I am so sorry for not updating for like a year! I got like a huge case of writer's block after the third chapter that I just got rid of today and I wrote like mad to get this chapter done. When I finished it I was so excited! I'm so happy to finally get this story back in action again! Again, I'm SO sorry! –sliding bow down—

Thank you so much for those of you who have read and reviewed and are coming back to read this chapter after waiting for so long! I love you guys for it.

Hope you enjoy the long awaited chapter 4. :3

Dark Murmurs

I wandered without control. 'What's… happening? Where are we going?' My feet were leading the way and I was confused. What was happening felt right… but it was confusing all the same. 'Why do I feel so tired?'

My dark form went through a door and looked down at a sleeping form on the couch. 'This is Keira's house… why would he come here? She doesn't like us like this… it's wrong…' Teeth clenched with that thought.

We had fought before… argued over what I was. I killed to protect this city… to protect her… She hadn't accepted that I was what I was… that inside I was really just a monster… not fully anyway. 'I should just disappear and make this damn city happy…'


The scenery changed and I was in the forest again. The flowers were still falling everywhere. 'That wasn't a dream… I know that that was real.' My brows pressed together at the thought as I didn't move.

Maybe this was best… maybe I should just stay in the forest and keep out of the city. If the city no longer needed me… then why did I need to save it? Why did I need to protect the people that hated me?

"Well what do we have here?" Veger's voice mused from near by, "The Dark Eco freak."

My fingers clenched at the sound of his voice. 'What is he doing here?'

"Get lost Veger," I hissed at him, not moving from my position.

Veger was a tall, skinny aristocrat… I was the 'hero' of Haven City. I found no threat in his demeanor.

"The only one who will be getting lost is you, Jak," ht man laughed, sounding like he was pacing in the background.

'If only that could actually be true…'

"The council is agreeing with me on removing you from Haven City society. The people of this city no longer need you."

"Like Ashelin is going to let you remove me," I scoffed emotionlessly.

At this point, I didn't care anymore. I had done right, but I had also done many wrongs. Many people were dead because of me.

Veger stood over me, smirking down at me as I lay on the ground.

"Oh, she is trying to get you to stay, but you are simply outnumbered," he mused; too amused.

My fists clenched at his cocky attitude. I didn't want to prove this man right… didn't want to prove that I was dangerous to the people around me.

"Go back to the safety of your own home if I'm such a threat, Veger," I hissed, glaring up at him.

Veger's eyes narrowed icily at my replied.

"Be on your toes Dark Eco freak. Your time will come soon enough."

I jumped to my feet and watched the aristocrat hatefully.

"Is that a threat?" I asked, a growl escaping from me.

"Not at all," Veger stated, "It's a promise."

I felt my jaw tighten with his words. There was nothing that an aristocrat could do to something like me.

"An empty promise," I stated, crossing my arms.

Veger shook his head as he turned to walk away. My eyes narrowed at his actions and the smirk on his face. He was too confident in his prediction.

"Go after him… make him tell you what he's planning," a voice told me from close by.

I knew what it was… I knew it was the other half of my self.

"No," I whispered, "I won't."

Turning away, I sat back down on the long grass. Veger was gone; there was no need to be on guard anymore.

"You want him dead as much as I do," it whispered, "You want to kill him as much as I do."

"I am you," I told it, "It's only natural that we want the same things."

"We are the same, but you are slowly coming to my side. You want to be me."

My brows pushed together at its words; at the truth.

"I know," I whispered.

"The time is coming; the time where you choose your darkness over your light."

"Yeah…"

It was gone then, leaving me to myself. Choosing the darkness… I would give up so many things for the Dark Eco. Could I give up my friends though? Could I give up Keira and Daxter?

A year ago, I knew that I couldn't have. When Baron Praxis had called me the perfect weapon, I knew that I could count on my friends to believe otherwise. I wasn't even sure now if I could give them up… now they didn't know that something was happening. They didn't know because I had never told them. I had made it that way. If I believed that they no longer cared, then it would be easier for me to turn away.

The problem was that they did see. They were all worried about my well being… they were making this decision hard. 'Just forget about me… just let me live the way I want to…'


"Jak, the city's divided," Torn told me, his hands on the HQ table, "Reports say that new Krimzon Death Bots are holding a vital section of the industrial area. My men are getting their asses kicked!"

Torn looked at me with concern in his eyes.

"The KG have a new leader," he stated, shaking his head, "We're trying to find out who it is."

I looked at the table with narrowed eyes as I considered what I had been told. Who would want to run the KG after what had happened in the last year?

"I'm afraid I've got more bad news," Samos stated as he walked up to us, "A large group of surviving Metal Heads have concentrated in another section of the city."

"But we destroyed Kor!" I protested, raising a hand to my forehead with confusion.

The Metal Head leader was dead, so all other Metal Heads should have been destroyed as well.

"It appears the strongest Metal Heads have survived," the old mage suggested, "The battle for the city has just begun!"

Ashelin turned to me with crossed arms.

"The people are blaming you Jak."

Yeah. Of course they would blame me for their problems. I was the one that had saved their city, and apparently hadn't done a good enough job for them.

"I don't see them out there fighting off any big baddies," Daxter muttered, "I'd love to see one of them put their lives on the line for once!"

I shook my head at the memory as I sat by the Naughty Ottsel. I had worse problems than having to worry about the blame game from the people of Haven City.

Ever since Samos had told me about the Metal Heads coming back, I had been finding their nests and doing my best to destroy them. Each time though, the other half of my self would take over. Each time though, I would wake up more confused and found that I couldn't remember what had happened.

I knew that I was starting to lose myself even more. Each change lasted longer and I would come back lost and confused.

"What are you doing to me?" I asked as I sat against the wall.

The people were flying frantically over the lake in their vehicles, trying to get away from the dangers of Haven City.

"Giving you what you want."

I don't want to forget everything that happens," I nearly hissed, my hands clutching at the stone.

"It has always happened. You just never noticed it until now. It is what you desire."

"To forget?" I asked doubtfully.

"To become me. The Oracle will provide you no help here. There is no other way."

It was true. The Oracle had been no help as of late.

"Jak, the Metal Heads are attacking the city!" Samos's voice shouted through the floating speaker, "This is no time to be sitting down! Get up to the palace quickly!"

Jumping to my feet, I ran to the nearest Zoomer.

I drove through the crowds quickly, watching the guards try to fight off Death Bots and Metal Heads. There were swarms of them coming in every way they could into the city; attacking both people and building.

When I made it to the palace, I jumped into the elevator and rode it to the roof. There was Samos with a walky-talky.

"Come my boy let me show you what's happening."

The old sage led me to the ledge and my eyes widened at the sight. Between the KG Death Bots and the Metal Heads… the city was being torn to shreds.

"Report!" Samos ordered into the walky-talky.

It only took a moment for Torn to reply.

"It's bad!" he replied, "The city's become a battlefield! Mechanized Death Bots have taken over the industrial section, and the surviving Metal Heads have expanded their hold on the West side."

Daxter jumped onto my shoulder before looking out over the wreckage. There were explosions all over the place and buildings crumbling.

"We're losing ground on all fronts!" Torn finished.

I couldn't turn my head away even as Torn and Ashelin flew by.

"The council's meeting tonight in emergency session," Ashelin stated after Torn had finished, "Rumblings about you Jak. It doesn't look good."

My eyes narrowed at those words. What was Veger planning on doing?

"They think your friendship with Krew helped the Metal Heads get into the city."

I tightened my jaw at the accusation. I was the one that killed Krew, the one that destroyed Kor, the one that had been fighting Metal Heads all the time… How could I have helped them get into the city?

"You don't believe that, do you?" I asked, hoping that they didn't.

Samos shook his head before pulling the walky-talky to his mouth.

"What's in the past is done. Right now Metal Heads are assaulting the palace," he explained, turning to look at the palace behind him, "They're looking for something and I have no idea-"

Explosions cut the old sage off. The whole palace began to shake as the Metal Heads took their shots at the stone building. The assault came from one side, making the building fall forward.

"Help! We're falling!" Daxter screamed.

Torn and Ashelin flew back to the palace, looking for us.

'This is a disaster. Why the hell would they attack the palace?'

"Over here!" I called, helping Samos onto the ledge.

"Jump!" Torn ordered.

Samos got in the back seat and I jumped onto the back of the vehicle. We swerved away as the palace crumbled to the ground. Once the building hit the ground, we flew over to see the damage dealt. Underneath the palace were old ruins, that had remained hidden for years.

"By the Precursors!" the old sage stated with amazement.

"Let's get out of here!" Ashelin ordered, directing Torn away from the scene, "We're going back to HQ and you're going to stay there Jak until further notice."

"Shouldn't we go back and inspect those ruins?" Daxter asked, "You know, before those nasty Metal Heads get their hands on whatever's down there? Er… claws? "

"We don't have a choice," Ashelin disagreed, "The meeting will start soon and everyone but Jak needs to come."

'Oh, that sounds like a good thing.' I thought sarcastically, rolling my eyes. Everyone but the people close to be would want me gone.

"Why does that bother you? You can have what you want without any guilt if they push you away."

My expression became solemn with its words.

Nothing lived outside the city. The desert and Metal Heads and any other monsters would kill anything that walked out there. If I were to leave and be on my own… I could have gone to the forest, where hardly anyone went… Where I couldn't hurt anyone that cared about me. 'It's not the same…'

We got lower to the ground before arriving at HQ. I was dropped off and Daxter got off my shoulder.

"We shouldn't have to do this," he muttered, glaring to the side.

"Things will be fine Dax," I lied, forcing a smile to my face, "I promise."

"I'd love to shove my fur down Veger's throat-"

"I'm sure you would," I chuckled, "You better get going."

"Remember, you stay here," Ashelin told me, "That's an order."

I nodded before turning to go inside.

'I'd love to point the Blaster down Veger's throat…' My hands clenched as I could feel the anger rising within me.

"Do it then."

"No," I hissed, going into the elevator.

"You want to. I want to."

"You can't live off of wanting everything," I told it, shaking my head.

"There are other things that would be willing to take."

"Like what?"

The elevator opened and I stepped out before pausing.

"Like her."

There stood Keira with her arms crossed. She was staring intently at me, as if expecting me to say something.

"Aren't you supposed to be at the council meeting?" I asked with a raised brow.

"No. I didn't get invited," she told me, looking to the side.

"…Really?"

"I just didn't feel like going. This whole thing is stupid," she muttered, "They can't possibly want to kick you out after saving everyone. It's ridiculous!"

I couldn't help but smile a little at her words. 'I guess that not everyone hates me…'

"What are you smiling about?" Keira asked, walking at me with a wrench pointed at me, "This is your life we're talking about here. You could die out there!"

No… there was a higher chance than 'could'. I would probably die in the Wasteland outside the city.

"You shouldn't care so much," I told her, "They're right when they call me a Dark Eco freak."

"What are you talking about?" she asked me; confused.

"I'm a monster, Keira. I am dangerous to the people around me," I explained quietly, "You and Dax… you're in the most danger."

Keira shook her head as she took a step closer.

"That's a lie and you know it," she stated, "You couldn't hurt your friends Jak. Not on purpose."

'Yeah… not on purpose… That's what I'm afraid of…'

"We've been friends since we were kids; you, me, and Daxter. This meeting or anything else will ever change that."

Her hands wrapped around my waist and she pulled me against her.

"Nothing's going to change," she murmured.

At first I didn't know how to react, but then I smiled a real smile. My arms wrapped around her and I pulled her close.

"Okay," I whispered.

"You have a soft spot for her, don't you?" it asked me, interrupting the moment, "You don't want to leave because you don't want to leave her."

'Shut up and go away until things blow over.' I thought, my brows furrowing at the interruption.

"They aren't going to blow over anymore. Things won't run smoothly for us in the future."


Everyone in the council room was nearly shouting; all of the members trying to get their points across at once.

"Shut up!" Ashelin ordered, banging her hands on the table, "All of you sit down!"

All the members fell into their chairs in silence.

"I've known Jak since he was a young boy," Samos started as he walked up to the table, "He is a kind and gentle spirit. He would never dream of hurting people by letting Metal Heads into the city."

"The Dark Eco flowing through him makes him a monster!" a council member shouted, "He had stolen our vehicles and people are hurt when gunfire breaks out on the street!"

"Hey!" Daxter interrupted, "If you all stopped talking all the vehicles then maybe we wouldn't have to steal them!"

"That's enough Daxter," Samos ordered.

The Ottsel scowled with crossed arms.

Onin stepped forward and Pecker jumped onto the table.

"Onin says that Jak is a hero amongst men and is destined for great things. She also says that you can't hold what's on the inside of a person against them," he explained.

"Yeah!" Daxter agreed, "It's not Jak's fault all that Dark Eco's going through his body."

"Whether it was by choice or not," Veger interrupted the Ottsel, "His actions in the past have made him a menace to society. No one knows what he will do in the future."

All the members in the council seemed to agree with Veger's words.

"It looks like that boy's going to have a rough future," Samos sighed, shaking his head with disappointment.

"Aw Jak," Daxter said quietly, turning toward Samos, "Isn't there something we could do? Feed them all to the Metal Heads? Anything?"

"I'm afraid not," the old sage replied.

"Looks like you've been outvoted," Veger stated, smirking proudly.

"Watch it buster!" Daxter growled, glaring at the aristocrat.

"I'll be coming with you to get the Dark Eco freak. The authorities as well," he continued.

"Bite me," Ashelin hissed.

"Come on," Torn suggested, "Let's go."


I was sitting against eh wall when the elevator opened and guards burst into the room. I stood up immediately when I saw them, standing in front of Keira protectively.

"What's going on?" I demanded, brows furrowing when Veger walked into the room.

"You are under arrest," the aristocrat stated simply.

"Under what charges?" I growled, fists clenching with outrage.

"For your crimes against the people of course," he laughed, smirking, "What else?"

"Crimes against the people?" Keira asked doubtfully, "He's the city's savior! He's saved the people!"

"Don't waste your breath girl. It has been decided by the entire council, not just my self."

I held my hands out for the shackles. If the people no longer wanted me to keep them safe, then I would no longer do so. If they wanted to turn their backs on me, then I would turn my back on them.

"Jak, what are you doing?" Keira asked me with disbelief.

"We'll always be friends, no matter what, right?" I asked, "This shouldn't change that now."

I looked back at her and smiled gently.

"I'm not going to forget about you or Dax or the old man. Never."

The shackles were tight on my wrists. The guards grabbed my arms and led me to the elevator; Veger following close behind.

"Didn't I tell you that it was a promise, Dark Eco freak?" he asked me, sounding smug.

"You should work on your people skills," I hissed.

I was taken to a transport vehicle and the guards sat on both sides of me. Ashelin sat across from me with Veger beside her. She couldn't look at me when I sat down and I tried not to take it personally.


The vehicle landed after a few hours of flight and silence. The guards pulled me out into the scorching desert and Veger followed. Ashelin stayed near the vehicle.

"By order of the Grand Council of Haven City, you are hereby banished to the Wasteland for life," Veger read off a book he carried before turning to walk away.

I struggled against my shackles. I wanted to wring his skinny throat. Ashelin stepped forward with furrowed brows.

"This is a death sentence, Veger. There must be another way," she interjected.

"Your protest was overruled," the aristocrat stated, "This Dark Eco freak is dangerous. Now, drop the cargo!"

"This is an outrage! I am outraged beyond words!" Pecker shouted, flying out of a hiding place in the transport vehicle, "Although I do have something to say."

I was surprised to see the bird all the way out here. 'I think I'm actually glad to see him.'

"Not everyone agrees with this ridiculous-" he was cut off by a squawk, "Decree…"

I couldn't keep the smile away when Daxter came out as well. 'It's good to see you Dax.'

"Yeah! We want a recount!" the Ottsel exclaimed, his brows pushing together.

"Oh. I see you wish to join him," Veger suggested, raising a brow curiously.

I watched as Pecked paused for a moment at the suggestion.

"Actually, we are not that outraged."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. He was just going to back away? 'Are you serious? I'm not glad to see him anymore… I take being glad back.'

"Farwell Jak. Stay out of the sun. Drink lots of water… if you can find it…" the bird said nervously, backing away.

'Coward…'

"…Jak?" Daxter called with worry.

"Go back to the city Dax," I told him, having to look away.

I couldn't make my best friend suffer with me.

Ashelin walked forward and the guards went back to the vehicle.

"I'm sorry," she apologized, unlocking the shackles, "The council is too powerful. There was nothing that I-"

"I know," I replied, feeling my free wrists.

'It was all Veger…'

"Just stay alive, you hear? That's an order," she stated, giving me an oval shaped object, "Someone will find you, I promise."

When she went to the transport vehicle and it took off, Veger smirked down at me.

"May the Precursors have mercy on you," he mused and then they were all gone.

I watched for a moment before turning my attention to the object in my hand. I had never seen anything like it before. My attention was diverted though when I heard coughing. 'It can't be…'

"Daxter!"

The dust cleared and there stood Daxter and Pecker, coughing at the dust.

"Don't thank me," the Ottsel laughed, "I'm only here because you wouldn't last a second without me."

I smiled at that familiar tone before looking around the endless piles of sand.

"Okay tough guy, you got us into this mess. Now ya gotta get us out."

"Ahh, what a team we make," Pecker said happily, swinging his wing.

"Let's just get moving," I stated, looking around, "But where?"

I watched as both Pecker and Daxter pointed in opposite directions.

"That way!"

I sighed at the coming argument. 'Why can't they just get along?'

"Oh, and I suppose you know where you're going eh?" Pecker asked doubtfully.

"Better than you do, bent beak," Daxter retorted, pointing at the bird.

"Aghh!" I groaned, "Let's just move."

Hours seemed to pass as we walked straight through the desert. There was nothing but sand and rocks. Sand, rocks, and heat.

"Now what will you do? We'll die out here unless you come to my side."

'We're going to make it without your help.'

"If you think so. Your friends look pretty worn down already."

'We'll be fine.' I convinced myself as we trudged through the sand.

"This was all your stupid idea…" Pecker muttered to Daxter.

"No, it was yours!" Daxter countered, "Only a birdbrain could that thought this one up."

'Where do they find the energy to argue?'

"'Let's go with him'… 'We'll go together'…" Daxter imitated Pecker, "You mean we'll die together!"

I continued to walk, merely listening.

"I can't believe the city hates us," the Ottsel groaned, "We saved those lowlifes!"

'I know how you feel Dax… I know how you feel…' I thought before collapsing into the sand.

"Right. Good plan Jak…" Daxter panted, coughing, "A nap would be nice… just a teensy little rest."

I barely heard Daxter hit the sand beside me.

Pecker squawked, "This bird is overcooked."

I coughed before I started to lose consciousness.

"I told you so…"


"Looks like we've found some live ones… Heh, barley," a man laughed as he came across three unconscious forms.

He hit the human with the boom of his staff, causing the unconscious boy to let go of something. The man bent down and picked it up.

"Here's the beacon we were picking up," he murmured before grabbing the boy's tunic, "Who gave you this?"

When there was no response, the man let the shirt go and let the boy hit the sand.

"We'll take them with us," he ordered, "Let's move! I smell a storm coming."


End of Chapter 4

So, how was it? I hope that it was aright. ---reaches for the vegetable dodging garbage can lid--- The whole end part of it was from the beginning of the third game. So the next chapter will be the last chapter and it will run through the beginning of the third game but it will be all of Jak's thoughts about what's happening. I hope that you all come back to read the next chapter even knowing that.

Thank you so much for reading! Please R&R and I'll try to update as soon as I get the chance to! I promise!