Chapter Thirteen- The Final Stretch

"The racers have entered their third and final lap in this placement race, and already three combatants have been knocked from out of the competition. None were harmed, thankfully, but the end is not in sight yet. We need those who remain on the sidelines to cheer loud for your boys, and girl, and give them all the support you can. We need a winner, and this foul play is really skimping our chances. Cheer loud, mates, let your voices be heard from every island!"

--

Crash was gaining on Raze, and with a grin he considered letting the rat have a dose of his own medicine. But ultimately he decided against it. Not because of any moral qualms, to be sure, but because he wasn't convinced he wouldn't spin himself off the cliff in a vain attempt. So he stayed on Raze's six, not engaging until he was sure he could get through. Yet as they approached the cliffs for the final time, he knew that he could easily gain some ground here. He had figured which path to be the fastest, and it was concealed perfectly because it most defiantly was not the shortest. He noticed from the second lap that no other racer's had taken this road for that very reason, but he found that by turning sharply into each corner his engine was given a substantial boost. That was good enough for him.

As Raze took the most logical path, following Kieran and Crunch, Crash weaved into his own lane. He used all the maneuverability he could managed and sped around each corner. He risked a glimpse over the edge, and gulped back nervousness. If he screwed up, it was a long way down. As Crash continued to focus on the road ahead, he thought he could hear a distant rumbling noise. Crash furrowed his brow, and took a look in his mirror. He felt his jaw fall open in surprise, utter shock and dejection actually. The entirety of the winding rock path that was holding him up was crumbling.

"Aww…crap!"

The path did not connect with the cliff side behind him any longer. All he could see was the billowing clouds of rusty debris, and the cloud was getting closer. It was hard to steer on an already challenging road when the surface was shaking violently. Crash clenched his jaw. He wasn't too far from the other side of the cliff, he would just have to put all his speed into it. He smiled slightly. As if he wasn't already doing that in the first place. Crash adopted a frown of determination as he leaned into the wind, emotionally willing his kart to go faster. For a frightening moment he thought he was going backwards, but he wasn't. He sailed onto the solid rock ground with a thankful kiss to the heavens, ignoring the chilling knowledge of having nothing under you but thin air and an eighty foot drop. He exhaled his relief. On the positive side, that close call reminded him to watch his back.

That attack could have only come by some kind of tampering, especially since these paths were strong and had been holding up for as long as Crash had been living on the island. Either the rats had planned things out ahead, or there was another party involved. Crash shrugged. Whatever, if he dwelled on all the attempts on his life he'd be a nervous wreck by now. If someone was trying to kill him, they'd just have to try their damnedest. Crash was not an easy bug to squash.

--

Coco spat a few drops of blood from her mouth as she cleared the cliff passage for the final time. She had been so utterly terrified when the road began to crumble behind her brother that she bit her lip hard enough to pierce it. When he made it safely across, her tight chest relaxed slightly. Only slightly. It wasn't surprising that someone was trying to get rid of her brother, but the increasing number of attempts on his life never made her any less worried.

The group was now entering the Tiger Temple, and Coco realized with enthusiasm that she was slowly gaining ground. If she kept going at the rate she was going she'd be able to challenge the leaders. Axe was still behind her, and she continued to watch him warily. He was gaining more speed on the straight stretches, and Coco predicted that with his powerful motor he would pass her before she could make her way to the front of the pack. The rat would probably be more determined now to run her off the track, so she had to make sure she could maneuver out of his path in an instant. For now though, she needed to focus on getting farther ahead.

Coco squinted, and caught a glimpse of her brother as he weaved around the stone pillars with the confidence of an expert. Coco shook her head in exasperation. Why was he always good at everything he did? It was maddening. As Coco was focused on Crash, she saw with instant surprise and horror that a rocky stone had somehow jetted from the temple wall. It all happened so fast that she hadn't even the time to cry out. She saw Crash's head turn and he remained transfixed on the stone, but there was nothing he could do to dodge it. Then, from behind, Kieran slammed into the back of Crash and send him propelling, wheels squealing, out of harm's way. Now Coco did find her voice, and let out a strangled squeak of helplessness as the stone crashed into Kieran and threw him into the wall. Coco willed more speed into her advance, her eyes wide and focused directly on Kieran, who was sagging in his seat. Just as Coco reached the scene and began to slow down, she saw Kieran shake his head as if to clear it and then look up at her.

"Don't you dare stop. Keep going."

Coco bit her lip again, and then gave him one curt nod of acknowledgement. At least he appeared all right. Now Coco had the added complication of dodging through booby trapped temple, but to her astonishment the stones seemed to be targeting Crash exclusively. Thankfully, he had learned his lesson and weaved through the endless jetting of dangerously punching stones.

"I don't know what is going on ladies and gents, but it looks like this whole race is turning out to be one dangerous mess. Somehow the temple has decided to enter the game, and is doing it's darndest to throw our competitor's out of the race. A nobly selfless move on the part of Kieran Bilby has kept Crash Bandicoot in the race, and it seems the track is out to get the poor guy. Keep your heads up and eyes open racers, you're almost there!"

--

Crash felt a lurching in his gut as he continued to dodge the booby traps. Kieran had taken the bullet for him, and Crash wasn't sure what to do. He hadn't been able to see if he was all right, and knew that if he stopped he'd be endangering others. After all, these freaking rocks seemed to be gunning for him. He just needed to get out of that temple as fast as possible, and when he did, he was going to slow down and stay beside Coco. This bloody race was getting too dangerous, and Crash wasn't willing to sacrifice his sister's safety over a lousy competition. And with Crunch in the lead, the pressure was off. It was up to Mr. Muscles to carry them to victory now.

When Crash shot out of the temple and toward the caverns, he swerved to a stop. An instant later, far faster than Crash anticipated, Coco sailed out of the temple. The glare she shot at him could have melted ice. They were close enough that he could pick up her frequency channel, but he wished he couldn't.

"What are you doing!" Coco's high pitched voice squealed.

Crash turned a stony gaze to the racer coming up far too fast behind her. Obviously Coco was too bothered by his stupid move that she didn't even notice. Crash slammed on the gas and felt his front end slam into Axe, and send the rat spiraling off course.

"I'm not letting these guys screw around anymore, even if I have to take them both out one at a time."

"Crash, you idiot! Don't worry about me!"

Crash grinned as Axe came at them again, still heading for Coco. Crash took the attack and felt himself shoot backwards into the rocky wall.

"I don't have the energy to worry about you right now Sis. Keep going."

Crash saw an expression of torn emotion on Coco's face before she disappeared into the caverns. Axe turned his wheels toward Crash, who was still a sitting duck with his back to the wall. It would be simple work for the rat to crush him now, but obviously the rodent had other plans. He turned his direction and headed into the cave.

"See you later, bandi-boy!"

Crash groaned.

"Pick on someone your own size Gigantor!"

The stupid rat ignored him and followed Coco into the caves. Crash muttered a steady stream of guttural profanities as he attempted to restart his failed engine. The bugger wouldn't turn over, and Crash couldn't figure out why. He was not mechanically inclined by any stretch, and after a moment he considered getting out of his kart and finishing the race on foot. He would have been very happy to talk to Ami right now. Yet, without the benefit of a professional's opinion, Crash settled on his own. He took off his shoe and leaned over his steering wheel. Then he began wailing unmercifully on the stubborn motor while shouting,

"Start, damn you!"

To his upmost surprise, the stupid scrap of metal obeyed his frantic shrieking and roared back to life. Crash blew out a sigh of relief, and slammed his foot on the pedal.

--

Isabella moved with a confident surety throughout the audience. Her blue eyes made rapid scans across the crowd, attune for anything amiss. On the monitor above, Isabella had instantly deducted that the crevice collapse that had almost put an end to Crash Bandicoot had been rigged with charges. Charges that had been set to go off on the third pass, and were targeting the bandicoot exclusively. Isabelle wrinkled her nose in annoyance.

She knew what needed to be done. She knew she wasn't any closer to finding the saboteur then she had been at the start of the race, so she needed to travel right to the source. Isabelle took a quick glance over her shoulder, and then took off toward the underbrush of the jungle. She vaulted over a rock and landed directly in her seat. With a quick systems check she started her kart and sped off through the forest to the final obstacle.

--

Crash's cart was puttering along at it's own pace, but at least it was moving. He was pretty certain he was out of the race for good now, but maybe if he crossed the finish line before the day was over he'd still get a consolation prize. Crash's ears perked up at the sound of a noise. He snorted. More rumbling…? That's never good. Crash didn't even have to look behind to see that the cave was beginning to fall in on him. He decided he wouldn't look back, after all, if he was going to die he'd rather be in good spirits.

Just keep going, this is just a slight snag.

However no one, not even Crash, could describe eight tons of mountain crushing down as a snag. It was more of a full blown catastrophe. But Crash was never one to let catastrophe get him down. He bent his brow and forced a devious smile on his face.

Rocks cracked at the ground around him, and subconsciously he felt tiny pebbles and sheets of dust shower over him. He coughed as dust collected into the air, shrouding him as he passed. There was nothing more terrifying than being trapped in a tightly enclosed rocky cave, overwhelmed by the deafening sound, and knowing that if you were only a couple seconds too slow this would be the end of your life. The sensation sucked.

Says a lot for claustrophobia, if I survive this party I might just become a member.

Larger chunks were starting to fall from the ceiling and Crash still didn't see the end of the cave. The imploding avalanche was catching up with him. When he was forced to begin dodging the rocks he knew he was in really big trouble. Yet as he turned a corner he felt his eyes widen in excitement. A shaft of light was visible, and it was the nicest bit of sunlight that Crash had ever seen. Damn it all, he couldn't go any faster. He had his piece of junk opened up and still he wasn't moving quickly enough. He felt a rock collide with his shoulder, so he let his numbed hand fall off the wheel while he kept his kart forward. Another rock, a bigger one this time, bounced off his back. That time Crash couldn't withhold a grunt in response to the throbbing pain.

Let's go…come on…

Crash squinted through the clouds of dust, and bit his lip when he saw the entire entrance of the cave begin to collapse. The feeling came back to his arm, so he snapped his other hand on the wheel and forced every bit of focus he had into clearing the fall. At the final instant that determined his death or survival Crash felt himself blink. A lot could happen in the span of a blink, but in this case, the turnout was welcome.

Crash sailed through the cave, feeling it shutter and clamp like the mouth of some giant predator. Boulders rolled around him, close enough to keep him on his toes. He shook off his dusty orange fur and focused on the final stretch. Crash Bandicoot wasn't one to dwell on close-calls, surviving was good but winning was better.

--

Isabella slid to a stop adjacent to the cave opening. She leapt out of her kart and began to circle the area, keeping an eye out for any mechanical overlays amid the vegetation. That was when she heard the explosion. She clenched her jaw. Dammit, another trap sprung. Although the cave had begun to implode Isabella could hear a distinct sound of whirring machinery. Ignoring the cave for the time being, Isabelle wandered through the underbrush, following the sound.

She wound up standing beside a cluster of trees, and gouged into one of these trees was a mechanical blinking box. Looking it over, Isabella felt a sensation of confusion. If this charge, for that indeed was what it was, had been wired to blow the cave, why was it still showing signs of power? Isabella leaned in and attempted to decipher the machine jargon on the blinking green screen.

She understood in a moment. With the widened eyes of discovery and a new focus Isabella followed the wires that led from the box and snaked its way through the high grass. Her head darted upward, and she cursed under her breath. The saboteur had set one final trap in place, a concealed landmine.

--

Crash kept his gaze focused directly ahead, and through the sand that his wheels kicked up he could just make out the tiny forms of the racers. Although he was quite sure he wasn't going to come in first, that didn't mean he was willing to give up. No sir.

Suddenly, Crash felt something slam against him. He felt himself being pulled right out of his seat and just after that he was sent rolling to the ground intertwined with something. When Crash's head stopped spinning he opened his eyes, and as he did he met the sparkling blue irises of a very familiar face. Isabella was settled right on top of him, her blond hair dusted with the sand that they both found themselves in. Her expression did not betray any concern. Crash furrowed his brow and struggled into a sitting position.

"What the hell did you do that for?"

Isabella leaned back to accommodate this new position and scowled at him dangerously, but she didn't say a word.

"What? No explanation as to why you tackled me to the ground?"

Crash didn't notice, but his kart was still shooting forward with momentum. The very next instant a brilliant flash of white light and flickers of flame exploded from the ground. When it disappeared, Crash's kart came plummeting back to the earth, as black as a hunk of coal. Crash's jaw dropped. Isabella got to her feet and dusted off her tight, blue pants.

"I thought I'd wait and let the explosion speak for itself."

Crash instantly felt embarrassed, but he resolved not to let Isabella realize it. He watched mournfully as his charbroiled kart crackled with remnants of flickering fire. He brushed some of the sand out of his hair with a sigh.

"I guess that means I'm out of the race. Damn it all."

"Don't feel bad slick, you've still got your skin. And if it makes you feel any better you didn't seem to be doing all that well anyway."

Crash looked up at Isabella, squinting because her face was just barely blocking the sun. He gave her a grin.

"Thanks for keeping my feet on the ground."

"Anytime."

Crash waited for Isabella to offer him a hand up, but unsurprisingly she turned on her heel and walked away. Crash remained there for a moment, watching her blond hair bounce along the back of her neck as she departed. He was about to collapse back to the sand and take a nap, but instantly he remembered the reason he was out here in the first place. He leapt to his feet and dashed toward where Isabella had gone. She was just getting into her kart.

"Oyi! Hold up!"

Crash skidded to a stop beside her, and she gave him a skeptical side glance.

"Yeah?" Before Crash could speak she gave him a quick half-smile. "Hop on Bandicoot."

The two bandicoots darted through the jungle to make their way to the finish line. Despite the fact that he had his arms wrapped around a beautiful woman all his thoughts dwelled on his sister, and desperately hoping she was okay.

--

Coco heard the explosion but she was not brave enough to look back. She was scared out of her wits, partly because she didn't know if Crash was alright, and partly because she knew the rats were still after her, and she had to keep sharp or be in big trouble.

Be okay…please be okay…

But there was nothing she could do now. She needed to finish this race. There were only four racers left, and Coco couldn't leave Crunch with two rats tailing him. She felt tears leak through her restraint, but she sniffed them back with a determined resolve. Far ahead was the finish line, and for the first time in the race Crunch was tied for the lead. Coco was gaining ground, and now the three of them were almost neck and neck.

Wait…three?

Coco turned her head, and felt her shock slap her like a battering ram across the stomach. Axe was coming straight for her, and she could do nothing to evade the attack. He would send her over the shallow cliff and maybe even into the sea. Despite her shock, she was not afraid. She simply prepared herself.

All of a sudden, a burgundy blur slammed into one side of the rat's kart. As if in slow motion, Coco watched helplessly as both Crunch and Axe sailed uncontrollably toward the cliff. Amid this madness, Coco heard one word.

"Go!"

She clenched her jaw and heeded Crunch's gruff utterance. She turned determined green eyes toward her goal, and shot off to catch up to Raze. The rat didn't realize she had made it, obviously, for his posture betrayed a lackadaisical slump. He'd thought he'd already won. Coco scowled.

Better watch you back rat, you haven't beaten us all.

Coco leaned into the speed, feeling invigorated as the wind danced around her, flipping her blond hair in wild strands behind her. She was gaining, quickly. The marker that determined the end of the race was growing larger and larger. As they neared it she could see a checkered flag, being waved franticly by its bearer. When they got even closer, Coco could see the frightened and concerned features of Ami as her luster faded away to transfixed attention, almost dread.

Raze turned, and Coco was momentarily satisfied with the way his eyes widened. He attempted to speed up his racer but it was too late for that. Coco was one with the wind, and she would not lose this race. They were neck and neck. Out of the corner of her eye Coco could see Raze darting his head back and forth, first on the finish line, then on her, and back to the finish line. Coco's eyes remained fixed on her goal. The roar of the crowd faded away, and Coco willed all her strength into her racer.

Suddenly, she caught a glimpse of her brother. He looked rather flushed and extremely dirty, but he was alright. He grinned and gave her a thumbs-up. Coco smiled, and shot ahead to cross the finish line, a whole foot in front of her competitor.

--

The entire island exploded into an uproar of excitement. Crash whooped as loud as the rest of them, watching with a large smile as his sister slowly came to a stop with a beaming expression. She was trying not to smile, but even Coco wasn't that good. Eventually she broke into a wide grin as she stepped out of her kart. The clapping and cheering rattled through Crash but he hardly noticed. He rushed to Coco's side and spun her around in a big brotherly hug. Coco immediately leaned down to his ear.

"Is Kieran okay Crash?"

Crash didn't change his expression as he gestured with his head.

"See for yourself."

Coco turned her head to see Kieran standing back with the crowd, wincing each time he clapped due to his bandaged wrist, probably sprained. Coco grinned again and waved at him. Kieran returned it solemnly, offering only that little half-smile of his. Coco turned back.

"And what about Crunch? Is he alright too?"

Crash had seen Crunch take Axe over the side of the cliff, but he hadn't seen him get out. Crash didn't want to bring down Coco's spirits, but he had nothing better to say. Before he could get a word in, a familiar voice sounded behind him.

"I'm fine."

Crash felt himself jump, and dropped Coco back to her feet as he whirled around. Crunch was soaking wet and his organic arm was covered in dilated blood. Yet by a quick examination Crash could see that it was just a wee gash that the water had caught and made it appear much worse than it was. Coco didn't seem to mind Crunch's state, and threw herself at him in a monstrous hug. Crunch flinched, but to his defense nothing was more surprising than Coco instantly leaping into action. He returned the embrace with one large hand on her shoulder, and then she backed away. Crunch was smiling slightly.

"Congratulations."

Coco tucked some of her unruly blond hair behind her ear sheepishly.

"Thanks for your help."

Crunch gave a little snort and scratched the back of his head. Crash felt himself laugh. The oaf was so not-tough when he was all embarrassed. Before Crunch could make a reply, or even if he was going to, Liz came flying out of nowhere and attacked Coco with a hug from behind.

"Girl you are the most talented sister of an idiot that I've ever seen! Kudos!"

Soon everyone was coming down to shake hands with Coco, and by that time Crash had backed off to allow more room. As he settled back in the embrace of the trees, he glanced around for Isabella. She was nowhere to be seen. He shrugged and leaned back on a tree trunk, folding his arms and smiling as Coco humbly accepted the praise showered down upon her.