Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped

Chapter 12: Deep Trouble

"Natalie, what have you done?"

Aisleen walked back and forth in her bedroom, attempting to rid herself of the dark thoughts she suddenly possessed. It did not help in the slightest. Her daughter had awakened and vanished a few minutes ago. Nobody could discern her location, not even the mighty Uka Uka. That could only mean one thing, but Aisleen did not want to accept it.

She made a bold decision, and that was to approach her husband with the news. He was in his laboratory per usual, working on yet another experiment. Upon hearing footsteps, Tropy turned around and looked down to gaze at his wife.

"And what brings you here?" he asked, his voice unusually calm.

"I have come to inform you that Natalie is still missing," Aisleen replied. "I fear that she has joined them after all."

"'Them'? What are you speaking of?"

"You know exactly what I'm talking about, Nefarious."

The Master of Time began to sweat, and it did not go unnoticed by Aisleen. "I refuse to believe that."

"But she was born with magic. Sooner or later, the darkness will consume her. At this point, I am starting to believe that such a thing is inevitable."

"She would never join the organization! Now leave. I have more important things to worry about."

Aisleen sighed heavily as she left the room, closing the door as she went. It was obvious that no one would believe her, not even her own husband. She herself was once a member of the organization, so she knew just how things worked. She was not a moron. Far from it, in fact.

If no one will listen to me, I will have to take matters into my own hands, she thought.

***

Aku Aku looked left and right, seemingly in a state of bewilderment. The mask was mumbling to himself, although no one noticed right away. After a few minutes, Raven finally turned to him and asked what the matter was.

Aku Aku did not respond and instead turned to Crash. "Continue your search for the crystals," he said. "I cannot go with you this time, for I have some business to take care of."

Before anyone could refute, the mask was already out of sight. They pondered over the situation for a moment, wondering what exactly was going on. They felt as though he was hiding something, but they tried not to think about it too much as Crash finally jumped through the next portal.

The marsupial noticed right away that he had to wear scuba gear yet again, for the next crystal was located in the ocean. It looked similar to the previous underwater area, so Crash was confident that he would have no trouble whatsoever. That confidence decreased, however, when he noticed that more obstacles and enemies blocked his path this time.

Everything will be fine, he told himself. I just have to find that crystal and get out of here. Shouldn't be too much of a problem, right?

No matter how hard he tried, he could not shake off the feeling that something disastrous was about to transpire. His fears became a reality when he was approached by an individual wearing a black cloak. They said nothing and stared intently, causing him to want to retreat. Crash simply shook his head and stared back at the figure. There was no time for cowardice. He would find the crystal, no matter what the cost.

"You need to leave," said the individual.

Crash said nothing. He could not help but find the voice to be familiar. He proceeded to ask who they were, but they did not reply. They either refused to reveal their identity or they simply could not understand the bandicoot. Whatever the case, it was obvious that they posed as a threat.

"Do not make me repeat myself," they growled. "Refusal to heed my commands will result in your ultimate demise. And you don't want that, do you?"

"I'm getting that crystal, no matter what," said Crash. "Now move!"

The figure chuckled menacingly, sending a shiver down Crash's spine. The marsupial shook his head once more. In a fit of rage, he shoved past the enemy and continued his search, looking back every now and then, his eyes widening to see that the individual was not far behind. Crash managed to find the Power Crystal unscathed, and the portal appeared just as he was about to be caught. The portal closed just in time, initiating the cloaked figure to growl angrily.

"Master will be most displeased," she said.

***

"Nice job, big brother!" Coco congratulated.

"Thanks," said Crash. He then proceeded to look around. "Aku Aku isn't back?"

"Nope," Penta replied. "I wonder where he went."

"All we can do is await his return," Raven said. "I pray that he returns shortly."