(A day later)
Jak and I walked in the Bazaar of haven city, sticking close together in fear of getting separated. He had just gotten back from a mission from Krew, I just finished a training session with Samos. But I decided it was time we got serious about the Upcoming race, and if we wanted to win against Erol, we needed to up our game.
"Zoe, what exactly are we looking for?" Jak asked me, I eyeing some junk on a table.
"Remember when we arrived here and our… machine broke?"
"Yeah? That's why we crashed."
"Right, so I did some research and there might be a part from there that can be useful."
"What's so useful about precursor rift thingies?" Daxter asked from Jak's shoulder.
"Everything you dolt. Our foundation was built on the precursor legacy. It helped Keira and I build the first Zoomer. And it's going to help you win the race." I said, continuing to walk.
"Wait. How?"
"Gives you something Erol doesn't for starters."
"Two hot mechanics?" Daxter asked. I rolled my eyes.
"No, just- you'll see. I promise. Now only if I can find the damn thing… if not I could make a replica…"
"So, you're telling me were going to cheat?" Jak asked lowly.
"Don't act all surprised. I know you're the best damn driver I know, but this is a safeguard because Erol is a dirty bastard and would do anything to win. I know you like that mechanic girl but if what Praxis said in the castle was true- "
"That Erol was flirting with her? That doesn't mean she likes him back."
"Okay, getting sidetracked. My point is that maybe Erol is talking to her because he knows were on her team and is trying to sabotage us." I said, "Think with your brain, dude." I crossed my arms.
"She has a point. Maybe we should warn her." Daxter suggested.
"I will talk to her. But for now- "I turned but was interrupted by seeing two guards standing next to ashlein.
"Oh great." But Jak and Daxter already were walking towards her. I followed behind.
"How's it riding in the hood red?" Daxter asked her.
"Get out of the area, this is Krimzon Guard business. One of Vin's Eco tankers coming in from the wasteland but the clearance transmission sounded fishy. The driver was scared. We're going to check it out just in case." She said.
"If it's 'Krimzon guard business' then why'd you tell us?" I asked from beside Jak.
"What is she doing here?"
"it's a not so free city, Praxis. Besides I can go where I want. Unless you're gonna stop me. And don't hesitate this time."
"I don't have time for you Zoe."
"How can we help?" Jak asked. I looked at him appalled but he just shrugged looking at Ashlein who was walking away.
"We have it handled." She said.
"Yeah Jak. She has it handled." I scoffed as we heard something approaching. Soon the tanker crashed into the ground a few feet from us, barrels crashing around us. I jumped backwards just in time, the top of the tanker opening to show us metalheads.
"Damn, it's just us! Help me take out the metalheads!"
"now you want our help?!" I exclaimed, pulling my pump-action gun and started to shoot at the metalheads, Bystanders screaming and running away. I hid behind a barrel, kicking it and shooting it as it landed near a group of metalheads so it exploded. I then rolled behind a stand, being beside Ashlein.
"If we weren't enemies, I would love for you to be on my side."
"Really? Because I don't work for tyrants." I said, firing.
"You really think I don't know that? Why do you think I'm doing what I'm doing?"
"Ashlein, look you work for both sides and the line between them is fuzzy so excuse my skepticism, okay?" I looked up and the Bazaar was empty save for us and the wreckage. I stood, dusting off my pants.
"We got them all. The metalheads are getting bolder every day. It's like they're testing our defenses like probing attacks. I got a bad feeling about this." She says as she walks away.
"Yeah. You're welcome." Jak said sarcastically and I cracked a smile.
"Well one good thing came out of this trip." Daxter said.
"What's that?" I asked, he holding up and small mechanical piece.
"It's definitely a precursor looking piece." He said, I taking it.
"Yes! Good looking out dax."
"I don't know about you guys but I could use a drink." Jak said.
"It's not even noon. But ill catch up. I got work to do." I said holding up the piece before putting it in my pocket. Jak shrugged.
"Your loss, Z."
"Just… keep an eye on each other." I shook my head, grabbing my zoomer and heading towards the garage.
"-and she said something strange. Something about if we weren't enemies, she'd want me on her team. Weird right?" I asked the mechanic whilst underneath the zoomer I was working on.
"It is. But it could mean she is considering her options. She probably realizes you're a threat but a good ally to have."
"I am only a threat to people who want to hurt my friends. Otherwise I really won't hurt anyone. At least I don't try to."
"Whatya mean?"
"It's… not something I'm fond of sharing. You're a great gal, but if I told you, you'd might run. Most people do."
"Oh. Well not much scares me. I faced a lot of things. Well if dad let me leave the house."
"Tell me about it. My first 15 years I was watched and wasn't allowed to leave the village."
"So, we're not that different."
"I guess not." I shrugged, pushing myself out from under the bike to grab a different wrench. But as soon as I grabbed it, pain shot up my arm and I dropped it gasping in pain.
"What's wrong?" She asked in concern.
"I... I dropped something on my foot. I'm fine." I lied, looking at my arm. The marks were dark, purple this time. I didn't even activate my powers. So why did that happen? Soon I couldn't hide it anymore. Luckily, they were only up to my elbow but what would happen if I let myself go to the eco, fully transforming like Jak could? No… I wouldn't allow that to happen. After ten minutes they faded, leaving the vague marks that were barley visible. I sighed, going back to work underneath the bike. Soon out of the corner of my eye I saw a shadow enter the garage, I only able to see their boots.
"Hello my dear. Working hard?" Erol's voice asked the mechanic. I stayed silent. Hopefully he didn't pay me no mind.
"Oh, Erol! Yes. Working very hard."
"Wonderful. It's a shame you couldn't work on my Zoomer. I'd love for you to be my mechanic."
"Yes, well I am pretty busy with other projects. And besides, you are one of the best racers so you don't need any extra help." She said.
"Come now Keira. I'm am the best racer. No one could possibly beat me."
Did he just say Keira? No… It couldn't be.
"Exactly but if you insist, I could look at it."
"Oh, I do insist. I do I have to ask who's your friend?" I saw him move towards me.
Ah, Crap.
"Oh, just a friend who likes to tinker on zoomers. My helper."
Helper? Oh hell no.
"Maybe she could look at my Zoomer, if you're too busy. What's your name?" He asked me. I sighed, sliding out to look up at Erol, who's grin contorted to anger.
"You!"
"Hey Erol." I said with false sweetness, "Miss me?" I asked, kicking him as he reached for his gun. He slid back into a table as I hopped up. He growled.
"You just can't stay away from me, can you?"
"Quite the opposite. I just can't get away from you."
"C'mon my Dark Vixen..." Those words sent a shiver down my body, I being reminded of the prison.
"Don't you ever call me that!" I growled, walking to him so I could punch him. I took a swung, but he caught it this time. He laughed as I tried to use my other hand, he catching that one. His grip was tight, I trying to break away.
"Don't fight me, it never worked before and it won't work this time." His voice was low.
"You bastard! I'll kill you."
"Just try..." He said, pulling me close to him. I could feel a tear drop down my face, I couldn't do this again… I was scared. I felt both arms heat up, turning pale and dark claws emerging from the tips of my fingers. The marks turned a dark purple, Erol's smug look turned to horror as he realized what was going on. I growled animalistically and let go, an explosion of sorts knocking him back and off me. Purple electricity lit up my body, I stepping closer to Erol, who was leaning against the wall and in the rubble of the table. I wanted to hurt him… wanting him to pay for everything. I raised my arm to hoot eco at him, but something stopped me.
"Zoe?" I heard Keira's voice behind me, shocking me. I then saw my reflection out the corner of my eye, my eyes… dark purple, skin pale and hair white.
"He's not worth it. Think of how Jak would react. He wouldn't want this! Please, Z…" Keira said softly, walking to me. Her hand touched my shoulder, I gasping and closing my eyes. I thought of the village, the beach… and of Jak… I opened my eyes to see in the mirror that I was back to normal and Keira hugging from behind. Erol backed away, running out. Coward. But I didn't care about him. I sobbed, turning to Keira. She pulled me into a proper hug.
"Zoe…"
"T-that's what I meant with most people running."
"I wouldn't run from you. But what was that?"
"That is the result of a year and a half of experiments with dark eco."
"Oh. That's terrible."
"Yeah. And I thought I could control it... but you saw what happened." I said. She nodded.
"I'm glad your okay, Zoe. Well at least in one piece."
"Yeah, I got worried you and Samos were trapped somewhere else. Keira, there is a lot of things I want to tell you, but- "
"Let me guess, you can't. I understand. You're probably part of an underground movement to take out the baron."
"How did you- "
"Zoe, you were never the type to play by the rules. Plus, I know no matter what, you'd do the right thing. Especially if it means sacrificing things you care about." She says.
"That's fair." I smiled, my communication device beeping in my pocket. I pulled it out, hitting the button.
"Zoe! Come to the power station immediately! I think… I think I everyone's out to get me! So, I sent your friends with live bombs and they haven't come back yet!" Vin's frantic voice came out of the device, I sighing.
"Calm down. I'm on my way. Don't… do anything else, okay?"
"O..okay."
"I got to go. You uh mind finishing that?" I pointed to the zoomer I was working on earlier.
"I don't mind." She says.
"Thanks." I said as I left, hiding the marks under my jacket once again.
