The Highway Girl: Page 9 - The New Reina

[RCKakashi14]

Page 8 - Superhero


It suddenly rained. I don't know why... but the weather for the rest of the day was fine all the way. I have defeated Kokoro in that race, and what's next? But I am feeling uneasy. Why is it?

Meanwhile, at Route 7...

Mizuki: "Tell me, what does that Kanonji punk have that I don't, huh?"

Little does he know that Kokoro has sent an SMS message to Takuma. But he grabs the phone immediately.

Mizuki: "So, a call for help, huh? What do you think he can do now!?"

He throws off the phone and slaps Kokoro's face.


**********************************************************


While entering in my home with Takanori, I suddenly got an SMS from Kokoro:


Route 7 black Viper! Help!


What!? She's in danger!


Takuma: "Takanori, I'll head out again for a while."

Takanori: "Where to?"

I hurriedly get in my FD and start it up.

Takuma: "I'll be back!"

I just floored it and I'm on my way to Route 7. Is this kind of a fairy tale? I have to save the Damsel in Distress!


Back in Route 7...


Mizuki: "I'll just wait for him here. We'll cruise around. Well, I want to finish him off right in front of you. It's actually good that you summoned him over."

Kokoro: "Takuma-san... please come..."


Even with this perilous rain, I have to put the pedal to the metal. Me and my FD are in sync!

Hang in there, Kokoro... I'm coming.





Mizuki: "Don't tell me he doesn't know how to go here. I'm waiting!"

Kokoro: "Aren't you stupid? You threw my phone, so how can I follow it up!?"

Mizuki: "Shut up!"

Kokoro: "I have realized... that I was wrong to choose you. I don't need money nor fame from you. Poor man, you'll never find happiness."

Mizuki: "I said shut up!"

He slaps her again.

I am seeing another car. Could it be that black Viper?


Kokoro: "He is coming. I can hear it echoing in the tunnel. Don't mess with...

...Takuma Kanonji!"

Mizuki: "Such a dramatic entrance."

Mizuki: "You think that a little Rotary engine can outperform this monstrous V10!? Let's find out!"

The black Viper started accelerating away. Time to catch it!

I cannot allow anything bad to happen to you. Just a little more, hang in there!

Heh, a Viper can outperform my FD here. Damn, I should have used my Zonda R instead. But I'll do anything to save her!

You fool! You're too fast to brake at this point! You need to brake early! You're gonna crash!


Mizuki cannot turn the car enough. As a result, it heads to the guardrail.

Mizuki: "Waaaaaaah!"

I intentionally spin out the car and then I stopped. Kokoro immediately gets out the car, with a man chasing her.

Kokoro: "Takuma-san!"

I got out as well. The moment she joined me, I immediately unleashed a roundhouse kick to the man.

Mizuki: "Heh, you think that would stop me?"

Takuma: "There's no right way to hit a woman. But there are a lot of ways on how to hit someone like you."

The two men fight. Mizuki delivers a punch, but Takuma breaks Mizuki's arm upon contact.

Takuma: "You know better not to mess with me."

Mizuki lets go, and he delivers a kick. Takuma easily dodges it and punches Mizuki's face, with teeth falling out.

Takuma: "Is that all you've got!? You're pathetic."

Takuma returns to Kokoro and the girl hugs him in tears.

Kokoro: "Thank you..."

Takuma: "It's okay. You're safe now..."

However, she sees that Mizuki pulls out a gun and attempts to shoot Takuma.

Kokoro: "Takuma-san!"

She goes in front and takes the bullet instead.

Takuma: "KOKORO!!!!"

She drops unconscious on the road. I have gotten enraged that I decided to end it. I punched that man again to the edge of the road, and then...


Takuma: "It's over!"

I delivered the coup de grace by unleashing a strong upward kick to him. He falls off the highway several feet down.

Takuma: "Kokoro!"

I immediately rushed to Kokoro's side. She's clinging for life.

Kokoro: "Takuma-san... please... save the baby."

Takuma: "Hang on, okay!? I'll take you to the hospital!"

Kokoro: "Thank you... Takuma-san..."

She closed her eyes... Dammit! Why does it have to happen!?



So I rushed her to the hospital. After a few hours, the bullet was finally taken off, but it doesn't end there; the 2-month, unborn child died immediately. She is lying down like a vegetable, and I am with her in the room, just looking at her.

Takuma: "Kokoro... I love you... You have a very wonderful name. And I'll never leave by your side. You are the only woman for me..."

Then tears start to flow from my eyes...


Takuma: "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry... I should be the one lying on the bed!"


Suddenly, I saw her hands moving weakly.

Kokoro: "Takuma-san..."


I'm glad that she's out of danger. But how can I say the fate of her unborn child?

Kokoro: "I... love you too..."


What did she just say!? Did I hear it right? She went back to sleep, though.


Takuma: "Just rest. A lot has happened today."

Then Takanori enters the room.

Takanori: "Aniki! I have heard what happened! Are you okay?"

Takuma: "I've got no bruises. I'm fine."

Takanori: "But what about her?"

Takuma: "She's fine as well. But she lost her baby."

Takanori: "I see..."

Takuma: "I'll never leave this room until she fully recovers."

Takanori: "I'm glad everything went okay. Man, a lot has happened for the entire day."

Takuma: "Go back and tell Mom that I'm fine. I'll monitor Kokoro's condition."

Takanori: "Roger that."

He pats on Takuma's shoulder before he gets out of the room.


End of Page 8

 

[AudiMan2011]

Well that escalated quickly

 

[WTFnews]

nooo, not the baby!!! awww she better gets fine and you better let her have a new baby! and this time from takuma!

 

[Mat123]

I'm so glad I used the Viper. I was about to let my Z-Tune replica out for the scene. No way would I want to crash my beloved Skyline!

 

[WTFnews]

when is the next page, i cant wait!!!

 

[RCKakashi14]

Page 9 - First Kiss


I said that I'll never leave the room until she fully recovers. Well, I just slept at the sofa and woke up early. I open up the curtains to let the rays of sunlight in. Then her teammates suddenly enter the room, looking very worried.

Juri: "Oh look, there's her knight in shining armor."

Sakura: "Takuma-san, you are here for the whole time?"

Takuma: "Yes. I have to stay here for her."

Juri: "She'll wake up pretty soon. I know her a lot."

Takuma: "But her child didn't make it. I can't just break it to her. It'll be the most painful thing to hear for a mother."

Sakura: "I see."

Suddenly, Kokoro wakes up. That's quick....

Kokoro: "T...Takuma-san?"

Takuma: "Kokoro... Hey, don't force yourself."

Kokoro: "I'm okay... How's my baby?"


I can't just reply... I don't want to make her cry.


Sakura: "Kokoro-san, it's just... Your baby didn't make it."

Oh great. Well, there's no other good way of telling it. She starts to cry, and then I just... hug her.

Takuma: "I'm sorry..."

**********************************************************


A week later, Sakura asked me to test what Kokoro should be driving for her team's upcoming race. But she has to rest for a time being after she's discharged from the hospital.

The testing session is done, and I am giving feedback to the team.


Takuma: "You just need to strengthen the LSD to minimize the risk of the tail wiggling out. Other than that, the car runs fine."

Sakura: "Thank you for giving us feedback and testing the car on such short notice. We could not find other drivers to do that..."

Takuma: "Don't mention it. I am doing this for her..."

Sakura: "Do you have feelings for Kokoro-san?"

Takuma: "..."

Sakura: "I can tell. Well, she told me that she's having a hard time with her husband but she just could not bring herself to divorce him. You know, both of you click together. Hee hee..."

Takuma: "Ahahahaha..."

Oh, she calls me up. All of a sudden...


Kokoro: "Hey, meet me up in Tokyo. Are you done testing? I have something important to tell to you..."

Takuma: "Oh yeah, sure. I'll be heading out."

Kokoro: "Bye... babe."

Babe? She's calling me that!? Is this a dream?

**********************************************************

So I meet up with her in a restaurant in Tokyo. My heart once again beats faster. Hey heart, you will give me a cardiac arrest if you keep at it. There is a right time!

Kokoro: "It's you..."

Takuma: "Hey, have you ordered already? Sorry I was late."

Kokoro: "It's okay. You know, why didn't you tell me?"

Takuma: "About what?"

Kokoro: "Hee hee... That you have feelings for me. No wonder you are so sweet even by the time we first met."

Takuma: "Well... um..."


Damn... it's so hard to admit your feelings! Takanori! How have you gotten your wife?

Kokoro: "I have heard what you said that night. You know, you are the sweetest man I have ever known. I just wished my husband was like you."

Takuma: "The moment we met first, my heart was like, jumping for joy. Your hair, and your face. And as time passes by, I am more eager to meet you! I... ...love you."

Kokoro: "You know, those are the most beautiful words I have heard from a man. I love you too! I felt that love when you saved me. But there is something more important that you should know... and let's not ruin our appetite. I'll tell it to you later."

So we have a delightful lunch. What's that "more important" thing that she is about to tell me?

After lunch, we just go around the city.

Takuma: "Well, what is it that you want to tell me?"

Kokoro: "I will go abroad... probably forever."

What!?

Kokoro: "I will continue my studies in France. I have been accepted in that photography school in Paris."

Takuma: "I see..."

Kokoro: "But you know... I will always remember you. When I look at my Z32, it reminds me on how gentleman you really are. I will miss the wonderful summer days here... with you. How I wish that this season will be stuck forever, so that I'll be with you always."

And so, the weekend came. She is about to leave for Paris. I even did the honors of taking her to the airport.

Kokoro: "Takuma-kun, I guess this is it. I hope you'll be the fastest racer in the world. Even without me, you must continue to fulfill your dreams. You will always be my... hot mechanic."

Takuma: "You too. I won't stop you fulfilling your dreams...."

Kokoro: "Before I get out of this car..."

She suddenly gave me a kiss! On my lip! I immediately closed my eyes and enjoy my very first kiss...


We kissed for minutes, you know? Hehehehehe....


Kokoro: "Well, time to go now."

We got out together from the car and I escort her to the door. When she entered, she waves her hand goodbye and I did the same with a smile.

When I returned to the car, I am thinking back all the moments that I spent with her...


...and I started to cry.


My flame of love will burn forever, Kokoro Miyamoto. Wherever you go, you'll always be in my heart. Someday, we'll meet again. And if that happens, I'll make it seem that time will stop and spend that moment with you forever.


**********************************************************



Meanwhile, in Norfolk, England...

My Fair Lady - END

 

[AudiMan2011]

Great story. Sad ending though.

 

[WTFnews]

awsome, sad end

 

[Mat123]

Soo, what's your next story about?

I won't be spoiling my new project. I've already written... 5 chapters? Not too sure.

 

[RCKakashi14]

Soo, what's your next story about?

I won't be spoiling my new project. I've already written... 5 chapters? Not too sure.

The Lotus cars at the end will already tell you.

Actually, it would be like a duel of two car companies. You'll find out the other one at the first page of the next story.

 

[Mat123]

Can't wait!

 

[RCKakashi14]

The Protege


Page 1 - Treachery



Oh well, it's been a week since she left... Sometimes, I am even spacing out at night, looking at the starry sky thinking of her. Love does make one crazy, doesn't it?

Once again, I am at the balcony looking at the sky, starry as usual. Takanori is throwing little pieces of rock at me to get my attention since dinner is served. Then he throws a big one, which I reflexively caught it.

Takuma: "Dummy! This is big, you know!?"

Takanori: "You have been like that for the past couple of days. What's happening to you!? Dinner's served!"

Takuma: "I'll just wash up."


After that, I joined the others. I noticed that Takanori seems to be not in his usual cheerful mood.

Takanori: "Errrrr.... I don't want to test that thing on that day!"

Makoto: "Why sweetie?"

Takanori: "That thing almost killed me!"

Takuma: "Ohhhhhh right. I remember now. He had developed a trauma on that car. Besides, you shouldn't waste such opportunity, now that it is currently the only unit here in Japan. And it's all-new..."

Takanori: "I don't care! I don't like reviewing it! Can you do it for me, please?"

Takuma: "All right all right. All for my wimpy Takanori. But you will lose your credibility as a reviewer. Car reviewers are not choosy, you know? Learn from Ricky, for goodness sake."

Takanori: "You're always mean..."


Takuma: "On to another topic, I have bought my first 2nd hand car for this year."

Takanori: "What is it?"

Takuma: "It will be a future classic, and it is now being tuned by Kaido."

Takanori: "Future classic... future classic. I wonder what could that be?"

Takuma: "You'll see it soon enough."


**********************************************************


And so, the next day, I headed to the racetrack just nearby Takanori's home in Yokohama.



This is not just an ordinary hot hatch. It really is an epic one, but also the most impractical. Hehehehehe... you can still put your groceries but you can only choose one friend to experience its breathtaking performance.

The 3 liter V6 mounted just behind me is mechanically-tuned to 400 horsepower plus. No turbos nor supercharger to boost it, as I am also fond of the instant response of an NA engine. That sound...

Thanks to the racing suspension, the Clio V6 (or Lutecia V6 in Japan) is a true point-and-squirt machine in the corners. I just love the way it handles. It's more stable than my Lotus Evora.

Knowing where it's made from, it made me think of you again... I wonder when can I go to Europe just to see you. My heart shouts your name.

Someday, we'll meet again...


**********************************************************


In Norfolk, England...

"Takuma Kanonji, eh?"

"It's been a while since I haven't heard your name."

"Though I will never forget the treachery you did. Taking Sir Ben McCarthy with you in order to fulfill your own dreams is something I find preposterous. You shall regret it...



End of Page 1

 

[Mat123]

Whoa!

 

[RCKakashi14]

Page 2 - E-mail


I headed out early morning for a breakfast in the city. It's actually the taping for the car review that Takanori should be doing. I don't know that Takanori could be that choosy... I can't blame him for his trauma for that car.

After breakfast, the crew and I are waiting outside for the car. We are wondering what takes them so long. A few more minutes, then it arrived.

It's a C7 Corvette! Why didn't Takanori tell me that!? I am so eager to drive one, actually. And it's a C6 ZR1 that almost killed you, dummy! Coming out of the car is an old man, but not just an old man; he is Mr. Soichiro Tachibana who is known all over Japan as the "Corvette Collector". From C1 up until that C7 right in front of me, he has them all. Okay, so the filming crew starts the taping.

Mr. Tachibana: "I am very sorry, Kanonji-san. But it is such an honor to meet you."

Takuma: "Greetings, Tachibana-san. It is such a wonderful opportunity to test the latest iteration of "America's Sports Car".

Mr. Tachibana: "That is the proper way of calling it! And I am proud to say that I am the first person to have one! Hahahaha! Although it's a gray import."

Takuma: "I see. I will do my best in reviewing this car. And hopefully not crashing it."

Mr. Tachibana: "Oh you won't. I believe in your skills, that's why I leave the reviewing job to the Kanonji twins!"

So he gave me a tour inside the vehicle and he taught me how to operate the controls. I started it up, and the V8 engine just growls! It's like it wants to run!

Mr. Tachibana: "I leave it all to you. Good luck!"

He gets out of the car and a chauffeur picks him up. So once again, we're in business. The review will start.


Takuma: "Good morning everyone! This is Takuma Kanonji of Motoring Weekly. Oh, if you're wondering why my twin, Takanori, is not around, is because he has some commitments. For this week's car review, I am inside of one of the most anticipated cars of the year, the Chevrolet Corvette C7 Stingray. Currently, this is the only unit in Japan and it was acquired via a gray import. We don't know if this will be the first one to be officially sold here in Japan."

Takuma: "Okay, so I will go out for a while and allow you to take a look at the aggressive styling. Although you can mistake this as a Camaro when you look at the back..."

Takuma: "...and a Ferrari at the front. Good thing the Corvette logo and the Stingray badge at the sides are proper identifiers as a Corvette! But if you look it as a silhouette, it still is a recognizable shape of a Corvette. Let's head back in the car and let's go."

Takuma: "Under the hood is a brand-new 6.2 liter V8 naturally-aspirated that develops 450 horsepower and 62 kilos of torque. And it is mated, for the first time, in a 7-speed manual transmission. Now, we all very know that the new Porsche 911 is the first sports car to adapt it, but I'm sure sports cars in the future will have the same transmission. General Motors claims that this car consumes 11 kilometers per liter of fuel which is...


...the most fuel-efficient Corvette as of now. But that kind of fuel consumption is rather alarming in today's standards, isn't it? Okay, so on the interior, it's an improvement over the C6 since the C6 has a bland and simplistic interior. I love the red accents on the dashboard and on the seats as well. There are plenty of buttons on the steering wheel and there is a touchscreen! The tachometer is now digital! Brilliant! But if you compare it to its rivals, it is still far behind. The Porsche 911, Maserati GranTurismo S, Ferrari California, Mercedes-Benz SL, and BMW 6-series still have better interiors. But for a base model Corvette, this is what I call a bargain."

Takuma: "So on the road, the car almost does not roll at all. As expected from a Corvette, the ride is comfy and the seats hold me well."

Takuma: "So, let's head to the hills for the Winding Road Impression. Stay tuned."

So the crew ended their filming. So far, the car is good. We are heading to Mt. Aso as per my suggestion to do the winding road test.

When we arrived there, the crew starts to film me.

Takuma: "Okay, so welcome back. Now, we know that the C7 Corvette is good when cruising around the city, how about its performance in the twisty roads? American sports cars still has this stereotype when it comes to handling. They say that you'll end up crashing at the corners. Bla bla blah. Okay, so let's see if this 'Vette will kill me."

Takuma: "When it comes to cornering, this is comparable to a Z06, or better yet, an improved handling over the C6 chassis. The C7's chassis is all-new, not an evolution from the C6. I am in my racing line."

Takuma: "And it just follows my inputs. The steering is sharper, and the wheelspin is minimal, I can control the power with my foot easily. The C6 model was rather scary at the limit, but this model is even more accessible to novices."

Takuma: "But it still hasn't forgotten its American Muscle car attitude. I can slide this all the way!"

Takuma: "I have mentioned earlier that this has a 7-speed manual gearbox. To achieve its claimed fuel consumption, the first 4 gears are close and 5th and 6th gears are a bit spaced which are intended for performance on the track. But the 7th gear is intended really for cruising. That gear is not even suited for top speed runs."

Takuma: "To end this, the C7 Corvette is definitely an amazing car. Remember, this is just the base model; and I am predicting that its higher performance versions will truly shine in the battlefield of supercars. America's Sports Car is back with a bang.

This is Takuma Kanonji, and thank you for watching Motoring Weekly."


The shoot has ended, and Mr. Tachibana arrived to pick up his car. He is eager to watch the review when the show airs on Saturday. Damn, I want to drive the car more. It's just brilliant.



So I headed home and cooked a rather late lunch for myself. I am alone, with Mom busy with her Mochi shop, and little Ben at school. After eating, I go up in my room and check my emails in my computer. Suddenly, one email disturbed me.


From - thetrueprotege:


How are you? I still haven't forgotten the day you left the group with Sir Ben McCarthy. And I will never ever forgive you for causing his death. But you know, I'm bored lately. I want to have fun, and I will show to everyone who truly is Sir Ben's protege. Let's meet in Britain.. I am waiting.


Heh, it's been a while... I want to have a rendezvous with that group.



End of Page 2

 

[WTFnews]

awsome, i want more!

 

[Mat123]

Interesting...

 

[RCKakashi14]

Page 3 - Rendezvous



The next morning, the phone ringing caused me to wake up. I don't like people calling me at early morning, it ruins my sleep. I tell them to remind me the night before. I wonder who's on the other line, then it turns out to be Alessandro Rossi.

Takuma: "I don't like you calling me this early..."

Alessandro: "Pardon me, but what time is it there?"

Takuma: "It's 6 in the morning, for goodness sake. You still haven't gone to bed?"

Alessandro: "Ben McCarthy's Countach LP400 has been fully restored. It's here in my friend's garage in Switzerland. He specializes in restoration work. You'll like it, amico mio."

Takuma: "All right. I'll take the next flight to Geneva and pick that car up for testing. After all, I do intend to go to Europe. And it's a great opportunity."

Alessandro: "All right then. Time for me to go to sleep."

Takuma: "Go to sleep already."


With so many things to do there, I think I have to go there. With that anonymous sender waiting me in U.K., testing Otoosan's LP400, and....



...seeing her. No matter what, I must be there. I can't miss this opportunity.


So I opened the shop, and prepared breakfast and lunch bento for little Ben. When my kid arrives at the dining table, he puts the bento in his bag and then starts to eat his breakfast. Mom, on the other hand, starts making the initial batch of mochi for the opening.

Ben: "Daddy, what are you going to do today?"

Takuma: "Well, I am going to book a flight to Switzerland. I plan to leave this weekend."

Ben: "Really... I thought we are going to do some sparring this weekend. How long are you going to stay there?"

Takuma: "I don't know, that's why I will book a one-way flight only. You'll be good, okay? Besides, the dojo master will guide you through your training."

Ben: "Okay, Daddy. But the real reason is that you want to see her, right? Hehehehehe...."

Takuma: "Well..."

Ben: "Bring home a little brother or sister to me, okay? Haha!"

Takuma: "Why you... hey, finish your breakfast already. You're going to be late in school, dummy!"

Ben: "Heeheeheehee..."


**********************************************************


And so, on the weekend, I arrived in Switzerland at afternoon. Even with this weary body of mine, I am so eager to drive Otoosan's LP400. Besides, I think it would be a perfect match against that anonymous sender.


So I meet up with Alessandro, and he throws the key to me. I missed the times that I am struggling to open those scissor doors when I was a kid, and Otoosan would scold me for that. I am driving her again, this time running like new.

Takuma: "The engine feels more responsive."

Alessandro: "That's the only part that I got involved with, actually. My friend did the rest in restoring the car. I tuned the carburetors after rebuilding the engine."

Takuma: "And it turns sharper..."


Alessandro: "The entire suspension system was rebuilt. Oh, and brakes were replaced with aftermarket units."

Driving in these kinds of roads overviewing the Alps with the beautiful and timeless LP400 makes you forget its weaknesses. You'd forget how heavy the steering, pedals, and the transmission lever are, and how the car is scary to drive at the limit. The LP400 would remain as my favorite classic car, and it can still run rings around sports cars and even supercars of today. The Countach remains to be an inspiration for all the supercars in the world.

Alessandro: "So, do you like it?"

Takuma: "Belissimo."

Alessandro: "What are your plans next?"

Takuma: "I'm heading first to U.K. to face off that group."

Alessandro: "What group?"

Takuma: "The group that I belonged to when I was just starting my racing career.

Alessandro: "Ah yes. You were all proteges of Ben back then. Seeing you all with potential, he decided to take you under his wing, until he really chose you..."

Takuma: "It's not because I'm his adopted son why he left with me in the group. It's because..."

Alessandro: "...you are his most promising student."

Takuma: "Now, they want me. They want to make me regret what I did. I say...


...bring it on, chaps."



End of Page 3

 

[WTFnews]

next

 

[Mat123]

What he said. ^

 

[RCKakashi14]

Page 4 - The Butler



I am on my way to U.K., but I have to pass through France, right? Why don't I meet up with her? Nah, she'll probably be too busy and I don't have something to give to her as a surprise.


Never mind, I'll just grab an undersea train to U.K., as I have an important issue that I need to address.

I am on my way to the train station. Seeing that there is no traffic at all, I decided to warm up this fighting bull...

Man, I like this kind of response. Carburetor engines are usually lazy. But Alessandro anticipated it and did the right thing of tuning them.

We'll see each other soon... just wait, okay? I promise that I will make our moments very worthwhile.



When I got in the train, I am just thinking back those days with that group. Oh how I miss them. I remember those days that Otoosan would pit us against each other. Well, that's his way of motivating us as a team. As a result, rivalries would emerge, but I don't really care. Back then, I was dead set on my dreams that I really have to work hard for them.


And then there is this one teammate.... or shall I call him as such? His name is Steven Fox. Otoosan saw a lot of potential in him, but one fateful day, he just asked me to leave with him. I don't why Otoosan just gave up on him. And now, he is probably the anonymous sender and he wants to prove himself that he is the best. I could sense that it's him, since we were rivals back then.


I have only one theory why...


...his insecurities get in the way. Let's see.



I stopped by first at Sander McCarthy's home and see if my cousin, Jenny is doing okay. She lets me in and gives me a cup of fine English tea. I missed drinking that as well.

Jenny: "So, what brings you here?"

Takuma: "I have something to work on."

Jenny: "Such as?"

Takuma: "I will plan a rendezvous with my old friends."

Jenny: "Old friends, eh? As if you have them here in this country. I know your past with them."

Takuma: "Good thing you know. I will be staying here for quite a while."

Jenny: "The renovation of Uncle Ben's mansion in Dunsfold is finished. You can stay there for the time being."

Takuma: "Thank you, Jenny."

Jenny: "You're heading to the mainland Europe as well?"

Takuma: "Yes, I do have plans to go there if I have time."


*********************************************************


In a small racetrack in Norfolk, an orange Lotus Esprit V8 is having practice runs alone.

Driving the car is a middle-aged man named Dudley Hatton. He turns out to be Steven Fox's butler in his estate for 10 years.

Dudley: "Strange, why has master Steven have sent a rather disturbing message?"

Dudley: "I'm sure he only he wants to race that Japanese man."

Dudley: "I shall do everything for master Steven. I will be the one doing this for him..."

Dudley: "Quite an interesting adversary, I must say."



End of Page 4

 

[Mat123]

Need any help with the racing?

I'll be on on weekends.

 

[RCKakashi14]

Need any help with the racing?

I'll be on on weekends.

Sure.

 

[WTFnews]

Need any help with the racing?

I'll be on on weekends.

mayby we both can help him

 

[Mat123]

Depends on our time zones.

 

[RCKakashi14]

Page 5 - When It All Began...

I arrived at the McCarthy mansion in Dunsfold. When I entered, the house is very wonderful. I never seen it that brilliant since Otoosan and I left that place 4 years ago.


It was also the time.... that my rivalry with Steven started.


I just got my license back then, and after he scolded me for taking his R34 for a spin, he decided to buy me a 2nd hand car, which most of the new and young drivers of Britain do.

We're at the Nurburgring, and he is surprised that the whole track is open just for a casual track day for everyone.

Ben McCarthy: "Oh that imbecile is always late. Steven, is your MINI prepped?"

Steven: "Of course! She's ready for action. Anyways, where is that newbie you're bragging about?"

Ben McCarthy: "He'll be coming."

Steven: "To think that he had the guts to drive your R34 GT-R. What a faff."

I finally arrived, in my Toyota MR2 1600 Supercharged (AW11) I can see in Steven's face that he's disappointed.

Steven: "It's you... and why a 2nd hand Japanese clunker?"

Takuma: "I miss my home, that's why. I had to feel myself at home."

Steven: "You think it can keep up with my MINI Cooper S with a supercharged engine?"

Takuma: "This MR2 is also supercharged."

Steven: "Interesting... why don't we have a race then?"

Takuma: "You go ahead... I'll puff out a smoke in exactly 1 minute."

I make it a point to smoke at least one stick of cigarette. Otoosan throws the box at me and I grabbed a stick. Steven just scoffs it off and he sets off with his MINI. As if I care about a hot hatch with a supercharged engine.

Steven: "What a daft... why would Sir Ben recruit someone like him? Let's see if you can keep up with me now that we have a gap of 1 minute between us."

After I'm satisfied, I set off exactly after a minute of smoking. Let's go MR2!

It may only have 150 HP, but this weighs lighter than an AE86 Trueno at 910 kilograms! It's like a Lotus Elise; plus a supercharger to provide me response at the corner exits.

Steven: "It's impossible to keep up even at a racetrack so big. 1 minute is too big of a gap, idiot."

I was really dead set on proving myself to the world that I am the fastest. That's why I drive like there's no tomorrow. I was still hating on the Kanonji family back then, and I have to humiliate them.

This MR2 model proved to be tricky to drive. Throttle control is needed, plus I am driving only in road tires.

Steven: "I'm still waiting... where are you?"

Nurburgring can be fun, but also dangerous. I have encountered crashed cars in that track before.

A few corners later, and I am just right behind Steven's MINI. Where's your smug face now, huh?

Steven: "What!? Impossible!!!"

Sayonara, Steven. Your blabbering ends here.

Steven: "How could this be!? Is this a dream!?"

Otoosan gave me a smile when I returned to the pit lane. He rarely does that to his team and even to me.

Oh how I miss those moments that I make him smile...


...right up until he died in front of me, smiling.

Thinking those moments sometimes make me cry.



End of Page 5

 

[Mat123]

Whoa...

 

[RCKakashi14]

Good news, everyone! (Professor Farnsworth? LOL)

I plan to make another Takuma Gaiden story. The title:

Nurburgring Legend

The next star car?

RUF BTR.

 

[Mat123]

I prefer the Yellow Bird.

 

[RCKakashi14]

I prefer the Yellow Bird.

The Yellowbird would appear as well, as an opponent.

 

[Mat123]

The Yellowbird would appear as well, as an opponent.

Yay!

Also, can't wait for the next chapter!