Start Small, End Big.

First Enemy

The night air hummed with the energy of the street scene as Liam pulled up to a meeting spot in downtown Montreal, his car gleaming under the neon lights. He had been making a name for himself, steadily improving under Barrett's guidance. Word had spread about the young upstart with raw talent and unbridled ambition. As he stepped out of his car, a figure emerged from the shadows, swaggering confidently toward him. It was Jake—a well-known street racer with a reputation for brashness and ego.

Jake: Well, well, well, if it isn't the rookie everyone's been talking about.

Jake sneered, his eyes glinting with arrogance. Liam sized him up, noting the Volkswagen GTI parked nearby and the air of superiority Jake exuded.

Liam: What do you want, uh... whoever you are?

Jake chuckled, a smug grin spreading across his face.

Jake: Name's Jake. I've heard the rumors about your so-called "skills," kid. But I don't buy it. You're just a beginner, and you're in way over your head in this scene.

Liam bristled at the challenge in Jake's tone.

Liam: I've been training hard, and I've got Barrett backing me up. I'm not afraid to prove myself on the streets.

Jake's laughter echoed through the night.

Jake: Barrett's just a has-been. You think he can turn you into a real racer? You're living in a dream world, kid. I'm here to bring you back to reality.

Liam's jaw tightened as he locked eyes with Jake, the challenge burning in his gaze.

Liam: Fine. You want to race? Let's settle this once and for all.

The tension crackled between them as they agreed on the time and place.

Jake: Damn right. Tomorrow, 7 p.m. Starting at Dorchester Square, down to Pointe du Moulin à Vent, and back. First one there wins. I'll enjoy seeing you in my rearview... newbie.

With a cocky swagger, Jake climbed into his Volkswagen GTI and sped off, his engine roaring into the night. Liam stood by his car, determination surging through him. This was his chance to prove himself—and he wasn't about to waste it.

*****

The next evening, the streets pulsed with anticipation as the crowd gathered at Dorchester Square, the city lights illuminating the scene. Spectators buzzed with excitement, eager to witness the showdown between the cocky veteran and the determined newcomer. Liam tightened his grip on the steering wheel, his eyes locking onto Jake's Volkswagen GTI at the starting line. Jake revved his engine, the roar echoing through the square.

Jake: You ready to lose, kid?

Liam's gaze hardened, his voice steady.

Liam: We'll see about that.

The signal was given, and both cars roared into action. Jake launched off the line with confidence, his GTI pulling ahead. But Liam wasn't far behind. He slammed through first and second gear in the blink of an eye, his Veloster N accelerating aggressively. Jake glanced in his rearview mirror, a smirk on his face as he noticed the growing gap.

Jake: Huh. Guess he's got some fight in him. Still won't be enough.

Jake pressed the gas harder, shifting with precision as his car surged forward. But when he checked his mirror again, his smirk faded. Liam was closing the gap, his car roaring with unrelenting determination.

Jake: What?!

Liam's focus was razor-sharp as the first turn approached. Jake began to brake, preparing for the corner. But Liam held off, knowing exactly when to brake to maintain control. Jake glanced back, his shock evident.

Jake: Is he drafting? In a hatchback?

Liam felt the power of the draft pulling him closer as his car sang with fury, each shift accompanied by a satisfying turbo flutter and backfire. As Jake slowed for the turn, Liam saw his moment. He waited until the last possible second before braking sharply and turning the wheel, sending his car into a controlled drift. Jake's eyes widened as Liam's Veloster N slid alongside him, headlights glaring like a predator stalking its prey.

Jake: He's crazy!

The world seemed to slow as Liam executed the perfect drift, the screech of tires and roar of engines blending into a symphony of speed. As the turn ended, Liam regained control and surged ahead, leaving Jake stunned in his wake. The race continued, but Jake couldn't find an opening to overtake. Liam held his lead all the way back to Dorchester Square, crossing the finish line first. Jake climbed out of his Volkswagen, his expression a mixture of disbelief, awe, and begrudging respect.

Jake: I... I can't believe it.

Jake muttered, his ego visibly deflated.

Jake: You've got more skill than I thought. Maybe Barrett's been doing something right after all.

Liam nodded, a triumphant grin on his face.

Liam: I told you—I'm here to stay. And I'm just getting started.

As the crowd dispersed, Liam knew this victory was only the beginning. Each race, each challenge would push him further, and he was ready to rise to the top, one victory at a time.