The plot is beginning to thicken, though its not quite set, but I've been making better progress then before so here we go!

To CT7567: I was giving my own description of the Beam Reflexor, not the Gyro Burster. Like I said in the prologue there would be differences between this story and the actual game given that it is a crossover. One of the differences is leaving out certain gun mods that I don't think would be beneficial for the humans and dragons together. As such, the morph gun in my story will only have two mods per color, truthfully three per color in one gun is overkill for me. As what's already been written, I have for the Blue: The Vulcan Fury and Arc Wielder. For the Yellow: The Blaster Rifle and the Beam Reflexor. Wait and see in future chapters for the remaining guns. None the less, thank you for pointing that out, appreciate it.


Ch16: Return to the Wasteland

KAABLAAAMMM!

As the missile made impact with the middle barricade pillar, it blew the whole wall to pieces. The shockwave was felt down the whole walkway to the port, as the entire battalion had their heads down for the duration of the explosion. After a few seconds, the echo had died down and everyone lifted their heads. To everyones joy, the barricade had been destroyed, the KG industrial section was now open to them again. The dragons and their dragonfly compatriot lifted themselves up in amazement at seeing the missile in action, this planets technology could really be used in more destructive ways then they could have imagined. After this, they shuddered to think what weapons could have caused the collapse of the palace. Calidan stood up with a breath of relief, whereas Jak just stood up with a nod of satisfaction.

"Wow! Now that's busting a wall!" commented Sparx.

"Don't forget wiping out all those remaining clankers in addition flyboy!" replied Daxter.

"You had to get the last word?" said Sparx grimly.

"Uh, yeah," finished Daxter. With that, the whole Freedom League battalion behind them roared with victory, having struck a fatal blow to the KG. Everyone turned and smiled, the satisfaction of a job well done, which Calidan commented on.

"I take this as a mission accomplished?"

"Currently, yes," said Jak.

"So, what now? I mean it's not like we can fly through enemy territory to your HQ without getting shot," said Cynder.

"This is true," said Calidan, "so does this mean we are at a standstill again?"

"Far from it," said Captain Striker walking up to them, "you guys have given us a big break, one that we've needed for a while, with a little more time, we should be able to chip away at their forces until we reach the final barrier."

"Final barrier?" asked Spyro.

"There's another one?!" stammered Sparx.

"Yes, there is one more, didn't think it would be that easy did you? Right now, you guys best get back to Torn and he can fill you in, we've got this front from here," said Striker.


Setting: Wasteland Precursor Temple

While the heroes were fighting in Haven, in the wasteland, the temple was ripe with noisy activity, and for a structure that housed individuals dedicated to the art of reading, study and peace, that was rare. However, the day was anything but ordinary for them, as all the monks were currently in the arch chamber housing. Upon discovering the secret golden book, they immediately informed Seem of it and everyone was now in the chamber examining it, having gained some new insight. Overlooking it was Seem herself, and was more eager then before to figure out how it worked, even though she hardly showed any emotion at all. In her hand was the golden book, and she did not hesitate to start interpreting it, since it was apparently written in early Precursor form, her specialty.

"According to these notes, eco is the power source that fuels this gateway, and it is only through direct contact with the arch will the power chamber reveal itself," she said.

"Hence the reason you sent someone to retrieve an eco crystal from our secret eco stores," The Head Research Monk said on her right.

"Yes brother," she replied.

"What of these artifacts?" he asked, referring to the pictographs he had originally discovered in the page after the illustration of the arch.

"According to this text, they apparently allow for full master control of the gateway, and two of them must be positioned at each of the portal's ends in order for the control to be active," Seem explained.

"Master control? Is that why the portal immediately became inactive after its last use?" asked the Head Research Monk.

"It makes sense that it would," said Seem.

"Why would a master control even need to be built into this marvel if it only travels to one world?" asked the Head.

"Perhaps it does not," said Seem, "the works of the Precursors are mysterious and at times unruly, in the wrong hands of course. It would not be the first time a work of the Precursors behaved in such a manner."

"Even so, where can we even find these artifacts? I don't remember seeing anything like them in our vaults," asked the Head.

"Perhaps they are hidden without us knowing, just like this book was, I would suggest you and another visit our archives and make another search," ordered Seem, "an extensive one."

"But I…" he paused when he noticed Seem's stern glare, and immediately knew she would not be swayed. "Huff…very well Sister Seem."

"Good," she said handing him the book, "take it with you for reference, I've read all I need right now from it. When our other brother comes back with the eco crystal, we will make preparations for activating the portal again."

"What of Jak and the dragons?" Head Research Monk asked her, "they should be here if we were to attempt such a feat, after all they are the ones with experiences of interstellar travel."

"Do not worry about that," said Seem, "Veger isn't the only one I reach out to for connections, I'd be a fool to trust him completely."

"Agreed," said the Head Research Monk. With that, he turned to exit the chamber and headed toward the archives. Seem turned her attention again toward the three monks who were working on the arch with tracing paper, attempting to outline every rune on the arch. With this, she was hoping she could study it separately away from the chamber, rather then crowd the whole room that would most definitely be used in the near future.

The Head Research Monk made his way down to the temple archives with the book in hand. From the main chamber he traveled with one of the archive specialists he had brought from the library and opened yet another secret tunnel in the temple. Thankfully he remembered to bring a torch with him as the whole stairway was pitch black upon entering. The two of them descended down what appeared to be a pit, until they came to another gate, this one locked with a key. Two unlit torches were seen in the illuminating presence of the monk's torch, which he lit to give a little more light.

"Unlock it," The Head Research Monk told his companion. He nodded bringing up a ring of keys from his pocket. He inserted one and turned it unlocking the tumblers. They both entered upon opening the door, only to come upon another set of doors, large wooden ones. Unlock the last one though, they had no locks, and merely pushed on them to open. Upon opening them, their entire surroundings was illuminated, a golden shine was enveloping them both from all the artifacts that lay around them. Each one was shining with the signature Precursor glow, all with their own distinct shapes and patterns, there were hundreds if not thousands, results of lifetimes spent scavenging in the wasteland.

"Been a while since I was in here last," said the assistant.

"Take it all in, we might be here a while," said the Head Research Monk. They immediately started searching down the first row of artifacts, using the book as reference for the artifacts they were searching for. Given the depth extensiveness of the artifacts coupled with the room, they feared they might be in here for days. As they neared the end of the first row however, the Head saw a peculiar shape of the artifact at the end on the right. It was sitting on top of another shaped similar to a box, but this particular artifact was shaped like some sort of horn. The Head Research Monk took another look at the book and back at it, and saw a resemblance.

"I think we have may caught a fortunate break!" he exclaimed and rushed over toward it followed by the assistant. Once he was right in front of it, he inspected more accurately, it had a large bell at one end and a rectangular prism on the other with what appeared to be pegs on the bottom. Looking at the book one more time, he was adamant, it matched one of the illustrations perfectly.

"It's a match?" asked the assistant.

"One of them, yes absolutely!" needless to say the Head Research Monk was thrilled.

"Fantastic!...What is it exactly?" asked the assistant again.

"According to the text Seem deciphered, it's called the 'Quantum Reflector', quite unusual I'd say."

"Strange name indeed, does the book say anything about what it does?" asked the assistant.

"None, only that it's essential to the arch," said the Head, "take this up to Seem, it will give her good news we are on the right track. I will stay here and search for any others, if fortune smiles again, I will find one other in here."

"One? I thought there was four, finding this one makes three left."

"Seem told me before I came to you that the book illustrates that two artifacts were needed on both ends of the portal to activate its full powers, we have found one on our end, so there is one other as well," explained the Head.

"Oh," said the assistant, before realizing going wide-eyed, "wait, that means the other two are…"

"On the dragon's world," the Head Research Monk finished for him, "which means we will need the whole group back here real soon."

The assistant wasted no time after that, and carefully picked up the artifact with both hands as the Head Research Monk handled both the torch and the book. Fortunately, the artifact wasn't too heavy, and the assistant carried it out of the vault and up the stairs toward the main chamber again, leaving the Head behind to search for one of the remaining three. The assistant immediately headed down the corridors leading to the statue room upon arriving at the main chamber. Upon entering the statue room, he trotted upon the walkway leading up to the arch, where Seem was waiting as the monks finished gathering up all the trace paper fully in-scripted with the arch runes.

"Sister Seem!" he exclaimed causing her to turn around to notice him, "we have successful primary results in locating the first artifact!" She immediately took notice of the Quantum Reflector in his hands, and actually cracked a small smile that was seemingly unnoticed.

"Well done, we have also succeeded in copying all the runes of the arch, leaving me to study them freely, we are getting ever closer," Seem said.

The assistant continued, "The Head told me we would need the dragons group back here if we are too…"

"I already know," Seem said interrupting him, "I have sent a scout to Spargus to inform King Damas of the situation, he has a communications relay that we do not, and it is the best way of contacting them wherever they are."

"What should I do in the meantime?" asked the assistant.

"You are the archive specialist, so what do you think?" Seem argued, "return to help the Head with the search for the other artifact, I expect an update within the hour, whether or not you have it." With that, she walked away following the other monks who were carrying the tracing paper away, leaving the assistant behind to handle the artifact.

"Specialist? Really?" he told himself, "all I do is guard the records…huff…ridiculous."


Crossing the wasteland is treacherous for anyone, provided they didn't have the appropriate transportation, which is precisely what Seem's scout had as she rode her leaper lizard across the dunes toward Spargus city. She kept close to the mountains, hoping not to attract too much attention from Marauders and other creatures. Though if they did run into trouble, she was confident that her leaper lizard could jump out of danger, youthful optimism possibly for she was young, having only been with the monks since her ordination two years ago. None the less, she was determined to carry out this mission, and eventually the both of them reached the break in the mountains which led to Spargus's front door. After another mile of trekking across, she stopped at the gate and presented the pass she was given by Seem. The door opened and she was allowed in, she rode pass the vehicles to the second door, and it opened for her as well, allowing her to enter Spargus. From there, it was a casual walk down the streets, passing the citizens, who were actually relieved to see something they recognized coming through their city today, as opposed to what they had seen earlier. The scout eventually came to a stop at Damas's gate, where his guards Krust and Bore were standing guard.

"Halt! Who dares to tread upon our Lord's step?" declared Krust.

"I come from the Monk Temple bringing a message from Seem," said the scout, "I was instructed to urgently bring it to King Damas himself."

Krust pondered for a moment, before reaching down to his belt to pick up a communicator. Pressing the side button, he spoke, "My lord, you have a visitor."

"Who is it?"

"A little monk whelp from the temple," he said, making the scout sneer at his description of her, "says she has an urgent message from Seem, for you directly." There was a momentary pause as he concluded, making the scout slightly panic that he would not accept.

"Send her up."

With that, Krust put away the communicator and he and his partner stepped aside. The scout bowed, just to not appear rude as they had been to her, and passed them to the open elevator. The elevator took her up to the palace throne room, where Damas was waiting on his throne. She noticed she was not alone with him, because Sig was standing in front of him as well. Seem told her specifically that the message was for Damas alone, why did he still have someone in the room with him when that same term was communicated to him?

"Come forward please," Damas told her. She hesitated momentarily, still wary in being in front of the king, even though Seem had dealt with him numerous times before on her own. Brushing her nervousness aside she approached him and bowed upon reaching his throne.

"Your highness," she stated.

"You said you have information from your master to provide, what is it?" Damas asked.

"Umm…" she was about to answer, but then turned to see Sig staring at her as well, rather sternly in fact.

"Is there a problem?" said Damas.

"No sir!" she immediately said, "I thought your guard gave you the notion that I said the information was for you alone."

"If your worried about Sig, don't be," Damas assured her, "he's one of my most trusted hands, besides news of your people working within Spargus as well as the wasteland is no secret to my people, as you no doubt know."

"Of course sir, I just…"

"Share your information," Damas said with edge this time, "or you will be dismissed."

The scout lowered her shoulders with a heavy breath, resigning to the king, "very well sir, we have uncovered valuable insight into recent events through our archives, including investigation of the portal that the dragon originally arrived through."

"What have you discovered so far?" Damas asked with interest.

"Not much right now according to my master, other than it appears to be powered by eco, and that some significant precursor artifacts appear to be involved with it."

"Interesting," he said, "Although what you are telling me hardly seems enough for you to relay to me from traversing the length of the wasteland, you must have more for me then that."

"Indeed your highness," said the scout, "Seem has requested that you make contact with Jak and the dragon called Spyro at once, she said it was imperative that they make it back here as soon as they can."

"She wishes me to make what could be a futile call?" exclaimed Damas standing up from his throne, surprising both Sig and the scout, "My former advisor said they were heading back to Haven, and I'll be dethroned if I ever allow my voice to be heard in that accursed place again!"

"Your highness forgive me!" cried the scout dropping to her knees and bowing, "I am only following the orders of my master, I do not wish to dishonor you!"

"Relax little pepper," said Sig, catching the scout's attention, "his highness just got a little worked up before considering all his options." His remark caused both of them to look at him with curiousity and reprimand.

"Before considering my options?" Damas stammered angrily, "You better explain Sig, and choose your words carefully. I may trust you because of our past, but I do not trust in what Haven City can influence, since you have spent a particular amount of time in it."

"I have no more love of Haven than you do my lord," said Sig, "but as far as making the call to Jak and his friends, who says you have to be the one to make the call?" Damas and the scout went slightly wide-eyed, having now understood what he was getting at.


Setting: Haven City

Everyone returned to the Naughty Ottsel to collaborate with Torn, and to collect themselves after another close call. Jak and Calidan reloaded their weapons, or in Calidan's case, just his blaster since Haven had no ammo for his depleted Omega Fire. In addition, Torn surprised Jak as he was loading his weapon with the jetboard Keira had made for him long ago, telling him to give it to Jak if he was to ever show up again, for he would first have to arrive in the port, a prediction proven true. Jak was more then glad to have it back. The dragons and the sidekicks on the other hand were at the console with Torn as he was showing them a map of the entire city and its current layout, to get them all more up to speed with what awaited them between here and HQ.

"The KG city section, formally the industrial section as you might remember, is more fortified and surveyed then before. Security cameras as well as deathbot patrols scour the entire area eliminating if not reducing any chance for a sneak attack," Torn explained to them.

"So that barricade was pretty much just a warm-up as far as defenses are concerned," said Spyro dismally.

"Afraid so Spyro," said Torn, "the final barrier is located here, at the intersection between the slums and the KG city area, and yes to cross it, we have to engage the whole KG battalion set up there."

"You've been fighting this battle longer then us," said Cynder, "don't you have any plans for this one?"

"The last one was concrete," said Torn, "but for this one, we only have vague ideas, and nothing solid. Or rather any that doesn't involve losing hundreds of soldiers lives in the process, we already lost four in the last attack, with six more wounded." He dropped his shoulders finishing his statement, as did the dragons.

"Maybe what you guys need is a diversion to draw their attention," said Calidan walking up to the console and catching their attention.

"A diversion? Seriously newbie?" replied Torn.

"I am serious, if their forces can be lured away from the barrier, you could plant some sort of explosive that could blow it away, and voila! You have a straight shot to HQ, a simple bait and switch technique."

"Where did you come up with that idea?" asked Jak.

"Used it all the time to evade Marauders in the wasteland, all of them are as big and strong as they are stupid," explained Calidan.

"Can't argue with that one," said Jak.

"Ditto," added Daxter. The dragons were confused on who these Marauders were, they heard the name mentioned several times by Jak and Calidan in the wasteland, but never asked on account of irrelevance at the time. From what they figured, they were another wasteland inhabitant like the Spargusians, but apparently not too friendly or bright from what Calidan described. They figured they would ask about them later.

"Interesting," said Torn about Calidan's idea, "and where exactly do you plan to find this bomb powerful enough to blow away the barrier?"

"Come on Torn," said Jak walking up to the group, "you had a missile powerful enough to bust one, and your telling me you don't have a bomb powerful enough to do the same?"

"Bombs and missiles may have similar uses, but their completely different designs Jak!" stated Torn, "Bombs are more unstable in their regard, the blastbots are proof of that, not to mention getting one into that position across a firefield is practically a suicide mission."

"Why don't you use another missile then?" Spyro asked, confused as to why they would use a bomb in the first place, "blow it from a distance like before?"

"Because Spyro, it would involve the same tactic as before, and I doubt the KG will fall for the same trick twice, not to mention firing a missile through the KG city section is futile, even if could miraculousy navigate through the tight bends, it would be shot down by KG patrols in a matter of seconds," explained Torn.

"I see," said Spyro, nodding in understanding. Although, they knew they were back to square one, unsure of how to safely and effectively complete the mission. Jak decided to break the silence.

"Torn, are you sure you don't have some sort of rig that could transport a bomb without setting it off?" asked Jak. Torn turned away in thought, leaving everyone staring at him in suspense.

"I'm afraid I don't know," he said, "but I know someone who might."

"Who?" asked Jak.

"Our demolitions expert," said Torn, "he's as gifted and creative with explosives as Tess is with weapons, not to mention a master at diffusing them. If anyone can rig the right bomb for the job, it's him."

"Ok, so who is this bomb nut?" asked Sparx.

"Sparx, that's uncalled for," stated Cynder.

"Hehe, actually Sparx's description is right on," said Torn. "He is a nut, but a valuable one at that, plus, if he hears you guys are leading this mission he'll jump at the chance to help."

"Us? Why us?" asked Spyro with a perplexed look, as did Jak, Cynder, Daxter, and Sparx.

"Because he owes you one, after you helped him out," explained Torn, "you guys remember Jinx?"

Calidan was at a loss since he wasn't around for the groups last adventure, but he watched as Jak and the dragons stood stunned and wide-eyed from shock. They remembered him alright, Jinx was one of the cronies of the deceased Krew they helped navigate through the sewers. The fact that he was now working with the Freedom League surprised them, the dragons more then Jak though.

"No way," said Jak shaking his head with a grin.

"You're kidding me right?" asked Cynder, "you guys trust that wacko with your explosive weapons? It's a wonder none of you have been blown to smithereens yet!" she finished fuming.

"How can you trust him?" added Spyro, "he could be scheming to blow you all behind your backs! He worked for Krew after all!"

"Spyro! Cynder! Relax!" yelled Torn, silencing them holding out his hand in front of them in a calming gesture. Everyone else just stood still, knowing he was about to explain.

"Everyone here is fully aware of Jinx's relations," he began, "but remember, you guys weren't here when we were rebuilding the city and restoring what peace we could. Part of that was rounding all of Krew's associates and putting them on trial, including Jinx. Some of them we put away because we knew even before Krew, they were no good, but Jinx is not one of them. He like everyone else in the city was shocked that the guy would leave the whole city out to dry. He gave a legit testimony and was pardoned for his crimes. Since then, he's been one of the good guys, and we have kept an eye on him don't get me wrong, but he hasn't done anything for us to question his loyalty now."

"Torn is right guys," said Jak, catching the dragons attention, "not everyone who worked for Krew was a scumbug, after all I worked for him, and you know me, same with Sig, he felt as betrayed as the rest of us." The dragons and Sparx were silent for a moment taking in their words

"Ok, ok, you guys all have a legit point," said Spyro.

"Yeah, it's too bad Sig died before he could be pardoned," said Cynder sadly.

"Died?" asked Torn shocked, "He's not…"

"Torn wait," Jak interrupted, "she doesn't know."

"Know what?" asked Cynder confused, as was Sparx for the same reason.

"Cynder, Sig is not dead, he's alive," said Spyro smiling at her.

"What?!" exclaimed Cynder.

"Wait a minute! Wait a minute!" interrupted Sparx feeling just as shocked. "Jak specifically told us Sig kicked the bucket last time we were here, we all heard it!"

"Umm" Cal began feeling alienated again.

"You don't count of course! You weren't there!" Sparx said pointing at him.

"I know what I said," Jak began, "but after you guys left for home, we all returned to the city, and after renovating the bar, Sig walked right through those doors, safe and sound." He gestured toward the saloons front doors, smiling as he remembered the return of his friend from the grave.

Cynder felt completely ecstatic, whereas Sparx was completely speechless, she had to ask, "Spyro, is he serious?"

"Indeed, I saw Sig myself before reuniting with you," he said grinning. Cynder felt like she might cry with joy. Torn quickly noticed this and was concerned.

"Cynder, you ok?"

"She's fine," assured Spyro, "People coming back from the dead is surreal for us, especially dear friends."

"I'm pretty sure everyone here would say the same," said Jak. Before anything else could be said, there was a rustling from his back pocket that caught his attention. To everyone's surprise, his communicator popped out, and a familiar voice erupted from it.

"Jak! Are you there? This is Sig, can you hear me?"

"Loud and clear," said Jak.

"What a surprise! We were just talking about you," said Daxter.

"So it is true," Cynder remarked.

"Son of a gun," commented Sparx, with Spyro smiling at both of their comments.

"We have a situation back out in the wasteland, some new intel just fell into our lap that you need to know, you and the dragons had better get back out here ASAP if we can move forward."

"What?!" Jak exclaimed.

"We just got here!" yelled Daxter.

"Sig, this is Torn," said Torn walking up to the communicator, "Jak and his group are needed here, we have a warfront coming through and they are the best…"

"Torn this is not a courtesy request! Don't shoot the messenger, but this is a matter of global proportions according to our intel, and if they aren't here we may as well kiss whatever salvation plans you have goodbye."

"Where are you getting this intel? If I may ask?" asked Torn feeling quite agitated with Sig's apparent stone-wall behavior.

"Classified, you all have your secrets and we have ours'" Everyone was looking at the communicator dumbfounded, they had never heard Sig talk like this before, especially to a friend.

"Oh, so that's how it's going to be? Just soldier to soldier? I thought we were more then that Sig," said Torn no longer hiding his frustration.

"Don't play the friend card Torn, we both don't have time for that, in any case I'm not talking to you, I called Jak," the communicator turned again toward Jak who was staring at it somewhat wide-eyed, while Torn was seething. "What I can tell you is that new information regarding the dragons arrival here has been uncovered and needs to be discussed with you, in person."

"Really? Like a way to get them back home?" asked Jak, looking at the dragons, who were listening intently with anticipation.

"Yeah, and then some, so get back here on the double and we can go over everything face to face, and before you ask how to get back here, just ask Torn, after all Haven is the one who put you out here in the first place."

With that, Sig signed off and the communicator returned to Jak's pocket before anyone else could say anything. All of them were silent at Sig's news, as well as his apparent attitude, it was like he was completely shut Torn out, and no one could deny the animosity in his tone. All save of them were somewhat stunned with what happened, except for Torn who looked livid with rage.

"So," said Sparx breaking the ice, "does this mean we have to go back to the desert?" Unbeknowst to everyone else, Calidan pumped his fist in joy behind his back with a grin, apparently being the only one in the group who couldn't wait to go back.

"Sparx, now would be a really good time to shut it," Cynder seethed.

"Who the hell does that guy think he is?!" shouted Torn catching everyone's surprise, "He's back out in the wasteland for only a few days and he's turning a blind eye to us?!"

"Easy Torn," said Jak.

"We all made sure to put a good word in for him to keep him from being incarcerated and this is how he thanks us?!" he shouted slamming his hands on the bar.

"Torn relax," said Spyro, "you heard what he said, they've discovered something new regarding the new portal that brought us back here, they may have found a way to send us back, or something else."

"Something else? What do you mean by that?" asked Torn calming slightly.

"I…I don't know," said Spyro, "But if its anything new related to this new portal, Cynder, Sparx, and I must be there to know about it."

Torn took a deep breath before continuing, "Okay, you guys I understand, as I've said before this isn't your world so it's not your fight, but Jak…"

"That's where you're wrong Torn," interrupted Jak, "It's not just our fight, or their fight anymore, its everyones. Remember when we said we were given information to our planet's survival? Well going back to the wasteland right now might be the next step toward ensuring it. This war, it goes beyond Haven I'm afraid."

"We learned from another Precursor, that another threat is on its way," followed Spyro, catching Torn's attention, especially when he mentioned the Precursor. "Apparently the metalheads aren't the only corrupt species out there, an evil race called the Dark Makers, who were once Precursors before being twisted via corruption of dark eco are on their way here right now."

Torn looked as white as a ghost, and nearly fell back before bracing himself on the bar behind him. What he had just heard was enough to overload him, an anti-Precursor race was descending on their planet? Just when he thought the metalheads and the KG were more then enough. He asked with shock, "Are you serious?"

"Absolutely, in fact you can see their ship shining in your sky right now," said Spyro with assurance, reminding everyone of the Day Star in the sky. Torn was silent for a moment, leaving everyone in the room how he would handle hearing the doomsday information they all had received themselves. He came to a conclusion, although it definitely wasn't the one he was hoping for.

"If returning to the wasteland is the best course of action for us, then go, I'll relay what you have shared with the others, how they will take it, I have no idea."

"We understand," said Spyro.

"Don't worry, we will keep in touch with everything we find out," said Jak, "keeping secrets from each other right now, no matter where we live on this planet might just end up destroying us inevitably."

Torn nodded before saying, "as for getting to the wasteland, Sig was right about one thing, there is a transport stationed at one of the port pillars we use for out of city transport in order to relocate innocent civilians, just tell them to head to Wasteland Isle 1, and you'll be back where Veger left you off." Jak scowled for a moment at the mention of Veger's name, and then turned toward the dragons with a nod, who returned with their own.

"Well, then lets get going," Calidan spoke up, "We have a new mission to accomplish." He gestured to the door before heading for it.

"We give you a new toy and already in a hurry to go back home?" stammered Torn, causing him to halt, "Your starting to sound more like an opportunist then just a wastelander."

Everyone save for Calidan looked at him shockingly, knowing that Torn had just lit a fuse to a bomb. Calidan just stood still by the door, slowly clenching his fists to the point his nails were digging into his fingerless gloves. His face was distorting as well with an ugly frown and intense eyes, ready to turn around and burn a hole through Torn. It was bad enough one of his men had already spat against him, now the commander was doing it? Even after he had stood up for him at that moment? He immediately believed he didn't belong here, much less was welcome here so he turned and said one thing…

"You know, I don't give a damn what you think I sound like," stated Cal, "I'm going back there because its where I'm needed, and when I do I will stay true to my word and help these guys eliminate the monsters that are on the way here, and when that's all over, don't count on ever seeing me again, since I'm obviously not team player material." Torn just kept watch on him as he turned around to walk to the door again, and upon it opening for him he said one more thing without turning around.

"One more thing, commander," saying it with disgust, "you and your men need to work on making a better first impression, because none of you know anything about me at all." He walked out of the bar leaving the rest of the group behind. Spyro, Cynder and Sparx watched Cal leaving concerned, hoping that he wouldn't be driven off so fast. They decided to follow him out and walked toward the door as well together, not even turning around. Jak and Daxter on the other hand turned to Torn to say one more thing.

"You know Torn, regardless of how ticked off you are at Sig, that's no excuse to take it out on anybody else, especially a new recruit who has done nothing but help us since we met him," finished Jak, before turning to walk toward the exit himself, leaving Torn alone with his thoughts. Jak walked up to the dragons outside who were standing a couple feet behind Calidan who stood right near the edge of the walkway, like he was considering swimming to the transport just to be away from everyone. Jak walked pass the dragons gesturing them to stay back while he apparently handled this. He stood side by side with him in silence before Calidan spoke up…

"Going to follow up on your big-mouthed commander's statement?"

"Never crossed my mind," said Jak.

"Could have fooled me," said Calidan.

"Everyone gets mad and says the wrong thing sometimes, including Torn regardless of his status," explained Jak.

"Yeah well, for a guy who speaks ill of a corrupt council that apparently doesn't listen to anyone speaking common sense, he's doing a good job at playing them."

"Like I said, he was in the wrong that time, just like that other guy before, and your right Cal, we don't know you. That's why I've been so hesitant in trusting you, but I've been around many new people who have had my trust and ended up stabbing me in the back, forcing me to be more cautious then before," argued Jak.

"So your saying I'm opportunist as well? That I'm just biding my time to do the same thing to you?!" Calidan angrily asked.

"No," Jak said blatantly, "Because I've just reminded myself of new people I've met that have done the opposite, they've watched my back, believed in me and trusted me, even saved my life. I'd like to think you the same now, and I'm not the only one." He said causing to Calidan to turn to look at him out of the corner of the eye, noticing he was looking behind himself. Calidan turned and saw the dragons and Sparx right behind him, all carrying looks of acceptance. Calidan turned back toward Jak and saw a similar look on his face as well as Daxter's, as comical as his was.

"So you guys really trust me?" Calidan asked.

"You trust us right?" said Cynder, "and last I learned trust is a two-way street."

"So why don't we finalize this team-up with a mutual trust pact?" asked Spyro.

"You guys did hear what I said in there right? Once this is all over, I'm going back home for good," he reminded them.

"We all have our homes to defend," said Jak, "In the end, that's what we all really want, to go home. So let's do what we need to do, alright rogue?" Calidan sneered at him again for calling him that, but after an unspoken conversation between them he snorted before speaking again.

"Let's go," he finished with a smirk.


The heroes found and boarded the transport just as Torn said, and after relaying the information to the pilot, piled in the back of the transport and sat down for the flight toward the Wasteland Isle. No words were really spoken during the flight, they all just kept watch out the window for the sight of the wasteland coast. After a good half hour from takeoff, the sight of the wasteland finally came into view. Soon the sight of Spargus's right wall was visible, and the transport began to descend to the sand dune outside Spargus's wall. It made touchdown and opened its back door, allowing everyone out. The warriors came out first followed by the dragons and the dragonfly. After exiting, the transport closed up and took off again, heading for Haven again. Upon watching it fly off, Sparx decided to say something regarding their new setting.

"Watching that thing take off after leaving us in such a desolate place," he said looking at the desert around him, "is something disheartening."

"Don't remind me," commented Daxter with a frown. Everyone else ignored their complaining and followed Jak toward the front Spargus gate on foot. Upon reaching the gate, Jak walked up to it so it would open in response to his pass, while the others stayed back in case of any guards. The gate opened in its usual triangular fashion, allowing him in, and in the center of the vehicle pen was the Dune Hopper, returned from the Monk Temple, with Sig right beside it. However, Jak wasn't sure whether to be glad or suspicious upon seeing him. Sig spoke to him without turning his head from making adjustments on the vehicle.

"Thought I heard you come in chili pepper," said Sig.

"Yeah, well considering you seemed to get us back out here in a hurry, we didn't want to keep you waiting," answered Jak.

"Yes it was either the scorching, dusty, desolate desert, or the war ravaged, deathridden, pile of rubble formally known as Haven, it was a weigh of the scales," said Daxter. Sig ignored him and asked another question, having turned away from the Dune Hopper he noticed the absence of the purple dragon.

"Where is Spyro? Thought he was with you?" he asked.

"Right here Sig," Spyro spoke behind the gate, before walking through himself, with Cynder and Sparx right behind. Calidan took one step, but by instinct chose to stay planted right where he was. Sig quickly noticed the rest of Spyro's group as they followed behind him.

"Well well, I see your friend and your girl followed you here after all," he commented.

"Hey big guy! Great to see you still walking!" said Sparx waving with optimism.

"Well as I've said before, a real wastelander knows how to take the heat and keep going!" answered Sig. Calidan heard his comment from behind the wall and smirked, even though he never met nor trusted this guy, he couldn't help but agree 100% with what he had just said. On the other side, Sig turned toward Cynder and saw that she held quite a cold look on her face.

"Hey Cynder, you alright? You don't seem as thrilled to see me," Sig asked concerned.

"Oh don't get me wrong Sig," she began, "I'm happy you're still alive, without a doubt. What I'm not happy about is how I heard you speak earlier, to a friend none the less." Sig's one eye went wide, and turned to look at all the others, who all bore looks of skepticism. He sighed, knowing he should have seen this coming from them after his recent announcement, or rather declaration.

"So you all heard eh?" he asked.

"It's a wonder the whole port didn't hear it," said Jak, "if they didn't, then they will be hearing about it eventually."

"Look, I hold nothing against Torn, it's who he represents I have issues with," Sig started to explain.

"What do you mean by that?" asked Spyro.

"Could it have something to do with that spy thing we heard about earlier?" added Daxter. Sig turned toward him with a bit of a stink-eye, but then noticed everyone still wore looks of skepticism. Realizing he was running out of options, Jak decided to speak, "Come on Sig, what does Damas have to do with Haven City? spill it."

"Fine, in a nutshell, Damas lost something in the city long ago and he wanted me to find it," Sig answered with a slight growling tone.

"What did he lose?" asked Spyro.

"I'm not at liberty to say," stated Sig more calmly, "you want to know, you ask him, though don't expect a response."

"Uh…ok," Sparx began feeling left out, "who is this Damas guy?"

"I second that question," said Cynder feeling the same.

"He's the ruler of this desert city, Spargus," explained Spyro, "he takes in all the exiled refugees like Jak was and grants them sanctuary, provided you pass his tests of course."

"Which we have," finished Jak.

"I see," said Cynder, "Then why did you never tell any of your friends in Haven about this Sig? Never mind us."

"We all have things we like to keep to ourselves Cynder," argued Sig, "regardless of who our friends are, besides why would any of you even care about Haven? You all know as well as I do that regardless of who runs the place, it's full of a bunch of weaklings and con-men. They all lost the war before it began, fortunately Damas has a plan to make sure we all survive."

The dragons were scowling at his statement, wondering if Sig ever really was the trusted friend they ever believed him to be, even Jak was feeling the same, for he said, "You're playing with peoples lives!"

"Yeah? Well why not?! They've played with mine," Sig growled while looking away, "Survival of the fittest baby, I suggest you all get with the program and be on the winning side."

"We are all clear on what side we are on Sig," stated Spyro, "the question is…are you?" Sig turned toward him again, glaring at the purple dragon with his one eye.

"Uh oh," Daxter whispered to Jak.

"Enough!" Cynder shouted, gaining everyones attention, "Sig, I understand you feel like you've been played, that you've been used for someone's twisted gain at the expense of others. That you've had no idea how badly your actions have ended up hurting innocent people…until it was too late." Her volume was starting to dwindle at her last words, though it was clear she was referring to her own past, and all of them save for Sig and Calidan knew or remembered that story.

"But you can't go through your life holding a grudge," she continued, "it will only poison the relationships with the good people you have, as for who those people are, well, only you can answer that for yourself. We all know who they are already, at least I think all of us do." She finished smirking at Jak, who nodded in response knowing he understood. Sig seemed to take her words in and reflect on them. He stood for a good minute before speaking again.

"Well, I'll keep that in mind little pepper," said Sig, "But don't think everyone else here will be as easy to sway."

"Hey, these people are your kings responsibility now, not yours or Haven's, so lets move on," said Cynder now feeling much calmer.

"I agree, you said they are waiting for us at the temple," said Jak.

"Darn right they are," said Sig, "I just finished tuning the Dune Hopper, so you should be able reach there smoothly."

"Smooth is not in this vehicle's style," commented Daxter.

"I agree," added Spyro.

"Whatever, it will get you there, and that's what counts," said Sig. "Just make sure to bring it back this time, Kleiver gave me hell when you left it there before and I had to bring it back."

"Yeah sorry about that," Jak apologized, "Didn't expect Haven to be on the agenda when we were…" he halted his response when he looked around the pen and saw that a member of their group was missing. The dragons turned to follow his gaze, and were picking up what he was looking for.

"Uh guys, where is Cal?" he asked the dragons.

"Cal?" questioned Sig, "whose?"

"Don't tell me he ran off," stammered Spyro.

"If he did," growled Jak, "I'm gonna tear him…"

"Enough Jak!" replied Cynder, before turning toward the gate which was still open. She figured if he did run off, he couldn't have gotten far. The best way to catch up to him was in flight, before he did anything else stupid. "I'll take care of this."


Looks like Cal will have some explaining to do, what will happen next? Stay tuned