It was a sunny Saturday morning at the Kent household. Keith was just rolling out of bed, fumbling for his glasses. After finally grabbing them, he slid them on, then went down to get some breakfast. Tails and Amy were already up, the latter wearing a nightshirt made from one of Keith's old t-shirts.
"Morning Keith," Tails greeted.
"Morning guys," Keith greeted back. "Sleep well?"
"Like a rock," Amy answered. "I swear, the beds here are like sleeping on clouds. Even after living here for months, I still can't get used to it."
Finally, Sonic came out of his room, yawning and stretching his arms.
"Morning everyone," He greeted. "What's for breakfast?"
"It's Saturday, so I think she's making omelets," Keith answered.
"My favorite!" Sonic grinned.
As he took his seat, the sound of a very loud engine filled their ears. Screeching tires were then heard, as well as the loud roar of an idle engine that sounded like it belonged on a plane. Thankfully, the noise died almost as quickly as it began, everyone covering their ears.
"What was that?" Amy questioned. "Tails, was that you?"
"It wasn't me," Tails reassured.
Sonic instantly ran outside to investigate. As he opened the door, he was greeted by a Sam Kent leaning on the side of the strangest Formula 1 racing car that he had ever seen. The man pulled off his helmet, giving a wave.
"Hey there," he greeted. "Sorry if I woke you up. I guess the muffler on this thing just doesn't cut it."
Sonic let out a whistle as he took a look at the car behind him.
"What's with the new ride?" Sonic asked.
"Oh, this? It's the Super Rocket Engine SS III, developed by the government's Office of Science and Technology. An obscene amount of money went into developing it, and now it's time for it to be tested out. And guess who was chosen as the test driver?"
"You?"
"You got that right. However, I didn't just come here to show off my new ride. I have a proposition for you, if you're willing to listen. We can talk over breakfast. It's Saturday, so that means it's Omelet day."
"Yeah. We were just about to eat when you rocked the neighborhood."
Sam chuckled, rubbing the back of his head.
"My bad… I'll file my own noise complaint and pay the fine later."
The two headed inside, where Ella was just serving up breakfast. To Sonic's shock, she'd already set a place for Sam.
"I thought that was you, Samuel Kent," she told him. "Now sit down and eat. You're too thin."
"Alright, Ella," Sam replied, taking a seat.
"So," Chuck began, pointing his fork at Sam. "Why exactly did you come racing in here like you were in the Grand Prix?"
"You're not far off, dad," Sam explained. "The government wants an accurate test of my car's new engine, to make sure they didn't sink a billion dollars into it for nothing. So, they want to test it against the fastest thing on the planet: Sonic the Hedgehog."
"So they want us to race," Sonic surmised.
"Yep. It's completely voluntary of course, but I'm personally hoping you say yes. While I admit that I lost fair and square the last time we met up, I had no idea the full extent of who and what I was dealing with. Now, I'm well aware of your speed, and I think I finally have a proper vehicle. I know this may come off as brash, but I'm thinking that today is the day I reclaim my title as the fastest man alive."
Sonic just smirked as he leaned back.
"I don't know, Sam. I'd hate to leave you disappointed again. Not to mention those poor engineers spending so much time on that engine only to have it come second to a little hedgehog."
Sam smirked as well, crossing his arms.
"Is that so? I guess you're just afraid that I might actually beat you, but you're hiding it behind false bravado. I guess I'll just have to tell the President and the media that Sonic the Hedgehog is Sonic the Chicken."
"Is that right? Well why don't we really give them something to write about. Let's race!"
"You're on!"
"Oh brother," Keith let out.
…
…
Later that afternoon, Sam and Sonic were looking over a map of Station Square, plotting out the race track. The rest of the group had been called in order to witness this particular spectacle.
"Here's how it's gonna go, Sonic," Sam relayed. "The starting line will be in front of this house. From here we'll speed downtown, straight through the heart of Station Square. After we blast across the bridge out of the city, the competition will really heat up as we zoom through the desert and navigate the twists and turns of the canyon. A hairpin turn will lead us back to the city. The winner will be the one who reaches the stadium first. There'll be thousands of fans to cheer us on, including the President waiting at the finishing line."
"Let me guess, he's gonna congratulate the winner in some kinda photo op?" Sonic deduced.
"Pretty much."
"I just can't believe that the government's actually letting something like this take place," Knuckles muttered.
"The S3 was expensive, and they think the race will increase taxpayer support for the project," Chuck explained, looking at the information on his phone.
"Still, it sounds petty and stupid."
"That's because no one asked you to join," Sonic jeered.
Knuckles growled in response.
"Now hold on," Keith insisted. "Just when do you plan on having this race? There's no way Station Square will just shut down for a race."
Sam chuckled, grabbing Keith and pulling him into a noogie.
"You'd be surprised, little bro."
Keith managed to free himself as Sam grabbed the TV remote, turning on the news. It showed Scarlet Garcia up in a news copter, overlooking the Kent house. To everyone's surprise, people were already lined up along the sidewalks, the roads carefully barricaded to provide a clear path for the race.
"They're just about ready for the big race. The streets will soon be completely clear of traffic, and numerous crowds of people have set up all along the course waiting for the race to start."
That's when the screen shifted, showing none other than Lindsey, Keith's mom, waving at crowds from the finish line.
"They're cheering now for the sponsors of today's race - the popular movie star Lindsey Kent!"
"Mom?!" Keith let out.
"How'd she get roped into this?" Chuck asked.
"Simple," Sam replied. "I asked and she said yes."
"You always did have Mom wrapped around your finger," Keith remarked.
"Come on, it's all in good fun," Sam reassured. "Besides, Sonic's already agreed, so the sooner the better, right?"
"Right," Sonic agreed. "Let's do this thing!"
…
Meanwhile on the Egg Fort II, Robotnik carefully placed a pair of headphones on his head before going through a selection of music he had available. After sifting through the albums, he settled on "Where Evil Grows" by The Poppy Family. Once the song was selected, he instantly got to work. He sat down in a swivel chair and rolled towards a computer monitor displaying what looked like a 3D scan of a mobian creature. He pressed a few keys, modifying various vital signs and physical characteristics. As he worked, he couldn't help but get invested in the song. He then sprang up from his chair, still typing away as he grooved along with the music. He began dancing wildly, rocking along to the music. His dancing stopped suddenly when he came face to face with Cubot. The doctor let out a scream, the music stopping abruptly.
"Sorry Doctor," Cubot apologized. "I just came to see if you wanted a latte?" a latte popped out of the top of his head. "It has steamed Austrian goat milk."
Robotnik just stared for a moment.
"What do I look like, an imbecile? Of course I want a latte!" He snatches the cup off his head. "I love the way you make them!"
"Uh, boss?" Orbot spoke, poking his head in.
"What?!"
"I, uh… think you should see this."
…
Robotnik stared at the TV, seeing all the preparations that were going into Sonic and Sam's race. It made his blood boil, seeing the entire city fawning over his mortal nemesis.
"So, the little rodent's going to have a race is he?" he took a sip of his latte. "Well once I get through with him, he'll be in the race for his life!"
…
Back at the Kent house, the two racers were taking their places at the starting line. Sonic began doing a few stretches as Sam checked over all his cars systems. Tails came over to take a look, his mechanical curiosity getting the better of him.
"I can't believe they found a way to retrofit a rocket engine onto a car."
"It's a feat of engineering, I'll admit."
"Well, I hope they kept the receipt," Sonic commented.
Sam chuckled, looking back at Sonic.
"Well I hope you're ready to eat my dust."
"No thanks, I already ate. But we can go for chili dogs after the race."
"Loser buys?"
"You're on!"
Chuck then took his stance in front of them, holding a green flag.
"On your mark… get set... " he waves his flag. "Go!"
The two instantly took off. They easily found themselves neck and neck, both racers grinning from ear to ear. Up above them, the news chopper followed them with Scarlet giving her report.
"This is Scarlet Garcia reporting from News Chopper 1. We now continue out live coverage of the road race of the century as Sonic the Hedgehog takes on Sam Speed. After a roaring start, the racers left the Kent Mansion and are now speeding through downtown Station Square."
Sonic turned towards the car and noticed a distinct lack of wheels on it. Curious, he moved towards Sam and knocked on the windshield.
"Hey Sam!" Sonic called out. "I thought this was a road race!"
"It is!" Sam called back.
"Then how come your car's coasting on air?!"
"Oh the wheels are there, they're just on the underside of the car, guiding the glide!"
Sonic took another look under the car, seeing the wheels he was talking about.
"Ah! Well then, hope you don't get a flat!"
They continued speeding onward, now entering the city.
"Our racers are about to enter the most dangerous part of the course as they steer through these narrow streets at super-high speed. But is the rocket car maneuverable enough to make those hypervelocity turns?"
"She's got a point, Sam!" Sonic told him. "Those roads look pretty hairy!"
"You just worry about yourself! I got this!"
"If you say so!"
Sonic then took off like a shot, zipping through the streets like it was nothing. However, Sam kept going straight ahead, grabbing his radio.
"Alright! Commence Project Straightaway!"
"Roger." the voice on the other end confirmed.
All the buildings in front of Sam had large double sided garages on them, ones that began opening for him. He didn't have to make a single turn, just plowing straight through without any difficulties whatsoever. Just as Sonic cleared the last corner, he saw Sam coming out of one of the buildings.
"Hey! That's cheating!"
"I needed some way to get through the city. Besides, no one said you had to stay on the actual roads."
"Sam..."
"Alright, alright. No more tricks. Scout's honor."
"I'm holding you to that!"
The two continued racing, making their way across the bridge.
…
From the Egg Fort, Robotnik watched the race, giving a snort.
"Good clean fun..." he gagged violently. "I hate it! It's time to add a little trick of my own. Unleash Sumo-Man!"
…
Meanwhile, Sonic and Sam had made their way into the desert, their speed kicking up quite the sand storm. Suddenly, the ground in front of them exploded, revealing a large metal robot with a ginormous mohawk and a lower chassis similar to a sumo wrestler's mawashi.
"What the- a roadblock?!" Sonic exclaimed.
"This one isn't mine!" Sam insisted. "Think it might be one of Robotnik's?"
"No doubt!" Sonic replied, dashing forward.
"You may not pass!" Sumo-Man declared. "Turn back!"
"I can get past this guy no problem, but I know you won't feel comfortable leaving this thing in one piece. Want to call a timeout so you can thrash it?"
"Sure! I'll be done in a flash!"
Sam hit the breaks as hard as he could as Sonic sped towards Sumo-Man. He quickly began running around him, kicking up even more dust.
"Hey!" Sumo-Man cried out. "I can't see!"
"That's the idea!" Sonic told him, leaping right at him.
A solid hit from Sonic at high speed sent Sumo-Man flying into the air, disappearing from sight.
"Well, that was a nice distraction," Sonic commented. "See ya at the finish line!"
Sonic then zoomed off, prompting Sam to floor it in an attempt to catch up.
…
Back on the Egg Fort II, Robotnik was watching the race on TV, annoyed that he did little more than delay the race.
"We blew it," Robotnik lamented.
"Aw come on boss," Cubot concoled. "You did your best."
"And if you don't believe us," Orbot added, bringing a robot with oversized lips forward. "Just ask Kiss Up Bot."
"They're right," Kiss Up Bot told him. "You're the best. Anyone who says otherwise is dense and stupid."
"Your flattery is as empty as your heads," Robotnik replied.
"Nice one bolt brains," Bokkun commented. "Now he's even grumpier."
"Hey, what's that in the sky?" Kiss Up Bot asked, gesturing with its oversized lips out the window.
Everyone looked up and saw Sumo-Man falling towards the ship. He landed with a massive crash, the top of the Egg Fort II exploding into flames before the ship fell into the water. Everyone was crushed under the robots weight, save for Kiss Up Bot, who began hopping around the wreckage.
"Oh you poor things. Here. Let me kiss it and make it better."
The bot began kissing all of the injured parties, much to Robotnik's chagrin.
…
Meanwhile, Sonic and Sam were still trekking through the desert at high speed, with the later noticing the time.
"Huh, it's already lunch time," He noted, pressing a button in his car that dispensed a cheeseburger and soda. "Hey Sonic! Want some? I imagine you're burning a ton of calories out there! Wouldn't want you passing out!"
"Heh, I could eat!"
Sonic leapt onto the car as Sam opened the hatch, handing him the burger.
"Eat up! I'll wait for those sweet, sweet victory chili dogs!"
"Hope you brought your wallet!"
Sonic finished up the burger and leapt back onto the ground. They then kept racing, making it to the U-turn that marked the halfway point of the race.
"The two are in a dead heat as they head towards the Great Canyon," Scarlet reported, watching as they skidded around the turning point, heading back for the city. "Our racers have reached the halfway point and are now speeding back toward Station Square. Sonic and Sam Speed are still running neck-and-neck."
…
At the finish line, everyone was getting set up for the race's big finish. Spectators and fans were all clamoring to find out who was going to win. The President was making himself presentable, fussing over his suit nervously.
"Stop worrying, Mr. president," Jerome insisted. "You'll do great."
"I appreciate that, I'm just hoping Sonic will appreciate the race. I know he wasn't all that happy with our plan to stop Robotnik, and the last thing I want is animosity with the world's hero."
"Considering everything we've seen, I think he's enjoying himself immensely. I don't think you have anything to worry about, Mr. President."
"I hope so. Is my tie straight?"
Meanwhile, the others were talking amongst themselves.
"So, who do you think is gonna win?" Keith asked.
"Definitely Sonic," Amy declared. "No contest."
"I think it'll be a close one," Tails offered. "That car Sam was driving was pretty high tech."
"Well personally, I hope Sam wins," Knuckles commented. "A loss like this would definitely deflate Sonic's ego a little."
"I think I'm with Tails," Kat declared. "It's anyone's race, especially since Sam is known for saving his tricks for last."
"Right," Keith recalled. "This'll certainly be interesting."
…
Sonic and Sam finally reentered the city, closing in on the stadium. Sam grinned, flipping a few switches.
"Ready to pull out all the stops?"
"Always!" Sonic declared.
Sam pulled a lever, then slammed it forward, the rocket shooting past Sonic towards the stadium.
"Ok, you asked for it!"
Sonic then started moving so fast, his legs looked like they were forming an infinity symbol The two racers quickly became neck and neck, with the finish line approaching faster and faster. They both ended up crossing it with a photo finish, the crowd exploding into cheers.
"It appears we have a tie. Let's go to the monitor to see if we can determine a winner."
The big screen powers on, showing Sonic leaping over the finish line tape, posing for the camera. He then gets back into the race for the photo finish. Sonic smugly rubbed under his nose as Sam looked up in shock.
"Unbelievable! Not only did Sonic finish first, but he went back for an encore! The winner is Sonic!"
The crowds eruptedto cheers once again, the spectators chanting Sonic's name over and over again. Amy came running over, hugging Sonic happily.
"Congratulations, Sonic!" she cried out, grinning from ear to ear.
"Eh, it was nothing," Sonic insisted.
"Oh Sonic."
Sonic looked up and saw Lindsey approaching, a large rose bouquet in her hand.
"Well done," she told him, handing him the flowers.
"Thanks," Sonic told her before turning to Sam. "Hey, nice race out there. I had fun."
"Same here," Sam replied, giving him a nod. "Seems I'll have to settle for being the second fastest"
"Hey, when first place is me, second ain't bad."
Sam smiled in response. As this went on, the President approached the hedgehog, giving him a smile.
"Congratulations Sonic. You ran a good race today."
"Thanks Mr. President."
The two shook hands, the cameras flashed, and the city celebrated the race's winner.