Corad: Hey again guys! Have yet another update here, so I hope everyone enjoys it. Thanks so much to my four reviewers...I was so stoked to get 4 reviews for the last chapter, so thankyou to Millenium Ring, JakLover, Silver Horror and Crazy Ottsel. Thanks so much :D Heheh, I'm listening to Fullmetal Alchemist's 'Brothers' song right now...it's so beautiful lol. Man I just love it...
Sharok: Corad, stop saying what you love and what you don't love, and get moving! They're here to read the fic, not your opinions or life story!
Corad: Nyyyyeeerrrrrr...fine...I don't own Jak and Daxter, but I own Sharok. Hehehe, Sharok...how the hec did I come up with that name anyway?
Sharok: Don't ask me, you're the idiotic authoress here...not me...(ducks as a brick is tossed at his head) Uh oh, now she's mad...please enjoy guys! (retreats outta room with screaming Corad in pursuit)
Chapter 68 – To Lose Control
"Jak, she'll be ok. The medic has done his job. Had to stich up a wound in her arm and leg though." Jak snapped to attention, raising hisgaze to the stairs to see Erol leaning on the banister. His face looked exhausted, and his eyes kept trailing subconsciously around the room.
"That's good to here. Anything else I should know?" Jak asked, quirking an eyebrow and getting up from his bed. The older man shook his head, sighing lightly while rubbing his temples.
"No…she should keep off her feet for a while. Give time for the stitches to work, but other than that, nothing," was the answer given, and Jak grunted back. At least there wasn't anything too serious to worry about now. She may have suffered a loss, but knowing Sky's pride she'd be back and ready to fight in no time. She may even be willing to take Sharok on again.
"Thanks Erol…I…" Jak began, but his communicator began beeping loudly on his dresser and he snatched it up. Flicking it on, he answered into it, meeting Torn's rough voice in return.
"Jak, glad you could pick up. I've done patrol schedules for our new security measures, and you are teamed with Erol. I'll contact you both when you're needed on watch duty. The aim for the duo team is to watch each other's backs. With two men working together, it'll reduce the risk of unnecessary failure or death. Read me?" Jak groaned in return, not really liking the fact that Erol was his patrol partner. "Well?"
"Yeah, I read ya Torn. Thanks for the news," Jak muttered back, switching it off immediately afterwards to avoid any arguments. Once he'd tossed the small device back onto the wooden dresser, he turned to Erol, face blank. "We're to partner up for patrol duty."
"WHAT! No way…why?" Erol argued in a loud voice, disturbing the conversation between Simron and Daxter at the back of the room.
"Torn reckons it will reduce loss of life, and enhance the chance to succeed in our duty. It's no…problem on my behalf, but he claims we have to work together…if you pull any stupid business on me, and I die as a result, I shall avenge myself…" Jak growled, pushing past Erol to head downstairs. He could feel all eyes on him as he departed, and heaved a sigh of relief when he saw Skytha sitting awake downstairs, watching him closely.
"What's all the noise about?" she asked in a soft voice, her right hand resting against her left upper arm where her bandage was. Jak smiled warmly at her, and made a move to sit down on the opposite seat.
"Torn's paired Erol and I together for guard duty. He's not too happy about it and neither am I," Jak muttered back, tapping his fingers on the table to amuse himself. Just the thought was driving him crazy. Deep down he knew he could trust him, but what if…what if Erol decided to shoot him when his back was turned? Or stab him in the throat, suffocating him. 'If he was going to do such things, he would have done them by now,' Light suggested, resting a cool hand on Jak's shoulder mentally. 'Yeah, you're right again Light. I need to stop judging him. He's proved his worth and intention…I must start believing in him,' Jak replied, his inner self beginning to feel lighter.
"Well Jak…I think it's a good idea. You two seem like good friends. Ever since I met you both you've shared a bond…maybe this will bring you closer together," the brunette teen suggested. She had a point. Maybe this would bring them closer, but she was wrong about one thing.
"Listen Sky, Erol and I have never been friends…we've shared our differences, he's attempted murder on me, and vice versa. He may be acting civil now, seeing the precursors made that deal with him, but I'm sure when this war is all over, he'll be trying to kill me again. He would have done his end of the deal, and would be free from it," Jak muttered back, but she just kept smiling. Something about it felt unnerving like she knew something he didn't.
"Well, it doesn't matter what you say Jak. I know there's good in Erol, just like there's some good left in Sharok," she replied, running her gloved hand across the bandage on her arm. Jak saw her face contort with pain for a split second, until her expression relaxed again. She'd have those scars for life. Scars given to her by her own brother…
"You still reckon there's good in left in Sharok? Look what he did to you!"
"Jak, he didn't kill me. He had the perfect opportunity to finish the deed, but he just towered over me, and said 'Go Sky. Let me continue and end my debt to the wolves. I must find the path to eternal happiness.' And then he just left me…I felt for sure he'd kill me…another attack but he didn't…he just left…he cares even if he's having trouble showing it. I won't stop though…he gave me the power of the wolfish and the strength needed, and I shall be his downfall. Honestly, he's gone too far. But I must be the one to end it. I have the scar to prove it," she murmured, pulling off her black jacket and turning around in her seat.
Jak was staring directly at a scar on her shoulder. It was just noticeable through the fish net shirt she wore underthe blue singlet. But although she must have had it for years, it still looked fresh. The blonde remained silent as Sky slid her jacket back on. This must have been the first time she'd shown him that scar.
"Jak, Ashelin wants to see you now at the Palace. Been asking about wolves and she needs your advice." Erol slammed the communicator onto the table top, glaring at him.
"Fair enough. I've nothing better to do, and I get to see my old man again. It's hard to judge how long people will last in this city," Jak replied shrewdly, shifting out of the booth and calling up the stairs for Daxter to bring his gun. The orange ottsel appeared a moment later, securing the gun into its sling on Jak's back, before disappearing again. Jak figured his buddy must want to stay at the bar, and turned to leave, only to be met by a firm hand.
"I'm coming with you."
"What? No, Sky…you've gotta stay and rest. I can handle it," the blonde teen argued, but Skytha had made up her mind. She strolled past Jak and out the door into the early afternoon sun.
"You can't change her mind Jak," Erol muttered darkly, before seating himself at a stool and reading a newspaper which sat on the counter. Jak shrugged, feeling awkward by all this, but Sky shouted at him to get out. So the blonde walked out into the sunshine too, and noticed few people about. The wolf invasion still no doubt scared the citizens and Jak was fine by that. Easier to travel around.
So the two set off at a brisk walk around the port, taking the centre turn towards Mar's tomb. There were still not many faces about and everywhere seemed too quiet for their liking, but they took no heed and arrived at the Palace door. Jak noticed a security table on the wall beside the entrance as they neared, and stopped dead in his tracks. What was the pin code?
"Damn…I didn't bring my communicator either…Dammit!" Jak snapped, scowling at the small pad of digits beside him. He didn't notice Sky wander past and start punching numbers in. When she'd finished, the main doors slid open silently, allowing them entrance. "How did you know what the code was?"
"Erol told me a few nights ago…he's been here a couple of times," Skytha replied, waiting for Jak to lead the way. As they stepped inside the control room and took the lift to the entrance floor of the palace, Jak began wondering just what it'd be like since he was last here. That had been when the metal heads had attacked, and sent the Palace crashing down into nothing but rubble. Or so it would seem. Apparently Veger had a role in that.
"Quick Jak. If Ashelin's waiting for us, we can't keep her waiting," Sky said in a hurry, stepping off the lift and looking around a large hallway. Jak stepped off after her, and began to lead the way down a few more corridors before finding the throne room. Not only had the Palace been fixed up and parts had been rebuilt from scratch, it had a colour scheme of blue and silver, and a few more extra rooms here and there. However confusing it may have been to find your way around, Jak finally came to a halt outside the throne.
"With a bit of luck she's in here," Jak motioned towards the door, before seizing the handle and turning it. The array of light filtered across their faces as they stepped forth, heads turning to find Ashelin. They spotted the Governess sitting in the throne, a large folder placed on her lap with a pen in her hand. At the sound of their arriving footsteps, she lifted her gaze.
"Jak, good to see you've come. And Skytha too," Ashelin welcomed, arising from the throne and coming down the stairs to meet them. She gave them both a warm smile, before her eyes lingered on Skytha. "What happened to you? You look like you've been in a fight," she muttered. Skytha frowned and lowered her head.
"You could say that. Now, what did you need from Jak?" Skytha asked to change to subject, and Ashelin nodded, leading them back up to the throne. She pulled out her folder and opened it up, written pages and photos filling it.
"I called you here to see whether any new information has crossed your path. We're struggling to get to the roots of the problem, so anything new at all, I need to know," Ashelin instructed, handing Jak a few note filled pages and a photo of a dead wolf. Skytha tore the photo from his hand, and glared down at it.
"Mitsun," she murmured in a voice hinted with grief, and Jak stayed silent. "She was a good wolf…we hunted together…" Sky continued talking, mostly to herself than anyone else. But Jak spoke up, trying to cut her trail of speech. He wanted to ensure she didn't say anything too revealing before the governess.
"I haven't had a chance to speak with the wolf pack lately. Ramshei knows to stay out, but their pack has split. Those at Monk temple who attacked Seem and I were behind the stadium attack," Jak informed, crossing his arms tightly across his chest. Ashelin nodded her head in response, eyes still looking at Skytha examining the photo.
"So you're saying the original pack has divided? I wonder why?" the governess questioned, and Sky shot a look away from the photo, struggling to keep grief hidden in her voice.
"Their leader had left, thus they are confused and lost. Until he returns, they shall remain separated," she answered blankly, handing back the photo of her deceased wolf friend. Ashelin returned it to the folder silently.
"Where's Damas?" Jak suddenly asked, raising an eyebrow. Ashelin turned to him, a small smile playing at her lips.
"Down the hall in the conference room. He's been investigating the stadium attack and calling in witnesses. He's been busy interrogating citizens all morning, but I believe he's free now for a while. You're welcome to see him Jak," Ashelin replied, wandering back up the stairs and laying the folder on the throne. She heard Jak mutter a simple thanks before hurried footsteps left out the room. She turned to see both elves gone, and sighed heavily.
Back outside Jak was finding his way down the hall. There were numerous doors, but he couldn't remember which one was the conference room. And on top of that there were multiple suits of armour, pots, indoor plants and paintings lining the halls confusing him further. But after wandering around for quite some time, he found the room with help from Sky. He opened the blue door and peered in, spotting his father instantly seated at the table with piles of paper beside him.
"Sorry, I haven't time to see anymore people today. You are welcome to……ah Jak! Good to see you my son!" Damas cried happily, getting up from his seat after realising Jak had been at the door. He flung a strong arm around his son's shoulders and pulled him into an embrace. Jak returned the hug, before they all seated themselves around the table.
"So Jak, what brings you here?"
"I came to see Ashelin about new wolf information. And after the scare the other day, I felt I should at least drop by and say hi. I was…worried you'd been out in the stadium watching me race," Jak mumbled, resting his elbows on the table. Damas gave a soft laugh, placing a reassuring hand on Jak's arm.
"It'll take more than a wolf to bring me down Jak. Besides, the wolves are my friends, remember. They know they cannot attack a friend," Damas replied. Jak didn't feel convinced however, and turned his head away.
"The pack has divided. The friends you knew may not have been in the city father…just promise you won't get yourself killed. I've already grieved your death once, I don't need it again," Jak replied, and Damas let out a loud laugh.
"Damas Sir, I think Jak is right. It's not safe to trust the packs right now. You may discover they'll kill you for a scrap of meat," Skytha interjected, and the older elf stopped laughing. Jak could feel the atmosphere tense up around him, and tried to ease things over.
"Please father…not until we sort out where their loyalty stands, just don't interact with them." Damas nodded his head after Jak's final statement, and patted his son's back.
"Sure Jak. You have my word."
"Thanks Damas," was his simple reply. After that the three sat around the room, talking comfortably, even when Ashelin appeared and sat down too. They spent the remainder of the afternoon in each other's company, and when dusk was nearing, Jak stood up, apologising for having to leave so urgently. He motioned to Skytha to follow him, and bid his father and Ashelin a goodnight before exiting the conference room.
Together to two walked down the numerous halls in silence, and reached the elevator a few moments later. Turning to Skytha, Jak began explaining something important to her. "Sky, it'll be dark soon. I've feared we may have left too late, but still…we'll just have to hurry back to the bar." Skytha nodded her head in silence, hoping against odds that she'd be able to make it back in time. After losing her pendant she feared nothing could control her.
"Fine by me. You'll just have to keep up," she replied, a sly grin spread on her face. Jak snorted back, giving her a relaxed glance before they felt the lift come to a sudden halt. The doors slid open and they stepped out, rushing to exit the building. From the position of the sun just hanging above the west side of the city, Jak knew they didn't have much time. So he set off at a sprint, Skytha trailing noiselessly behind him. They were panting hard, trying to beat nightfall, but alas it was hopeless.
"Oh great…Skytha, keep running!" Jak cried, feeling the pain erupt him his chest as the moon slid slowly in sight from the East. The silver rays were cast upon his skin, sending his body jolting fiercely as the wolfish side took over. Managing to grasp his pendant out his pocket, he recited the chant, and felt the morphing reverse before he stood as an elf again. However, Skytha, unable to morph back with her pendant, stood before him as a wolf.
"Oh Sky…quick, we need to get you hidden! Follow…me…" Jak fell silent as the wolf turned her head to him, bearing long, splinter like fangs. Her deep growls and flashing eyes sent an uneasy feeling through Jak, and he began to stumble backwards. Something was seriously wrong. "Skytha? Are you ok? This is no time to fool around," Jak snapped, eyes locked onto the wolf before him. Before he had time to act, Skytha had leapt, her paws shoving Jak roughly into the solid ground.
The blonde elf felt hot breath caress his cheek while long sharp claws dug into his shoulder. What was she doing? Something about her just didn't seem like the Sky he knew. "Skytha, you'll get caught!" Jak hissed as pain flared up in both shoulders. The wolf growled and snapped its jaws just inches from Jak's face. Fearing things would get worse; Jak tried to shove the brown wolf off him, but she only got angrier.
Deciding there was nothing else he could do, Jak pulled up a fist, punching the wolf hard into the chest. Sky howled loudly upon impact, stumbling off Jak giving the blonde time to jump up and flee. He flipped off his hover board and tossed it to the ground before boarding. Crouching low to the ground, Jak picked up speed to escape Skytha who was finally calming down from the punch. She began running after him, her paws silently drumming along the pavement towards the port while her wings began to spread out from her body. But Jak kept his mind locked on the task at hand, and steered his board around the corner swiftly.
He was forced to do flips and jumps to avoid getting hit bySkytha who'd finally caught up. Snapping jaws kept missing him while he flung his body weight around, doing a flip in the air just above Sky's head. As the bar came into view, he leapt off the jet board, giving all his strength into his final stage of escape. Metres from the door Skytha gaveonelast leap though, tackling the blonde hard into the ground. Fangs sunk into flesh, deep enough to produce a trickle of bloodon Jak's leg. He screamed, thrashing about to release Skytha's fangs from his limb. One strongblow to her cheek and she dropped his leg immediately, stumbling back whimpering from the pain. Seeing his chance, Jak hauled himself shakily to his feet, and threw himself inside the door, panting.
The door closed behind him, and he locked it quickly, shuddering at what a close call that had been. From the other side of the room Erol emerged; eyes glaring down at Jak's bleeding leg to the door. "What the hell happened?" he growled, before a furious howl from outside sounded off.
"Skytha morphed and attacked me…she's outside," Jak replied in astrained voice, shutting his eyes as sweat gathered on his brow. His leg kept stinging painfully, but when Erol demanded to let her inside, Jak became too preoccupied to care. "WHAT! She'll kill us!"
"If you don't, guards will find and kill her! Is that what you want!" Erol snarled back, pointing to the door. Jak hissed out as he turned to unlock the door. His hand was shaking on the lock, thoughts clouding his mind as to what a brainless idea this was. But the determination in Erol's eyes forced him to do the stupid.
"Quick, I can calm her down. Trust me! You've already trusted me once with your life, now do the same!" Erol snapped, watching as the door was unlocked and asthe wolf bounded in, eyes flashing dangerously while horns and teeth glinted in the dim light providedby the room. Jak pressed himself against the wall to keep out of sight, his leg pulsing with a numbing pain. He was more intent on watching how Erol could possibly handle the situation though.
Corad: Hehehe, I finally got around to that scene for you Jaklover! I know you requested something like this a while back, so hopefully it was good enough. Poor Sky... fought her bro, lost her pendant, now has turned into her savage wolf form. Could it get much worse?
Sharok: You hurt my sister! You demon!
Corad: Uh, Sharok...I'm not the one who hurt her, you are...remember how you lost control of the lawnmower and destroyed her cubby house, while she was in it?
Skytha: Hey, that never happened!
Sharok: Yeah, Corad! Come on Sky, let's avenge ourselves while we have the chance!
Skytha: O.O Err, yeah bro...avenge...(does shifty eye thing)
Corad: Hehehehe, sisterly love...isn't it so sweet?
Sharok: I'm not a girl!
Corad: Sure you ain't Sharok...sure you ain't (patting him on head) I hope you all liked that chapter. Please review if you have the time, or feel the need to. Thanks everyone for your time, and I'll see ya in the next update!
