Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped

Chapter 1: Toad Village

At Cortex Castle, N. Tropy would glance at his fellow scientist every now and then. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. Even after the rather lengthy explanation, the Master of Time felt as though Cortex was hiding something.

Eventually, N. Tropy decided to speak up as he said, "You never told us where Natalie is."

"That's because I do not know," Cortex said quickly. He then turned and walked in the opposite direction before Tropy could speak further.

Aisleen, who could sense his unease, said, "Everything will be fine. We will find her soon."

"Are you certain?" Tropy asked. Aisleen nodded in response. "And what of N. Brio?"

Aisleen gulped nervously, but Tropy didn't seem to notice. "I am afraid I have no knowledge of his whereabouts."

Tropy heaved a sigh. The day had barely just begun, and already nothing was going according to plan.

***

Coco, Natalie, and Polar chose to stay behind while Crash jumped through the portal, his guardian following him per usual. The two immediately found themselves in a medieval area of sorts. Knights, toads, and other creatures could be seen not far ahead. In the distance, a tall castle loomed over the kingdom.

Without saying a word, Crash made his way down the path. He and Aku Aku were soon stopped by someone atop a horse. Knights, each on their own horse as well, flocked the individual, who was wearing a familiar cloak. Aku Aku gasped, as he recognized the cloak almost immediately. If the Masters of Darkness had returned, that certainly didn't bode well for the universe.

The figure lifted back the hood of her cloak, revealing her face. Crash and Aku Aku were in a state of shock as they gazed at Aisleen, who had a sinister smile spread across her face.

"Aisleen?" began Aku Aku. "Don't tell me you are working for Cortex again."

"You are quite astute," Aisleen sneered. "Honestly, I am surprised the two of you made it." Crash began to growl, catching her off guard. "Now, that's not polite. I'm only going to say this once, bandicoot. Leave, and there will be no trouble from me. Failure to heed my command will result in...dire consequences."

"We aren't leaving," Crash retorted. "You can't make us!"

"I haven't the slightest clue what that mortal just said, but it certainly didn't sound friendly. Now, bandicoot, do not make me repeat myself."

"We did not come here for a fight," Aku Aku said sternly. "We are here simply to locate the crystal."

"Such cowardice. Being stuck inside a mask has changed you for the worse, I see."

"Um, what is she talking about?" Crash asked his guardian, but the mask refused to respond.

Aisleen and her knights (which where, in reality, Lab Assistants in disguise) continued to glare at the two heroes. Crash made the decision to run down the path, his guardian quickly following him. Aisleen and her allies chased them on horseback, brandishing their swords. Crash didn't dare look back. The only thing on his mind was escaping as soon as possible.

He ran as quickly as his legs would carry him, being wary of the enemies he crossed paths with. He and Aku Aku hid behind a pillar, watching quietly as Aisleen and the knights passed by. The bandicoot heaved a sigh and removed himself from his hiding place. He looked to the side and noticed that he and Aku Aku were now directly in front of the castle.

Crash began sniffing the air, much to his guardian's confusion. He entered the castle, ignoring Aku Aku's warnings. The mask sighed as he followed the young hero, uncertain whether or not this was a good idea.

In the throne room, a certain man who possessed yellow skin sat on the throne, speaking with one of his knights. The man wore regal attire, so Crash assumed that must have been the king. Luckily, the king had yet to see Crash and Aku Aku, so the two quickly hid behind yet another pillar, eavesdropping on the conversation.

"Have you managed to find the crystal?" asked the king, his voice gruff.

"I-I'm afraid not, sire," the knight stammered. "We have searched everywhere, but to no avail."

"Impossible! That crystal has got to be here somewhere! If this is a hoax, you will all pay for your treachery!"

"Of course it isn't. Aisleen said it herself. The--"

"She gave strict orders not to speak her name aloud here. After all, you never know who may be listening."

As Aku Aku watched the scene unfold, he thought, That must be Cortex. I should have known he would take matters into his own hands.

Aku Aku was so lost in thought, he hadn't noticed that Crash had moved to the side until it was too late. Upon noticing the duo, the king, who was none other than Cortex in disguise, pointed at them and yelled, "Guards! Seize them!"

What must have been dozens of knights rushed into the room, drawing their swords and charging toward the two. Aisleen arrived as well, laughing maniacally at the scene before her. "Are you prepared to die?" she snarled.

Thanks to Crash, the knights were easily defeated. Aisleen was the only one standing. Cortex growled as he told her, "This is a waste of time. Come. We must search for the crystal elsewhere."

"But...the crystal is here. I just know it!"

"Enough, Aisleen!"

Aisleen sighed as she followed Cortex through a portal. Afterward, Crash and Aku Aku decided to search the castle for the Power Crystal. They soon found it in a marvelous bedroom of sorts. Immediately after Crash grabbed it, a portal appeared above him, pulling him and his guardian through.

Once they returned to the Warp Room, they were about to explain the events that had transpired. Before they could do so, however, they noticed that N. Brio was present as well.

"Before you ask," said Natalie, "Coco had the idea to search for N. Brio and see if he wanted to assist."

"We need all the help we can get," Aku Aku said. "Now, allow us to explain what occurred."

After the explanation, Natalie's expression changed from one of uncertainty to that of disappointment. "Oh dear," Brio said to her. "It would s-s-seem that your mother is w-working for Cortex again. I thought she would be searching for your father instead."

Natalie only responded with a sigh. She rubbed her temples as she pondered over what she should do. She and the others watched as Crash went through the next portal, and she silently wished them the best of luck. As for Aku Aku, he chose to stay behind, but he wished the bandicoot good luck as well.