Day Seven-Hundred and Fifty-Four
Jaylie's Point of View
It had been a few days since our first mission, and we had already delivered a bag of Eco Ore to the fat tub of jelly called Krew that was so enormous he had to ride a hovering device to move; Jak and I had both been given two Scatter guns as prize for this and got to try them out in the gun course; and both of us (and Daxter, of course) had to go protect Sig at the Pumping Station while he caught some more Metal Heads for Krew. Raven had her own separate set of missions-some of them from Krew and some of them from Torn or the Shadow. I was starting to think we would never meet him!
''Marvelous work, eh Jak? I need a favor. The sewers used to be a fabulous smuggling route for me… until the Baron installed security devices.''
''Oh, great! You want us to go and do your dirty work! Look, doughnut hole, why don't we float around here looking hot and heavy, and you go roto-root the pipes!''
''We're not doing anything until you tell us why the Baron is giving Eco to Metal Heads.''
''Questions like that could get a person killed, eh?'' Krew began to look very threatening and I couldn't stop myself from backing up slightly.
''All I know is times are desperate so the Baron cut a deal with the Metal Head leader. He supplies them with regular shipments of eco, and they agree to attack the city just enough to satisfy the Baron's continued rule.''
''But how long can that deal last? Knowing him, he's underestimated those monsters.'' I folded my arms. Jak nodded in agreement.
''Well, the Baron is running short on Eco, and the Metal Heads are running short on patience, see?''
''It won't be long now. Come on, we should get going to the sewers.'' I sighed. It seemed Baron Praxis had some dark secrets that he kept from me.
''Great. More mucking in the mud.'' Jak scowled.
''I hate to burst your bathtub bubbles, baby, but that ain't just mud down there.'' Daxter made a face.
''Let's just go.'' I groaned, tugging them both out of the bar.
We climbed into a nearby Zoomer that was perfect for two people and one Ottsel and shot into the air towards the industrial part of Haven.
''There it is!'' Jak shouted, pointing at a slope in the ground leading to an elevator. I parked nearby and we hopped off, narrowly avoiding the Krimzon Guards eyeing us curiously.
''Come on, we've got work to do.'' I was the first to step onto the elevator taking us down to the eerie and dank sewers. These small alligator-like creatures were growling and spitting, crawling towards us and baring their teeth. We both had the same idea-Scatter guns away!
The gunshots began to echo all around us as we fired shots again and again at these weird animals. One by one they fell to the ground and we stepped over them before walking more cautiously through the tunnels. Suddenly, the sound of constant gunfire began to ring through the corridors.
''Watch out!'' Jak cautioned as a burst of light just barely missed my arm. We ducked and dodged until we reached the gun turret that was causing the problem. Both of us shot repeatedly at it until in a cloud of fire and smoke, the machine exploded.
'' One down, three to go, eh?'' Krew laughed over the communicator.
I rolled my eyes and contemplated shooting the device, but I decided against it in the end. We pressed on only to find more alligator creatures and Metal Heads this time. Once we fought our way through that first wave, we had to hop across three large pipes with grates over them so we could reach the next area and shimmy across the narrow side. We had to stay flat against the wall and the occasional metal mesh covering the tunnels behind us. When we reached the second tunnel, I screamed and nearly fell into the disgusting water because a large Metal Head erupted from the gloom and roared at us. Jak was able to ignore it until we reached the next turret and take that one out. I however, was still freaked out.
''Are you alright?''
''Yeah. It just startled me.''
''Come on. We got two more.''
I could see something glowing when we reached the next passageway, but the lights were off. I took a deep breath and descended into the darkness. Daxter was cowering on Jak's shoulder as the darkness swallowed us whole. Suddenly, a roaring echoed all around us and at least eight Metal Head skull gems glittered. We were surrounded! I found a glowing switch on the floor and stepped on it. Instantly, the lights flickered on and we had the upper hand once more. After plenty of animalistic growling, gunshots, and shouting, all the Metal Heads had fallen.
''This way.'' Jak pointed at a narrow railing above a dark room.
''I hope that's stable…'' I breathed, following him closely.
''Don't worry, I've got this handled.'' He assured me. Carefully, he stepped onto the walkway. He nodded back at me. We were almost halfway to the next turret when I felt the ground shake under my feet. Various popping and rattling sounds were coming from the metal walkway underneath us and Jak's eyes met mine.
''RUN!' Daxter hollered. We were too late, because a second later the metal gave way and we were tumbling into the darkness. I heard Jak's body hit the ground before mine did, and I was glad I didn't land on my arm. I landed on my stomach, however, and I heard a sickening CRACK on impact.
''Is everyone alright?'' I gasped, trying to get to my feet and having to lean up against the wall to regain my strength.
''Yeah… we're fine.'' Jak coughed.
Before I could do anything, the lights snapped on and more Metal Heads were scaling the wall, headed straight for us.
''Can you fight?'' He asked me, looking concerned.
''Yeah. I'm fine.'' I lied, feeling a few of my ribs and knowing something wasn't right with them.
I didn't even get a chance to fight, because Jak turned Dark out of all of his pent up anger and ripped the beasts apart. It took him some time to control it and fade back to his regular self.
''Are you alright?'' He asked cautiously.
''I'm fine, I just need rest.'' My breathing was heavy and shallow.
''No, we need backup. You're hurt. I'll call for Raven, that way we aren't bothering Torn. I just hope she doesn't have her own mission to worry about too…'' Jak pulled out his communicator and I didn't even see what he was doing, but it wasn't long before he began talking into it.
''Raven? Are you there?''
''Yes. Jak? What's wrong?'' The worry in her voice was apparent.
''We were sent on a mission for Krew to the sewers and Jaylie-she's been hurt. It looks like some of her ribs may be broken. I need you to come and help us. She can't even stand.''
''I'll be there as soon as I can.'' Her voice was gone… and we were alone.
''Nothing to do but to wait.'' Jak shrugged.
''They're sticking out.''
''Oh, that's sick!'' Daxter's eyes widened as he got a good look at my ribs. They were positioned very oddly.
''I wish I could finish this mission.''
''Hey, we got pretty far, and you've never been hurt before. It was bound to happen sometime. I'm just glad I was assigned this mission with you.''
''Well, I would've found a different way across if you hadn't been with me, so I wouldn't be in this mess.''
He fell silent and sat beside me while we waited for Raven to show up. What seemed like hours later, we heard footsteps. Jak got to his feet and drew his gun just in case, but it turned out to be Raven.
''You better put that gun away, Jakkie boy. Oh, holy crap. You weren't kidding. I can see the ribs sticking out from here. You're gonna have to carry her while I go on ahead. Do not touch her ribs! The Shadow might be able to mend her-might.''
''So we finally get to meet the Shadow?''
''God, no. Torn would be pissed. She doesn't even get to meet him. I'll take her with me to see him, but she'll be out cold before then. Come on, we've gotta get this damn mission done.''
Jak had to carry me bridal style through the rest of the mission, and I could feel myself slipping further out of reality with every step. There were gunshots, growls, fighting sounds, and several other noises, but my vision and sense of hearing was fading fast. Eventually, I pressed my head into Jak's chest and drifted off into an uneasy sleep.
Raven's Point of View
''I'm afraid there isn't much I could do. I might be able to reattach the ribs, but she will still be in pain for several days, and she will need plenty of rest. Also, she will need to have her stomach bandaged well so that the ribs don't break again.''
''I can do that. Please heal her as well as you can.'' I offered.
''Alright.'' I watched in silence as he used more green eco from his collector and pressed a hand to her stomach. Green light swirled through every vein and I could see the eco slowly mending her ribs. With time, they finally reattached perfectly.
''Remember what I said. I think it's best she doesn't go on any missions for at least two weeks.''
''Got it. I'll tell Torn. Thank you so much! I really owe you!'' I told the Shadow on my way back to the elevator. I carried Jaylie the whole way to the Underground hideout, but I had to sneak through the back alleys so the KG wouldn't see me. I had a feeling it would look too suspicious.
''Are the ribs all fixed?'' Jak asked the moment I got back.
''Yeah, but I need some bandages. I've got to bandage her stomach so that they don't break again. He said from here on they have to heal naturally. ''
''I've got some here.'' Torn stated, heading into one of the rooms down the dark hallway. He returned with a roll of cream colored bandages.
''Perfect. They're strong too! Great.'' I got to work on bandaging her stomach and when it was finally done, I let her sleep on the bunk bed while Jak and I talked to Torn about our next mission.
''I don't have a mission right now, but Krew probably does. I suggest heading out there and coming back later.'' He informed, looking over some blueprints once more.
''Ughh… I hate working for him.'' I groaned.
''Yeah, but it's better then sitting around and waiting for something to happen. I'd rather be out there doing something.'' Jak whispered, folding his arms.
''Well, come on.'' I sighed, leading the way out of the hideout.
''What is that horrible smell?'' Krew announced the moment we walked through the doors.
''OH GREAT! We do your dirty work and come back smelling worse then a wet hip hog in a warm barn! This is gonna have a serious impact on the lady factor.'' Daxter complained.
''No, I think it was my lunch actually.'' Krew burped slightly and his stomach rumbled. Jak and I exchanged glances of disgust but never said a word.
''I have a proposition for you, Jak. Racing is the next big thing. Erol is the grand champion. He's crazy and dangerous out there on the track-my kind of a fool would dare race against him, ey?'' Krew got right in Jak's face.
''Okay…and?'' I frowned.
''I've talked to my client, and she's looking for someone to race for her team. She needs two more racers after what happened to her last two. Nasty business…Anyway, if you can make it to race garage near the stadium in less then three minutes, she will consider letting you race for her team. Here's a security pass to get you into the stadium section.''
''And what happens if we win?'' I crossed my arms. Krew didn't pull strings for anyone unless he got something out of the deal.
''I've already signed your name on the contract to save time, eh?'' Krew tossed a clipboard at Daxter and he read off a long list of things that we were supposed to give to Krew if we won the races.
''We can work out the tiny details later. What do you say?''
''And the winner of this race gets a tour of the palace?'' I interjected.
''Yes, yes. Make me proud, hmmm?'' Krew smirked.
''Raven, we have to ride one of these…'' Jak realized, gazing at the smaller zoomer.
''Yeah. They're faster, so it makes sense.''
''Alright. Do you want to drive, or what?''
''I guess. I'm more experienced.'' I shrugged, getting in front. Jak got on behind me and I'll admit, it felt really weird, having Jak pressed up against me and Daxter climbing over his shoulder and onto mine so he could shoot a Krimzon Guard if needed.
I revved the engine and then we shot off into the sky. The timer on the communicator started counting down and I was incredibly anxious. There were plenty of other Zoomers around us going at unbelievably slow speeds and I almost hit several of them. Once we got past the industrial zone and finally reached the part of the city Jak has never seen before (what I call the Riverwalk) everything was easier. Time was counting down… we were at the last ten seconds… then, I reached the huge amber dome in the center of Haven city and came to a complete stop.
''We made it!'' I cheered, climbing off the zoomer. Jak gave me a quick hug and then headed off to find Krew's client, leaving me standing there breathless. Daxter scuttled off behind him and I followed suit.
We came to an open garage with a few zoomers inside for repair. Trophies lined the walls and we could see the shadow of a girl from behind a curtain. She was obviously working on something.
''Hello? Krew said someone was looking for a few drivers.'' Jak leaned against a broken zoomer.
''I'm busy right now. You must be Krew's new errand runners. Look, I don't mean to be rude, you did get here fast, but I'm not interested in drivers like you right now and I've got work to do….'' The girl behind the curtain seemed to be fixing something. I could tell Jak had a thing for her already, just by the look on his face.
''Is there anything we can do?'' He asked, looking pretty pathetic, leaning up against the broken vehicle and smirking at the mystery girl.
''NO! I'm working on a-secret-vehicle project!'' This offended her a great deal.
''Okay, sorry.'' Jak rolled his eyes.
''Listen, if you guys think you've got the guts to race in this town, try taking my proto-type Jet-boards on the Stadium Course. Beat the Stadium challenge and maybe I'll consider letting you two drive for my team.'' She sat up on the car she was fixing and Jak just stood there looking at her.
''You're hopeless. Come on.'' I rolled my eyes, practically dragging him out of there.
I already couldn't stand the girl we were going to have to race for. I wasn't so sure I wanted to be on her team.
The Jet-boards were there waiting for us on a rack. Jak took the one with blue plates on the bottom and I took the one with red plates on the bottom. He went around the course first, getting used to riding it and doing tricks with it, then he entered the stadium challenge. I watched him do flips, spins, grind, jump through flaming hoops, and even do some crazy moves that I had no idea existed.
Then, it was my turn. I gulped, but Jak told me I would do fine. I raced through the stadium challenge, narrowly missing the flaming hoops, then grinding on rails for quite a while, doing a spin here and a flip there, then, I had finally reached the needed points for the course within the time limit.
''YES!'' I cheered.
''Come on, let's go back to the garage. She can't possibly turn us down now. She has to let us race!'' Jak looked smug.
''We beat the stadium challenge.'' He announced the moment we stepped in the garage.
''Great. People do get lucky. Listen, don't you have someone to collect money from, or beat up, or something?'' She sounded pretty angry. I got the hint right away. I was almost out the door, but then Jak shot a look down at Daxter and back at the curtain.
''You don't like us, do you?''
''You work for that slime ball Krew… what's not to like?'' She hissed. I folded my arms and waited for them to stop talking.
''Looks like you've won a few races. Isn't it true the city champion gets to tour the palace?'' Jak admired her trophies for a moment.
''Yeah…why?'' She sounded suspicious.
''Could you get me into the palace?''
''A friendly visit, I gather.''
''Yeah, I'm a real fan of the Baron.'' Her comment hit a nerve in Jak and he started to sound angry. ''Okay, I'll help you out if you stop bothering me! I saw an old maintenance elevator at the base of one of the palace support towers. That old lift might take you up to the palace if you can find a way to turn on the elevator's power.''
The girl's information kept being brought up all day afterward.
''Look, I really don't care about it right now, Jak.''
''Don't you want to get him back for everything he did to you?''
''I honestly don't have much fight left in me anymore. Most of it died away from all of those experiments. Your eco treatments made you more angry and darker… but mine have just made me want to give up. I know it sounds horrible, but I'm not the same person I once was.''
''I'm sorry.'' Was all he managed to say.
''I don't want to race for that girl, either. I don't even like her, how can I race for her team?'' I scoffed.
''She sounds familiar to me…'' Jak whispered before we entered the hideout.
''One of the Baron's mining operations is under attack from the Metal Heads.'' Torn announced.
''That's not OUR problem.''
''It is our problem when the foreman's one of the underground's best informants! His name is Vin and he's just valuable enough to save.''
''Vin? Why is that guy always getting himself in trouble?'' I sighed.
''Take the Warp Gate at the Power Station and use it to travel to the strip mine so you can save Vin's pathetic hide.''
''HEY, tattooed wonder! How come we get all the crappy missions?'' Daxter jumped on the table and got in Torn's face.
''Because I-DON'T-LIKE-YOU!'' Torn poked a finger at Daxter's chest, causing him to fall off the table and onto the floor.
''Fair enough.'' He mumbled.
''Whatever deal the Baron made with the Metal Heads, the city's eco is almost gone and our time is running out. If we don't get the kid back on the throne soon, there may not be a city left to defend.'' Torn sighed, looking grim as usual.
Of course, he was right. Unfortunately, my accepting he was right just made my day worse. Now I HAD to go along on all these missions because I felt obligated to. Damn you, Torn.