Chapter Text
Back in his neighbourhood, Nolo felt like it had been years since he had last been here. With all the crazy things that had been going on, and the change to his attitude and outlook. Nolo knew he had grown as a person, that he was different to the angry boy who had left this place.
Parking Drift Tech up outside the Teku workshop, Nolo looked at the building. He still had the key in his pocket, even though he had been away from the garage, his home, since Tone's death. He had slept on friend's couches and spare rooms to avoid the apartment he had shared with his brother.
Today Nolo felt ready to return.
“Yo! Nolo!” A neighbour yelled from somewhere above. “Nice Wheels!”
“Thanks man.” Nolo grinned, it was good to be back. Even better with a sweet ride.
“You back at your place now?” The same person shouted.
“Yeah I am. Thought it was time.” Nolo swung the key on the keychain.
“Cool. I'll let the boys know. We been keeping an eye on it for you.” The guy hung out of his window to talk. A familiar face.
“Thanks Rico.” Nolo recognised Tone's old buddy. He hadn't realised that they were still in the neighbourhood. “I'll see you around man.” He waved off more attention, he didn't need more sympathy over Tone's loss.
“See yah around.” Rico returned to his apartment with a wave.
Checking out the building, everything was how he had left it. Nolo could see that the Teku tags were a little faded and some trash had gathered at the doors. Weeds pushed up through cracks in the concrete. Once all the Racing Realm stuff was over, he'd have to get the place cleaned up and ask Shirako to paint new art. This place was Tone's, this place was his, this place was Teku and he wanted it looking good.
His key slid into the lock, unlocking the roller shutter door. Pushing it up and open, Nolo jumped back into Drift Tech. Driving into the dark garage space. Out of the car, it was muscle memory to locate and hit the light switch.
“Home sweet home.” Nolo chuckled, looking around the dusty garage workshop. There was a broom leaning against the wall. 'Chores build a man, lil bro'.' Tone had always said. Nolo set Drift Tech playing music and grabbed the broom.
Mundane chores were a pretty good contrast to fighting Drones.
-*-
Back at home, even if she was alone, Karma felt relaxed. This was her space and she had everything exactly how she wanted it. Well, mostly; as she passed her sofa, a stray thought suggested it would be a lot better if Taro was sat on it.
That made her blush. “Since when did you get all weird about a guy?” She asked herself, heading for the kitchen.
Karma had already packed some extra clothes and other necessities along with a new laptop. Tezla had backed up everyone's data, but she liked to work with her own equipment for some projects. Especially her car. The bag was ready near the door, whenever the wheel was activated, she could leave right away.
Now she had time to prepare for the evening. Mainly, prepare a meal and choose some kind of outfit that worked for having dinner, at home. With her boyfriend.
Was Taro her boyfriend? He had called their evening plans a date when she had suggested it and later when they were texting to make the arrangements. Taro had been pretty clear and if their kisses had been anything to go by, then they were together.
She hadn't dated since college, though Taro was not the sort to stand on ceremony or expect any of the traditions certain aspects of life that society demanded. He probably wouldn't want them on a date either.
“Alright, first think of dinner.” Karma knew she had been away long enough that whatever she planned, she would have to fetch groceries. Opening the refrigerator confirmed that.
When an idea presented itself, an old family favourite that didn't need too much work, she headed out to the store.
-*-
Green light illuminated the city's dark skies, as it had since the Racing Drones invaded. There was still a missing feature however; the massive Wheel of Power was not projected for all to see.
“How much longer?” Kadeem demanded of a technician drone. If robots could emote, the technician would have balked at the threat from the self proclaimed leader. “I must race, I must face the Accelerons and succeed where Gelorum failed.”
“We have successfully infiltrated the enemy computer system once more.” The technician intoned. “They have made no progress further than our own. The fifth ring is an unknown quantity that even we have not encountered.”
“Work harder.” Kadeem demanded, striking the wall with his enhanced arm. It sent cracks racing up the black panel. “I must win.”
The man-machine monster stormed away. His patience was thin and growing thinner.