A/N

Realized this long ago and just wanted you guys to note that back in chapter 13, I said that Natalie was a barista. Well I did further research and found out the correct term is actually bartender, I thought they were the same thing but they're not. Lol. Just wanted to clear up any confusion you guys might have had. If you had any, lol. Sorry about that. :P

Also, fun fact: When I thought of Natalie as Nina's Great Aunt, that's a reference to the ICarly episode IWant My Website Back where Spencer poses as a woman. Quote below:

"But Nevel hasn't seen my Great Aunt Natalie."

"We don't have a Great Aunt Natalie."

"What size dress do you wear?"

"Ten, why?"

Ok. New chapter and destination! Adventure! And we're so close to Crash 4 It's About Time! Come on game!


A Twinsane Wedding

Chapter 18 Proceed With Caution

Propellers spun and the engine sputtered along in the afternoon sky as Cortex's dirigible slowly progressed tword their next destination. Of course with the drama between family members, it was anything but high flying. It was more of a slow, harrowing, tense ride tword his old school. Natalie, with one hand resting on the arm rest, cupped her opposite hand under her chin and gazed out the window tword the sky, feeling quite bored at the momemt. Nina however couldn't keep her excitment about her new found relative contained inside, while Neo on the other hand was trying to do the exact opposite of that. He was trying his hardest and his best to not completely snap before he got home. It wasn't at all good, trying to contain his anger but he wanted to wait out till tomorrow to see Dr. Jacobson, for the third time this week. The therapist had already been surprised by his presence just today, so Cortex could assume he would get a similar scenario tomorrow.

"So is that all you've been up to, since I left? You're still just running a club hangout?" He asked, praying that he wouldn't udder something that would cause another scene (like the one in Moulin Cortex earlier) to surface. Neo already knew that if you couldn't say anything nice then it was better not to say anything at all. There were plenty of things that he wanted to say to his mother but they all fell under the negative rather than the positive category. They probably would only be reciprocated with an insult tword him or an opportunity to try and hit him again. Cortex couldn't even look at her out of the corner of his eye. All he could do at this moment in time was keep his guard up, his head down and Nina close to him.

"Yes, that's pretty much all I've been doing." Was Natalie's only reply before adding in more info about why she chose her new occupation seconds later. "Since I no longer have a husband and the rest of our family, thanks to you, I had to get a normal job. Hung up the circus attire for an apron and pen and became a bartender, it may not be the most entertaining thing in the world but it keeps me working." She almost spoke that entire last sentence through gritted teeth. Natalie Cortex didn't completely hate her job as a bartender but she also didn't love it one hundred percent either. She was somewhere in between the two and she knew from experience that her top priority was that she had to make a living somehow.

"Well, you have a new job and now a great niece to keep you busy for a while." Nina chirped as she transitioned seats to sit next to her aunt, clicking her seatbelt into place after doing so. Her eyes shined bright with happiness, though concern for the current rift between both family members lingered inside her mind. She knew that her uncle came first and foremost. But this was an awesome bonus.

Natalie paused for a second and then smiled at her. There was something about the girl that she couldn't get over but Natalie couldn't think of it at the moment. "That's true."

"Which will also keep you away from me." Neo noted, thinking to himself that this was a good plan. "Nina gets time with you and I get you out of my hair for a while. It's a win win for all three of us." He tried to sound as confident as possible but his brain and his thoughts were running wild throughout his head that he couldn't even bother trying to attempt it. Some thoughts were about his mother and group therapy, others about Crash and a few that were connected to the academy. Those last ones of which he didn't want to surface, for it was just too painful to try to reminisce about. He had enough emotional chaos to sort out already. He was for a second time already, digging back through the circus days only about thirty minutes prior to when they exited the mountain club. Just thinking about some of these was already causing a knot develop in the pit of Cortex's stomach and they weren't even there yet.

This already dramatic filled day continued to drag on and the old stomping grounds of the Academy of Evil would more than likely have Cortex at the end of his rope with everything that was connected to it. More traumatic childhood memories along with an embarrassing nickname (which the students and Madam Amberley herself gave him, following an equally humiliating incident when he was six) that stuck with him for years until Brio's potion mishap got them and N Gin kicked out. Which in retrospect was probably the only good moment in his entire life.

Cortex tried hard to steel his nerves as they pushed onward but he knew it would be anything but easy. Things were never easy on him. He just didn't know how Crash managed every single day to be the overly positive, enthusiastic marsupial that he was, who always went with the flow of things.

Right now, thinking about befriending that orange bandicoot was the least of Cortex's worries. He had bigger problems to face once they landed:

Much bigger (and personal) problems from his past...


Coco wondered just how long she could remain calm and in control. It was going to be tough these next few days or rather hours since she had to return to the N Team when she got the message from the enemy. She very well knew that this was all wrong, what she was doing but at the same time, it also felt so right. Coco swore she could almost feel herself trembling as her stomach did flip flops. As she walked down the hall passing by a photo of the family on way, her eyes met that of her brothers, the recent memory of Cortex's love shrine to Crash came flooding back to her mind.

'I've got to find out the cons.'

The blonde haired bandicoot slowly and quietly tiptoed down the hall, passing a sleeping trio of family pets on the way who were getting their daily nap in. The floorboards creaked under Coco's weight, which gave off a loud squeak and luckily it didn't stir the slumbering creatures she befriended during previous adventures with Crash. She was quick to inhale a sigh of relief, "That was close." Coco uttered under her breath, brushing her hair out of her face before clearing her throat as she made her way tword the hall closet. Slipping inside she quickly shut the door, not wanting to risk being out in the open, lest a family member wanted something, "Bandicoot to cyborg. Bandicoot to cyborg. Are you there?" Coco spoke into the communicators wireless mic. "Do you read me? I repeat, are you there?"

Static feedback came out of the device as a connection was established. "I read you Coco, loud and clear on this end, just adding the finishing touches on lunch. Which is probably dinner at this point. What's up? Cortex isn't even back yet." N Gin reduced the heat on the stove so the sauce wouldn't burn, before giving it another quick stir. N Gin was surprisingly good at multitasking and juggling two things at once, he assumed it came without thinking. The mentally crazed doctor was just as crazy as Crash but not nearly as unstable as Ripper Roo. But him and Roo did however have a love of objects that exploded or detonated.

"I was just curious to know N Gin, what was on the con side of that little list Tropy showed me when I was over there? I was only focusing on the pros. I should've taken both sides into account but I didn't." Coco gave an awkward laugh at that remark.

"Looking at both sides is important." N Gin noted. "Alright, I'll go get the list. Be back in a jiffy." With that said, the cyborg headed through the kitchen door tword N Tropy who was sitting on an armchair in the parlor rubbing his hands together, just imagining the look of embarrassment that would soon be present upon Cortex's face after the serum. Uka Uka floated nearby with an evil smirk drawn upon his face. That would be the highlight of their day.

"Perhaps we should've just asked where Cortex was going. Seriously, he's been gone for over an hour now." Brio observed. As of now, he was lying on his stomach on the couch, his gaze affixed on the wall clock watching the minutes slowly tick by. "You don't think he abandoned the team do you?" The chemists hands were resting under his chin as a yawn escaped him. The time piece clicked away and with each tick, bordem began to heavily settle into the room since the serum was completed earlier in the day before Coco's visit.

"Guys, if he were to abandon the team and I'm still surprised he hasn't resorted to doing that yet, where on Earth would he go?" Tropy questioned, while slowly stroking the small curly beard on his chin, "It's not like he has a family to go home to. Plus, if that "abandon the team thing" were to happen, don't you think he would've left us years ago after the Time Twister incident?" When it came to the thought of who was the weak link in the N Teams chain, nobody could argue that it wasn't Cortex.

"Patience guys. Good things come to those who wait. And Brio, watching the clock won't get Cortex back here any faster." Uka Uka answered, eyes glowing with malice as he eyed N Tropy who grinned back. He then saw the unstable N Gin zip past them and dash back up the stairs, practically leaving flames in his trail. Coming back down moments later, he had the document in hand. "What's up N Gin? Haven't seen you run this fast since Brio touched your blueprints for you latest new and improved missile mechs only two weeks ago."

All Brio had done was unroll one diagram to see what kind of stuff he had been sketching, only to have N Gin find out moments later when he stopped him in the hall and asked what was up. The chemist simply replied with 'Your door was open and there were multiple sketches and pens littered throughout your room so I figured I'd help you clean it up. Of course I got curious and I decided to take a little peek to see what you were tinkering with, that's all.' That answer had caused his friend and colleague to snap. Gulping with fear, Brio hightailed it away, N Gin on his heels.

"Again I'm sorry, mechs are your department, I'm just the maker of potions." Brio apologized as he remembered that. Everyone knew N Gin loved his creations but they never thought he would get so, obsessively compulsive over them and start chasing anyone. But Brio's statement almost didn't take Tropy or Uka Uka by surprise. Each member had one special talent and beneficial skill to them and the team: N Tropy: Time and Warping Reality, N Brio: Potions and Serums, N Gin: Mechs and Missiles, and Uka Uka: Getting people to follow simple instructions and get results.

However, none of them knew about Cortex's talent since they had never seen him achieve anything other than failure to best Crash Bandicoot. Half the time he didn't even have an idea to go off of.

Pausing his full sprint and quickly turning his head around to look back at the concerned group, the cyborg gave a breif little explanation to his fellow minions, "It's just Coco you guys, she's now interested in the con side of that little list." Before the evil team even had a chance to start processing that sentence, N Gin had disappeared back into the kitchen without a trace."Sorry, got caught up with the team. Ok, Coco, here's the three cons that you requested: Not evil, smile almost never changes and rushes into things blindly and head on. Me and the team already find these statements to be true. What do you think?" N Gin was curious about Coco's opinion. While he awaited the bandicoots answer, he turned the stove off and moved the two pans to the back burner. He then proceeded back to Cortex's room to put the list back where he found it since it was faily short.

"Sounds pretty accurate to me, Crash is always doing his own thing but at times, he just doesn't ponder anything." Coco noted. "Thanks, the cons are right on point. That's all I wanted to know for now. See you guys soon when you contact me. This is gonna be fun. Over and out."

"Over and out." Static was heard on the other end as connection was lost.

'Alright, now I'm all caught up to speed.' Rearranging her hair so it covered up the spy equipment, Coco walked out of the closet and back to the sanctuary that was her bright pink and flower decorated bedroom. Carefully watching her back as she made her way there. She then remembered the cookie in her hand that her brother had split with her. Licking her lips, she ate it but all her taste buds could register from the treat was guilt and the sour stomach she had on top of that wasn't helpful. Was her decision in trusting the N Team going to come back to haunt her later? Or would she soon have an upper hand on Cortex?


N Gin read over the pro/con list once more as he re entered Cortex's room, while also thinking about the serum. "He says he hates him but really Dr. Cortex is only acting like it. Never would have guessed he would ever sink so low and resort to stalking and constructing a whole shrine to Crash. Does he assume we wouldn't understand?" Pulling the tarp back he placed the list just so, tucking it behind the Wumpa Fruits that were sitting next to the pocket sized vile of the pure Love Setting. "Well, we already don't understand, so why hasn't he just given up and came clean. He's been fighting a losing battle with Crash for years. Right now however, the master is fighting a losing battle with himself." The cyborgs fake eye rolled around in his head as he covered up the horror show dedicated to the teams number one enemy or rather Cortex's number one obsession.

"Coco is going to be beneficial to our plan. Can't believe we were actually able to convince her to help us out." He touched the tips of his fingers together. "Hope the master gets back here soon." N Gin knew that neither Uka Uka or Tropy liked to be kept waiting.

As he turned to head out, a tiny glint in N Gin's peripheral vision in his normal, non imitation eye caught his attention. Poking out slightly just underneath his masters nightstand. Cautiously tip toeing over, the scientist knelt down and reached under the small space. He pulled out the long, skinny object: it was shiny purple in color with a smooth surface. Multiple straight edges all met at a sharp point on both ends. There were some rough, jagged places on it as well. Due to the fact he had seen it enough times, the half brain he had that was not impailed with a missile, was immediately able to register what the object was, while also being in shock as well.

N Gin's good eye widened in disbelief, "Wait, is this...?"


Crash leisurly strolled out tword the garden where his older brother was yanking the pesky weeds from the ground. Crunch thought weeds were an eyesore, distributing the garden where most famliy members would head, besides the garage in order to collect themselves and take a moment to relax. "There we go, gotta keep both the garden and our house looking nice." Crunch drew the back of his hand over his forehead as sweat stared to form. It was a nice afternoon and a perfect time to get that chore out of the way."Weeds are taken care of, pesky things." He noticed Crash out of the corner of his eye. "Hey bro, what's up? Or are you just coming out to see what I'm up to?" The younger marsupial gave a thumbs up to the second question "Well, not much. How's Coco? She all good?" Crash nodded brightly. "Good. Garden's been tended to, our wonderful sister is safe and sound. All in all, aside from Pura being as curious as she was about her owner, which was an appropriate response to the situation, I'd say that it's been a pretty good day. So I guess I'll get started on dinner then."

Reaching into the back left pocket of his jeans, Crash pulled out a purple yo yo. Tying the end to one of his fingers, he flung it forward and let gravity pull it back tword him. He repeated the same action over and over, except every few flings he would give the toy a little 360° spin. "Working up an appetite are we?" Crunch asked giving him a light pat on the shoulder.

The younger brother kept his focus (which was his eyelids half litted with his tounge stuck out) and gave a small head nod, anwsering the question. Crash didn't know why he was fascinated by the little toy, all he knew was that it kept him entertained for hours on end. "Well I'm gonna go start cooking." Crunch sat his basket of weeds down to dispose of them later and slipped the gardening gloves off his wrists when he got an idea. "You wouldn't mind taking care of these weeds and putting them in the pile out back next to the tool shed would you?" Crash complied and nodded, retiring his yo yo back into his pocket. "Alright thanks bro, let's go." Crunch handed his sibling the basket and the two brothers started off in opposite direction. But he and Crash were both oblivious to the fact that their sister had been watching them from her bedroom window.


Madam Amberly's Academy of Evil

If you wanted an education or a lesson in the vile world of evil, then this would be the school to attend in order to obtain such a degree. The vicinity offered regular courses alongside evil ones as well that included Geography, three language lessons, ( French, English and Spanish) Needlework and Culinary classes and many more. Biology and Chemistry were the only two science courses. Most students appplied here out of their own volition, their parents however were both suspicious and skeptical given the word "evil" right there in the name but their children insisted that they wanted it. The school itself rested upon a large archipelago island miles off and worlds apart from N Sanity Island and Iceberg Lab. Thick white fog surrounded the entire place, vicious guard dogs wearing spiked collars constantly roamed around the school yard, search lights were placed everywhere, ready to catch intruders or to catch the escapees at all times.

Currently, security had been doubled since one of the students had fled or rather, they had been persuaded to leave just two days ago. The place seemed more like an island prison rather than a private school, since it was meant to transform polite, kind hearted children into evil brats and Madam Amberly was the headmistress of the facility. She was always watching, quite similar to a prision guard.

In the distance, the building came into view. It almost appeared out of thin air, like a ghost in the night.

Cortex tried to keep his calm composure in tact while he parked his dirigible overhead the main building but he wanted so badly to snap at Natalie again. "We're here." He announced as he forced a constrained semi smile onto his face. Immediately after saying that however, he remembered the first trip here with Crash.

'My airship! Without it we're stranded! Tie it to something secure I said! Hurry Nina or you'll miss the bus!'

He had given the semi mindless bandicoot one job. One task so simple that even a monkey could figure out and yet, the scientist ended up having his dirigible slowly float away, since Crash's empty head thought a school bus would be heavy enough to keep Cortex's airship anchored to the ground. It was a miracle on how he even got it back after that little incident only a few days ago.

"Here where?" Natalie asked, feeling the tiniest bit iffy as she scanned their surroundings. She was already getting a weird vibe from this place. From the lights that illuminated the pathway and the courtyard, she could see that part of the buildings exterior was kinda worn down.

"Welcome to Madam Amberly's Academy of Evil...This is where Nina currently goes to school, which is where I went years ago after I left you but we're here to currently "unroll" her." Neo explained. "You're probably curious as to why, aren't you?" A simple nod of the head signaled the scientist to catch his mother up to speed. "Well, I sent her here years ago to study the ways of evil and mischief but just recently I realized that I needed her by my side and also that I never wanted her evil in the first place. She cares about me and I'm all she has. Nina understands me...Much more than you and dad ever did." He muttered that last part of the sentence under his breath so quietly it was almost like a loud whisper. It caused Natalie's eyes to widened. Neo started to wander tword the exit of his ship, Nina on his heels but he gestured her to climb down first which she didn't seem to mind. "But we'll save this conversation for therapy however. For now, just stay here and try not to touch anything. I already had to chase this airship down once, I don't need a repeat of that again." Cortex told his mother without looking directly at her. "We'll be back momentarily...hopefully." He swallowed heavily, as he made the descent down the latter.

"I do whatever I want. You don't control my life, I control yours!" His mother stated.

"Oh, whatever! I've already been controlled by one other person, I don't need you to start doing that now!" Pushing a button on the set of keys he had in his grasp, the door on the dirigible shut tight. With that said or rather shouted, Neo and Nina disappeared through an open door. Ready to embark into what could only be another emotional roller-coaster.

A/N

About this chapter, I almost didn't want to include that scene with N Gin but I added it in anyway. The object he found (you all know what it is) will be used much later in the story. And I mean much later. I think I crammed a little too much into this chapter. XD Woo hoo! Academy of Evil, I've been waiting to get to this part! This was definitely my favorite place in Twinsanity. Classroom Chaos and Rooftop Rampage.

The academy scares me. *whimpers*

I know Cortex. *holds him and pats his back* I know. I just can't wait for group therapy with Crash and Coco, it's really gonna help all of you. But first it's you and Natalie. Things are gonna get ugly and plus, I've got the perfect test for you two. ^^

My mother is not easily persuaded and trust me, they already have.

I've noticed and I'm the one writing this story. Lol XD

Gucci Mane LaFlare: I wonder about the secret playlist as well. I'm sure he'll add more eventually. ;) I'm so excited for the next therapy session, already have the perfect excersise planned out thanks to one of my shows. I can already imagine Dr. Jacobson's reaction already. You've already seen how he reacted back in chapter 10 after seeing Cortex. I imagine he'll still be shocked to see Cortex but not as shocked as last time.

FlautaRara: Welcome back! ^^ I'm sorry to hear that things are rough for you. *hugs* The long absence is fine. I know right, if I were Cortex, I'd have the same reaction. He's going through so much but hey, Crash will be a good influence on him once everyone's cool with it and Cortex obviously. Since no one except Tiny totally trusts him. ;) Pretty soon Coco and Crunch are gonna have to accept it. :P Which is not going to be an easy thing to do.

Yeah, my life currently sucks!

I know, I know, just bear with me, it'll be better once you're with Crash. The next chapter is totally gonna suck for you. Until next time keep smiling!

Ok that last remark before your outro didn't make me feel any less upset.

XD Sorry...