Jak and Crash
ACT 2: The Journey
Chapter 5: The Swamp or…All that's fit to muck
Unknown
Month: Unknown
Year: 2 AOTN (Age of the Nations)
Time: Unknown
Footsteps echo through the giant room. Its walls were filled with ancient text no longer in use, the entire room glowed a neon blue tint while background noises of cyber could be heard. It's like they were inside a computer. Whatever the room was, wherever it was, it was a familiar destination spot for the one known as Veger. He walked a long, narrow platform where one wrong move could cause him his death as down below was a seemingly bottomless pit so deep that darkness surrounded it. Veger walked on, confident, hardly without question. The platform ended on a circular platform with some strange designs that glowed. Located in the heart of the room, Veger stepped onto the circular platform and cleared his throat. Upon doing so, his throat echoed once more into the room and out of nowhere, five triangular platforms each holding a person started to hover down towards him. The five figures were shadowed in appearance due to the lighting, but one could recognize the size and shapes of them all: A tall, averagely muscular man, two slender females, one that looked like a child, and a giant Lurker.
"Ahh, Veger, welcome back to our humble abode." Came the sound of the man, "Care to express the sudden disappearance of Prince Christof? I thought we both made it quite clear he's needed in order for our plans to work."
"Yes, I'm aware of that, but I didn't anticipate his absence." Veger said, he was firm and unafraid, "Unfortunately, those Dark Maker invasions have caused the young boy to leave off on a sudden quest."
"How do you know of this?" The man asked, his arms crossed, "The young prince's level of trust towards you is about as high as Queen Alexandros patience."
"I have my ways of finding out matters Prince Christof tends to hide from me."
"I see." The man uncrossed his arms.
"Let me tell you that I do, indeed have plans for the conquest though."
"You best make sure this does work, Veger. It's not enough we can turn you into a pretzel, the boss is a different matter." One of the slender female spoke. She had a refine, mature voice.
"Yes, the prince's absence is only a minor setback." Veger said, "The Queen is still here as is everyone else I need for my plan. I've managed to rearrange a few details here and there, but even with the boy's absence, I can set out to influence the Queen and manipulate her. She's at a stage where she feels it's her fault the Prince left, she just tries so hard to hide it, but of course…she never keeps anything from me, her most trusted advisor. Her attitude is the perfect time to make her feel…needed."
"It better work, it'll most benefit our global conquest." The mature female spoke.
"I don't care for global conquest as much as I need to break some hearts!" Came the voice of the other slender female, this one immature and angry, indicating she was younger then the other woman.
"That's all you ever think about." Came the voice of the child, "Angry emotions, they stick to you emotional idiots like glue. It's about the same as that dumb Lurker and his need to crush everything in sight. How stereotypical!"
"HEY! We Lurkers is not all crushing giants, silly boy of little shortness!" came the gruff Lurker's voice.
"Yea, you best watch it, shorty or my boot will have a nice meeting with your ass!"
"I'm getting sick and tired of the short jokes!" The child cried.
"Both of you shut up!" The man shouted. He then turned his attention back to Veger, "Tell me, Veger, what plans to do you have in store for us?"
"I plan to start the invasion. The Queen as well as the top Krimzon Guard soldier will be the keys. It'll be smooth sailing then."
"Good, we expect results." The mature woman spoke, "And the boy?"
"I have plans to find him and that girl who likes him will be my star pawn."
Rock Town
Month 1: Januria, Day 1
Year: 2 AOTN (Age of the Nations)
Time: Afternoon
"I think my life in Sandover has gotten the best of me. In fact, it's influenced me so much that I still have lingering feelings for it. I'm not saying I plan to abandon Haven Kingdom and the royal duties I must perform. No, I made a promise to my younger self, it's just…seeing all the things the future has offered, it's a bit intimidating really. 300 something years is an awful long time. Daxter is more used to it then I am, but his mood and mind shifts positions every so often. I like to keep my memories of my past life when I was just a simple farm boy living with my uncle. My uncle…I still think of him, wondering what he's doing in the Afterlife, if he's watching over me. Sometimes it bloody makes me feel upsetting knowing I never got a chance to say a proper good-bye. I tried so hard to speak with the Precursors to let them know talking with my uncle was of utmost importance. I miss the 300 years of that time, and seeing Rock Town made me miss it even more…"
"Rock Town." Shuin said. The heroes were standing next to the entrance gate, admiring the town before them. Too small to be called a city, large enough to be called a town, the entire Rock Town was littered with neon signs of different colors, Precursians and some Anthros walking down the path with currency everywhere. The denizens of Rock Town wore mostly exotic outfits with tail feathers, white paint on their face, underwear over their pants, booze, drinks, magicians, dancers, entertainment, and laughs.
"Geez, it's Precursia's version of ol' sin city!" Coco muttered.
"Sin City? What the fudgicles is that!" Daxter cried out.
"Okay, first of all, it's pronounced fudge-SI-cles, and secondly, he's talking about Los Vegas, the biggest gambling hole of our planet." Coco answered, "Only 3 minutes here and I swear I saw Sigfield and Roy look-a-likes."
"Can we move now? The light hurts Brutter's eyes!" The huge Lurker shielded his face.
"Yea! Yea! How about to one of them gambling tables?" Daxter suggested, "Hot babes surrounding me while I roll the dice."
"You've been awfully quiet, kid." Shuin eyed Jak. Indeed, Jak gave off a firm, stern glare. After Shuin spoke, he lowered his head a little.
"I've only heard of what has become of Rock Town, and now, seeing it for the first time since 300 years…I'm not so sure I like it."
"What? Jak! Babes! Gambling! Dance! Entertainment! How can you NOT like it?" Daxter screamed.
"I have my own preferences, Daxter." Jak said, "But this is not the time to gamble or argue over who likes who, we must get inside and find the intersection out of here in order to reach Air Razor Town."
"No gambling?" Daxter groaned, disappointed.
"No gambling, now move it, people." Jak started the trek with a sagging Daxter on his shoulder.
"Yes, your majesty." Coco sighed, obviously sarcastic.
"I wondered if the gambler I met in Rock Village 300 years ago started this? Turned Rock Village into Rock Town, a hole for gambling, entertainment, and sin? Maybe I just miss the old Rock Village and felt so strongly attached to it. It was a very simply village, but I loved it all the same to make return visits. I know I must learn to accept new changes Even Fire canyon, once a long path filled with lava with only a zoomer to cross it, has changed. The lava has hardened and now goes by the name of Fire Trail, serving as a path for people... I may have power as ruler of Haven, but suddenly transforming Rock Town back to Rock Village is unacceptable and selfish."
Delving deeper into Rock Town has caused the main heroes to explore every nook and cranny. It was only Coco, Cortex, and Shuin who wanted to keep on track. Coco wanted to leave as fast as she could while Shuin didn't care much for the many sights of Rock Town. Cortex however kept eyeing him. About five days with him and Cortex couldn't get over his mind on how striking their appearance looked. That night at Sunny Town when Shuin said he knew nothing of the short scientist hit him like a ton of bricks. Since then, he'd been too afraid to ask Shuin or even talk to him about his quest and the similarities in appearance he's son and Shuin shared.
Jak merely just kept content, not seemingly caring what they did despite what he said previously. He was too busy observing what was once Rock Village.
"Ooh! BABES! GAMBLING TABLES!" Daxter screamed.
"Puar likes the pretty colors." The COMP spoke.
"Wow, animal entertainment." Ani gasped, obviously being as quiet as possible so no one would hear.
"Bright light still hurts Brutter's eyes."
"This is a waste of time." Shuin complained.
"Yea, I don't understand what neon signs and gambling does to turn people into slacked-jaw idiots." Coco crossed her arms. She and Shuin stood near the beautiful water fountain where the water flowed in rainbow-induced colors due to the multiple lights surrounding it, "HEY! Can we move it already?"
"Coco, old Japanese proverb—an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth."
"What the hell does that mean?" Coco scoffed.
"…I'm not so sure, I always assumed it met we're in this together and friends should be able to tolerate what other friends do." Cortex said softly, "That's why I used it." Coco rolled her eyes and scoffed again.
"We're not friends, Cortex. We're more like a bizarre father/daughter." Coco mumbled.
"Coco…"
"That's it, I'm outta here."
"And where are you going? You don't know the way." Shuin placed his hands on his waist. Coco stopped and let out a frustrated groan.
"We're looking for the intersection that leads to two different places, both of which can lead to Air Razor." Jak said, "Boggey Swamp or the Precursor Basin."
"You already said that." Coco pointed out. Jak remained silent, absorbing that in, annoyed at Coco.
"Which is the best choice?" Cortex asked, eyeing Jak and Coco's expression.
"Well, it's been 300 years and a lot has changed while a lot hasn't changed. I had to rely mostly on books and such to find out what happen to familiar locations of 300 years time." Jak muttered, "But I know Boggey Swamp is just as its name replies, a nasty ol' swamp."
"It's filled with dangerous creatures." Shuin said, "But it's still a much safer choice then Precursor Basin."
"How the heck does dangerous creatures equal "more safety choices" then the Precursor Basin?" Daxter shrieked.
"Because it's mostly remote and the KG will have a much harder time trying to get us there." Jak answered, 'The Basin is too big and wide open. It's really just one big field, despite the added safety. In any other case, the basin would have been the way to go."
"Why do we always take the fool's way out?" Daxter sighed.
"There have been explorers brave enough to make a path for those wanting to cross the swamp, although most people hardly ever visit Boggey Swamp." Puar suddenly popped out of Jak's pocket.
"Well, it's for the safety of Jak and I'm getting pretty desperate, so let's just go." Cortex said.
"I is going anywhere Prince Jak goes!" Brutter grinned. Jak elbowed him.
"What did I tell you about calling me "prince" in public?" Jak whispered.
"Oh, I is sorry."
"Okay, we pretty much agree, let's just go and get this over with." Coco groaned.
"Yes, ma'am." Jak said, smiling. Coco merely rolled her eyes.
…………………
The Zoomer Express (Kiera's home/work area), Haven City
Month 1: Januria, Day 1
Year: 2 AOTN (Age of the Nations)
Time: Afternoon
"You're not going! It's too risky!"
"But daddy, Jak might need help." Kiera cried out, "Ashelin's last communication with Jak indicated those so-called kidnappers are much in the dark about the dark creatures as we are, but I don't trust them."
"I don't think anyone of us who knows of Jak's true predicament does." Samos said gruffly, then he slowly eyed Kiera, "But Jak is a smart boy, he's grown up a lot and can handle whatever's thrown his way, he'll be fine. Daxter on the other hand…"
"DADDY!" Kiera shrieked.
"I will not risk my little girl!" Samos banged his staff, "Especially during these recent waves of dark creatures. We don't know a thing about them and until we do (in which we pray Jak will find the answer in Lucius), we have to prepare ourselves and protect those close to us, and that latter includes you."
"I'm NOT your little girl anymore! I've grown up, too!" Kiera shouted.
"I don't understand you, Kiera." Samos sighed, "You've never had a problem with Jak leaving for another adventure. Why so sudden on wanting to go to him now?"
With that one question asked, Kiera's face turned red and her lips shut tight. Sudden flashbacks in her head: She remembered the ball, during Jak's birthday party. Looking out the window there was Jak, dressed in his elegant princely attire talking with a blonde haired, orange furred Anthro girl with a beautiful white dress. Then another flashback, during Jak's "kidnapping" where she remembered seeing the same girl on that alien airship. So into her painful memories, Kiera didn't hear her father repeat her name numerous times.
"Kiera? Kiera! KIERAAAAAAA!"
"OW! Daddy! I'm right here!" She touched her ears.
"You were spacing off and didn't answer my question!" Samos said, frustrated, "Well?"
"Well nothing! Forget it! Just forget it!" She stormed off.
………………
Boggey Swamp
Month 1: Januria, Day 1
Year: 2 AOTN (Age of the Nations)
Time: Afternoon
The swamp reeked of something nasty. Thick vines with sharp thorns entangled the murky, sad looking trees, criss-crossing over each other in a messy fashion. The water was yellow or brown, murky when walking. The darker colored ones were poisonous. Moss and decay covered the very swamp and the animals looked rotting and dying.
"Good Lord, I can see why hardly anyone comes here." Coco said, placing her hands on her waist, "It's like somebody dumped toxic wastes down there."
"I don't know what toxic wastes are, but the swamp has been experiencing problems with careless bastards dumping unwanted eco in the swamp." Jak said, kneeling down to gently pet a trembling rat-like creature.
"Eco?" Coco looked at him with a puzzled expression. With that, Cortex took out his notebook.
"Oh, I have something here." He scurried through it and read what he wrote down earlier, "Eco are Precursia's sources, much in the same way as Earth's oils or coals. There are different kinds of eco such as red and blue eco. Each can be used in a number of different ways. The blue eco, for example is primary used for energy and speed, so they often use it for machinery. Blue Eco seems to function very well around water. Or red eco which is often used for strength and—"
"Okay, okay, I get it…kind of." Coco interrupted.
"Yes, and unfortunately, as I've witness in the future, some of the eco have been used and altered by us Precursians for our lifestyle." Jak said, standing up, "But unfortunately, they're not always better for the environment. The ones Precursians don't need, they usually bump their pollution into this swamp and the result is this. I'm trying hard to stop this."
"This is all noble and all, but can we move? I don't want the smell to stick to my fur." Daxter requested. The others nodded and hesitated in their movement before ultimately proceeding.
"There have been rumors of creatures mutated by the eco the Pcursians dumped, so be careful." Shuin said.
"Mutants?" Daxter gasped, "I change my mind, let's go back!"
"Just stay on the trail the Precursians made and we'll get out." Jak sighed.
"Dark creatures, a dogfight, and now, mutants, what an ideal planet for tourists." Coco said sarcastically, "They're likely to get a kick out of this."
"Must you always be so pessimistic?" Jak asked.
"Unfortunately yes." Cortex answered while Coco merely gave off her usual glare.
"Hey, I've been through a lot, I can give as much crap as I want." Coco muttered.
"What happened in your life to cause you to act this way, Coco?" Jak asked.
"None of your business."
The ragtag crew walked on, unaware of the thick thorny vines suddenly moving.
………………
The Zoomer Express, Haven City
Month 1: Januria, Day 1
Year: 2 AOTN (Age of the Nations)
Time: Afternoon
Fixing and adding engine parts to zoomers felt gloomy without Jak. Samos was right; she never seemed so worked over Jak's constant absence due to an adventure before. She'd wait for him and helped when he needed her help. Ironically, with his so-called "break up" to her, you'd think she'd at least not want to see him. Kiera's been avoiding Jak since then. When she was stuck with him, she kept her speeches short and minimal. She's been living in her house more often then not. Her house, located in Mar's Memorial stadium, on top of her working place: The Zoomer Express. She's highly and widely regarded by many as a top mechanic and racer, very well respected by her peers, although even that fact didn't help clear her mind.
As much as the "break-up" proved painful, seeing Jak chat with that furry Anthro girl didn't help ease her pain.
"Maybe I'm just not ready to give up on him." Kiera spoke to herself, "Maybe Jak doesn't realize how much I feel for him. I never did tell him how I truly felt. Little hints and gestures aren't enough." She wiped the grease of her hands. Kiera placed her wrench down and walked over to the front door. Grabbing a jacket, she walked over to the snow covered city. Haven looked absolutely beautiful in snow; it was hard to believe this city was once a depressing dystopian society ruled by Praxis.
"Maybe I should go look for Jak and tell him how I feel." Kiera continued to talk to herself, "He's on his way to Air Razor, so I might as well grab a ride there…no. Daddy will know I'm gone, no matter what vehicle I take. He'll think it most obvious of me to do so…unless…I go on foot. It's much tougher, but it's less suspicious." She let off a sigh.
"This is crazy. I've never really left so close to my home. I usually just stay and do…nothing but help Jak when needed. But…that girl is with him. I don't know if he likes her or if she likes him. They could just be friends for all I know. All I know is if I don't tell Jak how I feel…I might never get the chance." Kiera walked over to a round water fountain, "But going after him to tell him how I feel? Not only do I sound selfish, but I feel obsessive. I'm not obsessive, am I? I can go on without Jak, can't I?" Kiera eyed her reflection in the water.
"And yet…I can't stop thinking about him…"
Kiera walked pass the fountain. She walked around aimlessly, thinking of memories of her time with Jak.
She remembered their first meeting where she was a bit of a bully, possibly to compensate for the loss of her parents due to the Lurkers. However, no matter how mean she was, Jak would still be friendly towards her, even going as far as rescue her from a Lurker attack. She became friends with him as a result. She remembered their first kiss a few years after that. Both as children, they did it out of curiosity. Kiera enjoyed it and she had hoped Jak did as well. After all, he did have a blush on his face.
She twirled around a lamp post and leapt down, sighing. She though of the time Jak asked her to the Fall festival as a "date". Another blush came from both of them. She remembered them growing up together. How they reunited when they ended up in the future. How Jak argued with Erol over her. It was obvious he cared for her greatly. She remembered the dates she went with Jak after the defeat of the Metal Heads.
Kiera walks back to the fountain where her final memories of Jak breaking up with her, more or less showed. He looked so honestly upset over this as well, but it seemed Kiera couldn't take this in full. It was night time in their final date that he broke it off…
Seeing her own reflection again, Kiera wiped a single tear out of her eye. She saw herself and Jak in the reflection. Jak took Kiera's hand and kissed it lightly. Of course, it was only in her mind, but it was enough to make her smile. One of hope. That was it. She has decided…
……………
Boggey Swamp
Month 1: Januria, Day 1
Year: 2 AOTN (Age of the Nations)
Time: Evening
"It's getting dark." Daxter trembled, "It's getting dark and we're stuck inside a mutant-infested swamp and I'm not actually on top of the food chain!"
"No need to be worried, little furry Daxter, Brutter will protect everyone of yous, always wills!" Brutter smiled through pointed teeth.
"I'm still not at ease." Daxter grumbled. Ani merely rolled her eyes, thinking Daxter as pathetic in her head. She stopped walking however and turned around. Only Daxter eyed Ani's reactions and leaped down from Jak's shoulder.
"What's the matter with you, not enough mutant trees to pee on?"
"Daxter, I hear something."
"What?"
"I don't know. It's faint right now, but it's getting closer." With that said, Daxter backed out a bit.
"P-P-Probably just a little rat." Daxter said, forcing a painful smile on his face.
"No, it's something…big." Ani started to growl.
"Ani? What's the matter?" Jak walked over to her and petted her in the head.
"She said she hears something big coming our way." Daxter gulped, climbing back on Jak's shoulder, "So can we go now?" Jak only stood up, eyeing in the same direction as Ani. Silence filled the swamp. In fact, a little too quiet.
"I don't hear any animals." Shuin said, getting posed and ready to battle.
Jak agreed, but before he could do anything, a giant vine came from the direction he was facing and pushed him back.
"JAK!" Everyone shouted. They quickly brandished their weapons. Jak was knocked into a tree where he fell down afterwards. Struggling to get up, Jak took out his sword and used it in a manner like a cane to get up. Meanwhile, Shuin, taking out one of his katana was already busy showing off his gardening skills towards the giant vine. Coco then joined in with her speedy movements and her twin daggers while Cortex shot from a distant. When the vine had enough, Brutter ran over, grabbed it, and started to yank on it. The result was a giant mutated plant creature of sorts that came out. Standing some 30 feet tall, it bellowed out a horribly raging growl.
"Oh great, now it's pissed. Good job, guys." Daxter said.
"Samos would kill me if I hurt a plant." Jak said confidently, "But for this one, I'd think he'd make a pure exception." Leaping up, he started to slash the plant.
"Well, at least he knows sword fighting enough to cut the thing." Coco said calmly before joining the battle. Soon, the entire team was ganging up on the giant plant. It looked basically like a walking flower, albeit with multiple tentacle vines, and the petals looking decayed and dying. The giant plant however started to wrap up the heroes one by one in the same manner as the Dark Maker creature at Sentinal Beach.
"AHH!" Cortex screamed, dropping his gun as he was started to be squeezed to death. Both Daxter and Ani ended up together in one vine, also starting to be squeezed to death. Jak ended up caught as well, trying to hack his way out. Coco, being a speedy character, dodged its moves and tried her hardest to free the others. She ended up pushed back.
"Coco, free the others." Shuin ordered in an eerily calm voice.
"WHAT DO THINK I'VE BEEN DOING?" She cried.
"Just distract it!" Shuin spoke, a bit harsher. Coco nodded and continued to do so. Brutter followed suit, using his brute strength to rip out some of the skinner vines. Shuin then took out his other katana. Using both, he raced towards the massive planet and leaped up to its supposed face. It was too much of a disfigured image for anyone to guess. When face to face, Shuin took both his katanas and proceeded to slash its face repeatedly. The creature cried in agony and dropped the others. It staggered and in doing so, showed off a large yellow bulbous spot.
"What the hell is that?" Coco gasped.
"Well, far be it for me to guess how plants work, but I'd guess that would be the weak spot." Jak said, grinning. With that said, the group all ganged up on the plant and hacked and slashed the bulbous spot. The plant in return screamed in horror. Everyone backed away as the planet started to turn black, almost in an ashy manner. It then fell down and rotted away.
"Well, what you know, it really is plant's weak spot!" Brutter smiled, nodding, "Congrats for Prince Jak for knowing."
"How come all the weak spots are so damn obvious and glowy?" Cortex sighed, shaking his head while he made a small smile.
"Who cares, we defeated the thing; now let's get the crap outta here." Coco pointed.
"I agree most with the orange furred one." Daxter added. And so, the heroes started to leave. Cortex walked over to Shuin and eyed him in a manner like a child trying to ask his parents for candy or toys. Shuin eyed Cortex down, looking at his hopeful eyes.
"…That was some impressive sword fighting…Shuin."
"…Thanks." And that was that. But at least Cortex struggled to say something to Shuin, so it was a start.
"I guess this is one of the results of the pollution." Jak said, "I must work extra hard to bring this swamp back to its glory."
"Jak…swamps don't have glory, they're smelly, they're stinky, and all the other environments look at this place in shame."
To Be Continued…
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AUTHOR'S NOTES: Got Chapter Five up. Yay. Oh, yea, I don't normally thank readers individually, but I like to thank one known as Some Random Reviewer. Your words are very inspiring. While I never had plans to give up this story (it's been in the works for 2-3 years for Pete's sake), you've gave me that urge to keep going regardless. Thanks.
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NOTES:
1.) One thing to note for me is that I severely miss the very first Jak game, Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy. The game was simply beautiful and charming. So baring that in mind, I was disappointed with the lack of locations of the levels found in Jak 1 in other Jak games sans maybe like two or three. One of the things in Jak and Crash is to reintroduce them (I'm trying to show every single one), but show what has changed in the past 300+ years. I'm sure Jak fans will be able to recognize the names and locations of areas.
2.) It's pretty funny how I spell the names of certain characters. I remember long ago, official sources generally spelled Kiera with an "I" before "E" and I remember in Jak II, Erol was spelled with one "r". So, baring that in mind, I've always liked how they were spelled that way. I don't know why the hell Erol decided to switch to two "R"s in Jak 3 and Kiera…well, the name change is a bit more ambiguous, so I don't really know, but incase people wanted to know why I spell it this way, it's cuz' I like it that way.
