By
Danny Hell
The sun renders an orange gloom to the beginning of the day. At the top of a hill a thirty two years old man with blond grayish hair catches sight of a bikers gang heading to Sincroni City.He puts on a strange eagle shaped helmet and breakes the morning silence turning his engine on. Works his way down into a sinuous road towards the gang. Slowly increases speed getting to the highway crossing at one hundred and forty miles an hour.
Within a few seconds the sound of his bike’s engine reaches the gang, who instinctively accelerate but not before a one hundred and seventy miles an hour burst passes by them.
The racing begins.
The danger of the curves starts as they cross the city limits. Accidents naturally happen for most of the races aren’t able to perform the leader’s perfect maneuvers. Minutes later, felling more like hours of tension, the chasers are left behind And it all ends at Gambala’s Bar, a place strategically located on the highway.
With the engine still on, the winner awaits for the rest of the racers. And then with a smile says:
- Welcome to Sin City.
Still under the adrenaline’s influence in their bodies, no one is able to say a word and they all stand watching the one, who welcomed them, accelerate his super bike and quickly fade away on the road.
One of the bikers asks an old man , who is sweeping the front of the bar:
The danger of the curves starts as they cross the city limits. Accidents naturally happen for most of the races aren’t able to perform the leader’s perfect maneuvers. Minutes later, felling more like hours of tension, the chasers are left behind And it all ends at Gambala’s Bar, a place strategically located on the highway.
With the engine still on, the winner awaits for the rest of the racers. And then with a smile says:
- Welcome to Sin City.
Still under the adrenaline’s influence in their bodies, no one is able to say a word and they all stand watching the one, who welcomed them, accelerate his super bike and quickly fade away on the road.
One of the bikers asks an old man , who is sweeping the front of the bar:
- Who’s that one with the eagle on his head?
- His name is Zom.
Comfortably sitting on a chair, Zom observes over a beer, the tranquility of another day’s end. He’s in front of his garage, a two stories building where in the upper part he improvised his shelter.
Zom looks to the road and sees a rusty pick up approach and stop between his and the garage.
The engine ceases and instantly Zom asks:
- Can I help you?
- There is no answer. The strange with dark shades just stares at him.
Zom asks again but this time louder and there is a reaction...a thin, brown haired man with an overdue shave gets out of the truck with an identifying smile.
- Niel?!
Zom is hooked to a bunch of machines in a hospital room.
Niel spends days listening to and watching in a small screen the rhythm of his brother’s
heart beat.
Suddenly there is a terrifying silence and soon after there’s a continuous sound of death. While the nurse unhooks the equipment, Niel desperate looks to Zom’s face, not believing it even for a second, his eyes shine with a mysterious glim.
Few days later, in Zom’s property where he used to live, Niel is visited by the Mayor’s limousine towing Shark’s trailer. The millionaire steps out of it wrapped up in a towel and with slippers on only.
- I’m sorry about what happened to your brother - shots Shark.
Zom asks again but this time louder and there is a reaction...a thin, brown haired man with an overdue shave gets out of the truck with an identifying smile.
- Niel?!
- What’s up Zom?
Zom stands up and embraces his only brother who he hadn’t seen for some years.
What about this roaster? – asks Zom refering to the truck.
- ‘Like it?
There were three weeks for the race in Sin City, when at the small airport lands a private plane of a reasonable size. The “giant” with wings taxis and at the opening of its door appears a strong man, medium height and with a rough complexion on this face. Worldly known for having won almost all racers of super bike which he had participated. He like being called by the nickname that was given to him...
- Shark! Welcome to Sincroni City! – shouts the Mayor, going up the plane’s steps, cheerfully like a child.
At the day of the race, in front of Gambala’s Bar, hundred of people anxiously await for the emotion.
Thirteen racers are enrolled for the contest. Zom and Niel sit at the bar entrance to have some beers. Niel observes his brothers staring the eagle’s eyes on the helmet that he is holding. The spectators squeeze against each other along with the racers, their super bikes and the reporters with their cameras and microphones.
- There is no peace here - Niel observes.
- Next year the madness will be even greater – adds Zom.
At this moment the Mayor arrives and invites Zom to join Shark at his camper close by.
- Let’s go? - Zom inquires Niel.
- No, thanks.
The Mayor insists that they go but only Zom does. As he steps into the trailer he meets Shark leaning on a glass table a straw.
- My friend Zom! I guarantee the purity of this dust! - exclaim Shark.
- How are you doing? – dissimulates Zom, rejecting the offer.
- Edward please, leave us alone – asks Shark.
- What’s the plan? – asks Shark right after the Mayor steps out.
- Plan?! – Zom asks surprised.
- I wanna know if you are going to jump over Cyprees Bridge. I know we mustn’t fright the spectators but it’d be only fair if we both had equal chances on winning – said him while showing his helmet shaped as a shark’s head.
Outside, Niel sees that no one comes close to Zom’s bike, while being amused by Clown who vigorously accelerates his engine making an unpleasant cloud of dust irritating the spectators.
Zom stands up and embraces his only brother who he hadn’t seen for some years.
What about this roaster? – asks Zom refering to the truck.
- ‘Like it?
- Sure!
- The rust is due to the sea air, but she has a V8 engine.
The two seat to talk.
The two seat to talk.
- And the waves in Wharf City? – Zom inquires with a sparkle in his eyes.
- The sharks are the problem. A surfer, friend of mine disappeared last year, few days later they found what was left of him.
- I heard about it.
Gambalas’s Bar an establishment that has a variety of choices. Two pool tables, a pinball machine, a dance floor and many round tables where some people drink, eat, sleep, talk and even drug themselves up.
At one of these tables on a Sunday afternoon, Zom an his friend Clown were playing cards with two foreigners, Planck and a colored guy called Black Widow.
An argument starts over the game and Plank accused of cheating punches Clown’s face who turns the table, starting a fight. Almost all went for it. The place was about to be completely destroyed when they noticed that Clown was in disadvantage. Black Widow was holding his from the back while Planck hit Clown. Zom took an acoustic guitar that Niel was trying to tune up and hit flat Black Widow’s back who went straight to the floor.
The ability with which Zom handled the situation made all freeze up and stare at him. Lisa, a blond thin woman, owner of the bar, opportunely asked Jack, her Bartender and lover, for a silver goblet that was used for decoration and handed it to Zom, as if he was a wrestling champion. Inlighted by this action, he took a twenty dollars bill out placed it in the glass and challenged:
- It’s worth a race around Sin city!
They all looked at each other and Black Widow was the first one to accept the challenge, placing another twenty in the glass, followed by Clown and Planck.
Soon was Iggy’s turn, a fat man, hungry for money and thrills. And then Niel.
There were are hundred and twenty dollars. Clown running towards the exit door yells:
- It’s on!
All laughed but Zom, who replied:
- It’s on! The first to go around Sin City takes the money!
All participants ran outside but Zom who handed the trophy to Lisa.
They were all taking off on their motorcycles when Zom whistled to Clown who was ahead of the others but going in the wrong way. Zom points to the opposite direction. They all made fun of him. The direction which he was going would make the course a hard one with steep climbs.
Zom’s bike was closer than the others to the bar’s entrance so he didn’t loose much time. The race was already in progress but it was hard to stop laughing about Clown being in the last position and concentrate on the road. But when Zom did it he easily passed Planck an then soon after, his brother Niel. He already was within Iggy’s reach disputing second position . There weren’t any more laughs but a great tension and concern about the curves and cars drivers who obviously unaware of the race could eventually cause an accident.
Going down a steep hill that ended on Cyprees Bridge, Zom notices that he has no breakes. He didn’t even had time to think. Zom passes Iggy on the down and following the arch shape of the bridge, where he was already at half way, jumps over Black Widow who was also crossing the bridge.
Meanwhile, the other racers that were coming down hill, were watching all that fabulous craziness from a privileged angle and Niel perplexed lost control of his bike going against a tree.
There weren’t any more thrills except at the end when Zom arrived lifting the front wheel of his super bike, for the excitement of the ones who were awaiting him. On second place came Black Widow, on third Iggy and Clown on fourth passing Planck on a very high speed in the last few yards, which caused some panic among the people who where standing in front of Gambala’s Bar.
Lisa gave the “trophy” with the money in to Zom, while he asked:
- Where’s Niel?
- He had an accident on the way down the bridge - Planck promptly answered.
Zom apprehensively drops the trophy and leaves accelerating wildly his Motorcycle in rescue of his brother.
There was silence for a while .
- Do you think it was destiny? – Niel asks.
- I don’t believe in destiny.
- I do .
- We shouldn’t argue, we are all going to die and then we’ll know the truth, I mean, we are just waves on the line, nothing else. – says Zom gesturing the waves thru the air.
- All right! – Niel finds it amusing.
The night fall and the two decide go for a ride. Zom lends one of his bikes to Niel and shows himself off on his favorite Suicide 2000, as he named it. On the way to the city there is some chasing, but Niel refuses to defy Zom for the knows that his brother would never ride behind anyone at most beside one. Niel knew him very well.
They ride around the city and end up at Gambala’s Bar, were they have lots of beers , play pool and meet women to spend the night with.
- Do you think it was destiny? – Niel asks.
- I don’t believe in destiny.
- I do .
- We shouldn’t argue, we are all going to die and then we’ll know the truth, I mean, we are just waves on the line, nothing else. – says Zom gesturing the waves thru the air.
- All right! – Niel finds it amusing.
The night fall and the two decide go for a ride. Zom lends one of his bikes to Niel and shows himself off on his favorite Suicide 2000, as he named it. On the way to the city there is some chasing, but Niel refuses to defy Zom for the knows that his brother would never ride behind anyone at most beside one. Niel knew him very well.
They ride around the city and end up at Gambala’s Bar, were they have lots of beers , play pool and meet women to spend the night with.
Gambalas’s Bar an establishment that has a variety of choices. Two pool tables, a pinball machine, a dance floor and many round tables where some people drink, eat, sleep, talk and even drug themselves up.
At one of these tables on a Sunday afternoon, Zom an his friend Clown were playing cards with two foreigners, Planck and a colored guy called Black Widow.
An argument starts over the game and Plank accused of cheating punches Clown’s face who turns the table, starting a fight. Almost all went for it. The place was about to be completely destroyed when they noticed that Clown was in disadvantage. Black Widow was holding his from the back while Planck hit Clown. Zom took an acoustic guitar that Niel was trying to tune up and hit flat Black Widow’s back who went straight to the floor.
The ability with which Zom handled the situation made all freeze up and stare at him. Lisa, a blond thin woman, owner of the bar, opportunely asked Jack, her Bartender and lover, for a silver goblet that was used for decoration and handed it to Zom, as if he was a wrestling champion. Inlighted by this action, he took a twenty dollars bill out placed it in the glass and challenged:
- It’s worth a race around Sin city!
They all looked at each other and Black Widow was the first one to accept the challenge, placing another twenty in the glass, followed by Clown and Planck.
Soon was Iggy’s turn, a fat man, hungry for money and thrills. And then Niel.
There were are hundred and twenty dollars. Clown running towards the exit door yells:
- It’s on!
All laughed but Zom, who replied:
- It’s on! The first to go around Sin City takes the money!
All participants ran outside but Zom who handed the trophy to Lisa.
They were all taking off on their motorcycles when Zom whistled to Clown who was ahead of the others but going in the wrong way. Zom points to the opposite direction. They all made fun of him. The direction which he was going would make the course a hard one with steep climbs.
Zom’s bike was closer than the others to the bar’s entrance so he didn’t loose much time. The race was already in progress but it was hard to stop laughing about Clown being in the last position and concentrate on the road. But when Zom did it he easily passed Planck an then soon after, his brother Niel. He already was within Iggy’s reach disputing second position . There weren’t any more laughs but a great tension and concern about the curves and cars drivers who obviously unaware of the race could eventually cause an accident.
Going down a steep hill that ended on Cyprees Bridge, Zom notices that he has no breakes. He didn’t even had time to think. Zom passes Iggy on the down and following the arch shape of the bridge, where he was already at half way, jumps over Black Widow who was also crossing the bridge.
Meanwhile, the other racers that were coming down hill, were watching all that fabulous craziness from a privileged angle and Niel perplexed lost control of his bike going against a tree.
There weren’t any more thrills except at the end when Zom arrived lifting the front wheel of his super bike, for the excitement of the ones who were awaiting him. On second place came Black Widow, on third Iggy and Clown on fourth passing Planck on a very high speed in the last few yards, which caused some panic among the people who where standing in front of Gambala’s Bar.
Lisa gave the “trophy” with the money in to Zom, while he asked:
- Where’s Niel?
- He had an accident on the way down the bridge - Planck promptly answered.
Zom apprehensively drops the trophy and leaves accelerating wildly his Motorcycle in rescue of his brother.
Niel had an exposed fracture on his right leg. After few months in the hospital and two surgeries, when were placed eight pins and a platinum plate on his tibia, He was able to live a normal life. He just couldn’t risk to break the leg again for he could loose it . He was aware of that.
Zom helped his brother all the way thru recovery when Niel still on clutches had to go for physiotherapy. He felt guilty every time Niel told the same story:
- I was going down the hill when I saw further down a bird-man flying over through the bridge.
He would proudly tell the happening with satisfaction for having witnees such an event.
Besides the racers on that day, other people who were on or passing by Cyprees Bridge, saw Zom’s stunt. And at an incredible speed the deed was spread around.
A no ruled street circuit made Sincroni City internationally known in the wheeled speed world. Famous racers and new revelations arrived at the city thirsty for adventure. Some just wanted to go thru the original circuit. But others wanted to beat Zom, who showed no interest by always saying:
- One of these days.
Zom helped his brother all the way thru recovery when Niel still on clutches had to go for physiotherapy. He felt guilty every time Niel told the same story:
- I was going down the hill when I saw further down a bird-man flying over through the bridge.
He would proudly tell the happening with satisfaction for having witnees such an event.
Besides the racers on that day, other people who were on or passing by Cyprees Bridge, saw Zom’s stunt. And at an incredible speed the deed was spread around.
A no ruled street circuit made Sincroni City internationally known in the wheeled speed world. Famous racers and new revelations arrived at the city thirsty for adventure. Some just wanted to go thru the original circuit. But others wanted to beat Zom, who showed no interest by always saying:
- One of these days.
The pressure was great but Zom still was traumatized by the happening of the last race.
Time passed by, when then with political and financial interest, the Mayor decided to promote a new race on the same day and month of the one when Zom had jumped through the bridge. There were still two months for that date.
Some of the racers that had been in Sin City returned, some didn’t.
Almost all came in teams like if they were going to dispute a championship. The technicality of it all was putting in risk that spirit of love that Zom had for a sport that he considered fun and exciting.
Time passed by, when then with political and financial interest, the Mayor decided to promote a new race on the same day and month of the one when Zom had jumped through the bridge. There were still two months for that date.
Some of the racers that had been in Sin City returned, some didn’t.
Almost all came in teams like if they were going to dispute a championship. The technicality of it all was putting in risk that spirit of love that Zom had for a sport that he considered fun and exciting.
There were three weeks for the race in Sin City, when at the small airport lands a private plane of a reasonable size. The “giant” with wings taxis and at the opening of its door appears a strong man, medium height and with a rough complexion on this face. Worldly known for having won almost all racers of super bike which he had participated. He like being called by the nickname that was given to him...
- Shark! Welcome to Sincroni City! – shouts the Mayor, going up the plane’s steps, cheerfully like a child.
- Thank you Edward – says Shark grimily
- The arrangements are exactly according to the way we planned over the phone, my friend – adds the Mayor.
- Great! – says Shark while entering the city’s limousine.
The following days caused changes in Sin City. Shark was lodged on the last floor of the best hotel in the city, making money circulate around. And, besides or not being satisfied with the best women that the Mayor would bring him, he seemed to be wanting to buy everything and everyone, investing his money on every sort of business. He would call to his presence
people which he wished to negotiate with.
When he heard of the “bird-man” Shark asked the Mayor to arrange a meeting with Zom who was already aware of Shark’s interest in letting the Mayor lay out a large amount of money in order to agree with it.
Days later, Zom was in the hotel lobby with his brother Niel.
- What a beauty! – says Niel refering to a red head of a sculptural body who was going towards the elevator.
- It’s a pro! – affirms Zom at the moment in which Shark comes out of the elevator and the girls grabs on the millionaire’s arm.
The Mayor dressed like a tourist guide, makes the introductions. Shark shows himself polite and interested in the helmet that Zom is holding.
- This eagle seems to be alive – noticed Shark
The following days caused changes in Sin City. Shark was lodged on the last floor of the best hotel in the city, making money circulate around. And, besides or not being satisfied with the best women that the Mayor would bring him, he seemed to be wanting to buy everything and everyone, investing his money on every sort of business. He would call to his presence
people which he wished to negotiate with.
When he heard of the “bird-man” Shark asked the Mayor to arrange a meeting with Zom who was already aware of Shark’s interest in letting the Mayor lay out a large amount of money in order to agree with it.
Days later, Zom was in the hotel lobby with his brother Niel.
- What a beauty! – says Niel refering to a red head of a sculptural body who was going towards the elevator.
- It’s a pro! – affirms Zom at the moment in which Shark comes out of the elevator and the girls grabs on the millionaire’s arm.
The Mayor dressed like a tourist guide, makes the introductions. Shark shows himself polite and interested in the helmet that Zom is holding.
- This eagle seems to be alive – noticed Shark
- Almost every thing has live – says Niel behind his sun glasses, without showing any amicability.
Unlike Niel, Zom shows himself sociable and willing to start a new friendship. Some minutes of conversation go by and Shark invites all for a few drinks around the pool. Zom accepts, but Niel refuses politely dismissing himself.
At the pool the Mayor decides to make an announcement:
- There was a little alteration on the original circuit.
- How’s that? – asks Shark.
- The Cyprees Bridge is condemned. – continues the Mayor
- Condemned?! –inquires Zom surprised.
- It’s on old bridge, and the engineers assured me that it could fall at any moment.
- So what about the original circuit? – questioned Shark.
- Don’t worry, there’s another bridge nearby that will longer the course of the race at most two miles.
- But if the weight is the problem. Cyprees can be interdicted for the exclusive use of the bikers – clarifies Zom.
- Of course – agrees Shark.
- Too late - says the Mayor - at this right moment I have workers dynamiting the bridge.
- Call them up now! – demands Sharks.
- Impossible! There’s no phone over there.
They ran to the spot. Zom on his bike was the first one to arrive, but not in time to avoid the first explosion. Soon after that arrives the Mayor and Shark in the limousine.
- Stop everything! - Mayor yells.
To late. The detonated load of dynamite destroys the middle of the bridge,
leaving only the extremities on.
Zom quietly observes what is left and Shark seems to capture his thoughts.
- Do you think it is possible to jump over? - asks Shark.
- Everything is possible. – answers Zom.
Unlike Niel, Zom shows himself sociable and willing to start a new friendship. Some minutes of conversation go by and Shark invites all for a few drinks around the pool. Zom accepts, but Niel refuses politely dismissing himself.
At the pool the Mayor decides to make an announcement:
- There was a little alteration on the original circuit.
- How’s that? – asks Shark.
- The Cyprees Bridge is condemned. – continues the Mayor
- Condemned?! –inquires Zom surprised.
- It’s on old bridge, and the engineers assured me that it could fall at any moment.
- So what about the original circuit? – questioned Shark.
- Don’t worry, there’s another bridge nearby that will longer the course of the race at most two miles.
- But if the weight is the problem. Cyprees can be interdicted for the exclusive use of the bikers – clarifies Zom.
- Of course – agrees Shark.
- Too late - says the Mayor - at this right moment I have workers dynamiting the bridge.
- Call them up now! – demands Sharks.
- Impossible! There’s no phone over there.
They ran to the spot. Zom on his bike was the first one to arrive, but not in time to avoid the first explosion. Soon after that arrives the Mayor and Shark in the limousine.
- Stop everything! - Mayor yells.
To late. The detonated load of dynamite destroys the middle of the bridge,
leaving only the extremities on.
Zom quietly observes what is left and Shark seems to capture his thoughts.
- Do you think it is possible to jump over? - asks Shark.
- Everything is possible. – answers Zom.
At the day of the race, in front of Gambala’s Bar, hundred of people anxiously await for the emotion.
Thirteen racers are enrolled for the contest. Zom and Niel sit at the bar entrance to have some beers. Niel observes his brothers staring the eagle’s eyes on the helmet that he is holding. The spectators squeeze against each other along with the racers, their super bikes and the reporters with their cameras and microphones.
- There is no peace here - Niel observes.
- Next year the madness will be even greater – adds Zom.
At this moment the Mayor arrives and invites Zom to join Shark at his camper close by.
- Let’s go? - Zom inquires Niel.
- No, thanks.
The Mayor insists that they go but only Zom does. As he steps into the trailer he meets Shark leaning on a glass table a straw.
- My friend Zom! I guarantee the purity of this dust! - exclaim Shark.
- How are you doing? – dissimulates Zom, rejecting the offer.
- Edward please, leave us alone – asks Shark.
- What’s the plan? – asks Shark right after the Mayor steps out.
- Plan?! – Zom asks surprised.
- I wanna know if you are going to jump over Cyprees Bridge. I know we mustn’t fright the spectators but it’d be only fair if we both had equal chances on winning – said him while showing his helmet shaped as a shark’s head.
Outside, Niel sees that no one comes close to Zom’s bike, while being amused by Clown who vigorously accelerates his engine making an unpleasant cloud of dust irritating the spectators.
The crowd starts to complain.
Zom and Shark get of the trailer ignoring reports and fans.
The racers line up side by behind a line painted for this purpose, with their corresponding motorbikes at less this fifteen meters ahead. The Mayor shows to all the gold trophy generously donated by him and to keep the tradition on, takes it from racer to racer, asking each one to deposit two hundred dollars as it was previously agreed on.
The racers line up side by behind a line painted for this purpose, with their corresponding motorbikes at less this fifteen meters ahead. The Mayor shows to all the gold trophy generously donated by him and to keep the tradition on, takes it from racer to racer, asking each one to deposit two hundred dollars as it was previously agreed on.
The start is comically given by the Mayor, with an old checked flag. Eleven racers run to their motorcycles, Zom and Shark march. There is a misunderstanding between two racers who instead of turning their engines on, start throwing punches at each other giving a show of their own.
They are all great motorcyclists and that makes Shark and Zom Sweat to get among the first ones. Shark cuts on the fourth curve a racer with a fury helmet resembling a lion, throwing him out of the track. This forced maneuver Allows Zom to pass ahead. The cameras along the course record everything.
Zom gets to the slope leading to Cyprees Bridge and Shark is in his tail which forces him to accelerate even more and believe that the only solution is actually to jump over. They go down at great speed passing racers who on contrary decrease preparing themselves for the curve that would lead to another bridge.
They are all great motorcyclists and that makes Shark and Zom Sweat to get among the first ones. Shark cuts on the fourth curve a racer with a fury helmet resembling a lion, throwing him out of the track. This forced maneuver Allows Zom to pass ahead. The cameras along the course record everything.
Zom gets to the slope leading to Cyprees Bridge and Shark is in his tail which forces him to accelerate even more and believe that the only solution is actually to jump over. They go down at great speed passing racers who on contrary decrease preparing themselves for the curve that would lead to another bridge.
Close to the bottom of the slope, Shark breakes at maximum limit in order not to fall and Zom continues in high speed crossing a sign that reads DETOUR.
Jumps, using his entire body as a lever to lift his bike. It’s incredible!
He is able to get to the other side with perfection, but looses balance in a broken part of the bridge where he falls along with the broken part from a considerable height.
Meanwhile, Shark passes the racer on second place before getting to the other bridge. Strives himself the most and at the final curves also passes the first placed who was Black Widow, winning the race. He received the trophy from the Mayor’s hand while still on his motorcycle and rose the prize.
Jumps, using his entire body as a lever to lift his bike. It’s incredible!
He is able to get to the other side with perfection, but looses balance in a broken part of the bridge where he falls along with the broken part from a considerable height.
Meanwhile, Shark passes the racer on second place before getting to the other bridge. Strives himself the most and at the final curves also passes the first placed who was Black Widow, winning the race. He received the trophy from the Mayor’s hand while still on his motorcycle and rose the prize.
Zom is hooked to a bunch of machines in a hospital room.
Niel spends days listening to and watching in a small screen the rhythm of his brother’s
heart beat.
Suddenly there is a terrifying silence and soon after there’s a continuous sound of death. While the nurse unhooks the equipment, Niel desperate looks to Zom’s face, not believing it even for a second, his eyes shine with a mysterious glim.
Few days later, in Zom’s property where he used to live, Niel is visited by the Mayor’s limousine towing Shark’s trailer. The millionaire steps out of it wrapped up in a towel and with slippers on only.
- I’m sorry about what happened to your brother - shots Shark.
- Very respectable way of showing it – sneers Niel.
- All right! I’ll go straight to the point, ‘cause I don’t like the way you talk and look behind those glasses – reveals Shark.
- All right! I’ll go straight to the point, ‘cause I don’t like the way you talk and look behind those glasses – reveals Shark.
- Speak – authorizes Niel.
- I know how you feel.
- Do you?
- I also know that your financial status is bad, after paying the doctors and
your brother’s burial...
your brother’s burial...
- Then what?
- Then, I have two proposals to help you out.
- Continue, please.
- The first is a job.
- I won’t make part of your traffic organization. What’s the second?
- I’m interested in your property and I’ll pay your debts to have it.
- Thanks; but where am I supposed to live after this generous offer?
Shark looks to the machine shop and gets closer to observe in details Zom’s spare bikes.
Shark looks to the machine shop and gets closer to observe in details Zom’s spare bikes.
- I’ll trade the camper for the two super bikes included in the deal.
- Anything else interests you? – Niel asks ironically.
- The rest of the garbage is yours! – says Shark making fun.
In fact Niel was broke, so many collectors, that he had to accept Shark’s terms, also because nothing else mattered to him anymore.
In fact Niel was broke, so many collectors, that he had to accept Shark’s terms, also because nothing else mattered to him anymore.
Scattered rain drops fall from the sky. Niel stops his pick up at the slope that runs into the extinct. Cyprees Bridge, by the tree into which he had collided fifteen months ago. He is towing the trailer from the deal with Shark, loaded with tools and other belongings that had inherited from his brother. He observes the birds gliding in the midst of the thin rain and sighing takes a syringe out of his pocket.
Starts filling it up with enough heroin to commit suicide, while listening to rock’n’roll in his cassette player. Raises it to the eye level, ejecting some of the liquid up.
Folds up his left sleeve and unemotionally ends the ritual stinging himself.
In a jolt of pain, drops the syringe, not being able to introduce all the drug in the vein. His body is tempestuously thrown against the steering wheel and is suddenly paralyzed, looking still to the bridge down there. The intensity of the music that before was minimum, now starts to exorbitantly increase in his ears. He shuts his eyes and sees a guitar player dancing in the dark among colored sparkles. The penetration of the sound in his brain was totally different from he had ever felt before. He felt himself flying and being transported to a mountain. Besides the strong wind, there was a presence of an eagle.
He instantly remembered Zom’s helmet and at the same time was invaded by a huge sense
Of peace on watching that beautiful being flying in such a splendid way.
It was as of he had lived a whole life waiting to enjoy that unique moment. He would be able, above all, to conquer the consciousness that, he had never experienced or would experience something like it. He was not only watching the gracious bird or “flying” with it, but looking at himself, the eagle, the mountain and the ocean’s line, far away on the horizon.
Suddenly, a sticking pain strikes his soul, the pain of the knowledge, and certainty that the destruction of human dreams is insuperable, independently of the power of free will.
A loud noise surpasses the music, quickly increasing its intensity up to the point of being unbearable, which makes him open his eyes. On doing that he imagines having accomplished his intent. He was dead. By his side was his brother, with his eagle-helmet, on his super bike.
The happiness makes him pass out.
Two days later, Niel awakes and gradually focuses Jack, the Old man, like most of Gambala’s Bar attenders used it to call him. By his side was the motorcycle that Zom used to appreciate so, the Suicide 2000. Totally recovered.
- Thought having seen my brother – says Niel – Was it you Jack?
Two days later, Niel awakes and gradually focuses Jack, the Old man, like most of Gambala’s Bar attenders used it to call him. By his side was the motorcycle that Zom used to appreciate so, the Suicide 2000. Totally recovered.
- Thought having seen my brother – says Niel – Was it you Jack?
- Yes.
- Thought I had died and was free from this stupid world.
- Living is not so bad.
- I want to go away to Wharf City, to forget.
Eve of Sincroni City’s annual race. All seem to be in a hurry at the moment when evening arrives.
I n front of Gambala’s Bar is the trailer which belonged to Shark attached to Niel’s pick up, who in the bar observes through the window the preparations outside enters the bar the sculptural red-haired who he had seen over an year ago at the hotel with Shark. She finds the place empty and thinks of leaving, but notices the individual with sunglasses. Laughs and approaches him asking:
- Aren’t you the brother of the motorcyclist that died last year?
Niel slowly waves his head in a positive way.
- Don’t you ever take off those glasses?
- Sometimes.
- Are you racing tomorrow?
- Yes.
- Are you afraid?
- Am I under an interrogatory?
She laughs.
She laughs.
- Is Shark racing? – asks Niel.
- Yes he arrived six days ago.
- In this case, I’m scared.
Both laugh.
Both laugh.
- I’ve been observing you, always sad. It’s good to see you smiling.
- I’ve been observing you, too – confesses Niel.
- Really?
- Yes.
- And what have you observed?
- Something interesting.
Smiles from both parties.
Smiles from both parties.
- What’s your name?
- Nady.
- Would you like to go to Warf City?
- Now?
During the short trip, hardly anything was said. They only glanced at each other.
When they got to Wharf City they went to a deserted beach. Nady took off her clothes and went to the water. Soon after she was followed by Niel. There was a moonshine that enhanced Nady’s beauty. After swimming a little, in a mist of tenderness and desire, they got closer and make love in the ocean. They went to the trailer where a Suicide 2000 was found, drank some beers and had more sex until sunrise, when they returned to the beach.
- Do you want to go away with me? – asks Niel.
During the short trip, hardly anything was said. They only glanced at each other.
When they got to Wharf City they went to a deserted beach. Nady took off her clothes and went to the water. Soon after she was followed by Niel. There was a moonshine that enhanced Nady’s beauty. After swimming a little, in a mist of tenderness and desire, they got closer and make love in the ocean. They went to the trailer where a Suicide 2000 was found, drank some beers and had more sex until sunrise, when they returned to the beach.
- Do you want to go away with me? – asks Niel.
- I have money in Sin City – answers the woman.
- Money?
- Exactly! What moves us all.
- Not me.
- I don’t believe it! - exclaims Nady heading to the trailer.
Niel starts urinating, feeling the warmth of the first sunrays on his body and fixes his attention on the waves, remembering the screen in which he watched his brother’s heart beat frequency. And flashes back what Zom had said about waves on the line. His mind leads him to hear and see Zom saying he didn’t believe in destiny. Returns to present and realizes that he had been a coward for wanting to run away from the responsibility of winning the race and above all of defeating Shark.
They go back to the vehicle and before his clothes, he puts on his dark shades saying to Nady:
Niel starts urinating, feeling the warmth of the first sunrays on his body and fixes his attention on the waves, remembering the screen in which he watched his brother’s heart beat frequency. And flashes back what Zom had said about waves on the line. His mind leads him to hear and see Zom saying he didn’t believe in destiny. Returns to present and realizes that he had been a coward for wanting to run away from the responsibility of winning the race and above all of defeating Shark.
They go back to the vehicle and before his clothes, he puts on his dark shades saying to Nady:
- Ok, let’s go! I have a race today.
On the way back, there was only one stop, when Niel calibrated the pick up, the trailer and motorcycle’s tires.
When they were close to Sin City, a helicopter appears up in the sky.
- Shark got the race to be recorded from up there – says Nady
Niel remembers the first time when he saw Nady and Zom quickly defined her as a hooker. He felt like an imbecile for having spent the entire night without sleep.
More than ever, he knew that his brother had some how been induced to jump an year ago, and now his spirit claimed for vengeance.
Already at Gambala’s Bar , a cord isolates the public, allowing Niel to maneuver with certain tranquility, that end with the presence of the Mayor trying to organize everything.
- Park on the other side, my good boy! – solicited the Mayor.
Already at Gambala’s Bar , a cord isolates the public, allowing Niel to maneuver with certain tranquility, that end with the presence of the Mayor trying to organize everything.
- Park on the other side, my good boy! – solicited the Mayor.
- Right – answers Niel, taking the trailer to the appointed spot.
Nady says good bye, but he ignores her. Newsmen try to interview him, but he refuses to see them, taking the reassembled bike Suicide 2000 with the others.
Nady says good bye, but he ignores her. Newsmen try to interview him, but he refuses to see them, taking the reassembled bike Suicide 2000 with the others.
There were twenty two now. Zom was right, the craziness was even bigger. There were
thousands of people together. At this moment fans screamed when Shark shows up with his
scary helmet and his sophisticated and monumental machine with special technology.
Niel remembers that he needs to get his helmet, and fins Jack at the trailer’s door, holding the eagle helmet.
- How are you Old man? I was here yesterday looking for you .
thousands of people together. At this moment fans screamed when Shark shows up with his
scary helmet and his sophisticated and monumental machine with special technology.
Niel remembers that he needs to get his helmet, and fins Jack at the trailer’s door, holding the eagle helmet.
- How are you Old man? I was here yesterday looking for you .
- I’ going.
- Why don’t you watch the race on the camper’s TV? There some beer in
the fridge.
He goes back to the others participants on the moment when the Mayor collects a thousand dollars from each. Put tem bills of one hundred in the globe, which this year was bigger, to officializing his participation. When it was Clown’s turn, he tries to disguise with smaller bills, but it is discovered by the Mayor. Clown makes a scandal, claiming that he doesn’t have enough money. After almost five minutes arguing and insulting the Mayor, Clown is forcibly removed along with his bike by security men that seem like gorillas.
This time, the crack of a shot ends the magical silence of a few seconds, starting the race. There wasn’t time to think, only to act. Niel started off among the ones that were coming behind him, would pass over. That made Niel perfect himself at most on the curves.
Two motorcyclists got mixed up in front of him crashing slightly, allowing his passage between them.
It didn’t take long and his was tail getting Shark, then it was easy to pass him on doing it, however, he relaxed for a second, sufficiently enough for Shark to recuperate and to come side by side. In the beginning of the curve, when the speed was reduced, Shark push Niel with his leg out of the track.
He thought of getting up but felt that he had broken the leg in the same place that his old fracture. That was the end, His sunglasses had been lost with the fall and worse of all, it was all lost. He imagined Shark winning and raising superbly the globe.
He thought about Zom’s sacrifice and that gave him inhuman strength to get himself and the motorcycle up, on doing it, screamed out of pain. Got on his bike and again screamed transcending the pain, punching the speedometer, damaging it. He went on there was practically no chance, only by a miracle. Ahead of him, a racer with a helmet of two horns, falls and drags the gas tank through the asphalt, creating a track of fire that ends setting his coat on flames. On passing him, Niel has the impression of seeing the devil on fire.
Starts descending the slope ends that ends on Cyprees bridge. The solution is to jump, he thinks.
He had no idea of what speed he was at, and for this reason accelerates at maximum. The helicopter records everything. It was take it or break it. He felt his helmet moving while thinking of the madness he was about to do. Now! He passes the DETOUR sign at this point, his helmet becomes alive. The eagle fastens its claws in the region of Niel’s jaws and opens its wings, flapping them. That forces him to extend his neck and the whole back, creating the right posture to the jump.
- It’s fantastic! – the reporter in the choper thrills eloquently with the extraordinary performance of the jump.
Niel gets to the other side, almost unbalanced. The eagle removes its claws and leaves bleeding wounds, freeing Niel and watching itself.
Shark gets terrified on watching Niel and loses control, which leaves the opponent by his side disputing for the first placement.
There were less than nine hundred meters to the finish line. The two accelerate to the most, trying to control the raising up of their machines on high revolution. Niel looks into Shark’s eyes, guessing his thoughts and the two violently collide on their motorcycles three times . On the fourth time, Niel yells with rage and throws himself with all strength against the enemy increasing the impact. Shark gets off the track and goes against the trailer that once was his. His head goes through the tv screen connected to the camper’s wall and Jack nearly has a tri-dimensional view of the accident. The old man crack up, while trying to extinguish the flames from the set, splashing beer on Shark’s face.
Niel wins and astonishingly the public becomes delirious, not even taking notice to what had happened with Shark. The Mayor with his mouth half open, looking to where Shark had collide, does not even notice Niel getting close and taking the trophy from his hands.
Raising the prize, the winner speeds his bike up in circles, making the bills fly with the wind towards the people.
Contaminated by the acclamation, Niel stops by Nady’s side, giving her the rest of the money. But, on touching his leg to the pavement, remembers that it is broken, dropping the trophy and letting a roar out, which makes all silence. The reality shocks. The blood runs trough his face and leg, he looks at stupefied spectators in a wild and abnormal way.
The other races arrive and Niel turns away his attention to the sky, looking for the eagle. Finds it far away, flying high and accelerates following it
the fridge.
He goes back to the others participants on the moment when the Mayor collects a thousand dollars from each. Put tem bills of one hundred in the globe, which this year was bigger, to officializing his participation. When it was Clown’s turn, he tries to disguise with smaller bills, but it is discovered by the Mayor. Clown makes a scandal, claiming that he doesn’t have enough money. After almost five minutes arguing and insulting the Mayor, Clown is forcibly removed along with his bike by security men that seem like gorillas.
This time, the crack of a shot ends the magical silence of a few seconds, starting the race. There wasn’t time to think, only to act. Niel started off among the ones that were coming behind him, would pass over. That made Niel perfect himself at most on the curves.
Two motorcyclists got mixed up in front of him crashing slightly, allowing his passage between them.
It didn’t take long and his was tail getting Shark, then it was easy to pass him on doing it, however, he relaxed for a second, sufficiently enough for Shark to recuperate and to come side by side. In the beginning of the curve, when the speed was reduced, Shark push Niel with his leg out of the track.
He thought of getting up but felt that he had broken the leg in the same place that his old fracture. That was the end, His sunglasses had been lost with the fall and worse of all, it was all lost. He imagined Shark winning and raising superbly the globe.
He thought about Zom’s sacrifice and that gave him inhuman strength to get himself and the motorcycle up, on doing it, screamed out of pain. Got on his bike and again screamed transcending the pain, punching the speedometer, damaging it. He went on there was practically no chance, only by a miracle. Ahead of him, a racer with a helmet of two horns, falls and drags the gas tank through the asphalt, creating a track of fire that ends setting his coat on flames. On passing him, Niel has the impression of seeing the devil on fire.
Starts descending the slope ends that ends on Cyprees bridge. The solution is to jump, he thinks.
He had no idea of what speed he was at, and for this reason accelerates at maximum. The helicopter records everything. It was take it or break it. He felt his helmet moving while thinking of the madness he was about to do. Now! He passes the DETOUR sign at this point, his helmet becomes alive. The eagle fastens its claws in the region of Niel’s jaws and opens its wings, flapping them. That forces him to extend his neck and the whole back, creating the right posture to the jump.
- It’s fantastic! – the reporter in the choper thrills eloquently with the extraordinary performance of the jump.
Niel gets to the other side, almost unbalanced. The eagle removes its claws and leaves bleeding wounds, freeing Niel and watching itself.
Shark gets terrified on watching Niel and loses control, which leaves the opponent by his side disputing for the first placement.
There were less than nine hundred meters to the finish line. The two accelerate to the most, trying to control the raising up of their machines on high revolution. Niel looks into Shark’s eyes, guessing his thoughts and the two violently collide on their motorcycles three times . On the fourth time, Niel yells with rage and throws himself with all strength against the enemy increasing the impact. Shark gets off the track and goes against the trailer that once was his. His head goes through the tv screen connected to the camper’s wall and Jack nearly has a tri-dimensional view of the accident. The old man crack up, while trying to extinguish the flames from the set, splashing beer on Shark’s face.
Niel wins and astonishingly the public becomes delirious, not even taking notice to what had happened with Shark. The Mayor with his mouth half open, looking to where Shark had collide, does not even notice Niel getting close and taking the trophy from his hands.
Raising the prize, the winner speeds his bike up in circles, making the bills fly with the wind towards the people.
Contaminated by the acclamation, Niel stops by Nady’s side, giving her the rest of the money. But, on touching his leg to the pavement, remembers that it is broken, dropping the trophy and letting a roar out, which makes all silence. The reality shocks. The blood runs trough his face and leg, he looks at stupefied spectators in a wild and abnormal way.
The other races arrive and Niel turns away his attention to the sky, looking for the eagle. Finds it far away, flying high and accelerates following it
Illustrated by Senat
No comments:
Post a Comment