Mike Zephyr: Split/Second

Chapter 5 - An Upgrade

      So I have finally moved up the ranks from rookie to the middle range of the skilled racer groups. They moved me up to intermediate level, which only meant that things were going to get worse, according to my helping aid over the phone, the same one who had given me my first car for the competition — the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302. Now, I had to select a second car to use for my progression into the intermediate races. It didn't take long for me to get a call on my iPhone for the car selection phase this afternoon in the middle of my relaxation drive, which I promptly answer.

"Mike Zephyr."

"Mike. Congratulations, you have moved up to the next league of racers. Meet me at the warehouse for the next car you plan to use for the intermediate group of challenges."

"Who gives a shit? It isn't gonna matter when I get blown to bits, now will it?"

"Your name will not be forgotten either way."

"Sure it will. It always is. That's why I hate every single person that I've ever met. Because they're all the same. Unless they get a prize for it, they won't do jack shit to help you. The only thing they will do is use you, tear you up, throw you in the bin, then spit on you and laugh for their own entertainment. I will be nothing more than just a bunch of letters jumbled together on the wall."

"Not exactly. See — The ones that didn't make it past the first races like you have are the ones we forget. Not many are able to survive the first challenge. But, again, barely anyone is able to make it to the top either. I chose to help you for a reason."

"And what reason is that? Let me guess — For the money that they'll pay you for my wins?"

"Actually, no. I don't get paid anything extra to help you. I'm already paid enough just for working for the show. I get nothing out of this. Even if I did, that wouldn't be enough to make me want to aid you on your quest."

"Then what is it?"

"Because I see potential in you, kid. You drive clean and have your own racing line while still able to burn some rubber along the way. You're a mean devil behind the wheel. Something I haven't seen in a very long time during my job."

"... So what?"

"So... I see some glory in you, Mr. Zephyr. And it would really hurt for you to let me down. And one more thing..."

"Yeah?"

"If you hate everybody so much, why would it matter to you if people died?"

"Because—..."

I pause for a moment, considering every word that popped into my head for an answer. I could hear the male cheetah blowing some smoke from his cigarette on the other end while he waited in silence that seemed to last for hours instead of just mere seconds.

"Because... Nobody really deserves to die. Unless you're a scumbag who actually prays upon the weak such as a killer or pedophile or a trafficker, and doesn't regret being said scum, then you do deserve to die in my books. But if you're just... You know, another human, or another furry being... I don't think anyone like that deserves death. I may hate everybody that comes into contact with me, but that's because I just cannot trust anyone whatsoever. I have yet to see someone who actually cares about me without having some sort of price that I need to pay to earn their aid or any sort of true empathy. I have a simple rule in my book: Don't fuck with me, or other people that aren't able to defend themselves, and I won't fuck with you. That's all there is to it. All I want out of this racing series is to show I'm not some little toy for people to fuck around with; that I'm not a carpet for people to wipe their feet on."

"Hmmm... You really do fascinate me, Mike. Most who enter the show just want the money or the fame. But I haven't seen anyone going into this show that have wanted nothing else but to prove themselves and to make a point by doing so. However, I will warn you that the path you take is definitely not the easy one. The other racers are dirty, unforgiving, selfish and cruel. They will take any chance they can get to bring you down into the dirt — or in this case, turn you into a burning heap of ash. However, if and when you come out on top, you will shine the brightest. I have faith in you, kid. Now meet me at the warehouse."