[Initial D][Fanfic] Transitions -Part 1
Teisu
<jwa...@javanet.com> wrote:
>
>Teisu--you suck! Damn you!
<snip>
The above was not a flame, but an earnest display of emotion of an
overwhelmed Otaku.
To add insult to injury, I am dumping my latest fanfic in his lap!
Most of you hate waiting 30 days for a story to clear RAAC.
The moderators are swamped, and have day jobs. I'm not flaming them.
Apologies in advance for punctuation and grammar.The following was
submitted on 25/Mar/2001.
---
Disclaimer:
All of the characters and most of the events depicted in this
fanfic are the property of Avex Mode. I do not make any claim on
ownership, nor do I intend to profit from this work. This work may be
copied or distributed by electronic means as long as all notes and
disclaimers are included.
To the fans who have taken the trouble to write me: Greetings.
May this story be up to your standards. Spelling and punctuation may
be specifically addressed in correspondence to te...@my.host.net. An
up to date copy of this fanfic will reside on my webpage at
www.geocities.com/bthies.
My Initial_D fanfics may be long or short, depending on how long
the inspiration lasts. I have decided to write this as a series of
episodes, trying to match the "feel" for the TV show.
Teisu
Initial D: Transitions Part 1
Buzzz!
Takumi Fujiwara fumbled for the alarm. It was the same as every
other morning. It was time to deliver the tofu. The Akina Hotel's
contract with the Fujiwara Tofu Shop included tofu delivered fresh
every morning. It wasn't glamorous, it wasn't high profile, but it
definitely paid the bills. Instead of the single box delivery that had
been the order for the past five years, the hotel had increased its
order from one to two boxes. Last Saturday, there were three. There
were rumors about the advertising on the side of the Trueno was
beginning to pay dividends; that it was becoming a ritual to eat
Fujiwara tofu if one stayed at the Akina Hotel.
At his first race, everyone but his opponent had snickered at the
tofu delivery car being a serious competitor. But over and over, he
had pushed the limits of his driving skill and the vehicle's
capabilities. His record included an impressive string of victories
and a single loss.
The Emperor team's driver did not consider it a loss. Neither did
the Red Suns, both impressive car clubs made up of street racers.
"I lost that race when I blew the engine." Takumi reflected, as
he accepted the cup of water from his father and set it carefully into
the driver's side cup holder.
He turned the key and the engine spun and caught easily. He
pulled out into the street and quickly disappeared into the pre-dawn
darkness.
He carefully shifted the gears in rhythm with the turns as he
traversed the mountain road. Takumi glanced down as the water circled
in the paper cup. As long as the water did not spill, one could be
guaranteed that the delicate tofu would arrive whole and undamaged. He
had been driving these roads alone every morning since he was
thirteen. In the early morning, there was little traffic and no police
patrols in the mountain. He had never been questioned, although he had
received some strange looks. People probably figured that on those
occasions, that his dad was sick or had a personal emergency. Rain,
snow, fog, or glare ice, the tofu was delivered. At eighteen, he had
finally gotten his driver's license.
That car was different than what he was driving now. Originally
the car was stock. There were minor changes to the suspension, and
good tires. The AE86, as it was known, had a dual overhead cam
engine. The car was fairly well balanced and had a good temperament.
Not so with what he was driving now. The transmission had been
re-geared, the suspension stiffened, and a special tachometer
installed for the new engine. It fit cleanly under the bonnet and left
the same footprint as the old engine. But this was as different from
stock as a raging river was from a still pond. The engine was a racing
engine from Toyota's racing division. No one could figure out how
Bunta had managed to acquire it. Bunta, Takumi's dad, had a reputation
of being a formidable street racer in his day. Some of his old friends
had become professional racing drivers, and dropped by on occasions to
discuss business and old times.
Takumi pulled past the hotel parking lot into the delivery area.
As the helpers carefully unloaded the delicate cargo, the chef leaned
inside and glanced at the still full cup of water. Noting the dry
carpet underneath it, he grinned. "Nice job as always," he remarked,
stamping the delivery receipt and handing it back to Takumi. "See you
tomorrow."
Takumi nodded and accelerated out of the parking lot. He picked
up the cup of water and drank some of it. The technique of weight
transfer that the cup indicated was still useful, but the tofu was
delivered. As soon as he could get home, the sooner he could get back
to bed. He accelerated down the mountain and slid the car through the
first turn within 10 centimeters of the guardrail.
"Tires aren't cheap. Neither is petrol." Takumi cautioned
himself. The racing engine was not known for fuel economy, but with
the variable valve timing, recently installed, it did quite well on
the city and highways. It was just a little greedier than the old
engine. Tires were different. He had completely worn out the set on
Usui Mountain, racing against Mako's Sil-80. He had discussed sharing
the burden of buying tires, but his dad seemed unconcerned. He still
tried to avoid unnecessary wear on them. Petrol was a little
different. He received a gasoline allowance from his part time job at
the GS service station, but had to supplement the tank from his own
funds if he made extra runs at the mountain.
Takumi spotted the headlights coming ahead, and carefully kept
his car in the left lane, until the traffic was past.[In Japan,
drivers bear left.]
Takumi accelerated and did a drift around the next corner, and
barely noticed the parked cars at the lookout point.
"As you can see, Jusei," Ryosuke declared to his rival as they
watched as the car disappeared into the pre-dawn light, "Akina's '86
lives again. If you want to race me again, you must race Takumi."
"I'm still not willing to race that piece of scrap metal again."
Jusei muttered. "I don't care if he does have a new engine, it's an
insult to the Lan Evo 4!"
"That piece of 'scrap metal'," Ryosuke declared, "Is the only car
to ever have beaten me." I saw the damage on your unbeatable car after
trying to race Usui!" According to Mako, he is the only person that
has ever successfully navigated C-121 by following the Sil-80. He
defeated the Sil-80 having never driven Usui before. He even managed
to do it with the old '86."
"I see, if I want revenge for my loss to your RX7 FC I have to
race Akina's '86 first?"
"Win or lose, that is the way it is!" Ryosuke replied watching
Jusei get into the car and spin his tires as he drove back down the
mountain.
"I want to see Takumi get his revenge for his loss to the
Emperors." Ryosuke thought as he saw the taillights fade.
Jusei gunned the engine hard; the turbo charger was beginning to whine
as he approached the Trueno. He flashed his lights in the rear view
mirror indicating his desire to pass. Takumi was hardly interested in
racing. He was moving at a good pace. Anyone wishing to wear out his
or her tires could do so without his cooperation. Takumi eased over to
the left and lifted his foot from the throttle, making it easy to pass
him.
To his surprise, the vehicle behind him slowed down also and
flashed him again, then eased up beside him. Takumi saw the Emperor
logo on the windscreen and recognized the challenge. Takumi depressed
the accelerator sharply, the tachometer shot quickly upwards,
exceeding 10,000 RPM. Most engines would have been damaged, but this
engine was designed to run at high revolutions. Jusei reacted to
follow. As the turbo-charger began to boost power to the Lan Evo,
Jusei watched in disbelief as the Trueno disappeared around the corner
at the end of the short straight away.
"Nice reaction time," Jusei thought as he accelerated after his
opponent. He drifted around the corner, using the Evo's 4-wheel drive
to power his way through the turn.
"Not there?" Did the famous '86 lose control? No, the guardrails
are undamaged." Jusei's car roared down the mountain. He caught a
glimpse far ahead of taillights. "The Evo 4 will catch him on the long
straight!"
Takumi's face was set. The Evo 4 had forced the race. If he lost
again, the Emperor driver could use it as an excuse to deny him a
rematch. If he won, the Emperor driver would just deny that it took
place. The Emperor drivers always made it a point to challenge other
teams.
"No one has ever directly challenged the Emperors," he realized.
Without thinking, he drifted around the corner, downshifted and
accelerated out of the turn. Takumi knew that his opponent was very
strong and drove the '86 hard.
"Time to use the gutter technique!" Takumi dropped his tires into
the gutter on the curve and used the gutter to hold his wheels on the
curve at high speed. He gently freed the tires and accelerated down
the long straight, about halfway down Mount Akina. The tachometer
climbed and Takumi held it at 11,000 RPM. He threaded his way down
the mountain using every technique he had ever devised to save his
tires and increase his speed. His mind was split two ways. He was
apprehensive about the Lan Evo that he knew was following him, but did
not concentrate on the rear-view mirror. He was concentrating on the
task in front of him.
Takumi exited the mountain road as he merged onto the main
highway. The Evo had never attempted to pass him. Takumi eased off the
throttle as light traffic was appearing. He did the speed limit the
rest of the way home.
Takumi reset the alarm and caught two more hours of sleep. Then
he was up again for school.
"Hey Takumi!" Itsuki yelled between classes. "What are we doing
this weekend?"
" I think I will challenge the Emperors to a race on Usui."
"Challenge the Emperors? You must be joking. Since when do you
challenge...?" Itsuki looked alarmed, at the serious face of his
friend.
"I see. It was your first victory outside Akina. And you intend
to race against the only team that you still haven't beat." Itsuki
followed his reasoning clearly.
Takumi nodded at the words of his friend.
---
The two men looked at each other. So the driver of the famous
Akina '86 wants to challenge the Emperors? This is refreshing! To
actually receive a challenge!" The team leader smirked. "No! We still
have to defeat the Red Suns. Once we have defeated them, we will
entertain toying with you."
"What's that, Jusei?" The leader stopped as Jusei whispered into
his ear. "Ryosuke refuses our rematch unless we race with you!"
He reddened with embarrassment. "Very well, Takumi Fujiwara. We
will meet you on Akina on Saturday evening at 10pm."
"No, that would be unfair." Takumi replied. "I suggest we race on
neutral territory. How about Usui?"
"Usui? That's not a race, but an obstacle course!"
"We use Mako's rules." Takumi replied. "Unless you wish to
concede the race already."
Takumi watched as Jusei clenched his fists in anger silently.
"Very well. Usui it is. I hope you know what you are doing!"
---
"Takumi challenged the Emperors!" Itsuki danced around in the
parking lot. "This is going to be some battle! The Red Suns, the Night
Kids, the Thunderbirds are all coming to support Akina's '86."
"I'm not coming," Iketani announced.
"What!" Itsuki got in his face. "Just because you may have some
bad feelings with Mako is no reason to abandon a team member! Besides
how would it look if Mako and Sayuki are there to support him and you
don't bother to show up?"
"Okay, okay, already!" Iketani declared.
"Besides they aren't bad feelings, just a little confused." He
admitted.
"She is probably still mad at me for not showing up the last
time." Iketani thought to himself.
---
"It's quite a drive from Akina, let's stop in this restaurant."
"It's the famous Speed Stars of Akina!" Sayuki walked over to the
table.
"Wow! What a cutie!" Itsuki stared and then realized his eyes
were bouncing from following Sayuki's breasts as she approached.
"Iketani, Mako is still sweet on you, she asked if you would meet
her in the parking lot. She isn't mad, just a little hurt. She said
that just seeing you would make her forgive you."
Iketani got up and tried not to look too hurried as he paid his
bill and then dashed out the door.
"I'm glad he feels the same way." Sayuki smiled. "Now for
business. Takumi, I offer my services as navigator."
"Navigator? I don't race with passengers."
"Wait a minute!" Itsuki corrected him. That's not true. In the
rain race, I rode as a passenger against the S-14."
"I don't know yet, how much do you weigh?" Takumi asked. "45
kilograms?"
"Thank you, but 47 kilograms." Sayuki responded.
"I can find the ideal lines by myself, but another pair of eyes
looking for obstacles and oncoming traffic would be good," Takumi
commented. "Having a passenger that doesn't beg for mercy would be
nice too. So I get a navigator, what's in it for you?"
"I get to ride with the only driver to defeat Ryosuke," Sayuki
started. "And I want a date."
"A date!" The three remaining drivers' eyes grew large and round.
"Takumi already has a girlfriend." Itsuki started.
"Natsuki is seeing someone else already." Takumi answered
emotionlessly. "Sayuki, you have a deal." Takumi gently grasped the
offered hand. He noticed a gentle blush appear on Sayuki's cheeks. He
felt his own burn slightly.
---
"When do you think the Emperors will come? It's almost 10
o'clock." Iketani sat quietly in the '86. "They'll be here, they would
never think of disappointing this many people. Not to mention the
opportunity to show off in front of all the surrounding clubs that
came out to support you in this race." Sayuki observed leaning against
the side of the '86.
"I noticed that the Sil-80 has standard safety restraints."
Takumi commented. "The bucket seats of the '86 use 5 point harnesses."
"Thanks for reminding me. I need to get out of this dress and put
on shorts. It wouldn't do to distract the driver by having my skirt
riding around my waist!" Sayuki walked over to the Sil-80 and did a
quick change in the passenger seat.
"Here they come!" The crowd acknowledged the group of powerful
cars. The leader got out and approached Takumi.
"Don't think that you're worthy to race the Emperors." The leader
began. "That piece of garbage belongs in a junk yard!" He indicated
the Trueno.
"Cut the crap and let's get started," Takumi responded. "Here is
the Akina sticker which you may have if you win. But I do not want an
Emperor sticker, if I win. I want you to remove the defaced stickers
from your spoiler."
"No!" Jusei interjected. "They were properly defeated and not
part of this."
"How about you put the sticker on the car in the Akina style if
you lose?" Sayuki queried standing next to Takumi. "And always have it
displayed as long as the car is in your club." She added after a
thought.
"Usui's racing team makes its presence felt." The leader gazed at
Sayuki. "He defeated you. Why are you defending him?"
"We were defeated even though we did our absolute best," Mako had
entered the conversation. "There is no shame in being defeated by a
better opponent."
"I will agree to your conditions." The Emperor leader made a
short bow. "Mako's rules. One leads, one chases. Race downhill until
one outruns or passes the other. If no winner, then we trade places
and race again."
"I suggest a variation." Takumi started. Sayuki elbowed him in
the ribs sharply. "Oomph."
"Never mind, it's nothing," Takumi rubbed his side. "As you were
challenged, what position do you want?"
"Rear."
"Sayuki and Takumi? What? Sayuki is riding with him? Why?"
"Usui's best has a navigator." Mako replied smiling.
"Here, let's get you strapped in. The g-forces will knock you
around if you don't wear them tight." Takumi paused at the placement
of the belts around Sayuki ample torso as he stood at the open
passenger door.
"Thank you, I'll adjust the upper belts myself. You can
concentrate on the driving, I'll concentrate on the looking." Sayuki
pulled on the adjustments and made them snug. "Is this correct?"
Takumi nodded and seated himself, locking the belts into the
five-point release at his chest.
"You made some more modifications since you were last here."
Sayuki noted the bucket seats and harnesses.
Takumi hit the key and the engine kicked over. Sayuki's eyes widened
at the pitch of the engine and stared at the range of the tachometer.
"What the hell is under the bonnet?"
"A new engine. Dad put it in. It was difficult to get used to it,
but the power is impressive."
"You have a six speed transmission now." Sayuki observed as he
held in the clutch and worked the shifting pattern. "Let's go!" she
exclaimed.
The '86 pulled around the Lan Evo and the pair proceeded to the
start point.
"Start anytime." Sayuki tried to feel the mood of the driver as
Takumi accelerated towards the first turn. "Just like Mako. He is a
different person." Sayuki watched his face harden with concentration.
"He knows what he's doing." Sayuki watched the curve approach
with blinding speed. Instinctively grabbing at the handhold, she felt
the harness bite as the car cornered hard.
"Sand in the outside of the next curve."
Takumi steered the car towards the inside track of the curve as
an answer, applying a little more power to the throttle to compensate.
"The Lan Evo is following very closely."
"Umm."
"Obstacle ahead."
Takumi pulled sharply. The reaction time of the Lan Evo driver
behind him was not quick enough. The branch caught the side of the car
putting a deep scratch down the entire side of the car.
"That'll throw off his rhythm." Sayuki muttered with some
satisfaction as the chase car had eased back somewhat.
"Can you go faster?" Sayuki inquired as they threaded their way
through the sharp series of curves.
"Got to save the tires." Takumi spoke. "I beat Ryosuke on tires."
"Where do you intend to make a move?"
"C-121."
"Obstacle on left." Sayuki interjected.
"Mako beat the Evo 3 there. The Evo 4 will be ready. He's been
practicing here since last week," Sayuki continued.
"He is mirroring my moves." Takumi glanced into the mirror and
spoke without emotion. "The FR and 4WD cars have different driving
styles." Takumi observed still focused intently on the road.
"Eyes on the road, Sayuki!" she reminded herself as she caught
herself gawking at Takumi. And I was worried about him!"
"The Lan Evo is very light. We'll use it to our advantage."
Takumi spoke.
"He's setting up for a pass attempt." Sayuki warned.
"He is a little hotheaded, but a skilled driver," Takumi said.
"He's trying to push me and force me to drive too hard for
conditions." Takumi depressed the accelerator and downshifted as the
Lan Evo's bumper reached the position next to the driver's door. The
car lurched forwards and the front of the Lan Evo fell back and moved
back into position. "He's trying to force me to reveal my car's
strengths, and to find a weakness."
"Brake hard, take the tight inside. There is water on the
outside." Sayuki noted.
Takumi braked firmly and took the inside as Sayuki suggested. The
Lan Evo under-braked, looked at the opening and made another pass
attempt following the outside track. Sayuki watched the headlights
wobble as the car skidded around on the wet spot from the spring
runoff that ran partially into the road. The Lan Evo touched the side
of the mountain and there was the brief screech of metal to rock. He
had lost almost 20 meters on the turn.
"Here he comes again." Sayuki smiled, "This is a very nice
battle. Okay, two turns more to C-121." Sayuki reminded Takumi again.
"The Lan Evo may be damaged, but he's not quitting."
"Get set." Takumi accelerated towards the treacherous turn. "Too
fast." Sayuki warned.
Takumi held the accelerator down, the tachometer pointed at
11,000.
---
A group of people gathered at the infamous curve. "This is a
really great show. Mako's Sil-80 and Akina's '86 are the only ones who
can do a 4 wheel drift from the start to the exit." One of the
observers commented. "I was here to see the '86 follow the Sil-80
into the turn at top speed. Here they come! He's really flying. He
can't possibly clear the turn at that speed!" Spectators instinctively
moved back from the guardrail.
Inside the Lan Evo, Jusei was steaming. "I've been force to race
a lousy opponent, he can't be passed, he refuses to be pushed. I've
damaged the car on this horrible course. I should just settle back
and stay behind him and wait for round two." Jusei thought.
"What? He's pulling away? He can't possibly clear that turn!" But
if he does, he'll have outrun me! So, Takumi Fujiwara, it comes to
this. If you can clear it, so can I!" Jusei floored the throttle and
the turbocharger screamed.
Sayuki had done her duties as navigator and pointed out the
danger. The next action was up to the driver.
"I really trust Takumi!" she thought, "Yes, even with my life."
She set her face and scanned behind.
"The Lan Evo is following us in." Sayuki noted.
"Call for help as soon as we're clear, if the guard rail holds
him, he will need a tow, if not..." Takumi face was set hard.
The '86 rocketed into the curve and Takumi started the drift.
Takumi applied more and more throttle holding the car on the fragile
invisible thread of safety. Sayuki felt the straps of the restraints
cut into her body as she struggled to hold herself against the forces
that tried to hurl her across the inside of the car.
Takumi played the throttle and the steering wheel ever so
delicately, holding the line to the narrow exit.
The Lan Evo started into the turn. "This is going to be tough."
Jusei started the four-wheel drift and felt the tires begin to hop. "I
need more traction." He applied more throttle, but in vain. The Lan
Evo had already strayed beyond the single safe line around the curve.
He finally gave up and slammed on the brakes and spun the car in an
effort to take the impact on the rear of the car.
Wham! He felt the crumple as the passenger rear impacted against
the wall of the mountain pass. He then felt the car jerk violently,
gyrate, and flip end-over-end. Gratefully, he felt the car stop. He
put one hand out to lessen his drop onto the roof of the car as he
released the safety harness. He crawled out of the shattered driver's
window and crawled several meters away from the car. There, he paused
and lit a cigarette.
"He didn't make it." Sayuki spoke almost in shock, as the chase car
had not appeared behind them. Takumi lifted the throttle and applied
the brakes, spun the car, and reversed direction.
"I am calling for help." Sayuki held the cellular phone to her
ear and relayed the scene to the summit. "The Lan Evo is sitting
upside-down with the rear embedded in the guardrail. Luckily, it
held." She reported. "Mako will be down to drive him to the local
hospital. The Emperors have a local garage they have contacted for a
tow. Police aren't involved unless someone is killed or badly
injured."
---
"Smoke?" Jusei politely offered his competitor a cigarette.
"No, thanks. Are you all right?"
"I suppose so. I knew that I couldn't clear the turn, but I had
to try." Jusei looked puzzled at the young man. "How did you get your
tires to grip?"
"There were several reasons." I took it easy on the upper part of
the course so that I would have the tire grip at the critical moment.
I had more power than you anticipated to use the rear wheels to hold
the line."
"I knew you had a strong car, you already beat me last week on
Akina, but I never told anyone." Jusei admitted. "There is still
something else."
"I had a passenger. The weight of the passenger added the last
bit of bite to the tires to prevent me from losing control. Besides,
she represented the Usui racing team, so while she navigated for me, I
actually enjoyed the advantage of racing on my home turf." Takumi
nodded towards Sayuki.
Several spectators picked up on the conversation and smiled
broadly. "So this was a matter of local pride, too. This is a car from
a family business, not just a pampered racing machine. He needed our
help to win. So it's also Usui's win!"
Sayuki nodded in agreement.
Mako and Iketani pulled up and helped Jusei into the Sil-80
passenger seat. "Takumi, will you see that Sayuki gets home? I'll take
Jusei to the hospital where he can be checked out. His teammates will
take care of him after that."
Itsuki and Iketani followed the Sil-80 in Itsuki's Levin.
---
Sayuki chatted briefly with some of the spectators and got back
into the '86.
"About that date, how about tonight? There is a festival and
fireworks at midnight." Sayuki realized that Takumi was in a strange
place, and an intimate approach would probably scare Takumi away.
"Huh, oh sure, sounds great."
"We can stop at my family's place, there is a hakama from my
brother that I am sure will fit you. I have a yuuta for the festival,
too. I'm sure we will get there before the festival starts."
"Just where do you live?" Takumi started the car and headed back
down the mountain.
---
Bunta yawned. It wasn't often, but occasionally Takumi needed a
day off. He carefully placed the double delivery in the S-13 and
gently closed the boot. Starting the engine, he grinned at the sound
of the exhaust.
"It's a nice car, better than the under-powered Levin that Itsuki
drives." Bunta eased out of the alley and towards Akina Mountain.
Nikkou
Teisu <Te...@my.host.net> wrote:
>On Thu, 22 Mar 2001 09:46:00 -0500, "John C. Watson"
><jwa...@javanet.com> wrote:
>
>>
>>Teisu--you suck! Damn you!
><snip>
>The above was not a flame, but an earnest display of emotion of an
>overwhelmed Otaku.
>To add insult to injury, I am dumping my latest fanfic in his lap!
>
>Most of you hate waiting 30 days for a story to clear RAAC.
>The moderators are swamped, and have day jobs. I'm not flaming them.
>Apologies in advance for punctuation and grammar.The following was
>submitted on 25/Mar/2001.
Hiho All!
It *is* nice to know that there's _Initial D_ fanfic and other fanfics, but
raa.fandom is for the discussion of fanfics and not the posting of. The
wait for fanfics to clear raa.creative can be sidestepped by putting
fanfics up on the WWW. Do a search on Google.com for free webspace, put up
the fic (if advice on how to do that is needed, that is something that is
on-topic for raa.fandom!) and post the URL here.
rec.arts.anime.fandom is for the discussion of anime fan activities. That
would be:
-asking for help with fan projects which can be fanfics, websites,
costumes, anything works anime-related (even conventions! <G>)
-the discussion and critique of above said fan projects and any other
anime-related fan works.
-whatever esle identified with "fandom" (which presently escapes me at this
moment. ;)
So happy discussing and coming up with constructive critiques!
-Yes, I'm almost as ancient as the mountains.. ;)
--
Nikkou <nik...@mail.com>
Webpage Choices: http://www.anipike.com/nikkou.html
Diverse Musings: http://home.opendir.org/nikkou/
"Caffeine is bad for you. Unless taken with Prozac."