Chapter 2

"Greetings, all racers!"

"I, Dodon Pa, am proud to announce the first ever Extreme Gear World Grand Prix hosted by Donpa Motors! Our new Extreme Gear division has developed the fastest, most energy-efficient boards in the history of the sport! And thanks to our rapid advances in safety technology, more racers than ever before can enter for their chance to win a grand prize!"

"The only requirements for entry is at least one competition legal Extreme Gear and a sponsor, so come one, come all, and shred some air!"

"Sadly, I am unable to attend this event in-person, but I will be watching from Donpa Kingdom with GREAT interest, while my custom OmoChao units, called Glamor Chao, will host and commentate on the events of the races! Only a week left to enter, and the first race is at dawn! Good luck!"

The screen turned back to its regular programming, and Jet just stood there with his mouth agape. "Um...Boss?" Storm asked.

"This whole event is an OUTRAGE!" Jet whined, looking at the announcement in dismay. "Who let this 'Doo Doo' guy anywhere near Extreme Gear!? I thought he did CARS!"

"He's a businessman, Jet, they like to expand their horizons." Wave replied, non-chalantly. "I've been hearing a lot about their boards on the 'net, though. Lot less tweaking needed to get started, harder to sabotage, everything is just way easier to do..."

"AND THAT'S THE PROBLEM, WAVE! They're taking the CHALLENGE out of Extreme Gear racing! No wonder people no longer want to compete! If anybody can just walk in and fumble around on a board, then what will people think of the ones who put so much blood, sweat, and tears into mastering the art of the Gear!? Into becoming one with the wind blowing against their face and powering their boards!? These guys are gonna destroy the purity and spirit of the sport if somebody doesn't stop them!" Jet yelled out in a rage. Wave just slowly blinked. "Jet, are you seriously complaining about MORE people getting into a thing you like?" If steam could come out of Jet's ears right now, it would be. "YES! Because they're getting into it the WRONG WAY!"

"I see you're tending to that gate pretty well." Wave said, with a chuckle. Jet stewed in his anger for another moment, before Storm piped in. "Hey look, they're making another announcement!" He said, pointing at the screen.

"SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT! World famous heroes Sonic the Hedgehog, Miles 'Tails' Prower, and Knuckles the Echidna are entering the first Donpa Motors hosted Extreme Gear World Prix!" Said one of the Glamor Chao, which appeared to be a golden version of an OmoChao unit with black sunglasses over their eyes. "They are sponsored by the Restoration, rebuilding your world whenever, or wherever, you need it! Here's a sneak peek at our upcoming interview!" The screen did some overly elaborate, CGI transition to an interview couch where Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles sat. Sonic and Tails seemed fairly relaxed in front of the camera, as more Glamor Chao rushed to and fro in the background, but Knuckles seemed noticeably uncomfortable, fiddling with the clip-on mic on his chest and causing a ton of bumping noises. "Hey, could you stop doing that? It's messing with the audio." Asked a Glamor Chao, offscreen. Knuckles seemed embarrassed. "Sorry, it's just...Pinching a bit..." Sonic rolled his eyes as Tails scooted closer to help Knuckles as the preview ended. "That interview will launch exclusively on the Donpa Network tonight, so stay tuned!" The Glamor Chao said, before the billboard returned to regular programming. Wave looked over at Jet as he seemed less angry, and more determined. "So, that hedgehog is gonna race in this sham, eh? Heh! Well, THAT gives me an idea!"

"Oh no." Wave muttered under her breath. "Listen up, Babylon Rogues! We're gonna enter that Grand Prix and absolutely SMOKE all of those pretenders! We'll show these pansies what it REALLY takes to be an Extreme Gear Champion, or we'll die trying!" Jet proclaimed, proudly. "YEAH! I'm with ya, boss! Uh, except for that last part, I'm not as sure on that one..." Storm piped in. "Guess it could be fun, at least." Wave said, with a sigh. "Come on, guys! We've only got a week to get a sponsor and enter!" Jet said, starting on his Extreme Gear as the group made their way back to their airship.