Chapter 14
"Hurry, father, it's going to start soon!"
"All right, all right, I'm coming, ey". A large man huffed his way up a set of stairs, although he had no reason to since he sat on a mobile device.
With a laugh, the young girl ran beside him, grabbing onto a small leash he had attached to the back of his device for her to hold on to. The stadium was crowded and it was easy to get lost.
"Look up there!" She shouted, large amber eyes glimmering at the sights around her. Her long braid fell down her back and swayed as she skipped down the aisles. She pointed at a blinking object in the sky, with colorful lights and words skimming across it.
"Yes, yes, you can see the scores up there later. Now calm down. You're going to kill your father early, ey".
Little Rayn paid him no mind. The atmosphere was loud, but the breeze on her silky cheeks was soft. The scent of buttered popcorn had her inhaling deeply to memorize the smell and a puff of pink caught her eye.
"Cotton candy!"
"Candy? Oh yes, yes, kids like you love that sweet stuff," Krew groaned and waved down the man to come in direction.
Three sticks of candy were handed over to her as her father handed the man some orbs. "All right now, we need to take our seats. I have a lot of money on this race and you're father wouldn't be very happy if he missed even the first lap".
Rayn nodded swiftly as she frolicked behind, her plaid uniform fastening to her legs as she ran. The floors were sticky and as they neared their specially reserved booth up front, a new aroma greeted her. It wasn't as pleasant as candy or popcorn, but she found herself getting used to it as she breathed.
She sat down readily beside her father, who sat by two burly, shady looking men. She was young and she never bothered to question things like who they were and why they were there. Seeing men with tattoos and missing teeth didn't disturb her and the more she grew used to seeing those kinds of men associated with her father, the less she bothered to care.
She was just happy that she was taken from school to go somewhere with her father. An occasion like that was rare.
"It's starting! Look". Rayn got up from her chair to press her hands to the protective glass on their private booth. The beginning announcements echoed around the stadium and a row of vehicles lined up at the starting line. They each roared with authority, smoke burning from eager tires. She could smell it clearly, although she was high enough to keep her from harm's way.
The smoke. The oil. The rubber. The dirt in the air. Other girls at school would've thought it was dirty and have cringed at the odors. She, on the other hand, found it all fascinating.
Her father was busy negotiating something with the two men. She found herself slightly irritated that she was being ignored. "Daddy!" Rayn stomped with demand, her slim fists tight on her waist.
"Yes, Rayn, what is it, child?"
"You said you were going to teach me things about this and here you are dilly-dallying about with these friends of yours".
"Don't worry, I didn't forget, ey. Just keep your eyes on the tracks".
Rayn huffed impatiently and did as her father told her. So this was Combat Racing. She was told it wasn't a popular sport just yet, but it was growing. With time, her father was sure he could invest well in it. For now, he'd stick to the races in Haven and smuggling goods.
The countdown began. Rayn's heart beat with anticipation. The lights went green and the masses of people screamed with excitement. Rayn waved her cotton candy in the air like flags as she cheered. She didn't know any of the drivers or whom she was supposed to cheer for.
A dark, sleek vehicle raced to the front. It was unrelenting, fearless and crashing it's sides into the other drivers to make it's way to victory. Missiles flew into the skies, whistling like fireworks and her eyes went wide. Clouds of smoke fogged the tracks and she gasped when she couldn't see the cars anymore.
Who was dead? Who survived? Who was going to win? Her heart stopped, then fluttered as the dark vehicle emerged safely from the smoke. She screeched for him although she had no idea what his name was. Tires screeched and cars flipped over. It all seemed like they were moving out of the way for this one driver.
"Who are you yelling for?" Her father asked, moving to see the object of her newfound affection. He dismissed the driver away with a slight gesture of his hand.
"Oh, him? He's young. I doubt he'll make it in the long run".
Rayn shook her head, watched him slow down steadily behind the few surviving drivers. "I'm afraid I have to disagree with you, father. That man is going to be famous one day".
"Racing is not all about fame, child. Take a lesson from your father, ey. And look, he's starting to lose".
Just then, Super Nova exploded up front, instantly making the drivers that were currently 'winning' in her father's eyes vanish in seconds. Rayn laughed deviously.
With a tongue at her father, she mocked, "You see, father. He wasn't losing. Super Nova automatically targets the first driver and he only slowed down to keep himself in the race".
Krew ruffled her hair, "Clever little girl, aren't you? Well, I knew that. I was just testing you, I say, it was a test".
Rayn rolled her eyes. She knew better. With her chin propped in her palms, she watched as he zoomed past the finish line. This was the final lap.
"I'm supposed to be teaching you things here. Oh, yes, here it comes".
Another driver sped next to the driver she was cheering for. Her father stood next to her, cheering for the opposite driver. Rayn shook her head. He was hopeless.
They both neared the finish line. The fans yelled; hearts all ceased at that moment as they watched. Their eyes glued to the two cars, edging against their wheels.
Her father cursed as he watched the driver he was rooting for go up in flames. It wasn't an explosion from another missile or a land mine. It must've been something that was implanted by an enemy racer.
Rayn sighed, "Oh well, that's unfortunate. He wasn't so bad, either". Just then Krew handed a suitcase to the two burly men and they nodded. They walked away with the exchange.
"Did you lose, father?"
"Somewhat. I betted that he'd get second place, not first. But either way, I won some and lost some".
"That's business for you," she said and the obese man shook his head. She was beyond her age, but perfect as his heiress.
"You shouldn't be so careless about business mistakes, you hear?" Her father warned.
"I know, I know. There's just no use in crying over spilt milk, that's all. Now are you going to teach me more?" She pleaded and he nodded. He began to fan himself, creating a whole drama act as he always did when things didn't go well for him.
Rayn turned just in time to see the winning driver emerge from his car. The race was over. The crowds cheered for him and he greeted them with a wave and a youthful grin. His hair was as black as his vehicle and his eyes flared with ambitions.
The ten-year-old girl sighed dreamily, "He's handsome".
"W-what? Handsome, you say? Aren't you a bit young for school-girl crushes? What are you now, eight?"
"Ten, father".
"Oh, yes, of course. Besides, if you want a stunning example of handsome, you don't need to look far. You're father is very handsome, ey, and I'm sure there are plenty of men I can arrange you with when you're older".
She made no comment, although she was slightly tempted. Her father was blind to himself, in looks and in weight, so what was the point? As for finding a suitor when she was older, she made a mental note to herself that she'd rather be in charge of that.
"Time's running short now, ey. We need to get going. I've got a meeting later tonight and tomorrow morning you need to take your ship back to your boarding school".
Rayn spun to meet her father with a disappointed expression. "Already? I've not even been here three days".
Krew nodded, floating away toward the exit and she followed. "I know, but you're father's a busy man. Someday, you'll understand. Now be a big girl, ey. I will show you as much as I can until next time".
Krew didn't see the pout on his daughter's face as they walked through the crowds leaving the stadiums. She held onto the leash on his device like a puppy being dragged. She didn't want to come to see her father just so she could learn business, but because he wanted her there.
Weren't fathers supposed to want their daughters there all the time and try to spend as much time together as they could? Shouldn't he be hugging her and telling her that it pained him that she had to leave. That he would miss her dearly and not to worry because it wouldn't be long until he arranged another trip for her. Unfortunately, it was just the opposite. The only thing she was needed for was to be an heiress to the Krew fortune.
As they passed through the crowds, she eyed the other people around her. Funny, she seemed to be the only child here. Everyone else looked shady or had shiny watches hanging from their suit pockets. They all glared at her, like she didn't belong. She hated that. One day, she'd show them all exactly where she belonged.
Her father told her to wait outside as he floated into a room that read 'Staff Only'. He must've been finishing off his negotiations.
Her tall, slim body leaned against the wall. With another pout, she stared at her chest. Her body was being a bit stubborn to catch up with the other girls. The only thing that gave her beauty was the long hair shining down her back and her oddly colored eyes. She kept those eyes to the floor in a broken stare until a familiar face passed.
She looked up to meet the cold stare of the driver she was admiring not too long ago. He was probably in his early twenties. His face was one of a criminal, eyes written with an unbearable past and hands stained with unseen crimes. Still, a dull glimmer shone through his jaded eyes, a glimmer that showed that, he too, was human.
He didn't lift his cold stare from her and deciding that she would not back down, she kept hers on him, as well. She was not to be intimidated by anyone.
Then, within a moment, a smug grin formed on his face and he walked away. She stomped defiantly, wondering what was so damn amusing. Before she could ask, he had disappeared into the crowds.
It sort of made her sad to see him go. Now, here she was, bored again. She sighed, slowly letting herself sink onto the floor until she sat on her heels.
Just as her eyes began to close, a pair of feet stopped in front of her. She looked up to see the driver again, looking down at her skeptically. Instantly, she scooted up and brushed herself off. What was this, another stare down?
She was surprised when he pulled a red rose from the dozen he had hiding behind his back and leaned over to give it to her. "Come again, little one".
She blinked in awe and took it cautiously. A small crowd of women called for him down the hall, cooing for his presence. She guessed the other eleven flowers were for them. With a quick pat on her head, he walked away, wearing his confidence in his smile. As he let himself become devoured by the trail of fan girls, Rayn watched with heated cheeks and large eyes.
She got the first one. Of course, what was a flower? It would die in a few days and you couldn't really save it without losing its original beauty. But because of that small, simple gesture, it had made her short, rushed vacation worth it. That's what was supposed to make moments special. She didn't want books or lessons so that she could rule her father's business successfully. She wanted pointless, pretty objects that were a waste of money but would linger in her memories forever.
By the time her father flew out from the private room, he found his daughter in a dream like daze, staring down the hall at nothing at all.
"Where'd you find that?"
Rayn blinked, "Hmm? What? Oh, this. Found it".
Krew gave her a suspicious look, but dismissed it seeing that she was in a good mood now and would no longer pester him about a short vacation.
"Hurry along now. There's much to be done".
"Yes, father. Coming". With one last look behind her and another sigh, she followed behind her father's mobile device without complaint.
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Rayn woke up peacefully in the unfamiliar room, despite the events from the night before. The last Grand Prix was awaiting her team's victory later that afternoon and she felt her heart anticipate it from the moment she woke up. Yet, she didn't want to move an inch.
Deciding that she wasn't in the mood to return to a Krew property and that it was more convenient, she booked a room in Kras' most esteemed hotel. It was where many of the drivers and fans stayed from around the world, including her team. The hotel advertised the event all over, from the moving billboards to the posters in the elevators. They even sold tickets at the front desk.
She wanted to be away from things and since she really didn't have a place to call home, especially since her mansion was now a danger zone, she ended up here. She had thought too much last night, replaying events and regretting a lot of things before she exhausted herself to sleep on the large queen size bed.
Now she was awake, golden sun beaming through the shades and long billowing curtains. Her groggy eyes blinked and stared at the molding curling around the ceiling. What motivation did she have to get up today besides to win the race and take over Kras? None, really.
She closed her eyes with another lazy moment's meditation before forcing herself out of bed. Honestly, she didn't really want to. It felt awkward.
Rayn stepped into the bathroom of the large suite, making a beeline past the mirror to avoid looking at herself and questioning it. She felt like such an idiot. She kissed him! Heavens to Mar, she kissed him! And she rather liked it, too.
She shot him, told him she despised him numerous times, and then she kissed him. She couldn't even make sense of it herself. Now she understood why people always said there was a fine line between love and hate.
Waking up from such a distant dream, a figment of a long forgotten past, just made it more depressing. It was one of the few memories she was fond of, but it didn't put her current mood at ease. Now was not the time to be waking up from sweet dreams only to have a cruel reality afterwards.
Still, she was a powerful woman now. There were things that needed to be done, whether her head was on straight or not. She needed to pick up the antidotes, and give word to her team on Mizo's identity that she was sure had to be the person she was thinking of.
Blitz. It could be no other and it made the most sense. Even if, by some slim chance, it wasn't him, pointing Blitz out would draw Mizo out eventually. One way or another, today was the last race and she was sure Mizo wouldn't miss it for the world. He'd be close.
Danger would be close today. Lives would be on the line. Her team's, and her own. And it may also be the last day fans around the world, and herself, could bask in the glory of a racing legend. Razer.
It almost made tears tickle at her eyelids at the thought of it. She tried not to dwell on it. He wouldn't leave. He couldn't. Then again, the thing about Razer was that he was not a predictable man.
She hated that about him. He came and went as he pleased. Said what he pleased. Wrapped people around his fingers and wore them like a fashion statement. Flashed his arrogance in his smile as his tires burned the concrete, but as time wore on, the Krew princess was learning to admire some of these sides of him. Maybe even adore them.
Rayn shook her head and gasped with the splash of cold water on her face. No more thinking. No more distractions. Now was the time for the Krew Dynasty to rise to its power. Now was the time to win, and nothing, not even Razer, would get in her way.
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"All for one-" Jak cheered the others on, huddled around in a circle, hands in the center.
"And one right in the groin," Ashelin finished. That woman was cruel as always. It's a wonder why Torn would take certain things upon himself without her knowing. If it were up to her, she might give everyone 'one' in the groin at even the slightest suspicion.
"Let's make Mizo pay!" Rayn encouraged and their huddle was broken. With confident smiles, they parted and prepared to step out into the tracks. Less than a half hour left and it was time for drivers to start warming up their engines.
Everyone seemed ready to go. The antidotes were prepared. Her father's agent waited in the sidelines, ready to pass them over at her order. The crowds rumbled with chants. Announcements echoed over the screams. Today was the day, Mizo's rule would come to an end and her era would begin.
She should've been skipping to the startling line, humming a tune and frolicking in circles by now. Of course, it wasn't that easy for her. It was a shame. She wanted to be overjoyed by now and she did a great deal pretending she was, but deep down inside, she was just plain disappointed.
Anxious. Confused. And a part of her didn't even want the day to end, because the end of the day could mean the end of something else.
After changing into her racing gear, Rayn walked over to her vehicle with a sigh. Once again she made an all around check for any suspicious objects in or around it. It was clean. Mizo was probably too busy plucking his own hair out, burning to start the race and be rid of them all. It was too bad for him that he wouldn't get his way.
"Damn it, I need a wrench," Rayn whined. She wanted to tighten a few last things before she set out but she couldn't seem to find the damn toolbox anywhere. Finally realizing that she was running out of time, she decided to head down to the storage parts area and see if she could find one there.
As she stepped into the dusty crevices of the scraps hold, she coughed from the stuffy air. This was where all the scraps and junks were thrown for drivers who wanted to just come down here if they should need them. It was beneath the garage and the only light provided was the sunlight beaming from the high windows on the cold concrete walls.
Rayn cringed as her palm pressed against a damp, moldy wall. She brushed it off on her pants before stepping deeper and spotting a tall shelf full of tools. A bit rusted, but they would do.
"Ah, there we are," She whispered to herself as she tried to reach up and grab the wrench at the very top. Because of her lack of heels at the moment, she was just an inch too short to grab onto it.
"Precursors! Could my day get any worse?"
She strained and stretched, but to no avail. It wasn't until a familiar odor passed in the air that she stopped for a moment. Nicotine.
"The new Crime Lord of Kras is having trouble reaching for a wrench. My, my, what a surprise".
His voice instantly brought a smile on her face. Cocky attitude as always. Charming as ever. She shook her head, but didn't turn to face him.
"You never fail to irritate me, Razer".
"And you, never fail to stop running into me. Almost as if- you follow me".
"W-what? My word-" Rayn spun around with a stomp of her feet. She didn't even know he was in here and this time, unlike other times, she didn't come to him. Matter of fact she was hoping to avoid him. Of course she knew that she was lying to herself.
She shook her head again. He did that on purpose just to ruffle her mood. It amused him. He successfully made her turn to him although she promised herself she'd avoid his eyes. The man was a spell, no- a curse.
Razer shook his head, wearing his signature grin. The dim light made his expressions hard to read and his eyes hard to meet. Good. It was better for her.
He calmly brushed past her to reach up and get the wrench she had tried so hard to reach. Now standing beside her, he handed her the wrench without facing her.
Feeling his arm beside her, his presence so close, made her skin tighten. Her fingers grew numb and her palms moist. Why didn't anything bother him the way things bothered her? It only made her angry. Made her feel more juvenile. Made her feel even more stupid for having such stupid feelings that couldn't be returned.
She grabbed the wrench from him with the edge of her fingers. She hoped he could not tell that her hand was shaking. With a nod, she silently thanked him.
"I'll be going now".
Good. It was over. The farther away she was from him, the less it would hurt.
She was only a few steps away into more breathable air, before she felt a strong grip tighten and pull her roughly back from whence she came.
A chiming ring sounded with a spark as his knife met with her gunpoint between the both of them. They're bodies were close, they're weapons to each other's chins. They both smiled.
"Prepared? Good girl." Razer complimented before, he too, pulled out a pistol with his other hand. Now he had two weapons, and she had one, or so he thought.
Another ring sounded and a reflection below caught his attention. He looked down to see a blade sticking out from her boot, ready to strike his shin when necessary.
"Clever. I didn't expect that".
Rayn grinned deviously. That devious grin he had seen on her when he first took her to the restaurant and he awakened her power trip. That scheming grin of hers…made his hands itch.
"Oh? Do you like it? I attached them this morning". She tried to mask the intense moment between them. If they wanted to, this would be their chance to get rid of one or the other once and for all. But nothing was happening. Neither of them was making a move.
"Hmm," Razer dipped his head before cautiously putting away his knife, then his pistol. Her eyes watched his hands as they locked the safety and he slipped his blade inside his coat. Seeing that he posed no threat, another swift ring and her blades hid themselves back in her boots. She too, locked the safety on her gun and returned it inside her racing jacket.
Just as she was positioning the gun into place and her stomach winced at the contact of the cold metal against it, his grip attacked her once again. This time, it was for other reasons.
"What are you-"
Her babble was cut short by his lips on hers. Now this was something she had not expected. Her body froze, her eyes were wide.
What the hell was going on? What was he doing? What did this mean?
Although her mind erupted with questions, they quickly calmed into ashes as she melted into the embrace. This was what she wanted, wasn't it?
His tight grip on her arms relaxed and spread to her back. She joined with him accordingly, let herself savor a moment that was cut too short the night before. Was this a kiss farewell? Or a kiss that would lead to a new beginning?
She didn't know and truthfully, at that very moment, she didn't care. She grabbed his collar, taking in his strong scents of nicotine, sweat and masculinity. Deeper the kiss went, soft yet firm, his cologne entranced her. His arms kept her weak legs steady from falling.
He smelled so good. He felt so warm. His arms were safe. His kiss was a thrill. Her heart was racing, just as fast as any vehicle would on the tracks.
Razer tightened his grip on her curves, humming with approval as she clutched his collar. He brought a large hand to her jaw as he led them, led them to somewhere he still wasn't sure of. It was just instinct now. He couldn't deny it any longer.
This bold, clever woman, full of power and yet, so meek at times. Blushing and fumbling with her words and fingers one moment, then calling out her demands the next. He had to have her. He couldn't figure it out.
She was vivacious. Taking control when she needed to and yet still had so much to learn. He tried to turn away when she'd laugh, when her body was so close to his. He tried to act like she didn't faze him. Somehow she cracked his cold demeanor, his murderous intent, to find a man that wanted nothing more than her presence to grace him.
She was warm. She fit just right in his embrace. Her mouth was so sweet. Her face in his hand was supple. Everything about this woman left him breathless.
Their kiss, left them breathless. They parted slowly, stealing small kisses before they stopped and she leaned her forehead on his chin. He could sense it. She was still afraid that he was leaving.
They were silent for a moment, leaving only the soft thumps of their heartbeats in the atmosphere. His hand lifted her chin to him, her eyes to meet his emerald orbs, solemn and easy to fall into. There was no escape. He would not allow her to escape something he was already so deeply plunged into.
Before he could speak, the final announcements sounded. Ten minutes until starting time. She needed to get back up and do whatever she was planning to do with that wrench and he needed to get up to his Havoc.
He smiled and she leaned into his hand on her face. "You're right. Kras would never be the same if I left".
With that, he released her with a last lingering stare and made his way to the stairway with his hands in his pockets. Rayn stood standing there, still a little dazed.
"So, you've accepted my proposal?"
He stopped at the beginning of the steps. "Proposal? Hmm. Who said anything about agreeing to your proposal? I told you that I'd never take orders from you, didn't I?"
A loud clank sliding beside his feet turned his arrogant grin to the floor. She had thrown the wrench at him. Razer shook his head knowingly before finally making his way upstairs. He really enjoyed teasing her.
Once she was sure he was gone, Rayn laughed to herself. She was delirious. That man drove her crazy. And yet, she had to have him.
She hurried off to pick up the wrench she had thrown at him and climbed up the stairs. A race awaited her. Afterwards was victory. After victory, came a warmth she couldn't wait to bask herself in.
Razer…
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Watching Jak's vehicle speed past the finish line was a sweet sting. Relief swept over her like a bucket of cool water on a summer day. She expressed this with a heavy sigh that she must've been holding ever since the whole scheme of taking over Kras began.
Razer's Havoc had come up behind Jak's by a string of hair, literally. Rayn's heart almost jumped from her chest because it almost looked like he was actually going to pass Jak as the winner. And as much as she was enjoying this strange new 'thing' for him, letting him win the race would've been a big problem. He was still under Mizo's command and therefore Mizo would've won.
Shaking her head from any further and unnecessary thought process, the first thing she did was run to her father's agent and her team of scientists to get a hold of the antidotes. The screams from the crowds were deafening. She couldn't hear herself think straight. Confetti and streams of colors painted the skies. Fireworks shot off into the distance as billboards proudly blinked Jak's name all over the stadium.
Rayn beamed with pride almost as if her name was the one being globally announced and marked in history forever. Of course, it was her team and in the end, it was her that won the prize. As for the trophy, she didn't care much. What she had was bigger than that, a city, now in the palm of her hands along with Haven. Power and access to a sport that would have a fortune that the rest of her generation could prevail in for decades to come.
As the crowds hailed Jak's name, Rayn ran to fetch the antidotes from her father's agent on the sidelines. With a wide smile, she gave him her helmet and ran off to meet her team heading towards Pecker for the winning interview.
She discreetly unlocked the safety on her pistol. Mizo would be coming out now. She was sure of it.
"Rayn, what's going on?"
Jak must've sensed that something was slightly off. She had to hand it to the hero, sometime clueless at times, he knew when things weren't as flawless as they seemed.
"Relax, this whole thing was designed to flush Mizo out. As for the poison, don't worry, I've got the antidotes right here". Her eyes shifted around her, aware of her surroundings and waiting for him to show up.
"How could you know that Mizo would be close?" Ashelin questioned. She was tempted to tell her to go ask her Commander what he might know, but she already made an agreement with that Jinx fellow to keep that to herself, especially since he had grime on her and Razer to his use. She almost smiled at the thought of it, though.
"Father tried to eliminate Mizo for years, but he could never ID the man. Then we realized... There is no Mizo, or rather..."
Rayn's heart jumped. There he was! Storming over to them like a mad man from the penitentiary. It brought her great pleasure to put him in such a state.
"Out of my way! You broke the rules!" The blond raved, breaking between them. Rayn knew he was at his lowest point. Who knew what he was capable of now that he lost everything.
"Blitz?" Daxter yelled in surprise. They little ottsel hadn't caught onto it yet.
Just then, Blitz yanked off his toupee and cleared the confusion. He confirmed Rayn's suspicions all along. G.T. Blitz was Mizo.
"I'm Mizo! And losing the bet changes nothing! I'll crush your family and this whole city! No one else will ever know".
Rayn scoffed from behind them. She wanted to say, 'Family? I am my family and good luck finishing me with the pistol in my hem' but a very clever co-host beat her to countering Blitz's threat.
Pecker had recorded Mizo's confession to the entire world. "No one except for two hundred million viewers that is".
"What?!"
Rayn's smile grew. She couldn't help it. It was too amusing. Quickly, she shook her expression away. Perhaps spending so much time with a devious murderer was having an effect on her - not that she minded.
"Smile for the cameras, big boy! Every star has to fall, right Mizo?" Pecker taunted and the others grinned. Here was the notorious Mizo, now putty in their hands – or so they thought.
With an agonized growl, he snatched the antidotes from Rayn's hands. He had caught her off guard and she hadn't expected he'd do such a thing.
Screaming his last words of wishful death upon them, he sped away in his vehicle. Jak didn't hesitate to follow him. Finally the realization that Mizo had just took the antidotes from her hands hit her full force. Her ears burnt with newfound fury.
"Son of a-" Rayn ran to her vehicle, ready to hop in and trail after Mizo as the others looked on helplessly. Just as she was about to start her engine, a knowing glare caused her to look up.
Razer leaned against the brick walls leading into the garage, smoke curling from his evening cigarette. He was calm and unfazed, one hand in his pocket. The fact that he just lost the Championship race didn't seem to bother him as much as it did before. She had almost begun to wonder if he let Jak win that race. He eyed her dubiously as if seeing her very thoughts.
"Might I ask what you're planning to do?" The sun was beginning to set, causing a warm glow to cast over them.
Her jaw hung agape at such a ridiculous question. "What I'm going to do? Chase after Mizo, of course. What else?"
Razer nodded, tapping his fingertips along his arms. The crowds in the stadium were already emptying out for their buy of souvenirs before their trips home. Rayn's vehicle had been parked a good distance from the others and they were so caught up in the fact that Mizo literally had their lives in small vile like form in his hands, they hardly took notice of Rayn speaking with the bloody lusty racer known as Razer.
Razer lips blew another trail to the side, earning a flushed look from the woman staring from the vehicle. The way his lips pursed and his eyes closed as he relieved long, smooth white wisps of air. Her thoughts began to revive the warmth that she had felt before the race when those refined lips were on hers. Rayn shook her head abruptly. This was no time for this!
Razer gave her an amused look, flicking his cigarette away to her relief. "Why?"
"Why? Well, what do you mean, why?"
"Why dirty your hands? It is their lives on the line, not yours".
"But what if Jak doesn't finish him off? I have to make sure Mizo is disposed of!"
"Trust me, if any one of those freaks care for their lives, they'll get him. If by some chance they don't, I do owe Mizo for that break through my window the other night," he stated with a haughty expression.
Rayn shook her head with utter amazement. He really was a dirty player, letting others do their own bidding while he watched from the sidelines, manipulating lives as he saw fit. He was no savior, he was no hero and yet, she couldn't hold that against him. They lived in a world just as that, where not everyone could live lives so perfectly based on polished morals and committing to an image of a hero.
According to her records, even Jak had smudges in his past she was sure he wasn't proud of. The fact was, you had to do whatever you needed in order to survive. Razer did just that and so did she. That was what they shared. Maybe sometimes they wished things were easier, that others wouldn't get involved in such a way, but this was the game life handed to them. It was either be the best or lose.
She could see it in his eyes and understand why he was questioning her. Why dirty her hands when she had what it was that she wanted. Her part was done with. As cruel as it sounded, some things were better left for others to handle. Mizo was Jak's problem now and if he wanted to live, he'd be rid of Mizo and retrieve the antidotes.
Rayn leaned her chin on the steering wheel, pondering what to do while her worries consumed her. Razer took a few steps toward her vehicle.
"What is this? Crime Lord of Kras is soft for her drivers? My, my, what would your underlings think of you?"
Before he could walk away taunting her about her worries on Jak, she countered. "Why stop me from chasing after Mizo? Concerned for my safety, hmm?"
With that Razer snickered, before it escalated into a fully inflated laughter. Rayn only smiled as he walked off holding his abdomen from his fit of amusement and making a turn into the garage. With a sigh and her cheek pressed on her knuckles, she felt her heart flutter.
He was laughing now, but she knew better.
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Just as Razer predicted, Jak was sure to rid the world of Mizo once and for all. She made a short trip to the Bloody Hook to say goodbye to her team. After all, she did blackmail them into this although they didn't know it. By the time they shared a few words and a short embrace between her and Jak, she had purposely left behind her father's data pad - well a copy of it anyway, with one very important entry and nothing else. She wasn't that stupid.
A part of her wanted to leave them in their fantasy world where they had formed a friendship and gained each other's trust, but business was business and she just didn't feel right leaving them in the clouds. They would eventually find out sooner or later, thanks to Torn's 'sources'.
It was like she never breathed fresh air before when she left the bar. The day was bright and the breeze carried the salt from the ocean under the bridge. She wouldn't hesitate in getting this city organized, this city that was now hers.
"Call a meeting. I want every crime boss present. That's right... I'm running this town now. Father was too soft. No, don't eliminate the racers. They were my friends. Although probably not any longer. Ah well. Its just business," Rayn said carelessly to her father's agent over her cell.
A husky voice spoke on the other end, "And what about that head henchman of Mizo's, should he be disposed of, as well?"
Her vehicle halted at a red light. Rayn shook her head, "Who, Razer? Don't worry yourself over him. I have everything under control now. Just get that meeting arranged for me by tonight".
By the time she had driven to the outskirts of Kras, the sun had already almost hidden itself beneath the horizon. Bronze blanketed in dark hues of blue as the breeze grew chillier. Night was creeping in. The excitement after the final race was all over the city, from parades of people, balloons and replays on every moving billboard. It was a relief to be out where the people were few and the crowds had simmered.
Rayn had taken her time getting comfortable and prepared before the meeting. Her first stop was to take a shower and change into a more 'suitable' wardrobe for dirty and aged eyes to feast on while she took hold of their minds. It was a cheesy tactic, but it worked.
After that, she prepared a recording, replaying the events of the final race and Mizo's confession. Her last move was to gather her weapons in case things got ugly.
She drove toward the abandoned warehouse carelessly. Her head rested leisurely on her knuckles as her other hand held the steering wheel loosely. There was no need to worry about men jumping out at her from the bushes trying to kill her in the name of Mizo or bombs setting off inside her engine.
Mizo was gone and good riddance. Even his own would hardly miss him.
The few loyal that may be left living wouldn't have the guts to pull a stunt on her life, especially since she had some of the best on her side already. It was either they made themselves scarce from Kras or they joined her. Of course, if they wanted to make a living, and with being a criminal lacking many traits employees would find impressive, they'd have to choose the latter.
Finally she had arrived; the warehouse was quiet as usual. Most likely the men were awaiting her presence inside. Parking her vehicle in front and shutting the door behind her, she went up the steps with a chip on her shoulder.
Now was her time to shine. Everything she could ever want was now hers. Or so she thought.
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"So men, there it is, nice and clear. Just as I predicted, Blitz was in fact Mizo and I crushed him in these very fingers".
The seven men around the table were somewhat speechless. Of course she had known they had seen the race , but why resist the chance of gloating over her victory. Whether they liked it or not, she was the one with the power now. She had won the race and there would be no denying that she had lured Mizo out by his own insanity.
She tugged on her lower lip as she leaned on the table, chin on her knuckles. She could feel Lucien's heavy glare stinging her back but she didn't care. With the victory she had gained along with the city as her prize, his stinging glares tickled.
"Are you sure that Mizo is taken care of? Have you found a body?"
Rayn arched a brow, "A body? It was cooked along with whatever must be left of his vehicle. Only ashes remain of Mizo's dreadful body". She shooed the topic away like a worthless insect.
"Hmm, I see," the elderly man curled his gray beard in deep thought. It seemed they were all contemplating the idea that this Krew heir, this woman, was now superior to them.
The small moldy room fogged with cigar smoke. The ashtray in the middle of the table flickered with dying embers. The atmosphere was stuffy and awkward.
Rayn cleared her throat, "Ahem. Well, now that that's over with, I have new plans to discuss. There's lots to be done and much to be improved".
She set a filing folder on the table but before she could continue, Lucien raised a finger. "Actually, there is still one problem".
"Hmm? And what might that be?"
Her confident smile soon faded once she set her eyes on Lucien's deceitful expression. It was obvious he had something up his sleeve, something that she probably wouldn't like. Her heart beat in anticipation. Every lord's attention was on him now.
"Your father had discussed with us some time ago, before his death of course, of a plan to dispose of Mizo's top man, Razer. We can't assume that just because Mizo is gone for good that Razer won't prove problematic for us".
A drop of sweat slithered its way down her brow. Funny, she hadn't realized how hot it was until now. Swallowing some moisture into her dry, scratchy throat, she replied coolly, " Oh, I wouldn't worry too much on him. What danger is a man without a boss to be loyal to and no benefits? What good would it do for him to vent his revenge on any of us?"
"He knows too much either way. He can't be left living unless he's under our authority," Lucien challenged. His large hands overlapped in front of him, flesh on his knuckles white from the growing intensity in the room.
"And whatever he knows, won't benefit him in any way unless it's in the form of orbs. Plus, rumor has it that the retired racer has vanished after the race. Maybe starting anew somewhere, which would be wise, would it not?"
Murmuring spurred between the others around her until others began making their protests heard. "He's right, Ms. Krew. He may be harmless now, but can we really take such a risk?"
"He's a very dangerous man. For all we know, he's wiring explosives under our vehicles this very moment".
She almost wanted to scream, 'No, he's not! He wouldn't do that! It's not in his ways, anyway'. But of course, her lips stood pinched between her teeth.
Rayn took a deep breath, pausing to pin her long hair on top of her head. She successfully managed to distract at least half of her audience, but it wasn't enough.
"Really, I don't see what the fuss is about. If anything, leave it to me, I'll take care of it".
Lucien shook his head. She fought back the cringe tugging at the corner of her mouth. Nothing would please her more than the sight of her heel in his face right about now. He was doing this on purpose and she knew it. Somehow, there must've been some way that he found out. He must know something, something about her and Razer. And now the bastard was using it to his advantage.
Lucien calmed everyone around him with the wave of his hands. Rayn rested her palms on the table, awaiting what he'd say next. Her eyes squeezed, staring at the way his mustache twitched and his sly smile formed.
"Don't you worry yourself, Ms. Krew. You won't have to take care of him…"
Rayn sighed, a split second of relief sweeping over her until she realized he wasn't quite done with what he was saying.
Like a true beast intimidating its prey, he flashed his teeth. Her nails clawed the wood in reaction, fear now brewing inside her. Something was wrong. She could feel it.
"Right about now, I have some men already on the task. I hope his racing is as good as its bragged, because if it's not, he should be dead in less than an hour".
"What?" Rayn gasped, hands slamming on the table unwillingly. She caught them off guard, earning them all to jump in their seats from her abrupt reaction.
"You heard me, Rayn. Razer will be joining Mizo momentarily. It is what you and your father wanted, is it not?"
She didn't realize it, but her jaw was hanging in shock, palm slapped on her forehead. How could she have been so careless? The diary entry had stated it not too long ago, the plan her father had to be rid of Razer when she was done with him. Her father had already made arrangements with the other Gang Lords. How did she forget this?
No- back then it was different. Back then she really didn't care, but now…she couldn't. She wouldn't let them!
Panic seized her and before she could run out the door without another thought, a very familiar click echoed in the back of her head, cold metal stabbing her skull.
Lucien's greasy tone itched along the crook of her neck.
"This time, dear, I brought a gun of my own".
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Well guys, it's sad but the next chap will be the last. I'll also include a bonus epilogue chap so please look forward to it. This story is a lot of fun for me. I'll def miss it.