The sunset started to pierce across the temple, and a long shadow came right towards it, leaving behind some trickles of blood as he walked through. The long corridor seemed like it could be walked through forever... until he went through to the opening, and looked out to Oxide.
"Jaws! What happened to you?" he asked.
"Nothing special", he said dizzily. "Got my muzzle caught in a machine...!"
"I swear it was something different", Julian said as he started sniffing his body. "And the bruises smell fresh!"
"How can you tell that?" Chain sighed. "You don't even have a nose."
"I knew that", the chao said with an agitated expression.
As he said that, the Random Demon went over to him, and as he got over there... a trickle of blood fell down onto his head, drenching him from head to toe.
"I can smell the dirt on his face from anywhere", sighed Rugal. "Lion dirt. That stepson of yours… er… Smash, is it? Either way, he's been doing the dirty work on him!"
"Sheesh, get real Rugal, Jaws is a lion, and that odor is natural", Julian lightly smiled.
"He's right… I've been... polverised!" Jaws said while collapsing on the floor.
"I KNEW IT!!!" Oxide cried out with sadness.
"But I come back with some good news", the lion sighed.
"This best be good, or else..." Oxide said while pointing to Xeno.
At the side of him, Xeno started growling into his face. Immediately, his facial expression now showed that... of victory.
"I have killed Crash Bandicoot!" he said while bringing his face to the floor.
"Holy schamula, you DID?!?" Oxide asked.
"Yes, and there's not a drop of blood left inside him", sighed Jaws.
"Heh, well that's him out of the road for a while..."
"You sure about this?" Rugal asked from the sidelines. "Because I can sense something coming this way."
"I'll go take a look at this", Chain smiled.
Oxide shook his head. "Chain, wait!"
It was too late. He was already out of the door. And as soon as he reached the steps to the temple, he jumped up and soared up to the sky. He continued flying his way out until he was nothing more than a spec hovering above the Honesty harbor. Then, he returned, with a face of panic. Then, he stepped inside, and looked at them in the face.
"Bad news guys..."
"Ok, but make it SNAPPY!" Jaws growled.
"Er... er..." Chain tried to regain his confidence. "Remember when you said you killed Crash?"
"Yes?" Jaws blinked.
"I don't think you actually did, because he's back inside the inn!" he said with a panicked tone.
"WHAT???" Oxide asked angrily.
---
The scene fades back in at the docks at night. Several streetlights were turned on, giving off a light light below. Then, a set of twelve shadows came around the hill. And even from this distance... they're easily recognisable.
"Crash, I still can't believe how you survived the whole thing", Smash said with a long sigh. "How?"
"I have a feeling that it is a sign... from the elemental goddesses", the bandicoot smiled. "It's like... I have a powerful connection with them..."
"Yeah, only a hand like yours could fit inside the opening slot back at the Elemental Cavern", blinked Spin.
"Maybe", Smash paused, "I'll accept that."
"I just wish this bleedin' mission wasn't here", Lozzy sighed. "It's too hot! I want to be in the arctic or somewhere like that!"
The crew stopped walking.
"But unless we go and use the magic power in this part of the segment", she said when pointing to the island in the sea ahead, "we're stuck forever. Either way, we're toast..."
"Lozzy, please listen to me", Rexy smiled.
The two sat down.
"I've read a lot about you", Rexy started. "You were a fearless spirit, ready to overcome anything!"
"But..."
"But what do you do when the planet is in despair? Do you ever sit back and let the disasters unfold? Honestly, I never see you do such a thing before."
"I know, but you can tell that I don't like it", the demon growled.
"Neither do I, but I'm not complaining", shrugged Rexy.
"She's right", Eden nodded. "We have to do this for the survival of mankind."
Lozzy sighed angrily. "I'm better off dead."
"If you end up on your way to Angel Island tomorrow, then you'll realize that your life was really nothing, because there'll be nothing left on the surface", Eden sighed. "No afterlife, no living life, no nothing."
Lozzy gave out a light gulp. "Well... I have to do what the lynx girl says."
"Atta girl Lozzy!" smiled James, pumping his fists in the air. "Now we can go and bring this into action!"
"I'm so happy I'm gonna play my bagpipes until they burst!" Shep beamed.
Everyone quickly turned to him.
"But... I forgot, I'm still saving up for some", he growled under his breath.
They continued walking up ahead... and there it was, the harbor. The only boat that stood was theirs - the boat with Crash on the sail.
"Question - who'll drive?" Cortex asked.
"It can't be me, because I'm underage", sighed James.
"It should have been easier if we can just fly the whole way there", Jessica blinked.
"Fly the whole way... yes!" Cortex smiled while pointing to the white owl. "Wooffy!"
"What?"
"You're coming with me to the front of the deck."
"But why?"
"Because we're driving, that's why."
"You have to see the spirit inside me", the owl sighed to himself. "Driving sucks."
Everyone started looking at him angrily.
"Er... whatever, I'll start it up", he turned back.
"That's better, young man", Rosie smiled sweetly. "You're being a generous help to us all."
"Well done, Wooffy", giggled Jessica.
At this time, the two reached the front and placed the keys into the boat. A few pops emerged from the exhausts at the back. And this also caused everyone to look over the side, and see the paddles moving up and down. This caused the boat to move slightly.
At this point, a further bang came from the exhausts, pushing the boat even further out to sea. Eventually, it regained pace and started moving faster and faster among the waves, giving out light splashes as it roared through its own path.
In this scene, it looked like a peaceful scene. Almost everyone seemed to be doing their own thing, as the boat continued zooming through the seas. Nearby, the sky was now turning a quirky dark green color. Among them all, Jessica was back to writing in her diary, Rexy on her GameBoy Advance, James and the elemental goddesses were sat down playing poker, Crash spent his time grooming Smash's maine, and Shep sat underneath the sail, reading The Lord of the Rings for some strange reason.
A large wave crashed through to the shore, drenching the others in head to toe. It washed the cards from the deck (no pun intended), Smash's fur started dripping with saltwater, Rexy slipped her GBA in her backpack in the nick of time, and Jessica's diary started to tear itself apart because of its drench, and Shep kept his book under his paws, unlike his clothes, which were completely soaked. All they could do now was look out to Volcano Isle, which was nothing more than a short distance away from them.
---
"This looks like the right place", said Wooffy's voice. "Boy, does this look scary."
"I was thinking exactly the same thing", said Cortex as he looked up, seeing the very tip of a volcano-shaped island. "As a matter of fact... this is Volcano Isle itself."
Lightning struck, lighting up their shadows and allowing the strong light to reflect upon their eyes.
"Well, here we are", Lozzy sighed. "Volcano Isle... boy do I hate that place."
"Same here, it's stupid", growled Rosie.
"Yeah, just look at the top", Spin sighed. "The volcano head's shaped like that of a pig!"
"Hoo boy", Eden frowned.
"Hoo boy is right, you know... this is just plain insane!" Crash growled. "You should have just called that place Pig Isle, not that stupid name you said!"
"Well it wasn't my fault that the old magi that used to live here gave it that name", shrugged Eden, "even before the head was transformed into a pig's."
"And look, they even left a few buildings here... and a sign to go with it", smiled Rosie.
She picked it up, and it read 'Welcome to Ragetown', and was starting to crumble.
"This seems worse than the groomers back home", Jessica growled with anger.
"I know", Lozzy said with a similar expression.
"Anyhow, there are two areas that we need to conquer", Spin said. "The first is the House of Dreams, located on the side of the volcano. Once going through there can you truly reach the other side and reach the Hidden Fortress, when all four of us will use our magic to restore the Earth's balance."
"And after this... I'm retiring to become a gambler", Lozzy said with a wide-eyed tone.
"Mind if I join?" smiled James. "After all, it's an ambition."
Everyone started blushing and had anime sweat drops down their faces.
"Well enough of that, we need to get out of here and get started!" beamed Jessica. "Who's with me on this one?"
"You can easily count me in, babe", James beamed.
She started panicking at that part.
"Heh, wherever Jamie-boy goes, I'm goin' too", Rexy smiled with anticipation. "I would do anything to help a dingo in need, Jess."
"Er... thanks", the Dalmatian started blushing.
"I'm coming in, and I'm not letting anything get to me after Crash's beating earlier today!" Smash roared.
"Same here!" Wooffy snickered. "I may be young but I shall risk my life to save others!"
"This one's for the fokes back home in the highlands!" Shep cheered.
Everyone else placed their arms around in a circle, interlocked, and they thrusted them up with joy.
"Come on everyone, there's nothing more to lose in this war!" the collie continued to cheer.
They all started leaving the beach area... however, as fate may say it, Crash stayed behind.
Clouds started to surround the top of the volcano, and a powerful gale force wind started blowing throughout. Smoke started to arise from the mouth of the 'pig' as time started to elapse.
Down below, Crash's eyes were fixed on the part of the island... and sooner or later, they were enlarged with curiosity. His hands tightened their muscles together, and he started to rise his heels off the floor. Then... came the most intelligent reply he's said yet.
"I still say it looks like a pig."
---
The skies started to become a bit brighter with some added yellow into the sky's dark green formation. Some small puddles of rainwater were formed on the muddy ground below the crew, as the hill leading right towards their destination started to get a bit flatter.
"I can see the House of Dreams from here!" Spin smiled.
"And look! There's a clear path to go with it!" Rexy followed with a wide grin.
"Heh, this means that we're bound to get closer to restitching the planet as we found it", Lozzy said as she closed her eyes with anticipation.
"Uh, guys, before we continue on", Smash started, "we have a problem here."
"What is it?" Shep asked.
"Er... where's Crash?"
"Sorry" came his voice from the distance.
Footsteps were heard coming from down the hill. Then a set of panting. And then came some dust surrounding his feet. Sooner or later, Crash finally caught up to them. He stopped at the back of the crew, gasping for breath and grabbing hold onto his kneecaps.
"Crash, what took you so long to come with us?" Cortex asked him bossily.
"Sorry, it's just the volcano and its stupid looks", he said while regaining his breath.
"I don't blame you", frowned Spin. "I did the same thing when exploring this island when I was a pup."
"Hold it guys!" James quickly gestured.
They quickly came to a halt, and looked up at a tall stone temple. Its faint golden bricks glimmered within the sky color, and made it shine so bright in the darkness. Powerful hieroglyphics were written around the walls, giving off a cold silver glow around them.
"That's it", Wooffy shouted with panic. "I'm going to the back of the queue! No way am I getting scared at a time like this!"
"Same here!" James shrieked. "The very looks of the hieroglyphics scare me... shudder!"
They both quickly went to the back of the crew. Immediately, they all started shaking their heads together.
"This looks like the most beautiful temple I've ever come across in all my days of travelling!" Shep said with widened eyes.
"It's a bit of a shame that it looks awfully creepy", shrugged Crash.
"Right, first things first", ordered Rosie. "If we need to reach the Hidden Fortress intact, someone should head inside, and check if it's safe."
"Looks like we have to go with the draw straws method once again", Eden sighed.
"I hope I don't get the shortest straw again", Rexy frowned.
"You won't, you've had your share already", James smiled with optimism.
Eight straws were drawn out in front of them. Immediately, they all took hold of one... and all eyes were turned to the owner of the smallest.
"Only fair, I suppose", shrugged Cortex, before tossing the shortest straw onto the floor.
"Heh heh, well that's good sportsmanship for you", beamed Shep.
"Dr. Cortex, I believe that you will make a wise move inside the temple", said Eden as she placed her hand upon the surface of his shoulder. "Please, do it for us."
"Otherwise... that's all forms of haggis gone into oblivion", Shep growled.
"Don't panic about it Shep", Cortex said with reassurance. "I'll do what it takes to get the girls through to the fortress."
"Well", Smash started speaking before sitting firmly onto his hind legs. "What else can I say, but good luck!"
At the sight of this, Cortex immediately took hold of his laser gun, and went inside the long corridors. The firmly lit corridors were brought alight by numerous torches surrounding him, giving him a warm welcome. But it was the end of the hall that brought his questions through.
---
The doors to the main part of the temple opened. This caused Cortex to dash inside, and take a look around. Right ahead of him, was a stone throne, and glazingless windows showing the starlit sky outside. On the left, there was a few fresh carvings on the wall - one of Crash, one of a shark, and nearby was a light alcove, with some rocks dipping down to the floor.
"Hmmm... well everything looks clear."
Then he looked to his right. There was a hole underneath the throne, and as he went towards it... it showed another pathway, and through there, was a fortress shrouded in darkness. He started smiling at the sight of it.
"YES! This is ours for the taking!"
"You want to repeat that one more time?" said a distant voice.
This caused his eyes to widen at the call... then he looked up to the ceiling, where he saw a darkened figure, wearing a cloak, and he had bone wings and a black axe in posession. Immediately he swooped down towards him, and looked at him square in the eye.
"Well well well, what do we have here?" he scowled down towards the scientist. "Ah, I remember... you were one of that medling bandicoot's arch enemies, ya?"
"Indeed I was, anyhow, what on Earth are you doing here?"
"I overheard your crummy little plans, and you're not going to bother getting past, are you?"
"Chain, let me explai-"
"I don't want to listen to your ruddy baby stories! Now if you excuse us, Oxide and I have the desire for our ultimate way of owning the planet."
Throughout Chain's small 'speech', Cortex's facial expressions forced a slight sulk in the lips. Then, he took hold of Chain's cloak on the collar, and brought it up to his head.
"Listen", Cortex started angrily, "I may have been an evil genius in my past, but you do NOT conquer the world just like that!"
"Oh", Chain growled while folding his arms. "Then how do you do it then?"
"You don't leave the people to die for start!" Cortex started bragging. "What is worth to a planet that is destroyed? Why rule over it, when the only creature living there is yourself? Honestly, you don't know any of the tricks in the book. And because of this, you do NOT have the rightful spot of controlling the planet as it is - broken hearted and suffering at the same time!"
After that, Chain pulled himself away, and leered at him while dusting his cloak away.
"You don't tell me what to do. I can rule this planet however I like it!" he snickered viciously. "And if you don't like it, GET READY TO FACE MY WRATH, DR. NEO CORTEX!" He then followed with a cheesy villainous laugh.
"That's my line", Cortex growled while rolling his eyes. "Come up with your own."
This caused Chain to fall over with an anime sweat drop on his face.
"Bah, who needs ruddy catchphrases anyway?" Chain said as he brought himself back onto both feet. "You'll still be mincemeat anyways!"
A darkened glow started to surround the demonic bandicoot. His eyes started to pulse, and this caused Cortex to look into his eyes with curiosity.
Then, a bright spark of black light omitted from his body. Rapidly, his body size increased to five times his normal height. His cloak ripped itself apart until it was nothing more than what looks like a torn skirt hung over his belly. Powerful muscles were seen on the torso, and his eyes changed from a white outside, to red with a powerful black pupil.
The beast form of Chain gave out a massive roar that blew Cortex's hair in the wind. Soon enough, he took hold of his laser, and aimed into his eyes.
The trigger was pulled, and this caused the monster to fly up, take hold of the shot by hand, and absorb the attack. Then, the body started charging an electric yellow, and this caused Cortex to step back even more, while Chain flew over him. Then... the body emitted powerful lightning sparks that scattered across the floor. Carefully, the doctor weaved in and out of the attack, until he reached a free space.
Chain continued to hover high above him, forming a large shadow down onto the floor. Within no time at all, he started swooping down to the floor, with arms out. The pace was a bit fast for the mad scientist, as he was picked up and swept across to the ceiling, flying round in circles. His facial expressions was now of anime dizziness.
But little did he realize... that the same thing was happening to Chain. Out of control... he crashed into a chandalier up above, and drop his victim down to the floor. His labcoat started waving in the air, for a hint of added air resistance. And then... he landed on his head, bounced up, and landed on his belly. With that, he started rubbing his head, and looked up. Chain too fell to the floor, landing on his back, giving off a thundering thud that shook the floor.
Cortex regained his position, and so did Chain. As soon as that happened, he took off into the air again. Then, he looked up and noticed something - the axe was stuck in the chandelier. Because of this, he stood there, and waited. This caused the demon to zoom down at a thunderous speed, and with all claws out, picked the scientist up from the floor once again.
This took them moving high in elevation. Further and further up, they came right towards the chandeliar again. Both of them brought their hands out for the axe... but unfortunately for Chain... Cortex grabbed it first. His eyes widened.
This caused him to use it to scar him on the chest, causing him to scream with agony and let go of him. But this time, he hung onto one of his bony wings, and climbed up towards his spine. Then he caused a slice on the back, to make him scream even more. There was a shuffle, but he held onto his hair for safety. Onto there, he went and caused another powerful scar across one of the arms. This caused him to sway to the right, and this caused his victim to grab onto the left ear as tight as he could. Then came a scratch through the other arm, causing the balance to become more suited, although it still seemed a bit wobbly for him. A fifth scratch went deep inside Chain's head, causing his body to dip up slightly. Once again, he held onto his hair for safety... and soon after that, there was a dip down. Chain came flying down at a gentle angle, coming closer to the floor, and all that the scientist could do, was hold on tight until he reaches the floor...
---
Silence went across the temple. Immediately, Cortex opened his eyes, which were starting to pale with fright. He looked up, and saw nothing more than an intact chandalier. And on the floor, there were no scratches, or anything. But in his hands... was Chain's axe, smeared in blood. Then, he looked up ahead.
"It's official... the coast is clear!"
Footsteps were heard down the corridor. His eyes shifted in that direction, as a set of shadows were casted on the floor. Then, their feet were seen. And finally, he started smiling at the sight of the rest of the crew, now inside the temple.
You don't look good Doc", gasped Crash. "What happened back there?"
"I hate to confess this but... Chain was guarding this very temple."
"You mean… the shadow version of me ripped apart from me two years ago?"
"Don't panic about it now Crash", Lozzy smiled. "All we know is that he's gone, and that's final."
"I believed from the sounds that it seemed pretty frightening", frowned Smash.
"So all this leaves now is the hidden fortress. I got a few doubts about the whole thing, though", blinked Eden.
"Don't be so shy, Eeds", Spin said with a casual wink.
She took a step forward and brought her head up like she meant it.
"For tonight we bring you the greatest show on Earth, as we will show you our own feel of magic!" the wolarcoot started to giggle to herself.
"Very well said, mates", Lozzy beamed.
"Looks like the world is in the hands of a bandicoot, three chicks and a grandma", Shep started to giggle to himself.
"Call me a grandma and I'll rip your heart from its torso!" Rosie growled as she leaned towards Shep. "And you wouldn't want that to happen, eh.... don't you?"
"I hope not..."
"Well if that's the case, just step back right this minute", Smash gestured with his front paws.
That's what Shep did, taking careful steps back. His eyes were still pale with fright.
"I wish to come with you", Wooffy said as he came close to the others.
"Wooffy, why are you doing this?" Jessica asked him. "You'll easily get hurt! Remember what happened outside the Elemental Cavern?"
"Look, just because I'm the youngest in the whole crew doesn't mean that I can't fight!" he said positively.
"Prove it!" James cheered.
And within no time at all, Wooffy made a pounce on top of James, and they started rolling about on the floor. The owl gained the upper hand, as the slaps across his face overcame the punches that James attempted to throw.
"GERROFF ME, YOU MEANIE!!!!" the dingo growled at him.
"Hold it!" Cortex shouted, grabbing Wooffy by the collar and dragging him away from James. "Leave him alone!" He placed him firmly on the ground before turning to the dingo. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah thanks. Whew, I'm lucky he didn't use his chainsaw."
"I'll look after your little rascal, Dr. Cortex", winked Shep. "I'll make sure that he's in safe hands."
"Thanks", Cortex nodded with gratitude.
"Well... looks like we're one step away from the restoration of life!" Crash beamed widely.
So the seven of them walked out through the door, leaving Cortex, Smash, James, Rexy and Jessica behind. They were one step closer to what lies inside the hidden fortress.
-end of part 5-