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Chapter Text

"Reckless racers still tear up the streets of Trestle. These racers defy law enforcement and often flee from the police." He turned down the radio to listen to his police scanner. Rain pounded on the windshield. The car roared with power under his control. Sirens blared behind him, but they weren't a problem. They never were for him. 

"I have a 10-80. Racer is ignoring lights on Sundew Road. Requesting backup. The suspect is in a white Porsche.” The scanner said.

"10-4. Backup inbound." The radar said. 

He smirked. He'd just have to lose the cop before backup showed up. Piece of cake. He drifted around a sharp corner, the car sliding perfectly on the wet roads. He knew the roads on this island like his car. The cops, however, didn't. The police turned much slower around the right turn, but he was already hidden. He turned down an old dirt road hidden behind a wooden shed. His car lights were off as he watched the cop speed off. 

"Dispatch, I've lost the suspect. The weather made it difficult. We missed the Ghost Porsche yet again." The officer said on the scanner. 

"10-4. Setting up a 3-mile perimeter." Dispatch responded. Smii7y took that as his leave and continued down the dirt road to a paved road. He took back streets to look for more trouble. His phone rang. 

"What's up, Puffer?" Smii7y asked once he answered the phone.

"Escaped from another, huh?" Puffer asked. 

"Duh. Gotta make the green somehow." Smii7y sighed, "I'm not catching any good fish tonight, though. None of our friends are out." 

"Must be hiding from the weather." Puffer chuckled, "Anyway, can you come back to the bunker? I want you to meet someone." 

"Oh boy. Did you bring home another cocky rookie?" Smii7y asked with an eye roll. 

Puffer laughed, "You're one to talk. No, actually. He's an old friend from the mainland. He just got into the car business and wanted to get into the racing biz. " 

"He wants to do illegal pursuit racing?" Smii7y asked.

"Well, that's how you make money off of it." Puffer said. 

"Alright. I'm on my way." Smii7y replied. He drifted his car around in a hundred-and-eighty degrees to speed back down the road. He knew the ins and outs of his car. A Porsche 911 GT3 RS. One of his dreams and built for speed and agility. Pure white, which gave him and the car the name Ghost Porsche. One he was quite proud of. It had a carbon fiber wing. There was a small smile on the left side wheel well. The smile was his signature.

He was hoping to catch the attention of at least one more officer, but he had no luck. Smii7y had brown curly hair. A white strip of hair fell in front of his dark green eyes. He wasn't tall, but being tall was never comfortable getting into low cars.

The bunker was an old boat warehouse on the coast. The waves crashed against an old cargo ship that was beached in the docks. The warehouse may have been abandoned years ago, but it was now bustling with people and cars. People talked under pop-up tents around their cars to keep out of the rain.

Cars were parked on the docks for the 24/7 car meet. Inside was where the real magic happened. He drove through one of the many open garage doors. A select few were allowed to park in the warehouse. Smii7y parked next to a blue Camaro. Its paint was chrome. It was lowered and had white accents like waves. Pink pufferfish decals were on the door panels. 

"You get lost on the way here?" Asked one of his best friends as Smii7y got out of his car. 

Smii7y smiled, "May have been taking my time, Blarg. Where's Puffer at?" Blarg had short blond hair and light blue eyes. He owned a sky blue BMW M4. It had blacked out lights and mirrored window tint. It was turbocharged, too. 

Blarg nodded for him to follow, "He made a friend. I don't know how I feel about this guy, though." 

"Why?" Smii7y asked. They walked slowly to the other side of the warehouse. Smii7y put his hands in his hoodie pocket. The hoodie was black aside from white text over the heart that said, "damb.".

"I don't know. It might be because he's from the mainland. Puffer seems keen on having him join our crew.” Blarg replied.

"Probably why Puffer wanted me to meet him. Is there something off about him?" Smii7y asked. He nodded at some people who noticed him and congratulated him for escaping the cops. 

"Sort of. You'll probably understand once you meet him." Blarg responded. They walked to the end of the warehouse where Smii7y saw some familiar faces. Their main hangout area was in a wing of the warehouse that was converted into a modification shop by Blarg. 

"There's the milk bag." Grizzy grinned. He had black hair and dark skin. He owned a dark orange Dodge Challenger Hellcat that shimmered gold under light. It had a clean widebody kit. 

"What's up, fellas?" Smii7y asked. 

"This is Smii7y. Best driver on the island." Puffer said to a blond, "This is Kryoz." Puffer had dark hair, and he wore a pair of circular glasses on his nose. He drove the chrome blue Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. 

"Nice to meet you. I've heard good things about you." Kryoz responded. Kryoz's hair was down to his shoulders, and he had the most blue eyes Smii7y had ever seen. 

"What do you drive?" Smii7y asked. He crossed his arms. He didn't know whether to trust this guy all that much, but Puffer seemed to.

"Subaru WRX STI. Turbocharged." Kryoz answered. Smii7y nodded. He had to admit that it was a good street racing car. Rally cars were small but powerful. Effective on dirt roads which made up most of the roads on Trestle.

"I was hoping he could join our crew. We could definitely show him how it's done." Puffer giggled nervously. Smii7y's eyes narrowed on Puffer, telling him his answer. 

Puffer sighed and gave Grizzy a side glance, "Told ya he'd be hard to convince. Smii7y, I trust him. You can, too." Smii7y looked between Kryoz and Puffer. 

"Trust is earned. You'll have to prove yourself." Smii7y directed at Kryoz. 

Kryoz smiled, "Bet. What do I have to do?" 

"Race me." Smii7y smirked. Grizzy and Blarg winced. 

"Smii7y!" Puffer snapped. 

"Nah. It's okay, Puffer. I have to prove myself to the top dog. I get it." Kryoz said. 

"Smii7y. Can I talk to you?" Puffer asked. They both walked away from the other three so they couldn't hear their conversation. 

"What was that for?!" Puffer demanded. 

"Trust." Smii7y replied simply. 

"To earn your trust, he has to beat you in a race?! Even I know that's impossible." Puffer asked. 

"I never said win. Just keep up. I don't want another Fitz situation." Smii7y said. Puffer recoiled. 

"He's not like Fitz. I didn't know Fitz before." Puffer said dryly.

Smii7y nodded, "That's why I'm being cautious. If he can keep up, then he can learn our ropes. I'm trusting your judgment, so that's why I'm giving him a chance. He just has to prove it." 

Puffer sighed, "Alright. That's fair." Smii7y nodded. 

He returned to Kryoz, "Race tomorrow at midnight at Cow Tongue pass." 

"Smii7y. That's the most difficult road." Grizzy pointed out. 

"Exactly." Smii7y put his hands in his hoodie pocket, "Think you can handle it?" He studied Kryoz carefully. 

Kryoz hesitated, "Do I have another choice?"

Smii7y shook his head, "Good luck." He turned on his heel and left. 

"He's a ray of sunshine, isn't he?" Kryoz asked as he watched Smii7y disappear through a door back into the main area of the warehouse. 

Blarg sighed, "Don't take it personally. He used to be a lot more friendly." 

"What happened?" Kryoz asked.

"About a year ago, Puffer found another racer named Fitz. He was really skilled and almost beat Smii7y a few times. Smii7y and Fitz became really close." Grizzy explained. 

"Yeah. Then we found out he was an undercover cop who was trying to lure Smii7y into a trap. Smii7y hasn't trusted anyone besides us since." Blarg said. 

"Damn. That makes sense. I'd have trust issues, too." Kryoz responded. 

"Smii7y is cool once you do get on his good side, though." Grizzy nodded. 

"I would say not to stress about the race, but Cow Tongue pass is such a pain to drive. Smii7y is the only one who can get through it going over sixty." Blarg said. 

 "Great. I'm glad he has the home-field advantage." Kryoz sighed sarcastically. 

"Thankfully, you don't have to win." Puffer said, coming up to them. 

"No?" Blarg asked. 

Puffer shook his head, "Smii7y just said that you have to keep up." 

"That could be just as hard as winning. The weather is going to be shitty tomorrow, meaning it's going to be snowing in Cow Tongue pass." Grizzy pointed out. 

"What does that mean?" Kryoz asked. 

"Snow just means low visibility and icy conditions. I hope you know how to use ice to your advantage. " Blarg said. 

"Smii7y seems like the one above all others." Kryoz muttered coldly.

"He's cocky but not conceited. He is highly respected among racers since he takes most of the heat from the police. The police are so focused on catching him that we can easily get away. He's like the big distraction to keep us safe." Puffer stated. Grizzy and Blarg nodded. 

“He's what we call a heat catcher. He draws the law enforcement away, and we get the bucks.” Grizzy explained.

“We can show you Cow Tongue pass before your race. You might want to get an idea of what you're getting into." Blarg said.

Chapter Text

"And these are your pursuit vehicles." The chief said. He gestured to three black sports cars. One a Mustang GT, one a Corvette C7, and the other a Mercedes GT. 

"Damn. These racers must be packing if you can't catch them with these." Eli said. Eli was short and had glasses on his nose. He was quite interested in the Mustang. 

"They are. These racers are a pain in the ass to catch." Another officer replied, Fitz. He was tall and had dark brown hair. His Toyota Supra MK5 was fast, but it couldn't keep up with the ghost white Porsche that sped around.

Chief Nogla nodded, "There is one that we've been trying to catch for years. His name is Smii7y. If you see a white Porsche, call for backup. That guy is tricky." Nogla had intense brown eyes. He drove a BMW M3. 

"White Porsche. Got it." Tucker nodded. He was slim with brown hair. He loved the V8 in the Corvette. 

"The racers have this system they call escaping. Pretty self-explanatory. They make money off of cops they get away from and how long they can make the pursuit last." Vanoss explained. He was tall with black hair. He drove a Dodge Viper SRT. 

"Where do they get the money? Can't we cut off the supplier?" Flom asked. He was short and had blond hair and a beard. He was left with the Mercedes, which he wasn't complaining about. 

"I was an undercover racer for a while, and I could never figure out their supplier. I don't even think they know who their supplier is." Fitz responded. 

"That's fucking weird." Eli said. 

Nogla nodded, "That's why we requested for more pursuit divers. We are going on patrol. We want to show you the Ghost Porsche's favorite places to vanish." Everyone got into the cars and Fitz showed the new officers the secure channel for the pursuit team. 

"The racers have the same thing but it hides their location. They are clever." Fitz explained.

"They're going to have to be even smarter to get away from us now." Eli grinned. 

Fitz smiled, "Damn right. We are going to catch these sons of bitches and put them behind bars instead of behind wheels." They started laughing. Nogla's BMW pulled up next to them. 

"Flom, you're with me. Tucker, you're going on patrol with Fitz, and Eli, you're with Vanoss. Let's meet some quotas today." Nogla ordered. 

"Yes sir." Fitz smiled. They got into their cars. Tucker loved the sound of the start-up. It echoed around the police garage like a tiger's roar. He followed the all-black Supra. 

"We are patrolling the second quadrant. This has a difficult road called Cow Tongue pass. Smii7y is the only person I know who can get through it while in a hot pursuit.” Fitz explained. 

"Why's that? This road dirt or something?" Tucker asked. 

"No. Just lots of sharp turns and bends with icy conditions. You could easily slide off the road and into a fifty-foot ditch. When Smii7y goes up here, we just let him go. It's too dangerous to follow him up there. I'm hoping Karma gets him soon." Fitz responded. 

"It will once we track him down." Tucker smiled. He followed Fitz's car up a mountain road. There were multiple signs that warned of low speeds and rock slides. 

"Why don't we set up a trap up here for him?" Tucker asked as they started to weave around twists and turns. 

"We don't know where he goes. There's a reason why we call him the Ghost Porsche. His car blends in so well with the environment up here, he basically vanishes. He then takes a road that isn't either on a map or GPS. He knows this island better than the settlers who settled on it." Fitz said. 

"You sure this guy is real and not some fairytale or your imagination?" Tucker asked. 

Fitz laughed, "I wish. He's been a thorn in our side forever." Tucker saw how twisted the road was and wondered how Smii7y could drive this road at high speeds. He didn't even want to go over twenty five miles per hour. They drove through the pass that put them near the island's western coast.

"Oh! See what I see, Tucker?" Fitz asked. Up ahead was a bright green Corvette speeding down the road.

Tucker smiled, "Yes I do. Let's get this guy." Their lights and sirens turned on as they picked up speed. The Corvette started to pick up speed as the driver noticed them. 

"Nogla. We got a 10-80. Green Corvette on Coastline Rd. Moving in to detain." Fitz said to their private scanner. 

"10-4. Need backup?" Nogla's voice responded.

"10-10. Keep you posted." Fitz said. 

"How do we get this guy?" Tucker asked. 

"We follow for a bit and if they ignore the lights, we stop them however we can. Just no major accidents." Fitz answered. 

"I can do that." Tucker smiled sadistically. They chased the green Corvette who tried to lose them with sharp turns and drifts. 

"We are engaging to try and get this motherfucker off the road." Fitz said. 

"10-4. He's all yours." Nolga responded. They took a sharp right and Tucker saw his opportunity. He bumped the right fender of the Corvette with his bumper guard, causing the car to fishtail out of control. The Corvette spun out into a shallow ditch on the side of the road. 

“Nice, Tucker! You’re a natural!” Fitz congratulated. Fitz pulled up next to the totaled Corvette as the driver tried to get it out of the ditch. 

“Out of the car now!” Fitz shouted at the driver. Defeated, the driver stepped out of the vehicle with his hands up. Fitz quickly restrained him and put him in cuffs. 

“10-95. That’s one today. Let’s see you beat that, boys.” Fitz grinned as he spoke into his radio. 

“Nice job. Cruiser and a tow truck on its way.” Nogla said. 

“About to have another, Nogla. Eli and I are on a blue Infiniti.” Vanoss explained. 

“10-4.” Nogla replied. 

“If you don’t catch him, Vanoss, I’m Never letting you live it down for teaching the rookie how to let racers escape.” Fitz chuckled. 

“Shut up, Fitz!” Vanoss snapped. 

“Clear coms guys.” Nogla ordered. Tucker and Fitz waited for the police cruiser to arrive since there wasn’t room in the pursuit vehicles for suspects. 

“Want to look for the Ghost Porsche now.” Tucker smirked. 

“Easy tiger. Smii7y isn’t as easy as your average racer. Remember that he makes money off of you if you fail." Fitz replied. 

“I want to try at least. I’m just running recon. I wanna see what I’m dealing with.” Tucker said. He shoved the suspect into the cruiser that showed up. 

Fitz chuckled, “I remember saying that before I raced Smii7y. He put me in my place real fast. Just remember that there is a reason why we’ve never caught him before.” 

Chapter Text

Kryoz pulled up onto the road called Cow Tongue pass. There, multiple cars and people were standing and cheering. They were sitting on hoods and talking while waiting for the race. He has yet to see the Porsche. 

“Smii7y normally late?” Kryoz asked. Light rain fell on the cars. There was a soft sprinkle of rain outside but it didn't bother the racers.

 “Yup. I have a feeling I know what is holding him up.” Blarg said on his phone. Puffer had shown him an app that blocked the police from tracking their phones and allowed communication to nearby racers. It was very clever. 

“May want to be ready, Kryoz. I have a feeling that this race is about to get a whole lot more difficult.” Puffer said. 

“Oh god. What is he doing?” Kryoz asked.

“There he is.” Grizzy said. A sound of sirens slowly drew near. A woman in short shorts stood in the middle of the road with a red bandana. She smirked as she swayed back and forth.

“This is totally fair.” Kryoz said sarcastically. 

“That’s Smii7y for you.” Blarg responded with a slight smile. The woman raised her bandana as a white Porsche came down the road with flashing red and blue lights behind him.

“Hey, fellas.” Smii7y said as he got closer. 

Puffer chuckled, “Should’ve guessed you’d do a hot pursuit.” Kryoz got ready as the Porsche’s headlights got closer. The woman dropped the bandana as Smii7y raced past. Kryoz threw his car into gear and raced off after the Porsche, soon gaining the speed and not to get run over by the three cops following him.

“Dispatch. We have two 10-80’s. Looks like a hot pursuit up Cow Tongue pass.” The police scanner said, “We have the Ghost Porsche and a blue and yellow Subaru.” 

“10-4. The pursuit team is on their way.” Dispatch replied. 

“Pursuit team?” Kryoz asked.  

“They are gonna try to cut you off at the end of the pass. Beat them to it.” Smii7y said simply. His tail lights were several yards ahead. The rain was starting to turn to sleet that hammered the windshield at such high speeds. 

The police were starting to disengage. Kryoz saw Smii7y’s tail light disappear round a sharp bend to the right. He threw the car into a drift that slid in the freezing rain. He felt his car slide a bit on the ice but he was able to get it back on track. The road then jerked to the left in an S curve. He was very glad he practiced on this road earlier.

"Guess that all-wheel-drive is helpful. Usually most people spin out on that one." Smii7y said.

"I'm particularly fond of Subaru's for that reason." Kryoz smirked as he followed Smii7y through another turn and downshifted. The rain started to turn into snow and Kryoz now understood the term Ghost Porsche. Smii7y’s car almost vanished in the snow. If he turned off his lights, he'd be invisible. 

The turns were winding and sharp. Especially at such high speeds but Kryoz had to prove himself. He never lost sight of the red tail lights of the Porsche. 

"You still back there?" Smii7y asked, his tone impressed. 

"Always." Kryoz smirked. 

"Impressive. Rest is down hill. Don't lose traction." Smii7y responded. 

"Dispatch. The pursuit team is nearly at the end of Cow Tongue." The police scanner said.

"How good is this pursuit team?" Kryoz asked. He was a bit nervous to clash with these officers that were called the pursuit team.

"Good enough that you don't want to get cut off by them. Very few can get away from them successfully. Most racers go low-radar when the pursuit team is out." Smii7y explained. He drifted perfectly around several S turns. Kryoz tried to follow but was a bit off on it and lost speed. 

"Not bad, rookie." Smii7y said. 

"Shouldn't you watch the road?" Kryoz asked.

Smii7y did a fake laugh, "Pft. I could do this with my eyes closed." 

"Bet!" Kryoz joked. He heard Smii7y chuckle. He was starting to get somewhere with the cockiest guy on the island. 

"We are probably going to meet the pursuit team right at the end of the pass." Smii7y said. 

"Meaning?" Kryoz asked.

"Meaning, stick close. Unless you feel like getting caught. I'd hate for the custom paint to be ruined." Smii7y said with a laugh. 

"Yes boss." Kryoz said. He had a feeling he may have gotten on the Ghost Porsche's good side. Now he just had to stay there.

Kryoz followed Smii7y around a sharp bend but hit an ice patch. The car slid across the road and was stopped by the guardrail and a snow bank. The Porsche drifted around and headed over to Kryoz. 

“You alright?” Smii7y asked with concern in his voice. 

“Yeah. That's going to be expensive to fix though. This road is fucking hard.” Kryoz heard scrapping as he peeled off the steel railing. 

“Think the snow cushioned most of it. Let's go before you get more damage from the pursuit team.” Smii7y said. He drifted back around and Kryoz followed him. They weren't going as fast until they hit the straight-away at the end of the pass.

"Pursuit team reached Cow Tongue pass. Pursuit engaged." The police scanner said, "Bring them home fellas." 

"Stay close. They want me so when I say, down-shift and get the fuck out of here." Smii7y explained. 

"You're taking the heat? For me?" Kryoz asked. 

Smii7y huffed, "Yup. I wanna fuck with these guys a little. I've missed them." 

"Alright." Kryoz chuckled. Kryoz stayed close behind Smii7y. Red and blue lights shined in his car from behind. He saw lots of sports cars behind him. A Supra, Mustang, Corvette, BMW, a Mercedes, and a Viper. 

"Oh! You're not the only one new to the island. They got some rookies too." Smii7y said, "Gonna show them the ropes tonight."

"You like to show all the newcomers a good time, huh?" Kryoz asked.

"Oh definitely. Imma go to the right. Go get that dent fixed with Blarg. Downshift… now!" Smii7y said. He swerved over to the right and Kryoz downshifted so the car had more power. 

"Good race, rookie. Welcome to the crew." Smii7y said before Kryoz was out of range of the phones. The red and blue lights faded behind and Kryoz went back to the bunker with a smile. That was the hardest race he had ever encountered but it was worth it. 

He pulled into the garage of the bunker and parked next to Blarg’s car. When he got out of his car, an arm wrapped over his shoulder. 

"Good job, bud! That was impressive!" Puffer cheered. 

"Yeah, man. That was incredible. I've only seen one person who can keep up with Smii7y like that. Especially on the pass." Grizzy nodded. 

Kryoz chuckled, "Thanks. It wasn’t easy though. I biffed it at the end." He checked out the damage on the side of his car. It looked to have just dented it in so he wouldn't need a new paint job.

"It never is with Smii7y." Puffer nodded. 

"Glad you're in, though. Smii7y must like you." Blarg chuckled. 

Kryoz huffed, "That was the hardest challenge." 

"Let's go celebrate. Drinks on me." Puffer smiled. 

Chapter Text

"That guy was a pain! He was just toying with us!" Tucker snapped. 

Vanoss chuckled, "Welcome to Trestle. Smii7y owns these roads." 

"That doesn't make sense to me. How does he escape so easily by roads we don't even know about? Shouldn't we learn them?" Eli asked. 

"We've tried." Fitz said as he hung up his police uniform in a locker, "For every secret road you see, there's five more you don't and Smii7y knows them all. We've sent out scouts, drones, satellite images, and cartographers. They still can't figure out how he slips away." 

"What about the Subaru that was with him? He seemed pretty good. They both got out of the pass." Flom pointed out. 

Nogla thought for a moment, "I haven't seen him around yet. He did seem very talented." 

"I swear. If we have another ghost car, Imma lose my shit." Vanoss said. 

"His car is like the color of lightning. Lightning Subaru." Eli said, "No that doesn't sound good." 

Nogla ignored him, "It wasn't a complete loss. We did catch some racers last night. Head home boys. Get some sleep for pursuit tonight." The team hung up their uniforms and closed lockers. 

"Oh! Lightning wheels!" Eli said as he followed Tucker out of the police station. 

"You need help, Eli." Tucker responded. Nogla watched them go. He placed his hands on his desk. There on the desk was a message that was haunting him. 

Chief Nogla, 

If the suspect Smii7y is not restrained and put to justice in three months, you will be demoted and replaced. The T.P.D. will not tolerate these dangerous racers and action must be taken to protect the people of Trestle. 

-T.P.D. 

Nogla sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. The racers were enough of an issue for him. He didn't need the higher-ups barking up his tree. That message was sent a month ago and time was not on his side. He was nowhere near catching Smii7y and Smii7y had already taken advantage of the new members of the pursuit team. He fell back into his office chair. There was a beep from his desk phone.

"Chief. There is a call from Captain Ein." Said a female voice from his receiver. 

Nogla sighed and pressed a button on it, "Patch him through." There was a beep as the call connected. 

"Nogla! What the hell happened last night?! An hour and a half pursuit?!" The man on the other side of the phone shouted. 

"Sir. It was merely an accident. We have a few new pursuit team members who didn't understand." Nogla explained. 

"Accident or not! That damn racer made bank off of your team! It's your job to train them and catch this son of a bitch!" Ein shouted. 

"Yes sir. I know sir. I will make sure that they are educated." Nogla replied. 

"You better! Your position is on the line and I'll get real pursuit drivers out there!" Ein threatened.

"Yes sir. This team is the best of the best. Even the new drivers. We just need time for a plan." Nogla said. 

"No need. We already have one in place." Ein said a lot more calmly than before. 

Nogla's brows furrowed, "What plan?" 

"That is above your pay grade. You haven’t been able to catch Smii7y for years so it's time for me to step in. That is it, Chief. You have two more months." The call ended with a dial tone. Nogla sighed. It was now a race to catch Smii7y with his team against Ein's plan. He had no idea what Ein's plan was but it wasn't looking good for him. 

He stood up and left the police station to try and develop a plan of his own before their patrol tonight. 

"Keep an eye out, team." Nogla said into his scanner. It was late into the night and he was looking for a white Porsche. 

"Oh I know! Blue Thunder! For the Subaru!" Eli exclaimed.

Tucker yawned, "You're still on that, Eli?"

"I really want to name the Subaru. You guys named the Porsche. I wanna name the Subaru." Eli said defensively.

"Who's gonna tell him that Smii7y rolls with a whole team of misfits." Fitz chuckled. 

"Shush. You're going to give him ideas." Vanoss said. 

"Guys. Clear coms." Nogla ordered. 

"Come on, Nogla. Why is looking for Smii7y tonight any different from any other night? We're not going to catch him." Vanoss asked. Nogla debated on telling them or not. 

"We have a deadline to catch Smii7y." Nogla stated. There was silence throughout the scanner. 

"What kind of deadline?" Vanoss asked after a few moments of silence. 

Nogla sighed, "I got a call from Captain Ein this morning. He said that he has a plan to catch Smii7y. I don't know what it is but he is giving us two months to get Smii7y in custody or I will be removed from this position." There was no response on the scanner for a while. Nogla just listened to his car hum and watched the road ahead. 

"If you're removed from Trestle, we will be too, huh?" Fitz asked. Fitz was always the one who put the pieces together the fastest which was why Nogla always wanted him on his team. 

"I can't guarantee that you all will have this position, no." Nogla sighed.

"But you just requested us to be on this mission." Tucker said softly. 

"I did. In hopes that a larger team would be able to track this guy down." Nogla responded. 

"Then we have two months to bust Smii7y and take down these racers for good. We can do it." Flom said encouragingly. 

"Yeah! Fitz knows the racers, Vanoss can teach us, and with Nogla in charge, we will have these guys pinned down in no time!" Eli agreed. Nogla smiled. He was glad he brought the rookies on. The team needed a bit of confidence. 

Fitz chuckled, "I agree. It's a race to catch the Ghost Porsche and free the Trestle roads of those damn racers." 

"Oh! Lightning Rex!" Eli excexclaimed.

"Where'd the Rex come from?" Vanoss asked.

"Well, WRX could be said like Rex." Eli explained. 

Nogla chuckled, "We'll catch the Ghost Porsche, the Lightning Rex, and the lot of them.”

"Oh boy. Nogla likes it. Guess it's sticking." Fitz laughed.

Chapter Text

Smii7y walked into the garage where his team were working on cars.

“Good race there, Kryoz.” Smii7y said as he came up to them. There was something he wanted to add to his car. A new modification. He was glad Blarg was there.

“Thanks. That was one hell of a race, bro. I don't think I'd be able to do that again.” Kryoz chuckled. 

“You got your claims for running the rookies around last night?” Grizzy asked. He and Blarg were working on his Hellcat. 

Smii7y nodded, “Love teaching the new guys. Blarg? Think you can help me install a new mod?” 

Blarg groaned, “Since I seem to be the only mechanic around here.” 

“The only one I trust.” Smii7y replied. 

“Fine. Once Grizzy and I are done. Then I wanna go for a drive.” Blarg said and then tightened something down on Grizzy's engine block. 

“That sounds fun! It's been a fucking hot minute since we've all cruised together.” Grizzy chuckled. Grizzy was sitting in the driver's seat of his car with the door open.

Smii7y shrugged, “Why not? Puffer? Kryoz? You guys down?” 

“Would, Smit, but there's something bothering me that I wanna check up on.” Puffer responded. 

“Sure. I wanna try playing with the pursuit team if we bump into them.” Kryoz smiled. 

“Got it. Try it now, Grizzy.” Blarg said as he stepped away from the engine. Grizzy started the car and the V8 roared loudly. Grizzy tested the throttle a few times that made the car squeal from the turbo and growl from the exhaust. 

“Much better. Bet it can keep up with your Porsche now, Smii7y.” Grizzy chuckled as he turned off the engine. Blarg closed the hood. 

“Is that a challenge? Surely you wouldn't challenge me.” Smii7y shot back with a grin. 

“Oh surely I would.” Grizzy giggled. 

“You installed a new turbo?” Kryoz asked. 

“Yeah. It took for-fucking-ever. I'm going to start charging you guys for my time.” Blarg said while twirling his wrench on his pointer finger. 

“At least give us a friend discount.” Puffer laughed. 

“As if. Smii7y, pull in your imported POS.” Blarg demanded, “I wanna go cruise.” 

“That's just rude, Blarg. That imported piece of shit will mop the streets with your beamer.” Smii7y shot back with a smirk. 

Blarg giggled, “Just go get your fucking car already.” 

“You guys are like brothers.” Kryoz acknowledged. 

“Welcome to the brotherhood.” Puffer laughed. Smii7y rolled his eyes and went to get his car. He pulled it into the garage since Grizzy pulled his car out. 

“What are we putting on?” Blarg asked. 

“Just a new front splitter. You won't charge me for an arm or a leg for a simple task like that, would ya?” Smii7y teased as he popped the hood and the trunk to the Porsche. 

Blarg shook his head, “I was only playing. Saddle up fellas, this should only take me less than 10 minutes.” Blarg and Smii7y got the splitter under the bumper while Grizzy and Kryoz talked. Puffer had left to check whatever he wanted to check. 

“And done! Let's go! I'm itching to race!” Blarg exclaimed while closing the hood. Smii7y gave Blarg a ride to his car and then four sports cars pulled out of the lot to the old warehouse. 

“Think the pursuit team is out?” Kryoz asked on his phone.

“Doubt it. They gotta lick their wounds after Smii7y messed with them a bit last night.” Grizzy replied.

Smii7y smiled, “If they are, the rookies are fun to mess with.” Smii7y led the crew onto a straight road that wasn't normally busy around this time of day. Open fields spread on either side. 

“Kryoz has to learn the rules too.” Smii7y added. He pressed on the throttle after shifting to gain speed.

“Rules? What rules? Racers have rules?” Kryoz asked. 

“Mhm. It's respect for the roads and the people who drive on them. Since what we do is dangerous, we have to make sure that we keep ourselves safe and the citizens.” Blarg explained. 

“It is a rule of code that all racers have to abide by. That's the only way we'll let you drive.” Smii7y said. 

“Us four- er… five now, are like the police of the rules. We make sure that the other racers abide by those rules.” Blarg explained.

“Damn. Never thought that that was something street racers cared so deeply about. What are the rules, then? What happens if someone breaks them?” Kryoz asked. 

“Don't even look at cars if you're drunk or high. That's the first one.” Blarg stated. 

“That one is pretty self-explanatory.” Kryoz replied.

“Then there's three hours of the day where no racing is allowed. Just not going a hundred miles per hour and up basically. Eight am, noon, and three pm.” Grizzy explained.

“Rush hours.” Kryoz noticed. He challenged Blarg to a short heading race. Blarg's BMW pulled ahead quickly.

“You're already getting it.” Blarg teased. 

“And if I tell you to back off of a hot pursuit, you do it.” Smii7y said with a demanding tone. 

“Wait. What? Why?” Kryoz asked, "Wouldn't you just steal my claims then?” Suddenly, the vibe of the cruze just got a lot thicker. 

“Because, if I think it's not safe, then it isn't.” Smii7y snapped, “I'll make sure you get the claims if you're that fussed about it.” The tension in the air felt thick enough to be cut with a finger. 

“Alright.” Kryoz said bitterly after a few moments of silence. 

“Anyways… Smii7y! Race ya!” Grizzy said excitedly. 

“Loser buys gas!” Smii7y called. The Porsche and the Hellcat raced down the road, leaving the BMW and the Subaru behind. 

“What was that all about? That is really a rule?” Kryoz asked Blarg. 

Blarg sighed, “I'll explain more when we get back to the bunker. I'll explain why Smii7y is so uptight.” Blarg accelerated and so did Kryoz. They met back up with Smii7y and Grizzy at an old gas station. Grizzy finished paying for gas for the white Porsche. Smii7y leaned on his car with his hands in his hoodie pocket.

“I think I'm going to head home. Stay out of trouble.” Smii7y said once the pump was done. 

“Cya Smii7y. Gotta see what's squeaking under my hood. Blarg?” Grizzy asked him.

Blarg groaned, “Why is it always your car? Worst engine design ever.” Smii7y got in his car and sped off. 

Kryoz watched the car race away while leaning on the side of his car, “He's just on a power trip.” 

“What?” Grizzy asked with a nervous laugh. 

“Smii7y. Like those first two rules are understandable, but that last one just seems like he's trying to control everything and receive heat and claims. Like a tyrant.” Kryoz said. 

Blarg started to fill his own tank before leaning on his car's hood, “No actually. It's genuinely for our safety.” 

“Oh yeah. He doesn't know the Fitz story.” Grizzy chuckled. 

“That Fitz was an undercover cop, right? He tricked Smii7y and all.” Kryoz responded. 

“Yeah. But do you know what Fitz did?” Blarg asked. 

Kryoz hesitated, “Well, no.” 

“That's the reason why that rule is a rule now. He'll even give you the claims if he pulls you out of a pursuit.” Grizzy crossed his arms over his chest. 

“We shouldn't talk about this here. We can talk at the bunker.” Blarg said. 

“Race you fellas there!” Grizzy exclaimed.

Blarg closed up his gas tank, “You're on!” The three sports cars peeled out of the gas station. The three had a fun race around the island as they went back to the bunker. 

“The roads around here are so fun to drive.” Kryoz smirked as he closed his car door. 

“Right?” Grizzy chuckled, “Blarg? Can we fix the Hellcat?” 

“Ugh! Fine! But you owe me!” Blarg said. Blarg and Kryoz headed for the garage while Grizzy brought his car. 

“So? What happened with Fitz?” Kryoz asked. He leaned on the wall with his shoulder. He was genuinely curious as to why Smii7y was allowed to do something like that and these guys were okay with it. Blarg watched Grizzy pull the Dodge into the garage. His mood changed as he began to tell the story. 

“When we still trusted Fitz, he pulled me, Puffer, Grizzy, Smii7y, and another racer named Droid out into a pretty stormy night. There was a hurricane hitting the island that was really stirring up the roads.” Blarg went to a set of tool boxes and started inspecting the engine with a wrench. He avoided the hot engine parts. 

“Smii7y said it was a bad idea, but Fitz argued that the roads would be clear of traffic and the water on the roads would be great to drift on.” Blarg continued. Grizzy was listening with a pained expression from his driver's seat. 

“We should've fucking listened, but we all decided to go. Smii7y urged us not to go, but went with because he knew something was going to happen and we didn't listen.” Grizzy added. 

Blarg pulled on a rubber belt, “Fitz got us away from the bunker and on a coastal road. Fitz had a whole team positioned there. They were after Smii7y mostly. He told us to leave and get away but Droid didn't want to leave him. Not in those conditions. He got in the way of a pit maneuver from Fitz and…” Blarg’s voice cracked and closed his eyes as he recalled the horrible memory. He stopped working on the engine to keep his emotions at bay. 

“All I could do was just watch as he lost control in front me.” He muttered.

“He smashed through the guardrail. The sea was so violent… They never even found his car.” Grizzy muttered. 

Blarg pinched the bridge of his nose mournfully,  “If we had just listened…”

Grizzy chuckled but it was almost a crazed laugh, “And then they had the audacity to blame us. Saying that if we never did illegal racing, none of that would've happened.” 

“They killed Droid and didn't own up to it?” Kryoz asked. 

“No! And they were going to do that to Smii7y! They were going to kill him. They killed Droid. They will kill us! And yet, we are the dangerous ones.” Blarg snapped. He took a shaky breath. Grizzy got out of his car and placed a comforting hand on Blarg's shoulder.

“I'm so sorry. I can't believe they'd do something like that to anyone.” Kryoz said softly. He felt so awful. The guilt was eating these guys alive. Kryoz hadn't known them for very long, but he already cared deeply for them. The guilt started to feel heavy on him.

Blarg took a deep and shaky breath, “That's why Smii7y made that rule. He knows it makes him look like the bad guy but he is just trying to keep that from happening again.” 

“He never abuses it. He rarely ever tells anyone to back off of a pursuit. He's not trying to be controlling. Just trying to keep racers from meeting the same fate as Droid.” Grizzy explained. 

“I see. I'm sorry for assuming.” Kryoz responded. 

Blarg smiled but it was forced, “It's okay. He does come off that way sometimes. He has good intentions though. Better than those law enforcement fuckers.”

“Guess I better apologize to the top dog, huh?” Kryoz joked. 

Grizzy chuckled, “I'm sure he'll be out tonight. He'd probably appreciate that.” 

Chapter Text

“How in the fuck is he that good?” Flom shouted. The Ghost Porsche was several yards ahead. Swaying side to side tauntingly. He was also with the newly named Lightning Rex.

“I'm going to try and cut him off on Corryton Road.” Fitz said.

Nogla nodded, “Flom. Tucker. On the left side. Eli. Vanoss. On the right. Box Smii7y in.” The turbocharged cars zipped down the road. The waves crashed against the cliff side. The Ghost Porsche and the Lightning Rex weaved around traffic like they were in sync, one following the other. 

“Can't get into position with traffic.” Tucker said as he had to hit the brakes and swerve to avoid hitting a Kia. 

“I need a ten mile road block on Coastline road and Corryton. We have two racers ignoring lights. One’s the Ghost Porsche.” Nogla said into his scanner to get a squad to open up the road for them. 

“I'm just now reaching Coastline road. What's your ETA, Chief?” Fitz asked. 

“Seven miles from your position. Smii7y and the Rex just put on a burst of speed now that traffic opened up.” Nogla explained. 

“10-4. Let's get these fuckers.” Fitz responded. Eli went in for a pit maneuver on the Lightning Rex's quarter panel but it jolted forward to avoid being hit. 

“Who is the guy in the WRX?” Eli asked, “He's pretty good.” 

“Admire after they are in custody, Eli.” Vanoss said. 

“Just saying.” Eli mumbled. 

“Clear coms. Eli. Vanoss. I want you guys on either side of Smii7y and his friend. I want to pin them when Fitz cuts them off. Fitz. Half a mile from your position.” Nogla instructed. Eli and Vanoss got into positions around the tinted street cars. The Porsche and the WRX suddenly downshifted to gain speed so they went in front of Eli and Vanoss. They then rode next to one another, taking up a vast majority of the two-laned highway. Smii7y was on the right, the WRX on the left. 

“I see them behind. I'm going for Smii7y. Try and box him in when they pass me.” Fitz  ordered. They raced up on Fitz's Supra. The two street racers opened up a gap in between to pass him on either side. Smii7y then hit the brakes causing Tucker, who was behind, to swerve behind Eli. Smii7y got behind Fitz millimeters from Fitz's bumper and then passed him on the left behind the WRX. They both took off down the road.

“God, I hate him!” Fitz swore. The Porsche followed after the WRX, soon overtaking it and they both raced ahead. 

“We can still get them!” Flom said. 

“Nah. They will just slip away again. The weather is about to set in and I don't want any accidents. Let's help the rest of the force from any slower racers and traffic. The racers will be heading down to the bunker to finish claims.” Nogla ordered as he took the lead.

“That's a negative on the 10-96. All units move to traffic positions for incoming weather.” Nogla said on his police scanner for the entire force. 

“Man. I don't understand how he slips away by millimeters. Literally.” Flom grumbled. 

“That's Smii7y. He gets away every time and leaves you scarred without an ounce of humility. We only have a month and a half to get him. We need a different plan, Nogla.” Vanoss responded harshly. 

“I agree. We need to talk back at the station about this however. You know they have scanners. And our priority is the storm right now.” Nogla replied. 

“If Mrs. Tally needs help finding her house again, I'm going to suspend her license.” Vanoss grumbled. 

Nogla rolled his eyes, “Go help where you boys are needed.” The four cars sped ahead and singled to one lane before branching off down different roads. Fitz followed Nogla. There was an accident that halted traffic on a suburban road. No one was hurt and this one didn't involve any racers. Fitz guided traffic while Nogla wrote a ticket to the responsible driver. 

“Can we talk about a plan?” Fitz asked as he waved on oncoming traffic to go through the open section of the road. 

“You have a really bad habit of bringing these topics up at the wrong times, Fitz.” Nogla said as he wrote on the ticket. 

“Hear me out. We figure out what the Captain’s plan is and we just do it better.” Fitz stopped the traffic to let the other direction go. 

“Here's my idea. We wait until we get to the station to talk about it. Maybe one of the rookies has an idea.” Nogla ripped off the ticket and handed it to the man who caused the accident. Nogla asked if he had a ride home before the storm. There was a stage three hurricane heading for the island and a lot of people were frantic to get home, causing accidents. 

He said his wife was going to pick him up so once the tow trucks cleaned up the wreckage, Nogla and Fitz left the scene. Traffic was starting to thin out as rain started to come down. It was light for now. 

“Alright team. Make one last sweep on quadrants and then head back to the station. We need to be ready for any calls.” Nogla said. He was answered with a few 10-4s. The black Supra skidded around in a hundred-and-eighty degree drift and sped back down the road. 

Nolga sighed. Fitz was pissed. Nogla wanted to catch Smii7y and his gang of racers as much as the other five. Fitz however, wanted some satisfaction out of it. Triumphing over the most wanted racer in Trestle. Nogla knew it had something to do with pride. Smii7y knew it too. He often took advantage of Fitz’s recklessness. It was the reason why his cover was blown and a racer was lost. 

Nogla almost fired him for that. Fitz had organized a team of officers to set up a trap during a storm. He tried to catch Smii7y but a racer was hit and crashed, ending his life. 

Nogla only kept Fitz on the pursuit team since he was a very skilled driver and Nogla made him promise not to disobey his orders again or he'd take his badge. That straightened Fitz up but his rash decisions often let Smii7y slip away. Nogla questioned if he made the right decisions on allowing him to stay on the pursuit team. 

Nogla finished his rounds and headed back to the station as the storm picked up. He was the last to arrive so the rest of the pursuit team all sat around the table in the meeting room. The team quieted as he entered. 

“So, catching Smii7y has been unsuccessful. We need a different tactic. We have a month and two weeks left and I doubt the Captain's plan is going to fail. He seemed very confident in succeeding.” Nogla said as he sat down at the head of the table. 

“Why not take care of the problem at the root? If money causes these racers to get up each morning and choose to break the law, why don't we shut down the bunker?” Eli asked. 

Fitz shook his head, “It's not that easy. They have multiple places that they collect claims. Ones we don't know about. Besides, that would take months to shut down the racers. We need to catch Smii7y. That is Ein's main goal. Do you know what Ein's plan is?” Fitz asked. 

Nogla shook his head, “No. I'm sure Ein won't tell me either.” 

“He won't.” Said a new voice from the doorway. He was short. He had blue eyes and blond hair down to his shoulders. He twirled a set of keys on his finger. A set of Subaru keys. 

“Like the name Lightning Rex, Eli. Zippy and catchy.” He smirked. 

“Who are you?” Fitz asked while standing up. 

“The name is Kryoz. I'm Ein's plan.” 

Chapter Text

Smii7y and Kryoz headed back to the bunker while doing a small race. Of course Smii7y went easy on him so he could talk with him as their cars raced down the road. A big hurricane was about to hit but Smii7y was glad he got to hang out with Kryoz before it did. Hurricanes always brought back a bad memory for him. 

They pulled into the warehouse as rain started to pour down. He parked with the rest of his gang's cars and went with Kryoz to make their claims.

“Hey Smii7y. Good chase out there. Heard the pursuit on the scanner.” The man at the counter said. He placed an envelope in front of Smii7y. 

Smii7y nodded, “Hey Pezzy. Kryoz helped me pull off something I've wanted to do for a while.” Smii7y grinned at Kryoz.

The man named Pezzy smirked, “Well. Guess this is in order for you too. The speedy Lightning Rex I've been hearing so much about. Glad you're watching this asshole's back.” Smii7y shot him a glare but smiled slightly. He slapped down an envelope for Kryoz. 

“Thanks. I really like the name the cops gave me too. Zippy and catchy. I like it.” Kryoz said. 

“Oh definitely. Subaru's always have a special place in my heart for their good looks and high quality.” Pezzy smiled and leaned on the counter, “I drive a Subaru BRZ.” 

“Ay! Dubs for the subies.” Kryoz chuckled. 

“Yup. Anyways. Gotta get back to handing out claims. Don't spend that all in one place, fellas.” Pezzy said and turned to talk to some other racers. 

“Subies?” Smii7y asked as they walked back to the workshop in the back of the warehouse. 

“You Porcsha drivers wouldn't understand.” Kryoz smirked. 

Smi7y raised an eyebrow, “Oh? Try me.”

“Nah. Only Subaru drivers can know.” Kryoz laughed as they entered the workshop. 

Smii7y rolled his eyes, “Hopefully only Subaru drivers know that they are slow as fuck too.” Blarg, Grizzy, and Puffer were watching them as they came into the workshop. Blarg was adding a light kit to the interior of his car.

“Smii7y’s bragging about his damn Porshe again.” Grizzy smirked. He was helping Blarg install the lights. 

Smii7y sighed dramatically, “I can't help it when I have the fastest car on the island. 

“Okay. Okay. Ghost Porsche. Chill. Imma go fill up my tank and head home before the storm hits. I'll see you guys later. Smii7y? Down tomorrow after the storm passes?” Kryoz asked as he walked backwards towards the door, “I bet I can beat you this time.”

Smii7y huffed, “You're on.” Kryoz giggled menacingly and waved bye to the guys before leaving. 

“You guys are hitting it off.” Puffer chuckled. 

Smii7y rolled his eyes but had a smile, “Yeah. He's fun to be around. Are you happy you were right?” 

Puffer nodded, “Very.” Thunder rumbled the old bricks of the warehouse. They watched as Smii7y’s smile faded. He glanced away, a shadow falling over his eyes. Their frowns soon followed. 

“Smii7y. I think we should talk about something.” Puffer said calmly. 

“Can it wait until after the storm?” Smii7y asked as he started to turn for the door. Puffer rushed over and caught his shoulder. 

“No. It's for this reason actually.” Puffer glanced back at Blarg and Grizzy who watched them. They came over to stand by Puffer.

Smii7y took a deep breath, “Puffer you know I like to–” 

“Be alone during hurricanes. I know. It's just… that thing I checked on the other day, didn't want you to be alone after you found out. Especially during a hurricane.” Puffer started. 

Smii7y glanced at him through the corner of his eye, “What?” 

Puffer sighed, “They found a car wreckage in the ocean off of Coastline road. A 2017 Nissan 370z.” Puffer watched his friend carefully, “Th-they… are blaming you for it…” Smii7y’s eyes were hidden by his hair when he turned his head. 

“As they should.” Smii7y muttered. 

“Smii7y…” Blarg said softly. 

“It wasn't you.” Grizzy said. Smii7y turned to them and pulled from Puffer's hand. 

He had tears in his eyes, “No! It was! I should've seen Fitz for what he was! I– I…” He couldn't even finish. His throat felt tight and his body weak. The guilt had been with him every day for the past year. Every time he looked in the rear view mirror, he saw Droid crash through that guardrail. Puffer gripped his shoulders and embraced him. 

“This isn't on you, Smii7y. You always looked out for us. Fitz tricked all of us. I was worried that you'd find out another way and do something stupid.” Puffer chuckled slightly. He felt his friend tremble with the guilt in his arms. Puffer let go once Smii7y pulled away. Smii7y’s stare was blank and emotionless. That was something Puffer would never forgive Fitz for. Ending his friend's journey, and taking Smii7y’s smile away. 

“Listen Smii7y. We follow you for a reason. You have made the streets safer for us and the citizens. It's those assholes who did this. They made the streets unsafe. They killed Droid. This isn't on you.” Blarg said. 

“And if it's on you, then it's on us! We're a team. We work together.” Grizzy beamed.

Smii7y smiled slightly, “Thanks guys.” 

“We have your back just as much as you have ours.” Puffer agreed. 

“We understand if you don't want to hang out while the storm passes, but we just wanted to chill with ya a bit. Outside of cars.” Blarg smiled and threw an arm over Smii7y’s shoulder. Smii7y smiled and nodded. This was his team. His best friends. He'd do anything to keep them safe in this dark profession. No Pursuit team would ever get in his way again. 

Chapter Text

“And Smii7y just decided to keep you around?” Fitz asked harshly. Kryoz leaned on the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. 

He shrugged at Fitz's question, “Yeah. It wasn't hard. Just had to pretend to be bad at driving. Got on his good side with ease. He trusts me.” 

“And the rest of his gang?” Vanoss asked. 

“Pft. They were the easy part.” Kryoz smirked. 

“So, why are you coming to us about this? If you're Ein's plan to catch Smii7y, wouldn't you be against us?” Eli asked.

Kryoz shook his head, “I think I need you guys just as much as you need me. Smii7y’s good. Scratch that. He's incredible. The best I've ever seen, and I trained on the mainland for this shit. I have a plan to draw him out, without any casualties.” Kryoz shot a look at Fitz while he spoke. The man shrunk back in his seat. Kryoz didn't understand why they would ever let Fitz back onto the Pursuit team after he learned what Fitz had done. He messed those racers up. 

Kryoz felt slightly guilty for playing the same game Fitz did. He wouldn't let anyone die this time, though.

“Well, if you're willing to work on this with us, why not?” Tucker said. 

Nogla thought for a moment, “I agree. You seem to have this under control. If we can pin Smii7y down then we will be able to take down the racers for good.” Kryoz laughed. The room looked surprised at his sudden laughter at Nogla's words. 

“Did you learn anything while undercover? Yes, Smii7y is your main priority. But his racers will not stop just because you imprisoned him. In fact, they'd retaliate. At that point, it would get worse.” Kryoz’s gaze hardened. 

“What do you mean?” Flom asked. 

“The racers follow three rules; Not to drive drunk or high, no racing at rush hours, and if Smii7y thinks it's unsafe for you to continue a pursuit, he'll pull you out. Smii7y and his team are their own law enforcement for these rules. To keep themselves and others safe.” Kryoz glanced at Fitz, “Seems like you officers need to take a page out of their book.” 

Fitz stood up, shoving his chair back, and slamming his hands down on the table, “Who's side are you on?” 

“The one that doesn't kill people. Fight fire with fire and everyone gets burned. What these racers are doing is bad, yes, but they put others first. They make sure that the citizens and themselves are safe.” Kryoz responded, “You remove Smii7y and his team, and that system is going to crumble. These racers will get ten times more dangerous.”

“So, what? We just let them continue breaking the law? Endangering the public? Ignoring the law and making money off of us?” Tucker asked. Fitz nodded in agreement. 

“No. They need to be stopped. I agree with that but, I'm warning you that if you apprehend Smii7y and his team, things will get worse. A lot worse.” Kryoz replied. 

“So? They will be without their leader.” Fitz snapped. 

Kryoz took a shaky breath to control his temper, “No. You will be without their police. After that, it's fair game for the racers to do whatever they please.”

“So, what do we do?” Eli asked. 

Kryoz sighed, “Catch Smii7y. It's the only thing I was sent to do. The rest is up to you.” 

Fitz scoffed, “Why would we help you? We are in a race with you.” 

“Fitz!” Nogla snapped. 

“Because I need your help. I will draw Smii7y away tomorrow to Angel Hill. He has the least amount of get away roads there. You guys can pin him down there and arrest him. I'll even let you win this race and Ein will lose. Deal?” Kryoz asked.

“Why would you do that?” Nogla asked. 

Kryoz shrugged, “I already got paid. My job is just to befriend and catch Smii7y. Ein doesn't have to know how Trestle’s pursuit team beat me.”

“Alright. Fine. We will catch Smii7y if you can draw him out for us.” Nogla said.

“What?!” Fitz barked, “We can catch him!” 

“Fitz! You haven't been able to catch Smii7y in years! Sit your ass down!” Nogla ordered. Fitz shrank back to his chair and pouted. 

“You have our support, Kryoz. Lure Smii7y out and we will do the rest.” Nogla nodded at the blond. 

Kryoz nodded, “There's two ways he slips away up there. A dirt road right after the abandoned shed and another behind the gas station. I'll be racing him up there tomorrow.” 

Nogla nodded, “The city of Trestle thanks you, Kryoz.” Kryoz left without another word. The storm was raging outside but Kryoz didn't care as he walked out to his car. Something inside felt so wrong. 

Maybe it was the way he and Blarg found out why the second turbo wasn't working correctly under his hood? Maybe it was because of the way Grizzy always bought him gas when they raced? Maybe it was that Puffer showed him how to fine tune his car with a computer for a more accurate RPM gauge? Maybe it was Smii7y who genuinely made him laugh? 

The rain hammered his windshield like it wanted to break it as he drove away from the station. Kryoz hated this feeling. He felt torn between two worlds. He was trained to find the weakness of his enemies and use it against them. Root them up from the base. And yet, Blarg, Grizzy, Smii7y, and Puffer had uprooted him. People that found a way to live and enjoy what they did, even if it was illegal. 

He had never felt anything like that before. He had done hundreds of undercover jobs. Ones that all always ended with him going back to the station and just getting a congratulations and maybe a pat on the back. Not people who made him laugh or had a good time with. 

The racers treated him like family. They accepted him even when he knew he was going to turn them in. He felt so angry and guilty at the same time. Guilty that he was about to do what Fitz had done to them. Gain their trust and hurt them with it. 

He stared at his windshield wipers. They couldn't keep up with the amount of water pouring down. He pressed on the accelerator, increasing his speed. His car listened without hesitation. It never betrayed his trust. He shifted into third gear and it did so. The way it turned under his grip on the steering wheel. 

All he could think about was the story Blarg and Grizzy told him. A storm like this one and a nasty accident. He was driving on Coastline road right now. The road where a racer was lost to reckless actions.

Kryoz sighed and let off the throttle. The car slowed down from its high speeds. The waves crashed against the coastal cliffs as he drove down a suburban road. He parked on the side of the road while he tried to deal with his self conflict. 

Chapter Text

Smii7y and Blarg raced down the road. He had yet to see Kryoz but they didn't set a time for their race. 

“Imagine he doesn't show up.” Blarg giggled as he sped past Smii7y. 

“Because he knows he's going to get beat.” Smii7y laughed. 

“Yeah!” Blarg said excitedly and they both laughed. 

“Not this time, motherfuckers.” Kryoz said as he raced up from behind them, “Hey Blarg. What are you doing here?” 

“Smii7y’s letting me run some speed tests on his car. I want to figure out how his car is so fucking fast.” Blarg explained. 

“Funny how this is now a concern for you.” Smii7y chuckled. 

“Well, the turbos make sense but it's a V6 and can mop the floor with a V8. Gotta figure that out.” Blarg said. 

“Blarg? Mind if I race Smii7y? Wanna show him what real speed is.” Kryoz responded. 

“Not with a four-cylinder you're not.” Smii7y replied. 

“Yes. Give me a chance to monitor the Porsche.” Blarg said as the three cars skidded around a hairpin turn. 

“How about Angel Hill? I've been getting good at that road.” Kryoz asked. 

“Bet.” Smii7y smirked. 

“Anyone else notice that the scanners have been quiet?” Blarg asked as he zipped past Kryoz and weaved around the Porsche. 

“It has been. We've been out here for almost an hour and no reports of me.” Smii7y agreed. 

“Damn. Your ego has gotten pretty big, huh?” Kryoz said and revved his car next to Smii7y to a small challenge that Smii7y quickly won. 

Smii7y scoffed, “No. I just mean that the cops have been quiet. They normally start flocking around areas that I've been racing around.” 

“Maybe we are just lucky and no one has seen us.” Blarg offered.

“Maybe.” Kryoz said. They raced down the road, weaving around cars and each other. A few roads were closed from fallen trees or powerlines from the storm. Angel Hill was closed.

“Damn. We could try another road.” Blarg offered as the three cars pulled off to a shoulder to look at the road.

Kryoz scoffed, “You guys afraid to get your tires a little dirty?” Kryoz pulled up to the roadblock and around it, going off the road. 

“No. There could be fallen limbs or powerlines. I really don't want to hit a tree.” Smii7y said. 

Kryoz stopped on the road on the other side of the roadblocks, “Come on. I checked it. They cleaned up the tree that fell. They are probably about to open it so we have time before there’s traffic. It's a long straight road so Blarg can get lots of readings.”

“That's true. He checked it, Smii7y.” Blarg said. 

“I mean, if you don't want to race, that's fine.” Kryoz sighed proudly, “I'd probably win anyways.” 

“Alright. Alright. If there's a branch on the road, you're paying for all repairs.” Smii7y said and then drove around the roadblocks. Blarg followed. 

“I checked. It's all clear. We will just race to the end. Winner gets bragging rights.” Kryoz smiled. 

“I'll count you guys down. I'll try to follow but afraid I'll only keep up with Kryoz.” Blarg giggled.

“He's got you so trained, Blarg. Definitely a tyrant. It's okay to say no.” Kryoz teased.

“Shut the fuck up so I can mop the road with you.” Smii7y shot back.

Blarg giggled, “Okay. On your mark. Get set…. GO!” The two cars took off with a BMW behind. The Porsche instantly took the lead. 

Kryoz tried to keep up to make it realistic but in the straight-away, Smii7y had the upper hand with the V6. Kryoz was okay with that. That was what he intended. The three cars raced down the road with blinding speed. Smii7y was already several car lengths ahead.

“Fuck. He's almost at two hundred miles-per-hour. That car is insane.” Blarg said from behind Kryoz. Kryoz felt a pang of guilt as he watched the Porsche gain more distance from him. 

“You okay, Kryoz? He beat you that badly?” Blarg asked with a small laugh. Kryoz had stopped accelerating since he wanted to keep Blarg out of the mess that was about to happen. 

“I'm so sorry, Blarg.” Kryoz muttered. 

“What?” Blarg asked. Up ahead, six black cars appeared from their hiding spots and surrounded Smii7y. They closed in on his car. Hitting the sides and bumpers. He was too far ahead to be heard on their phones.

“Oh my God! What?!” Blarg yelped and suddenly his car zipped down the road. Kryoz hesitated but then raced after. He hit Blarg’s right fender causing him to spin out. He kept it on the road but he was completely stopped. Kryoz drifted around so he was in between the fight up ahead and Blarg. 

“Please, Blarg. Go to the bunker. You can't help him, but I can help you.” Kryoz pleaded. 

“Go to hell!” Blarg spat. He threw the car in reverse and then went around Kryoz. Kryoz cursed and drifted around to stop Blarg. Blarg couldn't get in the way. He'd get hurt. 

The Porsche was completely pinned with a car in front and back and two on either side. The BMW and Viper stayed behind to watch for any gaps to cover. 

“Nogla. Blarg is going to intervene.” Kryoz said to his scanner. Both the BMW and Viper drifted around to stop Blarg. 

“Blarg. Please. Don't do this.” Kryoz pleaded.

“We trusted you! You never cared! You're just like them!” Blarg snapped. 

Kryoz was able to pit Blarg again but he was talented. He drifted around the Subaru so he was behind and then the black BMW and Viper raced past him before drifting around and chasing after Blarg. They then pinned him on either side of his car. 

They were getting close to the car pile that had plumes of smoke above them from burning rubber. 

“Blarg. Get out of here. Please. I don't want you to get hurt.” Kryoz pleaded. 

“We told you everything! Trusted you with our guilt! You were like a brother to us! You're just like Fitz!” Blarg spat. Kryoz watched the blue BMW struggle in between the two pursuit cars in his rear view mirror. 

“Stop him, Kryoz.” Nogla ordered. Kryoz hesitated. He then hit the brakes causing Blarg to hit him. They were almost next to Smii7y and the rest of the pursuit team. The four cars were having a hard time keeping the Porsche still.

“Kryoz! You fucking liar!” Smii7y shouted. They were close enough for their coms to connect. 

“Smii7y! I'm going to try and hit the Corvette on your right!” Blarg said as he served to get some space. 

“No! Get out of here!” Smii7y demanded. Kryoz felt stone cold. About to be arrested and he still cared more about Blarg than himself. Tucker’s front end managed to get under the side of the Porsche like scoop from the wedge device they put on earlier. That was a part of their plan. Eli suddenly went in reverse as Tucker hammered down and the Porsche tipped onto its side before fully flipping onto its top. 

“Smii7y!” Blarg cried.

Eli drifted around and ran into Blarg from behind to completely secure him. Fitz and Tucker had gotten out of their cars to check on the totaled Porsche. Flom had a taser to get Blarg out of his car. Fitz and Tucker got Smii7y out of the car. 

“Finally fucking got you.” Fitz grinned as he put on handcuffs on Smii7y. Smii7y didn't say anything as he was pulled to his feet. Blarg was also being restrained. 

Kryoz just sat in his car. He felt like he had done so much wrong. Like he just betrayed his best friends. A police cruiser pulled up to the wreckage along with a pair of tow trucks. Nogla knocked on Kryoz's window to get his attention. Kryoz rolled it down but didn't look at him. 

“We wouldn't have done this without you.” Nogla said as he watched Fitz walk Smii7y to the cruiser. Smii7y glanced at Kryoz. He had a small gash on his cheek but his eyes were filled with so much hate and pain. 

“Yeah.” Kryoz responded flatly. Blarg was walked to the cruiser by Vanoss.

“Don't feel too bad. It's better that they are off the streets.” Nogla patted his shoulder and left. The Pursuit team surrounded the cruiser like a convoy to protect it. Kryoz glanced at the upturned Porsche. He saw a small smile on the left wheel well. 

Why was he feeling this way? He busted hundreds of criminals. Smii7y and Blarg were just another two. 

We trusted you with our guilt! You were like a brother to us!

Kryoz gulped. How could he have done that? He ripped them apart. It was only a matter of time before they went after Puffer and Grizzy too. Kryoz shifted his car into gear and raced down the road. He was going to fix this. He had too. 

He got to the bunker in a matter of minutes. He went inside the workshop. Grizzy and Puffer were chilling next to their cars. They quieted when Kryoz ran in, out of breath. 

“Guys! I need your help! I fucked up!” He said. 

“What happened?” Puffer asked, standing up. Kryoz hesitated telling them. They'd probably be pretty pissed off. 

“Smii7y and Blarg were caught.” He said. 

“What?! How?!” Grizzy asked. The door to the workshop opened and Pezzy ran in. 

“Guys! Smii7y and Blarg were just arrested! They were-” He stopped when he saw Kryoz. Kryoz winced. Pezzy listened to police scanners. 

“You…” Pezzy hissed. 

“What? What happened?” Puffer asked. 

Pezzy looked at him and crossed his arms, “I don't know, Kryoz. What did happen ?”

Kryoz sighed, “I- I'm an undercover cop. I was assigned to capture Smii7y.” Silence filled the room until Puffer chuckled.

“You better be fucking lying.” His tone turned harsh and threatening. Kryoz shook his head, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a badge. Puffer and Grizzy's faces both went cold with hatred. 

“Listen. I fucked up. I was brought here to get close to Smii7y to lure him into a trap. But I grew close to you guys too. The first rule of undercover work is not to fall in love and I broke it. I fell for the community you guys have. The brotherhood that you guys made me a part of.” Kryoz explained.

“You have some balls coming here.” Gizzy growled. 

“Why? Why would you do that if you talk about brotherhood?” Puffer asked. His tone was cold and full of anger. 

“Because I did what I thought was right. I was wrong. I’m torn between my job and you guys. People that actually treated me like family.” Kryoz responded. 

“So, you just came here to tell us that or came to get your ass beat?” Grizzy asked. 

“I came here for your help. I think we can free them.” Kryoz said. 

Puffer scoffed, “How?! Gonna lie to the cops too?” 

“Essentially, yes.” Kryoz sighed, “They will be moving Smii7y and Blarg by the ferry tomorrow. We can stop them.”

“And how are we supposed to trust you?! You lied like Fitz did!” Puffer spat. He had a shake in his voice. 

“I–” They were right. How could they trust him? He did exactly the same thing Fitz had done. Fitz killed Droid, but he also betrayed their trust. Stabbed them with the trust they gave him. How could he gain their trust back?

“I know I lied. That is what I realized I did wrong. I understand if you never trust me again. I wouldn't either.” Kryoz exhaled, “I want to get Smii7y and Blarg out though. They don't deserve that. Neither do you. I can help you free them.” The three of them looked at eachother. 

“This is another fucking trap, isn't it?!” Grizzy snapped. 

“No. I swear to God it isn't. I just want to fix what I did.” Kryoz responded. He dropped his badge on the ground. Grizzy looked at Puffer and Pezzy.

Puffer sighed, “What's your plan?” 

Kryoz was kind of shocked he was actually considering his idea.

“The ferry is leaving tomorrow morning to take them to the mainland. We just have to stop them from getting on that ship.” Kryoz explained. 

“How?” Pezzy asked. 

“We break the laws. You guys gather every racer and tell them to break every law. Every speed limit. Every red light. Get the cops in a frenzy.” Kryoz explained. 

“A purge? How is that going to help?! They will have Smii7y and Blarg guarded like they are royalty!” Grizzy asked harshly. 

“That's why we have the racers go crazy. The cops will be in such panic, they will mess up. We time it so they are moving Smii7y and Blarg and we get them out. I can get onto their defenses.” Kryoz responded. 

“I can't believe I'm saying this, but that might actually work.” Puffer sighed. 

“He lied, Puffer! We can't trust him! He's like Fitz!” Grizzy spat. 

“I know. But how else are we going to save them? We don't have the information he does. We can't sneak into the station.” Puffer countered. 

Pezzy sighed, “I'm coming too then. I will help if he's lying.” He glared at Kryoz. 

“Fine. It's for Smii7y and Blarg.” Grizzy grit his teeth. 

Chapter Text

Fitz's grip was tight on Smii7y's shoulder and cuffs. No way was he letting Smii7y go now. The cockiest racer wasn't so mouthy now without his car. 

Smii7y kept his head low so his hair shadowed his eyes. Fitz didn't care how he was feeling, though. The streets were one big leap closer to safety and without their leader, the racers would fall apart like bricks. 

“Not so tough now, without your car, huh?” Fitz smirked as his grip tightened on Smii7y's shoulder. He took the cuffs off of his wrists and pushed him into the jail cell where he'd be held with Blarg until morning. A ferry would be taking them to the mainland where they'd face court and a sentence. Tucker put Blarg into the cell too. 

Fitz had finally done it. Trestle’s most wanted criminal was now in custody. Sure, Kryoz may have helped, but Fitz had organized the team to take Smii7y down. That damn car was totaled and Smii7y was locked in a cage. It was only a matter of time that Fitz caught all the others. 

“Not going to talk?” Fitz teased, “Now that I finally bested you?”

“Go to hell.” Blarg snapped. His glare was murderous through the bars.

“You're the one's going to hell.” Fitz shot back.

“Fitz!” Nogla snapped as he came into the room, “Behave yourself. None of this would've been possible without Kryoz. You're lucky I'm keeping you on the pursuit team.” Fitz didn't argue. Nogla glanced at the racers in the cell. Smii7y had his back to the bars with his hands in his hoodie pocket. Blarg had his arms crossed. 

“You have your rights to the fifth, but I ask you this, why? Why did you choose this route? Years of racing? All to end up here? Was it really worth it?” Nogla asked as he watched the two racers carefully. Blarg glowered at him and looked like he was about to speak but Smii7y spoke first.

“Yeah. Because I kept people safe.” Smii7y mumbled.

“How? You put people at risk every time you go past the speed limit.” Tucker stated. 

Smii7y turned to them, “And you think ramming them off the road will stop others from breaking the law?” He glanced at Fitz, his green eyes like lasers.

“You use brute force to stop people who don't side with you. I stopped all of it. I kept both sides safe. Only when you got involved, did people get hurt. Don't you dare blame me for your recklessness.” Smii7y glared, his tone sharp like knives.

“You didn't stop shit! You put people in danger!” Fitz yelled. 

“We did?! Did you really forget what you did?! You killed Droid! You were going to kill Smii7y! Look in the fucking mirror! You should be in here with us, Fitz!” Blarg shouted. 

“That's enough Fitz! Leave if you can't restrain yourself!” Nogla demanded. Fitz scoffed and left the room.

Nogla sighed, “You will be sent to the mainland for trial. However you justify your actions, I doubt others will see it that way.” Nogla and Tucker left the room.

“Something happened? Fitz killed someone?” Tucker asked. 

Nogla sighed, “During Fitz's undercover work, he gathered a force to catch Smii7y. A racer took a hit for Smii7y and died from the crash. Fitz went against orders to do it in dangerous conditions.” 

Tucker grimaced, “That's horrible. How is he still on the force?” 

“I vouched for him. Said it was an accident. Blamed it on the racers for their irresponsible driving.” Nogla explained. 

“Maybe it's time to take him off the force. He seems to have done more harm than good. Something like that isn't okay. No matter who it is. Racer or police.” Tucker replied. 

Nogla nodded, “I think you may be right, Tucker.” He found Fitz in the meeting room with his feet propped up on the table. 

“We need to talk.” He stated as he closed the door. 

Fitz rolled his eyes, “I know. I overreacted and what not.”

“Yes. You also can't follow orders, Fitz. You overreact or disobey orders all the time! You're doing more harm than good!” Nogla said. 

Fitz took his feet off the table, “You think I meant to kill Droid? I didn't, for one! I tried harder than anyone here to catch that son of a bitch! I was only doing my job Nogla!” 

“No. You weren't. You were being egotistical. Smii7y was the one thing that you couldn't get over and it ended up costing someone their life. Maybe you do deserve to be behind those bars too.” Nogla shot back. 

Fitz stood up, “I'm not the only one, Nogla! Who blamed that accident on the racers? That their careless driving made Droid crash to the press?” 

“I said that for you! To keep you out of trouble!” Nogla snapped. 

“Then I guess you aren't any different from Smii7y either! Breaking the rules to keep the balance!” Fitz huffed. Nogla bit his tongue. Fitz was right. He lied to keep Fitz from getting in trouble. 

“You can't blame this all on me, Nogla. You said catch Smii7y however you can. I tried. I didn't mean for Droid to get caught in it.” Fitz responded.

“You were going to do that to Smii7y, though.” Nogla argued. 

“Yes. I was. Would it have been so different from all of our other attempts to stop him? Wrecks at high speeds are devastating.” Fitz crossed his arms. Nogla pondered that for a moment. They had become the dangerous ones. 

“I–” Nogla couldn't believe he was even thinking like this. All this time, he thought he was doing good. Keeping the people of Trestle safe. That included racers. That's what set him aside from Smii7y. Smii7y protected everyone while he only protected what he considered good from bad. 

“No. We aren’t like Smii7y. He was right. We deserve to be behind those bars as much as he does.” Nogla grumbled.

Fitz raised an eyebrow, “Not what I was expecting.” 

Nogla exhaled, “We fucked up. Things are going to be changing from now on. You can either agree to accept these changes or join Smii7y and Blarg on the ferry to the mainland.” Nogla had new motives now. 

“Is that a threat?” Fitz asked. 

“Yes. You've been let lose too much while under my command. That's my fault. So, things will be changing and if you can't handle that, I'm sure Smii7y and Blarg have plenty more to say to you on the ferry to the mainland.” Nogla said sternly. 

Fitz blinked, “Alright then. Guess I'm changing then.” Nogla nodded. He had a lot to fix now. He left the meeting room. Eli and Vanoss came up to Nogla with worried expressions. 

“We have a problem.” Eli claimed.

“What?” Nogla asked.

“Weare getting hundreds of calls.” Vanoss answered, “Racers are going nuts! Accidents, take overs, completely holding up traffic for racing.” 

“Kryoz was right. This was only going to get worse and it did.” Eli said. 

“Okay. Let's get out there and do some damage control.” Nogla ordered.

Chapter Text

Kryoz walked into the police station. Everything was according to plan. The pursuit team was out controlling the racers, giving him access to the station. 

“Didn’t think you'd show up here again.” Fitz's voice sounded sternly behind him. He almost jumped. 

“Fitz. I thought you and the others were controlling the racers.” Kryoz said, turning to the officer.

Fitz crossed his arms, “They are. I'm here to keep an eye on things. There's not a problem, is there? I'm assuming there's a reason why you're here.” 

“Just wanted to see how you're holding up. I warned that this would happen.” Kryoz put his hands in his pockets. The sun was rising in the east. The ferry was on the horizon. He had to act soon. The racers had been going crazy all night. 

“Since your whole team is out, I could help you move Smii7y and Blarg to the docks. Would probably be safer in a car the other racers know than a cruiser.” Kryoz offered. 

Fitz's eyes narrowed, “You already completed your job and got paid. Why would you want to help?” 

“Because I know Smii7y’s crew. The moment a cruiser leaves this station with your racers, they are jumping it. You forget how loyal they are to one another?” Kryoz responded harshly, “In my car, they would be none the wiser that Smii7y and Blarg are with me.” Fitz thought about that for a moment. 

Kryoz exhaled, “I mean, you could let him be freed and then I get paid again to hunt him down. That sounds like a great idea to me. But I'm sure you wouldn't want Smii7y on these streets again. You could barely catch him last time.” 

Fitz grit his teeth, “Fine. I'm following you so don't try anything.” 

“What would I try? Letting Smii7y go? I just caught him.” Kryoz asked. 

“ We caught him. You just lured him out.” Fitz hissed. 

Kryoz held his hands up in surrender, “You're right. You're right. I just want to help.” 

Fitz recoiled and huffed, “Fine. We are about to leave. You can help me with them.” Kryoz nodded and followed Fitz to the jail cells. Smii7y and Blarg were leaning on the wall but Blarg stood up when he saw Kryoz. Smii7y’s eyes narrowed on him. Kryoz felt very small under his glare. 

“You have some fucking nerve!” Blarg hissed. 

Fitz rolled his eyes, “Cry me a river. Once you are on the boat, you'll never have to see us again.” Kryoz kept his composure. Fitz opened the door after passing Kryoz some handcuffs. 

“Hands behind your backs and turn around before I make you.” Fitz ordered Blarg and Smii7y. Fitz pushed Smii7y against the wall as he secured his wrists. Kryoz did the same to Blarg. 

“I can't fucking believe you.” Blarg muttered. 

“It worked, didn't it?” Kryoz asked, “Should’ve left when I gave you the chance.” Blarg’s jaw clenched. 

“Move it! I can't wait to have you off my fucking island.” Fitz said as he pushed Smii7y forward. Kryoz escorted Blarg to his car. Once outside, Kryoz glanced down the road as he walked to his car with Fitz. He saw three car fronts parked behind trees. A blue Camaro, black Challenger, and a pink BRZ. Fitz had zero idea. He had Blarg get in the back seats and Fitz did the same with Smii7y. 

“I'm going to get my car. Wait here and make sure they don't do anything.” Fitz ordered. 

“Alright. Doubt they will do anything without cars.” Kryoz chuckled. Fitz scoffed and headed back to the station. Kryoz watched him disappear into the station. He then glanced at the cars in the trees. Things were about to get dicey. Losing a skilled driver in a Supra wasn't going to be easy. Kryoz got into the driver's seat. 

“You're just like him.” Blarg hissed as he started the engine. Kryoz glanced at him in the rear view mirror. Blarg was glaring at him and Smii7y was shielding his eyes with his hair.  Kryoz's passenger door opened and Pezzy sat down. 

“I'm so jealous of your car, Kryoz. The four doors must be so nice.” Pezzy smirked at Smii7y’s and Blarg’s bewildered expressions. 

Pezzy chuckled, “How are you guys doing? Need those cuffs off?” 

“What?” Blarg asked. 

“We are busting you out, dumbass.” Pezzy smirked. He held a handcuff key in his hand. 

Smii7y glanced at Kryoz, “But you set up a trap.” 

Kryoz nodded, “Yeah. I know. I'm sorry. I fucked up bad. I was assigned to detain you. I realized that those fuckers were the ones in the wrong. That's why I asked your team for help getting you out.” Pezzy started undoing Blarg’s cuffs. 

“Kryoz explained to us a plan that could work. We just have to get away from Fitz.” Pezzy explained as he gave the key to Blarg for Smii7y. 

“It's worked so far. We just have to lose Fitz.” Kryoz said. Smii7y rubbed his wrists once Blarg got the cuffs off. 

“Why would you help?” Smii7y asked while connecting eyes with Kryoz in the rear view mirror. 

“Because I messed up the family that took me in. That was something I couldn't live with.” Kryoz answered honestly. A blacked out Supra pulled up next to Kryoz. Kryoz was very glad he had blacked out windows to hide Pezzy. Kryoz pulled out of the parking spot and the menacing super car followed behind. 

“I understand if you don't trust me again, but I couldn't do what Fitz did to you guys.” Kryoz said while looking in his rear view mirror at Smii7y. Smii7y was looking back at him with emotionless green eyes. Kryoz understood if Smii7y never trusted him. He had every right to not too.

“Take Cow Tongue. You'll lose him.” Smii7y said flatly. Kryoz smirked slightly. Maybe there still was hope. 

“That's on the other side of the island. We won't get there with a V8 behind us.” Pezzy stated.

“Then don't take the streets.” Smii7y replied. Kryoz accelerated. He had to lose Fitz before Fitz called for backup. Kryoz saw a blue Camaro and black Challenger behind the Supra now. It was time. This was going to be a dog fight. Kryoz's phone connected to Puffer's and Grizzy's. 

“You got them?” Puffer asked. 

“Yup. The packages are secure. Now I just have to lose the craziest man on this island.” Kryoz replied.

“We will try to slow him down, but no promises.” Grizzy said.

“Where's the rest of the pursuit team?” Kryoz asked.

“Around you're probably going to bump into at least one of them.” Puffer said. 

“Not if you take the road past the abandoned shopping center on Waverly Street.” Smii7y said. 

Puffer laughed, “Oh yeah. You have Smii7y. You guys will lose him. Good luck.” Kryoz made a left turn and started to gain speed. 

“Time to lose this fucker.” Kryoz downshifted and his car sped ahead. 

“Up ahead is a road through the old barn. Take it.” Smii7y ordered. 

Pezzy chuckled, “Talk about back seat driving.” 

“It's a narrow road. Don't crash into anything.” Blarg added. Kryoz nodded. Fitz's lights came on behind him. 

Smii7y huffed, “How does that betrayal feel, Fitz?” Kryoz saw the old barn Smii7y mentioned. He threw his car into a drift, straightening out as he hit the dirt to go through the open entrance and open backside of the barn. The dirt road went right through the barn. 

“Fucking hell. Jealous of that all-wheel-drive too. May need to invest in an STI.” Pezzy chuckled as he grabbed the handle above his head from the car's horsepower. 

“They are great.” Kryoz smirked as he drifted around a corner. Fitz followed but his car didn't handle the pavement  to dirt as well so he fishtailed, hitting the old wood of the barn. 

Blarg sucked in through his teeth, “That's not going to buff out.” 

“Right up ahead.” Smii7y instructed. Kryoz used the e-brake to drift around the sharp turn. Dirt roads were his expertise and Fitz seemed to be having trouble with the less traction.

“There's a 10-80 with escaped racers. Unit needs help. Look for a blue Subaru.” Kryoz's police scanner said. 

“They know we are out now.” Blarg stated. 

“Won't be a problem once you get to the pass.” Smii7y stated. 

Kryoz exhaled, “If I can get to the pass.” 

“You have too. I don't think I could handle Fitz's ego anymore.” Blarg replied. Kryoz drifted around some sharp curves. The black Supra was still behind him with flashing lights. 

“Pursuit team moving in around Barely Road.” Pezzy said. He was tracking police locations on his phone. 

“That gives you four minutes to get to the pass.” Smii7y stated. 

Kryoz huffed, “I can do it in three. He shifted down as they hit pavement again. 

“Stay off of long stretches. Fitz will have the advantage on long roads.” Blarg said.

“There's a wild dirt road that will take you straight to Waverly. Can you handle it?” Smii7y asked. 

“Pft. Of course I can. Fitz is going to wish he had a rally car to keep up.” Kryoz smirked. 

Smii7y smiled, “On your right then.”

Kryoz saw the road he talked about. That stretch of road gave Fitz the opportunity to catch up and Fitz got into position to do a pit maneuver. Kryoz jumped ahead after downshifting and swerved in front of Fitz. He drifted around the bend onto a dirt road and Fitz overshot it. Pezzy and Blarg laughed as he had to turn around. This road was wild with zigzags and hills. The Supra was not keeping up as well on the dirt.

“Shit. Two of them are on Waverly.” Pezzy said. 

“I won't let them cut me off.” Kryoz responded. He drifted perfectly around a hairpin turn. They raced down a straight section of the road and back onto a paved road. 

“It's Tucker and Vanoss.” Smii7y said as he saw the Corvette and Viper raced up behind them. The Supra joined them. 

“The others are closing in fast. We have to get to the pass or we are all getting on that ferry.” Pezzy stated. 

“They have the speed. You have to get off the streets.” Smii7y demanded. 

“Trying.” Kryoz grit his teeth.

“The abandoned shopping strip is about a mile down. That dirt road has some turns that will slow them down.” Blarg explained.

Kryoz downshifted, “This is going to be like threading a needle. Hold on to something.” He spotted the shopping strip. He also noticed two black sports cars heading towards him. Their lights turned on. This was going to be tight.

That Mercedes would definitely beat him to the road if he took his time. They flew by the strip mall and Pezzy yelped as the Mustang and Mercedes nearly crashed into them. Kryoz pulled the e-brake and slid around the bend, missing the Mercedes by millimeters. 

“Oh my fucking God! You're crazier than Smii7y!” Pezzy hollered. The said racer chuckled.

“It's a straight shot to Cow Tongue now.” Smii7y said. 

“Thank God. I'm going to have to get new shocks and tires on this thing.” Kryoz teased. 

“Don't forget you owe us new parts too. You totaled my Porsche.” Smii7y shot back with a smile. 

Kryoz rolled his eyes, “That was technically the pursuit team that did that.” 

“You did total my car though.” Blarg claimed.

“That I did do.” Kryoz responded. They chuckled as he raced around a bend. He couldn't believe that they were still treating him so nicely. He wasn't complaining but he found it hard to swallow that they were still so friendly to him. 

The dirt road was small and difficult to drive at such high speeds. However, Kryoz's skill and the WRX didn't fail. They lost the pursuit team over a hill and Smii7y gave him directions to a short cut to the pass. Kryoz recognized the mountain in front of him. The dreaded mountain only few could conquer at high speeds. Kryoz still heard sirens behind and a BMW was behind him once they hit pavement. 

“There's Nogla. He won't follow you up the pass.” Smii7y said as he looked out the back window, “He's not skilled enough to get through it.”

“I hope I am. Kind of failed last time.” Kryoz grimaced. 

“That was last time. Now this time you have four lives in your hands. Try not to kill us.” Smii7y teased. 

Kryoz chuckled nervously, “No pressure or anything.” 

Smii7y glanced at him and placed a hand on his shoulder, “You got this. We trust you.” Kryoz’s mouth almost fell open. He was not expecting that after he betrayed them.

He started up the pass. The BMW started to fall back as the road turned more curvy. Kryoz was sticking to speeds between forty and sixty miles per hour. He didn't feel like killing everyone today. 

“Uh, problem.” Blarg said as he glanced through the back window. Kryoz glanced through the rear view mirror. A black Supra was racing up behind him. 

“Fuck! He followed?!” Smii7y exclaimed. 

“It's Fitz! Of course he's going to follow!” Pezzy exclaimed. 

“You're going to have to pick up the pace, Kryoz!” Blarg yelped. Kryoz downshifted and increased his speed. 

“He's fucking nuts.” Smii7y mumbled. 

“If he follows us through the pass, what then?” Kryoz asked.

“We'd have to lose him some other way, right?” Pezzy asked. 

“He won't be able to. He never has.” Smii7y said. Kryoz took a shaky breath. How was he supposed to do this road if someone who had been driving it for years couldn't even get it?

“On this turn, go wide. Ice always builds up on the inside.” Smii7y instructed. That was how. He had the one who could drive this road. Kryoz went wide around a horseshoe turn. His tires skidded on the icy roads but he never lost control. Fitz went on the inside and almost spun out on the ice. That gave them lots of time to get ahead. 

“Go into an early drift on the next one. Angle to the left.” Smii7y stated. Kryoz did as he was told and he didn't lose an ounce of speed. The gap between him and Fitz was getting muck wider. 

Pezzy giggled, “You two make a good team.” 

“We aren't out of the woods yet. Going up the mountain is the easy part.” Smii7y replied.

“Yeah. Everyone spins out going down.” Blarg responded. 

“These first three turns, don't drift. Just control your speed. Go under fifty.” Smii7y said. 

“Fuck. That seems like a terrible idea.” Kryoz grimaced. 

“No. Going around the S turn at seventy is a terrible idea.” Smii7y countered. 

“Fair enough.” Kryoz replied. He tried to control his speed. The turns were sharp and difficult not to drift around, but Kryoz kept the car under fifty miles per hour. That gave Fitz the chance to catch up and he rammed the back of the Subaru with his bumper guard. 

“He's going to kill himself! I told him not to do over fifty!” Smii7y snapped. The S curve was coming up and Kryoz went into a drift around the first corner. Kryoz had to avoid a civilian car going up the mountain. Fitz tried to drift around the corner too, but he had too much speed. He bounced off the guardrail, into the civilian car, and through the opposite guardrail. The Supra and the civilian car teetered on the edge of a one-hundred foot cliff to the road below. 

“Fuck! Kryoz, stop the car!” Smii7y demanded. Kryoz hit the brakes, drifting around to face the wreck. They got out of the car and ran to the wreck. 

“Blarg! Pezzy! Get that woman out of the car!” Smii7y ordered. The civilian SUV had the back wheels hanging off the edge. Smii7y and Kryoz ran over to Fitz's car. His front wheels were hanging over the edge. The car was moments away from falling. Fitz opened the driver's door and looked down.

“Fitz! Don't move!” Smii7y shouted, “Take my hand!” Smii7y tried to reach his hand out to Fitz. Kryoz took his other hand to allow him to reach further. Fitz tried to reach out to him and the car groaned. 

“Jump!” Smii7y shouted. The car creaked and started to tip forward. Fitz took the leap as the car slid forward on its chassis. Smii7y caught his arm and Kryoz had to help pull him up the cliff. The three of them breathed heavily as an explosion from the car pierced the air. 

Fitz stood up, standing toe to toe with Smii7y. Kryoz was scared he was going to lunge at Smii7y to try and detain him. Kryoz stepped between Fitz and Smii7y. His eyes narrowed on Kryoz. 

“Walk away Fitz. We saved you.” Kryoz hissed. 

“So? I don't owe you for it!” Fitz snapped. 

“Let's just go.” Smii7y mumbled, “We did what was right. Even if his ego says otherwise.” 

Kryoz scoffed, “Prick.” They turned from Fitz and Fitz drew his weapon at his hip. Kryoz saw him aim for Smii7y, and grabbed the weapon, twisting it from his hand. The firearm went off into the asphalt. He was glad he took that disarming class on the mainland. Kryoz had the gun in his hand now. He dropped the magazine and unloaded it in a matter of seconds. 

“Walk away Fitz! You don't need another murder under your belt!” Kryoz spat. Blarg and Pezzy ran over from the gunshot. Kryoz threw the weapon over the edge. 

“You're a fucking traitor!” Fitz snapped as he grabbed Kryoz's wrist and shoulder. Smii7y, Blarg, and Pezzy all pushed Fitz off. 

“You're protecting him now?! He lied to you too!” Fitz shouted, glaring at Smii7y. 

“He didn't kill anyone though! He came back and saved my life from you! He knows the difference between right and wrong! You don't! You're reckless, Fitz!” Smii7y shouted, “Seems like you should be the one on the ferry!” Fitz glared at them. Kryoz couldn't believe that the three of them just stood up for him. Like one of their own.

Smii7y turned, “Let's go.” The four of them walked back to the WRX. The woman sounded like she was on the phone with the police. Smii7y took the passenger this time with Pezzy and Blarg in the back.

“I can't believe he just tried to shoot you.” Blarg muttered. 

“His pride is outrageous. Even after you saved him.” Pezzy agreed. Kryoz drifted around and back down the end of the pass. They heard sirens in the distance but Kryoz only saw a firetruck and ambulance heading up the pass to get to the wreckage. 

“He's not one who protects Trestle. He only causes more harm and danger. Hopefully Nogla will see that someday.” Smii7y replied. They headed back to the bunker were Puffer was pacing around his car nervously and Grizzy was drumming his fingers on his car. Their faces lit up as Kryoz pulled up next to them. Puffer immediately embraced Smii7y the moment he stepped out of the car. 

“Ah! Puffer! I expected the bone crushing bear hugs from Grizzy! Not you!” Smii7y yelped. 

Puffer laughed, “Sorry. I'm just glad you aren't on a ship to the mainland right now.” 

“And you're getting one from me too.” Grizzy giggled as Smii7y let him hug him. Puffer hugged Blarg. Kryoz watched between the driver's door and his car. He wasn't sure if he was welcomed or not. It would be hard to live on an island with cops and racers hating him. The racers started to head inside. Kryoz glanced away. This was his own fault. Why did he expect a different response? That was stupid. 

“Kryoz.” Smii7y called. Kryoz glanced up at him. 

He nodded for him to follow, “Com'on. You owe me quite a few car parts to get the Porsche running again.” 

Kryoz's eyes widened, “But I lied.” 

Smii7y raised an eyebrow, “And? Do you not want to be welcomed back?” 

“No! No. I just wasn't expecting to be welcomed back.” Kryoz responded quickly. 

“Like I said on the pass, you made up for it and saved my life. Respect is everything to me. You earned it.” Smii7y replied. 

“It's not easy for him to say that with his pride.” Puffer giggled. 

“Puffer!” Smii7y spat. Kryoz smiled and closed his car door and joined the racers team.