Book of One Shots

Friends Furever, CB

Crash had finally arrived at Castle Cortex. It had been almost a week since he fell out of the window. He had been rejected by Dr. Neo Cortex and his partner in crime, Dr. N. Brio. Crash still didn't understand why Cortex wanted him to the general of the army in the first place. He wasn't much of a leader and that was something he could admit to freely.

However, seeing the damage he had done to Papu Papu and the others he fought to get here, he was now understanding why. Crash was very powerful, a force to be reckoned with. Crash had just defeated N. Brio, leaving the scientist behind where he was laying. Now, there was one person left that he had to face. And Crash wasn't looking forward to it at all.

Crash was best friends with Cortex. The only reason he was storming the castle was to get Tawna, his girlfriend, back. But Crash knew that was a lie. Tawna was giving Pinstripe the 'love stare' - as he called it - more. So why was he still going? Was it to stop Cortex from taking over the world? No...to be honest, Crash knew that Cortex was not going to take over the world.

It wasn't because Cortex was weak. It was because of his golden heart that he was so desperate to hide. Crash knew that Cortex was a big softie. It was obvious from the day they first met. So why was he still intending on fighting Cortex? Was he going to fight back? Why was this really needed? Crash didn't understand it. They had no reason to fight.

So why not talk him into just giving up? Cortex knew that the firestorm was coming and its name was Crash. When Crash got to the top of the airship, he saw Cortex standing there. The wind was lightly blowing through the bald man's hair (or what he had of it). Crash felt his fur standing on end. Why was he scared all of the sudden? Why did he feel this way?

"I see that you have made it, Bandicoot." Cortex spoke.

The way Cortex said 'Bandicoot' made Crash shiver. Then again, this whole thing made Crash shiver. Where Cortex was standing (right at the edge of the airship) and the way he was barely making any eye contact. Something wasn't right. Crash could feel it. Crash knew that he had to do something. Anything to stop this foolishness.

"We don't need to fight." Crash pleaded, his voice sounding desperate. "We can leave here, both of us, together. Why does this have to end this way?"

Cortex chuckled evilly, though it was completely forced. Crash didn't know why, it didn't make sense to him. Why was he pretending? There was no need...

"You infernal Bandicoot, of course you don't understand. I'm evil, your good. Those two things just don't mix. They never had." Cortex pointed out. Crash never saw him so tired...so worn. What happened after he fell out of the window...? Cortex added, "Let's just keep this act going for eternity. We might as well. After all, I'm only going to live once..."

Crash immediately got an idea and interjected, "Yes, you only live once. You don't get a do over in life. You follow this path, Cortex, and it will kill you."

Cortex looked right at Crash, brown eyes meeting green. And that's when Crash saw the tears coming down Cortex's face. Why was he crying...?

He admitted, his voice barely a whisper, "It already has..."

With that, Cortex closed his eyes, and fell backwards off of the airship. Crash gasped, running over to the spot where he stood. The orange mutant didn't make it time to save Cortex, nor did he hear anything after that. It was completely and creepily quiet. Crash didn't know whether to be scared or start mourning.

...

It had been a year since Cortex fell to his death. Or rather, what Crash thought was his death. Crash had started to gather power crystals, following the orders of Cortex. Crash was surprised that Cortex was still alive. Not only that but he was trying to save the world. Crash ignored Coco's warning to him. Why would he want to trick him?