Jak IV: The Avenging Angels
Sorry about the lateness. I'm tired of promising an early update, and always falling short. I'm sorry guys.
Also, RWBY is apparently delayed two entire weeks for those who weren't able to go to RTX, so basically, those of you who liked it have to wait another two weeks. So to people like me who've been waiting eight months for RTX for the premiere, only to have to wait more, it was nothing short of devastating to me…
Freaking torture. This must be what it's like waiting for me to update…
Anyway, shoutout to the reviewers from last chapter, which included AlphaHowler, MistyDL99, evilanimegenious, StaticBomb324, doubledamn, FanGirl1320, Oblique Strategies, and a new guest reviewer known as monkey face.
This chapter was weirdly hard to do, but hopefully I did an alright job explaining a huge chunk of plot. Prepare for the most obvious plot twist ever. If you're surprised by this, then…well, you're awesome, but it'll make me feel smart, which I am not.
:D
Also, I made a slight error in one of my earlier chapters. The Sanctuary is all underground, but there's a small balcony towards the top of it that is exposed to the sky, and it's sort of the roof of the building. I should've explained that better. It's relevant for later.
ENOUGH RANTING.
Enjoy.
Chapter 24: Revelations
"We're born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we're not alone"- Orson Welles
Wasteland:
Commander Shadow fidgeted as she waited at her rendezvous. An outcropping of rocks in the Wasteland, nothing special to anyone but the Hunters. It was once a place where the group would spar, but it had been unused for quite some time, which meant it was perfect for this meeting.
She sighed and said "He's late…"
"Am I?"
Shadow's head perked up and she saw a familiar figure walking towards her. She ran towards him and threw her arms around him. He wrapped his arms around her as well.
"Are you OK? Did they hurt you?" the man asked.
"Of course not. Are you OK?" Shadow asked.
"Of course…I was worried about you…" the man said softly.
"You think I wasn't…?" Shadow muttered as the two walked towards the outcropping of rocks, breaking their embrace.
The man sat down on one of the smaller rocks and Shadow joined him. Their hands soon became intertwined and they sat next to each other, enjoying their company. Shadow rested her head on the man's shoulder and he sighed.
"We could run away you know…just go away from everyone…no one would ever find us…" Shadow said.
"We both know that that's impossible…he'd kill you…and she's in your mind now" the man said softly.
"She's busy with Havoc. He's been looking for the remaining Fragments for a while now…she couldn't care less about us Hunters. That much is obvious now…" Shadow murmured.
"So how are things going with the Hunters?" the man asked.
"Good and bad. Eclipse is back to running that night club of his in Haven City, Sunset Stratosphere, which is good for morale and keeps us funded. Shade is still recovering from that attack on the main base, though Siren, Violet, and Deadshot have all made full recoveries… We've lost so many of the Mercenaries…and our Hunters…" Shadow whispered, her voice trembling.
"It's OK…it'll be alright" the man said softly.
"No it won't be Stephen! It won't be!" the woman yelled, getting up from her rock and storming off aimlessly into the Wasteland.
"Zelda!" Stephen said, running after her.
Shadow fell to her knees in the sand and broke down, throwing down her helmet in frustration, her blond hair spilling out of it. Stephen knelt down next to her and wrapped his arms around her.
"It'll be OK…Zelda, come on. You've got to pull yourself together" Stephen said, pulling her to her feet.
"But…if this doesn't work…he'll…he'll" Shadow muttered as tears rolled down her face.
"Yes. They'll kill me…I'm not afraid of them…I just want you to be safe…if I don't help them, they'll kill you…and I'd burn this world to the ground first before you get hurt" Stephen murmured as he embraced the blond tightly. She returned the hug tightly as hot tears rolled down her face.
"Why us?" Shadow whispered.
"Because, this universe is cruel. The Precursors have left us to rot…sometimes I have half a mind to join you guys…but I've got to protect who I can" Stephen murmured, and Shadow nodded.
"Zelda, I don't know how this'll end, but I know this. I'll free you from this curse…this damned Blessing… or die trying. I won't let you be corrupted by that demon" Stephen said softly, brushing the woman's hair out of her eyes.
"Please…just be safe…for me…" Shadow whispered.
"For you" Stephen murmured.
All of a sudden there was a large explosion of Dark Eco next to them and Shadow and Stephen tensed as a figure walked out of it. Stephen stepped in front of Shadow and aimed a pistol at the figure, which chuckled at him.
Havoc admired the couple for moment before saying "It seems I'm not the only one going AWOL, eh?"
"Bite me you backstabbing asshole. I'm doing this for her sake. And I'm not going AWOL! None of them will be hurt, and I'm not leaving. I just have to get those Fragments. After that, no more" Stephen said.
"Sure, sure. If you think the General will stop at that then you're an idiot" Havoc said casually.
"So how'd your mission go? We're you successful?" Shadow asked guardedly.
"Found two Fragments. Meaning that sooner or later, he's going to have to make a move" Havoc said with a grin, looking at Stephen.
"What happened to you?" Stephen said coldly to Havoc, who sighed.
"If only you knew…We are all but slaves in the end aren't we?" Havoc replied softly.
Shadow and Havoc then heard Arranst whisper "Hurry back young ones...the preparations for the assault are under way…and you are needed"
Havoc nodded and said "Right"
"Come on Shadow" Havoc said as he vanished in a burst of Dark Eco, leaving them alone again.
"Do you hate me?" Shadow whispered, hugging Stephen tightly.
"Of course not" Stephen murmured.
"You should…we're about to attack Haven City again…and yet you're still intent on loving me" Shadow whispered.
"Love does crazy things to people" Stephen said with a smile as he kissed Shadow on the lips. The two held the kiss for a few moments, taking in as much of each other as they could.
"This may be bye for now, but I'll see you soon, OK?" Stephen promised, breaking the kiss.
"OK…be careful" Shadow whispered.
"I always am" Stephen replied.
Shadow took a few steps back before vanishing on the spot in a burst of Dark Eco, leaving him alone once more in the empty Wasteland.
Meanwhile:
Disten sat down in his chair, Chill and Blade sat down on the couch, while everyone else sat down on the floor except for Beast, who chose to lean against the wall. Jak stood though, glaring at the Precursors with raw fury in his gaze.
"Jak, calm down" Usano said to the warrior.
"No. Not after what you did to her" Jak snarled, taking a step forward.
"To who?" Blade asked.
Jak ignored that and said "You were the ones that did it. You're the reason she's suffered so much since Rush died. All of the progress she made, gone, because of you all. You condemned her to live like she did until I came"
"You're right. We are. We're responsible for much more than that as well. Certain events had to occur in her life, for her to become what she is now. You could say that we have played our hands in this prophecy just as much as Arranst has" Usano said to Jak, who growled angrily.
"Jak? What's wrong?" Nightingale asked softly, sounding concerned.
"You took her memories from when I went into the past. She could have been saved so much pain, but no, you put her through hell again" Jak said coldly, taking another step towards the Precursors.
"We did what we had to. Nothing more man. We reunited her with you as well Jak, don't forget that" Elis said nervously.
Jak was about to take another step towards the Precursors when he felt a hand grab his shoulder. He ignored whoever that was and said "You hurt her"
"We're sorry" Gus said sadly.
"It was not something I wanted to do Jak. You must understand that there is too much at stake. Arranst has destroyed countless lives over the course of the eons, and you're our best chance at stopping her. We had to ensure she was strong!" Usano said with a pleading note in his voice.
"By breaking her apart piece by piece?" Jak asked angrily.
"Jak, who're you talking about?" Disten asked.
"Nightingale" Jak answered furiously.
"W-what? Jak, are you…wait…did you three…?" Nightingale said as her eyes went wide with realization.
"Yes. Jak is speaking about how we took away your memories of him when he travelled back in time. This protected the timeline, but it caused Iris to, unfortunately, forget everything Jak had done for her. She would have made much more progress, and would've been much happier if we had not interfered and allowed her to keep her memories…" Usano explained.
"Well, that's not all we did" Elis admitted.
"What do you mean?" Nightingale asked softly.
"Most of the misfortunes that have befallen you were caused by us, meddling with our own Prophecy…Normally one so young in the ways of the world would not be so prone to tragedy and misfortune, but we…altered your life a bit as well, to ensure you would remain pure of heart and strong" Usano said softly, regret laced in his voice.
"Y-you mean…what did you do…" Nightingale whispered.
"The transport that was carrying you and your parents to Spargus crashing for one…Baron Praxis did monitor what ships came in and out of the city, but how would he have known that you were on that particular one on that particular day all those years ago? Why did the Marauder's happen to chance upon you and Jakob in the Wasteland? Who kept you alive long enough for them to find you in the middle of the Wasteland?" Usano said.
"You caused all that?" Jak growled while everyone else looked on in dumbfounded silence. Nightingale just starred at the gods in disbelief.
"Wait…did you…did you cause Jakob to…?" Nightingale trailed off, afraid of the answer.
"No, we had no part in that. He did that himself. You should find out from him why he did that" Usano replied.
"The Avenging Angels finding you and your subsequent upbringing and training was also caused by us. So much maneuvering, all because of you Iris" Usano said softly.
"Why though? Why me?" Nightingale asked softly.
"We may as well start from the beginning…" Usano said, holding out of his palms.
The entire room turned purple, and suddenly stars flashed into existence all around them. A green and brown planet appeared in front of them and Usano said "Our home world…from here, we shaped the Universe. We created all life…all Eco…for eons, there was nothing but peace and bliss"
"And then she came" Elis said angrily.
A purple silhouette of a woman with long flowing hair appeared, looming over the planet. A soft cold laugh could be heard, and it sent a shiver down everyone's spines. Gud cowered at the sight of the woman, Elis was visibly shaking now from anger and fear, and Usano scowled.
"Arranst…the Dark Goddess…she had her eyes set on our power, and believed that her children, the Metal Heads, should rule over the galaxy. She could control Dark Eco like we could not, and that made her dangerous…We went to war then…"
Several explosions rocked the planet, and screams of the dying filled the room. Nightingale found herself grabbing Jak's hand for comfort, and he gave her a reassuring squeeze.
"We fought with them for what seemed like an eternity, until finally…" Usano trailed off as the planet exploded. Nothing was left…
"We lost…through sheer numbers we were vanquished. We were powerful yes…but so was she. And the Aimperditor were as well…" Usano whispered.
"I fled the planet, with two of my assistants, Elis and Gud, and travelled to Earth, where we waited for the time when we would be needed by the heroes who would come to save us" Usano said to the group.
"Arranst has returned, seeking to destroy every last trace of us, the Precursors. She seeks to finish us off herself though, but she cannot come to this planet by normal means. She must go through the Gate to Darkness, which we hid on Earth, which was one of our favorite planets that we had created. We fled here eons ago, and have hid in the planet's core, watching and waiting for the chosen one's to be born and to make themselves known"
"What is the Gate to Darkness?" Chief Disten asked.
"It is a Rift Gate…to the Metal Head homeworld…" Usano said softly.
"T-the M-metal head…homeworld?" Daxter said with a horrified expression.
"Yes. Through this portal, Arranst can step foot on your planet and destroy us with ease. We created it as a final means of destroying her and Metal Heads, but we were unable to finish our ultimate weapon before we were destroyed"
"The Hunters are desperately trying to rebuild the Gate to Darkness, which we split into twenty fragments and scattered all over the Wasteland and in ruins all around the world. You hold half of the pieces with you, while the Hunter's hold some of the others. We must not let these pieces of the Gate to Darkness fall into their hands…for if they do…all is lost"
"Wait…when Kor came to the past through the Rift Gate Keira repaired, why did he call that one the last Rift Gate?" Daxter asked the Leaders.
"How did you remember that?" Jak asked in surprise.
"Have some faith Jak, I'm not a complete jackass" Daxter said indignantly, though he was grinning.
"Metal Kor was one of Arranst's Generals. He was sent to this world to corrupt it with Metal Heads, and to change it to what it is today. That was the last complete Rift Gate. The Gate to Darkness is incomplete, which is why Kor did not care for it. Kor was also in charge of finding Jak and eliminating him, ensuring that the Prophecy would not come true. It is ironic in a way that the very child he tried to destroy managed to destroy him instead" Usano explained.
"What about Cyber Erol?" Jak asked the Precursors.
"If you'll recall, Erol, when he was human, crashed into a large amount of Dark Eco, destroying most of his body. Lady Arranst, who can control Dark Eco, managed to save him and keep alive, long enough for the KG Robots to craft him a new body. After that, he was under her control. When she learned of Jak's evolving powers, she backed off and allowed Cyber Erol and the Dark Maker's to be destroyed" Usano explained.
"I have a question" Rune said to the Precursors.
"Yes?" Usano replied.
"How do Jak and Havoc play into this?" Rune asked.
"There were several prophecies I've made, eons ago. Some of which have yet to come true, and may never come true. Time has a funny way of doing that…But one of the most important ones was one that pertain to the Gates of Light and Darkness, as well as Lady Arranst"
Usano pointed his staff skyward and a black void enveloped the room. All of a sudden, two large rings appeared, one was white and blue, the other black and purple.
"It will begin and end with the Gates to Light and Dark, one gate grants power while the other will destroy us all. Three Champions in this world will be born, in a time of strife from a false king. Death and loss will unite the three, but darkness shall keep them apart"
The vision changed and shifted to a figure of a man, cloaked in darkness. He walked down a narrow road alone, save for the chains wrapped around his body.
"One comes from shadows, bound and enslaved against his will...Guided by the Dark Goddess, he leads the misguided ones to the path to destruction. He can only be saved when the Gate to Darkness is opened, just when all hope is lost…"
The vision changed to a one of pure white, with birds circling a female figure made of light with long flowing hair. Pure white angel wings shot from her back and she sang an eerily beautiful note, sending shivers down everyone's spine.
"One comes from light, hardened by both suffering and love. Tortured by our hands, she will rise above all others and save the realm with strength she knew not she had, and with our words at her tongue, shall quell the shadows with her songs…"
The vision shifted a third time, where a male figure stood at the front of a regal-looking black castle surrounded by a purple sky. His body was split in half, one half had a radiating black aura while the other had a radiating white aura. He looked up at the castle, and was then suddenly joined by the white female and the male who was cloaked in darkness.
"The Champion of Balance, harnesses both the light and the dark, wielding both in the name of justice. With the Champions of Light and Dark at his side, he will either save us all from the Dark One, or fail and sink to the shadows forevermore"
The visions ceased and Usano said "I think our prophecy has worked itself out, hasn't it Jak?"
Jak nodded. His resentment of the gods had not gone away, but his anger at them had. For now.
"So, Jak is the Champion of Light and Darkness, or the Champion of Balance. He needs to have the two other champions with him to beat the bad guy, right?" Chill asked.
"Correct. He alone cannot stop her. Though Jak will gain power and wisdom through his quest, he cannot do it by himself. The Champion of Light must be awakened, and then the Champion of Darkness must be set free from his shackles" Usano said.
"Havoc…what do you mean, set him free?" Blade asked.
Usano sighed and said "The Dark Goddess discovered the identity of the Champion of Darkness before we could, and altered the course of Havoc's life, just as we did Nightingale's. She had his brother killed so he'd join the Avenging Angels, to hone the skills necessary to become her Chosen One, as well as keep him safe from Baron Praxis. She managed to defeat Havoc in the Edge of Oblivion, and has kept a firm hold on him ever since" Usano said.
"What does all that mean?" Phoenix asked.
"It means that Havoc did not betray you all voluntarily. He was forced into subjection a year ago, and managed to hold off the corruption of his mind and soul for a year before he eventually lost control…I believe the exact moment was during a training match with Nightingale, Blade, and Beast" Usano said.
"Oh my god…" Chill whispered in disbelief.
"Havoc…" Nightingale whispered.
"I'll save you…somehow, someway…I'll set you free Havoc" Nightingale promised herself.
"He tried his hardest to protect you all, and fought valiantly against Arranst…he was overwhelmed, and his mind was enslaved" Usano said softly.
"Wait…Usano, I had a dream last night…I was in a place that had a black sky and darkness, all around me…I was in a living nightmare…I fought her, Arranst, in my mind…there was a voice that helped me" Nightingale whispered.
"She tried to take you as well Iris. I managed to interfere in time to give you the edge needed to defeat her" Usano said.
"Why did she want me though?" Nightingale asked, and Usano was about to reply when Phoenix spoke up.
"What I don't get is the Champion of Light part of that prophecy. What's up with that? And what was with that singing?" Phoenix asked.
"That is because the Champion of Light is the only person on this planet who can speak our language. Our language has great power, Michelle, and is only speakable by the Chosen One of Light, and her ancestors. They are the only one's not of our race that can speak the language. Using this ability, the Champion of Light can quell darkness and let loose light into the world with the songs of our race" Usano explained.
"But your language is unspeakable! No one here can speak Precursor!" Disten said angrily.
"If I may interrupt?" Nightingale said finally.
Everyone looked at the raven-haired agent, who blushed pink at the sudden amount of attention on her now. Nightingale cleared her throat and said "Can someone please explain how Precursor is unspeakable? Because I can speak it just fine"
"WHAT!?" everyone in the room save Jak and the Precursors yelled.
Jak suddenly remembered something Nightingale had said, several months ago when she had finally confided her past in someone and let her voice be heard. That night in the Bathing Grotto after Havoc broke her legs and slashed open her back.
"As for my song, it's actually a song written in the language of the Precursors. My mother used to sing it to me when I was a child. I can remember every word of the song even now, though I don't know what the words mean" Nightingale's words called back to him.
"Iris, what do you mean you can speak it?" Disten asked hoarsely.
Nightingale frowned and said "I sing in Precursor, I don't really speak it that often… I thought everyone was exaggerating about the complexity of the language. None of you can actually speak Precursor?"
Every one of the Agents shook their heads, and Nightingale looked at the Precursors and said "How can I then?"
"There are several families, ones with powerful and ancient blood flowing through their veins, that have connections to us. They are the ones chosen by us to save the Universe. One of the chosen was a girl, who could sing the songs of our race and let light into the world"
Nightingale looked at the Precursors in wonder and said "What does this mean?"
"It means, Iris, that you are the third Champion. You are the Champion of Light spoken of in the Prophecy I made eons ago" Usano said, shocking everyone.
"Most obvious plot twist ever. Seriously, I bet the readers knew that since the chapter started" Daxter replied, breaking the silence. Jak gave him a look and he shut up.
"The Prophecy you made?" Jak asked Usano.
"Yes. As King of the Precursors, I had access to a wealth of information and an uncanny ability of perceiving the future. I believe one of our ancient stories involves a nightingale freeing the world from darkness with her songs?" Usano said with a smile.
"The legend of the nightingale…was based on me?" Nightingale asked in wonder.
"Indeed. Iris, you and Jak are bound through fate. Together, you must help us rid this world of the Metal Heads, and help us finally defeat the true Metal Head Leader once and for all. Will you help us?" Usano asked.
"O-Of course" Nightingale said with a nod.
"Excellent. Now, for the real test. Nightingale, you must journey to the Door of Light, along with Jak and Daxter, as the Prophecy instructs. Daxter, Iris, and Mar. You three must work as one to get through the ruin. The ruin that houses the door is one of our more treacherous, and is fraught with peril. There is a certain point however, in which Nightingale must go through the door alone. So that her true powers can awaken. Once Nightingale's true powers have been awakened, we must focus on freeing Havoc from Arranst's control" Usano said.
"We've got total faith in you Night. Get your powers and help us beat the bad guys" Elis said.
"Yeah! Make them go boom!" Gud yelled as jumped up.
"Uh, yes. Disten, might I recommend sending two or three Agents, including yourself, on this expedition as well?" Usano recommended.
"Me?" Disten asked in surprise.
"I thought it was your dream to lead the expedition to the Door to Light?" Usano said with a knowing smile.
"I-um, Yes. Alright then, I'll have to ready my old armor then. Royal, find Tech and have him set up my armor. Blade, you and Chill will accompany us on this mission" Disten said.
"Sounds fun" Chill said with a laugh.
"Fun isn't the word I'd use, but I'd love to go" Blade said, grinning.
"The rest of you, hold down the fort here. Be on the lookout while I'm gone. Rune, I want you to organize a routine patrol of the Sanctuary, just in case" Disten said, and the Agent nodded.
"Jak, Nightingale, Blade, Chill. Get your weapons ready and meet me in the Motor Pool in an hour-" the Chief began to say before Usano cleared his throat.
"Might I recommend holding off on this mission until tomorrow?" Usano said.
"Why?" Phoenix asked.
Usano pointed towards the back of the room, where Jak was leaning against the wall, sleeping. The Agents hadn't noticed him doze off, and Usano said "He needs to recover from his journey through time. This can wait until morning"
Nightingale elbowed Jak, who woke up and said "W-what?"
"Hey there Sleeping beauty!" Daxter said loudly.
"Too loud Dax" Jak muttered, and the Ottsel chuckled.
"Are you sure?" Disten asked Usano, and the Precursor Leader nodded.
"Alright. Everyone is dismissed until morning. Meet up at the Motor Pool at Noon. You are dismissed" Disten said to the Agents, who saluted the AA Leader.
"Before we depart…it is time we return your memories to you" Usano said.
Usano pointed his staff at the group and a wicked flash of white light appeared in the room, and a beam of white light struck each of the agents in the head. Beast roared in pain while Rune and Phoenix let out a yell of agony at the same time. Chill stumbled backwards into the wall while Blade clutched his skull, clawing at the helmet with his fingers. The remaining Agents howled in pain while Jak and Daxter looked on in amazement and horror.
Nightingale fell to her knees and clutched her head, screaming loudly. One of the glass cases in the office shattered at the pitch she had screamed, and Jak knelt down and wrapped his arms around her, and she suddenly stopped, breathing heavily. She sighed and said "Oh my god…"
"The Ruin that you all must go to is in the heart of the Wasteland. The songs of our race will reveal the ruin, and into the depths you must go. Iris, you must past the trails set before you and claim your birthright…the Lens and Rod together will open the Door to Light…we'll be waiting…farewell!"
The three Precursors glowed bright white and vanished in an incredible burst of light.
Everyone looked at Nightingale, whose face was staring at the ground. Every one of the Agents could now feel the rushing surge of memories forgotten flood their minds. Rush's demise flashed painfully through their heads, Jak's imprisonment…
Nightingale's suicide.
Nightingale gasped in horror, and felt for one moment the raw pain she had felt the moment she had given in to despair. When the pain had become too much. When she had given in.
"Mirror…tell me something…tell me who's the loneliest…of all" Nightingale whispered to herself. Everyone recognized it as the beautiful but sad song Nightingale had sung in the Bathing Grotto before she shot herself.
Nightingale turned around and bolted out of the room, running down the hallway and out of sight.
"Nightingale…oh my god" Rune whispered, hugging her knees with watery eyes. Sharpshooter wrapped his arm around her and muttered something in her ear, which seemed to calm her slightly. She remembered the huge pool of crimson blood in the Bathing Grotto that night, and seeing the poor girl laying in the Infirmary unconscious. Her heart had gone out to Nightingale, yet she didn't know how to help her. It had torn her apart for the longest time, feeling useless at her inability to comfort someone who was suffering.
Jak glanced back at the Chief, who nodded at Jak, and Jak left to find her.
"The rest of you are dismissed. Good night everyone" Chief Disten said to group.
"Night Chief!" everyone said as they slowly left the room.
Blade walked out of the room and saw Chill gesturing to him to come to her. He strode over to her and said "Pretty interesting, huh?"
"What happened?" Chill asked Blade suddenly.
"What?"
"What…happened?" Chill asked again, much slower this time.
Blade took off his helmet, and looked at Chill in the eyes.
"Nicole, I'm not following" Blade said.
"What happened…to me and you?" Chill asked softly.
"Nothing happened" Blade said with a laugh.
"Don't lie to me. We used to be so close, and now all we ever do is have sex. Meaningless sex, no emotion or…or love. What happened to those talks we use to have at night? What happened to how we were a year ago?" Chill asked Blade. A shadow crossed his features and he looked away.
"Come on, let's go somewhere a little more private" Blade said to Chill, and she nodded and followed him down the hallway.
Meanwhile:
Sanctuary Grand Balcony:
Nightingale burst onto the roof and fell to her knees. The memories continued to surge into her mind. The raw, terrible pain of losing Rush filled her once more. The pain of shooting herself in the heart, only to be brought back from the brink of death by Jak, was like dying two deaths. Jak staying with her constantly, healing her broken heart and soul with kindness and understanding, showing her she wasn't truly alone. Nightingale then remembered the pain of Jak leaving her, and helplessness of him leaving her behind before her memory was wiped clean.
"So much pain…its hurts…I can't…no…No!" Nightingale whispered.
Nightingale sat down and sighed deeply.
"I'm stronger than this…I'm not who I was a year ago…I'm stronger now. I have to be stronger…for everyone…for Jak…I have to be strong now. No more tears…" Nightingale whispered, her words giving the strength to open her eyes again.
"You alright?" a familiar voice asked from behind her.
Jak…
Of course it was Jak.
He was always there, by her side. Like a pillar of strength she could always lean on. He had saved her from herself so many times…
Maybe that was why she loved him.
She knew it was love now. She cared deeply for him and wanted him badly. She loved everything about him, from his flowing yellow-blond hair to his soft gruff voice. He was fierce and brave and powerful, but also kind, understanding, and gentle. Not to mention he was always there for her, and had changed her life completely in such a short time. He was a true hero.
She loved him…
But did he feel the same?
"Night?"
Nightingale was snapped out of her reverie and said "Yeah…it's just…that was a lot to take in, you know?
"Yeah, I know" Jak said, sounding exhausted.
"Are you OK?" Nightingale asked, sounding worried.
"Yeah…just a little-" Jak suddenly stopped as a wave of dizziness washed over him. He leaned against the wall and muttered "OK, note to self. Sleep is important"
"Wait…before you left, you stayed up with me every night, and did nothing but talk to me and keep me company" Nightingale whispered in surprise as Jak's eyes slowly closed.
"You need to get some sleep" Nightingale said as Jak slid down the wall.
Jak mumbled something Nightingale couldn't understand and Nightingale slung him over her shoulder and helped him down the stairs.
"You can sleep in my room tonight, its closer" Nightingale said to Jak.
"You sure?" Jak muttered.
Nightingale blushed and said "We've slept next to each other before, so it's fine. You're fine with it, right?"
"Course…" Jak mumbled, smirking as they went down the hallway.
Nightingale opened her door and quickly helped Jak into a chair.
"Stay here. I'll go to your room and get some stuff for you" Nightingale said as she turned around and left the room, closing the door behind her.
Jak shook his head, waking himself up for a moment, and realized this was the first time he had been inside Nightingale's room.
The walls were decorated with a repeating motif of crimson feathers and Precursor symbols written in red. A small bookshelf was in the room, filled with everything from combat manuals to children's storybooks. A dresser stood next to the bookshelf, and a small nightstand was next to her bed. Jak sank into his chair before noticing that there were a few pictures on Nightingale's nightstand. Jak shifted in his chair to look at them.
There were three pictures on Nightingale's nightstand. One was the same picture of her, Jak, and the others Avenging Angels partying together at Beast's birthday party. Jak smiled at that picture, since he had the same one in his room.
The second one was a picture of Nightingale and Rush, several years ago from the look of it. Nightingale looked much younger, about sixteen or so, and was in a Wastelander outfit while Rush wore his AA armor. Nightingale looked ill at ease, but was comforted by Rush's arm on her shoulder. Jak noted that Nightingale had a nervous smile on her face as she looked at the sea, and he wondered who had taken the photo. Jak noted several cuts and scrapes on her arms and face, and realized this must have been shortly after she was rescued from the Marauder Fortress.
The third picture was a small picture of him and Nightingale, but sitting down in the Library. Nightingale was sitting on Jak's lap, practically curled up on top of him as he told her another one of her stories. Nightingale was smiling happily and Jak was grinning as well as Rune took the pic of them. Jak smiled and said "She's something alright"
Jak dozed for a few minutes before Nightingale came back into the room, carrying some clothes for Jak. She had evidently changed out her armor en route, because she was wearing a black tank top and a pair of red sweatpants.
"Alright, time for bed" Nightingale said playfully, throwing Jak's clothes in his face.
Jak shrugged and looked at Nightingale before saying "What, do you want to watch or something? I'm fine with that of course"
Nightingale blushed scarlet and said "I'll t-turn around"
Nightingale whistled for a moment as Jak changed, and turned around when he sat back down in the chair.
"Nope. You're sleeping in the bed" Nightingale said with a smile.
"Why are you so cheerful?" Jak asked with a tired grin as he walked over to her bed and sat down. Nightingale grinned and flopped down on her bed next to him.
"I'm excited for tomorrow…" Nightingale whispered.
Nightingale grabbed Jak's arm and pulled him down onto the bed with her. She rested her head on Jak's shoulder and said "Feeling better?"
"I've had it worse" Jak said with a chuckle as he pulled Nightingale closer to him.
Nightingale flushed and said "Thank you Jak…for everything…for saving my life…for saving me from myself…"
"I'd do it again and again and again" Jak said softly.
Nightingale looked up and kissed Jak on the cheek before murmuring "Good night…Mar"
Jak wrapped his arm around Nightingale's waist and said "Good night…Iris"
The two heroes fell asleep, warm and happy in each other's arms.
Meanwhile:
"There's an anomaly in the system. It's faint, but I can sense it" Vin said to Arch, who looked at the flashing red dot with concern.
"This is strange. I don't know what it is, but its searching for something" Arch murmured.
Tech scowled and said "Come on Arch, take it out!"
"I can't Agent Tech. This virus has a mind of its own…as though it were sentient" Arch said softly.
"That's impossible, no one can make a sentient virus. No one I know anyway… Any ideas Vin?" Tech asked the male A.I.
"We could reroute the data stream to divert the virus's attention while we work on a way to destroy it, but that wouldn't work well in the end. We'll have to settle for either communicating with it, or destroying it completely" Vin said nervously as the virus scurried by in the systems.
"Do what you've got to. I'm going to get some coffee" Tech muttered.
"Is something wrong Agent Tech?" Arch asked, sounding concerned.
"It's nothing Arch, just some insomnia. I've had it for a few years now, it's nothing major" Tech said with a smile as he got up and walked out of the MCC.
Tech ran his hands through his hair and muttered "It's always something"
"YOU ARE SUCH AN UNBELIEVABLE ASSHOLE!"
"I'M NOT THE BAD GUY HERE!"
Tech starred as Blade and Chill stormed down the hall, yelling at each other. This was one of the very few times they had actually fought, but Tech knew that when they fought, it was usually pretty serious.
"Nicole, calm down! You're making a scene!" Blade snapped, and Chill replied with "I DON'T CARE!"
Blade growled in anger and said "What is this about!?"
"The fact that we've been together for years, and you constantly brush off our relationship!" Chill snarled, poking Blade in the chest with her finger.
"How do I brush it off!?" Blade replied angrily.
"You never acknowledge our relationship in public! It's just sex to you now! We've been drifting apart for months now, and I hate it! Do you not care anymore!?" Chill yelled, tears forming in her eyes.
Blade scoffed and said "Of course I do Nicole, but there comes I time when I have to be serious about-" Nicole broke him off by slapping him in the face.
"You care more about this damn war than you care about me" Chill whispered furiously.
"Is that what this is about? Because I'm so serious about the war, that I'm willing to put my emotions aside and do what needs to be done?" Blade asked.
"Yes, that's what this is about...I guess this war really is more important to you than I am" Chill whispered as she turned away, her voice trembling. She seemed to be near tears.
"Nicole…I…" Blade's words seemed to fail for a moment.
"We're done" Chill whispered, taking a step forward, away from Blade.
Blade's hand suddenly shot towards her and pulled her back towards him. She turned around and Blade kissed her deeply. Blade broke the kiss and said "I love you Nicole. I love you so much that it hurts. I want nothing more than to go away with you, and live with you until I die, just you and I together"
"Russal…"
"But we can't get everything what we want in life Nicole…We have to be strong, and finish this fight. The Hunters, the Metal Heads…they play for keeps Nicole. And I…" Blade's voice slipped into an undertone that Tech didn't catch.
"Really?" Chill whispered as Blade whispered in her ear.
"I can't lose you. You're what gives me hope…you're what gives me the strength to keep fighting in this damn war…That's why I've treated you so poorly these last few months. Everyone is losing everything that they care about in this fight…and I can't lose you…" Blade said softly, embracing Chill, who seemed to be amazed.
Chill suddenly grinned and said "Is that all?"
"What?"
"Blade, you're such a dummy. If you think the Metal Heads and Hunters will keep us apart, then you're dumber than I thought!" Chill said cheerfully.
"Blade…Russal…I love you. I've loved you for a so long…you're strong, stalwart, and unmovable. You're the only man I've ever met that I've loved for what was on the inside, rather than the outside… I just want to love you. And if we were to die tomorrow, I'd die happy knowing you loved me" Chill whispered.
Russal kissed Chill, and two embraced again. Tech smiled to himself and began walking away.
"Maybe there's some hope for all of us after all" Tech said with a small smile.
Tech wandered into the Docking Bay, bored, and found Nymph and Jet talking. Both were out of their armor, and Nymph was looking highly amused while Jet looked annoyed.
"Hey tech! What's up?" Jet asked as the scientist walked over to them.
"Can't sleep. The usual" Tech explained tiredly.
"Jet was telling me about this girlfriend his has. I don't buy it" Nymph said.
Jet growled angrily and said "Come on Vivi, you-"
"Do not call me Vivi" Nymph growled, brushing her crimson hair out of her hair.
Tech laughed, leaning against the transport and said "Why not?"
"My…my brother used to call me it all the time. Brings back memories from when I was a kid, and I…I miss him…look, just call me Nymph, or call me Vivian. You're choice, just don't call me Vivi" Nymph growled.
"Sheesh. SORRY, Nymph…" Jet said as he leaned back against the transport, closing his eyes.
"I wonder how she's doing?" Jet asked softly to himself.
"Who?" Tech asked curiously.
"Eh? Oh…no one I guess" Jet said, sounding tired.
"You OK?" Nymph said, sounding concerned for her somewhat idiotic co-pilot.
"Yeah, just…just tired. I think I'll head off to bed now" Jet said, waving goodbye to the other two Agents, who looked at him in surprise.
"What's with him?" Nymph asked Tech.
Tech shrugged and sat down with Nymph, and chatted with her until the sun rose once more.
The Next Morning:
Jak looked over Nightingale, who grinned back.
"They're so adorable" Nightingale said to Blade and Chill, who were sitting down next to each other, holding hands and otherwise not paying attention to anyone else around them. Chill and Blade were whispering in each other's ears, grinning widely.
"Yeah. I heard they had a fight last night, but I guess they made up" Jak said.
"I guess they're back to where they were a year ago. It's good to see them back as a couple. There's a little bit more love in the world" Nightingale sighed dreamily.
Jak smiled down at her and said "Night?"
"Hmm?"
"Do you…" Jak bit his tongue.
Nightingale turned around to face him and said "Do I what?"
Jak sighed and said "Never mind"
"So, you're all here. Excellent" Chief Disten said, walking into the room.
It was the first time Jak had seen the Chief in armor. It was all bone white with a gold trimming, with a short line of Precursor written in gold on both if his wrists. He carried his staff in hand, which now was sporting a white blade at the bottom.
"Chill, Blade, Chiaroscuro, and Nightingale...this will be our most important mission to date. Are you all ready?" Disten said seriously as he walked towards them.
Jak pulled out his Morph Gun and cocked it, it's Green Eco Mod activated.
"I'm always ready" Jak said with a grin.
"You bet" Nightingale said with a wide smile.
"Yes" Blade said with a nod.
"Yep!" Chill said, playfully hugging Blade. Blade growled in response, but was smiling as he did so.
"I'm not included apparently, but I'm ready Chief" Daxter said sarcastically.
"Sorry Daxter"
"It's fine. No one ever appreciates my contributions anyway" Daxter scowled.
"Let's be off then" Disten said, hopping into the Sand Hound. Blade jumped into the seat while Chill hopped into the shotgun seat. Jak, Daxter, and Nightingale hopped into the back of the vehicle as Blade started it, revving it loudly for effect.
"Let's get this show on the road!" Daxter yelled eagerly.
The vehicle shot out of the Motor Pool and into the Wasteland. Daxter grinned and said "You know, call me crazy…but I'm excited for this!"
"Me too Dax" Jak said with a grin.
The Chief smiled and said "It's been a while, hasn't it?"
"Yeah, I haven't seen you in armor since we found Nightingale" Blade said with a laugh. Nightingale and Jak removed their helmets, letting the wind blow through their hair.
"You guys remember that?" Nightingale said with a blush.
"Of course. It was the day you met me and Rush" Disten said with a smile.
Nightingale's smile faltered, and she sighed.
"I miss him" Nightingale murmured.
Jak wrapped his arm around her and gave her squeeze. She looked up at him with a grateful smile and rested her head on his shoulder. Disten looked at the two Agents and smiled. He was so proud of how far she come in just a few short months. She had been through so much, yet she was still so pure and sweet.
"Hey Blade!" Jak called after a few minutes of driving.
"Yeah?"
"I just realized something"
"What's up?"
"How are we going to this ruin if the Precursors didn't mention where it was?" Jak asked.
"It's in the center of the Wasteland isn't it? We just find that spot and watch the magic happen!" Chill said cheerfully.
Disten nodded and said "If they believed we would have trouble finding this ruin, they would have told us more"
'Call me crazy, but I don't have much faith in them anymore" Jak growled.
"Me neither…" Nightingale murmured.
"I guess even gods aren't perfect" Daxter said wisely.
Blade continued to drive through the desert, an eventually arrived at where Arch and Vin, who were monitoring the situation via the internal computers in the Sand Hound, deemed to be the center of the Wasteland. There was nothing outstanding about this spot, just a pile of crags out in the middle of the Wasteland. Nothing special…
Or was there?
After scouring the area, Disten let out a yell of triumph and told everyone to come to him. Disten pointed to a large crag, and told them to look closer. Upon closer inspection, the rock had an inscription.
"What does it say?" Chill asked.
Nightingale blinked in surprise and said "It's a line from my song!"
"Really? Sing it Night, maybe it'll open a door or something" Jak suggested.
Nightingale nodded and hummed a note, getting the pitch right. She eventually closed her eyes and began to sing.
"Shi no, ku dey do. Kime sa lay fi do cu. Shi no, ku dey do, opa sa lay fi do cu. Cuo shi ha nina ley" the black-haired woman sang softly in Precursor. Jak could now feel faint power in those notes…beautiful, yet had a hidden meaning…
Nightingale continued her song, the words flowing from her lips like a river. Soft, clear, and beautiful, the melody caused the lyrics that were inscribed on the rock face to glow bright white before vanishing completely. The rock then sank into the sand, revealing a stairway deep into the earth.
"Well done Iris" Disten said patting his adoptive daughter on the shoulder. Nightingale put her helmet back on and said "Come on!"
The group walked down the stairway and when the stairway stopped, they walked past a small entryway and walked into a large room with some interesting features.
The room itself was a huge sanctum with an enormous domed ceiling. There were black and white orbs around the room, presumably filled with Light and Dark Eco. The group walked along a stone bridge and onto a huge platform made of solid precursor metal. There were several tubes in the room that were attached to the platform that encircled the room, wrapping around it until the tubes reached the top of the ceiling. The room seemed to have no way out, other than where they came.
"Greetings brave ones…we have been waiting for you to arrive…these challenges must be faced by the Champion of Light alone" a Precursor voice said, echoing throughout the room. Nightingale nodded.
"You will face three trials, Champion, to test your skill and heart. The test of power, the test of courage, and the test of heart. Once these three tests are completed, your true powers can be awakened" the voice said to Nightingale, who nodded.
"Then it's time for you to meet an old adversary of yours, Mar and Daxter" the Precursor said to the two heroes, who gulped nervously.
All of a sudden a huge brown figure made of Precursor Metal soared up from the bottomless pit surrounding the room and looked down on the figures below it. It seemed to be slightly damaged and didn't look as shiny as it did before, but there was no mistaking what it was. It was a large mechanical robot that was over a hundred feet tall and was powerfully built.
"Now what!?" Chill asked, her armor freezing entirely as she took a step back. Blade drew his Galvasword and got into a stance. Disten spun his staff around in a quick circle and said "Incredible…I've never seen one in such condition!"
"Hey uh…Jak?"
"Yeah Dax?"
"You don't think this is the same Precursor Robot we blew up…do you?" Daxter asked nervously.
The Robot's head snapped towards Jak and Daxter and its eyes turned dark red, narrowing in anger.
"Yep" Jak replied.
"…lovely"
The Robot pointed its palm towards the Agents and a massive beam shot out of it. Nightingale quickly soared out of the way. The others weren't so lucky, and were hurled backwards into previous room. Disten, Daxter, and Jak were unconscious, but Blade and Chill got to their feet as a wall of light separated them from Nightingale. The stone path they had used to walk into the room crumbled away into the bottomless abyss.
Nightingale gasped in concern for her friends and landed on the ground, but the robot readied itself to attack again. Nightingale found herself standing alone against the monster of an enemy.
Nightingale snarled angrily and said "You'll pay for that"
"Hero…this challenge will test your strength and power in the face of a mighty foe..." a Precursor voice rumbled as the Robot hovered above a large pit.
Chill and Blade were trying to get through the light barrier that had sprung up, but it was keeping them out of the fight.
Nightingale jumped to the side to avoid a huge blast of energy from the robot and landed on the ground. She sprinted towards the Precursor Robot, scooping up Jak's fallen Morph Gun as she did so and put her shotgun on her back.
"Sorry Jak, but regular bullets won't cut it right now!" Nightingale said as she activated the Piercer Rifle Mod and looked up at the huge robot looming over her.
"You go Night!" Chill cheered.
"Be careful!" Blade warned the Agent.
Nightingale kicked off the ground and flew at the Robot with a yell while the Precursor Robot drew its hand back and threw an almighty fist at the black-haired agent.
End of Chapter:
YES!
Precursor Robot fight!
ITS BACK.
POST EDIT NOTE: This is the Precursor Robot from Jak III. This is NOT the one Gol and Maia were using. This is the one Veger was using at the Eco Mine.
Right, so that's another chapter in the books. Hope you all enjoyed the plot and stuff. Next chapter is a lovely return to action! Can Nightingale defeat the Precursor Robot alone? Will the Prophecy come to fruition? Who was Shadow speaking to? Will Havoc ever be free?
ALL WILL BE REVEALED AT SOME POINT.
Until then, please review and tell me what you thought!
You can also follow the legacy by following me on twitter, follow me at FlygonNick!
Until next time, FlygonN out!