The stadium roared with life, lights flashing as fans waved banners and cheered for their champions. This wasn’t just another Extreme Gear race—it was the biggest tournament of the year, and the lineup alone electrified the air.

At the front, Sonic the Hedgehog stood tall on his sleek board, emerald eyes sharp with focus. Twenty-five now, a husband, father, and seasoned hero, he still lived for the thrill of speed. His quills bristled in the wind as he glanced at Jet the Hawk, his old rival turned respected equal. Jet adjusted his goggles, Wave fine-tuned her board, and Storm cracked his knuckles—the Babylon Rogues ready for battle.

Behind Sonic, his friends took position. Tails, at nineteen, no longer the timid kid trailing after him, stood confident on his own board in orange pilot gear, tools at his side. He flashed Sonic a thumbs-up. Knuckles stretched his arms, twenty-six and still stubborn, though now also a husband to Rouge and father of twins. Rouge smirked in her black jumpsuit, every bit the spy-turned-racer. Amy twirled her hammer once before setting it aside, radiant in her updated red dress and boots, no longer the lovesick girl but a fighter cheered by thousands.

Shadow stood distant, crimson eyes unreadable. At his side, Annabelle adjusted her gloves, silver-streaked quills catching the light. Together they radiated quiet power—dark, unshakable, parents as well as warriors. Silver’s psychic aura shimmered as he steadied his board, Blaze calm beside him, flames flickering before she cooled them. Both were leaders of their worlds, but here they were simply racers again.

The Chaotix were ready too—Vector loud, Espio silent, Charmy buzzing with energy. Cream, now eighteen, balanced poise with excitement, while Vanilla watched warmly from the stands.

Families filled the sidelines. Amaya held baby Nicholas, his indigo quills glowing faintly as he giggled at the engines. Near her sat Blaze and Silver’s infant Lune, cooing beside Knuckles and Rouge’s toddler, Luke. Shadow’s twin boys, Aaron and Shane, were bundled safely, eyes wide at the spectacle.

The announcer’s voice thundered across the arena: “Heroes, guardians, legends! Tonight, the greatest riders of our age take to the skies! Get ready for speed, for skill, for history in the making!”

Engines whirred. Lights blazed. Every racer leaned forward, muscles tight, hearts pounding. Sonic crouched low, grin tugging at his lips. “Let’s show ’em what we’ve got,” he muttered, loud enough for Tails and Knuckles to smirk.

The countdown flashed— 3… 2… 1…

And in a burst of light, wind, and fire, the grown heroes of Mobius launched forward, hoverboards streaking across the track as the stadium erupted in thunderous cheers.