Author Notes: Wow thanks for reviews! I'm glad you like the catfight in the previous chapter. I hope this chapter will go better. I'm going off the romance and more into feelings and action so be scared... very scared.

Now behold what Erol has in store for Jak! I know this will seem a little odd but think that Jak is in a depression (with his darkside and all) and what has already happened he isn't feeling too good about himself. Just keep that in mind.

On with the story!

"Assumptions are the termites of relationships" Henry Winkler US television actor (1945 - )

That night...

Tess locked up the Bar as Krew requested. She shoved the keys in her hand bag and started her way home. It was a clear and empty night. The moon hid behind dark clouds, barely anyone one was out at this time of night. Tess was extremely tired from working long shifts at low wages. Still it was worth all the information she was getting for the Underground.

Cool night wind made her shiver. She hugged her arms to shield herself from the cold but her tight revealing dress did little to protect her. The lights seemed to be off at the Port, which was usual at this time of night. The Baron was running out of Eco and needed to save on it.

Suddenly from no where she felt something hit her. He fell to the ground hard and she gasped as the wind was knocked from her. She felt someone on top of her. She immediately struggled but her attacker was too strong.

She forced her screwed eyes open and saw a large figure. She screamed as she realized who it was. It was Jak but it was his darker side. The monster that everyone was so superstitious about.

She felt her hand bag being ripped off her. She grabbed for it but instead she grabbed some material. As her attacker pulled away the material ripped from his shirt. He growled in anger and the next thing she knew was she felt an open hand slap her across the face. It stung.

Then the large weight being lifting off her. Then she heard and felt her attacker running away. Tears began to swell as her cheek burned. She sat up sobbing as shock from the surprise attack came. She was confused, afraid and alone.

It happened so fast, she didn't know what to think. All she could do was sit there and cry, alone in the night, feeling betrayed, lost and sad.

A few days later...

Jak zoomed up to Krew's bar again. He parked outside and jumped off. He ignored the sunrise of the new day as it shone over the blue murky water. He'd ignored his surroundings so much that he didn't see a man bump right into him. Daxter was knocked off his shoulder and the stranger fell to the ground on top of Daxter.

Daxter squirmed and his voice was muffled until the stranger rose from the ground

"Sorry" Jak apologized

The man had brown clothing and a red bandanna. He grumbled and cursed as he rose to his feet. Daxter looked at the stranger and was met with angry brown eyes and a small hard face. It seemed familiar but right now his body hurt to care about appearances. Daxter spat out complaints and his usual ranting. Then man got up and walked away.

Jak sighed as his overall self-esteem went lower. With Daxter back at his shoulder they continued their 'victorious' march in. They had just killed a whole batch of Metal Head eggs at the Strip Mine, retrieved the Life Seed and gave it to the young Samos and now they knew what the Baron's planning. It was worth a beer or two right?

As Jak came in they saw Tess at her usual spot behind the counter. Jak approached and sat at the bar. Daxter jumped right onto the counter with a smile of glee. Tess looked up to serve the new customers with a grin but it faded when she saw Jak. Her eyes went wide with fear as the attack a few nights ago rolled up into her mind.

Jak frowned at her expression, truly confused by her reaction, "What's wrong?"

Tess's eyes darted all over him then her eyes landed on something golden. She braved the moment and picked something from the leather strap that ran diagonally down his chest. She held up the gold object and her greatest fears came true. It was her ring that he mother gave her before she'd died. It was neatly tucked away behind the leather strap. Tears welled in her eyes and looked at Jak with betrayal.

"How could you?" she sobbed, "This is mine"

She held the ring out to Jak and Daxter to see.

"It was stolen from me... with my handbag"

"But I didn't..." Jak protested

"You attacked me!" she shouted stopping his protest, "Don't lie! I know it was you. You were that monster that people keep talking about. The thing that kills Krimzon Guards and innocent people... I thought... I thought you were going to kill me that night..."

Daxter looked at Jak in horror, "Jak?"

"I didn't attack you!" Jak said truthfully and a little angrily, "You have to be mistaking me for someone else!"

Tess's sobbing turned to anger, "You want proof! Here! Here's you're proof!"

From her pocket she pulled out a torn blue cloth. It was exactly the same colour as Jak's tunic.

"Missing a hole in one of your shirts?" she sneered then her face eased into sadness, "I thought you were different but you're like every other criminal in this city!"

With that she turned and quickly exited the bar. Jak leaned over the bar and sighed. He raked his face in tiredness and frustration.

"What's with me and women?" he asked

When he got no reply he turned to Daxter. Daxter's face was in worry, anger and disappointment. Daxter slowly shook his head then shook it quicker as the idea of Jak stealing embedded into his mind. Not wanting to believe Tess's story but not wanting to be around Jak Daxter quietly left the bar.

Jak was left alone. He sighed and buried his face in his hands. He was framed and he knew it! There was no way he could attack anyone! Let alone Tess. She did say it was his dark side... oh Mar... what if he's loosing control of his dark side? What happens if all this time, while he was asleep or something, his dark side was awake running amuck in the city? Was he loosing control?

Jak's self-esteem plummeted. Not only he cheated on Keira, he was loosing his control over the monster that could destroy so easily. He was loosing control over his life. He couldn't even take up his revenge on the Baron since he doesn't have any access to the palace, due to Keira's part. At that moment he felt useless.

Jak got up and headed out the door. He needed to clear things up. Well he hoped to. He reached outside and saw Tess sobbing uncontrolled against the wall. She had her knees drawn up towards her chest a her eyes were red and puffy from tears. Daxter was in front of her trying to calm her down.

Though the mugging left her with memories, she still felt the shock and fear that came after it. Jak could had easily killed her right then and there and she realized that she still valued her life. She wasn't tough as she once thought and that brought on more sadness and low confidence in herself. She knew she was no long fit for the Underground and her undercover days were over. She lost her job, her position and he status in the ranks of the Underground. She was just a nervous wreck.

Daxter turned to Jak. Anger and disappointment filled his features. He knew, without a doubt, Tess wasn't lying. No one can fake this, plus he knew an act when he saw it. He dealt with too many women to see their true feelings.

"I don't want to believe it Jak" Daxter's voice was neutral and quiet

Jak swallowed, "I didn't do anything"

"I think its a little late for that now" Daxter shot back with a little sarcasm

"Daxter I know I didn't hurt Tess. I would never-"

"I know Jak. But 'Dark Jak' would" Daxter's voice went grave

"I would have remembered..."

"So what? You're loosing it now?" Daxter snapped

Jak said nothing.

"Who's next Jak? Going to attack me next? Or maybe Keira because you're pissed with her at the moment"

"Daxter..."

"No Jak... I was waiting for something like this" his voice went quiet again, "The Oracle said so In time the madness will destroy you' I thought it was just a stupid joke..."

Jak could see Daxter was loosing faith in him. It was draining away as if someone jabbed holes in the foam bowl. He could see that he was loosing his best friend. That meant Daxter was having this doubt for a long time before this came up. Jak would have never suspected it and what crushed Jak even more Daxter was expecting something like this would happen.

"Daxter please..."

"Look Jak... I'm sorry' Daxter interrupted he couldn't bare more heart ache on their friendship, "If you can't control your darker side then.... I can't risk it anymore. I can't be with you"

Those words stabbed Jak right through the heart. Daxter gazed into those hurt blue eyes. Daxter turned away in sadness and concentrated on his job of comforting Tess. Jak got the message that he wasn't wanted anymore. He cast his eyes down and walked away.

It was a little rash of Daxter but Tess was in a total wreck! The evidence was there! But that was the hardest thing he had to do to Jak. Daxter knew his friend wasn't responsible but no one really knew how 'Dark Jak' worked. He needed to get his head clear. He needed to think about all this.

From there Jak wondered into the square where the Tomb of Mar was hidden. His posture lost all confidence as he walked around, taking in time to study the city that has been his home for months. Suddenly he saw a Krimzon Guard running up to him, "We've found him!"

Jak instantly knew he had been recognized and the chase was on. He hijacked a overhead Zoomer and raced for his life. During the chase Kor called him to the Power Station. Jak immediately gunned the engine and throttled to the Industrial Sector of the city.

Avoiding patrols and guards he managed to reach the station. He entered and met Kor. Kor informed him about the Baron's plan and explained why the boy he was protecting was missing. He sent Jak to the Drill Platform to slow the Baron's operations. At least Jak was doing something for his main goal. But it wasn't enough. He knew he needed to get into the palace but he can't do that without Keira.

He shoved the thought away and entered the Warp Gate. He spotted and jumped into the Titan Suit. He entered the elevator, beginning his first mission alone.

Keira felt a bit peckish. She left Daxter in the Garage. He told her what happened today and asked if he could stay for the night. She knew Daxter was having second thoughts about the fight and needed to be away to think about it. She couldn't say no but she said she was going out. He accepted it and started to watch TV on the set she'd fixed ages ago.

She thought to take Erol out. He was always treating her so she thought to do the same back. Plus the fight with Jak and Ashelin still wasn't dulled from her system and she felt she needed some company.

Keira walked to and entered Erol's apartment. It was near the Stadium so she thought to drop by and visit. Dusk was settling in but the blinds were still open. It seemed he wasn't home as the TV was left blaring in the living room and his door unlocked. Her eyes fell on a closed door at the end of the hallway. Curiosity got the better of her so she approached the door. She pressed the red button at the side of the door and the door slid cleanly away to reveal a room full of monitors, computers and other junk.

She gasped as some of the monitors showed different views of her garage... was Erol spying on me?

Different angles on different monitors showed where the cameras were situated. She saw one in Krew's Hip Hog Haven Bar, another in the Power Station, another in the Palace... most of them showed main hotspots all over the city

Erol was spying on the whole city. Why? Why would he do that? Suddenly remembering Erol may come back any minute she turned to walk out but something blocked her way. She bumped into something and she looked up

"Erol!" she squeaked looking up. She didn't even hear him!

"Keira" Erol's features turned into a smile

"I was... I mean.... I tried to find you" she tried to make up for her snooping

"How sweet" his voice turned to a sneer

Keira blinked and knew she was in trouble. Erol stalked closer to her. She automatically moved back. When he didn't stop fear gripped her heart. A wall stopped her getaway and Erol trapped her there.

"I guess my secret is out" he purred, "You know that curiosity killed the cat"

Keira breathed hard. Erol was intimidating and menacing. He was totally different to the charming, sensitive and kind man she had first met. She knew that Erol was stronger than her and she knew she couldn't call for help. Jak wasn't here to save her, Daxter wasn't here to go and seek help, her father Samos wasn't here to stop this man.

She was alone and at his mercy.

Erol pushed into a long kiss. Keira tasted the revolting saliva that was entering her mouth. She tried to pull away but Erol effectively kept his kiss long and strong. She felt bile rise from the back of her throat. She panic and struggled to sever the pash. Erol finally moved away and she breathed as if her lungs were depleted of air.

She spat out the vile saliva and held down her nausea. She looked at Erol and he wore a wicked grin.

"You're a smart girl Keira but not smart enough. Thanks to you I've broken Jak down. I've isolated him to a point that he feels terribly guilty for what has done" the happiness in Erol's voice sparked anger in Keira, "All I have to do is deliver the final and crushing blow that will shatter him"

"Jak is stronger than that!' Keira growled knowing Jak wouldn't fall for such treachery

"Thanks to you he isn't" Erol smirked, "You should of seen how hurt and ashamed he was when you fought with him. Thanks to you his self-esteem was lowered and blamed himself for many things"

Erol stood back with a victorious smile on his face. Keira was angry. She never felt so used in her life.

"You used me!"

"Of course. I have to get at Jak some way. We have rivalry and claiming his girl is a prize over him"

"You sick bastard!" she hissed, "You lied to me about Ashelin?"

"No that actually happened but I helped things long" Erol gloated, "You know get the ball rolling"

Erol looked at his wrist, "Oh look at the time! I have to get going if I am to destroy Jak's life and claim my ultimate prize. You can watch the show on these monitors. Bye bye!"

He turned and left the room. Keira ran after him but Erol was already on the other side smiling. He pressed the button the the door slammed shut before she reached him. She stopped in front of it and banged on it. She hollered insults and curses but she knew Erol wasn't coming back.

She turned and stormed up the the barred window. She shook the bars but they were welded in tight. She turned to the monitors and saw Erol leaving on his Krimzon Guard Zoomerbike and heading towards the Port.

Knowing she was trapped she sat down on the chair in defeat. How could she do this to Jak? He was telling her about Erol all along and she never saw. She thought he was trying to excuse himself for being with Ashelin. Now finding out Erol was the cause for Jak and Ashelin getting together made her feel even more angrier. She hopped up and paced around the room. She couldn't stay here. She needed to warn Jak, tell him how she felt, tell him it was all Erol's fault.

Jak returned from his latest mission and sat in the lobby of a slum hotel. Well it was more like a shit hole but he couldn't stay in the hideout. Torn officially thrown him out of the Underground team after what he heard what he'd done to Tess. Daxter was staying with Keira for the moment so Jak was left utterly alone. In the space of a few days his life took a turn for the worst. All because he slept with Ashelin. On that faithful night he just indulged in his desires and this all came after it. He was suddenly mad. Mad at Ashelin.

Jak got up and headed out of the lobby area. He needed a stiff drink. Anywhere he could find it but he needed one. Suddenly the fat dirty Slummer receptionist stopped him.

"Err, Mr. Jak?" the man called before Jak left

Jak turned and looked at the man

"You got message" he grunted and handed Jak a piece of paper

Probably a death threat or something Jak mused as he took the paper and unfolded it. He read the message: Meet me at the Port now. We have to talk. Ashelin.

He folded the the paper and slid it in his pocket Damn right we have to talk!

He left the hotel, jumped onto his Zoomerbike and raced away.

Night air blew across the Port. The waters became choppy and the moonlight reflection shattered. Ashelin stepped from her Cruiser and into the Port. She was on the very edge where no one traveled or roamed. A good and private spot to discuss. This issue couldn't wait. She needed to talk to Jak about Keira and the whole affair that they should of talked about days ago.

She saw Jak arrive on his Zoomerbike alone. He jumped off and headed towards Ashelin. His face was in a mask of sadness, guilt and anger. What in Haven City happened to him?

"Jak?" Her voice was in concern

"I'm here and listening. Say what you got to say" Jak's tone was quiet ready to face anything that was coming his way

She gave a tight smile and grabbed his limp hand. It was cold. She directed her eyes to his.

"I'm sorry Jak"

His face that held some hope fell.

"We're facing war with the Metal Heads. I'm called to duty... this relationship was never meant to be"

"Just like that?"

"I'm sorry Jak. That night... was just alcohol. It was a one night thing"

Jak pulled his hand away from hers and glared at her, "You made Keira hate me even more? All that insult and act was wasted?"

Ashelin bowed her head, "I was jealous I guess..."

"You never really loved me did you?" he growled, "From the start you used me didn't you?"

"No I didn't" she tried to protest, "You loved me as well"

"But you tricked me" he replied in a betrayal tone, "I remember Ashelin"

Her eyes grew wide as Jak's eyes pierced her own.

"I remember. You used my insecurities to get at me. I guess I was too drunk to think straight"

"Jak it wasn't like that..."

"What was it then?" he snapped feeling hurt

"I thought you were afraid"

He snorted.

"I was acting on my own insecurities"

"The blind leading the blind" Jak snorted

"Fine I understand. I don't want your forgiveness and I don't want anything to do with you" she suddenly snapped

"Good that you understand because you don't deserve my forgiveness. You used me Ashelin. Then you made the gap between me and Keira bigger!" Jak snapped as all his pain was evident, "You caused enough damage anyway"

Ashelin stared at Jak.

"I still love you"

"Piss off"

Jak turned away and folded his arms hiding his face of hurt. Ashelin looked at him one last time before she turned away. He heard her cruiser starting up and flying away. He turned to watch her go.

Meanwhile...

Keira rummaged through the equipment and found no saw or cutter to removed the bars and onwards to freedom. She glanced at the monitors and saw Jak and Keira fighting with each other at the port. Saw Daxter was still at her garage. An idea came to mind. She attacked the equipment on the table before her. She reconnected wires and switches and cannibalizing other equipment.

She managed to wire into the Stadium's computer system. Using the computer P.A and the camera bugs she was now able to contact Daxter. She also fixed the bugs so they could pick up sound too. Pressing a few keys on the keyboard she fixed the P.A system to only work in her garage. She grabbed a microphone and spoke into it.

"Daxter"

She saw Daxter perk up and frowned

"Daxter, it's Keira"

"Keira?" he blinked puzzled, "You're a computer?"

She smiled. The P.A system synthesized the computer voice. She couldn't make her own voice signature travel along the micro wires, so she had to piggyback on the computer's voice.

"No. Just listen to me, I'll explain this later but you got to do this now" she spoke into the microphone

She glanced at the monitor that showed Ashelin and Jak

"I need you to get to the Port quickly!"

"Why?" Daxter asked

"Jak is there. He's in danger"

"Like what?" Daxter frowned puzzled

"Look Daxter, I just need you to get down there! That sun of a bitch Erol is going to be there!"

Daxter thought about it then blinked.

"Already there!" Daxter jumped down and ran towards the exit

She only hopped the Ottsel had enough experience to drive and enough time to make it down there before it was too late.

To be continued...

Will Ashelin's blow be the final one that Jak can take? Will Erol succeed? Can Daxter stop him? Watch out for the final chapter!

Please review. I need to know how this is holding.