Author's Notes: Wow! Thanks for reviews! I'm flattered. You've inspired me to keep going so here's this chapter! Have fun!

"Temptation is the woman's weapon and the man's excuse" H.L. (Henry Lewis) Mencken (18801956)

Her mind was in a dreamy haze. She felt warm and pleasant. She noticed everything was dark but dismissed it. Wanting to return back to sleep she tried to roll over. She stopped when she felt something else against her bare skin on her back. Feeling the form shift behind her and a warm breath released on her neck her mind suddenly was broken from the peaceful dream and hit hard with realization.

Her eyes snapped open and quickly pulled away. Seeing her pistol on the floor she pulled it out and pointed it at the figure in front of her. Her head throbbed but she'd ignored it. Realized she was still naked she pulled the sheets from the bed and covered her front. The man stirred as she pulled the sheets off and he flipped over. In the dim light she couldn't make out much. Wait... dim light?

She looked around and she saw she was in the Hideout. Torn? Simply connecting the two and two together. Was the man in front of her Torn? Why can't she remember?

Seeing the man not stirring further she decided to find out whom this was and find out NOW!

"Get up!" she yelled

The man didn't move.

"I said: GET UP NOW!" she screamed

The man stirred and groaned but seemed not to have wakened yet. She suppressed building anger and pointed the gun to the bunker above. She fired a shot. Its piercing bang left a hole in the mattress and light feathery stuffing started to fall onto the man.

The man jolted awake by the noise. He was in confusion and was groaning.

"Oh shit! Mar!" He cursed

"Don't move" Ashelin's voice became low and deadly

The man immediately complied and stiffened at the tone.

"Turn around slowly" she commanded next

The man slowly turned. As his features were revealed as his body passed into the stream of light. She recognized his features. She suddenly knew who he was. When she saw his face it was just confirmed.

"Jak"

"Ashelin?" he blinked at the light penetrated in his eyes

He put a hand to his forehead as pain banged in his head. He moved his eyes out from the light and closed them.

"Next time don't shoot," he murmured

"How did you get here?" she demanded

Jak refocused back on her and frowned, "What? Hey why are you naked?"

She covered herself more protectively. "Shut up" she snapped

"Alright don't shoot. Where are we?" Jak murmured

"In the Hideout" she answered as she pulled down her gun

"Ok... why are you doing here?"

"I... I don't know. I can't remember" she put her hand to her head

"Telling from the large throbbing pain in my head I say I was drunk" Jak groaned

"I think I was too..." Ashelin agreed

Jak's head turned to surprise as the idea came to mind, "Do you think we'd... you know...?"

"No of course not! I mean that is just silly" Ashelin dismissed it as she got the same idea

"So why we were in bed together naked?" Jak asked the obvious

"I-I... why are you asking me?" she snapped, "I have a memory blank like you!"

"Arrrgghh!" He groaned as throbbing became intense in his head, "Don't yell please!"

"Sorry" she replied more quietly

"So what now?" Jak asked

"Well I assumed we slept together..." Ashelin trailed

Jak chocked.

"What? What's wrong?" Ashelin frowned

"Nothing, nothing is wrong" Jak said quickly.

The horrible mistake of last night came to haunt him. He can't remember what actually took place but he had a fair idea since they were both 'nudie rudies' in the Underground Hideout. How could I betray Keira like this? How could I give up to Ashelin like that? How am I going to fix this?

"What are we going to do?" Jak asked worryingly

"Right. First things first! Turn around" Ashelin demanded

"What?" Jak frowned in confusion

"Turn around so I can change!" Ashelin growled loudly

"Ow!" Jak's hand flew to his head again, "Ok, ok!"

He turned over and heard Ashelin shifting through clothing on the floor. Jak sighed and indulged in the five minutes of silence.

"I'm done" she announced, "You can turn around now"

Jak turned to see Asheling fully clothed in her military fatigues. She slipped her gun into her holster. Jak groaned and pulled his underwear, white pants and blue tunic on.

"What now?" Jak asked

Ashelin sighed, "I don't know. We can't forget... but we can't talk about last night either"

"Look I'm sorry" Jak sighed

"It's not your fault. We were drunk... just forget it ok? I've got a job to do and I don't need this weighing me down!"

She turned and left. Jak got up and followed her out. Cold morning air hit them with force but they continued their path.

"Wait! Ashelin!" he called as she approached her cruiser. She didn't stop but he kept on going, "Is that it? That's all? No goodbye no nothing?"

Ashelin noticed Daxter was still sleeping in her Krimzon Guard Cruiser. She picked the animal up and threw him over at Jak. Daxter landed on the ground groaning and cursing, as a hangover was evident in his mind. She started her cruiser.

Ashelin turned to Jak, "No Jak. No goodbye. This shouldn't have happened in the first place. I'm sorry it has to end this way but..." She turned away and sighed before turning back to Jak, "I never... I never felt that way before"

"You remember?" Jak raised his green eyebrows

"A little" she replied before sitting in the driver's seat, "I'm sorry"

Before Jak could reply Ashelin disappeared into the distance. Jak sighed and looked down to see Daxter.

"What the hell was that?" Daxter growled, "Why was Ashelin here?"

Jak didn't reply. Instead he picked up the Ottsel and went inside the Hideout to sleep off his large hangover. Daxter suspected something since his friend was silent but his head was hurting too much to think what it is

Later that day...

Daxter woke up later to find Jak pulling on his gear. He frowned as his eyes focused. He realized he was in the Hideout. He remembered the party last night and Ashelin from this morning. He groaned as a faint throbbing came to his brain.

"Where you going?" Daxter asked

"To race. Class two races are on today" Jak's voice was quite but rough

"Without me?" Daxter's growled feeling a little hurt

Jak winced, "No. You always come Dax"

"Hey didn't you have a hangover too?" Daxter frowned remembering Jak drinking

"I did" Jak replied and tossed a small cardboard packet over at Daxter

Daxter caught it and read the box label, "Morning After?"

"For hangovers" Jak explained briefly

"Since when they make tablet for hangovers?" Daxter asked a bit skeptically

"Since people got drunk? I don't know" Jak shrugged, "Just take some. I don't think you can handle the track if your head feels like a band of beating drums"

"Right" Daxter hopped off the bed to go to the tap on the wall

Daxter took the medicine and approached Jak with the packet. Jak took it from him and packed it. Daxter fell into his quick curious pose.

"So what happened last night?" Daxter asked casually

"What?" Jak frowned at him

"Oh come one Jak don't play dumb" Daxter whined, "What happened last night?"

"Nothing" Jak turned away to busy himself with packing

"Does that nothing have to do with a hot looking military girl?" Daxter wiggled his eyebrows

Jak didn't reply.

"You did it didn't you?' Daxter's smile grew wide

Jak sighed as he finished packing and pulled his pack on.

"Yes I knew it! You got laid!" Daxter shouted

"SHHHH!" Jak covered Daxter's mouth "Shut up!"

Daxter's smile just grew wider. Jak growled. Daxter had to know the gravity of the situation.

"I knew it! You can't hide things from me. So... uh still got it?" Daxter asked wiggling his eyebrows

Jak glared, "Daxter this isn't funny"

"Who's laughing?" Daxter smiled

"Well you find it amusing" Jak growled

"I do" Daxter chirped

"Well it's not!"

"Why not? It's about time you got it going on!"

"Look its nothing like that" Jak turned away

"Then what?"

"Don't worry" Jak replied as he placed his Morph Gun in his holster

"I'm too far in not to worry" Daxter reasoned, "Just tell me"

Jak sighed as he attach his prototype Jet-Board on the back of his pack. He turned to the awaiting Ottsel.

"Me and Ashelin were drunk... and we...uh, did it" Jak shrugged

"That's a problem?" Daxter raised the question

"It is when I love Keira" Jak snapped sick of Daxter's laid back approach, "Yes that is a problem"

"Ah..." Daxter finally understood

"Excuse me?" a new voice entered the conversation

Both of them looked in the direction of the voice and saw Torn. Torn was frowning and had his arms folded across his chest. Did he hear what I said? Jak thought.

"Torn?" Jak blurted

"Jak" Torn replied his voice was cold

He did. Jak needed to take leave before this went somewhere that it shouldn't.

Jak immediately fell into his tough act, "Lets go Daxter"

Jak grabbed the Ottsel and headed towards the door. Torn was in front of it and he didn't move out of the way so Jak could pass. Jak stopped and both men locked eyes on each other.

"Problem?" Jak asked challenging the man

Torn glared at Jak before stepping aside. Jak passed never braking eye contact until he was out the door. Soon as the door closed Torn punched it. His knuckles connected with the metal. The skin broke and blood came after. Torn gritted his teeth as the pain stung. Anger rose and he pulled his hand away. He just caught the last part of the conversation. About him and Ashelin together and him liking Keira.

"Bastard!" Torn growled

How could Jak do this? He knew I liked Ashelin. He knew! Torn couldn't believe what he had heard when he entered from his last mission. What's worse, he still liked Keira. Which meant he was just using Ashelin. Two timing her or cheating her. He is going to pay!

Torn pulled a small medical kit from the shelving and started to bandage his hand. Blood blotched the pure white fabric.

"You maybe a 'great asset' but your going to get it!" Torn hissed as anger and pain burned

He'll need to talk to Ashelin about this. He needed to be sure what happened last night. He needed her to see that Jak used her

Erol entered the Garage. She found Keira not there. He frowned, knowing she was always here at this time. This was the perfect time to plant a few bugs in the garage. Well spying on Keira wasn't the nicest of things...actually he never was nice. He needed to know when Jak would visit. He needed to keep taps on Keira's interaction. Since Jak needs to get into the Class One Race he will need Keira. He'll be watching and waiting to make his move against Jak.

He suddenly heard footsteps. He finished his last bug camera and headed out as if nothing happened. Then he saw the man he had to destroy, walking right in.

"Well, if it isn't the Dark Eco freak?" Erol sneered

"Where's Keira?" Jak asked leaning away from Erol as he came too close to his face, "Don't worry I'm keeping an eye on her"

Erol smiled, he may not know where Keira was but he wasn't going to miss the chance to get on Jak's nerves.

Erol walked around Jak, "Your the talk of the town Jak! You give the people hope..." he leaned closer at that point to emphasize his point, "How pathetic! I would have enjoyed killing you in prison"

He pulled away circled around Jak again "But now it'll be more fun to take you on the track in front of the entire city" he stepped away and emphasized his words with body language, "I can hear the roar of the crowd now as they see their hope die..."

Keira suddenly entered with Samos. Both men turned in her direction upon arrival.

She was very pleased that her father was back, "It's good to have you back daddy"

"Yes, it's nice to be free again" Samos agreed

Both unaware the conversation that was between Jak and Erol. Erol moved close to Jak's ear as he watched Keira.

"You know Keira LOVES a WINNER. Someday she'll be my mechanic," he murmured sinisterly

Jak grew defensive. Erol was a sneaky slimy bastard. Jak would die before he allowed Erol near her.

"Stay away from her!" Jak threatened

"Mmmm, ha, ha, ha!" Erol laughed at his attempt of a threat and left the garage

Keira stopped near Jak and she sighed dreamily, "Erol is the best racer I've ever seen"

"He's not what you think" Jak told her unfolding his arms with concern

Anger grew with her heart. How dare he come around and tell me what to do! He went with Ashelin for goodness sake! How does he know what was good for me? He hardly knows me!

"And you the judge of character?" she retorted harshly

Jak was taken back by her retort.

"HA! Look at you! People say you get angry and..." she looked away before replying it to his face, "change!" Another thought came to mind in that split second. She put her hands on her hips and continued the attack, "Besides the Jak I knew wouldn't be working for a guy like Krew!"

Or sleeping with Ashelin! She added inside her head. She didn't want to say anything especially in front of her father. Jak reeled in defence but came back on the attack. Hurt and anger were behind his blue eyes.

"I need Krew's connections to help fight the Baron. Without my...you know what? Do it you way and I'll do it mine" Jak walked out, "Just don't come crying to me when the walls fall down!"

"Jak... buddy... Where are you going there pal? Jak? JAK?!" Daxter shouted after him

Jak didn't stop. He was too angry to do so. He didn't want to hurt Keira in anyway more than he secretly had. He felt hurt inside that Keira so viciously attacked him. Was she that fearful and non accepting that she really felt that way?

"Attention all drivers. The Class Two Race is about to begin soon"

"Now what are we going to do?" Daxter wailed

"You're going to have to drive for the team, Daxter" Keira said, "We need this win to qualify for the final championship"

"Hmm....how hard can it be?" Daxter thought out loud "Just hold on tight and point the thingy where I want it to go, right? Then there's the other thingy that makes it go fast. Fast is good. I'm ready to race!"

That night...

The cool autumn breeze whistled outside. Keira was inside, again in her garage, completing her Rift Rider. She had been thinking about today and what she said to Jak. Maybe I was a little too hard on him... nah. The jerk deserved it! After what he'd done behind my back!

"Keira?" a voice called

Keira place her spanner down and wiped her hands. He poked her head out to find Erol in front of her.

"Oh Erol..." Keira forced a smile. She felt she needed to be alone

"I want to show you something," he said

"What now?" she exclaimed, "I have so much work to do an-"

She saw his expression and stopped her self.

"I'm sorry. Its just... a long day" she sighed then gave a tired smile, "I'll love to come"

Erol smiled, "Great. This way!"

Keira locked up her Garage. Erol was feeling quite pleased with himself. From his bug spy cameras he saw Jak and Keira fight. He was after that all along. Tonight he was going to seal it. He knew women but women didn't know him. He wasn't a ladies man but he was a lady charmer. If he'd succeeded tonight then he'll have something get at Jak, forever. Even if Jak and Keira ever did get together then he'll have the knowledge about her time with him.

"Where we going?" Keira asked braking his thoughts

"It's a surprise" Erol smiled

Erol seated her on his Krimzon Guard Zoomerbike. He sat behind herm feeling her slender body against his. She reached for the bars and so did he. Their hands made room for each other's so two hands could fit on the same handle. He revved up the bike before powering off into the city.

Erol drove all the way to South town. He raised the hovering height of his vehicle and ended up on top of one the towers in the Port. It's spotlights wonder about as the slow driven vehicles hovered below. Erol and Keira sat on top of the tower.

She sat next to Erol with her knees drawn up to keep most of the heat from the cool air. Erol sat beside her causally. His pose fixated itself to relax. He took on his charming self, a side that is only seen to those he dated or loved. He took his mask off his head and smoothed out his red fire hair. Keira saw his brown eyes and his fly grin and she suddenly felt weird.

"So what's the surprise?" Keira asked looking out over the night water seeing the dull gray city diverting her attention away

"That" he pointed up towards the sky

She followed his direction and saw the large white moon. She glanced at it then back at Erol and frowned in confusion.

"The moon?" she said a little disappointed

Erol smiled, "Not just the moon. The whole sky"

Keira looked up again and saw all the stars that accompanied the large moon and the smaller green moon.

"Sometime people forget what's up there" he sighed sadly, "Everyone is groaning about their lives here in the city. They're either too busy or caught up in their own affairs to just to take time out and look up to the sky"

Keira blinked. She never heard Erol like this before. Erol gave her a tight smile. Everything depends on this night. He needed to get even with Jak. Time for phase II.

"I guess I seen too many things in my time" he shrugged her suspicions off

"Is that why you brought me out here? To get me away from work?" she asked

Erol pointed out, "You work 24/7. With all the things that has been going on lately with... Jak..."

Keira looked down her tone saddened, "Yeah"

"You know I use to take my ex-wife up here" he said quietly, "She use to love the moon. I actually didn't see the reason why she would take so much interest in it, until one day she told me that 'even when darkness comes and you loose hope there will always be light'" Erol looked at Keira from time to time knowing she was taking in every drop, "Then she showed me the moon. She explained that darkness comes every night. And every night the moon never shied away from this planet. It always shone brightly as a full moon. She says that the moon is like hope. Hope never shies away and its only lost to those who choose to ignore or refuse it. That's what this city does. Ignore hope"

Well he was telling half the truth. He did take his ex-wife up here but she never was a philosopher on things. He actually got it from an old movie. Erol always used the ex-wife story to reel the women in. Never apologizing that he used memories of his ex-wife to get to other women. He never felt regret and he wouldn't feel it now. He was so close achieving his goal.

"Your wife must have been great or something" she commented

"She was" Erol's face went hard

"So what is the hope for this city?" Keira asked

"What?" Erol was caught off guard

"According to your wife's philosophy what hope are we ignoring?" Keira reproached her question

Erol moved close to her, regaining himself. She didn't flinch away, "Love. We all hope to love. Just to find it truly and share it with others. I know how much Jak has hurt you..." Keira looked down again as he spoke the words, "He was careless. He's a monster now and that's all he knows"

Erol paused so Keira could take in his information and to add to the end effect, "But I care about you"

Keira felt vulnerable at that moment. She didn't want to be alone. Jak was her world and nothing else. He was the one for her but she found out that was never met to be. Now fate has brought her here, with this man, who is willing to love her and care for her in the way she'd always dreamed of. Deep burn flickered in her heart.

Keira looked up and turned her head towards Erol. Erol's eyes were soft... gentle... caring (A/N: I think I'm going to be sick). She felt that he did really care. Feelings she suppressed for a long time came up at that moment. There was always a reason why she always liked Erol. He did fill in for Jak during those two missing years but now Erol proved to be the better and caring man.

Erol smiled, as he knew he had to do one more thing before the seal was completed.

"I love you," he whispered so softly in her ear

After moment of silence both went into a kiss then made love right there and then. Giving in to what they both wanted and longed for. Before engaging Erol could only think of one thing.

Victory.

Sorry I was loosing it there! I was going mushy! NOOOOOO!!!! Oh well it passed... quickly. So Erol did what he wanted... which was to get Keira with him. Eww and gross but you know that love is blind, right?

Mohahaha! Chapter three has confrontation and a catfight! Quick go there!

Any who please review! How is this affecting you?