**AN: Hey guys back with the next chapter of NCSM! I hope you enjoy it, please remember to rate and review. To let you know, my next semester is starting up and my updates most likely after this will be irregular at best. I have not given up, I still plan to finish this story. For now, enjoy.
Disclaimer: I own none of the Cars or Planes franchise, just my OCs.
Chapter 7
Sky was so exhausted by the time they arrived at the hotel that El Diablo was supporting most of her weight as they walked the short distance to the hotel. He was such a good sport to do this for her, and she promised to repay him back for his kindness. At the receptionist desk they got themselves checked in with a woman dressed in formal wear. She introduced herself as an official for the races, and they were the last two to arrive. She walked them up, explaining that at each leg of the race they would be bunking in a communal area so the officials could keep an eye on them. Both competitors gave a nod at her words and followed her up to their destination. Once they had arrived at the communal area, Sky and El Diablo could see many of the racers interacting with one another. The official finished by informing them that the rooms themselves were private, but they would each have a designated roommate. After taking their keys, the official left and the two proceeded to their own business. El Diablo, who's real name he said was Miguel, bid her goodnight and proceeded to his room. Despite wanting to make new friends, she knew she was rancid from travelling and first needed a shower. Sky grabbed her duffel and trudged to her assigned room. Hearing the lock click open, Sky proceeded inside to see what her double suite looked like.
It was just like any other hotel room, two double beds on the left wall, a TV and fridge situated on the opposite wall propped on a chest of drawers. The far wall housed a large window with flowing curtains. Directly to her left when she entered the room was a door that led to a bathroom. Sky looked to see the bed closest to the window already housed a bright pink suitcase, no doubt belonging to her assigned roommate. After tossing her duffel on her bed, she pulled out her toiletry bag and night clothes before heading to the bathroom. Feeling refreshed from her shower, Sky pulled on her sleep clothes and tossed on a bathrobe before heading out into the communal area.
The communal area was a large circular area, with a large window taking up the north wall, and the doors to the private rooms occupying the east and west walls. On the south side, it opened to a communal dining area with a buffet area set up. The area near the window between the rooms was adorned with a plush carpet and expensive and comfy couches and lounge chairs. A glass table with refreshments supplied by the hotel was situated in the middle of the room. This area was where many of her fellow navigators were located, mingling amongst one another. Spotting a familiar face, Sky walked over towards the large window where she saw Hari standing looking out. Tapping her on the shoulder, Hari turned and smiled.
"Hello Sky, I'm glad to see you made it here," Hari commented, "are you excited for tomorrow?"
"Yeah, I'm excited and nervous," Sky answered, checking out the view as well.
"I completely understand," Hari answered, "that's exactly how I feel before every race."
"Oh, really," Sky commented back, "tomorrow is mine and Dusty's first ever race, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one with butterflies in my stomach!"
"Your first race?" Hari asked, stunned. Sky nodded at her statement.
"Why take on such a huge challenge for your first race?" Hari asked.
"This has been mine and Dusty's dream since we first became partners," Sky explained, "it's the opportunity of a lifetime, and we wouldn't pass it up for nothing."
Hari admired the young navigator, taking on such a big challenge. When she had begun racing as Ishani's navigator, they had done several small races and then worked their way up to this. To hear that Sky and Dusty had no previous racing experience was…
Hari's thoughts were cut off by a man's loud raucous laughter. Both girls turned to see none other than Tyson. Sky groaned in detest, she did not want to have to deal with this clown right now. She was still working on her temper and did not want to be provoked to go off on this guy. Violence against other competitors was against the rules, and she and Dusty could be disqualified because of it. Thinking of her partner, Sky ignored him and resumed her conversation with Hari. However, Tyson did not take well to being ignored. He used one arm to place it in between the girls, using his big frame to corner Sky against the window.
"Excuse me, we were talking…"
"…and now you're talking to me," was Tyson's rebuttal. Sky scrunched her nose in disgust, holding back her tongue. It was becoming more difficult with Tyson once again invading her personal space.
"Do we have a problem, Tyson?" Sky challenged.
"Yeah, we have a problem," Tyson fired back, "you insulted me in front of my fans, now people are starting to talk."
"Oooo, I'm so scared," Sky said mockingly, waving her hands, "what are you gonna do?"
By this point, several of the other navigators in the room were now staring at the arguing pair.
"It's not what I'm gonna do," Tyson said back, "it's what you're gonna do."
Sky's only response was raising an eyebrow and crossing her arms.
"See, I don't let insults just slide," Tyson went on, "especially from a novice navigator whose partner is nothing but a tractor with wings."
With each word, Sky felt it was getting harder and harder to hold back her anger. Clenching her teeth, she gave Tyson her harshest glare.
"So, if you don't want me to make your racing experience a living hell, you and your partner will back out now," Tyson ended, using a finger to point at the ground in front of him. Sky was losing her battle with her anger, and when she was just about to let Tyson have it…
"Oh mon Dieu, Tyson are you up to your old tricks again?" spoke a female voice with a French accent.
"Stay out of this Ava," Tyson growled.
"Non! Because it looks to me like you are goading cette young woman into a fight so you may disqualify her! Am I wrong!?"
Tyson turned his angry scowl towards the voice. It was a young woman wearing a flounce sleeve night dress, her arms crossed in irritation. She stood just below Sky's 5'7". Her long blonde hair was so pale it looked white. Her light complexion highlighted her pale green eyes, which shone with a fierce determination. She held Tyson's gaze, daring him to look away.
"Yes Tyson, old chap, was that the goal you were aiming for?"
Tyson turned his head again to see Oliver, wearing classic British sleepwear with a dressing robe and slippers. His blue eyes staring down in disappointment.
"Senorita Sky, I am here," El Diablo then showed up, donned now in a baggy shirt and shorts, devoid of his cape and mask.
"Release the senorita or you shall face my wrath!"
Tyson could now see that he was outnumbered and outmaneuvered. With a last grunt, Tyson began to walk back to his room. Turning back one last time, Tyson pointed at Sky, then gave the thumbs down gesture. Sky responded by flipping him off before he at last stormed away into his room. Once the door slammed, Sky let out the huge breath she had been holding.
"Thanks guys, you saved me in more ways than one," Sky commented, thanking the others.
"Tyson is an imbecile, he would do anything to get his way," the young woman called Ava said.
"But still, thanks," Sky muttered out.
"No problem," Ava responded, holding her hand out, "I am Ava, navigator to Canada's renowned Rochelle."
Sky took her hand, shaking it, "nice to meet you Ava, I'm Sky, navigator to Dusty Crophopper."
"Crophopper, I have not heard that name before in the racing world," Ava pondered, "what circuits do you race in?"
"Oh, actually this will be mine and my partner's first race," Sky answered.
"First race, and you chose the globe rally?" Ava asked.
"Mhm, and me and Dusty are gonna win it," Sky proclaimed.
"We shall see about that," Oliver said.
"Oh, we shall, my British friend," Sky teased, "oh, and Oliver, I'm sorry about the tea incident earlier, I wasn't trying to cause trouble for you or Bulldog."
Oliver waved his hand in response, "it's alright, to be honest, Bulldog can sometimes be a little, what's the word, abrasive?"
"I know the feeling, so how about we call it even, friends?" Sky responded, holding out her hand. Oliver shook her hand, smiling in response. Hari, who had been quiet for most of the fight, placed her hand on Sky's shoulder. Sky smiled at the gesture.
Hearing clapping, the group turned to see El Diablo spiritedly clapping his hands together.
"Si si, amigos, one and all," Sky laughed at his antics, "now, who here is up for a game before curfew?"
At El Diablo's suggestion, Oliver brought out a deck of cards from his room. For the next several hours, Sky, El Diablo, Oliver, Ava and Hari all played different card games and talked until it was time to retire. El Diablo was wicked at Rich Man Poor Man, showing a hidden serious side. Ava was not bad herself, and the French and Mexican navigator competed fiercely the whole time. Hari and Sky gossiped about a possible attraction that was going on between the two. Oliver was a beast when it came to poker, noting that Sky did not sport a proper poker face. Sky pouted about that, everyone having a laugh at her expense. But all in all, everyone had a wonderful time, and they ended the night by wishing everyone good luck for the race tomorrow.