Soaring

Second Arc: Act Eighteen

Spargus was hot. Jak knew that for a fact. It was something he could actually get used to. The heat was nice, better then the frozen country he used to explore as a child. This was a nice place, Spargus. He hadn't felt more at home anywhere else.

Weeks had passed since the last episode with Veger. Things haven't gotten any better since then either. Errol still had a death grip on the world and the Day Star was coming closer. It was enough to drive anyone crazy. But it was his life, and he had to deal with the cards he was given.

"It sure is hot today." Jak said to Daxter as they walked through the city of Spargus.

"Lucky for YOU, you don't have FUR." Daxter whined as he pulled and tugged at his thick orange fur.

They were back in Spargus for a reason. Jak hadn't been in close contact with Kat or her family since their last incident together. In fact, they had all traveled to Spargus where they thought they would be safe. Out of the sight and minds of any marauders that might attack. But he needed to see her, it had been too long. Jak knew all of Kat's favorite places to stay; he knew that she loved the ocean. So he had made the plan in his mind to set out and see her. She would no doubt be by the water's edge.

"You know, for someone who hates water, she sure loves the beach!" Daxter's voice pulled Jak out of his thoughts.

"You knew?" Jak looked up to Daxter.

"Of course, I knew!" Daxter pushed Jak's head to one side. "That's the whole reason we're down here, right?"

"Yeah." Jak laughed in return.

Jak walked further through Spargus. He could hear the waves crashing against the shore and that's when he saw her. She stood at the water's edge, as predicted, with her Father by her side. They stood in front of a large ship. The mass was blowing through the strong wind and flapped loudly. Wait, what was going on here? What was with the ship?

Jak wasted no time. He flew down to the shore, questions of all sorts burning in his mind. He called out to her. This caught her attention and she whirled around to greet him.

"Kat!" He said to her, "What's going on?"

"Just a few things." Kat muttered.

"We have pressing business to attend to." Kal intervened. "If you don't mind."

"We save you COUNTLESS times and THIS is how you treat us?" Daxter shouted, his finger pointed at Kal.

"I'm sorry." Kat mewed. "But we are busy at the moment."

Jak cocked a brow. "When are you going to be free?"

Kat's brows dropped over her eyes and she forced a smile. "Not for awhile." She confessed. "But I do have something to ask of you."

"GREAT!" Daxter threw his paws into the air. "More tasks?"

Jak slapped his left hand over Daxter's big mouth. "What is it?"

"Could you gather everyone together for me?" She asked as a blush appeared on her cheeks. "I mean, if it's too much to ask…"

"No," Jak shook his head. "That's not a problem. What time?"

"Around sunset?"

"Done."

Kat's brows lifted and her forced smile turned real. She nodded her head once and turned back away from Jak. Jak sighed to himself. Whatever was going on, it didn't seem good. Jak broke away from Kat and Kal and he strayed off back into Spargus. It wasn't as if he had nothing to do, everything around him was becoming worse. If it wasn't the Veger in Haven City, it was Errol with the Dark Makers.

"How about we go and see Damas?" Jak looked up to Daxter.

"How about NOT." Daxter was blunt, as usual.

"I'm sure he has something for us to do." Jak ignored Daxter's comment and pressed forward.

Jak walked through Spargus with ease. Things felt so much smoother in this city. He wasn't hated or looked down upon because of the person he was. He was just like everyone else. People didn't treat him any differently, and it was heaven. Perhaps it was because they had a leader like Damas. Damas ruled with an iron fist but he was civil while doing it. He cared for his citizens unlike the Baron. It was wonderful. Only if every place could be like Spargus.

Jak found himself at the foot of the battle arena before he knew it. He looked up the lengthy set of stairs before climbing them. Damas would be there for sure but why was he excited about it? What was it about Damas that made Jak a stronger person? He didn't know, all he did know was that Damas was a strong leader. Someone he could finally look up to.

After climbing the massive staircase, Jak entered the dark battle arena. He looked at all of the empty seats. It was only months ago that he was battling here for his right to be a citizen. How times had changed. Things had become so different, so much more dramatic. He would have never guessed that his life would have gone in this direction. It was almost eerie.

"I am relieved to see that you're still alive."

Jak turned around. He saw Damas and Sig standing behind him. Jak welcomed the two men with a small smile and watched as they approached him.

"Its our first time back in Spargus for a few weeks." Jak replied as he leaned against the arena wall. "Feels like its been years."

"It has been awhile, Jak." Sig said with a wink. "We've missed you around here!" Sig's happy expression then took a turn and he frowned. "But this is no time to be celebratin'. There's a whole lot of trouble makin' its way here."

"Sig is right." Damas said with a nod. "The Dark Markers are getting closer everyday."

"Not to mention all the trouble in Haven City with Veger!" Daxter was happy to add.

"I can't get a break!" Jak admitted. "I'm just so…tired…"

"We all are." Damas countered.

"What about a vacation?" Daxter gave a desperate plea.

"You had your vacation," Damas said. "In Saga."

Jak snorted. That was wonderful; his only vacation was at a place that nearly got him killed? He was tired. Not only from all the fighting but also from the lies and betrayals. It was enough to drive any man crazy. So why did he have to deal with it all on his own?

"How are we supposed to do all of this, in a set time limit?" Jak looked to Damas for answers.

Damas reached forward and placed his right hands on Jak's vacant shoulder. "I will do my best to help you and your men in anyway possible."

Jak turned and looked to Sig after Damas retracted his arm. "Sig," He said loud enough to catch the older man's attention. "Kat wants all of us to meet her down at the beach at sunset. Can you gather everyone for me?"

"Can do!" Sig was quick to give Jak a thumbs up. "I'll do that now."

Jak's eyes followed Sig as he began to leave the battle arena. "Thanks."

"Enjoy what's left of the day." Damas looked to Jak with a smile.

"I'll do that." Jak nodded.

XoXoX

Jak strolled into the Spargus' parking garage with a smile on his face. Memories flooded his mind. He could remember the first time he set foot inside this small garage. He had come back and forth from so many missions in this garage. It housed his favorite cars and some of his favorite memories. Beating Kleiver in their first race had to be one of the best times he spent in this garage.

"Ah memories!" Daxter awed. "I recall it well!"

"I know." Jak said with a light laugh.

Jak walked over to his Basher. He let his hand rest on the cool steel. He traced his fingers over the chrome and smiled. There was more to this small car than what the eye foretold. It was a trusty little thing.

"Quite fond of 'er are ya?"

Jak twitched. That voice. He rolled his eyes once before turning around to face Kleiver.

"Yeah," He admitted. "A lot of memories with this one."

"Ah, memories!" Kleiver flicked both wrists at Jak and Daxter. "Who needs 'em!"

"Uh, I think YOU do!" Daxter said and pointed at the larger man, "You should remember that next time you want to race Jak, you shouldn't! Because you're terrible at it."

Kleiver rushed at Daxter, his fist lifted. "That was nothin' but a fluke!" Kleiver backed away from the duo before showcasing a smile. "That won't happen at the Kras City race."

"Kras City?" Jak cocked a brow.

"Yep," Kleiver nodded. "Its only the biggest racing competition this side of the world."

"Hm," Jak's interest was peeked. "Sounds fun."

"Don't even think 'bout it!" Kleiver leaned in to Jak.

Jak put his hands up in surrender. Before rolling his eyes again. Jak then felt Daxter beginning to tug on his earlobe. Jak turned to the Ottsel and waited for an answer.

"Lets beat feet." He said. "This place just got cocky."

"Right." Jak nodded. Jak then looked to Kleiver and nodded his head. "We'll see you around."

Kleiver shrugged his shoulders and chuckled. "See ya."

XoXoX

The sound of the crashing shore entered his ears. He knew he was close. But what was it in his gut that told him not to come any further? He knew something bad was going to happen. He had seen all the signs but he still refused to acknowledge it. The boat, the sudden rush to have everyone in one place. It was a good bye and he knew it. But did he believe it? His head believed it but his heart refused. Veger's word had gotten out, that was a given. This had to be the reason why.

Jak walked over the sandy ground until the view of the ocean came into view. He looked out at the vast body of water and sighed. He knew what was going to happen. There would be no more help from Kal and his servants. They were leaving. Jak looked on to see Kat and her family gathered around the large boat. Kal was carrying large crates on the boat, supplies most likely. Kat stood in front of the boat, waiting.

"So what's going on?"

Jak's ear twitched. He turned about to see that Sig had gathered everyone. Torn, Ashelin, Sig, Jinx and Jam had taken a small break from Haven City to come down to the beach. This good bye would have to be quick, for both parties.

"Kat wanted us here," Jak said. "Come on, lets not waste any time."

Jak led the group down the hilly walkway to the shore. Kat watched the group approach but refused to move. She stood, staring at the approaching crew. No excited looks, no happy welcomes, she just stood there silent. Jak was first to come close to her.

"Hey."

Kat kept her eyes on the ground. Her eyes glazed over and she began to suck on her bottom lip.

"You're leaving, aren't you?"

Kat jerked. Her head darted upward and her eyes connected with Jak's. Her lips parted but no words formed. She looked at him with her glossy brown eyes but stayed quiet. After the shock wore away Kat bit down on her lip and nodded.

"Yes…" She whispered. "We're leaving."

"HEY!" Daxter took a fly leap from Jak's shoulder. "WAIT! You're telling me that you're gonna leave after all the crap you put us through!"

Kat hesitated for a moment. "Y-yes."

"Its because of Veger, isn't it?" Torn asked.

Kat's eyes fell on her former commander. She looked at him for a long moment before nodding her head. Her eyes and chin then darted down again. Her pink bangs hung over her large eyes in an effort to hide her tears. A small animal-like whimper fell from her lips as hiccupped.

Jak felt a warm hand push him to one side. He watched as Jam walked forward and wrapped her arms around Kat. She held her younger sister in her chest and patted her head. Kat couldn't hold back her near silent tears any longer. She let out a loud whine as she nuzzled her face in her sister's arms.

"I know…" Kat managed to break her face away from her sister's chest long enough to speak. "I know you won't come with me…" She cried. "I know you'll stay here…"

Jam squeezed. After a few moments, Jam released Kat and looked her in the eye. She lifted her slender fingers to Kat's face and pushed away the bangs from her eyes. She then placed her index finger on Kat's chin and lifted.

"You'll be fine." Jam said in a soft voice. "And I know you'll be back."

Jam then broke away from her sister.

Kat looked up to see Torn and Ashelin standing side by side. Her eyes shut, releasing more tears to fall down her face. She tried her best to resist the urge to blubber like a baby in the sights of her former commander. She stepped to Torn with her head tipped downward. She then close enough to let her forehead fall into his chest. Torn lifted his hands and placed them on her shoulders. He pulled her away and gave her a solid shake.

"See you around."

"Be safe." Ashelin's voice caught Kat's attention.

Kat nodded. She then pulled away from Torn and walked back to her original spot. She looked at Jak and dipped her head down once. "Thank you for everything you've done for me." The tears dropped off her cheeks as she bent over.

He couldn't resist. Jak extended his arms to her. In one swift movement he wrapped both arms around Kat's back and pulled her in toward his chest. Her face exploded with a red complexion. Her mouth dropped open in shock and she refused to take a breath. Jak held her for a single second before releasing her. He gave her a solid pat to the back before pushing her toward the boat.

"We'll be here." He said.

"Come on!" Kal called from the boat. "Its time to take off, Kat!"

"Hurry, princess Kat!" Bell-bell shouted from Kal's shoulder.

"Coming!" Kat responded to her Father. "Good bye." She spat out her words quickly.

Kat wasted no time; she spun around and made a mad dash toward the boat. She leapt from the sandy shore onto the boat's side. She crawled up the side until she was able to swing her legs over the side.

Jak watched as Star and Lov raced to the side of the boat and began to push. They pushed together until the boat hit water. Jak watched that instead of jumping in the boat with Kat and Kal, Star and Lov raced from the water back to the shore. Lov and Star stood beside Jak, both with satisfied smiles on their faces.

"Hey!" Daxter glared down at the two WampusCats. "Are you going?"

"Nope!" Lov announced just as he lifted his arms into the air for a stretch. "We thought we'd hang around you guys for awhile."

"Great!" Daxter groaned. "We lose ONE kitty and we get TWO more! We're gonna need a lot of litter, Jak!"

"I think I can deal with it." Jak smiled at Daxter.

"Then lets get this 'Errol' guy!" Lov reached over to Jak and wrapped his arms around his neck.

"Who accounted you Ottsel?" Daxter nipped at Lov's arm.

Jak was not bothered by Lov or Daxter; instead he watched Kat's boat as it slowly began to disappear from sight. It was something that caused his heart to ache and yet, he knew it was for the better. He knew that she would be safe.

"Bye, Kat!" Jam shouted from the shore and waved her arms back and forth.

"Bye!" Star jumped up and down.

Jak smiled. There was no point in telling her 'good bye'. He knew better. He knew that she would be back. When she came back, he knew that he had the chance to explore her further. There was no doubt in his mind that they'd meet again, it was only a matter of time. And he had all the time in the world.

Arc End.

"Like a sniper, I'm gonna get you! I'll burn my way into your ever-cool memory and make you notice me!" - Happy Go Lucky (translated), Lilpri.