Chapter fourteen – Reunion

Tawna stirred in her sleep, and opened one eye with a soft groan. She felt so warm, yet her entire body was covered with a dulling pain. She pulled the blankets closer to her chin as her consciousness returned groggily. When she focused her gaze, she found herself looking directly into the concerned green eyes of Crash Bandicoot.

"Crash…" Her voice was hoarse.

Crash smiled gently.

"Are you feeling better Tawna?" He asked with a subtle Australian accent that Tawna had always found charming.

"How did I get here?"

Tawna felt as though she were dreaming. The last time she saw Crash he had braved the treacherous islands and scaled Cortex's fortress to save her. She cringed when she remembered how she repaid that kindness. Yet Crash did not seem regretful in the slightest.

"Crunch carried you here last night and Aku did some kind of healing voodoo." Crash smiled deviously. "I think you might have gotten Crunch smitten. He didn't leave your side until he was sure you were okay. Pretty silly."

Crash snickered to himself, and Tawna felt a weak smile influence her lips. It had been such a long time. Now Crash's easy smile had relaxed, and he brushed her hair out of her face.

"Aku'll kill me if he knows I'm disturbing the patient, so go back to sleep. You're safe here."

Tawna exhaled deeply, and for the first time since her terrible life began she felt secure. She knew Crash would not let anything happen to her, despite what she had done to him in the past. It made her sick.

"Crash…I…I am sorry…" She had trouble getting the words out.

Crash looked confused for a second, and then his face relaxed into a slightly regretful smile.

"Don't worry about it. Get some sleep."

Tawna obeyed, embracing the comfort of the blankets and the protection of her only true friend.

Crunch didn't go out that night. Instead, he remained in the living room, striding across the room again and again. He didn't even realize he was pacing. He'd tried to sit a few times, but the sensation in the pit of his stomach would not cease, and he felt much more comfortable on his feet. Crash was lying on the couch, drawing warmth from the fire as he slept. Crunch found he could not sleep, for more reason than one. The reason at present was his mind was worrying. Not for himself, not now, but for another. He glanced in the direction of Coco's room, the place the female bandicoot was recuperating.

When Crash had come out of the room a half hour ago he had said little. Aku told him she was going to be just fine, he said. Crunch was rather doubtful. She appeared so intolerably delicate, and the wounds she sustained were quite extensive. Crunch considered where she would have received them. He paced across the room all night until morning, his eyelids heavy but his stride unbroken. Crash finally struggled awake, and leaned against the back of the couch with drowsy eyes.

"You know, it's difficult to sleep with you walking eighteen miles in one place. What's got you so bent out of shape?"

Although Crash spoke lightly, there was an edge of worry to his voice as well. Since he was the only one who had seen the woman since she was taken to her room, Crunch grudgingly realized he needed to put a question to him.

"Who is she?" He asked nonchalantly.

"Who?" Crash asked with a wide yawn.

"Who do you think, you moron?"

"Eh, a little touchy this morning I see." Crash said with a smile, and then explained. "Her name's Tawna."

"You seem to know her quite well."

Crash hesitated. "Yeah? Well, we are old friends. But I can't say I know her quite well. We lost touch before I met Coco."

Crunch realized that he'd never even considered Crash had a past other then his current, lazy life he possessed presently. He hadn't even known there was a time Crash had not known his own sister. It was rather strange to think about. Crash didn't seem uncomfortable with the subject, but he didn't continue it so neither did Crunch. Instead, Crash turned his attentions to the brooding bandicoot.

"I must say you're acting very unusual, Crunch."

Crunch snorted. "Go back to sleep, it's too early for you to be up."

"Maybe so, but I am far to interested in this situation to nap now. Isn't it strange that you are away from the house all day for weeks, and the one day that you remain inside is the day an attractive woman is staying here? A coincidence?"

Crunch's anger began to rise, but it was not just because Crash was teasing him. He'd done so many times before, after all. The real reason Crunch was feeling angry because what Crash said was true. He was worrying about the woman. However, he had no intention of letting this on to the nosey bandicoot before him.

"You're being stupid, again."

"And you have a crush on Tawna."

Crunch felt heat rise to his face, and his reaction embarrassed him even more than Crash's words. Crash didn't seem to notice, however. He had the most ridiculous smile on his face as he leaned over the couch, chin propped against his hands.

"Who would've thought a big, inexpressive hulk of a bandicoot could fall head-over-heels for a pretty girl? It's sweet."

"I don't need to subject myself to your absurdity." Crunch growled, turning on his heel and starting for the door.

"Hold it mate, don't get upset. Crikey, are you ever sensitive."

Crunch strode out the door, sighing as Crash yelled for him to bring a few wamba fruits when he came back. He strode out into the sun, and for a moment he stopped to regard it. Those days, it seemed as though he was walking through a realm of eternal night, even in the midst of a sunny day. He didn't want to remain in darkness. If only he could continue to see the sun, he would not be lost. He shook his head. He was being ridiculous again. He strode in the direction of the beach, but he didn't make it that far. He was strangely uncomfortable allowing the house to leave his sight even for a moment.

Tawna had risen carefully and sat at the foot of the bed. Her body ached terribly, but knowing she was safe from danger offered her comfort. She leaned toward the window and let the breeze brush across her face. She smiled softly. She felt much better. As she let her eyes open, her gaze caught a glimpse of a figure in the yard. She placed her hands against the window and leaned forward. It was the bandicoot who had saved her life. Tawna was momentarily dazzled by the strong shape of his erect shoulders, but she quickly banished the reaction. After all she had gone through, how could she even consider such ridiculous things? However, her eyes kept drifting to him. She knew she would have to thank him, for if he had not come to her rescue she would have either died or, worse, been carted back to Pinstripe.

Just thinking about that despicable cad made Tawna shudder, and she brought her blanket about her shoulders to ease the chill. Every time she imagined Pinstripe's horrible eyes when he attacked her she felt nauseous. To drive Pinstripe out of her mind, Tawna looked out to catch another glimpse of the heroic bandicoot. To her dismay, however, the spot where he had once been was empty. Tawna almost leaned out the window once again, but restrained herself. She was disgusted with herself for such foolish infatuation. Although the bandicoot was handsome and absurdly shapely, that didn't mean she should fantasize. It was a wonder she could, with everything she'd been through.

Tawna started when she heard a tapping at the door. She composed herself and settled back into her blankets. Her voice was still rather weak as she consented for the knocker to come in. It was Aku Aku, Crash's witch doctor friend. Tawna was quite fond of him, not just because of his attentiveness but for the kind expression he continued to wear. Aku entered the room with a small smile.

"How are you doing this morning?"

Tawna returned the smile and dropped her chin. "Better, I think. Thank you."

Aku floated until he was positioned beside her bed. He focused a golden gaze on her.

"You look much better, that is certain. Would you care for anything? A glass of water perhaps? Crash would be happy to fetch it."

Tawna smiled. If she knew Crash, he would be sleeping soundly this early in the morning. Tawna didn't want water, she wanted information.

"No thanks, Aku. Umm…do you mind if I ask you a question?"

"Certainly Tawna."

Tawna paused for a moment. "Well, I was wondering about…Crunch. How long has he been hanging around with Crash?"

Aku considered. "Hmm, let me see… It has been quite a while, to be sure. Crunch was actually under the control of Dr. Cortex previously. It was Crash who noticed the spark of indecision in Crunch, and he and his sister opted to rescue him from Cortex's clutches. Since then, Crunch has been living here with Crash and Coco."

"So he was created by Cortex as well?"

"Yes, and from what I gather even his species was genetically fashioned. I have never seen his kind ever before. It is quite extraordinary."

Tawna considered this. So Crunch was a bandicoot, like she and Crash, but he was a different kind. She could tell by his unnatural burgundy fur that he could not have started out as an ordinary Australian bandicoot. As Tawna pondered this, Aku changed the subject.

"I am going to provide one more incantation to heal your wounds, if you consent."

Tawna nodded. She laid back and tried to relax while a mystical yellow light danced about Aku's inert form. He closed his eyes in deep concentration. Tawna's awareness began to drift, and her thoughts began to focus once more on Crunch. Every time she tried not to think about the attractive bandicoot, the more she thought about him. It was rather frustrating. Tawna didn't remember drifting to sleep, but in her dreams all she could see was a handsome face and dark green eyes.

Crunch decided to distract himself with a simple workout. He was due for a strength building session. He'd avoided it previously, for it seemed that the more rapid his heart rate grew, the more susceptible he was to his irrational outbursts. However, he needed to try something to take his mind off everything that was occurring around him. He rested his mechanical arm behind his back and lifted his body in a consistent progression of one-handed chin-ups. He continued flexing his organic arm each time he brought his chin to the branch. He exhaled sharply. The exercise was doing the trick. Crunch began to feel his mind clear, and his tense body felt more relaxed.

However, the reaction did not last. Soon Crunch's pulse began to race faster than simple inducement of exercise. An unsettling sensation came over him and he immediately stopped. He paused for a moment to gather himself, breathing deeply to calm his heart. Finally, when he was convinced he was calm again, he started back to the hut. He didn't exactly know why, but he felt that he should stay close. He stepped into the yard, but he knew that Crash and Coco were not inside the house. He could hear Coco's shrieks, shouting something about Crash and his propensity to destroy everything he comes in contact with. There were times that even Crash grew a little bored of sleep, and when those rare situations occurred he would always find relief in pestering his little sister. Crunch shook his head. There was part of him that needed to tell someone about what was happening, but pride and stubbornness kept his mouth closed.

Crunch took a seat upon the rock well, crossing his arms and gazing into the jungle. That tigress was out there, he could feel it. Whether or not she was watching him, he could not tell. But he could sense her dangerous presence within the trees.

Crunch leapt and whirled when he felt a presence suddenly intrude upon his senses. His claws extended in his organic hand as he prepared to swipe them through the unknown threat. Crunch paused, and forced his overactive senses to relax. The bandicoot woman stood before him, standing wobbly upon her feet with an embarrassed expression on her face.

"I'm sorry for startling you." She said quickly.

Crunch ignored her statement. "You should be resting."

The woman, Tawna, clasped her hands before her. "I just saw you from the window, and I wanted to tell you that I appreciate what you did for me. I didn't have a chance to tell you."

"I brought you here to recuperate." Crunch said rather too bluntly. "Not to walk about in a weakened state to thank someone who doesn't care for your gratitude."

Tawna's mouth fell open slightly. His answer was obviously not the one she'd been expecting. Crunch, however, remained indifferent. He could see her feelings clearly, much to his regret. To protect them both, he could not allow his shield to drop. He had made the mistake already with Crash and Coco, and he could not allow any attachment to form again. Tawna nodded slowly at his coldness.

"Oh, alright. I understand. It's just, you saved my life. I wanted to thank you."

"And now you have." Crunch said without facing her. "Go back to the house and rest."

Crunch could not bear to turn and see the expression of hurt in the young woman's face. There was something strange about her. It was a feeling he had never felt before. Thinking of her, speaking to her, allowed a softness to intrude upon his hard heart. He yearned for a relief from that hardness, and yet, he knew it was too dangerous to do so. Tawna began to back away, obviously intending to follow Crunch's advice. As she took one step, her weakened legs failed her. She pitched forward with a small gasp. Crunch had risen and moved himself into her path all within a fraction of a second. He caught her before she fell, and he could see by the fatigue in her half-closed eyes that she would not regain the strength to return to the house herself. Crunch sighed and lifted the woman into his arms. As he started for the door he heard her speak softly.

"I'm sorry."

"If you are apology is genuine, you won't get out of bed again until you are well."

Tawna nodded and remained silent. As Crunch moved into the house, he felt an overwhelming desire to correct some of his tactless remarks. He bit his lip, and finally relented.

"I should apologize. I admit I don't know exactly how to act in front of guests."

"Polishing your manners would be a good start."

Crunch's ears pricked in surprise, and he glanced down at the woman. Tawna was smiling faintly. When he remained silent, she shrugged weakly.

"It was a joke."

Crunch focused his gaze ahead again. He tried to tell himself he didn't have the patience for such lighthearted behavior, yet in his heart he found Tawna to be very sweet. Perhaps it was her state of vulnerability, but he could see a concealed strength sparkling in her blue eyes. There was something inside her he knew he could admire. He strode into her room and laid her down on the bed gently. Tawna glanced up at him.

"Do you mind if I express my gratitude again? Or will it offend you?"

Crunch huffed with the smallest smile. "I should not have spoken the way I did. Let me start again. I would rather see you recover faster than exert yourself in thanking me. If you truly desire to thank me, you will get better quickly."

Tawna smiled, and a small brush rose to her pretty cheeks. She nodded.

"Then I will do my best to thank you."

Crunch found himself momentarily lost within Tawna's eyes. She, too, seemed unable to tear away. They stood in silence for a few moments, neither unwilling to disengage. Suddenly, a dangerous feeling swelled within Crunch's chest. He turned away, and without a word he left the room.