(January 23, 2006: here's part two)

Disclaimer: They belong to Naughty Dog.

Chapter 3: Kings, Queens, and Fuzzy Things (part two. . . )

An orange bolt of lightning raced out the door.

"Okay, rat! That was the last straw!" Sarie ran out completely soaked. She had been trying to give the animal a much needed bath.

"Daxter, wait!" Tome ran out too. Bubbles covered her drinched hair and clothes. "This is just great. Now what do we do?"

"We move on. I'll not let some rodent ruin the most joyful evening this city has seen in years." The old council woman rung out her shirt.

"But Master Jak requested that his friend be a part of this."

"Then His Majesty can go looking for him. We don't have time for this goose chase."

"Yes, Grandma."

"Good. Now go fetch Miss Colle. It's almost time to begin." Sarie walked in the direction of the royal bedroom. Waiting for her was the queen-to-be and her grandaughter.

"Let's begin, shall we? There are only a few hours left and much to be done." The older woman directed Colle into the large bathroom telling Tome to wait outside.

Colle stood looking at the dress in awe. Never had she seen anything so beautiful let alone been given the chance to wear it.

It's lovely, isn't it?" Colle nodded. "Well then, put it on."

"Uh..." She hadn't the slightest idea how to do that.

"Oh alright, I'll help." Sarie's patceince that had been running thin seemed to streach.

Colle was able to fit into the elegant gown without much trouble; every seem fitting most comfortably. It was a shame she would only be able to wear this one time. The pale gold was almost light enough to be completely white. This was to be her wedding gown.

"It fits wonderfully, I think." The old woman walked around the girl making sure everything was in place; not a thread was bare. Everything was in order.

"You know, it's been many years since I've seen a proper king and queen on the throne. Almost ten years. Not since Damas was king." She looked remoresful at the mention of Spargus's fallen king.

"There's one thing I could do without myself." Her expression changed again. "That rat! He has no self-control. I find it hard to believe that I will be working on the same council as him."

"Are you talking about Daxter?" Colle sat down at the vanity. She winced as her helper pulled back her hair tightly.

"Yes. I would've washed my hands of the whole thing if it hadn't been for Tome. She adores that ball or fur."

"What's wrong with him?" She winced again.

"He wouldn't get a bath. Mar only knows he needs one. Please hold still." The older woman pulled all of Colle's hair back.

"Oww. Sorry." Colle remained still and quiet until everything was finally finished.

"Alright. Now I want you to remain here until the ceremony is to begin it should be about an hour. Tome will come for you." On her way out Colle thought she heard Sarie say 'one down, four to go'.

-----

It didn't take long for them to find Daxter. It had been Zack that had found him in the end. After finding the ottsle, he was brought back to Colle's bed chambers. It seemed the easiest way to get him ready without him getting killed by Sarie in the process. The problem now would be getting him ready. Eventually he subsided. Daxter came quietly and would have done so without protest if he had not seen Tome. Her reaction to him was to be expected by Zack. He had known the girl for a few weeks now, and already he could tell many things about her; for one, she loved things with fur.

Ten minutes later, Daxter walked out of the bathroom.

"I hate you." He looked like the most pathetic thing either of them had ever seen. Daxter was dripping wet. His fur was sagging down and hung over his eyes and mouth. He looked like a long haired rabbit that had been thrown into a pool. Zack could not help but laugh as Colle tried to stop herself from doing the same

"Okay, laugh now, but I'll get you back." He finished before Tome, who was soaked to the bone, drug him back into the bathroom.

"I still can't beleive you let Tome get Daxter ready. She's crazy about anything and everything with fur. She loves Tess and Daxter. Tess knows where to hide. Unfortuneatly, she seems to have a radar for Dax."

"No wonder he wanted to run as soon as he saw her." Colle stood pondering for a minute.

"Presenting," Tome soaked and bubbly, opened the bathroom door, "the new and improved Daxter, the best man and council ottsel."

"I feel stupid." He trew glares at all of them. Daxter wore a suit made especailly to fit him. Tome had seen fit to making a few adjustments. Red ribbons were tied around each ear and his tail.

"Isn't he cute?" The wet girl scooped him into her arms. "He's just so cuddlely!"

"Hey! Hands off kid! I already had one bath, I don't need another one." Daxter jumped and landed in front of Zack.

"I think the ribbons are going a little overboard." Zack untied them. He noticed the sad look on his friend's face and quickly added, "They're a nice touch though."

"Thanks." She smiled shyly. "You look very handsome, Zack."

"Uh, thanks." Zack blushed. He found his feet more interesting than the look of aww-how-cute his sister was giving him.

"We have to go now!" Colle spoke up. Colle grabbed Daxter and threw him at Zack. They were going to be late. "Come on!"

Colle grabbed Zack's hand and ran out the door. She was going to be late to her own wedding. Things could not have been worse.

Here's a reminder: never say things can not get worse, because they always can. It never fails. Whenever something important is about to happen, a person's nerves always find a way to change the situation weither good or bad.

Colle came to an ubrupt stop. What if she did something stupid? She had already lost the Precursor Crystal. What would happen because of her mistakes? She could send the city to ruin because of her ignorance in politics. The butterflies that had turned into frogs were now leaping ten feet into the air.

"What's the big idea?" Zack and Daxter had run into the girl.

"I don't think I can do this." She only whispered.

"What are you talking about? Of course you can!" He couldn't beleive his sister had started doubting herself again. "You can do anything, remember?"

"Not this, Zack. There's more to this than you could even guess. So many things will be decided on by me and Jak. What is we choose wrong? What if I let Jak down?"

"You know, this is funny. In a weird sort of way."

"How is this funny?" Zack snapped at the ottsel.

"It's a deja vu thing." Daxter jumped on the stone floor. "You're not going to back out now. Do you know what I've gone through for the past week and a half? Jak's been freak'n out! He's been so jumping lately. And believe it or not, he had doubts about his abilities too."

"Jak?"

"Yeah. And thanks to you that's going to end tonight." Daxter jumped to Colle's shoulder. "And don't worry. You two'll be great. Things'll be a little rough at first, but you'll get through. The thing is, you'll have eachother for support, but you'll also have your friends. Naturally that includes your's truely."

"Daxter, that was so sweet."

"Yeah, well don't get used to it."

After the small incident, they made their way once again to the gardens. Zack and Daxter were drug away as soon as Sarie had laid eyes on them. She said something about inconciderate people these days. They whispered good luck as they left Colle reluctantly.

Colle found her way to the garden's entrance.

"Hey, Jak." Sarie had dropped the boy and ottsel with the groom.

"Hey." No matter how nervous he was, he was still happy.

Jak was standing with the others; those he had come to call friends during his time of living in Haven. Torn, Zack, Daxter, and Sig made up the little group that were to play the part of the guard, well mostly Torn and Sig. In the back, a group of the FL's finest stood ready.

Jak had come to a compromise with the ex-council members, who were still incharge of somethings atleast until Jak had things worked out, over wearing Mar's old robes. He had agreed to wear part of the traditional garb as long as he could have alterations made. He didn't want to look like a complete idiot.

Jak had thought of the old Count Veger as soon as he saw his reflection in the mirror that evening. His coat ended ended just passed his knees. The paints he had were similar tohis others but darker. Trailing from his shoulders and to the ground was the repaired cloak that Mar had woren on the day of his own corrination. He had to admit, it didn't look too bad.

"Let's do this."

"So, I guess you're not nervous anymore?" Daxter jumped onto his usual spot on Jak's right shoulder.

"I never said that." Jak smiled sheepishly as they made their way down the path of the garden and to the center fountain. He would wait for Colle there.

The garden opened up into the whole of the city. Every citizen was out on the streets waiting for the celebration to begin. Soon they would have a new ruling family.

"This is it, buddy. Your last few minutes of batchelor life. Better enjoy it while you can."

The vows were complete. They leaned in for their first kiss as husband and wife. Jak pulled back and looked Colle in the eyes. They could here the crowd cheering all around them; things were only half way complete before the real celbrations could begin. Colle kissed Jak gently and then they walked toward Ashelin who had dawned a crimsonrobe in place of her Freedom League guard armor.

Ashelin was waiting for the time to do her part. She would pass the throne to Jak and he would be the new ruler of Haven City. Ashelin stood at the edge of the fountain. Torn and Mora stepped forward ready for their part in the ceremony. They walked to the edge of the garden to an alter that bore two crowns.

"Today," Ashelin's voice rang through out the starlit garden and city, "we have gathered to join in the arrival of the new king and queen of our city.

"With this union of past and present, we are able to look to the future. A future of rebrith, prosperity, and new beginnings.

"As I step down, may the new rulers be brought with good fortune. May I present their majesties king and queen Jak and Colle Mar!" Mora and Torn placed the jeweled crowns on the heads of their new owners.

For the next couple of hours the new king and queen greeted various people. Slowly the crowd trickled away returning home or out to celebrate the ocassion. The sun had set completely by now and the cresent moon took its place as the ever burning green star sat in its core.

"There's a party in the ballroom. You're expected to attend of course. It shouldn't last too long. Maybe until dawn..." Torn had his arm around Mora's waist. They were heading toward the palace through the garden.

"On our way. He seems to be enjoying himself." Jak added and Colle followed after.

"Yeah, well, peace does something to people." Colle smiled.

The party turned out to be the after wedding food and dance. Things may have been rushed for them, but the rest of their lives were laid out for the king and queen. Jak and Colle took the first dance, then the floor was open to all. Even Zack had the guts to get out there. Tome had shown up in a cute little pink dress. Colle smiled as she watched the two tried to dance. Neither of them knew what to do, ocasionally stepping on eachothers' feet.

Their life here would be unforgetable. With both its ups and downs, Colle knew she would not want to live anywhere else.

The portal glowed a vibrant blue. Only a few people knew where it led. Unfortunately, only one knew it existed. The one who found it was the last one who needed it.

"This will be the first step to my revenge and ultimate control over this world." Gol stepped in the blue ring of light and disapeared.

Sushi: I'm so happy with my reviewers! You have no idea how I feel at this very moment. First I'd like to thank every one that has been with me since the last story. Darkshipposhadowfox, Eskimo's Rsxy, Farr2rich, angel of darkness and fire, Peepster, and VinnyRoxyFrankie. You guys are the greatest! See how happy I am?

Cho: mewShe's really happy. Please review. It'll make here even happier. mew

Sushi: Finally! I thought I'd never get caught up with my typing! If you haven't liked the last couple of chapters because of the lack of action or it kept going on...don't worry! Chapter 4 is where the action starts, sort of. It's more like a bridge between years. Hope you're still interested in the story and if not, I'm very sorry. Things have to be done for a reason.See ya!

(January 23, 2006: It hope you like this verson better than the first. There are still scences that I want to leave out completely, but I don't think that's going to happen. . . not anytime soon at least.)