A/N: This is meant to take place after another story I wrote years ago called "Without Parole". It's not mandatory to read that first, but I'll be making small references to it. There's more I want to say, but will save it for the A/N at the end of this chapter. Enjoy.


"I've got a bad feeling about this, buddy."

Daxter grimaced, putting to words the very feeling Jak was doing his best to bury beneath his tough exterior.

"I'm sure it's just the usual."

"Wait a minute. Do you hear yourself?

Time travel, prison experiments, banishment to the wastelands- oh! Let's not forget being poisoned and blackmailed by that psycho Krew?

Yeah, sure, Jak, I'm sure it's the usual!"

Jak shook his head, focusing on the blacktop rushing towards them as he drove versus the Ottsel's prophecies. The blonde wanted to take Daxter's forewarning with a grain of salt — at least until they reached the Naughty Ottsel.

Even so, he couldn't ignore the unsettling knot in the pit of his stomach, despite that there'd been a relative sense of peace since he and the gang left Kras.

It'd been months since they gladly returned to Haven after the races. Aside from the habitual petty crimes in the city — pick pocketing, black market trade, and street gang scuffles — their lives had been suspiciously calm. No surprise super villains to defeat, no world saving quests.

Daxter, returned to manage the Naughty Ottsel with Tess whenever he wasn't keeping Jak company. Torn and Ashelin, like the workaholics they were, went straight back to work in the Freedom League.

Things between him and Keira, were progressing quicker than it used to. Nothing like the threat of wine laced with Black Shade, and death bots firing Super Novas, to stir up the love life.

His relationship with Keira had moved so fast in fact, Jak moved into Keira's apartment above her garage only a month after the whole Kras City incident. While things between them were never completely solid — due to aforementioned super villains and world saving — the two had finally come to terms that this was their lives.

It wasn't something that was ever, unfortunately, going to slow down much, and now that they were growing older, it was something they'd agreed to work around. The childhood friends, now lovers, made a commitment to stick it out with one another. So far, it was working out.

Jak tried to subdue the smirk on his face as he remembered the cool softness of Keira's back against his chest that morning, clad in nothing, but a bath towel.

"Are you even listening? Earth to Jak!"

"Yeah, yeah," Jak growled, "I hear you, Dax. Look. Either way, we won't know until we get there."

"It's weird, I tell ya, why now? Haven't heard a peep outta Sig since we parted ways after the races — got a kingdom to rule and what not. I'm surprised he even showed up in Kras."

Jak nodded in agreement.

"So all of a sudden, good ole King of Spargus reaches out, and wants us to meet at the bar.

Why not tell us over the talk box, huh? Or hell, why not send a damn letter if it was so personal? A holotape? Something?"

Sensing his fraying nerves on the verge of snapping, the man sighed loudly. "Let's just get there, okay?"

"Fine, fine. But when shit hits the fan, don't say I didn't warn ya."

Luckily for Jak's patience, Daxter was tightlipped for the remaining five minutes it took to drive to the Naughty Ottsel. Once they arrived, Jak was just shutting down the engine to his Javelin X when Keira came out to greet him. The uneasy look on her face was enough to harden his.

"What's wrong?"

"Everyone's here," she smiled unconvincingly, her aquamarine hair longer now, and tied halfway back. "Well, except Torn and Ashelin. You know them. Duty calls. They're running late."

"Right."

"Hey Keira," Daxter waved, "Taking good care of Jak I hear."

"Dax," Jak warned and it made Keira laugh.

"I hear Tess is in good hands too," she winked at the Ottsel.

"Of course! Don't confuse me for this lug. I know to handle a lady's heart."

Daxter had climbed onto Jak's shoulder to literally poke him in the temple.

"Do you now?" Jak was already used to his best friend's taunting.

"You should read a book some time Jak, you'd be surprised whatcha learn."

"You read books?"

"Shaddap," Daxter gave him another poke and sighed, "All right, let's get this over with. I'll leave you two love birds alone. I'll meet you inside."

"Another small blessing," was the silent exchange Jak and Keira gave one another.

Thanks to Tess and having a business to run, Daxter had gained some independence of his own. It wasn't unusual now, to see Jak in Haven without his best friend strapped to his back.

Watching as Daxter scurried inside, Jak noticed the wariness returning to Keira's face. He rubbed her arms.

"Hey, you okay?"

"Umm, I'm just- trying to figure out how to say this."

The Eco Channeler narrowed his eyes and sensing his hackles raise, his girlfriend placed a comforting hand on his chest.

"It's not that bad, I think. Compared to what we've faced before, but, I just want to warn you ahead of time. To umm- try and be open minded?"

"I'm not sure I like the sound of that."

Jak was already turning over grim possibilities in his head of what awaited him in the bar. His long ears drooped whenever he was concerned and Keira re-assured him with a pat on his chest and a kiss.

Jak hummed when she pulled away, resisting the urge to comment about her still smelling like she did that morning, fresh out of the shower. Now was not the time.

"Is Spargus in trouble?"

"Spargus is fine. Haven is kind of fine? Honestly, it's better if you see for yourself."

Jak nodded and was about to move past her when she held him back and reminded, "Open minded. Remember."

"Uh huh."

He gave her hand a squeeze and headed into the Naughty Ottsel. Regardless of his girlfriend's pleading, Jak felt the full brunt of a bad omen wreaking havoc in him now. Adrenaline high, palms sweating, heart beat speeding up. Whatever was about to happen, it was obvious by Keira's behavior that he wasn't going to like it.

The bar was busy at this hour, and Jak had to squeeze through patrons in search of Sig. The floors vibrated with music and the air was thick with nicotine. Keira was at his back, hand on his shoulder as they navigated towards the back, past where Krew's boxing ring used to be towards the bar.

The Wasterlander perked up the instant he noticed them approaching. Sig met them halfway.

"Hey there chili peppers, why the long faces? Missed me that much, huh, Jak?"

"What's up? Why all the secrecy?"

"Cutting straight to the chase, I see. Reminds me of when I first met you dough boys. You weren't very patient back then either."

Jak frowned. "Sorry. I'm just- it's good to see you, Sig."

He meant it. Sig was a good friend, and the man had earned his stripes during and after their Krew days. Regardless of how on edge he was feeling, it was no excuse to greet his friend rudely.

The blonde shook Sig's shoulder. "Can we get a drink?"

"I was about to suggest the same. Walk with me."

"Coming Keira?"

"I'll meet you at the booth," she answered Jak, but not without crossing gazes with Sig in a way that only confirmed Jak's suspicions. Giving her boyfriend's hand a final squeeze, she walked towards a curtained booth opposite from the bar where the men tucked themselves into.

"Uh, Jak! There's something-"

Daxter scampered across the bar top, about to open his mouth when Sig cut him off.

"Now hold on there, cherry, why don't you get us two babies and I can get started. Looks like our golden boy here needs something to take the edge off."

Daxter looked to Jak warily before fetching their two shots of beer. Jak's worry was practically seeping out of his pores at this point.

Sensing Jak was literally dying from anticipation, Sig gave him hearty pat on the back.

"Okay, so here's the thing, boys. I know ya'll must be wondering why I went through all this trouble to get the gang together for a message I could've passed along on the talk box."

Daxter, serving a shot glass for himself, nodded in unison with his best friend.

"The truth is, I need your help. Or rather, a friend of mine, needs my help, but my help alone, isn't sufficient for what she needs."

"What kind of trouble is your friend in?"

"The kind you're already familiar with, Jak. Crime family trouble."

"Oh no, not again," Daxter slammed his glass down. "No way. If it means going back to that crazy city with all those blood thirsty racers, not doing it. No sirree, pal."

"Don't you worry about that, little buddy. There's no going back to Kras for this. In fact, that's the reason I came all this way."

"The trouble is here? In Haven?"

Jak's eyes widened, his memory on overdrive as he tried to recall any and every suspicious thing that might've happened in his city recently.

"That's right chili peppers, the drama's right here in your hometown. I take it you've heard of the Eco explosion at the warehouse last week? By the Fish Cannery?"

"The Freedom League's already looked into it. Torn and Ash said it looked like a pipe leak. Not an arson."

"How was the warehouse's condition? Anything missing? Anything left after the fire?"

"I'm still not sure what this has to do with the mafia, Sig. I don't know all the details, but Torn and Ashelin should be heading this way soon. We can get the specifics from them."

Sig gestured for a refill and Daxter brought over the whole pitcher instead, mumbling something about "needing the whole doggone thing".

After the Spargus King served himself another shot, he answered, "No need. I already know.

That warehouse was an old haunt of Krew's. I collected artifacts and trophies for Krew for years. As you can imagine, not all of it could be stored in the Hip Hog.

And that brings me to my point, Jak. This friend of mine, I've watched her grow up. And in spite of our falling out with her old man, and the impression she's left us with in Kras, I can't find it in myself to turn her away. Especially now."

Realization dawned on Jak, and he blinked furiously in disbelief.

"Wait. You don't mean- Rayn? Are we talking about Rayn Krew here? She needs our help?"

Jak's eyes flickered to black, but he restrained himself by gritting his teeth and balling his fists.

Daxter noticed and said, "Oh no. Haven't seen tall, dark and gruesome in a while. Maybe I should drink this?"

When the Ottsel carefully slid Jak's shot glass away from him, making a comment about angry drunks, Jak was too riled up to pay him any attention.

Rayn is the one who poisoned us! She was in on it the whole time! We- we thought she was our friend and then she-

"I know your mind must be racing faster than a turbo dash. I can explain more, but at this point, I think it's best you hear it from the leaper's mouth."

Sig then left the bar towards the direction Keira had walked in. Daxter climbed onto Jak's shoulder, relieved that his friend's eyes had turned back to their normal color.

"Sorry, pal, I wanted to tell you as soon as I saw, but-"

"It's fine, Dax. Let's just find out what she wants."

The two followed the Wasterlander, and as soon as Sig pushed aside the curtain, there was Keira, sitting opposite of Rayn.

It took Jak and Daxter a moment to recognize Rayn. Her braided bun was now replaced with a short straight cut that hovered just above her shoulders. The Krew Heiress was also dressed casual, absent of the expensive jewelry and brand names she'd donned when they knew her in Kras.

"Hi Jak," she said.

Jak didn't answer. Instead, he slid into the booth next to Keira.

"I gave him a brief intro, princess, the rest is up to you."

Jak's hardened expression wasn't encouraging. Rayn, however, lived up to her namesake and went straight to business.

"First, I just want to say that I understand your hostility, but this is a matter of grave importance. One that not only affects my family, and my new home in Kras city, but Haven and your friends as well."

"You tricked us, Rayn."

Keira jumped in her seat when the remnants of dark Eco in his system snapped some electricity along the arm she was pressed against. Daxter, who also felt it, yelped and hopped onto the table.

"Oh, here it goes. I haven't seen Jak this mad in a while," Daxter winced.

"Open minded," Keira whispered, "Remember?"

Jak had to take a deep, slow breath in and out, before he regained control. While Keira was much more forgiving than he was, his better half, Kras had left traces of trauma on her as well. She hadn't touched a drop of alcohol since the Black Shade incident unless it was purchased by Jak himself, and served in the privacy of their home. Therefore, there had to be a good reason for the mechanic to be so accommodating to Rayn in spite of that.

"Now, to be clear, I didn't want to seek you out. But Sig was right.

What I need is bigger than just him, and it needs to be handled here in Haven. Sig, has his duties to Spargus."

"And what is it, exactly, that you need?"

"Protection. From Mizo loyalists. Thanks to you and your friends, I was able to successfully take over Kras' underground as well as Mizo's combat racing franchise. Most of the opposition either joined up or ran for the hills. Or so I thought…

There's still a faction operating in Haven. They're after my father's properties, which, as next of kin, are now my properties. They're either flipping control to rebuild Mizo's power, even after his death, or destroying these properties altogether.

Every time they destroy a property, as you can imagine, the priceless artifacts that my father acquired over the years are gone forever. Each piece is one less piece of wealth left to my name.

As if that wasn't already enough, they're also after my life."

"And this isn't something your little crime family can help with?"

Rayn didn't miss the venom in Jak's tone. The woman clutched at her collar and answered, "Normally, yes. But there are circumstances now, that prevent me from being reckless with my actions.

These circumstances have temporarily- umm, prevented me from resorting to my past tactics and caused me to reconsider how I should proceed…"

Jak looked to Keira then, and judging by the mechanic's reaction, it seemed Keira was already privy to what Rayn was about to reveal.

"You're okay with this? She tried to kill you too."

"I know, Jak. But, things are a little — different. Let her finish before you make a decision."

The Eco Channeler turned to Rayn then. The scab of betrayal was a fresh wound, now that he was face to face with the woman they had all welcomed as their friend, until they discovered her involvement in her father's plan.

"I don't understand. If you rule Kras, what circumstances would prevent you from snuffing out a small rebellion?"

The woman matched gazes with Keira then. The two women exchanged a wordless understanding, before Rayn began shimmying out of the booth. Sig, who had been silently observing the conversation up until that point, reached out to support Rayn by the elbow. With obvious effort, the woman heaved herself out of the booth until she was steadily on her own feet, laid bare to her former racing champion.

Jak didn't realize his jaw was practically on the floor until Daxter yelled, "Whoa, baby! And I mean, literally! You're knocked up!"

And she was. Rayn Krew, stood before him with a bulging belly. She looked ready to give birth at a moment's notice. Judging by the size of her stomach, she was full term.

Rayn affectionately stroked beneath her heart. The pride that she stubbornly held onto, even when asking for their help, momentarily softened.

"This is why I can't make rash decisions anymore, Jak.

My life is not the only variable in this. My husband and I have to choose our next steps carefully if we're going to, both, maintain our control of the underground, and simultaneously keep our family safe."

Her words shook him out of his stupor.

"Wait- what? Husband? It hasn't even been a year since we left Kras. How did-"

"Hey, Jak, now's not the time to ask about the birds and the bees. Thought you already knew how the dirty tango worked?"

Jak gave Daxter a glare so scathing, the Ottsel hid behind Keira's arm.

"Kidding, kidding! Boy, what'd I do with that pitcher?"

"A lot has happened," Rayn admitted, before she slid back into the booth with Sig's strong, but gentle guidance.

"But what's important now, is nipping this rebellion in the bud, and ensuring my safety, that of my husband's, and our child."

The woman let the impact of her words sink in, watching as the gears turned in Jak's head. Rayn knew he was mentally gauging every pro and con. While she once had his trust, she'd also lost it.

If she didn't want to resort to certain dangerous methods, the future of her family came first. Unfortunately, that entailed seeking aid from parties she would have rather kept her distance from.

Determined to gain Jak's allegiance, willing or not, Rayn squared her shoulders, and said, "For what happened in Kras, consider us even for leaving my father to die."

This had the exact effect she hoped for.

"Hey, your father aside, I don't owe you a damn thing! Even poisoned, it's thanks to our asses that you won your father's beloved bet against Mizo."

"Really? Don't owe me a thing, you say? I was hoping you'd say that. One moment."

Rayn revealed a folder then, the catty grin on her making all of them uneasy. Jak looked to Sig and caught the normally jolly man, massaging the bridge of his nose knowingly.

"I found these amongst my father's belongings. I brought them in case you needed a refresher."

When the documents hit the table, déjà vu instantly washed over Jak and Daxter. Daxter picked up the first page of a very long piece of paper.

"We, the racers, hereby agree to give Krew all proceeds from race earnings, endorsement fees, broadcast royalties, syndications residuals, vehicle sponsorships, mall appearance fees, collectible card assets, fast-food tie-ins, use of likeness rights, talk show deals-

wait, just a doggone second, Jak! Haven't we read this?"

"Our racing contract with Krew? What the hell does that have to do with anything?"

"I'll let you keep that copy, Jak. But in case you hadn't noticed, it says that you've agreed to give any and all of your racing proceeds and rights to Krew.

You do realize, that Krew is my family's name, don't you? Therefore this contract that you signed with my father, is just as legally binding, as if you had signed it with me. For I, am also, a Krew."

Daxter was about to chime in, when she shushed him.

"Therefore, Jak, regardless of the unsavory persuasion I used back in Kras to get you and your friends to race for me, which I admit, perhaps I could've tried without first, you had already knowingly agreed to race for my family."

"I'm not sure it says all that, lady. I think your hormones must be making your head a little screwy," Daxter snatched the document back up to inspect further, but before he could, like a predator taunting her tiny, helpless prey, Rayn lowered her gaze to the Ottsel.

"I think you'd agree that the trifles are not worth looking too deep into. After all, amongst the properties I inherited from my father, the Hip Hog Saloon was one of them.

Imagine my surprise when I discovered that this property was illegally obtained and renovated without my consent.

I understand there was some anarchy after the metal head and Baron regime squabble. A few law breakers may have slipped through the cracks during such a time-"

Jak slammed a fist on the table, and it made everyone, except Sig, balk.

"That's enough, Rayn. You've made your point. I don't like it, but it sounds like we're starting on a clean slate."

The Krew Heiress recovered by clearing her throat and smiling. "I'm so glad you see it my way, Jak.

And regardless of how you feel about the Krew family, you know that having a gang war is the last thing Haven needs. If you help me resolve this, I'll be out of your hair and back to Kras before you know it.

And Daxter can keep the barmy bar. Is it a deal?"

Jak scowled at her, and this time, she didn't flinch. They both knew he was going to say yes, but for the sake of his pride, Rayn allowed him his silent defiance. After a few moments, his threatening expression wilted. He had finally surrendered much to Rayn's relief; At least until he asked his next question.

"So part of this deal is offering refuge for your husband, right? Where is he then? How are we supposed to offer protection for your family, when one of them is missing?"

Everyone aside from Jak and Daxter collectively grimaced.

"About that," Rayn cleared her throat again, and for the first time in their conversation, there was a tremble in her voice.

"My husband can handle himself without protection. In fact, he'll insist on it. However, due to marrying a Krew, he's nonetheless pulled into my family's drama, and well, like I said — a lot has happened, Jak."

During their tense discussion up until that point, Rayn stood true to her persistent and confident ways. It wasn't like Rayn to beat around the bush, and grow nervous when it came to something she wanted.

Jak was about to press her when another presence appeared by their table. The din of the Naughty Ottsel patrons receded to white noise. A sanguinary thickness weighed the air.

Jak automatically bristled, like a bolt of lightning had just shot through him. That uncomfortable stir in his belly was now a pronounced knife stabbing into his gut. At the mere sight of the newcomer, the Eco Channeler tasted blood in his mouth.

Sig and Keira were already attempting to calm his "Dark Jak" instincts from flaring, but Jak was on his feet faster than even he realized.

Rayn's apparent husband grinned wide enough to reveal fangs.

"It's appears I'm just in time, my dear. Did you miss me?"

"Razer!"


A/N: It's been many years since I've even logged into this site. Even more, since the last time I've written anything for the Jak & Daxter fandom. I don't know how long my stay will be, but this is meant to be a break from original works I'm writing elsewhere. J&D was the very first fandom that I've ever written fan fiction for, and it has a special place in my heart. What better fandom to flex my writing muscles when I'm overwhelmed from writing other things, than this one.

Like I said, I don't know how long I plan to stick to this. While fan fiction has mostly been a positive experience for me, it was one bad experience that caused me to not log in for years and delete my Deviant Art account. I'm sorry if you've ever sent me a DM, and I never responded. My inbox has many messages that I never realized I had over the years.

In addition, growing up and "adulting", unfortunately left me little time to tend to these types of hobbies. I was caregiving for my mother, who was diagnosed with cancer twice, up until a year and a half ago, where she passed. I realize this is a very personal detail to share, and I'm sorry if it makes anyone uncomfortable. I just wanted to express that this contribution that I've posted today, is just one small part of an every day attempt to do something that brings me joy during my grieving process.

My hope is that anyone who stops to read this piece — that they will be kind before they offer any reviews. If you're interested in my original works, if you're a trustworthy user that I've encountered in the past (believe me, I remember some of you), I will be more than happy to share a link. Please DM me.

Thank you so much for your support. If I decide to continue this, it'll likely be a two or three shot. My true goal, however, is to stay focused on my original works. Cross your fingers for me.