Biker Mice from Mars - Mountain Drift

Chapter 10: Broncos

Bogus Basin Road...

Throttle rode in the passenger seat of the CR-X, Manuel driving. He was going at a steady pace, just at the speed limit. They were on their way to the top of the downhill course that he raced on. People stood at the corners where there were guard rails to protect them, along with the sides of the road where they wouldn't get hit. Some had brought small stereos and were listening to music as they drove by. Some songs sounded like indie rock, others sounded like the Super Eurobeat genre.

Takumi was behind them in the Eight-Six. No doubt he is going to raise a few eyebrows, Manuel thought to himself. This was going to be something big, especially if Takumi wanted a crack at the course.

Throttle was lost in his own thoughts as they drove. He had tried to use his communicator after he had ridden his bike back to Manuel's apartment from the crash site last night, only to find it busted. The only thing that still worked on the communicator was the homing beacon. He'd have to track his bros down using that beacon when his leg healed up. Other than that, seeing the people on the sides of the road as they drove up the pass reminded him of when he went to events like this on Mars, before the Plutarkian invasion. It was bringing back a lot of good memories.

They arrived at the top of the course to find Bob Samson and the Bogus Broncos waiting for them, along with several other teams; The Purple Scorpions, and the Fifth-Street Drifters.

"Hmm... Scorpions and Fifth-Street. Didn't expect to see them up here tonight." Manuel said as they arrived at the top of the course. Manuel then parked his car at the side of the road.

Throttle double checked the hood over his head to make sure his ears were hidden, flat against his head, then he and Manuel stepped out of the car.

"Well, look who's here!" A man with red hair and freckles exclaimed. "Didn't think you were coming, Manuel."

"Nice to see you too, Bob," Manuel said with a smile. Bob then looked over and saw Takumi parking his car.

"Who's that?" He asked, pointing to Takumi.

"That's my pen pal, Takumi Fujiwara," Manuel said proudly. "I told you about him at the coffee shop, remember?"

Bob looked at Takumi, surprised. "No way! That's tofu boy? The kid who beat the Red Suns?!"

"The one and only," Iketani said, walking up with Takumi and Itsuki.

"I see you've spread the word about my arrival..." Takumi said. "Looks like I might have some challenges tonight."

"Well, I didn't think the reception would be this big..." Manuel scratched his head. "Besides, I don't see why it would matter..."

"Are you kidding?" A Fifth-Street racer shouted. "That guy's a legend in the making! He's all over the Gunma drift blog on the internet!

Takumi put on an innocent poker face as Manuel gave him a stare. "Why didn't you tell me you were such a racing icon?" Manuel asked, an eyebrow raised.

"I didn't think it would matter..." Takumi replied nervously.

Manuel laughed. "Ah, well. I'm just giving you a hard time anyway. Why don't you see if anyone wants to challenge or learn from you, Mr. drift prodigy? I'll be right here if you want some tips on the course..."

Manuel then noticed Throttle looking out at the skyline. A full moon was overhead, and Throttle didn't look amused. He looked like he was down. It was like he was reliving a painful memory.

"Don't worry. We got this." Iketani said, also noticing. "I'm sure we can keep these guys amused, at least until the Takahashi brothers show up."

Manuel nodded and walked over to where Throttle was standing, as he leaned on the CR-X.

"Something wrong?" He asked.

"This just brings back a lot of good memories..." Throttle said. "Before... You know..."

Manuel put his hand on Throttle's shoulder. "It's never easy, is it?"

"No." Throttle replied as they heard engines start up. "It never is..."