Jak and Crash
ACT 2: The Journey
Chapter 12: The Reunion…Damas, I hardly knew ya
Spargus Palace
Month 2: Feburia, Day 4
Year: 2 AOTN (Age of the Nations)
Time: Morning
Jak woke up to the feelings of a soft bed in a lavishing decorated room. He rubbed his eyes and gazed upon his surroundings. A mostly orange and brown room mixed with spikes, some plant life, a small waterfall in one section, weapons gracing the walls, among others. The room of a warrior, a very well made warrior. The room was definitely within Spargus palace. Jak hopped out of bed where he found his blue hair tie, wrapping it around his long hair before finding his boots, laid gently next to his bed.
Jak eyed his surroundings some more, his trench coat and his backpack lying on a nearby chair, but his sword missing. How curious. He didn't accidentally leave it back on the plane, did he? Jak groaned as he shoved his feet inside his shoes. He grabbed his knapsack and changed into cooler clothes for the hot climate before leaving his designated room. Navigating the long hallways came easy for him. His memories as a small boy exploring the vast and exotic palace served him well that he managed to reach the main hall in given time. There, his friends relaxed and ate the foods held for them at a long, elegant table.
"Ahh, I love water. Oh, yes, it's so good. Desert bad." Daxter sighed, swimming in the makeshift lake that surrounded the majority of the Wastelander-ish main room.
"Hey, it's Jak!" Ani gasped. She ran up and jumped into his arms. Brutter followed closely behind while Daxter watched, refusing to leave the lake.
"Oh, Prince Jak, you is fine!" Brutter ran up and hugged him.
"And then some." Jak replied, "So, I know where we are, but where's the guy in charge?"
"Right here."
Jak turned around to face the scruffy, yet regal man walking from a different room to the main hall, carrying (and admiring) Jak's sword.
"Nice weapon." The man spoke, "Why is the handle bandaged?"
"Uhh…"
"I did not tell him you is prince, figure you be mad or something." Brutter whispered in Jak's ear.
"Heh, well, you've come back from the dead have you, and my monks were ready to pray for you." The man handed the sword back to Jak, "I am Damas, King of Spargus."
"So this city DOES exist." Daxter commented, "Jak said it's all forgotten and stuff."
"Ahh yes... we ARE the forgotten ones. Haven City's refuse, thrown out and left to die. Just as you were." Damas spoke.
"Actually we crash landed here by accident." Jak corrected, but Damas only continued his speech.
"But now that you have been saved, your life belongs to the people of Spargus. And we will use it well. If it's actually worth anything."
"Hey! That sounds like a bad deal!" Daxter popped in.
"You are in no position to "deal." Out here everything is either useful or dead weight. Prove yourselves worthy, or the desert will be your grave." Damas specifically eyed Jak who gave off a whole, "Yep, he hasn't changed" look.
"Alright, your majesty, just what do we do?" Jak asked, humoring the older man.
"Ha ha ha! In the unforgiving Wasteland we value strength and survival above all. We will see where you stand soon enough. Enter the arena and prove your worth. Just the bravest crawl out and are allowed to stay in Spargus. It's quite simple really." Damas answered,
"Um, what happens to the ones that don't crawl out?" Daxter added in.
"Then it will be as if we never found you."
"I was afraid of that."
…………………
A roar of cheers, wastelanders of different age and gender filled the stadium circling the very obstacles Jak and his friends would have to face. Molten lava covered every square inch of the main fighting grounds with only metal platforms as structure and safety. Jak and his animal comrades stood on said platforms, Daxter desperately clinging onto Jak's shoulders over the prospect of being radically near lava, let along any sort of fighting about to happen.
"Hail all citizens of Spargus! Welcome to the arena of death. Where we get to watch other people wet themselves in fear! These halls will once again test two newcomers, each fighting to prove their worth to stay among us. Let's hear it for Jak, his lurker and dog, and the obnoxious talking animal!" Damas' voice rang loud and true. People's cries roared throughout the stadium and immediately Jak was bombarded with Precursians donning armor. These were different from the people of Spargus, they're armor were dark and rusted, and they had a very feral appearance.
"If they're cannibals, I am SO out of here!" Daxter cried.
"No, Marauders." Jak answered.
"Are they worse?" Daxter gulped.
"I'd say they're even." Jak answered again, leaving the little ottsel to omit a shriek.
"LET THE GAMES BEGIN!" Damas shouted and the marauders attacked immediately.
Immediately Jak took out his sword and miraculously swiped at three of the marauders.
"What are we suppose to be doing? Survive long enough?" Daxter cried, "By which I doubt we will. It's like 20 rabid crazy guys over four of us!"
"FIVE!" Puar shouted from her pocket.
"We have to kill them." Jak said, "It's the only way to survive in Spargus."
"Oh, HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY!" Daxter cried in Jak's ear.
The blonde easily eyed Brutter who was using his lurker strength to toss the marauders to the lava pit below. Ani wasn't doing so bad either, mostly nipping at their feet or jumping on top of them and biting their necks. Even Jak was amazed at how ferocious they were, but he knew full well that in Spargus, it's either live or die, never any second choices. He chose to live when one marauder came out of nowhere to swipe at Jak. From pure instinct, Jak stuck the sword through his guts, causing the armored beast of a man to stagger, trying to utter a word only to fall down backwards and die. Taking his sword out and seeing the blood flow, Jak trembled a bit, and then ultimately continued the fight.
Killing was an unsettling feeling for many people. If he had the power, Jak would have ended all violence, but he knew full well fighting for survival, or for honor, or even for a loved one meant a lot more then words in some situation. Mustering all he could remember from Shuin's training, he masterfully killed all the marauders alongside his companions until the five were the only ones left standing. Every victim he killed seem to fuel the dark influence growing inside him, the inner darkness he had fought for an entire year so that he may never conjure it up again. It was inevitable; such an influence slowly would not go away. Why, just a year ago, he learned to accept and control it, why does he move away from it? Sometimes, the darkness can be good.
The fight wasn't over as Damas, interested in the young boy's fighting skills sent out more marauders. More clashes of weapons, Lurker roars, and shouts of pain rang through as the platform filled with blood red. Jak seem to be doing pretty well, but he started to lose concentration when he kept thinking of what Coco would say if he ever showed his darkness to her. Will she run away in fear or worse, think he was some sort of freak that should be avoided at all cost? The lack of concentration caused Jak to stagger and fall to the floor by a marauder. Jak eyed the armored man who raised his axe, ready to chop his head off.
"STOP!"
Everyone gasped and turned to face Damas who stood up from his throne. Damas…stopping a battle? Unacceptable and so unlike him! The king didn't care, him concentrating more on Jak, his eyes fixed on the boy, or at least his neck. From the struggles of battle, Jak's pendent revealed itself, his pendent to symbolize that he was the prince of Haven, the symbol of the royal family themselves. Damas immediately recognized him and ordered the Marauders away. Of course, Marauders never abide by the Wastelander's laws, wanting to fight all day and all night, so it took some 30 Wastelanders to ultimately put them back in the cages they belonged.
Jak in the meantime took a huge sigh of relief and with Brutter's help stood up. Why did Damas cancel the fight? He NEVER cancels a fight. The ponder didn't last long in Jak's head as he quickly eyed his pendent being shown in public. Quickly, he shoved the pendent behind his red scarf, hoping no one else saw it.
Immediately the five were sent to the platform elevator which rose up to where Damas' throne was. As the elevator lifted them up, Jak eyed the stadium as the people started to leave to pursue their own goals and lives, so Jak could easily spotted a precursian donned in a tight dark outfit and a pale face, her red eyes glaring at Jak. Sensing something, Jak clutched his head. He shook it off when the elevator stopped.
"So…uhh…we win?" Brutter nervously asked. Damas, not saying a word headed straight for Jak.
Volcanic Crater
Month 2: Feburia, Day 4
Year: 2 AOTN (Age of the Nations)
Time: Afternoon
"How did you talk me into this? HOW did you?" Kiera cried out for what seem like the umpteenth time.
"Well, by basically saying we have no choice but to ask for their help." Chiso answered for what seem like the umpteenth time, "Come on Kiera, the Lurkers are our allies."
"No, they're the allies of the people of Haven." Kiera answered, "For Sandoverians like me, we're fast enemies."
The three, Kiera, Chiso, and Pecker managed to quickly make their way to the Volcanic Crater where inside the active volcano dwelled the Mountain Red Lurkers who prefer the hot atmosphere compare to their blue, cooler loving cousins.
"Kiera, I know the lurkers killed your parents, Prince Christof told me one time." Chiso said, blocking Kiera's path, "But you're blaming the lurkers of the past. Most of the Lurkers in this village are just merely descendents who've done nothing but live their lives. They don't mean to do anything to you."
Kiera didn't response and only moved past Chiso. Now she was a bit irritated at Jak. How dare he share her past with others without her permission?
"Kiera!" Chiso gasped, "Please! This is to find Jak and try to save the world and all that stuff." She kept walking and in due time, Chiso gave up.
"Well, at least you're trying to stand up to your opinions, considering how you're scared of everything." Pecker pointed out.
"Hey, I tracked through a forest alone in the middle of the night and now I'm walking through a very hot volcano where the wrong slip would cause me to die in hot…boiling…lava…" Chiso gulped, "K-Kiera! WAIT!"
The Lurker village took some bit of luck finding. They had to move at one point when the Krimzon Guards discovered them a year back, during Praxis' rules. The Lurkers spent the majority of Haven Kingdom's rules living in fear of the Precursians. After all, they were gravely outnumbered a 100 to 1, so it was a breath of fresh air and a sign of miracle when one Jak Romanir took it upon himself to ally with them, creating the beginning of a long, but hopefully fruitful friendship between Precursians and Lurkers. So upon reaching the Native tribal homes of the Lurkers, they didn't quiver in fear, but welcomed them with open arms.
"KIERA! PECKER!" A lurker ran towards them. Kiera made an uneasy gesture, but stood her ground to hide her fear. A tall red lurker with a happy smile came their way: Kami, a former lurker slave of Haven that Jak freed and befriended.
"Oh, it wonderful to see you two!" Kami commenced bear hugs on the green haired girl (raising her nervous meter to dangerous heights) and Pecker, "My wife and children will be happy. Ooh, who this?" He pointed to Chiso who, even though having seen Brutter, still backed up from his intimidating height.
"C-Chiso." The young boy squeaked.
"Ahh, Chiso, you is friend of Kiera and Pecker?"
"Y-Yes." Chiso answered, "A-And Prince Christof."
"Ahh, Jak!" Kami laughed, "Any friends of Jak is friend of mines! Come, I take you to chief, see why you have come to Lurker village!"
The three followed Kami as he led the way. Alongside, they passed the Lurkers and their habits and way of life. Female Lurkers watched over their running, playing children while the males trained with their makeshift spears and daggers. Tribal markings graced the majority of the males as well as feathers to signify their warrior status. They had a very Native American feel. The Lurkers were quite primitive compare to the more technology influenced folks in Haven, but that meant little to any of them, they were content and at peace after so many years of oppression and battle. After so many years, they truly deserved it.
Kiera and her team were lead inside the largest hut. Inside they immediately meant with an elder Lurker sitting on the grass carpeted floor. Ten feathers graced his head and he wore a tan poncho. His signs of aging were obvious with wrinkles gracing his face and graying hair, but no doubt about it, he had the presence of the chief of the Lurker tribe. Next to him were his two children; oldest son Akai and younger daughter Rena, the only female warrior.
"Ahh, the green haired one, Kiera." The chief started, "Are you not the mate of Prince Christof?"
"M-Mate?" Kiera blushed a deep shade of red, "W-We're close friends." The chief made a gentle smile while Rena made a soft giggle.
"Yes, well, welcome back to our humble village, my dear Kiera." The chief continued, "Please, relax and rest."
"N-No, thank you. We have to get going as soon as possible." Kiera answered, "We came here because we need your help."
"And that is?"
"Well, we need one of your Lurker balloons to find Jak." Kiera answered, "Lots of turmoil is going around and finding him is of utmost important."
"So…my priests were right, something dark IS afoot." The chief pondered, "They sense creatures of otherworld matters appearing in our humble planet forcing their dark beliefs in us."
"The Dark Makers." Chiso responded. The Chief nodded.
"Yes, well, we must get to Jak fore Onin has made me her delivery boy (he spat after that) on a message I must give him." Pecker said, "So are you going to deliver us a balloon or what?"
Neither Kiera nor Chiso argued over his rude behavior, the former not caring much for Lurkers, the latter being the timid child that he is.
"You should do well to hold your tongue in respect in the presence of the chief lest you end up burned and eaten." Akai cried out. The chief however waved a hand and merely offered a soft smile towards Pecker.
"We will prepare a deluxe balloon for your traveling pleasure." The chief answered.
"Oh, thank you so much, Mr. Chief!" Chiso bowed before eyeing Kiera and Pecker and urging them to bow as well. They hesitantly did so.
……………………
Damas had a tight grip on Jak's arm as he dragged the boy back to his main hallway. Brutter, Ani, and Daxter followed behind while Puar hovered above. When they were right in the middle of the main room, Damas fished out Jak's pendent.
"Care to explain THIS?"
"Ummm…it's very orange?" Jak answered, a bit humorously.
"Wise guy, ey?" Damas spat, "Where did you get this? Did you STEAL it from the Prince Christof? From a little boy?"
"Little boy?" Jak repeated. It seems his family has not made any contact with Damas over the matter of Jak's age. That said, Jak backed off a little and held his pendent, "I will have you know this is mine and mine alone. I suppose my grandmother never bothered to tell you of my accelerated age…and I don't understand why she wouldn't…unless…" Again Jak thought of Veger. Ooh, that cursed evil man.
"Give me a reason why I shouldn't kill you for taking away a presence heirloom from the Haven royal family, thief!" Damas pointed to Jak.
"Well, that's because I AM Prince Christof." Jak pointed to himself.
"Bull."
"I AM!" Jak shouted, "If you look at my face hard enough, you might see traces of that little boy whom would come and visit you before Praxis took over Haven." Damas eyed Jak who gave of his most serious look.
"Would you just look?" Jak sighed. Damas rolled his eyes, declaring to himself on what a complete waste this was, and then stared at Jak sternly, mostly his blue eyes. A minute passed before Damas' glaring eyes turned much softer.
"…No…"
"Yes." Jak nodded.
"But impossible, Christof should be about 9 years old right now."
"Time travel dealie." Jak spouted, "It's a bloody long and complicated story." And with that, Jak summarized his life, how he had to travel through time 300 years back, his life in Sandover, his eventual return, the Dark Makers, all the way up until now. After he related all his life story and problems, Damas stood there like a rock, only moving his arms and sighing, taking this all in.
"…Uncle Damas, please believe me." Jak begged.
"…Your eyes are uncanny; it is very much like your mother…like the Romanir family." Damas stated, "Tell me kid, what is Haven's royal oath?"
"To Protect and to Honor." Jak answered sincerely and without hesitation. Damas raised both eyebrows, Jak's animal friends watching from behind with a mixture of concern and fear.
"…Then you are who he is: the prince of Haven." Damas grinned. Jak took a deep sigh of relief, "Hmm, I see why now your sword's handle is wrapped, so to better hide your identity as this is the Sword of Mar."
"Duh." Daxter mumbled to Ani.
"It's great to see you once again, dear Uncle Damas." Jak proceeded to hug him then stopped, remembering Damas to not be such an affection man.
"I don't understand it, why hasn't your grandmother said anything about all this?" Damas asked.
"I believe it might be due to Veger's influence, ever since Haven was restored prior to Praxis' defeat, he's growth in power has…well, grown."
"Veger…that bastard, I never trusted him."
"You mean you've meant him before?" Daxter popped in, "Seeing as how you never left Spargus."
"He's come to Spargus before. Haven royal family members and close associates working for them are the only outsiders to know of Spargus City." Damas answered, "And from the moment I first meant Veger, I liked him as much as a yellow bellied Metal Head." Damas eyed Jak.
"So…you have to save the world from these so-called Dark Makers." Damas stated.
"Yes, as well as Haven, Uncle." Jak said, "Haven has declared war on Filia and I must talk with grandmother and stop Veger before things get seriously out of hand and for that, I need a way out of here."
Damas sighed.
"When do you need to leave by?"
"As soon as possible."
"Well, soon as possible has to be a few days wait, the only way out of Spargus is by ship and the last one was taken several days ago by some of my prized warriors. They won't be back for at least three days if schedule is right and the Kraken hasn't gotten them."
"Excuse me, Kraken?" Daxter asked.
"Is big giant squid of sea. Lives near Spargus water." Brutter answered.
"Can't we have an airborne vehicle instead?" Jak asked.
"NO WAY! The last one made us crash, remember?" Daxter pointed out.
"We don't have any." Damas crossed his arms, "Not many of us Wastelanders enjoy leaving Spargus."
"So we wait three days?" Daxter asked.
"We don't have much of a choice. I suppose this will give us a good chance to explore around. Personally, this might be a good time for me and Uncle Damas to bond." Jak urged a smile, one Damas returned with his usual grin.
"Great, a vacation inside a desert, whoop dee do." Daxter mumbled.
The Entrance to Filia
Month 2: Feburia, Day 7
Year: 2 AOTN (Age of the Nations)
Time: Morning
"Ugh, I hate the cold." Coco muttered, "I just suffered through snow and frozen water in Haven, I have to go through it again here?"
"Filia Kingdom is located on the northern most continent; snow is plentiful here, whether winter or summer." Shuin stated, "It's just something you have to get use to."
"I don't want to get used to it."
"Does she anything but complain?" Shuin lowered himself down to Cortex's level.
"She's handy with a computer." Cortex answered, "Although don't rely on her dating service."
"I HEARD THAT!"
All jokes however were put aside when they saw smoke nearby. The team of heroes made their way over to a cliff where it overlooked the once proud kingdom of Filia, a kingdom known for it's crystals, beauty, and elegant people, now a war torn city.
"What a nice welcoming committee." Coco crossed her arms.
To Be Continued…
………………
Author's Note: Another late update, I sound like a broken record…but then again, since when I do keep a strict schedule on this fanfic? That said, originally, I wanted to have Kiera's team help the Lurkers fight off spiders in the Spider Caves (remember that location from the first Jak and Daxter?) as they posed a problem to them, but I noticed I've been dragging this fanfic WAY longer then I really need to, so I decided to skip it and get the plot moving.
The same goes for Shuin's team where before they reached Filia, they, too would encounter their own share of adventures, but I gotta stop the delaying and get to the main plot. So I'm just moving it on.
