Chapter Eleven: Troubles at the Eco Fields and Monsters in Heaven Forest

(A.N thanks for the postive feedback from last chapter. Sorry for not updating in a while with the hoilday season things have been a little crazy. so with out any more delays here's chapter eleven.)

The next morning Talya was the first to wake up of the group. Sitting up in the bunk Talya turned to see that Jak was still fast asleep since the missions were getting more dangerous and tougher, but not to much for them to handle. Watching him as he slept Talya smiled gently as she traced the sides of his cheek with her warm hand. As her soft touch made him stir slightly while he moved closer to her for warmth. Shaking her head Talya thought, 'Jak what am I going to do with you. It seems no matter what happens to you. You are still that goofy, shy county boy from Sand Over.'

Getting out of bed Talya walked over to the window of the room to look around before getting ready for the day. Jak still sleeping was wanting to cuddle some more noticed that Talya was missing. In a blink his eyes burst opened to find her. Scanning the room Jak finally spotted Talya by the window looking out. Relieved that she was safe Jak pulled the covers from him got out of bed to join her.

Quietly he walked over to her and wrapping his arms around her, Jak teased, "It's not nice to leave someone hanging like that."

Feeling his embrace Talya rebutted, "Why are you scolding me because I got up."

to her ear Jak answered, "I dunno maybe, So what were you thinking about?"

Turning to face him Talya responded, "Just about old times I guess. You know about how things used to be before we came to this place."

Putting her head against his, Jak nodded, "I understand this place is tough to get use to huh."

Wrapping her arms around his waist Talya agreed, "Yeah it can be sometimes, but with all the excitement in our missions I hardly ever get to think about the old times."

Tightening his grip Jak murmured, "I know what you mean Talya. Sometimes I wish we could go back to the way things use to be, but things can't go back to the past. We have to look to the future for the answers we seek.

Running her hands through his hair Talya finished, "You're right Jak, if the future is where we have to look. Then as long as you are with me I'll face anything that this place throws at me."

Looking into her soft eyes Jak pulled Talya against him to feel her warmth and to give a kiss on her lips. Just as Jak and Talya were getting ready to share a passionate kiss, their moment was interrupted by the sounds of someone knocking at the door. Leaving Jak hanging there in the moment Talya went over to see who had ruined the romantic moment to find Daxter walking into the room to see what was going on.

Jumping onto the old chair Daxter began, "Not meaning intrude on your alone time you two. We got a message on the comuncator from Vin about a mission at the strip mines. So we need to head there as soon as you two get ready okay."

Opening the door Talya nodded, "Okay then as soon as we get our gear on. We'll head there now."

Daxter left the room leaving Jak and Talya alone to get their gear on for the missions that was going to be done for the day. Talya walked to the bed where she finally noticed that all she was wearing on her chest was her tube top instead of her t-strap shirt. Not paying attention she got on her t-strap, her over shirt then her boots and to finish it she placed her goggles on her head. Jak put on his tunic, his gun belt, his arm bands, laced his boots up, wrapped his red scarf around his neck and hair. Putting on his goggles and grabbing their jet boards Jak and Talya were finally dressed ready to take on the missions for the long grueling day ahead.

Jak, Talya and Daxter found the zoom-er parked by the hideout and drove all to the power station located in the red zone area of the Heaven City just before the port side by the Hip hog saloon. When they arrived they entered to find Vin working in the upper part of the station on a lift in a panic. Seeing that they arrived Vin brought his lift to face them.

Looking up at Vin, Talya greeted, "Hey there Vin, we got your message."

Still on his lift Vin stuttered, " Oh that message, Jak, Talya there's more trouble at the Strip Mines. Baron set me up. Actually... ah, ahh, I think every body's trying to get me!"

Confused Jak wondered, "What in the hell are you going on about Vin?"

Trying to help Talya remarked, "Here Jak let me handle his mood. So what the matter this time Vin."

Moving around Vin explained, "Do you remember Those Eco wells the Baron had drilled? It seems he never intended to add them into the city's main matrix. What it doesn't make any sense! You both should know, that those open Eco wells will attract more Metal Heads to the area!"

Getting even afraid than before, he took a tug onto Daxter's chest to calm down.

Hearing his plea Talya nodded, "So what you're saying that if aren't apart of the grid then more of those monsters will be sited huh."

With his arms crossed Jak added, "What do we need to know to stop this little deal."

Grabbing a large box Vin ranted, "You three need to get to close them off!"

In a panic he ran around the room until he calmed down a bit, as he grabbed a remote and handed to her for some reason.

Taking the large box and throwing into Jak's arms Vin pleaded, "Now, these plasmite bombs should do the trick in taking out the wells. They are the perfect thing to blow up the wells."

Tossing them over to Jak, the bombs were very heavy that Talya was careful when she helped Jak place them on the floor next to them. Before anything drastic could happen where something or someone could do no wrong.

In a panic mode Vin stated, "Drop each one into the well, eh, and the explosion will do the rest. Right."

Taking a closer look at the them Talya observed, "Right throw them into the tops and instant boom got it. Jak be careful not to drop them okay."

Struggling Jak implied, "Sure no problem except this box weights a ton."

In the moment Jak lost his footing slightly, thus causing a bomb to get out that Daxter caught it and juggled it in his hands to retain its balance from falling.

Seeing that happen Vin warned, "Hey! Be careful with that thing its dangerous."

Checking out the bomb Daxter inspected, "Plasmite, huh? Cool. What does it do?"

Reaching out for the bomb Talya scolded, "Daxter you shouldn't be messing with that thing. You might just touch something that you shouldn't."

Just as Talya said her warning Daxter pressed something on the bomb, causing it to open up to began a red flashing sensor light and a making a loud beeping sound.

Seeing the light Daxter ranted, "Agghhh! I believe this belongs to you."

That He tossed it to Vin as he caught it in his shaking hands while in a total panic of not wanting to be blown up to bits.

Throwing it back to Daxter Vin stammered, "Hey, its not my problem anymore. You are responsible."

Viin threw it back to Daxter, causing a "hot potato" type scenario to go as they tossed it back and forth between each other until Talya caught the bomb and placed it back into the box thus it causing the another one to fall into Daxter's hands.

Tossing it back Daxter insisted, "No. Really. It's for you."

Handing it to Daxter, Vin noted, "Hey. You're the heroes! So its your job"

Giving it Jak Daxter snapped, "No! Jak's and Talya are the ones for this gig!"

Without thinking Daxter threw the bomb back in the crate, that it hit one of the other bombs causing a countdown to start were ALL set to blow up. Looking at the detonator Talya seem the timer which read two minutes and counting Talya rushed to the portal ready to get a moving.

Acting all stupid Daxter apologized, "Oops. Sorry. My mistake..."

Annoyed Vin sneered, "Oh Great! Now you've armed the whole box! Don't move an inch!"

He paused for a split second before speaking again thinking about what to do about the bombs and that was when he noticed Talya heading over to the rift gate portal to the strip mines.

Looking at the portal; Vin chimed, "On second thought, MOVE your asses as Far away from me. Go through the rift gate and drop one bomb into each eco well hole before they all go boom."

Talya took the bombs and rushed into the rift gate with Jak and Daxter following her example. When they got through there was no time to spare as Talya took three of the bombs and her jet board and headed to the closest well to make the drop. Jak got his board with speed rushed over to the one up by the drilling platform to began his part of the mission. Talya with all her speed powered her board as she gained enough momentum to slam dunk the bomb into her first well. Which left two for her to take out, looking at the remote she noticed that she had about a minute left to get the mission done. Jak was on his second one as he blazed up on the well ramp and did a three-sixty in the air and slammed the bomb right into the hole a thunk sound. From the corner of her eye Talya decided to show off as well that she grinded on the railing above the mine cars and headed to the well that was on the other side of it. With the her speed and perfect skill, she flipped the bomb into the hole.

Through the com Vin bellowed, "Hey there You three have only a minute left get a moving and stop showing off!"

Speaking in the head set Talya graped, "We know Vin get off my butt and let us handle this."

Talya hung up the com and got to her third and final Eco well that was near her, when she first tried to dunked it she didn't get enough speed with a second attempt Talya turned about to gain the momentum she needed that just she made it in time to get out of the area before the timer was up. Jak and Daxter rushed from their last one that they managed to toss the last bomb into all of their wells, and when the timer ran out. In a blaze of glory they all blew up at the same time that it looked like fire works display. The sight of it caused Daxter to get all excited to do some karate poses with the sounds of it in the back round. While Jak and Talya just shook their heads at how ridiculous he looked.

Doing his pose Daxter yelled. "Oh yeah HIGH YA! Whaaaaa! Take this you wells."

Shaking her head Talya shouted, "Daxter you might need to move."

Before he could try anything else, a part of the exploded well sent him down to the ground in a panic. Taking cover Jak leaped onto Talya to get her from getting in the way of the debit that was falling everywhere. Not knowing that he was on top of her in such a funny position.

Looking up Talya flirted, "Enjoying the view Jak?"

Seeing that he was looking down her t-strap Jak muddled, "Ah...uh I'm sorry Talya I guess that when I saved you I didn't notice that your over shirt was showing a part of your chest."

Scooting out from under him Talya teased, "Its okay Jak sometimes these things happen. Besides I'm not offended if its you looking. Now if Daxter that's a different story...Right Daxter..." Seeing that Daxter was peeping she shouted, "Ahem Right...Daxter stop peeping down my shirt."

Still ogling Daxter stuttered, "Oh yeah... you say something toots."

Smacking the back of his head Jak jested, "Stop acting like a perv Dax. Talya's not to be treated like that to be ogled got it."

Rubbing head Daxter understood, "Yeah I got it... man that was smarts."

After the mission was done Jak, Talya and Daxter exited the strips mines only when they got there they took a load off for a break from such an exhausting mission and to chill out for bit. Talya went over to the metal floor and plopped down to stretch her tense muscles against the wall.

Sitting down on the floor Talya breathed, "Man what a rush that was. Those wells were a bitch to take out weren't they Daxter."

On Jak's shoulder, Daxter sighed, "You can that Talya, man What a brain-wreck! that Vin sure is frightend of Metal Heads. Isn't he"

As he said that, Kor walked into the power station and made his way to where Jak, Talya and Daxter were at.

Walking towards them Kor spoke,"And for good reasons my friends. I've seen what kind of damages, Metal Heads do when they take a city. They destroy Their killing. and ah yes even devouring. They can be rather relentless. It seems that the Baron's scheming will only cause this city falling prey like all the others before it. We must replace Praxis before it's too late. I am happy to say that you and your sidekicks are causing quite a mess in our fight against the Baron aren't you."

Standing up and pointed Daxter yapped, "You hear that Jak? Talya You're both the sidekicks!"

As Daxter was yapping Talya noticed that Kor was scratching his robes in a very suspicious matter. Talya nudged Daxter that got his attention was then brought to Kor pulling back one of his robes.

Feeling the need to say, Daxter pointed out, "Hey, uh, old, wise and whiskered. You, uh, got something itchin' under your robe? They have ointment to treat that you know."

Trying to hide it Kor lied, "It's just my aching bones. We have word that the Baron is sending out one of his large tanker ships and to the Drill Platform to pick up a load of ill-gotten Eco. You three go out to the Drill Platform through the Warp Gate and knock out that ship by any means! The Shadow will send a team from the Underground to pick up the Eco later. Keep up the good work. You three We're counting on you!."

Walking closer Talya finished, "Not a problem Mr Kor we'll take out that tanker faster than Daxter picks the fleas off his little orange hide."

As they walked into the warp gate Talya looked back towards Kor like there was something very fishy with like she knew that he was hiding something or worst under there. When they arrived at the Drilling platform Talya stopped for a second like there was something on her mind concerning the mission that Kor had sent them on.

Concerned Jak addressed, "Talya are you alright, you looked troubled for some reason."

Getting out of her daze Talya resumed, "I'm fine, but yet not. Something about this mission doesn't seem right. Especially when Kor sends us back to the Drilling platform. Its like there something fishy going on here and I guess that we're the only ones who notice it."

Placing his hand on her shoulder Jak advised, "Don't worry about it if Kor is up something odd. You know that I'll catch on to him. So just relax and leave everything to me this time. okay after this is done we'll fly over the hip hog for something to eat and to drink."

Looking at him, Talya grinned, "That's fine with me if we do. It will give us a chance to unwind and spend sometime together. Hey Daxter might be able to see his girl."

Hearing this one Daxter felt like he wanted to jump for joy, but instead he remained calm. Exploring the vast large metallic base. Jak, Talya and Daxter noticed a large gun turret just sitting there. Jak, Talya and Daxter hopped in as it began to move. The quiet was broken when a bunch of K.G soldiers in jet packs began shooting at them. Jak immediately took action as he began shooting the gun turret with array of bullets left and right hitting any and all that came near him. Through her spy glasses Talya spotted them at a distance and instructed Jak where to aim and fire. After all of the flying enemies were dead. Talya saw a large blimp flying by shooting at them. Ping...Bing...ding was the sounds coming from the bullets that bounced off the metal gun turret Jak faced the guns towards the machine guns as he started firing back at each one that appeared from the places. Talya ducked behind him to keep from getting shot at. Jak looking in all directions shot everything that moved with each gun he destroyed the blimp was damaged. Until finally it had one last explosion and went crashing down to the ground below landing with a loud thud accompanied by a large explosion that finished up the mission. With that done Jak, Talya and Daxter stopped the turret at the last stop headed for the warp gate exited the Drilling platform. When they got there Kor was already gone. Talya walked over where she spotted something strange on the ground that she went took a closer look at it. She began seeing flashes of images in her mind that were very unusual that instead of seeing the past, she saw something from the future....In her vision she saw Kor talking to Onin about something dealing with the little kids going to some place.... a few minutes later Talya flashed forward to what looked like the mountain temple and them going down a large pipe to an area where there was places to put artifacts....finally Talya saw something else that had to do with Kor and what looked like a large shadow like creature, but before she could see what it looked like the images stopped and she was back in reality holding the item in her hand...

Flashing back Talya looked to see that Jak was trying to snap her out of the trance that she tripped on her feet and landed on top of him that he was under her confused about what was going on with her.

Still under her, Jak questioned, "Talya, is there something bothering you?"

Removing herself, Talya retorted, "Uh no Jak...I just had another one of those visions. Nothing to big to worry about. All I can do is figure them out what they mean and go from there."

Dusting himself off Jak added, "Okay then if you need to talk just let me know okay."

Walking to the door Talya finished, "Alright I do that so how about we get over to Hip Hog for some food and drink."

Taking her hand Jak agreed, "You read my mind."

As they left the power station Kor was behind the pillar watching them with a sinister look that would make one's hair stand on end... It was like there was something dark and dangerous about the simple old man as he walked away as a larger dark silo of a insect was trailing his movements.

When Jak, Talya and Daxter arrived at the Hip Hog, things were a little busy as Tess was behind the barkeep serving drinks to the customers as well as Sig. Daxter exhausted from the mission hopped onto the counter where, Daxter got comfy and began his usual persona of stories of his adventures thus far..

Starting his story, Daxter began, So there I was, face to face with FIVE of the nastiest Monsters you would've ever saw! Slime oozing from large jaws! Teeth sharper than swords! Slowly, all TEN of 'em surround me. But did I surrender? hell No! I summoned my highly trained instincts, and Boom Hya! Chooy! Whaa! HAA! And when the dust settled, there was TWENTY less Metal Heads roaming around."

Shaking her head Talya mused, "Daxter everytime you tell that story the monsters keep increasing."

Impressed by it Tess oohed, "Ohhh, Daxter you're totally an amazing hero!"

Being cocky and pointing to his back Daxter bragged, "Yeah, I know that baby. Scratch me there."

Tess taking her hand as he stroked the back of his orange colored fur back. Talya and Jak looked at Daxter as they shook their heads annoyed.

Placing his hand to his chin Sig impressed, "That's Quite a story there, orange boy. I guess that means that you're just the 'animal' I need for a dangerous gig. Three's been some Combat Metal Heads spotted
in Haven Forest! and these new bad boys have special camouflage, so they're tough to see but I'm sure that with your 'killer instincts' you three will manage. Go to the forest and take 'em all out."

Grabbing Daxter in her hand, Talya answered, "So there some trash to taken out in Heaven Forest huh. We'll take them out with no problem Sig."

Handing her bag Sig finished, "Here's some things that will help you in the mission. Inside you'll find a tracking beacon, some info-red goggles, a couple of days rations of food and water, some special arrows to take them and some blankets in case you end staying the night there."

Putting the pack Talya nodded, "Thank you Sig for the supplies. I'll bring you back a few trophies."

After that Jak, Talya and Daxter left the Hip Hog for another major missions of hunting monsters in the forest. Taking the zoomer they buzzed through the city until they reached the entrance to Heaven Forest. Jak, Talya and walked up the ramp and into the large door that opened into the sector they was at. Walking around, Jak, Talya and Daxter got on the platform that lead to the forest area. Once there Talya took out the pairs of goggles and put them on her head to take a look at the surrounding areas there she spotted several metal heads roaming around the forest.

Handing her spyglasses to Jak, Talya whispered, "Jak, here take peek. see what you think?"

Looking through Jak jested, "From the look of them there must be at least 19 of them in the area. I think that we'll need to stick together on this one."

Taking her goggles back Talya decided, "I agree those monsters are in camouflage mode so that means that we have to use surprise to be to take them out."

Having agreed on a strategy, Jak, Talya and Daxter headed down in the forest floor to began the mission of taking out the metal heads. Hiding behind a large rock Talya loaded her crossbow with the 'special' arrows that Sig had given her and with a quick motion shot at the first metal head in the area that she hit his side thus removing the camouflage from him. Jak jumped from the rock and with his scatter-gun shot it until it was dead. Before getting back to their hiding spots about five of them began shooting laser beams at the trio. Talya having spotted them moving rushed over and with her power touched them and killed them off. Jak began absorbing all the black Eco from them that his anger began to rise. With in minutes Jak transformed into his darker self as he went on a rampage taking out all of the metal heads in the area which left only the ones in the upper part of the forest left to deal with.

Still in his dark form Jak slowly walked over to Talya, placed his clawed hand near her hair, that he took a strand of it and inhaled thus taking in her soft scent of it. Not moving Talya took his hand from her hair and placed it in hers, while she moved with caution close to him. When she was close enough to him, wrapping her arms around his shoulder, and in the softest way she rubbed his back that he began grunting with delight that as she kept on Jak slowly calmed down until finally turning back to his normal form.

Back in his normal form Jak murmured, "Thank you for calming me down. You always know how to tame my darker self."

To his ear Talya lisped, "Of course I do Jak, for its you who tames the darkness in me as well."

While they were still in their moment Daxter interrupted, "Hello you two not meaning to disturb your moment, but shouldn't we be getting back to mission."

Feeling a little weird Talya uttered, "Daxter's right, we should be...ah getting back to the mission...there will be plenty of time for romance later."

Walking away Jak and Daxter followed as Talya walked with a sexy sway to the upper part of the forest area where there were more of them wondering around. At the top of the rock formation that lead to the upper part of the forest, were four large Spyder Gunners wondering around searching for any movement that they're able to detect. Talya watched their movements as Jak cocked his gun switching it to the blaster mod. With that done he leaped from the hiding spot and began firing at it getting the attention of the others. Talya in a blink of an eye shot each one of them in the gems using the special arrows provided as each one hit it exploded thus killing them. Jak stopped firing seeing that Talya had finished them off to search and destroy the lower minions in the area. Jak went over to Talya and helped her from the ground that he failed to notice the blast coming from the side. Talya pushed Jak to the ground as she was shot in the shoulder by a blast of dark Eco. Jak seeing the movement jumped over her shot the one that had gotten her. Holding her shoulder Talya felt the most painful sting that she had ever endured. The wound left by the blast began to bleed through while blood stained her perfectly cleaned shirt.

Taking the cloth Jak warned, "Talya this is going to hurt so bare with me okay."

Flinching in pain Talya cried, "Alright just make sure you're not to rough with me."

Wrapping the wound Jak reassured, "Don't worry I'll be as careful as I can, but I can't guarantee that it won't hurt."

Gripping onto his front strap, Talya accepted, "I understand just hurry up and bandage my arm before it gets infected."

With that said and done Jak ripped off a piece of cloth from the one of the rags inside of the bag and in rush wrapped it around her shoulder to stop the bleeding. Talya held still long enough for him to treat it. Talya felt the cloth on her shoulder and took the bag on her opposite side and got back on track.

After that they went on to track the remaining monsters that were still in the area. Talya even though she was hurt was still able to wield her crossbow to be kill any monsters that came hear her. Near the temple area were about ten monsters left to take out. Jak switched over to his Vulcan fury and began shooting through the area taking out any and all monsters that fell to his bullets. About several minutes later the final monster fell in defeat to barrage of ammo shot it. When the last one was taken out Talya finished it off by taking its gem and absorbing its Eco. Now that all of the spies were gone and the mission done it was getting to late to head back to the city. Since dusk had set in Jak, Talya and Daxter decided to remain in the forest for the night since it was getting to late to travel and that it would be dangerous to head back. So since they were staying the evening Talya took off her bag, pulled out the stuff to prepare for the night ahead. Daxter went off and gathered some fire wood, while Jak helped set up for camp. While she was getting dinner ready her wound began throbbing again that she grabbed her arm in pain. Jak in a rush dropped what he was doing to treat the wound removing the bandages he seen that it was not a scratch, but it looked worse that it felted. Jak took action as he removed her over shirt and pulled down the strap to her under shirt, where he saw the full extend of the damage. Talya's arm was really infected from the dark Eco that had leaked into her arm.

Holding her down, Jak insisted, "Talya you need to hold still so that I can remove the poison from that wound."

Under his grip Talya whimpered, "Oh..okay just be quick about it alright."

Getting ready to start the process, Jak breathed,"I understand, if I transform into my dark form, be prepared for a hell of a lot of pain. For I may be a little rough okay. So don't flinch."

Jak placed his mouth over the wound and began removing the dark Eco from the wound to try and get the infection down. While Jak took in all the Eco in his own body, his eyes changed color, his skin turned to its pale grey color, horns emerging from his head, fangs gleaming in the moonlight, and his fingernails grown into claws. In his darken form Jak pulled her into his arms, sinking his fangs into the wound to rid Talya of what was left of the dark Eco that was in her wound. Dark Jak licked the infected area of her shoulder clean, in the darkness form he looked into Talya's eyes with a lustful gaze as he moved to her neck and began breathing heavy against her warm flesh. Talya knowing that he was in his dark wrapped her arms around his large frame where she began petting his long mane that was his hair. The gentle touch of her hands made Dark Jak sound happy as he started calming down from his transformation back to his old self.

Back to normal Jak softly voiced, "Are you okay. I didn't hurt you did I?"

Staring into his baby blues, Talya lisped back, "No Jak, you didn't hurt me at all."

Turning onto his side Jak sliently talked, "I'm glad that wound must have been really infected from all the Dark Eco I sucked out of it."

Sitting up Talya agreed, "Yeah it must have been. From the looks of the burn mark It may take a little more time to heal."

Walking over to the water's edge Jak shrugged, "Uh huh I agree, that wound may take several hours or days for it to heal. So you need to take care when we go on these missions."

Touching near the wound, Talya sighed, "Ouch...I understand what you mean, from now on I'll be sure to be more careful from now on."

Moving over to behind her to clean it, Jak stated, "That's my girl...here this may sting....so hold on to me okay."

Clenching her teeth Talya sweared, "Ow damn it all to great creators that hurts."

Placing the bandages Jak finished, "There all done...so are you hungry?"

Adjusting her strap to her undershirt, Talya answered, "Definitely...I'm totally famished."

Looking into sachet Jak observed, "Hum what do we have for food....fruit...some little cans of Yakkow meat....stale bread and some berries."

Leaning up against him Talya jested, "How about we have a little of the meat and the fruit and save the bread and berries til morning."

Popping from the bushes and headed to the food Daxter bossed, "Man I'm starving lets dig in."as he popped three of pieces of fruit into his large mouth without chewing Talya and Jak looked at the little guy with discust as he was making a hip hog of himself and instead of sharing the food. Jak took one the cans of Yakkow meat opened it, placed the meat onto a stick and cooked it on the fire. Talya took her piece of fruit, split it in half and handed to Jak.

After dinner was done and over with Daxter walked over to a large patch of grass where he stretched out and went to sleep. Looking through the canopy Jak and Talya gazed at the stars as twilight had set in for them. The night had a slight chill to it that Jak took the blankets and wrapped them around her and him for warmth. While they settled for the night Jak and Talya laid down on the cool grass next to the campfire and both worn out, cuddled up in each others arms and let sleep take hold. As the night took over the sounds of Heaven forest was like a soothing lullaby to the sleeping trio as the bugs curmped softly.

(A.N Next chapter will have a race, someone will be revealed and of course a mission to begin searching for artifacts. so until next time see ya.)