Chapter 15. - It's Now Or Never -
Saturday morning, right after breakfast: Riley yawned hugely as they returned to Lightning's trailer.
"Ar feadh uair amháin i mo shaol, ba mhaith liom éirí ar maidin agus a bheith chomh corraithe faoi agus a bhí m'óige. (For once in my life, I'd like to get up in the morning and be as excited about it as my manhood.)" Riley grumbled "An oíche eile, mhol Bella gur cheart dúinn triail a bhaint as aisiompú ról sa leaba… mar sin, dúirt mé léi go bhfuil tinneas cinn orm agus í ag impí. (The other night, Bella suggested we should try role reversal in bed… so, I told her I have a hoodache while she begged.)"
Lightning and Merida laughed.
"LIGHTNING!" Doc bellowed, looking mad enough to bite nails in half "Is this report true? You punched someone in the face?"
"Yes I did!" Lightning snapped "I'll do it again if he touches my sister."
Seeing that Lightning was getting angry, Merida stepped in.
"I'll take care of this." Merida said snatching the report off Doc's hood "Now, who do I talk to?"
Lightning meekly pointed in the direction of the official's tent. Without another word, Merida stormed off in the direction Lightning pointed.
"I feel sorry for whoever the official on-duty is." Riley said "Merida's nickname is Dragon for a reason."
Several hours later:
"McQueen, can I talk to you?" a bewildered looking racing official asked "It's about what happened last night at the hotel."
Lightning nodded and followed the official back to his tent.
Sometime later: Lightning came back to the trailer with a huge smile on his face.
"Well that's all taken care of." He said happily "The sponsor apologized to me for his son's behavior… The kid is officially banned from all tracks."
"I'll cut his balls off if he messes with me again." Merida spat "He might be the owner's son, but I'm their spokes model, if they want me to continue to be part of the brand, I get what I want!"
"Lightning, I'm still not happy with your behavior." Doc said "You're a professional, you need to act like one."
Before Riley or Lightning could stop her, Merida got into Doc's grill.
"LISTEN HERE OLD MAN! YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO ORDER LIGHTNING AROUND, BUT YOU'RE NOT THE BOSS OF ME." Merida screeched, flaring her air intakes at him "LIGHTNING WAS DOING SOMETHING HONORABLE AND YOU DARE TO GIVE HIM SHIT ABOUT IT! NOT WHEN I'M AROUND! HE MIGHT BE MY OLDER BROTHER, BUT I'M NOT GONNA STAND HERE AND LISTEN TO…"
Merida was cut off by someone dragging her back by her axle.
"That's enough." Riley barked as he put her down "I think Hudson got your point… go take a drive and cool off… ANOIS LADY ÓIGE!(NOW YOUNG LADY!)"
Merida huffed once before driving off. The look on Doc's face almost made Lightning laugh. It was the first time he has ever seen him look intimidated.
"Calling her a Dragon is an understatement." Doc said faintly "My dick went from an outie to an innie. It's going to take Sophia hours to coax it back out. Good luck marrying that spitfire off."
Lightning and Riley laughed.
"She's small but mighty." Lightning said "That's nothing, you should see mom when she's angry."
"No thank you." Doc said "That was enough fire for me."
Sunday, championship day: As usual Lightning ate breakfast by himself. Once he had eaten and taken care of his dishes, he headed to Doc's trailer and banged on the door.
"Doc! Are you in there?" Lightning called "I want to talk to you for a minute!"
Lightning started to get worried when the trailer's ramp did not immediately open.
About a minute later: The ramp lowered and Doc backed out. Lightning was about to say something but he noticed red lip stick all over Doc's lips. Not to mention, Doc was wearing a loose fitting codpiece lining (equivalent to a man's boxer shorts).
"Now I understand." Lightning giggled "Come out Sophia, I know you're in there. That's your color of lip stick."
Sophia giggled and rolled to the end of the trailer.
"Hudson!" Sophia said as she tossed a towel at him "I suggest you wipe your lips off. The guys are going to think you're a drag queen in your spare time."
"And on a race day too." Lightning said playfully "In all seriousness, I came over to see if I can have one last drug test before the race."
"I don't think that's necessary." Doc said "You were clean before we left town."
"I know… please Doc!" Lightning begged "Just for my piece of mind."
"Well, all right." Doc finally said "If it'll put your mind at ease. Call your dad and ask if we can do it in his hotel room. If I do it here, it will cause problems for you."
Lightning called Riley and explained what he wanted. Riley agreed, so Lightning and Doc drove over to the hotel.
Soon:
"You're clean." Doc said as he read the test "There are no illegal substances in your system."
"That's a relief." Lightning said "Now I can quit worrying about it."
At seven-thirty in the evening: Lightning drove out of his trailer to deafening applause. Lightning drove to Doc.
"You ready, Rookie?" Doc asked "It's time to show the world what you are made of."
"I just hope this is not a mistake." Lightning replied nervously "If I lose to Chick, I'll never hear the end of it."
"You'll do great." Doc said "Just race like normal and you'll be fine."
Lightning nodded and swallowed hard. Riley and Merida was going to watch the race from the pits.
"Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil Sally agus Bella ag féachaint ar an teilifís. (I know Sally and Bella are watching on TV.) Riley said driving up to Lightning "Ní fhéadfaimis a bheith níos stuama díot. (We could not be prouder of you.)"
"Go raibh maith agat (Thank you.)" Lightning nervously said "Déanfaidh mé mo dhícheall (I'll try my best.)"
"Racecars, please report to the track!" the loudspeaker called "Racecars, please report to the track!"
Lightning's stomach lurched. He hesitated before heading towards the track.
"Go ahead Booger." Merida said "I'll see you in Victory Lane."
Lightning smiled at them before he drove to the track. He lined up beside a racecar he didn't know. Lightning realized he had not started from the back, since his very first race.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the Dinoco 400!" The loudspeaker called "Racecars… start your engines!"
Lightning started his engine and revved it along with forty-one other cars. He watched intently as Dexter raised the green flag. When the green flag was dropped, Lightning shot out onto the track. He weaved through the pack as quickly as he could.
"Don't get stressed out." Doc said "It'll take some time to get through that mess."
"I know." Lightning said, passing another car "I just want to get to the front as quickly as I can."
"Just remember you only have a few dozen braces. I didn't make that many, because I didn't think you needed them." Doc said "Heads up. There might be an opening on your left."
Lightning drifted to his left and sure enough, there was a long stretch of pavement without any cars. He revved his engine and shot down the track, passing cars quickly and numerously.
Later in the race: Lightning was settled in second place behind Chick. Sapphire was in third. Lightning stayed in Chick's draft until he had to make a pit stop.
"Good work out there." Doc said "You're racing better today than I've ever seen you race."
"Thanks, Doc." Lightning said, grinning "I feel great."
"Uh-huh, the race isn't over yet." Doc said returning to his usual gruff mannerisms "So get your fucking tail back out on the track, Sapphire is determined to defend her championship."
Lightning revved his engine and took off. He winced as a spasm of pain ripped through his axle. Lightning shook off the pain and regained his spot in second place behind Chick. Later:
"What lap am I on?" Lightning asked "I can't see the tower."
"Three seventy-eight." Doc replied "How are you holding up?"
"I'm okay." Lightning said "When should I make my move?"
"Wait until you have ten laps left." Doc replied "You don't need to waste yourself early, but watch out for Sapphire, she's just waiting to pounce if you or Chick make a mistake."
"I know, she's been nipping at my bumper since I got up here." Lightning said "I'm just ready to go."
"I know you are." Doc laughed "How's your axle holding up?"
"It's okay," Lightning replied "It's gotten worse since the start of the race, but it's not too bad."
"Okay. You have five braces left. It's more than enough to get you through." Doc said "Don't be afraid to stop if you need to."
"Yeah, like that's going to happen." Lightning said sarcastically "I'm not stopping until I win."
Ten minutes later: Lightning began to make his move.
"Keep it steady." Doc warned as Lightning drifted to the outside "I don't know what stunt Chick might pull."
Carefully and without much effort, Lightning shot past Chick. The crowd cheered even louder. Three hundred and ninety first lap:
"Watch out!" Doc warned "Chick is coming up on the outside, Sapphire is right behind him."
Lightning watched for Chick to appear in the corner of his eye. Sure enough, ten seconds later: Chick pulled up alongside.
"You ready to lose, McQueen?" Chick asked, swerving to where he was an inch away from Lightning "I'm not going to let you win."
"In your dreams, Thunder." Lightning replied "You can't and won't stop me."
For six laps, Lightning and Chick stayed side by side, Sapphire was only a breath behind them. It was clear to everyone watching that the race was going to come down to these three. Lightning revved his engine but before he could pull away, Chick drifted into Lightning's front right wheel, causing Lightning's tires to slip on the pavement. Lightning caught himself before he could lose to much momentum.
"You okay, Rookie?" Doc asked, panic in his voice "Do you need anything?"
"No, I'm fine." Lightning replied, groaning "Just… trying… to."
"Lightning!" Doc said with an edge of panic "You need to stop!"
"Why?" Lightning asked "Don't worry…"
His axle was throbbing horribly.
"You lost your brace." Doc said "Did you hear me? You lost your brace!"
"I heard you." Lightning said as pain began to race along his axle "There's not enough time for me to go back and get it. I'm not quitting the race now!"
"Alright, Kid." Doc said "Just take care of yourself. I'm here if you need me."
Lightning floored his engine trying his best to catch up with Chick. Sapphire had managed to get around him without him bumping her. Pain was exploding all along Lightning's underside. It brought tears to his eyes, but he forced himself to ignore it. Rounding turn four, Lightning pressed himself harder. With one lap left, Lightning caught up with Chick and passed him easily. Lightning quickly changed his focus to Sapphire and pushed his engine to the limit. Suddenly, Lightning felt buzzing coming from his engine. It was the same kind of buzzing when he was chasing Chick in the first race of the season. Lightning closed his eyes and concentrated harder than he's ever concentrated before. Suddenly something clicked inside his engine and Lightning felt a tremendous surge of power race through him. Going into the backstretch, he unleashed that power and practically flew around Sapphire. With the last ounce of strength, Lightning raced over the start/finish line.
"Great job, Kiddo!" Doc said "You did it! You won the Piston Cup!"
Lightning couldn't answer. He was sure if he opened his mouth, he would vomit from the staggering and intense pain that was coming from his entire underside. He had never experienced such awful pain while racing. Lightning pulled to the side of the track and slammed on the brakes, holding his right tire off the ground. Lightning closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths; the pain was making him a little dizzy.
"Hang on Kid. I'm coming." Doc exclaimed "Just continue to breathe!"
Lightning was grinning from fender to fender, despite the pain he was in. Sapphire pulled alongside of Lightning, she finished second, and Chick finished third.
"Congratulations on winning the cup." she said "Are you ok?"
"I think that I need some help getting to Victory Lane." Lightning said "Can I lean on you?"
"Come on Light." Sapphire said, pressing her side to his "Let's go."
"Thanks Sapphire." Lightning said "I need a few moments, I think I'm going to vomit."
Lightning swallowed hard a few times.
"You okay, Rookie?" Doc asked through the intercom, genuine concern in his voice "I'm almost there."
"Other than my axle, I don't feel bad." Lightning said "I did it, I won the Piston Cup. Sapphire is here and she has offered to help me to Victory Lane. With her help I can get there."
"I'll grab a spare brace, Riley, Merida, and I will meet you there." Doc said "Just don't do anything to injure yourself further."
The pain was letting up a little but it was still radiating through his underside.
"Are you ready Sapphire?" Lightning asked "The pain has gone away a little and I think I'm able to drive now."
"I'm ready whenever you are." She said "There's no rush, we're going to drive nice and slow."
"I'm Lightning McQueen." Lightning said playfully "I don't do slow."
Sapphire scoffed.
"What ever kid." She said "I heard Doc."
With Sapphire helping, Lightning slowly made his way to Victory Lane.
AN: What's scarier than Friday the 13th? Monday the 13th!
Dun...Dun...Dun! (add scary music here! Along with lightning and thunder!) I don't mean Lightning and Chick!
I'm like Garfield. I hate Mondays.
COMMENTS:
Guest 2
Lightning really is improving on his endurance. Getting up early can be a pain but once you're in routine you get use to it.- Before this mess hit. i worked early mornings. Getting up early is sometimes a pain.
That's a first with Lightning helping out with wedding preparations. He did feel guilty having not had much part in helping.- He wanted to show Sally that he really does want to get married. So that is why he wanted to help.
Nice Simpsons impression there. I pictured the style of Flo's office.- It hit me all at once. I actually laughed as I was writing it. I'm glad that it came across. I don't know how many people know the Simpsons... even though it's been on TV for decades.
If it were Lightning's office he'd have racing all over his walls and a couple of pictures of Sally at his desk.- Yep, he does. I might put that in at some point. It might look like Sterling's office, in the 3rd movie, but not as fancy.
Doc is such a teaser but Lightning loves him. Yay you involved the bear hugging. Lightning must of suffocated a little there.- I thought you might enjoy that. Merida might be smaller than Lightning, but she's nearly as strong.
Riley's now got earrings? Or mirror rings as you'd call them for cars. Nice work on involving the Irish heritage. Oh Merida's fan jumped the gun there sexually harassing her and showing no remorse. Clearly all he wants is sex. I don't blame Lightning for punching him given Lightning's protecting his sister.- Of corse Lightning is going to protect Merida, he is her big brother.
Gave that kid big karma with Lightning punching and saying how his sexual harassment will go public if he dares mess diabolically like that again.- Merida can hold her own. She might be small. but she's mighty.
That kid should at least get fined and restrained from Merida. She'd cut his balls off if she could- I have no dought Merida would cut his balls off, if he harasses her again.
Don't worry about the coin master idea. I can see it won't fit. I've amended my idea of cheekiness from Lightning. He's now with his sister and father. Say they're in the bar. Lightning makes Merida jump. Big brother little sister prank. Merida then spanks him hard.- I don't know about spanking him, i see her punching him in sted.
As for those changes you made to sidelined can you please point out the chapters.- Most of the changes are for punctuation and/or a missed word or two. I didn't change any of the dialogue. Sorry, I did the reformat in a single day, so I don't remember where all of them are.
Ooh! Merida's anger huh!? I'm looking forward to this.- Did you enjoy it? I don't think Doc will scold Lightning in front of Merida again. LOL!
I have another idea then I'll leave it a while. The sexual harassment on Merida just brought me the idea. Say Lightning gets sexually harassed by fans and Merida speeds in. Can't call it step in coz cars don't have feet or legs- That's a good idea, let me see where I can use it.
I love this story. You make Lightning and Sally's relationship stand out from their characters. Please have Lightning and Merida spoil each other a little through their time together. Being how they are they don't see each other much- I might be able to put that some where.
As capable as Lightning is of humiliating and dragging that little shit down for sexual harassment I doubt that fan is stupid enough to throw himself under the bus- Merida took care of that. I dought we'll be seeing that dude again.
I'm also talking to you as well as reviewing here. I like how those security officers took control there. You may now know that security are now being trained and authorized with handcuffs. Only to retain suspects til the police arrive.- Where I work, security can only hold people for an hour, then they have to let them go if the police don't show up. So I'm assuming that all security agents handle disruptive people.
I'm a key worker so I have to keep the public fed.- Personally, I want to thank you. It's people like you that keeps the rest of us fed. Ignore all the a-holes, keep fighting the good fight and hopefully things will get back to normal.
Some abuse we've taken but that's just psychos for you.- Some people are ungrateful no matter what. You could hand them a million dollars and they still would complain.
Even domestic abuse is going around. People are also having parties behind closed doors and getting busted by the police- For the most part people around here are staying home. I think with the university closing down, most of the students have gone home.
'Detain' not retain. TYPO!- Don't worry, it happens to me all the time. It think faster than I can type.
Scarlet
Hopefully Lightning does well in the Dinoco 400, I know Sapphire will help him out as he goes. your ideas, let me see what I can do with them.- Sapphire and Lighting are close friends as well as competitors. She will do almost anything to help him.
I do not own Cars or any of its characters. PIXAR AND DISNEY CLAIM THAT RIGHT. READING ENJOYMENT ONLY
Please read and review! I need criticism and encouragements! Rated M for language and sex.
