Warning: Some people get tortured for a little bit in the chapter. It's not much but it might not be for the faint hearted. Not sure what you can take so I'm just warning you before you read this chapter, so you don't complain later. Other than that everything should be a-ok. Enjoy!
Blackness was all he saw. He didn't know where he was or how he got to this place. He saw and felt nothing. He tried hard to remember what happened to him but he got nowhere. He eventually gave up and let himself wonder. He could have been in this place for ages and he wouldn't have known. It seem time and space ran differently here. A long time he waited. He didn't know what he was waiting for but he was waiting.
We are restored
What? Was this was he waiting for?
We shall get revenge...
Revenge? On who?
Suddenly memories flashed in his mind. Daxter, Colson, Horak, Spran....Erol. He saw himself being flipped by Erol and falling into the acidic liquid that bubbled below.
No! Am I dead? Is this what death feels like?
No, we are not dead. We are alive but you are unconscious. It is time to awaken and complete our revenge...
Who...who are you?
I am you.
Me? How?
I am your 'dark side'. We are one but we are two. We share the one body. Do you not remember?
Yes I do remember... you're... my dark side? But how... I don't understand how you can...
I am able to communicate with you due to the increased Dark Eco. Dark Eco increases my strength so I have healed us.
Where did you get Dark Eco? I fell into the acid...
There was Dark Eco in the acid. You must awaken. We must rise. Together we shall have our revenge complete...
Suddenly Jak was jerked from his place of nothingness into a place of sight and sound. He found himself in green acid but it didn't hurt. None of it burned his skin. He was confused. The acid threatened to engulf him and in response he gave an inhuman shriek.
We are altered. We cannot be harmed...
Jak found the edge of the tank. His right claw gripped the side of the tank then the other . He rose from the green water.
We are powerful. We are invincible. Nothing can harm us. Our revenge will be complete, nothing can hinder us for we are all powerful.
Yeah. We are all powerful. Not even Erol could defeat us. Lets create a little havoc for him.
Jak's purple face developed a manic grin as a chuckle rose from his throat. Little did he know that the demon's words were having a large influence on his thinking but for some reason he like this feeling. It was a feeling of power. It was like some sort of freedom of all fears and a chance to have fun without consequence to himself. A chance to get back at Erol and complete his sworn revenge on Praxis.
He lifted himself out of the water and landed heavily on his feet. His clothing was soaked but he didn't care. He wanted blood, suffering and revenge and he wasn't going to stop himself from receiving it. He had just about enough playing hero, he wanted to satisfy is own needs and desires.
He ran off to the door and ran up the stairs. He found himself in a hall. He ran down it and turned into another than another. Then he saw some one sitting on the floor. It was a Krimzon Guard. He seemed to be puffing, he had his mask off trying to breath some air to calm himself down.
We hate Krimzon Guards.
Jak looked on the guard as if he was prey. He hid in the shadows of the hall until he got close enough to pounce. When he did get close enough he sprang from the darkness. In one fluent move Jak knocked the gun from the guard's hand and seized the surprised man by the throat.
"We hate Krimzon Guards" Jak hissed, his voice was in the amplified echo hum
"Ahhhhhhhgggggg...h...g...h" the guard tried to scream but his windpipe was cut off by the monster's grip
"You shall die" the monster grinned lapping up the guard's fear
"Please... don't ki- uuhhhggg" he tried to plead but his windpipe was being crushed under the monster's supernatural strength
Was this the monster that came from the tank? The young Lieutenant thought he was going to die. He'd wish he never joined the military. He knew he wasn't solder material but the Baron promised him and his family protection if he joined the guard. Some protection he was getting now...
Dark Jak gashed his teeth and stuck his claws into the man's side. It pierced his armour as if it was soft butter. He felt the long claws embed themselves deep in his side. Dark Eco sparked in the monster's hand into the wound. The man screamed in agony as sharp pain crackled in his side. Dark Jak tugged his claw out and looked at the blood hungrily.
To the man's horror Dark Jak started to lick the blood of his purple nails. He kept licking at it as if it was chocolate to the chocoholic.
"Mmmmm... Human blood. Your blood is tasty" Dark Jak commented as he smacked his gums totally freaking the guard out, "We shall enjoy feasting on our enemies"
"I'm not your enemy! I don't even know you!" the man sobbed
"You are a Krimzon Guard. That is enemy enough" Dark Jak said his voice always with the amplified echo
"I don't even like Krimzon Guard! Hell, I don't even like the military!" the man ranted as the demon leaned closer, "I-I-I only joined t-t-to save m-my family" he wailed feeling the monster's hot breath
"You can't squirm you way out of this one" the demon snarled
"Please! No!" the guard pleaded, his eyes went glassy as his eyes showed pure fear. Dark Jak blinked as the evil was diminishing in those white-less eyes
Wait. No. He's innocent.
He's Krimzon Guard. We cannot let him go, the Baron will use him against us. We must kill all pawns.
I cannot kill an innocent man.
No one is innocent in this world!
I was...
But no longer. Once we leave he'll alert others and he'll show no mercy. We must not be easily betrayed.
But I just can't kill him. He is much of the victim of the Baron as I was.
You are weak! You let one man slip through your gasp you let them all slip through. Give a message to the Baron. Do not let your conscious hinder you. What happens when we come face to face with the Baron? Will you let him slip through your fingers like you did to this man?
No...
Then prove it. Prove that we're all powerful. Prove that you are merciless to your enemies. He chose a side and he must suffer the consequences. It's how war is played and he was foolish to believe the Baron in the first place.
Dark Jak regain his evil stare. He dug his sharp nails into the man's neck. He gagged in pain as he felt warm blood trickle down his neck.
"You were foolish to believe the Baron. The Baron only wanted you to join the Krimzon Guard. He'll never protect you or your family" the demon spoke
Jak released the man's throat and grabbed the man's arm. Then with one jerk Dark Jak twisted the man's arm. It yielded to the superhuman strength and gave a sickening snap. The man screamed in pain as fire raced up his arm.
"You chose the wrong side. You will pay" Dark Jak sneered as he slammed the guard's wrist into the wall shattering the bone
The man howled in pain. Dark Jak was like a dominant predator with its pray. He played with his prey before... feasting. Dark Jak moved to the man's legs. Dark Jak grabbed the man's lower leg, his claws digging into the calf muscle. In one strong move he twisted the man's leg and the knee popped out of place with a crack.
The man hollered in pain. Tears streaming down his cheeks from the sheer agony that was produced in the area. He was defiantly not solder material. He didn't know how much torture he could endure or if he'll live through this. He'd wish the monster would kill him now, instead of feeling so much pain.
Not yet satisfied with the pain he was causing the purple creature moved from the leg to the stomach. He slashed at the man's middle again and again. First tearing back the amour then digging into the smooth flesh. The man was screaming. He didn't know for how long but the pain was so intense.
The creature finally cut through the skin into the internal organs. Blood poured out much to the demon's delight. He practically licked at his blood. The man threatened to pass out. The pain was too unbearable.
The man's breathing was in shallow rasps as the demon swished his hand in the man's stomach. The Lieutenant went numb as his body went into shock. He knew he was slipping away. He knew he was as good as dead. He rather die than endure anymore.
"Please..." the man sobbed barely audible "stop"
But Dark Jak was having too much fun. His thirst for blood and someone's suffering was encouraging him to keep going. As much as this was true the creature move its head back.
No I can't do this anymore! This isn't like me!
You call yourself a Dark Warrior! The Baron will snigger at the mention of our name when he sees this one alive.
Why would the Baron care about one Krimzon guard? I'd rather be doing this to Erol!
Weakling!
No! I'm doing this my way! I'm going to deliver a message to the Baron with this one alive!
Fine. Whatever!
Jak regained his insanity. He got a whole claw full of blood and scribbled a curse on the wall for the Baron. After he was done he grabbed the young man's radio.
"Lieutenant, report!" Came a harsh feminine tone
"He is so innocent, so easily deceived" Dark Jak purred into the radio, in his echoic voice
"What? Who's this?" the voice snapped
"He's blood is sweet. He doesn't have much of it. You better come quickly to save this poor man's life" Dark Jak continued playfully
"Jak?" the voice almost chocked
"We have spared the Lieutenant but we will not spare those who come after us" the demon said more seriously
Before the recipient replied he dropped the radio and crushed it underfoot. He looked at the barely conscious man and leaned close to him.
"We have spared your pathetic life. If you survive then leave the guard and hide your family. You do not want to be on the side of the Baron. He'll soon die by our hands," the monster hissed
Alarms blared. The monster jerked up and looked around in alert. He snarled and ran off finding his way out. The barely conscious man thanked Mar a million times over for showing mercy on him.
She growled. She had enough of waiting for one of her guards to check in. Lieutenants usually don't give her trouble but this one seemed to. Suddenly her radio cracked to life. She swooped it up to her mouth.
"Lieutenant, report!" She demanded
"He is so innocent, so easily deceived" a strange voice came on the communicator
"What? Who's this?" she snapped
"He's blood is sweet. He doesn't have much of it. You better come quickly to save this poor man's life" the voice sounded so evil, playful-- psychotic perhaps? Could it be?
"Jak?" her voice almost chocked
"We have spared the Lieutenant but we will not spare those who come after us" the voice said more seriously
Before she could reply the radio went dead. She guessed they were near the acidic room.
"Shit!" she cursed
She switched the frequency, "Raise the alarms! We have man down in B4. Lock down the base. There is a highly dangerous outlaw in the fortress!"
She pocketed her radio and drew out her gun. If Jak survived the acid he must of changed into his 'darker self' due to the Eco. It was only a matter of time before he emerged. Damn lucky I station guards at all possible exits. I wont have him running loose all over the city. She ran off.
Daxter slumped on Colson's shoulder as they entered their new 'safe house'. It was a room in one of the slum buildings. It was hard to get to but well hidden. Daxter heaved a sigh. He didn't want to be hiding from Spran. He wanted to face the wart head and kick his over grown ass. He guessed hanging with Jak's ever-ready action rubbed off on him.
"Nice" Colson nodded and headed for the fridge
Daxter hopped off and approached the television, "At least we have TV. Hey I wonder if we have cable"
Colson snorted, "As if. I highly doubt that the Underground will pay for such luxuries"
"Yeah, I see that, with this small black and white TV" Daxter said in disgust
The place wasn't bad for the Slums… it was just built wrong. Like the streets the wall edges were crooked making the rooms seem something out of Picasso painting. There were two small but separate bedrooms and a bathroom that were connected with a short and crooked hallway. Small pipes snaked across the grey stained walls. Old furniture decorated the weird slum apartment, the colours were wrong to the décor. The kitchen was small and was lucky to fit a stove and a sink and a small bar fridge.
Colson pulled out a drink and complained, "They don't have beer"
Daxter whipped around to his old friend, "Since when you drink beer?"
Colson blinked at the creature, "Since I'm illegally allowed to. Guys that are younger than me and they drink too so don't go bag me out"
Daxter rolled his eyes, "Whatever"
After checking out the place, they'd settled in. Drinking and eating whatever was in the fridge and watching some bad movie on the television. They carried on into the night both filling each other in on what happened since their separation. After the clock had reached midnight they both went to bed.
Colson folded his arms and stared intently at the plump man that sat on the comfortable boss chair.
"My Dreekle Necklace is gone!" the fat man snarled then said icily, "So is Daxter"
Colson shrugged, "Why should I care?"
"Because he has betrayed us... betrayed you. He left you and stolen the necklace to sell himself. He can make a small fortune out of it... to our rivals" Spran pointed out
"To Kylo?" Colson blinked
"Yes. I knew something was suspicious of the little rat" Spran's beady eyes gleamed, "He must be working for Kylo"
"Kylo has been taken down by our gang. His gang is finished. Why would he try to aggravate us now?" Colson frowned
"The Dreekle Necklace is more than you know. If it is in the wrong hands it can be used against us," Spran murmured
Colson puzzled over what Spran had said.
"See here" Spran turned his laptop around to face Colson
Daxter's picture was in plain view with curvy writing of the precursors next to it. Running down the page like a list, Colson read it and shook his head.
"No. No way. Daxter could have been working for Kylo freely. He had Daxter like a slave" Colson shook his head
Spran sighed and shook his head, "You have so much to learn Colson. The rat was deceiving you"
"What?"
"Kylo... or Oakan, as you'd known him, was on the rebound. He needed a spy in our ranks to get back at me. So he deceived you into buying the orange rodent from him and we accepted him here. He saves your life to gain trust and is even there beside you so gain stronger friendship. Then when you were unable he leaves stealing the necklace. He knew he was going to be compromised. I found his profile after trying to find his friend. Apparently his friend is in prison, near death"
"No" Colson shook his head not believing what he was hearing
"Don't you get it boy? He was deceiving you! You played right into the runts hands! He used his cunning, skill and appearance to gain your friendship. I knew he was trouble, I wish I saw through him sooner" Spran almost shouted
There was a moment silence as all the information was sinking in. Colson held back emotional hurtful tears. His heart couldn't injure another stab. His family was gone and now his only 'real' friend was just someone to deceive him to get to Spran. He felt used.
"You can never trust anyone Colson. Not in this world" Spran's words were like truthful poison, "Stop being a fool and toughen up. Never let that happen ever again. Think what would your parents say if they saw this weakness?"
Colson looked at his boss, feeling a sense of failure. A Failure to his parents, to his boss and mostly to himself.
"You can make this up to me" Spran offered, "If you want to get back at the runt. Make him pay for what he'd done to you"
Colson nodded, his heart hardening and becoming determined.
A smile cracked on Spran's lips, "Then we shall get to work"
Daxter woke up with a start. What the hell was that? Was he dreaming that or was that real? It felt real and some how it made sense but it wasn't his memory. Perhaps it was just only a dream, his own fear in his mind painted the scene. He couldn't understand all these dreams he was having. Why were they coming now? Why would his past come and haunt him again? So many questions, so few answers.
Daxter felt wide-awake. He looked at the analogue clock. It was four o'clock. That long? He only slept a few hours. Daxter cursed his mind for not getting sleep and decided to get a drink of water. If slum water wasn't dirty. He pulled back the covers and suddenly he felt two large hands grab him.
His surprise turned into fear and realization in a nanosecond. He struggled against who ever was holding him.
"Time to come back to me" the voice whispered
Before Daxter could do anything he felt himself being shoved into some sort of cloth bag. The entrance closed and Daxter was trapped. After trying to stand up and failing he just laid there and folded his arms.
"Some safe house that was!" Daxter growled, "Now I have someone else trying to get back at me! This isn't my month"
Ashelin searched the halls. She had been trying to track down the fugitive for hours. Her guards were going down in number as her units reported in less and less, she knew this was growing thin. Soon it would be just her.
Just her.
Get a hold of yourself! She scolded in her mind, I've handled Metal Heads and seen worst! This is no different!
She knew in the back of her mind it was. Very different. Jak in this mode can be very powerful. He is ally and a potential enemy. Ashelin wasn't afraid of that, she was afraid that Jak lost control. The Metal Heads were purposely harming them but Jak wasn't. Maybe she was afraid for Jak more than her own safety. But then again Jak is much more smarter than Metal Heads. Their leader planned all their assaults but Jak could be in the dark hall right now and she would never know until the last second...
She turned and pointed her gun at the dim hall.
Get a hold of yourself! Must remain professional in all situations. Paranoia can be good but if it's clouding you judgment then its not! Serve and sacrifice... serve and sacrifice... serve and sacrifice...
She played the military slogan in her mind. If helped her to focus. Something like meditation. Scratching emitted from down the hall. She instinctively pointed her gun towards it. More scratching sounds came from the opposite direction and she turned quickly to catch who ever made it but was greeted by a dim hall.
Serve and sacrifice, serve and sacrifice....
She brought her radio to her mouth as she backed up against the hall wall. She pointed her gun in all directions instinctively. She wasn't going to be caught off guard.
"Major Jirkins, come in" she breathed in the communicator
No reply
"Major Jirkins!" She said more strongly
Still no reply.
"Shit!" she switched frequencies
"Lieutenant Soulders" she commanded
No reply. She waited.
"Lieutenant Soulders" her tone in an angry hiss
She waited more. No reply came.
"Shit. Two units gone!" She cursed under her breath
Serve and sacrifice, serve and sacrifice, serve and sacrifice, serve and sacrifice...
More sounds emitted from the halls. Its echo was around her. Her heart leaped as her gun wildly was pointed in all directions ready to kill what ever came at her.
Nothing.
Silence.
"Major Kaybourne" she growled
"Yes ma'am" cam a instant and relieved reply
She let out a breath. It was only a Medical Unit but at least she wasn't alone.
"All casualties are brought to the infirmary. Some have been transported to hospital due to room availability"
"Ok. Evacuate everyone out of the Infirmary," she commanded
"What?" Major Kaybourne's voice was in confusion
"Don't argue with me Major. Just do it!" she growled
"Yes ma'am!" the Major stammered, "Kaybourne out"
She sighed as she put her radio away. She hoped they get out in time. All her units are gone and this monster was crawling around looking for an escape. With no guards the creature is probably gone. But probably he thinks this is game and wont leave until he had won. She shook her head at that though. She'd watched way too many movies. But then again she hardly has time to watch the stupid box.
Adrenalin levels rose as solid noises and scratching emerged from one direction. She pointed her gun and strained her eyes to see in the dim lighting. She found her self-panting and she forced herself to calm down.
Serve and sacrifice, serve and sacrifice, serve and sacrifice, serve and sacrifice, serve and sacrifice...
It became a beat. Her heart beat in time with the meditative tune. More scratched emitted from the same direction. She stepped closer and closer, zeroing in on her unknown target.
Serve and sacrifice, serve and sacrifice, serve and sacrifice...
The noises were getting louder and louder.
Serve and sacrifice, serve and sacrifice, serve and sacrifice...
Her boots cloncked quietly on the metallic flooring as she moved across. The noises were getting louder as she neared it. She kept her cautious pace. Her gun was pointing intently at the spot. Her finger pressed hard on the trigger.
Serve and sacrifice, serve and sacrifice, serve and SACRIFICE!
Suddenly cold hands grabbed her form behind. She let out a gasp as icy palms touched her bare skin on her waist. She couldn't help but let out a yelp at the icy touch and paranoid fear.
"Hello, Ashelin" the chilling voice whispered
Fear washed over her. Who ever was attacking her had one hand around her waist and the other hand grabbed her arm that held her gun.
She was far too military to let this go on. Her nerves turning to steel, she elbowed her attacker then with a swift bend of her knee her foot connected with his balls. The attacker groaned from behind her but didn't release her. Instead she found her hand slamming into the wall with such force that after the fire raced up her arm she couldn't feel anything. Her only protection dropped to the floor with a plastic clatter. She felt herself being pushed and she rolled over to face who ever was doing this to her.
Her eyes widen as her suspicions were confirmed. It was Dark Jak. His purple skin, his thick large horns that popped out of his frizzy wild white hair, the black murky eyes that held a anger and psychotic stare. His mouth was in a snarl, his white blood stained teeth was clenched in a sneer and anger.
"Stupid bitch" the creature roared in a chilling echoic voice
A small smile passed her lips as he held onto his privates tenderly. She kicked him where it hurts and counts.
"There is plenty more where that came from" she smirked as she managed to rise to her feet.
The creature snarled and swung at her. She ducked. The creature swung in closer and closer. Holding on to her injured arm she ducked and dodged at his deadly attacks.
"Just like Erol" the monster snarled remembering Erol's crafty dodging
She eyed her gun and when she got close enough she grabbed for it. But the demon was too quick and with one swoop of his had she was pushed back and she slammed against the wall. Stars dazzled behind her eyes but she instinctively missed an attack of his. Now she was further away from her pistol she was alone in her fight.
She pulled herself from the wall and aimed some punches of her own. But the creature caught one in mid air and taking her surprise at his advantage he stabbed his entire five daggers-like nails into her stomach. It poked though the other side, the new fresh holes were oozing out blood. Ashelin made a gagged noise as pain exploded from her middle. She watched the demon in horror as his lips curved in a manic smile, showing his spiky teeth and gloating eyes.
He slowly turned his hand making his sharp nails cut through the insides. The claw cut through her soft smooth skin. She moaned and hissed as immense pain was threatening to engulf her. Her knees threatened to buckle but she forced herself to keep standing. If she fell while the demon's claws were in her she could cause more injury to herself.
"Jak" she gasped
Dark Jak stopped. His face still in its insanity state
"Stop"
The creature laughed, "Why. I'm having too much fun making you suffer!"
He pushed her against a wall pinning her able arm to it with his other claw. Nails stabbed through her arm through to the wall. She yelled in pain. The demon smiled. She knew him showing pain was encouraging him but she couldn't help it. She was a military woman but she was still human.
Dark Eco cracked through his system. Her eyes widened as the sparks travelled from his arms to his hands... then to her wounds. More pain she felt. More intense pain she'd ever felt. It was like some one threw her in the acidic acid herself. It was all she felt. She wanted it all to stop but it kept going and going and going and going...
"Jak...stop...please" she couldn't believe the words that her mouth was forming but she couldn't take it no longer
"This is what it felt like" Dark Jak murmured ignoring her plea, "This is what it felt like for two years. Never ending pain"
She forced her eyes open and saw Jak's murky eyes all angry but at the same time in anguish.
"Arrrgggghhhh" she hissed as the pain rose to newer levels
"You never did anything to help. You let your father hurt me and others this way" he continued anger becoming more evident in his voice and eyes
"I...didn't... know" she gasped
His face turned into a snarl, "Your father will get our message once you are disembodied and your parts are sent to him. He'll fear us when he's alone. No commander, no daughter, no Krimson Guards to help him. He'll be at our mercy and will suffer for what he'd did"
"Jak... "She croaked, "This isn't... like you..."
"Never is" he just simply said, "We realize that we've been running around doing all these pointless things. It's time we satisfy our revenge"
"Then what?" She suddenly asked
"WHAT?"
"What are you going to do after killing my father?" Ashelin forced her question out
"Destroy the Metal Head leader and their nest" he said hissed
"Impossible. No one has ever penetrated the nest" she gasped amazed she was still conscious and breathing
Suddenly the ever-present claws were yanked out. Her knees buckled and she couldn't fight the gravity so she slid to the floor, leaving a large bloody trail on the wall. Her ears rang as blurriness was coming on her vision. She looked up at the monster wondering why she was let go. She was just met with murky eyes.
"Don't be so sure" the demon hissed, "I am more than what you've experienced. I'll see you in hell"
With that he turned and ran off down the hall. She knew he'd left her for dead. She didn't care the sooner she died the sooner she can be rid of the throbbing pain. As if someone was granting her wish darkness was covering her eyes and pain became distant. After that she knew no more.
With Dark Jak on the loose he'll be unopposed, his heart set on completing his revenge. Will Daxter be ok? Where is Spran in the midst of all this? Quick go to the next chapter.
Reviews are welcomed. Told you this chapter was a dark one.