F-Zero: The Rising Hero

Chapter 14: Back to Basics

     After Ace Winters mopped the floors for a week, he went right back to training. His injuries were healed in that time. So was also able to get in the Green Amazone again. Jody Summer would be with Ace every step of the way, instructing him on how to race, and how to win. Ace and Jody now meet in the simulation room for training. "Alright I've been doing my research on Michael Chain," She said. "I have to tell you. The way he beat you last time at Port Town wasn't pretty. Because of this recent major throwback, you better be willing to work. Nothing glamorous about it, here at the federation we call it 'Pro Training'

   Ace was taking mental notes in his head as Jody spoke. He didn't want to miss anything she said. It was far too important. "Anything else?" he asked his boss. "Yes," she replied. "There's one important thing to note down about Michael Chain. He and the Bloody Chain attacked you and Lily like a stampede. That's how they beat you two. You won't need to worry about that now, since there's only one member of the bloody chain." It seemed soo simple. Ace Winters VS Michael Chain. The young pilot would finally get the redemption he needed and popularity he would earn. He owed it to his family and everyone else. Jody Summer now headed over to the simulation control desk. She began to press some buttons on it. Their environment suddenly warped and changed. Ace was now on Silence the high speed version. Of course, the simulation was showing the other side of the planet. Ace was used to the main side, which was purple skies.

   "You won't run a time trial this time," Jody told him. "You'll race against me." Ace and Jody put on their helmets. Even though this was a simulation, safety was still advised. "Remember to boost when necessary and boost drains your power," Jody reminded the rookie. Ace knew this already, he was just worried. Jody had the advantage, the White Cat's grip was unparalleled. Jody although was confident that Ace could beat her if he put his mind to it. The countdown soon began. 3...2...1...GO! The Green Amazone, of course, was the first to shoot ahead. The track was covered in boosts, so both pilots utilized these. They were side by side for the first lap running, both were determined to give it their all. Second Lap. Ace slammed his boost, he was able to get far ahead because of his boost status. "WOO-HOO!" Ace hollered. He was clearly enjoying the speed. Jody Summer was nowhere in sight.

   The final lap, Ace clearly had this race. Jody was nowhere in sight still. Just as Ace was about to enter the tunnel, Jody finally appeared! Ace panicked and hit the booster, but his machine was low on power. The machines drove over the pit areas, but there was no way to beat Jody. She crossed the finish line and won the race. "RATS!" Ace yelled as he leaped out of his cockpit. The simulation ended, and they were immediately back at the federation HQ. Jody removed her helmet and smiled. "I figured out your problem," she said jumping off the White Cat. "You need to relax." "I AM RELAXED!" Ace Winters hollered. "IT'S JUST THIS MACHINE WON'T-" "Ace," Jody Summer calmly put her hands on the rookies shoulders. "Take a deep breath. Breathe." Ace grudgingly took her advice. He breathed in and out, in and out. Jody took him in her arms. "I understand how you feel," she said as she rested her chin on his head. "The thought of revenge, the pain of loss and now the adrenaline. I know exactly how you feel. Those thoughts come to my mind all the time when I started a race."

     Ace was now calmed. He now realized he never took a close look at the similarities of him and Jody. Jody was basically an older female version of him. "What do you do?" he asked her. Jody turned Ace around to face her. She now looked him in the eyes and gave him the best advice he could ever receive. "You have to control your mind," she spoke. "Control your thoughts. Just focus on who or what you are really racing for. Who WE are racing for." Jody handed Ace Winters his helmet. "Our parents." Ace smiled. It was worth a shot. It was the best advice he could ever receive. He wanted to remind himself of what she told him all the time. He threw himself into Jody's arms, and Jody hugged him back. The two certainly had developed more than just a working relationship. It was like they were brother and sister. "What do you say we do a few more practice races and you call it a day?" she smiled. "Deal!" Ace exclaimed. "But I deserve some milkshakes after training.

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    Ace Winters was finally finished training. He was ready, more than ready. He had trained all day and learned how to relax his mind. Before he could call it a day, Jody had some news for him. "Lily Flyer will be racing alongside of you in the Joker Cup," She said holding a holo-clipboard. "Really?" Ace asked. The young woman nodded her answer. "Thanks! What about Captain Falcon?" Jody Summer shook her head. "Falcon said he would sit this one out. He knows your motivation. He said that in order for you to beat Chain, you need to do it yourself." "Do you think I'm ready?" The rookie asked her again. Jody smiled again: "You were born for this."