Note to Orange Sora: While I'm planning an Intersection-like event for the race, I'm not planning on doing a U-Turn (because I just don't like the concept of it).

11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

Leg Six

11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

Before the leg started, SSBFreak was seen walking through a village.

"This is the world of Rayman. Like many nodes, this one started off small, but grew in popularity because of the uniqueness of the hero character The node has gotten so popular that even Rayman's newest enemies, the Rabbids, have received a following of their own." SSBFreak told the camera. "And off to the side of the node, in a remote area of the world: Globox Village. This village, home to Rayman's best friend Globox and his huge family, was the fifth Pitstop in a race around the VG Universe."

Clips of the eight remaining teams checking in were shown, starting with Jak & Keira. Globox's wife was then seen serving some unappetizing food to some of the racers. Most of the racers look like they're about ready to throw up, but Max easily eats through his plate.

"After checking in, teams received a mandatory rest period." SSBFreak explained. "This allowed them to eat…"

Eike was seen sleeping on a bed, although his eyes were still half-open.

"…Sleep…"

Sam and Plum were seen playing soccer with some of Globox's kids.

"…And mingle with the other teams. Will Jak & Keira be able to maintain their lead despite one of the allies having second thoughts? And will Tabby & Bea be able to climb out of last place after narrowly avoiding elimination?" SSBFreak asked. "Jak & Keira, whom were the first to arrive, will be the first to depart, twelve hours later."

(PITSTOP)

With it being so early in the morning, there was no sun in the sky and it was pitch black out. Jak and Keira each held a flashlight, but Jak put his in his mouth as he counted the given money while Keira read the clue.

(JAK & KEIRA – First to Depart)

"Fly to the world of Megaman Battle Network." Keira read.

"Teams must now drive themselves to the airport and book flights to the world of Megaman Battle Network, a branch off of Megaman." SSBFreak explained. "Once they land, they must travel by taxi to Dencity and find City Hall, where they'll find their next clue."

"Is the money all there, Jak?" Keira asked.

Quickly counting, Jak pulled the flashlight from his mouth. "All here." He nodded.

"Great." Keira replied. "Let's get going while we still have a lead."

The dating couple quickly left the Pitstop and rushed through the village to where the marked cars were parked. As Jak & Keira got into their car, the next team left the Pitstop.

(TOMOKI & AKI – Second to Depart)

"Search for City Hall for your next clue." Tomoki read.

"Come on, Tomoki! We can still catch Jak & Keira!" Aki urged.

The other dating couple quickly made tracks, leaving the Pitstop and going through the village to where the marked cars were parked. Finding theirs, the datign couple got in and drove off with hopes of catching the team ahead of them.

(JAK & KEIRA)

"Keep going, Jak." Keira instructed. "We should be arriving at the airport soon."

"Okay. Then we just need to find the best flight available." Jak nodded.

"We won't have a lot of time, though." Keira noted as she looked out the back window. "Tomoki & Aki are right behind us."

"They sure like to go fast, don't they?" Jak chuckled with a dark smirk. "Sound like my kind of people."

(TOMOKI & AKI)

"He's speeding up!" Tomoki said as he saw Jak pulling away.

"Stay with him! Stay with him!" Aki instructed.

"How much longer until we get to the airport?" Tomoki asked.

"I'd say about five minutes." Aki replied.

"Is there a faster way to get there that Jak & Keira may not take?"

"Doesn't look like it."

"Great."

(PITSTOP)

(EIKE & MUTO – Third to Depart)

"You have fifty dollars for this leg of the race." Eike read.

"We're good, Eike!" Muto announced cheerfully. "It's all here!"

"Let's get going, then." Eike said. "We can catch the lead teams at the airport."

"Right!"

Team Budehuc left the Pitstop and walked through the village, quickly arriving at the line of marked cars. Finding theirs, Eike & Muto got in and drove off.

"From the looks of this, I'd say that the airport is about a ten minute drive away from here." Muto noted.

"Pretty good timing." Eike nodded in satisfaction. "Let's just hope we get a good flight."

(AIRPORT)

"We're trying to get to the world of Megaman Battle Network." Jak explained. "Do you have any decent flights?"

"Well, we have a flight departing at noon and arriving in that world at…Five in the afternoon." The woman replied.

"Uh…Do you have anything…Earlier?" Keira asked.

"I'm afraid we don't but Airline Airlines has something."

"…Airline Airlines?" Jak asked. "What kind of name is that?"

"Let's just say that the two owners were drunk at the time of naming."

As Jak & Keira sprinted across the airport, Tomoki & Aki had managed to find another airline and lined up to see what was available.

"We're looking for a flight to the world of Megaman Battle Network." Tomoki explained.

"Let's see…Our earliest flight arrives at one in the afternoon." The man behind the counter explained. "Is that okay?"

"We were told that this was the best airline to get the tickets from." Aki whispered to Tomoki.

"Yeah. We'll take two tickets."

(TOMOKI & AKI – First on Flight 1)

(PITSTOP)

(SAM & MAX – Fourth to Depart)

"Fly to the world of Megaman Battle Network." Sam read.

"Oh! Is that the game where you plant and kick bombs to blow up everyone else around you?!" Max asked hopefully.

"You're thinking of Bomberman, little buddy." Sam chuckled.

"Awww…" Max whined.

"In either case, we'd best head out." Sam pointed out. "We're got a team right behind us and three teams ahead."

"That would make us team…Four, right?"

"You crack me up, little buddy."

The Freelance Police left the Pitstop and made their way over to the marked cars. As they did, the next team departed.

(KOLORADO & BOWYER – Fifth to Depart)

"I say, old chap. Would you happen to know what node this is?" Kolorado asked, showing Bowyer the clue.

"Know this I do not." Bowyer shook his head.

"Blast." Kolorado said. "Well, we may as well get going before we lose our ground."

The mismatched friends quickly left the Pitstop. By the time they reached the marked cars, Sam & Max were already gone.

"Let's go, old bean!" Kolorado said as he jumped into the car. "We shall catch them at the airport!"

"Go fast we must! A good flight we shall get!" Bowyer nodded.

(AIRPORT)

"That looks like the right place." Jak noted as he and Keira approached an airline.

"We were told that you have a good flight heading to the world of Megaman Battle Network." Keira explained to the man behind the counter.

"We do. Our earliest flight will be arriving at one in the afternoon." The man nodded.

"Is that the best we can get anywhere?" Jak asked.

"All earlier flights are sold out."

"We'll take two tickets, then."

(JAK & KEIRA – Second on Flight 1)

Meanwhile, Eike & Muto were off looking at another airline, hoping that they would be able to find a good flight.

"Is there a place in this airport where we can get a flight to the world of Megaman Battle Network?" Muto asked.

"Let's see…We don't have one, but Airline Airlines has a pretty good flight available." The woman behind the counter replied.

"Uh…Should we ignore the unusual name?" Muto asked.

"I'd say so." Eike nodded. "Come on."

Team Budehuc had to backtrack a bit, but they managed to find the airline they were told about and approached.

"We heard that you have the best available flight to the world of Megaman Battle Network." Eike explained.

"That we do." The man nodded. "Our flight comes in at one. Is that okay?"

"Sounds good enough." Eike nodded.

(EIKE & MUTO – Third on Flight 1)

(PITSTOP)

(ILIA & BETH – Sixth to Depart)

"Okay, we aren't marked for elimination anymore." Ilia noted as she ripped open the clue. "We can go back to playing conservatively again."

"In your dreams!" Beth laughed as she scampered off to the marked cars.

"Beth, wait up!"

The two girls, knowing that they were behind a bit, raced over to their car and got in, driving off in it.

"Hopefully, we can make it to the airport in good time." Beth said as she sped down the road.

"Beth, we'll catch everyone there! There's no hurry!" Ilia insisted.

(AIRPORT)

"I got it! I got it!!"

Needless to say, Sam & Max started another sprint towards the travel agent. However, for once, Sam didn't need to do anything to beat Max to the counter, because a passing luggage cart chose that time to plow over the white rabbit-like creature from the side.

"My little buddy and I need the fastest flight to the world of Megaman Battle Network." Sam explained.

"Let me check the systems." The woman said. "From the looks of this, the first flight arriving in that node is Airline Airlines. Would you like two tickets on that?"

"Is that really the fastest flight we can get to go to that world?"

"Yes, it is."

"Okay. We'll take two tickets."

(SAM & MAX – Fourth on Flight 1)

As Sam left the counter to go scrape Max off the floor, Kolorado & Bowyer, having followed the Freelance Police, approached the counter.

"Could we possibly get tickets for the exact same flight as then, chap?" Kolorado asked.

"We still have some seats available." The woman nodded. "Shall I book tickets?"

"Please, old bean. That would be most helpful."

(KOLORADO & BOWYER – Fifth on Flight 1)

(PITSTOP)

(PLUM & SCARLET – Seventh to Depart)

"Looks like we're going to the world of Megaman Battle Network." Plum noted. "You ready, Josephine?"

"I'll tell you when we find a good flight at the airport." Scarlet replied.

Plum shrugged. "Okay. Let's head out."

The two friends left the Pitstop and went over to the two remaining marked cars. Plum got behind the wheel as Scarlet picked up the map. With that, the two were off as the last team left the Pitstop.

(TABBY & BEA – Last to Depart)

"Let's hope we can make up for our last performance." Bea noted as she read the clue. "Is the money all there, Tabby?"

"Yep. It's all accounted for." Tabby nodded.

"Okay. Let's get going. Maybe we can get to the airport ahead of Plum & Scarlet.

The cat and dog duo left the Pitstop and rushed over to the final remaining marked car, quickly jumping into it. Starting their car, Tabby & Bea were off, going towards the airport with hopes of catching up.

(AIRPORT)

"We need to get to the world of Megaman Battle Network as fast as possible." Ilia explained to the travel agent she and Beth were talking with.

"From the looks of things, the earliest flight lands at one and there are still sme seats available." The woman explained. "Would you like some?"

"The fastest flight in the entire airport?" Beth asked.

"Yep."

"Then we'll take two tickets, please."

(ILIA & BETH – Sixth on Flight 1)

A few minutes later and Plum & Scarlet showed up, with Tabby & Bea following closely behind them.

"Where should we go, Peter?" Scarlet asked.

"We need to find a travel agent." Plum informed. "That way, we'll find out what the best flights are in the entire airport."

"Right."

"You think we should follow them, Tabby?" Bea asked.

"It's probably the best idea." Tabby nodded.

The two teams made their way through the airport until they finally came upon a travel agent. Plum & Scarlet approached the counter first.

"We need to get to the world of Megaman Battle Network." Plum pointed out. "What's the best available flight we can get?"

"Looks like the best flight still had a few seats left." The woman explained. "It arrives at one."

"That's pretty good." Scarlet observed.

"Indeed. We'll take two tickets." Plum nodded.

(PLUM & SCARLET – Seventh on Flight 1)

Tabby & Bea nervously approached the counter, hoping for the best.

"Please tell us that you have some seats left on the flight those two just got." Tabby half-pleaded.

"Let me check." The woman said as she typed on a keyboard a few times. "Looks like there's still some seats left. Would you like them?"

"Please." Bea nodded, sighing in relief.

(TABBY & BEA – Last on Flight 1)

Meanwhile, Kolorado & Bowyer were talking with Sam & Max. The Freelance Police were wondering something and decided to ask the two mismatched friends. Well, Sam did. Max was off racing around on an empty luggage cart.

"Max and I noticed that you guys were hanging around with Jak & Keira for a couple of legs." Sam pointed out. "Any particular reason why you're not, now?"

"Chap, those two formed an alliance with us, but Bowyer and I were never too keen on their goals." Kolorado explained.

"Break off we did." Bowyer added. "A good decision I just hope it was."

While the three were talking, Jak & Keira were standing aside, not liking what they were seeing.

"Looks like Kolorado & Bowyer aren't in the alliance, anymore." Jak muttered quietly.

"This isn't good." Keira whispered. "Kolorado & Bowyer are just as much of a threat as Sam & Max. That's why we pulled those two onto the alliance in the first place."

"We have to think of some way to work around this." Jak pointed out. "Those two are going to regret that decision they made."

"Is there a way we can nail both teams at the same time?" Keira asked.

"I don't know." Jak shook his head. "We'll have to wait and see what we come across."

"All eight teams are now on the same flight, traveling to the world of Megaman Battle Network, landing at one in the afternoon." SSBFreak explained.

(Flight 1 – Landing)

The eight teams raced through the airport as fast as they could, trying to get ahead and get out into the streets of the node first. Jak & Keira led the way with Sam & Max right behind them. Everyone else was trying to stay with the group, and were just a bit behind the leaders.

Jak & Keira ran out into the road outside of the airport to try and hail a taxi.

"Taxi! Taxi!" Keira called out.

At the same time, Sam & Max had run out of the airport and looked around. As the Freelance Police started hailing a taxi, Jak & Keira managed to flag down a cab.

"Dencity City Hall!" Keira ordered as she and Jak got into the cab.

"You got it." The driver nodded.

Everyone else came out from inside the airport as Sam & Max managed to get the attention of an oncoming taxi. When the taxi pulled over, Sam & Max jumped in.

"We need to get to City Hall in Dencity." Sam explained.

"And if you see anyone blocking your path, mow them down!" Max added.

"Taxi!" Tabby called out, waving her arms.

"Hey! Taxi!" Tomoki shouted.

"We need a taxi over here!" Beth shouted.

Eventually, two taxis pulled over, allowing the two lucky teams access.

"Dencity! Hurry!" Tabby ordered.

"We need to get to City Hall in Dencity!" Tomoki instructed.

The two taxis carrying Tabby & Bea and Tomoki & Aki drove off, leaving the remaining teams behind.

"I say. How can finding an open taxi be so hard in his node?" Kolorado asked, scratching his head.

"Taxi!" Plum shouted, waving his arms and managing to get the attention of an oncoming taxi.

"Great job, Peter!" Scarlet said.

Plum & Scarlet drove off as Kolorado, Ilia and Muto managed to get the attention of some taxis. The three remaining teams got into their taxis and drove off with hopes of staying in the race.

(JAK & KEIRA)

"Looks like Sam & Max are still behind us." Keira noted.

Jak looked over a map in his hands. "Looks like it's a fairly straightforward path to Dencity." He said. "We should be getting there in a few minutes if this guy is fast enough."

"But it's just a question as to where City Hall is." Keira pointed out.

(SAM & MAX)

Sam studied the map in his hands and traced a few lines with his finger. "Hmm…I think I may have found an alternative route, little buddy." He said.

"Oh! Really?" Max asked. "Great! Let's do it!"

"Take a left up here." Sam instructed the driver.

"Will do." The driver nodded.

(TOMOKI & AKI)

"Aki, they're turning." Tomoki noted.

"Stay with them. Stay with them." Aki instructed.

Tomoki & Aki ended up making the turn to follow Sam & Max.

"This is a risk." Tomoki pointed out. "We don't know if Sam & Max are going the right way or not."

"We'll just have to wait and see what happens." Aki nodded.

(ILIA & BETH)

"Are we going the right way to Dencity?" Beth asked the driver as they passed the turn the two previous teams turned at.

"Yes, we are." The driver nodded.

"Those other teams must be taking a wrong turn, then." Beth reasoned.

"We can only hope." Ilia sighed. "If that's a shorter route they took, then we could fall behind."

(PLUM & SCARLET)

"Looks like there are a couple of teams making a turn up there." Plum pointed out. "You think we should follow them?"

"That road up there. Does it lead to Dencity faster?" Scarlet asked the driver.

"Well, that road doesn't have any traffic lights and it's a direct route." The driver explained. "You're probably looking at about a ten-minute block of time shaved off."

"Let's follow them, then." Plum said.

"I agree." Scarlet nodded. "Take the turn and follow those two other taxis."

(KOLORADO & BOWYER)

"I think we should stick with the group, old bean." Kolorado suggested. "Those three teams turning may be going towards a dead end."

"A point you have." Bowyer nodded. "This way if we go, on route to the city we will be."

"How can you understand that guy?" The driver asked Kolorado.

"You get used to it." Kolorado shrugged.

The eight teams drove through the node, the three teams going down the side road to avoid traffic. Eventually, the first teams arrived in Dencity, a huge metropolis of futuristic-looking buildings.

(PLUM & SCARLET)

"Wow! This is some city!" Scarlet said as she looked out the taxi window. "Take a look at how futuristic it looks!"

"Well, the games DO take place in the future." Plum pointed out.

"Remember to take us to City Hall." Scarlet told the driver. "There are two other teams just ahead of us and we need to get there as fast as possible."

(SAM & MAX)

"Look at all of those neon lights, Sam!" Max said in awe. "Where's my BB Gun?"

"The race officials confiscated that before the race, Max." Sam reminded. "Along with your bear traps, most of your weapons, half of your dynamite sticks and thirteen of your blunt objects you use to hit things with, including your lucky boxing glove."

"Oh, yeah." Max said as he sulked. "I love that boxing glove."

(TOMOKI & AKI)

"Stay with those two." Aki instructed the driver, pointing to Sam & Max's taxi. "They're going the right way and we don't want to risk passing them on bust streets like this."

"You sure you don't want to risk it?" Tomoki asked.

"We'll have time to pass them at one of the tasks."

The three teams drove through Dencity until they came upon City Hall, a large building with glass double-doors. However, the instant the lead team spotted the clue box sitting on the sidewalk outside of the building, they took their attention off the building.

"Great leaping one-legged roosters slapping three-toed geckos with two-week-old fish!" Sam observed. "There's the clue box!"

"Stop the taxi, mac!" Max ordered.

The taxi pulled over and the Freelance Police jumped out. After a quick sprint, they were over at the clue box and taking the first clue from it.

(SAM & MAX – First at Clue 1)

"Travel by subway to SciLabs." Sam read.

"Teams must now abandon their taxis and take the subway to SciLabs, a laboratory responsible for the innovative inventions of this node." SSBFreak explained. "Just inside on the lobby, teams will find their next clue."

"Let's pay our driver, Max!" Sam said. "We're taking the subway!"

"Okay! Let's go!" Max said.

"What? No irrelevant comment hinting at your mental instability?" Sam asked.

"I don't have one for subway stations." Max shrugged.

The Freelance Police quickly paid their driver and ran down a nearby flight of stairs on the city streets to go down into the subway station. As they did, Tomoki & Aki drove onto the scene with Plum & Scarlet behind them. Paying their respective drivers, the two teams raced over to the clue box and ran over to the clue box.

(TOMOKI & AKI – Second at Clue 1)

(PLUM & SCARLET – Third at Clue 1)

"Travel by subway to SciLabs." Tomoki read.

"Come on, Peter!" Scarlet urged. "The train may be leaving soon!"

The two teams raced down into the subway station and quickly found the counter to get tickets from. They saw Sam standing at the counter and Max pinned to the wall with a pitchfork, showing that the two had another game of "let's-see-who-can-get-to-the-counter-first".

"When does the train to SciLabs leave?" Sam asked as the others lined up behind him.

"It arrives in five minutes and leaves shortly after boarding." The woman at the counter said.

"Five minutes." Aki noted. "It's going to be close."

"Yeah. We just need to hope that the others don't catch up." Plum nodded.

The three teams got tickets for the subway and stepped out onto the platform to wait for the train to show up.

Max folded his arms and tapped his foot impatiently. "What's keeping the subway?" He asked. "We've been waiting forever!"

"We just stepped onto the platform, bucket-head." Sam reminded.

"Yeah? Well, when you're in the lead in a huge race around the universe for a million bucks, you tend to get a little impatient." Max pointed out.

After the five minutes were up, the subway train pulled into the station right on time. The three teams jumped onto the train without hesitation and, after what felt like an eternity, the doors closed and the train took off.

"That's a relief." Tomoki sighed. "We managed to beat out the other teams."

"Sweet! This is almost as exciting as the time that huge robot outside of our office blew up our goldfish!" Max cheered.

"Your friend has a sick imagination." Scarlet noted.

"He isn't making it up." Sam shook his head. "That actually happened."

Meanwhile, back up on the streets, the trailing teams showed up at City Hall. Because they were the first team out of the airport, Jak & Keira arrived first. The dating couple jumped out of their cab, paid their driver and rushed over to the clue box.

(JAK & KEIRA – Fourth at Clue 1)

"Travel by Subway to SciLabs." Jak read.

Keira did a quick count of the clues. "Looks like three teams took a shorter route here, Jak." She noted.

"Come on! We need to get to the subway station!" Jak urged. "Maybe the other teams are still waiting for the train!"

Jak & Keira quickly rushed down the nearby set of stairs and went dwn into the subway station. As they did, Tabby & Bea drove onto the scene and pulled over to the side of the sidewalk. Paying their driver, the two girls ran over to the clue box and took out the next clue.

(TABBY & BEA – Fifth at Clue 1)

"Looks like we're taking the subway." Bea noted.

"Fine by me." Tabby nodded. "Let's get going!"

The remaining three teams arrived at the same time as Tabby & Bea were running down the stairs leading to the subway. Getting out of their cars, the teams ran over to the clue box and pulled out the last three clues.

(ILIA & BETH – Sixth at Clue 1)

(EIKE & MUTO – Seventh at Clue 1)

(KOLORADO & BOWYER – Eighth at Clue 1)

"We need to ride a subway to the next clue, Ilia." Beth pointed out.

""Let's go, Eike! Maybe we can catch up and get the next train!" Muto urged.

"That was the last one, chap!" Kolorado said. "Let's get going!"

The three teams raced down the steps leading into the station and quickly saw the ticket booth, where Tabby & Bea were just leaving.

"Are we too late to get on the next subway train to Scilabs?" Ilia asked.

"No. The train just left, so you'll be waiting about ten minutes for the next one to show up." The woman replied.

"Drat. Looks like those teams in the lead are long gone." Kolorado noted.

After purchasing their tickets, the three teams went out onto the platform, where Jak & Keira and Tabby & Bea were waiting.

"Well, the gang's all here." Keira noted.

"We'll need to really start running once we get off the train." Jak added.

(SCILABS)

The subway train carrying the lead teams came to a stop at the station and the doors opened. The three teams jumped off of the train and made a break for the stairs leading out of the station.

Stepping out into the sunlight, the three teams spotted the huge building that was SciLabs nearby. Everyone rushed towards the front doors, remembering that the clue said the clue box was inside.

"Move your furry white tail, Max!"

"Come on, Tomoki! Don't fall behind now!"

"Josephine hurry up! We're almost there!"

Racing inside the building, the three teams saw the clue box. Thinking quickly, they ran over and took the first three envelopes from it.

(TOMOKI & AKI – First at Boss Battle)

(SAM & MAX – Second at Boss Battle)

(PLUM & SCARLET – Third at Boss Battle)

"Looks like another Boss Battle." Tomoki noted upon finding the red card inside the envelope.

"'Who's the computer technician'?" Sam read.

"What the blazes does that mean?" Plum asked aloud, an eyebrow raised.

"A Boss Battle is a task only one person may perform, and the team may not proceed until the task is complete." SSBFreak explained as he walked through the lobby of SciLabs. "In this Boss Battle, that racer has to partake in one of the biggest hits in the node: Virus busting. Each racer is given a standard Net Navi and then must jack into one of these computers. Using an amount of Battle Chips provided, the racers must fight their way through three waves of viruses. Once the third wave is destroyed, teams will receive their next clue. If the viruses manage to overpower the racer's Net Navi, he or she must restart the three waves and try from the beginning."

"I think I can handle this okay." Aki noted.

"You sure?" Tomoki asked.

"Hey, I was always the one working the computers back in the lab." Aki reminded. "You were more of a scientist."

"Oh, yes. Right." Tomoki nodded.

"I'm pretty sure I can do this." Sam noted.

"I don't know about that, Sam." Max shook his head.

"You doubt my…Uh…l33t virus-busting madskillz?" Sam asked. "…Did I say that right?"

"I think so." Max nodded. "But yeah, I think I'd be better at this."

"Well, tough beans. I called it." Sam pointed out.

"When?"

"Just now."

Plum & Scarlet wisely chose to ignore the 'intelligent conversation' between the two best friends and instead focused on what needed to be done.

"I'm afraid I'm not much into those 'computer' things." Plum shrugged.

"Indeed. I think I would have an easier time with this." Scarlet nodded.

"I'm definitely not going to argue with that."

With that, Aki, Sam and Scarlet ran further into the building, following a marked path to get them to the designated room.

Soon, the three racers arrived at a computer room, where eight different computers were lined up.

"Ah. I see that you three are with the race." A scientist said as he walked over and handed the three racers some PETs. "These will be your virus-busting tools for this task. Now, if you'll listen, I'll run you through the basics of how to net-battle."

(SUBWAY TRAIN)

Eventually, the train arrived. The five teams wasted no time in getting on, and sat down in seats close to the doors. Because the trailing teams knew that they were behind, the subway ride was a lot more tense than the one the lead teams had enjoyed.

"We need to remember to make a break for it when the doors open." Jak reminded.

"Right." Keira agreed. "The closer we are to the doors, the better."

Ilia was studying a map, while Beth, Eike & Muto were watching her and observing the map themselves.

"This is strange." Ilia said. "It's like the only way to really get anywhere in this node is by subway train."

"So you think we'll be spending most of the leg either on foot or on a subway?" Beth asked.

"That wouldn't surprise me." Ilia shook her head. "From the looks of things, cars only seem to run in the Dencity area."

"So unless we're going back to the city at some point during the leg, we're relying on these subway trains." Eike said.

(BOSS BATTLE)

After receiving their training, Aki, Sam and Scarlet approached three of the computers and placed their respective PETs up to the screen, pressing a large button on each device and sending their temporary Net Navi into the computer.

"You ready?" Aki asked her navi.

"Bring 'em on!" The navi encouraged.

All three racers went into the first wave of viruses at the same time. Scarlet plucked a Sword Chip from a small pile in front of her.

"Let's see what this thing does." Scarlet said as she put the chip into a slot on her device. Almost instantly, her navi was holding a sword in his hands, which he used to cut down one of the viruses. "Hmm…That's interesting." Scarlet said, rubbing her chin in thought.

Sam and Aki, on the other hand, had neglected to use a chip yet, saving them for the later waves of viruses.

"Just keep attacking the viruses with your gun." Aki instructed. "You'll take them out eventually."

"Keep at it, pal." Sam encouraged. "You've got all four viruses down to ten HP."

"Then it'll be smooth sailing from here on in." Sam's navi chuckled as he continued to open fire on the viruses.

All three of the racers managed to get through the first wave of viruses fairly easily. The instant the second wave of viruses appeared on each screen, Aki and Sam each reached for a chip and sent it to their respective navis.

"Sweet! A High-Cannon!" Aki's navi cheered. "These things are the most powerful of their kind!"

"Oh. Really?" Aki asked. "So it seems that there are going to be some more powerful chips in these piles we were given."

"Let's see what I came up with." Sam asked.

"Nothing major." His navi replied. "It's a Fire Tower. It's not that powerful, but it should take out half of one virus' health."

"Go right ahead and use it, then." Sam nodded.

Another minute passed. Unfortunately, a couple of explosions erupted from the computers.

"Crap! My navi got defeated!" Aki said.

"Mine, too!" Sam added.

"Here. Take another sword." Scarlet said as she pushed another chip into the PET.

"Thanks a lot! This'll help finish off this wave!" The navi said as he attacked and wiped out the remaining viruses in the wave.

"Looks like you two have to start again." The scientist told Aki and Sam.

(SCILABS)

The second subway train pulled into the station and the doors opened. Jak & Keira were the first to leap off the train, although the other four trailing teams were close behind them.

Running up the stairs two steps at a time, Jak & Keira raced towards SciLabs and burst through the two doors. Spotting the clue box, Jak & Keira ran over to it, seemingly not noticing the three waiting racers standing nearby.

(JAK & KEIRA – Fourth at Boss Battle)

"I can do it, Jak!" Keira said. "This should be right up my alley!"

"You're probably right about that." Jak nodded.

Keira ran off into the room to attempt the task as the other groups ran into the building. Because they were closer to the doors on the train, two teams had a bit of an edge.

(TABBY & BEA – Fifth at Boss Battle)

(EIKE & MUTO – Sixth at Boss Battle)

"I think I can do it." Bea noted.

"If you want." Tabby nodded. "We have to keep the tallies even."

"You can do it, Eike!" Muto encouraged.

"You think so?" Eike asked.

"You don't crack under pressure!" Muto said. "You can probably fight off the viruses easily!"

"You have a point." Eike nodded.

Bea and Eike went into the room as the last two teams ran into the building and went over to the clue box.

(ILIA & BETH – Seventh at Boss Battle)

(KOLORADO & BOWYER – Last at Boss Battle)

"This one doesn't seem to be scary or dangerous." Ilia noted. "I'll do it."

"Bowyer, my friend. You should do this." Kolorado said. "It will keep the tallies even."

Meanwhile, back in the computer room, the three racers attempting the task were still going at it. Scarlet was almost finishing her third wave, having not lost her battles yet. Aki and Sam were catching up, starting to use battle chips more frequently.

"Just a couple more viruses." Scarlet said as she injected another battle chip into her PET.

"Okay. That's wave two finished." Aki said as she and Sam prepared to start fighting wave three.

As the three racers continued to fight off viruses, the other racers were receiving their instructions on how to net battle. Only about half of the waiting racers were really paying attention. The other half were instead watching Aki, Sam and Scarlet fight off viruses to see how to do it.

A matter of second later, Scarlet grinned and jacked her PET out. "I finished wave three!" She said.

A scientist walked over and looked at Scarlet's computer. "Congratulations." He said as he traded Scarlet's PET for a clue, which she eagerly took and ran out the door.

Plum perked up when he saw Scarlet running from the computer room. He went over to meet her as she ripped open the envelope and pulled the blue card from inside it.

(PLUM & SCARLET – First at Clue 2)

"Travel by subway to Oran Island." Scarlet read.

"Using the unique form of underwater subway travel, teams must travel to Oran Island, a small island just off the coast of the main piece of land the node takes place on." SSBFreak explained. "On the beach, teams will find their next clue."

"We've got a bit of a lead, Josephine!" Plum said. "We shall not waste it!"

However, as Plum & Scarlet were running out towards the subway station, Aki and Sam had managed to complete their task at the same time. Receiving two clues, the two racers ran out to meet up with their partners.

"You did great, Aki!" Tomoki said.

"Thanks. It's a lot harder than it sounds." Aki shook her head.

"What took ya so long, Sam?" Max asked.

"We're still in the top three, Max." Sam reminded. "We'll catch up.

(TOMOKI & AKI – Second at Clue 2)

(SAM & MAX – Third at Clue 2)

"Come on, Tomoki! If we hurry, we can catch Plum & Scarlet at the train station!" Aki urged.

"Let's get our much-needed exercise and haul tail over to the station, little buddy." Sam suggested.

The two teams raced out of SciLabs and wasted no time in running down the steps leading to the station. Running over to the ticket booth, the two teams got in line, seeing that Plum & Scarlet were already gone, probably on the platform.

"We're trying to get to Oran Island." Tomoki informed.

"Quickly, if possible." Max threatened, pulling out his trusty pistol and aiming it at the woman at the booth.

"Where does Max keep getting those weapons from?" Aki asked Sam.

"I stopped trying to figure that out years ago." Sam shrugged.

The two teams were given tickets and they ran out onto the platform just in time for the train to show up. Plum & Scarlet boarded the train and the other teams jumped on just before the doors closed.

"Ack! The doors closed on my tail!" Max shouted in pain.

"Meh. You've had worse." Sam reminded.

"Oh. Right."

(BOSS BATTLE)

Needless to say, the trailing group was having a harder time mastering the net battles. Almost all five racers got defeated in the first wave, and Bowyer, the only one that made it through wave one, went down on wave two.

"Let's try using one of these chips." Keira said as she inserted a battle chip. Her navi ended up planting a mine on the virus side of the battlefield, and when a virus stepped on it, it got deleted. "Okay. That's wave one. I think I'm starting to get the hang of this."

"Watch out!" Bea shouted as she moved her navi past a virus attack. "Careful! You're going to get yourself killed if you keep this up!"

"While I appreciate the concern, this is only a training simulator." The navi replied. "We can't get killed here."

"Well, I guess that's good to know." Bea nodded as she pulled a sword battle chip from the pile in front of her and inserted it into her PET. "Here. Use this."

"Excellent. This sword should be enough to wipe out the remaining viruses." The navi said as he slashed his sword, cutting the two remaining enemies in half and destroying them.

"That's wave one finished." Bea noted. "Let's keep going."

Eike was proving to be a better net battler than anyone had thought. Once he had gotten the hang of how the battles worked, he was easily and calmly cutting down viruses. Eike silently pulled another sword battle chip from the pile in front of him and inserted it into the slot on his PET.

"You're doing this like an expert." The navi noted. "Have you done this before?"

"I can't say that I have." Eike shrugged.

"This completely baffles me." The navi shook his head. "How could a novice net battler be playing this like he's been doing it for years?"

(SUBWAY TRAIN)

"It's no use." Scarlet said as she looked over her map. "I can't find Oran Island anywhere on this map."

"Well, it's an island off the coast of the area of land we were on." Plum replied. "I suppose the island wouldn't be on the map if it didn't have any civilization on it."

"So we're heading towards a deserted island?!" Scarlet asked.

"I wouldn't call it deserted." Plum shrugged. "Maybe it's simply a place workers go to do their jobs and that's it."

"I certainly hope that you're right." Scarlet replied. "I wouldn't want to set foot on a deserted island."

"We need to remember to finish the next task as quickly as possible." Tomoki told Aki. "The others are still right behind us and we need to keep this lead long enough to reach the Pitstop."

"I know. I'm guessing that a Split Track is up next, so we'll at least have a choice to do the quicker task." Aki nodded.

"Yeah. If it'll help us get to the Pitstop first, then I'm all for it."

"Max, why are you looking out the window?" Sam asked.

"The view is amazing, Sam!" Max replied.

"Ignoring the fact that there IS no view underwater, we're in a pitch black tunnel." Sam reminded.

"So? This is still the most beautiful pitch black tunnel I've ever seen."

(BOSS BATTLE)

Although Keira was rapidly catching up, Eike was simply too far ahead at the net battle to beat. The silent librarian finished the third wave of viruses just as Keira was starting it. A scientist handed Eike a clue as the tall man turned and briskly left the computer room.

Muto looked up and saw Eike coming over with a clue in his hands. "Awesome! You did that faster than anyone!" He noted.

Eike shrugged as he ripped open the envelope.

(EIKE & MUTO – Fourth at Clue 2)

"Looks like we need to go back to the subway, Muto." Eike pointed out.

"Let's go, then!" Muto cheered.

Eike & Muto ran out of SciLabs and ran back down to the subway station, quickly going over to get tickets.

"We need tickets to Oran Island." Eike explained.

"The train just left, so it'll be a ten-minute wait." The man replied.

"You think that'll be enough time to get out of here before the others show up?" Muto asked.

"We can only hope." Eike nodded. "Let's go out onto the platform and wait."

(TRAIN STATION)

The first train arrived at the Oran Island train station. The three lead teams jumped off the train and raced up the steps leading to the surface. When they emerged from the train station, they quickly saw the clue box sitting on a pathway on the beach. One quick footrace later and three envelopes were removed from the box.

(TOMOKI & AKI – First at Split Track)

(SAM & MAX – Second at Split Track)

(PLUM & SCARLET – Third at Split Track)

"It's a Split Track." Tomoki said.

"Are you a fisher or a miner?" Plum read.

"A Split Track is a choice between two tasks, each with its own pros and cons. In this Split Track, teams must choose between 'Fisher' and 'Miner'." SSBFreak explained as he walked down the pathway on the beach. "In Fisher, teams must go down to the beach and search through one of eight baskets of one-hundred fish for one fish with a red spot on the side. Once they can find the correct fish, they'll receive the next clue. While this task isn't physically demanding, finding one fish among one-hundred could take a while. In Miner, teams must go into the mines of Oran Island and try to pull a two-ton mine cart filled with coal down fifty feet of tracks to receive their next clue. The task is physically demanding, but teams with muscle can finish a lot faster."

"I think we can pull a mine cart fairly easily." Tomoki reasoned.

"Yeah. Let's go try that." Aki nodded.

"I don't know if we can pull a mine cart, Max." Sam said. "The last time our car broke down, we could barely push it."

"Hey, you say that like I could have been the only one that tampered with our brakes." Max insisted.

"You think we can pull a mine cart, Josephine?" Plum asked.

"You think I'd touch a fish?" Scarlet challenged. "Let's go check out the mines."

(BOSS BATTLE)

"Yes! I did it!" Keira said, shooting her arms into the air as she cleared the third wave of viruses.

"Congratulations." A scientist said as he traded Keira's PET for a clue. The green-haired girl thanked the scientist and fled the room, running back to Jak in record time.

"You finished!" Jak said as he went over.

"I can't believe it took me as long as it did." Keira admitted. "Once I got the hang of it, it was easy."

(JAK & KEIRA – Fifth at Clue 2)

"Travel by subway to Oran Island." Keira read.

"Let's go! Maybe we can catch Eike & Muto at the train station!" Jak urged.

The dating couple quickly fled the scene and rushed back to the subway station. After buying tickets, Jak & Keira sighed in relief when they saw Team Budehuc still standing on the train platform.

"Thank goodness we didn't miss them." Keira said.

"Yeah. We still have a chance." Jak nodded.

However, back at the task, Bowyer had just managed to finish off the third wave of viruses. Grabbing the clue from the scientist, Bowyer quickly left the room to meet up with Kolorado again.

"Smashing good job, old boy!" Kolorado said.

(KOLORADO & BOWYER – Sixth at Clue 2)

"Make haste we must!" Bowyer pointed out. "Catch the subway we shall!"

The mismatched friends quickly left SciLabs and rushed down towards the subway station. However, when they arrived on the platform, they saw that the train had just left, taking Eike & Muto and Jak & Keira with it.

"Blast. We just missed it." Kolorado sighed.

"Good this is not." Bowyer shook his head. "A chance to catch up the other teams have."

(SPLIT TRACK)

"Just digging…" Sam sang. "Just digging through a bunch of fish…"

"Still no luck." Max said. "How hard is it to find one fish with a red spot on it in a basket of fish that don't?"

"Well, you keep putting the fish back in the basket for starters." Sam replied.

"Can I eat the ones I check, then?" Max asked hopefully.

"Are you kidding? Eat that many fish and no amount of mouthwash would kill breath that bad." Sam shook his head. "There's a smaller basket behind you. Put the checked fish in that."

In the mines, Tomoki & Aki and Plum & Scarlet were managing to pull their carts of coal down the sets of tracks without any major problems.

"Okay. One…Two…Three…Pull!" Tomoki said as he and Aki pulled their cart a good seven feet before stopping.

"This isn't so bad." Aki noted. "I think this is definitely the easier task."

"How long have we been doing this, Peter?" Scarlet asked.

"I'd say we're about halfway there, Josephine." Plum replied. "Just keep pulling on the cart and we'll eventually get there."

"I just hope that Sam & Max are having problems with their side of the task." Scarlet shook her head.

(BOSS BATTLE)

It took a bit of practice, but Bea and Ilia were able to beat through the third wave of viruses The two excited girls were given clues as they rushed out to meet up with their respective partners again.

"You did it!" Beth cheered. "Way to go!"

"It took me way longer than I would have liked." Ilia sighed as she ripped open her clue.

(TABBY & BEA – Seventh at Clue 2)

(ILIA & BETH – Last at Clue 2)

"Come on! Come on!" Tabby urged. "Kolorado & Bowyer just left a few minutes ago! Maybe we can catch them!"

"Hurry, Ilia!" Beth said. "We need to get moving!"

The two female teams rushed out of SciLabs and ran down the steps leading into the subway station. Purchasing their tickets, they rushed out onto the platform to see Kolorado & Bowyer still waiting for the train to arrive.

"That was almost too close." Ilia shook her head. "We're all caught up, now."

(SPLIT TRACK)

"We've almost got it!" Scarlet said. "Just a little more and the mine cart will be over the line on the ground!"

Despite their efforts, Plum & Scarlet were still a bit behind Tomoki & Aki, whom were managing to pull the mine cart a further distance with each pull. As the two teams drew nearer to the line on the ground, which marked the end of the task.

"We just need to pull this a few more feet and we'll have the task complete!" Aki said.

"I just hope Sam & Max can't finish their task as quick." Tomoki said. "Their task is a shorter distance from the subway station."

Meanwhile, down on the beach, Sam & Max continued to dig their way through the huge basket of fish. They had been attempting to task for a good fifteen minutes, but still had no luck.

"Something tells me that our target fish is closer to the bottom of the basket, little buddy." Sam said.

"I'll get it!" Max shouted as he jumped headfirst into the basket of fish. Sam stepped back and placed his hands on his hips, waiting for a few seconds.

Suddenly, Max's hand shot from the basket of fish, holding one marked with a red spot. The white creature jumped out of the basket.

"Great work, little buddy." Sam said. "Here. I'll trade this fish in for the next clue while you go into the water and wash yourself off."

"I thought you liked the smell of fish." Max said.

"I do. The people on the subway probably won't." Sam replied. "Off you go now, Max."

As Max scampered down to the water, Sam took the prize fish over to a judge and handed it in.

"Congratulations." The judge nodded. "You have a match."

"Thanks a lot, pal." Sam said as he ripped open the clue. "Search ACDC Town for SSBFreak."

"Teams must now get back on the subway and travel to ACDC Town, the hometown of Lan Hikari, the game's lead character." SSBFreak explained as he walked down a town road. "Once they arrive, they'll have to search the town for me and the mat."

"Max, get your furry behind in gear!" Sam called out. "We need to get moving!"

"Coming, Sam!" Max said as he jumped out of the water, shook himself dry like a dog and ran after Sam as the Freelance Police rushed to the subway station.

Back at the other half of the Split Track, Tomoki & Aki gave their mine cart anoher good pull, dragging their load across the finish line. Taking a couple of deep breaths, the two were handed a clue, which they quickly opened.

"Oh, I like the sound of this!" Aki said. "This may be the Pitstop!"

"Come on! Back to the subway station!"

Shortly after Tomoki & Aki ran off, Plum & Scarlet managed to pull their mine cart across the marked line as well, finishing their task. The two looked even more exhausted than Tomoki & Aki, but recovered quick enough to open their clue.

"Let's go, Peter! It'll come down to a footrace!" Scarlet urged.

"I'm right behind you, Joesphine!" Plum nodded.

The two teams quickly rushed out of the mine shaft and ran headfirst towards the stairs leading to the subway station. However, on their way over, they saw Sam & Max charge in from another direction and run down the steps.

"It's going to be close!" Aki said. "Hopefully, the train isn't getting ready to leave!"

The teams ran down into the station and went over to the ticket booth. As they did, Sam & Max received their tickets and darted over to the platform.

"We need tickets to ACDC Town, please." Aki said.

"The train is about to arrive. You made it just in time." The man at the booth nodded with a smile.

After receiving their tickets, everyone went out onto the platform and patiently awaited the train, knowing that they would still be ahead of everyone else.

Just as the train departing for ACDC Town pulled into the station, the one coming from SciLabs pulled in on the other side.

Eike & Muto and Jak & Keira stepped off their train to watch the lead teams getting on theirs.

"We're not too far behind!" Keira said. "Come on! We may be able to catch up!"

The two teams ran up the stairs leading to the island and quickly spotted the clue box sitting nearby. Running over, the teams took the next two envelopes from inside the box.

(JAK & KEIRA – Fourth at Split Track)

(EIKE & MUTO – Fifth at Split Track)

"You think you can pull the mine cart, Keira?" Jak asked.

"If it's on wheels, we shouldn't have too much of a problem." Keira replied. "Let's go try it out."

"I think we should pull the mine cart as well." Muto suggested. "You up for it, Eike?"

Eike shrugged. "Sure. Let's give it a shot."

(SCILABS)

The train departing for Oran Island finally arrived at the station. Kolorado & Bowyer, Tabby & Bea and Ilia & Beth stepped onto the train and were off on their way to the island to continue racing.

"I sure hope the teams ahead of us have problems with the next task." Bea said. "That would give us a chance to catch up."

"Yeah. If we try hard enough, we may be able to catch up." Tabby pointed out.

"Get ready to run once we arrive, old bean." Kolorado informed Bowyer. "Either of these other two teams can outrun us in a footrace."

Bowyer nodded. "Hurry we must. Get to the next clue first we shall." He replied.

(SPLIT TRACK)

Jak & Keira were pulling the mine cart far better and faster than Eike & Muto were. The dating couple proved that they had a little more muscle, which was to be expected. Jak had been adventuring for years and Keira was a master mechanic, being used to working with heavy objects. Eike & Muto were simply a librarian and storeroom owner respectively.

"This is harder than I thought it would be." Muto shook his head.

"Do you want to switch tasks, Muto?" Eike asked. He was pulling the cart as hard as Muto was, but wasn't looking tired in the least.

"That'll take a bit of backtracking." Muto responded. "By the time we actually get there, Jak & Keira may have finished."

"I think we're making good time." Keira noted as she and Jak continued to pull their cart across the tracks.

"Yeah. We should be able to finish quickly." Jak nodded. "Looks like those years of adventuring are paying off."

"Let's just keep pulling." Keira suggested. "The harder we concentrate, the quicker we should be able to get this done."

(ORAN SUBWAY TRAIN)

The three teams in the back of the pack waited nervously as their train continued on route to Oran Island. Kolorado & Bowyer were the closest team to the doors, although the girls were sitting directly across from them, so all it would take was a quick sprint to get off the train.

"Once the doors open, we spring into action." Tabby instructed. "With any luck, we'll be able to beat Kolorado & Bowyer off the train."

"I certainly hope we'll be able to." Bea nodded.

"You ready for a run, Ilia?" Beth asked.

"…Not really." Ilia shook her head.

"Well, too bad. We're going to run as soon as those doors open."

"Beth, everyone's going to try getting off the train first." Ilia reminded. "Someone could get hurt if we make it a race."

"Ilia, we ARE in a race."

(ACDC SUBWAY TRAIN)

Max was playing around with the bars and handles hanging from the ceiling of the subway car like monkey bars overhead while Sam sat on a seat, patiently waiting for the train to arrive at the station.

"You're looking pretty calm, Sam." Aki noted. "Aren't you nervous?"

"I don't get nervous easily." Sam shook his head. "Max and I have dealt with huge robots, a mind-controlling maniac, an evil Santa, mobsters wearing mascot heads, the Internet and a white guy with a huge afro. I don't think a race like this will make me nervous."

"The Internet?" Aki asked.

"It's a long story." Sam waved it off.

(SPLIT TRACK)

The subway train carrying the remaining three teams pulled into the station at Oran Island and the teams jumped off at the same time, Ilia & Beth a little bit behind to avoid getting pushed in the rush to get off.

The three teams, knowing that they were behind, raced up the stairs leading to Oran Island and quickly spotted the clue box on the walkway. Everyone rushed over and took out the remaining clues at the same time.

(TABBY & BEA – Sixth at Split Track)

(ILIA & BETH – Seventh at Split Track)

(KOLORADO & BOWYER – Last at Split Track)

"What do you think, Bea?" Tabby asked.

"There's no way we'll be able to pull a two-ton mine cart." Bea shook her head. "We're doing the fish."

"I'm with them, Beth." Ilia pointed out. "I think we'd have an easier time searching a basket of fish."

"I guess so." Beth scratched her head.

"You thinking what I'm thinking, chap?" Kolorado asked.

"I am I believe." Bowyer nodded. "Pull the mine cart we shall."

"Indeed." Kolorado nodded back as the two friends went into the mine shaft.

At the task, Jak & Keira easily finished their task, pulling the mine cart over the finish line. The two were breathing a little heavily, but weren't in as bad shape as the previous racers. The dating couple was handed the clue, which they quickly opened.

"Travel by subway to ACDC Town." Jak read.

"Works for me." Keira nodded. "Let's go!"

Shortly after Jak & Keira left the scene, Eike & Muto pulled their mine cart across the finish line. Team Budehuc was looking a little rough, but Eike easily shook it off and was handed a clue.

"Let's go, Muto." Eike said. "If we hurry, we may be able to catch Jak & Keira."

Muto panted and nodded, too exhausted to reply normally.

On their way out of the mine shaft, Jak & Keira passed Kolorado & Bowyer, whom now knew they were heading in the right direction.

"The task should be just ahead, old bean." Kolorado explained.

"Good that is." Bowyer nodded. "Far behind we are not."

"Right you are, old bean." Kolorado nodded. "We'll have to do this task fast."

(ACDC TOWN)

The first subway train pulled into another station. The doors opened and the three lead teams jumped off, wasting no time in running up the stairs and onto the roads of ACDC Town.

"My. This town is pretty small." Scarlet noted.

"It shouldn't take us too long to find the mat, then." Tomoki reasoned as he took Aki by the hand. "Come on! Let's start looking!"

The three teams started searching, wondering where to look. Max wanded over to a rock and lifted it up, looking under it.

"SSBFreak?" Max asked. "You under there?"

"Max, he's not going to be under a rock." Sam said. "Look, there's a trash can over there. Go and see if he's in there."

"Yay!" Max shouted as he dove into a trash can to continue searching.

(SPLIT TRACK)

As Bea continued to search through the basket of fish for the one with a spot, Tabby seemed to be taking her time, looking over each fish hungrily.

The brown dog noticed this. "Tabby, stop it! We're in a race!" Bea ordered.

"But these fish smell so good!" Tabby insisted.

"You think they smell good?" Bea asked.

"Hey! I'm a cat! We're big on fish." Tabby shrugged as she continued to search through the basket at a more normal pace.

On the other hand, Ilia & Beth were managing to go through the fish fairly quickly, although, for once, Ilia was going a lot faster.

"Come on, Beth! Hurry up!" Ilia said.

"Ilia, I hate fish." Beth reminded as she gingerly put another fish into the smaller basket. "These things are so slimy and they smell horrible!"

"You get used to it if you fish as much as I do." Ilia shrugged.

"Link's starting to rub off on you, I see." Beth smirked as she pulled another fish from the basket.

"Not true. I've always beaten him at the fishing contests." Ilia chuckled.

"Alright. I'll give that one to you." Beth said.

(PLUM & SCARLET)

"Where's the mat?" Scarlet asked aloud as she continued to look around.

"I still don't see it, Josephine." Plum shook his head. "I don't know where it could be."

"It has to be around here somewhere." Scarlet added. "Let me see the clue again. Maybe it says that it's inside a building."

"It just says to search ACDC Town for the mat." Plum said as he handed Scarlet the clue.

"I don't know what we're missing…" Scarlet shook her head.

(SAM & MAX)

Max was walking around on all fours, sniffing the ground like a dog. He walked like this for several seconds.

"Max, you're not going to find the Pitstop like that." Sam pointed out.

"I know." Max nodded.

"Then what're you sniffing the ground for?" The dog asked.

"That's for me to know and you never to find out." Max replied.

"…Max, you're starting to sound like Bosco." Sam pointed out.

Max gasped, jumped to his feet and covered his mouth. "Oh, no! You're right!" He said as he jumped up onto his friend's chest and grabbed him by the collar of his suit. "I don't wanna become Bosco, Sam! Help me, foo'!" Max screamed in realization as he let go of Sam and fell onto his back.

Sam shook his head in hopelessness.

(TOMOKI & AKI)

"We've been searching forever, now." Aki shook her head. "Where the heck is the Pitstop at?"

"Hey, Aki? What's that over there?" Tomoki asked as he pointed off into the distance.

Aki looked and squinted, only for her eyes to widen in realization. "It's the Pitstop!" She said.

"Come on! Come on!" Tomoki urged. "The others are still searching!"

(PLUM & SCARLET)

"Peter, Tomoki & Aki have started running." Scarlet pointed out.

"They must have spotted the Pitstop!" Plum said. "Come on, Josephine! After them!"

(SAM & MAX)

"Hey! They've seen something!" Sam said. "Get off the ground, little buddy! They spotted the Pitstop!"

Max quickly jumped to his feet, no longer looking horrified. "Okay! Let's go!" He said

The three teams raced towards the target, SSBFreak standing on the Pitstop mat, which was sitting near a statue of a squirrel. SSBFreak chuckled as he watched all three teams race towards him, but he didn't move from his spot and stood at attention.

Tomoki & Aki stepped onto the mat first, followed closely by Sam & Max, and Plum & Scarlet following after them.

"Tomoki & Aki, Sam & Max, Plum & Scarlet…" SSBFreak addressed. "Welcome to ACDC Town."

"Uh…Thanks." Aki said, confused at why the greeter didn't greet. That's when everyone suddenly realized that SSBFreak was alone on the mat.

"You guys probably think this is the Pitstop, don't you?" SSBFreak asked with a smirk.

"Y-You mean this isn't?" Scarlet asked.

SSBFreak shook his head. "Nope. This is the halfway point." He said as he pulled three clues from behind his back. "I have your next clues right here."

Everyone simply stared in shock, unbelieving that the leg wasn't over yet.

"You guys are still racing." SSBFreak finished.

"You have to be kidding me!" Scarlet said in disbelief.

"No way!" Max added.

"This can't be real…" Tomoki said, shaking his head in shock.

"How long is this leg going to go on for?" Aki asked.

TO BE CONTINUED…

Current Standings:

1 – Tomoki & Aki

2 – Sam & Max

3 – Plum & Scarlet

4 – Eike & Muto

4 – Jak & Keira

6 – Tabby & Bea

6 – Ilia & Beth

6 – Kolorado & Bowyer

9 – Billy & Lilly (ELIMINATED)

10 – Vanilla & Cream (ELIMINATED)

11 – Hugo & Penelope (ELIMINATED)

12 – Jamie & James (ELIMINATED)

Elimination Station:

Everyone waited for the next team eliminated to arrive at the beachside villa, and ended up waiting well past breakfast. Billy and Hugo asked a crewman what the holdup was and were finally told that the current leg was a double-leg and that everyone was still racing. Everyone expressed that this news took him or her by surprise, and Jamie added that everyone racing was going to be extremely tired when they finally reached the Pitstop. The teams finished breakfast and decided to head out and do something fun.

The eliminated teams ended up going to a nearby cliff side, where some guides were giving paragliding lessons. Although some racers, such as Hugo, Penelope and Vanilla, were a little hesitant, everyone decided to give it a shot at least once. Billy & Lilly were the first team to go off the cliff with a couple of gliders and everyone followed after seeing how easy it looked.

Later that night, everyone got back to the villa and discussed the race over dinner, wondering whom could be the next team eliminated after the double-leg was over. Mostly everyone agreed that Jak & Keira would survive due to their god stamina, while teams like Ilia & Beth could fall behind and possible be out of the race.