Chapter 10

Torn opened his eyes, and saw Keira smiling down at him. He looked around and saw that he was in the hospitle. He tried to move, but goraned in pain.

"Don't move Torn." she whispered. "You're still in bad shape." she pushed some of his loose hair out of this eyes.

"What happened? Where's Jak?" he asked quickly.

"Jak is fine. He's hiding at Ashelin's. She's on her way over here right now. But you're very lucky to be alive. You almost didn't make it. You're one strong man Torn." he grinned slightly.

"Takes a lot more than a bloody beating to keep me down." he sighed in relief when a shot of morphine escaped into his bloodstream.

"I'm glad that they put you on morphine." Keira said while looking at the IV that Torn was attached to. "You were screaming hard before." Torn closed his eyes. He couldnt remember any of it. Keira turned, and saw Ashelin in the doorway. "I'll leave you two alone." she kissed Torn's forehead, and left the room. Ashelin sat next to Torn, and tears welled up in her eyes.

"Why are you crying beautiful?" he whispered. Ashelin shook her head.

"I almost lost you a second time. I was so scared when Keira call me Torn...I love you." Torn stared at her. Ashelin took her glasses off. It wasnt like her to say that phrase first.

"I love you to Ashelin. I always pictured me saying it first though." Ashelin smiled at him.

"Don't worry. I always knew that you did." she smiled warmly at him, and squeezed his good hand.

"I meant what I said when I was talking about us leaving." Torn whispered, his voice on a more serious tone.

"I know you all to well Torn. All of our things are packed. You, myself, Keira and Jak are going to leave as soon as you're released. Spargus is where we are going to go. We'll all be safe there."

When Torn was strong enough to be relased, Ashelin was true to her word. The four of them climbed into Torn's hellcat, and entered the wastelands. Torn grumbled the entire time because he was unable to drive, and that Ashelin was a horrible behind the wheel. When they reached the city walls, Daxter was there to welcome them with open arms.

"Jak! You sure have changed for the worst! But don't worry. With my stunning good looks, no one wil shy away from you." he said while taking his place on Jak's shoulder.

"I don't really need to worry about that. I have everything that I need." Jak said while placing his arm around Keira's shoulder.

"Say, where's angry tattoo boy?" Daxter turned, and his jaw dropped. Torn waved Ashelin's helping hand away as he strugged out of the hellcat. He had to walk with a can to support his bad limp, and Ashelin as stubborn as him, helped him walk. "I never thought that I would see the day when Torn has fallen! How does it feel tattoo wonder? To be weak?" Daxter grinned evily at him. Torn glared back.

"I'm still strong enough to skin you live." he growled. Daxter leaped off of Jak's shoulder to stay out of Torn's reach.

"You should be thanking me soon. I arranged for a huge party in your honor. Over half the city is going to be there. Welcome home!"

The large ball room was crowded with people. Torn did his best to dance with Ashelin, but she was perfectly content just being pressed up against him. Daxter and Tess were hooked in each others arms stealing a kiss or two when the moment appeared. Jak and Keira were in a constant lip lock in their own world. When the music came to a stop, all focus was on Torn and Ashelin. She gave Torn a confused look when he gripped her left hand tightly.

"Ashelin...I love you. I would give my life without hesitation just to keep you safe. I've put this off for to long." Torn groaned in pain as he got down on one knee in front of her.

"Wait Torn..."

"I want to do this right." Torn intruppted her. He pulled a small black box from his pocket, and opened it. Inside the box was a small while gold ring with three diamonds on top of the band. He took Ashelin's left hand in his. "Ashelin Praxis...will you marry me?" Torn looked up at her.

"Yes!" Ashelin choked as she dropped to her knees in tears. The crowd cheered as Torn slipped the ring onto her finger, and kissed her passionately. Ashelin helped Torn to his feet, and beamed at him. "You kept that ring all these years?" Torn nodded.

"I did. I'd be a fool to return it. I love you."

"I love you to." Ashelin said as she gave him a firm kiss. Torn held her close, and sighed a breath of relief. They were finally safe.

THE END

Thoughts of a continuation of this have been floating around in my head. But I'm not sure. Just throwing that out there. Let me know what you think.