**REVISED CHAPTER**

Jak and Daxter (c) Naughty Dog

Haven City layout: The stadium and surrounding area has been fixed up to make it look like Jak 2, the Markets and Bazaar have been rebuilt like Jak 2, the Metal Head Nest is destroyed and turned back into the Yakows' paddock and grassland, and Mar's tomb has been fixed up. During this part of the story, the Palace is getting rebuilt, but only half of it's finished. It will be complete more towards the end of the story. In other words, base the city like it was in the second game, but change the Slums and Water Slums into the Canal area around the HQ in the third game. All the extra areas in Jak 3 are included, but there are going to be two Haven forests (from Jak 2 and 3). Spargus and the Wasteland are the same.


Cry Of The Wolf
Chapter 1 – A hero Returns


One and a half years later...

The day was just breaking when Torn barged into the upstairs of the Naughty Ottsel, awaking both Jak and Daxter from their peaceful respite. "Get up! Both of you! This is urgent!" he yelled in a gruff voice, thrusting the sheets off Jak's bed. Jak opened his eyes slowly and glanced around the room with blurred vision, trying to find the source of the ruckus. Sure enough, he saw Torn bent over Daxter's small bed, looking quite annoyed.

"What is it?" Jak groaned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as they adjusted to the brightness of the room. Torn spun around and strode immediately over to the younger man's bed. He took a moment to survey Jak, his piercing blue eyes locked onto the blonde's, before choosing to answer.

"Ashelin wants you and Daxter to check out Haven Forest. She reckons Metal heads are regrouping there," Torn ordered whilst opening the curtain near the window, allowing more light to filter in. Jak groaned again at this rude intrusion and sat up, feeling his head spin briefly. It had been more than a year since he and Daxter were asked to complete any 'missions', and right now, Jak just wasn't in the mood.

"But Torn, it's too early. What ever happened to the laid back approach? Besides, what makes Ashelin believe metal heads are regrouping in Haven's region again anyway?" Jak protested weakly, watching as his comrade fumbled around his belt, obviously looking for something.

Shrugging in reply, the commander pulled out a sheathed dagger from his belt and tossed it into Jak's open hands. "Take this, you might need it. No need to return it," he murmured, turning to leave. Feeling in no mood to be messed around, Jak got over the initial shock of Torn's gift, and proceeded to argue his point.

"But Torn! Why now?!" he shouted, wanting more answers, but Torn just ignored him and left out the door. Jak watched his friend's receding back and heard his footsteps disappear down the stairs, before looking down at the sleek, black, leather sheath. He slid the dagger out, examining the sharp blade glinting in the light, and knew it would make a deadly weapon. "Wow… Dax, look at this," Jak whispered in awe, getting out of his bed and wandering over to the Ottsel. Daxter stood up and approached the dagger held out to him, reaching out carefully and touching the flat surface of the blade.

"Did he really give that to you?" he asked, eyes wide in astonishment as he drew back his paw. Daxter seemed as stunned as he was. It wasn't every day that Torn, the bad-ass leader, decided to hand over gifts with this caliber. Jak knew it would be a gift he'd cherish for life.

"Sure did, buddy. I still don't understand, it's been months since a metal head was spotted near the city. And besides, why can't someone else go take care of it for a change? We have a new life now, right Dax?" Jak said, twisting the dagger in his right hand while admiring it from all angles, imagining what kind of damage it could inflict. He couldn't wait to try it out.

"Yeah! Yeah we do!" Daxter yelled in agreement, crossing his arms with a grouchy look upon his furry face. Deciding to contemplate the best plan of action, Jak was only half aware of the small paws trying to remove the dagger from his grip. He looked down at his friend trying to get a closer look of his new weapon and grinned. He ruffled the fur on the Ottsel's head and passed the dagger over, holding back a laugh at Daxter's mesmerized reaction. He was definitely impressed at Jak's present. Resuming to the matter at hand, Jak's smile faded.

"We'll see what the problem is about first. Let's get the details from Ashelin, before we get ourselves killed," Jak suggested, searching his room for clothes to wear. He dressed into some day clothes quickly and tidied up his hair best he could, then retrieved the sheathed dagger from his friend. Finding a suitable spot on his belt, he attached the weapon and made sure it was secure, before beckoning Daxter onto his shoulder. The Ottsel leapt up promptly and together the duo left the tiny bedroom. Wandering down the narrow staircase, Jak let his eyes roam across the spacious, almost empty bar. Sitting in one of the booths near the bar counter was Torn, head bowed in concentration. Letting his foot strike the last step heavily, Jak watched as the commander's head snapped up, aware of his presence.

"Glad you finally made it outta bed. Now, get over here will ya," Torn ordered tensely, as Jak made his way over to him. He sat down gratefully on the leather seat and eyed Torn warily, waiting for an explanation. "Ok, this is how it goes," he began, "Ashelin reckons some of her men saw a few metal heads out in the forest last night. She's elected you to go and check it out."

"But why me?" Jak enquired, getting irritated at where this was heading. It sounded like the old prep talks he was given, back when missions were a daily thing for them. This situation stirred up a few memories he wished weren't brought up. Memories he wished didn't exist.

"Well, she says you've got the experience. It's a one man… uh… two man job," he said, eying Daxter who was currently sitting on the table, his stern look matching that of Jak's.

"Oh, I see. Then why don't you do it?" Jak questioned, leaning back and surveying Torn carefully, trying to read his thoughts. The Commander tilted his head down for a moment, eager to cut the eye contact, before replying.

"Jak, I may have the combat skills necessary, but I can't do this mission solo without backup. You've shown us all you can do almost anything without anyone but him," Torn explained, pointing to Daxter. The Ottsel gave a satisfied nod at that remark, happy to have been acknowledged so highly. Jak looked down at his furry friend, and his heart softened slightly. He knew Torn was right. It seemed Daxter had been swayed by the commander's words, and decided to let the argument drop. The sooner they set out, the sooner they could return to comfort.

"OK, fine. But I'm speaking to Ashelin first. Where is she?" he asked in defeat, rising from the booth and turning sharply to Torn. He looked deep in thought, before answering Jak.

"I believe she's at the HQ. If not, try the old Underground." Jak nodded, happy with the information, and turned to leave, hearing Torn call one last thing out to him, "Be careful, Jak!" Taking those hurried words to heart, he inwardly promised to stay safe.

"So, we have to find Ashelin. Dax, got that?" Jak noted aloud, stepping outside the bar into the early morning sun. He squinted through the bright light, searching the streets and finding his bearings. The Port region was virtually deserted, except for the occasional stray wanderer or driver. Jak couldn't remember the last time he'd been out this early. Over the past year, he'd just been having an easy life; running the Naughty Ottsel, keeping in touch with Samos and Keira, visiting Onin and Pecker regularly. Nothing too backbreaking or dangerous. This "mission" stuff seemed foreign to him now.

"Quick Jak, get that one over there!" Daxter yelled enthusiastically, cutting through his thoughts whilst pointing to a parked zoomer a few metres down the path.

"Old times Dax, old times," Jak smiled mischievously, walking over to the abandoned, one-seated zoomer. He swung up onto the seat with ease and turned the ignition on, hoping it still functioned. The loud purring of the engine was a relief to his ears, and he secretly thanked the Precursors that so far the mission was a success. Listening to the healthy sound of the engine gave Jak those memories where he had hijacked at least twenty zoomers a day. Unfortunately, most of those zoomers still had drivers on them, but at the time he hadn't had a choice. Pushing that memory aside, Jak twisted the handlebar gently and the zoomer began to steadily move forwards.

They gained height gradually, and Jak yelled out one last thing before forcing the vehicle to its highest speed. "Hold on tight, buddy!" Daxter had already taken a firm hold to Jak's shoulder pad, having learnt from previous experiences.

"Got ya already, Jak," he shouted in return, gripping on for dear life. Jak sped through the Port, having only to worry about the occasional zoomer to avoid. At the speed they were traveling, they managed to reach the other side of Haven city within three minutes. As the HQ came into view, Jak slowed down, gliding smoothly to a halt on the bridge near the lift.

"Neat driving, Jak," Ashelin praised in a soft voice, walking up to Jak as he dismounted. "I've been waiting incase you showed up. Torn must have reported to you then," she asked, leading them to the external lift, where the three boarded and waited for it to rise.

"Yeah, he did. I still don't understand why you want me to do this though. I'm past that whole "hero" stuff now," Jak replied, feeling a jolt in his body when the lift came to a sudden stop. He didn't spare Ashelin a glance when he walked through the open doors into the large control room.

"Jak, listen to me. I know you're a great hero. You've saved this city twice. A few metal heads is nothing too difficult for you. You can do it easily," she said hopefully, turning to him once they reached the circular table in the centre of the room. Jak caught her eye for a brief second, and the anger seemed to fade again.

"Still, why didn't you give the guards this task?" he muttered, looking down at all the notes and newspaper clippings spread out on the table. He wondered what purpose they were serving.

"Because there might be more to this than just killing them. I need you to investigate while you're there. Have a thorough look around." Jak knew this was coming. He had to admit, he was great at this sort of stuff, but to ask him now after a year's break? He knew what being the city's lackey was like, and felt himself protesting subconsciously to this task. Agreeing to this could lead to other missions, leading to his freedom being snatched away again.

"Ok, what do you need me to do?" he submitted with a sigh, trying to sound as calm and positive as he could. Ashelin smiled gratefully at him, thankful for his cooperation, and stuffed a piece of paper in his hands.

"This is a map of Haven Forest. On the other side are the locations that metal heads have been sighted. This mission means a lot to the city, Jak. We don't want the metal heads to overrun us again," she said seriously, turning to pick up a small communicator from the desk too. "Take this. If you need help, or need to talk, use this. I'll contact you from time to time with it as well." Ashelin handed him the small black communicator and he examined it closely, before placing it safely in his pants' pocket.

"Thanks, Ashelin. I'll see you later then," he murmured half-heartedly, motioning to Daxter to get back onto his shoulder. Once Daxter was seated comfortably again, Jak gave the Governess a quick nod and headed down the lift to his zoomer. Luckily it remained parked outside, giving him another head start at this potentially ominous task.

"So, what do we have to do?" Daxter asked curiously, leaning over to take a glimpse at the map in his friend's hands. Jak folded the paper up neatly and tucked it in his left glove.

"We have to kill a few metal heads and have a poke around. Hopefully that will be all," he replied in a grudging manner, mounting the zoomer. He started it up, and gave Daxter the drill again before speeding off away from the HQ.