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It had just stopped raining, as Techno reached the little cottage his family called home. All the lights were off, and there were no other houses close, so he only had the stars and moon to guide him. He didn’t need them, though. He had gone through this route for nearly a year, and when he had snuck out a few hours before, there was nothing in his way.
The last time he hadn’t checked, he was nearly caught.
He was careful not to slip on the damp grass, as he made his way around the house and to the patch of ivy clinging to the stone wall. He made sure he had a solid grip onto it, and that it wouldn’t rip off of the stone, before lifting himself up.
He had left the window open, so as soon as he was able to pull himself into it, he did.
He winced as he dragged mud and grass into Wilbur and his shared bedroom. He would have to wake up early to clean the floor, and then take laundry duty to make sure his family didn’t notice the dirt and mud or the smell of burnt rubber. It was normal enough for his dad’s clothes, but would be weird coming from him.
He had only just began learning to drive. Well, that’s what they thought.
Techno stretched, then began changing into his pajamas. He could worry about cleaning up after an hour or so of sleep. Dad would only be awake at five, and Will at seven.
Techno went to his bed and grabbed the Pajamas he had changed out of about three hours ago. He placed the shoes at the foot of his desk.
He was mainly relying on muscle memory, as, though outside he had the moon, it was pitch black in there. That was probably the reason that he hadn’t noticed the figure siting in his reading chair. Well, until they turned on the lamp.
Techno froze, then turned slowly to whoever had caught him. How, he had been so careful. A year of sneaking out, only to be caught now.
Wilbur was sitting there, grinning like this was the best day in his life. Knowing him, it probably was.
“So,” Wilbur said, looking him over, “Where have you been?”
“Uh.” He wracked his brain for something. Anything. “I forgot something at school.”
“And it took you three and a half hours?” His eyebrow was raised. He looked so much like dad at that moment.
“Traffic was bad.”
“Tech, it’s the middle of the night there’s no one on the roads. Plus, school isn’t even open right now. Vacation started last week.”
“Uhhh”
“Techno, tell me the truth, or I’m telling dad.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“Try me.”
“Well, in that case, I’m telling him that the last time we went to the beach, you ate at least a fistful of sand.”
“You suck.”
“Well, seems like we’re at an impasse.”
Wilbur was glaring at him; he was glaring back.
“What were you doing?”
“I’m not gonna tell you.”
“Wow, sorry that I thought you would want to ensure my safety.”
“Heh?”
“If you don’t tell me, I’ll sneak out after you. I’m sure you wouldn’t want your twin brother, your second half, to get hurt following you, huh?”
“You’re not that stupid.” Will’s eyebrow got impossibly higher, “Oh right, you are.”
Wilbur was still grinning at him, and Techno was weighing his options. On the one hand, Wilbur could go to dad, but that was a possibility either way. Plus, Will wouldn’t do that, as much as they joke. Also, if he took his brother with him, their father wouldn’t be solely focused on him if he found out.
On the other hand, he wouldn’t be forced to keep his brother in the dark anymore. He wouldn’t have to sneak into the bedroom every time he raced. Plus, if he told Will, and brought him along, Will wouldn’t jump to conclusions or get himself into danger.
A plan formed in his head, surprisingly fast for how late it was.
“Okay, but I’ll tell you Saturday.”
“Why then? Why not now?”
“You’ll see.”
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Techno was surprised that his twin didn’t mention it at all for the next three days. He didn’t even allude to the meeting, which was incredibly surprising. Normally he would have been joking and trying to get on Techno’s nerves.
It was normal, they’d go to the park, or stay at home and play video games, or go to the racetrack to see dad practice. Watching as his car sped passed. He was practicing for a race in a week or so, and all three of them expected him to win.
Philza Craft, the angel of death, of course he would win.
===========
The day he was supposed to show Will what he had been sneaking out to do, he was prepared. He had two sets of clothes, one for him, one for Will. He also had a mask. Simple, nothing too extravagant. Not something he’d wear again.
A bit before twelve he got up from his bed and climbed to the top bunk. He shook his brother awake, who began to wine.
“Just, just five more minutes.”
“If you don’t get up now, I’m leaving without you.” His brother jerked awake, eyes snapping open.
“Really?”
“Yeah, common, get dressed. Also, try not to make any noise.”
Techno wishes he could say he was surprised that his brother was the loudest person to get ready ever. He wasn’t though, he had to put up with his brother his whole life. This was nothing surprising.
They were out of the house a bit later than he was used to, but that was okay. He had expected this. The race was at one thirty anyway.
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It seemed that luck was on their side. They arrived at the garage thirty minutes before the match, which gave them a lot of time to get to where it was taking place.
“Why are we taking your car?”
It wasn’t really his. At least, he hadn’t bought it. It was a gift from their dad. An older car that he wouldn’t notice if it got any new scratches. Reliable and pretty fast, plus the fact that their dad wouldn’t be paying much attention to? Perfect for racing.
“We need it.”
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After driving for a minute or two, Techno handed Wilbur a mask, and put on his own. Wilbur was confused and asked about it the entire ride, well, until they reached the place.
All around them were people dressed in dark clothes and masks. There were neon lights everywhere, and cars littered the place.
“Tech?” Will whispered, “Is this, like, a mob thing or something?”
Techno snorted, “No,” Techno paused, “Oh, and don’t say my name. Try not to even talk to anybody. M’kay?”
Will nodded. They reached the starting line, and someone came towards them. She was grinning.
“Hey Nemesis.” Techno said.
“Who’s that?”
“Just a new audience member.” He nudged Will, “Get out of the car.” Will didn’t object, jumping out.
“Well,” Nemesis said to him, “I hope you’re ready to see Blade over here lose.”
“Really,” Techno asked, grinning. Or, was Will supposed to think of him as ‘Blade’ or whatever.
Nah, Will was going to keep calling him Techno. Blade was a stupid name anyway.
“Well,” Will said to both of them, “Good luck.”
Techno nodded at Nemesis, “May the best racer win?”
“I will, thank you.” Nemesis joked.
Will walked to where a large group had gathered, all watching the two cars at the glowing yellow line. Next to Techno’s car a bright white car had pulled up. Someone he couldn’t really see well walked up to the front and was counting down from five. When they reached one, the cars sped off.
Will watched as their car flew off, the white car matching its speed. The roaring of their engines echoed in the empty streets. Soon enough, he couldn’t see them. He didn’t see them for a while, though he could hear them.
As he heard them get closer, he felt his heartrate pick up. It was just like when their dad was racing, while they watched their father turn and get so close to the finish line. This was different. Maybe even more exhilarating. He didn’t know who was in first, he didn’t know who would win.
People around him were making bets, and while he wouldn’t say he gives in to peer pressure, he wanted to do something. So, instead of betting on anything, he went a bit closer to the finish line, where the one who started the race was standing.
Wilbur, remembering techno’s advice, didn’t talk. He just watched.
“Hi,” the man said, not looking at him.
“Hello.”
“You came with the Blade, huh?”
“Uh, yeah, yeah I did.”
The man nodded. “Name?”
“I’m not supposed to say.”
“Good thinking.”
Then Will could see the cars racing towards him, hear their engines. They were coming closer and closer. Then they raced by him. Years of standing by the tracks when their dad raced had prepared him, and he didn’t flinch, even as he felt the rush of wind.
Both cars skidded to a stop, and the man walked towards them. Both racers, Techno and Nemesis, stepped out of their cars. The man grabbed Techno’s hand, and pulled it upwards.
“The Blade is the winner!”
People were shouting, people were screaming. Will could feel the grin stretched across his face. He could understand why Techno did this. Will may not enjoy racing like his father and twin, but he could definitely understand why they did it.
Techno approached him after the celebration died down and others were beginning to face each other. Nemesis sat beside them. They chatted, they laughed and joked. They’d even given him a name to use, Siren. He’d even planned to come back.
On the trip home as they left the garage to pick up one of the late-night buses to take them to the closest bus stop near their house, Will couldn’t help but laugh. He turned to Techno.
“Why am I the troublemaker?”