Chapter 11 – Big decisions

 

The atmosphere was still, somewhat silent as they returned back to the year 2007. They were all relieved of course, but the elementals flashed back into their crystals on Crunch… as they didn’t feel like following everyone around, and not being able to speak with Crunch, without the other two bandicoots and Aku-aku hearing them. As they walked on, N.Tropy noticed them and shouted

“What is your problem!? Let me out of here, right this instant!”

 

Crunch stopped walking, and looked over at him. He wasn’t sure if he should free him, since he might find a way to stop them from ever getting back in, again. But he also thought it was a bit fair to let the mad scientist free… they did borrow his time machine, after all. He looked at Tropy and raised his pawhand, before waving it over Tropy… and the rocks disappeared. Crash and Coco were bewildered at his actions.

 

“What are you doing?! He might cause trouble now, after that!”

 

“It’s ok, we borrowed his Time Machine after all… and even if he tries to block us, we’ll always get a chance to go through, so it’s no big deal…”

 

He replied after Coco. N.Tropy stood back up, but he was still feeling tired after using his powers against Crunch earlier, but he still had the same anger. However, he didn’t seem to be that determined to stop them… hmm, maybe these ‘pests’ are actually wanting to go into the future permanently? Tropy grinned. A Present without those annoying bandicoots would be perfect! He simply stood up and walked over to his Time Machine, to check that it was all still working, and in good order. The bandicoots and Aku-aku seemed surprised with his quiet and non-aggressive behavior. They simply shrugged and walked out.

***

 

 

They were all back at N.Sanity Island now. Still discussing what to do about the current situation…

 

“You guys all saw it, it’s a terrible future! Though it is surprising to see ‘natural’ anthros there…”

“But… no bandicoots. We’re long extinct there! All thanks to…”

“Man…”

Crunch muttered, after Coco.

 

“Well err… at least the world didn’t like, completely end like an apocalypse, like those 2012 nuts think so… heh…”

Coco said, and did a small nervous laugh. Crunch and Crash didn’t seem that amused though, and Coco looked down for the moment as well.

Crunch then switched his mind to the elementals, who were all talking with each other telepathically. They were all angry, and discussing their ideas on what they wish to do, and what they must do to prevent that very distasteful future they witnessed. Crunch butted in with his thinking, to try and get their attention

 

“Guys… what are your thoughts on this one? So much things are rushing through my mind that it’s very hard to… decide what to do”

“I say we should DESTROY all those skinned primates!”

 

Barked Py-ro, in his violent and angered tone of voice.

“For once, I actually agree with this lava choked lad! FLUSH them out, they’ve messed with my seas for the last time!”

 

Cried Wa-wa, angrily. Crunch could only feel slightly unsure about all this. Isn’t that a bit on the, sadistic side? He hated sadists. But his anger returned to him, they are the ones who are causing most of these problems after all! But the other side of him was telling himself that not all were to blame… he was just so confused.

 

“I don’t think killing them is a very noble idea… it’s just plain cruel and murderous…”

“What the hell is wrong with you Crunch? Those creatures tried to KILL you, remember? They don’t respect you at all, or any other species!”

“I know but not all of them are like that! Like the Professor and Nina, for example. And I don’t want to become destructive like the worst of those species… but, you guys are right about needing to make some changes to this world. You are all the elementals, after all. You all have big control over the environment, and can form it into a way which will be a good home for many species and not just one…”

 

Crunch said again, to the elementals. He switched his mind back to his usual state of mind, which Crash and Coco were seen, looking at him.

 

“You were speaking with the elementals about it?”

“Yeah, sorry about that. But they seem to all be… very bothered about this, but I don’t blame them. I am starting to think… maybe I really do have to… free them”

“WHAT! No, you can’t! They’ll just go berserk and cause ice ages, big volcanic eruptions and more unnecessary chaos!”

 

Coco screamed at Crunch, he didn’t seem too fazed though. Aku-aku looked in Crunch’s direction and spoke

 

“Crunch… you must do what you believe is the right decision. But be aware that the elementals can be very unpredictable, but if your bond with them is strong enough… then they will always respect you, and obey you…”

 

“I’ll need to speak with them more… of course. But I do generally believe we do need to make the move into the future. Once we know for sure that it is a good future…”

 

Crunch spoke right after Aku-aku. Coco and Crash carried on listening, and Crash smiled… for the first time since they left to have a look into that future.

 

“Yes you’re right Crunch… we will not let our races go extinct!”

“I’d never let that happen. I’ll fight for a better future, until the day I die”

 

***

 

 

 

A few hours had passed now, and Crunch had gone back home to his family. It was late at night, and Tani was slightly bothered with his late return. But all the bandigers were asleep already.

Crunch and Tani were outside, sitting on the roof area, and talking. Crunch spent about an hour explaining to Tani, about the adventure he had today with Coco, Crash and the masks. He explained what he learned about the evolution theories from Dr Brio, and the trip into the current future… and the horrors he learned of it too, if nothing drastic was done soon enough. Tani was silent most of the time… usually you’d expect her to yell or get a bit out of hand but this time? She sat there with Crunch and listened to him thoroughly. Seemly interested but also feeling about as devastated as Crunch, after hearing the bad things he mentioned.

Her sadness was soon changed to anger though, after Crunch finished explaining what he could…

“You see, this is why I HATE most human beings! They’re also responsible for destroying most of my race too! And we CANT let them do the same thing to other marsupials as well!”

 

“Yes, exactly! That’s why I think I must… release the elements. But I… feel a bit guilty though…”

“Guilty about what? Who cares! All those scum’s that get in the way can just die! That’s what they get for messin’ with mother nature!”

“I think you’re forgetting something… your ‘father’, is human too… you know. And I know that there are other humans who are good in this world. And I’d feel ashamed to be responsible for wiping them ALL out…”

Crunch told his mate. Tani’s ears dropped down slightly as well, and she moved closer to Crunch, and placed her pawhand onto his shoulder

“You shouldn’t feel guilty though… what if the elementals just, fix their ‘land’ and well, not intentionally destroy them? You know, many humans and even animals are killed accidentally in natural disasters all the time… and besides, Aku-aku is going to stay here too, right? He’s the mask of goodness and light, so wouldn’t he help protect the good guys?”

“That’s a good idea sweetie… saving this world is far more important, because if we don’t… then many will suffer and die out, very slowly over the generations. I think I have decided… I will release the elementals, but I will talk with them more... and then talk with Aku-aku too. And after that… we’ll have to move into the future, where anthros exist naturally…”

“Sounds like a very good idea. But… I’ll miss home… even though home IS in the future anyway. I must let the Professor, your sisters, and everyone else on the Island know about this! We’ll pass the message around over the next week or so then, before you release the elements…”

“Yes of course. I want everyone to be prepared… and I want everyone to know that we will find our future, a place were we can grow older and know our children will have a future of their own”

Crunch replied to Tani, after she spoke. She gave off a smile to Crunch and moved over to him, to snuggle up with him closely.

 

“For now, we better get some sleep, especially you big boy. You’ve had a big day today…!”

 

Crunch smirked, after Tani and then both climbed down off the roof… to go back inside and get some sleep. Crunch’s mind finally started to settle, after such an eventful day… as he drifted off to sleep.

 

Chapter 12...