I had to resubmit this story because somebody gained access to my account. To those of you who reviewed, I'm very sorry that I had to lose them.

Speed Racer is the property of Speed Racer Enterprise, yada, yada,yada...

Changing Times

Chapter One - The Blue Comet

"She's all set!" Sparky exclaimed as he slammed shut the hood of the sleek, cobalt blue racecar. "This baby is going to kick some major butt today!"

"Sure hope so," Speed said smiling as he stroked his hand along the cool, smooth metal. "I have to say, you and Pops designed one gorgeous car. She's almost perfect!"

"Thanks! I know she's not the 'Five, but she does have a special place in my heart," he said. "You know, I'm nervous about how she's gonna perform today. It is her first real race, after all. Last night I was so worried that I hardly slept."

"Well, now you know how I feel the night before a big race," Speed commented.

Sparky nodded. "Yeah, I sure do!" He paused for a moment then continued. "Speed, you gotta finish twenty laps ahead of the other cars. I really want The Blue Comet to make me proud today."

"I'll do my very best… Daddy," an amused Speed replied with a chuckle.

The mechanic chuckled and grinned. "I guess am going on like I'm her father or something, huh?"

Speed nodded. "Well, you did have a major hand in her creation, so she is kinda like your kid. Though, I'm sure making a real baby would be a lot more fun!" He nudged Sparky; both young men broke into raucous laughter.

"Speed, you're too much!"

"Well, it would be…" his laughter subsided to a sigh. "Not that I'd know anything about that..."

"Uh huh." Sparky nodded. Poor Speed. From their recent conversations it seemed is though his feelings towards Trixie had gone from platonic to something much deeper. And the physical longings were making themselves known in a variety of ways. Speed had always been hyperactive and a bit hot headed. Now it seemed that those characteristics had tripled in magnitude. It was probably one of the reasons he had volunteered to test-drive the car in a real race; to relieve the tension.

Pops lumbered up to them; a dark blue crash helmet in his hand. "Here, it won't do for you to wear something that doesn't match the Blue Comet." He handed the helmet to Speed who reluctantly took it.

"I don't know Pops... I've always worn the other one. I kinda feel like it's been lucky for me."

"Nonsense! A helmet's a helmet, put it on."

"Okay, you're probably right." He exchanged the familiar white helmet for the one Pops was holding. The helmet matched perfectly with his new fire suit. He caught a glimpse of himself in the glass doors leading from the pits to the main building. "Is that really me? I don't even look like myself!"

"Well, I think you look like dynamite!" Came a voice from his right; Trixie.

He smiled and turned to her. "Thanks! It's just that everybody is staring at me. And the photographers… I don't ever remember them taking so many pictures of me before."

"That's because you've never looked this magnificent." Trixie smiled adoringly at her boyfriend who really did look incredible: His tight, dark blue fire suit accentuated his well-toned body; the color was nearly the same as his expressive eyes. He also hadn't had time for a haircut, the longish-style framed his angular face and in the excitement of the day he had forgotten to shave. The total package made for one very attractive countenance. Perhaps sexy was a more accurate description. Of course, Speed's new appearance wasn't lost on his female racing fans. Although Trixie could feel herself seething at their lustful expressions, she did her best to hide it from him. He had no tolerance for her petty jealousies.

"Speed, could I talk to you for a moment?" she asked.

"Sure."

"I mean, privately."

He glanced around. "I don't think that's really possible."

Pops nodded; he knew what Trixie meant. "Listen, I've got to go check up on your mother and brother. Be back in five..." Pops took Sparky by the arm, "Why don't you take a walk with me?" Before he could protest, Pops dragged him away, leaving Speed and Trixie together amongst the throng of fans and reporters.

"Okay, what's so earth shatteringly important that my father and Sparky couldn't hear?" he asked as removed his helmet and ran his hand through his coal-black locks.

"Well, um...it's just that I... I wanted to wish you luck today." She gazed at him. He shifted uncomfortably.

"Um...err...thanks..." He tried to avert his eyes from hers, but couldn't. A strange pulling sensation was tingling his groin, he tried desperately to ignore it. But, dammit, she look so good. "Listen, I gotta get myself ready for the race, you know...use the... uh...bathroom an' stuff..." His face reddened.

"Okay, sure, I understand." She was about to leave when impulsively she leaned up and kissed him. "Good luck."

"Uh...!" He pulled back, shocked that she'd do that right here in front of all these people. He could hear click of the cameras and the journalists tittering behind him. He knew that come tomorrow the shots of he and Trixie would be a bigger story than that of the race. He rubbed the back of his neck. "I... didn't expect that."

"I know. But for some reason I felt like I had to do it," she explained, her beaming smile melting his heart. "And um…one other thing…after the race…tonight…maybe we can go back to my place, you know celebrate." Her face became flushed. "I mean, I think it's… um…time that we move forward…uh…with our relationship…that is, if you want to…" Her voice by now had dropped to a whisper.

"Really?" he asked in slight disbelief. "Do you mean it?" She nodded. "Wow! I think this is one time I'd rather skip the race! Do you know how happy you just made me?" No longer caring about who was watching them, he pulled her close to him and returned the kiss although with much more passion.

Grinning; he turned to the reporters. "Did you get that one? I guess you've all got a really good lead for tomorrow, huh?" There was laughter from the press.

"Speed..." Trixie touched her lips and giggled. "That tickled! I think you need a shave!"

"Yeah, I know. Though, I'm thinking I might let the thing grow into a beard," he teased, knowing how much she hated facial hair. It was getting very close to race time, he wished that he didn't have to leave her. He still felt drawn to her and wanted kiss her again Actually he wanted more than just a kiss.

"I guess I'd better let you go. See you after the race, okay?"

"You bet!" He winked. "I'm really looking forward to it."

"Me, too…Oh, and please be careful." She held his gloved hand and squeezed it tight.

"Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to the Blue Comet," he reassured her as he put the helmet back on his head.

"It's not the car I'm worried about..." she said to herself as he vaulted into the cockpit of Pops' new miracle machine.