Need For Speed Fortune Valley Stories

Chapter 11 - Open Skies Part 3

The next morning. 9:45 a.m. I was sleeping in bed with Ellie. Then I heard something ringing which was my phone. I grabbed my phone from the counter on the side and answered it. "Branden." I called. "Oh good, you're not in jail yet... Meet me." The gambler called. "Can't come downtown... I've got too much heat with the 5-0 right now." I replied. "You think I don't know that? I'm sending you the location. You're on your way right?" The gambler asked. "It's not like I got nothing to do plus I just got up." I answered as I hung up. "Who is it?" Ellie asked. "It's the gambler. I have to meet him somewhere around here. I'll come back later." I answered as I gave Ellie a kiss on the forehead and I got up. I went to get changed and I went to my car. I got in and drove to the destination. While I was driving. I saw a Lotus Exige S being left at a gas station parked there by the DB11. I drove up to the DB11 and stopped. "Well, look at this, if it isn't the public enemy number one! I bet my some city cop is down at the precinct right now throwing darts at your mugshot." The gambler said. "Hahah. I'm sure he is. What's do you need me for?" I asked. "Bookies are giving you a hundred to one you'll make it into the Outlaw's Rush. Still a long shot. I say we even the odds." The Gambler answered. "You know I can't race downtown right now." I replied. "Plenty of Street Leagues outside the city, kid. There's Noise Bomb, Free Ember Militia, Silver Six... they might even help out with the Demon Lords if you ask nicely." The Gambler said. "With the Demon Lords gunning for us, we're gonna need all the allies we can get." I replied. "Good. You're my ace high, kid. I'm not letting you out of my sight until the cards come down. Also the professional team you went up against on the canyon battle will also help you. But support you though." The gambler said. Garage. "So we got Silver Six, Noise Bomb, and Free Ember Militia." I said. "Hold up, Silver Six. I know their leader. Branden, let me throw down with you. This is my fight as well. I'll support you in this battle against the Silver Six." Adena replied. "Your mother's right. Let us and Jovanna support you in this battle. We're your family and we're here to help each other out in other battles." Cordelia suggested. "Okay, then. You guys throw down with me. But I'll have to meet him first. But before we do that, Jovanna. I saw this car you might be interested in. It's a Red Lotus." I said. "A red Lotus? Sure we can take it." Jovanna replied. Minutes later. "You got the car already?" Cordelia asked. "Yep, we got it already." Jovanna answered as she drove the car in. "I'm gonna meet with their leader now." I replied as I got in my M3 GTR and drove to the destination. Silver Canyon. "Branden? Lil Branden Lee? It's really going down. Dios Mio. I can't believe it." Tony wondered. "What's the joke here Tony?" I asked. "That you're gunning for the Demon Lords. I heard but I thought, he's crazy, but he's not crazy." Tony answered. "Damn serious. Mackenzie is gonna pay for this." I replied. "Damn, boy. Lil Lee got some bark! Why you trying so hard, Cabrón? I got something that would be a lot easier for you. We'll talk after the race." Tony said. I nodded and I started my run. "First, get over Silver Dam." Tony commanded. "Not making this easy, are you?" I asked. "Gotta protect ourselves." Tony answered. Minutes later. "I won't say the last location over radio. It's where you and I crashed that Mustang back in high school." Tony said. "You always blame me for that! That was all you, Tony! Plus you also made my mom slap me for doing that every time! She should've just slapped you!" I replied. "Details, details. We're almost ready, hijo. Apúrate." Tony said. Silver Rock Casino. "Fine, I'm a man of my word... just sent you the location." Tony said. "Was that supposed to be a challenge?" I asked. "If you think that's impressive, the Outlaw's Rush is gonna crush you. If you can even get past me." Tony answered. "Oh, I'll get past you. And I'll be ready for Mackenzie, too." I replied. "I didn't say Mackenzie. I said the rush." Tony said. "Same difference." I barked. "Take it from me, amigo. It's not." Tony replied. "Man, what changed, Tony? Sticking it to the Demon Lords seems like it would be right up your alley." I said. "We tried. We really did. But this is better. We're done getting crushed by the Demon Lords. Enough talk, you got a race to lose." Tony replied. "Branden don't lose." Cordelia said. "I'm gonna start the countdown if it's alright with you." Jovanna replied as she went in front of the cars to start the countdown. "5 seconds to start! 5! 4! 3! 2! 1! GO!!" Jovanna exclaimed as she started the countdown and all the cars launched off fast. "Woah! Look at that legendary M3 off the start! Who's gonna be the first?!" A spectator exclaimed as he saw me coming off the line fast and passing the M2. "I can still go! I'm faster than that! I know it!" I exclaimed in my mind. "The goals up ahead! Don't let up!" I exclaimed in my mind as I saw the finish line and I pressed both of the nos buttons. I got a maximum boost and I floored it to the finish. I stopped the car and did doughnuts. "I forgot how slick you were behind the wheel, cabrón... Come on, drop this crazy fight, bring your crew, and come with us. We've found a nice foothold in "dealings" that really need people with skills like yours." Tony said. "Are you kidding me, Tony? Don't tell me you're still running the same crap that got our old men busted." I wondered. "It's different this time." Tony replied. "Sure. This time it's going to get you busted. Totally different." I said. "Just show up for the next race. We'll show you how good it is, out here." Tony replied. "Cordelia. You need to take the next race. I know this is my fight and you guys joined in as well. You'll have to race against them in this one. It's a pattern basically, I run the race first. Then you run it, Jovanna runs it and my mom runs it. The boss them I'll have to take him on." I said. "You can count on me Lee. I'll win this for the sure thing." Cordelia replied. Silver Canyon. "This chick from one of Lee's crew are heroes that are gonna save us all. What a hero. Show her how we treat heroes." Tony said. "Branden said it, not me. Well why don't you realized has happened to you." Cordelia replied. "On my count! 5! 4! 3! 2! 1! Go!" Adena exclaimed as she raised her arm up and down to start the countdown. The cars launched off at a furious speed. "Woah! That 180SX is dead fast! When you look at it, you can see the way how she launched compared to the others." A spectator said. "I got this in the bag!" Cordelia exclaimed as she power slid and jumped on a cut between the off-road section. "Woah! This girl's suicidal! Damn this chick must be good!" Slipstreams exclaimed in his mind. "If I pace myself. I should be able to edge em out with no mistakes." Cordelia wondered her mind as she paced until the finish line. "Man, one of Lee's friends got some chops! I told the guys he was as good as ever." Tony said. "Who are you talking about?" Cordelia asked. "All the kids from The Barrio. 6th Street's back, man. If Lee joins us, it'll just be like the old times." Tony answered. "Everyone's running together again?" I asked. "Hell yeah. Tia Anita's still even making those killer empanadas. Only this time, we're coming home a little later than when we were kids." Tony answered. "Wow, riding with you guys really brings me back." I replied. "Feels right, doesn't it? Next race is at the airfield. See you there?" Tony asked. Airfield 73. "Glad to see you here. You must be that chick's sister. You ready to race?" Tony asked. "Whatever you say. I'm not getting any younger." Jovanna answered. "Okay! I'm gonna start the countdown!" I exclaimed raised my hand. "Don't lose sis." Cordelia replied. "5! 4! 3! 2! 1! GO!" I exclaimed as I dropped it down and started the countdown which made the cars launch off fast like a rocket. "A jump!" Jovanna exclaimed in her mind as she saw a big jump and she pressed the right nos button for more boost pressure. "There's a race outside?" Dominic asked. "Yeah, I heard Jovanna's racing in it. Let's check it out." Ellie answered as she, Dom and Letty ran outside of the garage to check out the race. "Oh my god! Look at them! They're all the way behind!" Dominic exclaimed. "And Jovanna's in front! Go Jovanna! You got this!" Ellie replied. "She's not bad. But she's using a technique which is causing the car to help increase acceleration timing and adapting to the jumps. The cars behind are slowing down probably cause their cars were maybe or maybe not specifically tuned for this course. But the setup and upgrades we equipped to the Lotus is to do with the suspension. Engine's running just how it should be, but we equipped a supercharger in there for a linear power response while it's increasing engine rotation. The supercharger can pull power from the crankshaft which is pretty impressive. Turbochargers have turbo lag. Superchargers don't have lag at all. As long as she's accelerating, she should be fine." Letty said in her mind as she saw the Lotus taking air from the ramp. "Alright here we go." Jovanna said in her mind as she jumped from the ramp and down to the off-road surface. She immediately floored it after she went past the gas station. "She's nuts." Tony said in his mind as she saw Jovanna warping through the sections. "Grip the inside. Don't slip. You lose control, it's over." Jovanna said in her mind as she braked into the corner and drifted after the last one. Silver Dam bridge. "So Tony, what just happened? Why are you getting involved in all this shady crap again?" Jovanna asked. "You don't want to know what just happened. Since you're in Branden's crew, I'll tell you. You don't get how close the Demon Lords came to taking everything from us. I was in jail girl, jail! They even own the cops." Tony answered. "That won't even bite us." Jovanna replied. "I don't know you much, I just know Lee, girl. He just needs an excuse to drop this game. I'm giving him one." Tony said. "Back then for you guys. But not right now." Jovanna replied. "You keep saying that... but I don't see you in no hurry to stop running with us. Thought so. Next race is at the dam. I know I'll see one of you guys there." Tony said. Minutes later. "I'm done with your crew and I am done with you blaming my son by causing me to slap him for framing him. I beat them, you race my son. Mano a mano." Adena said. "You gonna drive? Or just sit there talking about your son cause you're his mother." Tony asked. "3! 2! 1! GO!!" Jovanna exclaimed as she started the countdown. The cars launched off a fast pace. "The Cayman GT4 is catching up!" I exclaimed. "Go Ms.Lee!" Jovanna exclaimed. "If you want to do this, Tony. You better stay the hell away from me." Adena said in her mind as she shifted 3rd Gear and gripped the inside of the turn. She passed the 2nd car ahead of her and was in second place. "How did she do that?!" Cassandra wondered as she saw her move. "Just grip the inside tight as you can. But remember, don't wear your tires out. Conserve them until the last section. After that, push it hard until the goal." Adena said in her mind as she shifted up to 4th Gear. "I can get a better power response in this car. However, the settings will have to be adjusted. This car is okay to me." Adena said in her mind as she gripped the inside and then drifted on the next corner. "A inside turn grip and drift method! Wow! That chick is fast!" Wildcard exclaimed in his mind. "Alright, I guess I'll have to pull this off with my standby move." Adena said in her mind as she gripped the inside and she passed the Golf GTI. "What the hell?! How did she do that?!" Wildcard wondered in his mind. "She's so damn fast!" Wildcard exclaimed in his mind as he saw Adena warping through the corner and pulled away. She crossed the line first and won the race. "Race my son." Adena commanded. "No way." Tony replied. "Looks like you wanna cry to your mommy. Is the big bad Tony can't even take on my Lil Branden Lee?" Adena asked. "I know what you're trying to do, girl. But the Demon Lords has everything on lock. The Outlaw's Rush is just for show, now." Tony answered. "Then Branden will put on one hell of a show. Silver Rock doesn't belong to the Demon Lords. It belongs to us." Adena replied. "You really believe that, don't you?" Tony asked. "You bet your ass we do." Adena answered. "You guys are gonna get yourselves killed, señorita. Fine. He and I will race. But, we're taking the scenic route. I'll give him a view to remember when he's stuck in a jail cell." Tony replied. Hours later. Mount Providence. "That's his car? The M3? It seems familiar cause I heard that car was wrecked by the Demon Lords. Maybe it's renewed." Tony wondered in his mind as he pulled up to my M3. "Tony! We meet again. Just like the old times, huh?" I asked. "Almost makes you miss some of the stuff we got up to, huh?" Tony asked. "Hahaha. Man, some of the stuff we did... God, we were such delinquents." I answered. "I'm gonna start the countdown! 5! 4! 3! 2! 1! Go!" Adena exclaimed as she started the countdown and both of the cars launched. "Let's go!" Tony replied as we launched and we were neck to neck. "Man! Branden just rocketed off the line with a perfect start at a fast speed!" Cordelia exclaimed. "That's the kind of speed you need to use against that guy Branden!" Jovanna exclaimed. "Amazing. The Rear Engine should have the upper hand on the FR but the upgrades we did to the M3 GTR should have the advantage over the Carrera. Don't lose my son, beat this guy to the ground!" Adena said in her mind as she saw me taking 1st place after we took the first corner. When I was in first. Tony pulled up to me and passed me after the first corner. "Crap, he's fast." I said in my mind as I floored it. I saw him warping through the next corner. "Not good! This guy's got some fire in there!" I exclaimed in my mind. "You never could get off the blocks good." Tony said. "And you always burnt out halfway through. Let's see if that's changed." I replied as I floored it on the corner fast. "I'm not letting you pull away from me!" I exclaimed in my mind. Garage. Ellie was working on her car and fixing it up. "Hey Jordan, what's up?" Ellie asked. "I'm doing good Ellie, you fixing her up?" Jordan asked as he walked to her. "Yeah, I just have to fix the suspension and the engine. We equipped a dragon with flames vinyl all thanks to Dom. Now we'll need an upgrade for it." Ellie answered. "So what's the team you're going up against?" Ellie asked. "It's Noise Bomb." Jordan answered. "Noise Bomb?" Ellie wondered. Flashback. "Ellie Yajima has done what no one has been able to do! She beat Aki Kimura! Yajima's become the new drift queen! Kimura lost his crown and his RX-7! Come on people, let's make some noise for our new drift queen Ellie Yajima!" The host exclaimed. Ellie jumped onto the RX-7's hood and cheered. Present. "I remember him. Jordan let me throw down with you, this is my fight." Ellie said. "You want to join me? Okay then, I guess it won't hurt for you to back me up." Jordan replied. Desert. "Yo, get back here!" Tony exclaimed as he saw me passing him. "You still got some moves, Lil Lee!" Tony said as he saw me warping through the next corner. "Man, that nickname. Where'd that even come from anyway?" I asked. "Remember when Dom brought back that new Chevy? You were too short to get your foot on the gas pedal. It was adorable. Lil Lee teaching and reaching-." Tony answered. "Okay, now I know why." I replied. He blew past me again. "Yo, is Letty still riding with you guys?" Tony asked. "Tough as ever, why?" I asked. "Yeah, was thinking about that time she flat out decked me. Remember that?" Tony asked. "Probably shouldn't have tried to pick her up then, huh?" I asked. "One slip up, come on." I said. "On the straightaways braking is partially crucial but then are a few corners that lay ahead and a second of all I'm starting to fall behind on both the corners and the straights. But then, why?" I wondered as I saw the Carrera S taking the corners fast. "On the corners he's more faster than that. What's the difference? Can it be the difference between our cars?" I wondered. "I can't catch up. This car is specifically tuned by Jovanna and Letty. But however, I'm the one losing. At some point he's gonna cut through. I need to catch up!" I said in my mind. "Hey! Where'd you go?" Tony asked. "Stick cocky, Tony!" I answered as we took a series of turns. I warped as well along with the Carrera S warping. "Still taking those turns hard, I see. Remember wrecking your dad's Camaro on turns like that in the Barrio?" I asked. "Ha! I still remember you taking the blame for that." Tony answered. "I was the only one that could get away with stuff like that." I replied. "No way, I can catch up to his speed. *gasps* that's it, I think I'll have to aim for the inside of the corners to instantly catch up. The gutter run method 2 which will require using the gutters at the exit! I'll have to try it if I'm gonna win." I said in my mind as I gripped the inside of the turn that had the tune up shop nearby and I'm starting to catch up to his pace. My aura was showing which means I haven't given up and I am still pushing hard. "Just give me that opening." I said. When I saw the two hairpins, I gripped the inside on the first one and passed Tony. "Aww, come on!" Tony exclaimed. "Still famous for those last-second wins?" I asked. "You know it." Tony answered. We passed the last hairpins and I saw the goal after the bridge. "The bridge! The goal's up ahead!" I exclaimed in my mind as I saw the goal from the view. I floored it hard on the last hairpin to the final section which is the bridge section. "Me in first, you in second. Just like the old times huh, man?" I asked. "Now!" I exclaimed in my mind as I pressed both of the nos buttons to get maximum boost pressure. The Nitrous was firing in my car and I floored it hard to the end of the goal. When I passed it, I won the race and Tony lost to me. "Still can't beat me, Tony!" I said. "Damn man, I haven't raced in a long time!" Tony replied. "Come on, just say it. You think I can do it, don't you?" I asked. "If you're really gonna do this, I need you at your best. We need you at your best." Tony answered. "Ya'll bring the best on me." I replied. "Some people are rooting for you. Branden. Some people think you'll get this city back." Tony said. "Are you those people?" I asked. "Might be. Might not be. See ya later, Lil' Lee." Tony answered. "Also before you go, can you apologize to my mother for being an ass to her?" I asked. "I'll try, but I guarantee she may or may not forgive me." Tony answered as he drove away. "I mean I did win. But to be honest, it was a neck to neck battle but if I had to put it like this... I'd say it's a tie." I said. "So he actually won?" Cordelia asked. "You know he still won, but he told me it was a tie so I guess either one of them won but it was a fair race and Tony may decide to help us out. We're on the street league though which is Noise Bomb. Let's stay focused." Jovanna answered.