Two Sides to Everything
Disclaimer: Jak and all related characters belong to Naughty Dog. Colle and all related characters belong to me.
Sushi: I'm sorry for the late chapter. It was a bit late notice to me too. A lot of things were happening at the last minute the last few days so I haven't had time to work on my story. I know this is supposed to be the LAST chapter...technically it is. The thing is, that it'sa long one. So I made it a two parter. Part two may have the epilogue. I haven't decided yet, but since the next section is out too all you have to do is continue reading to find out!
Chapter 18: The Battle Front part 1
"So, how do you like it?" Colle walked into the streets of the newly rebuilt Bazaar. Jak had been waiting for nearly twenty minutes. Colle turned around in front of the warrior. She had gotten her hair cut.
"It's all gone." Jak stared at the girl. She looked completely different. Her hair didn't even reach her shoulders. That, along with the recent addition of the markings on her face, make her look younger but more like a soldier. "I like it."
"Good, because I wouldn't be able to do anything about it even if you didn't." She smiled up at him. Things had deffinaltly changed.
Jak followed the girl as she started off again. He came in step beside her. "You know what you need now?"
"What?" She looked at him curiously.
"Armor."
Mora walked toward the automatic doors of the Freedom League Headquarters. It was possible Torn had returned after cooling off from the meeting. He would listen to her one way or another. When Mora exited the main elevator, she heard familiar vioces coming from the weapons and armor storage room.
"I can't do this..." Colle came walking out of the room. She almost ran into the red headed soldier. "Sorry."
"Colle, wait." Jak wasn't far behind. He held the new Freedom League armor. "What's wrong?"
"I can't fight in this battle! I'm not stronge enough. I'll only get in the way." Colle sounded very destressed. She lowered her voice. "I'll only let you down."
"What are you talking about?" Mora looked Colle in the eyes. "You're a great fighter. Even Torn thinks so."
"Do you not remember when you fought the metal heads or the rosrucerps? You fought better then many soldiers I've ever seen." Jak tried convincing her of her power and strength. He envyed her for it.
"I had to be saved every time."
"So did I. And it was you who did."
"Also, if I fight and something happenes...what about Zack? What will happen to him?" Colle shook her head causing her short brown hair to fall across her face.
"That's why you should go." Mora placed a hand on Colle's shoulder. Jak caught on to what she was saying.
"You should fight for you brother. You might be the only one who can defeat Gurotik. He's not going to be easy. I'm going to need your help." Jak ruffled her hair. "Besides, I'm not letting you put that training to waste."
"Okay." The girl smiled at Jak and then Mora. Happy to have them both with her. "Thanks."
"Now let's get you some armor." Jak held out what he had been holding. The new Freedom League armor was sleek and a deep starry blue. The FL insignia was visible over the pad of the right shoulder.
"I'm looking for Torn, but if you need any help, I'll-" Mora was cut off as a young boy walked out of the elevator."
"I can help." Zack had decided that if his sister was going to fight, then he would help her any way he could.
"Uh, hey Zack."
"Hi."
"What are you doing here?"
"I just came to see if you needed any help." He smiled.
Colle thought of what he could be up to. She figured out something she couldn't believe. She had been neglecting Zack. Her little brother. She felt so horrible. And yet here he was just wanting to help.
"All right then." Colle hugged her little brother. "Let's get ready."
Mora left once everything was settled between the three. She found Torn in his map room going over the plans for the future battle. After ten minutes of 'persuation', Torn gave in. He knew she would be safe. And if she wasn't, he could never forgive himself.
"If you don't report back, then I'm coming after you." Torn said with his usualy gruffness. But the effect wasn't as stronge with the flicker of concern in his eyes.
"Don't worry. Everything will be fine." Mora kissed Torn on the cheek before leaving to give out orders to her soldiers. She left Torn staring after her.
The day of the battle opened to a beautiful sun rise. The wind rose in speed as the noon hours drew nearer. The Freedom League soldiers were going through last minute mission notices. All of the preperations had been made.
Mora had gone out early that morining on her normal route. She contacted Torn every thirty minutes. There wasn't anything unusual. After finishing her rounds, Torn asked her to go to the old catacombs.
Mora walked around and spotted nothing. There were only mounds of rubble everywhere. There wasn't anything out of the ordinary.
"There's nothing out h-" Mora's last message was cut off.
"Mora, what was that?" Torn spoke over his comm. unit. He could hear her voice breaking in and out then it stopped all together.
"Mora, report." There was no answer. "Mora, report!" A pit had formed at the bottom of Torn's stomach. What had happened to her? Jak, Colle, and Ashelin were with him along with three other Freedom League officers. They all looked at eachother. "Mora..."
Jak walked over to the commander. He guessed what was going on and knew how Torn felt at the moment. "We need to get started."
"All right." He whispered. Torn turned to face his officers. His voice became stronger. "Everyone get your ranks ready. We leave when Mora reports back." 'But what if she doesn't?' Torn left the group and headed for his bedroom. He had to get ready too...
"Torn-ca-Tor-" Torn's comm. unit came on almost an hour later. Torn had just finished putting his armor on and loading his guns. When he heard the voice, he ran to grab the comm.
"Mora!" He couldn't understand her reply. He searched the different frequences. "Mora!"
"Torn. Finally." She sounded almost as relieved as he felt. "Sorry about earlier, they sort of snuck up on me. I would have contacted you earlier, but the stupid rats wouldn't leave me alone. You know, they're stronger than they look..."
"Mora!" He practicly yelled into the comm. unit. He had been saying her name repeatedly trying to get her attention.
"What!" She yelled back.
"Are you okay?" He had been so worried about her.
"I'm fine. I told you I'll be okay." Now she was glad that he cared. "I do have news though..." Her tone of voice changed.
"I have obtaind the Crystal. It's amazing Torn. The power radiating from it is so soothing."
"Good work. Now get here as soon as possible. Once you're back, we'll begin the assult."
"There's more, Torn."
"What?"
"The rosrucs and metal heads are working together. Apparently the rats are responsible for the metal heads increased strength. they've been experimenting on them with different types of eco."
Torn didn't like this any more than he had when it had first began. "Get out of there, Mora. Once you're safe head back and take command of your troops."
"I'm way a head of you. I wound up in the wastelands. I called Sig. he's on his way. He told me something very distrebing. There are groups of metal heads and rosrucs heading torward both Haven and Spargus. Get the soldiers ready to move out. It's going to be one bloody battle." She became silent. "Sig's here, gotta go."
"Mora." Torn spoke he name more gently.
"Yeah?"
"I love you." He didn't want her to die not knowing or him to die not telling her. It scared hi how much he cared for her.
"I love you too." Mora sounded as if she would cry. She never cried. "And if you die out there, I'll kill you."
Torn smiled his rare smile. "You be careful too." When nothing else was said, Torn left to give the order to move out.
Sushi: Torn's so cute, isn't he?
Jak: I thought I was the cute one!
Sushi: You are, but this wasn't your chapter. The next part is the ending of the last chapter for Two Sides to Everything! Don't forget to review me on the question I ask you at the end!