A/N: This chapter may be too mature for some people. I'm just warning you now. So, if you don't like, shield your eyes. Thank you!

She's Worth Defending

Chapter Eleven: Just One Night

Cara slammed her fist against a door panel, turning to look behind her multiple times as she waited for the door to open. She wasn't really surprised that the door didn't budge, so she pressed the panel key again. After Cara looked behind herself another time, she cradled herself from the cold, Haven weather and shook impatiently. Cara never knew it got this cold in Haven City, but maybe it was because she was never properly introduced to the city's weather at night. As she rubbed her own arms to keep herself warm, she momentarily wished she had her KG uniform, or perhaps, her KG thermals. No one ever got cold in those; people broke a sweat wearing those in the Wasteland's occasional snow storms.

"Come on, come on, come on…" She muttered as she began to press multiple buttons on the panel.

'Access granted. Would you like to take a moment to be briefed on Haven City's gun course safety regulations?' A female, robotic voice chirped to her happily.

"Uh," Cara said as she held a finger over the panel, "No," she said as she pressed the red button.

The door began to slide open, but Cara was in a hurry.

"Thank you!" She said as she squeezed herself through. The gun course lobby was pitch black, but that didn't stop her from immediately pressing the 'emergency lock' button from inside.

Cara leaned against the door, blew hot air into her cupped hands, and listened. It was quiet for a moment, leaving her time to stare at the only light source in the room: the red, dim light that signaled that the gun course entry was locked. She could faintly hear generators humming in the back of the building, but that was soon replaced by the sound of someone struggling at the door.

Every time the panel beeped in rejection, her smirk got bigger.

She could hear a muffled voice from the other side.

"Nice. That's real mature," the voice said as there was a small knock on the door.

Cara chuckled to herself, "What happened? Did you get locked out?"

"Did you lock me out?"

Cara let out an exaggerated gasp, "What? Now why would I do that?"

"Open the door," the voice said annoyed.

Cara thought it over for a minute. "…Are you going to steal my guns?"

"Are they even in there?"

Cara closed her eyes and sighed, "Are you going to steal my guns?"

"No," the voice said followed by a sigh, "No, I'm not going to steal your guns."

Cara rolled her eyes, somewhat reluctant, and flipped the switch. She watched as the door opened and revealed Jak, who was just leaning against the door's frame. He didn't seem pissed, yet he didn't seem as annoyed as usual. Maybe he was already getting used to Cara's shenanigans, or maybe he was just waiting for the perfect opportunity to take her out.

Daxter, who was also there, and in his usual place, had his arms crossed and was shaking.

"Y'know, if ya wanna discipline Jak, go ahead, but don't leave me danglin' in the wind. I dun even have my winter coat yet," he said as he glanced down at his orange fur.

Just as Jak was about to walk in, Cara stopped him. "I'm serious. That set is mine."

"Alright," Jak rolled his eyes as he walked past her, "You need them more than me."

The three walked deeper into the dark lobby and it wasn't until Daxter jumped down that the lights flickered on.

The lobby of the gun course wasn't small, but it wasn't incredibly large either. They all separated and started to make their way around the lobby, curious about what kind of arsenal was stocked up there.

Jak looked up at a rack that homed a variety of specialty weapons, but there was no way he'd gain access to them.

Meanwhile, Daxter looked around the lobby himself, but nothing really interested him. He also didn't appreciate the fact that he almost tripped over a shell that hadn't been picked up. He could have spranged his ankle, for Precursors' sake.

Jak eyed Cara as she walked over to a perfect line of red and white crates.

Without even saying a word, she began to lift the tops of the crates and searched the contents within each one. Jak heard her dig through what sounded like ammo and equipment. She didn't look too content, so he assumed she hadn't found what she was looking for quite yet.

"I think these are for you," Cara said as she held some rounds to Jak's shotgun in her hands. She didn't look at him, she only continued to scan the box.

Jak walked over and kneeled down beside her. He withdrew whatever he felt was useful and kept watching her as she sorted things to the side of them.

The blonde woman suddenly began to beam in excitement. She slowly withdrew what she was looking for from the crate and tilted each pistol to the side, admiring how the light reflected off the steel.

They were perfect.

Cara looked back into the crate and quickly set her pistols down upon seeing something else.

Her holster.

She lifted he holster out of the crate and stood up to put it on.

Daxter smiled, "Just like Christmas, right?"

"Even better," Cara said as she looked to Daxter, "How do I look?"

"Mm! Lookin' good!" Daxter exclaimed.

Cara looked to the entrance of indoor range. "We should test them out," Cara said as she walked over. She went to open it, but it was locked. "What?"

"What?" Jak asked.

"It won't open," Cara said glumly as she peered through the glass to see inside. It was dark in there, but she could see some Metal Head and civilian targets inside.

"Are they closed?" Daxter asked.

"I don't know." Cara turned around and looked to Jak, "Does the gun course close?"

Jak shared a small shrug, "You ask as if I've been here before."

Cara sighed, but then noticed the engraving on the window. "Wait," she said as she kneeled down, "What's today?"

Jak crossed his arms, "Tuesday…"

"Yeah, they're closed." Cara backed away from the gun course's range and took one final look up at the door. "That sucks," she whined, "I was really looking forward to testing them out."

Daxter yawned, "Y'know, there's always tomorrow." The ottsel then stretched his arms over his head and shrieked in relief.

"I guess we're going to have to come back tomorrow," Cara said as she walked back over to Jak and Daxter. She thought that Jak was going to flip, but he actually seemed a little relieved. Jak looked like he was on the verge of a good yawn as well. Everyone was pretty tired.

Suddenly, there was a loud crash from outside that made the lights inside the gun course flicker.

Daxter's eyes were huge. "What was that? It is too late for this! I'm out!"

"It sounded like thunder," Cara added. "Is it raining?"

Jak looked to the doorway, but Daxter was already ahead of him. Daxter brushed a hand Jak's way as if to say he'd check it out. The orange furball walked with a hunch; he was obviously exhausted and ready to get in bed. He turned to the other two, "If it is raining, I say we chill outside, maybe do a little rain dance or somethin', 'cause I'm startin' ta get tha feelin' that I'm neva goin' to get that shower we were talkin' about." Daxter then opened the door very slowly, but it was thrown open by force. Rain blew into Daxter's face, causing Daxter to wince and desperately try and close the door. Once he got the door closed, he looked back, his fur sticking up straight up on his head, "That'll wake ya up!"

"Come on, let's head back to the saloon," Jak said as he walked to the door.

Cara met Jak and Daxter at the door, "The Hip Hog?"

"Yeah. There's no way we'll make it back to the Underground when it's raining like this," Jak said as he looked back at Cara.

"Well, yeah, if we were to take a zoomer back," Cara explained.

Jak narrowed his eyebrows, "Do you plan on walking back to the Slums?"

This hushed Cara up real quick.

"We just need somewhere warm. Once the rain dies down, we'll head straight to the Underground," Jak said as he opened the door to the port.

Right as the trio stepped outside, thunder echoed throughout the port. It was a strange sight to see Haven's streets so empty; not one person was out. The rain poured down the gutters, pipes, and even the canopies that sheltered the entryway to each building. As the two walked, since Daxter had nestled himself inside of Jak's shirt, their boots collided with puddles of rain water; water that hadn't met the city's drainage system yet. It was obvious that Haven didn't get rain of this magnitude quite often.

A thin, sharp crack of lightening lit up the sky, causing a peeking Daxter to shriek and dive back into his friend's tunic.

Jak and Cara ran to the saloon with their arms held above their faces; blocking droplets of rainwater that felt like spears to uncovered eyeballs when moving at the right speed. The wind also began to pick up, causing howls that rustled over rooftops; it was downright eerie.

The door to the Hip Hog was thrown open, which jostled a very unsuspecting Krew from dusting the portraits of himself that hung over the bar.

Jak and Cara walked in, causing Krew to raise an eyebrow at their boots. Almost as if them tracking in water would, somehow, ruin his establishment's reputation.

Krew cleared his throat as he slowly gravitated down to the three, "Ahem, I didn't expect to see you back so soon…"

Daxter, who had somehow made his way down Cara's shirt, popped his head out of the collar of her shirt. "Hey, we didn't expect nor plan on being back here so soon, either!" The ottsel wore a smug grin, but that grin was replaced by nervousness when he looked up to see Cara, who wasn't very amused. Daxter hopped from her shirt to the bar counter and ushered quiet apologizes in the hopes that he wouldn't be smacked over the head.

Jak looked up to the floating man, "The course was closed."

"Oh?" Krew rose an eyebrow, "What a bother." Krew then began to count to himself, "Twelve, fifteen, eleven...thirty, hm, yes...I do suppose that the course would be closed. Sorry for the inconvenience, but ahem, Sig does have something for you to do in the morning if you are interested." Krew floated even farther down to the group and struggled to take in oxygen, "That is quite the storm, ey?" Krew floated to the top of the saloon and looked out of a small window that showed the view of the port. "The last time it rained like this, I lost a lot of men. Haven could do with some rain," he then mumbled, but not nearly as quiet enough, "Drown every homeless pest and street rat here."

Cara, who was attempting to braid small pieces of her wet hair, looked up to Krew. "What are the chances of the rain slowing down?"

Krew chuckled, "Slim."

Cara sighed and looked to Jak, "Do you think Torn would send someone-..."

Krew interrupted, "-If you're up to it, I rent rooms out for a small fee, ey? We also have a laundromat in the back-," he paused to take a deep breath, "-and a small gift shop, behind the bar, to better suit your needs."

Jak, Cara, and Daxter all looked to each other. This man was obviously creepy, foul, and perverse, but where else could they go? Torn sent the three to scope this man out; to find out information about him and the city. Staying the night at the saloon could bring its advantages, but also, it would bring uneasiness. This man didn't appear to be trustworthy, and since Jak and Cara still weren't on the best of terms, how did they know they could, or would, keep each other safe? Still, though, Torn almost threw them out on their asses for their immaturity. Would requesting backup during a rainstorm be considered immature? Most likely.

Krew broke all of their thoughts when he glided into everyones' personal space. "And, you know, the weather. It would be a shame if you were to get lost, captured-," he then turned to look to Cara, "-or catch a cold, hm?" Krew chuckled.

"Fine," Jak said, causing Daxter and Cara to look at him in bewilderment. Jak noticed their stares, but for the most part, only took Daxter's look of shock into consideration. "But, only for tonight."

Krew smirked, "Yes, yes, of course." He then floated towards the bar and grabbed a key from behind it, "You'll be in Room 3. I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay." They couldn't tell if Krew had a plan up his sleeve, or if he was just desperate for business.

"Silly me, I forgot to ask: would you like a room with two twin beds or one, king-sized-..."

"Two twins," Jak said quickly.

"Two beds would be great," Cara barked in unison.

"Well," Krew smiled once again, showing his rotten teeth, "Room 3, it is."

Jak took the key from Krew and watched as he glided off.

When Krew was distracted, Jak felt a hand on his shoulder. "What are you thinking?" Cara asked harshly, yet still in whisper form.

Jak began to make his way towards the stairs, making Cara follow in order to be heard. "It's only for one night."

"And you think this is a good idea why?" She asked.

"Well," said a voice coming from near Jak and Cara's feet, "I don't think we got anything to worry about! Besides, it's not like balloon boy's exactly the stealthiest thing around, if ya know what I mean."

The three looked to Krew just in time to see him to back into one of his portraits and almost knock it off the wall. The man shared a sigh of relief when he caught it, but groaned when his size made him knock another picture array.

"Also, Jak's here to protect you," Daxter said nonchalantly and cheerfully.

Cara looked to Jak, but Jak looked away. Daxter has a thing for making things awkward, but he has good intentions...hopefully.

"We don't even have any of our stuff," Cara said, trying to come with every reason not to stay.

"Go to the gift shop," Jak said.

Cara looked away and sighed, causing Jak to speak over her. "You know what," he began as he made his way back down the stairs, "I'll go. Just go up to the room."

Both Daxter and Cara watched Jak walk down the stairs and turn the corner.

The ottsel hopped up onto Cara's shoulder, "Don't worry about it; Jak's got it handled. I know you don't care for him, but give 'em some credit. He's a good guy."

Cara looked to Daxter and then turned to walk up the stairs and find their room.

Jak walked down the hallway and caught sight of the gift shop - if that's what you'd even call it. It was dark; only lit by a small desk lamp that barely had room on a messy desk. Not to mention, it was evident that all of the items inside had gathered dust overtime. The gift shop also happened to be caged off. Jak grabbed the caged door and shook it, hoping that time would aid in its collapse. Nope, just more dust. If it wasn't obvious before, it was very obvious now that the Hip Hog wasn't doing well.

"What can I get you?" Krew asked, his heavy breathing making Jak uncomfortable.

Jak turned to look at Krew, who obviously thought he was attempting to break in based off of his defensiveness.

"Just need to get some stuff," Jak said as he stepped out of the way. In this case, Jak had his back against the wall just so Krew could squeeze through the hallway.

Krew panted as he pulled himself through the hallway and up to the gift shop door. The man pulled a loop of keys from his pocket and slowly started to inspect each one; attempting to find the correct key to open the shop.

Jak just watched as he tried to contain a face of disgust. This was the first time he had seen Krew up close, for so long. He truly was a disgusting man: his shirt was stained from food and they looked to be pretty old stains. Krew breathed deeply, as if he had been involved in some sort of vigorous activity, and, not to mention, had a small stream of snot rolling from his nose and onto his upper lip. Jak winced as Krew sniffed intensely to bring the snot back into his nose and then proceeded to cough wetly.

Krew looked to Jak momentarily, "Excuse me, ...allergies," he said as he chuckled.

Jak nodded slowly and smiled loosely.

"It's about time I hired some honeys to come in and do this for me," Krew said as he looked back to Jak, thinking that Jak would play a long.

All Jak could do was stare at Krew's eye.

"Didn't your mother ever tell you that it's rude to stare, hm?" Krew's face grew annoyed. Jak didn't mean to stare, but it's not to often that you come across someone so unhealthy and, well, alive.

Before Jak could say anything, Krew went into a fit of laughter. Jak backed a little bit closer to the wall, thinking that Krew was about to have a heart attack and collapse.

Krew proceeded to unlock the gate, which opened after a few forceful shoves. "Now, leave me to my business. I trust that you'll pay me in the morning, ey?" He eyed Jak and then left to head back into another room behind the gift shop. "If there is one thing I don't tolerate, it's thieves."

Jak walked in and took a look around. The stock was almost post-apocalyptic; the shelves were bare, minus the few items that were on their sides and covered in dust. Jak managed to find some deodorant, which he needed more than anything. He had spent two years without it and, sadly, he almost forgot that people needed it. Thankfully, he managed to find two sticks of deodorant: one for him and one for Cara. He also found two toothbrushes - one that's cartridge was half open and was kicked under the shelves - and a pack of toothpaste that expired over a year ago. Jak figured that a good boil in hot water would get the toothbrush clean, or he'd just give that one to Cara. Honestly, maybe he'd just boil everything; he felt dirty just to be in this saloon.

As Jak grabbed a few more things: a few wash rags, a razor, and some post-shave oil that he felt fortunate to get his hand's on in a place like this, he heard a hearty chuckle come from the back of the shop. There was no thinking it over; he knew that the laugh belonged to no one other than Krew. Jak was genuinely curious: what was so funny? Jak set everything on the abandoned desk that was once used as a cashier's desk and walked slowly to the back of the shop, following the laughs. Jak slowed his approach upon realizing that there was a hole in the wall. Jak was hesitant, but he ended up looking through the hole anyway.

It was Krew, of course, sitting in an old recliner that looked like it was about to snap. This must be Krew's office.

Krew brought some cheese balls to his mouth, all while spilling a quarter of them on his shirt, "Just like that," he chuckled, "Take it off."

Jak situated himself better so he could see what Krew was watching; what had Krew's eyes plastered to the TV?

No one other than Cara, who was beginning to get undressed in their room upstairs.

Jak's eyebrows narrowed as he looked from the TV to Krew. This man was sick. Not to mention, the noises he was making made Jak's stomach churn.

Krew watched in awe as Cara unsnapped her bra and let it drop to the floor, her back completely visible. "Mmm.."

Jak slowly withdrew himself from the hole, but wasn't as careful with his feet. His foot collided with a stray can of beans that sat on the disheveled ground. It wasn't quiet and the can began to roll away.

Jak quickly moved his back against the wall with the hole. He squinted his eyes as he said 'shit' in his mind multiple times.

It was very quiet.

Jak looked slowly back into the hole, except, this time, at quite the distance. Krew was no longer in his recliner.

A grey eye then filled up the hole on the other side, causing Jak to move out of the way just in time. If it had been Krew's other eye, this may have had a different ending.

Krew scoffed and then made his way back over to his recliner.

Jak got to his feet and picked up all of the things he had gathered before.

Just one night and never again.