Need for Speed Night Streets Side Story

Chapter 2 - FR VS 4WD

8:30 p.m. Jackson Heights. The battle between the 350Z and the Eclipse has begun as Ellie steps on the accelerator hard. "No matter how good you are through the corners. At the end of the day you're just a 350Z." Zoey said in her mind as she shifted up and accelerated hard on the straightaway as she closes in on Ellie's bumper. She was still focusing but couldn't stop thinking of the time she was intimidated by the plus size models embarrassing her by thinking that the 350Z is slow and the 4WD's are the kings of the mountain pass. Flashback. City Core. "Anyone driving a junker like a 350Z is way below me. I wouldn't race that guy even if he begged me to do it." Zoey said as she was starting to make Ellie upset on the inside when Yajima didn't reveal her identity to them. "But the car that she's driving, it's my opinion the Z33 isn't that good anymore." Casey suggested. "But we don't lose, never have, and never will. The 4WD is the mountain pass king." Zoey replied. Transitions to present. "Well, no one can really know who the winner of the race is until it's over." Ellie said in her mind as she stomps on the accelerator hard and turns into the corner fast as she clears it quickly but the Eclipse is still on her. They were coming up on the next corner and Yajima turns in hard with a power slide to show off its fast cornering. The crowd was surprised of the 350Z's cornering but she wasn't done yet and she just kept going. Starting point. " *sighs* It's hopeless... she's dead." April said as she sighed. "Basically the Eclipse GSX is a sports car on steroids, it's got a light frame turbo engine, four wheel drive. To make matters worse, the Zoey girl driving that has first class technique, I don't see anyway Ellie can beat it." Cami replied. "Dude, shut up! I don't know if I can take anymore of this doom of gloom crap from you two! Every time Ellie races, you girls turn into the big pass of miss on the friggin planet!" Tristen exclaimed. "We're just being realistic." Cami answered. "Look it's Ellie who's racing, not some friggin wannabe! You know how she works, she's undefeated, there's never been a race where she hasn't pulled out of a win!" Tristen replied. Ellie shifts down as she takes the next corner quicker and closes in within a few meters from the guardrail without touching it as well as shifting another drift onto the next curve. "Damnit, I don't like this one bit. This kid's starting to irritate me." Zoey said in her mind as she was close to losing her cool as she was starting to get a bit frustrated about the 350Z. Ellie sees the next corner, shifts down and accelerates hard as she takes it again. They were now on the straightaway. She accelerates hard and takes the next corner. After she takes it, Zoey closes in on her bumper but she lets off when she is about to tailgate the 350Z. "This is a friggin joke! And I don't see any reason why I have to stay cooped up behind this ancient Z33 anymore. I can barely put my foot on the gas without bumping her. I'm starting to get frustrated. Full throttle is the only way my Eclipse GSX knows how to operate. Using simulation 3 against this junker is totally useless! Save it for the real talent instead of wasting on this amateur Casey!" Zoey exclaimed in her mind. Starting point. "Don't let your impatience do you in Zoey." Casey said in her mind. The Eclipse was still trying to close in on the Z without bumping it. "Man I'm so pissed off! It doesn't make any sense! Why am I letting this get to me??" Zoey exclaimed in her mind. Final section. "Hey Adena." Elisa said. "Yeah?" Adena asked. "You talked to Jill? I'm curious what she had to say about this race." Elisa asked. "The only thing she told me was to stand in this exact spot and watch." Adena answered. "Then it sound likes you must've had a good reason to tell you that, huh?" Elisa asked. "Yep." Adena answered. "I don't get what there is to see, there's no way the 350Z can win. I mean come on, the kid's going up against an Eclipse for crying out loud." Chloe replied. "Tch, I never told you this but you're really know it all Chloe. And you'd assume it's common sense that your S13 is faster than a 350Z yet it didn't seem to workout for you very well and that did it." Adena suggested. "Heheh, come on take it easy Adena. You're just torturing her. The race against the 350Z was a great learning experience for Chloe so it wasn't a total waste girl." Elisa chuckled. "Yeah? Well too bad I don't care. The plus size or whatever they call themselves, they're gonna be in for a big surprise once this race is over. Ellie Yajima is Bayview's Downhill Queen and they don't even know it." Adena replied. "This is the longest straightaway on this entire course. It's the perfect place for me to make a move if I want the lead." Zoey said in her mind. "If you get impatient and pass the leader too early, then it's all over." Adena said. "Damnit! That's it! This punk's going down!" Zoey exclaimed. "That's how everyone's lost to the 350Z and that includes Letty." Adena explained. "So if you jump ahead, you lose huh?" Chloe asked. "Good, I wasn't sure if you could wrap your head around such a paradox." Adena answered. "Screw it! I'm going for it!" Zoey exclaimed as she is about to make a move. "Sorry Casey, but simulation 3 is gonna have to wait." Zoey said in her mind as she accelerates hard and passed the 350Z. "I have the right to win this race my own way!" Zoey exclaimed. "She's fast." Ellie said in her mind as she was surprised about the Eclipse's speed. "That was easy, time to show this kid how outclassed she is. As long as I keep the accelerator down. You'll just be a fading glimmer of light in my rearview. Catch you later 350Z." Zoey said in her mind. Starting point. The others of the plus size team were cheering that Zoey passed Ellie but April and Cami were disappointed as Tristen was starting to get angry. "Damn, I knew it." April said as she gave a sigh. Casey was starting to get really angry that Zoey ignored her instructions and passed the 350Z early. "Dumbass!" Casey exclaimed. "I will give Zoey some credit. She's mastered driving her Eclipse GSX with full speed. She also knows that a 4 wheel drive has to enter a corner at top speed in order to successfully complete a drift. During a drift itself, you can only control the car by steering while the gas pedal is slammed into the floor. You'll fishtail if you try to control the drift by only manipulating the gas pedal. Like you would in an FR. Full acceleration is the only way to drift in a 4 Wheel Drive. That's the most difficult aspect of racing a 4 Wheel Drive. No one with just mediocre skills can handle a car at full speed to a drift. But once you're able to master the technique, you can turn any corner you come on at ridiculously high speeds. I guess Zoey does have what it takes to knock this kid out. But why am I feeling so on edge?" Casey wondered in her mind. Zoey takes the corners fast and she pulls away from the 350Z. "Enter at top speed and turn with full acceleration. It's completely different maneuver than the slow ass crab turn the 350Z has to do. Now watch and learn. But I guess she'd have to be somewhat close to see with her own eyes. I doubt she's anywhere near me. I wonder if she's given up." Zoey said in her mind as she thinks she is ahead and Ellie is falling behind but next thing she noticed is that the 350Z is catching up. "What the hell? I don't get it. She's right on my ass! How is that possible? How is she able to keep up with my drift? She's better than I thought. Huh, now this is a race." Zoey wondered in her mind as they were both taking the corners fast. Ellie manages to keep up with the Eclipse throughout the corners but she still hasn't given up just yet. "Now I see, I wasn't getting irritated back there because she was stopping me from the speeds I wanted on the straightaways. I think I knew what was bothering me back when I was following her but for some reason I kept ignoring it. I hate to admit it. But it's true... damnit, I'm just not as fast in the corners she is!" Zoey exclaimed in her mind. "So far, I've managed to keep up with her pace." Ellie said in her mind as they were coming up on the next corner. "There's one other thing too. The straightaways here are shorter than normal so the separation in power between this doesn't make much difference. But just wait, we're coming up on the high speed section and once we do, I'm gonna blow this 350Z out of the water. They're about to see some magic. At the end of this long straightaway comes a hairpin turn. I'll be at full throttle ready to make my move. And the rest will be history. Here it comes. I'm gonna outrace this kid with my technique alone. I don't need the power of my car to win!" Zoey exclaimed in her mind as she brakes into the next corner and shifts down as she drifts along with attacking the corner at a fast speed. "Holy crap! She's really fast! The fastest I've ever gone up against!" Ellie exclaimed she was in shock that the Eclipse is pulling away from her and she steps on the accelerator hard as she clears the corners at a faster speed. "Here comes the Eclipse!" A male spectator exclaimed as he saw Zoey pulling off her 4WD through the 5 consecutive hairpins coming up and then last was Ellie's 350Z trying to catch up. "It's time to use the ditch." Ellie said in her mind as she aims for the inside of the covered gutters on the 1st hairpin coming up and performs the gutter run to keep up with the Eclipse GSX. "Grr... Damnit! Those turns are a bitch!" Zoey exclaimed in her mind as she was clearing the 5 hairpins fast but they were starting to harm her skills. "I might've lost some time. Not enough to make a difference. I don't care what kind of car you're in. Anyone would lose speed on those turns. Now that I have such a huge lead, it should be smooth sailing all the way to the end." Zoey said in her mind as she clears the next corner but notices that Ellie has caught up to her when she is using the gutter run. "What the??" Zoey wondered in her mind as she was in shock that the 350Z is right behind her. "No way, you gotta be kidding me! What the hell happened?" Zoey said. The drivers were coming up into the 3rd section and Ellie had now caught up with the Eclipse GSX. "I can't believe it. I can't even shake off a 350Z. With all my power and technique this race should be over already. You bastard! I'm not gonna let you pass me!" Zoey exclaimed. Final section. "They should be here soon." Adena said. "So I wonder which one is gonna be in the lead. Man, the Eclipse GSX or Z33? Adena. You said that if the Eclipse GSX is in the lead. They'll end up losing the race, but how can you be so sure?" Chloe asked. "That's easy. From my own personal experience. No matter what you do, she won't let you runaway with the lead. She'll stick to your bumper like super glue. If you let her get to you and start relying on power. Then your tires will start to lose air pressure." Adena answered. "I can't get this punk off my ass!" Zoey exclaimed in her mind. "The key here is how to use the tires to your greatest advantage. Anyone who jumps into the lead without knowing that will lose." Adena explained. The Eclipse's tires were worn but the 350Z's was still intact and Ellie hasn't given up the race just yet. "My front tires are losing pressure. Ugh, this race is pissing me off. I can't stay focused. Don't panic though, there's no need to freak out! I can win this as long as I keep my lead! I'm in a better position than her anyway. No matter how fast she is in the turns. She still can't get enough speed to pass me when we're out of them. Once we hit the last straightaway, I'm home free. I was right. Ditching Simulation 3 and taking the lead back there was the right move. I've won this race Casey." Zoey said in her mind. They were now onto the final section. She brakes in and takes the next corner fast as she pulls off a 4WD drift and Ellie is trying to maintain her pace as well as matching the speed with the Eclipse. "I never actually could imagine that a 350Z would put up a fight against me. Goes to show how unpredictable the downhill can be." Zoey said in her mind. "So fast. That car is incredible!" Ellie exclaimed in her mind. "Hey wait, Adena. There's still one thing I'm having a hard time understanding here." Chloe said. "What's that?" Adena asked. "Even if she's capable of sticking Zoey's bumper like super glue, it still doesn't change the fact she's out there an inferior car. I understand that going downhill minimizes the power difference between the two. But I don't know how in the hell that can make the Z33 any more powerful. She's much slower on the straightaways consistent of equally skill technique wise. I can't see how she could ever get ahead of the Eclipse through a corner. And if she can't make a pass, she has no chance in winning." Chloe explained. "Just be patient. Then I won't have to explain a thing. As long as you keep your eyes peeled on that corner, your question will be answered." Adena answered. "I don't know. I just don't see it happening. It's impossible!" Chloe exclaimed in her mind. "She seems to shorten the gap right before we enter each corner. Part of that is my fault since my front tires are losing pressure. I need to quit stressing out. I mean it's a Z33. It accelerates about as fast as sap out of a tree. And I can always pull away from her once I'm through the turn. It pays to be in the lead Casey. And unless I make a boneheaded mistake, this race is mine." Zoey said in her mind. They were about to hit the ending part of the final section. "Man she's fast. As far as acceleration after a turn is concerned, she's the fastest I've ever raced. I can't stick with her anymore. She's got too much power! I've been this tense during a race before." Ellie said in her mind as she accelerates hard and she performs the gutter run again but is still falling behind the Eclipse. "Even when I'm using the ditch turn, I'm still falling behind. In order to offset my poor acceleration, I'm gonna have to come out of the turns at a much faster pace than her. Then I should be able to catch up before the next corner. I guess I'm gonna have to use the same strategy I did against Letty Disantos. Another ditch turn for faster speed to exit out of the corner. The turn just before the bridge is where I'll make my move. I wonder if I'll be able to catch the ditch at the right angle if I go into the turn at top speed. And I'll only have one chance to nail it. I don't know what it is but I feel different tonight." Ellie wondered in her mind. "They're coming!" Chloe called. "I can hear them. It sounds like they're just around the corner." Elisa replied. "Honestly. I'm not entirely sure the 350Z can actually pass the Eclipse GSX and keep the lead until the finish. I know it's selfish but I want to believe that no one can beat this kid since she was able to knock off Letty. Now don't lose. I promise I'll never forgive you if you drop a race before we're able to have a rematch." Adena wondered in her mind. The 350Z was about to use the ditch again. "The Z33 is losing!" Chloe exclaimed. "Now." Ellie said in her mind as she performs the gutter run for the last time and then she finally makes a move to pass the Eclipse GSX. "I did it! I got this in the bag!" Zoey exclaimed in her mind. "Where the hell did she go? No friggin way!" Zoey exclaimed as she was confused of where the 350Z was but then notices it was on the her left side. "I can't believe it. She caught up to with the Eclipse GSX coming out of that last turn." Elisa said. "How did she do that? Woah!" Chloe wondered. "It's over." Adena replied. "She took the inside! The kids driving a piece of junk! How did she get that much acceleration?? It doesn't make sense! Son of a bitch! I'm losing control of my tires! Damnit! No!" Zoey exclaimed in her mind as she got passed by the 350Z and they were onto the final parts of the course. Ellie was now in the lead and they passed by Adena, Chloe and Elisa as they were running to her. "Now that was incredible dude! What do you think's gonna happen next?" Elisa asked. "Absolutely nothing. It's cause the race is over. The fact it was already over when she pulled alongside the Eclipse GSX out of that last turn. Zoey has no chance in passing her now." Adena answered. "Oh man. She showed up Zoey big time. You are unreal Ellie." Chloe said in her mind. They crossed the goal as the race was over. The 350Z stopped first and then the Eclipse stopped second. "I won but it sure doesn't feel like it. Is that because it's on Jackson Heights? I knew exactly where I needed to attack on which corners to use the ditch turn. On any other pass, I would've lost." Ellie said in her mind as she pulled up the handbrake and looked at the mirror while she notices that the teammates are by the Eclipse GSX. Casey slaps Zoey in the face as she was disappointed about Zoey's loss for not following her orders on Simulation 3. "Sorry... Casey..." Zoey said. "Do you have any idea why I'm so angry with you Zoey? Do you? I wanna hear you say it yourself. So go ahead and tell your teammates why you just lost." Casey asked. "No reason... I just couldn't shake the bastard off my tail. I had no idea how that 350Z was able to keep up with me. I dunno, maybe it was just her technique. Anyway, I couldn't tell you exactly how she did it." Zoey answered. "Course not, it's not easy studying your enemy from the rearview mirror. Had you stayed close behind her, you may have been able to find her weakness. Why the hell do you think I told you to run with Simulation 3? But you refused to listen and because of your stubbornness, you suffered a humiliating loss. When are you gonna stop acting like a damn idiot and starting using your head?" Casey asked. "I'm sorry, ok." Zoey answered. "So what are we supposed to do now Casey?" A member asked. "Our plans of sweeping Bayview are no longer a possibility. Last thing we're gonna do is runaway with our tail between our legs and that's why we're all gonna have to suck it up and head into the mountain pass." Casey answered. "Bayview Racing Team?" Zoey asked. "My plans haven't changed. I'm still gunning it for Jill Green. If we can pull out a victory in Jackson Heights, I'll be satisfied. I'm already sick of losing." Casey answered. "What about the 350Z? Aren't we gonna try and rematch?" A member asked. "We have pride on our team! We can't just accept defeat to that teenager!" The female member exclaimed. "Shut up! I know all about pride but my decision stands! Leave her to me! I'll handle it!" Casey answered. "I'm the one most upset about this loss. They have no idea." Casey said in her mind. A few weeks later. 9:30 a.m. Tristen and Ellie were walking on their way to school as they were walking on the streets of City Core. "Oh man, last night was so friggin satisfying. Seriously, I think that was the most excitement I've ever been, do you remember the girl in the Eclipse GSX with her lameass pigtails trash talked us at the lake? She was like "anybody with a 350Z ain't worthy of my time" or some crap like that. Ah girl, I still wish I could've rubbed it in her face myself. So what do you think Ellie? Wasn't it beating that jerk the sweetest?" Tristen asked. "It really didn't do anything for me at all." Ellie answered. "Huh? Well why the hell not?" Tristen asked. "These past few weeks I've been moulin over an idea in my head and then last night it became obvious to me. I don't like racing on Bayview. In fact, I think I'm done here." Ellie answered. "Funny. You ever notice you overthink too hard, nothing good comes with it. So tell me, what's your beef with Jackson Heights?" Tristen asked. "Even though I came in first, I don't think I won last night. To me, it feels like a loss." Ellie answered as she walked away from Tristen. "Ellie, hold up! What are you so upset for?" Tristen asked. "I'm not upset and talking about it sure isn't gonna solve anything. I'm threw with racing in Bayview. I'm gonna begin focusing on other tracks now. Even if it means... a defeat." Ellie answered. The next day. 12:20 p.m. Megalow Parts. Everyone was surprised as they were looking at Tristen's new Audi TT. "Hehehe, I bought my very own TT Sport. I wouldn't have kept it a secret till I got here. But man, ain't she a beaut?" Tristen asked. "Woah, looks like it's in good shape." Cami answered. "So you finally convinced your boyfriend to co sign for you? That's awesome!" April replied. "Well, uh. The guys at the shop I bought it from were cool and they gave me a pretty sweet deal. Man, I'm pumped to have it, it's so sweet!" Tristen said. "Whoever had it before took good care of it. You're lucky girl." April replied. Tristen starts chuckling about it after April's response. "I gotta say Tristen. I'm actually a little surprised you went through with it." Ellie said. "It's just something I had to do. You've set the bar up pretty high so getting my own ride is just the first step to meeting you there. Before you know it all, I'll be drifting with you. Might even give you a run for your money someday." Tristen replied. "Sounds like somebody got her confidence back." April said. "Maybe some. Girl I didn't even slept a single wink last night. I couldn't stop obsessing over my pit mobile. Know what I mean?" Tristen asked. "I know what exactly it feels like girl. The night before I got my IS 300, all I did was stare at the celling and smile." April answered. "I owned my own car, I've been waiting my entire life to say those words. It's all mine. If I'm dreaming right now, don't anybody wake me up." Tristen replied. "That's badass girl. It came with pro performance tires and its custom rims. Why don't you start her up for us Tristen? We want to hear it purr." Cami suggested. "Now you're talking." Tristen answered as she took out her key and started up the TT. She revved it start it high but something was a bit off. "Does something sound a little off to you?" April asked. "Yeah, I hear it. I think it has something to do what the original muffler?" Cami asked. "I'm worried about that, I'll just pick up a new muffler. I want mine to sound like a beefy fire breathing dragon just like Ellie's 350Z!" Tristen answered. "Huh? You better pop the hood Tristen, I don't wanna worry you but something doesn't sound quite right." Ayana suggested as Tristen pulls the lever on the hood to open it. She looks under the hood of the TT to find out what's off about the one Tristen bought. "Just like I thought." Ayana said. "What boss?" Tristen asked. "Promise you won't freak out on me, okay?" Ayana asked. "Wait, why would I freak out?" Tristen wondered. "This is no TT sport. It's an original TT." Ayana answered. "Wait, this is an old TT? Wait, do you mean the TT 3.2 quattro?" April asked. "What?" Tristen wondered as April and Cami were laughing while Ayana was chuckling at her. "Your car may look like a TT sport but pop the hood? I mean it's like comparing a hunk and a damn hummingbird. The TT sport is a turbocharged vehicle and the TT quattro is naturally aspirated." April laughed. "You didn't know that the forced induction and naturally aspirated are totally different?" Cami asked as she continued laughing. "Sorry we're laughing at you girl but you gotta admit, this is pretty friggin hilarious." April replied as she and Cami continued laughing while Ayana was chuckling but Tristen was starting to get upset as she was starting to cry and runaway. "Tristen wait!" Ellie called as Tristen ran off away from work. "Seriously girls?" Ellie asked as she looked disappointed at Cami and April. She rolled her eyes at them as she picks up Tristen's cap and chases her down to see what's up with her. "You didn't have to be jerks about it, try to put yourself in her position." Ayana suggested. "We're sorry about that boss." April answered. "We're sorry about that girl." Cami answered.