I don't own Sonic or Sega.

4. The Mobian Derby

"And welcome back, folks, form our 1 day commercial break! Now we will release the contestant card.

1. Scourge the Hedgehog, Odds: 5-1

2. Secretariat the Hedgehog (What kind of name is that?) Odds: 4-1

3. Sham the Hedgehog, Odds: 50-1

4. Sonic the Hedgehog, Odds: 3-1 (Broken Record)

5. Omaha the Hedgehog (Seriously! We aren't horses!), Odds: 19-1

6. Whirlaway the Hedgehog (What?), Odds: 45-1

7. Assault the Hedgehog (That just scares me!) Odds: 50-1

8. Citation the Hedgehog (This is getting ridiculous!), Odds: 6-2

9. Affirmed the Hedgehog (Bucc! Are you just looking up winners of the Triple Crown?) Odds: 18-1

10. Rob O' The Hedge, Odds: 50-1

11. Hephaestus the Hedgehog (Sure, pull the Greek god card!), Odds: 9-1

12. Poseidon the Hedgehog, Odds: 14-2

13. Shadow the Hedgehog, Odds: 3-1(Broken Record)

"And that is the list! And look at this Secretariat, this brown hedgehog was actually born into the racing business and is supposed to be fast, with the second lowest odds in history! If you haven't noticed, every sentence I say ends with an exclamation mark! The hedgehogs are lining up at the starting gate! Get ready for the fasted 2 minutes in Mobian history!" The gates flew open.

"And Sonic breaks last, but he's running full speed! Using all of his energy and blowing the pack away! Shadow is in the very back, wonder why! Secretariat in close second, following the fastest thing alive and his awesome shoes! In third is Scourge and gaining second! The second turn and Sonic is at least 12 lengths ahead of the rest of the pack! Shadow is still in last! Secretariat falls victim to fatigue and is slowly moving to the back of the pack! Sonic now 11 lengths ahead! Shadow is still falling behind in last, I feel sorry for anybody who betted on him! The second stretch seems like it goes on forever, but they go along the forth turn and Sonic is 9 lengths ahe- what's this? Shadow is weaving in and out of the fatigued hedgehogs, Shadow passes Scourge! Sonic only 2 lengths ahead of Shadow at 200 yards! 100 yards! Sonic only a length ahead, not even! 50 and there neck and neck! Andddddddd." It appeared that Sonic and Shadow crossed the finish line at the same time.

"I swear, if Sonic lost…" Began Ryko. Sonic rushed up to them and sat down next to Ryko.

"Whew! That really takes everything outta ya! Shadow was really smart to do that, I didn't see that coming! I had the lead and out of the corner of my eye…"

On the screen, a slow motion camera was playing that was position so that the racers feet could be seen. When they appeared, Sonic's foot had touched the finish line a millisecond before Shadow's and the thing played in a loop. The crowd went insane. Sonic gave a relieved sigh and hopped over the barrier.

"Ryko, how did you get time off to see this?" Asked Laoch. Ryko smiled.

"This is your bachelor party, isn't it?" Laoch returned the smile.

"Yea, it is, watching my friends run in a circle for money." They both laughed.

"Alright folks, standing in the winner's circle are Sonic, Shadow and Secretariat for show! It is my pleasure to introduce your winner for this year, Soniiicccccc the Hedgehoooogggg!"

Sonic smiled and tilted his head back, receiving a giant trophy. He turned to Shadow and offered his hand. Shadow looked him in the eyes and nodded, stepping of the pedestal for second and walking away.

"That was a look of respect right there! Let's give it up for Shadow the Hedgehog for creating the most controversial Mobian Derby in years! That was something, I was convinced that Shadow had beat out Sonic! I just received the place list, here it is!"

1. Sonic the Hedgehog

2. Shadow the Hedgehog

the Hedgehog

4. Scourge the Hedgehog

5. Sham the Hedgehog

6. Poseidon the Hedgehog

7. Whirlaway the Hedgehog

8. Affirmed the Hedgehog

9. Assault the Hedgehog

10. Hephaestus the Hedgehog

11. Citation the Hedgehog

12. Omaha the Hedgehog

13. Rob O' The Hedge

"Sweet! I'm gonna go cash in my card!" Said Ryko.

Sonic and Shadow sat down next to Laoch and Shade, Shadow taking Ryko's seat.

"Hmph. I still could have beat you, Sonic."

"Yea right, faker! I totally owned you!"

"Owned me? You beat me by a toe! Literally!"

"Yea, whatever. I beat ya, Shadow ol' buddy, and I hope you show up for the Acorn Stakes! Being held by SSSaaalllyyy! And I'm gonna beat you in front of her to prove how awesome I am!" This went back and forth until Ryko came back with 2,000 rings.

"Yea! I almost made more money than I do when I play cards with Laoch!" Laoch gave a friendly punch on the shoulder.

"Well thanks guys! I appreciate you for coming!" Said Sonic.

"Hmph." Said Shadow

Undisclosed Location, 2:30 PM

Ares just got done watching the derby. He smiled.

"I can imagine it right now. The announcer's hand trembling when he reads my name on the card of the Acorn stakes! Then everyone will know that I am very much alive, and fear will seep into these citizens again! But that's next month. For now…"

Mobian Downs parking lot, 2:30 PM

Ryko was about to hop in his 1964 Shelby Cobra when Hades appeared out of a portal of fire.

"That hedgehog really is the fastest thing alive."

"Yep. Well, I gotta report G.U.N that my vacation is over-"

"Ryko. Stay strong. For me, for Mobius."

Ryko stood there for a moment. He looked straight at Hades, looked into his eyes.

"I always have."

He hopped into his car and drove off.

G.U.N Headquarters. 3:00 PM

"Great, your back. Listen, all contracts are being put aside for now. Ares the Mesmer is your number one priority. I heard you went to the Derby."

"Yes, sir."

"Hope you had fun, but it's time for business now. This man is a threat to Mobius and he must be exterminated. Understand?"

"Yes Sir."