Chapter one: The Village
The sun rose over a large island, awakening everything on it to a brand new day. The sunlight shone overtop a small village consisting of several houses, shining through the windows and lighting up the inside of the houses.
For one house in particular, the sunlight had just started crawling through the window. The beam of light went across the room and went over a bed where a young, female bandicoot was sleeping. It continued, arcing over a chair and somehow going around a corner into another room.
The light continued until it approached another bed. The beam stopped for a second and peered up, seeing a male bandicoot lying on the bed, sound asleep. Suddenly, the light sped up, going straight into the bandicoot's right eye. This caused the eye to spring open because of the sudden light.
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Crash yawned and smacked his lips as he walked into the kitchen of his house, where he discovered his little sister Coco already awake. She was clearly not tired at all, as she was making herself some breakfast while whistling the Mario Bros. theme. She stopped when she heard her brother come in. She smiled at Crash as she went back to making herself breakfast.
Crash smiled as he thought about how much had changed in the past while. The village had started off as only one house: Crash and Coco's. However, as they got more allies to help battle against Cortex, the amount of houses increased.
Dr. N. Brio was actually the first ally Crash and Coco ended up getting. After helping destroy the Cortex Vortex, N. Brio stayed with Crash and Coco, building his own house that doubled as a lab. He had helped the Bandicoot siblings by building all the gadgets they used in their adventures after he joined.
Sooner than later, Crunch Bandicoot also joined. He was extremely grateful for the Bandicoot siblings breaking him from Cortex's mind control. Grateful enough that he stuck with the two and helped them on several occasions. Crunch had soon become a great friend to everyone in the village.
While Crash was upset to fight his friends in the whole N. Trance ordeal, he was pleased that he met a new ally, which was created accidentally: Fake Crash, or FC for short. He fought just like Crash, but after being released from N. Trance's control, FC helped Crash defeat the warped alien scientist. He had been helping everyone since.
When Aku Aku and Uka Uka were at each other's necks again (even though neither of them HAVE necks), they had decided to have a second competition. Seeing the team Cortex picked, Aku Aku decided to even the odds in his favour, transporting Tiny and Dingodile to his side. He promised them both that he could set them free, and it seemed to work. Crash's team won the competition, and Tiny and Dingodile had become friends with everyone.
Things were going normally one day until Crunch spotted a strange creature hopping into the village. Crash, Coco, Aku Aku, Tiny and N. Brio recognized the creature as Ripper Roo. He still talked by laughing, but luckily, Aku Aku had translated it. Apparently, Cortex forgot to put the lock on Ripper's cage, leaving him free to escape, and that he wanted to help defeat Cortex. After finding out he was telling the truth, everyone helped Rippier Roo out of his straight jacket, at long last.
Crash had saved the skin of a local doctor during an invasion. The doctor, a Platypus named Tork, was grateful for Crash's help and offered to set off an office in the village, as his old one had been burned to the ground. Dr. Tork had been looking after everyone since.
Now, there were several houses in the village. Crunch had his own house, as did Ripper Roo, Tiny and Dingodile. N. Bio had a house which doubled as a lab, and Dr. Tork had a house which doubled as a doctor's office. There was even a spare house which was more the less for Aku Aku briefing everyone for a new mission.
After making and eating breakfast, Crash left his house to take a walk. Coco had finished breakfast first and had already gone outside. Outside, Crash saw Crunch and Tiny sparring with each other, training for a future battle. N. Brio was working at his outside chemistry table as Dingodile was making some adjustments to his flame-thrower. Ripper Roo stood on a rock, staring off at the gorgeous sunrise while Coco sat nearby, typing stuff down on her laptop. FC stood to himself, dancing slowly to non-existent music.
Crash walked down the steps to his house and sighed as he shoved his hands into his pockets. Life was good.
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Cortex shouted stuff that would make Yosemite Sam shameful as he angrily kicked a pile of metal. Crash had recently foiled Cortex's latest plan for world domination and what he was kicking was the wreckage of his main machine. Cortex suddenly kicked the wreckage too hard and stubbed his toe. He started hopping around on one foot as he continued his shouting. Some of his minions stood to the side, staring strangely at their master's show.
Komodo Joe turned to the short scientist beside him. "Has Cortex always been like this since my brother and I have been away?"
N. Gin nodded. "If Uka Uka wasn't punishing him, yes. Every time Crash defeats him."
Koala Kong shook his head. "He's lost it." He said.
Pinstripe smirked. "No. That implies that he's had it before."
The giant koala chuckled lightly at the quick joke. Rilla Roo, the monkey- beaver, scratched his head as he remained silent. Uka Uka, who floated overhead, sighed in hopelessness at Cortex.
When Cortex was finally able to stand on his foot again, he stormed over to his minions. "What are you boneheads saying about me?!" He roared.
"N-Nothing, sir!" All the minions except Rilla Roo said. Said mutant simply stared down at Cortex with a confused expression.
"Never mind." The vertically challenged man said. He turned to his equally short henchman. "Is the backup machine done?"
N. Gin shook his head. "Not quite. We just need a few adjustments and it'll be ready."
"Good." Cortex looked up at Uka Uka. "Once this next machine is finished, we will be able to defeat Crash with the greatest weapons of all!"
"You had better be right this time." Uka Uka growled.
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Coco sighed as she typed on her laptop. Crash was laying beside her, sounds asleep, snoring like a train. She was always wondering how Crash could fall asleep so fast so soon after waking up, but never questioned it. She had done little more in the past few hours than type on her laptop. She looked down at Crash and decided to talk to some of the others. Closing the laptop, Coco picked it up and walked away from Crash.
Still, Coco didn't know who to talk to. If she got too close to Tiny and Crunch while they were sparring, they'd probably accidentally wallop her. She didn't want to pester N. Brio while he was working either. The last time someone did that, Brio accidentally used the wrong solution and accidentally turned Crash purple for a week. She couldn't talk with Ripper Roo. She wouldn't understand him anyway. Her animal friend Pura had gone hunting for a couple hours and hadn't come back yet. FC was a possibility, but Coco found him asleep as well.
Coco spotted Dingodile sitting on a large rock, looking at the wonderful view of the ocean, clouds and blue sky. She figured that he needed some company and walked over to him.
"Hey, Dingodile." Coco greeted cheerfully.
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Dingodile smiled as he sat on the rock, staring at the scene that lay before him. Truth be told, he had never taken the time to enjoy such a wonderful view. The whole time he was under Cortex's power, all he did besides hang around in Cortex's dark castle, he was busy fighting Crash, which was usually a battle that didn't last very long. He was glad that Aku Aku had kept his promise to free him and Tiny. Otherwise, they'd still be getting punishment from Cortex.
Another thing Dingodile was grateful for was the fact that he had so many friends now. Up until he switched sides, the only real friend he had was Tiny. N. Brio had joined Crash long before Dingodile started fighting him. Ripper Roo seemed like an okay creature, but Dingodile could never understand what he was saying. None of the others were very kind to Dingodile. And Cortex was ten times worse. Tiny was the only one friendly to Dingodile, and taught the half-and-half what 'friendship' meant.
Now, he felt that he and Tiny had made the right choice on switching sides on Cortex. Not only was he treated like a living creature, but he had become friends with everyone in the village, despite his looks. And although he didn't want to let anyone know, not even Tiny, he had a crush on Crash's little sister, Coco.
Dingodile's thoughts were broken when he heard a voice coming from behind him.
"Hey, Dingodile." A sweet voice greeted cheerfully.
Dingodile's eyes sprang open, instantly recognizing the voice as Coco's. His heartbeat raced as he looked over his shoulder to find himself staring at Coco's beautiful eyes. "Hey, Coco." He replied.
"Whatcha doing?" Coco asked, walking over to him.
"Oh, just sitting here, admiring the view." Dingodile replied.
"I can see that." Coco chuckled. "But why?"
Dingodile shrugged. "I guess it's because before I joined you guys, I've never actually enjoyed a scene like this, living in Cortex's castle and all." He explained.
Coco nodded in understanding. "I see. I've always enjoyed scenes like this too." She stated. "You mind if I join you?"
Dingodile quickly nodded as he scooted over. "Sure."
Coco sat down on the rock beside Dingodile as they both stared off into the horizon. They were both silent for a few minutes until Dingodile broke the silence. He turned to look at Coco. "Coco, I just want to thank you for everything you and Crash have done for Tiny and I since we decided to join you." He said.
Coco laughed lightly. "There's no need to thank me again, Dingodile." She replied. "That was seven months ago and you and Tiny have already thanked us."
Dingodile looked down. "I know, but I just can't get my mind off it." He said. "If you guys hadn't done anything, Tiny and I would still be slaves to Cortex and would still be being forced to fight you guys."
Coco's smile vanished. "Believe me, Dingodile. I wouldn't want that." She said, thinking of what could have happened if Aku Aku hadn't chosen Dingodile and Tiny to free from Cortex.
"Neither would I." Dingodile replied, looking at Coco again.
Dingodile and Coco found themselves staring into each other's eyes rather than at the horizon.
{She's so beautiful.} Dingodile thought to himself. {I wish there was an easy way to tell her that I like her.}
{Why do I suddenly feel strange?} Coco thought at the same time. {It seems that it's only when I'm around Dingodile. Why?}
Suddenly, both Dingodile and Coco were brought out of their thoughts when they heard a loud, yet young, growl coming from the village. Coco looked over her shoulder as the growling continued. "That's sounds like Pura." She said.
"Let's see what's up." Dingodile suggested.
Coco agreed as they walked into the village. They saw everyone else, even Crash and FC, standing around a young tiger cub. He seemed to be exhausted, as if he had been running for a while. Coco raised an eyebrow as she and Dingodile walked over to him.
Coco looked down at her animal friend. "Pura, where were you?" She asked.
Turning around and, using one of his paws, Pura pointed off into the distance. Everyone saw that what Pura was pointing at was a castle on the other side of the island and up a mountain.
Crunch's eyes widened. "What were you doing at Cortex's castle?!" The large bandicoot demanded.
Pura quickly leapt onto his hind legs. He held his front left paw against his side, as if to indicate something short.
"Cortex." N. Brio said.
Pura nodded. Suddenly, he started shaking both front paws into the air with a mad look on his face.
"He's angry." Coco said.
Again, Pura nodded. He did something again, this time grabbing his hind left paw and hopping around on the other, growling loudly.
"He was shouting." Dingodile said.
Pura nodded again. This time, he reared back and let out an insane, high- pitched laugh.
"He's got a new plan to destroy Crash?" Crunch asked.
Pura nodded a final time as he got back on all fours. Aku Aku looked down at the tiger. "Did you overhear how he intends to do this?" The mask asked. Pura replied by shaking his head back a forth, indicating a no. Aku Aku turned to everyone else. "Everyone get inside the briefing station. We'll talk about it there."
To be continued...
Author's notes: Well, the first chapter is finished! Don't expect this story to be overly long. Maybe seven chapters at the most. Please read and review!
The sun rose over a large island, awakening everything on it to a brand new day. The sunlight shone overtop a small village consisting of several houses, shining through the windows and lighting up the inside of the houses.
For one house in particular, the sunlight had just started crawling through the window. The beam of light went across the room and went over a bed where a young, female bandicoot was sleeping. It continued, arcing over a chair and somehow going around a corner into another room.
The light continued until it approached another bed. The beam stopped for a second and peered up, seeing a male bandicoot lying on the bed, sound asleep. Suddenly, the light sped up, going straight into the bandicoot's right eye. This caused the eye to spring open because of the sudden light.
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Crash yawned and smacked his lips as he walked into the kitchen of his house, where he discovered his little sister Coco already awake. She was clearly not tired at all, as she was making herself some breakfast while whistling the Mario Bros. theme. She stopped when she heard her brother come in. She smiled at Crash as she went back to making herself breakfast.
Crash smiled as he thought about how much had changed in the past while. The village had started off as only one house: Crash and Coco's. However, as they got more allies to help battle against Cortex, the amount of houses increased.
Dr. N. Brio was actually the first ally Crash and Coco ended up getting. After helping destroy the Cortex Vortex, N. Brio stayed with Crash and Coco, building his own house that doubled as a lab. He had helped the Bandicoot siblings by building all the gadgets they used in their adventures after he joined.
Sooner than later, Crunch Bandicoot also joined. He was extremely grateful for the Bandicoot siblings breaking him from Cortex's mind control. Grateful enough that he stuck with the two and helped them on several occasions. Crunch had soon become a great friend to everyone in the village.
While Crash was upset to fight his friends in the whole N. Trance ordeal, he was pleased that he met a new ally, which was created accidentally: Fake Crash, or FC for short. He fought just like Crash, but after being released from N. Trance's control, FC helped Crash defeat the warped alien scientist. He had been helping everyone since.
When Aku Aku and Uka Uka were at each other's necks again (even though neither of them HAVE necks), they had decided to have a second competition. Seeing the team Cortex picked, Aku Aku decided to even the odds in his favour, transporting Tiny and Dingodile to his side. He promised them both that he could set them free, and it seemed to work. Crash's team won the competition, and Tiny and Dingodile had become friends with everyone.
Things were going normally one day until Crunch spotted a strange creature hopping into the village. Crash, Coco, Aku Aku, Tiny and N. Brio recognized the creature as Ripper Roo. He still talked by laughing, but luckily, Aku Aku had translated it. Apparently, Cortex forgot to put the lock on Ripper's cage, leaving him free to escape, and that he wanted to help defeat Cortex. After finding out he was telling the truth, everyone helped Rippier Roo out of his straight jacket, at long last.
Crash had saved the skin of a local doctor during an invasion. The doctor, a Platypus named Tork, was grateful for Crash's help and offered to set off an office in the village, as his old one had been burned to the ground. Dr. Tork had been looking after everyone since.
Now, there were several houses in the village. Crunch had his own house, as did Ripper Roo, Tiny and Dingodile. N. Bio had a house which doubled as a lab, and Dr. Tork had a house which doubled as a doctor's office. There was even a spare house which was more the less for Aku Aku briefing everyone for a new mission.
After making and eating breakfast, Crash left his house to take a walk. Coco had finished breakfast first and had already gone outside. Outside, Crash saw Crunch and Tiny sparring with each other, training for a future battle. N. Brio was working at his outside chemistry table as Dingodile was making some adjustments to his flame-thrower. Ripper Roo stood on a rock, staring off at the gorgeous sunrise while Coco sat nearby, typing stuff down on her laptop. FC stood to himself, dancing slowly to non-existent music.
Crash walked down the steps to his house and sighed as he shoved his hands into his pockets. Life was good.
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Cortex shouted stuff that would make Yosemite Sam shameful as he angrily kicked a pile of metal. Crash had recently foiled Cortex's latest plan for world domination and what he was kicking was the wreckage of his main machine. Cortex suddenly kicked the wreckage too hard and stubbed his toe. He started hopping around on one foot as he continued his shouting. Some of his minions stood to the side, staring strangely at their master's show.
Komodo Joe turned to the short scientist beside him. "Has Cortex always been like this since my brother and I have been away?"
N. Gin nodded. "If Uka Uka wasn't punishing him, yes. Every time Crash defeats him."
Koala Kong shook his head. "He's lost it." He said.
Pinstripe smirked. "No. That implies that he's had it before."
The giant koala chuckled lightly at the quick joke. Rilla Roo, the monkey- beaver, scratched his head as he remained silent. Uka Uka, who floated overhead, sighed in hopelessness at Cortex.
When Cortex was finally able to stand on his foot again, he stormed over to his minions. "What are you boneheads saying about me?!" He roared.
"N-Nothing, sir!" All the minions except Rilla Roo said. Said mutant simply stared down at Cortex with a confused expression.
"Never mind." The vertically challenged man said. He turned to his equally short henchman. "Is the backup machine done?"
N. Gin shook his head. "Not quite. We just need a few adjustments and it'll be ready."
"Good." Cortex looked up at Uka Uka. "Once this next machine is finished, we will be able to defeat Crash with the greatest weapons of all!"
"You had better be right this time." Uka Uka growled.
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Coco sighed as she typed on her laptop. Crash was laying beside her, sounds asleep, snoring like a train. She was always wondering how Crash could fall asleep so fast so soon after waking up, but never questioned it. She had done little more in the past few hours than type on her laptop. She looked down at Crash and decided to talk to some of the others. Closing the laptop, Coco picked it up and walked away from Crash.
Still, Coco didn't know who to talk to. If she got too close to Tiny and Crunch while they were sparring, they'd probably accidentally wallop her. She didn't want to pester N. Brio while he was working either. The last time someone did that, Brio accidentally used the wrong solution and accidentally turned Crash purple for a week. She couldn't talk with Ripper Roo. She wouldn't understand him anyway. Her animal friend Pura had gone hunting for a couple hours and hadn't come back yet. FC was a possibility, but Coco found him asleep as well.
Coco spotted Dingodile sitting on a large rock, looking at the wonderful view of the ocean, clouds and blue sky. She figured that he needed some company and walked over to him.
"Hey, Dingodile." Coco greeted cheerfully.
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Dingodile smiled as he sat on the rock, staring at the scene that lay before him. Truth be told, he had never taken the time to enjoy such a wonderful view. The whole time he was under Cortex's power, all he did besides hang around in Cortex's dark castle, he was busy fighting Crash, which was usually a battle that didn't last very long. He was glad that Aku Aku had kept his promise to free him and Tiny. Otherwise, they'd still be getting punishment from Cortex.
Another thing Dingodile was grateful for was the fact that he had so many friends now. Up until he switched sides, the only real friend he had was Tiny. N. Brio had joined Crash long before Dingodile started fighting him. Ripper Roo seemed like an okay creature, but Dingodile could never understand what he was saying. None of the others were very kind to Dingodile. And Cortex was ten times worse. Tiny was the only one friendly to Dingodile, and taught the half-and-half what 'friendship' meant.
Now, he felt that he and Tiny had made the right choice on switching sides on Cortex. Not only was he treated like a living creature, but he had become friends with everyone in the village, despite his looks. And although he didn't want to let anyone know, not even Tiny, he had a crush on Crash's little sister, Coco.
Dingodile's thoughts were broken when he heard a voice coming from behind him.
"Hey, Dingodile." A sweet voice greeted cheerfully.
Dingodile's eyes sprang open, instantly recognizing the voice as Coco's. His heartbeat raced as he looked over his shoulder to find himself staring at Coco's beautiful eyes. "Hey, Coco." He replied.
"Whatcha doing?" Coco asked, walking over to him.
"Oh, just sitting here, admiring the view." Dingodile replied.
"I can see that." Coco chuckled. "But why?"
Dingodile shrugged. "I guess it's because before I joined you guys, I've never actually enjoyed a scene like this, living in Cortex's castle and all." He explained.
Coco nodded in understanding. "I see. I've always enjoyed scenes like this too." She stated. "You mind if I join you?"
Dingodile quickly nodded as he scooted over. "Sure."
Coco sat down on the rock beside Dingodile as they both stared off into the horizon. They were both silent for a few minutes until Dingodile broke the silence. He turned to look at Coco. "Coco, I just want to thank you for everything you and Crash have done for Tiny and I since we decided to join you." He said.
Coco laughed lightly. "There's no need to thank me again, Dingodile." She replied. "That was seven months ago and you and Tiny have already thanked us."
Dingodile looked down. "I know, but I just can't get my mind off it." He said. "If you guys hadn't done anything, Tiny and I would still be slaves to Cortex and would still be being forced to fight you guys."
Coco's smile vanished. "Believe me, Dingodile. I wouldn't want that." She said, thinking of what could have happened if Aku Aku hadn't chosen Dingodile and Tiny to free from Cortex.
"Neither would I." Dingodile replied, looking at Coco again.
Dingodile and Coco found themselves staring into each other's eyes rather than at the horizon.
{She's so beautiful.} Dingodile thought to himself. {I wish there was an easy way to tell her that I like her.}
{Why do I suddenly feel strange?} Coco thought at the same time. {It seems that it's only when I'm around Dingodile. Why?}
Suddenly, both Dingodile and Coco were brought out of their thoughts when they heard a loud, yet young, growl coming from the village. Coco looked over her shoulder as the growling continued. "That's sounds like Pura." She said.
"Let's see what's up." Dingodile suggested.
Coco agreed as they walked into the village. They saw everyone else, even Crash and FC, standing around a young tiger cub. He seemed to be exhausted, as if he had been running for a while. Coco raised an eyebrow as she and Dingodile walked over to him.
Coco looked down at her animal friend. "Pura, where were you?" She asked.
Turning around and, using one of his paws, Pura pointed off into the distance. Everyone saw that what Pura was pointing at was a castle on the other side of the island and up a mountain.
Crunch's eyes widened. "What were you doing at Cortex's castle?!" The large bandicoot demanded.
Pura quickly leapt onto his hind legs. He held his front left paw against his side, as if to indicate something short.
"Cortex." N. Brio said.
Pura nodded. Suddenly, he started shaking both front paws into the air with a mad look on his face.
"He's angry." Coco said.
Again, Pura nodded. He did something again, this time grabbing his hind left paw and hopping around on the other, growling loudly.
"He was shouting." Dingodile said.
Pura nodded again. This time, he reared back and let out an insane, high- pitched laugh.
"He's got a new plan to destroy Crash?" Crunch asked.
Pura nodded a final time as he got back on all fours. Aku Aku looked down at the tiger. "Did you overhear how he intends to do this?" The mask asked. Pura replied by shaking his head back a forth, indicating a no. Aku Aku turned to everyone else. "Everyone get inside the briefing station. We'll talk about it there."
To be continued...
Author's notes: Well, the first chapter is finished! Don't expect this story to be overly long. Maybe seven chapters at the most. Please read and review!