"It's the first F-Zero race of the year, folks! The first race of 2208, and it's right here in Mute City!"

The first race of the year was always exciting. You never knew what was gonna happen. Just last year, Clank had finally been in his first race, inheriting the Dragon Bird, while Ryu made his first appearance as Captain Falcon. And to top that off, Zoda entered a race for the first time in 6 years! The crowds were understandably ecstatic, as this year another returning racer had been promised, along with a brand-new track layout which featured a bomb zone - those ALWAYS made things go wild, and the fans loved it.

Haruka gave her husband one last kiss before the race. She knew he was the best at this sport, and couldn't wait to run up and celebrate his impending victory with him. "Have fun out there, and make sure you give them a race to watch," she told him.

"You know I always do, Haruka," Captain Falcon said, smirking as he donned his helmet. "I hear Clank's been training hard. Can't wait to see him in action today."

As the racers lined up at their starting positions, Jody looked around. No sign of the returning racer yet, but there were three - no, scratch that, four spots left. Two were obviously for Falcon and - oh, here comes Clank now, and she'd seen Zoda on the registration list but he hadn't shown up just yet either. But who was the last one? Who was this last racer?

"Hey!"

The shout rudely snapped Jody back to awareness. Oh… Zoda. Of course. Showoff. And Ryu was taking his position right behind the purple weirdo.

"And now, the one you've all been waiting for, a racer that hasn't been seen in 7 years! Machine number 25 is back!"

Number 25? No… It couldn't be… Jody looked at Falcon, then Dr. Stewart. They both had grim expressions, remembering EXACTLY which machine that was, and mor importantly, its pilot.

"The Blood Hawk, piloted by Blood Falcon!"

The scarlet machine took up position in the last slot as the crowds let out a deafening really WAS the Blood Hawk… And when Captain Falcon looked, sure enough, Blood Falcon was in there. But Blood Falcon had been a Dark Million clone, created by Black Shadow… How could he be back now?

Jody, meanwhile, noticed something different about this Blood Falcon. He still had the same machine and uniform, yes, but his expression wasn't a disturbing grin. Instead, he looked serious this time, more like Andy had during his tenure as the previous Captain Falcon. Blood Falcon's build was different this time, too; more slim, less defined beneath the massive coat, similar to Ryu compared to Andy…

The go light changed to green.

"And they're off! The race has officially started! Zoda in the Death Anchor is leading the pack, followed closely by Clank Hughes in the Dragon Bird!"

Blood Falcon knew he was off to a rough start. Not only had he been near the rear at the starting line, but he'd been targeted immediately by Octoman and Bio Rex. Still… It was only Lap 1. He had a little bit of time to catch up.

Dodging another sideswipe from the Big Fang, he clipped the boost pad just enough to trigger it, catapulting him closer to the middle of the racetrack. He saw Jody Summers blocking him, and while he could ram her, he really didn't want to risk sending her plummeting to the streets below. After passing the hairpin turn, he and Jody were neck and neck. He glanced out at her, and received a stern look in return.

"I'm not here to fight, Jody," he said, turning his gaze back to the road and flooring the accelerator.

"Jack, he's headed for you and Captain Falcon!" Jody exclaimed, shocked at how Blood Falcon had simply rocketed past her rather than slamming her aside. "Be careful! We don't know what he's up to!"

"Damn it!" Jack spat as Blood Falcon ignored him too, passing by without so much as an attempt to slam him. "I can't deal with him right now, I've already got my hands full with Samurai Goroh! Falcon, he's all yours!"

Ryu checked his rearview monitor. Blood Falcon was coming up right behind him. Not good.

"Only two laps left folks! This is the critical time to boost! And the front is a four-way struggle between the Death Anchor, the Dragon Bird, Blue Falcon, and Blood Hawk!"

"Hey Falcon!" Zoda shouted. "The only chance we've got against this guy is if we all Boost Fire at the same time!"

"H-he's right!" Clank stuttered as he attempted to block the Blood Hawk, only to receive a ram to try and dislodge him. "He's more powerful than he was 7 years ago! The Blood Hawk is hitting like the Black Bull!

"No choice then," Ryu said, gritting his teeth. "On 3! One!"

Blood Falcon overheard and prepared to fire his own booster.

"Two!" Zoda shouted, looking back at Blood Falcon. What he expected to see was that sharp-toothed grin. Instead, he saw an expressionless yet serious face, unfazed by what the trio were planning to do.

"Three!" Clank signaled.

"BOOST FIRE!"

The three surged ahead, now intent on getting ahead of one another...

"Blood Fire!" Blood Falcon shouted, pulling the lever and charging at the trio. Zoda was unlucky enough to fall behind just enough and wind up directly in the way; he was smashed aside with little effort.

Next, the Dragon Bird. Although Clank did a good job of avoiding Blood Falcon's attack, in doing so he left an opening that allowed Blood Falcon to speed through.

Finally, the Blue Falcon. And Captain Falcon fought hard to keep the Blood Hawk at bay, pushing against him with every bit of horsepower the Blue Falcon could give.

"It's Falcon vs Falcon all over again, folks! Blood Falcon's Blood Fire is giving Captain Falcon's Boost Fire a run for its money!"

The two kept clashing as the finish line just sped closer and closer…

Then, right at the last second, Blood Falcon pulled away from the Blue Falcon, spinning straight into first pace and across the finish line!

"Blood Falcon! Blood Falcon in the Blood Hawk is the winner of today's race!"

All too slowly, the awards ceremony passed, and Blood Falcon was just preparing to leave the racetrack when he heard footsteps on the pavement behind him.

"Captain Falcon. I didn't come to cause trouble, only to race," he said bluntly.

"I see you're not the same Blood Falcon as we saw 7 years ago," Captain Falcon noted. "Still… Until you give me reason to trust you, I will only view you as my enemy."

"Fair enough," the red-clad racer said. "Just know that I'm not here to become THE Falcon, but rather my own man. Whether you stand in my way or leave me be is up to you, Captain Falcon."

"Become your own man?" Captain Falcon asked. "I'll believe it when I see it."

"Then you'll see it as long as you pay attention," Blood Falcon replied, getting back into his machine. "By the way… That was a great race today. I thought you actually had me for a minute there."

Captain Falcon was shocked. Blood Falcon, admitting he enjoyed the race itself?

Before Captain Falcon could think of anything to say, however, the Blood Hawk's hatch closed and the machine sped off.

"Blood Falcon… Who's in that suit now?" Ryu thought aloud. "And what is he up to…?"