacob: "Huh?"

Girl: "I.. don't have anywhere.. to go to. Can i.. come with you?"

Jacob: "Hmm.. alright. Just don't go embarrassing me. I'm sure you've heard of blind dates."

The two walk away from the scene, holding hands.

Jacob: "What's your name, little princess?"

Lucia: "Lucia... Lucia Weiss."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Back at the present.

Lucia: "I.. don't really like talking about then.. Herr Ross."

Lucia starts to weaken, and tears a bit.

Jacob: "The past can make one stronger if you look at it in a positive way, Luce."

Lucia: "I don't remember much, but that date you had.. was it with?"

Jacob: "Yeah.. it was with Rin."

Lucia: "She was laughing that day.."

Jacob: "She was. I remember those laughs till today, you know."

Lucia: "Me too.. i miss her already."

Jacob: "...."

Lucia: "Alright. Wherever Bernardo is, i already told him to prioritize on Frau Nishimura. That jobless man had better find something to do than prank us. Daily."

Jacob: "What is he doing with his life?"

Then, Jacob receives another call.

Jacob: "Talk to Jacob."

Hideki: "Jacob-san?"

Jacob: "Oh, Hideki? What's going on?"

Hideki: "I have this race in Suzuka later this afternoon. Just want to know, if you can help with moral support?"

Jacob: "I have no plans today, but i have plans to visit Suzuka one time.. alright then. See you soon."

*hangs*

Lucia: "Who was that?"

Jacob: "The unfortunate man you tried to punch out that day. He wants me there to coach him in Suzuka. Did you know he's older than you?"

Lucia: "Ohh? I really have changed. That wimp. Hahaha."

Jacob: "Haha. Well, you want to tag along?"

Lucia: "Sure, but control me if i have the feeling to beat someone up. Diener, you're off duty again."

Alan readies a newspaper hearing that.

Alan: "Finally.. the old cod stops swimming. *unwraps newspaper*"


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Suzuka Circuit, Noon.

A Ford GT parks itself at the pits after registering. While Lucia gets the car into the pits, Jacob gets information from the registrar about what's happening.

Registrar: "OK. You're all set. The track's going to be used by 1 pm, so get done by an hour."

Jacob: "Who's using it?"

Registrar: "A small group of racers, from Kyoto. Not too far off, and regulars. I'll hand you a number if you want to reserve beforehand."

Jacob: "I've no plans for common use, but thanks."

As Jacob walks to the sun outside, he sees a plaque of many deceased drivers who died racing, with most names Japanese. Their pictures and dates are given as well, with a small memorial for each of them.

Jacob: "Death is no stranger to the racing world. Such a pity indeed."

Jacob browses the whole list, but one recent person got him interested.

Jacob: "Hmm? 21 years only?!"

That person is Nobuhiko Hiramoto. Jacob reads the plaque carrying his name with interest, although in Kanji.

Jacob: "Hey, can you help me read this?"

Registrar: "Which one?"

Jacob: "This one. They should really make all these plaques in English.."

The Registrar sees what Jacob wants and begins.

Registrar: "Ahh.. him. The saddest tale of a young race driver. Hiramoto Nobuhiko."

Jacob: "Sad? (I thought i had it tough..)"

Registrar: "Well, the plaque says: Born a legend on the track, planned successor to the Hiramoto family of racing. An unfortunate victim to cancer. You will be missed dearly by family and friends."

Jacob: "Well, that sounded normal."

Registrar: "That's none of what he really is. For the last decade i worked here, his death sparked a lot more attention than years of F1 championship results. He's got reflexes of a god, they say. One thing he's well known for is that if he taps your car's back, it's a sign that he wants to race you. They also say, his spirit keeps on smiling since the moment he found his long lost dad, which lasted for seconds in this world."

Jacob: "Spirits? I'm not really a supernaturalist."

Registrar: "There are other disturbing tales, that I'm too scared to even mention. He had his last breaths on the straights here after a duel, with friends saying their last goodbyes. There's a small plaque at the 130R corner, to commemorate his dedication. I can show you his car, if you want."

Jacob: "You don't have to mention it. He's someone i would really love to pink slip with.."

Registrar: "I heard of rumors about him having a brother. Perhaps you can start there."

Jacob: "Hmm.."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


After a brief but memorable study of the track, Jacob begins a practice run on the track. With Lucia as his co-driver and a small pit crew in case of emergencies, Jacob gets out the pits and into the roads that paved way to legends.

After a few practice laps, Jacob starts a serious lap. Having the speeds and lines burned into his mind, he sets off confidently with Lucia on shotgun.

Song: The Who - Won't Get Fooled Again (Cato Remix)

Lucia: "You're ready?"

Jacob: "I would be the one to ask you that question."

The car approaches the 1st turn. Jacob braked accordingly.

A crowd is present to spectate the race that'll start later. Jacob takes the first corner flawlessly, but thinks he's taken it a little too safe.

The S curves were no match for the handling of the Ford GT.

Besting the Dunlop Corner, Jacob approaches the Degner Corner in 130 mph.

The car understeered and got off the track, but the lap isn't compromised.

The car entered the hairpin at 35 mph.

On the 200R.

Lucia: "Wow.. this is like the amount of effort Keith can do."

Jacob: "And it's like two years for him, while i can do it in 2 hours."

Lucia: "Ready the next turn, Jake."

Jacob: "I'll do it with my eyes closed."

Lucia: "Jake! No!"

Jacob: "Hey! No, we're going 150! Don't hit me!"

Jacob managed to regain his composure, and takes the Spoon Curve at optimal speed.

The car speeds to the 130R corner, peaking at 178 mph.

Braking properly, Jacob moves towards the infamous Casio Triangle.

The execution on that turn was considered flawless, maybe to Jacob's mind.

He crosses the line.

Lucia receives a time from the automated time keepers, and registers the last lap at 2:08.109. Not bad, for his first time too.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Later, Jacob stops at the 130R. Knowing the presence of a man's plaque, he walks out with Lucia

Lucia: "Visiting the GT500 legend?"

Jacob: "I'm no fan, Luce. Just getting to know him, and i somehow wish i could prove to be better than him."

Lucia: "What makes you say that?"

Jacob: "He's 21. A prodigy, just like you."

Lucia: "I don't hate the man for being a prodigy, but why are you so against this man?! You think he's better than you? Stop being jealous, Herr Ross!"

Jacob: "It's just that.. i don't see eye to eye with the people worshiping idol thing. Maybe i developed that with the Outlaw alias. Pink slips and destroying fame."

Lucia: "Look, Herr Ross. Keith wanted to race the GT500 after hearing this man's sad story. I'm not swayed, with Herr Bellini and Diener Alan, but, there has to be an inspiration to what you like to do. Bernardo must've have a racer or two he idolizes in Italy, and i have Alan and my brother. You told this to me the day you met Alan, and look at me today. I'm a prodigy tuner, for god's sake. There is a catalyst for why you do things."

Jacob did tell her that. It's reminders like that which help calms a man down.

Jacob: "You're right, Luce. You do know why i put my life on the line driving fast?"

Lucia: "Not really, but i wouldn't really understand if you told me."

Jacob: "Well, I'll simplify for you. It's Rin."

Lucia: "Frau Nishimura? But.. she hated speed and cars."

Jacob: "Well, if i prove myself that I've repented and show i won't make any mistakes on what I've done.."

Lucia: "You hope she comes back?"

Jacob: "Yeah, look how a man's hobby could turn into the driving force of your life."

Lucia: "That's... that's so sweet."

Jacob: "I just wonder. Death is one way out of your miseries in life. This Nobuhiko.. he looks like he races for a reason."

Lucia: "Ja. He's nothing like Keith. Using the family name for their glory. Too cliche."

They walk closer to the shrine. It's an odd feeling. They see the picture provided, and spots his noticeable young age from it.

Jacob: "At this age, i served in Afghanistan. This man's already a racer."

Lucia: "At least you're still alive, Jake. There's no cure for cancer as far as i know. He didn't take a break at racing, even though he's a cancer patient."

Jacob: "You're right. Poor kid must've spat out blood each time he raced."

Lucia: "Many articles mention his relentless determination. It solidified his racing career."

Jacob: "Well, his determination led him to this. Died happy. Maybe better than a life suffering."

Jacob got back to the car and took something from a compartment under his seat. He places it on the small shrine. A cowboy hat, once owned by the Most Wanted street racer, Outlaw. He then took out his phone and asked Lucia to take a photo of the plaque as it is.

Lucia: "So.. what's this for?"

Jacob: "I have this hunch that I'll need it later. A proper thank you from my soul to his."

Lucia: "Thank you? For what?"

Jacob: "For making me realize i have a purpose.. and i don't mind ending my life if said purpose is achieved."

The two get back in the car.

Lucia: "I've heard of expensive cowboy hats, but that?"

Jacob: "I have spares."

Lucia: "What?! You heartless b:censored:d! I thought you were donating an artifact, but it's a f:censored:g flyer?!"

Jacob: "Oh hell no! These are 300 dollar hats. Stop this nonsense! I'm driving!"


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The two return to the pits. They see a bunch of Japanese cars. They park near a blue 86 GT; Hideki's car.

Lucia: "That's his car?"

Jacob: "The blue one."

Lucia: "I've worked on this before."

Jacob: "Hmm.. can you work on Priuses? Make it supercar worthy."

Lucia: "Jake.. that's too silly, but tempting.."

Jacob and Lucia gets out. Hideki is busy getting his car into shape.

Hideki: "Jacob-san! Am i glad to see you."

Jacob: "As am i. Where's your girlfriend?"

Hideki: "She's away, for now. Ever since that day when we stalked up your home, she's lost a big chunk of the crazy for you."

Lucia: "Crazy? For Herr Ross? Oh wait.. *looks at Jacob* oh my, he is a stunner alright."

Jacob: "Luce!"

Upon hearing Lucia's voice, Hideki responds naturally

Hideki: "Aaahh! Please! Why do you have to bring her?!"

Jacob: "Hey! Calm down. She's just a twenty year old girl."

Lucia: "Don't make me prove I'm a tough girl, Jake."

Jacob: "I won't, but you need to stop spooking random people, Luce."

Lucia: "*sigh* Fine.."

Lucia approached Hideki, who was hiding behind a tool cabinet.

Lucia: "Kleiner mann.. I am Lucia Weiss. I once studied as a tuner in Toyota, and apparently, i think i can tinker your Toyota into shape."

Hideki shakes, but eventually gets up, slowly but surely.

Hideki: "Whoa.. you're doing this.. for free, right?"

Jacob: "Just be glad she is. You don't want to spend a fortune hiring her."

Hideki: "Speaking of fortune, the winner of this race gets a large sum. It'll help me sustain."

Jacob: "Well.. how about i go shotgun? There's no rule on that, correct?"

Lucia: "As far as i know, no, Herr Ross. Just tell the race adjudicators first."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The race begins. Jacob feels the car as Hideki pushes the gas.

Jacob: "Hmm.. think you can cut in?"

Hideki: "I'm not really that aggressive, but let's give it a go."

The 86 GT accelerates and brakes before the first turn out of line.

Eventually, the cars all line up fashionably in the S curves.

As Hideki overpowers the 350Z, he continues onwards, showing the superior car among the rest.

Jacob: "At this rate, I'll have an apprentice, not that i want one.."

Hideki: "I don't know, Jacob-san. What happens if i go against you?"

Jacob: "I'll leave you with the other cars behind me."

Eventually Hideki takes the turn after a little to early, causing him to lose grip, and take a 5 second penalty.

Hideki: "Darn.."

Jacob: "Part of a good racer is one who keeps a balance of his cool and knows when to attack. Find that balance, and you'll get what i mean."

Hideki moves back positions until his time penalty runs out.

To add more insult to injury, he exits the next turn smoky, due to the grass run ruining his grip.

Jacob: "Whoa! Good thing seat belts exist."

Hideki: "Sorry, Jacob-san."

Jacob: "Don't be. We have 2 laps."

The 86 GT recovers and catches up by the Spoon Curve.

The MR2 is overtaken by it's little brother before reaching the 130R.

By the time the car reaches the Casio Triangle, Jacob already had a feel for the car's performance and has an idea.

Jacob: "Power ahead, Hideki. You can do it."

Hideki: "Alright. I'll show you what i can do."

Like a running horse to a walking man, Hideki blazes through the straights and finds himself fourth.

A second round on the S Curves mean nothing to Hideki.

Later, the car manages to take on the R33 Skyline.

Jacob: "You're a natural at this track, are you?"

Hideki: "I practice here a lot with Ayu-san."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


At the pit lane, Lucia is putting away a few tools she got from a tool dispenser. She didn't notice the men behind her. The men sneak up to her and grabbed her neck and covered her mouth.

Lucia: "Was der..*muffling*"

As she was grabbed in many places, she was helpless. But unfortunately for the men, this is Lucia: a girl vowed never to get into this situation with more pain.

Lucia: "(Schwein!)"

She gets out with what appears to be swaying the balance of the men holding her. As the men get up, they see her, with a monkey wrench.

Lucia: "Now.. which one of you grabbed me like the fool named Herr Dhetto?"


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Back on the track..

The next two cars are spotted: a white Subaru and a blue NSX

As the cars enter the last lap, Hideki enters second place.

The car's upgrades, alongside a minor tune by Lucia, helped it gain towards the NSX.

The 86 GT comes nowhere closer though, but Hideki thinks of using a late braking tactic.

By the end of the straight, Hideki brakes a tad later than the NSX.

The car goes inside..

And successfully overtakes by the Casio Triangle.

The checkered flag is waved; the blue 86 GT wins the race.

Hideki: "Yes!"

Jacob: "You didn't need my help, did you?"

Hideki: "No, not really.. but i want to see how you thought about my skills."

Jacob: "It isn't bad, but i really have no interest in taking students."

Hideki: "That's all i need."

Jacob: "Right back at me?"


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


After the podium, Jacob gets his car ready to leave, waiting for Lucia.

Jacob: "And i thought Luce was an on time person.."

After a while, an SUV enters the pit lane and approaches the Ford GT.

Jacob: "What's this?"

A small band of suited Yakuza exit the SUV. Jacob stands straight and tall; unusual for someone knowing their doom may come. An old man exits the car.

Yakuza Member: "All bow to the Oyabun."

As the man exits, he is bowed by everyone. Even Jacob.

Jacob: "When i heard Oyabun, i know it means trouble."

Heishiro: "Trouble? You already are, when my son died."

Jacob shrugs.

Jacob: "Who was your son again?"

Heishiro: "Takaguchi Katsu."

Jacob: "Him? He just got a severe case of sunburn as much as i know."

Heishiro: "You still mock me?"

Jacob: "A test of patience, if you will."

As Heishiro loses his patience, he decides to use his trump card. He shows Jacob a picture of Izumi and Vulture, tied up to chairs. Jacob is not amused.

Jacob: "That's it?"

Heishiro: "Don't they mean anything to you, Kuroiuma-san? They'll die if you don't respect me, and answer me."

Jacob: "Well, i did bow to you."

Heishiro: "Consider that your insurance for your life as of now."

Jacob: "Well, i need a proper introduction from you, and what you want with me."

Heishiro: "Takaguchi Heishiro, Oyabun of the Takaguchi family. You talk with the Devil of Japanese Crime."

Jacob: "I'll assume you know me then. What do you propose?"

Heishiro: "A challenge. I was a driver back in my day, transporting goods and escaping police. I want to see what you are capable of, to have the guts to challenge my son, you challenge his father. Drive something with less than 510hp, that's the only restriction. Meet here in 3 days."

Jacob: "Simple, and to the point. I like that. Do me a favor, and free those two for me."

Heishiro: "Hmm.. how about a bet. Win, and they will be free and i won't see you again. Lose, and i get to keep them in their chairs for how long they can handle."

Jacob took less than 8 seconds to say what has to say.

Jacob: "Agreed. Now, can you please put your men away."

Heishiro: "Yes, yes. Oh, and i want to request a little collateral before i go."

As Heishiro points to the door, it is smashed open by 3 men, all bruised and injured, forced away by a strike from Lucia. Wielding a monkey wrench, she intimidates the Yakuza lackeys.

Lucia: "Dummkopf! You don't stand a chance."

The three men run back to the SUV, showing a foiled plan.

Heishiro: "What happened here?! Back to the car."

Lucia: "You old schwein! I'll tear your limbs off!"

As Lucia moves to the SUV, the Yakuza leaves in a quick fashion.

Lucia: "What's with those guys?"

Jacob: "Yakuza. Nothing to worry about."

Lucia: "I overheard the men, and they said they have Koji. I can't say how safe we are if they managed to get him."

As Jacob enters the GT, he receives a call.

Jacob: "Hello?"

Nurse: "You don't speak Japanese?"

Jacob: "No.. who are you and why are you talking to me?"

Nurse: "Oh.. it's that you're registered as the emergency contact for Nishimura Shinzo."

Jacob: "Really?! What happened to him?"

Nurse: "He had a heart attack, and we have people tending to him as we speak."

Jacob: "I'll be right over. What hospital is that."

Nurse: "Haraganka."

Jacob: "Okay.. I'll be over as fast as i can. Have you called anyone else?"

Nurse: "You're the last person."

*hangs*

Jacob: "Luce, we have to get to Tochigi. You don't mind if i.."

Lucia already sets the GPS.

Lucia: "Go, Herr Ross."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Haraganka Hospital, Tochigi. 6 PM.

The hospital is accepting no more visitors. Jacob rushes in and is blocked until Keith dragged him in. Lucia waits outside.

Jacob: "How is he?"

Keith: "Not good man."

Jacob: "And Nami?"

Keith: "Aunt Nami's over there."

Jacob approached the bed of his father with Keith. The sound of the heart beat monitor beeps with sorrow.

Jacob: "Nami? It's Jacob."

Nami: "Jacob.."

Nami started to cry. Jacob held her.

Jacob: "This is the first time this has ever happened, yes?"

Nami: "Uh huh. Shin-sama was so strong, and it just happened."

Jacob: "Hey, Keith. What's the news on the doctors?"

Keith: "It's a miracle for him to live after this.. yikes."

Just after a moment, a commotion happened in the front and suddenly, Gary barges in.

Gary: "Holy s:censored:t! I've never seen someone die before."

Keith: "Liar."

Jacob: "Let him finish his sentence. Gary."

Gary: "When i mean someone die, i mean like, someone i cared about. Shinzo's like my small time partner."

Eventually, Shinzo comes back to life, while in a critical state. He has a message.

Shinzo: "Ughh..."

Keith: "Uncle Shin!"

Nami: "Otto!(Husband)"

Gary: "What the heck?!"

Jacob: "What happened, Shinzo?"

Shinzo: "I don't.. know.. Jacob. *coughing* I met an old friend a few days ago..."

Keith: "Who?"

Shinzo: "Who.. was it.. Heishiro?"

Gary: "The Oyabun!"

Jacob: "He must've did something to you."

Nami: "Save your strength, Otto!"

Shinzo: "No.. my time.. has come. I think Heishiro *cough* poisoned me or something.."

The heart beats even faster.

Keith: "Don't push it, uncle! Please!"

Jacob: "That Heishiro.. he's going to pay. I'll destroy him if i have to."

Shinzo: "Jacob.. if you are going to race him.. use my car.. Nami knows which one.. *cough*"

Nami: "This one?"

Nami dangles a set of keys, showing one that is enbalmed with the 4 rings of Audi.

Jacob: "How did you know I'm going to race him? And this is.. An Audi?"

Keith: "That car? It's the original R8, Jake."

Shinzo: "Use it.. and i am so sorry... about Rin.. if only i knew before.."

The machine records a near fatal state of heart beat.

Gary: "Docs! Get the defribs!"

As the doctors get to work, the four step back, with tears in their eyes. They couldn't save him.

Nami: "Aaah! Otto! Okite kudasai!"

Keith: "Uncle Shinzo!"

Jacob: "Rin.. I am so sorry.."

Gary: "Gaahh! It can't be! Is he.. is he dead?!"


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The night before Jacob's race. Jacob observes the Audi R8 outside the Nishimura home.

Jacob: "So.. where will you go now? You're alone, and if i don't make it out of this Yakuza mess, they'll go for you and Keith."

Nami: "I can take care of myself. I'm just worried about Rin now."

Jacob: "Whatever. Feel free to come at our place if you're lonely."

Jacob walks towards the car to inspect.

Nami: "About this duel with Heishiro-sama..."

Jacob: "I was about to use my Ford, remove some power.. but I'm recently having trouble getting to stop with it in high speeds while practicing. I contacted a friend and she recommended a shop that's having it checked up."

Nami: "And.. it appears Shujin knows about it."

Jacob: "He must've been told somehow, or he knew that Oyabun was going to do that. I won't let a murderer win, if that's what you want."

Nami: "Is it true.. that the Takaguchi clan killed Shujin?"

Jacob: "It's an assumption, but the best one so far. His age might be the cause, but we don't know for sure."

Nami: "How's the car by the way? Shujin never changed anything and he just drove it."

Jacob: "It shows how he has faith in it, as much as he has for me."

Later, a mysterious man appears, whose identity and gender, is sealed by clothing and a voice adjuster. He approaches the R8.

Man: "May i?"

Jacob: "Go ahead."

As the man observes and looks, he makes a deduction.

Man: "The car shines with the essence of a veteran."

Jacob: "Go figure. And who are you?"

N.Z: "Call me whatever you want, but i always go as "The Enigmatic Racer known as N.Z."."

Jacob: "You're the legend? How are you still racing after 50 years?"

N.Z: "Those are questions only i know the answers to, but let's not sway why I'm here. The race.. I've seen that man, Heishiro race before. Suzuka is his home track and he's known to get 2:10s. Man races a big heavy M5, and is having a few... planted upgrades to his advantage."

Jacob: "What a nasty cheat.."

N.Z: "He's going to beat you alright, but there are other powers that sway that to your favor, Jacob Ross."

Jacob: "I don't have to ask you what it is, right?"

N.Z: "No.. you have all the talent in you to win, but prepare.. for the tears you let out for Shinzo, will present itself as an obstacle, and an advantage."

Jacob: "You do know a lot.. Who are you, really?"

FIN PART 5

Author's Notes

- Longest piece of work so far, with about 1.5 times my normal pace.

- This chapter's going to have 7 parts like Chapter 1. Big coincidence, i tell you!

- Next part: More action, more racing cars. And another new car. Keith is a spender.

- Bernardo won't be wearing a striped hat and shirt combo, blue jeans and nerdy glasses in his next appearance.

- Death. Won't be another, but i can't promise that. I'm not good at writing it too, because i only know the cliche ones.

- Chapter 3 is in the works. The focus will really be on Jacob then, as most characters will be away.

Cars Introduced.

- Shinzo's Jacob's Audi R8 4.2 FSI. 515 pp

Cast Introduced.

- Nami Seno. Shinzo's wife. Jacob's mother-in-law. Rin's mother. A frail old woman, destroyed after her daughter's disappearance, and now the death of her husband. She acts that support is not needed, stubborn on it.

- N.Z. The Enigma. A mysterious figure, stalking Jacob. Who is he, and what are his intentions?

 

[RCKakashi14]

The most important thing is...



...that the driver-less Supra didn't show up to scare the hell out of everybody.

 

[SomePlayaDude]

Part 6: Riders On The Storm.

9 am. Ross residence, Fujinomiya.

Jacob prepares to leave his home to settle the score with Heishiro. Upon looking at his father-in-law's Audi in the rain for a moment, he sees Lucia and Alan, worried.

Alan: "Jacob.. i know you are occupied with the Yakuza, but.."

Jacob: "Something the matter?"

Alan: "Well, yes. It's Bernardo. We haven't heard from him in days."

Lucia: "And before you say it, we already asked Keith and Gary."

Jacob: "Bern gone? Is this the first time?"

Lucia: "Nein, but he always informs us when he goes on these sort of leaves."

Jacob: "Hmm.. I'll see if i can get anything from Gary. From what we heard, Koji's gone missing with his sister a few days back."

Alan: "So, you're saying that Bernardo might be kidnapped?"

Jacob: "Maybe, but we'll see. There can't be enough problems these past few days."

Lucia shows a more stand out sign of her worry.

Lucia: "Please! Herr Ross! You always have an idea!"

Jacob: "*sigh* Unfortunately, i don't. I'll put that on my quota after i settle this. Don't worry."

As Jacob leaves the area with the Audi, he wonders where his former classmate ended up. While in his small dream state, he gets a call from Gary.

Gary: "Sup, J. Got a bit of news for ya."

Jacob: "And?"

Gary: "I was talking to this N.Z fellow you asked me to investigate. He's not a bad guy, outside hiding his identity like a female Arab."

Jacob: "You know, Gare-bear. He's very cryptic and seems to know a lot about our situation."

Gary: "I know right? He knows that i work for Mr. V, you're Outlaw, and, get this, he knows where the Yaks are holding Mr. V."

Jacob: "I assume you have it under control."

Gary: "I'm bringing N.Z, so that we get things smooth. And, he told me to tell you.."

Jacob: "Tell me what?"

Gary: "See, J. That's the problem with you. You just jump in and break my conversation halfway. There's my 2 cents, n:censored:r."

Jacob: "..."

Gary: "Alright, alright. He told me that Heishiro is known for not really keeping his word."

Jacob: "I thought you already know that."

Gary: "We would, if he didn't betray our company. It seems like what's left of his little gang is in crumbles after their failed attempts to assassinate us, and the death of Katsu."

Jacob: "By you."

Gary: "Hey. Nobody takes my car without permission. Your mom would tell you things like that. Smell you later."

*hangs*


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Suzuka. 12 pm.

The clouds fog in the sky light, making it look like a dull afternoon. Jacob arrived in the Audi, already getting used to the handling arriving to the track. He parks the car next to a silver BMW M5, with Heishiro, strangely alone.

Jacob: "So.. we get this started?"

Heishiro: "That R8.. have i longed this day to beat it."

Jacob: "Feel free to admire it from behind."

Heishiro: "Behind? That's where you'll be, whelp."

An adjudicator comes and analyses the cars. He looks at the tire compound, power, and abilities based on performance. After the cars are stamped equal, Jacob shook hands with his father-in-law's assumed killer, marking the beginning of a duel.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The cars get into position after a warm up lap. Heishiro knows he has the advantage, with track knowledge and an illegal boost of horsepower, showing that he paid off the adjudicator.

Heishiro: "You've already lost, Kuroiuma-san!"

The three lap duel begins!

Song: Pendulum - Watercolour

The R8's V8, alongside it's all wheel drive has it boost ahead in the rain, despite the power difference. By the time the two reach the first turn, they end up side-by-side.

The M5 aggressively brings the R8 inside, causing Jacob to brake.

Both cars weave the S Curves like synchronized swimmers; graceful and simultaneous.

After the Dunlop Corner, Jacob sees the power difference a little too distinct.

Jacob: "So that N.Z guy is telling the truth, huh? This man's a menace!"

While the difference goes larger and larger..

Jacob broke late in the hairpin, causing the R8 to catch up.

Heishiro understeered a bit due to the rain, which led to the Audi gaining the lead.

Heishiro: "Haha.. that won't last long."

Due to the bad line by the Audi, it hit a small patch of grass, causing a bit of control loss.

The Audi regains it's balance, in exchange for it's lead position.

The cars are side by side again by the Spoon Curve.

The straights of the Japanese track, ruled by Germans engineering.

Both cars took the 130R fast, with Jacob remembering the young man whose determination granted him happiness.

Jacob: "Whoever you are, Nobuhiko, you inspire me.."

Jacob: "..to beat this scum of man so that i can find that happiness you achieved! Watch me!"

The M5 leads the first lap.

Second lap. Jacob goes for an attack before the first corner.

At the time, another car enters the fray, but unknown to Jacob and Heishiro who remains inside the car.

Jacob: "Must be one of Heishiro's goons."

Heishiro: "That Jacob.. how far are you willing to stop me?"

To answer that question on what that car really is, we go back an hour ago, in Kyoto.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Kyoto, 11 pm.

Vulture looks outside his hotel room, with Izumi. While hostages, they are scheduled for execution by Yakuza on the same day. Izumi gets out of the toilet. Having no connection to the outside world and restricted to the amenities of the room, it does feel like a prison. Izumi approaches her brother.

Izumi: "Nii-san.. what can we do? Even i know you don't want to die."

Vulture, while distraught, is glad she asked.

Vulture: "... we just hope.. Hope that Gary or Jacob don't get into trouble or something like that."

Izumi: "Nii-san.. how about we hope for escape?"

Vulture: "I know you're concerned, but.. you know i love you."

Izumi: "*quiet laugh* Of course you do, but we have issues. I don't want to die, Nii-san! I tried everything!"

Vulture looks outside the rainy sky. Then the two hear the door knocking. As their heart beats faster, the suspense ends when they find out it's just a bellboy, serving some red wine.

Bellboy: "A man outside wanted you to have this, it's on him."

Izumi: "Whoa. I can't believe that. It's a miracle."

Vulture: "Oh.. Gary. I need a miracle now."

Downstairs, at the lobby, the miracle Koji needs arrived, with N.Z. They talk to the receptionist.

Receptionist: "Konnichiwa. Welcome to the K.."

N.Z: "Room 206, please."

The receptionist, paid off by the Yakuza, tries to sway the enigma away from that room.

Receptionist: "I'm sorry, but what are you requesting?"

N.Z: "Entry. And i know you're trying to fool me, woman. Give me the damn key, or else."

*gun cocks*

Gary: "A 9mm bullet, straight to the occipital lobe."

The threatened receptionist pushes a button, summoning Yakuza guards from doors, with handguns at hand. The two jumped over the receptionist booth and covered up.

N.Z: "Hand me a gun, Gary!"

Gary: "Lucky i always bring a spare, but i think you already know that."

After passing over the gun, the two starts cover shooting.

Hearing the mess downstairs, Vulture assumed the good, and has a small idea.

Vulture: "Izumi! Don't drink that! Get that butter knife. I think i have an idea."

After confirming the gunfight downstairs, the Yakuza guards are ordered to execute the hostages. As the guard enters with a katana ready, he sees a tragic scene.

Izumi: "Nii-san! Okite kudasai!(get up)"

Vulture seemingly suicides, with a pool of red fluid under him and a knife near it. The guard unsheathes and pushes Izumi away. After assuming his death, he picks up his phone and calls Heishiro, but interfered by Izumi taking his sword and slicing him by the chest.

Izumi: "That's for capturing us!"

Vulture apparently is unharmed and gets up, while a little distracted from the stickiness of the wine.

Vulture: "Alright. Hide by that door, with sword ready. We can't take any risks."

Eventually, Gary and N.Z reaches the hallway on the second floor. A pair of Yakuza armed with pistols are shooting away. As they reload, Gary goes for it and nicks them both in the head, while N.Z ensured that there are no guards by the stairwell.

N.Z: "Clear!"

Gary: "Alrighty then. Let's grab 'em and go."

The duo walk towards the door marking "206" They position themselves like SWAT enforcers.

Gary: "Okay, on the count of three."

N.Z: "One.."

Gary: "Twoo..."

*SLAM*

N.Z and Gary: "Three!"

They see Vulture wiping his clothes and stand down, only to be nearly struck by Izumi.

Izumi: "Yaaaah!"

N.Z: "Whoa!"

Before she slashes the mysterious man, Gary held her upper arm. Apparently, Gary knows that this is used in many cases to debilitate females in action.

Gary: "Hey Mr. V. I told you this would come in handy soon."

Izumi: "Upper arm held.. Losing sword strength.."

Vulture: "So, Mr. N.Z. How about you update us on the Yakuza situation."

N.Z: "This hotel's clear of them in a 10 mile radius. We should be safe."

Gary: "Mr. V! I just remembered. Shinzo passed away."

Vulture: "I... see. You suspect Heishiro, correct?"

Gary: "Ain't nobody else got that crime outside him, but his age pretty much suits the deathbed and cleans the suspicion."

Vulture: "I'll have you know Shinzo's a very healthy man. I'll get started on putting conviction to Heishiro on this. But, why kill Shinzo?"

Gary: "I think the Yaks have info on Jacob. If Jess was here, i'd know she'd be the next on their hit list."

N.Z: "Also, Jacob's racing Heishiro as of now in Suzuka."

Vulture: "Really?! Then we have no time to lose. He's in danger again."

N.Z: "I warned him about it, and i've called your agency, Miss Izumi. Your car arrives in 5 and they'll clean up the mess here."

Izumi, still in shock and shudder with Gary's grip, replies silently. Gary then lets go.

Izumi: ".. Aaah haha! Don't do that again, Gary-san!"

Gary: "It's that or your precious body, ma'am."

Izumi: "*sigh* well, thanks Mr. N.Z."

N.Z: "Call me Enigma."

Izumi: "Haahaa! No way! Well, we gotta get going. To Suzuka, you say?"

N.Z: "Yes. I have your agency reported in your name on this and i have someone watching them, so you better look like you know."

Izumi: "Okay, okay.. teeheehee. Come on, you guys!"

The four exit the hotel and goes downstairs, to see a man waiting for them near a blue Lancer.

Man: "Agent Izumi. Your car."

Izumi: "Thanks. And these are my crew. I'll update with HQ on that soon."

Man: "Very well then."

Izumi gets the car going from the spot and on the way to Suzuka, with the three getting to see how fast can she go.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Back on the track, Jacob managed to take the lead, determined. The scouting Alfa Romeo stalks behind, not getting in the way.

By the end of the first corner, the Alfa got a good view of the cars racing by the S curves to the agent inside the car.

Heishiro: "You can't escape me easy, Kuroiuma-san. I fear no enemy!"

Jacob: "Like your son before you, you're a joke."

Jacob gets away, raising the acceleration to a rate considered too high in the rain. The Audi's 4WD layout helped not skid the car.

Entering the Degner Curve is the R8, with Heishiro not far behind.

While maintaining the lead, Jacob slowly loses it after taking it too fast in the hairpin.

They reach the 200R.

Jacob can see Heishiro catching up by the Spoon Curve due to it's unfair boost. Jacob's skills rebalances the advantage.

Looking behind the rearview mirror too long is bad for both the road and the track, as shown by Jacob taking 10 mph too much on the exit.

Jacob recovers by the straight, while Heishiro closes the gap slightly.

As they approach the Casio Triangle, Heishiro heats up and hits some dirt, while unusually still stable.

The Alfa is still behind them.

Song: Escape The Fate - Issues

Last lap. Heishiro prepares to strike.

And unexpectedly no action is taken from the Audi, leading it to succeed.

The reason why? The road got even wetter and causes the M5 to brake a little too late. Jacob entered inside and swooped.

Heishiro tried to catch up but to no avail.

Jacob finds clarity driving in his father-in-law's Audi. He took away the issues in his life and just drives through the rain.

Soon enough, Jacob leaves the M5 behind.

Heishiro: "No! It cannot be! I cannot lose to some street punk!"

At the time, Jacob reaches the 130R a little too fast, weaving by the sand.

Jacob: "Thanks to you.. Shinzo and Nobuhiko. Rest in peace..

The duel is decided.

Song: Escape The Fate - Issues (Cinematic)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


At the time the line is crossed, Izumi drives through the valley to Suzuka in the rain, with 3 others with her. The car is lightened to the brim that there are only 4 seats with barely any amenities, but carries to the least an air conditioner. The car travels fast, with the police clearing the roads beforehand.

Izumi: "Come on.. how long do we have?"

N.Z: "Not long. You know, i think we should swap positi.."

Vulture: "My sister has this car gone through a tune suited for her. I think i would let her go."

The car progresses the straight at 150 mph.

Izumi: "How good are you at the wheel anyways?"

N.Z: "Surely you have heard of my legacy. I haven't stopped in over 50 years."

Gary: "Then you must be old and crinkly inside that outfit of yours. You sound so young."

N.Z: "A voice adjuster. But the secret to my age is something i rather not reveal. I'm no robot, mind you."

Vulture: "I'd love to have you working in my behalf, N.Z. I'll pay you fairly."

N.Z: "I don't do big sponsorships again, sorry."

Gary: "What do you do for a living, then?"

N.Z: "I'm a famed racer, yes? What else do you think i do? Knitting?"

Gary: "So you race the tracks? But, i haven't seen you in action since i was a small fry."

N.Z: "Surely you haven't heard of Outlaw? You can say i taught that man how to race during a big scale rallying event in an unfortunate city."

Vulture: "Interesting.. you taught Jacob the way of the wheel."

N.Z: "Yes, but i was under a different name.. Let's keep it at that."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Lancer arrived in Suzuka, parking next to the red Alfa. A man is inside the Alfa Romeo. They meet.

N.Z: "I see you have my memo, Mr. Ross."

Keith: "It won't be long before those snakes kill my brother. We better speed up!"

N.Z: "Look in the glovebox."

Opening the glovebox, Keith sees a bunch of flashbangs.

Gary: "But how?! I thought i have the whole supply of.."

Keith: "Come on, Gary!"

N.Z: "Koji and Izumi, go here. You'll flank them with our small surprise. Gary and Keith, don't leave me!"

Vulture: "Surprising."

Izumi: "Hehe.. surprising."

They all get to position, as the race just ended.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The race was over. The cars are all parked in the pit lane, while the red Alfa Romeo is nowhere to be seen. Jacob confronts Heishiro, who feels like he lost his sanity.

Song: Escape The Fate - Issues (Gladiator)

Jacob: "Well.. old man. I won. You lost."

As Jacob extends his hand for good sportsmanship, Heishiro refuses in a hostile manner.

Jacob: "What's the matter with you? Is winning for your son the only thing that mattered to you?"

Heishiro: "..."

Jacob: "That boy buried himself in his own grave trying to kill me. It's too bad i have friends from above, protecting me."

Heishiro: "SHUT UP! I began a new age. I raised the best son i had. Both are taken from me forcibly, and it's all thanks to you! You!"

Heishiro whistles, which led to Yakuza revealing itself and surrounding the defenseless Jacob, all with katanas in hand.

Jacob: "We had a deal!"

Heishiro: "Deal's off, punk. You're lucky until now."

Jacob sees a hand wave behind Heishiro. Keith and Gary are behind the corner, unaware by the Yakuza.

Gary: "Okay Keith. You pull that pin and.."

Keith: "And i throw. Of course i know. I played Counter Strike, you know.

As Jacob sees Keith preparing something, he notified the ambushers.

Jacob: "Well, it's all about to go south for you."

Suddenly, Keith threw a flashbang, with Gary and N.Z coming out. Jacob runs out of the circle after he endured the bang. Jacob made his way to Keith, while still unbalanced.

Keith: "Jake's here. So what's the plan, N.Z?"

N.Z: "You boys wait here."

Gary: "Come on, dude.. I thought we gonna cap their asses."

N.Z approached the slowly realizing group of Yakuza.

N.Z: "This is what Koji wanted more. We had enough casualties today."

Gary: "Well, alright."

Jacob: "Keith? How did you get here?"

Keith: "The red Alfa Romeo, Jake. N.Z told me to monitor you guys."

Jacob: "And.. you bought it?"

Keith: "Well, yea.. It came with a note from N.Z inside and poof, I'm here."

Jacob: "That N.Z... whoever he is, he's like a guardian angel or something."

N.Z then talks to Heishiro.

N.Z: "Give it up, Oyabun."

Heishiro: "Who are you.. to judge me like that?"

N.Z: "You will see. It's really time you give up."

As N.Z does a small finger snap, the Yakuza against him suddenly turned to Heishiro.

Heishiro: "What is this? This can't be!"

Suddenly, Vulture and Izumi appeared, while astonished.

Vulture: "It's over for you, Heishiro. I have the authorities investigate Shinzo's death. Putting poison in his tea.. what a classic."

Izumi: "I can have a small squadron in 20 minutes, with a court case in a week. It's your turn for a prison, Takaguchi Heishiro!"

Heishiro: "No!!"

With nothing behind him, Heishiro starts making a run for it. The rain makes it hard for everyone to chase him. He then enters his car and flees.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Later..

The gang regroup in the building, next to the memorials area Jacob looked through a few days back.

Jacob: "Well, Keith. You have to tell me how much you get every time.."

Keith: "That's a secret, Jake."

Jacob: "This won't be last time you'll see me with that."

Keith: "I won't say it. Nope."

Vulture walks from the rain.

Vulture: "Well, it seems out enigma has left the building."

Gary: "Hey, J. He mentioned he once mentored you in some kind of big ass rally event. I suppose you know who he is?"

Jacob: "Yeah. I do know. Only problem is, that he goes by another name back then. No luck, guys. Sorry."

Vulture: "That's alright. It appears that i agreed with him that i would take no attempt on finding his identity, in return for information."

Izumi: "Cool! Also, with the awesome high quality Yakuza katana i claimed, the rest of the Takaguchi Clan crumbled and joined our organization. Though, there is a time i have to stop helping you guys do a crime."

Vulture: "We just got out of a prison, and you killed someone in self defense, Izumi. No laws are broken."

Gary: "Though, with Heishiro on the run, you gonna do anything?"

Izumi: "I was thinking... we take a small break."

Jacob: "That's what we all need."

Keith: "Or how about we have dinner. It's on me. I was thinking that fusion of American and Japanese shop we always go to.."

Gary: "Teppanyaki! Come on, J."

Izumi: "Reminds me of that day... when Keith got the rice on his eye! Aaahaahahaha!"

Keith: "Don't make me go ugly on you!"

Izumi: "It's Halloween already? *continues laughter*"


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


As N.Z exits the area, he enters a lone car, seemingly desolate by the track.

On his side...

N.Z: "So... how are you, Miss Nishimura."

Apparently, Rin has been watching the Suzuka race unseen.

Rin: "Let's get a move on."

As the car drives away, Rin emptied her thoughts and one thing came into mind.

Rin: "Jacob.."

FIN PART 6

Author's Notes

- N.Z = Rin officially not confirmed. His/her identity will be revealed soon.

- Next page is the finale. I'm taking a small break on writing after that. Don't worry. Chapter 3 is halfway done.

- The finale reveals where out Italian friend went off to. Lot's of critical plot.

- Small preview on the third chapter: The King of The Ring tournament in Nurburg, a villain who's determined to win no matter the cost, and the return of some older characters. Also: the crossover chapter, which is 3-1.

Cars Introduced.

- Keith's Alfa Romeo 8C. 503pp.

 

[RCKakashi14]

Nice. Little Nobu is his inspiration, eh? 👍

 

[SomePlayaDude]

Part 7/Finale: From Nippon, With Love.

5 days later..

Vulture's office. 9 am.

Vulture recently finished a board meeting. He re-enters his big office, planning for a small meditation break. He walks in and sees Gary.

Vulture: "Gary.. i have rules about you barging in my room."

Gary: "Hey.. i have a reason to do this sort of thing, Mr. V. Your sister gave you a little message. She handed it to yours truly."

Vulture: "Let me see that.."

Vulture reads the note aloud.

Vulture: "Nii-san! It has been a pleasure helping out Jacob-san and your cause. I've been momentarily reassigned to America for a month in Los Angeles for some undercover work. Do me a favor and can you have Gary follow me? I'll be back if things are smooth. Flying later today, and first class with Gary. " ~ Yamazaki Izumi

Gary: "You gonna miss her?"

Vulture: "Maybe. I just hope she chuckles a little less without me. I suppose it won't hurt having you gone for a while.. Any news on Heishiro?"

Gary: "Ahh.. that's the second thing. One of his former men told me about him leaving the country. He apparently has connections with some Asian criminal groups in America. I said hi to the triads and the Yakuza back west, and confirmed it's not any of our contacts he's moving to. Have no idea when he's going though."

Vulture: "Well.. have some men into departures by today. Look for him. He's a useless backstabbing liability. I want him dead."

Gary: "Alright then. *sings* I got your sister for a month! Gonna slap that.."

Vulture: "Oh no no no.. Don't think about reassuring my mind, Gary!"


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


An airfield outside of Tokyo. This airfield is used normally for small international flights and the security is light. Izumi holds her hand luggage in the small departure waiting room. As she relaxes with a magazine alongside a few passengers waiting, a small boy walks over her high heels and trips.

Izumi: "Is that a cat?! Oh.. wait."

The little boy just walks away to his parents. Their smiles burn into the secret agent's mind. She enters a void state, with small flashbacks of her parents. As she walks down the dream realm, the pictures of joy slowly turn into more joy, until she re-sees the tragic accident that led them to their deaths.

Izumi: "Aaah! No more! *starts to tear up* It's.. it's not faaaiiir!"

Izumi's small outburst took the attention of a few people. She quickly ran to the toilet.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


30 minutes later..

Izumi exits the toilet, looking better. As she gets out, she sees Heishiro entering the waiting room. Still unknown of Izumi's presence, she went back in and used her phone.

Izumi: "Calling all available units in my area. I have a wanted suspect in my vicinity. Approach quietly, but.."

Izumi thought of something that might happen, and asked for more.

Izumi: "Call in special Agent, codename 'Blaze'. His experience should help."

As she gets back out from the toilet. She gets back to her seat. It didn't take long for Heishiro to notice her. Izumi keeps a magazine to her face.

Heishiro: "Don't hide. I know it's you, Yamazaki Izumi."

Izumi: "Well, if it isn't you? How's life?"

Heishiro: "Ohh.. you know.."

Heishiro grabs the woman by her clothing, like he did with Vulture the time before. She struggles to let go.

Izumi: "Let go! Help!"

The many people run out in fear, with the security busy with clearing the area. Due to the knife on Heishiro's hand, they are afraid to come close to the threat. But, at the time, a small armada moves in towards the scene.

They arrive slowly to the building. Sirens are heard.

Heishiro anticipates this, and threatens Izumi with said knife.

Heishiro: "I know you did this. Now you die!"

Izumi: "NO! Please! It's not me you want. Really!"

The interpol secure the building. They see the situation.

Officer: "Dispatch, it looks like we are in a situation. All civilians unharmed and outside. Suspect identified as wanted man 'Heishiro Takaguchi', holding a hostage, confirmed as Special Agent: Codename 'Maiden'."

Dispatch: "Roger that. Agent Maiden requested assistance. She requested an Agent Blaze, who won't be arriving in a short time. Please wait for further orders."

Officer: "Roger."

Inside, Heishiro holes himself in a room with a link to the announcement speakers. He ties up Izumi in a corner and keeps the knife ready, while getting the speaker ready.

Heishiro: "Listen to me. This hostage will be executed if my demands are not met. Any attempts at a break in or interference will have the hostage killed."

The officers outside hesitate to decide what to do.

Heishiro: "I want to avenge my son.. i want you to bring his killer: Jacob Ross! Bring him to me in an hour or she dies."

Izumi begins to struggle even more, signalling her worry over Jacob.

Outside, the police, while securing the building, takes no action. They rush out to find more information on the name just given to them.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


3 minutes later. A few miles away.

Jacob takes a solo relaxing drive to the airfield, for reasons unknown so far. His phone received no calls and nobody knows about this trip. A classic song was playing on the radio.

Song: Rod Stewart - Maggie May.

Jacob: "*whistles to the tune* You lured me away from home, just to save you from being alone.."

Jacob: "*humms* You stole my heart, but I love you anyway..."

Then, Jacob sees a commotion on the area. He drives by a police checkpoint.

Officer: "Halt. Id and reason of visit."

Jacob: "What's going on?"

Officer: "There has been a hostage situation in the area."

Jacob: "And how many are there? Hostages and terrorists, i mean."

Officer: "Sir, there is no way i can give you that information. They're only asking for a man. An American. You look like one."

Jacob: "Well... i am one. Who's the man they're looking for?"

Officer: "I'm sorry, but that information is classified, but i'll just tell you so you can go. It's something like... Jackal Rose??"

Jacob had this feeling that he just knew there's trouble involving him.

Jacob: "Jacob Ross?"

Officer: "How'd you know?"

Jacob: "Well, i have proof. It's not named underwear, i assure you."

Jacob shows an id card. The officer suddenly called in a few friends.

Officer: "Officer. This is Echo 5. I have the man. Bringing him in now."

Radio: "Roger that."

Officer: "Alright, Mr. Ross. The chief inside wants to see you."

Jacob parks his car. He walks in the area to get briefed by a police chief.

Chief: "You're Jacob Ross?"

Jacob: "Yes. Let's get to business. I came here to get someone, not risk my life."

Chief: "Alright, we'll spare you the nitty gritty. There's one hostage and one madman wanting your presence. He's confirmed as wanted suspect and Yakuza boss Heishiro Takaguchi."

Jacob: "Him again?!"

Chief: "What was that?"

Jacob: "Oh nothing. Carry on."

Chief: "*clears throat* Okay. He's got one of our agents inside, who he plans to execute in an hour. He just wants you, alone. We have no sign of anyone else but the two in the building."

Jacob: "I know this is a trap. I just know."

Chief: "That's the point. You good in self defence?"

Jacob: "Look at these."

Jacob shows off a strong arm.

Jacob: "Years in the military. I have a distinction for CQB."

Chief: "You'll be fine. I know it. We have another agent coming to the scene soon, but he's from a far place. You distract him from killing the hostage and he'll take care of the rest."

Jacob: "Okay, but if i get out okay, i want another favor from you guys. I have a friend missing for days now."

Chief: "We'll get right on it, just handle this."

With that in mind, Jacob gets inside the building. The security cameras show him enter the area, with Heishiro seeing personally. He exits the room with the knife in one hand.

Heishiro: "Finally.. it's time."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The two square off in the middle of the room. Seeing each other with hatred in their hearts, they begin.

Heishiro: "Now.. now i have you! Geha.. hehahahaa!"

Jacob, being a little cocky, takes off his jacket.

Jacob: "You took my father away.. i don't mind seeing a corpse after this."

The tattoo that marks him as Outlaw shines naturally. Heishiro's old body prepares for battle, with Jacob hopping a little.

Heishiro: "Now... die!"


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After the policemen bring Jacob in, they hear a loud sound from afar.

Chief: "Agent Blaze is arriving."

Officer 1: "What is that?"

Officer 2: "A supercar?"

Officer 3: "If i get promoted, i want to be like him."

Officer 4: "That thing screams in my ear.. what a roar!"

He parks the car next to the Ford GT. He gets out of the car.

Blaze: "Talk to me, chief."

Chief: "Hostage is Agent Maiden, sir. We sent in an unaffiliated man as per the demand. Man named Ross."

Blaze: "It's one guy, right? This should be no problem. Hand me that gun, I'll sneak through the service entry."

Chief: "Roger. Good luck."

As Blaze enters the service entrance.

Blaze: "I better hurry up! Il mio amico è in pericolo."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Heishiro brings out the knife and tries for a few slashes, easily dodged.

Jacob goes for a tackle to the body upon seeing the opening. The knife flies to a faraway spot due to that.

As Heishiro gets pushed to the wall, he tries to stop it and throws his opponent, with surprising amounts of strength.

Jacob crashes the hard wall.

Heishiro follows up with another tackle, crashing with a lot of force.

But Jacob pushes away from the wall.

Heishiro tries for a punch to the neck, which is dodged sideways.

Jacob grabbed the exposed arm and kicks the shoulder.

Heishiro pushed away and counters with a swift slide.

Jacob flies to the floor headfirst.

Heishiro jumps up but misses a stomp. Jacob wakes up, bleeding from the nose.

Jacob taunts him with the "come on" stance. Heishiro starts to attack.

Jacob grabbed his open arm, strikes his neck and headbutts the old man.

As Heishiro struggles to rebalance, he moves to the knife and stabs a charging Jacob in the gut.

Seemingly unnerved, he chokes Heishiro.

Jacob: "Now.. there's no mercy.."

He pushes the old man to a nearby wall.

Jacob: "You won't live.. after the pain you did.. stupid old fool!"

Jacob starts a volley of fists aimed to the head and ribs, severely hurting him.

Heishiro starts pouring blood all over his mouth, seemingly dead.

Jacob: "It's done.."

As Jacob walks in pain from the injuries and the knife stab, he crashes down to the floor, inexperienced with the pain he feels, he thinks he might bleed out and stay for an eternity, until he remembered something:

Rin: "Save me from the prison of lonliness"

He gets up, motivated and unlodges the knife on his gut for his own protection. He slowly moves and enters the security room and sees Izumi, naturally untying her.

Izumi: "Jacob-san! Oh my gosh! What happened to you?"

Jacob: "I fought that old man.. who knew he had deadly skills. He shanked me.. and I think he broke something in me."

Izumi: "My hero! Hehehe.. Come on. Let's go."

As the two are about to leave, they are blocked by Heishiro. Apparently still alive, he has another plan. He reveals a potent time bomb on his chest.

Heishiro: "You win.. Kuroiuma-san.. but i have no plans to lose.. to a whelp like you. This'll destroy this building and the officers outside.. there's no stopping me now!"

As he is about to start the countdown..

Blaze: "I don't think so, old man!"

He shoots Heishiro in the head, with the bomb's trigger safely untouched on the floor. The man dies, and Agent Blaze is revealed.

Jacob: "Bern?!"

Izumi: "Agent Blaze! What a relief!"


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Outside, an hour later.

Jacob is being treated for his wounds against Heishiro, and the building's off limits due to the attempted bombing, while no flights are delayed. Izumi, while about to leave, sees the two.

Jacob: "So.. you went missing from home because of your real work."

Bern: "Si, mi amico. This is the real me. So.. you don't want me no more because i work for the police?"

Jacob: "What? Nonsense! I never thought i had it in you."

Izumi: "Agent Blaze here passed all theory and practical tests. He's a fine man in our agency."

Jacob: "Bern.. you could've told us about your job."

Izumi: "It's part of his job to not tell you that. *snickers*"

Jacob: "Haha.. well alright. Oh, Bern. The guys back home are worried."

Bern: "Worried? I'll be back home soon. I'm expecting a hard serving of Luce beating me."

Jacob: "Don't you hate that?"

Bern: "I have this for such an occasion, mi amico."

Jacob and Izumi sees a very expensive ring.

Izumi: "Whoa.. this is worth thousands."

Jacob: "You know how i feel when i got this."

Bern: "It's time.. it's time i steel up to the signora and show her the real me."

Eventually, Izumi sighs, which is noticed.

Izumi: "I... i have to go now.. Good luck, Agent Blaze."

Jacob: "Go? Where?"

Izumi: "America. For a month. The plane's arriving in a bit and i... I'll miss our little adventures."

Bern: "Mi amica! What's the matter?"

Izumi: "Nothing! You should've looked at your face! Aha... ahahahaa!"

Jacob: "Bern! That's your trick!"

Bern: "It is?! I taught you well, mi amica."

Izumi: "Alrighty then. See you guys!"

A plane lands on the runway and Izumi joins the reassembled passengers.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jacob and Bernardo hangs out near the SV. With Bernardo recently buying the Murcielago SV, Jacob asks.

Jacob: "I thought you were getting an Aventador."

Bern: "I was, but to bring sentimental memories strengthens me. The agency found me an SV that i can buy; important that we get fast cars for our jobs."

Jacob: "You haven't done anything?"

Bern: "Luce will be the first to do something to it. It's all stock."

Jacob: "Alright then."

The two suddenly hear a heavy sound, and a purple Shelby.

Bern: "That's one of your American legends, mi amico. Who could it be?"

Jacob: "Well, he has a nickname for a guy like you."

Gary gets out.

Gary: "Oh? There's Burner! Your buddies were looking for you. Say.. where ya been?"

Bern: "Work."

Gary: "I hear you. Hey, J. What the hell happened?"

Jacob: "I took care of Heishiro. Bern here finished him off."

Gary: "Well, you should tell Mr. V. The man wants him gone, and he might pay off your medicals. Also, do me a favor and take care of my Cobra here for a month? One of ours is one of these cops and he's gonna send my car to your place."

Jacob: "Wait.. you're going with Izumi?"

Bern: "Have fun, mi amico!"

Gary: "I will.. haha.. F:censored:k her! Infected her laugh disease on my skinny body! LA here i come!"

Gary leaves the reunited duo, while throwing a pair of keys to an officer.

Bern: "What brings you to this side of Japan, mi amico?"

Jacob: "Ohh.. i was having a drive."

Bern: "No, you weren't."

Jacob: "This was a surprise, but.. here's why."

Bernardo is pointed to the plane with passengers going out.

Bern: "You're pointing a plane to me, mi amico."

Jacob: "Wait.."

The first to exit the plane is an old couple, evidently dressed to have a holiday in the Bahamas. They walk towards the exotics, after going through a small checkpoint. Then..

Louie: "Jake! Come give your old man some love."

Jacob would do that if it weren't for his injuries.

Laura: "Oh, Lou! Can't you see our baby's got hurt."

Jacob: "Ma! Don't worry about me."

Louie: "See! He's a tough sucker! But, you got me curious. What happened? It's not a car crash."

Jacob: "Just a bit of security work.. got stabbed and lugged around. Nothing lethal. I'll be fine."

Laura, about to go protective, decides to let go, knowing Jacob's grown up. She sees Bern.

Laura: "You're Bernardo? My, you've grown!"

Louie: "Well, don't hold back. Did Jake break some rules?"

Bern: "Well you can say.."

Bernardo wears his shades, in a slow pace.

Bern: "He lives breaking the system."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


It was evening. The Murcielago SV reaches the small neighborhood and parks outside.

Bern: "Well.. this is it."

Jacob: "I can't save you this time, Bern."

Bern: "I'll manage."

The two get out to see Luce and Alan, rushing from the front door.

Lucia: "Mein Gott! Herr Bellini! You're back."

Alan: "Bernardo! You got us worried there. Where have you been?"

Bern: "So, Jake.."

Jacob: "Go ahead. I won't stop you."

Bern: "Okay! *inhales* miei amici. I was on a mission as a special agent."

Lucia: "Don't lie!"

Bern: "I'm not! Look."

The gang sees Bernardo's identity as Agent Blaze on an id card.

Lucia: "You... you are a?"

Bern: "Yes.. i am a spy. But for a good cause. Don't take it too hard."

Alan: "Bloody hell, Bernardo. This is magnificent.. but don't you secret agents kill to preserve?"

Bern: "Don't worry. I have it covered."

Lucia: "*angrily* Herr Bellini! Don't you ever do that again! I won't let you go, ever!"

Jacob: "Oh no.."

Bern: "Wait, wait mi amica, please!!"

Song: Queen - Heaven For Everyone

Bernardo suddenly kneels.

Bern: "I know we have been through a lot of pain recently. I'm sorry for not telling you about it, because it's part of my job. I can't promise our happiness forever, but i am trying. I am trying *starts tearing up*. Mi amica.. you don't have to do this to me! I want to admit something. I love you, and that day.. when we met.. while a silly thing, it sparked my fire, mi amica.. This fire burns within me.. and all i want.. as that fire is.. is to.."

Bernardo shows the ring.

Bern: "I want to spread this fire, mi amica. Will you.. will you marry me?"

Lucia, who has been tearing up in sorrow, suddenly hugs him in happiness.

Lucia: "Yes!! Yes!! I accept."

Alan: "I knew this was going to happen.."

Jacob: "Yes.. yes we do.. Huh!!"

Jacob suddenly falls down in pain.

Bern: "Aiya, Jake! Go and relax somewhere. He fended off a man with his bare hands."

Lucia: "I can do better. But it seems this man knows how to break Jake."

Jacob: "Alan.. do you mind and go fetch Keith."

Alan: "Very well."

As Keith gets out, he sees Jacob with bruises and bandages, surprised a man could walk normally in that state.

Keith: "Jake?! What the hell happened to you?"

Jacob: "It was Heishiro. Hand to hand. To the death. Not a joke."

Keith: "You killed him?"

Jacob: "Self defense.. i won't be convicted."

Keith: "You look like s:censored:t, Jake. I'll help you get home."

Jacob: "No.. no need, Keith. Look over there."

Keith sees Jacob's Ford GT arriving.

Keith: "Jake? You said you would not let anyone drive your car."

Jacob: "There are exceptions."

Coming out of the car is a surprise.

Louie: "Long time no see, Son."

Laura: "My baby boy!"

Keith: "Pa!? Ma!?"

They all have a family hug. There's no moment happier but to reunite with loved ones.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


A week later..

A funeral was arranged for Shinzo Nishimura. With speeches and formalities, it is revealed that the Ross' parents came to mourn him. Louie revealed the days that he met him racing in a league, and becoming partners on the track for a while, and once competed for Laura's hand in marriage. The funeral lasted a whole day, but unknown to anyone, Rin actually is present, while under another alias.

Lucia finally got her first racing season: Ice rallying in Finland. While missing a second driver, she was about to refuse, until Williem accepted that position. The newly engaged couple left Japan without Alan, in what appears to be a honeymoon, pre-marriage.

Vulture, while missing his sister, finally gains his ground back in Japanese crime. With most crime families and organizations under him, it teaches them not to oppose, as shown with what Heishiro has gained: nothing. He reforms the former members of the Takaguchi clan, and takes a small hiatus on the large scale plans, with his enforcer gone for a while.

As for Hideki, he and Ayumi merged their current group with what's left of the Tsunami Riders. Their blog got more hits and their infamy gone, the group got more recruits than before. Hideki managed to get the attention of the new leader, and wins his favor as the large group's second in command.

Gary is gone back to America. While mostly visiting for his celebrity status, he actually goes there to help Izumi, who's mission involves taking down a cartel, which she is undercover for. Teaching her the ways of the runabout criminal, she eventually succeeds in her mission.

Murph stayed in Guildford, but went back to America after finding out about another Blacklist in Fairview City. Known for its top level street racing, he goes there to take over the new list with Gator and Pakcik, and probably asking Outlaw to stage his return, while Jacob asks to wait till the time is right..

Things look like it's all happy and smooth sailing.. for now.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3 months from the events in Japan.

Song: Biffy Clyro - Mountains (Gladiator)

Took a bite out of a mountain range. Thought my teeth would break the mountain down..
Lets go, I want to go, all the way to the horizon.

Took a ride, I took a ride, I wouldn't go there without you
Lets take a ride, we'll take a ride, I wouldn't leave here without you.

Jacob: "I am the mountain.. I am the sea!"

FIN PART 7. FIN CHAPTER 2.

Author's Notes

- The next chapter will have less characters, but a few will be reused. Aside from the obvious protagonist, I'll confirm Leona and Fred are about to make another appearance.

- Next part is the crossover part. I am getting to work, as i am going below my intended quota.

- There won't be a new part for a while. Probably next week.

- Bernardo is planned to be a secret agent from the start.

- Jacob is a tough nut, isn't he? It appears he has gone back to his days as a racing king, something Rin doesn't want. That will be the focus on Chapter 3.

- Plot armor for Jacob? Well, a small stab won't stop him. It's like a prison shank.

- I got a little lazy on the small epilogue.

Cars Introduced.

- Bernardo's Murcielago SV. 573pp.

Thanks for reading!

 

[Mat123]

Now that, was an awesome chapter! 👍

 

[amemyarz]

Amazing. PLEASE PLEASE keep up the good work

 

[SomePlayaDude]

Part 1: Cowboys and Japanese.

This part is taken from Jacob's perspective.

2 months ago, a man named Heishiro Takaguchi robbed me of a man i loved. He was convicted, with help of Vulture and Izumi, causing him to eventually try to finish me off, only to die in the hands of my best friend in defense of others. Those two.. siblings that serve two sides of life: Crime, and Justice. What's crime without one to oppose it, and what's justice if there is nothing to convict?

I didn't come to get answers to those questions. They're just ideals of human nature. It's dumb to think so, but if you see the way i live life?? You'll get the message.

2 months? You can say they were eventful, but.. i don't think any details are needed. I don't seek fame, and i don't care what I'm going to be called. Just your worst nightmare.. Oh, and I miss my Mustang..

It has been a while and Vulture received no progress in finding my beloved. It really pains me, but, as Keith said to me: Patience is truly a virtue. What virtue is, i don't know if i can't seem to get anything by waiting.

I headed out to Tokyo, but before that, i made a call to Vulture, just in case.

Vulture: "Hello?"

Jacob: "Vulture, what are you up to?"

Vulture: "Ahh.. you want progress? I'm afraid i.."

Jacob: "No. I'm asking a straight question here."

Vulture: "St. Luke's Hospital"

Jacob: "The hospital? What's wrong? Did Gary finally get an STD?"

Vulture: "Of course not. He's here, but it's not him that needs medicine. My sister is."

Jacob: "Come again?"

Vulture: "Izumi's been shot. Right shoulder. Come on over if you need more information."

Jacob: "Well.. Alright."

I made my way there, with a car I've been driving for quite some time: the R8.

I went by the mostly empty tunnel.

These are the roads i humiliated someone.. what a day that was.

I love this car, but i would prefer getting an R8 Spyder, to feel the wind on my scalp. I've no pride on swooping long hair.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


St. Luke's Hospital, Tokyo. 7 PM

Arriving at the hospital, i found a place to park my car and went straight to the emergency ward. Naturally, someone shot would come there, or this is the most awkward hospital in the world. In most Japanese places, i had to utilise the software in my smartphone to find directions, but i have to thank whoever made this an international hospital. I soon found Gary, who is talking to a rather pretty nurse.

Gary: "Come on! You know I'm a sucker for the healthy ones."

The nurse left. Is she busy, or is she doing the obvious? Nevertheless, i approached.

Jacob: "Hey Gare-bear. How's Los Angeles?"

Gary: "Oh? J! LA? It's cool. I didn't get time to shop cause i was teaching Izzy the way of the ghetto."

Jacob: "What's that?"

Gary: "Well, her latest job there involves her going undercover and having to meet my old gang and take them down. You can say it's a bittersweet thing."

Jacob: "I can."

Gary: "She came back and POW! Bullet in the body. It's a wonder why I'm not operating on her sweet sweet.."

Jacob: "Enough! You're corrupting my mental image. So, where is she?"

Gary: "Over there."

Me and Gary go way back, but..

I'd rather not tell you how we really met. The moment with the camera? Say, he started stalking the beautiful Rin and attacked. How we became friends? It involved Gary and his old gang betraying him. Supporting him was Rin, and i helped with some gunfights. I'd rather have him as a friend than let him take Rin.

I did arrive at the bed. Izumi's topless if she wasn't wearing her bandages. I'm fine, but Gary?

Izumi: "Jacob-san! Hey!"

Jacob: "Hey? You should really be in a female's only ward."

Gary: "She is, but for now, she's stuck here, with me!"

Izumi: "Oh? You know you're going to go for it, if the nurses aren't so pretty, Gary-san? Teeheehee."

Jacob: "Gross.."

Vulture: "Gross indeed."

Jacob: "It's been 2 months, Vulture. How's Keith doing?"

Vulture: "He just got his first win on the track last week. No doubt you don't want me to talk about my business, do you?"

Jacob: "I don't have to answer that. How about the perpetrator of the gunshot?"

Vulture: "The gun shot... The gun is a bullet from a Beretta 92FS that my crew found in a dumpster nearby. The shooter is unknown as no fingerprints were found."

Jacob: "You do have a lead, right?"

Vulture's shades glow of determination, and showing his genius. If you are someone other than me, Keith, Gary, or Izumi, you would feel chills on your spine.

Vulture: "I don't have an exact lead, unfortunately. But when we found the Beretta, it shows that there's another group of criminals, and if i don't know then they're from outside Japan. My men carry Glocks or P99s. And we have recent activity from other shootouts this past month that whoever did this, is aiming at hurting people related to racing in Japan. Who knows, Keith might be the next one."

Jacob: "Should i?"

Vulture: "Not to worry. He's vigilant, and i paid for the installation of his home security. He's quite good at Muay Thai."

Jacob: "He is."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Ross Residence. 7 PM

Keith, at the time, is practicing his Street Fighter. Adon, while a fundamentally great character with things like crossovers and fast throws, is well known for his difficulty, especially when we play without arcade sticks.

Keith: "Jaguar this and that. I need a Jaguar break."

As Keith ended up in the kitchen looking for some yogurt, he has an idea.

Keith: "The punch bag? Maybe Luce would let me, but I'll ask Al."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I talked about the situation of the racers being shot. I decided to talk to Izumi while Vulture and Gary leave.

Jacob: "So, how can a trained agent like you get shot?"

Izumi: "There's no such thing as training against getting shot."

Jacob: "True. As far as i know, you have everything here, correct?"

Izumi: "Yeah! Hehehe.. How about.. how about you get me something? You're not too busy, right?"

Jacob: "No."

Izumi: "Splendid! Head to a neighborhood in Aoyama. Use your GPS and look for a small mochi shop there. It's a popular place and it's hard to miss. Lose the way around there, and you fail. Good luck, Agent Outlaw, heeheehaahaa!"

Jacob: "Okay. Okay. First: What's a mochi? Second: Fail what? And third: Who the f:censored:k do you think you are calling me that?"


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I made my way to a lone Mochi shop in Aoyama. I mean.. why not grab something in this general area? Why Aoyama? I can't guarantee getting there in time too. Many places close at this time.

Well, it better be open.

But i don't mind driving for a reason. I lived my life not having one.

These buildings don't know what energy saving is, huh?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Finally, i reached the place. Quiet neighborhood, outside the people having some sort of dinner party in some of the nearby homes. I went and saw a mostly filled shop, with people eating some sort of.. small thing. Looking at the place having a bit of a line, i think i knew this is it.

A line? How about a V.I.P. shortcut? I'm sure they know I'm the Dark Horse, no? As i enter the shop, i expected some hostility. While there is none, i wouldn't be Leona and show off your class and wealth. Speaking of Leona.

*RING*

Jacob: "Hello?"

Leona: "Vnye zakona."

Jacob: "Oh? Leona? You sound different."

Leona: "Shut up, cowboy. You know these mobile phones."

She's a little paranoid with technology. A Mercedes is a technology hub, for a car. Weird..

Jacob: "How'd you get the number?"

Leona: "Murph.."

I continued the chat moving ahead.

Jacob: "You ever been to Monaco? There are a lot of casinos there."

Leona: "I tried my luck in Germany, cowboy. It's not worth it, i'll assure you.."

And ahead.

Jacob: "I'm sure Murph told you about the time he got caught by some Yakuza."

Leona: "Nyet, but.. how about you tell me? Gives me a good reason to laugh at him."

And even more ahead.

Leona: "If i loved my dad, i'd knew he was going to kill me."

Jacob: "There's something wrong with that sentence."

Just before i realised, i end up at the front. It looks like i held the line for a minute. I'm sorry alright, but an old friend called, and i don't want to leave her hanging. I hung up and saw an old woman. Looking at her eyes, i can tell she's one tough cookie, but isn't her age the time for pensions? I looked at the menu and.. the fear of all fears have been confirmed:

IT'S FREAKING JAPANESE!

Izumi's owing me a lot for this! I didn't come here to learn a new way to talk! But, as i had a look, who knew this old woman spoke English.

Woman: "You don't look like you're from here."

Jacob: "Well, ma'am. I don't know if I'm hallucinating, or you're really speaking my tongue."

Woman: "Don't worry. I'm fully capable of English. We get a lot of international customers these days."

I can say she's nice, charming and wise.. I'd fall in love if i hadn't met Rin. That did sound disturbing, though.

Jacob: "Okay.. how about a bit of help from yourself, ma'am. Since i'm holding this line harder than a lasso, how about you give me a guide on what's what."

Woman: "Alright."

She called out to a few people to do things. I have no idea what, but i'm sitting on this table, thinking.. what's up with the design of mochi? That woman approached me eventually.

Woman: "Alright. Before i begin, let's get to know each other. Call me Tomoko."

Jacob: "Tomoko, huh?"

My accent stood out, but she didn't mind.

Jacob: "Well, I'm sure you know me, but i don't spill my real name on total strangers. Not that you're one. I'm Jake."

We had a small moment of getting to know a bit of each other, and the menu, of course.

Jacob: "So, what's your most popular ones?"

Tomoko: "Red bean. Simple, cheap and i haven't met anyone who refused it. There's also green tea and chocolate."

It's not like an American has been to her shop, right? I'm a total stranger to any of those! Well.. maybe not chocolate. Who knew, after buying a few for myself, you can kiss your money goodbye. After a small while, the shop's now desolate, and i'm sitting at my table, looking at the various pieces of decor. The Stigs? Trophies? LM spec GT-Rs? It looks like this Tomoko woman has a bit of influence within racing.

Tomoko: "Here you go. And may i offer you the discount card.."

Jacob: "Sure. But.. what's with the choice of decoration? I find it hard to imagine you in a race suit."

Tomoko: "No, no, no. It's my family. Surely you've heard of the Kanonji twins?"

Jacob: "It's hard to forget an opportune opponent."

Tomoko: "They're my sons."

Jacob: "Say again?"

Tomoko: "Those two are my pride and joy. Have a look."

Great.. i entered the snake's pit. She then directed to me a small photo. A mother with two grown up men. I recognize them, and who wouldn't?

Tomoko: "I raised this one, but this other one is a tough one. Grew up with a close friend."

Jacob: "For the sake of my curiosity, how do you raise him to be a top racer?"

Tomoko: "I didn't contribute much in terms of career, but Takanori played a lot of videogames. He plays this racing game a lot."

Jacob: "That's incredibly casual. How about Takuma."

Tomoko: "Takuma here, he met me after 2 decades of separation. He would never let me go again. He even settled down just across the street. His wife would go on and on to me about his racing, and is so glad after marrying him."

Jacob: "I like your nice little story, but Takuma's someone i'm scoping for a race with. Heard he's unstoppable."

Tomoko: "He may be."

Jacob: "I'll leave my racing history to myself, but i'll admit to not winning my street racing now and then."

I won't tell her.. that I'm obviously better than those startups.. i don't want to give her a heart attack.

Street racing is more demanding than the tracks, especially with police and traffic on the roads. And what I've been through cannot compare to 24 hours around the Nurburgring. It's more than your life on the line.

But I've never raced the best track racers.. guess i have to see for myself when I'll get to facing them off.

Jacob: "Well, it's been a pleasure, Tomoko."

Tomoko: "Thanks for coming."

As she closed the shop, i walked away, not realizing the sound of another car.

Damn these house parties. I entered the Audi, putting the package of mochi on the side. I might crush them with the seatbelt, so get comfortable.

Then, something came to mind. The Kanonji twins. A racing family. Vulture.. said something earlier.

Vulture: "And we have recent activity from other shootouts this past month that whoever did this, is aiming at hurting people related to racing in Japan."

Then.. i saw it. From the safety of my car. Shady people. One entered the just closing food shop. One bolting the door on the home across the street. It looks like these people know something about her son. Self defense comes to mind.

Soon, i see the situation. These men have guns. They're carrying a tied up hostage, and putting the hostage in the back seat. These guys are efficient if they can knock out someone without any stand out. From the location, I can deduce that Tomoko's being kidnapped!

The car leaves, but.. i have to say, that's a strong engine.

Song: Airbourne - Back In The Game

It's like nobody can hear you scream. Well.. there's no time for decisions. I have to be the hero now!

Let's play!


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's been a hard road but I'm almost home, as the lights fade to black.
Hear the roar of the crowd, ten thousand loud; It's good to be back!

I just drove. Opening my windows slightly, i can hear my V8 roar, but my focus is on the car ahead. It has quite the memorable engine sound.

Feel the sting the sweat of the back of my neck. It's been way too long.

I would call Gary, but he's a heartless pervert. No doubt he would shoot some more guys in the head. I kept going.

Like a ricochet, I hit the stage. Let's get it on!

Judging by his engine sound, i can hear he went this way. This is the route out of Tokyo. I better get a move on!

I'm back in the game, breaking hearts again.
You better watch out, cause I'm back in the game.

Back round here again.

I'm back in the game, kicking ass again.
No stopping me now, it's like I've never been away.

A little closer.. so i can get a visual.

So you better watch out, cause I'm back in the game. Oh yeah!

Finally got a glimpse of that car. A Jaguar XK? Nice car, but it's really a shame to have it owned by crooks like you.

The tunnel's pedestrians would hate us for speeding, or if they actually appreciate our cars' sounds.

I'm built to last, I'll never crash, I'm invincible tonight.

I'm now on your tail.

Feel the energy running over me, like a bolt from the sky.
Go another round in another town, I strike and then I'm gone.
I'm a high octane hurricane, let's get it on!

Caught up with you, kitty cat. You roar a nice growl, though.

I'm back in the game, breaking hearts again.
You better watch out, cause I'm back in the game.

Lightning strikes. I did a police block maneuver, courtesy of my beloved. I didn't tell you she was an undercover cop, no?

I'm back in the game, kicking ass again.

No stopping me now, it's like I've never been away.
So you better watch out, cause I'm back in the game. Oh yeah!

I held the mochi as i held the handbrake. The Jaguar stopped to a halt, surprisingly not ramming my Audi and came out of it all undamaged. I don't want to pay for body damage.

Exiting the car, i opened my jacket. No doubt you've seen me battle Heishiro in this getup. This is an expensive, bespoke jacket, designed for my alter ego Outlaw. Nevertheless, these mooks should prove no match.

*guitar solo*

The first one came out, gun at hand. He meets with an American tackle to a nearby wall. I didn't expect him to go down that fast. The second guy? He decided to take advantage of the distance and try to shoot me with his gun: a Beretta. Upon realizing, i used his mate as a human shield. I took out his phone from his pocket and threw it at the gunner's hands, disorienting his aim, allowing me to come close. Then, you can say his face meets with a hot Jaguar hood.

After taking care of those two, i put them to the side and took one of their phones. We might find a few leads with these criminals. And i have a feeling this won't be the last. After setting up a scene that'll lead to an arrest, i headed back to the Audi. Oh, i almost forgot about Tomoko. I went to the Jaguar and took her out from the back and untied her.

Tomoko: "Jake? What just happened?"

Jacob: "Let's get out of here first. I'll explain later."

No questions asked. That's what i like to see. She went in the car as i put the Jaguar away from the roads.

Tomoko: "How did i end up here?"

Jacob: "Well, those men in the Jaguar somehow kidnapped you."

Tomoko: "Kidnap? I don't remember.."

Jacob: "Hush, hush. I see something on your neck."

I wasn't lying. A mark. So, these guys just got rid of breathing air. Clever, but it's a well known tactic. I'm no stranger to doing it myself, with a girl in a gas station.

Jacob: "Great.. guess you'll be following me to the hospital then."

Tomoko: "Huh? Why?"

Jacob: "I have a friend that wants mochi. Directed me to your place."

Tomoko: "Who?"

Jacob: "A cop named Yamazaki"

Tomoko: "Her? What's she doing in a hospital."

A regular? Well, they are quite delicious.

Jacob: "She just got shot today. Looking at your captors, I think she owes me now."

Tomoko: "I think we owe her, if she didn't send you in the first place."

Jacob: "Yeah."

Tomoko: "But, can you send me back to Aoyama? I'm sure my sons are worried sick about me."

Jacob: "Well.. if you say so."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I got back to her neighborhood. An hour after the kidnapping and already there was a crime scene, all with police tape and officers. I did get a glimpse of the twins. The bolted door earlier? Got split in half. My Audi really alerted the whole area. I entered in a quick fashion, hoping to get away fast. I really hate attention.

Tomoko: "Well, this is it. Arigato, Jake."

Jacob: "Hey. You need anything, you call this number, provided you can get to a phone."

I opened the glovebox and gave her a card from a deck of them. A card with only a picture of my demonic horse tattoo with a black background. Took my time getting a few printing companies get this done. The magic is what i will tell her what to do.

Tomoko: "There isn't a number."

Jacob: "Use a flashlight on the card. You'll see it. Once you get it, dispose it. I don't have to tell you i want anonymity."

As i saw the mother reunite with her children, i had the urge to leave, but i exited the car. Its these moments that i bring an Outlaw outfit, which i lacked at the time. I came closer, and the two racers approached me. Having my jacket off, my tattoo really shines, like a brakelight in midnight, despite the lighting in the area. It left the two quite the impression.

Jacob: "How long has it been?"

Takuma: "Very."

Jacob: "You never mentioned a twin brother back then, Tak."

Takuma: "I haven't met him at the time. I'll introduce. You don't mind?"

Takanori: "Go on, Aniki."

Takuma: "Takanori here *grabs him by the head* is known as one of the fastest racers in Japan, but is more well known as the Godzilla Keeper, and even more as my brother!"

Brotherly banter. No doubt i have my share with Keith, but these two take the cake.

Takanori: "Lemme go! Pleased to meet you, err.. What was your name?"

Jacob: "Jacob.. Jacob Ross. Met Tak back in the UK. How? I handled Ben's Proteges one time as a favor from the old codger."

Takuma: "Don't think of mentioning any more."

Jacob: "With what happened a few weeks back? I'll respect that. Take your mom to the hospital when you can."

Takanori: "Huh? Okaasan looks just fine."

Jacob: "I'll let her explain. I'll take my leave; don't want cops to see me."

Takuma's a friend in the past, but I'll let the future decide. I just hope they're true to their word with my secret. Don't go telling anyone that Jacob is the Dark Horse, or i might go insane.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I came back to the Jaguar's hiding spot and met up with Gary. I called him beforehand.

Jacob: "So, how's the two men?"

Gary: "Cops came in after hearing from pedestrians. Hand me their cell, I'll get them taken to Mr. V."

*tosses phone*

Gary: "I made sure that they didn't hear about you smashing a guy's head in. Criminal style, b:censored:h! The poor, poor Jag."

Jacob: "I know.. how about i get it a new job? Gary.."

I handed Gary a sum of cash.

Gary: "Holy hell, J. You don't have to give me strip club money."

S:censored:t, Gary!

Jacob: "No! Not that. I want you to repair any damages and clean the interior. Also, clean all ownership to this car, and replace it with me."

Gary: "Hand me the keys, I'll get started tomorrow."

He left. What a sound. I went back to the hospital. Since visitor's hours are over, i had to get a nurse to send it to Izumi, with my trademark card on it.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Returning home, i did the usual. Security, door lock, blah blah blah. I came in to see a sleeping Keith on the couch, with Street Fighter 4 on the TV. This guy got bored practicing maybe. I looked around for the security controls and they're in Keith's pockets. Wanting to grab it, i got my hands into his pocket, waking the poor guy up.

Jacob: "*Whispers* Hey, Keith. This isn't what this seems."

Keith: "Eeeyyyyaaaaa~"

Jacob: "Aaaaaaahhh~"

Well, that'll be all from me. Luckily, this is just the beginning. I have scores to uphold, particularly..

This German ring master. Weiss. What joy is it going to be to humiliate him on his home turf?

FIN PART 1

Author's Notes

- Special thanks to RCKakashi14 for the small tips. Prepare to see Jake outside this story.

- I'm back, but well, I'll be working slower. Probably in 2 weeks, we might get 3 parts. Just bear with me going slow, OK?

- There has been tons of revision on the whole thing. One of them has Jacob get kicked in the face, the other, a gunfight costing the R8. Don't ask me how I got there.

- The Jaguar has been pre-decided as someone else's car, but i changed it.

- I'll recycle more characters that haven't appeared. The next chapter has Jacob hanging out with a certain fangirl..

- ..alongside a car that changed his life.

- The Ford GT will barely make an appearance, but another car from the garage will make an appearance as Jake is still in Japan.

Cars Introduced.

- Jacob's Jaguar XKR. Tuned for 500pp

 

[Mat123]

👍

 

[RCKakashi14]

I like the crossover. Don't worry, what I'm currently writing also has a crossover.

👍

 

[SomePlayaDude]

Part 2: Secret, Secret. I've Got A Secret.

Tsukuba Circuit, Midday.

A normal trackday. People from all over Japan would go around in any of their cars. All sorts of domestic cars appear to have rounds around the benchmark track.

One of the faster cars is the iconic model of the Toyota Celica. Known for it's rallying prowess, it blazes through the straights, with a heavier, more powerful car behind. They don't last a long time in this position.

As laps passes, the attention passes on to the SVT Cobra.

It passes any car it sees, showing the probable skill, or lunacy the driver inside possesses.

It powers on the straights.

And turns, surprisingly grippy.

The car really goes like a butterfly.

The 380 hp V8 goes around the track, wowing it's many spectators. Being one of the 300, it stands off against the empires of sports cars at it's age.

The driver's skills are backed up more, with a drift.

The car re-enters the pits, finished for the day. Jacob appears from the garage.

Jacob: "That's a mighty fine run there."

Exiting the car is Ayumi Tanaka, an art university student, and self proclaimed biggest fan of Jacob Ross, while now, more poised and calmed from their last escapade.

Ayumi: "Jacob-san!! This car is magnificent, while not exactly comfortable."

Jacob: "Well, you have to live with bucket seats for now. This is one of those childhood cars that i had to get. I just had to get rid of the red."

Ayumi: "I think yellow is a nice color. This blue's too bright."

Jacob: "Maybe you can show your gang the car, let them make a vote."

Ayumi: "Pay me."

Jacob: "No!"

Ayumi: "Come on, i won't ask for much! Come on, come on, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon."

Jacob: "Get me a color that'll look better than the Imperial Blue, then I'll settle."

Ayumi: "I won't let you down."

The two clean up a little bit and are prepared to leave.

Ayumi: "This is the first time i see you drive, side by side."

Jacob: "Yes.. and don't go holding any of my muscles."

Ayumi: "You're so buff. Do you take.."

Jacob: "NO!"

The Mustang leaves, with Jacob on wheel. He just wonders how Hideki can get along with a talkative woman.



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



The two in the Mustang get talking.

Ayumi: "Where are we going?"

Jacob: "You're like a kid."

Ayumi: "I am still one at heart. At least i grew up all controlled, Jacob-san."


Jacob: "Good point. Makes me feel like a kid, asking that."

Ayumi: "Don't feel so bad. We just started off the wrong rock."

Jacob is reminded of that start. The yellow RX-7 in a gas station that caused him to rid of someone's consciousness. It really makes him wonder how said someone is sitting next to him, not all screaming.

Jacob: "You did make my life an interesting little adventure."

Ayumi: "I did?!"

Jacob: "I didn't say i liked it."

Ayumi: "Well, Deki-san did meet you that day too, right?"

Jacob: "Uh huh."

Ayumi: "Speaking of Deki-san, i can't help but notice his mannerisms these days."

Jacob: "I thought we already settled for how good he is."

Ayumi: "No. Not his racing. His feelings. Specifically for me."

Jacob: "Well, i did tell him to get a life."

Ayumi: "That's plain cruel!"

Jacob: "I didn't say it that way."

Ayumi: "Anyways, he's trying to get my affection. It's sweet, but it's going to take a lot more of that to get me."

Jacob: "What did he do?"

Ayumi: "Let's see... aah! He would see me after every lecture, get me a specific set of flowers, cause i'm allergic to the common blossoms. He would go out for lunches. I tell you, he's sweet. Wait.."

Pause for 5 seconds.

Jacob: "Umm wha.."

Ayumi: "Aaahh! That's it! Your story about your wife! He's inspired."

Jacob: "By me? Well, I'm not really a romantic type."

Ayumi: "No, silly. He's inspired for a romance and settling down. I'm curious though.. what's the case with this bucket seated Mustang."

Jacob: "Believe it or not, this Mustang is pretty much how my adventure of 'love' started."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Jacob begins another small tale, in which we will take his perspective once again.

At the time, she had a drive around the mountain roads.

Rin was showing off her skills, having recently bought the SVT Mustang. She had worked with Ford interceptors, and contributing to the police force, Ford can provide officers with parts, any car model deemed popular, and more i cannot say.

These are connections i had with Outlaw. This is related on why was he so wanted? He was a cop, gone AWOL. You can say i joined the police force as an anonymous free agent.

Rest assured, it paid off. Nobody knows Jacob Ross is the now convicted police agent known as Outlaw.

She went around bends, with swiftness, and sped on straights, with precise throttling.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Ayumi: "You mentioned her hate on racing."

Jacob: "We're getting to that."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Her driving is just elegant. No rough drifting, no handbrake turns, no canvas on tires. Just plain beauty.

It is her style. She's trying to reduce the damage on street creed, making it her mission to bring them down. Any chase involving her, it always involves little to no damage. Less damage increases the chances of her move to the top. Promotions after promotions, and then..

The big break. Street chases in Rockport. Where was I? I followed her, since she took the job after our wedding day. Meeting her in London after a small rescue. She really liked my heroism. It's the chain reaction, of love.

We lived in Rockport for a while. I saved a bit of cash doing undercover work and bounty hunting, with the racing experience from back then, including a small group of young racers in London, and a large scale rally in an unnamed city. Soon, I bought another later generation Mustang.

I'm very sure she's fond of it.

She was just having an emergency call as i drove the Mustang back home, until..

Rin: "AAH!!!"

Jacob: "NO!"

*CRASH*​

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Nobody can tell, who's fault was it. I got away with a few sprains, but it seems my dearest got hit hard due to my heavier car. I opened the door and blood... blood is what i saw. I know someone is calling the ambulance. I held her. Blood was all over my clothes, with me trying to soak it all up.

It was the worst day of my life.

I kept seeing her comatose state again, and again, and again. Seeing my desperation, my best friends Murph, Fred and my old lifelong friend Sonny were there, consoling me. The costs were off the roof. Eventually, i had to get cash, and thus, Sonny got to my heart and a new objective was born.

To be the best there is. An inspiration i once thought seemed foolish. Following me was the New Blacklist, and i deserted my enforcer origins. With the Mustangs rebuilt and the one i bought taken to various places to make it unmatched, I was only trying to fill an empty hole in me.

And behold: it actually worked. But it became deeper with her rumored amnesiac escape. I'm sure Hideki would fill you in on that.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Back in the present.

Ayumi: "He did."

Jacob: "I think you're the first person he would tell about it."

Ayumi: "He told me all about it after the day we found out about your wife. And you never mentioned a Sonny before."

Jacob: "Sonny? He's one of my inspirations in life. He would be better than me in every way, until i met Rin of course. He really didn't matter to me since i got here."

Ayumi: "He must be some sort of cowboy.."

Jacob: "Quite the contrary, actually. He's half American half Singaporean. With a full name like Sonny Meng Xian Zhen. I've yet to see the baysides of that country. Speaking about bays, we're going to that place me and Keith go to on the bay. That sports restaurant."

Ayumi: "Ohhh! That place?! The ones where there's skaters serving you, and the go kart racing."

Jacob: "(It's THAT popular?)"

Ayumi: "Am i sooo EXCITED!"

Jacob: "No, it's not a date between us.."

Ayumi: "Oh. Oh no no no, Kuroiuma-san! I don't want to love you."

Jacob: "We're bringing my little brother Keith. He's going to pick up Hideki in Tokyo. You can say they bonded over time."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Keith, already at Tokyo, drives around in his GT-R in an uncrowded road. Having to get used to the car, he drives in style.

After going past traffic, he zooms in at a seemingly empty straight, reaching 120 mph.

Keith: "Go, White Lightning!"

The white car passes by a turn in a quick fashion, testing the technology Nissan provides.

He stops by a sports stadium, seeing Hideki finished with a bag behind him.

Keith: "That'll be the fella."

Hideki, seeing through his phone, enters the car soon shortly afterwards. The two, recently gotten closer, made a youngster handshake, which ended with a bow.

Keith: "Alright! That was the perfect handshake!"

Hideki: "Really?!"

Keith: "We got it good, but, maybe a car's not the place to do it."

Hideki: "We can get out and do it now, if you want, Kei-san."

Keith: "No need, Hideo.. No need. Well, shall we get.."

*BANG*​

A shooting sound is heard.

Hideki: "Kei-san, what was that?!"

Keith: "I don't know, man. I don't know."

We zoom out to see Gary chasing a random man.

Gary: "Oi! That was a warning shot! Please come back, or it's a shot for real."

Man: "That's a fake gun, i know."

Gary: "Son of a b:censored:h!"

What the man expects is his getaway. What he didn't expect, is Gary throwing said gun and hitting his head.

Man: "Argh!"

Gary: "That's a 3 point shot from yours truly, Gaaa-Rree! Whaaat.. UP!"

He makes a small celebration mimicking a great touchdown. Then, upon picking the man, he meets up with a nearby up N.Z. He sees the situation, and suddenly notices the GT-R.

Gary: "Say, no hard feelings for your defeat from me, but don't be snitching out from Mr. V. Capice?"

Man: "Aaah.. I'll uphold your promise, but please, let me go."

N.Z: "I know who's car is that, the Takanori GT-R."

Gary: "Yeah?"

Gary pulls out a real gun and points it to the man he just caught.

Gary: "N, let's have a dare. You have 10 seconds to prove it, or he gets the hole in the head treatment. 10.. 9.. 1.."

N.Z: "KEITH!"

Keith hopped out, like a mother calling her son.

Keith: "What?! Who?! Where?! How?!"

He sees the situation.

N.Z: "Phew.. I was right."

Keith: "Gary? N.Z. dude? Hey, you guys, haven't seen you guys since Suzuka.. Gary, be nice to the man."

Gary: "Fine.. come on, N."

The situation goes back to normal. The man runs away after the situation.

N.Z: "Well, I'll have these files removed, don't you worry."

Vulture on phone: "Good. Gary will be the witness, and i have many ways to prove if you're lying. Don't let me ask Gary to rip that mask off your pretty face."

*hangs*

N.Z does his work and solves the case with the man's treachery. Gary then asks Keith.

Gary: "Hey, Keith. How about we head over to that nice ass place in.."

Keith: "Actually, dude. We're headed over to the place in the bay.. Go karts and the like."

Gary: "That place? Cool. Hey N."

N.Z: "Say no more. I needed a small break."

Keith: "Hop in guys."

Having the seats all filled in, Keith gets going.

Gary: "I'm a firestarter for sexual harrassment. What's up, little H?"

Hideki: "That's me, right? And how did we get the Enigma himself in the car?"

N.Z: "I know who you are but what am i, Minami."

Keith: "It's like a circus in here."

Everyone Else: "Shut up, Keith!"

Keith: "Hahahaha."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


After a moment, the SVT Mustang arrived in the bay area.

Jacob: "We're nearly there.. wake up!"

Ayumi: "....huh? Acchi itte!"

Jacob: "My goodness.."

The car gets a treatment of tuners all around America, with a lot of racing detail. Needless to say, Jacob sees it as a marvelous thing to drive.

Jacob burns the tires, but he then wonders how Ayumi spent her time last night.

Jacob: "Only one thing then."

As Jacob pulled the handbrake, he knew it's not going to end well for him. The car spun out by the entrance.

Ayumi: "AAAHH!!"

Jacob: "Wake up, sleepy head."

The two exit the car, with one chasing the other.

Ayumi: "YOU DON'T WANT TO DO THIS, BUT YOU DID!"

Jacob: "Am i glad you aren't Lucia!"

Eventually, they managed to settle and Jacob parks his car away.

At the time of that escapade, Keith's GT-R arrived.

Hideki: "Tell us about you, Nigma-san."

N.Z: "I don't talk about me often, but since we got hold of Gary's backstory, I'll spill a little bit. Started racing in the Mille Miglia. Then, British touring. Then, Scandinavian rally. Then, Formula One."

Gary: "British touring was the balls, man. I remember your Mini actually outran the competition."

N.Z: "Minis at the time really leave an impression. Tunable, lightweight, handles like a charm. I used these superminis in many places, but my favorite car i drove, is actually a big heavy muscle. A viper."

Hideki: "The orange ACR. The one on the news for police evasion. It's holding a bounty as we speak."

Keith: "Well, you know a lot. Me and him, we have small drives now and then and then joke about representing the muscle cars of Japan. But you did go around with a supermini once?"

N.Z: "Yes.. the last model of the Mini Cooper before it became 'big'."

Gary: "The days i ran around cities, destroying little cars like that. Too much Jason Bourne wannabes."

N.Z: "I assume with someone still inside."

Gary: "You know me too well."

Keith: "Hey, we're almost here."

Hideki: "According to their twitter, no go karting today. Replacing their models."

Gary: "Shame. I am on their hit list of rammers. We go next time, N. You'll enjoy it."

N.Z: "I'd like to see you try."

The GT-R is parked, and the 4 meet up with Jacob and Ayumi, already on a table. They shifted to a larger one seeing Gary.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The place, normally crowded, is barely serving, with waiters just hanging around the place. After getting comfy, the six calls for service after deciding. They see the various stunters doing their job on the designated ramps and lanes all over the place. Skateboarders, bikers and skaters. A certain woman makes a trick over a ramp and skated towards the table, slowing down. Wearing appropriate skater attire, she also has no safety on, marking her as a professional in her job. Her pink hair is something else to stare at, if she didn't interfere.

Waitress: "You're set?"

N.Z: "That was pretty good."

Waitress: "Thanks! It's much harder with a tray on your hands."

Jacob: "You don't sound Japanese."

Waitress: "I'm half Japanese, half British actually. Call me Kate."

Jacob: "Kate, huh.."

Gary: "OK, Kate.. are you single...because i am, and that means you can.."

Upon hearing that, Keith, Hideki and Ayumi jumped on him to silence the man.

N.Z: "Gary, Gary, Gary.... I suggest getting back on track and ordering what you want."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Later..

Kate: "Doo dee doo... alright! 6 of each. Thanks guys."

The woman skates away. Gary looked like he just woke up.

Jacob: "It's like you need to tone down your sexual fetishes, Gary."

Gary: "Sorry, man. A guy can lose control sometimes."

Keith: "Well, we know what to do, Little Hideo. *winks*"

Hideki winks back.

Ayumi: "Deki-san! That looked so wrong in three levels. It's like you're having a relationship with him."

Hideki: "Huh?! No. I have no intent on that at all. Please, calm down, Ayu-san."

Jacob: "So, how did you end up here, Gare-bear."

Gary: "Oh. We was chasing a spy all the way to Keith. We hopped along the train. That sort of thing."

N.Z: "That'll be the gist of it. That spy is part of our new investigation."

Jacob: "Since you're so open about it, i know this is going to involve me."

Gary: "We have a winner. Open the champagne, so we can spray your ass."

N.Z: "Mmmhmm.."

Gary: "Well, the phone you gave me that night was the real deal, J. Got like a whole criminal group's activities on it. No doubt we got all the info we need to take them out, but only on this island."

Jacob: "Information?"

Gary: "A group called the Harbingers. Based in England. We got rumors that they are planning to take over the racing in the world. Our precious Maiden, alongside that woman you brought home, is part of their plans to crumble racing in Japan."

Jacob: "The spy must've relayed all information about you guys. No doubt you're going to try stopping them taking over."

N.Z: "Well, since i have information regarding that, it really makes it difficult for them to crack open Hagetaka's case. It'll be a while before they can get in, and we have protocols for that."

Jacob: "You know too much."

N.Z: "I am an endless sea of information. And don't say I'm a robot of sorts."

Jacob: "Hmm.. Enigma, huh? You don't mind taking that veil off so i can see you. We won't tell anyone."

As Jacob has a look around, he sees everyone nodding. The Enigma, while slightly puzzled, decides eventually.

N.Z: "Since it's only us at this hour.. i guess this will be a good time."

N.Z opens his mask. The 5 around him are surprised. It's just a man, looking unusually young for someone who lived for 70 years.

N.Z: "Tell me.. do any of you recognize me?"

Hideki: "No.."

Keith: "Trust me, i know all the faces on the racing world."

Gary: "Same for the criminal world."

N.Z: "Exactly.. I am the real definition of Enigma. I wish to be known as thus. Unfindable in the world network, gone through many surgeries in life; only very few know my secret!"

It's spine tingling when you find out N.Z's voice really sounds like that, while no voice changers are revealed. He re-covers his veil.

Jacob: "And i thought i was the king of anonymity."

N.Z: "Trust me, i spent a lifetime to get this in motion."

Gary: "You're a guy?"

N.Z: "Tell me, Gary. Is that really my gender?"

Gary: "Eep! And i thought i was disgusting."

N.Z: "I am a man. Even i think gender changes are not my style."

Jacob: "Okay, okay.. Thanks guys. Back to the Harbingers."

Gary: "Well, the phone gave us their activities. We're gonna finish them off in a few days, after i get some men riled up for it. Then, radio silence.. at least in Japan."

N.Z: "Yes.. Also, there might be activity on the race tracks. I requested Koji to keep watch here, and I'm sure Interpol will be keeping tabs all around the world. I heard that they will be focusing on your tournament, Jacob Ross."

Jacob: "In Nurburg?"

N.Z: "Something tells me they want to take over that tournament. They took over few unsanctioned racing all over Europe. Guess they're going for a larger scale."

Jacob: "I'll keep that in mind. Keith, what are you up to?"

Keith spends his time staring at Kate. It looks like he thinks the waitress on roller blades as a first interest.

Jacob: "Baby brother?"

Keith: ".... Oh! Huh?! Jake? How's it hanging?"

Jacob: "You dazed off again. Who is it this time?"

Keith: "That Kate chick."

Jacob: "Well, I'm sure you already saw Gary messing around. It's a race of love, Keith."

They then look for Gary, who is starting the flirt game with the waitress.

Gary: "*Johnny Bravo styled* Hey, baby. Lemme show you some of my.. extreme tricks. Hoo-Hah!"

Kate proceeds to judo throw Gary.

Gary: "Was worth it *moans*."

Jacob: "Oh dear. Do what you got to do."

Keith: "With pleasure."

As Keith leaves the table, Jacob sits back down.

N.Z: "Don't worry. He's going to try Russian Roulette next. Only one of the guns is firable, and it's a fake. Kind of like in that movie 'The Mask'."

Jacob: "A flag comes out."

N.Z: "Now, either way.. you know the regulations regarding the tourney you will be competing?"

Jacob: "Not really, no."

N.Z: "It's not like a head to head duel like what most Japanese do here. It's finicky. From what i know, they make out from 16 to 4 using a time trial using any car you bring in, to see how bonded is the thread between man and car. 3 heats. 4 cars eliminated each heat. They'll give you a week of practice. The finals.. they vary each year."

Jacob: "I'll assure you my bond is rock solid."

N.Z: "I can see that. You know what i told you in The City."

Jacob: "You told me a lot of things. I'll assume this one: the fastest racer.."

N.Z: "is the one who believes. The Harbingers will be sending a top racer, and many things, including death, is no stranger to their tactics. Just believe in something that'll help you focus."

Jacob: "Ayumi, you know what it is?"

Ayumi: "Hai. Nishimura-san, am i right."

Jacob: "You know me too much."

N.Z: "Hmm.. ah! And one thing, Jacob Ross."

N.Z stood and gave him a small box. A pendant was in it, with a picture of Jacob and Rin, side-by-side.

Jacob: "But.. but how?!"

N.Z: "The girl handed it to me. Even i have no idea where she is as of now."

It reminded Jacob of the time he saw the cryptic message on their beach photo.

Jacob: "Stay true to our love.."

Jacob gets up, motivated.

Jacob: "I won't let you down, however you see me. Rin!"

Jacob's determination is a sight to see. As he did so, Kate had a look and smiled, ignoring Keith.

FIN PART 2

Author's Notes

- I had a break too long. It's actually due to events in real life, and a bit of a writer's block. Introducing Sonny will be my push to get this going.

- Sonny is.. actually my virtual dream self. I'm not anything i said about him unless i say so. He will be introduced soon, alongside the villain.

- Other than that.. i really don't think there will be any more characters, outside some minor ones. This is subject to change.

- Any suggestions for a better SVT Cobra color. I'll appreciate not getting it in Sunburst Yellow.

- The ACR in my profile is revealed. Now to get Kaz on a deal with the devil so i can get a Carrera GT on my Gran Turismo games.

- Next chapter: Jacob leaves for Germany. There will be scenes on the plane.

- I don't know if the GT-R Black has 4 seats.

- N.Z's Mini is colored like... It should be obvious who.

Cars Introduced.

- Jacob's SVT Cobra. 480pp
- N.Z's Mini Cooper 98. 475pp.
- N.Z's Viper ACR. 582pp.

 

[RCKakashi14]

GT-Rs have 4 seats...

(except of course for the SpecV and Track Pack versions)

 

[amemyarz]

I honestly check this thread everyday to see if it is updated. Can't wait for the next part!

By the way, is Harbinger a Mass Effect reference? If so, AWESOME:tup:

 

[SomePlayaDude]

Part 3: Given To Fly.

Ross Residence. 12 pm

Hustle and bustle summarizes the homestead.

Alan: "Come along now, Jacob. Keith's waiting long."

Jacob: "Alright, alright. Keep your shorts on. Just make sure the car gets to Nurburg through the online tracker. It'll tell you if i get it."

Alan: "Right. Have a safe trip, Jacob. And say hi from Alan to the recently wed."

Jacob: "They married?!"

Alan: "No.. no.. They're going to get together here. You're going to be best man."

Jacob: "Oh.. that was a secret, right?"

Alan: "It was, but let's say that secret is better off with you knowing, hohoho."

Jacob gets in the GT-R, with Keith on the wheel. The car has basic amenities that makes it amazingly versatile, especially when it's competition normally don't have boots or a spacious set of 4 seats.

Keith: "Shall we?"

Jacob: "Come on, already, you slowpoke. I'm late!"

Keith: "You dare doubt me?!"

No doubt Jacob wants to boost Keith's confidence after hearing the family motto.

Jacob: "No.. no i don't."

The GT-R leaves, with Alan getting back to the shared home. He opens the door.

Nami: "They're gone."

Alan: "Yes, milady."

Nami: "Finally."

Jacob's mother-in-law grabs Alan by the frills on the butler suit.

Nami: "It's time we get to know each other. How is the room service in this home, hmm?"

Alan: "Ohh hoho, yes. Yes, indeed."

The two elders enter the home. Who knows what mischief do they plan to do together.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Keith travels across the winding streets to the freeways.

Jacob: "You've been driving this for quite some time."

Keith: "Well, my Corvette's in the shop being looked at, and i don't have anything else with a boot."

Jacob: "Whatever."

Keith: "So, how long will you be gone?"

Jacob: "Miss me already?"

Keith: "No. Nothing of that. I'll be lonely for a bit. I heard Gary's going to Europe too. The whole gang's going to be there without me. I'll be here with old Al, and maybe have a bit of time with Vulture and Izumi."

Jacob: "Is that so? And Gary? Must be that Harbinger business."

Keith: "I guess so. You've seen the treatment Vulture did to the Yakuza."

Jacob: "And i have this feeling he's going to make this personal."

Keith: "Izzy's been shot. No s:censored:t."

Jacob: "Well, i will be away for who knows how long. I have time and money to spend, but I'll be back before you realize it."

Keith: "Well, hurry on back."

Jacob: "I will, because there isn't news of Rin leaving this island anytime soon. She's not going to leave me forever."

Keith: "I'll be the first to know."

Jacob: "Well, I'll leave that to you."

Keith: "Hmm, ever notice how you keep wearing the same jacket?"

Jacob: "Not really. I have like 3 of the same jacket, and i wash them, unlike some snob."

Keith: "Touche."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


In a building complex just outside Tokyo. 1 PM

A set of Triad enforcers exit the building. They are led by an experienced Triad veteran, who are working for Hagetaka. He walks towards Vulture, who sits near his car.

Triad: "The deed is done, sir."

Vulture: "Good. Have the men split up quick before the police comes and cleans up."

Triad: "There might be a lot of evidence inside, sir."

Vulture: "Gary is inside, no?"

Triad: "Hmm, we really didn't notice."

Vulture: "Alright. Now hurry up and leave. You'll be paid soon."

As the Triads leave, Gary exits the building.

Vulture: "Found anything incriminating?"

Gary: "Nah.. Looked and only phones got my attention. And yet, their phones got no new numbers, and there's this international caller who made sure there's no traces."

Vulture: "Great.. Let's send you on your way to Europe then."

Gary: "F:censored:k! But it's just as i expected. Sacre freaking bleu."

Vulture: "And Gary, no guns. I don't think you'll live hearing that."

Gary: "Don't you worry about me! I know my way around without one."

Vulture: "Good. Let's head to the airport."

They both enter the black BNR34. The 600 horsepower engine comes to life, with the noise provided by titanium exhausts. They make their way to the airport.

Gary: "Say, Mr. V. You don't mind if i push the damn thing?"

Vulture: "No. Not at all."

Gary: "Well, hold on. You have a nice engine here, and it's a shame to not push it."

Vulture: "I've no experience driving fast. 100 mph is my limit."

Gary: "I got an idea."

Vulture: "Idea? From you, this better be good."

Gary: "What you do, V, is ask Jake. Get some progress into finding Jess, and he'll appreciate it."

Vulture: "Jess? Oh, you mean his wife."

Gary: "I can't teach you how to hold your car firmly. You'd need a racer's touch. I got some Chinese dude to teach me how to drive, and it wasn't cheap, if i didn't do the gun to his head. I think i can be your race track driver if you want."

Vulture: "Hmm.. yes. That can work. You can be smart sometimes, Gary. I'll emphasize on the sometimes."

Gary: "Aww, shucks, you're making me blush."

Vulture: "This isn't sexual!"


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Narita Airport. 2 PM

Jacob and Keith arrived on time for check-in. The line isn't a long one, especially when Jacob flies first class. Finished with the basics, the brothers sat on a bench, waiting for the gate to open.

Keith: "Why are we here so early."

Jacob: "Forgive me, but i am a little paranoid on missing flights."

Keith: "Nah, it's cool. Being rejected on a flight has got to be the most destroyed feeling a traveler would want."

Jacob: "I'd imagine working with someone with fear of flying."

Keith: "Aerophobia is such a fit to work with."

Suddenly, Vulture and Gary appeared.

Gary: "Aerophobia? I remember working with an assassin with one. The times."

Jacob: "Didn't you just start working a year ago?"

Gary: "This is when i was still a free agent. You might think it's a nice relationship but no. She put me behind bars. No doubt i wanna see her face again, with a bullet in her head."

Vulture: "I don't know Gary, if i think i know who you're talking about, i would want her in my employ."

Gary: "N-O! Please no! She's an assassin! A-S-S-ASSIN! Like that Kurohitsuji guy a month ago. All committed to the job and no exceptions."

Then, N.Z suddenly shows up, unveiled and looking like a traveler.

N.Z: "Calm down, Gary. Don't try to hit someone with that rucksack of yours."

Keith: "You too, Enigma dude?"

Vulture: "This is you? Looking good, if i must say so"

N.Z: "Flattering. Gary, Gary. Listen to me! Miss Fantoccia is the best person for more subtle killings. Don't overreact."

Gary: "*sigh* Alright.. just don't mind me holding you if we ever end up in France."

Jacob: "What's wrong? I've never seen Gary so timid before."

Gary: "If you weren't listening, J. It's a personal thing with the most experienced, while a bit heartless assassin. Her name's Ginoa Fantoccia. She's still a free agent, and won't hesitate to kill for a sum. No doubt she has Swiss bank accounts up the butt."

Vulture: "My research goes so far. Her killings involve millionaires, criminal masterminds, even a president of a small republic, with security forces more than ample to take a similar nation."

Jacob: "Huh.. that sounds pretty grim, no?"

N.Z: "I've discussed it with Vulture."

Keith: "Wow? You're in our little gang too? Can we give him a welcoming hand shake?"

N.Z: "Why not."

After the small break.

N.Z: "This assassin is top priority that she doesn't end up in two places: Japan, or under Harbinger employ. We've recently confirmed the latter."

Jacob: "Damn. Assassins and killer drivers. I've no plans to die now."

Vulture: "Just hope you don't end up on their hit list. Gary and N.Z here won't be with you at all times."

Jacob: "That's alright. I have friends that'll back me up."

Izumi suddenly appears, suddenly threatening the unrecognized N.Z with a hand taser.

Izumi: "Who are you, and what's with the unnecessary loitering with Nii-san?"

Keith: "Izzy! Hold on a second. Don't attack him."

Vulture: "Izumi, stand down."

Izumi: "NO!"

Gary went for the arm again, like that day.

Gary: "No indeed. Stubborn b:censored:h."

Izumi: "Noo~"

N.Z: "Much appreciated."

Izumi: "That voice... Mr. Enigma?"

After the small catching up season.

Izumi: "My, you're a catch, Mr. Enigma. How can 70 years somehow stopped your looks from being old like, hehehe."

Jacob: "Hey, Izumi. Bern is off duty, right?"

Izumi: "Yep. He's in Europe last i know, doing lovey dovey things after an array of rallying. Agents have to report in every 3 days."

Jacob: "Okay."

The gate for Frankfurt airport opens.

Jacob: "Well, this is it."

Keith: "Good luck, bro. Promise me you'll be back."

Jacob: "I will. Don't you dare doubt me, Keith."

Gary: "Yo, I'll see you in a bit Mr. V. I can't guarantee bringing Ms. Fantoccia back alive, should we get together once again."

N.Z: "That, and prepare to see news on Harbingers' demise, or ours."

Izumi: "You guys get going."

They split up.

Izumi: "That's that... Nii-san? Are you crying."

Vulture: "*sniff* Oh? Not at all, Izumi. You drove here?"

Izumi: "Let's go home. Finally some peace."

Keith: "You know it."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Not much happened on the waiting to board. Jacob reads a magazine on cars, and scopes on the many American cars, specifically the Mustang Boss 302, the SSC Tuatara and the Hennessey Venom Spyder. Gary plays a game on his smartphone, with N.Z taking a small nap. They all board, with them having seperate seats.

Jacob sits in the first class lane with other rich or business oriented people, with a whole section for himself. His neighbor across the lane, didn't arrive for a while, until he sat down.

Lee: "It's you, Boss-man."

Jacob: "Oh? Lee? Didn't know you're back in Japan."

Lee: "Came back 2 weeks ago, boss. You don't think i stay in US forever."

Jacob: "You're not that type. You're going to Germany?"

Lee: "Ya. King Of The Ring. You play with them, huh boss?"

Jacob: "Play is not exactly the term. I want to see the skills of the real racers, outside F1 and things like that."

Lee: "You did meet Murph and Fred on the City thing, right? It won't be big surprise you get good score lah."

Jacob: "I don't plan to win, but there maybe contingencies for that. So, is the whole gang going to be there?"

Lee: "Ya. All 5 of us. And Sonny."

Jacob: "Sonny?"

Lee: "He's competing, i heard. Won in Laguna Seca leg. Very good."

Jacob: "And how come i have no idea about this?"

Lee: "Dunno. But now you know, it's all cool, haa?"

Jacob: "I guess so."

Lee: "How did you meet Sonny?"


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Well, Sonny's been with me all my life. We met in high school, studied in London together, and even being my best man with Bern. He's the guy who raced his life to stardom, being one step ahead of me. Last i heard on that, he's a reserve driver for a top team in F1. Now, he's retired, doing test driving for American supercars.

He's the one who put me on the racing business. It all started in London. I rescued a little girl. I returned her to her guardian. Touring car racer Alan Robinson. When he found out about my racing legacy from my dad he once competed with, he had to send me to the racing legend Sir Ben McCarthy. With knowledge of two veteran racers, i hung around with a band of black suited racers. I'm not directly in it though. Sonny got ahead, revealing to me that he was being the teacher to them. They were cocky, brash, arrogant. It's a pretty bad sort, especially if i was as old as their teacher at the time.

One day, i spectated a track time trial. Using an old Skyline, no doubt. I wasn't part of it, with Rin recently engaged to me. I decided to have a small date looking at the car go round.

Their times were pretty good. Averaging at 49 seconds. The best time that time was 46 seconds done by a blue haired Japanese guy. I then realized.

Rin: "Hey Jacob-san~. You might want to see this.. and.. you don't look so good."

Jacob: "Yeah. I don't. See that one, with the blue hair."

Rin: "Him?"

Jacob: "Yeah. You can feel it too? *reads note*"

Rin: "I don't know, Jacob-san, but i think i know what you mean."

Soulless. 'Winning is everything' mindset. It's unnerving, like the track is their only life. Sonny came up to me.

Sonny: "Yo, Jake. It looks like Takuma's beaten the track time once again. That kid gets better every time."

Jacob: "I can't say i want to stay anymore. Son, how about you read this note Rin found."

Sonny had a detailed look on that note, and what he saw didn't appeal to him. To destroy all racing records, whatever deems necessary.

Sonny: "Oh.. ohh this.. this is not good, man."

Jacob: "Let's talk to Ben about this. Corrupt minds of winning is not a good ethic. Sir Ben has to realize the epitaph on what these proteges really mean is wrong."

Rin: "Do it, Jacob-san. I would hate people living life like this."

Jacob: "I'll talk to the old man."

Sonny: "I'll have to teach these brats a lesson. I'm a real bred racer, you're going to like it."

Sonny went down and got to them, only to be back lashed. You don't want to do that to Sonny.

Sonny: "Okay, okay. Guys, calm down. Nobody's the best. We all can improve, but a mindset like this isn't going to make the best racers, capice?"

Sonny is disgruntled by them not listening to him.

Sonny: "Hey, boys.. How about a bet. I know you blokes love bets."

I'll let you know that they're not all British. I think there's a church on betting in that country.

Sonny: "I'll get round the track and beat Takuma's time, but not with the Skyline. I'll use my old rustbucket. He hasn't seen action in over 2 years. And i drive to my classes with it every week. I win, and i get the Skyline, alongside my retirement to you losers. Lose, and my car's yours."

Sonny was ready.

His Camaro isn't the fastest car in the world, but at the time, it's matched performance would be with my SVT. No doubt worthy for a fair match. The car has aftermarket works on it, with a race spec suspension. I have this feeling he's going to bring it to the Ring, with comparisons to a Ford GT's level of performance? Damn.

The car jerks it's way for a lap. It still has the old clutch, and you can hear the jerking the clutch gives. It's not impressive to the boys, except for this one American, and I'm just as stunned as he is.

The car's top speed of 135 mph helped. The gears are short and the speed he goes round the bends are just amazing. The car handles well too. How is this achievable, i don't know. Muscles are made for not taking the turn swiftly.

He crosses the line at 44 seconds. Sonny can be a bit cocky, but he knows he will be if he can back it up.

After the events that passed, Sonny felt bad and toned down his end of the bet. He took the Skyline, but returned it, unsatisfied with the specs. Sir Ben got it back with more than just a racing modification.

It's Sonny's goodbye gift, as he enters the top racing leagues in America. I haven't seen him since my wedding day.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Lee: "Nice, nice. You looking forward to seeing Sonny?"

Jacob: "Yep. He knows I'm Outlaw, and he'll be expecting a good show from me."

Lee: "Not to mention he helped us at Rockport, especially with the police contacts."

Jacob: "His dad's a cop, and he knows people in dark places you don't want to be. He also got us the contacts that got us parts for our cars, and my Ford GT is his doing as well."

Lee: "Oh. That's Sonny? My adik(little brother)! Sorry boss. Me very bad at realizing."

Jacob: "Now you know."

Jacob took a pause after the small tale. He then remembered.

Jacob: "The Dark Horse meets The Chimera once again.."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Frankfurt Airport. 3 AM.

After a long flight, Jacob and Lee got off together. They split up with Gary and N.Z at arrival. They see Murph and Fred, waiting.

Murph: "Hey Fred, they're here."

Fred: "Really? Gawrsh, you guys."

Fred starts with introductions with old friends, and how he does that is a bear hug.

Lee: "Okay, Buaya (Crocodile).. Let go of your jaws, man!"

Jacob: "Fred!"

Murph: "He misses you blokes a lot. I think i broke a rib meeting him a few days ago. 2 weeks is quite the long time for this man."

Fred: "No doubt i miss you boys. What's the plan, Little Jacob?"

Jacob: "Oof.. You tell me. Plan a meet with Leona and Sonny. We'll have the old gang back, and then we take over the King Of The Ring."

Fred: "Like ol' times."

Murph: "Yep."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


A cafe near the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. 10 AM

A suited man with two bodyguards standing by, currently having a French breakfast. He then sees a woman riding a scooter, parking near him and sitting on the opposite chair. Wearing a chic top and black jeans with slippers, it makes a hitman seem like a casual job.

Man: "Ah. On time, as always, lass."

Ginoa: "Let's get this over with, Mr. Paul Henderson. Who does the Harbingers request for blood now?"

Paul: "Me boss requests that you back me up as i win the competition in Nurburg. Ye keep yer cool and then we'll tell you when you'll strike, lass."

Ginoa: "Great.. Call me when you get me a REAL job. We're done!"

Paul: "Oi. I didn't finish my words, lass."

Ginoa gets back down, regrettably.

Ginoa: "Don't make me change the target, Paul."

Paul: "Ehh.. Why don't cha' look up?"

As Ginoa looks up, she sees a sniper on the roof, waiting for her to mess up her greetings.

Ginoa: "Ugh.. well? What are you waiting for?"

Paul: "Sorry, these are some delicious pastries. Umm.. i received reports of the group's fall in Japan. This one group called Hagetaka Finance took over our operations apparently. I heard they sent their enforcer here. A wee lad named Gary Dhetto?"

Ginoa: "Gary? That Gary, huh. Well, you got lucky. Hand me Gary, and I'll get you your trophy."

Paul: "So, we'll be in agreement, lass?"

Ginoa: "Yes. Keep in touch, Mister Henderson. You don't want to see me go rogue. See you in Germany, then."

They split up. Paul dismisses his guards and continues eating his breakfast, thinking.

Paul: "Goody. Now for the next step.."

Ginoa, while on her scooter, weaves through the morning Parisian traffic. Upon reaching her hideout, she packs a rucksack containing her amenities and a concealed sniper rifle. After turning the ignition on her black Ferrari F40, she mutters on what's to come.

Ginoa: "Gary.. finally we settle our grudges.. Your new jail will be in hell.."

FIN PART 3

Author's Notes

- No new characters, my butt. Ginoa is considered a last second addition, but hopefully a good one.

- On topic on Ginoa, i have a few influences coming from Kasumi Goto of Mass Effect, and the Williams sisters of Tekken. And i imagine her being voiced like Laura Bailey.

- And she's the second character personally favored by me, with Gary taking the first. They are counterparts of each other.

- Paul was at first English, but i changed it to Scottish to make it interesting. His motive will be justified later on. No, he's not a cliche Scotsman, with things like a kilt or bagpipes.

- Next chapter: The New Blacklist Reunion feat. Sonny.

Cars Introduced.

- Sonny's Camaro Z28 '69. 565 pp. Was 475pp in flashback.

Cast Introduced.

- Sonny Meng Xian Zhen. A Singaporean racer, with growing life in America. But putting 'the best' next to his talent is actually to undermine what epicness he possesses on track. Is the insider in the New Blacklist, and also Jacob's longtime life friend.

- Ginoa Fantoccia. Known as the infamous Assassin, on the world's most wanted criminal lists after all her doings. Apparently, threw Gary into jail, and has the talent to eliminate whoever she is paid to kill. 2nd favorite.

- Paul Henderson. Scottish racer. A big fan of Aston Martins, and idolizes Colin McRae. A potent racer, who is in work with the Harbingers, while having a different view on his employer's objectives.

 

[RCKakashi14]

Someday, Takuma shall beat the record.


Ginoa is like Nina Williams as I see it. Nina is my favorite in Tekken...

 

[SomePlayaDude]

Part 4: The Man With The Chimera Tattoo.


A hotel in Frankfurt. 11 AM.

Jacob exits a convenience store just across the street from their already checked out hotel. He enters a silver Audi, with Fred sitting on the wheel.

Jacob: "Here we go.. Some food if you need it. And feel free to donate to Fred should you not like it."

Fred: "I appreciate anything. Ohhoho! Hmm.. i think i want those bacon strips."

Lee: "Yo, boss. You know i don't like bacon. Muslim rules and all that."

Jacob: "I know, i know. They're for Murph. Lucky you sit up front."

Murph: "Of course they are for me."

Fred: "Aww. Well, hand me that frankfurter."

They leave, with baggage in the back.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The four drove on along the German roads. On and off the Autobahn, travelling North. Murph just got off the phone.

Murph: "Hahh.. that's one Russian woman in the bag."

Jacob: "Leona."

Fred: "Unlike Murph and Lee here, we haven't seen her in ages. She split up and went on a European holiday slash gambling spree."

Lee: "Ya.. i like her, but she sometimes a little brash, ahh. Gadis cantik, tapi selalu seperti ratu.(Pretty girl, but always like a queen.)"

Jacob: "I find it hard to feel Malay is an easy language. Damn scientist researches."

Lee: "It's all about opinion. You know that even Sonny tahu cakap Melayu. (Sonny knows how to speak Malay)"

Murph: "Pardon?"

Fred: "He said something going like Sonny knows Malay.. ketchup?"

Lee: "Big man not too good, but good try. Cakap is speak or talk or whatever. Singaporeans have a multitude of languages, but Malay is highly recommended, with neighboring countries using them mainly."

Jacob: "Okay.. Okay.. break a leg, people. This is an interesting car, though."

Fred: "It's mine. Bought it when i got here. Heavy, and spacious. This is technically an R8's level of performance in a 2 ton package."

Jacob: "Well, it looks like a good investment, for a ramming sonofagun like you."

Fred: "Gaahahaahaha. You know me, Little Jacob."

Murph: "Speaking of cars, I'm bringing in my baby McLaren. It's from all the way at Fairview."

Lee: "Ahh, Fairview. Where the police can be so gila (crazy)."

Jacob: "Outlaw's days reminiscing. Also, what did you get into there? Something.. rammy, Fred?"

Fred: "I drove a new fangled Ford F-150 there. Named him Pete. He was a hell of a ride, wee haa. Over the top!"

Murph: "And then you're winner. Okay."

Lee: "Me, i got into a Marussia. Great car, but it's too light, and power is a little too small."

Jacob: "Too... light?"

Fred: "I think he meant the power weight ratio. More power is the way of the Lee."

Murph: "Way of the Lee? Bollocks. How's about Enter the Murph."

Jacob: "You're going to pardon me as i say: they suck."

Lee: "Uhum."

Murph: "Come on, Fred, my man. You support me on this one."

Fred kept quiet.

Murph: "Son of a bi.."

Jacob: "Heard about some of the bigger names of street racing appearing there. The Most Wanted, the God Agera, the Stuttgart Baron.."

Murph: "My McLaren faced that blue bimmer. It was short of an audience."

Jacob: "Let's stop dreaming around."

Murph: "But that wasn't a.."

Lee: "Aiyoo Murph. Let the boss get some clarity."

Jacob: "Thanks, Lee."

Fred: "How about some tunes, guys."

Murph: "If it's going to make my day better, then sure."

Song: The Who - Baba O'Riley.

Jacob: "This song? Murph's favorite?"

Murph: "This is a mood raiser for sure. This is a call from God to me. Feel that burn, mate."

Jacob: "Grr.. touche.."

Fred: "I know i want to, but how about.."

Lee: "Come on, guys. Karaoke!"

Fred: "Lemme start. How the heck does it go again... oh! Out here in the fields. I farm for ma meals. I get my back into ma living."

Murph: "I don't need to fight, to prove I'm right. I don't need to be forgiven."

Jacob: "Don't cry~. Don't raise your eye~. It's only teenage wasteland."

Murph: "Sally, take me hand. We'll travel south, across land."

Lee: "Put out the fire. And don't look past.. umm shoulder!"

Fred: "The exodus is 'ere. The happy ones are near."

Jacob: "Let's get together, before we get much older."

Murph: "Here it comes guys. Ready?"

All: "Teenage wasteland! It's only teenage wasteland. Teenage wasteland!"

Murph: "Oh, yeah!"

All: "Teenage wasteland! They're all wasted!"

They all laugh afterwards, bonded beforehand, but proof of friendship can be represented by a song considered legendary.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Ahrweiler, Germany. 1 PM

A man sits on a cafe table, drinking a beverage while feeding a few birds. Having a short beard and mustache combo, long wavey black hair, a European suit top, casual shoes and black jeans. Soon, a paparazzi came up to him.

Sonny: "Hey. Don't point the camera at me if you want an interview, punk."

Pap: "Sorry Mr. Meng (mey-ng)."

Sonny: "Don't apologize. And it's Meng (muh-ng)"

Pap: "Ahh! Uhmm.. how about that interview?"

Sonny: "Well, at least you're being honest. Who's the magazine you work for?"

Pap: "I'm a blogger, but i was hired to do some website work. I've interviewed the many competitors of the King Of The Ring, demanded by fans and many sponsors. I've done it for everyone, except you and the Dark Horse."

Sonny: "Dark Horse? (That's a name that can be attributed to Jacob Ross, that is.)"

Pap: "Japanese mystery. Nobody knows who he really is. They only know him as an American due to his signature Ford GT."

Sonny: "Oh. Well, how about me? You know much about me, ahh. Tell me what you already know lah! Chop-chop!"

Pap: "Sonny Meng. Formula 1 reserve racer for Team Polyphony. NASCAR and Indy 500 winner last year."

Sonny: "Excellent. That's going to be enough, unless you want more, huh?"

Pap: "How about.. how a Singaporean got into racing cars?"

Sonny: "Well, my dad bought me a few racing games when i was a kid. Then, books and media focused on me are mostly racing based. Aced my exams and got me studying engineering in London. Spending money on an old Camaro i bought, i had to race the track to pay for education, living and upgrading my car. That took a turn for better after my graduation, when i was mentored by a slew of racing legends, moved back to America to start teaching people to drive, and after a year: NASCAR. You happy now, can i be left alone?"

Pap: "*writes* hmm.. track racing, legend. Okay. Thanks so much for your co-operation, Mr Meng."

As the paparazzi left, Sonny sees Murph, Lee, Jacob and Fred arriving.

Sonny: "Hoh. That'll be them."

He gets up from his seat.

Sonny: "Guys! You made it. Lee, my brother, South East Asian hug, abang (brother)!"

Lee: "Sonny! You doing good."

Murph: "And i thought he wouldn't remember."

Jacob: "Don't ruin the moment, Murph."

Sonny: "Murph. Fred. Looking good as always."

Fred: "Haha! You still have that long hair, you girl!"

Murph: "We still owe you so much, Sonny."

Sonny: "Don't worry about it."

Murph: "Cheers."

Sonny: "Jake, Jake. Still got it, you bald b:censored:d!"

Jacob: "How's it going, Son. I'm fine."

Sonny: "Shame about Rin, man. I'm terribly sorry for your loss."

Jacob: "Don't worry. You dare doubt me, Sonny, and it's curtains for you."

Sonny: "Hahaha! Jacob, you're a tough cookie. Come, we have some lunch. My treat."

They all have lunch, which is shortly interfered by a green SL roaring in.

Getting out of said car is a woman, with a long, swanky dress. She also carries a new haircut and dyed her hair aqua, for hiding purposes maybe. This is Leona Mashkov.

Leona: "Gospoda."(Gentlemen)

Jacob: "Looks like the gang's all here."

Fred: "Hey Leona. I hate to be honest, but did you gain some weight?"

Leona: "Idiot! Aren't you happy to see me, Fred? How about you, Murph?"

Murph: "Oh, my sweet princess."

Murph begins to kiss her hand, like a citizen to a queen.

Murph: "Beautiful as always."

Leona: "Oh hoho, flattering."

Sonny: "How long have you been in Germany?"

Leona: "Long. I've been working on my German. Not everyone is Russian here, but a cousin hooked me up.."

Jacob: "And your car?"

Leona: "Same model. A spare from Rockport. I have the papers."

Lee: "Looks stock."

Leona: "Nyet. I got AMG, Brabus and more companies to get it powered up to 650 hp. It's a little unstable on turns, mind you. Dyadya!(uncle) We get to work on suspension later, if you don't mind."

Lee: "OK, OK! Just let me find some fish. A guy has to eat."

Jacob: "Hey, Leona. How's your gambling streak? You did say it didn't work out."

Leona: "I lost a few hundred thousand Euros, but i got the jackpot a few days ago."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


2 days ago. In a small gambling den, only allowing VIP gamblers to play inside.

Leona plays a game with a millionaire. The millionaire, already clean of his Euros from previous wagers, bets something else: a set of car keys.

Leona: "Well, I am so, so sorry. It's the end."

After winning, she received the keys, after being pointed to what the car is.

Leona: "Haha. Leona hits the jackpot once again. Otlichno!"


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Leona: "A Mercedes SLS. Go figure, i was going to buy my own."

Sonny: "German muscle don't do any justice to what i drive. Take a look."

The gang didn't notice Sonny's car parked nearby, despite the major color difference.

Jacob: "Old school."

Sonny: "550 horses. 1.4 tons. Racing itinerary. Praised by many gumball racers when i brought it last year."

Murph: "This is what you're getting around the ring with. I have to say: it has to be road legal. A bodykit like that ain't gonna bring you in."

Sonny: "It's perfectly road legal. And if that doesn't work with regulations, i have a spare car. Not here yet, but..."

Fred: "I'm guessing you're still getting it shipped in."

Sonny: "Correct, big guy. Have a cookie lah."

Jacob: "Well, i have to say, it's still running."

Sonny: "Yep. Maintain it every 3 months i did. I got it a newer clutch and cleaned the intake and pistons so it won't burn anyone if i start the engine."

Jacob: "Vintages."

Sonny: "How's the Dark Horse, for a change?"

Jacob: "Other than some brake disc failure, it's totally fine. Had a friend that gave it better gear ratios."

Leona: "There's a lot of talk about your GT, cowboy. What you did in Japan kind of embarrassed their culture in cars."

Jacob: "You really can't say that i destroyed Japanese racing. That would be something else."

Leona: "I know you have the potential to clean sweep, but so do we."

Jacob: "True, but i had my share of sore losers."

Jacob re-remembers the moments with Heishiro.

Murph: "It's like little Leona's first race with you. Least you were merciful."

Jacob: "I think i still am, actually. Haven't pink slipped for a long time."

Sonny: "Well, our competition won't allow that either. Don't be all discouraged; There will be a special car to win at the end of it all."

Jacob: "Predictable. You've heard of my Veyron, no?"

Sonny: "Heard. Quite the catch."

Fred: "Yup. Lee told us."

Jacob: "Well, alright then."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The group splits up once again, with their next meeting in Nordschliefe in 2 days. While Murph is with Fred, and Leona with Lee, Jacob goes to his childhood friend Sonny.

Jacob: "Genuine.."

Sonny: "Yep. But i put some safety parts like that... racing seatbelts, a sports rollcage, comfier seats. No airbags and the sort. And air conditioning."

Jacob: "Well, this is a racer from it's time."

Sonny: "Yah. Let's head to Lubeck. Large port got my second car. 5 hours. It's going to be long."

Jacob: "No problem. I want to see your wheel handling."

Sonny: "Alright!"

The duo leaves north.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


On the route to Lubeck.

Jacob: "So.. heard you retired."

Sonny: "Yep."

Jacob: "You've no shame discussing it with me."

Sonny: "No. Not at all. It's just someone chose to mess with the wrong dude. That's what i told everyone."

Jacob: "I'm sure it's not your doing."

Sonny: "To me, it isn't. I think someone did something, but let's leave speculation to God, okay?"

Jacob: "Sorry about that."

Sonny: "No. Thanks for asking."

Jacob: "Have you gone back into time to see us when we were.. you know."

Sonny: "Wha?"

Jacob: "The Mythic.."

Sonny: "That's a name i wish to forget lah."

Jacob: "We were going to be the elite of the elite. How did we manage to screw up?"

Sonny: "For all i care, the boss just pulled the plug and cast us aside, just like that."

Jacob: "Then, you were desperate for a road to race. Found Sir Ben. Taught his Proteges, which we helped him realize is wrong."

Sonny: "Yea.. I have to get to fooling around in my RX-7 soon."

Jacob: "I still have my mark. How about you?"

Sonny: "What sort of question is that lah? You see. I'll take off my jacket and then you use your little lamp."

With Jacob shining the arm of Sonny, he takes off his jacket while driving slow. The empty roads prove this as something trivial for them to do so. A blue lion, goat and snake, bonded in one body, with the lion head breathing fire, glows on his right arm.

Jacob: "Intimidating."

Sonny: "Your Outlaw days gave yours fame. I like to keep mine to me."

Jacob: "I liked yours, but I don't exactly remember the other marks."

Sonny: "I find that really hard to believe lah. I saw the codenames once. A rider of the apocalypse, a chimera, a phoenix and a dragon. Guess we have to find the other 2."

Jacob: "Whatever. But how come we never mentioned our days as one of the Mythic?"

Sonny: "It was traumatizing. It's something i would talk about after extended drinking, and i hate alcohol."

Jacob: "I remember so little."

Sonny: "All this mess was easily forgettable. We were always away from each other in that, for some reason. Heck, you're not supposed to know about me being in it."

Jacob: "These tattoos seem to be the only thing reminding us about it."

Sonny: "Mmhmm. Tattoos.. it was your idea, right?"

Jacob: "Yeah. I did remember the days that Sir Ben was all 'Sonny this and that'."

Sonny: "Yeah.. yeah he was. I'm like his honor roll student. I'd want to visit his grave."

Jacob: "Heard it's in Tokyo. Don't really know why."

Sonny: "Accident on holiday. My guess."

Jacob: "Speaking of guesses, i heard that R34 you gave him went away to a top racer in Japan. Pinks?"

Sonny: "Hmm... why the hell not? With the right car, it will look like stealing candy from a baby. I'll admit: I did enjoy it after i put a month of work. I'm not a 4WD person lah."

Jacob: "I have this R8.. it's great."

Sonny: "I don't want to say no, just not really my style. I'm a burn rubber type."


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Spa Francochamps. Belgium. 2 PM.

A lone W12 drives there. Two people are inside: Eduard and Williem, with the former taking the wheel.

Eduard: "And then, the police called the SWAT teams, amigo. What came out of that, i have no idea how. It's nothing like First Blood."

Williem: "Hmm.. that's a scary rumor, kamerade."

Eduard: "How about i scare you for a change, amigo."

Williem: "Sure. Come on."

The car crosses the line, starting an automatic timer set up.

It brakes, enters and quickly exits La Source.

It climbs Eau Rouge with a bit of grass, but the lap still stands.

Swiftly after Raidillon, it speeds on Kemmel to reach 185 mph.

The prototype passes through Les Combes and into Malmedy.

And around the round Rivage.

Approaching Pouhon..

With Fagnes smooth, it's not a surprise to see it fine in Stavelot.

It brakes hard at Blanchimont, necessarry after the countless crashes it caused.

The last chicanes..

And across the line.

The time is registered at 1:23.429.

Eduard: "Great practice outside the ring.. but i think i can do better."

Williem: "Doubt it."

Eduard: "Oh f:censored:k you, amigo."

After a small friendly banter, they both leave the track and met up with Bernardo and Lucia.

Eduard: "Sorry if it took us so long, amigos."

Lucia: "If you took 10 more minutes, you will be."

Williem: "That's my schweister! So, shall we head off to Nurburg?"

Bern: "Si. Who wants to go with Ed?"

No hands are raised.

Eduard: "What's wrong? Can't take me? Come on, Will, my amigo."

Williem: "Sorry, kamerade. Feel free to have the lovely drive you wanted."

The W12 leaves, with the other three entering a white Lancia Delta. They take the clear mountain paths.

Bern: "So, Will. You enjoy our little rally series?"

Williem: "Very! To race for mein schweister?! You guys inspire me to get away and start racing sometime soon."

Lucia: "Oh bruder.. and i'm surprised you're going to let me marry Herr Bellini here.."

Williem: "I'm fine with it, as with the family, schweister. Even papa and mama. We just don't like that you have to head back to Japan for your wedding."

Bern: "We have no choice. It's that or we have family feuds on where: Sicily or Nurburg."

Williem: "Good point."

Lucia: "Bern, my dear. Are we lost again?"

Bern: "Si, mia cara.."

FIN PART 4

Author's Notes

- The first time i saw the W12 was in the GT Concept game. Needless to say i like it a lot, but the orange has got to go.

- Sonny talks with a Singaporean accent. That hopefully answers your question about his 'lahs' lah.

- And i look NOTHING like Sonny. Pushing the 'Virtual' in virtual dream self.

- There's more information on Mythic soon, and it will come back to haunt them until the end of this chapter.

- Sonny's influence on Camaros is from my own interest: I love Camaros, while i compete them with my own love of Mustangs and other pony cars like the Cuda.

- And i put Lee's character development to the test with some Malay. A research shows it to be an easy language to learn, as well as being the 4th most common language, or something like that..

- Sonny, Ginoa, Gary, Leona and Vulture have appeared in my own gaming media outside this fiction. They're private use and I'll partially spill them should interest be gained.

- I lost track on cars already introduced.

- Next part: More backstory on Sonny and Jacob. And more on our antagonist and his dragon.

Cars Introduced.

- Leona's SLS AMG. 568pp
- Fred's Audi RS6. 520pp
- Leona's SL55 AMG. 572pp
- Eduard's W12. Tuned for 600pp
- Bern's Lancia Delta Integrale. Tuned for 400pp