I'm SO SORRY that I made you guys wait so long! I know I haven't updated in a while and everyone was dying with the suspense I always leave you in. Once again thanks everyone for their reviews and hopefully after these next two chapters you'll forgive me :offers peace huggie: Remember Jak luv is good!

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Chapter 6

A loud knock against the door made Keira jolt up from the bed. Her eyes searched in the darkness for any hint of light as they adjusted to the dark shapes around her. It was still night. She squinted her eyes at the glowing red numbers on the alarm clock. It's one in the morning. What the hell… She lazily threw the sheets off her body. She shoved over the throw pillows onto floor. Why do these fancy places always need ten pillows on their beds? She wrapped her thin arms around herself, shivering and bumpy. She was only wearing a black tank top and purple stretch shorts. She turned and put her feet against the cold wooden floors, creating more goose bumps along her skin. As she stood up she stretched out one arm to feel for the lamp next to the alarm clock and clicked in on, lighting the room with a dim light. She squinted her eyes again getting used to the now barely lit room. She heard the knocking again. Alright already I'm coming! This better be good. She pitter pattered over to the door and peeked through the peek hole. Jak? Her eyes widened in surprise as she flung the door open and poked her head out.

His blond hair was messy, his eyes were blood shot and his lips were dry. He looked like he had a rough night. He stood facing her with his shoulders slightly slumped over and his eyes focused on the floor by her toes poking out from the doorway. Something was wrong. He spoke in a low, weary tone, "Can I…come in?"

She pulled the door open wider, "Sure of course" She looked up at him worried but he did not meet her eyes as he stepped in. She closed the door after he stepped in, still watching him as he walked over and heavily sat on the bed. His elbows rested on his knees as he buried his face in his hands, rubbing his eyes. He let out a sluggish groan. She walked toward him and gently sat on the bed next to him. She timidly placed her hand on top of his head, inside his blond-green strands. She was concerned. Why would he come knocking to her door after what had happened earlier and at this hour? She whispered to him, "Jak? What happened?" She massaged his head.

"Rayn, she found out that I left Krew to die and practically killed him myself. Blitz came in doing one of his news reports and told her before I could"

She gasped in shock, "Oh my God"

He nodded, still with her fingers in his hair, "Can this get any worse?"

She didn't respond. She didn't know what to say. She wouldn't tell him no because with the way they lived their lives ever since being thrown in this time two years ago, that answer was not a guarantee. Instead she scratched his head once more before bringing her hand back down to link under his arm. She leaned her head on his shoulder and they stood in silence for a few minutes. He eventually sat up, eyes staring at the floor once again. "I think I'm gonna get to bed now. The final race is tomorrow"

He lifted himself off the bed and just as he was about to walk ahead Keira firmly grabbed onto his wrist and he turned back to look at her in surprise. She looked up at his young weary face, so handsome, the light from the lamp creating trails along his features. Suddenly the desire to trace her fingers along his jaw line and his goatee overwhelmed her. She didn't know why. Maybe it was just because it had been a while since she had noticed how incredibly attractive he was, even when he was tired or stressed. All she wanted to do was feel him, cherish him, and memorize him. She decided not to resist the urge. She got up and he turned to face her. She ran her hand up from his wrist to his shoulder. He kept his eyes focused on hers, unsure of what her intentions were but he did not object. Realizing that he was cooperating she brought her fingers up the side of his neck to his cheek and brought her other hand up to cup his other cheek as well. He closed his eyes as she slowly traced her slender fingers along his sideburns, down his jaw line and beneath his chin. She did this twice more slowly and gently before Jak lifted his hand up to grab one of hers. He brought it down to hold against his chest, against the beating of his thumping heart. He pressed his forehead against hers and Keira whispered, "Jak…remember what you said about the poison and being stressed?" He nodded and she continued, " Well then stop being stressed" They both smiled as she said this.

"Actually I feel a lot better now…thanks" he kept a sincere tone with her.

It had been a long time since she had this kind of experience and intimate moment with him. It was times like this that made her want to beg him to stay by her forever. Yet she knew that was something he would not do. He was Jak. He was Mar. Son of the great warrior Damas. He saved the world and changed their destinies numerous times. He wouldn't be able to stay in one spot even if he wanted to but it was times like this that she just wanted to pretend, pretend that he was a normal guy that would be willing to live a normal life. Then again if he was just a normal guy, he wouldn't be Jak and she loved Jak, more then he'll ever know.

He suddenly turned his head to let a long yawn escape his lips. She pulled her hand away from his and slid into her covers. She opened the sheets and moved over, patting the empty space next to her indicating for him to lie next to her. He looked down at her baffled by her actions and she smiled, "Just like old times" He knew what she had meant. Back in Sandover when they were young and he was mute, whenever one of them was sick, injured or didn't want to be alone, they'd sneak through their bedroom windows and sleep beside each other. It was something that Samos would not have approved of if he had known so it was their little secret. It helped to calm them and sleep peaceful through the night. Jak sat on the bed, removing his boots, socks and throwing his jacket on the floor beside the bed. His hand went to the alarm but she interrupted his actions. "Don't worry it's set right. I checked it a million times this time" and he let a low laugh escape his lips. He placed his goggles on the nightstand before slowly laying down next to her, pulling up the covers to his waist and putting his hands behind his head. Keira shifted her body closer to his as she lay on her side, attempting to rest her head comfortably on his shoulder. He noticed her struggle and brought one of his arms down to pull her closer and hold her against him. She rested her head snuggly on the side of his rising chest. Their breathing was steady and matched perfectly. Jak used his free hand to turn off the lamp before returning it behind his head. By the time Keira had looked up at him again, his mouth was slightly open, letting small warm breathes flow out in his sleep. She grinned contently and finally let her eyelids fall. She wanted to stay awake just a bit longer to enjoy his warmth but she was too tired. She knew that by the time she'd wake up again, he'd be gone, just like he usually was.

Jak, Daxter, Torn, Ashelin, Rayn, Sig and Samos waited in the ready room while watching the large TV screen. Blitz came on to host his news report.

"Welcome everyone to the final race of the season. The winner here will take home all the marbles and virtually run Kras City when it's all over. And the loser... Wait, this just in... There's been a later entry for the Mizo team. Sources say this mysterious wheel jockey is one of the best drivers in the world. So stay tuned for all the death and destruction" Blitz ended his news report with his large cheesy smile. Meanwhile a hologram of Krew popped up over the table lying in the center of the room.

"Well, it's the final race, eh? It all comes down to this. I just hope I didn't miscalculate the poison's potency. Heh heh heh. Win quickly and save yourselves. I want that trophy" His hologram disappeared as Daxter made the first comment.

"I don't feel too good", Daxter announced while rubbing one of his hands along the orange fur on his stomach.

"Me either" Ashelin agreed with Daxter. They all began to feel the burning rise from their stomachs into their throats. They held in the coughs lingering inside their lungs. Jak could slightly taste the salty blood upon his tongue. He knew that they were running out of time. Yet it was up to him to be the leader and the motivation for their group.

"Your father's agent better have those antidotes waiting at the finish line" he threatened Rayn but she hesitated to respond. She knew that even if their group didn't receive the antidotes she could somehow sense that they were going to take their anger out on her, especially Ashelin. She could sense the thirst in her. She almost felt as if Ashelin was murdering her in her mind and she could feel it. It was a terrifying feeling.

"I've got your back, Jak" Sig reassured while placing a firm hand on Jak's shoulder.

"And I've got yours" Ashelin jumped in.

"Hey! Who's got mine?" Daxter pointed to himself feeling forgotten.

Just then the doors to the ready room slammed open. Everyone turned to face the doors. Jak's eyes slightly widened in surprise and even relief but he hid his feelings well. A grin spread across his face at the site of the ambitious woman. Keira walked in with authority and a determined expression on her face like she was ready for anything. She had decided that even though Jak had left some doubts in her mind, she would still be by his side to the very end of this race. Whatever happened after that was something she wasn't concerned about. She just knew that he needed her support through this and that's exactly what she was going to do. This race wasn't just about the two of them but everyone and she understood that. Even if things didn't work out between her and Jak afterwards at least she'd be content knowing they were both alive and healthy.

"I do!" Keira pointed to herself and reassured Daxter.

"Kiera!" it was difficult for Jak to hide his surprise in her. He truly didn't think she'd participate in the race because of Samos and here she was, ready to join the fight.

"Kiera, you're not going to race" Samos' eyes furrowed at the sight of his daughter rebelling against his wishes. He walked up to her about to convince her to obey him.

Kiera placed her fists on her waist and shook her head at her father. She was not in the mood to fight with him and she was going to do this whether he liked it or not. "Daddy, I'm racing, and that's final" she walked off without giving him another word of protest.

Samos placed a worried hand on his head, "Agh! Just like her mother!"

"Let's do this" Torn grinned with confidence and put his hand out. Everyone joined him and huddled together, placing their hands on top of one another's.

"All for one..." Jak started and Ashelin finished with a slightly harsh but successful word of encouragement.

"And one right in the groin" She almost snarled in anger. The group could sense that she could hardly wait to get out on the tracks.

Finally Rayn spoke, feeling more included in the group again, "Let's make Mizo pay!"

With that they all walked out of the ready room, prepared to win at any cost…even if it cost their very lives.