Author's Note:

Before you decide to read ahead at the stories I have posted, a warning: I am a very self-indulgent, self-insert author. In fact, 99.9% of my fics include my self-insert and I'm proud of it. So, if you feel like you can endure it, please proceed!

But please remember: this and every other story that I have written was produced out of pure boredom/fun/crack or just because I felt like it. Therefore, it is NOT perfect. I am not a professional. I cannot guarantee that the grammar is spot on or that you'll enjoy it. But if you decide to stick around for the ride? I appreciate it. But I am, (repeat I am) an amateur writer.

I do hope however; I can entertain you for a couple of hours and maybe get a laugh or two outta ya? I really appreciate all the support you all have given me over the years and I'll continue to try and update when I can.

So, thanks! Thanks a bundle!

AND

I do not own any part of the Jak and Daxter series. Just the characters, Tak, Kat, Jam, Kal, Star, Luv, Bell-bell, Nana, Syndi and Kimi.

Much Love.


"Just met a boy, just met a boy when, he could become my little problem 'cause he look like he modeling clothes in Dublin. So I think that he gettin' that Green Goblin. Hear through the grape vine that he hang low. We could shoot a movie, could bang, like Rambo. Boom boom pow, this thing so bingo, wondering if he could understand my lingo."- Va Va Voom, Nicki Minaj.


Soaring: Now and After

Just when he thought his troubles were over. After Haven City, Spargus and even Kras City, here came trouble in a whole new form. This new 'trouble' came in the image of a small female. She was something Jak had never seen before in his life, what was her name again?

She was a smaller girl with aqua-colored hair that stretched down to her lower back. Her sharp blue eyes seemed to watch everything. She was something to be reckoned with. And she seemed to know Daxter. Not that the immediate charge and hold she took on his neck didn't give it away. Jak was able to defuse the situation, for the time being. Now it was time for explanations. What better place to hold introductions then the Bloody Hook? Jak stood around with his large group of friends and waited for answers.

"So what is all this about?" Jak leaned his back against the bar. "What was your name again?"

"Tak." She said.

"Tak," He repeated. "How do you know Daxter?"

"It's a lengthy story," She said with a small flick of her wrist. "I'm sure I couldn't BORE you with the details. All you should know is that HE," Tak was quick to point her finger at Daxter. "Owes me. Big time."

"Please," Torn rolled his eyes. "Spare us."

"Don't worry!" Her nose darted into the air. "I will!"

"She's got some spunk." Sig whispered into Ashelin's ear.

"As if we needed more of that around here." The former KG replied.

"Just let me at him!"

Jak watched as Tak's arms spread out in front of her chest. She made a quick lunge toward the small Ottsel. Daxter squealed in reply and darted to the floor. He made a dash for his 'safe spot' behind his leg. Jak looked back up to see that Star and Kimi had reached out to Tak, preventing her from moving any further.

"I'll strangle you with my own hands!" She struggled in Star's arms.

"Ey!" Daxter shook his fist at the female. "Don't go around makin' threats!"

"After all you've done to me?!" She shouted again. "I'll DESTROY you!"

"Watch it!" Star pulled on Tak's shoulders. "What's your problem? Get out much?"

"I'd say she's a little social maladjusted." Kimi grunted as she held the girl's legs together.

"Just like Jak used to be!" Jam was quick to give Jak an elbow to the gut.

"Enough," Jak looked to the group of three girls. "Calm down and explain what's going on here."

He watched as Tak's movements slowed. She relaxed her tense body while Star and Kimi's grip on her loosened. The two females released her soon after, allowing her to stand on her own. She was quick to brush off her clothing and then hook her arms to her hips. She stared down Daxter with her lower lip poked out.

"I've been searching for three years for this…this THING!" Tak's index finger shot out and pointed at Daxter.

"Three years?" Torn looked to Jak. "That's just about the time you were in jail."

"Yep!" Daxter emerged from behind his leg. "It was a pretty tough time." He then curled his nails and began to clean them on the fur on his chest. "I'd say it was the time of my life. On my own…in the wild world that was Haven City."

"Enough with the dramatics." Sig cut in. "How'd you two get together?"

Ashelin nodded. "You two aren't exactly a great match for one another, are you?"

Tak and Daxter looked to one another. After a moment of eyeing one another down, the two turned away. Both of their noses shot into the air and they crossed their arms over their chests.

"We don't get along." They both said at once.

"That's obvious." Jam sighed.

"Mind filling us in?" Star tilted her head to one side.

"Yes!" Tak shouted.

"No!" Daxter yelped.

"Keep outta this!" The two spun around to face one another.

Jak moved his hand over his eyes. This was going to be a long explanation, he could feel it. But why was he intrigued? It wasn't like he had the world to save or anything. He was up for a story, or two. He removed his hand from his face and looked back at the feuding couple. They both had teeth bared and fists clenched. Ah, this would be entertaining.

"Who's gonna start?" Sig broke out with a large smile.

"Since you're all friends of Daxter," Tak was first to speak. "I'm sure you're all aware of his talent for telling 'tall tales'."

"Who, me?" The Ottsel gasped.

"Why don't you all sit down and listen to me." Tak placed her delicate hand over her tiny bust. "Take a break, will ya Daxter?"

"It would be nice to hear someone else tell a story around here." Torn was quick to add.

"What?!" Daxter fumbled. "You traitor!"

"Gather 'round ladies." Tak said with pride.

Jak rolled his eyes, great, another clown. Might as well follow along with it, there wasn't else much to do. He watched as Tak stepped passed him. She walked into the center of the bar and took a seat on a barstool. She crossed one of her short legs over the other and took in a deep breath. She cleared her throat and looked at the crowd in front of her.

"It starts off with yours truly…"

XoXoX

Things were slow but never this slow. What gives? Tak sat at her barstool while her index and thumb twirled around the straw of her drink. Was she old enough to drink? Of course not but no one in Haven City carded her anymore. Things were typical here and she found that no one cared anymore. The luster of the city went down as soon as the Baron came into power.

The bugs in the city and increased ten times but why wasn't she working to that effect? The bugs grew bigger and stronger everyday but she never was ordered to take them out anymore. Something was up, something her boss wasn't telling her. But she wasn't one of these girls that let this sort of thing go. She was going to get to the bottom of it.

She had been working with Osmo for a while now. She knew the ins and outs of the company. So what was with the secrecy? Hm, wouldn't that be the quirkiest thing? If Osmo had decided to replace her. Now she had to know.

Tak picked up from her seat. She pushed her empty glass forward and threw some loose change onto the bar counter. Haha, like she'd leave a tip. She then turned her back to the bar and made her way toward the exit. She wasn't to go down without a fight, if someone had replaced her as Osmo's best bugger, then she was going to meet this guy face to face.

XoXoX

"What do you mean you have a new employee?!"

Tak felt a scowl crawl across her face. Oh no, if there was one thing she could not stand, it was competition moving in on her territory. She was the best! The greatest bugger Osmo could ever ask for! How dare he look elsewhere for work!

The older man made his way across the shop, putting things away. He spoke as he carried on with his business, "It's just that, Tak. We need help around here."

"What?" Tak crossed her arms over her chest. "That's nuts! We do not."

"Tak." Osmo stood up straight and looked the smaller female in the eye.

"Osmo, I'm THEE best bugger on the work force." She said with pride. "What are you worried about?"

"Tak," He released a small sigh. "You're a valued employee but you are not my best bugger."

Her jaw dropped. "What are you talking about?! Name ONE THING I'm not good at!"

Osmo moved his hand into the air and began to count on his fingers. "You're always late for the job, you're rude to our costumers and you don't do your best."

"You mean I half ass it."

"In so many words." He shrugged.

"Whatever!" She jerked her torso to the left. "Then what's the deal, keeping me around?"

"Like I said," Osmo continued in a gentle tone. "We need help around here. Ximon and I can't do everything."

"Psh."

"I also know you need the money."

Her eyes snapped open. What was that supposed to mean? She turned back to her boss with a curled lip. She watched as he stared back at her with a warm smile. Tak growled and turned away once again. She did not need the money. As far as she was concerned, he needed her way more than she needed him.

XoXoX

She knew the drill well. This job had long lost its excitement and had become nothing but a chore. But money was money, no matter how she made it. Even if it meant she had to go into a fast food restaurant and clean out their bug infestation.

Ha! Osmo must be losing his mind. What did he mean when he said she was losing her skill as an exterminator? She wasn't late! Twenty to thirty minutes is only fashionably late, isn't it? And rude? By no means was she rude! And that stuff about half assing her work? That was all crap. She killed the bugs she could see! Out of sight, out of mind.

She'd would show him! She'd be the best employee he ever had! She'd out work that 'new' worker with one swift movement. She was the best; there was no doubt about that. Tak entered the fast food chain with her vacuum nozzle hanging over her shoulder. She felt no need to check in, she knew just what to do.

She moved passed hungry Haven City citizens with a simple kick and shove. Ignoring all the comments made her way; she pushed open the kitchen doors with a single flick of her wrist. She entered the grimy kitchen, her nose taking in all the odd odors and strange sounds that came from behind the cooking counter. Ugh, how did people eat here and not get sick?

She was headed for the meat locker. Just because it was cold back there didn't mean a creeper or two couldn't sneak in. The scent of rotting meat and vegetables was far too irresistible. Tak moved her right arm forward, toward the meat locker door. Her hand rested against the cool handle before she began to turn it forward. This was great, a few sucks here and there and she'd be through! She couldn't ask for an easier job.

"What's that SMELL?!"

She flinched. That voice, what an obnoxious voice! Her upper lip curled but she refused to acknowledge it. She continued and pulled open the locker door. A burst of frosty wind pushed her hair backward and caused her to narrow her eyes. Brr, this better not take too long.

"They serve FOOD here?!"

Now that voice was getting annoying. Tak spun around to face the voice that spoke behind her. Just as she finished turning, something hit her legs. The force of the body against her legs caused her to topple forward, into the meat locker. She released a yelp before falling backward into the frozen room. As she tumbled in, the door closed behind her, enclosing her in the freezer.

As she opened her eyes the world around her seemed blurry. Ugh, what the heck? She saw the frozen ceiling above her and knew exactly where she was. Great. She lifted her back from the freezing floor and reached her arms around. With her hand, she began to stroke her sore back. This was gonna leave a mark in the morning.

"DO YOU MIND?!"

That voice again. Her eyes snapped open and she looked right then left. Did the person who bumped into her fall in the freezer with her? But…there was no one around. Tak's jaw dropped open. No, it couldn't be a ghost could it?

"W-w-where are you?" Her head darted back and forth.

"Down here!"

Tak finally set her eyes on the ground. She looked forward to see that her legs were slightly elevated. Was she laying on someone? Tak parted her knees to see a small orange body beneath her calves. He was small like a rat but orange…what was this? THIS was the person speaking to her?

"Who the HELL are you?"

"I could ask YOU the same question."

Tak watched as the small mammal moved out from under her legs. He stretched his body upright and began to dust off his fur. Wait, what was that on his back? Was that a sprayer?

"You…"

"You're Tak, aren't you?" He asked.

"How…?"

"The old man sent me here," He rolled his eyes before linking his arms to his tiny hips. "He said you MIGHT need my help and by the looks of you, you do."

"And just who the hell are you?" Tak felt her cheek twitch.

"Daxter's the name." He said with pride. "Playin' the field is my game."

Osmo sent him? Tak's eyebrow arched. Since when did the old man decide to send small animals out to help her? Unless… no, this couldn't be…

"Then you're the new guy!"

"That's me."

Tak felt her heart rate skyrocket. She pushed her body off the frozen floor and stood up straight. She crossed her arms over her chest and shot the nastiest glare she could produce at Daxter. Her bottom lip poked out and her cheeks began to grow red from the cold air.

"What's the matter?" Daxter asked. "Got an itch you can't scratch?"

This one was going to be a fighter. Tak lowered her back and moved her nose in toward Daxter's. He flinched as she became closer and took a few steps backward to avoid her. Tak's eyebrows hung low over her eyes and she began to grit her teeth.

"Look," She began as she moved her index finger out. "If you know what's good for you, you'll stay out of my way." She then forced her finger into Daxter's nose. "You no good rat!"

"Ey!" Daxter threw his paws up in surrender. "Watch it, lady! I'm just doin' my job!"

"Yeah?" Tak pushed forward once again. "Well, you're stepping on MY grounds. Keep your nose out of my business. That is, if you don't want to get hurt."

Daxter began to laugh before shrugging his tiny shoulders. "Osmo said you had an attitude problem."

"He was right." Tak stood up straight once again and pushed passed Daxter.

"What are you doing now?" He looked up to her in question.

She groaned. No more questions, she had enough of a headache. "I'm getting out of here." She said as she approached the exit freezer door.

"Wait, we have a job to do!" He yelped. "You can't just leave ME to do all the work!"

"I can do what I want." Tak looked over her shoulder and glared at the mammal. "I don't work with anyone."

"What's THAT? A superhero complex?"

Tak rolled her eyes. She extended her arms out to the door handle and placed her fingers around the cool metal. Just before she pulled on the door, the sound of Daxter's nails on the floor caused her to turn his way. Now what did he want?

"Isn't it locked?" He cocked his head to the side. "That's what ALWAYS happens when someone gets thrown into a freezer!"

Tak rolled her eyes. Typical. "No, you idiot." She was quick to correct him. "It was unlocked when I opened it."

"Huh," Daxter nodded. "Then stand aside."

She pulled her hands off the handle. "What now, rat?" She linked her right hand to her hip and glared at him.

"Let me open it."

"Why?"

Daxter approached the door and stuck his arm out to Tak. She felt another eye roll coming on. But what was she going to do? Fighting about it wasn't going to help. She threw her arms into the air and stepped back a few feet. If he wanted to act like a fool, she might as well stand back and watch for a good laugh.

She crossed her arms over her chest once again. This would be entertaining. She watched as Daxter leapt from the floor with ease. He latched onto the door handle in an instant. He then placed his two back legs against the door and began to pull.

Nothing.

Daxter looked over his shoulder and began to laugh, "This door's a bit heavy."

He tried a second time, this time throwing a few battle grunts. Still, nothing.

"Maybe it needs a little grease?"

She shut her eyes and shook her head from side to side. Why did she always have to get stuck with the idiots? Osmo must be out to get her.

"Come on!"

Tak reopened her eyes to see Daxter struggling with great force to open the door. His body flung forward and back, in an effort to release the latch. It wasn't even entertaining, it was just sad now. With one final tug, Daxter used all his force to pull. His body flew from the door and he was thrown across the freezer. When he hit the floor, he tumbled and rolled head over heels until he hit the back wall. Tak watched him uncurl from his fallen position only to see that he held a small metal handle in his hands.

"You BROKE it!" She shrieked.

"Oops," Daxter looked down to the handle before tossing it aside. "Guess I don't know my own strength."

Her jaw dropped. "OOPS DOESN'T COVER IT!"

"Chill," He picked himself from the floor. "I'll get us out of here."

"Oh, because you did such a great job getting us in here in the first place." She moved her hands over her face.

"Hey, you didn't help at all." Daxter shot a glare at her.

"Well, if you were looking where you were going, you wouldn't have bumped me in here!" Tak pointed an accusing finger at her furry offender. "Who walks around, not looking where they're going?!"

"You're the one who needs MY help!" Daxter barked.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Osmo asked me to help YOU." A smile cracked across his mug. "He doesn't think you could do this job on your own."

She flinched. "He! What! You!"

"At a loss for words, are we?"

"Shut your furry face!" Tak shut her eyes and stomped her feet. "I'm not talking to you!"

"Hey, you don't hafta." Daxter shrugged his shoulders. "You'll be begging for conversation in an hour or so."

"HOUR?" Her eyes snapped back open. "It won't take that long for them to get us out of here, will it?!"

"Depends," Daxter gave a simple answer. "When did you check in with the manager?"

Tak opened her mouth but no words came out. Check in? With the manager? A quick visual flash back played in her mind. She hadn't checked in with the owner, in fact, she had just walked in all on her own without a single word to anyone. Great, the one time she didn't check in, she got herself into this mess. Luck just wasn't on her side today.

"Well?"

Another great point, Daxter wanted an answer. Tak clamped her mouth shut and turned her face away from the male. If she wasn't going to be right, she would play the hard game. The silent treatment would work just fine here.

"I'm not speaking to you, remember?"

"You DIDN'T TELL the manager, did you?!" Daxter's jaw dropped.

"Hm!" She turned away more.

"Great Mar above," Daxter moved his paw over his eyes. "LOOK what I have to work with!" He let his paw slip off his face before he glared once again at her. "Its no WONDER your career is in the gutter."

She wasn't going to humor him with a response. This would be a nice next couple of hours. With someone that wasn't even a person! She might as well make the best of it. Tak walked passed Daxter until she came to the back of the freezer. She let her back hit the wall and she slid downward. Her bottom hit the floor and she brought her knees to her chest. Now it was time to play the waiting game. Osmo would come looking…eventually.

Act End.