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.

23. Of Girls and Destinies

Jak II Chronicles
Part 3: The Future Awaits…
Chapter 23: Of Girls and Destinies…

"Ewww, get away from me!" a girl shoo-ed Daxter away. Daxter made a cheeky smile.
"Well, another rejection." Daxter proudly cried out. It's like he was proud of getting dumped by girls whenever he tried to ask them out. He walked over to Jak and Kiera who were having a small chat.

"Kiera…I always wondered…if I ever changed…would you view me any differently?"
"Jak, why do you ask?" Kiera asked.
"Just a hunch, I suppose." Jak muttered.
"Jak, no matter who you are, what you do, you're still Jak and I'll always be there for you." Kiera answered, "I'll always be your friend."
"Are you sure?" Jak stood up, "Don't make promises you can't keep."
"What makes you think I'm not honest!" Kiera scoffed.
"I'm sorry…I've been feeling…different lately."
"I don't care how different you turn, you're still Jak." Kiera said, "If I don't like it, we'll always think of someway to get through it, but I doubt it. No matter how changed you get, our friendship is tight…a promise…" Jak smiled warmly.
"Now, I gotta go home." Kiera stood up as well, "Bye!"
"See ya!" Jak and Kiera both waved. He watched her leave and saw Daxter coming. He was aware of Daxter's problems with girls.
"Daxter, why do you enjoy girls dumping you every so often? What's so prideful of that?" Jak asked.
"Well, I guess it's all a matter of irony." Daxter answered, "I get dump to help raise confidence in my abilities, my abilities to joke and use witty sarcasm to help me get through life."
"That's not a good thing; you're not being honest to yourself." Jak shook his head.
"Hey, it's how I deal with life." Daxter pointed to himself, "The only time I'll be serious is…I don't know…if something dramatic happens I suppose."
"Maybe something dramatic will…like, maybe one day, I'll do something SO stupid that you'll yell at me because of what I did and even run away." Jak stated, "That even if you did scream at me, you were being honest on your feelings…what true friends do."
"You saying I'm lying to you now?" Daxter cried out.
"No." Jak shook his head, "I meant you're not being honest yourself. If I did do something stupid, you'll be honest towards your feelings, towards who you are."
"Okay 1.) I'm confused and 2.) What makes you think I'll go all honest when you do something stupid? What makes you think I'll yell at ya?"
"If you were a true friend, we'd make sure we'd never do anything to hurt each other and ourselves." Jak softly spoke.
"That's true." Daxter nodded, "Hey, did you hear, Kiera actually started calling Samos "dad."
"Really, she never told me when we were chatting a few minutes ago?"
"Yea, apparently, ever since the incident on the stage two years ago, the two have grown tighter."
"That's wonderful. I've been noticing their affections for each other. Ahh…father and daughter."
"Yea, but my relationship with my father isn't so tight. He expects me to be some macho man. It's a reason why I get along with my mom better, but they're cool all the same."
"I wish I knew what it's like to have parents, adopted or biological." Jak stared at the clouds, "You think that's where my parents are?"
"The sky?" Daxter, too stared.
"The place where we go when we die." Jak answered, "I would imagine so. I always thought they were good parents."
"I'm not surprised…most kids who has no parents think that way." Daxter shrugged, "Hey, the Spring Festival is coming in a few months; you have anybody you going to ask out?"
"Kiera and I agree to go together."
"Ooooh, I get it…"
"No, Daxter, we're going as friends."
"Yea, right! This was Kiera's idea to ask you to go with her, right?"
"Ummm…yea."
"She has a thing for you, Jak."
"No, she doesn't. We're just friends."
"Suuuuuuuuuure."
"Daxter, cut it out."
"You're blushing."
"N-no, I'm not!"
"Now you're stuttering."
"Well, you're embarrassing me, that's why." Daxter laughed. Jak started to cover his face.
"Jak, a hot girl is gunning for you, take advantage of that."
"But I like Kiera as a friend. Granted, I admit I had a crush on her before."
"Crush!" Daxter sat down on a rock, "I remember a certain 10 year old boy who was curious about kisses and Kiera happily volunteer to give you a small one…and you liked it."
"I…I…" As much as Jak wanted to raise his defense, all those experiences from debate class went bunk when it came to the subject of love.
"I've seen you two date before and kiss before." Daxter crossed his arms, "Don't tell me it was just nothing!"
"Okay…I admit she's really nice and pretty…and smart." Jak sighed, "And I admit, when it comes to Kiera, our relationship has been on and off, but it's never been too serious that I consider her my girlfriend, Daxter."
"Really? Everyone in school thinks you two will marry!" Daxter laughed.
"WHAT? They do?" Jak's entire face grew red, "Oh, man…" Daxter laughed again.
"So just admit your undying love for her, Jak." Daxter smiled.
"But I don't know if I do love her." Jak sighed, "I've never really given romance and love a serious thought in my head."
"Well, it's the ball, a romantic thing…maybe she'll tell you." Daxter came to, "Then you'll know."
"I'm really uncomfortable talking about this, can we stop this?"
"Fine…baby."

The two walked home.

………………

The same day, Jak told me of all this and I merely said that love is complicated and that he's on his own. Oh, the boy is growing up. I talked with Samos over this when he came for tea.

"Oh, Kiera is having pretty much the same experience." Samos spoke, "Problem is, I think she really is in love with Jak."
"That will cause a problem since Jak doesn't know." I replied.
"She can't fall in love with Jak." Samos came, "Kiera belongs in Sandover…Jak doesn't…"
"Samos." I whispered.
"I have to return to the future; too…I must ask you a favor before I do go." Samos placed his cup down.
"What is it?"
"I want you to take care of Kiera…I have to say…I've…I've grown attach to her."
"And you accuse me of growing attach to Jak?"
"Yes, but I know I have to let go of Kiera, you, however, refuse to let go of Jak." Samos stood up, "Both Jak and I must leave. The boy is strong now, both physically and mentally and while he daydreams more then listen to me, Jak is ready to return to his rightful place."

I remained silent.

"I will miss Kiera and I wish I hadn't adopted her, but it can't be helped. Jak must leave her. He must leave this village." Samos spoke, "Jak must fulfill his destiny. He does not belong in a small village…you know who he truly is. The responsibilities he must uphold, the people he must help."
"What if Jak chooses not to be any of these? What then?"
"Then may Precursors have mercy on their souls."

Again, I was silent.

"The Kingdom of Haven calls for him."
"Shouldn't we tell Jak?" I asked.
"If we do tell him, he'll be devastated. We made him strong physically and mentally, but emotionally, the boy still needs work."
"Then why send him away when we can't balance his emotions yet?"
"I cannot keep him here any longer, he's grown too attach to this place…I can't afford him staying any longer.
"One day, Jak will be angry at what you did!" I cried, "He'll yell at you one day on what you have done to him!"
"So be it."

……………………

Mar Memorial Stadium
Month 3: Marcina, Day 2 (Spring Time)
Year: 299 TOMH (Time of the Metal Heads)

"Time?"
"Wow…5 minutes and 38 seconds, not bad!" Kiera eyed her stopwatch, "But we need to get it under three minutes."
"Oh, geez." Jak sighed. The snow had all thawed out and warmer temperature took place. The big annual race held every spring was coming up in about a week's time and Jak spent most of it training. During this point, racers around Mar's Memorial Stadium were plenty. They wanted to prove their chances in a race and ultimately beat the champion, Erol.
"Erol's won the past five races!" Daxter gasped, "Not to mention some of the smaller celebrated races. He's also in the Haven's Kingdom Record bookfor fastest racer in Haven's annual race for racing for 3 minutes and 45 seconds! ALL three laps, we're talking." Ani was reading over his shoulder. Jak has been in multiple small races during his free time and it was quite known to other racers that he might be the one to ultimately beat Erol. Jak showed the most promise.
"How can one race so fast?" Jak asked, "Does his engine have some speed modifier?"
"Erol would never cheat on a race, Jak." Kiera had her arms crossed, "He's passionate about racing. Not to mention I've checked his vehicle so many times, I practically memorized the entire thing, engine to engine."
"I think you've been around Erol for too long." Jak sighed.
"Hey, don't tell me who I should be with." Kiera scoffed.
"Okay, break it up, you two." Daxter came in between.

"Am I interrupting anything?" A voice came out of nowhere. The heroes turned around to face Erol.
"Oh, hello, Erol." Kiera spoke, "Came to pick up your zoomer? Just give me another day, I need to do some extra work on the engine, then you can have it back." Erol came close and with his eyes half closed and half smiling, gave Kiera some flowers.
"Spring is approaching and the flowers are growing." Erol spoke softly.
"Oh, that's so sweet, Erol." Kiera smiled, taking the flowers, "I'll be right back." Because her home was on top of her workshop, she headed upstairs to place them in a random vase. After she left, Erol's sweet face turned venomous.

"Well, if it isn't the Dark Eco freak!"
"Erol." Jak was less them sympathetic in his tone of voice towards him as well.
"Well…I'm sure you already know you're the talk of the town, Jak! You give the people hope... how
pathetic. I would have enjoyed killing you in prison, but now, it'll be so much more fun to take you on the track, in front of the entire city. I can hear the roar of the crowd now... as everyone sees their hope die…"
"Oooh, bravo, let me have that in writing." Jak clapped his hands, "I'll be sure to frame it and hang it on my wall."

"Uhh…hello?" Jak and Erol turned to see two figures: Ashelin and Old Samos.
"Am I missing anything?" Samos asked, "Jak, you promise to take me to Kiera."
"Samos?" Erol gasped, "Since when did you get THAT old?"
"OKAY! OKAY! I'M OLD! I GET IT! EVERYONE STOP TALKING ABOUT IT!" Samos cried, having had to deal with this from the Underground members for weeks on end. Erol stared at Jak who shrugged.
"Okay, I'm back and…DADDY!" Kiera gasped.
"KIERA!" Old Samos cried. The two were in loving embrace as they both shed a tear.
"Oh, daddy, it's you! It's you!" Kiera cried, "I thought I'd never see you again! It's good to have you back daddy."
"Yes, it's nice to be free again." Erol seemingly ignored all this and paid attention to Jak.
"You know, Keira LOVES a winner. Someday she'll be MY mechanic."
"Stay away from her!" Jak warned.
"Heee, hee, haa, haaa!" Erol started to walk away, then he eyed Ashelin with disgust, "…I hope you enjoy your moment in the Baron's spotlight…" He left. Kiera notice him walk off and sighed with a smile.

"Today's definitely a good day for me: my daddy returning, friends…and Erol…Ah, Erol's the best racer I've ever seen."
"He's not what you think." Jak tried to convince her for the millionth time.
"And you're a good judge of character! HA!" Kiera rolled her eyes, "Look at you! People say you get angry and... change. Besides, the Jak I knew wouldn't be working for a guy like Krew."
"I need Krew's connections to fight the Baron!" Jak defended himself, "Why do you have to gang up on me just because I changed?"
"Okay, kids, that's enough!" Old Samos stepped in.
"Hmm, okay, I've been silent here for a long time." Ashelin stepped in. Jak noticed Ashelin and sighed.
"Hey." Jak waved.
"Hey yourself, I watched you race today. You were pretty amazing out there." Ashelin smiled.
"Oh, thanks... ah, Keira, ah this is Ashelin. She's just…" Jak started to introduce.
"Everyone knows who she is." Kiera crossed her arms, "It's not like I'm not well informed!"
"And Keira's a…" Jak ignored her and continued.
"A friend. A very good friend." Kiera still had he arms crossed, face glared.
"You sure don't sound like it." Jak mumbled.
"You complain I'm sarcastic, look at you!" Kiera cried out.
"What ever happen to being friends no matter how much I changed?" Jak burst, seemingly out of nowhere.
"What?" Kiera gasped.
"You forgot it, didn't you?" Jak shouted, "Some friend you are!"
"How can I remember EVERYTHING we speak of?" Kiera cried, "You expect me to remember the last time we chat?"
"ARGH! BLOODY HELL! You know what? FINE! JUST FINE! YOU do things your way, and I'll do things MY way. Just don't come crying to me when the walls fall down." Jak groaned in frustration and walked off.
"Uh…Jak…JAK!" Daxter cried. Ani whined a little. Ashelin lowered herself down and petted the little dog who no longer seem to growl at every person except for Jak and the Kid.

"He's so difficult!" Kiera groaned.
"Was he like this in Sandover?" Ashelin asked.
"Wait, how did you know we're from-" Daxter started.
"Torn told me…he wasn't going to, but the fact that everyone in the Underground couldn't hide two Samoses very well, it was only naturally I demand to know what was going on…so…from the past, eh?"
"300 or so years ago." Kiera sighed as she sat on a steel stool, "Back then, Jak was a kind, gentle boy. What the heck happen?"
"What are you talking about?" Ashelin asked, "Sure, the kid has a bit of an attitude problem here and there, but he seems like a nice guy to me."
"You don't know him as well as I do." Kiera mumbled.
"So, Erol seem to know Samos, what's up with that?" Daxter asked.
"I admit, I'm from the future." Old Samos spoke, "I came to the past for a reason that I cannot explain just yet. I used to work for the royal family. In fact, I was Ashelin and Erol's mentor as well as the kid."
"Interesting." Daxter nodded.
"You're from the future?" Kiera gasped.
"Yes…I'm sorry I never told you…I didn't think you'd believe me back in Sandover."
"And apparently, his older self has a daughter." Ashelin eyed her.
"I was adopted." Kiera made a note.
"I see." Ashelin nodded, "I'm sorry if you feel threatened by me."
"Well, I'm not…it's just…so much is going on in my head…good and bad." Kiera admitted, "Now I just found out my father is really from the future…I don't know what to make out of all this."
"Kiera…you didn't have to come to the future. In fact, I've told you the day before we left to stay home. Sandover was your home…it always will be."
"I know…but I couldn't leave my friends and you behind. My home is where my friends…and family are." Kiera spoke, then she shook her head, "…This is all too much, but I know I can handle this. I'm just upset over Jak's change. Perhaps I just need to accept it."
"Jak's not as bad as you think, Kiera." Daxter popped in, "Angry here and there, but he's actually gotten better and considering what he's been through, that's saying something."
"Yea…I know." Kiera softly spoke, then she eyed Ashelin, "So, why are you here, don't you have Krimzon Guards to order around?"
"I…needed to get away from my father." Ashelin sat down.
"The baron…" Daxter muttered.
"He has the kid and I'm just…powerless to stop him." Ashelin spoke, "I'd free the child, but he's been eyeing me like a hawk…I can't even stay here long or he'll send in my own guards to take me back…my own guards."
"This is upsetting." Kiera sighed, "Haven City is a depressing city."
"It wasn't always like this." Ashelin sighed.
"I guess we all have a lot to talk off." Kiera stated.
"Well, you guys can keep talking, I better find Jak." Daxter leaped off the table he was on, "I'll be seeing you ladies…and old stump later." Ani barked and followed.

They watched the trio leave before sitting down and chatting.

"So…Ashelin…Erol's brother…he talk about you a lot…although, not in a optimistic way…you don't sound as bad as he put it." Kiera placed a hand on her back.
"My brother and I have had a strained relationship as the years passed by…it's a sad story." Ashelin sighed.
"I have all day."

…………………

"How could she forget?" Jak muttered, "She promised…but she forgot. She's been too busy with Erol and insulting me." Jak was sitting on the edge of a giant water fountain which held a statue of Mar in the middle. Silence as he watched numerous people walk off. Jak then stared at his own reflection in the water.
"…..But I did change…I can't blame her, I don't expect her to remember!" Jak sighed, "These things happen! I forget lots of things, too! And I did change dramatically…she has every right to be angry…I've been on the wrong side of the law." Jak groaned, "I'm so frustrated and confused…and I'm talking to myself…AGAIN! This is perfect." Jak buried his head on the fountain walls as half his body was lying down, the bottom half still sitting on the fountain.
"JAK!" Jak stood up to see Daxter and Ani running towards him. Jak eyed them, but didn't answer back.
"Sheesh!" Daxter leaped to the fountain edge, "How long are you two going to keep fighting?"
"Until she realizes what I've been through." Jak muttered.
"Well, have you ever thought of how she's been through?" Daxter asked, "I mean, I know she's safer then you, living a more honest life then you do, but she's been alone for a long time."
"She has Erol!" Jak crossed his arms, mocking Erol's name in a sarcastic manner.
"She doesn't have her old friends…she hasn't met me, you, and her pops in years." Daxter continued, "I know you haven't met us in two years either, alone as well. Kiera must feel the same way." Jak still had his arms crossed, "It's just…so…frustrating!"
"I think it's frustrating for her, too." Daxter commented. Jak sighed.
"...Perhaps." Jak muttered, "Okay, I'll go talk with her again."
"That's the spirit!" Daxter leaped, "Now let's go back to her!"

"You have a phone call." The COMP spoke. Jak and the others saw it was Old Samos.

"Goodness, I just got a call from my younger self and I remember why I came to the garage…well, other then to see Kiera." Old Samos spoke.
"What is it?" Jak asked.
"I want you boys to go to Sandover and inside my hut." Old Samos commanded, "In there is the Life Seed, I want you to take it and bring it to my older half who's in Haven Forest, underneath the Giant Haven Tree."
"Life seed…now?" Jak asked.
"YES, NOW!" Old Samos cried, "NOW MOVE IT!" And the phone was shut off.
"I'm beginning to have doubts of having old Samos back." Daxter mumbled.
"Come on, let's get this over with." Jak gestured.

…………………

The climb to Samos' hut proved difficult as there were no longer wooden bridges and ramps to simply walk across. Everything was climbing and precise jumping. It got even more frustrating when they searched everywhere in Samos' hut for the Life Seed.

"I spent many a day cleaning up this place for old greenie." Daxter sighed.
"How hard can it be to find one seed?" Ani asked Daxter.
"Huh…oh, well, it's a seed, so I assume it'll be small…and considering Samos' hut was the largest out of all Sandover village huts, this search is like finding a needle in a haystack." Daxter answered, "Hey, you have a good nose, sniff the seed out."
"I can't sniff something I've never smelled before, Daxter!" Ani spoke.
"Hey, it's a seed, it's nature, it should smell like a tree, you know what trees smells like, I'm sure you peed in a few as well." Daxter cried out.
"Hardy Har Har." Ani mumbled.
"Any luck?" Jak asked.
"No." Daxter shook his head, "Why couldn't it have been something bigger like a…Life Umbrella or Life Yakow Meat or Life…uhh…Life trophy or maybe a life…"
As Daxter dragged on and on, Jak eyed a glowing pyrefly…another one. Daxter, and Ani had their backs turned to Jak, so they didn't notice the little pyrefly of pure white floating around Jak's head. It moved around and up in another part of the room Jak failed to notice as a huge batch of wooden planks were blocking the door. Jak immediately tear them apart and when inside the almost dark room. Almost dark—almost--because something in the middle was glowing green.
"Jak?" Daxter gasped. He followed behind as well as the others. Upon seeing the glowing middle, Daxter shrieked.
"AHH!" Daxter crawled inside Jak's bag, "WHAT IS THAT?" Jak came close and touched the green glow.
"The Life Seed." Jak whispered. He went out of the room and got a good look, a skinny corn-shaped seed, and glowing neon green. It was beautiful and felt warm on Jak's hands. The small pyrefly flew pass Jak and disappeared by passing through a wall.
"Whoa…" Daxter gasped.
"I know…" Jak whispered, "I felt familiar around that pyrefly…any who, we better call Samos." And Jak started to dial the number on the COMP.
"Hello, oh, Jak did you get it?" Old Samos asked. Jak showed the Life Seed before the holographic image of Old Samos.
"Good work, Jak! And... Daxter, I suppose." Old Samos spoke with Daxter in a less then happy mood, "Before we came through the rift long ago, I was nurturing that Life Seed from the Great Tree. It seems the Metal Heads are attracted to its power. Take the seed to Onin now. She will prepare it for Samos."
"You mean you?" Daxter asked.
"No, the other me, Daxter? My younger self needs the seed's power to become... Sagely." Old Samos admitted.
"So... let me get this straight. It's fair to say that by bringing your younger self the life seed now, we helped you become the sage you are today?" Daxter cried out.
"Quite a revelation." Jak mumbled.
"We helped you get your powers in the first place. And you never thanked us!" Daxter raised his voice.
"Thank you Daxter... now go do it!" Old Samos cried, Puar getting close when his annoyance level reached the top again. Jak took a deep sigh and went over to Onin's hut. It wasn't the first time he traveled to different places in one day. Jak liked seeing many places, but he wanted to see more then Haven City and the surrounding areas. Maybe someday he will.

…………………

Inside Onin's hut was an angry Pecker.
"Onin says what took you so long! We had to skip lunch waiting for you two!" Pecker practically shoved his face towards Jak who arched back a bit as a result, "Okay... okay... She really says "Thank you for saving the Life Seed". But I wouldn't say that if I were her!" Jak sighed again and gave the seed to Onin which floated gently near her. She started to use her magic to prepare the seed. The heroes watched.
"Mmmmmm... bird seed…" Pecker was in a slight trance.
"Back off, feather weight!" Daxter cried.
"Listen tiny tail, I was leading my hundredth flock south before you had fur one between your legs! Not that your fur means anything!" Pecker screeched.
"At least I'm not some stuffed, over yappin', feather dusty mouthpiece for the world's oldest professional!" Daxter countered. Jak groaned. Ani tried barking to settle the two.
"Jak says, 'have a nice day.' Jak says, 'I can't think on my own.' Jak says 'Go bite yourself!" Jak felt slightly offended on what he was doing.
"That's it, rat boy! Now you've really pissed me off!" Pecker pointed. The two now made martial arts move to knock each other out. Ani barked harsher, but nothing.
"Hiyaaaaoooowww!"
"Knock it off, both of you!" Jak shouted.
"You're lucky I'm famished!" Pecker muttered. Jak eyed Onin again.
"Honestly, you two are some of the most immature beings when together!" Ani whispered so Jak wouldn't hear, "I'd swear I think you two need the leash, not me!"
"WHOA!" Pecker cried.
"Shh, Pecker, Onin's trying to concentrate." Jak muttered, obviously ignoring the animals argue.
"You can talk…you're a girl?" Pecker whispered loudly.
"Yes." Ani sighed, "I just don't talk in front of precursians for safety reasons…so, don't blabbermouth it."
"This puts a whole new look on life." Pecker scratched his head.
"Hey, I said that when she talked to me...sorta." Daxter glared at the Monkaw, Pecker doubling the glare by adding his own.
"Knock it off!" Ani ordered, in loud whispers.
"Sorry, babe…I humbly apologize." Pecker spoke like a gentleman, "I shouldn't have acted this way, please forgive me." Pecker made a dashing smile as he took a feathered wing and held one of Ani's front paws, kissing it. Daxter stared at Pecker in disgust. Automatically, he was trying to flirt with her…or he was trying to manipulate her to take his side against Daxter. Pecker noticed Onin though, so the answer would have to come later.
"Onin says take the energized Life Seed to young Samos in Haven Forest. It will give Samos the power he needs to finally see the forest from the trees! Go. Quickly!" Pecker gestured, "Oh…and my dear Ani…if you ever want a free paw reading…I'll be sure to give you one."
"Uhh...thanks." Ani sheepishly chucked before leaving to catch up with the others.
Onin made a gesture to Pecker.
"Oh, I am not flirting with her!" Pecker cried out, "I am NOT a womanizer…the last girl I dated was about 50 years ago, geez!"

Haven Forest
Month 3: Marcina, Day 2 (Spring Time)
Year: 299 TOMH (Time of the Metal Heads)

The Giant Haven Tree was the biggest tree in Haven city. Mar was said to name this tree when he first saw it, saying the tree was special and gave out raw energy and magic to nature. There, the heroes found young Samos relaxing, enjoying the nature.

"Samos!" Jak waved.
"Oh, hello, Jak!" Young Samos waved back. The heroes ran towards him, "Ahh, what a lovely day, eh?"
"Yea…well…umm…Samos told me to... I mean... you told me to... or... well... I mean your older version... ah... Whatever." Jak shook his head, "We heard you needed the Life Seed." Jak threw the seed which merely and gently "flew" to Young Samos.
"Yes. Its power will help me speak to the plants." Young Samos held the seed and sat back down near the giant tree, "I must ask the plants vital questions about our future."
"What kind of future?" Jak asked.
"….Many things." Young Samos spoke, "Right now, it's only the current events I'm worried about." Young Samos spread his arms out, closed his eyes, and with the seed floating inches above him, he, too floated a bit above ground. Green light surrounded him. Jak, Daxter, and Ani watched in amazement and some bit of confusion.

The vision Young Samos had was quiet…gentle…soft…like an infant being cradled by his or her mother, then suddenly, images pop out of nowhere! It moved in lightening speed motion! Images moved forward in his head like someone surfing the channel in super fast forward motion. Some he could make out, some he couldn't. Some images stopped and slowed down for Young Samos to see, others passed by him in a brisk. All the while, he kept hearing voices in his head…voices telling him of certain impending doom and destruction. Young Samos had his eyes tightly shut, sweat pouring down his green skin, all before he gasped and fell down.

"SAMOS!" Jak gasped as he ran to help the old man onto his feet, "Are you okay, what happen?"
"………..The Life Seed gave me a terrible vision! The Baron is planning to destroy the Precursor Stone! He aims to crack it open somehow!" Young Samos gasped, "If he does this, the energy released will be beyond comprehension! It will destroy the world and more... ending all life!"
"WHAT?" Daxter shrieked while Ani left out a gasp, "I DON'T WANT THE WORLD TO END! I STILL HAVE TO USE THOSE PIZZA COUPONS!"
"No." Jak whispered in shock, his eyes wide and concerned.
"The plants are crying out for protection! You must stop the Baron, Jak! Stop him, however you can!"
"Samos…take it easy…relax." Jak gestured, and then placed a hand on the old man's arm, "I'll take care of all this…no body's going to die."
"Well, you can't be sure of that, Jak." Daxter said, "I mean, technically, a person could be dying now and--"
"Nobody's going to die." Jak sternly spoke, though his voice still was shaken.

Mar Memorial Stadium
Month 3: Marcina, Day 9 (Spring Time)
Year: 299 TOMH (Time of the Metal Heads)

Winning the race seemed the only way Jak could enter the palace. Jak, Daxter, Ani, and Samos were all gathered around Kiera's workshop where they were preparing Jak for the race and waiting for Kiera who said she had something important to reveal.

"Oh, Kiera, you said you wanted to show us something?" Old Samos asked.
" Oh, yea…here, I'll show you guys what I'm working on, if you promise not to laugh." Kiera spoke.
"Ooooo, I love surprises! And I love to laugh! Show me! Show me!" Daxter leaped up and down like a kid in a candy store. Kiera rolled her eyes and finally opened the green curtain she always kept closed.
"Ta-Da! I've been building a replica of our crashed Rift Rider machine from old artifacts." Kiera showed the heroes, "We can use it to get back home!"
"That's my girl!"
"But I'm still missing two pieces." Kiera pointed out.
"Figures…" Old Samos lowered his head. Kiera walked over to the artifacts of old posted on the wall nearby the Rift Rider.
"Vin says I need an artifact called the 'Time Map' and an old energy gem history books call the 'Heart of Mar'. And I've looked in every book on Precursor history I can find, but the Rift Ring seems to have vanished!" Kiera spoke.
"You know Vin?" Jak gasped.
"Everyone knows who he is, Jak." Kiera rolled her eyes again.
"I can't believe you did all this!" Jak gasped, "…You did all this? I mean... that's useful.
"Oh, will you two stop moping around and make up already!" Daxter shouted.
"Oh, I've seen the Heart of Mar! Krew has it! We'll get those two artifacts, Kiera." Before anything further could be said, the computer voice of a female droned on.
"Attention all drivers. The Class One Championship race is about to begin!"
"Well, here goes. The race of my life!" Jak smiled weakly, nervous.
"All your friends will be watching you from the audience, Jak." Old Samos pointed out.
"The Underground, too?" Old Samos nodded.
"Isn't that risky?" Jak asked.
"Jak…you've given people hope…they believe it." Old Samos smiled warmly. Jak nodded and started to make his way out.
"Hey, Jak..." Kiera started, making him stop, "I just wanted you to know…"
"Yea?" Jak eagerly waited.
"Well, you're the best racer I've ever seen." Kiers softly spoke, "…I didn't mean it on Erol…he's good, but not as good as you."
"Really?" Jak smiled.
"Yea." Kiera nodded, "I believe in you."
"That goes double for me! And you better keep yourself alive or I will never speak to you again! Obviously." Daxter crossed his arms. Jak smiled and felt his face blush.
"I'll do the best I can…I'll win." Jak smiled, "Thank you… (then he eyed Kiera)…Thank you…and sorry." Kiera giggled.
"Leave 'em in the dust, Jak!" Kiera cried out triumphantly.

……………

Jak went over to the stadium where crowds of people literally filled the entire seats. Signs of "GO EROL!", "I HEART EROL, MARRY ME!" as well as "BANNON! BANNON!" were everywhere.
"How embarrassing." Jak muttered at the signs directed towards him of rapid fangirls wanting his affection.

"JAK, BLOW THEM OUT AWAY!" Jak turned to see Daxter yelling from the sideline. There, also watching were Old Samos, Kiera, some of the Underground members, including Tess (who Daxter came close to), Ani, and even Torn, who, unsurprisingly wasn't cheering, just watching. Several COMPS were around the Underground for Vin, Onin, and Pecker to watch from their respective home. Sig seem to be noticeably missing. Others Jak knew watched from either the stadium or in their home.
Jak rode the racing zoomer Kiera made for him. Jak got to his starting line. Someone he knew came next to him. Jak gasped…it was Erol.

"I want more than just to win, eco freak... I want you!" Erol hissed.
"Sorry, I don't date men…and most certainly not you!" Jak joked. The two didn't get much far on insults as a giant platform came floating down, housing Praxis and two Krimzon Guards.
"Greetings, racers! Today your nerve and skill will be tested for our amusement. If any of you by some small chance beat our grand champion Erol, then you will be rewarded a month's supply of eco!" Barrels of Dark Eco came out on a platform on its own. Flying giant COMPS that served as cameras that broadcasted this race all over Haven City hovered near Praxis. Praxis then spoke in a lower tone, "…And a short tour of my palace to see how the other half live. Good luck, and die bravely!" Jak and Erol glared at each other, not very far from trying to bite their heads off.
"Ready…Get SET…."
To Be Continued…