The Red Dragon
Chapter 1
It was 1971, and a new driver had just joined the Wacky Racers. His name was Victor Drake. He had black hair, green eyes, and usually wore black.
Now, he was at a local bar in his hometown of Chicago, getting to know the others.
"So you're the new guy," said Rufus Ruffcut. "A word of advice, Victor. Watch out for Dick Dastardly… he cheats."
"I've watched your races, so I know who you all are. Where are all your race cars?"
"Half of 'em aren't roadworthy… but we have our own regular cars too. I'm guessing that corvette isn't a race car?"
"Oh it's got some modifications," said Victor casually.
"Good evening, sugar."
Victor turned to his right, his face burning. "Oh… hello Miss Penelope," he stammered. "You… you look fantastic…"
Penelope smiled, giggling and batting her eyelashes as Victor kissed her hand. "Oh honey-darlin' don't you just say the sweetest li'l ole things," she gushed.
"She's like that with everyone," said Dick Dastardly. "It's a Southern thing."
"More so with me," Peter Perfect interjected. "She loves me."
Now, it was Penelope's turn to blush.
"I understand you won two Daytona Five Hundreds," said Peter. "That's nothing to sneeze at. Your parents must be proud."
"Perfect, was that really necessary?" Dick groaned. "You have to know about that subject."
"Yes… didn't Victor live with his aunt and uncle?" Perfect chuckled.
"I did," said Victor. "But at least I don't look like a cheap Jay Leno knockoff."
A collective "ooh…" rose from the others.
"At least I have some worth to someone," Peter replied. "I mean really… how can you even think you're good enough for dear Penelope when you aren't even good enough for your own parents?"
Everyone gasped, and Victor scoffed. "That's his best, everybody," he said with a chuckle. "Breathe it in, but I warn ya… it stinks."
"Peter Perfect!" roared Dick.
"How dare you!" cried the Red Max.
Peter even warned himself a whack on the head with a club from the Slag Brothers.
Penelope was shocked. "Oh!" She cried. "What a horrible thing to say! You thoughtless… you… oh you…". That was when she slapped Peter across the face.
Hard.
"Come on Victor," she said angrily and thickly. "We are leaving!"