Need For Speed Fortune Valley Stories

Chapter 10 - Open Skies Part 2

10:35 p.m. Braxton. "She's fast..!! And she's getting quicker!! That's not possible. Her car can't be faster than mine. What's going on?" Luna wondered in her mind as Ellie starts pulling away from her on the straights. "I feel like I'm chasing after a 4WD. As if her car is turbocharged. This is the reality.. I have to accept this.. I feel.. I do not feel that aggressive.. that I'm not the same as I am in the past compared to now. I was too focused on technique and mistakes.. trying to save my tires for the 2nd run. I care too much about the rules.. or am I being too careful like an old man?! Stop kidding myself!! I'm here is because I believe I can be faster than anyone!!" Luna exclaimed in her mind. Ellie took the corner fast and Luna tapped the wall with her front fender. "Did that Diablo just touch the wall?!" A spectator wondered. "She might've did that to catch up to the Z. This battle is gonna be something else." A girl answered. Ellie stepped on the brakes with her left foot and took the corner dangerously at a normal speed with no hesitation. Luna sees the timing and she taps the guardrail again. They were on the straightaway section. "Although I predicted this, but I'm going all out and I'm still behind! I will pass you with my braking technique cause the all out braking is more stable than the Z's braking!!" Luna exclaimed in her mind. They are approaching the next corner. Ellie stomped on the brakes hard as she was in front. Luna slammed it hard as well and they made it through the corner while she was pressuring Ellie. "What the?? That's impossible..!!" Ellie wondered in her mind as she looked at her mirror and witnessed Luna catching up. "They made it through the turn!" A spectator exclaimed. "This is not what I expected from pro. My braking techniques are good enough but this is the best performance I can do. It's hard to win the race with traditional tactics. Somehow, I'll only know it if I don't let up for one second and keep my concentration going." Ellie wondered in her mind. Starting point. "Ellie's being pushed very hard." Adena called. "This is where the final section happens. Braxton. Last hairpin. "I've gotta become more childish to win this race!!" Luna exclaimed in her mind. They passed the final hairpin and they approached the highway section. "The final section. I'll have to overspeed into those sections if I want to win or pull away! I'll have to try it!" Ellie said in her mind as she saw the final section and starts over speeding. "This is a true tough battle!! If you can make the corner, then so can I!! I accept your challenge!!" Luna exclaimed in her mind as she saw Ellie over speeding into the corner as she did it as well. "As I said. Yajima and the Z cannot be comprehended with normal logic. Even when the pro deduces that it's impossible to take the corner at that kind of speed. Ellie can still do it. This kind of situation happens in real life. That is the infinite potential hidden behind the "Yajima Zone"!!" Letty said. As they were on the corner. Ellie warped again and pulled away. "We're at the same speed on the same line... and my machine is a mid-engine, the performance limit should be better than the FR. You're kidding me?!" Luna exclaimed in her mind as she spun out a 360 on the corner. She survived but Ellie didn't lose control. Ellie Yajima, once again defeated Luna Rosa! Braxton twists. They got out of their cars and they parked on the shoulder. "I lost... no matter what I say, it'll sound like an excuse. But, you being able to make a decision first in this kind of situation... it's a professional level. You even maintained control till the last second. Talking about this, it sounds like I'm running away. The most frustrating thing is you gained an upper hand, choosing to attack where there are no guard rails. At the speed you were going, I was not sure if you would pull it off, or fly into the trees. My desire to battle was lost due to the fear of going off the road. And it was the moment that I lost to you. I've tried to lead you into the world of professional racing before. But after this battle, I've changed that moment. That specialized ability of yours might not have the best fit in the professional world. If that happens, then it's a real shame. Just step right up and work it on your world. I know you'll be a legend. This is my advice to you." Luna said as she show her hand to Ellie for a handshake. "Thank you so much." Ellie replied as she gave her hand and they made a handshake. Starting point. I arrived at the starting point. Braxton twists. "Congratulations Ellie, that was a great run." Cordelia said. "It's nothing to me but it was Ms.Disantos's plan in action. If it wasn't for her piece of advice beforehand, I would've freaked out or lost control during the race. Especially on the second half when my opponent kept closing up. The races in Fortune Valley are so demanding. Looking at braking is perfectly normal. Even though I already pushed it to my maximum potential during practice runs. I thought that in here and the Tri-City Bay, my braking skills should be comparable to others. This experience is like shocking to me this time." Ellie replied. "Don't get so beat up over it kid. The outcome this time wasn't due to the driver's performance... the opponent was driving a over powered midship supercar. Usually you would gain your advantage with your braking skills but this time, it was the techniques as a whole that got you the win. Well played." Cordelia said as she handed a water bottle to Ellie. "Really? It makes a lot of sense looking at it this way." Ellie replied as she opened the bottle and took a sip of it. Starting point. "I'm Prina Anderson." Prina said as she introduced herself and showed her hand. "I'm Branden Lee." I replied as I gave her a handshake. "I heard you're pretty fast and beat many 4WD drivers. If you can escape from me while I'm chasing you, then you are really good. Let me witness your proud acceleration techniques and moves." Prina suggested. "So you want me to lead then, huh? Okay but I guarantee you, you won't be able to keep up with me." I replied. "Don't get carried away." Prina said. Our auras were showing before it started. "Jordan." I said. "Yes?" Jordan asked. "This race holds a special meaning to me. You should know what I mean." I answered. "I understand." Jordan replied. "Just sit there and watch. I'll definitely clinch the win." I said. "Ready to go?" Adena asked. "Okay, let's do this." Cordelia answered. "5 seconds to start!! 3! 2! 1! Go!" Cordelia exclaimed as she started the countdown and the cars launched off fast. "They're starting! Full power hillclimb battle! Will the fast twin turbo RB26 or the strong S65B40 win?! Which machine is faster at climbing, you can't miss this awesome kickass race!!" A spectator exclaimed. Starting point. "I can understand why Branden said that this race holds a special meaning to him. It's because he's going up against a professional." Jordan said in his mind. Hairpin turns. "It doesn't matter how many 4WD drivers you've beaten, since they can't fully utilize the car's potential anyways. Since you're driving a 4WD and I'm driving an FR. It's a battle to see who can conserve their rear tires!! If you keep rushing during the first run, you'll burn out your tires fast and you'd be screwed solely looking to go fast!!" Prina said in her mind. "Obviously I can't compete on horsepower. But this is not a battle to see who has the fastest ride. I think we all know this already." I said in my mind as I took the next corner. Starting point. "But if you wonder why I have this much confidence to send Branden to this battle is because today's Lee is not the same as before. Well it's true, this opponent is the super traditional type. In a formal battle, his skill has no loophole. He will be able to use speed and time efficiently and perfectly. Also, physically and mentally he's in good shape. There aren't many racers that can compare with his level facing this type of opponents. We cannot throw straight fist at him, we have to use curveballs. However, Branden's technique doesn't have curveballs." Letty said. Braxton. I took the last corner before the long straightaway and drifted. "This is how Branden was trained? I didn't even know..." Adena wondered. "I guess this started after the 21st Battle. But what benefits will this training have? I wonder." Cordelia replied. "I've modified this training for Branden's driving style, but I've also done similar training myself when I was younger. It's easy to go fast, just push the car to it's limit. The hard part to control the car and finish the run at a specific time. Too fast or too slow is unacceptable. Before Branden knows how to slam on the gas and go fast. But now he has improved and knows the proper technique to control the accelerator. For example, if he lost 4 seconds because of a slower car in front. He'll have to gain that 4 seconds later. Also he can't use a timer, he has to rely on his instinct.0 Letty said. "That's crazy. Did he do it?" Adena asked. "Of course not right away. But it was after he got used to it. Car racing is about skills. If you practice the same routine everyday, you will train yourself to be a human timer and your body will also be more sensitive to the tires." Letty answered. The twists of Braxton. "Ms.Disantos' special training was very hard that I expected. Know myself or my personality. The more focused I am, the faster I go. However I must force myself to control the accelerator and to train myself on throttle movement from off the gas to full throttle, there are 10 different levels. It's not that easy to control it the way I want it to be. It's more harder than driving at full force!! To think of it, if this wasn't for practice. I would've lost the Palmont canyon battles." I said in my mind as I pumped the accelerator and got it back when I let it off and push full throttle. Starting point. "When we were in Palmont, Branden's focus was throttle control." Cordelia said. "That was because their roads were rough. I needed to train him on throttle control in order to prepare him for his future battles." Letty replied. "Now I understand. Letty, you are amazing when it comes to strategies and tips. Luckily we have you on our team. Otherwise The Drifting Hazards will never become successful." Adena said. "However Adena. Whether this training will pay off. We'll have to see what will happen at the coming." Letty replied. Twists. I was still ahead and haven't let up without going too slow or too fast. The E92 was still on me. "The good thing about Branden is that he is very dedicated and strategic to what he does. Whenever he wasn't participating in The Drifting Hazards battles, he would continue his training." Letty said. "Oh come off it Letty, stop teasing us for god's sake and tell us what is already." Adena replied. "You remember what happened during his battle against the Lan Evo 9 back in Palmont? That's the hint!" Letty said. Bends. "Ms.Disantos said the training was to teach me throttle control. But in reality it's not that simple!! I will need more if I am going to win these Fortune Valley battles. I understand what it is. Watch me Ms.Disantos." I said in my mind. "This battle will use this skill as a weapon." Letty said. "In other words. You want Branden to run against a professional driver in an all out race in high speed?!" Adena asked. "Yajima is not the only one who gets all the applauds. The legend on The Drifting Hazards in Fortune Valley and Tri City Bay will be created by us!!" I said in my mind. "He's pretty sneaky every time he exits a corner he tries to trick me by changing his throttle movement. It makes me mad to think he thinks he can defeat me with speed, knowing that I am a professional driver. If you have the guts then go ahead! I'll fight back no matter what!!" Prina said in her mind as they approached the hairpins. "Here they come." Jovanna said as she saw the cars coming up. "Aw yes! Branden's winning!" Ellie exclaimed. "It looks like they're approaching the middle section by now." Jovanna replied. "I wonder how it will turn out. It's very hard to predict." Ellie wondered. "Ellie, what do you think about your opponent? What are your thoughts after this battle?" Jovanna asked. "If you compare our speeds she seems very fast. No doubt at a professional level. I was lucky enough to get a little head start then I gave it 100% and kept pushing forward. That so, she kept up with me as he got closer. I started to feel anxious, especially knowing she was faster than me." Ellie answered. "Yep, that's a normal prediction." Jovanna replied. "To think of it, Branden and I think of it in a different situation. Now how should I put it? Okay, he has a special vibe. Even though we're a couple and teammates. I get to see him race every time. Just passing each other by a few times during warm up and being a normal couple would cause my heart to beat faster each time we met. I wouldn't want to face him as my opponent so it's a good thing we're on the same team. I saw a lot of fast drivers when we came to Fortune Valley. But he is scarier compared to them. I don't know how to explain it, this is something I discovered recently." Ellie said. After we approached the 1st hairpin turn. I slammed on the brakes with my left foot and feinted my opponent. Prina fell for it and I slammed on the accelerator to full throttle. Starting point. "It has begun. I'm counting on you Branden. If our team didn't have these talented drivers. Then we wouldn't be able to achieve a complete victory in Fortune Valley. Without them, The Drifting Hazards wouldn't be what it is today!" Letty said in her mind. I braked and shifted down to 3rd Gear. I drifted into the corner at high speed. "Has it started? I don't know why but at some point I am getting the chills. This high tension battle is finally happening!" Ellie said in her mind. We approached the highway section after the last hairpin. "The gap hasn't changed much. But both sides are fighting hard and refusing to give up. This is not good. I have a bad feeling about this!" I said in my mind. "Shit!" I exclaimed in my mind as I shifted up and the boost started to rise up. "This is not good! He's getting closer! I did my best to pull away as possible but now she's closing the gap! Ms.Disantos, this is way too frightening. The guy behind me is too strong! It wasn't easy to get this far. What else can I do to lose her? Professional drivers are incredible. She's sending chills down my spine! I beg you R34, you have to keep fighting. I still have hope for you. Let's go. The goal is close!" I wondered in my mind as I felt an aura and I pumped the accelerator once and twice. "Don't be scared, Branden. Your opponent is trying her hardest to put pressure on you. If you rush too much, you'll make a mistake and let her win. You'll have to trust yourself and your car. Remember what my training taught you. I have confidence in you, that's why I sent you to this battle. Prove to me how much you've grown!" Letty said in her mind. I carefully didn't push too hard. I was going at my own pace without going too fast. "You have to drive faster Lee. Push harder." Prina commanded in her mind. I didn't keep going fast. I went between the middle. "What's the matter? You don't want to go fast? The faster you drive the better." Prina said in her mind as she was tailgating me. "You can pressure me to drive faster but it won't work." I said in my mind as I kept driving and pacing myself. "Show me how fast you are. If you don't make a mistake soon. Then... I'm going to lose this race..." Prina said in her mind as she bumped me from behind before the finish line and she slowed down. I kept driving to the finish line but then I noticed my tires have been worn as well so my rival and I can't do another round. The battle was over and The Drifting Hazards won again. The two drivers from Shooting Stars were defeated. "Ms.Disantos. Professional drivers are very difficult." I said. "That's obvious. You just figured that out?" Letty asked. "Well I'm feeling happy but I regret a few things as well. In the past, I was proud of my wins. I was satisfied because I gave it all I've got in this race. This one was way too close. It's an unknown battleground. But then I chose to run away was my only option. Technically, we went at the same pace and both of us were facing the same tire wear problem. So why did she still insisted on accelerating in that situation. I started to get scared. Do you know why Ms.Disantos?" I asked. " *sighs* Because she was a professional driver. Professional drivers are very sensitive to their speed limits. They use their professional experience to create their racing styles. And they know they'll progress every time they push themselves to the limit. Every driver has their own racing style. I'm not sure what Anderson did or why... sometimes you cannot explain everything with logic; you have to go with your feelings. That's the territory of a professional driver. Don't forget that exists." Letty answered. "Yeah." I replied. "Okay, let's all go home! Jordan! You take van#2." Adena commanded. "Yes! Alright!" Jordan replied. Mount Providence. Hours later. I was driving again on the same pass but by myself when I am driving with my left hand on the shifter and right hand on the wheel. I braked into the corner and attacked it fast. "Maybe I have improved my skills. But I can't even win a battle like this still." I said in my mind. A backfire blew from the exhaust as I pumped the gas pedal when I drifted. 20 minutes later. Garage. Airfield 73. "I'm done with the deliveries mom." I said as I got out of the car. "Okay." Adena replied as she walked up to the car and she was feeling the tires but they were heating up. "Branden, there is something I wanted to ask? Why the tires seem to wear out fast?" Adena asked. "So there is this technique I found what other drivers do and I use it in the 4WD which is called one handed steering. Like you have your left hand on the shifter and right hand on the wheel. Remember the battle that I had between the React Team Sessions racers. Basically they call it gum tape deathmatch which means that my right hand is taped to the wheel and my left hand is on the shifter. It's pretty easy but it's scary if you ask me." I answered as I took off my shoes and went inside the garage. I went inside my room and closed my door. "Ah, I see now." Adena replied as she walks away from the R34 and went inside as well.