Crossfire: Chapter 8

By: EcoJak

Author Note: I might not have a lot of time today, but I'll try my best. Going over the review from last time...

Lioness of Darkness: No...I'm not a member, sorry. I wish I was, but it costs money and I don't think my parents would like that very much, now would they? (That guy DOES look wierd! I thought that too.)And all Daxter needs is a pair of black boots to rival Crash! (Blue pants, finger gloves, orange fur; you do the math.) I love lions too! Especially lionesses! They're so cute and fuzzy! Next, I had to get revenge on Ashlein somehow; she took Jak away from Keira! The nerve of her! Finally, go ahead and use my idea! That's the whole point! (I usually draw Dark Jak as a lion, he looks so cute with the little black eyes and white fur. And with my "Disney style" of drawing, he looks even better!)

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

The next morning, the sun rose steadily over Haven City. The golden light refracted against the small windows of the stadium, as Jak laid on the couch by the warm fire. He laid on top of Keira's lap, who was preoccupied combing his damp fur. A long strand of gauze was wrapped around his head injury eariler to keep the blood from leaking out.

The lion groaned a bit when the comb got snagged on a knot of fur.

"Sorry, Jak." Keira attempted to pull the knot out, but wasn't successful. "Damn.."

"I got it." Jak whispered.

The lion lifted a paw to help, but still had no strength, so it dropped down again. Keira placed a hand on the cat's big paw.

"Jak...just rest."

The lion growled a bit as its face tensed a bit.

"What's wrong?"

Jak fell to the ground, growling even louder.

"Jak?"

Keira could definately see there was a problem; the lion's fur was turning white, its claws grew longer, and its mane turned white with gray highlights. By the time his eyes finally opened, they became as black as midnight. Keira heard rumours about Jak changing into this creature, but she never expirenced it with her own eyes.

DarkJak gave another low growland inched towards the young woman.Her breathing became shallow and quick as she backed away slowly.Each step she movedback, however, the demon-lion moved forward. It wasn't going to stop until she was dead.

Keira hesitantly reached for a near-by curtain rod to fend off the beast with. She didn't want to hurt him, but just in case he got too close.

"I know you don't want to hurt me, Jak." Keira said to the lion, quietly. "And I don't want to hurt you."

Dark Jak's only response was a long, loud roar.

"But, I might not have a choice." With that, the woman raised the rod over the lion's head.

Suddenly, Dark Jak's black eyes turned from and expression of anger...to fear. He backed away carefully as Keira released her grip on the plastic.She went over to the large cat and scratched the back of his long ear. After about fifteen minutes, Jak changed back, then fell asleep once again on her lap.

Keira carried the large cat back to the couch and tucked him in. Jak snored as he shuffled around a bit. Keira leant in, kissed him on the cheek, then walked out. She still wondered what triggered that sudden transformation, though...

Back at the Naughty Ottsel, Chicken Ashlein also slept peacefully on the bar counter. Suddenly, adark shadow loomed over the sleeping bird. Ashlein woke a bit to see a huge Metal Head glaring back at her.

Ashlein squacked, then tried to fly off. (A.N. Chickens can't fly, dumbass!) The M.H. grabbed her, and shoved her into a tiny cage. The chicken kicked and pecked to try to escape, but it was no use.

"Let me go!" Ashlein squacked.

The Metal Head just snorted. "No. I need to...'borrow' you for a little while."

"For what?"

"You are going to help me with something." The Metal Head replied. "I won't kill you...yet."

The lizard picked up the cage harshly, and took off before anyone noticed.

"They are coming to kill you."

"Who-who are you?"

"And they will...in time."

"What are you talking about?"

"Trust no-one...walk your own path.."

"O...k?"

"Value strength above all.."

"I think you're a little confused."

"They will kill you...just as before.."

"Who the hell are you talking about?"

"You know."

"No, I don't!"

"A dark force is approaching...be prepared.."

"For what?"

"The beginning of the end.."

"Hah?"

"Remember my voice...I will guide you.."

"I'm still confused."

"Rise, young warrior...and fufill your destiny.."

WhenJak woke up, it was night-time. The room was errily quiet; mostly because there was no-one around. Still feeling tired, Jak brought himself into a sitting position on the couch, and yawned.

"Man, what a wierd dream." Jak yawned. "Almost like someone was trying to tell me something.."

A few minutes later, Jak got down from the couch and looked out the window. It was still nighttime, but the street lights lit the crowded streets of Haven. F.L. guards and random people occupied the empty streets, going about their own business.

The lion plopped back down on the couch and began to dose off slightly. But, he felt like he wasn't alone...like someone was here with him. Just to make sure, the lion scanned the room carefully.

Nothing.

Jak rubbed his head in confusion. He could of sworn someone was just here.

"Just a dream, Jak." The lion tried to convince himself. "There's no-one here."

"Are you so sure?"

The cat looked around frantically for the source of the deep voice.

"I am always here..."

It seemed to be coming from every direction.

"With you."

Jak looked up, and was face to face with his darker half.

"You!"

"You sound surprised."

"What are you doing here?"

"Don't you mean 'we'?"

Jak looked behind him, and saw Light Jak leaning against the wall.

"We came to warn you, child."

"Warn me about what?"

Dark Jak leaned in closer to the lion's face.

"The planet is at stake."

It was L.J.'s turn to speak. "The remaining Dark Makers on this planet are multiplying."

"And it's only a matter of time before they take over the world."

"We destroyed the ship!"

"It does not matter. You are the only one who has the power to destroy them."

"Why me?"

"You have proven time and time again your ability to channel eco. You are the only one who can stop them."

"The Dark Makers also made an alliance with the Metal Heads. They are working together to undo this world."

"Then, what should I do?"

"Warn the others...they have a right to know."

With that, both the eco demon and angel dissapeared, leaving a stunned Jak behind.

"Great. I have to save the world again." The lion sighed, then smiled. "What else is new?"