Chapter five- Before the Storm

Crash yawned so wide he feared for a moment his jaw would lock and he wouldn't be able to close it again. That would be an awkward situation. Thankfully, his mouth fell closed after the yawn was completed and he returned to his comfortable position on the couch. As he remained laying happily on his back, he tilted his head to the side. Tawna had fallen asleep in her chair, her golden locks brushing across her closed eyelids. Both her hands were pressed upon her stomach with tenderness, as though she was cradling the unborn child within her.

The little panther cub was curled up at her feet, fast asleep. Crash noted with a slight frown that the kid was bunched up so tightly there was no chance for a restful sleep. Although Crash didn't have much experience with children, he was pretty sure that sleeping with one ear open and ready to react to the smallest noise was not entirely normal. Crash sighed. The thought that Jag had spent his life fearing for his survival made Crash even more determined to find the others and do what was necessary to help them.

Crunch entered the room quietly, bringing Crash out of his ponderings. He stepped toward Tawna, and remained still for a moment. Then he reached out a hand and brushed her hair from out of her face. Crash noticed that his fingertips remained pressed against Tawna's cheek for a few seconds and then brushed down her jaw with tender affection. Crash considered sitting up and telling Crunch to stop stalling and kiss her already, but he doubted that would be polite. Instead, he half-closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep. It was nice to see Crunch set free his affection. It rarely happened in sight of mortal eyes.

Crash knew it from the first, and now as Crunch gazed at the sleeping woman with such admiration there could be no doubts. He loved the girl, more than Crash would have thought possible for such a muscle-headed grouch. And Crash was happy for them both. After all Tawna went through, she deserved someone who could make her happy. Come to think of it, they both did. Crash never let on to it, but he greatly enjoyed Crunch's company. He might've considered calling him a good friend if Crunch's ego wasn't so overpowering. Crash was a simple being, and when his friends were happy, he was happy. It was as simple as that.

Crunch swiftly dropped to one knee, and easily maneuvered his arms beneath Tawna's legs and against her back. As fluidly as he had dropped he rose again, Tawna curled peacefully in his arms. She uttered a quiet moan, and pressed her cheek into Crunch's chest. Crunch curled downward, planting a small kiss on Tawna's cheek. Then he turned and strode toward the bedroom, abandoning the room to its former tranquility.

With the room returned to silence Crash stretched out and heaved another yawn. He had no idea why he was having such a hard time getting to sleep. Such an instance hardly ever happened. However, he was pretty confident all he'd need to do was lay there and sleep would eventually find its old friend. As Crash lay with his hands behind his head, basking in the quietness, a strange sound caught his attention. He furrowed his brow as he attempted to figure out where the noise came from. He rolled over, and his eyes fell upon the little panther. Jag was curled up upon the floor looking quite comfortable, except he was shivering violently. Crash didn't notice the cold at all. In fact, he was quite comfortable. With a small sigh Crash sat up and got to his feet. He lifted a blanket into his hands as he strode by one of the chairs, and gently laid the blanket over Jag. The kid continued trembling for a moment, and then settled down into a more restful sleep. Crash gazed down at his sleeping form for a few moments, and then sighed.

"Sleep is the greatest gift in the world kid, don't waste it."

His voice was so quiet he could hardly hear it himself. He got back to his feet and started for the couch. He tried not to think about Coco and Kieran sleeping in such close proximity. Granted, Kieran was sleeping on a chair and Coco was resting on a cot on the other side of the room, but still. Crash didn't like it. However, if there was any funny business, Crash was confident he could wake up and put a stop to it. He would love to finally find a reason to boot Kieran out of the house. Crash collapsed heavily on the couch, and although he was still rather perturbed about not getting to sleep right away, he needn't have been. He was snoring before his head hit the cushions.

The house was bustling when morning came along. Coco was one of the last ones to awaken, much to her surprise. Kieran was already awake and was gently stirring Jag. Crunch was in the kitchen, stirring a pot of some unknown concoction on the stove. The smell that wafted from the pot was ghastly, but Coco didn't possess an overwhelming curiosity to ask what it was. It was obviously something Tawna had requested, and Coco had become quite used to the strange dishes Crunch endeavored to cook up.

Coco stretched, and kicked her thin blanket away from her legs as she sat up. Kieran turned his head, and smiled.

"Good morning."

Coco smiled in return. She really did enjoy having Kieran stay with them. He was such a contrasting personality to Crash or Crunch. After a moment, she noticed a strange tangle of flaxen hair bouncing at her cheek. She reached up and ran her hand over her hair. When she felt the multitude of knots that had control of her hair she felt a blush rise to her cheeks. Odd that it'd never bothered her before. She wasn't so naïve that she'd deny that Kieran had something to do with it. She got to her feet and plodded past Kieran and Jag.

"Be back."

Coco rushed into her room, on a desperate search for a brush. As soon as she pushed through the door she felt like smacking herself. She'd forgotten Tawna was resting in there. As soon as she came in Tawna turned toward her. By the initial look on her face, she hadn't been expecting Coco, but when the identity registered Tawna smiled warmly. Coco was glad to see that at least she hadn't woken her. She held her hands together apologetically.

"Oh, shoot. I'm sorry for disturbing you Tawna."

Tawna shrugged.

"Don't worry about that, it is your room after all. And I always like some company."

Coco liked Tawna. She hadn't been so sure about it when she first came to live with them. However, when she saw how much Crunch doted on her she found herself understanding why. Tawna was a beautiful woman, but something about her seemed so utterly fragile. Coco couldn't picture her helping out with the chores or hunting the forest for necessities. However, on that same note, Coco could perceive in Tawna something very strong as well. Coco was not one to pry or eavesdrop, but she did know Tawna came from a rather shady background. Crash had told her once that rescuing her had been his motivation for saving the world the first time. There were so many secrets concealed within her past. Coco pushed these thoughts from her mind as she started for her dresser.

"How are you feeling?" Coco asked as she rummaged through her things.

"Much better, actually. I haven't felt sick at all this morning."

"I think Crunch is making you breakfast."

"Oh yes," Tawna said rather sheepishly. "Stewed collard greens. I feel horrible for asking him to make such strange things for me."

"I wouldn't worry about it, he seems to really like doing it."

After moving aside a few things Coco found the brush. She quickly began to pull the bristles through her hair, snarling as the brush hardly moved through her tangled locks. It would take her forever to tame her wild hair. She heard Tawna speak from behind her.

"I can help you with that Coco, if you'd like."

After a moment of hesitation Coco strode toward where Tawna was laying. Tawna had scooted herself up so she was lying with her back pressed against the headboard. Coco eased down on the bed, and handed the brush to Tawna. She immediately began brushing her fingers through her hair, manually unweaving the tangles that she came across. Then she began to brush. After about three strokes she heaved a sigh.

"You have such beautiful hair."

Coco shifted uncomfortably.

"Thanks."

"Does it ever bother you, being this long?"

"I've never really thought about it. It does get in the way now and again."

"I hope you keep it this length, it suits you."

A moment of silence passed as Tawna gently brushed through Coco's long hair. Coco leaned back, and decided now was as good a time as any to speak candidly to Tawna.

"Tawna?"

"Hmm?"

"What happened with you and Crash? You don't have to answer if it makes you uncomfortable, but I was just curious."

Tawna stopped brushing. Her hand hovered in the air for a moment, and then both it and the brush descended to her lap. Coco dared not turn around. She kept her eyes focused ahead, slightly regretting the question. Finally, Tawna answered.

"There's not much to tell. A long time ago Crash and I were both captives in Cortex's castle. Crash was able to escape, but I was not. So he braved the dangers of the islands and Cortex's wrath to rescue me. And he did."

Tawna fell silent again. Coco waited, and then urged her to continue.

"But what happened?"

"I made the wrong choice, a stupid mistake that I will always regret. I've always cared for Crash, and I always will."

Coco felt a small grin come to her face. "But you love Crunch, don't you?"

"More than anything." Tawna concluded wistfully.

Tawna continued brushing, leaving Coco to her thoughts. How wonderful it must be to love someone that much. When Coco thought about Kieran, a pleasant, warm kind of a feeling bloomed in her chest. Was that love? She wasn't entirely sure. It figured she knew how to dismantle and rebuild a carburetor with her eyes closed, and yet when it came to feelings and things like that she was just as lost as anyone. Tawna was finished, and she flipped her fingers through Coco's hair.

"There, all done."

Coco got to her feet and grinned.

"Thanks a lot."

Tawna smiled in return and nodded her head. Coco turned her back and bounded out of the room, nearly colliding directly into Crunch. Crunch side-stepped out of the way, grimacing as he fought to keep the bowl of stew from spilling over the sides.

"Watch it." He growled irritably.

Coco tossed out a quick apology over her shoulder as she started toward the living room. Kieran was already getting himself prepared to leave. Jag was sitting cross-legged on the floor, patiently waiting. When Kieran glanced up, Coco felt her heart leap. She couldn't be sure if she had a crush on him or not, but she certainly did love the colour of his eyes. When he saw her, he smiled.

"Ready to go?"

Coco nodded. "Did you guys want some breakfast? Aku always keeps the fridge stocked."

Kieran glanced down at Jag, as though searching for conformation. Jag wrinkled his nose a little, and Kieran uttered a little chuckle.

"I'm afraid we've both lost our appetites."

Coco understood at once. The stench of rotting vegetables was still heavy in the air, there was no wonder neither of them wanted to eat. Coco heaved a sigh.

"Once we get out of here we can find something on the way."

"Sounds good to me."

Coco strode over to the front door, trying to balance on one foot as she put on her shoes. As they remained at the door nearly ready to leave, Coco heard a voice rise up over the silence.

"Where are you guys going?"

Coco sighed. Crash was fast asleep when she walked by. It was far too early for him to be awake yet anyway. So Coco ignored him. She could see Kieran shuffling in her peripheral vision, as though he wanted to answer. Coco decided the decision to ignore her annoying brother did not outweigh her unwillingness to make her friend uncomfortable. She spoke without lifting her head.

"You know where we're going Crash."

"You're leaving on your search now?"

"What's it look like?"

"The sun's not even up."

Coco grimaced. "The sun's been up for an hour and a half you dolt."

When Coco finished putting on her second shoe, she stood up and brushed her fingers through her hair. Crash was lying on the couch, his chin pressed upon his folded hands as he studied them. He was looking hard at Kieran. Finally, his mouth curled into a smile.

"Well, well, don't you look very pretty today, Coco."

Coco gaped, and a swell of anger flowed into her chest. Crash glanced to Kieran again, his eyes sparkling with merriment.

"Doesn't she look pretty this morning, Kieran?"

Coco clenched her jaw in fury, but she couldn't help glancing sidelong at Kieran. His expression was blank, but Coco could tell he was fumbling for an answer. Coco had no intention of having Kieran forced to make a fool of himself. She glared daggers at Crash.

"Don't you have something better to do, Crash? Like sleep for another six hours?"

Crash rolled over and stretched his arms above his head.

"I've been thinking I'd start getting up earlier. Maybe go for a little run, have a big breakfast, and concentrate on improving at my hobby."

Kieran raised a quizzical brow. "Hobby?"

Coco snorted. "Sleeping."

Crash turned about again, looking affronted. "I do have multiple talents, you know. Like, for instance, eating. And…" Crash took out his yoyo and began to spin it about absently as he lay. "I will rue the day when another evolved animal will have better skill with a yoyo."

Coco groaned. "You're exasperating. We're going now."

Jag looked fascinated by Crash's casual tricks with the toy. His eyes were wide as he watched it. Coco dropped her shoulders. Truth be told, Crash was pretty skilled with a yoyo. However, she'd never tell him that. He was arrogant enough as it was. Coco gripped Kieran's arm and tugged him to the door.

"Okay, let's get out of here."

Kieran gently placed his hand on Jag's head. "Ready to go Jag?"

The little panther gazed at Crash's demonstration for a moment more before turning and silently striding out the door. Kieran followed, but before Coco could she decided to give her brother a break.

"Crash, I'm hard on you. I know that. I just want to say I'm happy that you're going to help us. You can be a good person when you put your mind to it, and, well…"

Just as Coco was about to say "I'm glad to have you as my brother", a long snore echoed through the room. Coco paused midsentence, her mouth partly open, and stared at the back of Crash's motionless head. She clenched her fists.

"Crash, are you sleeping?"

Her question was answered by another drawling snore. She exploded.

"Crash, WAKE UP!"

Crash jolted into a seated position, his eyes wide.

"Whoa, did I doze off?" He swiveled his head and looked at her. "Did you say something?"

Coco felt like tugging out her hair. She groaned in frustration as she marched to the door.

"Yes. I did. You're a macho cheese brain."

Coco slammed the door before she saw Crash lean back, a self-satisfied smile on his face as he continued goofing off with his yoyo.

They searched for hours, but there was no sign of any semi-evolved creatures of any kind. Coco was becoming doubtful they would find the children that day, if indeed there were any. Jag was most unhelpful in the search. He was young, that was true, but he seemed quite aware of his decision to remain silent. Even after Kieran sat him down and explained that all they wanted to do was help, Jag still remained unwilling to offer information. Coco could not be frustrated with the boy. He seemed torn whether or not to reveal what he knew. It was probably difficult for him to discern what constituted betraying his fellow youngsters. So Kieran and Coco continued on, combing the jungle for signs.

Coco was just about to call it a day when they noticed movement in the trees. Kieran glanced at Coco.

"Did you see that?"

"Yeah."

There'd been many false alarms. They had actually been stalking a wild hog for three quarters of an hour before they realized it. Kieran crept forward, slowly approaching the bush that had been rustling moments ago. As Kieran checked out the disturbance, Coco cast her eyes about in search of Jag. To her bewilderment, he was gone. She turned around in a circle, scanning the area. But he disappeared. Coco turned to Kieran.

"Ah…Kieran?"

Before Kieran had a chance to answer, a creature dropped from the trees and landed squarely on his shoulders. Coco was paralyzed for a moment as the shock of the attack sunk in. The creature on Kieran's back was diminutive in size, but she moved like an enraged lion. She delivered strike after strike to Kieran's head, and the latter could do nothing but do his best to try and block the awkward attacks.

"Ouch! Hey, quit it!" Kieran grunted as he fought to defend himself against the fury of strikes.

Coco charged forward and grasped the girl by the ankle. She obviously didn't expect a second attacker, because she lost her grip on Kieran's ears and fell to the ground. She landed lightly on all fours, and executed a smooth walkover to get to her feet. Even in the single lapse of movement Coco could not catalog the girl's appearance, only that she was a girl and that she was prepared to do whatever it took to bring the intruders down. Coco planted her feet, preparing for a battle, when something stopped her. In fact, it stopped everyone.

Jag had rushed in the centre of the two attacking forces, intent on stopping the potential fight. He had his back to Kieran and Coco, and was staring unwaveringly at the girl who had abandoned her former rage. She blinked.

"Jag? What are you doing?"

"Don't fight with them, Maya. They're here to help us."

Coco and Kieran exchanged confused glances. What did he mean, us? Coco supposed he knew all along that there were others. Forgoing the attack at least for a moment, Coco was able to see this girl clearly now. She looked young, but after a closer look Coco suspected she was hardly any younger than herself. She was small in stature, with lanky limbs and scrawny body structure. Tangled chestnut brown hair tumbled down her back, bordering an angular feline face. Her colouring was light ochre, with big brown rosettes that covered her a few inches apart. Her dress was simple, torn leather trousers that ended at the knee and a dirty white shirt beneath a tattered calfskin vest that appeared too big for her. Like Kieran but unlike Coco, she had a tail, and it was flicking back and forth angrily to illustrate her wariness.

"We can't trust them Jag. We agreed we wouldn't trust anyone."

Jag shook his head. "They mean us no harm Maya. I've spent time with them."

Maya glowered at the small boy. "We can't trust anyone, Jag."

Coco decided she'd offer Jag a hand. She took a step forward.

"I know you don't trust us, Maya, but please believe Jag. We are your friends. All we want to do is help."

Maya glared hard at Coco.

"We don't need your help."

"If you'd allow me to ask you a question," Kieran began as he joined Coco. "Where do you live? Who takes care of you?"

"We take care of each other." Maya returned angrily. "We don't need any guilty outsiders taking care of us."

Coco was unsure of what this girl was saying. She, as well as Jag, spoke as if they represented a group. However, the only one Coco could see was Maya. Were there others as well? Coco sighed.

"Look, we can't convince you to trust us, so let's start at the beginning. I'm Coco, and this is my friend Kieran. We live in a small hut by the coast and we have a family. We were just hoping we could offer some assistance to you, both of you."

Jag turned about, and met Coco's eyes. He offered a small smile before turning back to Maya.

"Maya, please. It will be more dangerous for us if we don't accept help."

Maya grimaced, the only thing keeping her from submitting was her powerful stubbornness.

"I don't trust them."

"Do you trust me?" Jag asked, in such a clear voice that Coco felt her legs tremble.

Maya was affected much the same. Her shoulders hunched, and she gazed down at her feet. She heaved a heavy sigh.

"Alright."

Coco felt a wave of relief wash over her. Before she could speak again, however, a small form stepped meekly into view beside Maya. It was the tiniest koala Coco had ever seen. He glanced up at Maya.

"Does that mean we can come out?"

Maya hesitated, and then offered a small nod. "Yes."

Coco gaped. She watched as more than a dozen little bodies cautiously came into the open. They were all so young, and Coco was astonished at the sheer number of them. She gripped Kieran's arm unconsciously as she gazed at all the little ones surrounding them.

"I can't believe it."

Crash figured he'd been pretty hard to live with lately, especially for Coco. He didn't know why he enjoyed bugging her so much, probably because it was so much fun. But as he lay there snoozing on the couch, he supposed he owed Coco a little helping hand. So there he was, walking through the jungle in search of his sister and her dopey friend. He'd asked Crunch if he wanted to come along and help him out, but when he went into Coco's room and saw Crunch and Tawna cuddled up together fast asleep, he decided against it.

The jungle seemed abnormally pleasant that day. Crash couldn't put his finger on why that was. Maybe because the island had been a Cortex-free zone for a while now. It was delightfully refreshing. As Crash walked, he allowed himself to fully appreciate life without trouble and world saving duties. He thought many a time why the duty fell to him to save the earth from various evil clutches. He, an undersized humanoid and oversized bandicoot, would probably be the last choice if it was up to the Homo sapiens. Unfortunately, they didn't have much say on three uncharted islands far off the Australian coast.

Sauntering down a pathway through the brush, whistling a tune to himself with his hands pressed into his pockets, Crash felt his ear twitch. He stopped for a moment, listening. Usually his ear knew in advance about something that deserved attention, but at once he couldn't see anything. Soon, he saw a figure step out of the shadows. It was Coco.

Crash was about to step forward and greet his sis, when he stopped mid-step. His big green eyes were focused what else came out of the shadows, and not just Kieran. Coco was leading two tiny children by the hand, and a great number more were plodding along behind. Kieran had one little puma sitting on top of his shoulders, tugging on his ears with her small hands. As all the kiddies came into view, Crash scratched the back of his head with a pathetic squeak.

"Oh, snag."