Chapter FourA Hopeful Fresh Start
When Jak awoke his arms were still wrapped around Keira. She was still sound asleep, his chest warm and tingly as her light breathing blew repeatedly onto his skin. They were a couple and Jak loved it, and he was sure that Keira loved it too. He didn't want to get up and by the looks of it neither did Keira. So they both just lay there, the fan beating down cool air onto their resting bodies. Jak began to slowly caress Keira's back as he closed his eyes once more, relaxing even more, his hand still caressing Keira's back affectionately.
When it was time to get up both Jak and Keira were not happy about it. They were lying together, kissing slowly and stroking each other all over when there was a loud knock on the door. Jak groaned in frustration causing Keira to giggle as they broke, "You better go answer that." She said indicating to her half naked body, the only clothing her very skimpy underwear. Jak groaned again as he got up off the bed, rubbing his eyes, mumbling as he walked out of the room and to the front door of the apartment. It couldn't be Daxter, unless he was on stilts. Jak laughed quietly at the thought. With a yawn Jak opened the door revealing and group of around ten Freedom league guards, all flanking a very alert and pissed off Ashelin. She pushed passed Jak, her butt moving as she walked sexily inside. The Freedom League Guards followed, all standing around in the lounge room. Ashelin turned around swiftly, "O.k. Jak, big problems and I'm not happy." She said angrily. Jak smiled, "Well that's obvious enough." He yawned widely, scratching the back of his head lazily. "Jak, this is no time for games or smart arse comments. This is serious. First Metal Heads, then Dark Makers and now this." She held up a sheet of tattered paper so Jak could see. With dreary eyes Jak looked over the paper to see an old image of a very nasty looking creature. All black like a shadow the creature bore blood red eyes, its long fangs dripping with a strange grey smoke. Wispy wings adorned the creatures back, a tail curling menacingly over its head like a scorpion. But it was far from a scorpion, and far from any creature Jak had ever seen or heard of before. Jak yawned again, "So, why is this my problem? Can't you defend the city?" he asked her, quite tired and annoyed that she had bothered him for this. He had thought that his second adventure had been enough, but two other struggles had followed. Now he just wanted to settle down with Keira and live out his life rather than have years stolen from him.
Ashelin rolled her eyes, impatient, but Jak could see a hint of fear glistening in her eyes. Jak grunted, "So what? You want me to deal with this? And again this city cares for nothing of what I want? Even you Ashelin." Ashelin looked away for a moment, "Jak… I'm sorry, but you are our only hope." She looked up and into his eyes, her own brimming with tears, "No Jak, I cannot protect the city. With your eco powers you're unstoppable, and with your practical mind…well…you're a really important force in this city, you alone." Jak grinned, "And don't you know it. But, I'm not a mercenary willing to be bought. I do want my own life you know." He informed her with a serious expression. Ashelin looked to the side and sighed, Jak could see hope disappearing from her eyes. He sighed, "Fine, what is it?" From the darkened doorway leading into the bedroom came Keira, a sheet wrapped around her. She stood beside Jak, "What is it? What's happening?" she asked concerned as she placed a hand on Jak's strong bicep. Her delicate fingers stroked his tanned skin softly. Jak sighed and placed his hand over hers, "I'm sorry Keira…"
After Ashelin had explained their situation to Keira and some additional information for Jak, Keira looked up at Jak with eyes brimming with tears, "Jak, I thought you said…no more adventures." Jak held her close into his chest, "I'm so sorry Keira, but if I don't do this, and the city gets destroyed, well…There won't be anywhere left for us…nowhere," He explained softly to her teary and sorrowful face. Keira nodded, "O.k. I-I understand Jak." She hugged his arm tightly as she closed her eyes and snuggled back into his chest. Ashelin looked at the two sadly, "I'm sorry Keira, Jak, both of you, I'm sorry." She stood to leave, her guards readying for departure. With a final goodbye, Ashelin and her troops left Keira's small apartment, leaving the two to talk their situation over.
Keira cried into Jak's chest for a long while, Jak left to helplessly comfort her. For a long while they sat there until Keira raised her head. Jak smiled at her warmly, encouraging a smile from her expression.
