The Lost and the Broken (Updated 9/15/2020) No really!

[CDfm]

That was great. I sure hope you don’t keep us waiting to long to hind out what happens at the tunnel. I really do feel you are doing a awesome job writing this and I am really into the story. I will definitely be looking forward to reading more. 

[Hades]

Hey guys, here's a smaller chapter that needed told. Be warned. This is rough.

                        *

“Wake up. It’s time to get up sweetheart. We have a busy day.”

“I hear ya. I’m getting up in…..let’s say ten minutes.”

“I don’t think so young lady. If you had it your way, you would sleep all day. It’s market day. I need your help, so up you go.”

“Aww mama, don’t you know that growing girls need their beauty sleep?”

“You're plenty beautiful as it is, Miyuki. Besides, vanity is a weakness, little one.

Miyuki stretched and began to get ready for the day. Market day was a big deal in her village. It came about once a month, and was when people from the nearby villages could come and trade all at once. It was a big deal , and a good day at the markets could make it break people. Miyuki had been helping her mother scavenge ever since her papa had died a year back. It was dangerous work, but her mother was an excellent swordswoman, so the eight year old never had much reason to fear.

Her mother was her whole world. Despite their squalid home, or the bad times they went hungry, or the cold winters, her mother made everything better. After getting dressed, her mother stood behind her and brushed her hair. After gathering their goods, they headed out the door. 

The market was already gathering a large group of people, all ready to bargain and barter. Normally, her mother would sell their pieces to the local trader, but they always kept their best findings for market day. You never knew what people would pay for some junk.

The day went quickly enough, and they were doing pretty well. They had gotten a basket full of fresh fruits and vegetables for an old working radio. Miyuki was hoping someone might trade some treats that she could enjoy later.

Three men were heading their way, and Miyuki could see her mother tense up. They were the Tucker brothers, and they had an ugly reputation. Bill Tucker was the eldest, an ugly man with few teeth and little hair, but a lot of mean. The middle brother was actually rather handsome, with light brown hair swept back and light blue eyes, but he was the most dangerous by far. Even Miyuki could see it. Garret Tucker could pretend, manipulate, he was smart. Jim, the youngest, was thin and lean, and not all that bright, on his own, he wasn't much to bother with.

But the problem with the Tuckers, was that they held an immense hatred for her mother and her. Why? Because of how they looked. Miyuki immediately hid behind her mother.

Bill Tucker gave a smug look, before spitting at their feet. “Look who it is. I was hoping you two squinty eyed rats had died over the winter. Pretty sure my brothers and I told you to get gone before we came back.”

Her mother looked them straight in the eyes, unafraid. “My husband helped build this town. We aren’t going anywhere. Take your threats and leave. This won’t end well for you.”

“Maybe your man did help build the town.” Garret Tucker mused. “That doesn’t change the fact that you people, your kind that is, caused all this to begin with. The world's gone to shit, and here you people are, sitting here like you belong.”

“I keep telling you, we're Japanese, not Chinese. The war was 200 years ago. We were born here, just like you.”

Garret fished out an old newspaper from his pack. He always had it near. “China Invades Alaska” was stamped on the front, with a picture of a unit of Chinese soldiers. “Hmmm….you look pretty Chinese to me.”

Bill addressed the crowd. “You all comfortable having these rats living here?! You know what their kind done don’t ya?! They’re why the world is how it is.” The crowd was silent. Most turned away awkwardly, while others openly glared at the troublesome brothers. 

Bill reached for her with a meaty paw, but her mother moved quicker, twisting his arm and shoving a dagger she had hidden close to his throat. The other two pulled out their weapons as well, and a crowd of onlookers fell silent.

“What the hell is going on now?!” a voice cried out, as a weathered, skinny man pushed his way through the crowd, along with five or six other men, all armed. The man was Edward Wentz, and he had the unfortunate honor of being the sheriff of the town. He was probably only in his forties, but he hadn't aged well. He was thin and emancipated, his hair had streaks of gray, and his eyes had an exhaustion in them that said he had seen far too much in his life. Still, Miyuki had seen him angry before. It wasn’t pretty.

“I told you last time, you don’t come here and harass my people. I warned you we would have problems if it happened again.” 

The youngest brother, Jim, opened his mouth to speak, but Garret motioned for silence. “You're right, sheriff. You done told us already and we've been terribly rude. I humbly ask for your forgiveness. If you'll ask the nice lady to kindly remove the knife from my brother's throat, we will just be right on our way.”

Ed looked unconvinced, but he slowly nodded. His guards lowered their weapons, as did her mother.

Garret Tucker moved a bit closer to them and whispered “You were wrong about one thing, rat. This isn’t gonna end well for you. I can promise you that.”

They sheriff's men escorted them out as her mother spoke with the sheriff. “Thank you Mr. Wentz. They're becoming more aggressive. I don’t think they cared if they got caught here today.”

“No. I don’t reckon they did. I'm sorry Yuri, truly. I should have been keeping a closer eye out. Market day is always….hectic.”

“I understand. I appreciate you looking out for me and my little girl.”

Mr. Wentz smiled down at her and winked. “You alright Miyuki? Those bad men didn’t scare you did they?”

“A little sir.” She squeaked out.

“It’s ok now. You’re a tough kid. You go on home now and mind your mama, yeah?”

That night she cuddled up to her mother for warmth, as she stroked her hair and sang to her. 

“Mama, why do those men hate us so much?”

“Don’t think about them, little one. They're small and petty people. They simply want someone to hate. If it wasn't us, it would be someone else.”

She was almost asleep when she heard the door crash open downstairs. Her mother was on her feet in an instant, sword in hand. “Under the bed Miyuki, now! Don’t come out until I come get you.”

“I’m scared mama!”

“Just hide and don’t make a sound. I’ll be right back.”

Miyuki hid and kept her eyes shut. She didn’t want to see anything until her mother came back. When the screaming started she tried to cover her ears. She was convinced that no human could make those sounds, no matter how vaguely it sounded like her mother. Finally, there was silence.

She heard footsteps downstairs, heavy footsteps, and the sound of furniture being overturned.

“Where ya at, little rat? It’s just us and you now. Come on out! We don’t wanna hurt ya.”

She recognized the voice as Garret Tucker and the malice in his voice made her even more afraid. Where had her mother gone? What happened?

The footsteps moved closer, coming up the stairs. Suddenly, the bed was flipped over and the three Tucker brothers loomed over her. They were covered in blood and wounded. Jim was missing a hand, and had a shoddily wrapped tourniquet over the stump. Garret himself had a slash going from his forehead diagonally to his neck. He smiled at her, but there was a rage in his eyes as he grabbed her, forcing her up and grabbing her roughly by the face so she had to look at him.

“Your ma was a pretty tough lady, I’ll give her that. Chopped us up real good. I wonder, little rat, did she teach you any of that fancy sword junk?”

“Yuri! Are you okay in there? I heard screaming. Oh god….Yuri?”

Garret smiled and grabbed his captive by the back of the neck. “Looks like the good sheriff is here. Let's go say howdy, how’s that?”

The three men forced her downstairs, where a horrified sheriff Wentz seemed unable to move, staring at the corner of the room. When Miyuki finally looked for herself, she nearly threw up. What had once been her mother lay in a mangled heap. Her body had been mutilated almost beyond recognition. With the brothers keeping her upright, she could only weep helplessly. 

The sheriff finally got his bearings, perhaps a little too late. Before he could draw his weapon, the brothers already had their guns on him.

Garret smiled, wiping blood off his face. “Look sheriff, I know how this looks. Aw hell, it is what it looks like. You’re a real nice man, sheriff, but I warned you before that their time would come. I know you’re probably a little pissed right now, but I need you to listen, yeah? The little rat here? She’s coming with us.”

Wentz was shaking with anger, but there was fear in his eyes too, and rather than being intimidating, he seemed very frail. “You're out of your fucking mind if you think I’m letting you walk out of here. I swear I’m gonna enjoy putting you three pieces of shit in the ground.” He moved a bit closer to the door, but Garret stopped him again.

“Now sheriff, I’m gonna warn you right now, don’t even think about it. The girl’s coming with us. That’s all there is to it. You move to the door, try to call your men, we will gun you down, that’s a fucking promise. Then who knows how many people in town are gonna get hurt while we fight our way out. Let us go, and you never see us again. We will never step foot in your little dust hole of a town again.”

The sheriff looked at the door longingly, but his hand dropped from his holster. He was beaten. “Get out. If I ever see you near my town again, I'll shoot on sight. You fucking monsters.”

Miyuki shook her head in disbelief as the brothers began hauling her to the door. She looked up pleadingly, but the sheriff wouldn’t meet her eyes.

“Don’t let them take me! Please help, please!”

Bill slapped her across the face. Hard. Miyuki could taste blood on her lips and remained silent as they forced her out of the house, into cold, and out of town.

They walked for days, weeks even. Bill and Jim beat her for various reasons. Jim was angry about his hand, and used the one he had left brutally. With Bill, it was the little things that set him off. If she moved too slow, if she looked at him wrong, or if she cried. Anything could send the big man into a rage, and he was much worse when he was mad. Garret never laid a hand on her, even stopping the abuse if he felt like it. He made sure she was fed as well, but she knew it wasn’t out of kindness. She froze all the time, but the nights were worse. 

Finally they reached their destination. It looked like an old baseball stadium, and Miyuki heard  cheering coming from the inside. Four armed men greeted them at the entrance. 

“What the fuck happened to you three?” asked a man with dark skin and a load of piercings in his face. “Garret, you don’t look so pretty no more, and goddamn it Jim, what happened to your hand?”

“We got a gift for ya.” Bill answered, ignoring the guards and their curiosity. “New contender, ready for the arena.”

The man snorted. “Her? She looks half ready for the grave. What the fuck is she gonna do in there?”

Garret shrugged. “Maybe she'll just lay down and die. That's okay with us. Or, maybe she'll rise to the occasion. To be honest, I’m eager to find out.”

“Your money I guess. I don’t know where you snatched this brat, and I probably don’t want to know, so let’s throw her in there and hope the crowd is amused.

She was led roughly through the stadium to a large gate. Garret knelt down and with a wicked smile handed her mother’s sword to her. “This is it kiddo. Once you're in there, it’s kill or be killed. Either you live and kill the other person, or they'll kill you without mercy. You want to die today?”

Miyuki was speechless. She couldn’t understand how this could have happened. Everything had been perfect before, and in a flash, it was all gone. She was far away from home, she had been beaten, and she was cold. What shocked her more, was Garret himself, who had destroyed her life seemingly on a whim. Now he stood there, smiling without a thought of what he had done.

She was led into the field, feeling very small in the center of the arena. All around her the crowed roared and laughed. Many screamed for her death. 

Her opponent stood nearby, lean man with scars all over his body, who looked from her back to the crowd sorrowfully. “You fucking monsters! You want kids fighting for you now?! You sick bastards!”

“Please help me. I just want to go home. “Miyuki cried, sinking to her knees.

The man looked at her sadly. He slowly walked over and knelt down. “I’m so kid, I really am. You shouldn’t be here. Just close your eyes okay? I'll make it quick and you won’t feel a thing okay?”

“I want to go home….please…please. Let me go.”

The man moved closer and wrapped her in an embrace, ignoring the protests of the crowd. “You can’t escape this place, honey. I’ve been here for years. Close your eyes and I will help you. I'll set you free.”

His hands moved to her neck, and she realized he was going to snap her neck. She would be free, she wouldn’t hurt anymore. She would be with her mama in heaven, if heaven was a real place. But still, she was afraid. She didn’t want to die, and she was terrified that there would be nothing after it ended, that she would be alone in darkness forever.

“He's gonna kill you, girl!” Garret yelled from the bleachers. “Ain’t you got any fight in you at all? Your mama's rolling in her grave. Well, whatever pieces they managed to scrap up that is!”

Miyuki clenched her mother’s sword tightly. She couldn't say whether it was anger or fear, maybe both, that compelled her to stand, but she did. With a desperate cry, she drew her weapon and cut deeply into her opponent, who screamed and backed up quickly, trying to stop the blood outing from the wound.

“Why? Stop kid! I'm trying to help you!”

Miyuki ran forward with a yell and ran her sword right through the man, who had his hands out trying to reason with her. The man fell as she tore the blade from his stomach.

“I'm sorry.” Miyuki said softly. “I can’t die. I don’t want to die. I’m afraid.”

Her opponent looked up at her with a sad smile. “No, I'm sorry kid. I should have killed you right off. I should…..should have freed you. This place is a nightmare. I’m sorry.”

That was her first kill. Afterward, they had taken her to a small cell, her new home. For eight years after she would fight and kill anyone she was put up against. She was ruthless, ferocious, with a desire for life that pushed her to victory each time.

The Tucker brothers were rarely seen together in the coming years. Bill had vanished to form his own raider group. Garret came by every few months to check on his prize fighter, and to collect his winnings. He still looked at her with a smile, mocking her.

Jim, the youngest was at the stadium most often and while he was stupid, he was far too afraid of his captive now to mistreat her. However, after one of her victories, he brought her in shackles to the shitty bar he drank at. He boasted and generally enjoyed displaying her like an animal. As the night grew later, the drunkards of the bar began to bicker and argue. Miyuki watched the unfolding events with interest. 

A brawl broke out between them and chaos raged. Jim was caught off guard when someone was pushed into him, knocking him over. He dropped her sword in the fall, but before he could get up, Miyuki had wrapped her chains around his neck. Her captor writhed as his airway constricted, but with only one hand, he couldn’t save himself. With the brawl reaching new heights, no one noticed as he died in his captives arms. Reaching for her sword, she stood slowly and prepared for the bloodbath to come.

No one in the bar escaped, and many died as she cut and shot her way to freedom. After years of death and horror, Miyuki was finally free.

                           *

Miyuki shot up with a scream stuck in her throat. She hated these dreams. It was the closest thing to hell she could imagine. She was forced to relive the horror of her childhood over, and over, and over.

She heard sniffling from the bedside she sat by. Rain was finally awake, having slept for two days after the tunnel. Rocco had gotten tired of Miyuki “fussing” over him and so she had come to sit by Rain and to give Tali a break. Now, the girl stared at her with tears streaming down her face.

Taking a breath to calm herself down, Miyuki moved and sat on Rain’s bed. “What’s up? Bad dream?”

Rain launched herself against her, squeezing for dear life and sobbing. “I'm so sorry, Miyuki. I’m so sorry they did that to you!”

Rain continued to cry as Miyuki say there numbly, having no clue how to answer, or how the girl knew her dream.
 

[Guilend]

Ok, that story was fantastic, and goos timing since i had just downloaded the fallout shalter for Android, just to play around on again. The last part i shoukd have seen coming, but i had totally forgotten that Rain was able to dream whatever someone else was dreaming, and now i see how they might eventually get closer, in time anyway.

[Wannatripbaby]

Wow. That was brutal... and fantastic! And I DEFINITELY like this type of "short" chapter even though it was still longer than most chapters in other stories. I'm out of reactions today, but I'll try to remember to come back tomorrow to give it a like.

[YourFNF]

Dam that was tough but extremely well written.

[ELLIE52]

Inject those dudes with the FEV serum and put them out in the stadium with the 8 different variants of deathclaws, including mythic.

[YourFNF]

21 minutes ago, ELLIE52 said:

Inject those dudes with the FEV serum and put them out in the stadium with the 8 different variants of deathclaws, including mythic.

Sounds fun, again I tend to settle for a firing squad. Which I can guarantee you they would be facing if they ran into me.

[thedman]

Brutal but awesome chapter

 

[ELLIE52]

Rain almost remembered something from her life from the previous chapter in the feral tunnel.  It's interesting that her dreams are also sometimes the dreams of individuals in the mercenary team.  It makes for a good way to tell their individual histories.  This is really well-written.  I don't mind the long chapters and the May 13 recap could be a good idea prior to a new chapter if time between chapters takes a while.  Also, the May 13 recap really helped to cement what had happened to Miles, all the betrayal.  I'm finding myself immersed in the story.  

It should be interesting to see the dreams as perceived from Rain of the others in the group and how they forage for survival and justice in this apocalyptic world.  You're doing a really great job of transporting us into their world.  It will be interesting to see the relationships Rain forges in time with the different members of the group.  Loving it so far!

[CDfm]

I loved the chapter. Had me sitting at the edge of my seat the entire chapter. I can’t imagine being a child and being forced to live that kind of life. I almost wanted to cry when her mother was killed. I could only give it one like but would have been happy to give it more. I will be looking forward to reading more. 

[Hades]

Well I'm so happy that people are enjoying the story. This latest is just a short chapter. With this done, I can safely say we have gotten past the....introduction phase. Following chapters will get more interesting, with cool new characters and factions that all have their own schemes and designs. I'm excited so enjoy!

 

                       *

“How…..did you know that? I haven't told anyone except Rocco. Did he tell you?”

 

Rain dried her tears on her arm. “No. I was you. Don’t you get it? I was you, in the dream.”

 

“You aren't making any sense. What the fuck do you mean? I need answers, not riddles.”

 

Rain shook her head in frustration. “Don’t you understand?! I had the same dream! I’ve done it before, but I'm normally watching from the outside. This time….I was you. I felt everything you felt, like I was there.”

 

Miyuki awkwardly put her arm around her as she began to tear up again. “How could you have the same dream? You’re talking like this is just something you can do.”

 

“I can. You have to believe me! Why would I lie?” She paused to compose herself. “I’m sorry. This whole time I thought you were so horrible, and I never knew.”

 

“I know. I was pretty horrible. I just…..I didn’t want you to be like me, to have to kill at young age, like I had too. I’m sorry I was so harsh on you. These people here are the first people I’ve trusted since I left that arena. I guess I thought you'd get in the way.”

 

Rain looked up with puffy, red eyes. “What happened to it? The arena, is it still there?”

 

“Jericho fucking Thorne happened.” Miyuki said with a wicked smile. “When I got out, Thorne was just starting to make a name for himself. When he heard about the arena, he marched down there with a hundred men, freed the slaves, and burned the place to ground with those bastards inside. I wish I could’ve seen it. I'll thank him right before Miles kills him.”

 

They sat there together for some time, enjoying the silence, until a faint hissing noise made them both look down. They saw Rain’s diaper swelling and becoming slightly yellow. Tali had apparently decided not to put pants on her.

 

Miyuki nudged her gently. It’s all good kid. Trust me I’ve seen you at your worst after the tunnel.”

 

Rain looked at her in horror. She had totally forgot about messing her diaper in the tunnel, she couldn’t even remember how she got out of there. “That….doesn’t normally happen. Oh my god, I’m so embarrassed.”

 

“It’s okay. Tali dealt with the mess. How about this? You don't tell anyone about my past, and I'll never bring up your little….accident. Ever.”

 

Rain nodded fiercely. “Thanks. I almost forgot, how is Rocco doing? Is he alright?”

 

“Oh he's fine. He’s moving a bit slower, but some stitches and a stimpack patched him up good as new. You want to join the others out by the fire? Or should I get Tali so she can change you?”

 

“We can go to the others. I’m not that wet.”

 

The Japanese woman smiled and playfully punched her arm. “Good. Keep your head high kiddo. You helped save Rocco, you’ve taken down raiders and mutated beasts, you’ve been shot. You’re a badass. You need to start acting like one, and kill the shy diaper girl thing you got going on.”

 

Rain nodded with a smile and they walked out to meet the others. The fact that she was still wearing just her shirt and a slightly used diaper escaped her notice at that moment.

 

The chill of the night air quickly reminded her, but by then she had been seen by the others. Gabriel rushed to her and lifted her into the air by her waist like she really was an infant, and no doubt she looked like one as she flailed her legs with her diaper exposed.

 

“Sleeping Beauty is awake at last! How are you feeling kiddo?”

 

Still in the air, her face beat red from embarrassment, Rain still managed a weak smile. “I’m okay. If you could put me down though, that would be super.”

 

Gabriel complied, but still wrapped her in a bear hug, his giant form nearly crushing her. Tali followed suit soon after, gentler but still earnest. Rain could tell they had been worried over her. It felt nice. She felt like she was part of the family at last.

 

“I’m glad you're alright, sweetie.” Tali said. “You really made me worry."

 

Miles had a smile as well. “You did well, Rain. You made me proud. Our friends and comrades are all we have in this harsh land. You're willingness to put yourself in harms way to save a teammate just proves that I was right to invite you to join us.”

 

Rain thought she would fall over with happiness. Miles was actually proud of her. After all this time together, he had never said that before. 

 

Mr. Happy also had something to add. “I’m very pleased you've recovered Miss Rain. I still hope to kill you myself.”

 

“Uhh….Thanks….I guess.”

 

Rocco winked at her with a smile. There was a bottle of vodka in his hand that was half empty, and he took a long drink before speaking. “I hear I owe you some thanks for coming to get me. I appreciate it, sincerely.”

 

Rain smiled proudly. “I guess we're even now, right?”

 

Rocco shrugged. “More or less. Still, I got you something as thanks.” 

 

He tossed her a bottle of some strange, bright purple liquid. After a closer look she saw that it was a Nuka-Cola bottle, but not one she had seen before.

 

“What is this?” She asked with a mixture of awe and suspicion.

 

“Nuka-Cola Quantum. Fancy stuff I guess and it would have sold for a pretty penny, but you’re the only one here that actually likes that junk, so have at it and enjoy.”

 

Rain opened the bottle, sniffed the liquid, and then had a small drink. It was amazing, far better than she would have thought. She took a seat by the fire, with  Tali and Miyuki on each side. She sat and enjoyed her new drink while the others talked. After a while she grew a little tired, despite all of the sleeping she had done earlier. She leaned on Tali’s shoulder and was almost asleep when she heard riotous laughter.

 

“Haha! Oh shit, I can’t believe I forgot about that. Think she'll find it funny?” Rocco asked.

 

“Oh no, oh honey.” Tali said. 

 

“Mmm….what's the matter?” Rain asked groggily. She looked down and was shocked that there was a rather noticeable purple glow coming from her diaper. “Wh-What the hell? What’s going on?!”

 

Everyone laughed, Miles and Tali included. Rocco as laughing so hard he was holding his side. “I forgot…to tell you. That Quantum shit makes your pee glow."

 

“What?! That’s so stupid, who would buy this?”

 

“It’s okay sweetie.” Tali said with barley contained laughter. “Just look at it this way, all this means is that diaper checks will be a little easier for a few days.”

 

“The….next few days? Days?!”

 

“Hey we could have used that glowing butt of yours in that fuckin dark tunnel.” Miyuki remarked.

 

Rocco clapped his hands happily. “That’s it! Imagine how easy night missions will be. We'll just pick her up like a sack of potatoes and let the glow show us where to go!”

 

Joining in, Gabriel did just as Rocco had suggested and hauled her with one arm, pointing her diapered butt to the darkness beyond the campfire.

 

“Yes! It works.” Rocco laughed. 

 

“I hate you all! Let me go….” Rain whined. After she was back on her feet, she stuck out her tongue out at the group. “Meanies!”

 

Tali suppressed her laughter and got to her feet. “I guess a diaper change is in order?”

 

“Oh, you think?! My nether regions are glowing, so yes, a change is definitely in order.”

 

Miyuki stood up and stole Rocco’s bottle of vodka. After a small drink she wrapped an arm around the small girl. “I'll change her. Why not?”

 

Rain gasped. “What?! No, no, no! That’s not necessary. I’m sure Tali can handle it, right?” 

 

Tali gave a mischievous smile. “Well, I think it would be a good thing for her to learn. You ever change a diaper before Miyuki?”

 

“Learn by doing. That’s my motto.”

 

“It’s not a learn by doing thing!” Rain protested with a red face. For what seemed like the fourth time that night, she felt like she could have died from embarrassment. 

 

With a smile, Miyuki swept her off her feet and carried her inside. Tali was close behind. Once they were someplace private, the diaper change began. Surprisingly, Miyuki seemed to take the job rather seriously. Listening closely to Tali’s instructions and being fairly gentle. For her part, Rain just kept her eyes glued to the ceiling, blushing profusely. After she was wiped clean, Miyuki lifted her legs up and Tali slid a clean diaper underneath her. After a bit of powder, the diaper was taped up and Miyuki was beaming with pride. 

 

“There you go little one!” She said with mock sweetness, hugging her close. You just let Auntie Miyuki know the next time you need a diapee change.”

 

“Seriously? Why is everyone picking on me tonight?” Rain asked with a pout.

                     

                       *

Much later, once all the others were asleep, Miyuki paid Rocco a visit. He was still out by the campfire, but his booze was near empty. 

“You're a shit guard. It’s a good thing we have sensors. I could have been an intruder and you're too smashed to stand.”

Rocco laughed. “I could stand….if I wanted to.”

“So stand up then.”

“I don’t want to. Why are you here? Come to toast my miraculous survival? If so, you’re a bit late. The bottle is empty…..I think.”

Miyuki sat by him and explained Rain’s dream. He listened quietly and despite his drunken state, he appeared somehow sharp still.

“So you're saying she can dream whatever we dream? That's creepy. I'm right yeah? It’s creepy?

“Well you didn't tell her about my past, right? So how else would she know?”

Rocco looked up to the sky and laid back with a sigh. “I never told her anything. Hmmm……This is interesting.

[Wannatripbaby]

Awwww, Rain & Miyuki are besties!

This was an awesome chapter. Probably my favorite one so far. And the glowing diaper was hilarious! Someone needs to commission a picture of Gabriel using Rain's diapered butt as a flashlight!

[Guilend]

34 minutes ago, Wannatripbaby said:

Someone needs to commission a picture of Gabriel using Rain's diapered butt as a flashlight! 

I have to agree. I almost couldn't stop laughing. It's also my favorite so far, it seems as each new chapter comes out i end up with a new favorite lol.

[YourFNF]

I love the quantum gag.

[thedman]

A glowing diaper. Now that is absolutely hilarious. I love it

[Hades]

Three months later

 

Over the next few months, Rain and her new family continued to take contracts from a variety of small villages, taking payment sometimes in food, sometimes in money or equipment. Rumors also spread of the young new team member fighting with Miles. Young and beautiful….and in diapers. Yes, Rain’s secret didn’t stay that way for long. Miyuki had insisted that she start wearing skirts over pants, to which she had reluctantly agreed, and only after protesting. Either way word got around quickly.

 

“I can't wear a skirt, are you crazy?! Do you want me flashing my diapers anytime the wind blows?”

 

Miyuki shrugged. “It's just some advice kiddo. You waddle around in those pants, looks a bit awkward. A skirt would give you greater range of movement and they would be more comfortable.”

 

“But the diapers….”

 

“Who cares? Look, it’s not like you and Tali haven't gone off together enough times at one village or another that people aren’t suspicious. I mean as it is people probably think you two have a really screwed up relationship. So what if you wear diapers anyway? They're for a medical condition, plain and simple. Besides, do you really think someone would dare make fun of you?”

 

In the end, Rain had given up. Honestly, the skirts were more comfortable, and they were easy to move in, so she ignored the stares. Along with her skirt, she wore a simple black shirt covered with a leather armor. She had leather gauntlets and greaves as well. Armed and dangerous was an understatement in her case, and people quickly learned she was no little girl to mess with. Despite being a generally kind and amicable girl, she had inherited Miyuki’s fierce temper as well. The first villager who snickered at her learned that the hard way, and somehow lost four of his teeth in the process. She had also become more ruthless in battle. Killing was a part of her life and she no longer hesitated, though killing never got easier and probably never would.

 

Not much had changed among the team. No matter the contract they always came out on top, with a few new scars for their troubles. All of them that is, except Miles.

 

In all the battles they had been in, Rain had never once seen Miles wounded. Not a scratch, nor a single drop of blood. In battle, he was reckless, wading into the thickest part of combat as if in a fever. Rain couldn't fathom how he managed it, but she didn’t care too much. He was her leader, and he cared for her. So she kept fighting and at the end of each fight, Tali fussed over them all, checking for wounds, but she fussed over Rain and Miles more than the others. It was strange.

 

Rain had tried sharing dreams a few more times with varying success. Tali’s dreams were normally sweet ones that included all them together. One was interesting in that they all lived what looked like a pre-war house. In the dream, Miles sat in an old reclining chair, reading a newspaper, while Tali worked in the kitchen, making dinner. Rain helped her, clad in just a shirt and diaper, trying to stay out from under her feet, until Tali took her back for a change.

 

Before the meal, Gabriel came through the door, except he had both of his eyes and wore a yellow hard helmet. He hugged her tightly, smelling like sweat from a hard days labor, his beard tickling her.

 

Miyuki and Rocco came later, both dressed in fancy clothes. It was at this point that the fantasy of the dream was exposed, as the world outside was bright, and while she couldn’t see it, she knew somehow the world was beautiful and right, not the blasted heap that she knew.

 

Tali woke from that dream in a good mood, not knowing Rain had shared it with her. Other dreams weren’t so pleasant. Only once had she tried to share Gabriel's dreams, but they were full of old battles. She saw men wearing the same type of armor that Gabriel wore. The scene was an all out war, as men were blown apart and screams echoed in the wind. There was another group, in dark, black armor fighting back, but they were destroyed by some giant creature. Rain tried ask Gabriel about the Brotherhood of Steel, but he seemed reluctant to say much. She could feel that there was a great sadness attached to their memory and she left him alone.

 

Rocco had noticeably avoided sleeping at the same time she did. Miyuki had obviously told him about her, and he didn't like the idea very much. Of all of the team, Rocco was the hardest to read. Even when she tried to catch a glimpse of his feelings, he thwarted her. It was as though he had a wall that blocked her from getting close. It was clear he valued his privacy, as he subconsciously defended it without even meaning too.

Now however, there was a lull in the chaos. They hadn’t had a contract for a while, so Rain was relaxing in her quarters, reading another book. Her diaper was a bit wet, but she knew Tali would be checking on her later, so she left it. In fact, with her diaper feeling warm and comfy, she was even beginning to consider a nap.

 

She was half asleep when Tali came into the room with Miles behind her. With a small cry, Rain scrambled to cover her exposed diaper. Miles didn’t seem to notice or mind. 

 

“Get changed and armed. Meet us outside after. We got a new job from a big client. We need to leave soon.”

 

After Miles left, Tali quickly began changing her. “So we’re off to help a guy named Benjamin Ozeroski, or just Oz for short. He’s an important guy around here. He has a sprawling community, and most importantly, a large stockpile of weapons.” Tali said, as she began cleaning the girl. “His town is called Pride, and it just happens to sit right near a major highway, so it has plenty of trade.”

 

Tali had just fanned out a fresh diaper and had lifted Rain’s legs into the air, when the door opened and shut quickly, and Miyuki entered the room. “Hey T, did you warn the kid about Oz?”

 

“I was about to.” Tali said, still holding the beat red girl by her ankles.

 

“Get out!” Rain yelled embarrassed. “I’m not decent!”

 

Miyuki just snorted and leaned against the wall. “What? It's just us girls. I've already changed your little tush quite a bit too.”

 

Rain wanted to argue, but Tali was finishing up and was taping up the clean garment. With a quick pat and a condescending kiss on the forehead, Rain was allowed to get up and begin getting dressed.

 

“Anyway, I wanted to warn you about this guy Oz.” Miyuki continued. “Watch out favor him, he’s a damn pig. I wouldn’t wear a skirt if I were you.”

 

“Oh, he’s not that bad.” Tali said. “He's a bit….eccentric maybe, and he certainly likes women. He can be a bit handsy too, but I doubt you need to worry.”

 

Rain pulled on her skirt sullenly. Why wouldn’t she need to worry? Because she was still pissing herself in these ridiculous plastic prisons? Tali had probably meant because of her youth, but still she couldn’t help but feel insulted. It wasn’t easy being almost sixteen and in diapers. 

 

“I’d like to see him try.” Rain muttered, projecting a cold confidence that she wasn’t really feeling.

 

“Damn straight kiddo. I’m telling you right now, Tali, if that shithead grabs my ass again, I will stab him in the kidney.”

 

“Be nice. I’m more concerned about why he needs us in the first place. Surely you’re curious? Oz has plenty of men, enough to handle pretty much anything on his own, so why bring us in?”

 

Miyuki looked thoughtfully at her nails. “Good point. If something has Oz scared, it’s probably bad. Still, he's a big dumb idiot, so watch yourself around him.”

 

They left soon after that and began the long journey to Pride. Gabriel was wearing his armor for a change, so after a bit of walking Rain helped herself to a ride. This earned a dirty look from Miyuki, but she didn’t really care. She'd earn her keep during the fighting, she didn’t need to shlub around like the others when Gabe was available.

 

“You’re really gonna like Pride.” Gabe said. “It's big, pretty nice all things considered. Plus, Oz is a real stand up guy. One of the good ones, like Miles.”

 

“ Miyuki said he was a pig. She told me to watch out around him.”

 

“He's not so bad. He can be a bit much I guess, but I'll tell you one thing, if we ever needed help, or a rescue, he would be there. He started that town from nothing, just him, his men, and a few refugees. Trust me, Oz is someone you want on your side.”

 

“You seem like you know him pretty well.”

 

“Yeah. After I left the Brotherhood, I wandered for a long time before he took me in. I stayed with him for a while, until he introduced me to the new desperado around the wasteland. He told me I should join Miles, keep him safe. He thought we could do some good.”

 

“Why did you leave the Brotherhood of Steel? You never want to talk about it.”

 

Gabriel grew silent, and she was afraid he was mad at her, but he finally spoke. “It’s hard to talk about. For twenty years I was one of them. Everything I did was for them. I fought in D.C. and up in Boston, nearly died hundreds of times.”

 

“What changed?” Rain asked, ignoring the sudden warmth into her diaper.

 

“They did. Or maybe the world did, I don’t know. I was a soldier all my life, I followed orders, no matter what. Then the day came when I couldn't. I couldn’t obey. They were going to shoot me for it too, so I broke out, took my armor and some hi-tech gear….and I left. I swore I wouldn’t follow orders anymore.”

 

“You do what Miles tells you.”

 

“Miles is my friend and my captain. But I'm allowed to disobey any order if I need too, the same as you.”

 

“Are we doing the right thing? Killing people I mean. Sometimes…..I’m not sure.” 

 

“Look Rain, I know this life can get tough sometimes, but you just need to look around at the people we've helped to see that what we're doing is right.”

 

Rain shook her head a bit. “Who are we to judge? Why should we get to decide?”

 

Gabe took off his helmet and looked her in the eyes. “Somebody has too Rain. We're the closest thing to justice around.”

 

An awkward silence fell between them, so Rain decided to change the subject. “So….why did we leave Mr. Happy at the base?”

 

The surly robot hadn’t seemed to mind, but the team almost didn’t feel complete without him.

 

“Ever since Happy expressed a desire to “wear his spine as a necklace”, Oz has asked us to keep him away. Somehow he just never warmed up to him.” 

 

“Yeah. Hard to believe. I’ve kept count you know? That robot has threatened to kill me sixty-five times. All in different ways. He’s creative, I’ll give him that.”

 

They stopped for the night a bit later. By now, Rain was eager to get a clean diaper. However, Tali had disappeared with Miles soon after setting up camp. Reluctantly, she went to the one person she had left. Miyuki was sitting by Rocco as usual, resting her head on the Ghoul’s shoulder. They both looked up when she arrived.

 

“What's up kiddo? You got that nervous look in your eyes again.”

 

“I’ve seen that look before, actually.” Rocco said happily. “She gave that look back when she used to be afraid of you, Miyuki. Back when you were scary and mean.”

 

“I am scary and mean, you idiot. Okay, so assuming that she’s not scared of me, what else?”

 

“She gives that look every time she needs a diaper change.”

 

Rain flared in anger. “Yeah so? What if I do need a change? You got something to say? If you laugh, I’m gonna show you what Miyuki taught me last week.”

 

“Oh geez! Now whose scary and mean? I’m sorry, please don’t strike me down oh mighty one.”

 

Miyuki laughed. “Watch out dumbass, I showed her how to break a kneecap last week. She took to the move pretty well.”

 

“Can I talk to you alone?” Rain asked, hoping to keep her dignity, what little she had.

 

Getting the idea, Miyuki got up a followed her to her tent. “I’m surprised you came to me kiddo. What’s Tali doing?”

 

Rain took off her skirt and handed a diaper to Miyuki, then laid down in preparation. “I wish I knew. Her and Miles are both gone.”

 

“Is that so? Must be scouting ahead.” Miyuki said with a small smile. “I guess that means you need Auntie Miyuki to change you, huh baby girl?”

 

“Don’t mock me. Please Miyuki…..It's hard to feel like the badass you want me to be when I'm like this.”

 

“Okay, okay. No more teasing for tonight. You are a badass too, don't let anyone tell you different.”

 

Miyuki made quick work of the way diaper, cleaned her efficiently, then powdered and sealed her into another diaper. Instead of letting her up, she ran her hand around the Vault-Boys decorating the diaper.

 

“What?” Rain asked with concern. “What is it?”

 

Suddenly Miyuki grabbed her up and cradled her like an infant. “Oh, you're such a cutie baby! I just can’t stand it!” Laughing, she began planting  kisses all over her.

 

“What the hell?! You promised!” Rain said angrily.

 

Still laughing, Miyuki let her go. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it. Tali gets to baby you all the time, I wanted to see what the appeal was.”

 

“Tali doesn't baby me. She's nice, you should try it.”

 

“Let's see, she changes you, tucks you in at night, and reads to you. What would you call it?”

 

Rain wanted to argue, but it was true. Tali never teased her though. Rain didn’t know why Tali was so nice to her, but her kindness had helped her through a lot of tough nights.

 

Miyuki pulled her close again. “Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed. You’re lucky she cares so much for you. We all do.”

 

Rain smiled. “Thanks Miyuki. You guys mean a lot to me too.”

 

“Get some sleep. Tomorrow it’s another long hike to Pride.”

 

“I'll just ride on Gabe. The baby shouldn’t have to walk.”

 

“Ha! Good point, you little scamp. I'll see you in the morning.”

 

Freshly changed, Rain curled up under her covers and fell asleep quickly. She had no dreams, and for a rare night, she slept like a baby.

 

The next day came too early, but Miles and Gabe seemed to be in a rush. Miles however, looked more pale than usual. In fact, he had looked almost sickly since the last fight. He moved at a brisk enough pace, but he did seem like he was moving slower than usual.

 

About midday, they stopped at Tali and Miyuki’s insistence at a small plaza of former stores. They all went looking around. For supplies of course, but really? It was a shopping spree. 

 

Rain, Rocco, Miyuki, and Tali ended up in what appeared to be an old clothes store. Surprisingly, many of the clothes were intact. Miyuki and Tali went searching for old, pre-war dresses. Rocco tried on maybe a dozen different hats before deciding to keep the one he had. 

 

As for Rain, she just wandered around. She didn’t see anything interesting and was almost ready to exit and join up with Gabe or Miles. Then she saw something that froze her in her tracks. On a shelf against the wall was a small stuffed teddy bear. It was perfect. No tears, no missing limbs, and it's fur was even soft. That somehow, after over two hundred years, this bear had managed to stay in perfect condition. It seemed like fate, and she had a brief feeling like she used to have one once.

 

Just as she was about to pick it up, Tali appeared around the corner. “Hey, whatcha doing? Find something you like?”

 

“No. Nope. Nothing. Ready to go?” Rain asked, trying to hide her blush.

 

“Actually, I need to borrow you. I found a dress that would look so adorable on you.”

 

“ I don’t want to look adorable, Tali.”

 

“Oh come on, please. Try it on at least. I bet you need changed too, so it'll be the perfect time.”

 

With a sigh and a single glance back at the bear, she grudgingly followed Tali to a changing room. Ironically, in this case a changing room had multiple meanings. With the curtain drawn, Tali quickly got on with the diaper change, maybe even rushing so she could get her prize. Once she was dry, Tali sprinkled some powder over her and slowly rubbed it in. That was one thing Miyuki never did.

 

The “dress” that Tali was so excited about was an abomination if Rain had ever seen one. It was pink for starters, maybe a bit faded after all this time, but still bright. The sleeves had white lace, as did the bottom of the dress, which, as she had feared, didn’t reach far enough to hide her bulky diapers. 

 

“What do you think? Don’t you think you look so beautiful?” Tali asked.

 

“I had a different adjective in mind.”

 

“Oh, don’t be silly. You’re a beautiful girl. Watch this.” Tali reached up and undid Rain’s ponytail, letting her brown hair fall to her shoulders. Looking in the mirror, Rain thought she did look pretty. Not so much in the dress, but it wasn't unpleasant seeing herself looking girly for a change. Tali moved her hair again, taking two bunches of her hair and lifting them up. Adding pigtails really made her look infantile.

 

“Well…..it's something alright.” Rain muttered.

 

Tali kept her smile, but there was disappointment in her eyes. “No big deal. You’re right, it does look a bit silly I guess.”

 

Rain took a deep breath and grabbed the blond woman's hand. “Would…..you like it….if I wore this? Would it make you happy?”

 

Tali gave her a strange look. “Well yes, but you shouldn’t wear it if you don’t like it.”

 

“I'll wear it. For you. Just at the base though, I do have a reputation to consider. I….I want to make you happy. Everything you've done for me all these months…..I can’t tell you how much I….needed you. You’ve been so good to me and I want to make it up to you. I'll wear the dress.”

 

Tali looked shocked. She pulled in the small girl and held her tight. “I wanted to help you. You're a beautiful, cute girl. When I first saw you, beaten and vulnerable, I knew I wanted to make you feel safe. I wanted to give that to you more than anything. Thank you Rain, I'm really glad you're with us.”

 

“So….are we getting the dress?”

 

“You bet we are! Just stay here for one more minute while I get something else.” Tali practically skipped out. Rain stood like a statue, feeling awkward in the pink monstrosity, and fearing what else Tali had in mind. 

 

When she came back, her hands were behind her back. What was it? Surely it wasn’t pacifier? That might be too much. But then Tali revealed the stuffed bear she had so longed for. Rain took it slowly, as though it might somehow vanish into thin air. Without really thinking she hugged it to her and was rewarded with a sense of bliss. She must have had a teddy bear in the past to be having such nostalgic feelings now. 

 

Tali kissed her on the forehead. “Your new friend will be a secret between us okay? Keep him safe.”

 

Rain nodded happily and had to wipe the tears from her eyes before they finally got ready to leave the store.
 

[Wannatripbaby]

Another excellent chapter! I love this story and would gladly read it even if it didn't contain diapers. that's when you know an ABDL story is good. :)

Miyuki has a Mommy side! I did NOT see that coming! but it's not surprising either. any dynamic character has at least a few seemingly contradictory facets about themselves. And I like having Badass Warrior juxtaposed with "Look at the widdle baby!" I look forward to seeing how their relationship develops.

I'm a little disappointed that they had to leave Mr. Happy behind, though. He is best robot character! :D

[Guilend]

41 minutes ago, Wannatripbaby said:

Miyuki has a Mommy side! I did NOT see that coming! but it's not surprising either. 

i bet there is more to her mommy side, she might be discovering something new about herself, either in a sexual way towards the baby badass or finally being able to find comfort with someone else

44 minutes ago, Wannatripbaby said:

I'm a little disappointed that they had to leave Mr. Happy behind, though. He is best robot character! :

Ikr he's actually one of my favorite characters so far haha

[Wannatripbaby]

4 minutes ago, Aries said:

either in a sexual way towards the baby badass

Rain is 16. So no, that's not an option unfortunately.

[Guilend]

5 minutes ago, Wannatripbaby said:

Rain is 16. So no, that's not an option unfortunately

Not unless the auther fastfoward the tike by 4+ years, by then a lot could change.

But yea i forgot she was 16 till after i had posted that. Trying to keep up with so many good stories i tend to forget a few things, or confuse a few details with the other stories.

[Wannatripbaby]

13 minutes ago, Aries said:

Not unless the auther fastfoward the tike by 4+ years, by then a lot could change.

I doubt he plans on doing a time skip to that far ahead. Plus if he really wanted a sexual subplot between Rain & Miyuki he could've just made Rain 18 in the first place. It wouldn't have made that much of a difference to the plot I don't think. The fact that he didn't tells me that he probably made her 16 deliberately because he doesn't want to write sex scenes.

[Guilend]

5 minutes ago, Wannatripbaby said:

doubt he plans on doing a time skip to that far ahead. Plus if he really wanted a sexual subplot between Rain & Miyuki he could've just made Rain 18 in the first place. It wouldn't have made that much of a difference to the plot I don't think. The fact that he didn't tells me that he probably made her 16 deliberately because he doesn't want to write sex scenes.

Yes, you are right, on all accounts. 

[YourFNF]

1 hour ago, Wannatripbaby said:

Another excellent chapter! I love this story and would gladly read it even if it didn't contain diapers. that's when you know an ABDL story is good.

Miyuki has a Mommy side! I did NOT see that coming! but it's not surprising either. any dynamic character has at least a few seemingly contradictory facets about themselves. And I like having Badass Warrior juxtaposed with "Look at the widdle baby!" I look forward to seeing how their relationship develops.

I'm a little disappointed that they had to leave Mr. Happy behind, though. He is best robot character!

Also loving the contrast

[Wannatripbaby]

22 minutes ago, Aries said:

Yes, you are right, on all accounts. 

Sorry if I ruined your fantasy.

[Guilend]

16 minutes ago, Wannatripbaby said:

Sorry if I ruined your fantasy. 

Big meany 

Though i am getting used to it coming from you haha