Eleswhere, Coco sits alone on the space carrier's observation deck, upset at hearing her friends talk about the upcoming Grand Prix seasons as she continues to think about the conversation she had with Von Clutch a few days ago, where he told her that their next Grand Prix season would be their final one due to financial troubles with their racing campaign.
As she continues to sulk, she sighs and pulls out something from her pocket: a small locket which she had made herself for Isabella, should something happen to either one of them on the mission where they would not be able to see each other again. On the front of the locket is Isabella's name engraved into it, and on the inside are two pictures: one of Coco and Isabella taking a goofy, playful selfie, and the other of the two of them sharing a mother-daughter hug.
As Coco continues to look at the pictures inside the locket, she hears a voice call out her name, getting her attention and prompting her to put the locket back into her pocket, in the event that it was Cortex, as he could hold the locket for ransom unless the bandicoots obeyed his every whim.
Thankfully for Coco, the person who called out for her is Isabella, who had gone looking for Coco when she excused herself from the control room when talk of the Grand Prix started. As she enters the observation deck and sees Coco sitting alone, she breathes a sigh of relief and says, "There you are, Coco. You had us all worried sick."
Noticing Isabella at the doorway, Coco tells her, "Oh, hi, Isabella." before glancing back at the starry sky as Isabella approaches Coco.
"Coco, dear, what are you doing back here?" Isabella asks as she sits down next to Coco. "Is everything alright?"
"I'd... rather not talk about it." Coco solemnly tells Isabella.
"Well, why not?" Isabella asks, confused and concerned.
"Well, it's about the next Grand Prix season." Coco tells her, but not wanting to go into extensive detail about it.
"Next season?" Isabella asks, getting more puzzled. "Why would you be upset about the next season? I thought you loved looking forward to these Grand Prix events."
"Well, I do, Isabella, but this time, it's different." Coco tells her. "And even if I wanted to tell you, I don't think I should. Von Clutch made me promise to keep it between me and him."
"He did?" Isabella asks. "Why?"
Coco sighs and says to Isabella, "I don't know. I..."
Before Coco can continue, Isabella rests her hand on hers and calmly tells her, "Hey, Coco, it's alright. Remember, I am your mother figure, so anything you want to say, you can tell me."
"You sure?" Coco asks, worried about what Isabella would think about the news. "But won't you get mad with what I have to say?"
"Hey, when have I ever gotten mad at you?" Isabella reassures her. "It's okay. You can trust me."
Coco then turns to Isabella and starts to break the news to her about their financial troubles. "Well, okay. You see..."
Back in the control room, Crash, Tawna and the rest of the group starts to worry about Coco being gone for so long, fearing that something must be wrong with her. As they speak to one another, Crash pulls out a yo-yo from his pocket and starts to play with it.
"Gee, I wonder what's gotten into Coco?" Crunch ponders as he continues to worry for the well-being of Coco.
"Yeah." Megumi says. "It's not like her to just run off like that, especially since she loves to talk about future Grand Prix seasons."
"Do you think that might have something to do with the way she acted?" Ami asks as she does some stretches.
Spyro then chuckles nervously, as he knows exactly why Coco's upset, but doesn't want anyone else to worry, telling them, "Well, maybe she's just upset over the fact that she's not getting another legendary skin next season. Yeah. That's it."
"You know what?" Cortex snarks, arms folded. "I could care less about her well-being honestly."
"Cortex!" N. Brio shouts at Cortex, annoyed before turning back to the heroes and calmly telling them, "Well, whatever the problem is, we all know for sure that Isabella will make her feel better about it."
"You... sure... B-b-brio?" Koala Kong asks, unaware of Isabella's special mother-daughter relationship with Coco.
"Of course, Kong." N. Brio tells him. "Coco means the world to Isabella. She loves Coco as if she were her daughter."
While they continue to converse amongst one another, Crash is busy doing tricks with his yo-yo, unaware that he's doing it so dangerously close to the main control panel. Some of his yo-yo tricks almost hit Cortex in the face, prompting Cortex to shout at him in annoyance, "Crash, be careful with that stupid thing! You could put an eye out!"
"Hmm?" Crash ponders, getting distracted as he fumbles with the yo-yo, which becomes separated from his person as it bounces across the control panel and presses a button before it lands on the ground. As Crash scurries to retrieve his yo-yo, a television screen comes on above the control panel, showing a security feed of Coco and Isabella in the observation deck, where Coco has just finished breaking the news of their financial situation to Isabella.
"...and that's what Von Clutch told me." Coco says in the video, getting everyone's attention.
"Wait." Isabella says to Coco, attempting to recap what she had just told her. "So let me see if I have this right."
"What in the...?" Liz asks as everyone sans Spyro gathers around the television screen to listen in on their conversation.
"Oh no..." Spyro moans as a look of worry comes across his face, as the group is about to learn of their financial situation.
"So our next Grand Prix season is going to be the final one?" Isabella asks Coco in the video.
"Yes." Coco replies.
"Final Grand Prix?" Megumi wonders aloud as everyone's faces light up with surprise.
"What are they talking about?" Ami asks, confused.
"And it's because we don't have enough funding to continue supporting them?" Isabella continues to ask.
"Correct." Coco replies as she nods her head.
"Wait." N. Brio says in confusion as sweat starts to roll down Spyro's head. "Are we really low on funding?"
Finishing up her recap, Isabella asks Coco, "And if we don't get an official sponsorship before the end of the month, our racing days are over?"
"Yes, that is correct." Coco replies.
Upon hearing this news, everyone sans Spyro and King Chicken gasps in shock over the fact that their racing days could be coming to an end. Crash, Tawna, N. Brio and the rest of the bandicoots all stand there in disbelief, knowing that Coco would never keep something important from them like this. Koala Kong is unsure what to think, as he just got accepted into their racing campaign a few months back and was really starting to enjoy it. Cortex on the other hand is furious upon learning that Coco kept this news from him, as he enjoyed pummeling her and Crash with items on the race track.
"...WHAT?!" Cortex roars in anger.
"No more racing?" Tawna worriedly says as Crash takes her hand.
"Why, that little...!" Cortex growls as he clenches his fists and grinds his teeth, prompting a look of fear and concern from Spyro.
"Now, now, Cortex, calm down." N. Brio fearfully says as he attempts to calm Cortex down, knowing that it will not do any good.
"Don't touch me!" Cortex roars as he pushes Brio back. "Oh, she is so dead!"
Seeing Cortex's anger get worse and worse with each passing second, Spyro races out of the control room and towards the observation deck to try and protect Coco before Cortex does anything rash.
Back in the observation deck, Isabella asks Coco, "So, why would Mr. Von Clutch not want you to say anything about this, Coco?"
"I don't know." Coco tells Isabella, knowing that she didn't want her to have to hear all of what she just told her. "I guess he didn't want anyone else to get worried unless he said something about it."
"Worried? About not being able to race anymore?" Isabella asks before letting out a playful chuckle. "Please, that really doesn't matter to me at all."
Confused, Coco turns to Isabella and asks, "But, Isabella, I thought you and the girls love racing. Isn't it practically in your blood?"
"Yes, true, we do love to race." Isabella reassures her. "But, it's only for sport, really. There are some things that matter more to us than racing, Coco."
"Really?" Coco asks inquisitively. "Like what?"
"You joking right now?" Isabella laughs. "You, of course!"
Isabella then rests her hands on Coco's shoulders and tells her, "Even if we don't get to race anymore, just know that me and the girls will always be there for you and the rest of the bandicoots that we call family."
"Aww, thanks, Isabella." Coco warmly says as she receives a hug from Isabella. "I'm just worried about what the others will think once they learn of this news."
"Well, what do you say we go back to the control room and tell them?" Isabella tells her as they finish their hug. "I'm sure they'll understand, just like I do."
"You sure?" Coco asks, a touch worried of how the others will react and unaware of Cortex's growing anger.
"Of course, Coco, dear." Isabella tells her as she helps her up. "And don't worry. Everything's going to be just fine."
Coco and Isabella then leave the observation deck and start to head back towards the control room.
As they get closer to the control room, Spyro appears in front of them, blocking their path to try and protect them from Cortex's wrath.
"Oh, hey, Spyro." Isabella says to him. "What's going on?"
"Uh, guys, I wouldn't head back to the control room if I were you." Spyro worriedly tells the two of them, glancing back towards the control room.
"Why not, Spyro?" Coco asks, confused.
Spyro then warns Coco, "Things are getting pretty nasty in there, just so you know."
"Relax, Spyro." Isabella reassures him as they head back into the control room. "I mean, it's not like they somehow overheard our private conversation about the future of our racing days—"
However, the second the three of them enter the control room, Cortex hurls a chair towards their way, prompting Spyro to react instantly and headbutt the chair away as Coco immediately darts away towards the closest corner she can find to shield herself from Cortex.
"Cortex!" Spyro shouts as Isabella races to Coco's side. "What are you doing?!"
Cortex, with a face as red as a tomato and veins visibly showing on his head, roars at Coco through clenched teeth, "You... you LIAR!"
"Cortex! Stop it, please! You're scaring her!" Spyro shouts as Coco cowers in a corner, teary-eyed and whimpering with fright, knowing that Cortex has never yelled at her like this before.
"Good! Maybe it'll teach her to not lie about why we're really going to space!" Cortex shouts as he pushes Spyro out of the way. "Move aside, garlic breath!"
"Cortex, stop!" Brio cries out as he grabs hold of Cortex's arm. "They're our friends!"
"Your friends, maybe, but to me, they're dog meat!" Cortex shouts as he yanks his arm away from Brio and storms up to Isabella. "Now get out of the way, you furry piñata! You can't keep Coco from me forever!"
"No!" Isabella shouts as she steps in front of Coco to protect her. "I won't let you hurt her, Cortex! You'll have to get by me first!"
"Fine. If you won't move, then I guess I'm going to have to hurt you!" Cortex yells before turning to Koala Kong and shouting, "Koala Kong! Smash Isabella here into a pulp and then, mercilessly kill Coco! Now!"
Upon hearing Cortex's order, Koala Kong hesitates to carry it out, conflicted on what he should do. He knows that if he doesn't carry out Cortex's demands, Cortex will harshly punish him for it, but ultimately doesn't want to carry out his order, as it could cost him his chance at redemption and a chance at getting together with Liz, whom he glances at as he stands there in conflict.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" Cortex shouts, getting Kong's attention. "Do it!"
Realizing what the right thing to do would be, Koala Kong stands up to Cortex and tells him, "N-no."
"NO?!" Cortex roars in shock, knowing that one of his minions has never refused to carry out one of his orders. "What do you mean 'no?!'"
"Don't... want to... hurt... innocent... bandicoots..." Koala Kong says as he first glances at Coco and Isabella, before glancing back at Liz, which she takes notice of and stands there wide-eyed and mouth agape in amazement at Kong standing up for her friends.
"All right then, fine!" Cortex shouts as he starts towards the armor plates that Ami removed not too long ago. "Have it your way! I'll just have to kill her myself!"
Cortex then rummages through the armor before he eventually pulls out the twin ray guns that came with Ami's space pirate disguise. He then aims them at Coco, Isabella and Spyro, prompting Coco to whimper even harder to the point where she almost starts crying while Isabella grabs hold of Coco in an attempt to protect her, while Spyro darts in front of the two to protect them from Cortex, whom he viciously glares at.
"Hold still, you lying reject!" Cortex roars as he prepares to pull the triggers.
"Cortex, that's enough!" Ami shouts as she snatches her ray guns out of Cortex's hands. "You will not lay one finger on Coco!"
As Ami gathers up her armor plates and places them and the ray guns somewhere where Cortex cannot get to them, Megumi, angry with Cortex for threatening Coco's life, tells him, "Yeah! Why don't you just stay over there and let us handle this, huh? You big bully!"
"Yeah, what Megumi said!" Crunch exclaims, before he suddenly realizes what Megumi just said. "...Wait, did Megumi seriously just say that?"
As Crash, Tawna, Brio and the rest of the bandicoots approach Coco to comfort her, Cortex roars, "Why, you little...!" and starts charging towards Coco. He doesn't get far, though, as Koala Kong quickly stops him by grabbing hold of his arms and legs so he can't bring harm to her or the other bandicoots.
"Hey!" Cortex shouts at Kong as he tries to wrestle free. "What do you think you're doing, Kong?! Let go of me!"
As Cortex continues to struggle and shout, the bandicoots and Brio approach Coco, still shaking with fright, and Tawna worriedly, but calmly asks her, "Coco, is it true? Are we really low on funding for races?"
"Y-yes..." Coco whimpers, still fearful of Cortex's wrath.
"Well... w-why didn't you tell us?" Liz worriedly asks. "It's not like you to keep something like this from us."
"Yeah, why didn't you tell us about this sooner? We would've understood completely." Tawna tells Coco as Crash reaches out to help Coco up from out of the corner.
"I'm sorry. I really am!" Coco cries as Crash helps her up. "I was going to tell you and Crash on your date, but—"
"Wait." Tawna says as she recalls the moment where Coco and Spyro were about to tell her and Crash something after they saved them from the mutant food attack in Wumpa City. "So that's what you and Spyro were going to tell us in Wumpa City before this whole adventure came upon us?"
"Yes, Tawna." Spyro solemnly tells her.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you all about this before." Coco says as she wipes the tears away from her eyes. "Please don't be mad."
As tears continue to roll down Coco's face, Ami then rests her hand on Coco's shoulder, lifts her chin up and calmly tells her, "Hey, it's okay, Coco. We're not mad at you."
"And don't listen to Cortex's pointless rambling." Liz warmly tells her. "You were not lying. Not at all."
"Yeah." Megumi says to her. "We know you would never lie to any of us."
"In fact, I don't even think this even counts as lying." N. Brio points out. "So, Cortex's argument is further flawed and unnecessary."
"'Flawed?'" Cortex shouts as he continues to try and break free from Koala Kong's grip. "My argument is not flawed! Coco IS lying! Unhand me so I can burn her flesh off!"
Ignoring Cortex's threats, Isabella glances towards Koala Kong and asks him, "Koala Kong, would you mind putting Cortex in the corner so he doesn't bother us?"
"S-s-sure..." Koala Kong mutters. He then drags Cortex over to a corner of the room, facing him away from the rest of the group as he surrounds Cortex with some wooden crates so he can't get out.
"Honestly, I don't know what's gotten into you, Kong." Cortex shouts in annoyance as Koala Kong returns to the rest of the group. "This is not why I mutated you!"
"So were you just waiting for the right time to tell us this news, Coco?" Tawna asks Coco as Koala Kong joins them.
"Mm-hmm." Coco whimpers.
"Well, Coco, let me tell you this: we'll do whatever it takes to get that sponsorship and keep the races going." Crunch reassures her as he pulls her in for a hug, which turns into a group hug when Crash joins in to comfort his little sister.
"Yeah, Crunch is right!" Tawna exclaims as she too joins in on the group hug. "And we'll do it together, as a family, with some great friends helping us out! ...Except Cortex."
As the rest of the bandicoots join in on the group hug with N. Brio, Spyro and Koala Kong watching contently, Cortex, still in the corner, grumbles, "Stupid bandicoots, always ruining everything I plan..."