All Stars! 🌟 Start Your Engines!

Chapter 3 - Monkey Target

"Alright everyone! Stand by as I use Eggman's teleporter to take us to Pirate's Ocean!" NiGHTS exclaimed. He was standing next to Eggman's monster truck. The monkey who stole Amy's banana, AiAi, squealed happily. Guess that meant we were going to his turf next.

NiGHTS seemed to be trying to figure out how to activate the teleporter. He began shaking it and looking around for an "on" button. Eggman grabbed it with a "Give me that!" and turned the device on.

Eggman's device sparked with purple energy as it took us to the beginning of yet another track. The stands of people and even those of us racing seemed to just stay still as our environment changed around us.

I eyed that device. How could it cover such a vast area and number of people? There's gotta be thousands in the stands alone! That may even have been how NiGHTS was able to leave the dreamworld. I kept this in mind as everyone was told to head to their place at the start of the new track.

Since I came in second in the last race, I came in right at the front, next to the kid I was talking to earlier. He seemed to be trying really hard not to look my way. I mean, no one looks that intensely at the road, well, unless you're Shadow.

Tails pulled in right behind me. He must have gotten into fourth place. The person in third place was none other than Eggman himself. I glared over at him. That guy was up to something. I was sure of it. I wouldn't even be surprised if he cheated to get up this far in the race.

I turned around to look at Tails. "That device Eggman made, the one that teleported us here, doesn't it seem strange to you that he would make it just for this race?"

Tails looked over at me. He placed his hand under his chin. "It is a bit suspicious."

"Bit? We're talking Eggman here. A lot would make more sense. I think we should keep an eye on him. Who knows what tricks he could have up his sleeves."

The kid in the motorcycle next to me scoffed. "You know, he is racing just like you. I'm sure he wouldn't do anything like that."

"I know the guy better than you do. He is my arch nemesis." I shot back. He seemed taken aback, as if trying to figure out how to respond.

At last, he opened his mouth. "Well, maybe he just wants a normal race without you blaming him for everything?" Now I was sure everyone was staring. Eggman was even smiling. Don't know if it was because I was being called out or because this kid was standing up for him. I could swear he added, "You little rat."

Okay, that does it! "Hey! I'm not a rat! I'm a-!" I started.

"Sonic!" Tails exclaimed. I shut my mouth and looked over at him. "Don't you know who he is?" I shook my head. I've never seen the kid before. Tails continued. "That's Alex Kidd. He was the mascot of SEGA before you."

"So, you're saying he holds a grudge against me?" I asked, sneaking a glance at Alex. It would explain his behavior.

"It is a possibility." Tails responded. "It might be best not to provoke him. You may be fast but he's pretty strong. I would rather not see this race turn into all out brawl." Well, technically he provoked me though.

"Hey, don't worry buddy." I gave him a thumbs up. "It won't come that."

NiGHTS flew in front of us with his checkered flag. The chatter in the background became quiet. It was then that I realized a few of the racers were already sitting out this one. Beat was still in the stands along with Jacky and Akira as well as Zobio and Zobiko. The ChuChus were there too. I think it had something to do with the Kapu Kapu eating all their vehicles but I'm not sure.

"Welcome everyone to Monkey Target!" NiGHTS announced, still hovering off the ground. "This is where all you monkey ball fans get shot out and have to land on a specific area to earn points. But, we're not joining in on that. We're racing on it! Up ahead is one of the more difficult tracks. Watch out for those turns at the end. They can throw you off course pretty easily."