Ghosts

Chapter 22

It wasn't hard finding the derby arena. All you had to do was look for the illuminating lights shining up into the sky like a beacon. Mai fiddled with her helmet the entire way there, cursing every five seconds as it slipped forward. Whoever's corpse she snatched this off of, they sure did have a huge head. She tilted her head up catching a glimpse of her parent's in the back seat from the rear view mirror. Her parents were in the back, her mother's head resting against her father's shoulder and his head atop of hers. Their eyes were closed, no doubt trying to get any bit of sleep that they could. The last few weeks were not kind to them, hell the past two years weren't kind to them. Mai could not wait till all of this was over so they could finally get some rest and go back to their normal lives, or as normal as it could get. As she lowered her gaze, she saw Thomas peer over at her from the corner of her eye.

"You sure you're up for this Cap? You've been through a lot in the last twenty four hours."

Mai could sense the underlying concern in his voice. She could make the argument that he too had been through quite a bit, that he should have stayed behind at Prosperity. That he and her parents should have left this up to her and her alone, but she would bite her tongue and simply enjoy the company of those she loved the most.

"I can do this, Rush." she replied as she turned to him, "Trust me."

He turned to her, looking almost apologetic, like he had somehow offended her capabilities, "I trust you with my life. Always have. Always will."

Mai was suddenly grateful for the helmet that graced her head, hiding her blushing face as she looked down. Thomas held out his free hand to her which she gladly took into her possession. A gesture of solidarity. They fell into a comfortable silence as they approached the outskirts of the arena. The plan was pretty straight forward: Thomas and her parents would standby in case shit went sideways while she snuck into the derby's garages. Dove and her vehicle were the main target. If Dove's driving capabilities were as good as she had claimed, they'd win the derby and Mai would have a golden ticket up to the victory dinner where she would wipe the smug looks off the Twin's faces once and for all.

Thomas stopped the car about 100 meters from the derby site. Even at this distance you could hear the cheering crowd and announcer counting down to the derby start time. Mai and the others exited the car, ensuring they each knew their role. Thomas would be in charge of keeping the car close but out of sight in case they needed a quick getaway while her mother and father would provide cover fire should they need it. No one doubted Mai's ability to get the kills without too much commotion but it was always best to be careful. Mai tucked her radio away hidden beneath her Highwayman vest, her mother helping to make sure it stayed hidden.

"If anything goes wrong or looks like it could, you get your ass on that radio, okay?" Her mother commanded.

"Understood." Mai responded.

The two women stared at one another before throwing their hands around each other, "Please be careful baby girl." Her mother murmured before pulling away.

Evidently, it was her father's turn as his huge figure engulfed her like a tidal wave, holding onto her like she was going to float away.

"You may be a lamb, and a Seed by name," he spoke, "but don't don't forget you've got a wolf stirring inside you as well." As he pulled away, he lifted her chin up, his blue eyes piercing through her helmet, "Bite them where it hurts most."

"You're so corny dad." Mai jested but threw her arms around him, knowing he was being wholeheartedly serious. I'll rip their throats out with my teeth if I have to..

With her parents settled, that just left Rush. Mai approached him, her heart telling her she should just admit her ever growing, turbulent feelings for her boss. Her friend. The light to her darkness. Instead she socked him in the arm because that was about as much physical contact she could handle without turning into a pile of mush around him.