Lost Bandicoot 4 : Future Founding

 

It was now in the future. The year 10,009. Two years after Crunch and his family had arrived there, along with many other anthros from the distant past. Once they arrived there, they had to face a strong enemy, with a rather large army of anthros. But thankfully, with the efforts of Crunch and all his allies, they succeed and rid the land of the terrorizing army. Many anthros and even humans of the future knew of Crunch’s arrival, and waited years for that moment. Though most just thought he was a myth, or even a joke. Until they saw him with their own eyes, of course.

 

Though after all those events, the burgundy bandicoot just wanted to find his old home, old territory, back at X.Treme Island. Coco managed to track down the Island, which looked much different to in the past. The elementals had changed it over the centuries into a very large and wondrous paradise. And this is when Crunch finally got the elementals back at his side, to carry on being their guardian. He was also pleased with the Island, and soon everyone started to settle into it just fine.

Though there was something missing of course, someone missing that is. Crunch and his family always wondered if they would see the rest of his family… his brother’s side, Steve. They were left behind, and he fears that he may never get to see them, ever again. Unless they find a way to get into the future.

 

Perhaps we spoke a bit too soon…

 

Chapter 1 – Arrival

 

A time vortex had opened in the air, in the middle of the Forest of X.Treme Island…. A large burgundy figure popped out, and landed down at least ten metres into some bushes

   “Ouch! My head….”

He grunted, rubbing his head after hitting it onto the hard dirt ground. He stood out from the bushes. It was night; with a partial moon out among the stars. The bandicoot looked very similar to Crunch’s brother Steve but this wasn’t Steve...

 

*

 

The scene changed to Crunch’s house. His new future home, which was built into the mountainside, to protect it from large animals, flooding and other natural disasters. It also had a much more natural design than their home of the past.

Crunch was sitting outside on the balcony area, his ears were raised after hearing something unusual out in the wilderness. He glared towards it with his light green eyes. Tani came walking out moments later…

 

“Hey Crunch, what was that out there? Sounded awfully strange…”

“Hmm I’m not too sure… Sounded unusual, that’s for sure. I better go and check it out…”

 

Crunch gets ready to go down the stairs, before Tani came behind him

        “I’m comin’ too, buster!”

She told him with a grin, he smiled back at her with a similar grin and they both headed off down the stairs. As they got halfway down the stairs, they leapt from them and landed gracefully onto the ground, without making much of a sound, besides Crunch. They quickly scurried off into the pine forest.

 

*

Meanwhile, the other male bandicoot was busy brushing himself off. He stood up and now it was visible to see who it was. It was Chris, Steve’s son. For some reason, he was fully grown, even though he was younger than all three of the bandigers. He arrived into the future a few years too early, though he doesn’t know that yet, of course.

        “I hope I’m in the right time zone now…”

He said to himself, and stood there waiting for anything or anyone…

*


Tani and Crunch carried on running through the forest, trying to follow the track of where the sounds came from…

 

"Gee, I have no idea where we're going... you sure you heard anything strange out here?"

"Yeah, I'm sure I did! Better not have anything to do with mad scientists...."

"Hah, haven't heard that word in ages. I'm pretty sure Neo wouldn't dare to mess with you again, especially after that 'little' incident back then..."

 

She thinks about the ‘event’ that happened two years ago, and starts to laugh to herself about it. Crunch couldn’t help but do the same, then changes his expression back to a more serious one,

 

“Best to check it out anyway. Hasn't been any action in ages....."

 

*

Chris was just standing around, with his pawhands in his pockets. He then picks up the sounds of Tani and Crunch’s paws coming towards him,


        “That didn’t take that long….”

He thought.

*

 

Crunch and Tani were getting closer, but then Crunch stopped suddenly, and had picked up a scent, a scent of another bandicoot…

 

“Wait a second... it smells like someone familiar but... different at the same time. But either way, it's another burgundy bandicoot... I know it...."

 

He spoke quietly to Tani, as he was starting to get very wary now.

"Hmm yeah, I think you're right but what if he or she isn't much of a threat anyway?"

"Well, I'm going to see who it is...."

 

Tani had noticed that Crunch is now a bit aggressive about this, she simply sighs and thinks,
         “Silly territorial males.”

 

 

Crunch finally jumps from the bushes, and lands a few metres away from Chris. Then looks at the younger, adult burgundy bandicoot. Something seems a little familiar about him, but Crunch isn't able to make out what it is. He gets a bit closer to examine him more... it was dark during the night, but he could see his figure well.

 

"Who are you?"

"I was sure you wouldn’t remember. Can you calm down a bit? I don't want to provoke a fight. I hate fighting..."

 

Crunch doesn't like his attitude, so he doesn't calm. Just carries on looking in content, and asks again…

 

“I said, who are you.”

 

Then he finally notices that Chris has a metal forearm, similar to his! Crunch suddenly turns even more serious... and gets suspicious. He couldn’t believe it, almost. But it was real, just like his own but different in design, from what he can notice... Chris notices that Crunch had seen it, so he pulls the rest of his hand out of the pocket. Crunch glares at it even more…

 

"No need to hide that anymore now..."

 

Chris said. Crunch looked even more angered, and Tani just watched from the bushes, a little too shocked to even say or do anything. Crunch lets out a quiet growl,

 

“Looks like Cortex is up to his old tricks again.... well, I'll just have to make you learn the hard way, that fighting for him is a waste of time!"

 

He now thinks Cortex has something to do with Chris, and suspects that he's a possible minion sent out to fight against him. He is exceptionally annoyed, since he specifically warned Neo not to mess with him or his family again. And on top of that, he doesn’t like it when other male bandicoots come into his home area, without any sort of permission.

Chris looked rather bothered, himself…

 

"Ok, I see you're still an old bullhead. Seems like I have to fight you now. Oh well..."

 

He dashed over to Crunch suddenly, and attacked him with a few hard kicks and punches before he grabs him and throws him against a tree. Crunch is more than annoyed now and snarls loudly, pounces out quickly with a slash coming for Chris, the slash only just misses him but then uses his left leg to make him trip so he can then go down and pin him to the ground, though Chris dodges the first attack but suddenly falls over Crunch's leg!
Crunch now has him pinned, and holds him down and tries to bite at him, but Chris is holding him back by pushing against the front of his neck, Crunch's clawed hand starts to dig into him, along with the metal hand, which bruised instead. But Crunch was more contempt on biting instead, and didn’t notice anything else, but Chris still had a strong push against him so his sharp teeth didn’t get much closer… he then rolls Crunch over and pins him down instead, before muttering…

 

"I wasn't expecting that you, would kill your own nephew. I know I was always a little, annoying and some times, has passed until you've seen me the last time… but… you really don't remember me?"

 

Crunch then growls, and rolls over, and has Chris pinned down this time, his clawed hand lost grip and then he slashes Chris down the chest without intending to, though doesn’t care at the same time, due to his ferocity, and Chris didn’t notice it yet neither…

 

“What the hell are you on about? You think this is some kind of joke trying to talk about my family members?! I don't take crap from any of Neo's minions.....!"

 

Crunch snarled and tried to bite for him again, but kept missing; Chris sighed and looked downwards,

 

"If dad knew about this now, he would be very sad..."

“Look, I don't know what you're on about, but I don't like it.... you should surrender now if you know what's good for you!"

"Don't you recognize my scent? And look on my chest! There are just two who have ever had this pawprint, you know about it, don’t you?!"

 

Crunch then suddenly stops, and has a think about it, while trying to clear his anger from his mind. Still suspicious though, he keeps pinning Chris down to make sure, and then he realizes that there has only been two burgundy bandicoots that have blonde hair, and then in the night he realized the pawmark was there, and was clearly visible. Tani finally showed herself from the bushes, and then soon after, Crunch finally let him go. Both Tani and Crunch were unsure of what to say…

Chris finally was able to get onto his paws, and then he looked at his chest and noticed a long deep slash, he smiles bluntly at the pair in front of him,

 

"Thanks for the scar uncle."

 

“What!? Is that who I think it is...?!"

"But... no way. Is that actually you, Chris...?"

"Why I should call you uncle then?"

“Well I.... I'm just not sure what to say.... I’m very sorry for… attacking you. You don't look very much like you used to.... and how come you're... all grown up?"

 

Crunch asked, while still in shock and disbelief about it. Tani was feeling almost the same as Crunch…

 

"Yeah, the kids aren't even teens yet, except Tasha... how did you even get here?"

“And what about.... Trisha and.... Steve?"

 

Crunch is still in shock, and now feels slightly down since he has no idea what has happened with them, ever since he arrived in the future. He almost believed he would never see any of them again. Chris explained,

 

"Well that's easy. I was already grown up in the past and came to the future to exactly this time zone. And about mum and dad, well mum didn't want to come with me yet. She'll come in about a month or so. And dad..."

 

Chris’s ears drop and he looks to the ground…

"... I don't know anything about him. He disappeared suddenly, when I was almost 8 years old. I think he’s dead..."

“Well I see then.... surely he can't be dead though, just like that. He has to be somewhere...."

 

Crunch simply looked worried, while Chris still looked down. Tani noticed them, and didn’t want them to lose hope yet,

"What if he ended up coming to the future too?"

“Hopefully he didn't end up in a wrong time zone.... if he did go through the time machine before it was destroyed."

"He didn't go through it. He told me one day after, that you are all in the future now."

 

Crunch just looked even more disappointed now, but didn’t want to believe he was gone for good. Especially without getting to say bye.

 

"Hmm, alright then. Well, it is good to see you again though but man, how the hell did you get a metal paw though? If Neo has anything to do with it... then that's it. My next meeting with him will be the last...."

 

"How could he? He is still frozen back then. It was actually an accident with some machinery over at N.Gin’s place back then."

 

“Oh, oh I see then... I guess I'm starting to get a bit paranoid here. Yeah, no way he'd mess with any of us again, after my little meeting with him a few years ago. Yes, he's actually still alive, in this time zone anyway."

"Heh yeah. Doesn't seem he's into the World domination thing anymore. Especially now that anthros are all over the world, heh. But anyway, it is nice to see you again. You really have grown up!"

 

Tani said, then she goes over and gives Chris a hug, which kind of surprises him a bit. Crunch goes over to give Chris a pat on the shoulder.

“You’re not a bad fighter at all. I can tell you’ll have a good future in that area”

 

Crunch told him, Chris then suddenly hugged the pair tightly.

"I'm glad that I've found you guys. I've missed you two so much..."

“We did too, of course! Especially the bandigers. They missed having you come over the play back in those days.... oh boy; they're going to be a bit shocked when they see ya.... hah!"

 

Crunch laughed after Tani,

 

“Hah, how unfair! They used to be older than you, and now you're.... older, in a way"

"When can I see them? I would like to see my cousins again."

"Oh now, if you like to. Just follow us!"

 

Crunch started walking back to the direction of his home, with Tani and Chris following behind. Tani looked at Chris,

"You're welcome to stay with us for a bit, until you get used to life around the Future X.Treme Island, hopefully Crunch here doesn’t get too territorial though"

 

She suddenly nudged Crunch with her elbow, in a jokingly way. Crunch flinched,

"Hey! I, I wont mind!"

 

"Heh, no problem. I can understand that. I'm an adult now too, so I have to deal with it. Oh man, it'll be cool to see Tasha, Tayna and Tackle again. Is Tackle still shy too? Cause I think he'll be scared of me at first…"

“Well not as much anymore, though he still is, kind of. But Tasha is still a bit of a 'ring leader' while Tayna is very much the same!"

"Ok, I see already, no chance for me then heh."

“We're almost there....”

 

They then walked up to the area with the steps, which go up into the mountainside slightly. Crunch looked down at Chris, who was looking all around,

 

"Well, this is our house, in the future.... couldn’t find a suitable tree to make another tree house, and we thought it wasn't be a good idea, as it wouldn't last very long, that way"

"I see. Looks nice up there. Even seems to be a bit bigger."

 

Crunch is still leading them up the stairs, and replies to Chris

 

“Yeah, we chose this area, since it was a good large spot to build a big enough house for the family. Though Crystal now lives with Tawna and Collide in a different location of the Island.”

"I'll have to build a house for me and mum too sometime, now that I think of it."

 

Chris said, while Crunch carried on talking with him

 

"Oh yeah, heh.... well the Island is many times bigger than before, so there is plenty of room around here."

"Yeah, now I can see it too. Looks like all the three islands are now one..."

“Yeap, the elementals did a nice job with the islands over the years.”

 

Tani now has lead the way and they've reached the top, which has a nice view over the trees and island, with the sea seen in a distance, while the sun was starting to rise. They go inside through the wooden door. Chris looked around the homes living room, and looked impressed,

 

"Wow, it looks really nice in here..."

 

Tani replied,

"Thanks. Yeah I like this home a lot better, it's much more natural than the other one, and more comfortable too."

"Heh, and less 'human-ish’ too. I'll go and see if the bandigers are awake yet...."

 

Crunch went into the hallway, which leads to the rooms. Chris looked over at Tani,

 

"You two still don't really like the humans, ehh?"

"Well actually, humans aren’t too bad in the future. Most of them anyway. Most are very easy to get along with, and don't treat us like freaks."

 

Chris sighed; still surprised with all the differences the world has at this time period…

"So much has changed in all those years..."

 

"Some humans even knew that Crunch was a hero from the past, who came to the future to help beat evil during these times. Right now, things are quite smooth though! But those enemies from 2 years ago sure were troublesome... and they were actually anthros!"

 

Crunch then came out of the hallway, with the kids coming behind him, who looked rather curious but nervous of what's going on, as they could pick up Chris’s scent already.

Chris looked in Crunch’s direction, before Crunch spoke,

“Well guys, you'll be a bit shocked at first but this is actually your cousin Chris..."

 

Tasha was the first to pop out of the doorway. She is now around seven, so a teenager bandicoot/thylacine anthro. She stared at Chris for a while, before finally speaking,

 

"W-what.....?  Are, are you sure that is Chris, it looks… nothing like him!"

 

She said, while a bit shocked but carried on staring… Chris smiled and then rubs the back of his neck with his right pawhand,

"Well yeah, I have to admit I've changed quite a bit…"

 

Then Tayna finally came through, with Tackle behind. Tayna walks on forward then stops suddenly when she actually looks up at Chris. Tackle looked equally as surprised, as he was not far behind her.

 

"Whoa... who, who… really is that!?"

 

Chris kneels down, and looks at the youngsters in a welcoming way,

"Hard to believe, but I'm your cousin. Chris."

 

Tasha responds to him,

"Wow... it really is him! But, you are a lot older now!"

 

Tayna then suddenly changed her expression and pose, and put her hands on her hips

"Hey, no fair! He was our youngest cousin before!"

 

Tani and Crunch are heard smirking in the background about it, then Tackle notices he’s not a threat and comes on closer… before saying,

"Wow, I haven't seen you in a long time...."

 

"Yeah, it's really me. And now come over to my fluffy chest..."

 

Chris let out his arms, for embracing the cousins. Tasha goes over without any hesitation, with Tayna soon after, and Tackle.... struggles to decide at first, but then does seconds later. Chris gives them a warm hug

 

"...even though I look a bit like your daddy now. I missed you all."

“We missed you as well! Thought we might never get to see ya again"

 

Tasha said, while still clinging to him with a hug, Tani and Crunch smiled. And were glad to see they're accepting him well. Crunch spoke up,

"That went a lot better than I thought then! So, what are your plans for now?"

"Well, I have no plans so far. I didn't even expect to ever find you all so quickly..."

 

Tani responded,

"You can stay here for now, if you like. I see Crunch has given you a deep cut there too...sigh. Here, have these paper towels to help stop the bleeding…"

"Yeah, I'm sorry about that too..."

 

Crunch said, looking slightly guilty with his hand behind his neck. Chris just smiled back at them,

"As if I care about that. I'm used to getting hurt, heh."

“Well, what are you going to do now then? Just rest up?"

 

All of a sudden, there was a bright flash and as it faded away, there was another bandicoot near the windows. He was shining in the morning sunlight as his whole body was just metal.

Tasha looked at the window

 

“Hey.... I can see something outside...!"

“What is it Tasha?"

 

Then all the bandigers looked in Tasha's direction, and so did Tani… and she seem rather surprised. While Crunch and the others couldn’t actually sense anyone, but Crunch knew there was something with magic nearby... cause of the elemental crystals around his fist.

The shining metal bandicoot came through the wall and into the house without destroying anything in his path. As his metallic fur and skin wasn't reflecting the sunlight anymore, everyone could now see who it was.

Everyone was quite shocked. Especially Crunch, who didn't say anything. He looked as if he had just seen a ghost, and perhaps he did? He didn’t say anything, nor move a muscle.

Tayna spoke up

"Who.... what is that!?"

 

Tackle gets nervous and goes by Tani, since she looked less stunned than Crunch. Tani was still rather spooked though, herself. She replied,

"I... I'm not sure if I really know I can believe who I'm seeing.... what, about you Crunch?"

 

He just ignores Tani, and carries on his surprised stare. Chris is also, almost as shocked as Crunch but still can speak…

"U... uncle Crunch? D... Do you think the same as me now…"

 

Crunch then finally looks at the others, and notices they can see the same thing as him, realizing that he isn't seeing stuff. He swallows before saying…

"Well Chris... I'm just, not sure what to really say...."

"I... I'm just speechless. Could it really be that...?”

 

Tani’s expression changed to a sympathetic one, she said,

"Umm... Steve, is that really you...?"

 

"...Well, not exactly like you all have me in your memories, but yeah... it's really me."

 

 

The bandigers look really cautious now, mainly because they don't understand what's going on, though Tasha remembers him a bit, but is a little too shocked to say anything yet. Everyone was just more than surprised, Tani replied again

"Oh course we remember you... but, what happened?"

"Yeah you just.... disappeared and now you're here too...? It has been such a long time...."

 

Crunch said… while still feeling surprised, shocked and unable to think straight. Steve looked at him and finally spoke again

"Where should I start now... well, as I disappeared back then I actually died. Don't ask me how. I can't be reminded of that anymore. But anyhow, Me-To saved me by turning me into an elemental and that's why I look like this now. But yeah, that was over 8000 years ago..."

 

"What the.... oh man..... I just don't know what to say....."

 

Tani replied, while in slight disbelief, but knew it was true. Crunch‘s ears were slightly down, but he still was finding it hard to believe Steve was actually here.

"That, that actually happened and you have been here all this time? Wow..... It’s almost too hard to believe but, you're here...... We've missed you too, all of us"

 

"Yeah, I've been around since you all came to the future. Hidden and invisible of course, because I wasn't sure if everything could be as it was again, now that I'm immortal and stuff. But who do you think Crunch, saved your burgundy ass when you were lightheaded as always? I was always around you, Tani and the bandigers, to protect you."

 

“Well, how was I supposed to know? Since you just disappeared without saying anything way back then... And we didn't suspect you'd be here too..."

 

"That's because I didn't want to show myself. I was scared to at first. But seriously now brother, you didn't really miss me at all, right?"

 

Tani got quite annoyed with his remark on Crunch, and instantly responded,

“Of course we did! We always wondered what had happened... and same with Chris and Trisha. And it is good to see you again too; it has been a pretty long time... even longer for you though... as I can see"

 

"Oh yeah it was. I've waited 8000 years for this moment. I saw everything happen during that time and it was just terrible what happened to the world. But now everything seems to be fine again..."

 

Chris simply started to walk over to his father, and gives him a hug… before he starts to cry. Steve is glad to see his own son again, after many, many years. And is glad to see his son still remembers him as well. Crunch still looked rather down, but decided to speak up again

 

"At least I have the elementals again, so they can't cause so much chaos again... though the future looked much worse when I visited the first time, without freeing the elementals. But I am glad to see the future being a lot better now, and for our species too. It is also really good to see you too, of course..."

 

Crunch and the others were unsure if they could even touch him, cause he looked like a ghost just before, but Tasha goes over to approach him slowly, eager to see if she could touch him at all, as she noticed Chris is able to. Steve looked over at Crunch and smiled slightly,

"Well, you have one more elemental now, Crunch. Me. But since we're all here now, come over to me. It’s time for the family..."

 

Everyone goes over, and even Tackle finally does from behind Tani. Though Crunch was a bit hesitant, since he was still a bit stunned with the whole situation. But then he finally does once he sees everyone else huddled up together. They all embrace one another, and are glad to finally be a family again.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2 – The rouge bandicoot

 

 

It was a sunny day, which was during the afternoon. A few weeks had passed since Chris came to the future, and since Steve finally revealed himself to the family. Life seemed very nice and calm for Chris, as right now… he was out in the treetops, resting peacefully on a thick branch that easily supported his weight. Almost seemed as if he was about to doze off. But he wasn’t alone…

 

Down bellow several metres, was another burgundy bandicoot. She was bellow several branches, and sat against the tree trunk, looking down at the ground. She saw Crunch down there with his family having an afternoon snack on the grass with a blanket lay out on the grass.

She just sighed and watched. She was envious of Tani, for having Crunch, but wouldn’t dare to come between them of course. She just sat there, looking bored and carried on her watch.

Her name was Rouge.

 

She was a tall female for her species. Around 1.7m, and weighed about 60kg. She had turquoise eyes, and long dark burgundy hair coming from her head. It even was plaited, which she couldn’t have done by herself. May have most likely been a friend she knew of somewhere out there.

She had different markings than most burgundy bandicoots also. Had bits of beige above her eyes, and lots of beige on the arms and paws. And a little bit of beige on the end of her ears and short burgundy tail.

She just lay there, still staring near the ground and looking bored. Chris then blinked, and noticed her down there,

"Oi! What are ya doing there?"

 

Rouge’s ears flicked up instantly, as she had no idea there was anyone up there above her. She didn't look surprised though, and just turned slowly and looked up, to see another large male burgundy bandicoot

“Well, I could ask you the same thing."

 

Chris jumped down from the high branch, and landed the thick branch she was sitting on.

"Well, I was just dozing a bit up there."

 

She is a bit surprised with how big he was, since she hasn't seen many burgundies of that size around, besides Crunch and few others

“I see. I haven't seen you around before. Must not come from around here, am I right?"

 

Chris then suddenly stretches out in front of her, while she looked back, a bit more impressed with the build of him, but kept a straight face. Chris replied,

"Oh I do, but from the past. I came to this time zone a few weeks ago."

 

She raised an eyebrow,

“No idea what you're on about, sorry. Well, who are you? You look a little like a relation to someone I know of...”

"I'm Chris. And you might know this metal bandicoot everyone's talking about. Well, he's my dad."

"Hmm? Yes, I have heard about a 'metal bandicoot ghost' around. Never seen him for myself, so I don't know who to believe, you know. Well, my name is Rouge. I live around this island; have for a few years now. Strange how I haven’t heard of you. Though recently I heard some female bandicoots talking about a new guy, who looked dangerous and suspicious. Pfft, Wusses."

 

Chris knew what she meant, so he crossed his arms and frowned slightly,

"Yeah, that has to be me then... but now back to you, Rouge. What were ya up to before?"

"Well, I was just sitting out here... happened to see Crunch down there, with some others."

"You mean my aunt and my cousins?"

“Hmm....?"

"Crunch is my uncle."

 

Rouge smirked, as if she thought he was joking around.

“You're kiddin' me right? Since when?"

 

She couldn’t believe it, though she then noticed Chris does resemble Crunch a bit, even has a very similar build, and even a similar metal hand. But she didn’t want to be rude and ask about the hand. So she didn’t try to ask.

Chris just looked back at her

"Well you can ask him if you don't believe me. That 'metal bandicoot ghost' is my father and his brother, so yeah, I'm Crunch's nephew. As I already said, I'm from the past and grew up there. That's why I'm already an adult. I'm actually supposed to be even younger than my cousins down there."

 

Rouge was a little puzzled with what he told her, but she listened,

"Mmm hmm, I see. A bit hard for a 'normal' gal like me to understand. Though I know Crunch did come from the past to help us in the future. A real bandicoot warrior to me, like no other. Though yeah, you do look 'almost' as good as him, I suppose. Heh."

 

She joked, but Chris didn’t take it too lightly,

"Hmpf..."

"No need to get annoyed now, heh. I barely even know ya anyway, and I don't judge others before knowing them a bit more. You do look quite tough though."

"Might be..."

 

Chris says, and then starts to flex his arms right in front of her.

Rouge is impressed, but tries not to say anything about that but blushes a little anyway.

 

"Well, I see you have the build of a warrior. Haven't see ya do 'much' with that though... yet. Such as a fight with someone... similar. Or even just lifting something. Many can show off, but aren't even able to stand up to what they think they are."

 

"Should I show ya in a fight against Crunch?"

 

Rouge scoffs

“Hah, a fight with someone as superior as him? Heh well, I can't judge you I guess... I don't know what to expect. Well, if you say so. Would be highly entertaining."

"He isn't superior to me. I fought him already and even won a few times."

 

Rouge is actually surprised, since it's very rare to hear of others winning against Crunch, someone she admired but knew she could never be with. She didn’t really mind though, but waited until she found the right male anyway.

She looked back at Chris,

"Sounds impressive then. There needs to be more burgundies out there, which are of that standard. Most are too cocky, and think they're all that, when they're not even. Turned down many males, cause of that. But this may just be worth the watch, then."

 

She does a devious grin, while Chris simply says

"Well I'm not like the most males. I am much different."

 

“Different is good. I must say, I haven’t met another like you before, most I met wouldn't have even seen me for more than a few minutes, heh. I just don't waste my time for those who aren’t worthy, as you can see."

 

Chris smirks

"I'll take that as a compliment then."

"Yeah, you could say that. You can go challenge Crunch if you want, would be nice to see a bit of action to finish off the day, and to see how good you think you really are."

"I guess you won't come down with me then?"

“Oh, I'm happy where I am, thanks. Would be a better view from up here anyways."

 

She didn’t want to come down, because she didn’t want to be noticed by Crunch. Chris just smiles at her,

"I see... I better not lose a word over you to Crunch then too..."

 

Chris jumped down off the tree, and walked over to Crunch and his family. Rouge just watched with an eager smile.

Crunch and his family were just about to head off home, but then Chris went up to Crunch and talked with him. Crunch nodded and Tani with the young bandigers carried on their walk back home, while Crunch stayed near Chris, looking like they were ready to have a 'fighting session'...

 

Chris got into his fighting position

"And don't hold back yourself Crunch. I don't like that."

“Ehh? Well, if you say so then, kid!"

 

Crunch gets into the fighting stance too, but notices something is a bit different, but doesn't know what. He is a little suspicious, but doesn’t take too much notice.

While Rouge carried on watching from the treetops, further away.

 

"You can start if you want. I'm ready for your first move..."

“Right, if you say.... so!"

 

Crunch shouted, as he leaps out with a punch coming for Chris, before he finishes his line. Chris dodges the punch and gives a hard kick, followed by a punch with his right arm, which hits Crunch in the face! Crunch is a little surprised, but then shakes his head and goes to knee Chris into the stomach area and attempt a slam down with his metal fist, which misses though so he then goes for a kick instead, which Chris is pushed back a few metres by.

Then Chris charges for Crunch and hauls off for a punch with his metal fist. Crunch was doing the same and as metal his metal there was a loud 'clung'. Chris dodged the oncoming other fist from Crunch and held it with his other hand. So they were trying now to push each other away from one another…

Rouge was surprised with the training session, and carried on watching them fight.

 

Crunch then notices Chris is a bit harder than usual... and kind of wonders why... but that puts him off guard and then Chris manages to get through and punch him in the chest! Crunch falls onto his back a few metres ahead, but then quickly rolls over before Chris lands to pin him down. Crunch moves up and goes for a punch to Chris in return, with his own metal hand.

Crunch's metal fist hit him hard in the chest and sent Chris flying back a few metres but he jumped quickly back on his feet and ran back to Crunch. He grabbed him and threw him in the air while he leapt after him.

Up there he gave a hard kick to Crunch, smashing him on the ground, hard and swiftly!

Crunch’s head had hit onto some nearby hard rocks, and he was now feeling a bit dizzy. Then realizes he's a bit worn out now, and decided to give in, for now.

 

Crunch shakes his head a few times,

"Alright Chris, you win this round. Heh. Seems like you were fighting for a... reason though. As if you were trying a bit harder than usual for 'some reason'"

 

He says and smiles silly, while having one of his own hands rub his sore head.

Rouge is more that surprised with how it went, and carries on watching them bellow. Chris came up to Crunch,

"Nah, I wasn't fighting for a special reason. Just wanted to have a real fight with you now. I hope I didn't hurt you, Crunch?"

“Oh nah, I’m fine thanks!”

 

Chris hands him a paw to help him up

“Are you sure?”

 

Hands out paw and is lifted up onto his feet. Crunch is now standing, and brushes himself off

“Well it's ok, it was a good fight! You did rather well, and don't worry about me, I'll just have a bump on my head for a while though"

 

Crunch chucked a bit at himself, as well as Chris,

"Should I take you home? I don't want you to run in a tree or something."

"Hah! Nah I'll be fine. I better get home, before Tani starts to get worried. Well, I should see you around though"

"Yup. And next time without the headache, heh."

“Well, I'll see what kind of moves I can pull off next time… maybe you’ll end up with the headache instead? Ha. Well, until then.... see you!"

 

Crunch then walks away, but seems a little wobbly at first, while trying to wave back at him. Chris waves too and soon, Crunch is far out of sight.

Rouge giggles at the sight from her view, but is still impressed though, and hasn’t been this much impressed is a very long time.

Chris now notices Crunch is gone far enough, so he runs back to the tree and leaps up to the big branch Rouge was sitting on.

She looked at him, and then put her hand behind her neck and looks down at her paws, but then looks up again

 

"Well, you sure proved yourself out there today. That sure was a good show... well, good stuff. You did good, well not good, better than good… it was excellent."

"Thank you."

 

Chris said with a blush, she just smiled back at him

"You're welcome. I wouldn't have thought another male could beat him; he must be aging already, heh… just joking of course. But yeah, that was good though"

 

She looks up at him and smiles, to gives him a pat on the shoulder.

"I guess I just had luck this time. He's actually way stronger than me."

"So, that still was impressive anyway. I highly doubt anyone else I've met would have came even close to that”

"Oh dad can, but I guess you don't believe he's real."

“Well, you weren’t lying about Crunch though. But if I see, then I suppose I'd believe that too. You know"

"I can't use the elemental yet, so I can't show you. But yeah, I guess you'll see him sometime, around."

“Yeah. I might see him around, since I won’t be leaving too far, anytime soon. Got no reason to. What about you, you live around here?"

 

Chris looked up and smiled,

"Hmm, I live everywhere. Outside here in the forest."

"Ah I see. Haven’t got a permanent territory yet then?"

"Oh I have. The old territory of my dad. But I like to be around the family more than to be alone all the time."

“Ah ok then, I see. Seems like you're rather close with your family. I can't say the same myself, which is why I live very far from them, and haven't seen any of them in years. But I don't mind just hanging out here, better than the Australian mainland, by far."

 

She said, while looking down, before looking back up at Chris again. He glared back

"Yeah, this island is just nice. I won't like to stay anywhere else."

“It sure is. Well, I better head off back to my home… this wont be the last time I see you though. You’re a cool guy, and I’d like to meet up again. If you wanted to, of course.”

 

Chris just blushed and looked to the side for a moment, but then back at her

“Well yeah, of course! I’m always around. I should see you again too…”

“Yup, see you soon… Chris.”

 

Rouge took off into the thick of the trees, but turned back to look at him, and give off a wink. Before disappearing into the thick of the leaves.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3 – The season

 

It was now around about a month later, and it was autumn. The time of the year burgundy bandicoots (and many other similar marsupial species) start to behave a bit more ‘differently’ than usual.

It was the breeding season. The time of the year a male and female burgundy bandicoot have to find their rightful mate, to spend their lives with until death. Though in some rare cases, they don’t stay with the same mate for life, if one of them dies early. But the longer they’re together, the harder they are to split apart, even after one dies.

And sometimes, the male or female don’t end up finding the mate, so they just give up and wait until next year… they’re very careful with who they choose, which is why they usually spend weeks before autumn, getting to know each other first.

During this season, the female is in heat and is most likely wanting to start a family, if they feel they’re ready for it. This is the only time of the year they get into this faze, and it lasts about a week or more, depending on their mood. They won’t just choose anyone though; they have to be able to support them and their family, since life can sometimes be difficult in the wilderness. Even for anthros.

 

Rouge and Chris have actually been getting to know each other more over the past few weeks, and Rouge was starting to lose her blunt and ‘bored-like’ talk and personality with him. She was opening up more to Chris, as she was growing fonder of him as the days went by. Soon she didn’t even think about Crunch or anyone else, since after all; she was more of a simple ‘fan’ of Crunch than anything else. She always wondered if Chris felt the same way though as she did for him, but was a bit too nervous to even try asking. As brave and honest as she may be, she was still edgy when it came to relationships, since she wasn’t used to it.

Chris was actually quite fond of her though, especially now that she isn’t near as blunt as she used to be when he first met her. It seemed that he had already made up his mind, though Rouge wasn’t sure about what he thought just yet…

 

Chris was just seen exercising in the forest, as Rouge suddenly came running into the same area he just was. But Chris didn't notice her first and so he continued with doing push-ups. Rouge is a little startled to see him there doing pushups without knowing, but decides to watch for a while anyway before being noticed.

 

Chris suddenly picked a familiar scent and jumps on his feet, looking around to see who it is. Rouge and Chris were now face to face again; Rouge just gave off a silly smile and said

"Oh err hey there. Sorry, didn't mean to disturb you or anything, heh..."

 

Chris just smiles back with a welcoming expression

"Hey Rouge. I knew there was someone nearby. But you didn't disturb me, anyway. I just finished my daily exercising for now"

“Oh, alright then. I was just trying to track down some prey for lunch today. Sort of ran out of darts though, so I'm down on the ground for today, the old fashion way... heh"

 

Rouge is still feeling a little surprised to have seen him, but tries to keep a straight face. Chris notices though, and then starts to flex his muscles proudly after his workout,

"Well I could help you with that. I need something for lunch as well. After all that exercising."

 

Rouge still tried to keep a straight face, but couldn’t for much longer so she looked away for a bit. But looks back anyway and grins

"That'll be nice, thanks. You'll probably be able to bring down something big. I admit I usually just catch smaller things like birds and small mammals.... since it's only just for me after all. But I wouldn't mind a dinner for two."

 

Chris did a similar grin, and then laid his arm around her gently. She tried hard not to smile like a girly girl, but ends up doing so anyway. Since she isn’t very used to this sort of attention, yet.

"Oh I wouldn't mind as well. What do you think about some wild boars?"

"Hey, that sounds nice. I haven't had that in... years. To say the least."

"Ok, I'll go and get some then. I'll be right back."

 

Chris quickly nuzzled her before disappearing into the thick of the forest. She gave another grin as she watched him run off, and then decides she should at least try and be useful, so she goes and rounds up some wood to build a small fireplace. As the night was getting near, and it gets cold during then.

It wasn’t long until Chris was done though. He came back after several minutes with two small-to-medium sized boars, one over each shoulder. The fire had already started, and she was busy keeping it going, then she turns around to see Chris standing there, and is rather surprised to see him so soon. Chris looked back at her,

 

"That should be enough for us."

"Oh wow, that was... a lot quicker than I thought. I just got a fire ready, in case you felt like some cooked meat too, though I don’t mind either."

 

Rouge stood up and walked over to Chris, and helps with getting the boars off his shoulder, and also decides to give a nuzzle in return for his efforts.

"I prefer raw meat. But thanks anyway. The fire will keep us warm. It's cold on those autumn nights."

“That's fine with me. Yup, gets even colder during the winter, though you probably already know that anyways."

 

Rouge got out a knife from her pocket, and starts to cut one of the boars, removing the fur and skin, to cut a slice of the meat out for her to try. She chews on it eagerly

“Mmm wow, this is really tender and full of flavor. Got to have this a bit more often!"

 

Chris just rips the boar open with his sharp teeth, and shoves his muzzle into the opening and starts to eat it. Even some of the bones, which are easily crushed with his strong burgundy bandicoot jaws. Rouge looks over, and smirks at the sight.

Then she cuts the hole open more to get more of the tender pieces of meat out. Sometimes even using her own jaws to bite pieces off.

Quite soon, Chris had finished his meal. He lay down besides the fire, licking the blood off his paws and muzzle, before looking over to Rouge.

Didn't take her too long until she was full too, though she ate slower, but didn't require as much as Chris anyways. Now she goes to lay down by the fire to clean herself as well, which wasn't near as messy as Chris,

 

"You just have to ask me again if you want some boar meat. I go usually every second day after them."

“Really? That would be nice. Has been a pleasure hanging out with you lately. I'd just be sitting around in the treetops doing almost 'nothing' right about now, or just dodging jerks, heh."

 

After Chris had finished cleaning himself, he moved over to Rouge to lie beside her. He nuzzled her slightly

"I've enjoyed the time with you too. I was alone most of the time before."

“Same here, pretty much..."

 

As she's now closer, she notices a bit of blood is still on his cheek, so she gets closer to lick it off, which kind of surprises him a bit.

He smiles warmly as he noticed what she did, and also noticed one of her hands on his chest,

"Thank you..."

"You’re welcome...."

 

Rouge was in a trance-like state for that moment, but then realizes that they're exposed out here, and anyone could be around.  

"Hey, no need to be nervous. Let's just enjoy our time together:"

“Heh heh. Yeah I know, just hoping there aren’t any nosy parkers about, heh...."

"If there are any around, I'll take care of them later."

 

He just smiles back, while she does the same

"Heh, yeap, would be 'suicide' for them to come anywhere near"

"Yeah, the tough guy here will show them how dangerous that can be..."

 

 

Chris laughs a bit and shows off his arm for her. She giggles at the sight of it, then Chris looks down at her,

"You wanna feel…?"

 

Rouge looks up at him, and he looks down at his chest. She looks in his direction and then back at his face. She then strokes her pawed hand against his chest down to his abs. And does another nuzzle. He closes his eyes and deeply enjoys what she is doing… she just giggles again at his facial expression, then he finally speaks

"...mmh. Feels good..."

“I've never been close to anyone before... I think, oh gosh. Must I really have to say that cheesy overused line?"

 

She said with a silly expression, then looks up again into his eyes, and smiles. Before stroking him again slowly.

He looks down at her

"That wasn't cheesy. I haven’t been close to anyone else before neither..."

 

He then closes his eyes in joy,

"...uhh baby, you know how to coddle me..."

 

Smiles even more but then suddenly, freezes in a ‘goofy’ looking pose, with his hand and feet paws limp and upwards. Then he collapsed to the ground on his back

Rouge noticed he’s now 'frozen’, and then lets out a little laugh. She goes over him and starts to groom around his neck fur with her tongue and small sharp front teeth affectionately.

"heheh wow. Didn't think you could be so goofy."

 

Chris just enjoys being pampered so affectionately and stays 'frozen' and with his smile. Rouge notices that he still hasn’t moved a muscle and finds it highly amusing and carries on with her smile.  So she stops with the grooming for a second, but then she decides to 'pinch' him somewhere, for amusement, to see if he’d move a muscle.

But he didn’t move and all, and just stayed frozen there.

 

But soon… another invisible figure was nearby; he appeared and floated near them. Though Rouge and Chris didn’t suspect anything of course. It was Steve. He secretly wasn’t very fond of Rouge, and didn’t think she was the right mate for Chris. 

He had his arms folded and watched carefully while floating over them. Before Rouge finally spoke again,

 

“Wow, a lot more goofy than I thought."

 

She smiled warmly, then decides to just lay on his chest and relax for a moment… listening to nothing but his heartbeat, and seems to be in a bit of a smooth trance as she stares into the fireplace, but wonders what else to do next...

Chris then slowly starts to move, but still smiling.

"...aww, no more stroking for me?"

“Well, I wasn't sure if you were still 'there'. If ya know what I mean..."

"Oh I was still 'here'. I was just enjoying what you did with me..."

Steve then lands near both of them quietly, but stayed invisible. With his focus still on the pair.

Rouge replies,

"Ah. I see then...."

 

She decides to stroke him again, and giggles as she notices he's about to 'freeze' again in a goofy pose. He tried not to though…

"...I just, enjoy it when you stroke my muscles..."

"I like doing so.... glad you like it too."

 

She attempts to move up closer, as the fire is starting to go out more and make the area a bit cold. He wraps his arms around her gently, and smiles back warmly,

"Then go on… if you like it, heh. I'll keep you warm as well."

 

She smiles sweetly, and just gets up even closer. He hugs her even more, and snuggles her. They’re now face to face… Rouge closed her eyes and decided to give a nuzzle, and to finish it off with an affectionate lick to the muzzle. Chris gives her a nuzzle back and starts to cuddle with her…

Steve was still watching them, as he's struggling with himself about what he should do now. He’s happy to see that his son found someone for him, but not happy with who it is…

Rouge then wraps her arms around him to embrace, and seems to be too 'lost' to be able to speak anymore, besides smile. Chris then finally replies quietly,

"Anything you want to do now?"

“Hmm not sure.... it's up to you. I wouldn't mind anything... already given you a lot of attention"

 

He nuzzled her and licks her cheek while stroking softly over her back,

"I love you..."

She giggles back and then nuzzles her nose against his, as he stroked over her back with his pawed hand,

I love you as well."

 

He carried on doing the same, as Rouge carried on with her embrace. Then Chris opens his eyes again, and looks at her,

"Have you ever thought about founding a family with anyone?"

"Well, before I met you, I didn't think I'd ever really find anyone...."

 

She then suddenly snaps into reality for a moment, and realizes that she still hasn’t really told him completely about herself, though she hasn't been with other males anyway, but is a spying type. Though now she believes she won’t really need to do that anymore, at all. She looks into his eyes and smiles again, before continuing with her line,

"Well before you, I wasn't sure if I'd ever actually have a chance at a family at all... I suppose I have wasted a lot of time being fussy... but, if I wasn’t then I may have never met you. So yeah... it would be nice. What about you?"

 

"Heh well… not many females paid attention to me before and you’re the first one I've ever been so close with. I would like to have a family and I've even thought much about it lately…"

“Really...? Well, I wouldn't mind that too, at least I'd ensure my young don’t end up growing up to be forced to be 'perfect'.... heh. I am still very glad to have met you. I keep thinking about how lucky I am to have met you, over and over in my head...."

 

Chris looked back with a happy expression,

"I'm lucky that I've met you too and I would like to be the father of your kids..."

 

He nuzzles her again but suddenly notices that his father just became visible behind Rouge so she couldn't see him. Chris suddenly changed his face to a “fuck off Dad!” expression, and Rouge notices that he just saw someone.

She gets surprised and suddenly turns around and looks spooked. She is rather speechless for that moment…

Steve notices that he is just annoying them, and knows what his son wants to say and so he just disappears again, leaving them alone.

 

Rouge spoke up,

 

“Is.... is that who I think it was?"

"Yeah, he's my dad... But don't worry about him. He's just a little bit worried about me."

 

He strokes her softly and licks her cheek to calm her down. She soon changes her expression back to the calm smile,

 

“Well, at least I know he is real now... heh"

 

She laughs a bit nervously, but tries to get back into her usual self. Then she looks at him in the eyes,

"Do you reckon he doesn’t like me.....?"

"He doesn't even know you yet. I'm sure he'll like you. He has no choice at all now that we're together..."

 

She smiles, but then realizes maybe Steve knows what she was like before... since he is like a ghost, she looks back at Chris,

"Well, trust me on this though... I have never been with another male. But, I admit I used to be a bit... nosy with some others at times, but I never hurt anyone. And I'd never come between any other pair... but now I feel like a much better person. The past few weeks have been the highlights of my life.... especially tonight"

 

Rouge cuddles up close again, to express how grateful she is,

"I don't care about how you were before. You've changed a lot ever since I first met you. And I guess it was all because you were searching for someone since you were alone like me. But it's good that I could make your life better. And this night could still be better, heh."

“Thanks... I really appreciate that. I won’t get back into my old 'tricks' now anyway, I have no need to. Change is good.... especially this kind of change... and still can get better, ehh...?"

 

She now has a cheeky grin, but then looks around, and feels a little exposed,

"Heh.... a little exposed out there, don’t you think? And my home is a bit.... small"

"Well, I don't mind about staying here. Also, I'm sure dad will take care of us, so we're alone now."

“He would? Well, that's nice of him..."

 

She cuddles up tightly, as the fire is now almost out, and it's very dark now. Though they can see in the dark anyway. He nuzzles her again

"So, shall we...?"

“Yeah..."

 

Both have now lost their state of mind, and suddenly don’t care about anything around them. Rouge lies down as Chris kneels up.

He opens his belt and pants and pulls them down, and then quietly mutters,

"I sleep without pants anyway, heh."

  “I see…"

 

She smirks, and then she does the same with her belt and shorts, and lies back down gently. It was pitch black now, and nothing was really seen. Except they could still see each other.

Chris lies down onto her and starts to cuddle and ‘play’ with her. She finds it hard not to giggle… and simply clings onto him tight with an embrace... and stays in a similar position for a long time as she lets Chris do the honors.

 

They both 'cuddled' about for about an hour or so into the night, with only some chuckling being heard now and then, and shuffling about on the ground, not far from the now burnt out fireplace. After a while, the noises stopped and there was only a sleeping pile of burgundy and beige fur.

 

Several hours later, the sun was now rising, and Chris was the first to wake.

He sees Rouge is still there, sleeping on him as if he is a 'mattress' and smiles calmly, but then notices they're out in the middle of broad daylight, and nudges Rouge gently, to wake her up. She yawns and looks over Chris with a calm smile. But then remembers that she also has... nothing on! Except for her top, which had some ‘bite marks’ on it though.

She laughs about it first but then tries to find her 'lower clothes' and accessories, but they're nowhere to be seen! Chris grabbed his belt and shorts that were nearby and Rouge finally found her clothes.

They didn’t have time to change yet though, so they both looked at each other, and grinned. Then ran off, hand to hand into the thick of the forest, smirking about themselves now and then, as they ran off in a clumsy fashion.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4 – The talk

 

It was around about another month later, and already, both Chris and Rouge had changed dramatically. After that certain night, Rouge decided that she’d rather live at Chris’s house but Chris told her he didn’t really have an actual ‘house’ so they both decided to build a whole new home. As they knew Rouge would surely be giving birth to a pup in around four months time.

They moved to their location, and just decided to build a simple house near the ground, instead of a tree house or mountainside house. It was still built up quite high though. Chris was busy working with it, as well as Rouge… though as the weeks went by, she started to become more tired and less active.

Chris still couldn’t stop thinking about his father Steve though, and tried to talk with him but couldn’t find him anywhere…he decided to go and talk with Crunch about it. Since he was rather eager to let them know about his good news at the same time.

 

He approached Crunch’s home. Then started to come up the stairs and right there, he noticed Crunch and Tani already. They were seen resting peacefully in the sun but weren't quite asleep. Crunch then heard the footsteps of Chris and starts to open his eyes. Tani does soon after.

Chris comes walking up, looking a bit nervous. Crunch looks over at him,

 

“Oh, hi Chris! Wow, I haven't seen you in quite a while... what's up?"

"Hey Crunch, Tani. Yeah, I've been a bit busy building a home for me and I thought I should visit you again."

“Oh I see then. A new home ehh? You mean like, an actual house?"

"Yup. It's really a little house as big as it is now."

 

Tani then yawns after waking completely, then looks over at Chris, *

"Hey Chris! Sounds like you have been quite busy, ehh?"

"Yeah I have, but now it's finally finished. That's just one of the reasons why I've wanted to visit you two..."

“Huh, what is it Chris....? Now that you mention it, you looked a bit nervous coming up those stairs..."

"That's because I am quite nervous..."

 

Chris looks to the side for a moment, and starts to feel even more nervous. Crunch lowers one of his eyebrows, still wondering what could possibly be wrong... but just doesn’t know what. Tani looked over at Chris,

"Oh, what's wrong Chris? Are you sure everything is fine?"

"Well, everything is more than fine. I'm actually really happy. I... I just don't know how to say it..."

“Well, what's to worry then? Hmm...."

 

Crunch said, and still tries to think about what it could be, but just can’t make out what it is… Chris finally spoke up

"I... I'll become father in a few months!"

 

Crunch suddenly goes blank, and Tani looked almost the same. But then she looked back up and grinned at Chris,

“What.... you're going to be a father, and wait, you have a mate too!?"

 

Crunch suddenly shouted,

“HAH! I knew you were acting a bit different back then...! I just couldn't think of why that may have been! Well, that’s great news!"

 

Chris looked up and smiled at both of them

"Yeah, that's why I'm so happy. And you're right Tani, I have a mate. Her name's Rouge, and we met way back then, as you all were having a snack in the forest and as I fought against you, Crunch."

“Aww... that's really nice! Glad to see you have found a soul mate then! Heh, man.... you kids sure grow up fast these days!"

 

Tani laughed, and then Crunch did soon after,

 

“Heh heh yeah! It's good to see you found someone though! And what about your Dad? Have you told him yet?"

"No, I haven't told him yet and I don’t think I ever will."

“Oh really... how come? I'm sure he'd be quite happy...."

 

Crunch said, and hoped that Steve would be happy with the news. Chris looked away,

"I doubt he would. He didn't say a word with me ever since I was together with Rouge that night as we both, yeah..."

“Oh alright then... he's probably a bit surprised, that's all. You can talk with him when you're ready though... now that I remember, me and Tani never told anyone else about our first kid, until much later.... heh"

“Hah yup, those were the days... but yeah, Crunch is probably right though."

"I already tried to speak with dad about that but I couldn't find him anywhere. He's avoiding me…"

 

Crunch then looked concerned for Chris, but then looked back at him and replies,

"Oh... ok then... yeah, even I haven't seen him in about a month.”

"Well I guess I just have to live with that now. That was actually all I wanted to tell ya. I should get going now and look after Rouge."

“Well alright then... he might appear sooner or later though, we may never know."

 

Tani told him, Crunch replied

“Yeah, hopefully he will... surely he can't stay hidden for good. Well, besides that, it's good to hear about that though! Good luck with your family!"

"Thanks, both of you. Well I'll get going now. See ya later!"

 

Chris then walks down the stairs and waves back at them. Tani and Crunch waved back in return. But as soon as Chris was out of sight, Steve became visible, floating in front of the balcony.

Crunch and Tani were both surprised to see him right there in front of the balcony. Steve had his arms crossed and looked content.

 

"What the... Steve? You were here all along?"

"You should slowly get used to me appearing now and then out of nowhere. But yeah, I've been here since Chris arrived."

“Heh yeah, of course... so, what do you think about Chris? Will you ever let him talk with you?"

 

Steve floats down and takes a seat on the railing. Then looks on at Crunch,

"I don't know. He has disappointed me, that he's really together with... her. And Crunch…?"

 

He looks over at Crunch, after staring down at his knees…

"Do you think I've failed as a father?"

"What? Well, I don't think you have failed... though you have missed out a lot of Chris's life... right? It's really not your fault that you've missed out some of his life. I believe he's been doing fine though, he sounds like he's really happy with things right now"

Tani decided to say something also…

“Yeah, he does.... and it would be hard being an 'immortal' bandicoot as a father too, but I do think you need to try talking with him, at least."

 

Steve sighs…

"It's just that I don't trust that female bandicoot… and I think she could hurt my little Chrissie. You have to know; she’s always been hiding and spying about in the forest... especially on you Crunch, she seems to admire you."

 

Crunch suddenly feels a little bit uncomfortable, while Tani seems to be very bothered…

"She WHAT?!"

“Whoa umm well, I actually had a few bandicoot girls try to know me but once they noticed Tani then well... yeah! They realized I'm not 'open' for them, heh! Then I was left alone. Well, what about after she ended up with Chris... did she do any ‘spying’ again?"

 

Crunch however, is still feeling a bit dumb, not knowing there was another burgundy girl that's been watching over him.

Steve sighed again and spoke,

"Damn, I just talk too much... but yeah, she doesn't do that anymore, ever since she met Chris. But she's still a fan of you. Be careful with her if you ever meet her. And Tani, don't get angry with her! And let Crunch have a bit of fun, he'll never leave you anyway. He loves you too much to ever be unfaithful. At least there are even singles who try to meet with him… I don't remember the last time I had any female that close to me..."

 

Crunch rubs the back of his neck with his metal paw, and still feels a bit uneasy...

"Heh heh... well, as long as she cuts that out, then it should be alright... and yeah, Tani knows I'd never leave her for anyone. Well ok, it's going to be a bit awkward if I met her now... but yeah, Tani... please don’t try to attack her"

 

He said, with a nervous laugh

"Hmm. Well, I'll keep a close watch anyway...."

"Oh, maybe I shouldn’t have told ya about that… but please Tani, try and stay cool. I would hate to have to freeze you in."

“Hmm yeah, ok then. I'll just watch for anything suspicious anyway."

“Heh well Steve, I suppose that's one of the downsides of being immortal... can't grow 'old' with a partner... ehh? Say, I don't know if Trisha is even in the future yet... Chris said she will though, arrive sometime. It's not any of my business though..."

 

Suddenly, Steve raises a handpaw and then Crunch's muzzle is covered with a crystal layer and he can't open it anymore, he snarls

"Just shut up Crunch! I don't want to hear anything about the problems I have...!"

 

Tani would usually get angered if someone did that to Crunch, but he must have mentioned something very personal so she decided to just leave it. Crunch also realizes he said something, without even knowing it could hurt him. He just does nothing in return and simply stares back at Steve, with a “Sorry” expression.

Steve’s paw falls again and so goes Crunch's lockjaw, as the crystal disappears from his muzzle. He sighed,

"You don't know how it is just ‘living’ all the time alone, doing nothing and no one’s there… that you could talk with..."

 

His ears dropped and he looked sadly down at his feet.

Crunch responded,

"Oh ok... yeah, I could imagine that wouldn't be too good. Sorry for mentioning that, anyhow."

"I'm sorry for doing that to you. I don't know why I just did that. It's just still hard for me to get back into 'reality'. Those 8000 years passed not so fast for me as they did for you. And I really had no one around me, most of the time. I was even responsible for some of the ‘natural’ disasters..."

"It's understandable. It would be insane having to wait so long to see any of your family again... well; it is good that you 'made it through' though. But really, will you talk to Chris anytime soon, or just wait a bit more?"

"I guess I will soon. Just to see how he reacts and if he still accepts me as a father, which I've not really been for him. I wanted to give him the life I never had, but then it all just happens again."

“Well, he is still a young adult. There is still time to see what else he could experience in his lifetime... it's up to you to go and talk. I think it'll be good for him though, to hear from you again"

"Maybe you're right. I may know a lot about everything but even after 8000 years, you're still more ‘wise’ than me heh. Now it's sure why you're the big brother."

 

He looks over at Crunch and smirks. Crunch laughs in return,

“Well, you can do what you like. It's up to you... He's grown up so 'fast'... seems kind of strange, as the bandigers still aren’t near adulthood yet!"

"Oh Crunch, just promise me that you won't do the same fault with your kids as I did with Chris."

“Hey, don't worry! It's still early, and I don’t think Chris is doing so badly. You just need to wait and see, I suppose."

"Actually, I should be happy as well. I'll finally become a granddaddy. And the best thing is, is that I'm still ‘18’!"

 

Steve then laughs, while Crunch does too,

“Yeah! See, it's not all bad! Too bad I'll probably have some white fur on my muzzle when I become a granddad...."

 

Both brothers laugh again,

"Not if the same happened to you as it has to me, heh. You just won't look as ‘cool’ as me then."

“Heh yeah, maaybe....!"

 

Crunch said, with a sarcastic tone. Steve smiled about it and then looked away for a moment,

"Man. I've just realized that I'll see you all fading away in time... I guess I won't be able to go on with my life after then..."

“Well, if there really is an 'after-life' though, I'll stick around. Would be kind of boring in heaven anyway!"

 

Crunch then laughs and tries to lighten up the mood, but knows that it wouldn't be easy 'living' all the time, for Steve. But does, somewhat hope that he’ll be able to still see him and everyone else after death.

Steve replied,

"I'll help you with the first few hundred years then, heh. But you can be sure that when you all go, I won't be able to exist anymore… I don’t think."

 

Crunch then suddenly, looks slightly worried. But is glad that he's even here, for the meantime.

Crunch replies,

"Well if you say so then. Seems Tani got a bit bored and fell asleep over there. She was tired anyway. So, what are you going to do now?"

"I should go and search for Chris now. I even have to teach him how to use the metal elemental, err... me, heh. I promised him that already before he came to the future. And we still have to ‘play-fight’ sometimes, you know. I want to see what you've learned over time… and if you could beat an 'elemental'"

 

Steve jumped off the railing and was floating again. Crunch responds,

"Yeah of course! Anytime... when you're ready. I'm a little tired for today though. And I’m sure Chris would like to learn that too, he looks like he's more than ready to try it out soon!"

 

"Well, the last time he tried it out this happened…"

 

Steve points at the pawmark on his chest,

"…But I'm a bit late to teach him. He's eager to finally be able to use the elemental. Oh and Crunch, you should train a bit more with your elemental friends, or else you won't stand a chance against me."

“Whoa, I see then! And yeah, I bet he'd like to use it again though. And hmm... I won’t stand a chance, ehh? Best if I start training with them again sometime soon...."

 

 

Steve then lands on the balcony, and suddenly turns back into his normal old self, made of flesh and blood. He laid his left paw on Crunch's chest, exactly the same place where he had the pawmark…

"It may not be visible on you, but you have it as well, because we're all one family."

“Yeah, that's true. Hope your catch up with Chris goes well, too."

"Who knows, maybe one day you’ll 'accidentally' get this mark too, like me. But yeah, I should go now."

 

Steve then presses his paw against Crunch's chest and as he pulled it away, there was a pawprint just where Steve's paw rested,

"It's just blood, so it won't last forever. And don't worry, it's my blood."

 

Crunch is a bit shocked at that moment, but somewhat wonders why he can’t feel any pain… he quietly mutters…

"Well umm.... ok then..."

 

He is still a bit shocked and not really sure what to think just yet.

Steve responds

"What's up with you Crunch? Have you seen a ghost again?"

 

Crunch shakes his head to try snapping out of it.

"Well, what do you... expect, if someone did that... randomly?"

 

He is still stunned, but isn't sure if he should be angry or honored to have the pawprint, as he thought it was a real wound.

Steve just smiles at him,

"I can understand your reaction, but I didn't even hurt you. It's my blood on you and it's just like colour. It'll be gone in a few days anyway."

“Heh well ok then. Yeah, thought it was a bit odd at first..."

 

Crunch now feels a bit dumb for thinking it was real, Steve just glares back at him…

"I know you're a bit angry about that now. But what would you do now if I had really burnt it onto your chest?"

“Well, I’m not really sure... to be honest! It's hard to decide, right now."

"I bet you would've freaked out, heh."

“Well yeah, of course I would have. Tani would probably have a worse reaction though, to see a ‘real’ pawprint wound though, heh!"

"Well you can ask her what she thinks of it now. Look, she just woke up again."

 

Tani starts to wake again, after hearing more talking. She yawns before taking a look at Crunch, and is shocked to see the bloody pawprint on his chest,

“AHH Crunch! What happened to you?! Steve...!"

 

She said, while looking at him in an annoyed way. But he tries not to laugh, as well as Crunch. And then Crunch laughs instead,

“Hey Tani, it's ok! It's just a mark... not the 'real' thing"

 

She is a bit unsure... since it looks real, but then finally looks back at Crunch's face,

"Well err... I see then...! For a minute there, I thought Steve gave you it, for real! Though I wouldn't mind... as long as you accepted it, of course."

 

Steve then gets a devious smile on his face and looks at Crunch, Crunch looks at him but then back at Tani,

“Well, I'll think about it anyway. Looks like it's starting to get a bit dark.... oh dear, the bandigers are going to be up all night! Now that they slept through most of the day!"

 

Steve laughs,

"Of course not! I'll never give you the pawmark…only if you really want it!”

"Hey, I know. Like I said, I'll see...."

 

"Well I should go now and talk with Chris and Rouge…"

“Yeah, alright then. I'll see you around Steve. Bye for now!"

“See ya later, Steve!"

 

"I'll see you two later."

 

Steve hugged his brother and Tani and turned back to his metal form, and soon after… he had disappeared into thin air.

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5 – Getting along

 

It was about a day or even less since Steve was at Crunch and Tani's home. He was really anxious about finally going to talk with his son, but knew he had to do it sooner or later. He looked around the forest, out of Crunch's territory to find the new home that Chris had built with Rouge.

And then, he finally came across it. He saw that no one was outside, so he had to go and approach it through the door…

 

He stands in front of the door and sighs, before he knocks on it,

"Hey, anyone home?"

 

From inside, Rouge was seen resting on a couch and Chris was about to lay a cup of water near her, for her to have when she wakes. He heard the voice and knocking, and suddenly turned nervous. Since he knew it was his father. He slowly walked up to the door, to open it

He saw his dad standing there, and was rather glad but a little nervous at the same time.

 

“Oh, hi father... I haven't seen you in so long.... I have been trying to find you before but, I suppose you didn't want to talk... right?"

"I know that you wanted to talk with me and even… about what. I was there too, as you talked with Crunch and Tani and that's why I'm here now."

 

Chris suddenly feels very anxious, but wanting to get this over and done with...

"Oh I, I see then.... well, what do you think, about it?"

"I was, at first… a bit worried about you being together with Rouge, but I see that she really has changed. And I can't do anything against it anyway. But it seems to me that you've found true love with her. I... I'm really proud of you Chris..."

 

He looks to the side as he's slightly disappointed with himself, for not being able to talk with his only son earlier.

Chris looks surprised, but is really happy that his Dad isn't angry or worse. Then he puts a smile on his face.

"Well I am... glad to hear that, Dad... yeah, I have been happy, very. Not only have I changed her, she has also changed me... well, I am just glad to hear you're ok with it, at least. I have been trying to talk with you about it for ages...."

"I know it was wrong of me avoiding you all the time, but did you really thought I could be angry with you about loving someone?"

"Well I kind of thought that, since you were avoiding me and all... but I also thought you would have been a bit surprised..."

"I was. I knew this day would come, but it came way too fast for me. It's as if yesterday, you were just a kid, and now look at you. You're grown up and as I can see you've been through a lot as well. As you were born, Chris, I swore that I'll protect you and never let anything happen to you, but… I've failed. I've even missed half of your life..."

 

Steve suddenly looked sad and his ears dropped as well. Chris looked a bit sad as well, but keeps looking at Steve,

"Well.... yeah, I wish you were there during my teen years.... but I'm just glad that you're even here now! I thought I would never be able to see you again, until I came to the future... To me, those that fail at being a father are the ones that were never there for them, ever. So I don’t think you have...."

"But, just look at you. I didn't want all those kinds of things to happen to you, and all that..."

“Oh it's ok.... the metal paw thing was an accident, and I just got the scars from some fights.... but right now, I am doing good though. Especially now that I arrived here"

 

He said, and tried to smile, Steve looked at him

"I know it sounds a bit strange now, but if I could, I would've taken all that pain for you."

“No! You’ve had enough of that through your own life, and I can handle it.... so it's ok...'

"You have to understand… that it just hurts me to see you like that, cause I think if I were just there for you, all that would have never happened."

 

Chris looks away for a bit, then back at Steve again

"Well maybe... but I don’t hold anything against you. I am just grateful that you're even here now"

"I have some good news for you as well. Though it won't even be near as good as you being a father soon and maybe you’re not even interested in it anymore, but yeah..."

“You can try telling me then... what's the news?"

 

Chris asked, and was quite curious. Steve spoke

"Well, I think it's time to continue your training with the metal elemental. But only if you still want to, of course."

 

Chris was surprised to hear that, but was glad though. He smiled right away

"What the... you really mean it? Well yes, yes of course! I've been waiting years to get back into training with it!"

 

Steve is a bit surprised at first, but then smiles.

"And I thought you didn't want it anymore and forgot about it already"

"Oh, no way! I've always wanted to get back into it again... heh well; at least I can’t accidentally 'burn' you again... this time!"

"Heh, True. But watch out for Crunch."

 

Steve laughs a bit, then Chris does the same

“Heh oh yeah, he better stay away while we train.....!"

"Would be better for him, if he doesn't want the paw. But yeah, I've asked him though and now we have to see what he thinks."

“Alright then. Also.... what, what do you think about being a... grandfather?"

 

Chris suddenly feels a little nervous about asking, Steve just smiles

"I don't mind. I mean, I really have no reason for that. I'm still 18, in a way. And I would like to have some young kids around me again."

“That's nice to know then...! I'm really excited about it"

 

Then Rouge finally starts to wake, and as she goes for the cup of water to drink, she almost spits it out when she notices Steve is there, talking with Chris…

 

“Whoa... umm... hey, there"

 

She said, while feeling rather surprised. Chris looked over at her,

 

“Good morning Rouge...."

 

He smiles at her, then looks back at his father

"Well, I guess it's about time you introduced yourself to her"

"Yeah, it's really about time I did."

 

Steve walked over to Rouge, who gets a bit nervous, but tries to keep a straight, content face

"It's nice to finally meet you, Steve..."

"It's nice for me to meet you as well, Rouge."

“Thanks..."

 

She looks over at Chris and then asks,

“So... does he know about...?"

“Yeah, he does. And it's all good"

 

He said, while still smiling. Rouge smiles back and isn’t so nervous anymore.

Steve looks at Rouge and smiles,

"Of course I know about it. I'm happy that I'll become granddad soon and I also have to thank you for making Chris so lucky... But why are you still so nervous? Is it me?"

 

Rouge still feels a bit shy, which she rarely does.

But then she looks back at him and smiles

"Well, I guess it's cause our first encounter wasn't really the best of encounters... heh. But I am glad it's better this time, and that you are happy also. I'm just glad I ever met Chris... never have I really loved someone that much, and I am looking forward to the start of our family too"

"And I think Chris is glad that he met you too. I can see now why he likes you that much. I'll be here of course and help you two as much as I can."

 

He notices Rouge feels still a bit uncomfortable and then turns into his old 'normal' self

 

"I guess you’ll feel better if you had a 'real' stepdad around."

 

Rouge is a bit surprised, but smiles though

"Heh well that's nice of you... thanks. My family isn't that close to me, but I’m glad you all are..."

"It's ok Rouge, you always have us."

 

Chris goes over to sit next to her, and then gives her a nuzzle. Steve smiles as he sees them nuzzling.

"Yeah, we'll be always there for you. You can call me 'dad' now too, if you want."

“Yeah, I think I'll do just that."

 

Chris looks back at Steve

"I’m glad we've had this talk, now. So, what do you plan on doing now then, Dad?" 

"That's a good question Chris. I don't know it to be honest. Nothing… maybe like the last few years. I've done pretty much everything you could ever do."

"Heh yeah true... I suppose all we can do is just wait now, for my first baby....."

 

Chris looks back at Rouge and grins. But then he sighs,

"Too bad mum still isn't here in the future...."

 

Steve suddenly looks away…

"Yeah... too bad she isn't..."

“Well she should come when she's ready, though. She'll really like it here. Things aren’t all that good in the past... "

"Yeah... I bet she likes it..."

“What do you mean?"

"Can I talk to you in private, Chris?"

“Oh, oh yeah sure..."

 

Chris looks at Rouge. She nods, meaning she doesn’t mind if he goes. So he gets up and goes with Steve somewhere outside.

"I guess I should tell you about mum now..."

“Wh..what? You mean, she's already here? Where?!"

"...She is. Over in the Australian mainland. The reason why I didn't want to tell you is, you were so happy last time and I didn't want to ruin that. It's hard to understand I know, but…

He looks at Chris in the eye,

"...she's found another male now..."

 

Chris suddenly gets sad, and then looks away with his ears down.

"But... why? How could she... do this? Man, I don’t know what to say now...."

"I guess she thought that she lost you too as she arrived here. You know her, she sensitive and can't survive on her own. She just did what was best for her. Even if she broke my heart with being together with that other guy..."

 

Steve gets sad as well, while Chris remains the same.

"That... still isn't a good enough excuse. I never thought she'd go with anyone else! She could have at least tried to find us... or X.Treme Island at all. I don’t know what I can do now... seems like she doesn’t need us anymore...."

"I believe if I were still alive as I found out, I would have died. But yeah, life's going on for all of us and she's happy with him. Even more than she was with me, as it seems..."

 

Chris is still sad, but starts to feel angry as well…

"This.... just makes me feel so bothered! Well, I want to see her, and say goodbye... so she still knows that I do exist and that she's made a big mistake! But, yeah... you're right. We still have to go on with our own lives..."

"Well, I want to do the same. I'll go over tomorrow and say goodbye. If you want to come with me, then just tell me."

 

“Yes... I want to.... I can’t let it plague my mind... so I must."

 

 

 

Chapter 6 – Lone Bandicoot

 

It was around five weeks before.... out in the middle of nowhere, of Southern Australia. Another time portal, much like the one Chris landed out of appeared in the sky and a burgundy bandicoot fell from it. A much, much smaller one to be exact. She landed to the ground in a clumsy way, and groaned a bit, before getting up onto her paws. It was Trisha. She looked around her surroundings, and seemed relieved to be in a 'safe' environment for once... unlike in the past, with all the natural disasters going on.

 

“Oh boy... no idea where I am now... sigh. Well, best if I just try looking around here then..."

 

She started to look around the thick, forest landscape for anything that would be of interest.

 

Hours passed by and she still hadn't found anything, or anyone. It was getting dark so she tried to find somewhere to sleep for the night, but felt extremely lonely and exposed out in the wild. There was simply, no one... only the sounds of birds and insects around.

She felt quite scared,

 

"Sigh... where is everyone? I haven't seen a single anthro all day... I hope I am in the right place..."

 

She decided to hide in some bushes for comfort, until the next morning. The she fell asleep.

 

*

 

Days instead of hours had passed, and now she was getting very worn out and stressed, from not being able to find anyone... she was even more scared now, and struggled to catch anything. She only caught a few mice, but they weren’t enough for any burgundy bandicoot. She thought if she didn't find anyone soon, that she would die here, alone.

 

But she wasn't alone.

 

There was another bandicoot nearby, who has been watching her in the past two days. It was his territory she was in, even though he had no mate... so he wasn't very territorial anyway and most male bandicoots don't mind female bandicoots in their land either way. He kept watching her from far, so she couldn't pick up his scent. He was curious of her; since he wondered why she was so bad at surviving in the wild... he thought maybe she was raised by humans? But wasn't sure at the same time. But he pitied her, and couldn't stand watching her suffer much more.

Trisha just lay there, looking exhausted and tired, against a tree. Unsure of what to do, but then she finally picked up a scent, a scent of another burgundy bandicoot. She suddenly got up and looked around,

 

“Is... anyone there...?"

 

She shouted, in a nervous tone. The bushes in front of her started to move and then, he leapt from them... giving Trisha a big fright. He just stood there, standing in front of her.

He was quite big and bulky, though not as toned as Steve, Crunch and Chris are... but still big and tall. He had different beige markings around the face and ears, and looked slightly scarred from battle. Trisha looked frightened of him.

 

"Yes, someone is here."

 

He said, and smiled slightly to try cheering her up a bit. She still looked scared though, and just looked up at him.

 

"Who... who are you?"

 

She asked, he noticed she is fearful of him but simply replies,

 

"Oh, my name is Rojoe. This is my home land, my territory. But you don't need to be so fearful of me... I don't mind females coming through..."

"Oh, I'm, I'm sorry for coming into your land like this! I'm just... lost. I can't find my son or any of my family... anywhere...."

 

Rojoe is a bit surprised to hear that, but then asks

"Wait, your son? How can you be lost... your mate should be keeping you all safe and secure, and together as one."

 

Trisha looks down and feels sad…

 

"It's because my mate is... dead."

 

Rojoe feels a bit bad for asking that and looks slightly sad too,

"Whoa... well I'm sorry for asking you then... I didn't mean to upset you"

"That's ok..."

 

Rojoe notices that she looks really hungry and tired, and wants to try helping her out in anyway he could

 

"You look rather starved... and exhausted... want to come back to my place first? I wouldn’t mind offering you something to eat, and then rest... so I can help you find your family"

"Really? You would actually do that for a stranger like me?"

"Yeah, I won’t mind. By the way, what's your name?"

"Oh I'm Trisha..."

"Really? Well nice name... you can follow me this way, if you like"

 

Rojoe then led Trisha through the thick forest, towards his home.

 

Trisha arrived there, and was led into the rather small, simplistic home. There was only a small table, a long couch, a mattress and a few other bits and pieces in there. Rojoe told Trisha to wait there until he gets back, and about half an hour or more later, he returned with a medium sized deer on his shoulder.

He placed it on his bench first, and prepared it before serving. He used a simple knife to cut pieces off nicely for her, and put them on a random plate he had found. He came over to her with the plate, and even a cup of some water. She ate and drank eagerly, and was glad to finally have a real meal.

 

"Thank you, that was really nice"

"Hey, you're welcome. I couldn't stand seeing someone suffer out there in the wild... seems you aren’t used to it?"

"Yeah I'm not... I come from a place where I didn't need to survive alone in the wild like that, and never really grew up learning how to hunt and survive."

"Ah ok then. Looks like you're tired though, you can rest here if you want. Sometimes it gets a bit dangerous out there, exposed in the wild"

"Thank you."

 

She then lies down on the long couch, and Rojoe goes to hand her a blanket, since he doesn’t need it as much as she does. He walks over and lies down on his worn out mattress, and keeps watching her closely and then she falls asleep, which he does soon after too.

 

*

 

Weeks had now passed, and Rojoe had done all he could to try finding a place Trisha called 'X.Treme Island' but he had no idea. He tried looking around the costs of Australia, and even tried asking some local anthros... none knew what the burgundy bandicoots were talking about. It was also too dangerous to travel the seas at the time, since they didn't had advanced transportation during those times, except for a select few who didn't let others use their machines at free will.

 

Trisha started to believe she arrived in the wrong time zone, and that her son just wasn't here at all... nor anyone else she knew for that matter.

She decided to just live in the same land as Rojoe, as she had no other place to go. She thought maybe it was just time to move on....

 

She was now seen at Rojoe’s house, sitting outside near the doorstep. Rojoe came back from the forest to greet her,

 

"Good morning Trisha...."

 

He said calmly, with a smile. He walked up to her and even attempted to nuzzle her cheek. He was becoming more and more attracted to her, but Trisha was still struggling to decide what was right....

Though she was starting to like him in return too, a bit. She decided to nuzzle back, just to be kind. He smiled

 

"Are you feeling alright?"

"Oh... yeah, I think so. Sorry I'm just... really sad that I couldn't find my son anywhere... I suppose I ended up in the wrong time zone..."

 

Rojoe didn't understand what she meant by that, but just smiled back anyway

"Oh it's ok... I understand what it would be like. But you're not alone though, you have me here, if you ever need me"

 

Trisha smiled back at him, but is still lost and unsure of what she should do... Rojoe just leaves her be, outside. And then walks into the house, while she stands there for a moment, and then walks inside soon after.

What she didn't know though, was that Steve was actually there, during that moment.

 

It was dark inside during the night, as there was no artificial lighting around. Rojoe was tired though, and walked over to his bed and Trisha was almost going to but simply couldn't stop thinking about her past, and her own son.

 

She stood there for a moment

 

"It's... ok if you come near me. I wouldn't mind"

 

He said, with a warm grin. She looked down and then away,

"...Sorry. It's just that, I don't think I'm ready to move on... yet. I do like you though; of course... you have been very kind and helpful to me but... yeah. I just need more time."

 

"Oh, yeah sure, that's fine with me. I completely understand"

 

He then started to doze off to sleep. While Trisha just lay there on the couch, unable to sleep for a while, due to the things plaguing her mind. She eventually fell asleep after a while though.

 

*

 

It was about a week since Steve found out that Trisha was already in the future. But he found also out that she had seemed to forget him, completely.

As he first saw her after so many years, she had just nuzzled another burgundy bandicoot. Steve knew she must've found a new mate for the rest of her life now and she looked happy too.

He had no chance now, but he at least wanted to show her that he and Chris are still alive and he wanted to wish her good luck for the rest of her life.

 

It was early in the morning as Steve came over to Chris to pick him up. He had just told him that his mother is in the future too and so he wanted to come with him to see his mother once more before they go their own ways.

 

Steve knocked on the door of Chris’s home.

 

 

"Are you up Chris? I want to go."

"We can go dad. I'm ready."

 

Steve then picked his son up with a tight grip before he took off… heading over to Southern Australia.

The flight didn't take long and soon Steve and Chris were at the house of the unknown bandicoot and could already spot Trisha in front of it.

 

Trisha was seen, just woken from the house. She got up and decided to go outside for some fresh air.

She stood out, and was still feeling tired. So she stretched, and just stood around for a bit...

Rojoe was still asleep inside, but Trisha was just standing there outside. But she soon felt that there was someone nearby... she became alert and tried to look around, except up....

 

Steve landed just a few meters away from her but still far enough so that she couldn't see them.

 

But she knew someone was nearby, but was struggling to decide where and who it was for that moment, as she was feeling nervous.

 

Chris was very anxious about this moment, and stood there with his Dad for a moment. Then he nodded, meaning he was ready for it... so they both walked up towards her.

Trisha was now becoming more nervous, and was very surprised to see Chris walking up towards her, but even more shocked to see Steve as well... but in his metal form. She couldn’t believe it; she just stood there at the moment... staring straight at them.

She rubbed her eyes a few times, but slowly started to realize she wasn't seeing things... 

 

"...No mum, you're not seeing things. We're both real."

 

Steve just stood there, saying nothing to her. As he simply felt too sad and disappointed.

Trisha was feeling very shocked, and wasn’t sure what to say at first.

 

"Chr.... Chris? You're actually here... and... Is that you Steve?"

 

She said, while trying not to cry at the same time. She wanted to go over and hug them, but was too shocked to do anything but stand there for now.

 

"Yeah mum, it's really me..."

 

"It's really me Trisha."

 

Trisha is now close to crying, but tries to stay focused on them both...

 

"I thought I lost you forever... my son and... Steve.... I didn't know you were still.... alive"

 

She said, as she didn't know about his situation yet. She wanted to go and embrace them but as soon as she took a step, they stood back a bit... so she stopped.

Steve spoke up

"I'm not really alive anymore. In over 8000 years to be exact. Not long after I disappeared in the past, I died. But Me-To saved me by changing me into the metal elemental. That's why I look like this now and why I'm immortal and all that."

“Oh.... oh I see then... it has been a long time... I really did miss you, I thought I may never... see you again.... and Chris, even..."

"It's hard to say this now, so I do it. Well... after this day you'll never see us again..."

 

Trisha now looked shocked, again.... and isn't sure what to think.... so she just carries on listening....

"I've seen that you've found a new mate and also that you're lucky with him, so we both just came to wish you good luck for the future."

“No please... I'm sorry.... I didn't know you two were... still here..."

 

She tried to plead and wants to reach out, but they both remain content.

 

"I... I can understand that you thought that and it's more important that you are happy now..."

“I... can't leave you guys now though.... "

"But you already did Trisha. You're happy now and I couldn’t survive to lose you once more."

 

She starts to cry more now, but keeps staring at them both.... and feels guilty as well.

 

"I.... didn't mean to.... I had... nowhere else to go..."

 

She pleads, but they had already made up their minds. And looked as if they were ready to leave...

"We've decided about that already Trisha. It's over now. Just try to forget about us both as fast as you can, and have a happy life with your new mate..."

"Please mum, don't make it harder than it already is..."

 

"I'll.... I'll miss you both... though... please, take care..."

"I wish you good luck with him and have a good life..."

"I wish you good luck as well mum, take care..."

 

She wasn't able to truly say goodbye, so she just stood there with tears in her eyes. Both Steve and Chris walked off... and soon were out of sight.

A while later, Rojoe came out, and noticed she was still standing there, looking upset

 

"Hey Trisha is... everything ok?"

 

She didn't answer, and carried on staring into nowhere.

 

*

 

Steve took off soon after they were sure she couldn't see them anymore. As they were flying back home, Chris suddenly broke the silence

 

"I think it's better now dad. Even though I'll really miss her."

 

He didn't get an answer though, and looked up to his father.

 

"Dad, Is everything alright with you?"

 

Once more, he didn't get an answer… but he knew what it was. Steve was crying. He had lost one of the few people he ever really loved. It was harder for him than it was for Chris. He didn't say a single word to his son. Not even as he landed.

 

He just took off again and flew into nowhere.

 

 

 

Chapter 7 – The unfortunate

 

As the days and even weeks went by, Chris was still feeling uneasy about leaving Trisha behind like that. Not even with a hug... he couldn’t stop thinking about his mother, and really felt that he needed to go back to her, and have a more decent 'goodbye' instead.

 

He met up with his father Steve again, and asked him. He agreed, reluctantly. He decided to take his son one last time, though Steve himself wouldn't go to see her... just Chris.

 

Steve and Chris just came closer to the place in South Australia where they met Trisha the last time.

 

"You can drop me here dad, it’s not too far."

"Ok. And good luck. I have a feeling that you'll need it."

 

He drops Chris on the ground a few hundred meters away from Rojoe's hut,

"I'll go now and take a look on Rouge's family. You have three hours then I'll be back."

"Ok. That should be enough time."

 

Steve then flew away and Chris walked over to Rojoe's hut.

 

As Chris was walking on, he started to feel that something wasn't right... but wasn't able to make out what it was. But it was something, something that he hasn't experienced before.

He was now near the hut. It was very silent, and he tried looking around... no one was inside though. So he walked out, and then went around behind the house. And he finally noticed someone, someone he hasn't seen before.

 

It was Rojoe.

 

He was seen standing there in front of a freshly buried pile of soil, in front of a large tree. He was kneeling down in front of it, and looked very sad. He noticed he wasn't alone though, so he stood up and looked over in Chris's direction. He wasn't sure who he was, so he asked

 

"Who are you?"

"I'm Chris. And you are?"

"My name is, Rojoe."

 

He said, while still feeling down. He just looked back over at the pile of soil, and didn't seem to care at all about another male bandicoot in his area.

 

"What is that you're staring at all the time?"

"It's a... grave of someone I knew. I wouldn’t be staring at this now if I knew what was wrong..."

 

Chris now had a bad feeling but had to make sure who it was and so he asked

 

"And who's down there?"

 

Rojoe looked sad, but decided to tell him anyway. Since to him, it didn’t matter if he told Chris or not.

 

"Well, she was someone I knew for a while, someone by the name of Trisha-"

 

Chris was suddenly very shocked and just stood there like he was frozen. Everything he could say was a whispered

 

"...mum..."

 

Rojoe then realizes this is her son. He wasn't sure what to do or say now...

Chris slowly got a clear mind, and suddenly looked really angry. He growled

 

"You killed her!"

 

Rojoe is shocked to hear that,

"Wh... what! No, of course I didn’t..."

 

He said, while still feeling down, but worried at the same time. He wasn’t sure what to do now....

 

"You knew that you didn't have a chance to be with her anymore, so you just killed her!"

"No! She, she just-"

 

Suddenly, he is attacked and punched in the chest by Chris, before he could even finish his line.

"Shut up! There's no excuse for that! Now I'll get my revenge on you..."

 

He gave another punch to Rojoe but this time, it was so hard that it sent him flying a few meters through the air before he landed hard on his back.

Rojoe is a bit surprised but gets back up, and stands

 

"You have to listen!"

 

But soon after, Chris goes right for him and he narrowly misses yet another punch, Rojoe isn't sure if he should fight back or run away. He doesn’t want to fight since it wasn't right for him to, and he didn’t want to run away since this was his land. He stuck around, to keep trying to stop Chris in anyway he could...

 

"You better fight back if you want any chance to survive this!"

 

And Chris continued with attacking Rojoe. With every attack as hard as he could.

Rojoe now realized he couldn’t keep taking and blocking these attacks, so now he tried to push him away as much as he could... he tried kicking him back, but still wasn't as strong as Chris, so it didn't have much of an effect.

 

“You must... stop...! I didn't, kill her!"

 

But Chris wouldn't listen. Rojoe was punched and pushed to the ground again, and he got up, once again.

Chris is now in rage and couldn’t talk anymore, as he wasn’t able to listen to anything now. He really tried to kill Rojoe now and got the chance for it as he pinned him on the ground. His claws dug deep in his arm while his metal hand simply squeezed and crushed the bones of his other arm. Chris then went with his muzzle closer to his neck.

Rojoe was now serious and tried everything he can to not get killed, especially without being able to prove that he didn't do it. He used all his strength to roll Chris over, and he did... but then Chris rolled him back over again... he was starting to get tired though, and couldn't do much in return now... so he rolled him again and now he was just too worn out to move... but then he noticed they were both rolling down a grassy hill, and through the bushes, down towards a river.

 

Chris pushed himself away just before they landed in the water. Rojoe meanwhile fell into the river. It wasn't deep so he could luckily stand in it, but soon Chris came running towards him. He jumped into the river grabbed Rojoe by his neck and tried to drown him in the river.

Rojoe was lying on his back in the water, and really couldn't do much about Chris holding him down with his hand paws into the water... he tried to kick Chris, but it was too weak as he was now very worn out, and his arms were too sore and tired to do much in return, he really couldn’t do much but keep fighting to survive until the end...

 

Steve suddenly appeared, flying over Chris,

 

"Hey, stop it Chris! He really didn't do anything! STOP!"

 

But Chris didn't listen to anything. He wanted to get revenge. Steve then noticed how serious he was and came down. He gave a punch to Chris and threw him back to the river bank. Then he saved the almost dead Rojoe. He was still alive and awake and so he dropped Rojoe carefully on the grass.

Chris meanwhile was a bit drowsy from the punch his dad gave him and wasn't really there anymore.

 

Rojoe was still really worn out, and coughed up some water, and was panting. He wasn't even sure what had just happened... but was relieved though. So he just lay there to rest for that moment.

Steve looked at him,

 

"Are you alright?"

 

Rojoe seemed very worn out, but then tries to look at who the other was that was speaking. He was a bit shocked to see another burgundy bandicoot, but was made of metal instead.

 

"Yeah I... think I am... uhh thanks..."

 

He said, while sitting there at the riverbank, all tired and sore. Chris was on the other side of the riverbank, and seemed to have passed out slightly, from the punch. He just lay there, feeling somewhat down and feeling very disappointed with himself. The whole world for him was silent then, and he didn't notice anything else but his own disappointment. But someone was near him, not Rojoe, not Steve... even.

 

It was Trisha.

 

Her ghost was kneeling down beside Chris as he was still very fazed. Chris opened his eyes slightly, and saw her there.... nothing else existed to him then, except her and himself.

"...Mum? Is it really you?"

"Yes... it's me... I just wanted to say a few things before I end up leaving here for good..."

 

She said, while just smiling down at him. She put her hand on his head to try and comfort him.

He was confused.

 

"But… how is that possible? I thought you were dead?"

"Yeah, I am... and please don't take your anger out on Rojoe... he didn't kill me... I suddenly turned ill soon after that day we saw each other and... I wasn't able to fight it. He tried to help but I just got worse and... I passed away. I don’t think I could have lived with myself after that day anyway... for not being able to wait longer for you guys."

 

Chris suddenly very sad and disappointed,

"So it's all dads and my fault? And I felt so bad after we left you. I wanted to come back just to see you once more and to spend some time with you before we never see us again..."

"No, it's no ones fault. These kinds of things just happen... and it just happened to happen to me. You have a life to live, I've made a big mistake with mine... so please, don't blame yourself or anyone else for my death. You're an adult now, and you'll be having a family of your own soon... I want you to do well with that."

 

"But it feels like I'm responsible for your death. I feel so bad now. First I've lost you and now I've nearly killed someone totally innocent. I don't want to live anymore..."

"Please, don’t say that... it'll only disappoint me if you just give up, just like that. You need to live on; you still have lots to look forward to in years to come. Please, just make me proud... I may be gone, but I still care about you and want you to live on..."

 

"You're right mum. I just have to, for Rouge. But I'll miss you so much."

"Yes... I know. I'll miss you too... I can’t stay for very long now, I have to pass over into the heavens shortly... your father is here for you too, though. But I'll always be watching over you, as you grow up with your family. I'm sure you'll make me proud"

 

Chris now has tears in his eyes,

"Can't you just stay here mum?"

"I wish I could but... they're calling for me. I’m lucky to even get a chance to talk with you... But... yeah, I just want to wish you luck with your life in the future..."

 

"I'll promise it mum. I'll make you proud..."

"I am happy to hear that..."

 

Then she goes down to hug Chris gently, he felt it too but as soon as he woke up completely, he couldn’t feel it no more. Besides himself on the wet grassy riverbank. She had disappeared, only Steve noticed it from furtherer away.

 

"Mum? Where are you?"

 

Steve then landed besides him,

"She's gone away son. But you really did just see her."

 

Rojoe just lay there, unsure what to do about his injuries... he'd have to try finding an anthro or even human hospital or else his arm will be ruined for life. He decides to get up, and start to walk off slowly, looking back at them for one last time...

Chris noticed that Rojoe tried to walk away and quickly ran over to him and stopped him. He looked to the ground and his ears dropped in disappointment.

 

"Well... uhm, I'm really sorry for what I've done to you and I feel bad now. If there's anything I could do for you now, and I really mean everything you want, just let me know and I'll do it for you."

 

Rojoe was still feeling bitter about him, but didn't bother to feel aggressive about it, as it wouldn't make himself feel better anyway. He decided to speak though,

 

"Well... I suppose I wouldn't mind getting to some kind of health center soon, and fast... I don't really know where the, nearest one is... I have mixed in with some humans before though, so I don’t mind them if they happen to be at one. And that's... it, I suppose."

"Yeah sure. We'll bring you to one in no time. But you don't want anything else? I mean I've hurt you so badly and would just be fair if you hurt me as well. I even insist on it."

"Well, I’m not really in good condition to fight for a while anyway... and I don't know if that would make things better…”

 

"It'll definitely make things better for me. I just can't live with that right now. I'll just stay here standing still and won't move as you gash me or something... please, just to salve my conscience."

 

Rojoe isn’t sure what to do, and seems reluctant... but still bitter, at the same time. He just closed his own eyes and brought his own clawed paw up, and quickly slashed across his chest. He opened his eyes and didn't really seem to feel anything good out of it, though. But wasn’t sure if it was deep enough for a few scars or even just a small scar.

 

Chris then looked down on himself and was a bit surprised,

 

"Seems like you can fight, if you really want to."

 

He smirked while he was looking on the three deep cuts going from the left side of his chest and over his abs. "Now we're kind of… even. I really feel better now. Thanks."

 

Rojoe thinks it's a bit strange how he wanted those gashes. But replies,

"Well, that's good to know then..."

 

Now Steve decided to take Rojoe off to the nearest hospital area... while Chris just headed off back to the hut, and near the grave. To sit there, and wait until Steve returns...

 

*

 

Steve dropped Rojoe in front of an anthro hospital, but before he went back to pick Chris up, he wanted to talk with him

"Hey, err... I still don't like how you tried to be with Trisha, but that's in the past now. If you ever need any help, just call my name and I'll be there."

"Well… its ok, I understand. Thanks for the help though. I didn't think anyone would help me, so yeah, thanks. I might see you around then..."

"I'll come for a visit if I'm in this area again. See ya around!"

 

Steven then flew back to the hut where Chris was still waiting… he noticed Chris was standing there in front of the grave, and bleeding a bit from the slash.

 

"Don't tell me you need a hospital now too. I want to go home now."

"No, it's ok. It's not bleeding that much anyway. I want to go home now as well. Back to Rouge. I bet she's missing me already."

 

"Heh, I'm sure she is. And as soon as you feel better now, we'll start training again."

"Ok dad."

 

So both father and son left the area, the grave of Trisha and the home of Rojoe. Chris still thought about Trisha of course, but always remembered what she told him and what he told her too… and he would stick with it, for life.

 

 

 

Chapter 8 – Elemental play fight

 

Steve was just on the way to Crunch to finally fight with him as he promised a few weeks back. He was just near the balcony as he heard him already playing with his kids.

 

  "He still does it..."

 

He said to himself, and smiled before he went in through the house, without breaking anything.

 

Crunch was up the steps, on the balcony with the bandigers trying to tackle him, take him down and pull at his fur. He was laughing about it, but then he noticed Steve was inside the house.

 

He smirked,

 

"Hey, so much for not using the door!"

 

He said, while standing near the actual doorway, with the kids still jumping at him, focused on trying to take him down.

Steve smirked in return, as he saw the bandigers playing with their dad.

 

"Get used to it.”

 

Steve said, and laughed.

Crunch walked over to Steve, with a bandiger clinging to his knee, and one grasping onto his back fur. The other bandiger, who was Tasha, was the only one that stopped to notice Steve, she went to go and greet him

 

"Hi Uncle Steve!"

 

She said, and went to go and hug him. The other bandigers finally noticed this, and went to do the same. Crunch just smiled at him

 

"Heh well, thanks for getting those 'ticks' off me!"

 

He joked; Steve simply hugged the kids back.

"Hey kids! Well Crunch, that's what I'm there for, heh."

"Oh really? Well, what do you mean by that?"

 

He said, while trying to remember what it could be. He knows he forgot something for a while, but was close to remembering it.

Steve asked,

"Umm, can you remember to what I've told you to do the last time?"

"Oh yeah! Now I remember. An elemental 'play fight', ehh? It has been years since I've used them too..."

 

He said, then looked at the elemental crystals around his wrist 

 

"Oh man, I thought you already trained with them lately... It's too easy for me if you did not."

"Well, to be honest, it's actually not very safe to use them without any other sources of magic about... but with you around, I think it'll be fine... heh. But yeah, it's ok. We'll see how it goes!"

 

"Do you try to tell me that you still don't have them fully under control?"

"Oh I do, but I can't just use them randomly for 'fun'... I could use them a lot during the Crimzon times, because there was a lot of magic about. But these days there really isn't... but there is when you're around though. I can notice it" 

"What'd you expect? I'm an elemental now. Are you sure you can use them now?"

"Oh yeah, like old times...!"

 

He ran outside, on the balcony, waiting for Steve to go after him…

 

"I'm ready when you are!"

 

He said, while feeling eager. Steve looked a bit unsure, and wanted Crunch to be a bit more serious about it.

Steve walked out to Crunch

 

"You know this won't be just 'fun'? You could be a bit more serious. But if you want to, then..."

 

He took off and flew a few meters up in the sky

 

"...come and get me!"

 

Crunch still wasn't taking it that seriously, so he then smiled and suddenly turned blue. Sparks flew from him as he switched to the storm elemental form and flew after Steve very quickly.

 

They flew furtherer away from the home, and up into the rocky mountain area...

 

"Ok, this is a perfect place. We can't damage much up here. Oh and I guess I should go down. It'll be a bit unfair for you if we're flying all the time."

"Heh, if you say so then!"

 

They both land down on the ground area, with was rather deserted with no one around, and only a few living trees, even. It was also very rocky, with lots of dead trees scattered.

 

"How do you want to use my weak point if we're up there ehh?"

"Heh, well… I'll just see how this goes!"

"You can start if you want. I'm ready for everything that could come..."

 

Crunch then lay his head down and suddenly, charged forward with a punch, while in the Lo-lo elemental form. Making him very quick....

Steve dodged it as he caught Crunch's oncoming fist. He didn't even move a millimeter.

"You still remember my strength? You'll have to combine a few attacks to really have a chance."

 

Crunch is a bit surprised, but then turns to the water form and gets loose, and then kicks Steve’s side... while suddenly have switched to the Py-ro form, as it's the most physical of all his forms... and he growled suddenly for no reason, since the fire elemental made him aggressive.

He went after Steve....

"And I thought you'll never use that idea..."

 

He just stood there, waiting for Crunch's next move…

"I'll use what I can... it'll be good for some practice..."

 

Crunch said, while trying not to lose his mind while using Py-ro.

He was now coming for Steve in his fire form, and decided to blast a breath of fire from his mouth, towards Steve... Steve blocked it with his fists, as they lit up slightly from the intense heat, then Crunch leapt upwards from behind the fire, to try landing at Steve...

 

"Oh great. I hate it when that happens..."

 

He looked around as the fire was fading away but couldn't see Crunch. Then he suddenly looked up and could just move out of his way before he landed on him. He then grabbed a small nearby rock and threw it at Crunch.

Crunch snarled slightly at that, so he decided to switch to the Lo-lo form again, to 'cool down'. He sparked up and attempted a slash, with some electrical forks flying out of his hands, and slashed at Steve, and it made a loud scratching sound. This sound annoyed Crunch and Steve, so he then tried a kick this time instead, and surprisingly… he found out that his attacks combined with electricity, were quite effective against Steve as well.

He could see it from Steve who was now lying on the ground a few meters away.

 

Steve shook his head

 

"Whoa, that felt like the lightning bolt just then..."

 

He quickly jumped back on his feet and threw some of his metal shafts at Crunch before he charged for him.

Crunch is suddenly hit by one of them and is annoyed slightly, but it didn't pierce him while in that form... but still hurt a bit. He dashed to avoid the other shards and ran around and was preparing to go for Steve again in the Lo-lo form... as Steve was coming for him....

Steve then gave Crunch a hard punch, but it didn't really have an effect. So he tried something else and as Steve hit Crunch this time, the part of his body where Steve's fist just hit him was crystal covered

Crunch didn't notice the crystal at first and was about to try punching in return with his electricity but then he noticed he couldn't really move his right arm... his shoulder was covered with the crystal. Slightly annoyed, he tried smashing it off with his other first but this gave Steve a chance to attack him again...

This time Steve froze him completely up to his head, which was the only free part of his body right then.

 

"Seems like you've lost this one, Crunchie."

 

He said, as he leant against his crystal frozen brother.

Crunch was quite annoyed now, and tried everything he could with the Lo-lo form, nothing happened though so he switched to the Py-ro form and burned up... as hot as he possibly could. Steve moved back slightly to watch.

The crystal did light up though, from the heat but it still didn't break or even melt off. Crunch was even more agitated now, thanks to the fire elemental, he noticed it wasn't working so he switched to the Lo-lo form, which suddenly made the crystal go cold and then he finally tried Wa-wa... which made it turn extremely icy...

Crunch then got free but soon he was caught by Steve again. He couldn't escape now from his grip, not even in Wa-wa form. Steve just held onto him as if he was normal.

He then switched to the Py-ro form and tried to get free with his strength but wasn't really able to pull it off... since he was a little worn out. He growled and sighed,

 

"Alright, fine. You win this round!"

 

Steve's grip around Crunch was now more a hug and then he suddenly started to smile.

 

"I like it when you're so vicious like now, heh."

 

Crunch settles down as the Py-ro form effects wear off, and then he switches back to his normal form.

 

"Well, I aint so agitated now though, I think. But you can LET GO now!"

"No, it's just Py-ro. I'm just surprised that no volcano exploded… heh."

“Heh well, only other things would make me angry enough for that!"

 

He gets loose and then goes over to rest against a large boulder. He just stares back at Steve,

 

"We'll just see how the 2nd round goes, soon enough...!"

"You'll lose again, what else?"

 

Crunch feels slightly annoyed, but doesn't do anything in return but say

 

"Well, we'll just have to wait and see about that then!"

 

Steve he knows Crunch is a bit annoyed but he just can't resist saying something else...

 

"Aww, don't tell me you're huffy now."

 

Crunch just looks annoyed, and only glares back... but almost feels ready to get back up again. But he just waits for the right moment until he's ready.

Steve just laughs as he sees Crunch glaring at him,

 

"Ok I know, it's not fair. Should I fight as a normal 'coot instead?"

"Well, you can't stay in that form for long though... but yeah, I feel ready to go into the elemental forms again anyway...!"

 

He gets up and suddenly switches to the Lo-lo form again.

 

"Hmm, I wanted to try it out anyway..."

 

Steve said, he then switched back to his normal form and prepared for the second round.

 

"But try not to gash me ok? Heh."

 

Crunch saw this though, and decided to just switch back to his real form as well. He smiled, and then came for Steve... thinking of what he could pull off first.

Steve saw Crunch coming for him but just jumped back a few meters as he came too close.

He smiled back and laughed a bit,

 

"Actually I wanted a challenge Crunch, not a walk in the park..."

"Then why the hell are you running away then?"

"You're just too slow then. Why don't you use Lo-lo to catch me?"

 

Crunch thought he was just being too annoying, so he quickly changed to the Lo-lo form but then decided to use Rok-ko for once. He dived into the ground and was soon out of sight, with only the crumbling sounds coming from underneath the soil and stone...

 

"Now this could be interesting..."

 

Steve thought, Crunch didn't know exactly where Steve was, of course. But knew he'd be close... he suddenly smashed through the stones, about two metres away from Steve, to his left. He swiped his hand with electricity coming from his claws towards him...

Steve couldn't avoid the sparks as the attack came just too fast. He got a decent shock and landed on his back, but he quickly jumped back on his feet and shook his head

 

"Whoa, now you're trying to fry me, ehh?"

"Well, you asked for it!"

 

He then jumped up and suddenly changed to the Rok-ko form, which was a form he wasn't used to using yet as Rok-ko wasn't able to teach him it properly. He slammed down though, causing that area of the rocky landscape to shake and start breaking apart slightly...

Steve couldn't really stand on the shaking ground anymore and so he fell once again. But he was suddenly trapped as the landscape broke apart and Crunch threw a rock at him. His legs were in a crack in the ground, and the heavy rock landed on them.

 

"Damn, I'm a too easy target now..."

 

Steve thought.

Crunch even was having a little trouble standing, but the Rok-ko form helped him be steady around the moving earth. He noticed Steve seemed stuck, so he leapt over to him, jumping on each moving piece of land and came even closer... planning his next attack.

Steve still tried to get free, but he couldn't really move and so he could just wait for Crunch's next attack...

Crunch decided to switch to the Wa-wa form for a change, and he came forward, with a punch and swiped it across Steve as he was stuck there. It felt like a very hard slap of water but this only caused and helped, Steve get free... as the water from Crunch made the ground wet and easier to slide through...

 

"...Finally. Great, now I'm all wet. And what's next? You'll burn my tail?"

 

Steve was distracted for a moment and got quickly a hard slash from Crunch across his front.

He fell down as the rocks and land started to break apart and finally settle on the ground. Crunch landed, while still in his water form, before switching back to his natural self... he stood there in front of Steve, waiting for anything that comes next...

Steve got a bit angry now and hauled off for a punch. Crunch then caught his oncoming fist. Steve then tried to punch him with his other fist and Crunch caught it again.

 

  "Great, you just taped in my trap!"

 

Steve then grabbed Crunch by his arms and swirled him around before releasing him. Crunch flew a few meters before he landed on some rocks.

Crunch shook his head and got back up again, he ran to his side as he saw Steve coming for him again so he switched to the Py-ro form this time. He looked slightly vicious from the effect of the elemental again, but he carried on side stepping, until he had another chance to strike back...

Steve carried on attacking Crunch, but he couldn't come close enough to him. As they were moving across their 'battlefield', Steve suddenly fell over a small crack in the ground that was left from Crunch's last big strike.

This was now Crunch's chance... so he dashed towards him and pounced... to go and pin him down, while still in his fire form. He didn't really think about blasting any attacks, since he didn't think he needed to right then. He carried on wrestling Steve down and carried on trying to get the upper hand here...

Steve then got angry and growled at Crunch. He turned back to metal and threw Crunch up in the air.

Crunch growled in return and as he was thrown up, he flipped himself backwards and landed back on the ground. He snarled again and then a bigger fire blast came from his mouth this time...

Steve tried to avoid the attack but just half missed it and got hit by the fire blast. He jumped up in the sky to get out of its way.

 

"That was a little too tight."

 

He said before he landed again.

Crunch came for him again, while still fired up and tried a punch towards him, but it smashed into the ground next to Steve instead, creating a large hole, but then he got up to try out a strong kick...

Steve got hit by the kick and before he could strike back he was hit by another huge fire blast. As it stopped Steve was still standing, but he was kind of molten. The liquid metal dropped down from him and he was glowing while the ground under him started to melt as well.

Crunch decided it was time to cool down a bit, so he switched to the Lo-lo form, this time instead... he simply awaited Steve's next move, as he still thought about his own...

 

Steve then raised his paw

 

"I give up Crunch. It's too dangerous for me to continue this fight now. I could lose my body. You won this time:"

 

Crunch switched back to his normal form, and finally seemed to settle down after all those tense moments.

 

"Alright then... yeah, I wasn't sure if I could attack again, even though the Py-ro elemental makes me lose control easily, but I’m getting better with controlling him..."

"Yeah, I've noticed that too. You’ve really gotten a lot stronger since last time. But err, could you cool me down a bit? Heh."

“Oh! Yeah, sure!"

 

He then switched to the water form, and showered Steve with large droplets of water from his swaying pawhands. Soon Steve was getting back to his normal temperature

 

"Hey thanks Crunch, that's better."

"No problem"

 

He switches back to his natural form, and then stretches

 

"It was good to use them again though, really good practice... you've obviously improved a lot, yourself"

"I had a lot of time to practice heh. If you didn't use Py-ro I would've won."

“Heh yeah, maybe..."

 

He said, while smirking about it. He then asks

 

"So, how've you been anyway...? And Chris? Say, I haven't seen him in a while... probably really busy, still"

"Yeah, he wants to spend as much time as possible with Rouge. Especially after what happened to Trish..."

“Oh ok and wait, Trisha? So she did end up arriving...?"

 

Steve’s ears fell slightly,

"Yes she did, but now she's gone again..."

“Oh... what happened? Well, if you don't want to tell then that's ok with me."

 

Chris then came walking up to the two.

 

"Hi uncle Crunch, dad. I've just watched your fight and it was awesome!"

 

"Hey Chris, well… we were just talking about your mum."

 

Crunch is a bit surprised,

"Oh hey Chris! Heh, I didn't suspect you'd be here too"

 

He greeted him, but then noticed both father and son seemed a bit down now, both of them. Crunch just looked back at them, to wait for them to speak... Steve spoke,

"Well you have to know Crunch, she's dead."

 

Crunch is obviously shocked to hear that, but then replies...

 

“What? But... how and when did that happen? Oh man..."

"After she arrived in the future, she came to the Australian mainland. She couldn't find us and thought that she lost us for ever. I found her after a while and she seemed to be together with another guy named Rojoe. Chris and I went over to her to say goodbye and a while after we left her… she became sick and died soon after."

 

“Man... it seems the time machine put her in the wrong place then... well, I'm really sorry to hear about that. Didn't know you guys had to deal with that, lately."

 

He said, while unsure of what else he could say to help. Both Chris and Steve just looked down, 

"Well now you are the only relative left of Chris, Crunch."

“But, there’s you too but... yeah, I see what you mean though..."

 

He said, while feeling sorry for them both, but probably Chris even more.

 

"At least he's old enough. Just imagine how it would be for Tackle if he had no parents now. But you're even more than just his uncle though. You're like a father to him."

“Really? Well, if that's true then I don't mind, of course. Since I'll always be there for family members... and do what I can to help"

"That's good. Cause yeah, I'm sure you've noticed it. I'm not always around and if Chris ever needs help, he can ask you."

 

"Seems like I've got a second father now…"

 

Chris said, while trying to smile and not think about the bad things that have happened lately. Crunch smiled back,

"Yeah of course, I'm always there if you need to talk with me about anything, or help with anything else"

"That's good to know then. I'm glad to hear that."

 

He looked at Crunch and pointed on his chest and smirked

 

"Seems like dad gave you the paw a while ago too, heh"

"Heh oh yeah, that was the 'temporary' one…"

 

He said, and looked down at it.... and was reminded of things. He looked back up at both relatives

 

“Heh, you're lucky that you just had a temporary one:"

“Yeah... I suppose so, in a way."

 

He said, while still thinking at the same time though.

 

"Are you thinking about anything Crunch?"

“Oh, just things... but, yeah. I'm sorry to hear about the loss of Trisha though... hope you're doing fine right now, despite all that trouble..."

"Well I had the chance to say goodbye and I've promised her that I'll make her proud."

“That's good to hear then! Yeah, I’m sure you will too. Especially with your future family coming up"

"Yup. I'm so happy about that."

 

"Me too. But don't give the paw to your son if you'll get one, ok? It's a bit silly to me now."

“Oh, I don't know if he'd ever consider it anyway... heh... he's still young though, very."

 

Crunch said, while still trying to think... he noticed Steve and Chris would be heading off soon though,

"Don't worry dad. I'll ask and then just if he really wants."

 

Crunch feels a bit surprised with that, but replies…

"Oh, oh yeah sure. I just wish you luck though, anyway."

"I guess we should go Chris. I haven't seen Rouge in while too."

 

Crunch notices they're about to leave, then says

"Well, I should see you guys around then. And Chris, if you ever need to ask anything, then you're more than welcome to"

"Ok Crunch. Thanks."

"Yup. If you ever want a fight against me again, just tell me."

“Heh yeah, sure. I'll see you both later..."

 

They both start to walk off down the rocky landscape, and the further they went, the more Crunch wanted to finally tell them. He shouted,

 

"Wait!"

 

Chris and Steve turned back to him.

"Did you forget something, Crunch?"

 

Crunch ran to catch up with them,

 

"Well, I have actually been thinking about... well this…"

 

He looked down at the paw mark.

"…and well, I talked with Tani about it and she really doesn't mind, though she is obviously a bit concerned for my 'safety', heh but... well, I've decided that I'd like to go ahead and have it. Especially after today... that's why I haven't even tried to 'wash' it off, as you can see... heh. I just think it'll make me feel more like I'm part of 'this' side of the family, when I think about it... since we've had so much trouble in the past. And I also think it would be an honor to have it"

 

Steve lifts an eyebrow in surprise.

 

"And you're really sure about that?"

"Yeah. I've thought about it a lot lately... and I don't really see how it could be a bad thing neither"

 

He said, while smiling slightly but somewhat noticing they're still a bit down from them telling him about Trisha. But he thought it wouldn't be a bad decision, so he listened on to see what they said.

Steve replied,

 

"Well it'll hurt that's for sure. But if you want, then I'm glad you do."

“Heh yeap, I know. But I'll be prepared... we've all dealt with pain before so, it should go along fine..."

 

Crunch was just smiling at them both, but was also a little anxious about feeling it, but didn't mind at the same time and was prepared for anything...

 

"Ok. Would you mind to help me a bit with it then? Heat my left paw up a bit."

“Oh yeah, ok..."

 

He didn't switch to the Py-ro form, but placed out his left natural pawhand and a burst of flames came from it, and were flaring out of his paw. He watched, still anxious but excited at the same time,

"Ok, that should be enough now. Are you ready?"

 

Crunch then let out the flames on his own paw and lay it down beside him. He looked at Steve's metal paw and noticed it was glowing brightly.

He then nodded,

 

"I'm ready..."

 

He closed his eyes, to prepare for it...

Steve then pressed his paw against the right side of Crunch's chest. There was an awful sound and it smelled of burnt fur and skin. After a few seconds, Steve pulled his paw away.

 

"That was it Crunch."

 

Crunch didn't really feel anything, until a second or two after Steve pulled the paw away. He just looked down, surprised that it wasn't bleeding... since the heat would have stopped it anyway, unless he pierced it, even the slightest. It just looked like a dark paw pad on his chest, for now. He looked back at Steve,

 

"Thanks... yeap, it hurts, of course, heh. But I think it's worth it...!"

 

He said, while smiling back still, even though he was hurting. But he didn't mind it much,

 

"Well that'll last for ever now. I hope you were really sure about it. But it makes me proud. And don't worry about the colour. It'll have the same colour as a scar after a while."

 

Steve placed his other paw on the fresh paw mark on Crunch's chest to cool it.

He felt a bit more relieved, as it was cooled down.

"Yeah I know, well... Tani will be in for a 'surprise', heh! Even the bandigers, but it'll be fine though. Will be a few weeks until it's 'right' but I think it's worth it."

"Yes, I bet they'll be quite surprised. But try to count Tackle out ok? ... And you should train more Crunch. Your chest doesn’t feel as strong as it used to be, heh"

"Oh, I'll let him decide when he's older... though he doesn’t seem to be the type, heh. But I could be wrong."

 

Then he thinks about the rest of Steve's comment, and then smirks…

"Oh yeah, very funny...! Not that easy to exercise all the time when you have 3 kids, you know! Hah, but I still do though… honest!"

"Don't worry; I'll exercise with you then. I'll get you back in your old shape and maybe even more..."

"Heh yeah, whenever you can, I suppose. Well, I think its best we head off back home now... it's getting a bit late, and I'm sure Tani was cooking something after I left too...!"

"Then you better don't make her wait! And I'm sure she'll care for you too, if you know what I mean, heh."

"Even though I can care for myself! Though I don't mind her attention, of course!"

 

Crunch said, as he smirked about it. Steve replied,

"With her around it'll be healed in a few days."

 

Chris then walked up to Crunch,

"I know it sounds strange, but I'm happy you did that now Crunch."

 

Chris said, and then he licked over the wound on Crunch's chest to clean it.

 

"And keep it clean or else it'll really take months… or even years"

"Hey, that's alright. And yeah, Steve's right... Tani is good with this sort of thing, so she'll get it healed quickly, I reckon! Better make sure those kids don’t touch it too, not yet anyway.... especially with their small claws!"

"Right, or else you'll look like me soon, heh. You still don't have many scars and try not getting much more."

“Yeah, I try not to. Sometimes they can be healed when Tani stitches them, but I'm still careful either way. Well Chris, I guess you need to check up with Rouge yourself, then?"

 

"Yup, I should go now. I'll see you later!"

 

Chris walked off and waved.

 

"I'll come with you Crunch. I want to see the reactions at home, heh."

“Yeah, ok then... maybe it's best if you stay... invisible though, when we get there anyway"

 

They started to walk on down the rocky landscape, which led towards the pine forest. Then they carried on downhill... as the sun started to set in the distance.

 

 

 

Chapter 9 – Reactions

 

Crunch and Steve were walking through the forest, back to Crunch's own home. They arrived near the stairs, which Crunch led the way up. As they were walking up, Crunch looked back at Steve and asked,

 

"Err... you're going to turn invisible when we get up there, right?"

 

Crunch was a little anxious that Tani would make a fuss, even though she approved of it before. Steve was a little anxious as well, since he knew Tani would react in a serious way.

 

"Would be better though. Or I can test to see if I really am immortal, heh."

“Hah! Well, we'll just go on in then... hope she wont be mad at me for being late too, I think the dinner would be cold by now..."

 

They were now close to the door entrance... Steve turned invisible before they entered through the door,

 

"I thought you talked with her about that?"

“About what? The paw? Yeah, of course I did but... I still don't know what to expect. She’s unpredictable, you know."

 

He said, and did a nervous laugh soon after.

 

"Well, it's time to go on in...."

 

Crunch opened the door and he went through, into the living room... Steve just followed him and stood beside him, still invisible of course.

The whole place seemed silent, that's until a loud voice was heard from behind Crunch...

 

"Hey! Where have you been, buster?!"

 

Tani yelled, Crunch flinched slightly and turned his head towards her,

 

"Oh, just was having a 'playfight' with Steve...."

 

He said, a bit nervous about turning around completely...

 

"Ah I see, yeah, you do look a bit worn out! Well, you're more than late for dinner, it's been sitting in the oven for ages and the bandigers had theirs hours ago and are now sleeping!"

 

Steve then quickly spoke to Crunch, but through his mind so only he could hear it…

 

"She's pretty angry. I guess we'll both have big problems now. But don't worry; I'll help you when she's about to rip your head off."

 

Crunch tried not to laugh at Steve's comment, but replied to him...

 

"Yeah... I better prepare for this, and I should just get it over and done with anyway..."

 

He sighed, then looked back at Tani,

 

"...Tani, I also have something else to tell ya..."

"Yes, what is it... Crunch?"

 

She asked, while unsure of what he was a bit nervous about. Steve then thought again with Crunch,

 

"If you want, I'll make you invisible as well so we can get out here quickly..."

 

"Oh no, that'll only make things worse! Heh but.... ok, I'll just hurry up and get this over and done with..."

 

He thought, and looked again at Tani.

 

"Well... remember that talk we had a few weeks back? Well.... I decided to go ahead with that and..."

 

He then, finally turned himself around, completely. Tani wasn't really thinking about anything until she noticed him turned around, and saw the 'wound' on his chest. She dropped a plate and just stared for that moment.

Steve just stares at Tani, and then he talked to Crunch again

 

"And now run… before she gets you!"

 

Crunch wasn't sure how to react, since she still hadn't moved a muscle, but then she finally moved...

 

"Oh... you got the paw.... for real?"

 

She said, while still a bit shocked, she suddenly ran up to Crunch and looked at it more closely

 

"Aww man! That looks so painful! I better get something for it!!!"

 

She then ran off into another room, to look for something. Crunch was a bit surprised she wasn't angry... and then he sighed and thought,

 

"It might be the calm before the storm..."

"That's exactly what I thought... Just wait until she's aided you."

 

Tani was still in the room, and Crunch could hear shuffling about. She came running out with some equipment and things in her hands.

 

"It looks so sore! I hope you're ok!!!"

 

She said, and quickly got out everything she needed. She had some Aloe Vera plants. Which she had cut from one of her plants. She split them open and started to gently place them on Crunch's chest.

 

"Yeah I'm, I'm alright. You're ok with this... right?"

 

He said, while still slightly nervous. Steve then suddenly asked,

 

"Why you're asking? You can't change it now anymore anyway! And calm down, I'll take everything if she gets really angry."

 

Tani then replied to Crunch,

 

"Well uhh yeah, we did discuss it before but... I wasn't expecting you to get it this soon... as long as I know you're alright then, it should be fine..."

 

She said, and applied more to the wound. She then thought about the fact that Steve might have forced him to have it, and that made her suddenly snap.

Crunch thought she may be calm though, and didn't suspect it... so he started to calm down...

 

"Wait a second... since you guys were 'play fighting' then.... STEVE MUST HAVE GIVEN IT BY PURPOSE!"

 

She yelled, and suddenly forgot about anything else, for that moment. She was a little stressed out about Crunch being 'hurt' and thought it may get infected and more. Crunch got a big fright and suddenly moved, causing his wound to hurt right then.

 

"N...No Tani! Of course he didn't do it by purpose!"

 

But she didn't seem to listen just then...

Steve then noticed that Crunch was in trouble now and decided to become visible.

 

"It's true Tani, it was his own decision. I didn't force him to do anything. He's my brother so why should I?"

 

Tani jumped up as soon as she saw Steve,

 

"Jeezus! What the hell are ya doing in here!?"

 

Tani wasn't thinking at all now, and she suddenly lashed at him, Crunch tried to stop her but she was too quick and his sudden movements caused one of the wounds to start bleeding a bit.

Steve got hit by Tani and then, he just looked down.

 

"I guess I deserved this. I think I've pushed Crunch too much into that direction. Would be the best if I leave now and don't come back for a while..."

 

Crunch then grabbed Tani and held her back, while holding her by the shirt. She was still moving about and trying to get free, but Crunch didn't let her go,

 

"TANI! Stop it and please, just listen to us!"

 

Crunch then looked at Steve and noticed he was a bit down, and looked like he was about to leave…

 

"No Steve, don't go! It's not your fault, it's just... her!"

 

Tani was still trying to get free, but after a few moments she started to slow down and calm down at the same time...

 

"Oh it actually is. It was all my stupid idea. You never wanted it at all, come on… be honest with me…"

“No! Of course I wanted it! I don't just make those kinds of decisions without even thinking about them!"

 

Crunch was still holding Tani's shirt tightly, but it appeared she had calmed down now. She listened to their convocation and finally decided to reply

 

"...Yeah, Crunch did want it, of course. He did think it through, and even I said I didn't mind but... yeah sorry, I got a bit out of control there..."

 

She said, and then Crunch let her go. Steve looked at them both,

 

"Seems like I'm still causing trouble wherever I am... Great, now we woke the kids up too."

 

Steve said, and looked over at them. Crunch yelled,

 

"Stop feeling sorry for yourself! I did want it, and stop blaming yourself for everything!"

 

The three bandigers were all together, and came out from the room. Tasha stood among the bandigers, and looked over at them

 

"Why are you all arguing...?”

 

She asked, and couldn't actually see the pawmark, neither did the other bandigers yet.

Tani then got back to helping Crunch again, and felt really bad as she cleaned the wound and then added more to it, and finally a dressing over it.

 

"I'm sorry... this is my fault, now I've made it hurt even more... but I'll make sure it heals fine, no doubt..."

 

She said, and finished applying everything to it. Steve went over to the bandigers right at the moment, but turned to look back at Crunch,

 

"Yeah, you're right Crunch, as always. But you have to admit, if it weren't for me, things won't be so complicated."

 

Then he kneeled down besides the Bandigers and looked at them

 

"Well uncle Steve just made a fault again, that's all."

 

Crunch stood up, after Tani had finished with the dressing. She stood up too, and then decided to hug him.

 

"I'm sorry, again. I just... hope that heals fine though. I think it'll look a lot better once it's healed though, heh..."

 

She said, while trying to smile to cheer him up. Crunch tried smiling in return.

 

"It's... ok. Just try not to do that again, ok? And I'm sure it'll heal just fine, especially with you around!"

 

He then walked over towards Steve and the bandigers. The bandigers noticed Crunch's dressing over his chest, and then Tayna asked

 

"What is that, daddy?"

 

Steve had turned back to his normal form meanwhile, and tried to smile.

 

“You want to show them on me, Crunch?"

 

Crunch looked over at Steve, and nodded.

 

"Well kids.... I got the pawpark, which Steve has on his chest...."

 

He told them, and then pointed at the pawmark on Steve's own chest. The bandigers looked a bit surprised.

 

"Wow.... did it hurt?"

 

Crunch looked at Tasha, and replied

 

"Well yeah... it did, in a way. But it’ll be fine after a few weeks or so, and then I could show you guys"

 

Then Steve whispered a bit so just the kids and Crunch could hear it…

 

"And your mum almost killed me for doing that to your daddy."

 

Crunch started to chuckle, and Tackle looked a bit shocked. But the sisters started giggling, and then Tani in the background heard the laughs…

 

"Hey, what are you guys laughing about?"

"Oh, nothing Tani!"

 

Crunch said, while trying not to laugh

 

"Oh it was just me again. You can get a knife out of the kitchen and try to kill me if you feel like it.

 

Tani's eyebrow just rose, and then she shrugged and walked off into the kitchen

Crunch then looked back at the kids, and Tackle finally spoke up

 

"Well I can't wait to see what it looks like.... but... that doesn't mean I have to get it too, right?"

 

He asked, while feeling a bit nervous about that thought.

 

"Oh no! Of course not, only if you really want to… when you're older."

"Oh ok then."

 

Steve then turned to Tackle and laid his hand on his shoulder.

 

"We'll talk about that again when you're 10 ok? And only if you want then, of course. But yeah, for some reason I feel like I'll be dead soon… heh."

"Yeah sure. I might see when I am older."

 

“Phew... well, glad the 'drama' didn't last too long today, heh. I suppose I could finally rest for the day... or actually eat something!"

 

He said, when he suddenly thought about the food, which he could smell from the kitchen.

Steve then could smell it too.

 

"Dammit! That’s 10 times worse than being killed! Tani knows how to punish me!"

 

Crunch noticed Steve and felt sorry for him,

 

"Oh... yeah true... that would suck..."

 

The bandigers still seemed tired, and Tayna yawned.

 

"Well, I'm going to get back to sleep now"

"Yeah, same here"

 

The sisters said, and then the bandigers went over to hug Crunch and then Steve, before heading off to their rooms.

Steve then looked at Crunch again.

 

"Can't you try to kill me Crunch? Please, I can't stand that now. It smells so delicious! That's even worse than Cortex!"

"Even worse than... Cortex?! Wow, that really is a bother...."

 

He said, and looked back over at the Kitchen, then back to Steve

 

"Well, if it makes things better, I'll wait until you've headed off before I feast..."

 

Then Crunch scratches the back of his neck and smiles awkwardly.

Steve growls slightly,

 

"It would help already a lot if you stop talking about it..."

 

Then everyone went silent. Crunch then sighed and spoke,

 

"I suppose you'll be heading off back to Chris's home next?"

"Actually, I would like to stay here. But every time I'm here I get punished for something I shouldn’t have done heh. But yeah, I think I should just go over to Chris and see what's with Rouge and him."

“Oh ok then, well you can always come back over next time... maybe after Tani has, cooled down a bit.... heh"

 

He said quietly, and hoped Tani didn't hear that. Steve responded,

 

"I think she'll never forgive me for that."

“Sigh... you always only think about negative things, don't you? Don't worry, she'll get used to it. It's only the start of it"

"Yeah I do. But hey, that's me. The positive things just don't last long enough. But I guess they will in a while. Oh and Crunch, I'm back here tomorrow morning at 7am to start working out with you. You became a bit weak lately, heh."

“Hmph. Well yeah, I should see you then, anyway...."

 

Steve just laughed after Crunch replied to him.

 

"Aww, is Crunchie offended again?"

 

Crunch was just standing there looking down with his arms crossed and ears folded back slightly

 

"Not really, just putting up with stupidity."

 

Steve lays a hand on Crunch's shoulder, and replies

 

"You show me tomorrow what you can, big brother. And I hope it'll be more than just the light weights."

“Hmm yeah, whatever. I'll be there to train either way."

"Don't be so gruff now, or else you'll have some problems with Tani again."

"Ehh, I know how to handle the 'beast'. Anyway, I'll meet you outside tomorrow then."

 

Steve just turned to his metal form again.

 

"Yup. I'll be there. Well I'll go now. See you tomorrow!"

 

He said before he disappeared. While Crunch went to go and finally eat his very late dinner.

 

 

 

Chapter 10 – New generation

 

Two more months had already passed since then. Crunch and Steve were now exercising almost everyday, and Crunch's 'wound' was now fully healed. Chris and Rouge both acted a bit strange now too, because they both knew it won't be long until their baby was born.

But something was different on this day. And it wasn’t Crunch and Steve posing at their training area after their morning work out...

 

"Hmm looks like my arms are bigger than yours! Heh"

 

He said, while standing their posing with Steve, who looked slightly bothered but replied,

 

"Sure. What'd you expect? I've told ya you'll be in a better shape than you ever were once I've done with you."

 

He went over to Crunch and felt his arms,

 

"Yup, better than ever, heh. Now I should start to train a bit too."

"Heh well, that's good to know then."

"Yeah, now you're not the 'softie' anymore you were 2 months ago heh. I bet Tani would like to see her 'hero' like this now too. You can show her a bit more now."

 

Steve laughed,

 

"Pfft, I wasn't a softie to begin with. Well, I'm not sure what she's up to now anyway... she wasn't at home before"

"You know what I wanted to say with that. But I'm still stronger than you heh."

 

He said and lifted the 500kg weight up easily with one arm,

 

"Hmph. Well it's not like I'm an elemental..."

"Hey, don't underestimate me! I could do that even before I was an elemental!"

“Well yeah, maybe."

"You're just unfair..."

 

He dropped the weight again. Then he suddenly went over to Crunch, and grabbed him to hold him in his arms like a baby,

 

"Time for some swimming lessons now"

 

Steve laughed. But then Tani suddenly came to the scene and she smirked as she saw Crunch in that situation,

 

"Aww, what a cutie!"

 

She said and pinched him in his cheek.

Crunch was trying hard to get free and even growled angrily. He finally slipped through and then shook himself. He didn't even bother to look back, and tried to pretend that didn't just happen.

Steve and Tani both just laughed at him,

 

"You don't like that, ehh?"

“Just shut up. I'd rather actually train than act like an idiot."

"But you have to admit, that it was funny."

“No."

 

"Aww come on... drop the attitude now, just be glad I didn't have my... camera, heh!"

 

“And you never have an attitude?"

 

Tani then suddenly gets a little annoyed... but then remembers the main reason she even came to them in the first place,

 

"Hmm. Well there's actually a different reason I came here...."

"Now you just shut up Crunch! I just did what I couldn't do as we were kids, heh. And what's the reason you came here then, Tani?"

“Well... I was just a bit bored today so I went for a walk into the forest and then suddenly, Chris comes running and well... he looked a bit panic-y and.. yeah! It looks like Rouge is giving birth! I told him to go back to her and stay there! She needs him but it seems like he needs someone to help him deal with it too so..."

 

"She's what!? The baby is coming?"

“Yeah! Chris wouldn't stop panicking about it... heh, reminds me of someone here..."

 

She said, and looked over at Crunch. He was still moody though, so he didn't reply.

 

"You can talk if you want Crunch. Can't you come with me and try to help your nephew?"

 

Crunch was still slightly annoyed, but then started to calm down as he became more aware of what was happening

 

"Well yeah... I suppose I could... he is new to this after all, so yeah. I will"

"Phew, that's good then dad, heh. Well yeah, that's still rather new for me too since I've just experienced that once."

"Heh yeah... well, he doesn't have to do too much... just needs to be there for her. Well, we better hurry up and head over there then, ehh?"

"Yup. You'll come with us too Tani, right?"

“Yeah sure, I'll come along...."

"Ok then!"

 

Steve then grabbed them both tightly before he flew off quickly to Chris' house. They landed in front of the door, and waited to enter…

After they arrived though, Tani then remembered that this is Rouge... and she didn't feel comfortable about going into the house...

 

"Umm on second thought, I think I better stay out of this..."

“Ehh why's that Tani? Oh... oh yeah, I see...."

 

Crunch suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable too, but wanted to try helping Chris...

 

"You two have to forgive her now. She's part of the family now! And what's so wrong with someone else admiring you Crunch? You're a hero here and still look quite 'attractive'. Well more than me anyway..."

“Well it's not just us, it's her too... she might get a bit distressed if she sees us...! Well, I'll do what I can anyway..."

 

“I'm still unsure how I can help but... really though, she needs Chris more than me. And Chris would need you, or even better, both of you"

"Yeah true. But there's no need for you to stay outside. It's pretty cold too, so come in, at least… ok?"

"Alright then..."

 

Then both Crunch and Tani followed Steve into the home...

Chris came running out his room where Rouge was in, he talked in a rush…

 

"I'm glad you're all here! I'm a bit nervous right now and I don't really know what to do..."

 

He said in a nervous tone.

Tani was still feeling uneasy about being in the house, but was surprised to not really hear Rouge screaming or yelling... like Tani would, herself. Crunch stood there near Steve as Chris was talking to him.