Hear's a little Q and A for this chapter.
CrashXTawna and fAN: Thank you both for the praise. And don't worry, even though I'm a Spyro fan, I also love the Crash franchise, and I also hope my passion won't die.
And yes, I might as well do a love triangle with Tawna and Isabella. I just feel that I'm walking on a tightrope in doing so. As I'm just hoping and trying not to have either side looking like a huge jerkass throughout, and by the end of their squabble for Crash. And I plan to have them become best friends by the time their rivalry ends. (Which is when CSB's Arc ends.) Just don't expect any fisticuffs between them, you'll be disappointed.
Finally, Disclaimer: Crash bandicoot was created by Naughty dog, and is owned by Activision and Vicarious visions. Please support the official releases.
After they were done with their thoughts, the gang decided to tackle the last two portals in the room before going to fight the next bosses that they might have to fight against on their way to the next room.
So they decided to split into teams for the portals. Crash, Tawna, Coco, and Yaya will go to Road to Ruin, while Isabella, Ami, Megumi, and Polar will go to Unbearable. (Yet another pun name for a level that had most of the Gang snickering at that.)
"When we're all ready, let's be sure to get in the portal together." Tawna announced.
"Got it!" Coco said.
Soon, after some readying breaths, they all got ready, then got in the portals to the respective levels. (But not before Isabella got bold, and blew a kiss towards Crash. Which was noticed by Crash and Tawna as the latter glared as she towed a blushing Crash to the portal.)
What quickly met their eyes, was that they were on top of some stone footbridge paths that was high over some sort of Mesoamerican ruins. Which they saw, was basically abandoned ruins, like there was a battle that took place at least a few hundred years ago. Probably before even Cortex's father was even born.
And that had the Bandicoots and Panda shedding some tears at the sight in front of them. Since they felt that the past civilization's city was probably beautiful to look at. And now, all that remains of them is this ruins part of the world. And that was such a shame.
Even Aku Aku was looking on in sadness at what was in front of him.
"Those poor ancient people. Time was not kind to them, or their cities. They don't deserve this." Aku Aku said.
"I hear ya. I don't know what happened here, but this is just plain sad." Yaya said, upset.
"This place might've been beautiful back then, yet here we are now. It's like this place got conquered and destroyed back then. It's so sad." Coco said softly.
"I know. But we shouldn't dwell on it now. We've gotta keep moving!" Aku Aku said.
The gang didn't need to be told twice. As they kept on running through the stone bridge that lead to an open mouth tunnel. Which looked like some sort of beast's open mouth that they were running through.
At least they were, until they came across a large chasm that had a metal box on the other end, while in the middle of the chasm, there was a bunch of holograms that were shaped like boxes that was put together. Pretty much like the other holograms that Crash, Tawna, and Coco saw in (And occasionally outside) the bonus levels.
And unfortunately for them, it seems that none of them has enough strength in their jumps to reach the other end.
"I'm guessing that's where we can enter the level through the secret warp room." Tawna said, guessing that she's found another reason to visit the secret warp room for the Gems.
"Seems like it. So we better come back to this place after we get our Crystal. And hopefully the other Gem from this place." Coco said, having noticed another indent on the wall, which looked like they have another Gem to grab.
Crash ended up nodding in agreement as they proceeded onwards to the open mouth figure.
Which only lead to the other end of the head as they ran on through to the other stone bridge, where they saw that there was a large rat that walked back and forth on it.
"Is this the best Brio could do?" Tawna asked, feeling that although rats are gross in her eyes, they can be easily beaten, where Crash is concerned.
"I know. I could kick that rat's butt with my legs tied behind my back!" Yaya said, feeling that the rats would pose no challenge to them all as Coco and Crash spun the rat away, before they all proceeded onwards.
While somehow, not knowing that there was a stone idol looking at them as it turned to where they were going.
Which is where they met more rats, which all of them took care of either with Spinning, or jumping onto them to squish them. All while breaking some more boxes with their feet or their spinning.
And then they immediately meet a new enemy. Which looked like a frilled lizard that looked like its frill's edges were glowing hot as it walked around back and forth. It was like it was wearing a metallic large brace on its neck to burn the Bandicoots with.
And that hat, did some damage since Coco tried to spin the lizard away, only to have her foot hitting the hat. Which blocked it, and burned her shoe.
"Ahh! HOT! HOT! HOT!" Coco said as she slapped her pants to put out the flames while getting away from the lizard, much to the Gang's surprise. (And as they also tried not to laugh at the sight.)
Crash was able to put out the fire before it could spread, as he was able to suffocate the fire in a cartoonish sense, by putting Coco's entire foot in his mouth. Causing smoke to exit through his ears as a hissing sound was made. Before he then took her foot back out of his mouth and onto the ground.
Her overall pant leg was a little charred along with her shoe, but at least she didn't become ashes thanks to Crash.
"Thanks bro." Coco said, feeling both grateful, and weirded out by Crash's method of putting the fire out.
As was the rest of the gang. But they felt that it's just Crash being Crash.
"No plabwem siths!" He gibbered, before he then tried to attack the lizard in a different way that involved spinning.
Only for Tawna so stop him. "Wait Crashie! I've got an idea." She said, noticing that the lizard's upper frills only protected the top of its body, leaving its lower parts exposed.
Which means that its upper part is well protected, but its lower parts is a different story. At least, so she sees.
She knew there was only one way to find out though, as she then decided to dash to the lizard, before doing a slide kick to its lower body to see if it's vulnerable there.
Sure enough, it was, as it was now sent flying away.
Which worked for Tawna and the Gang, as they continued onwards while taking down more of the lizards that crossed their path, mostly by slide kicking them. Which Coco, Tawna, and Yaya did well while Crash merely spun out the rats, and broke at least the boxes that was in their reach. All while they went through another huge idol's mouth cave.
Where they saw that there was the other stone idols, only those ones were breathing fire out of their mouths, as if either they had some sort of flamethrower inside of them that shot out fire out through those mouths like they breathe fire, or that they were possessed by spirits that magically had them shooting out the fire.
Either way, they had to watch out for them, or they could turn to ashes like Coco could've been without Crash.
"Whaa! Careful guys!" Yaya said, feeling some heat from one of the idols as she almost got caught on fire.
The Gang was way ahead of her on that.
Then they suddenly saw a platform in between the other Idols. Only that one happened to have a similar Skull and Crossbones symbol on it, like the one back when they met Isabella.
"Oh man. That looks like another platform to a death route. And look, another note is there." Coco said, noticing a note on the platform. Which she decided to read herself.
"It says, 'Dear B-Bandicoots, what you see before you is another death route platform. T-this one shall send you to the route that is harder than the current route that you're all on, for a G-Gem. I-If you're still willing to h-help me, then go through the route that this platform is going to levitate to once you're all on it. B-but be warned, Cortex's minions are in that r-route, and they won't give up the G-G-Gem without a fight. And they are not easy foes to beat. So t-tread carefully.' Sincerely, Brio."
"Another death route challenge? Even though the last one was where we met Isabella? It seems like it's a trap this time." Tawna said.
"You mean, this Italian Bandicoot met you like this?" Yaya asked.
"Yep. That's how we met Isabella. So, I wonder if this platform would lead us to another mutant Bandicoot?" Tawna asked.
"I doubt it. As I'm sure that Brio is saving his last minion for the more opportune moment. So I'm sure that this platform will lead to the legit death route that this note is warning us about." Coco said.
"In that case, let's split up." Tawna said.
"Good Idea. You and Yaya will continue on ahead. Crash and I will take on the death route." Coco said, taking Crash by the hand and standing on the platform together, causing it to float away to the other end of the bridge path.
"Good Luck Coco! And be sure to keep Crashie safe!" Tawna said as they floated off to the route.
Where their challenge was about to begin.
Since quickly after they got off the platform after their brief ride, they ended up getting on top of some pillars, where they were suddenly assaulted by what looked like a dark blue furred Gorilla with a dark red Scorpion's tail. He also seemed to have some sort of tribal tattoos that glowed in the night sky. And he was throwing some logs at their direction.
Which, since they didn't expect it, the log collided with their heads, knocking them for a loop.
Or at least, it could've had Aku Aku's spirit not protected them from the log, at the cost of some of his mojo. But it still caught them off guard, and did sting a bit as they got out of the way of the next log thrown their way.
"WHOAAAH! What are those things?!" Coco asked, a bit scared.
"That, would be a Scorporilla. They used to be average animals before Cortex made them like this." Aku Aku's spirit said angrily. "And worse, he happened to have stolen some of our Island's mojo to create that creature among others, to create what is now known as the Titans. That monster!" He then said softly, yet angrily, showing his rage in a sort of quiet way that is bound to leave Cortex's spine feeling chilled if he was there with him.
(Little did he know, Cortex did feel a chill up his spine back in the space station, although he doesn't know why.)
"Be on your guard children! This place is crawling with those things, and they're guarding that Gem on this route. I'm sure of it." He said.
"YOU MEAN THERE'S MORE OF THEM?!" Coco asked shocked and nervous.
"I'm thinking so." Aku Aku said somberly.
Despite her nervousness though, she knew that they have to get past those Scorporillas to get to the Gem. The world depended on it. So she continued onwards with Crash by her side, ignoring the dangers that the hybrid posed.
Even as it threw another log at their direction, they were able to duck under it, or just jump over it. Sorta like the game that Coco remembered playing on her laptop. Which had an ape that threw barrels at her character.
Pretty soon, they were able to make it to the Scorporilla, and quickly spin it away before it could put its tail to good use.
But they knew there was others after it, so they braced themselves for the others as they jumped on the other pillars together. All while keeping watch for each other.
Despite their little predicament, they still giggled together, since they were glad to be together again on their little adventure, since they're close to each other like siblings. Especially in Coco's case towards Crash, regardless of his unintelligence. (Not as close as Tawna and Crash's relationship, but pretty close as siblings go.) And they find it fun to do some parkour together as a team. Which could make it more fun if Tawna joined in.
They still had to keep on jumping on the pillars, as well as the platforms that moved around in circles, before fighting more of those Scorporillas as they dodged the logs that they threw their way. All while making sure to be on a look out for the Gem in the Route, just so that they would grab it to make this hard course worth it. And so that they make sure that they haven't been tricked into going through the route for nothing.
The death route lived up to the name though, as the next Scorporilla ahead of them ended up getting a shot in with its scorpion tail on Coco, making a gash just above her hip that had her squealing in pain, before Crash spun the titan away in revenge for his sister. Thankfully, whatever poison that the Scorporilla could've put in Coco, was disabled by Aku Aku's protective magic.
Sadly, his spirit was on the verge of fading away, so they felt that they had to be careful of another hit on them, or they would be vulnerable to any attacks that they can send their way, until they reunite with Aku Aku back in the main course.
Thankfully, there was less of them, which Aku Aku knew that it was because Cortex didn't have enough Mojo to create more of them. And the death route wasn't long, since they soon got to the Gem that they were able to catch after dodging the fire breathing Idols, before they had at least a few more meters to go, and taking out another one of those Titans, before finding the platform back to the main course, where they would hopefully reunite with Tawna and Yaya.
Which is good, since those Titans were difficult, and they hoped that they wouldn't end up fighting more of those for now. Especially in a place like Road to Ruin.
Once they were off the platform after it made the trip back to the main path, they were now running ahead to find Tawna and Yaya. As they went forward, they ended up noticing that the rats and frilled lizards were gone, which meant that Yaya and Tawna were up ahead after they cleaned house for both Crash and Coco to move through without much trouble.
At least, until they ended up meeting another Scorporilla that came out of nowhere, and tried to crush both Coco and Crash in its massive arms. Thankfully, Aku Aku's spirit was able to protect them both from the surprise attack with the last of the Mojo, before fading away.
And luckily, they were fast enough to spin away the Scorporilla in reflex. Eventually, they were able to find Tawna and Yaya, who were waiting for them at the end of the level, with both of them feeling glad that they're alive. Although both of them were shocked at the gash on Coco's hip.
"Sweet mother of Wumpa! Are you okay Coco?!" Tawna asked concerned.
"I'm fine. Just a scratch." Coco said, even though she still cringed at the wound from the Titan's tail. "I'm sure though, that we might not meet more of those things. For now at least."
"Huh. Either way, thank goodness you're alright. And thanks for keeping my Crashie safe." She said as Crash ended up hugging her in love as Yaya and Coco high fived each other for their survival, then they were able to exit the Level.
Meanwhile… in Unbearable
If there was anybody that was walking in the forest covered in snow, they would've heard a bunch of panicking and screaming not too far away, and on the clear snowy path through the forest.
And why not, as the other Bandicoot gang, was running through the path, along with Polar, who was being ridden by Megumi, as they were chased by a large angry bear/boar hybrid, which is known as the Goar Titan that is chasing them, and whom is definitely not the mother bear to Polar, and whom wants to either maul them, or eat them whole.
Neither of which, the gang wanted to test out, as they ran for their lives as Megumi rode on Polar's back to dash away from the Titan, known as the Goar's wrath.
And it was after they ended up going through an area that was in a pit that they at first thought was bottomless when they accidentally fell in. Only for them to land in what looked like a cave, that had waterfalls inside like they were inside a mountain that had views of tree branches and rocks on the outside, through the holes in the cave. Almost like they were viewing the outside through a window in the mountain.
And inside the cave that they traversed, there was some turtles with spikes, and spinning blades on their shells, robotic armadillos that was impervious to their jumping on them, and worst of all, hunters that shot out large spinning missiles that somehow makes small explosions when they collide with anything they hit.
Which included Isabella's abdominals, but Aku Aku's spirit protected her from harm. Although she still felt pain from the shot, before clobbering the hunter out of vengeance.
After they dealt with the hunters, they were back on the forest path, where they ended up getting chased by the Goar after a couple steps forward. And that was after seeing a mutant Bandicoot that they recognized as Liz, whom sicked the Goar on them before fleeing herself.
"SCAPPA! SCAPPA! (Run away! Run away!) GET AWAY FROM THAT THING!" Isabella said.
"WE'RE TRYING! But that bear thing is pretty fast for a fatty!" Ami said. Angering the Goar who thought that she insulted its weight. Causing it to roar, making them run faster in fear.
"NO KIDDING! Subete no kuma wa tsūjō hayaidesu! (All bears are usually fast!)" Megumi said, trying not to fall off of Polar.
As they ran, they all avoided the obstacles that got in their way, just so they won't get stopped and get eaten by the Goar. It wasn't easy for them, but they kept on going.
All while making sure to save each other from whatever obstacle comes their way, whether it would be wooden fences in a diamond hive pattern, mines that Tawna, Crash, Coco, and Isabella had dealt with before, and the electric gates coming back again, just so one of them won't get eaten by the Goar. And while Aku Aku's other spirit was able to keep on protecting them too.
Not to mention falling down into the pits that could be bottomless, or full of spikes.
There was also a new obstacle, being blue lizards with green patterns on their backs, whom also seems to be running from the Goar. Yet they were also dangerous due to what the gang believed was poisonous skin. At least according to the colors of the lizards. So they avoided them too.
All while also avoiding the boxes, feeling that the boxes would be broken by the Goar, which could count towards the box Gem that they're after.
As they ran though, they felt that they might end up having to stop to take a breather if they continue running for at least three more minutes. Which would be the death of them if the Goar is still chasing after them and Polar. Polar though, still was fast enough to out speed the Goar, but he too might end up getting eaten trying to save them if they stop for a breather.
It felt like a battle of endurance as they ran away fast from the bear/boar hybrid, hoping that they may end up finding safety for their breather. No matter how temporary the safety is.
Thankfully, they found a bunch of planks that was over the large pit, that they hoped would break under the Goar's weight to make the Titan fall in. So they just needed to keep on running for at least some more miles before taking a breather on the other side once the Goar falls in the gap. That is, if the bear/boar hybrid isn't able to make it to the other end.
Which, fortunately for them, despite its attempts, it couldn't. When they got to the other end of the bridge of planks, the bear/boar hybrid tried to catch them as the planks broke under its feet. Before it then fell into the pit below as it tried to claw its way on the edge of the other end.
Much to their relief, since that gave them their needed breather, as they sat on the dirt to recuperate.
"Whew… C'è… mancato poco. (That… was close.)" Isabella said, huffing.
"I hear ya. I… could've almost… felt his chompers… just inches behind my tail." Ami said, also trying to regain her breath.
"Thank goodness that there was those planks that we crossed. Otherwise, that bear thing could've ate us." Megumi said, feeling the least tired due to riding Polar throughout the chase, whom was also catching his breath.
"And to think, Crash dealt with this before with those round boulders. Poor Crashie." Isabella said, feeling sorry for Crash after hearing about his past times when he outran a boulder, both alone, and then with Tawna by his side.
"At least he's still here along with Tawna and his sis." Ami said smiling.
Which had Isabella smiling as well, feeling glad that Crash has survived his own dangers before meeting herself and her friends. And now, after their journey ends, and they all reunite, they get to live with them, free from the control of Cortex and Brio.
For now though, they had to get the Gem and Crystal. The latter of which, they were able to grab after catching sight of it just meters away from their current location. So Megumi ended up grabbing it first, before they were then now running onwards through the path now that the Goar Titan was no longer chasing them.
On their way to the end of the path though, both Megumi and Polar suddenly ended up getting teleported when they jumped over one of the pits to a certain spot. Which alarmed her friends as she vanished.
"Megumi?!" Isabella said shocked after seeing them disappear. Leaving her and Ami as the only ones in the level.
"Did they just get warped to the basement warp room?" Ami asked, remembering Tawna mentioning the warp room in the basement. "If so, then she'll be fine. Come on! We've got a Gem to earn!" Ami said.
"Sì. Sto arrivando! (Yes. I'm coming!)" Isabella said, following Ami to the end of the level. Where they ended up getting the Gem, then getting back to the Warp Room to wait for Polar and Megumi.
*Time Skip*
After a few minutes of waiting, the gang saw the elevator going up, showing that Megumi was on her way back to them. Sure enough, they saw a smiling Megumi and Polar in on the elevator platform, having succeeded on their goal in the secret level. Which Megumi said was called Totally Fly.
Where there, she ended up calming Polar down when he got nervous of the dark. Which, the level happened to be in a dark part of the jungle levels, with only fireflies illuminating the ways in front of them.
It was pretty hard, but they were able to grab another Gem, that happened to be the only thing to collect in the level.
"So what you're telling us, is that you rode Polar through the path that happened to be quite dark? I'd hate to be in that place if I was scared of the dark." Ami said.
"At least you've made it back to us." Isabella said. With Tawna, Yaya, Ami, Crash, and Coco in agreement.
Suddenly, the room grew dim, showing them that either Cortex, Brio, or Coco was about to speak to them via hologram.
Which appeared in the middle, showing the former. "My dear friends. You're all more than halfway done. But I'm sure you've all noticed that things are getting harder. The last ten Crystals will be the hardest to gather, and my- *umbhghlrgh* 'our' enemies will be sending their strongest to thwart you. So all of you should be on your guard, and I'll contact you after you complete the next Warp Room. Oh! And welcome back Megumi, it is nice to see that you're free again." He said.
"Arigatau. (Thank you.) Cortex-san." Megumi said, before Cortex's hologram vanished.
Even though she was the more polite of the Bandicoot gang, she too didn't have much love for Cortex or Brio due to their treatment of them. And if what Coco and Ami said is true, he might be planning to use the Crystals for nefarious purposes that would involve his space station and Earth.
So she felt that she shouldn't trust Cortex with the Crystals either, until his truth about trying to protect the world from this 'force' that he was talking about is legit. Otherwise, if Brio is telling the truth, then she feels that they should collect the Gems for him instead.
Although after having heard about what happened to Coco concerning the gorilla Titans, and hearing from the note that Brio sent them that those were Cortex's minions, she started to lean towards Brio's side.
Right now though, they were 'mostly' finished with the room that they were in, as Crash and Coco once again did the Crash Dance that Megumi admits, was adorable looking. (Which Isabella and Ami also thought was cute too. With the former finding Crash more cuter now after seeing it for a second time.)
After that, and after some preparations for what is to come, they all got on the platform, and was now on their way to the next room when everything turned white.
Once the whiteness faded from their vision, they saw that they were on a big square platform that was surrounded by a bunch of smaller circular ones nearby. What they noticed was that they were all golden colored with green glowing sections that looked like pieces of rings that separated in four sections.
Which they all were standing next to on the platform.
Then ended up looking at their surroundings, looking like they were in a science fiction room that had pipes in it, as well as hanging steel and rubber wires, and spot lights that also illuminated the room and their surroundings.
Then they noticed a door that was being forcibly opened by some sort of monster. Which had shivers going up their spines at what they imagined could be on the other end of the door.
Then the door was forced open, showing what looked like a muscular creature that happened to look like a mix between a Thylacine, and a Siberian Tiger, while looking like a male Tiger. Where he happened to have orange fur, and a yellow underbelly, a square jaw that happened to look like a Thylacine, mixed with a Tiger. He also happened to have black stripes that trailed down his lower back, also like a Thylacine. He wore a green spotted loin cloth, held up by a metal belt, a pair of spiked leather shoulder pads, metal bracelets, and a pair of red sneakers.
And he was easily, quite an angry adversary. "TINY SMASH BANDICOOTS! TINY TAKE CRYSTALS!" He yelled out.
"Easy there Tiny. It's our job together to do the smashing." A familiar voice said. (Familiar to Tawna that is.) As he rounded the corner of the door on the other side after it opened too. Showing who it was that spoke out to the Tiger/Thylacine hybrid known as Tiny.
None other than Koala Kong, returning from the first area that they met him in. Much to Tawna's chagrin as she thought that he would stay away from her and Crash.
"G'day mates. And Tawna. It's been awhile since our last dance in the snowy forest." Koala Kong said.
"It was? Cause it still seems to me that it has been only a minute too soon." Tawna sarcastically said, not happy that Koala Kong is about to fight and try to kill them.
Which the gang noticed. Despite Isabella and Ami getting a little distracted. "You know each other?" Megumi asked.
All while Isabella and Ami was looking at both of the Bosses, focusing on their muscles. "Sono così grandi. (They're so big.)" She thought, referring to their muscles.
"Geez. They're packing!" Ami thought.
"Unfortunately." Tawna said. "Like Pinstripe, he too was one of the minions of Cortex's that we've met during my capture by his hands. And he and Pinstripe was among Neo Cortex's minions that tried to kill Crashie. Only to obviously fail." Tawna said, wrapping her arm around Crash's neck.
Which is much to Kong's dismay as he ended up glaring at both of them. "And after that, I cut me ties with Cortex, and moved to Hollywood, where I took a major motion picture deal of 'Universal Proportions', and I was with my speech therapist to improve my diction, just so I can land a solid VO career, when Brio hired me." He said, explaining his little story to the gang. "I have gotten myself a career to live a luxurious life, and yet you still plan to stay with that Bogan?"
"Yes. And there is nothing you can do about it." Tawna said in a taunting voice. Which continued to get under Kong's skin.
"Fine! Then I'll simply find another lady to put by my side, with my strong physique and charms." He said, flexing his muscles, showing off his seemingly boastful nature and vain personality that Tawna doesn't like about him. "And that would be after we crush you!" Kong said. Before he then focused on both Ami and Isabella, causing him to get curious.
"Say, I never met any of you before. What're your names?" He asked.
"Ami"
"Isabella"
"Megumi."
"Yaya Panda!" They all said, telling him their names. Before then telling them Polar's name as he stared on, intimidated of both of them.
Which caused him to feel more curious about them. "I have to say, you all look beautiful. And, one of you looks adorable of course. Although I never seen you all before." He said.
"We were in a different section of Cortex's and Brio's castle. Before it got engulfed in flames, and burned to the ground. Thankfully, we were all saved by Brio, before we were then freed by them." Megumi said, pointing at Tawna, Crash and Coco. All of whom, were glaring determinedly at him. After all, even Coco knew he wasn't a good guy due to his past with Crash. "And O home no kotoba o arigatōgozaimasu. (Thank you for the compliment.)"
"I was never there myself! I was merely traveling the world while that was happening!" Yaya said. Telling Kong that she is not one of Cortex's creations.
"But if you think that we'd be swayed to be with you, you thought wrong." Ami said, feeling that there could be reasons why Tawna would not like him. (Other than the fact that he tried to kill her boyfriend.) Besides, he isn't really her type, regardless of his muscles. She isn't into vain people.
"Sono con lei. (I'm with her.) I admit, you're not my type either. I'm not into folks who are vain enough, to think that the world is theirs." Isabella said.
"Gomen. (Sorry.) But I feel that we're better off as friends. I do hope you'll understand." Megumi then said.
"Sorry big dude, but you're too old for me." Yaya said.
All of whom, felt that in terms of romance, Kong wasn't the guy for dating with, seeing that he looked like he was vain. (That, and Yaya wasn't into muscular guys.)
"Besides, there's someone else that I hope I'll date, once we're done with this journey. Let's just say he is cute in his own way." Isabella said.
Which had Tawna feeling interested in who this 'someone' could be, and if it's her boyfriend.
"He's so funny, so carino, (cute) and hopefully, he may be my knight in shining armor too."
Tawna was smiling, feeling that Isabella might be seeing someone that could be cute, as well as funny, and could save her if she gets recaptured by Cortex or Brio. Kinda like Crash. (Minus the looks of a model, but he didn't need them in her case.)
"Plus, even though he is goofy, he does have a good sense of humor. Enough to leave me ridendo con lui. (Laughing with him.)
Tawna couldn't help but inwardly swoon, feeling that whoever this guy is, he's sorta like Crash in a way, where he does leave her laughing at his antics and… wait a minute.
"And, above all, he would have a big heart for me." Isabella finished.
"I know, that's why he's my boyfriend." Tawna said, referring to Crash. Whom she knew, Isabella could be referring to in her little flirtatious musing.
"Oh, come spero di essere tra le sue braccia. (How I hope to be in his arms.) So strong, yet so tender." She then said, swooning.
"I know. That's why he's my boyfriend." Tawna said again.
"And his physique. He isn't muscular as either of you, but he's still got a mean three pack of steel abdominals."
"I know! That is why he's my boyfriend!" Tawna said impatiently. Much to Crash's confusion.
Which had Isabella's attention as she looked at Tawna in confusion. "Huh? Oh. Right, that is your boyfriend. Scusi. (Sorry.)" She said. "But you have to admit, he is a carino. (Cutie.) Is he free?"
"We're just gonna have to wait and see." Tawna begrudgingly said, glaring annoyed at her.
While Isabella's friends, Coco, and Yaya, looked at them with concern, (Minus both Crash and Polar, both of whom were confused.) hoping that they won't end up fighting each other for Crash.
But that had to wait for later, as Kong wasn't happy that they'd all turn him down, as he felt steaming mad. But he knew he'd better keep his head in the game instead of going berserk. "So be it then. All of you must either stop your journey here, or die! It's go time Tiny!" He then yelled out.
"YEESSS!" He yelled out. Before they then jumped on the circular platforms, while the square platform the gang was on suddenly blinked, signaling that it was about to fall.
After the adrenaline of fear went through their system, they jumped off of the platform and onto the circular platforms, where they quickly started to realize what they should be doing. Which is to hop and jump on the platforms before they get crushed by Tiny and Koala Kong.
Which they all proceeded to do as they avoided them both. After all, they may be athletic and strong by themselves, but none of them (Other than Ami. Possibly.) was as strong as Koala Kong, or Tiny Tiger.
And even if any of them was strong enough, the platforms that they were jumping on was not a good place to fight them on. Especially since they would possibly use their strength to merely push them off.
Not that it was going to stop Yaya though, as she decided to jump towards Koala Kong before engaging in Kung Fu against him. Pretty much kicking him all over his body and his muscles.
However, other than his face, it felt like she was kicking a bronze statue, due to his muscular body. And despite the pain of getting kicked in the face, Kong ended up withstanding the hits. "That the best you can do, Panda?" Kong said cockily.
After a brief moment of shock from Yaya, and when Ami tried to interfere on her behalf, she ended up getting socked across the room. It felt like a truck just rammed her as she was flying across the room. Thankfully, she got saved by Tawna, who caught her in midair. "Gotcha! Are you okay?" She asked concerned.
Especially since she happened to have a nosebleed from the hit. As well as a fist sized bruise on the right side of her face, as she looked like she had stars floating around her head. "No thanks… momma. I'll just take the Piña Colada." Yaya said, feeling out of it because of Kong's punch.
"WAAAAAHHHH!"
Then they saw Ami, who was also flying across the room when Kong sucker punched her when she briefly got distracted by Yaya's save by Tawna's hands. Thankfully, she was caught by both Isabella and Megumi as she too had to shake the stars out of her vision. All while Yaya continued to babble in Tawna's arms.
Nevertheless, she did feel okay enough to go, although Tawna had to carry her for a minute until the stars were out of her sight, as she kept on bounding away from Kong, alongside Crash and Coco as he tried to crush her under his size.
Meanwhile, Ami, Isabella, and Megumi continued to bound on the platforms to get away from Tiny. He was basically like a berserker, charging at them with no plan, no caution, no intelligence. Just rage, was in his mind, and in his eyes as he kept on chasing them on the platforms.
"TINY SMASH BANDICOOTS! TINY SHALL WIN FOR CORTEX!" He yelled out.
Much to the gang's confusion, as they wondered if Cortex actually sent that large tiger/thylacine hybrid against them, or if he's confused, and thought that Brio is Cortex. (Which considering his lack of intelligence, Brio might've tricked him into siding against Cortex by claiming he is Cortex himself.) For now though, they kept on jumping away from the Tiger, and Koala team.
Suddenly, they heard beeping, causing them to look around and then see a platform that was blinking red for a second. Then suddenly, it just dropped like a rock. (Right as Coco was about to jump there, but she was able to stop herself just in the nick of time.)
Which brought an idea to Tawna and the Gang, minus Polar, who was keeping his distance from both Tiny and Kong, and remaining by Crash's side. They can trick both Kong and Tiny into jumping to the falling platform, which could defeat them.
So they had to communicate to each other, that they should get ready to trick them into jumping when they have the opportunity. All while Tawna made sure to stay close to Crash to quietly tell him what to do against Koala Kong and Tiny. Although she too has an idea on what to do against Kong too.
And what's better, is that the platform that fell rose back up. Which is also good as they can still have breathing room in fighting against Koala Kong and Tiny. They just needed to keep on hopping on the platforms, and away from where both of them are going to bounce.
Soon, after a minute, there was some beeping, and one of the platforms had red lights near Ami's feet. And Tiny was going for her.
So she quickly hopped onto the platform that was beeping as it started to beep faster, while waiting for Tiny to make it to her, before jumping off of the platform at the nick of time as Tiny jumped her way,
…as the platform dropped.
Tiny flapped his arms like a bird's, trying to fly. "Wha wha wha? WAAAAAAAHHHHHH!" He yelled out as he dropped to the abyss.
'Now' it was just Koala Kong to take down, as he chased Tawna, who was still holding Yaya.
Whom, found another platform that was beeping, signaling to her that it too was going to drop. So she jumped onto it to make Kong try to crush her under his feet.
"Here I come bloke!" He yelled out as he tried to crush Tawna under his feet…
Only to have her dodge him, as the platform dropped under his feet. "OOOOH SON OF A DINGOOOOO!" He yelled out as he fell down too.
Which meant for the Bandicoots, that they might be defeated, and they were going to be celebrating, all while Yaya was able to recover from the punch.
Only for them to have a rude awakening when they heard roaring, causing them to turn to see that Tiny was on the platform that was now rising back up to their level. And he was still out for their blood.
"TINY BACK! TINY CRUSH AGAIN!" He proclaimed as he was followed back up by Koala Kong.
Whom was still ready to fight back too, as they both was bounding on the platforms again.
It was minutes of their bounding, during which, there was some close calls. Like when Isabella and Coco almost lost their balance on one of the platforms so that they won't fall off. All while Kong was headed towards them as they tried to regain her balance.
Thankfully, they jumped to another platform that was to their diagonal sides, and barely got to them as they had to pull themselves up. Now they kept on jumping on the platforms, and away from Kong and Tiny.
Which wasn't too hard, since they were muscular, which had them becoming slow in jumping around due to their top heavy strength. (Not to say that their legs weren't strong, otherwise they'd break like glass under their weight.) Which provided enough seconds for the Bandicoots, (And Panda and Polar bear.) to get out of their way before they could crush them, or clobber them.
But they were not slow either, as it took them under ten seconds to jump to the fifth platform in their path. So the gang had only some breathing room against both of them.
"Come back 'ere! There's no fun in chasin ya if I'll neva catch ya." Kong said.
"WHAT KONG SAID! COME TO TINY!" Tiny yelled out.
The gang ignored their demands as they kept on jumping away from them. Until they heard beeping. Which they knew what to do again.
They lured Kong to the next platform that was beeping, ready to trick him again into falling again, before Tiny would go next.
They just hoped that Kong would be stupid enough to get tricked into going onto the beeping platform again.
Thankfully, Yaya had an idea. "Hey Kong! You're uglier than a slug!" "Even a bulldog can outdo you in a beauty contest!" Were the insults that she used to see if they'll provoke him.
"I'M NOT UGLY!" He yelled out enraged, trying to clobber Yaya as he chased her.
Right as she wanted, as she got onto the platform that was beeping faster, before hopping off as Kong jumped to where she was.
"NOT AGAAAAIN!" He yelled out as he fell down.
Which so far, left Tiny as the only one to let drop, and hope that he won't rise back up again. So Crash and Coco proceeded to lure Tiny to another platform that started to beep when the one Kong was on dropped.
Thankfully, Tiny was also not the brightest bulb in the shed, as he too plummeted into the bottom. "AAAAAAAHHHHHH!" He roared out.
Unfortunately, he and Kong rose back up on the platforms, and they still seemed to be ready to fight once again. The gang hoped that this would be the last round as they had to hop away again.
Thankfully, they quickly heard beeping from some platforms that they were jumping near, so they felt that Tiny could be stupid enough to fall for it a third time, and they hoped that it would be the last phase of the fight.
So they proceeded to once again, trick Tiny into falling onto the platform that was glowing red. "Tiny! Watch out for the red glowing platforms! They're the ones that drops!" Kong warned Tiny.
Who, despite his unintelligence, obeyed as he got cautious of his surroundings while making sure that he continues his pursuit of the Bandicoots. All while Koala Kong was now close by Tiny as they both were now jumping around, looking out for any red beeping platforms.
The Gang was now in trouble as they were fighting against both of them, and they seem to be onto them for their tricks.
Not even Yaya's insults could get the rise that they needed out of Koala Kong, as he ignored the insults as he just kept on chasing after Crash and Tawna. While Tiny kept on chasing the rest of the gang.
Suddenly after a few minutes, there was beeping, and one of the platforms that beeped, was the one that Tiny was jumping towards. And he was on the verge of jumping off of the Platform, just seconds before it drops. Which is why, they all had to have an idea to use against Tiny to make sure that he stays on the platform when it falls.
Tawna tried to think of one as she kept on jumping away from Kong, when Kong suddenly bounded faster than last time. Which was fast enough to catch up to Tawna, as she tried to jump away.
"TAWNA, BEHIND YOU!" Coco proclaimed.
As she tried to turn though, Kong made it to her platform to try to clobber her, only for him to accidentally launch her upwards into the air as she tried to jump to another platform to her top right.
"WHOAAAAA!" Tawna yelled as she sailed through the air, as she was sent flying into the direction of Tiny. Something that Kong didn't really plan to do, but he felt that it'll do since his teammate would do the honors and clobber her for him.
Unfortunately for Kong, Tawna had a quick idea after remembering what this certain 'Italian Plumber' also does. So she ended up doing a front flip as her body sailed towards Tiny as he was ready to jump, when he noticed Tawna headed towards him.
Then in his view, everything went black when he felt something landing on the upper part of his face. Which was enough to stun him as he stood in place for a bit.
While in the gang's view, they were gawking at what they saw happen. (Minus Polar again, who was confused.) Which was Tawna, proceeding to butt stomp Tiny in his face. Which was enough to stun him as he stood on the platform that was beeping below him. Yet he was able to stand in place due to his strength.
Even Kong was looking on in shock and stunned surprise at what just happened. He didn't see that butt stomp move coming.
Soon, the platform beeped faster, as Tawna quickly jumped off of Tiny, and onto the platfrom that Crash was on after grabbing onto the ledge, as Tiny fell with the platform he was on as he roared during his fall. While Tawna was then pulled up by Crash, who was then given a kiss from Tawna. (While Isabella looked on in envy.)
Now it was just Koala Kong left.
Who was now on the square platform that was just floating back upwards, as all of the circular platforms was now beeping, which they all noticed as they now scrambled their way onto the square platform that Koala Kong was on. They felt that they were going to fall and die here.
Thankfully though, they made it to the square platform in the nick of time. Now it seemed that they have to fight Kong up close in the platform that looked like a boxing ring. (Without the ropes that is.)
"If Tiny was still 'ere, this would've been a piece of cake to kill you all with our might!" Kong said, flexing his muscles. "If you all wanna live, then hand 'em ova, or I'll crush you all with me bare hands." He then said, feeling confident that he could take down the entire gang.
Ami though, begged to differ, as she stepped forward and got into a boxer's stance. "If you wanna kill us, you'll have to go through me."
Kong felt like laughing, yet he felt like tipping his hat to her for being gutsy enough to challenge him. "So be it then. It is go time!" He challenged as he got ready to fight her.
Ami though, was quite a good fighter in her own right as she was able to dodge and weave around his punches, while giving her own to his face, regardless of his attempts to clobber her with his own fists.
Even though she did have some close calls, as she nearly suffered a bunny punch from him, but she dodge in the nick of time. Even though the gang cringed when they saw that his fist was briefly covered in flames.
Despite his attempts, Ami was still too fast for him. And he felt fatigue due to his jumping around on the platforms alongside Tiny.
And after a few minutes, he was now at Ami's mercy as she was able to hit him towards the edge.
"This is for the sucker punch!" Ami spoke out as she gave Kong the right hook.
Which was the knockout blow, as he took the blow to his cheek, before wobbling and leaning around, before he then fell down, following Tiny into the seemingly bottomless pit below.
Now it was just the gang that was in the room, as they proceeded to celebrate Tiny and Kong's defeat, and their survival, as they jumped around on the square platform, while hugging each other.
Even Tawna and Isabella was shaking their hands for a job well done in defeating both of them. Although they silently glared, with Isabella feeling determined to put Crash into her bosom, while Tawna was determined to remain by Crash's side, by the time their journey ends.
Pretty soon, they were now teleported back to the Warp Room, ready to run again.
Little did they know though, there was a figure around the corner who watched the whole battle. And she was giggling at the sight of the aftermath of the battle's end.
"Hehehehehehehehe! That was so fun. And they were so cool." She mused in her giggling.
She then scanned around the room as the platforms got back up to her level, showing that an unconscious Tiny and Kong was laying on them. Then she proceeded to grapple them with her 'grappling hook hands' as she then yanked them to her direction, before retracting them back to the doorway, and the safe ground that she stood on.
"It's too bad though. If they weren't Brio's foes, they would've been my friends. Especially that little Bandicutie." She then mused as she was dragging both of them back to Brio's sanctuary.
And done.
Here's another chapter to N-sane and retold.
And yes, there are signs that there's going to be a temporary rivalry between Isabella and Tawna. But I can assure you all, that there won't be any moments where either side would look like too much of a jerk throughout their squabble for Crash.
As for who the girl was at the end, she's coming soon, and she's going to make appearances, she just isn't showing herself to the Bandicoots just yet. And which 'Bandicutie' was she referring to? You'll all find out when she shows herself.
Finally one more thing.
I hope that you enjoyed the chapter,
please give constructive criticism, just don't be rude,
do not forget to read and review,
hope you all stay safe,
and once again, I do not own Crash Bandicoot, it was created by Naughty dog, and is owned by Activision and Vicarious visions. Please support the official releases.
Theodore the poet signing out.