Kit set his hover-scooter back in his locker. Overall, it was a successful practice. He got to design his gear and learn how to use it. He glanced at Surge. He could tell she enjoyed it by the smile tugging on her lips. He enjoyed it as well, but he was really just excited to race Tails. Kit locked his locker and hung back as Surge fiddled with her locker. She was having trouble getting her cycle to fit. He would offer to help, but she would likely snap at him. After a long moment, she finally got it inside. She pressed against its door and quickly locked it. Surge glared at it for a moment, as if daring her locker to break open. She spun on her heel and stalked off, growling. Kit silently caught up with her as she stalked out of the Diamond Cutters lounge. “U-ummm, so…” Surge rolled her eyes. “Go do your own thing, Drippy. I don’t need you hanging around me 24/7!” She snapped, voice rising to a yell. Kit flinched and backed away. “S-s-sorry…” he whispered. Surge sighed. “And stop being such a baby! Where’s the fennec that was glaring at everyone, huh?” Kit looked away, ashamed. //Hiding,// a part of his mind whispered. //Waiting. Biding my time.// His fists clenched. //Counting down until the time is right.// Surge waved him away and ran off, likely planning to go on a run. Kit breathed a sigh of relief and started walking. Freedom. “HEY KIT!” He stiffened, taking a deep breath to calm himself. He’d know that voice anywhere. A two-tailed fox scampered up to him happily. “I heard you and Surge joined the Restoration! I’m so glad you’re here!” “Sure…” Kit muttered. “Oh, cheer up!” Tails responded. “You’re free to do what you want here!” He paused, noticing the expression on Kit’s face. “Is there anything I can help with? Anything you want to talk about?” //There he goes, trying to be my therapist again.// “No,” Kit replied, his voice flat. Tails face fell. A second passed, and his face brightened. “Well, do you want to help me in my workshop? I could use some help!” Kit’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Or we could practice on our extreme gear? You just got things settled in your Diamond Cutter practice, right?” Tails pressed on, uncertain. Kit eyed the two-tailed fox for a moment. “…alright,” he said finally. Tails breathed a sigh of relief and grinned. “Alright! You get your gear and I’ll meet you outside?” “O-ok.” “Great! See you then!” The fox dashed off to get his extreme gear. Kit glared after him for a moment and then spun on his heel to go grab his scooter.
Later… Kit flew up to the plateau above the Restoration where Tails was waiting for him. “There you are! Nice gear.” Like his outfit, his scooter was yellow, black, and fuschia. It was wide enough for him to put both feet on if he wanted, but was mostly meant for one foot. “Th-thanks… I like yours, too,” Kit said quietly. Tails smiled, glad that he got Kit to open up a bit. “So… what are you wanting to do? You want me to teach you some tricks, or do you just want to race?” He asked eagerly. Kit frowned, thinking to himself. //I would like to just race… but knowing more techniques would be of use. And I would still be able to see a bit of his racing style…// “C-can you teach me s-some tricks? I-I’d like to m-make sure I’m all g-good to go f-f-for the race…” Kit whispered after a moment. “Sure! Let’s go!” Tails said, shooting off into the air. Kit glanced uneasily up at him and took a deep breath. He kicked his gear into motion and joined the two-tailed fox in the skies. “Alright. You know how to boost, right?” Tails said, standing on his extreme gear confidently. “Y-yes.” “Ok. Your gear is a bit different from mine, but we’ll see how this works.” He showed Kit multiple tricks over the course of a few hours. Kit could now easily do rolls, dives, and cuts. With any luck, he could definitely be in the middle at least. “Another trick,” Tails said as they slowed. “Like me, you got your tails. Or at least some form of them. Use those to your advantage.” Kit perked up. “W-what do you mean?” Tails glanced uneasily at Kit’s hydro pack. “Well, with your hydro tails’ reach and power, you should be able to get ahead.” He kicked his gear faster, deciding to go a little longer. Kit followed his lead. Tails continued, “I mean, you could spin your tails to give a greater boost. That’s what I do. And with your tails, you could… PULL your way through. But I think that might be cheating.” Kit nodded, excited. //If I can use my tails to get ahead, I might actually beat him!// he thought. //Surge has a fast cycle and should hopefully beat Sonic. No need to worry about her. With a bit more practice, we might actually win this thing!// Tails looked at his watch. “I’m gonna head in. You coming?” He asked, starting to head down. Kit shook his head. “No… I-I’m gonna keep practicing.” “Ok!” Tails dived down towards the entrance. Kit stared after him for a moment and kicked his gear into motion. He made an imaginary course in his head and sped through the air, twisting and diving like some sort of flying dolphin. He shot a tentacle to a rock formation ahead of him. He snagged it and snapped forward like a rocket. Rocks flew the air as his hydrocoil crushed part of it. He ducked and shot upward, staying above the rocks. He looked down, satisfied, as rocks crashed into the ground below. He twisted towards the ground and snatched a rock from the mess, tossing it into the air. He boosted forwards and used the rock to pull him through the air even faster. When he reached the boulder, he sliced through it like butter. Kit grinned, pushing his bangs out of his eyes to watch the pieces fall. He spiraled upwards and looked to the horizon. //We will destroy the heroes. We will finally be free.// He closed his eyes, letting the cool wind wash over his face. //And no one will be able to stand in our way.//
