Here's a brief Q and A for this Chapter.
sonicflash78: Yes, I'm doing a Warped continuation. Be sure to expect an edit to the title, and summary, once I begin the Warped arc.
Guest #1: And here's the ending.
Guest #2: Thank you for the Praise for the chapter. And thank you for the praise for Tawna, and Crash. As well as for Isabella's character in this.
Sirrah K: I understand your disagreement towards the jet packs. Even though I was just writing it like how these characters would interact with them, that time. And I'm certain that they'd have fun, unlike us. (In my opinion though, I didn't think the jetpacks were that bad in CSB, especially in N sane trilogy.)
Also, what I mean to say with that sentence that I didn't finish, would be "He doesn't know if he'd like her as more than a friend later on though, since he still has Tawna, and he still loves her too much to let Isabella take him from her." which I have edited in after reading your review.
Also, thank you for the praise for the final boss. I made sure that it wouldn't end like how it did in the game, and I think I succeeded.
Disclaimer: Crash Bandicoot was created by Naughty Dog, and is owned by Activision and Vicarious Visions and Toys for Bob. Please support the official releases.
Meanwhile...
"But until the outcome is over with, how about we grab the last Gems from this place? It is the last one is it not?" Brio asked after sending Tawna, and Crash off to fight Neo Cortex.
The gang nodded after they were asked that. Much to Brio's delight.
"There may also be the last power Crystal, but at this point, Cortex should be unable to use it for his gains. So go ahead and collect it if you like." Brio said, confident that Cortex would be beaten by Crash, and Tawna.
The gang nodded in agreement to Brio. Even though they had something to say to him. "We're sorry that we didn't listen when you told us not to gather the Crystals for him." Ami said.
"Gomen. (Sorry.)" Megumi said.
"I humbly apologize." Liz said, alongside Isabella.
"No need. At least Cortex is unable to be given those Crystals, thanks to Coco. Now he's going to have to fight for those things, which is one, that I doubt he's going to win." Brio responded.
"Now it's time to make up for it, by grabbing the last Gem from that portal." Brio responded. "And I apologize for the attempt on your lives. Like I said, I did what I had to do."
The gang went around to forgive him, before some of them jumped into the portal to Spaced Out. Them being Coco, Nina, Yaya, Ami, and Isabella. While Liz, Megumi, Polar, and Pasadena stayed in the room to babysit Polar, and to keep Brio safe. Just in case.
Once they were in the level, they saw that it looked similar to the Piston It Away level, in that it looked like a sci fi level with boilers, with pistons, and robots.
But there was a difference that was major.
Which is when they saw a glowing blue Gem platform that Coco caught alongside Nina. "Hey look! I wonder why it took this long to have the Blue Gem platform appear?" Coco asked.
"Beats me. But it seems that it's where we're getting the last Gem for this journey that isn't a box Gem. Which is nice for Brio." Ami said. "It seems like it's going to be a hard one though. So who's gonna take that challenge on?"
"I'll do it. Just so that I'll gain that Gem for us, and Brio." Coco said.
"I'm going to! Just to make sure that I can protect you from whatever that last challenge throws at us!" Nina said, willing to join her as she hugged Coco close to her.
Yaya suddenly followed suit. "I'll go too! I'm not gonna leave my best friends to fend for themselves!" She then said, keeping close to both Nina, and Coco.
Neither Ami, or Isabella argued against it. And neither did Coco, as she was touched that both Yaya, and Nina was joining her in the route, regardless of her wanting to go it alone. But she knew that they might not be so willing to let her go. So she just gave, and let them follow her to the Gem platform.
Which was where they floated away from the normal route that both Ami, and Isabella was taking for the box Gem, and Crystal.
Once they were at the end of the ride on the blue Gem platform, they were in a path where there was both the electric robots that was somehow floating in the air, and the pistons. Which looked pretty dangerous when paired up with each other, since not only would the pistons try to crush them, but they would also block them from getting to the other side of the gaps when they try to use the bots as bouncing pads to bounce them to the other side.
Which would be a death sentence since they have nothing to jump on, to save them from falling to the bottomless pit below them.
Which was an intimidating look for the path that they're taking, but they were not stopping there, as they had to time their jumps with not only with the electric bot's shocking tentacles, but also the piston that they were waiting until it rises upwards to jump to the other side without it blocking them.
Even though, it was unnecessary for half of that, at least for Nina, as she continued to swing herself, and Coco to the other side, before doing the same thing for Yaya, all while making sure to avoid the pistons themselves. As well as the electric bots. Which happened only a few times since it wasn't a long path they took, until they found a green Gem platform.
"Wow! Another Gem Platform!" Yaya said, interested in seeing where the next one would take them.
"So this is what the colored Gems that my brother, and Tawna collected, becomes once we gain them. I hope I can find some more of them if I am able to." Coco said, knowing their capabilities.
"I'm sure there are more Gems where these came from. And I'm sure you can grab more of them on your next journey! That is, if you're gonna go on one later on!" Yaya said, feeling that Coco could be an adventurous Bandicoot.
Which, she was, but she needed a home to return to when her journey is done though. And the one on the Wumpa Islands was a good home that she could ask for. Especially since she lived with her brother, and Tawna.
Both of whom, she hoped, and believed, that they could beat Cortex, and come back to them, feeling okay at best.
For now though, they just took the green Gem platform. Which merely levitated them to the other side of the gap to another route. Where they saw the shrink ray hazards, as well as the robot with the glowing hot pipes around the top. Which it was using as protection, just in case they would try to spin the robot away.
But they knew better, as Coco merely slide kicked the robot, while she, and both Yaya, and Nina, avoided the shrink traps due to how slow the bolt shot out to the floor. At least, slower than their slide kicking.
They then proceeded onwards, jumping and avoiding the shrink ray bolts on the other buttons, before coming across a single piston on the section they were on, which they avoided, and jumped to the next section to destroy the electric bot that tried to shock them, before going onwards through the short path to find a yellow Gem platform.
It seemed to them, that the colored Gem platforms was carrying them throughout the route that they're taking, like this is what they would be used for if they found all of them, and gathered them in their inventory. It was like they were going to uncover a secret item that they would gain in gaining them all. But could it be some new Gem that Brio could use?
Or could it be just another regular Gem… that Brio could use? Either way, its the last Gem that they would grab, that isn't a box Gem that Ami, and Isabella was going to grab in the normal route.
When they took the yellow Gem platform, it just levitated them upwards to where another piston was, as well as some unblocked space on the platform. And beyond that was a floating platform that levitated left and right.
They didn't question how the platform was levitating left and right, they just took the platform after making sure that the piston wasn't going to crush them.
"I guess that piston's attempt fell 'flat'." Coco said, unable to resist making a pun.
Which had both Nina, and Yaya laughing when they got the joke. Which was unlike both Aku Aku's, and Crash's reaction to her pun about getting flattened, back in the Snow Biz level. Much to her delight as she joined in on the giggling that both of them were doing.
Once they were done with the giggles, they continued onwards with nothing getting in their way.
Which was where after clearing the last Piston, they saw a red Gem platform, which they took, to levitate them to another path, where they saw some lab assistant minions with door shields, like back in Piston It Away. Only there was also some pressure buttons for the shrink rays as well. Which they avoided as Yaya kicked one of the lab assistants into the gap, and into his doom.
Same could be said for the other lab assistant, as Coco spun him to his doom, before they all were grinning at each other when they saw a purple Gem platform, seeing that they seem to be near the end of the route that they were on.
Sure enough, once they took the purple Gem platform, they were levitated to a short path, leading to an exit door, which looked like they were at an alternate exit to the level that they were at. Which they entered, and saw that it was indeed an alternate exit chamber that they were in, and there was a grey Gem that was inside of the chamber.
They all doubted that it could be a box Gem, as there could be one in the normal exit of the level that both Ami, and Isabella could be headed towards once the boxes were destroyed.
"Well, this is it girls. We're near the end of our journey. And soon, we could be on the Islands that your brother, his girlfriend, and you, my bandicutie, are on, and they could be our new home." Nina said smiling.
"Right on!" Yaya said, also smiling alongside Nina, and Coco.
Even though hers looked a little bit uncomfortable.
"How about we leave this place with the next to last Gem?" Yaya said, ready to leave the level.
Coco though, was going to stay. "Why don't you both go on ahead. I've gotta make sure that Isabella, and Ami are going to leave this place in one piece." She said.
"Why though? Aren't you sure that both of them can take care of themselves?" Yaya asked, knowing that Isabella was a bit of a brawler if push comes to shove, as her near fight with Tawna, and what she called herself, was any indication, while Ami was a strong Bandicoot herself.
"I am sure. But it pays to be safe. Trust me. I'll meet you on the islands." Coco said.
Even though both Yaya, and Nina was wondering why she wanted to stay, they didn't stop her. "Okay. Just be careful. And likewise." Yaya said. As she got the Gem, and got teleported out of the level with Nina in tow. (After she kissed Coco that is, making her blush.)
Little did they know though, Coco was sighing in relief as she walked back out of the chamber, before reopening her laptop. "Thank goodness they still bought it. Now to make sure that Tawna, and big brother will be alright." She said to herself, as she hacked into a camera to see how their fight against Cortex was going.
Which was when she saw them both fighting Cortex, while piloting their own mechs, while Cortex was in his own, which was bigger than theirs. Much to her surprise, at how much of a fight that Cortex was giving to them.
She initially wondered how the pair got mech's, but she felt that Brio might've given them those mechs.
Then she noticed that one of them was flying a bit funny, the one being Tawna's mech, as the then noticed how pretty damaged the right leg's hydraulic was. Which left her nervous at what she saw. But she saw that neither of them were in a losing battle.
"Crash! Tawna! Can you both hear me?! All of us is rooting for you! Keep going, and give him trouble!" She said, into her laptop's mic, feeling that it wouldn't hurt to express her support for them if it'll help them win.
Sure enough, after some flying around, and after some dodging of the homing mines that Cortex shot at them, leading to them using the mines against him, before destroying the mech with well placed shots, Coco smiled when she saw both Bandicoots surviving the battle intact.
Which was much to her relief, as she felt that her work was done. Before she suddenly saw both Ami, and Isabella.
Both of whom were also at the end of the level, near the exit chamber's door at the end of the normal route, with a Crystal in Isabella's hand, when they saw Coco. "Hey Coco! How ya doin?! Where's Yaya, and Nina?" Ami asked loudly across the gap.
"They're back in the Warp Room! I was going to make sure that both of you were gonna be alright, which is why I'm still here!" Coco yelled back.
"Well thanks for your concern!" Ami responded. "We're fine now though! Just went through a lot in here, but we're good!" She said, having been through what she could describe as the Piston It Away level only a little more harder, what with more of the electic bots, lab assistants, hot pipe bots, and even the pistons that hindered them. "Ya comin back with us?!"
"I need to do something first! But I'll meet you back on the islands once I'm done!" Coco said back.
As curious as both of them were at what Coco needed to do first, they didn't ask as they accepted her answer as they entered the exit chamber for the final Gem, and to the exit.
Neither of them knew though, that Coco was sighing in relief, as she was smiling. "Okay. I think my work here's done." She said, getting back on her laptop to type some more.
Then once she was done typing, a globe suddenly appeared next to her, before she then entered the globe, and mysteriously vanished.
Back in the Warp Room, the gang, minus Tawna, and Crash, was looking around at the now finished Portals that had all of the slots filled with the Crystals, and the Gems in their place. Much to Brio's joy at the sight.
"How incredible! A-And, delightful! Now, C-Cortex, has been beaten, a-and the G-Gems are fully gathered, I am so proud of you all, regardless of what C-C-Cortex has nearly made you all do." Brio said.
"What now then? Ami asked.
"N-now, I can get my revenge on C-C-Cortex! A-and to let you know, the Crystals aren't the only one that can harness powerful energy of the planet. G-Gems have that ability too. And with t-them, I can finally shoot my laser at the Cortex Vortex, and his Space Station!" Brio said happily.
"Right n-now though, it's time to get t-the ones that m-made this j-journey's end possible!" Brio then said, typing into his remote, knowing of Crash, and Tawna's victory against Cortex.
Soon, Crash, and Tawna, was back in the Warp Room, safe and sound, if a bit hurt. Particularly with Tawna's leg, which happened to have a burning hole on it, that had the diameter of a cork from a wine bottle. But it looked like it could heal with some medical help.
"Hey guys. We did it! Cortex is no more." Tawna said, smiling at them.
Which they returned with their smiles, regardless of their concern for Tawna, especially when they look at her wounds, particularly her leg wound, that happened to have left her currently unable to walk, as Ami, Crash, and Isabella helped her walk.
"And I give you thanks for that. And for the Gems. Now my preparations for my laser is underway, and within minutes, Cortex and his Space Station will be no more. But for now, let me reward you all with something that I doubt Cortex would give you Bandicoots." Brio said.
"You're giving us a way back to our island home? And with our new friends?" Tawna asked.
"Yes. You see, after what you've all done for me, I'm going to keep my word to all of you. But for them though," He said, referring to the Bandicoot girls, Opossum, and Nina. "I wonder if they want to see what your home looks like."
"Of course we do! After all, it's our new home!" Ami said, with her friends in agreement, hoping that Brio isn't going to force them to come back to his side.
Which at this point, he feels that they would be free, and on the Wumpa islands. And there'd be nothing he can do about it at this point.
After all, he knew that regardless of his intentions, they would be just as pissed at him, as they were towards Cortex, and he won't be able to talk them down, or back to his side.
"So be it then." He then said annoyed. "Once you all return to the basement room where you all collected the secret Gems, you shall see that one of the inactive portals, is now open. That's the portal that shall send you all back to the very island where your home is." He then said, typing into his remote calculator. "Now go! And I'll be sure to call you guys back to me, once my laser is complete."
The gang obliged, and took the elevator disc platform down to the basement one by one, (While taking the jet board that Crash left in the third Room, since there was no more river levels.) until they got to the bottom, where indeed, the inactive gate in the basement was activated. And they were now jumping into the portal, where they're sure it would send them back home.
Once the white light faded from their vision, they looked around at their surroundings, with Tawna, and Crash smiling, seeing that they were indeed back on the Wumpa islands, and not too far from their home. "Home sweet home." Tawna said to Crash. Who smiled at the house in their sight.
"That's what your home looks like?" Isabella asked.
"Of course it is. It's not much, but it's our home nonetheless." Tawna said, now being assisted with her walking by Crash as the Bandicoot girls looked at the house curiously, alongside Nina, Pasadena, and Polar.
"I expected that there'd be nothing special about your house, but I didn't expect that this would look this average." Liz said.
"No kidding. No offence." Ami said.
"None taken. We were actually doing some improving for our house during our time here, to where we were adding a bathroom, attic, a basement for Coco to tinker in, and even a garage, just in case we get some vehicles." Tawna said, feeling interested in cruising through the jungles of the island on a cart, or even a motorcycle. (Despite the fact that Crash sometimes rode on some hogs to travel on the island for fun, or for something else. It's too bad he hasn't tamed any of them. Not that she plans on riding on one though.)
"And it seems that we're getting a house of our own? As long as it's nice, then I don't mind waiting." Liz said.
"Neither do I. Especially if my Bandicutie is gonna visit me there often to go swimming with me." She said, skipping merrily.
While the gang ended up coming close to the house, where Nina ended up entering the house first, expecting Coco to be inside, much to her excitement as she merrily skipped. "Oh, Bandicutie! Nina's here!" She loudly, and excitedly announced once inside.
*BANG!*
A loud noise, sounding like a cannon, was made inside the house, along with the noise of falling down after some silly sounding moans was made too. Which startled the hell out of the gang. Before they all entered the house in single file.
Where they saw the interior of the house, which looked exactly like it was when Crash, Tawna, and Coco last left it. And it looked pretty clean, other than the fact that Nina happened to be laying haphazardly near the wall with swirls in her eyes, a goofy stunned smile on her face, and tweeting birds flying around a smoking bump on her head.
And there was Coco in the house, who was catching her breath, likely from being startled by Nina's entrance as one of her shoes was also steaming a bit. Until she looked at Crash, and Tawna. "Crash? Tawna?" She asked surprised.
Tawna, and Crash waved back at her in greeting, before they both got glomped by Coco as they all fell down on the floor. "I'm so glad that you're both okay! I saw the whole battle on their camera, and I thought that you both would be goners at some points! Thank goodness that you both have won the battle!" Coco said happily.
"Thank goodness indeed. After what you've told us about what he was planning, I knew that he needed to be stopped. Otherwise we would've made a mistake." Tawna said.
"That's… an understatement. But I'm so glad that both of you were able to undo that mistake before it could get any worse. And now you're both back." Coco said, happy to see them again, regardless of their wounds.
As was both Tawna, and Crash, as they hugged her back, feeling glad to be back to her side, and back home with her. And while they ended up having new friends in the Bandicoot girls, as well as Yaya, Pasadena, and Nina, as well. "It's nice to be here again." Tawna said.
"Dit noice dindee." Crash gibbered.
"Especially with us here too. I have to say, this place does look good enough to stay in." Liz said, looking around at the interior of the house alongside the rest of the girls.
That was when Coco noticed the girls that was also in the house. Which had her smiling at them awkwardly. "Thanks?" She said. "Who are they?" She suddenly asked Tawna.
The question caught them off guard as they were surprised at the question. "Coco, you know them. We were on a journey with them, together." Tawna said, sitting on the bed while telling Crash to get the first aid kit.
Coco just felt more confused in response. "We were journeying together?"
"Yeah. And you were there to help save us from Brio's helmets, alongside your brother, and Tawna, when he sent us after you folks. Don't you remember?" Ami said, also feeling confused.
"Also, you helped in freeing me from Pinstripe's cage when I got captured." Yaya then said.
"I did? But I was here on this island this whole time. I was hacking into Cortex's computer mainframe, to see what he was planning, that had you both involved, while keeping tabs on you both through his hologram cameras. And then I saw his plan, then told you the news, then saw my brother, and Tawna fighting Cortex. Why was I supposed to remember being there? Let alone know who you all are?" She asked.
The gang was both confused, and surprised at her response. Crash, and Tawna, was sure that she joined them when it was just them, before Isabella's rescue. And the girls were sure that she was there to help save them all from Brio's helmets. So why did she not remember them?
Which was where they got surprised, when they realized that she probably wasn't with them this entire time, and instead, she was here on the island. Which begged the question.
Who was the Coco that they were with? And was she a clone? Or an Imposter?
"So what you're saying, is that you were here this whole time, hacking into Cortex's database? And the messages, they were from you?" Tawna asked, getting her leg nursed by Crash.
"Yes. They were from me. And I was hoping that you'd both make it back, safe and sound. Thank goodness my hope was answered." Coco said, feeling glad that they were back, regardless of Crash, and Tawna's wounds, particularly her wound on her knee that he was bandaging up along with her other wounds.
"It wasn't easy to get in his database for the plan though, considering my laptop's battery power." She said annoyed, mainly towards her laptop's defective battery, and not towards Crash, and Tawna. "And his system's security was strong, but I had some help from someone who's probably from China, considering the language that I had to translate with the translation software. But it took me like an hour, and the translation wasn't perfect." She then said, before showing them the message on her laptop, that was plugged into her wall for power. (With the cords looking like they were built just a few minutes ago.)
Which was written entirely in Chinese. While only the P.S sections at the end, were the only sentences in English.
All of the gang couldn't make out what it was saying, especially since Megumi knows English, and Japanese. But Chinese has shockingly little similarities in terms of words, as well as dialect. Which left all of the gang wondering what it said.
Or to be precise, all but one of the gang. The one, being Yaya. Who prepared herself for reading the message out loud to them.
"It says, 'Dear Coco.
If you're able to read this, then you should know that your big brother, and your sister figure, is okay, and they'll be intact by the time their journey ends. And I'm making sure of that, by the end of their journey too. Also, don't worry, this isn't a message from a villain, just someone who just wants to help someone like your brother, and big sister figure, from the future, just to see what their journey would be like with me by their side, simply cause this journey could've been quite hard without me helping out. Also, I would like to let you know, that there are some surprises coming your way once they're done.
'The main one being that there's going to be four girls whom are just like Tawna, who are going to be coming to your Island, as well as a Polar bear cub that your brother has adopted, and a Panda girl.' "That's me!" She said, before continuing. 'There's also someone else that's gonna be on your island, and I'm certain, that she's gonna be another friend, regardless of her relation to the villainous scientist that kept you prisoner a year ago. And I beg of you, don't spurn her away from your home because of it, and if she gets clingy, because she had it rough in her life before meeting your brother, and his friends. I just know that she would be a great friend for you, and your big brother and sister figure, as well as your new friends.
Especially, since she's a kind girl, regardless of having been sent to an evil academy by her uncle, until getting busted out by Brio, then siding with your big brother's crew.
Finally, there's going to be a gift for you, courtesy of another scientist, whom fought against Cortex. Think of it as his atoning gift for what he could've done to your brother. And let's just say, that you're going to like this gift. Regardless of the fact that he's still a villain.
I just hope that you can bear having some new friends staying at your house for a little while, until a new home is made.
Sincerely anonymous.'
"P.S, there's another message that's gonna be sent to you, that is connected to this one, if you're curious as to who I am, as well as why I sent this, and don't worry, it's in English. But don't read it until your brother, and your big sister figure is back with their new friends." Yaya read, noticing that there was indeed another message that got sent to the laptop just recently.
"P.P.S, if you're wondering why this message is in Chinese, it's so that Cortex won't be able to read it, should he intercept this message. And I'm certain that he's unable to have it translated with the software that he had in his Space Station." Yaya finished reading out.
Which left the gang impressed, that even though Yaya spoke perfect English, complete with the accent, she shown them that she still knows how to speak, and read her native language. (Panda's are supposed to be from China after all.)
"Wow. Are you from China?" Coco asked, surprised, and impressed.
"Of course I am. I was born there after all. By the way, name's Yaya Panda." She said, holding out her hand for a handshake.
Which Coco gave her, feeling like she was going to be best friends with Yaya in the near future. "Nice to meet you. I'm Coco Bandicoot." She said.
Then the Bandicoot girls proceeded to reintroduce themselves to Coco, feeling convinced that they were travelling with a different Coco, whom wasn't the one that they're talking to. With Polar being introduced to her as he got petted by Coco. Whom felt that he would make a nice pet. She just needs to find a way to help Polar speak to them.
And with Pasadena being the last to do so.
Then there was Nina, who was recovering from her unconsciousness, as she got back up. "What happened? What'd I do?" She asked a little loopy.
"And that would be Nina Cortex. Niece to Neo Cortex himself. But don't worry, she's a friend of ours." Tawna said to Coco.
Who remembered what the message might've been referring to, when it told her of who the other friend was, who was related to the scientist that she realized was Neo Cortex, concerning the lower case 'n' on her head. And she was quickly apologetic at what she's done to Nina as she hugged her. "I'm sorry Nina. I thought you were an intruder that was trying to kill me for Cortex. I didn't know it was you." Coco said, hugging Nina.
Who returned with her own hug to her, while making sure to use her arms for it, and not her robotic hands. "Tis alright, bandicutie, Nina shouldn't have barged in." She responded. Startling Coco at the nickname, but she didn't protest.
"Now that the introductions are over, mind if I let you read the new message?" Yaya asked, showing Coco the message.
Which she proceeded to open up to read.
"Dear friends of mine.
If you're reading this, you've probably found out that the Coco that you're with, happens to be confused, and seems to have no remembrance of her journey with you guys. Well I have an explanation for this. You see, she was indeed on this island the whole time.
While the Coco you all were with, is from the future. And I am her." The message said, shocking the gang.
Meanwhile…
Coco was back at her laboratory in her home, as she was walking her way to a little chamber that was near a machine. All while her message kept on being read.
"Or to be precise, I'm from the future of my timeline, where we end up losing touch with our dimension's Tawna shortly after we were rescued by big brother, for unknown reasons. And to this day, I didn't know where she is, or why she's gone.
Not that it bothered us too much, as my brother didn't show much sadness. Especially since we're sure that she isn't in danger, or worse. And that she would eventually come back.
But mainly, if you're expecting me to say that the future that we're in was bad, don't worry. It's not as bad as you think. We're living life peacefully, now that our dimension's Cortex has bitten the dust. Also, there's another Bandicoot in my dimension that is like a strong brother to both of us after we saved him, but I shouldn't say his name yet. After all, he could show up in your timeline in the future."
Coco proceeded to enter the chamber near the machine, before its door closed down. Then the machine near it ended up turning on as it whirred and made plenty of noise as the chamber glowed and turned electric inside of it for a moment, before it then turned off after it was finished. Then the chamber opened up, showing Coco again.
Only she looked different.
She was taller to where she would be around Tawna's height, and she also had a bust that was similar in size to Tawna's, as well as her rear that was similar to Liz's, and she had her hair down, while having a band on the left side of her face that ended in a swirl. And she was now wearing a white short sleeved shirt with blue sleeves, that began on the shoulders, with a pen pocket section to her upper left, and it was short enough to have her baring her midriff, and yellow jean pants that was held up by a black leather belt with a silver buckle holding it together, while also having some grey knee pads, and her shoes were a brownish orange.
"Also, if you're expecting an answer as to why I passed myself off as Coco, if she was able to teleport to you guys, is because I didn't want to, as the movies about time travel, and dimensional travel would say, 'upset the balance of the universe' by outright showing, and telling you guys that I'm from the future. What if I'm bound to fade away, and become unable to exist should I meet myself face to face? What if I inadvertently cause either Brio, or Cortex, to come after my past self, causing me to get captured? What if I accidentally have an enemy following me from my present time, and he gets recruited by either of them, to stop you? I'm certain he'd be too strong to fight against. (Thankfully, nobody that hates me, was chasing me when I got to your timeline.)
And that's just one of the bad things that could happen due to time travel. And unlike a certain scientist who is obsessed with time, (Whom you'll also meet in the future.) I'm obeying that rule of what not to do in the past."
Coco then looked out of the window to the outside to see if there was any changes to her world. Much to her relief, there was little to none.
"And despite me being smart, time travel is quite a dangerous journey for me if I wasn't careful. (Even if I might've gotten a bit reckless at points.) And above all, it's also quite complicated to explain, to where I'm bound to have some trouble with wrapping my head around it, regardless of my genius feats. But the point is, I hope that I succeeded in stopping your journeys from becoming too hard to survive at the very least, let alone completing with both the Crystals, and the Gems gained.
There was some things that I didn't expect to change though, other than the fact that Tawna stayed, and even ventured with my brother on this journey. The major of which, was the other Bandicoot girls, Pinstripe, Koala Kong, and Nina, that was also sent against us by Brio, when it was only Ripper Roo, the Komodo Bros, and Tiny in my timeline.
At least, according to Aku Aku.
I haven't really known for myself if that's actually what happened though, I just stayed on the island too.
And as for why I decided to help you guys in collecting the Crystals, even though Cortex's plan was now exposed, and despite me telling you to collect the Gems for Brio as well, it's because I have some use for them myself. Which is why some of them are now missing from the slots of the Warp room, and from the cube that holds them, as you read this. Which to say the least, on the off chance that Crash, and Tawna would lose, (Which I am glad to see that it didn't happen.) Cortex still wouldn't be able to zap the Earth with his cannon."
Coco then proceeded to unpack the items in her pocket of her jeans, being a few Crystals that she sneakily got off of some of the slots in the Warp Room of Cortex's.
"Try not to worry, as I'm just using them for a good cause. And I'm sure that there's still some Crystals left for you guys. Which should go well with Brio's gift for all of you, and me, of your timeline.
I have hopes that you all may enjoy them. And may we meet again in the future.
Sincerely, Coco."
She proceeded to add them to a power generator in another room, thus charging her machine up, and making the lights in her home bright again, as well as powering up her machine that she was planning on using, much to her delight.
Suddenly, another door opened as someone else entered the lab.
Whom, happened to be an older version of Nina Cortex herself. Whom, unlike the version in the timeline she just left, was more of a moody, and hard glaring young lady, who was wearing a black T shirt with a red tie, and some shorts that was blue, and was wearing a trench coat that exposed her front, and her robotic hands were redesigned to where they were slender, while having some extendable talon-like nails on them, giving her an aura of someone who won't be pushed around. But she was also smiling, showing that she's glad that Coco was back.
"Glad to see you back, bandicutie." She said, hugging Coco.
"Glad to be back, and with my friends too." Coco said, sounding a bit older than she was in her other form. "How's my brother, by the way?"
"He's doing fine. His fiancé's also doing good too." Nina said smiling.
Causing Coco to get surprised. "You mean, she's back? And they got engaged?"
"Yup. That's the gist of it." Nina said with a grin.
Causing Coco to smile. "They were worried sick though. What were you doing?" Nina asked.
"Oh, just helping out my brother's past self in a different timeline that seems to have gotten created due to my meddling. And you're probably not going to believe this, but I met you in there too." She responded.
Nina was surprised. "Me?! I was there? Was I like me before the Academy changed me into this?" She asked, gesturing to herself.
"Kinda. I was told that you were there, but Brio busted you out before you were changed. And now you're with my brother's crew in their dimension. Which is good, since you won't become what you are." Coco said, giving her a hug.
Nina smiled at that. "What you mean, is that I'm not gonna become a bitch at that point?" She whispered into her ear.
"Pretty much. At least, I hope so." Coco whispered back, keeping her hug going as she kissed Nina on the cheek. "Shall I begin with what happened when I got there?"
Nina ended up grinning, feeling interested in what Coco was about to explain to her. "Hit me with your best shot."
Back with the gang, they were looking at the message in surprise at what they read.
As it turns out, it wasn't an imposter, or a clone, that they were journeying with.
"Santo sgombro. (Holy Mackerel.)" Isabella said.
"You said it Bells. What a twist." Ami said, also surprised.
Tawna though, was feeling relieved too. "At least it wasn't an evil imposter that we were with."
The gang agreed as Crash suddenly realized two things.
One: There was still the Jet board that he laid against the wall of the house.
Which he decided to show Coco. Who was surprised to see it, then was smiling at how cool it looked alongside Crash, Tawna, and the Bandicoot girls, as well as Yaya, and Nina, both of whom was also surprised at seeing the board.
Then there was the second thing.
Two: That he still had something in his pockets. So he pulled it out to see that it was the storage box that had the Crystals inside, only they happened to be fewer in number to where they were back to ten, like Coco's message said it would.
Which Tawna also saw alongside the Bandicoot girls, Nina, and Pasadena. "Oh, I forgot that we still have those Crystals! What're we going to do with them now though?!" She asked.
The gang wondered about that, but Coco was grinning at what she saw. Which Tawna noticed. "What are you smiling about Coco?" She asked.
Before Coco could answer though, Coco got a new message on her laptop. This time, it was from Brio.
And it was telling them that his ray is complete, and that they shall expect to be teleported to his laser's location in a few moments, where he'll be making the preparations for its use, now that the Gems are nearly in place.
"Brio? Why did Brio want those Gems? And wasn't Brio with Cortex?" Coco asked.
"It's a long story. But the small part of it, would be that Brio had a falling out with Cortex, and became his enemy around the time that this journey began." Tawna said.
"And he sent all of us after you all, in an attempt to stop you, your brother, and Tawna. But we were all freed by you instead." Isabella said.
"And he kidnapped me from Von Clutch's Motor World to use me to kill you. But ah failed too, thank goodness." Pasadena said relieved.
"And the reason why we gave him the Gems, is because he has a way to destroy Cortex's Space Station. Which, since it was going to do what you said it was, should he have the Crystals… that we could've given him, it would've… well, you know." Ami said ashamed.
Coco wasn't mad in the slightest though. "Don't worry Ami, you didn't know at the time. And he tricked you all into helping him. So it's not entirely on any of you."
That relieved the Bandicoot girls. Before they were suddenly teleported again, like Brio's message said they would.
*Time Skip*
The laser cannon stood tall on the top of a tower that was around the islands, as it was connected to some wires that visually ha into the sky, where it was going to shoot out into space, and end up blasting the Cortex Vortex, in the Space Station.
And by its side, a tower of Gems was made with a podium that held them in place with gravity, as they were ready to be absorbed into the cannon that Brio was ready to charge with them.
"A-Almost got it, a-and the C-Cortex V-Vortex shall be d-d-destroyed, forever!" He said giggling as he typed in the commands into a computer that was near the Cannon that he was about to fire at the Space Station.
Which had the Bandicoot gang, along with Pasadena, Polar, Nina, and even Yaya, smiling at what was going to happen in front of them, since they knew what the Space Station was going to do, so it was leaving them smiling that they get to see that the Space Station is going bye bye.
Especially Nina. Whom, even though she still loved her uncle, she acknowledged that he was still an evil scientist who manipulated her, regardless of his claims that Brio was doing the same thing. Which to be fair, Brio did do that too, when he busted her out of the Academy for help in fighting against her uncle. The Madame of the Academy was an unintelligent sort of lady after all.
But now, it seemed that his days of manipulation is over. And that's even if Cortex isn't in the Space Station, since he'd lose his work inside, leaving him to start over from scratch, or retire from his evil ways. Either way was good for Brio, and herself, as the Gems started to glow.
Which after the preparations were complete, the Gems were sucked into the podium's opening as the cannon was activating.
"We are now ready my f-friends. Now, Crash, would you like to do the h-h-honors?" Brio asked.
Much to Crash's excitement.
Meanwhile, in the doomed Space Station, Cortex and N. Gin was also making preparations for their Cortex Vortex as Cortex was grinning.
The reason why, was because after he lost the battle, he got intercepted by an asteroid that stopped him from flying away from Earth, and his Space Station. Where Cortex was then rescued by N. Gin when he saw how awry the battle has gotten for Cortex.
Which was where he and Cortex discovered that there was a bunch of Power Crystals that was also in the asteroid that Cortex collided with.
And he was happy as he can be at how he found another set of Crystals that he could use to charge up his Vortex cannon, and blast the Earth to enslave the entire Planet, which should include the Bandicoots if they're on Earth.
Cortex was looking down at the Earth, now smiling this time, as N. Gin was working on the computer, preparing the Vortex Cannon to fire at the Planet to consume the minds of all the humans on Earth, until they were his to command. And he was making good progress on the activating, and the charging of the cannon.
"Ready that cannon N. Gin. Soon the world is going to be mine, and my empire is going to be all encompassing, soon enough." He said grinning.
"But Master Cortex, *Wheeze* the asteroid that you've mined for these Crystals, was missing one. This cannon isn't going to consume all of Earth." N. Gin said nervously.
"Even so, almost all of Earth is going to be mine, and the small section is going to be eventually consumed by my empire, and soon, even my rival, and old protégé will be eating his heart out, as he kneels before my magnificence." Cortex said excitedly.
Just as he said that though, a globe portal formed in the room not too far from Cortex, and N. Gin, as they were surprised at the unexpected appearance.
Then they saw someone walking out of the Globe portal. Whom was quite familiar to both of them as they were surprised, in an unpleasant way.
He had had cyan blue skin, looking like it's cold as ice, while he had long eyebrows, and two equally long skinny pike beards on his chin. And he had a build that looked bulky, but it was mainly because of his clothing that looked like he wore some orangish-gold armor, which has plenty of clocks on it, and it covered all of his upper body before stopping at his waist, showing his skinny legs. And the armor was connected to a golden-brown, piston-driven machine that produced smog, and also seems to be obscuring his lab coat. And on his head was tall headgear with a small silver bi-pronged fork on top. And he held a dark grey staff that looked like an oversized tuning Fork.
And both N. Gin, and Cortex recognized him as their acquaintance from the academy days, whom the latter disliked even from that day.
"Oh. Speak of the devil." N. Gin said.
"Hello Dr. Cortex. I see that your experiments has failed you, did they not?" He asked grinning at him. "After all, I would've seen your Bandicoot 'generals' with you if that wasn't the case. All I see is 'Igor's ugly mechanical cousin' near you. And I see that Nitrous Brio isn't here, since he seems to have betrayed you, I presume?"
"Oh, it's you, Doctor Nefarious Tropy. I see that you still happen to look like a mix between that villain from that Disney film in Arabia, and the Genie. Are you here to grant me my wishes?" Neo Cortex asked mockingly.
The scientist known as Tropy, had his grin vanishing as he snarled at the comparison in anger while getting closer to Cortex. "I always hated that movie when it was first made, because of that comparison. But enough of this!"
"Yes indeed! Let's cut to the chase! What are you doing here? And how did you get here?" Cortex asked.
"You continue to underestimate my magnificence, time, and time again. You should know by now that I can appear anywhere through time due to my skill. And I can also appear through space, all due to my time twister. All I needed was this." He said, pulling out a Power Crystal.
Which Cortex proceeded to snag from him as he dashed to the power generator of the Vortex Cannon to add it inside. Much to Tropy's chagrin. "Augh! You miserable little brat in adult skin, give that back!" He angrily said.
"No can do I'm afraid. At least, not until I have zapped the Earth, and bring all of the people in it to my control. That's when I would give it back, after you look on at my victory in taking over the world, and finally kneel to me." He said proudly.
Tropy suddenly started to grin, regardless of his anger, before laughing at what Cortex said, which was much to his own chagrin as he glared at him. "Even as I'm about to take over the world, you still continue to laugh at me?!"
"Yes." Tropy said without shame. "And for good reason this time. As well as why I'm here. You see, as we speak, I predict that Brio has all of the Gems that he needs for his laser cannon that he's going to aim at this Station. And trust me, once it fires, your dreams of world domination is going to blow up in your face, just like this soon to be, floating pile of scrap." Tropy said mockingly.
"But that's impossible! The Bandicoots couldn't have possibly collected the Gems, alongside the Crystals! My share of the minions, as well as those Titans of mine, could've stopped them if they tried!" Cortex said, scared and angry.
"And there's another reason you're about to fail. You have underestimated the Bandicoots, as well as their skill, and their will in saving the world. Whether from you, or this 'force' that you warned them about. And with Brio currently on their side, well, I'm sure that a scientist like you can do the math." He said grinning.
Much to Cortex's horror, and chagrin.
Crash, Coco, and Tawna were smiling, as they soon had their feet over the button on the floor, ready to push it together, as the Bandicoot girls, Pasadena, Polar, Nina, and Yaya also was grinning at the scene alongside Brio.
"Ready guys?" Tawna asked both Coco, and Crash.
"Ready!" Coco said as Crash nodded.
After that, they pressed the floor button, causing the laser to activate as it was now aiming up into the sky in the direction of where the Space Station should be, while it was charging up.
"N. Gin! You must fire this laser! And quickly! Before-" Cortex yelled out.
Only to suddenly see an orangish-yellow beam that popped out of the Earth, startling him. Before it suddenly moved, and went through the Space Station, before disappearing. Causing the Space Station to start splitting apart.
Much to both N. Gin's, and Cortex's horror as they saw that their station was splitting apart, as it made several smaller explosions. "OH NOOO!" Cortex yelled out.
Especially since the Space Station was also starting to break apart into several pieces, with the explosions being made, the cables disconnecting due to being cut from their source, pieces of the Space Station was flying everywhere in space due to the explosions, and the stabilizers were losing power alongside the now badly damaged reactors, as the Vortex laser cannon was violently shaking, showing signs that it was about to explode. Which would end up affecting the rest of the station.
"MOMMY!" N. Gin yelled out like a little girl as he felt that he, Cortex, and N. Tropy was going to die in space. (Which he hoped would also happen to the latter, if Cortex would be happy.)
All while N. Tropy was merely standing around, smiling at the fact that Cortex's plan was crashing down around him. Such a satisfying thing to see, considering his rivalry with Cortex.
All of a sudden, time suddenly stopped, much to both Cortex, and N. Gin's confusion. "What's going on?! What happened?" He asked.
Then he saw that N. Tropy had his time tech on his armor active, due to grasping the Crystal that Cortex stole when it fell out of the machine. And his suit was pausing time. "Considering that you might be in a major pickle, I feel that you have no choice but to consider my offer."
"What offer?" Cortex asked.
"As you can see, your Space Station is falling apart, while you, and N. Gin, are about to die in space. But I can save you both, simply because a certain someone needs you alive. I'm sure you can tell who it is." N. Tropy said.
Cortex was confused at who this 'certain someone' is that needs him alive alongside N. Gin, and why N. Tropy was willing to save him to bring him to it. But he didn't think about it so far.
"You plan to save me?" He asked.
"Only on one condition." N. Tropy said. "You are to swallow your pride, and admit to me that I'm the superior scientist."
Cortex was growling in anger at that proposal, even though it seems to be the only way that he can be saved from his impending doom alongside his Station, and right hand man. But he was feeling prideful to where he wasn't that willing to be saved. "And if I refuse to say it?"
"Then otherwise, I can simply leave you to perish, then say to him that you refused to be part of his little plan, and that you have passed on in space. Which means only I, can execute his little plan for the world, and I would be pleased to bring it to fruition, while you are in the afterlife, shaking your fist in frustration, and regretting having refused my little bargain." Tropy said grinning, feeling like he has power over Cortex, and there would be nothing he can do about it.
All while Cortex was angry, over the fact that indeed, he can do nothing about it. "I'd rather die!" he yelled out.
Something that had Tropy continuing to grin. "Are you sure about that?" He cockily asked as time started to resume going forward, only if in slow motion. Which is what Tropy was doing, as he was confident that Cortex would cave in, and accept his proposal.
Cortex was running around, trying to see if he can find a way to escape from his now collapsing Space Station, as he looked around in the room, hoping to find an escape pod.
Unfortunately for him though, he didn't have any, since he didn't think that he'd end up getting blasted out of space. And by Brio of all people.
N. Gin also was freaking out about his death while Cortex was thinking about it. "P-Please Cortex! Is there something you can do?!" He asked scared.
Cortex wished that there was something that he could do to avoid having to bow to his rival back in the Academy. But his options were running low, and time was starting to get faster as the Space station was collapsing around him.
He could even feel it breaking around his feet. And soon, he and N. Gin would be in space, where they'd both suffocate. And sadly, Tropy would be safe.
"The clock is ticking Cortex. Soon, you'll die. And our superior is going to be counting on me to take over the World. Which would be my pleasure, if I'm being honest." Tropy said, continuing to grin at Cortex's misery as he prepared to leave and go back to his Time twister through his globe portal.
It was minutes of searching, and running around when he felt that there is nothing he can do. He can either let himself die alongside N. Gin in space, or swallow his pride, and let N. Tropy save him.
And he felt that he had no choice, as he really didn't wanna die in space. Let alone in general.
"Okay!" Cortex said, stopping N. Tropy.
"Okay, what?" He then said, expecting what he was about to hear Cortex say.
"You are the superior scientist!" He angrily shouted, trying not to shed tears at how humiliated he felt in telling N. Tropy that.
Which had him grinning. "Then follow me." He said, before walking into the globe portal. Which was where Cortex, and N. Gin both jumped into the portal together, just as time went back to normal, and the Space Station exploded into several pieces.
Which meant that Cortex was still around, and he was going to be coming back someday, little did Brio, and the gang know.
And done.
Here it is my readers, the end of Crash 2 CSB has come. And the aftermath of the end is not far around the corner. And then after that, the beginning of the Warped arc is gonna come underway.
I hope that you all enjoyed this journey of Tawna's and Crash's as they got the Crystals, saved the world, and gained new friends along the way, while also learning that the Coco they were with, was not who they thought she was.
But in fact, she was a future version of Coco from the M.O.M alternate timeline without Tawna, or the Nitro Squad around.
And speaking of the Nitro Squad, they're going to go by the name, as a description of their friendship in the next chapter.
Also, Nina Cortex in that dimension that Coco returns to, is the one who is a jerkass due to her time in the Academy. But she's not a villain anymore, since I imagine that she'd be finished with villainy due to her time in the public school that she went to after the events of Crash of the Titans, which she despises. So I imagine that she'd be joining Crash, and Coco's family, and become their friend, since she doesn't want to lose to them again, and get punished again. (Which might happen, if Toys for Bob, or Beenox, decides to make a sequel to Mind Over Mutant. Which I doubt would happen.) Only in that universe, Cortex bites the dust in the Space Station instead of escaping again.
Also, notice the foreshadowing of who the Bandicoot that other Coco mentioned is. I'm sure you readers know who he is.
And lastly, I like what I've done with Tropy. As well as with that Disney reference, considering what N. Tropy started to remind me of when I think of him. What about you guys?
Finally, one more thing.
I hope that you enjoyed the chapter,
please give constructive criticism, just don't be rude,
And do not forget to read and review,
and once again, I do not own Crash Bandicoot. It is created by Naughty Dog, and is owned by Activision, Vicarious Visions, and Toys for Bob.
Theodore the Poet, signing out.