The next couple of days Jak and Melina had been training harder, the obstacles becoming almost nearly impossible. Jak had gotten his second battle amulet while Daxter had almost been swallowed by a Leaper Lizard.

"And to think…the Desert Screamer wasn't ours…so we basically stole it..." Melina said under her breath. Melina stood up, stretching and walked towards Jak and Daxter's hut, only to see that no one was there. Melina checked the car lot and asked Kleiver, but only got no response. She then went off; pondering to herself before she got the idea that he may be in Damas' quarters. Melina made her way across Spargus, about ready to open the door before she was dragged off. Melina looked up, surprised that it was Jak who was dragging her off.

"There are some Wastelanders lost in the desert. We've gotta go get 'em. You Comin'?" Jak said, still pulling Melina across the desert by her neck collar. She pouted, crossing her arms. She looked up and grinned, "Was that a trick question?"

Jak chuckled slightly under his breath as they made their way over to the hangar. Both Melina and Jak hopped into the Dune hopper and started the engine. Melina held on as they jetted towards the door, and burst off into the fiery desert. Along the way, Melina almost fell out, Jak catching her arm almost involuntary as if he were used to it. Melina lowered her goggles as they pulled up next to a Wastelander. Melina scooted in, towards the middle of the driver and passenger seats. The wastelander got in; Jak driving him to his post spot. Jak found it then a couple of Marauders came in, shooting at the vehicle. Melina drew out her gun; pointing at the Marauder and shooting it in the chest, killing it in one shot. Both Jak and Melina grinned; Melina putting on a smug look, Jak giving his dangerous smirk. Melina heard some beeping and looked down at the radar, then pointed in the direction of the next Wastelander.

Melina stared at Jak for sometime until Jak noticed her and looked back. Melina looked away, blushing hard and turning as red as the blood that flowed violently through her veins. Jak took a turn, skidding to a stop in front of Wastelander. Melina again, scooted over allowing the next Wastelander to be seated. Melina coughed viciously, gagging almost trying to rid her throat of the sand and dust that swirled around in the air. The Wastelander padded her on the back, and Melina turned and nodded her thanks in return. Both Melina and Jak took the remaining Wastelanders to their post until they came across a dead Wastelander. Nothing was around, except for the Dark Eco Crystal that stood up out of the ground. Jak picked it up, placing it in his carrying pouch and headed back to the Dune Hopper.

Jak looked at Melina and tried to hand her the crystal. She scooted away in response, holding her hands up and nodding her head, "Whoa! Not in the car Jak! Remember?"

"Oh yeah…" he replied, pulling the crystal back and placing it in between the seats. Jak turned the Dune Hopper around, heading back to Spargus. After an hour or so, Jak spoke up:

"Do you want to practice with the Dark Eco?"

"Sure…" Melina said, looking down and rubbing her wrists. Jak looked down too, biting the side of his lip.

"Sorry."

"Oh, you're fine" Melina lied. They finally reached the gates after a while; Melina jumping out as soon as the car's engine turned off. Jak got out, pushing his goggles up on top of his head and then turned to Melina. She looked at him, catching the gem as it flew through the air. Eco pulsed through Melina's veins as she stared at Jak when she automatically lunged for him. Jak moved out of the way, chopping her back and sending her flying onto the ground.

"Come on! I know you're there!" he yelled, his voice tense. Jak stepped backwards until Melina tripped him with her leg. When Jak was trying to get up, Melina fell over, plunging her elbow into his stomach. Jak coughed once, grabbing Melina's arm and pushing it behind her back. She struggled, trying to get out of his grip. Then, Melina swung her arm around, digging her claws once again, into his stomach. Jak stumbled backwards, and before they knew it, Jak was too, taken over by Dark Eco. Melina watched, only to see that Dark Jak had turned his back, and was holding his wound. Melina quickly changed back to normal, inching closer and closer towards him.

"Uh…Jak? Jak? Are you okay?" she said, nearing even closer. Jak's breathing increased, his voice hollow and wispy, as if he were the devil himself. Rain soon began to fall, the drops wiping some of the blood away. Jak began to growl in pain, Melina still walking closer. Finally, she grabbed his shoulder, Jak growling in even more pain and frustration.

"I-I'm s-so…s-"she said, trying to finish a sentence. But before she knew it, Dark Jak's claws came at her, swiping across her face leaving five different markings. Melina screamed, holding her face, tears pouring down her cheeks, burning her wounds. Melina looked up, still grasping her cheek and looked him straight in the eye.

"Moron," she chuckled, smirking," You think that hurt? Yeah, I'm talkin' to you, you bastard."

"You weakling..." the beast hissed, his voice demonic-like.

"You weeaakliiing …Har- har". She said, mimicking him. Dark Jak lunged for Melina, but she grabbed a hold of him.

'I sure hope this works…' she thought.

Melina quickly pulled his face closer to hers, making their lips meet. Jak's breathing stopped, changing back to normal. Melina could feel his teeth go back to normal, the claws he once had, changing back to fingernails. Melina's stomach fluttered wildly, sweat rolling down her face. Melina and Jak then parted her head bowing. Jak swung his arms around her, Melina loosing blood, and the transformation tiring her out.

"Baron Aksel," said an familiar voice, "Your brother, Baron praxis would like to meet with you to discuss…" the voice said, staring down at the girl who was laying unconscious on the table, "He would like you to give all reports and to tell him any new information he could use for his 'test subjects'."

"Tell my dear brother, that the subjects are not just yet ready. In about a few hours, this 'thing' will be dead. The powers worked, but by the Precursors themselves, I'm afraid she might not make it." Baron Aksel said his voice poisoning her brain. The girl opened her eyes, watching faintly until her world had fully blacked out.