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

[Wannatripbaby]

On 11/27/2019 at 3:37 AM, vampire4 said:

She would have found out eventually.” Viktor said. “I'll talk to her.”

Well that's not the best way to break the news of a loved one's death to someone. Maybe next time she won't eavesdrop.

Also Tidus is a Swordsman, you say? Well, I think I speak for everyone when I say I'm looking forward to the inevitable Tidus vs. Surra fight.

[Wannatripbaby]

On 11/27/2019 at 3:37 AM, vampire4 said:

Garret Tucker. She wasn't a fan of him. He always called her by a really annoying nickname. 

That name sounds familiar. Is this a character we've heard of before? I can't quite remember.

[Hades]

29 minutes ago, Wannatripbaby said:

That name sounds familiar. Is this a character we've heard of before? I can't quite remember.

Think of Miyuki and her past. 

[YourFNF]

Just wow... I can't ever remember anyone having psionics like this in game but it actually fits the universe well...

[Hades]

This might be my favorite chapter that I've written so far. And seeing as how I hate and loathe my own writing, that's saying a lot. I had a lot of fun with this one.

Also, I made an oopsie! The vault where Rain gets her diapers from: I called it Vault 21, but in replaying New Vegas, I discovered it was already taken. My shame is endless. I've changed it to Vault 31 but have no intention on going back and fixing it cause I don't wanna. Anywho, hope you enjoy. Have a happy Cthulhumas readers! May he eat you last!

 

 

They had been back at base for nearly a week when the bad, yet expected news, finally reached them. As per the usual, it came from Elijah Freeman, the travelling salesman, when he arrived with Rain’s diaper shipment from Vault 31. She could tell before he even spoke that the news wasn’t good. He greeted her with an enthusiasm that didn't match the nervous energy he was giving off. His bodyguard, Yusef, looked at her with a worried sympathy.

 

They had all come into the main room of the base, knowing that Elijah would bring them word from the wider world. Even Miles had left his isolation to greet the trader. While his coughing had lightened up under Tali’s care, he still looked extremely lethargic, moving slowly like a man much older. Gabriel had kept a close eye on him from a distance, but gave his captain space to rest and hopefully heal.

 

After payment for the diapers had been rendered, and business was over, Elijah sighed and finally spilled the beans.

 

“Miss Rain….I don't know what happened but you've made a powerful enemy. Jericho Thorne has put a rather large bounty on you.”

 

“He said he would.” Rain said quietly. That news didn't surprise her. That is, until she found out how much.

 

Elijah handed her a flyer. “He's offered 10,000 caps for you alive, and 5,000 for you dead. As you can see, the description is pretty accurate.”

 

It was too. The flyer listed her physical description amazingly well, not even leaving out her diapers. One of Indara’s men must have provided that detail. It also mentioned that she travelled with Miles. At the top, just below her name, was her new moniker in bold. The Witch of the Wasteland.

 

There was a somber silence as the team took in the news. Miles looked crushed, Tali pulled her closer, Miyuki was cursing softly. Rocco  was the only one who differed and gave her a thumbs up.

 

“Hell yeah, kiddo. You're a certified badass now. Damn, I haven't seen a bounty like that……..well……ever. You might be more infamous than Miles even.”

 

She wished that she could share his giddiness, but seeing the proclamation made the whole thing seem terrifyingly real for the first time. With a price that large hovering over her, she would be in danger no matter where she was.

 

“I would take this a bit more seriously.” Yusef said, glaring at the ghoul. “The word is already starting to spread. Soon the hunt will be on. You'll have bounty hunters coming after you down here, and Thorne’s army waiting for you up north.”

 

“What should I do?” She asked, knowing there wasn’t an easy answer.

 

Elijah shrugged, shaking his head. “I'm not sure. You're best bet would probably be to try and get out of the state. Disappear. Head east to the Capital Wasteland. Maybe go west and seek the NCR’s protection.”

 

Miles shook his head. “Any populated places will have hunters. Bounty hunters can make a great living in NCR territories, where they put prices on every ragged band of raiders that pops up.”

 

Rocco shrugged as he lit a cigarette. “That’s true. The NCR have always been spread too thin to deal with marauding bands. So they hire bounty hunters. Got to hand it to them, there's no problem they can’t fix by throwing money at it.”

 

“Why run at all?” Miyuki asked. “Rain still has the advantage here.”

 

Rocco agreed. “No kidding. Indara’s killer will give most people a reason to think twice. Although, for that kind of cash, they might not think too long.”

 

“The biggest advantage is her looks.” Miyuki said, giving Rain’s diapered tush a slap. “Thanks to these diapers, people will always underestimate her, and believe me when I say that’s a big mistake. Plus, she's got all of us to protect her. I feel sorry for whatever idiot tried anything.”

 

Rain blushed even as she moved out of Miyuki’s reach. It was a good argument. With her powers and her looks, she had the potential to really ruin a bounty hunter’s day. She didn't like the idea of running anyway. Her family was here, and she would always feel safer in their presence than alone. 

 

Elijah was wringing his hands, looking at the ground while Yusef tried to get urge him on. There was more news, evidently bad. Miles sensed it and managed to wring it from them.

 

“There's one final thing. We heard about it on the way here. It's about Hope’s Folly, that place you saved from the mutant attack in the winter.”

 

Rain could feel her heart sink. The others seemed deflate as well. They all guessed the news. “What happened? Are they okay?”

 

“It happened about a week ago. The Super Mutants returned in force, and attacked at night. By the time the sun rose the next day and some traders passed by, it was all over. The whole place was torched. No survivors.”

 

She was at a loss for words. How could they all be dead? She thought of Erin, the friendly nurse that had taken care of her while she was hurt. Or their leader, Samuel Agrippa, that hard as nails ghoul. True, there were plenty of people there that had lashed out at her from fear, but many had also stood with her. She looked down at the locket Tali had given her, a picture of their team just after that terrible battle. Now it all seemed pointless.

 

“No survivors?” Tali asked, jaw open. “Are you sure? Maybe they're hiding.”

 

Yusef shook his head. “I doubt it. We've had no word of survivors showing up in any other towns. I guess it's possible, but it seems unlikely.”

 

“They've gotten smarter.” Miles noted. If he felt a similar grief, he didn’t show it. “They came at night, rather than charging in during the day. They also kept up the attack, not giving them time to call for help. I guess they held a grudge against the town. Damn shame.”

 

Conversation dwindled but carried on as Rain tried to come to terms with the news. Things were fucked. An army of mutants on the prowl, Thorne raging up north, and she was worth more money than most people would see in their lifetime. The bounty especially worried her. What if too many attacked at once and someone got hurt trying to protect her? She couldn't live with that.

 

Miyuki put an arm around her. “Don't worry so much. We'll keep you safe. Anyone comes at you, we'll kill them. If more come, we'll kill them too.”

 

That was easy for her to say, but Rain could tell she meant it. Miyuki’s world occupied a clear and easy space. Everything for her was black and white. If it was either her family or the rest of the world, she wouldn't hesitate in her choice. Rain loved that about her. 

 

As for herself though, she was starting to think that the best thing for everyone would be for her to vanish. Maybe she would never feel safe again, but she would be happy knowing everyone else was safe.

 

                        *

 

The attack came in the night about three days later. Rain was awakened by loud, blaring alarms and the sound of gunfire. She leapt out of bed, clad in just her diaper and shirt. The others were already up and gathering weapons. However many the enemy had, they had not made it into the compound yet. From the sounds of things, they were taking heavy losses from the security turrets Tali and Gabe had set up years ago. 

 

She pushed herself in between Miyuki and Tali, and both responded with various kisses and hugs. Miles, Gabe, and Rocco watched the action outside from a nearby window.

 

“These ain't professional bounty hunters.” Rocco mused. “Professionals wouldn’t have rushed in blind. These punks are probably just some raiders looking to make a quick buck. They shouldn’t be too much of a problem.” 

 

“Worry not, young Rain.” Mr. Happy chirped. “I shall not let them take you alive. If it comes down to it, merely give the word and I’ll cut off your head. You won't feel a thing, I've been sharpening my saw for months.”

 

“They still get paid if I’m dead.” Rain pointed out.

 

“Better than being captured by the enemy.” He assured, willing to take any excuse available if it meant murdering her.

 

“Enough of this.” Miles said. “They'll be past the turrets soon. All of you mobilize and deal with them. Rain and I will stay here.”

 

“I can fight!” Rain whined.

 

“You need to stay here.” Tali said, giving her a reassuring look. “We can’t rule out the possibility of a trap. What if the plan is to grab you in the chaos of the fight?”

 

Rain sighed, hating her logic. “Okay. Just be careful out there everyone.”

 

The poor raiders didn't get far. After they dealt with the turrets, they were picked off one by one courtesy of Tali and her rifle. The final nail came in the form of Gabriel in his power armor. The few survivors that managed to escape the compound were cut off and cut down by Miyuki and Rocco. All in all, the attack only lasted twenty minutes.

 

“Are we sure they came for me?” She asked Miles, the only other person to have not taken part in the slaughter.

 

“No other reason to attack us in such force. This screamed of desperation. Like Rocco said, professionals will be worse, because they won’t be stupid enough to attack a heavily fortified compound head on.”

 

He didn't add anything more, just squeezed her shoulder affectionately. Rain could see he still felt guilty. He had already apologized before for getting her involved in all this, but she had rejected his attempt at self blame. She had voted for their attack on Thorne, and she was partly responsible for Indara’s death. If she had backed off of Thorne like the synth had asked, maybe things would be different.

 

Miles didn’t seem to believe her, convinced he had done her wrong. Maybe his intentions hadn't always been honorable. Maybe he did try and use her for his revenge. That didn't change the fact that he had taken her in when she had nobody else. He had trained her so that she didn't always have to be afraid. Those were facts. She was who she was today thanks to him, and with his fragile health, she wished he wouldn't worry so much.

 

While this attack wasn’t serious, it cemented the fact that she was probably going to be hunted for some time to come. How would they be able work like this?

 

Tali returned from the roof, sat down her rifle and gave her a half hug. “Now that the excitement is over for the evening, how about we get you back to bed?”

 

Rain nodded, still worried. She didn't even know why, but she was afraid. “Do you……would you stay with me for a little while?”

 

Tali smiled down at her. “Of course, darlin. From the looks of things, you're in need of a diaper change anyway. Let’s go.”

 

Rain called Miyuki over as well and asked her the same thing. “Sure. You don’t need to be afraid though. Even if one of those idiots had gotten past us, you could have just thrown them out with your mind. You're the last person who should be afraid.”

 

The three of them went back to her room where she immediately laid down for a diaper change. Miyuki and Tali worked together, like it was a routine. It really was by this point, and Rain wasn't even embarrassed anymore. Back in the day, she had nearly had a heart attack at the idea of Miyuki changing her.

 

Once she was in a dry diaper, she climbed in between the two in her bed. It was a bit cramped, but she felt like she could relax for the time being. Everyone seemed to think that she was afraid for her own life, but that wasn’t true. As she continued to develop her abilities, she found that she was far less worried about herself. The truth was she was terrified of losing anyone else. Having them close to her now soothed her. She just wanted to keep them close for now, just for a little while.

 

                       *

 

Two weeks later, they received a request for help. The town was called Barrow Heights, an old gated complex that had originally been inhabited by a band of Super Mutants. Some enterprising survivors had managed to drive them off or kill them off. Either way, a town had sprung up about six years prior and had been going strong ever since.

 

Their troubles started when the mayor had been assassinated in the night. Some hired killer had gotten in his heavily guarded home undetected……and drowned him in his own toilet. Then a group of raiders had stormed in and taken over, treating the inhabitants as their servants. As long as everybody did as they were told, business continued as usual, although the raiders took a large portion of the towns money and resources. However, as was often the case, the townsfolk wanted revenge for their lost mayor, and evidently blamed the raiders for either killing him or hiring the assassin who had.

 

Miles had called a meeting soon after. Rocco and Miyuki seemed ready for some work. The rest was good for everyone, but boredom often trumped near death encounters. With her arm back in shape, Miyuki had been going stir crazy.

 

Rain was less excited. How would they do this? She was half scared to even leave the base. Then Miles had announced that he wouldn't be leading this mission, leaving it up to Gabriel.

 

The old man took charge quickly enough. “Well the smart move would be to have Miles stay here with Rain and Happy. We should be fine on our own, and that way Rain wouldn't be put in danger.”

 

“I don't want to stay behind!” Rain protested. As much as she worried about the price on her head, being excluded somehow seemed worse.

 

Gabe smiled a grin that said he had figured that. “It just so happens I do have a plan B. I was watching an old spy vid a few days ago and the hero often used disguises. We could do the same.”

 

Miyuki snorted. “That's your plan? What the hell kind of disguises would hide a bunch like us? We tend to stand out. And what about Rain?”

 

“This seems a little far fetched, Gabe.” Tali admitted.

 

But Gabe kept smiling like a master tactician who had considered all the angles. He looked so proud of himself, it was kind of reassuring. Until his plan was revealed.

 

“Here's what I got. Miles and Tali, you would go incognito as a young married couple, with Rain being your daughter, young daughter obviously, still in diapers after all.”

 

“That's stupid!” Rain protested.

 

“I love it!” Tali exclaimed, her earlier doubts no where to be found. “Miles, we could put you in a nice suit, and I have that green dress I've never gotten to wear.”

 

“What about me?” Rain asked, but already she feared the answer.

 

Tali clapped her hands happily. “You have a pretty dress yourself that you’ve hardly worn. We'll do your hair all cute too. It'll be perfect.”

 

Miyuki was laughing while Rain panicked further. She could see Tali already making an outfit up in her head.

 

 “B-but I’m not supposed to wear that outside. Miles, say something.”

 

“It's Gabriel's op. What he says goes.” He said with a smirk he couldn’t hide. He leaned back in his chair, unwilling to help.

 

“What about the rest of us?” asked Rocco. “My ugly mug is going to be tough to disguise.” 

 

“Two words my friend: Fake moustache.”

 

“That will never work!” Miyuki complained.

 

“I’m interested.” Rocco said. “I’ve always wanted a moustache.”

 

Gabe continued. “Get this. Your cover will be a rich pre-war ghoul whose made it big playing poker. With your card skills, it'll come easy. Miyuki will be your…..uh…..escort for the evening, y’know kiss you for good luck and all that.”

 

“I'm in. I mean, his logic is sound. This may be the greatest plan of all time.” Rocco said happily before turning to Miyuki. “You'll have to wear something sexy, low cut maybe. I'm more than willing to assist you in that regard.”

 

“Have you lost your mind?!” Miyuki asked. Her face was as red with anger as Rain’s was with embarrassment. Miles was openly laughing at this point, either from Gabe’s hair brained idea or everyone’s reaction to it. It was nice to see him laugh.

 

Gabriel ignored her. “I'll go as an old raider looking for a new gang to join. I'll try to get in undercover. Miles will ask around quietly and find out where they are. You all meet up, and I'll start fighting once I hear shooting. We'll be in the best position to take them out.”

 

Tali raised her hand to ask a question. “Can we have some time to scavenge for more costume stuff? I have so many ideas!”

 

“Well of course!” Gabriel beamed. “We need a fake moustache and fancy clothes for Rocco for starters. Plus, I need some good raider clothes. I may have to go hunting. Besides, it's not like these guys are going anywhere until we arrive to flush them out. We have time still.”

 

“Yay!” Tali yelled, high fiving Rocco. “Let's get started!”

 

They all split in different directions except for herself and Miyuki, the only two who continued to protest until the end.

 

“What just happened?” Rain finally asked.

 

“That's easy. Gabe has lost his mind and is planning this mission based on something he saw on a two hundred year old vid. We got the short straws, kiddo. I get to be some low class strumpet, and you'll be knee deep in baby land.”

 

She didn’t like the sound of that, but she figured she wasn't going to be left much choice. Miles wasn't going to step in and the others were all too excited to say otherwise. She figured it was either go with the plan or stay at the base. How bad could it be?

 

                            *

 

Rain spent the next week in a type of horrible anticipation, often sitting in with Miles, who mostly stayed in bed lately, while the others went off scavenging for their costumes. Miles didn't say much, but it seemed like he enjoyed the company.

 

Miyuki and Rocco had finally been informed of the truth of Miles’ immortality after his weakened state alarmed even them. Before that, the two had lived in absolute certainty of their leader's invincibility. Now everyone knew the truth and no more secrets were left between them.

 

It was funny in a way. The others still seemed so protective of her, while she grew more protective of Miles. Everyday he didn't improve, she feared he had passed some terrible line that could never be uncrossed. So she sat by his side, talking to him when he was awake, gently holding his hand when he drifted to sleep. He looked so frail now it hurt to see.

 

She practiced her mental abilities during this time too. If Miles was going to continue to deteriorate, she needed to become stronger herself. For both their sakes. At first she had little noticeable effects, but by the end of the week it seemed like she had a bit more control.

 

Eventually, the day of reckoning came at last. Everything was ready and she waited in Tali’s room preparing for her descent into babyhood. Miles was up and about, looking sharp in a crisp, black suit. He still looked pale and bit fatigued, but he was getting better at hiding it.

 

Tali finally arrived with her outfit. The blond haired woman was wearing a gorgeous green dress that had an elegant yet simple look to it. She had also styled her hair, putting it into a bun that screamed pre-war mom.

 

“Ready to get dressed, pumpkin?” She asked cheerfully. 

 

She placed a few items on the bed, the standard stuff. One of her pink diapers, the wipes, the powder. Then came the dress, that pink abomination that even now made Rain’s eyes hurt to look at. The last two items she had hidden under a blanket. Not a great sign.

 

Rain gulped and nodded fearfully. She laid back so Tali could change her wet night time diaper and deposit her into her humiliating pink one. Rain could hardly breath as her new diaper was put on nice and snug. The dress followed next, and Tali was barely containing her glee.

 

“Let's get your shoes next, then I'll do your hair.” Tali said before putting on the black dress shoes on her. 

 

Rain kept quiet as she was slowly transformed into an overgrown toddler. Her hair was put in pigtails and then the final nail in her coffin came out from under the blanket. A pacifier, white with pink hearts. After Tali assured her she had managed to find a clean one from a box, she allowed the thing into her mouth. She felt like an idiot as Tali encouraged her to try it out. She sucked the thing, which did nothing to sooth her. Soon she was going to be out in public looking like this.

 

“You look adorable!! I love it. I wish I could keep you like this everyday.”

 

Rain grumbled behind her pacifier as Tali picked her up and cradled her. The woman was strong that was for sure.

 

“Now for the last touches.” Tali sighed. “Even looking like the epitome of cuteness, you’re a bit too tall to pass as a toddler. So I managed to find a stroller for you. It’s pretty great, let me tell you. You get a nice comfy ride, and we'll just cover your legs with a blanket to hide how long they are. No one will ever know.”

 

Rain popped out her pacifier. “Tali, I’m not sure about this. No one is gonna buy it.”

 

“Ah ah ah, no talking, little one.” Tali said as she put the pacifier back into her charges mouth. “You haven't seen how cute you look. Trust me, no one will notice. All you need to do is sit back, be adorable, and maybe wet your diapers a bit. And that last one you do anyway, so you'll be great. Let’s get you in your stroller.”

 

Rain could only whimper as Tali carried her to the waiting stroller. It looked ordinary enough, but Tali had clearly adjusted it and made it bigger. This made a certain bit of sense as she would seem smaller in it. At least it wasn’t an obnoxious color, but she was still mortified when she fit into it. Tali buckled her in, the strap pushing her diaper up close to body.

 

“Oh. I almost forgot. Here's a bottle in case you get thirsty.”

 

“Tali!” Rain whined, looking at the small pink baby bottle filled with water. “This is too much!”

 

The woman was having too much fun to listen to her complaints. “Hush now. Mommy has to go find your Daddy.” She literally skipped off to find Miles, leaving Rain trapped in the stroller in the hall.

 

She sat despondent for a few minutes before she heard Miyuki laughing at her. She looked beautiful. She wore a black sleeveless dress that fit her form perfectly. Her hair looked beautiful, long and black, with that single crimson streak down the right side. 

 

Rain could have killed her. Miyuki looked so sexy, while she was stuck in a stroller, the toddler she was always meant to be. The fact that she actually felt the need to pee a few seconds before it happened didn't do wonders for her dignity either.

 

Miyuki knelt down, smiling smugly. “Oh my goodness! What a cute wittle baby you are. Oh I could just eat you up.”

 

Rain narrowed her eyes and spat out her pacifier. “Don't you have a street corner to stand on?”

 

“You little shit.” Miyuki muttered and began to pinch both of Rain’s cheeks while she couldn't get away. “I'm gonna pinch those little cheeks of yours until they fall off.”

 

“Aghh! Get off me, you meanie!”

 

“Now ladies, no need to fight. You should learn to play nice.” Rocco’s voice said, echoing  from down the hall.

 

The ghoul was dressed in a red velvet jacket with gold trim. Truthfully, it looked a bit ridiculous. Along with the jacket, he had managed to find a small fake moustache at a party store a few towns over. The final touches included a pair of sunglasses and large cigar.

 

“I don't know about you two, but I'm dressed for success. Look at me! I'm gonna roll in there and take those suckers for all they're worth!”

 

Rain was about to tell him that just because Gabriel never realized he cheated didn’t mean no one else would, but before she could, Tali showed back up and shoved the pacifier back in her mouth. Miles walked behind her, entirely too amused with the situation.

 

“Alright everyone.” Tali said. “We're ready to go. Gabe already left. Miles and I will follow with Rain. Rocco and Miyuki give us an hour head start or so. It’s important that we all arrive separately and act like we don’t know each other until it’s time to move.”

 

“I’ll get your attention when I know something. I don’t like Gabe going in alone, but I trust that he can take care of himself. Be careful everyone and look out for each other. Let’s move out.”

 

                            *

And so began their long trip to Barrow Heights. The three of them made decent ground despite the stroller. At first every bump in the road threatened to drive Rain mad, but after a time she almost got used to it. A relaxing rhythm formed. Miles and Tali walked hand in hand, talking quietly to each other and laughing. They made a cute couple. It was just a shame that it was only the mission that forced Miles to actually treat Tali like the wife she practically was. 

 

For her part, Rain did her best to get comfortable. As mortified as she thought she would be, once the first pair of travelers commented on how cute she was, she began to lighten up a bit. Eventually, so many people were seemingly fooled by her, that she stopped worrying completely. She relaxed, drank from her bottle when needed, got changed when needed, and thanks to the oddly hypnotic pacifier, napped for more than she had any right too. If this is how easy a toddler had it, she could see the appeal.

 

The nights they made camp have her the chance to stretch her legs, albeit in the seclusion of the tent, wouldn't do to get spotted. How no one had gotten close enough to discover that she was actually a sixteen year old girl and not a toddler was beyond her.

 

On the third day of travel, they finally arrived. It had cost them 200 caps before the raiders had even allowed them through the gate. The town reminded her a lot of Pride. Both were once a tangled complex of homes. Barrow Heights was different though in a few aspects. It just seemed so oppressive. The atmosphere was one of quiet tension. The walls and gates were covered with barbed wire. The inhabitants walked with their heads down and their shoulders slumped. The saw three raiders beating some poor drunkard that had gotten in their way, but of course, it was too early to do anything.

 

“Everyone is staring at me.” Rain mumbled behind her pacifier. 

 

“I'm guessing kids aren’t all too common around here, probably weren't even before the raiders came.” Miles said.

 

“They're probably all blown away by how adorable you look.” Tali said happily. 

 

Miles looked around. “Well, we still have time before Rocco and Miyuki get here, and I don’t see Gabriel around. What would a happy family fresh from the road be doing? A little shopping maybe?”

 

Tali let out an ecstatic cry of joy. Rain however, could have screamed. Since they had gotten within a few miles from the town, she had been having stomach pain. It was a pain that foreshadowed a rather serious bathroom emergency. She knew she should have asked to use the bathroom before they had gotten here. Now she was trapped in this infernal stroller with people all around. Still, she had to try.

 

“M-mommy?” She whispered, keeping her cover. 

 

Tali stopped and knelt down to face her. She looked so happy. This whole trip had been like something out of her dreams. 

 

“What's wrong, baby? You doing alright down here?”

 

“I…..I hafta potty.” Rain said embarrassed. She could barely look at Tali. 

 

Her pretend mother gave a very real look of confusion before reaching in and checking her diaper. “What's wrong? You're only a little wet, sweetie. I'll change you in a little while.”

 

Rain latched on to her arm. “No. I really…..really have to go potty. Really.”

 

“Oh. Oh dear.” Tali  said as she finally understood. After a moment she whispered back, still in her mommy voice. “Sweetheart, I’m really sorry, but we can’t exactly let you out to do your business. You're supposed to be a baby, remember?"

 

“Can’t we go to a hotel?” Rain pleaded. “Please, mommy…..please.”

 

Tali looked torn as she turned to Miles, who was looking around not paying attention. “Honey, maybe we should hit the hotel first. Our little girl…..uh…..she's a bit restless.”

 

Miles agreed still not aware of Rain’s desperate situation. They made their way to a small building literally labeled “Hotel” only to get the worst possible news. They were full. No freaking vacancies. Now the only option was one of the public restrooms, and Tali squashed that hope.

 

“I’m real sorry, darling. We can’t exactly risk you being seen just yet.”

 

Rain strained against the straps keeping her in the stroller. “B-but I can’t hold it!” She said in a desperate whisper.

 

Tali gave her a sympathetic smile. “Telling me this now that we're in town sort of leaves my hands tied. It'll be okay. Believe it or not, I’ve dealt with that kind of diaper too, a few times with you. Just do what you have too and I'll keep an eye out for a discreet place to change you.”

 

Rain wanted to cry out that all the other times had been true accidents, the side effects of first using her power, but Tali kept her finger on the pacifier, effectively muffling her. Rain knew they couldn’t draw attention yet, but she was truly upset at the prospect of purposefully messing her diaper.

 

Miles had wandered a few feet away, examining the defenses. This meant he still had no idea what was about to happen! If he had known, she knew he would have demanded a room. 

 

“Shopping then?” He asked with a serene smile.

 

“You got it, honey!” Tali answered back before looking at her again. “Baby, don’t try to fight it. You're in a diaper already. You mind as well make use of it.”

 

“Mmfph!” Rain whined as they got moving again. Her stomach felt like it was going to implode! How was she supposed to crap herself in a town full of people?”

 

The happy couple wandered around the town, looking at the few stores that dotted the area. At each store, a raider was standing guard, preparing to take the gang's cut from any sale. The shopkeepers could do nothing but sulk and hand over their profits.

 

Then they came to the general store, a small building on the edge of town. Tali spent an inordinate amount of time in the store, looking at the assorted junk and electrical components, with Miles smiling and nodding as she explained what she could make with each.

 

Rain did her best to hide herself in her blankets as her stomach continued to grumble angrily. She didn't know why she was fighting it so hard, but she just couldn’t let go. She looked up miserably when Tali knelt down to her again, this time with stuffed monkey in a space suit in her hands.

 

“Look at this, baby. He's called Jangles the Moon Monkey!” She said, her voice all syrupy. She also gave a subtle sniff of the air, checking to see if the inevitable had happened. “Maybe he needs a new home, huh? Would you take care of him if I got him for you?”

 

It was taking all her concentration to not scream and cry, but Rain managed to hold her arms out in a pitiful affirmative answer. She had forgotten her teddy bear anyway, and she needed something to cuddle at night.

 

“We need to pay first, okay? Be patient.”

 

So she was rolled over to the counter, slowly losing her battle as Miles counted out the caps for her space monkey. The cashier was a younger woman with a sour expression, no doubt because of the armed guard waiting to take her money, but even she gave Rain a little smile when she saw her. Too bad she had no idea what was about to occur.

 

Rain felt herself rapidly sucking on her pacifier right before it happened. She felt her diaper grow warm as her body released an unexpected stream into her diaper. This evidently gave her body the okay to release everything. Rain felt tears falling down her cheek as her body gave up and a slow, but steady mess pushed itself out of her bottom. She even had to lift her butt off the stroller as she forced the rest out, only to have the goo smash against her when she sat back down.

 

Both Miles and the cashier looked over at her with surprise as she sobbed louder. She did her best to muffle her cries with her blankie, clinging still to her cover. Tali knelt down right away and handed her the stuffed monkey to cry into.

 

Tali felt her diaper real quick and smelled the air. “I’m so sorry, is there a private area around here where I could change my daughter?”

 

Miles just looked away, doing his best not to embarrass her further. Judging by the look the cashier had, she had already begun to smell what occurred. She gave Rain a sympathetic look.

 

 “Of course. You can take her through this door behind me. You can use my room. Bye-bye, Little Stinker. Take care of that monkey, okay?”

 

Rain nodded while she continued to sob hysterically. Miles stayed out in the store as Tali took her into the back. Right before they made it to the back, she heard the large raider gag a bit.

 

“For fucks sake, what are you feeding that brat?”

 

Miles just shrugged. “Too much radiation in the food. It’s bad for digestion.”

 

At last they were alone. Tali quickly put down a changing mat and helped Rain out of the stroller. Her tears, very much real, had started to subside. She laid down heavily, regretting ever coming to this town.

 

Tali lifted her dress and opened the soiled diaper. “It's okay, little one, it's alright. Mommy will make everything all better.”

 

Was she still acting? It was getting hard to tell. Rain focused on steadying her breathing while her “mommy” got to work. Wipe followed wipe until her bottom began to feel clean again. She simply stared up at the ceiling and sucked on her pacifier. What else could she do?

 

Tali spread out a clean pink diaper and slid it under her. “There there. So much fuss over a stinky diaper, but look! All clean and dry. All better.”

 

“It's not funny Tali.” Rain said quietly, spitting out her pacifier. “This isn't just some game for me. You have no idea how I'm feeling. How it makes me feel even more helpless than wetting my diapers. At least I can’t control that. Don't you get how important even a little thing like being able to poop in a toilet is to me?”

 

Tali dropped the smile and brought her into a hug. “You're right. I’m sorry if I got too much into all this. You just look so cute. You saw I tried to find a private bathroom. I didn’t put you though that on purpose. But you're right. I shouldn't make light of what you had to go through. I’m really sorry. Can you forgive me?”

 

As angry as she had been, she found it hard to stay mad at Tali. After all, it was her own fault for waiting until they had reached a town where secrecy was vital. She knew Tali would only ever do what was best for her. It wasn't a big deal for Tali because she literally didn't mind changing a poopy diaper. It just didn't matter. Tali saw a problem and simply resolved to fix it. And no matter how stinky or gross it was, it wasn't a big deal for her if it helped Rain feel better. Who could be mad at that kind of love?

 

She nodded her forgiveness and held on tight. Then she finally looked up and put her pacifier back in her mouth with a sigh. “Can I have my monkey now……M-mommy?”

 

Tali smiled and kissed her cheek. “Of course you can, sweetheart. Let's get you into the stroller first though.”

 

Back into the stroller she went, but at least she was clean and dry. She was given the stuffed monkey and wrapped once again in her blanket. The whole ordeal had served to make her quite tired and she stopped worrying as she fell into a peaceful slumber.

 

                          *

 

She awoke to the sound of merriment. She pulled her blankie up to her chin and looked around. It appeared to be a bar. People crowded everywhere, drinking their fill. Miles and Tali were sitting at a table talking softly to each other. In the corner she saw a small table where a few ruffians were playing cards, just as Gabe had predicted. On a small stage, a man sat playing a guitar.

 

She stayed quiet for several minutes watching and wondering what they were doing here. After nearly another ten minutes, the door flew open and two familiar faces entered the bar.

 

“Hey! The party has officially arrived! I got money to burn and I hear there's a few decent poker players around here! Come on, you dirty plebs, give me a challenge!”

 

A dozen hostile eyes focused on Rocco as the ghoul laughed maniacally, his cigar lit and hanging from his lips. A number of gazes quickly focused on the beautiful woman hanging on his arm and the tension began to cool. Over the top he may have been, but it had the desired effect of keeping all the eyes away from Miles as he went quietly up to bar area. She heard him speaking to the bartender.

 

“It would appear that this town has a raider problem. Any ideas on where they're based?”

 

The bartender looked around quickly and nervously. “We do indeed have a problem here. The raiders take what they please except, oddly enough, from here. They always pay their tabs here, which I then have to funnel to the rest of the town to keep people afloat. But I'm not the one you should talk to. I didn't contract any mercenaries.”

 

Miles ordered a beer and drank it down while speaking. “Who should I talk to then? Who here might have been interested in hiring some problem solvers?”

 

The bartender looked around once more as a cheer erupted from the gambling table. Rocco had won his first game. “Talk to Seven."

 

“Seven?”

 

“The guitar player. It's a nickname. Seven fingers, get it? He hasn’t given us any other name. Anyway, he showed up about a month before the mayor was assassinated. He seems to know the most about these miscreants. Doesn't seem to like them much neither.”

 

“Tell him I'd like to buy him a drink.” Miles said before heading back.

 

For the next fifteen minutes they listened to the mixed cheering and cursing of the card players as Rocco continued to win game after game. Every time their discontent threatened to overflow into a fight, Miyuki would lean over the table and whisper honeyed words. Whether it was her words or her cleavage that had such a calming effect was anyone's guess.

 

A few times some of the actual…..uh……ladies for hire would wander over and coo over Rain, having gotten tired of being ignored in favor of Miyuki. The craziest part was that Rain was beginning to enjoy all the attention. She was starting to find the idea of being seen as cute rather flattering.

 

At last the guitar player known only as Seven came to their table. He wore a black sports coat over a crisp, white shirt, unbuttoned at the collar. His hair was a sandy blond that fell midway down his neck. Rain hid further in her blankets as he looked at her with perhaps the greenest eyes she had ever seen. 

 

Her heart fluttered in her chest. He may have been the most handsome, most beautiful man she had ever seen. He kept looking at her with those eyes. Then he smiled at her. She could hardly stand it.

 

“I hear you might be the problem solvers I asked for. I must admit, I expected someone….different, and more of you at that.”

 

Miles leaned in and spoke quietly. “If you know anything about us, you know why we needed to travel incognito. My team is all around you, ready and waiting.” He gestured to the stroller. “Including our youngest and most promising member.”

 

“I'm afraid I know you only by your reputation. I didn't realize there was any trouble.” 

 

“Is that so?”

 

Seven looked down at her again, a kind look in his eye. “Well…..disguise or not, you're still the loveliest lady around these parts.”

 

Rain literally vanished under her blanket in an effort to hide her burning face. He wasn’t serious of course, he was clearly just being nice. Oh, but he was so beautiful she wanted to believe it.

 

“One of ours may be with the raiders as we speak.” Miles continued. “An older man, dressed as a raider. You seen him?”

 

Seven nodded. “Oh yes. Though at the time I would never have guessed. He came in with a great deal of boasting, drank his weight in beer, and then beat one of the raiders bloody over some small argument.”

 

“He did?” Tali asked, bewildered. “Our Gabe?!”

 

“Yes. It makes a lot of sense now. The best way to get recruited is to give one of their men a beat down. Smart plan.”

 

“Mmmfh mmmfph.” Rain snickered from behind her pacifier underneath her blanket. Gabe’s plan was asinine as sure as the sun was bright, and nothing could convince her otherwise. How she wanted to speak up and say it. Being a baby sucked worse every minute.

 

“And what interest do you have in getting rid of these raiders? Have they done you some personal wrong?” Miles asked. His eyes had taken an intense look.

 

Seven raised an eyebrow and laughed. “Strange question. They've wronged the whole town. However, it is personal I must admit. I was a drifter for a long time. The mayor of this town was good man, took me in, helped me settle. He was my friend. Then one day he ends up dead and a pack of raiders barge into town the same day. They had to be behind it.”

 

Miles calmed and gave a small smile. “Very well. Tell us where they're based and we'll handle them.”

 

“I'll do you one better. I'll take you there. They have watchers ready to alert the others if they see anyone they don’t like. But I've spent the last few months learning every back street this town has. I can sneak you past them.”

 

Miles looked over at Tali, who shrugged. “We don't really have a choice, Miles.”

 

“Very well. You head out first. We'll meet you in ten minutes in the alley outside. The rest of our team will follow shortly after us. Once we're all together, we'll strike.”

 

Seven nodded and stood up. “You got it. I'm happy to help.” He gave Rain a final glance. “See you soon, cutie pie.”

 

“Oh my god!” Rain screamed in her head.

 

Seven made it to the door where one of the raiders blocked him. Whatever he said seemed to make the raider angry, but he was allowed to pass unmolested. Rain and her happy family waited the ten minutes, then followed. The raider at the door didn't even glance at them, too focused on the poker game. Miyuki looked over at them as Miles gave her the tiniest nod. The signal.

 

The whole back of the bar was a network of back alleys, but they had been instructed to simply go straight until they found their guide. Rain stretched, wanting to be up and about and in the action at last.

 

Once they reached the alley where Seven was waiting, she was finally allowed out of the stroller. She looked up a the handsome guitarist. She didn't exactly make for a fearsome merc in her pink frilly dress, or her equally pink diaper, which was of course soaked by this point. Miles retrieved his guns from their luggage and handed Tali a small machine gun. Rain also retrieved her own pistol, quickly shoving a magazine into it. 

 

Seven kept looking at her strangely. She couldn't understand it. Why did he keep staring? Did he find her constant blushes amusing? Was she just a joke to him?

 

She felt Tali nudge her. “Sweetie, you look real fearsome, but you could at least spit out the pacifier. Unless you feel like keeping it in of course.”

 

“Oh my god!” She once again screamed in her head, quickly spitting the paci out into Tali’s awaiting hand. She kept her eyes on the ground while Tali slipped it back in her stroller. What Seven must have thought of her. Why did she have to be this way?

 

“Now we just wait for the others.” Seven said, pulling out a pack of cigarettes. “Want one?”

 

Rain thought about it. Rocco smoked and he looked pretty cool. Maybe this was her way of proving she was grown up. She reached out with her hand, but to her surprise, Miles slapped her hand.

 

“I don't think so, kiddo.” He said, and she could have sworn he and Tali were smirking.

 

Her attempt at maturity had been ruined, so she did her best to remain unfazed. Seven just shrugged and lit one for himself and nothing more was said. She tried not to sulk and instead thought of the one person she could blame for her constant degradation and humiliation. 

 

“I am going to kill Gabe when we get back to base.” She thought wistfully. “Maybe I'll give him a wedgie with my mind powers. Death…..by wedgie.”

 

She began laughing quietly to herself at the thought until she saw Tali glance over at her with a raised eyebrow.

 

“You got a creepy, evil smile going on there, darlin. What's the deal?”

 

Rain put on her best innocent look. “Nothing. Just in a good mood I guess.” 

 

                         *

“Great game once again, gents.” Rocco said, rising from the table. “Unfortunately, I must be going. This beauty has an insatiable appetite if you know what I mean. I'm afraid I must bid you all a most fond…..bonjour.”

 

He gave his best charming bow and “escorted” his escort out back. This might have been the best mission he had ever been on. He had made a sizable profit from the morons at the table.

 

He had nailed his part to perfection. He thought he had managed to accurately portray the snobby, yet charming veneer of a wealthy pre-war ghoul. Who else had managed their parts with such style? 

 

They had barely reached the alleys outside when Miyuki ripped her arm away. “You're an idiot.”

 

“Whoa there. Don't hate me because I'm impressive. It's okay to be in awe of me.”

 

Miyuki grabbed him by the collar. “In awe? I’m gonna murder you and bury your corpse in a trash heap. You couldn't have lost one or two games? You just had to win them all? Do you realize how many times I had to talk all sweet and practically flash my tits?!”

 

Rocco looked astonished. “You were flashing people?! Damn. I didn't notice, must have been too busy winning and being awesome. Come on, I won so much money.”

 

Miyuki raised her fist, ready to pound him, when several men appeared from behind them. Men from the card game. 

 

“Trouble in paradise?” One of them asked.

 

Rocco slipped back into character. “Not at all, good fellows. She uh…..likes it rough?”

 

“Is that so? She must have expensive tastes as well for all the money you fleeced from us. Thank god for that guitarist giving us the tip. Now we have a chance to win it back.”

 

Rocco threw up his hands. “Gentlemen please. You all look like reasonable fellows. I assure you there was no foul play involved.” There had been, but that wasn’t what they wanted to hear.

 

Miyuki stepped forward, cracking her knuckles. “Don't bother. Your cheating ways have finally caught up to you. More importantly, didn’t Miles and them follow after that guitar guy?”

 

That was a good point. Could it have been accidental? Maybe it was just an astute observation from a guy who didn't realize who they were. If it was anything other than a mission he might have believed it. But he never believed in coincidences on the job. No matter the case, they didn’t have time to waste on these idiots.

 

“Go get them, beautiful. I got your back.”

 

Miyuki just laughed. “Actually have my back, Rocco, don’t just stare at it. Oh I needed this. I've been in a foul mood since we started ridiculous job. Whose first?!”

 

                          *

The man known as Seven waited calmly for his plan to take shape. Sure enough they soon heard the sounds of a struggle coming back near the bar. His tip on the way out had worked. Now to sell it.

 

“What now? Sounds like trouble back there. I'll go check it out.” He offered.

 

The merc leader stopped him as expected. “No. Tali, go check it out. Call if you need us.”

 

The woman seemed reluctant to go, but she obeyed. Seven kept his face neutral. His plan was going smoothly. In his line of work, he had learned two important things. Always have a plan, but always be able to adapt and change that plan on a dime. It's what made him one of the deadliest contract killers around. If his plan hadn't worked, he would have made his move while they fought the bandits.

 

The fact that the merc team were using disguises tickled him. He often made use of disguises as an assassin. Memories from his time in New Reno and New Vegas came to mind, but also more recently. He had dressed as one of the mayor’s guards the night he had murdered him. 

 

He had been hired by the raiders occupying the town to rid them of the troublesome man. The mayor had taken to hunting them down for attacking his caravans before Seven had been hired. Not hired directly of course. A select few knew how to contact him, and even fewer knew his face. But as he killed the mayor and opened the gates for the raiders, an idea popped into his head. 

 

He looked to the girl in the pink dress, the one who seemed so smitten by him. The price on her head had been too big to ignore. So he hired Miles and his team to deal with the very raiders who had hired him, hoping they would bring her along. Sure enough, they had brought her right too him.

 

Now the target was in sight and there was only one man in between him and his prize. He reached into his jacket for his pistol, and quietly attached the silencer to it. It was a shame though. He never liked killing kids.

 

A gun was suddenly pushed against his head. The pale merc leader, Miles. This was unexpected. The target looked on baffled, innocent eyes looking at her leader and her crush.

 

“Who are you?” Miles demanded. “I know you're no ordinary guitar player so spill it before I end you here and now.”

 

He thought about lying, but it seemed unlikely to help in this situation. He needed to keep the man talking. “What gave me away?”

 

“You said you only knew about us by our reputation, but word about the bounty on my friend has been circulating for weeks. That put me on edge, but to be honest it was your eyes that really set me off. I caught you looking at Rain like she was prey. You probably thought your quarry was right in your grasp, huh?

 

The target looked confused, hurt. At least she hadn't run, that would have been annoying. For the first time in years his job had taken an interesting turn. Most of the time his targets never saw him coming until it was too late. This one was shaping up to be different. It made sense since this was one of the only occasions where he hadn't been hired, a contract he pursued on his own.

 

Seven laughed. “My eyes, huh? Well goddamn. I never thought my freaking eyes would give me away. You're good. Truly. But if you think you have me dead to rights, I'm afraid I’m going to have to disappoint you.”

 

He dropped low to the ground in an instant, his leg sweeping around to knock Miles over. He rose quickly, grabbing the targets wrist and disarming her before spinning back to Miles gun in hand. His gun emitted a small flash and the fearsome mercenary leader fell over dead, one bullet in his skull. 

 

He pushed the target onto the ground and raised his gun once more to finish it. How disappointing.

 

“Wait!” She cried out. Did she really expect that to work? “I'm worth a lot more alive.”

 

He paused. “That's true, cutie pie, but kidnapping isn’t my thing. There's too much distance from here to Thorne, and far too much could go wrong. I'll take an easy 5,000 over a risky 10,000 any day. Either way I'll be sitting pretty for quite a while.”

 

Still she begged. If he had been the type that begging worked on, he might not have had the heart. “Nothing personal, cutie pie. Hold still. It'll be over in a sec.” 

 

He pulled the trigger. The bullet stopped an inch before her face, just stopped in midair. He fired three more times, but every bullet stopped before it got close. Then they all fell to the ground at the same time.

 

Seven narrowed his eyes, trying to adapt and find a new plan. None were coming to mind. “Shit. I didn't anticipate this.”

 

The target actually smiled at him as he saw a figure rise up behind him. He spun back around only to see a dead man looking back at him. The bullet propelled itself out of the man's skull and he watched in horror as the wound shrank to nothing before his eyes. The dead man raised his gun.

 

Seven shook his head, quite perplexed. “I didn't plan for this kind of shit.”

     

                           *

 

Rain watched with a sad smile as Miles fired. It hit the assassin's shoulder and spun him around to face her. She focused, containing her power until he looked in her eyes. He didn’t seem frightened, just resigned. She hit him with a psychic blast that sent him flying into the air. The assassin known as Seven landed heavily on the roof of a building, laying there still for a moment before his body fell to the other side.

 

Miles gave her a thumbs up. “Sorry about that, Rain. I was too careless. It's easy to do when you know you can’t die.”

 

Rain wanted to kick herself. She had been so caught up in some stupid girlish crush that she had let her guard down. Unfortunately, it was Miles who paid for it. Miles who only seemed to get worse and worse each time he died and rose again. She should have acted sooner, should have protected him. 

 

For some unknown reason she found herself crying. “Are you okay?”

 

“Hey, don't get upset. I'm okay I promise.” He said with an easy smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

 

She found herself buried in his chest. “Why did you send Tali away? If you knew what he was why send her away? You might not have gotten hurt if she had been here.”

 

“I needed to make sure Miyuki and Rocco were okay. I knew you could handle yourself if he got past me.” He hugged her tightly. “I hate to say it, but you don’t need me to protect you anymore.”

 

That was the Miles she knew. Always worried about everyone else, never enough about himself. She kept sobbing, not at all ashamed of how much she had cried on this stupid mission.

 

“Don't say that! Please don't say that. I do need you. I always will. Forever! That's why you have to be more careful from now on. For me.”

 

Miles looked shocked for a moment, unable to respond, maybe simply surprised at how she felt. Didn't he realize how much he meant to her, to all of them? Not one of them wanted to see him hurt on their behalf.

 

 “Yeah. I'll be more careful, Rain. I promise. You don’t need to worry so much about me.” He let out a sigh and picked her up, holding her like a father holding a small child. 

 

“What happened. What’s going on?” Miyuki asked, Rocco and Tali behind her.

 

“Did she have another accident?” Tali blurted out without thought.

 

“Ugh. Dignity, Tali.” Rain whined. “Think of my freaking dignity.”

 

“We're alright.” Miles reassured. “Our client's true goal was to lure Rain here. He tried to kill her to claim the bounty. His body fell over that building over there.”

 

“Shit. I guess that means we aren't gonna get paid for this job?” Rocco sighed.

 

“It doesn't matter. These people are in need. Maybe the townsfolk will pay us, maybe not. But Gabe is there still, waiting for us, so we have to go. Besides, I think you've earned plenty of coin, Rocco. Or were you planning on keeping it for yourself?”

 

“No of course not.” The ghoul grumbled before muttering under his breath. “Even though the card game wasn’t a team effort. That was all me, but sure…..”

 

Everyone ignored his whining as they got their weapons ready. They had only been able to pack small arms in keeping with their cover, so they would have to operate a bit more carefully. First they moved to the building where the assassin Seven had fallen. 

 

His body was nowhere to be found. It was an unsurprising surprise, and Rain couldn’t help but feel like she would see him again one day, hopefully not on the other side of his gun.

 

Seven had at least pointed them in the right direction. He had also spoken true about how the alleys hid their approach. It took them longer than they liked to find the compound without a guide, but at last they found it.

 

A large mansion, fenced in by a large black fence and guarded by three raiders at a heavy iron gate. The team no doubt looked rather odd, more so then usual. The guards began sizing them up as soon as they approached. Rain saw their eyes pass over Tali and Miyuki lustily, Rocco and Miles with caution. Then they saw her. And laughed.

 

She put her hands on her hips indignantly. She must have struck quite an image dressed in her pink dress, with a pink diaper sagging just enough to be seen. Now standing at full height, she no longer looked a toddler in size, but her clothes looked infantile at any height.

 

“What are you people supposed to be?” One of the guards asked. “Travelling performers?”

 

“I might have thought they were a couple of pimps selling the ladies for the night, but the one looks too young for that.” The other guard mused.

 

“I'll never tire of the wit of raider scum.” Miyuki muttered quietly. 

 

“What now?” Rocco asked. “We just going for it?”

 

“Get the hell out of here before we make you.” The first guard roared.

 

“On three.” Miles whispered. “One.”

 

The team moved closer to the gate, gripping their weapons behind their backs. The three guards moved up, becoming annoyed at the intruders.

 

“Two.”

 

Miyuki and Rocco pushed to the front, guarding Miles. Rain moved to the left, Tali to the right.

 

“Hey!” a new voice yelled. “I know that ghoul. He owes me money! I'd recognize that stupid moustache anywhere.”

 

A large raider was approaching from the house. He was clad in the leather armor common of the raiders. His mouth was set in a scowl so convincing that only his eyepatch gave his identity away. Since he almost always wore his power armor, it was easy to forget that Gabe was the largest and most physically fit of the group, but the raider garb showed off the old warriors physique quite well. He looked fearsome indeed.

 

 The guards at the gate turned to him. “You know these freaks, new guy? Should we shake them down a bit?”

 

One of the raiders moved closer to Tali. “I think maybe we should pat them down. I know who I think is the most suspicious.”

 

The other guard looked at Miyuki leeringly and chuckled. “Yeah, the ladies seem very…..suspicious. We should probably start with them…..somewhere…..private.”

 

“Nah. It's that ghoul you got to watch out for.” Gabriel insisted. “He's more dangerous than he looks. He's the one who took my eye. Gouged it out…..with a rusty spoon.”

 

The guards looked over at the ghoul who had puffed himself up in an attempt to appear more fearsome. An attempt spoiled by his ridiculous garb.

 

“You took his eye with a spoon?!” The third guard asked. “That’s pretty messed up.”

 

“Why a spoon?” asked another. “You eat it or something?”

 

“Probably did. Can't trust a ghoul I always say.”

 

The guards proceeded to get into a philosophical debate about whether or not ghouls could be trusted so long as they weren't feral. The first guard swore they were all monsters in disguise, ready at any moment to pounce on normal humans and devour their brains. The other two accused the first of being racist, insisting they were as normal as everyone else.

 

During their moral debate, the whole team stood by, nearly forgotten. Gabriel motioned for quiet as he pulled a knife from his boot. Rocco and Miyuki did the same, drawing blades and closing in. The team ended up gaining access to the mansion undetected…..mostly because the hapless guards were in fact…..idiots. Three slit throats later and it was done, the gate open.

 

Gabriel looked over the group and broke into a big smile. “You all look fantastic! Wow, I'm just blown away. Miyuki, Tali, your outfits are spot on, really well done. Rain, you're cute as a button! And Rocco, that damn moustache suits you, honestly you look more…..dignified somehow.”

 

Rocco flashed a wide grin. “Oh yeah. I'm keeping this beauty for sure.”

 

Miles managed to get Gabriel to calm down enough to tell them the plan. He led the team to several different doors with the aim of them entering at different places at the same time. They would move in quickly and quietly, and strike the raiders from the earth before they had a chance to fight back.

 

They grouped together in pairs of two. Miyuki and Rocco at one door, Gabe and Tali at another, and at her insistence, Rain would go with Miles through another door. The plan set, they gathered ready to enter and end this mission.

 

“Keeping an eye on me, Rain?” Miles asked at their door.

 

“You get reckless. You said so yourself, but as long as you stay by me, nothing will touch you. I promise.”

 

“I feel safer already. I'll be relying on you.”

 

Gabe let out a single whistle and three pairs of two moved in quietly. Moving in with Miles, first they encountered little resistance. Isolated guards or pairs of raiders were silently taken down with blades. But it wasn’t meant to last long. A shot rang out eventually and the house was alerted. Raiders began pouring from every room and corner, and from the stairs as well.

 

A group of five found them as they exited a hallway. Rain moved in front of her leader. Her arms spread out wide. The raiders were armed with carbines and rifles, but she caught their every bullet in an invisible net before her. She let them fall and scatter on the floor as Miles began firing. 

 

They moved further into the mansion, with Rain simultaneously shielding them from fire, and sending enemies flying against the ceiling and walls with waves of her hands. She didn't even fire a weapon. She was the weapon. For the first time she felt like she had control, it wasn’t all instinct. It had gotten easier, less painful to maintain.

 

She sent three more raiders upwards to the ceiling, and looked back at Miles. He had a grin on his face that equal parts amazement and pride. The battle didn't last much longer as the team converged in the middle of the house and moved up the stairs. Room by room, hallway by hallway, not a single bandit was left to escape. 

 

Finally, it was over. There were still a few raiders in town to handle, but that would happen soon enough. Rain had reached her limit near the end anyway, and stood on wobbly legs. 

 

“Everyone okay? Is anyone hurt?” Tali asked, checking for injuries.

 

“All good except for Rain.” Miyuki reported.

 

“W-what? I-I'm fine.” She stammered out, hardly believing it herself.

 

“Ooh. Your ears are bleeding.” Rocco pointed out. “Is that normal?”

 

“It's fine. I just overdid it a little.” Rain assured them. She wasn't entirely lying either. Her head hadn't started pounding yet. She was just exhausted.

 

Yet when she tried to take a single step forward, she stumbled and would have fallen if not for Gabe catching her. He lifted her into his arms and carried her as they made their way to a large living area. Everyone took a seat where they could while she was deposited on the couch.

 

“We need to head back into town, clear up any raiders and see about a reward.” Miles said, taking charge once more. “Gabe and Rocco, you're with me. Tali and Miyuki, take Rain and slip her out of the city. I don't want anyone getting any bright ideas. Keep an eye out for that guitar playing assassin as well, he may still be on the hunt.”

 

Rain chuckled from the couch. “For the first time since we got here, I'm actually excited about that stupid stroller. I don't want to move for days.”

 

Tali looked at her with a silly grin. “Ready to play baby again?”

 

“Not playing anymore. I'm going to need my mommy and my auntie to change my diaper and get me home. I’m going to be totally useless for the next week at least.”

 

Even though they knew she was mostly kidding, both Miyuki and Tali looked at her like she was a lost puppy and wasted no time in descending on her with coos and smiles.

 

She reached out her hand to Miles as she was being lifted away for a much needed diaper change. “Promise me you'll be careful? I still need you to protect me, remember?”

 

Miles the Deathless gave her perhaps the most genuine smile she had seen him use before, got up from his seat, and kissed her forehead.

 

“You have my word, my little soldier. Get some rest. That's an order.”

 

“Yes sir.”

 

It was one order she was happy to follow.

  *

 

Back at Jericho’s capital:

“What's up, Pretty Boy?”

 

“Piss off.” Garrett Tucker yelled as he passed a group of men in the street, his middle finger extended. He had never taken to that nickname, but it didn't stop this legion of assholes from using it.

 

It had been an odd journey getting to Jericho Thorne’s capital city. After his elder and younger brothers had kidnapped and sold that little Asian brat, life was looking up for a time. Eight years worth of time in fact as the brat had proven tougher than expected in the arena.

 

That began to end the day he had arrived to collect on nearly a month's winnings only to find his youngest brother, Jim, had been strangled and killed by his little rat, who had then cut a bloody path as she escaped her cage. His elder brother, Bill, had also vanished after forming his own band of raiders.

 

The final nail in the coffin happened six months later when Jericho Thorne, a minor but growing power, had marched his men down to the stadium to end the operation for good. In a mad attempt to survive, Garrett had stripped off his armor and locked himself in one of the cells.

 

So it was that Garrett Tucker joined the rising power in the north after being “liberated” from the arena. Luckily, none of the slaves recognized him, or he might have burned with the rest of his one time compatriots. For years, he had fought for Thorne and obeyed him like a dog, but that time was coming to an end. He grew tired of peace, tired of pricks like Hudson and Viktor looking down on him. Viktor’s wife too, acted like she was above him, even though she relied on her hubby’s reputation to keep her safe. Stupid bitch. He would soon show her the error of such thoughts.

 

He finally found the building, a small eatery that concealed a rather spacious basement. He made his way through with nary a look and descended down below. They were there, various former tribal leaders, former only because they were kept leashed by Thorne. If only Thorne knew of the rebels in his very capital.

 

“We all know why we're here.” Said the speaker at the front of the group, the leader of the tribe called the Mad Ones. “All of us have had enough of Thorne and his tyranny. The question now is what we do about it.”

 

“Kill him!” yelled one of the assembled. “Chop off his head and burn his body!”

 

“We won't be able to get close, not with Viktor around.” Said another. “Plus, Titus hasn't left the city yet. It's impossible.”

 

“Why go after Thorne now?” asked another. “We should be going after Miles and that girl first, then worry about Jericho.”

 

The head speaker gestured for silence. “Don’t forget, my friends, the rumors that Jericho himself sent the Regulators after us, to weaken us so he could take over.”

 

“So what do we do about it?” asked the crowd.

 

Finally Garrett stepped up. “I can help you get rid of him. It would be pretty damn easy too.”

 

The speaker looked at him warily. “You've been his creature for years. Why would we trust you? You don't even belong here!”

 

He gave his best charming smile, no doubt looking more hideous than charming. “You should trust me because I hate Thorne as much as you do. I want him dead and gone as you all do. But most importantly, I have a plan to do it. All I need is help finding something.”

 

The crowd looked at him with suspicion until one person asked what Garret had been waiting to hear. “What would you need?”

 

“A few relics of the past that Jericho and Viktor should have gotten rid of but couldn't seem to bring themselves too.”

 

He couldn’t help but smile. He had their attention now. Things were about to get very interesting. The fun would soon begin.

 

 

[Wannatripbaby]

7 hours ago, vampire4 said:

As for herself though, she was starting to think that the best thing for everyone would be for her to vanish. Maybe she would never feel safe again, but she would be happy knowing everyone else was safe.

Yeah, not gonna lie this is very bad. And I honestly expect her to try to leave to spare her friends. Poor Rain...

7 hours ago, vampire4 said:

Worry not, young Rain.” Mr. Happy chirped. “I shall not let them take you alive. If it comes down to it, merely give the word and I’ll cut off your head. You won't feel a thing, I've been sharpening my saw for months.”

OMG I forgot how much I missed Mr. Happy. XD

7 hours ago, vampire4 said:

Once she was in a dry diaper, she climbed in between the two in her bed. It was a bit cramped, but she felt like she could relax for the time being. Everyone seemed to think that she was afraid for her own life, but that wasn’t true. As she continued to develop her abilities, she found that she was far less worried about herself. The truth was she was terrified of losing anyone else. Having them close to her now soothed her. She just wanted to keep them close for now, just for a little while.

*Poor Rain Intensifies*

[Wannatripbaby]

7 hours ago, vampire4 said:

She didn’t like the sound of that, but she figured she wasn't going to be left much choice. Miles wasn't going to step in and the others were all too excited to say otherwise. She figured it was either go with the plan or stay at the base. How bad could it be?

I agree with Rocco. This is the greatest plan that has ever been planned in the history of plans. :D

[Wannatripbaby]

On 12/18/2019 at 9:24 AM, vampire4 said:

I’ll get your attention when I know something. I don’t like Gabe going in alone, but I trust that he can take care of himself. Be careful everyone and look out for each other. Let’s move out

This is gonna be soooooo goooooooood!

[Guilend]

Oh I love it

[Wannatripbaby]

On 12/18/2019 at 9:24 AM, vampire4 said:

Back into the stroller she went, but at least she was clean and dry. She was given the stuffed monkey and wrapped once again in her blanket. The whole ordeal had served to make her quite tired and she stopped worrying as she fell into a peaceful slumber.

Wll now that was just lovely. And I have a feeling it won't be the last poopy diaper she has during this mission. ?

[Wannatripbaby]

On 12/18/2019 at 9:24 AM, vampire4 said:

Rain put on her best innocent look. “Nothing. Just in a good mood I guess.” 

Oh man, this keeps getting better. Rain's crush on Seven is adorable, but it (and the fact that he's being super extra helpful) makes me suspicious that he's with the Raiders. O_o

[Wannatripbaby]

On 12/18/2019 at 9:24 AM, vampire4 said:

Miyuki just laughed. “Actually have my back, Rocco, don’t just stare at it. Oh I needed this. I've been in a foul mood since we started ridiculous job. Whose first?!”

I knew Seven couldn't be trusted!

On 12/18/2019 at 9:24 AM, vampire4 said:

Seven shook his head, quite perplexed. “I didn't plan for this kind of shit.”

Well. That didn't go nearly as badly as it could've. 

*Realizes the scene is still far from over* ?

[Wannatripbaby]

On 12/18/2019 at 9:24 AM, vampire4 said:

It was one order she was happy to follow.

Of course Seven got away. He's gonna end up being like Murdoch from Macgyver, I bet. Also showing up with a new disguise. 

[Wannatripbaby]

On 12/18/2019 at 9:24 AM, vampire4 said:

He couldn’t help but smile. He had their attention now. Things were about to get very interesting. The fun would soon begin.

Ooooooo relics of the past, you say? This will be fun. :)

Also I FINALLY finished this chapter! Sorry it took so long, this past week has been pretty crazy for me. But I did it! :D

[YourFNF]

All the layers and interconnections... just wow

[Ubba]

Well it took me a couple of days but I finally got caught up. This story is great I like how you have written a Fallout story with diapers rather than a diaper story with Fallout, if that makes sense. 

 

There is a cool website that has a lot of the lore from the first two games, its called no mutants allowed, its a bit hard to navigate cos it is a very old site but it might help with research. There is a download on it called the fallout bible and it was written by some of the original designers, its got a lot of cool info about the vaults and what they each did.

[Hades]

“People are disappearing. It started off slow at first, but more and more vanish every day, whole villages at once.”

 

Tali brought the news reluctantly. They had only made it back to the base maybe a week prior and they were all still exhausted. Travel had been rough on Miles especially, and Rain had laid awake many nights listening to his ragged hacking and coughing. Even Rocco and Miyuki, normally always psyched for battle, looked grim at the idea of moving out once more.

 

Rain was sitting on the floor in a pink nightie Tali had found for her. She shifted a bit, hearing her diaper crinkle as she accepted a bowl of noodles from Gabe, who took a seat at the table with the others.

 

“The last time people started going missing, it was the work of that crazy priest.” Rain muttered as she ate. The thought of the Good Priest possibly being back unnerved her more than she let on.

 

He should be dead though. They had left his cult in utter ruins and the priest himself had been left for his hungry monster to devour. That creature, whatever it had been, haunted her still. 

 

But Miles squashed that notion quickly enough. “It's not him. He never took so many at once. It was always a few at each village, whoever they could ensnare with that water of theirs. This is different. Whole towns vanishing overnight……”

 

“There is one good thing in all this.” Tali continued. “There's a pattern, a clear one at that.”

 

She pulled out a map and spread it on the table. Rain got up with a grunt, not caring that her diaper was peeking out from her nightie, it's white plastic no doubt tinged yellow by now. At the map, Tali traced the path of the disappearances.

 

“It started up north, about midway between here and Thorne’s area. Then it spread south, straight south, taking every town along the way. That's four by now.”

 

“So it's just random? Whichever place is closest from the last?” Miyuki asked.

 

“Exactly. What I can’t figure out is how it's happening. From reports, there's noticeable signs of struggle left over, but not a single body left. So where are they going?”

 

“How much time between each attack?” Gabriel asked. “A large group would draw attention unless the majority was based somewhere. If someone is capturing people, they must be going somewhere.”

 

“I don't know about that.” Tali answered. “Everything we have is scattered rumors, but I do know that people have caught on. Towns are on alert, keeping an eye out.”

 

Gabe looked over at Miles, wondering if he should take point once again. The captain just waved his hand wearily as an affirmative. He still had neither the energy nor the inclination to lead. 

 

Gabe cleared his throat and pointed to the map. “Good news is that we can predict where the next attack will be, assuming of course the pattern stays the same. Bad news is it will take a good while to get up there and who knows how many towns will be taken by then.”

 

“Can't we just wait for this thing to come to us?” Rocco moaned.

 

“No dice. If we're going to get ahead of all this, we need to move. Tonight. Now.”

 

If looks could kill, Gabriel would be a smoking and charred pile of ash. His old days of soldiering made him immune to the groaning and evil glares of his teammates. But still, Miles didn't object. He had made it clear that Gabriel was in charge, but even he looked dampened at the thought of travelling so soon.

 

He didn’t complain of course, just got to his feet sluggishly and limped to his room. After more arguing and complaints, they rest did the same. Rain changed out of her nightie and began putting on her clothes and armor. There was too much ground to cover for the whole baby in the stroller idea to work again. Tali came by to change her, but she informed her that she wasn’t wet enough to warrant a change, not in one of her night diapers anyway. Tali looked a bit shocked, but nodded and got back to packing.

 

She packed her bags and headed to the armory. She chose a carbine rifle, a pistol, and her arc rifle. She figured that if the firepower she packed wasn’t enough, her powers would do the rest. It was going to be a slog, no doubt about it, but she would have been lying to say she wasn’t a little excited to use her powers again. The more she used them, the more intoxicating they became. 

 

Lately she had been using them for pranks, pulling or pushing things just out of people’s reach with her mind. It was stupid, juvenile, and almost not worth the associated headaches or fatigue that came with it, but damn it was hilarious. 

 

Gabe looked befuddled each time he entered his room to find it different than when he had left it.  As a small measure of vengeance for his stupid idea to turn her into an overgrown infant, she had been moving his room around with only her mind to mess with him. It took effort and precision, but she felt it was worth it. 

 

Before the hour was up, they were ready to mobilize, with Gabe leading the way in his power armor. They were even taking Mr. Happy as a back-up measure if the fighting was too hard. Looking at them all, standing tall and fearsome, armed and armored, there was nothing they couldn’t handle, Rain was convinced of that.

 

The journey north was spent trudging through mud and muck, moving though the woods and avoiding the main roads. Another one of Gabe’s ideas. The threat of bounty hunters or another assassin meant that they needed to forge ahead with caution. It also meant that she had to spend a good hour each night cleaning dirt from her boots.

 

After the fourth day of travel she was utterly sick of it all. Maybe Hudson’s desperate search for a way to restore a vehicle was a worthy mission after all. She moved to her tent almost dead on her feet and collapsed onto her sleeping bag. Miyuki came in about two minutes after.

 

“Look at you. A little walking and you fall to pieces. I think all those rides on Gabriel’s shoulders and in strollers have made you lazy. When we get back, I’m gonna make you run laps around the base again, you clearly need the exercise.”

 

Rain narrowed her eyes in confusion. “What's up your butt?”

 

“What's up my butt is trying to keep your butt alive. With everyone in the state coming after you, it's important to keep in shape. Now, speaking of butts, I'm here to clean yours, your highness, so turn over and assume the position.”

 

Rain obeyed. “I don't see a problem. I have enough power to face anything, why should I run?”

 

Miyuki unfolded a clean diaper and sat down in between her. “That's a good way to get yourself killed. You assume that your magic tricks will always keep you on top, but it's stupid to think that way. People adapt, kiddo, better believe it. You start relying on one trick and you'll be helpless if someone finds away around it.”

 

Rain grumbled and tuned her out for the remainder of the change. She could fight just as well with her bare hands or with any kind of weapon. So what if all the walking got to her a bit? 

 

Miyuki closed up the new diaper and prepared to head out, probably tired from lecturing her. She left and Rain got into her sleeping bag along with her stuffed monkey and bear. She had come prepared for sure. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out one last item, one that the others didn't know about. She looked at the white and pink pacifier in her hand. It had mysteriously gone “missing” shortly after the last mission. Rain couldn’t explain why, but she had grown attached to the sucker, there was something……soothing about it.

 

Tali would have loved it, but she had been busy with Miles. If the walking had been rough on anyone, it was him. Each day he moved with an almost determined gait, only to sleep like the dead each night. No one asked him to do any watches like normal.

 

Rain blew out the candle and placed the pacifier in her mouth as she curled up for the night. It was her little secret. No one would know.

 

                           *

It was late in the night when an explosion woke her from slumber. She shot up at once, pulling on her skirt and grabbing her pistol. She spat out her pacifier onto her sleeping bag and stepped out into the night.

 

She saw the rest of the team already up and about. The explosion had come from the west. Miles, Rocco, and Tali were headed that way. Gabe, Miyuki, and Happy stayed at the camp but kept their eyes on the others. Rain took a deep breath and moved to join the others.

 

Then a hand clamped around her mouth and an arm began dragging her backward into the woods. She kicked and fought until she felt a powerful shock to her side. It hurt so bad, she couldn't focus on anything else.

 

 She might have passed out for a few moments, but when she came to she was being bound by a lovely dark skinned woman, while a large man looked out for others. He was bald with a handlebar moustache. But it was his armor that shocked her the most. It was power armor, but it looked……crude looking and unfinished, with one arm and one leg entirely devoid of a protective outer shell, the frame the only part left. 

 

Her arms had already been bound with duct tape, with the woman sticking two strips over her mouth when she stirred. Her legs were left for last, the tape encircling them several times. 

 

The dark skinned woman looked her over with a sad glance, then flipped up her skirt. “It's her. Diapers and all. Horace, this feels wrong. I can’t believe she's the target. She's so small.”

 

The man turned his head a bit. “Don't be so sentimental. It's a job, that’s all. We haul her up north, drop her off, and collect the bounty like we always do. Anything other than that isn't our concern.”

 

The woman still looked unhappy, but nodded anyway. She sighed and looked at her bound prisoner. “I’m real sorry about this. Fucking wasteland, y’know? I need the money. It's nothing personal.”

 

“Don't talk to it.” Horace barked gruffly. “We head out in five minutes whether the others are back or not. Their little explosion trick worked, but we have the prize. Maybe we should just go. The money will split better between two rather than five anyway and I’ve gotten tired of those idiots. You're the only one I like working with anyway.”

 

“This is the rendezvous point. They'll be here.”

 

Horace seemed unconvinced. “Maybe. My worry is that they'll be followed. I'd rather not fight if I didn’t have too. A lot can happen in a firefight, like our cargo getting shot up.”

 

Rain trashed against her bonds, whimpering with effort. Once again the woman looked her over with sympathy. “Don't mind Horace. He's a dick. My name is Bryn. I'll do what I can to keep you comfortable as long as work with me. Cooperate, yeah? If you don't the trip is going to be a whole lot harder than it needs to be, and we'll still get you there in the end.”

 

Horace knelt down and grabbed her roughly by the chin. “What the nice lady means to say is don't fuck about or we'll beat the living shit out of you. We want you alive, but the bounty never said your legs couldn’t be broken.”

 

Rain glared at her captors with fury in her eyes. She could have tossed the woman into a large tree if she wanted too, but that left the dude in the power armor and she wasn’t sure if she could lift him, power armor weighed a ton. And if she failed, then they would know what she could do and she could either be seriously hurt or worse. Then again, she'd never know unless she tried.

 

“Shit.” Bryn exclaimed, still looking at her. “She's got one hell of a glare.”

 

Horace just laughed, still looking out for his comrades. “I bet. She's pissed. I bet she thought she was safe, that she was a badass. The truth hurts sometimes.”

 

Bryn actually reached up and checked her diaper. “Uh, Horace? Her diaper is wet. What should we do? We didn’t grab a diaper bag did we?”

 

“We did not, but honestly, who cares? Let her sit in it.”

 

“But she'll get a rash.”

 

Horace kept his back turned. “Don't care.”

 

She decided to test the waters a bit. She pushed out as hard as she could, directing it at the armored giant with his back to her. It hit him hard, but he didn't go flying, merely stumbled and fell forward onto his face. After a moment, he got back up, blazing with anger. His forehead was bleeding, must have hit a rock or something.

 

“Jesus, Horace.” Bryne whispered. “What the hell happened?”

 

“I don't fucking know! It felt like I got hit by…..something. Goddammit, my fucking head.”

 

That’s when Rain made a mistake. She laughed. Horace turned on her with a murderous look. In two mighty steps he had crossed the distance between them. He lifted her up quickly and slammed her back down to the ground. All the breath left her body at once, and she could hardly sputter or catch her breath beneath the gag.

 

“You think that's funny, bitch? How about I take out one of your eyes and see how funny that is!”

 

He started choking her, his metal fingers wrapped around her neck. Bryn ran up and tried to stop him, but the man knocked her away effortlessly. She began screaming at him to stop, but she didn't seem to be getting through. Just when Rain thought she was going to pass out, he stopped and tossed her away.

 

Bryn ran up and quickly tore the tape away from her mouth, supporting her as she coughed and gasped.

 

“Are you alright?” Bryn asked before rounding on her partner. “What the hell? You got that pissed cause she laughed at you for falling over. Get a grip and act like a professional.”

 

The bald merc took a deep breath and actually looked ashamed. “Yeah, you're right. I’m sorry, I was just pissed off. I think it's just tension. I hate waiting here when we have what we came for. We should just go already.”

 

Bryn sighed and grabbed her canteen, letting her prisoner drink deeply. Her captor frowned at the marks on her neck. 

 

Rain drank a bit, still coughing, trying to find her voice. “Horace……you…..you should…” She couldn’t get it out.

 

He turns back to her. “What? I'm warning you, I wouldn't advise saying anything rash. I’m not in a great mood right now.”

 

Bryn kept supporting her, concern in her eyes. Maybe she feared Rain would say something smart, something to anger her partner again. Instead, Rain stared at the woman’s boot, and the knife inside it. Finally, she looked up and straight at him.

 

“You……really should have worn a helmet.”

 

She focused again, and Bryn’s knife flew from her boot. With a final thought, Rain sent it right at Horace. The blade sunk itself into the bounty hunter’s head before he could scream. As Bryn watched in horror, the large hunter fell over, his power armor crashing and breaking the earth beneath him.

 

Bryn scrambled back away from her. “What the-what the fuck was that?! How did you-oh god, Horace!”

 

“You should really let me go. I'm the worst person in the world you could have come after.”

 

Somehow, her kidnapper found some reservoir of courage and grabbed the electric rod that she had used before. Rain tore it from her hands at once, and sent it flying away into the night sky.

 

“Last chance, Bryn. You were nice to me, compassionate. I don't want to hurt you. If you let me go I'll spare you.”

 

She didn't respond, having fallen to her knees in shock. She couldn't believe what she was seeing, couldn't register or make sense of it. But she did register the gun at the back of her head, looking up to see a ghoul dressed in black staring down at her.

 

“Finally found you. I was worried I might not. Those other idiots weren't forthcoming with your location.” Rocco said with ice in his voice.

 

Bryn looked up fearfully. “The others…..are they okay?”

 

“Dead I'm afraid. Three of them. If you value your life, you'll listen to my friend. Cut her loose.” Rocco said. “Or I'll kill you and cut her free myself.”

 

Bryn nodded at last. She was terrified, near tears. In one night, everything she had known of the world had crumbled. She scrambled and went to cut the tape away, only to realize that her knife was currently lodged in her partner's skull. She looked up at Rocco, trembling and whimpering at whatever she saw in the ghoul’s eyes. 

 

He realized at once what the issue was. He spoke in a low growl. “Go get it. Quickly.”

 

She crawled over to Horace and tried to pry the knife free, but it wouldn't come free. Finally, she did start crying. She pulled with all her strength and fell backwards at last when it came free. Rocco watched her the whole time. Rain was getting an odd vibe from him as he stared at the bounty hunter coldly. 

 

“I promised her safety, Roc. She's not a bad person, she was just doing a job.”

 

The ghoul smirked slightly, but he didn’t answer. At last Bryn cut her loose, dropping the knife after.

 

“I'm sorry. I wasn’t going to hurt you. I t-told you I wouldn't. It was j-just a job, I swear. Let me go and you'll never see me again I-I swear.”

 

Rocco knelt down close to the hunter. “What are you waiting for then? Pick a direction and go. Nobody is stopping you.”

 

Bryn swallowed and smiled at Rain with tearful eyes. Then she managed to get to her feet and run. Rain watched as she almost made it into the trees.

 

That's when Rocco shot her in the back. She dropped like a stone, but was still alive. She tried to crawl away as the ghoul followed behind her. Then he began whistling that haunting song of his, the one that made her skin crawl and her head ache.

 

Rain watched frozen with surprise…..and fear. She was actually afraid of Rocco in that instant. Indara’s words came back to her, and she started to wonder if she had been right. Of all of them, Rocco was the most ruthless. It was hard to tell sometimes since nobody on the team left survivors, but on rare occasions, she got a feeling from the ghoul. He enjoyed what he did. He liked the violence.

 

Bryn gave up trying to escape and went still. Her words carried on the wind, only just audible. “It's not fair…..It's not fair. I wasn't going to hurt her.”

 

The ghoul laughed a raspy laugh and knelt down to her. “You would have given her to someone who would have hurt her. It's over, lady. Have some dignity and die with a bit of courage.”

 

“It's not fair…..”

 

“Life isn't fair, lady.”

 

“Stop! What are you doing?! I promised her she could go!”

 

Rocco looked back at her and smiled lightly, before finishing her off with a final shot. “I didn't.” 

 

Rain felt the rage welling up. She looked at Bryn and hated that the hunter had died so afraid. She wanted to instill that sense of fear in her savior for a moment. Then he walked over and wrapped her in an embrace.

 

“Scared me, kiddo. I was afraid I wouldn’t find you in time. I’m glad you're okay. Sorry if I was harsh, but she did kidnap you. When my someone takes a person I care about, I tend to take it personally.” 

 

He meant it. In an instant her anger abated. He cared for her, he was the one who saved her when no one else had. How could she blame him for going a bit too far? She remembered that no matter how much she had liked Indara, and no matter how sympathetic she had been to the synth, she was still an enemy in the end. Indara had been wrong about Gabriel, it only made sense that she had been wrong about Rocco too.

 

She did her best not to look back at Bryn’s corpse as they left, but failed. It turned out the bounty hunters had taken her farther away from the camp than she had thought. After almost fifteen minutes of walking they finally reached the others, all of whom were overjoyed to see her. 

 

Tali and Miles both seemed to want to stick to her like glue. They figured she was scared after her kidnapping, but she really wasn't. Even if Rocco hadn’t come for her, she would have escaped on her own. Either way, she indulged them for a few moments before she made her way back to her tent. Daylight would come all too soon, and thanks to the night's distraction, she knew she wouldn’t get much sleep.

 

That was the worst part. She wasn't afraid about being abducted, she was annoyed. If this was how life was going to be with a price on her head, she was going to be faced with a lot of sleepless nights. What a bother.

 

Tali of course came to change her diaper, but unwittingly found the pacifier Rain had left on her sleeping bag. She looked accusingly at Rain, who currently laid before her in a wet diaper. Rain sputtered for a moment trying to think of an excuse, but her guardian just popped the soother in her mouth.

 

“You don't need to explain anything to me.” She said. No matter how hard she tried though, she couldn't hide the smirk she wore. 

 

 

                          *

They arrived at the next targeted town too late. They had heard screams in the distance and had moved as fast as they could. They found the settlement empty and dead, not a soul around. Houses lay empty, their doors kicked in. Signs of conflict were strewn about, with a few bloodstains decorating walls and the floors. However, they still heard sounds of a struggle coming from somewhere nearby.

 

The screams led them through the forsaken town and out the other side into the wilderness once again. Gabe stayed back to check the town over as the rest of the team continued. They moved closer, hearing faint gunfire as they went further and further out. They slowed down and hid themselves as best they could, laying flat on their stomachs and crawling forward.

 

They found two survivors, a man and a woman, holding each other tightly as they looked around in a panic. They were clearly aware of some enemy nearby, though the team had yet to see anything. Rain fidgeted, wanting to get up and protect the couple, but Miles kept his hand up, firmly refusing to move. Tali and Miyuki seemed to have the same misgivings, but still they remained.

 

From the darkness, small orbs came flying through the air from multiple directions, landing and bouncing until they were right near the couple. Before they could react, the orbs detonated, emitting a blinding light. The team was far enough away that the flash grenades didn’t faze them, but the poor couple twisted about helplessly, now unable to fight back.

 

Five figures rushed forward as the pair stumbled about. The couple clutched each other tightly, but the figures tore them apart anyway. Two grabbed the girl, two grabbed the guy, while the last stood ready with a strange device in his hand. It looked faintly like a collar.

 

“Slave collars.” Tali muttered. “I haven’t seen those in a long time.”

 

“I thought Thorne had destroyed them all years ago.” Rocco whispered.

 

The team watched as the couple were tackled to the ground and the last figure approached each one and began fitting the devices over their necks. Again they looked to Miles, desperate to intervene, but he wouldn’t give the signal.

 

Rocco had his weapon ready anyway. “Captain, if we don’t do something now, we're gonna lose these guys.”

 

Miles shook his head with a somber gaze. “There's nothing we can do. Look closer.”

 

They looked closer and discovered what he meant. The attacker’s had collars on their necks as well. Slaves gathering more slaves?

 

The couple screamed as the collars were fixed into place. The attackers backed off, looking dejected themselves. The one who had attached the collars gave a heavy sigh before motioning to his men to get the couple on their feet.

 

“Sorry. We don’t have a choice, and now you don’t either. You belong to the Overlord now. If you value keeping your heads attached to your bodies, I suggest you fall in line. Let’s get back to the others. We don't have time to waste.”

 

The group started heading out, their two new members clutching each other tightly as they followed behind. Rain watched them leave with a heavy heart. What could they do? 

 

“Well shit. What now, boss?” Rocco asked. “Fighting against men and women held against their will is a fairly gray area. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m all for helping people, but if I’m gettting shot at, I’m gonna shoot back.”

 

“Even if they don’t have a choice?” Rain asked. “We can’t hurt innocent people.” She was shocked that it needed to be said. Surely he wasn’t suggesting they fire on people forced to fight them?

 

“That's not what he meant.” Miyuki said, shooting the ghoul a look.

 

Miles interrupted the argument. “We need to follow them. If they lead us to whoever has control, we might be able to figure out a plan. We need to avoid any type of engagement for now. They'll have to fight us, and we can’t fight them, so stealth is key here. Let’s get back to Gabe and then follow them back to this Overlord character.”

 

They found the slaves fairly easily, the group they followed had merged with a much larger group, probably half of which were composed of the remainder of the town. They kept their distance, but it wasn’t hard to follow such a large group.

 

“Something is off here.” Tali mused. “Those collars should have a fairly small range, these people shouldn’t have been able to move so far away.”

 

“Why not?” Rain asked.

 

“The whole purpose of the slave collars are to keep people from running off. Normally, if a slave were to escape, their heads would pop off as soon as they got out of range. But it seems these guys are miles away from their base.”

 

“Think the collars are duds?” Miles mused. “Something to trick them into obedience?”

 

The gears in Tali’s head must have been turning quickly, because she answered immediately. “Not likely. Whoever did this has probably made an example already to prove they were serious. No, I’m guessing they must be using some kind of radio tower to boost the signal.”

 

“The bigger issue is how to solve the problem.” Miles said. “We can't even get close. Either the innocent people will be forced to fight us, or whoever is holding the strings could detonate the collars as soon as we're spotted.”

 

It was a problem they had no answer for, as they followed the band of slave soldiers through the endless plains. Rain grimaced as she wobbled along. They hadn't had time to stop, and she was soaked. At this rate she would start leaking down her leg before long. She could always ask for a change and then catch up, but she hated asking. It felt so ridiculously infantile to have to do. Then again, having Tali or Miyuki check her diaper was even worse. It was impossible not to seem like a child when she was stuck dressing as one.

 

The base turned out to be close by, but even then it had been hours since the chase had begun. They had followed the group up a large hill, and when they had come over the other side, there it was. A large factory out in the middle of the empty plains polluting the landscape with ugly steel silos. The land around the factory was nestled with broken bits of road, and nearby was a radio tower, just as Tali had predicted. 

 

They rested at the top of the hill, watching the prisoners enter the building, before moving further away to avoid being spotted. The next hour was spent doing the normal things that they always needed to do. They set up their tents and made their camp, and every minute Rain had to keep from screaming about the state of her diaper and it's cold contents. 

 

 Once everything was set up, she managed to find Miyuki on her own and knew her chance to get changed had finally arrived. She started making her approach when Miyuki was toppled over by a figure who seemingly flew through the air. The two rolled and grappled on the ground before Miyuki found herself pinned on the ground with a knife at her throat.

 

Surra smiled down at her. “Long time no see, lover. Happy to see me?”

 

The others had rushed over during the commotion and groaned when they realized who it was. Surra put her weapon away and helped Miyuki to her feet with a look of pride.

 

“What are you doing here?!” Miyuki asked. “Are you crazy, don’t you know what's going on?!”

 

“Of course I know what's going on, that's why I came. I had to see what all the fuss was about. You guys should really be more careful though. I've been following you for days and you never even knew it.”

 

For a moment Rain fumed that Surra had probably witnessed her abduction by those bounty hunters and decided to not help. She left it alone after thinking about it. Surra had never been looking to do her any favors. She tried instead to catch Tali’s gaze, hoping to convey her desperate need for a clean diaper. But of course, that didn’t happen.

 

“This is a delicate situation, Surra.” Miles said with a roll of his eyes. “We're going to have enough trouble without you making it worse.”

 

“Oh come on!” Surra all but whined. “I’ll be on my best behavior I promise. Hell, I’ll even tell you a secret if you let me stay.”

 

Mr. Happy hovered up after doing a spin. “I for one am pleased as punch to see you here, my love. Give me and hour and I'll bring you the heads of every last slave soldier in that factory.”

 

Miles shooed the robot away. “What secret?”

 

“Someone else has been following you as well. Oh, where is he?” Surra looked around before pointing to a distant but approaching figure. “There he is! You know him?”

 

The man was alone and didn’t seem to be wearing any armor, nor did he appear to be armed with anything other than a large broadsword hung over his back. He was maybe a little taller than Miles, with long hair and an equally long beard. The man made his way to them without a hint of fear. The closer he got, the more she saw why. There was something dangerous about this man, she could feel it in her bones, in her very being.

 

Miles actually took a few steps back, and he actually looked afraid, but none of the others seemed to recognize the man. The man came mere feet away before finally stopping.

 

Rain felt Miles oh his hand on her shoulder and pull her behind him. “Rain, get ready to run. When I tell you, just run. Don't stop, do not look back. Understand?”

 

Rain looked back and forth between Miles and the newcomer, who had yet to actually say anything. The others all looked equally confused.

 

“It's him.” Miles said quietly. “Viktor.”

 

As she felt her bladder yet again release into her already soaked to capacity diaper, and felt a small trickle of moisture run down her leg, she mentally cursed herself for not simply changing her own freaking diaper.

 

 

                             *

Viktor was an enigma. He was everything she had heard and not at all what she had expected all at the same time. There was something fearsome about him for sure, but there was also a strange gentleness that emanated from him. When their eyes met, she could sense no hostility from him. There was a lot of sadness hiding behind his eyes, a wellspring of regret maybe, she couldn’t tell.

 

The whole group aside from Surra had moved in front of her, to shield her from an attack they were sure was coming. It never did. 

 

“I'm not here to hurt the girl, you don’t need to worry. I’m after the same person you are. To that end, I’m here to tell you to leave this matter to me and go home.”

 

“Why would I do that?” Miles asked.

 

“Your presence here endangers those men and women taken by this Overlord person. If you move against him, he might detonate the collars. I won’t allow that. Turn around and leave.”

 

Rain watched him closely. There was something he wasn’t saying. She felt desperation and fear, not for himself, but for someone else. But he had also added something else interesting.

 

“He?” She asked. “You said…..he might detonate the collars.”

 

“Very astute.” Viktor offered with a nod. “The person responsible for this was one of our guys. He stole the collars from us. After we had crushed the slave trade, we thought about destroying them all, we should have. But Thorne and I couldn’t do it, we didn’t know if they might be useful one day.”

 

“So that's what this is about?” Miles asked angrily. “You fucked up and now you're here to fix it, is that it?”

 

Viktor didn’t raise his voice above a whisper. “I don’t owe you any explanation. Leave this to me and go, or I'll be forced to wipe you out here and now. You will not interfere.”

 

Rocco raised his shotgun. “Might want to rethink that. I don't care how badass you think you are, I could blow you away right now if I wanted.”

 

“But you won't. Shoot me and the gunfire will give away your position and the Overlord might get nervous enough to kill those people. Physically, none of you can stand up to me. I do not want to fight, but there's more at stake here than you know. Turn back. I will deal with Tucker.”

 

Rain winced as soon as she heard the name. She turned, hoping to stop her comrade before it as too late. Miyuki moved faster, rushing up to Viktor and grabbing him by the collar. Her voice quivered as she spoke.

 

“Tucker? Garret Tucker? Handsome guy, southern accent?”

 

“Not very handsome to be honest. Someone carved his face up good, left a nasty scar as a parting gift.”

 

Now her voice changed, the fear gone, only anger left. “Garret Tucker was with Thorne this whole time? My mother gave him that scar before he killed her. He kidnapped me as a little girl, sold me to some arena to fight for his amusement! He kept me prisoner for eight years! How could you have allowed him to join with you?!”

 

Her voice had risen high enough that the whole group looked around nervously. Rain almost tried to quiet her when she suddenly burst into tears and slid to her knees, still clutching Viktor. Even Surra had lost her bored gaze and almost appeared concerned. Maybe Miyuki had never divulged her past, maybe it hurt even the headstrong heir of the Oro.

 

Viktor thought for a moment, watching the tearful woman in front of him carefully. “He told us he was a prisoner of the arena. We didn’t know what he was. I am sorry you went through that.”

 

“Fuck your sorry! What do you intend to do about it?”

 

“I'll kill him personally. You have my word.” Viktor assured her immediately.

 

Miyuki couldn’t be mollified. “He’s mine. He took my life away, not yours.”

 

“All the more reason for you to leave. I’m sorry, but I can’t have you going after Tucker for revenge. The risk is too great. Please, I'm asking you one last time to turn back.”

 

“I’m tired of you.” Surra said suddenly, a wild smile appearing on her face. “You know what I think? I think you're used to everyone jumping to do whatever you say out of fear. But I’m not afraid of you, see? In fact, all I want to do is carve you down to size and show everyone what a nothing you are.”

 

“Surra…….don't.” Miles said quietly. “You won’t win. Think about this. Everyone who had ever gone up against Thorne has failed because of this man. I don’t know how, but something tells me they aren’t idle rumors.”

 

“Even better. Maybe I'll get a workout for a change.” Surra said with glee, drawing her machete. “Bring it on!”

 

Viktor sighed and drew his own sword. He sat down his bag and from it brought out a small thin black box. He studied it for a moment before changing his mind and putting it back.

 

“What was that?” Surra asked, moving closer slowly, looking every inch the predator.

 

Viktor moved the bag away and stuck his broadsword in the ground. “A secret weapon, but I won’t need it, not for you.”

 

“Oh, I am gonna enjoy this!” Surra said before charging straight toward him.
 

[Ubba]

Great chapter, I really like how Rain is getting more powerful but also with the pacifier regressing more. I can't wait to see what happens between Surra and Viktor, this could be bigger than the Clegane bowl...... Well what the Clegane bowl should have been lol

[Wannatripbaby]

6 hours ago, vampire4 said:

Rain blew out the candle and placed the pacifier in her mouth as she curled up for the night. It was her little secret. No one would know.

Entire towns going missing, eh? This is gonna be intense!

Also YAY Mr. Happy is coming along! He's like, among my top 5 psychopathic killer robots of all time! :D

[Guilend]

Yay this was awesome to wake up and see. I'm with trip, I love Mr happy. And I'm excited to see Surra again. 

[Wannatripbaby]

11 hours ago, vampire4 said:

You don't need to explain anything to me.” She said. No matter how hard she tried though, she couldn't hide the smirk she wore. 

A brutal example of what life on the run from Thorne is going to look like.

This also makes me think that this would be an interesting plot hook for a Fallout game or really any RPG: the reason so many people are trying to kill you isn't because they're "bandits" of "Raiders" but rather because you have an enormous price on your head. Not only would this explain why you have to fight people so often, but would also lend to an atmosphere of paranoia. Suddenly any NPC could be after your head. They might pull a gun or a knife on you at any moment.

It could be a powerful experience if dobe well.

[Wannatripbaby]

11 hours ago, vampire4 said:

As she felt her bladder yet again release into her already soaked to capacity diaper, and felt a small trickle of moisture run down her leg, she mentally cursed herself for not simply changing her own freaking diaper.

Firstly, Rain's little diaper situation here is hilarious to me.

secondly, i have a feeling we're about to see quite the throw-down... but not between Miles' gang and Viktor. No, I think they're gonna team up to take down these slavers.

[Wannatripbaby]

On 2/5/2020 at 2:58 AM, vampire4 said:

Oh, I am gonna enjoy this!” Surra said before charging straight toward him.

Gah! What a cliffhanger to end on!

Also, called it.

also also, if we can get a few more comments we'll get to the next page! So...

@vampire4 how are you doing?

[Hades]

Could be better, could be worse. I'm glad you're enjoying the story. I will point out that you predicated a fight between Surra and Titus. You weren't dreaming big enough. lol.

 

Let's see here, we got this current arc, then another really cool arc, and then we will have reached the endgame. Exciting stuff.

[Wannatripbaby]

Oh I meant that I called that Viktor wasn't after Rain.

A really cool arc you say? How exciting! I never would've expected that!!!! XD