Author's Note: Yay! Through their eyes is not dead yet. Hopefully I'll be able to start writing longer chapters, but I need to come up with a few more ideas before I can do that, suggestions are welcome, flames are not, they will only help feed my flame thrower.
YES, I'm 16 Today! (30th November)
WARNING: mild torture, Yaoi and rape later on as well as some strong language.
Sareen and Sol(stice) are © me, all other characters etc. are © Naughtydog.
Redemption
Sol sat sideways on the stone bench, his knee brought up so his arm could rest across it. He smirked as sounds drifted up from below the window. Torn had been in fits when he heard what happened, especially when Erol's outraged voice could be heard below. Sol had contacted him earlier that morning and told him what happened, of course he didn't tell him what Erol had tried to do, as far as Torn was concerned Erol had beer interrogating him again, He had of course been told by Sol of what had happened after Erol had asked him to scream, Sol had somehow found the energy to roll over, successfully dislodging Erol from him, making him hit his head on the bench in the process, effectively knocking him out, after which he had knocked the stun gun away, before Erol was able to recover Sol had dragged him outside his cell and taken his keys, he would of escaped then, but the night watch were due to start their rounds, Sol had served with those men, and some of them were still friendly towards him, not enough though, to let him escape, so instead he had locked himself in his own cell, before chucking the keys out through the window, below which was an empty compost disposal bin, now conveniently filled waist high.
It wasn't a totally effective method, but hopefully it would keep Erol away from him long enough for Torn to come up with an idea to break him out.
Unfortunately for him though, at that moment there came a triumphant shout from below.
"Torn? They've found 'em"
"Ok, just hang on as long as possible, we're doing all we can"
"I know" he whispered, before footsteps broke in on his conversation.
"Wouldn't get too comfy if I were you" Erol growled from the door, followed by the jangle of keys as he entered, Sol was glad to see that he had a deep cut which ran across the right of his forehead, framed by heavy bruising.
"Take him"
Guards entered and Sol found himself once more dragged to the injection table and strapped down, he glared at Erol as he loomed over him.
"Try something like last night again and you won't be the only one back in here" he growled, Sol spat in his face, which earned him a punch to the stomach.. Erol dismissed the guards before heading for the control panel.
"Aren't we lucky today?"
"Hn, why would that be?"
He smirked "You're the only one signed up for treatments"
Sol was about to retort, but before he could, a wave of dark eco hit him in the chest, he yanked on his restraints, his back arching off the table. Blood flowed from his lip as he bit into it, trying to prevent a scream from escaping him.
When the machine was finally turned off, Sol collapsed back, his breathing laboured, eyes half closed.
"I'd save your energy if I were you" Erol sneered, Sol heard footsteps, then the light above him was blocked from his view, "After all, we've got all the time in the world"
Warm breath brushed his lips, followed by a mouth, he jerked his head to the side, but a hand caught his chin and jerked it roughly back, a hungry mouth found his, a tongue ran over the damaged skin, clearing it of blood. When he pulled away, blood stained his mouth, which drew back into an evil smirk.
"Sadistic bastard" Sol growled
"I thought we decided on that in our first session" he smirked, walking back over to the controls.
He flicked a few switches, and this time, the energy that slammed into his chest was so intense that he couldn't help the scream that tore itself from his throat.
As he collapsed back onto the table, he could feel the blood running over his wrists where his restraints had cut into them, he was glad that he still wore his boots, otherwise he wouldn't of been able to walk.
He cried out as pain shot through his right arm, turning his head he saw Erol holding a bloody knife over his lower arm. Smirking, he attached a bandage around it, tubes ran from the bandage to he machine and as it settled over the wound he felt sharp stabs of pain as needles dug into the severed flesh.
"I knew you were special from our first encounter, the way you resisted all our attempts to break you" Erol smirked a he fiddled with the machine "that's what made you so 'intriguing', but now, it ends. I know you're working against us, and all I need to make you mine is a confession from your own lips" his smirk turned malicious "of course, your sister would be much more pleasurable" his smirk widened at a clatter of chains from behind him, "but why put myself out? When you're so readily available and so much more of a challenge?"
He placed a controller beside Sol before straddling his hips, leaning forwards he forced his mouth onto Sol's, but this time it as Sol that bit back. Warm blood flooded his mouth, the metallic taste lingering even after Erol pulled away.
"You know, I could take you now, but the Baron's due for an inspection"
Sol groaned inwardly, he had to of left his microphone on didn't he? This was one conversation he could definitely do with being kept a secret.
Erol reached over and activated the controller. For a moment nothing happened, and Sol felt the weight on his hips lift slightly. But then a dark liquid started to flow through the tubes, they reached his arm, and the pain was excruciating. He felt the pressure on his hips increase as his body jerked upwards, his head tilted back as a scream escaped him. He was sure his throat was going to rip open, he could already taste the blood in his mouth, blood flowed freely from his arm as it thrashed, trying to dislodge the wires, he felt teeth scrape his throat, and he jerked his body upwards, trying to dislodge Erol, but all he succeeded in doing was darkening the commanders already lust-filled eyes. The older man moaned and leaned down to claim the Youth's mouth.
At that moment a beeping came from Erol's belt, with a groan he climbed off Sol, before taking a communicator off his belt.
"What?" he growled out.
"Sir, the Baron's here" the guard on the other end replied.
Erol ran a hand over his flushed face before growling out a 'fine'. Putting his communicator away he flicked off the machine, before returning to his still writhing victim.
"We'll finish this later" he whispered huskily in his ear. Straightening his armour he returned to the controls just as Baron Praxis entered.
"How is he?"
"The reports show his readings remain nominal and unchanged"
"Has he divulged any new information?"
"Not yet sir"
"Fine, continue with the tests, tell me as soon as you learn anything new"
"As you wish"
Sol groaned as Erol returned to the controls, this was going to be a long day.
Two guards made their way along the prison corridors, the taller of them held a tray in his hands, on it was bread and water.
"What was his cell number again?"
"35" his young companion replied
"We're here then"
They stopped outside the desired door, the taller of the two passed the tray over as he peered through the window.
"Man, he looks like shit"
"So would you if you'd had those treatments"
"Not to mention Erol" he chuckled as his companion mock shuddered "Oh well, better get this over with"
They entered the cell and rolled the man onto his back, before tipping the water over him, he shot up and sent them death glares.
"You could of sufficed with a kick in the ribs if you're that eager to wake me" he growled at them.
"Come on" the elder of the two replied, dragging Sol to his feet. Grabbing his wrist he twisted it behind his back before escorting him out the door.
Sol went with them easily, but stopped when they went past the injection table. Turning his head he gave the younger guard a questioning look.
"Keep moving" the one holding him growled pushing him hard in the back, causing him to stumble forward.
Sol took this chance and spinning round, he grabbed the man's dagger before backing away from him.
"Easy buddy, we're here to help you" the younger cautioned
Sol snorted and kept the dagger raised. The older man sighed and removed his helmed, Sol's eyes widened.
"Torn?" he asked disbelieving
"You bet" Jak said removing his own helmet.
Sol sagged against the wall, the dagger clattering to the floor.
"Come on, let's get out of here" Torn said, stepping forwards he dragged Sol to his feet, shoving his weapons into his arms he waited for him to put them on before motioning for the two of them to follow him.
"Hey You!"
Torn swore when he remembered he'd forgotten to put his helmet back on.
"So much for a quick exit" Jak murmured "follow me"
Running over to a pile of crates he used them to reach a vent. He waited for the others to join him before he dashed to the right and landed in a store room. Sol landed beside Torn and groaned as he clutched his side.
"I'll be fine" he told Torn, his teeth gritted. Suddenly an alarm went off
They followed Jak who was halfway towards another opening.
After a while they paused just before a corridor with a grated floor.
"You ready?" Jak asked, the nodded "Good, run!"
They dashed through the corridor, gunfire shadowing their footsteps. Sol cried out as a bullet clipped his thigh but kept on running until they reached a metal chute.
"Well, see you at the bottom" With that Jak jumped down the chute, his whoops clearly audible as the echoed back up to his companions.
"After you" Torn said, Sol looked down tentatively before a push to his back sent him down head first. He somehow managed to twist his body round before he went flying through the air landed in the murky water.
He surfaced, snorting water from his nose. Jak was sitting on the edge and Sol returned his grin.
"Now that! Was a neat ride"
They were interrupted by a yell as Torn joined them. Sol swam over to him and pushed him under, he held him there for a few moments before dragging him up by the scarf.
"Try something like that again" he growled "And you won't know what hit you"
Dragging Torn to the side he helped him out before yanking himself up in a gush of water.
They climbed up to the opening and looked at the street below. Sol leaned into Torn "After you" he whispered, before giving him a sharp prod in the back.
Torn stood on the edge windmilling for a moment before gravity won and he fell. Sol jumped after him and landed in a crouch, just in time to stand up and catch Torn bridal style.
"Let's get back to the hideout" Jak said, landing beside Sol as he put Torn down.
"Where the hell have you been!" Daxter asked, jumping up and down on the table in rage.
"Shut up rat" Torn growled as he grabbed some towels from a box, he tossed one to Sol and Jak before using his own on his dreads.
"What the hell happened to you?" Dax asked.
"We went for a swim" Sol growled at him, using the towel to put pressure on his bleeding thigh.
"Ohh, do I really want to know?" Dax asked cheekily. The three men looked at each other, Sol could see Torn getting peeved as the meaning sunk in. He caught Jak's eye and smirked at his evil grin.
Torn caught the look and he too smirked wickedly.
"Hey, tattoo boy, what's so funny?" Dax shouted, his back to Jak. Taking this chance he removed his dripping tunic and scarf, taking Sol's he sneaked over behind the ottsel. Grasping the soaking wet garments in his hands he held them over his friend, and twisted sharply.
"Yearghhh!"
Even Torn couldn't keep the smirk off his features as Daxter jumped around yelling before catching sight of Jak, or, more specifically, the wet clothes in his hand.
Sol roared with laughter as Jak darted away from his friend, jumping onto a bunk, the ladder of which had been long gone.
"Argh, no fair" he hissed, putting his hands on his hips and sending death-glares at the blonde.
He kicked the base of the bunk which shuddered violently.
"Uh, Dax?" Jak asked gripping the sides of the bunk.
But Daxter wasn't listening, he had climbed onto the neighbouring bunk and was preparing to jump over.
At that moment the top of the bunk gave way. Jak fell through onto the bed below. Daxter was left scrabbling on what was left of the side of the top bunk, before getting his balance on top and peering down at the pile of wood below.
A stunned silence filled the room, before Jak sat up with a groan. Looking round he caught Sol's eye and they burst out laughing.
Daxter looked on confused as even Torn started chuckling, before looking at Jak's dusty and dishevelled appearance. He started chuckling so hard that he lost his balance and landed with a thump on Jak's chest.
The three men started laughing, Torn collapsed onto the edge of the table and looked over at Sol while trying to tame his merriment.
"Come on" he said finally "let's get that leg seen to"
Taking a medi-kit from a box he took the towel from Sol, but never got to see the wound.
"Leave it" Sol hissed
"You crazy?" Torn asked "Do you want to bleed to death?"
"You can't touch it" Sol said matter-of-factly, Torn looked at him oddly "They've…got a new method of injections"
Removing his glove he pulled his sleeve up to show them the jagged scar, Torn took his arm and examined the wound and the needle marks which punctured the skin on either side.
"Bastards" he hissed
"Right into the blood stream" Jak muttered as he inspected the arm "effective yet deadly"
"Not to mention bloody painful" Sol added with a humourless laugh
"So, how can we see to that wound then?" Torn asked
"Well you can't do it, we don't know what effect it could have on you, that only leaves Jak"
They looked at the youth questioningly. He nodded.
"Good" Torn said. Crouching down, Jak followed Torn's instructions, while Daxter sat on his shoulder and occasionally fished bits of wood out of his hair.
"Done" Jak said "Now, I'm going to go and see what I can do about this" he added, pointing to his hair
Sol laughed "I'll do it"
Wind tugged at her clothes, pulling her hair back from her face. She gazed around the windswept field, a peace falling over her as parts of her life started to fit back together.
A hand rested on her shoulder, and turning round she saw Sol, yet somehow, he looked younger, he no longer had his tattoos blemishing his features, and his hair was shorter, lighter.
"Welcome home" he whispered, his voice not coming from him, even though his lips moved, but from the wind, like distant voices from the past.
She leaned into him, and she felt safe.
"Welcome back brother" she whispered
"I never left you, sister" he replied
Then shadows started appearing at the edge of the field, she recognised who they were, yet, they seemed different somehow, deformed, their armour was twisted and sharp, their eyes malicious, one of them stepped forwards, and she felt herself drawn to him, as this though crossed her mind, the guards raised their guns and fired at them.
The bullets missed her, but Sol wasn't so lucky, his T-shirt darkened as bullets peppered his back, draining all colour from their surroundings as blood fell on the grass, turning it lifeless and cold. But he did not flinch, instead he merely moved in front of her, blocking her from their line of fire, the whole time, that warm, protective smile he wore never wavered.
Suddenly his hand was wrenched from her arm as some of the bullets pierced his chest from behind.
She stumbled backwards, and fell, but instead of hitting the rapidly dying grass, she found herself falling once more through darkness.
Sareen jerked from her sleep as sirens blared through the palace, getting dressed she hurried to the meeting room where the Baron and Erol were deep in discussion.
She stood to attention while they talked, eventually the Baron noticed her presence and beckoned her forward.
Erol turned as she approached and she saw him lick his lips nervously as he caught sight of her.
"What is the situation sir?" she asked
"There's been a breakout" Baron Praxis replied, shifting through the reports in his hand
"Another?"
"Yes"
"How many?"
"Only one" he replied
She waited before asking. "Do they know who sir?"
"Yes, they do" he paused "It was Sol"
"Anything else?"
"A guard said he saw him being escorted by a blonde and a KG in armour, by his description, it was Jak and Torn"
"This proves it" Erol shouted, his fist slamming into the table "He's in league with the underground" He started pacing "I said we should of killed him while we still had the chance"
"And achieved what? By keeping him alive we still have a chance to find the Underground and destroy it"
"That explains why we never got any closer to finding them, he was covering up for them" he growled, turning to face the Baron "Let me lead and assault into the slums, we could flush everyone out, leave them with nowhere to hide"
"Patience commander, we must let Sol come to us, right now we have no proof that-"
"No proof? We have a witness who saw him escaping with Torn in tow"
"No physical proof" the Baron continued "That Sol has anything to do with the Underground, and until we do, the council will not let us do anything about him except keep him under careful watch"
"Is there no other way?" Erol asked, clearly agitated by the idea that they were in a powerless situation.
"There might be" the Baron said thoughtfully, he turned to Sareen "Sol seems to of developed a special interest in you" he continued "If you could convince him to meet with you, we might be able to get a confession from his very own lips"
"Sareen?" Erol asked
She looked uncertain, but knew she had no other choice.
She stood to attention before exiting the room. Once outside she waited for a moment to clear her head, that's when she remembered her dream, it had completely skipped her mind while she was in the meeting, she felt there was something in it that was important, something that was important, but try as she might, she couldn't quite remember what it was.
She sighed and decided to go and see Onin, turning on her heel she headed back to the meeting room to get permission to leave.
Outside the door though, she paused.
"Do you think he's remembered?" Erol asked
"I don't see how, not unless by some miracle" there was a pause "If he had though, it would explain some of his behaviour, his animosity towards you for example"
"And his reaction whenever I mention his sister"
"We'll have to be careful, if she somehow remembers too, we could loose both of our best fighters to the Underground"
"What would you like me to do?"
"For now? Nothing, wait for Sareen to get that evidence, after that, whatever you like with him, as long as it doesn't go public"
Sareen could practically feel Erol's smirk at this, she chose this as her time to enter.
"What?"
"Sir, I was wondering if you would permit me to have an hour or so off this morning, I have no duties today, and there is some business I need to take care of"
"Yes you may, but take you communicator in case you are needed"
"Yes Sir" she said before leaving.
The Baron turned to Erol "Follow her" he whispered "And stay hidden"
"As you wish"
Sareen parked her cruiser at the entrance to the Bazaar, climbing out she looked around before heading through the maze of stalls.
She was being followed, she knew that, stopping at a fruit stand she purchased some fruit, most of it she slipped into her satchel, the rest she ate as she went along.
Slipping around a corner, she counted to three before darting out again, gun raised.
To an empty street.
She looked around cautiously, and on seeing nothing out of the ordinary, put it down to her imagination before heading off.
Erol slipped out from behind the rug display where he had darted as he caught sight of her waiting round the corner, looking round, he straightened his gun belt before heading after her.
Pecker flapped down from the roof of the tent as she entered, however, he was cut off as a bunch of grapes hit him in the mouth.
The rest she placed in front of Onin who nodded in return.
"Onin says that you must focus on these dreams, that they hold the key to your very future" Pecker squawked through a mouthful of fruit. "She says that you need to keep close to Sol before it is too late and you fall"
"My last dream, it was different, it felt like, a memory"
"Onin says that you must focus on what the two dreams have in common, she can reveal no more than you are able to work out yourself."
"Sol was in both of them" she tried, Onin nodded
"Anything else?" Pecker asked
"Uh, yes, there is, every time I'm with Sol, I feel safe, as if pieces of my life are falling together"
"And what else?" Pecker prompted as she hesitated
"There is nothing else" she said, confused
"You sure?"
"Ah, wait, Erol" she thought "Yes, in both dreams, when I felt my life was about to fit together, Erol appeared, and caused me to fall by making Sol let go of me"
"Onin says that this is good, you must remember these similarities, and follow your heart"
She thought for a moment, before nodding.
"I know what I must do" she said
"Sol" Ashelin called as she entered the hideout.
He jumped to his feet "Yes?" he asked
"It's Sareen" she said, Sol gasped, and stepped forwards, preparing a barrage of questions.
"She wants to see you"
He stopped, confusion, followed by sheer relief, crossed his face as he collapsed on a bunk.
"Thank God" he breathed.
"What does she want?" Torn asked, suspicion clearly evident in his voice.
"She didn't say, I just got a message from one of our operatives who had been recently captured, when I asked how he got free, he said she had let him loose and told him to give a message to Sol"
"What was the message?" Sol asked
"Here, read it yourself" she said, thrusting an envelope in his face.
He took it and scanned it a couple of times before folding the paper back up and carefully placing it back into the envelope.
"Well?" Torn asked
"She wants me to meet her in the Water slums, at sunset tonight"
"Where in the slums?" Jak asked
"East hut"
"How do we know she can be trusted?" Torn asked, suspicion still lingering.
"Even if she can't, I can" Sol growled
"Do we definitely know it's from her?" Jak asked
"Yes, I do" Sol replied
"How?"
He smiled sadly "Because I can smell the cream she uses to stop her knuckles from splitting when she lands a punch"
"I still don't like it" Torn muttered.
"Like it or not, I'm going" Sol growled.
Torn was about to protest, before seeing the determination on Sol's face and giving up. With a sigh he picked up some papers and began sorting them into boxes in a corner, the noise blocking him off from the rest of the conversation.
"It could be a trap." Jak said "Well it could" he said protesting at the look Sol gave him.
"If it is, it's one I'm willing to risk" Sol replied defensively "I trust my sister"
"Wait, sister?" Ashelin asked.
"Long story" Jak said before Sol could "So, what are we doing?"
Sol stood by the east hut, his shoulders shaking slightly as a chill wind cut into his skin. He looked around the area, eyes catching sight of a flash of blonde as Jak shifted in his position on top of a nearby hut, a cloak covering his head to keep him from view.
"Sol?"
Sol spun round and relaxed as he caught sight of Sareen, he fiddled with his left ear nervously, fingers intentionally brushing over the microphone attached to his earring which he'd had to remove during his time in the guard as a rule.
"Sareen" he said calmly, using all his will power to stop him from pulling her into a tight hug. "You wanted to see me, why?"
"I need to talk to you" she said, her shoulders shivering slightly.
She had removed her KG armour and was now wearing just her black halter neck and hip-hugging flared jeans, her black-blue hair was pulled back from her face into a tight ponytail.
Sol stepped forwards and put his arm round her shoulders, rubbing his hands up and down her arms to warm her up.
"About what?" he asked eventually
"What's happening Sol? I thought you were loyal to the Baron"
He ran his hands through her hair, and she gasped as she felt him tug on something.
"And I thought I could trust you" he said hurt as he held the bugging device in his palm "What's happened to you Sareen? I used to be able to trust you" he asked, dropping the device so he could crush it under his heel "How many more are you hiding?"
"Funny, I was going to ask you the same thing" she hissed, he looked at her confused "Jak, Torn, just how many others are you hiding from the Baron?"
He looked at her, then started laughing "You expect me to tell you that? Come on Sareen, I know you better than that, you've probably got another of those little devices stashed away somewhere"
She scowled "Fine" she said, removing a device from her boot she handed it to him, as well as one from the end of her glove.
He ground them under his heel, eyes checking her clothes for anymore.
"You can search me if you want, you won't find anything, except maybe a painful groin if you go too far"
He nodded "It's ok, I believe you"
She looked surprised "You do?"
"You never were one for being deceitful, besides, I know when you're lying"
"Alright" she sighed "Now what?"
"How about we get somewhere warm?" he asked with a smile.
"Sounds good" she said.
He took a blindfold from his pocket
"What's that for?" she asked warily
"I don't trust the Baron, or anyone connected with him, you never can tell what spies he's got, and besides, I want a quiet talk" she still looked uncertain "Sareen? Do you trust me?"
"I…"
"I won't do this if you don't trust me, if you say no, then we'll leave it at that"
"I…Yes" she sighed and nodded her head "Yes, I trust you"
"Good" he smiled and walking behind her, tied the blindfold gently round her eyes.
Looking over to Jak he motioned him over.
"Hang on a sec" he said to Sareen, walking away from her "Get a vehicle" he said to Jak
He didn't give Jak time to question his order, instead he simply walked back to Sareen and put a hand on her arm to show her he was there as Jak lowered a vehicle beside them, helping her in he leapt onto the back and climbed into the seat between her and Jak.
He motioned Jak to be silent and mouthed 'hideout, explain later'
"Sol, what happened?" Torn asked as Sol entered, Sareen still blindfolded behind him "What the hell is she doing here?" he asked.
Jak stepped forwards and untied her blindfold, she blinked before catching sight of where she was and who was there. Her hand darted to her dagger, but Sol had been anticipating this move and he restrained her.
"You said I could trust you" she hissed at him.
"You can, you need answers, so do they, I never had any intention to hurt you, and you can walk outside that door anytime you want. Just remember" he added as Torn opened his mouth to protest "That if you do, you won't get any answers from me"
She scowled at him and looked ready to storm out, but sense got the better of her and instead she sat on the end of a bunk expectantly.
"Well?" Sol started "What do you want to know?"
"First off, just how big is this movement and how long have you been a part of it?"
"For the how many, you'll have to ask Torn, for the how long, just under two years after we joined"
She turned to Torn "Well?"
"Well what?" he growled, back to her
"How many?"
"Hn, think I'll tell you that?"
"Stubborn bastard isn't he?" Sol chuckled at the other two
"You're telling me" Jak agreed as he collapsed on a bunk opposite Sareen, Sol perched on the edge of the one beside that.
"You know suga', you could always try those famous feminine charms of yours"
Sareen looked in surprise at the orange fur-ball at her feet "Pardon?"
"You know, I bet you could get all kinds of info outta any guy with your looks" he said cheekily
She looked at them imploringly "How much do you want from me to let me shoot the rat?"
"Trust me, we've offered fortunes to have the little bugger shot" Torn replied for the others "But believe it or not the rat's actually some use to the underground"
He turned round to face Sareen and Sol could of sworn he saw his jaw drop slightly before he caught himself and coughed.
Unfortunately for Torn, Dax also noticed
"Ooh, tattoo boy's got a crush"
Torn growled "Want to try and prove it rodent?" he asked, pistol out
"Ok, that's it, break it up" Sol said, stepping forward so the laser sight on Torn's pistol was on his leg instead of Daxter. He picked the ottsel up and dumped him on the bunk above where Jak was.
He looked round and was surprised to see Sareen actually smiling, on the verge of chuckling.
"Were you two followed on the way here?" Torn asked
"We don't think so, Jak dropped Sareen and I off on a building in case we were and we headed back and met him here while he went off somewhere" Sol said, thinking "It was quiet when we arrived, and Jak couldn't sense anyone around.
"Good, this could still be a trap"
Daxter scurried to the end of the bunk and looked over
"Careful" Sol warned as the end started to give way, but it was too late.
"Yargh!"
"Shit!"
Daxter yelled as he landed on Jak who swore, he wasn't the only one though. Sol turned to see Torn gripping the table with his left hand, his right was held palm-up as blood dripped off it.
"Here, let me see that" Sareen said, starting to walk over to him.
"I don't need your help" he growled, she ignored him and yanked his hand round so she could see it, causing him to curse.
A cut ran across his palm, another across his first and middle fingers where a dagger he had been about to pick up had slashed the skin when Daxter screamed. Blood flowed freely from the wounds.
"Hold still" she hissed as he trued to take his hand back
"I said leave it" he growled
"Quit being an idiot and hold still" she told him, holding his wrist between her arm and her side she took out her medi-kit and started to clean the wound.
Sol smiled, trust Sareen, even when she was in what could be a dangerous situation, she couldn't resist helping others, his smile slipped however when he saw the look Torn was giving her, yet, somehow, it didn't disturb him as much as it did with Erol. It could be that this look was a lot softer and less hungry, or that he knew Torn to be a decent guy.
"Done" Sareen said as she released his arm, he flexed his fingers and smiled at her gratefully.
Wait
Torn smiling?
Jak noticed this too and he gave Sol an odd look, he just shrugged.
"So now what?" Sareen asked as she settled back on the bed
"Depends, how much more do you want to know?" Sol asked
"The truth" she said "I know you lied to me when I last asked you, this time, I want you to tell me the truth. What do you know about me?"
"What makes you think I know anything?" Sol asked
"Onin" Sareen replied quietly "I've been having these dreams, Onin says that they are the key to finding out who I am"
Sol though for a moment, that had jogged something at the back of his mind.
"Oh, and Sareen"
Sol jerked his head upwards.
"You leave her out of this"
"It's because of her you're alive, she came to me and asked me to spare you, said something about Onin saying you were important"
"What were these dreams about?" Sol asked
"In the first I was falling" she said, a pink tinge creeping over her features, Sareen had always though that it was ridiculous to dwell on dreams "I was surrounded by darkness, but then, a pair of arms caught me and I stopped falling, they were yours, and I felt safe, until Erol appeared above you and struck you, causing you to let go and I started falling again"
Sol nodded, he'd been having something similar, he'd be reaching out for someone in darkness, and had caught them, and as he saw it was Sareen, he felt relief flood him, until he was hit and had to let go.
"What about the other?" Jak asked
"I…I was standing in a field on a hill, trees surrounded the field and at the base of the hill was a village, beyond that a jungle. I, felt like I belonged there." she coloured slightly more "Sol appeared behind me and I could feel his support as he held me, something was said, but what it was I can't remember. Shadows then appeared on the slope, they were KG, deformed into something more evil, and amongst them was Erol, he gave an order, and they opened fire, but none of the bullets hit me because Sol stood in front of me to protect me from them, all the time he never stopped giving me that reassuring look, or his support, until he was forced to let me go as the bullets forced their way through him, and I started falling again" she had gone quiet, her cheeks red.
Sol hung his head, a tear falling from his eye.
He knew where she was talking about, it was their home, he had had many dreams of standing in the meadow above their house, but in his, the village was on fire, screams carried to him on the wind as red figures rained destruction on the houses.
"Sol?"
Sol was jerked from his thoughts at Jak's voice, a hand landed on his back, but he stood, his hair hiding his face as he left the room.
Jak looked after him and was about to follow when Sareen called him back
"Don't, he always does that when something's troubling him" Jak looked a question "Hides his face, it's so you can't see his emotions"
"Have you seen him upset then?" Jak asked
"No" she said, confused "I haven't, he's always been either content or angry, never upset. I, must of heard it from someone"
"Right" Jak said, the hope which had briefly crossed his face disappearing.
"Sol?"
Sol turned as Torn walked up to him
"What?" he asked
"What's happening with you and Sareen?"
Sol looked at him before grinning "Don't worry, I'm not crushing on her"
"Pardon?"
"I saw the look you gave her when she was seeing to your hand, and if you want, I'll give you my blessing, as long as you treat her descent"
"I…what?"
Sol sighed and hung his head "I said, if you wanted to see her, you have my blessing" he paused "She's my sister"
There was a pause, broken by Torn.
"But, if she's your sister…"
"She doesn't know she is" Sol said "nearly four years ago we came through a rift with Jak and Daxter, we were imprisoned, and tortured by the Baron. Until there came a crucial tipping point in the war, when the Baron was low on fighters, so he drugged us, making us forget any part of our lives before that day other than our names. He made us KG that day, and has had us imprisoned ever since" he clenched his fists.
"Sol?"
"I let her down" he said angrily "I swore when our parents were killed that I'd protect her, now look at us, I'm hiding from the Baron, unable to move one way or the other in case of what they might do to her, and she's left to their mercy because she doesn't know what they are really like" He slammed his hands against the wall, hanging his head between his arms as tears dampened his cheeks "If I try and save her Erol will take her, and if I walk away I abandon her" he collapsed against the wall, sinking to the floor. "I just don't know what to do, now I can't even get near to her because I've blown my cover"
"You didn't know that she would be up that early, you said yourself she's usually in the gym at that time in the morning and everyone else is asleep"
"But I still made that mistake, and now I can't even get close enough to knock Erol's bloody block off without putting myself back in prison"
Torn crouched beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder "You won't be able to help her if you keep beating yourself up over it" he said, his voice firm.
Sol looked at him and finally hung his head and nodded.
"Do you think they're alright out there?" Sareen asked
"I'm sure" Jak answered "Don't worry, it takes a lot to get Sol down"
"What's happening?" Sareen asked Daxter as he came down the steps
"Sol ain't half beating himself up out there" he said as he jumped up onto Jak's shoulder "Something about how his back's up against the wall because of Erol and it's his fault"
There was a pause, broken by the swish of the door as Torn and Sol entered.
"You ok mate?" Jak asked
"Yeah" he said, before turning to Sareen "We should get you back"
"But-"
He shook his head "We've been gone too long, if they did have you tailed, they might start getting suspicious if you're gone with me too long then suddenly reappear perfectly fine"
"I see your point" She said "Just remember, this meant nothing" she indicated at the hideout "I'm still loyal to the Baron, even if you aren't"
He nodded, before taking the blindfold out again and tying it round her head.
"We'll take her to the edge of the industrial section before removing her blindfold, she can find her own way back from there" he said to Torn.
"I'll come with you, I need to see a supplier about his payment anyway" He looked over at Jak.
"Vin wants me to take a mission so I might as well come" Jak said quietly, so Sareen didn't hear Vin's name.
Jak lead Sareen from the hideout and went to get a vehicle. Sol watched him go, his fingers unconsciously going to fiddle with the chain round his neck, the locket on its end feeling warm against his chest. Before with a sigh, he followed Torn out.
"Here's our stop" Daxter quipped as Jak lowered the three-seater to pedestrian level. Torn slid off the back and Sol helped Sareen out.
"We'll head off" Torn told them as Sol removed Sareen's blindfold.
Sol nodded and began watched as they disappeared into the industrial section.
"Well, shall we get you back?" Sol asked as Sareen tried to get her bearings.
She looked at him "I can find my own way" she said "But, I…wouldn't mind the company"
He smiled and began following her as she headed in the direction of the fortress.
Suddenly something hit Sol in the side and he was knocked to the ground. Looking up he froze as he saw a smirking Erol step from the shadows, behind him, a whole squad of KG, all with their guns trained on him!
"Good evening Sol"
So there you have it, chapter six.
Hopefully that will be long enough to tide you over till I get a few ideas for chapter seven.
!READ FOLLOWING NOTICE!
And this is a note to those who have commented on my punctuation, I said in the last chapter that I would get it sorted as soon as I can, but at the moment I've got my GCSE Mocks on their way, not to mention the teachers piling more homework and Courseworkon me than I have time for, so if you are so desperate for it to be corrected, do it your damn self and send me a copy, either that, or wait till I get a chance to e-mail it to a friend to beta it.