Chapter 24 : The Hidden Agenda
Something tells me they've been planning something other than our original goal right from the start.
"I'll answer your question later, Tori. We have to return to the hotel first, our job here is done."
Kairi goes over to Roj, "We thank you for the time you spent for the race."
-"All of us thank you too, it was an incredible race. And Tori's an incredible driver."
"Hehe, Yes he is."
We bid our goodbye and left, and as soon as we got back I asked Kairi again.
"Uh, Kairi-san, what do you exactly mean by, 'that's enough'??"
Kairi didn't speak immediately. Silence, then he took a deep breath, "You have done enough. You've raced with your Spoon Civic enough times already. I really appreciate all that you've done."
-"Uh, y-you're welcome, Kairi-san!"
I can tell he's very happy. "You've accomplished so much, from back there in Japan when you were a street racer until now." He again places his hand on my car, as if it was his own. "I can't thank you enough for all your hard work, you're the only one who has been able to release the Civic's full potential."
"I want the Spoon rested now, together with all the glory it has achieved and the never-ending impression it has made on other racers. If you don't mind, Tori."
-"Come to think of it, yeah I've done a lot of racing with my Civic, Kairi-san. But, without the Civic, what will I be using?"
The moment I said that, Kyosuke appeared, "That's where our hidden agenda comes in."
"Huh? Hidden agenda?"
-"Yes. We'll explain it to you."
Kairi was the first one to explain, "Before we started the team, we have made other plans. Remember what I told you, that Kyosuke is the top driver of my racing school?"
He added, "He's not the ace driver for nothing, he beat every other one there."
Kyosuke spoke, "They were all small fry. Every time I took the lead from them in a race, they can't catch up anymore."
"Since then, we've been looking someone who can give Kyosuke a worthy challenge, maybe even a defeat."
All of what they said piece together. "So, that means...!"
Kyosuke interrupter me, "That is, until now. When we've heard about you and your races, we were fascinated."
-"What's more fascinating is that you have been using my old car, the Spoon Civic. When Kyosuke knew of your races together with the Civic, 'That's him, he has to be the one, ."
So, this is what the two of them have been scheming this whole time.
Kyosuke turned to Kairi, "Kairi-san, if you may allow me?"
Kairi returned a smile and nod.
"All right." He turned back to me,
"Tori Akawa, I challenge you to a race!!"
I was a bit shocked at first. I kept silent for a few seconds, but without hesitation, -"I accept."
"You immediately accepted, good."
"Well then Kyosuke, since you have Tori's approval, I'll let him choose the venue for our race. Tori, where would you like to race against Kyosuke? Recall the places we've been at for the past few months."
I remembered all the places where we've raced like they all just happened yesterday.
Italy - Sicily
Italy - the Meditteranean port town
Northern France - Mont Blanc
Switzerland - The Alps
Germany - the newly-constructed race track
America - Infineon Raceway
America - Laguna Seca
After some careful thinking, I decided. "In Italy, where I had my first race for the team."
-"Kyosuke, is that fine with you?"
"Any place will do, that's cool with me."
-"Very well, I'll make the arrangements."
We hastily packed up, rushing back and forth to the rooms and garage.
"Moshi moshi? K's Racing School, Secretary's Office. How may I help you?"
-"It's me."
"! Sir, it's you again! What made you call?"
-"I need to speak to Hitomi again. Tell him I need that 'other package' I asked him to prepare."
"Hai, Kagiyama-san."
-"After that, also tell him to call me so that I can give him more details."
"Hai."
*at the plane, it got to a steady flight path*
"Tori, even though you're my teammate, I'll show no mercy on our race."
-"The same goes for me, Kyosuke-san."
"Good, I like that. But, just remember, after this we're still teammates and friends, all right?"
-"Of course!"
We shook hands to show and prove that this will be a friendly rivalry.
We're heading back to Italy, the place where Team MUGEN had its first races. Kyosuke's been looking forward to this ever since the team started. But, with the Civic having raced so many times, what car will I use? Am I going to use Kairi's FD RX-7 again, this time for real?
next on Red-Line - Chapter 25 : The Much-Awaited Race
don't miss it!!
Interested to see where this goes now, REALLY interested.
Still good though.
)
But good to see another fan of Aussie muscle on here.
..
why thank you so much! you took 3 hours of your time just to read my story!
.., maybe i'll have an update on my garage in the next few days..,
