Chapter 7
Dedra:
Poetry
Is written by ingenious hands, or spoken with words of grace
Can be drawn or articulated, it doesn't matter about the pace
Painted by colorful dialogue of vivid reflection
Created, appreciated, by minds varied of amplified expression
It portrays your emotions, happiness, envy, grief, or strife
Whatever the case, poetry reflects your life…
-Dedra
September 5, 2009
Crash: You have a great way with words. Have you ever thought of becoming a poet?
Dedra: No, I just write for a passion.
Crash: Nice talent, I could never make art out of complicated words like that.
Dedra: (Blushes, with tail wrapped around her waist) You're sweet. Hey, you wanna see something cool?
Crash: Sure.
Dedra: Stand back.
In curiosity, Crash takes her word and stands back giving Dedra some room to work her magic. Her ember crystal starts to blaze as a force of flames rush from the crystal to her hands. She opening both of her hands placing them in front of her as the fire touches her palms, immune to its burn. Clutching the fire within her grasp it cinders to a dying flame. As she reopens her hands a crimson glow radiantly shines. Gob smacked Crash watches in amazement as Dedra created a beautiful and rare fire flower before his eyes.
Crash: Whoa.
Dedra: Didn't know I could do that did ya?
Crash: Wow how'd you do that?
Dedra: It just comes to me naturally I guess…
Crash: What is it? It looks like a mix between a rose and a lily.
Dedra: It's a fire flower. A bunch of them used to grow on my island. Here.*hands Crash flower.*
Crash: (Amazed) Thanks.
Dedra: You're welcome.
Crash: And didn't that burn you?
Dedra: Of course not, I'm an Emberfox remember? So as long as I am bonded to this crystal the fire won't harm me. It possesses me with inferno magic.
Crash: Cool.
Dedra: (Shyly) Yeah, kinda.
Crash: No really. I bet you were the popular one in the clan—you know being a leader and all.
*Dedra's ears fold back as she turns away from Crash in discourage*
Crash: What's wrong? Was it something I said?
Dedra: Crash, I was never popular around my other siblings. They hated me.
Crash: Why? It wouldn't seem that bad for me. I'd love having powers like that.
Dedra: Yeah, at first. But you would be bonded to it for the rest of your life, just guarding it. And the greed of other beasts crave for its worth.
Crash: Oh.
Dedra: I was always pushed around; especially by Tikala.
Crash: Who's Tikala?
Dedra: My rival sister.
Crash: So both of you were protectors of the clan?
Dedra: No but I was, which is why she was jealous of me. Her soul was full of hatred. No comparison lies between us.
Crash: I see.
Dedra: She believed that if she could kill me in order to get the ember crystal she would become the future ruler of the clan. But she was wrong; killing me would also destroy the crystal. My death would be her glory either way.
Crash: Kinda reminds me of my rival Cortex.
Dedra: True, but she was more vengeful than that mortal. The crystal can corrupt a beholder if greed exists in their soul, which is why I didn't choose to live like she did. But what difference would that make?
Crash: At least you didn't end up like her. But what happened to her? Is she still alive?
Dedra: She would have been, if I never existed to take her soul. I murdered her. I was infuriated, blinded by rage— I can never forgive myself.
*She bears back her emotions even harder; the tears in her eyes were difficult to seize and lump in her throat started to grow deep inside.*
Crash: (sympathetically) I'm sorry that happened to you.
Dedra: I became an exile after the clan found out.
Crash: So no one cared for you?
Dedra: My mother did. She was the only friend I've ever had. She promised to stay with me until the end, and it was one promise that my cursed life kept her from achieving.
Crash: What happened to her?
Dedra:…Cortex's henchmen brutally shot her, right in front of me. I…I can't talk about it anymore.
Crash: It's okay. You don't have to.
Dedra: *Sob*… It's my fault. Everything's my fault!
Holding her head down, Dedra tries to fight back the tears in her eyes but her sadness could not be entirely concealed. Her internal emotions had finally begun to branch out to Crash, who was feeling sympathetic for her. Consoling her, he tries to cheer her up the best that he can. She looks up to him with a reflective gaze as wet tears roll down her face with her ears down. Crash's gloved hand almost touches Dedra's fuzzy cheeks to the corner of her golden eyes. She draws away from him knowing that her tears would scorch hot if he tried to dry them.
Crash: Please stop crying.
Dedra:*sniff* How can I? I've lived a life of being misunderstood. No one ever… liked me.
Crash: (looks into her eyes in honesty) I like you.
Dedra: (wipes tears from her eyes) …You're just saying that to make me feel better. You're afraid of me, just like the others. Don't try to hide that from me, I can sense it.
Crash: I used to be, but now I know that you could never hurt the ones that care. I'm serious. The first time I saw you I was speechless.
Dedra: Why?
Crash: You're, different.
Dedra: Oh, so that's it?
Crash: It means more. Your difference from everyone else is what made you who you are. And with those powers I know you can beat Cortex at his own game. Don't listen to the past, move on and be who you are. I believe in you.
Dedra: I'm pleased that you do. But still, I'll never know what it's like to be normal.
Crash: Don't worry about being like everyone else, you're cool the way you are. If I had a chance to I'd give anything to free you from the crystal.
Dedra: Really?
Crash: Really.
*With heartwarming words said and heard through her sensitive ears, she glances into his eyes with a modest grin.*
Dedra: Gee…thanks Crash. No one has ever said that to me before.
Crash: Then I guess I'm the first.
She perks her ears up and she lifts her head but then with her eyes closed and bows her head down again. She still has her head down but she then slowly looked up and peered into Crash's green eyes. She cautiously looks into them with a sheepish smile unsure of what to say- then she turns away from his sight. They both sit closer to each other for a while, hip by hip and shoulder to shoulder—sitting closer than before when they were just mere allies.
Dedra: *Sigh...* You know Crash? This island kinda reminds me of home. It's beautiful.
Crash: Yeah.
Dedra: I just wish I could enjoy it more.
Without a word Crash grins with an idea and picks himself up and takes her by the hand.
Crash: Come with me.
Dedra: Wait, where are we going?
Crash: A great place. You'll see, c'mon I'll show you.
In curiosity, she follows him deep into the island forest. They ran through the enclosing bushes and tall palm trees together— for the first time hand in hand. Dedra had no trouble keeping up with him since his speed was average to hers. But she didn't care about herself as much as she used to, even she knew she was beginning to grow soft. Crash stops in his tracks as soon as she does and parts away the curtains of overhanging vine revealing a beautiful sight; a showering crystal waterfall.
Dedra: Oh Crash, it's amazing.
Crash: Nice view eh?
Dedra: Yeah, I've never seen this place until now. The other waterfall was never calming as this one. You really know your way around.
Crash: Good thing you know a guy that knows his directions.
Dedra: *Teh* don't push your luck bandy-boy.
*Crash takes off his shoes then runs barefooted over to a nearby vine hanging from a tree and grabs it pulling backward preparing to jump.*
Dedra: Crash, what…are you doing?
Crash: Heads up!
Dedra: *Gasp!* CRASH!
Crash: YYYEEEEEEEEEHAAAAA! *splash*
*Crash jumps into the water with a loud splash. She looks below with a worried look and finds him splashing around in the water.*
Dedra: ARE YOU NUTS?
Crash: Hop in D! The water's great!
Dedra: You're kidding.
Crash: C'mon loosen up a bit! JUMP!
*Dedra looks at him with an amused smirk on her face as he splashes around the water childishly.*
Crash: What are ya, A SCAREDY CAT?
Dedra: I'll make you eat those words Crash!
Joining in on the fun, Dedra clings onto the vine pulling herself back then releases herself jumping into the water as she rides down the huge waterfall.
Dedra: WHOOOOOOHOOO! *splash*
*Dedra meets Crash at the bottom with a huge splash. Diving under the water she then resurfaces- feeling happy as she could be.*
Crash: Nice jump D!
Dedra: Heehee! That was fun!
Crash: Told ya so.
Dedra: (splashes him with a wave) FoxTag!
Crash: *COUGH!* COUGH!*Ay! What was that for?
Dedra: FoxTag.
Crash: Err… What's FoxTag?
Dedra: It's like a normal game of tag but you play it in the water by splashing the other person. It's what I used to play as a kit.
Crash: Oh. I get it.
Dedra: So, you're it Crash!
Crash: NOT FOR LONG D!
*She makes a run for it as Crash dashes after her from behind*
Dedra: HEHEHEE! YOU CAN'T CATCH ME!
Crash: OH WE'LL SEE ABOUT THAT!
Dedra: HA! HA! CRASH BANDICOOT CAN'T CATCH ME!
Crash: SAYS WHO!
Dedra: ME! THE RULER OF INFERNO!
Crash: AAARRRRGGGHHHH!
*"Dedra's song" plays at this point*
Through the clear mist and cascades of the waterfall they run playfully laughing, splashing, and dunking each other, unaware that their mere friendship gradually grew into something more. Dedra emerges through the cascading waters with her fur soaking wet from top to bottom, leaving Crash stunned. He raises his ears up in arouse and felt his heart beginning to race. But he wasn't the only one; her heart began beating faster than his. Slowly they got closer and closer to each other in the shallow water. Suddenly, Dedra hears a voice echo in her head, pausing for a brief moment.
Terra: Dedra loves Crash!
But she didn't care- for the moment those negative thoughts were resilient to her. All she cared about was Crash and how much she secretly loved him. Crash felt the same way for Dedra and now he too was in love with her. Slowly, she walks up to him in the waist-deep water. Leaning towards each other closing their eyes, Dedra wraps her arms around Crash and he did the same - body-to-body and mouth-to-mouth as they embrace their first kiss. She places both of her hands over top of his shoulders rubbing them gently as he places his hands around her lower back. Both of their eyes open. They look back at each other, and came close once again to embrace. She rests her head underneath his chin hugging him back. No one had ever held her so close; so dearly and affectionate until now. Wading in the shallow water, they remain silent in each other's arms. Chest to chest their hearts beat as one. Thoughts ran through her head both good and bad-the time she and Crash first met, the way she yelled at him and lied to everyone, his comfort during her time of peril from the nightmare, when they first met, the time they trekked to the mystic cave- it all went in slow motion. Finally backing away from each other's grasp, they realized that love had conquered their young hearts. Crash's face grows a small grin. Dedra pointing her ears up with a devious grin, and splashes him with a wave of water.
Crash: *pfft* *COUGH!* *COUGH!* HEY!
Dedra: (Slyly) *chuckles*… You're it.
Crash: I'LL GET YOU FOR THAT!
Crash playfully chases after Dedra through the island forest. He had never been in love this badly until now, and the same thing went for her. Both were laughing loudly with joy as they were having the time of their lives together, alone and away from home. They make it to the top of a grassy precipice revealing a beautiful sight of the full moon glazing over the ocean. Suddenly Crash catches up with Dedra wrapping his arms around her stomach and swung her around as she giggles blissfully. Fireflies flutter around them glowing with radiance as crickets chirp their night song. The ambiance suited their feelings for each other- flamboyant passion at its peak. They sit down beside each other and cuddle. Crash is sitting at the right with Dedra sitting at the left, both gazing up at the celestial night sky. She lays her tired head on his shoulder as he rubs his hand up and down her back caressing her close. Her long tail curls around him feeling soft as fleece wagging to and fro, expressing her fondness of his presence. Gazing at him sweetly, her eyes entice him with luminous shimmers of gold; she was his only treasure. He just couldn't resist her cute face. How could a destructive being seem so harmless? Crash snuggles her into his sweet gentle arms like a teddy bear.
Dedra: (with lips touching his) Oh Crash, I wish this night would never end.
Crash: Me too.
Dedra: If I had one wish, I would cease time to spend eternity with you. Then I wouldn't worry about dying alone.
Crash: Don't say that…You're not gonna die. As long as I'm here he won't hurt you. He'll have to go through me first.
Dedra: …But what if his henchmen find me again? And you're not there?
Crash: (tenderly) Don't worry, I'll protect you… *Sigh.* We all will. I swear on my life.
Dedra: Hmmm… I love you…
Crash: I—I love you too. *folds his arms around her*
The powerful words from which she spoke from her heart touched him in an indescribable way. The warmth of her head resting on his shoulder made him jump in an awkward manner. Together they watch the stars, resembling gems littered in the celestial dusking as time passes she falls asleep in his arms. He remains speechless for a moment—but admires her outer and inner beauty. She looked so innocent and helpless. His vow of fortification meant a lot to her and his existence was one thing she could not live without.
*Crash shakes her shoulder. *
Crash: (waking her) Hey D.
Dedra: (groggy)…hmmm?
Crash: We should head back. It's late.
Dedra finally awake got up and went with Crash to go back home. They had had their fun for one night - besides, it was very late. Crash rested his arm around her waist and held her close; she did the same thing. Staying close, they both walked back home together into the night. Dedra smiles and then suddenly, Crash's eyes widened for a split second and then he looks at Dedra with his brow arched. She bashfully turns away. She had her tail wrapped around his lower back. But he didn't mind, he liked it. And with that they both vanished into the night heading home.
*Song ends*
Back at the Bandicoot residence, Coco, Aku, Terra, Polar, and Pura gather in the living room waiting for their return. Coco and Aku grow restless worrying about her big brother and the fox girl.
Coco: (concerned)…Where could they be? You don't think something bad happened do you?
Aku: I can only hope they're not in danger. Cortex's plans are growing more imminent…he could strike at any time.
Coco: Especially at this time of the night. (Pacing the floor)They should've been back by now…well, we can't stay up all night. But someone has to.
Terra: I'll do it Coco. You two should get some rest.
Coco: Are you sure?
Terra: Yeah, I'll look out for them, no problem. I'm sure they'll turn up soon.
Coco: Thanks Terra. (Pats her on the head) Goodnight.
Terra: 'Night Coco.
*They both leave the room , Terra bounds on top of the couch with a leap then glances through the window, still no one was seen out into the distance.*
Terra: Where are they? Why are they out at this time of the night?
Polar: I dunno. My master hasn't been around much lately either, he doesn't have time to play fetch anymore.
Pura: Yeah I noticed that too, even I'm worried.
Polar: What's up with those two anyways?
Terra: (rolls eyes) *SIGH…* I bet I know.
Pura: Know? Know what?
Terra: Those two have been flirting ever since they first met. They weren't gathering wumpa fruit.
Polar: They said they were—I mean where else could they've gone to?
Terra: You two haven't noticed it yet?
Pura: I have, and Coco's not very happy about it.
Polar: You don't mean…
Pura: (Nods) Uh huh, love.
Polar: What? No, I don't believe it! This is Crash we're talking about! He would never abandon me over some lovey-dovey business! He's a rebel! It's not like him.
Terra: Well, believe it or not he is. Even Dedra's going soft.
Polar: (crossly) *Grrr* I'm starting to hate them both.
All of a sudden the three heard the screech of the front door and ran to their rooms (except for Terra), slyly knowing what to expect but not willing to stick around. Crash quietly enters inside the abode as Dedra follows—both tired from their enchanting evening. Like a gentleman Crash leads her over to the couch and sits her down on the couch tucking her in.
Dedra: You think they'll know about this?
Crash: Yeah, but don't worry about it. If they ask where we've been I'll cover for ya. (Winks)
Dedra: (giggles sweetly) Thanks Crash, I can always count on you.
And with that the two exchange one more endearing french kiss and exchange "good nights". Crash gets up and walks out of the room to his bedroom, she watches him pace away until he turns the corner of the doorway. She sighs with a mellow sentiment. Departing from him felt heartrending that night, but it would only be until morning when their souls merge as one again. He takes one last gaze at her unremitting beauty from the corner of the doorway, hiding from her sight. He too sighs with a mellow sentiment. He then slowly trails back to his bedroom and sits on the foot of his bed reaching for the flower in his left pocket.
End of Chapter 7
