Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped

Chapter 17: The Superior

Crash had done it. He had collected the remaining crystals. All he needed to do now was defeat Cortex. He heaved a sigh. He had taken care of that bumbling scientist more than once in the past, so why had he suddenly become so nervous?

Sensing his distress, Raven said, "You need not be nervous. Dr. Cortex and Uka Uka are not nearly as powerful as they claim to be."

"But what if I fail?" Crash asked. "What then?"

"Everything will be okay," Megumi assured the fellow bandicoot.

Before Crash had time to respond, Cortex and Uka Uka's faces appeared on the monitor. The scientist was laughing hysterically, but no one was sure as to why. Perhaps he believed he would be the victor.

Eventually, the laughter ceased as Cortex stated, "I'm sorry. This is the part where I'm supposed to be angry, full of rage, incensed beyond belief. Once again, you have outsmarted my best henchmen. I should be rather upset, shouldn't I?"

"And in fact, we're furious!" Uka Uka interrupted. "But it seems you have overlooked one small detail, you little orange delivery boy. Now that you have gathered all the crystals, all we have to do...IS TAKE THEM FROM YOU!"

After the message, Crash was about to depart. Before he could do so, however, Raven tapped on his shoulder to get him to look at her. The expression on her face told Crash that something was amiss.

"I shall go with you," she said. "Something does not feel quite right about this situation."

"Well, yeah," Liz scoffed. "I mean, Cortex is trying to conquer the world."

"That is not what I am referring to. Just allow me to come with you, Crash. I have a feeling you will need all the assistance you can get." Crash gave a quick nod in response.

"Well," said Ami, "if she's going, I'm going." The others nodded in unison.

"Are you sure?" Crash asked. "I'm pretty sure I can do this on my own."

"Raven has a point," said Aku Aku. "You need all the help you can get for the final battle."

Crash felt a tear slide down his cheek. He never would have believed that he would make so many friends, and in such little time. He barely knew them, but he was grateful for their assistance.

"Then let's go already!" Crash said finally.

The group proceeded through the portal and appeared inside Cortex Castle, but they were met with a shocking sight. Cortex and Uka Uka were nowhere to be seen. Instead, someone wearing a black cloak was present.

"Oh no..." Raven groaned, her eyes wide.

"Surprised to see me?" the figure sneered. "It has been quite some time, hasn't it?"

"Where are Cortex and Uka Uka?" demanded Penta.

"Oh, them? I may have...sent them to a different universe. They dared to get in the way of my goals."

Raven turned to her allies and said, "We have to be careful. This is the Superior, leader of the organization. She is the most powerful being throughout the infinite dimensions."

"You have yet to see my full power, Raven."

Crash couldn't help but think that the Superior's voice was familiar. After much thinking, he gasped sharply. His sister noticed but chose not to mention it. After all, they had more important things to worry about.

Finally, Crash glared at the boss as he asked, "You've helped me before, so why are you against me now?"

"I have no idea what you speak of," the Superior growled.