Karin had to admit that when they weren't running from the Krimson Guards, Jak wasn't half bad a driver. Perhaps it was because they were in yet again, another stolen vehicle, but the drive back to the District was smooth and uneventful.

She ran her fingers across the Morph Staff, marveling that she had one in her hands. They were hard to make, with all the moving parts needing to be put together by hand. Flicking open the main chamber, she saw a Red eco crystal finely carved and inserted into the circuitry.

"Know how that works?" asked Jak, giving her a sideways glance.

"Somewhat," she said, closing the main chamber. "Hestia would know more, but basically, the Precursor metal reacts to an eco crystal and then shifts into a form best suited for using the eco."

"Sounds complicated," said Jak.

"It is. Hestia only made a few of them. Wonder how Sig got his hands on this one…," she said, trailing off. Krew probably stole it. Honestly, it was a miracle her mother's sword wasn't in his grubby little hands, snatched from Eve's grasp by a spy of his.

The sun had completely set behind the shield wall, and the Slum's street lights came on one by one, illuminating the gray District gate with flickering white light. They had arrived during the evening rush, when people were returning to the Districts from the jobs her father had assigned them.

She scowled as she saw how tired her people looked, how downtrodden. She tightened her grip around her staff.

"Look at them," she said quietly, more to herself than to Jak. "Ever since Damas was deposed, the Baron decreed we couldn't leave the District. 'For our safety' he said. Then as the war went on and he was no closer than Damas to repelling the Metal Heads, he required us to work the hardest jobs, the most dangerous jobs with little to no pay, saying that as guests of Haven, we needed to earn our keep."

"And your father doesn't do anything?" asked Jak, cutting into her thoughts. One of his was clutching the steering wheel, the other clutching his chest. He stared straight ahead, grimacing. She could see his nails elongating and his skin and hair turning pale.

"He does," she said quickly, touching Jak lightly on the hand. He flinched, but the color slowly came back to his face and hair. "He has people rotate through the hardest jobs every week. But the Baron has just been demanding more and more from us."

"Hold on," said Daxter, his brow furrowing. "If your people have the same moves with that staff as you, then why haven't you, you know… overthrown the Baron?"

Sighing, she closed her eyes and rested her head back on the zoomer's headrest. "Same reasons we originally left our home. We're outnumbered and outgunned. And… Praxis has hostages. About two hundred Ecolites work in the Palace. If we did anything overtly, they'd be executed."

The silence between the three of them was palpable.

"Sorry," she said finally, opening her eyes. "I don't mean to burden you with the problems of my people."

Jak sighed and rubbed his face with his hands. "Ugh. Why is everything in Haven so complicated?" he muttered.

"Mo' people, mo' problems," said Daxter, patting Jak on the head. "Don't worry about it, Princess. Once we kick that bastard Baron's butt, Jak and I will take you back to Sandover, where there's nothing but warm beaches, coconuts, and not a single Metal Head in sight. But first, food. I'm starving!"

Daxter hopped out of the zoomer, strolling toward the gates. Karin was about to follow him, but stopped as Jak grabbed her arm.

"Listen I, uh—" he said, avoiding her eyes. He let out a breath and switched to signing. Don't worry about telling me about all this, he signed, gesturing at the crowd of tired people. You have a lot on your shoulders, so… if you need me I'm here.

Karin opened her mouth, wanting to tell him how much he meant to her, that without him in the Prison, she would have died, but the words got stuck in her throat. Sighing internally, she signed, Thanks, giving him a small smile.

Jak gave her a smile in return. For a moment, he looked like he first did when she met him.

"Excuse me! Dying of starvation over here!" called out Daxter.

They both rolled their eyes and chuckled before catching up with Daxter. They strolled through the gates, the guards only bothering to check Karin's pass before moving on to the person behind them. The crowd of people thinned as they got closer and closer to Karin's home. Just like in the morning, they entered through the back near the kitchen.

To her surprise, her brother was waiting for them with his arms folded.

Ty! What are you doing here? she asked him, giving him a puzzled look. She pulled her headscarf off and let it drape around her shoulders.

Waiting for you. You promised we'd get a chance to talk… alone, he signed, jerking his head toward Daxter and Jak.

Pursing her lips, she turned to Jak and Daxter, an apologetic look on her face. "You guys eat without me. Help yourselves to anything. I'll be back in a bit."

It didn't take long for Daxter to start throwing open cupboards, ignoring Tyberius's glare, as he rummaged through them. Jak leaned against a counter, putting a hand against his face at Daxter's antics.

Gesturing in front of her, Karin signed, Lead the way.

Tyberius took her to the library in their home. Bookshelves lined the walls from floor to ceiling, organized by subject. Two chairs were tucked in a corner, giving off a cozy feeling as they were lit by the room's warm light. A wave of nostalgia hit her as she smelled paper and ink, sending her back to when she was a child. She and Tyberius would spend hours reading together. Resting her staff by the door, she took a seat in one of the chairs.

Tyberius didn't sit down next to her. He stood, arms crossed and fingers tapping against his arms.

You wanted to talk? she prompted, gesturing for him to continue. He looked away from her, and she scowled at him. Standing up, she walked over to him and tilted his chin so he looked at her.

Seriously, Ty? You wanted to talk to me, so here I am! She gestured at all of her and crossed her arms, glaring at him. What's wrong with you?

What's wrong with me? What's wrong with you! he exploded. Every sign he made was bigger, over exaggerated, and filled with anger. You've been gone for three years, and it took you a whole day to come talk with me!

I had things I needed to do, she snapped back. You wouldn't understand.

I understand perfectly, he signed, his face in a snarl. Who do you think had to do your duties while you were gone? ME!

You don't think I wanted to be home? I was stuck in the Baron's prison being experimented on with Light eco! she snapped back. So I'm sorry if I haven't been home because I've been busy getting back at him!

Tyberius recoiled from her. Anger, guilt, concern all rushed through her. Karin took a shuddering breath, and they all were dulled by the Light eco in her. Sighing, she rubbed her forehead and sat back down.

I'm sorry, she signed. There wasn't much else she could say. She was sorry. She missed him a lot, and unfortunately, Torn called before she could talk with him. I missed you.

He ran both his hands through his hair before he sat down next to her. They sat together without talking for a good minute. Tyberius still looked upset, but less than he was before. He sighed and looked at her.

I'm sorry too, he signed. Where were you all day?

Tapping her fingers against the armrest, she hesitated before signing slowly, I've been doing jobs for the Underground.

His eyes widened as his hands rapidly signed, Does Dad know?

Yes, she signed. I also convinced him to help.

Leaning back his chair, Tyberius shook his head. He stared at her, obviously thinking about something. Turning his head, he scoffed and then turned back to her.

It's not fair, he signed, frowning. Ever since you disappeared, I have been begging him to do something. The moment you show up, he finally does. He put his head in his hands.

Scooting closer to him, Karin gently moved his hands away from his face and lifted his chin so he could see her.

It's not fair, she signed. But you know how he is… Ever since mom died—

Tyberius grabbed her hands, scowling. He's been a coward.

Frowning, Karin signed, He's been cautious.

You've been gone for three years, he signed, shaking his head. Ever since you went missing, others of our people have too. Sometimes whole families.

"What!" she exclaimed, alarm rising in her. She rubbed her temples and closed her eyes. Eve hadn't said anything about Ecolites being rounded up. Karin was sure she would have bragged about it. Tyberius tapped her shoulders to get her attention.

I've asked him about it, but all he says is not to worry, he signed with a scowl.

I don't think it's the Baron, she signed quickly. I didn't hear anything about it in the Prison.

Yeah. Because it's prison, he signed, giving her a pointed look.

Rolling her eyes, she shook her head. You hear more than you think. He gave her a doubtful look, and she sighed, signing, I'll look into it. I have resources now from the Underground. Unfortunately for her, her resources mainly consisted of Torn and Krew, who probably weren't going to give anything away for free. Getting information out of them was going to be a pain.

Tyberius was still giving her a doubtful look, but he suddenly signed, I missed you. It's been hard without you.

She gave him a sad smile and pulled him into a tight hug. I noticed, she signed when they broke apart. Gesturing to his red arm tattoos, she signed, I thought Raxxus was going to be your last tattoo, not your first.

It was customary for all Ecolites to get a colored eco tattoo on their fifteenth birthday. Then every year after that until their eighteenth birthday, they could pick another one, generally alternating between the Light and Dark trinities of Light, Blue, and Green and Dark, Red, and Yellow. Although eventually they would have all four, the first tattoo an Ecolite picked had special meaning, forging their first connection with an eco god.

Tyberius looked at his arms and flexed his fingers. After you were gone, I felt powerless. I wanted— I needed power. So yeah, I picked them first.

He looked at her yellow Yex tattoo and gave her a sympathetic look. You would have gotten your last one eight months ago. It's weird having the same amount as you.

Karin closed her eyes, tracing her Yex tattoo. She and Jak had turned eighteen in the Prison. The thought rarely crossed her mind, having been focusing on surviving, but she did miss out on three different rites of passage, marking her transition from childhood to adulthood. In a way though, she had a different rite, one filled with pain and Light eco.

It doesn't bother me, she signed, keeping her eyes closed. And whether I wanted it or not, I did get a tattoo when I turned eighteen.

She could feel his hand reaching out to get her attention as she pulled the Light eco inside her to the surface and let it swallow her. She had enough to show him safely. Opening her eyes, she noted her brother's mouth open in surprise and shock. With a breath out, she ended the flow of Light eco and transformed back. Just for a second, she felt the Light eco's hunger for more, but she could ignore it for now.

What— Tyberius's hand stopped mid-sign. She could see his hand trembling slightly and his lip quivering. He had to wipe his eyes before he could continue. You said they experimented on you?

For the second time in a day, she explained what happened to her and Jak. Tyberius was clenching his knees when she finished.

Those bastards. His signs were quick and angry. Why didn't you tell the guards who you were?

You think they would have believed me? she said, raising an eyebrow. Also, think. The Baron has such a hold on dad already. Imagine what it would be like if he knew I was under his control.

Tyberius balled his fists, but reluctantly sighed and relaxed them. He crossed his arms and rubbed his forehead. You're much better at thinking of all the moving pieces.

It takes practice and patience, she signed with a smile. She reached over and messed up his hair, and he scowled at her, swatting her hand away and fixing his hair. Grinning, she stood up and pulled him into another quick hug. I'm glad we talked.

Me too, he signed, nodding. Tilting his head to the side, he asked, Are you heading back to the kitchen?

Karin nodded. I'm hungry. Haven't really eaten anything since this morning. She noticed him hesitating, and quickly added, Come with me. Come meet my friends.

Tyberius wrinkled his face at her, signing, And be left out of conversations? I don't think so.

She rolled her eyes. Grabbing his hand, she pulled him out of the chair. She grabbed her staff on the way out, and took him to the kitchen.

It was a mess. In the time she had left them, Daxter had pulled out all of their canned food in his search for something to eat, but left them on the floor. He had also found the flour, the spices, the pots and pans, and somehow a chef's hat. He was currently humming, dumping chopped vegetables into a giant pot of broth. Jak was scowling at Daxter, doing his best to organize the cans on the floor.

Karin put her head in her hand and shook her head. Tyberius raised his eyebrow at her as he leaned up against a counter.

"You can't just leave things lying around!" said Jak, shoving cans of corn into the cupboard. "This isn't Sandover."

Daxter waved a wooden spoon at him dismissively, stirring the vegetables around. "I was going to get to cleaning later."

Jak hefted the can in his hand, seeming to be seriously considering throwing it at Daxter, but he dropped his arm when he saw Karin and Tyberius.

"Karin! I was just— erm, cleaning up after Daxter," he muttered, quickly shoving the can back into the cupboard. He gave Tyberius a wave, and signed, You're Tyberius, right?

Karin held back a chuckle as her brother looked at Jak in surprise. Tyberius gave her an accusatory look, like she had purposefully been keeping from him the fact Jak could sign.

This is on you for assuming, she signed, getting down to help Jak pick up cans. She adjusted her body so that she was facing Tyberius.

Tyberius rolled his eyes, but seemed to look at Jak with a little bit more respect. Where'd you learn to sign? he asked.

In between cans, Jak gave him a grin and signed, Prison. He gestured his head toward Karin. She taught me.

As Tyberius looked at her, she shrugged her shoulders. We had hundreds of hours. Needed to do something.

"Hey! Are you guys just going to have silent conversations without me?" said Daxter, putting his hands on his hips. Karin automatically started to translate what he was saying for Tyberius.

Tyberius narrowed his eyes at Daxter and quickly signed something. Karin narrowed her eyes at her brother and shook her head, crossing her arms. She wasn't translating that.

"What is it? What'd he say?" said Daxter.

"Nothing nice," said Karin. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all, she signed at her brother. Tyberius just gave her a cheeky grin.

Daxter scowled at him and jabbed the wooden spoon at him. "Then you're not getting any stew!" He opened the pot lid, and Karin's mouth watered as she smelled the spices and vegetables cooking together.

"I didn't know you could cook, Daxter," she said, signing it simultaneously.

"I am a man of many talents," he said, crossing the spoon across his chest dramatically.

Obviously talking is one of them, signed Tyberius, Karin resuming translating.

Jak laughed as Daxter pointed the spoon at Tyberius. "Point to you, sir, but I have all the soup!"

The stew's smell permeated the kitchen. Tyberius held his hands up in surrender as his stomach gurgled. Alright, alright. I'm sorry.

"That's more like it."

Daxter looked through cabinets for bowls, tossing them behind him. Jak and Karin scrambled up, leaping up to catch the glassware. Karin awkwardly tried to place the breakables on the counter, attempting to free her hands. Tyberius leapt to the side, catching a plate with both his hands.

"Daxter— the bowls are in the other cupboard!" she said, catching a cup and setting it on the counter.

"Oh right," he said, hopping over and getting out four bowls. "And the ladle?"

"Over there!"

Daxter opened the drawer and pulled out the ladle triumphantly. With surprising dexterity, he deftly scooped out enough stew for each bowl and ladled it out in one motion. He set a bowl in front of Karin, Jak, and Tyberius. Pushing open a drawer, he pulled out four spoons and handed one to each of them.

"Bon appetit!" he said, bowing deeply.

Karin took a bite. The vegetables were soft and tender. She couldn't quite tell what spices he used, but they blended with the vegetable's mild flavors in a swirl of harmony. The broth itself was thick and creamy. All together, it had a very homely, nostalgic feeling.

"Whoa," she said, looking down at the stew. "This almost makes up for the mess you made." Tyberius nodded his head in agreement, devouring the stew in the way only a teenage boy could. He reached over for seconds. With a grin, Daxter gave him another serving.

"If I had access to some meat, it would be even better," said Daxter wistfully. "But you make do with what you got."

"Very true," said Karin, taking another bite and savoring it.

Tyberius went for his third helping, but Daxter smacked his hand away.

"Oh no. No more until you help me clean up," said Daxter, gesturing at the many cans still on the floor and the spices and pots on the counter.

Why do I have to? complained Tyberius, placing his bowl on the counter.

"Because I don't know where anything goes."

Karin couldn't help but smile as Tyberius helped Daxter put everything away. Daxter, to his credit, made sure he was facing Tyberius when he spoke. Although her brother wouldn't admit it, he was enjoying Daxter's company, even if Daxter did have to repeat himself multiple times. She scooted closer to Jak. He was taking a bit to finish his first bowl, lost in thought as he watched Tyberius and Daxter.

"Something on your mind?" she said, setting her empty bowl down.

"Not really. Just… thinking."

She waited.

"It's just… I've realized how long it's been since Daxter cooked. Last time I had his cooking was the night before we went into the Rift Rider." He stirred the vegetable chunks around, staring hard into the stew, like it had answers. "Brought up memories of Sandover."

"Ah."

He clutched the bowl, but released all the tension in his body with a sigh. Karin hesitated, but she reached over and gently rubbed his back. Jak closed his eyes and rested his head on hers. It was just the two of them, close together. Jak's breathing was calm and steady, and hers soon started to follow his. Time itself seemed to have stopped.

"You'll get back home," she said quietly. "It might take a bit, but you'll get back home."

"Thanks," he said quietly.

Giving him a gentle nudge, she said, "Besides, Daxter promised me a coconut, whatever that is."

He cracked an eye open and gave her a sideways glance. "You've never had a coconut?"

Laughing, she shook her head.

Setting down his bowl, he made a round shape with his hands about the size of her head. "Well, it's a fruit around this big and green. Then they turn brown as they ripen."

"That whole thing is the fruit?"

"Nah. That's just the husk. The actual fruit is inside, about this big." He shrunk his hands to about a third of the original size. "It's inside this big nut that you have to crack open to get to the meat and the water inside."

"Is all that work really worth it?"

"Absolutely!" He shook her head at her, clearly looking at her like she was crazy.

Holding her hands up in surrender, she said, "Okay, okay. When you find a coconut, I'll try it."

Still shaking his head, Jak grabbed his bowl of stew and started eating it again. However, Karin caught the hint of a smile at the corners of his mouth. Folding her arms, she let out a sigh of contentment. No doubt, tomorrow would be dangerous, but for now, she could enjoy the peace brought by enjoying a meal with friends.

So I didn't mean for this chapter to be as long as it was, but I just kept writing and whoops! What can you do?

I know that there are palm trees outside of Haven and that Haven has gardens, but looking at the gardens again, I didn't see any coconut trees. So my personal headcannon now is that coconuts are rare and only Haven royalty has access to Wastelanders who can grab fruit.

Also, I don't think I'll have lurkers in my fic, mostly because they don't show up again in Jak 3. While I'm a ways off from adapting Jak 3, I can't think of a way I could write them into the story in a satisfying way. So unfortunately, no Brutter :(

Thanks for reading, and don't forget to leave a review! I love hearing from my readers.