Well, I'm finally back. Sorry for the delay folks, but hopefully things
will start picking up pace now that I'm on my 3 month summer break.
Anyways, here is the first chapter to my 'White City' fic. Starts off a
bit strange, but I've been on a study break, so it may take me a little
while to get back into my fanfic writing style again. Be aware that I've
STILL trying to finish off two other fics, so they also have high priority.
Gonna start this chapter with TWO dedications, although it's actually for the whole fic itself, instead of just one chapter.
First of all: Phoe - Chan. A wonderful, friendly and devoted Jak and Daxter fan. Not to mention a GREAT fic writer. This girl was so supportive of my first fic, and half the reason I'm starting this sequel is because of her. Right now we are planning on doing a co-authored fic together, but for now, I'll let her have her own little space here, as one of the people this fic is dedicated to. *hugs* You go girl!
And secondly: Gemma (Timonaholic). My bestest-best buddy on the net. We have a lot in common, and she always read and reviewed my last Jak and Daxter fic, even though she hadn't even played the game! You're a real pal Timon (Not to mention a REAL whiz with the laser guns! *cough* Only D-sites RPG fans will understand THAT!) *sweatdrop* err, anyways, Thankies for all your effort girl! *hugs*
And so, here it is boys and girls. Chapter one of my new Jak and Daxter fic (aka - the sequel to 'Lost White City'
~Keysha
The Kryzdal Guardian
Chapter one: The Memory
*** FLASHBACK ***
The young girl sighed heavily as she tried to hold back the tears. Karma, her older sister, stood beside her, making sure that the elegant clothing she wore did not crease as the little princess waited.
This was the day she had been dreading. Xema had finally gotten to the age where she had to wed. It had been, of course, all pre-arranged years ago. It was her father's duty to find her a husband, and no sooner had Xema been born, then he was out and about, looking for the 'perfect' husband for her. Xema hated the idea of marrying someone she had never even met before. She felt like dirt.
Karma petted her little sister's shoulder. "Come on." She insisted, as if this was all one big game to her. "Stop looking so glum! Byron will be here any minute!"
'Byron'. Xema HATED that name. He was the young man she was supposed to marry, and today was the pre-wedding, the day where she actually met him for the first time. She glanced over at Karma, who stood tall and proud in her dark robes. It was easy for her; she NEVER had to marry unless she wanted too. Being the first born, she was entitled to reign over her father's city once he passed away. Yet Karma always seemed to be insistive of Xema marrying as soon as possible. It was almost as if Karma was WORRIED that Xema would take her place instead.
Xema glanced up as her father strode into the room. She sighed. Maybe, if she were lucky, Byron would be a nice guy. Perhaps he would have nice blue eyes, or a handsome smile. Hopefully he would have a sense of humor. Xema loved it when people made her laugh.
But no such luck. Xema felt her heart sink as Byron strode into the room behind her father. His body was a complex city of muscles - completely over the top - it was as if the guy had been living on steroids. No sign of the blue eyes either, just dark brown eyes that looked at a world that was too low class for his taste. He was supposed to be Xema's age, but he looked more like he was three or four years older. And the stern look on his face told Xema that this guy had barely ever heard of something funny in his LIFE, let alone TALKED about it.
"Xema, this is Bryon." Draco, Xema's father, introduced them properly. "Bryon, this is my daughter, Xema."
Bryon studied Xema, cocking an eyebrow at her small figure. "Xema?" He questioned. "Doesn't that mean 'free spirit?'" He bent down slightly so he could look into Xema's eyes. She wished he didn't.
Bryon grinned, and spoke to Xema for the first time. "But that name is so UNSUITABLE for such a pretty thing like you." He intended to win Xema's respect with this, but it didn't work.
"I happen to LIKE my name!" Xema shot back. Bryon reeled back in surprised, but then laughed, smoothing back his hair as he did so. Xema noticed for the first time, that it looked like the guy had an oil slick in his dark locks. 'Yuck! WAY too much gel!' She thought.
"With a mouth like that, your name should mean 'talks-too-much!'" He laughed, and to Xema's shock, Karma joined him. 'Traitor!' Xema thought, as she glared at her sister, she then turned to face Bryon.
"My MOTHER gave me that name!" She hissed, and Bryon responded by patting her on the head like a baby.
"Oh, no points fussing over silly little things like THAT!" He insisted. "You should be HAPPY Xema. Just think, tomorrow we'll be married, and all your dreams will come true!"
Xema made one of her fake little choking sounds. "What, you mean loosing my lunch when reality sets on me has always been one of my dreams?" She shot back. Bryon's mouth opened, but he could not seem to think of anything to respond with. His face reddened and he glared at the princess.
"How DARE you!" He shot back, but Xema butted in.
"No, how dare YOU! Coming into my life and expecting me to LIKE a self centered JERK like YOU!" Xema spun around and prepared to leave the room, but Draco grabbed her arm.
"XEMA! Apologize!" He hissed, but Xema shook her head.
"No father, I WON'T!" She cried, pulling out of his grip and running away as fast as she could, back to her room. As the tears flowed down her face, she changed back into her casual clothes (of which her father very much objected to, since they were so un-princess like), and then she headed for her balcony. Gazing out over the city, Xema spread her feathered wings, and glided over the city, and out of the protective dome around it, away from her home.
Where was she going now? This wasn't the first time she had run away from home. She decided to head south, towards the sea. She had never seen the ocean before, and the idea of gazing out onto it took away some of the pain. Maybe things would get better when she got there. After all, ANYTHING was better than staying home and getting married to the likes of Bryon.
*** END FLASHBACK ***
For no apparent reason, Daxter had laid awake almost all of the night. He was just lost in thought, not to mention his bed, which surrounded him and made his lack of height even more apparent. It was comforting to hear the soft, gentle breaths beside him. Reminding him that he wasn't alone.
How long had it been now? One month? Two? He had completely lost track of time. Life had defiantly changed for the little ottsel, and he couldn't have been happier. True, he DID still want to escape his ottsel form, and become the boy he once was, but one thing had happened to him, that had defiantly pushed him up a level on his 'happiness indicator', as he liked to call it.
He had a girlfriend.
Not just any girlfriend, a GREAT one. And he loved her. She loved him back to, perhaps that was why she had decided to hang around in an ottsel body, like him, until they could find a way to change him back.
Yet Daxter knew she was living in fear. A while back, he older sister had tried to kill both her and Daxter, out of jealousy, and other matters that take a lot to explain. Karma, the offending sister, had been caught and punished (WHAT had happened to her was debatable, since no one ever wanted to talk about it), but Daxter knew she would spend every day of her life planning carefully laid plans as to how she would escape her imprisonment and kill them.
The ottsel turned over and gazed at the figure beside him. He dared not touch her, incase he woke her. Xema looked like a sleeping angel to him. If only there was something he could do to reassure her that everything was okay. He knew she was troubled deep down. On her exterior, she was bright and bubbly. Friendly with everyone, and extremely loving and caring of Daxter, but until Daxter could find a way to show her that Karma would not be able to harm her, Xema would always be living her life in fear. It pained him to see her like this.
The dusty-ginger ottsel stirred slightly, and Daxter held his breath, hoping she wouldn't wake up. She had barely slept these past few days, and sleep was something she very much needed. But she didn't wake; instead, she aimlessly reached out for something to cuddle up to. Daxter answered her call by crawling over to her, and she gratefully snuggled up to him, resting her head on his chest. He smiled and ran his paw through her fringe as she slept. Happy that he had her, and relieved that she had him.
Daxter may have been immature at times, but his cries for attention had died down a fair bit since he met Xema.
Now he had some one who took notice of him, and he loved it.
***
"Are you SURE he needs me?" Xema pleaded with the towering over her. The guard nodded.
"I'm sorry Xema, but your father INSISTS that you return home immediately. If this doesn't get sorted out NOW, then problems will defiantly arise in the future!"
Xema sighed, rubbing a paw over her aching temples. Both Jak and Daxter stood beside her, confused as to what was going on.
"COME ON!" Daxter insisted. "What bizarre ROYAL matters need you to travel ALL the way back home?" Jak nodded in agreement. Xema bit her lip, wondering if she should tell them.
"Well, it's like this." She started. "I have to assist my father in, well, canceling my pre-arranged marriage."
Daxter's jaw dropped down an inch, as did Jak's. Both stood speechless for a moment before Daxter, as usual, broke the silence.
"What! You mean YOU were meant to MARRY someone?" There was a pause. "And it WASN'T ME?"
There was a chuckle heard coming from Jak as Xema nervously rubbed the back of her furry neck. "Yes Daxter, I WAS supposed to marry someone, not that I WANTED too anyway, but now that I have to take the throne after my father, I don't have to marry Byron any more."
"Bryon?" Daxter echoed, before falling flat on his back and rolling about in tears of laughter. "WHAT kind of name is BRYON? His parents must have REALLY hated him!"
"It's a common name around my parts." Xema replied, cocking an eyebrow. "One of my close friends happens to be called Bryon and his parents love him very much!"
Daxter's laughing halted.
"So?" The guard coughed, gaining everyone's attention. "Are you coming back princess?"
Xema turned to Jak and Daxter. "Look, I HAVE to go back. It will only be for a few days, but you two are welcome to come if you want to."
Daxter looked up at Jak, and the blonde was fully aware that the ottsel was willing to follow Xema into the jaws of death, going back to her home was no problem. On top of that, Jak knew Daxter was annoyed that some guy had even DARED taking Xema from him, even BEFORE he had met her, Daxter wanted to go back to the city and fully claim Xema to himself. And Jak didn't want to turn down the opportunity of a leisurely trip in the air, so it was agreed upon that the two would indeed accompany Xema and the guard back to the fabled white city.
With all arrangements set in place, the duo bid farewell to Keira and Samos. (Well, Jak said goodbye to Samos. Daxter refused to go anywhere NEAR the old man until he apologized for turning the ottsel's tail green last week during a freak experiment gone wrong. Of course, Xema had instantly solved the problem when she discovered that Daxter could wash the green colour off with soap and water, but it meant that Daxter had to take a bath, something the ottsel truly hated, and he blamed this on Samos, therefore he refused to talk with him until he received an apology). And once they were ready, the guard picked up Jak, with Xema and Daxter seated in his shoulder pouch, spread his strong wings, and took off into the skies, heading far north, towards Xema's old home, and the place where all of her adventures had begun.
Gonna start this chapter with TWO dedications, although it's actually for the whole fic itself, instead of just one chapter.
First of all: Phoe - Chan. A wonderful, friendly and devoted Jak and Daxter fan. Not to mention a GREAT fic writer. This girl was so supportive of my first fic, and half the reason I'm starting this sequel is because of her. Right now we are planning on doing a co-authored fic together, but for now, I'll let her have her own little space here, as one of the people this fic is dedicated to. *hugs* You go girl!
And secondly: Gemma (Timonaholic). My bestest-best buddy on the net. We have a lot in common, and she always read and reviewed my last Jak and Daxter fic, even though she hadn't even played the game! You're a real pal Timon (Not to mention a REAL whiz with the laser guns! *cough* Only D-sites RPG fans will understand THAT!) *sweatdrop* err, anyways, Thankies for all your effort girl! *hugs*
And so, here it is boys and girls. Chapter one of my new Jak and Daxter fic (aka - the sequel to 'Lost White City'
~Keysha
The Kryzdal Guardian
Chapter one: The Memory
*** FLASHBACK ***
The young girl sighed heavily as she tried to hold back the tears. Karma, her older sister, stood beside her, making sure that the elegant clothing she wore did not crease as the little princess waited.
This was the day she had been dreading. Xema had finally gotten to the age where she had to wed. It had been, of course, all pre-arranged years ago. It was her father's duty to find her a husband, and no sooner had Xema been born, then he was out and about, looking for the 'perfect' husband for her. Xema hated the idea of marrying someone she had never even met before. She felt like dirt.
Karma petted her little sister's shoulder. "Come on." She insisted, as if this was all one big game to her. "Stop looking so glum! Byron will be here any minute!"
'Byron'. Xema HATED that name. He was the young man she was supposed to marry, and today was the pre-wedding, the day where she actually met him for the first time. She glanced over at Karma, who stood tall and proud in her dark robes. It was easy for her; she NEVER had to marry unless she wanted too. Being the first born, she was entitled to reign over her father's city once he passed away. Yet Karma always seemed to be insistive of Xema marrying as soon as possible. It was almost as if Karma was WORRIED that Xema would take her place instead.
Xema glanced up as her father strode into the room. She sighed. Maybe, if she were lucky, Byron would be a nice guy. Perhaps he would have nice blue eyes, or a handsome smile. Hopefully he would have a sense of humor. Xema loved it when people made her laugh.
But no such luck. Xema felt her heart sink as Byron strode into the room behind her father. His body was a complex city of muscles - completely over the top - it was as if the guy had been living on steroids. No sign of the blue eyes either, just dark brown eyes that looked at a world that was too low class for his taste. He was supposed to be Xema's age, but he looked more like he was three or four years older. And the stern look on his face told Xema that this guy had barely ever heard of something funny in his LIFE, let alone TALKED about it.
"Xema, this is Bryon." Draco, Xema's father, introduced them properly. "Bryon, this is my daughter, Xema."
Bryon studied Xema, cocking an eyebrow at her small figure. "Xema?" He questioned. "Doesn't that mean 'free spirit?'" He bent down slightly so he could look into Xema's eyes. She wished he didn't.
Bryon grinned, and spoke to Xema for the first time. "But that name is so UNSUITABLE for such a pretty thing like you." He intended to win Xema's respect with this, but it didn't work.
"I happen to LIKE my name!" Xema shot back. Bryon reeled back in surprised, but then laughed, smoothing back his hair as he did so. Xema noticed for the first time, that it looked like the guy had an oil slick in his dark locks. 'Yuck! WAY too much gel!' She thought.
"With a mouth like that, your name should mean 'talks-too-much!'" He laughed, and to Xema's shock, Karma joined him. 'Traitor!' Xema thought, as she glared at her sister, she then turned to face Bryon.
"My MOTHER gave me that name!" She hissed, and Bryon responded by patting her on the head like a baby.
"Oh, no points fussing over silly little things like THAT!" He insisted. "You should be HAPPY Xema. Just think, tomorrow we'll be married, and all your dreams will come true!"
Xema made one of her fake little choking sounds. "What, you mean loosing my lunch when reality sets on me has always been one of my dreams?" She shot back. Bryon's mouth opened, but he could not seem to think of anything to respond with. His face reddened and he glared at the princess.
"How DARE you!" He shot back, but Xema butted in.
"No, how dare YOU! Coming into my life and expecting me to LIKE a self centered JERK like YOU!" Xema spun around and prepared to leave the room, but Draco grabbed her arm.
"XEMA! Apologize!" He hissed, but Xema shook her head.
"No father, I WON'T!" She cried, pulling out of his grip and running away as fast as she could, back to her room. As the tears flowed down her face, she changed back into her casual clothes (of which her father very much objected to, since they were so un-princess like), and then she headed for her balcony. Gazing out over the city, Xema spread her feathered wings, and glided over the city, and out of the protective dome around it, away from her home.
Where was she going now? This wasn't the first time she had run away from home. She decided to head south, towards the sea. She had never seen the ocean before, and the idea of gazing out onto it took away some of the pain. Maybe things would get better when she got there. After all, ANYTHING was better than staying home and getting married to the likes of Bryon.
*** END FLASHBACK ***
For no apparent reason, Daxter had laid awake almost all of the night. He was just lost in thought, not to mention his bed, which surrounded him and made his lack of height even more apparent. It was comforting to hear the soft, gentle breaths beside him. Reminding him that he wasn't alone.
How long had it been now? One month? Two? He had completely lost track of time. Life had defiantly changed for the little ottsel, and he couldn't have been happier. True, he DID still want to escape his ottsel form, and become the boy he once was, but one thing had happened to him, that had defiantly pushed him up a level on his 'happiness indicator', as he liked to call it.
He had a girlfriend.
Not just any girlfriend, a GREAT one. And he loved her. She loved him back to, perhaps that was why she had decided to hang around in an ottsel body, like him, until they could find a way to change him back.
Yet Daxter knew she was living in fear. A while back, he older sister had tried to kill both her and Daxter, out of jealousy, and other matters that take a lot to explain. Karma, the offending sister, had been caught and punished (WHAT had happened to her was debatable, since no one ever wanted to talk about it), but Daxter knew she would spend every day of her life planning carefully laid plans as to how she would escape her imprisonment and kill them.
The ottsel turned over and gazed at the figure beside him. He dared not touch her, incase he woke her. Xema looked like a sleeping angel to him. If only there was something he could do to reassure her that everything was okay. He knew she was troubled deep down. On her exterior, she was bright and bubbly. Friendly with everyone, and extremely loving and caring of Daxter, but until Daxter could find a way to show her that Karma would not be able to harm her, Xema would always be living her life in fear. It pained him to see her like this.
The dusty-ginger ottsel stirred slightly, and Daxter held his breath, hoping she wouldn't wake up. She had barely slept these past few days, and sleep was something she very much needed. But she didn't wake; instead, she aimlessly reached out for something to cuddle up to. Daxter answered her call by crawling over to her, and she gratefully snuggled up to him, resting her head on his chest. He smiled and ran his paw through her fringe as she slept. Happy that he had her, and relieved that she had him.
Daxter may have been immature at times, but his cries for attention had died down a fair bit since he met Xema.
Now he had some one who took notice of him, and he loved it.
***
"Are you SURE he needs me?" Xema pleaded with the towering over her. The guard nodded.
"I'm sorry Xema, but your father INSISTS that you return home immediately. If this doesn't get sorted out NOW, then problems will defiantly arise in the future!"
Xema sighed, rubbing a paw over her aching temples. Both Jak and Daxter stood beside her, confused as to what was going on.
"COME ON!" Daxter insisted. "What bizarre ROYAL matters need you to travel ALL the way back home?" Jak nodded in agreement. Xema bit her lip, wondering if she should tell them.
"Well, it's like this." She started. "I have to assist my father in, well, canceling my pre-arranged marriage."
Daxter's jaw dropped down an inch, as did Jak's. Both stood speechless for a moment before Daxter, as usual, broke the silence.
"What! You mean YOU were meant to MARRY someone?" There was a pause. "And it WASN'T ME?"
There was a chuckle heard coming from Jak as Xema nervously rubbed the back of her furry neck. "Yes Daxter, I WAS supposed to marry someone, not that I WANTED too anyway, but now that I have to take the throne after my father, I don't have to marry Byron any more."
"Bryon?" Daxter echoed, before falling flat on his back and rolling about in tears of laughter. "WHAT kind of name is BRYON? His parents must have REALLY hated him!"
"It's a common name around my parts." Xema replied, cocking an eyebrow. "One of my close friends happens to be called Bryon and his parents love him very much!"
Daxter's laughing halted.
"So?" The guard coughed, gaining everyone's attention. "Are you coming back princess?"
Xema turned to Jak and Daxter. "Look, I HAVE to go back. It will only be for a few days, but you two are welcome to come if you want to."
Daxter looked up at Jak, and the blonde was fully aware that the ottsel was willing to follow Xema into the jaws of death, going back to her home was no problem. On top of that, Jak knew Daxter was annoyed that some guy had even DARED taking Xema from him, even BEFORE he had met her, Daxter wanted to go back to the city and fully claim Xema to himself. And Jak didn't want to turn down the opportunity of a leisurely trip in the air, so it was agreed upon that the two would indeed accompany Xema and the guard back to the fabled white city.
With all arrangements set in place, the duo bid farewell to Keira and Samos. (Well, Jak said goodbye to Samos. Daxter refused to go anywhere NEAR the old man until he apologized for turning the ottsel's tail green last week during a freak experiment gone wrong. Of course, Xema had instantly solved the problem when she discovered that Daxter could wash the green colour off with soap and water, but it meant that Daxter had to take a bath, something the ottsel truly hated, and he blamed this on Samos, therefore he refused to talk with him until he received an apology). And once they were ready, the guard picked up Jak, with Xema and Daxter seated in his shoulder pouch, spread his strong wings, and took off into the skies, heading far north, towards Xema's old home, and the place where all of her adventures had begun.
