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.

18. Purity Day

Jak II Chronicles
Part II: The Precursor Stone
Chapter 18: Purity Day

It was time for the play. Posters were all over the village. People chatted about this for days. It amazed me sometimes that a school play can eagerly excite even the oldest residence of Sandover, but then again, it's the only time a play is produce. Our village is small. Night has come when the entire village has come for it. I went backstage with Samos to see how Jak was handling this.

"Okay, guys, move the set there…no there! GUYS!" I could hear Jak order, one arm waving frantically, the other holding a clipboard of the script.
"Hello, Jak." I waved.
"Oh, Uncle, it's hectic over here!" Jak gasped, "But I think it'll be all under control." I looked around to see teenagers in costumes remembering their lines and backstage kids with ladders, lights, and stage sets, running in all directions, panicking yelling, the rest just aimlessly stands there.
"Okay, so it's not THAT under control, but we're getting there." Jak smiled weakly.
"How is the… err…."big" situation?" I asked, whispering low enough.
"Oh, he's over there talking with some of the people." Jak pointed.
"WHAT?" I gasped. Samos curiously starred in the same direction as I was. There he was, Milo the Lurker who was chatting with some of the actors while in his costume.
"They think Milo is just some guy in a costume." Jak smiled.
"Man, I can't believe how convincing the outfit is!" came Toni, who would play Rip, the harsh former guard of the royal family.
"Yea, even if Lurkers are stupid, smelly, pushy creatures with no intelligence." came Jerry Mac, who plays Kuno, the main character's mentor. Milo cringed a little, but his love for Precursians kept him from wanting to flick the boy away with his finger.
"This costume doesn't fit, what's the deal?" Daxter cried, "It's SO baggy and loose!"
"Of course it is!" Jak cried, "You're the bumbling sidekick, it's suppose to be loose and baggy."
"Oh." Daxter sighed, "Geez, I'm not going to be able to move in this stupid outfit."
"All the lightning is in place, we're ready!" Kiera winked. She was the head technician, a fitting role.
"No, we're not!" came a woman's voice. Jak and the others saw a couple heading their way.
"Mr. and Mrs. Manaslay!" Jak gasped, they were Kil's parents.
"Oh, Jak, I'm sorry, but your play is ruined." came Mrs. Manaslay, her voice a wave of drama and high pitched squeal. It was as if she was trying to hold back all the tears she has mustered over the years.
"Wu-What do you mean?" Jak panicked.
"Our little Killy is sick!" She cried, "…Again! He broke out with a high fever. Oooh, I told him not to play outside so much!"
"WHAT?" came the collective voice of everyone but Samos and I.
"Well…we have replacements…don't we?" Jak asked.
"Zera wouldn't allow replacements." came Petri, one of the actresses who played tough solider Bea.
"WHAT? WHY?" Jak shouted.
"She preferred to keep it as original as possible." Petri continued.
"NO!" Jak shouted, "We need replacements! Where's Zera?"
"Did someone call?" Zera asked, in her outfit. She was Nadia, the poor slum girl whom the main character would fall for.
"Did you order that no plays would have replacements incase the original wasn't available?" Jak cried, he was easily frustrated. I could understand. He worked so hard to make this play a reality and in the end, it toppled like rows of dominoes.
"Yes, of course. We must always have the same actors. A replacement could jeopardize everything!" Zera announced, 'Why, that person could be a bad actor for all we know! The play is to be perfect, 100!"
"ZERA, Kil IS sick and CAN'T play as Christof now!" Jak shouted. Zera was silent.
"I never thought of that…I naturally assumed everyone would be here." Zera shrugged. Jak groaned, placing a hand on his face.
"ZERA!" Jak cried out, "Kil is not here, he's sick, there IS no one to play as Christof!"
"Well then, FIND someone to play as Christof! I don't want MY play to be ruined!"
"YOUR play?" Kiera came in, "Funny, last I checked, Jak wrote the script, cast the role, directed the play, emphasized the visual, while you just acted."
"You shut up, you tramp!" Zera cried, "who ask your opinion!"
"HEY! That's my daughter!" Samos cried out, "You watch who you call tramp!"
Kiera was silent. All the times she refused to call Samos her father and he was defending her.
"FIND someone!" And Zera left in anger. Jak sighed, his head now staring at the floor. We could hear sniffs.
"Jak…are you crying?" Milo came.
"No." Jak wiped his eyes, still looking down. Milo came over and placed his massive hands on Jak's shoulder.
"Kid, don't be like that." Milo smiled, "You'll find someone. I know you will. You've got the makings of greatness in you." Jak was now eye to eye to Milo (Milo had to crouch a little to be truly eye to eye with Jak). Jak's face was now bright red, his eyes filled with water, his usual smile now upside down.
"And this all started because I just wanted my notebook back." Jak mumbled, trying hard to speak without bursting into tears again.
"There, there." Milo smiled again, "You were given the chance to explore your skills as a writer and you succeeded. Your dreams are becoming reality. You can't possibly throw that away." The teenagers behind him muttered in agreement.
"It's time to show the world of your talents." Milo continued, "Now think…who knows the entire lines to the main character: Prince Christof?" Jak sniffed and thought for a moment.
"….No one." Jak muttered.
"Are you sure about that?" Milo asked, starring hard at Jak and only Jak. I suddenly knew what Milo was trying to do.
"….Yea, I am…." Jak spoke, "…The only other person who knows besides Kil is me because I wrote the script." Jak stopped wearing his sorrow expression and starred at Milo who smiled with that, "You got it" look.
"….Me? No, no, I can't." Jak shook his head. The teenagers protested, urging him to take over.

"Come on, if your acting is as good as your writing…"
"I'm curious to hear you sing…"
"Go for it, Jak!"

"But…but..." Jak started to protest, "What if I'm no good?"
"How do you unless you try?" Milo asked, "Sometimes you gotta take a risk." Jak was silent.
"Come on, the show must go on." Milo waved his arm in a dramatic fashion, "The stage awaits, my dear Jak." Jak starred at the crew and casts, then he stared behind to where I was as well as Samos.
"I'd expect no less then the miracle child." I spoke. Jak smiled backing a shy manner and nodded.
"Okay!" Jak smiled, "I'll do it!" A cheer arose. Indeed, the show must go on…

…………………

Haven City
Month 14: Bonia, Day 6 (Winter Time)
Year: 299 TOMH (Time of the Metal Heads)

The return home to Haven City wasn't exactly royalty. After all, they had to come in secret. The heroes first stop was to take Brutter back home. Surprisingly, his little home and workshop remain intact while he was away. After a small good-bye and promises to visit again, the reminder of the heroes gave the Seal of Mar to Onin and Pecker. When Jak asked if there was any news on the other items he got for them, Pecker said it wasn't of his importance just yet and told him to shoosh. "Shoosh" did Jak did, a bit frustrated. They then returned to the Underground Headquarter where Kor was more then worried and upset that the child left for so long.

"You never told him you were coming with me?" Jak gasped.
"It took a long time to convince Torn, Kor would have been even more difficult." The kid spoke, "Besides, he had a meeting during the time I left." Jak groaned, knowing that the child strategically left during Kor's meeting.
"That was an immature move on your part, your majesty!" Kor cried through his gravely voice, "You could have been killed!"
"But I was trying to help tie the bonds of Lurkers and us Precursians." The child spoke in a calm manner while stressing his point.
"At this time, your opinions don't matter to this kingdom. The Baron is the representative at the moment." Kor slammed his walking stick down several times.
"I am the rightful prince, Sir Kor and even still, my word is law!" The argument went on, no one giving in. Next thing he knew, the child was reciting all the events that have happen in the Hidden Lurker village with Jak and Daxter interrupting in. In the end, it sort of ended in a tie and the two headed off to Vin's Power Station, leaving Jak with Samos and Torn. After Jak watched the child leave, he faced the two Underground leaders and smiled sheepishly.
"Hey, you were the one who said I could take the child out." Jak pointed to Torn.
"I wasn't aware he'd go someplace as far as the Volcanic Crater." Torn growled, "He just told me he had to go someplace in Haven City…I should have realize my suspicion when he wanted to go with you."
"What's my punishment?" Jak rolled his eyes, better to get this over with.
"Well, since you had a pretty rough time in the Dig, I'll pity you and give you some chores." Torn grinned. "Some chores" turned out to be cleaning the floors of every Underground room with a toothbrush, doing the dishes (and it was big load), repainting some of the walls where the paint cracks were falling, among others. It took a grand total of three days, but he was finished. Now the next thing he had to worried would come in a matter of weeks…

Underground HQ
Month 15: Precurso, Day 1 (Winter Time)
Year: 299 TOMH (Time of the Metal Heads)

"WAKE UP! WAKE UP! THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING! THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING!" Puar shouted. Once again, Daxter ran around like a headless chicken upon Puar's announcement while Jak slowly woke up.
"The what is coming?" Jak asked, rubbing one of his eyes from sleepiness.
"THE HOLIDAYS! OH, JOY!" Then Puar flew off to the dining room. Jak groaned, got up, dressed, and headed over to the dining room where the other members of the Underground were, already eating. Jak noticed the food felt…more. Double the amount of sausages, the bacons, the eggs, and not to mention healthy amounts of beer, orange juices, milk, and wines on the table. Jak's diet consisted of anything without a face, but the head chef didn't waste any time forgetting Jak by giving him some nice oatmeal and toast, among other non-meaty products, how very pleasing. After everyone has had their fill, Torn came and tapped on a glass he was holding onto. Everyone was silent. Torn cleared his throat.

"As you know, the holidays are coming. With Purity Day coming in two weeks, it's time for the Underground to be on halt so we can all take the time to celebrate this…uhh…joyous occasion. This is the time to see your family and friends you haven't had contact in, get presents and what not." Torn stared at each member, then he eyed Jak, "And I hope you all know to keep a constant eye out for any Krimzon Guards and not to do anything risky." Everyone murmured.
"With that said, have a happy two weeks vacation and have a happy Purity Day." The members clapped and cheered and Torn left.
"Ahh, a vacation." Jak scratched the back of his head. Everybody of the members left, leaving Tess to handle the dishes. Daxter was more then happy to help.
"Insensitive clods." Daxter growled at the other members besides Jak who was near him, "Not helping a lovely, beautiful, purdy, and dare I say, sexy…gal like yourself?" Daxter grinned his wide grin and Tess giggled.
"Oh, you're too much!" Tess smiled, going on and off to the kitchen with dishes. Daxter and Jak helped.
"I've never seen the underground members so happy…except when they're drunk." Jak shrugged.
"Well, the holidays bring out the best in everyone, I suppose." Tess sighed, "After all, with two weeks off vacation and everyone, and I mean everyone obsessing over the holidays, the Krimzon Guards are more into protecting supermarkets and toy stores then going after Underground members, so that's more freedom for us. It's a hectic time."
"It's not as hectic over in the country." Jak forced a small smile.
"This is also time for the underground members to see their families and close friends." Tess continued to take in more dishes to the kitchen.
"You mean they never saw their parents of their kids or cousins or whatever?" Jak shrugged, "I mean, we are given free times and all and-"
"Nah, too risky." Tess spoke, "Sure, they can go out in disguise like you do, but they don't want to risk their family and friends in their lives as underground members. Most of these members haven't seen their families in years. Sometimes, their family outright rejected them for joining the underground. Purity Day is a nice day to ask for forgiveness."
"I see." Jak held the dishes tightly, softly muttering his reply.
"Depressing." Daxter nodded, "I can see why this holiday is called Purity Day…it's all...pure and crap."

Underground HQ
Month 15: Precurso, Day 4 (Winter Time)
Year: 299 TOMH (Time of the Metal Heads)

Days passed and the child returned back to the underground member HQ with Kor. The child, too was filled with the spirit of Purity Day itself. The entire city was being decorated with wreaths, Purity day trees, ornaments, and the likes. You couldn't go anywhere without someone singing or spreading Purity Day cheers. Nearly everyone at the Underground were singing, drinking beer and wine, and general being happy for the first time in their lives in a long time, some more so then others. Majority of the people in the Underground were going to leave for the holidays, including Tess. Being Daxter, he couldn't bare the thought of Tess moving so far away, so he went about to do some convincing. While the little ottsel was away, a familiar figure entered.

"Ashelin." Jak gasped, "And what are you doing here?"
"Well, I need to ask you an important question." Ashelin sat down on the edge of Jak's bed, next to him, "I don't know if you know this, but Purity Day is the kid's birthday."
"Yea, I know." Jak nodded.
"Good, because the remainder of the Underground members, Torn, Samos, and I will be hosting a party to celebrate his 8th birthday. We were wondering if you'd like to be involved."
"How so?" Jak asked.
"We need to keep the child distracted while we plan the party, it's a surprise." Ashelin answered, "And since you're good with the kid, I was wondering it you'd take him out while we plan the surprise party. It won't be for another week and a half, so take the time to think about-"
"I'll do it." Jak sighed, grinning, "Don't worry about it. Now, if you excuse me, I got some Purity Day shopping to do. Daxter! Come on, let's go!"
"Wait, I'm not done talking to Tess yet!" Daxter cried.
"For ruddy sakes, she won't leave for another two days, you'll have plenty time to convince her to not go or whatever you're trying to do." Jak muttered. Daxter growled a little and ran up to Jak' shoulder.

………………………

For the most part, the Purity Day shopping went along great. With the holiday rush and people buying presents in and out, the Krimzon Guards were more busying breaking riots from two people clinging onto a present then Jak or any of the Underground members. Jak had plenty of money that he saved since he first joined the Underground, so shopping wasn't a problem. The problem was deciding what present to give to which. Because he was near the Shopping Mall, Jak wandered pass Mar's Memorial Stadium where he constantly stared at it. Snow slowly started to cover the already snowy ground.

"If you wanna race, then race!" Daxter cried, "It's not a sin. We're supposed to be on a team a long time ago. Krew keeps talking about it occasionally."
"No…it's just…I don't know…this may sound weird…but that girl we met in the garage months ago…" Jak muttered, both his hands occupied with shopping bags.
"Yea...the girl…what, you like her? Have a crush on her? She's got a good voice, but how can you have a crush on her when you can't even see her? You've never seen her before. What? Jak? What?" Daxter moved around Jak.
"NO!" Jak shouted, annoyed at Daxter's antics, "It's just that…now that I'm here, I keep thinking about her voice…it felt familiar."
"Familiar?" Daxter backed off, "Jak, are you having some sort of epiphany? The mojo crap again?"
"I don't know." Jak spoke, "I have to go see her." Jak, toting all his shopping bags, headed that way.
"You scare me sometimes, Jak, seriously." Daxter spoke, gripping tightly onto Jak.
Jak walked in silent, his face in a semi-trance mixed with a hint of sadness and deep concern. He wasn't aware that he was heading towards someone.

BUMP!

"DUH!" Jak was now on his butt, his shopping bags fortunately still surrounding his arms. He blinked his eyes a couple of times and saw the man he was bumping into. He was getting help by two other people while the third just watched in amusement.
"Way to go, ace." Daxter sarcastically eyed Jak.
"Hey, you okay?" Jak asked, getting up, "Sorry about that. Didn't mean to-
"WHO DARES TO BUMP INTO ME?" the man Jak bumped cried, "I HATE it when people bump into me!"
"Wait, that voice is eerily familiar…" Daxter pointed. The man came up to Jak.
"OH-NO, IT IZ YOU!" Jak turned to face the man he bumped. Wearing a long blue overcoat with a skinny, but fashionable gray scarf, he had long dirty blonde hair up to the tip of his neck and was bespectacled, donning pink rectangular sunglasses. Behind him were a woman in pink and a man in blue. There was no question about it, he was-
"Michel?" Jak gasped, nearly dropping all his bags. Of all the people to bump into…again.
"I TOLD yuu to nev'er repeat moi name, you common fuel!" Michel shouted, his assistants Mimo and Ginger close by him. Jak sighed. He stared at the third person next to them and gasped as well. Short black hair and dark violet eyes, her fashion wasn't as flamboyant as Michel, whether more "normal", so to speak.
"Hey, Jak! That's the lady from Dead Town…er…Sandover!" Daxter whispered, "What's her name…Cara, Cartin, Cho…er…Carmen, is it?"
"Hey, you're that boy who looked like he was about to die." Carmen came, dressed in warm jackets then her usual archeologist clothes, "You feeling better?"
"SIS! Wee do not associate with these peopel!" Michel shrieked with Mimo and Ginger shouting in agreement.
"Uhh…yea, I'm fine." Jak stood up, dusting off the access snow.
"That's good." Carmen nodded, "Oh, hey, sorry about the incident with Dead Town. I didn't realize you were so passionate about that place."
"My ancestors lived there." Jak quickly lied, "Stories of that place has been pass down. I'm pretty sure your ancestors lived there, too."
"I suppose. I've read researches that most of the people of Haven once lived in Dead Town." Carmen pondered.
"SIS!" Michel shouted again.
"Sandover." Jak corrected her.
"Look, I'll be a bit more careful when I research that place again, okay?" Carmen spoke. Jak nodded.
"That's great. So…you seem to know a lot about Sandover."
"Yea, kinda." Jak shrugged.
"SIS!" Michel whined again.
"Shut up!" Carmen cried, "Sorry, my brother is a wuss, I was the real "man" of the house." Jak laughed which made Michel's pale face grow a deep red. Mimo and Ginger tried to calm their superior.
"Look, I know this is asking a lot, but if you ever want to come by our house to tell us more of the Sandover, you can." Carmen spoke, "I would like to learn more. Heck, you can stay for dinner or anything like that. I mean, I don't want to take advantage of you and all and-"
"I'll…come by…sometime." Jak spoke, "I just don't have the time right now."
"Oh, sure, well…I can give you my phone number and we'll keep in contact." Carmen then pulled out her COMP while Jak pulled out his. They exchanged numbers.
"Great, thanks a lot, kid." Carmen winked, "Come on, Michel, we got to go to our parents' home for dinner." She dragged the poor celebrity who cringed at Jak. Jak stared at Michel's expression and smiled, waving. Inside his head, it was pleasing to see Michel suffer.
"Sis, why must yuu associate yuurself with commoners like zat?" Michel shouted with Carmen ignoring him.
"What a nice family." Daxter spoke sarcastically.
"Come on, we got to go see her." Jak ran to the garage. Once there, he stopped as another familiar figure came out that nearly made him topple over again.

"YOU!" Jak cried. Dressed in a yellow and indigo jacket and snow pants, the familiar bug mask on the top of his head, a wide grin for his signature smile, and flaming red hair. Erol.
"Geez, what a small world today is." Daxter whispered.
"Well, if it isn't the dark eco freak. You sure got a lot of guts showing your mug out here." Erol scoffed, his arms crossed.
"Yea, yea." Jak sighed, obviously not taking Erol seriously.
"You made a hell of a lot of mess in Haven City and undermined the Baron." Erol continued, "For that, I can't and won't forgive you…of course, I haven't even liked you to begin with. If you had just died like the pathetic little dark eco freak that you are, everything would have been fine."
"Oh, yea, fine." Jak sarcastically replied, "Slum peoples dying, those bloody Metal Heads constantly invading, the Baron making a deal with the them, I got enough evidence to throw that ruddy mustached menace out."
"You talk of evidence, but do you actually have any?" Erol asked, "Besides…no one is going to listen to some commoner like you."
"Well, I'm sure they will listen to the "infamous Jak Bannon." Jak scoffed back, "I'm surprised you're not attacking me now."
"No…my plan to defeat you will be even better and greater." Erol sighed, staring at the sky, "It'll be in public where I, Erol, shall defeat the "great" Jak Bannon. So savor your moment while you can, Jak." Erol walked away.
"Yea…go home to your "precious" Baron!" Jak shouted. He then went inside where the girl behind the curtains immediately spoke to him.

"Ya trying to scare away my best customer?" she asked in a sarcastic manner that heavily rivaled Daxter's.
"We have our issues." Jak muttered.
"Yea, well, no surprise." The girl spoke, "I didn't hear everything you guys said, mostly just two pairs of voice going on and off."
"Hmph." Jak rolled his eyes.
"What do you want?" the girl asked.
"I kinda would like to know who are you, like…your name?" Jak asked.
"Why? You going to stalk me?"
"NO!" Jak shouted automatically, "It's just that…you sound…familiar."
"….Riiiiiiiiiight." The sounds of metallic clanks were heard as she was busying herself with whatever she was working on.
"And Krew wants us to join her team?" Daxter eyed her, whispering.
"Look, if you here to join my team, I said I don't need anyone at the moment." the girl cried, "I don't even know if you're a good racer, so I can't take you guys in just like that. Sheesh."
"Okay, you can tone down the ruddy sarcasm a few notches." Jak mumbled, "I've been through a lot and by "a lot" I mean, keeping this city intact, I don't need this rubbish."
"Great. I'll send you a medal. Now, if you don't mind, I'm on a deadline, so scram." The girl muttered some more. Jak groaned.
"Are you always this difficult?" Jak retorted.
"Let me handle this, Jak." Daxter got off Jak's shoulder, while Jak protested, "Relax, she ain't gonna know an ottsel is talking. She can't even see me." Daxter then made his way to the girl.
"Listen lady, we're the infamous duo who's affected this city more so then anyone when it comes to racing; we can outrace anybody in this city. My boy here is great with a zoomer."
"Daxter…" Jak tried to barge in.
"No one is better then him then my man himself!" Daxter pointed to Jak, "He can outrace ANYONE, including Erol!"
"Daxter…." Jak tried to hush Daxter up.
"Wait! That voice…" The girl gasped, removing the helmet that was protecting her face while she was using a tool to wrap up the metal on whatever she was making.
"And there are just two things you need to know. One, we don't want to join your stinking race team, and two... you just lost a date with Orange Lightning. Let's go Jak." Daxter made his way out with an embarrassed Jak, carrying the bags of Purity day goods. Before they got out any further, the girl came from behind her curtains…

"Daxter, it IS you!" Daxter and Jak turned around and they both gasped. There stood before them a girl with matching green eyes and hair, donning a pink and magenta pants, red and gray boots, and a lavender long sleeved shirt, goggles gracing her neck.
"Kiera!" Daxter cried.
"Oh I never thought I'd be so glad to see your furry mug!" Kiera picked up the little ottsel and gave him a bear size hug, one Daxter appreciate, no less, then she eyed Jak, "And Jak! You look...different."
"It's been a tough ride." Jak muttered, not really knowing what to say.
"The Baron pumped our boy here with Dark Eco, and it did something to him. Now he's got super moves or something, and a few anger issues as well!" Daxter explained. After hearing that, Kiera eyed Jak who stared back, his shopping bags now carefully placed on the floor.
"It's been a while." Jak muttered, sounding almost emotionless.
"Yea. Kiera said, slowly nodding, "…Oh, I'm so sorry I was so rude to you. I just never recognized your voice…you've…grown, that's probably why. More so then I…or even Daxter has."
"I know." Jak nodded.
"You don't look the same as I last remembered you…that boy I grew up with." Kiera sighed, touching Jak's cheek, then quickly letting go "…But that doesn't matter right now, right now…I'm glad to see you." Kiera then gave him a resounding hug, one Jak returned. Kiera could be heard crying while Jak was just silent. What could he say? He hasn't met Kiera in years. He wanted to say, I missed you Kiera, I miss you SO much. Every night I think of you and Sandover, our lives, the way we used to live. Unfortunately, the words never left Jak's mind. After the heartfelt reunion, Kiera managed to wipe most of her tears away and reverted back to her usual self.
"I've been looking for you guys forever and planning a way for us to get back home. Somehow that rift took us far into the future. I've calculated the time displacement…" Kiera started to chat.
"We found your father... well, sort of. " Jak came. Kiera stopped.
"What?" Kiera gasped.
"He's working with the Underground fighting the Baron. But he's ahh... " Daxter came in before Kiera interrupted.
"What?"
"You need to go see him. And I need to get to the Baron." Jak ordered.
"Well, you could try to win the Class One Racing Championship. The winner of that big race always gets to meet the Baron in the Palace." Kiera spoke, "It won't be hosted for a while. It comes during the spring, so you have a few more months of waiting."
"Damn it, everything is too far off." Jak muttered. Kiera was silent.
"You curse now? And since when were you the impatient type?"
"Two years can change a person." Jak answered.
"…Yea." Kiera sighed, disappointed by Jak's new change, then she cleared her throat and spoke some more about the races, "You can drive for my team. But Jak, we should think about getting you out of here. I don't like this place. And some of the people are creepy."
"I know." Jak nodded, "Well, we'll have to keep contact."
"…My father…is he alright?" Kiera asked.
"I'm not so sure." Jak scratched his head, "He's…very…different. I'll take you to him now, if you want."
"You can take me when I have my vacation tomorrow." Kiera spoke, "I have to finish up the zoomers for the racers by today."
"Including one Erol." Daxter crossed his arms, "You're uhh…"best" customer."
"Yea, so?" Kiera crossed her arms, "Is there a problem?"
"No, not really, except the fact that he's AFTER US and trying to KILL US" Daxter shouted.
"We've had our ups and downs with him." Jak sighed.
"So I heard." Kiera shoved a bunch of newspapers, all of which details the mysterious "Jak Bannon", "I didn't know if "Jak Bannon" was the same as you, Jak, so I collected the newspaper, just incase. Where did you get the idea of "Bannon" as your surname?"
"A long story." Jak grumbled.
"I can't believe you're helping the guy who's after us!" Daxter cried.
"He's my customer, a paying customer!" Kiera sighed, "Besides, he's not that bad."
"Whoa! Hold it, time out!" Jak cried, "NOT bad! let's rephrase that!"
" He isn't." Kiera sighed, "You've probably only seen his cocky side." Jak and Daxter were hardly convinced.
"It's thanks to Erol that I'm even here today!" Kiera shouted, "I could have had a much worse fate if he didn't save me."
"He…saved you?" Jak gasped, "EROL?"
"Yes." Kiera nodded, "When I landed in an alley from the rift ride, I was saved by Erol who took me to a clinic. I manage to find a job by taking over this shop when the previous owner retired and Erol got word of it, found me, told me he rescued me, and since then, we've been on good speaking terms."
"Are you sure it was him who saved you?" Daxter asked.
"Well, I was a bit unconscious when I was taken to the clinic, but that red hair is unmistakable." Kiera sighed, "If you got to know him, he's a great guy."
"Well, we kinda can't…he's in the army and thus, he views me as a criminal." Jak sighed. Kiera, too sighed. Daxter just stared at the two precursians.
"Well, it's still nice to see you, no matter how much you've changed." Kiera said, her voice soft.
"Thanks." Jak replied.

The two eventually went their separate ways as Jak had to hurry and deliver his gifts to his close friends (not to mention buy more gifts now that he met Kiera and Carmen).

He gave Avery a new cowboy hat and Mimi a nice set of perfumes; In return, Jak got his own cowboy hat and pie (which Daxter ate more then his share of). For Pecker, he got him a CD on Samba music while Onin was given another a set of perfumes as well, which Pecker appreciated, saying "she's starting to smell". Brutter was hard to give a gift, too. In the end, Jak bought him a book on Krimzon Guards to which Brutter gave Jak the biggest bear hug ever. Brutter gave Jak a giant fish as well, which Jak carefully wrapped up and placed in his bag (he'd let someone else eat it, of course), lest his hands smelled like fish. Next stop was Vin's place. Jak manage to buy Vin a book on Precursors (what little they had in Haven), and Vin started to cry in happiness. Vin in return gave Jak some of his old books on Precursors that he didn't need anymore. Jak appreciated them. Last stop for the day was Krew's bar. Upon entering, Jak and Daxter noticed Krew was missing.

"Hey, there, boys!" Sig cried over to them. He was sitting on one of the tables, drinking.
"Hey, Sig." Jak waved, "I got ya something."
"Oh, shoot, I got ya something, too." Sig smiled. Both Jak and Sig reached our and grabbed their respective gifts to each other.
"Happy Purity Day, kiddo." Sig gave his gift.
"Same to you…minus the kiddo part." Jak cleared his throat. Sig opened his gift and smiled.
"Sorry I couldn't get you what you need…I'm not sure what you like and-" Jak was cut off.
"It's great, kid." Sig smiled. It was a gun cleaning kit.
"Oh, and I got a gift for Daxter, too." Sig reached in and gave Daxter a book on ottsels, written by a famous expert on ottsels. Daxter was excited to learn more of his own species. Jak opened his gift to find a…
"Photo album?" Jak asked questionably.
"Look inside, doofus." Sig grinned happily. Jak, being like some dumb blonde, starred at Sig for a good few seconds before opening the photo album. Inside were pictures of Jak's friends and whatnot. Each photo of his friends had writings on what they think of Jak. Jak starred for a good few seconds and looked at Sig with a blank stare.
"…Sig…What is this?" Jak whispered.
"It's a photo album, Jak." Daxter came in, "It's where you put pictures in most of the time."
"……..How…" Jak started.
"I recently got word of how much you miss your hometown and your family and stuff, and due to my wonderful connections, I got your friends to help me compose this album." Sig smiled proudly to himself, "I hope you like it, I've been working on it for weeks!"
"It's great, Sig." Jak spoke softy and sincerely, "Thanks."
"Hey, where's ol' tubbsy?" Daxter asked.
"He said he got a call from someone urgent." Sig answered, "He never told me who, nor do I care."
"I see." Jak pondered, referring back to his old self.
"I would like if Krew didn't return." Sig drank from his cup, "He's got another mission lined up for me before I take the holiday off."
"You have a problem with Krew?" Jak asked.
"Does it involve his size?" Daxter added.
"No…His work lately…has been a little too dirty for my taste." Sig sighed, "I first joined Krew mainly for money to support my family way back home, then I just started to work for him full time, but now…his job…it just ain't honest no more."
"Ya think?" Daxter asked as he had terrible memories of the sewers, even though Sig meant another form of "dirty."
"Ever since you waltzed in, Jak, I've been thinking of my work with Krew…ya know, it ain't none of your problems." Sig smiled softly, "Just go on home and have a great holiday. We all need out rest."
"Sig, you can tell me, maybe I can help." Jak gestured.
"Appreciate it, but it's my business, not yours." Sig answered. Jak started to protest, but Sig cut him off, "I mean it. I don't want to talk about it, so just drop it."
"Fine. You have a good holiday." Jak shook hands with Sig before leaving. He knew better then to pry in other people's affairs. He didn't like to be too pushy.
"So…where IS that sack of blubber anyways?" Daxter asked Jak once they were outside…

Haven Palace
Month 15: Precurso, Day 7 (Winter Time)
Year: 299 TOMH (Time of the Metal Heads)

"I am glad you could make it, Krew." The deep, sinister voice of Baron Praxis spoke. Krew, sitting atop his hover vehicle was in the middle of Praxis' office room. Praxis was starring outside the giant window pane, his back turned to Krew, eyeing the snow which started to fall even heavier. Erol was behind Krew, next to the doorway.
"Well, you better make it fast, 'ey?" Krew mumbled, "I got business to do!"
"Don't talk to your superior in that manner, Krew." Praxis scoffed, "I need you for this plan I am doing."
"Oh?" Krew hovered closer as Praxis starred at Krew now.
"As you know, there have been legends about the Precursor Stone for some time." Praxis started, "And I know of the powers the stone holds. I need that stone and I plan to get it."
"If you're asking me to fetch it, you're outta your mind, 'ey! It took me a long time just to get from home to the palace, 'ey! I don't travel long distance much." Krew pointed, "Besides, the stone is just a mere legend."
"Not when you come from a family that believes in such a thing." Praxis spoke, "I have heard of your skills with weaponry and I was wondering if you could build me a device that can crack open the Precursor stone." Erol had his eyes wide open.
"For you see, the Precursor Stone can only be opened by the true descendent of Mar, something I am not." Praxis came forth, "But my little nephew, he is the true descendent of Mar."
"Then get the little brat to do it, 'ey?" Krew suggested.
"It won't be so easy." Praxis sighed, "He may only be a child less then 10 years of age, but the boy is wise beyond his years. Even forcing him to open the stone wouldn't work. He would rather die. Incase the boy doesn't get the stone open, I want you to build me a weapon that can."
"What's in it for me, 'ey?" Krew hovered a bit over Praxis, "One cannot finish a deal without making one."
"Erol." Praxis snapped his finger. Erol took out a credit card or key card of some sort, one holding billions.
"Even to satisfy you?" Praxis asked as he eyed Erol, who was playfully waving the card near Krew, the fatter one salivating on the prospect of that much currency. Krew gave a grinning nod.
"We're getting somewhere." Krew grinned, eyeing the card, "Alright, I'll build your weapon." Krew laughed that diabolical laugh. He then flew off, card in hand. Immediately after the royal doors closed after his dismal, Erol walked over to Praxis.
"Baron!" Erol gasped, walking over to Praxis, "Are you insane! Have you not heard from what your late brother told you? Opening the Precursor Stone without the descendent of Mar is suicide! The entire galaxy will cease to exist!"
"I will have absorbed its power by then!" Praxis shouted.
"A-Absorb!" Erol gasped, "How?
"The child will do it for me." Praxis spoke, "He will absorb all the power of the stone inside himself as only he can, then using technology, I will send all that energy into me…I will be an immortal being. Dare I say…a Precursor."
Erol was breathless. Praxis would do the impossible, a mortal being not connected to the Precursors become one itself?
"The world will easily fall before an immortal being, Erol." Praxis walked over to the window and starred down the city, "And I know the young man who will get me that stone…he just won't know it." Erol knew of that young man. Jak.
You rely more on Jak then you do to me…Erol thought, a jealous spark in his eye.

…………………

As the days rolled by, the holidays nearing, it left a surreal mark on Jak. Nearly all the Underground members were gone to join their families and friends for the holidays. With Tess gone, Daxter felt a rather empty gap and tried to heal it through by talking about her to Jak every chance he got. Daxter stopped a little while later after Jak creamed him with a pillow repeatedly; telling him to shut up or he'll feed him to the Metal Heads. Jak manage to give Ashelin a gift, she in return. He even gave one to Samos and Torn. While Samos found this unexpected and with no gift, Jak shrugged, saying it wasn't a big deal. Torn, however, reluctantly handed his gift to Jak, grumbling. Jak grinned to show the result of how he feels toward Torn giving him a gift.

"Don't expect anything special from this!" Torn cried.
"I won't." Jak grinned again.

He went about and manage to buy gifts for Kiera, Kor, and even Carmen's family, (Michel refuse to accept his gift, so Jak just left it underneath the Purity Day tree, knowing he would open it), whom he manage to visit their home and talk about Sandover.
"Do you really have to do this?" Daxter asked him one time.
"This might be a good chance for those ignorant bastards of Haven to finally understand the true meaning of Sandover." Jak answered.

Underground HQ
Month 15: Precurso, Day 15 (Winter Time)
Year: 299 TOMH (Time of the Metal Heads)

Concerning the gifts he would give to the child--well, that would come when his birthday party starts. And the day came indeed, one snowy morning. The only people still on the Underground were Samos, Torn, Kor, the child, about 3 Underground members, Daxter, Puar, Ani, and Jak. Not as much as you think. Because of the lack of people, breakfast was a quiet and relaxing meal. The child was more then excited as it was officially Purity Day as well as his birthday. After Jak manage to finish his meals and left the room, the child spoke with the others, including Ashelin who came over to be in the party.

"Are we going to wish Jak a "Happy Birthday?" The child asked. Nearly everyone stopped what they were doing.
"What?" Torn asked.
"It's his birthday; you do know that...right?" The kid asked.
"If I did, I probably forgot." Torn shrugged.
"I wasn't aware." Samos shrugged, "The young man tends to hide a lot of things about himself."
"Neither was I." Ashelin followed, "Maybe I forgot, too. I don't remember him even talking about his birthday."
"Why would Jak not mention his birthday?" The kid grew concerned, "This is his birthday as much as it is mine's!"
"Maybe he was being modest?" Daxter asked. The child sighed. Breakfast ended and the party decoration was about to begin. Before Ashelin could get the child out of the house to decorate the surprise, the child came with an idea.
"Ashelin, I want to plan a party for Jak…today." The kid suggested.
"T-Today?" Ashelin gasped, "Do we…even have time?"
"Ashelin, he has done so much for this city, he deserves this." The child cried, "I want this to be a surprise. Jak deserves this!" Ashelin sighed.
"We can get Daxter to invite any friends he has." The child suggested, "PLEASE, Ashelin, Jak deserves this! I want to do this for him." Ashelin sighed, and then made a smile, "Alright."
"Thank you." The child giggled, hugging his cousin.
"Kid, come on, we got to go!" Jak shouted from the doorway out.
"I'm coming!" And the he ran to Jak. As the two left, Ashelin pondered.
"Whatcha thinking about?" Daxter came in with a box of decorations.
"I'm thinking of hosting a party for two." Ashelin answered, "Daxter, does Puar have phone numbers of his friends?"
"Yea, why?" Daxter asked.
"Listen…"

…………………

Jak took the child out during this time, saying he needed to bring Kiera to see Samos anyway.
"But I do not remember Samos being from the past where you came from." The kid explained to Jak, "What if this Samos is not the same as the one who is Miss Kiera's adopted father?
"It doesn't hurt to try." Jak came, "Besides, I'm inviting Kiera over to the underground."
"Inviting…to what?" The child asked.
"…Just…for fun." Jak quickly lied; making sure the child wasn't suspicious. Once they reached the garage, Kiera gave a short hug to Jak.
"This is Kid. Kid, this is Kiera, a good friend." Jak introduced.
"Wait, your name is…Kid?" Kiera lowered herself to the child's level. Christof eyed Jak.
"It's okay, you can trust her." Jak spoke, seemingly able to read the child's mind.
"In that case, I am the rightful heir to this kingdom." The kid answered, "My real name is Prince Christof…just Christof. I doubt you will remember my entire name."
"Oh, my." Kiera gasped, "The prince of Haven, this is truly an honor!"
"We call him "kid" for better disguise, seeing as the baron wants his evil hands on him." Jak pointed to the child, "Come on, I'll take you to Samos." Kiera took a deep breath.
"I'm so nervous." Kiera shook her head, "What changes does he have?"
"You'll be surprised." Jak rolled his eyes. Kiera wore a lavender and green jacket, which looked surprisingly expensive.
"Where did you get that jacket?" Jak asked.
"Erol's Purity Day gift for me." Kiera answered, "Oh, and speaking of which, Happy Birthday, Jak."
"Happy birthday to the kid, too. It's his birthday as well." Jak placed his hands on the boy's shoulder.
"Wow, coincidence." Kiera giggled, "The same birthday as the prince."
"Wait, you got that jacket from Erol?" Jak suddenly snapped.
"Why, what's wrong with that?" Kiera asked.
"I better pray there isn't any tracking device in that thing." Jak muttered harshly.
"Jak, stop it!" Kiera snapped back, "He gave it out of friendship! Stop sounding like you're some jealous crazed boyfriend."
"Oh, rubbish! I am NOT sounding like that!" Jak scoffed, "Please, Kiera, give me a little credit then that!"
"Enough, both of you!" The kid came, "This is Purity Day, a time of pure innocence and friendship. You can discuss Erol some other time. For now, we celebrate the greatness of this holiday."
"Everything about this holiday nowadays is all commercialism." Kiera groaned.
"I'm aware of that, but the royal family values the true meaning behind it." the child spoke, then starred at Jak, "As well as a few others."

……………….

The return back to the headquarters was a rough ride as Kiera and Jak hardly talked with each other. Upon entering the doorway home, their small feelings of hatred for each other left them.

"SURPRISE!" came just about everyone, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHRISTOF AND JAK!"
"What?" Both Jak and the kid stepped back, and then the two starred at each other, "Did you do this?"
"Well, in truth, this was going to be the kid's party, but then we got word from him that it was also Jak's birthday as well." Ashelin came in with the answers, "I put two and two together and we decided on a birthday for both of you."
"You can thank us later." Daxter came in, "Let's just party!" And so they did. There were many an emotion and many a tear. Kiera and Samos had a pretty long talk and although Samos could not remember her, let alone, admit he knew her, the two seem to get along fine, although there was a sense of uncomfortable feelings between the two.
"You sure got the intelligence from my influence." Samos pointed to Kiera who laughed heartily.
Jak's friends were invited, causing a more rousing party. Daxter and an underground member were seeing how drunk they could get. Daxter won.
"Ain't nobody gonna beat you, kid!" Sig gave Daxter a hard noogy.
"You don't know me." Daxter answered in a drunk manner.

Torn wasn't all that pleased with all the people that were invited, seeing as this was a secret base. Some were excusable. Onin and Pecker were close allies and already knew. Brutter was an exception as he was fighting against the Baron. Avery and his wife were okay as well, they didn't seem to care whether there was a secret base or not, as long as the Baron was down. Stinky Pete took some time to get used to though. However, the others joining in got Torn riled up. Sig, Carmen with Mimo and Ginger (who started to like Jak after he gave them gifts out of the goodness of his heart, plus unlike Michel, he didn't treat them like dirt). In all honestly though, they all had a good time and even Torn manage to loosen up by entering the drinking contest. He lost, but it surprised everyone.

"I didn't know you had it in you." Ashelin spoke after Torn drank 5 glass.
"I think I'm going to puke." Torn mumbled. Overall, it was a decent party. One the child thought was simply the best.
"Here's to the kid, 8 years old today, and Jak, 18 and officially a man today!" Pecker rang, holding his glass of wine. Everyone cheered. As he was now officially old enough to drink, Jak had his share of wine and ended up with a slight headache from the first cup.
"You'll get used to it in time." An underground member patted his shoulder.
"If only Tess was here to see this." Daxter sighed, sitting on the floor, next to Ani.
"Honestly, don't you ever stop talking about Tess?" came a voice. Daxter gasped. He knew that voice! That cute, female voice. He heard it before, during the time when Jak was escorting the child to Vin's power station.
"What th-" Daxter slowly turned and eyed Ani, "…Ani?"
"Seriously, I think you're obsessed with her." Ani sighed, "Men…" Then she walked away. Daxter gasped. He heard Ani talk. Ani talked! No one else was listening. She talked! Does the kid know this?

Night came, the party was over, and in about a few days, it would be work as usual. Jak and the child cherished as much moments as possible.
"Thank you for the birthday party." The kid spoke to Jak. The two were outside, greeting the stars and waving good-byes to those who had to walk home.
"Well, it was more Ashelin's idea." Jak laughed sheepishly.
"It didn't matter, you were there." The kid smiled.
"Well, thanks for giving me a birthday party, too." Jak smiled, "You didn't have to."
"You deserved it, Jak, and I do not wish to hear any more protest, that's any order." The kid commanded. Jak chuckled a little.
"Purity Day is such a wonderful holiday." The kid spoke, "It's always a time for joy and happiness…it will always be filled with laughter and warm smiles. It's the same as it was 3 years ago, but I'm glad to be around the people I love."
"Keep up that hope, kid." Jak patted the child, "It's people like you who gives this dank hole a second chance." The two starred long at the many stars, then finally at the palace.
"Come on, let's go inside." Jak stood up, "I'm starting to freeze." The kid laughed and Jak lead him inside where hot cocoa was waiting for them. With such a short time to relax, it was good to sit back and make the most of it.
To Be Continued…