Chapter eleven – The Huntress Revealed

A grumble of pleasure vibrated from Tina's throat. It was so very satisfying to watch this failed creation lash about in confusion and despair. Although Cortex's orders were to let the creature's control collapse so that he would destroy the other two nuisances, Tina could not bear the tedious wait. By the time the creature slaughtered his friends, she would be far too bored to kill him slowly, as she first intended. She supposed there was no harm in showing herself. After all, what could the animal do to stop this plan already in motion?

Crunch pressed his palm to his forehead in aggravation, but he did not dwell on the unsettling sensations. Instead, he attempted to focus on the soft and tranquil sounds of the jungle. Listening to silence calmed his mind only for a time. Soon, the quietness inside him filled the empty spaces with horrible memories and uncontrollable cravings. He exhaled deeply, letting his shoulders sag.

Suddenly, he caught a whiff of something foreign enter the air. His fur prickled in response to his suspicion, but he didn't move a muscle. His muscles twitched in anticipation as he sensed the predator approach. When the creature was close enough that Crunch could almost smell its flaunting arrogance, he acted. He leapt to his feet and slashed his outstretched claws toward the lurking creature. He missed his target by half an inch, and growled deeply as the strange tiger dipped out of his reach.

Crunch was momentarily astonished by her appearance. She was slender, but sculpted powerfully. Her claws were long and sharp like tiny daggers, and they were held by her sides lazily. Her mouth slowly lifted in an amused smile.

"How intriguing. I had been afraid perhaps you would have no fight left in you. But I can see by the rage in your eyes that you most certainly do. That pleases me."

The tiger woman's smile widened, revealing sharp canines. Crunch snarled.

"What are you talking about? Who are you?"

"My name is of no consequence at present, my dear creature of darkness. All that I have to say to you as that I am aware of your fading sanity. Would you care to know exactly why this infection is affecting you?"

Crunch's eyes remained level, and his posture suggested he was ready to attack at any time. However, he remained unmoved. Although he knew that he should vanquish this strange creature while he had the chance, he could not help but allow her to continue. The tigress smiled at his silence.

"You were created by Dr. Cortex, and since he did not wish to have difficulty with any more failed creations, he engineered you so you would be incapable of betraying him. After your training, he washed your memory clean so he could take his place as your true master. However, it was not only this serum that forced your compliance, but another tampering device that is bringing on these sensations.

"Of course, the good doctor, clever man as he is, did not wish to have you as an enemy if you happened to escape him. Therefore, he placed another reaction in your mind. If you were to betray him, the reaction would begin to take effect. It would wear down your defenses, and hone in on your repressed savage instincts. In doing this, the doctor will potentially destroy two embarrassments at once."

"Two?" Crunch said unconsciously.

"Yes, you and that pathetic little bandicoot that had fouled the doctor's plan all those years ago. When your mind becomes irreversibly unhinged, you will attack anything that moves, and kill anything that possesses life."

Crunch frowned darkly. "If he thinks I'm going to kill Crash Bandicoot, what's the point of you?"

The tigress grinned. "I'm meant to kill you."

Crunch remained still. Of course, he'd expected such an answer. He just didn't expect such a blunt one. The tigress held up one clawed finger.

"But wait. I am not a simple minion. I have greater influence over my commander. I have decided to go against his wishes and offer you a chance to save yourself."

Crunch scoffed. "Yeah? I'm afraid I can't accept that offer under the circumstances. I'm sure you understand."

"I do not. Only a fool would not wish for a cure to his own disease."

"You just finished telling me that you're going to kill me. What makes you think I'll trust anything you have to say? Why do you want me to live?"

"Because, killing you when your mind is deranged…there's no honor in that."

"Well, that's a first."

"I would much rather kill you when your mind is strong and healthy, when you will be a greater challenge to me. I have no desire to destroy those so utterly beneath me. It takes the joy out of the kill."

Crunch blinked once, and then clenched his teeth together. "I need no advice from the likes of you."

The tigress sighed, and flipped several strands of her braided hair behind a shoulder.

"Suit yourself, Crunch Bandicoot. You have rejected my offer, and so, there will be no mercy for you or your friends. Your mind will be lost and then you will succumb to your natural cravings. And when you do…" The tigress sneered menacingly. "You'll kill them."

Crunch had enough. With a snarl he leapt toward the enemy, baring his teeth and swiping his claws. But the woman was faster and quickly disappeared into the trees above. Crunch could hear the sound of her taunting laughter even after she was gone. He clutched his fists together in contempt. He considered her words with a frown. Was he wrong to refuse her help? Even if she was a villain, perhaps she could have cured him and then he could have dealt with her accordingly. He shook his head. He didn't know if his condition could worsen, but he didn't want to take that chance. He remained exactly where he was for a long while, pondering and dreading the return journey to Crash and Coco's house.

Crunch returned home, his brow darkened in an angry glare. The tigress's words echoed in his mind. As Crunch stepped toward the door, he paused. He shook his head. How could he continue putting his friends in danger? But he didn't know what else to do. Crunch remained motionless for a few moments, and then turned sharply around. He was tired of this. He glanced up to the darkening sky as he marched away. He sniffed the air heavy with humidity and frowned absently. A rainfall was coming.

Suddenly, Coco darted from around the corner. "Crunch! There you are! We were worried about you."

Crunch stopped, and turned his head to the side. Crash took his time as he swaggered with both hands in his pockets. It looked as though Coco had dragged her lazy brother all over the island.

"I told you he'd find his way home on his own." Crash said, yawning.

"Crunch, are you okay?" Coco was now directly behind him, her green eyes wide with concern. "You looked a little strange when you left."

"I'm fine." Crunch said bluntly.

"Seriously Crunch, you can tell us if something is wrong. We can help you."

Crunch was beginning to get frustrated, and he could hear his pulse pounding in his ears as he fought to control his irritation. After all, she was just trying to help.

"Thanks for the offer, but I'll be fine."

Crunch turned to walk away, knowing that if he didn't remove these two from his sight he'd lose his temper. He felt Coco's gentle hand on his arm.

"Crunch…"

Crunch pulled roughly away, turned his head and glared at the small girl.

"I don't need your help." His voice was low and angry.

Coco was shocked into silence. She stared at him with disbelieving eyes. Crunch immediately regretted his words, but he didn't have the courage to apologize. He glanced at Crash, and was startled by the amount of dangerous anger he spied there. Crash was frowning darkly at him, obviously angry at his brutal reaction to Coco's concern. Crunch growled and turned, striding into the jungle without looking back.