"Well look what the metal head dragged in." Spat Krew, flying above me.

"Hello Krew. Still floating out of reach, huh? Still afraid I'll paint the walls with you?" I questioned. He glared.

"That is if you can reach me." He growled.

"You forget I have a gun, don't need to reach you." I said. His eyes widened and then quickly left the room. I chuckled. After the incident with the guards, Sig gave krew one of the helmets of the guards I killed and that must've been enough to spook him. There haven't been any more hits on me since. That's when I told torn I had to go to the fortress to find Jak. It was a fruitless effort, though. Since I had no way of getting in or out without getting caught again. And something tells me that they wouldn't be so keen on keeping me alive. So I was doing jobs for the resistance to weaken the baron's operations. Praying that jak would be okay. I didn't know what went on in there, but I hoped it was better than my experience. But something happened to him to cause him to change so drastically that he wasa different person. Not to mention he talks now. My thoughts were interrupted by the door sliding open. I spun to see smiling Sig and a emotionless jak.

"Zoe! Glad you can join us!" Sig exclaimed, walking to me and patting me on the shoulder hard enough to cause Me to fall.

"Hey Sig. How was the hunt?" I asked, getting up and dusting off my clothes.

"Great! Skinned five of those suckers. Had Mr. Moody and the rat to look after me, so that was a plus."

"Hey!" Jak exclaimed. I looked over at him, and his eyes met mine. Daxter noticed the tension so he pinched jak to get rid of it.

"Dax." Jak jumped. I laughed. He playfully glared at me.

"Jak." Krew said, appearing out of nowhere and totally avoiding Me. I sighed, walking out of the bar. The streets were quiet, something that was rare, but appreciated. I thought I was alone, but soon Sig joined Me.

"What's on your mind?"

"Sig, you really want to know?"

"Sure."

"Remember that boy I told you about?"

"Yeah. The one you grew up with?"

"That's the one. He's in there."

"Jak? But he's-"

"Nowhere close to the boy I described. But its true. Jak changed, and I'm scared that what we had is gone."

"You have every right to be afraid, Zoe. But I shouldn't be the one to talk to."

"Who is?"

"Jak." He said, going back inside. I sighed just as jak walked out into the street.

"Krew wants me to clear the sewers of the sentry guns."

"Sounds fun." I said.

"Uh, I might need someone to watch my back. Know any gun wielding girls with mad marksmanship skills?" He asked.

"I know one." A smile played on my lips, "but she doesn't work for krew."

"Well... What if krew didn't know." he shrugged. I gave him a look.

"Give me a cut of the pay and I'll keep my mouth shut." I said.

"Deal." He said, getting on a nearby zoomer. I sat behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist, remembering the first time we'd ever gotten on a zoomer. I missed it. I missed Jak. I wished we were back in the village and were kids again. I also wished that I could tell him how I felt... But that... Was never going to happen.

(3rd person POV)

A young version of Samos and Got both stood in Samos' hut, looking over at two children playing nearby.

"You sure this is wise?" Samos asked, now paying attention to the new dark Eco sage.

"Yes. Maia and I decided that this was the best option for her. After her mother passed..." He looked down, saddened by the loss of his beloved. Samos patted his arm.

"Does She know anything about the Eco already running through her veins?"

"No." Gol sighed, now focusing on the little girl sitting beside the mute boy. She was talking his ear off, and he'd only nod and listen.

"Gol. You understand my worry, I can't be taking care of three 10 year olds."

"Samos, please. We both know Dark Eco changes people. I can already feel it. And I don't want to hurt her."

"Fine. But If she shows any sign that she's a threat to anyone, I'm separating her."

"Just.. Promise me you'll protect her."

"I promise, Gol."

"This may be the last time you'll see me like this."

"Don't talk nonsense. I've met someone who can control it. Two actually. But I digress. You take care, Gol."

"You as well." Gol nodded, leaving the hut. He passed by the children, the girl looking up at him.

That... Was the last time Zoe ever saw her father like that.

(Zoe's POV)

My eyes slid open, the familiar dark room lighter than usual. Tess must've finally got some new lightbulbs. I slid out of bed, quickly putting on my shoes (I slept in my clothes, too tired to change). I pushed aside the curtain separating the sleeping quarters from the main area, only to be met with torn talking to Ashlein.

I only met Ashlein once, and it was not on the best terms. Long story short I pissed off a bunch of krimzon guards which resulted in her joining the right after I knocked out about five or six. Not aware of who I was, she proceeded to attack. But we were evenly matched, managing to wear each other out. Then I told her who I was and who sent me, and she backed off.

"-and now he has more guards huddled around this area."

I cleared my throat to announce my presence, Both looking up at me.

"Zoe. Glad you're up. I need you to make a delivery to the bazaar. Orders from the shadow." Torn spoke. I walked to the table, standing across from him. Ashlein stood beside torn, being awfully close to him. I raised a brow, but kept my mouth shut. Didn't want to start a fight and embarrass her by kicking her ass.

"I'm guessing whoever this " package" is for is important? " I asked.

"Yeah. So don't screw it up. Let me go grab it." He said, disappearing into another area of the hideout. The minute he was gone I faced Ashlein.

"You may have everybody else here fooled but I've haven't forgotten who you really are, Praxis. Even though you're all "buddy buddy" with Torn doesn't hide all the terrible shit you've done." I growled. She only looked at me.

"Am I worse than you, though? I saw what happened to those guards. All the blood. And how your claws ripped through their bodies like paper. "

"Don't turn this around on me!" I yelled, slamming my fist on the table. I was surprised that it didn't break judging how hard I hit it. My arms began to glow a faint purple, the anger

threatening to take over. Ashlein noticed this and placed her hand over her gun.

"Zoe." Tord's voice rang out, and it was like the anger dissipated. I looked up, his hand on my arm. He was close. Like super close. How did I not see him? I guess the anger blocks out everything. His blue eyes met my green ones, and then I backed away like I was shocked. He then placed a small package on the table, I grabbing it.

"Take it to a tent in the backstreets of the market. Its not hard to miss."

"Got it." I said, placing it in my small satchel. I then immediately turned away and walked outside, trying to calm myself.

"You're okay." I repeated aloud, unclenching my fists. I exhaled before hopping into a zoomer, wondering who the shadow was, and why this small package was important.

I guess I was about to find out.

- (A/N): I really like Ashlein, really. I kinda needed a rival for Zoe. Also, thanks for all the feedback! It really motivates me to write more. (This fanfic was dead before I saw all the reviews). I'm hoping to continue this up until Combat racing, maybe? Defently writing a sequel. Let me know! And again, thanks!