Soaring
Third Arc: Act Twelve
He had made his way out of the large hotel suite and down to the seaport. The salty air and soothing sounds always brought him a sense of calmness. It was like being on Sandover all over again. Jak knew this was exactly the place he would one day like to live, beside a beach, just like old times. Of course, he would have to get himself out of this mess first. The idea of 'settling down', it was almost taboo to Jak.
Jak stepped on the sand with ease. Ah, how he missed the days when he would walk barefoot on the beach. Oh well, this was just as good. The air on this night was especially salty, just the way he wanted it. The sky was clearer than Jak had ever seen before; with all the smog in Kras City was hard to ever see the stars.
Jak looked off into the distance and released a relaxed sigh, only if it were this calm all the time. Over a large, sandy hill, Jak spotted a small hut. He hadn't noticed that before. He arched a brow and stepped closer in its direction. Was someone living on the beach? Jak's curiosity would never leave him be if he didn't investigate. So he walked toward the small hut.
The closer he got to the small structure, the more run down and poorly constructed it seemed. Someone had obviously built this hut in a hurry. Once close enough, Jak took notice that the hut door was open ajar. He placed his hand on the wooden door and began to apply pressure. The door released a small squeak as it opened. Jak poked his head into the small house to see a silhouette figure standing in front of a window. It was a woman.
Jak pulled his right foot deeper into the house, only to have the floorboards to squeak against his will. The figure jumped. Jak jumped. She whirled around within seconds, leaving Jak no time to turn tail and run. But as she turned, Jak felt the urge to stay. This woman, he knew this woman. It was Sydni.
"What the hell are you doing here?"
Rage. He could hear it in her voice. Jak managed to move his body and pushed the door open further. Her yellow eyes burned brightly in the dim house. Jak could see her long, brown tail appear. It swung back and forth while the ears on the side of her head flattened. She was serious.
"Answer me!"
Jak snapped back to reality. The sight of Sydni had confused him for a moment. What was she doing out here, near the seaport. She was a great distance from the hotel suite that all the teams shared.
"What are you doing out here?" Jak asked.
"What does it matter to you?" She hissed, bearing her two sharp canines in the process.
"Don't you have a hotel room?"
Sydni released a sarcastic laugh before placing her hand to her hip. "It seems the racing committee doesn't want to rent rooms to sick people."
"Sick?" Jak's eyebrow arched. "Who's sick?"
"What do you care anyway?" Sydni rolled her eyes. "All you've done is make my life a living nightmare." She then released her hand from her hip and began to flick her wrist at Jak. "Go back to your luxurious hotel suite."
"Sydni, who's sick?" Jak repeated.
"Well, it's obviously not me, or else I wouldn't be standing here."
Jak felt a metal light bulb ignite. "Nana?"
"You are smart." Sydni was quick to throw sarcasm Jak's way.
"What's wrong with Nana?" Jak had to ask.
Sydni rolled her eyes and shook her head. She then walked deeper into the hut, leaving Jak to follow. Jak watched as Sydni walked closer to the living room's only window. She placed her open palm against the glass and released a sigh.
"Its none of your business," Sydni replied in a cold tone. "Then again, it was your fault she's sick in the first place."
His fault? Jak narrowed his eyes at Sydni. What was that supposed to mean. Jak shifted his weight to his left leg and crossed his arms over his broad chest. Now he had to know.
"You got my family exiled from Saga." Sydni's hot breath on the cold window created a small cloud of fog. "And guess where we got exiled to?"
"The desert." Jak knew the answer before Sydni could even ask.
"My Grandmother contracted the Grill Virus there."
The Grill Virus? Jak had heard of this virus on more than one occasion. It was a word he never thought he'd have to hear again. Not after what happened. It was a virus that caused the lungs to deteriorate over time. It was a virus that was found and mostly contracted amongst Wastelanders. Jak knew there was no cure and at Nana's advanced age, there was only a matter of time left.
"And it's all your fault!"
Jak looked up to see that Sydni had turned to face him. She had both arms to her sides, her hands clenched and her bottom lip quivering. Her eyebrows and bangs hung well over her eyes. She appeared to be on the brink of tears.
"You're the reason she's dying!" She spat. "You're the reason I'll be alone!"
Jak felt a fire ignite in his soul. Wait, why was he being blamed for putting away a bad guy? That's all he had done his entire life and there was always one person who blamed him for it. There was always a downfall for doing the right thing. No, Jak wasn't going to do it anymore. Enough was enough. He couldn't take on any more guilt.
"You seem to forget what she's guilty of!"
Jak could see the surprise on Sydni's face. She wasn't expecting a reaction for Jak like that, by her wide eyes. Jak could feel his cheek begin to twitch. He was growing furious with each passing second.
"Listen up and listen good," Jak spoke out again. "You're Grandmother had been conspiring against the King since he came into power." Jak uncrossed his arms and lifted his index finger to point at Sydni. "He tried to kill Kal, Kat and ME!" He then forced his finger against his own chest.
"You're lying!" Sydni's eyes bursted into tears. "My Grandmother was only doing what she thought was best for Saga!"
"She's dangerous." Jak said again. "And she's trying to live her own life through you."
"But she's all I have left…"
Jak felt his heart stop. He watched the tears roll down Sydni's cheeks. Her hands unclenched and her legs began to buckle. Sydni lifted her hands to her face and hid behind them. More sounds of whimpering and sniffling entered the air. Jak watched as the weight on Sydni's shoulders became too much and she fell to her knees.
"I have no one…" She pulled her hands from her eyes. "Without her…"
Why was his heart suddenly aching? Why did he have to feel bad for her? Why couldn't she just be another one of the bad guys? All of this anger and rage came out of the fear of being alone, that's all it was. She was just a little girl, afraid of the dark. She wasn't evil, just scared.
"You threw us out into the desert," Sydni's eyes traveled upward to meet Jak. "This is your fault!"
"No," Jak shook his head. "You're Grandmother threw you into the desert. She committed those crimes on free will."
"I can't be alone!" She screamed, forcing her fists down on her knees.
"You're not."
Jak watched as Sydni's face stiffened. The flow of tears stopped and she managed to bring her chin up. She looked to Jak with wide, glossy eyes. Her cheeks burned red and her lips appeared swollen. Her purple bangs stuck to her moist forehead while her jaw hung open. Jak could see it all over her face, she was confused.
"You don't have to do this." Jak began to clarify, "Give up the race now while you have the chance. Spend whatever time you have left with Nana."
"No," Sydni shook her head. "Not until I secure my place as Princess of Saga. Its what my Grandmother wants."
"Fine." Jak nodded, much to Sydni's surprise. "It won't be long until Team Saga is kicked from the race all together. I already know you'll win."
Sydni began to speak, only to stop when Jak lifted his hand. Jak shook his head from side to side. Could he accept her after becoming enemies? Was it possible to help her, even if she was Nana's granddaughter? If she needed help, he should be the one to give it to her, right? Nothing unforgivable had come from Sydni, so was it all right for her to switch sides?
Jak turned his back to Sydni. He had far outstayed his welcome. So much for fresh air.
XoXoX
He had become more flustered coming to the beach than he had when he first left his hotel. What was going to come next? Things were happening so fast, Jak could hardly keep up with it all. How was he supposed to feel about Sydni now? He couldn't just welcome her with open arms…could he?
Jak stepped through the empty streets of Kras City with his hands secured in his pockets. The cool wind felt good on his skin. If there was ever going to be a time of peace, it was going to be now. Things weren't going to become any easier. Not anytime soon anyway.
"It's cold out here, you should return to your hotel."
Jak jumped. Another familiar voice. Jak turned and looked over his shoulder to see Kal standing behind him. He stood with his chest pushed out and clever smirk, as usual. Jak could see that his peaceful moment had disappeared just before it could really begin.
"So," Kal inhaled through his nose. "What brings you out here?"
"It doesn't matter," Jak said with a weak shrug. "Besides, we're 'enemies' now, aren't we?"
"Oh but Jak," Kal shook his head from side to side. "I want to make amends with you."
"Really?" Jak's brow twitched.
"Yes," Kal nodded. "What would you say to a dinner, tomorrow night?"
Jak narrowed his eyes at Kal. "I'd say you're crazy." What was Kal up to now? Jak's gut twisted and turned. "What are you up to?"
"It's just a friendly dinner," Kal shut his eyes and smiled. "You do eat, don't you?"
"Depends on what you're serving." Jak managed to crack a smile.
"So you'll come?"
Jak bit his tongue and forced out an answer. "Fine."
"Oh good!" Kal's eyes opened and he spread his arms out. "Come tomorrow, right after sunset and don't forget to bring that delightful team of yours." Kal chuckled. "Meet us in the hotel dinning hall."
"Just don't try anything funny," Jak was sure to warn Kal. "I have enough problems as it is."
"Oh Jak, of course not."
XoXoX
Early evening.
"Are you sure we should be doing this, Jak?"
He wasn't sure himself. Jak released a loud sigh as he and his team passed through the hotel lobby. Today was the date of their 'special' dinner with Team Saga. Was he excited? No. Nervous? Maybe a little. Jak was only sure that something was up, and he couldn't be quite sure what it was. But he had his team with him and that's all he needed.
"Yeah, Dax, I'm sure." Jak looked to his shoulder.
"If you say so, buddy."
"Something's gonna go down," Torn spoke out. "I hope you know what you're getting into." He shot a glare at Jak.
"I do."
Jak led the group with pride. If anything was going to happen, he was going to be right there, protecting them. There was no way something bad would happen. Jak walked into the hotel's dinning room. The lights were dim and the tables were set. In the center of the room was a large table. Team Saga sat at the very end of the table. Kal sat beside his daughter, Kat, who had dressed the part. She wore a long dark blue gown with elbow-length gloves. She sat with her head tilted downward and eyes shut. What was this all about?
As Team Mar came into view, Jak saw Kal lift up from his seat. He waited until Jak and his team took their seats at the opposite end of the table before opening his arms and speaking.
"Welcome." He said with a smile. "I'm glad I could have the honor of dining with you this evening."
"What's for dinner?" Daxter asked, jumping from Jak's shoulders down to the table.
Kal's cheek twitched. Jak could see it all over the older man's face; Kal couldn't stand the fact that Daxter was standing on the table. It was too funny not to release a slight chuckle. He would never get used to the royal life.
"Before we get to dinner," Kal moved his hands in front of his chest and laced his fingers. "The Princess has something to ask of you." Kal moved his head and faced his daughter. "Kat?"
Jak cocked a brow. What was this about? He watched as Kal took his seat and Kat stood up from hers. She still kept her eyes shut, only now had she moved her hands to her chest. She laid her palms flat on her chest and took in a deep breath. Speaking in front of anyone made her stutter, Jak could only wonder how she was going to do now.
"Team Mar," She spoke in a very small voice, her bottom lip quivering.
"What?" Jinx leaned in and cupped his ear with his right hand. "Speak up!"
"Jinx," Jam was quick to shoot her elbow into Jinx's side.
"T-team Mar," Ah, the suspense was getting to her. "I-I…we…"
Come on. Jak felt his hand clench. He knew she could do this, if she tried hard enough. Speaking in front of a crowd wasn't such a big deal, why could she just suck it up? Jak watched as her eyelids slowly lifted to reveal two large sets of brown, glossy eyes. Her bottom lip had become swollen from the minutes she spent biting down on it. She had moved her hands away from her chest and began to twiddle and play with her fingers.
"Spit it out!" Daxter yapped.
"We need your help!"
"What?" Jak's jaw dropped.
Help? Team Saga needed Team Mar's help? That was obvious from the get-go but to have Kat ask for help now, it was just obscene. Jak felt his heart slow. So, this was what this meeting was about. It wasn't a 'friendly' dinner, it was a plea. How could they come to Team Mar now after everything they had done? Kal had banned the two teams from corresponding but the minute he needed help, he was ready to ask. No, this couldn't happen. Jak wouldn't allow it.
"We need a few of your racers," Kat pulled herself together long enough to explain, "On our team."
"THIS is what you called us here for?" Daxter shook his arms in the air. "Well, you can forget it, pal! We're not helping ANYONE!"
Kal's cheek twitched. "You refuse?"
What could he say? His heart said no, but his head said yes. It was a terrible situation. But what would he lose if he said no? He would lose everyone. All of his friends and even himself, he couldn't do that. No, no matter what the cost, he wouldn't give up his friend's lives. This had to stop here. He could help anyone else anymore; he could only protect his friends.
"I," Jak stopped only to look to his friends. "We," He then looked back to Kal. "Refuse."
Jak could feel the pressure of his teammate's fall off his shoulders. He had made the right decision. It wasn't easy, it was even painful but he had to do it. Letting Team Saga, letting Kat go was more than difficult but it had to be done.
"How DARE you!" Kal slammed his balled fists down onto the tabletop.
"So take THAT!" Daxter said with a snap of his fingers.
Jak released a small sigh of relief. This felt good. Was it supposed to feel this refreshing? To finally stand up for himself and take charge, it was more than liberating. If he had known doing this would make him feel so relieved, then he would have done it from the beginning. It would have saved him and his team a lot of time, effort and car parts. Torn, Jam and Ashelin were right. Kat had her own team and they should be able to protect her, it was no longer his job to look after her.
Kal's eyes darted over in Jam's direction. "And you stand by them?" He asked his daughter with a booming voice.
"I do." Jam crossed her arms over her bust.
"You betray your own family?"
Jam stayed silent. Jak felt a small smile cross over his cheeks. So this was what it came to, was it? It was good enough for him. He knew this was the way it had to be. They may not be allies any longer but they could still be civil, couldn't they? And maybe after all of this was over, they could associate with one another again.
"We need help!"
Jak winced. That sudden scream, it couldn't be, could it? No, she would never shout out like that in front of a group. She was much too shy, too timid to do that. Jak let his eyes bounce up in Kat's direction. She had both arms at her sides, hands clenched into fists and her eyes shut tight. Beads of tears rolled down her pink cheeks and hit the table below her.
"How could you just say no?"
Jak felt his heartstrings snap.
"Its not fair!" She hiccupped. "How could you stand by and not help us?"
The sudden ache in Jak's heart turned into anger. No, he wasn't going to be blamed for something he didn't do. There was no need to accuse him of something he had nothing to do with. This wasn't his fault; none of this was his fault. Why should he be put on trial for it?
"No," Jak spoke in a dull tone. "We're not going to help you."
Jak saw she was taken back by his comment. Her eyes fluttered open with shock and her lips parted. For a single moment, the tears stopped and she stared back at Jak. After the words sunk in, Jak watched as the tears came forth with more force. She lifted her hands to her head and laced her fingers through her head. She began to tug at the roots of her hair and sobbed.
"You have to help us!" She then began to shake her head from side to side. "I don't understand…why…why you won't help!"
"We're just taking care of our own." Torn said as he shut his eyes. "Like you."
"You don't understand!"
"Kat stop." Jam called out to her sister. "You have no idea what we've been through, so just back off."
"No!" Kat threw her head from side to side. "I'm going to lose my seat as Princess!" She screamed. "I can't do that!"
"You agreed to Kal's terms." Ashelin said.
"I can't! I can't! I cant'!" She repeated.
"You sound like a baby." Jak shut his eyes.
"Shut up!"
Jak's eyes opened. Did she just insult him? Ah, so this was it came down to. Jak shot a glare at her. After all he had done for her, she was going to disrespect him? No, he wasn't going to take it. Not from the Baron, not from Veger and certainly not from her. Enough was enough.
"You're a brat."
He watched as her face became pale. Her jaw dropped as low as it could and the tears came to a halt. Her pink bangs stuck to her sweaty forehead and her cheeks burned red. She was shocked, more shocked than Jak had ever seen her before. Her chest moved violently up and down, in an attempt to catch her breath.
But it was true. She didn't care about the citizens in Saga; she only cared about losing her seat as Princess. She was a brat. Her whole life, she had been a brat. Nothing was ever her fault; she always had an excuse and knowing all of those flaws…why did his heart still ache?
"Don't you DARE talk to her highness that way!" Lov bolted from his seat.
"Oh STUFF IT!" Daxter barked in return.
"But…" Kat mumbled.
"No," Jak lifted his hand to pause Kat. "You're trying to blame me for something you should be blaming your Father for. I haven't done anything to you."
More tears fell from her eyes, as she spoke again, "You won't even help us."
Jak shook his head. "No means no."
"Fine."
Jak's ear twitched. Did she just say 'fine'? Jak watched as Kat's head tilted downward. A few stray tears fell from her face and hit the table. She had once again clenched her fists in frustration.
"I'll stay away from you then." She whispered. "You'll never have to talk to me again."
Jak felt his body jump from his seat. "No, that's not what-"
"No!"
Jak stopped.
"Just leave me alone."
Jak watched as Kat turned her back to the table. She then sprinted off without another word. She fled from the table, leaving the two rival teams to themselves. No, Jak wasn't going to let it end like this. This was not what he wanted. They could still be friends; things didn't have to end with hate.
Without thinking about it, Jak pushed after her. He didn't care what his teammates had to say about it, he just did it. He needed to make sure she was stable. She had a mission to take out and he wasn't going to let her become derailed from it. She had people she wanted to save.
Jak pressed through the hotel hall. He ran as fast as his legs could carry him. Eventually, he entered a small room with stain glass windows. It was a reserve room with nothing inside. The setting sun peered in through the orange and red glass. The reflection made beautiful shades of colors on the wall behind it. Standing in front of one of the stain glass windows, Kat stood with her gloved hands covering her eyes. The sounds of her continuous whimpers fueled Jak to approach further.
Finally he came within feet of her. He stopped and extended his arm to her. Just inches away from her shoulder, his hand stopped.
"I don't understand…" She whispered. "I did everything I could…"
Jak let his arm hover in the air. What was he supposed to say? He wanted to help her, hell; he had been helping her beyond his teammates wishes. But now? What could he do? Things were going to become worse before they were going to get better. There was no way Team Mar could help Team Saga anymore.
"What could I have done?" She spoke again. "What will my people think of me? What will I do when I lose my title?"
"I can't say." Jak replied in a blunt tone.
"What am I supposed to do?"
Jak finally allowed his hand to land on Kat's shoulder. He gripped down on her and said, "Kat, there is no way you're going to win this race."
"I…"
"You're going to have to accept it." Jak continued. "The committee will disband your team from the race soon."
"I can't lose…" Her head lowered. "What about my home? My things? Where will I go?"
Jak felt his teeth grind against each other. He lifted his left hand and placed it on Kat's left shoulder. He then with a gentle force, spun her around to face him. He tightened his grip on her shoulders and looked her straight in the eyes.
"You have us." Jak said in a soft voice. "You have me."
More tears pooled in the corners of her eyes. "But I don't want to!"
Jak had to laugh. "Come on," He encouraged her. "You sound like a kid."
She looked up to him, tears streaming down her round cheeks. Her eyelashes fluttered while she blinked. Her lips were slightly parted open and her chin lifted to meet Jak. She slowly closed her eyes, forcing more tears to fall. She took in a deep breath through her mouth and sighed. Jak pulled her closer. He removed his hands from her shoulders and wrapped them around her back. His fingers traced across the silky texture of her blue dress until his arms formed an 'x' on her back. He pulled her into his chest and held her.
He could hear several more whimpers escape her lips but moments later she became silent. She nuzzled her nose into his chest while her breathing slowed. Good, she was settling down. Jak rested his face against the stiff hairs of Kat's WampusCat ears. His nostrils filled with the floral scent of perfume she wore.
She had made her mistakes, and now she had to pay for them. There was nothing he could do for her now. He could only stay by the sidelines and support her through whatever came next. But why was he so stuck on her? Why couldn't he let her go? He just wanted to hang on and protect her forever.
Why did things have to be like this?
Jak felt Kat begin to pull back. He allowed his arms to fall from her back. He then moved them back to her shoulders. He gripped her shoulders while looking into her eyes. Her brown eyes shined in the red glow of the setting sun. Jak lifted his curled index finger to her cheek and flicked away her last stray tear. Jak then moved his palm against her cheek and held it. She shut her eyes after that and moved closer to Jak.
Nothing else mattered here. There were no teams, no winners or losers. It was just them, together, alone. Jak wouldn't hold back his feelings any longer. Jak let his hand fall to her chin. He placed his thumb on her chin and pulled her face close to his. He leaned down toward her and shut his own eyes. He pressed his lips against hers. The warmth of her face and lips caused his body temperature to rise.
Why couldn't things be like they used to? Things were different now but Jak was going to make the most of it. He wouldn't let another day pass without cherishing it. This was a pretty good start.
Act End
