Here's the next one...! Enjoy!

Chapter 2: A Coronation on Christmas

Jak being the heir to the throne of Haven spread throughout the Palace and into the city like the plague. The young father's already hectic lifestyle was now becoming a blur of scheduling and public appearances. Ashelin had even arranged for his crowning to take place on Christmas day, only three days away, to further elevate the importance of the event.


"I can't believe you didn't tell me!" Daxter yelled at Jak, who was calmly eating a sandwich.

Jak finished chewing and shrugged at his ottsel friend, "I didn't want anyone to know. Sorry, Dax."

"Yeah...Well...I guess I can forgive you this time...But you'd better make me something important when you're 'high and mighty' King Jak!" Daxter exclaimed loudly, hopping onto the table and standing in front of Jak.

"Sure," he answered, shaking his head with a smile.

There was a moment of silence between the two as Jak continued eating and Daxter moseyed over to the Palace's gigantic refrigerator and chose a bottle of beer half his size.

"So what did ya get Keira for Christmas?" Daxter asked, snapping the cap of his alcoholic beverage.

Upon hearing the question, Jak smacked himself in the forehead, "Shit! I totally forgot!"

Daxter snorted. "Some boyfriend you are...I got my Tessy a new set of gun parts!" he bragged.

"Yeah, where'd ya get the money for that?" Jak eyed him suspiciously.

Daxter's eyes darted from side to side and he folded his arms defensively, "None of your business!" He was evidently guilty of some type of theft.

Jak laughed at his friend, but they swore to himself again when he tried to think of what to get Keira. Soon, a large smile came over the blue-eyed elf as he thought of the perfect gift for the girl he loved.


Christmas Eve's Day arrived all too soon for Jak and the rest of the Palace's residents. Everyone rushed about, ensuring everything was ready for the ceremony the next afternoon.

Torn, Ashelin, Samos, and Jak all sat around a large rectangular table in the Council-Room discussing tomorrow's events. Distracted, Jak hardly participated in the conversation as the others discussed everything from the Monks' arrival to security measures.

Once they had all been briefed on the nest day's situation, Torn and Ashelin left the room, off to complete some of the business they had just discussed. Noting Jak's lack of discussion and constant fidgeting, the elder Sage smiled.

"Nervous, Jak?

"A little," Jak replied, rubbing his palms together rapidly.

"You'll do fine." Samos comforted, resting his hand on the young warrior's shoulder for a moment before leaving the room.

Once Jak was alone, he spoke aloud to himself, "What makes everyone so sure that I'm going to be what this city needs?"

That night, everyone gathered in the Palace's impressive dining hall for a Christmas Eve dinner. After eating their fill, some chose to go to bed, while others opted to hang around to talk to one another.

Jak and Keira chose the bed route. They laid their son in his crib and tiredly climbed into bed themselves. Both knew Jak would never sleep that night, though. So, they held each other close, talking quietly about memories of Sandover Village, or of their dreams.

"Someday," Keira started, "I won't be the one fixing and building the zoomers, I'll be racing them! And Daddy won't be able to stop me..." she ended with a yawn.

"And I know you'll beat them all," Jak added, running his hands through her hair as she fell asleep in his arms.


The following morning, the young couple was awoken by the sound of Trajan's cries. Jak groaned as he arose from bed and walked over to his son, picking him up. The baby instantly quieted once in its father's arms. Keira, who had gone to their little in-room kitchen, came back with a bottle at hand. She looked at Jak funny when she saw Trajan's cries at suddenly ceased.

"I...just picked him up and he stopped," he said returning the look and shrugging. Can't complain about that, he thought to himself.

Soon enough, the thought of Christmas finally found its way into both of their minds, and they wished each other a Merry Christmas. Still in their night clothes, the little family made their way to the Throne Room where a gigantic Christmas tree stood; Tess and Daxter were already there. Keira and Jak greeted the odd couple with another Merry Christmas and talked with them, waiting for Torn, Ashelin and Samos to join them.


When all were finally present, the group of elves began to exchange presents with each other. It was an endearing sight to see everyone so happy all at once.

Like he had told Jak, Daxter had gotten Tess a new set of gun parts; and in return, she had gotten him a tiny set of armor, custom made.

"Now I won't have to worry so much when you and Jak go on your little adventures, shnookums!" Tess squealed as Daxter tried the livery on.

Torn awkwardly gave Ashelin a present which turned out to be a stunning gold necklace with a single blue-eco crystal. This resulted in their first public display of affection, as Ashelin jumped on Torn, kissing him. He soon returned the favor when he received her gift of a shiny new dagger with his name engraved on the hilt.

Meanwhile, Keira and Jak accepted a good many gifts for Trajan from the others, as well as for themselves. Jak had told Keira he wanted to giver her present last, so she gave him his. She had gotten him a new pair of top-notch boots, and a new jacket, that doubled as very strong and flexible armor. He kissed her affectionately in thanks for his wonderful gifts and whispered in her ear for her to wait just a little longer for hers.

Once everyone else was done opening the presents, they all sat on chairs or floor, toying with their new things and chatting with the others beside them. The young couple sat on the floor, Keira leaning back on Jak's chest between his legs while holding Trajan.

"Is there anything else under there?" Jak asked, pointing to the tree.

Keira leaned forward to check and turned to face him to answer him, but, her tongue seemed to be caught when she saw the little black box Jak held up to her face. She clapped her free hand over her mouth and gasped. Everyone's undivided attention was now on the couple as an air of silence filled the room.

Jak slowly opened the tiny box to reveal an amazing and extremely rare light-eco crystal set on a glittering ring. The sparkle of the precious stone reflected off of Keira's dark green eyes as Jak looked into them.

"Will you marry me?" he asked slowly, and everyone's gaze shifted to Keira, waiting for her answer.

"Of course," she said tenderly, tears welling up in her eyes as she reached her left hand out for Jak to slip the ring on her ring finger.

Keira admired the ring for a moment before they kissed lovingly and all their friends clapped to their left.

"Alright, Jak!" Torn cheered and the now engaged couple broke apart, blushing a little from the reactions of their friends.


"Are you done yet, Jak!" Ashelin shouted, continuing to knock on his door.

"No...I can't get this thing buttoned...!"

Keira laughed while she tried to help Jak into his clothes for his crowning. When he was finally done, he looked quite regal. Underneath, he wore a simple white long-sleeved shirt, and over that a sturdy, velvet-like jacket deep blue in color with a gold trimming. He absolutely refused to wear anything but his combat boots, but Keira bargained with him to at least wear a pair of black slacks.

"And you're not wearing those goggles!" Keira said, snatching them off his head with a giggle.

"Fine...but what about you? Plan on wearing your PJ's?" Jak asked, pointing out her current attire.

"I still have time...but you don't. You have to go meet King Damas."

"Who?" Jak questioned while fixing his hair in the mirror.

"Weren't you listening to Ashelin at all? He's the King of Spargus, a city in the Wasteland, remember?" Keira replied in an informing tone, "Now go!" she playfully pushed him out the door.


"So...This is the great warrior we've heard about in the desert!" Damas offered out his hand, "Good to finally meet you, Jak."

"And you...erm, your Highness," Jak stuttered, shaking his hand.

"You are to be King, too. We have no use of formalities between us," Damas smiled.

Interrupting the two, Ashelin waked up to them. She bowed politely to the desert King and motioned for Jak to follow her, signaling it was time. Damas nodded and turned to go down another to the Palace Hall with his entourage following him loyally.

"Where's Keira?" Jak asked nervously as they walked.

"She's waiting for you at the balcony entrance to the Hall. You two will walk in together and from there, you know the drill," Ashelin replied calmly.

Inside the Hall, hundreds of nobles and the 'higher ups' in society waited for the crowning of their new king. Outside, the rest of the citizens of Haven watched on a large hologram screen just outside the Palace doors. Security was high, as there were still a few loyal to the late Baron who might look for a chance to show their disdain for a new ruler. Torn stood at the main entrance to the Hall, radioing to his stationed security KG's and ID'ing the guests.

The Hall itself was immensely large and beautifully decorated for the occasion. Opposite the main entrance was a balcony with a stairway leading down to the main floor where tables now filled the area with waiting guests.

At the table nearest to the stairway that Jak would soon descend, Daxter sat, along with Tess, Ashelin, Samos who held Trajan, Onin, and her translator, Pecker. The elf that had made done the seating arrangements had made a big mistake putting the two animals at the same table. And, after a few rounds of drinks, the two began a heated argument about feathers versus fur.

Fortunate for all, their quarreling was soon silenced by a spot light being directed to the balcony and all other lights being dimmed.

On the arm of Jak, Keira could be seen first in her long and elegant royal blue dress. When Jak, too, walked into view, it was clear that the young elf was truly meant to be a leader.

Smiling, the couple continued on down the stairs and stopped after the last step, although still slightly elevated about the floor. They were joined by three monks and Keira stepped aside. She watched as two of the three monks performed various hand movements in front of Jak and chanted some odd language. The third monk, named Seem, whom Jak had met the previous day, held an impressive crown and nodded, signaling for Jak to kneel. He did so, and Seem spoke something in the Precursorian language before placing the crown atop his head.

Keira rejoined her fiancée as he stood up. The monks moved aside, allowing for all to see their new King of Haven City.


Hope the engagement thing wasn't too obvious or cliché. Let me know what you think!