Corad: Oh man, this hasn't been updated in years -.-' Sorry for the long wait guys! Don't worry, I haven't died yet...
Sharok: Unfortunately...
Corad: Hey!! Thankyou to everyone who is reading, and thanks to those who have reviewed so far. I really appreciate your time :) A huge thanks to my beta reader, Grey-San, for correcting all my mistakes. For those who need to be refreshed on what's happened recently, Jak and Fionn have left Venrah Town, and are on their way to the valley separating them from the nearest major city. Erol and co have just passed through the canyons on their way to Venrah. Anyhow, I hope this chapter is ok for you all. I'll try to update sooner next time.

Jak and Daxter is property of Naughty Dog. Skytha (c) Jaklover, Lenna (c) Mystic Midnight, Simron (c) Some Dude, Fionn and Sharok (c) Corad. Any other crazy minor OCs belong to me too...

SPOILER FOR DAXTER (PSP Game). If you have not played/finished Daxter, and do not want to be spoiled, then feel free to request another version of this chapter (via email/review/PM). It's easy to remove the spoiler, since it was just an example I used in one of Daxter's many rants. Just thought I'd point that out in case :)

Chapter 9 – The Valley's Depths

The huge valley before them seemed to stretch far into the distance, and Jak stood back in awe, the present breeze gently brushing his hair backwards. After having left the town of Venrah, the duo had walked along the dirt road indicated on their map. The road had led them quite far from the last town, and had taken them through a small forest before opening up at a steep cliff. The path didn't disappear like he'd expected, but branched off in two opposite directions. The left road took him through the longest but safest pass with an Inn located midway for weary travellers. To his right, lay the other path; the path that was shorter than the left route, but your safety would be at risk. However, both of these paths were safer to use, rather than heading directly into the valley.

"Are you sure about this Jak?" Fionn uttered, walking up to the edge of the high cliff, staring down at the green scenery below. Jak glanced back at the forest they'd just emerged from, then to each of the two dirt paths disappearing off into the distance behind the mountain ranges. There were two mountain ranges with a wide valley between them. On the other side of each mountain range lay the roads, but Jak knew which route he had to take.

Approaching the edge beside Fionn, Jak squatted on the ground, peering over the cliff trying to judge the distance from the ground. It would be a difficult climb, much easier to fly down there if he had the choice. He was certain his injured wolf wing would refuse to hold him in the air, and his light eco supply was running low; too risky to use Light Jak.

"We have no choice. Just stick by me, and we'll be fine. The valley doesn't look too threatening now, does it?" Jak asked, giving Fi a sly smile. The older man gave Jak a fleeting look, before nodding his head in agreement. "Good, now let's go. There's a stream or something down there. We'll take a break once we reach it," Jak pointed out, indicating with an outstretched hand towards a narrow, long winding creek.

Facing his back to the valley, Jak began to lower himself carefully over the cliff, gripping the rock face tightly. Easing himself down, he corrected his footing and moved each hand with care, double-checking he had a firm grip before moving his next limb. Fionn remained on the cliff top, looking terrified.

"Are you sure this is safe? I don't want to die Jak!" he protested weakly, and Jak raised his eyes to look at him.

"It's safe if you're careful Fi. Come on, we're wasting time!" Jak ushered, increasing the distance between himself and his comrade. Eventually Fionn began to lower himself down over the cliff face, moving carefully so he wouldn't fall. Both knew if they fell from this height, they'd probably die of shock before actual impact to the ground. It was a thought they both disliked to dwell upon, but knowing those facts assured they took things slowly and carefully.

Two-thirds down the cliff face they came across a small rock platform. Whether it had been formed naturally or someone had cut into the rock face as a rest stop, Jak didn't care. He was just thankful it'd been there, and sat down to regain some of his breath. Sweat was slicking his hands, and for the past twenty metres or so, he found it increasingly difficult to keep a firm grip.

"Please make this end," Fionn panted, landing on the small platform beside Jak. He stumbled over to his blonde friend, his legs shaking vigorously. Jak was surprised the man had managed to keep from falling, judging by how nervous he was. Tearing his gaze away from Fionn's trembling legs, he looked the man in the eye.

"We have about a third left to climb. Good job so far," he said, hoping to improve his companion's shaken up spirits. Fionn gave him a weak smile, sliding down the rocky wall to the ground. He rested his head against the wall, looking to the sky and sighed.

"Here, let's have some water," Jak announced, digging through Fionn's bag and pulling out two canisters. Passing one to Fi, he took the lid off his own and sipped at the refreshing water. With luck the noticeable stream in the valley would contain drinkable water, so at least they could refill the bottles if needed. Sitting quietly and admiring the view, Jak let his thoughts wander again. Keira's face kept coming to him, not only in his conscious state but in his dreams too. It was as if she was haunting him, blaming him for leaving so unexpectedly. He kept assuring himself he hadn't a choice, but was that really it? He did have a choice, he could have stayed but his concern over Wolf was too overpowering.

"Are you ok, Jak?" Fionn asked in concern, shattering Jak's thoughts. The blonde elf sat speechless for a second, regaining his bearings before turning to his worried friend.

"I'm fine…let's get moving shall we?" Jak muttered, standing up and returning his bottle to their shared bag. He slowly lowered himself down over the edge again, finding a solid piece of rock to place his foot. Clambering slowly over the edge completely, he carried on silently, concentration written on his face. Fionn remained sitting on the ledge, head resting against the wall. When he hadn't made a move to follow, Jak halted his descent.

"FIONN! Get down here!" Jak shouted back up the cliff, knuckles going white from holding the rock face too tightly. He could hear scuffling above, before the silver haired head appeared over the ledge.

"I'm sorry Jak! I'm coming!" he replied guiltily, hastily lowering himself over the ledge. Jak held his breath, fearing the other man would slip and fall, but luckily he remained flat against the rock face. "Wait for me!" Fionn continued, moving quickly down the wall to reach Jak's stationary form.

Shaking his head in disbelief, Jak began moving again, and the two eventually reached the grassy earth below. Fionn seemed ecstatic at the prospect of reaching hard ground, and collapsed on his knees, clutching at the blades of grass tightly in his whitened fingers.

"I've missed you so much!" Fionn murmured, leaning over his knees and resting his forehead in the grass. Jak could hear him breathing deeply, and rolled his eyes when the older man began rolling on the grass happily.

'Look at that disgusting display! Such a mortal thing to do!' Dark Jak hissed, watching the older elf make a complete fool of him self. Jak stood back and waited for his friend to finish, before suggesting their route from there.

"If we head to the stream, refill on water, then continue on to the other side we should have no problems," Jak muttered, scanning the distance for any lethal threats. With none that he could see, the blonde offered out a hand to help Fionn up. Taking it gratefully, Jak hoisted the man up, and the two set off at a comfortable pace. They hadn't trekked very far before Jak spotted a herd of wild Yakow grazing nearby. The beasts looked at peace, feasting upon the fresh grass, and Jak raised a sly eyebrow.

'Let us, Jak! Let us roam free!' Wolf urged, reading into Jak's thoughts. 'This may be the one chance to let your spirit wander freely Jak.' Taking Wolf's words to heart, Jak yanked out his pendant, and started to read the chant aloud.

"Thy is inside, ringing out the terror and fury. To become one, elf must unite with wolf, and together be inseparable. Oh holy beast, transform thy-" Jak stopped reading when a pale hand clamped over his pendant, interrupting him. Raising his eyes, he was met with crimson red, a look of panic and fear contained within.

"No, please…please don't," Fionn whispered, his hand refusing to leave Jak's pendant. Jak tried to pull his gaze away, but those red pools held him tight, as if tied by invisible bonds. Those eyes reminded him of Seem's, captivating and haunting at once.

"Fi…I…" Jak tried to reply, feeling his head begin to spin. A voice started up in his mind, telling him to drop the pendant, forcing his hand to loosen its hold around the chain. The pendant fell freely, landing with a quiet clink in the grass.

"Thankyou Jak…thankyou," Fionn finished, bowing his head and breaking eye contact. Snapping his head up, Jak felt flushed and dizzy, unable to gather his shattered thoughts together.

'Weakling! Pick up the pendant and transform! No hypnotic powers will keep you contained Jak!' Wolf growled, awaking Jak's confused mind back into reality. Shaking his head rapidly, Jak rounded on Fionn, shoving him hard in the shoulder.

"What the hell did you do to me?!" he shouted, turning away from the older man, trying to control his sudden anger. Nobody had ever controlled him like that, and if he had anything to say about, no one ever would again.

"What's wrong Jak? Why did you-"

"Just shut up alright…let me get myself together," Jak responded, taking a few steps away from his comrade. His heart was silently racing, his thoughts all jumbled and incoherent. He was scared, to say the least. This man had power to manipulate his thoughts and actions, and what's worse, he didn't even know. Deciding to face the other man, Jak slowly turned around, avoiding eye contact this time. He couldn't risk being drawn in again and used as a puppet.

"Fionn, you…are there any supernatural powers that you know you have?" Jak asked, and was met by a blank stare from his fellow.

"No, I don't think so. Why would you say such a thing Jak? Did I…did I do something to you? Jak? Did I?" he murmured, stepping forward towards Jak. The blonde held his palm out to halt Fionn in his tracks, and sighed heavily.

"It's nothing Fi. It just felt like, for a second there, that you had mental control over me. Maybe it was my alter egos or something," Jak shrugged, figuring it was best to not jump to conclusions, for the time being at least. Scooping up his pendant from the ground, Jak held the cold metal tightly against his palm.

"Fionn, my wolfish side needs freedom. You're welcome to leave my side, but for now, just let me do this," Jak said, chanting the precursor text around the pendant's edge, and feeling his body twist and turn out of proportion. Fionn kept well back, eyes wide at the sight. He stayed silent, keeping his screams of fear to himself while Jak changed into a fury beast.

Once Jak had completely morphed, Wolf lifted his head and sniffed the cool, fresh air. He let out a low howl of satisfaction, the sound vibrating deep in his throat. 'Thanks Jak,' he muttered, taking a few steps away from Fionn. Perking up his ears, he heard something shift behind him and turned around.

"Let me…uh…join you," Fionn whimpered, taking tiny steps forward. Wolf Jak cocked his head, surveying the shifty man before him keenly. 'That boy would make the perfect meal,' he thought, earning him a stern protest from Jak. Staring at Fionn a little while longer, he bowed his head and carried on towards the wild yakows.

Why Wolf Jak wanted to run amongst the wild beasts was beyond Fionn, but the man kept quiet about it and followed without argument. The two trekked silently through the long grass, stalking the yakows until they were only a few feet away. Wolf was low to the ground, head bowed down, whilst Fionn was flat on his stomach, watching through the tall blades of grass. They waited for the beasts to sense their presence, keeping still and soundless. It happened only a couple of minutes after their arrival, did one Yakow lift its head, eyes searching its surroundings.

It began to bellow aloud, attracting the attention of its herd, before the group of animals started running away. Feeling it were time, Wolf leapt up from his hiding position, and charged after them, heart beating in adrenalin. He could hear his blood pounding against his eardrums, and his legs shaking out of excitement. Not once at Haven city could he experience this type of freedom.

As Wolf Jak sprinted after the herd, Fionn leapt to his feet, running after him. Although the man was fast, he struggled to keep up with Wolf, and it wasn't long before he was panting hard, legs aching immensely. Ahead Wolf had caught up with the Yakows, and was enjoying himself endless, snapping at the legs of the wild animals as they fled.

Wolf wasn't actually going to harm them, but scaring them stupid was just as satisfying. Jak had distinctly forbidden him to hurt or kill any of the herd, which was to Wolf's dismay. However, Jak said nothing about a good, old-fashioned hunt. And so, as the yakows fled for what they feared was a real predator; Wolf was having the time of his life. The cool air was whipping at his face, stinging his eyes and caressing his nose. His breath was coming out in fast pants, tongue hanging out the side of his mouth.

Behind, Fionn was managing to keep up, occasionally losing his foot on some unknown rock or grass root and stumbling a few feet. It seemed the other man had been enjoying himself too, from the way he was laughing out loud. The hunt only lasted a short while, the herd of yakows separating into three different groups and fleeing opposite ways. Wolf came to a stop, feeling the adrenalin die down. Fionn stumbled up to him, completely forgetting his fear of dogs, and laid down in the grass laughing uncontrollably.

"That was great Jak!" he cried, shielding his eyes from the burning sun above. Wolf glanced down at the elfish man, and gave what would have been a smile at him.

Feeling his time was up, Wolf slid back into the darkness and Jak took over, regaining control. He collapsed into the grass beside Fionn, paws dangling in the air while he lay on his back. He was directing his attention up at the fluffy clouds above, drifting past ever so slowly in the rich blue sky.

He hadn't noticed when Fionn had stopped laughing, and was slightly alarmed when the man spoke up, "They're beautiful, aren't they?" Jak quickly turned his gaze to Fi, cocking his head to the side to urge the man to continue. "I mean, just look at them…such beauty. I've always admired the way they drift without care…their remarkable formations and peaceful nature."

Jak shifted his gaze back to the sky and focused on the clouds above, keeping Fi's words in mind. The man did have a point; they were beautiful. It had been such a long time since he could lay about cloud gazing like this. The last time he could remember, was back at Sandover with Keira and Daxter. How he missed those carefree times.

As Jak reminisced about old times, Fionn became trapped in his old world, remembering a certain incident out of nowhere.

OOOoooOOO

"I heard father has chosen you to guide Matai. You should be proud, brother."

"I am, but yet I still feel fear. I cannot let myself fail this important task. It is critical I succeed."

"But you will brother. Father chose you, because he trusts you with Matai's life. You are strong enough to protect him. I know it."

"Thanks for your concern, Aniki (Older brother). Your words give me strength."

"And what of my words, huh? Am I not your loyal, older sister? I've told you already brother, you will succeed."

"Yes. Thank you."

"Hmm…what beautiful clouds, don't you think? Remember to enjoy their presence, younger brother, wherever you go. They'll always be at your side."

"I shall, Aniki."

OOOoooOOO

"I shall, Aniki," Fionn repeated aloud, smiling contently to himself as the memory faded from his mind. Jak heard his companion's comment, and sat up, shooting him a strange look.

"Who or what is an Aniki?" Jak inquired curiously, lifting an "eyebrow". Fionn looked startled at the question, and waved his hands quickly in front of him, smiling awkwardly.

"N-nothing Jak! It was nothing," he tried to persuade, but Jak wasn't buying it. Leaning towards the shaken up man, Jak asked again.

"Come on Ro, I know you're hiding something from me. You had another memory flash, didn't you? You remembered something! Admit it!" Jak pressed on, jabbing a paw in Fionn's chest.

"Ah…well, yes. I remembered something. But it's not that important, really. Um…shouldn't we get going?" Fionn suggested, feeling uncomfortable under Jak's intense gaze.

"I guess we should. Have no idea how much farther we need to travel before the next town. Could be nightfall before we reach it," Jak responded, lifting him self off the ground. He waited for his traveling companion to stand too, before setting off at a trot towards the stream nearby. He took a couple of steps before a cry echoed behind him, making his hair stand on end.

"FI! What's wrong?!" he shouted in concern, approaching the man on his knees. Fionn lifted his eyes, his lower lip trembling.

"My legs ache Jak. It hurts to move them," he answered, rolling back onto his backside to sit down. Jak rolled his eyes, sighing inwardly.

"Well, if it hurts that much, I'll give you a lift."

"No! I could never do-"

"You can and will do it, Fionn. If you don't, you can either walk, or I'll leave you here. Up to you," Jak muttered blankly, turning around and walking away. He hadn't gotten far when he heard the older man get up again, trying to follow him. Every step he took, a hiss escaped past his pale lips. This continued on until they reached the stream, and while Jak drank thirstily from the flowing water, Fionn removed his sandals and rolled up his pants, placing his sore legs into the cold depths.

Sighing quietly, Fionn laid back on the ground, letting his legs ease from the pain whilst still in the water. Wondering what was going on, Jak finished drinking and approached him, nose mere inches from the older man's. "Any reason why they hurt?" he asked and Fi shot up in fright, smashing their heads together by accident.

"I'm sorry! Please forgive me!" he shouted, petting Jak's furry head hoping to make things better. Jak stepped out of Fionn's reach, and studied him closely.

"Well?"

"For as long as I can remember, I've never had strong legs Jak. If I exert them for too long, they ache and become painful to walk on. I guess running at my limits did some damage," Fionn shrugged, lying back down on the ground.

"I see…so you're telling me, because you ran for so long, you've what…torn a muscle? Bruised a bone? Twisted some nerves?"

"No, it's nothing like that! That pain goes away after a little while. It's nothing serious…or at least, I don't think it's serious," the silver haired elf murmured in deep thought. Jak growled in frustration; not at Fi, but at himself. They were in this predicament because of his sudden yearning for yakow hunting.

"I'll offer again Ro. I'll give you a lift. If you accept, I'll take it easy," Jak stated firmly, and finally Fionn began to consider that option. He agreed relatively quickly, and Jak didn't have to use his mastery of persuasion either. So, after refilling both bottles with fresh water, the two were on their way again. Fionn-Ro was clutching onto Jak's fur tightly, knees digging into Jak's wolfish ribs. Sharp pangs of pain erupted now and again, but Jak managed to brush it off, keeping his focus on the view ahead.

They trekked without hassle along the valley for the next hour or so. The place was too quiet for Jak's liking, and the yakows he'd chased earlier were nowhere to be seen. True there were many places the beasts could have escaped too, not to mention a small cluster of trees sat to their far right past the never ending stream, but it still gave Jak an uneasy feeling.

"Mm, your fur is nice and soft," Fionn uttered a while later, snuggling his face in Jak's wolfish fur. The blonde tensed up for a moment, requesting the older man stop using his neck as a pillow. "I'm sorry Jak…I'm just tired. Can we rest soon?"

"Not until we reach the next town."

"And when will that be?"

"No clue, but hopefully we'll get there soon. We've been traveling for a while now, so I'm sure it can't be too far off," Jak answered simply, and thus the conversation came to a grinding halt. After a few long moments of silence, Fionn lowered his head back to the furry neck in front of him, treating Jak as a pillow once again. Although Jak hated the feeling, he couldn't see room for argument.

Setting his sights on the horizon ahead, Jak moved slightly faster, feeling nightfall draw steadily closer.

By the time Skytha landed on the ground just outside the town of Venrah, the sun was low in the sky. She knew it would be nightfall soon, and decided it best to stay in this town over night. Turning her head sideways, she began to speak with Erol, "I suggest we find an inn or hotel of some description. Who knows what's beyond this town, and besides, we might be able to gather some information overnight. What do you say?"

"Hmm, you have a point there Sky," Erol replied nonchalantly, slipping quietly off Skytha's furry back and landing on the dirt road. Once Daxter and Simron had removed themselves too, Skytha changed back to her former self. Luckily there hadn't been anyone around to witness her change, for she knew it would cause problems if there had.

Turning to face the town ahead, she beckoned the remaining three to follow, and soon they arrived just inside the town, gazing around the place in interest. Immediately after their entrance, a blond woman in her late twenties approached them, waving warmly at the visitors.

"Hi there folks. First time visit perhaps?" she asked, stopping beside Skytha.

"What gave it away?" Erol inquired, raising a slim eyebrow. The woman began laughing heartily, pointing back out the town.

"Never seen you folks before. All the locals 'round here use leapers to cross the canyon expanse, and since I see no leapers on ya, I figured you ain't from around here. So, where ya heading to exactly? Anything I can offer ya?" she asked, resting her hand on her hip.

Skytha gave Erol a knowing nod, before turning her attention on the blond woman. "Yes, there is something. We're looking for a young man. About this tall," she began, demonstrating Jak's height with a hand, "blond spiky hair, green goatee…gun strapped to his back. See anyone like that?"

The blond woman began thinking hard, until she gasped loudly, eyes lighting up. "Yes! Yes there was a fella round here 'bout this time yesterday. Nice lad if you ask me. Very charming too. Now let's see…he dropped off two leapers at me ranch," she muttered, pointing over her shoulder at the barn like structure.

"Two leapers you say?" Skytha confirmed, giving Erol a brief sideway's glance.

"Sure did. He was with another young fella," the ranch owner remarked. Feeling interested in the conversation, Erol stepped forward.

"Can you describe this young man to us? It's important we know," the red head stated, glaring at the woman with a hint of desperation in his eyes. The Rancher surveyed Erol for a long moment, as if trying to judge his character. Eventually she began speaking again.

"He had shoulder length, silver hair. Little braids on either side of his head…red eyes. Very pale complexion, mostly black attire," she stated to the listening audience.

"Heh, he sounds like an albino!" Erol laughed teasingly, earning him a smack from Skytha.

"Please excuse my rude friend. So, this man…he looked like an elf, right?" The blond lady gave Skytha an odd look, scratching her chin while pondering to herself.

"A strange question I admit, but sure. He was elfish all right. Why so interested in 'im?"

"Our friend may be traveling with an unknown enemy. We're being cautious and need any information we can get. Thanks for your time," Erol muttered darkly, turning on his heel and stalking off down the street. Leaving Skytha to bid the helpful woman a farewell, she ran with the two Ottsels at her feet after Erol. He had stopped at the edge of a curb, arms crossed; eyes scanning his surroundings whilst he waited for Skytha to follow.

"We have a shape shifter on our hands. Not a good sign," Erol reported gravely, letting out a long sigh afterwards. Skytha lowered her eyes to the ground, praying this certain shape shifter was friendly. "What shape shifters do you know of?"

"There's them metal heads! Remember old man Kor? And Kaeden! That guy was cree-py!" Daxter shot in, snarling under his breath.

"And there's us, the wolfish. There's nothing else I can really think of. That furry animal I saw back in the canyon, there's the chance it's a shape shifter too," Skytha suggested feeling her mind race back to the past incident. Erol agreed quietly, piecing the clues together they'd gathered. The outcome, remembering back from the forest conversation, was something smaller than a wolf, furry, leaving behind no human footprints, and could shape shift.

Feeling a headache coming on, Erol requested they seek a room to rest for the night. The four set out along the street, spotting an Inn sign a few minutes later. They entered the old building, appearing in a pub. The place was virtually empty, save for a drunk at the counter, smacking his head against the wooden surface of the table. As the four approached the counter, they could hear the occasional muttered word coming from the man. Most consisted of "damn" "she was a beaut" "just my luck" "damn blond monkey". Feeling it were pointless to listen in on the ramblings of a drunk, Erol leaned across the counter, calling for service.

A man appeared immediately after, wearing a white apron over his red bartender's uniform. He gave them a small smile, waiting for their request. "Room for four. Give us a meal too," Erol ordered, tossing a few coins onto the counter. The bartender swept up the gold pieces, bowing his head at his customers before disappearing through the back door. Returning shortly afterwards, he gave them a room key and a menu, in which they took gratefully.

"Come on, let's get settled," Erol muttered with disinterest etched into his tone, finding a booth at the back of the room. He slid onto the seat, followed by Simron, Daxter and Skytha, who were all glancing around warily. "Just relax. There's only one drunk here. If he tries anything, I'll clobber him one," Erol pointed out, watching as the drunk began crying loudly, sobbing pathetically over something.

"We'll eat and go to sleep. We need an early start. I feel we're wasting time," the commander commented, resting his head in a palm, the elbow resting on the tabletop. Skytha silently agreed, Daxter making a move to retort but felt it wiser to keep quiet. As the night progressed and their meals had been ordered and eaten, the four continued to sit around the booth, softly conversing about their plans tomorrow. It had been decided that Skytha would exit the town on the only other gate, hoping to sniff out a scent. Erol had informed them he'd wander around gathering information from the civilians. Surely they'd be someone else who'd seen Jak too.

"I think you've had enough, sir. Please kindly remove yourself and go home," the Bartender suddenly said, and Erol noticed the drunk had stood up, swaying on the spot but trying to argue nonetheless.

"You can't kick me out! I'm your…best cust…mer!" the drunk slurred, trying to prod the bartender in the chest with his finger. The owner merely avoided the finger, and grabbed the man's wrist tightly.

"I shan't repeat myself again. Kindly leave, sir, or I shall call security," he hissed, eyes flashing dangerously in the dimly lit room. The drunk, although thoroughly intoxicated, could sense the sincerity in the bartender's words, and decided to leave without any more hassles. Staggering out the door, the bartender cleared his throat after realizing he had an audience. "Please forgive my brutalities. That man has been quite a nuisance for some time," he apologized, wiping down the counter quickly.

"Why was he so upset?" Skytha asked, slightly worried at the whole ordeal.

"Apparently he was denied satisfaction last night. Two young men came in here and from what I witnessed, an argument broke out. I shan't get into details, but long story short, that man has been complaining about it ever since. It becomes tiring to listen to pointless rambling, particularly from drunkards," the bartender finished coldly, snatching up the wet cloth and striding out the back door.

"Haha, if he hated their rambling, why become a bartender?" Erol inquired to his friends, leaning back in the leather booth seat. Skytha slapped him across the arm again, telling him to keep his harsh thoughts to himself. The bartender didn't appear for sometime, which gave the four at the booth time to talk comfortably. The night was passing by quickly, and by the time it reached 9pm, Erol's head was dropping now and again. The commander hadn't acquired much sleep the night before, and it made Skytha wonder how he'd managed to stay awake this long.

When he'd finally let his head drop to the table, sleeping quietly, Skytha began to nudge him, coaxing him awake. Golden-Brown eyes opened slightly, lacking their usual intensity, and tried to focus on her from the table. "Come on…let's get some rest upstairs," she offered, slipping Erol's arm over her shoulder. She lifted him with her body weight, shifting out of the booth and across the pub towards the stairs. Daxter and Simron were following tiredly behind, yawning loudly to show their exhaustion.

As they reached to room, Skytha handed Daxter to room key, in which he unlocked and opened the door, letting them all inside. Skytha approached the closest bed, easing Erol down onto the mattress. He thanked her sleepily, before drifting off into a deep rest. Skytha prepared herself for bed too, and slipped beneath the covers of the bed beside Erol. Daxter and Simron remained awake for some time, whispering quietly to each other, before they too crawled into bed, falling asleep. Just as Skytha began to close her eyes, the furry animal from the canyons gave a low bark in her mind, as if trying to reassure her things would be ok.

Corad: Yep...my work here is done...
Sharok: What work? You didn't do anything?!
Corad: Sure I did...I um...did that...thing...and err...
Sharok: Idiot...
Corad: Hey, don't call Fionn an idiot!
Sharok: I didn't call Fi anything! I called you the idiot!
Fionn: Shar-san! Why do you think I'm an idiot?
Corad: Yeah, Shar-chan! Why do you think Fi is an idiot?!
Sharok: For the love of...I didn't call you an idiot! (shoots Fi an irritated look). I called that imbecile over there an idiot! (points at Corad)
Corad: Aww, come on Sharok, Fionn worships you! Is that any way to treat your dedicated follower?
Sharok: (muttering to self) Why do I bother..
Corad: That's what I'd like to know O.O But anyhow, hope this chapter was ok. For those who aren't sure, Aniki means Older brother in Japanese. I put it in brackets in the story, but ya know...better explain it again in case. I can't remember whether there's anything else that needs saying, so I'll shall end this now before I bore you all to death. Thanks for reading everyone!! If my memory's correct, I think the next chapter is more interesting...heh, I hope it is at least (shifty eye). See yas next time!!