Chapter ten A Dream, Port Mission, Meeting Brutter and sewer surfing.

(A.N thanks for the wonderful reviews. This chapter is going to have action excitement, romance and of course comedy. Looks like things are going to get down and dirty for Jak, Talya and Daxter lets read in on how they'll handle this one. So on with the chapter. I'll even put in a little dream scene concerning Talya and the baron... thanks TwilightAngel101 on the advice describing the baron's main dining hall. it really helped me.)

Place Talya's dream Location Heaven City Prison

Talya woke to find that she was in her prison cell, chained to the wall when the guards came into her cell with Teasers and large hose like tool. Laying on the floor Talya felt the sting of the Teaser as she was shocked awake by the guard in charge.

Using the Teaser on her, The Guard echoed, "prisoner #77446, wake up."

Feeling the shock Talya stirred, "What...did...I...do?"

Removing the Teaser, The Guard signaled to his men, "You two, get her off the floor."

Thinking she was going to be teased Talya curled into a ball just in case the worse was to happen. Instead of getting shocked Talya felt a blast of water hit her body like she was getting cleaned up or something. The Guards took Talya soaking wet to a room where a large machine was activated. Talya was chained to the floor in the middle of the room, when a large burst of hot air hit drying off her clothes, body and hair. After that Talya was escorted to large cage on the back off a hell cat.

Wanting to know Talya lisped, "Where are you taking me?"

Locking the door, The K.G. stated, "That for us to know and you to find out. Now shut up and behave."

Turning her head Talya shuttered, "Yes sir."

Talya watched through the bars while being taken from the prison through the city, which was above the many different buildings, the people and other vehicles as well. The hell cat moved slowly until it landed in front a large building. The building was a large structure surrounded by various towers that supported the main part. Afterwards the guards got out of the front seat of the hell cat, they went to the cage holding Talya and using their large staff like gripper to grab the shackles that were oh her legs, arms and neck. Pulling her out of the cage Talya was escorted into the building where the two guards and Talya stood before that none other than Baron Praxis himself.

Walking down the stairs until he was just a few inches away Praxis placed his hand on her face he muttered, "What a beautiful creature you are, such perfection you have eyes like sapphires, lips like red Eco, hair like strands of pure silk. Had I known you were this flawless I wouldn't have wasted my Eco treatments on you."

Looking into his cruel gaze Talya rasped, "You're worse than the dogs that serve you."

Snapping his fingers Praxis stated, "On the contrary, my dear, you are not in any position to threaten me. Guards take my guest to her room where she can be prepped for tonight."

Saluting their leader the guards obeyed, "Yes Sir."

Talya was then taken into the upper part of the palace to a large room where the guards dropped her onto the floor. They slammed the door and locked it behind them Talya not very happy got up off the floor where she banged on the large wooden door.

Banging on the door Talya yelled, "Let me out of here... you hear me."

Talya stopped yelling and slid down by the door, she put her knees against her body and began sobbing. Talya didn't want to be there at all it was like she was some sort of prisoner in a large cage. An hour later Talya heard someone knocking on the door. Moving from the door Talya got to her feet ready for anything that would happen. Talya rushed over to the bed where she sat down when the door opened a set of maids entered where they both bowed in silence as a greeting.

Confused Talya questioned, "Are you here to hurt me?"

The first maid in a low voice spoke, "Goodness no we are here to dress you at the Baron's request."

Still unsure Talya defended, "Since you're not here to hurt me then can I ask you something."

Sitting her on the chair in front of the mirror The first maid answered, "Sure ask whatever you like."

Looking in the mirror Talya sighed, "Where is it that I'm being dressed for?"

Removing the chains the second maid announced, "The Baron has requested your company for dinner this evening. It's our duty to him that you be property dressed for the occasion. So please allow us to do our job."

Rubbing her wrists Talya noted, "I see that was the reason that those jerk off guards hosed me down the way they did,"

helping her put on the dress the second maid added, "That's correct my lady. It seems that you have won the barons favor. It's a great honor to be noticed by him."

Adjusting the dress Talya ranted, "So what if I have won the baron's favor. I spent the last ten months in a dark, dank cell where I have been beaten, shocked, tormented by the guards and chained. Now the mighty baron had decided to change his mind humph he wants something."

Having heard what Talya had said the first maid stated, "If you think that way it will only get you thrown back into prison, just see what he has to say then decide your option of him. You should not jump to conclusions."

Shaking her head Talya jested, "Fine then I'll see what the baron wants, but if I'm right about him. I'll become his worse nightmare."

Fully dressed Talya was escorted by the maids to through the halls. While they walked Talya looked at the many different works of art that were on the wall most of them were paintings of the baron in different clothes and poses, then one caught her attention which was painting of a sea nymph sitting on a rock near Sentinel Beach. Stopping for a second Talya looked at it. She noticed that there was something about that seemed strangely déjà vu like it was painted back when she was at Sand Over before leaving. After a brief moment Talya was guided into the main dining hall where there was a large table with many different chairs and several covered plates in various spots. The maids guide Talya to the empty chair on the right side of the Baron's place at the head of the table.

Talya sat down at the long, wooden, polished table she could see her reflection in while the maids left her alone to finish their chores and duties assigned to them. After being left alone Talya looked at the large dining hall that had all sorts of fancy lighting, different types of art work on the walls, many statues of the history of the palace itself and a Red banner where many portraits of the baron were draped across the walls and ceilings. As she was looking at the large door that was across the room it opened up to reveal Baron Praxis dressed in a formal version of his armor with different metals on his chest and a large red cape that followed behind him. Baron Praxis walked into the dining hall as noble as he could be, walked over to his chair, where the butlers removed his cape, and he sat down in his chair.

Snapping his fingers Praxis ordered, "You servant, serve my guest food and drink."

The butlers jumped at his order as they swiftly yet properly poured Talya something to drink, placed her covered plate in front of her and removed it then quickly bowed to head to their places in the dining room until their next order was to be his cover from his plate Baron Praxis sniffed his food taking in all the aromas of what the chefs had prepared for the evening. After admiring the food Praxis began eating his meal several minutes into the meal Praxis looked from his meal to notice that Talya wasn't eating anything.

Looking up Baron Praxis wondered, "What is it that you are not eating Is the food not to your liking?"

Giving the baron a stern look, Talya sneered, "How can I eat something so fancy, when there are those out there, who need it more than me."

Not liking her words, Praxis rebutted, "Look my dear, the people of this palace have worked their hardest to ensure that you have such a fine feast before you. For you to just not to eat is insulting them."

Getting up from her seat Talya fumed, "When you say that I'm insulting its not about the people its about your foolish pride. Why is it that you summoned me here in the first place."

Walking towards the large window Praxis mused, "I summoned you here, because my men informed me of your extraordinary powers. So please sit down and I'll tell you my reasons of your presence here at my palace."

Sitting back down Talya groaned, "Vey well then I'll hear you out."

Going back to his seat Praxis began, "Ah that's what I like about you, blunt and to the point. Fine then if that what you want I summoned you here to make you an offer that we both can benefit from."

Staring at the table's surface Talya talked, "Tell me your offer and I'll see about first."

Tapping his fingers Praxis spoke, "Denounce your friend and join me as my weapon against the metal heads. With your powers at my side I'll be able to keep my position as the ruler of Heaven City."

After hearing the offer Talya breathed, "So you want me to denounce my friend to become your weapon all for the sake of you to keep your death grip on a city who fears you. So what do I get in return should I accept your offer?"

Taking her face in his hand, Praxis mellifluously cooed, "Your freedom...there will be no Eco treatments...no more rounds in the metal pit... no shocking from Teasers and finally no chains. All you have to do is accept my generous invitation."

Scooting away from his grip, Talya uttered, "My freedom huh at what price for me to betray the one I care for most. Baron Praxis I fear that I must refuse your offer."

As Talya was about to say more a butler showed up and whispered something in the Baron's ear concerning something an urgent call for him from a very important client. Needing to see about the matter at hand the baron got up from his chair nodded to the butler and got up to excuse himself to his guest.

Wiping his hands of food and getting up from his seat, Praxis complied, "If you'll excuse me my dear, but some urgent matters have just come up and so I must take my leave of you for the time being and to deal with you later."

The Baron left the dining hall to head to the throne room leaving Talya alone in the dining hall by herself as she looked around the area. A while later Talya was bored being Left alone that she decided to explore the rest of the palace before the guards had to take her back to the prison cell next to Jak's. Talya walked around the halls of the palace looking at the various types of art work, tapestries and statues. As she neared the throne room she spotted the baron talking to a large bug like creature on a communicator with a familiar sounding tone to it. Talya felt something uneasy about what she was seeing unaware of the guards coming to take her away. The image of the area around her faded into darkness as she heard the dark voice echoing, "I shall haunt you in your nightmares for killing so many of my brethen. No matter where you run....You can't not escape me...." Talya walked until she saw another image and heard another voice say, "If one seeks the stone... one must face the trials of the tomb to claim his legecy....."Talya trying to reach for the stone only to fall down into endless free fall where in a burst of energy she woke up....

Opening her eyes Talya woke shaking and covered in sweat from the heat of the blankets. Sitting up in bed Talya covered her face in the blanket, whimpering loud enough to wake Jak up from his dreamless sleep.

Hearing her, Jak whispered, "Talya, you're tremblng what's the matter?"

Burying her head in his chest Talya stuttered, "It was a vision of the past and of the future."

Rubbing her back, Jak consoled, "Do you want to talk about it?"

In his chest Talya muffed, "No I don't want to worry you Jak."

Running his hand through her soft hair Jak accepted," Okay then, lets get some sleep. we have some missions to do in the morning."

Lying on his chest Talya emitted, "Night Jak I'll get some sleep then."

At Tess' place, Daxter in a daze looked around to find that he wasn't at the hide out, but instead on the foot of a large metal bed. Sitting up Daxter scratched his back, stretched out his body to remove the kinks from his sore little animal body and when he was done. Daxter rose to his feet to try to get off the bed's foot so as not to disturb who ever was sleeping soundly. Daxter carefully walked over to the side, for as he was trying to move the one sleeping turned over right on to his tail thus giving Daxter the worst feeling in the world trying not make any loud sounds, he pulled his tail out from beneath Tess' body as he managaed to not to wake her. Daxter scratched his head to see about where he was at in all of the struggling of. He walked into the main room of the area to find that he was Tess' apartment in the slums near the pumping station. Daxter went over to the door to see about leaving to head back to the hide out, but before he left he placed a small kiss on Tess' forehead just before jumping out the window to head back.

When Daxter got back to the hide out, he entered the hide outs door and headed to the back room to see about waking Jak and Talya for a day full of missions and of course he was bored out of his mind. Daxter hopped on to their bed where he began jumping up and down trying to wake them up. Talya on her side felt the bed moving from all the jumping woke up to find Daxter stretched out on her chest with the stupidest expression on his face.

Dazed Talya yawned, "Ahhh morning Daxter, would you be a peach and get off me please."

Moving himself from his spot Daxter nodded, "Sure toots, so did you and Jak have a nice time last night?"

Removing the covers Talya added, "Yes before you get your head in the gutter Daxter all we did was cuddle got it."

Leaping onto his chair Daxter waved, "Ah what ever I had a blast last night. I went to the Hip Hog and ended up at Tess' place. Knowing her she must have seen me passed out on the barkeep and she must have taken me back to her place to keep me from getting caught by the KG's."

Waking up Jak interrupted, "Sounds to me that you cut it close aye Dax."

Hopping from his chair to the door Daxter finished, "Ah you could say that I'll see you when you and Talya are ready to leave."

Jak pulled the covers from his side of the bed reached over to Talya and pulled her into his arms where he gently kissed her neck and ran his hand through her soft blue-silver hair. Talya placed her arms around his neck rubbed his rough yet strong muscles. Talya kissed his neck as she rubbed his long pointed ear. Jak pulled her closer to him to feel her soft warmth against his chest. After about several minutes Jak and Talya got ready for the next mission that was left by Krew meaning that they had to got the port. When They moved onto a mission set by Krew to destroy the cargo crates in the port. At the port Jak noticed that there were bombs by each one of the crates. Talya grabbed her jet board from her pack and Jak got on a zoom-er. Splitting into two teams Jak and Talya began the onslaught of the cargo. The Krimzon guards was alerted by the loud sounds of Jak's scatter-gun as he shot at the bombs thus blowing up the first set of cargo. Talya used her crossbow to take her side of the port a minute into the mission Talya had taken out her side of the cargo when Jak had only three left to blow away. Having lost his zoom-er Jak in a rush pulled out his jet board to take the last three cargo crates with time to spare. After that was done, Jak, Talya and Daxter returned to the Hip Hog with the news of the mission completed. Upon entering the establishment, a Krimzon Gaurd was finishing up his business with Krew. Jak and Talya went to the barkeep and took a seat,

Floating over to them Krew grumbled, "The Baron had decided to send his thugs to harass me as they always do, 'ey! Health violations. Back taxes! Everyone in the city wants a piece of my business. Aaahh hell!"

Looking at the fat ass Daxter sneered, "You are lucky that there's enough to go around and to spare."

Wanting to know the mission Talya questioned, "So Krew what's the mission this time."

Getting out their rewards Krew miffed, "Trashing that cargo in the port was a more important to my business than you know, ey? I've got something cooking right now, and I didn't need anyone sneaking into my shipments. You could just say, if everything goes as I planned, I'm going to head of the market in Metal Head trophies. Ha, ha, ha, ha. Anyway, I have another job for you three. My associate named, Brutter,works with me in the forced labor business."

Stunned Talya added, "Forced Labor business? You don't mean what I thinking you're meaning are you?"

In a stern tone Jak snapped, "Yeah he means the slave trade industry?

Waving his fan Krew groaned, "I prefer the term 'freedom challenged'. Lurkers what the city use as low class labor. Brutter pays me well to help him free lurkers and smuggle out of the city. Ahhh, it lifts really my spirits to help those in need... and his money is apart of my business."

Hearing the word Luker Daxter bellowed, "Lurkers? We three don't like lurkers!"

Agreeing with Daxter, Talya inquired, "I'm not to fond of them either, but if the reward is worth I'll help with the mission."

Pulling out a set of black devices at Jak, Krew breathed, "But you do like weapon Upgrades, 'ey?"

Tossing a set of devices at Jak and Talya, thus them catching their payments. Talya looked at the device to see that they were a new type of arrows for her crossbow.

Pulling the arrows in her crossbow, Talya jested, "So what do you have to do once we find these lurkers. If you don't mind me asking?"

Flying back to his pole, Krew ordered, "Well since you asked find the three Krimzon Guard Transports carrying Lurkers to the 'project' the Baron has outside the city. Shoot down the transports, and drop the three
lurkers to Brutter's trinket stand in the Bazaar area.".

After getting the mission Jak, Talya and Daxter found a two seated hoover vehicle. Jak got into the drivers seat to starting looking for the transports that held the lurkers. Driving through the city Talya from her side of the vehicle spotted the first transport.

Tapping Jak's shoulder Talya spoke, "Jak, there's the first one how are we going to get the lurker from it."

Pulling out the Vulcan gun Jak burst out, "Shoot them down that's how. Daxter pull the trigger and when we get close enough fire."

Saluting Daxter remarked, "Roger buddy, just leave the shooting to me."

When Jak got close enough Daxter began shooting the transport until it exploded and the lurker leaped out of the cage, where it got on the back of the vehicle to be taken to the bazaar to Brutter. At the bazaar the lurker jumped off. Jak, Talya and Daxter went to the mission of finding the next one. Driving from the bazaar the second one was over near the northern part of the city. Doing as before Daxter began shooting the transport to the ground. The lurker got on the two seat-er as Jak, Talya and Daxter were being chased by the KG's. With the second one safely delivered. It was time to find the final one that was located near the baron's palace. Taking the final one was a piece of cake that they rescued the final one, and brought it to Brutter, who looked pleased with the results of the mission.

Grabbing Daxter in his burly arms Brutter thanked, "Oh Little orangey warrior and pretty girl! You and your friends have done great thing for Brutter and his people."

He started kissing Daxter upon the face as a sign of gratitude. As Daxter tried to pry himself free of his tight grip.

Still in his grip Daxter discusted, "Eeeck! yuck, No touchy the 'fur'."

Holding out her hand Talya mentioned, "You are very welcome Mr. Brutter."

Seeing her hand near him, Brutter blurted out, "No come near me, I hear of you. when you touch lurkers they die. No offense pretty one, but Brutter not want to die.

Feeling offended Talya sighed, "You don't need to fear Brutter, I only kill creatures that are pure evil. You're not evil."

Relieved Brutter spoke, "Okay then Brutter will see about rewarding you soon. You three see!"

After that Jak, Talya and Daxter left, to return to the saloon for another mission from Krew. When the three of them entered the saloon, Jak, Talya and Daxter went to the barkeep to take a quick break until Krew floated over to them thus cutting their break short.

Turning around Krew rasped, "Long ago, when I was into art 'collecting', I hit the local museum to, mmmm, 'borrow' a large golden statue of Mar, the founder of Haven City. and in his hand, the statue held a Ruby Key to the city, a rare artifact of perfect beauty...and of course, extremely valuable, 'ey!"

Being a smart ass Daxter expressed, "Oh! we just love artwork right Talya?"

Acting curious, Talya wondered, "What happen to it?"

Continuing his story Krew told, "While lugging the huge statue through the Sewers, 'ey, a large rainstorm flooded the whole area and the statue along with five of my best men were swept away in a flash."

Feeling a little sad Jak sympathized, "That's terrible that happened."

Not caring Krew sighed, Yes, a tragic indeed I've missed that statue since then. The Sewers have been so flooded and full of Metal Heads that I can't get anyone to go down there and retrieve it. But Jak and Talya you two are unique. You both can handle it!"

Hearing that Daxter shouted, "Jak, Talya, what am I? rotten fish?

Drooling Krew slurped, "Ohhh, don't I wish, mmmmmmmm! Now, get your asses down there, drain the Sewers, and find the statue at the bottom. Bring back me that Ruby Key artifact, and it will open up doors to our wildest dreams, 'ey!"

Putting her input Talya pointed out, "Oh boy that's what we need sludge surfing right Jak?"

Not to thrilled, Jak voiced, "Just peachy, more running in the mud..."

Reminding them Daxter snapped, "I hate to burst your bubble you two, but that ain't just mud down there you know."

Heading out the door Talya laughed, "No shit, Daxter, pun not intended."

Jak, Talya and Daxter headed to the elevator for the mission impossible known as retrieving ruby key from the statue. When they got down there they noticed that the only way to there was by jet board. Talya got out hers to prepare for the ride down the grading to get to the first valve to drain. Jak on his followed her as he had to be careful not lose his balance on such a slippery type of slide. At the first valve Talya and Jak found the valve where he turned it and the water began draining making another path appear. Talya and Jak got back on their boards to head down to the second valve switch.

Wanting to make things fun Talya called out, "Jak how about we race to the next valve. Winner get a special reward."

Nodding to the terms Jak echoed back, "You're on Talya, if I win you have to do something for me."

Speeding ahead Talya muttered, "We'll see wise guy...if I win you'll have to reward me."

Starting the race Jak and Talya began speeding through the many twists and turns of the sewer tunnels that lead to the second valve with the finish line in sight Jak and Talya sped faster. As Talya lost her balance on her jet board, and Jak in a rush leaped to catch her as he landed on the ground near the switch. In his arms Talya blushed deeply placing her hand on to his soft yet dirty face covered in mud. Wiping the mud from his face Talya got up from his lap, helped him from the ground. Jak went over to the valve and turned the crank thus draining the water even more thus there were more traps and bombs in the passage way to the final valve. Not stopping Jak and Talya continued down the last pathway of dank, dark, smelly waterways. At the end of the second tunnel was the last of the valves to lower the water level to the area where the statue was located at. When the sewers were drained, Jak, Talya and Daxter found the statue of Mar and his hand was the Ruby Key artifact. Where Daxter climbed the large structure for the key. Daxter had gotten to the top, he began pulling and tugging at the statues' grip to get the key and after a couple of tugs at it, the key came out falling towards the ground. Talya seeing that the key was about to fall tried to catch it only to find that Jak brought his hands catch it before landing on the ground.

Seeing his reaction Talya expressed, "Nice catch Jak, you managed to get it in time."

Holding the key in his hand Jak boasted, "Whoo... I Got it! What would you do without me, eh buddy?"

Still on the statue Daxter recalled, "Well Jak, if you insist I probably wouldn't be two feet tall, furry, orange, and stomping around in a shitty sewer without any pants... Damn I miss wearing pants".

Putting the key in her pouch Talya smiled, "Don't worry Daxter being small isn't all that bad. Besides who needs them anyway."

Daxter nodded his head as he jumped back on Jak's shoulder. Finally making their way of the sewers Jak, Talya and Daxter were glad to get out of that place for the smell was worst than Krew's feet on a hot, muggy day. It was already dark when they had completed the mission that instead of going to the Hip Hog Saloon to drop off the item. Jak Talya and Daxter headed back to the hide out to see about taking the rest of the evening off. When they arrived Torn had just left to see about some business. Seeing that the door was opened Daxter was the first to enter the hide out to see that it was empty. Jak and Talya followed in as well. Now that they were finished with their missions Jak plopped down in the desk chair bushed and aching from all the running that was done. Noticing that she was tired Jak pulled her on to his lap where he began rubbing her back to help in removing the stress.

Feeling his touch Talya lisped, "Jak we shouldn't be doing this here. I need to get clean up before I crash from exhaustion."

To her ear Jak whispered back, "Fine I'll go with you. I need to take rid myself of this smell anyway."

Daxter shook his head at the way that Jak and Talya were acting that he went to the back room and came back with the chair cushion and the small cover. Finding a descent bunk to sleep on Daxter took his googles and hat off, in which he curled up on his bunk, covering himself up and finally passing out. Talya got out of Jak's lap, went over to Daxter soft fuzzy face and rubbed it to say goodnight. After that Jak and her went to the showers to clean up and to call it a night. After their showers Talya and Jak went into their room. Talya's hair was still soaked from the water that it was sticking to her shoulders. Jak took his towel and gently dried each sheik of hair carefully. Feeling his hand on her face Talya buried her head into his bare chest and placed her arms around his neck to warm him of the cold water. Feeling her breath on his skin Jak caressed her back to remove the tension that she had gotten from doing missions.

Removing the hair from her ear, Jak softly murmured, "How does feel?"

Enjoying the massage Talya responded, "It feels nice to caressed especially if its you. Jak."

Rolling on to her back Jak breathed, "Talya, is it okay if I kiss you?"

Pulling him to her lips Talya nodded, "Yes Jak, it's alright."

Satisfied with her answer Jak moved in as he kissed her lips and then moving to her neck. Talya felt the passion from his lips as she moved her hands up and down his back feeling his muscles tense with each time he kissed her. Talya felt his breathe on her neck like it was hot and aggressive. Jak reached over and turned off the dim light leaving them to darkness while the shadows of them on the wall was seen moving around while the lights of the city was the only shining into the back room of the hide out. As the twilight turned into night Jak and Talya continued to kiss until sleep had finally set in thus them passing out in each others arms. Ignoring the world around until it would be time to start anew.

(A.N Thanks for reading this installement of my story next chapter will have more action, romance and more action stay tuned til next time. chow.)