Author's notes: This is a strong chapter so don't have a weak heart. Be prepared. That's my warning!
Loud gun shots echoed through the air followed by a loud roar. The large Snow Lurker jerked his head.
"Shit" Daxter swore
"Metal Headers!" Oltmar growled
The large Lurker gripped his spiked club and ran off in the direction of the sound. The Lurker was making great speed despite it's heavy muscled appearance. Daxter could only hold on to the fur coat of the dead animal skin, that was worn on the large beast, for dear life. Oltmar suddenly stopped as he saw the situation below. It was the human party that they were looking for but the Metal Heads were upon them. To one side was the black Metal Head and it had prey.
Oltmar growled and he ran forward. He grabbed a large piece of wood that was left over from a dead fallen tree and jumped on it. Using it like a surfboard Oltmar slid down the mountain side towards the group at a fast velocity. Once again all Daxter could do was hold on and shut his eyes to stop the cold air from stinging them.
As they neared their location, Oltmar raised his club swing it and opened his jaw to release a deep war cry. It caught the black Metal Head's attention, as well as Sig's. Both looked on as they saw a large blue thing coming towards them at an alarming rate. With unnatural skill the blue beast skidded to a stop just in front of them but still carrying the momentum of the ride, the Blue Snow Lurker tackled the black Metal Head.
Sig, now released, wasted no time in getting up and backing away from the two fighting beasts. He turned to see Daxter who some how ditched his ride when the impact came and was sitting on the large piece of wood. Sig was glad to see the Ottsel but it was no time to celebrate. He reached behind his back and pulled out Jak's gun.
"Here cherry" Sig chucked Daxter the gun, "Lets waste these bad boys!"
Daxter held Jak's gun. The Scatter gun was still empty. He looked up at Sig.
"You got some ammo?" Daxter said gesturing Jak's Scatter Gun
"In my pack" Sig replied. He reached for his belt and chucked him a few magazines of ammo
Daxter grabbed them and loaded the Scatter Gun. Daxter wore a wicked grin.
"I think it's time to waste them"
Sig rolled his eyes but moved off to shoot the threat. Daxter ran off to find Oltmar. He practically swam through the snow until he saw the two beasts fighting. The black Metal Head was linked in an arm wrestle with the Snow Lurker. The Metal Head hissed and screeched and to play dirty it tried to use it's stinger to gain the upper advantage.
The Snow Lurker was trying to hold the grip from the creature but had to dodge the deadly stinger. The Snow Lurker lost his club during the struggle and now he was in an arm in arm combat with the thing. Daxter suddenly stopped.
The black Metal Head had a stinger?
It didn't have one before. It delivered the venom to Jak by biting him. Now it seemed to have a stinger on it's reptilian tail. Either there is something more to the creature or the evolution process was being too fast these days or worse: there was more than one black Metal Head..
Daxter decided to push it away for now and try to help Oltmar. After all Oltmar helped him.
Daxter ran up to the Metal Head and fired. The red blast didn't even faze the creature. Only 27 hours before it did. Daxter fired again but nothing happened to the Metal Head. Daxter didn't understand. It was so effective against the beast and now... now it didn't even distract it. What the hell was going on?
Finally Oltmar pushed the demon back and grabbed his fallen club. He picked it up and swung it into the Metal Head. The dark creature was thrown into the air by the sheer angry force and landed in deep snow. Oltmar saw and approached the Ottsel. But the Dark creature rose quickly and tackled the Lurker, both sprawling to the ground.
The black Metal Head made an effort to pin the Lurker down but the Lurker brought his club and backhanded the Metal Head with the spiked weapon. The metal spikes made a sickening th-whack as the club smacked into it's jaw. The Metal head screeched as the spikes ripped it's skin, the force shattered its jaw and black blood splattered everywhere. The creature fell beside the Lurker. Oltmar rose to his feet and didn't hesitate to bring his club down for a second time. This time on the creature's soft belly. The Black Metal Head roared and the in retaliation it's new stinger lashed out and pieced the Lurker's thick fur.
Oltmar screeched and instantly fell at the strike. Daxter ran up to Oltmar in concern and fear. The venom seemed to be working more efficiently on the Lurker. It seemed like Oltmar had suddenly came under a spell as his strength was drawn from him and breathing became labored.
Oltamar noticed the Ottsel was beside him. He grabbed the bag, that held the Jolba Plant, at his waist and thrust it to Daxter.
"Go now... little one! Help your... friend"
"But... what about you?"
"Do not worry... Lurkers are strong. I have vengeance... to pay"
"But that thing is really strong!" Daxter protested, "Not to mention you're poisoned!"
Oltmar made a sour face, "Then more reason... to leave now. Go while... I breathe. The venom is more lethal... to Lurker kind since... Lurker bodies are different to humans. This is how... my kind die in early... days"
"But how I don't understand" Daxter shook his head, "There is no way you could be poisoned! It shouldn't even have a stinger on it's tail!"
"Dark Metal Header... can adapt well. It was developed... that way by the... Metal Header leader as a deadly assassin. A killing machine. On Oltmar's last encounter... Metal Header could not stand... snow. It is something human's... call evolution. Go now... Orangy Warrior. I will die... for a worthy cause. For Mar and his altered... descendant!"
Before Daxter could reply the large Lurker staggered to its feet. The Metal Head climbed out of the snow pit that its body had made It's right hand side of it's jaw looked too awkward and crushed to be normal at configuration Confused by the Lurker's pledge he obeyed his new friend's wishes and ran off to find Sig.
Sig shot the last of the companying Metal Heads. He turned to see Daxter approaching him in the deep snow.
"Sig we got to get out of here!" Daxter yelled
"No cherry! We still got to get the plant"
"But I got it! right here!" Daxter waved the small sack in his hand
"What?"
"Oltmar prepared it for us!" Daxter explained, "We got to go now! We got to get back to the city and save Jak!"
Sig didn't question who was Oltmar, the appearance of the Snow Lurker or how Daxter survived. It all had to wait until the plant was safely in The Shadow's hands.
Sig turned to his men who all miraculously survived, "Come on rookies! We're going home!"
A flood of confusion came. Sig fixed his Jet Pack and turned to the men to solve their confusion.
"Jak's pet has brought the plant. We have to move out now before more Metal Heads come" the he added for good measure, "I'll explain the situation in further detail later"
A number of cheers rose before the group took to the wintery skies. Daxter was back in Sig's grasp as he saw the ground growing smaller. He saw the aerial view of the large Snow Lurker and the black Metal Head. The Metal Head seemed to notice the humans' escape and it roared in anger. Daxter stuck out his tongue at it. The creature seemed to see the orange furball as well because it's roar screeched to a higher frequency.
Daxter kept his eyes glued on the ground that was shrinking further and further away into the distance. The large blue blob getting attacked by the large black one. Daxter looked on in a mixture or sadness, guilt, pride and awe. He knew Oltmar wouldn't survive by himself. He merely created a diversion for their escape. He would soon be over come by the poison and would be like the way Jak was. Is! Is! Jak isn't dead yet!
Yet...
Daxter had the whole first class Jet Pack trip to think about Oltmar's words. I will die for a worthy cause. For Mar and his altered descendant!
"Good bye Oltmar" Daxter murmured under his breath, "Thanks"
"That idiot!" Nrim thundered as he slammed this fist on the table, "I told him-"
"It was expected. You have failed" a crisp feminine voice cut across the small distance
Nrim ran his hand though his dark brown hair. He pushed his black framed glasses to his noise and sighed in frustration. The female in front was a sexy figure dressed in pink tight, revealing clothing. Her gold blond curls fell to her shoulders and her blue eyes were a deep turquoise. Her expression was far from comforting.
"Now your blundering idiot is being questioned by the Underground" the harsh female voice came, "No doubt he already given my name. He never was good under pressure"
"What do you want me to do about it?" Nrim growled, "They already know it was me. Spies! If I'd known..."
"You're a fool to make them suspicious. The Underground is an extensive network, like us, but it has different goals" she smirked
Nrim's green eyes looked upon the bright blue ones, "So?"
"They're greatest asset is Jak. Jak has made their organization more powerful and has also caused danger to the city. Our own agents can't walk in the street, because of that freak. There are too many Krimzon Guards!"
She flicked her golden hair behind her long ears.
"So this is about power?" Nrim asked
"You're pretty dim for a doctor" she passed the insult
"Look I only agreed to this for money. I don't care about your moral rights" Nrim rolled his eyes, "Its none of my business to know your business"
"True. That's why this all ends tonight. With or without the plant for the cure... Jak is going to die" the woman gave a chuckle of delight
"You're one sadistic bitch" Nrim shook his head
Her blue eyes snapped at him, "This is more than our benifit. This runs more... personal"
Her voice was cold. Nrim wasn't a psychologist but he knew that this Eco Freak did something to this blond pink clad chick to really piss her off.
"Now if you'd excuse me. I have to prepare. We never had this conversation" she turned and walked out
Nrim sighed tiredly and collapsed into his large swivel chair. He should have listened to his mother and do law instead.
"Her block is clean. No trace of Bree anywhere, as if she disappeared into thin air" the Underground agent replied
He stood in front of the shorter older man. The man may not be soldier material but he had good leadership and planning skills, which wielded great respect.
"Then she knows that we're on to her. If she was hired to kill Jak then she would make sure of it" The Shadow frowned
"What now boss?" Hadre asked stepping from his place on the wall
"Well have to play dirty too" the young sage replied, "I have a plan"
Torn sighed as he shifted in the cockpit chair. His left arm in a sling and his right foot propped up on a rest. He cursed that black Metal Head for giving him a sprained ankle, a broken arm and a dislocated shoulder. God it hurt! His men was getting restless as well as him. No word from the group and it has been two or three days. If they don't return today with the plant it was all over for Jak.
Torn's injuries weren't going to go in vain!
"Sig to craft. Do you read me?"
Torn sprang up in surprise so much he almost fell off his chair. He moved his ankle and he yelped at that. At the same time his arm scrambled for the radio and held it to his lips. He clicked the button and spoke a little breathless.
"Sig! Where the hell have you been! I thought I told you to stay in radio contact!"
"That's a fine hello" came a familiar hated voice
Torn gripped the radio, "Daxter! Shut your squirrelly mouth! I'm in no mood you put up with your shit!"
"Oooh some one woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning" Daxter voice came unusually cheery which only caused Torn to be rubbed the wrong way
"Shut the hell up! Sig! What the hell is going on!" Torn snapped
"We got the plant. We're making our way to the ship in a few hours"
Torn let out a breath or relief, "Thank Mar!"
"And we lost five men"
Torn closed his eyes and bowed his head for a second before returning to his normal stance, "Its been worth it"
"Awww. Torn has a soft spot for Jak" Daxter teased over the radio
Torn made an auditable growl but smirked into the radio, "I don't think Jak would mind if his pet came back to him stuffed!"
There was silence before Sig's voice came in again, "What's Jak's condition?"
"We got word that the Dark Eco in his system is buying us more time. His use by date would have been today but it slowed the acceleration of the poison and is buying us a couple of more hours. We're not taking any more than we need"
"How many more hours?"
"Ten maybe. I'm not sure but you have to move you're asses over here pronto!"
"Gotcha!" Daxter replied
"Over and out" Sig's voice said before radio contact was cut
Torn replaced the radio and sighed in relief. It wasn't over yet but at least the worst of it was.
Orange light filtered through the window signaling the end of the day. It was going down on Jak's limited time. His lone paralyzed body laid tucked in bed, dead to the world around him. Unaware of what was happening because of him. Only in the inner turmoil's of his mind he knew. The never ending tortuous pain that ate his body. He couldn't move, respirators did his breathing as his heart pumped it's last beats of determination.
Jak was trapped into a world of semi-consciousness, ever soothed by the deep black voice in his mind. His only company, companion and comfort through this experience. Jak felt his heart failing. He could feel it slow down. Slower and slower it went. The beeps on the monitor was dragged along with it.
Help me!
Jak panicked. Was he suppose to be healing and not dying? He tried to move by the paresis remained. He wanted to yell and scream but he was restrained by an unknown force. Jak's mind panicked. Alone he would die, trapped and he could do nothing. After all he did and went though and this is how his life would end? It seemed such a waste. His vow will never be fulfilled, his enemies would snicker at his name due to his fate, instead of fear his very being. A very few times in Jak's life he was scared. This was one of those times and it was probably the last.
Do not be afraid.
His breathing slackened. Coldness started to creep from his legs. Loud beeps went off on his monitor. Soon his ears were roaring with noises. Voices, machinery, footsteps, beeping... echoed in his mind. Banging on his ear drums plunging him into a world of nothingness. He want to speak, tell what he wanted to say to his closest friends before he ever died. It never was meant to be.
I am with you
The voice had such a calming effect.
We are one
Jak took comfort in it.
Nothing can harm us
The voices and noises echoed quietly away
We are strong
Jak wondered where he was. Why he was here in this place? He started to forget things as his mind immerse itself into the dark corner of his altered soul. Little did he know of this own dire situation.
We're eternal. Unstoppable. Living for the death of the torturer who brought us pain.
Lost in the darkness his mind was floating in he suddenly felt cold. His mind struggled to remember what he was doing here. He tried to remember what happened to him but his mind came up blank. He knew he was suppose to know but he couldn't. He tried to think who was his friends, where he lived, who he was... what was his name? His conscious mind drew blanks.
God. What's my name?
Do not worry yourself. I am here protecting you
What is my name?
That is none of your concern. Rest... rest.
Unknown to him outside his mind was the real world. Doctors and nurses alike were rushing around trying to keep the sick man alive. Flurrying around in white robes, gabbing their medical Jargon, injecting medication... anything to stop the decline beating of his heart.
Finally the sweating sick man, the hero of Sandover village and hope of Haven City took his last breath.
"His heart's stopped doctor. He's going into cardiac arrest!" the nurse yelled as the heart monitor became one long beep
"Get the crash cart!" the doctor roared
Get the crash cart to chapter 12 to see what happens!
Cardiac Arrest is where the heart stops beating. Crash carts are those zappy things that doctors put on your chest to zap you with bolts to kick start your heart. If your heart doesn't beat during this you're clinically dead but if the crash cart works and get you're heart started then you're alive! Yay!
Review! Please? I know I am mean but I meant well. I have to entertain you some how don't I? Just give me your opinion and your threats if you must. The worst is about to come.