Ashelin looked up from her morning coffee as there was a gentle knock on her door. She had been up all night and still had a mountain of paper work left to do. "Enter." She said then took a drink from the mug. Ulloa opened the door and entered the room, holding a small envelope in his hand.
"This came in today." The master sergeant said handing it to the governor. Ashelin sighed and took it, examining the paper. It was worn from weather and there was beautiful penmanship on the front only saying to the owner of Hip Hog Haven. She frowned and glanced up at Ulloa. If they wanted to get a hold of Daxter they would have had the right name, this was suppose to given to whomever Krew gave his place to. The governor opened the letter carefully, it was safe it Ulloa brought it but still.
Ashelin unfolded the thick paper and slowly read over the curled letters. Her eyes narrowed and she quickly reread it. "Ulloa," The solider stood straighter waiting for her to finish. "Call in everyone on contact line three."
"Yes ma'am." Ulloa said before leaving, closing the door behind him. She dropped the letter on her desk and rubbed at her temples. The day just got progressively longer with this letter.
Naruto frowned as he sat in one of the private meeting rooms within the council building. Whatever was going on it wasn't going to be good, seeing who all was here. His blue eyes glanced over the people; Jak, Daxter, Onin, Samos, Keira, Torn, Pecker, Rucah, Brutter, nearly everyone of major importance during the war. There was a few missing, Crow, Jewell, Sig, Eika, and Yule (who retired from the military after clean up had been finished).
The door opened and Ashelin walked in, closing the door behind her with a firm shut. She wordlessly crossed the room and sat down. Her bright green eyes took in everyone before letting out a long breath. "This morning I received a letter, an invitation to the reading of a will; it was from Krew's daughter." There was a tense silence. Naruto clenched his hand into a fist and ground his teeth together. His fox ears went back and his tail automatically fluffed up. Jak slid his hand over to his, squeezing the clenched fist. Naruto relaxed and intertwined his fingers with Jak's.
"Krew," Daxter said, looking horrified. "Reproduced…EWWWWW!" Ashelin gave Daxter a look before clearing her throat.
"It was addressed to whoever owned the Hip Hog Haven and those working there. I highly doubt that she knows that those that now own it were the result of Krew's death. I believe it would be in our best interest to attend the reading of the will." Naruto's eyes widened and the entire room burst into commotion.
"Why the hell would we do that?"
"You must be out of your squawking mind!"
"After everything that man did?" Ashelin looked drain and she made no move to quite the storm.
"Guys," Naruto said, only to be drowned out by everyone else. "HEY!" Everyone went silence at the loud outburst. "Let Ashelin finish." The redhead sent a grateful smile his way.
"Not everyone would go. Kras City is a dangerous place, so those that went would have to be able to handle the people there. Haven City would likely collapse quickly if all those in power left suddenly. Krew had a hand in the war and if we go to this we could gather vital information on him and anyone who still may be in the city working for him."
"Who do you suggests goes?" Torn asked.
"The letter was addressed to the owner of Hip Hog Haven and I doubt we would be able to get in without Daxter." The ottsel looked proud for a moment before a troubled look crossed his face. Naruto knew that his friend must be thinking about Tess and how she was still sick. "Jak, Naruto. I hate to drag you into this, seeing as it is Krew, but you two have been invaluable, and you both know how to handle yourselves in harsh environments."
"Let me guess, you'll be joining them." Torn stated. "What about the city?"
"I plan on leaving Brutter in charge." The Lurker looked up at that. "He's well respected throughout the army and outside of it. I trust him to take care of Haven while we're gone." Ashelin looked over at Samos. "I would like you to join us. Throughout the war your guidance has saved countless lives."
"Dad's not going without me." Keira said firmly.
"Keira, Kras City is no place for my little girl."
"And you need someone there with you." Naruto frowned, understanding that Samos was concerned for Keira's safety in a new, and well known for its violence, place and Keira was worried about her aging father.
"Alright." Jak said, ending all arguments. "When do we leave?"
"It's a long journey, and if we plan on making it in time we'll have to leave before sunset tonight." Naruto felt Jak squeeze his hand again. Just when they thought they were going to have peace.
Tess watched as Daxter talked with Peter. She was worried, more for Daxter than herself. He was going to this dangerous place and she had a feeling he was going to be worried about her the entire time. "Thanks Peter. We'll be over soon." The ottsel hung up and looked over at her. "He said he'd be more than happy to watch over you while I'm gone."
"You make it sound like I'm a baby. I'll be fine Dax." Her lover walked over and sat down next to her, hugging her close.
"I'm just worried. You've been sick for the past few weeks. I'd worry a lot less if you were with someone to watch you while I'm gone." Tess put her paws on either side of his face.
"If that's the case I'll go. But I expect you to call me at least once every other day!" Daxter smiled and kissed her.
"Will do."
On the other side of the house, Naruto was finished packing and was currently petting the Crocadog. "You don't have to go." Jak said, throwing his last shirt in his bag. "…after what happened…"
"Jak," Naruto said, standing up. "I want to go. Krew's dead, there's nothing he can do to us." The blond smiled and hugged Jak, relaxing as the green-blond held him back. "Besides if anything happens then I know you'll be there to help me, just like you've always done. And if anything happens to you I'll be there." Jak smiled and kissed Naruto's forehead.
"Alright, let's get Crocadog to Rucah and Quix's place. We'll meet up with everyone at the port."
Naruto watched as Haven City got smaller and smaller. The large boat cut easily though the dark waters, leaving white wake behind them. Lurker Sharks swam behind them, swimming contently in the wake. Daxter had retired to his room, feeling seasick. The blond felt sad watching his home disappear altogether. He had just met his brothers and sisters, and now he was being dragged off on another adventure.
Because Kras City was famous for its racing scene Ashelin had convinced Sig to let them use Sand Shark for any issues that may arise. It was currently below deck, waiting to be unloaded when they got to the other port.
The fox teen relaxed as strong arms embraced him, Jak now resting his chin on Naruto's shoulder. The blond placed his hands over Jak's. "Do you think the universe doesn't like us?" Naruto asked as he leaned back more into Jak's embrace. The hero chuckled.
"Possibly. Seems that a year of peace is too much to ask." Jak said, glancing to see the side of Naruto's face. "But all we're doing is listening to what Krew wrote." Naruto frowned and his ears went back.
"I don't think it's going to be that easy." Jak watched him before taking Naruto's hand, and leading him back to their room on the boat.
"Let's not worry about that until we get to Kras City, for now let's enjoy a free trip on a cruise ship." Naruto beamed and nodded, squeezing Jak's hand. While his gut twisted with worry and unease as long as they had each other they could make it through another adventure, no matter what it was.
Okay! I know it's been a long wait, but I hope you all understand that college is more important in my life! So, this is a short chapter because it's a transition one and its whole purpose is to be a filler and get them out of Haven and to Kras instead of just plopping them there with a big ol' TS. The next chapter will take a bit longer and will likely not be out until my next break (which I have no idea when that would be). For now I hope this will hold you over until we get to the real meat of the story!