Hey guys! AL13 (that nickname is growing on me, Jonquil) reporting a new chapter for your enjoyment! Nothing much else to say. Oh, wait, we do not own Speed Racer: The Next Generation. Ah, good to be back!

14. Fun with Puns!

When Alex saw the cars her sister and friend would be driving, she was instantly jealous. She wanted a Batmobile, too! Well, she had to learn how to drive first. Her father took her to the high school parking lot once, but it was more of learning what everything was for. Speed stepped out and smiled when he saw the expressions on the girls' faces, Connor following close by.

"Talitha, Mariana, come with us. We'll get you settled in and we'll see what you can do."

Alex was instantly nervous. Not because her sister was a bad driver, but because she drove a normal car. This was a race car! Who knew what could happen? At least she would be getting lessons.

Mariana and Talitha smiled and nodded enthusiastically, eyes shining. Speed led them down and let them settle into their new surroundings. Speed helped Mariana while Connor helped Talitha. After explaining the basics, just in case they needed it, Speed and Connor joined Alex in watching. Alex then remembered that Spritle mentioned some kind of dance. She furrowed her eyebrows. What does that have to do with racing? she asked herself.

"Hey, Speedy Gonzales," Alex said.

"Hm," he said, turning to face Alex with a confused expression.

"Spritle mentioned some kind of dance that I could go to. What's that about? It doesn't sound like it has anything to do with racing."

"Oh, yeah. Well, he decided to host three invitational races at the school. He thought it was a good idea to host a dance as well, since other students will be here."

Alex nodded her head. She put her hand to her chin, a habit she did when she was thinking. She was pulled out of her thoughts when she saw her sister's car shoot across the track. Mariana was following close behind. Alex's jaw dropped. Her sister and friend looked like they had been racing for years instead of minutes. Speed and Connor looked just as shocked.

"Is this their first time driving a race car?" Connor asked, pointing towards them.

"Yeah," was all Alex said in response, too shocked to conjure anything else to say. Suddenly her head perked up. "Hey, Connor! Can I call you Repair Boy?"

"Sure?" Connor answered, though it came out more like a question. "Wait, are you giving us nicknames?"

"Yeah." was Alex's reply.

"Then, what's Lucy's?" Connor asked excitedly.

"Probably Mother Hen since she seems to act much like a mother."

Connor laughed and even Speed couldn't help but smile. Alex was just so weird! Soon they diverted their attention back to the track.

It looked like Talitha and Mariana were having a little mini race. They went around the course a few times before stopping, Talitha being the victor by a few inches. Alex, Speed, and Connor all raced down, Speed getting there first, of course. Speed and Connor helped them out of their cars.

"That was awesome!" was the first thing Talitha said.

Mariana nodded in agreement, "That was amazing."

"How did you guys do that?" Alex asked, astonished.

Both girls shrugged.

"I just let my hands guide me." Mariana answered.

"You guys must be exhausted!" Alex exclaimed, making everyone look at her with a blank face. "No, I guess I have to be Ford Focus next time!"

The only sound that was heard was Talitha sighing at her younger sister.

"Well," Speed said, clearing his throat. "Connor, you can show Mariana and Talitha the basics of the virtual track-" both girls perked up at the mention of the track. "-and I can start teaching Alex here how to drive."

"Sure, no problem Speed!" Connor said, giving his friend a thumbs up. Speed nodded and motioned Alex to follow him.

"So," Alex began, after walking in silence for some time. "Are we going to a classroom or…" she trailed off.

"No," Speed said, with a smile. "First, I'm going to teach you the basics of driving. So, you'll be in the car while I explain the functions."

Alex nodded, "What car are we using?"

"Well, you'll see." was all he replied, leaving Alex nervous.

After walking some more they stopped by a door. Speed opened it slowly. What was inside made her eyes widen.

"Alexandra, say hello to the Mach 6!"

Cliffhanger! Hope you all like it! Never race against Talitha or Mariana. Sorry for all of the puns. I feel really punny today. I thought it was quiet humerus. Hehehe…. I'll stop now.

~~I think the last one broke my funny bone…~~