Hachik | Techy | Ch. 5 - Weeping Crisis
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But yeah, I'll be available tomorrow. 
Perhaps next time, I guess?
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Since Ichio Arc was a bit of a failure (don't really want to talk about it..), I decided to drop Ichio's storyline for now and focus a bit more on Mouko's storyline. To start off here's some teaser shots for the next chapter Numero Cinco 
You'll also notice that I scrapped Ichio Arc Ch. 1..
👍
You'll also notice that I scrapped Ichio Arc Ch. 1..
👍
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Once again, sorry for not uploading the chapter yet, even months of preparation.. I have the photos and the story itself ready, but I can only upload 3/4ths of the chapter (not that it's too big). Hopefully I have time to make final touches by the end of this week.
I wonder if anyone is even waiting for this...
I wonder if anyone is even waiting for this...
Korza
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Series I: Snow Leopard
-----------~---
Sorry if this feels a bit rushed. It took me days to compile this
Anyway, any suggestions/criticism welcome as always!
Chapter Five: Weeping Crisis
Narrated by Mouko.
Hey, what's the matter guys? Leon asks.
We remained silent, leaving Leon the only person who looks confused. But Amiru cracks the silence.
A-are you sure it is Ichio?
Yeah. The records I keep never lie, and is always dated & legible. Wait a minute pause Is it your husband?
Amiru kept quiet.
I see... Well, that doesn't make much sense at all!
You think so? I baffled.
The man was someone that Amiru wouldn't marry in a million years!
What did he looked like? Amiru asks.
Umm... I can't really remember. Sorry.. Leon admits.
Oh. It's alright, I guess..
No, wait! I remember a little about the man.
Let's see... He had a distinctive scar across his nose... He had a porcupine haircut... Very aggressive eyes...
That's all?
Yeah, sadly.
That is enough to illustrate something.
We spent some time figuring out somebody who was close to the descriptions. Unfortunately no one got a well enough interpretation.
I'm out of ideas.. I called out.
Same here. Amiru seconds.
I dunno anyone who looks like that. Kairi thirds.
I may have a clue. Leon jumps in.
Really? Well, tell us! I said.
But I don't think he's a close match. Besides, he doesn't live on this prefecture anymore.
It's not like if we're going to his house and beat him up.
I know that. Even if I do know, he isn't very close to the description.
Could it be... Amiru announced.
Hm? Who is it, Amiru? Leon questions.
Could it be... a man named... No! No, it can't possibly be him!
Amiru sprinted right out to the back, and we chased after her. When she stopped, we were all near the pink Silvia. I walked up to her slowly.
What is it, Amiru? You can tell us! I assured.
You may understand, Mouko.. Amiru comments.
Why can't I? Leon complains.
Because... the man's name is...
Hold on..... Yeah, it must be him. Crap.
Can someone please tell me what's going on?? Leon looks like he's about to burst.
I don't think you know the person, Leon. Amiru states.
At least tell me! I may even know!
It's the Yelping Tiger, Leon. I decided to cover for Amiru from answering that.
I know him!.
You do?
Yes! He's an elite racer out on Hana Outai. Ever since he killed some guy, he gained a lot of skill.
He killed Amiru's husband. I added.
For real?
Yes..
Oh.. Now I'm starting to get it.. Very sorry though, Amiru-san.
Abrupty, we mourned for Amiru.
Quite alright, Leon. Amiru broke the silence again.
No, no it isn't, Amiru. And I'll tell you what. I'll drive you guys somewhere that will surely take vengeance on him.
I'm not really into revenge, Leon. Amiru admits.
You won't be associated, Amiru. Only Mouko will.
What, me? I gasped.
Yes you, Mouko.
What? Why's that? Amiru interjects.
I have a feeling that my plan will surely be a perfect host like Mouko.
Your plan? Explain. Amiru insists.
Well, it's kinda tough to put it into words...
Then how you'll carry it out?
If you want, you can come as well.
I can't. I'll have to do something about Kairi.
Then stay here and wait for us, okay?
Excuse me?
He didn't bother responding. As soon as you know it, he bailed into the shop.
Uggh! Wait, Leon! Amiru demands out. Before she even moved, I grabbed her on the arm.
Huh? What is it, Mouko?
Um... maybe you should leave him alone and let him complete his 'plan'. I said.
And why's that? He could do anything.
But..., the look in his eyes implies a story that will actually justify your husband's death.
A story? What are you talking about?
I dunno. Either way, let him do his thing. Besides, I'll probably loose my head for tonight's race with the Tiger..
*Sighs* Okay. I'll go tell Kairi.
As I waited for both of them to depart the shop, I felt a very sharp and swift breeze slicing through the air. Seconds after, I felt a deep pinch at my back neck, and dropped to the ground. I started coughing very hoarsely, and my eyes started dilating. Momentarily, I went unconscious...
---~---~---
Do you think he'll wake up?
Hell as well! If he doesn't, we'll have to bury him in the sand. Slap him real quick.
As pleasure.
I felt a huge smack at my left cheek, and instantly gained consciousness. When I opened my eyes, it was insanely bright. I tried moving my arms and legs, but they were constrained. I realized I was tied to a tree.
Oh, looky-looky here! The little boy woke up. One of the two figures in front of me says.
It was too bright to capture a good recognition of the two figures in front of me. Plus, I can barely speak. When I try, only a whisp of air came out.
Don't bother wasting your breath. You're going to need it. Trust me, hehe. The other figure chuckles.
Alright, I think the drug worn out a bit on him. Take him down, and don't bother the effort for constraints. He's dead-down anyway.
Their voices sounded familiar. However only one of them were most recognizable. Who could it be... I couldn't think about it. All I thought about is being untied from this tree and hope that they won't torture me. A lot worse then murder... For some odd reason, I have doubts of Amiru, or Kairi, or Leon, or the folks back in the Orphanage even trying to save me. It's not like if I'll be memorable in their eyes once I die here, in a barren field. But I was used to it. It is not much I could do now but listen to every word these gentlemen commands.
Alright, got 'em down. The figure who untied me says. Oddly, the way he untied me wasn't forceful.
When I landed at my feet, I abruptly lost all balance and instead dropped face-down onto the scorching sand. The intense heat surprisingly didn't do much damage.
Uggh, c'mon kid, get up! The same figure drilled his foot into my kidney. It was damn painful, but seconds after the pain just vanished.
What the hell you doin', Fuja? No point to injuring him further. Besides, he needs all the energy to what we're going to do with him. The other figure states.
Fine. Fuja complains, and picks me right up. I still have balance issues, so I rested my head on his chest.
Aww, I think he likes you Fuja, hahaha! The other figure roars out laughing.
Shut the 🤬 up, Tigre. Yet he refused to push me aside.
Tigre... Tigre... That name ringed in my head for a while...
---~---~---
Okay, I'll point out my ride, Fuja. Tigre says.
Why the 🤬 do you need to that? I already know what kind of ride you drive. Fuja announced.
Because you almost always forget, dumb piece of crap.
I hope he dies in a bottomless pit... I overheard Fuja whisper. Tigre didn't hear a sound, though. I have an idea that this guy is Tigre's brother rather than his friend...
This ride here is perfection, kid. I realized he was talking to me. He'd even snapped his fingers right at my face.
I hope you're listening, kid. This ride here is one of my best.
As soon as he uncovered the gray curtain, a burst of yellow glistened in all directions. I had to look away from the intense brightness. When I tried again it softened into a more obvious form. The car was something I couldn't really place my tongue on. All I know, was that it's a Mitsubishi.
Not this ride, Tigre! Your bestest of the best is better than this one! Fuja exclaimed.
I know. But this one turns very gently, like a smooth breeze. Modified its yaw to make sure it goes smoothly on this Stage. Tigre responded.
I thought the kid was going to drive solo.
He is. I just need to patrol the Stage to make sure no Rats is in the area.
What the heck is a Rat?
For the billionth time, Rats don't come out at this time! They're too busy preparing for the race against you and this kid.
I'm going to do it, anyway. You can't stop me, Fuja. Even if you are my genetically-confirmed brother.
Oh, so he is his brother! Interesting...
In a blink of the eye, Fuja incensed and shoved me right onto the pavement ground. The impact stretched some skin on my cheek and painstakingly torn it.
Y'know what, 🤬 you, Tigre! I'm damn tired of this nonsense from you!
You got a 🤬 up mind speaking to me like that. How about I run you over with my Lancer, hmm?
I hope I'm not the only one that thinks this is useless.. And my god, my cheek!!
Better yet, let's have a versus.
I'm not in a mood to race, especially against you.
I couldn't do nothing but listen to the two fight over. I nearly cascaded into slumber until someone snatched me up.
You'd better not sleep out on us, kid. We're just getting started!
Tigre directed me to a car in the other side of the gas station. It was the Pink Silvia, just as original before this entire thing happened.
What the hell you doing, Tigre? Can't you see I'm talking to you!?
Get the hold of yourself, Fuja. Do not let this prodigal argument taint our mission.
*sigh* Fine.
Wow, that was pretty fast to resolve like that. I wonder how the past between the two was like...
Alright, kid. You're going to drive that Silvia around the Stage. All you have to do, is to submit the fastest time you can make. Me and Fuja will do the same as soon as you pit. Got it?
I didn't return the reiteration, so Tigre just shook me until my head rattled up and down like a nod.
Good. Now get in there and wait for instruction.
He escorted me right into the driver's seat, and actually helped me position myself.
He's not a damn baby, Tigre.
Don't you realize his drug side effect, Fuja? small pause Exactly.
He slammed the door shut, muting the ambience outside completely. I still couldn't move very well, but for some reason I could operate normally just sitting here. I was able to punch the brakes all the way, to rotating the steering wheel. This was beyond crazy compared to my condition a couple of minutes ago.
*Bzzt!* Hello? Kid, pick up!
A voice just came up out of nowhere, startling me just enough to almost smash my head to the roof.
Pick up!
I searched the dashboard, and found a radio transmitter mounted above the radio player. I grabbed the receiver, and tried to speak. But only bursts of air came out.
Oh yeah, I forgot... he can't talk... Ah well, then. The receiver calls out. The voice strengthens to Tigre's.
---~---~---
Okay, kid. Exit the pits and wait behind the white line. He continued.
I examined the areas near me for the keys, and found them inserted in the ignition slot. Once I got everything ready, I backed up, and proceeded out onto the course. I stationed behind the white line as instructed.
As I waited, I suddenly felt a sharp stream of anxiety in myself. I couldn't help but become so intruiged of how I'll perform on this course, despite what they are plotting. I locked my entire mind onto a fast lap time. Such sensation is something I have never been so immense on. It was almost like my drive in the Fiat 500 a few days back. This feeling was something that was hugely pleasurable, something that never happened to me since my parents passed away. And I wanted even more. The thought of it sent chills through my spine.
Okay... Go! Tigre's voice bellowed through the receiver.
...
...
...
...
Momentarily, I couldn't proceed. How am I supposed to get a good start?
Kid, what are you doing? Shift to 1st gear and step on the gas!
Oh, right...
I replicated his command. It seemed to work, though I gathered quite some wheelspin at the back, but I didn't worry much about my launch speed. I have many more laps to improve on.
I caught myself going down downhill, pushing the car to roughly 100 mph. However there seems to be a pretty hard 90 turn at the other end, so I'd better adjust to the best braking point and hope I don't go off.
I tried reaching for the apex, but I was a few meters off. But fortunately, I fought off the understeer and escaped that situation quite cleanly.
Beyond that, I spot another downhill into probably a pretty tough sector.
"Probably have to brake pretty early into this."
Crazily, I was right. This section had a "mountain top turn", an abrupt and stupid placement of a kink at the peak of a banked curve.
I tried slowing down the car for it, but it still wasn't enough. At exit I seized the vehicle into the extreme right, into the dirt. Then it hung on like it was stuck in a gutter.
"Dammit, C'mon Silvia!"
"C'mon, almost there!"
Luckily, the car came to its senses and escaped the dirt.
"Ah, thank gosh.."
I scanned the future route, and looked like there was two consecutive 90 handers into another curve similar to the one before.
"Alright.. Just have to slow down and I'll coast through the handers."
The first hander insinuated a slightly angled braking line, so I'd thought I might go off. But instead I braked on the road median and fed right in through the apex.
Immediately, the second hander plunged right into my view, and did the same thing.
Just like my inference from earlier, there was a turn almost like the one before, even the "mountain top turn".
"Great.."
But that didn't stop me. I mimicked my performance from the previous curve and prepared for the mountain turn.
"Yes!"
It was near-perfection! But that was the beginning...
... I didn't bother letting go the gas after that turn, and so I fishtailed the back end...
"Oh crap!!"
No choice... I have to do it!
I attempted my first countersteer...
..
..
... And it worked!!
"Oh my... Did I just...!?"
Felicitously, the momentum of the countersteer stabilized the car onto a proper driving line. Usually I would get all amazed on what not in a performance like that, but I had to keep going.
I panned to my right and found a warning sign, pointing out another challenging bank. Unfortunately, a hill blocked the rest of the turn before me, so I couldn't accommodate to the conditions.
"Damn.. I'd better get this curve right."
Midway, the turn became more obvious; it was a slow sweeper, which can easily ruin any driver too careless to negotiate it. And analyzing my movements, I probably was one of them..
.. But the Silvia justified, and with ingenuity, sped its way out.
"Whoo!"
Approaching was a pretty short straight into another long right-hander.
"Hmph.. That was pretty easy!"
However, even a slice of cake can have a terrible aftertaste - there was a pretty quick sweeper ahead, and for a sec I propagated no sense of progression through it.
"Uggh, I can't find a good enough line!"
But I had to try. Trying and failing was better than accepting failure and ending up in a hospital..
In the first bank, I coasted through as normal.
Weirdly, I had a feeling I won't make it through the second bank without taking the dirt. I trusted my gut, and executed this movement.
"I hope this isn't illegal.."
To my realization, it was a huge mistake.. The car just couldn't steer!
"Crap, no!"
I struggled to lunge the car to its proper line, but it just couldn't steer. And so, in all my might, was able to avoid the guardrail, but endured a sharp smack at the rear-left. Now the Silvia hugs the dirt once more. I had to brake the car just to extricate it from the dirt's clutches.
"Gosh.. That was a bit traumatic.."
I ignored that incident, and instead plotted for improvement.
Afterward, I can finally glimpse the finish line, beforehand an uphill climb and a seemingly tight right curve. I gripped the wheel hard, and prepared for the final moments (of this lap).
"Alright Silvia, let's eat up this last turn and see what time we made!"
3...
2...
1...
"Bingo!!"
After a period of silence, the CV radio came to life via a stingy voice: Tigre.
"Okay, kid. Here's the time. Let's see..."
"2...32...327. Not bad for a first-timer."
"Wow, it lasted that long?"
And I realized something... I can talk! But... did that lap just.... Nooo, it couldn't have done that!
"Alright kid, you can try again for a quicker time. But we can't spend all day on this, got it?" Tigre demands.
I snatched the receiver, and responded,
"Yeah, sure."
"Wait a minute... You can talk now? Interesting..." Tigre doesn't sound surprised.
"Yeah..."
"Enough of chit-chat! Gallop on to your hot lap!" Tigre interjects.
Kay, Silvia. Let's work together and earn ourselves a faster lap time!
"*sigh* Not this again..."
"Uggh, I hate this section! But I have to conquer this!"
"Aw crap, no!!"
"C'mon countersteer, work your magic, please!"
Just give it up, Mouko. You're gonna crash the invisible wall...
"OOOUUUCCH!!"
While the impact smashed my forehead onto the steering wheel, I didn't feel any pain. At all. Yet my forehead still bled.
"Whoa.. What is... wrong with me..."
I didn't have time to think. I have to continue my lap. I shifted to Reverse, backed up, and proceeded out into the straightaway.
"Sorry, kid. You wiped out. Try again."
How the hell did he know I wiped out? But it doesn't matter. I must keep going!
"Noo, not again!!"
I shook the wheel quite a lot just to stabilize it. I'd thought I might break it off its hub. Fortunately, I was able to level the car's weight.
"Nice job. A 2:23.717. One last try."
"*sigh* Seriously..."
"Tough luck, kid. A second or two slower. Return to the station."
I have never expected myself to drive like that before. I always thought I would never be of "anything" material because of my despairing past. But the drive just now felt gratifying; it was too pleasing to me, and I wanted more. On the other hand, I doubt I can progress in my driving style. I can never be like those pro drifters, or those Kart Champions. I have no future ahead of me. Yet I'm still here, waiting for that future to fly by and say "Hey, I'm right here!"
Either way, I'm here now, and might as well try the best I can for something to happen. Perhaps I could explain this better, but I'm becoming more perplexed when I try to put it into words...
---~---~---
"Nice driving there, kid. Pretty good for a first-timer on this Stage." Tigre compliments.
"Thanks.." I respond.
"Don't worry, kid. You'll get better soon enough. Even us two are pretty suckish." Tigre explains.
"That isn't what I'm worried about.." I admitted.
"Then what's wrong?"
"Why did you take me here? Why did you want me to do a hot lap? For what reason?"
"Hmph. Well kid, initially we were ordered by our 'superior' to kill you while you were tied to that tree."
"I see..."
"But... well kid... we had sympathy for you. And so we change plans and had a little fun."
"Now you'll kill me.."
"Nope, that's not it. The reason for this entire hot lap was to see how good you were."
"Why?"
"So we don't want another idiot like Ichio coming up again."
A grizzly voice originated from behind the Station. We jerked our heads to that direction and discovered a man in a very clean pitch black tux with a silk rose carnation pinned on his left chest, who was also with two other men behind him, possibly bodyguards. The tux man also wore a fedora, but I couldn't deduce his facial features. Once we stopped, one of the bodyguards gave him a long steel cane encrusted with tattoo marks.
"Oh-umm... What's up, boss.. Nice seeing you here-" Tigre interrupts.
"Shut up, Tigre."
He instantly stayed quiet.
"What did I told you two numbskulls to do with this kid here?"
"To kill him.." Fuja answers.
"Correct. And what do you do?"
"We had fun.." Fuja answers again.
"Correct! Now here's your prize!"
The 'boss' arms his cane, and swings its end onto Tigre's head, striking a fatal and blunt blow. He then laid unconscious and facially distorted on the pavement floor. He did the same to Fuja, but in a 'looser' fashion. After, he directed his attention to me.
"So... Here we are kid." The tux man continues on.
I just stood there, petrified. The tux man proceeds to reach out the bloody end of his cane onto my chin, lifting my head up slightly.
"Your affiliation with the Emisachus is no more, little man."
"So you'll... kill me?" I stuttered.
"Oh no! We have something better planned for you, Mr. Hijisaru."
He drove down his cane onto Tigre's hand, and calls out,
"One of you guys tranquilize him."
"What?" I panicked.
One of the bodyguards immediately pulled out a tranquilizer pistol from his jacket pockets, aims, and fires it at my neck. In a split second, my eyes started to heavily dilate, and immense pain streaming through my veins. I dropped to the ground, coughing vehemently. But I could still hear raggedy voices from my ringing ears,
"Don't worry kiddo. You'll be in a safer place."
................
....
..
One day Kaoru and Shinsou was strolling along the flower fields as always...
"Kaoru, look! A village!"
"There is? Let's go check it out!"
Shinsou and Kaoru happily held hands and scurried towards the village.
"Ooo, this place is so majestic!"
"I know, right? The architecture's so complex!"
"Hey! What are you two doing here!?"
Both addressed behind and see a man, all in greyhound fur.
"Oh, hello stranger!" Says Kaoru, but the man lays angry.
"You two are not supposed to be here. Leave now!"
"Why's that, stranger?" Shinsou questions kindly.
"This is no place for kids like you!"
"Hey, we're not 'kids'!" Kaoru accidentally rose her voice.
"Watch your tone, missy!"
"Why can't we be here stranger?" Shinsou asks.
"Because I said so. Do I have to remove you two by force?"
"That won't be necessary. We'll be on our way."
Before Shinsou starts walking, Kaoru disputes further,
"Why can't you tell us, stranger? I don't see anything wrong about this place."
"It does not matter! Leave now-"
Suddenly the stranger exploded into a plethora of bright flowers,
before exposing a strongbox at where his feet lie before.
"What's that?" Shinsou puzzles.
"Let's check it out." Kaoru insists.
"I don't know... It could eat us..." Shinsou panics the worse.
"Fine, I'll open it."
"No, Kaoru, don't!"
Too late.
As Kaoru opened it,
and comes up a wooden key.
"A... 'key'?" Shinsou is confused.
Kaoru read out loud its engraving,
"The Link to Snow Leopard."
"Wha..?" Shinsou is at his peak of confusion.
And will the confusion go on forever?
Ch. 5 End.
Hey, what's the matter guys? Leon asks.
We remained silent, leaving Leon the only person who looks confused. But Amiru cracks the silence.
A-are you sure it is Ichio?
Yeah. The records I keep never lie, and is always dated & legible. Wait a minute pause Is it your husband?
Amiru kept quiet.
I see... Well, that doesn't make much sense at all!
You think so? I baffled.
The man was someone that Amiru wouldn't marry in a million years!
What did he looked like? Amiru asks.
Umm... I can't really remember. Sorry.. Leon admits.
Oh. It's alright, I guess..
No, wait! I remember a little about the man.
Let's see... He had a distinctive scar across his nose... He had a porcupine haircut... Very aggressive eyes...
That's all?
Yeah, sadly.
That is enough to illustrate something.
We spent some time figuring out somebody who was close to the descriptions. Unfortunately no one got a well enough interpretation.
I'm out of ideas.. I called out.
Same here. Amiru seconds.
I dunno anyone who looks like that. Kairi thirds.
I may have a clue. Leon jumps in.
Really? Well, tell us! I said.
But I don't think he's a close match. Besides, he doesn't live on this prefecture anymore.
It's not like if we're going to his house and beat him up.
I know that. Even if I do know, he isn't very close to the description.
Could it be... Amiru announced.
Hm? Who is it, Amiru? Leon questions.
Could it be... a man named... No! No, it can't possibly be him!
Amiru sprinted right out to the back, and we chased after her. When she stopped, we were all near the pink Silvia. I walked up to her slowly.
What is it, Amiru? You can tell us! I assured.
You may understand, Mouko.. Amiru comments.
Why can't I? Leon complains.
Because... the man's name is...
Hold on..... Yeah, it must be him. Crap.
Can someone please tell me what's going on?? Leon looks like he's about to burst.
I don't think you know the person, Leon. Amiru states.
At least tell me! I may even know!
It's the Yelping Tiger, Leon. I decided to cover for Amiru from answering that.
I know him!.
You do?
Yes! He's an elite racer out on Hana Outai. Ever since he killed some guy, he gained a lot of skill.
He killed Amiru's husband. I added.
For real?
Yes..
Oh.. Now I'm starting to get it.. Very sorry though, Amiru-san.
Abrupty, we mourned for Amiru.
Quite alright, Leon. Amiru broke the silence again.
No, no it isn't, Amiru. And I'll tell you what. I'll drive you guys somewhere that will surely take vengeance on him.
I'm not really into revenge, Leon. Amiru admits.
You won't be associated, Amiru. Only Mouko will.
What, me? I gasped.
Yes you, Mouko.
What? Why's that? Amiru interjects.
I have a feeling that my plan will surely be a perfect host like Mouko.
Your plan? Explain. Amiru insists.
Well, it's kinda tough to put it into words...
Then how you'll carry it out?
If you want, you can come as well.
I can't. I'll have to do something about Kairi.
Then stay here and wait for us, okay?
Excuse me?
He didn't bother responding. As soon as you know it, he bailed into the shop.
Uggh! Wait, Leon! Amiru demands out. Before she even moved, I grabbed her on the arm.
Huh? What is it, Mouko?
Um... maybe you should leave him alone and let him complete his 'plan'. I said.
And why's that? He could do anything.
But..., the look in his eyes implies a story that will actually justify your husband's death.
A story? What are you talking about?
I dunno. Either way, let him do his thing. Besides, I'll probably loose my head for tonight's race with the Tiger..
*Sighs* Okay. I'll go tell Kairi.
As I waited for both of them to depart the shop, I felt a very sharp and swift breeze slicing through the air. Seconds after, I felt a deep pinch at my back neck, and dropped to the ground. I started coughing very hoarsely, and my eyes started dilating. Momentarily, I went unconscious...
---~---~---
Do you think he'll wake up?
Hell as well! If he doesn't, we'll have to bury him in the sand. Slap him real quick.
As pleasure.
I felt a huge smack at my left cheek, and instantly gained consciousness. When I opened my eyes, it was insanely bright. I tried moving my arms and legs, but they were constrained. I realized I was tied to a tree.
Oh, looky-looky here! The little boy woke up. One of the two figures in front of me says.
It was too bright to capture a good recognition of the two figures in front of me. Plus, I can barely speak. When I try, only a whisp of air came out.
Don't bother wasting your breath. You're going to need it. Trust me, hehe. The other figure chuckles.
Alright, I think the drug worn out a bit on him. Take him down, and don't bother the effort for constraints. He's dead-down anyway.
Their voices sounded familiar. However only one of them were most recognizable. Who could it be... I couldn't think about it. All I thought about is being untied from this tree and hope that they won't torture me. A lot worse then murder... For some odd reason, I have doubts of Amiru, or Kairi, or Leon, or the folks back in the Orphanage even trying to save me. It's not like if I'll be memorable in their eyes once I die here, in a barren field. But I was used to it. It is not much I could do now but listen to every word these gentlemen commands.
Alright, got 'em down. The figure who untied me says. Oddly, the way he untied me wasn't forceful.
When I landed at my feet, I abruptly lost all balance and instead dropped face-down onto the scorching sand. The intense heat surprisingly didn't do much damage.
Uggh, c'mon kid, get up! The same figure drilled his foot into my kidney. It was damn painful, but seconds after the pain just vanished.
What the hell you doin', Fuja? No point to injuring him further. Besides, he needs all the energy to what we're going to do with him. The other figure states.
Fine. Fuja complains, and picks me right up. I still have balance issues, so I rested my head on his chest.
Aww, I think he likes you Fuja, hahaha! The other figure roars out laughing.
Shut the 🤬 up, Tigre. Yet he refused to push me aside.
Tigre... Tigre... That name ringed in my head for a while...
---~---~---
Okay, I'll point out my ride, Fuja. Tigre says.
Why the 🤬 do you need to that? I already know what kind of ride you drive. Fuja announced.
Because you almost always forget, dumb piece of crap.
I hope he dies in a bottomless pit... I overheard Fuja whisper. Tigre didn't hear a sound, though. I have an idea that this guy is Tigre's brother rather than his friend...
This ride here is perfection, kid. I realized he was talking to me. He'd even snapped his fingers right at my face.
I hope you're listening, kid. This ride here is one of my best.
As soon as he uncovered the gray curtain, a burst of yellow glistened in all directions. I had to look away from the intense brightness. When I tried again it softened into a more obvious form. The car was something I couldn't really place my tongue on. All I know, was that it's a Mitsubishi.
Not this ride, Tigre! Your bestest of the best is better than this one! Fuja exclaimed.
I know. But this one turns very gently, like a smooth breeze. Modified its yaw to make sure it goes smoothly on this Stage. Tigre responded.
I thought the kid was going to drive solo.
He is. I just need to patrol the Stage to make sure no Rats is in the area.
What the heck is a Rat?
For the billionth time, Rats don't come out at this time! They're too busy preparing for the race against you and this kid.
I'm going to do it, anyway. You can't stop me, Fuja. Even if you are my genetically-confirmed brother.
Oh, so he is his brother! Interesting...
In a blink of the eye, Fuja incensed and shoved me right onto the pavement ground. The impact stretched some skin on my cheek and painstakingly torn it.
Y'know what, 🤬 you, Tigre! I'm damn tired of this nonsense from you!
You got a 🤬 up mind speaking to me like that. How about I run you over with my Lancer, hmm?
I hope I'm not the only one that thinks this is useless.. And my god, my cheek!!
Better yet, let's have a versus.
I'm not in a mood to race, especially against you.
I couldn't do nothing but listen to the two fight over. I nearly cascaded into slumber until someone snatched me up.
You'd better not sleep out on us, kid. We're just getting started!
Tigre directed me to a car in the other side of the gas station. It was the Pink Silvia, just as original before this entire thing happened.
What the hell you doing, Tigre? Can't you see I'm talking to you!?
Get the hold of yourself, Fuja. Do not let this prodigal argument taint our mission.
*sigh* Fine.
Wow, that was pretty fast to resolve like that. I wonder how the past between the two was like...
Alright, kid. You're going to drive that Silvia around the Stage. All you have to do, is to submit the fastest time you can make. Me and Fuja will do the same as soon as you pit. Got it?
I didn't return the reiteration, so Tigre just shook me until my head rattled up and down like a nod.
Good. Now get in there and wait for instruction.
He escorted me right into the driver's seat, and actually helped me position myself.
He's not a damn baby, Tigre.
Don't you realize his drug side effect, Fuja? small pause Exactly.
He slammed the door shut, muting the ambience outside completely. I still couldn't move very well, but for some reason I could operate normally just sitting here. I was able to punch the brakes all the way, to rotating the steering wheel. This was beyond crazy compared to my condition a couple of minutes ago.
*Bzzt!* Hello? Kid, pick up!
A voice just came up out of nowhere, startling me just enough to almost smash my head to the roof.
Pick up!
I searched the dashboard, and found a radio transmitter mounted above the radio player. I grabbed the receiver, and tried to speak. But only bursts of air came out.
Oh yeah, I forgot... he can't talk... Ah well, then. The receiver calls out. The voice strengthens to Tigre's.
---~---~---
Okay, kid. Exit the pits and wait behind the white line. He continued.
I examined the areas near me for the keys, and found them inserted in the ignition slot. Once I got everything ready, I backed up, and proceeded out onto the course. I stationed behind the white line as instructed.
As I waited, I suddenly felt a sharp stream of anxiety in myself. I couldn't help but become so intruiged of how I'll perform on this course, despite what they are plotting. I locked my entire mind onto a fast lap time. Such sensation is something I have never been so immense on. It was almost like my drive in the Fiat 500 a few days back. This feeling was something that was hugely pleasurable, something that never happened to me since my parents passed away. And I wanted even more. The thought of it sent chills through my spine.
Okay... Go! Tigre's voice bellowed through the receiver.
...
...
...
...
Momentarily, I couldn't proceed. How am I supposed to get a good start?
Kid, what are you doing? Shift to 1st gear and step on the gas!
Oh, right...
I replicated his command. It seemed to work, though I gathered quite some wheelspin at the back, but I didn't worry much about my launch speed. I have many more laps to improve on.
I caught myself going down downhill, pushing the car to roughly 100 mph. However there seems to be a pretty hard 90 turn at the other end, so I'd better adjust to the best braking point and hope I don't go off.
I tried reaching for the apex, but I was a few meters off. But fortunately, I fought off the understeer and escaped that situation quite cleanly.
Beyond that, I spot another downhill into probably a pretty tough sector.
"Probably have to brake pretty early into this."
Crazily, I was right. This section had a "mountain top turn", an abrupt and stupid placement of a kink at the peak of a banked curve.
I tried slowing down the car for it, but it still wasn't enough. At exit I seized the vehicle into the extreme right, into the dirt. Then it hung on like it was stuck in a gutter.
"Dammit, C'mon Silvia!"
"C'mon, almost there!"
Luckily, the car came to its senses and escaped the dirt.
"Ah, thank gosh.."
I scanned the future route, and looked like there was two consecutive 90 handers into another curve similar to the one before.
"Alright.. Just have to slow down and I'll coast through the handers."
The first hander insinuated a slightly angled braking line, so I'd thought I might go off. But instead I braked on the road median and fed right in through the apex.
Immediately, the second hander plunged right into my view, and did the same thing.
Just like my inference from earlier, there was a turn almost like the one before, even the "mountain top turn".
"Great.."
But that didn't stop me. I mimicked my performance from the previous curve and prepared for the mountain turn.
"Yes!"
It was near-perfection! But that was the beginning...
... I didn't bother letting go the gas after that turn, and so I fishtailed the back end...
"Oh crap!!"
No choice... I have to do it!
I attempted my first countersteer...
..
..
... And it worked!!
"Oh my... Did I just...!?"
Felicitously, the momentum of the countersteer stabilized the car onto a proper driving line. Usually I would get all amazed on what not in a performance like that, but I had to keep going.
I panned to my right and found a warning sign, pointing out another challenging bank. Unfortunately, a hill blocked the rest of the turn before me, so I couldn't accommodate to the conditions.
"Damn.. I'd better get this curve right."
Midway, the turn became more obvious; it was a slow sweeper, which can easily ruin any driver too careless to negotiate it. And analyzing my movements, I probably was one of them..
.. But the Silvia justified, and with ingenuity, sped its way out.
"Whoo!"
Approaching was a pretty short straight into another long right-hander.
"Hmph.. That was pretty easy!"
However, even a slice of cake can have a terrible aftertaste - there was a pretty quick sweeper ahead, and for a sec I propagated no sense of progression through it.
"Uggh, I can't find a good enough line!"
But I had to try. Trying and failing was better than accepting failure and ending up in a hospital..
In the first bank, I coasted through as normal.
Weirdly, I had a feeling I won't make it through the second bank without taking the dirt. I trusted my gut, and executed this movement.
"I hope this isn't illegal.."
To my realization, it was a huge mistake.. The car just couldn't steer!
"Crap, no!"
I struggled to lunge the car to its proper line, but it just couldn't steer. And so, in all my might, was able to avoid the guardrail, but endured a sharp smack at the rear-left. Now the Silvia hugs the dirt once more. I had to brake the car just to extricate it from the dirt's clutches.
"Gosh.. That was a bit traumatic.."
I ignored that incident, and instead plotted for improvement.
Afterward, I can finally glimpse the finish line, beforehand an uphill climb and a seemingly tight right curve. I gripped the wheel hard, and prepared for the final moments (of this lap).
"Alright Silvia, let's eat up this last turn and see what time we made!"
3...
2...
1...
"Bingo!!"
After a period of silence, the CV radio came to life via a stingy voice: Tigre.
"Okay, kid. Here's the time. Let's see..."
"2...32...327. Not bad for a first-timer."
"Wow, it lasted that long?"
And I realized something... I can talk! But... did that lap just.... Nooo, it couldn't have done that!
"Alright kid, you can try again for a quicker time. But we can't spend all day on this, got it?" Tigre demands.
I snatched the receiver, and responded,
"Yeah, sure."
"Wait a minute... You can talk now? Interesting..." Tigre doesn't sound surprised.
"Yeah..."
"Enough of chit-chat! Gallop on to your hot lap!" Tigre interjects.
Kay, Silvia. Let's work together and earn ourselves a faster lap time!
"*sigh* Not this again..."
"Uggh, I hate this section! But I have to conquer this!"
"Aw crap, no!!"
"C'mon countersteer, work your magic, please!"
Just give it up, Mouko. You're gonna crash the invisible wall...
"OOOUUUCCH!!"
While the impact smashed my forehead onto the steering wheel, I didn't feel any pain. At all. Yet my forehead still bled.
"Whoa.. What is... wrong with me..."
I didn't have time to think. I have to continue my lap. I shifted to Reverse, backed up, and proceeded out into the straightaway.
"Sorry, kid. You wiped out. Try again."
How the hell did he know I wiped out? But it doesn't matter. I must keep going!
"Noo, not again!!"
I shook the wheel quite a lot just to stabilize it. I'd thought I might break it off its hub. Fortunately, I was able to level the car's weight.
"Nice job. A 2:23.717. One last try."
"*sigh* Seriously..."
"Tough luck, kid. A second or two slower. Return to the station."
I have never expected myself to drive like that before. I always thought I would never be of "anything" material because of my despairing past. But the drive just now felt gratifying; it was too pleasing to me, and I wanted more. On the other hand, I doubt I can progress in my driving style. I can never be like those pro drifters, or those Kart Champions. I have no future ahead of me. Yet I'm still here, waiting for that future to fly by and say "Hey, I'm right here!"
Either way, I'm here now, and might as well try the best I can for something to happen. Perhaps I could explain this better, but I'm becoming more perplexed when I try to put it into words...
---~---~---
"Nice driving there, kid. Pretty good for a first-timer on this Stage." Tigre compliments.
"Thanks.." I respond.
"Don't worry, kid. You'll get better soon enough. Even us two are pretty suckish." Tigre explains.
"That isn't what I'm worried about.." I admitted.
"Then what's wrong?"
"Why did you take me here? Why did you want me to do a hot lap? For what reason?"
"Hmph. Well kid, initially we were ordered by our 'superior' to kill you while you were tied to that tree."
"I see..."
"But... well kid... we had sympathy for you. And so we change plans and had a little fun."
"Now you'll kill me.."
"Nope, that's not it. The reason for this entire hot lap was to see how good you were."
"Why?"
"So we don't want another idiot like Ichio coming up again."
A grizzly voice originated from behind the Station. We jerked our heads to that direction and discovered a man in a very clean pitch black tux with a silk rose carnation pinned on his left chest, who was also with two other men behind him, possibly bodyguards. The tux man also wore a fedora, but I couldn't deduce his facial features. Once we stopped, one of the bodyguards gave him a long steel cane encrusted with tattoo marks.
"Oh-umm... What's up, boss.. Nice seeing you here-" Tigre interrupts.
"Shut up, Tigre."
He instantly stayed quiet.
"What did I told you two numbskulls to do with this kid here?"
"To kill him.." Fuja answers.
"Correct. And what do you do?"
"We had fun.." Fuja answers again.
"Correct! Now here's your prize!"
The 'boss' arms his cane, and swings its end onto Tigre's head, striking a fatal and blunt blow. He then laid unconscious and facially distorted on the pavement floor. He did the same to Fuja, but in a 'looser' fashion. After, he directed his attention to me.
"So... Here we are kid." The tux man continues on.
I just stood there, petrified. The tux man proceeds to reach out the bloody end of his cane onto my chin, lifting my head up slightly.
"Your affiliation with the Emisachus is no more, little man."
"So you'll... kill me?" I stuttered.
"Oh no! We have something better planned for you, Mr. Hijisaru."
He drove down his cane onto Tigre's hand, and calls out,
"One of you guys tranquilize him."
"What?" I panicked.
One of the bodyguards immediately pulled out a tranquilizer pistol from his jacket pockets, aims, and fires it at my neck. In a split second, my eyes started to heavily dilate, and immense pain streaming through my veins. I dropped to the ground, coughing vehemently. But I could still hear raggedy voices from my ringing ears,
"Don't worry kiddo. You'll be in a safer place."
................
....
..
One day Kaoru and Shinsou was strolling along the flower fields as always...
"Kaoru, look! A village!"
"There is? Let's go check it out!"
Shinsou and Kaoru happily held hands and scurried towards the village.
"Ooo, this place is so majestic!"
"I know, right? The architecture's so complex!"
"Hey! What are you two doing here!?"
Both addressed behind and see a man, all in greyhound fur.
"Oh, hello stranger!" Says Kaoru, but the man lays angry.
"You two are not supposed to be here. Leave now!"
"Why's that, stranger?" Shinsou questions kindly.
"This is no place for kids like you!"
"Hey, we're not 'kids'!" Kaoru accidentally rose her voice.
"Watch your tone, missy!"
"Why can't we be here stranger?" Shinsou asks.
"Because I said so. Do I have to remove you two by force?"
"That won't be necessary. We'll be on our way."
Before Shinsou starts walking, Kaoru disputes further,
"Why can't you tell us, stranger? I don't see anything wrong about this place."
"It does not matter! Leave now-"
Suddenly the stranger exploded into a plethora of bright flowers,
before exposing a strongbox at where his feet lie before.
"What's that?" Shinsou puzzles.
"Let's check it out." Kaoru insists.
"I don't know... It could eat us..." Shinsou panics the worse.
"Fine, I'll open it."
"No, Kaoru, don't!"
Too late.
As Kaoru opened it,
and comes up a wooden key.
"A... 'key'?" Shinsou is confused.
Kaoru read out loud its engraving,
"The Link to Snow Leopard."
"Wha..?" Shinsou is at his peak of confusion.
And will the confusion go on forever?
Ch. 5 End.
-----------~---
Sorry if this feels a bit rushed. It took me days to compile this
Anyway, any suggestions/criticism welcome as always!
- 6,777
- Florida
- gtamann123
Sorry that it took me basically another month to make a new chapter.. I just find it really difficult to formulate some ideas that isn't cliche or something like that. However, I do have a couple of ideas, but it's pretty tough to carry them out properly.
I do have a very spectacular vision of the Fanfic's future, and I really want to see how it will pave its way there. But I want to do that while enjoying every Chapter I make for this Fanfic.
I do have a very spectacular vision of the Fanfic's future, and I really want to see how it will pave its way there. But I want to do that while enjoying every Chapter I make for this Fanfic.
- 6,777
- Florida
- gtamann123
You could have drawn blood in there
Anyway, I should release the next chapter this weekend, I'm hoping. Not that anyone is hoping for it though..
- 2,482
- United States
Not that anyone cares/is hoping for it? Pish posh, mate. Yes, I may act in a.. Similar.. Way sometimes, but I don't let that stop me. Now, if I feel people have lost interest, it does affect me quite a lot, but not to the point I want to stop! I'll write for myself if I have to. Over and over until people regain interest. Yes, while it is important to have fans (As it makes me feel that people actually appreciate my works), they're not the ones that should control you. You are. Writing makes you happy, as I see, so keep doing it. Don't let people's views get in the way. I'm not trying to keep you from giving up, but I don't want you to give up. I can trust you to keep up the works of this story. Yes, it might not be a 100% masterpiece, but it's just simply marvelous compared to other works I've seen from kids of similar ages. Keep going. Be proud you at least have a couple of fans!
[/End (Motivation?) Thingy]
It is a really good story.
I'm still reading, after all.. Hoping..
~ Ryou
- Sorry if this post annoyed anyone.. I thought I should voice my opinions since I've heard I am a kind and 'Helpful' person.
[/End (Motivation?) Thingy]
It is a really good story.
I'm still reading, after all.. Hoping..
~ Ryou
- Sorry if this post annoyed anyone.. I thought I should voice my opinions since I've heard I am a kind and 'Helpful' person.
- 2,191
- San Francisco,
- machate-man
- dowby
Looking at the amount of activity happening here in the Race Reports section, I feel as though I should take up a story again
I commend you for your efforts, Techy. Continue with your story!
I commend you for your efforts, Techy. Continue with your story!
- 6,777
- Florida
- gtamann123
👍
Looking at the amount of activity happening here in the Race Reports section, I feel as though I should take up a story again
I commend you for your efforts, Techy. Continue with your story!
Thanks, mate. And good luck with yours as well, when you come up with ideas
- Status
