Experiment Bandicoot
Chapter 6
Interlude
Year 7, Day 3
More people of my city came to ask for my advice. I gave them some advice, but left my office, confused on why they wanted me to give them advices. I later learned it was because I owned the three islands, thusly; anyone living in it treated me as though I was their ruler. The thought of being ruler entered my head a few times, but I mainly lived there with mayors and other government systems ruling, including Citadel City. When those people came up for advices, however, I understood my role as ruler was taken quite seriously by them, and thusly, I decided to become more active then seclude myself in the castle all day.
Year 7, Day 14
This is becoming more and more like my personal journal then progress report. I don't know how many times I've repeated saying that, but damn it, I just feel the need to remind myself of this little fact. Not sure why. Any who, N. Gin and Brio saw I had another stressful period, so they decided on me taking a vacation alone. I refused to leave for more then a week at least, but the two somehow convinced me to take off more time them that.
"Crash is in good hands, Neo." Gin sighed, "Take a breather, go and explore the three islands more. You gotta know more about the place you own."
"We'll take c-c-c-c-c-c-care of C-C-C-C-C-Crash 'till then." Brio stuttered.
After many repeated words and promise that both the castle and Crash would remain in one piece until my return, I reluctantly decided to hike around the island, traveling to each island via a private jet I bought off an auction about a week back in Sydney, Australia. It was a sleep black jet, about the size of an average airplane. It looked more jet plane then regular airplane. It used to belong to an expert Australian pilot who's all but retired when a jagged piece of a bi-plane entered into his head when he miraculously survived a bi-plane crash. The jagged piece has yet to be removed, thus leaving him…err…mentally unstable. It is said it would be best not to remove as it might considerably damage his brain even more so. His wife takes care of him now.
Any who, the jet's name was formally known as "The Black Baron" for obvious reason. Frankly, I thought that was the stupidest name ever, so I renamed it "Nicodemus". Now THAT was a classy name.
Gaining my flying lessons weren't easy, but I actually received one in Sydney before Hiroki was born. Any who, with the jet plane in my possession, I had a private airport built near my castle just for Nicodemus. With it, I traveled all around the island and saw many a wonder. Beautiful jungles, mystical temples, anthros who didn't leave in Citadel City. I even met human tribal folks. One I manage to befriend was a rather big fellow named Papu Papu. He was a gentle soul who enjoyed eating and napping, but he showed a stern governing for his people. I spent the most time with him. In fact, it was because of him that I found something special. I'll write more tomorrow, I need to sleep now.
Year 7, Day 22
Sorry I didn't write tomorrow as I promised, but things came up (one of them involving Gin and magnets…I'm sure you can figure out what happen there).
Any who, during my stay in Papu Papu's tribe, I learned a great deal of their culture. There was a temple nearby where they worshipped their Gods which resembled various Australian animals. I was given a nice tour of the temple (the tribesmen carried torches, I had a flashlight). In the end, I decided to leave for home, feeling rejuvenated. Papu Papu gave me something as a sign of friendship, a small, glowing crystal of violet color. It was no more then a two in a half inches, enough to fit inside your palm.
"This crystal is no ordinary crystal." Papu Papu stated, "This is said to have come from a more mystical source locked somewhere deep in this planet." He handed it to me and its beautiful glow captivated me.
"You mean there's more of these?" I gasped.
"Yes, hidden in the depths of this planet." Papu Papu answered, "It is said these crystals were created during the Earth's beginnings as a source to bring Earth life and nature. The crystals come in different size, most of them being about a foot long." He then showed me ancient paintings his ancestors had done of the crystal.
"These crystals have great power." Papu Papu smiled, "A person can emotionally, mentally, even magically link with these crystals and something good might happen depending on how true and pure a person's heart can be." I was amazed. I eyed the small crystal, then the paintings, then my crystal, and so forth.
"Even if your crystal is small, it contains a lot of power." Papu Papu smiled, "This is the only crystal we have ever had, but we pass it on to you."
"I am honored, but why me?" I asked, my breath taken away.
"The Gods have spoken to us…they see the crystal is best with you." Papu Papu spoke, "We are not sure, but we can see something good may come out of this. Keep it well. We are forever faithful to you, no matter what, Neo Cortex."
"Thank you."
I left after that, the legends and stories of the crystal never leaving my head.
Year 7, Day 57
When I returned home, I spend weeks observing the crystal and seeing how powerful it was. I was amazed to see it powered up everything, and I mean EVERYTHING in the house: TV, radio, our inventions, the lamp, vacuum cleaner, the possibilities were endless. This one little thing could power up even the most advance of technology. I thought more of harvesting these crystals and using them for powering up our technology. It would save a lot of the Earth's energy and would be considered more nature friendly. The main problem lied in if the crystals had limited energy and if they can be found. The first theory would probably and so far be a limitless energy. Considering the crystals may have been around since the Dawn of Time and they're making our planet green and full of life, the crystal's energy would be limitless, perhaps. Given the factor we do not know how well crystals react to manmade machines.
I'm a scientist. As much as those legends intrigue me, I still must study this crystal from a scientific point of view. I spent many hours searching up information, but no books could I find with such information on the crystal. I didn't realize that I was ignoring Hiroki a lot, but I was so obsessed with my work, at that moment, I didn't care. I wondered if I made a grave mistake?
Year 7, Day 122
"You need to eat something." Gin stated, "You barely ate since you brought in that tiny crystal."
"Just leave my food over there." I muttered. I didn't eye Gin, staring instead towards the crystal. It was a daily routine. I wanted to see how strong this thing was, so I flamed it, ordered missiles at it, tried to violently crack it open with a sledgehammer, but nothing. The crystal remained intact, the same as when I first got it. This little trinket was perplexing.
"Cortex, your son is crying out for you."
"I'll play with Crash another time."
"He really needs your attention." Gin sighed, "The boy cries for you. What kind of father are you?"
"I said I'll play with Crash later." I gritted my teeth, a bit annoyed.
"You've been saying that for so long it's lost all meaning." Gin mumbled.
"I heard that!" I banged my fist, "Don't make me pouch on you again! You can't afford another missile halfway in your head."
Gin grumbled, knowing he'd rather not risk it and left, leaving my usual tray of food on a desk just next to me.
"Big talk coming from someone who thinks Crash is a science experiment." I mumbled under my breath as he walked away. He heard, I could tell fore I heard him mumble something back. Not sure what though.
Year 7, Day 156
The crystal had officially taken over my life and I was not happy about it. I knew my son was struggling, but my crystal obsessive lead me to do nothing. Crash was doing terribly in school sans English which he still passes with flying colors. Without my advices (which he said were helpful), he was starting to loose confidence. He started to get detention for picking fights because of the way they treated him. I regretted not stepping in earlier, but what amazed me was how Crash still tried to gain my attention. He didn't seem to resent me at all. This baffled both Gin and Brio who'd had thought Crash would rebel against me.
"He's seven; he's too young to rebel." I muttered.
"He's a lot smarter then you think, Cortex." Gin spoke.
I spend more months working on that crystal, hardly eating or sleeping. I was starting to stress out and loose my hair, but that was something I hardly cared about. Oh, how terrible I am. I'm surprised I even update this thing still.
Year 7, Day 201
I just notice how I call Hiroki "Crash" now. What's the deal with that? Crash, to me, was only a nickname. Hiroki was what I called him because it his given name and a symbol that he is my son, but I can't stop calling him Crash. I should try and stop this annoying habit. The boy is my son, not some random friend I can visit on and off. Then again, when was the last time I had such paternal contact with him?
Year 7, Day 267
Oh, God, I'm getting bald! That's it, I'm buying some Rogaine!
Year 7, Day 311
I spent such a long time with this blasted crystal, I'm at the point where I am no longer in such tip top shape. I always had kept myself healthy by constantly exercising. I was quite skilled in marital arts and kendo. I was the best in my class despite my small size and huge head (I've been told my huge head actually gives me wonderful balance). I was once a pretty impressive ping pong master and my skills in soccer were impressive enough to lend me scholarships anywhere during my High School years (which I traded it all in for more educational purposes).
Now, every time I stretched, it hurt. My health wasn't quite as good as I wanted it to be. One little crystal made me like this: an obsessive, balding freak with no good health, and a terrible father to match. Not to mention a poor ruler. From what I heard, I haven't been to the last 3 meetings and those numerous amounts of ribbon cutting and announcements. All because of this crystal. This little thing was a curse bestowed unto me.
I wanted to get rid of this evil thing, but it held onto me like glue. I couldn't take it, I just couldn't. I knew that if I researched this thing any longer, it would take a powerful toll on me and cause me to be forever locked in its embrace. I had to stop and I had to stop now. Simply getting rid of it was out of the question. It was a beautiful thing and to see it go to waste was unheard of. I knew this thing had unimaginable power and virtually was indestructible, so giving it away to the wrong person could be fatal. They could use it for all the wrong purpose…
Year 7, Day 345
I know who I will give the crystal, too.
Year 8, Day 1
"This is for you, my present." I turned the crystal into a necklace. I placed it around his neck.
"For me?" Crash gasped, surprised at the present I had given him. I nodded.
"This is a special crystal." I started, "When one has it for a long time, they become connected to it. Depending on the level of purity one has in his or her heart, something good or something bad might happen."
Crash eyed the small thing now around his neck and started to cry.
"I'm sorry." He muttered.
"Why are you crying?" I asked, "You should be happy, it's your birthday, you're eight years now! You're even slightly taller then I am…by a couple of inches."
"No…I've been doing bad stuff in school like getting in trouble." He spoke through tear stained eyes, "I don't have any purity! The crystal will do bad stuff for me!" I sighed, then placed my hands on Crash's arms.
"Son…this is my fault." I slowly spoke, "I let myself be consumed by the crystal and my obsession with science to even spend any time with you. I let you end up this way and I swear, I never meant for this to happen. You are a wonderful child and I know you will never do anything terrible. Your heart is too good."
Crash nodded and took all this in. By this time, I was crying as well. I hugged him.
"I'm sorry."
"It's okay." He sniffed, "I can never hate you…never."
I smiled and continued to hold him tightly. My cohorts watched from afar.
I vowed myself that this time I would spend more time with my son…
To Be Continued…
