The trio returned to the underground, looking rather refreshed. Daxter strutted his way to the wall pipe," Whew... being a big hero sure makes ya thirsty!" He took a hold of the lever, pulled it, and started drinking out of it. He made strange gurgling sounds but in an instant, he started spitting out the contents of the pipe, which wasn't water but brown sludge. "oh, ew, gross!" Audrey stuck her tongue out in disgust while Jak chuckled at his friend's misfortune. Daxter continued to hack out the nasty water out of his system.
Torn leaned on the table as he watched in amusement, "The Baron turned off all water to the slums. He's willing to sacrifice Innocent lives just to destroy the underground, I shouldn't be surprised. I've seen his evil before, while serving in the Krimzon Guard. That's why I quit." He looked away from the younger adults.
Audrey wasn't fazed but Jak was astonished by the new information, "You were a Krimzon Guard? Huh. Oh, that explains your... charming sense of humor." He smirked making the female snort in laughter. Torn growled and continued on, "My friend in the Guard tells me the valve to turn the water back on is located outside the city, at the Pumping Station."
"Outside the city? What about the security walls?"
"What about the Metal Heads?! It ain't no petting zoo out there... peeps be getting deep sixed!" Daxter jumped. Torn didn't seem to listen, "Find the large drain pipe in the north wall. It'll take you outside the city to the Pumping Station. Get to the main valve and open it. If you survive, the slums will be indebted to you. If not, maybe we'll have a touching moment of silence in your honor." He said sarcastically. Daxter whispered to himself, raising his fist threateningly, "I'd like to give him a 'touching moment'.
He gave out a smirk, before him, Jak, and Audrey headed to the Pumping Station, hijacking a two person zoomer on their way out. Daxter climbed onto the girl's shoulder. Jak had already climbed on to the drivers set waiting for them to get on, "are you coming, or not?" he looked annoyed. The two looked at each other nervously. "I don't have all day." Audrey climbed onto the passenger seat and quickly clipped on her belt. Jak raised the zoomer in the air and sped off.
Thankfully, he wasn't going as fast as last time.
They made it to the pumping station with little to no time at all. The north side of the city was the more rugged rundown area. The poorly made houses stood on their posts above the water. Putting the zoomer in park, they made their way drain pipe. Entering a security code, the door slowly opened and the trio made their way to the outside of the city. It was basically a small island attached to the city. The water pipes connected to the inside providing water to the people. Now all they had to do was find the Valve.
Audrey looked out towards the water. The sun was about to set soon giving the water a light glow and a more calming atmosphere. It had reminded her of the time when she, Lana, and their mothers had went to the beach. They had found a secluded area all for themselves. It was gorgeous the sun had shone brightly in the sky the water was calm and refreshing.
The flocks of seagulls were resting in the sand. Being the mischievous girls they were, they had dashed towards the unsuspecting birds, "Whoooohooo!" they screamed and laughed as they watched the flock quickly fly away in fright. Some of the feathers had fallen of the bodies and danced around the two girls.
It was wonderfully ruined when one seagull decided to get its revenge and dispose of its waste on top of Audrey's head. Lana couldn't stop laughing at her best friend. Audrey growled and pushed the blonde into the sea and dived in right after her. After a minute they both came up for air, staring at one another. Their faces cracked into huge grins and they busted out laughing. Their mothers watched from the shore and laughed along with them. It was one of Audrey's fondest memories.
Jak watched the brunette in deep thought. He was curious about her and how she had become friends with Daxter or why she even risked her life to save his having only met earlier today. He had a million questions running his mind. He couldn't help but notice her physic. He hadn't taken notice of her till now. Her short brown hair was wavy and short and slightly unkempt; the tips a golden auburn sort of color. Her bangs were swept to the side of her face. Her skin was glowing from the sun's warm rays. Her brown eyes shone brightly.
She seemed...Different, per say. She looked just like any other human being but something was off about her, like she didn't belong. Jak just couldn't put his thumb on it. He also hadn't noticed that Daxter was calling his name causing both teens to turn, "hey buddy, you in there? I've been hollering your name for 5 minutes!?" the ottsel waved his hand over the blonde's face. "Huh? Sorry, Dax. I'm still kind of out of it" he snapped out of his short daze. Daxter looked over to the girl, eyebrow raised, "right…any way, the valve" "oh yea! Let's go!" the brunette piped walking passed the boys and taking lead.
After walking all the way around the station they finally found the valve. Daxter being the cocky little ottsel he was pushed passed the teens cracking her stiff knuckles,"Aaah, the valve. Allow me." He struggled to turn the valve. The two exchanged amused glances. Jak pressed down on the valve, causing the skinny rodent to shoot up into a pipe. He screamed as he was sucked into many crooks and crannies as he made progress to the other side of the path set for him.
He was finally pushed into the pipes noose, "Jak, help... Jak, help... Jak... please... help..." the water pressure was squishing his body. Jak and Audrey quickly reached the hose and turned the valve there. Daxter gradually pull himself out, before being forced to the ground by a flow of water.
Jak couldn't help but grin and Audrey slapped her hand over her mouth to muffle her laughter," Don't say it. Don't even chuckle! Next time, YOU turn the valve!" Daxter pointed a finger at Jak before passing out on the ground. Audrey giggle," you know, I think I like him like this" she grinned at Jak. Jak chuckled and picked his friend up before setting his slumped body on his shoulder.
It reached nightfall in haven city and the trio slowly walked the rest of the way back to the underground. It was quiet between Audrey and Jak. Daxter was still passed out on his shoulder. They had made some small chat but it quickly died. Both having questions and wanting answers.
Audrey opened her mouth to break the silence but was cut off, "so, how'd you meet Daxter, anyway?" Audrey swallowed," oh well, it's quite a long story, really," 'oh god what should I tell him!' she was having an internal war with herself, "I got time, I'm not going anywhere anytime soon," he smirked. Audrey blushed.
'He's so cute. Darn it, no! Stay focused…GAHHHH! I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO TELL HIM!'
"Ah, well you see…" Jak waited for her to answer, "She found me," Daxter had woken up and saved her even though he hadn't realized he did. Jak raised an eyebrow, "after you and I got lost and separated, this girl grabbed my tail Yanked Me from out of my hiding spot!"
"hehe, still not over that?" she giggled nervously.
Daxter growled," NO! Anyway, she and I teamed up and found a job as bug exterminators and we've been partners ever since," he finished, petting his tail from the hurtful memory. Jak was more than a little confused, "wait, wait, so how'd did you find Daxter?" Audrey sighed, "This isn't exactly the first time I met you"
"huh?"
"I saw what happened to you and Daxter, I was going to help you but at that time I had no strength or any means of being able to help. I was practically useless and would've been overpowered," she looked down at the ground sadly, "I figured if I could help Daxter, I could help find you, and unfortunately it took a lot longer than we had hoped." She finished. Jak put his hand on her shoulder, making her stop in her tracks. "Thank you"
"h-huh?" he let go of her and smirked; "you helped and protected my best friend and even saved my life." Audrey was flabbergasted and a little flushed, "oh, uh, I mean, it was nothing really"
"I owe you" Audrey flailed her arms spastically at his response, "you owe me nothing! I wanted to help; I just wish we could have been sooner" she dropped her arms back to her side. Jak chuckled, "it was better than never coming at all." Audrey smiled, "hehe yea." "Hey! Last time I remembered I was the hero!" Daxter piped blowing up his chest proudly. The three laughed and went on their way talking about their time together.
After about half an hour they made it to the underground, going downstairs in a lighter pace this time. They saw torn with a spastic grin on his face, the slum's water is back on! I'd love to see the heads roll when the Baron finds out!" Jak crossed his arms and rolled his eyes,"Yeah, I'm sure he's losing lots of sleep over this 'arm-pit' of the city." He said sarcastically," We've done what you've asked. Now, when do we see the Shadow?"
Torn growled and got into Jak's face, "When I say so, IF I say so, But before I even think about it, I want you to take care of an ammo dump we've I.D'd in the Fortress. Lots of Krimzon Guards, constant patrols. We know it's vulnerable, and the Underground needs YOU to blow up all the ammo you find inside." As he spoke, he ended up knocking Daxter across the table," Get ALL of it, and we'll deal a body blow to the Baron." Daxter had finally recovered and jumped on the table," You're sending US in, tough guy! So what's with this "we'll deal a body blow" stuff?" he asked angrily.
Jak grinned, that's fine. I want the Baron to know that it's ME who's hurting him."
"Whoa, let me stop you right there" everyone turned their attention to the small female, "it's late and we should really get some rest. We can do this in the morning; they won't be expecting us then"
"The girl's right. Get some rest, but I want you up first thing tomorrow. You can rest here for the time being. Lights out" Torn agreed. Everyone had taken a bed of their own. Audrey took the one on the left closest to the desk. Jak took the bed next to hers and Daxter on the bunk on top of his. Torn was on the other side. It felt weird being in another bed that wasn't hers.
She and Daxter had mostly stayed with Osmo. His place was the closest she had to a home in the last two years.
Audrey's mind wondered about her home and if everyone was okay. Have they even noticed she'd gone missing? Was her mom was alright? She must have been worrying herself to death every night for her missing daughter. She didn't know when she would be back or if she ever will be. Why was she even here in the first place? She sighed. She always asked herself these questions. It was obvious she missed her family and friends. She missed hanging out with Lana and lying on the soft grass and letting the sun shine upon her with its warmth.
It's not so bad living in Haven. She did have Daxter by her side so she wasn't completely alone and having Jak for more company was great. She got her wish, but, it wasn't what she had expected either. she let go of her thoughts and questions for another time.
Audrey took off her boots, coat and holster and curled up under the rough blanket.
The bed was firm but after a long day it felt like the softest thing in the world. As soon as her head hit the pillow she was out like a light.
(hey guys! i fixed this chapter alittle bit and im hoping to fix the last chapters as well. as i keep looking back on them, i noticed im missing some information and little details so ill probably go back and fix my mistakes so it would make better sense. when i had made this chapter i forgot jak was supposed to be this guy thats not very trusting let alone give random hugs to ppl he had just met so i fixed that now. i'm also hoping to get more in depth with my OC. i have a few surprise that im sure will get you on the edge of your seats. anyway i hope you look forward to future updates! happy holidays!)
