Authors Note: Hello and welcome to the final installment of TAE! I hope that everyone has enjoyed the story till now, and that you will continue to do so! Please note, it is suggested that you read Book 1 and Book 2 before reading this, as you won't understand half of what's going on if you don't. I welcome both new and returning readers, and I hope you enjoy this first chapter.

On a special note, I am dedicating this chapter to Miracle Mar as part of her birthday present, as her birthday is now only three days away. You'll get the other half of your present in a couple of days MM!

Without further ado, enjoy the chapter.

Chapter One: Welcome to the Wasteland

Despite the blue sky and calm wind that blew over the Wasteland, it was all but a good day. The sands swirled up when an air train sped over them, kicking up the substance as it flew out to wherever its destination was. Had one seen it, they would have wondered what an air train was doing so far away from Haven. No one lived in the Wastelands, so where was it going? Others knew exactly where it was headed; to drop off yet another exile of the city.

The air train finally landed, its hatch door lowering to act as a ramp. Jak, his hands cuffed and weapon taken, walked down onto the sand, stumbling when one of two Freedom League guards gave him a rough shove. Ashelin and an older man followed after, the male holding an open book and a staff, the guards roughly turning Jak around to face them when they stopped walking.

Jak tugged at his cuffs, giving a grunt of irritation at the cold metal; this was how he was treated after saving Haven, was it? What a wonderful reward…

"By order of the Grand Council of Haven City, for heinous acts and crimes against the people," the man grinned wickedly, "you are hereby banished to the Wasteland, for life." He snapped the book closed, turning to go back into the Air Train.

"This is a death sentence, Veger!" Ashelin stopped him, hands planted on her hips as she attempted to stare the man down, "There must be another way."

"Your protest was overruled!" Veger snapped, the woman averting her gaze as he waved his staff towards Jak, "This dark eco freak is dangerous! Now drop the cargo!"

"This is an outrage!" the sudden squawk drew the groups attention back to the air train, Pecker appearing from seemingly nowhere, "I am outraged beyond words!" he paused, "Although I do have something to say! Not everyone agrees with this ridiculous-" he squawked and jumped out of the way when Daxter dropped down, "Decree!"

"Yeah! We want a recount!" the ottsel crossed his arms, a glare aimed at Veger.

"Oh, I see you wish to join him," Veger sneered.

"Actually, we are not that outraged…" Pecker amended, backing up, "Farewell Jak! Stay out of the sun… drink lots of water… if you can find it…"

Daxter looked back to his friend, ears lowering as the guards returned to the air train, "Jak?"

"Go back to the city, Dax," Jak sighed, tugging at his cuffs again, "Take care of Ter…"

"I'm sorry," Ashelin approached, releasing the cuffs, "The Council is too powerful. There was nothing I-"

"I know," Jak rubbed his wrists, glad to be free of the cuffs.

"You just stay alive, you hear me?" Ashelin grabbed his hand, pressing a beacon into his palm, "That's an order! Someone will find you, I promise."

Jak frowned, watching her walk back to the air train. Veger gave a final sneer, "May the Precursors have mercy on you."

The air train took off, kicking up a storm of dust as it left. Jak glanced down at the beacon, gaze snapping back to the dust cloud when coughing reached his ears.

"Daxter?" wait… that sounded like, "Ter?!"

"Don't thank me!" the ottsel wheezed as the dust cleared, revealing the three, "I'm only here because you wouldn't last a second without me!"

"Jak, you honestly thought I was going to go along with those Haven idiots and leave you here by yourself?" Tera's eyebrow lifted, the girl planting a hand on her hip, "I don't think so."

Jak couldn't help but smirk slightly, approaching the group.

"Okay, tough guy," Daxter piped again, "you got us into this mess, now ya gotta get us out!"

"Ah! What a team we'll make!" Pecker squawked.

"Let's just get moving," Jak gave a low growl, "but which way?"

"That way!" the ottsel and monkaw pointed in opposite directions, then glared at each other.

"Oh, and I suppose you know where you're going, eh?" Pecker poked Daxter in the chest, the ottsel frowning.

"Better then you do, bent beak!"

"For the love of," Tera muttered, turning and starting to walk, "let's just move."

Jak agreed, keeping pace with the girl, Pecker and Daxter hurrying after them.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Roughly a couple of hours later, the group were just about to pass out from the heat. It didn't help that Jak and Tera were dressed for Haven weather; they'd already shed their gloves, and Tera had taken off her sleeves, but nothing seemed to help.

"This…" Pecker panted, landing by Daxter, "was all your stupid idea!"

"No, it was yours!" the ottsel replied, "Only a birdbrain could have thought this one up," he put on a stupid face, mocking the monkaw, "Let's go with him! We'll help together! You mean we'll die together!" his ears drooped as he faced forwards again, "I can't believe the city hates us… we saved those lowlifes!"

Jak kept walking, eyes narrowing. A memory kicked in…

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Jak, the cities divided," Torn hit a button on the command table, bringing up a new map, "Reports say new Krimzon Death Bots are holding a vital section of the industrial area. My men are getting their asses kicked!" he slammed his hands down on the table, "The KG have a new leader. We're trying to find out who it is."

"I'm afraid I've got more bad news," Samos approached the meeting, "A large group of surviving Metal Heads have concentrated in another section of the city."

Jak put a hand on his temple, shaking his head, "But we destroyed Kor!"

"It appears the strongest Metal Heads have survived. The battle for the city has just begun!"

"Not to mention the KG have blocked off several areas in old South Town," Tera added quietly, looking at the map.

Ashelin turned to the male, "The people are blaming you, Jak…"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The group could barely keep going, Pecker hardly able to fly anymore. Jak stopped, eyes rolling back as he collapsed to his knees, rolling and sprawling on his back. Tera did the same a few steps later, even blue eco unable to help in this mess.

"Right. Good plan, Jak…" Daxter coughed, passing him, "A nap would be nice… just a teensy little rest…" the ottsel went to take another step, instead falling face first in the sand beside Tera.

"This bird is overcooked…" Pecker coughed, falling from the air and landing on the sand with a thump.

Jak gave another weak cough, eyes blurry as he stared up at nothing, "The palace…" he collapsed back, driven into another heat-caused memory…

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Report!" Samos barked into the communicator, looking over the edge of the old palace at the city below. Jak, Daxter and Tera approached him, following his gaze.

"It's bad!" Torns voice came through the comm., he and Ashelin in an FL cruiser, "The cities become a battlefield! Mechanized Death Bots have taken the industrial section, and the surviving Metal Heads have expanded their hold on the Westside. We're losing ground on all fronts!"

"The Council's meeting tonight in emergency session," Ashelin came on, "Rumblings about you, Jak. It doesn't look good. They think your friendship with Krew helped the Metal Heads get into the city."

Jak turned to Samos, shaking his head, "You don't believe that do you?"

"What's in the past is done!" Samos barked, "Right now, Metal Heads are assaulting the Palace. They're looking for something and I have no idea-"

Sudden explosions made the group turn, bombs suddenly being hurled at the palace. Unable to take it, the building slowly began to tip over, falling towards the city.

"HELP WE'RE FALLING!" Daxter screeched, clinging to Jaks shoulder.

"OVER HERE!" Torn and Ashelin appeared in their cruiser, "JUMP!" the four did so, the cruiser getting out of range just as the palace hit the city, explosions erupting. They drove back over it once it was done, a bright light revealed from under the palace.

"By the Precursors…"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The sun had begun to lower over the Wasteland, casting a shadow on the four lying in the sand. A group of men appeared, all dressed in much different clothing then those from Haven. They all carried large weapons, the leader a man with white dreadlocks and a Precursor staff.

"Looks like we've found some live ones… heh, barely," the leader spoke, nudging Jak with his staff. The blonds arm fell back, hand opening to reveal the beacon from Ashelin. The leader bent beside him, snatching it, "Here's the beacon we were picking up," he grabbed Jak by his shirt, "Who gave you this?!" when he got no answer he dropped him, standing up again, "We'll take them with us! Let's move! I smell a storm coming…"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

When he woke up, Jak didn't know how much time had passed, nor did he know where he was. It looked to be some sort of small bedroom, not lavish, but definitely different then what he was used to. Daxter was sleeping near the end of the bed, the ottsel muttering as usual; something about Tess Jak guessed.

Sitting up, he was amazed that he wasn't dead, but had the feeling he was forgetting about something. Eyes landing on the ottsel again, he realized what it was; Tera wasn't in the room. Neither was Pecker, but Jak was more worried about the girl…

The door to the room opened, a scantily clad woman entering with an armful of clothing.

"Where's Tera?" he asked immediately, only realizing that she wouldn't know the name a second later, "I mean-"

"The girl is in another room," the woman replied simply, lying the clothes down on the bed with a lift of an eyebrow, "It would be inappropriate to have you change in the same room, would it not?"

Jaks cheeks flushed red at the thought.

The women stepped back, eyes on him again, "When you are done changing you are to go to the throne room. It is down the hall, through the large doors; you can't miss it. The girl will be told the same when she awakes. I'll leave you to change now," she nodded her head, then left as quickly as shed entered, the door shutting softly behind her.

Jak sighed, putting a hand on his temple and shaking his head. Where the hell were they? Apparently they'd been found and brought here… wherever here was… 'At least we're alive…'

He swung his legs over the edge of the bed, standing and walking to the end, looking over the clothes. They were better suited for the hot weather of the Wasteland then his current clothing, so changing would be a good idea. He pulled off his shirt, gloves, eco ring and goggles first, sorting through the new clothing. There were no pants, but there was a sort of loincloth and belt, which he fastened on over his old pants and boots.

A sleeveless blue tunic, short gloves, arm wraps and a new shoulder plate followed, Jak also attaching the red scarf in the pile to his goggles and slipping them over his head. His eyes drifted around the room, catching the glint of steel on one of the tables. A dagger? A lock of hair fell in his eyes, Jak realizing what it was for and pulling the goggles off again as he crossed the room. Snatching the knife, Jak went to work, eventually finishing and looking in the mirror. His hair was short again, a bit messy, but it would do.

"Where are we?" Jak turned at the mumble, glad to see Daxter awake.

"Not sure, Dax," he crossed the room, helping the ottsel jump onto his shoulder, "we have to go to the throne room though, hopefully Ter'll be there to…"

Daxter said nothing, simply holding onto Jak's scarf as they headed towards the specified room, looking around in surprise when they entered. It was filled with pools of water and many rocks, a throne at the front and a wheel behind it running the small waterfall at the end of the room. It was amazing… and at the moment, completely empty.

"Wow," Daxter breathed, hopping down from Jaks shoulder and leaping into the water, "WATER!"

Jak took a seat on one of the stones, setting his boots beside him and letting his feet hang into the water. It felt good on his skin. He looked down at the water, his reflection staring back at him. His ears pricked at the sound of a door opening on the other side of the room, but he paid it no mind.

"Jak! Daxter! Thank the Gods you guys are ok!" the familiar voice made Jak look up, the blonde freezing and staring at what he saw. Tera had just entered from the opposite set of doors, but she had also changed her clothes. She had kept her top shirt, but the underneath one had once more been exchanged for chest wraps, her pants changed for tan shorts. Shorter sleeves, fingerless gloves, several belts, boot armor and a new scarf and goggles completed the new outfit, but his eyes were locked on her hair and ears. Her hair was short and spiked, and… had she pierced her ears…?"

"Wow, loving the new look Ter!" Daxter grinned as the girl walked over, still paddling around in the water.

"Thanks, Dax," the girl rolled her eyes, crossing over to them. A memory flickered through Jak's mind, remembering the last time she'd had her hair cut so short 'Sandover…'

"You got your ears pierced?" he voiced finally, the girl flushing softly and shrugging.

"The lady that was there when I woke up kept going on about how 'such long ears shouldn't be left undecorated'," Tera rolled her eyes, "I let her do it so she'd shut up. So…" she bit her lip, removing her boots and allowing her own feet to dip into the water, "Any idea where we are?"

"No," Jak shook his head, "I'm clueless."

"Ahhhh, I love water," Daxter sighed, drawing a grin from the two blonds, "Oh yes, it's so good. Desert bad…"

"Well, you've come back from the dead have you?" a sudden voice behind them startled the group, the three turning to see a man with white hair and violet eyes standing by the throne, "And my monks were ready to pray for you. I am Damas, king of Spargus."

"Spargus?" Jak echoed, eyes narrowing, "Wait, nobody lives outside Haven's walls… not a whole city."

"Ah, yes… we are the forgotten ones. Haven City's refuse, thrown out and left to die," he descended the steps to the platform Jak was sitting on, motioning towards him with his staff, "just as you three were. But now that you have been saved, your life belongs to the people of Spargus. And we will use it well… if it's actually worth anything."

"Hey!" Daxter shouted, standing and facing the king, "That sounds like a bad deal!"

"You are in no position to deal," Damas stated simply, eyes flicking to Tera and then back to Jak, "Out here, everything is either useful or dead weight. Prove yourselves worthy, or the desert will be your grave."

Jak frowned, standing as he spoke, "You need to work on making a better first impression."

Damas gave a chuckle, stepping closer to Jak, "In the unforgiving Wasteland we value strength and survival above all. We will see where you stand soon enough. Complete your training, then enter the arena. Just the bravest crawl out, and are allowed to stay in Spargus," the king turned, heading back to his throne, "It's quite simple, really."

"Um…" Daxter clamored onto Jak's shoulder, "what happens to the ones that don't crawl out?"

"Then it will be as if we never found you."

Daxter swallowed, "I was afraid of that."

"Wait," Jak watched the king carefully, "I know I'm in no position to make a request, but I'm not someone who forgets about his friends," he glanced at Tera, "If I beat this arena test of yours, then Tera gets to stay to."

"Jak!" Tera hissed, staring at the male, "I can fight for myself!"

"That is fine," Damas drew their attention again, gaze going to the girl, "I hadn't planned on making her fight anyways. I've been told this one is a channeler of blue eco, and such abilities could be useful."

Tera blinked. Who could have told Damas that…?

"Alright," Jak crossed his arms, "Where is this arena of yours? Let's get this over with."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Hail all citizens of Spargus!" cheers rang out from the gathered crowds, "Welcome to the arena of death! Where we get to watch other people wet themselves with fear. These halls will once again test two newcomers, each fighting to prove their worth to stay among us. Let's hear it for Jak and his obnoxious talking animal!"

Jak hopped to the platform just in front of Damas' throne platform, looking for the source of the familiar voice. He looked up at Damas, spotting a familiar splotch of red, blue and yellow on Damas' arm, "Pecker! There you are. Where were you?"

"Damas says I am to be his new counselor," the monkaw preened, "He says my wisdom will serve him well. Oh yeah and um…" Pecker flapped down to the edge of the platform, "Damas also says that ah… you two are likely to die in the arena today, and he hopes you death is very ahh…"

"Will you stop that!" Daxter shouted, "Damas can talk for himself!"

"He is right," Damas spoke, "You will most likely die. And yes, Pecker is my new advisor."

Pecker flapped down to the platform Jak was standing on, "Unlike you, some people appreciate my talents… it beats working for a living," his voice lowered, "I saw a few of the fights earlier. Ooo… not a pretty sight."

Daxter growled, "Why you little…"

"Let the games begin!" the monkaw screeched, flapping back up to Damas. The arena changed, white stars appearing over several different areas. Jak glanced back over to the left door leading out, nodding briefly to Tera before starting the challenge. He was fighting for her to, not just he and Daxter. He refused to let them down again. The jumps were easy to make; a year of barely any action hadn't lessened his knowledge of what his body was capable of. Grabbing the last star, Jak grinned as a cheer rang out from the crowd, heading back over to the main platform.

"The candidates have… won the challenge!"

"That's right!" Daxter grinned, "We bad! You haven't forgotten what I taught you Jak!"

"Anyone can make a few measly jumps. Now let's see how you rate against the living," Damas grabbed a Scatter gun, tossing it to Jak, "Readjust the Matter-Formers. Prepare the arena for full combat!"

"Prepare the arena for full combat!" Pecker echoed, drawing a glare from Damas.

I know… I was just adding… you know… how you do the thing with the… anyway," Pecker cleared his throat, "Prepare the warriors!"

"You mean we have to fight against actual people?" Daxter stuttered, "With actual weapons? Who actually want to hurt us?!"

"Fine!" Jak grinned, loading the gun, "Bring 'em on!"

"Alright, that's it!" Daxter jumped down onto the platform, pointing at Damas, "I wanna be on his shoulder!"

The elevator leading down to the battle area rose again, Jak hopping on and casting Tera a grin before it went down. He'd taken on KG and Metal Heads; surely a few Marauders would be no problem. As soon as he was on the platform, the Matter-Formers went to work, Marauders popping out and swarming towards him.

The new Scatter gun was slower then his old one, but adding a punch or kick in to his attacks kept the Marauders at bay. They went down easily, Jak jumping up to the crates whenever the lava rose over the platform, occasionally taking a Marauder down with it.

Jak cursed when his gun ran out of ammo, dodging the sword of one of the last Marauders. Dark woke up in the back of his mind, Jak hissing as the demon emerged, not holding it back as it would give him an advantage. The final Marauders fell to long claws, the elevator once more lowering.

Still in dark form, Jak jumped onto the elevator and leaped onto the main platform when it reached it, pressing his hands over his eyes as he reverted. Just as he was changing back, something caught his gaze, the form of a monk showing through the blur. He closed his eyes, frowning, turning when Damas addressed him.

"Something you're not telling us animal man?"

"He has been touched with dark eco, my liege," Pecker explained.

"Our boy here gets all mean and nasty when you piss him off," Daxter grinned, "So don't piss him off. Word to the wise!"

"Ah… then he is dangerous," Damas smirked, "And that could be useful. Your bravery has earned you your first Battle Amulet. If you are victorious in two more arena fights, you will earn your citizenship to Spargus. Here is a gate pass to allow free passage in and out of the city," he tossed it down to Jak, "But beware, there is no true refuge outside our walls. The desert is less kind then I. And for your victory, a gun mod is your prize."

"Oh yeah! No we're talking!" Daxter grinned, hopping onto the table, frowning when Jak snatched the gun mod and amulet, "Hey! What do I get? Nothin'… as usual!"

Jak moved to jump to the next platform, stopping and looking back to where the monk had been. His eyes narrowed when he saw they weren't there anymore. That was strange…

"Jak, are you alright?" Jak just grinned at the girl, waving off her worries.

"I'm fine, Ter. You know a few enemies can't keep me down."

"I know, but…" Tera bit her lip, looking down, "You haven't gone dark since the Metal Head wars…"

"Tera, I'm fine," he put a hand on his friends shoulder, "I promise, ok?"

"Alright," she shrugged him off playfully, lifting an eyebrow, "While you were fighting, Pecker informed me that we've been given a flat near the beach to stay in."

Jak just nodded, wanting out of the arena. He lead her out of the left door, heading down the corridor.

"Those were some sweet moves in the arena, boy," the three stopped, spotting a large, bearded man up ahead, "But a little more choke and you would have popped, eh?"

"You talking to me?" Jak growled, not in the mood.

"Yeah! You talking to… him?" Daxter echoed.

"No, I'm conversing with me sweet departed mum," he stepped towards them, "Of course you, ya bore head. You three are from the Big Smoke, eh?"

"Who's asking?"

"The guy who runs this place, that's who!" he snarled, "Kleiver's the name. You blokes stick with me, and I'll take care of ya. In fact, I've got a job for ya right now," he walked to a large lizard with a saddle and reigns, "Ride me Leaper Lizard here and catch a few of those little buggers that've been raiding me storerooms. Snag me six of them puppies, and I'll let you drive on of me racing vehicles. That is, if Damas ever lets you leave the city."

"I think we can handle that," Jak grinned.

"Nooo! Daxter whined, "I hate riding animals… they make me chafe!"

Jak just rolled his eyes, walking to the Leaper and looking back at Tera, "You coming?"

"Jak," the girl deadpanned, "There is no way two people can ride that thing."

"Yes there is. We managed with the Flut Flut, so why not."

"No way, you're not getting me on there."

"Tera…"

"No! I won't-JAK!" the girl squeaked when he grabbed her, sticking her on the Leaper and getting on behind her. She crossed her arms, frowning, cheeks flushing red, "Jerk."

Jak just grinned, snapping the reigns once Dax was on his shoulder and holding on as the Leaper took off, spotting the first Kanga-Rat almost immediately. It didn't take long to round up all six, head butting them so that the Leaper could gobble 'em up. Kleiver broke in over the new comm. they'd been given once the final rat had been caught, "A job well done eh. Meet me at the garage later. Have fun, newbies."

"Good… now I can get off this crazy leaper thing…" Tera muttered, sliding off and managing to regain her balance fairly quickly.

Jak was fine, treating it as nothing as he got off the Leaper, "We may as well look around for a bit, get to know the city…"

Tera just nodded, following after the male as they wandered. They eventually made their way to the beach, spotting a group of monks standing around some sort of satellite. Jak recognized one as the person he'd seen in the arena, approaching them silently.

"Check out these funny dudes, huh," Daxter gave a laugh, "Nice threads. I didn't know rubber was back in. What are ya working on, monk boy?"

"It is none of your concern, animal," the monk spoke, proving that it was actually a woman.

"Look, colouring book," Daxter jumped down from Jaks shoulder, "we've had a hard week. Don't push it."

"The arena shows all, dark one," the monk turned to Jak, "Hate consumes your eyes."

"Great. Thanks for the tip," Jak growled, crossing his arms. Tera said nothing, eyes on the satellite.

"It will destroy you, just as these Precursors destroyed themselves."

"It doesn't look Precurian…" Tera spoke, eyebrow lifting.

"These artifacts are an abomination," the monk continued, "One fell on the great volcano. We sent an expedition to the mountain, but my monks never returned. Ill tidings sing in the wind. I fear the remaking of the world is at hand.

"I think you've been out in the sun… a little too long," Daxter turned, "Let's go, guys."

"You must leave this place!" the monk called after them as they started waling, "Heroes think they can save the world when they themselves are lost. You could not possibly understand the dark forces at work here."

Jak snapped at that, whirling and storming back over to the monk, "Don't talk to me about dark powers! I want to know what this is…" a bolt o dark eco accidentally slipped form his hand to the satellite, activating some sort of screen. Jak put out a hand to keep the three back, "Stand back."

It seemed to be some sort of code to crack… it wasn't very hard though. Jak managed to pull it off, drawing his hand back when the screen shifted and a dark eco crystal formed in the claws.

"You cracked it, Jak," Daxter grinned.

"Don't touch it!" the monk warned, "Dark eco!"

Tera rolled her eyes, 'Yah, like it's really going to hurt him…'

Jak reached out the grabbed it anyways, Daxter smirking at the monk, "Yeah, you're impressed now aren't ya? Come on, give him his props."

"An eco crystal?" Tera walked over, frowning at it, "Reminds me of Spider Caves…"

"Those are solid eco crystals," the monk stepped closer, "It has been passed down through time that they power the greatest of Precursor technologies. Strange…" she looked to the satellite, "It speaks an ancient dialect. The earliest Precursor forms. Something about re-claiming this unfinished world…"

"Those look like coordinates. Like the ones from-" the monk held up a hand to silence Jak.

"It is picking up a very powerful signal."

Daxter began backing up, "I don't think we're gonna like what this thing is yapping to!"

The satellite suddenly sprung to life, wiggling around before launching itself into the air, exploding in a blast of dark eco.

"Even you cannot save us from this, hero!" the monk sneered once it was gone.

"Hey, I'm the real hero here," Daxter interrupted, "You can call me… Orange Lightning! Zazaziing!"

"You may carry the colour of our creators, animal, but we have plans to save ourselves," she turned on Jak, "Stay out of our business! You three are not welcome here!" her eyes went to Tera, "why one blessed with pure channeling abilities would associate themselves with someone cursed by darkness I do not understand."

Tera growled, opening her mouth to retort and making a noise of annoyance in her throat when Jak slapped a hand over her mouth. She eyed him in confusion.

"It's not worth it, Ter," her grabbed her wrist, tugging her away, "Lets go find that Kleiver guy and get a vehicle…"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXX

An hour later found Tera alone in the garage, inspecting some of the vehicles. They had found Kleiver easily enough, and he had challenged Jak to a race. If Jak won, he got to keep the vehicle. If Kleiver won… well, she just hopped that he wouldn't. The vehicle that Jak had been given, the Tough Puppy, was a one-seater, and so she'd been forced to stay in the garage while he raced.

Teras ears pricked at the sound of the garage entrance opening, turning to see Damas and Pecker enter. The king spotted her, walking over "Tera, where is Jak?"

"He and Kleiver were having a race," she fidgeted slightly, "He should be back soon-"

As soon as the words had left her lips the garage door hissed, opening to allow Jak to drive in, skidding to a stop just in front of Damas and Tera.

"Nice wheel work," Damas grinned, "My advisor here says you have vehicle skills."

"I can hold my own," Jak smirked, noticing Tera roll her eyes.

"This one will be of use to us, Damas," Pecker squawked, "I think you should keep him for now."

"Can it Pecker!" Daxter growled.

"There are a number of artifacts to be found in the Wasteland," Damas ignored the two's bickering, "Fresh storms churn the sand and reveal items that have been buried for centuries. Take the vehicle and find as many items as you can before the storms come again," Jak nodded, going to get in the car but pausing when Damas continued, "And one more thing. If you get caught in the storms, they will tear the flesh from your very bones."

"Oh great, thanks for the pep talk," Daxter muttered, hopping back down to Jaks shoulder as the blonde drove back out into the desert, leaving the others in a cloud of dust.

"I must admit, I was surprised when Pecker told me that you were a channeler," Tera blinked in surprise, turning to face the king, "Channelers are a rarity these days, especially ones from Haven."

"I'm not originally from Haven," Tera could've whacked herself for opening her mouth, "Er… I come from a place where channelers were common. But, um… I was forced to move to Haven about three years ago."

"Ah, I see. You are lucky to posses such a gift. I have to wonder though… how you began traveling with Jak."

"We've been friends ever since I can remember," she spoke quietly, "It's natural for me to stick by him."

Damas gave a rare grin, "You're loyal, that's impressive."

The roar of an engine sounded again, the garage doors once more splitting to let Jak swerve in, closing to keep out the sandstorm that was rising. Jak approached the group, carrying a set of arm armor.

"Good work. That was… close."

"Ohh, are you beginning to care?" Pecker turned to Jak again, "Damas says-" he was cut off by the king grabbing him by the beak.

"My concern was for the artifacts, and we will use them well. That armor you found, it is very rare, indeed. Pecker says it's the very armor Mar once wore in his battles for this planet, long ago. Keep it for yourself. Trust me, you'll need it."

Jak strapped the armor on, smirking. Damas headed out, leaving the three to themselves. Jak approached Tera, crossing his arms, "And you always say I can't drive."

"Oh, you can," the girl returned the look, "Just not very well," she gave a yawn, stretching, "I'm glad you're ok; that storm sounds pretty violent."

"I'm fine," he noticed the tired look on her face, taking her by the wrist again and leading her out of the garage, "Come on, it's late. We'll sleep tonight and see if there's anything else to do tomorrow."

"Good idea," Tera flushed softly, letting him lead her, "Maybe tomorrow will be better…"