Chapter Text
Springs remain chillingly cold in the island of Hinan (避難), nestled far away in the northern Pacific and at the mercy of the strong ocean winds. Alternatively known as Binan in Mandarin or Pinan in Korean, this bustling island is one of the 3 dominant islands of the North Pacific Federation, a prosperous nation in the North Pacific thanks to its strategic location, and a generous amount of oil reserves underneath.
Whatever the language, the words mean the same. Refuge. When immigrants from the Far East sailed westward to escape war, famine, and/or poverty, some could not make the whole journey and had to settle on this cold rock. A new society started to build up, composed mostly of Japanese immigrants, but there were a substantial number of Koreans and Chinese immigrants as well. Due to this, the Hinan society and economy were closely intertwined with that of their home countries. During the post-war years, the island enjoyed massive success and prosperity, riding the high of the bubble economy back home. Unfortunately, all parties must come to an end, and Hinan followed Japan’s lead as the bubble economy collapsed in the early 90s.
Over a decade since the bubble economy collapsed, things have not turned for the better. Recovery remained slow and any hope for a return to the prosperity levels of the 80s disappeared years ago. Yet, life goes on. And though many things have changed, many things stayed the same. More than a century later, Hinan remained a safe harbor and a place of refuge for those unable or unwilling to bear with the problems back home. In the dim teacher’s offices, buried behind stacks of books and binders, Akari Kogyo, physics and mathematics teacher at the Kogyo Rikujo Preferectural School continued to grade the last week’s tests.
“..They always miss this part.”
Not a single result was above 85.
“How do these kids take notes so studiously and go to cram school all week to get basic derivatives wrong?”
Just out of earshot, Minamo-sensei, the World History teacher, and Nikaido-sensei, in charge of the economics department, took pleasure at their rookie colleague’s plight.
“What was she expecting? An exam in the third week? Ridiculous.”
“Sure glad I wasn’t in charge of two subjects when I first started.”
“Maybe the princess thinks she can do everything.”
“It’s not so easy being a teacher is it? Did she think this was some cushy job she could fall into when that idol thing didn’t work out?”
Nikaido-sensei chuckled while finishing her morning coffee.
“Oh right! That was her in all those magazines back then wasn’t it? Such an obvious industry plant!”
“The one and only.”
“And now she’s a high school teacher in some backwater island far away from home.. What a way to go.”
Despite all their vitriol, the immense amount of paperwork from needing to grade 2 courses worth of exams and handouts slumped on her desk stirred some level of sympathy.
“..She is the Principal’s daughter right?”
“..Think so.”
“..Well he’s certainly getting his money’s worth.”
In a past life, Akari Kogyo was the heiress to the Kogyo Fudosan, a real estate titan of the bubble era founded by her grandfather, Tsutomu Kogyo. At his insistence, she was trained to be an idol in her childhood. Her feet still bore scars and blisters from 2 AM dance practice sessions, and faint traces of a violin hickey still marked her neck. The memories of the grueling rehearsals were buried deep in the corners of her mind under the mounds of tests and homeworks to grade. Being a media figure was just something she needed to do as a Kogyo. Tsutomu-ojiisan gave her everything she wanted, and she just had to keep up her end of the deal.
Tragically, Tsutomu Kogyo passed away from a heart attack in 1993. The Kogyo Fudosan real estate empire crumbled soon after, as decades upon decades of dubious accounting and some cases of outright fraud finally surfaced when creditors came hounding as the real estate market imploded. Having kept most of their net worth in real estate when the bubble burst, the Kogyo Fudosan was forced to declare bankruptcy. Shunned by Japanese high society, who never had a high opinion of them in the first place due to their patriarch’s low birth, the family disappeared into obscurity. The apartments, shopping malls, and department stores once bearing their name were divided by their former competitors, and the Kogyo empire disappeared into obscurity.
Far away from the eyes of the press, what’s left of the Kogyo family returned to their real homeland at Hinan, where they managed to retain control of some of their assets. The Kogyo Rikujo Prefectural High School, an elite private school built during the group’s heyday, was now the last remaining legacy of the once titanic Kogyo Fudosan. The remaining heirs and retainers of the family have settled into their new roles as the proud administrators and/or faculty of Shin Rikujo’s top high school. Some more gracefully than others.
Many years away from high society did little to diminish her almost aristocratic aura. Though her days of wearing elaborate dresses and costumes are behind her, her current get-up of unironed and ill-fitting dress shirt and pants, most certainly taken from her father’s closet and overlaid by an ever-present lab coat did not dent her presence one bit.. Her unnervingly lustrous silver hair, a genetic trait shared with her father and uncle who all have started graying prematurely, was unskillfully tied into a ponytail.
Teaching was surprisingly hard and grueling work. Certainly much harder than she anticipated. Subjects she should have found trivial needed extensive review before she felt confident enough to write them on the blackboard in front of a class of 25 people. Although she gave her full efforts, Akari held no particular love for teaching. It was just another job that she had to do as a Kogyo, and she never questioned it. Even if they are nobodies now, she still bore certain responsibility as the heiress to the Kogyo name. That was what Tsutomu-jiisan said.
Still, she was only human, and without a strict coach who barked orders at her to keep going well into midnight practicing a single dance routine, her motivation wavered. Did she really have to do all this? It’s not like she actually gets paid either. All her cards and accounts are still under her father’s name.
Her eyes wandered to the set of keys sprawled on the corner of her desk.
“Well.. He paid for that. I guess this is the least I can do..”
It’s just business as usual. She does whatever the family tells her to do, and the family lets her do everything she wants.
Akari continued grading papers in the darkness, accompanied only by her desk lamp, long after her colleagues left. A little after the clock struck 6:30, the door creaked audibly. Finally, the signal that her day is over. She dropped her pens in a flash, content to leave her towers of paperwork for another day.
“Akari. Let’s go home.”
Taiyo Kogyo, the school principal and her father, stood at the door, clad in an unbuttoned charcoal suit. Faint eyebags and wrinkles spoil his otherwise youthful composition.
“Yes. Thank you, Father.”
Cold and brief. It was more akin to how a superior talks to an employee, rather than a father to a daughter. That said, he took a long gaze at her desk, swamped with paperwork of her own doing. There were embers of concern for her workload, but too subdued for Akari to receive any of its warmth.
“Exams already?”
“I wouldn’t know what they’re struggling with otherwise.”
“..Handouts would have sufficed.”
“The students would have just copied off someone else.”
Outside, they were joined by Hikaru Kogyo, the chemistry and history teacher as well as her uncle, and Atsushi Kamiya, who is in charge of economics and PE, the Kogyo family’s personal butler in a previous life. Hikaru was also blessed with an evergreen complexion, and unlike his brother, his features remained unspoiled with age and stress. Low profile square rim glasses and a faded lab coat in need of a good bleaching complemented his image as a reliable and charming teacher. Atsushi on the other hand was the image of duty. Age has only emphasized his gruff features and his physique, while not as muscular and intimidating as before, was still fine and well built.
“Good work today too, Akari. ”
He gently ruffled Akari’s unkempt silver hair.
“..Wish I could say the same thing about my students.”
“It’s only the start of the year, don’t you think you’re being too harsh on them?”
Despite being technically her uncle, their age difference was just 9 years. Owing to her father’s aloof disposition, she was always much closer to him.
Akari hoisted her arms up as she left the room, waiting for someone to put her coat on for her. Without missing a beat, Atsushi expertly slid her jacket on her body. He may no longer be their butler, but old habits are hard to break. After over 30 years of service to the Kogyo family, it just seems like the natural way of things.
“Thank you as always, Atsu-nii. You’re the best.”
The four walked quietly through the dimly lit hallways of the school; lights gradually shutting as they walked past.
“Where’s mom?”
Akari questioned without even changing her glance.
“She’s at the hospital. A student had fainted in PE and she had to rush him there. Thankfully it was nothing serious.”
“Oh, was it Zhao-kun from 2-C? You know he has anemia right?”
“Aye.”
“Then why’d you let him run anyway, Atsu-nii? Didn’t his mom get him an exemption?”
“He asked to be allowed to join PE with everyone else.” Atsuhi explains himself with a sigh.
“It’s not good for a kid to sit on the side to just watch everyone else have fun, you know. I stand by that decision.”
“I think he’d rather sit on the bleachers than lie on a stretcher.”
“You’d be wrong.”
An unassuming door, clearly marked “No Entry” was on the first floor that no one knew led to. Atsushi naturally rushed ahead to unlock the door and held it open for the others to walk through before him.
Next to the loading bay at the back, an unassuming storage shed has been converted to a secret garage on campus. The area was already off limits to students, but adding a layer of mundanity helps sell the disguise further. Hiding in plain sight are four highly modified Mazda sports cars parked neatly in the shadows. On the far end, Taiyo’s prized Brilliant Black FC RX-7, clad in the distinctive FC2000 kit and a large GT Wing. The fixed headlights and deep dish 17” RPF1s belied the car’s age. Second from the far end, Hikaru’s FD RX-7 painted in the mesmerizing Innocent Blue, sporting a unique combo of a C-West front bumper with an RE-Amemiya kit. The lithe Advan RG-2 wheels clad in exquisitely cut and treaded R compound tires gave a functional and aggressive stance. Parked next to it was Atsushi’s burgundy Mazda Eunos Cosmo. A subtle Autoexe lip kit and deep dish Fabulous Expand wheels preserved the Cosmo’s natural dignified appearance and set it apart from its aero clad peers. Akari’s personal Titanium Grey RX-8 occupied the last spot, equipped with a Fujita Engineering body kit and wing and sitting on Advan Model T5 split spoke wheels.
Indeed, this was the hidden secret of the Kogyo family. Father, uncle, daughter and (former) butler all spent their nights running through the Shin Rikujo Circular Highway at breakneck speeds in highly modified cars. Akari stepped into her car first, ungracefully tussling around to get past the roll cage, before settling into the deep embrace of her bucket seats. With a turn of the key, the engines fire into life with a booming echo, one following the other before settling into the rotary’s unique burbling idle, the thoroughly modified and tuned motors audibly expressing their desire to run free.
Driving in formation, onlookers could not help but stare at the four cars. Even while standing still and obeying all relevant traffic laws, these cars were certainly up to no good. Hozuki Junction was just up ahead, one of the main entry points to the infamous Circular Highway. Akari hastily put on her headset and turned on the CarCom (a nifty SIM based inter-car communication device embedded into the a car’s head unit, originally developed for law enforcement and emergency vehicles but turned into a consumer product in the North Pacific Federation. Available for all makes and models in 1 or 2 DIN forms)
“I am taking the inner route. It’s the 350 cars turn this week. See you soon.”
“Be home by 1. It’s a school day tomorrow.”
The RX-8 broke formation and took the left ramp. The Shin Rikujo Circular Highway, a near splitting image of the famous elevated Shuto Expressway in Tokyo. The city of Shin Rikujo admired its counterpart in the home islands so dearly and sought to imitate it in any way possible. Constructed during the prosperous 70s, the Circular Highway snakes through the high rises of Shin Rikujo, curving and undulating through the city skyline. Uncooperative building owners who refused demolition necessitated an elevated highway, and their meddling has shaped the Circular Route into a driver’s delight.
Street racing in the North Pacific Federation was highly organized and codified. To ensure relative competitiveness among all kinds of cars and budgets, all cars are classified into three groups: 250, 350, 550, named after the maximum horsepower per tonne ratios allowed in each class. As a senior driver with over 10 years experience on the road, Akari was both the 350 community leader and its fastest driver. It would be a position she would be much prouder of if there was anybody left to actually challenge her position.
Akari sits impatiently in the tollbooth line. Cars scuttle along as they pay their fare, which was troublesome for the RX-8 lightened clutch. Past the booth, the RX-8 was finally able to stretch its legs. Akari eyed the myriad of gauges that sprawled along her dashboard.
“Oil and water are still too cold. Oil pressure is healthy. Fuel is at 3/4ths. Let’s start with a warm up run at 130-150 km/h in 5th gear.”
The RX-8 wailed softly as it started to get into its paces. 130 km at 5th gear shows a healthy 5000 RPM. The RX6 turbine was boosting readily even at light throttle, transforming the once peaky Renesis motor into a flexible engine with plenty of pick up at any speed. 30 km/h above the traffic speeds allowed brisk navigation with little trouble. Provided one was polite and indicated lane changes properly, most would give room for weaving.
She had always driven a rotary, just like her father and uncle. It started as a company deal, years back when their grandfather struck a deal to open a chain of Mazda dealerships in Japan and Hinan. Since then, the family has always chosen Mazdas as company and personal cars. That said, she wouldn’t know what else she would drive. There’s nothing quite like a rotary sports car.
The Circular Route was a place of magic where kindred spirits who have been consumed by the thrill of street racing gather. No race track, mountain pass or highway route provided the combination of natural, flowing turns and high speeds. Unfortunately, the glory days of highway racing were behind them.
Still, even running alone was therapeutic. At high speeds, brake lights turned to scarlet streaks and road marks blurred into a single unbroken line while the reflective sound walls bounced the rotary engine whine right back, forming a sensory experience like no other.
Amongst the never ending sea of work vans, anodyne sedans and station wagons, Akari suddenly spotted something of interest. A distinctive triple stand wing that could not belong to none other than a Mitsubishi Evolution VI. Following it was a striking blue Evolution VIII sporting a large GT wing.
“Ah! Rika-chan! Etsuji-san! I was hoping someone would show up tonight on the Inner route.”
Marika and Etsuji Kamiyama, newcomer Lancer Evolution driving siblings hailing from Toi Oka, a neighboring city on Hinan, a 2 hour drive away from Shin Rikujo. They both drive under the Omni banner, a high level AWD specialist team born from a coalition of Impreza STi and Lancer Evolution drivers who were once members of separate teams, but joined together when their numbers dwindled. Even then, their active numbers have since shrunk to just the two, as everyone else stepped away from the scene.
“Akari-senpai, what luck! We can finally get a good run tonight!”
Marika Kamiyama, driving her brother’s old Lancer Evolution VI, affectionately nicknamed Tommi. One of the newcomers to the scene, what’s left of it at least. She is a quick learner, but lacks experience and confidence when things get serious.
“Yo Akari-san! Good timing! Our cars are warmed up and we could use the practice.”
Etsuji Kamiyama, with his brand new Lancer Evolution VIII, a gift to himself when he landed a promotion to be branch manager at the Shin Rikujo Savings Bank. He used to be the banchō of an all Lan-Evo street racing delinquent gang in Toi Oka, harassing weaker and slower cars, but he’s mellowed out after his whole gang was wiped out by a single mysterious yellow NSX, and they disbanded as a result.
“We just passed Nobuaki junction, which is around 10 km to the service plaza at Hanazono. Let’s race there for tonight if you're up for it.”
“Sounds good, all temps are good and ready for racing. See you there.”
Marika’s Evo 6 was the first to set off, dropping a gear and exploding in furious backfire as it bolted off in a hurry.
“Let’s go! Tommi!”
Etsuji follows suit and the Evo 8 charges ahead in the chase. Even when turbocharged, the 13B Renesis stood no chance in a pull against the mighty 4G63Ts. A significant gap was made just 10 seconds into the race, but Akari remained unshaken.
“Sigh..3rd is always weak no matter if it's from zero or a roll.. I’ll have the edge at higher gears.”
The scream of the rotary engine and the surge of the turbine were broken by a loud beep. The RX-8 shifts into fourth. Ratios are much closer now, starting the gear at a 6500.
“Into 4th. Now the pull is much stronger and I’m always in the powerband.”
The perfectly sized turbine continued boosting well into the 9000 RPM redline, providing strong acceleration at any speed. The Evolutions are soon within sight, caught up trying to navigate traffic.
The Circular Route demands flexibility out of an engine. Torque and midrange pick-up is absolutely necessary to ensure a consistent pace while battling through the unpredictable traffic pattern. On the other hand, a poor top end will cost you severely when you are unable to reach top speed.
“Compared to the LanEvos, certainly I can’t compete in torque. But they’ve got short gears and a weaker top end. I have the edge on outright speed...Then it is obvious that keeping momentum is the way to win.”
The guttural roars of the Evolutions were followed by the howl of the rotary as they entered the tunnel section of the route. Tunnel walls make it difficult to overtake and make the most of the fast sweeping turns. The RX-8 kept a steady pace of 180 km/h weaving through traffic with poise, making maximum use of its naturally balanced chassis.
“Balance, Balance.. Don’t force it. Don’t make sudden moves. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.”
Akari had to fight every urge to force her car through the gaps.
“Actions have reactions. Go with the flow of traffic, don’t try to force an opening... I’ll never win against all of them...”
Having the advantage, the Lancers are stuck behind a pair of Hiace vans that did not want to yield. In her frustration, Marika clutched and revved the motor, blow-off valves fluttering and backfiring in an attempt to intimidate the Hiace into moving aside. This allowed Akari to catch up just behind the Evos.
Crucially, at the Chuobashi exit, the 2 lane road widens into three lanes for the exit ramp. Generous zebra stripes meant there was effectively an extra lane to turn inside the normal road.
“Now or never.”
Dropping a gear, the RX-8 swerved onto the exit lane and cut past the pesky obstacle, overtaking the Evolutions.
“I knew she was going to try that, damn it! What do we do now, Aniki?”
“Ho-, looks like the tables are turned. Let’s try Formation 2! Pressure from the back with two cars. You lead! I’ll back you up.”
“Okay! I’ll do my best!”
The siblings secret technique: Teamwork! Inherited from their days running with the DIAMOND gang, their synchronized driving and team tactics are second to none and have brought down the best drivers. Their ability to drive in formation and support each other without being tangled makes them a sight to behold. Formation 2, used when trailing, involves one car constantly pressuring the lead car into defending and losing speed, while the teammate takes advantage of the compromised lines to pass.
Ahead in the RX-8, Akari couldn’t stop herself from grinning in immense satisfaction despite remaining intensely concentrated. She had dabbled in many hobbies and pleasures before, most not from her own free will. Whether it was music, performing, or travels in faraway lands, none made her feel as alive as running the highways in her beloved RX-8.
A sweeping left turn exits the tunnel into the Chuobashi straight, the fastest section of the Inner Circular Route. Top speed requires a fast exit. Using every last bit of traction from the wide 265mm section R compounds and augmented by downforce from the GT wing, the RX-8 cleared the sweeping turn at over 200 km/h. Traffic has cleared and the 13B delightfully spun up to finally stretch its legs.
“Yes! Over 200 km/h. We can get a new record! Temps are cool and comfortable and boost is stable at 1 bar. Turning on scramble boost.”
The boost gauge flashed as the turbo went into overdrive, pumping at 1.4 bars of boost. 4th gear was redlined in a flash. Hard shift into fifth. The close ratios delighted the engine as it kept pushing harder and harder. Redlined at fifth! Into 6th, and now past 240 km/h! Fed healthy amounts of boost and fuel, the rotary engine happily continued to provide more and more power. Even the mighty Lancers struggled to keep up as parasitic drag from the air and drivetrain held back their charge.
The digital counter read 250 km/h. Climbing. 255 km/h. 260 km/h. A new record! But there’s still room. 262... 263... 265... 270!
“S-shit, oil and water temps are rising. Need to back off.”
Having set a new 350 class record, the RX-8 backed off with the Evolutions in hot pursuit. Taking advantage of the respite in acceleration, the RX-8 was quickly hounded by the two rally-bred machines, just inches away from the rear bumper.
“I forgot how annoying it is to race these two!”
Akari quickly eyed her temperature gauges to see if quick escape was possible.
“No.. I’m not blowing my engine for this. I’ll have to outdrive them without scramble boost.”
Three cars charged through the straight into the Fumimaro junction left hander, a deceptive turn that is both fast and technical. A quick line demands using both lanes, but any obstruction causes a severe loss in speed. The RX-8 led the way in the inside lane, attempting to seal off any attempt of overtaking.
“Aniki, the corner is coming. I’m going to force her outside. Be ready to swoop in!”
“Go for it! Marika!”
The white Evo 6 on the outside lane bolted ahead, closing the gap quickly. In reflex, Akari swerved to the outside as well to block the charging Evo. Barely a second passed before she realized what they were planning, but by then it was too late. Forced on the outside lane, she could only watch helplessly as Etsuji’s striking blue Evolution 8 passed her on the inside.
“NO! Knew this would happen and I still fell for it! No wonder no one likes racing these blockheads! It is so unfair that they work in pairs!”
Her psyche clearly rattled, she continued on.
“What was I supposed to do then? If I stayed on the inside, Marika would have gotten a better run out of the corner. Was I supposed to split the road and drive in the middle?!”
Still, the compromised line meant the Evolution 8 could not make much of a gap. The race is nearing its end, but it is not over by any means.
“Next up is the City Hall chicane. Last chance for anything to happen before the finish at Aso junction.” All three drivers shared the same thought.
Etsuji was leading, but Omni’s personal rules do not consider a victory unless both of their drivers finish ahead.
“Marika, do I run or hold?”
Faced with a dilemma at 200 km/h, Marika could not respond immediately. She knew if Etsuji ran, the race would end in a draw. But trying to slow Akari down left the lead vulnerable. A thought flashed in her head. Maybe.. she could take Akari one-on-one.
“No.. there’s just no way. Aniki.. Run ahead. I did what I could.”
Marika dropped the attack and went into observing mode, leaving her brother to fend off Akari alone.
The three cars raced ahead into the City Hall chicane, known for its spectacular views of the historic building from the elevated highway. A tough set of two tight yet fast corners, the most daring drivers can use both lanes to carry incredible amounts of speed but this naturally requires a clear road. Etsuji’s Evo 8 led the way, with Akari’s RX8 right on its tail, while Marika had conceded the battle and was content to just tail the two.
Akari’s eyes lit up at seeing the empty road
“Clear! Now or never!”
The RX-8 moves to the outside lane, which will crucially allow her the inside line for the central turns, quickly making up the distance and running side by side through the City Hall chicane.
With a brow full of sweat, Etsuji needs to balance his focus between the road ahead, the silver RX-8 mere inches beside him, and his tachometer. Victory can only be assured if, and only if he can maintain enough speed through this turn and keep her at bay.
Akari was too focused on keeping her line that she neglected to watch her revs. Crucially, the final turn was ever so slightly tighter, and had caused the revs to drop below 7000! Without its top end power, the RX-8 was helpless against the monstrous torque of the 4G63 and began to fall behind. The race was settled as a draw, with Etsuji in first, Akari in second and Marika finishing third.
“Yaaaah!! That was a good workout!”
Akari sighed in relief, feeling the cold coastal air dry off her sweat and give the 13B turbo some much needed respite. The three cars were parked side by side on the AiShoppu mall rooftop parking, with incredible sights of the neon drenched city below them.
“You’re sharp as ever, Akari-senpai. I still have a long way to go as a driver before I can even be on your level.”
Marika handed Akari a can of chilled coffee from the vending machine. Even while in a knee length plaid skirt and a white blouse, she still had quite an imposing presence for someone just 160 cm tall. As expected from a former delinquent, just like her brother. She kept her hair at chin length, still bleached into a light brown from high school days.
“Don’t sell yourself short, Rika-chan. Your team formations aren’t something that just anybody could do.”
“Yeah, I just wished we had someone to use them on that aren’t you!”
Etsuji chimed in gleefully, taking another smoke from his cigarette. Now neatly dressed in an ironed white shirt, tucked in neatly into gray dress pants, the only visible remnants of his bancho days was his smoking habit. While yankee trench coats and perms were unacceptable for the bank’s dress code, he still had an intimidating mug that intimidated customers a little.
Marika did not appreciate that quip, quickly turning her mood somber.
“What’s wrong, Rika-chan?” Akari questioned, quickly noticing her dour expression.
“Is it really just us left racing like this?”
“Why? Are you looking for someone specific?”
“That’s not it..”
Marika pushed herself off her Evo, pacing around the desolate parking lot. Her gaze was stuck on a far away lot, next to the elevator. A maintenance truck occupied the spot, which made her fixation especially peculiar.
“That used to be Kitahara-senpai’s spot. He got an Eclipse imported from America, so he went for that one cause nobody could park next to him.”
She turned towards the space next to the mall entrance.
“I helped Park-senpai change his springs here. He didn’t like how it rode so he went back to stock by the next week..”
Etsuji felt the need to break up this overly melancholic air.
“Now that’s a name I haven’t thought of in a while. Heard he got married for the second time last year..”
Marika grinned slightly, and huffed in amusement, but it was not nearly enough to shift the mood.
“When I was still in high school, Nii-san used to race all night with DIAMOND with Tommi. Some weeks, we went as far as here, 2 hours away from home so we could race with the Shin Rikujo teams.”
Etsuji winced at being reminded of his yankee days.
“..They were a rowdy bunch, and I see for myself now that they were no good at driving.”
She stared into the night with wistful eyes, as her brother and senpai looked on, unable to think of a good response in time.
“But.. They were having the time of their lives. With everyone. I’ve always wanted to be part of that.”
“You are part of it now. Is this not enough?”
“Not really, no. Now that I’m old enough and I have Tommi, it just seems like everyone’s moved on. It’s just us now..”
Though he clearly shared and understood his sister’s feelings, Etsuji steeled himself and forced on the classic smile.
“Marika, you love what we do, don’t you?”
“Of course! More than anything else.”
“Then that’s all that matters! As long as you’re having fun with Tommi, you don’t need anyone else.”
Those words were hollow, as it was clear Etsuji himself did not really believe in them. But he felt compelled to reassure his sister regardless of authenticity.
“For most of them, cars were like trading cards.. Something to show off, win once or twice maybe. But when life comes knocking or you just lose interest, they move on to the next thing. It’s just another childish hobby to them. Hell, I used to think that way too.”
Akari was content to let Etsuji handle the difficult part, but even she noticed Marika was not convinced even a little. Time for backup.
“Your brother’s right. The main reason to keep racing should be yourself. Winners or losers don’t exist in this world. Only those who stay and those who leave. If they leave, so be it.”
“But Akari-senpai, don’t you also think.. wouldn’t it be nicer to have more people who stayed?”
Her question hung in the air, as it went unanswered.
“It’s true they were not always serious, but they loved it all the same. People like us who take it to the next level will always exist .. But I think there was a special kind of magic when you could experience it with many others. Wouldn’t you agree?”
The drive home was uneventful and Akari quickly retired to bed to prepare for early morning duties. She was not normally a sentimental person; few could go from the granddaughter of a billionaire tycoon to school teacher and not lose sleep for it. But tonight was different. For the first time in her life, she felt a twinge of longing for the days when the highways and mountains were alive with the sounds of screaming motors and tire screeches. A time when kids went into debt for a used S13 or 86, and dedicated their entire meager part time incomes to car parts. She was fortunate to start driving when those days were in full swing.
Unable to sleep, she rummaged through her old photo album for pictures of her rickety old FC. It was still in her possession, stored elsewhere, and has grown and evolved into a real tuning car. But when it first came into her ownership, it was in poor condition. All suspension components were shot, the engine was losing compression. It was with this car where she learnt her true place in the world. It was not in front of the cameras, or on first class flights, or in penthouse suites in central Tokyo. It was on the floor of a workshop, and at the foggy parking lot in the mountains surrounded by people of the same mind.
Although she started racing following her father’s and uncle’s footsteps, they insisted she had to learn the basics herself. She had to mingle in with the crowd, and with their mechanics on the shop floor before they would lend her support. It was here where she spent her days learning the basics of tuning and racing among the fledgling community of amateur street racers. They didn’t see her as an untouchable aristocrat. She was just another racer in the crowd.
“If only more had stayed...”
She never gave her old racing friends and community much thought before, and she certainly felt above that crowd right now. Her current dedication and level was simply leagues above the kids just messing around in their cheaply tuned runabouts. But she was there for it. Marika never had the chance to do so. What right did she have to dismiss her feelings?
“...What would it take for people to start racing again?”
Bonus Feature: Cars and Characters Appearing in This Chapter
Akari Kogyo
Date of Birth: 08/04/1981
Blood Type: B
Occupation: Kogyo High Physics and Mathematics Teacher
Car: 2003 Mazda RX-8 Type S (SE3P)
Color: Titanium Grey
Body: FEED Afflux front bumper, Feed Afflux side skirt, Varis Rear Diffuser, Feed Afflux Carbon Fiber Hood, Feed Afflux GT Wing, Carbon Fiber Trunk
Wheels and Tires: Yokohama Advan AVS Model T5 19” x 10”, Advan AD07 F & R 255/35, Project Mu 4 piston calipers and 17” rotors F, 2 piston calipers and 16” rotors R
Engine: 13B MSP/13B-REW hybrid, stock porting, 13B-REW rotors, A’PEXi RX6 turbine, Trust air-to-air Intercooler, A’PEXi turbo header, A’PEXi power intake, Trust BOV, MSD standalone ECU, FD3S fuel pump, RE-Amemiya Super Dolphin exhaust, Cat removal, FEED radiator, Feed oil cooler, NGK Racing spark plugs, lightweight racing battery
Transmission: Stock ratio Aisin AZ6 with rebuilt gears, Cusco Type RS 1.5 way LSD, Ogura twin plate clutch and light flywheel
Suspension: RE-Amemiya Quantum RS coilovers, FEED cross-member collars, Cusco anti-roll-bars, Cusco front and rear strut bar
Interior: Bride Zeta seats with 4 point harness, Razo steering wheel Pivot dash mount boost and temperature gauges, stereo, speakers, rear seat, sound deadening removal, Okuyama full roll cage
Power/Weight Ratio: 380 HP/1100 KG -> 345 HP/T
Taiyo Kogyo
Date of Birth: 07/07/1962
Blood Type: AB
Occupation: Kogyo High School Principal
Car: 1990 Mazda RX-7 GT-X
Color: Shadow Silver Mica
Body: RE-Amemiya FC2000 front bumper, side skirt, and rear diffuser, Panspeed Fender Flares, RE-Amemiya FC2000 Carbon Fiber Hood, RE-Amemiya Carbon Fiber GT2000 wing, RE-Amemiya FC-2000 headlights, Painted carbon fiber trunk
Wheels and Tires: Enkei NT03+M 17”x10, Falken Azenis RT215 F&R 265/35 F&R, Biot 4 Piston calipers and 15” rotors F, 2 Piston calipers and 15” rotors R
Engine: 13BT Bridgeport, HKS T04Z Turbine, HKS air-to-air intercooler, HKS turbo header and BOV, HKS F-Con V-Pro ECU, HKS Racing intake, Fujitsubo Super TI exhaust, Cat Removal, Mazdaspeed radiator, oil cooler, NGK Racing spark plugs, Denso injectors, lightweight racing battery
Transmission: Rebuilt stock transmission, Kaaz 1.5 way LSD, Exedy triple plate clutch and light flywheel
Suspension: RE-Amemiya Quantum RS coilovers, RE-Amemiya anti roll bars, Pillow ball mount conversion, Solid engine mounts, Solid subframe bushings, Tanabe front and rear strut bar
Interior: Juran Racing seats and rails with Takata 4 point harness, Juran steering wheel, Defi dash mount boost and temp gauges, stereo, upholstery, and sound deadening removal, Okuyama full roll cage
Power/Weight Ratio: 560 HP/1080 KG -> 519 HP/T
Hikaru Kogyo
Date of Birth: 10/07/1970
Blood Type: AB
Occupation: Kogyo High Chemistry Teacher
Car: 2001 Mazda RX-7 Type RS (FD3S)
Color: Innocent Blue Mica
Body: C-West N1 II Front Bumper, RE-Amemiya AD-GT side-skirts, rear diffuser, front and rear fenders, RE-Amemiya AD-GT GT Wing, C-West Carbon Fiber N1 Hood, Painted carbon fiber trunk, C-West fixed headlights, RE-Amemiya Tail Light cover
Wheels and Tires: Yokohama Advan RG-II 18x10 wheels, Yokohama Advan A048 F&R 265/35, Biot 4 Piston calipers and 16” rotors F, 2 Piston calipers and 16” rotors R
Engine: 13B-REW Bridgeport, GReddy T88 turbine, GReddy downpipe and manifold, A’PEXi power intake, A’PEXi Power FC ECU, Amuse R1 Titan full exhaust, Cat removal, RE-Amemiya radiator and oil cooler, Denso racing spark plugs, Denso Injectors, lightweight racing battery
Transmission: Rebuilt stock transmission, Cusco Type RS 1.5 way LSD, OS Giken Triple Plate clutch and flywheel
Suspension: RE-Amemiya Quantum RS coilovers, RE-Amemiya anti roll bars, solid engine mounts, solid subframe bushings, Cusco front and rear strut bar
Interior: Bride Zeta seats and 4 point harness, RAZO steering wheel, Defi dash mount boost and temp gauges, stereo, upholstery, and sound deadening removal, Cusco full roll cage
Power/Weight Ratio: 585 HP/1080 KG -> 542 HP/T
Atsushi Kamiya
Date of Birth: 04/16/1969
Occupation: Kogyo High Home Economics and Physical Education Teacher
Car: 1994 Eunos Cosmo Type S (JCESE)
Color: Passion Rose
Body: Autoexe front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper, RE-Amemiya overfenders, RE-Amemiya vented hood, Custom ducktail
Wheels and Tires: Fabulous Expand Racing 19x10 wheels, Bridgestone RE-01R 285/35 tires F&R, Endless 4 Piston calipers and 17” rotors F, 2 Piston calipers and 17” rotors R
Engine: 20B-REW Bridgeport, GReddy T88 Turbine, RE-Amemiya custom manifold and downpipe, GReddy intake, GReddy E-Manage ECU, RE-Amemiya custom titanium exhaust, Cat removal, Koyorad racing radiator and oil cooler, NGK racing spark plugs, Denso injectors, lightweight racing battery
Transmission: FC3S 5 Speed swap with rebuilt gears, 3.77 rear end, Cusco Type RS 1.5 way LSD, Exedy triple plate clutch and flywheel
Suspension: Ohlins DFV Coilovers, Custom adjustable sway bars, solid engine mounts, solid subframe bushings, custom front and rear strut bars
Interior: Sparco Evo 2 seats and 4 point harness, Sparco steering wheel, Pivot dash mount boost and temp gauges, stereo, satnav, upholstery, and sound deadening removal, Cusco full roll cage
Power/Weight Ratio: 760 HP/1400 KG -> 543 HP/T
Etsuji Kamiyama
Date of Birth: 07/02/1978
Occupation: Bank Employee at Hinan Central Savings Bank
Car: 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII GSR
Color: Blue By You (respray)
Body: C-West front bumper, side skirt, Ings+1 rear bumper, Chargespeed front fender, Voltex carbon fiber hood, Voltex carbon fiber wing, C-West eyeline
Wheels and Tires: OZ Superleggera 19x9.5 wheels, Bridgestone RE070 265/40 F&R, Endless 4 piston calipers and 17” rotors F, 2 piston calipers and 17” rotors R
Engine: 4G63T, GReddy TD06 25G turbine, GReddy manifold and downpipe, GReddy E-Manage ECU, Fujitsubo Legalis Type R catback exhaust, Trust large intercooler, Trust BOV, A’PEXi power air intake
Transmission: Exedy twin plate clutch and light flywheel
Suspension: Tein Flex Z coilovers, Cusco front and rear anti roll bars
Interior: Sparco Evo seats and 4 point harness, RAZO steering wheel and shift knob, Defi A pillar mount boost and temp gauge, stereo and trunk upholstery removal
Power/Weight Ratio -> 470 HP / 1380 KG -> 340 HP/T
Marika Kamiyama
Date of Birth: 05/28/1985
Occupation: College Student
Car: 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI RS
Color: Scotia White
Body: DAMD front bumper, side skirt, rear bumper, Evo V wing
Wheels and Tires: Speedline 2103C 17x9 wheels, Yokohama Parada Spec 2 245/45 F&R, Rotora 2 piston calipers and 15” rotors F, single piston calipers and 15” rotors R
Engine: 4G63T, GReddy TD06 25G turbine, GReddy manifold and downpipe, GReddy E-Manage ECU, HKS Hi-Power catback exhaust, ARC intercooler, GReddy BOV and wastegate, GReddy air intake
Transmission: Ogura twin plate clutch and light flywheel
Suspension: KW V2 Coilovers, Cusco front and rear anti roll bars
Interior: Sparco Evo seats and 4 point harness, Ralliart steering wheel, Auto Meter dash mount temperature gauges, stereo, trunk upholstery and interior carpeting removal
Power/Weight ratio -> 430 hp/1280 KG -> 336 HP/T