Disclaimer:I do not own "Wreck-It Ralph" or "Sonic the Hedgehog.

Chapter 3

Life As A Sonic Rider

The Next Day...

As the Sugar Rush racers woke up at their usual times, they were wondering what the first race of the competition would be like. As they started walking, Gloyd could not get that image of himself with the girls out of mind at all last night and Rancis couldn't stop rubbing his back (he tried practicing on a flat piece of candy-cane but had some balancing issues and kept landing directly on his code-ridden spine). For Gloyd, it felt like a good feeling that felt like it was everlasting although if he ever wanted to "experience" that feeling again, he will need to protect the girls at all cost. Even if it puts him in a critical condition would he help the girls survive the races. If the girls get knocked out of the races, he will carry on in their names. But for Rancis it felt like he got trampled by a bunch of devil dogs" because he felt like an old man with back problems. Good thing he healed before they left game otherwise he might have problems racing along with walking.

"May love guide me to new heights and rewards as I protect my friends," Gloyd thought to himself.

"May my ambition for racing keep me alive, I hope." Rancis thought to himself.

As the gang entered GCS, they see a huge crowd of people waiting to be let into "Sonic Riders." Sonic was speaking some last minute instructions and warnings. "Okay, I going need racers on one side of the divider wall and non-racers on the other side because, when you walk through that outlet, it will be your final decision that we cannot change. So makeup your mind now," Sonic suggested. As the group began to shuffle into the 2 lines he requested, the Sugar Rush racers joined the racers' line.

"Okay, (gulps). This is it," Rancis said feeling nervous. When Rancis felt someone's warm hand grab his hand, he felt his confused but when saw Vanellope holding his hand, he calmed down instantly but his blood temperature started rising like a balloon. Candlehead was feeling anxious to get on the tracks they had to offer. Taffyta was motivating herself to win and not slipping up. Fearing that if she does, she will be the most embarrassed racer in Sugar Rush and probably be laughed at by everyone for not making it far in the tournament but as long as she is determined to win, that will never happen. Right? Swizzle was thinking about what he could do for Minty if they had some alone time together while Minty waited in line in front of him. Snowanna and Crumbelina were conversing about what to do with their time when they aren't racing. Adorabeezle and Jubilenna were wondering where would the group be staying at. And lastly, Gloyd kept quiet in the back as he thought to himself," Protect the girls and they may protect you for being a great friend, I hope."

When everyone walked down the stairs to the train, they were expecting a similar train to their games but instead the train was similar to the one that takes them to "Hero's Duty (think of the train in "Megalo Station" from "Sonic Riders: Zero Gravity")." "Cool," the racers thought as they each followed each other onto the futuristic vessel.

As Gloyd brings up the rear, the tunnel to "Sonic Riders" was dark, electrifyingly dark (due to the electric surge in the outlet cable) but as they boarded the train, they could see a distance spec of light at the end of the tunnel. Once everyone was on board, Sonic appeared on a viewing screen to talk to the passengers. "Okay, everyone. Grab a seatbelt, and enjoy the ride. And take lots of pictures for memories to look back on." Everyone buckled up and prepared for the ride as the train came online and started slowly picking up speed, the racers just started to get excited on the inside as they can't wait to see the world Sonic lives. The darkness of the tunnel kept getting dimmer and dimmer until they reached the exit and the next thing the racers see is just a lot of technology that just made them each stare in wonder with their mouths agape.

Metal City...

The train had to go another mile or 2 before it could let anyone off. So everyone on board peered outside to see the city's skyline. Which was beautiful not just in size but for it's progression in technology. "Wow and this is where you live, Sonic," Candlehead asked feeling overwhelmed. "Yep. Well in this game," Sonic answered from the viewing screen. Once the train docked at the station, the intercom greeted everyone. "Welcome to Metal City, racers and race fans. We hope you enjoy your stay here." As the racers filed out of the train, looking in all directions (anxious to go sightseeing), Tails appeared ready to give them a small tour of city and the place they will be staying at. As they started walking and talking, the racers felt overwhelmed by the setting.

"Metal City will be the main hub to all characters racers and/or fans who came to this competition," Tails explained. "You will all have a lot of free time so don't worry about not getting to see the sights before we go because all the tracks will be open to the public except for the track because we don't want you guys getting jumped. Also, buying souvenirs will help to remember these good times down the road," he suggested. "The setting takes place in the distant future in which the year is uncertain but we think it's during a time of "Great Peace" or during the "Golden Age of Technology," Tails explained.

Then, the subject hit Vanellope's head like a jawbreaker and she threw her hand up and asked, "Uh.. Excuse me, Mr. Tails?" Earning his attention as he turned around hearing his name. "What do we do about money," she asked feeling nervous. Tails answered her question for everyone to hear. "The currency system is the same in all Sonic games - rings," he said while holding up a ring he had on him. " "If you collect a bunch of these while on the track during the race, you get to keep them and spend them on new Extreme Gear at the shop. Even if you don't make it to the 2nd race, you still can show-off your skills on the tracks when the competition is not going on," Tails clarified.

"So the tracks are open 24/7 to everyone," Minty asked. "Yep, everyone tries to get better at something they are new to until it becomes natural," Tails assured them. As the group proceeded down the street, the crosswalks were now advanced mini-bridges that allowed people to walk over the busy traffic. As the group hanged a right at a building entrance, they walked in while being greeted by a "Oomachao" receptionist that directed them to the lobby. Eventually, they walked down some normal stairs and saw a huge group of familiar characters.

"Okay, everyone may I have your attention, please," Oomachao asked as everyone quieted down. "I'm Oomachao and I'm the "Ex World Grand Prix Commentator" for Sonic Riders. I will be the one who will be telling the race as it happens from a bird's eye view, of course," gesturing to the anti-gravity cameras that are observing everyone. "Anyway, we will give out room keys to you all and we will be having a "Welcome Racers" party in a few hours, so if you want to meet your opponents, then you must attend," he said having everyone eye each other. "Also, no rough housing or fights because outside the races otherwise disqualification is your punishment," warning everyone who in unison gulped in frustration and fear. "So grab a room key, then show it to the receptionist (to make copies) and your roommates and prepare for the party," he said as he flew away.

One by one, characters came by a picked up a key. Rancis got his key for Gloyd and Swizzle. Taffyta got hers for Vanellope, Minty and Candlehead. And Crumbelina got hers for Jubileena, Adorbeezle, and Snowanna. Ironically, there rooms were right across the hall and next door to each other. As they each looked around their rooms, they look specifically made for celebrates and the racers felt like "this is what I always dreamed for."

Later...

As the boys and girls began to lounge in their new room, one things for sure that "this is the life," they all thought in unison. When party was in full swing, everyone was having the time of their lives. But at the end of the party, the racers knew who they were up against. A couple of villains like Bowser, Zangeif, Dr. Eggman (who announced his involvement) and a many heroes like the Delivery Boy, Mario, Luigi, Donkey Kong, Yoshi, and unlockable heroes like Aiai, Ulala, Knights and many more.

Lastly, Oomachao announced that al racers will receive their Extreme Gear in the morning so he asked everyone to get a good nights sleep because the first race is always hardest because it decides who is better than who.

The racers headed back to their rooms to hit the hay. Gloyd feel asleep on the couch (not bothering to get up due to all the food he ate the party), so Gloyd and Swizz got the beds and they fell fast asleep anxious to race in the morning. The girls were deciding who gets the beds or the couch, they sorted it out eventually but no of them were happy because the beds were to soft and the couch was to hard, which kept them up for awhile but not before they asked each other which boy they liked the most. Too bad all of them couldn't answer the question due to being embarrassed to answer. So they tried to ignore it even though that question lingered in their mind long enough for each of them to get half a night's rest.

This is tiring. At least the race is next chapter. I don't know who is going to be a speed, flight or power type. I will sort that out when I think this chapter through. So read, review, and comment.