The Race Begins in 5th. *UPDATED: SIDE STORY #2*

[DK]

I use Apple Safari. How would I clear my cache for that?

 

[SaberFire]

I have no idea. The only times I use Safari are in College and even then, I try not to use it

 

[Daniel]

Saber, I can't believe you're still doing this story! This was, and is, FAR the mother of all Fictional GT4 Reports. 👍👍👍👍👍👍.
love the bike 👍














👍

 

[Watchman]

Nice new chapter. 👍

Either way, I also have to attribute this update to InvincibleGT for perhaps stoking the smouldering ashes of my GT fire

No problem.

 

[Lucas]

So... uhh... yeah, I'm back for an undetermined amount of time, whether or not you guys still remember me or if I'm still welcome even though I fail to keep promises .

How could we forget you, man!

Well, as you can see, I recently invested in a copy of Tourist Trophy and I've got to offer some form of kudos to Lucas, as I'm not sure if I'm just blatantly ripping him off here or not .

Ripping me off? Not at all, man. I have yet to read the chapter, but for the looks of it, you are nowhere near ripping somebody off. 👍

 

[SaberFire]

Chapter 6: Cruel Circle​

I can't believe I'm doing this for a second night in a row. Speed limits exist for a reason. I just can't let Eddie speed off in good conscience. If I were in a worse mood I might have. Damn me and my happy-go-lucky outlook on life...

Ringring, ringring... come on, slow down and pick up. Slow down and pick up--.

"Yeah?!"

"Eddie? What the hell, man?!"
"What the hell what?"
"How fast do you think you were going back there?"
"...****, that was you? Oh yeah, you drive the S60 now."
"Okay, I'm gonna ask again. What the hell was that just now?"
"Oh, some biker challenged me to a highway battle. I nearly had him!"

"Nearly had him? There was at least a 2 second gap! When did you start the race?"
"...about 30 seconds ago."
"You lost. Badly. But it's odd though. What are bikers doing here? I thought Suzuka was bike territory."
"Obviously not. I dunno, ask Yari, he's probably in the know. Man, I've gotta get to the track soon. That was embarrassing, come to think of it..."
"I'll say. And just be safer next time. We both know you're not the greatest when it comes to insanely high speeds. And this time, the foam ain't foam. It's solid steel you're crashing into."
"Yeah, yeah. Catch you later, man."

Still, bikes? Interesting. They're not so common on the street these days, thanks to cars being a lot less dangerous and easier to corner at high speeds. Plus that cartoon with the Corolla has something to do with it, I imagine.


---
Sunday
---

"David?"
"Yeah, Mum?"

"I just want you to know that I'm sorry."
"Sorry for what?"
"This. The fact that you have to work two jobs to help us make ends meet. Waiting on me, hand and foot. You shouldn't have to do this."

"No, it's alright, Mother. You can't help being the way that you are. No one can."
"I just... I just hate being like this, you know? I did consider sending you back to Germany, once. You'd have had a better life over there, I'm sure. Not wasting your time, looking after me."

"What are you talking about? I have a great life over here! I've got great friends and a great mother. Hell, I've even got a great car. I wouldn't want it any other way."

"You always were an optimistic kid, David. I guess I should be grateful."
"Thanks."
"I just feel so guilty, though."

"Why?"
"You could have had a great career as a racer. You still could, if I wasn't in the way."
"Oh come on, don't say that. I have fun down the track, that's more than enough."
"If you say so, David."

"It's a beautiful view today, right?"
"Hmm, yes. Reminds me that I'm nearly finished with that painting."

"I'm sure it'll turn out more amazing than what I'm seeing now."
"Hopefully. It might turn out to be as amazing as you."

---
A few weeks later.
---

I'm hanging out at the track with Eddie. Life has been somewhat complicated as of late. I'm now without a car. The insurance money came through, but Mother is being somewhat slow about getting a new car. I can't blame her, though. Her health has gotten really bad these last few months, and my crash can't have helped matters. She says she's fine, but I worry. If she was fine, she wouldn't have to live in the hospital now. I visit her as often as possible, but my journeys are so difficult right now, relying on public transport. Expensive, too. But she says that she's close to getting a decent car, so it's only for short term.

Since that last street race, Eddie has put a lot of time and effort into his S2000. New exhaust, cam profile, ECU mapping, tuned suspension, and even more new rims.

"They're even LIGHTER!"

His car didn't even weigh much to begin with, but the overall package is amazing. He's running 1'05's around Tsukuba now, a far cry from his previous times. Fair enough, the ride is now painful for road use and the exhaust note is somewhat deafening with the top down, but for performance it's incredibly tidy.

He ends his laps and comes into the pits.

"So how'd I look?!" Eddie asks feverently. I chuckle, and chuck a bag of banana chips at him.

"Pretty good, actually. You're running a little wide in the corners, but that differential hasn't come through yet, so it can't be helped."
"Yeah, it did seem to understeer a little, but the acceleration feels much better now. At the very least, I won't lose to that Ninja if I see it again..."
"Good luck, those things are incredi--"

"...Ed, is that--."
"Tia?" we both say in unison. Did she just... try to handbrake turn a Fiat Punto around turn 1?

She pulls into the pits, and steps out with a wide smile on her face.

"Damn, that felt so good!"
"Tia? When the hell did you learn to drive like THAT?"

I silently ask Tia the same question.

"Ah, I've just had a really crap week. Time table is all over the place, assignments due, it's getting on my nerves. Just thought I'd blow off some steam."
"But that slid--"
"All natural talent, brother." She gives him a huge wink, and then turns to me.

"Haven't seen you for a while. What gives?"
"My bus pass is what gives."
"Oh well. You're getting a new car soon, right?"
"Yeah. I'll be able to get my own ride to the hospital too, not having to mooch of you guys. Which reminds me, we're going to be late, Ed."

Eddie crumples his empty chip packet.

"You tagging along, sis?"
"Sure, I haven't seen your Mom in ages, David. And I've got a few hours to kill."

We leave the track and make our way to the hospital. Well, a relatively peaceful Sunday, right? Nothing better.

---
Early Monday Morning.
---

Ringring, ringring, ringrin--.
"Yeah?"
"Mr Busch? It's your mother, her he--"
"WHAT?!"
"Her heart, it's failing. She doesn't have much time. Try to get here as so--"

Ringring, ringring, ringring, PICK UP DAMN YOU, ringing rin--.

"Huhwha?"
"Eddie! I need a ride. NOW. My Mum, her hearts' failing, there's no time, I have to get to her!"
"****, I'll be there in 5!"

I'm out of the house and in his car at two. We drive as fast as we dare. I don't give a damn about the police...

Halfway along the journey, though, my pager beeps. I rip it from my pocket and read the message.

Sorry, Mr Busch, she's pass--

The world goes black, and I collapse in my seat, drop the pager, my head, my mind, my world. Eddie looks over at me, and he seems to get the message. He says nothing. What can he say? My Mother is dead. Nothing else matters to me now.
---
TO BE CONTINUED.
---

 

[DK]

RIP Mrs. Busch. Great chapter, though. Eddie's S2000 is coming along nicely, though.

 

[Lucas]

Great chapters, man. You really know how to write properly. 👍 R.I.P. Mrs. Busch, though. It's not easy having a character dying in the middle of the story.

 

[SVX]

WOW! That was really amazing! Keep it up!

 

[Daniel]

Nice chapter! 👍 You are a very good writer, SaberFire. Sad to hear 'bout David's mum 👎

 

[Watchman]

Very good chapter, Reece. Keep it up, pal. 👍

 

[SaberFire]

Thanks for the comments, guys

Yeah, it's sort of evil on my part, since I actually wrote David's Mums' character in specifically for her to die part of the way through. It just helps me set up the next few parts of the story, and any other way might just seem waaaay to easy for one way (1,000,000 for a single race ), or incredibly tedious (about 6 months of solid saving ). Rest assured, I've got something up my sleeve. Probably not as European as I'd like, but hey, gotta get the Asian territories out of the way first

Oh, and Lucas, I didn't mean rip the story straight off, I just meant the idea of putting a little bit of Tourist Trophy in with the car racing. I seem to remember a certain Mr. Chester and something on 2 wheels... I just think it's a good idea and... well... I've noticed that my TT shots somehow always turn out much better looking. Maybe it's just flukey

Next chapter is going to be a side story, but it's better than nothing, right?

 

[SaberFire]

Side Story 1: Vicious Cycles​

Two wheels better than four? Unnecessary weight? Faster acceleration, more exhilaration?

Any gathering of street racers where bikers and car junkies gather, there's going to be fighting. It's like Bathurst, except less beer and more money on the line. We usually keep our distance from each other. Bikes and Cars aren't directly comparable, right? At least, I don't think so. Then again, I'm new to all of this. I didn't exactly make the choice, but when you're kicked out of college for fighting and you can't afford to keep a car any longer, I guess losing a few wheels ain't that bad. At least I've still got the same number of cylinders, right?

How'd I get here? After getting expelled from college after getting into a fight (a long story short, don't try to blackmail me into doing your dirty work), I decided to use whatever money I had to move to another city and find a job. I eventually earned enough money and moved country. An odd choice, but it just seemed right at the time. My parents had disowned me for getting kicked out of college, so I had nowhere else to go. For the next 6 months or so, Ren Maeda was going to live it up in Hong Kong.

About two months in, I was doing courier work for little money and doing odd jobs for not much else. From studying Science to this? Way to fall, Ren, way to fall. Life seemed boring, tedious, but bearable. I had my own little moped, a small bedsit to sleep in, and a few friends here and there. One night, they invited me to a "cruise". I had nothing better to do, so I went. This was when I met the man who's changed my life. For better, or for worse? I can't make that decision yet.

Aigou "Ai" Lai. Essentially an underground legend in the street racing world, although not assigned to any particular syndicate. Apparently, although a Chinese native, he's spent more time in Japan than China. Expatriated when he was younger, with his family. Whilst over there, Ai was apparently a natural when it came to racing cars. He made a very good friend through this past time. Some guy they call "Yari". They were incredible rivals, or so I've heard. Ai says that he's the only man he knows with enough skill to stick to his bumper with millimetres of clearance to keep the race going til the very end or keep him behind long enough to snatch a victory. Wow, I wonder if all of Ai's childhood friends are that fast...

The sheer power, that noise... what the hell am I riding? A 50cc Yamaha with 11 inch wheels and a top speed of 40mph? You don't see this kind of thing often in Hong Kong. The streets are empty, and the night is alive with the sound of screaming exhaust notes. Cars, mostly, but the brightest star of the night is without a doubt this Honda CBR.

He just has such amazing control. The way he's aggressive, but incredibly precise. I watch MotoGP on the odd occasion that the landlord might have it on, or when I'm in an internet cafe, and I'd swear he's an ex-Honda driver. It's like he's one with the machine. Perfectly executed corners, beautifully poised leaning positions and excellent reactions. I'm in the presence of a true great here. I'm almost not worthy to call my vehicle a "motorcycle". Not with a monster like that around.

But how did I get to know him? Coincidentally, my courier job led me straight to him. He owned a very small bike work shop, and I regularly delivered parts. One thing led to another, we eventually became friends. This eventually led to a job offer. I was handy with a wrench and I knew enough about bikes to be useful. Eventually, he trusted me enough to take me along to the races as technical support.

The job took me quite a lot of places. Although his home was street racing, privately organised race events were often held, and he was held in high esteem. At the very least, everyone seemed to know him. Apart from one guy.

Nathan "Nath" Deyton.

A relative unknown by everyone elses' standards, but it was easy to see why he was here. He pushed to the limit. He might not have been the winner of the day, but he was certainly the bravest. That might not count for much if you're not winning, but he was fast. There's no doubt about it, his style might at times be unorthodox...

...but to great effect. Ai said himself that he couldn't possibly emulate Nath's riding style. The bike seems to add to this. It's got a much bigger engine than most others of it's class. But the weight adversely affects the handling. But Nath seems to have worked it down to a fine art.

After the race, Ai approached Nath, and they got talking. Within a few hours, they'd agreed. Form a racing syndicate, with the aim of making it into the Suzuka 8hours race and winning it. A tall order, but it's possible. But money is needed to make it happen. A lot.

We needed more people though, so we searched for another. I caught a video one day, that showcased one of the most amazing feats of bike control I'd seen in a long time. I think Nath might have found a rival in terms of flamboyancy...

A Korean who we only knew as "King". His real name is Jin Park, but he'd forged his name as King. And of Korea, he certainly was. In terms of sheer pace, you can't match him. He accelerates insanely fast. Short gearing literally tore his opponents apart, whilst his graceful yet punishing driving style took corners at incredible angles and straights at dangerous speeds.

Two's company, three's a crowd, huh? But he's also on board with us. We've all got our different backgrounds and reasons for doing this. Street racing probably isn't the smartest way, but it's just what we do. Besides, I haven't got much else in life. I want to get back into college, and prove to my parents that I'm not just some punk who can throw his weight around.

So, me? What am I riding?

No longer a crappy Yamaha, eh? Ai bought it for me, as a thank you for all my work and as a proposition. Even if I don't go with them to the 8hours, at least I'll be able to buy my way back into college. And if anything, I'll have fun.

The lights go green and I take off. It's good to be back in Japan. I've missed this, the city, the air, the night. It feels like I belong, like we belong. And the idea of taking on Yari and his syndicate? It's all in good fun, after all. If anything, I think this is going to be one hell of a trip. Least of all, I might make a new friend or two. No animosity towards car owners on this end. After all, I used to own one.

I'd better hurry. Our first meeting to test the waters is tonight. I don't want to be late.

 

[NotThePrez]

This is a real good story Saber!👍 It's very creative and suspensful. I'm looking foreward to the next chapter!

 

[Daniel]

Saber... Four words:

CROSS.




THESE.



TWO.



STORIES!!!!!

 

[Watchman]

Good chapter, Reece. Nice drift, though. 👍

 

[DK]

Cross these stories, Reece. It would be totally awesome.

 

[SaberFire]

Thanks, guys, I appreciate the comments

Yeah, the idea is to get a little Bike on Car action going on here (sadly, girl on girl action is incredibly limited in these two games), although since my Photoshop-fu is incredibly weak at the moment, it'll look a lot less exciting than I'll try to make it sound

It just seemed like a good idea to tell another story from another perspective and try to get different points of views of the characters. I haven't really had time to develop the new characters yet, but I'm trying to diversify the cast a little

In advance, if I fail to update regularly, assume I've been overtaken by Heavy Rain. Getting it tomorrow, so excited

 

[SaberFire]

Chapter 7: Always Eternal​

I've spent the last two weeks in this house. Grief is a cruel mistress. At first, I was angry. Not at anyone, but just myself. I was convinced I had something to do with her heart failure. I wasn't there for her, I'd probably put the final nail in when I had that crash. It took 3 doctors to explain to me that her heart had been deteriorating for months, and that she was a biological time bomb. In fact, if it wasn't for my care, her heart wouldn't have lasted this long. I was still angry though. I swept through the house, punching, kicking, screaming at everything in reach. The house looks like it's been hit by a hurricane.

But then it hit me; for the first time in my life, I was truly alone now. The feeling of vulnerability and loneliness tore my heart to pieces. I never realised how much I relied on my Mum for support. She was my one true anchor, something I could always rely on. I'd shunned everyone, all my friends that had come around to console me. I regretted it. I remained a shut in. The fast food restaurant knew of what I was going through, having been aware of my situation for years, and put me on paid leave. I lost my night job cleaning offices, though. But I don't think I'll need it now.

It's 11am and I'm passed out on the couch, rubbish and dirty plates strewn across the living room. I'm awakened by knocking at the door. I'd usually just ignore it and ignore the protests that go along with it. But I can't continue like this. I've gotta answer the door sometime. I grab a shirt and pull it over myself as I reach the door. I answer to a postman.

"Morning! Sign here, please!"

Perplexed, I sign the clipboard and accept a padded envelope off of him. It's slightly bulged. The postman thanks me and continues off on his rounds. I retreat indoors, and open up a curtain, light streaming into the room for the first time in weeks. I move some laundry out of the armchair and sit down. I open the letter and up end it into my hand. A set of car keys? I don't get it...

I investigate the inside of the envelope and find a letter. Curious, I begin to read it.

Dear David,

If you're reading this, then I'm no longer with you. I'm sorry it has to be this way, I truly am. First your father, and now me. I'm sorry I made life so tough on you. I can't say enough words to express how much it pained me to see you working day and night, when you should have been having fun and going to college. I know I can never replace the years I've taken from you, but I can at least try to ensure that the years to come are a lot happier for you. I held off buying a car, because I knew I was dying. I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but I couldn't bear to see you worry. Whilst in hospital, I've written this letter and arranged to buy a car in your name, registered to you and insured with the insurance money and the rest of your Fathers' life insurance money. I kept it saved up for an occasion it might be useful. It looks like that day has come. If everything has gone according to plan, the cars' location should be on a label attached to the keys. I know that you could have became a great racer in your childhood. I believe you still can.

Love,
Mother xxx

The writing is shaky in places and the ink has run in the others. She must have cried a lot writing this. So am I. I can't hold back the flood of tears. I can't imagine what it must have been like, to live with a death sentence...

After I've pulled myself together, I decide to check out the car. I call the one man who's always been there for me; Eddie.

Ringring, ringri--.

"Hey, man..."
"David?! Oh, hey! How've you bee--. Oh, sorry, I'm an idiot..."
"It's okay. I need to ask a favour of you."
"Sure, name anything you want!"
"I need a lift. I'll tell you about it when you get here."
"Sure, give me half an hour. I'm just about finished at the track here anyway... see you soon?"
"Thanks, man. I owe you one. On top of all the other favours."
"Hey, don't mention it."
click

I use the half an hour to get showered and attempt to clean the place up a little bit. Eddie sounds his horn outside, I hop in, and show him the key. He looks at the address and starts driving. I explain to him the letter. He keeps uncharacteristically quiet through it all. It can't be easy for him, having to listen to his best friend talk about his Mothers' death. Even harder when he knew her so well...

We eventually arrive at the location, and begin searching. Eventually...

"...David? I think this is it."

I get out and test the key. Perfect fit. I open the door and sit down in it. Eddie looks over at me uncertainly.

"You want me to stay or...?"
"Erm... leave if you want. Thanks for all the help. I'll call you later." I give him a thumbs up as he turns and leaves. I decide to take the car for a drive.

---
TO BE CONTINUED

 

[Pitracer100]

Nice chapter here.

 

[Daniel]

Ohh, ok. It's guess that car... Is the car a... BMW?

Beautiful story, Reece. You are very creative 👍

 

[Irons]

:facepalm:

It's a Subaru Impreza.

 

[Pitracer100]

Ohh, ok. It's guess that car... Is the car a... BMW?

Double Facepalm...

 

[DK]

Nice new chapter, but the Subaru's presence is making this story lose some of its identity, though not all - you haven't gone for a Skyline, Supra or a RX-7 yet.

 

[Watchman]

Great new chapter, Reece. Very emotional. 👍

 

[SaberFire]

Ah, I know, the Vovlo was essentially the main draw for the story, but there is only so much I can do with it in GT4, thanks to PD getting the car specs completely arse about face. I must admit, if the S60 T5 was 4WD, it'd be the main star of the show, but with the direction I'm going in, I think that the choice of Impreza might make sense

Thanks for the comments, guys 👍

 

[Daniel]

Ohh, ok. It's guess that car... Is the car a... BMW? [/SARCASM]

Beautiful story, Reece. You are very creative 👍

Sorry if i wasn't too clear the first time.

 

[SaberFire]

Chapter 8: Forever Immortal​

I'm trying to make sense of it all, but I just can't. I thought that taking it for a drive, I might be able to see beyond my mother's reasoning. What does she mean "years to come are a lot happier for you?" I'm at the lowest I've ever been in my entire life right now.

How could she think, even for a second, that I ever thought she was a burden? That was my life, and I was happy with it. I had great friends, a great life, and a great mother. The thought that she could have shipped me back to Germany to have a "better" life is just...

And this car? Why THIS car in particular? I would have been perfectly happy with another station wagon. We could have gotten one before she... I could have spent much more time with her. And WHY this car? It's insane. I can feel the flat-4 burble through the seat, and the four-wheel drive system is just amazing... Ach, this doesn't make sense! I smack my hand into the dash in frustration. A small photo is dislodged from the sun visor above my head and lands in my lap. I slow down and inspect it. A small family... my family. My parents are standing for a family portrait, and I'm clutched in my fathers' arms. I can see a small toy car clenched in my chubby fist. The back is signed "David 2 years old. Love you x" signed by my Dad.

I... I... I've never seen this picture before. It's amazing to know that once, we were a complete and happy family. Why did it all have to go wrong?

But... I can't help but have a sneaking suspicion that maybe my mother was right. Hell, racing isn't a hobby to me. It's essentially my second life. The thrill is amazing, and not to blow my own horn, I'm pretty good. But... did she really need to go THIS far in order for me to persue a racing career?

I'm starting to understand this car a little better now. It's instantly more powerful than anything I've ever driven before; this would have no trouble blowing away both Volvos; hell, even Eddies' S2000 would struggle if it came to it. The acceleration is astounding; the weight shifts to the rear under acceleration and loads the rear wheels and provides traction, like the 240 did, but under braking, the power being driven through the front wheels through corners is just like the S60 gives it amazing handling for what it is; a 4 door saloon.

I go through the tunnel, drop down a gear and slam the accelerator; the sound reverberates through the mountain and into my ears. It's one of the most beautiful sounds I've ever heard. The sound of pure, untamed power. The car is charging forward into daylight. And oddly, so is my line of thinking.

I loved my mother, and I'll continue to. I'll honour her wishes. She wants me to become a racer, then that's what I'll do. I can't imagine she'd approve of my street racing antics, but that's only temporary. I just need the money, and if anything, Yari is the one who can set me up. I promise I'll make it to the track as soon as possible.

For now, the world is essentially my oyster. I'll get back to work, and I'll race until I can make into the amateurs. Once I'm there, I'll need to get noticed. It's gonna be difficult. But I can manage it. If this is what my parents have laid out for me, I'll honor their wishes. I'll do the family name proud, too. Give the folks back in Germany something to feel good about.

I slam the gears into 5th and head for the horizon. Whatever's coming next, should be fun.

 

[SaberFire]

Move along folks, nothing to see here...

Been busy the last few months, some of it not pleasant at all, but all you can do is move on, right? Including this bloody story that I know I keep promising regular updates but... FML

Sorry for the weak chapter, but I needed to get that bit of exposition out of the way. I just felt that it needed to be in the story, so we can see David sort of "grow up" and start living for himself now.

C & C highly appreciated

 

[NotThePrez]

I've been reading this story. Good to see that's it's been revived! 👍