Author's note: Hey thanks for your reviews! As always they are lovely and opiniontive. Uh I turned it up a notch inthis chapter for your enjoyment... if you actually enjoy this story...
Anyway here's the chapter! Enjoy!
"Deep underground is where rats roam, within the darkness other creatures called home. Go through the maze if you dare and risk all those who care" Ashelin's voice read the piece of paper that Jak had found
"I didn't know Rygar went into the poetry business" Torn smirked
It was another riddle by the crazy old man and Jak knew it was Daxter he had to find. Jak gripped the small goggle cap as Torn spoke again.
"Great we got to go and find the rat" Torn said distastefully
"What I can gather this is talking about the Sewers" Ashelin replied
"I'll bet there are some nasty Metal Heads down there" Sig inputted, "The sewers are always crawling with them"
"I've got to go down there" Jak said stubbornly
"Not in your condition" Samos opposed, "You've been through a lot too suddenly, you need your body to rest"
"But-"
"The old man is right" Torn cut in, "You look like shit"
"I wasted enough time already" Jak snapped, "I can't rest when I know Daxter's out there and I can help him!"
To be honest Jak was extremely tired physically and mentally but his best friend's life depended on him and he couldn't just stop while he was in danger, probably from the Metal Heads. Daxter maybe annoying, talkative and about as useful as a square ball at times but he was Jak's best friend and without the little Ottsel's loyalty then Jak knew he wouldn't be where he was today.
"You can't keep doing this Jak" Ashelin's voice was soft and compassionate as he felt her hand touch his arm, "You can't keep pushing yourself. You wont be any use to anyone if you keep doing this. I know Rygar is pushing you and you're doing what he wants"
Jak faltered at her touch. She had a point and he could feel her genuine concern for him. He sighed and rubbed his face.
You are only human, you're not a god. You cannot save everyone or everything...
Solrin's wise words rang clearly in his mind. Maybe he should listen to the weird old guy more often. Jak realized that the Braille teacher was getting less and less encryptic with each encounter. This time he was more straight forward and clearly pinpointed things that he would never tell a soul. He knew little about Solrin but the old man seemed to know more about him and what's going on more than he realized...
"I don't want to... I don't want to give up" Jak said quietly
Head strong just like your father, I should have expected this...
"You're not giving up, believe me" Ashelin replied at an equally quiet tone
I was once like you Jak...
Jak sighed, "It feels that way"
"We can go in the morning" Sig suggested, "I'm eager to get back into action and toast some bad boys with the Peace Maker"
"I'll come along too" Ashelin volunteered in her commanding voice, "We don't know what we'll find down there"
With that Jak turned around, away from the group. With or without his 'vision' he could feel everyone's eyes watching him as he approached his sleeping mat. They all looked to him for hope, strength and trust. Yet he failed them in all areas at one point. Why do they still put their faith in him? Why do they still believe he will come through for them?
As he settled in a restless sleep, he knew the responsibilities that weighed him and he knew the consequences if he didn't keep them. He had to come through for two of his remaining friends or he'll never forgive himself and no one would forgive him. Failure wasn't an option.
Jak woke up tired and unable to sleep. He sensed that it was night by the silence and rest he could pick up from the atmosphere. Day and night didn't matter to him in an inky grey world. Jak sat up and tapped into his Light Eco powers to find his assumption was right. It was night time and he could feel everyone resting on makeshift beds or sleeping mats. It was humble here in Spargus oppose to Haven City.
Jak quietly pulled the covers away and made his way outside via the elevator. He wanted some time for himself, so much has happened and so much stuff has been put on him that he needed time to deal with everything. He needed some space. Once he was out he found the streets empty and the air cool. He could feel the natural elements of the sand, the mudbrick homes, the wood from the doors and the air itself.
You must understand the power that rages within and you must understand that they are not tools that you have been given but a spiritual gift...
Was Jak really just using his powers? How can he understand what was going on inside him? What would it matter? He was going to keep using them anyway, his powers were given to him for him to use... right?
Jak tried to relax and enjoy the silence of the time out but he felt stressed and was constantly worried. It wasn't about saving the world but it was about saving his friends. Even if he'd overcame his blindness by finding the alternate route people seemed to expect more from him, like the impossible...
Jak was brought out of his thoughts but a sense of human presence. It was cold, dark and an old life force that he identified to be one person...
"Came to get some fresh air too?" the male voice boomed, echoing across the rocky streets
Jak gritted his teeth as his green eyebrows narrowed in pure hatred.
"Rygar" Jak spat, "What do you want?"
"Nothing" Rygar's voice shrugged, "Its not me that wants anything but it's you who wants something or should I say someone"
"What have you done with Daxter?" Jak snapped
"Nothing but I believe I may have accidentally left him with some Metal Heads" Rygar replied slyly, "Those poor misunderstood creatures were very hungry. I had to take pity on them, after all we did kick their asses"
Jak made an audible growl and clenched his hands in fists.
"But that should be no problem for you" Rygar continued unfazed by Jak's show of aggression, "After all, you're the Baron's ultimate weapon. You were made to destroy them"
"Why are you doing this?" Jak asked forcefully
"Why do we even exist?" Rygar countered, "Why is the world so evil? Why does everyone deserves to die?"
Jak shook his head, "What are you talking about? No one deserves to die"
"Oh you think so? You thought the Baron deserved to die, that Errol deserved to die, even the Metal Head leader, the Dark Makers and all those innocent lives you've ruined deserved to die. Don't give me that crap!" Rygar boomed, "This world is corrupt and impure and Vegar sought a way to purify it again"
"You're with Vegar?" Jak accused as anger swelled within him
Rygar snorted, "As if I align myself with such arrogance? But I must admit his plans to try and harness your ability to channel Eco is quite remarkable. Too bad he failed... or did he?"
Jak controlled his rage, the Dark Eco was intensifying his emotions but he fought tooth and nail to keep a grip. Like it or not this guy knew where Daxter and Keira are.
"Come on Jak, give in and kill me" Rygar taunted, "Let go and shred me to bits like you want to! I'm only playing with you like a Crocadog with a chew toy"
"You would want that don't you?" Jak snapped
"I see you learned from your mistakes" Rygar sounded pleased, "Good boy. They'll make a king out of you yet"
"You're not a guy of small talk, what's the deal?" Jak demanded knowing there was a reason behind Rygar's conversation. Why was the gang leader even here?
"You're at least smarter than I give you credit for" Rygar smirked
"Just tell me why you're here?" Jak sighed tired of the game
"You want to talk business? Alright, as we speak Freedom HQ troops are circling Spargus palace" Rygar changed the subject
"What?" Jak blinked
"Heh. I control the HQ remember? They're mine! I am their leader and I now govern Haven City streets. You could go far as to say I rule Haven City, just not so openly. Or have you forgotten who is in charge here?"
Jak frowned, "They wont follow you, they know the chain of command"
"I know, and they know it well. They think I am Torn, Governor of the city thanks to a little voice changing device I just happen to have"
Jak could feel Rygar holding a small object with metal properties in it and it gave off an energy signature. Jak heard a little click and Jak knew the old man activated it. Jak almost jumped in surprise to hear Torn's raspy voice speaking to him.
"They think there are dangerous fugitives within the palace hiding out and they are ordered to shoot on sight. They are one order away from storming into the palace and open fire to all of those inside and I make that order"
"One problem once they see that the real Torn and Ashelin are inside they wont obey you anymore"
Another click signified the deactivation of the device and Rygar's hard voice came once again.
"How can they when they are just armed with heat seeking goggles and not night vision? All body figures are the same to the heat sensors and they will believe and follow the 'great' Torn or me"
Jak glared with his blind eyes, "You're lying!"
"Oh am I?" Rygar said smugly, "While we were having a wonderful chat you were distracted long enough not to notice a thing. Your little information gathering from me costed you big time"
Jak's face screwed with anger as his hatred grew even more.
"If you don't believe me see for yourself the troops that surround the building on the ground and above but each second you waste can cost you dearly"
Jak turned to the direction he had came, the direction of the palace. He didn't want to leave Rygar, he could trust the old man as far as he could throw him and Jak can't throw the man very far. He concentrated on his Light Eco powers, producing a wider spectrum of his sensors. He focused on reaching the palace and really finding out if Rygar was telling the truth or not.
He threatened to physically change as his 'vision' extended to the palace. To his horror he found plenty of life forces that he could identify as HQ soldiers with the metal armour they wore. They were stationed at the entrance of the palace and there were about twenty on the roof, above the throne room. There were airships floating above that had brought the troops here. Why hadn't he noticed them before? With his heightened sense of hearing he could had at least heard the approach of the airship engines...
"I can tell you exactly where I left your pet rat but I can also call off the troops stationed here..."
"What are you up to?" Jak turned back and snapped. He hated to be played like this.
"Tick, tick, tick!" Rygar teased, "Your rat awaits to be rescued, if he has survived the Metal Head feast and yet the remainder are in my hand waiting to be crushed. Who will you give up in order to save? Who matters more to you? What number of lives will you sacrifice in order to save the rest? Your their saviour, your their leader and I know you wont let them down"
Blood drained away from Jak's face.
"Your decision will effect the outcome. If you choose wrongly then their blood is on your hands"
"Bastard!"
"Insulting me wont save your pathetic friends. Tell me your choice. The clock it ticking as time is at the essence"
How could Jak choose? He couldn't. He couldn't just let all his friends at the palace die, neither could he give up on Daxter. Jak shook his head his head muddled and in disbelief. This couldn't be happening, it couldn't be true. Rygar had to be lying! This had to be a really bad dream!
"If those troops don't get an order in ten minutes then they will automatically enter and fire" Rygar warned, "Killing me would be pointless, at least get one or the other. Get Daxter's exact location, save you the run around and make up the time you wasted or save your friend's inside, your choice"
Jak couldn't choose! He just couldn't but in his mind he knew what would be the noble thing to do and the most logical choice. Jak knew Daxter's survival rate was slim. Daxter wasn't exactly able to fight off those creatures by himself and all that Jak knew he could be dead now with all the time he had wasted...
Logic told him that everyone at the palace had a better survival rate then Daxter could ever have but he couldn't leave the Ottsel behind. He promised himself to save Daxter's butt, to be there for the Ottsel, even if he was blind.
But also he couldn't risk four peoples lives for one...
If only he hadn't rested maybe this wouldn't be happening right now. The HQ troops wouldn't be surrounding the Spargus palace but he would be in the sewers right now looking for Daxter instead of being here, forced to choose who was more important. Putting everyone's lives at risk, wasting time and playing this stupid game.
Then Jak suddenly remembered, he at least had the riddle to find Daxter. Finding the Ottsel among the Metal Heads was an urgent task but he had hope to find him. Everyone else was in an immediate danger. He made a decision.
"Call them off!" Jak ordered
"You choose them over your pet?" Rygar asked
Jak shook his head, "No but I know where Daxter is and I can save him! There isn't any choice! There was none to begin with! Just your threat!"
Rygar was silent for a moment since Jak couldn't see his facial expression. Jak was almost holding his breath hoping he'd said the right thing but to his surprise the old Krimzon Guard laughed.
"Perfect, just perfect" Rygar gloated then said smugly, "You passed my test. You saw right through my cheap ploy. Though, you're right I am a threat and now I carry it out. You have five hours to find your little pet rat or I'll kill everyone inside with the troops I got surrounding them. It would be five hours until dawn and at dawn they will wake. Once they are awake I can't let them come and go as they please. You better pray to the Precursors that they decide to sleep in"
"Why give me a time limit?" Jak asked, "What's the point?"
"The point is to see you sweat. Its more fun that way. You can save everyone or you can loose everyone! Your decisions will effect the outcome. You better hurry time is ticking away" Rygar gloated
Jak growled before controlling his anger. It took everything in Jak to just run past the old Krimzon Guard so he could head outside the city and reach Haven. Jak hoped the interpretation of the riddle is right or all of them are in big trouble. This was make or break, either Jak will save them all or he'll fail and, with his current track record with Rygar, he hoped he would come through for all of their sakes.
Jak entered the sewers with his gun at the ready. The usual stink swelled in the air as he used his light powers to guide himself through the maze. As he made his way deeper and deeper into the underground complex Jak sensed foreboding and he knew this couldn't be easy as a drive in and rescue. There had to be a catch, even if he had waited days for the chance to save Daxter.
Jak continued, his bad feeling was getting stronger and stronger as he approached a damaged part of the sewers. The metal wall was ripped away to reveal what Jak felt was an alien environment. Jak could feel that beyond the ripped opening was alive. The walls, the floor and the ceiling were made with live cells that were there to sustain life and to breed one creature. The Metal Heads.
Jak could feel hundreds of eggs containing the dark and hated enemy of humans and Precursors alike. He could feel the life within them growing and hatching from their cocoons. It almost made Jak sick with disgust but he entered through the hole and passed them without pause.
Jak tried to ignore the vile creatures and focused on a different life force, hopefully the life force of Daxter. There were a few Metal Heads about but as usual Jak shot them and they died. Jak reached the end of the tunnel, the end of the line. Jak paused to scan the walls looking for the one thing he came for.
Daxter!
Jak pinpointed the weak life force to an egg on the floor in front of him. Jak's heart raced as he ran forward and approached the egg. He touched the hard casing now knowing for sure the little Ottsel was inside.
"Damn Metal Heads!" Jak cursed as he rose off the ground and raised his gun
He used the butt end like a hammer to try and smash it open. After a few powerful blows the egg shell cracked, then it burst releasing the disgusting yellow contents inside. Jak ignored the disgusting sticky fluid and held the Ottsel's limp body.
Jak could feel his life force was weak and it was fading. Jak had left things too late but he hoped it wasn't too late so save Daxter's life.
"You dare disturb us Human?" a hissy voice echoed
Jak's head shot up as he immediately detected a large dark life force in front of him. Jak knew it was a large Metal Head creature, perhaps the caretaker of this place. Jak stood up and backed away, unconsciously holding Daxter protectively.
"You can't have the Precursor" the Metal Head hissed, "He is our latest meal. He sustains the life in the walls. I cannot let you leave with him"
Jak held the Ottsel with one arm as he draw his gun out with another.
"Bring it on!"
"Now your life will sustain these children" the Metal Head continued gloating, "I will enjoy feasting on your body"
Jak switch his gun to the Plasmite RPG.
"You hungry? Eat this!" Jak taunted before is gun launched a small grenade. The bomb landed on the leader and the large creature screech.
Jak felt the wall and floor start to crawl with dark life forces from hidden Metal Heads. The caretaker's screech alerted them and Jak couldn't take on a whole army of Metal Heads. Jak turned and ran for his and Daxter's life. Thousands upon thousands of Metal Heads appeared and approached him at a fast rate, blocking his path to the exit. Jak eventually slowed to a stop as the gap was closed and they scurried towards him, like thousands of tiny ants... only much bigger.
"Sorry Dax I need my other hand" Jak quietly apologized as he placed Daxter carefully on his left shoulder armour.
Jak grabbed his gun and switched it to the Mass Imploder. With the pull of the trigger an anti gravity field formed around him. The Metal Heads in close proximity floated and were suspended in air, only centimetres away from their target. Jak stepped forwards towards the end of the field and launched a Gyro Burster wheel. The little spinning flying saucer disk spat out yellow bullets to the crowd while Jak switched his gun again to the Arc Wielder.
He cleared a path to the entrance and exit by zapping the cursed Metal Heads with the gun mod. Jak ran as fast as he could as the surviving Metal Heads behind him were closing the gap quickly.
He was almost to the exit when suddenly the large caretaker Metal Head dropped in front of him completely blocking the entry way. He skidded to a stop as the Metal Head swung at him. Jak scrambled to get out of the way but his turn of direction came too late and he was hit by the force.
He was knocked to the ground as Daxter was flung off his shoulder. Jak instantly sensed all the Metal Heads approach him in his vulnerable position. Jak's concern for Daxter was on his mind at that moment. He closed his sightless eyes and brought forth his light powers. Physically changing he brought the shield just in time as the Metal Heads jumped on him, only to be knocked away by the Light Eco bubble.
Jak detected Daxter's weak life force among the sea of Metal Heads and grabbed the Ottsel and brought him within the protective bubble. Jak turned to the life force of the large Metal Head.
"You'll never get out of here alive Human!" the large Metal Head spat
Jak was severely out numbered and a fight with the large Metal Head he didn't need. He only had two hours left to make it back in time before Rygar pulled the plug. He simply didn't have enough time to fight the Metal Head but Jak had an idea.
"Bring it on!" Jak taunted the large Metal Head
The creature naturally fell for it. It howled in a screech before charging towards Jak. Jak gave a smirk before releasing his shield bubble, kneeling and then clapped his hands above him to use his power to significantly slow down time. Jak reactivated his shield and stood up as the scene around him appeared in a blue haze. The Metal Head creatures movements became slow as he ran normal pace past them..
Jak moved past them and through the mass of Metal Heads that crawled on the floor, using his Light Shield as a plough. Jak had to draw the large Metal Head away from the entrance and he just did it by provoking it to come to him. Jak knew the effects of the time freeze wouldn't last but it was enough to get him through the exit.
When Jak reached the exit the power stopped and everything continued in real time. Jak let go of his light powers physically with a poof of flying white embers but his use of secondary sensory 'vision' remained. Jak got a few meters away from the door before he heard a tremendous angry screech. Jak knew he was in for a chase.
He could feel dark and small life forces stream from the hole as he entered back into the sewers. He felt the large Metal Head appear behind him. It growled and ran after him, it speeded ahead of the others, straight at Jak.
It wasn't about food anymore, it was about revenge and pride.
Jak held onto Daxter tightly as he ran through the maze of pipes, vents and pathways to the exit. In blind fury the large caretaker Metal Head followed. Jak saw that running was too slow and the Metal Head was catching up. Jak flipped out his Jet Board and jumped on. The extra boost of speed kept him out of reach of the monstrous claws and teeth the creature held, for now.
Jak was nearing the exit. He could feel the thick steel security doors. The Metal Head saw it as well and gave an extra burst of speed. Jak sensed it and just dodged a claw swipe. He swung the board from side to side missing the monster's attacks by centimetres.
The steel doors opened and Jak practically leapt through. As soon as he landed on the steel grating the sensors within the machinery detected his presence and shut the doors to elevate him to the surface. The creature lunged at the door to reach the intruder so he wouldn't escape but it was futile. He was denied access by the thick steel security door.
Enraged the Metal Head spat Dark Eco energy from its mouth, banged and scratched but nothing fazed it. Jak could hear the monster's angry howls and screeches as he ascended. Jak puffed heavily, his body alive with adrenalin but he was really out of shape. It didn't help that his muscles were sore from the long neglect in his blindness.
Jak ignored his own state and checked to see if Daxter was ok. He pulled out the unconscious Ottsel and put his hand on his chest. He was breathing, at least that was a good sign. Jak felt for his pulse on his scrawny neck to find it weak and erratic and found him too cool for his liking.
Jak stood up as the doors opened on the surface, revealing the city on the outside. Jak finished the inspection of his friend before running up the ramp to mount a Zoomer. He had to reach Spargus before it was too late. He had only an hour before Rygar kills everyone else and he wasn't going to let Rygar get the best of him.
Rygar stood patiently on the roof tops, looking down upon the Freedom HQ troops below as if they were insects. He looked to the west to find the sun beginning to peak over the horizon. The cool air blew on his hard and weathered face. Rygar gave a small smile.
"Looks like the hero is too late" Rygar's voice boomed gleefully
Rygar pulled out a small device and held it to his throat. He switched it on and held his communicator in front of him. He spoke the words but Torn's voice came out.
"All units prepare to enter at my command. I repeat there are dangerous fugitives inside and they are to be shot on sight!"
Rygar saw the soldiers ready themselves for the order.
Fools! Only insignificant pawns in the making of something greater.
"On my count! Three, two, one..."
To be continued...
Looks like Rygar is getting more and more involved and seems to be having fun. Can Jak make it in time or will the misled HQ troops kill those unawares inside?
Why is Rygar doing this? Why is he toying with Jak, pushing him to his limits? More questions and no answers will be available in the next chapter so stay tuned and don't change that channel!
Click that purple button! Cliiiick CLICK! You are getting the urge to seeend meee the review! The review! (Sigh) it helps if I had an object to help to bring you into hypnosis...