Some pretty important stuff's gonna go down later….

Chapter 50: The End to a Wait

Over the next couple of days, Keira continued to study the Dark Eco within Jak's body, having taken a break from helping her father heal the wounded (fortunately, there wasn't a great deal more that needed her attention anyway) so she could devote her time fully to this endeavor. And while she stayed silent and still all throughout their sessions together, Jak used this time to think about how he would go about stopping the bomb. He was tempted to just head off to the citadel now and stop it before it could even be completed, and hopefully, he still could, but perhaps right now, discretion was the better part of valor, as the saying went. When he had first arrived in that place, he had gone in unprepared, and he had been captured as a result. And Torn hadn't returned at all. No, if he was to be the hero these people needed, he couldn't risk an attack against Gol until he was fully prepared. If he got captured again or, what was more likely this time, killed outright, he wouldn't be much help at all.

Nevertheless, it was hard doing nothing. It was his best bet, waiting until he had his light side restored to him, but it still felt like a lot of wasted time. What if the bomb was completed before Keira could help him?

But on the other hand, what if he ran off and got killed before he even had a chance to save Spargus?

And it was that question that provided the motivation he needed to stay put and bide his time. He would get Light Jak back, and then he would have the upper hand. Then, he'd be able to confront Gol and put an end to this war. Or if he had to, he'd stop the bomb in mid-transit. He would do whatever it took, though such a promise wasn't easy to keep as he was now. Because he had failed in a similar situation before. If he had known the robot was a bomb, before it had blown up, what would he have done to stop it? What could he have done? Nothing. Nothing he could think of right now, at least.

He hadn't had the skills necessary to stop the robot from devastating Haven City, and right now, he didn't have what it took to stop this newest threat either. If this situation was going to end any differently, something needed to change. In him. And the only way he could have any hope of a different outcome was if Light Jak was the change he needed. That would have to make the difference, otherwise, he didn't know what would. But soon, he would have two things that he didn't have last time, his light side and his foreknowledge of the bomb's existence, and perhaps that was just what he needed to tip the odds in his favor. He would stop this bomb, and there was no need to waste time thinking of any other possibility.

He would stop it.

And when Keira was too exhausted from her efforts to analyze him further, he would visit those in the palace to share with them the progress on his condition and his general plan to stop the bomb (the specifics would have to be sorted out later, but he was always pretty good at thinking on his feet), and they would, in turn, discuss with him their efforts to prepare the city, even if they weren't quite sure what it was they were preparing for. Another army perhaps. Or if the bomb showed up earlier than they expected. Or both. Right now, soldiers and Wastelanders were readying themselves for any potential battle, and the civilians who had previously had to spend their time in tents were crammed into the palace, likely a welcome reprieve from the hot desert sun, even if the meandering hallways of this place were getting quite crowded at this point. The streets now only held those ready for battle, while Wastelanders patrolled far out into the desert, on the lookout for any sign of an impending attack.

Ashelin had been present the last few times he had visited the throne room, still not quite the usual person he was accustomed to, but at least she was there. Less expected was Kass, whom they had already questioned, without further success, on any other possible pieces of information she could give them about the bomb or the state of Gol's army or the Dark Sage himself, but despite coming upon the bomb's blueprints, Jak couldn't help but think she seemed rather reluctant to give up any more information. How was it that she could run into information so valuable and know so little? And was it just him, or did her answers not always add up, when they didn't' simply contradict each other?

And today, as she had been ever since they had given up on trying to get any more information from her, she just stood off to the side while the Governess and the King of Spargus discussed with him Spargus's preparations and their plans for the future of this war. And for whatever reason, Jak couldn't help but glance over at her repeatedly, even though she didn't make a sound, and eventually, he couldn't help but wander over to her after he had finished his conversation with the other two in the room, to ask her again about what had happened, to see if her story was the same as the one the day before. And he found that, as he had half-expected, she made no more sense today than she did yesterday.

"So, let me get this straight," Jak said, as he strained his mind to remember the new convoluted tale she had given him today, "you did stay behind to defend the other Wastelanders, but you managed to get away without Gol seeing you. And then you were able to wander around the citadel and find out about his plans without getting caught."

The woman in question blinked at him, then, gave a single nod.

"And there really isn't anything else you could find out?"

Again, she stared at him, before giving a shake of her head. "No, uh…you see, I tried to find what I could, but I had to get out of there before…"

She trailed off, and they watched each other for a moment before her eyes went instead to the space to his right, and she swung her arms at her sides, rocking on her feet. When she said no more, he said, "Before…?"

"Um, before…I heard him coming, so I had to get out of there…before…"

"Jak, I don't see how any of this is relevant right now," Ashelin said, looking back over her shoulder at them from where she stood with Sig, the King currently reclining in his throne, Peace Maker resting across his lap.

"I'm just trying to get as much information as possible," he said. Well, that was partly why he was questioning her. And he didn't realize that Ashelin had even been listening.

"I've already spoken to her, and she told me everything she knew," Sig said.

Then, why was she even here? Why did she keep coming by each day if she had no more information to give them?

"I'm sorry I can't tell you anymore," Kass said. "I told you everything I know. I just…wanted to stick around and…see if there's anything else I can do to help."

"Like what?" It's not that he was trying to be disagreeable, but…what else could she possibly offer them just standing around here? He was surprised the other two didn't mind her loitering about each day, but they probably had too much on their mind right now to care.

As expected, all she could do in response to his question was shrug.

He stared at her as Ashelin and Sig went back to discussions of their own, much more productive discussions, but she avoided his eyes. She glanced over at him just once before turning to leave, making her way towards the doorway with a stiff gait that spoke of some discomfort at having his eyes on her even now, and he followed her into the hallway outside the throne room, where she stopped by the wall, arms crossed and head down. He stood behind her, and when she didn't look over, he coughed, and her head shot up, and she spun around to face him, eyes wide, and her expression didn't change once she saw who it was, though who else did she think it could be? And now that he was here, he wasn't entirely certain why he had followed her out here in the first place.

"What are you going to do?" she said.

"About…?"

"About…him?"

"I've already said."

"No, what are you going to do?"

"I…you know exactly what I'm going to do." Why did she show such apprehension at the thought of him stopping the last remaining person who had been causing them so much trouble? The man who had started a war that had gone on to destroy a city and kill thousands. Not to mention, he was one of the two who had taken Torn from them. Maybe it was simply his sister who was responsible for that last one; he had no way of knowing for sure without asking the Sage himself, which wasn't likely to happen, but that didn't matter. And maybe she didn't know Torn, but she knew what happened to Haven City, didn't she? She knew how many people had died. Did none of that mean anything to her?

He stepped forward, only causing her to retreat an equal amount. "Why is this bothering you so much?" Her obvious uneasiness about Gol's eventual death went beyond simple concern for another person's safety. This was their enemy they were talking about. And maybe it was none of his business, but he couldn't help but ask, "What really happened when you were out there? Why were you really there?"

By now, he had followed her farther down the hallway, she backing away from him the entire time, but she refused to speak, watching him like a hunted animal.

"Just stand still already," he said. "Why won't you answer my questions?"

To his relief, she did finally halt in her efforts to escape from him, only to speak a single word. "Because."

His feet stilled, as well, as he asked the obvious question. "Because why?"

"Because…he…" Her eyes dropped to the floor. "He saved my life once. And…"

"And," he started, "did you go out there…to…" No, it was insane. But, it would explain what had happened out there. And it would explain why her stories didn't make sense. "Did you go out there…to see him…."

She lifted her hands before her and intertwined her fingers together. "Please don't tell anyone. I'm not a bad person, I'm just…"

"I don't believe it. Don't tell me you're…siding with him, are you?"

Her eyes rose to look into his, her gaze staying on his face for the first time since their conversation began. "No, I told you about his plans. It doesn't mean I'm on his side. I just don't want him to die."

He came forward again, but she made no further efforts to escape. "But, why shouldn't he die? Don't you know how much suffering he's caused? Do you know how many people he and his sister killed? Is that okay with you? Is it?" Why shouldn't Gol have to die if Torn had to? Where was the justice in that?

"No, no it's not, it's…"

He shook his head. "I don't need to hear any more of this. I don't know how you can wish for someone like that to go on living when they clearly can do nothing but cause pain and suffering for others. But, I guess that'll be on your conscience, not mine." And then he brushed past her, and he could feel her eyes on his back as he headed down the hallway. Jak's gait remained quick until he rounded a corner, finally able to slow down now that he had a wall between himself and her gaze.

"She is an odd one," Daxter said.

"Huh?"

"That girl! A bit of a weirdo. Actually, on second thought, a lot of a weirdo."

"Yeah. But, there's really no need to talk about her any more, okay? Let's just get back home."

He just couldn't understand Kass and her strange desire for the Dark Sage to be spared, but he supposed he shouldn't let it bother him, no matter how baffling it was. No matter how…stupid such an idea was. Some people were just fools. Some people just didn't seem to realize how the real world worked. That some people were evil, beyond evil, and there was no other option in dealing with them but to end their miserable existence so they couldn't spread their misery to others. But, it didn't matter what she thought. It didn't matter that she was fooling herself. What did matter was ending this war, and now it was about time he got back to Keira to see what she could do for him. She would help him; he knew she'd be able to. She would be a wonderful Sage someday. She was one now, really, even if she didn't consider herself one yet.

They reached the streets of Spargus, now crowded, but not with tents and civilians, but with Wastelanders and soldiers, currently on patrol or simply waiting, weapons ready, and his heartbeat picked up at the sight. This was it. He couldn't say what was going to happen for sure, but this was it. Either this war would end, or they would fail, and it would spread, and then it may never stop. The next city would fall and the next, and maybe he wouldn't be around to see it, but he couldn't allow such a fate to befall the world. He couldn't let this happen. He knew how horrid an existence it was to be a slave to Dark Eco, and he wouldn't wish that on anyone, but if he didn't stop this here and now, that is what the survivors would have to deal with. Slavery to a corrupt Sage and an evil substance that brought nothing but pain and death to everything it touched. He would not allow this. This was the end. Come of it what it will.

The next several days were spent with the two friends doing whatever they could to kill time (Kass was not seen in the throne room since their last conversation, which was probably for the best), whether it be helping to wrangle some uncooperative leaper lizards, patrolling the desert, or just causing trouble. While Jak had meant to see Keira after his last talk with Kass and ask about her progress with channeling Light Eco, ever since he returned home that day, she had been locked away in her room, the Green Sage in perfect understanding over her sudden need for isolation. She needed to be alone, he had said, so she could focus, without any distractions (which included "obnoxious fur balls", Samos's wording, not Jak's), if she was ever to become skilled at channeling Eco, let alone Light. Aside from what Jak could do, no one in recorded history had ever channeled Light Eco, which accounted for the lack of a Sage for that particular substance and the absence of knowledge on it, as well.

And so, all Jak could do right now was wait until she was ready, and wait he would. It's close now, he thought. It wouldn't be much longer before he had full control of his own body again. Dark Jak's reign was about to come to an end. You hear me? Enjoy it while it lasts!

Nevertheless, instructions to stay away or not, Jak couldn't help but check back home repeatedly over the next few days to see if she was done yet, but every time he did, he would find the door to her room to still be closed, and then he would leave again, only to return even sooner than the time before. Eventually, he didn't even bother leaving at all, instead settling with plopping down on the couch to wait things out, while Daxter slouched on the chair nearby, Tess beside him with a bundle of palm fruit hanging from one hand.

"Jak, I'm bored. How long are we gonna lay around here?" the ottsel asked, before opening his mouth wide so Tess could feed him another fruit. "Thanks, shortbread."

The female ottsel giggled, before hanging the bundle overhead and biting off one fruit for herself. "Why, don't you like spending time with me, Daxie?" she asked, mouth full and voice muffled.

He squirmed to nestle himself into a more comfortable position. "Of course, I do, puddin' pop, but it's hard to have a good time with Jak sittin' there lookin' all…brood-ish." He jabbed a thumb at the man in question, who looked up in response to the accusation.

"Well, I guess the thought of Spargus getting blown up soon just bothers me a lot more than it does you, that's all," Jak said, leaning forward with his elbows resting on his legs, his chin propped up in his hands.

His friend shot up to a more proper sitting position, ears straight and stiff, swatting away fruit that ended up in his face due to his change in position. "You don't really think that's gonna happen, do ya, Jak? You're gonna stop that lunatic before then, right?"

"We don't have anything to worry about with you here, though, do we, Daxie?" Tess said. "You stopped them last time when you blew up their factory."

Daxter's panic was replaced by a cocky grin, as he rose his eyebrows up and down at the ottsel beside him. "You bet I did." And then his earlier mood returned when his gaze shot back over to his friend. "But, you…I mean, we are gonna stop it, right?"

Jak raised his eyebrows at him. "I don't know. You tell me."

The ottsel stared at him, brow furrowed, and then he jumped to his feet, chest puffed out and fists to his waist in early triumph. "Whaddya mean, Jak, of course, we are! We are gonna stop that bomb and the loony, old geezer that built it! We…are gonna save the world! Again!" The ottsel jumped off the couch to march for the door, swooping one arm at his friend, indicating it was time to follow the ottsel's march into battle. "Come on, Jak! Let's do it! I'll even let you in on some of the action this time!"

"Not yet! I still…"

And then the door to Keira's room opened, everyone's attention turning to it all at once, Tess leaning over the armrest of the chair to get a better look at what they had waited these past few days for. The object of everyone's curiosity stood there, mouth open and eyes wide, her hands raised before her. She stared back at those that watched her, though it was possible she was actually simply staring straight ahead, and then her eyes finally focused, as if she was just now remembering where she was. And then she was looking upon everyone in the room, her eyes finally starting to blink again.

"I did it," she said.

"You…" Jak began, and she repeated it.

"I did it. I finally…"

Jak stood, watching her as she turned to him, hands still raised. Was it finally time? Was it really…?

She came forward, hands stretching out before her. "Jak, I…" And she set her hands on his chest, and he gasped as a strange sensation washed over him, strange, but familiar. It was cold and tingling, but most of all, it was…a feeling of calm. And he could feel his dark side rushing away into the distance, into the farthest recesses of his mind, its protests growing weaker until they were no longer there at all, and it was just him. Him and his own thoughts and a new peace he hadn't had in so long. It was just him again. His body was his own and so was an old power, the power of Light Eco that could have gotten him out of these most recent troubles if only he had still possessed it back then.

She removed her hands, withdrawing them to herself and watching him, as if she expected something dramatic to happen. "So…how do you feel?"

He looked down at himself, as well, as if he, too, was waiting for some kind of magical sign of his restoration, though none occurred. "I…I feel fine." And that meant more than anyone could ever know. "Keira…" he said, and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close to him, for there were no words that would be enough right now, and he buried his face in her hair, hair that smelled sweet with cactus fruit shampoo, trying to hold back tears, though it didn't matter much if anyone saw them. All that mattered was that he was Jak again. Just Jak and no one else. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"Does this make you a Sage yet?"

"I…I don't know."

And they stood in silence, currently the only two people in the world, until he was brought out of this trance by another voice.

"Jak, you're…normal again?"

He looked over to see that Daxter had drawn closer, gazing up at him with large eyes, but still keeping his distance. As if it really couldn't be this simple. As if something more needed to happen, as if this was too big of an event for it to be such a quiet affair.

"Yeah, I think…"

Tess jumped out of her chair and proceeded to clap her hands, giggling. "Oh, that's wonderful! Things are going to be okay again! I just know they are!" She then ran to Daxter, grabbing him by the hands and sending them into a dance, the two spinning about.

"Hooray, Jak's not gonna be moody anymore!" Daxter said, the initial shock of their situation now shaken loose by their wild movements. "Maybe he'll do what he's told again!"

"And now he can help you when you go stop that nasty Dark Sage!" Tess said.

"Yeah, that's…" Daxter stopped in his tracks, and she had no choice but to do the same. "That's right. We gotta go fight that psycho again. That's great…"

With the room quiet again, Jak looked back down at Keira, who was staring at his chest with none of the ottsels' excitement apparent in her eyes. "Keira…" She looked up, eyes wide, and he knew the same realization of what had to come next had hit her, as well. "It's going to be okay. I promise." Sometimes, it was impossible to promise such things, but this time, he meant it. Things would be fine. They just would.

"O…okay."

Taking advantage of the moment, he moved his face close to hers, their lips almost touching, until a certain ottsel spoke again, causing the two to jerk apart.

"Jak, when do we gotta go, ya think?"

"Uh…" That's right. It was that time, wasn't it? Well, there was no time like the present. "Now. We go now."

"Now?" Keira said, and Jak slid his hands down her arms to hold her hands in his own.

"Yes. We have to stop Gol before he can even think about bringing that bomb to Spargus." He gave her a quick kiss on the mouth, before adding, "I'll see you later."

He headed towards the door, Daxter climbing onto his shoulder as he ran by, while Tess called after him. "You make him pay for what happened to Torn, okay?"

"I will." And he looked forward to it.

Yay, Jak is back, and Keira can finally be called a true Light Sage! What a busy chapter this was!

And I had to make some major changes to the conversation with Jak and Kass. I just have trouble writing the two of them talking for some reason, but I think it's much better now. And please review.