Jak II Chronicles

by Neo Yi

Yes, a Jak II fanfic adaptation, but do more then merely adapt it. But enhance it. The First in my Blue Curtain Trilogy. Special Director's Cut editiom. ALL CHAPTERS ARE NOW REVISED Finally.

12. End of an Era, Beginning Anew

Jak II
ACT I: A City Under Siege
Chapter 12: End of an Era, Beginning Anew

"He's turning 9 years old." Samos commented to me.
"A party must be in order for him." I ordered, "His first anniversary here in this village has passed and we haven't even celebrated his arrival!"
"This is a birthday party, not a festival." Samos laughed, "Although, invitations are in order." I laughed along with Samos.

The party was to be a surprise, so little Jak was not to know. Samos wrote the invitation with Kiera's help while I got the residences of Sandover to help decorate for Jak's party. When Jak asked what we were decorating for, I simply told them it was for a holiday, although in truth, it was for a holiday as well, so I felt in safe confidence that my lie wasn't even remotely a small "white lie" as much as it is me "bending the truth".
You see, little Jak was born in the same day as Purity Day. Purity Day, it's every child's favorite holiday. Celebrated during the last month of the winter, Purity is a time for miracles, innocence, hopes, sharing and giving, as well as dreams. Presents are given to loved ones, trees are decorated with colorful ornaments, songs are sung, and chestnuts roast in an open fire. Aye, it was a beautiful time. It's always best to see the children smile during Purity Day. And by Jove, Jak was born during a special time of year.

His birth symbolized a lot for the child. Winter is associated with water. Jak was named because he fell from the skies and into water. Not to mention Jak himself loved the water. Everyday, he would stare at the blue ocean when he wasn't swimming in it. It didn't matter if it was a stormy day, Jak loved the sea. In the water, he was a fast swimmer. He loved the water. He cared for the creatures of the sea as much as he did in land (he refused to eat any animals, let along dress clothes made from animals), and sitting on the beach for hours on en just staring at the endless supply of water. That child had immortal patience. I learned much from this child.
He arrived on a cool summer night, his birthday coming in the Winter, but due to time confusion and with hardly anyone Jak's age liked him at that time, we never bother to celebrate, but this year would be the perfect celebration for both his birthday and arrival.

The village was covered heavily in snow, but that did not stop the villagers from making a perfect birthday for Jak. They loved the child too much not to. Everyone donned coats and scarves. Some had earmuffs, majority had goggles, but the interesting aspect is our feet which remained the same. It's amazing how much our feet can survive the cold, but then again, we were used to it.

"Where's Jak?" Samos asked me one day while we were decorating.
"He, Kiera, and Daxter went off to play." I answered, "This gives us plenty of time before we're done. Kiera and Daxter will keep them busy."
"Where did they go?" Samos asked.
"They went to the Forbidden Forest." I answered. Before Samos could protest on the danger, I responded back, "They promise not to go too far off and if they see any danger, they will immediately return home." Samos sighed.
"Oh… I'm inviting the other sages." Samos changed the subject.
"Other sages?" I came to, "I see."
"Where I come from, the other sages are nowhere to be seen." Samos responded, 'I tried to look for them, but I didn't get far, although I have some theories as to where they could be, but that's another story. I'm just glad to see them again."
"…You've met them before you came here, to the past?" I asked.
"You'd be surprised how old I really am." Samos chuckled.

……………………

"What is it?" Daxter whispered.
"A wumpbee's nest." Jak gasped, "I've heard of this. Uncle told me about them. The only insects to appear during the winter. They're about 2 feet high and possess a lot of fur!"
"Oh, Jak, we're going to explore the Wumpbee's nest?" Kiera gasped, "You of all people know better then to do something stupid like that. That's what Daxter does!"
"HEY!" Daxter hissed.
"I'm not going to go to the nest; I just want to see them from afar."

Jak donned a light blue coat with a red scarf, goggles around his forehead, and gray gloves. His standard brown pilot hat still graced his head. Daxter had on an orange coat with red mittens on and a yellow scarf. Also wearing a pilot hat. He could camouflage himself for Autumn if he had to. Kiera wore a sea green coat with violet scarf and earmuffs. She wore violet gloves.
Jak slowly, but surely tiptoed over to the nest. Kiera and Daxter stayed back; ready to run to Jak's aid should he be stung. Wumpbee's stings are poisonous, but not fatal. They can paralyze you for hours. Jak got closer and closer as the wumpbee's buzzing sounds could be heard. It amazed him. Jak had a rather bizarre obsession for animals. He LOVED animals, case in point and seem to have some rather wonderful connection with them. Samos concurred that this might be another special power he possessed, but he didn't feel a magical connection with it.
As Jak got close, the buzzing got louder.

"Jak, turn back!" his friend whispered to him. Jak, his smile wide, his eyes bright and shining, got closer and closer and closer and…

…Something snapped in his mind…

"Oh, and stay away from ANY wumpbee's nest on your ninth birthday."

Jak stopped, frozen for a brief second. He gasped. He remembered something or was it all just a random occurrence in the back of his head?
"Why is he just staying there?" Daxter gasped.
"I…I don't know." Kiera gulped, "I'm getting a bit worried." Jak turned away to face them and walked back where he smiled.
"Let's go home." he responded. Jak started to walk home, Kiera and Daxter were eyeing each other in a confused and scared manner.

……………

"SURPRISE, HAPPY 9TH BRITHDAY, JAK!" Everyone popped out of nowhere upon Jak's return. Jak, gasping from shock and surprised was now moved to tear, as well as shouting out in happiness, like any little child would on his birthday.
"I can't believe you did all this for me." Jak sniffed, "Thank you so much."
"Well, you've made quite an impression on all of us, Jak." I smiled, "You more then deserve it, my boy!" I lifted up Jak and took him to a table where we celebrated his birthday.
"So, Jak, what did you do in the Forbidden Forest?" I asked.
"Oh, well, it started off when you told me about the Wumpbees…"

…………………

Dead Town
Month 11: Numoria, Day 1 (Fall Time)
Year: 299 TOMH (Time of the Metal Heads)

"Jak, oh-no!" Daxter panicked again, "What do we do!"
"I..I…OH! I can fly to headquarters and ask for help!" Puar responded.
"GOOD! GOOD! You do that!" Daxter jumped up and down. Puar nodded, and then started to hover down, but someone blocked her way.
"AHH!" Puar went back to Daxter and the two saw three people climbing up the wooden bridge to Samos' hut. It was a short black haired woman along with a man with a camera, and another man holding various tools, usually for digging. The man and woman were donning explorer clothes while the cameraman had on causal wear.
"Ahh, and here we have another old village." the short haired female commented, she held a recorder in one hand, "Observe how tall the village is in. Makes you wonder if the leader of this primitive tribe dwelled here." She had on a common Haven accent, same as Jak's.
"Uhh…boss." The cameraman pointed, "Dude, I think someone beat us to it."
"Wha-" She turned around and gasped. There was Jak, Daxter, and Puar, right before her eyes.
"HEY! What are you doing here?" She cried, "GET OUT OF MY DISCOVERY!"
"Your discovery?" Puar questioned, "What's going on?"
"I am Carmen, world famous explorer/archeologist/adventurer." She pointed to herself proudly, "This is Mei, my partner, and my cameraman, Chio. Now, get out of the way, we're trying to document this place!"
"This isn't the time for documenting, can't you see this poor boy here is hurt?" Puar gasped, "Look how injured he is."
"Ooh, he does look like he bit the big one." Carmen sighed, "Well, seeing as you probably won't budge from this spot, we'll help out. Mei, get the first aid team in here."
"Yes, ma-am." Mei saluted and left.
"Partner or more like servant?" Daxter mumbled quietly to Puar.

In a matter of minutes, two first aid team members came with a stretcher. Placing Jak on it, they slowly took him down and took him to camp where more archaeologists were. It was close to the entrance to the city. There, the archeologists were observing stones, destroying things, and basically damaging the place to make it even worse then it is now.

"These archeologists are careless!" Daxter whispered loudly, "Look at what they're doing! Jak will NOT be happy if he saw them ruining Dead Town."
"Is this place so important to you and Jak?" Puar gasped, "Do you…know this place?"
"You could say that." Daxter nodded.
"You mentioned Samos." Puar commented.
"Yea, so?" Daxter asked, "Why?"
"N-Nothing." Puar shook herself.
Daxter and Puar waited outside of the first aid tent until way yonder into dawn. Daxter was curled in his sleep while Puar was recharging herself. The doctors came over to the two. They were twins. Puar was the first to wake up.
"GASP! Daxter, wake up!" She nudged the little Ottsel who slowly opened his eyes. Smacking his lips and yawning, he half opened his eyes, saw the light of the sun, and slumped back to sleep.
"Oh, WAKE UP!" Puar shouted. No dice. She thought for a good second while the doctors eyed her. Puar then lit a light bulb. She took a deep breath, then--
"MORNING EXERCISE! COME ON! COME ON! LET'S ALL DO IT!" Puar shouted, "WAKE UP! WE GOT MORNING EXERCISE!" And Daxter screamed a blood curling scream, leaping a few feet in the air, coming back down with his fur sticking out.
"Welcome back, Daxter." Puar spoke. Daxter shook violently, but Puar ignored him, turning her attention to the doctors who muffled their laughter.
"How is he?" Puar asked.
"I'm surprise he manage to survive." one of the doctors answered, "That boy lost a significant amount of blood and he's suffering from pneumonia."
"Pneumonia!" Puar gasped with Daxter following suit.
"Yes, it'll be a while before he fully recovers." The other doctor replied, "He woke up a couple of times while we were trying to heal him. He mumbled quite a lot. We tried to speak with him but he seemed to be delirious. What was he doing that caused so many injuries?"
"He went outside the city walls and had a run in with a group of Metal Heads." Puar quickly lied. The two doctors cringed.
"My goodness, thank Haven the boy is alive!" The first doctor gasped, "What a foolish mistake the boy made, fighting Metal heads and leaving the city walls! How foolish!"
"Hey, you're outside, aren't ya?" Puar asked, "This place is outside city walls."
"Well, not many Metal Heads come here, if ever, the entire place is too decayed for even those wretched creatures." The second doctor replied, "At least as far as we're concerned. So far, we've been lucky to have not met any."
"You'll never know." Puar suggested. The two doctors shrugged, leaving Puar to deliver a huge sigh. She changed the subject back to Jak.
"…Is he asleep?" Puar asked.
"Yes, when he'll wake up, I don't know." The first doctor replied, "I suggest you give him the rest."
"Thank you, doctor." Puar responded and with that, the doctors left.
"Wasn't that the royal family member's COMP?" the second doctor asked.
"Who cares if it was?" The first one sighed, "Let's get some coffee."

Puar and Daxter quickly went inside. There was Jak, sleeping on a make shift bed. His hair was still messy and more cuts and bruises were shown with his goggles and red scarf off. His shirt was off, revealing his chest. There were multiple bandages surrounding him, gauzes here and there as well. His arm and chest were the most wrapped with blood seeping through. He was perfectly still. Puar stared at the mess before her and then at Daxter who had his ears drooped low. His eyes were wet with tears.
"Daxter…" Puar started.
"Jak, you…you stupid…lunkhead!" Daxter shouted, "I hate you! I hate what you've become! I hate how you think so rashly! That's suppose to be me! I hate you! You're mean, cruel, you're a monster! I don't want to be friends with someone who not only risk himself, but his friends! You're selfish, Jak! YOU'RE SELFISH!" And with that, Daxter stormed off.
"DAXTER!" Puar gasped.
No one noticed the little Ottsel leaving. Puar quickly left the first aid tent and watched Daxter as he started to climb up a few rocks and delve deeper into the woods. Where was he going, she wondered?

Underground HQ
Month 11: Numoria, Day 1 (Fall Time)
Year: 299 TOMH (Time of the Metal Heads)

"WHAT?" Tess cried out, "Is he okay?"
"Jak's fine." Puar responded, making a phone call to headquarters, "But he's greatly hurt." Tess noticed the kid coming to her.
"Mr. Jak? Did you mention Mr. Jak?" The child gasped, "Is he alright!"
"He's fine." Puar sighed, "He's just asleep. When he wakes up, I don't know."
"I will go to him." The kid said.
"And risk yourself, no way!" Tess gasped.
"I let Mr. Jak go to the palace!" The kid cried out, "He is my responsibility."
"Your majesty, this is dangerous! You can't stick up for everyone, you'll end up hu-" Puar cried out.
"My job as prince is to protect my people!" The child shouted, "Whether or not Jak is from this city or from a far off place, he IS living in Haven Kingdom property, thus making him one of my responsibilities! I shall go to him, do I make myself clear, Miss Puar!"
"….Yes." Puar nodded, "I'll await your arrival." Puar signed out.
"You're really going to go?" Tess gasped.
"Yes." the kid nodded, putting on his jacket and scarf, "Well, don't stand there gawking at me, get Sir Torn!" Tess nodded and went to fetch him. Ani the crocadog ran up to Jak and barked.
"Ani, prepare yourself, we're going to Dead Town." The kid spoke to the dog. Ani barked happily, as it would do anything for its master.

After some convincing, meaning the kid was threatening Torn that he would take over the Underground if he wasn't escorted to Dead Town (and the act that Torn wanted to know why the hell Jak left the underground to face the Baron), Torn and Tess took the kid, along with Ani. When the four reached there, the kid came over and shouted:
"Who is in charge of here! I demand to know!" Not knowing he was the prince, the archaeologists thought this was too cute. The kid groaned. At this point, he didn't care if his true identity slipped, especially at this point of boiling stress he was undergoing. Torn sighed, shaking his head.
"No, seriously, where's the leader here?" The kid shouted, "Answer me!"
"I'm the leader." Carmen groaned, she could never get any work done, "What's it is, kid, I have work to do."
"I'd watch your mouth on who you speak of." The kid hissed, "I wish to know where Mr. Jak is."
"Mr. Jak?" Carmen scratched her head, "Oh, you mean the injured kid. You friends with him?"
"He is…my older brother." The kid lied.
"Yea, ya certainly look like him, so, in that case, he's in that tent." Carmen pointed, "Now leave me alone, I'm trying to work here!" The kid "hmphed" and went inside with Torn and Tess following. Carmen glared at two adults.
"Uhh…he loves to play royalty a lot." Torn gulped. He sighed and went inside as well. There, the kid stared in shock at Jak's features
"Oh, poor Jak!" Tess gasped.
"I'm so glad you're here." Puar hovered. The kid sat down on a small stool next to the Jak.
"Oh, geez." Torn shook his head, "That stupid kid! What was he thinking! Barging in on the palace! That was complete suicide and it seems Jak made an example of himself because of that!"
"Torn." Tess urged.
"He's gonna have one hell of a talking to once he wakes up." Torn crossed his arms. The kid, meanwhile, started to sob back a few tears, trying desperately to hide it.
"Maybe we better leave him alone." Tess urged Torn, pushing him out of the tent. Puar also agreed and the two ladies pushed Torn out. Ani was the last to leave. It noticed it's master's tears. He wiped the tears off, cried some more, then covered his face with his hands. Ani, ears dropping, left reluctantly.
"I am…sorry, Mr. Jak." The kid cried, "It is my fault that you were hurt. I should have prevented you from leaving. I don't need another lost in my life…"

"And he left?" Tess gasped.
"Yea, he ran off after he badmouthed Jak." Puar told them on Daxter's disappearance when Tess grew curious to his whereabouts.
"What I want to know is how the hell Jak got from the palace to here." Torn still had his arms crossed.
"The pendent." Puar responded, "Jak had half of the kid's pendent. He asked for help when he was a sitting duck in the palace and he ended up here."
"Wow." Tess gasped, "I knew the pendent was powerful, but…wow, just-wow."
"Hmph." Torn still crossed his arms, "Still foolish. Stupid kid.
"I hope Daxter is alright." Tess sadly said, "I hope he comes back."
"I'm sure he's fine, it's Daxter." Puar shrugged, "He'll be a-okay." Tess slowly nodded, but she couldn't help it. She was worried. During the months they've know each other, the two became close friends. Daxter would be there to cheer Tess up when she was upset, make up jokes and openly flirt with her whenever he had to, making Tess laugh. He was entertaining to her and a great conservationist to boot.

Days passed, but Daxter did not return. Tess and Torn had to return back to headquarters, but Kor came over to watch the child who refused to leave without Jak.

Haven City
Month 11: Numoria, Day 8 (Fall Time)
Year: 299 TOMH (Time of the Metal Heads)

"With report of the mysterious Underground member, Jak Bannon, missing for a week now, the Baron has made it clear that he is winning and that this is signs of good things to come. We'll keep an update on this. I'm Canny Macher, good day." The well-known figure in news reporting drone on, sounding excited, if not slightly sarcastic, as though he didn't believe a word the Baron said. The archaeologists were watching the portable TV they held. Showing a picture of Jak (a rather blurry one), the archaeologists shrugged it off and went to work. Knowing Jak was in the tent, they still had no concern. As long as either the Baron, Metal heads, or Jak left them alone to conduct their business, why should they care?
In the first aid tent, the child had fallen asleep. Kor was just outside the tent, standing perfectly still. Ani was inside the tent, but near the entrance, waiting for any unwanted foes to enter so it could kill them and protect the ones it loved. Ani constantly looked over its shoulder to see how the kid was holding out. It was worried. Soon, the kid might end up sick!
The kid was holding Jak's hand constantly. He has been holding his hand for an extended period at a time, never letting go, despite the sweat getting in. The child felt a connection he has never felt in anyone in his life. Jak held something that the child never thought anyone else could have: magic. Not just any magic. If that was the case, he would feel indifferent to Kor who he also felt some presence of magic from, no matter how many times Kor denied it. Of course, concerning Kor's magic, it was quite different. Quite different indeed. The child wasn't so sure what though. He made it his goal to find out someday. When it came to Jak, his magic was familiar and special.

Any person who has magical abilities had a built-in sixth sense that helped them know the difference between a normal person and one born with magic. The spiritual magic he felt on Jak was a very familiar one. The last time he felt such a presence was from his very own father. The Romanir family was superior in every way to the people of Haven Kingdom, for they possessed magic…
From the start of the Haven Kingdom's birth, the Romanir family was the ultimate hope for the people as well as their ticket to their fates. All first born children, direct descendents from Mar himself are said to be filled with that gifted magical powers. No other family members does possess magic, only the first born, a reason they are well valued and protected. Their powers are said to exceptionally powerful. The people worshipped the royal family fore they could talk with the Precursors or so they believed. The royal family were the only ones who can see in the world from beyond. They could prophet the fate of their lives, the fate of the world, the galaxy when given the visions. There were only so many powers they possessed. As the years passed by in the city though, more people seem to believe the Precursors as mere legends and stories of old as miracles and magic seem to drift. It sadden the royal family and the few who still clung onto the existence of Precursors and magic. The child hoped that he would change that fate and help realize that Precursors do exist. He just needed proof. Right now, his main concern was Jak.

He woke up when he felt the hand squeeze his own. The child gasped.
"Mr. Jak…" He whispered. Jak, slowly twitching his eyes, moved his head slightly. Then, he slowly opened his eyes.
"Uhhh…" Jak groaned.
"….Mr. Jak…" The kid gasped, tears came from happiness, "You're awake…you're awake!"
"…Your majesty?" Jak groaned. He slowly rose up until he was sitting. The kid responded with a massive hug. He cried and cried, his tiny arms clinging onto Jak. Jak didn't do anything. He just hugged the child back, despite his groggy feeling.
With the bandages off and Jak dressed in his outfit (Tess sewed the holes and washed it for him), Jak left the tent with the child holding onto his hand. When they were outside, it was snowing. The child gasped. He loved snow.

"Oh, you're awake." Kor limply walked to Jak. The other archeologists took note of his awakenings and gave him some hearty advices concerning the Metal Heads.
"Don't fight them no more!"
"Be careful when near Metal Heads."
"Yea, don't wanna end up like that again!"
Jak only responded in confusion, "…O…kay?"
"I am glad you are alright." The kid smiled, "…The pendent helped you, didn't it?"
"Yea." Jak nodded, "Where's Puar?"
"She's with Sir Torn for now." The child answered.
"Okay, what about Daxter?" Jak asked, then he proceeded to shout for his friend, "Daxter, where are you? Daxter!"
"Daxter is gone as well, Mr. Jak." The kid regrettably spoke.
"Wha--WHAT?" Jak gasped, "Why?"
"From what Puar told me, he was angry at you." The kid answered.
"Angry?" Jak screeched, "What did I do!"
"He said you were being too rash, too risking, and too selfish. He said you were not yourself." The kid said. Jak wanted to debate back, but unfortunately, the truth landed on him like a ton of bricks. Jak stood silent for a brief moment, pondering hard on what to do.
"…Where is he?" Jak asked.
"I don't know." The kid shook his head, "I wish I knew." The kid lowered his head, sad that he had to be the one to tell Jak this. Ani warmed up to him. Jak stood silent, concerned. Where would Daxter go? His concentration fell off when one of the archeologists dropped a piece of Dead Town.
"What th-" Jak gasped. He race towards them, "HEY! What the bloody hell are you doing?"
"Whoa, chill out, kiddo." a short, fat archeologist backed off, "I broke it by accident. Besides, it's just a little piece. No one will care."
"I care!" Jak groaned, "Can't you archeologists be more careful? I mean, what the bloody hell's the matter with you? Do you not see this once was a beautiful place? Blimey!"
"How do you know?" came a skinny archeologist, "You act like you've been there."
"…I…I just do." Jak sighed.
"Look, as much as this place fascinates me, we will do what it takes to uncover its mysteries, little boy." Carmen came from behind, arms crossed, hips cocked to one side, "If we have to blow up a piece of the town, then we'll do it."
"You can't!" Jak screamed, "How cruel can you be! This place means a lot to me and you destroying hurts me inside! I love this place!" Jak spoke with such a passion, waving his arms in visual fashion, occasionally cocking his head towards the other archeologist's faces. Was it because of the news he just received from the kid that drove him to protest or was it an aching for his past home that caused him to yell?
"…Wait, you love this…this…dump?" Carmen scoffed, "You're a hell of a lot more stupider then I pictured, kiddo. Sure, this place is rich with culture, but in reality, it's just a dump. There hardly is anything even valuable in here! Sometimes, I wonder what I'm still doing here. It's just a primitive tribe."
"It's not primitive!" Jak shouted back, "Well, maybe compare to Haven City, but this village held out a lot on his own!"
"Kid, I'm warning you, back off and let us do our job!" Carmen pushed him outside, "Go home and play your video games or something!"
"You are taking this whole archeologist thing the wrong way!" Jak slapped his hand to his face."
"Look, little kid--"
"I'M NOT A LITTLE KID!" Jak whined…ironically like a little kid. The kid sighed in embarrassment. Jak groaned in frustration and stormed.
"Where are you going?" The kid gasped.
"To think!" Jak screamed. He walked off further into Dead Town.
"First Daxter leaves, now Mr. Jak." The kid pointed out. Ani nodded in agreement while Kor watched from afar, almost like he was scanning him.

…………………

As Jak walked, he mumbled to himself angrily.
"Bastards, trying to destroy the ONE place I loved in this hellhole." Jak grumbled, "If Uncle was watching this, he'd throw a royal fit…hell, everyone in Sandover would. Bloody freakin' hell!" Jak stopped. The mere mention of his uncle had him aching for home. Then he proceeded to march forth, anger driving him with each step pounding the dirt.
"And stupid Daxter. Calling me selfish!" Jak sniffed, ready to cry (though he was trying not to), he then shouted, assumingly to Daxter, "YOU'RE THE ONE WHO RAN OFF! YOU ABANDON ME AND YOU CALL ME SELFISH! YOU'RE THE SELFISH ONE! NOT ME!" He shouted so loud that echoes could be heard. Jak groaned and stopped where a murky lake blocked his path. He sighed and sat on the edge of the ground nearest the murky water. He placed his arms around his knees and rested his head down. He groaned again.

"Well, aren't you Mr. Nice guy now?"
"Huh?"
"Heh, if I didn't know better, I'd think you hate Daxter."
"How…?"
"Thought I only exist in your supposed dreams. When you sleep? Heh, I did. But I'm getting stronger now. You keep unleashing me, I keep absorbing more power. I can speak to you now mentally whenever I want. Oh, joy."
"Get out of my head."
"How many times must you say that when you know it's too little, too late to do such a thing? I'm obsessed with you, you see."
"GET OUT!"
"Daxter hates you. Your precious hometown is a wasteland and you're stuck in the future with no chance of ever getting back! Face the music, kid, nothing's good going to come outta this."
"No…"
"Just let me take over you. Accept me. You'll be unstoppable. Virtually immortal. We'll get stronger and take over this kingdom ourselves."
"The Kingdom belongs to the child."
"Geez, you really love that kid, don't you? He's everything to you, isn't he? Just like Daxter and Kiera and Samos? Eh? Now you add in that little weakling."
"He's stronger then he looks. The kid trusts me."
"Once Prince Christof becomes prince of his city, he'll only abandon the same way your stupid friend, Daxter did!"
"NO!"
"YES! He'll be too busy trying to rule Haven to waste his time on you! He'll put you in jail for all the damage you've done to the city!"
"I am saving this kingdom! The child knows that!"
"HA! He'll change his mind once he's on the throne!"
"HE TRUSTS ME! I have this pendent as PROOF! He would NEVER give up something as personal and important to him, let along half of it if he didn't trust me! Now, just GET OUT! GET OUT! GEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET OUUUUUUUUUUUUUT!"
"Selfish ass! No wonder Daxter left you! ALL YOU EVER DO IS THINK ABOUT YOURSELF! YOU NEVER THINK OF ANYONE ELSE! You play the hero and get the praise while your friends are stuck in the background, hurt from the missions you dragged them into! You're selfish, you stupid bastard! SELFISH!"
"SHUT UP! Daxter CHOSE to come with ME!"
"DID HE? Or he did feel the need to make it up to you? After all, you saved his life many years back from that lurker, not to mention all the countless other times you played hero to his distress! Admit it; you're a selfish limelight stealer! Hogging the spotlight and demanding the glories by being a "hero!"
"GET OUT! GEEEEEEEEEEEEET OUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUT!"

And with that, his darker self left him for the time being, leaving Jak standing up, gasping for breath from all that shouting. He slowly walked over to the murky water and saw his very own reflection, then he feel on his knees and screamed. He cried while shouting at the top of his lung in frustration and anger. How he hated himself. How he hated what he has become. He couldn't change. That would be too hard. Daxter was right; he became someone he never intended to be. His innocent flush down the toilet. He could never be who he was, the person he loved to be. He was happy and he made other people happy. Now, the only person he was pleasing was his darker self who enjoyed torturing him at every whim and absorbing his darkness to make himself stronger. He hated himself. Jak cried harder, his yells echoing pass the trees, sending birds off of it. He didn't know what to do. He made rash decisions. He got himself nearly killed. He lost his friend. Would it feel appropriate if he just lied there on the ground and just died there? Curled in a fetal position as he covered his face, ashamed to let anyone see him, just to die? Death, the one escape.

A small light passed Jak, but he didn't noticed. His eyes were closed and his face cupped by his hand as he was slowly sobbing. His face was buried in his arms and knees. Another small ball of light passed him. It looked like a miniature comet. Again, Jak did not notice. More balls of light passed him until they surrounded him and the area he was in. Jak slowly lifted his head up and opened his eyes. He gasped. The balls were passing by him and moving near him. What were they? Jak gasped, scared. Were they ghosts? No…they felt…warm and familiar. Jak sat up and stared at them.

"…What are you?" Jak asked them. They moved slowly around. The looked like spirit balls or some pryeflies, "…You all feel so warm…" The warm feeling was familiar. The only feeling you get from Sandover. Jak didn't do anything, but he could hear them "speak" to him.
"…You're upset that Sandover is even more ruined then it is now, aren't you?" Jak asked, his voice shaky from all the crying he did. The balls glowed brightly, responding, "…Me, too. It was my home." The ball twinkled.
"It was your home, too?" Jak asked. The spirit balls glowed some more, "…You're ALL residences of Sandover, all the way since the village's beginnings?" Jak gasped. More spirit balls floated pass him and Jak felt a breath of familiarity. He recognized the presence of some of them.
"Mr. Mayor…Mr. Ollie…the Fisherman…Mikel the scuptler…you asked me to find your muse…" Jak gasped, "Ms. Perch, the bird watcher…I met a Flut-Flut because of you…" Jak knew these people. They were his neighbors, his friends, and family. These were their spirits, restless one who couldn't pass on. Were they waiting for Jak's return since his fateful "disappearance" some 300 years ago? Were they in sorrow over the village's lost and waited till someone would come to fix it up?
Two spirit balls passed by Jak.
"….Daxter's parents." Jak gasped, "…What about Uncle? Where is he?" The spirit balls glowed.
"He's…he's not here?" Jak gasped, "…Where is he? I thought he'd be with you." The balls glowed once more.
"You don't know?" Jak seemingly repeated. Once again, they responded with their glow.
"…Why don't you go to the afterlife?" Jak asked, looking up. They glowed.
"Because the village, your home…our home is being destroyed by the archeologists, the Baron…you guys cannot rest." Jak repeated with the balls glowing in agreement.
"I don't understand…why am I here?" Jak sniffed, "Why am I in this horrible, horrible place? Why me of all people? I don't understand."
This time, the balls did not glow, but a soft voice reached Jak's ears…

"Although you are not fully aware of your destiny just yet, everything will become clear to you."

Jak gasped. That voice was eerily familiar.

"Believe in yourself. Have faith. Trust those you can trust and remember…never loose your purity."

"…I already lost that." Jak sniffed, "Along with my best friend."

"There is always room to change, young one. That pendent you hold, half or whole, will be your guide to your chosen fate…and remember…

…Remember…I will always be with you, no matter where you go, my boy. No matter what you face, my soul will always accompany the most important part of you…your heart…"

The voice echoed off, leaving Jak alone. The spirit balls were all gone. Jak stood there, stunned. Was he dreaming? Was this all just some hallucination? Did he think these thoughts because he was homesick and alone? Jak gasped. That voice…was it also a hallucination? That voice…
"….Uncle?" Jak whispered. Jak, sitting, his cheeks red and his nose slightly running, just sat there, thinking. Empty and alone, yet feeling warm, Jak stood up, "It's…it's been 300 years…you cannot exist, you cannot touch me, and you cannot be here anymore." Jak let the tears flow down his face, "You don't appreciate what I became, do you…uncle?" His face bowed down, once more staring at his own reflection.
Jak, his hands balled into a fist, frowning face with tears, stood strong, like he was fighting something.
"Uncle…" he repeated, "Give me another sign….PLEASE!"

"Silence did the world sound at first…
Never managing to utter a word
Then a light came from above
A glorious light I have seen
Beautiful and magical, it shone up a light…"

That song…

"Great Precursors gave us life.
Enriched out world with green and aqua…
Power of Good and hope shone through
Never aware of the chaos that grew"

"Though mist is bitter sweet then the gentle rain
Tis' sweet the melody of the birds
I live in another part of the world
But always know I am here…"

He knew that song…

"The Darkness grew and spread
Never knowing where it came
Precursors felt lost and done
But the light grew in purity's heart

"It spread and spread…
Though it could vanquish the chaos
A power of balance it creates…
And that is the world of today…"

"Though mist is bitter sweet then the gentle rain
Tis' sweet the melody of the birds
I live in another part of the world
But always know I am here…"

The song was sung by the kid. He smiled and continued singing…

"Though mist is bitter sweet then the gentle rain
Tis' sweet the melody of the birds
I live in another part of the world…"

The boy stopped softly, but stared at Jak, waiting…

"……But always know I am here…"

Jak sang the last part. The two stared at each other.
"Mr. Jak…" the kid spoke his name softly. Jak wiped the tears off his face.
"…My uncle sang me that song." Jak said, "I've nearly forgotten it, just as I have forgotten myself."
"300 years…" The kid came, "So, you came 300 years from the past."
"…You listened." Jak said in a completely unsurprised voice.
"…Yes." The kid nodded, "I apologize, I overheard."
"It's alright; it was bound to get out, if not slowly." Jak reassured, "I'm just glad it's you." The child smiled that innocent smile.
"Everyone will know soon." The kid spoke, "Given time."
"I know, but for now, it's me, you, and Daxter who knows." Jak winked.
"And Ani."
"And Ani." Jak repeated. With that said, Jak started to walk pass the child, going away from the murky water and back.
"Where are you going?" The kid asked.
"….I need to find Daxter…" Jak spoke softly, "I need to preserve this village…I need to…to… change…" that last word he whispered softly.
"Mr. Jak." The kid gasped.
"…First, I have to find Daxter." Jak said, speaking in a usual confidence and sincerity, "…Umm…do you want your pendent back?"
"No." The kid shook his head, "It is yours to keep. Trust it. It will guide you. You have one and I have one. It is a symbol that I trust you."
"Thank you." Jak nodded, gripping the pendent tightly before shoving it back behind his red scarf.
"What will you do once you do find him?" The kid asked. Jak stopped, lifted his head up to eye the sky, his back facing the kid. The child's back facing Jak. Snow fell lightly, but heavily. The ugly Dead Town grew beautiful like Sandover. Jak closed his eyes and let out a satisfied sigh.
"I'm gonna apologize to him." Jak answered, "…There is always room to change." He walked off. The child smiled contently and he, too stared at the sky.
The child gasped silently. Perhaps this was the true hope that he was looking for. The child knew that Jak would be the one to save the Kingdom. No more hoping, no more waiting, the time is now.
"Yes…there is."
End of Part 1...