Author's Notes- Hiya everyone. Here is the next installment of this story. I'm really glad that I got back into some kind of groove with this story because I really like where this this going plot wise. So, I hope you all enjoy this chapter.

Chapter Fifteen
Truths Revealed

Sig walked slowly down one of the hallways, the rest of the group close as his heels. They man had been quiet for most of their walk, lessening their pace once they had entered an empty corridor. Guards stood outside of each door they passed, a large staff like spear held in their hands. No movement came from them as they stood in silence, acting as if they were statues. The sun shown through the open archways that had one of the most beautiful views any of them had ever scene. The ocean sparkled in the sunlight of the afternoon, its waves crashing against the rocks below the palace walls. The calls of sea birds echoed upon the wind as the others walked along, awaiting words to be spoken by Sig.

"Can you now explain to us just what exactly is going on?" Ashelin was the first to pipe up, crossing her arms in her normal tense manner as she walked. "The whole palace looks like it's in chaos."

The man didn't even try to glance over his shoulder, "There is a ceremony tonight to celebrate a historical event." He told flatly, as if it was no big deal to him.

Torn raised an eyebrow to Sig's words. "An event?" he questioned, glancing to the women and Ottsel, who gave him the same confused look. "What event?"

"And what does that have to do with Jak?" Keira questioned, crossing her arms. "Why can't you just tell us what is going on?"

Pausing in his spot, Sig turned to face the girl and others. His face had grown stern at their questions, making them become even more concerned. Glancing off to the side, he let his eyes fall upon two large wooden doors. Two more large guards stood before them, looking more armed to the teeth than most of the soldiers. Their peacemakers were crossed in front of the doors, making sure that no one would enter.

"Jak is through there," he told them quietly, letting his eyes shift to the side. "He's preparing for tonight with the queen."

Daxter's ears perked as he raised a questioning eyebrow, "Preparing? Preparing for what Sig?!" he shouted from Keira's shoulder, almost making him fall off in anger.

Ashelin nodded at the Ottsel's straightforwardness. Slamming her foot down, she held up her hand, clenched into a tight fist. "Enough with the secrets and enough of the lies. As one of your higher-ups, I demand to know the truth of what's been going on." She spoke coolly, letting her fiery red dreads fall into her face.

"I say we stop asking nicely," Torn told, withdrawing his knife from his back, "And just let ourselves in."

Jak kept his eyes to the floor, unsure of how to begin. He could feel his mother's eyes upon him, watching and studying every move he made with the up most curiosity. His muscles tensed slightly as Lena's touch came to his shoulders, as if trying coax the words that where there on the edge of his tongue. He didn't know how he could even try to begin, let alone let her know the truth about the beast the stirred within him.

"Mar, what is it?" Lena's voice asked softly, letting her fingers adjust the cloak that sat upon his shoulder.

Reaching up, Jak took hold of his mother's hand, stopping her motion. It wasn't that he wanted her to stop, but if the words didn't want to come out, then he would never be able to tell her. "Mom, there is something you need to know. There's something wrong. Something you need to know."

Lena's eyes narrowed slightly, becoming confused. "Sweetie, what is it?"

"Did the servants tell you about the scars on my body? On my back?" he questioned, trying to find a way to tie together the things that would be important for her to know.

Pausing for a moment, the woman gave a small nod at the words. "When I first arrived in the city, I was arrested for some reason by the Krimzon Guards," he spoke quickly, trying desperately to get all the words he could out to her. "I was imprisoned and tortured because they knew that I was an eco user."

The queen placed a hand to her mouth, feeling shock course through her body. But before she could speak another word, Jak continued on. "They did something to me. Something I don't understand completely. But I…" Just like that, the words he was so desperate to speak left him. It was as if his mind had gone completely blank and there was no way to bring back the information that he needed. He found himself glancing to his feet again, his hold on his mother lessening to almost nothing.

"Whatever they did to you Mar," she muttered softly, "It doesn't matter anymore. You are here and you are safe. I will not let anything happen to you ever again."

And yet, Jak could only shake his head, "But this is something more. Something that I can't fully control." Looking back into his mother's eyes, Jak could only take in a deep breath. "I just don't want to hurt you."

Glaring to the men, the former Krimzon Guard kept low, charging at them head on. The two men pulled back their weapons quickly, trying to aim and fire at the oncoming attack. And yet, Torn was too quick for them. Placing every inch of his strength into his legs, the man leapt from the floor, splitting his legs apart and planting his feet into the faces of the guards. He grunted a bit as he connected with them, sending them flying back into the door. The sheer force of the hit and the harshness of the blow, the soldiers burst the doors opened, sending them flying into the quarters beyond. A loud scream echoed throughout the hallway and room as the two figures went flying into the room.

"Torn!" Keira shouted in shock as the doors were thrown open. "What are you doing!?"

Landing in a crouched position, Torn kept his glare ahead, peering into the room that he had gained access too. "I'm sick of all these secrets and hiding things from us. I want the truth and damnit I want it now!" he shouted.

Sig made no move to restrain the man. He simply remained in his spot, watching as Torn took down the two foot soldiers without hesitation. In a way, he was unsure of how this situation would have gone over once they had gotten frustrated. All the wastelander could do was step back and wait for the explosion of questions and the bombardment of accusations to commence. After all, he had known the entire time about this secret, so he would have to explain himself.

It was somewhat bright due to the light of the sun as the door were thrown opened, making the small group flinch slightly. Torn rose from his spot on the floor as the others joined him by his side, keeping his eyes narrowed past the light. Their eyes adjusted quickly to the light, enabling them to see within.

Lena stood in the doorway of the balcony, surprise and shock written upon her normally delicate features. Her hand came to her face as she saw the group come into the door, anger written upon their features. The guards that were meant to stand watch at her chambers had been so easily taken out of commission; she had no choice but to be startled. Stepping back a bit, the woman did not know what to make of what had just happened.

Torn stepped forward, pointing an accusing finger at the queen, "Where is Jak?!" he demanded, slamming his foot down. "Enough games. Tell us where he is now!"

"Guards!" One of the hand-maidens screamed at the top of her lungs, withdrawing more into the shadows of the room. Her cry was loud as the small group moved into the room, anger reflected in their movements as they stormed in. "Guards! Help!"

Keira was the first to take notice of the other man beside the woman. Letting her eyes lock upon him, she scanned upward to his face. Elegant wastelander clothing covered him from head to toe. Knee high boots with armored spikes sat that his feet. Suede-styled materials made up his pants and shirt while various styles of bracers and armor were placed upon his body. A half-like cape hung over one of his shoulders as long blond-green hair was pulled back into a ponytail. His bangs kept his face hidden as he slowly looked to stare at the group.

The young mechanic stepped into the room, away from her friends. Moving past the fallen guards, she could feel her heart begin to stop in her chest as the image became clearer. As soon as the young man turned to look at her, she was met with those brilliant blue eyes that she knew all too well. Pausing in her steps, she drew back slightly in surprise, "…Jak?" she muttered quietly, silencing the remainder of the city folk in their demands. "Is…that you?"

Before the young man could try to even respond, one of the guards that Torn had taken down rose to his feet. His gold eyes glared up to the young mechanic girl, watching her slowly move towards where the queen stood. He climbed to his feet in one swift movement, grabbing hold of her arm and twisting it behind her back. Keira gasped in shock as she felt the strength of the man take hold of her waist and arm roughly. The second guard was quick to follow suit, taking hold of Torn in a binding restraint move as well.

Jak suddenly snapped from his daze as soon as he heard Keira's gasp of shock. Shaking his head out a bit, the blond stepped forward and away from his mother. He could see Torn trying to fight off his captor while Keira screamed to have the man release her at once. Daxter and Ashelin made every try they could to have the guards release them. He never would have expected to see the group storming into the royal chambers of the wasteland, demanding to know his location. Maybe Keira and Daxter would have, but never Torn or Ashelin.

Holding out his hand, the blond let his eyes narrow dangerously, "Guards! I command you release them at once!" he shouted above the roar of screams and protests. His own voice confused him at his firmness and authoritative manner. It had almost sounded like he had been doing this for his entire life, giving guards the orders that only a prince could give. So surprised by these words, he was rudely awakened to find that the entire room had fallen silent and all eyes were upon him.

Daxter's eyes widened as the small creature moved forward away from the guards. He too was beginning to see where Keira words had come from before the guard had grabbed her. There was something familiar about the young man that stood before the queen, but the clothing had thrown him off. It took him split second to notice the blond green hair and scent that could have only been one person.

"Jak?" the small creature muttered, watching as the guards holds loosened on the two individuals.

The guards slowly backed away from their former captives, taking a knee before the two individuals. Torn and the others watched in confusion as the men lowered their heads to where Jak and the queen stood, not making eye contact with them. "Forgive us Prince Mar. We thought they were here to cause you harm." The first guard spoken, his tone stern, though laced with a hidden sort of fear towards what the young man might say.

"Indeed. Forgive us, your highness." The second one added on, placing his fist to the ground for some kind of support.

Clearing his throat slightly, Jak withdrew his outstretched hand. He glanced down to the guards, almost as if he had no idea what to do with them. Now that he had commanded them, the blond knew that they would await his orders. It was a whole new feeling that Jak never would have thought possible in all the years he had been alive. To be able to command and not just be given orders.

"That will be all," the queen told firmly, causing Jak to glance over his shoulder to where she stood. "The next time you try to lay a hand on any one of these people, I will see to it that you are thrown into a death match in the battle dome."

"Yes your majesty," the men spoke firmly, lowering their heads in a deep bow. Rising to their feet quickly, they hurried from the room, avoiding all eye contact with the any of the others. Moving into the hallway, the door was swiftly closed behind them.

Silence fell upon the room as the Keira turned her gaze back towards the queen and young man. Her blue hair brushed her face as she slowly craned her head around, letting her eyes fall upon the man that stood before her. Bringing her hands to her face, she tried to hide her shock. Although the clothing was different and the expression was stern, she could recognize that emerald blond hair and blue eyes anywhere.

"Jak?" she breathed out again, taking a small step forward. She could feel the tears starting in her eyes, although she tried desperately to hold them back. "You're…you're okay."

Looking back at the sound of his name, Jak smiled to see the one woman he cared about standing before him, with a group of very confused resistance fighters behind her. Stepping down from the balcony area, the blond started towards her, opening his arms up. "Keira," he spoke quietly, letting his grin continue on.

She could no longer contain herself. Leaping forward, the young mechanic launched herself into Jak's arms. She let the tears stream down her face as she felt Jak embrace her tightly, almost as if he could never let her go. "You're okay," she muttered through sobs that could no longer be contained.

Hearing her words, Jak felt himself smile. He could feel the woman trembling in his hold as he stood firm in his spot. All he wanted in the world was to have her there and now he had gotten his wish. And yet, as he looked up behind her, the young man was greeted with stares of awe and question between the remainder of his party.

Torn's eyes had gone wide in shock while his shoulders slumped slightly. He tried his hardest to keep his composure and contain his normal stern look upon his face. Though, as hard as he may, it was not working out in his favor. Ashelin let her arms slip from their folded position across her chest while her eyes as well had grown to a larger size than normal. They could speak no words as they watched Keira embrace Jak tightly, seemingly more confused than ever before.

And yet, the tiny orange Ottsel was the first to break the silence of the room. Storming away from the door, Daxter let his eyes narrow angrily. Throwing his arm out, he pointed a very accusing looking finger in the couple's general direction. "Hold on a second!" he shouted loudly, causing all eyes to fall on him.

Dropping his hand to his side, Daxter looked up at Jak with a very inquisitive look upon his face. "Did those servants just call you, oh dear buddy boy of mine, your HIGHNESS?"

"Not only your highness," Ashelin added on, letting her shock melt away, "But Prince Mar? As in THE Prince Mar? The founder of Haven City and all eco technology?"

"He was named for him," the queen chimed in, drawing all eyes to her. "Mar was named to help carry on the traditions of the house. He was born under the same signs as the great leader Mar. It was only fitting."

Torn spun on his heels, point a finger at Sig with anger in his eyes. "You knew this and never told us?!" he screamed, forgetting to be on any kind of proper behavior. After the beating up all of the guards, it didn't seem to matter any longer.

"I only knew after Mira's attack in the bar. The pieces fell into place and Jak confirmed them for me." Sig spoke calmly, ignoring the fierce glare from the underground leader. Moving into the room, he walked past the others and to Jak's side. Placing a hand to his shoulder, he smiled down at the young man. "I am the prince's right hand man and guardian. Wherever Jak goes, I will beside him to serve and protect him."

Ashelin placed her hands to her hips, a small grin forming on her face. "That's why you were in Haven all that time. You were looking for Mar…er, Jak." She told, quickly correcting herself, though seeming still confused on which was the correct one.

Nodding, Sig looked down at Jak, who returned the glance. He could tell that the young man was embarrassed that he had told the others that he was to be his guardian. But Sig had to let them know that now there would be a change. Jak was no longer just a hero of Haven. He was royalty and the crowned prince of an ancient civilization that were a true breed of warrior; just what he was born to be.

Daxter let a large grin form on his face as he leapt to his best friend's shoulder, shooing away Sig's hand. "That's right. My buddy Jak is the boss now. You gotta do what he says. He's the big cheese. The main man. The head honcho." He gloated, patting Jak on the shoulder. He flicked some of the chains of his crown, noticing the jewels and letting his eyes widen a bit at the rubies.

"Your majesty," a soft voice echoed throughout the room, causing all eyes to avert to the door. A tiny servant girl appeared in the doorway, dressed in leathers with various tattoos gracing her arms and face. Beautiful chained earrings decorated her ears as hazel eyes stared to the queen. "We are ready for the ceremony to begin. King Damas is waiting for you in the throne room with the Sage of Green Eco."

Keira looked back to Jak at the servant's words, "My dad? Why is my dad here?" she asked, letting her eyes widen slightly.

But before Jak could answer, the queen stepped up to where Sig and her son stood before the people from the city. Placing a hand to Jak's shoulder, she let her smile glitter in the light of the setting sun outside. There was no fear upon her features as before as her sheer presence seemed to calm him almost instantly. "Come along Mar. It's time."

Author's Notes- Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Don't forget to Read and Review.