Chapter Text
Ashlyn leans back in her chair staring disbelieving at the nicely hand written letter that now lies open on her desk:
Dear Ashlyn Praxis, Governess of Haven City,
I, Forth by her place, Queen-Mother Kora of the Six Coastal Isles, as you humans call the Metal Head Islands (which, mind you, is quite offensive as "Metal Heads" are my lesser cousins), wish to first congratulated your victory in both wars. The disposition my kind has placed upon you and kindred alike are less than ideal. You have our, the six rulers of the Six Coastal Isles, sincerest apologies for my kinds' inaction.
Kor was my brother, however, my sibling has long been banished from our lands as he no longer honored Mar's truce as we did. The truce, which has long been unspoken and carried out only amongst your people's royalty, now has been unfortunately null and void since the removal of Mar's last descendants, particularly Damas Mar. His death, too, is an unfortunate matter as from what I currently understand his son, the last remaining heir, proceeds to be absent. I say "absent" because I am well aware of the farce you have announced to the public. I say all of this for a new predicament has arose.
Elder Valr will soon be calling a gathering of all hive mothers and male leaders determining whether or not you're fit to continue what Mar's legacy has left behind. Therefore, you and your people will be judge unless you can appeal to Elder Valr into staying his hand. Mar was an old friend of mine, a "colleague" as you humans would say, and it would break my hearts to see his dream become ashes.
Attached to this letter is a holo. I advise to take a thorough look before you proceed with any other plans.
I wish you the best of luck Governess,
Queen-Mother Kora
Ashlyn doesn't know how many times she reread the letter and flicked her eyes over to glance at the plated holo board. It was an early model, thick and heavy, yet sturdy enough not to be broken from a single drop on the ground like today's models. Either the proclaimed Metal Head queen only had outdated technology at her disposal or a precautionary action on her part. Probably both, being a Metal Head and all. Just it being there made Ashlyn nervous with her stomach ready to drop at the confirmation that yes, this is real.
She has to tell Torn first. Self admittedly she was a coward like that, unable to handle bad news on her own without someone feeling remotely the same. She'll need his advice anyway for the shit storm that's about to rock them hard. A lingering thought goes through her head as she reaches for her communicator and makes the first call out of many...
There's more than one Metal Head leader.
Ashlyn had called them all to Freedom HQ with Onin and Pecker being the first to arrive and Sig being the last as he had to leave someone temporarily in charge as Spargus' king stepped out. They all stand around the holo table, Jak and Daxter had walked in with Kiera and Tess. Their respected leaders at the forefront to make their announcement.
Torn calls out, "Vin, I need you to pull up the hologram."
"Sure thing." Vin said from cyberspace and up pops a holographic display of a Metal Head.
Everyone stares, confused.
Daxter crosses his arms, "Uh, why are we lookin' at the ol' Metal Head leader? He's dead remember."
Ashlyn answers, "This is Kor's sister, Kora."
Jak questions, "Kor has a sister?"
"Let me guess," Daxter complains, "he has a mom, dad, brothers, sisters, and a crap ton of KIDS!"
Kiera looks around the group, "The world barely got eco back and now they want to start another war? That's insane!"
"I have to agree." Samos says, "War is the last thing we need. Both us and the Metal Heads."
Sig shakes his head, "I hate to say it, but our asses are hangin' in the wind. If they get the jump on us, we're done for."
Torn quickly clarifies, "We're not at war. This," he takes out the letter and hands it to Sig, "is them reaching out to us. Along with the holo data we received."
Ashlyn leans against the holo table, "As much as I want to shoot first and ask no questions, we have to use a diplomatic approach. We won't be striking a deal like the Baron, but create an open discussion for peace. Even if it's temporary. Luckily, we already have one Metal Head on our side, Queen-Mother Kora. She gave us enough information to prepare ourselves. Vin, cycle us through as I say out the names."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Queen-Mother Fyn." The hologram picture changes to a different Metal Head that looked more of a crocadog mixed with a Lurker shark. "Queen-Mother Zyx." The hologram changes to another Metal with three pairs of wings on a frog-like body. "Leader Keal." Changes again. "Leader Fel." It continues to change for each name, "Queen-Mother Myk. Leader Sylns. Queen-Mother Groz. Queen-Mother Dai. Leader Carter. And lastly, Leader Bobby. That's six metal Head queens and five male leaders exactly." A nervous look pass through her eyes. "Then...there's Elder Valr."
The hologram changes to a recording of an enormous creature moving gracefully around Precursor ruins. It's face is made of countless eyes with no mouth to be seen. It's skull gem releases energy like an eco well, framed and protected by a crown of overgrown horns. A thick glowing membrane covers from chin to belly, illuminating with a dark purple glow. It's metal plating protects it's whole body, shining like pure silver underneath the sun. Four arms grabs onto the towers to float between the two spires as tentacles propels it forward. The hologram creature then screeches, scaring off all the birds from the area. The beast was floating, not swimming, but flying without wings. The recording loops over into a replay...
Jak measures in his head the amount of power it takes for something so massive to stay in the sky. A chunk of his light eco reserves are quickly depleted with a simple transformation. A flap of his wings takes a smaller margin. Even Samos, The Green Sage, lost his ability to fly when Haven's forest had been reduced to a tenth of it's original size. And when the world was running out of eco, he had almost lost all of his abilities.
So what, in Mar's name, allowed such a creature to retain it's power?
"As the title goes, he's the oldest Metal Head to exist. His power alone places him as the Apex, the one who oversees all."
Tess asks, "So he's like the king of all Metal Heads."
Torn replies, "They're a bit touchy about that. To them, king's are humans with the strength to kill Metal Head Leaders. And the only king they recognize is Mar."
Kiera leans closer to the hologram, "How big is it?"
Vin answers, "It's estimated to be three hundred-
Ashlyn cuts him off, "It's the size of Haven City."
Everyone held a mixed of surprise and subtle despair. Daxter angrily huffs, "Well that's just great!"
After reading the letter, Sig passes it to Jak and whispers, "Better you read this. Just a heads up, you're not gonna like it." Jak takes the letter and quickly reads its contents.
"Things looks bleak, I know, but there's hope. Torn and I will be arranging a royal reception for Queen-Mother Kora. She'll be traveling with envoys representing each Metal Head Leader of the Six Coastal Isles-
Jak accusingly states, "Why does it sound like you already talked to her?"
Ashlyn shares a look with Torn before turning back to answer, "We did."
Torn defends, "It was my idea."
Jak then angrily waves the letter around, "And when were you going to tell me about this?" He doesn't fight when Kiera takes the letter from him and reads.
"Jak," she placates, "I respect your wishes in wanting a normal life. I still do, but we need you." She pleads with her eyes, "We need Mar."
Kiera huffs as she reads, "By the looks of it they're not interested in Jak. And what's this about a truce? I thought the Metal Heads attacking was the war." She passes the letter to her father.
Torn corrects her, "That was before we learned Kor was after the Precursor Stone. The second war was against Errol and the Dark Makers accounted with Veger's meddling. While you three were gone, we deciphered some of the Dark Makers' messages. Turns out they gave Errol the means to create his own Metal Head army then later," he shares a look with Sig, "earned the wasteland Metal Heads favor by feeding them civilians."
Sig gets the idea, "More meat means more Metal Heads. I'm not surprised with everything that was happening at the time, but sure's hell didn't account them tryin' to keep Damas in one spot."
It clicks in Jak's head, "They we're trying to stop him from activating the planetary defense systems, not me." He looks up a Sig, "I was never the target."
Sig places a hand on Jak's shoulder, "You did what could and you did what you thought was right. Don't blame yourself for what happened."
Jak nods, "I won't." He'll never tarnish Damas' memories -his father's memories like that.
Ashlyn continues, "The truce was an agreement of population and eco control. Basically, they're not allowed to attack anyone inside the city walls and everything outside is fair game."
Kiera's brow lifts in question, "Where does eco come into play?"
"I was hoping the Metal Head Queen would tell me."
Daxter crosses his arms, "So in other words, if shit hits the fan, Jak and I will be saving your butts again."
"I want things to end peacefully without any sides getting hurt. If shit does hit the fan, Jak only needs to reclaim the throne until things calm down."
Jak glares, "You make sound easy."
"That's because it is that easy. All you have to do is find a fancy chair, sit your butt on it, and look pretty. No pressure."
"I'm not an idiot, Ash."
"I'm not lying, Jak. You can comb over Mar's Treaty if you like, but that's exactly what it says."
Daxter tilts his head and unfolds his arms, "Well, if you put it that way, how hard can it be?"
Stars shine bright at the midnight hour. A black velvet filled with twinkling gems and jewels blankets over their world, reflecting off the ocean's black mirror surface. A sight that can truly be admired unhindered by mountains, trees, and smog where clouds and sea meet together far into an unknown horizon. Comforted by winds carrying the warmth of summer year around. Such a place exists, resting at the edge of the world.
The place known as The Brink.
An elderly man with a very long beard rests in his rocking chair, nursing a cup of hot tea. He gazes longingly up into the sky with silent thoughts. Below him, down the cliff side mountain, lies little of what's left of the Aeropan people. A population of little under five hundred rests after a hard day's work of construction, recreating their home with what little technology they have at their disposal. He's content, happy to see his people rebuild yet disappointed they still hold onto dark eco as it germinates into their being. However, after everything they've been through, he doesn't fear a repeat of the past as they all had learned their lesson. Including, especially those alike, himself.
"Stargazing again, Tym?" The person walks up from behind. "I'm amazed you can see out of those old frames."
Tym smiles as he fixes his precursorian spectacles on his face, "Not everyone chose to use dark eco, Duke Ruskin."
Duke Ruskin walks up to stand next to him, "For which I'm glad for. Night vision, I'm afraid, is not all as it's cracked up to be."
"Want some?" Tym tips his cup towards the large thermos sitting next to him on the end table. "There's plenty more to share."
"I appreciate the offer, but dark eco doesn't agree with natural herbs."
Tym chuckles, "Jak said the same thing. Poor boy couldn't drink a sip without feeling his stomach punching him in the head. Speaking of, how goes the search beyond the brink?"
Ruskin shakes his head, "There's nothing but ocean. Lady Keira believes the source of power lies deep under water, however we don't have the means to support them." He looks down at New Aeropa City. "We're busy enough as it is. Rebuilding takes time. The purification of dark eco," he looks at his pale colored hands and sighs, "even more so."
"Where they be?"
"They returned to Haven City, back to the main lands." He folds his hands behind his back, "I had the pleasure of speaking with their Governess over the holo. Trade has been negotiated and our borders are open in support of Lady Kiera's eco research. We have yet to discuss what goes into the expeditions and the following events if fate befalls her while under our care. It was only yesterday I found Lady Keira has the backing of three cities." He tiredly sighs, "Stress is bearing down on my nerves by just thinking of it."
"That girl sure is going places." Tym takes a sip of his tea.
"Indeed, her ambition shows."
"But that's not why you're here," he tilts his head, "is it?"
"I can never fool those eyes of yours." A silent moment passes between them. "Tym, tell me," Ruskin looks down at the man with accusing eyes, "how long have you known? About Jak..?"
Tym pulls at his beard, "Hm." He leans back in his rocking chair in thought, "I say...about a month after it all started."
Ruskin fully turns towards the scientist with a grimace, "And still you experimented on our people."
"I did. Take it however you like, in a way, I'm glad it was me." He looks down at his cup and then to the city, "When Phoenix came to me, I was skeptical. There's no way a human can channel dark eco, at least not without some sort of catalyst." He waves a finger, "One look was all it took and I knew something was... different." He looks up at Ruskin, "I figure you know by now."
Ruskin sighs, "I, at first, thought the young man wanted to keep things secret, or perhaps he was in denial. Looking back, it's clear he doesn't know, or within the least isn't fully aware."
Tym hums in thought, "I fear as much." He carelessly shrugs, "Oh well," he smiles into his cup, "nothing we can do about that." He takes another sip of his tea, and then points to the thermos next to him, "You sure you don't want some? It's chai."
Ruskin stares at the large canister and then chuckles with a shake of his head, "I suppose I can handle a little stomach ache." He takes a step closer to the end table, grabs the thermos, and pours himself a cup of tea. Just as he sets the thermos down, the Duke's communicator goes off. He answers, "This is Duke Ruskin. You may speak."
"My Duke, this is Captain Cerly, head of the defense unit of the Eco Core Research Division. I'm calling to report Doctor Kells spotted movement heading our way." Another person can be heard in the background. "Here sir, I'm passing this call to him now."
"Ah, yes, hello? -My Duke?"
"I am here."
"Yes, uh," the man nervously sputters, "the large energy line Lady Kiera went searching for, the one far beyond the brink. Well, um, it has disappeared."
"What?"
"It has disappeared, my Duke. Abnormal readings had spiked just seconds before it all went out. Signals are blaring -I can't make out the precursorian words, but I think whatever caused it is heading straight for Aeropa. It hasn't changed course and we estimate it'll be there by the hour."
A growing concern has Ruskin set his cup down, "Do we know what it is?"
"It's something big, my Lord, -huge, maybe the size of the city. By the precursors! The energy lines coming from beyond are being sucked dry! Everything is shutting down! Wait, what is that? Is -is that-? M-M-My Duke, I'm getting new readings and it seems the power system has a fail safe. It's closing off all the eco vents!" The sound of loud machinery can be heard in the background. "Ah.ah. Ah! The tower -the Eco Core is moving below ground! What do we do?!"
"You stay there and record all the information you can. Captain Cerly, protect the research division. If you don't hear word from me after the hour, evacuate and retreat far away from here. Get a message to Haven City if you can. Tell Lady Keira of what happened here."
"My Duke-?!"
"Yessir!"
Ruskin quickly hangs up and makes another call. The line rings too long for his liking and he begins to pace. He quickly hangs up and calls again...
Tym rushes up to his side, "Ruskin, if the Eco Core power system has a inbuilt fail safe, it means this has happened before. What's coming is clearly something the Precursors couldn't stop it."
He opens his mouth to reply but the line finally answers-
"Commander Styx at your service, my Duke." The man answered.
"Commander, have the city evacuated immediately! There's an unknown threat heading for Aeropa and I want every soldier standing at the ready!"
"What of you, sir? Shall I send a unit?"
"No. Prioritize scientists and their families first. Leave material belongings behind. Have the people steal away whatever food and provisions they can find. I'll be leaving with Tym." He checks the time, "It must done in ten minutes! That's an order!"
"Right away, sir! YOU HEARD THE DUKE! GET YOUR SORRY ASSES TO IT!" The connection cuts.
He turns around, "Tym, we must- Tym?" Ruskin sees the old man standing still at the edge of the cliff, looking up to the sky. "Tym?" He walks up to the man, placing a hand on his shoulder, "Tym, what's wrong?"
"The stars..." He shakily points his finger, "The stars..!"
Ruskin looks out beyond the horizon. He sees the stars disappearing in the wave of a darker shadow encompassing the sky. Around them the air quickly becomes stagnant as winds fade away. All life on the island abruptly goes silent. The unexpected freezing cold air brings about a shiver, burrowing deep into the skin as a simple exhale forms a thick fog. It is when their world's white noise, the ocean and endless waterfalls, becomes all they hear that an ominous feeling wells up inside him.
A tingle rises up his spine, snapping Ruskin back into focus and motivates him to move for his life. He hastily grabs the old man by the arm, "Tym, we need to move. We need to leave now, Tym!"
"Don't you see it? The void. The void is coming."
"What?"
"It's eating the stars. It's eating the eco...in the air...the sea... everything in it's way. It eat but can never be filled."
Ruskin grabs him by the chin, "Listen to me. This is no time for hysterics. I need you to pull yourself together, grab what you can, and leave."
All the lights go out, tossing the city into pitch darkness. The screams of terror fills the night as their world grows darker. Then a feeling, so innate, it has him petrified in fear.
His hair stands on end as a cold sweat breaks from his brow. There was a presence in the darkness far, far from his nightly sight. He doesn't know what it is or where, yet he can see it's eyes bearing down on him. He can hear it edging closer without sound. His hands shake, vibrating, feeling it's intangible claws tear into his skin. It wants to eat him. He doesn't know how he can tell but it speaks in silence.
Four symmetrical stars blinks into existence. The sky slowly cracks open with a bone chilling growl. It eats him-!
"AAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaah...!"
Tym jumps in shock at the Duke's soul tearing scream. He can see in the darkness, firecrackers a millionth of it's size goes off in random bursts of purple hues accompanied by the smell of fresh blood; it tastes of strong metal, like the dead dark warriors left behind in Jak's wake. Soon those lights outlines the Duke's entire body. The dark eco forces itself out and lifts into the air as if it was made of steam. With it, the dark eco takes the Duke's very being. Skin peels away to muscle, to sinew, to organs, to bones, until all that was left is the burnt remains of Duke Ruskin's attire.
With his eyes, he follows the last of the light all the way up to the four symmetrical stars in the sky. The Duke's light joins hundreds of others and conjoins into a steady stream of dark eco into the gaping maw of the void. The dark light gives away the outer lining of it's body. What he sees has his mouth drop open and stepping away in cold fear.
The void eats the last of the dark eco, closing the crack in the sky. The four symmetrical stars move away in unison then blinks out of existence.
The world snaps back to normal as a familiar ambiance lulls his mind to a calm. The ocean waves move, lapping the shores. The animals awaken the night with their chatter. And finally, the winds blow all around, bringing forth the soothing summer winds once again.
Tym covers his face with his hands, falls to his knees, and weeps.
Aeropa, still, was too silent.