Sorry for the late update, guys. Damn busy month, and I'm not going to get
my phoneline fixed before the end of March. Ironic. Vae Victus- Suffering
to the Conquered. He he. Oh yeah, if anything's wrong with the wording
format, blame my computer. Can't do much about it.
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L . J u l i a n a w a s s t r i c k e n e d w i t h w o r r y . S h e a n d h e r h u s b a n d h a d a l o n g t a l k a b o u t t h i s i n c o m i n g w a r . S i g k n e w ; h e c o u l d h e a r t h e m t a l k i n g f r o m o u t s i d e h i s r o o m . H e h a d n e v e r h e a r d h i s m o t h e r s o u n d s o w o e f u l .
L . J u l i a n a : Y o u c a n t b e s e r i o u s a b o u t t h i s , D a n t e !
S . D a n t e : I w i s h I w e r e n ; t m y l o v e & b u t , w e c a n t i g n o r e i t a n y m o r e . T h e M e t a l h e a d s a r e h u n g r y , a n d t h e y l l d o a n y t h i n g -
L . J u l i a n a : ( N o w f i d g e t t i n g ) D o n t y o u h a v e a n y p r o p e r w e a p o n a r y t o s c a r e t h e m o f f ? W h y c a n t y o u g o t o t h e s u r f a c e a n d a s k f o r p r o p e r w e a p o n a r y f r o m H a v e n C i t y ?
S . D a n t e : W e v e t r i e d . K e y e s a n d M e l c h i a h h a v e d o n e s o , a n d t h e y c o u l d o n l y f i n d o n e w e a p o n s u p p l i e r w i l l i n g t o g i v e u s w h a t w e n e e d ; o n l y a t a v e r y c o n s i d e r a b l e p r i c e .
L . J u l i a n a : A n d s u c h a s ?
S . D a n t e : E c o o r e . ( A n d n o , i t a i n t K r e w )
L . J u l i a n a : ( F a l l s s i l e n t )
S . D a n t e : E c o o r e , a n d h e d e m a n d s i t e v e r y m o n t h . N o t e v e n t h e w h o l e c i t y c a n a f f o r d t h a t . W e n e e d t h a t s u b s t a n c e t o l i v e .
T h e r e w a s a s i l e n c e , a n d S i g w a n t e d t o s t o p l i s t e n i n g . B u t h i s e a r s r e f u s e d t o i g n o r e t h e m o r e s p o k e n w o r d s t h a t f o l l o w e d .
S . D a n t e : W i l l y o u h a v e m e g o , J u l i a n a ?
L . J u l i a n a : I I a m n e v e r w i l l i n g , b u t & & I c a n n o t b e s e l f i s h a s w e l l . V e r y w e l l , D a n t e , i f y o u m u s t .
T h o u g h i t d i d n t s o u n d i t , S i g k n e w t h a t h e r w o r d s w e r e l a d e n w i t h d i s m a y . H e c o u l d h e a r t h e s i l e n t q u i v e r i n h e r v o i c e , t h e s l i g h t l y i n c r e a s e d b e a t i n g o f h e r n o w b r e a k i n g h e a r t . H e l o o k e d d o w n a n d w o n d e r e d , f o r h o w l i t t l e h e u n d e r s t o o d , w h a t w a s m a k i n g h i s f a m i l y s o s a d ? H o w h e w i s h e d h e c o u l d d o s o m e t h i n g a b o u t i t .
S . D a n t e : ( S m i l i n g g e n t l y ) T h a n k y o u f o r u n d e r s t a n d i n g , J u l i a n a .
J u l i a n a d i d n o t r e p l y , a n d D a n t e d i d n t f o r c e h e r t o o . S i g h e a r d t h e i r f o o t s t e p s d i s a p p e a r i n t o t h e i r b e d r o o m . H e c l o s e d h i s l i t t l e g r e e n e y e s t i g h t l y , a n d h e l d P o o p s i e c l o s e . B u t a s h e p a s s e d i n t o a d r e a m l e s s s l e e p , l i t t l e d i d h e r e a l i z e t h a t f r o m t h i s d a y o n , h i s l i f e w i l l b e c h a n g e d .
F o r e v e r .
**
For some reason, school the next day was cancelled. Sig was extremely pleased and stayed in bed longer than he had ever done before. He waited for his mother to call him for breakfast, but she didn't give a single yell. Infact, the house became very, very silent of all the sudden.
Sig became uncomfortable at the unfamiliar silence. No clanking breakfast pots and no smell of fresh breakfast bread and butter. He slowly wriggled out of his little bed and trotted out of his room to see what was really going on.
Sig: Mother?
No answer.
Sig walked out of his room and went into the kitchen, but his mother wasn't there. There was a slight commotion outside though, and he went off to see what it was.
He gasped slightly at the great crowd of people standing not too far away from his house. He saw a few people he recognized; his teachers, a few familiar parents and even his school principal. They looked sad for some reason, and he looked slowly around to see if his mother were around.
Soon enough, after fighting through a few legs, he spotted his mother standing near the main road. She had her back turned to him, and didn't seem to notice him behind her. She stared intensely forwards and didn't look anywhere else.
He crept up to her and grasped her dress, yelling, 'Boo!'
But Juliana did not respond. She didn't jump like she always did, and seemed to ignore him all the same. Sig looked up to her beautiful fair face and asked quietly:
Sig: Mother?? What's wrong?
This time she responded. She looked down quickly, as if she had just noticed him there.
L. Juliana: Sigfried! Oh, you little rascal, you scared me.
Her voice lacked her usual cheerfulness, and Sig could see clearly that she looked worried.
Sig: What's wrong, mother?
Juliana didn't answer for a while and turned to look up to the main road. Sig followed her gaze and spotted a group of men standing not too far away. He recgonized them as the Surface Sentinels, and saw his father among them.
Sig: Look, Mother! It's father!
L.Juliana: (In a slow and sad way) Yes, it is dear.
They seemed to be talking to each other, Sig thought as he watched them. And then suddenly, they began to leave. Sig had never seen so many Sentinels move with each other before, and he wondered where were they going in such a big number.
Sig: Where is father going, mother?
L.Juliana: Somewhere.
Sig: Where?
L. Juliana: (Gently) I'll tell you later, Sig.
Sig watched them again. They marched up the main road, aiming for some unknown destination. He felt his mother's hands on his shoulders.
L. Juliana: (Strangely) Come, Sig. Let's go.
Sig: Aren't we going to wave father good-bye? L. Juliana: He will return—soon.
Sig: Okay then.
Suddenly there was a loud yell from behind them and Sig turned around. He recognized the loud form of his friend Proteus standing not too far away with another little boy about his age. He was waving frantically at him, as if beckoning him to come over.
Proteus: Hey, Sig! C'mon and play! I've got something great to show you!
Sig: (Looks up to his mother) Can I go and play with Proteus, mother?
L. Juliana: Well......all right, but hurry back at lunch, dear.
Sig: Okay.
He ran off towards Proteus.
Proteus: (As he got closer) Isn't this great? No school!
Sig nodded in reply. He gave a small glance to the other boy next to Proteus. He was quite tall for his age, which seemed about six or seven. He had shiny blue eyes, a fair and pleasant face framed by a halo of short blonde hair. He waved shyly and Sig only smiled quietly back.
Proteus: (Noticing the two) Oh yeah, Sig. This is my neighbor Fenris. He and I are going to the mines to collect some small pieces of Quartzite (White Eco Crystals). I'm going to give some to my mother for her birthday.
Fenris: Yeah. You wanna come with us?
Sig: Err—okay.
Proteus: Great! Let's go!
Sig, Proteus and their new friend Fenris raced off to the City Mines, which was loctaed at the lowest and busiest part of the city. The whole place was a network of caves and tunnels riddled with all sorts of unexpected materials; the abundant Dark Eco, several pieces of scattered Quartzite and occasionally clumps of old, warm Precursor metal. As Sig passed the several busy miners, he looked around the great caves in awe. He got a bit nervous at its great size, but Proteus and Sig were far from frightened. They seemed to know their way well, dodging several pieces of tools and machinery and always finding a way through.
Sig: (Huffing) How do you know this place so well?
Fenris: My papa is a a miner. He works down in the Eco cores and brings me here often to see the Eco Bursts.
Sig: What's an Eco Burst?
Fenris: It's the most greatest thing you'll ever be a-seeing! It's when some Eco crystal explode and some really nice lights come out. You don't have to be scared of them; it's not that dangerous. If you're lucky, we might be seeing some today.
Proteus: Hey, did you see all those Sentinels just now? I really wonder where they're going. Your father's a Sentinel, isn't he, Sig?
Sig: Err—yes.
Proteus: Did he tell you where he was going?
Sig: No. He wouldn't tell me.
Proteus: (Rolls eyes) Grown-ups!
Fenris: Look! There's the Quartzite!
Sig's eyes widened at the sight of several scattered pieces of some luminous white crystals on the ground. Proteus and Fenris ran off to get them; Sig followed behind, heart thumping with excitement.
The three explored the caves for a long time, gathering the pieces of beautiful white crystal. Sig returned with his pockets heavy, and when he showed them to his mother she lit up almost immediately. This cheered him up, and he felt sure that everything was going to be all right once more.
But there was still one thing out of order. His father didn't return that evening. Sig had asked why, but his mother wouldn't really tell him. She would just convince him that S. Dante was off somewhere doing some work. Whatever it was, Sig wished he would return soon. The house was quiet without his loud and hearty voice.
Three days passed and still, S. Dante didn't return home. Sig spent most of his time with his two new bestfriends, Proteus and Fenris; exploring the city and having fun in the mines, searching for rare pieces of stray Eco crystals. But on one particular afternoon at four, Fenris was mighty excited.
Fenris: There's going to be an Eco-Burst later on at five! I've heard one of the miners talking about it. You canNOT miss this!
Proteus: That's great, Fenris! You wanna come with us, Sig?
Sig: You bet I do! But-can Poopsie come along?
Proteus: Of course, silly! Now c'mon! Race ya!!
The three little boys ran off in the direction of the mines. They reached it in a flash, for they had done this for the thousandth time. Fenris streaked across the rocky ground and into the deeper tunnels. But as he and Proteus easily ran off, Sig was having problems. He wasn't that all fast and lithe, and soon enough his chubby little feet slipped and he fell to the ground, letting his precious little Poopsie bear fly out of his arms.
Sig: Poopsie!
Proteus: (Still running ahead) C'mon, Sig! We're gonna miss it if we don't hurry!
Sig: I'll catch up in a minute!
He slowly got up and brushed the dust off his trousers. He looked up to find his Poopsie bear, but only to find it gone.
Sig paniced. He had lost Poopsie! No-wait, he didn't lose it-not yet at least. His eyes fell on a strange, rat-like creature starring at him with big yellow eyes, and in its yellow teeth was his Poopsie bear.
Sig: Stupid rat! Give me back my Poopsie!
The rat (Remember dat annoying red rat from Bogey Swamp in Jak and Daxter 1?) gave a high-pitched squeak and ran off into a small, dark tunnel Sig had never noticed before and scuttled off out of sight. Sig yelled a loud, 'hey!' and crammed himself into the tunnel, heedless that he was straying off the track he had always known.
It was hot and cramped inside, but Sig didn't care. He wanted his Poopsie back, and he's going to make that stupid rat pay for being such a bully.
It seemed to take forever, but then finally after a whole lot of sweating and gasping, he managed to catch up with the foul little creature. The rat, now frightened, leaped forward and streaked forward as fast as its little legs could carry it.
But Sig wasn't giving up that easily.
Sig: Ouch!
A cloud of dust fell into his face as the rat dug another tunnel to the side to make a quick escape. Sig reached out quickly, but not quick enough. Its snaking tail slipped out of his grasp and more dust and dirt fell onto his face as it scittered frantically out of his reach.
Sig coughed loudly, but soon enough the dust cleared away quickly. Anger boiled in his little heart at the rat's devilish escape, but then suddenly, an incredible awe washed back all the anger from his heart.
Sig: (Looking up and gasps) Wooowwww..........
He had never seen anything so large in his whole life. It was even bigger than the great ceiling which covered his whole city home. His eyes were fixed on this strange, eerie dark blanket of space way up above him It looked like some colossal, dark blue dome, and it was dotted with tiny, tiny sparkling things that looked a lot like tiny pieces of scattered Quartzite...
Sig: Ohh...woow....
Sig shakily crawled out of the small tunnel, eyes fixed on the giant dome above him. The air around here felt alien against his skin. The air was moving! And it was very cold, making tiny goosebumps rise on his skin. His eyes just couldn't believe tha vastness of this strange, alien realm. It was nothing like he had ever seen before. It was just a whole mass of vast empty space, lined with small bumps of hills, some rocks and plants Sig had never seen before. It was quiet as well, and the quiet was so still Sig thought he had gone deaf.
But there was one thing that really caught his attention. Above him, high and bright against that eerie, sparkling black blanket, was a strange glowing sphere that shone brighter than any Quartzite crystal Sig had in his collection. Sig knew it must be magical, for it floated on its own, and its milky glow looked so, so beautiful.
A strange tingling sensation crept up his chest and Sig reached a little hand down around his neck. His fingers brushed against a beautiful, blue gem necklace his mother had given him ever since he was very young. She had told him never to take it off, and Sig never really paid much attention to it. Everyone he knew wore it; even Proteus and Fenris. He had never wondered what it was really for. Now, he does.
He gasped loudly as the blue gem suddenly began to shine, and a milky glow similar to that of the glowing sphere in the sky began to swirl around it. Sig's eyes widened with increasing awe, but he soon forgotten about that when he remembered what he was here for. Poopsie.
His stout little heart thumped in his chest and he looked around for any signs of the rat. Soon enough he caught it scuttling away from him behind some rocks...
Sig: Oh no you don't!
He ran off after it and caught up eventually after a few minutes of running frantically. He scared it off with a loud 'BOO!' and the rat gave a final, screeching squeal before drooping Poopsie bear and running off for cover. Sig: (Picking up Poopsie and kicking sand after the running rat) That's right, you bully! Run off!!
Sig stood hugging his beloved teddy in triumph for a moment before turning back to find the tunnel. Now, he was sure it was around that corner just over there.....
Hold on a minute, Sig suddenly thought. His eyes scanned the ruined landscape for the familiar hole he crept through. But all he saw were a few rocks and hills.
Sig began to get scared. This was getting a little too frightening. He carried on looking but he couldn't seem to find it. Everything looked the same around here, and in every corner he turned to he saw the same rocks and the same hills......
Sig: Ohhhh.....
Sig swallowed. He was lost. He was sure of it now.
His heart thumped wildly in his chest, and he began to tremble. He ran around in desperation, but all was against him for he couldn't find anything that looked familiar. He tripped over several rocks, and as he ran dust clouds flew out behind him, turning into muddy rivulets when they touched the frightened tears that now ran down his pale cheek......
Sig tripped for the hundredth time, but this time he didn't get up. Fear got a better hold of him and it gnawed him to the bone, devouring every last bit of his courage. He huddled down, trembling and crying silently. He was lost and alone, in a dark, dark world he didn't even know......
Sig: Mother....mother, help me.........
And then suddenly, something answered his plea.
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L . J u l i a n a w a s s t r i c k e n e d w i t h w o r r y . S h e a n d h e r h u s b a n d h a d a l o n g t a l k a b o u t t h i s i n c o m i n g w a r . S i g k n e w ; h e c o u l d h e a r t h e m t a l k i n g f r o m o u t s i d e h i s r o o m . H e h a d n e v e r h e a r d h i s m o t h e r s o u n d s o w o e f u l .
L . J u l i a n a : Y o u c a n t b e s e r i o u s a b o u t t h i s , D a n t e !
S . D a n t e : I w i s h I w e r e n ; t m y l o v e & b u t , w e c a n t i g n o r e i t a n y m o r e . T h e M e t a l h e a d s a r e h u n g r y , a n d t h e y l l d o a n y t h i n g -
L . J u l i a n a : ( N o w f i d g e t t i n g ) D o n t y o u h a v e a n y p r o p e r w e a p o n a r y t o s c a r e t h e m o f f ? W h y c a n t y o u g o t o t h e s u r f a c e a n d a s k f o r p r o p e r w e a p o n a r y f r o m H a v e n C i t y ?
S . D a n t e : W e v e t r i e d . K e y e s a n d M e l c h i a h h a v e d o n e s o , a n d t h e y c o u l d o n l y f i n d o n e w e a p o n s u p p l i e r w i l l i n g t o g i v e u s w h a t w e n e e d ; o n l y a t a v e r y c o n s i d e r a b l e p r i c e .
L . J u l i a n a : A n d s u c h a s ?
S . D a n t e : E c o o r e . ( A n d n o , i t a i n t K r e w )
L . J u l i a n a : ( F a l l s s i l e n t )
S . D a n t e : E c o o r e , a n d h e d e m a n d s i t e v e r y m o n t h . N o t e v e n t h e w h o l e c i t y c a n a f f o r d t h a t . W e n e e d t h a t s u b s t a n c e t o l i v e .
T h e r e w a s a s i l e n c e , a n d S i g w a n t e d t o s t o p l i s t e n i n g . B u t h i s e a r s r e f u s e d t o i g n o r e t h e m o r e s p o k e n w o r d s t h a t f o l l o w e d .
S . D a n t e : W i l l y o u h a v e m e g o , J u l i a n a ?
L . J u l i a n a : I I a m n e v e r w i l l i n g , b u t & & I c a n n o t b e s e l f i s h a s w e l l . V e r y w e l l , D a n t e , i f y o u m u s t .
T h o u g h i t d i d n t s o u n d i t , S i g k n e w t h a t h e r w o r d s w e r e l a d e n w i t h d i s m a y . H e c o u l d h e a r t h e s i l e n t q u i v e r i n h e r v o i c e , t h e s l i g h t l y i n c r e a s e d b e a t i n g o f h e r n o w b r e a k i n g h e a r t . H e l o o k e d d o w n a n d w o n d e r e d , f o r h o w l i t t l e h e u n d e r s t o o d , w h a t w a s m a k i n g h i s f a m i l y s o s a d ? H o w h e w i s h e d h e c o u l d d o s o m e t h i n g a b o u t i t .
S . D a n t e : ( S m i l i n g g e n t l y ) T h a n k y o u f o r u n d e r s t a n d i n g , J u l i a n a .
J u l i a n a d i d n o t r e p l y , a n d D a n t e d i d n t f o r c e h e r t o o . S i g h e a r d t h e i r f o o t s t e p s d i s a p p e a r i n t o t h e i r b e d r o o m . H e c l o s e d h i s l i t t l e g r e e n e y e s t i g h t l y , a n d h e l d P o o p s i e c l o s e . B u t a s h e p a s s e d i n t o a d r e a m l e s s s l e e p , l i t t l e d i d h e r e a l i z e t h a t f r o m t h i s d a y o n , h i s l i f e w i l l b e c h a n g e d .
F o r e v e r .
**
For some reason, school the next day was cancelled. Sig was extremely pleased and stayed in bed longer than he had ever done before. He waited for his mother to call him for breakfast, but she didn't give a single yell. Infact, the house became very, very silent of all the sudden.
Sig became uncomfortable at the unfamiliar silence. No clanking breakfast pots and no smell of fresh breakfast bread and butter. He slowly wriggled out of his little bed and trotted out of his room to see what was really going on.
Sig: Mother?
No answer.
Sig walked out of his room and went into the kitchen, but his mother wasn't there. There was a slight commotion outside though, and he went off to see what it was.
He gasped slightly at the great crowd of people standing not too far away from his house. He saw a few people he recognized; his teachers, a few familiar parents and even his school principal. They looked sad for some reason, and he looked slowly around to see if his mother were around.
Soon enough, after fighting through a few legs, he spotted his mother standing near the main road. She had her back turned to him, and didn't seem to notice him behind her. She stared intensely forwards and didn't look anywhere else.
He crept up to her and grasped her dress, yelling, 'Boo!'
But Juliana did not respond. She didn't jump like she always did, and seemed to ignore him all the same. Sig looked up to her beautiful fair face and asked quietly:
Sig: Mother?? What's wrong?
This time she responded. She looked down quickly, as if she had just noticed him there.
L. Juliana: Sigfried! Oh, you little rascal, you scared me.
Her voice lacked her usual cheerfulness, and Sig could see clearly that she looked worried.
Sig: What's wrong, mother?
Juliana didn't answer for a while and turned to look up to the main road. Sig followed her gaze and spotted a group of men standing not too far away. He recgonized them as the Surface Sentinels, and saw his father among them.
Sig: Look, Mother! It's father!
L.Juliana: (In a slow and sad way) Yes, it is dear.
They seemed to be talking to each other, Sig thought as he watched them. And then suddenly, they began to leave. Sig had never seen so many Sentinels move with each other before, and he wondered where were they going in such a big number.
Sig: Where is father going, mother?
L.Juliana: Somewhere.
Sig: Where?
L. Juliana: (Gently) I'll tell you later, Sig.
Sig watched them again. They marched up the main road, aiming for some unknown destination. He felt his mother's hands on his shoulders.
L. Juliana: (Strangely) Come, Sig. Let's go.
Sig: Aren't we going to wave father good-bye? L. Juliana: He will return—soon.
Sig: Okay then.
Suddenly there was a loud yell from behind them and Sig turned around. He recognized the loud form of his friend Proteus standing not too far away with another little boy about his age. He was waving frantically at him, as if beckoning him to come over.
Proteus: Hey, Sig! C'mon and play! I've got something great to show you!
Sig: (Looks up to his mother) Can I go and play with Proteus, mother?
L. Juliana: Well......all right, but hurry back at lunch, dear.
Sig: Okay.
He ran off towards Proteus.
Proteus: (As he got closer) Isn't this great? No school!
Sig nodded in reply. He gave a small glance to the other boy next to Proteus. He was quite tall for his age, which seemed about six or seven. He had shiny blue eyes, a fair and pleasant face framed by a halo of short blonde hair. He waved shyly and Sig only smiled quietly back.
Proteus: (Noticing the two) Oh yeah, Sig. This is my neighbor Fenris. He and I are going to the mines to collect some small pieces of Quartzite (White Eco Crystals). I'm going to give some to my mother for her birthday.
Fenris: Yeah. You wanna come with us?
Sig: Err—okay.
Proteus: Great! Let's go!
Sig, Proteus and their new friend Fenris raced off to the City Mines, which was loctaed at the lowest and busiest part of the city. The whole place was a network of caves and tunnels riddled with all sorts of unexpected materials; the abundant Dark Eco, several pieces of scattered Quartzite and occasionally clumps of old, warm Precursor metal. As Sig passed the several busy miners, he looked around the great caves in awe. He got a bit nervous at its great size, but Proteus and Sig were far from frightened. They seemed to know their way well, dodging several pieces of tools and machinery and always finding a way through.
Sig: (Huffing) How do you know this place so well?
Fenris: My papa is a a miner. He works down in the Eco cores and brings me here often to see the Eco Bursts.
Sig: What's an Eco Burst?
Fenris: It's the most greatest thing you'll ever be a-seeing! It's when some Eco crystal explode and some really nice lights come out. You don't have to be scared of them; it's not that dangerous. If you're lucky, we might be seeing some today.
Proteus: Hey, did you see all those Sentinels just now? I really wonder where they're going. Your father's a Sentinel, isn't he, Sig?
Sig: Err—yes.
Proteus: Did he tell you where he was going?
Sig: No. He wouldn't tell me.
Proteus: (Rolls eyes) Grown-ups!
Fenris: Look! There's the Quartzite!
Sig's eyes widened at the sight of several scattered pieces of some luminous white crystals on the ground. Proteus and Fenris ran off to get them; Sig followed behind, heart thumping with excitement.
The three explored the caves for a long time, gathering the pieces of beautiful white crystal. Sig returned with his pockets heavy, and when he showed them to his mother she lit up almost immediately. This cheered him up, and he felt sure that everything was going to be all right once more.
But there was still one thing out of order. His father didn't return that evening. Sig had asked why, but his mother wouldn't really tell him. She would just convince him that S. Dante was off somewhere doing some work. Whatever it was, Sig wished he would return soon. The house was quiet without his loud and hearty voice.
Three days passed and still, S. Dante didn't return home. Sig spent most of his time with his two new bestfriends, Proteus and Fenris; exploring the city and having fun in the mines, searching for rare pieces of stray Eco crystals. But on one particular afternoon at four, Fenris was mighty excited.
Fenris: There's going to be an Eco-Burst later on at five! I've heard one of the miners talking about it. You canNOT miss this!
Proteus: That's great, Fenris! You wanna come with us, Sig?
Sig: You bet I do! But-can Poopsie come along?
Proteus: Of course, silly! Now c'mon! Race ya!!
The three little boys ran off in the direction of the mines. They reached it in a flash, for they had done this for the thousandth time. Fenris streaked across the rocky ground and into the deeper tunnels. But as he and Proteus easily ran off, Sig was having problems. He wasn't that all fast and lithe, and soon enough his chubby little feet slipped and he fell to the ground, letting his precious little Poopsie bear fly out of his arms.
Sig: Poopsie!
Proteus: (Still running ahead) C'mon, Sig! We're gonna miss it if we don't hurry!
Sig: I'll catch up in a minute!
He slowly got up and brushed the dust off his trousers. He looked up to find his Poopsie bear, but only to find it gone.
Sig paniced. He had lost Poopsie! No-wait, he didn't lose it-not yet at least. His eyes fell on a strange, rat-like creature starring at him with big yellow eyes, and in its yellow teeth was his Poopsie bear.
Sig: Stupid rat! Give me back my Poopsie!
The rat (Remember dat annoying red rat from Bogey Swamp in Jak and Daxter 1?) gave a high-pitched squeak and ran off into a small, dark tunnel Sig had never noticed before and scuttled off out of sight. Sig yelled a loud, 'hey!' and crammed himself into the tunnel, heedless that he was straying off the track he had always known.
It was hot and cramped inside, but Sig didn't care. He wanted his Poopsie back, and he's going to make that stupid rat pay for being such a bully.
It seemed to take forever, but then finally after a whole lot of sweating and gasping, he managed to catch up with the foul little creature. The rat, now frightened, leaped forward and streaked forward as fast as its little legs could carry it.
But Sig wasn't giving up that easily.
Sig: Ouch!
A cloud of dust fell into his face as the rat dug another tunnel to the side to make a quick escape. Sig reached out quickly, but not quick enough. Its snaking tail slipped out of his grasp and more dust and dirt fell onto his face as it scittered frantically out of his reach.
Sig coughed loudly, but soon enough the dust cleared away quickly. Anger boiled in his little heart at the rat's devilish escape, but then suddenly, an incredible awe washed back all the anger from his heart.
Sig: (Looking up and gasps) Wooowwww..........
He had never seen anything so large in his whole life. It was even bigger than the great ceiling which covered his whole city home. His eyes were fixed on this strange, eerie dark blanket of space way up above him It looked like some colossal, dark blue dome, and it was dotted with tiny, tiny sparkling things that looked a lot like tiny pieces of scattered Quartzite...
Sig: Ohh...woow....
Sig shakily crawled out of the small tunnel, eyes fixed on the giant dome above him. The air around here felt alien against his skin. The air was moving! And it was very cold, making tiny goosebumps rise on his skin. His eyes just couldn't believe tha vastness of this strange, alien realm. It was nothing like he had ever seen before. It was just a whole mass of vast empty space, lined with small bumps of hills, some rocks and plants Sig had never seen before. It was quiet as well, and the quiet was so still Sig thought he had gone deaf.
But there was one thing that really caught his attention. Above him, high and bright against that eerie, sparkling black blanket, was a strange glowing sphere that shone brighter than any Quartzite crystal Sig had in his collection. Sig knew it must be magical, for it floated on its own, and its milky glow looked so, so beautiful.
A strange tingling sensation crept up his chest and Sig reached a little hand down around his neck. His fingers brushed against a beautiful, blue gem necklace his mother had given him ever since he was very young. She had told him never to take it off, and Sig never really paid much attention to it. Everyone he knew wore it; even Proteus and Fenris. He had never wondered what it was really for. Now, he does.
He gasped loudly as the blue gem suddenly began to shine, and a milky glow similar to that of the glowing sphere in the sky began to swirl around it. Sig's eyes widened with increasing awe, but he soon forgotten about that when he remembered what he was here for. Poopsie.
His stout little heart thumped in his chest and he looked around for any signs of the rat. Soon enough he caught it scuttling away from him behind some rocks...
Sig: Oh no you don't!
He ran off after it and caught up eventually after a few minutes of running frantically. He scared it off with a loud 'BOO!' and the rat gave a final, screeching squeal before drooping Poopsie bear and running off for cover. Sig: (Picking up Poopsie and kicking sand after the running rat) That's right, you bully! Run off!!
Sig stood hugging his beloved teddy in triumph for a moment before turning back to find the tunnel. Now, he was sure it was around that corner just over there.....
Hold on a minute, Sig suddenly thought. His eyes scanned the ruined landscape for the familiar hole he crept through. But all he saw were a few rocks and hills.
Sig began to get scared. This was getting a little too frightening. He carried on looking but he couldn't seem to find it. Everything looked the same around here, and in every corner he turned to he saw the same rocks and the same hills......
Sig: Ohhhh.....
Sig swallowed. He was lost. He was sure of it now.
His heart thumped wildly in his chest, and he began to tremble. He ran around in desperation, but all was against him for he couldn't find anything that looked familiar. He tripped over several rocks, and as he ran dust clouds flew out behind him, turning into muddy rivulets when they touched the frightened tears that now ran down his pale cheek......
Sig tripped for the hundredth time, but this time he didn't get up. Fear got a better hold of him and it gnawed him to the bone, devouring every last bit of his courage. He huddled down, trembling and crying silently. He was lost and alone, in a dark, dark world he didn't even know......
Sig: Mother....mother, help me.........
And then suddenly, something answered his plea.