Disclaimer: Nothing as usual. Not even the cars T_T

Author's Note: This one is a little early. The next one might take a while though…we are nearing the end of this adrenaline packed journey… enjoy.


Need for Speed: Rise of the Demon

Chapter Ten

The black Audi R8 cruised steadily down the empty streets, a white Nissan GTR trailing a few car lengths back. The two cars made their way though the quiet city, neither vehicle crossing the speed limits. Reaching the city borders, the Audi cut into the deserted oncoming traffic lane and slowed down to drive alongside the Nissan.

A pop song erupted from the pink cell phone on the dashboard, the jangle disrupting the quiet in the vehicle. With one hand, Nanoha fumbled with the Bluetooth device as she placed it to her ear. The call was connected and Fate's sultry voice came through the line.

"Hey." The blonde greeted.

"Mm."

"Are you nervous?"

"A little."

"Don't be. I'll keep the line open."

"It's fine. Win for me, Fate-chan."

"I will. Stay close to me, alright?"

They were nearing the starting point. The abandoned powerhouse loomed like a dark mass before them as it towered over the empty highway. Held at such a deserted area, there were no crowds gathered this night. Signum's white Audi was parked on the shoulder, the engine still running as the orange hazard lights blinked. Fate slowed down and fell in behind Nanoha's Nissan as they covered the remaining distance quickly. Parking on the shoulder, they waited for the last driver.

The roar of the V8 engine announced the arrival of the Ford Shelby as it charged down the empty highway. The clock struck midnight and the Ford sped past the starting point. Signum's TT followed close behind as Fate's R8 and Nanoha's GTR brought up the flank. The four vehicles moved like a procession at high speed as they raced down the straight way.

The race had begun.

"Nanoha."

"I know." Nanoha replied.

Fate stopped herself before voicing her worry at the distress in the brunette's voice. Even through the line, she could distinctly hear the nervousness from the brunette's tone. Turning the steering wheel slightly to the right, she drove on the oncoming lane as the Nissan mimicked her R8 on the other side. The two vehicles passed the white TT and continued accelerating until they were speeding alongside the Ford. With the Ford sandwiched between them and the TT bringing up the rear, the four vehicles kept the formation intact as they rounded the gentle right bend with both the GTR and the R8 maintaining speed as they drove almost fender to fender on either side of the Ford.

There was a stretch of winding road five hundred meters ahead and Fate gunned the engine. Glancing through the passenger window, she sighed with relief that Nanoha had managed to pass the Ford without incident and was keeping pace with her. The Audi TT inched forward and tailgated the Ford as they neared the first curve. Stuck in this formation, the Ford had no choice but to maintain its current speed with limited room to manoeuvre.

Signum nodded in satisfaction at the vast improvements Nanoha had made. The brunette had started out as an extremely cautious driver who barely hit the speed limit. There was no denying that she had the potential to be a very successful racer with her intimate knowledge of the vehicle that she had so painstakingly built and tuned. With a little help from Vita and a whole lot of taunting, the brunette had finally tapped into her talents.

Entering the first right bend, Fate watched through her rear view mirror as the Ford swerved from side to side, looking for a way to pass the two vehicles obstructing its way. The R8 and the GTR took the turns easily with the R8 in the lead.

Chrono gritted his teeth in irritation as he tried to overtake the two vehicles before him. They were evenly spaced out, leaving barely enough room for a car to pass on either side. As if that was not infuriating enough, the white Audi TT was driving too close for comfort behind him.

A slight drop in speed and he would have the TT halfway up his boot.

Frowning, he re-evaluated his options. He could not afford to lose, especially not when his everything was dependant upon an illegal street race. Grimacing at what he would have to do, he pushed the nagging conscience to the back of his mind.

Now was not the time to feel guilty.

Flooring the accelerator, the Ford surged forward and nudged the back of the R8. Forcefully pushing his way between the two vehicles, he jerked the steering wheel to the right and rammed the rear of the R8 hard. The R8 swung into his path from the forceful nudge and he swerved quickly to the left to avoid hitting the off course vehicle.

---

"Fate!" Nanoha yelled in alarm into the Bluetooth device as she watched the black Audi R8 spinning wildly in her rear view mirror. Releasing the accelerator pedal, she shifted her foot to tap on the brake when Fate grunted.

"Don't stop. Keep going." The blonde instructed.

"But…"

"I'm fine. Go fast, Nanoha. I'll catch up."

True to her words, the black R8 stopped its crazed spinning and swerved from side to side slightly before Fate regained full control of the vehicle. Nanoha watched in worry as the R8 passed the white TT quickly and zigzagged behind the Ford that was tailgating her Nissan dangerously. Remembering Fate's words, Nanoha depressed the accelerator pedal further and the Nissan responded by surging forward. The distance between her vehicle and the Ford widened considerably as the dark scenery whizzed by beyond her windows. The LED headlights of the Ford became mere pinpricks in the distance as she kept her foot on the accelerator. Glancing occasionally at her rear view mirror, she did not know whether to sigh with relief that she could not see anyone behind her or worry that some sort of accident had happened further back.

The sonorous rumble of an exhaust could be heard above the purr of the Nissan's engine and twin pricks of light grew increasingly larger in her rear wheel mirror. Nanoha anxiously chewed on her lower lip even as she maintained her current speed. Another set of headlights were reflected in the narrow mirror and Nanoha unconsciously tightened her grip on the steering wheel.

The R8 and the Ford charged forwards next to each other with the R8 ahead by a mere meter. They were gaining rapidly on the Nissan and Nanoha mentally urged her vehicle to go faster. In a burst of speed, the Ford shot forward, bumper to bumper with the black R8.

Quickly accessing the situation, she prepared herself for effective counter measures.

The first nudge was light, the front bumper of the Ford glancing off her rear. The impact was barely noticeable. The second nudge was harder, the jarring impact sending her lightweight vehicle swerving to the left. Releasing the accelerator slightly, Nanoha turned the steering wheel to the right before depressing the accelerator pedal. The Nissan shot forward, narrowly avoiding the wide swerve the Ford had attempted to knock it off course. Throwing caution to the winds, Nanoha kept her eyes fixated on the road ahead as she navigated the Nissan down the winding road.

The loud squeal of tires interrupted the contented purr of the Nissan's V8 and Nanoha chanced a glance at her rear view mirror. A haze of smoke obscured most of the road behind her until the beams from bluish LED headlights broke through and the black Audi R8 burst through the thick smoke. The R8 charged forward like a crazed bat out of hell with the TT trailing a couple car lengths back.

The R8 slowed down slightly to cruise alongside the Nissan at top speed. They were nearing the ending point, having made a complete round of the predetermined course. Side by side, they sped pass the iron wrought gates of the abandoned powerhouse before making a three point turn on the narrow road.

They had won in a draw.

Passing the white Audi TT on their way back through the course, the LED headlights of the TT blinked twice before they parted ways with Signum who was returning to the city.

They found the Ford Shelby obstructing the narrow road with its length, the engine running and smoke hissing from the tires. Pulling off the road, Fate parked on the dirt and waited till Nanoha had followed suit before stepping out of her vehicle. Gesturing for the brunette to stay put, she cautiously stepped towards the Ford.

The high beams of the Ford flashed its blinding glares into her face and Fate raised her arm to shield her eyes. Half blinded by the bright intensity of the white LED head lights, she stumbled backwards. The revving engine made her flinch like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming vehicle. The Ford was bearing on her, high beams turned on to keep her dazzled by its intensity as it rapidly gained speed. Another set of headlights flashed behind her followed by the roar of a familiar engine.

She was trapped between two vehicles on a straight path towards each other with her in the dead center.

The white Nissan skidded around her motionless frame and charged straight towards the body of the Ford. With a sickening crunch of metal, it left a huge dent in the Ford's driver's door. The sturdy vehicle veered off the road, skidding with tires locked and onto the strip of dirt before the tires regain traction and roared away.

The Nissan squealed to a halt, thin trails of black smoke spiralling into the air before the cool night breeze sent them scattering. Apart from a broken front bumper and a slightly misshapen hood, the vehicle was intact. But alas, the same could not be said for the driver.

Fate wrenched the driver's door opened, her eyes frantically scanning the trembling form of the brunette. Azure eyes were clouded with a combination of shock and fear as the brunette stared blankly through the windshield. Reaching in, Fate unfastened the seat belt and forcefully pulled the shaking brunette into her arms.

"It's okay…" Fate murmured as she stroked chestnut locks reassuringly.

Somehow, their roles had flipped. She had been the one standing helpless between two oncoming vehicles, convinced that she would be reduced to being scraped off the rough tarmac. Yet it was the brunette who had reflexively acted to save her who was now in shock.

"Come on, Nanoha."

Grabbing the key from the ignition, Fate led the brunette towards her Audi, unwilling to have Nanoha drive after what had happened earlier. The brunette was not in the right state of mind to pilot a vehicle and she was unwilling to risk otherwise.

The ride back was mostly silent, until the brunette turned to her and spoke suddenly.

"Why did he do that? What has he got against you, Fate-chan?" Nanoha bit her lower lip even as her eyes surveyed the blonde's features.

"I don't know. Chrono used to be a respectable driver who makes good on his promises."

"I guess it could be Yuuno…"

"Nanoha," Fate took her eyes off the road to glance at the thoughtful brunette. "-exactly how does Yuuno fit into all this? There's only so much information we could dig up on him and they look really suspicious."

"Why did Precia-san hire him then?" Nanoha answered with a question of her own.

Fate stared at the brunette in disbelief. "Is that what he told you? He offered his services barely an hour after Mother had spoken to you over the phone. We weren't very keen on taking up his offer, but he was extremely insistent."

"Have you heard of the Scrya family?"

Fate nodded. "Yeah. Scrya Corporation, huge hush-hush business with an office downtown."

"He's an archaeologist by trade and so were his family. They do quite a number of things apart from digging through ruins and such. I don't know much except that they trade off some of their findings."

"Black market?" Fate guessed.

"Something like that. The Scryas are reputable in the archaeology field. They lay claim on the dig site and if they uncover something of cultural value, the item is given to heritage museums. At least that's their front. There's a lot of money being handed around beneath tables."

"This is starting to sound like an Indiana Jones movie with the mafia thrown in." Fate commented dryly.

Nanoha shrugged. "We are making a living in an underground society ourselves."

"I guess. What would he gain from illegal street races?"

"Money? I'm not sure, Fate-chan…"

Fate scoffed. "He would probably earn more sniffing around the dirt and claiming a bone buried by a dog as something from a prehistoric animal."

Nanoha rolled her eyes. "There are anthropologists and osteologists to authenticate fossils, you know."

"Sure they do. But those individuals are not the ones buying it."

They fell silent, stopping their pointless bickering as they pondered on what they had gotten themselves into.

"We'll figure this out somehow." Fate reached out to squeeze the brunette's hand.

---

Nanoha stepped out from the bathroom, face flushed from the hot bath while her chestnut locks were held up by a towel wrapped around her head. Another fluffy white bath towel was wound securely around her torso, covering her most private regions and bestowing some measure of decency.

Fate sat up quickly from her sprawling position on the brunette's bed, tugging the hem of her oversize maroon silk shirt to cover her favourite black lacy lingerie. Her eyes fixated their piercing gaze on Nanoha's figure. Burgundy eyes trailed from the angelic face and down lower even as indecent thoughts started forming in her mind.

If it was even possible, Nanoha's blush darkened. Her beet red face was in stark contrast with her creamy white skin and the artificial white of the bath towel. Glancing to the left she avoided eye contact with the blonde.

"You're staring, Fate-chan…" Her voice was barely a mumble in the electrifying tension.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't help it." Fate whispered back as she slid off the wide bed.

Sauntering towards the blushing figure of the brunette, she moved fluidly like a panther on a hunt. Her footsteps were muffled by the thick carpet, the air stirring slightly from her passage and leaving a light floral scent in its wake. Abruptly, she pulled the embarrassed brunette into her arms. Her cheek pressed against the blonde's warm neck as she nuzzled the smooth skin, tilting her head slightly, she pressed her lips against the creamy white skin. Pulling back, she held Nanoha's gaze.

"A kiss on the neck – I want you." Fate whispered huskily as she held the glazed azure eyes in an unwavering gaze.

Both women leaned forwards, their lips meeting in a brief kiss. Leaning back they gaze at each other contentedly for a few moments before leaning forwards simultaneously. Lips met again, pressing urgently against the other as hands roamed unchecked. The smaller towel was tugged off and damp chestnut locks cascaded down a porcelain smooth back. Hands followed soon after, fingers threading through the wet strands. A tongue flicked out, lightly trailing against the partially parted lips before the appendage delved into the moist cavity. A gentle tug and the remaining bath towel fluttered to the carpeted ground.

The cool air against her naked skin and the fire ravaging her insides caused the rosebuds to stiffen atop twin mounds of flesh. A tingle raced up her spine as fingers ran lightly across her back. The silk material rubbed against her bare front as the distance between them was reduced to nothing. Their tongues pressed together, slicked with their saliva as they fought for entry. A slender thigh parted hers and she moaned into Fate's mouth as heat pooled in her groin.

Fate could feel the perky buds pressing against her chest through the silk shirt. They scraped against her, the slightest movement sending her nerves tingling. Unable to think, it was almost as if she was on auto-pilot as her body reacted to the stimulus. Her right thigh pressed itself against the brunette and she could distinctly feel the heat radiating from the most treasured region. Her hands ran the length of the smooth back, relishing in the feel of the supple flesh against the palm of her hand. The arms around her neck were withdrawn, one arm remaining in contact with her body as it dragged itself down her chest and around to stroke her back. A warm palm pressed itself against her abdomen and she unconsciously sucked in a breath at the sudden contact. The fingers played across her belly, until it found the last button of her shirt and methodically unbuttoned them all the way up.

Their lips parted and dark crimson gazed longingly into hazy cerulean. Maintaining eye contact, Nanoha took half a step back from the blonde as her right hand slipped beneath the unbuttoned shirt. Her left hand trailed around Fate's neck, tracing the contour as it slipped beneath the collar and outlined the blonde's collarbone with a finger. Her hand moved slowly upwards, palm flat against the taut abdomen as she applied minimal pressure. Steadily, her hand moved, between the valley of the blonde's ample chest and across towards Fate's left shoulder. Fate's arms fell away from around her waist, eyelids hooded at the stimulus. Sensually, Nanoha pushed the silk material back, revealing the alabaster skin of first, Fate's shoulders and finally her torso as the soft material slid fluidly off her tall frame. Stepping back into the blonde's waiting arms, their lips met hungrily.

Somehow, they had moved to the bed.

Nanoha pressed gently against her shoulders, guiding her down towards the bed even as their lips remained pressed against each other's. She felt the lacy material of her panties tickling her right calf as it slipped down to pool at her ankle. She had no idea when or how it was removed. Nanoha pressed harder, urging her towards the bed and she settled against the cool sheets. Then there was warmth as the brunette laid atop her. She trailed her fingers along the contour of the brunette's back, the heat from the brunette's body searing her fingers. Her fingers faltered as they reached the base of the brunette's spine. The flicking of Nanoha's tongue against her lips distracted her and her hand fell further to run fingers between the brunette's firm buttocks.

The appendage that was exploring her mouth withdrew quickly and the brunette stiffened in her arms. Hastily removing her hand, Fate broke the kiss.

"I'm sorry…" She whispered, burgundy eyes filled with sincerity.

"No…I'm sorry, Fate. I'm just…scared…" Nanoha whispered meekly.

"Don't be… We don't have to do anything. We can just sleep." Fate offered as she raised her right hand to cup the side of the brunette's face.

Nanoha leaned down, pressing her lips against Fate's in a chaste kiss.

"Thank you…"

Sliding slightly down the blonde's body, she snuggled against Fate, her head resting atop the blonde's chest. Her heart beat erratically and she could distinctly hear Fate's heart hammering away as the blonde's chest rose and fell rapidly with each breath.

A few moments of awkward silence passed before Fate's breathing returned to a steady rate. Nanoha lifted her head from its comfortable position and waited until burgundy eyes gave her their undivided attention.

Fate gazed into the beautiful azure orbs, wanting very much to lose herself in them. Nanoha was beautiful in the faint moonlight filtering through the flimsy white curtains. The brunette's lips parted slightly, eyes misty from the flood of emotions.

"I love you, Fate." She spoke softly, yet each syllable carried clearly across the small distance in a crystalline tinkle.

A smile tugged on the corner of her lips and spread to a contented smile as emotions surged through Fate's chest. For the first time in her life, she felt truly loved.

"You have no idea how happy that made me." She whispered as she closed the distance.

Their lips met in a gentle kiss, both women pouring out their love and adoration for the other into the intimate contact.

"I love you too, Nanoha." Fate murmured against the brunette's lips.

Nanoha returned to her original position, her right hand automatically soughing out for Fate's left. Lacing their fingers, she heaved a contented sigh.

She was not one who believes in karma. But she must have done good in her past life to deserve this beauty who adores her so.


Author's Note: Well? What do you think? Action, drama and a little dash of naughty. Does it leave your heart pounding? LOL. If it doesn't…guess I'll just have to work harder…

Do leave a review though. I love hearing from readers.

Cheers!