Corad: Yeah...another update...when are these things gonna end! I'm going insane lol. Anyhow, let's get moving. My insanity can wait for the time being...thankyou to my two kind reviewers! Thanks to Jaklover for your encouraging comments! I understand that some ppl just either don't have the time to leave a review or couldn't be bothered, so I'm thankful for the stats page in my account lol. At least I have a general idea that there are readers for this...but thanks for your review! I'm apologising in advance too Jaklover...Skytha kinda...err...you'll find out. Also thanks to Millenium Ring for your review. I'm glad you may consider reading my sequel. Speaking of which, I've done a picture of my new OC and he's on fanart central now. If anyone's interested in taking a look at him, just go into my profile homepage and he should be the first pic there. One last thing, I said I'd tell ya who the female racer was in the last chapter. Nobody actually had a guess at who she was, which I can kinda understand. Maybe I scare ppl away? Nyeh...guys, I ain't scary...but my beer gut is (starts patting imaginary beer gut) Well yeah, it was Marna from Fullmetal Alchemist. You know...she's a chimera after being fused with a snake. Yeah...

Sharok: (appears beside authoress with a blank expression) Corad hasn't owned, doesn't own and hopefully will never own Jak and Daxter. I am the only thing she's created, and even then it ain't that great -.-'
Chapter 67 - A Fallen Comrade

The bar door slid open noiselessly, two elves and an ottsel stepping inside to shelter from the tense atmosphere outside. It had been a long day again, and Jak felt weary after having just fought off a pack of wolves. He still couldn't understand why the pack had returned to Haven, even after he asked their temporary leader Ramshei to stay out. But those wolves just seemed different to the ones he had met earlier. Besides, Ramshei hadn't been there in the stadium. 'I suspect the wolves from Monk temple have done this terrible deed,' Light whispered deep in thought, his gentle voice ringing out loudly in Jak's silent mind. Dark then cackled in response, remarking that wolves such as them should be destroyed, until his wolfish ego spoke up in defence.

'Do not speak of my brethren that way. They are angry, and thus showing their resentment quite well,' the wolf growled, bearing his fangs at Light and Dark. Jak shook his head rapidly, trying to make his three egos stop fighting. Erol cocked his head to the side after noticing, an eyebrow raised at Jak curiously.

"Something wrong Jak?" The blonde focused his gaze on the man beside him as they walked to the counter at the back of the room. It wasn't everyday the maniac was concerned for his welfare, and considered it a blessing.

"No, I'm fine. Thanks for your concern," Jak replied flatly, seating himself at a spare stool. Erol chuckled in return, dragging out another stool in which he sat down beside Jak. Daxter then leapt off Jak's shoulder and scurried up the counter towards the food storage cupboard, looking for something to eat while they had the chance to sit down and relax. Something felt like it were missing though. Just something…

"Where's Sky?" The realisation had just hit him that Sky hadn't returned yet from her hunting trip last night. He was in such a rush this morning that he hadn't noticed she wasn't there.

"She'll be fine, whatever she's doing," Erol muttered back, not a hint of concern left in his voice. Maybe he was just playing an act, hoping to get Jak off his trail. But the younger elf had seen them together numerous times whether it was only on friendship basis.

"I guess you're right. She's been gone for long periods of time like this. But I just can't keep…listen, if I tell you something, promise to me you'll keep it hidden," Jak suddenly enquired, briefly glancing up at his comrade's puzzled face before falling on Daxter who was busy making a large sandwich.

"What do you mean by that? Something you want to share, freak?" the red head sneered, golden brown eyes tearing into blue. "Whatever it is, I can't promise to keep it hidden. I was never good at promises."

Jak sighed heavily, feeling the pressure finally taking its toll. For two long weeks he'd passed Sharok, knowing who he was. For two long weeks he kept his promise to Sky and told no one, and he hadn't even approached the man to get answers. He was dying to get his hands around that neck of his, but Sky would kill him. Numerous times Jak had tried to reunite them both, but it was just too hard. Even when he took Sky along to the underground, Sharok was never there. When he did finally catch glimpses of him, Sky was never in his company. He was beginning to strain himself with the promise. The only option he felt he had was to talk to someone other than Daxter about it. Someone close to both himself and Sky.

"Erol, Skytha told me who her brother was."

"She told you!"

"Well, I guessed who he was. But I made a pledge to her that I wouldn't get involved. She told me to let her handle it. Also told me to keep this all hidden. If Torn or Ashelin knew, he'd be executed no doubt, and I can tell he means too much to her. But you know Sky better than me by the looks of things…has she done anything to stop him yet?" Jak asked quietly, his hands lying helplessly in his lap. Erol gave Jak a dark look, before shifting his gaze away.

"Who is her brother? She's not mentioned a single thing to me. I figured it was her business to take care of, but if you know, then why hasn't she informed me?" the ex commander growled, gritting his teeth in agitation.

"She didn't tell me on free will. I forced it out of her. And her brother is Sharok. But that man is really confusing…"

"Sharok? I knew that bastard had a fault first time I laid eyes on him. Why is he still alive in this city? Why hasn't he been thrown out or killed by the Freedom League? Jak, if you don't tell anyone soon, someone you know could get seriously hurt…how would you feel if Keira were to die as a result for your foolish promise!" Erol snapped, and the blonde felt a twinge of pain and guilt inside his heart. He had promised to protect Keira with his life, and that had never occurred that Sharok may take her life.

"I trust he won't kill her. He knows I care for her…besides; those who have died were accidental. They saw things they shouldn't…and Sky said he may be feeding his pack with the remains."

"Yes Jak, accidental. The people obviously saw something which may interfere with his plans and put his life at risk. It wasn't accidental Jak. He killed them intentionally to save his own hide!" Erol snarled back, hands curling into fists. Jak narrowed his eyes, his heart hammering painfully as rage built up.

"Listen, I trust Sky on her word! You should too. You care so much about her. I see how you look at her and…"

"What I do around Sky is my business. Don't drag my relationship with her into this freak! It's Sharok we're talking about. He must be stopped, or one of us could be next!" Silence fell heavily around the room, neither Erol nor Jak bothering to say anything. Daxter had even stopped fumbling around with his sandwich to stare in horror at them both.

"Guys, easy now. I think Jak has a point about keeping his secret," Daxter murmured, walking back over to Jak's side before sitting down and eating his large meal. Erol sneered at them both, eyes flaming dangerously.

"If I break my promise to Sky, and reveal his identity to the freedom league, the wolf pack may go back on their promise and attack again. We're no match against an entire pack Erol. You saw today," the blonde explained, leaning his head back and staring at the ceiling. Erol let out a deep growl, slamming his fist into the counter.

"They attacked us anyway! You can't make alliances with wolves! It doesn't work Jak. If it did, then why…why did they come today? Explain that one to me!" Jak closed his eyes, trying to think of that answer himself. The thoughts began mulling over and over again in his head, and he just couldn't find the answer. Words seemed to escape him altogether.

"No answer Jak? Admit you're wrong. However, I shall keep my end of the deal and keep it hidden. It's not everyday you meet a girl like Skytha. She hates the cruel world and everyone around her, just like me," Erol finished, getting up off the stool and heading over to his booth. He slid onto the seat and rested his head against the wall, shutting his eyes tightly. Jak just stared for a while, before he motioned to Daxter to follow him upstairs. They spent the remainder of the afternoon talking and relaxing, however hard it may have been with today's events still haunting them. But when nightfall came, and Daxter slid the curtains closed, the two settled down for an early night.

Wolfish figures kept invading Jak's mind as he slept, speaking with him to ally with the pack that created him. He struggled to understand their words, until his wolfish mind spoke up fiercely, telling them to return to the wasteland and never disturb the "boy" again. But when morning finally arrived, and the sun peeked through the curtains settling a ray of golden sunshine along the floor, the young man awoke.

His friend had already awoken and left the room, probably to raid the fridge again. But Jak, yawning widely went to wash himself down in the shower. It gave him a while to ponder over some things. Also gave him a chance to sort out his priorities and who came first when keeping friendships. He wanted Keira to be safe, but he didn't know whether to trust Sky or Erol. He'd only known Sky for two months, and she still kept things hidden from him. But what about Erol? The guy had tried to kill him twice, and the memories of being in prison. The ex commander seemed like a lunatic back then, taking pleasure in causing pain to Jak while he was being pumped full of dark eco. The older man had changed though. Instead of fighting, they were working together. But did that mean his view was the correct one to follow?

"Why is it all so hard?" Jak growled out in frustration, closing the bathroom door behind him and turning on the hot water in the shower. The room began to steam up as he stripped down, before stepping under the hot water to ease his nerves.

Downstairs Daxter was chatting with Simron, who had just come back from the Underground. The black ottsel had been out doing errands for Torn whilst the attack had happened, and retreated to the underground base to stay till it had all cleared. But now that he was back, the two ottsels were confabbing happily. In his booth Erol still laid sleeping, head dropping onto his chest while legs were sprawled over the table. His blanket had fallen to the ground during the night, and his pillow was barely enough to keep his head propped up comfortably.

Everything was peaceful apart from the silent muttered conversation between Daxter and Simron, but when the door slid open and a figure staggered in, it all turned hectic. Upon turning around Daxter caught a glimpse of Skytha, hair and clothes messy, covered in wounds reaching from her head to her feet. She looked terrible, but still forced herself to walk.

"ARGH! DO SOMETHING!" Daxter screamed in fear, hoping that Erol or at least Jak would come to aid her. "GET UP YOU LAZY IDIOT!" Orange lightning continued shouting, now aiming his voice at Erol who slept in utter bliss. The shouting had done some good, and the red head began to stir, stretching out his arms and yawning deeply. In a few moments time his eyes slid open, and he sat up, taking in his bearings.

"Something the matter, rat?" he asked, still drugged with sleep while he kept stretching his arms. Not only had the ottsel woken him up, but now he was standing speechless, looking at something near the door. Wondering what it was exactly, Erol peered out, his gaze resting on Sky whose eyes were beginning to lose their focus.

"SKY!" the red head shouted loudly, entangling himself out the booth and dashing to her aid. She raised her head slightly, just in time to acknowledge he was there, before passing out in his arms. "Quick, get some water rat!" Erol instructed, laying her on the ground gently. She looked in a right state. Her clothes were torn here and there, her hair messy, and she had blood caking parts of her flesh. It didn't take a genius to work out she'd been in a fight, but with what exactly?

"Something the matter Erol? I heard you shouting from upstairs," the younger elf asked after coming downstairs, blonde hair dripping with water. Erol spun around, beckoning Jak to come closer. "What? What's…oh no…what happened to her?" Erol just stayed silent, eyes wandering across her bruised body before lifting them to Jak's. Concern was written on his face.

"She didn't say. It looks like she's just made it here, on what little strength she had left. Quick rat, bring that water!" Erol shouted abruptly, becoming impatient. Soon Daxter was by his side with a bowl of warm water and a clean rag. He'd even began protesting that he wasn't a "rat" while the two elves began cleaning Sky up as best they could. Simron had left to get a medic just to be sure too, after finding a large, deep gash in her upper arm.

"I wonder what did this. You don't think a wolf did?"

"It seems possible Jak. Unless we have abusive men in our city who pick on single women," Erol snarled, dipping the rag into the reddened water and placing it over Sky's forehead. A little while later she began to stir, eyes opening but looking hazy and unfocused. When the reality struck her, she let out a loud groan, pain throbbing over her entire body.

"Sky, you're awake? What happened to you?" Erol murmured, propping her head up and resting it on his knees. Skytha kept silent, struggling to push the pain out of her faint head. But when she heard Jak's more demanding tone, she felt an answer should be given.

"I fought my brother…he was mad at me…I told Ramshei that the other pack had began to attack the stadium, and he came to lure them away. I knew they wouldn't listen to me, but a pure wolf that is older than most…he succeeded, but my brother blamed me and…I went to confront him last night. Found him hunting metal heads in the forest again…I wanted this all to stop, but he came at me, and then I leapt at him ready to fight. I could tell he didn't want to, but…either kill or be killed. He overpowered me, but refused to slay his own sister…he left me to bleed in the forest. It's a miracle I'm still alive…" Jak felt the anger bubbling; he felt Dark screaming and Light trying to sooth his soul. Skytha's words had really slapped him hard, and the thought of Sharok doing this to his own flesh and blood.

"I lost my pendant too…it's gone…" Sky whispered, closing her eyes and letting her head slip off Erol's lap. The red head made a move to prevent her head hitting the floor, and held it gently against his arms.

"She's passed out again. When's the medic coming?" Erol asked, looking at Jak with concern still splattered onto his usually sneering face. Jak shrugged, eye twitching the whole while. She hadn't been strong enough to defeat him. She had tried to end this war, but had failed. Now what? Was it up to him to set things straight?

"I'm going to kill Sharok when I next see him," Jak growled, eyes straying down to look at Sky again. "The medic should be here soon…please take care of her. I need to spend some time alone," Jak finished, getting up from the floor and heading back to his room. Erol and Daxter stayed on the ground, looking over to Jak's disappearing back.

"He'd better be alright. We can't have our so called 'Hero' doing anything stupid now," Erol growled, caressing Sky's forehead with a gentle hand. Out of all the times for this to have happened, why did it have to be now? Already the city had suffered a great loss at the stadium, but now that Skytha, one of the links to the wolfish, was out of fighting for a while.

"Sorry I'm late. How is she?" Erol and Daxter lifted their heads to see an aging man come through the front door accompanied by Simron. Erol rested Sky's head back onto the wooden floor before standing up to greet him.

"She's passed out again. Does it look serious?" The medic gave Erol a warm smile, kneeling down and examining her state. He chuckled slightly, pulling a few bottles and dressings out of a carrying case, before answering the worried elf.

"It's nothing too serious. She's suffered a few blows by the looks of things, but it's nothing stitches won't fix up," the medic replied, dabbing some clear liquid into the numerous flesh wounds. Erol spent the remainder of the morning watching the medic fix Skytha up, while Daxter and Simron retreated upstairs to comfort Jak. Once the aging man had finished his work, he packed up his bags and left without another word while Erol moved Skytha over to a booth to rest.

She kept coming and going for a while, and managed to mutter a "thanks" to Erol when she realised he was watching over her, before falling into darkness again. Thoughts began swimming in her unconscious state, especially Jak's previous statement "What if he's not the brother you remembered" in particular. Maybe he was right.


Corad: I'm so ashamed...sorry to have to do that to Skytha, Jaklover. But don't fret, she ain't down for good. Sharok's just a big mean man!
Sharok: Corad, I may be big and mean, but I..what was that last thing you said?
Corad: (rolling eyes) So, was that good, bad, crap, boring, idiotic, ok...any other form of word used to describe this chapter. It'd be good if you could let me know. I can't really improve as an author if I don't get feedback...kinda like drawing really. Ya can't improve in drawing unless you're able to pick out your own faults, or if ppl give ya constructive critism. If anyone has any constructive critism to give me, then please feel free too. I don't bite...I'm not sure about Sharok though.
Sharok: Corad...(eye twitching)
Corad: Well, I'll see you guys later. Thanks for reading this chapter, and the next one shall be up next...week...toodles:)