"Jak!"

The smoke had filled the room as the blazing inferno started to creep inside from underneath the door. I tried to open the door but it was blocked from the other side. All I could do was yell for him. To hope that he could hear me.

"Jak! Jak!"

"Dax! Hang on!"

CRASH

Jak pulled me into a hug.

"Dax, are you okay?"

"Yeah I'm fine"

Our reunion was cut short by falling debris.

"Alright follow me and stay close."

"Okay."

He lead me down the blazing hallway. Parts of the building were falling all around us as we made our way to the front door. My vision started to blur and I could feel myself start to slow. As I made my way down the stairs, I heard something crack above me.

"DAX MOVE!"

I looked up to see the beam falling towards me but I could not move.

"DAXTER!"

I woke up sweating and gasping for breath. I looked around my room to make sure everything was in order and that I wasn't still dreaming. Everything seemed in place so I got out of bed cautiously and got dressed to head downstairs for coffee. Tess was in the kitchen making breakfast for us.

"Hey there Daxy."

"Mornin' Babe"

I put on a fake smile for her as I went to go make the coffee. She had finished preparing breakfast and was sitting at the counter of the bar waiting for me. I filled the cups and walked over to my plate handing her some coffee with that fake smile still plastered on my face.

"Thanks Daxypo. So, when is Jak supposed to get back?"

Jak had been sent on a six week mission to scout for metalheads. It's been four weeks since he left but he has been in contact with me at least three times a week.

"He should be back in a couple weeks. Why?"

"No reason, you just seem to be getting more depressed without him here."

Now that I think about it I have been a little worried about him. Say what you will about him, I'm still gonna worry. Besides it was only just recently that I figured out I loved that big lug. Tess was taking my empty plate to the kitchen to wash so I decided that I might as well get to work cleaning up the bar a bit. I went into the kitchen and grabbed the mop and started to clean the floors. Making sure they were clean enough but not too clean so I didn't feel like my time was wasted when they're violated later.

"Hey Daxy. Why don't you go get some stuff at the market. We're running a bit short on supplies. I will take care of the bar while you're gone okay? The list is on the counter over there."

"Alright."

I put the mop away, grabbed the money from Tess, took the list, and walked through the streets to the market. I grabbed some herbs and some veggies for us. I also picked up some liquor for the bar. I felt as though someone was watching me. I looked around but couldn't really place who it may be who was gaving me that feeling. I just shrugged the feeling off thinking it was just some random occurrence. I walked back to the Naughty Ottsel and opened the door. I saw a scene that almost made me fall down laughing. Tess had her tank of a gun in her hands and was "talking" to some rude customers. Apparently they were making a lot of noise and were throwing stuff, which really pissed her off. Tess looked at me and gave me a smile.

"Hi Daxy! Give me one more second with these guys and I will be right with you. Now boys, about the noise problem."

I just nodded my head and walked to the kitchen to put the stuff away while I let the blasting commence.

It was a rough night at the Naughty Ottsel. Many of the regular trouble makers were there. Tess was yelling at the top of her lungs for most of the night while I just sat there and handed out the booze. Most of them couldn't even wait for their beer and took it upon themselves to get it on their own. A death glare from Tess later and they were sitting in a corner wishing they were never born. I figured that I should clean up whatever puke was on the floor before it became a problem later. I went into the kitchen to grab a mop, passing the back door window. I stopped midway because it looked like someone was standing outside looking through the window. I turned to look but nothing was there. I could have sworn I saw someone there. I let it go and grabbed the mop, moving into the bar area. I started mopping and let my mind wander off. I thought about my conversations with Jak lately. He seemed somewhat angry every time I talked to him. I guess his team was full of annoying kids or something because he looked like he was ready to murder someone. He had told me that Sig was there, as well as Torn, but he was getting very restless. He hated being away for too long and I could tell. Our last conversation ended much more quickly than usual. We usually talked to each other for at least half an hour but it was cut short by Sig who got Jak's attention midway through the conversation. I didn't mind though, it seemed to cheer Jak up because a huge smile came over his face and he told me that he had to go soon after that smile appeared.

"Dax, Duck!"

I ducked and let a flying bottle whiz past my head. This had become a usual happening at the bar when I decided to mop up. I still have the scars from the first time it happened. NOT FUN.

"ALRIGHT! EVERYONE OUT BEFORE I HAVE TO GET MY GUN!"

And with that the Naughty Ottsel was empty and closed. I finished mopping up and put all the cleaning stuff away. Tess came my way and started checking me out to see if I there was any glass shrapnel sticking out or anything. She didn't find anything out of place and gave me a pat before she went on about her business of getting ready for bed. I guess Tess forgot to close the back door because it was open. I closed the door and latched it up tight making sure the door was not able to be opened. I went upstairs to my and room and I put on some comfortable clothes and went to bed.

I woke up the next morning, but felt as though something was a little off. My bed felt a little heavier than usual. I decided to look behind me.

"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!"