Chapter 13- Avery's Attempt

"This is ridiculous!" Kabuki hissed, watching as the tortoise left, before spinning around to face Josh, Avery, Bud and Pierce, "I'm going to talk to the other teams! Surely, if they realize what would happen if we lose, we can get them to take a die?" The red striped surrounding his eyes creased as he glared. The white cat's paws also clenched, and his lips became a thin line.

Avery frowned at the idea, before shaking his head, "No. If they make themselves lose, we'd win, and Endavcra would be doomed. Unless we can persuade Endavcra to take a die, and we do too, we have no chance." He stepped slightly forward, examining the Endavcra team opposite. The four humans and animal were stood in a straight, horizontal line, Mortimer pacing in front. Zoey's eyes, however, were directed towards the Honevray team.

Bud kicked a nearby rock, watching as it flew a few feet, before landing on the damp grass with a muffled thump. An angry grasshopper swiftly leapt from the object, but the lion ignored it. He shook his head, "No! We cannot do that either without being kicked out of town!" He turned to the eagle, who watched warily, before shouting, "Why do we keep having the same conversation? We're trapped! Either Honevray is ruined, Endavcra is ruined, or we are ruined!"

As the lion broke off, Josh spoke quietly, "Then we go for the third option." The boy was sat down besides the weeping Bella, facing away from the running track and his friends. He comfortingly pat the mouse's back, trying to calm her tears. It didn't really seem to help, but he was at loss for what to do in this situation.

The other four animals turned to look at him, looking surprised at his suggestion. Kabuki's eyes narrowed, but he kept his lips tightly shut. Avery tilted his head slightly, frowning at the human, confusion in his eyes. Bud's eyes widened in contrast to Kabuki, and he opened his mouth, before shutting it again. It was Pierce that spoke. The eagle watched Josh calmly, smiling slightly and in understanding, "I know why you say that, Josh. You think it is the right thing to do, to save our towns..." He broke off, looking at Josh for a reaction, but the boy didn't move at all, so Pierce continued, "But none of us want to do that, and neither do you. We will lose our lives, we will be kicked out. We will have nowhere else to go. We will be homeless."

"Well, what choice do we have?" Josh suddenly shouted, startling Bella as he leapt to his feet. Pierce took a step back in shock, staring at the furious looking Josh, who continued in a calmer tone, "What choice do we have? Would you rather we become like Endavcra? Ruin Honevray? Would you rather Endavcra crumble under Tortimer's leadership? Would you rather hundreds of animals having their lives ruined? We are six people, Pierce. That is nothing compared to the amount that will be ruined if we don't take a die."

"Hello everyone!" Before anyone could reply, the voice of Pete the pelican rang throughout the air, and everyone's attention went to the commentator table, "This is Pete. It's now time for the two hundred metre race! Now... According to this list, Avery from Honevray will be competing. As will Kody from Celedron, Pom Pom from Aquatos and Goose from Endavcra. If these four animals could come to the starting line, please."

Avery looked shocked at the announcement, before spinning furiously to the others, "How can I compete with that? Kody? He's a jock. Goose? He's a jock. Pom Pom? Some hyperactive duck. I can't win this." As he spoke, the other three announced animals jogged towards the starting line. Avery folded his wings stubbornly, hissing, "I will not compete. I refuse."

Bud rolled his eyes, advancing quickly on the eagle, "Why not?" Avery opened his mouth to reply, but the lion swiftly cut in, "So Tortimer doesn't yell at you for losing?" For the second time, Avery started to reply, but Bud interrupted again, "Well what will he do if you refuse? I don't want to think about it. Stuff that stupid turtle, just go and run your feathers off, we'll deal with our idiotic mayor when it comes to it."

Avery opened his mouth a third time, but Bud shoved him towards the line forcefully. The eagle stared at Bud with slight shock, before nodding slowly, joining the other three racers at the starting line. Bud watched him go, before saying with slight emotion, "He's doomed, and so are we." He swallowed, before shaking his head, returning his attention to the race.

Pete's voice rang out again, "Now, listen for the gun! On your marks..." The four animals crouched down, ready to spring into a run, "Get set..." The gunshot fired, and the four animals darted forward, "Avery takes a quick lead, with Goose in second, Pom Pom in third and Kody in fourth! Kody is falling behind, that's a surprise! Oh! But a glare from Mortimer makes him get his act together! He's off! Kody overtakes Pom Pom! Goose is level with Avery, and the animals are now about half way! What's this? Pom Pom has stopped! She's burst into tears! Portimer has rushed on to comfort her, and led her off. Meanwhile, Goose has taken first place, and Kody is swiftly catching up with Avery. Three quarters through now, and the three are very close. Avery takes first place! Kody takes second! Kody's catching up! Just feet away! They're level! Avery- No, Kody- No! Goose right behind! Avery's tiring! KODY WINS!"

Cheers erupt from the crowd as the three remaining runners catch their breath. Pete then announced, "Kody in first, Goose in second, Avery in third and Pom Pom in fourth! That's three points for Celedron, two for Endavcra and one for Honevray! Celedron holds its lead with six points. In second is a draw between Endavcra and Honevray, each with three points. And in fourth place, Aquatos has fallen far behind with zero. Congratulations Celedron!"

Josh's first instinct was to look for Tortimer, who he quickly spotted marching towards Avery, looking as angry as always. Avery noticed and backed away. Josh quickly said to the others, "Avery is in trouble, come on." Josh quickly dashed towards Avery, Bud, Pierce and Kabuki behind him. The three joined Avery, all facing Tortimer as he arrived.

"I..." Tortimer shook his head, glaring, before continuing, "I don't know what to say! What the heck happened? You were going to win, yet you just gave up. Did you deliberately lose?" Before Avery could reply, Tortimer shouted at the top of this voice, "YOU IDIOT! YOU WILL RUIN THIS TOWN! You are a disgrace, and whether we still win or not, I do not want you in my town when it is over." His voice dripped with venom, as Avery's eyes widened. Tortimer smiled sarcastically at Kabuki, who was shaking in anger, "Good luck, Kabuki."