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.

15. The Seal of Mar

Jak II Chronicles
Part II: The Precursor Stone
Chapter 15: The Seal of Mar

Jak spent the majority of the days after school in his room, working on the school play's script, except whenever he had extracurricular activities, fighting training and whatever little odd ditties Samos forced on the boy, and usually when he spends quality time with me. Jak would never miss teatime with his dear uncle. Seeing him work nonstop on that thing had me quite worried. Soon, he would never spend enough time with me (although he carried out a bunch of paper and pencil to continue writing). I did not wish for him to stop (he was getting rather into that play), but I'd hope he wouldn't lose touch with me.
During the early sunset, Jak wished to speak with me on his writings of the play so far.

"You can't tell anyone, it's a secret!" Jak whispered, despite the fact that it was only the two of us in the house, "I don't want anyone to know what I wrote, no matter how much they beg me." I nodded, sipping on my tea.
"Well, the story I thought of were actually based on dreams I had with some made up parts in between here and there that I thought of randomly as I wrote." Jak started, "It's a story about a lost prince and his quest to save his kingdom from evil."
"I see." I muttered, "But there are many plots involving that."
"I plan to edge it up a lot, but remember, clichés are good if you use it right." Jak lectured to which I nodded in agreement, "Any who, the prince lives in a palace that soars high above the clouds, overlooking the city down below."
"The city, eh?" I came in.
"Yea, I dreamt of a city in my dreams…as technologically influenced as the Precursors." Jak answered, "The city is over the water…the Water City, it'll be called that." Jak's eyes were dreamy.
"The prince lost his parents to these evil monstrous beings with glowing gold gems on their foreheads. The prince was thought to be dead, so the prince's uncle took over, who is vile and mean. The prince grew up to be a strong warrior. He lived in the poor city slums where he learned to fight from his mentor who watched over him when they escaped from the palace for protection. The prince has two heirloom of his symbol as royalty: a magical holy sword and a pendent…also magic."
"Interesting." I pondered, this sounded a bit familiar.
"The prince, dressed like some commoner does not know he is the prince, because he was young when his parents died and escaped the palace, but during his journey to stop evil, he will, and he'll also meet new friends." Jak eyed the ceiling as if the very stars stared back at him, "In the end, he will save his kingdom and become King." Jak stared back at me. I didn't say anything.
"I'm…still working on the kinks." Jak cleared his throat, "It'll be a musical!"
"A musical." I repeated, half of myself, half towards Jak.
"Yea…I wanted to work on song writing part." Jak blushed, shrugging his shoulders, "Any who, I still have more to write, then I have to tweak it to make sure it's a good, engaging plot." He walked off.
"What are the characters' names?" I asked, "They must have names. Even the monsters and cities."
"Well, I can't think of a name for the monsters, but the city is just called the Water City, and as for the prince…I'm thinking of Christof."
"Christof?" I scratched my head, thinking of the familiarity of the name, "Where did you think of that?" He shrugged.
"I just did…it was in my dream." then he walked away.

I sat down in my chair for the longest time. I didn't move. Why did that name, "Christof" bothered me so much? Was I informed of this name before? That was when I thought of Samos. It was in the middle of night when I suddenly and swiftly woke up, left bed, wore a jacket, and rushed over to Samos' house, and literally broke the door down. I could hear Samos' grumbling and myself panting for air.
"Honestly, can't you knock a little softer!" Samos gasped, "My daughter is sleeping. Wake up the dead while you're at it, why don't ya?"
"Samos…I need to talk to you." I gasped. Samos ushered me in, seeing my urgent, panic-ridden face.
"What is it?" Samos asked, sitting across from me in the dining room table. A fireplace lit on and a book on a soft chair informed me that Samos has been doing some late reading.
"Do you the name, "Christof?" I asked.
"Of course, I already told you who it is." Samos explained, "….Why? Did you forget?"
"I kinda wish I did…it's just that…"
"Yes?"
"That…."
"Yesssssssss?"
"….Jak knows that name."

Silence broke as neither of us spoke. My face looked ashamed, looking as though I was guilty for telling Jak the secret I've kept for so long from him. Both Samos and I had on big, gaping face. He and I were both getting old and we couldn't afford so much stress. I had all lost the golden locks on my hair, leaving nothing but a shiny gleam to substitute my hair. Yes, I was bald and would probably be unless I bought a toupee. My figure remained the same since I met Jak, short and stumpy. Samos had the more drastic change. I didn't know if it was the stress of parenthood (the first couple of years adopting Kiera was hell for him), but his green hair was completely white and not as bushy and lush as before. The reminder of his white hair was tied back around his log. His small white beard grew to be a long, lengthy one, and his egg hatched into a bird who never left any more then three feet from Samos, making the log the bird's official home.

"GREAT TREE LIMBS…Did you TELL him!" Samos spoke through gritted teeth, standing up, fists shaking, ready to pop.
"Of course not!" I stood up to, trying to keep it quiet as to not wake up Kiera, "Please, can't you give me more credit then that?" Samos sighed.
"I…I'm sorry…of course." Samos sat down. He sat on his chair, pondering, I assumed.
"Is he…remembering…again?" I asked.
"Yes." Samos answered, "He may be."
"I guess I should mention… (I looked around) please don't tell Jak I told you this, he wants it to be a secret…but his play came from his dreams…well, some of his play. He had dreams of city floating on water, a prince trying to save the world from evil monsters with glowing gold gems and whatnot." Samos gasped slightly.
"Glowing gold gems…in their…"
"Foreheads." I finished. Samos gasped again.
"He is remembering." Samos muttered. I had no clue if I should have taken that as good or bad news again. Although, at the moment, I felt pessimistic, I mean…a time will come when I would never see him again. His memory is slowing returning, which signaled me that Jak is one step closer to returning to his true home. My heart cringed in pain and leaped.

………………..

Haven City
Month 13: Einta, Day 1 (Winter Time)
Year: 299 TOMH (Time of the Metal Heads)

It was still gray, cloudy, and snowing when Jak, Daxter, Puar, and their newest addition, Ani, left the power station to return to Torn for another mission he probably had in his head. What now? Stealing a HellCat (recently released after a couple of months of Jak's tortures)? Going to the Pumping Station once again? Jak pondered the wondrous possibilities. Torn has given him so much missions, all diverse in their own way. Truth be told, Jak wasn't bored. Daxter was little less then happy to go on each of the missions. Yes, he had the free choice to stay behind, but he would feel guilty if he let Jak go alone, risking his neck on his best buddy, plus who else would lead a pessimistic, sarcastic comment? Puar rang loudly.

"MESSAGE! MESSAGE!" Jak and Daxter cringed in horror with Ani barking uncontrollably. People surrounding them stared. Jak and Daxter quickly grabbed Puar and with Ani following behind, dragged the screaming COMP to an empty alley, totally deprived of people.
"PUAR!" Jak cried out, "I appreciate I have a message, but STOP yelling whenever I GET ONE!"
"I'm sorry, I cannot help it. Puar is happy when Puar helps Master Jak, especially with messages, to make Master Jak be happy."
"That's fine, but be quieter, it'll make ME happy, okay?"
"Okay!" Puar ranged loudly, her usual perky face seemingly lifting up spirits.
"Now, can I get the message or did he hang up on me?" Jak asked. He got his answer when Puar spoke that he had another message.
"Messages! Messages!" She spoke in a fairly normal voice level. Jak accepted the messages and to his surprise, it was Pecker, in full holographic form.
"Jak, why in bird seeds did you not pick up my last call?" Pecker cried out, "Are you deaf?"
"Pecker, easy, what do you want?" He was a bit aggravated.
"Only for you to come over here to the Bazaar and down to our hut RIGHT now!" Pecker issued, flapping his right wing to emphasize his little statement.
"Now?" Jak asked.
"Yes, as in NOW, not tomorrow, not yesterday, not in a few hours, not in a few hours back, NOW!" Pecker cried, "I don't care how, but get your Precursian butt over here!" Then he signed of.
"Friendly." Daxter sarcastically commented. Jak groaned. Knowing that guards were in total watch, and just recently escorting the world's most important kid ever, taking a tram or stealing someone's vehicle would be most foolish. They had no choice but to walk. Jak groaned.

After a couple of hours walking, the four manage to reach the Bazaar by nightfall. Lights surrounding the bazaar as well as some neon signs were more then enough for them to see their way. Jak has been in the Bazaar many times before, if not to buy some fruits there, which were the freshest in the entire city, but he still didn't go here much. There was nothing for him there as far as anyone was concerned, thus he wasn't so sure what really goes around the bazaar, but the next site he saw, well, he KNEW it was out of the orderly.
Krimzon Guards everywhere, marching to and fro, eyeing every compartment. The residences of the Bazaar hid in their homes. Pecker would be steaming mad for any more delays. Jak decided another route should be taken, but by then, the guards have surrounded him, not knowing who he was. Luckily for Jak, not every Krimzon Guards knew Jak by his face. They froze for a good few seconds, wondering how to get pass without being seen, Daxter was a bit too terrified to hop in Jak's bag, but they grew calm when they spotted a familiar figure.

"Miss Ashelin!" Puar cried. Ashelin turned around, obviously talking to one of the guards. The four came close to her, Ashelin coming to them.
"How's it riding in the hood, red?" Daxter grinned, trying to score with her again. Ashelin rolled her eyes at Daxter, having gotten used to his speech upon her visits to the Underground to visit Christof.
"Daxter, in the bag, NOW!" Jak whispered loudly. Daxter groaned in disappointment and did what he was told. Ashelin was less then pleased to see Jak and his friends.
"Get out of the area. This is Krimzon Guard business!" Ashelin pushed one of the guard's guns away as two Krimzon Guard came to her. She then eyed Ani.
"Guards, go resume your duties." Ashelin ordered. They gave a "yes, ma'am" and left.
"Ani…" Ashelin gasped, "…That dog never liked anyone but the kid."
"Yea, I know." Jak shrugged, "Shocking, isn't it?" Jak patted the dog again. Ashelin was amazed. There was more to Jak then she let on, but she cleared her throat and continued her duties.
"One of Vin's eco tankers is coming in from the wasteland, but the clearance transmission sounded fishy." Ashelin pondered, telling her what she and her guards were up to, "The driver was scared. We're going to check it out. Just in case."
"How can we help?" Jak asked.
"I've got it handled." Ashelin walked away, "I suggest you get our before these guards suspect who they think you are."
"…Yea." Jak muttered, looking slightly disappointed. Hard to believe that she was the daughter of Praxis, although one can see a sense of determination both of them possessed. Now seemed like anytime to talk about their relation while they were waiting, even if Jak was told to move out, but her current attitude made it seem she doesn't need any more added stress and questions. Jak reminded himself, however, to talk about her father with her and see more into this matter later. At the moment, he watched in concern as Ashelin walked back to the middle of the site.
Ashelin didn't reach the middle of the bazaar section as something great; something big came crashing through the homes and walls of the area. The residences gasped, Guards screamed, Jak and his friends as well as Ashelin ducked away from the dust and debris. Once all was clear, Jak noticed it was an eco tanker. Instead of a normal, regular precursian coming out came Metal heads, dozens of them

"Ahhh! A Metal Head sneak attack!" Daxter's muffled screams came from Jak's bag.
"Damn! It's just us!" Ashelin gasped, seeing her soldiers were all unconscious. She eyed Jak, "Help me take out all the Metal heads!"
"Oh, NOW you want our help!" Daxter cried.
Jak ran to the mass of Metal heads ahead of him and stared to…well…kick ass. With no bullets in his guns, his ordinary punches and kicks had to do. It didn't help matters with their thick hides, so Jak quickly ran to the nearest Krimzon Guard and took his long gun and started to shoot. The gun was exceptionally heavy, so Jak had to struggle with it before feeling comfortable. After about 5 minutes of random shootings and the Metal heads dead, Ashelin and Jak both took a breather.
Ashelin kicked a random eco barrel out of the way as she went over to Jak. Coincidently, the Krimzon Guards came to from their unconsciousness. The ones who were gravely injured were helped by the lone Green First Aid Krimzon Guard doctor who tried healing everyone he can, running around in circles. In the end, he had to call for back-ups. He couldn't possibly carry 5 soldiers to the emergency room by himself! Meanwhile, the scared driver inside the vehicle was now hysterical, shouting, "The Metal Heads! THE METAL HEADS!" as if he drank one too many coffee and could only be nothing but high-strung.

"We got 'em all! The Metal Heads are getting bolder every day." Ashelin noted to Jak, "It's almost like they're testing our defenses, like probing attacks. I've got a bad feeling about this." She left to go talk with the other Krimzon Guard and resume her duties as usual.
"Yeah... you're welcome." Jak felt a bit hurt.

……………………

Puar came once again with a message from Pecker who grew even more pissed then usual.
"Oh…what could be worse now?" Jak groaned.
"Another message!" Puar came.
"Who is it? Torn?" Jak muttered in a tired matter.

Soon, Krew's image came before Puar. Rather surprising that he managed to fit into the entire holographic screen. He obviously was grumbling at something going off in the background as his first response was a confusing one.
"The Baron sent his goons to harass me as usual, 'ey! Health violations. Bank taxes! Everyone wants a piece of me. Aaahh well!" Krew groaned. Jak, Daxter, and Ani heard an "Uh-Huh." that could only come from both Sig and Tess. Krew then eyed Jak.
"Oh…had a little run in." Krew grumbled.
"What else is new?" Daxter groaned.
"Everybody wants a piece of me." Krew muttered again.
"Lucky for you, there's plenty to go around!" Daxter retorted.
"Krew, is there a reason you're calling, I'm in a bit of a hurry." Jak groaned.
"I have another job for you. An associate of mine, Brutter, works with me in the forced labor trade." Krew started. Labor trade…forced? Jak knew instantly that he was talking about the Lurker slaves.
"You mean the slave trade?" Jak had his arms crossed.
"I prefer 'freedom challenged'. Lurkers are the city's low class labor. Brutter pays me handsomely to help him free lurkers and get them safely out of the city and since you two freed a Lurker a few months back…well, heh, well, I had my eyes on you…" Krew could image the dough right before his eyes, "Ahhh, it lifts my spirit to help those in need... and I NEED his money!"
"Lurkers? We don't like lurkers!" Daxter must have forgotten about Kami, the only Lurker he and Jak encountered throughout their stay in Haven City. The rest all in shackles and being dragged harshly by their owners or working for them.
"So, what do you want us to do?" Jak asked.
"Go to Brutter whenever you have the time (I prefer if you did it as soon as possible), and try to pry off as much money as you can." Krew muttered, "I'm getting rather tired of lugging those hairy furballs and would have quit long enough if he didn't pay so well."
"Oh, great, leave the smelly guys to us." Daxter groaned, "As if I want to be caught wedged under the armpit of a Lurker." Jak glared at him.
"Well, get crackin'!" Krew shouted, "He's little shop is located in the Bazaar." Then Krew disappeared.
"Great, he dumps another job he hates on us just so he can get more cash." Daxter groaned, "And it involves Lurkers."
"You don't remember Kami, do you?" Jak asked, "We only did meet him about some months ago…I think."
"I do, but I still don't think too fondly of Lurkers." Daxter mumbled in his bag, "Obviously, this Brutter guy must LOVE Lurkers to try and free them."
"Yea." Jak nodded, "Okay, we go to Pecker's first, and then we go see Brutter." Jak pointed out. So, off to Onin's hut they went.
"I don't get why we're still working for Krew." Daxter groaned.
"As long as Torn thinks he has good info, we're pretty much stuck with him." Jak commented.
"Please, Jak, with his girth, bring stuck on him is the last image I want in my head." Daxter groaned, hanging limp from the backpack, like he was going to puke. Jak harshly shoved him back in.

…………….

Inside Onin's hut stood the familiar site of Onin and Pecker herself. What they were rather surprised to see was Young Samos there as well. Before Jak commented, Pecker flew up to his face.
"What took you so long?" Pecker cried out, "I had to cancel my vocal lessons because of you!"
"Vocal…lessons?" Daxter scoffed who was now out of Jak's bag. Ani rolled its eyes.
"Well, the dog isn't growling at you!" Samos gasped as he came near the crocadog, who growled at him.
"Oh, well, on to pressing matters." Samos nervously backed away. Jak sat down on a blue cushion, laid out for him. Daxter sat on Jak's shoulder, refusing to sit on the ground where spiders and other little nasty bugs crawled.
"The birdbrain and I were just talking about you Jak." Samos began.
"Onin is very proud of what you did." Pecker commented.
"What I did?" Jak repeated, confused.
"What you did... what you'll do... it's all the same." Pecker waved his wings around.
"Will you stop with the deja voodoo stuff? It's creepy!" Daxter shouted. Pecker gave a piercing glare. Oh, if looks could kill. Ani was unfortunately right between the two and would have to referee them if things got outta hand and Jak himself couldn't do it.
"Onin says you must find the Tomb of Mar." Samos came out.
"So, the Tomb of Mar IS true." Daxter gasped.
"Even now, Baron Praxis seeks the tomb, but only... arrrk! The one true heir of Mar can open the Tomb's seal." Pecker spoke.
"We believe the kid is the key." Samos came on again, Pecker eyeing Samos. He hated being interrupted.
"I see." Jak pondered, "I don't get it. If Praxis is part of the royal family, would he not know of the tomb himself?"
"Of course not." Pecker groaned, "He's only a second born!" Jak and Daxter both exchanged confusing look. Pecker led off a big sigh and was about to explain when--
"Only first born heirs to the throne knows the secret to the tomb, no one else. Not to Queen, not their close relatives, NOBODY but the King and his son." Samos started.
"So, naturally, they couldn't tell Praxis, so that's why he's searching for them." Pecker spoke.
"Geez, ya think the King would have told his second kid incase the first one croaked…which, by the way, DID happen!" Daxter groaned, "What kind of father is he?"
"Former King Zacca never realized his son, former King Barailor, would die a tragic death." Samos spoke, "Luckily, he had a child of his own."
"So, the kid must know where Mar's Tomb is." Jak spoke, "…Does he?"
"No." Samos shook his head, "All future heirs are to know on their tenth birthday."
"Oh." Jak looked down, "So, what happens when the kid goes to the Tomb?"
"The prophecies say the true heir of Mar must face the ancient Oracle." Pecker answered, "He alone must circumvent the cunning tests of manhood. He alone must wield the Precursor Stone, thereby unleashing... Geez, louise, fossil lady! Stop with the snotty mystic talk already!" Pecker shouted as his face was now close to Onin who really provided the answers. She gave a rather shocked expression, despite Pecker speaking back to her in this tone before, "You know that it hurts my lips!"
"Why is Mar's tomb so important?" Jak asked, although he knew he'd get the answer soon.
"The fabled Precursor Stone is fabled to sleep within the Tomb, stupid. I added the 'stupid' part." Pecker was easily aggravated. Daxter started to mock Pecker, Jak grinning as a result. Ani merely switched between Daxter and Pecker whenever one spoke.
"The Precursor Stone contains vast eco energies. It can be used for great good or... great eeeevil! I just love saying that last part!" Pecker grinned, growing calm again. He faced Samos.
"The Baron wants the Precursor Stone for himself to rule the world. But he is playing with forces he does not understand." Samos said, "he does not belong in the Tomb, only the Kings of Haven Kingdom."
"Okay Pecker, so how do I get this Precursor Stone?" Jak asked. Pecker tried to speak, but Samos interrupted him again.
"First, you must go to the Dig and find the Lurker totem. Onin and I learned that the Seal of Mar is contained within its ancient carvings. It will then open up Mar's gate in the canyon of Haven Forest."
"The dig?" Daxter gasped.
"It's located in the Volcanic Craters." Samos pointed out. Jak then remembered the kid mentioning of the Lurkers earlier on and nodded. He had an Air Train pass to get there.
"I know how to get there." Jak nodded.
"Good, good." Samos nodded, "Well then, we must carry on. We must find that stone before Praxis does!"
"Onin said it's late, so you can sleep in her tent for tonight." Pecker spoke, "Although, I advise you, it's going to be crowded."

Jak sighed deeply.

Hours passed. The animals and Puar were sleeping; Daxter in Jak's bag as well as Puar, who was merely recharging herself, Pecker sleeping upside down on his post, and Ani on Jak's laps. Jak didn't feel very tired. He had his back to one of Onin's many antiques and mystic items. Thinking of the tomb made him uneasy.

The tests of manhood…will it be hard? Pecker made it sound like it was the grandest thing in the world, meaning the tests would be hard and struggling. If that was the case, can the child survive? The child had great magical power, but would it be enough even for someone as powerful as the kid? As far as Jak was concerned, it would require physical strength, something that was obviously absent from the small green haired boy. Jak groaned, his stomach didn't feel right. Never eat food that Pecker cooks…or was it from his stress of worrying so much for the boy? Either way, Jak needed to lie down, so he carefully removed Ani from his legs, then got into a fetal position, placing the thick blanket over him.
There were other questions concerning the tomb that he hoped to get an answer from in the morning. Everyone had fallen asleep, even Onin who seem to enjoy sleeping while floating a good 6 inches off the air, slightly glowing light green. A night light yes, but Jak found it distracting. He dozed off after an hour more of thinking.

Onin's Hut
Month 13: Einta, Day 2 (Winter Time)
Year: 299 TOMH (Time of the Metal Heads)

The sky was still gray the next morning. Jak's hair, a complete mess from tossing and turning in his sleep a lot could barely eat breakfast. He was very uneasy. The animals and Onin kept a constant stare at him, although Daxter complained about the food.
"It's Radish soup, very good for you." Pecker came, "Make your muscles big, and trust me, I think you need it." Daxter grumbled, tempt to throw a punch, but Ani growled, stopping the two from having the temptation to kill each other. Jak could hardly pay attention. His mind was completely busy.
"Onin wants to know what is wrong with you, Jak." Pecker came, "She is wondering if you are having any troubling thoughts in your head."
"…Yea…I do." Jak spoke softly, "A couple of questions on…the Tomb of Mar."
"Onin said ask away." Pecker commanded.
"…The Tomb of Mar…you said only the Kings of Haven Kingdom belong there…why?" Jak asked.
"The tomb is not merely where Mar was laid upon his death, Jak." Pecker started, translating Onin, "It belongs to all the kings of Haven Kingdom. There is a secret place, well hidden and only known by the kings and their heirs. In there is the tomb where all the kings are laid, to sleep forever in their coffins."
"They…don't get buried?" Daxter asked, more interested in the story then the radish soup.
"No." Pecker answered. That made the ottsel feel a little uneasy.
"There are several locations to the tomb where the 12 Kings lie." Pecker continued, "Each a secret except for the Kings and heirs themselves."
"Wait a sec…if they get sent down there when they die…well, who takes them? The heir?" Daxter asked, "Kinda exhausting to carry a coffin all by yourself…and a tad bit scary."
"Well, it's their duty." Pecker shrugged, "The prince takes the late King down by himself. It is their honor."
"I call it depressing and scary." Daxter mumbled.
"Wow." Jak muttered and cleared his throat, "…Next question…you…well, Onin…whichever, you guys mention the tests of manhood."
"What about it?" Pecker asked.
"…Is it as harsh as you make it sound?" Jak asked.
"Well, from what is known, it is said to test the very essence of the precursian being." Pecker came, "The trial not only tests the heir's magical skills, but their physical strength as well. The trial will be difficult. If you do not use your brains and brawns equally, you will die." That made Jak's stomach lurch and leap. The kid…would he make it?
"Is there anything else you need to know?" Pecker asked. Jak shook his head slowly.
"The items I collected…the lens cap, crystal, and gear…"Jak started.
"Onin's still dealing with it, give her time." Pecker scoffed. Jak nodded, looking around the hut for them. It was nowhere to be found.
They left the hut, the sky still cloudy. As they did so, Pecker glanced a bit towards Ani. Onin made a comical gesture.
"What? Hey! Don't tease me like that!" Pecker cried out, "I was SO not staring at the crocadog because I think the pup is cute!"

………………

"So, we got to find ANOTHER random mystic item." Daxter groaned, "How many crap did Mar make in his lifetime? And it's on a Lurker totem! Great, we face more Lurkers."
"Come on, Kami was an indication that Lurkers aren't so bad," Jak pointed out.
"Give me a more convincing reason, Jak." Daxter spoke with eyes half closed. Jak groaned, frustrated at his attempt to convert Daxter, "if Kiera was here, she'd agree with me, she doesn't like them either." Jak groaned.

They made their way to Brutter with Puar seeming to know who he is.
"He's famous in the bazaar." Puar replies, "He owns a trinket shop, selling rare items he finds."
"I see." Jak mumbled, "Is he famous because of his items?"
"Well, something else really." Puar answered. Jak pondered some more on this "something else" and got the answer when he saw who Brutter was.

"What th-" Daxter retorted, clinging onto Jak. Brutter…was a Lurker! A lurker who didn't look as though he was in shackles or chains and beaten harshly by precursians. Jak and Daxter eyed each other with great concern. This could be a trap for all they knew, so they approached with caution. Upon intact, Brutter burst with enthusiasm.
"Little orangey warrior! You have done great thing for Brutter and Lurker people!" Brutter cried out and then proceeded to kiss Daxter who didn't exactly expect a wet one from a Lurker. He wasn't quite pleased either. "Eeeck! No toucha the 'do'. " Daxter swished his hair back.
"Oh, sorry… (he patted Daxter's head) You great guys!" Brutter shouted, lifting arms up, "Brutter not forget. Brutter pay you back. You see!"
Jak and Daxter stood frozen for a brief moment. Ani and Puar just merely staring at the two gaping figure.
"Ummm…why are you congratulating us? What did we do?" Daxter asked.
"You saved fellow Lurker brother life? You save Kami, yes?" Brutter asked.
"How did you know?" Jak asked, instead of answering.
"Brutter know because Brutter keep contact with his Lurker brothers and sisters…well, ones who still talk with Brutter." Brutter cleared his throat, "Kami safely home to family and friends." That greatly lifted up Jak's spirit.
"I'm so glad to hear that." Jak forced a smile, "Wow…that made my day."
"Brutter got call from Krew that you help Lurkers get free, is true?" Brutter asked.
"Yea, I guess." Jak placed a hand on the back of his head. Brutter then proceed to shout, his arms in the air like this was some choral in a church.
"Oh, Brutter is happy to meet precursians like you who care for Lurker brothers and sisters!" Brutter sniffed back a tear. He proceeded to cry…loudly, and then hugged the hell out of Jak with his big, gorilla arms. Jak was embarrassed, flattered, and more embarrassed. Several people stared at Jak and gave out such insulting comments.

"Ugh, he loves a Lurker."
"How revolting!"
"A precursian and a Lurker, the day I lived to see…"
"I bet that Lurker is covered in fleas."

Jak managed to let himself go, keeping a scoffing face on the people who were prejudice against Lurkers.
"Oh…Brutter is sorry." Brutter sniffed, "Brutter must control himself…Brutter is sad at times. Business been slow since Lurkers became slaves. Everyone mostly avoid Brutters and buys when they need to. Brutter cannot keep paying Krew money, so I hope you work for free."
"I see." Jak muttered, putting an elbow to the counter, sitting on one of the stools. Ani sat on the next one near Jak.
"For saving Kami, is there something Brutter can do?"
"Looks like you got some beer barrels there." Daxter eyed the wooden barrels sitting next to Brutter.
"Ooh, you wants drinks!" Brutter gasped excitedly.
"I do, baby! Lay it on me!" And Daxter drank. Jak pondered for a while.
A Lurker who isn't enslaved…how? Brutter didn't look like most Lurkers either. His hair weren't as out of place as other Lurkers Jak had seen. Brutter had neat, short hair, obviously kept combed. He wore a blue shirt that was too tight, even for him, animal coating surrounding his neck, upper chest, and shoulders, and glasses. Small glasses that could fit the head of an average human being. To top it all off, he held two light blue feathers on his head.
Brutter's little trinket shop was a small, cramped place, stocked with food and items. Many had feathers. From the looks of it, the rare items he kept were possibly Lurker heirlooms. There were plenty of crates that read, "Wumpa Fruits" on it. Brutter was only half shown as he stood behind the shop which had a counter. Neon signs graced the top which oddly read "Fish", plus some small words that said, "Brutter's Trinket and Bar Shop". Truth to the title, it was a trinket shop and beer site (or any other drinks or that matter). And like the title said, fishes hung from the roof of his little shop.

"Brutter?" Jak asked as Daxter drank greedily.
"Yes?" Brutter looked on while wiping the counter.
"Lurkers are slaves…how come you're not?" Jak asked, wondering if the question was a little too personal and offending to ask. Brutter did stay silent for a few seconds before answering.
"I've been working here since before Praxis ruled." Brutter came in, "Once Lurkers started to become slaves; I went to Palace to place compliant. Though I could not free my Lurker Brothers and sisters, I was given permission from to continue work. I'd say the Queen had handle in this. Hee."
"Wait, the Queen?" Daxter waved his hand, "You mean to tell me Praxis has a WIFE?"
"No, mother." Brutter shook his head.
"Praxis' mother?"Jak shrieked.
"Queen has near same status as King." Brutter continued, "Reason why I still stand."
"If the Queen has such high status in the same level as the King, why does she not fight for this cause?"
"I said near high status." Brutter shook his one large, beefy finger, "She makes rules and laws as well, but is not higher then King, so she not get final say in most thing. Concerning me not being slave, Baron Praxis gave Brutter permission, but it obvious it was on suggestion from the Queen."
"So, why on Precursia would he listen to someone of lesser status, even if it's his mom?" Daxter asked.
"Simple, he afraid of his mother, of course!" Brutter smiled, showing off his massive fangs.
"Ain't that something, the baron's afraid of something." Daxter crossed his arms.
"Although he doesn't know I secretly helping Lurker brothers and sisters." Brutter cleared his throat, "I secretly save my Lurker buddies. They is my people! They is not deserving to be slaves! And Brutter's first time meeting people like you who care for our cause. "Jak and Daxter grinned from ear to ear.
"So, what is brother's names?" Brutter asked, getting more beer for Jak (who declined, saying he doesn't drink).
"I'm Jak; this is Daxter, Ani, and Puar." Jak answered, pointing to each of his friends as he introduced them.
"Ahh, famous Jak Bannon!" Brutter gasped, "Brutter half-believed it would be you."
"Bannon is not my last name." Jak said through gritted teeth. Brutter said a resounding, "oh, sorry."
"Well, if Brutter needs you, Brutter call, I give you phone number." He went over to Puar and typed in his number, "For saving Kami, fellow brother, you ask Brutter anything for help! I help! Repay back!" Jak and Daxter both nodded, Ani staring at Brutter. Brutter…a free Lurker.
"Maybe you can help us find the Tomb of Mar." Jak started, "I heard the Baron is looking for it in the dig."
"Oh, no tomb there." Brutter quickly answered, his back turned to them as he started to clean the beer cups.
"Are you sure?" Jak asked, double checking.
"I know all caves like back of claw, and Mar's tomb no where there!" Brutter answered, his face glowing before showing his gloomy face again, "Now Metal Heads find hidden Lurker village in caves! They bite, and hurt village real bad, and we Lurker brothers and sisters trapped like animals!"
"Ah, hello, they are animals." Daxter stood on the counter, oblivious to the fact that he to, was one.
"We Lurkers have had it rough for years…I is sad. Less then 2000 of us left. Not enough." Brutter shook his head, "Praxis' army also try and lure Lurker friends out and imprison them. The Baron will not lay rest until all us Lurkers are slaves; men, women, and children."
"That ruddy bastard." Jak muttered under his breath.
"They is enemies, they and Metal Heads, too." Brutter cried.
"Yeah, I guess we're all in the same boat now." Jak nodded, eyeing the sky, still cloudy. A harsh wind blew, making Jak clutch his overcoat over his face.
"And the ship is sinking fast, brother." Daxter sighed.
"And to think I wanted to be part of the King's force." Brutter sighed, looking at the snowy floor, "But that was back when King Barailor, older brother to Praxis was still King."
"You wanted to be part of the King's force…a Krimzon Guard?" Jak gasped. Brutter nodded slowly before speaking again.
"King Barailor had position open for me." Brutter spoke, "And it hard since Lurkers and precursians are still straining, even when we weren't slaves back then. King Barailor and I would show how much Lurkers and Precursians can get along…but it is not so now." Brutter sulked. Jak pondered for a good second or so, before a light bulb entered his head.
"Brutter…maybe that dream can become a reality." Jak started. Brutter gave an appropriate, "huh?"
"Brutter, I'm on a quest to return Prince Christof to the throne and I know that kid is greatly concerned for the Lurkers." Brutter nodded and spoke, "Yes, I met him before, he care great for Lurker buddies."
"And since I'm going to the dig anyways to get a special item, maybe we can help the other Lurkers. I'll bring Prince Christof with me and we can go and see what we can to try and form an alliance." Jak grew eager, "We can certainly use the Lurkers help against the rebellion." Brutter sighed.
"It not easy." Brutter spoke, "Lurkers not listen so easily."
"Brutter, you're the only one who can take us to that village." Jak sighed, "With your help, you could possibly lead a new prosperity for your people. I know the child will do whatever he can to help you guys and truth be told, I wanna help to…I just want to make up for…what I did…in the past."
"What you do?" Brutter asked.
"Nothing…" Jak regretted telling him that little info, "Come on, Brutter. You wanna be stuck here freeing Lurkers in secret when half the time, they get recaptured again? You want to be a Krimzon Guard? You
want the Lurkers who ARE free to suffer in their village where they actually have to hide to live a peaceful life?" Brutter still kept silent, but was intrigued.
"Seriously, we precursians gotta deal with crap, too, but we deal with it. We don't runaway from it or hope it goes away." Jak sighed, "We don't think small, we think big, because small obviously doesn't work in this case. Brutter…I have to find this special item, that's another reason I have to go, it's one of those things I gotta do from keeping Praxis do more terrible things. I need your help…the Lurkers need your help."
"It not SIMPLE!" Brutter shouted, causing nearby people to stop and stare for a while, "I cannot go back to hidden village!"
"Why! Why the bloody hell not?" Jak shouted back, "Because you're afraid?"
"Because I is banned from village!" Brutter shouted, "I IS BANNED!" Silence. The shame on Brutter's face was plain and obvious.
Jak closed his mouth, "Why are you banned?"
"For befriending precursians…the former King to be exact." Brutter answered. Jak sighed. Daxter, Puar, and Ani watching this drama unfold, "We Lurkers not take too kindly to precursians."
"Brutter, please." Jak was desperate, "Don't sit down on your ass hoping for a miracle! Get up and do something!" Jak was getting tired from yelling, so he sat down and took a few short breaths. Brutter again remained silent, this time, pondering.

Who was this boy? He has heard such miraculous stories and how Jak has managed to put hope in the people of slums, even in other parts of the city. Stories of Jak spread. He was everyone's hope now. How could Brutter doubt someone who does something and created miracles and actual happiness in Haven City? Where did that boy come from? It's like he came from thin air. A gift from the Precursors. Brutter sighed.
"I do not understand where Brother Jak came from." Brutter spoke, "Never have I heard of such optimism from someone in city before. It like you fell out sky." Jak laughed sheepishly when Brutter spoke that.
"…You inspire…Brutter…OH…I WILL COME TO HIDDEN LURKER VILLAGE!" Brutter proceeded to hug Jak again who struggled a "Good for you."
"I'll bring Christof and we can get going." Jak winked, "I have an air train pass that can get us there." Brutter nodded.
"We'll make a schedule when we meet again, so we can go." Jak stated.
"Oh, this day truly make Brutter happy!" Brutter said, cupping his hands together while sniffing back tears.
Jak forced a slight smile before grinning again. Saving Lurkers…getting one step closer to finding the tomb…quite a day indeed.
To Be Continued…