Jak II Chronicles
Part 2: The Precursor Stone
Chapter 13: Ottsel Society
Jak aged quite gracefully. Was he only 8 when I first met him? I cannot believe he is no longer a child. He grew up quite tall as well. He was still short compare to most boys, but Jak was still young, he just grew at a much shorter rate. And what do you know, I was right. Jak's green hair is now yellow. The green part stuck on the roots though, although Jak feels offended whenever he is referred to as a blonde for reasons unknown. He was 13 years old now.
The boy has been receiving much training from a man I hired on request by Samos. He had no real name because he never told anyone. He was nicknamed…er…Chop-Chop. We call him "Chop" or "Choppy", he didn't mind. A skilled martial artist, he was currently teaching Jak how to fight to survive.
"Why do I have to learn to fight, uncle?" Jak asked one day. He was draping with sweat from training. He held a towel over his shoulders.
"Samos thought it best if you develop your muscles." I came in, "Plus, it will help if you wish to explore like me. I used to be quite the muscled man myself…I was also taller." I confessed as I started at my legs.
"…What happen?" Jak asked.
"It's a gruesome story." I sighed, "In short, a giant 12 foot Ursa Bear has beaten my shins and I had to…uhh…had it surgically removed."
"Ewww." Jak cringed, "So that's why you have the cane. Yet, you're still brave enough to explore."
"Exploration runs in the family, my boy." I smiled, sipping tea as par usual. We were sitting outside, watching the ocean from our patio out in our backyard of our home. I placed a white table there with four matching chairs and a giant umbrella to block out the sun. This was an exceptionally gorgeous spot for ocean viewing. Especially in the sunset which is when we talked of this particular subject.
"I can never stop." I smiled.
Jak, too, smiled. Yes, I still explored. I was quite old, on my early 40's right now, but that was of little concern to me. I could be 105 and I would be climbing the most dangerous mountains alive. I went exploring at least once a month. Sometimes Jak would follow me if I thought the path was safe for him. Until then, he would be in Daxter's house or Samos' when I left. Nowadays, since he was older, he would watch over the house while I was away. And yet, Jak came more frequently on my explorations as he got older. He was born to be one. A natural, infact.
Jak was doing wonderful in school, passing every subject.
"He's a very smart child." Samos once told me, "He can absorb information like a sponge." Jak was also in the extracurricular classes. He took swimming, soccer, and the debate team as par on request by Samos.
"Why?" he asked one time, "I really don't like to talk back so much."
"Trust me, kiddo, you're gonna need it." was Samos' answer. Jak shrugged, "Okay." As his answer.
It greatly amazed me that we kept so much from Jak, yet he never pressured us to tell. He asked questions, yes, and we answered to the best of what we could tell to him, he then smiled, said, "okay" and went about his business. The boy was patient and I was sure that he felt that the answers would be revealed in time.
The bad part of Jak's age was his magic departing him. He didn't show his magical abilities as frequently as he grew. Samos did speak of how his powers would be more hidden as he grew to better hide him. Perhaps as a self-defense inside his sub consciousness. In return, Jak's physically ability grew. He was starting to develop muscles and often times worked for the villagers by carrying heavy materials.
The last bad thing would be when Jak would leave the village and return to whence he came from. Once he was ready, he and Samos would leave, returning to their true time. Every year, Samos told me that Jak is one year closer to leaving. I sighed as I thought about this everyday.
Everyday, Jak's personality and physical strengths remained me greatly of flaws I have made with one particular person. It constantly ate at me and I knew if I didn't confess this portion of my life, I never would, so when Jak was getting ready for bed one night, I decided to confess a deep secret.
"Jak, a word with you?" I asked.
"Yea, sure." Jak smiled (Bloody Hell, he always gets me with that smile!).
I sat on the edge of his bed. Jak was halfway wrapped in blankets. It was a rather chilly spring night.
"Jak…I must…confess something." I started.
"Yea, go on." Jak spoke.
"I…I…well…I've grown…attach to you." I confessed.
"…I thought you always were." Jak laughed sheepishly, "I mean, you care about me."
"Oh, yes, yes…I know, I know, it's just that…I think of you as my son." I continued, "You can say that I'm…trying to make up for my failures."
"Failures?" Jak asked, "…What did you do?"
"…Before you came, I used to have a son of my own." I sighed.
"….Really?" Jak gasped. Good, I got his attention.
"Yes." I nodded, "He should be a bit older then you, but not by much...if he was still here."
"Where is he?" Jak asked.
"…Gone." I whispered, "Where? I do not know. He and I, we explored a lot just like you and me, Jak. The problem was…one day, I lost him while we were exploring…and I never found him again." Jak gasped.
"…I thought of myself, what a rotten father I was." I sniffed, "Sometimes I wonder if I still am. I cared more of my explorations and ancient relics then about the well-being of my own flesh and blood. " I sniffed back a tear as Jak stood silent.
"Shortly after he disappeared, you came into my life." I sighed, "I was chosen to watch over you. I thought I was given a second chance. I felt so hopeful. Although sometimes I do wonder if I am just merely replacing my own son. I don't even know if I'm doing a good job."
"You're doing a great job, uncle." Jak said sincerely, "I understand how you feel, but please, you can't beat yourself up." I sighed and nodded slowly.
"Is there a reason you're telling me this?" Jak asked.
"No…no…just thought I let you know." I patted his hand, "Well then, I guess you need your rest. You have school tomorrow."
"Okay." he nodded. I started to leave.
"Uncle?" Jak spoke.
"Yes?" I turned around.
"I love you." He smiled. I smiled back.
"I love you, too." Jak blew out the candle in his lamp and fell asleep. I sat on the couch, resting my cane on the arms of the sofa and sighed.
He did so much good for me and the villagers. He turned my life around. Showed me a greater look in life. I could have explored for a hundred years and not learned as much as I did from Jak over the past 5 years. He was the son I had lost and he would leave soon, making another hole in my heart. Damn it…I wish I never fell in love with him…
…………………
Haven City
Month 11: Numoria, Day 4 (Fall Time)
Year: 299 TOMH (Time of the Metal Heads)
A few days before Jak saw the Pyreflies of Sandover…
"OW." hissed the Baron.
"Please, h-hold still, Baron Praxis." came the shaky voice of Vin.
"Well, maybe if you didn't overuse the damn gauze!" Praxis shouted. Vin cringed, dropping the bloody rag and solvent he was holding.
"I don't get why you hired me of all people to heal you when you got hundreds of doctors on your knees, my Lord." Vin spoke, though halfway in his mind, he knew better not to.
"You're the best doctor I know." Praxis answered rather eerily.
"I-I'm flatter, but I'm not o-officially a doctor, my Lord." Vin gulped.
"I know." Praxis retorted. He was shirtless so as Vin could heal him. The fight with Jak left quite a number on him, though his condition wasn't as bad as Jak himself. His armor protected him enough.
Vin started the bandaging as Praxis spoke.
"Do not think of me so rashly, Vin." Praxis started, "I took your job as minister of science for a reason." Vin continued bandaging, not uttering a word.
"It is just that…well; you have very close ties to Ashelin and Torn." Praxis continued, "Especially Torn, that traitor." Erol was watching from afar, guarding the door of Praxis' room, once belonging to the King himself. He cringed upon hearing the names of Torn and especially, Ashelin, both names like acid to his face, stinging him wherever he walked
"I can't risk anything." Praxis raised his voice a bit. It was obvious Vin being here was an excuse for Praxis to try and persuade Vin to let him know should something come up. Vin, however, continued his wrapping, pulling on the reins tightly, making the Baron squirm a little.
"Your family will understand." Praxis continued, "The mines still pay you plenty for both your wife and child."
He tightened the last bandage. Praxis got up, flexed his muscles a bit and wore a light white shirt. He started to walk out of his room.
"You may leave, Vin." Praxis ordered. Packing up his bag, Vin slowly, yet clumsily made his way out the door, desperate to escape the pressure he was feeling in that room. It was like he was holding his breath the entire time because poison gas dripped in every corner.
Erol eyed him closely while Vin left. He took a deep sigh of relief. So far, so good. The baron does not know he is working for the Underground.
Vin didn't bother to tell him that they had to move to a smaller house because they could not keep up with the payment. Vin's family was born of a rich background. While he and his family were not greedy folks, he just feared greatly that he would not benefit his beloved wife and his son. His payment seems to grow less and less every month or so. What could he do? He was just a normal, ordinary man who worked in the mines. How could he hope to fight the ruler of an entire nation? How could he disappoint his son though by being like such a coward? Shouldn't he be dying for the benefit of his family then serving under a tyrannical lord whom his family detested with all their hearts? What could he do…?
Haven City
Month 11: Numoria, Day 15 (Fall Time)
Year: 299 TOMH (Time of the Metal Heads)
Present Time
"A full two weeks have gone by and yet, still no sign of the mysterious fugitive, Jak Bannon." came a female news reporter, "The Baron has assure us that he is no longer of this world." A scene showed Praxis addressing many reporters from the front yards of the palace, the microphones practically shoved up his nose.
"He is no more, this Jak Bannon." Praxis started, "My machine has dealt great injuries on him and his wounds have caused him to die. The city is one step safer."
Reporters kept asking him, ranging from, "Are you sure" to "How can you tell?"
"I can assure you that he is gone." Praxis continued, "There is no trace left of him when my guards checked."
"But what of the rumors that he can turn into some mutated monster and the sightings that has proved it?" one male reporter came, "They say his powers give him super strength and causes him to be a beast, surely that was a match for you, Baron."
"My machines can handle anything!" Praxis shouted, "I would not lie to you, I intend to fight for this city from scums like him! And with the underground's best fighter now burn to the grounds, the rest will fall like baby Yakows in a Crocadog's den!" And with that, Praxis left the annoying reporters and retreated back into the palace. Erol and a group of Krimzon Guards started to push and shove them away.
"This is Hali Anchors with the Channel 7 news, back to you, Canny."
The TV was clicked off and Torn groaned. He was disgusted at what he saw.
"Only the people of the slums seem to know we're the good ones." Torn spat, "and their opinions doesn't even matter to the majority of this damn kingdom."
"I wish you do not speak that way of my beloved home." The kid said, sitting next to Torn. Tess was also watching as well as a few other underground members. Ashelin had also dropped by. She constantly checked on her cousin Christof and friend, Torn, making sure he doesn't do anything rash, an irony that Torn tells these very same advices to Jak.
"Where the HELL is that stupid kid?" Torn shouted, "He's been gone for two weeks now! What the hell does he think is doing, lollygagging around like the world is his precursor egg?"
"Torn…" Ashelin came in.
"He has no sense of responsibilities. He's only working just to make the Baron squirm and get his stupid revenge, just so he can do what he did and get himself nearly killed! That selfish brat!" Torn hissed, "Does he think this is some game we're playing? People are dying! And those are the lucky ones. The ones alive are suffering."
"Torn…" Ashelin repeated.
"That's it, I have no choice---as soon as I see him, I have to fire him." Torn sighed, "I can't deal with this anymore. He's putting the entire Underground in jeopardy. I mean, I cannot tolerate this any--"
"That is ENOUGH, Torn." Ashelin stood up, "I believe in Jak, I know that kid can do it!" Torn gave off a slight look of shock.
"We need him for our fight." Ashelin continued, "My father is corrupted and he needs a huge impact to set him straight. Jak IS that impact."
"An impact that is causing us to risk our own necks just so he can be selfish and do some stupid stunt!" Torn shouted back.
"He's doing a great job fighting for our cause!" Ashelin debated back, "And whether he wishes to work for the city or for his own selfish reasons, he has made my father cringed! Nobody has done that in years! He's an immature kid, but he's only a teen and even then he makes better decisions then your average teenager. He's a smart kid"
"What do you know?" Torn cried, "I had a bad time trusting people because of bad experiences. I gave Jak a chance; he failed to live up to my expectations-"
"You have to be more patient!" Ashelin shouted, "Problem with you is that you lack patient!"
"Oh, look who's talking patient!" Torn sarcastically replied, "I swear, you're still stubborn as the day I met you: a little school girl who won't take "no" for an answer."
"And I still remember your first meeting with me hasn't changed you: a college student who has the ego the size of Haven port!" Ashelin hissed.
"Why the hell are you praising him like he's your boyfriend?" Torn's face turned red as he went back to the topic of Jak, "You don't like him or anything, do you?"
"Why, would you be jealous?" Ashelin asked, one hand on her hip, "I guess me breaking up with you was still hit you over the head like a ton of bricks." At that point, the other Underground members made off an "ohhhhhh" sound which lasted until Torn gave them the eye.
"Face it, you've been sour ever since that break up a year ago." Ashelin pointed, "How many times have I told you the break up was so we could better concentrate on our missions, and to protect us, especially Christof? You know what would happen if father caught me in here with you? Hell, I'm taking a risk just by being here!"
"I AM NOT UPSET BY THE BREAK UP!" It was hard to tell if Torn's face was red from anger or from his stomach turning inside out because of the current subject they were talking about, "We're talking about Jak here!"
"Oh, don't you start changing the subject, mister!" Ashelin crossed her arms, "Then again, maybe it was great that I broke up, since you're not exactly the world's most tolerable person!"
"Why you-"
"Don't "why you" ME!"
"You never can shut up, can you!"
"It comes in from being royal!"
"With a personality like that, you'd be a terrible ruler!"
"HEY! Shut up! I've been trained like this since day one should Christof not rule and I know a thing about ru-"
"If you knew HALF the things you were taught, we wouldn't even be-"
"ENOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGH!"
Ashelin and Torn were both silent. Tilting their heads down, they saw a very angry young prince.
"CHILDREN!" the child cried, "You two are nothing but CHILDREN! You fight like one! You all act like one! You behave like them!"
"Uhh…your majesty, you're technically a kid, too." came an underground member, "So, that analogy wouldn't exactly be-" A glare from the boy managed to stop the member from finishing the sentence, then he commenced his look towards the arguing "couple."
"You two are not the enemies, that is the Baron himself AND the Metal Heads! We are fighting an almost impossible war and you two waste time arguing like a bunch of angry Lurkers…a married couple even!"
Torn and Ashelin nearly hung their heads in shame after making weird faces at each other when they both heard the word, "married."
"Ashelin, I thank you for your time, you may return home before suspicion arise." The kid continued, "Stop the fighting with Torn. You two are friends, for goodness sakes! As a member of the royal family, I expect you to ACT like one! If you are to be my replace me as next ruler should I not take the job as next heir, I will NOT tolerate that attitude and immaturity!"
"And Sir Torn!" The kid faced his direction, "I don't CARE if you have issues trusting. I don't CARE for whatever past experiences that prompted you to believe in this way, Mr. Jak WILL stay. He is one of the main reasons why hope is returning to the people. I've seen people smile for once out in the slums! Mr. Jak is NOT lollygagging. He is on a personal, but important mission. He WILL return and until then, we shall remain patient until he does. Do I make myself clear, Sir Torn?"
Torn remained silent. He felt embarrassed. I mean, a child is talking him down for goodness sake! But he knows, he always knew, that the child, despite his age, would always be higher in rank then he is, and Torn knew very well that he is to respect those who were higher then he was.
"….Yes." Torn responded, with a slight disgust in his face as after seeing his pride wiped off in a clear 10 seconds.
"Good, now get back to business." The child sighed, "…You are not fire to Mr. Jak. Yell at him all you want, but Mr. Jak is now MY personal responsibilities and I will decide his fate!"
"Your majesty, it is time for your studies." Kor came in randomly, wobbling towards the crowded members who all groaned in disappointment of such an intense scene ending.
"I shall be right there, Sir Kor." The kid replied. He eyed the two, and then slowly walked off with Ani following closely behind. The door closed on them.
"Damn…he's gonna make one heck of a ruler." came an underground member. Torn eyed that particular underground member and groaned as he placed his hand over his face.
"Married…couple?" Ashelin nervously chuckled, "That'll be the day…"
Haven Forest
Month 11: Numoria, Day 15 (Fall Time)
Year: 299 TOMH (Time of the Metal Heads)
The pendent was a godsend. Jak asked where Daxter was and it was leading him. Next thing Jak knew, he was in Haven Forest, a place he didn't wanted to return anytime soon, but couldn't be helped. It didn't help matters that it was snowing as well. Winter pretty much has hit Haven Kingdom and it would not be a few months until it stopped. Jak spent many a day traveling the forest. Now with the pendent, he would not get lost so easily. He would just travel a lot; after all, the forest is a huge place.
What would he say to him?
"I'm sorry, Daxter, please forgive me." Nah, too simple.
"Hey, Dax…you know you and I are tight, so let's bygones be bygones, eh?" Nah, too informal.
"PLEASE! PLEASE, DAXTER! I'M SORRY! PLEASE COME BACK!" Goodness gracious, no! Too demanding and too pathetic.
Jak groaned. He sat on a log, resting his feet, took off his backpack, dug inside it, and took out a bit of hard bread. Jak managed to prepare better. There was an icy pond near his feet and he could see his reflection. The image of a young teenager gone wrong. He sighed. Another small bite. Winter…it would only be a few months before Jak would turn 18. He thought of the irony bestowed before him. Born on a holiday that celebrates purity, something Jak doesn't have. He struggled to swallow the bread. He shut his eyes tightly, and then looked up at the gray clouds. Snow gently fell.
"I can change." he kept repeating to himself. He ate the rest of his bread, then moved on, sub consciously dusting off the snow off his overcoat despite the snow falling. The pendent glowed once more, leading the way to Daxter. So far, no luck. Jak didn't have Puar with him, so he could not know the time. He could not keep schedules with the others, let alone call them. Jak just slept when it was dark. This time, he managed to pack a tent. After all, he cannot find a cave everyday to sleep in. Another dark night, another time to sleep. And sleep Jak did, in his tent, wrapped in his sleeping bag, with a couple of blankets on top of him. This time, he would not get sick. If he did, he would not return home. A forest this huge and with no one around to find him, Jak would surely die. This time, he cannot cheat death. Too much was at stake, but this was a risk he knew was worth taking. This time, not for his selfish reason, but for the love of his first and best friend ever.
Morning came and lit up the tent. Jak struggled, and then opened his eyes. The sun was up, a rarity with this weather. Rubbing his eyes, Jak groaned and slowly got up. Cold and hungry, Jak dressed and packed his tent. It was repetitive and grueling to pack his tent nearly everyday, but he knew better then to take a gamble on his health. Afterwards, he gathered firewood, made a fire, and cooked breakfast; canned vegetable foods. Quick and easy to make. He ate, he put out the fire, double checking to make sure it was all out, then packed up to leave. This felt like another grueling day, but with the sun heating his back, he had a bit more considered hope. Although halfway into the morning, the cloud became cloudy and gray once more. What a terrible mood killer. Jak once again groaned in frustration and set down in the middle of the snow, distressed. Maybe it was the cold, but Jak couldn't take any more of this and only did what he thought he could;
"I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY ALREADY!" He raised up, only on his knees, spread his arms and yelled.
But then, what is this? As Jak fell back down to the snow, he heard a rustle in the snow covered bushes. Jak gasped.
"D-Daxter?" he uttered. Was he so desperate for him that he assumed the rustle in the bush was that familiar orange ottsel fur? He turned around to face the bush regardless. Jak slowly stared at it, not moving. Before he could do anything else, a small orange figure zoomed pass Jak and ran off. Could it be?
"D-Daxter?" Jak gasped, "DAXTER!" Jak scrambled to his feet and ran after the orange figure.
"DAXTER!" He shouted, "WAIT! Don't go! I just wanna talk! I came to say I'm SORRY! DAXTER! PLEASE!" But the creature still kept running. Jak didn't come this far to give up and lose the first friend he had ever made, so he kept going. Jak kept running, pushing tree branches, leaping over logs, running over unfrozen waters, all trying to keep up with the ottsel, or so he thought it was. It was hard though. Ottsels were swift creatures who could adapt to the forest very well. To them, Jak's species were big, clumsy, and threatening creatures.
"Daxter!" Jak gasped, "PLEASE! Let me talk! WHOA!" Jak fell as he came over a cliff. He started to tumble downwards for a good few seconds before crashing onto the hard ground. Jak groaned in pain. He just got over a devastating injury! Jak slowly got up, rubbed his waist and observed his surroundings. Nothing but fogs. Nothing but white mists did he see. Jak gasped. Where did that orange ottsel go? Where? He disappeared. Jak was on his knees, but he was not happy. He stared at his pendent.
"Help." He uttered, yet nothing came, "Please!" Still nothing. Jak groaned in frustration!
"What!" He cried, "Is there like some limit as to when I can ask for help!" he cried, "IS THERE? You're just gonna let me die? Never let me find my friend? What kind of beneficial pendent are you!" His voice was loud that it created echoes. Silence struck again as Jak stared at the pendent in agony and defeat. That's it; he was going to die, this time, for real. Then, a soft animal noise came. Jak gasped. He knew that sound! That soft "brrrrrrr", high pitched sound. Ottsels make those! Jak stared at the mist again and soon, a small figure came to him. Jak could hardly hold his breath.
"Daxter." he whispered. An orange ottsel came from the mists and blankly stared at Jak. Jak stopped smiling. No…it was not Daxter. It was a normal ottsel. Jak slumped down again. He cursed softly.
The ottsel just stared at him with a blank look. What was this huge creature? He's so fascinating? Is he angry? No, must not interact with it! It then turned around, ready to walk away, but it stared back at the poor figure before it's eyes. Starring once more at the larger figure, the ottsel then made it's noise. Jak stopped moping and stared at the small creature. The ottsel continued to make it's noise and walked, as well as stopped.
"What? What do you want?" Jak asked. The ottsel continued making it's sound.
"I don't need you, go on home or something." Jak muttered, "I need Daxter…I NEED BLOODY DAXTER!" The creature twirled around a bit and gestured for Jak.
"…Do you want me to go with you?" Jak gasped. The ottsel made another sign and continued to walk. Jak sighed, "…Okay."
"Please don't lead me into some ruddy death trap." Jak mumbled, starring at the sky. He walked, keeping an eye on the ottsel who walked in front so Jak could keep up. The mists and fogs seem to move endlessly and Jak wondered if the ottsel was merely toying with him. But as the mist started to clear, Jak lost that train of thought. The ottsel lead him through a dark cave. Jak was initially confused, but the ottsel urged him. Jak nodded, sighed, took a big gulp, and then went in. What Jak saw next was beyond anything he has ever seen…
Green trees. Flowing mini-waterfalls. Flowers of different shapes and colors. Butterflies flying in every corner. Birds singing in every part of the tree branches. The sky, blue with white, puffy clouds despite just outside the cave, it was gray and cloudy, read to snow. Jak gasped. Paradise! Was he…dead? He then stared at the animals besides him; Ottsels! Lots and LOTS of ottsels! There was an entire tribe of them or something! Jak couldn't believe it! He had never seen so many ottsels in his life! Orange ones, Brown ones! Black and White ones! Yellow ones! Pink ones! Lavender ones! Ottsels of colors, it's like they all came pouring out of a rainbow. The ottsels were sleeping, playing, frolicking, and eating. They were of all sizes: big, small, fat, skinny. Mother ottsels with baby ottsel babies, big proud ottsels that looked as of they were guarding their clan. Jak couldn't believe his eyes. They were so lively and filled with warmth, free from predators and dangers, so of course, the ottsels stopped their activities when they saw Jak. Everything was dead silent.
"Oh, crap." Jak gulped. The ottsel that led Jak here spoke with the other ottsels in it's own language. An outbreak broke with many ottsels angry.
"I don't think I'm welcome here." Jak gulped. Soon, the ottsels calmed down and the one who lead Jak here urged for him to come. Jak shrugged and followed. As he walked pass, the ottsels, big and small, fat and skinny, eyed him dangerous, looking ready to strike him dead. Ottsels, they travel in pack. They could kill a fully grown person like Jak in a group alone. Jak had to be careful not to step on any tails or whatnot. The furry creatures surrounded him, making it difficult for Jak to get through. It's like they wanted him to step on their tails just so they'd have an excuse to gauge his eyes out.
The ottsel lead Jak into a small hole.
"You've got to be kidding me." Jak sighed as he watched the ottsel go in. Placing his backpack down gently, Jak ducked and crawled into the tight hole. Not enough fit. Jak groaned. His jacket was too loose and got in the way for a small hole. Noticing how surprisingly warm the weather was, Jak took off his overcoat. Tying his hair back in a ponytail, Jak struggled as he crawled into the cave. He wondered if his stuff would be maimed by the ottsels by the time he got out.
"Wherever you're taking me, it had better be worthwhile!" Jak groaned, struggling to push his way in the cramped tunnel. Once inside, he was in a giant underground cave. The ceiling was low enough that Jak had to slouch his back. The ottsel that led Jak here started to talk with the other ottsels. The ottsels then spread to other ottsels and onwards until they reached an ottsel into a large hole, but still small that Jak would have to fit inside it as well. Jak sighed as he got on his knees. He didn't want a hunchback.
The ottsels all came out and fashioned themselves properly, making their noises as ever.
"Hmm, maybe I'll meet their leader." Jak spoke to himself, "It seems that way." An ottsel came Jak's way and when he saw that ottsel, he nearly had a heart attack.
"DAXTER!" He shouted.
"WAH! JAK!" Daxter screamed. The ottsels spoke with him and Daxter spoke back in ottsel language.
"D-Daxter?" Jak said, more weakly this time.
"Hey, there, buddy." Daxter grinned, "Good to see ya! How are you feeling? Are you okay? You healed yet?"
"Am I healed yet!" Jak gasped, "What on Precursors is going on?"
"Oh, this?" Daxter started, "Well, if you haven't noticed, it's an ottsel tribe! The only one left."
"The only one?" Jak gasped.
"I suppose I have to start from the top." Daxter chuckled.
"Yea, I think that'll be a BLOODY FINE idea indeed!" Jak sarcastically responded. And Daxter told his tale.
"After I ran out from you, I decided to go to Haven Forest to relax and blow off some steam. It felt the most comfortable for me for some reason. I guess it's me being an ottsel and all. Any who, I wandered around aimlessly, not knowing that I would travel so far. I got so used to nature in an instant! I hunted for food and everything! My ottsel instincts must be kicking in! Any who, during my time in the forest, I felt this strange feeling inside me. I'm not so sure how to describe. Kinda like my stomach after I ate about 40 bars of chocolate, gurgling and churning. Any who, I then ran. I ran and ran and ran! I couldn't stop! I didn't wanted to stop. I felt hypnotized. I think I was. A voice came into me, saying to keep going, find it! I didn't know what I was suppose to find, but I soon realized I was running past a misty area. I wondered, how will I see? But I kept running. I ran and ran and ran…then I stopped. I was here, in this ottsel colony. This was a strange place. An area not snowed in, an area with blue skies. I thought I was dead…after all, I saw ottsels! I thought I was the only one left!
The ottsels comforted me and took care of me. I told them where I was from and the outside world in general. They were fascinated. They took me to the head ottsel, the King and Queen, if you wish to call them, and I told them my stories. Next thing I knew, I became a part of the royal court. I entertained all the ottsels of my adventures and my outside experiences. I told them about you, Jak. So, I guess it was naturally that this ottsel saw ya and thought you were Jak."
"Well, I was calling out for you." Jak shrugged.
"I see." Daxter nodded, "Well, it's good to see ya, pal."
"G-Good--"As much as he struggled to say the right words, nothing came out. Jak just stood silent. That's it? Daxter got pissed off at him and now, he's in a good mood? Jak nearly died to find him, for a long time now, wondering day in and out on how he was gonna apologize to him. How he prepared himself for the worst when he would meet him and he's HAPPY? That is so…like Daxter! He was one to quickly change his grumpy attitude by the next day, but Jak couldn't help feeling guilty and a bit wasted. He searched for a week for his friend.
"Jak, you okay, buddy?" Daxter asked, his hands cocked onto his waist. Jak stared at Daxter and smiled slightly.
"I'm fine." he nodded, and then he hugged Daxter, "I'm just glad you're okay." Daxter hugged back.
"Hey, same here, buddy." Daxter smiled, "Now then, we gotta get you properly accepted. Wait here." Daxter went inside the hole. Jak waited for a while, and then he saw his friend return with the King and Queen. They were taller then most ottsels and certainly more elegant. Their fur were more slicker and soft, their eyes more glassy and beautiful. Even their postures and expression screamed "King and Queen of the Ottsel Tribe."
"You see, the Ottsels don't take so kindly to you, Jak." Daxter started.
"No, really?" Jak sarcastically replied, "I left my backpack and overcoat in there, I'm getting worried."
"Hey, the ottsels never met you before; they view you as a threat." Daxter continued, "This is the only Ottsel tribe left, Jak. Over 300 left, yet no more then 500 in here. That's a not a whole lot, Jak." Jak nodded in agreement.
"I convinced the King and Queen that you're an ally." Daxter stated, "They'll address the other ottsels. If you want to add anything, you can. Ottsels understand your language." Jak nodded.
They went outside where the head ottsels spoke. Jak noticed his backpack and jacket was intact. He sighed in relief. The ottsels gave shouts of hate when the head ottsels were done. The head ottsels were calm, allowing such insults. Deep inside, Jak knew that even the head ottsels had their signs of reluctance.
"Oooh, tough crowd." Daxter looked.
"What are they saying?" Jak asked.
"You REALLY don't wanna know." Daxter answered, "You better start the convincing."
"Uhhh…excuse me." Jak cleared his throat, "He-Hello…may I speak?" The head ottsels calmed the tribe down and Jak spoke.
"Uhhh…I know this is awkward, someone like me coming in like this." Jak sheepishly laughed, "But I'm a good guy. I'm not here to harm you guys. I only came for Daxter, my friend. He told you guys of me. I-I won't do anything bad, I promise. You have my word." Jak smiled sheepishly. The ottsels agreed, but was reluctant. Mixed feelings blared. Some ottsels who still couldn't get over a species like Jak entering their private paradise left for their home. Others, more trustworthy, just nodded, willing to give him a chance.
"Well, I guess maybe the best choice is rest." Daxter commented, "You look like you need it." Jak nodded.
"It's amazing a giant mist blocks this paradise and Haven Forest." Jak started, "No snow has reached here. Amazing."
"This place is called the Forest Coves." Daxter pointed out, "The ottsels are safe from predators because of the mist. Only the ottsels can find their way in and out of the mist. We're so used to it by now. You're the first outsider (besides me) who has ever set foot here."
"I see." Jak nodded, "Ottsels are rare and hunters could come after them. This place needs to be kept in secret, right?"
"You betcha." Daxter nodded, "I know I can count on you, veggie boy." Jak nodded. Maybe that is why the pendent stopped glowing, to protect the Ottsels, or maybe because it already fulfilled its task as a guide to Daxter.
"Why is this place the only place where no snow has reached?" Jak asked, "It's like I died and entered the world beyond."
"I don't know...maybe it's just the mysteries of this planet, Jak." Daxter answered, then he made an answer he knew Jak would understand the most, "Maybe the Precursors had something to do with it." Jak, smiling, nodded.
Jak didn't sleep well that night. A paradise should easily put Jak to sleep, but he couldn't. Not with Daxter looming over his mind. Daxter, he's wandering around the Ottsel tribe like his reactions to Jak nearly two weeks ago were cakewalk. This IS normal Daxter behavior and Jak usually accepts it, but he just couldn't accept it this time, he just couldn't! His stomach was hurting from guilt. Jak curled in his fetal position like he was cold, but he was just unbearably uncomfortable. He slept little that night.
Haven Forest
Month 11: Numoria, Day 16 (Fall Time)
Year: 299 TOMH (Time of the Metal Heads)
"So, Jak, when are we leaving?" Daxter asked. It was morning and the ottsels were eating their breakfast: berries. Jak, too, ate the berries, just for the hell of it. Of course, he stopped when Daxter asked that question. After all this time, he wanted to come back to Jak? For some reason, Jak felt uncomfortable yet again. He didn't answer right away.
"Jak, hello? HELLO?" Daxter cried, "HEY!"
"S-Sorry." Jak apologized. He wanted to apologize, but this wasn't it.
"Well, when are we leaving?" Daxter asked.
"I'm leaving today." Jak softly responded.
"Okay." Daxter nodded, "I better tell the others soon." Jak nodded.
Afternoon rolled by. Jak started to pack up his supplies. He felt reluctant to leave such a nice paradise back into the harsh cold, but that's reality for ya. Daxter was saying his good-byes. Jak still grew uncomfortable. He was hurting inside. He couldn't understand why. It worried him.
"Okay, I'm ready to go!" Daxter announced. The ottsels watched in sorrow. In only the short week and a half that they knew of Daxter, they already couldn't hold their tears.
"I promise to come visit sometime!" Daxter cried out, "Until then, stand tall!" Daxter waved, and then climbed on Jak's shoulder.
"Come on, let's skedaddle!" Daxter shouted proudly. Daxter leaped up and landed on Jak's shoulder. The infamous duo was about to move if not for a panicking ottsel coming out of nowhere. It started to speak real loudly in it's language. The other Ottsels panicked.
"What! What's going on!" Jak gasped.
"It's Tuto!" Daxter gasped. He leaped out of Jak's shoulder and quickly ran in the directions the other ottsels took.
"Wait, you guys have names!" Jak shouted. No one answered.
Jak shrugged and followed. He followed the ottsels, going into paths he has never even seen before in his short time in Forest Cove. This paradise was a hell of a lot bigger then he imagined. He stopped when the crowd of ottsels did. They all stared up. Jak gasped and did the same. There was a small baby ottsel hanging onto the rims of a cliff for dear life. If he let go, he would fall into a watery grave as a waterfall was right below him.
"Holy Crap!" Daxter screamed, "Jak, we gotta do something!" The other ottsels could only stare in horror, not knowing what to do other then anguish over the situation. The steep waterfall mountain was too steep for even the most expert of ottsel climbers. How the little one got up that far was a feat no other ottsels could stomach, as well as a big mystery.
"JAK! Daxter urged. Jak nodded. Daxter leaped onto his shoulder and Jak started to climb the tall mountain. Climbing the mountain was no problem for someone as big as Jak. While ottsels would have a hard time, Jak had absolutely no problem getting up. The other ottsels watched in amazement. While the majority didn't care for Jak, they were concerned about Daxter.
Once Jak reached near the top, he tried to grab the baby ottsel who was just across from him. The waterfall split the two.
"Daxter, try to reach him!" Jak struggled, extending his arms as best as he could. Daxter nodded and climbed to the edge of Jak's hand where he tried to reach Tuto.
"Not long enough!" Daxter cried, "We need to get him from above!" Jak nodded and continued to climb. Once at the top, Jak leaped over some stepping stones on the waterfall, then stared down at the cliff. He was pretty damn high. A small but sturdy branch was just below him.
"Oh, shit." he mumbled. Jak slowly, but surely let his upper body hang down from the branch so he could reach Tuto.
"Tuto, grab!" Jak shouted. Of course, Tuto, being an ottsel who has never eyed Jak's kind for more then a day, was too scare to grab onto Jak's hand, not to mention one wrong move could cost him his life. The other ottsels kept watching in dread.
"It'll be okay!" Jak shouted. He extended his arm as far as he could, "Daxter!" Daxter nodded and slowly went down to the edge of Jak's hand. There, Daxter extended his arm to try and reach Tuto.
"Come on, Tuto, come on!" Daxter urged, "Grab my hand! Come on!" Daxter extended as far as he could. Jak's face was turning red and he was slowly slipping. His two feet tightly gripping onto the branch.
"Daxter…I'm…falling!" Jak could barely utter a word. His grip on the wet branch was slowly losing.
"Keep holding, I almost got him!" Daxter shouted, "Tuto, grab my arm!" He repeated in ottsel language. Slowly, Tuto extended his arm to reach Daxter's.
"That's it! That's it!" Daxter cried, "Ya got it! Ya got it! Just a bit further!"
"DAXTER…hurry!" Jak gasped, he could feel his legs slip away from the branch.
"Just a bit longer, Jak!" Daxter shouted. He could no longer extend his arm. He could only pray Tuto could. Slowly, ever so slowly, Tuto and Daxter's paws finally touched. Tuto let go of his other arm and was now hanging limply with Daxter as his main support.
"I got him! I GOT HIM!" Daxter shouted, "Pull us up, Jak!"
"TRYING!" Jak groaned, "I…"
"JAK!" Daxter screamed in full panic. Too late, Jak's leg lost its grip and the three fell in the water. Jak, however landed first, making him Daxter and Tuto's mattress of safety.
The other ottsels gasped in horror. Squeaks and other ottsel sounds murmured as the bubbles in the water started to slowly disappear. Were they…dead? They waited and waited…nothing. Nothing...
"BWAH!" Jak gasped as he swam back up to the surface. In his arms were Daxter who held Tuto. The ottsels cheered. They cheered even as Jak got himself and his friends out of the water. Jak gasped for air as he lied there on the ground, his cheeks still very red. Daxter did, too while Tuto was taken by his parents to their home. When Daxter got up, the other ottsels surrounded him and lifted him up, chanting on how much of a hero he was. Being Daxter, he appreciated the hero status, even though Jak played a part, too. The other ottsels ignored him. Jak didn't mind. He was more concerned on Daxter's look He was so…happy.
They stayed another night to let Daxter rest. Daxter started to tell the little Ottsels stories that he randomly thought of in his head. Jak watched from a distance corner. He was happy…truly happy. What would happen if Jak just took Daxter away from the one place he truly belongs to?
Daxter was no longer Jak's species. His skin now had fur. He was shorter. His ottsel instincts were kicking up at a fast rate. If Jak left Daxter, chances are, Daxter would be more ottsel then who he used to be. He would no longer speak Jak's language, no longer act the way he used to be…Daxter would be completely ottsel…and maybe that's for the best. Jak trembled at the thought of losing his beloved friend, but it couldn't be helped. He dragged Daxter into a hell of a lot of trouble; here was a chance for Daxter to live in harmony, like he wanted. Jak got up, looked over the tribe and Daxter one more time, and then left. He'll find some way out of the mist. This was his way of apologizing…
Jak must've wandered the mist for, what, 3 minutes before Daxter called out to him. Jak didn't stop, knowing it would be wise not to.
"JAK!" he called again, Jak kept going.
"JAAAAAAAAAAK!" Again he kept moving.
"JAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAK!" Jak groaned and stopped, trying to hold the tears back.
"Why are you leaving without me?" Daxter asked, almost feeling heartbroken. Jak slightly gasped and turned around. Surprised results. He's eyes were sparkling from the tears clinging on his eyelids and his mouth was gaped open as he struggled to speak.
"Jak…am I not your friend?" Daxter asked softly. Jak's head was slightly low.
"….Yea, I love that I met some other ottsels and they're all nice and accepting, but this isn't my home." Daxter spoke, "I was never an ottsel to begin with." Jak stared at Daxter, listening to ever word.
"I said some hurtful things, I admit. I admit that I said I hated you, but I didn't mean that. I was just SO frustrated with you and how you've changed. Change can be a good thing…but only if done in an appropriate way…but that doesn't change the fact that my life with you isn't fulfilling…because it is. I'm glad to be with you." Daxter continued, "You've changed my life a lot. Sure, you put me in a lot of danger, but that's the price I'll pay to be with ya. Friendship also means sacrifice, ya know."
Jak stood silent, but was in shock at his kind words.
"I belong with you! You and Kiera and Samos and Tess and even Torn!" Daxter cried out, "You're my best friend, Jak…my first friend."
"………You're my first friend, too." Jak spoke softly.
"I know." Daxter grinned, eyes half closed. Typical Daxter look, "Sorry for the harsh words." Then Jak just started to have a breakdown as he literally bawled like a baby as he lowered himself down to Daxter's level.
"NO…it's me who should be sorry!" Jak cried out. The tears wouldn't stop. How many times has he cried in his stay in the future?
"How many times was I such an idiot? Thinking revenge was the only way that would satisfy me? HOW was that gonna get me BACK HOME? To my friends? To my uncle? I MISS HIM SO MUCH and all I did was waste time trying to kill people to GET to a person I wanted to kill! I want to go back to him! See him, even if it's for a few minutes! When did my life started to change so radically? And even worse, I almost lost your friendship. How could I put revenge over my best friends? I don't even know where Samos and Kiera are! These goggle on my head and you…they're the ONLY TIES I HAVE LEFT OF SANDOVER…and I almost…wrecked it." The last words he uttered ever so softly.
"I want to…change."
Daxter, who was silent throughout the whole ordeal, came up to Jak and placed a paw on his shoulder.
"Wherever we go, whatever we do, as long as we keep memories of who we truly are, I don't care what we do." Daxter softly said. Jak eyed Daxter, once more wearing a surprised face.
"Come on; let's go back to Haven City." Daxter smiled. Jak couldn't do anything…he just…smiled. He hugged the little ottsel who hugged back. The ottsels from the tribe all watched. Jak eyed them back.
"They know I'm leaving." Daxter smiled, then he stared at them, "I'll visit sometimes, you guys! I promise!" The ottsels cheered. Jak smiled. His tears finally stopped and were met with rosy cheeks.
The two waved good-bye and left. The little ottsel, Tuto, squeaked.
"What did he say?" Jak asked.
"He said…"Thank you, Mr. Jak, please come visit our tribe again." Daxter interpreted. Perhaps this was the start of a beautiful relationship between ottsels and precursians. As the two heroes walked, the ottsels waved and cheered. It wasn't just for Daxter; they saved their cheers and waves for Jak as well. Thus ends another chapter in Jak and Daxter's neverending friendship...
To Be Continued