Experiment Bandicoot
Chapter 8
Kid

Year 9, Day 12
I spent some times mumbling about my plans for revenge over those idiots who proclaim my invention crazy and out of nature. I hadn't realized until now that I was doing such a thing. What's so interesting about this is how I don't feel guilty at all. My son seems to worry about me that I keep spending time inside my office, writing all my plans to get back with them. My so-called empire isn't doing so well either. Because of what I am currently doing, my empire seems to be suffering. I don't help people with their problem; I don't build new buildings for people or help out those in need. Hell, I'm surprised they haven't tried to overthrow me yet. Criticized me to get my act straight, yes, but no outright rebelliousness. I'd love to deal with it, but my current emotional has prevented me from even lifting a finger.

Year 9, Day 22
Crash got the lead part in a play. Naturally, I was all thrilled for him.

"The acting teacher said acting is in my blood." Crash smiled, "This will be probably one of the greatest moments of my entire life…in school, anyways."

"What's the play about?" I asked.

"Peter Pan." Crash grinned, "I get to fly!"

"I know how the story of Peter Pan goes." I nodded as I set out to make lunch. Crash followed me in.

"Yea, but you have to make me a Peter Pan outfit." Crash pointed out.

"Oh." I stopped making the sushi, "Well, Crash, I don't know how to sew."

"Maybe buying a costume might help." Gin replied.

"Oh, s-s-s-s-s-stores don't carry costumes until its Halloween." Brio pointed out.

"Well, maybe we should take sewing lessons." I mumbled, "Can't be too hard."

Year 9, Day 25
Learning to sew was a lot harder then I thought it would be. I manage to hire someone to help me. She was an elderly human woman, about 60 years old; calm, patient, caring. She was wonderful. Truly loved anthros, said God had a plan for every animal he made. As you could tell, she was a deeply religious person. Preached the Bible every chance she got. I asked her if she wanted to babysit Crash. She was absolutely delighted. Gin and Brio didn't seem to agree with me for some reason.

"You? Hire a babysitter?" Gin cried, "Back then, you didn't even trust us to watch over Crash whenever you were busy!"

"Well, people have changes of heart." I answered.

"I think you're starting to loose attachment on him." Gin shook his head.

"That is NOT true!" I retaliated, "If that was the case, I wouldn't be wasting my time learning to sew just so I can make him an outfit for his play."

"C-c-c-c-c-c-couldn't you let the nanny do it?" Brio asked.

"I'm Crash's father, I'll do it!" I cried, then I mumbled again, "I bet you're all jealous because I hired her to watch Crash and not you two."

End of Discussion…

Year 9, Day 30
I manage to finish my sewing lessons and the costume was perfect. Very green, but perfect.

"You're the best Peter Pan ever." I smiled.

"Am I really?" Crash asked in an eager tone as he wore his hat, moving it around his head until he felt comfortable with it.

"Always." He hugged me and kept that smile all the way to his school where the play commenced. I swear, when he smiled…I saw the crystal around his neck glow.

The play was brilliant…well, brilliant for an elementary school. Crash shone above all as the boy who refused to grow up. Heck, adults begged for his autograph, thinking he's autographs would be worth something if he became a famous actor.

"I like acting, but I'm not sure I wanna built a career out of it." He told me.

As we drove home after the play, Crash and I spoke.

"Dad?"

"Yes?"

"You're not really drifting further from me…are you?"

"Wha-Where did you get a silly idea like that?"

"I overheard you talking with Uncle Gin and Brio a few days ago."

"Crash…"

"You stopped calling me Hiroki, too. You once told me…calling me Hiroki showed how much that I am your son and that Crash is merely a stupid nickname."

"Oh…oh…well, Crash, I'm getting older, my memory isn't as sharp as it used to be."

"Is that it?"

"……..Yes."

"…………..Okay."

"Crash, are you okay?"

"I'm…fine."

"Good."

"I did great in the play, didn't I?"

"You were absolutely perfect. Not even Disney's Peter Pan could match with your acting skills."

"Well, that's because he's a cartoon."

I chuckled, then I worried…what was happening to me? For once, I felt annoyed at Crash's constant observations and questioning of me…what has become of me?

Year 9, Day 122
Crash and I are speaking less and less. Conversations that was meaningful seem to have leap out of the window. Dinner conversations weren't as lively as it used to be. I think it's me who's causing all this. Crash always tried to have a word with me, but I told him excuses and lies, saying I had headaches or too much on my mind to hear what he had to say. The first few times he was convinced, but Crash is no dummy. He manage to figure out that I was lying to him…he just never said anything, but you could tell.

Year 9, Day 209
My journals seem to be getting more and more depressing. My three island home is turning rather shaky. Citadel City is in a terrible condition and Gin and Brio are both maintaining it as best as they could. Meanwhile, I just sit and watch and mutter. Revenge and anger enter into my head quite so often. Crash is starting to feel more of a burden then a son. What kind of a father am I?

Year 9, Day 345
Crash is coughing quite a lot. He must be getting cold. I told him to rest and have some Chicken Noodle Soup. I didn't even tuck him in as I usually did

"That's okay…I'm 9, I can tuck myself in." He felt disappointed, not because I didn't tuck him in (he's aware he's old enough to avoid tuck in time), but because I was not there for him. I'm aware of my problems, but I never bother to do anything about it.

Year 9, Day 355
The coughs are getting worse. Crash seems to be running a high fever. I don't understand it. Is this a fluke? Crash hardly ever gets sick. He is a healthy boy…

Year 10, Day 1
He was well in time for his big 10th birthday. We had the usual big party for him complete with presents. Crash was lively as ever, leaping from sofa to chairs, crashing into stuff. It's been a while since he acted energetic. Heh. Brio, Gin, and I chatted.

"You two don't see to have a connection as you did before." Gin started, "I noticed."

"Well…I just have a lot on my mind." I mumbled.

"Always "I have a lot on my mind"!" Gin cried, "Stop it with the stupid excuses!"

"Gin, please, it's his birthday."

"There won't be any more birthdays if you continue to ignore him!" Gin cried, "He's going to rebel against you in ways you could not possibly imagine!"

"Shut up, Gin!"

"G-g-g-g-g-guys! Enough!" Brio butted in, "A 10 year old boy is watching us act like…well, children!"

"Blame it on Mr. Denial over here!" Gin pointed.

"I'm this close to jamming another missile in your head!" My face turned red.

THUD!

The three of us turned around and we saw Crash, lying on the ground…

Year 10, Day 4
After much research, we found out Crash's blood level was dangerously high. It's back to normal now, but we were baffled at how this came to be. He certainly was not stressed enough to reach that level. It's as if his own body was trying to kill him. Whatever the case was, we decided on a much more closer observation of him from now on. Obviously, I didn't tell him what truly happened to him and I made sure the others didn't either…
To Be Continued…

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Author's Notes: Updated Chapters 5- 8 with basically minor edits like better grammar and stuff. A couple of added dialogue, nothing too major.