It was morning; Jak and his friends were enjoying breakfast.
Jak: Those were great pancakes, Tess.
Tess: Thanks, Jak.
Keira: I'm bored. What do you think we're going to do today?
Erol: (Taking a sip of coffee) Don't start it, Keira. We've still got some Metalhead hunting to do.
Oh yeah, that, Keira groaned on the inside. Too true.eversince Jak kicked the Baron's ass, they still had a lot of things to do: fix all the damage the idiot has caused and hunt the endless horde of Metalheads still scrounging outside the city walls. Everyday, the gang would go out and hunt some with a troop; but nowadays the hunts grew easier and more of a sport. The Metalheads must've decreased terribly in numbers.
Ashelin: (Taking the dishes away) Daxter, stop dunking the syrup.
Daxter: (Sticking one small furry hand into the syrup jar) Wha-? Eh-heh, sorry Ash.
Just then, Torn came in, groaning.
Ashelin: Torn? You okay?
Torn: I'm fine, baby.just a bit washed out.
Ashelin: It's those dreams again, isn't it?
Torn: (Sarcastically) How did you guess?
Ashelin: Black bags, grumpy expression.it's so obvious.
Torn: Quit it.
Tess: (Kindly) You poor thing.here, extra pancakes (Puts five more pancakes on Torn's plate) So can I get you some coffee? Or do you want something a little stronger?
Daxter: (Enviously) Look who gets top treatment.
Tess: Oh, Daxter..
Keira: Hey, guys.heard about the latest news?
Erol: What news?
Keira: (Shocked) You mean you don't know????
Erol: Errr..
Keira: Argh! I don't believe you! My birthday's coming soon!
Jak: (Spits out his coffee in shock)
Keira: (Looking slightly angry) What's the matter, Jak? You ought to know!
Jak: (Sheepishly) Eh-heh.yeah, yeah.of course, I know Keira, baby.err.
He got out of his chair and started for the door.
Ashelin: And where are you going?
Jak: Morning walk! Bye!
Once out of earshot.
Jak: (Slaps forehead) I can't believe I've forgotten her birthday! Argh!
Walks on, talking to himself.
Jak: I'd better go find a present now, she already looked like she were going to kill me if I forgot!!
Jak went off to a bazaar and searched around for a jewellery stall. As he passed the cheerfully chattering crowd, he caught the glimpse Torn walking nearby.
Jak: Torn?
Torn: Eh?
Jak: What are you doing here?
Torn: Same reason why you're here.
Jak: Off to get Keira a present?
Torn: Yeh.
Jak: Whoa.lucky break. I thought I was the only one who forgot.
Torn: Erol's off at the machinery store to get her something. I was just thinking some flowers or something. Heard about the new Fireblooms? They can last up to two weeks without water; planning to give her some of that.
Jak: Remind me to buy some roses. I'm off to find the jewellery stall.
Torn: All right, see you then Jak.
Torn strolled alone and searched around for a flower stall. He found it eventually, and unnecessary distance from where he met Jak. Once he bought the fragrant bundle of fiery blooms, he walked off to the direction of the palace.
But then suddenly something made him turn around, as if someone had called his name. He glanced around, expecting it to be Jak but it wasn't. He glanced around until his eyes fell on a strange person standing not too far away.
He certainly was a suspicious looking fellow. He wore intirely black garments, which stood out clearly among the cheerful, gay colours the crowd wore. Torn could not see his eyes, but he knew they were on him. They refused to blink and stared at him like a hungry eagle would a rabbit. There was something about him that made Torn shudder and feel faint inside. He wanted to shout that him; to stop that insane staring, but he knew that was stupid. So to avoid trouble, he walked quickly away.
He only took three steps before glancing over his shoulder again. The person had moved, and was heading in his direction.
A strange impulse told him to run. Torn walked away quickly, finally breaking into a fevered jog. He didn't dare to look over again, there was something about those eyes that really sent shivers dancing down his spine. He quickened his pace.
Once at the palace.
Torn arrived at the palace gates quickly and made for the back door leading to the royal kitchens. He closed the door and leaned heavily on it, breathing deeply.
Ashelin: Torn? You okay?
Torn: Eh? Yeah, yeah I'm fine.
Ashelin: (Eyeing the flowers) Ohh.are those for me?
Torn: Sorry, Ash. They're for Keira; but now that you mention it.(He took a single flower out of the bouquet) Here.
Ashelin: Oh Torn.
Torn: (Smiling) Yeah, I know. I've gotta go, Ash.
He ran off to his room, and was surprised to find Jak and Erol inside.
Torn: What-tha?
Jak: Oh hey, Torn. Don't mind if we hide our presents in your room? Keira would never find them here.
Torn: (Shakes head) Whatever.
Erol: What's the matter with you, Torn? You look kinda rushed.
Torn: (Sitting down on the bed) It's nothing.I just got stalked by some guy down at the bazaar.
Jak: I'm sure it's nothing important.
Torn: Yeah.but there was something about him that made me feel kind of.funny.
Erol: You're always feeling funny.
Torn: Quit it with the sarcasm, Erol.
Jak: Oh yeah, I just remembered.Samos wants us in the Great Hall later. Something to do with Keira's party.
Torn: (Snorts) I don't think I'll ever see the partying side of old Samos. Jak: Well, just be there. I'm going off for lunch.
Erol: You coming, Torn?
Torn: Nah, I'm just gonna stay here. My head hurts like hell.
Erol: See you later, then.
*
9.30 PM, The Great Hall.
Jak, Daxter, Torn, Erol and Ashelin went through the wide welcoming doors of the Great Hall and approached Samos who stood near the throne at the far end. With him was the kid king and his little crocadog.
Samos: Ah! Finally, about time you all showed up.
Ashelin: Sorry we're late, Samos.
Samos: Never mind that.I've got some very important decorating issues to discuss. Everything must be perfect for my little Keira.
And then he started off telling the young rebels which kind and where a certain decoration will be used. He described them in full detail, and for an old guy he was really creative. So far only Erol, Tess, Ashelin and Jak were paying attention. Daxter was busy playing with the crocadog and Torn was having fun watching them.
Kid: (Laughs playfully as Daxter rides crocadog and starts yelling rodeo whoops)
Torn: (Chuckles)
Daxter: Yeehha! High-h-WHOA!!!
The Crocadog playfully bucked the little orange otsel off its back and ran yapping excitedly through Torn's legs and ran outside the doors. Samos stopped talking for the moment and groaned.
Samos: Oh, now what?
Torn: Relax, old man.I'll go get him.
Ashelin: Be careful, Torn!
Torn ran off to get the crocadog. For a little guy, he was very quick and streaked like a little green lightning across the faintly lit corridors of the palace. It ran on and on until it leaped out of the unlocked and opened kitchen door.
Torn: Oh no, you don't.
The crocadog continued to run yapping away from Torn until it disappeared in the darkness of the world outside. Torn, sighing and shaking his head, went off to find it.
Torn had been looking for the little crocadog for more than five minutes now and still he couldn't find him. He had attempted to call it, but he had been rudely silenced by the angry sleepers from several houses. Cursing softly under his breath, he went off slowly into the dark streets and resumed his search in silence.
Perhaps resuming wasn't the best idea, because soon enough the streets became so silent Torn began to feel uneasy. He looked around him, and noticed that the shadows were, although still, seemed alive with some presence.
An involuntary shudder shook him to his core. He had taken his daily intervals of serum, so the moon wasn't a threat to him. Still, what was scaring him? Was it the living silence? Or was there something hiding within its dark bowels?
Torn began to panic, and his heart began to pump slightly harder now. He walked quickly away towards the palace, hoping that the little mongrel would eventually turn up sooner or later.
And that was when he finally realized something was wrong.
Torn's long ears pricked to a light sound behind him. His heart skipped a beat when he realized those footsteps did not stop.
In a surge of panic, he sprinted towards the palace. But no matter how fast he went, he didn't seem to be getting anywhere. The living silence was getting more sinister and the darkness thicker; and soon enough Torn knew he was trapped.
Torn whipped around and screamed at the top of his voice at who ever was pursuing him, let those sleeping idiots wake; he must end this horror now!
Torn: WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT FROM-huh?
There was noone. Nothing but black silence.
His cheeks grew red and he felt hot with shame on the inside. He knew he was over reacting. Perhaps Erol was right; he always acted funny, like stupid-funny. He let out a small laugh to ease the cringing knot of humiliation in his stomach, then turned around. But before he did, a hand shot out of the darkness and clasped his mouth shut.
Jak: Those were great pancakes, Tess.
Tess: Thanks, Jak.
Keira: I'm bored. What do you think we're going to do today?
Erol: (Taking a sip of coffee) Don't start it, Keira. We've still got some Metalhead hunting to do.
Oh yeah, that, Keira groaned on the inside. Too true.eversince Jak kicked the Baron's ass, they still had a lot of things to do: fix all the damage the idiot has caused and hunt the endless horde of Metalheads still scrounging outside the city walls. Everyday, the gang would go out and hunt some with a troop; but nowadays the hunts grew easier and more of a sport. The Metalheads must've decreased terribly in numbers.
Ashelin: (Taking the dishes away) Daxter, stop dunking the syrup.
Daxter: (Sticking one small furry hand into the syrup jar) Wha-? Eh-heh, sorry Ash.
Just then, Torn came in, groaning.
Ashelin: Torn? You okay?
Torn: I'm fine, baby.just a bit washed out.
Ashelin: It's those dreams again, isn't it?
Torn: (Sarcastically) How did you guess?
Ashelin: Black bags, grumpy expression.it's so obvious.
Torn: Quit it.
Tess: (Kindly) You poor thing.here, extra pancakes (Puts five more pancakes on Torn's plate) So can I get you some coffee? Or do you want something a little stronger?
Daxter: (Enviously) Look who gets top treatment.
Tess: Oh, Daxter..
Keira: Hey, guys.heard about the latest news?
Erol: What news?
Keira: (Shocked) You mean you don't know????
Erol: Errr..
Keira: Argh! I don't believe you! My birthday's coming soon!
Jak: (Spits out his coffee in shock)
Keira: (Looking slightly angry) What's the matter, Jak? You ought to know!
Jak: (Sheepishly) Eh-heh.yeah, yeah.of course, I know Keira, baby.err.
He got out of his chair and started for the door.
Ashelin: And where are you going?
Jak: Morning walk! Bye!
Once out of earshot.
Jak: (Slaps forehead) I can't believe I've forgotten her birthday! Argh!
Walks on, talking to himself.
Jak: I'd better go find a present now, she already looked like she were going to kill me if I forgot!!
Jak went off to a bazaar and searched around for a jewellery stall. As he passed the cheerfully chattering crowd, he caught the glimpse Torn walking nearby.
Jak: Torn?
Torn: Eh?
Jak: What are you doing here?
Torn: Same reason why you're here.
Jak: Off to get Keira a present?
Torn: Yeh.
Jak: Whoa.lucky break. I thought I was the only one who forgot.
Torn: Erol's off at the machinery store to get her something. I was just thinking some flowers or something. Heard about the new Fireblooms? They can last up to two weeks without water; planning to give her some of that.
Jak: Remind me to buy some roses. I'm off to find the jewellery stall.
Torn: All right, see you then Jak.
Torn strolled alone and searched around for a flower stall. He found it eventually, and unnecessary distance from where he met Jak. Once he bought the fragrant bundle of fiery blooms, he walked off to the direction of the palace.
But then suddenly something made him turn around, as if someone had called his name. He glanced around, expecting it to be Jak but it wasn't. He glanced around until his eyes fell on a strange person standing not too far away.
He certainly was a suspicious looking fellow. He wore intirely black garments, which stood out clearly among the cheerful, gay colours the crowd wore. Torn could not see his eyes, but he knew they were on him. They refused to blink and stared at him like a hungry eagle would a rabbit. There was something about him that made Torn shudder and feel faint inside. He wanted to shout that him; to stop that insane staring, but he knew that was stupid. So to avoid trouble, he walked quickly away.
He only took three steps before glancing over his shoulder again. The person had moved, and was heading in his direction.
A strange impulse told him to run. Torn walked away quickly, finally breaking into a fevered jog. He didn't dare to look over again, there was something about those eyes that really sent shivers dancing down his spine. He quickened his pace.
Once at the palace.
Torn arrived at the palace gates quickly and made for the back door leading to the royal kitchens. He closed the door and leaned heavily on it, breathing deeply.
Ashelin: Torn? You okay?
Torn: Eh? Yeah, yeah I'm fine.
Ashelin: (Eyeing the flowers) Ohh.are those for me?
Torn: Sorry, Ash. They're for Keira; but now that you mention it.(He took a single flower out of the bouquet) Here.
Ashelin: Oh Torn.
Torn: (Smiling) Yeah, I know. I've gotta go, Ash.
He ran off to his room, and was surprised to find Jak and Erol inside.
Torn: What-tha?
Jak: Oh hey, Torn. Don't mind if we hide our presents in your room? Keira would never find them here.
Torn: (Shakes head) Whatever.
Erol: What's the matter with you, Torn? You look kinda rushed.
Torn: (Sitting down on the bed) It's nothing.I just got stalked by some guy down at the bazaar.
Jak: I'm sure it's nothing important.
Torn: Yeah.but there was something about him that made me feel kind of.funny.
Erol: You're always feeling funny.
Torn: Quit it with the sarcasm, Erol.
Jak: Oh yeah, I just remembered.Samos wants us in the Great Hall later. Something to do with Keira's party.
Torn: (Snorts) I don't think I'll ever see the partying side of old Samos. Jak: Well, just be there. I'm going off for lunch.
Erol: You coming, Torn?
Torn: Nah, I'm just gonna stay here. My head hurts like hell.
Erol: See you later, then.
*
9.30 PM, The Great Hall.
Jak, Daxter, Torn, Erol and Ashelin went through the wide welcoming doors of the Great Hall and approached Samos who stood near the throne at the far end. With him was the kid king and his little crocadog.
Samos: Ah! Finally, about time you all showed up.
Ashelin: Sorry we're late, Samos.
Samos: Never mind that.I've got some very important decorating issues to discuss. Everything must be perfect for my little Keira.
And then he started off telling the young rebels which kind and where a certain decoration will be used. He described them in full detail, and for an old guy he was really creative. So far only Erol, Tess, Ashelin and Jak were paying attention. Daxter was busy playing with the crocadog and Torn was having fun watching them.
Kid: (Laughs playfully as Daxter rides crocadog and starts yelling rodeo whoops)
Torn: (Chuckles)
Daxter: Yeehha! High-h-WHOA!!!
The Crocadog playfully bucked the little orange otsel off its back and ran yapping excitedly through Torn's legs and ran outside the doors. Samos stopped talking for the moment and groaned.
Samos: Oh, now what?
Torn: Relax, old man.I'll go get him.
Ashelin: Be careful, Torn!
Torn ran off to get the crocadog. For a little guy, he was very quick and streaked like a little green lightning across the faintly lit corridors of the palace. It ran on and on until it leaped out of the unlocked and opened kitchen door.
Torn: Oh no, you don't.
The crocadog continued to run yapping away from Torn until it disappeared in the darkness of the world outside. Torn, sighing and shaking his head, went off to find it.
Torn had been looking for the little crocadog for more than five minutes now and still he couldn't find him. He had attempted to call it, but he had been rudely silenced by the angry sleepers from several houses. Cursing softly under his breath, he went off slowly into the dark streets and resumed his search in silence.
Perhaps resuming wasn't the best idea, because soon enough the streets became so silent Torn began to feel uneasy. He looked around him, and noticed that the shadows were, although still, seemed alive with some presence.
An involuntary shudder shook him to his core. He had taken his daily intervals of serum, so the moon wasn't a threat to him. Still, what was scaring him? Was it the living silence? Or was there something hiding within its dark bowels?
Torn began to panic, and his heart began to pump slightly harder now. He walked quickly away towards the palace, hoping that the little mongrel would eventually turn up sooner or later.
And that was when he finally realized something was wrong.
Torn's long ears pricked to a light sound behind him. His heart skipped a beat when he realized those footsteps did not stop.
In a surge of panic, he sprinted towards the palace. But no matter how fast he went, he didn't seem to be getting anywhere. The living silence was getting more sinister and the darkness thicker; and soon enough Torn knew he was trapped.
Torn whipped around and screamed at the top of his voice at who ever was pursuing him, let those sleeping idiots wake; he must end this horror now!
Torn: WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT FROM-huh?
There was noone. Nothing but black silence.
His cheeks grew red and he felt hot with shame on the inside. He knew he was over reacting. Perhaps Erol was right; he always acted funny, like stupid-funny. He let out a small laugh to ease the cringing knot of humiliation in his stomach, then turned around. But before he did, a hand shot out of the darkness and clasped his mouth shut.