Disclaimer: I do not own Jak and Daxter or any of the characters from the games. The only people that I do own are the ones that I have made up.
Summary: Eighteen years have passed since the incident between the Princess of Bloodshed and the Princess of Disaster. However, in the comfort of the shadows, someone wants to re-create the nightmares from eighteen years past.
"Character speaking."
'Character thinking'
"Dark Side"
Chapter 14: Beginning of the End (Part 1)
While things were finally starting to look up on Jaks end so weren't things on Faye's end.
She had obtained a map of the building in which was believed to contain the missing Queen of Disaster. It seemed complex and didn't give them the best of directions. It was better than nothing though.
Tension was in the air. They could all feel it. There wasn't a single moment where any of them didn't seem tense or worried of what was to come. Each felt a different kind of tension, but it was there.
Faye was on the couch that was located in the middle of the room. Even though she lived there for about a week or so the colors were beginning to fade from the worn out couch. That was fine; it was a couch that lived in the room for god knows how long. She wasn't leaning all the way into the couch. She was sitting on the edge, examining the blue prints and trying to figure out where Alexis could be founded. She wasn't paying any attention to the people around her. She was focusing on what was to come. One bad move and it would cost them their lives or the end of the world.
Although she wouldn't admit it, she was worried about letting Elena go. Faye could handle herself and knew that Sniper could handle himself as well. But what about Elena? Sure, the two lived with each other as kids, but Elena was weak of heart. If she saw something that would make her stop dead in her tracks she'd be putting the whole team in danger. She couldn't ask her to stay behind; she knew she would disobey and follow anyway. She would just have to trust her friend and hope that she wouldn't get so easily distracted.
While Faye worried about strategies and the protection of Elena, Sniper worried about Faye and Elena. He watched Faye from one of the worn out love seats on the far end of the room. What had happened earlier and the day before haunted his very mind. He loved her; that was certainly no secret. He wasn't exactly all filled up with tension. He was mostly filled up with fear and worry. The thought of Faye not making it out of there alive bothered him.
He kept to himself though. He knew that she was busy trying to find a way in without being detected. He moved her head away to stare at a wall and try to find out what he could do to prevent anyone from dying. He even caught a glimpse of Elena staring over towards Faye with worry. He began to feel nervous and frightened. He didn't want to go. He didn't want to risk losing either of them.
Elena had a funny feeling that both worried about her safety. She always knew that Blossom always worried that Micaiah couldn't take care of herself. She could! She just…liked to play the damsel in distress. However this time she knew she couldn't. This was the final battle a battle that would prove to everyone who she was. She moved her arm slightly to stare down at the Symbol of Disaster that rested on her wrist.
She began to wonder, What if I truly couldn't handle myself? Would they understand if I changed into a Dark Warrior? How did Father and Mother do it? She looked down on her wrist and wondered if changing into a Dark Warrior would trigger her Princess of Disaster form. She didn't want that. She was uncertain of what to do. She wanted to be helpful, but also didn't want to be a burden.
The clock slowly ticked away. Inching closer and closer to the moment where the action would finally begin.
Faye knew that they didn't have much time left, about a half hour left. She called out to the two and they circled around her to hear of the plan.
"Alright, I think I managed to find a way in without attracting any unwanted attention." Faye continued to look over the map and pointed out where areas would have the highest of security. "This area and this area," She pointed out each. "Will be area's of where security will most likely be found. Now this area here and onward is places where security will be at a minimum. Since we have a group of three, we would have one of you two hit them from a distance and I'll be nearby to silence the other when the first is struck down."
Elena searched the map. "What about this room?" She pointed towards the center of the map where the large room was located. Faye loomed over it for a minute. "That's where security will be at it's maximum. The chances of sneaking in and getting your mother without being detected are slim. I was thinking of going around the outside area and handling the guards there. Once we're secure on the outside, we'll move in and handle any security cameras and guards."
Sniper nodded along with the plan. Elena kept her eyes on the largest room of all. That's where her mother was located. "Elena," Faye snapped Elena out of her train of thought. "I'd rather you stay here or at least away from the battle. I can't risk the Princess of Spargus." Countering, Elena replied with, "Even so, we're risking the Queen of Spargus. My mom is there, Faye. If worse comes to worse, I'll change into my warrior form and fend for myself."
Sniper didn't quite get it, but jumped when Faye shouted. "No! There will be no turning into the Warriors of Darkness!" Elena stared at her glaring friend. "Faye, we might not have much of a choice. I'll try to avoid it as much as possible, but if the situation calls for it, I shall release it!"
Faye bit her lip. This argument was going nowhere. The silence remained for another few minutes before Faye scoffed and looked away. She was even more worried about this operation now. "Promise me that you'll try to avoid that has much as possible." Elena moved her hand across the table and held out her pinky. "I pinky promise." Faye slowly moved her head to look at her before moving out her hand and crossing her pinky with her friends.
The two friends gave each other a warm smile. Nobody knew what was going to happen, or if they'd leave with any casualties.
After a moment they all returned to the map and continued their plan. Time had flown past and it was finally time for their final mission. Sniper was in the living room. He had bullets in his pockets, small guns in holsters wrapped around his thighs, and a larger gun strapped around his torso. He grabbed another bag and stuffed it with bullets. He wasn't planning on going on a shortage of bullets. Once she felt he was ready, she checked over himself again. He made sure he was outfitted correct, prepared, and ready to kick ass.
While he worked in the living room, Faye worked in her bedroom. She spent most of the time staring at the Symbol of Bloodshed on her arm. She opened the drawer next to her bed and lifted a necklace with the same symbol. Apparently her mother had worn it. Wrapping it around her neck and hiding it under her shirt, she stood. She had two straps around her upper body that contained a sword in each. Gun holsters were wrapped around her thighs as well. She walked over to her mirror and stared at herself. She looked like she was preparing for a war! She touched her dark blue colored hair. She stared at the black highlights; the only remaining strands of her regular black hair.
The only other room that was available was the bathroom. Elena who sat quietly on the closed toilet seat was occupying it. She stared at the wall and thought about the upcoming battle. She slowly moved her hand to stare down at the Symbol of Disaster. She feared that she would become that evil princess and kill everyone. She feared about Faye and her changing as well. They would have to go all out – this wasn't a simple battle. Like the two others, she was outfitted and ready to fight. She had holsters around her thighs that contained knives in cause she had to go into close combat. A quiver colored in golden and silver lining sat next to the filthy bathtub with her black and blue colored bow. She lowered her head. "Oh father… I hope that everyone leaves this battle alive…"
Knocks at the door had startled the quiet girl. "We're ready. Are you ready?" Elena stared momentarily at the door before gazing over her bow and arrows. She lifted herself up and grabbed the quiver. She wrapped it around her body before grabbing her bow. She held it close and murmured another prayer before walking over to the bathroom door. She slowly reached out her hand to turn the door handle, but stopped. She slowly moved her gaze to the mirror. Her sorrowful look quickly changed into a look of determination. She turned her attention back to the bathroom door and turned the knob to be greeted by both Sniper and Faye. "I'm ready."
Jak leaned against the dark blue wall of the meeting room in the HQ. He watched Ashelin discuss a plan of attack with the others, mostly towards Torn though.
"Ashelin," he called out, gaining attention of everyone. "I met the two members who took my daughter. They're on our side. They said that they were protecting both Blossom and Micaiah from the man who is causing all of these problems. That's how I learned of this. I just thought I'd share this, but they're going there tonight as well."
Silence filled the room. Mixed emotions flooded the air. "Why didn't you share that piece earlier?" Ashelin quietly whispered. Jak looked away. "They asked me not to tell anyone that they were going there. I didn't think anything of it till now, but I wanted you to tell the troops to aid them if they see them in trouble. They too wish to protect the Princesses and my wife."
"Are you sure that they aren't using that to gain aid from us?" Torn eyed Jak. Daxter snorted. "I'm certain that they're not lying. They're our allies! We should help our allies."
"They might be moving out to the factory by now. We should do the same." Jak quickly examined the clock. So didn't the two generals. Ashelin was the first to respond. "If you can trust them, then we can trust them. Torn, tell the troops to immediately assemble and discuss with them." Nodding, he hastily left the room.
Ashelin walked over to Jak. "How can you trust them so easily? Is it because you believe they have your daughter and Blossom in their grasp?" Jak looked around the room. It was empty. "If I told you, would you promise me not to tell any of the others?"
She gave him a confusing glance before nodding. "The reason why I trust them is because… it's the three of them. Faye is actually Blossom. Skye is actually Sniper. And their newest member, Elena, is actually my daughter. They changed their looks and names to fool the enemy. The reason why they kidnapped Micaiah in such a way was to fool us and the enemy so that they wouldn't get to her."
It was old news to Daxter and him, but it was shocking new news for Ashelin. "Really? It was them this entire time? Why couldn't tell us?" Jak shrugged. "I'm guessing it was because they knew that we wouldn't go after them if we knew who they really were. Not a bad plan." He finished.
She nodded, as if to agree. "That's very smart. Tricking us to fool the enemy."
He chuckled. He was proud of the three. "They said Alexis was in that building and the man who is after them has her. I'm worried about Alexis…"
"I'm worried about all three. What if Blossom, Micaiah or Alexis gets really upset?" She inquired. "Well, for Blossom and Micaiah, they'd only turn in the Dark Warriors. For Alexis, I'm not sure. I'm hoping that it'll be the Dark Warrior."
"If I remember correctly," Ashelin began. "Blossoms mother didn't turn into the Princess of Disaster until she thought that someone she truly loved was gone. What if they pull stunt like that? All three might go haywire!" Daxter frowned. It was no lie that Jak wasn't worried either. It was written all over his face.
The door opened slightly afterward to reveal Torn all geared up and ready. Pointing a thumb behind him, he began, "They're ready." Jak nodded towards her. "I'll meet you outside. I'm getting geared up." He left the room without another word. Daxter remained on his shoulder. "Should I come too?"
"I don't think so. I don't want you to get killed." Jak informed him. "Jak, I've through hell with you. I doubt I'll get killed this time." Jak rolled his eyes. "Alright, if you say so."
The two shared a laugh as they entered the weaponry room.
The three of them, Faye, Elena, and Sniper, were leaping roof by roof to their destination. Faye normally stopped to check the surrounding area. A strange feeling was in the air and it worried her gravely. What was with this awful feeling she had? Dismissing it ever so often she continued to lead the way.
Sniper and Elena had detected the odd sense in the air as well. Sniper didn't know what to make of it. Elena, on the other hand, was horribly worried. Why did the air give off the feeling that bad things were to come? She didn't bother to stop and ask questions. Time would only tell.
When Faye had abruptly stopped and almost caused the two behind her to crash into each other. The two moved on opposite sides of Faye to stare at the large building. "We're in the far side of Haven City. A place very few people dare to cross." Faye replied. Elena stared at the building. It was very long in width, but not very tall in height. The ground was not made of concrete. It was made up of soil from the earth. The ground had small lights all over the building the lit up the sides, front, and back of the building. More lights were around the entrance along with security guards and cameras.
"How are we going to deal with the cameras?" Elena whispered. Sniper commented, "We can get rid of the guys, but we can't do so without getting caught by the cameras." Faye stared on at the guards that walked back and forth into the rays of light and then into the darkness.
"Watch their movements," She observed. "See how they travel into the light then into the darkness? We can strike them within the darkness and then strike at the camera." Sniper frowned. "Wouldn't it be odd if the camera noticed only one guy walk into the ray of light and no the other?"
"That's why we're going to move quickly." She said. "Elena, you and me are going to deal with the guards. Sniper, stay at distance and shoot the camera on my mark."
"Wait, look!" Elena whispered as she pointed towards the darkness. The three were quiet for a moment before spotting movements in the darkness. Faye quickly left the group and went to explore. Elena and Sniper, unsure of what to do, followed after her.
Jak, Ashelin, Torn and the Crimson guards were hiding in the bushes and observing the scenery around them. "Okay, we're dealing with two guards at each post…enough lighting for the security camera to see us if we move into the light." Ashelin observed. "Why not use three shooters are once? All shoot at the same time, but two at the guards and one at the camera." Jak suggested.
"No…the sound of gunshots would alert the other guards." Torn gruffly responded. "Then they'd alert those from the inside."
"Faye!" They all heard a harsh whisper and turned to see the three standing on the roof nearby. Faye had stopped upon seeing who it was. One Crimson Guard raised his weapon to shot the girl, but Ashelin shot out her arm and growled. "They're on our side."
Elena and Sniper had caught up with Faye and exchanged looks with Jak, Ashelin and Torn. They all shared a silent moment before Faye nodded her head towards the building. Ashelin and Torn were confused, but Jak understood. They watched as the three raced back to where they originally stood. "What are they up too?"
"Watch." Jak grinned.
Sniper took out a gun and quickly got into position. Faye and Elena nodded before jumping down and rushing into the field. Faye rolled into the shadow of the trees with Elena. The two spoke silently to each other before watching the guard's movements. After a moment, Faye quickly ran out into the field and cut down one of the guards. Corresponding quickly, Elena shot the other guard. That's when Sniper shot and got the camera. He lifted his head from the gun and grinned at the two. He jumped down and walked over to the two. Ashelin, Torn, and Jak quickly rushed over. The Crimson Guards stayed behind.
"Okay, that was great." Faye commented. "Should we take the outside?" Elena asked. "I'm concerned either way. If too many people go into the building, they'll get caught."
Elena smiled towards the three new members. Jak smiled over to her warmly. Ashelin and Torn stared at Faye who watched them from the corner of her eyes. She slashed the air in front of her to get rid of the blood before spinning it and returning it into its sheath.
"Not bad planning, Faye." Ashelin grinned. Faye's eyes thinned upon how weirdly she called her. She exchanged looks with Jak who shrugged slightly. She let out a sigh and placed her hand on her hips. "I'm used to this terrain. I know my ways around here and how to handle the place." Ashelin nodded slightly. "I can see that. Good team work."
Elena took a step forward. "Faye," She began. "We need to get inside. M- I mean Alexis is inside. Shouldn't we allow the Crimson Guards to handle these people? They watched us on how we performed and they can set up people around the building to secure the outside." Faye nodded slowly. "We can deal with the inside and get her majesty out." Faye gave the two a stare. Elena quickly whimpered and hugged her. "If we do come to that," She whispered. "We'll deal with him together."
Torn and Ashelin were confused, but Jak could take a guess what they were talking about. It concerned him greatly. "How about I tag along? Ashelin and Torn have enough guards to cover the outside." Elena smiled brightly and tugged at Faye's shirt. "Please? He could be very helpful to us!" Faye was silent for a moment before looking around the area. "Okay. First off, Ashelin, tell me your plan of attack for the outside."
Ashelin looked around. "How many exits do they have?"
"Six."
"Six, hmm? I have plenty of men to handle the outside. Well…I was thinking of taking them down one by one." That's when Faye shook her head. "No. If you take them down one by one, it's going to cause a high alert. This just happens to be the farthest exit and Sniper uses a gun that quiets the abnormally loudness of a gun. How many men did you bring?"
"About 36 men." Ashelin inquired. Faye nodded and did her math. She looked around the area. "That should be enough men to handle it all at once. Okay, here's the idea. Have three men at each of the sections. At the sounding of the first gunshot, the others from the other sections immediately shoot. Do you get the idea?"
Ashelin grinned. "Three men per station. One shoots one guard. The other shoots the other guard, and the final one shoots the camera." Faye nodded. "Right. Do that, and we'll safe."
Ashelin and Torn had hastily returned to the Crimson Guards to represent the idea. Sniper, Elena, and Faye stayed near the entrance to talk with Jak and Daxter. "Did you tell her?" Faye questioned. "She wanted to know why I put so much faith in you guys. She is a general and she needs good reasons."
Faye stared at the male. "What of him?"
"Torn? He doesn't know. Just Ashelin, me, and Daxter here. Nobody else knows your secret." He responded. Nodding slowly, Faye continued to watch the two as they explained the details. "I think you've impressed the general." Jak chuckled. "She's smart! That's why we're still alive." Sniper grinned and wrapped an arm around Faye. A small blush had made its way onto her face. Thankfully, since it was dark, nobody saw.
"I'm just cautious and taking every precaution there is. I study the area and then go through my options. I choose the ones that make the most sense and go with them." She said. Elena smiled. "Very smart, that's Faye!" Faye gave her a look. "Maybe it's because I do a lot of work and study my surroundings. It's basic knowledge to survive." She looked back at the two and noticed that she was giving them a thumb up. "Okay, we're all set. Ready?" The five gave each other looks, but Daxter was the one to break the silence.
"If I die, I want you guys to know, I love you all." Elena burst out into a fit of laughter while Faye rolled her eyes. Both Sniper and Jak were chuckling. Faye gave Ashelin the thumbs up before the four of them raced into the building. They did stop into another room that was empty and Faye watched some of the guards that were walking around. "I don't see any cameras. Perhaps they're only outside. Elena, keep an eye out for cameras. Sniper and I will watch out for any guards. Daxter, keep your mouth shut. Jak, you stick with Elena for watching for any signs of cameras."
Daxter pouted slightly while everyone nodded. "I'll handle these guards." Faye murmured as she slipped out of the room. Everyone crowded the door to watch her. She quickly snuck up towards one and brought out her sword. Swiftly swiping the blade into the guards back, she spun around and sliced at the other guard. Elena nearly cried out and turned her head away. Faye had beheaded the other guard! Jak looked towards Elena and held her close before whispering, "Don't worry."
Faye scouted the area once more before signaling for them that it was safe. Elena held her gaze away from the guards and tried to avoid the blood that spilled on the floor. "Was that really necessarily?" She grumbled towards Faye. "I wasn't aiming for it, Elena, trust me." The two stared at each other before Elena let out a sigh.
"The rest of the operation is going to be like this, isn't it?" Elena grumbled. "Yes." Faye replied as she searched the hallways once more. "We have to keep moving. The faster we move, the faster we can get to your mother." Elena frowned, but nodded. She walked along side with her father and followed after Sniper and Faye. The air had a very dark feeling to it and it frightened her. Was her mother really all right?
The main room was filled with a few scientists who worked feverishly on the plan. The boss of the operation watched them all hastily type things down and insert codes to enhance the project. Something felt off tonight, he could sense it. He had thought he heard gunshots outside and frowned. Were they being attacked? Why wasn't the alarm going off? Perhaps it was only his imagination. They were so close to achieving their goal.
Groans and cries of pain came from the squirming Alexis within the tube. Her eyes were shut in immense pain. Her hands were clutching her head, as if it would comfort her. Her legs had been drawn up to her body.
The boss, known as Jordan, watched with amusement at the struggling girl. His operation was almost complete. A transparent version of the Princess of Disasters dress was slowly appearing. Her hair was also beginning to change into a jet-black color.
"The operation is nearly complete." He chuckled. "Finn!" he called. "Y-yes, sir!" Finn quickly left his computer and in front of Jordan. "How much longer will I have to wait? I feel as if those pests are nearby." Finn looked back towards the tube and rubbed his chin. "If we keep the dream enhancer at it's current level, it'll take a day. However, if we crack it up a few more levels, it'll be done within half an hour or an hour."
Jordan was silent. "Crack it up all the way to its final level." He finally responded. Finn nodded and quickly made his way next to the tube. He turned one of the knobs and the liquid inside changed from a clear light blue to a clear dark purple. He turned another knob to block her screaming. She began to squirm violently. "Get the chains around her!" Jordan ordered.
Finn looked up at him for a moment before walking around the tube and pressing a large black button. Chains quickly appeared in the tube and wrapped itself around her wrists and ankles. She continued to scream and squirm.
Jordan could hardly wait.
Elena immediately stopped dead in her tracks. Her eyes had widen to their fullest. It took a moment or two for everyone to notice that she wasn't following. "Elena? What's wrong?" Faye questioned.
Jak stared at her before noticing that the mark on her arm was beginning to glow. He ran over and grabbed her wrist. "Elena!" Faye noticed it as well and swiftly appeared beside her. She gently shook her. "Stay with us, Micaiah!" They weren't getting any response from the girl. She was in a trance like stance. Her eyes had dulled and only stared at the path before her.
"What's going on?" Faye grumbled. Jak was becoming desperately worried. "Micaiah!" Sniper had rushed beside her as well. He noticed a faint glow coming from Faye's chest. "Uh…Faye…?" He blushed as he pointed towards her chest.
At first she glared at him and was about to slap him until she noticed the faint glow. She pulled out the necklace. "What in the world?" She lifted her wrist to see that her symbol was dimly glowing as well. A sudden flash came from the necklace and covered all five. Daxter screamed in fright and covered his face.
Sniper covered his head and shut his eyes tightly. Jak had wrapped Micaiah in his arms and covered them both from the flash of light. When the flash died down, all of them, except for Micaiah, raised their heads.
It was a pitch-black room. "Where are we?" Sniper asked. Jak cautiously looked around and kept Micaiah close to him. Faye hadn't said a word. She was confused and uncertain of what was going on. It was clear how it was going for Daxter though.
She was literally freaking out. "Where the fuck are we? What the hell was that flash of light? How the hell do we get out of here?" he jumped off Jaks shoulder and ran around Jak and Micaiah.
Be calm, little one. This is no place to be afraid of. This is my domain. All of them quickly turned their heads to see a woman dressed in a crimson colored dress. Long brown hair elegantly floated around the ghostly woman's body. Jak immediately knew who it was. "Xentia!"
Faye quickly looked at him then back to the woman who was known as Xentia, her mother. "Mom…?"
The woman smiled down at them. Yes, my name is Queen Xentia. Hello Jak and hello my daughter – my dearest flower.
Here's another chapter! I'm in a good mood and I decided to work with this! Since I adore this story at the moment, I'm currently working on the other chapter. It might be the second to last, or the last chapter of this series. Anyway, here it is! Enjoy~
