Lightning Dust woke drowsy in the morning, she had spent most of the night in her Supra both racing and running. She checked a clock that was close by, it read 11:37 AM. It was a far cry from her usual sleep schedule from months before, but then again she usually would have been asleep by 9 at the latest. It was to keep her energy up so she could exercise. That had passed her by without notice.

After finally deciding to get up from her spare bed, she found her way to the garage where McClare was just finishing up repairing the damage to his Camaro from the day before. Lightning was about to pass right by him and start up her Supra when he interrupted her.

"Hey before you go, I was thinking you might want to get some upgrade parts for the Supra. You're going to be racing some talented drivers tomorrow. There is a place not too far, still in town. Maybe you should stop by and see what you can get, bring the parts back here and i'll fit them for you."

Lightning, with no plans for the day involving racing, took him up on the offer. she left in her Supra following the directions he gave her. Indeed it wasn't far, only about two blocks south of the garage. Unfortunately she found the place to be locked. Around that same time, a red Chevy Camaro ZL1 with blue stripes pulled up to the lot next to her Supra. Out stepped a crimson red mare with a blue and orange mane.

"Just letting you know they don't open up for just any pony."

Lightning turned around and looked the mare in her bright orange eyes, she was wearing headphones on her neck and had a cutie mark of a stage microphone. What caught Lightning by surprise was the crimson wings adorning the side of the mare, this mare was a pegasus. She acted like she didn't notice.

"If you want parts from this place you have to make a name for yourself around this city, win races and escape cops. However, I can vouch for you just this once."

The mare walked up to the door and knocked herself. Without hesitation it opened allowing entry for the pair of pegasi. Lightning eyed up the ZL1 that was parked alongside her Supra.

"You sure have a nice ride."

"You don't say. It's not mine it belongs to a friend out of town. I'm just stopping by here to get a new nitrous kit for it. Honestly I would be flying but it is hard to carry one of those things just by yourself."

"No kidding, i'm picking up some parts for a big race coming up. Perfect Shift is running wild around here."

"So I've heard. You know I thought I recognized that Supra from somewhere. You're Superstorm right?"

"Yeah, that's me."

"I've heard about what happened, you have my condolences. Best of luck tomorrow."

"Thanks."

"Don't mention it. I'd recommend a turbocharger and some street tires if you can afford it. If you got any credits left over maybe some better brakes too."

The pony swiftly bought her nitrous kit from the automated system. That left Lightning to get her parts as well, she had enough credits for the turbo and tires but was just short for getting the brakes.

"I'll get it for you. Trust me, it will be worth it."

She bought the brakes, then transferred them to Lightning afterward.

"Whenever you pick up parts they are automatically sent to your garage. You can fit them in or replace them whenever you are there."

"I actually have some pony doing that for me. However I don't really have much to do today afterward, no cars."

The pony she was with pondered this revelation for a short while before responding.

"Tell you what, i'll follow you back to your place then you can ride with me for a while. I'm heading to the garage in Downtown to drop the ride off for my friend. If you have some pony available you can have them meet us there."

"That sounds great, can I drive?"

"While I don't mistrust your skills, I also don't want any unwanted attention or scratches on it. Sorry."

Lightning frowned slightly at that. The pair returned to their respective vehicles and took the short trip back to the garage. Lightning went inside and parked her Supra letting McClare know that the parts would arrive shortly. She returned to the ZL1 and climbed into the passenger seat.

"By the way, you can call me V. I've got some time so we'll take the scenic route. I got some things I can show you."

V took control of the Camaro and joined the road heading east, then began moving south after passing the first intersection. When they went by the raceway she spoke up again.

"Ever been in the raceway before?"

"Yeah of course."

"Well, I know a somewhat secret entrance."

They went slightly further south, before V spun the Camaro in a 180. Now they were heading north, and reaching 170 on tarmac. Before Lightning could question why this was happening the Camaro leaped off a dirt ramp and into the inner part of the raceway landing with a sudden thud before coming to a stop. While Lightning was shaking off the ordeal, V made a remark.

"Two stars? I know i could do better than that!"

"Excuse me, didn't say you didn't what this car scratched up?"

"Oh well, they have repair shops where this is going. I was just showing off an activity. If you don't have any racing to do just search around town for them. They can range from Speed Traps to Jumps, Billboards and other collectibles. Completing all of them in a certain category and I heard the League gives out rewards. Anyway, let's head to downtown proper. I don't have much time actually."

The pair exited on the north side of the raceway. They began heading out towards the highway and taking a right headed for downtown, crossing one of the many bridges and finally making their way to the garage in Downtown Wing City. V parked the Camaro ZL1 next to a wrecked car along the side of the building. As Lightning got out of the car Aqua pulled up in her BRZ ready to bring Lightning back to the garage at the raceway. Lightning thanked V for the ride as she left in Aqua's vehicle and V stepped inside the garage.

Once the Subaru had left she once again excited the garage and went back into the Camaro. She turned it on and revved the engine. As soon as it started it disappeared along with her in it. All that was left was the wrecked car that had been next to it. The license plate on it read...

TAS-SAL1
Paradise City

Author's Note

This is a short, but important chapter for Lightning. These upgrades will prove important soon enough.

But what is up with V, who is she? Who am I kidding you probably already know. You'll see her again soon, but not here. Also that wrecked car is an actual easter egg in the game.

Until next time readers, coming up is the big race for Class B qualification.