Jak IV: The Avenging Angels
I know, I know….
I'm late. AGAIN.
School's being a bitch lately. I hate how late I am with this thing. All of the time… SIGH…
On top of that, I've just had a lot of personal stuff going on lately. Depression and the like. I haven't been able to write as of late and it's incredibly frustrating.
Anyway…
Alright, so this isn't going to be an incredibly long chapter, but should prove interesting...and fluffy.
Also, I will be editing in an additional scene to be put in by the end of this week, so keep on the lookout for this. You will know when it's been put in when this message is gone. I can't do it now because I'm waiting on something.
Shoutout to those who reviewed last chapter, which included Sage Nightwing, LadyAmazon, a guest reviewer, JakXter724, evilanimegenious, Fangirl1320, a guest reviewer, StaticBomb324, Ways, Oblique Strategies, Sage Nightwing again, another guest reviewer, and three new reviewers known as AlphaPanther, Kazan645, and my fellow Freelancer Collaboration writer, Xehanorto. Thanks for the feedback and the love guys. I'm sorry that this story is always late, and I thank you for the nonstop feedback and support.
Sidenote, this story will undergo a major revision just like Apocalypse. Starting with chapter 1, I will be editing and reviewing the story for any errors and mess-ups. This is down the road though.
As per usual, I will edit tomorrow when I get home. I'll be editing the recent chapters sometime this week since I haven't been getting a chance to do so lately.
Enjoy!
Chapter 32: Searching for Discovery
"Three passions, simple but overwhelmingly strong, have governed my life: the longing for love, the search for knowledge, and unbearable pity for the suffering of mankind"- Bertrand Russell
Palace of the Dark One:
Commander Yvlsa growled as he stepped through the small Rift Gate, wincing as he did so. His clawed feet clicked on the strange floor as he made his way out of the secondary Gate Chamber and into the throne room.
"We are close…so close" Yvlsa muttered to himself as he slowly walked down the pathway before him, keeping his head facing downwards. This was a common gesture of respect in the culture of the Metal Heads. While most of the peons in the field showed Yvlsa the utmost respect…
At the end of the day, he still showed respect to the one who had accomplished all of this.
"Ah…hello Commander" Arranst murmured from somewhere above him.
"My Queen" Yvlsa said in a low voice, taking a bow.
"That'll do…"
Yvlsa looked up and saw Arranst looking down at him with an amused smile. She had a slim anthropomorphic figure with a rather humanlike face, with pitch black eyes with red pupils and flowing black hair. Her face had a dark grey hue to it and her teeth were razor sharp. She stood at about five and half feet and had a jet black armor-like exoskeleton that covered her entire body, which Yvlsa had seen several times withstand incredible damage and still remain undamaged, a testament to the sheer power of the Queen. A small jagged diadem of sorts rested on her head, containing several glowing Metal Head gems.
She curled her fingers into a fist and then wriggled them at the Commander and said "Please, Commander. Tell me again"
"As you wish. Our scouts have deduced that the information in indeed true. The only Fragment that is left, is the one that Agent Tech has in his possession" Yvlsa said with a small growl.
"My Queen…why is it that you refuse to go through the smaller Rift Gates that we use to travel to the planet?" Yvlsa asked. Arranst sighed, but then said "I forget that the complexity of the Gates confuses you all, so I will repeat myself once more. You'd do well to remember my words Commander Yvlsa"
"The Gate respond to the power of Eco, my child…as such, I cannot cross any but the strongest of Rift Gates" Arranst replied.
"I do not understand" Yvlsa said in a low tone.
Arranst sighed and said "Rift Gates, my child, respond to the touch of those blessed by darkness and by light. I am a being of the blackest darkness…as such, no Rift Gate can withstand my presence. They would shatter the second I cross into it. Children such as you have no difficulties traversing through the Gate as your presence is easier on the Gate itself"
"So the Gate to Darkness is the only Rift Gate strong enough to transport you to the planet" Yvlsa summarized.
"Yes…I dislike having to constantly rely on pawns to achieve my goals, but if that's what it takes…" Arranst murmured.
"Do you know the history of the Gates, Commander?" Arranst asked the Metal Head Leader curiously.
"Yes…I believe the Precursor's created the Rift Gates to serve as passageways to other dimensions and times, and to provide a shortcut into our world"
"Good…Yes, The Precursor's believed that if they could create a strong enough weapon to kill me, then they would win the war. The Rift Gates were created as a means of direct assault on the planet. They of course used them to travel through time and such but little did they know it worked both ways" Arranst laughed. Yvlsa smiled a little and said "And the Gate to Darkness?"
"Yes, this one leads directly to the heart of the planet, where my life force is tethered. As you can see, I am bound to this planet. If it dies, then I shall as well" Arranst explained.
"My Queen…"
"Yes?"
"How should we proceed with the capture of the final Fragment?" Yvlsa asked.
"I will devise a method of breaking this man. This Agent Tech…Everyone has their breaking points, and this man is no different. Once broken, the Fragment is mine" Arranst replied.
"This man has eluded all attempts at capture, killing two Hunters and a mercenary the group hired to find him. This man…he is clever" Yvlsa said with a grudging amount of respect. Anyone who could stay two steps ahead of the Avenging Angels, the Hunters, and the Metal Head forces was a skilled foe indeed.
"Yes…I may have focused too much on Jazon and Iris…Mar has eluded my grasp for some time as well. I shall deal with this Agent Tech, and then return my focus to obtaining Mar. Once he is mine then Iris will fall with him" Arranst said, closing her eyes.
"What do you plan to do, My Lady?" Yvlsa asked.
"I have several ideas, none of which appeal to me. Agent Tech will no doubt have already disposed of any sort of tracking mechanisms in the armor that he has, and Agent Shadow will no doubt have done the same" Arranst said in a soft voice.
"Do you have any ideas on how to find them?" Yvlsa asked the queen, who nodded.
"I have several, none of which appeal to me. I'd rather not raise an alarm or let Dark know what we're up to. He is a foolish pawn, but he is an important one" Arranst replied as she closed her eyes.
"Stephen and Shadow…hmmm…" Arranst said in a soft voice, her voice holding an odd note to it.
"What are you thinking, my Queen?" Yvlsa asked Arranst, who smiled at the Commander.
…perhaps she is the key" Arranst replied after a moment.
"My Lady?"
Arranst smiled and said "Yes…that's it. Commander, let's take a walk. We can speak further of how we can turn Commander Shadow to our advantage"
The Queen slowly got to her feet, crossing her arms. Two large wings shot out of her back, skeletal looking and about the length of her entire body. A small pulse of Dark Eco thrummed from her body, sending shivers down Yvlsa's spine. She slowly waked down the stairs to her throne and glanced at Yvlsa and said "Come"
The Queen began to walk, the Commander walking several steps behind her. The Queen closed her eyes and sighed, causing her gem to glow bright red. Yvlsa shuddered as the Queen said "There we go…"
"Havoc…wake up…Its time, my Champion" Arranst murmured, an evil smile playing at her lips.
The Next morning:
Icelands:
As the sun rose in a snowy yet bustling town, a brown haired man slowly rose from his bed, blinking sleepily. He stifled a yawn and slowly got out from underneath his blanket, careful not to disturb and blond woman sharing the bed with him. He slipped on his bathrobe and stood at the window, starring out at the snowy town with a small smile.
Finally…they were free.
Tech reached down and picked up his glasses from off of the nightstand and slipped them on, allowing him to see more clearly. The town of Augosto was one of the thriving cities of the Icelands, far from the desolate Wasteland and the sure-to-fall Haven City. It was far enough North to not really be an object of the Metal Heads interests, so it was relatively peaceful there.
It would do for now…
Tech closed his eyes and stood there for a few minutes, thinking of their options. Staying on the move would of course be the best plan. The Dark Goddess would never be able to cross the Precursor Wards unless she had all 20 Fragments, and even then it would take some time to form the Gate to Darkness itself. It was broken, and needed to be repaired.
Stephen reached down and picked up a small satchel resting underneath the mattress. He undid the knot and pulled out the gleaming and shimmering Gate Fragment. Tech winced as he felt the Dark Eco thrumming through the relic, and said "This thing...I wish there really was a way to destroy this. I lied to General Dark about possibly destroying it with Light Eco….hell we tried that ages ago"
So…what now?
Stephen sighed and said "Alright…first thing's first…"
Coffee.
Then keeping the world alive.
In that order.
"First's thing wha?"
Tech looked behind him, seeing his fiancé looking at him sleepily, a small smile on her face. Tech smiled and said "Hey"
"Hey…" Shadow mumbled as she sat up, yawning widely. Tech walked over to her side of the bed and said "I'm heading down for some breakfast...well, Coffee anyway. You want to come with me?"
"Sure, let me throw something on" Zelda said tiredly as she got up. Tech admired her bare back, staring at the black tattoo that covered most of her left shoulder and a part of her upper back. Tech frowned and as Zelda turned around, now wearing a sweater and pulling on a pair of slacks held up with a blood-red skull belt, she cocked her head.
"What's up?" Zelda asked, concerned at her fiancé's expression as she picked up a comb and ran it through her blond hair.
"That Blessing…we need to do something about it" Tech said in a low voice. Shadow nodded and sat down on the bed, closing her eyes in thought. Tech smiled and waited patiently for her to speak.
"I know that this thing needs to go...But I think I might need it for just a little while longer. I might need the Dark Eco to protect you" Shadow said in a soft voice. Tech's expression softened and he said "You don't have to protect me Zelda…I can handle myself"
"I-I know that, it's just that I get worried and then" Tech silenced her by throwing himself at his lover and pressing his lips against hers. Shadow's eyes widened in surprise, but the two warriors remained embraced and in that bed for several more minutes before breaking apart for air.
"Zelda…you don't have to protect me anymore. I'm strong in my own right" Tech said with a loving smile as he pressed her forehead against hers.
"Ow, your glasses are pressing into my face" Zelda muttered, reaching up and grabbing them off of Stephen's face. Zelda then pressed her forehead against his and said "I know…you were incredible, savin me like that"
"Well, it'd not hard to outsmart those who don't come prepared" Tech murmured.
"True…so, what's the plan?" Shadow asked as the two broke apart. Tech got to his feet and stripped off his robe and began to change into his armor.
"Get some breakfast, see what the word is around town. We should start looking for a way to get to the Icefields, preferably before nightfall" Stephen said with a smirk.
"Icefields?" Zelda questioned.
Tech throw on a dark brown cloak that covered his armor, yet had holes for his arms so he could move them without having to lift up the cloak. He clipped tapped his helmet with his finger and it shuddered and, in a flash of white, compressed into a small ball, which Tech stored in a pouch at his waist. He grabbed two magnum's and clipped them to his legs and then grabbed the pouch containing the Gate Fragment and attached that to his belt. He then pulled out a single silver button and placed it on the pouch, which turned invisible.
"Yes, the Icefields. Not a particularly romantic spot, but it's important. I'll fill you in on the walk up there" Stephen said as he walked over to the door and opened it. Zelda sighed and grabbed a thicker jacket from their closet and put it on. Stephen offered her an amused smile before both of them headed downstairs.
The two had taken to a cozy inn, just on the outskirts of the city. It was well-kept, warm, and offered a degree of comfort that Stephen enjoyed. The owner had been paid to keep an eye out for anything suspicious or any strange figures, and was to notify Tech if anything happened, with an additional payment for when the couple left the area.
As Stephen and Zelda slipped into a booth, a tired looking waitress walked over and said "Welcome to the Iceberg Inn, what can I get for you two?"
"Black Coffee" Stephen said with a small smile.
"Same here" Zelda replied.
"Anything to eat for you two?"
The two exchanged a look and shook their heads. The waitress walked away and Zelda said "So, what's the deal with the Icefield's? Crossroad Icefield's are way out there, and not exactly safe"
"I need to check something. It has to do with…" Tech lowered his voice and said "Arranst"
Shadow shivered and said "I can feel her at times…a voice in my head…she…she scares me Stephen"
"You should let me destroy that Blessing. Rune proved my theory that a strong enough dosage of Light Eco to the Blessing Mark can destroy the entire thing. Let me do this for you" Stephen said in a low voice. Zelda's eyes widened at the pleading note in his voice. The worry and love in his tone was all too evident.
Something in her made her shake her head.
"This was my choice. This is my burden to bear…I will protect you, no matter what" Shadow whispered.
Stephen closed his eyes and said "If it gets to the point where I'm worried that she's involved, I'm taking care of it myself. Understand?"
"Of course…do what you have to. But only as a last resort. Dark Eco is useful, and I don't want this all to be on your shoulders love" Zelda said in a soft voice. Tech's expression softened and he said "I know…"
"Why can't things ever be easy?" Tech thought tiredly as the waitress brought them their coffee. This was going to be a long day.
Meanwhile:
Jak slowly got out of his bed, grunting a little as he stretched. The gaping and terrible bullet wounds he had received at the hands of Tech were gone now. His fingers traced the spots where Nightingale had extracted the bullets and healed him.
Nightingale.
Just the thought of the young woman sent shivers down his spine. He now knew what his emotions were telling him. He felt so dense, how could he not have seen the signs. Jak should've known all along that the young woman had fallen in love with him, looking back the signs were too obvious…he wondered when it was when he fell in love with her in return.
Was it the soft and beautiful tone of her voice, and the soft and gentle tone of her singing voice. Her flowing black mane and her angelic face? Maybe it was her powerful nature or her incredible fighting skills. Maybe it was the fact that she was someone who understood him on a deeper level, and he in turn understood her unlike anyone else had.
Jak sighed.
He felt a bit guilty that he had fallen in love with someone else. If things had stayed on their course and the Metal Heads had gone away, he would've began dating Keira in earnest, perhaps one day even marrying her.
The Metal Heads had torn that away from him, and made him rethink a lot of things. He had moved on at last…yes, he would still avenge his friend. Keira would always be important to him…
But not as much as the raven-haired Champion of Light.
Jak slipped on his boots and walked out of his room, locking it behind him. He walked down the hallway and nearly ran into Sharpshooter, who looked a bit tired.
"Hey man. You feeling better?" Sharpshooter asked Jak, who nodded.
"Good. Night was looking for you. She wanted to see you in the Grotto" Sharpshooter said with a grin.
Jak blinked and said after a moment "Did she said why?"
Sharpshooter smirked and said "Dude, just go to her. She knows and you know. Let what comes naturally come naturally"
Jak stood there as Sharpshooter walked away, chuckling to himself. Jak scratched the back of his head, debating getting food and then meeting Nightingale.
Jak began to head towards the Bathing Grotto. Jak noticed the knife stuck in the door of the Bathing Grotto, signifying that the black-haired beauty he sought was indeed inside. Jak opened the door and slunk inside. Jak glanced around, not seeing anyone in the large cave. Jak noticed looked around, and then realized something.
"The Mirror…it's not here" Jak said in a low voice.
Jak remembered back when he was in the past and when he had been in the Bathing Grotto then that there had been a massive mirror in the Bathing Grotto. It was a large and intricate thing, impossible to miss.
This mirror was now gone.
Jak walked over by the water, looking at where the mirror once hung. He felt something near him and looked to his left.
Nightingale smiled at him and said "You've got to be a bit quicker on the draw there, Mar"
"Iris" Jak said in a soft voice.
"Jak…I…" Nightingale faltered and muttered "Rune said this was supposed to be easy"
"Telling someone you love them is never easy" Jak sighed, a nervous smile on his face.
Nightingale nodded and gestured for Jak to sit down on the water's edge with her. Jak sat down with her and she laid her head on his shoulder.
"Jak?"
"Yeah?"
"…It was the night we first talked…"
"Hmm?"
"When it happened. You know…" The night I fell in love with you…
Jak closed his eyes and said "It's so obvious looking back…you blushed all the time around me. It was so awkward…"
Nightingale smiled and said "I can't help it, Jak. I'm so awkward, and you're like this sexy ancient warrior guy. That's hardly fair"
"Coming from the marauder girl with a beautiful body and an even better voice" Jak replied airily. Nightingale's face glowed red at the compliment and she lifted her head up and pushed him onto the grass. Jak fell to the ground, lying on his back in the grass as Nightingale positioned herself on top of him. Nightingale smiled down at him and said "So…let's clear the air"
"You might be getting the quote wrong Night"
Nightingale smiled and said "Jak…you have always been there for me…you were my first true friend since Rush…"
"Talking to you that night…having someone who understood what I had been through…it was something that I had never felt before. You listened to the words of a stranger…and for the first time in years, I felt as though I wasn't alone…"
"You stood by my side when I found out Jakob was still alive. You've talked me through all of my problems…you cared about me in a way I had never felt before…you've done nothing but support me and offer a helping hand the entire time I've known you…and when you came for me in Haven Forest…I knew then how I felt.
"And then you promised me that I'd never be alone again" Nightingale whispered.
Jak nodded and Nightingale said in her musical voice "That promise is one that Jakob broke, and one that you've upheld no matter what it cost you. You've been nothing but a true friend to me Jak"
"Even when I met you again in the past, and I was scared and hurt and alone after Rush's death, you still made me feel so…accepted. You cared for me and stayed by my side…I fell for you again, despite everything" Nightingale murmured.
"You have made me a better person than I used to be. I can help people now, thanks to you. I realized that the people around me care about me, thanks to you…I can live my life, thanks to you…and most importantly" Nightingale leaned closer to Jak.
"I can love, thanks to you" Nightingale whispered.
"I never thought I could love, Jak. I thought that part of me was broken for the longest time. I was always so relieved when you didn't catch on to my feelings, but then felt so dismayed because I thought you only would see me as a friend…"
"She's talking an awful lot" Jak thought dryly, a smile crossing his lips.
"But…what happened the other day…you kissed me…" Nightingale smiled and said "So…do you feel the same?"
Jak simply smiled and said "I think we can work something out"
Nightingale resisted the urge to scream with joy and frustration, he could be so dense sometimes, and said "Like what?"
Jak leaned up and pressed his mouth against hers. Nightingale melted as his lips touched hers and fell into his arms. Jak rolled over so he was above Nightingale and removed his mouth, semi-pinning her to the ground.
"Did you just turn the tables by kissing me?" Nightingale asked, dumbfounded yet amused, and certainly enjoying herself.
"Yep"
"Bad hero. Bad" Nightingale giggled as Jak chuckled under his breath.
"Now its my turn" Jak said with a smirk.
"When I first met you, I thought of you as just some strange quiet woman who just wanted to be left alone…then when I really met you; I realized all you wanted was to be understood. To be loved" Jak said to Nightingale, who's eyes shined. He really did understand her like no one else did.
"No one ever really got me. No one understood what the Baron did to me…Daxter pretends to know, but he really doesn't. He just supports me as I kick in the heads of the people who helped me it happen…and then I met you" Jak muttered.
"You not only understood what that sort of torture was like…but you seemed so lost because of it. So hurt…it reminded me of myself before I realized that I did have people who still cared about me. Daxter risked his life to save me, and I made some of my closest friends right after I broke out of the Baron's Palace…friends who I fight every day to protect. I joined this team to protect them and fight the Metal Heads head on instead of hiding in the city…but Night…you just needed someone to show you that people cared was all" Jak said in a soft tone.
"You're one of the strongest people I know, Nightingale. No matter what gets in your way, you fight tooth and nail to do what you have to. You're soft-spoken and beautiful and kind and shy and…" Jak faltered. He was terrible with words and he just spoke a small speech.
"I've never felt so close to someone like you before…not even Keira. Not even close…" Jak said in a low voice.
"But…do you love me?" Nightingale asked softly.
"Do you?" Jak asked.
Nightingale laughed softly and said "I love you, Jak. I love you and everything about you. From your hair to the way you shoot to the way you hold me close when I sleep next to you. I love you, Mar"
"Then there's your answer" Jak replied with a grin.
Jak leaned down and kissed her on the lips, silencing her. Nightingale wrapped her arms around Jak as he pressed his body against hers, the two locked in a passionate embrace. Jak finally broke the kiss after a few moments and smiled at Nightingale, who grinned back at him, blushing darkly.
"Night, no matter what happens. I will always love you" Jak said to Nightingale, who nearly passed out on the spot. Jak brought his lips towards hers once more-
BOOM!
"JAK!" Daxter yelled loudly.
"Hope we're not interrupting!" Tess called loudly.
Jak and Nightingale quickly broke apart, sputtering and blushing and looking awkward. Tess and Daxter exchanged amused grins as they made their way down to the water's edge.
"So, did you two bang?" Daxter asked.
"Daxter!" Nightingale yelled as her face turned bright red.
"That's a no Daxter. They still have clothes on" Tess said with a giggle.
"Anyway, I was looking for you two. I wanted to check in on our injured ex-Hunter, but wanted you two to come with" Daxter said, getting serious for once and crossing his arms.
"Y-yeah, that's sounds good Daxter" Nightingale said with an embarrassed grin.
"Yeah, come on. Let's see Chase" Jak agreed as he helped Nightingale up. The group slowly made their to the infirmary then. Nightingale walked next to Jak and smiled at him, and Jak returned the smile as she slowly grabbed his hand with hers. Tess and Daxter exchanged knowing smiles once more.
Jak, Daxter, Tess, and Nightingale continued to make their way to the Infirmary, and when the doors opened for them they saw Disten, Sharpshooter, Rune, Phoenix, Nymph, to their surprise Pecker and Onin. They were clustered around Chase, who was still lying motionless in his bed taking very short and ragged gasps of air. The doctors had confirmed that the damage would in fact kill him quite soon if something wasn't done. Medical science had done its job in prolonging his life…
"This guy sure is a tough cookie" Daxter said in an appreciative manner.
"I just wish he could talk. It's crazy knowing that we can find out where exactly the enemy is reconstructing the Gate to Darkness but we'll have to simply wait until he comes to find out" Disten said with a sigh.
"It's too bad the damage was causes by Light Eco, otherwise Jak and Nightingale could heal him" Rune said with a small sigh.
"Yes, it is rather unfortunate that no simple solutions exist at the moment for this rather perplexing issue."
Rune sighed and said "Stephen…"
"I'm killing that asshole the next time I see him" Phoenix growled.
"He did this for all of the right reasons" Daxter shrugged.
Rune shot Daxter a look and said in a cold tone "So, you think this was justified? Killing Arch and nearly killing Chase"
"I'm saying that if Tess was in danger like that, then I'd think about it, that's for sure!" Daxter snapped. The group remained quiet at that and only the sound of Chase's heart monitor could be heard as it slipped down another 2 beats per minute.
"He's getting worse…He's not going to be able to hang on for much longer" Disten said with a heavy sigh.
"If this continues like this, he'll be dead by morning" Nymph said with a grim expression.
"There has to be something we can do" Tess said in a soft voice, looking at Daxter for answers. Daxter shook his head slowly, and Tess's head fell. If her hero Daxter didn't have the answer, then none existed.
"If I may interrupt?" Pecker said to the group, who began paying attention at once.
"There may yet be a way to save the wayward Hunter…but the journey to save him will be dangerous" Pecker said to the group.
"Chase knows where the Gate to Darkness is…we don't have much choice" Sharpshooter said in a low voice.
"If you are adamant, then I will tell you" Pecker said with a small smile.
"Deep within Haven Forest, there is a sacred plant that is spoken of in several ancient texts. It is called the Herb of Renewal, or the Akyanst . It is said to be able to, when grounded up into a paste mixed with the waters of the forest , heal the greatest of wounds, even those that spell sure death"
"Do you know exactly where it is? Haven Forest isn't exactly small" Nymph asked Pecker, who shook his head.
"I know not. It lies within the bowels of the forest, probably at the very darkest and deepest depths of it" Pecker replied.
"You're helpful" Daxter commented.
"Shut it! At least I'm trying to help!" Pecker growled.
"Both of you, shut up. It's a start at least" Disten said, closing his eyes and rubbing his temples.
"You ever hear of this plant Chief?" Rune asked.
"Yes, I have heard of it. It's certainly powerful enough to save Chase, but finding it would be a challenge…this herb has been sought after for millennia, and the Metal Heads in Haven Forest would make finding the herb no easy feat."
"Alright…as much as it makes me want to hurl…" Daxter sighed heavily.
"What?" Nymph said expectantly.
"We're gonna have to ask old man Samos for help" Daxter said in a rather depressed manner.
"Samos? The Green Sage?" Disten asked Daxter.
"As much as it kills me, the guy knows plants and stuff. If anyone knows about this super plant, it's old mean and green himself" Daxter explained.
"Good call Dax" Jak said with a grin.
"Alright then. Nightingale, you Rune and Phoenix head to Haven City and find the Green Sage. Get him to help you find the Akyanst. We'll do what we can to keep Chase alive…" Disten said, glancing down at the non-moving Hunter.
"What about us!?" Daxter demanded.
"Jak, despite what you say I'd rather not send you. Besides, I have a plan for you, Blade, and Chill"
"And that would be?" Jak asked casually.
"Head to Spargus and meet with King Sig and Seem. See if they know anything about the Blade of Mar. Check in with Kleiver about getting some replacement vehicles…Stephen did a considerable amount of damage to the buggies in the Motor Pool"
Jak frowned, locked eyes with Night for a moment, and then said "Alright, but Dax goes with the girls to find the Akyanst"
"What!?"
Jak gave Daxter a look and Daxter sighed. Nightingale walked over to Jak and Daxter hopped on her shoulder. Daxter smirked at the thought of spending the day with three beautiful women.
Until Tess got jealous.
"Now, don't you get any ideas with getting comfortable with my man. GOT IT!?" Tess said, brandished a five pointed gun-staff at Nightingale.
"Where the hell did you get that?" Nymph asked Tess.
"Don't worry, me and Daxter and just friends" Nightingale said with a nervous grin at Tess, who slowly nodded and lowered her weapon.
"Come on, let's get suited up and going" Phoenix said with a grimace.
"I'll take you guys" Nymph offered.
As the ladies, plus Daxter, exited the room, Jak turned to the Chief and said "What do you think?"
"I think that there's a lot of mystery to this that we don't know. The secret, I believe, is the Catacombs…however, there are many entrances to them and they themselves are quite extensive. We need more information"
Disten straightened up and said "I'll consult Gallus's journal…I seem to recall a mention of a scared weapon of Mar at some point. Jak, find Blade and Chill and gather what information you can about the Blade of Mar"
"Got it" Jak walked out of the room while Tess looked up at Disten and said "What can I do?"
"Hmm…You said you were a weapons expert, correct?" Disten asked the female Ottsel.
"Yep, it's a hobby really!" Tess chirped.
"Tech left a great deal of his equipment that he left behind or was too cumbersome to take with him. There's perhaps one or two people here who can make heads or tails of that stuff. Perhaps you may be able to make some sense of it" Disten suggested.
"Sounds fun!" Tess said cheerfully.
Disten glanced at the Doctor on the nearby computer and said "Alert me if there's any changes, good or bad"
"Of course"
"Come on along then, let's go to Tech's Workshop" Disten said as they walked out of the Infirmary.
Meanwhile:
Crossroad Icefields:
At the northern part of the Icelands lay a massive field of snow, stretching onwards for several miles past the snowy city behind it. Tech observed the massive wall of ice on one side of him, a sheer frozen cliff, and the other side of him, which was the mountain they were travelling around. The temperature had dropped several more degrees as they continued to travel, and Tech was grateful of his suit's modifications.
"So, why exactly are we here babe?" Zelda asked Stephen, who smiled back at his fiancé and glanced over his shoulder.
"Because…this is where we can begin searching" Stephen said as he kicked into the air and floated off of the ground, fire shooting out of his feet. Shadow looked at him with a grin and said "Come on, that's not fair!"
Stephen swooped down and grabbed his lover by the hand and flew into the sky with a laugh. Zelda giggled as he pulled her up to him and grabbed her tightly around the middle, laughing.
"Alright, smart guy. Where too?" Zelda asked Stephen.
Tech turned around and flew towards the ice wall, with Zelda hanging in his arms so she could see without having to turn around. As the two neared the wall, Zelda noticed a small crack at the base. Tech ignored that though and flew towards the snowy cliffs in the distance.
"This is where our search can begin" Tech said as he soared towards the cliffs and lightly drooped Zelda down on the snow. Tech dropped onto the snow a few moments later.
"Come on, let's get looking" Tech said as he began to walk up the snowy cliff face. Zelda fell into step next to her fiancé and the two began to walk.
Despite the less than romantic setting, Zelda found herself smiling as she gazed at the pure white and snow-filled landscape around her. Tech slipped his hand into hers as he scanned the snow for any signs of what he was searching for. Zelda was just glad for his company and glad that he was safe.
Tech admired the small rocks formations up on the cliff, and eyed the small designs written in the ice. Yes…these Icefields held a secret…
"But what lies within them?" Stephen murmured, running his hand over the frozen cliff.
Tech began to inspect the cliff thoroughly, with Shadow stumbling behind him in the snow. Tech seemed to not be able to find what he was looking for, but this didn't dissuade him. After an hour of looking, Zelda finally spoke up out of tiredness and boredom.
"Stephen?"
Tech looked at his wife-to-be and said "Yeah?"
"Do you want to sit down for a little bit? Admire the view together?" Zelda asked her fiancé, gesturing out at the incredible view of the valley.
"Hmm…it's a nice view, I admit. Plus we're finally alone. Stephen said as Shadow grinned at him and sat down on the snow, Stephen doing the same a few moments later. Shadow rested her head on Stephen's shoulder, wrapping her arms around one of his and said "I love you"
"I love you too" Stephen said, a small but happy smile on his face.
"So…what's the plan?" Zelda asked after some time.
"We keep looking for leads on how to destroy the Gate to Darkness. We keep moving and stay together. With the two of us working together we can't lose" Tech said with a confident laugh.
"That's true…it's so nice…just me and you. We don't have to worry about the others now…it's just us" Zelda murmured.
"It won't be for long. They will come after us" Stephen said with a small sigh.
"I can give you a Dark Blessing, or a weaker version of it"
"No, Zelda"
"Think about it! With your intellect and technology, plus Dark Eco powers, no one would ever brother us!" Zelda said excitedly.
"No. Not happening. In fact I want yours removed ASAP"
Zelda sighed and said "You know why I can't let you do that"
"Alright then…"
"…Stephen…I'm sorry"
"Hmm?"
"I didn't mean to push that on you…I just…I just want you to be safe" Zelda murmured. Stephen pulled her closer to him and said "I know…you do it because you care, and I love you for that"
"I don't deserve you" Zelda mumbled, hugging her lover tightly.
Tech smiled and said "Let's head back to the town…we can keep searching tomorrow"
"Let's warp back to town" Tech suggested. Zelda nodded and wrapped her arms around her fiancé and the two vanished from the icy cliffs. The two appeared in a small stone garden (a frozen garden) and glanced around, trying to see if anyone was alerted by their appearance.
"Let's go back to the inn and get something warm" Tech suggested, and after a nod from his fiancé the couple made their way into the nearby inn. The two warriors, draped in thick cloaks, quickly sat down, savoring the warmth of the bar. Stephen, having removed his helmet after warping, smiled and said "If things keep going the way they do, I'll find a way to get into the deep catacombs and find something of use. Perhaps even a weakness against Lady Arranst"
"Good. Should we head back up there later on tonight or wait until the morning?' Zelda asked. Tech shook his head and said "In the morning. The wind was blowing rather hard, and my sensors were telling me that a very powerful storm system was heading this way. It'll probably bury this little place in snow and ice"
"I hope not. I like this place" Zelda said as he took a sip of the hot tea that a waiter had given her and Tech.
Stephen nodded and said "It's quiet, and I've always had a thing for snow. Hopefully it can cover our tracks"
The doors of the inn opened then and two figures covered in thick coats entered the inn. Tech glanced in their direction and said "I doubt they'd think to look in the Icelands. If there's a problem, I have connections in Kras with Mizo. If worse comes to worst I can get in with his lot until I can figure out exactly this thing is in the Icefields"
"What exactly are we looking for here though?" Zelda asked again.
Tech glanced over at the two men who entered the inn, who were ordering drinks, and ignored her. Zelda then grabbed Tech's hand and said "Stephen…don't you trust me?"
"Of course I do…I don't trust the Metal Head Queen in your head" Stephen muttered.
"I told you I haven't heard her say anything since the night before you betrayed the AA" Shadow said exasperatedly.
Stephen frowned and said "Why don't I think that's the case…"
"You don't believe me?" Zelda asked, her voice becoming louder.
"Of course I do…I just don't think it's wise to have her in your head when we're running from her" Tech said in a low voice.
"She's isn't in my head Stephen!" Zelda said loudly, Dark Eco crackling around her as she practically yelled. The inn went quiet and the two figures turned around in their stools.
"Umm…sorry" Shadow said sheepishly. Tech sighed and said 'Come on, let's go upstairs and continue this"
"Ahem"
The two warriors looked up to see the two men in cloaks standing in front of them. Both flickd back their hoods and smirked down at them.
"Inferno…Shade…how lovely" Stephen said with a small smile.
"Agent Tech…you're coming with us. Shadow, you can run if you'd like, but your fiancé is coming with us whether he comes willingly or we have to tear him apart" Inferno said in a low tone.
Tech raised an eyebrow and said "What makes you say something like that? You seem so sure of yourself"
Inferno chuckled and flexed his hand, creating a small ball of flaming Dark Eco. Tech laughed and said "You think that scares me? Please…"
Inferno growled and flung his hand towards Tech, shooting a black plume of fire at him, causing the patrons of the bar to scream. Zelda simply smiled as a Tech's arm shot up, a glowing green energy blocking the flames.
"I really did like this town…I'm annoyed darling" Tech sighed as the flames dissipated.
"Why?" Zelda asked as Inferno scowled at the two of them. Shade remained where he stood.
"Because I'm going to have to explain why there's two random dead bodies on the floor of this pub" Tech sighed.
Faster than the blink of an eye, Tech vanished on the spot. Inferno growled and spun around, already moving but unable to block the fist that slammed into his visor, cloaked in a dark green aura. Inferno crashed onto the ground, unconscious and with a crack in his helmet, while Shade took a step back, clearly surprised by this display of power.
"Now…I have a question for you, Hunter" Tech said in a low voice as Tech's other first burst into an aura as well.
"And that would be?" Shade replied in an equally low voice.
"How far has the blessing spread to you?" Tech said to Shade.
Shade blinked in surprise and reached for his helmet, pulling it off after a moment. He had a shaved head with a cleanly shaven face, with a small scar on his chin. His grey eyes regarded the genius for a moment before saying "35 percent..."
Tech scowled and said "Damn it"
"Yeah…Arranst said that when the blessing has reached fifty, we'll lose our sense of self and become one with her…not entirely thrilled about that. I don't want to be Havoc" Shade said in a low voice.
"How far gone is he?" Tech asked Shade.
"Gone. I can see it in his eyes…he's…different. He's lost…" Shade shook his head and said "Why am I telling you this?"
"Because he can help, Daniel! Please, you can help us. We can stop the blessing and figure this out!" Zelda pleaded.
"No, you can't. Sorry Shadow" Shade said with a sigh before vanishing on the spot. Tech's visor tried to figure out where he vanished to when Shade reappeared a moment later, swing his fist at Tech's skull. The blow slammed into the back of his head and Tech went flying through the air and onto the ground.
"STEPHEN!" Zelda yelled.
"One down, one to go" Shade chuckled before a blast of Dark Eco slammed into him. Shade fell to the ground and rolled to his feet, seeing Shadow holding her palms out towards him, Eco crackling at her fingers.
"Zelda…just come quietly" Shade said in a low voice.
"Not likely" Shade replied.
The two Hunters vanished on the spot, only to reappear a few moments later , exchanging a series of powerful blows that radiated Dark Eco. Zelda ducked under a jab aimed at her head and grabbed Shade by the face and flung him backwards, sending him crashing into a nearby pillar. Shade grunted as he landed on his feet and pulled out an SMG, opening fire on Zelda. The Hunter threw her hand out a wall of Dark Eco flew up, deflecting all of the shots effortlessly.
Shade growled and put away the SMG and held out his palm, firing a Dark Strike at Shadow who jumped to the side to dodge the attack, which slammed into the side of the bar and exploded violently, tearing away an entire chunk of wall.
Shade fired another strike at Shadow, who ran at Shade and dodged the second strike before tackling the large man round the middle and onto the ground. Shadow threw a fist at Shade's head, only for him to grab her hand with his robotic arm and twist it to the side before kicking her square in the chest, sending her flying into the air.
Shade got to his feet as Shadow landed gingerly on her feet. Shadow scowled and said "I can't believe I'm fighting you. We're trying to help you guys"
"You betrayed us, Shadow. We have no other choice, you know this" Shade growled as he lifted his other hand, now pulsating with Dark Eco.
"Stop that! You're going to end up hurting someone besides me!" Shadow said as Shade shook his head. Shade readied herself to dodge the attack again when a blue ball of energy slammed into Shade and sent him crashing onto the ground where he remained frozen in place.
"That hurt, you ass" Tech muttered, rubbing his head and lowering his smoking palm.
"Stephen, thank goodness" Zelda said with a sigh of relief.
"You alright?" Stephen asked Zelda, who nodded.
"Let's get out of here before he comes to. That blast only works for three minutes" Tech said as he stumbled out of the wreckage, Zelda close behind. As the two made their way into the snow, they placed their helmet's back on and looked around, the civilians warily watching them as they did so.
"Now what?" Zelda asked Stephen, who said "We move locations, and return when things have calmed down. The Icefields contain a secret, one I will find"
"What secret!? Tell me!" Zelda pleaded with him.
"Let me destroy the Blessing, and I'll tell you everything. Prove that she isn't warping your mind. Prove it" Stephen said seriously.
"I want there to be no doubts. Nothing but trust between the two of us. But for that to happen, she needs to be out of the picture. You can't rely on her powers forever, Zelda" Tech said softly.
"HEY!"
Tech looked warily to his left and said two familiar figures standing in the snow, weapons drawn. One of them was wearing all dark red armor and had a had a large bump on his back and a pistol drawn and aimed at Tech. The other one wore a rich purple colored armor with gold trimming on the sides.
"Royal…Crash…hey guys" Tech said with a awkward laugh.
"Shut it, traitor. You shot the Chief and hurt that other guy, and gave the Hunters the Fragments. The hell's up with that?" Crash grunted. Royal took off his helmet, and Tech noticed with some worry that his black hair was now greying. The added stress of the past weeks must have aged him a bit.
"Stephen…well, we didn't expect to run into our ex-teammate in the Icelands of all places. Good choice, I must say…good hiding place indeed" Royal said in a low voice.
"Guys, you don't know the whole story" Tech said to the two Agents who took a step forward. Shadow took a step forward and said "Hey, back out of this. We're done with the Hunters and the Avenging Angels, just leave us alone"
"Fat chance. We're getting revenge" Crash said as he fired a shot at Tech, who hit the ground, forgetting his armor in his surprise. Shadow growled and got ready to fire Dark Eco at him. Royal slipped his helmet back on.
Tech got to his feet and said "I don't want to hurt you Crash"
"Why did you do it?" Royal asked Tech.
"They were threatening to kill her, I had no choice. Chase and Arch we're expendable though…they have to die" Tech said with a sigh.
"You killed Arch! You killed your own A.I.! That's messed up man!" Crash yelled furiously, pulling out his Gatling gun.
"Hot-headed oaf" Tech muttered.
"He didn't side with them, we screwed them over too!" Shadow yelled at Crash.
"Crash, stop it. We can bring him in for questioning" Royal said in a calm tone, aiming his SMG at Tech.
"No. To hell with that. We trusted him and he put bullets in Chase, Jak, and the Chief. He killed Arch, Royal!" Crash growled at the older soldier.
"He will pay for what he did…but not in that manner" Royal said as he cleared his throat.
"Will you come quietly, Stephen?" Royal said in a soft voice. Tech sighed and said "I wish it didn't have to come to this"
"GO!" Crash yelled, letting loose a barrage of bullets with his Gatling gun at Tech, who flung his hand out and a wall green of light intercepted the attack, causing the bullets to bounce off into the snow.
"Hmm…did you really expect that to work?" Tech asked Crash, who scowled and stooped the attack.
"Damn it" Crash growled.
"Zelda. Now" Tech said in a deadpan tone. A flash of black light appeared above Crash, who fell onto the ground as a woman's leg slammed into his skull. Shadow landed lightly on the ground, smirking underneath her helmet as Dark Eco crackled at her fingertips. She could feel the darkness coursing through her veins…so much power…all at her fingertips…how could joining with her be a bad thing?
"This feeling…what…" Zelda whispered with a wide smile on her face. Tech glanced over at his lover at Royal let out a yell of concern for Crash.
"Zelda…control yourself" Tech said to the young woman.
"Stephen…you should accept the blessing" Shadow said to her fiancé.
"And that…is the final straw" Tech said with a sigh.
"What is?" Zelda said with a laugh.
Tech frowned and vanished in a flash of light. Royal looked on in surprise as Tech reappeared out of thin air behind his fiancé and tapped her on the back with a glowing white finger. She suddenly stiffened and when Tech tapped her arms and legs, she could no longer move those either.
"Stephen!" Zelda yelled helplessly.
"She's talking to you again. Influencing you…she's using you to get to me, just like I said Zelda. It's time to end this" Tech said as he reached into a small pouch at his waist. He pulled out a pure white cartridge that glowed bright white at random intervals.
"Royal, run. Now…this won't be pretty" Tech said in a low voice.
"W-what is that?!" Zelda said, sounding scared. She didn't know why she felt so much fear in her…Stephen wouldn't hurt her…would he?
"Stop him…kill him…" Arranst hissed in Shadow's ear.
"What? N-no…get…get out. Get out!" Shadow yelled frantically as a spike of pain shot through her skull.
"Zelda, hold on!" Tech said as Shadow suddenly flashed black and shoved him away from her. Tech regained his footing and said "So, you've sunken so low as to possess yet another insolent human"
Zelda clawed at her helmet and yanked it free from her head, throwing it at the ground with a scream as she clutched her skull. Tech made a move towards her before Shadow flung her hand out towards her fiancé and shot an arc of Dark Eco at him.
Stephen raised his arm and the blast slammed into his hand, which glowed bright purple and then receded.
"Dark Eco absorbers…" Tech thought before lowering his hand.
"Let her go, Arranst. She can't help you get the Fragment" Tech said in a cold tone. Shadow suddenly froze and closed her eyes.
"You humans have your uses…" Arranst murmured through Shadow's mouth as she got to her feet. Stephen scowled and said "You bitch…"
"Give me my Fragment, Stephen…" Arranst hissed as Shadow took a step forward. Tech grinned and said "You think threatening me with her will break me? Please. Zelda, fight her while I administer the Light Eco Pod"
Arranst laughed and said "She's gone now…it's just me and you"
"Is it?" Tech said as he suddenly split into five.
"I thought I made it clear to the others, but I guess you still haven't gotten the message" Tech said, his voice becoming cold. Arranst smiled widely as Tech jammed the Eco Pod into a long rod-like device, which suddenly gained a long speared tip and began to glow bright white.
"I will go to the ends of the earth to protect Zelda, even if I have to protect her from herself. I will do whatever I have to, employ every trick I know, utilize every device at my disposal, and use every shred of intellect I possess" the genius said in whisper that was nearly lost as a gust of icy wind blew by them.
"I'm saving Zelda, and then I'm coming after you" Tech said before he and his clones shot forward in an insane burst of speed towards his fiancé and the creature possessing her.
End of Chapter:
There we have it guys!
Two expeditions!
One epic fight!
STAY TUNED! HOPEFULLY I UPDATE BEFORE ANOTHER MONTH PASSES!
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