Jak and Crash
ACT 1: The Beginning
Chapter 4: The Hunter or…To Hunt or not to Hunt
Haven Forest
Month 15: Precurso, Day 16
Year: 2 AOTN (Age of the Nations)
Time: Night
Haven Forest usually looked quite lovely in the nighttime when observing it from afar, but when stuck deep inside the heart of it, the atmosphere changed and the entire place looked and feels cursed, such as the case was now. A creepy silence didn't add to the overall feared appearance. The Nicodemus II lied still as the people inside struggled to get out and find their comrades. N. Gin being one of them.
"Hello?" He shouted, "Brio? Cortex? Tawna? Coco? Giant Krimzon Guard? Your highness? ANYBODY?...OLLY OLLY OXEN FREE!" N. Gin made a slumped back.
"Great, I'm the only one who survived this wreckage." He muttered, then he got down on his knees and started to bawl, "OH, WHY! WHHHHHHHHHY DO YOU TAKE THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE? WHYYYYYYYY? THIS IS NOT FAIR! I HATE LIFE! WHYYYYYYYY?"
"N.GIN! WOULD YOU STOP SPREADING RETARD ALL OVER THE PLACE?" cried a familiar voice. Out from the metal debris was Cortex. He's head suffered a few cuts and bumps, but otherwise, he was alright. Coco followed by, also cut in a few places, but otherwise fine. N. Gin immediately ran up to him and gave Cortex a massive bear hug.
"OH, THERE IS A GOD!" He shrieked.
"Let go of me, idiot!" Cortex shoved him away, "We have to find the others."
"I hope none of them were crushed underneath the ship." Gin said.
"Great, just what we need, the prince squashed under the ship. The Queen will have our heads for sure." Coco shook her head.
"Seems like the ship is mostly intact, just busted in a few places." Cortex observed, "Well, this part of the area anyways."
The three searched around. N. Brio was found in the kitchen area where his lower half was stuck underneath the refrigerator. With him was Ani and Daxter who were both struggling to move the fridge.
"HEY! There those guys are!" Daxter cried out, "Your friend's been stuck here for some time."
Cortex, Gin, and Coco desperately moved the refrigerator. Ani then reached in and pulled Brio out with her mouth. Gin immediately ran to Brio and stuck three fingers to his face.
"Brio, how many fingers am I holding up?" He asked in a worried manner.
"….7?" Brio mumbled.
"We need to get him to the clinic center." Cortex gasped, "Gin, you…orange ugly thing (Daxter glared angrily) and the dog, take him to the clinic, pray that place is visually intact." And with that, the three left with a gravely injured Brio.
"Now we need to find Tawna, the prince, and that giant Krimzon Guard." Cortex said.
They left the kitchen area and searched various rooms. They found Tawna with Puar, the COMP in one room (they too were looking for the others). That left the prince and the Krimzon Guard. The four searched in more rooms until they heard voices. Going to one of the guest room, they saw the prince mending Brutter's wounds.
"YOUR MAJESTY" The four cried in unison.
"Oh? OH! Cortex! Coco! Puar…I'm afraid I don't know your name, miss." Jak spoke in his calm princely manner.
"Oh, names Tawna." Tawna quickly introduced, "Is your giant soldier okay?"
"He will suffice." Jak nodded, finally wrapping up Brutter's arm, "Do you have a clinic where I can place Brutter in so that he can heal?"
"Yes, we do." Cortex nodded, "In fact, we were going to head there after we found everyone to see how Brio was doing…and since we did, we can."
The prince nodded and with Brutter in tow, they all went to the clinic which was miraculously still standing. There, Brio rested, shirtless as he was deeply wounded in the chest.
"He might die." Gin sniffed, "My…m-my best friend."
"Your majesty, you should…" Brutter gestured. Jak nodded and proceeded to Brio who tried to breathe. Jak kneeled down, and then extended his hand. A beautiful radiant light blue glow came out of it. Everyone surrounding him watched in amazement. Within seconds, the blue glow lessened Brio's pain. Brio then opened his eyes and made a small gasp.
"IT'S A MIRACLE!" Gin shouted, raising his arms up in the air. He hugged Brio who told him to back up a bit.
"I still have p-p-p-p-p-pain!" Brio cried out.
"I apologize." Jak bowed his head a little, "My healing powers are not the best. I only recently received them, but your pain will heal quicker."
"T-t-t-t-t-t-t-thanks!" Brio smiled, and then he fainted.
"Now what?" Coco asked.
"We sleep. Deal with all this tomorrow." Cortex ordered.
………………
Haven Palace
Month 15: Precurso, Day 16
Year: 2 AOTN (Age of the Nations)
Time: Night
"I apologize on calling you on such short notice, but I've heard when it comes to finding people, you're the quickest and effective one for the job." Alexandros spoke calmly as she sat on her throne, Ashelin, Veger, and Torn by her side.
"Yea, so I've been told. Guess my reputation proceeds me, ma'am."
"Yes, with that said, I'm sure you've heard of the news of the prince's disappearance, am I right?"
"News always travels fast, ma'am."
"Good, because I want you to bring him back, unharmed."
"Unharmed, ey? That's a different change for my work. Granted, I've brought back people alive before, but I usually rough them up a bit before doing so."
"It's not against the law of the bounty hunter code or anything to bring back someone unharmed, is there?" The queen glared at him.
"No, ma'am. It ain't." He kept a calm and collected voice throughout, "So, I bring back your prince and you're willing to pay me how much?"
"Whatever amount you want."
"You must be pretty desperate, your majesty."
"He is Haven's future."
The man chuckled.
"What's so funny, Chuckles?" Torn gritted, "You think it's funny laughing at the Queen?"
"No, no, it's just that…the Queen must be awfully desperate to resort to a lowly bounty hunter like me. I thought it'd be underneath her level." He chuckled again, making Torn red in the face.
"It's not gonna be so funny when I shove this (he took out his sword) up your ass!" Torn cried out, getting close to the mysterious man.
"Torn!" Both Ashelin and the Queen cried out. Torn made a short growl and moved back towards the Queen.
"My soldiers are busy protecting this kingdom." Alexandros started to answer, "And since I heard you were in town AND that all your captures have been 100 successful, you're the best man for the job." Again the man chuckled.
"How very flattering comments I get from the Queen herself." He grinned, "Alright, your highness, I'll have your prince for you. Couldn't have gotten far, I'll probably find him in two days at the most." He then bowed to the Queen and made off.
"Ugh, what an arrogant commoner." Veger spat, "We could have easily used our secret services to find Prince Christof."
"THOSE buffoons?" The Queen retorted, "They couldn't find their way out a paper bag!"
Ashelin took this time to leave where she met up with Kiera, Samos, Michel, Walter, and Chiso.
"We need to warn Jak." Ashelin said towards the others.
"And you need to tell your hubby about Jak's plans before he gets the wrong idea." Kiera pointed towards Torn. Ashelin nodded.
…………………
Nicodemus II, Inside Haven Forest
Month 15: Precurso, Day 17
Year: 2 AOTN (Age of the Nations)
Time: Morning
"Tawna's special Eggs n' Bacon comin' right up!" Tawna shouted. The kitchen stove still worked, although N. Gin had to fix a few spots. Everyone except Daxter, Ani, Puar, and Brutter gathered around the kitchen area.
"Someone needs to get the royal prince and his comrades." Cortex said, "We need him for our meetings and maybe he'd like to help around."
"Oh, please! I bet Mr. Pampered is just sleeping in, not caring to even help with the work around him." Coco said, crossing her arms.
"I'd be careful when making assumptions, Miss Coco." The smooth voice of Jak replied. Everyone turned around and faced not Prince Christof, but Jak himself, dressed in a long sleeved indigo shirt, matching boots, and white pants, as well as a wrapped red bandana over his face, complete with his usual goggles. Behind him was his side of friends. Everyone just about stood still, shocked and confused. The first movement was made when Tawna's bacons were starting to over crisps.
"Hey, where's the prince? Is he alright?" Gin asked. Jak gave off a blushed expression. He slowly placed a hand behind the back of his head and chuckled sheepishly.
"I guess I should confess." Jak started, "Prince Christof is in this very room as well as Jak himself." Everyone continued starring at him.
"…I am Prince Christof Romanir (he made a short bow) and Jak (he waved)." Jak said, "This is Brutter, captain of the Krimzon Guard force, the first Lurker to be a Krimzon Guard and my guardian. This is Daxter, he's my childhood friend. That's Ani, my loyal pet crocadog and friend, and above my head is Puar, the only emotional-based COMP." The people whom Jak introduced made a short wave. On the otherside however, jaws were dropped and bodies were motionless. Silence.
"…You know…I would appreciate it if you guys would…you know, say something." Jak gestured.
"…You're…prince Christof?" Coco stood up from her chair, pointing to Jak. Jak nodded, "YOU'RE Prince…Christof?"
"Yes." Jak nodded again.
"You."
"Yes."
"You, the one named Jak. Mr. Flirty."
"Ye—I was NOT flirting with you. I was trying to make you smile."
"YOU? YOU? YOU?"
Jak took a frustrated sigh, "FOR THE LOVE OF PRECURSIA, YES!"
Another set of silence befell, and then Coco unleashed all hell and started to run up to Jak. She was inches away from him when Cortex and Tawna held onto her. Gin and Brio latched onto her legs.
"COCO! CALM YOURSELF! YOU ARE BEFORE THE ROYAL PRINCE!" Cortex shouted, "Beat him senselessly and you're liable to be hanged!" Coco calmed herself down, but her mouth continued.
"I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! ALL THIS TIME YOU'VE BEEN PLAYING MIND GAMES ON US BY BEING BOTH THE PRINCE AND JAK?" Coco screamed. Jak nodded, "YOU…YOU…BASTARD!"
"Yes, Coco, insult the prince. We'll be sure to get medals now." Gin sarcastically said.
"I apologize for my mysterious behavior." Jak said in a polite manner, "It was really my grandmother, the Queen's wish that I keep Jak and Christof as separate individuals. I usually sneak out of the palace under guise of Jak, usually for good reasons, and my reasons are very important right now. That is why I ask for your help."
"Good, we were just about to discuss all this over breakfast." Cortex said, "Come, come, sit." He pulled up a chair for Jak. Daxter climbed up to the table. Coco hastily returned to her seat, arms crossed, and face red.
"Hoo boy, now we're talking!" Daxter shouted, eyeing the food, "HEY! How about some pancakes and eggs and bacons and sausages and all this delicious foods over here! Chop chop!"
"Okay, it's only been five minutes since I saw him, and I already hate him." Tawna declared.
"I apologize for my friend's behavior; you'll get use to it in time." Jak winked, mostly towards a grouchy Coco who merely glared back at him. Gin and Brio managed to find extra set of chairs for everyone except Puar who hovered.
"Now then, shall we commence our meeting?" Cortex asked.
"Yes." Jak nodded, "On the current events, mysterious dark creatures known as Dark Makers have invaded Precursia. This hasn't happened before and it's recent, the first attack in Precursia being during Sentinel Beach where I met Coco and Cortex. While I didn't expect one to invade the beach, I did see bits and pieces of them in my dreams, in my vision."
"We were attacked by one when we arrived in your galaxy." Cortex said, "We are looking for my son whom we all thought to be dead. We're not exactly sure if he is alive or not, but his crystal (he took out a red collar where the crystal was attached) is constantly glowing and has pointed us to you…basically. Seeing as you could talk with Precursors and that you saw us in your visions, it is likely you will be our guide to find our son."
"Yes, and the deal continues in that you guys help me figure our why you are in my vision and stop this Dark Maker invasion." Jak stated, "Perhaps all of us, all these events are connected in someway." The others nodded and murmured in agreement. Tawna slid some eggs and bacon to Jak's plate.
"Oh…ummm…I apologize again, but I don't eat anything with a face." Jak said, sheepishly making an embarrassed face.
"Oh, a tree hugger, perfect." Coco sighed.
"Actually, my mentor Samos is more of a tree hugger; I'm more of an animal hugger." Jak smirked, and then eyed Tawna, "You don't have anything that isn't meat?"
"Sure." Tawna said, eyes half closed. She opened a cabinet and placed a box in front of him, "It's called Lucky Charms."
"So, how will we go about finding my bro?" Coco asked.
"I don't know. I assume you just follow me around until I get some sort of vision or something." Jak shrugged.
"That shouldn't be too hard, he gets 'em frequently." Daxter spoke through a bacon-filled mouth, "He's like Visions R' Us."
"We need to go to Lucius." Jak said, then he took out a rolled up parchment from his knapsack, unfurling it, showing the map of Precursia, "Lucius Empire is just over the ocean to the East of Haven Kingdom. With your airship, we can get in there in about a day."
"Uhh…not really." Gin tipped in, "We have…engine problems."
"What do you mean?" Jak asked.
"As in two of our three engines are busted because the Dark Makers and your grandma went ape shit on us." Gin answered, "One engine isn't enough to cross the ocean, let along leave Haven."
"Don't you have replacements?" Puar asked.
"I'm afraid n-n-n-n-n-n-n-not." Brio shook his head, "We used up our l-l-l-l-l-l-last extra set of engines a while back."
"Great, now what?" Coco asked, "We can't exactly go back to Haven and ask for a boat. We're wanted."
"Well then, we go to Air Razor Town, located in the middle of Haven Kingdom." Jak pointed to the map, "By walking, it'll take us about a couple of weeks."
"A couple of weeks?" Coco gasped, "You serious?"
"You have another way to get there?" Jak asked.
"Fine, we walk there." Cortex ordered, "I'm not too sure if the engines there will be compatible with the ship, but we'll make do. Something will come up."
"I'm not that optimistic." Coco crossed her arms.
"Alright, here's the plan." Cortex ordered, "Tawna, you will stay with Gin and Brio. Gin…Brio, fix the ship."
"Awww." Tawna moaned.
"Coco, you and I are going to follow Jak and his friends to Air Razor, no questions."
"Awww." Coco moaned.
"Start moving, people!" Cortex ordered.
…………………
"I still is not sure if Master Jak should go with people from other worlds. They is could be with Dark Makers." Brutter said.
"WE ARE NOT!" Tawna, Gin, and Brio cried out, frustrated to hear that over and over again.
"I trust them, Brutter." Jak said.
"Well…then I is protect you all the way!" Brutter quickly changed his tone, "Always, Master Jak!"
"Yea, but just call me plain "Jak." Jak ordered, "And we need to get you out of the Krimzon armor, everyone's going to know something if you wear it, you're the only Lurker on the force."
"What we do?"
"Well, we'll stop by the nearest town and buy some suitable clothes for you." Jak said. Coco and Cortex then came out, both with their own bags.
"Alright, we're ready." Cortex said, eager and hopeful.
"Great." Jak nodded, "There's a town nearby here, at the end of Sentinel Beach. Sunny Town. We have to make a pit stop there so I can get some clothes for Brutter. That armor stands out way too much. Plus, we should buy some supplies while we're there."
"A most excellent idea." Cortex said, "Ahh, you really know your survival tips, your majesty—I mean, Jak." Jak smiled and nodded.
"I'm an explorer…just like my uncle." Jak spoke softly, eyeing the ceiling.
"There he goes with memories again." Daxter grinned, "Lost in his own childhood." Ani smacked the back of his head.
"Yea, like you're any better." She muttered under her breath.
The heroes stepped outside of the airship and into the deep forest.
"Godspeed, ya guys." Tawna waved.
"BE C-C-C-C-CAREFUL!" Brio shouted.
"REMEMBER, IF SOMETHING BIG EATS YOU, I'M NOT HELD RESPONIBLE FOR YOUR BODIES!" Gin cried.
Cortex and Coco both made their own insults/jokes towards Gin and they were off…
……………
Haven Forest
Month 15: Precurso, Day 17
Year: 2 AOTN (Age of the Nations)
Time: Afternoon
"…So, that was how I defeated Gol and Maia." Jak finished.
"Cortex…what were you thinking when you asked to know more about Jak?" Coco said, "He's telling his entire life story!"
"Well, that's the whole point in getting to know him." Cortex said, "Please, do continue." So Jak did, pausing every so often to ask questions to Cortex and Coco and whenever Daxter interrupted. In time, as they walked towards Sunny Town, everyone at least knew about each other. Coco was the exception as she kept most of her life tight lipped. No amount of prying from Jak succeeded. Cortex, too wouldn't tell, saying "when she's ready, she'll tell." Jak nodded and left it at that.
It was only a day's trip to get there. Sunny Town resembled a tropical village, small in size. Filled with straw covered huts and friendly people, this was the closest Jak was ever going to have of Sandover.
"I'll go book us an inn so we can stay for the night, then I have to buy some extra large outfits for Brutter's disguise; you guys shop around for some supplies." Jak said, "Daxter, go with Coco and Cortex and help them out if they need help."
"Yea, yea. Sure. I do whatever you tell me to, cuz' YOU'RE the prince." Daxter muttered sarcastically.
"Daxter, SHUSH!" Jak said, placing an index finger to his lips. He shifted his eyes back and forth before heading out.
"Come on." Daxter gestured. Coco and Cortex followed suit and did their shopping. The shopkeepers occasionally stopped their business deals to comment on Daxter who was pretty well known for being the companion of the elusive Jak. Daxter obviously took this in with great pride, signing autographs, and kissing babes.
"People seem real surprise to the fact you can speak." Cortex said, "Do…animals not speak here?"
"Only the ones like Coco or special animals…like me." Daxter smiled. He eyed Coco and Cortex who both gave a look of confusion. He took a deep sign of frustration, "What I mean is animals that walk around like Precursians (the Anthros) like Coco have been known to talk. There isn't many living in Haven Kingdom; they mostly reside in the Lucian Empire. Animals like us…well, we don't talk. Very few do like Pecker and An—err…well, very few do."
"Why do they? Is it a "gift" from the Precursors or what?" Coco asked.
"Well, in my case, it's because I already was a Precursian to begin with. Jak told you that story earlier. As for cases such as Pecker…I'm not too sure." Daxter rubbed his chin, "I guess it's a big a mystery. Frankly, I don't really question it so much…partially because I don't give a crap."
"You're a caring individual, Daxter." Cortex spoke coolly.
The short scientist then shifted his view towards the people of the village. There they were, rummaging about doing their daily things; chatting, tending to their stores, fixing windmills. Kids were playing, couples were kissing, an Anthro that looked like Cortex's son was drinking beer and busy chatting with—wait!
"HOLY SUSHI BUCKET!" Cortex froze, staring at the Anthro who looked very much like his son. He had on a long tan overcoat, black cowboy hat, and carried two twin katanas, "…No, it couldn't be!" Cortex ran.
"CORTEX!" Coco cried out, "Not again." Coco and Daxter both gave chase. Cortex squeezed through a few people, shouting out his son's name. Passersby and surrounding precursians merely eyed the short sized, short eared man with much confusion and interest. What on Precursia was he shouting!
"IT'S ME! CORTEX! YOUR DAD!" He screamed. He ran passed more people to where his son possibly was, but upon arriving there, he was gone.
"CORTEX! STOP RUNNING AWAY!" Coco screamed, "I almost lost you last time!"
"I SAW HIM! I SAW MY SON!" Cortex shouted, "IT WAS HIM! I KNOW IT WAS!"
"What? Are you serious?" Coco gasped.
"My eyes did not lie!" Cortex said, "Why would it!"
"I don't know, you're getting old?" Daxter shrugged.
"He was right here!" Cortex pointed to the bar stand, "He was right here talking to the bar keeper drinking beer! Oh, the bar keeper!" Cortex climbed up a chair.
"Excuse me, Bar Keeper."
"Eh?"
"Have you recently served an orange Anthro bandicoot? He was wearing a cowboy hat and had on a long coat.
"Cowboy hat…oh, sure!" The barkeeper smiled, "Sure I saw him, but he ain't no bandicoot Anthro. He's a dingo; I don't even know what the hell a bandicoot is. Those Anthros, too many species."
"A…A dingo?" Cortex said weakly.
"Come on, Cortex; let's go back to the inn." Coco sighed, dragging the poor man back.
………………………
Sunny Town
Month 15: Precurso, Day 18
Year: 2 AOTN (Age of the Nations)
Time: Night
"Sorry I wasn't able to contact you before, we've been busy."
"It's alright, Ashelin." Jak spoke through her via Puar while he was sitting on his bed. A map of Precursia lied next to him.
"Any who, just a head's up warning. Grandma sent a bounty hunter after you, to bring you back unharmed." Ashelin started, "Be on your toes."
"Relax, Ashelin, if people still haven't figured out I'm both Jak and Prince Christof for an entire year, I doubt some rogue bounty hunter would either." Jak smiled.
"This isn't any rogue bounty hunter, grandma hired Shuin Mihako." THAT got Jak's attention as he stopped gazing at his map and eyed straight towards Ashelin as if he's seen a ghost.
"Shuin Mihako?" Jak repeated, "The Wandering Bounty Hunter? The one who's NEVER lost a capture?" Ashelin nodded.
"He'll have no problem seeing through a disguise, Jak. BE. ON. YOUR. TOES." Ashelin warned, and then she hung up, leaving a stunned Jak.
"…Should we tell the others?" Puar asked.
Everyone each took night watch except for Jak (whom they were protecting). Brutter himself volunteered to guard the doorway into Jak's room for the entire night. Much protests and concerns from Jak didn't ease the Lurker's decision.
"I don't see why I have to be on night watch!" Daxter cried out, "While Jak gets to sleep peacefully like a baby, I'm STUCK here in the MIDDLE of the night, NOT sleeping."
"Oh, shut up." Ani mumbled, "It's bad enough I'm stuck on night watch duty with you of all people."
"…Well, I rather you then Pecker." Daxter said softly. Ani made a sly smile.
"You two really need to get along better."
"Hey, the bird started the whole thing!" Daxter defended.
The two talked into the night as a shadowy figure made his way inside an unlocked window in the inn. There, he made his way up and to the door where Jak would be. Brutter was standing guard there (dressed in regular street clothing instead of his armor), trying hopelessly not to fall asleep, but in a matter of seconds, the giant lug fell deeply into sleep. The shadowy figure only made a small grin before opening the doorway.
"Idiots forgot to lock the door." He muttered to himself. There, he slowly made his way inside where Coco, Cortex, and Jak were all sleeping. Puar was just besides Jak, recharging. The shadowy figure got closer to Jak and extended his arms out to grab him and then—
"Hello. I was expecting you." The shadowy person moved backwards as Jak, pretending to sleep, woke up and tackled the shadowy figure. Coco and Cortex, apparently in the game quickly turned on the light. There, stuck in Jak's grip was the so-called "Wandering Bounty Hunter" Shuin Mihako. While Jak wasn't fazed on his appearance, Coco and Cortex, however, were.
"No…way!" Coco gasped. The one named Shuin had on a black cowboy hat and a tan overcoat. His fur was orange, his ears pointy, and his eyes, green.
"It couldn't be." Cortex muttered, his eyes almost about to fill with tears. Shuin pried himself off of Jak and stood up. Jak quickly took out his sword from his sheath and brandished it clumsily towards Shuin. Shuin chuckled.
"I've heard rumors the great Prince Christof had troubles with his sword." Shuin grinned, "You're holding it wrong." Jak growled, his face blushing red.
"I'M STILL PRACTICING!" Jak shouted, sword still in hand, "I have no desire to return to Haven City, so don't bother wasting your breath, you bloody arse!"
"No desires, ey?" Shuin said, still in his calm and cool voice, "Well, isn't that quite the ironic predicament? Well, like it or not, I've got a job and a reputation to uphold." Shuin took out one of his katana.
"And I'm far more effective with swords then you are, your majesty." Shuin then started to strike Jak's sword. Jak struggled by swaying his sword around.
"Oh, he really does suck." Coco muttered to herself. She took out her daggers and ran towards Shuin while Cortex merely watched, still shocked over on Shuin's appearance. At the same time, Brutter slammed into the wooden door, breaking it into little pieces.
"YOU IS NOT HARM THE PRINCE!" Brutter shouted. Then he charged towards Shuin who merely leaped out of the way, causing Brutter to fall out the 2nd floor window.
"BRUTTER!" Jak shouted. He looked down, "Brutter, are you alright?"
"He's fine, just a bit dizzy!" Daxter shouted from below. Shuin grinned once more and leaped out of the broken window.
"He's escaping!" Coco gasped.
"Not for long!" Jak said as he, too leaped out of the window and gave chase. Coco eyed Jak for a while, and then stared at Cortex.
"WHY DIDN'T YOU ATTACK?" She cried.
"…He looks like him! HE MUST BE HIM!" Cortex cried out.
………………
Jak had on nothing but blue pajamas, inappropriate garbs for the wintry air. That didn't stop Jak from chasing Shuin deep into parts of a forest. He searched around and observed his surroundings. At the last minute, before he could react, Shuin landed near him and whipped out his katana. Jak struggled back with his own sword and the two were battling each other with their own respective weapon. Shuin confidently swung his katana at ease while Jak kept merely trying to defend himself. This bounty hunter was a fast on of a gun and no amount of dodging and trickery could fool such a renegade. Shuin struck a hard blow that knocked Jak's sword off his hand and caused him to fall to his back. He tried to get up, but Shuin placed his katana near Jak's chest. He then lowered his body to get a better view of Jak, placing a foot at his chest, still grinning. Jak just glared at him.
"….Wow..." Shuin started, "You really REALLY suck at swords."
"Bloody Hell, I said I was PRACTICING!" Jak shouted. Shuin laughed heartily after that comment and removed his foot off of Jak. He then lifted Jak up and dusted the snows off him.
"Ummm...thank you?" Jak said. Shuin walked over and picked up Jak's sword.
"I had to lure you away from the others to save the hassle." Shuin said.
"Oh?"
"I'd have tried to find you whether your grandmother hired me or not." Shuin said, "I need your help."
"Excuse me?" Jak asked, confused.
"You're Prince Christof, are you not? One who can speak with the Precursors?" Shuin asked.
"Well, I…" Jak started to say, "What…makes you think I am Prince Christof?"
"Well, other then the fact that I saw through your disguise, your sword is also the sword of Mar, one of the most important heirloom of Haven's ruler." Shuin said, giving Jak the sword back, "I recommend you bandage the sword's handle to better disguise it and yourself. You're lucky no one else managed to figure it out."
"Oh." Jak slumped his shoulder, "Well…okay, you need my help."
"Yes, I need you to—"
"Umm…I don't wish to interrupt, but can't we do this back at the inn? I'm not exactly wearing proper winter gears."
"Anything you say, your majesty." Shuin sighed. The two started to walk back.
"Oh, and the part with you fake sleeping, not in the least bit convincing."
…………………
"I'm just your normal everyday guy." Shuin started.
"Normal? You're a bounty hunter." Coco said, crossing her arms.
"Can I talk?" Shuin asked. Coco answered with a sigh, "Thank you. Any who, just recently I've been having these…weird thoughts lately, as if someone was talking to me."
"Weird thoughts?" Jak asked. Shuin nodded.
"The first one occurred sometime around Day 14 of Precurso while I had just finished collecting a bounty in Haven Kingdom."
"Day 14, that's when I first met Cortex and Coco." Jak said, "And the first time that Dark Maker invaded Precursia." Shuin nodded.
"I believe the voice came shortly before that incident. Whatever the case was, he kept telling me that he needs help. The first thing he told me to do was find you, the prince. He told me you'd me hanging around with a group of friends, including two that are not of this planet."
"Okay, now that's just freaky." Daxter said, "Who the heck is talking with you?"
"I don't know." Shuin shrugged, "While the voice did tell me to find you, Prince Christof, I had my own agenda, in the hopes that the prince can help me deal with this voice in my head."
"Well, I can't get rid of it if that's what you're asking." Jak said, "I believe the Precursors might be speaking to you. It's a rare gift."
"Fantastic." Shuin said sarcastically, "It's messing me up in my bounty hunting skills. I almost lost a bounty yesterday because the voice kept coming up in random, freaking me out. I don't care what it wants or what help it needs, I just want it out of my head. Can't you perform some sort of exorcisms?"
"I don't have that kind of power!" Jak gasped, "If I do have them, I guess I have yet to discover them. I'm sorry, but I can't help you, Mr. Shuin."
"Crap." Shuin mumbled.
"If it helps, we're going to capital of Lucius. Perhaps someone there can help you?" Jak suggested.
"Lucius…maybe. I haven't been to the capital in a while…don't really want to go." Shuin sighed, "But I don't have much of a choice, now do I?"
"Something happen to you in Lucius City?" Puar asked.
"Yea, nothing you need to worry about." Shuin sighed, "But at the current moment, I don't have many options left. I still think Prince Christof is my best choice; after all, he's the one who defeated the Metal heads as "Jak." Shuin grinned towards Jak who smiled at his compliments.
"So, you wish to join us in hopes that I can somehow help you." Jak asked.
"Hey, maybe these wacko voices can be of use." Shuin said, "Whether it be a gift from the Precursors or not…besides, I have to collect my bounty and I can't leave without it now can I? Also, you need to work on your sword skills. I can help with that."
"You can try, the guy's had a year's training with Torn and he STILL sucks." Daxter grinned.
"You are a true friend, Daxter." Jak sarcastically said. A brief chuckle from various people was heard.
"Alright, let's go back to sleep." Jak sighed, "Shuin, as for you…ummm…"
"It's alright." Shuin headed for the door, "I'm not tired." He left it as that and the group of heroes went into their respective beds. Cortex, however, made his way out the door.
"Umm…Shuin." The Anthro stopped.
"That is…your name, right?"
"Last time I checked." He replied.
"…Tell me…do you remember anything…of your past?"
"Umm…yea, why?"
"Oh…really?"
"I lived in a farm with my parents, and then got into bounty hunting, simple as that."
"So…you don't…know me, do you?"
"Why? Is there a reason?"
"……Nothing. I'll…I'll tell you about it later." Cortex lowered his head down. Shuin eyed the scientist briefly before leaving the inn.
To Be Continued…
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AUTHOR'S NOTES: Chapter 4 is up. Sorry it took so long.
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NOTES:
1.) I guess I forgot to explain, but the whole concept behind Jak having a British accent was really a mixture of him being royalty (ya know, typical royal dude having British voice), and playing LOTS and LOTS of Prince of Persia: Sands of Time. I imagine Jak's voice in that manner with the singing voice of Ewan McGregor. Yes, I'm aware he has a voice in the game, that scruffy-ish voice and frankly, if you people wanna imagine him in that voice, then go ahead. I don't care. I have my own preferences. Maybe it's just my thing for British dudes...
2.) Shuin may look like Cortex's kid, but he ain't him, just to let you know...unless I'm just lying and pulling your leg. Tee Hee.
3.) Oh, yea. If you remember in the last chapter of my "Jak II Chronicles", you know Torn asked Ashelin's hand in marriage, tis why Kiera called Torn "hubby" to Ashelin since at this point, the two are married.
4.) The name "Shuin" was deprived off...well, "Shuyin" of FFX-2. Despite him looking like...ugh...Tidus, the name was awesome, so I used it.
5.) I made it so Jak is still practicing his sword. I mean, he's never had any previous experience until a year ago, so in time, he'll improve, but at the moment, he, as Shuin puts it, "sucks."
6.) The bar keeper saying he doesn't know what a bandicoot is is merely in-jokes pertaining to people who had no damn clue what a bandicoot was by the time Crash came out. Frankly, I didn't for the longest time and thought Crash was a dingo till I found out. Heh.
7.) I randomly thought of Precursia as Jak's planet's name and precursians as his species since the game never told. I could have easily just not say what it's called, but it saves the hassle. I don't know if ND will ever release the official name for his planet or species and until they actually do (in which case, I'll change it), Precursia and precursians are here to stay. Deal with it.
