Greetings one and all, and I do hope you are enjoying today. I know I am, as a friend of mine alerted me to the fact that Capcom is coming out with special edition of DMC3 that will let you play through as Vergil!

At any rate, its Friday, which means its time for another update in this mediocre work, during which Jak and Daxter meet Kleiver, Damas, and all that jazz.

Anyway, to those of you who were so kind and dropped me a review.

Crazed Demon- Cody made a very, very brief appearance in chapter thirty of Risen Demon, and as for his being a Revenant, Torn and Jinx are attempting to rebuild the ranks, so you can expect to see Keira and Tess suit up with em in a few chapters as well. Hope you like the chapter just as much as the last one.

MariaShadow- Expect that bit of Veger bashing to be the first of many. Our favorite punching bag will be the target of the following (hopefully): Samos, Torn, Ashelin, Damas, and Tarath (You can probably figure out when he goes to wailing on him) As for Jinx's antics, well, he will still be the light hearted jokester of the Revenants, so expect several more such rants.

GoodMorningBeautiful2005- Glad that you liked the chapter, and I hope that you find this one to be just as enjoyable.

animedragongirl- Yes, I did manage to, no thanks to the seven major tests that have been hurled at me in the last two weeks. (I swear, my teachers are sadists…) Thanks for checking this one over, and I'll hopefully get the next chapter to you on Sunday.

Farr2rich- Sorry to disappoint you, I really wanted to make a trial scene…but I just couldn't manage it (bows head in shame) Instead, all you get is Jak's thoughts regarding a paragraphed sized abridgment of what went down. (really sorry) I hope that the rest of the chapter can sort of make up for it, and I can't wait to read the next chapter of your own story soon.

YamiTenshi14- Glad to hear that you liked my other story, it was actually the first idea that I had for fanfiction, though I must admit the whole first person deal was really something of an experiment. Not really certain on vehicle upgrades, though I am throwing a new one in and the Slam Dozer has been extensively modified in my version. Let me know what you think of them if its not too much trouble, please?

Saber/Karra Knight- Glad that you liked Risen Demon, and I hope to make this one even better, so wish me luck, I'll definitely need it.

Philoworm- Yeah, never tick a woman off, particularly when she has an intimate knowledge of guns, assault vehicles, and other things that cause things to go boom. Hope you like this chapter just as much.

Air of Mystery- I'll try to get some Torn/Ashelin stuff in here when I can, any suggestions? As far as your other question was concerned…well…if Kage were ever to find himself in such a situation, he would likely turn an interesting shade of red before finding himself relieved of his consciousness. Don't worry about Veger, he will get hurt…a lot.

Yuuzora- Veger torture, the one thing that authors in this section never get tired of…at least…I don't think they do. (shrugs) At any rate, hope that you enjoy the upcoming chapters as much as the first one.

Evil Manic- Glad that you liked the whole wedding deal (directs orbital cannon towards N.D. Headquarters), and the side of Veger torture, if you have any ideas on how to have him turned into a bloody pulp, please let me know.

Jak-X- Yeah, our little tech head has quite the temper, hasn't she? Just wait till she starts getting her powers around chapter ten-eleven. And don't worry, once Jak hauls his but out of sandville, they'll be fighting side by side in every chapter. Hope you like the chapter.

dude- Nice to know that my first reviewer is still hanging around watching how I'm doing, and I thank you for that. (bows in humility) May you find the up and coming chapters to be just as enjoyable.

SRHumphrey727- Glad that you liked the chapter, and I did get yoru e-mail, and as of right now, I am wracking the living daylights out of my brains trying to figure out how to get the idea worked in… As for Jak-X, let us hope that N.D. clears up certain relationships that they decided to screw up with the third game…(faint muttering is heard, followed by a giant fireball landing on N.D. headquarters)

Meowen- Yep, I intend to take this thing for about a thirty five chapter run, more if I can manage it (prays reverently not to run out of steam prematurely) Hope you like it, and please let me know of any ideas you get.

Jetrex12- Glad you liked Veger getting messed up. As for Jak 3, there were several plot holes that bugged me, and seeing as how I have mentioned it before, I shall not rant again. I was a little disappointed with the plot of the third game though, as the second one had a story of a quality one normally only finds with RPGs (quite an accomplishment for a platformer). I hope I continue to please, and let me know of any ideas you might have.

jaklover123- Not a whole lot of Jak 3 stories that have caught my attention, and none of them that I know of that are finished, so maybe I'll be the first. Glad to know that I'm keeping everyone in character, and if I start to slip up, please let me know. (though Daxter will have a major change towards the end, as he will show the world just how much courage he's got in him)

just another writer- Been bashing out my head trying to think of a way to get Keira out into the desert, and I'm coming up empty, as Jak will be doing everything there at once and then coming back to Haven to bail everyone out. (though he and Keira will make a brief return to Spargas to help fend off the Fallen Precursor attack). If you can think of a way, I'll try to work it into the story, so please let me know. (bows)

The Ninja Who Wanted To Be A Samurai- Amen to that! What was N.D. thinking with the end of the third game? That scene literally came out of nowhere! Ahh well, maybe they got enough flame mail afterwards to realize their error…let's hope so at any rate.

gamehead64- Happy to hear that you liked the chapter enough to spare my life, as this body is flash cloned, and while I have the off world assets to get another…it is a little pricey, so please to not vaporize me… (grovels)

MewmiC- I hope that I have not disappointed here, as there are still more changes appearing here. Hope you like them.

DarkStarPhoenix- Glad to hear from you again, and I thank you for the encouragement. Sorry about the cliffhanger on Risen Demon, as I really didn't realize that's what it was. And as for Veger torture…any ideas?

Light-Eco-Sage- Glad to hear that you have e-mail again, but I am afraid that the review didn't contain it, as deletes it automatically for some reason, you'll have to put space in-between the parts of it to fool the server and let me see it. Also, check out Farr2rich's story while you're at it, its pretty good, and the guy has some great ideas for it being his first time writing. Glad that you liked the chapter, and I hope to see your own works updated soon!

Exardas- Don't worry about Jak's condition, I'd been planning on having him awake and alert when Damas and company show up, as it does reflect his power more. (I didn't realize it at first, but with the skills he has, his eyes, and his armor, he looks like a Sith Lord lol) Thanks for clearing up the 40K stuff, and I look forward to reading you stories as well. Best of luck to ya.

Saoirse- Here's the update for you, and I hope you like it.

Jakxkeira4ever- Yeah, and I hope to make it better than its predecessor. Glad that you liked Risen Demon, and let me know what you think of this one as well.

To those of you who read but did not review, I hope that you found the previous chapter to be worth your time, and that I have not somehow scarred you.

Lawyers: me no own, so you no sue…not like you'd get anything anyway.

That said, here is chapter two.

&

Rescued

The sun was approaching high noon, now, and it beat down upon the trio without mercy. Pecker was struggling to stay in the air, his tongue lolling out of his mouth like a croca-dogs as he flapped his wings. Daxter was really having a hard time, his fur keeping him so hot that his body had actually stopped sweating, which was definitely not a good sign. Jak was neutral as always, sweating slightly, but not as bad as he might have been had Keira not modified his armor for him.

"This is all your stupid fault!" the dark elf heard Pecker shout.

"What?" Daxter returned, glaring at the monkeet. "Only a bird brain could have thought this one up." He then, in his best imitative voice, proceeded to mock the familiar. "Let's go with him! We'll help together! More like we'll die together! " the Ottsel then shook his head, and added in a much softer tone. "I can't believe the city hates us, we saved those lowlifes."

"Not everyone hates us, Dax." Jak said as he looked back at the two smaller members of the group, a slight wind kicking up and tugging at the edges of his hood.

'One things puzzles me,' came the ever familiar voice of Kage from within his mind, speaking for the first time since they'd trecked away from where they had been dropped off, 'I understand why you allowed them to exile us, as infighting between those who support us and those who hate you because of what I am is the last thing that Haven needs right now. What I do not understand is why they detest me, I have never harmed one of them.'

Jak let out a crooked half smile as the looked upon the demon's confused appearance, as in his mind's eye, the oni was currently scratching its horned head. Kage was powerful, and occasionally too honorable for his own good, but there was still certain, almost child like degree of naiveté that would occasionally crop up.

'They do not understand you, Kage,' Jak replied, 'and we elves have this annoying tendency to fear and hate what we don't understand. And what we fear and hate, we try to destroy.'

'But,' the Dark Eco demon responded, not fully understanding, 'that is the reasoning of an animal. I should know, you recall my thinking capabilities were once limited to such urges.'

'Sometimes,' the Ascended Channeler remarked, suddenly and strangely philosophical, 'we elves can be more like animals than we are willing to admit.'

As those words crossed his mind, he found himself drifting back, remembering the things that had sealed their fate…

"Report." Came Samos' harsh voice as an explosion lit up the harbor sector of the city, causing his daughter standing next to him to frown.

"It's bad, really bad!" Torn exclaimed, and the sound of gunfire crackled over the portable comm. unit a moment later. "The city's turning into a battlefield, and everything's going to hell really fast down here. Those clankers blew a damn hole in the Shield Wall, and they're pouring into the Industrial District from outside. On top of that, Jinx is reporting that the Metal Heads have expanded their hold on the West Side area of town, we're getting our rears kicked on all fronts."

"Hang on," a new voice growled, and both elves whirled to see Jak and Daxter walking out onto the palace balcony, though the circles under the dark elves clearly testified to his fatigue, "we'll be there in a minute."

"Negative on that, Jak," Ashelin said, joining the conversation, "you and Kage have been engaged for the past seventy two hours, you need to rest."

"While I'm resting, our people are dying!" he snarled, clinching his fist in a move of defiance that his cousin couldn't see.

"Jak, rest up, that is an order." The Governess shot back in a voice full of authority. "Things are bad enough as it is, with that emergency Council meeting tonight."

"I still can't believe that they think that just because he worked for Krew for a little while that he's responsible for all of this." Keira muttered, shaking her head as she walked over to her husband.

"What's in the past is done." Samos replied with a weary sigh and shake of his head. "Right now, they seemed to be marshalling their forces for a strike on the palace." He shook his head again abruptly, a frown coming over his face. "I don't understand it…it's almost as if they're looking for something. But what could it be?"

Any further thoughts were cut off amongst the group as a large flight of missiles suddenly became airborne, visible above the towering buildings of the Residential Sector. They watched, in horror, as they slammed into the Palace right where two of the support cables attached, blowing them clean away. The structure shook, and a very obvious list came over it. They slipped and slid over the balcony as it continued to lean, the last cable groaning in protest, now supporting a load it had never been designed to, and causing Keira and Jak to both voice their opinions about what moron designed the building that way, the term moron being used in place of a much better phrase.

About three seconds after they finished, as if mocking them, there was suddenly a loud snap, and the final support gave way, causing the doomed Palace began its trip to the ground, taking the group with it. Unable to stop themselves, they went sailing over the edge of the balcony, in free fall more than eight hundred feet off of the ground.

However, where this would have meant an inevitable death in the case of most people, it would not be in this case. Jak's alien eyes flashed red, and a sphere of darkness enveloped him, a pain filled roar coming from within as Kage manifested himself. His wings folded back, the demon streaked towards the others in a step dive.

He reached Keira first, and carefully reached out and grabbed her, taking care not to harm the soul mate of his host. Daxter came next, plucked from gravity's hold in mid scream. This just left Samos to be rescued, and the oni streaked towards the ground like a falcon as he attempted to catch up with the free falling Sage. About two or three seconds later, he finally did so, reaching out with his clawed foot to snag the Green Eco Sage around his leg.

Now, he had to slow them all down. Unfolding his wings, he proceeded to level off, back flapping at the same time in an attempt to put on the air brakes. He succeeded in slowing their forward momentum and in getting them on a flight path significantly more parallel to the ground, but only just, and as they landed, the Dark Eco demon collapsed to his knees, panting.

Keira had embraced the devil, earning a smile from him, before he collapsed to the ground, exhaustion taking its toll.

Jak had awoken some time later to find himself in a prison cell, and things had gone downhill from there.

The 'trial' that he had been put through had been little more than a mockery of justice, with the Councilmen spewing their hatred towards him, Veger leading the charge as they brought condemnation after condemnation upon his head. All the while, Keira, Daxter, and everyone else had looked on, helpless to intervene. However, he did take some comfort that not everyone thought him some hell spawned beast. There had been several points in the trial where the two guards always positioned around him had given him sympathetic glances, and from what Torn and General Toshiro had told him, the military forces were backing him one hundred percent.

The city also seemed to be divided over the subject. The citizens were split down the middle in their opinions of him, and he did not fancy whoever drew the short straw to break the news to those who supported him, as the trial had been 'behind closed doors,' which was another reason he'd been hauled off in the dead of night.

There was a sudden groan from behind him, shaking him out of his musings. Looking back, the dark elf noticed that Daxter had collapsed into the sand, and was struggling to rise, his tiny arms shaking and threatening to give way at any moment. As fast as he could, Jak dashed back over to him, picking the Ottsel up and gently cradling him in his arms.

"Damn it, Dax," he muttered, trying to keep his friend sheltered and awake at the same time, "we've been too much to die like this, so don't you dare give up on me now!"

The Ottsel was apparently still conscious, as he gave a faint smile, though his eyes remained closed.

'Hellfire!' Kage swore. 'He's not going to last much longer!'

"Argh, this bird…is over cooked." Pecker gasped, faltering in his flight. "Would all passengers kindly stick their heads between their legs and kiss their butts goodbye…thank you."

With that, the now partially delusional monkeet crash landed into the sand. Jak looked about in desperation, deciding to take his chances with those strange people who'd been tailing them for about the past hour.

He wasn't certain how they'd come across him, but he only prayed they were somewhat friendly, as they had been keeping a very discreet distance. Still, even if they proved to be hostile, and were waiting for the desert to soften him up, they would find that this lone traveler had many a deadly trick up his sleeve.

And so, he reached into the depths of his trench coat/robe, and drew Kitetsu. He then turned about, facing the direction he'd last seen them coming from, and angled the weapon with a single hand, his other still holding his small friend close. The sunlight reflected off of the dark katana, and he wiggled it several times, flashing it like an S.O.S. light.

"Well, Seth?" the leader asked, his face hidden behind a mask and head wrappings made of some sort of brown, cloth like material.

"Well," the smaller, dark skinned Wastelander replied, staring down through some macro-binoculars, "it ain't Sig, whoever it is."

"How can you tell?" the largest, at least as far as girth was concerned, inquired.

"Because, Kleiver," Seth replied from his prone position, "this guy isn't built like the Slam Dozer. And even if he were, I don't think that Sig would be dumb enough to wear black in the desert in the middle of the summer."

Abruptly, Seth caught the glare of sunlight reflecting off of something, and let out a whistle of appreciation.

"Well, if he is a townie, he's good." the elf replied, grudging admiration in his voice. "He's on to us, and I think he'd like a little assist."

He looked up over his shoulder, staring at his leader. Kleiver was as well, his fingers unconsciously stroking the barrel of his assault rifle. For a couple of moments, the masked figure simply rested his face upon his chin as he leaned against the massive vehicle that had gotten him and Kleiver out this far.

"It could be a trap, but somehow I don't imagine our Marauder 'pals' capable of pulling something like this, they're not normally this patient." He said after some time. "Let's check it out." He then gestured for the two of them to mount up, before adding in a grim tone. "But, Kleiver, if it does turn out to be a trap, be ready to hose him with the turret, got me?"

"Yes, your majesty." the large Wastelander replied, clambering up the side of the multi ton desert vehicle, and plopping down into the dual gattling turret.

And that was only one of several weapons outfitting the massive Slam Dozer. The vehicle was the epitome of a mobile heavy desert warfare platform. In addition to that rotating gun up on top, were several side mounted weapons that were controlled from the driver's seat, two of which appeared to be some kind of multi-shot rocket launchers. The Slam Dozer was also heavily armored, with metal plates covering virtually every square inch of it, and several other areas, most around the rear, that had been expanded outward into bubble like structures, from which others could sit in and fire back at an enemy from with infantry weapons. There was also one of these things on either side as well, helping to cover the vehicles 'dead zones' that the turret on the top couldn't.

Seth was mounting up on his own vehicle as their leader shifted into gear. His was a small craft, almost resembling a dirt bike, though it had larger shock absorbers, and the tires were wider and very heavily treaded to allow it to maneuver upon the ever shifting sands of the Wasteland. It also possessed a pair of guns set just above the front wheel along side the chassis, which were operated by a thumb stud set into the handle bars. It was light and speedy, but a single good shot would pretty much total the bike, thus the reason why it was primarily a scouting vehicle.

Two seconds later, they were off, tearing over the sand dunes.

He saw them a few minutes later, definitely heading towards him. He only prayed that they had water on them, or else things would be looking grim for Daxter and Pecker.

They drove up alongside of them, one on a strange bike, while the other two were in a vehicle so large and heavily armored that it looked like it could have given a scorpion assault tank a run for its money. Two of them, the one on the bike and the cloaked man driving the large armored vehicle got off, while the fat one stayed in his little gun turret, not bothering to hide the fact that he was keeping both of those large multi barreled weapons trained on him.

The dark elf looked at the man who was all covered up, as there was something about the way that he carried himself that seemed to imply that he was the leader of this group. The strange desert dweller returned his stare, and the two eyed each other warily for a few moments. Finally, the masked one reached into the depths of his cloak, and withdrew a canteen, before tossing it over to him.

"You look a little parched, townie." he said in a deep voice.

Jak didn't respond, but caught the canteen with his right hand, before carefully unscrewing the top, and after some encouragement, was able to get Daxter to open his mouth. He then gently poured some of the contents into the Ottsel's mouth, letting out a sigh of relief as his friend swallowed deeply and eagerly, and quietly asked for more, something the dark elf did not hesitate to provide.

About a minute of such treatment later, Daxter finally seemed to get his fill of H2O, and Jak took a swig himself. The water was somewhat warm, not really surprising considering where they were, but it was arguably the best drink that he had ever had in his life.

"Water, water, everywhere and not a drop to drink…" Pecker said, his voice almost one of somebody who had just gone off the deep end.

"Do we have to give any to him?" Daxter inquired weakly, some of his old humor coming back now that the threat of death by dehydration had been temporarily postponed.

"I don't think Onin would like it very much if we let her familiar die." Jak said with a chuckle, walking over to where the monkeet lay upon the ground.

What he didn't see was the slight widening of the leader's eyes upon the mention of the blind seer's name.

Once he'd given Pecker a few swigs of the water, the familiar promptly picked himself up off of the burning sand, though he did not seem able to fly just yet. The Ascended Channeler then turned and tossed the canteen back over to the cloaked elf, who caught it easily.

"Thanks." he said, nodding his head slightly towards the man.

"Your welcome, townie." the desert dweller said, before crossing his arms over his chest and giving him a piercing stare. "Now, seeing as how we've been kind enough to save your tail, would you care to explain why it is that you are carrying a tracking beacon that does not belong to you?"

"Pardon?" Jak stated, before realizing what it was that the man must have been referring to. He stuck his hand down into one of his pockets, the one that Ashelin had placed that strange artifact into, pulling it out. "This thing?"

"That 'thing' happens to be the property of a good friend of mine, and I am curious as to how you managed to acquire it." the man said, cocking an eyebrow.

"Sig arranged for me to get it just before we got dumped in this gods' forsaken place." Jak said, a foul tasting bile rising in his throat as he remembered all that Veger had put him through.

"So, you know the bloke then?" the fat elf on the turret called down, causing Jak to stare up at him.

"We've bailed each other out a few times." He said, nodding his head slightly.

"Well, then, I suppose you got a name?" the leader said, raising an eyebrow.

"Jak." The dark elf said.

The leader kept his expression neutral, but he knew the name, and knew if this elf was who he claimed to be, that he had something on him that belonged to him. Still, he wanted to be sure.

"You mind removing the hood there, kid." He asked, and Jak knew it was not a request; nonetheless, he was reluctant to do so.

"I'd rather not." He said bluntly, a frown forming across the part of his face that was visible.

"Then I am afraid that I must insist." the leader said with a glare. "I have trouble bringing myself to trust a man whose eyes I can't see."

"Well," the Ascended Channeler muttered with a inward sigh, "I like to keep my eyes covered, as they have this really annoying tendency…" he trailed off as he bowed his head and threw the cowl back, slowly looking up into their faces, "to freak people out."

The lanky Wastelander and the larger one keeping a bead on the Ascended Channeler recoiled slightly as they stared at the young elf's slitted and burning azure eyes. The cloaked one in the center, though, merely raised his eyebrow again, and gave him a strange look.

"And just how did you come by eyes like that?" he inquired in genuine curiosity.

"They mark me as what I am." was the reply that he got.

"And that would be?" the leader ventured.

"One of the last things on this planet that you want to piss off." Jak growled.

"Oh really?" The leader inquired, chuckling in his deep voice. "Well, soon enough we'll find out whether or not that is true."

"Does this mean that you're going to pull us out of this place before I get turned into Kentucky Fried Chicken?" Pecker inquired, apparently having recovered sufficiently to resume conversation.

"Yeah, but there will be a price involved." the leader said, and Jak could tell there was a small smirk upon his face.

"Which would be?" Jak growled, not relishing the idea of being used again, which is what he fathomed would be the outcome.

"That you fork over the weapon that you have hidden on you." the desert dweller said, extending his hand. Jak gave him a confused look and his best poker face, but it did not deter him in the slightest. "Don't be difficult, pup, I know you're packing a blade, Sig was certain to tell me that much about you."

Realizing that stalling would get him nowhere, the dark elf reluctantly reached into his coat and pulled out the Precursor forged weapon. The three men tried to keep their expressions neutral, but there was a slight bulging of the eyes amongst them, and it did not go unnoticed, nor had Jak missed the remark about Sig reporting to this guy. The leader stepped forward a few seconds later, and held out his hand. With a scowl, the dark elf forked over the blade, very much reluctant to part with the last link of his heritage, the only thing he had left to remind him of who he was.

The man took it, his gaze settling upon the Dark Eco Crystal set into the end of the hilt, glowing in the desert heat and lighting up the runes set into the blade.

"Interesting…the pictures never showed it with that." He remarked.

"History chooses to omit more things than you'd realize." Jak muttered quietly, echoing Onin's words when a similar question had been asked many months ago.

"I'm just curious how you came by this weapon." The leader remarked. "This is the Blade of Mar, and last I checked, every member of that line was dead, down to the little boy that that fool Damas had."

Jak remained silent as he glared at this man who spoke about his father, a man he could only remember from the faintest of childhood memories, in such a slandering way, rage causing his eyes to flash purple for a moment. The leader noticed the death glare, and the slight change in eye color, and stared at him for a moment, before demanding the scabbard of the dark katana that he had on him as well. Jak forked it over, a scowl still present on his face.

"Consider it part of the payment for us saving you." the cloaked elf reminded him, before turning around and walking back towards the large vehicle, revealing a strange sword type weapon strapped to his back that Jak had never before beheld.

'Arrogant bastard!' Kage fumed, clearly infuriated by both the slander of the dead king, a clear violation of his ethics, and the less than respectful way in which he'd dealt with his host. 'Just who does he think he is?'

'Let's find out.' Jak muttered to his inner demon, as he followed the trio back to the vehicles.

"Do you have a name?" he growled as caught up to the leader and he let his alien eyes bore into the other elf.

The cloaked elf turned and looked back at him, matching his stare for a few moments before he uttered a single word, which only added to the mystery.

"Valthos."

"What the heck kind of a name is that?" Daxter inquired, finding his voice again.

"It isn't one at all." Jak answered his friend, earning him another look from the strange elf. "It's a title with two meanings." he explained, looking at the man again. "Exile, or Shattered One."

"Both are apt descriptions of me, boy, rest assured of that." Valthos growled, a small note of sorrow making its way into his voice.

The man went silent then, climbing up into the driver seat of the Slam Dozer, and motioning for the dark elf and his companions to take the passenger seat to his right. They did so, and for a moment, Jak and Kage wondered what they had just gotten themselves into.

&

Okay, once again, let me say something before anyone asks: VALTHOS IS DAMAS! Just so you know. I decided upon the title and the whole face being covered deal because if you will recall, Jak knows about his past, and thus, meeting a guy with the same name/appearance as his father would strike up a rather awkward moment.

Also, do not fear about Jak being separated from his blade, he will get it back in the very next chapter, where he will proceed to unleash it upon the Marauders in the arena.

That said, if you have any ideas, advice, comments, constructive criticism, or even a flame, please let me know. And don't forget to have a great day!

Till next time, see ya.