Chapter 10:

Jak threw himself down into a booth, throwing his JET-board down next to him. Erol smirked, crossing his legs on the table. When Jak turned around, he realised everyone in the Naughty Ottsel was staring at him.

"What?" he snapped. Everyone looked away. Erol laughed lightly, and Jak glared at him.

Sorry. I couldn't resist. Erol said.

"Go to hell." Jak snarled.

I'm trying. Erol joked, ducking to avoid the drink mat that Jak threw at him.

"YOU'RE DEAD. You don't need to duck!" Jak yelled.

Its reflexes – shame you don't have them. Erol said. You might not have fallen off your JET-board otherwise.

"I DO have reflexes... just not when you start being creepy and 'breathing' in my ear AND pelting me with bits of debris!" Jak snapped.

"Jak... if you want to talk to your imaginary friend, can you please do it elsewhere?" Tess asked from across the bar, where Daxter was telling another one of his far-fetched stories. "You're scaring away the customers!"

"Sorry Tess." Jak said, and went quiet, scowling at Erol. He then noticed Torn, Ashelin, Keira and Jinx approaching his table. Jak rolled his eyes. "What now?" he asked.

"Jinx told us about... the incident." Torn replied uneasily.

"Oh that. I should've guessed." Jak said, closing his eyes. "Come to tell me I'm insane?"

"No... I was hoping you could explain." Torn said.

"Erol saved my life, Jinx and Daxter saw him. The end. Now leave me in peace." Jak said shortly.

"Fine." Torn said, and wandered to the other side of the bar.

"Jak... you can't keep pushing people away. We want to help you." Ashelin said. Jak didn't reply. Ashelin sighed, and walked away too.

"Jak... I believe you." Jinx said.

"Are you sure you haven't lost it too?" Jak asked.

"Jak..."Jinx started to say.

"Fuck off." Jak swore. Jinx opened his mouth to speak again, and then walked away, knowing that Jak wouldn't listen to him.

Jak. She's waiting. Erol said.

"Huh?" Jak asked. Erol nodded his head in Keira's direction. Jak sighed, and turned around to face her. "Yes?" he asked.

"I... how are you?" Keira asked.

"I'm fine... if you believe me." Jak replied. Keira sat down opposite him, next to where Erol's ghost was sat. "Erm... Keira..."

"What?" she asked. Erol leaned in close to her, waving his hand in front of her face.

She's COMPLETELY oblivious! Erol exclaimed. Hurry up and nearly die again.

"He's right next to you." Jak replied, pointing to Erol. Keira looked to her left, at the empty space.

"If you say so..." Keira said. "I can't see him."

"He's there!" Jak insisted.

"I don't know..." Keira said uncomfortably. "This is all just too weird."

"Keira... I'm sorry about before. I love you and we can't let him tear us apart." Jak said.

"It's too late now Jak... us... it isn't working out." Keira replied sadly.

"Keira?! We can't let him win!" Jak protested.

"I'm sorry Jak... I have to go." She said, and ran out of the bar. Jak felt the Dark Eco crackling in his veins.

Jak? Erol asked worriedly. Jak stood up and slung his JET-board on to his back, and stormed towards the door.

"Where are you going Jak?" Daxter asked.

"Metal Head city section." Jak replied.

"Why?" Ashelin asked.

"To blow off some steam." Jak snapped.

"Why don't you just go to the gun course? I've got the keys, then you can lock up afterwards." Tess said.

"No. I need to kill." Jak stormed out of the bar.

Jak? Erol asked. Jak didn't answer him. His lips twisted into a sadistic smile.

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This is it.

Ooh this is starting to get interesting...