The race started out as the Darrell had anticipated. Strip found his groove and stayed in it, pacing himself. Chick slid in behind him, satisfied to follow the tail fin for the first hundred laps. At least, that was the original plan, until McQueen started giving him a hard time. The kid and the runner-up battled behind the King for a few laps, Lightning just managing to stay out of Hicks' contact range. Finally McQueen passed both of them in a risky turn, swerving before regaining control. Strip let him take the lead and Hicks' crew chief advised him to stay back. It was still early in the race and they needed to pace themselves.
Hicks followed Strip into pit row, and their crews finished the job at about the same time, although Luke swore Team Dinoco was just a second faster. McQueen's pit crew was slower, and as a result he fell to the back again with only 50 laps to go.
"Great!" he muttered pulling in behind the other two. "See that, Mack?"
"Well, at least you don't have to worry about a tire blowing like last time," Mack reasoned. "Go get em, kid."
McQueen sped forward, eyes narrowed as he reached the Buick in front of him.
Roger watched from his position as the two drivers behind Strip battled for dominance. The McQueen kid was good, really good in fact. But he still had a lot to learn.
Strip stayed quiet, focusing in front of him, trusting Roger to give him an update on anything important. They'd worked together for so long now that they rarely talked. But he never forgot that Roger was there, ready to tell him anything that he couldn't see for himself.
They reached the final lap. McQueen and Hicks were still battling it out.
"Looks like they're dancing back there," Bob commented to Darrell, leaning forwards ever so slightly.
"Poor King doesn't have a partner," Darrell laughed, watching Strip enter the first turn with ease.
"I don't think he minds that much," Bob pointed out. "But it's gonna get tough this final lap."
"Ugh!" McQueen exclaimed, as Chick cut him off again. "I'm so sick of this guy!"
"Well, be careful out there," Mack warned as they approached the second turn. The turns always made the truck driver nervous.
Thinking that he'd scared the kid off, Hicks drifted into the line behind Strip for the second turn. Lightning saw his chance and took the bottom line, racing past the other two recklessly. Strip jerked out of the way to avoid a collision.
"That was close," Roger commented as Strip grinned ever so slightly at the kid's spunk.
"Kid's got guts," he replied back.
"Yeah, well, don't let him win that easily," Roger' voice held a disapproving edge. Sure, that move had put McQueen in first, but the only reason there hadn't been a collision was because Strip had compensated for his recklessness. If it had been another rookie in front of the kid, it wouldn't have been so easy.
"Not planning on it." Strip reached the straight and went faster. He'd pass the kid at the last turn.
The crowds roared in excitement.
"It's gonna be close," Bob reported, and across the nation racing fans clutched onto his every word. "McQueen's in the lead, but the King's bearing down on him. This is history in the making!"
"Great job, kid!" Mack cheered from the Rusteze pit. Lightning grinned, basking in the trucker's compliments. Maybe having Mack for a crew chief wasn't so bad after all. "Now, just focus on those last two turns and you're home free!"
"Oh, please Mack," Lightning rolled his eyes. "I've got this."
The racers came into turn three, Lightning opting for the bottom line. Strip took the middle one, trying to see if he could catch the kid from the outside. Hicks tried to push his way past Strip on the right, and Strip blocked. Hicks tried again on the left but to no avail. Forgetting about Lightning for a moment, Strip focused entirely on trying to keep Hicks from passing him. No way he was going to lose his final race to the Hostile Takeover driver.
Hicks growled in frustration as the accursed tail fin blocked his every move. Frustration and desperation welled up inside of him.
"Take it easy," his crew chief warned. "You'll get him on the next turn."
Strip blocked him again, and Hicks growled.
Bob and Darrell tore their gaze away from McQueen to watch the fight below them.
By the fifth block, Hicks snapped.
"I am not losing to you again, old man!"
Strip felt the hit and tried to compensate for it, but it happened too fast. Hicks had clipped him several times before, but this was different. He'd never outright smashed into him. The Superbird spun out of control and no amount of compensating could fix it. He felt the tires leave the road.
It was a nightmare.
Roger jumped up and shouted at him, and the whole stadium gasped, a few fans crying out in distress. He felt himself flying through the air and there was nothing he could do except brace himself when he started rolling.
"The King is out!" Bob exclaimed, and across the nation every eye was glued to a television screen. The crash was horrific, but no one could look away. Roll, crash, roll, crack, roll, crunch, roll, bend, over and over again. Roger heard every sound from across the head set.
"Oh no," Lynda gasped, standing up with Tex. She couldn't breathe.
The 'bird finally came to a halt. Everyone heard a buzzing in their ears from the shock. No one spoke. Bob and Darrell were both standing, waiting for confirmation that Strip was ok. In the Dinoco pit row, the pitties and Gray had their eyes glued on Roger.
The crew chief held his breath, waiting for something on the other end of the line. There was nothing.
It was like the entire stadium was frozen in time. All they needed was confirmation that the King was alright to break the spell. But that confirmation never came.
No one except the camera noticed when Lightning zoomed over the finish line. At least, not until the flagman saw the red to his right, and half heartedly waved the checkered material. The show must go on.
"Um, right," Bob swallowed, glancing at Darrell. "Emergency services will soon be on the scene. It's important not to speculate."
It was the weakest, most pathetic line of the his career, but he attributed it to the shock.
"McQueen has crossed the finish line," Darrell reported. "And he has absolutely no idea what happened behind him!"
"This makes him the first rookie to ever win the Piston Cup," Bob quickly added. "What a day for the history books." He himself could hear the forced enthusiasm in his voice.
Lightning was oblivious.
"I did it, Mack!" He shouted, preparing for a victory lap. "I'm the first rookie to win the Piston Cup!" He whooped and cheered, glancing ahead at the first turn of the track.
"Hey, Mack," he said after the trucker didn't say a word after turn two. "Aren't you happy for me? Don't tell me you're still upset about staying with Rusteze." He rolled his eyes at the thought of Mack sulking.
"No, kid," Mack's voice came through, and despite McQueen's jubilance, he immediately heard something... off.
"Mack, what's wrong?" He asked, slowing down and suddenly worried.
"It's the King," Mack responded. "He crashed."
"Wait, what?" McQueen braked quickly and did a hazardous, half controlled stop at the side of the track. "What do you mean he crashed?" Worry filled the young racer. "And why's it so quiet out there?"
"I... dunno..." Mack replied. "You better see for yourself."
McQueen was already fumbling with the restraints holding him in place. He scrambled out of the car and onto the track. He jerked the helmet off and stood in the middle of the track. No one was cheering. Everyone was murmuring amongst themselves, and looking at the giant flat screens. He turned to the nearest one, realization dawning on him.
That's why no one was cheering.
The image of the light blue Superbird crumpled up and smoking sent a shiver down McQueen's spine. His blood turned cold and ice settled in the pit his stomach.
"What happened?" He asked. Mack's voice crackled out of the helmet in reply.
"I dunno... It was Hicks I guess."
"But, he's ok, right?" Lightning asked. His eyes were glued to the screen as he saw an ambulance pull up the scene, lights flashing. A bunch of officials in fireproof suits went first, fire extinguishers at the ready. Lightning watched as the 'bird disappeared in a cloud of white smoke. He kept rambling. "I mean, he's been in crashes before. This... This is just like one of those pile ups earlier in the season. No one gets seriously hurt."
"I don't think so," Mack looked towards the Dinoco crew. Roger was speaking earnestly into the earpiece while Gray jerked his cap off his head and paced. Mack knew that was a bad sign. Roger finally shook his head, and one of the pitties shouted at him.
"Looks like Mrs. Weathers and the Dinoco sponsor are headed down there," Bob glanced at the VIP area where Tex and Lynda could no longer be seen.
"It doesn't look good, I'm afraid," Darrell shook his head. "But we don't know for sure yet."
"Right you are," Bob agreed, knowing this was tough on the other commentator. He knew Strip quite well, and keeping up a professional personage during the uncertainty was difficult.
"Looks like McQueen is taking it quite hard," he commented, glancing down to where the red car still stood.
"It's his first time seeing a big crash like this," Darrell agreed. "Must be quite an eye opener."
Lightning was still standing, glued to the spot by some invisible force.
"Please be alright," be whispered as the medical personnel approached the cooled down car. It wasn't on fire, that was good, right? "I don't want this day to go down like this." The side of the car was cut open and tossed aside. Mack saw Gray rake his hand through his hair in worry. Luke winced as the panel was tossed to the side.
There were so many paramedics it was hard to see what exactly happened to Strip. They checked his vital signs in the car and whether or not it was safe to move him. As the racer was lifted out of the car, it was clear that he was unconscious. The paramedics put him onto a stretcher and checked his vital signs a second time. Everyone in the stadium waited in suspense. The head paramedic finally nodded to the others. No white sheet was brought out.
"He's alive," Bob reported and Darrell sagged in relief.
"Thank you," Lightning whispered to no one in particular.
"But he's not in the clear yet," Darrell watched as Strip's helmet was removed. He couldn't tell if there was internal damage or not. "They're moving him to be treated."
"Well, there's hope at least," Bob said resolutely, trying to encourage the millions of fans he knew was listening.
Lightning watched as the ambulance rolled away. Worry twisted in his stomach as his eyes stayed glued to the screen, following the emergency vehicle for as long as he could. He was jerked sharply back into reality as he suddenly saw himself on the screen.
"Mack... Where are they taking him?" He asked, pulling his helmet back on so that the viewers couldn't see his expression.
"To the hospital, I guess," Mack said. "You better bring the car back before you go get your trophy."
"Sure," Lightning replied absentmindedly. His hands were shaking. When had that happened? He drove back to pit row slowly, still seeing the ambulance in his mind's eye. Had that really happened behind him? Why hadn't he seen it?
Mack waited for McQueen. Bob and Darrell had turned the conversation around to Lightning's victory and the audience was waiting in anticipation for the kid to get his trophy. The pit crew around the trucker started clearing up the tires, mood somber, but not really caring. Mack turned towards the Dinoco stop, planning on going to ask Gray if he was alright.
He stopped short, seeing the scene in front of him unfold.
Luke was shouting at Gray, who was trying to hold him back as Hicks pulled in next to them in the Hostile Takeover row.
"He crashed into him! Strip's unconscious and might never wake up!"
"Luke, calm down, we don't know for sure."
"I'm going to kill him!" The pittie shouted furiously, turning towards the runner-up. He was seething in rage born from fear.
"Luke, no, you can't say that!" Gray held him back, pinning his arms behind his back.
"Let me go!" Luke yelled, kicking Gray hard. The trucker held on, taking the abuse in the hopes that Luke would get it out of his system.
Mack barely noticed as Lightning pulled up next to him. The young racer scrambled out and both of them watched the scene unfold.
"Luke!" A female voice broke through the side and Luke stilled. A pretty woman pushed her way past the officials and Roger signaled them to let her through. Gray released Luke and he fell into Lucy's arms as she hugged him. He clutched onto her for dear life, her hand running through his hair.
Mack turned away. He'd talk to Gray later.
Lightning stood still, watching the scene in front of him. Strip's crew chief was in a daze, his entire posture screaming defeat. The crew looked around, some in disbelief, some in fear. All of them had been doing this for years and this final outcome was completely unexpected. They were like some sort of family, Lightning realized. The rookie turned away, suddenly embarrassed that he'd seen so much. It wasn't his business to witness their grief.
"I can't lose him," Luke mumbled into Lucy's shoulder. She glanced behind him and saw Hicks getting out and talking with his crew. He looked at the Buick annoyed, more upset at losing than the crash and resulting grief he'd just caused.
"We won't," she assured him, turning towards Gray. The trucker just shook his head, not knowing the damage.
"We won't, Luke," she whispered to her husband a second time. She waited for him to come to his senses, knowing the fight would leave as soon as the reality set in. "Roger?" She looked at the crew chief worriedly, wanting to ask if Strip would be alright. The words wouldn't come out. What if Roger said no?
"I don't know," Roger took a shaky breath. He was the crew chief here, it was his job to pull the team back together. "Let's just pack away."
"What about the 'bird?" One of the pitties asked. "Are they going to tow it back?"
"They will, eventually," Roger assured them, although he had no idea whether the Superbird was totaled. He was pretty sure it was with the side ripped off. "Just pack everything else away."
Lucy reluctantly let go of Luke, who turned back towards his gear. He still wanted to strangle Hicks for what he'd done, but he wouldn't. Not with Lucy there.
"I'll meet you at the hospital ok?" She whispered, squeezing his hand. He nodded and focused on putting the equipment away safely. Lucy turned and hurried towards the parking to catch up with Lynda and Tex.
McQueen heard his name being called but didn't register that he had to go somewhere. Ever faithful Mack herded him towards Victory Lane, the flash of the cameras bringing the young racer back to reality.
"Move over, kid's had a rough day," Mack tried to get Lightning through the crowd.
"Mr. McQueen, what's your take on the King's crash?"
"How does it feel to be the first rookie to win the Piston Cup?"
"Do you have any statements for your young fans?"
"Um..." Lightning tried to come up with a response, but he couldn't think of anything. He was on the top podium, glancing down at the sea of photographers. His two biggest fans broke through security, screaming his name. He tried to send them a confident smile but it came out half-hearted instead. What was wrong with him?
"What are your plans for next season?"
"Are you going to approach Dinoco for the sponsorship?"
Someone was handing him the trophy. He accepted it and looked at the metal. It was so shiny. He realized he should probably say something, maybe thank Rusteze or something?
"Thanks," he muttered, managing a small smile. It dropped as Hicks stepped onto the podium beside him. Seeing that Lightning wasn't giving them his usual attitude, the reporters switched their attention to the other racer. Completely unaffected by the crash, he gave them exactly what they wanted.
"Old man should have been out years ago," he shrugged. "Some people just can't let go when it's their time."
Lightning glared lightly at him but stayed quiet, opting instead to study his reflection on the trophy. This is what he'd been trying to achieve his entire life. He was holding it now, his dream for so many years. This shiny trophy was proof of his talent and his success. He should be happy, but he wasn't feeling anything. No emotion registered through the numbness. It was confusing, and he tried to shake himself free of it.
"It was a good race today," he finally managed to say, drawing the reporters' attention away from Hicks. "Just, you know, hope it's the start of many like it."
That satisfied the reporters and Lightning stepped down as an official told him and Hicks that they were due to speak with Darrell and Bob. Lightning headed over to Mack first who was waiting with Rusty and Dusty.
"Great job out there today, kid!" Rusty said enthusiastically. "You sure made us proud."
"Thanks," Lightning said absentmindedly, glancing at them with a little disdain. He hated those old Rusteze caps they were wearing. These guys really needed to upgrade.
"So, you're due for an interview, right?" Dusty asked. "We'll meet up afterwards and discuss next season." The thought hadn't even occurred to the Rusteze brothers that Lightning's plan was to switch over to Dinoco first chance he got.
"Sure," Lightning shrugged, handing Mack the cup. "I... gotta go."
Without another word he turned and hurried off, leaving his sponsors confused.
"You're gonna have to forgive him," Mack explained. "He took the crash pretty hard."
"Oh, right," Rusty berated himself. "You know what? Tell him we can meet tomorrow. Tonight's the time to celebrate!"
"Sure," Mack said quietly, but glanced after the kid worriedly. Quietly he said to himself, "I don't think there's gonna be a whole lot of celebrating tonight."
Over the air, the interview was a little tense, but professional enough. In the studio, the discomfort was stifling. Darrell could barely look at Hicks without his teeth clenching and Lightning seemed completely lost to the world. Bob picked up the slack and talked with Hicks for most of the interview. The Hostile Takeover driver acted no different than usual.
"You know, it's part of the race," he shrugged when Bob asked him about the rivalry he had with Strip. "Guess Weathers just lost his touch, that's all."
"What do you think, Lightning?" Darrell asked. "Should crashes like this be part of the sport?"
"I... didn't see it," Lightning admitted, looking down and tracing a circle on the floor with his foot. He'd been too preoccupied with winning. Too self-centered.
"What are you going to do now that you've won?" Bob asked. Lightning shrugged before answering. "I guess I'm gonna meet up with my sponsors and plan next season."
"So you're saying you're going to stay with Rusteze?" Darrell questioned.
"Oh... Um..." Lightning suddenly remembered Dinoco. "I'm not sure," he shrugged. "Guess it's a bit overwhelming, being a champion and all."
"Well, we can see you're tired," Darrell glanced at Bob, who nodded. Time for this interview to come a close. "Thanks for joining us, and congratulations on your victory."
Lightning managed a weak smile before hurriedly standing up and making his way out of his studio. The ringing in his ears had quieted down a little, but he needed it to stop completely. He needed his trailer, no, he needed Mack. No, he needed to find the hospital. He needed to know that the King would be alright. Then everything would be ok so that he could celebrate.
Hicks said a few more words to the commentators and followed McQueen to the exit. Everyone seemed kind of mad at him for what had happened to Strip. He didn't mean for the other racer to crash like that but he wasn't sorry. If Weathers couldn't even recover from a small bump like that anymore, it was time for him to get off the track. He should have years ago.
As they exited the studio, Hicks noticed with no small amount of satisfaction that the kid was pretty shaken. He hadn't gloated once or said anything arrogant. That got Chick thinking... Intentional or not... Maybe now was a good time to rattle the kid up a little.
He grabbed Lightning's arm to stop him and the kid turned towards him. And man, oh man, wasn't Lightning just a kid at the moment. He looked at Hicks for a moment in terror before his expression faded into cool indifference. But Hicks hadn't missed that first look.
"Lightning," he said with a mocking tone. "Word of advice."
"I don't need your advice." Lightning pulled his arm loose.
"What happened to Weathers," Hicks continued. He stepped closer, using the fact that he was a little taller than the kid to his advantage. "You get into my way again... That'll be you next time."
Lightning managed not to shrink away, but his heart suddenly pounded very loudly in his head. Hicks had just threatened him. He'd done that before. A lot actually. But Lightning only now realized how deadly Hicks was... and how seriously he took victory. If Hicks could wreck the King and walk away without having to accept an ounce of responsibility, he wouldn't think twice about destroying him. Legally, Dinoco couldn't touch him, and Hicks knew that. If a sponsor as big as DInoco couldn't make him pay, no way someone as small as Rusteze would scare him. Nothing was stopping Hicks from completely wrecking Lightning in the same way and the sudden realization terrified him.
The young rookie had always felt untouchable on the track, but now he wasn't so sure. He watched Hicks walk away in front of him, his loud neon jacket jeering at him until it's wearer turned a corner. Lightning stood alone in the corridor for a second to gain his bearings, then suddenly felt very alone. He needed to get out of here. Mack. He needed to get to Mack. No one would touch him with the big guy around.