Casino Square played host to a large party for it's remaining competitors one day before the round 5 Smash Zone battles.
The press were gathering in their hundreds to welcome heavyweight players like Razzmatazz and Firestorm but all eyes were on two people, Popuri Meadows and Hellcat.
Both women guarded by Officer Barry, the press were in awe at the sight of the two beauties walking down the red carpet.
Popuri was used to formalities having done a few Olympic ceremonies, Hellcat on the other hand was petrified as all the eyes were on her, it didn't help that the dress she was wearing made her look like a Hollywood celebrity at the Oscars thanks to her mother picking out the dress, a silk red strapless gown, with a tiered skirt and a high slit giving her a look of a latin dancer.
Hellcat was so glad that Barry was on security and even happier she could walk with Popuri.
Alice to was getting attention as it was revealed that she is the granddaughter of Bayside's mayor, also not surprising that Slippy Squad would get alot of attention.
When the hype settled, Razzmatazz made no secret of his irritation of seeing Dawn, the tension could be felt between them, giving an equally eerie presence was Suzuka, she wasn't with anyone but it was clear she had the most interest in Popuri.
Hellcat really struggled with all the attention and stepped out onto the balcony just to stop a panic attack setting in, she hoped to be alone but was surprised to see Dave there, the two had not spoken since Hellcat came back from the Eden Dome, it was also clear that Dave wasn't his usual cheerful self.
After a brief silence, Hellcat asked what was wrong.
"I'm not sure if things are going well with Alice, she's super nice, fun, is very respectful of my boundaries and understands if I don't want to do something, but something is missing" Dave couldn't put his finger on it, Hellcat recalled a brief moment when Alice spoke in her adult voice.
"It's the adult part of the relationship, I don't think Alice is fully ready to show that side of her yet, just have to be patient and drop some hints" Dave agreed with Hellcat's advice, after another brief silence, Hellcat spoke.
"I have to know and please be honest with me, what does Chaos Engine actually think of me?" Hellcat asked trembling slightly.
"You can be very rough and very irritable, alot of the mechanics don't always find you approachable and you can be very reckless but we don't hate you, all of us were aware of your injury and it was always clear that you were trying so hard to get better, just wish you dial back the Hellcat and be more Zoe Helkin, we prefer it when Zoe turns up to the garage instead of Hellcat" Dave spoken with maturity, the words helped even though some comments aligned with what Alice said.
"I know I give you a hard time but I also know what you are capable of, you are a very skilled driver, you are better than your King rank suggests and you are probably the only Highway driver who could make a career out of it" Probably the nicest thing Hellcat has ever said to Dave.
"Hard to believe that the bratty teenager I met ten years ago is now a beautiful young woman" Dave gave a smile, the compliment caught Hellcat off guard making her blush.
"Where do you get off acting all cool for"
Dave was expecting a punch but Zoe instead stole a kiss, "Use that on Alice, I guarantee she'll be a keeper for you" Zoe throws Dave a car key. "I upgraded your Ford Focus RS Kingpin, you better get a Joker rank, I want top drivers in Chaos Engine" Dave was happy to get his car back, he threw to Zoe the Gracie's Ball tickets. "Make sure you get the Gold card for us, Team Captain Zoe Helkin" Zoe smiled and stuffed the tickets into her cleavage.
"You okay Zoe?" Popuri asked after finding her.
"I am now, thank you for being my friend" Zoe toasted Popuri, the future of Chaos Engine now feeling brighter.