Crash Bandicoot

Chapter 5: Explosive Personality

Crash's expression turned into a wide grin as he patted himself on the back. That stupid "bonus level" was actually quite easy. Once he reached the end, though, he caught a glimpse of a man who seemed to have a bolt on either side of his head. Noticing that he had been spotted, the man vanished as quickly as he had appeared.

All of a sudden, Crash was teleported once again. This time, he ended up next to Aku Aku again. He looked at the bandicoot curiously as he asked, "Where have you been?" Crash proceeded to explain everything that had occurred. "I see. That is troubling. We may have to expect more of those levels in the future, so remain vigilant."

Crash nodded as he and his guardian progressed further through their journey. After a few more areas of obstacles, enemies, and bonus levels, they eventually found themselves in a mine. They barely had time to look for the exit before a mutated koala bear who looked as though he had skipped leg day arrived. One of Cortex's creations, no doubt.

The koala started showing off his muscles before proceeding to jump to the side a bit and throwing a few boulders toward Crash. It was no easy feat, but the bandicoot managed to dodge the large rocks flying toward him. Right before another one was thrown, he got a clever idea. Once another boulder was sent hurtling in his direction, he proceeded to spin into it, causing it to return from whence it came, hitting the koala square in the chest.

The irritated mutant jumped to the right again and proceeded to throw more boulders. As he threw the last one, though, Crash noticed that TNT crates were starting to appear near him. Now he had to dodge those as well!

"You can do it, Crash!" cheered Aku Aku. "I have the upmost faith in you!"

"You...be...quiet!" the koala, who seemed to be having a bit difficulty speaking, shouted.

After the final boulder hit the mutant, he had finally snapped. He could no longer control his anger. He jumped atop the tracks he had been standing behind and growled at Crash. He was about to charge at the marsupial, until a mine cart carried him away and through the tunnel.

"That was quite an entertaining show," the cloaked figure remarked as they appeared. "Keep up the good work."

"Just what exactly do you want?" Aku Aku asked.

"I have been watching you, both of you, very closely. I have never seen a mortal get through so many obstacles unscathed. All I want is to make sure you stop Cortex...but not without a bit of difficulties along the way."

"You want us to stop Cortex? I thought you were working for him."

"You fool! Don't you realize who you're talking to?! I am a Master of Darkness! I work for no one! I have been using the bastard this entire time!"

"I should have known. Your organization is nothing but trouble."

The hooded figure did not say another word as they disappeared again. "What was that about?" Crash asked his guardian, albeit in gibberish as usual.

"I am not entirely sure," Aku Aku replied, "but I fear we may have to deal with that person again soon."

***

Cortex was in his laboratory again. He glared at the hooded figure as he snapped, "Where the hell have you been?!"

"Just taking care of business," the figure responded, "as usual."

"What sort of 'business' are you talking about, hmm?"

"The kind that involves making certain that bandicoot and his meddling guardian do not make it here."

"That's what I wanted to hear. Now stay here. I'm going to check on that female bandicoot before we make the preparations."

Cortex went to the room in which Tawna was being held prisoner. He didn't say a word, but he didn't fail to notice her furious expression. He looked at her up and down in a rather seductive manner, making the poor bandicoot all the more nervous.