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.

17. Jak's Test

Jak II Chronicles
PART II: The Precursor Stone
Chapter 17: Jak's Test

Sometimes I worry about that boy. Everyday since Milo came into our lives; Jak has been busy making a boat for Milo to return home to. He had help from the local carpenter and the fisherman, though when they asked why Jak wanted to build a sturdy boat, he merely lied and said, "I wish to go on a grand adventure on this boat and see the outside worlds." In truth, it's not exactly a lie, this was a dream that Jak wanted to do. He had that ol' explorer blood. I would show him maps of where I've been to and what I discovered. Jak, as a child, would imagine he was in the deepest part of the ocean with nothing but his trusty compass and telescope. He would soar high in the sky with an aero type craft that made even Lurkers jealous, considering their usage of balloons. I would always tell him that he would explore the world someday, but then again, I always kept remembering that he would leave soon. My heart sank deeper.

Milo, meanwhile, was more then excited to be here. He wanted to leave our home and explore the town of Sandover, but Jak and I knew better then to let him out. We were lucky enough that Milo was satisfied with just us two acting all "precursian." Milo, in return would tell us of his Lurker culture, Jak hanging onto every little word like a child listening to his grandfather's old tales, however greatly exaggerated. The two were like brothers in a way and despite my panic for having a Lurker in the house (due to the villager's prejudice towards them), I felt happy for both of them. It felt like watching two sons.

In the meantime, Jak still had the play to content with. With less then three weeks to find someone to play as the Lurker in time for the show, the poor child was getting desperate, asking every actor in school AND in the village to volunteer, but they had no intention of being a Lurker.

"Face it; no one is going to be a Lurker." I sighed. Jak made that terribly sad face that always haunted me with guilt. It was during that time when we heard strange music coming from the den. Jak and I raced over and saw Milo playing with my record player. He constantly stopped the music from time to time with his fingers to observe it further.
"This is an amazing piece of technology!" Milo gasped. I stared in shock! My records! Jak just smiled, slightly embarrassed. He stopped Milo from killing my records any further.
"It's a record player, it plays music." Jak answered, "See, you put the needle on the music disk and the music comes from this giant horn."
"Oh, I know, I heard about this." Milo nodded, "Gosh, I love the arts."
"You do?" Jak asked, intrigued.
"Yes." Milo nodded, "My father was quite the singer back in his time and my mother was an actress. People say I take after them." Jak stood frozen for a moment, as if the greatest miracle had happened. I knew what was to come.
"Milo…can I ask you of something?" Jak asked in a casual, polite manner. Milo "hmmed?" Jak's smile grew wide.
"…I need you to read my script." Jak mentioned, "I think I may have an idea for the people of Sandover to appreciate you Lurkers." Milo was now intrigued.

……………

As weeks passed by, Milo secretly practiced his lines on the part of the Lurker in Jak's play. He was going to play that part, which worried me greatly. How would Jak sneak in a Lurker to the actual play with the entire Sandover population coming to our school? Jak was pretty confident that the Lurker would impress us precursians to at least like him. I was skeptical as usual. Sometimes, I wonder if Jak went too far, but he always ended with a "trust me", no matter how much I felt uncomfortable. I even raised my voice when I know I really shouldn't have, but Jak didn't yell back. It was always "trust me." Then…the play started…

……………

Cave of Judgment
Month 14: Bonia, Day 5 (Winter Time)
Year: 299 TOMH (Time of the Metal Heads)

Torches lit the halls of the judgment of purity cavern. While Brutter was nervous and shaking (his fur was practically standing up), Jak walked casually as if this cave was his own home.

"Brutter, relax, we'll be fine." Jak sighed.
"The test! IT NOT EASY!" Brutter cried, "It make me sad I is in here! We is all dying here!"
"We'll make it." Jak mumbled, tired of Brutter's whimpering noises.
"Why you not scared?" Brutter gasped, "Even outsiders terrified of Judgment of Purity!"
"Because I know we'll get out of this ruddy cave. I'm damn confident." Jak winked, giving a thumbs up, "Don't worry. I'm confident, not stupid. I'll be on my guard as well."
"You frighten me." Brutter gulped.
"Unfortunately, I have that effect on a lot of people." Jak groaned, "Come on, let's keep moving." Jak took one of Brutter's giant gorilla-sized arms and started to walk while Brutter reluctantly followed. The Lurker stared in every directions every once in a while. Jak continued to walk casually, yawning every once in a while. The path they were taking was long and straight and so far, no danger came upon them.

"How long as it been, I wonder?" Jak muttered, "This might have been a tad bit easier if Puar were here." Jak still held Brutter's arm who continued to hopelessly whimpered.
"OH, CUT IT OUT, BRUTTER!" Jak shouted, "What the bloody hell is WRONG with you? Just because your chief and every other Lurker said the judgment of purity is all but hopeless to escape, you MAKE it look hopeless instead of trying!" Brutter stared at the floor, sinking in all the guilt, but it was short lived when the two heard a rumble.
"I don't think that's normal." Jak gulped a little.
"It not!" Brutter gasped, "Earthquake not common in this part of area!"
"Oh, great, then what the hell is it?" Jak muttered.
"Maybe giant animal?" Brutter gasped.
"Brutter, the only giant animal I see is you." Jak sighed, then he eyed Brutter getting more paler by the moment, "…Just wait here, I'll check this out. The noise seems to be coming from that entrance over there…funny, I didn't notice it before."
"OH! It dark in there!" Brutter cried. Jak noticed it too and took one of the torches which he had to carry with both hands for it was undoubtedly too big for him to carry. The torches were made for Lurkers. Jak slowly went in, the rumbling getting louder. From the sounds of it, it definitely seemed like a monster was making those sounds. Now Jak was feeling a slight hint of fear in his heart. Just then to make matters worse, something grabbed him by his shoulder, making Jak scream. He turned to see Brutter.

"DAMN IT, BRUTTER! GIVE ME A BLOODY HEART ATTACK, WHY DON'T YA?" Jak shouted, waving the torch around like crazy.
"I is got scared, so I followed." Brutter mumbled, "You look scared, too!"
"Rubbish! I'm NOT SCARED!" Jak denied, still waving the torch like some lunatic, "I was just…startled…is all…"
"Why you act like this? All macho?" Brutter asked, "You no seem like it before." Jak stood silent for a moment and sighed.
"I'm sorry, Brutter." Jak muttered, "But right now, it's because I'm pissed at your tribe. Their laws are stupid."
"You think?" Brutter replied to Jak's obvious statement.
"I swear if those Lurkers touch even ONE hair of the kid, I'll break their necks…no offense, Brutter." Jak cleared his throats.
"What about friend Daxter?" Brutter asked.
"Daxter I'm not worried about." Jak came in, "He's clever enough to get himself out of a situation…maybe."
"You care greatly for kid." Brutter slightly smiled.
"He trusted me when no one else at Haven City did…he believes in me." Jak spoke, "He trusted me enough to give me his half (he showed the pendent) and that's more then enough to at least feel motivated to help the child in his cause."
"…How…noble!" Brutter sniffed back a tear, hugging Jak tightly and rocking him back and forth, "Kid should knight you!" Jak grinned, showing off his white teeth. Brutter, too smiled, showing off his. Despite his monstrous appearances, Brutter had nice, clean teeth. Of course, his smile turned to shock as he stared at something coming from behind Jak. He dropped Jak and pointed.
"What?" Jak gasped. Brutter kept pointing. A giant monstrous face was coming their way, shown only by Jak's torch. Jak slowly turned around and they were face to face with a scaly beast.
"Oh, Crap." Jak whimpered. And he and Brutter screamed like banshees as they ran for it. The monster roared and Jak felt something hot near him. A giant wave of fire was following him and Brutter. The monster could blow fires! Jak and Brutter made it out of the cave they entered and started running in the straight path they took, hoping it would lead to the exit.

"What is that thing!" Jak cried.
"I NOT KNOW!" Brutter shouted, "I NOT SEEN IT BEFORE!" Jak turned around and saw the scaly monster coming their way; it's huge body as big as the cave itself, yet still having plenty of time to move.
"BY MY PRECURSORS, IT'S A RUDDY DRAGON!" Jak shrieked, "We stumbled upon a DRAGON!"
"A WHAT?" Brutter obviously never heard of one or he just couldn't hear well.
"I thought dragons were extinct!" Jak shouted, "Where the bloody hell did you guys FIND one?"
"I look like I know?" Brutter gasped. The two kept running while shouting whatever came into their heads, the dragon keeping up and dishing out its fiery breath every so often. By now, Jak and Brutter were covered in black from the fire. Jak could feel the soles of his shoes burning. It didn't help, the soles were metal.
"What we do now?" Brutter asked.
"I don't know!" Jak screamed, "This tunnel is ENDLESS! We gotta do something!" Jak and Brutter continued to run, not realizing the dead end they met with.
"WHAT?" Jak cried when he saw it. The dead end was covered with skeleton remains of Lurkers who possibly died in here as well from the dragon. Scorched marks on the wall were pretty obvious signs.
"WE DOOM!" Brutter was on his knees in angst. Jak cursed multiple times and noticed the Lurker skeletons had weapons, mainly swords. Jak gulped and picked up the nearest sword and swung it around, almost falling back into the ground due to its weight.
"BROTHER JAK! YOU LOCO?" Brutter shouted, "You GET KILLED!"
"I know." Jak spoke, rather eerily calmly, "I have no clue how to use this weapon…but I have got to try!"

As the dragon approach, Jak screamed like a warrior and ran towards the dragon. The dragon tried to snap its jaws into Jak as he got near, but Jak was too quick for it. He dodged the mouth and while its head was down, climbed up to it and stabbed one of it's eyes out. The dragon cried a horrible cry. Jak, still on the head, tried to aim for the other eye, but the dragon was violently tossing up and down, trying to get Jak down while it still maintained it's other eye. Jak now had to clutch onto the dragon for dear life. Desperate, the dragon started to breathe it's fiery breath in any random directions, causing Brutter to move away in random directions. Jak was a sitting duck as well. Moving on top of a raging dragon's head, yea sure…good idea. Jak was screaming, wondering what he should do next. Brutter mumbled something and then finally had a jolt of courage. There was Jak, risking his neck to save him and his friends and there was he, Brutter, standing, doing nothing. He's been running away from his problems for too long. Brutter nodded, took a spear from the Lurker skeletons, and then chucked it at the other dragon's eyes. Again, it howled with pain, finally knocking Jak down. Brutter pulled him away.

The dragon wasn't about to go away so easily. After howling from having lost both it's eyes, the dragon sniffed around until it was sure it spotted Jak and Brutter. Jak and Brutter gasped, Jak now letting go of the sword. The dragon was about to let loose it's breath of fire, but Jak gave another look of determination and walked over to the dragon again.

"BROTHER JAK!" Brutter shouted. Jak stood there with a face of anger, yet full of loyalty and honor.
"No more!" Jak cried, "I'M GOING TO LIVE! MY FRIENDS ARE GOING TO LIVE! WE'RE ALL GOING TO LIVE! THIS TIME I WILL DO IT RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT!" And with that, Jak's act of courage transformed him into Dark Jak. This time, it didn't feel like anger and darkness crept up inside him.
It didn't feel like revenge and chaos took over. He felt loyalty and courage, like a lion just leapt into his heart. Brutter gasped at the sight of Dark Jak who gave a growl of a monster.

"BRUTTER…MOVE!" Dark Jak ordered, his voice surprisingly the same as his normal counterpart. Brutter did so and moved away from the dragon as far as possible by going underneath it's legs and out of harm's way. Then Dark Jak leaped up from the air. Everything felt slow…very slow…like the essence of time itself was dissipating this very moment. Dark Jak then came crashing to the ground, a pulse of dark eco energy coming from his fist as it slammed into the ground. A wave of energy rushed towards the dragon, making it howl even worse then before. Brutter was far form the blast, but he saw clearly on what was happening to the dragon. In a matter of seconds, the dragon was killed and disappeared into dust. Everyone and everything was silent. Dark Jak stared at Brutter who came slowly towards him, then he stopped and stared at his hands, making a shocked expression. He let out a small whimper.

"…Bu..Bu…Bu...Brother Jak?" Brutter whimpered. Dark Jak starred at Brutter with his shocked expression and spoke, "…I beat him."
"I see that." Brutter, eyeing the dragon's remains, spoke.
"No…not the dragon." Dark Jak gasped, "…I beat…my dark self. He tried to lure me into his evil ways. He tried to make my heart black, blacker then it is…he tried to make me a horrible monster…but…but…when I became my dark self…I didn't feel hate or anger…or revenge…I felt…courage…friendship and…loyalty."
"Brother Jak?" Brutter was obviously confused. Dark Jak, however, was laughing heavily.
"I beat my darker self!" Dark Jak cried, "I DID IT! Or...or…I'm on the road to beating him! This is a GREAT SIGN!" He practically ran around, happy as a clam, which was sort of odd when you were a pale faced demon ready to eat off the flesh of someone else.
"What?" Brutter cried out, "What you talking about? What you turn into?"
"Oh, this…well…this is the result of 2 years of tortured experiment with dark eco, my friend." Jak was so happy to have actually controlled his darker half that he wasn't aware his speech was confusing the poor Lurker.
"…..What?" Brutter repeated.
"I wonder if I can change back on my own!" Jak gasped happily, ignoring Brutter. Jak closed his eyes calmly, once more ignoring the Lurker who kept shouting out his name. Brutter managed to shut his mouth when he saw Dark Jak become regular, normal Jak. Jak stared at Brutter, a brief silence fell between the two.

"WHAT WAS THAT?" Brutter shouted. Jak cleared his throat and explained. After it took a while for the message to sink into Brutter's head, he spoke…
"….I see." Brutter's answer came.
"Sorry; I guess I forgot to tell you." Jak mentioned, "But hey, I managed to control it…this time."
"This time?" Brutter gasped.
"Precursor only knows when my darker half will take over again." Jak said, then he briefly grew silent again before he spoke, "Look, let's just go. We have to find an exit out of here."
"But where to find exit?" Brutter asked.
"Brutter, how strong are Lurkers?" Jak asked.
"Oh, we Lurkers strong enough to crush rocks with bare claws!" Brutter spoke in a prideful manner. Jak grinned and starred at the dead end.
"Can you smash this wall?" Jak asked.
A brief second later and one wall down, the two ran down another long set of halls, this time until they reached another dead end, but the sides had five doors. The dead end had a plaque on which had written words. Jak and Brutter stared at each other and walked over to the plaque. Jak came closely and read it:

To those who made it this far
Beware, Beware, for danger is near
Five doors await you, one leads the way out.
These four doors were made by four great Nations
Pictures grace the doors, A clue I shall give
If chosen well, freedom waits, if chosen wrong, death awaits

"I feel so much better." Jak spoke sarcastically, "Brutter, what are the pictures?" Brutter went over and eyed them.
"They is of animals: Ottsel, Lurker, Crocadogs, Yakow, and Monkaw." Brutter spoke.
"Animals." Jak repeated the word, then resume reading.

Each four doors hold traps by four nations
To Test man's will and intelligence
Now comes the clues to figuring it out
It is a creature of four legs, but it cannot swim
It is giant in size, but posses no brute strength
Fur graces it body, it can be dark or light
Its body protects them, but it cannot swim
What is this creature?

"Okay." Jak muttered, "Let's see." He stared at the four animals and pondered. Brutter just stared at the young boy.
"It's a creature with four legs." Jak pondered, "Well, A Crocadog and Yakow have four legs. Monkaws don't. Lurkers…well, I've seen you guys walk on both your hands and feet."
"We mostly go with feet though." Brutter corrected.
"Yea, Lurkers are most obvious in their method of travel, on foot, but Ottsels…I've seen them both walk two and four legged." Jak sighed, "So, it's either Crocadog, Yakow, or Ottsels." Jak eyed the next clue. It was giant in size…
"A crocadog is not giant in size…well, until they grow up that is." Jak pondered again, "Then they're as big as a house…Lurkers and Yakows are already huge. Next clue."
"Fur graces body…can be light or dark." Jak pondered some more, "Both Yakows and Lurkers can change fur colors…right?"
"Oh, yes, we Lurkers usually get darker fur color when winter rolls." Brutter explained.
"Crocadogs can't, so it's just down to Yakows and Lurkers." Jak confidently spoke, " Last clue…body protects them….well, I know Lurkers have strength and Yakows have huge horns on their head…cannot swim."
"We Lurkers are very good swimmers and can hold breath underwater longer then you Precursians can." Brutter came.
"Yes, I know." Jak nodded, "Then the answer has to be a Yakow!" Jak went to the Yakow door with Brutter whimpering.
"What if it not Yakow?" Brutter asked.
"Well, I'll be the guinea pig, then." Jak gulped, slightly nervous. He came closer to the door, slowly extending his arm to the doorknob. His fingers touched the cold doorknob and he slowly turned it around. Quickly opening the door, closing his eyes, Jak waited for any signs of pain. After a few seconds, Jak saw a normal cave area with no signs of danger.
"I think we got it." Jak smiled. Brutter cried a burst of happiness and hugged Jak, nearly choking him. The two went through the door and there stood another plaque.

Congrats to those who passed
These animals of four were by four great nations
Separated they are, in hopes of reuniting:
Haven, Lucius, Filia, and Spargus
They value thy four animals
Haven's watery city and loyalty values the crocadog
Lucius fiery walls and clever skills values the Ottsel
Filia's crystal wood and wisdom values the Monkaw
Spargus' power Earth and pride values the Lurker
But beware of Riveta's metal…
May they be reunited once more

"What that mean?" Brutter asked.
"It's not important." Jak shrugged, "Come on, let's go."
"Ooh, look, Jak, arrows!" Brutter pointed. Indeed, there were arrows. Large red owns that were made of unknown material. It looked as though hung on an invisible board of some sort. Because of the huge cave having hundreds of tunnels, the arrows pointed the way out.
"Come on, let's go." Jak urged and the two walked on once more, "How many more bloody trials do we have to go through to get the ruddy hell out of here?"

For a while, they walked, fear rushing through their head. Was their hour up? The two didn't speak much, not with thoughts occupying their heads. It was when they reached a rather elegant room that the two stopped.

"Where are we?" Brutter gasped.
"I don't know…but it looks…familiar." Jak stared hard. The entire place looked like a palace. Fine furniture, silk cushions, a warm fireplace, and bookshelves. There was a table in the center of the quiet room where a card magically came before their eyes. The two stared at each other again. Jak took the card and read it:

This is the room of memory. It has no shape of its own. At the moment, this room is of a memory in one of your heads. Pass this test and you shall end the trial and be free. Fail and be force to die.

A silence fell.

"…That's it?" Brutter asked.
"Yea." Jak spoke silently, flipping the card over, "No other clues."
"What test?" Brutter cried, "I not see anything but room!"
"Maybe it's an item in this room." Jak spoke, looking around, "Maybe one triggers a doorway out or something."
"You have pleasant memories." Brutter chuckled.
"Huh?"
"It not my memories. I not been in this place, I know. It must be your memory."
"Brutter." Jak chuckled, "That's impossible. I've never been here, too. The only time I saw this was…in…my…dreams." Those last words Jak spoke slowly, now realizing this room was in dreams he had. He stood frozen.
"…But it's only a dream." Jak gasped, "It's not real!" Jak was silent while Brutter looked worried.
"It's not…real." Jak muttered under his breath, "I was never here! My home has always been in the country! In Sandover! I have never been to the city!"
"Well, I know it not my memory!" Brutter spoke.
"You were in Haven City, you met the King!" Jak cried out, "This could be a room to the palace!"
"I not go to this room then." Brutter came, "I not remember it." Before Jak could speak any further, figures came into the room. Jak gasped. They were of Baron Praxis and another man he did not recognize. Erol was there as well, watching from afar. Jak quickly pulled Brutter away and they hid behind a large green chair where they eavesdropped.
"What th-" Jak gasped. Praxis was speaking to the man.

"I'm telling you, siding with the Metal Heads can help us." Praxis shouted, "We can pretend we are their allies, then when they least expect it, turn against them!"
"I cannot do that." The other man said. He had brown hair and a much shaggier beard then Praxis. You could easily see the old age on the man. Only his eyes showed youth. Beautiful blue eyes.
"WHY?" Praxis shouted.
"It is too much of a risk." The man spoke. Jak noticed this man had an elegant red crown with gold metal surrounding it, "Praxis…I know of what I am speaking of. I am the King."
"It doesn't mean you can automatically make good decisions!" Praxis shouted.
"If we do this, the consequences will be devastating. The Metal Heads will get us instead." The man spoke.
"HOW DO YOU KNOW?" Praxis shouted.
"I am a firstborn, my brother." The man spoke, "As King of Haven Kingdom, I was given the gift of visions and foresight. As a first born of the Romanir family, I have the epiphany and visions given to me by my Precursor ancestors. They help me in spirit and I have foreseen great danger when we people of Haven sided with the Metal heads. I am one with the Precursors…"
"Brother." Jak gasped, Praxis only had one brother…the king…He was Baralior.
"YOU!" Praxis shouted. He then stormed off. The king looked with great sorrow, and then eyed Erol.
"…Erolior." Baralior spoke, "Why does he act so rashly?"
"I wish you would not speak of him that way, sir." Erol cleared his throat.
"But it's true. You and I both know it is." Baralior eyed the fire flickering in the fireplace, the orange glow giving the King an eerie, possessed look. Erol had his head down.
"What kind of test is this?" Brutter asked. Jak stood silent, intrigued by the conversation.
"Tell me…how loyal are you to Praxis?" The king asked, the fire showing a rather sinister look to him now.
"What?" Erol asked.
"Are you loyal to him or to me, the king?" He asked.
"I am loyal to both!" Erol cried out, "…Why?"
"Lately, his decisions have been jeopardizing the kingdom. I cannot have that, not during this time." The King sighed, "The Metal Heads are getting restless. They know of the visions I had. Visions of their untimely demise. When they will be defeated in a couple of years. I do not want Praxis to mess anything up…he will not change…even if he is my brother, even if I love him dearly, if things do not go the right way…he must be sent away…banished to the desert…maybe even be killed."
"WHAT?" Erol cried out, "HE'S YOUR BROTHER!"
"I know!" The king shouted, "But he must die for the sake of this kingdom. Being King means many sacrifices!"
"I won't let you do this!" Erol cried again, tears coming down his face, "I won't."
"You want Praxis to keep beating you?" Erol was silent, almost ashamed.
"Yes, boy, I'm aware of him beating you constantly." The king sighed, "You cannot let this happen. Your body cannot take the abuse."
"I lasted this long!" Erol shouted, "I can take it! My mother suffered a lot, but she was strong!"
"But she's dead." The king spoke. He then took out a small dagger and placed it on the table.
"What would you do?" The king asked.
"What?" Erol could barely speak a word.
"I wasn't talking to you." The king spoke, "I was talking to the one behind the chair." Jak gasped. He was spotted.
"Come out…NOW!" The king shouted, "I must test you." Could this be the test? Jak slowly left the chair and numbly walked over to the king.
"You." He was obviously pointing to Jak. Jak slowly walked until he reached the table where he stopped. The king stared across from him with his sharp, piercing gaze.
"Tell me…what would you do?" The king asked Jak, "Kill him or spare him?" The king eyed the dagger.
"Wu-What?" Jak lost his voice, "…Why are you letting me decide?"
"Because I asked you to." Baralior spoke, "Now answer. This will be your test!"
Jak could hardly utter a word. He was shocked. He eyed the dagger. Why? Why was this decision so hard to make? Jak wanted his revenge on Praxis and would gladly kill him if he had the chance, so…why was this decision so hard? The next words that left his mouth left him completely surprised.
"…I will not kill him." Jak spoke, "I cannot. I will not spill blood. His decisions may not be wise, but he can change. Everyone can change."
"What?" The King gasped.
"Everybody…deserves a second chance." Jak smiled softly. His smiling was the same soft smile the child usually had.
"WHAT?" The king cried.
"That is my decision and mine alone." Jak spoke firmly. Then everything was completely boggled. The room twisted and turned and soon, it was the familiar cave setting. There was an exit.
"…Did we…pass?" Brutter asked.
"I…I don't know." Jak mumbled. The two slowly walked to the exit and once out they saw a familiar place: The hidden Lurker village.

"BRUTTER!" Brutter turned and saw Rena hugging him, "You're here! You survived! I was so worried!" The child and Daxter ran to Jak. Ani following close behind with Puar. Kami watched for afar with a smile. The child hugged Jak deeply, happy to see him alive.
"Thank goodness you are well." The kid spoke, "I was beginning to worry."
"Oh, just beginning?" Jak asked.
"The kid had WAY too much confidence in you," Daxter joked, "Always "Jak will get out" "I have faith in Jak." "Jak, Jak, Jak." Daxter grinned, speaking in a half joking manner.
"AHEM!" Akai, "Are you aware that you lost!"
"But we passed the test! We came out alive!" Jak cried.
"Yes, but hour was up by the time you guys came out!" Akai shouted, "You lost! Face it! Now, you die!"
"NO!" Rena cried. Kami started to argue, the other Lurkers holding him back. Rena refused to let Brutter go. The child clutched tightly to Jak, Daxter doing the same. Puar and Ani just stood close by, the small crocadog baring it's teeth.
"Oh, face it like Lurker!" Akai cried.
"I'm not a Lurker." Jak corrected. The spears from the warriors closed in one them and they would have died…if not for the voice of Krimzon Guards.

"FREEZE!" came the leader, "By order of Baron Praxis, ALL Lurkers are hereby under slave labor! Surrender or die!"
"Oh, so NOW it's surrender or die!" Daxter cried out, "I feel sooo LOVED" His sarcasm rang loud and clear.
"WHAT TH-" Akai cried, "How you find hidden Lurker village?"
"We followed those idiots." The leader KG stared at Jak, "Honestly, that was the worse sneaking I've ever seen in my life!"
"WHAT?" Jak gasped.
"I KNEW you'd be trouble!" Akai shouted, "You risk ALL Lurker species! OHHH! Lurker warriors! FIGHT!" And the warriors did indeed. More KG soldiers came and a battle began. Woman and children Lurkers were running for their lives, only to be captured by the Krimzon Guards. With all the chaos happening, the heroes were sitting ducks.
"What do we do?" Rena shouted, "Our spears cannot hold out against those armors and guns for so long! I cannot fight them for too long."
"Well, we don't have a choice!" Jak cried, then he searched around, "Where's my gun?"
"I don't know." Rena came, "I don't know where father put it."
"Great!" Jak growled in frustration, and then he eyed some of the spears. Jak ran over and picked one up, "I'm going to keep fighting!"
"JAK!" Rena shouted, "You won't last long! That's a spear! They have GUNS! LOTS OF GUNS!"
"She makes a good point, Jak." The kid spoke, "If only there was a bigger creature."
"That's it!" Brutter came, "Nuka Nuka help our fight!"
"Brutter, are you crazy? Rena gasped, "We've never sent Nuka Nuka free before! The guy eats ANYTHING, including us!"
"Yea, but I think Brutter makes a good idea." Jak came in, "If this creature is any indication that it's super huge, it may help us in our fight. You guys go, I'll stand and fight."
"Jak!" The kid gasped.
"Jak, are you crazy!" Daxter came as well. Jak grinned and wink, "Hey, I've been through worse. I'll be fine. Now get your asses moving and go!" Rena and Brutter pulled Daxter and the child away. Jak made a "warrior" face, yelled loudly, and raised his spear, only to have a gun shot down the spear part of it, making it a long wooden stick.
"Oh, fantastic." Jak mumbled.

While Jak tried to figure out a solution to his problem, the rest of the heroes head for Nuka Nuka. Brutter and Rena lead the group, each step more reluctant then the last.
"He should be nearby." Rena spoke, a quiver of fear in her voice. They ran further and halted minutes later. Daxter bumped into Rena's left leg, not able to stop in time.
"HEY! What's the big idea?" Daxter shouted.
"We're here." Rena spoke.
"HUH?" Daxter eyed his surrounding. All he saw was a giant canyon hole, "…There's nothing but a HUGE gap!"
"Nuka is down below." Brutter spoke, then the heroes crutched down and lo and behold, there was Nuka Nuka, sitting, apparently starring at rocks.
"WHOA!" Daxter gasped, face now pale. The creature known as Nuka Nuka was a giant, literally. He was about as tall as the buildings of Haven City. He was a hulking creature, an obese Lurker-ish creature.
"Is that a Lurker?" Daxter pointed down. Rena and Brutter nodded.
"Come on, we have to open the gate to sent him loose!" Rena pointed out. She went over to the crank located on the way top (where they were standing). Below them was the giant, wooden gate that would set Nuka Nuka free.
"The gate is WOOD?" Daxter screamed, "He could just pound his way out!"
"He usually doesn't move because we feed him." Rena spoke, "So he's satisfied and doesn't really need to move."
"That explain big weight." Brutter added.
"How the hell did he get so big?" Daxter gasped.
"We feed him." Rena answered as she pulled the gate open, "He just kept eating and eating. We assume that's how he got big." Daxter scratched his head, refusing to believe such a tall tale. As the gate opened, Nuka Nuka grew aware that he was being "free" so to speak. He slowly stood up, made a yawn (which echoed throughout), and started to walk.
"Alright, he's going!" Rena gasped.
"PHEW!" Daxter waved his hand around his nose, "He SMELLS!"
"Well, so would you if you sat on your butt all day and did nothing but sleep and eat." Rena scoffed.

Nuka Nuka walked a small path and was just below the battle scene where the Krimzon Guards, the Lurker warriors, citizens, and Jak all heard the thunderous steps.
"What the hell?" came one of the guard.
"Nuka Nuka is free!" Kami shouted, "He is free!" More sounds came and the crowd all gathered around to see he was climbing up.
"Wow…good climber for a big guy." Jak muttered. And he managed to reach the top in record time. There, Nuka Nuka roared terribly and started to consume Krimzon Guards. Everybody ran in a panic once more, while the Krimzon Guards started to shoot the creature. Nuka Nuka wasn't wearing much protection and was thus getting hurt easily. He growled in pain, his foot stepping backwards.
"Keep shooting!" came the leader of the guard, now with a wounded arm, "We'll make him fall over the edge!" The warriors took note of their plan and tried their might to hold back while Nuka feasted. Jak came over to help the Lurker warrior. He wasn't aware that he was next to Akai.
"Why you help us!" Akai shouted.
"I want to help the Lurkers, how many times do have to repeat that?" Jak shouted, using his long wooden stick as a sort of rod. He wasn't doing a good job. Jak tried to whack the guards on their head, but their headgear was very protective. He whacked one too hard that his wooden stick was now as small as a sword as it split in half.
"Damn it!" Jak grumbled. The chaos continued, even when Brutter, Daxter, Ani, Puar, the child, and Rena returned to help fight, though the child was told to stay back with the citizens who had ran to safety, which mainly consisted of them hiding behind rocks, hoping no one would drag them or knock them out.

The battled lasted in its utter confusion with Nuka Nuka finally down for the count. He didn't fall down the canyon, but he fell regardless, every part of his body bleeding from the gunshots. The Krimzon Guards cheered and went towards taking out the remaining warriors which were very few in numbers now. The chief had all about lost hope and muttered under his breath, his head low. He fought, but with little effort.

"We got him on the run now!" came a Krimzon Guard. The child was devastated. These Krimzon Guards were obeying the orders of a madman. These guards showed no signs of mercy or forgiveness. A bad sign of Lurker/Precursian friendship. These guards, most importantly, were truly his soldiers. As prince of Haven Kingdom, he could not allow this to happen.
"STOP!" The child cried. He was not heard. The child started to cry as he shouted, "PLEASE STOP! I ORDER YOU TO STOP!" He ran away from his hiding place while his friends protested him to go back.
"You'll be killed!" Rena shouted to him. The child ignored it and cried for them to stop, even grabbing onto one of the guards who knocked him away.
"Stupid child!" The KG was about to hit the child's head with the back of his gun, but Jak came in full force and whacked his arm, in which he dropped his gun.
"Hurt him and you'll sorely regret it!" Jak spoke angrily. A surge of energy rushed into Jak. He wasn't sure what he had inside, all he knew was that he had the urge to fight. Before he could think of his own will, Jak took his sword length stick…and let it all out.

Everyone of his close friends watched in amazement. Here he was, Jak, a boy whom had never had any trainings with a sword, started to handle that stick like he knew how to use it. He used it like a sword. He whipped the guards off their feet, knocked them unconscious without breaking the wooden stick. The swishes could be heard, the wind rushing in the guards' faces. Jak did not speak a word; his eyes were focused and dazed. It was as if an expert swordsman was possessing him. In mere minutes, the guards fell down, some ran away in fear, and Jak shook his head and searched his surroundings.

"THAT WAS INCREDIBLE!" Daxter ran in all fours to Jak, "You never told me you could fight with a sword…well, wooden sword."
"I can't." Jak spoke.
"What?" Daxter stepped back. More interruptions came when more guards arrived.
"Surrender or die!" came the order of the guards and they started to charge towards the remaining Lurkers.
"Oh, great, more?" Daxter hissed.
"Our warriors, few in numbers, we become slaves now for we no have protections anymore." Akai spoke, then he got on his knees, "I have failed my people and village. I deserve slavery."
"Get up!" Brutter shouted, which surprised everyone, "You no shame village, you fought bravely, protect village! People proud of you! I proud of you! You no be brave, that means betrayal of Lurker kind! We die as warriors, always!"
"Brutter…" Akai started to speak.
"Brother Jak give me confidence, told me not to run. I not run no more! I stand and fight!" Brutter cried, "This place home to Brutter, this people Brutter's friend and family! I protect it with life! Is Code of Lurker Warriors!"
"Now that's what I'm talking about, Brutter!" Jak shouted with a grin on his face.
"Can we really take on ALL of them?" Rena gasped. The KG outnumbered them in great numbers.
"Looks like they got the entire squad from the dig!" Jak gasped, "Maybe I can try and be Dark Jak again!" He tried, but wasn't able to, "Damn, I lost it!"
"Get ready!" Rena shouted, now brandishing a spear she found. Akai and Brutter both got into their battle position. Jak did as well as Ani and Puar. Daxter, reluctantly stood close by to Jak. The child watched from afar, horrified. He knew they wouldn't last long with the guards. He had to do something. The battle began again and thus, another fight started. The warrior were falling in seconds. Hope was fading.

"KEEP FIGHTING!" was all Brutter could say, but can he speak when a lone shot could reach his chest? The kid watched the scene. He did not want a battle. He hated to see people die, people that are close to him. With a wave of anger and sadness in his heart, the child shouted once more, this time, loud enough for everyone to hear, "ENOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGH!" Then his pendent glowed. His voice echoed throughout the cave and everyone stopped. The child was covered in white light, his face serene and calm. His hand surrounding the pendent. Next thing Jak knew, his half started to glow too The two white lights enveloped the entire field and everything was bright.

It felt as time froze as Jak felt this white light would never leave. He shielded his eyes from the pure light. It then grew dimmer and dimmer…until the entire volcanic cave was back to normal again. The heroes and surviving Lurkers looked around and was amazed to find…all the Krimzon Guards were gone. They all disappeared. Jak eyed his pendent, now glowing dimmer until it returned to normal. He then eyed the child who's pendent also returned to normal. The child, starring at Jak for a while fainted afterwards.
"KID!"

……………………

A few days passed since that incident. The surviving Lurkers all had finished packing their goods or anything they could find, their entire village was wreaked. The chief came over to Jak and the others who were told to wait by Akai. They obeyed this time for Akai spoke in a friendly manner. The chief came to them with Akai and Rena on each of his side. He first eyed Brutter.

"Brutter…you proved bravely and loyalty to Lurker village…I give you…your feathers back." And with that, the chief gave the two familiar blue feathers Brutter wore before they were blown off. Brutter squealed and gently placed them on his head.
"You truly Lurker warrior." The chief smiled warmly, "You no longer banished."
"Thank you, chief!" Brutter smiled, "I is so happy."
"You and me both." Rena giggled.
"…Brutter." Akai walked to Brutter, embarrassed as he placed a hand on the back of his head, "…Akai is sorry…for betraying friendship…friends stick to end." He extended his hand, "We friends?" Brutter stood silent for a while and smiled, now with tears in his eyes.
"We…BESTEST friends!" Brutter shook Akai's hands, and then proceeded to give him a massive hug. The heroes cheered and clapped.
"Oh!" Akai pointed out, eyeing Jak, "For you." Akai gave Jak a familiar item.
"My gun!" Jak took it, "Thanks! Where were they? I tried looking for them!"
"Lurker secret." The chief smiled, "Any who, we Lurkers must now migrate to another location now that our village has been spotted, but it is a risk we are willing to take." The chief then eyed Jak and the kid who was just in front of him, once again having Jak's hands on his tiny shoulders. The chief lowered down to the child's level.
"Your majesty…perhaps it is time for us Lurkers and Precursians to reconsider our differences." The chief spoke. The child smiled.
"I would like that very much." The child nodded, "Rest assured, once I reclaim my throne, we shall make a pact, a law that both Precursians and Lurkers are equal."
"No more slavery?" Akai came in.
"That will be the first thing to go, Mr. Akai." The kid smiled that warm smile, "I promise you." Akai nodded. The chief then got up and eyed Jak.
"You are truly a brother to us Lurkers, Jak." The chief spoke, "You have shown us Precursians are not creatures of evil…you risked your life to fight against your own to protect us…I thank you. You are welcome anytime in our soon to be new home."
"Thank you." Jak spoke politely.
"We'll give note when we reach our new home, Brutter." Rena spoke, "It'll be better then ever and you have to visit!"
"Brutter promise!" He nodded.
"Such a shame you couldn't come with us." Rena sighed.
"Lurkers in Haven City needs help, I provide." Brutter spoke, "I still must do my duty." Rena nodded.
"Well, I guess we go our separate ways now." Puar spoke, "Puar will miss you all."
"Same here." Akai concurred.
"Until next time." The chief waved.

Jak nodded and bowed as well as the others before the chief and started to walk back.

"WAIT! WAIT!" The heroes stopped and saw Kami running to them.
"Kami?" Jak saw the middle age Lurker running with a small sack.
"I must give you something." Kami came, and then he gave the sack to Jak, "Brutter told me of why you came here in first place. I talk with chief and he agreed…this yours now…treasure it well."
"Aww, come on, you don't have to-" Jak wasn't aware of what was in it. Kami cut him off.
"Trust Kami, you WILL need it." Kami held Jak's hand, "Best of luck." Then Kami ran to his family.
The heroes once again waved good bye and journeyed home.
As they walked down, Jak opened the sack and saw something glowing.

"What is it?" Daxter asked. Jak gasped.
"It's the item that Onin and Pecker set us to fetch!" Jak gasped, "All three pieces! We got it!"
"WAHOO!" Daxter shouted, "Alright!"
"Wonderful!" The child sparked.
"YAY!" Puar chirped. Ani barked.
"Oh, this truly happy days!" Brutter boomed.
"….Yea." Jak stared up, his face filled with worried looks.
"Jak…what is wrong?" The child asked.
"…When I took the test in that cave…I apparently had a memory…something I never saw in my life…I saw Praxis, Erol, and…the King." Jak spoke the last two words softly.
"You saw father?" The kid gasped.
"Yes…he was asking me…he was testing me…testing to see if I should kill Praxis or not." Jak spoke, "There was a dagger on that table…and for some reason, I told him I didn't wanted to kill him. But I don't feel that way…for now." The child made a small yelp.
"What?" Jak asked.
"Jak, that is MY memory!" The kid spoke. Everyone stopped and cried, "WHAT?"
"It is true…when I was merely five, I was reading a book, and then I heard my Uncle and father enter the room. I hid, knowing it might be a secret meeting they were having. Erol was there, too. My father found me hiding under the chair and ordered me out. My fathertested my ability as prince…would I have killed Uncle Praxis or not…I chose not to, because he can change, everyone-
"-Deserves a second chance." Jak finished.
"…Yes." The child whispered.
"Ow, my head hurts." Jak groaned, "What is this all about?"
"…I do not know…" The child sounded as though he was now hiding something, "…Let us just go home…I miss my cousin Ashelin and the others."
"Yea." Jak nodded slowly, his mind still thinking of that test.

……………

As the heroes walked away, the chief, Rena, and Akai talked.
"Did you notice something about that Jak?" The chief asked his children. They both eyed him questionably, "He was the only one who has ever survived the Judgment of Purity."
"You're right," Rena gasped, "No one else has…why?"
"I'll tell you a little secret, my children." The chief spoke, "The judgment cave was made by the rulers of four great nations nearly hundreds of years back. They made it so only the Chosen One can pass it."
"Th-The chosen one?" Akai gasped, "Is Jak chosen one! Chosen One of what?"
"A big part he will play in this planet…this galaxy." The chief spoke, "Now is not the time, of course. First, he has the Metal Heads to deal with…after that…he will start to realize who he truly is."
"Who is he, father?" Rena asked.
"If the prophecy is correct, he will be…the savior…no other mortals has ever channeled the power of eco so comfortably such as that boy." The chief continued, "Did you not see the way he used that wooden stick?"
"Yes." Rena and Akai both spoke.
"Mar was an exceptionally good swordsmen…I have seen his skills from my visions…it was as if the blood of Mar was flowing in the veins of that young Jak."
"…What?" Akai gasped.
"…There is more to Jak then he realizes. No one should underestimate him. Jak will bring great things to Haven Kingdom." The chief smiled, "That is, if he chooses that fate…" His children eyed him like he was mad while the chief remained cool.
"Come, let us go." And they migrated. Nuka Nuka, now healed (but with like a thousand little bandages), traveled down below the Lurkers on a trail big enough for him to walk through.
To Be Continued…