Torn shook his head slowly.
His body felt limp and lifeless, and his mind did not cease to spin. An aching pain constantly throbbed in his chest, and a headache pounded at his temples. He let out a slow sigh and tried to relax.
He slowly opened his eyes, and the first thing he saw was a lone figure with his back turned in front of him. He blinked several times to clear his blurred vision.
Torn: Where am I?
The figure in front of him turned around and Torn could see him grin. He groaned.
Torn: Not you.
Erol: Had a nice nap, Torn?
Torn looked around him. He was strapped tightly on a sort of circular platform that was held upright. Overhead were strong surgeon lights, and all around him were the constant beeping and buzzing of machinery.
Torn: Where the hell am I?
Erol: Experiment Lab. 56, Krimzon Fortress. You might wanna hold still now, Torn.
Torn: Let me go, you son of a-
Erol: (Grabbing a syringe) Oh, stop being so feisty and hold still.
The Erol grabbed hold of Torn's immobile arm and stabbed the needle sharply into the soft part under his elbow. Torn hissed.
Erol: (Taking the needle out and looking carefully at Torn) Hmm.interesting.
He walked off to the experiment table.
Torn: (Still wincing) So what kind of sick experiment am I part of now?
Erol: (Looking slightly annoyed) Did I tell you to talk?
Torn: If it involves overthrowing the new king-
Erol: (Laughs) Whatever gave you that idea? No, Torn.we won't lay a finger on the kid at all. Infact, we're doing him a favour.
Torn: (Snarls) What kind of favour?
Erol: Curious, aren't you? Well, let me let you into a little secret. Remember that beast Harken caught a few days ago? (Moves towards Torn and pulls down his sleeve to see the scars of the bite wound on his shoulder) I know it bit you, and you're turning into it.
Torn: (Rolls eyes) I've noticed.
Erol: Good, we can skip that chapter.
He walked up to him, studying him with his light brown eyes.
Erol: Harken and I have been watching your endless attempts to kill all the Metalheads for a long time, and we see no improvement. So that got us thinking.what could kill all those Metalheads quickly? We found the answer soon enough.in ancient scrolls.
Torn: Ancient scrolls?
Erol: There was a statement there that said that during Mar's time, there was a creature so vicious and so deadly that even the Metalheads flee from it. In fact, it was so horrific nobody could find a name to describe it. They simply called it 'The Beast.'
Erol's grin widened slowly with every sentence.
Erol: We all know such a Metalhead existed, and we know of its legendary ferocity. This beast is our key to getting rid of all the Metalheads.
Torn shook his head. The plan was crazy. Just too crazy.
Torn: You're crazy.
Erol: It's for the good of Haven City! Metalheads are constantly multiplying and your hunts aren't doing any good! If we don't stop them now, there will be no city left to defend, and the kid is going to lose his throne.
Torn: (Suddenly chuckles) You care about the kid king? Hah! I've never heard you talking sweet about your previous boss.
Erol: (Darkly) The Baron is a mindless fool. I realized that a long time ago.
Torn: About time.
Erol: But don't you see the point, Torn? If we can control that inner beast of yours and give its powers to more willing warriors.just think of the possibilities! We can expand our borders, conquer cities-
Torn: You won't be able to control me!
Erol: Yes, we will! Even if it means torturing you until you beg for death!
Torn: Try me.
Erol: (Shaking his head) As you wish, Torn. (Turning away towards the exit) Now.try to get yourself comfortable. You'll be here for a very, very long time.
*
Jak and Daxter ran up quietly towards the hidden back door of the Krimzon Fortress. Now that it became a Mar Huntsman base, Jak regretted leaving the building nuetral, letting other people to take control of it anytime they want.
Daxter: Still got Ashelin's Fortress key, Jak?
Jak: We won't be using the door, Daxter.
He smashed a window open with the butt of his scatter-gun.
Daxter: Oh well, I do love breaking in with style.
Jak: (Leaps quietly inside) Come on, let's start looking.
*
Erol stared casually out of the small, box-like chamber overlooking the great circular room below him. Just a few minutes ago, his men had carefully put Torn into this new chamber and held him to the ground with chains so he wouldn't escape this experiment. He watched his fellow ex- Krimzon with mild interest, until he turned around to see his leader Harken walk into the room.
Harken: I see you have found the serum to stop his transformation.
Erol: Yes, sir.
Harken: Good work, commander. I knew I could count on you.
Erol: Thank you, sir.
Harken: (Looks at Torn) How long has the serum been working?
Erol: For only thirty minutes.it should be deactivated about right now.
Harken: Good. Good. Then let the experiment begin.
Erol gave the orders to his fellow Huntsmen stationed below and pressed a nearby button on the control-consul. When he did, the domed ceiling above them slowly halved apart to reveal another domed ceiling made out of glass. The opening widened again.finally revealling the moon.
Erol watched as Torn began to shift uncomfortably in the arena. Torn had doubled over and began to scream horrifically. Erol winced slightly as the transformation began.
After a few minutes, a frightening wolf-beast stood where Torn had been. It roared deafeningly, tearing at the chains and struggling to escape. Erol snapped out of his horrored trance and yelled to his men below him.
Erol: Well, what are you waiting for?! Shot it!
The Huntsmen anxiously approached the roaring beast slowly and aimed their rifles at it. Instead of bullets, they fired tranquilizers filled with a green serum. The beast let out an enraged shriek when they hit it, but once the serum had been injected into its flesh the beast recoiled and whined. The claws began to shrink back into nails, and the metal armour dissapeared back into the skin. The transformation had been stopped.
Torn lay gasping on his side, looking exhausted.
Harken: Very, very impressive, commander. That serum will come in very handy once we start toying with him.
Harken slunk away to look at the windows overlooking the city. Erol followed him slowly.
Harken: Look at that city, commander. Beautiful, isn't it? Such a shame it's so small.
Erol: Yes, sir.
Harken: Once we've found a way to tame our little pet, we'll be able to expand its borders and create an empire of our own, complete with its own new systems of government and politics.
Erol: What kind of new system, if I may ask, sir?
Harken: A system that will overrun the simple, pathetic one that Mar cooked up years ago. The city is much too free, much too.content.
Erol: Err.I don't see anything wrong with that, sir.
Harken: You wouldn't understand the true side of politics, commander. There will be a new system of forced labor when we're done expanding this little dump of a city.
Erol: (Looking surprised) Forced labor?? You mean slavery?
Harken: Of course, commander.
Erol: But.I don't think the people will like the idea.
Harken: I'm not asking them to like the system, commander. That's what that beast is for.
Erol: What?
Harken: Anyone who defies the new system will have to deal with the beast themselves. That'll keep their toes within the line.
Erol: You mean you aren't going to use it just to get rid of the Metalheads?!
Harken: Of course not, commander! What did you think I was going to do? Create a zoo?
Erol: Wait.wait.you never told me this. What of the new king? What are you going to do to him?
Harken: (Starting to look irritated) Listen, commander. For years, my forefathers have watched Mar's reign and how he had ruled it. His people were just too sickeningly happy, and that's no way to live. Expenses flared due to several foolish festivals and celebrations. My forefathers, the original Huntsmen of Mar, knew this must end. After Mar's death they attempted to overthrow the young prince, but failed.
Erol: Is that why you were erased from history?
Harken: Yes, and what a shame that was to my family. For years, the vengence has been passed on, finally to me. I tried to seize my chance when the last king died, but then that Praxis snatched that opportunity away from me. But now that that's done.it's my turn. I'll get that child's f***ing ass off the throne and let a true ruler reign over Haven City.
Erol: What are you going to do with the child king if you do?
Harken: Well.last time Praxis left him alive, the rebels restored him. I am not going to repeat that same mistake. I'll crush his little skull with my own hands if I have to.
Erol: (Sounding shocked) But he's only a child!
Harken: Which makes it easier for me to kill him.
Erol: I'm no child-killer. It isn't right.
Harken: (Growling) Commander, I admire you for several different reasons. You're brave and honest.but I recommend that you put a bandage over that bleeding heart of yours cos it doesn't suit a Huntsman!
Erol: I'm sorry, sir-
Harken: Enough of that! You're dismissed, commander!
Erol: (Breathing deeply) Yes, sir.
Erol stormed out of box-room, his stomach cringing after the experience. He shook his head several times, trying not to think of the child's cold, dead body if Harken truly meant what he was going to do. He didn't want the child king to die.and he knew that to keep him alive, he'll have to ruin Harken's plan and betray his position among the Huntsmen.
He knew at once what he must do.
His body felt limp and lifeless, and his mind did not cease to spin. An aching pain constantly throbbed in his chest, and a headache pounded at his temples. He let out a slow sigh and tried to relax.
He slowly opened his eyes, and the first thing he saw was a lone figure with his back turned in front of him. He blinked several times to clear his blurred vision.
Torn: Where am I?
The figure in front of him turned around and Torn could see him grin. He groaned.
Torn: Not you.
Erol: Had a nice nap, Torn?
Torn looked around him. He was strapped tightly on a sort of circular platform that was held upright. Overhead were strong surgeon lights, and all around him were the constant beeping and buzzing of machinery.
Torn: Where the hell am I?
Erol: Experiment Lab. 56, Krimzon Fortress. You might wanna hold still now, Torn.
Torn: Let me go, you son of a-
Erol: (Grabbing a syringe) Oh, stop being so feisty and hold still.
The Erol grabbed hold of Torn's immobile arm and stabbed the needle sharply into the soft part under his elbow. Torn hissed.
Erol: (Taking the needle out and looking carefully at Torn) Hmm.interesting.
He walked off to the experiment table.
Torn: (Still wincing) So what kind of sick experiment am I part of now?
Erol: (Looking slightly annoyed) Did I tell you to talk?
Torn: If it involves overthrowing the new king-
Erol: (Laughs) Whatever gave you that idea? No, Torn.we won't lay a finger on the kid at all. Infact, we're doing him a favour.
Torn: (Snarls) What kind of favour?
Erol: Curious, aren't you? Well, let me let you into a little secret. Remember that beast Harken caught a few days ago? (Moves towards Torn and pulls down his sleeve to see the scars of the bite wound on his shoulder) I know it bit you, and you're turning into it.
Torn: (Rolls eyes) I've noticed.
Erol: Good, we can skip that chapter.
He walked up to him, studying him with his light brown eyes.
Erol: Harken and I have been watching your endless attempts to kill all the Metalheads for a long time, and we see no improvement. So that got us thinking.what could kill all those Metalheads quickly? We found the answer soon enough.in ancient scrolls.
Torn: Ancient scrolls?
Erol: There was a statement there that said that during Mar's time, there was a creature so vicious and so deadly that even the Metalheads flee from it. In fact, it was so horrific nobody could find a name to describe it. They simply called it 'The Beast.'
Erol's grin widened slowly with every sentence.
Erol: We all know such a Metalhead existed, and we know of its legendary ferocity. This beast is our key to getting rid of all the Metalheads.
Torn shook his head. The plan was crazy. Just too crazy.
Torn: You're crazy.
Erol: It's for the good of Haven City! Metalheads are constantly multiplying and your hunts aren't doing any good! If we don't stop them now, there will be no city left to defend, and the kid is going to lose his throne.
Torn: (Suddenly chuckles) You care about the kid king? Hah! I've never heard you talking sweet about your previous boss.
Erol: (Darkly) The Baron is a mindless fool. I realized that a long time ago.
Torn: About time.
Erol: But don't you see the point, Torn? If we can control that inner beast of yours and give its powers to more willing warriors.just think of the possibilities! We can expand our borders, conquer cities-
Torn: You won't be able to control me!
Erol: Yes, we will! Even if it means torturing you until you beg for death!
Torn: Try me.
Erol: (Shaking his head) As you wish, Torn. (Turning away towards the exit) Now.try to get yourself comfortable. You'll be here for a very, very long time.
*
Jak and Daxter ran up quietly towards the hidden back door of the Krimzon Fortress. Now that it became a Mar Huntsman base, Jak regretted leaving the building nuetral, letting other people to take control of it anytime they want.
Daxter: Still got Ashelin's Fortress key, Jak?
Jak: We won't be using the door, Daxter.
He smashed a window open with the butt of his scatter-gun.
Daxter: Oh well, I do love breaking in with style.
Jak: (Leaps quietly inside) Come on, let's start looking.
*
Erol stared casually out of the small, box-like chamber overlooking the great circular room below him. Just a few minutes ago, his men had carefully put Torn into this new chamber and held him to the ground with chains so he wouldn't escape this experiment. He watched his fellow ex- Krimzon with mild interest, until he turned around to see his leader Harken walk into the room.
Harken: I see you have found the serum to stop his transformation.
Erol: Yes, sir.
Harken: Good work, commander. I knew I could count on you.
Erol: Thank you, sir.
Harken: (Looks at Torn) How long has the serum been working?
Erol: For only thirty minutes.it should be deactivated about right now.
Harken: Good. Good. Then let the experiment begin.
Erol gave the orders to his fellow Huntsmen stationed below and pressed a nearby button on the control-consul. When he did, the domed ceiling above them slowly halved apart to reveal another domed ceiling made out of glass. The opening widened again.finally revealling the moon.
Erol watched as Torn began to shift uncomfortably in the arena. Torn had doubled over and began to scream horrifically. Erol winced slightly as the transformation began.
After a few minutes, a frightening wolf-beast stood where Torn had been. It roared deafeningly, tearing at the chains and struggling to escape. Erol snapped out of his horrored trance and yelled to his men below him.
Erol: Well, what are you waiting for?! Shot it!
The Huntsmen anxiously approached the roaring beast slowly and aimed their rifles at it. Instead of bullets, they fired tranquilizers filled with a green serum. The beast let out an enraged shriek when they hit it, but once the serum had been injected into its flesh the beast recoiled and whined. The claws began to shrink back into nails, and the metal armour dissapeared back into the skin. The transformation had been stopped.
Torn lay gasping on his side, looking exhausted.
Harken: Very, very impressive, commander. That serum will come in very handy once we start toying with him.
Harken slunk away to look at the windows overlooking the city. Erol followed him slowly.
Harken: Look at that city, commander. Beautiful, isn't it? Such a shame it's so small.
Erol: Yes, sir.
Harken: Once we've found a way to tame our little pet, we'll be able to expand its borders and create an empire of our own, complete with its own new systems of government and politics.
Erol: What kind of new system, if I may ask, sir?
Harken: A system that will overrun the simple, pathetic one that Mar cooked up years ago. The city is much too free, much too.content.
Erol: Err.I don't see anything wrong with that, sir.
Harken: You wouldn't understand the true side of politics, commander. There will be a new system of forced labor when we're done expanding this little dump of a city.
Erol: (Looking surprised) Forced labor?? You mean slavery?
Harken: Of course, commander.
Erol: But.I don't think the people will like the idea.
Harken: I'm not asking them to like the system, commander. That's what that beast is for.
Erol: What?
Harken: Anyone who defies the new system will have to deal with the beast themselves. That'll keep their toes within the line.
Erol: You mean you aren't going to use it just to get rid of the Metalheads?!
Harken: Of course not, commander! What did you think I was going to do? Create a zoo?
Erol: Wait.wait.you never told me this. What of the new king? What are you going to do to him?
Harken: (Starting to look irritated) Listen, commander. For years, my forefathers have watched Mar's reign and how he had ruled it. His people were just too sickeningly happy, and that's no way to live. Expenses flared due to several foolish festivals and celebrations. My forefathers, the original Huntsmen of Mar, knew this must end. After Mar's death they attempted to overthrow the young prince, but failed.
Erol: Is that why you were erased from history?
Harken: Yes, and what a shame that was to my family. For years, the vengence has been passed on, finally to me. I tried to seize my chance when the last king died, but then that Praxis snatched that opportunity away from me. But now that that's done.it's my turn. I'll get that child's f***ing ass off the throne and let a true ruler reign over Haven City.
Erol: What are you going to do with the child king if you do?
Harken: Well.last time Praxis left him alive, the rebels restored him. I am not going to repeat that same mistake. I'll crush his little skull with my own hands if I have to.
Erol: (Sounding shocked) But he's only a child!
Harken: Which makes it easier for me to kill him.
Erol: I'm no child-killer. It isn't right.
Harken: (Growling) Commander, I admire you for several different reasons. You're brave and honest.but I recommend that you put a bandage over that bleeding heart of yours cos it doesn't suit a Huntsman!
Erol: I'm sorry, sir-
Harken: Enough of that! You're dismissed, commander!
Erol: (Breathing deeply) Yes, sir.
Erol stormed out of box-room, his stomach cringing after the experience. He shook his head several times, trying not to think of the child's cold, dead body if Harken truly meant what he was going to do. He didn't want the child king to die.and he knew that to keep him alive, he'll have to ruin Harken's plan and betray his position among the Huntsmen.
He knew at once what he must do.