Growing Desires

A/N: Chapter Two/Re-Written

Pairings: JakxAshelin

Disclaimer: I do not own Jak & Daxter/2/3.

---Chapter Two: The Trial---

((Ashelin POV))

I woke up to another loud explosion. I was almost certain that the building I was relocated to was under attack, but it was all in my head. It has been exactly two days since Jak was banished from Haven City. Every time I thought about I felt a rush of heat between my thighs. Now all I could feel is a over whelming sense of guilt. I was a traitor to my best comrade.

I kept telling myself there was nothing I could’ve done to change the councils’ decision. I could’ve easily strip Veger from his title. But what was one person vote compared to six others. Not to mention an entire city that was against him.

Torn tried to comfort me but he was never really the comforting type. When he first met Jak he sent him to do an impossible mission in. He hoped he would fail. He came back unharmed. Jak threw the pathetic flag he asked him to retreat on his table. He knew then Jak was a survivor. Someone who would never see death as a option. Surviving in the desert should be a walk through the park. At least that’s what I thought.

I rolled out of bed and walked to my ridiculously large balcony. One of the many luxurious attractions in my new room. When the palace was destroyed Torn relocated me to a safer site. I was expecting a storage room hidden deep underground or to our new HQ at the Naughty Ottsel. Instead I was given a bedroom fitted for a Queen. I hated it.

I unlocked the doors that separated the room from balcony and was welcomed with a cold night breeze. I hugged myself in a attempt to stay warm. I was piratically naked. All I had on was my black bra, matching underwear, and a gun holster around my thigh. I leaned forward against the rail and watched small bright lights appear and despair like fire works in the sky. Most likely there were explosions coming from a battle against Krimzon Death bots or Metal heads.

I sighed. Every hour there was a battle going on some where in the city. It pains me to know that I couldn’t be there to help my troops. Lucky for me, Torn was there when I couldn’t. Strangely enough I wasn’t worried about him. All I could think about was Jak and weather or not the tracker I gave him worked.

I looked up at the dark sky unable to see the stars anymore because of the heavy smog. I remembered the of a unfortunate trail...

---Flashback---

Two arrogant guards shoved Jak in the middle of the largest court room in Haven Metropolis. A large group of spectators began to hiss and boo at him. One yelled out monster while another shouted freak repeatedly. Jak just stood there with his chin held high. He ignored the spectators name calling. I’m sure by then he was use to it.

Suddenly the room became dead silent. The Grand Council Men walked in the room one by one and sat at there ‘thrones.’ Veger, who sat in the middle, slammed his gavel repeatedly until he had everyone’s attention.

“Order, this trail is now in session.” He proclaimed. “Ah, Jak. What pleasant surprise to see you here. I thought you were going to try to escape like the criminal you are.”

I was outraged by what he said. Even more angry at the spectators who laughed. As a council and a judge, Vegar duty was to take this trail seriously. Instead he acted like a complete ass. Typical.

I feared that Jak was not going to get a fair and just trial.

“I am not a Criminal...” Jak tried to defend himself but he was cut off by the loud hammering of Veger’s gravel.

“You are not allowed to speak unless I give you permission to do so!” He spat. “Now unless you have a lawyer, we will announce your sentence.”

A little bell rang in my head. I remembered I hired the best lawyer in Haven City to represent Jak that night. He was over an hour late. I thought he chickened out because his client was the most hated man in the city. The reason became painfully clear when two little creatures barged through the court room.

“Jak got his lawyer right here!” Daxter exclaimed and the entire court room gasped. “So you can put your little hammer down Vagar.”

“My name is Veger.” He said angrily. I’ve lost count how many times Daxter pronounced his name wrong. I would’ve giggled if I wasn’t so shocked to see him.

“Yeah, Yeah, good for you. Listen you can’t just...”

“Arrgggkkk! You can not sentence this man without a fair trial.” Pecker interrupted and flew on top of the council’s table.

“Hey bird brain! I’m the lawyer here so I do all the talking.” Daxter quickly joined his side.

“You don’t have the smarts to be lawyer like I do, rodent.” He squawked.

I stood there in total disbelief and by the look on Jak’s face he felt the same way. I leaned over the banister and tried to call Daxter over. I whispered to not draw any attention to myself. But the little Ottsel and his feathery friend were to busy arguing with one another.

“Oh and I suppose your many years in studying monkey physics must have made you liable?”

“Arrggkk! Now you listen here, I know more about the law than you do. So beat it before I...”

“There are no animals allowed in this court room!” One of the fat council men shouted and ended their little squabble. “Out you two. Shoo! Shoo!” He nudged Daxter with his large finger in attempt to push him off the table.

Daxter jumped off and climbed on Jak’s right shoulder. “Easy there wide load. I ain't going anywhere until my best friend is heard.”

Pecker flew on Jak’s left. “Arrggkkk! That’s right!”

I had know idea where my lawyer was, but I was pretty certain a little orange weasel had something to do with it. Trying my best not to yell I called him again.

“Daxter, get over here now!”

His ears perked up as he scanned the court room. When he finally spotted me in gallery the silliest grin appeared on his face.

“Pecker why wont you go ahead and give the opening statement.” He told him. “I’ll be right back.”

With quick speed he hopped off of Jak’s shoulder and onto the banisters.

“Ashelin, baby! Look this really isn’t a good time to give you some of my special animal loving. Maybe after the trial we can...”

Before he can say anything obscene, I grabbed the little fur ball’s neck.

“Daxter right now Jak needs a real lawyer. Not a little loud mouth like you.”

I was surprised how angry I was at him. Usually I would dismiss his silly antics but I knew Jak’s very life was at stake. I hated to see it thrown away because of a Ottsel's pathetic attempt to save his friend. Or maybe I was angry at myself because I wasn’t the one standing by his side.

“Now” I continued, “You and Pecker just find a seat, sit down, and shut up! The lawyer I hired for Jak will be here soon. Understood?” I released my grip around his neck.

“Don’t worry.” He gasped “...Me, and the monkey took care of him.”

“What did you just say?” I hissed between my teeth.

“Calm down baby cakes. We met the guy in front the court house an hour ago and told him that you hired me.”

I folded my arms. “I seriously doubt that he would believe I would rather hire two talking animals then a professional.”

“But he did! Really! Oh and by the way after the trial” He started to back up. “You might wanna untie him. He’s in the back alley a few blocks from here. Speak to you in few baby cakes!”

Before I was able to grab him, he darted back to the council’s table. I was so furious I didn’t hear Pecker’s opening statement. Like Daxter he probably just ran his mouth, not presenting any real facts to the case. Before the bird could finish is opening statement Daxter decided to jump in and give his reasons why Jak shouldn’t be punished for his crimes.

“Jak and I risked our tails for this dump you call city. And yet you guys want to punish him for that?” Jak rubbed his hands over his handsome face and mumbled for what I could tell was a small curse.

“So what if he escaped from prison, worked for Krew, and has the ability to change into the ugliest monster that could even make blind kids cry. But ask yourself, does that really make him criminal?”

I mentally slapped myself on forehead wishing I stopped that idiot the moment he opened his mouth.

“I remember when Jak and I was defeated Kor together. Actually I defeated Kor and Jak was there for moral support. I was against the ropes with no way out. I was going to throw in the towel but this brave hero told me never to give up! I had to stop Kor to save the city. The City People!” He shouted. “You see if Jak didn’t tell me that. I would’ve never saved the world and all the beautiful women wouldn't be throwing themselves at our feet!”

Veger stood up from his chair “I heard enough. You two animals are making a mockery of my court room.”

“I’m not done yet Leger!”

“For the last time it’s Veger!” He yelled.

“Yeah, whatever. The bottom line is me and the Bird Wonder over there demand that you declare Jak a innocent man!”

Veger slammed his gavel repeatedly “You’re out of order!”

“No, your out of order!” He shouted back “This whole damn court room out of order!”

“Guards get these pest out of my sight!”

Two guards grabbed Daxter while Pecker was snatched away from Jak’s shoulders.

“Arrggkk! This is a outrage! I declare mistrial! A mistrial I say!”

Daxter tried his best to escape from the guards powerful grip, but it was no use.

“Get your stinking hands off of me! Do you have any idea who your messing with! Don’t force me to use my animal instinct on you!”

As soon as the two were froced out of the room the councils passed small sheets of paper to Vegar. He read them out loud.

“Guilty, guilty, guilty, guilty.” He said. “Tsk, tsk. What a shame. Mrs. Zaughn tell this criminal his punishment.”

A old skiny women who sat next to Veger nodded. She cleared her throat.

“Jak you are hazardous to Heaven city. Not only you are a dark eco feeder but you are a traitor to heaven city.”

“That’s bullshit!” He yelled. “I never betrayed the city or my friends. I was trying to...”

Jak’s mouth kept moving but I couldn’t hear. Spectators were booing and hissing too loudly.

“THROW HIM IN JAIL!”

“KILL THE ECO FREAK!”

“YEAH KILL THE FREAK!”

“KILL THE FREAK! KILL THE FREAK! KILL THE FREAK!”

They chanted on and stomped their feet in a steady rhythm. I was afraid Jak would loose control of his anger and cause a riot in the court room. I placed my hand on my gun hostler waiting for some idiot to do something stupid. Like try to play executioner. To my Surprise nothing happened. Jak stopped trying. He slumped his shoulders and looked down at his feet. It was...Hopeless.

Veger hammered his gavel for the last time that night.

“Silence!” He ordered. The court once again stilled. “Jak tomorrow at dawn you will be banished from Haven City into the wasteland. If you dare try to step foot here again, I will see to it personally that you are killed on site. Court is adjourned!”

I don’t remember much after the hearing the sentence. My thoughts ran through my head a mile per minute. This was my fault. I should’ve done something but I was too afraid. Not of Veger but losing the trust and respect of the entire city. I knew I had to do something but I wasn’t sure what.

I ran out the court room, pushing a few spectators out of my way. I ran as quickly as can to my zoomer. From some idiotic reason I parked it several blocks away from the court house. I flew to a special wear house where Torn kept his ammunition, guns, and a few other things needed for battle. I didn’t have the special card key to unlock the door so I kicked it open. Sometimes I’m surprised how strong I am when I’m angry. Even at myself.

My first intention was to kill the guards and save Jak before they had a chance dump him. After few minutes my senses came back to me. I couldn’t kill my own people just to save a friend. They didn’t know any better. They didn’t know Jak like I did. They were just afraid of what he is. I don’t care what my father did to him in that hell hole he called a prison. I never believed Jak was monster.

Frustrated, I paced back and forth through the warehouse trying to think of plan that didn’t result in violence. Or worse, the death of a dear friend. After an hour or so an idea hit me. There was a small chance that I could still save his life. I knew only one person who could find anything useful. Even in the middle of a desert storm. Damas, King of the Wastelanders. My fathers old apprentice before he betrayed him.

I scrambled through hundreds boxes that night until I finally found a small transmitter. When activated it gives off a small single. If Jak was lucky enough someone from the wasteland might be able to find him. After I closed the crates I checked my watch. It was almost two hours till dawn. I drove my zoomer to the docks were the cargo ships for transporting criminals was located.

I got there exhausted but just in the nick of time. Veger and his guards were escorting Jak into the large cargo zoomer.. Veger told me there was no need for me to board. but I was persistent. After debating for a few minutes he finally allowed me on the ship. Daxter and Pecker was there too. Most likely the little slick animals probably sweet talk their way in.

Throughout the entire trip Jak didn’t speak. He just sat in his seat staring down at the floor. I actually wanted him to change, and free himself from his handcuffs. But of course, he didn’t. After what seemed like a few short hours the cargo ship made a complete stop and landed in the middle of the desert. I’m sure Veger order the driver to go top speed just to get rid of him faster.

The ship’s back door opened and Jak walked out still hand cuffed. I tried to convince Veger that the desert was a death sentence but my protest was apparently “over ruled”. The guards finally undid his cuffs.

I held his hand pretending to give my silent good-byes. I slipped the small tracker praying that Veger or the guards didn’t see. The last thing I told him was a order and a promise. I boarded the ship and looked back into those pricing blue eyes for what I hoped wasn’t the last time.

---End of Flashback---

Another loud explosion broke me away from my memories.

‘That one sounded close.” I thought. “It wont be long now before I’m relocated again.”

To be honest I didn’t care were I will be forced to live next. Without Jak the whole city will crumble and die. The soft glow of the sun rise in the horizon nearly blinded me. I must have stayed outside on that balcony for hours. I thought its was time for me to go inside. Before I did I looked west towards the mountains. Over those masses hills lies the hottest place on the planet.

“Jak,” I Whispered, “You better be alive.”

---End Of Chapter Two---