The hilltop was quiet when Mira arrived. She parked her bike just like how he told her a little off the path, just under the shadow of a rusted billboard that once advertised new beginnings.
The moon cut low across the skyline, and a moment later, familiar black bike rolled up beside her.
Night Rider.
Helmet on, jacket zipped, visor low.
"You made it," he said, voice calm
Mira blinked. "Yeah, like you told me. But... last night, how did you know I'd even go to that party?"
He leaned back slightly in the seat, engine idling. "Every new rider heads to the fake ones first. Curiosity outweighs caution."
She frowned. "So you were watching me?"
"Watching the trap. You just happened to step in it."
She laughed nervously. "Nice. That's reassuring."
He didn't laugh, but something about his body language was less stiff than before. "Come on," he said. "Lets show you what the real ones look like."
The ride was longer than she expected. Down alleys, across half-lit roads, weaving through blind spots and memory. Eventually, they reached it: a tucked-away garage deep in the rebel zone. lights strung across the rooftops, engines humming, music pulsing low like a heartbeat.
Mira stared in awe as Night Rider rolled through the entrance.
People turned to look.
A few gasped.
Someone muttered, "No way.. that's him."
It was clear Night Rider didn't usually show up to these things.
He stepped off his bike, and Mira followed. She could already see a group gathered near a makeshift track, two bikes revving at the line.
And then a voice broke out across the garage.
"DAX! DAX! DAX!"
A blur of black and blue streaked across the finish line, engine roaring. The crowd roared back.
The rider slid his bike into a hard stop, tires screeching before he hopped off, helmet under his arm.
Dax Calderon.
"Still undefeated," he smirked, walking through the smoke like it was part of his aura. "Next!"
Mira leaned toward Night Rider. "Is that-?"
"Dax. You've probably heard of him before," he said, almost amused. "He doesn't lose."
"Would you beat him?" Mira asked.
Night Rider let out a cold laugh. "The only person he can't win against, ..is me."
Before she could answer, a girl practically burst into the space between them.
"DUDE! You're actually here?! You never come to these!"
Bright goggles sat on her forehead, and strands of dyed hair peeked from her loosed helmet. She had a camera strapped to her chest and a wide grin like the world was watching which it probably was.
"Switch," Night Rider said coolly.
"That's me," she beamed. Then to Mira: " You new?" You look new. Hi. I'm Switch. I stream all this stuff. Don't worry, your face isn't in frame unless you do something awesome or totally embarrassing."
"Um... thanks?" Mira said.
Switch twirled and ran off, yelling something into her mic about "another lap around the madness."
"She's always like that?" Mira asked.
"Every hour she's awake," Night rider replied. "But she's one of the best I've seen."
Suddenly, a silence spread through the party like someone flipped a switch. Raven had arrived.
No introduction, no noise just presence.
She walked past without looking at anyone except Night Rider, looking at him with a soft smile.
Mira watched her go. "She's doesn't talk?"
"She talks when it matters."
"What's her name?"
"Raven."
Before Mira could ask more, a crash echoed from the other side of the garage.
"YOU CALL THAT A WIN? I WAS HALFWAY INTO A DRIFT!"
A crowd had gathered around a dusty corner where bets were being shouted and neon credits changed hands.
In the center stood a guy with buzzed white hair. a mean smile, and fists clenched like he wanted to swing on the world.
Zane.
"Who's that?." Mira asked
Night rider sighed. "That's Zane."
Zane threw his helmet on the table. "I want double for the next round. Or someone grows the guts to race me now!"
Someone laughed nervously. "C'mon Zane, save it for another time-"
Zane shoved past him. "I'm not gonna wait."
Dax strolled over, arms crossed. "Still throwing tantrums? What happened, you lose a coin toss again?"
Zane smirked. "Still winning against you."
"You wish."
Their stare-down got intense fast a rivalry that sparked like gas fumes near an open flame.
Night rider stepped forward. "Zane."
The white haired rider stopped. Turned.
"...Yo," he said, tone changing instantly.
"Be done for tonight, get some rest."
A pause. Then Zane raised his hands. "Fine. You're lucky he showed up Dax."
He walked off, still muttering, but didn't fight it.
Mira watched all of it, absorbing every corner of this place. The music, the lights, the racers, the kids laughing, shouting, arguing, living.
Night Rider stood beside her, arms folded, watching it all too.
"This," he said quietly, "is the real rebel side."
"Not just running from cops," she whispered.
"No. Just kids who didn't have a choice. We fight when we have to, But this... this is what we fight for."
She looked at him, helmet still on, unreadable.
But for the first time... he didn't feel so untouchable.