A/N:
Hello there world! I don't have much to say, just that I don't own Jak and Daxter, their characters...ect...ect...
I do however own Karin, the Ecolites and Eve.
Many thanks to LiveOutLoud143 for providing inspiration and reading it beforehand. (P.S. You should check out her story.)
So, please Read and Review!
The Krimson Guards dragged Jak through the prison. Green light cast a sickly hue on everything. Taking a breath through the mouth made one taste blood.
A giant pillar was in the middle of the room. Surrounding it like an altar were many cells, over two-hundred stacked on ten different floors and all pointed inward towards the pillar. Up each floor they went, passing sobbing, screaming, and death threats through the tiny, barred windows. Every single cell was uniform. Made of steel, a small window in the middle to provide fresh air. Nothing distinguished them from one another. No numbers to identify those inside. Once you were in the Baron's prison, being forgotten was all too likely of a possibility. As they passed one cell, one guard wrinkled his nose and said, "You'd think that they'd check in every few days." But they continued upwards.
Finally, they came to the sixth floor, even with the pillar. Although there were twenty cells on each floor, only ten had been occupied at one point on the sixth floor. Two still had living occupants.
"Another one?" Barely heard, the voice came out of the cell they just passed. Hands discolored by black markings grabbed the bar doors."The Baron should pray that no one survives." Hacking coughs echoed through the cell. "Or they'll be out for blood..."
They ignored the voice and came to a stop in front of a cell. The door opened and they tossed him in there. Jak landed face-first onto the ground an moaned softly. The door slid shut, sending the room into darkness except a small square of green light. The guards left to patrol the prison, thinking that the boy was alone. However, they hadn't noticed that someone had been hiding on the wall next to the door.
The person crouched and examined Jak. The light fell on them, revealing unkempt brown hair and a feminine figure. She turned Jak around, supporting his head and neck as she did so. A quiet whistle came from her as she saw a bump on his head. That must have hurt. Hesitating, she put a finger on the bump.
Jak groaned and his eyes fluttered open. When he focused, he saw warm, brown eyes staring at him. He jerked his head up in surprise and he felt his goggles clip the owner.
"Ow! Dammit!"she said and held her nose. He scrambled back as she grimaced. His back hit against the back wall and he quickly stood up. Immediately, he felt dizzy and sick to his stomach. He slid against the wall and sat down, but his eyes never left the girl. She was slender, though looked a little too skinny to have been fed well. She looked around sixteen, just a little bit older than he was and was just a bit taller than him. As the light illuminated her face, he saw a tattoo creating a mask around her eyes. It was created with fine, yellow lines that twisted and curved around themselves.
Seeing how he looked at her, she put her hands out in front of her.
"Easy blondie," she said. "I won't hurt you." As if to prove her point, she inched towards the corner farthest away from him. There she sat and occasionally dabbed at her nose.
For a long time, they watched each other in silence. The girl started to trace the lines of the tattoo on her face. Her brow was furrowed and her lips were in a small frown.
"You know, "she said, breaking the silence. "Most people would have said, 'Hello' by now. Even if you don't like what I am, we're cellmates and you're going to have to get over it eventually."
He frowned at her choice of words. What she was? He studied her. She seemed normal. And very unlikely to attack him. Jak gave her a polite wave and she returned it with a grin.
"I'm Karin. It's nice to meet you..." Karin looked at him expectantly.
What the heck, he thought and opened his mouth to try and say his name. But as usual, nothing came out. He sighed and noticed that there was a thin layer of dust near him. So he drew in the dust, J-A-K.
"Can you talk, Jak?"
He shook his head and as he did so, something flickered in her eyes. She started to trace her tattoo again as she thought. Finally, she smiled.
"You know what? I think we'll get along."
A day had barely passed when they came. He had recognized the man who'd had cornered him and guards had to restrain him from getting at him. But a woman he didn't recognize came as well.
The woman had curly, red hair that was tied back into a neat bun. Like the man, she had dark blue markings on her face. She dressed in dark-green pants and a skin-tight half shirt in the same color. Red armor covered her shins, forearms and upper arms. Strapped to her legs were two pistol holders and a strangely shaped scabbard on her hip.
Karin made a strangled sound and leaped towards the woman. Quickly she was subdued. The woman, not seeming to care, gave Jak a once-over and sighed.
"He's so young,"she said and her emerald eyes looked at him with pity.
Her gaze turned to Karin, who was being restrained by more guards from getting at the woman. Karin's face was twisted with rage. She consistently tried to throw the guards off and looked ready to kill.
"How dare you!" she finally managed to get out and the woman gave her a cold look. "Only the royal family can wield the blades!"
She spat right in the woman's eye. Time seemed to freeze. The woman and Karin had a staring contest before she wiped the spit from her eye. Very quietly, she said, "The heathen goes first. Our benefactor doesn't want to be kept waiting."
They dragged Karin out and the door slid shut. Jak rushed to the bars and watched her.
Karin was quickly strapped into a chair below a sinister machine. The woman and the man watched along with a hooded figure with the hood pulled down low over the face. The figure gave a curt nod and the machine turned on.
White lightning started to arc over her body. For a few seconds, Karin was silent. Finally, she let out a blood-curdling scream. It was the sound of a cornered animal who couldn't escape or fight and it made the hairs on Jak's body stand up.
His stomach clenched when he saw white lightning arc over her body. Once he saw it, he knew immediately that it was Light Eco. Questions ran through his head. Where had they gotten this much of it? And why were they using it to cause pain? He covered his ears as her screeches rebounded around in the cell and in his head.
xxx
Twenty minutes passed before the lightning stopped and Karin fell silent. The hooded figure walked around the chair that Karin was strapped in. In a voice too low to be heard, they spoke to the other two.
"Yes. This heathen is one of five to have been chosen for the Light Warrior Project six months ago," said the woman. She frowned and gave Karin a look of barely concealed contempt. "Surprisingly, she is the only survivor."
The man raised an eyebrow. "You shouldn't be so surprised, Eve. Everyone knows that Ecolites have a special relationship with Eco." His eyes traveled to the scabbard that the woman had on her waist. "For one who has so much contempt for the group, you certainly treasure that weapon of their making."
Eve scoffed. "They merely claim that Eco is alive and worship it. I wouldn't call that a special relationship, Erol." She unsheathed the sword and let the light catch it. It curved in an s-shape and seemed to be made of a clear, almost glass like material. "And this is a trophy. One day, I will have the other one and finally have a matching pair." She smirked and sheathed it again. "You should see the looks on their faces when I walk through public. It's amusing to see the look on their faces when they know they can't do anything."
She fell silent as the hooded figure made one more circle around the chair before leaving.
Erol signaled to the guards and they unstrapped Karin. Her head fell limply to side to side as they dragged her back. Eve and Erol stayed back by the chair.
Jak backed away as they got closer to the door. It slid open and they threw her in. He caught her in his arms and was relieved to hear breathing.
Hands roughly grabbed him and pulled him out. He was marched to the chair and it was his turn to be strapped in. The metal felt cold against his skin and he tugged at the metal restraints keeping him there. However, the machine turned on, and he felt something tear through his body. He screamed, from the pain and the horror of what was coursing through his body.
Dark Eco.
xxx
Jak groaned. He was back in the cell, sitting against the wall and Karin was watching him. He was surprised to see that she was also sitting up against the wall across from him, though every time she moved, she groaned and her eyes were filled with pain. But he felt too weak to show any kind of reaction. So they sat there in silence.
"Jak...," she said. He looked up at her, thinking that she was going to say something serious. "I don't think there's enough dust for us to continue with a conversation."
He raised an eyebrow before looking around. She was right. Their movement to their respective corners had wiped away the thin layer of dust that was on the floor. The means of the communication that he had used to write his name was gone. He sighed and nodded.
"Do you know sign language?" Jak put his hand in the air and grimaced. It most of his strength to tilt it side to side. His uncle had tried to teach him, but he had never needed to learn it. Daxter usually talked for him.
"Really? Do you remember any of it?"
He shook his head.
"...Would you like me to teach you?"
A grin slowly came across his face.
Karin grinned and said, "Later though. I can't move my arms..."
Learning sign language was difficult, but Jak mastered it quickly. Having hours upon hours available to learn helped as well as a strict, yet patient teacher. Karin rarely spoke aloud while teaching him. And when she did, it was to tell the meaning of a word.
It's better, she signed when he asked why. because then you have to use it constantly and pick up new words.
Of course with the "treatments" there were moments where neither of them could move. Yet he had mastered it within a month.
"Well Jak," she said aloud, surprising him. "there probably isn't anymore that I can teach you."
You're sure?
She snorted. "Of course I am! You picked it up quickly for someone who said they forgot it all." He grinned and held up his hands as she gave him a suspicious look, but was still smiling.
I did learn a little from my uncle back in Sandover, but I swear I forgot most of it. He hesitated. Ever since he heard Erol call her an Ecolite, he'd wondered what that was. Do you mind if I ask why you're called an Ecolite?
The smile faded and she looked away. For a long time, she didn't speak. Jak was worried he'd crossed a line. Reaching out, he touched her shoulder. Did I say something wrong? he asked her.
"No, it's just that I've never had to explain it." She sighed and said, "Let me tell you a story."
"Once there was a tribe of people. They loved Eco in all its forms. They'd realized that eco wasn't just a tool. No. It was alive. Every color had it's own personality. They decided to honor all the personalities as deities, for eco is the life-blood of the world. Touched by this, the deities taught the tribe secrets to defend against Metal-Head attacks.
"The queen and king of the tribe caught wind of an enemy they had no chance of defeating. The two organized their tribe and fled, mourning those who had stayed behind to allow escape. They contacted the ruler of another city. Describing their plight, the ruler welcomed them with open arms. He allowed them to build their own place in the city. To show their thanks, they gifted the ruler with a sacred sword similar to their own and built a shrine to the Precursors in their temple.
"Although some didn't like the tribe and their beliefs, both sets of people benefited from the new arrangement. The tribe had protection. The ruler of the city had people who were happy to share new information about Eco for their fight against the Metal Heads. Everyone thought peace would last."
She scoffed and her hands turned into fists.
"How naive. A baron craved power but he couldn't do anything. That is, until the heir to the city disappeared. The Baron raided the Palace and threatened to kill the heir unless the ruler left. What could the ruler do? He left, but he still didn't get his son back."
Her voice cracked. "The tribe tried to help. The queen, at the Palace during the moment the Baron attacked, fought side-by-side with the ruler. She died protecting the ruler and some...some...someone chopped off her head with her own sword. As the Baron fought for control, those who disliked the tribe slaughtered 2,000 people...300 died of later wounds..." She took a deep, shuddering breath and stopped.
Jak touched her shoulder and gave a shake of his head. You don't have to go on.
"Thanks." She wiped her eyes. "Remembering that day...It hurts..."
Was Eve the one who did it? he signed. Karin nodded her head.
"Yes. And she carries that sword and wants the pair...There are two, one for the ruler and their partner." As an afterthought, she added, "Three if you count the one given to Damos, the former ruler of the city. It's a sign of power. The right to rule." Her eyes blazed. "No one should touch them except the rightful ruler."
Jak felt disgusted. What kind of world did he arrive in where people did that? Just because of what someone believed? He vowed to be open-minded and asked her, Your deities. Tell me about them please.
Karen gave a small smile but her eyes were frightened. Frightened that Jak would push her away once he knew.
Please. It may be a little weird to me, but I won't hate you or your people.
Her smiled widened and the fear disappeared. "Okay. Where do I begin?" She started to trace the tattoo on her face; a habit she had when she was thinking.
Does your tattoo have anything to do with it?
"Yes, actually." She smiled sheepishly and her hand dropped. "I can't believe I didn't think of it. My tattoo represents Yex, the deity of Yellow Eco. We have one for each deity, but only the royal family can get the tattoos of Light and Dark Eco."
She counted off on her fingers and said, "Raxxus is the deity of Red Eco. Then there's Brix for Blue, Garix for Green, Lyrax for Light and Drextus for Dark. They also rule over other things. There's a lot, so I'll list the body for now." Karin tapped the side of her eyes. "Yex rules over the eyes." She pointed to each part as she said it. "Raxxus, the arms. Garix rules over the core, or the internal organs. Brix rules over the legs. Lyrax rules over the head. Drextus rules over the heart."
He screamed. Pain consumed his senses. He felt nothing, heard nothing, smelled nothing but Dark Eco. The machine turned off, but he continued to scream until the pain stopped.
"There's been no change," muttered Eve.
"Surely you should have seen something by now? Organ failure, black splotches, or something! Even if it's their deaths. The Baron's getting impatient and it'll be both our necks on the line if this fails!" said Erol. His footsteps started to pace. "And how's the Ecolite girl doing?"
"That heathen,"said Eve. "has also showed no signs of change."
"Double the dosage then. Do it twice a day! It's been almost a year!"
"...Understood, sir."
The restraints released him and two guards dragged back to his cell. He couldn't move, but rage burned through his body. They through him back in his cell and the door slid shut. Something finally snapped in him.
All the pain that he had felt disappeared. He looked for someone, anyone, that he could vent his rage on.
"Jak?"
He turned his head and saw a girl. She would do. He grinned and pushed himself up. The girl's eyes grew wide and she backed away. Her back hit the wall and his grin widened. She was afraid. She was afraid of HIM. He would finally take his revenge.
On her? asked a faint voice. I'd take a second glance if I were you...
Jak blinked. He saw Karin, eyes wide and terrified as she looked at him. No! He hadn't wanted to hurt her. He fell to the ground and put his head in his hands. If that voice hadn't stopped him...He felt sick. His shoulders heaved and wetness traveled down his face.
Karin's arms wrapped around him and she put her forehead against his. She sat there with him, holding him together.
The sand was warm and stuck in his hair. Jak laid there, enjoying the warmth of the sun before sitting up. He looked around and saw nothing but a white, sandy beach empty except for the occasional palm tree that stuck out from the sand. The air tasted salty and the water was cool as it lazily lapped against his feet.
It was just like Sandover beach. Just without the people and buildings. He leaned back on his elbows and closed his eyes.
Footsteps walked towards him and he opened one to look at them. Daxter, Keira and Karin were walking towards him. They stopped in front of him and all shook their heads.
"Where do you think you're going?"said Daxter, a scowl on his face. "You can't just walk into paradise without me!" He kicked the sand and started to make a picture frame around the beach. "Not a very good one either! Where's the all you can eat buffet? The bars? The BIKINIS!"
Karin rolled her eyes and sat down beside him. "No one will blame you if you stay, Jak." She started to write slowly in the sand. "It's beautiful here."
W-A-K
"Although it will be boring without you," said Keira, standing behind him with her hands on her hips.
E-U-P-J
"Aren't you staying?" he asked, surprised. They all shook their heads.
"No." Karin smiled, her eyes a bit sad. "Although I'll probably join you in a little while if you decide to stay." She finished writing.
A-K-N-O
He stood up and brushed off his legs. He helped Karin up and said, "You're right Dax. There needs to be a buffet." Turning around, he saw a door leading into darkness. His friends watched him as he stepped up to the door.
"See you on the other side!" said Daxter.
"Take care, Jak,"said Keira.
"May Light show you truth and Dark give you comfort,"said Karin.
Jak gave them all a thumbs up before walking through.
...
...
...A gift for you, Jak...
He woke up with Karin holding him tight to her chest. Silent sobs made her body heave and her hands clutched his clothes. Tears dropped down onto his back as she buried herself in his hair.
"Jak...Please wake up..."
He pulled her away. Karin's eyes widened.
"B-but h-how? Your heart stopped...and black splotches started to cover your face." She touched his cheek. "They're gone now..."
He thought for a moment of the beach he'd been at. He had a sudden suspicion of where he had been. "I-I-don't know...I-I r-remember..." But the memory faded.
"Jak,"she whispered.
They looked at each other. A grin slowly spread across his face.
"Karin."
For an entirely different reason, Karin threw her arms around Jak.
The door slid open with a hiss. Both Karin and Jak were seized by rough hands. He fought as guards pulled him from the cell. One struck him with the but of his gun and he stopped.
"A failure?" muttered Eve as she walked him towards another cell. "Has the Baron forgot who saved him during the siege?" Another door slid open and she grabbed the front of his clothes. "Now how will your little girlfriend fare?"she hissed. She shoved him in.
The door slid shut just as he regained his senses. He scrambled to the little window.
Karin, unconscious, was strapped into the chair. Eve was pacing back and forth, eyes wild and her normally neat bun was disheveled.
"Triple the dosage!" she shrieked and stopped to watch Karin writhe.
Jak pounded on the bars, but they refused to move.
Something had changed. Karin didn't know what, but the thought made her shudder. She felt...empty. Hollow. It passed after a few seconds, but something told her that this was only the beginning.
She sighed. The sound echoed through the cell, reminding her how lonely she was.
Jak groaned. Eve had quadrupled the amount of Dark Eco that was pumped into his body.
Jak...
That voice. He'd heard it before. The pain seemed to disappear as he sat up to examine his cell. "Show yourself!"
It laughed. Talking to voices is the first sign of madness, Jakkie. If you were mad.
"Don't call me Jakkie. What am I then?"
The voice softened. You're lonely. The only reason you know she's alive is because of the screams.
"Shut up!" He clapped his hands over his ears, trying to shut it out.
I'm not your enemy, Jakkie. No matter how hard you wish it wasn't true, you've changed. Both of you.
He didn't answer.
"Eve, the Baron wants results. He's visiting in a week and still there's been no change! Have you increased the dosage?"said Erol as he examined Karin and Jak on separate tables. They stared at him with dulled eyes, having been drugged for the ride to the medical facility.
Eve stiffened. "I have. I've almost overloaded the machine a few times."
Erol gave her a surprised look before studying Jak and Karin. "Then there's nothing we can do. Perhaps in the week before the Baron arrives, something will happen."