Chapter 2: Strange Love (Or Is It?)

Later that day, after the whole breaking Dingodile's heart experience, Crunch and Coco Bandicoot were enjoying each other's company on a sparkling beach. Things couldn't be more peaceful. The sparkling deep sea, the white sandy beach, and the dazzling blue sky. It made Coco and Crunch want to stay together for ever. For a moment, neither said a word. Then, Crunch broke the silence.

"Err, Coco," he said. "I've been thinking about you lately, and you're— How should I say this? Coco, you're very beautiful. It's like your the only bandicoot I could love."

Coco smiled at the giant bandicoot and replied, "I'm glad you feel that way. Your gentle nature has attracted my attention. I think you're the only one I could love now."

Crunch gasped. Coco, his own crush, actually confessed her true feelings for him! This was better than Crunch expected. But, the two lovebirds didn't have much time to chat, because suddenly, the sky blackened, and thunder rumbled.

"Damn this weather!" Crunch grumbled. "I HATE this beach!"

"Why?" Coco inquired.

"It's called Black Cloud Beach," explained Crunch. "And it's an appropriate name! It's about to rain!"

And rain it did! No, it didn't just rain. It POURED! The rain coming down pounded against the sand like hail. The two bandicoots then had to run back to the Crash Hut before anymore serious weather conditions occurred. Unfortunately, just as they were about to reach their shelter, it happened. Coco, who had been behind Crunch slightly, got zapped in the head by lightning! She was soon out cold. Crunch turned and was overcome with horror.

"COCO!" he screamed as he ran to the unconscious body. "ARE YOU OKAY?!!?"

There was no answer. Crunch's horror was soon drained by misery. His own love, a victim of a storm.

"Please don't die!" Crunch whispered. "Please!"

Still silence. Crunch put a hand to his face as a tear fell from his eye.

"Please be okay," he whispered again. But, there was still no answer. That did it for Crunch. For the first time in his life, he broke down and sobbed. But it was only for 5 minutes, because soon after, Coco came to.

"Crunch? What's the matter?" she asked, kindly.

Crunch stopped crying and looked up in disbelief. Coco! ALIVE AND WELL?!!?

"But, I saw you lying on the ground and I thought—'' Crunch began, but Coco cut in.

"Silly Crunch!" she chuckled. "I was only knocked out cold!"

Crunch felt his face turn red from embarrassment. He couldn't believe he had been sobbing like a baby.