Silence

My broad chest muscles rippled as they shook from Vulcan Fury fire. Skull Gems were dropping left and right, and the last waves were being thrown off. My green hair was slick with sweat, as was the rest of my body. Pieces of my shirt were gone, and blood poured generously from my open wounds. Crouching low, I propelled myself backwards with a push and fired at the Metalheads jumping towards me. Finally surrendering to the hordes of creatures, I turned and ran for a zoomer. Feeling darkness seep into my vision and my thoughts, I swiftly flew down to a lower altitude and sped off towards the gun course, hoping Tess had first aid. Pulling the vehicle to a halt at the entrance, I stumbled inside, blood dripping out onto the beige floor. Almost crawling to her workstation, I read a small note lying on the bench.

To whom it may concern:

I am currently out with Daxter in Haven Forest. Feel free to pick up any ammo you may need and to test your skills on the updated gun courses. I will be back sometime this afternoon.

Love ya,

Tess

I idly popped my knuckles, nervous. I had already thrown up once. I don't get nervous. Why did I care? Jak was a soldier; just another disposable slave…wasn't he? No, of course he wasn't. The Underground could not have survived without him. His gunplay had saved our asses more than once. So why was I so attracted to him now? His hair, his chest, his muscles, his eyes. Why? Why now? Or have I always been attracted to him? A hurtful cry bubbled up and issued from my soul, escaping my lips in a whisper, "Love," I spoke the simple word. That simple word, with implications and an echo that reverberated to the very fibers of my meager being. I had to tell Jak. I had to. My heart would explode if I didn't.

Just then, the door to the Naughty Ottsel slid open. A raggy, bloodied form fell into a crumpled heap on the floor.