LOVE IN THE FAST LANE=================
CHAPTER 4 - FIRST ENCOUNTER
After a few days of working in the AKB48 garage, Takamina, Haruna and Miichan became accustomed on how things are done and became fast friends with all the members including those who are not directly working in the garage.
Back in the apartment…
“We have an e-mail from Grandpa. He received a lead that there are some drug dealings that has been happening in one of the motorcycle events here in Tokyo.” Takamina informed her cousins as she read the e-mail.
“That’s so vague! There are different types of motorcycle events all around Tokyo. It could be anywhere at any time!” Miichan complained while eating breakfast.
“We’ll just have to take our chances. We just need to investigate during our scheduled events – we could work from there.” Haruna suggested.
“You’re right Haruna. We just have to be observant in our every race. We also have to make sure that the team is safe from harm as well.” Takamina said as she closed her laptop. “Anyway, we have to get going… Time for us to go back to the garage.”
*****
Since there are no scheduled races for the team as of this time, Takamina, Haruna and Miichan are given some tasks to help out the team. For today, Haruna is checking the inventory of the tires and engines, Miichan is doing an oil change in one of the bikes and Takamina is busy checking the axle boots under one of the cars. Everyone suddenly looked in surprise on the garage entrance where they suddenly heard someone running and squealing:
“NyanNyaaaaaaan~~!” Yuko screamed, tackling Haruna, bumping both of them to the tire rack where Haruna is doing inventory.
“How many times do I have to tell you I’m not your NyanNya – ah heck, never mind.” Haruna blushed and sighed. Yuko on the other hand, took it as a sign of victory. “Anyway Yuko, what are you doing here? Don’t you have a photoshoot or something like that?” She teased with a straight face.
“Mou~~ NyanNyan, I came to see you of course! And we always hang out in the garage when there’s nothing to do.” Yuko smiled at Haruna. “Say, has anyone of you seen Mariko onee-chan?”
“She’s in her office, talking to Sayaka-chan.” Miichan informed them wiping off the grease on her hands.
“And how, if I may ask, know about her whereabouts?” Haruna asked, smiling mischievously.
“E-Eh?! We-Well, she e-mailed me this morning, that’s why.” Miichan stuttered, wringing the now dirty towel in the process. “She did give us her contact details, remember Haruna?”
“Nope, she didn’t give it to me and I don’t think Takamina got her number either.” Haruna continued with her teasing.
“Ara, it seemed you’re a special one for Mariko onee-chan then.” Yuko teased, giving Miichan a full-faced blush.
Meanwhile, Takamina is still busy working under a car when a pair of feet wearing high heels stopped beside the car she is working on.
“Ta-Ka-Mi-Na!”
Takamina frowned trying to recognize the voice.
“A-Atsuko-san?!” she finally thought, jerking up on impulse, forgetting that she is still under a car.
*THUNK!* “Owww~~~” Takamina groaned, wheeling the palette that she is lying on out of the car.
“Takamina, are you alright?!” Atsuko asked worriedly as she helped Takamina to stand up.
“Y-Yeah, I’m okay. I think I just got a bump on my head, that’s all.” Takamina whispered, rubbing the soft spot on her forehead.
“Let me see…” Atsuko said as she leaned towards Takamina, touching the bump that slowly forming on her forehead. “Don’t worry; your head is still intact.” Without warning, she placed a gentle kiss on Takamina’s forehead. “There, that should do the trick.” Atsuko smiled.
“A-Atsuko-san?!” Takamina exclaimed trying to hide her blush.
“Mou, you don’t have to be so formal. After all, I’m calling you by your nickname Takamina.” Atsuko teased.
“Well, if you insist. But calling you Atsuko-chan sounds like it’s a long nickname. So… is it okay if I and my cousins call you Acchan?” Takamina sheepishly grinned.
Atsuko was taken aback by Takamina’s request that she was not able to hide her surprise, causing her cheeks to turn pink. “How did you know… only my sisters call me Acchan… Did they tell on you?” Atsuko asked.
“Iie, I just thought it suits you… it is a cute nickname after all.” Takamina smiled.
“Okay, you can call me that since you’re being adorkable today.” Atsuko teased, pinching Takamina’s cheek then started walking towards the studio.
“Ow! Hey, is that even a word?” Takamina yelled at Atsuko’s retreating form. Atsuko then turned, walking backwards.
“Now it is since I used it in a sentence. I’ll see you later!” Atsuko waved, then turned again jogging to the garage exit.
*****
After Sayaka returned from Mariko’s office, she asked the cousins to have a short meeting with her in her own office.
“I received an invitation for us to join a motorcycle event tomorrow night in Chiba. It’s a Drag Race and each of you will get to have one pass.” Sayaka said.
Takamina, Haruna and Miichan looked at each other and nodded.
“This is our chance.” They all thought.
“As much as we rely on Aki-P’s funds for the team, we also have to earn our keep to maintain the group. The bets that we collect will be allocated equally for the Pit Crew, Tech Lab and for the Flag Girls. You will also be given a commission for your hard work.” Sayaka smiled.
“Yosh! You can count on us Chief!” Miichan exclaimed, pumping her fist.
*****
The day of the motorcycle event finally arrived. Various teams can be seen scattered around the area and spectators were continuously placing bets on their favored teams for every pass as shown on every screens in the area. Takamina, Haruna and Miichan are roaming around the event, scanning the area and communicated with each other using a device inside their ear.
“Haruna… Miichan… do you see anything suspicious?” Takamina whispered amidst the noise the motorcucles and crowd cheers, knowing that their device is loud enough for her to be heard by her cousins.
“Not yet where I’m at… How about you Miichan?” Haruna asked, checking the fit of her boots while looking around her.
Miichan continued walking on her are and spotted a group of men whispering on the far side where the event is currently taking place. She then moved on one of the screens as if looking at the event details. On her peripheral vision, she saw a man open up a briefcase containing bundles of money while the other one opened up a bag containing plastic bags filled with what seems like cocaine. Being high-trained agents, Miichan was able to get the gist of the conversation of the men thru lip reading.
“Target spotted. A group of ugly men that we’re gonna deal with are drug dealers alright. Transactions will take place in the empty lot nearby after the event.” Miichan reported and walked smoothly back to where the AKB48 team are assembled.
“Good work! Haruna, let’s go back as well.” Takamina replied.
“Copy that.” Haruna said and both cousins also made their way to the team.
*****
“There you are! I thought you three already ditched us before the race even started.” Sae waved to the approaching cousins.
“Sorry about that, we just checked what kind of bikes the other competitors have.” Takamina replied, making up an excuse.
“Enough about that. You three will take your pass after another so don’t go wandering further. Haruna, you’re the first to go.” Sayaka said pointing at her designated bike.
“NyanNyaaaaaaan~~!” Yuko yelled on top of her lungs running towards Haruna.
“O God… is this some kind of déjà vu?” Haruna thought as she wore her helmet. Yuko hugged her then clasped her hands on either sides of Haruna’s helmet, as if telling her to look at her.
“Do your best, okay?” Yuko sweetly smiled. After a couple of seconds, Haruna nodded in reply and drove her bike to the starting point.
At the go signal, Haruna cranked the accelerator of the bike, taking the lead of the pass. She maintained at high speed until she crossed the finish line, leaving her opponent a few meters behind her.
“Yatta! Look at my NyanNyan go!” Yuko jumped in delight while shaking the lights off of Sae.
*****
After all the excitement and giving Haruna their congratulations, Sayaka informed the team that Takamina’s next.
Takamina immediately wore her helmet and rode her bike. Before she was able to start her engine, Atsuko approached her and kissed her helmet, leaving a lipstick mark on her visor.
“For luck.” Atsuko simply said. Takamina gave her an OK sign and made her way to the starting line.
“Hehehe… I don’t think Takamina will wipe off that lipstick mark on her helmet.” Miichan whispered in their communicator.
“I bet she will have it framed.” Haruna said, adding her two cents’ worth.
“Shut up.” Takamina said as she listened to her cousin’s giggling.
As soon as Takamina saw the signal light turned green, she cranked the clutch creating noise from the bike and zoomed from the starting line. Just as she approached the finish line, she did a roll-on power wheelie by lifting the front of the bike a few meters from the finish line until she crossed it. The team and the crowd cheered for her victory and display of showmanship.
“Ara, is she trying to impress someone?” Mariko said as she glanced at Atsuko beside her.
“I wonder about that too. Do you have any idea who might that be, Acchan?” Yuko teased, poking at Atsuko’s pink cheeks.
*****
As Miichan prepare for her turn, she glanced at the opposing team’s side to see who she’s gonna be against with.
“Shimatta!” She thought. “Takamina… Haruna… I’ll be competing with the ugly men’s driver.” Miichan whispered in her communicator.
“Understood. We’ll monitor their every move.” Haruna replied as Takamina made her way back to the team. Takamina nodded at her direction confirming about Miichan’s update.
Miichan checked her outfit and then began rummaging in her equipment bag.
“Now where is my…” her thoughts were cut off as Mariko approached her with the thing she is looking for.
“I bet you’re looking for this. Win this race, for the team.”
For me. Mariko said as she handed the helmet.
Miichan winked in response and wore her helmet.
*****
At the starting point…
Miichan stared at her opponent, then cranked the clutch that made her opponent look at her.
“You’re going down!” she thought, giving him thumbs down. She was given the finger as a reply.
“Stop taunting him Miichan! They might get suspicious.” Haruna whispered in the communicator.
“Let’s see if he can use that finger again once we deal with them.” Miichan replied as she waited for the go signal.
Miichan was able to finish the race with ease, not giving her opponent a chance to catch up with her since the signal light turned green. When she got back to the team, the cousins saw Miichan’s opponent get back to where the ugly men were standing and pointed at her. Suddenly the opponent’s group gathered their things and made their way out of the event.
“Man, I’m hungry… well everyone, let’s celebrate! Let’s all have dinner together!” Sayaka exclaimed earning cheers from the entire team.
“Sayaka-chan, you go on ahead with the team... I ah… just saw one of our friends in the crowd and we would like to say hi.” Haruna blurted as an excuse while Miichan and Takamina went on ahead and followed the drug dealers.
“Okaaaay… I’ll just text you which restaurant we’re in. C’mon girls, let’s go.” Sayaka replied. Maruko, Atsuko and Yuko looked at the cousin’s retreating forms, curious to what they are up to.
*****
At the nearby empty lot…
“Jun, it’s a shame that you lost in the race… worst thing about that is you lost to a girl.” A middle aged man wearing a suit and dark sunglasses said making the other men laugh.
Jun, which Miichan’s opponent, sneered. “It won’t happen again boss… when I get another chance.
The boss hmphed then waved his hand. “If you get another chance. Take charge of the deal then report back to the warehouse.” He said as he stepped inside a black sedan together with some of the men then drove off.
Just as Jun was about to hand the bag to their customer when Takamina, Haruna and Miichan arrived calmly at the scene. The men instantaneously looked at them, smiling.
“Well, well… look at what we have here. Do you wanna play, little kitties?” one of the goons taunted. The cousins weren’t amused at him and one by one they flashed their badges in front of the men.
“The kitties that wanna play happens to be Special Operatives Agents. You’re all under arrest for Drug Trafficking.” Takamina said.
Jun recognized Miichan by her suit and growled. “Let’s see if you can handle this besides racing.” He said, motioning for his men to attack. Jun’s customer ordered his men to attack as well, running towards a nearby car.
The brawl finally began. Amidst the attacking men and punches and kicks delivered by the cousins, Haruna ran to the customer who’s trying to get away and grabbed him from behind as he opened his car. Just as he swung a left hook at her direction, she dodged the punch and delivered an uppercut to his jaw, rendering him unconscious. She handcuffed him on the steering wheel and grabbed the keys inside to make sure he doesn’t escape and moved on to the other men running towards her.
“This is not good.” Jun angrily thought as he sees the other men drop down like flies from the cousins’ moves. He rode his bike together with his men and began circling the three to trap them.
Takamina, Haruna and Miichan are back to back, looking at the men as they brandished baseball bats and steel pipes as weapons. One of the men swung his bat at Takamina which she easily blocked and retaliated by swinging her arm towards his neck, effectively lifting him from the bike, knocking him unconscious to the ground. Miichan grabbed the bat and swung it to another biker’s back, making him swerve and collide to the other bikers. The fight continued until Jun and two of his remaining men decided to abandon the empty lot and ran into a nearby alley.
“Mou! Who says an agent’s job is easy? All these crooks do is run!” Haruna complained as they chased after the remaining men.
As Jun and his men is near the end of the alley, a van stopped in front of them and let them in the vehicle. The cousins immediately stopped when some of the men inside the van brought out high-caliber guns out the windows and pointed at them.
“Uh-oh!” Takamina, Haruna and Miichan thought as they ducked to nearby crates and garbage cans when the men started showering bullets at their direction. The van immediately sped up when the cousins began to hide.
“That was close. Is everyone okay?” Takamina panted, looking at her cousins. Haruna nodded and Miichan immediately called the agency via mobile phone to arrest the men they left at the empty lot.
*****
After a few minutes, a squad of TSOA agents finally arrived at the scene, taking the criminals into custody. Hisao Takahashi also arrived as well.
“Good job girls! Though three of them escaped, you were able to gather the evidence.” Hisao said, pointing at the briefcase filled with money and the bag of cocaine.
“Thanks Grandpa! We’ll try to investigate further on whom they are working with.” Haruna said.
“Wonderful. We’ll update you as well whenever we receive something from the intel. You girls should head back to wherever your team is so as not to make them worry.” Hisao said as the rest of the squad drove off the empty lot. The cousins nodded in reply and headed to where they left their bikes.
*****
Meanwhile, Jun called his immediately boss about the incident during the transaction. The dark suited man frowned as the call ended, gripping hard on his mobile phone.
“That idiot!” he thought then furiously punched numbers on his phone.
“Good evening sir, Masanori speaking.” He said as someone answered his call. “It seems that some are finally taking steps to stop our business deals… Hai… we’ll deal with them once we get to know who they are.”
To be continued...
writing about the action scene is a bit hard for me... Gomen ne everyone if this seemed long. I want everyone to read the action scene as I imagined it.
Again, thank you for reading my fic! I'm already writing the draft of the next chapter... Spoiler alert: will introduce another member of the team (but not the ones who are on vacation... they are still having fun wherever they are.)