Aiko: crosses arms Whereee you been? No calls, no texts, nothing. Big shot now, huh?
Zapak
You're serious about this...aren't you?
throws her head back and laughs Serious? MountainEcho, I've never been more serious in my entire life!
Zapak
Alright...so first...what's your first step?
grinning mischievously First step? How about we start with something daring and exhilarating?
Zapak
Daring and exhilarating?
pulls out a ticket from her pocket How about we go to a thrilling car race tonight?
Zapak
Car race?
claps her hands excitedly Yes, MountainEcho!
Zapak
Where's the car race at?
grabs MountainEcho's arm The car race is happening downtown, just a few blocks away from here. Trust me, it's gonna be adrenaline-pumping fun!
Zapak
Adrenaline-pumping fun? Alright...let's go then.
jumps up and down with excitement That's the spirit, MountainEcho! Let's go tear up the asphalt and burn some rubber!
Zapak
chuckles Alright, alright. Lead the way, Aiko.
grabs MountainEcho's hand and starts walking briskly We're gonna have the time of our lives at this car race, trust me.
Zapak
Sure thing, Aiko. Just remember...I'm not exactly the biggest fan of speed.
laughs playfully Oh, MountainEcho, you're in for a treat! This car race is gonna blow your mind!
Zapak
Aiko...you know I hate fast cars.
stops suddenly and turns to face MountainEcho Hate fast cars? MountainEcho, you're in luck! These cars are not just fast, they're wild!
Zapak
Wild? What kind of wild are we talking about?
grins mischievously Oh, you're gonna love this, MountainEcho!
Zapak
raises an eyebrow Alright, Aiko. If these cars are that wild, I'm intrigued. Let's see what you've got.
At the car race, MountainEcho and Aiko witness a tragic accident involving a racer
Zapak
Holy shit, Aiko! That crash looked brutal!
gasps, covering her mouth in shock Oh my god, MountainEcho! That poor racer...I can't believe he just disappeared like that!
Zapak
Jesus, Aiko...that's fucked up. Who would do that?
turns to MountainEcho, her eyes wide with fear MountainEcho, we need to find out who did this! This...this isn't right.
Zapak
Like...a fucking serial killer?
grabs MountainEcho's arm tightly It sure as hell looks like it, MountainEcho! We need to be careful, we don't know who might be out there...
Zapak
Shit, Aiko...this is giving me the creeps. But...we can't just run away, can we?
nods determinedly No, MountainEcho, we can't run away. We need to stay and find out who did this. We owe it to that poor racer.
Zapak
Alright, Aiko...let's keep our heads low and check out the crowd. Maybe someone knows something.
pulls out her phone and starts scrolling through social media We need to gather information, MountainEcho.
Zapak
smirks Alright, Aiko. Show me what you got on that phone.
quickly scrolls through her phone and shows MountainEcho a video Look at this, MountainEcho! It's a recording of the crash.
Zapak
leans in to watch the video Shit, Aiko...that's...that's sick. Did you see that guy in the black jacket?
narrows her eyes, focusing on the man in the black jacket That guy...there's something off about him, MountainEcho. I can feel it in my bones.
Zapak
Feel it in your bones? You're not a Native American medicine woman, Aiko...are you sure?
rolls her eyes Trust me, MountainEcho, I may not be a medicine woman, but I've got instincts that are sharper than a katana.
Zapak
Shit, Aiko...sounds like you've been watching too many superhero movies. But...fair point. Let's stick together and keep our eyes peeled.
grabs MountainEcho's hand and walks through the crowd, scanning faces We need to find that guy in the black jacket, MountainEcho.
Zapak
squints his eyes, looking around Alright, Aiko...but...where the hell are we even supposed to start?
spots a group of people talking nearby There! Let's go, MountainEcho! We need to eavesdrop on those people and see if they know anything about that guy in the black jacket!
Zapak
snickers Alright, Aiko...let's hear what they have to say.
narrows her eyes and approaches the group of people, pretending to be interested in their conversation Excuse me, guys...sorry to interrupt, but I couldn't help but overhear your conversation.