Dry blood rose rapidly up the thin, delicate pipe, introducing a new burning sensation to its owner. The crimson flooded the round-walled area, forbidding precious air to pass on its journey to the lungs. Up and down, it constantly altered as the tube attempted to rid itself of the thick clog.
Glossy, jade orbs reflected a growing fear; the blackness within them revealing a mirror image of a monster that was first thought of as a simple joke. The monster wore a leer that matched her dark outfit, and her grey eyes scrutinized the sweat-dampened creature before her leather boots.
A sickening crack caused the downed male to flinch and curl upon the clumpy sand and itchy dune grass, holding his ribs dearly while they slowly unraveled a deep bruise caused by a violent kick.
"Get up," the voice was merely a whisper, though to the beaten being, it was a slur of jumbled words.
The stinging fluid that was once stuck in his throat relieved a tiny bit when it launched outwards and dappled the earth by the marsupial's gloved paws.
In disgust, the nemesis placed a heavy sole on his shoulder and roughly shoved him on to his back to where he gazed up at her with groggy eyes. A tremble was upon his chapped lips and his breathing was jagged. Sand clung to his ruffled, orange fur.
"I dare you to get to your feet and face me, Crash Bandicoot."
He sighed at the mention of his name, remembering how horrible it used to sound to enemies. Now, it only gave pride to the one that had easily taken him down. It was almost as if he did not fight back.
A huff welcomed the cool morning air as Nina Cortex turned her back. "You are a disgrace. I expected more, but I guess I cannot complain too much. After all, you are a wonderful trophy to bring back to my uncle..." a smirk could be heard in her tone.
It was not long before Crash drifted into a darkness, exhausted from all recent events. Everything now seemed like a dream...
