Jak II
ACT 1: A City Under Siege
Chapter 8: Haven Forest

I went to school as I normally did, sat alone as I normally did, and got beaten up by Kiera as I normally did. I was beginning to wonder if I should have just run away. I thought about it constantly, but I would always stay because of your support, your words to guide me. It all changed…just this afternoon.

I sat down on the stone bench as I always do during recess. All I ever did was watch the children play and stare at my lunch bag which I barely touch anymore. I always sighed sadly whenever I see the others having fun without me. My heart was in pain. It was like this everyday, but today was different. You see, I expected to be beaten up again from Kiera and her little gang of girls. They were all tough and they spent all day, picking on people. Whenever teachers appear, they would act all innocent and pretend they didn't do anything…Kiera was good at lying. People believed her. Many a good of my lunch was taken from her…as well as a piece of my life. Today, she didn't beat me up. I was confused and a bit relieved. Perhaps she was planning a surprise attack? I just sat and waited…waited for something to appear, but nothing. My thoughts were interrupted when I saw a crowd of kids in the corner of recess. I left the bench to take a look…and there, I saw Kiera. She was beating someone else up…a boy who was about the same size and age as me. I knew him…

Daxter.

He's in my class. He wasn't silent and sulky like me. He was loud and full of pride. He wasn't exactly the most popular of the entire school, but everyone knew him enough. It's all because of his loudmouth. He was the class clown, the prank master, the King of comedy. He pulled pranks on the teachers and principals and rarely was he ever caught. He makes people laugh with his jokes. How that never guaranteed true popularity had me in questions. I guess it's because of his "geeky" side so to speak. He was never "cool" in anyone's eyes, generally. All he was good for was to laugh at, whether he tells a joke or pulls one to something he did that wasn't meant to be laugh. He was funny, but he was a joke to them. How ironic. The sad part is…he didn't know that. He assumed he was popular and that he was loved by all. I pitied him at first, but people noticed him. All I did was stay quiet…I didn't get attention like Daxter did and he was just as unpopular as me. I was slightly jealous. But I wonder…is there more to him then meets the eye? I got my answer when I saw being beaten by Kiera.

She punched him; she pulled his hair and scratched his face. After Daxter was bruised in all corners of his body, Kiera kicked him in the stomach several times. No on bother to dive in to save him. No one. Everyone was afraid of Kiera. Daxter…he was not laughing or making jokes. He had his eyes clutched shut, tears flowing down his face. Painful…I felt the same thing. Why did Kiera hurt Daxter?

"NEVER…EVER…make a joke about ME!" She shouted, her face red.
"I said I'm sorry!" Daxter cried, wishing for the pain to stop.
"NOT enough!" And she promptly kicked him some more.

I was jealous of him…but I could not let this happen…I slowly step in the crowd and went into between Kiera and Daxter.

"Oh, it's you." Kiera was unfazed by me, "Get outta the way or you're next, Shrimp!" I was slightly smaller then Kiera. I slowly stared at her, my face…calm.
"He has suffered enough, Kiera, leave him be." I told her softly.
"WHAT?" Kiera gasped, "I don't know what "suffered" means, but if you don't leave, I'll beat you up!" She was tall for 8, but most girls grow taller then boys at this age.

"Then go ahead…I already felt the fury of your fists…"
"GRRRR, YOU STUPID IDIOT!"

Everyone backed away.

"I HATE YOU!" And she lunged at me and beat me up…I didn't struggle. I never did.

Recess was over and there, lying on the ground was me. I was next to Daxter, who still had his eyes closed, crying. I was used to the pain, so I got up and checked up on Daxter.

"Are you okay?" I asked.
"Am I alive or dead?" he sniffed slowly.
"You're fine, but you need a nurse." and I helped him up and took him there. Daxter was fine, he managed to walk, that was good, and he refused to be picked up by his parents. He saw me as I was walking home. Both of us were covered with small bandages.

"YO!" he cried. I stopped.
"Hey…umm…thanks…for ya know…"
"It's my pleasure." I interrupted.
"…..You're Jak, right? Nephew to that science guy, right?" I nodded.
"Thought so…well, I'm Daxter."
"Yes, I know." I nodded. He shook my hand.
"So, Jak…you wanna be friends?" I stood silent for a moment. Did he just say…he wanted to be friends with me? No one asked me that before. I just stood silent for a moment, clutching onto my books.
"Hey, Hellooooo!" Daxter cried out, "Where did you run off to?"
"Oh…I'm…uhh…are you sure…you wish to be friends with me?" I asked, "Haven't you heard of the stories behind me? The ones the kids talk about how strange I am?"
"Not that I'm aware of." Daxter scratched his head, "Look, I don't really care who you are. You just be yourself. I admit, I try to gain attention with my jokes, but I'm still being myself. It's important to be myself. That's what mom taught me."

I smiled. I misjudged him. He had much better judgment then I thought.

"Wanna be my friend now?" He asked. And I nodded.
"Good, now come on." Daxter urged.
"Why? Where are we going?" I asked. He stared at me with an evil grin…
"Revenge." He chuckled…

………………………

Haven Forest
Month 8:Augosti, Day 6 (Summer Time)
Year: 299 TOMH (Time of the Metal Heads)
"Ahhh, smell that nature!" Daxter sighed, spreading his arms and taking a deep breath of air.
"Since when did you appreciate nature?" Jak asked, eyeing his furry friend, who was once again, on his shoulder.
"I don't know." Daxter shrugged, "Ever since I've been an ottsel, I've like nature more…though I also like the city a whole lot as well."
"Well, I heard animals know how to connect with natures better then anyone else." Puar commented her piece.
BellFlower neighed, signaling that she wanted to move. Jak sighed and the foursome continued their journey.
"A gear…a crystal…and a glass lens cap." Jak pondered, "This forest is huge, it's gonna take a hell of a long time to find them all."
"Maybe we should split up?" Daxter shrugged, randomly thinking of an idea he knew wouldn't work.
"No, we'll get lost. We don't know the way…unless you do, Puar?" Jak asked.
"I think I have a map of Haven Forest." Puar was silent for a few seconds with only the small sounds of "tech tech" coming from her. Jak and Daxter watched eagerly while BellFlower eyed the grass.
"GOT IT!" Puar shouted, "Here it is! The Map of Haven Forest…well, one of them."
"One of them?" Jak gasped.
"Yep!" Puar nodded, "This forest is huge, that's why. More will be reveal as we walk, Master Jak, as I can record in the scale and distance of the forest."
"Does it show where the three items are?" Daxter asked.
"Nope, sorry." Puar felt a tad bit guilty.
"We'll have to find them ourselves." Jak suggested, "Onin showed us what it looks like, so let's go from there." And while riding on BellFlower, the team continued…

And through perils and gaps did our heroes crossed the brave rocks and greens of haven Forest. Through paths of thick forestry, up the tall mountains, swinging from vines to treetops, braving over a river on stepping stones, our heroes did possess courageous aim towards their goal for the three main objects. And as they pass, they would grow stronger, wiser, happier, thrilled, excited, and more adventurous---
"Jak, I'm tired, I can't go on!" Daxter groaned, dragging his padded paws as they hiked up a rugged mountain.
Puar, being a floating COMP had no problems. Bell Flower was left down since she couldn't climb rugged mountains. They would get her later. Even Jak, who constantly kept in shape during his long stay in prison, had difficultly breathing as he walked, a long stick as his main support. The two were not in good condition. Having not bathed for a few days and with little food, the duo was near the verge of death.
"Ya know, Jak, we should have better thought this through on preparation before coming here." Daxter wheezed.
"I didn't think this place would be THIS huge." Jak gasped, "Ow, I think my sides hurting."
"Should we stop?" Daxter groaned.
"….Yes." And the two dropped face flat on the rugged ground, letting the grass and rock hit their bodies. Both were in terrible conditions. Daxter's fur was rugged and rough due to lack of water and brushing. Jak's hair was a mess from lack of washing, his red scarf was loose to keep the extra sweat out, and holes were a plenty in his pants and leather shirt. It was a rather chilly summer, indicating that Fall was nearby. With night approaching, the trio had to stop once again. It was getting harder and harder to find food, mainly meat. They've relied more on berries then anything else. This wasn't a problem for Jak and his refusal to eat meat, but even he found it quite tedious.
"I'm getting SICK AND TIRED OF EATING BERRIES!" Daxter shouted, clutching onto his head to hold himself from loosing sanity. Jak was huddled with a blanket. It was cold. Sunset passed and night arrived.
Jak carried around a two small bags. One was located on his leg and kept the smaller items. Small pocket knife, little bits of bandages, small foods (which he had none as of right now), the likes. His other bag was a knapsack, carrying the bigger items. It held the blanket he was huddling by himself, a pretty small pan for cooking, even a book to keep him company. Larger foods would go in here, too. Jak, still a reckless young man, didn't think to pack any. Don't blame him; he was only 17 years old. Still had much to learn and grow.
"It's because you didn't pack any that we're stuck out here!" Daxter cried out, "And if we go back, we'll never make it! We spent DAYS traveling!" Jak could barely stand Daxter's rants anymore. He was tired, dirty, smelly, and hungry.
"Next thing you know, you're gonna eat me!…GASP! You're not gonna eat me, are you, Jak?" Daxter screeched, placing his hands on his cheek, fur standing up, "JAK! I'M NOT EDIBLE! SPARE ME! Wait a sec…in fact, why DON'T you eat me? That way, I won't be stuck in this hellhole for another minute! It's because of YOU that I'm stuck here! SO EAT ME! EAT ME! EAAAAAAAAAATTTTT MEEEEEE-"

"SHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUT UUUUUUUUUP!"

Silence…Jak, who rose up, face deadly red (and it's not because of the campfire), breaths heaving, teeth clenched as well as his hands, nostrils flaring as Daxter watched, lying down from Jak's impact, gulped.

"Just…SHUT UP!" Jak cried out, "Just…No one cares about your rants! I'm BLOODY PISSED ENOUGH AS IT IS!" Jak tried to continued, but he couldn't get his words out. He was too angry.
"Jak…please…too much stress will cause you …you to be him…" Daxter gasped.
Jak stopped his frowning face, knowing Daxter was right. He would become…him. He might as go as far as eating Daxter. He stopped, shocked look on his face, and slowly sat down. Silence once again took over them both. Only the flickers of the flames kept the noise. Jak, staring at the floor in embarrassment, decided to sleep. He didn't have a sleeping bag, but the dirt was smooth enough not to bother him. Covering near his entire body sans the top part of his bed, Jak tried to sleep. Daxter, taking precaution, slept on top of a tree. Ottsels, born climbers.

………………

"You seem upset, Jak."
"It's nothing, Mr. Samos. I just can't do this."
"Magic is a powerful thing as well as frustrating to learn, but you have a gift, Jak Just be careful with it, is all."
"Mr. Samos…I can't! How many times have I conjured up a spell, only to have it blown up?"
"Jak…you must not let stress get to you. It's not like you, for one thing."
"I know, Mr. Samos…I'm just…frustrated. I wish I never had these stupid powers."
"Everyone has the right be like that. You just have to understand that we can't be like that all the time. Look outside with me, my boy."
"…….."
"See the plants? They are not like the animals. They cannot move of their own free will. Their roots are buried deep beneath the Earth. They have the burden of being victims of rain and thunder, of being cut down by people like us, yet they manage to stay strong. All the stress they get passes by them in a faze. They know they can't control it. It is hard for them, but they know."
"But we are not trees, Mr. Samos. We're precursians."
"Yes, of course, Jak, but we can learn a lot from nature. They are the reason we exist, Jak. They are strong. It's okay to be stressed, but you must learn to control it. If you do not…you'll regret it."
"How?"
"I'm not sure, but you will if you are not careful."

…………………

"Samos…your words…they were always wise." Jak muttered. He couldn't sleep. He spoke to himself quietly. He wasn't aware what the consequences were. He was always able to control his stress back in the old days, but now…he let loose like a volcano which erupted on a daily basis. Jak huddled in his blanket. He knew the consequences now…too much stress turned him into a monster…a real one. Jak…all he did was huddled, huddled like he was protecting himself. He had little control over what to do with his demonic form. What could he do? As far as he's concerned, there is no cure for his disastrous form. Light Eco…I wonder if that could help him? But do they even exist in this side of the world? Jak didn't know where he was. He hated this place. He wanted to kill the Baron so badly. Every time he nears the palace in Haven City, he just wanted to let loose and burst through that door. His demon form could easily do it, but once again, he was afraid of it and knew better then to unleash it. Jak somehow knew in the end of all this…he just wanted to go home. He didn't cry, he just lied there, staring at the night sky. He was pretty high and near the edge of a cliff, but Jak wasn't one to roll out of bed, so he was safe. He was surrounded by trees. All he could do was think about Samos' words…how trees are strong. How much Jak could learn from them…

…………………

Haven Forest
Month 8:Augosti, Day 15 (Summer Time)
Year: 299 TOMH (Time of the Metal Heads)
Morning…it was harsh, it was cruel, and it was smelly, too. Jak groaned. The first thing he didn't see was sunlight, rather a looming shadow. Jak slowly got up, wondering what the hell was blocking the sun. He rubbed his eyes. Opening them slowly, he saw a rather large figure's rear end staring right back at him. Jak gasped. He looked around for Daxter and found him on top of the tree, still sleeping. Jak gulping, slowly got up and stuffed his blanket in his bed quickly. He then moved slowly away from the monster's rear end and tried whispering to Daxter.
"Daxter…" no avail, he tried louder, "DAXTER!" The little ottsel was curled, clutching onto his tail, using it as a pillow.
"Daxter, come on, get up!" Jak whispered loudly, but not too loud. He wanted to climb the tree, but that would cause too much attention. The monster started to face in Jak's directions. Jak gasped and quickly hid behind the tree where Daxter was. He stood behind for good few seconds before turning around to face the monster. It was quite large. It was on his hind legs, its front legs on the tree. It was eating the leaves from up there. Above further observation, Jak noticed it was a Metal Head. A ram-Head, to be more specific. It's like staring at a Rhino, you could say. Very brown in color with the usual Metal Head-ish armors.

Jak prayed it wouldn't see Daxter enough to disturb it. Wishful thinking indeed. As the monster got close to eating, Daxter felt movement from the tree branches, tickling him.
"Oooh, no…ladies…one at a time. There's plenty of ottsel for everyone." Daxter mumbled, smiling in his sleep. The tree branches continued to touch him, making Daxter slightly giggle, "Ooo, you're a feisty one, ain't ya? How about I show you the love machine in action?" Daxter slowly got up, then opened his eyes,
and facing him was the Ram-Head. The Ram-head payed no attention to Daxter who was covered in the tree branch it was eating until he stood up. All was silent.
"Uh…hey there." Daxter gulped. The Ram-Head continued to eat, obviously not caring. Jak slowly took a deep breath.
"Daxter." He whispered. This time, he heard. Knowing what to do, Daxter climbed down and landed on Jak's shoulders.
"Where's Puar?" Daxter asked.
"I…" Good question, Where IS Puar? Well, they would think once they moved out of harm's way, least one move might trigger the creature to do something. And move they did, but not far enough by the time Puar came, shouting as she usual did so.
"I FOUND ONE!" Puar shouted, scaring the hell out of the duo. The Ram-Head groaned loudly. Then it saw the three. Lining itself up, it scratched the dirt with one of its feet, ready to charge after them.
"Oops." Puar gasped.
"OH BLOODY HELL, RUN!" Jak shouted. The trio ran/hovered, as the Ram-Head headed their way. It was large, but exceptionally fast.

"You had to open your big mouth, Puar!" Daxter cried.
"I'm sorry, but I found one of the three items we were looking for!" Puar cried out, "I scouted ahead to see if I could locate them and I found one and I recorded it and I know where it is and…and...I found one!"
"Good! Good! We'll get to it AFTER we survive!" Jak cried out, obviously not wanting to be road kill from the Ram-Head.
"OH, if I don't survive, I'll see you all in the Afterlife!" Daxter cried, tightly clutching onto Jak's shoulders, "I just hope all the women in the world will come to my funeral!"
The trio ran down a narrow path. If they fell, they would die. They were pretty damn high. The Ram-Head manage to squeeze itself into the tight path, gaining towards Jak. Jak had to slow him down, so he took out his red Scatter Gun and shot him. The armor protected the beast, but it stunned him for a bit, giving Jak and the others the advantage. They took the time and climbed up so more, hoping the Ram-Head could not climb. It didn't, but found another path to get to them.
"That's a pretty smart Metal Head for a big one." Daxter gasped, "That's it, we're doomed! We're gonna get eaten by it!"
"Actually, I think he's a plant eater." Jak struggled as he climbed, finally reaching the top.
"WHO CARES?" Daxter cried out, "THIS IS NO TIME FOR A LESSON ON METAL HEAD BIOLOGY! He'll flatten us, then leave out dead carcasses where animals will drag us away and eat us!"
"Why are you so panicky about being eaten?" Jak cried out, annoyed.
"HELLO! I'm an OTTSEL! Incase you didn't know, we're not exactly above the top of the food chain!" Daxter scoffed, "Unlike your species, Jak!"
"My species?" Jak gasped, "Daxter, you're sounding like you've been an ottsel your entire life!"
"With the way things are now, I wonder if I will be!" Daxter sighed, still clutching onto his partner's shoulder as they ran from the Ram-Head, once again behind them. Jak continuously shot it, but it still kept gaining up to them. Their running stopped when they reached the edge overlooking a waterfall. First sign of water they've seen in days.
"That's it, we're doomed." Daxter sniffled, "Jak…before I go…I just wanna tell ya…you're the best friend I ever had…even if we argue so much…I LOVE YA, MAN!" Daxter hugged Jak's face, who was too busy trying to think of a plan to get out to care.
"Okay, that is it! Puar hates it when bad things happen!" Puar sprung out from behind Jak, "Puar will SAVE THE DAY!" Then Puar did something the duo did not expect. It somehow opened itself up and chucked out a small bomb! The bomb landed near the monster's feet as Puar became herself again. In a couple of seconds, the monster exploded. It didn't stop there. The edge Jak and Daxter was on started to crumble apart from the explosion, causing them to fall.
"Oh-No." Jak groaned. It was too late for them to save themselves. The duo fell and fell…

SPLASH! Right smack dab into the lake accompanying the waterfall. Jak started to swim up when he got himself together, Daxter still clutching onto his shoulder like a freaked out kitten.
The two reached the top and were gasping for air. Puar watched them. After they got their breaths together, Jak and Daxter glared at Puar…

…………………

One bath later (and a canteen full of water)…
"You never told me you had weapons." Jak gasped.
"Oh, I know." Puar smiled, "I just wanted to have the element of surprise! Plus, I only unleash it when it's a super duper emergency!"
"Yea, well, it would have helped if you unleashed it a bit earlier." Daxter groaned.
"Well, the good thing is, we got a bath, cleaned out clothes from the smell, and got water." Jak sighed, "A clean lake, finally! So, all we need is food."
"What about the item?" Puar asked.
"Oh, that…well, where is it?" Jak asked.
"Over there." Puar stared up. Jak and Daxter walked over and saw a strange, giant gadget. Jak and Daxter stared at each other and eyed the complicated mess of machinery and magic. It was brown with a glowing center.
"What is it?" Jak gasped, "I mean, it looks like an old Precursor machine."
"Archeologists say that they are." Puar answered, "No one knows what it really is just yet, so they left it alone. Others claim that Mar made it. Most people tend to believe in that one the most."
"I bet that's the prize!" Daxter pointed to a small triangular gear floating in midair inside the contraption. He walked over to it, and then picked it up, "They won't miss that one tiny gear (he casually grabbed it). Like candy from a baby!"
As the ottsel started to walk away, the gadget stopped working. Then it started to fall apart, one by one, piece by piece until the entire machinery was down on the ground. Yet Daxter still walked away without an ounce of guilt while Jak watched the whole thing in horror, clutching his head in frustration and guilt.
"No one will ever know we were here!" Daxter proudly smiled to himself. Jak started to protest, but a giant boulder from the machine rolled past him, forcing himself to remind silent. The trio moved on. Jak knew the gear was needed and it fit the picture Onin showed, so he walked off, slightly guilt ridden.
The trio continued, one item in Jak's bag. They were happier now that they actually got something from their mission.
"I wonder why Onin herself couldn't have done this?" Daxter gasped, "And don't give me the excuse "cuz she's an old lady!"

…………………

The trio managed to climb down and return to the waterfall. While Jak was observing their new prize, Daxter was knee deep in the lake where they got their water and bathe. He was trying to catch fish. Every time he tried to catch one, it slipped past him.
"Way to go, Daxter." Jak grinned, slightly chuckling.
"If you can do better, then YOU do it!" Daxter screamed.
"You know it goes against everything I stand for in the whole animal rights department." Jak casually spoke, tossing the triangular trinket carelessly, catching it with relative ease.
Daxter made a small "hmph" and continued his fishing affair. Suddenly, the ottsel in him took over and in a matter of seconds; three fishes flew out of the water and landed near Jak. Jak just stared at Daxter in amazement on how much of an ottsel he was becoming.
"That's a lot of fish you're planning to kill, isn't it?" Jak asked.
"Hey, I'm an ottsel; fishes are part of our diets." Daxter smiled.
Jak tried to stared a fire so that Daxter could cook the fishes (no matter how much he disapproved), but he was surprised when Daxter had already begun to eat. His fish was still wet and raw, but Daxter ate it…like a real ottsel. He didn't even notice it until he saw Jak and Puar curiously staring at him.
"What?" Daxter asked, then he eyed the fish he was eating, "Oh…"
"It's okay, Daxter, you're a ottsel." Puar smiled, "You eat fish like that."
"I wonder if I'll ever become too ottsel that I won't even know who I am." Daxter sighed, continuing his food.
"You, Daxter?" Jak started to answer "Yea, sure…with that big ass mouth of yours, I doubt it."
"Funny." Daxter sarcastically replied. Jak's main source of food was the berries the duo had for days. Despite his vegetarian position, Jak was slightly envious of Daxter's fishes, mainly because of the tedious amount of berry eating he's been dining lately.
After the satisfying amount of food Daxter fetched more fishes and got Jak to wrap them in a small blanket to preserve it. The sunlight turned into clouds and rain soon fell. Sounds of thunder were heard. Jak sighed and searched the forest. The leaves growing from the ground were tremendous, so Jak took good advantage of it, plucked one out, and used it as an umbrella. Daxter, too was covered. Puar was waterproof.

Haven Palace
Month 8:Augosti, Day? (Summer Time)
Year: 299 TOMH (Time of the Metal Heads)
The rain poured heavily. The storm clouds grew darker. Such a tragic site when rain falls on Haven City. It seems to make people who already looked horrible much worse. And to think, a mere three years ago, this city was beautiful, including the palace of Haven City…

Newspaper after newspaper showed stories, mainly front pages, of the Underground Organizations slowly, but surely gaining the upper hand on the city. The Baron kept the newspapers, disgusted at them. Nobody really knew why he never trashed any. It's quite clear that he kept them for one reason: Jak. Such an obvious answer. At one hand, he was angry, mad, disappointed, that Jak kept beating his soldiers down, and was probably the most recognized member of the Underground this side of Torn. Jak graced every newspapers dealing with the Underground, sometimes in a blur since he would escape so easily. He was quite famous. No one quite knew what he looked like except the Baron and the Underground because he was quick in his missions. Even if they did, most probably wouldn't care. Most hate the Baron. Others do care, relying on the Baron who was their only saviors. The other hand was how sometimes he would be in the news as his demonic self. The Baron saw that his creation was a success. If only he could think of some way to get Jak to work on his side…

He was known as Jak Bannon (the last name Krew so eagerly gave him, one which Jak prefers NOT to be called by). He first was called that when he entered a couple of races in Mar's memorial stadium. He wasn't competing or anything, just having fun. He wasn't in any team either. He was a renegade. People saw his skills in the race when he did race for real, mainly for the money and saw what true potential he has. The top racer kept a close eye on him, but then again, he always had a close eye on him.

Erol, Haven City's number one racer noticed Jak's ability to race. He was exceptionally good. Erol had more then just killing Jak on his mind now. Erol saw potential threat to his position as the best racer, a position he cherished dearly, of not obsessed over.

Jak Bannon the Renegade. Called by people of the city, enemies of Jak, as well as friends. That was what he was called. He was a legend to Haven City and the one of the city's shining hope. The baron growled as he tossed the newspaper on the floor, making a hard SPLAT sound. He rubbed his forehead and took a sip of his tea. At the moment, Erol was still on his mission to find and kill Jak. Ashelin was busying herself finding the lost Tomb of Mar. Any clue that she found, it was immediately reported to the Baron himself. He started to have suspicious thoughts on her lately. She seemed to hold something deep inside. The baron would do whatever it took to find out.

The other hope of the city was the small Prince himself, Prince Christof. Staring out a small window (one of the few located) inside the Underground, the child sighed. He missed Jak already. He talked with the older man many times, but the conversation never really lasted. Reasons being was that he was picked for the majority of the missions and his fellow peers would chat with him for hours on end. Jak was easily annoyed as a result sometimes. Christof was a child Jak enjoyed talking to. He reminded him of himself as a child a lot. Christof smiled whenever he thought of Jak. It was nice to have a "big brother" to rely on. Christof had to constantly travel from the Underground to Vin's lab to other underground locations every couple of weeks, maybe even less depending on the situation. It was a tedious routine and very tiresome as well. He hated it.
He was also Kor's student. Kor was his mentor, teaching him mathematics, English, Geometry, and the likes. He hated that as well. Not because of the study, but because Kor was a harsh teacher. He never let Christof have any sense of decent fun. Especially for one his age. Only 8 years old. The only thing he was interested in was the legends of Precursors and the old languages they spoke. Christof could read ancient Precusor texts and spoke it fluently. He also knew more about Precursor legends then anyone else, even Kor and Vin. Naturally, this ability is one of the main reasons the Baron desires him so much. This has crossed Christof's mind many times, but right now, at the current moment, his mind was directed to Jak. He wonders if he is safe. He hasn't seen Jak in about two weeks now. The longest Jak had been away from the Underground. Torn spends most of his time buried in his own work to care if Jak was gone or not, but it is obvious to the young prince's eyes that even the former top soldier of the Krimzon Guards was worrying over him. With expression likes, "Where the hell is Jak, I need him for this mission" or "If he doesn't get his ass back here, I'll shoot him in his ass!"
"Mr. Jak…where are you?" The young prince asked as he stared at the soaked window…
To Be Continued…

…………

Author's Notes: Jak's venture into vegetarian was a decision I made about a few months ago, so long time readers will notice some changes. I'm just mentioning this since I notice I didn't make many characters vegetarian and the way Jak often interacts with animals, I think worked out well.