I'll prove I am good enough

When things get Dusty

The Rider...

Sho, Makoto and Kakeru were surrounded on all sides by the police. It was all my fault, I should have warned them, driven them out myself. I was standing on the top of a rock which was close to the group, close enough to hear them. The police had their hands full with those three so they didn't notice me. I guess if I had taunted the Captain enough, he would have hit the tree harder and Makoto would get a little more time. Sometimes people depend on us so much, we lose our sense. The last time this happened, I brought pain to another person, I don't know where he is now, but I wish at home and I wish he is safe, after all he's even younger and less immature than Makoto.

"Hey, we already told you, we aren't in the gang" stated Sho attracting my attention.

"Prove it!" replied the Captain. I didn't know this would work but it did, Sho showed the Captain the emblem of the gang leader. The Captain and his officer's were astonished, the Captain was silent while the others said, "This little kid beat the Boss. Then they must be saying the truth, Sir."

A smile appeared on the face of the three kids, Makoto said "That's our proof! If we were in his team why would he have given that to us."

'Well done, Makoto' I thought, but then the Captain spoke, "True. This is a proof, but, there is a possibility you stole it. To testify your evidence, Sho Yamato, I challenge you to an Idaten battle."

All eyes were on Sho, so were mine and he broke the silence by saying, "Can this world get any better? You are on, Captain"

Sho and the Captain were soon ready, they were just about to start and the Captain was explaining the rules. " This is our course, the tallest stone over there is our finishing line. Avoid those areas, they are like a quick sand."

I observed the course and as an trial bike champion, I knew in a sandy course, riders who take the lead always have the upper hand. But, as a spectator I can't change anything. ' Sho Yamato, I get another chance to see how good you really are.'

With that, the race began, the Captain immediately took the lead leaving Sho struggling in the sand. " Don't blame me for that! Riders who take the lead receive an advantage in a sandy course" said the Captain.

That was true and Sho was having a hard time. The sand moved by the Captain, flew back into Sho's eyes, distorting his vision.

I was so carried away by the Captain that it took me a while to notice that Sho's bike was being pulled into one of those quick sands. He wasn't able to struggle his way out. 'Oh no, if he gets pulled into those, that's the end' I thought. I was, in fact, so worried that I put my riding suit on and was on the drive launcher. But, just before I was about to start, Sho Yamato pulled out of the quick sand, which was quite potentially problematic. I was stunned by power of this young individual, how could he do that?

But, even though Sho had pulled out, the Captain was way ahead and almost at the finish. Even though Sho just saved himself, it was impossible for him to win. To my surprise, Sho Yamato jumped on the large stones which covered the track, he didn't have to think for a second to start jumping from rock to rock. This didn't only make him automatically avoid the quick sands, but also shortened his course and therefore he was actually catching up.

Everyone was stunned by this sudden move, even the Captain. "How could a kid know how to do that" said the Captain. But, being distracted was his biggest mistake. Soon he too was dragged into one of those quick sands. He fell off his bike immediately and was about to meet his end. The only hope, I had was SHo finishing the race quickly so I can save the Captain.

Although I didn't have to, Sho Yamato noticed this accident and rushed to the Captain' s rescue. H e gathered all his energy and jumped off the rock towards the Captain as he did so, he extended his arm and screamed "Captain". The Captain was unsure about this and he said "You can't save me, you'll be dragged in as well. Stay out of this." But, I knew Sho wasn't a one to back out, regardless of the Captain's protest he continued. The Captain, too realized Sho's determination and grabbed Sho's hand.

In a moment, Sho pulled out the Captain but he also lost balance and fell down, resulting in a minor injury. But, I know, to Sho a minor injury is nothing compared to a person's life.

So, my job here was done, they couldn't fall in more trouble in the same day so I took my leave. I also acknowledged the fact that, Sho Yamato is a good rider.

Sho...

My heart was thumping with the tension it just went through, an inch of mistake would cost the Captain his life, but then again I had Flame Kaiser. That bike has always been a symbol of hope to me and never has it let me down.

My friends came rushing and the officers congratulated me and the Captain shook my hand and thanked me. He was so formal, I felt a bit weird.

"Sho Yamato, I owe you my life. Thank you, since I lost my bike, I would like to compensate by giving you the trailer and drive launcher" said the Captain.

I didn't get much of his extreme tough words but I got the part that I get to keep the drive launcher and trailer. The Captain then asked us, what we planned to do. We all stared blankly, we had no idea what to do next. The Captain smiled and said "Go to X-City"

"X-City?" asked K akeru.

"Yes, it is a place with many great riders. Collect 10 emblems and you will be able to return back to your home planet" he explained.

"Right then I guess we'll head off" I replied.

We started to pack up our new belongings and just when I was about to paddle away the Captain said " Sho Yamato, I know there are many great riders in X-City, but I also know that one day you will surpass them all and rise to the top."

I smiled and nodded "I won't let you down, Captain."

With that we headed off, hoping to reach X-City as soon as possible. Unaware of the troubles ahead and frankly least bothered. I had to reach X-City, I had to take my friends back home, that is my mission and I won't fail.