Chapter 4 - Missing a Friend

Cassie

Oh man oh man oh man! I saw him! Well…kinda…BUT I spoke to him! Me! Cassie Cage! Spoke to Thrash DIRECTLY tonight! I had it recorded on my phone! I stood there in the alleyway and pressed play on the video I had recorded. Unfortunately the video portion was…rough. Thrash had done something with the lighting so I couldn't make out what he looked like. But I totally know that was his voice! It was the same one I heard on that one video that the influencer took of him! Even in that one where the lighting was better I still couldn't make him out. That Rattlehead moniker was true. It looked like someone had blurred his image in post but I think he's doing it himself. I watched my video back and replayed the part where he said "a friend" a few times. My hunch had been correct! He wasn't here to kill us. If so, he would have put me into the dirt already but no. He decided to reassure me that he was here to help! I pulled up the other video that influencer took a few days ago and watched it again. I heard the same voice come from his "mouth" as I watched so this confirms I had talked to Thrash! But I did notice something in the video when I paused it on a specific frame. I was about to send a message to Jacqui before I noticed it. Thrash's hair was tied in a ponytail…much like…no…no. You need to get him out of your mind! He would have wanted you to move on by now! But as much as I tried as I walked away from that alleyway, my mind went to memories of Vic.

Many Years Ago.

I ran to my mom after she had come to pick me up from the movie set.

"Hi sweetie," she said after hugging me. "Who's your friend?" She smiled over at Vic and waved. Vic waved back before walking off with his sister.

"That's Vic. He goes to my new school. His mom is doing the music for daddy's movie," I explained.

"Oh really? Is he a nice boy?" my mom asked as we got in the car.

"Yeah," I answered. "I like him. He's really nice, funny and cool."

"What did you do all day while daddy worked?" mom asked. I told her all about my day with my new friend. Eventually I saw her giving me that same look I saw Vic's sister give him. Wait…did she think I wanted to like…like kiss him? Eww gross Mom! Boys are icky! Wait…WAIT! Icky Vicky! Like from that old cartoon! Oh man, I'm gonna get him good next time I see him!

"And here I thought you thought boys were gross," mom said still with that look on her face.

"They are!" I exclaimed. "Well…except daddy, grandpa…and…and Vic…"

"You like him sweetie! That's ok! Daddy said he called you pretty when you walked over." My heart fluttered when I remembered hearing him say that. I had never looked at a boy like I had with Vic. Maybe one day, I would kiss him…but I've spent time with him once…and I couldn't wait to do it again.

Daddy came home as mom and I were eating dinner. He gave both of us a hello kiss and started to fix a plate for himself.

"That Lauren woman is really good," he was saying while piling his plate with Mom's chicken cutlets. "Like you give her any instrument and she becomes a wizard at it." Daddy sat down next to me and popped open his can of seltzer water. When I was younger, I used to call that "fuzzy water."

"Now, what's this I hear about my daughter spending an entire day with a boy," daddy said and did a dramatic head turn in my direction. I gulped.

"Do I need to beat him up?" he asked.

"NO!" I said rather loudly and made my mom jump. "Sorry." Daddy was looking at me with that same expression Mom gave me when she picked me up. Daddy eventually smiled and took a bite of chicken.

"You like him don't you Punkin?" daddy asked. I panicked.

"Not like…like my boyfriend! Boys are icky! He's…he's my friend!" I spluttered.

"Hold on, he's a boy. But he's your friend but at the same time he's icky?" Daddy asked. "Am I getting that right hon?" Mom nodded.

"Vic's….different than the boys at my old school," I admitted. "He didn't see me as a 'stupid girl' and…and he called me pretty…" Daddy took a sip of his water and then spoke again.

"Cass, I heard him say it, remember," he said, still smiling. "I mean it does help you inherited your mother's good looks." I watched mom's cheeks turn a little red and she fought hard to suppress a smile. That was my daddy for ya. He's a goofball but he genuinely loves me and my mom and would do anything to provide for us.

"If you ever decide that boys are no longer icky, Vic's got my seal of approval," Daddy said and patted me on the shoulder. "He seems like a good kid thanks to his mom." Thanks daddy. I'll hold you to that.

Years Later. Right Before Freshman Year.

I was looking at myself in the mirror making last minute preparations for my first date…with Vic! This has been something I've been fantasizing about since 6th grade! And, and, it just so happened that he liked me too! The entire time he's known me! This was such a dream come true! I had taken such a big risk telling him that I had feelings for him after he lied to me about being in the talent show…and kissing him…but I am so glad I did now! He officially asked me on a date last week! I admired my chosen outfit in the mirror one last time. Nice jeans, a basic tank top and I planned on wearing my white Chucks with it. My hair was tied into a ponytail…much like how Vic started to wear his hair. I guess his dad really got him into hard rock and metal music and as a result, he decided to grow out his hair. He wore the look really really well. Plus, I could start to see the beginnings of his facial hair start to grow a little thicker than usual. Please please keep the goatee if you decide to grow one Icky Vicky. I would love running my finger along that.

"Cassie, Vic's here," my mom's voice called from downstairs. I took one last look in the mirror, whispered "Girl, you got this" and left the bathroom.

Vic was standing inside my house with his hands in his jeans pockets. He was wearing a shirt without a band on it for once and what looked like a new black leather jacket. He wore it open and the simple dark green undershirt was showing. We weren't going to a super fancy place so what we were wearing was fine. He turned as I walked toward him.

"Hey Cass," he said and smiled. I felt the butterflies in my stomach again. Man…he was so hot. No. No, HANDSOME. Use that word in the presence of your parents Cass.

"Hi Vic," I answered.

"You look beautiful tonight," he said and offered his hand. I saw my mom grin from the kitchen. I took it as soon as I finished putting on my shoes. Vic's hand was warm to the touch. As soon as my hand went into his, I felt a sense of safety wash over me.

"I'll have her back at 10 Mrs. C," Vic said to my mom.

"Have fun you two," she called back.

Vic and I walked out of my house and down the front path. The restaurant we were going to was within walking distance from my house. About 3 blocks to be specific. It was owned by my mom's friend so that means 2 14 year olds weren't completely unattended. I looked away from Vic for a moment to see that Daddy was standing in the path with his arms crossed. Vic and I stopped walking.

"Oi, where do you think you're going with my Punkin," Daddy said and walked up to Vic.

"Uh…dinner and then a walk on the waterfront," Vic said in a voice that almost sounded like he was scared. Daddy grinned and clapped Vic on the back.

"You take care of her alright," Daddy said.

"I will sir," Vic responded. Daddy walked past us and into the house where I heard him take a big sniff and go "Yeah! Burritos! WHOOO!" Vic and I both chuckled at this as we walked down to the restaurant. I still couldn't believe this was happening! I should be waking up at any moment honestly. Vic was the one closest to the street and he was checking his phone at the moment.

"Who you texting?" I asked.

"Kim," he responded. I did catch a glimpse of his message chain with Kimi so I knew he didn't lie. For a second, I actually thought he was texting another girl…well, one he wasn't related to that is.

"She's mad at me because she didn't get to see me before I left," he continued but then slipped his phone back into his pocket. "Whatever." The pair of us didn't talk all that much as we walked to the restaurant, went inside and sat down. My mom's friend, Kerri, saw us and nodded at me. I had a feeling both me and Vic were nervous about how tonight's gonna go. I don't even know why I was. I already kissed him twice and it felt so good. The restaurant we went to was one of those old 50s style diners but you know, with more modern features. After we ordered drinks, Vic looked over at me and I watched him pretend to be nervous. Cutie. I swear to every deity that has ever existed.

"So…what's your family life like," he said more to the table and booth behind me rather than to me. I smiled back at him. Alright handsome, I'll play along.

What followed dinner was a nice sunset walk on the waterfront nearby. It was a little colder than I had anticipated and I didn't bring a jacket. I put up with it for several minutes before I let go of Vic's hand and ran my hands up and down my bare arms a few times. Then I felt something get placed on my shoulders. It was Vic's jacket. I looked over at him. He was smiling.

"You looked cold," he said. "Don't worry about me. I run a little hot sometimes."

"Yeah ok, a little hot," I answered and took his hand again.

"Oh my, am I sensing that I'm getting a second date after this?" he joked as we started walking along the dock again.

"That depends," I answered. "Let's see if you're able to seal the deal." He smirked at me and I nearly kissed him right then and there. He looked so cute whenever he did that. We walked in silence for a few minutes before coming to a stop at the end of the path. I put my arm around his waist and in turn I felt him put an arm around my shoulder and gently pull me close to his body. I looked out over the setting sun over the waterfront for a few moments before looking over at Vic. It really just registered to me that he agreed to be my boyfriend. My first one! And…and I think I need to tell him something else.

"Vic," I said softly.

"Yeah," he responded.

"I…I…I love you," I managed to get out and regretted it immediately. I just ruined everything. I just know it. I said it too fast. We've been on ONE date. It was true though. I had loved him since the 6th grade. Suddenly Vic moved. He kissed me on the lips again. He was soft and tender. I closed my eyes and leaned into it. Soon after, he pulled away.

"I'm sorry," I blurted out before anything else. "I said it too-" Vic stopped my talking by pressing a finger to my lips.

"Don't be," he said and smiled. "Because I do too." It took me about 3 full seconds to realize what he said. Vic loved me…VIC LOVED ME! He said it to my face! I didn't have to theorize anymore! It was true!

"Say…say it again," I whispered. He chuckled and then placed his soft hand against my face. I felt his thumb rub my cheek a little.

"It again," he whispered back. I smacked him lightly on the chest as he chuckled to himself again. Our eyes met after a few seconds. He smiled again and I couldn't help but smile back. This was actually real Cassie. It wasn't a dream. You are in his arms. He's about to kiss you again.

"I love you Cassie," he said and pulled me close. I could smell the cologne he had borrowed from his dad. It was nice. Really nice.

"I love you too Vic," I whispered back before our lips met again.

Present Day

Jacqui was in the middle of trying to get my attention while my mind had been on Vic…again! Jacqui and I had been friends since high school. Her, Vic and I would often hang out all the time. Pretty sure her dad was military. He didn't talk about his job much. Cool guy. Her mother wasn't in the picture. She died when Jacqui was very young from cancer. Fuck cancer am I right?

"Yo, did you hear me?!" she was saying jarring me away from my thoughts. I had just now realized I was in front of the Camelot Arena. I wanted to go see Jacqui's game tonight…but I had to work late. Stupid classic Harleys that needed transmission repairs! I had been walking to meet her but was sidetracked by Thrash's "appearance."

"Yeah," I answered absentmindedly. "Actually, no. Sorry." Jacqui grabbed my shoulder.

"I saw him," she said excitedly.

"Saw who?" I asked before tossing in a joke. "The Muffin Man? Are we on Drury Lane?" Jacqui rolled her eyes at my lame joke.

"No Cass," she said. "The Thrash guy." My eyes widened and my mind finally was able to stop playing the Vic and Cassie highlight reel.

"No way!" I exclaimed. "You saw him up close? I just talked to him! What did he look like! The only video was really blurry save for a specific frame."

"He was…honestly…this is going to sound weird," Jacqui began and looked around the area for a few seconds. "He looked a bit like Vic. Remember Vic?" My mood went from intrigued to sour. She had to bring him up now!

"Jacqui. Of COURSE I remember him!" I exploded. "I haven't been able to fucking forget about him for YEARS!"

"Alright calm down Cass," Jacqui said and attempted to calm me.

"You don't get it do you!" I continued yelling. "It is MY fault he is dead! If I had just listened to you or Malcolm or Steve he would have been with me and not in that terrible fire that ripped him away from me!"

"Cassie, did you start that fire?" Jacqui said starting to get angry herself. "Did you kill 3 people by yourself?!" I knew she had heard me perform this song and dance before. But I didn't care. I knew Vic's death was my fault. Even if it was indirectly.

"Would Vic blame you for what happened?" Jacqui continued angrily. I rounded on her.

"Do NOT. EVER. Say his name again," I growled in her face. "Understand me?!"

"Whatever Cass," Jacqui said coldly. "I'm not the one who can't get over an old boyfriend." Alright, THAT'S IT! I don't fucking care if you're a starting point guard for a basketball team! Time for me to get something through her head!

Before I did anything, a man emerged from the shadows. He had chalk white hair that fell past his shoulders and dark gray eyes. The man was wearing a black sleeveless shirt, a pair of dark jeans and some Nikes. Light blue and gray colored Air Jordans to be specific. He had 2 half sleeve tattoos. On one arm was a Japanese kanji character and the other was what looked like an orange sun with accents of blue and gray. I feel...I feel I had seen that design somewhere before. His face…was also extremely familiar. Like I felt I've seen someone with a similar facial structure in my life.

"Good evening," he said to the pair of us and inclined his head. Not in the mood bud. I needed to inform my "best friend" that she was being a bitch at the moment.

"Who are you," Jacqui asked before I was able to continue my rant. The man smiled and that's when it hit me. Vic's mom. No…no way…

"My name is Fujin," he said. "An unusual name I know but my mother was very intrigued by the Shinto religion. I just so happened to be passing by when I heard my nephew's name."

"Your…your nephew?" I asked. The man named Fujin nodded.

"His mother was my older sister," he explained.

"Vic never told us he had an uncle on his mom's side," Jacqui said. "He had one on his dad's side right Cass? And an aunt." I nodded and continued to stare at Fujin.

"His mother and I were not on the best of terms for a while. I understand you believe that what happened to him, my sister and my brother in law was your fault Miss Cage," he told me. His voice was very calming. As if it was a sea breeze wafting across the beach.

"Wait…you know me?" I asked him. Fujin nodded.

"I happen to be a fan of MotoGP and your father's films," he said smiling. "And you Miss Briggs, you are quite the fantastic basketball player. I was in the stands and saw our vigilante friend appear." Both Jacqui and I exchanged glances. This guy could be a total creep for all we knew if he knew this much about us. Actually…I'm pretty sure people know Johnny Cage has a daughter by now. I am in my late twenties.

"Now Miss Cage," Fujin said to me. "What happened that day was not your fault." Great, just what I need right now! A strange man claiming to be my old boyfriend's uncle telling me what everybody else told me!

"How the hell do you know?!" I snapped. "Were you there?!"

"Yes," he said simply. My anger and bitterness felt like it was blown away as if by the wind itself. Was I finally about to get the full story of why someone had decided that my life was too perfect and it needed to be ruined?

"Wh-what?" I stuttered while Jacqui stood staring at Fujin with wide eyes.

"Vic and his family were the victims of a targeted attack. An old bitter lover of Vic's mother, who's real name was actually Hikari, showed up and demanded she take him back. She of course did not and he went completely insane and set off that fire that claimed the lives of her, her husband and her son," Fujin explained.

"Wh-what?" I said again after taking in Fujin's words. His mom's old boyfriend set off that fire that killed him?

"Damn," Jacqui muttered before looking at me with that look I knew meant "See? SEE?! It's not your fucking fault!" Whatever. He was still present at the fire wasn't he?! He should have been with me! We should have been together! Instead I believed a stupid fucking rumor!

A new voice made themselves known as the 3 of us stood there talking.

"You." was all I needed to hear before turning to see Kimi Harris standing there glaring daggers at me.

"Ah, good evening Kimi," Fujin said sweetly.

"Uncle," Kimi grunted back while keeping her eyes on me. "What you just said does NOT change the fact that this BITCH broke my little brother's heart and instead of him being out with her, HE DIED!" That's it. I couldn't take it anymore!

"Alright listen here you fucker!" I snapped back before I could stop myself. Kimi's eyes narrowed in anger. Good.

"I didn't start that rumor! It was that cheerleader Lacey! She wanted him! Apparently for a long long time but she just couldn't deal with the fact that the talented musician would rather go out with me, his BEST FRIEND, rather than her, the head cheerleader! Oh no! Her poor ego was shattered when he turned her down for me! Vic's buddy Malcolm also told me that she tried to get with him multiple times beforehand while I wasn't physically there with him! Instead of being mad at the girl that still loves him even years later and has realized her mistake, you should instead be mad at the girl that actually caused the whole break up!" I shouted at full volume at someone I used to be on good terms with.

"That still doesn't change the fact that you broke him," Kimi snapped back just as angrily. "He barely talked to anyone! Including our mom! Remember her?! She was just as livid as I was when she found out YOU shattered her little boy's heart! Over something he didn't do! He never once thought about cheating on you! He was in love with you the moment you met! Why the FUCK would you believe something you KNEW he would never do!" I got right in Kimi's face.

"Look bitch," I snarled. "I already apologized for what I did to him. I'm still not fully able to forgive myself!"

"Being sorry will not bring him back!" Kimi shouted and raised her fist. Oh ok then! You wanna fight?! FINE!

"ENOUGH!" Fujin's voice boomed. I looked down to see that there was a sword between me and Kimi. Fujin was the owner of the sword.

"Kimi, as I myself informed you," Fujin said, beginning to sound angry himself. "Miss Cage was not at all present at the scene until you and Mr. Stryker saw her."

"SHE DIDN'T LOSE FAMILY" Kimi shouted and attempted to get around Fujin's sword. He held her at bay with little effort.

"I did," Fujin said calmly but underneath the calm, I could hear a storm brewing. "I was the first on the scene before either of you arrived. As you well remember Kimi. I do not blame Miss Cage for what happened. I know that she loved your brother and my nephew with all of her heart." Kimi was still resilient and Fujin quickly turned the business end of the sword against her shoulder.

"Do not make me," he warned menacingly. "You will not attack Miss Cage out of anger. You recall how handily I disposed of that creep who was stalking you a few months ago." I gave Kimi a "take that" look and she glared down at me and then Fujin.

"Whatever, I still don't like you. Not after what you did," Kimi snarled and thankfully walked away.

Fujin, Jacqui and I watched Kimi round the corner while muttering to herself. Fujin still had his sword out and the blade was still in front of me. I saw him give me a few quick looks as if I planned to go after Kimi and he was prepared to stop me. He put the sword back in it's sheathe after Kimi rounded the corner.

"I don't remember Kimi being that hostile," Jacqui said softly. It took a lot of willpower to not glare at her in anger.

"She lost pretty much everything in one fell swoop," Fujin said solemnly. "Miss Cage, are you alright?" I just realized that I had been crying softly. I tried to hide it but it was no use.

"Fujin," I said before anyone could stop me. "What you said about Vic…I did. I loved him so so much. I made a terrible mistake. I was constantly doubting myself and comparing myself to other girls that looked at Vic. He was really handsome and I couldn't believe he actually cared for and loved someone like me. I didn't have talent like him. I can't play music or sing like he could. I was nobody compared to him. All I was was just Johnny Cage's daughter." Fujin studied me with his calm gaze for a few moments before he glanced at my shoulder. Oh, he was asking me if it was ok to touch me. I nodded and he placed a hand on my shoulder.

"I believe you Miss Cage," he said and smiled. "You need to stop being so hard on yourself. You possess your own set of skills that I know my nephew valued highly. You were not a nobody to him. I can assure you that. Do you happen to know what today is?" I frowned in thought for a second and then I remembered.

"Tomorrow's…tomorrow's his birthday," I said in a shaky voice. He would have turned 29 tomorrow. Just a few months before me.

"Have you ever visited him?" Fujin asked, still calmly. I shook my head. I could never have brought myself to visit his grave.

"Do so tomorrow," he said and gave me a small one armed hug. It felt nice honestly.

"I am sure his spirit will appreciate that. Go in the afternoon though unless you want to have another verbal argument with Kimi because I know she visits him annually. Although, I may speak with her about her actions now that I think about it."

The Next Day. At Park St. Cemetery. Around Dusk.

I did a quick scan of the parking lot as I arrived on foot with a small bouquet of flowers in my hand. They were colored green. Vic's favorite color. Unfortunately I saw Kimi's car as well as her figure kneeling in front of some gravestones with Kurtis right behind her. At this distance, I could see she was crying. Maybe…maybe she won't scream at me and blame me for Vic's death today. I took a deep breath and began to make my way towards Kimi and Kurtis. Stryker heard my approach and greeted me with his friendly smirk and a head nod. I returned the nod and then motioned to Kimi. Kurtis held up his hand signaling to me that he would handle Kimi if she went crazy. Kimi must have seen my shadow or something because she turned to face me. We locked eyes for a moment…before she nodded at me and motioned to the grave she had been crying in front of. I gave a sharp inhale when I read what was on it. It said "Here lies Victor Dante "Buddy" Harris. Beloved son, brother and musician." Below that, was his birthdate and the day I lost him. Under that was lyrics to an Ozzy song that he and I used to listen to all the time "No more tears." Too late headstone. I fell to my knees in front of the headstone and let it all out.

"Vic…Vic, I know you can't hear me…but…but I'm so sorry I broke up with you. You meant everything to me. I loved you the instant we met and I wanted to be with you forever. I knew we were destined to be together. I miss you so much. I miss listening to music with you. I miss your embrace. I miss hearing your voice. I just…I just want you to know…that I never hated you. Even when I made the biggest mistake of my life. I wanted you back so bad but Lacey constantly made me doubt myself. I should have trusted my gut rather than get angry at you. Please…I still love you. I haven't been able to see or hold you but…but I still do. I can't date anyone else without thinking of you. I've tried. No one has ever been in my life as long as you were. I really wish you were here so we could celebrate birthdays like we used to. I loved him since we were kids Mr. and Mrs. Harris. So...so much…" I managed to get out through sobs and sniffs. I eventually felt a hand on my shoulder. The blue nail polish informed me that it was Kimi. She knelt down and gave me a hug. I hugged her back and broke down even harder. This was the closest I could get to hugging Vic again.

"I had a heart-to-heart with my uncle about my animosity towards you. I'm sorry I blamed you for so long," Kimi whispered. "I know it wasn't your fault. I miss him too."

"I want him back," I said as if I was a little girl again. Kimi ran a hand along my face.

"I do too. Everyday," she said and sniffed. "Why don't we go to lunch this weekend? Just us girls. My treat. Maybe it'll help you forgive me for how I've been acting towards you. Here's my number." I smiled and took the piece of paper with her phone number written on it.

"I'd like that," I said. Kimi gave me another hug before she got up.

"Kurt and I have to get back to work," she said and wiped her eyes. "Bye buddy. I'll be back later" Kurtis himself was also rubbing his eyes on his shirt.

"We can give you a ride if you want," he offered. I shook my head.
"I want to sit with him for a while," I said. Kurtis nodded once and held his arm out for Kimi to take. She did and the pair of them walked off leaving me sitting on the ground next to Vic and his family.

I sat there hugging my legs for what felt like an hour remembering more happy times with Vic. I felt that the relationship with Kimi was starting to mend after what just happened too. She had liked me before Vic's death. I often found her smirking at Vic whenever his arm was around me or even when we were younger and just playing outside together. It was getting dark now and I figured I should get home now rather than later. I had work early in the morning and then I planned being at the track all night getting some practice in. A girl like me walking alone was-

"What?!" I said out loud when I heard a twig snap. "Who's there! I've got mace!" I pulled the small spray bottle of it from my jacket pocket and brandished it in the direction of the sound. A tall figure emerged from the shadows. His head and entire body looked like it was vibrating, obscuring his face and body. Wait a minute…no way! 2 nights in a row!

"Good evening ma'am," Thrash said in a voice that sounded like he was talking through large spinning fan blades. Very distorted but still clear if that made any sort of sense.

"H...Hi," I said a little stupidly.

"I hope I didn't startle you," Thrash said.

"N...No," I stuttered. "I was just here to visit…an old friend." I motioned to the grave stone. Thrash walked over and read the headstones.

"Lauren Hikari "Amaterasu" Harris…isn't she the film composer? You are her old friend?" he asked. I couldn't see his face but it sounded like he had raised an eyebrow at this.

"No, not her," I said and pointed at Vic's headstone. "Him." Thrash looked again.

"Dante Vento Harris?" Thrash asked. Oh so he was a comedian.

"No," I said and gave a small smile. "Their son. He was my age."

"Ah yes," Thrash said. "That tracks."

"Why are you here," I asked.

"Oh you know, authorities don't like me very much. Figured laying low in here for a few minutes would get them off my back," he answered. "I think people are afraid of what they don't understand."

"I understand you," I said. "You're here to help. I've seen what you do on the news. My friend Jacqui, the basketball player, wasn't scared of you. I'm not either. "

"Nice to have a friend," Thrash responded solemnly. I went to get closer but he backed away a little. He must be frightened I would turn on him.

"You told me last night that you were a friend. You don't have many do you," I asked.

"One. My mentor," he responded.

"Now you have two," I said and held out my hand. "I'm Cassie." Thrash hesitated before he grabbed my hand. I don't know if it was the whole vibrating thing I thought I was seeing but his hand felt…off...but familiar. Man, that made no sense.

"Well then Cassie," he said. "I hate to leave on such short notice, but my time here is at an end. The winds are telling me trouble is brewing." He turned to walk back into the shadows but I called

"Wait! Will…will I ever see you again?" He turned back and I almost was able to make out his face but the darkness helped hide it.

"I am no psychic but I would guess yes," he said. "Until we meet again Miss Cage." Then he was gone. As quickly as he came. I smiled to myself until I realized something. He called me "Miss Cage." I never told him my last name and there was no way he knew Johnny Cage was my dad. I looked more like my mom. Hold on a second…he was at my race a few days ago! Maybe that's how he knew my last name! But wait, I never took my helmet off that day…no…what if…

This son of a bitch was stalking me wasn't he?! He knew exactly who I was!