Orion had been right. After the race Naomi won, the Falcon crew found themselves facing one challenge after the other. There weren't many free moments. On top of it, Jack had decided to re-open the café with a new menu consisting of the basic remaining foods to be found in the city. This meant that when the crew wasn't racing, they were working in the café.

They were beginning to steadily climb the ladder of boarders and it didn't take long for them to reach the top hundred, and yet they still continued to steadily advance.

They finally found a rare break as Jack decided to open up later in the afternoon, and they had just completed a challenge, so the crew had taken the opportunity to sleep in.

Naomi was the first to get up at seven. She spent the next hour running around and chasing Mo, causing Alegra to finally get up. Sahara and Orion soon followed and the twins were awake by ten. As usual, Terrell was the one still sleeping. Unfortunately for him, the twins were in a mischievous mood.

"They sure have a death wish," Alegra commented as she and Sahara watched the little movement they saw from below.

Sahara grinned. Five minutes earlier, the two had headed up armed with black felt tip pens. It looked like they were wanting to draw the old fashioned way; and their canvas was Terrell's face. Naomi had joined them as was watching closely. When she giggled, both twins shushed her at once.

"It was bound to happen that they get killed one day by him," Orion said calmly. "Guess we should enjoy the last few moments they're still with us."

"You think Naomi will at least get away alive?" Sahara asked.

"She'll get Terrell before he does her," Alegra replied. "I raised a fighter."

"Among other things," Orion noted.

Alegra shot him a glare.

Reagan laughed causing Arden to jab him in the ribs with his elbow.

"Owe," Reagan complained.

"You'll get us killed," Arden hissed.

"Moustache, a curly one," Naomi pleaded the twins.

"They should stop while they can," Sahara murmured.

"No, leave them, I beg you," Alegra replied. "If Terrell gets them things might quite down a bit." She stared into the distance with a dreamy look in her eyes.

"Sometimes you're scary," Sahara told her with a shiver.

Even Orion scooted further away.

Reagan let out a yelp and there was the sound of scuffling. A few moments later, Naomi flew down the stairs, followed by Arden.

"Why always me?" Reagan was yelling.

Sahara could only guess that he had been caught.

"What are you doing?" they heard Terrell ask sleepily.

"N-nothing!" Reagan replied.

"Then why do you have that look on your face?"

"What look?"

"Guilt."

"My face always looks like this!" Reagan replied.

There was a moment of silence and then the sound of shuffling. Moments later, Reagan came speeding down the stairs to join his brother and Naomi behind the safety of the couch.

Terrell appeared at the top of the stairs. Once again he was shirtless, and as always he looked groggy and unhappy about having been woken up. When he looked up, Sahara's mouth flew to her mouth as she tried to cover up her laugh.

"Pft," slipped out.

"Ha, what do you know, they're quite the artists," Alegra said.

"Looking good," Orion added.

Reagan was rolling on the floor with laughter while Naomi giggled and Arden looked extremely satisfied with himself.

"What's going on?" Terrell muttered in confusion.

Sahara couldn't say anything as she gasped for air. Somehow, the twins had given Terrell a black curly moustache right below his nose, a goatee on his chin, and a looking glass around his left eye. One front tooth had been colored black, and someone had stylishly added a bowtie to his neck.

"What?" Terrell asked.

As soon as he opened his mouth to show the tooth, Sahara lost it. She giggled like crazy, hanging onto a grinning Alegra. Even Orion couldn't help but laugh.

Terrell narrowed his eyes as he stomped down the stairs. "Don't know what's got you all in stitches."

"I must say, this is one look I'd love for you to have every day," Alegra commented.

Terrell's eyes widened as he seemed to catch on. He dashed towards the bathroom in search of a mirror. It took all but five seconds for his yell to be heard.

"You're dead meat!"

"Better make a run for it," Alegra told the twins just as Terrell appeared.

The twins were out the door in a flash, Terrell on their heels.

"I wonder how long it'll take him to realize he went out with that look," Sahara commented.

He was back in less than a minute. "So dead," he muttered as he stomped past them towards the showers. Once they heard it running, the twins popped their heads around the corner. Naomi gave them a thumbs up and they came back in to eat breakfast.

Before Terrell was done, Alegra got up. "Naomi and I are going to go out for a bit. I need to get her some new clothes," she announced.

"Do remember to pay for them," Orion told her.

Alegra didn't reply as she took Naomi's hand and the two headed off.

"See you later at the café," Alegra called back before she was gone.

"Jack wanted to talk with me about the idea of marketing a new dish," Orion said as he got up too. "Got to get going so that we can do it before he opens." He walked towards the door.

The twins sat down across from Sahara.

"I have a feeling we're going to be bored," Arden said.

Reagan let out a sigh.

"More like dead," Terrell said from behind them.

Both twins jumped and yet were too late as Terrell placed a hand on the back of either of their necks. He had successfully managed to get rid of all ink through his shower.

"So, which one is first?" he asked.

The twins gulped before each pointing a finger at the other.

"Thought so," Terrell muttered before he let them go. He shook his wet hair, making water go everywhere.

Reagan and Arden exchanged glances, as though not believing their luck at getting away free.

"You're not going to kill us?" Reagan asked carefully.

"Where would be the fun in that?" Terrell replied calmly. "I'll come for you when you don't expect it."

Arden shivered and Reagan sank down lower in his chair.

Without another word, Terrell walked up to Sahara. To her surprise, he reached out and grabbed her hand. He pulled her to her feet before heading to the door.

"Hey...wait!" Sahara protested.

"We're going to practice," Terrell said.

"Great!" Reagan exclaimed as he and Arden jumped to their feet.

"You two aren't invited," Terrell told them.

The twins paused.

"Don't even think of following," Terrell turned, "Or you're dead."

Reagan shrank back and Arden sat back down with a sigh.

Terrell pulled Sahara from the warehouse. He motioned for his board. Sahara was about to do the same for hers, yet he stopped her. "You don't need it."

Sahara furrowed her brow. "I thought you said we were going to practice."

"I lied," Terrell replied smoothly.

"Why?"

"To keep them from coming along." Terrell got on his board. He turned around. "Get on."

Sahara paused. "Where are we going?" she asked cautiously.

"To relax. It's been stressful these last few days...having to act like someone you're not and all." He was referring to how Sahara had to act in front of all the crews they'd been facing off the last few days.

Sahara stared at him.

"Get on before I change my mind," Terrell said.

Sahara scrambled up behind him.

"Hold on," Terrell warned before leaning forward.

Sahara saved herself from falling just in time by snaking her hands around Terrell's waist. She stiffened almost right after as she realized just how close she was to him. Her heart beat faster.

What's wrong with me? Sahara thought. She had stood behind Terrell before, and yet it hadn't been like this. Why?

As Terrell turned a corner Sahara's grip tightened. She stared at his back. It would be more comfortable to lean my head on it, she thought. However, she paused. Should she? Slowly, she leaned forward. Placing her check on his back, she closed her eyes and relaxed. The wind no longer battered against her face and she didn't feel like she was about to fall off. Sahara took a deep breath, a smile spreading across her face for some reason unknown to her. She just felt so comfortable and safe, like this was a place where she didn't have to worry about anything.

"Don't you dare drool on me," Terrell's voice made her eyes fly open.

A smile spread across Sahara's face. "I'll try not to," she said. Her eyes suddenly widened as she realized how high up they were, and they were still rising. "Terrell..." she squeaked.

"Just hold on," Terrell told her and Sahara felt a slight pull of gravity take effect. It could only meant he was planning to go higher.

Sahara watched as below her, the city grew smaller bit by bit.

"What are we doing?" she yelled above the wind.

"Flying!" Terrell called back.

"Where to?"

"Up!"

Sahara peaked to one side. She saw Terrell staring straight ahead as he kept going up.

"It's kind of high," Sahara told him.

"It's meant to be."

"Are you sure we should...?"

"Just shut up and enjoy it," Terrell told her.

Sahara closed her mouth. She leaned her cheek against Terrell's back once more, watching the city grow even smaller. She let out a little squeak of fear as she realized just how high they were.

Suddenly, it got quieter. There was no sound but the gentle humming of the board. A slight breeze blew and yet it was more of a friendly, caressing wind. Sahara dared another peak down only to gasp. The sun reflected of the building below, making them sparkle like diamonds.

Noticing that Terrell shift, she glanced ahead to see that he had reached out his hand, as though reaching for something. To her surprise, Sahara saw what looked like ripples spread from where his fingers touched a solid surface. Realization filled her as it hit her that they had reached the top and Terrell was touching the dome that was going around the city.

She watched for a moment longer as Terrell continued to let his hand brush against the surface. Then, Sahara slowly reached out her own hand. Surprise filled her when her fingers came into contact with a cold, smooth surface. She risked a peak around Terrell's shoulder to see his eyes sparkling as he stared at the sky outside almost longingly.

"It's beautiful," Sahara called.

It seemed to snap Terrell out of it. He dropped his hand. "Want to have some fun?" he asked.

"Fun?"

A grin spread across Terrell's face. Sahara's eyes widened. This wasn't going to be good. Suddenly, the hover board stopped humming. In fact, it stopped moving at all. A second later, it began to plummet towards the ground. Sahara let out a scream as they began to fall headfirst. She clung to Terrell, screaming for her life. Above it, she thought she heard Terrell laughing.

Then, when they grew closer to the ground, the board suddenly began to hum once again. Terrell straightened it out at the last moment and they were suddenly hovering safely a few feet above the ground. Terrell boarded forward as though nothing had happened.

"You almost killed us!" Sahara complained as she tried to get over her fright. However, even though she wouldn't admit it out loud, the adrenaline rush had been something else. Terrell only laughed.

They reached a more crowded area when Terrell brought the board to a stop.

"Time to get off," he announced.

Realizing she was still clinging to him, Sahara quickly let go. She jumped to the ground, trying to hide her blush as Terrell calmly followed.

"So, where do you want to go?" he motioned to the stalls around him.

Sahara didn't try to hide her surprise. "What are we doing?"

Terrell shrugged. "Whatever you want."

For a moment Sahara simply stood rooted to the spot. She wasn't sure how to react. She jumped in surprise when Terrell's hand landed on her head. He leaned down to stare right into her eyes.

"Or do you want to go drop out of the sky again?" he asked her.

That made Sahara move. "Look over there!" she exclaimed as she rushed towards a stall.

Chuckling, Terrell followed with his board in tow.

For the next hour, Sahara immersed herself in everything that was being sold in the area. She ran from store to store, the opportunity to simply relax making her feel as though a load had been taken off her shoulders. Terrell followed her everywhere, giving his comments now and then. Stares followed him as usual, yet he didn't seem to notice and even Sahara was too immersed in her own world to pay any attention.

"What about this one?" Terrell held up a blue hair clip against Sahara's hair.

"When would I ever wear it?" Sahara replied.

"It looks good," Terrell murmured.

"Psh." Sahara turned towards another object. She shot a glance behind a moment later only to see Terrell paying for the clip. Her eyes widened. "Don't tell me you bought it," she told him as he walked towards her.

"What if I did?"

Sahara felt a blush creep to her cheeks. "For me?"

For a moment, Terrell simply looked at her with a thoughtful expression on his face. "Actually, I want to wear it," he said with a straight face.

Sahara replied by hitting him on the shoulder.

"Owe!" Terrell complained as he rubbed the spot.

"Baby," Sahara told him.

"You hit hard."

"You've been hit harder."

Terrell grinned at that one. "Here." He held out the hair clip.

Sahara hesitated.

"Hey, you got me something a while back," Terrell told her.

Sahara remembered the medallion.

"It's only fair."

As she took the clip, disappointment flashed through her. He's only paying me back, she thought. Something inside her had been hoping it would be something more than a simple pay back. Don't kid yourself, a voice told her in her mind. Why would someone like him ever think of someone like you in that way? "Thanks," Sahara said as she took the clip.

Terrell cocked his head to the side. "You okay?"

Sahara forced a smile as she nodded.

"Hm..." Terrell didn't look convinced. Reaching out, he grabbed her hand.

"W...what?" Sahara spluttered as Terrell began to pull her along.

"You look hungry," Terrell replied as he dragged her towards what looked like a small restaurant.

"Hungry?"

"Aren't you?" Terrell asked without glancing back.

"Not really."

"Well I am." Terrell opened that door and walked in, still pulling Sahara along. "A table for two," he told the boy who lazily walked over. They were lead to a table at the very back. Stares followed mainly Terrell and Sahara suddenly began to feel uncomfortable at the attention. She thought that two girls they passed glared at her.

Terrell sat down so that he was facing the others while Sahara's seat was facing a small window at the back. Without hesitating, Terrell grabbed the menu.

"Where's the meat?" he muttered as he flipped through it.

Sahara squirmed as she felt eyes on them.

"What do you want?" Terrell asked as he peaked above the menu at Sahara.

"Huh?" Sahara looked up. "Um...something small?" it came out as more of a question.

Terrell let out a snort. "You're not watching your weight, are you?"

Sahara shook her head.

"Alright then." Terrell motioned for the same guy who slowly walked over. "A meat platter for two," Terrell told him. "And to drink..." he looked at Sahara.

"An oasis," Sahara mentioned the blue drink she had gotten quite fond of.

"And a strawberry milk," Terrell added.

"We're out of strawberry milk," the guy taking the order replied.

Terrell let out a defeated sigh. "Then another oasis...and a lollypop."

The guy gave him a curious stare at that one. "Is that all?" he asked.

Terrell nodded.

"Right," the guy turned and shuffled off towards the kitchen.

"No strawberry milk," Terrell said with a sigh as he dropped his head on the table. "What is this place coming to?" he moaned.

Sahara leaned back, amusement filling her. "Why strawberry milk?" the question popped out.

Terrell looked up.

"Why do you like it so much?" Sahara elaborated.

Terrell shrugged. "I guess my mother always gave it to me for snack time," he said. "That, and the fact that my brother can't stand the stuff."

"You have a brother?" Sahara asked in surprise.

Terrell's face hardened and Sahara felt him draw up walls. "I'm sorry," she quickly apologized. "I shouldn't have asked." Idiot, she told herself. Maybe his brother died from the virus too.

Terrell waved it off as his face softened. "It's fine."

Sahara nodded and bit her lip. She wanted to know more, yet she didn't want to pry into Terrell's life. He seemed to always pull away when questions were raised.

"He's older."

Sahara looked up in surprise when Terrell spoke.

"Just in case you were wondering," Terrell told her as he leaned back. He let out a sigh.

"He's...he's alive?" Sahara couldn't help the question.

"Very," came Terrell's dry reply.

But he's never talked about him before, Sahara felt questions fill her. However, she didn't voice them.

"You got any siblings?" Terrell asked.

Sahara shrugged. "I have no idea," she replied truthfully. She saw the questioning look Terrell gave her. "My parents abandoned me at an orphanage. I was too young to remember much," she murmured. "I don't even remember their faces." She looked away. She didn't want to see the pity she was sure would fill Terrell's eyes. She had never been able to stand it when people looked at her like she was some poor creature after finding out about her parents.

"Well that sucks for them," Terrell said.

Sahara looked up in surprise. Terrell's face had no pity on it, instead, his eyes were filled with warmth as he smiled at her in a way that made her feel like her heart was melting.

"They missed out getting to know a great person," Terrell told her.

Sahara didn't know how to react. She felt tears fill her eyes.

"Whoa!" Terrell looked ready to panic. "Are you okay?" He was suddenly flustered, seeming unsure what to do. "Did I say something wrong?"

Sahara shook her head as she smiled. "No," she fought to hold back the tears. "That's just one of the nicest things anyone's ever said to me."

Terrell relaxed as he seemed to realize that she wasn't upset.

"Naomi showed me a picture of her parents yesterday," Sahara tried to change the topic to make things less awkward.

"Oh?"

Sahara nodded, yet she paused as she remembered something. "It was odd..." she wrinkled her forehead.

"What was?" Terrell suddenly seemed interested.

Sahara shook her head. "Maybe it was just the way the hologram looked...but Naomi doesn't seem to have changed a lot in the last three years."

Terrell's eyebrows rose. "How so?"

Sahara shrugged. "Not sure...she kind of looked the exact same. You know, like three years ago she still looked like what she looks like today."

"So...as a four year old she looked like a seven year old," Terrell helped out.

"Crazy, right?" Sahara asked.

"Hmm," came Terrell's response as he leaned back. He looked to be deep in thought about something.

"Meat's here," a bored voice said as the guy from before dumped a platter, filled to the brim with different types of meat, before them. "And the lollypop," he put it down in the middle, seeming unsure who wanted it. "Drinks are coming." He turned and walked away.

Sahara stared at the meat. How is it possible for a city running out of supplies to have this much meat to spare? "That's way too much!" she added out loud.

"It's paid for, so we've got to eat it all so it doesn't go to waste," Terrell replied.

"There's no way we can finish this!"

"Want to know a secret?" Terrell asked as he leaned forward.

Sahara wrinkled her forehead, wondering where the question had suddenly come from. Intrigued, she leaned forward.

"I..." Terrell looked around, as though trying to make sure no one could hear, "Have two stomachs." He leaned back.

Sahara giggled. "I thought you were going to tell me a real secret," she told Terrell.

"It is," Terrell replied as he pretended to look hurt.

Sahara grinned. Just then, the guy brought their drinks.

"Here's to a fun day so far." Terrell lifted his glass.

Sahara bumped hers against his before taking a sip of hers.

"Alright," Terrell leaned closer to the plate. "Let's dig in!"

How they finished the platter was a mystery to Sahara. Her stomach felt ready to burst and yet Terrell seemed to not be full quite yet. He ended up ordering desert. To no surprise, it was strawberry flavored cake. However, he only got one piece and ordered two forks.

Sahara watched him shove a forkful into his mouth.

"Strawberries," he sighed as he closed his eyes. "It's been too long."

Sahara shook her head. "Alegra will kill you if she ever finds out you're eating strawberries behind her back. You're supposed to be breaking an addiction!"

Terrell opened one eye. "I'm not addicted."

Sahara snorted before she cut a piece of the cake with her fork. She had just put it in her mouth when a movement at the window caught her eyes. When Arden's face popped into view, she almost choked.

"You okay?" Terrell asked.

Sahara nodded as she grabbed her drink and took a long sip. When she looked up, she found both twins grinning at her from outside the window.

Reagan mouthed something, yet Sahara wasn't able to make it out. When he tried again, slower this time, she was able to understand.

"How is it going?" the twin asked.

How is what going? Sahara wondered. She tilted her head to the side in confusion.

Terrell, not seeming to notice, grabbed another forkful of cake.

"Date," Arden mouthed.

Sahara felt her face flush. "Not a date!" she mouthed back when Terrell was preoccupied with eating cake.

Reagan rolled his eyes and Arden simply grinned.

"Seriously!" Sahara mouthed, she followed it with a glare before eating a bite of the cake.

Arden's grin only widened. Reagan gave her a thumbs up.

Trying to ignore them, Sahara reached for another forkful of cake. She had just lifted it to her mouth when her eyes caught sight of the twins. Reagan was waving his hands frantically while mouthing something. Sahara froze as she tried to figure out what it was. Not understanding, she shrugged.

Reagan rolled his eyes. He held up a finger, pointed at Sahara, and then at Terrell. When Sahara furrowed her forehead he put a hand to tap his chin. His eyes lit up suddenly. Before Sahara knew what was happening, she watched Reagan turn on his unsuspecting twin. He clamped a hand over Arden's mouth before pretending to kiss him.

Sahara dropped her fork as Arden lashed out and the twins disappeared. A snort of laughter escaped from Sahara and Terrell looked up in surprise.

"What's up?" he asked curiously.

Sahara shook her head, not willing to say anything. She shot a glance at the window to see that Reagan had reappeared. His hair was in a mess, most likely from his brother putting up a fight. He grinned at Sahara and gave her another thumbs up. However, a moment later a not so happy Arden appeared. He glared at his twin before dragging him off.

Realizing where Sahara was looking, Terrell turned. However, the window was empty. Shrugging, Terrell turned back to the cake which was almost empty.

"Your world," he began as he took another piece of cake. "Do you miss it?"

The question took Sahara by surprise. Do I? she wondered. "Well..." she picked up the fork she had dropped. "Parts of it..." she trailed off. "I guess I miss the Kane's." She examined the fork before looking up to see that Terrell was watching her intently, "I'm not sure about everything else."

"Then let me ask this way." Terrell leaned forward. "Do you still want to go back?"

Sahara froze. It was the same question that had flickered through her mind not long ago. She hesitated.

"Do you still want to go to your own world?" Terrell asked again.

Sahara traced a finger on the table. Slowly, she looked up. "Y...yes," she whispered, yet something inside her seemed to squeeze as she said it. "I have to go back to my family." She pushed the fork into her mouth.

Something flashed through Terrell's eyes. He leaned back. "If that's what you want," he murmured. "Mind if I finish the cake?" he asked.

Sahara shook her head.

"Then..." Terrell didn't hesitate as he reached for it.

Sahara watched him eat it in a gulp.

"Gah...so full," Terrell leaned back. He let out a satisfied sigh. "Ah!" He suddenly leaned towards her. "You have something here." He motioned to his cheek.

Sahara wiped a hand across her cheek.

"Other one," Terrell grinned. "Here," his hand came towards Sahara, making her freeze. "I've got it." Terrell's finger wiped away the offending piece of cake. He sat back.

"T-thanks," Sahara stuttered as she tried to hide her blushing cheeks.

"Anytime," Terrell replied. When he leaned his head back and closed his eyes, Sahara watched him for a moment. She suddenly remembered what the twins had been mouthing at her.

"Um...Terrell," she began softly.

"Hmm?" came the reply.

"Ah...today..." Sahara felt her courage leaving. "Was today...was it...like a date?" She couldn't believe that she had asked.

Terrell's eyes popped open.

"I mean...you, me...you know...hanging out alone..." Sahara spluttered as her face heated up. She felt mortified at having brought up the topic.

A grin spread across Terrell's face. He seemed to be enjoying her discomfort.

Sahara shook her head as Terrell leaned forward. "You know what, just forge..."

"Do you want it to be a date?" Terrell asked. His face was suddenly a lot closer.

Sahara's eyes widened. Her mouth opened and moved, yet nothing came out.

Terrell leaned even closer. And then, his bracelet began to vibrate. Terrell shot a glance down.

"Seriously?" he muttered. "I have to take this," he told Sahara.

Before she could react, he was up and left the table. Sahara blinked as her mind tried to figure out what had just happened. She shot a glance behind her to see that Terrell had stepped outside of the restaurant. He was standing to the side, seeming to be talking to someone on his bracelet.

Turning away, Sahara hid her face in her hands.  "Just what is going on?" she asked herself as her heart raced inside her chest.

"Hey," a feminine voice said.

Sahara glanced up to see a pretty red head and a gorgeous girl with flowing black hair, had come up to her.

"Um...hello," Sahara said.

"So," the red head slipped into the chair Terrell had been sitting in before. "Tell me. How did a girl like you manage to come here with someone like him?"

Sahara blinked.

"She means the hottie," the black haired girl helped out.

"What do you...?" Sahara began.

"She's a dim one," the red haired sighed. "Whatever, do you happen to know his IHM?"

"Uh..." Sahara trailed of. Dislike flittered through her.

"Told you she doesn't," the black haired girl told the other. "It's probably not even a date. Besides, why would he give his number to her?"

Sahara's face heated up in both anger and embarrassment. She opened her mouth to say something when someone grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet. Sahara found herself staring at Terrell.

"That was quick," she said the first thing that came to her mind.

"Hmm," Terrell replied.

The red head had sprung to her feet and was smoothing out her short skirt.

"Hey," the black head was the one to speak.

Terrell looked over at her for the first time. His eyebrows rose. "Who're you?" he asked.

"Tamina," the girl replied with a seductive smile.

Terrell turned to Sahara. "Friends of yours?" he asked.

"I just met them," Sahara replied.

The red head saw a chance and sprung in. "We were just..."

"I'm getting tired," Terrell ignored her completely. "Let's go home." He pulled Sahara towards the door.

Surprised at his lack of interest in the other girls, Sahara couldn't help but shoot a glance back.

"Home?" she saw the red head mouth at the other girl in disbelief.

When they reached outside, Terrell motioned for his board. When it zoomed up he switched it off and tucked it under an arm. In the next moment, he slipped his own hand into Sahara's and held it firmly.

"What are you doing?" Sahara asked.

"Walking, sometimes it does you good," Terrell told her. He glanced down at their hands. "That's insurance, just to make sure you don't run off and make me have to come save you from another sticky situation. Which, if I may say so, you always seem to find yourself in."

"Do not!" Sahara protested.

Terrell only chuckled.

They walked in silence for a while, holding hands as Terrell wouldn't let go.

"You're getting better at boarding," Terrell told Sahara.

"It feels more comfortable," Sahara replied.

"Good."

Sahara hesitated. "I still can't race yet, can I?"

Terrell's eyebrows rose. "You think you're good enough?"

Sahara bit her lip. She didn't, but she was itching to try race at some point. "Maybe," she said.

"Are you willing to bet the team on that maybe?" Terrell replied.

Sahara let out a sigh. "No."

Terrell chuckled. "Didn't think so. It's only going to get harder from here on out." Suddenly he paused.

"What?" Sahara asked when she saw him peering into an alley. Terrell suddenly let go of her hand and headed in. Not sure what was going on, Sahara followed.

They hadn't gone far when Sahara heard raised voices. A group of teenagers came into sight. There were five of them; three guys and two girls. All of them had boards and seemed to be arguing about something. To her surprise, Sahara didn't see any logos on their boards or on their clothes.

"Winner takes twelve thousand points," one of them said as Sahara and Terrell got closer. "Second can have five thousand, third three thousand. The last two will leave with nothing."

"Sounds interesting," Terrell spoke up.

All heads turned towards him.

"A group of rogues racing for points," Terrell continued. "Looks like fun."

Rogues? Sahara remembered something Orion had told her. Apparently people whose crew had broken up and who hadn't found a new one, or people who simply never joined, were known as rogues. They earned points though races with both crews and other roguess. Apparently, they were able to skip the creed's rules by challenging whoever they wanted. In the same way, their challenge could be accepted or turned down.

"What do you want?" one of the guys asked.

Terrell shrugged. "Nothing really. Just thought it would be fun to watch." He stopped walking.

"Well there's no space for spectators," another guy said.

"How about participants?" Terrell asked.

"You want to race?" one of the girls asked in interest.

"Not me," Terrell replied. "Her."

To Sahara's horror, he jerked a thumb towards her.

The guys and girls exchanged glances and shrugged.

Sahara grabbed Terrell's arm and whirled him around. "What are you doing?" she hissed.

"I can see it in your face, you want to try racing, don't you?" Terrell asked.

"M-maybe," Sahara replied. "But I'm not ready!"

"Says who?"

"You!"

Terrell shook his head. "Not for the big league, no. This is just a test, to see how far you've really come. Besides, this race won't go down in records anywhere. It's foolproof."

"What?"

"What do you say?" Terrell asked as he turned back to the group.

"Sure," one of the guys answered. "But you'll have to pitch in points."

"How much?" Terrell asked.

"Five thousand each."

"Twenty five altogether," Terrell noted. "Sure."

Isn't he usually super stingy with points? Sahara wondered.

"But under one condition," Terrell added. He grin spread across his face. "A race with no risk is no fun, so how about winner takes all?"

Sahara's eyes widened. "Are you crazy?" she hissed.

The teens exchanged uncertain glances.

"Or do you think you won't win?" Terrell probed.

"I'm up for it," one of the girls said.

"Sure, it'll make it more interesting," a guy agreed.

"Great." Terrell turned to Sahara. "You're in."

"I don't have a board!"

 "Use mine." Terrell dropped his to the ground and switched it on.

"What...?" Sahara tried. Terrell ignored her as he walked over and took her arm. Tapping her bracelet, he began to sync her to his board. "By the way, you lose my points and you'll pay them back out of your own pocket," Terrell told her with a smile.

"You're evil."

"And you need motivation." Terrell stepped back. "All done."

Sahara paused.

"Get on, they want to start," Terrell told her.

One side of Sahara screamed that this was crazy, the other wanted to get on the board and race. She wanted to know what it was like. Listening to the latter, she slowly got on Terrell's board. It felt different to her own in so many ways as it softly rocked back and forth.

"How do I do this?" she asked as she had never raced before.

"Follow the route on your bracelet. I linked you up to the race," Terrell replied. "The finish line is back here. Have fun," He added as he pushed her towards the start line.

"Alright, let's get this party started," one of the guys said. A large hologram popped up from his bracelet.

"Countdown began," a voice said. "Five,"

"By the way," Terrell called to Sahara as she leaned forward, her heart racing.

"Three..."

"My board is a bit more sensitive than what you've practiced on," Terrell continued.

"Two..."

"Especially on the turns, so..."

"One!"

Sahara didn't hear the rest of what Terrell said as she leaned forward and shot along with the other boarders. What am I doing? The thought flashed through her mind. However, she didn't listen to it as she zoomed off, the wind tearing at her hair. For a moment she enjoyed it when she bore down on the first corner. In front of her, two other racers disappeared around it.

That was when it really hit Sahara. She was actually in a race, and she had no idea what she was doing. Oh snap, she thought. At the same time, she began to feel herself slip. Though lack of gravity pull shouldn't be a problem, it seemed as though Terrell's board had a much more slippery surface than her own. Sahara swallowed as the corner grew closer. She wasn't sure how this on was going to end.