Jak II Chronicles
Part II: The Precursor Stone
Chapter 14: Blessings of thy Miracle Child
Athletic, smart, and kind, these were three ultimate traits that defined Jak the most. He could twist and turn back flips like no one's business or punch a guy in the nose with precise aim, his mind acted in a way that any information he usually paid attention it, it usually ends up absorbed to his brain like a sponge, and he was almost always kind, hardly rude unless he needed to be.
It never occurred to me that artistic and creativity was to be added in his list as well. Now, art doesn't 100 define him. He told me he couldn't draw to save his life and truth be told (I hate to be rude), he really cannot draw. He cannot play any known instrument (although I've heard from a few students that he can sing pretty decently). Instead, his artistic talent lied elsewhere, as I was about to witness when Jak came in one day from school.
"You look worried." I commented, his back slumped, backpack strap on one of his shoulder then his usual two.
"Yea…well, I'm stuck being concerned because I have to write…" he trailed off, like he was embarrassed.
"Write…" I urged him, expecting more, although halfway in my head, I wondered why he would be so worried about writing. He passes English with flying colors, although he needs to work on his Math.
"….I have to write a play." he mumbled a little. I could barely make it out.
"A play!" I gasped, a bit shocked, then I reverted to puzzled, "…Why are you so down on writing a play?"
"Well, it came more or less through blackmail." Jak sat down on the dining table, "Involving my writing notebook."
"Ooooh, your notebook." I nodded. Jak carried a red notebook around at all times, writing whatever it is that he wrote. I never paid too much attention to it.
"This I like to hear." I went over and got some tea and crumpets ready so we would have something to do while I listen. He started his story of the day…
…………………
"Well, it started on my usual day of school. Before the start of school actually. I was sitting on my favorite bench in the front yard of the school. I usually sit there before school starts, writing in my notebook. What a lot of people don't know is that it's my notebook where I put in my thoughts and writings. Any who, school bell rings and I run to my class, carrying my books in a haste manner. Naturally, because I was trying to reach class in time and I was carrying a lot of books, I dropped my notebook on the bench area, not aware of it for a while.
I noticed my notebook was missing when it was lunch time. I was in a big panic, so I went out to backtrack. Daxter and Kiera helped. We searched and searched, until we got to the bench area and found that my notebook wasn't there. I was so depressed and very fearful. I thought someone would read my notebook…and unfortunately, someone did…
"Who?" I asked.
"…….Zera Vonahorn."
"Zera? Isn't she the most dramatic kid in your school? That talented actress as well?" I asked, just to make sure.
"Yea, and pompous and rude and popular." Jak spat in disgust, "I don't like her much. Always so mean to Daxter and all the underdogs."
"Oh, I see." This was that rare case when Jak would insult someone.
………………
"Any who, to my surprise, she came to speak with me." Jak continued to narrate, stuffing a crumpet in his mouth.
"Well, well, if it isn't miracle kid himself?" Zera spoke as I searched behind the bench.
"Huh?" I promptly banged my head on the bench, "OW!"
"I bet you're looking for a notebook…a red notebook." She spoke.
"YEA! YEA! I am!" I cried, "Do you know where it is…wait…how did you know I had a red notebook?"
"Simple, miracle kid, I have it!" Then she whipped out my red notebook!
"You found it! Thank you! Thank you!" I tried to grab it, but she pulled it away from me.
"Nah uh-uh." Zera started, "If you want your notebook back, then ya gotta do something for me."
"…Huh? What? Why?" I gasped, "It's just my notebook."
"Ya got some interesting stuff in this here notebook." Zera flipped through the pages like it didn't matter to her!
"You READ my personal writings?" I shouted. She nodded, "WHY? These are personal! Didn't you notice the "Keep Out, Private!" sign written on it?"
"Please, any non-geeky teenager would ignore that and just read it. "Keep Out" signs are a DEAD giveaway to others that they WILL end up reading it." Zera scoffed, "But I'm not here to insult your art, but to praise it."
"Huh?" I gasped. Zera was never known to praise underdogs and people she didn't see anywhere near her level of popularity.
"Geez, you're such a dumb blonde." Zera groaned, "Look, I like your personal writings and stuff. They're very deep and meaningful. I didn't realize you could do these types of things. Heh, what did I expect from miracle kid? You put a smile in everyone."
I was silent.
"Look, a trade. I'll return your notebook in time if you write something for me." Zera proposed.
"…Okay?" I was unsure, "What do I write about?"
"You know our school does a major play each year, right?" Zera pointed, I nodded, "Well, we can't find a good play, so the director told me to find a good writer. I guess he trusts me and all since I'm the best and talented and most artistic person in this entire school. So, after pointless searching, I found you."
"Well…what do you want me to do?" I gulped. She groaned, one hand on her flowing red hair.
"Ya DUMB blonde, I want YOU to write a play for us by the near end of school!" She shouted, "Sheesh, why are you so dumb?"
"I'm not; I 'm just caught off guard. People like you don't usually speak to people like me." I pointed out.
"What do you mean "people like you?" She took it a bit offensively.
"I meant you're all popular and well loved…I'm…well, people just know me, but I'm not popular." I shrugged.
"I see." Zera nodded, "Of course I'm popular…it runs in the family. Any who, get crackin', dumb blonde, and it had better "wow" the audience; otherwise, your notebook goes bye-bye." She threatened to tear it apart. She walked out, holding the notebook, knowing she wouldn't return it back until the play was over. That would be a long time. I was angry, I was upset. She read my personal stuffs and she expected ME to do something! And she called me a "dumb blonde."
"For your information…!" I shouted, "I'm NOT a dumb blonde! My hair is naturally GREEN!"
"That's my story…."
"So…you're going to what again?" I asked Jak.
"Write the play." Jak answered.
"What? But she blackmailed you, insulted you, and you take the full brunt of it?" I gasped, "You just do what she tells you to?" Jak nodded.
"These are the kind of things you tell the principal, Jak." I suggested.
"Maybe this is a good opportunity." Jak spoke in a positive manner, "Maybe I can challenge my writing skills this way." I sighed, how could he think so optimistically?
"Besides, she promised not to tell anyone what I wrote in it…despite her personality, I believe her."
"….Do you?" I asked, just to make sure.
"Everybody has good inside…everybody deserves a second chance." Jak smiled.
I nodded. I had much to learn from this boy. What would surprise me (especially Samos), was the play itself…
………………
Haven City
Month 12: Ouinta, Day 3 (Fall/Winter Time)
Year: 299 TOMH (Time of the Metal Heads)
"Haven City…home!" Daxter nearly broke down in tears, but instead started to kiss the snowy ground. Whether they liked it or not, Haven City was Jak and Daxter's new home. Snow came once again, gently falling down, making the city look at least somewhat beautiful.
"Come on, we gotta get to Torn and incur his wrath." Jak urged. He started to walk, passing Daxter who quickly climbed on top of the tall blonde's shoulder.
A bit of travel, but the duo managed to make it back by lunchtime, although they were stopped a couple of times in the slums by little children who wished for Daxter to dance for them. After all, as far as anyone was concerned, Daxter was a non talking ottsel, trained by his owner to dance for money. Jak gave the kids a free dance from Daxter who happily entertained (and showed off) them before moving on. There, they reached the entrance to the secret base. Jak and Daxter prepared for yet another of Torn's rage of rampage, but upon entering the front door, Torn, sitting on his office desk, stared at the two and grinned.
"He's grinning, something's wrong!" Daxter whispered to Jak, "Quick, we have to dismantle him, he's obviously a robot!"
"Daxter, hush!" Jak said, rolling his eyes at Daxter's prospect towards Torn, although it was weird that Torn was calm and grinning of all things despite their near three weeks absences.
"Welcome back, boys."
"Hello." Both Jak and Daxter answered, keeping a distance between them and Torn, lest this was a front he put up before he would explode.
"The Shadow has decided it's time to meet you." Torn had his arms crossed.
"The Shadow…" Jak gasped. Several times he has asked Torn for the Shadow, each with a harsh, "no." Jak heard many good things about the Shadow, but now, he would actually see him.
As the two spoke, Daxter's short attention span gazed over pass Torn. He eyed a short, stubbly looking man. With the light hanging over Torn's desk shining over the stubby man, he was hard to make out.
"Shadow…" Torn gave the floor to the Shadow who turned around to speak.
"So, you're the new recruits who keep getting into trouble."
"Oh-No, not you!" Daxter cried out. Jak gasped, his pupils turned just as small as Daxter's.
"Welcome to our humble Underground movement. I am known as the Shadow, but you can call me Samos. And you are?"
"Sheesh Jak, we went through all that to meet his holiness, ol' log on the head, grandpa green!" Daxter retorted, leaping down from Jak's shoulder. Jak remained silent for a good few seconds before he got the breath to speak again.
"Don't you know who we are?" Jak spurted out.
"Sorry kid... never seen you before... and I never forget a face... especially one that ugly." The man who claimed himself as Samos pointed straight to Daxter.
"So it begins…" Daxter spoke.
"How is this possible? We came through the rift with you... into the future...right?" Jak shouted.
"What?" Torn scratched his head.
"…Oh…(Bloody Hell, Torn doesn't know me and Dax are from the future, I can't tell him yet)…it's just…it's…old humor." Jak laughed sheepishly, "A little story I made up…" Torn groaned, a bit unconvinced, but he would rather hear about it later, "Any who, don't you remember?"
"Yeah! You used to look older than dirt and uglier than a knotted stump. What gives? Did you get a little nip and tuck while we were gone?" Daxter stretched his eyes out, pissing Samos off.
"Listen boys, I don't know what kind of things you've been chewing on, but I don't have time for this. We've got a Baron to overthrow, a child heir to protect, an invasion of Metal Heads to stop, and a kingdom to save. I'd say the schedule's pretty full!" Samos cried out, getting to the heart of the matter (plus, he already couldn't stand Daxter), "Besides, I haven't gone through any rifts. I hate teleporting!" He eyed Torn's ragged maps, as if making up a plan already.
"Sure sounds like the ol' Samos." Daxter had his arms crossed.
"This is confusing…I don't understand." Jak muttered to himself, apparently, despite others surrounding him.
"This is madness, I'll tell ya that!" Daxter had his arms crossed still, then his eyes were once again, wide, "…I just notice you have an afro." Jak stared deeply at this…Samos. Yea…it sure looked like him. His clothes were different, his hair was more lush and green, his beard was just a tiny little thing compare to the Samos Jak and Daxter knew, the bird on Samos' log was now an orange egg with blue stripes…everything about him just screamed lush. He did seem like a younger version of Jak and Daxter's Samos.
"You're right, Torn, the ottsel DOES talk." Samos gasped.
"Yea, it's getting him to shut up that's the trick." Torn commented. Daxter groaned. He had enough insults for one day.
"So…you are this "Jak Bannon" kid, the one who keeps tackling the big problems." Samos came closer to the young blonde, "The one who apparently gives Torn a hard time."
"Bannon is NOT my last name." Jak cleared his throat, annoyed, "…It's a long story on that matter."
"Well, I gotta admit, from all the newspaper and all the stories behind ya, you sound like a dangerous little child." Samos started (Who was he to call Jak "little"?), "I appreciate your work and how much you've dealt a hard one on the Baron, but I don't want you doing anything stupid." Jak started to speak before Samos continued.
"I've heard of how you handled the mess with Praxis without given permission…that was a pretty damn idiotic thing to do." Samos raised his voice, lecturing Jak like he was his only son. Jak sighed, taking in the verbal abuse, knowing he was right to pull off something stupid and selfish like that.
"…Yes, sir…I know I did a crappy thing." Jak started, "…I promise never to do such a heinous act like that again." He sounded slightly sarcastic, but there was honesty in his speech.
"Next time you do something stupid, it'll be from our orders, clear!" Samos pointed, acting as though Jak's word meant nothing to him.
"As crystal." Jak bowed like some polite gentleman, although once again, it had an honest, yet sarcastic feel. It was enough to startle Torn and even Samos, especially considering what Torn spoke about Jak, "Now…can one of you please take me to Prince Christof, provided he's here? I miss him terribly. I hope he's alright."
Torn and Samos, mouths slightly open, both pointed to the young prince's private room.
"Thank you." Jak nodded, and he walked off. The two watched him walk, Daxter clinging onto his shoulder as usual.
Once there, the two eyed the kid coming out of his room upon Jak's knock and hugging him. Jak hugged back. It was like two brothers reuniting after a long search.
"I missed you, Mr. Jak." The kid cried. It would take a mountain to make someone as strong willed as the child to cry like banshee. Apparently, Jak was that mountain. While Jak didn't cry, he just smiled and answered, "Same here, kiddo, same here."
"…Funny…he doesn't sound very…rebellious." Samos gestured, "Maybe a bit sarcastic…and unique."
"Yea…he doesn't…" Torn gasped, "What happen, a robot replacement, a clone, what? And they acted as though they knew you, Samos."
"Yes…quite peculiar." Samo placed a hand under his chin, "Wild imagination…I suppose."
………………
Underground HQ
Month 12: Ouinta, Day 20 (Fall/Winter Time)
Year: 299 TOMH (Time of the Metal Heads)
Morning felt like a familiar breeze, right down to Puar's usual morning exercise.
"MORNING EXERCISE! WAKE UP!"
And of course, Daxter would usually run away like a headless chicken while Jak merely rubbed his eyes, seeing as he was used to getting up early anyways. Breakfast was a godsend. Thank you, Tess, miracle cooker. And the missions were the usual, usual. Torn kept a closer eye on Jak, seeing his shocked surprise on seeing Jak more…calmer and nicer then usual.
"Are you sure you're not a robot?" Torn joked, though he was somewhat half serious.
"I'm not! STOP ASKING!" Jak shouted, as his usual answer.
"Well, he's yelling, sure sounds like the old Jak I know." Torn groaned. Everything was familiar, but hell, Jak liked it all the same. Of course, he still couldn't get over the fact that this Samos was the Shadow, not to mention it was Samos! The very same Samos who tortured poor Daxter by making him do chores, the same Samos who was Jak's mentor and conscience, the same grumpy Samos. It' has only been about a month, but he couldn't get it over with…at least, not yet. What would he tell Kiera if he ever saw her?
Kiera…it's been years since he last saw his childhood friend. In about a good few months, it would be exactly three years since he last saw her. How would Kiera react on Jak's sudden change? Yes, he's trying to be more calmer, more nicer, and to much degrees, it's working, but he was still easily irritated, still easily pissed, still cursing a stream of words (though he has a tendency to not say the much bigger, badder words), and other little personality traits that his younger form never had problems with. What would Kiera say? Would she like the "New Jak?" His old motto, "Everyone has a good inside and deserves a second chance" seems to have flied out the window when he met the Baron. Jak thought of this often before he went to sleep.
………………
Underground HQ
Month 13: Einta, Day 1 (Winter Time)
Year: 299 TOMH (Time of the Metal Heads)
"I want you boys to escort the kid over to Kor at the Power Station. He promised to look out for the boy, and I'm just too busy to baby-sit right now. " Samos came to Jak one day. Jak was on his bed, reading a book when Samos barged in, so Jak's reaction was an appropriate one…
"Huh?"
"Oh, and take the kid's Crocadog with you!" Samos continued to speak, ignoring Jak's supposed answer. Jak noticed the kid was next to Samos, Ani the crocadog growling over Samos nearby. The child's expression was a pleasing one. He was too happy to be with Jak. Ani continued to growl at Samos and at Jak. The dog didn't fully trusted Jak and certainly not the decision on him taking the kid, the one Ani watched over like a hawk.
"Oh, hee... hee... isn't he sweet?" Samos gulped, and then reverted to his commanding form, "Take the kid and the mutt to the Power Station. Watch out for guard patrols and defend the kid at all costs. Oh... and if you happen to lose the Crocadog... " Samos backed away from the growling crocadog who bared its teeth.
Jak saw the look on the child's face. He was already dressed warmly and eager to go. Jak got up and started to wear his overcoat, his red scarf acting as his…well, scarf. Before they left the headquarters, Torn wanted to have a word with him. Telling the kid to stay put for a while, Jak and Daxter entered his office and came out a couple of minutes later, faces sly and grinning. The kid could hear Torn grumbling. What happened in there?
Snow fell gently when the gang were out. Jak had his usual indigo overcoat with red scarf. The child had on a long coat, snow boots, a white scarf, and gloves as well. Googles were given to the kid incase the snow turned into a harsh storm. Daxter's only winter wear was his white scarf. Why would he need anything else with all that fur, eh? Puar and Ani were in no need for winter wear. They were just fine the way they are.
"I'm so glad you're taking me there." The kid smiled. Jak patted the kid's shoulder, "it's a refreshing change from Kor, and I get to spend more time with you."
"Alright, just stay close to me and we'll be okay." Jak noted. The kid nodded, already knowing this, but still nodded like this was his first time outside, "Daxter." Jak pointed to his backpack where Daxter got in.
The walk to the power station was nothing bad at first. They went far off from any Krimzon Guards patrolling the city though. The kid slipped on ice a couple of times and Ani growled over to everyone but the kid and Puar at least thrice.
"I hate that dog." Daxter whispered, noticing it was still growling at them, "Yea, just keep growling, ugly!" Daxter popped his head out the bag and Jak smacked him on the back of his head. It felt like this walk wouldn't be as bad as Jak thought. No sign of any danger and no sign of Krimzon Guards getting suspicious.
"Heh, this is nice." Daxter nodded, finally managing to relax, "Real nice."
"Yea, if we have time, we can catch a fast food restaurant and have a bite to eat." Jak suggested.
"Oh, really?" The child gasped happily. Jak nodded, "Oh, Mr. Jak, Sir Kor never does that with me! It's always haste and hurry with him. I've never been to a fast food place before."
"Neither have I." Jak came, "When we find one, we'll eat."
"Ya got money?" Daxter asked.
"Plenty." Jak had his eyes half closed, grinning, "Unlike you, Dax, I actually SAVE up."
"Hardy Ha Ha." Daxter sarcastically replied.
And truth be told, Jak kept his words when he found the nearest burger stand. There, the five were about to enter when they noticed a sign, "No dogs allowed." Ani whimpered. The crocadog didn't care for the burgers, but it wanted to stay close to the child as possible.
"Unless you're blind, dogs ain't allowed." Daxter commented, rather happily, too. Jak had a light bulb in his head. He dug into his back pack and took out a rather nice light tannish colored sunglasses, the glass shape titled a bit upwards. He eyed the others and grinned.
"Ani…if you want to go in…well, you just have to trust me." Jak took out a leash that Samos gave him before the journey incase Ani started biting. Ani, looking at Jak like he was some time bomb waiting to explode, reluctantly trusted Jak on whatever he was going to do.
Inside the burger stand, Jak had Ani on a leash, sunglasses worn over his face. He started to look like he was…well, blind. And they couldn't turn down a blind man and his dog, now would they?
"Little brother, what does it say up there on that burger menu?" Jak asked. He was being a blind man!
"It said triple decker burger with extra cheese, double burger with extra cheese…Burger with extra cheese, Burger with no cheese, Bacon burger with triple extra cheese, Bacon burger with double cheese, Bacon burger with…"
"WHAT? How many burgers do you have?" Jak gasped. He eyed the menu and made a small, "Oh."
"Well, I don't want burgers." The kid made a sort of whiny noise.
"Me, either, I don't eat meat." Jak shook his head, "Oh, look, there's a salad menu."
"You don't eat meat?" The kid gasped, "I don't either."
"Ain't that something?" Jak cocked a small smile.
After nearly 15 minutes on trying how to order food, the gang sat on a lone table far off in the corner where prying ears wouldn't listen to whatever conversation they were having, Jak had to keep his sunglasses on at all time.
"Is the burger good?" Jak ask, seeing Daxter eating inside Jak's backpack. Ani also had its own, eating on the table with the others. Jak gave a thumbs up. The kid nodded. Both Jak and the kid settled on salads.
"Hmm…the salads don't seem to taste as good as the one Tess makes. It feels more generic." The child smiled. Jak nodded, agreeing.
"Of course, this is a burger restaurant, they make rather crappy foods, but ya either love 'em or leave 'em." Daxter rolled his eyes.
The kid stopped eating about halfway, eyeing outside the snow window where the snow continued to fall.
"What's troubling you, kid?" Daxter asked, eating the last of his burger.
"…..I apologize…I just…you can see the palace from here." The kid sighed, "…How I miss that place." Jak stayed silent. The child placed his hand on the giant window pane and took a deep sigh.
"If only I could go back there again…if only a few minutes." Jak kept silent for brief scant seconds more before asking a question he knew would regret asking.
"…So….what happened three years ago?" Jak asked quietly. The kid faced the taller man, "You know, the incident…" This time, it was the kid who stood silent.
"…I'm sorry….it must be too personal, too painful…sorry." Jak tried to change the subject, but the kid stopped him.
"It's alright…I try not to remember so much." The kid sighed, "…My parents died a horrible death…both killed by metal heads…I think."
"Ya think?" Daxter popped out from his bag before Jak forced him back in.
"…My motherwas killed by the Metal heads…that I was…unfortunate to see." The child started, "My fatheris a bit of a mystery…I believe the Metal Head killed him, too…" The child sighed before going on.
"He was fighting with my uncle…the Metal head leader, that is." The kid stared out the window pane as he spoke, "My father fell…fell down from the palace roof…besides a bloody head from the fall…there was a gaping hole in his chest…like he was stabbed by one of the Metal Head's claws."
"Kid…" Jak barely whispered.
"And the Metal Head Leader is still out there somewhere." The kid sighed again, trying his mightiest to hold back any tears he had, a surge of anger in his voice.
"It's in my to-do list…ya know, killing the Metal Head Leader." Jak pointed to the morph gun which was strapped in his back. It's common for weapons to be shown in public. The Baron issued a law stating that guns or other types of weaponry CAN be carried in public for protection due to this harsh, bitter time. He didn't seem to care that many crime rates have risen through since as a result.
To Jak's surprise, the child made a soft scoff.
"Mere guns will not kill the leader." The kid stated, "You are dreaming."
"Well, I'm sure Jak can get his hands on other weapons." Daxter pointed out.
"Ordinary weapons will not destroy the Metal Head Leader so easily. He is possessed with so much Dark Eco energy and Precursor powers that merely destroying him with a normal gun or a sword will be fatal…it'll be like tickling him." The kid drank his soda.
"Oh, then do you happen to know HOW to get rid of him?" Jak surprisingly put in a slight attitude, arms crossed.
"Of course." The kid nodded, "A special sword."
"Which is…" Daxter waved his arm.
"Oooh, THAT special sword." Puar muffled from the backpack as well.
"Which is…" Jak repeated.
"The one they call the Holy Sword…the Sword of the Precursors…Light Sword…it goes my many names." The kid answered, "It has been said that my great ancestor, Mar, received that sword from a Precursor. Its power flows with the Precursor and only that sword can damage and destroy the Metal head Leader…"
"So, I assume your father used that sword to try and kill the leader, eh?" Jak asked. The child nodded.
"Great, where can we find this sword?" Daxter asked excitedly, the sooner the creature is defeat, the faster they can go home.
"In the palace." The kid answered. Jak and Daxter's wide smiles turned grim and disappointed.
"Of course." Jak muttered sarcastically, knowing better that the sword would be in that one obvious place he can't easily barge into. They all became silent again before Daxter pointed out the window.
"Hey, look, the snow is falling heavier then usual." Daxter pointed.
"Yea, we better get moving before a bloody storm comes." Jak sighed, "I am NOT in a mood to be sick again." The gang got up and started to walk out, Jak pretending to be blind as Ani let him out, not very pleased towing Jak around, but at the same time, a bit happy it got food in its mouth and was close to the child.
Once again, the five walked on to their destination, unaware of the manager of the burger stand telling a couple of Krimzon Guards who came in for a bit to eat that he recognized the child as the prince. The guards got a move on and contacted the others. They ran out of the burger stand.
The five continued to walk, but with all that food in their stomach, it was slightly challenging. Daxter had no problem; sitting inside a backpack, resting was fine enough for him Puar doesn't even eat. Ani had a bit of trouble. Being a dog, it ate its own burger, plus the left over Jak and the kid didn't eat.
"You can climb on my shoulder if you want." Jak lowered down, placing a hand down so Ani could climb. Ani turned its face the other way and continued to walk, "Well, at least it didn't growl at me."
"That's kind of surprising." The kid gasped.
"Freeze!" Jak and the kid turned around to face a gang of Krimzon Guards heading their way.
"What!" Jak gasped.
"By order of his highness, Baron Praxis, I hereby place you ALL under arrest!" cried the head Krimzon Guard.
"Oh, crap." Jak groaned, "And I was having a good day." Jak took out his guns, Daxter and Puar getting out of his bag.
"GUYS! Take the kid to safety and HURRY!" Jak cried. Daxter made no hesitation and he and the others lead the kid away who was reluctant to leave. Jak stayed put and started to shoot some of the closer ones, first, with the Scatter Gun, sending three of four Krimzon Guards flying back. Jak started to turn and run to catch up to the kid as he shot them.
"Stop them!" The guards cried.
"Don't let them escape!"
Jak tried the ol' insults as he started using the Blaster gun.
"Taste the power of eco lead!" Jak cried, "Okay…that was a bit corny."
"How do YOU like to be shot!"
"Leave the kid alone, you bastards!"
"I thought you'd all learned your lesson by now on messing with me!"
Eventually, his ammos were running short. Jak had to think fast, what now?
"JAK! Use the NEW gun!" Daxter cried from ahead. Jak remembered earlier today…
"So…I heard you got babysitting duty." Torn grinned, though he sounded and looked a bit embarrassed about something.
"Yea." Jak grinned also, eyes half closed.
"….Good luck." Torn spoke.
"Thanks." Jak kept his cunning face, leaving, but knowing full well that Torn had something else to give to Jak.
"Hey…" Torn came on again, Jak turned around, still with his sly face, "I'm probably wasting this, but here's a Vulcan Barrel for that pea shooter of yours. Believe me, you're gonna need it!"
"Awww, Torn, you care." Jak sarcastically, yet honestly spoke, taking the Vulcan Barrel.
"Shut your face!" Torn hissed, "I just think you need better weaponry, is all!"
Awww, Torn, you're just denying." Daxter smiled.
"SHUT UP AND GET MOVING!" Torn shouted.
The flashback Jak just had got him to remember that he had the Vulcan Fury. Jak grinned and quickly switched his gun into the Vulcan Fury mode. Lowering it down, Jak started to shoot and the bullets unleashed like a machine gun would.
"WHOO, what a rush!" Jak screamed as he watched the guards falling one by one.
"BACK UP! BACK UP!" cried a surviving guard, talking in his communicator. Before long, Jak's thrill was destroyed when his bullets ran out and more guards came.
"Crap." Jak groaned, "I should learn to converse more bullets."
"Good idea, Jak!" Daxter shouted sarcastically. The four were waiting for Jak.
"What are you doing, I said to RUN!" He cried out.
"The kid refused to leave without ya!" Daxter shouted. They were a distance from each other.
"Say whatever you will, Mr. Jak, I shall not leave you!" The kid cried. Jak groaned. He WOULD do this. He ran towards the kid instead of lecturing himself on the child's behavior.
"I ran out of ammo! NOW can we run!" Jak cried out. The kid nodded and they all ran. The child wasn't doing a good job keeping up and irritated as hell, Jak picked up the kid and ran while carrying him. More guards were coming, surrounding him which prompted Jak to run in opposite directions, only to meet more Krimzon Guards.
"That's it…we're doomed." Daxter sniffed, "And this time, I mean it!" Jak placed the child down and groaned in frustration.
"Jak…anger issues…ANGER ISSUES!" Daxter cried out, "What did you say about change?" Too late…his dark form took over again. The child gasped upon Jak's transformation. He remembered when he saw Jak transformed into this hideous creature. Back when he first saw him. The transformation felt even more uncomfortable then last time, but the child watched with wide, concerned eyes.
Dark Jak unleashed his standard yell, sending the citizens to run in panic.
"Jak Bannon is back!"
"That monster!"
"The Baron lied to us! He's still alive!"
And Dark Jak unleashed his rage and started to leap high…20 feet in the air, and landing on a group of Krimzon Guards, killing hem instantly. More came, but Dark Jak had the strength of 20 men, easily swiping 10 Krimzon Guards with his one arm alone. They fell down like rats. Anything a Krimzon Guard came close to the child, Ani would try and bite them back. Dark Jak would come as well and keep the kid safe.
He was unbeatable, near invincible. Are there no men alive that can stop this Dark Jak!
BANG!
Daxter and Puar screamed, Ani barked harshly, and the child gasped. Dark Jak stopped his attacks after that sound. It was from one of the Krimzon Guard, a rather scared one who must've shot, unaware if he would hit Jak or not…well, he was. Dark Jak stared at his chest…a big, gaping hole with blood coming out from it. The scared Krimzon Guard shot him in the chest…Dark Jak struggled to breathe. Blood was coming from his mouth.
"No…" Daxter gasped.
After standing still for a good few seconds, Dark Jak fell harshly on the snowy ground. He reverted back to normal Jak where he just lied there; motionless, bleeding, making the pure white snow blood red. His eyes were half closed. If nothing was done, Jak would bleed to death. The child ran. He ran to Jak and cried in agony.
"MR. JAK! MR. JAK!" He shouted, "Wake up, the Krimzon Guards are coming!" What could he do? He was too upset, too scared to think of anything other then shouting to Jak.
Daxter, however, just stared in shock. Losing his best friend? After nearly 10 years of being together? This is how it ends? He's bleeding and not even moving. No signs of twitching. For all he knew, Jak was already dead. He couldn't stand it. His best friend...Daxter had enough. He ran to the guards, the ones he feared most of the time. He made a blood curing scream and started to gnaw on the exposed parts of the guards.
"KID! Take Jak away!" Daxter cried, in the middle of gnawing the guards. Daxter wasn't going to be nobody's fool today. The kid didn't hesitate and went over and started to drag Jak. He was a heavy teen, but what more could you expect for a small 7 year old? That didn't stop him from taking Jak someplace safe. Ani barked repeatedly.
"Ani, help Daxter!" The child cried. Ani obeyed, even if it hated Daxter with a passion. Soon, the two animals were fighting back the Guards in anywhere they can. Ani bit, Daxter moved gracefully and cleverly tried to confuse the guards to accidentally attacking the others. Puar, too helped by tackling the guards, one by one. The child managed to drag Jak in a small alley, and placed him behind some trash cans. A trail of blood was left behind from being dragged. The kid hurriedly went to the blood and tried to cover the trail as much a possible by snow. He didn't need guards taking advantage of Jak. He was rushing, making a mess or whatnot, all in a hurry to try to cover up the trail and return to Jak. After doing what he could do best to cover up the blood (and anxious to cure Jak), the child ran back to the alley where Jak still stood, blood covering his entire chest and his chin. Jak frantically grabbed Jak's backpack and started to search for bandages, too panicky to think of any other alternatives.
Ani and Daxter kept the fighting, but they knew they had to run, they were outnumbered and tired. They shouldn't have eaten so many burgers.
"I can't do this anymore! We gotta escape!" Daxter screamed, all the while thrashing about and gasping for air. The guards moved in confusion, kicking Daxter in the process whenever he was in the ground. It was hurting the poor Ottsel and he couldn't move anymore. Next thing he felt was him being pulled away. He opened his eyes and saw Ani was carrying him in its mouth, Puar following close behind.
"They're getting away! Go get them!" The guards were too dizzy, so they lost their chance to find out where they were.
"Put me down! Put me down!" Daxter cried, halfway to the alley where Jak and the kid was. Ani did so.
"Are you okay, Daxter?" Puar asked.
"Ewww, dog spit!" Daxter cried out, "Yeesh, can't you be a little more GENTLE?" Daxter turned his back towards Ani.
"Can't you be a little more quiet or maybe you should SHUT UP for once!" Ani ran to the alley before the guards could regain conscious.
"Puar!" Daxter cried, turning his head to the COMP.
"I didn't say that! I don't sound that mean. Daxter. You make Puar sad for accusing like that!" Puar cried.
"…Then who told me to be quiet?" Daxter gasped. He eyed Ani who was already in the alley with Jak and the kid, "…No way…" The voice he heard wasn't coming from Puar…she was right, Puar isn't that mean. But that voice was female and the only other one next to Daxter was…Ani…ANI? I mean, talking is one thing, but a female voice? Daxter quickly shook the thought and ran after Ani along with Puar. He'll figure this matter out later. Every one of them kept quiet until all the guards have left, all searching pathetically for Jak and the kid.
The kid had started to cry. Daxter started to shake poor Jak who lied motionless.
"JAK! SAY SOMETHING! ANYTHING!" Daxter cried. The ottsel started to form tears. At the moment, the child was crying in a nonsensical manner. Puar moaned and groaned in deep concern. Even Ani whined, afraid to lose Jak.
"Jak, you can't die!" Daxter choked, "What about Samos…what about Kiera! We still have to find him! What about your revenge? WHAT ABOUT SANDOVER? WHY?"
"Jak…JAK….WAKE UP! WAKE UP! PLEASE! HELP ME! DON'T LET HIM DIE!" The kid cried, his cheeks rosy, his tears stinging his face, "PLEASE!" Never in the child's life has he called Jak by just that…Jak. It was always Mr. Jak.
His pendent glowed. The child opened his eyes and saw the pendent's reaction. Then Jak's pendent started to glow…a bright white light enveloped both the child and Jak, blinding Puar, Daxter, and Ani. In a matter of seconds, the glowing stopped and Jak…Jak was alright.
"Whoa." Daxter whispered, surprised and relieved, the tears still surrounding his eyes.
Jak's gaping hole was gone. The blood…all gone. The pendent healed him completely. Jak struggled and opened his eyes slowly.
"J-Jak…" The child gasped.
"…Ow…My chest…I'm dead? Oh…I'm…okay?" Jak stared at his chest. No pain, no nothing. How confusing.
"The pendent…it healed you…or did I do it?" The kid whispered, teary eyed, half surprised, half confused. He hugged Jak again, "I'm so glad you're alive." Jak hugged the kid back with one of his arms, eyeing his half of the pendent. It was Daxter's turn to cry in nonsensical blabber as he ran into Jak as well and gave him his hug. Jak placed one of his arms around Daxter.
"Wow…" Jak whispered, starring at the snowy sky.
The five ran to the Power Station which was nearby, knowing they couldn't hang around the alley all day. No time to stop, no nothing. They walked to the top and ran inside, gasping for air.
"Oh, dear, they're here!" Vin jumped a bit. Behind him was the elderly Kor.
"Samos told us to bring the kid to you." Daxter groaned, hurt, and exhausted, and out of breath.
"Thank you. I'll be sure to keep him close." Kor eyed the child, then he eyed Jak, "My goodness, you look like…well…Hell."
"Yea." Jak groaned, "That pretty much sums it up." Ani came closer to Kor and growled like it normally did with most of the people it watched over. The child gave his usual concerned, yet "Ani's doing it again" look.
"How sweet…" Kor muttered, a slight sarcastic air around him. Jak lowered down and patted Ani's back, risking if Ani would bite him and unfortunately, with teeth that huge, it was a very terrible risk. Instead of the usual growl, Ani instead panted in glee and actually licked Jak's face. Everyone surrounding Jak and the dog gasped in shock. Ani LIKED someone other then the boy? Kor was the first to speak.
"Interesting. That insufferable mutt never liked anyone but the boy before." The old man observed, like the two were his research specimens.
"I guess I'm just good with animals." Jak grinned, starring at Daxter who grinned back when eyed by his best friend. The child smiled, happy that Ani was giving it's love to someone other then himself. Daxter, however, stared back at the dog with a bit of jealously and hatred. Ani eyed him with a big grin on its mouth. Kor's attention now diverted to the many holographic televisions and stations before his eyes while Vin was busily pushing buttons.
"I hope we have enough eco to keep the Metal Heads at bay. During my travels in the deep Wasteland I saw some of the bigger ones. Awesome creatures." Kor turned to face the heroes.
"We saw a big one coming out of a rift once. He was uuuuuuugly!" Daxter made his two cents known, reverting back to his old self when mere minutes ago, he was in agony over Jak's near dead body.
"Hmmmmphh…" Kor grumbled, like he was offended by that comment, "I have some valuable information for you. The Baron is conducting an excavation at the Dig. He is still looking for that ridiculous Tomb."
Kor rolled his eyes. As he spoke, Ani went over to Kor's walking stick, stuck one of its hind legs up and started to pee on it. Kor, noticing this, didn't get angry, but just shook off the pee from his stick. This isn't the first time Ani did this to him.
"Frankly, I don't believe it exists." Kor muttered, "The legends and beliefs of the Precursors died a long time ago."
"Oh, Sir Kor…please do not think that way." The kid spoke. Vin nodded from the backside. He then eyed Jak who was giving Kor his "I'm not taking this so seriously" look, "I rather Mr. Jak have a look at that place if he has the time. While I am worried about my uncle trying to find the way into Mar's Tomb, I am also concerned for the Lurkers who live in the area where he is digging for the tomb."
"I see." Daxter pondered, still uncomfortable by the mere mention of Lurkers.
"The Lurkers once lived peacefully in the volcanic caves between three years ago and about 300 years or so in the past, but since my uncle has taken over, well…he's like a hurricane that won't stop. And seeing as the dig site is part of Haven Kingdom, he has every right to dig in it."
"I'll have a looksee, your highness." Jak bowed politely. The child smiled and dug through his pocket. He fished out a flat keycard.
" It is not located in the city, but outside of it." The child handed Jak his keycard, "Here is an Air Train pass to get you out of there. Use it well, Mr. Jak." Jak slowly took it.
"Thanks." Jak nodded. He took it and stuffed it in his bag.
"Oh, and take Ani with you. I know my dog will be of great asset to you." The kid eyed his crocadog. After what just happen today, the kid took no chance. He didn't wanted Jak to go deep inside his head, but this was an impossible task. Daxter gasped, and then eyed Jak, wondering if he'll take the dog with him. Jak eyed the dog for a long time who was now more then eager to go, though you could see it was reluctant to leave the child.
"Go with Mr. Jak…he'll need you more then I do…please promise to protect Mr. Jak and his friends." The kid bent down to Ani's level, "And PLEASE, try not to kill Daxter, okay?" Ani thought for a second and barked, agreeing. The kid smiled and hugged his beloved pet. Ani moved over to Jak who petted him again while Daxter stared, uneasily. It seemed the kid started to call Jak with the "Mr." in front again.
"Wait, we're leaving now?" Daxter asked.
"I guess." Jak scratched his head, "Torn probably has more missions for us. So…I guess I'll see you later." "You don't need to go right away, you can stay a while." The kid grabbed one of Jak's arms, like a kid begging his parents to take him to a toy store.
"…I know." Jak muttered, even though he didn't want to be shot again, "I have to. No rest for me." The kid reluctantly let go of Jak's arm and lowered his head. Jak sighed and bent down to the kid's level. Placing a hand on his shoulder, Jak spoke, "I'll be okay. I've been through much worse." The kid was silent, face still down.
"I have to do this." Jak urged, "I'm doing this for you." The kid nodded slowly, head still down. Daxter, witnessing all these, couldn't help but take the kid's side. Couldn't he just wait till, maybe, tomorrow?
"Good luck…Jak." The kid spoke, finally facing Jak. His face showed he was going to cry, but with full confidence. Jak nodded and they left.
Once the heroes were outside, everything calmed down. Daxter, back in Jak's bag, pondered as he stared at Ani.
"Jak, maybe you should have taken the kid's advice and stayed put for a while." Daxter groaned.
"Oh, not you, too." Jak stopped walking, and grabbed his bag.
"Jak, there was a giant hole in your chest." Daxter made sure to keep his voice level in check, they were in a public place, "Kiera…Samos…OUR Samos…Sandover…these people and places will have no meaning without you whence we return."
"I know, but this entire city is resting by my shoulders." Jak explained, "Right now, this city is just as much as my responsibility as it is the kid's."
"Jak, you've only really been in this city since last spring." Daxter gasped, "The other years were in that freaky prison. The kid's been here his whole life."
"Look, I don't understand why I feel I have to protect this city when all I want is the Baron's head on a stick, but there's just…something about this place that gets me all defensive." Jak started, "And if I have to risk every part of my life to do it, then so be it." Daxter was surprised at Jak's calmness. His face was no filled with anger, but with concern and hopefulness that Daxter might understand what he is trying to say. Daxter sighed.
"I just have this urge to stop Praxis, get that Holy sword or whatever, and kill the Metal Head." Jak came in, "I'm even tempt to find this Tomb of Mar if it existed. I have no clue, really. I don't know, but I know I have to this this. My heart's in the right place…some of it may be wrong, but bloody hell, I decided on what I'm going to do." Daxter was speechless, as was Ani who was staring above. A moment of silence and Daxter grinned.
"Jak, you're an idiot." Daxter laughed softly, "You're a real knucklehead. You always risk your neck ever since I met ya."
"I know." Jak smiled, releasing the bag he was holding, "It's just who I am." They started to walk, Daxter now starring back at Ani again.
"Jak…you notice anything strange about the dog?" he asked. Jak stared at Ani and shook his head.
"No…why?" Jak shrugged. Daxter sighed.
"…Nothing."
………………
Haven Palace
Month 13: Einta, Day 1 (Winter Time)
Year: 299 TOMH (Time of the Metal Heads)
Snow continued to fall heavily even from the high palace. Seeing as the palace was much closer to the heavens, it was no surprise. The Baron eyed the snow from his office, his huge window pane that covered up nearly half the entire office room. His double door opened and in came the royal family's personal butler, Walter.
"Your majesty, your tea, sir." Walter came. He was an old butler with pure white hair tied back into a ponytail. He usually had on black tuxedos, but this time, he had on blue top with black pants, his shoes mostly black with a large white buckle. An umbrella was latched onto the back of his belt. He carried his beloved umbrella all the time. One assumes it is because it is his choice of weapon. Some rumors have sprouted that Walter was a fighter. Even a butler has to defend himself and the people he served.
"Just leave it on the desk." Praxis mumbled, stressed once again.
"Master Erolior is worried about you, your majesty." Walter commented, "And so is she. In fact, she wishes to speak with you." Praxis groaned. Not HER. He wanted so much to avoid HER. Always criticizing him, "She will not take "no" for an answer."
"She never does." Praxis groaned.
"My mistress, you may come in." Walter spoke clearly. From the double door came an old figure. Dressed in a suave, lavender dress, a blue sash around her, the woman sprouted gray hair held up and a wrinkled face, but her icy blue eyes stood out above all. Despite her old age, this woman aged gracefully and was
quite beautiful. Her figure, from the very looks, could give any 20 year old women envy. She was a stunning figure but Praxis groaned.
"…Mother." he mumbled.
"Have you been paying attention to the city lately?" She cried out, "Crime rates up the roof, people starving in the slums, rebellions, honestly? How could you let our own people turn their backs on us?"
"Mother, I am doing everything in my power to protect them!" Praxis groaned, "I am protecting them from the Metal Heads. True, I am harsh, but it's until the Metal Heads are gone. This city needs to be tough!"
"You always say that and every time you do, I believe it a little less." she scoffed, "Your older brother was loved by many…why are you failing!"
"Mother!" Praxis cried, "Must you mention my older sibling? You upset me. My own mother, not trusting me."
"Your nephew does an even better job and he is nearly 8!" She shouted, "You are twice his age, honestly!" Praxis groaned.
"I am disappointed." She shook her head, "What on Precursors are you doing? Is there something you need to tell me?"
"No! Of course not, dear mother." Praxis gasped, slightly panicking, "Mother, I will protect this city, I will rid of the Metal heads…I WILL find little Christof…I WILL succeed and make the people love us so they can trust us."
"I only want this kingdom and our people to prosper. These are our people." The old woman stared out the window, standing next to Praxis who stared at her in shame, "Look at the city, Praxis…go on, look." She placed her hand on Praxis' cheek so he too would stare at the same thing she was staring at.
"What am I looking at exactly?" Praxis asked.
"The majority of the people here are precursians." She started, "Even if they are of lower class then we are, we must still protect every last one of them."
"Yes, I know." Praxis groaned, having heard this before, "I am trying to protect the people. This Jak Bannon is the cause of most of these problems. He is a nuisance and a threat to the entire city. My entire Krimzon Guard force is keeping a keen eye on him."
"And yet, months after his appearance, none of your men has yet to capture him." She scoffed, "One boy over hundreds of Krimzon Guards…how sad."
"I am doing what I can." Praxis gritted through his teeth.
"You can't even control your daughter!" She cried out. Praxis tried to argue back, but the words chose not to come.
The old lady sighed as she walked away. She stopped midway through the office room.
"There have been many decisions I am not proud that you have made." She said, her back turning to her son, "…But despite my harsh criticisms, the city is still standing, so you must be doing something right. Don't disappoint me any further."
"Yes, mother." Praxis nodded.
"Oh, and for goodness sake, please spend some time with Erolior…he wants your attention." She sighed.
"I give him plenty of attention!" Praxis cried out.
"You treat him like a soldier." She commented.
"He IS a soldier." He cried out again.
"He is also like you and I…Precursians." She walked off with Walter following behind. Praxis sighed and sat on his desk.
"She is getting suspicious…my mother must not know my true plans…" he groaned, "She would try and dethrone me in a heartbeat."
To Be Continued…