Chapter 2: The Plot

When Coco and Dingodile arrived at the town square, which was near the horizon, they heard a barking. It was Polar. He was quite upset. "Polar! What is it, boy?" Coco asked. Polar stood up and pointed at Cortex Castle. "It involves Cortex," Crunch mumbled, angrily. Then, Polar stood up on his hind legs and growled menacingly. "He's up to something, isn't he?" demanded N. Brio. Polar nodded, grimly. Aku-Aku, the good witch doctor, was greatly alarmed. "Quick! Into my station immediately!" he cried. A few minutes later, every member of the town had come to the old briefing station. This briefing station was not like the one in the old village. Oh no. This one was old, run down, and had cocoons in it. "Okay! Here's the deal!" Aku-Aku called. "I just got word from N. Brio a few moments ago that Cortex is up to something incredibly dangerous!" Horrified gasps escaped from the crowd. "What is it?" Crunch demanded. "Cortex has invented the ring of fire!" Aku-Aku replied. There was a long silence. Dingodile stood up. "Mate, what's a ring of fire?" he asked. Aku-Aku replied, "It's obvious, isn't it? It's a ring made with fire! And if I'm correct, Cortex intends on putting that ring on Coco on the day you get married to her and then she'll become poisoned and then she'll die!" Crash hiccuped at what Aku-Aku said, then he sobbed. Dingodile was not very pleased with the news. On the contrary, he was looking furious! Crunch asked, "How will Cortex be stopped?" A voice sighed, "I'll go." Everyone turned to see Coco and their jaws dropped. Even Dingodile was shocked to hear Coco volunteer to stop Cortex. "She's insane," he told himself. "But she must have good reason. All the same, she'll need my help." Dingodile then stood up and announced, "I shall go with you, Coco. I want ta get back at Cortex anyway for treating me so badly." So Dingodile rushed off and grabbed his flame thrower. Aku-Aku then said, "Very well. You guys have only a few days to stop him. Otherwise, we will send out a rescue party to find you." "We understand," said Coco and Dingodile together. And off they went, completely oblivious to the danger that was ahead.