Soaring
Third Arc: Act Thirteen
Was this a good idea? She didn't have time to wonder. All she knew was that she was sneaking out of her own hotel suite to meet up with him. The stress of the race was hanging over Kat's head like nothing ever before. Weeks had passed and Team Nana and Team Saga had found each other at a stand still. Tomorrow would be the two teams final race. Whichever team placed before the other would be dubbed the winner and the feud between Team Nana and Team Saga would be decided. This was the semi-final.
It was obvious that Team Mar and Mizo would be the two teams to fight in the final round of the Kras City Grand Prix. Was she scared? Of course. But it was something she was going to have to overcome. There was no room for fear here.
It had also been weeks since she had last seen him. Damn, her cheeks still burned at the mere thought of their last meeting. They had…no, it was too embarrassing to admit! But it had happened! She couldn't deny that! Did Jak feel the same way she did? He had to.
Kat stood outside and behind the hotel building. It was evening by this time, the perfect time to sneak out. She stood with her back against the building wall, her nose lifted to the air. The sweet, salty air from the sea made her melt. It was like being home. At this point, she wouldn't even mind if Jak was a little late.
He had asked her to come out in private. What was he planning this time? Maybe he would…kiss her again? No! She couldn't think such things! She had to keep her head on straight. After all, they were enemies, weren't they?
"You came."
Her back shot straight up. Oh Mar, there he was! She jerked her head to the right to see him, alone. The scare nearly caused her to squeal but she was able to keep her emotions to herself. Kat gulped as she stared at him. He was the spitting image of Mar, the Mar she had met all those years ago.
"Mar…You can call me Mar."
"Y-yes." Kat nodded.
"Good." He moved closer to her. "I was worried I scared you off."
Running did sound like a good idea right about now. Kat felt the hair on her ears and tail stand straight up. Why did he have to be so good looking? The soothing sound of his voice didn't help matters either. He stopped a few feet from Kat and dropped to the ground. He sat on the gravel and stretched one leg out in front of the other.
"Its calm here at night."
Kat dipped her head between her shoulders. She watched as Jak looked out at the wide view of the seaport in front of him. So he was missing Sandover? She didn't blame him, she missed Saga…
"Sit."
She jerked. Her eyes fell down on Jak to see that he was patting the floor beside him. Her heart began to flutter. Geez, what was it about him that made her so giddy? She couldn't even form proper words around him. It made her look like an idiot.
Kat began to sit down, beyond her fears. She tucked her skirt between her legs and sat beside him. She couldn't look at him. No, not when they were so close to one another. She knew she was blushing; she didn't want to make it any worse. She placed her hands on her lap and turned away from Jak.
"Tomorrow is your final race." Jak said.
"Yes." Kat replied with a small nod of her head.
"Nervous?"
Of course! She wanted to scream at him, 'yes'! But she knew she didn't have the courage. She wanted to ask him, how he was able to keep a cool head in everything he did. What made him such a hero, what gave him courage? If she knew, maybe she could become a better, stronger person. She wasn't going to let her role as Princess define her.
"I'll make it through."
"I know you'll give it all you got."
How could he be so sure? How could he have so much confidence in her? He knew she was weak. He knew she wasn't a skilled driver. Why couldn't he just be honest? Just to tell her that she wouldn't win, that's all he had to do.
"I'm not going to win." Kat said, still not facing in Jak's direction. "You know that."
He was silent. His silence reassured her that she was right. Even he had told her before, she wasn't going to win. There was no hope left for Team Saga. She was going to lose her title, as Princess and she would be homeless. It was no surprise by this point.
"You can still try."
What was the point?
"Go out with everything you have." Jak lifted his fist.
"Why?"
Kat finally turned toward Jak. She could tell her question had caught him off guard. He looked back at her with a look of worry. His hand slowly unclenched and rested on his knee. He took in a deep breath before looking back out at the sea.
"Because it's what your people want." He answered. "Don't give up, die trying."
"But…"
Kat saw Jak flinch. He looked her way once again. By this time Kat had closed her eyes halfway and was looking toward the ground. She had begun to chew on her bottom lip and her tail laid flat on the ground.
"I'm scared."
She had never been so scared in her life. The fear that she was supposed to harbor with Jak, the safety advice she was supposed to follow? It wasn't there. That strange feeling of 'safety' she felt with him, she wished she could hold on to it. If only she could hold on to that safe feeling and bring it with her, wherever she went, then she would be strong. If Jak could be with her everywhere she knew she would be protected. Why did it take her this long to realize it? Only if she had treasured it when she had the chance.
"I know you are."
Then why couldn't he help? If he knew she was scared, and she needed help, why couldn't he be there? He had refused and she knew why but she wouldn't accept it.
"But we'll be there to help you when it's all over."
Kat moved her eyes up to look back into Jak's blue eyes. He stared back at her with such life, such vigor it was amazing. How could he be so strong after all that had happened? It was a mystery that she would never understand. It was the half of herself that was missing.
"Jak," She said in a soft voice, "What if…" She paused for a moment, breaking eye contact with Jak. "What if we just went away…?"
"When this is all over… I'd like to runaway."
Yes, she had said that once before. But only now did she mean those words, more than ever. If they could be alone together, just for a little while, then she would be grateful. Just some time to spend to themselves, without the pressure of saving the world or being a Princess. Like the short time they shared together in Haven City Forest…
"I can't."
Her heart sank.
"I have to stay here."
Of course he did. Kat eyes softened. She began to grind her teeth in her mouth. The urge to cry was great but she couldn't. Not now.
"I have to win this race." He said with a firm voice.
"But why?" The words fell from her mouth before she could think about it.
He paused. He tore his stare away from Kat and looked forward. He narrowed his eyes and released a sigh. Was there something she was missing? Why was Jak in this race to begin with? Kat watched as Jak gripped his fists. Was he struggling with something he wasn't telling?
"Just understand this," Jak whispered. "I have to do this. And you'll understand when its over, I'll tell you then, I promise."
"Is someone hurt?" She had to ask.
Jak was silent.
"If someone's hurt I can…"
"No," Jak lifted his hand. "I have to take care of them myself. I can't let anyone else get hurt, not because of me." His hand dropped as well as his head. "I wasn't able to save Damas, but I won't let it happen again."
"Damas?"
Jak looked to her. "Damas is dead."
It was as if her heart was ripped from her chest. Her jaw dropped as low as it could and her eyes widened. Her bottom lip began to tremble and her hands began to shiver. What was Jak talking about? Damas was dead? Since when? Tears flew from her eyes before she could even think about it. She lifted her shaking hands to her eyes and pressed her fingertips against her eyes. She had to stop the tears, she couldn't cry in front of Jak again.
She sniffled and snorted in an effort to stop the tears. She clenched her jaw and applied more pressure to her eyes. No, no! No more tears! She wasn't a baby; she wasn't a damsel in distress! But…Damas was dead? She refused to believe it.
A warm sensation on her shoulder was the only thing to stop the tears. Her head jerked out of her hands and she turned to the left. Jak had placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Whatever happens in this race," He said while looking her dead in the eyes. "I'm not going to take chances and I'm not going to regret it. Whatever happens, happens."
"What?"
"If something happens to me," Jak's hand squeezed Kat's shoulder. "Don't feel bad about it. Everything happens for a reason."
"What are you talking about?" More tears came from her eyes.
"Nothing." Jak shook his head from side to side.
"Jak?"
Jak removed his hand from her shoulder. He then picked his body up from the floor. Kat watched him with a set of wide, glossy eyes. What was he talking about? If something happened to him? What was going on here?
"Let's get you back to your room." Jak bent down to Kat and offered his right hand.
She stared at his hand, then back to his face. Why couldn't this moment last forever? Why did they have to part ways? She didn't want to be his enemy any more. She slowly placed her hand into his. He wrapped his fingers around her delicate hand and began to pull on her arm. She welcomed the pressure and followed. She was lifted to her feet within seconds.
"Thank you." Kat dipped her head.
"No problem." Jak said with a shake of his head. "No problem."
XoXoX
Razer stood with his back against the wall. Waiting was never something he excelled at but he didn't have much choice now. He was going to have to sit by another day and wait for this stupid little circuit race to be over. Team Saga and Team Nana, what a joke. He couldn't wait for this to be over. He had spent enough time with these lowlife WampusCats.
In the resting area, Razer stood, waiting for word from Edje. He had waiting on this idiot the entire day. Razer's entire night had been nothing but a series of anxious hours. He had a plan and it needed to be sought through without flaw. Nothing short of perfect would be accepted here. He was going to set up a conspiracy, with or without Mizo's support.
Hurting Jak was the only thing he could think about. Night and day, it sat on his mind. He wasn't going to let it go. There was no way that he would let this 'punk' beat him in the one sport he perfected. But taking Jak's life would be far too easy. He would take what he cared about most and destroy it.
The image of Edje entering the lobby caught Razer off guard. He watched as the older male stepped toward Razer, a frown plastered on his face. Oh great, more bad news?
"What's the word?" Razer spoke in a whisper.
Edje closed in on Razer and leaned against the same wall. "It's all done."
"Did anyone see you?"
Edje's eyes shifted back and forth. "No."
"Good." Razer gave a slight nod. "Tell me step by step, what's going to happen."
Edje inhaled a shallow breath through his mouth. "Once the car reaches its top speed, the car will detonate."
Razer gave a second nod. He then flicked his wrist at Edje. "Go. I'm done with you."
"Yes sir."
Razer watched with stern eyes as Edje left from his sight. He then looked back to Team Saga. The three female teammates stood beside each other, speaking amongst one another. This sight wouldn't last long. He was going to make certain of that. He was going to hurt Jak in the worst way possible. It would be something he would never forget.
XoXoX
Kat stood at the starting line. So this was what it came down to. Her, Sydni and the final race. True, neither of them was going to win the Prix all together, but this was just as good. It was just as important, her life depended on it, Saga depended on it. She wasn't going to give up without a fight, Jak wouldn't fight that way and that's how she wanted to do it, like Jak. She could see Sydni several feet away, preparing herself. Why did Kat's stomach ache? It couldn't be all nerves, could it?
"Kat."
She jolted. She whirled around to look at the group standing behind her. Team Mar? Jak? Her eyes and jaw dropped open. Kat felt her heart begin to skip. Her eyes then moved beyond Team Mar to see Star and Kimi standing in the back. Her teammates? What were they doing here?
"Y…yes?"
Jak stepped forward with his fist lifted. "Good luck."
She felt her cheeks explode with heat. Oh geez, why did she have to blush now, in front of everyone? Kat lifted her palms to her cheeks and looked in the opposite direction. She hated the idea of being the center of attention, why did they have to this to her?
"T-thank you…" She muttered.
"You can do this." Jam said with a smile. "We believe in you."
Great, more words to make her blush.
"Even if you stink at driving." Daxter winked.
"Kat," Torn spoke next. "Be careful."
"Go get 'em." Ashelin managed to crack a small smile.
Sig gave the small female a quick salute. "We'll be waiting for you at the finish line, Kitty-Kat."
Kat ducked her head between her shoulders. She didn't need this! Ah, now she was going to have egg on her face if she lost! Kat fluttered her eyes before looking back to the large group. The stood smiling back at her. Why did they have to smile? It just made things so much more difficult. Didn't they understand? They weren't friends anymore.
Star pushed passed Team Mar and walked toward Kat. Her eyebrows dipped low over her eyes and she pouted her bottom lip. A dusting of pink appeared on her cheeks as she began to speak.
"You better win!" Star then shook her fist at Kat. "Or else, I'll kill you with my bare hands!"
Kat jerked. What was that supposed to mean? Wait…did Star want her to win? So Star did care if she kept her title as Princess. Perhaps they weren't rivals after all…
"Try not to exert yourself." Kimi said with a single eye open and looking in Star's direction. "Kat," Kimi then looked to Kat, with both eyes open. "Do it. Don't screw up."
"I understand." Kat said with a single nod. "I'll try my hardest."
"Don't try!" Jinx shook his wrist at Kat. "Just do it, girl!"
Kat turned her back. She was going to have to do this on her own. There would be no knight in shining armor here to save her this time. When did she grow up? When did she begin doing things all on her own? It felt like just yesterday she was still a kid, being saved by Jak. True was, she didn't want to be an adult. But she had no choice now.
"Kat,"
She froze. She looked over her shoulder and saw her sister standing at the front of the group. Jam's eyebrows were turned upside down and she frowned.
"Kat," She said again. "I love you."
"I…" Kat eyed the wide group of people she once called 'friends'. "I love you too."
XoXoX
Jak wasn't going to sit at the bar for this one. He was going to be in front seat, watching the action by the track. The only thing that was going to separate him from the track was a thick chain link fence. There was no way he could just sit around for this one.
Jak and his friends gathered by the fence about a dozen feet from the starting line. This was where it was going to start, and end. He was going to support Kat and Team Saga, no matter what. Even if they were enemies, he couldn't forget the friendship they shared. A large television screen hovered above the fence for the roaring audience to watch. Jak would keep his eyes on that. He wouldn't take his eyes off, even for a second.
"Today we end the everlasting feud between Team Saga and Team Nana!" G.T. Blitz announced with pride over his cheering audience. "Who will win? There's only one way to find out!"
Jak clenched his fists. Here it was.
"3, 2, 1, GO!"
The horn blared. The roaring of the two female's engines made Jak's hair stand on end. The screeching of their tires caused clouds of smoke to explode into the air. They would be off in seconds. Jak watched as Sydni gained first place with ease. She sped off first and took off around a sharp corner. Jak hooked his fingers in between the spaces in the fence as he watched Kat's car.
Kat's pink Street Grinder took a few moments to start. Jak could feel his heart stop and his breathing slow. What was with the hesitation? Why wasn't her car zooming off along with Sydni's? A few more milliseconds passed before Kat's car finally sped forward.
"Come on, Kat."
He knew the chances of Kat winning were unlikely but he had to hold out hope. If he didn't, who would? Jak watched as she took the first corner widely. Damn, she had a lot to learn. It was then Kat's car disappeared from sight. Jak backed away from the fence and looked up to the large screen. He saw that Sydni still held a tight lead. But Kat was trying her best to keep up.
"Her car stalled." Jam looked to Torn and Ashelin. "What was that about?"
"I have no idea." Torn said with a shrug.
"Her car has never stalled before," The look of concern grew on Jam's face.
"Yer worryin' too much." Jinx sucked on the end of his cigar. "'Dis ain't nuttin', Kitty-Kat will get pass 'dis wit out a problem. Guaranteed."
Jak kept his eyes on the screen. His heart believed that she could do this, but his head told him otherwise. What should he believe? It was so hard to trust either. Jak kept his hands clenched as he watched. He kept his prayers with the Precursors; they were the only ones who could protect her now.
Her car began to spurt out oil, leaving a long slick trail behind her car. Jak felt his stomach sour. Something was wrong here. Her car was acting up? This didn't seem right; Mizo's team had the best of the best parts. What was going on here? Her car chugged along, the sound of her tires echoed through the air. Smoke exited from the small spaces between the hood and the engine.
"Something's wrong." Jak muttered.
"What are you talking about?" Torn was quick to turn to Jak.
Jak whirled around to face his team. "Her car, it's failing."
"THAT'S obvious." Daxter rolled his eyes.
"I have to get out there." Jak gave his team a serious stare.
"WHAT?"
He didn't flinch, even when his team objected. He didn't care what they had to say about this. He knew suddenly what he had to follow, and it was his heart. He was going to follow what his heart told him and go after Kat. He didn't care if the whole world was against him; this was something he was not going to argue.
"What are you TALKING about?" Daxter shrieked. "You're not planning on going OUT THERE are you?"
"I have to." Jak looked to the ground.
"Jak, no!" Jam rushed over and wrapped her hand around Jak's arm. "We could get disqualified!"
Jak grunted. He shut his eyes and began to grind his teeth in his mouth. Disqualified? It didn't sound too crazy for the committee, but this was serious. Could he really risk everything on a single hunch? Could he put his entire team in danger for this small feeling?
"Look," Ashelin stepped forth. "The race is almost over," She said pointing to the television screen. "She'll be fine."
Jak looked back up to the screen. Sydni was already three-quarters of the way finished with the single lapped race. She was took corners quickly and her victory was in sight. Jak's stare hardened.
"Look here folks!" Blitz's voice came over the speaker system. "Sydni is closing in on the finish line!"
"Come on," Jak mumbled. "Just a bit further."
He didn't care if she won, just as long as she came through. He felt Jam's nail dig deep into his arm. So she was feeling the same anxiety? He reached over and placed his hand on top of hers.
"And Sydni passes the finish line!"
Jak blew a sigh of relief. Finally, this was over.
"Jam," Jak looked down to the smaller female. "The race is over, I'm going out there to get Kat." He tightened the grip he hand on Jam's hand.
"Jak?"
Jak gave her a single nod of his head. "Get the paramedics if anything happens in the meantime."
"Hey, hey, HEY!" Daxter leapt off of Jak's shoulder and landed on the ground. "What is your PROBLEM, Jak?"
"Look," Jak looked to his teammates. "I haven't got a lot of time. I'm going to get Kat, I'll be back."
He didn't want for approval. He turned his back to his teams and broke into a sprint. He didn't care how he looked, he was on a mission. He wasn't going to give in to anyone before he got to Kat. He was going to stop her and make sure she was safe from any harm. He wasn't going to let another person he loved get hurt.
Act End
