The gang finally took off, speedingly elevating from the slums of Arak'tia. It wasn't a good sight below, as decrepit structures flooded the massive area of the slums, scattered in a disorderly manner. Just as Shinku thought he had seen the worst of the slums, seeing it from above even made it worse. Mountains of dumps, some even tower above most of the structures gave an even more unpleasant view of this dark part of the city. The air around the slum was polluted by a dark smoke that came from what seemed to be a factory at the end of the district. The assassin of shadows had seen the worst sites of Kirden Wharf but none compared with the slum's vileness. Never did he expect that such an abomination actually existed in a world that met him with awe and wonder.
Disappointed, Shinku decided to fix his eyes forward as they got nearer the skies of Arak'tia. The polluted air had become clearer, the farther they ascended. It took them quite a while before the stinking air of the slums were finally replaced with a more breathable one.
Slark accelerated their ride even more, suddenly causing Shinku's heart to race in nervousness. The assassin was used to quick travels but being not in control seemed to give him a bit of a challenge especially when the long-eared warrior started to make sharp turns and even drive between narrow paths. The winding ride caused Shinku to almost nauseate, if not for his trained mind that helped him endure his current discomfort.
The assassin of shadows could only hold his breath and tighten his grip on the metal bar behind Slark's ride, hoping that his companion did know what he was doing. Fortunately enough, in spite of several twists and turns, the group finally came in view of a huge floating island with a massive colosseum at its center. Slark started his descent, hovering over the colosseum, heavily packed with audiences, hailing from different classes of society.
The higher classed audiences were highly noticeable due to their glamorous fashion and jewellery. Their arrogant stench reminded Shinku of skylanders from Octavion. Talks about famous teams could be heard among the audiences along with mockeries for the less known ones. It wasn't that long when the long-eared warrior finally pulled up at an area of the island, not too far from the racing track, with Shen'za's hovering car, descending just in front of them.
"Is that the newcomer race team run by Shen'za? Heh, never heard of them. Ah well, I'm putting my cash on Raven.. I heard he's the best of the best out there.." Apex's enhanced hearing could catch the mockery of some nearby strangers. The rodent however, chose to brush them off and keep the nasty comments to himself.
"Wow, I can't believe it, I'm.. I'm really here!" Shen'za exclaimed as she stepped out of her car. Her dreams of having a racing team were coming true and it was up to Slark and his companions to prove their mettle on the track. "Oh follow me to our garage boys!" She invited as she stepped back her car and revved the engine once again.
Slark's group slowly tailed Shen'za's vehicle as Shinku laid his eyes around the island. The view on the island brought back the magic and marvel of Arak'tia that first captured the heart of the shadow assassin. Nevertheless, he had to conceal his admiration of the city.
Driving past several garages, the team finally stopped in front of a symbolless post where they finally got off their own vehicles and settled their belongings.
"So uh, boys! Did you come up with a symbol for our team yet?" Shen'za inquired as each of them settled their own things inside the garage.
"What about this?" Apex quickly responded as he showed a ying and yang symbol. "Well, dark and light just like Slark here."
Shen'za shrugged "Sounds great. Draw it on our garage door.", the woman agreed then gave the rodent a little paint and marker to make the new symbol.
After settling his things, Slark started to inspect and tinker with the parts of the vehicle that he would be using for the race. Apex on the other hand, paced back and forth to hand tools for Slark, and Shen'za went on to finish some paperwork. Shinku however being ignorant of any formula race, could only sit at the corner, observing the others as they go about their own businesses.
Bored, the assassin of shadows decided to start his own part by observing the people around them. As he always did, Shinku closed his eyes and went deep into a trance. A massive amount of souls met the assassin as he delved into the shadow realm to observe every spiritual signature around the arena. The place was surely crowded like most of Kravien's busy days having most of the crowd concentrated inside the arena.
It didn't surprise Shinku to see a lot of beings that manifested frightening dark auras as events such as this one were often run by shady mobs. The assassin noted a couple souls he noticed yet with everyone obviously doing their own businesses, he chose not to make a move as of yet.
Shinku was then intrigued when he felt Apex's presence moving away from their group. Somehow wanting to ascertain his companion's safety, he focused on tracking the little creature who moved about the other garages around them. He was alarmed when the rodent suddenly moved closer to a couple of beings that emanated some dark aura. He was about to make a move when the little creature finally passed the group with the mob not taking any kind of action. Shinku could feel Apex's presence moving around the arena, seemingly conversing with a couple of other beings. Carefully, he observed every aura being shown at every spiritual signature he saw that interacts with the little rodent. By then, he could make sure that Apex did not put himself into trouble.
Shinku became more relaxed when the little creature's presence finally came back to their place. With that settled, he continued to widen his focus, singling out every being he sensed with a more sinister aura.
"I think we've gotten some good progress on your car, Shen'za and it seems about ready. It also has a weapon on it. So I think me and Apex got it covered." After hours of what seemed like adjusting, Slark let off a smirk of contentment as he report to Shen'za.
After that, a silver box sitting up on Reez's wall was turned on, allowing the team to watch the current events about the race as reported by some news anchors.
"Hey, the X-7 teams look absolutely stunning this time of year! We have expert teams such as Team Raven, Team Waltz, and some others. Oh! We have some newcomers to the race scene this time, including Team Argion!" One of the reporters announced, with the camera paning towards each race teams.
"Hm? Yeah.. uh huh, Oh! We have some unexpected celebrities racing this year. First, X-7's finest which everyone came to know as Captain Raven." Another reporter responded, stuttering a bit as he hand the microphone to a purple suited man beside him. "That's right Captain Raven here and I'm an expert on the race track! I'll wipe the floor with the others out there!" The man laughed as he bragged about certainly winning the upcoming race.
Apex frowned, looking up at the television set. "Heh, this Captain Raven has no idea who he's dealing with out there. He hasn't faced us in a real race yet. He's all just big talk."
"Just let it go. We have a celebrity of our own here! We have Staten Island's finalist to boot. We have Slark!" Shen'za bragged, in an aim to encourage her own racing team.
"Of course. We'll get 'em all ain't we Slark!" Apex exclaimed but was ignored by the long-eared warrior who kept his eyes at the screen.
The anchor continued his interview with several other teams before finally announcing the official start of the race. With the announcement, Slark and Apex hopped into their formula race car and slowly drove its way towards the track. Shenza tailed the racer by foot, with Shinku following after the one he's supposed to protect.
The cheers of the audience went louder as the racers started to assemble at the starting line. After some good luck speeches, Shen'za started to walk away along with Shinku, or Trey as the name he went by, towards the side of the race track.
"So you know anything about cars?" Shen'za inquired, in a loose manner perhaps at a mere attempt to strike a conversation with her mysterious bodyguard.
"I'm afraid, I haven't had time to learn anything about them." The assassin of shadows responded half heartedly as he was trying to gauge their surroundings for any danger.
"I see. Well." The lady continued, seemingly lost with words but aiming to construct some more phrases or inquiries that she might still form. "Oh so how did you know Slark?" After a short pause, the lady was able to add to her previous inquiry, this time in a more spirited manner especially upon the mention of the name Slark.
"I actually just bumped with him somewhere, and well, made some random deal." Still with his stale attitude, Shinku responded somehow creating a sort of awkward ambience between the two.
"Well…" Her sprightly attitude was short lived as his companion's mood seemed to have stayed bland. "Oh well. I guess let's just do our best for this race." The lady finally gave up, then kept her focus on making her way towards the pit stop.
It was quite a long walk before the two finally arrived on a station just at the side of the racing track. As Shinku observed the other stations that they have passed by, this one seemed to be less manned, or more precisely unmanned except of course the moment they entered the station.
"How come the others have more men in them?" Puzzled, Shinku decided to ask the lady before making his way towards a seat.
"Well, you see...I really don't have a team of my own. I mean, I really wanted to form a racing team but no one's interested in an unnamed manager such as myself." The lady responded in a melancholic tone, as she faced the side of the race track. "That's why I'm really grateful that you guys accepted my invitation! And well, I really need to win this time because I currently owe a lot of money. And If I don't pay in time, they'd surely have me…"
Before the lady could finish her speech, Shinku's communicator suddenly rang making the young man revert his attention into answering the device.
"So, Trey… you got things handled here? Did you find anything around the garage?" Slark's voice echoed from the other line.
"Yeah, I've got everything covered here. Just do your best on the track." Shinku responded, assuring Slark of his participation on their deal.
"Oh and Shen'za…" Quickly, Shinku faced the lady back in courtesy. "...Well...Don't mention it."
A few moments later, the post at the starting line began to beep to signal the start of the race. Finally, lights on the electric sign above opened then after just a while the light formed 3… 2…1 as Slark and Apex revved up to prepare for the race. Then finally, a big "GO!" displayed on the post causing all the formula cars to blast off. Slark sped off past the other racers at first, gaining a quick advantage over the celebrity Captain Raven.
"And Oooooh! The newcomers are off to a good start… passing the mysterious Captain Raven and it appears the others are off to a slow start!"
Just a few moments in the race, Apex activated his communicator and tried to reach Shinku. "Trey, anything suspicious so far?"
"Still nothing. Don't worry I got this. Just focus on the race." Shinku answered another call which this time came from Apex. With Shenza now focused on the race, Shinku decided to take a seat and start to enter into a trance. The assassin of shadows focused as his consciousness was quickly pulled into the realm of shadows.
Back in the race, the duo's luck seemed to have gone out as they approached what seemed like an upside down track.
"Hey this one's not in the contract!" Apex grumbled as Slark focused on the wheels.
It wasn't that long when the other cars started to gain on Slark, starting from Captain Raven.
"Ugh Slark, I think I'm going to…"
Slark frowned "NOT IN THE CAR, barf outside!"
The long-eared warrior held tight to the car's wheel as the track veered upside down for a short bit and pulled back up. He had a bit of trouble on that edge as a few more racers passed him.
Meanwhile, more souls appeared on Shinku's senses as compared to the tracking he did just some time earlier. Unfortunately, most of the additional souls emitted malicious aura in them, signifying more people for the assassin of shadows to monitor. Rapid moving souls of the racers appeared on his senses as well, with Shinku singling out at Slark and Apex who seemed to be a couple of leagues behind the others. Nothing seemed to be amiss but the assassin of shadows could feel the anxiety of his companions.
"Oh no this is not good." Shen'za nervously muttered upon seeing Slark and Apex being left behind by most of the racers. A couple of other racers had already passed the first lap but the duo were on their way.
"So this is Shenza's pawns." From a VIP seat just beside the announcer's room, lurked a group of shady beings. Their eyes seemed to be fixed at Slark and Apex who introduced themselves as Shenza's racers.
"Well, it appears that this Staten Island's finalist isn't fit being a racer after all. But just to make sure, I've already arranged for a special deal to ensure the victory of your bet. Another ton of fortune for us, and a reason to make those pathetic fools take the life of Shen'za without you having to dirty your own hands." Another being smirked, ending in a maniacal laugh as the situation on the race track was starting to heat up.
"Hey Boss, do you think that Shen'za would be able to win with that Slark racer and pay us her debt? Things don't seem to be going well for them right now." From among the commoner's box, another stalker of Shenza's team seemed to be closely monitoring the race.
"They better be. Or I'll crush that ant into pieces!" A huge being responded in wrath, crushing a soda can with his bare hand.
The first lap ended with Slark and Apex completing the circuit at last place. This drew contrasting reactions of anxiety, anger, and triumph from different mobs and Shen'za who were closely observing how Slark would fare at the tournament.
"Can't we just drive away and go-" Apex complained, obviously starting to feel sick.
Slark smirked, pulling forward "NOT A CHANCE!"
"SLARKKKKKKKK!"
The long-eared warrior kept at it, shooting another vehicle out of his way, which fell off the track. At least they weren't in last place for now but they still had a really long way before pushing their way up to the front.
"Ohhhhh, we got our first retired racer of the day who was knocked off the course by none other than… Slark and Apex? But well, we still have our hero Captain Raven on the lead!"
Tension among the audience as well as with the racers started to rise upon the second lap of the race. Jak and Daxter were still way behind the others, causing a nervous Reez to tremble in fear.
Shinku could feel the terror that emanated from Shen'za's heart but what disturbed the assassin of shadows more, were killing intents that started to spark up from different parts of the arena. It wasn't clear where each of the intents were directed to but following the lady's story earlier, at least one of those might be leaned towards his client.
The noise of the crowd had gotten louder with a mixture of cheers and jeers, all thrown at the racers. The crowd went even crazier upon their witness of the race's first casualty. One of the cars hurled out of the arena upon being blasted off by Jak.
"The kid ain't all bad after all." A husky voice, who mentioned arranging a shady deal earlier, remarked upon seeing how Jak managed to retire one of the racers from the tournament. "Shall we make our move now?"
"It's still too early for that. Let's see how they can get past the others who are way ahead of them." A deep voice responded still from the VIP room, calmly watching the scene of the race like a mere movie at the theatre screen.
Meanwhile, at the audience area, the other mob seemed to hold a conversation of their own. "Ah they blasted one off the race. This Slark does have talent on this." The lesser one uttered, getting more hooked at the race.
"They're still way behind from the others. Drats! They better improve their ranking or say goodbye to their princess." The fat one interjected, in a loud voice attracting quite a number of attention from around him.
"Please Slark. You've got to win this." Back at the pit top, Shenza continued to shake in fear as she saw her racer still way behind most of the other racers. Her hands clasped tightly with each other, hoping for her team to make their way towards first place.
Murderous intent were still all over the place, forcing Shinku to single out his focus towards each of the beings that exude them. Each appeared to be static as of the moment, but the build up of their malignant aura couldn't make the assassin of shadows relax. He could pinpoint each of the beings but as to when they were going to make their move and to whom, were still puzzles for Shinku.
All the racers had completed the second lap with Jak still at final place among those that were still inside the circuit but had gotten really close into the other racers.
Being in the third lap, most of the racers had now entered each of their pit stops one by one to renew their vehicles. Those with better crew gave them the advantage of being able to leave the pit stop quickly but the others which unfortunately had their crew at a lesser standard, caused them some delay.
Shinku could feel his companions slowing down, but knowing nothing to add as a contribution, he kept observing the movements with his shadow senses, especially those with malicious intent within the arena.
Slark finally made it to their pit stop, causing Shen'za to quickly attend to them. It took the woman a few minutes of tinkering at the car before she was able to make Slark back into the race track again.
The third lap seemed to be going Slark's way, oddly enough. Finally getting used to the race track, the long-eared warrior finally got back to the track, breezing his way towards third place.
"Yes that's it. I knew you could make it boys!" Things seemed to have settled down a bit when Slark started to gain more speed and overtook a couple of other racers. Shinku could now sense a more relaxed overall ambience especially from Shen'za and with the disappearance of some murderous intent around the track. A few remained, but it made Shinku breathe more easily upon the sudden dwindling of their numbers.
"Atta boy! Maybe Shen'za would be able to pay us after all, boss!" The lesser mob at the audience remarked with excitement, after witnessing how things were gradually going in favor of Slark. The fat being remained silent, with his eyes fixed at the rankings board which showed Slark rising up towards the third rank.
"Ok so shall we deal with him now?" Back at the VIP area, man with the husky voice inquired, suddenly in a serious tone after seeing the result of the third lap.
"Get on with it." The other one replied calmly yet authoritatively.
"My pleasure." The inquirer smirked, pulling up a communication device from his side pocket.
"Alright Shadow, time to swat the fly down." A few more conversations went on but it all ended up with an agreement between the shady guy and another person on the other line.
"Uh huh, yeah. Bluish coat, yellowish green hair, orange creature near him with goggles on in third place? Gotcha. I can mess them up real bad."
With things settling down to a better tone, the assassin of shadows was able to glance his way towards the racers with his shadow senses. His companions appeared to be among the top rankers based on their position at the racing track.
Everything appeared to be going smoothly until Shinku felt a sudden malignant intent on the soul of one of the racers, that Slark just passed by. Disturbed, Shinku decided to snap out of his trance and called Apex with the comms device.
"Hey! I feel a dark intent from that racer behind you. Get away from him quickly!" Shinku implored with urgency, hoping to save his companions from an impending misfortune.
"What?! Are you serious? Th- AHHHHHHH!" Apex quickly answered Shinku's call but was surprised by figure that suddenly grabbed him from another racer's car.
To his horror, Shinku's fear materialized with Apex's frightening scream which ended up with a muffled screech.
Quickly, Shinku decided to get back to his trance to check what just happened. Both his companions appeared to be conscious except that Daxter's spiritual signature was closer to a stranger than with Slark. He could feel a sudden disarray at the long eared warrior's spirit, obviously signifying that things were starting to go south. He was expecting for Slark to race in an attempt to rescue the small creature however, his gradual deceleration made it appear that the long-eared warrior couldn't do something about the situation. A couple of other spiritual signatures passed by Slark, signifying him losing the current lap, which also threw Shenza into a sense of fright.
Shinku wanted to traverse the shadows to reach the rodent however, the sudden rise of more murderous intent made him think twice of making an impulsive move.
"Damn what is that brat doing! Gah! That's it! That racer is good for nothing to start with! If I can't have my money then I'll have the prize on Shen'za's head instead! Signal the boys to get that filthy rat!" The fat gangster among the audience yelled in fury causing most of the people around him to finally leave their seats. The person left beside him which appeared to be his minion however, decided to pull a comms device from inside his shirt and issue some commands over the line.