Valor and Diargo stood in a line amidst a number of other riders and their racers. There were more types of creatures that the two of them had ever seen. The stadium was filled with hundreds of thousands of people, even the murmur of the crowd was enough to make it difficult to talk. The only thing louder than the crowd was the booming voice of the announcer.
"WELCOME BACK LADIES AND GENTLEMEN TO YOUR MONTHLY QUALIFERS! YOU GUYS KNOW THE DRILL, THIS RACE IS THE OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME FOR ANY YOUNGSTERS LOOKING FOR GLORY, SCORE ENOUGH POINTS AND ONE LUCKY ROOKIE WILL BE ON THEIR WAY TO BECOMING AN OFFICIAL RIDER."
The crowd thundered in response, the qualifying races were some of the biggest races to watch, because it allowed anyone over the age of eighteen to join, regardless of your riding status. This typically meant new racers as well as new weapons and fighting styles. While races were held weekly across the planet, it was often the qualifiers that brought in the most fans. However, to the disappointment of most fans, it wasn't uncommon for no rookies to sign up, especially if that region had a reputation for high deaths. Kypeera was one of those regions, the unforgiving desert was a harsh environment and it produced some of the most infamous riders the planet has seen.
Valor swallowed as he listened to the announcer, his booming voice could be heard from every corner of the track, the sheer volume was starting to give Valor a headache. As the announcer began introducing each team, he scanned the track. Every month stadiums like this one changed their track to accommodate for the qualifiers. It was a tactic to help aid the rookies to level the playing field. He had no idea how they could alter the terrain of something so massive, but galden had to be involved. The track was a mix sand and dirt, with the occasional slope and large rocks. Scattered throughout the track were pockets of water, larger than the hot springs he and Diargo enjoyed the night before. Occasionally the track would split into multiple paths, oftentimes the second path would be a tunnel underground, or a slope up to a high ridge. Typically, all tracks were built to be as diverse as possible, within the specific region limitations. Siliaph stadium was located in the Kypeeran deserts, so it was no surprise that the track was filled with sand, rocks and underground tunnels.
"NOW HERE'S A TEAM WHO NEEDS NO INTRODUCTION, AMEERA COPANI AND HER FEARRAT, SCOOPER!"
Valor glanced sideways at Ameera who stood only a couple teams away. She had large smile plastered on her face and she waved to the crowd, her racer chittered beside her. He had been trying to find her all morning, though she had remained hidden amidst all the other teams. Diargo could sense his anticipation of seeing and sent Valor a playful prod with his mind.
"mmmm pheromones"
Valor shook it off and focused on Ameera, he didn't have time to worry about defending his intentions. She seemed normal enough, though it was her racer that was far from normal. The Fearrat was not tall, but long. It was built with a snake, but with eight muscular legs protruding from the body, it was covered in snow white fur from head to toe, with a vicious looking face, which reminded him of the desert foxes that would sometimes wander onto to his property. The white fur had a healthy sheen, and the elongated body ended with a large voluptuous tail. It could have passed as capable killer or a showroom pet.
Diargo read Valor's mind, "what in the unholy sun is that."
Valor shook his head, equally bewildered by the Fearrat, it was a creature that he never even heard of before.
"AND HERES THE MOMENT YOU'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR, THE ROOKIE OF THE EVENING."
The stadium erupted in cheers and boos. Valor could hear jeers and heckles from the crowd, and he gave them his biggest smile. He knew that a lot of them attended the race just to watch a rookie perform. Diargo on the other hand was not pleased by the jeers, and the gorilla angrily beat his chest and roared and at the stands.
"SILIAPH STADIUM BRINGS YOU, VALOR KNIGHT AND HIS DIAMOND BACK TRYKOORI, DIARGO".
The crowed seemed to settle down, and there were many excited and confused whispers and looks. Valor could hear the rider to his right speak under his breath, "knight? No way…"
Glancing around himself and Diargo, Valor could see almost all of the riders staring at him, grumbling to themselves or looking at him in awe. The attention suddenly seemed too much. Valor leapt smoothly off the ground and onto Diargo's back and sheepishly scratched the back of his head.
"Who knew your father had that much of an impact" Diargo said to his friend, as the crowd continue to roar, and the other teams speculated.
"I mean I knew he was number one on the charts at least some point in his racing career." Valor responded, shifting uncomfortably.
The announcer continued to blare his message, discussing the new track that was built this month giving the audience an up to date idea of how the race would be played.
"By the looks of it, he held that number one spot for a lot longer than you thought" The gorilla replied, nonchalantly opening his mouth to stretch his jaw, sharp fangs glinted in the sunlight. "Don't look now, but your mate is checking you out".
Valor turned to look at Ameera and was met by an icy blue gaze. She was giving Valor her best glare, no longer sporting her fake smile from earlier. Valor gave her a sheepish smile and raised his arm timidly, about to wave hello. Before he could do so, Ameera flipped her hair at him and turned away, focusing closely on the track in front of her.
Valor put his hand down and said to Diargo, "well she definitely wasn't checking me out".
"Diargo shrugged, "Yeah I got that from the disappointment radiating from your body."
"THE RACE BEGINS IN TEN" The announcer boomed; the crowd fell silent.
Valor looked at the back of Diargo's head in mock disgust, "I will throw this race."
"NINE", the other riders situated themselves on the racers.
Diargo tilted his head slightly so his one eye could look at Valor face, "I might have to kill you now, just for saying that."
"EIGHT"
Valor put racing helmet on that was supplied to him by Siliaph stadium, the metal was light as a feather, but offered maximal protection. It was sleek and padded on the inside for comfort, with an aerodynamic design aimed towards speed.
"Just joking, I'm only here to win." Valor responded, tightening the helmet strap under his chin.
"SEVEN", Valor closed his eyes and took a deep breath in. He could feel the Diargo's heartbeat thundering underneath him.
"SIX"
"I was born to win," Diargo said, his muscles trembling in anticipation.
"FIVE"
"Let's do this one for dad," Valor said, patting Diargo on the top of the head.
"FOUR"
Diargo only grunted in agreement, the atmosphere had changed, and he could feel the anticipation from all the other teams like a heavy blanket. His body was screaming at him to start running, but he forced himself to be still.
"THREE"
The excitement was mounting, and Diargo let out a loud war cry.
"TWO"
Somewhere a wolf howled in response, followed by a loud squeal, and then an array of roars, chirps, and rumbles. Every creature lined up was aware that in two seconds they would be fighting for their lives.
"ONE"
Diargo bunched up his legs, and gathered his galden, Valor's grip on Diargo's neck tightened.
"RAAAAAAAAAACE"