Soaring

Second Arc: Act Eight

"You mean to tell me you two are late and didn't get any weapons?"

Jak grunted to himself before rolling his eyes. He was tired of the lectures and questions; it was time to get down to business! He had another Metal Head leader to destroy; there was no need for Torn to give him commands now.

Jak stood around the car, given to the group by Kal for their mission, with the other men. Jak's eyes bounced from a less-than pleased Torn, to the car. It was filled to the brim weapons and enough ammo to keep them busy for a year or two. The large machine gun attached to the small car was also a pretty sight to be seen. Jak couldn't wait to get his hands on any of it! He was like a child in a candy store. But Torn's shouts were keeping from Jak from truly enjoying this moment. Sure, Jak hadn't come to get the weapons but he was busy doing other things! Like scouting the area! He knew Torn would do a good enough job, so why did he need to help?

"Let's no argue now," Sig stepped in for Jak. "We have a mission to complete."

"Yeah," Jinx pumped his fist into the air. "I wanna get my hands on 'des explosives!"

Torn released a growl before shaking his head from side to side. Fighting with Jak was obviously the last thing on his priority list; he had enough to deal with. It appeared as if Torn resisted the urge to have the last word and walked to the front of the small car. He ripped open the door and sat in the driver's seat. Sig repeated the process, sitting in the passenger's seat. Jak looked to Jinx before shrugging his shoulders and taking his seat in the back. Finally, it was time they take off. Jak had been waiting all night for this moment.

Just before turning the engine on, Torn was caught off guard by the sound of his radio going off. He released a loud, agitated grumble before moving his hand to his waist. He lifted his communicator from his belt and lifted it into the air.

"Hey, its Vin. I wanted to give you guys some info on your car before you take off."

"Make it quick, Vin." Torn snarled.

"You sound angrier then usual, Torn!" Vin said in a nervous tone. "Anyway, the car you're all in is very flammable so be careful around any open flame. It also has some weight issues, too much weight-"

Jak reached outward and grabbed the radio from Torn's hands. He looked at the radio before speaking in a simple manner. "Right, we got it. We'll be careful, Jak out."

A single click of the radio button and Vin was silenced. Torn turned around to face Jak and ripped the communicator out of his hands. He shot a fierce glare at Jak while his upper lip began to twitch.

"What the hell are you doing?"

"We'll be FINE." Daxter said with a flick of his wrist. "You know how paranoid VIN is."

"That wasn't the point!" Torn shouted.

"Maybe we should call him back." Sig said and looked to Torn.

"No," Jak lifted his hand to pause the situation. "We're not leaking, we're fine. Let's just go, a lecture is the last thing we need."

"That attitude of yours is going to get you into trouble, boy." Sig said with a sad shake of his head.

"It all ready has." Torn growled as he jammed the key into the ignition.

Torn twisted the key only to have the engine to rumble for a second then shut down. Torn paused for a moment before trying for a second time. The problem repeated itself and Torn whirled around to glare at Jak and Daxter.

"Why are you looking at me?" Jak returned the glare.

"Maybe if you had listened to Vin, we'd know why our car isn't working!" Torn snapped.

"Try again," Jak said with a nudge of his head. "Third times' the charm, right?"

"Maybe it's a SIGN." Daxter gasped before throwing his paws over his mouth.

Torn inhaled a deep breath through his nose before returning his attention to the engine. He rested his hand against the key and gripped down on it. He gave it a final twist. The engine roared and smoke clouded from the tailpipe.

Jak felt his heart begin to race with the sound of the engine. The feel, sight and even the smell of the engine were enough to get him going. He reminded him of racing, the one thing he enjoyed over everything else. On the way back, he would be sure to jump in the front seat first.

"See?" Jak said with a cocky smile.

"Let's get 'er goin' all ready!" Jinx barked from the backseat.

Jak smiled to himself. "Let's bag us another Metal Head leader."

XoXoX

Far across the desert sat the cave. It was a giant cave that sat in the center of the desert. It was a sure safe-haven for Metal Heads who needed shelter from the blazing heat. It was a perfect spot for a breeding Metal Head leader. They had not seen any Wasteland Metal Heads roaming the area, a sure sign of what was to come. It was the calm before the raging storm.

Torn drove the car into the cave slowly. He stopped and twisted his torso over his seat. He then preformed a U-turn inside the large cave. Letting the car face outward toward the vast desert, Torn parked the car and silenced the engine. He pulled the keys from the car and unbuckled himself from his seat. The others mirrored him and soon they all stood out of the car and began to gather around the back. Jak was the first to get a good look at the mound of ammo and guns left in the backseat. Which one was he going to choose? It was going to be a difficult choice; Torn had done a great job at choosing the weaponry for this mission. He expected no less.

"So whadda we get?" Daxter asked while rubbing his paws together.

"What did you bring?" Torn asked while wearing a devilish grin.

"UHH…" Daxter's expression dropped and he began to paw at his chin.

"You know we didn't bring anything." Jak said and folded his arms over his chest.

"Then ya'll get the leftovers." Sig chuckled.

Torn stepped forward, his index finger extended to Jak. "If it were up to me, I wouldn't give you anything!"

"Well," Daxter remarked and gave Jak a playful elbow to the temple. "It isn't up to you, is it?"

"Quiet." Torn spat.

"Oh!" Jinx pushed the men aside and reached deep into the pile of ammunition. "I call 'da grenade launcher!"

The older men followed after Jinx and began to sift through the piles of weaponry. Sig was quick to grab the only Peacemaker that was found in the city and threw it over his shoulder with pride. Torn was quick to grab a set of two pistols and attach them to his belt. He then picked a blaster gun and lifted it to his chest and stepped aside. Jinx was last, having trouble finding his grenade launcher, but soon found it after an extended search. He lifted it into the air and gave it a solid shake. He ran his fingers over the cold metal and shivered with anticipation.

"We're gonna get the peashooters!" Daxter huffed.

"Relax." Jak said with a smile.

"There you go," Sig said as he moved to one side, allowing the boys to choose their guns. "Have at it, kids."

Jak pushed forward and looked at what was left in the car. He found himself delightfully surprised; it wasn't as bad as he thought it might be. There was a Scatter gun at the bottom of the pile, just aching for use. Jak reached down and plucked the gun from the pile and lifted it in front of Daxter. The two boys silently agreed and gave each other a high-five as confirmation.

"Be sure to take enough ammo," Torn explained. "We don't know what to ex-"

"Wait!"

That voice. It was too familiar. Jak jerked after hearing her voice and turned his body completely around to face the front of the cave. There she stood beside her servant. She stepped forward into the darkness to team up with Torn and his group. Jak watched the serious expression on her face and could see she was well dressed for the occasion at hand. She held a single pistol at her thigh and was clad in Wastelander clothing. Lov mimicked his partner, only to have a larger blaster gun strapped to his back.

"Kat?" Jak said taking a single step forward. "What are you doing here?"

Kat walked into the group and placed her delicate, pale hands to her hips. "Father wanted me to join you, make sure you don't get into trouble."

"Kitty-Kat, don't you trust us?" Sig asked with his head cocked to one side.

"Come on, girl." Jinx made his comment loud and clear. "We've been buds fer years!"

She shut her eyes before speaking in a low, smooth voice. "I'm not here to explain myself. I'm here to follow orders."

"Fine," Jak grunted. "You do what you want, just don't get in the way."

Lov leapt forward toward Jak and got into his face. "Don't talk to the princess like that!"

Jak opened his palms and pushed Lov away from his body. "Get out of my face."

"Break it up, you two!" Sig was fast and stepped between the two males. "We ain't here to fight! We're here to get rid of that Metal Head!"

Jak gave Lov an awful stare. It wasn't everyday that Jak had someone so annoying in his face. He was going to have to deal with this mission very carefully. He didn't want to rip Lov's head off in front of Kat. Jak was here to do a mission and get Kat back home where she belonged. He wouldn't let Lov stand in his way of his goal.

"I see the getaway car is ready." Kat broke the silence with her soft voice.

"GETAWAY CAR?" Daxter's jaw dropped. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nice work." Kat ignored Daxter's question and stepped forward in front of the group. "Now there is a separation coming up. We're getting into groups."

"That's what they ALWAYS say before they die!" Daxter hissed at Kat.

"Two men," Kat looked over her shoulder at the males behind her. "Come with me."

"Haha!" Jinx elbowed Torn in his side. "Look at 'da bossy boots, here."

"Oh!" Lov pranced forward and took a hold of Kat's arm. "Pick me, princess! Pick me!"

"She said men," Daxter snickered and pointed at Lov. "You shouldn't count."

Jak cleared his throat and took a step forward. He had to do this; he had to go with her. He would never forgive himself if something were to happen to Kat. He would make sure she was safe and as long as he was around, she'd live. It was time for him to make his stand. He opened his mouth and with all his might and courage spoke out to Kat.

"I'll go with you."

Wait, was he hearing double? Jak arched his back and turned to see that Torn had spoken out at the same time. The two men were quick to shoot each other glares. Both refused to step down and waited for a response from anyone to make the final decision.

"She said two men, ladies." Lov said with a girly flick of his wrist. "Two of you are going to have to step down."

"Two?" Jak and Torn asked at once.

"Yes," Lov approached Jak and pushed his delicate finger into Daxter's nose. "That one counts too."

"Yeah! I count too!" Daxter exclaimed.

"I can protect her the best," Torn placed his left hand on Jak's shoulder. "I should go."

"What makes you say that?" Jak jerked his shoulder away from Torn.

"Look," Daxter cut in and sent a wink at Kat. "I say we ditch both Torn and Lov! It'll be like old times, right Kat?"

"But I'm the swiftest!" Lov made a strange pose and lifted his gun into the air. "I have to go!"

At once the men began to argue. This left Sig and Jinx to laugh and shake their heads from side to side.

"Enough!"

The men jumped to the sound of Kat shouting. Jak twitched and looked her way. Had he ever heard her shout in anger before? He wasn't sure if he had. It was strange; he hadn't seen her so determined in his own life. She had to complete this mission, no matter what. No matter who came with her. Her whole life rested on completing this mission, her whole life had been dedicated to it. In her short years, all she had known was destroying this Metal Head and leading her people free.

"No more fighting! Two people come with me, now."

"How 'bout this," Sig voiced in with his own advice, "Jinx and I'll head down the left tunnel, the rest of you animals can go with Kitty-Kat."

The group fell silent. Kat looked at the group of men with wide, curious eyes. She inhaled a deep breath and gave a weak shrug of her shoulders. Jak and his group looked to one another for a moment before nodding in agreement. Leave up to the oldest member of the team to come up with the easiest solution.

"Good 'cause I don't wanna hear all ya'll's whinin'." Jinx said with a laugh. "Have fun, ladies."

"It's fine with me," Torn said as he walked forward and stood beside Kat. "As long as no one gets in my way."

"I can't promise no one will get hurt, but I'll give it all I got." Jak looked to Daxter and gave him a wink and approached both Torn and Kat.

Lov gave the group a quick shrug of his shoulders and leapt forward toward Kat, looping his arm through hers. "Whatever floats your boat!"

"Wait," Kat removed her arm from Lov and turned to Jinx and Sig. "I'm sure the tunnel comes together toward the end. We'll meet up there." Kat reached down to her belt and pulled out a set of radios. "Just in case, take this." Kat tossed one of the radios to Jinx. "We'll keep in contact through these radios."

"Fine, fine." Jinx groaned before waving his arm back and forth. "Let's just get goin'!"

Sig turned his back to the large group and lifted his thumb into the air. "Don't get into any fights while we're gone!"

Kat was quick to glare at the boys in her group. "Don't worry," She hissed. "We won't."

Sig and Jinx walked along side one another and entered the left cavern. The sound of their chatter echoed through the cave and soon faded into the darkness. After seeing that the two men had left the scene, Kat lead the group toward the right cavern.

"Let's not talk until we find something." She said, her back facing the men.

"Someone's in brat-mode." Daxter whispered to Jak, causing him to laugh.

"I'm not in a great mood." Kat countered Daxter's comment with a sharp remark.

Jak broke from his laughter long enough to reply. "That's obvious."

Kat stood straight up. Her sunk her head in between her shoulders and slowly turned her chin over her right shoulder and shot Jak and Daxter a glare. Her lower lip poked out and her upper cheek twitched. Her black tail began to sway back and forth, a sure sign that she was uncomfortable. She began to whisper to herself,

"Let's just hope this ends soon."

Act End.