Chapter 4 - The Importance of Faith

Hooktail was in the hospital for 13 days, but eventually made a full recovery.
During this time, Mogo, Cobalt and Hooktail communicated a great deal about their plans.
They decided the they could not possibly face what they were up against yet, even with their prowess on the racetrack, so decided they should seek more aid.
During the days Hooktail was in hospital, Mogo never left her side, but Cobalt was constantly on the lookout for more talent for their cause.

As Cobalt walked out of the hospital, he saw commotion to his left. This was the west of the slums, where "street races" where often found.
These street races were like normal races, except with no rules, and anybody can interfere. The banishing beam in these street races, the losers are usually still around afterwards, so in a way they are safer then normal races. However, the injuries sustained are usually far more sever.

He heard some familiar voices, "Hey buddy, wanna race?
Cobalt recognised this voice. It was none other than a Fleep, one of many.

These Fleeps were street urchin racers that wandered in packs, usually overwhelming the racer and stealing all they can off him/her, making them like classic street thugs. They cannot race well, but they make up for it in pure numbers.
Most of the time, Fleep gangs form up and try to take each other down, making the winning gang bigger. Most of the time though, they end up attacking their own team, often leading to inter-gang fights.

After the Fleeps comment, the approached racer said confidently, "Well I'd love to, but I'm afraid I'd kick your ass"
The Fleeps then simultaneously pulled out their knives, with the leader saying, "Don't act so tough, wise-guy. we're gonna mop the floor with ya!"
"Yeah, so ya gonna race or not?" remarked a high-pitched Fleep"
"Fine with me" replied the wise-crack racer "but don't go crying to mommy after I spank you good!"

As the race started, Cobalt tried to sneak in closer. "This racer could have potential. I wonder if his racing is as good as his confidence." he muttered to himself.
A few moments later, the race began. The Fleeps gained an early lead, but the racer caught up quite fast.
With the last lap approaching, the lone racer had quite a lead.
"Hmm, this looks promising" Cobalt thought with a slight grin.
Just then, the racer hit a green shell lying on the ground. This was quickly followed by a red shell and someone ploughing through him with a star power. This is a common occurance in races, even the most skilled racer cannot guarantee a win.
Left in dead last, with very little hope of catching up, he kept going, knowing that a good item had to pop up.

"I can't let this guy be left at the mercy of the Fleeps if he loses, but helping him is like cheating, it'd be dishonourable to do so"
Then he remembered who the racer was against.
"Well, I always keep one of these for emergencies" Cobalt muttered, bringing out a small black bomb with white eyes and a wind-up key at the back.

Cobalt wound it up as far as he could and threw it onto the track. The Fleeps were so busy taunting the racer that they did not see this until it was too late.

The Bob-omb flashed red as they approached, the leader spotted it and shouted, "WHAT THE F-". There was a huge explosion as the Bob-omb detonated.
Several Fleeps were hit at once, they flew far into the air, screaming as they fell.
The racer, at awe by this sudden turn of events, took advantage of this and activated his star.
Charging through the remaining Fleeps he finished first, with the defeated gang carrying the charred remains of their karts and bikes over the line.

As he taunted to the Fleeps that were left, Cobalt approached him, saying "You think that thing appeared by itself?
"What if it did?" the cocky racer replied.
"SO, that green shell could've been easily avoided. You need to keep an eye on the road more."
"Look old man, I don't need you telling me what to do all right? I had that race in the bag, even without your help!"
Cobalt was about to retaliate, when he thought, "I sense great ability in this one. Maybe I should take him to Fred and see what he thinks"

"Sorry for angering you. Come with me and you'll face the toughest racers you've ever met!"
"How can you be sure of that, old man?"
"Because, I'm one of them"
"HAH!" The racer replied.
"Just you wait and see, kid." thought Cobalt, feeling slightly miffed.

And so the fourth racer was found...