My computer is now functional, and i had to update ASAP:)

Unfortunately, I am back in school, sooooo I will TRY my HARDEST to update weekly! Anyway, I thank you all for the favorites, and the follows:) It makes me happy to see that so many people like my story. Especially since there are are no, really horrible reviews for this story! Especially since I'm a beginner on this site! So i'd thought I'd tell all you wonderful people out there THANK YOU AND THIS WOULDN'T BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT YA!

Now...The moment you have all been waiting for... This is probably the longest chapter I have written so far:)

ONWARD!

Disclaimer: I don't own Jak and Daxter...Obviously. Otherwise, I'd be going to a private college instead of a community college.

"Jak? You there?"

Jak couldn't help but smile at her voice, but it soon died.

"I thought I'd invite you over to Ace's garage here in the Stadium," the slight frown turned into a grimace instantly, "The boy's are throwing me a Victory and Welcome Back party all rolled in one night..."

Jak cringed as he heard something smash through his communication device. Some hollering was heard soon after, and Krystall yelling some scolding to whoever was responsible before she resumed her talking.

"Anyway," She said with a drawl, "The boy's want to officially meet you, Daxter and Tess are here, and I need someone to keep me sane," Jak rolled his eyes, "I hope you come. Talk to ya later, Jak." Her voice sounded a bit softer before the conversation ended, and Jak was once again alone with his thoughts.

He looked at his communication device, hoping that he could hear her voice again. His anger was bubbling up to the surface once more. He didn't want her there; he wanted her HERE. She helped him sort out his thoughts...Well, actually, she distracted him, but that distraction was what helped him sort out his thoughts. It was always harder to be angry when he was just finished talking, and laughing with one of his best friends.

...Alright, maybe she was more than a friend.

But...

"Keira," he whispered to the air around him. He looked up at the bunk above him, eying the metal framework around him as a way to distract him, but it only made him think some more. They were together, weren't they? They had been the longest of friends. Stuck with each other since the other was born. Even the time apart in Haven did nothing to spoil their relationship. The constant flirting, the small touches, the continuous meetings they had...Even a few stolen kisses. That couldn't have been ruined by one fight?

Yet, he thought back to Krystall. Their relationship started out with a fight. For a while afterwords, it was rocky, and unstable. There was a chasm between them, but because of a few short talks they crossed that divide. Ever since then, their relationship grew faster than the numbers of Metal Head Armies. It was incredible how comfortable they were with each other with what little they knew about the other. Even then, their knowledge and understanding of each other was amazing considering the time they knew one another. They trusted each other with their lives, and spend time together once a day. Now that she was gone, he craved her company, and it seemed like he could never get enough of it.

But there was still Keira.

He sighed, and placed his hands behind his head, and closed his eyes. Why was this so complicated?

I was quiet when I entered the Underground. Don't even ask what time it is, because personally, I wouldn't know. That was the biggest party I have seen in ages. The boys had ordered enough food to feed the Metal Head and Baron's Armies two times over, Daxter had managed to sneak in some alcohol and spiked everyone's drink. It wasn't until I had spit out my first glass that people began to notice it's strangely funny taste. Ace, about five minutes later, had found the bottle. It wasn't hard to find out who the culprit was; especially when you could find small paw prints of the sides of it. Music had also been playing, and it seemed to have attracted some of our fellow racers. Many came by to say congratulations on our win, while others came just for free food; not that I blame them. The food is the best part of any party. Anything else is just a distraction.

I think back to the little surprise I received at the party and smiled. Ace had actually missed out on a small portion of the party to go talk to some of the higher ups in the race industry, and when he came back, he had the biggest smile on his face.

"Man Ace," Taffy told his superior as he walked into the garage, "You're going to split your lip with a smile that wide."

Ace merely took the cup that Taffy had in his hand, and immediately began to chug it. Anyone who saw the exchange began to laugh uncontrollably at the shocked expression on Taffy's face. When Ace had finish, he took the cup away from his lips, and began to shake his head with a soured look.

"What the ...What kinda punch is this?"

"Daxter seemed to think that this party needed alcohol," I had spoken up from my spot next to Saffron and Olivia, "Unfortunately, I'm the only one who hates the taste."

Ace laughed, " I just don't think you can hold your alcohol."

"Oh no, I can hold it just fine...I can't just hold the taste in my mouth for too long."

"You sure?"

"Positive."

Ace laughs again, the glow in his eyes tells me something before I even know what has happened, "So, Krystall?"

"What?"

"What if I told you...That you could race for my team in the Championship?"

I nearly dropped my glass, and it seemed like everything in the room stood completely still. I felt my eyes widened, and everyone stared at Ace.

A smile began to grace my features, "How...? That's not... I didn't?"

"You won a Class Two Race," Ace goes on to explain, "According to the rules, you are only allowed to race an upper class race if you've one the lower class races first."

"So...?"

"So, I talked it with the big guys, and they said that you were lucky enough that you had Daxter on your shoulder while driving, otherwise you would have been disqualified."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"It makes you a part of their team," Ron finishes for me, "Meaning that, technically, when they won a Class Three Race, it counts as your win too."

"Which means that I-"

"Have two lower division wins under your belt. Your qualified to race in the Championship."

I couldn't help but smile as replayed the memory. First, Keira lets me race. Then, Ace breaks off the partnership, and then I was qualified to race in the Championships? This day was amazing! I turn into the main room to find it empty, and it gave me another reason to rejoice. I didn't want to hear any men snore loudly...

"Krys?"

I look beside my bed to find a tired Jak sitting up in his bed, the sheets falling off of him to fully revel his toned torso, and rested above his hips.. Now, I should be used to the sight of him shirtless, but like always, I have to fight to keep my blush down to a minimum.

"Hey Jak," I tell him, my voice sounding even more tired than I had expect it to be.

At the tone of my voice, his brows scrunch together, and he asks, "What time is it?"

"I don't know," I say as I take off my shoes, and then let out a scoff, "I don't WANT to know. I just wanna sleep..."

"Hm," Jak watched me as I removed my boots, my vest, and crawled underneath my covers. Once I was situated, I stared back at him.

"So," I asked after a few moments of silence, "Are you doing...Okay?"

Jak's eyes narrowed, "I'm fine. Why? Besides I thought you wanted to sleep?"

"Well, you staring at me like that makes it a little bit difficult..."

Jak gave a small smile and rolled his eyes before turning over, his back facing me. This time it was my turn to roll my eyes.

"Are you sure you're alright, Jak?"

"I told you I'm fine."

"Positive? Cause I think your lying..."

Jak gave another smile before turning towards me just a bit, allowing me to see his blue eyes glint in the low light, "It can wait until tomorrow."

"Only if you say so..."

I watched Jak get settled once again in his bed, and slowly allowed myself to drift off into sleep.

"Wait? You want me to do what?"

Jak rolled his eyes at me and crossed his arms, "Come with us on our mission with Krew. Sig called us in saying he had something in line for us to do."

Daxter sat on his shoulder watching our exchange with great interest. We were currently outside of the Underground,and it seemed like an ungodly hour to most of Haven at the moment. The streets were near empty, with an exception to the occasional person or a Krimzon Guard. I had to agree with most of Haven today as we stood out in the morning sun. Daxter and I had great difficulty waking up this morning. Jak, who had already been dressed, did what he could to wake us up gently. Then he took the more extreme methods. Including picking me up, and dumping me in a tub filed with cold water.

I know you're laughing! It's NOT funny!

I sighed, running a hand over my slightly damp hair. I had put my hair up in a french braid, with two large strands of braids acting as a headband across the top of my bangs. Jak had warned me that we were probably going to do something crazy, so I figured it'd be best for my hair to be out of the way.
I didn't think that he would mean something for Krew.

"Oh c'mon, Sweetheart!" Daxter whined on top of Jak's shoulder, "Just come along, will ya? It's been a while since you rolled with us!"

I scoffed, and let out a small smile. He was right. The last time the three of us went on a mission together was before the Tomb incident...

I still need to talk with Vin about that...

Oh! Getting sidetracked!

"Alright," I relented, "I'll go."

Daxter yelled, "Score!" While making a fist and raising it to the air. Jak gave me one of his infamous smirks. Quick as lightning, Daxter hopped of of Jak's shoulder and towards the zoomer nearby. It was a one seater, and although I preferred to ride my own zoomer, I was too tired to go and get another one to ride.

And no! It is NOT because I like riding with Jak!

"I like your hair."

The small comment threw me off. I hummed and looked at Jak, showing Jak that I had been distracted. Although I had heard his comment, I just wanted to hear it again.

"Your hair. It looks nice today." He raised his hand to touch the end of my french braid., "Why'd you do it like that?"

I shrugged, and ignored the butterflies in my stomach, "It helps keep it restrained and out of the way."

He gives a slight nod, and takes his hand away to his side, "A lot of girls back at home did there hair like that."

I raised an eyebrow, "Really?" Maybe that was why he liked it so much.

"Yeah...Except Keira. She never really liked anyone touching her hair. So she just kept it short."

The butterflies in my stomach died at the mention of her name. I recalled our conversation, and the events that took place yesterday. Jak is a wonderful man. I don't think Keira deserves him, but then again I don't either. I just can't help it: I'm jealous of everything that they share together. I feel like they have this cord that's wrapped around them that keeps them together, even when they don't like it. I wish it was me. That I had that strong of a relationship with him. But life's a pain that way. Unless Keira really, REALLY screws up, then there is no way that Jak and I will be...Well, more.

Not like I wanted to be... Uh, I'll shut up now.

"So," I asked, "Do you know what this mission will be?"

Jak shrugged, "I just hope it's not in the sewers again."

The first thing I had expected walking into the Hog was Krew's ugly face, and calling me "kitten". I did not expect some tall, dark, and handsome bodyguard to greet us first. I had only seen this man around the bar from my visits, and Sig's name mentioned in stories. Sig was covered from head to toe in armor, one of his eyes was gone and replaced with metal. A gun was strapped to his back, and he basically looked like a living, breathing, killing machine. Usually, Krew was somewhat of a good host and would give a "hello" of sorts (if you can call it that) to his guests. I had looked to Jak for some sort of explanation for this abnormality, but his gaze was focused on something else entirely. I had followed his gaze, and my jaw dropped.

"Heyyyyy," Daxter stated in his loud obnoxious voice, "Where's the fat-"

Jak had slammed his hand against Daxter's mouth. After seeing that the both of us were distracted, Daxter's gaze then followed ours. His reaction was the same. Eyes wide and mouth open.

Krew was asleep in the middle of the bar high near the roof. The sight was absolutely repulsive. His body was completely relaxed, making him look like a giant sack of pudding in bags on top of on another. His chins had doubled because his head was lolled forward, his legs were also hanging limply, making them look like they belonged to a dead man who had been hanged rather than to someone sleeping.

"Gross..." I quietly mumbled, yet unable to tear my eyes away.

"I think I need a drink..." I hear Daxter whisper.

"C'mon, cherries," Sig said giving a pat on Jak's back knocking him out of his stupor, "Let's get you three something to drink."

And so, Sig had gotten us drinks of our choices. Me, with the usual water, Jak with some alcoholic cider, and Daxter just got a soda. He didn't need alcohol, especially when he stole sips from Jak's glass every so often. Jak hardly touched his drink anyway.

Sig passed me my drink when he finally asked, "I see you around here a lot. What's your name?"

"Krystall."

"Oh?" He stated, and looked to Jak ever so subtly, "You work for Torn, right?"

"Sure do. I'm the Underground's Healer."

He gave a sort of hum, "Krew asked you to be a Wastelander before?"

"Yep."

"You said no?"

I nod my head with a hum.

"Good girl."

I had to smile. I was beginning to like this guy.

"So what are you doing here with Jak?"

"I asked her to come," Jak stated for me, "She said that if I needed her on a mission, she would tag along."

Sig raised his eyebrows, but other than that gave no reply. From then on, we just sat in silence, drinking, while the horrendous floating mass stayed asleep. My glass of water was already gone, and Jak's cup was half empty. Daxter forsaken his soda, and stole sips from Jak;'s cup, nobody bothered to stop him in fear of waking up Krew. Every couple of minutes Krew would go into this weird fit, and begin to wave his arms and whimper as if he were chasing something. It was greatly disturbing.

Finally, after Sig took his last swig, he spoke, "You boy's are alright, and since the boss is out of it right now, I'm going to give it to you straight," he then looks at me, "And I'd like it to be just us..."

I turned around to see Tess watching us from her spot at the bar. I turned back to face Sig, and with a smile and nod, got up from my seat next to Jak. Might as well let him have some guy to guy time. Jak's been dealing with way too much estrogen in these last few days.

"I was waiting for you to come over here!" Tess stated as she was arranging the bottles of gin and alcohol around.

I rolled my eyes, "If your looking for juicy gossip or an update on my love life, I have neither for you."

"No," Tess stated with a smile in her voice, "But I have some for you," she leans in closer on the table, "Keira's pretty pissed for one."

I raised an eyebrow, "Why's that?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Tess states, "You practically announced your feelings about Jak to her last night..."

My eyes widened, "I did NOT," I almost yelled, but managed to keep it in a whisper.

Now Tess rolled her eyes, "Oh c'mon, Krissy. The jealously that you have against that women rolled off in waves in the words you said."

I couldn't deny it. Unfortunately, and I wouldn't. The attention that Jak gave her made my insides twisted, and turns my skin green. In everyone else's eyes, it was cute, but to me the sight made me wonder what made her better than me? Why couldn't I have something like that? Why couldn't I have HIM?

Oh well...Life sucks.

"That's irrelevant to what I told her..."

"Not how Keira sees it," Tess shook her head slightly, "Keira basically saw it as a challenge. She cares for Jak; she really does... It's just he's not who she remembers..."

"Well, instead of throwing such a fit about it, she needs to change her image of him."

Tess rolled her eyes and smiled, "I'm just letting you know what type of competition you had."

I gave a small smile, but I had no doubt my eyes betrayed myself. How could you have competition when you're not even really a player? Why is I'm the ONLY one that seems to see it all! Jak and Keira like each other. BOOM! Slam dunk! Touchdown! GOOOOAAAAALLLLL!Game's over!

Suddenly a snort of sorts interrupts my thoughts as Krew wakes up from his nap. I look over to where Jak and Sig where talking, and Sig abruptly shuts up as Krew awakens. I see Jak move on the table, and before I make any real note of it, he begins to speak.

"Hey there, stuffed crust!" Daxter states, "How does it feel floating on top of the food chain?"

I cover my mouth to keep myself from laughing. This...was making my day.

"Woooooo! Krew mister," Daxter says as Krew angrily lowers himself down from his spot to get closer to everyone, especially Daxter although I don't know what he could do to the ottsel. Daxter would just run away, and Krew without a doubt can't catch him.

"Have you been excising?" He asks almost sarcastically, "You're looking good! You... are definitely...living large!"

Oh forget about self control!

I burst out in a resounding laugh, and Tess begins to chuckle with me. I didn't notice Krew turning to face me, his face twisted in anger. I just kept laughing!

"Welllll," Krew drawled, "If it isn't the little kitten in for a visit," I stopped laughing, but a smile remained on my face despite Krew's insult and his evil glare, "What brings you into my bar this time?"

The smile on my face grew wider, "Well, if I were feeling nice today, I'd say just to drop by. But no...I came for the pure joy of watching be showed up by something thirty times smaller than you."

Now it was Daxter's turn. He laughed louder than me, and fell back onto the table. Together our laughs and chuckles resounded in the room.

"Jak..." Krew finally began to talk, obviously still tired, "I need to escort three of my men down into the sewers and visit that statue again," A greedy look entered Krew's eyes at the mention of the statue, "I've heard that Mar's cheeky face might contain another secret, and I want to see if the stories were true, eh?"

I looked over to Jak and gave him a questioning look, but his eyes were focused of Krew, "Make sure all three of my get to that statue, and they'll do the rest, hmmmm?"

Krew then floated his way to the other side of the bar, probably to sleep. Jak said something to Sig before moving over to me and Tess.

"Jak," Daxter began to say, "Ya know... I think you guys got this covered. Why don't I just..." He then proceeded to leave Jak's shoulders and step onto the bar.

"Oh, nonononononono!" I say quickly grabbing him up from the scrap of his neck and placing him on my shoulders, "You're coming rather you like it or not, mister!"

Daxter pouted as he sat on my shoulder. Tess giggled cutely and batted her eyelashes at him. The display was enough to make my grab Jak by the forearm and drag him outside.

"Sorry Tess! Have to go! Bye!"

Jak chuckled as he was dragged outside, and I gave a sigh of relief as the sun hit my skin, warming it up. No matter of how twitter-patted over Jak I might be, I will never be able to stand watching Tess and Daxter make googly eyes. It's just...ugh...

I shudder at the images in my minds eye.

While we walk over to the zoomer I glare over at Jak who's smiling, "Glad you get some sort of entertainment from me being uncomfortable."

Jak just shrugs in response, while Daxter begins to complain, "HEY!"

I roll my eyes, "I didn't want to stand by and watch you guys flirt with each other!"

"Why? I watch you and Jak flirt all the time!"

My eyes widened and I tried to fight the blush in my cheeks down to a minimum. We had already reached the zoomer, and Jak was about to mount when he stopped at Daxter's comment. Jak and I glance at each other for a small moment. Both of us embarrassed, and uncomfortable. I close my eyes tightly to ignore that look on Jak's face. I was so focused on doing that that I failed to see the slight red that Jak had acquired on his cheeks.

"Jak and I do not flirt, Daxter." I tell Daxter as calmly as I can. However, the slight waver in my voice tells me that I failed miserably.

I could practically hear Daxter roll his eyes, "Yeah, right. What about that ti-"

"Discussion's over," I stated as I drop Daxter onto Jak's shoulder.

Daxter game me a glare due to how rough I treated him. Childishly, I responded with sticking out my tongue.

Once our small antics were over, and I had mounted the zoomer behind Jak, we took off towards the Sewers.

"So what did you guys find down there last time?"

Jak's eyes were fixed on the path in front of us, leading toward the entrance of the Sewers while I hid the zoomer we shared in a small alley way not too far away, "Some sort of Key...I don't know for what though."

"Mmm," I hummed walking back towards Jak, "Was it valuable?"

"It had a giant gem on it."

"Well there you have it," I telling throwing my arms up a bit for emphasis, "He probably sold it on the Black Market by now."

Jak stayed quiet, and I took it as a cue to move, but once we started walking he said, "I just have a bad feeling about all this."

I looked at Jak, and for the first time since we arrived here, he's staring intensely at me "I want you close to me at all times, alright? I don't know about this group of men that Krew sent down here."

I rolled my eyes, "I deal with bitter, drugged, men in great pain on a daily basis. I think I can handle just about any type of guy you throw my way."

Jak rolled his eyes, "Whatever. Just be on guard."

"Aren't I always?"

Daxter groaned and asked, "Can you give an answer that's not sarcastic?"

"Absolutely not."

Jak had to grin at that one, "Can't tell if that was sarcasm or not."

I shrug with a smirk on my face, "That's the whole point."

Daxter rolled his eyes, and gave a small grunt, obviously still angry about not being able to stay with Tess. As we walked in elevator to the sewers, I put my hands on my hips, and looked at the rodent.

"Got a problem, fuzzy?"

"Not as big of a problem as you do, kitten."

"Don't call me "kitten", Kangarat-face"

"Don't call me "kangarat-face"! Besides, Jak calls you "kitten"!"

"That doesn't mean I like it!"

I had no doubt that Daxter was going to yell "LIAR" so loud that it would have resounded through the sewers and out into the desert so that the dry bones out there would have rattled,. However, Jak was beginning to get annoyed at the name calling contest Daxter and I always have with each other.

What else was new?

"Quiet, you two. We're almost there."

Right as his statement finishes, the elevator door opens up. Immediately, I stop breathing through my nose for the sanity's sake. Slowly we walk forward, and we hear someone say in a gruff, but childish voice, "Quiet! Here comes pretty boy..."

In front of us, at the end of the tunnel were three men. The smallest one was hunched, carrying some tube-looking thing on his back. His face was covered by a big pair of goggles, and so it was hard to tell what he looked like. Although the same could be said about the other two. The biggest of the two, I could tell, was also the dumb one of the group. He towered over the other two, and matched Sig for his bulkiness. He also had goggles over his eyes, but he was easier to read. The third one, the one who talked when we walked in, was wearing a red bandana across his mouth, his dark eyes shinning in the low lighting of the tunnel. He had a rugged appearance that reminded me of Jak. Except, you know, a lot less...Appealing.

Especially with what he said next.

"...And he brought a pretty girl with him," The man stated, "What's a babe like you doing in a place like this?"

I tensed right up, and crossed my arms glaring at him, "Did you really just ask that?"

"It's just natural curiosity.

Yeah... I sure know that Krew didn't hire these men based on intelligence or social skills

"More like stupidity. I came here with Jak didn't I?"

The man just chuckled, "Sassy, too," He then looked to Jak, "It's about time you showed up!" He then turned his attention all on my, and winked, "the name's Jinx. What's yours? Or do you prefer "Pretty Girl"

I cringed at the thought of another nickname added to my list. Seriously, why can't people just call me by my name? That's why I have it!

However, before I can answer him, Jak steps closer to me, brushing my shoulders, and glaring at the man in front of us, "Her name is none of your concern."

Jinx's face turns into a slight grimace and returns Jak's glare, "And who are you?"

I'm pretty sure both Jak and me understood the purposeful missing meaning. Who are you to her?And to be honest, even I wouldn't be able to answer that. I'd miserably fail with descriptions of what I thought our relationship was. However Jak's response was just perfect.

Jak nods, his arms crossed and eyes narrowed, "Jak."

"So you're some more of Krew's delivery boy's?" I ask.

Daxter hit's Jak on the shoulder, "EXCUSE ME? You're forgetting someone!"

My and Jak roll our eyes, while Jinx just looks on at our trio with an amused look. As if we were just children with water guns.

"Oh! I didn't know we were allowed mascots?"

"WHAT!" Daxter screamed.

I pointed a finger at Jinx, "I'm the only one here who's allowed to tease him. So, knock it off."

I know, I must sound harsh, but this man aggravated me. He seemed like a better, younger looking version of Krew. Cocky, thinks he's suave, very bossy, and most importantly, all talk and no bite. None of these men brought any weapons on them, but they carried heavy capsules on their back. This made me a bit curious. What were those capsules going to be used for? Besides, how come Jak needs them to get whatever this statue of Mar is hiding? Couldn't he just get it himself?

I hear Jak cock his gun beside me, "We need to move."

"Okay," Jinx exclaimed, "Let's do this!"

I grab my rifle and do the same. Together, our little group begins to move to the elevator waiting to take us deeper into the sewers. I looked around the walls surrounding us. The pipes were multicolored in various shades of silver, copper and rust. Water dripped from the tunnel, and some run vertically along the pipes. I couldn't help but feel a bit nervous running in unknown territory. Then again, that's why I have Jak.

"Krew says you'll protect us all the way to the Statue," Jinx says in a voice that reminds me of a little kid admiring Jak. Actually, it reminded me of one in particular. Of his big round eyes, the bright smile, the way his shoulders shook when he laughed, and the way he used to curl perfectly into my side.

Suddenly, guilt overtook me. I was suppose to be searching for him. I was suppose to be interrogating Vin for answers, or any possible locations that the Baron might be hiding him in. Maybe I'd have to search every crack and alleyway in this Precursor forsaken city before I'd find him. Either way, I had to find him. It should be my priority. Instead I've been racing, raging over my love life problems, and escorting a group of the slime ball's men to some statue I've never even seen before.

Jak must have noticed my body tense, because I felt a hand on my shoulder while he stated, "The smell getting to you?"

I rolled my eyes, "I keep my nose use to a minimum, and no," I looking his eyes and attempt at a smile, "Just a lot on my mind."

Before he says something we hear Jinx yell, "Just shut your whiny traps and keep moving!"

Jak gives a heavy sigh and looks at the ground, probably angry with Jinx's bad timing. I nudge him in the ribs gently with my elbow to gain his attention.

"We'll talk after this is over. Deal?"

Jak smiles, "Deal."

The trio finally reaches the elevator, and Jinx states, "We go down!" and the elevator moves.

Surprised, I lean over to the boys and whisper, "How come the elevator didn't just move when we were waiting for them to come?" Jak shrugs nonchalantly while Daxter suggests that the elevator "has a mind of it's own". After a few minutes of wondering why that was, I just accepted it as one of the weird anomalies in our world and moved on with more important things.

"Uhhh... Did you hear that?"

Like keeping my sanity.

The elevator reached the bottom, and all five of us jumped off the elevator. The lights were dimmed dramatically, probably something wrong with the wires. The sounds were echoed as we trudged on, water droplets hit the metal, making it sound like a secret orchestra was playing. However, that didn't distract from the clicking noises that seemed to cover the walls. I raised my gun as we turned a corner, and already, two Metal Heads were waiting with a few more behind them.

"We are SO dead!" One of the men complained.

"Just shut-"

Jak and I released a few rounds at the Metal Heads, causing the men behind us to scream. Once, mine had fallen, I rolled across the ground and reached for my whip, giving it a good crack to make them back off. Jak came behind me, and shot wildly at the monsters in front of us. The tunnel's echo made it sound like a battle field. Metal Heads were screeching in pain, our guns firing, bullets bouncing off the walls around us, and the three goons screaming like girls behind us.

Once the shooting was done, everything was in a peaceful, but eerie silence around us. I turned to Jak, and nodded, and we both looked back to the trio as they jogged their way towards us.

"Nice work!" Jinx commented thankfully, "Those were some nasty Metal Heads."

I wanted to laugh, but I remembered that I needed to cut these guys some slack. Most Haven civilians have rarely come across a Metal Head in their life time. Maybe that was the same was for these guys. Or maybe they have a bad experience. Or the fat that they don't really seem to know how to defend themselves make them frightened beyond belief.

My thoughts were interrupted as Jak jumped on a ledge to gather some supplies. I stayed in front of the group and we moved slowly. I searched every inch of the dimly lit tunnels, making sure that there were no Metal Heads crawling around us. Jinx and the other two behind us continued to talk...Well, complain was more like it, and then Jinx had to tell them to quiet down. I sort of wondered why Krew would hire these men. Out of the three of them Jinx seemed to be the only one who would somewhat be able to do something decent.

Movement caught my eye, and on instinct I shoot.

"Ah! They're crawling down the walls!" Jinx was right. Three Metals Heads were heading toward us, their jaws clanking with excitement with some fresh meat to play with. Jak stayed behind just in case one got too close while I moved forward. I shoot multiple times at one until it keels over with a screech. After that, I put my rifle away and begin to ready my whip. The other two get angry and begin to jump toward me in attempts to crush me with their jaws. I spin out of the way, and raise my whip before bringing it down. One Metal Head was lashed, and it let out a whine. Immediately, I get one of my pistols out from their holster and shoot the last one down. The other Metal Head lowered itself, ready to pounce, but a few of Jak';s shots prevented that from happening. I looked back, and gave him a grateful smile. However, our victory was short lived as I saw a pair of glowing eyes behind them.

"Look out!" I yelled, shooting at the creatures behind them. One of the goons pitched in, and began to shoot at one that got too close. Jak ran behind the group in order to get a few that were trying sneak their way toward us while I ran forward. Using my whip, managed to get the Metal Head to back off a bit before shooting it a couple of times. It tried to move toward us in a fit of rage, but soon died into a puddle of Dark Eco.

"Way to go!" Jinx states as he and the group move toward a pile of debris, blocking our exit, "this is where I come in!"

"Yeah," The big one says, "Blow it Jinx!"

Jak stands by my side as we watch the men ahead of us. One of them turns around and gives us some sound advice.

"You better cover your ears."

"You better cover your ass!" Jinx exclaims jokingly. He bends down over a capsle, and soon a beeping sound echo's in the tunnels.

"Fire in the hole!" Jinx yells and runs his way past us, "You better keep your head down, sugar!"

"Whaa?" Daxter asks, but before he can continue, I grab Jak's arm and run to the other side of the tunnel. Once I found a place where we;'re partially blocked by the wall, the beeping stops and the detonator explodes. Pieces of the wall go flying in random places in a short furry of red and orange flames. The sound of the explosion rings throughout the tunnel for a couple of seconds before it all becomes clear.

"Geez Jinx! What did you put in those boom sticks?"

"Probably some of Krew's gin..." I state, and Jak gives me a nudge in the ribs, telling my to behave.

"Your bad breath! Let's move."

We follow behind them into another tunnel. The lights seem to burn brighter, making it easy to see around us, and giving my mind a rest.

"More of those monsters!" Jinx yells from ahead. Maybe not.

Jak and I move forward just as one of them states, "They're coming from behind too!"

Great...

"You go up front!" I tell Jak, and sprint back through the tunnel where we came. I hear Jak shooting the creatures as my feet pound on the metal beneath me. I take out my rifle, deciding that I just want to kill these things. Forget safety. It never does any good anyway.

There's three over on this side, and all I do is shoot. However, I don't shoot at the Metal Heads. It's a dangerous strategy, but instead, I rely on the tunnels around me, and shoot at them. The bullets bounce off, and the tunnel acts as a ping pong machine. My bullets go in random directions as I slowly back off, giving me more room. Once my bullets die off, I shoot the remaining one, and soon nothing stands in their place.

Satisfied, I jog my way back to Jak and the others.

"You're pretty handy with that iron, blondie." Jinx comments. I reach Jak's side as the others jog ahead. He's face looks a bit horrified.

"Blondie?" I give a few chuckles.

"Better than kitten," I smile at him, "C'mon, we need to get moving."

We reach another elevator, and we begin to move down. Once the elevator reaches the ground, Jinx hops off eagerly

"Move you're butts, or I'll move them for you!"

I begin to notice the smell grows more strongly as we move farther into the sewers. Waste, sulfur, and death surround me, and it does me no good to just breath through my mouth unfortunately. We make our way through some water, only to see more Metal Heads.

"Jak!" I yell for him, getting out my rifle.

"On it!" Immediately he goes to work, jumping high in the air, and shooting. His bullets go in random directions, but some manage to his his targets. It's soon after that the two Metal Heads that were in front of us are replaced by two more behind us.

"Seriously?" I complain, and begin to shoot at them one at a time. One of the men join in to help me, using a small pistol to get the other one. Jak reaches myside once these two fall, and I look at him, no doubt a hateful expression on my face.

"I am never coming with you down here again."

Jak gives a small smirk, "Oh I bet you will."

I put my rifle against my shoulder, and a hand on my hip, "Really"

Jak and Daxter share a look, Daxter's face changes from surprise into smugness within second, and Jak walks closer to me, looking down at me.

"I can be very persuasive."

My face bursts out in heat and I shrug it off by rolling my eyes and pushing him away, a playful smirk on my face.

"Sorry," I tell him my eyes wide, with a smile, and no doubt a blush still on my cheeks, "You're not THAT charming."

"Ohhhh!" Daxter states with a smile, and I realize my small mistake, 'So you think he's-"

I immediately hit Daxter off his shoulder before he could finish that sentence. Daxter, still holding on to Jaks armor climbs halfway one, and glares at me.

"C'mon, blondie and pretty girl," Jinx complains from ahead of us, "Let's move already!"

We didn't even make it a couple of yards when one of the men exclaimed, "Wow! Beams of Death!"

I rolled my eyes. It made it sound like we were in some video game.

"I'm staying right here until those things are gone," Jinx tells us. I look to Jak, who stares back, and begin to move, however, his arm stopped me from moving. I look back at him with an eyebrow raised.

"Stay here," he said with a bit concern hidden in his voice, "Make sure they don't get themselves killed."

I didn't really like it. I knew he was just making me stay here because he didn't want me to get hurt. However, this would be easier without worrying if he was going to bump into me, and it gave the guys some protection from any sneak attacks. Still, I didn't like being left behind with these guys. All they did was admire Jak.

I mean, I know he's great, I work with the guy, but seriously. It was annoying.

At least they weren't girls. Otherwise, I'd be livid.

The gunshots end and Jak yells from his place, "Clear!"

"Keep moving, boys!" I tell them and we jog over to where Jak is on the opposite side of the tunnel. Once we catch up, we slow down a bit, and stroll through the sewers.

We had blown up another piece of a sewer wall, and I gave another sigh. Jak had told me that we were almost to the statue.

The explosion rattled my ears a bit but I quickly shook it off. An uneasy filling filled my stomach as I heard something else than the ringging in my ears.

"Did you hear that?" Jak whispered to me as the men talked among themselves. However, I was too transfixed on the roof.

"AH! The ceiling is crawling!"

"Jak! Metal Heads are everywhere!"

"It's a trap!"

Jak and I immediately grabbed our weapons, scanning the area around us. Soon, Metal Heads were dropping from the ceiling, right beside us.

Immediately I began to shoot. Three Metal Heads surround me, and I do my best to fight them both. The creatures around me move slowly, and I shoot as fast as I can. Once one falls another moves in one me, and I barely dodge it's killer bite. I use the butt of my rifle and knock the creature out cold, shootingit for added effect. I shoot the last one to the ground only for them to be replaced. Quickly, I reload my rifle, and cock, aiming it at the group that surrounds me. Slowly I walk backwards, my back hitting someone.

"Watching my back, girlie?"

Not the person I wanted, but I answer, "Just shoot."

Jinx and I separate a bit, and give the other more room, however, we still move in a small circle. I shoot madly, trying to kill as many as I could, Jinx and I switch sides, and take care of each other. Making sure there are no surprise attacks. Another monster falls at my feet, and I switch again with Jinx when a voice calls out.

"Jinx, look out!"

I turn to see a Metal Head pouncing over towards Jinx, and immediately I push him out of the way. My rifle falls out of my hands as me and the Metal Head tumble on the sewer floor. I lift up my knees to give me some sort of leverage, and prevent the Metal Head from biting my face off. It snaps it's jaws wildly at me, as if already devouring my flesh. In a desperate attempt to reach my rifle, which is laying a few feet to my right, I swing my arm around, landing a punch on the creature which it backs away with a whine. Quickly I move towards my rifle, and get ready to shoot when a pain shoots through my leg. I look down and fire at the Metal Head which has my ankle around it's jaws. However, the Metal Head jerks back, which causes me to fall flat on my back. A pain shoots through as my skull hit the metal underneath me, and my vision goes slightly black as Metal Heads surround me. Gathering my wits, I kick the creature biting my ankle with my free leg before shooting at some of the Metal Heads surrounding me. All I can think about was lowering the number of Metal Heads that I don't even think of the murmurs coming from the men we're escorting.

Suddenly, one of the Metal Heads surrounding me, is taken, and ripped apart in a furry of purple and white. Immediately, I take this as an advantage, and shoot. One of the four now around me fall over, and I begin to use my rifle to beat the others away before I shoot again. More surround me, pain shoots up my leg, and I can feel a cut on my head, but I have to ignore it. I get up and fight once more, killing every monster in sight in a furry of bullets.

Jak, in his dark stage, creates a massacre, and grows stronger with the massive amounts of Dark Eco that are being released from these creatures. The violence around me is overwhelming, and adrenaline runs through my blood causing the pain to numb down. The number of Metal Heads decrease dramatically, and as quickly as he changed, Jak is back to normal, and walking toward us as if nothing had happened.

"You're hurt," Daxter comments, and all I do is nod before sitting myself down gently. I look at my ankle. The clothing around it is stained red with blood, and the throb turns into a sharp pain as the adrenaline wears off. I move my hand to my head, and gently touch where it landed with the metal. A quick pain enters my body, and I give a quick hiss before pulling my hand away to revel some blood.

"You both don't look so good," one of the men comments, and I take that statement to look at Jak. He's covered in scratches, and a long claw mark stretches across his cheeks ending at his jaw. He rubs his head, probably suffering from a headache.

"Here," another one gives us some healing packs, and we put them to use. The Eco begins to work wonders on me as I rub it on my ankle. Jak hands me some bandages from his pack, and I make quick work to wrap up my ankle. Jak helps me to stand on my feet, and I'm thankful when all that's left of my pain is a faint numb throb.

"C'mon," Jinx tells us, "get's get going before more come back."

Getting to the statue was easy after that. Jak, still mindful of my ankle, made me stay with the group and defend when needed. However, there wasn't much to do,not when Jak took most of the work.

The statue stood tall and grand in the middle of a room. Mar's stance was protective as he held a large sword in his hands, and his appearance was regal. The detail was amazing, and the carving was intricate. I couldn't help but wonder if this was what Mar had looked like when he had begun Haven, and defended it against the Metal Heads.

"Pretty statue..."

"Can't argue with that," I mumbled. Out of the corner of my eye, Daxter moves towards the statue with the three goons.

"Stand back," Jinx says casually, causing Jak to motion Dax not to take another step, "We're professionals..."

My eyes narrowed as they began to move about the statue. Professional what? All they ever did was shoot some guns and...

My mind went blank as I registered what was happening. Wires were attached to the bottom of the statue, and the capsules which were on their back were spread across the base of the statue.

"Okay, boys, let's blow this sucker sky high!"

"You can't!" I yell as they got off the statue. This was historic, and a shinning light for the people of Haven. Mar's legacy still needs to be remembered. It's still living! It still gives hope! They can't just blow it up cause some horrible, fat-

"Wait-who told you to-NOO!"

The statue which was once admired by everyone in the cave was now rubble. The blast knocked me and Jak to the wall. I crumpled on all fours as I slid off the wall. Daxter scampered toward us, worried, and Jak leaned over me, once he was back on his feet. We looked ahead of us to see Mar's head slide toward as a nothing more than a piece of rubble. My eyes watched the backs of the men we brought here, and I glared daggers and fire into their bodies as Jak helped me back up.

"There it is!" They held up a beautiful, glowing red gem, shaped in a heart and encased in some holder made of gold, "The Heart of Mar Gem! Thanks for the escort buddy!"

I looked to Jak who was twisted in anger. His body was tense, his face exclaiming his hate, his hand held on to mine as if I was an anchor. I squeezed his hand as Daxter climbed on my shoulder staring after the men we had escorted, and my eyes followed suit.

I hopped Jak understood, fully understood, why I had never become a Wastelander. You just end up doing somethings that you'll never be proud of. And as I stood there, I couldn't help but feel the gult that had build up in my gut multiply tenfold.

I had let the Kid down...In more ways than one.

SO! Did you like it? If so, REVIEW:)

BTW: My poll is still up! And I'd like more thoughts, and guesses on who you guys think is gonna win the big race, I already have it planned out, and ooooohhhhh man! It's gonna be fun:D