So, I had found this lovely piece of writing of mine, almost finished, on my computer. While I hadn't forgotten about it per-say, I had never forgot that I had started this AU, but I had forgotten how much I like this idea.
It had been pushed aside when Extended Connections took over my creative palette.
This one came about after having watching the Cars 3 deleted scenes for the first time. Out of all the scenes, More Than New Paint, stuck out to me the most and got my creative juices flowing. It struck my fancy and knew I had to explore the concept a bit. One thing lead to another and before I knew it, I had five or more short pieces written in various states of being done, with the possibility of more to be written.
I just want to say that I wasn't disappointed by the ending we did get (I love the full circle nature of it) but I also love the idea of Tex snagging Lightning like that. So, once again varying one-shots, blah, blah, blah, this isn't humanized just to clarify, so it's safe for those of you who like to read the characters as intended. Car purists, rejoice. Now, let's get down to business.
Sterling had it all planned as soon as he had gotten a good portion of their numbers back.
Lightning was doing okay, but Cruz was showing incredible numbers. What was she doing, just being a trainer? She could be out there racing, and beating Storm.
He had a pit crew ready to go, along with a crew chief in the wings. Cruz would have to use the number 95 to race under, but Lightning wouldn't be using it anymore.
No, he had other plans for him, big plans. Lightning McQueen would soon be the biggest brand out there.
When the two of them arrived, he separated them immediately. A crew member grabbed Cruz, so she could have decals stuck to her, the Rust-eze and number 95 ones were most important. While he took Lightning aside to tell him he wasn't racing anymore and of his plans for him.
He had even brought samples and mock ups of the products he was going to sell.
"I'm going to cut right to the chase Lightning, I'm not racing you." He told the soon to be retired racer.
"Why not? I've made changes to my racing style, I've trained hard and got myself back up to speed. I'm ready to take them on." Lightning said.
"Your numbers were improving until we weren't getting anything back from the suit. Which I see is gone now." He said disapprovingly.
"It was shredded during one of my practices." Lightning explained with a bit of a shrug. "I didn't mean for it to happen."
"Not the point right now." He said brushing it off.
"Cruz was also wearing one of those suits and her numbers coming back were incredible, better than yours. They were something I've never seen before, amazingly good. She's being prepared as we speak. Don't worry though, I still have big plans for you. You will be twice as famous as you were while racing and make two or three times what you would while doing so. You will be the biggest brand out there. Now feel free to stay and watch the race. We'll see you on Monday to start to film the promotions and ads."
"Mr. Sterling, I did that training so I could race not sell products. I'm a race car, I race not for the money or fame of it, but because it's my passion. You promised me, that I get to race at least one last race, and now you're backing out." Lightning said hitting his tire on the ground every time he stressed a word.
"That, was before the numbers came back in; now they're showing that this is the most profitable approach. We've already switched racers; your name is no longer on the board." He gave him a sympathetic look.
"So, it all comes down to money then." Lightning was glowering at the thought.
"Of course, as much as I am a fan, I am a businessman first. Now we can talk about this more on Monday in my office. I need you to clear out, so we can give Cruz her last-minute prepping."
"Alright Mr. Sterling." Said Lightning. As he started to leave, he almost bumped into Cruz. He watched their interaction with displeasure at the waste of precious time.
"Oh, Mr. McQueen, I didn't see you there. I didn't know this was going to happen. I shouldn't be going out there, this should be your race not mine. It doesn't feel right. I don't think I can do it." Cruz said, almost starting to back-up.
"Cruz, Cruz!"
"Yeah, Mr. McQueen?" Cruz asked sheepishly.
"Calm down, it's okay, everything will be fine. If someone was going to go out there and kick some spoiler, I'm glad it's you. This is your chance to be a racer Cruz, don't waste it because I'm not being allowed to race. I want you to go out there and win that race for me, since I can't." Lightning told her, looking straight into her eyes, showing his confidence in her. He wished Lightning would just go already, they were wasting precious time.
"Yes sir, Mr. McQueen." Cruz perked up with a smile.
"Now you better get in there and get you're finishing touches. You're looking good, you look like a racer."
"Thank you, Mr. McQueen."
"For what?" Lightning started.
"Teaching me while I was supposed to be training you."
"You're welcome, now you better get moving. I've got to get going as well." Motioning with his tire.
"Yes, yes, let's get a move on. Time's a wasting, we are on a schedule here, which I would hope, you both know. Come Cruz, I have some last minute things for you, before you head out onto the track." He was getting impatient there were still things that needed to be done before the race started. Once he was certain the red racer was out of sight, not caring about how dejected he looked, and was out of hearing range, he started on Cruz and telling her about her crew chief and pit crew and have her sign some paperwork. Being completely oblivious to the organized chaos now happening at Dinoco.
There's a bit of an odd mix between parts of the deleted scenes that I like and the movie. Any questions? I don't mind answering.