Chapter 11: Almost There:
Niu's POV:
It was getting late, and I saw that everyone was getting tired. We were almost there, but there's no reason we shouldn't all take a rest. "Everyone stop," I said. They all do so. "Look, I can tell you're all getting tired."
"That's ludicrous," says Tuzi, "one..."
"Are you counting me," asks Yang.
"Maybe you're counting me," says Tuzi, "did you ever think of that?"
"OOOOOoooookkkkkaaaaayyyyy," I said, "I think maybe we should all take a rest."
"I ain't resting," says Tuzi, "one of you could cross the finish line while I do so!"
"Not if we're all resting," says Niu.
"I'm okay with it," says She.
"Give me one good reason why I should go along with this," asks Tuzi.
"Well, it is getting cold and I am a reptile," says She, "so I might need something to warm me up."
"Good reason," says Tuzi.
"How'bout you, Long," says Mu Laohu, "you need something to warm you up?"
"Actually..." Mao begins.
"I would like that," says Long.
"Of course," says Mao.
. . .
We decided to set up camp. Long used his fire breath to make a fire.
"Nice job, fellow reptile," says She.
"So... if at least twelve of us is going in the zodiac together, maybe we should get to know each other," I said, "why don't you start, Gou?"
"Well... my family was robbed and I was too busy with the kid to even realize it," says Gou, "this is my chance to regain my honor!"
"I just felt that a dragon should take part in this," says Long, "your reason is better than mine."
"I just like a challenge," says Mu Laohu.
"I want to shut up this mare who was lying about my mate," says Ma.
"I want to prove that pigs are more than just lazy eaters," says Zhu.
"I wanted to be in the big time," says Tuzi, "while my girl here wants to save the snakes' reputation."
"I can speak for myself," says She, "but I like how you do it."
"I want respect," says Gongji, "I'm tired of being made fun of for being a coward."
"I... don't really have a reason," says Hou.
"I want to get back at my sister and those bullies," says Yang.
"I just want to be in the zodiac with my best friend," says Mao.
"That would be me," says Shu, "how'bout you, Big Guy?"
"Well... I just thought it would be fun," I said.
"I like your reason," says Hou.
"This was a good idea," says Mu Laohu.
"Y'know," says Tuzi, "I'm glad we're doing this race."
"Because you like to win," asks She.
"Because I got to meet you all," says Tuzi.
Shu's POV:
It was night and everyone was asleep. I got up and looked at the finish line. Then I looked at Mao. I feel like he's been holding me back, but do I dare stab my best friend in the back? "Can someone send me a sign?"
"Friendship is more important than winning!"
That was obviously a metaphor for winning the race at all costs. I know what I must do!
To Be Continued
In the next chapter, the animals cross the finish line.