Dreadzone: Final Cut Chapter 13: The Holy Assult, a Jak and Daxter + Ratchet and Clank Crossover fanfic

Chapter 13

The Holy Assault

"The Temple of Shaar" said Clank

"Shaar?" replied Ratchet

"Yes, it is a temple created by a forgotten race to an unknown god." said clank

"And we have to assault it?" said Jak. "That sounds like we would be bucking for a lighting bolt to come out of the sky to fry us."

"I would disagree." said Clank. "The chances of a lighting bolt striking one of us in the weather we will be doing combat in is one thousand two,"

"Never mind Clank" said Ratchet.

Team Darkstar had been loaded onto the sausage-like ship some days ago, not told ware they were going. Clank had said it was likely that they were being moved so they wouldn't take advantage of the chaotic situation at the Dreadstation. It was all the same to Ratchet, he had an itch on his trigger finger he had not been able to properly scratch in the arena.

Clank continued as the data was transmitted to him. "Shaar is an ice planet, the entire surface is covered with solid ice 1/3 of a mile thick. And is known as a good source of raretanium."

"Come on Clank we want battle specks not a travel guide." said Jak

Clank cleared his throat in irritation. "The Temple consists of three hollowed out pyramids, a large central one and two smaller ones on the north and south sides. It is surrounded by a wall with two entrances. There also seems to be some data on some lower levels but it is minimal. It is speculated it was residence to the monks that once lived there."

"Does it say anything about our objective?" said Ratchet

"No, but I'm informed it will be given to us when we land like usual."

A loud snore broke up the meeting. Daxter had fallen asleep somewhere around 'The Temple of Shaar.'

"Daxter!" barked Jak

"WHAT?! HUH? I swear it wasn't me who stole Keira's underwear this time!"

Everyone stopped and stared at the confused Ottsel.

"What?" said Ratchet dumbfounded.

"Er, uh, nothing just a...er dream. Yea." said Daxter

"You're supposed to be paying attention to the battle plan Daxter." said Jak, annoyed.

"What for? The battle plan is always the same. See a striker, shoot the striker, don't die. Piece of cake." said Daxter with a yawn

"Easy for you to say, you haven't even done anything to help in the battles accept be a nuisance." said Ratchet.

"Yeah?! Well what about the toaster you carry around on your back? I don't see him shooting down dropships or blasting any executioners either." Replied Daxter obviously a bit miffed.

"I provide strategic and diagnostic data to Ratchet on and off the battlefield. I also have the functions of assisting with maneuverability as well as functionality by providing a carrying space for our gear." said Clank.

Daxter stared at him a moment. "Huh?"

"He is our field analyzer, and Ratchet's rocket pack slash backpack." said Jak

"Well I...that is. I can, er..." said Daxter stammering

"Spout goofy insults to the enemies? Yea, we've noticed." said Ratchet.

"All right enough." said Jak. "We don't need to start a fight, before the real fight begins.

"Indeed." said Clank trying to calm down a bit. "We are not each others enemies. We will save our frustration for them."

Daxter sat down with a huff mumbling under his breath.

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The ship rattled with the turbulence of re-entry to what the team supposed was Shaar.

"Current temperature on shaar is -23 degrees, snow is falling in the battle zone, wind is below 2mph with gusts of 5mph." said Clank on Ratchet's back.

"Negative 23!" said Daxter. "Oh, I'm gonna freeze."

"He has a point Ratchet." said Jak. "We have climate controlled suits, all Daxter has is that mini helmet Al made for him."

"Well have to tough it out for now." said Ratchet. "Perhaps we can find a vehicle to use or a building for us to operate out of."

"I could store him in my compartment." said Clank. "It is moderately warm there."

Daxter twitched, "In your stomach? No, thanks. I'll take my chances with the cold."

A small click warned that the drop doors were about to open. The team landed on there feet for once and were instantly up and assessing there surroundings. The landscape was barren and incredibly white. Jak and Ratchet would be easily spotted if not for the snow that was falling there green armor a splash of color on the empty white landscape. Realizing this Ratchet fell down in the snow pulling Jak down with him. They stayed still for a moment then Ratchet's quick select beeped and lit up with their objectives.

-Infiltrate the Temple of Shaar.

-Locate the entrance to the lower levels.

-Acquire the Artifact.

"Ok we have our mission. Clank, what's our heading?" said Ratchet closing the holo screen.

"My sensors indicate a power fluctuation to the Northeast. I would advise we head in that direction."

"Ok stay low, and keep sharp." said Ratchet and got up. Jak did the same, and they headed off at a slow pace crouching low to the ground.

Soon they could see blue lights off in the distance illuminating the falling snow. Clank said this was the source of the power fluctuation. They moved in closer and could make out the vague silhouette of the pyramids. Jak took out his fusion Riffle, as he had learned was the name of the gun to have injured him, and tried to get a better look, but the snow made it impossible.

"I can't see anything," he reported. "Let alone get a shot."

"Ok. Clank, how long until night fall?"

"Approximately 3 hours Galactic standard time." replied the little robot from his back.

"Ok, we'll wait until night and..." began Ratchet.

"Ratchet, Daxter won't last that long." said Jak.

The lombax looked at the tiny furry creature who was already shivering hard and had some ice caked on his body in places.

"Right, ok." Said Ratchet trying to think.

"Ratchet, I think the only way to secure a warm place would be to capture a vehicle from the strikers." said Clank

Ratchet sighed. It would not be an easy task. To destroy a vehicle was one thing, but to capture one, intact while it was in operation was quite another.

"Any ideas on how we can do that?" said Jak. He seemed to be thinking the same thing.

"Yes, if Ratchet and I can get close enough we can disable the weapons system and perhaps over ride the cock pit lock system. But that would require a..."

"Distraction." finished Jak with a knowing sigh. "All right, let's see if we can find one before I have to carry an Ottsel popsicle."

The team moved out to the west at a low crouch, scanning what could be seen as best they could so they wouldn't be caught unawares. The cold seemed to have numbed Daxter's sense of humor a bit and he sat, shivering on Jak's shoulder, for once in his like, thinking.

"Jak," said Daxter

"Yeah?" he replied.

"You don't really think I'm useless do you?" he said with sincerity.

Jak was a bit taken aback by the comment and stopped to look at his partner. It was true that Daxter really didn't do much to help out. He was too small to handle a gun, and didn't have the scanners and know-how of Clank, but he did provide something else...

"No, I don't think so. You're the spirit of the team Dax. You keep us all sane by driving us insane." Jak forced a small chuckle but Daxter didn't seem convinced. "And if it wasn't for you, I would have died a long time ago back in Beren Praxtus's lab. You saved me then when know one else even believed I was alive."

Daxter smiled slightly and shivered more. He knew he was hindering the mission and putting his friends at risk by making them move and take on this task, but Jak's words were a bit comforting.

Ratchet called for a halt and crouched low to the ground. He motioned to Jak that he had seen movement. Now that he was listening Jak could hear the motorized wine and clank of a Stalker Tank. Ratchet motioned for Jak to move up and provide the distraction. Jak nodded and walked forward. He took out his Magma Cannon raising it, ready to fire. The tank was moving past them towards the complex. Jak fire once at the machine knowing his gun would do nothing to the armored behemoth. The tank stopped and turned its turret towards him. It seemed to think a moment, then the gatlin guns started to spin. Jak sprang into action strafing the monster to turn its attention away from Ratchet and Clank.

"Holy Toledo!" yelled Daxter as one of the plasma bolts whizzed past his head. "You wanna get a bit closer Jak? My head's still attached!" Jak ignored Daxter's comment. Jumping and flipping to avoid the Tanks fire proved to be a bit more challenging that Jak had supposed. Several bolts flew past him burning melt holes in the ice directly behind him. Finally one found its mark and blasted Jak off his feet. A smoking hole opened in the stomach area of his armor. Jak was sure he should be dead, but his life had been saved by Al's armor. The wind had been knocked out of him but he was no worse for ware. Then he heard the dreaded sound of the mortar launchers charging up. Daxter was on Jak's chest trying to get him to move, but his body wouldn't obey. Then just as he was sure the mortars were going to fire they powered down.

Jak looked up and saw the tank had been shut down just in time by Ratchet and Clank. Ratchet ran over to Jak and kneeled down next to him.

"You ok?" he said.

"Yea," coughed Jak. "I'm ok, just had the wind knocked out of me." Ratchet helped Jak to his feet. "Remind me to thank Al when we get back." he said examining the smoldering hole in the armor. It had not gone all the way through, but had it not been for the thermal plating the heat alone would have killed him.

"I'm glad your ok and all." said Daxter. "But I seriously think I'm gonna loose my tail if I stay out hear much longer.

With that the trio walked back to the offline tank.

"Ware's Clank?" said Jak.

"Still working on the lock for the cockpit. The whole tank is automated so it may take a moment." Said Ratchet. Then, as if on cue, the two doors of the tank clicked and hissed, then opened up. Clank's head came over from behind the tank.

"Finished." he said.

"Good work Clank" replied Ratchet. Clank released himself from the tank and promptly fell in the snow, which instantly covered over his head. Ratchet rolled his eyes and dug the small robot out. Meanwhile Jak hoisted Daxter up into the driver's seat.

"Ok, stay here Daxter, and don't touch anything."

"But I..." began Daxter.

"No Dax. We need you to stay hear and keep warm. That's the best way you can help us right now."

Daxter instantly recognized the patronization but sat down with his arms crossed then pushed the button to close the door.

With Daxter in a warm safe place Ratchet, Clank and Jak returned to there position outside the Temple of Shaar. Jak and Ratchet decided to burry themselves in the snow to make them less visible, only there heads stuck out and in the case of Jak so did the barrel of his Fusion Rifle. Clank was completely blind under the snow, but did his best to keep scanning for possible dangers. Finally it became dark enough that Ratchet decided it was ok to move forward. The snow continued to fall, helping to mask there approach. Then when Jak could see the complex clearly through is scope they stopped.

"Ok, Jak see if you can find a hill or something to post on so you can make some shots. Clank and I will see if we can find a way inside." said Ratchet. Jak nodded and looked around. Finding a good sized hill he moved to it.

Ratchet and Clank headed towards the outer wall.

Daxter sat in the driver seat, letting the tank's heater bring his temperature back to normal. The seat was a bit wet from the melted ice off his fur. Daxter was starting to get back to himself and began to wonder how the tank was operated. He chose a harmless looking button that was lit up with a blue light. He pushed it and the radio turned on. It was tuned into a talk station with some guy named Lim Rushball complaining about the status of the galactic government. Daxter made a face and tried to find the tuning button. He did and was able to find a hard rock station that came in all right. Now with some good music on he began to explore the control panel a bit more.

He knew the buttons on the steering wheal were used to fire the gattling guns and thought about trying them out, but decided against it. It might give away his position. He noticed a small pedal on the floor. He knew that the steering wheal controlled the forward momentum of the tank, so what could the pedal be for? He decided to find out. Climbing out of the seat and onto the floor he push on it, but it wouldn't move. He stepped back and rolling up imaginary sleeves jumped on the stubborn thing. Suddenly the world leaped and forced him onto the floor face first. Then with a small boom and a jerk it stopped. Daxter had found the jump pedal.

He shook his head to clear it and got back to his feet. He climbed back onto the seat and began to push more buttons. He found the scanner, its settings and the outer cameras. The fuel dump (that he turned off quickly), the leg tension selector and the turret speed settings. Once he had tried all the buttons twice, (including the fuel dump by accident) he decided to try and drive it. He activated the front camera since he couldn't see over the dash and stood up on the edge of the seat so he could reach the steering wheal. He pushed it forward slightly and the tank lurched forward a bit. He adjusted the leg tension and pushed forward again. This time the tank moved forward smoothly with resounding slams of the legs.

"All right!" said Daxter.

Jak got to the top of the hill and began to burry himself in snow again. Then he took aim with his rifle at the DZ Strikers on the wall. He say that they were wearing the same green colored armor that Ratchet and himself had been given and knew that only head shots would kill them in a single blast. He steadied his shot and fired.

A loud crack filled the air as Ratchet approached the outer wall and knew Jak was watching his back. He looked around the outer area and noted the two yellow force fields blocking the two entrances through the wall. He also noticed the two bolt cranks on either side of the area. One was guarded by about 12 DZ strikers and an executioner. The other was guarded by a stalker turret.

"Looks like its time to test out my new B-6 Obliterator." Ratchet said and took the weapon out. He clicked his boots together to clear the snow off the bottom. This would have to be a fast attack. He leaped forward and activated his charge boots. They propelled him forward at alarming speed. The DZ strikers saw him coming and though he was a missile at first then just as they worked out what was going on it was too late.

"Hay junk brains! CATCH!" said Ratchet as he fire the highly explosive package. It landed in the middle of the group just as he had aimed for. The DZ strikers were blown to bits, but the Executioner was only knocked down. Just as Ratchet was ready to fire another shot a loud crack filled the air and the Executioner's head exploded. Its body swayed a bit then fell over.

"Nice shot Jak." said Ratchet.

"More where that came from." replied Jak over the com link and more cracks filled the air as he cleared the wall.

Ratchet was in the heat of things now. Several of the DZ strikers from the other side of the wall had heard the commotion and were using jet packs to get over the wall. Ratchet opened fire on them with his Dual Raptors. There new armor turned some of his shots away without effort but with some extra helpings of plasma he was able to take some down. Jak's rifle took care of the rest.

"Ratchet! The Stalker turret!" said Clank. Ratchet flipped around to see several mortar shots coming strait for him. He yelped and dove out of the way. The shots missed for the most part, but Ratchet had still been caught in the blast and was hurled head over heels through the air. His head rang and a loud piercing whine filled his ears. Faintly he could hear Jak saying something over the com link. Then as his head cleared he could hear Clank talking as well.

"Ratchet! RATCHET! It recharging for another volley!" Ratchet was on his stomach, his head towards the turret. He could see that what Clank had said was true.

"Hay Clank," said Ratchet shaking off the ringing in his ears. "Watch this."

"Oh I hate it when you say that." said Clank closing his eyes.

Just as the mortars launched Ratchet activated his charge boots and took out his Arbitor rocket launcher. As he sped past he launched a rocked squarely into the pivot joint of the turret. The whole machine flew up off the anchor about 10 feet and came crashing down as a useless flaming husk.

"Yee-haw!" he said getting to his feet. With the area clear for the moment Ratchet made his way to the bolt cranks.

"See Clank, you worry too much. I know what I'm doing. Besides that was nothing like the Battle of Markadia. Remember?" he said as he began to turn the first crank. "Man that was intense. Tyrinoids everywhere, energy shells flying left and right as I reactivated the air defenses, then the turret when down and we had to cover the Rangers from the next wave as it came in. Then the last wave, oh man the last wave. Those were the days huh Clank?" Ratchet finished turning the crank and headed over to the next one.

"As I recall you were laid up in the hospital wing for a week afterwards with Al yelling at you for destroying your armor." said Clank

"Well, yea, but...well. We lived right? That's the important part." Ratchet finished turning the last crank and the force fields deactivated.

"Ok, Jak come on down hear and let...oh crap." Ratchet cut off as two stalker tanks came out of the two entrances and started moving towards him. They seemed to be surrounded in some kind of energy shield. Ratchet took out his Arbitor again and started to fire at them. The rockets found there marks but no damage was taken by the tanks. The explosives were useless against them.

"Will we survive this Ratchet?" said Clank

"Well...uh..." Ratchet thought for a moment. "Perhaps it only blocks projectiles! Maybe I can..." he said as he took out his wrench but it was blown out of his hand by a shot from an executioner that had come in behind the tank.

"I don't think so little Lombax." it said. The wrench fell into the snow then flew back to Ratchet's side. An effect of the DNA assignment applied to it in Bogon. Another striker came out from behind the other tank.

"Now then you little rat surrender your..." its head exploded from Jak's shot. The other striker gasped and picked Ratchet up. He held him in front of himself, especially his head. Ratchet couldn't move as much as he struggled. Clank couldn't get a shot off with his Clank Zapper. He was too close to the Executioner that he might damage himself with it.

Jak radioed over the com link. "That was my last shot Ratchet, I'm on my way down, hold on!"

Ratchet continued to struggle but found it was useless. A third tank pulled up next to them its mortars already charged.

"Now then Lombax, this is ware you die." said the striker and turned him towards the first two tanks, using the third as cover from Jak who was no longer a threat, unknown to the Executioner.

"Well Clank old buddy this may be the end." said Ratchet. Clank smiled.

"I do not think so."

The third tank let loose its mortars. They pounded into the other two tanks into the ground leaving them as melted piles of molten scrap metal. Stunned by the surprising turn of events the Executioner's grip on Ratchet slacked and Ratchet was able to wriggle free. Then using a move Jak had taught him swept the Executioner off his feet with a kick. The battle bot hit the ground hard on his back and found himself staring to the spinning barrels of the third stalker tank. With a scream of horror he was torn to pieces by the powerful guns. Jak came just in time to see this happen. Once the threat had been neutralized Ratchet and Jak sized up the tank. The cockpit clicked and hissed then opened.

"Who's bad? I'm BAD! Who's bad!? DAXTER'S BAD!" said the tiny furry occupant. Daxter was doing a little dance on the diver seat of the tank. Then he pointed a finger at Ratchet. "Ha HA! Now who's useless!?" he said. Ratchet was completely stunned and stood with his mouth agape. Jak slapped him on the back and woke him up.

"Man I though you were a goner for sure." he said.

"Yea, I would have if not for Daxter." he said Daxter was playing air guitar and singing "We are the champions."

"Thanks Dax." said Ratchet feeling like a bit of an ass.

"Hey, anytime furball." said Daxter turning to him.

Ratchet nodded then turned to Jak, "ok, let's get inside the temple and find the artifact"

"Right." said Jak. "Dax, you patrol the outer area and keep us covered.

"What? Really?!" said Daxter stopping in mid dance.

"Yea, just don't get too destructive."

"Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" said Daxter jumping into the air and then back into the tank.

"Computer, load the mortars and close the cockpit, were going robo-hunting!" said Daxter

"Affirmative super chief supreme of the universe Daxter." said the computer as the door closed.

Daxter stomped off in the tank. Ratchet, Clank and Jak headed into the temple grounds. The center pyramid seemed like a good place to start. A stair way led up to the hole in the front that served as an entrance to the building and after searching the hollow insides they found an ancient switch. It took Jak and Ratchet to pull it. Once it had been pulled the middle of the floor began to descend. Jak and Ratchet jumped onto the elevator. It descended through the layers of shimmering ice that made up the uppermost crust of the planet. Once they reached rock the elevator stopped at a cave corridor. Jak took point with his magma cannon out. Ratchet followed with his Dual Raptors raised and ready.

The cave opened to into a large circular room with a pedestal in the center. Jak motioned for Ratchet to advance and watched the hall they had come from. Ratchet approached the podium that was drenched in light from a crystal just above it. The object came into focus. Ratchet reached out and picked up...a can of soda?

"What the hell?" said Ratchet. "What is this?"

"That!" said a voice from nowhere. "Is the optimum sports drink in the entire galaxy!"

A floating camera flew out from he shadows. The voice was coming from it.

"That's right Ratchet you hold in your hand the most effective sports drink ever created! With 4000 times more caffeine than the leading brand you will swear you could race to the Polaris galaxy and back again in 1.3 seconds! FALRORK! The only drink endorsed by Team Darkstar!"

Jak shot the camera.