Episode 6: Shock and Awe

You'd think a nice sea breeze would at least be cooling off the area by the docks, but this isn't the ocean, and it's still a million fuckin' degrees outside.

I lay sprawled out over the top of my favorite Cobretti, my the top of my racing suit complete off exposing only my fire retardant sports bra. Normally I would be concerned by the leering but everyone seemed to have a similar idea as we all waited for our turn in the Dry Docks Detonator.

Any driver in current group that didn't have an abnormally high tolerance for heat was in some way or another trying to cool themselves off.

"Hey Tenma, I got an extra bottle if you want it." said a driver I didn't recognize. But I accepted his kind jester as he tossed me a water bottle. The driver then returned to fanning himself atop his Cobretti Pursuit.

It took me about 3 seconds to pour the entire bottle on my head before lying back down and frying in the late morning sun.

"I think he was expecting you to drink that Tenma." Tory said snidely.

I lifted up my head and glared at her. She sat on the hood of her Titan that was in line behind me.

"What's it matter if I'm going to pass out anyway."

Tory shrugged as she took another sip from her can of something.

"What is that?"

"Heineken." Tory deadpanned.

"Why are you drinking already?" I asked, knowing the answer already.

"Takes the edge off, you should try it." Tory replied with a smirk.

I opened my mouth to say something but the high pitched sound that Carter had taken time to beat into everyone mind was approaching quite fast.

I looked around Tory's Ryback just in time to see Carter and his Hayabusa come to impressive stop via power sliding.

"Sup guys." Carter said cheerfully, the buzz of having his bike back had clearly not worn off since last week.

I waved to him while Tory just grunted and turned away.

"Bonnie wanted me to bring you guys some extra drinks." Carter said ignoring Tory's greeting as he removed the book bag he had on.

I leapt for my machine more than ready to quench my thirst, but as soon as I grasped the new bottle I frowned.

"Where's the colds one man?" I complained.

"Sorry hot stuff but you and Tory took the last ones." he replied. Carter flinched as the beer can Tory threw clocked him in the forehead.

"Ow." he said sarcastically, "I did bring some booze for you even though Bonnie said not to."

The unmistakable look of guilt flashed across Tory's face before being covered up by her usual static expression.

"Fuckin' shit finally." someone beside us said. Turned to find it was the driver who had offered his water bottle earlier. The track officials were waving him in.

That's the fatal flaw with the Detonator Event, the track has to be rebuilt multiple times over the course of a day. As result we drivers have to sit around for hours on end waiting for our turn to run.

I took me all but 30 seconds to restart my car and move it forward 10 feet before I was back on top of its roof burning alive.

Once Tory had advanced her truck down the line she jumped out and approached Carter. She scowled at him for second before snatching the beer from his hands.

One thing is for certain, the tension between those two from last week was now being single handedly fueled by Tory. Carter had told me that he'd had made a few drunken mistakes during his college days and assured me that he was fine. And from the sound of it their little spy mission went well. But Tory...Tory had turned this into a completely different beast much to KR's surprise in fact.

Both Raven and Bonnie have not been very thrilled with Tory's new found resentment towards Carter even though they both feel she'll be over it, eventually...

I turned to look at Tory who had returned to her truck. She was blatantly looking in the opposite direction of Carter who still sat on his bike.

"Well then ladies, I got some sponsor stuff to do." Carter said as he put his book bag on.

"Later man, try not to freak out anyone important with your crotch rocket." I said with a smirk.

"I can't promise that." he said with a smile," Tory?"

The blonde trucker promptly flipped him off.

"Yeah I thought so." Carter said as his started his bike and sped away.

Normally I might have started to protest Tory's abuse but it was just too hot, plus the explosions from the nearby track were making it hard to hear.

But this was a Detonator and the sounds of Power Plays didn't last long. In fact judging from when they stopped it sounded as if the Pursuit driver ahead of me had just run a pretty good lap, or he wrecked. Whichever comes first.

That also didn't erase the fact that there was still another half hour wait so that the track could be rebuilt.

I wonder how KR is doing with his survival event? Or better question how much is he winning by? Man his driving never ceases to amaze me. Even with my miracle win against Team Afrika, the next day's Elite Race was fucking wild...

"Stop it." I said aloud to myself. I can't believe I'm letting this Vixen thing get to me this much. KR's just a good friend righ-

"What'd you say Tenma?" Tory asked in a slightly slurred voice.

"Nothin'" I quickly replied.


My Severus shook as I gave it some gas, the reward was the oh so wonderful sound of all 10 pistons firing in time.

The technician on the side of the track ahead waved, signaling me to move up a little more. I inched my ride forward until he ordered me to stop.

I cut the engine and readjusted my gloves as I sat and waited for the starting lights. Considerably speaking Dry Docks had one of the tamer Detonator runs, no massive Route Switches or ridiculous Power Plays to deal with just good old fashioned driving, with explosions.

I just need a podium finish here and I have a guaranteed spot in tomorrow's Elite Race...no babe I'm not going to ruin the Elite race with my jeal- wait a second.

I checked the ignition to indeed be sure that the car was off.

You're not supposed to be talking back yet babe.

The telepathic argument with my vehicle was cut short as the T-tube flashed a message onto my windshield.

Power Play Safeties: Off

The light tree on the left side of the starting line flashed red.

The V10 behind me roared to life as I twisted the ignition key. Yes babe I can hear you now, but I'm ignoring you...what? Hardy har har that's funny babe...you know what? You need to shut up and focus we've got some driving to do.

Event 5: Detonator

Location: Dry Docks

Throttle, shift up, let the power get to the ground. Good start. My rear tires wailed as I slid the car into first right curve.

First Power Play, crates will slide.

Sparks flew as the crates changed position, not missing a beat I stuck to the left wall then quickly avoided the second crate.

E-brake. I couldn't help but smile as me Severus gripped the ground with heart pounding drift. I straightened the vehicle out, and felt it twitch as I shifted into 3rd.

Rigg holds the Dry Dock's Detonator record, but I have a feeling it won't stay that way long, huh babe?

Petal to the floor I stayed wide as the first bus Power Play erupted, I could feel the fire's heat as I passed the bus on the left. Shift up.

The shock wave from the next Play slid my car a bit but my momentum continued to steadily climb.

I moved back over to the right as the crane Power Play slide across the track, after a narrow dodge I spun the wheel pitching my car into sharp left hand power slide.

BOOM! The last truck Power play exploded forcing my Cobretti to scrap the wall.

Then there was nothing but the sound of my car barreling down the road. Dry Docks is one of the few tracks to have a quiet spell in a Detonator to last this long. I wasn't complaining.

The vision began to shake as the V10 forced my car closer to top speed, unfortunately that wouldn't last. The back of my car flashed red as the exhaust pipes spat flames. The engine whined as I shifted down and yanked the E-brake drifting into the arguably largest hair pin turn in Second City. My car swung out of the apex at an almost too wide angle before I brought it back and rocketed toward the boat Route Switch.

The echo of my engine continued to reverberate off the ship's hull as a shot out from underneath. The tower Power Play ahead was an easy dodge, but the shock waves could slow you down severely.

I decided to take the Kamau approach, balls to the fucking wall.

I shifted up and tapped the left secondary paddle on my steering wheel causing my car's spoiler to retract. Less drag, more power. I held my breath as my car narrowly slipped under the Power Play via the more dangerous left lane. I popped my spoiler up again as the shock wave behind me actually helped push my car into the next corner.

I flew through the small warehouse, my Cobretti knocking over the ordinance inside that the S2 technicians had actually bothered to replace. The van Power Play ahead detonated, but I easily dodged it as I cut inside. I stuck to the right wall of the turn before exiting wide and approaching the last Power Play with a generous amount of speed.

I carried my moment left then severed back across as the two crate Power Plays scraped across the track. I slid in deep for the next corner hitting my mark perfectly before jetting out, one last shift. All the way through babe.

Finish.


As I rolled up to the garage I was interested to find that all 4 doors were closed. Not sure why, seeing as it's still 500 fucking degrees outside.

I slid out of my car and into the sweltering heat. As quickly as I could I grabbed the handle to the door that was closest to my usual parking space and heeeevvvedddaaa.

God damn, I need to work out more.

"You know this was funny for about 5 minutes but now you guys are being assholes." Carter complained.

The Hanzo driver huffed angrily as he made attempt after attempt to retrieve his gun from Tommi Lyn who sat safety out of harm's way on top of Monroe's shoulders. I took the time to park my Severus somewhere else in the garage since Lyn's 440 Ultimate was sitting in my space beside Carter's Katana.

"This Colt is a pretty nice revolver by the way." Lyn snickered as Carter miss timed his jump and bounced off of the brick wall that Monroe. She flicked open the camber and dumped the bullets into her hand preceding to then inspect the weapon.

"Hey! Be careful with it, that's in near perfect condition." Carter demanded as he began to show signs of surrender.

"Try to play nice kids." I said as I made my way to the fridge. Amp, fuck yeah.

"Alright I've had enough of this." Carter said as he put up his fists.

"Er, how is fighting Monroe a good idea?" I asked.

"I don't know, I just want my fuckin' gun back." Carter said as he edged up to Evans.

Lyn only snickered as she reloaded the gun and stuck it in her belt to her shorts. She tightened her sneakers and made sure her tank top was straight.

I still have trouble accepting what happened next.

Like a gymnast on the pummel horse Tommi swung around Monroe's shoulders and clocked Carter in the chest with both feet. Matthews reeled for a second but stood his ground, though Lyn didn't let that last long. She still had a firm grasp on Monroe's shoulder allowing her spin her legs back on to Monroe's chest using his sturdy frame as the prefect launch pad.

Carter went down hard as Lyn's shoulder collided with his chest. All in one fluid movement she flipped backwards once before launching herself back onto Monroe's shoulder's using only her arms.

Monroe all the while didn't even seem fazed at what had just occurred, but he was also clearly frowning.

"Three black belts, two gymnastics titles, one cheer leading championship." Lyn said with a laugh and showing emphasis by counting down on her fingers.

"Fucking Christ, can't I go one week without getting the crap beaten out of me." Carter whined as he stood back up.

"That was pretty crazy Lyn, what are doing trying to be an Elite anyway?" I asked in amazement.

"Driving's more fun." She shrugged.

Couldn't argue with that.

Then she flashed another devious smile as she set up to engage Carter again, she was half way towards the unlucky cyclist before Monroe stopped her.

Lyn let out a little yep as Evan's grabbed her foot and held her upside down, she struggled for about 3 seconds before giving up.

"That wasn't nice Tommi." Monroe voice thundered.

Lyn folded her arms and glared at him.

"Apologize." Monroe demanded, he spun her around to face Carter while still holding her by her ankle.

"You know, I could probably give you some karate less-OOOW!" Monroe had lowered her so her head struck the ground with a little bump.

"Sorry I beat you up." Lyn grunted a she rubbed her hand to soothe the pain.

"Yeah, awesome. What will it take for you to give me my gun back?" Carter impatiently asked.

Lyn stroked her chin comically while she thought.

"Let me ride on your motorcycle." she exclaimed with a smile.

"Done." Carter said quickly, "Now gimme."

"Ah, ah, ah, I mean right now." Lyn demanded. On that note Monroe decided to drop Tommi on her back. She landed with a thud, but popped back up as if it never happened. I guess becoming an Elite means you have to be indestructible too.

Carter glared at her before fishing into his pants pocket and removing the keys to the Hyabusa. He stomped over to far edge of the garage where his bike was parked, Lyn closely in tow. He straddled the machine with Lyn taking a seat behind, but before he left he wheeled it over to where Monroe and I stood.

"If anyone come looking for Lyn tell 'em she's with another Elite." Carter said with a frown.

"No tell them we're out fighting crime." Lyn laughed.

"Shut up you." Carter snapped, "Seriously hot stuff, if anyone comes knocking, zip that racing suit down a bit and stall them."

"I got it Carter, you'd better get outta here before Tory shows up." I said before downing the rest of my drink.

"True." he replied while slipping on his sunglasses. His Suzuki left a trail of smoke and burnt rubber as it left the garage.

"Why does that kid know how to fight?" I asked aloud.

"Probably the same reason I kinda do, tough times, tough neighborhood." Monroe replied.

I nodded because there was absolutely no way I was going to know exactly what he meant, and I honestly didn't want to.

"You think that's why Xingyuag can fight." I asked purposely avoiding eye contact.

"I...I hope not." Monroe said as if someone was scolding him.

The Chinese chick we encountered turned out to be Xingyuag Ying a member of Vegas Drift, a popular group of Hanzo drivers. Her brother Dingxiang had taken nasty wreck during the first race with Lyn putting him not in a coma but critical condition for quite a long time. We actually visited him and he is making a good recovery, unfortunately it appears Xingyuag is having a difficult time forgiving Monroe. Which brings me back to the bizarre question of why he likes her.

I began to ask Monroe another question when I heard the distinct sound of a S510.

"Fuck." I said under my breath. It was Vixen. Her car stopped just inside the garage and both doors opened.

As much as I didn't want believe it, KR and Vixen stepped out. The last rational thought pattern in my head was that he probably got his car wrecked in his Survival event. After that...I'm not so sure...

'Hey K' how'd yooo..." My voice trailed off, because my brain as stopped giving in commands as it tried to process some visual information.

As soon as KR walked around the front of the S510, Vixen leaned in and gave him a kiss.

Just a kiss, as small peck on the lips, no tongue, no passion, no grouping. Just a kiss. But this sort of rational thought had long since left my brain.

The back of ears and neck got hot, making me unaware that the empty can of Amp was beginning to splinter in my hand. Even as Vixen got back in her car and drove away, I stood speechless.

Anger. I couldn't look Raven in the eye as he approached me. Why should I be angry? He didn't do anything, but I still wanted to punch him, then punch Vixen, then punch him again.

Betrayal. How can that even be relevant? It's not like KR and I...had...something...

"Hey Konani, you okay?" K said while putting a hand on my shoulder.

Jealousy. Yep, that's the one. That's what's about to fuck shit up, and the fucked up part, I'm okay with this. I'm about to let this happen because something in my chest just broke. Something just broke and I want it to stop hurting, I just want it to stop hurting...

"I'm fuckin' fine KR! Just fine!" I spat, knocking his hand off my shoulder with my arm.

"Whoa! Hey what's wrong Tenma? Did you los-"

"GO ASK VIXEN, I'm sure she fucking knows!" I yelled, throwing the crumpled Amp can at him.

Then I turned and ran. I ran until I was safe behind the locked door to my living quarters.

With my back to the door I slide to the floor, for some reason exhausted. I felt something, but wasn't sure what. I pulled my right hand up to my face.

It was bleeding.


For the next several hours I hid underneath the covers of my bed. I hid from KR, I hid from the world. I would have stayed like that forever but life just doesn't work that way.

I sat up and swung my legs over the edge of the bed. I groaned. My stomach had been growling painfully for the past hour now, skipping lunch and dinner probably isn't the most awesome idea I've ever had.

I didn't even bother to grab my phone as I left my room eager to get some food in my stomach. I made a b-line for the garage's fridge and found...nothing, nothing but my Amp. Explain to why we don't keep food in here?

I must have said that out loud because Tory answered me, "Because...fatass...keeps...eating...it...all." straining in between each word.

I turned to find all the garage lights off except for section over my Severus and Tory's Titan which stood right beside it.

Somehow Tory had managed to tie her lower legs to the top of her truck; she hung backwards over the roof doing sit-ups.

Monroe sat on the work table in front of the cars, he was reclining and didn't seemed to be looking at anything in particular. I grabbed a can of Amp and joined them, taking a seat atop my Cobretti.

"I heard about that thing with KR, real fucking smooth Tenma." Tory said once she stopped to rest, she was facing me but upside down.

"Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black." I laughed back.

"Not the same thing." Tory snarled, she readjusted her sports bra before starting again.

"But you are kind of dragging it out." Monroe said with a low voice.

Tory flipped him off mid-crunch. "Your...one...to...talk...Vultu'ch." Tory huffed.

Monroe glared at her.

"Eh, she is sort of right Monroe." I added before taking a sip of my drink.

"Damn straight, I'm right. Who the fuck gets a hard on for the person trying to kill them." Tory said as she began to untie herself.

"Hey, it's not like th-" Monroe started to say before being cut off.

"Like what Monroe? Maybe you should learn to keep better fuckin' secrects. In fact I'm pretty fuckin' sure the only one how hasn't figured it out is Raven" Tory said, with her last leg undone she fell from her truck with a spin, landing cleanly.

"Let him be Tory, I'm sure someone once told you love is blind." I defended Monroe.

But instead of a quick comeback, Tory laughed. But not her usual laugh, this one was wicked, soulless.

"Love is blind, Tenma? You sound like some shitty ass chick flick." she scoffed, waving her hand toward me in dismissal.

"Then maybe you would like to explain why you're still being a bitch to Carter." I shot back.

That struck a nerve, I could see her eyes flare but against my better judgment I pushed on.

"Why is this such a big fucking deal for you, everyone is over it expect for you. And it's honestly starting to get annoying. I mean c'mon Tory youuurrrrr-aahahahhh.!"

It happened so fast I could barely process it. Tory had scaled my Severus and grabbed the opened part of my racing suit, she forced me down onto the floor and slammed my back onto the side of my car.

"I...I can't stop thinking about him!" Tory yelled desperately. I tried to look at her but her head was down.

"I...can't stop and I don't why." she said softly. Her grip on my suit was tight until Monroe pulled her away by her shoulder.

"I know you know how you feel." Monroe said patting her on the back.

Tory responded by punching him in the chest with a surprising amount of force since it caused him to stagger and cough a bit.

"Don't try and feed me that bullshit Evans. This is something I'm not supposed to fucking feel, me and you both." She growled, setting up to punch him again.

But this time it was me who stopped her.

"You can't just cut off emotion Tory, It doesn't work like that." I said.

Tory rage filled eye looked toward me of a second before a twisted smile creep across her face.

"It's almost funny how much you don't fuckin' know." Tory snarled taking step towards me, staring me down.

There was absolutely nothing I could do to mask my fear of the woman looming over me. She was bigger, stronger, and most importantly had a more forceful point to make.

But it was a point I was willing to listen to.

"If you only knew the shit people like me, Monroe, even your precious Raven went through to fuckin' get here. It's why people like us aren't supposed to feel you little bitch. The world isn't all do this, do that, and get a medal. It's fucking shit, that's what." Tory spat at me. Her eyes were turning red.

"So I don't a little fucking daddy's girl cunt to come and tell me I can't shut my emotion off. In my world, cutting your goddamn emotions keeps you from an early fucking grave."

Tory was crying.

"I just want that stupid prick out of my fucking head." She said. The crying had suddenly stopped and she fell to the ground. She lay back against the tire of her truck but didn't look up.

I breathed a sigh of relief and slid down to sit against my vehicle as well.

But what am supposed to say? How could I possibly relate? If we've lived in such different worlds how can be of consol? I thought Tory had loved someone before she got here, but like everything else I guess that was the alcohol was talking.

I looked toward Monroe, who I guess could sense my predicament. He stepped off the table and sat crossed leg near us and attempted to complete the loose circle we formed.

"I used to think that to until I found Konani's medal." Monroe said in the most soothing voice he could manage.

"Then I saw Xingyuag. She hasn't left my mind either." he added, "Maybe you just found your two things in the wrong order."

That actually made quite a bit of sense.

"Maybe not." I said, "Why are you here Tory? KR told me that everyone is in Second City for something different."

Tory's blonde hair covered parts of her face as she looked up, but she only shrugged.

"God, I'm fucking pathetic." she grumbled.

"No you're Tory." I shot back.

She smiled a bit, "I gotta admire that blind enthusiasm."

"Somebody's got to keep us sane when Bonnis's not around." I laughed.

"True." Monroe added.

"Tory." I suddenly said with a serious tone causing her to look at me, "Since I'll never fully understand, why don't you explain to me exactly how you ended up here, you too Monroe." I asked.

Tory looked at Monroe who nodded before she turned back to me, "You sure you wanna go there Tenma?" she said, sitting up.

"I'm already on a can of Amp right now I won't be going to sleep anytime soon." replied with a smile.


Split/Second Championship Race Day

At the sound of a high pitched engine squeal my eyes shot open, I sat up way too fast and dropped back into my bed dizzy.

Just like in last night's dreams, the stories I absorbed from last night continued to play back in my head.

I'm mean no disrespect to Monroe and Tory, but what I heard cannot be unheard. Even the parts about KR that Tory could tell were having a hard time settling in.

But what hurt the most was Monroe's expression, he knew I wouldn't see him or Tory the same way again.

He was right.

But I'm glad. As cheesy as it sounds I feel like I'm closer to them that ever before, even though they won't say it out loud. I'm their friend, and they're mine, I'm happy they trusted me enough to open up that much.

I've learned a lot about them, they answered big questions that were lingering in my mind whether they knew it or not.

Such as Monroe's fighting style: hapkido or Tory's preference for trucks.

Tory...

While both of their underworld upbringings were involuntary, it was heartbreaking to find out just how much worse Tory's past was. The more she told Monroe and I the more surprised I was at how well she seemed to repress all of this behind alcohol.

It would be no stretch to say that If I had been in her situation, I would be dead right now. That is a horrifying truth that I try not to think about.

At some point I had managed to get a little of my story in as well, though mine was much less exciting.

The most interesting think that our little session revealed however was how our pasts seemed to fucking up our love lives.

To sum it up, Monroe doesn't know how to talk to girls, I one the other hand, and I quote "Don't know how to take fuckin' initiative" Tory unquote.

But it was Tory once again who had it the worst. I see why she has her reasons now...I shivered just thinking about it. But Monroe and I agreed that Tory should push past those reasons or she would be no better off than we were.

Herding the memories away I got up again, this time fully exiting my bed. I threw on a fresh racing suit and grabbed my helmet.

Today was an Elite Race, while it was nice, sort of. I have to get my mind away from last night, and figure out a way to apologize to KR.

Half out of my door I stopped. As I heard various voices coming from the direction of the garage I studied myself in the reflection of my helmets visor.

My long jet black hair corralled my face as I peered at myself, my sharp Asian features softened by my Hawaii heritage. Heritage that browned my skin to quite a degree. The Hawaiian Heartthrob, I was every man's exotic fantasy.

But why not KR? Was I just not pretty enough for him? The similarity to my physique border lined with Tory's, was that too curvy?

And when did it get to this, when did I want so much of his attention? We're good friends right? Then why does it feel like I haven't seen him in...

My helmet creaked as my hands suddenly clutched it tightly, the answer had come back the same.

Vixen.

No, confronting her would only be hiding from my problem, last night told me that this was not the answer.

"Hey Konani, you arguing with yourself again?" Bonnie's voice almost gave me a heart attack.

"Heh, yeah." I replied as I picked my helmet back up. I stood up to find her holding a can of Amp out to me.

"I'm not sure what happened last night but I'm glad to see Tory and Carter are back to arguing with each other." Bonnie said as I took the drink from her.

"'Bout time." I said before taking a swig.

Bonnie gave a small laugh, "Well whatever you did, thanks."

I stopped drinking for a second but continued, I couldn't hide anything from Bonnie even if I wanted to.

Bonnie and I walked side by side into the garage and within moments my ears were filled with outside sound, and Tory's voice.

"You little shit! What have I told you about using my tools?" Tory barked at Carter who was currently laying underneath his Kanata.

"How the fuck am supposed to know which ones are yours when you leave them every fucking where?" He yelled back, his one visible arm making a fist from under the Hanzo.

"Technically Tory brought her own tools, she's the only one using Black and Decker." KR said calmly from across the garage.

He sitting at our eating table with Monroe, fiddling with some-

Holy shit it's his shotgun.

"C'mon Raven, what have I said about firearms in my garage." Bonnie said immediately.

"Chill Bon', I'm almost done, I just wanted to do a little cleaning." he replied.

Bonnie gave him a look before moving on. Leaving me...alone.

"Uh hey Raven..." I said uneasily.

I nearly soiled myself at his response. I uttered a very uncomfortable laugh as I tried to look away from the gun barrel that was pointed at me.

"You see this?" KR said as he pulled the gun away and pointed to the pump. There was large white cross crudely etched into the side.

"Yeah, did you do that?" I asked.

"Nope, the person who gave this to me told me this cross is both a blessing and curse." he said in somewhat distant voice, "but I'm not sure if they put the cross there either."

"Look KR, I'm sorry...about yesterday..." I muttered. He didn't look up from cleaning his weapon, which didn't make this less uncomfortable.

"Don't worry about it." he said still not looking up.

"But I was being a bitch to you, and I'm really sorry." I replied, more solemn this time.

"Yeah you kinda were." KR said as her looked at me with a smile, "Don't get to bend out of shape there's nothing between Vixen and I.

Completely against my will, I smiled at the information.

"Though I have been hanging out with her a lot lately." He continued.

And just like that my good mood was gone again. For some reason he laughed.

"I'll admit though she's persistent, I can't tell you how many times I've turned her down."

"Really?" I asked before I could stop myself.

"Yeah," he responded while standing up, "I mean Vixen's pretty fuckin' hot and all."

I rolled my eyes at him.

"But, she's kinda, how do I put it..."

"A self-centered, go fuck yer self, too tanned bitch." Tory said as she walked over.

KR waved his hand in a 'so-so' motion. I couldn't help but laugh at that.

"Yeah, she was too much like you Tory." Carter said as he joined us. But he instantly regretted it as the blonde put a fist in his stomach causing him to crumple to the ground.

"Fuck yeah, I still got it." She laughed as she blew to top of her knuckles like they were a smoking gun.

"That might have been a bit much." I said as I bent down to check on Carter.

"Pfffft, I just got here and you're already on the ground?" said an energetic voice from behind us. Lyn half walked half skipped up to the group and gave Carter a rough slap on the back causing to reel as he got up.

"Hey Tommi, er why are you here so early?" I asked.

"There's like nothing to do around here, plus you guys are always doing something funny." She replied.

"Show time people, Monro-" Bonnie said before stopping short."Tommi, what are you doing here?" she quickly asked.

"Boredom." she replied again.

"Sorry kiddo but you're going to have to be bored somewhere else, we've got a race to go to." Bonnie said with a smile.

"Monroe, you should probably go check in with your garage first. Konani, Raven, Tory, lock and load." she commanded.

Tommi frowned as we began to pile into our respective cars.

"C'mon short stuff, I got something we can do." Carter said taking note of Lyn's dampened mood.

"What, where?" she asked.

"Go get in your car and follow me." Carter said with a smile. He jogged over to his motorcycle and fired it up.

"Well that's settled," Bonnie said yelling over the bike's engine, "Everybody get going, I'll see you in a few."

As she waved, the rest of the vehicles in the garage fired, filling the area with an oh so glorious chorus of engines.

Sporting his all white suit and sunglasses, Carter power slid his bike out first, Tommi's 440 quickly darted behind it. Monroe's Centaur when next, it roared as it left the area.

"C'mon, let's go fuck somebody's day up." Tory yelled out of her window before her massive truck lurched backward and outside the garage. KR's Cyclone squealed as it went next followed by my own Severus.


Lumberyard was one of the two new tracks added by S2 Productions. It had Buzz saws, giant rolling logs, and more than it's fair share of standard Split/Second explosive ordinance. The one thing I find interesting about it is the figure eight layout, something new to Second City. The track crosses over itself near the center with a very wide jump, you have to be moving at least 85 miles per hour to clear it cleanly. Not that easy a task since the turn right before it is a sharp left hand hairpin.

"Oh man, you guys are going to love this line up." Bonnie said, "There are 9 total non-Elite drivers this time."

"What? Why?" I quickly asked.

"S2 trying to make it a crowd pleaser before they let us go on our mid-season break." KR explained.

I opened my mouth to speak but stopped when I saw the cold black paint job of a Ryback Vulcan pull into the grid space ahead of me.

"Hehehe, shit. Look it's Maverick." Tory said with an out of character laugh, no doubt feeling the effects of a bit of alcohol.

"Well fuck us." I said with a sigh. Tory began to laugh as Bonnie scolded her about drinking before a race, again.

"Tenma." KR voice was brought to my attention.

"Um hey Raven." I replied.

"I opened up a private channel." he explained.

"Are you and Vixen really not...?" I asked before I could stop myself.

"Yes Konani, man I didn't know you were the jealous type." KR laughed.

I blushed from embarrassment.

"Look Tenma, if what I was doing was bothering you, you should have said something. I respect your opinion, you do know that right?"

"Yeah, I know." I said with a bit of unease, enough for KR to catch.

"Look I can only say this shit 'cause it's you and me, but you're my closet friend Tenma. I wouldn't let some Brazilian rally driver come between that."

"K..."

"So that's why I'm warning you, you weren't the only one who didn't like that Vixen and I were hanging out." Raven continued.

"I figured, theres got to be millions of guys who want to get in her pants." I joked.

"Yeah, but only one that's an Elite."

I immediately stopped smiling. That's when I saw it, or correction heard it. Raptor was the only Elite not revving his engine.

"Raptor?"

"Yeah, he's fuckin' pissed. But he knows better than to let in show." KR responded.

"Have we ever seen Raptor drive angry?"

"No, and that's what I don't like." KR said, "Let's go back, Bonnie's probably wondering why we're so quiet."

"True." I replied tapping a button on my radio. My helmet was instantly filled with Tory's complaining.

"Look Tory I get want you to focus enough to get through two laps, okay." Bonnie said in an exasperated tone," 20 seconds guys, good luck and try not to let Tory slow you down."

"I'm fuckin' fine bunny, damn it must be your time of the fuckin' month." Tory yelled back.

Yeah babe I know, I'm trying to ignore her too.

Event 6: Elite Race

Location: Lumberyard

The combined roar of 15 engines drowned out the obnoxious voice of Split/Second's announcer. Yes 15 engines, you could eat the tension in air as all 15 vehicles left Raptor's S510 in the dust.

That should have been our first clue.

BOOOOM! Right out the first left hand corner one of the two extra drivers, a KTR Cobretti Pursuit, exploded into a cloud of metal and fire. Nearby cars slide from the shock wave, but Raptor powered through, searching for another victim.

"Fuckin' Christ!" I screamed, my Severus grinded the left wall as Raptor nudged me? Yeah he just seemed to skim me but I was in the wall no less. My car back in gear I slide into next right hander.

The track rumbled as the log Power Play on the right was detonated sending a cluster of logs across the course. My car complained as the shock waves forced it to slide as I passed the buzz saw Power Plays. Luckily they were activated just I passed.

"Grruh!" I grunted as I braked hard and swerved...

No way...as my car began to slide sideways in order to dodge the mass of flaming wreckage. Deformed metals, crying flames, and S.A.F.E. ball...It was Brawn's 440.

"KONANI! LEFT SIDE!" Bonnie's voice brought my back. I instinctively twirled the steering wheel around quickly switching my car's drift angle just in time to be clipped by the Level Two log Power play near the entrance to the left hand hairpin.

I could see rubber and dust spin around me just as my car collided with the wall.

My breath began to slow again as my vision came back into focus, thought I'm unsure why I nearly screamed at the sight that met me. It was Tory's Titan, well half of it anyway, sitting there smoldering in front of my incorrectly oriented car.

"Bonnie, somebody talk to me." I said as I restarted my car.

"Oh my God." Was the response I got from Bonnie, but it wasn't directed at me.

My car roared back to life, its rear tires smoking as I turned the vehicle around. As I drifted around the left corner my Cobretti nearly ran into anther pile of flaming car.

Something was wrong, drivers were going down too fast for an Elite, this couldn't all be Raptor.

Boy was I wrong.

"Oh shi-!" I shout as I dodge two cars careering down the track in wrong direction. It was Blitz and KR. A car tumbled end over end coming to stop just behind me

I started to yell for KR but stopped when I saw a S.A.F.E. roll past. I looked back just in time to see Raven's Ryback screech to a stop and roar before speeding back down the track.

I was speechless at the sight as I approached the hairpin before the jump. On top of the remnants of another car sat a barrel Power Play helicopter, crumpled and on fire...Wait.

BOOOOOOM! I screamed hard, and long as my car flew backwards from the shock waves.

The sound of metal on asphalt was all around me as shrapnel pelted my car.

In, out, in, out. I'm okay at least I'm still breathing...But ooow, my ears.

I slowly reopened my eyes, and...oohhh fuck.

I yanked my helmet off, kicked open the door and emptied my stomach.

Before I even looked up, I turned on my windshield wipers. They swatted away what was left of somebody's arm. Oh god...

I began to heave again but realized there was no blood the accompanied the arm.

How was that possible...I heard another explosion.

As I wiped my mouth my thoughts raced back to KR. I know it's stupid of me to worry about him, but still I did.

My helmet back on I restarted my car, once, twice, RRRRRRRrrrrrrrr.

My back was forced against the seat as I floored the petal. If there one thing I knew, it's that I was not going to be afraid of this. This is what I signed up for, and God so help me as long as there's and engine behind me, a wheel in hands, and petals on the floor. I am going to drive.

"KR! Listen to me you to slow down and think about this!" Bonnie commanded as I rounded the hairpin.

But KR said nothing, only the sound of metal on metal came back across his mic.

I grunted as my car landed on the other side of the jump with a cloud of sparks. I shifted into top gear as my car roared though the easy s-turn and onto the straight.

"Where's Monroe?" I barked, glancing over to my right and saw Vixen restarting her car from a forced stall, ironic.

"He's about to catch KR and Raptor." she said with a sigh, "How did this happen..."

I was taken aback by the guilt in Bonnie's voice, this wasn't her fault but it was clear she seemed to feel some sort of blame...

My car shuddered as it entered the wide right hand turn, the tires burned as I drifted the entire the corner.

I was forced inside of my line as I avoided Live Wire's downed GT12, a few seconds later it was Maverick's Vulcan in a flaming heap.

How was one driver capable of this?

I stuck to the wall as I shot across the Start/Finish line, Rigg's Golitah laid on the checkered disabled, reducing the three lanes to two.

Two turns later I had finally caught up, it was then I understood why such destruction was left in their wake.

Luckily my adrenaline had started to over dose, giving me that euphoric slow down that seem to only happen when I was driving.

I got a good long look at the fight in front of me, no this wasn't a fight, it was a death match. There's no way in hell what was happening front of me was real.

It was..it was like a some sort of stunt show, no...yes? Monroe, Raptor, and KR twirled their cars around each other, weaving around Power Plays, make offensive and defensive contact while stilled taking corners at impossible speeds.

Three dimensional car combat, as retarded as it sounds, That was it. There was no other way of explaining it.

I could try and say something clever to explain what was just above their cars, but there was no way around that either.

Aura.

Wow saying it even sounds lame. But as I fought to keep pace, three winged somethings, fought alongside their respective cars.

It was hard to see, and I assume stress was probably causing me hallucinate...do I sound calm to you?

My car growled a bit.

Shut up babe, I wasn't asking you...birds?...why would you say...oh...

Okay, to set record straight, I am not calm, I'm freaking the fuck out right now. The adrenaline, thank god, is allowing me to keep up with this race with a pretty good clip. And yes three drivers ahead of me, all coincidently having a bird somewhere in their name, are trying to kill each other using only their cars and the occasional explosion.

But at the same time I couldn't help but grin, just like Tory said, It time to go fuck up somebody's day. Question is, who?

My car screamed out of the hairpin toward the jump with far more speed than the feuding three, just before all four of us go airborne I yanked my E-brake.

You know I'm going to look back at this one day and think, holy shit, I'm fucking awesome.

My car spun clockwise through the air, stopping Monroe's rotation mid-spin. But before I complete my 360, I gave Raptor was just ahead and a little above me, a little nudge with my air brake before the group came crashing down.

Landing backwards forced Monroe's Centaur to stall, while and off axis Raptor ping ponged into…..ooo, sorry K'.

My landing sideways was irrelevant as I hit the gas. The Severus's wheels disappeared in a cloud of smoke as it swung back into a forward position.

Out of the S-turn the second level 2 Power Play was activated, and fuuuuuck those are some big trees.

The two massive trees tumbled onto the track forming a tight chicane.

I winced as the first tree scraped the top of my car. Behind me could hear someone slam there brakes.

"Motherfu-!" KR voice was cut off.

My head jerked forward as the brutal smash of had to be Raptor's S510 rear ending me.

"Not today!" I grunted as my slide my car into Lumberyard's last corner, Raptor right on my ass.

And then that was it.

Raptor's vehicle connected with the back of mine robbing my rear tires of grip. Sparks flowed from my Cobretti's frame as the back grinded the outside wall.

I was in between rage and astonishment as I watched the S510 spin around and gain enough hold to get the left front tire onto the front hood of my car. The weight depressed the nose my Severus as wheels on Raptor's car quickly turned left locking him in place.

My seat beat cut into my neck as I thrown to the right of my car. Raptor had locked his brakes pulling both our car into a death spin, once, twice...the S510's engine revved.

In what could only be described as throwing my car, Raptor's swung this wheel right, whilst simultaneous shifting into reverse.

My car actually slide backwards a bit as it was flung from the S510's grip. My Severus spun a little more before the right side slammed against the left wall with a tremendous bang, I'm pretty sure I blacked out after that.

...

...

"Arrrgh, ow..." I whimpered, as my eyes fluttered open, I was immediately assaulted by multitude of flashing red lights and yellow exclamation marks that emanated from my dashboard. My S.A.F.E. hadn't been deployed, and I was still sitting in my Cobretti. For what was clearly not a long time because through the sharp crack in my windshield I could see I was still on the track facing backwards.

I moved my head and found that something wet was running down my face.

I pried off my helmet and brought my already scared hand to my face and back again. It was painted with bloooooddd...

"Fuck that hurts!" I cried, as my head began to burn. Where was that fucking adrenaline now?

I furiously jabbed at the driver side door with my foot until in broke off and flew with a clank onto the track.

I winced as I stepped out, my whole body ached. As I turned toward the Finish line I froze.

Sitting close to wrecked Goliath was Raptor's S510, and without much thought I began to walk up to it.

All four brake disks were on fire, and small pillar of smoke was beginning to climb out of the car's rear engine. As I got closer I could see some parts of his steaming tires were actually melting. Half of his windows and the deployable spoiler were gone.

Raptor himself sat on the front of his vehicle, helmet tucked in the usually place under his arm. I know he heard me walk up but his eyes wouldn't meet mine.

"All of this because of Vixen, huh?" I sighed. He didn't say anything but his expression changed just enough to tell me I was right.

"You do know you just destroyed an entire field of cars including Vixen's?" I continued.

He finally turned to me, the sheer look of guilt and regret in his eyes was more than a slap in the face for me.

He didn't want to do it, but he did. It was just something he couldn't control, and like a storm it brought down everything around him.

The look in his eyes, this vicious anger, this unbridled rage, he wanted no more of it. That's why Raptor was here, that what he was searching for. No doubt, the Elite's best driver just wanted a way to put his destructive lust to rest forever. Whatever caused him to be this way he wanted gone, behind him. So it could torment him no longer. It's ironic that he would be here, in this city. But thing again, maybe he's finding things in the wrong order.

But damn I thought Tory's past was fucked up, whatever Raptor went through must have been dark...