Promises

Wow, I let this one go for too long….sorry for the delay everyone but the past few months have been quite a ride….

First, I’d like to thank everyone for their continued support; for those of you that left reviews, I offer my heartfelt thanks and I have replied to them at the end of this chapter.

As for the path this story is going to take from this point on, I cannot say. This is the last pre-written chapter I’ve got so even I’m not sure what’s going to happen next. But I hope everyone is enjoying the story thus far :)

Just a reminder about how words are spoken:

"blahblahblah" words spoken aloud

"blahblahblah" inner thoughts

"blahblahblah" Dark Jak's thoughts (though Jak doesn't know who he is just yet)

A row of plus signs is used to switch between Jak’s and Dax’s POVs, and a few asterisks indicate a scene break or change.

Okay, done. On with the story!

Previously:

See, Jak? It can get worse…much worse…than before…

My tormentor laughs, leaving the hateful bottle within me as he gathers his things and gets ready to leave. I only know the bottle is removed by the sickening pop it makes; only know the collar is released by the click next to my ear. My body has gone numb and I cannot move, even as the door opens and pale light shines down upon me from the outer hallway. The outside world; so close and yet so far….so far beyond my reach.

“Throw some clothes on him and bring him to the Hub,” I hear him say nonchalantly to the guards outside before the door slides shut and I am once more enclosed in darkness.

My only response is one tired, defeated cough. The outside world is so far away.



Chapter 6

Saving Grace

+++(POV: Jak)++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This time I do not resist as the callous guards drag my limp body down the steel corridor; it is flooded with the same harsh white fluorescence as always. Not even the slightest sound escapes my lips as galvanized Precursor metal encircles my wrists and ankles in a familiar embrace. And I do believe the blurred figures surrounding me must think me dead, for I cannot move save for the feeble attempts at breath my body forces itself to make.

Every muscle, every minute cell of my body refuses to respond save for that final, instinctual attempt at survival; every fiber of my being is frozen as I lie here. Not even the harsh coldness of the contraption I am shackled to can penetrate my skin. Unfortunately this sensation is not a new one as I do believe my body goes into a semi-comatose state to deal with the pain.

“But not the pain of what has been, but what soon will become reality. The moment that monster flips the switch to activate the electricity, all sensation will return full force…”

As I lie in wait, I slowly become aware of the thick, sticky film of moisture across every inch of my body and realize that I’m oozing out excess Eco. My mind reels from the terrible fact that this time will be different, but in a way even I may be unable to bear.

“Precursors, that bastard went too far…”

My mind desperately wills my body to move and find a way to break free of my restraints as panic beats a thundering cadence within my chest.

“This Eco’s gonna sear the outer layer of my skin just like the Eco still trapped within me takes care of my insides…once he flips that switch.”

I only know I've bitten my lip when a dribble of coppery, Eco-laced blood slides back along my tongue, "Shit, this isn't good."

I didn't think things could get any worse until this moment…and when I hear that familiar, dreadful 'click' as the machine whirrs to life, I know things are about to go far beyond any hell I've experienced so far.

Within seconds the numbness dissolves into burning pain as my body spasms and tenses. My back arches with the full force of the impact as the liquid Eco ignites into searing purple electricity which flashes in the air around me. I don't hold in my screams anymore as the excess Eco coating my flesh reaches boiling point; resistance is pointless. Why even bother when there’s nothing left of me anyway…

I let each animalistic cry of pure anguish tear from my throat as the agony intensifies into something I can't even begin to give a justifiable description to. It rips through my battered figure; an experience which goes far beyond anything I can call upon from the shredded remains of my sanity.

Here, the pain doesn't end. There is no death. No release. Nothing. I burn alive for hours and hours of excruciating suffering, but do not die.

I…can't die I guess, though I have yet to figure out why. A physical body can only take so much and mine hasn't given out yet, though every natural, rational aspect of humanity would prove otherwise.

”It’s like they say Jak. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

For once I do not argue with the darkness...I’m too tired of all this to argue. I can hear myself wailing in agony, I can feel my lungs and throat burn with my tortured sobs…but it is far away. The pain is near; horribly near as the Eco screams through my convulsing form but my voice, like the outside world, has become so far away. My vision is blurred from the purple streaked tears streaming reflexively from my eyes. Even the tears are scorching hot, and I can't help but wonder at the fact my eyes have not yet melted within their sockets.

“Precursors, I can't take anymore!”

Not now…not like this…my thoughts are so disjointed….fading…replaced by the single hope that it will all be over soon…

+++(POV: Daxter)+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


A hard lump blossoms within my throat as the torturous screams spiral downwards from the large room high above. Gritting my teeth in determination, I throw the bundle of cloth onto the small transport platform and scramble up after it.


“Precursors, what are they doing to you?


At least I know he’s there, but it doesn’t seem like he will last much longer…and to be a prisoner for so long in a place such as this, I would not be surprised if I find myself in the hands of a madman instead of a loved one. My heart is thundering within my small chest but I press on, slapping the button determinately and smiling in grim satisfaction as the transport unit whirrs to life. As long as I can get you on this thing, we can use it to exit the facility.

I feel my stomach flutter as the transporter begins its dizzying climb past countless cages and I close my eyes, ignoring the answering howls of their tortured inhabitants and focusing on the source of the deafening uproar.



I swallow back the troublesome lump at the thought that after this moment, we’ll be together again. And even if I die in the process of busting him out of here…if I can die in his arms, that will be enough.

A few levels below the deadly platform, I halt the rickety ride and conceal it underneath an inconspicuous overhang. When the screams subside and those who I know are monitoring him leave the room, I’ll make my move. It takes all of my willpower to remain put as I grit my teeth against his tortured cries of agony.

“I’m no good to him dead. It’ll be over soon enough.”

I’ve never really been a man…ottsel…eh, whatever…of faith before but…Precursors, please…keep him alive just a little longer.

+++(POV: Jak)++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Hope has faded far away by the time the machine emits one final, merciful click and the excruciating process is over. My body goes limp and I collapse, unable to do anything but gasp for air as my body slowly settles into its familiar dull throb of pain that never quite goes away.

Voices filter through the ringing of my ears and I feel rough hands tugging at my hair as my head is slightly lifted upward and then just as unceremoniously dropped back upon the metal headrest. My head begins to pound dully and beat in time with the throb of my abused muscles. I can hear two distinct tones, who I know to be the Baron and Errol, but they are quite muffled and right now my Eco-saturated brain can't quite make out the words. Instead I hear pure emotions and judging by the anger, impatience, and even a trace of spite for each other I can make out, neither one is very pleased with what they see.

If I wasn't so weak, I would have laughed at that. Laughed because they weren't getting what they wanted. My momentary satisfaction is shattered, however, when I feel longer, thinner…and frighteningly familiar….fingers thread through my hair this time and once again my head is lifted off the metal headrest and four small words somehow ring clear and tauntingly through my ears, "I'll be back later."

It’s amazing how a few simple words can fill me with such dread…

Their footsteps retreat and I hear the main door of the chamber whirr shut behind them. Then there is nothing. Not a sound, save for the endless creaking of the prison crates above me. I feel my senses begin to slip away again as the blackness before my closed eyes becomes even darker, if such a thing is possible, than before.

I can feel myself slipping into unconsciousness; a blessed, blessed state of no pain and no memory of the horror I'm forced to endure daily. Further into the blackness I slip, away from the Central Hub and the hated creatures within it. Yes, I am almost there…and maybe this time I'll be lucky enough to remain within the darkness; to become a creature of this earth no more…let me die…release me from this pain…

Suddenly, a soft weight presses against my chest; heavy enough to bring me out of the darkness. For one second my eyes flutter open, and through the purple tint still clouding my vision I see a flash of orange before me.

"No...He can't be…can't be back already," I feel the all-too-familiar panic grip my heart as I dread what is to come. He said he'd be back and damn it he always keeps his promises. I just didn't think it was to be this soon.

"He was just here! Why? Why come back now?"

"You know why, Jak. You're just too afraid to say it."

"No! Precursors, No! I can't take this!"

"Let me out."

"NO!"

"Why? What else is there to lose? They're going to kill you anyway. Let go of your rage, your hatred for them. Let me out and I'll make them pay."

He…It…whatever that presence is…is right. I finally allow myself to admit it; there is nothing left and the fact that Errol has returned proves it. I won't be saved now and I've failed. He'll have his way with me again…and again…and again; a vicious cycle supplemented by the cursed Dark Eco. It's been such a long and painful journey and I’m sure I've lasted far longer than anyone else possibly could in my situation.

I've tried to survive, struggled to live, but I don't think I can do this anymore.

No…I know I can't do this anymore.

"I'm so sorry, Dax. I've failed to survive…"

The darkness within beckons again and with one final sigh…I give in. Give in to the hate and the rage; give in to everything I've kept inside since Precursors know how long.

"Please forgive me Daxter, but I just can't fight anymore."

Almost immediately I can feel a new power flow within me; something so horrifying and yet so intoxicating that I bask in the knowledge of what I am now capable of. The power I can wield with the darkness inside. The throbbing pain ebbs away as new strength flows through my veins and seeps into my muscles. I finally have the strength and power to kill them all, and I’ll start with Errol.

"I'm going to KILL YOU, ERROL! And then…"
My mouth opens as pure, unhindered rage blossoms within me. I hear a snarl that isn't quite human tear from my throat,

"I'm gonna KILL PRAXIS!"

"I’m gonna kill them all for what they've done..but you first Errol. I'm gonna make you pay for everything. You'll suffer! Oh, how you'll suffer!"

Another roar rips from my throat as I force my body up, shattering the restraints as if they were made of brittle glass. I stand triumphantly upon the platform, grinning in satisfaction as I hear Errol cry out in surprise and see him roll off the chair and on to the ground. I can smell the thick, deathlike scent of the Dark Eco which crackles around my body as I jump down after him and focus on the blur of his orange hair so far below. I laugh because it is now he who kneels in fear before me.

"Heh, are you that weak, Errol? Or do you cower in fear because I've grown stronger than you'd ever imagined?"

But something seems…wrong. I can't place it, but…wait. There is only...Orange. Nothing but a small bundle of orange...fur? For one brief moment, the purple haze before my eyes lifts and I blink, catching a glimpse of wide blue eyes….blue…not gold…they aren't Errol’s eyes….

"It's a trick like last time. Don’t be fooled!” the purple haze clouds my vision again as the darkness calls within me, but that moment of clarity causes doubt to creep into my heart.

"Did I just see..?"

"Why do I hesitate?"

"ARGH! What is this…What am I… doing…?"

"You called me and I came. Now LET ME FINISH HIM!"

"NO! WAIT!"

But my body no longer responds to my commands. I can only look on in horror as my hand stretches out. I know it's my hand; I can feel the fingers flex, the knuckles pop as reach toward my enemy. But this hand is…dead. A pale, white hand with long, razor sharp claws glittering dangerously as I reach forward.

No, not reaching…this is an attack.

"Jak!"

That voice…I know that voice….a voice I haven't heard in so long …so very long…

“STOP!"

"Too late; he's mine now…"

The bundle of fur shrieks in fear. I've heard that scream before…the same shriek as…

"…as the day he fell into the Dark Eco! DAX!"

But my body still won't respond. This…thing…is lost to reason, so I must fight. Fight to regain control as my clawed hand reaches ever closer to my best friend. If I can't regain control he will die and I'll lose everything I've fought to survive for…

I concentrate, reaching deep within my heart and clutching the doubt brought upon by his blue eyes. I use the memory of their wide sapphire depths to focus and search deep within my soul for the suppressed part of me that is still pure from before…before all of this. Daxter's eyes, framed by his face as he looked at me while the sun set into the sparkling cerulean waters surrounding the lush tropical paradise of Sandover. I can feel the breeze from the ocean brush my face and whip through my hair as his eyes soften and the corners of his mouth turn up into a loving smile.

"Daxter…"

I concentrate on this long suppressed memory, focusing on the past and willing it to grow within my mind. I can feel the darkness slowly dissipate and I redouble my efforts…

"Me….pal…Dax…"

The sound of his voice is enough to clear the last wisps of darkness from my mind and I watch in relief as the skin on my hand flushes with color and life while the deadly claws retract back to normal fingernails. My vision clears and I can now see him clearly before me.

"Daxter?" I whisper, barely able to breathe and still shaking from what I almost did…what I almost lost…

"Oh Daxter," physically and emotionally exhausted, I feel my knees buckle and I slump to the ground as my arm reaches out. I am so desperate to touch him and yet so afraid for what if he vanishes like he had so many times before and my fingers meet only air?

I can hear my heart pounding in my ear; his eyes widen as he hesitatingly takes a step forward. For a moment we stare at each other in silence, until…

"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!"

"He spoke. My hallucinations never speak…that means…"

"Jak? You okay, buddy?"

He now stands right in front of me and I felt his soft, tiny paw rest upon my outstretched fingers. Solid. Real. Something that won't go away when I blink.

"Dax," I whisper as the tears flow freely down my face. I just can't stop them. Because he's real…because he didn't forget about me and he's come back to me. I reach out and pull him against my chest, so warm and soft…and I feel safe again. We're together again and I feel safe for the first time in years.

I have Daxter back…for real this time…and that makes everything better. Not perfect, things can never be the same for me after what I've been through, but just knowing that he's here in my arms is enough to soothe my aching heart.

“Oh Precursors, Dax. I’ve missed you so much.”

I don't want to let go; I can't let go. The one I hold most dear has come back to me…but the moment is broken when he pushes against my chest with his small paws.

"Believe me, buddy, I'm enjoying this as much as you, but it is definitely not the time for a snuggle fest. We've got to get you out of here."

He's right but I still don’t want to let go...it's too soon and I'm still worried that if I do let go, he will vanish…

It's crazy…he'll think I'm crazy…but I must ask him, "You---you won't vanish…will you?" I pull him away from my chest and gaze into his beautiful blue eyes as I speak.

"…Jak," he tilts his head to one side, "whadda'ya talking about?” Before I can answer he gently taps my forehead with a tiny fist, “Guess this place really did make ya one Lurker short of a herd, eh?”

"I…nothing…"

"Okaaaay, buddy, try not to get too freaky on me here. Now," he leaps out of my arms and walks over to a small bundle laying on the floor to my left, "I gathered these for ya. Put 'em on; then we'll get outta here."

He pushes the clothes to me and I look down, the glint of silver immediately catching my eye. With trembling hands, I reach forward and my fingers brush…them.

"You…found them? They're actually mine?"

"Yup, they’re yours. The same goggles the old booger gave you. I had a helluva time finding them, but," I can see he glances nervously at the door, "we can discuss that later."

I nod; there’s no need to ask why he's acting so edgy. We're not out of the woods until we get out of here. Quickly I tug off the ragged pants of my prison outfit and pull on the clean, cream colored trousers, and then cover my feet with a pair of new boots. It feels a bit odd for one who's spent his entire life basically barefoot to be so confined by such a combination of brushed metal and leather. Although, judging from the harsh metallic interior of the prison, I know I'll be better off with them. I hesitate for a moment before tugging the worn, dirty shirt off of my head, knowing and dreading what he'll see because he shouldn't have to. I hear him gasp and I feel his eyes upon me, glancing over every bruise, every gash and gouge; the faint white line of every healed scar crisscrossed with wounds not yet healed. My upper body is a testimony to the past two years I've spent in prison; I'm just glad that we're facing each other and he can't see how much worse my back is.

"What did they do to you?" his voice shakes as he whispers, betraying the shock and sadness he must be feeling.

I lower my eyes to meet his gaze and for a few precious moments we sit, unmoving. I don't say a word, but words aren't necessary for two people who never really needed to speak to truly understand each other. He can see it in my eyes and I can see it in his; the trials and hardships that have taken a toll on each other’s body and mind.

Finally, he nods in understanding, "Just about ready to blow this popsicle stand, Jak?"

"Almost," I nod, reaching for the soft blue shirt and pulling it over my shoulders, enjoying the feel of the smooth clean fabric against my skin. The cuts sting slightly, but it’s nothing I can’t handle and besides, my prison garb was far worse. I make short work of the leather pack, fastening the thick straps across my chest with a metal ring and attach the single shoulder plate to my new tunic…like I once wore them…long ago. After tugging the fingerless gloves in place, I lovingly straighten my old goggles on my head. Giving one final nod, I get to my feet.

Daxter immediately jumps on my shoulder and I feel…whole again. Though things never will be the same, one thing will always remain consistent, and that is the fact that Daxter and I are one.

I reach up and rub his head fondly because I know he hates it.

"Whoa, watch the hair, buddy. Don't think that just because I'm smaller than you, I can't kick some serious ass with this beautiful bod."

I crack a small half smile, the first real smile I've made in what seems like an eternity.

"Lead the way, Dax. Let's get outta here."

~To be continued! For real this time…once again hope you liked it and thanks for reading!~


Review Replies!

Null: thank you for commenting again and for the lovely compliemts! Yes, yes for shame on the punctuation errors; I’ll try to do better next time! XD I must go back and find those one day….

Kaybrianna: I really don’t know where to begin…thank you so much for so many comments! And for giving critique on each chapter. I am so flattered by your praise, I really can’t thank you enough! In regards to Daxter talking to himself, I really didn’t notice just how many times I did that! I think that since Daxter tends to talk so much during the series, filling the silence with his own voice would be his way of dealing with being all alone, but yah it does seem a little bit much when I go back and read it.

I’m afraid there will be more hardships and pain for our boys (because this story has emerged from the more twisted depths of my brain, lol) but yup, definitely a happy ending somewhere down the line. And thank you for the compliment on the demented scenes; I always worry what people will think of them (and me, because I’d never wish stuff like that on anyone in real life) but I’m glad to hear that they are appreciated!

Married? But we just met XD Although a Spring wedding may be nice….I have to say, you have inflated my ego a bit, but it’s very much appreciated. Thanks again for taking the time to review each chapter and it was wonderful to read your reviews. I hope I can do the rest of this story proper justice but will do my best so you will continue to enjoy it! Thanks again!

Onissa-Chan:Thank you very much for reviewing; It’s great to hear that you like my story! I’d love to see the music video when you finish it. Let me know if you post it online!

Thanks again everyone! Until next time...