Pain & Heaven: Finale - Volume One (8/2/12)
- Thread starter Anathema
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I've actually gotten the pics done for that portion already, but I may need it in GT5.
UPDATE on ONLINE STATUS:
I have 4 updates out of that original 17 total left to do. So I'll be online racing tomorrow (finally.)
I can take cars and such then.
I bet that MR import is a Stratos.
Damn you... Good guess & right on the money.
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Here we go. I finished the updates, but now my freaking internet is being an asshat. I may need to get a new provider and router at one point, I really don't know.
---
Chapter XX:
This does suck. Especially when she's had that car ever since she began driving. She's got the money to fix it but not the time.
So... This 'other' car I found. Very dangerous, but... if she likes it... it's fine with me. Although... I wonder if she has the ability to drive it...
This is the place?
Apparently.
I had my gun in my pocket this was a bad section of the suburbs. You could see the druggies standing on the street corners and they almost all had GT-R's or Supras. Almost all were upgraded. Probably runner vehicles.
Ahh... You are the man I responded to?
Yes. I'm here to look at the car we discussed.
Ah. The special one I found. Yes, come in... it's in the back of the warehouse.
Ok...
He led us into the back without incident.
Gah... Can you help me get this crate open...
Grunt...
There. Alright, let me motor it out...
Damn... that engine sound... Unique, like Songbird's.
Wow... it's amazing.
Take a look inside and out.
The Stratos was well-kept. It had a modified engine, suspension, and such...
Was this a rally car?
I... believe it was tuned to BE one, but it never actually did rally. Only 10k miles, too.
Damn... You've kept it in good condition.
I only got it last week but I can't drive a stick. Didn't realize it was one.
That's sad...
Well... I think it will be put to a good use. How much did you say?
$10,000 in American money.
I spit my soda out when I heard this. My new addiction, Japanese soda.
You had said $25,000 in yen.
I'd like American money and I'm willing to take a discount.
Just then I heard some weird music playing...
I forget what this is...
Really...
Oops.
Em... Don't play with the radio...
So... You like the offer?
Yes. Here. Give me a minute...
take this.
Hmm, a check for $10,000. In... a one Corentin Baudoin's name. Interesting.
Good enough for you?
Yes. Here are the keys and ownership information.
He handed me a manila envelope.
Papers detailing the purchases, an old tuning service record book, and a list of modifications. And... two sets of keys which both fit perfectly.
Thanks. Seems to all be in order.
I hope you enjoy the car.
Em! You ready?
Yes.
Damn, that engine growl...
She took off for Tsukuba again, with me following.
So... how do you like it?
It's... different. Only thing I can tell that is not from the original equipment is a new radio/CD player set. That, and the tires, wheels, and upgrades.
Good. You think it's a good purchase?
Oh yes. I love it already. Won't... ever replace... my Lotus, but... it's just as good.
Excellent. She's happy and so, she should be focused now.
Later, at the track...
So, you find a new... Oh damn.
I don't even HAVE one of those or even ever drove one! Although...
Hmmm?
Nah, it's nothing. Nothing. So... you're using Qing's GT-S for the race, right?
Yes.
There is 10 minutes left to get ready for the main event! Get to the track!
Dammit. I was hoping that you could get some practice time in... but I guess you'll just have to go for it.
Alright...
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Amazing. Here I am, once more the underdog.
Against these powerhouses, I don't have a good chance but this thing IS tuned.
I charged up to the RX-7, and passed him entering the first hairpin.
Screw this... I can't beat a GT-S?
That red NSX will be a pain...
Especially when the driver got a better run off of the turn than I could ever hope to.
Weakling. Bringing a fake GT-R... Hahahaha...
Can't touch this... Woohoo...
The relentless stream of verbal abuse and taunts was starting to annoy me. Really annoy me. REALLY.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
She's losing her concentration due to that dude's taunting.
Oh, amazing... Em, keep it together! Focus...
I'm a little worried.
Why?
She usually used Nitto NT-01s on her Lotus-
Damn, she did it!
Go on...
That car has road sports on. I don't know how long they'll last and she seems to be pushing it to the limit.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
That yellow RX-8 was a lot tougher than his RX-7 counterpart.
Ah, no no no...
I slipped up, and let the NSX back in front.
Heh, sucker.
But...
No, you can't do that... Oh, 🤬, maybe you can...
Heh. Finally. He was as bad as the Tony guy from Infineon.
The tires seemed less grippy than on my Lotus's, or even the Stratos's, but... I tried to ignore it.
I caught right back up to the RX-8 and passed him entering the first turn.
Back for more, eh? Fine... You blow your tires out. I'll sit back and wait.
That worried me...
John? What tires does this thing have...?
Generic road sports. I'm told you used to use NT-01's...
Yeah... This isn't good.
Under the Dunlop bridge... the tires screamed.
Maybe... slow down a little...
But... I saw the leading STI and GT-R a little bit off.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jeez... She caught him already?
Yeah... but... look at the tire wear data I have. That left rear... that's not good.
There was a gasp from the crowd, and we saw the GT-S going wildly off the course.
Emily... SLOW DOWN.
O..Ok...
If you pit here, you aren't going to be winning this race. Get focused and just drive.
Within another lap she had caught back up to the STI.
I thought I said to slow down...
I am!
Look... throttle monitor... she's using less, but getting faster, not slower.
...
Wow. That's a bit hard to believe... but obviously true.
I remembered that when I used to race, it was almost the same... I'd not go as fast as the start just enough to keep up, then slowly get faster and faster.
She's cranking hot laps like Schumacher in the wet. These splits are just nuts for a car like that.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
Excellent job, catching me. But... That all ends, especially in this...
Not possible... I will win!
The sensation of ...fear... built itself inside me. The girl may just win...
BUT...
I will NOT let it go down like this!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dammit... Just as I had feared. She's losing grip, even with the reduced throttle.
Emily wasn't doing too good. The rear tires were looking terrible from our monitor...
And she was cursing up a storm, right after she went into the grass...
Then nearly lost it.
Em... you can back off.
No...
CLICK.
🤬... she cut the radio...
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I will win.
It is inevitable.
For my Lotus...
For John...
For myself...
I WILL WIN.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Subaru's tires are gone as well.
Well, we can only hope...
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DIVE.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
Holy...
Mother of God...
How...
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No, not now... No wheelspin and drifting...
I had him. And he knew it. The driver of the GT-R was as silent as I was, but... it was over-
🤬. Don't want to lose my concentration on the final lap...
Or grip...
No...
I WILL NOT LOSE.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Oh no. Can she really do it? CAN SHE?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Remember, John; those with the will to succeed...
Will...
Always...
WIN.
BLAM.
The left rear tire blew up but Emily had crossed the finish line in FIRST.
Then...
No, no no....
After the wrecker had towed the cars that were incapacitated (The GT-S, the NSX which had blown up on lap 8 and the STI, which had crashed on the straight but had still made it across the line in third) back to the pits, she got out and embraced us all.
That... was the best pass... I have ever seen... on Tsukuba. EVER.
Despite shredding the tires... I think my cousin will be pleased with the state of the car. As in one piece.
You did it, Em...
It... was all... thanks to you... all. You all... made this possible for me... never giving up on me...
No problem...
I believed in you. Fully. Ever since we met...
Oh, Em...
The kiss felt so good. Felt like an hour in Paradise.
Ok, you two lovebirds, let's get the hell out of here. Don't want that all over the newspapers, do you?
No...
Well... I have a plan for the three of you... You want to race?
Duh.
Of course!
Alright... We.. are going to take Japan by storm!
...How?
By racing up and down the continent. You kids are the best group of racers I have seen in a long while. I think that we need to build a reputation if you want to become known and become the best. To do that, you need to race.
Hmmm....
I'd rather not be known... I'd prefer to just race without any problems.
Yeah...
You can do that, you know...
Alright. I'll see if it works. You lead.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
We collected the prize money, dropped off the Skyline to Qing, and headed out on our mission.
To succeed.
To be the best.
To drive.
To win.
To be clean racers.
We will be... NUMBER ONE.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Well... the ruination of my reputation is complete.
But... I SHALL REBUILD.
I AM. NUMBER ONE.
Nothing shall stand in my way... not even the past.
Fin Chapter XX
---
Chapter XX:
This does suck. Especially when she's had that car ever since she began driving. She's got the money to fix it but not the time.
So... This 'other' car I found. Very dangerous, but... if she likes it... it's fine with me. Although... I wonder if she has the ability to drive it...
This is the place?
Apparently.
I had my gun in my pocket this was a bad section of the suburbs. You could see the druggies standing on the street corners and they almost all had GT-R's or Supras. Almost all were upgraded. Probably runner vehicles.
Ahh... You are the man I responded to?
Yes. I'm here to look at the car we discussed.
Ah. The special one I found. Yes, come in... it's in the back of the warehouse.
Ok...
He led us into the back without incident.
Gah... Can you help me get this crate open...
Grunt...
There. Alright, let me motor it out...
Damn... that engine sound... Unique, like Songbird's.
Wow... it's amazing.
Take a look inside and out.
The Stratos was well-kept. It had a modified engine, suspension, and such...
Was this a rally car?
I... believe it was tuned to BE one, but it never actually did rally. Only 10k miles, too.
Damn... You've kept it in good condition.
I only got it last week but I can't drive a stick. Didn't realize it was one.
That's sad...
Well... I think it will be put to a good use. How much did you say?
$10,000 in American money.
I spit my soda out when I heard this. My new addiction, Japanese soda.
You had said $25,000 in yen.
I'd like American money and I'm willing to take a discount.
Just then I heard some weird music playing...
I forget what this is...
Really...
Oops.
Em... Don't play with the radio...
So... You like the offer?
Yes. Here. Give me a minute...
take this.
Hmm, a check for $10,000. In... a one Corentin Baudoin's name. Interesting.
Good enough for you?
Yes. Here are the keys and ownership information.
He handed me a manila envelope.
Papers detailing the purchases, an old tuning service record book, and a list of modifications. And... two sets of keys which both fit perfectly.
Thanks. Seems to all be in order.
I hope you enjoy the car.
Em! You ready?
Yes.
Damn, that engine growl...
She took off for Tsukuba again, with me following.
So... how do you like it?
It's... different. Only thing I can tell that is not from the original equipment is a new radio/CD player set. That, and the tires, wheels, and upgrades.
Good. You think it's a good purchase?
Oh yes. I love it already. Won't... ever replace... my Lotus, but... it's just as good.
Excellent. She's happy and so, she should be focused now.
Later, at the track...
So, you find a new... Oh damn.
I don't even HAVE one of those or even ever drove one! Although...
Hmmm?
Nah, it's nothing. Nothing. So... you're using Qing's GT-S for the race, right?
Yes.
There is 10 minutes left to get ready for the main event! Get to the track!
Dammit. I was hoping that you could get some practice time in... but I guess you'll just have to go for it.
Alright...
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Amazing. Here I am, once more the underdog.
Against these powerhouses, I don't have a good chance but this thing IS tuned.
I charged up to the RX-7, and passed him entering the first hairpin.
Screw this... I can't beat a GT-S?
That red NSX will be a pain...
Especially when the driver got a better run off of the turn than I could ever hope to.
Weakling. Bringing a fake GT-R... Hahahaha...
Can't touch this... Woohoo...
The relentless stream of verbal abuse and taunts was starting to annoy me. Really annoy me. REALLY.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
She's losing her concentration due to that dude's taunting.
Oh, amazing... Em, keep it together! Focus...
I'm a little worried.
Why?
She usually used Nitto NT-01s on her Lotus-
Damn, she did it!
Go on...
That car has road sports on. I don't know how long they'll last and she seems to be pushing it to the limit.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
That yellow RX-8 was a lot tougher than his RX-7 counterpart.
Ah, no no no...
I slipped up, and let the NSX back in front.
Heh, sucker.
But...
No, you can't do that... Oh, 🤬, maybe you can...
Heh. Finally. He was as bad as the Tony guy from Infineon.
The tires seemed less grippy than on my Lotus's, or even the Stratos's, but... I tried to ignore it.
I caught right back up to the RX-8 and passed him entering the first turn.
Back for more, eh? Fine... You blow your tires out. I'll sit back and wait.
That worried me...
John? What tires does this thing have...?
Generic road sports. I'm told you used to use NT-01's...
Yeah... This isn't good.
Under the Dunlop bridge... the tires screamed.
Maybe... slow down a little...
But... I saw the leading STI and GT-R a little bit off.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jeez... She caught him already?
Yeah... but... look at the tire wear data I have. That left rear... that's not good.
There was a gasp from the crowd, and we saw the GT-S going wildly off the course.
Emily... SLOW DOWN.
O..Ok...
If you pit here, you aren't going to be winning this race. Get focused and just drive.
Within another lap she had caught back up to the STI.
I thought I said to slow down...
I am!
Look... throttle monitor... she's using less, but getting faster, not slower.
...
Wow. That's a bit hard to believe... but obviously true.
I remembered that when I used to race, it was almost the same... I'd not go as fast as the start just enough to keep up, then slowly get faster and faster.
She's cranking hot laps like Schumacher in the wet. These splits are just nuts for a car like that.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
Excellent job, catching me. But... That all ends, especially in this...
Not possible... I will win!
The sensation of ...fear... built itself inside me. The girl may just win...
BUT...
I will NOT let it go down like this!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dammit... Just as I had feared. She's losing grip, even with the reduced throttle.
Emily wasn't doing too good. The rear tires were looking terrible from our monitor...
And she was cursing up a storm, right after she went into the grass...
Then nearly lost it.
Em... you can back off.
No...
CLICK.
🤬... she cut the radio...
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I will win.
It is inevitable.
For my Lotus...
For John...
For myself...
I WILL WIN.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Subaru's tires are gone as well.
Well, we can only hope...
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DIVE.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;
Holy...
Mother of God...
How...
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No, not now... No wheelspin and drifting...
I had him. And he knew it. The driver of the GT-R was as silent as I was, but... it was over-
🤬. Don't want to lose my concentration on the final lap...
Or grip...
No...
I WILL NOT LOSE.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Oh no. Can she really do it? CAN SHE?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Remember, John; those with the will to succeed...
Will...
Always...
WIN.
BLAM.
The left rear tire blew up but Emily had crossed the finish line in FIRST.
Then...
No, no no....
After the wrecker had towed the cars that were incapacitated (The GT-S, the NSX which had blown up on lap 8 and the STI, which had crashed on the straight but had still made it across the line in third) back to the pits, she got out and embraced us all.
That... was the best pass... I have ever seen... on Tsukuba. EVER.
Despite shredding the tires... I think my cousin will be pleased with the state of the car. As in one piece.
You did it, Em...
It... was all... thanks to you... all. You all... made this possible for me... never giving up on me...
No problem...
I believed in you. Fully. Ever since we met...
Oh, Em...
The kiss felt so good. Felt like an hour in Paradise.
Ok, you two lovebirds, let's get the hell out of here. Don't want that all over the newspapers, do you?
No...
Well... I have a plan for the three of you... You want to race?
Duh.
Of course!
Alright... We.. are going to take Japan by storm!
...How?
By racing up and down the continent. You kids are the best group of racers I have seen in a long while. I think that we need to build a reputation if you want to become known and become the best. To do that, you need to race.
Hmmm....
I'd rather not be known... I'd prefer to just race without any problems.
Yeah...
You can do that, you know...
Alright. I'll see if it works. You lead.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
We collected the prize money, dropped off the Skyline to Qing, and headed out on our mission.
To succeed.
To be the best.
To drive.
To win.
To be clean racers.
We will be... NUMBER ONE.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Well... the ruination of my reputation is complete.
But... I SHALL REBUILD.
I AM. NUMBER ONE.
Nothing shall stand in my way... not even the past.
Fin Chapter XX
great chapter.
- 326
- Wigan
- iiHiiNDLEYx
Great chapter.
Greater off-roading.
Greater off-roading.
- 117
- Batavia, IL
- s10train & x01assassin
Well add me on PSN if you do need it. My PSN is s10train
Love the story by the way, keep up the good work!
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- 51
- xXHFbladeXx
- CallsignBlaze
great stuff, nice to see the ever under appreciated gts put to good use
- 1,936
- A field in England
"... along with the zaniness of that room... One Amigocan against 5 Brits. Brits are gonna win.)" Umm, I don't follow this part though, what did you mean by that? xD Sorry for the double post, I'm doing this on my PS3 which can't seem to edit my previous posts.
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Chapter XXI:
(Well, in keeping with the format I decided to use, I'll keep the lettering as if it were still a continuation of the story but there's a time jump that kinda found its way into the story.)
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;;
Two months had passed since the race at Tsukuba. We had continued our journey to 'the top.'
Han had begun a successful WRC and rallying career. Emily had continued winning but this time in her Stratos. And I... I had continued to be the best I could be. Despite my misgivings, there were no problems or issues... Up until a certain point.
I was asked to race... at Fuji Circuit. Where all this had began back in 1995. Where I had fallen from grace and the peak of the mountain. Why... Corentin KNOWS I hate racing there in the two months I've been in Japan, I avoided going to Fuji. Until now.
This isn't right. Shouldn't be happening. I had made a solemn vow never to go back there... But I'm honor-bound to oblige by the contract and my obligation I felt toward Corentin. He was doing this nearly 75% out of pocket. Didn't keep our money he gave it all to us. He only wanted the trophies.
I wanted to keep my relationship with Emily she was the one who got me to do things, but not against my decision she genuinely understood me and respected my conscience. We understood each other incredibly well I could read her body language and understand what she was thinking.
To keep on going... Take me as I am.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fuji Circuit. I almost had had a mental breakdown when I learned that I would be coming here, let alone racing here. Had I not known that Corentin was not a practical joker, I would have been going insane. I was left to try to make up excuses for not coming, but it was all useless.
Why don't you like it here? This place is great for the health of your body...
Maybe, but definetly not my mind...
And the race track is excellent!
It used to be... Back in the old days, Fuji Circuit was meant to be an oval, like Daytona but the developers had run out of funds, and so built one section as an oval, complete with banking, and the rest as a normal circuit.
It was kept like this until the death toll mounted higher and higher you would drop down into the banking, instead of climbing it, like at a NASCAR track.
The fatal crash of an experimental Chapparall prototype at the hands of a Toyota 7 (appaeared to have been an accident, though) forced the speedway to redesign the track.
The banking is still there, just... being there.
I was brought back to reality by the sound of a car approaching.
That's a nice car...
Ford GT, I believe.
A dark blue Ford GT with white stripes. I haven't ever seen one up close, but I do know that they are very good cars.
The driver got out and shook our hands.
Hello, Corentin. Good to see you again.
Otto! Where have you been, man? Everyone... this is Otto Merz. Driver for the Mercedes-Benz DTM team.
(NOT OTTO MEYER.)
Good to meet you all. I've heard stories of your abilities from this tattletale over here... and I've set something up for you.
Alright...
You know how you've been winning up and down the continent of Japan? Well... There's a few racers... myself included... who want to test your skills out. Supposed to be a friendly competition... And... if you win, you get a contract.
Ok... with... who?
With either... of these teams. They'll choose.
He handed Emily and I each a brochure.
Oh wow...
Interesting. So... the prize for winning is... a racing contract? Sounds like a game to me.
All right... what's the gimmick?
No gimmick. These teams are genuinely interested in having you on their roster as the number one drivers.
And they contacted you... why?
Because I know this clown. They also wanted a benchmark driver to test you against... so here I am.
So... we'll be racing you... in what, exactly?
This, for one. I have a few friends also racing... and some drivers who want to see your skill for themselves.
Hmmm... Might be a bit unfair, depending on what everyone else is using. Still... Songbird is more then sufficient to help me physically win. Mentally... it just makes everything worse. This isn't right for me to be here... Not after what has happened.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The new track configuration was throwing Emily for a loop. We had decided to get some practice in. I had been doing fine until my tires wore out after about an hour. But... Emily was having difficulties.
You finally made the turn right...
It's so loose through there. I don't know why.
Try to let the car roll through the turns let off the gas.
Not again!
She was giving the new runoffs quite a workout already.
Ok, Ok. Seriously... just relax. Calm down...
That's damn hard in this...
Ok, that's better. Just keep going one corner to the next.
Alright, final turn coming up. It's been changed... so swing wide and pull in close.
There you go.
It did take a few more laps until she had the track down right. Then, it was my turn to figure this place out once more.
Well... this is a smaller turn radius...
I don't like the course.
I can see why. It feels... too wide with all these extra runoff areas.
You could have a drifting competition...
I had no problems with the course... until the final turn.
Dammit... Third time in a row.
Do what you told me to do...
Trying.
Later, in the pit lane...
This just isn't good. It may be just a mental block, but I can't figure out how to consistently run the right line for the final corner here.
You'll manage. I know you can.
I can only hope...
Then Otto came back up.
Are you ready, Miss Rostock?
I suppose.
The grid...
Lotus, Lotus, Corvette, and two Jaguars. Good field and good competition. Otto wasn't lying. John, though... I wondered if he could handle it he obviously hated this place for a reason I don't know.
The Lancia rocketed off the line, while the Sport 350 Lotus did something wrong and couldn't get going in time.
By the end of the straight, I had passed the Corvette under braking, and made my way into 4th, behind the Jaguar.
Is it really that easy for you?
No...
Could have fooled me.
Risky move, for sure, but I think I have the ability to make those kind of moves... Especially with such a wide runoff. Would definetly have not worked on a city course well, but here I can do it.
Take it easy...
The blue Lotus proved to be a good match.
He's good...
Just sit tight and set him up.
Should I do it again?
Again?
Yeah...
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
This was crazy. She'd gotten the track down to a science. It took me two years, and she learns it in one day? Could... she... be better than me? Never thought about it... But... She seems to give more to the thrill of racing than I ever could.
The black Jaguar was all that was left. A regular land yacht, or so I thought.
He managed to foil all her attempts to pass, and then I realized...
It's an XKR R-Performance model.
What?
It's the uber model if there ever can be one.
Oh, great.
You can still win I believe that fully. But... It may be a bit more difficult.
Almost lost... it....
Her voice almost cracked. Not a good sign.
Careful...
What in the...
Just WATCH.
Mother of God...
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Most risky thing I'd ever done in my life. No brakes.
But... I needed to win. For John. For myself.
I drove across the line and made my way back around into the pit lane.
Only then... did the implications of what I had done namely, risking my life sink in.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I'm not asking why or how. But... please be careful I... couldn't bear... to lose... you.
I...I...I know. I'm sorry...
Just let it go and move on.
Ready for yours?
God no. I don't think I'll ever be ready here.
I hope.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I'm screwed.
No way I can do this. I sort of did it at Infineon, but... I liked that track and knew it well.
This place... I know it, sure, but I hate it.
Oh well. Hope for the best. Might be able to jump-shot these supercars off the line..
The Zonda spun the tires off the line and allowed me to jump ahead.
But, already...
:censored...
Braked too late. Cost me a lot.
I slotted back into line in front of the Zonda again.
Tactics. These things, while powerful, don't have as many upgrades as this car does. They might not handle as well...
But they are sufficient. Especially the GT.
Don't try to bump him...
His fault if he brakes on a straight.
Under heavy braking, I was stuck on the outside, which...
Turned into the inside! (Just like magic!... as if.)
Only the GT now.
But... Something went wrong. Coming out of the final turn, it felt like the power had cut off... like the motor had died. But... it hadn't. Like... a restrictor was limiting the power.
John? What's going on...?
Don't... know.
I shut the engine off, then turned it back on and prayed for a restart.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No... What is going on...
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
NO.
I may have set some sector records, I don't know.
All I knew was...
CANNOT LOSE.
The GT was... mocking me.
So close, yet so far.
And... I just didn't have the speed to do it.
I... had failed.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Excellent work. The boss is pleased.
Anything else?
Bring the Jag... and the... package... to this location. It'll go over in... one hour.
Affirmative.
Fin Chapter XXI
(Well, in keeping with the format I decided to use, I'll keep the lettering as if it were still a continuation of the story but there's a time jump that kinda found its way into the story.)
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;;
Two months had passed since the race at Tsukuba. We had continued our journey to 'the top.'
Han had begun a successful WRC and rallying career. Emily had continued winning but this time in her Stratos. And I... I had continued to be the best I could be. Despite my misgivings, there were no problems or issues... Up until a certain point.
I was asked to race... at Fuji Circuit. Where all this had began back in 1995. Where I had fallen from grace and the peak of the mountain. Why... Corentin KNOWS I hate racing there in the two months I've been in Japan, I avoided going to Fuji. Until now.
This isn't right. Shouldn't be happening. I had made a solemn vow never to go back there... But I'm honor-bound to oblige by the contract and my obligation I felt toward Corentin. He was doing this nearly 75% out of pocket. Didn't keep our money he gave it all to us. He only wanted the trophies.
I wanted to keep my relationship with Emily she was the one who got me to do things, but not against my decision she genuinely understood me and respected my conscience. We understood each other incredibly well I could read her body language and understand what she was thinking.
To keep on going... Take me as I am.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fuji Circuit. I almost had had a mental breakdown when I learned that I would be coming here, let alone racing here. Had I not known that Corentin was not a practical joker, I would have been going insane. I was left to try to make up excuses for not coming, but it was all useless.
Why don't you like it here? This place is great for the health of your body...
Maybe, but definetly not my mind...
And the race track is excellent!
It used to be... Back in the old days, Fuji Circuit was meant to be an oval, like Daytona but the developers had run out of funds, and so built one section as an oval, complete with banking, and the rest as a normal circuit.
It was kept like this until the death toll mounted higher and higher you would drop down into the banking, instead of climbing it, like at a NASCAR track.
The fatal crash of an experimental Chapparall prototype at the hands of a Toyota 7 (appaeared to have been an accident, though) forced the speedway to redesign the track.
The banking is still there, just... being there.
I was brought back to reality by the sound of a car approaching.
That's a nice car...
Ford GT, I believe.
A dark blue Ford GT with white stripes. I haven't ever seen one up close, but I do know that they are very good cars.
The driver got out and shook our hands.
Hello, Corentin. Good to see you again.
Otto! Where have you been, man? Everyone... this is Otto Merz. Driver for the Mercedes-Benz DTM team.
(NOT OTTO MEYER.)
Good to meet you all. I've heard stories of your abilities from this tattletale over here... and I've set something up for you.
Alright...
You know how you've been winning up and down the continent of Japan? Well... There's a few racers... myself included... who want to test your skills out. Supposed to be a friendly competition... And... if you win, you get a contract.
Ok... with... who?
With either... of these teams. They'll choose.
He handed Emily and I each a brochure.
Oh wow...
Interesting. So... the prize for winning is... a racing contract? Sounds like a game to me.
All right... what's the gimmick?
No gimmick. These teams are genuinely interested in having you on their roster as the number one drivers.
And they contacted you... why?
Because I know this clown. They also wanted a benchmark driver to test you against... so here I am.
So... we'll be racing you... in what, exactly?
This, for one. I have a few friends also racing... and some drivers who want to see your skill for themselves.
Hmmm... Might be a bit unfair, depending on what everyone else is using. Still... Songbird is more then sufficient to help me physically win. Mentally... it just makes everything worse. This isn't right for me to be here... Not after what has happened.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The new track configuration was throwing Emily for a loop. We had decided to get some practice in. I had been doing fine until my tires wore out after about an hour. But... Emily was having difficulties.
You finally made the turn right...
It's so loose through there. I don't know why.
Try to let the car roll through the turns let off the gas.
Not again!
She was giving the new runoffs quite a workout already.
Ok, Ok. Seriously... just relax. Calm down...
That's damn hard in this...
Ok, that's better. Just keep going one corner to the next.
Alright, final turn coming up. It's been changed... so swing wide and pull in close.
There you go.
It did take a few more laps until she had the track down right. Then, it was my turn to figure this place out once more.
Well... this is a smaller turn radius...
I don't like the course.
I can see why. It feels... too wide with all these extra runoff areas.
You could have a drifting competition...
I had no problems with the course... until the final turn.
Dammit... Third time in a row.
Do what you told me to do...
Trying.
Later, in the pit lane...
This just isn't good. It may be just a mental block, but I can't figure out how to consistently run the right line for the final corner here.
You'll manage. I know you can.
I can only hope...
Then Otto came back up.
Are you ready, Miss Rostock?
I suppose.
The grid...
Lotus, Lotus, Corvette, and two Jaguars. Good field and good competition. Otto wasn't lying. John, though... I wondered if he could handle it he obviously hated this place for a reason I don't know.
The Lancia rocketed off the line, while the Sport 350 Lotus did something wrong and couldn't get going in time.
By the end of the straight, I had passed the Corvette under braking, and made my way into 4th, behind the Jaguar.
Is it really that easy for you?
No...
Could have fooled me.
Risky move, for sure, but I think I have the ability to make those kind of moves... Especially with such a wide runoff. Would definetly have not worked on a city course well, but here I can do it.
Take it easy...
The blue Lotus proved to be a good match.
He's good...
Just sit tight and set him up.
Should I do it again?
Again?
Yeah...
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
This was crazy. She'd gotten the track down to a science. It took me two years, and she learns it in one day? Could... she... be better than me? Never thought about it... But... She seems to give more to the thrill of racing than I ever could.
The black Jaguar was all that was left. A regular land yacht, or so I thought.
He managed to foil all her attempts to pass, and then I realized...
It's an XKR R-Performance model.
What?
It's the uber model if there ever can be one.
Oh, great.
You can still win I believe that fully. But... It may be a bit more difficult.
Almost lost... it....
Her voice almost cracked. Not a good sign.
Careful...
What in the...
Just WATCH.
Mother of God...
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Most risky thing I'd ever done in my life. No brakes.
But... I needed to win. For John. For myself.
I drove across the line and made my way back around into the pit lane.
Only then... did the implications of what I had done namely, risking my life sink in.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I'm not asking why or how. But... please be careful I... couldn't bear... to lose... you.
I...I...I know. I'm sorry...
Just let it go and move on.
Ready for yours?
God no. I don't think I'll ever be ready here.
I hope.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I'm screwed.
No way I can do this. I sort of did it at Infineon, but... I liked that track and knew it well.
This place... I know it, sure, but I hate it.
Oh well. Hope for the best. Might be able to jump-shot these supercars off the line..
The Zonda spun the tires off the line and allowed me to jump ahead.
But, already...
:censored...
Braked too late. Cost me a lot.
I slotted back into line in front of the Zonda again.
Tactics. These things, while powerful, don't have as many upgrades as this car does. They might not handle as well...
But they are sufficient. Especially the GT.
Don't try to bump him...
His fault if he brakes on a straight.
Under heavy braking, I was stuck on the outside, which...
Turned into the inside! (Just like magic!... as if.)
Only the GT now.
But... Something went wrong. Coming out of the final turn, it felt like the power had cut off... like the motor had died. But... it hadn't. Like... a restrictor was limiting the power.
John? What's going on...?
Don't... know.
I shut the engine off, then turned it back on and prayed for a restart.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No... What is going on...
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
NO.
I may have set some sector records, I don't know.
All I knew was...
CANNOT LOSE.
The GT was... mocking me.
So close, yet so far.
And... I just didn't have the speed to do it.
I... had failed.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Excellent work. The boss is pleased.
Anything else?
Bring the Jag... and the... package... to this location. It'll go over in... one hour.
Affirmative.
Fin Chapter XXI
- 326
- Wigan
- iiHiiNDLEYx
Great chapter.
- 326
- Wigan
- iiHiiNDLEYx
Great!
- 4
- United States
- Toastedwar
I'm new here, but if all of these "race reports" are as good as this one, then this forum is an amaranthine goldmine of reading material. Spent far too long reading this.
