One Step Too Far: Chapter One

" The Start of a New Adventure "

One day, one beautiful morning. The sun glazed the scorching, tacky roads and bathed the roofs of the dull shacks and hotels that stood standing on the streets of this desolate, two-star town. The birds and the bees swarmed the dry, static-filled air, doing their own duties that nature assigned to them. While this empty, barren boulevard seems so uninhabited and lifeless, somewhere, somewhere, in this silent scenery, life is stirring. The citizens of Radiator Springs...

One of those inhabitants is a rather adamant, yet mild and lenient little stock racer, who's unique and distinguished paintjob depicting a thunderbolt with flames following after, marked with the number 95 in neon green and yellow, stands out in the crowd's solid, one-coloured wear. And he goes by the famous, proud name of Lightning McQueen, former NASCAR champion. McQueen has now become one of the town's beloved neighbours, after his bide with the town's authorities for tearing on the highway, even though it was the fault of four, mysterious boys under hoods. He earned their respect by doing good to the town, especially road paving. He especially earned the trust of cute little Porsche, Sally Carerra, whom, at first, didn't take too kindly to him for his offence. But after a while, they grew closer and closer, until they finally entered a happy, loving relationship, for better or for worse. They are joined by a rather entertaining, amusing old tow truck by the name of Tow Mater, who can't seem to sit still and loves to get into all sorts and causing trouble!

On a warm, mid-summers day, back in Radiator Springs, Lightning and the other residents were in Flo's café, just casually chatting and having the drink of gasoline, and talking about how the good ol' days were when the town was black with the hundreds of tourists who came to pass by, while others stayed a while. Lightning had something on his mind. After having just participated in the scammed World Grand Prix, run by a deceiving SUV who's formula made cars's tanks explode into flames when hit with a radioactive sentry beam, he couldn't stop thinking about how difficult the world made it for him. Sally decided to interrupt his train of thought by confiding in him. "So, how did it work out for you honey? I can see it wasn't so easy? They never are easy". But before Lightning could answer back, he took a quick glance at the TV. He was about to speak, until a loud commercial came on which almost made him jump in fright. It was about another Grand Prix, but this time it was a European Grand Prix, and it takes place in specific locations of Europe only, but cars from other countries were welcome to join, if they have a race record. The races take place roughly a month from now. As everyone watched, 3 familiar announcers from the last GP began commentating.

"Boogity Boogity Boogity! WOOOO! Hello everybody!" Darrell Cartrip shouted with glee on the RSN TV channel. "Let's get ready boys and girls! The European Grand Prix tour will be comin' up in less than a week! So get geared up and ready to shred the track! This exciting scenario will be taking place on the 9th of April folks! The races will take places in the following European locations: beautiful, Bavarian Berlin in Germany, old timey Dublin in Ireland, remarkable touristic Liverpool in England and then finally the cold, artic snowscapes of Reykjavic in Iceland!. Any car can join, whether you're a teeny tiny Cooper, or a mighty Monster Truck, but the important thing is that you gotta quick 'n' slick and ready to race for 1st place! Cars from different countries outside of Europe can also join! So get plenty of rest, eat well and get into shape because I repeat, this competition will begin ONE MONTH from now. We'll be seeing YOU in Grand Prix next week...or not. Hahahahaaahahaha Goodbye folks! "

The ad switched to a Loreal commercial, as Lightning stared up at the news he just heard. Lightning drowned out all noise in the background, and was deep in his thought. He could picture himself, sliding and meandering back and forth on a windy, ribbon-y track, then a flash to where he wins the Cedes Cup, the cup that will be granted to whoever wins first place. It is a golden cup decorated with the Mercedes Ring. And since no one really won in the last GP, due to the major mishap, this granted McQueen another chance to challenge his skills ...