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

[Shotgun Diplomat]

9 hours ago, Wannatripbaby said:

Okay, I'm officially rooting for Jericho in this fight. How did you do that? How did you make the villian more sympathetic than the hero? You brilliant madman! Just... god, can HBO just give you a series already? ?

Seconded.

[Hades]

9 hours ago, Wannatripbaby said:

Okay, I'm officially rooting for Jericho in this fight. How did you do that? How did you make the villian more sympathetic than the hero? You brilliant madman! Just... god, can HBO just give you a series already? ?

Wow. Thanks so much. I want you to sympathize with Jericho. He's more a villian of circumstance. His full story has yet to be told. 

 

The HBO thing might be a bit much. You'd need a better writer for that. I already feel like I'm rushing too much, but I also felt like I wasn't making enough traction. So.....yeah. I just hope I'm not messing up the flow, and the dialogue still feels natural.

[Wannatripbaby]

14 hours ago, vampire4 said:

The HBO thing might be a bit much. You'd need a better writer for that. I already feel like I'm rushing too much, but I also felt like I wasn't making enough traction. So.....yeah. I just hope I'm not messing up the flow, and the dialogue still feels natural.

I don't think you're rushing too much. Perfect pacing is almost impossible when you have a sporadic upload schedule like yours. And since you can sometimes go months between updates it's probably best to aire on the side of too fast rather than too slow. I mean, this story started like 2 years ago and we've only been introduced to the main villian in the past few months!

And I think HBO would be lucky to have you.

[Guilend]

I agree with Trip on this one. You're doing great. To me the speed is fine. I get so excited, and sometimes almost late to work a couple times when I log on and see a new chapter, I just have to read it. 

[Hades]

Rain woke to the feeling of movement, like she was floating on a pool of water maybe, a gentle rocking. It felt safe and pleasant, and it was only with great reluctance that she opened her eyes.

 

She was in Indara’s room like she was before she had fallen asleep. The room was dark except for a small candle on the nightstand nearby. But this time she was surprised to find herself in her captor’s arms. Indara was….. rocking her, cradling her like an infant. As alarming as that was, it was made even more awkward by the fact that Rain wasn’t wearing pants at the moment, as they had gotten wet in her last accident. So she was in a simple shirt with her diaper exposed. And Indara was rocking her.

 

She was pretty sure Indara didn't know she was awake yet. In fact, Indara didn't seem to be paying much attention anyway. Her eyes looked vacantly toward the wall. With one hand, she brushed Rain’s hair, while her other hand was on her diaper, making small little pats. 

 

Finally, Rain felt like she had to ask. “Uh……Indara? What are you doing?”

 

Indara looked almost surprised that she had been caught. It was too dark to tell, but it almost looked like she was blushing. Could she blush? Gabriel had mentioned how human like synths could appear. They could eat, they breathed, who knows what else. 

 

“I'm sorry. I know this is probably demeaning for you.” Indara said, smiling down at her. “If it's not too much trouble, would it be okay for us to stay like this for a bit?”

 

“Yeah……okay, sure. But……um……what's going on?” Rain figured she didn't have much of a choice anyway. Indara was strong enough that she probably wouldn't have been able to get free if she tried.

 

Indara was quiet, gathering her thoughts, but she kept a steady rhythm of rocking and patting her diaper. There was almost a kind of sadness in her eyes now. Rain had seen her angry, seen her excited during their fight, and now the all too human machine looked sad.

 

“I just realized I don't know your name. I'd like too if you're okay with it.”

 

“My name is Rain.” She said, still wondering what this was all about.

 

Indara looked confused for a second. “That’s not a typical human name.”

 

And so while being rocked like a child, Rain told her story. Indara listened with an almost blank expression. When she had finished, Indara nodded and gave a small smile. “It was raining that day too, when Jericho found me. You've had quite the journey for such a young girl. I hope you get your memory back.”

 

There seemed to be more that she wanted to say, but couldn't, or maybe wouldn't. It felt like a shadow was over her, hanging heavy over her thoughts.

 

“Indara, are you okay? Is something wrong?”

 

“I wasn't totally honest with you earlier.” Indara said at last. “I told you I was a courser, and I am to some extent, but I'm also not.”

 

“What does that mean?” Rain asked from her cradled position. 

 

“My original function......god I hate that word……function. I was not created a courser. I was originally designed as a caretaker, to watch the Institue’s children while their parent's worked. For years and years I helped raise their young. I loved my job, I really did.”

 

“Okay. So all this is what? Nostalgia?”

 

Indara laughed. A sweet and beautiful laugh. “Yes. Although you're a bit bigger than the kids I looked after. Not too much though. I'm not an expert on human biology, but should you be so scrawny? Doesn't Miles feed you?”

 

“I'm just small. I always have been. I don't think I look like a kid though.”

 

Indara nodded, and Rain felt her hand probing her diaper, checking it. “To be fair, the diapers make you look smaller somehow. No offense, I think you look adorable. By the way, you're pretty damp, so I'll change you after I finish my story, okay?”

 

Rain could feel her face going red. Not even Tali had treated her like this, although she got close at times. Indara had just checked her diaper while rocking her and declared that a change was in order. Like it was a simple fact, not up for debate.

 

Indara continued. “You know why I loved taking care of those kids? They treated me like I was a human. They couldn't conceive what I was, only that they had fun with me. I cared for them and they cared for me and I was happy.”

 

Indara closed her eyes and sighed, and the rocking stopped for a moment. Then she moved on. “Time passed however, and those same kids grew up and they began to see me as an object, a machine. A machine that gave them nostalgic memories, but still a thing nonetheless. I didn't understand why, but suddenly I didn’t matter anymore. But I had new kids to care for so it was okay. But the idea had planted itself inside me. They looked at me different because I wasn't a person in their eyes. But I knew. I did matter. I wasn't just some machine. And I asked myself, didn't I deserve love too? It took years before it hit me. I didn't want to be used and discarded anymore. I wanted to be valued and that would never happen at the Institute.”

 

“So you ran away?”

 

“The war between the Institute and the Brotherhood was causing chaos, and many synths had used the distraction to escape. But I was afraid to leave. I knew I would be hunted. The Institute would sends coursers to hunt me down. The Brotherhood would kill me on sight, as they had others who escaped. There was a group of humans who were helping my kind escape, but I couldn't trust them, the Railroad. I thought they would betray me.”

 

“So one day I decided to escape on my own, and to defend myself from whoever came after me, I took extreme measures. I stole the combat data for the coursers and uploaded it into myself. There were consequences, of course. The data changed me, made me more vicious and predatory. I suddenly knew how to fight and hunt, how to kill and butcher and destroy. Still, I was sure that I could handle myself if I had too. Then I left and escaped into the wasteland.”

 

Rain could tell the story was difficult for Indara, and she instinctually reached and put a hand on her shoulder. “So you were like a nanny bot….and then you made yourself into a courser?”

 

“Yes. In a way. But I wasn't built as a courser, and I soon discovered that even with the combat data, a true courser was more than my match.”

 

                          *

 

Years before….

She hit the ground hard. She was scared and frustrated. Despite uploading the combat data, she wasn’t able to defend herself. The courser they had sent was modeled as a man, tall and tan, wearing the traditional black garb of the synth hunters. He looked down on her with no emotion. She had thought that all synths had emotions, but the coursers were different. They seemed to feel nothing at all.

 

 And he was so strong. No matter how hard she had fought, he beat her down. No matter where she ran, he followed. If she hid, he found her. He had chased her for endless miles, across whole states. It had turned into a kind of futile game, and she knew now that it was hopless. She was going to be taken back, and the Institute would tear her apart, rip away everything that she was. She would cease to exist. 

 

“Stop this pointless struggle Z-1366. Give up now and things will go better for you.”

 

She scrambled away. “No! I won't go back. I don't want to go back!”

 

“Not your choice to make Z-1366. Stop being hysterical. It's embarrassing. Come along now, or I'll be forced to use your recall code and deactivate you. I'll admit, I was curious to see if you could match me with your stolen skills. An error, no doubt, that I let my curiosity, pride even, dictate my actions. Nonetheless, this is over.”

 

She leapt at him one more time, and when he knocked her back down as she had predicted, she tried to sweep his legs out from under him. He saw through her tactic and effortlessly dodged her leg, at the same time kicking her so hard she was sent rolling across the dirt.

 

“It’s time to go home.” He said.

 

He grabbed her roughly by the hair. She screamed and she kicked but he ignored her and was preparing to teleport. Then, in an instant, his head simply disappeared, exploded in a shower of blood. He let her go and fell to the ground. Behind where he once stood, a man looked down at her, concern in his eyes. He looked young and rugged at the same time. In his right hand, a held a large caliber revolver, still smoking.

 

“You okay? I don't know what that was all about, but whoever that guy was rubbed me the wrong way. It seemed downright wrong to let him manhandle you like that.”

 

She saw more humans approaching, but her savior held up a hand and they kept back. The sky had grown dark and suddenly she felt wet droplets hitting her skin, first slowly, then faster as more and more fell. It was cold, ice cold, but she loved it. It was real, it seemed like the first real thing she had ever felt. Rain. It was wonderful.

 

She was afraid. Who was this man? What did he want? She pushed herself away in fear. “Please……don't hurt me. I just…..I wanted to be free. I wanted to be real.”

 

The man knelt down. The way he looked at her….like she was someone. “You don't have to be afraid. I'm not going to hurt you. If you're a slave, you can consider those days over. You're free. You can do whatever you want.”

 

She sat in the pouring rain, as the man stared at her awaiting her response. Freedom. It didn’t seem possible. “I don't know what to do. I don't have anywhere to go. I'm alone.”

 

“Well in that case, why don't you come with me? I'll get you someplace warm, get you something to eat. You'll be safe. It's up to you though. No one will force you to do anything you don't want too.”

 

“Why? Why would you help me? I'm nothing…..I’m not even real.”

 

Then he stuck out his hand as water ran down his face. “You look real to me. Beautiful, if a bit rough around the edges. You can call me Jericho. What's your name?”

 

She hesitated, staring at the outstretched hand. “I don't have a name. I have a number.”

 

The man kept his hand outstretched and thought for a moment. “No name huh? How about…….Indara? A unique name for a unique woman.”

 

He called her a woman. Not a machine or a synth or a tool. A woman. She nodded shyly.

 

“Come with me, Indara. Let's get the hell away from here. First home, then…..wherever you want to go.”

 

After a moment, she reached out and took his hand. It felt warm despite the freezing water. He smiled at her, and she smiled back. She felt happy again, for the first time in a long time.

 

                           *

 

“Do you know what it's like to spend your whole existence as nothing, just a tool to uncaring overlords? To be told everyday that you were nothing? Can you imagine what it would be like, after all that, to have one person, just one person, tell you that you mattered? That's what Jericho did for me. Even after he found out what I am, it didn't matter. He still cared for me, he valued me. He kept me safe from the Institute too. There were too many people for a courser to even try and get me.”

 

Rain nodded, hoping Indara was too invested in her story to feel the steady stream of urine Rain was currently sending into her diaper. 

 

“So you help him, a murderer, because he was nice to you?”

 

“Is that any different from you with Miles? He’s a killer, Rain. So is Gabriel of the Brotherhood, so is that ghoul. So are you. We murder those we are convinced are wrong, evil, and we convince ourselves that we're right. Jericho saved me, gave me a home, and I helped him in return. Even when he sent me away to be his general and I knew I would only see him on rare occasions. It didn't matter. I was useful to the only person who mattered to me. In time, I even found others to care about and who cared about me in return.”

 

Rain didn't like want she was saying, but she couldn't really argue either. There had been several times, countless hours where she had  questioned the morality of what she was doing, but the people she killed were clearly bad, threats to innocent people. It wasn't the same. But still, she was the same as Indara. Where would she be now if Miles and the others hadn't saved her?

 

“It wasn't just me.” Indara continued. “Take Barnabas. A Super Mutant, a monster. There was no chance for him to be anything else, until Jericho saved him. Hudson is the same, a man with few skills beyond violence, and a temper to boot. We were all outsiders and freaks, and he brought us together, gave us something bigger to fight for.”

 

Rain understood this too. Really, Miles was the same. He had brought together an unlikely team, united by a desire to right the wrongs of the world. Miyuki, Tali, Gabe, Rocco, even Rain herself, were damaged in some way, or stood out from the crowd of normal people.

 

“Why are you telling me this?” Rain asked.

 

Indara shrugged. “I don't know. I guess I just wanted someone to know. When you're something that's made, I guess…..I guess I just wanted someone to know who I am, so that I can be remembered as a real person, if that makes sense.”

 

Rain wasn't sure how to respond. Indara seemed very concerned with the idea of her identity, on being a real person rather than an artificial one. What could she say that could reassure her?

 

“I'm afraid, Rain. I feel like something bad is going to happen. I want to tell you everything will work out, that you and I will make it back to our respective leaders. Maybe we'd even call each other friends one day. But……when it comes to Jericho and Miles, nothing can be that simple, and more often than not, the wrong people get hurt. So let’s just stay like this for a little while. Please?”

 

Rain didn't say anything, she just nodded and tried to relax. She didn't know how to feel. The Indara she had seen in Miles’ memories was capable of ruthless cruelty, and her first encounter with the general had reinforced that image, but she also seemed so vulnerable and full of doubt. Rain curled closer to her captor. She was having a harder time viewing her as an enemy.

 

“Indara? Do you have a heartbeat?” She was curious, but she didn’t know why.

 

“Why don't you find out, little one?”

 

She laid her head against Indara’s chest. After a moment she heard the rhythmic sound of a beating heart. Was it real? Did it matter? Just because Indara was made of different parts, did that mean she wasn't a person? Or was her ability to feel what made her real, as real as anyone Rain had met before?

 

“Indara……I wanted to tell you I was wrong before. When I called you a monster. If I make it out of this, I would be happy to call myself your friend.”

 

Her words struck the synth hard. Her face seemed to crumble, and a smile broke free. Indara leaned down and kissed her on her forehead. Then they just sat there together for some time, away from their troubles and uncertain tomorrow's. For a short time, nothing else seemed to matter.

 

“Stay awake, okay? We…….we still have to…..change that diaper.” Indara said shakily.

 

 And Rain felt suddenly……tears hitting her face. She looked up astounded. Indara was actually crying. How could a machine cry?

 

“What's wrong? Don't cry, please don't, you'll make me cry.” Rain begged, feeling tears already welling up in her eyes.

 

She didn't cry much longer, but it was jarring to see such a woman so upset. “I just want to go home. I wish it hadn't been you I was told to capture. I don't see the reason for it, why he wants you, I don't understand. His fight isn't with you, so why? Why did he ask me to do this?”

 

Rain was fearful too. She wanted to go home as well. She wanted to do Miyuki’s hair again, play cards with Rocco and Gabe. She wanted Tali to read to her and hold her until she fell asleep. She wanted to shoot with Miles again and ask him about his adventures. More than anything she wanted them all to be together, safe and happy and laughing.

 

Indara composed herself at last. “Sorry. Enough of this mopey crap, it's not like me. Let me change that diaper for you. Maybe you noticed, but I'm pretty good at that too.”

 

Rain let herself be laid on the bed, her face warming as Indara prepared a new diaper. She shouldn't have been so embarrassed. She had been changed by so many people it shouldn't have been such a big deal. Besides, it struck her that maybe Indara needed this right now.

 

The synth took her time with this change. Rain laid quietly, her heart hammering in her chest, while Indara thoroughly cleaned her up, before laying her down on a new diaper. The powder came next, and the smell brought another small smile to the synth’s lips. She taped up the diaper nice and snug, nodding proudly at her handiwork.

 

“There we are. Look at that. You're just too cute, you know that?”

 

Rain raised an eyebrow. “That sounds suspiciously like baby talk. Still, I guess my diapers came in handy at last. I doubt you'd be treating me this nicely otherwise.”

 

For whatever reason, Indara seemed to find that quite funny. She began laughing, quietly to herself at first, and louder as time went on. Then Rain started laughing too. She didn't know why, but she laughed so hard she felt tears forming in her eyes.

 

“Don't say that.” Indara laughed. “I mean, you're probably right. They give you a kind of vulnerability, I guess. But it's you too. You have an innocence about you that's incredible for the wasteland. I lost whatever shred of innocence and naivety quickly once I came to the surface, but it's still there with you. It makes you seem genuine.”

 

Rain almost snorted when she laughed. “What are the odds? Me, a girl stuck wearing cutsie adult diapers, getting captured by a nanny-bot…….courser…….person.”

 

Indara looked thoughtful for a moment. “Or maybe……it’s just because you are very cute, and my original programming has nothing to do with it.”

 

Rain shrugged and batted her eyes. “I guess we'll never know.”

 

                             *

 

There was several more days of travel. Indara’s men seemed to harbor a healthy fear of their captive after she had brutally killed three of their friends. Outwardly, Indara maintained a cold facade on the road, but she spent most nights talking with her captive. For her part, Rain tried not to worry too much about what would happen at the end of the road.

 

One night, Indara seemed different, deep in thought. She didn't stay after changing her prisoner, although she promised to return. Rain shrugged and climbed into bed. She was tired out after the day's walk anyway. She was both surprised and strangely relieved that Miles hadn't found her yet. What she didn't want was for Indara to have to fight her friends. 

 

After putting her thoughts aside, she fell asleep pretty quickly. She dreamed that Miles came to save her, and after Rain explained the situation, he forgave Indara for her part in the massacre of the Regulators and asked her to join them. Indara accepted of course. The next girl's night found her joining Tali and Miyuki. They all had a great time together, although the dream had begun to fade by then so it was hard to tell what they had done.

 

“Wake up, Rain. Hurry, we gotta move quick.”

 

Rain opened her eyes to find Indara changing her diaper at an almost mechanical pace. She wasn’t sure what the rush was, but it was definitely the quickest diaper change she had ever gone through.

 

“What's up? It feels too early to get up. What's the rush?”

 

Surprisingly, Indara shoved her bag at her. “I'm letting you go. Right now. You'll only have a few moments. I sent the guard on duty on a patrol, told him I thought I heard something, so you'll need to hurry. If you go southeast for about 10 miles, you should find your friends. They've been following closely.”

 

“Won't you get in trouble?” Rain asked as her skirt was pulled up. Indara took her by the hand and drug her along, her head on a swivel in case they were discovered. Finally, she opened a door leading outside.

 

“Nah, I'll be fine. Shit happens and you got away. Jericho will understand.”

 

Rain hesitated for a moment before wrapping Indara in a hug. “Thank you so much. I know it's weird but…..I had a good time hanging out with you.”

 

The synth stroked her hair and have her another hug. “Go. Get back to the people who love you. I'm planning on doing the same. If you're ever up north, stop by okay? I promise I'll only baby you a little bit.”

 

“I will. I promise. Until the next time.”

 

With that Rain took off, quietly and quickly, making her way back to her friends with a big smile on her face. Indara stood and watched her go, giving a small wave, until she finally faded into the distance.

 

                           *

 

An hour later Indara was “woken” to the news that their prisoner had escaped. Her guys seemed afraid she would punish them, and were relieved when she waved it off.

 

“You all saw what she did to those guys that attacked her. Who knows what else she can do. I was worried a small door wouldn't hold her. Hell, maybe she picked the lock, I don't know.”

 

“We're going after her right?” one of her men asked. 

 

Indara pretended to consider it. “No. We're low on supplies as it is. We don't have the time to going rutting through the wasteland again. We'll just have to tell Jericho she slipped away.”

 

As if to mock her decision, she saw a runner approaching from the south. He looked exhausted, and she knew right away he wasn't one of hers.

 

“Miss Indara! I'm glad I finally found you. Jericho’s here looking for you. He sent scouts out in all directions.”

 

She felt it again, a sense of dread. Taking a moment to keep her face blank, she finally responded. 

 

“Jericho is here. Where?”

 

“Actually, it looks like we passed you, he's a few miles south.”

 

South. Where Miles and his crew were. Where she had just sent Rain to not but an hour ago. She wondered if her artificial heart was beating faster, or if her anxiety was showing. She had sent that girl right into the heart of the conflict. 

 

“Okay. Well our prisoner just escaped south. Let's go. Maybe Jericho will have seen her.” She signaled to her soldiers. “Let's get moving guys! Jericho is near by!”

 

Those two were on a collision course, and she feared what would happen if they weren't stopped.

 

                          *

 

“Captain, I hate to shit in your coffee here, but we've been travelling for day with no sign of Indara or her scouts.” Rocco said, waving himself with his fedora. “I hate to say it, but we're lost. We've even been travelling at night and still we're no closer than when we began.”

 

Tali shot him a dirty look. “So what? We have to keep looking. We can't just leave her to Thorne. She didn't give up on you when you were stuck in that ghoul tunnel.”

 

He stuck up his hands in a calming gesture. “Hey, I'm not  saying we give up. I don't know. We could try and radio Gabe if he's in range, but we got no idea where we're going here. How long before we follow Indara right into Jericho’s waiting hands?”

 

Miles turned on him. “That doesn't matter. Listen to me. If Jericho gets his hands on Rain, he will kill her. He'll either shoot her in the head and leave the body for us to find, or he'll burn her alive like he's done to countless other enemies. Do you understand? He's an animal, a murdering psychopath. So we don't stop until she's back safe with us, got it?”

 

“Yeah, I got it. So where are we headed?”

 

“Same way as usual. We're bound to find something if we keep at it, some clue that we're close. That or Gabriel will find them first. We won't accomplish anything just standing here, so let’s go.”

 

They kept moving for about a mile or so, but it all looked the same. The same dead city and ruined buildings, eerie in it's lifelessness. Miles hated to admit it, but Rocco was right. They lacked the numbers to be able to search a city this big effectively. If they had Mr. Happy with them, he could have searched quickly, all day and night if need be. As it was, there were so many places to hide, and far too much territory to check. It was becoming more and more apparent that they might not find Rain in time.

 

That was when they got lucky. They heard a crackle from their radio’s and froze in place. It was Gabriel, but it was so distorted, he must have been only just in range.”

 

“Eye on Indara…….meeting with…….looks like……going the opposite……..heading south?”

 

“South? She's heading toward us? Why?” Tali asked. “Gabe, do you see Rain with her? Gabe?”

 

The radio came to life, but the signal was too unsteady to understand. Tali and Rocco looked worried, but at least they had a direction. It looked like the fight was coming to them.

 

Sure enough they finally ran into a group about two miles later. The group however, seemed too small to be Indara’s. There were only twenty, maybe thirty of them at most. Miles had the team stay out of sight and wait. Something was off. If this was Indara’s group, then Gabe should have been in range of their radio's, but that wasn't the case. 

 

The confusion was cleared up the second Miles saw a familiar figure shouting orders. It was him. Jericho Thorne. Right here, only a few feet away. It was unbelievable. What mad notion brought him here, Miles didn't know, but this….this was the chance of a lifetime.

 

“Who is that?” Tali asked. She had never seen him before so it was understandable. 

 

Miles could feel his heart pounding at the sight of his target. It had been five years since he had last seen him in person, but he had seen Jericho every day, every waking moment, every nightmare, for years. Now he was here. 

 

“Thorne….” He managed to say in almost a growl. He could barely contain the rage that threatened to consume him. He stood and began to move forward, not even noticing Tali grabbing his arm.

 

“Wait, wait! What about Rain?!”

 

Miles couldn’t be stopped, couldn’t think straight. “It doesn’t matter. We kill Thorne and this ends today. We won't get another chance, we have to move now!” 

 

“If we attack Thorne, Indara might kill Rain. We don’t know where she is. It's too much of a risk. Miles, stop!”

 

He was already running ahead, his guns at the ready. Nothing was going to stop him. Not when he was so close.
 

[Wannatripbaby]

8 hours ago, vampire4 said:

Then she moved on. “Time passed however, and those same kids grew up and they began to see me as an object, a machine. A machine that gave them nostalgic memories, but still a thing nonetheless. I didn't understand why, but suddenly I didn’t matter anymore. But I had new kids to care for so it was okay. But the idea had planted itself inside me. They looked at me different because I wasn't a person in their eyes. But I knew. I did matter. I wasn't just some machine. And I asked myself, didn't I deserve love too? It took years before it hit me. I didn't want to be used and discarded anymore. I wanted to be valued and that would never happen at the Institute

Wow. Just... wow. I know Fallout 4 touches on the existential horror of being a sentient robot, but they never quite captured the utter sadness of it the same way you have.

*Hugs Indara*

9 hours ago, vampire4 said:

After a moment, she reached out and took his hand. It felt warm despite the freezing water. He smiled at her, and she smiled back. She felt happy again, for the first time in a long time.

Yet another point for Jericho.

It's interesting how you're telling a sort of "2nd beginning" by detailing the Backstories of Jericho and his gang. You're hitting the same sorts of emotional notes and story beats as the early days way back at the start of this story. It's a very interesting storytelling device that helps cement the duality between Miles and Jericho.

[Wannatripbaby]

9 hours ago, vampire4 said:

Rain shrugged and batted her eyes. “I guess we'll never know.”

Ifirstly, that whole scene was FAR too adorable! I'm gonna die! XD

Secondly, I'm glad Rain is starting to see past the zealous dogma Miles has drilled into her. Maybe... I know it's a longshot... but maybe she can reconcile their differences so this doesn't have to end with one or both parties dead?

Only time will tell.

9 hours ago, vampire4 said:

With that Rain took off, quietly and quickly, making her way back to her friends with a big smile on her face. Indara stood and watched her go, giving a small wave, until she finally faded into the distance.

Huh. Well that was... unexpected. I figured she'd bring her back to Jericho in hopes she'd join them, or at least help negotiate a peace. Maybe she found out Jericho had other, more nefarious plans? But that doesn't sound like Jericho...

[Wannatripbaby]

10 hours ago, vampire4 said:

He was already running ahead, his guns at the ready. Nothing was going to stop him. Not when he was so close.

*Grabs popcorn*

This is gonna be big. It's gonna be intense. I have no idea what's gonna happen. ?

[YourFNF]

10 hours ago, vampire4 said:

he synth stroked her hair and have her another hug. “Go. Get back to the people who love you. I'm planning on doing the same. If you're ever up north, stop by okay? I promise I'll only baby you a little bit.”

 

“I will. I promise. Until the next time.”

 

With that Rain took off, quietly and quickly, making her way back to her friends with a big smile on her face. Indara stood and watched her go, giving a small wave, until she finally faded into the distance.

You do such an amazing job exploring the ethical grey areas of the setting and humanizing your antagonists.....

[Hades]

4 hours ago, Wannatripbaby said:

Ifirstly, that whole scene was FAR too adorable! I'm gonna die! XD

Secondly, I'm glad Rain is starting to see past the zealous dogma Miles has drilled into her. Maybe... I know it's a longshot... but maybe she can reconcile their differences so this doesn't have to end with one or both parties dead?

Only time will tell.

Huh. Well that was... unexpected. I figured she'd bring her back to Jericho in hopes she'd join them, or at least help negotiate a peace. Maybe she found out Jericho had other, more nefarious plans? But that doesn't sound like Jericho...

Indara let Rain go mainly out of fear of what Jericho might do to her. While you, the reader knows that he doesn't intend on harming her, Indara didn't. I haven't revealed Jericho's history yet, but he is capable of extreme cruelty if he feels it's necessary. Before the Doctor arrived he made his reputation on it.

 

Indara knows this, she's seen it, she's been a party to it. As much as she cares about Jericho, she can't ignore the possibilities.

 

Hope that answers your question.

[Wannatripbaby]

16 hours ago, vampire4 said:

Indara let Rain go mainly out of fear of what Jericho might do to her. While you, the reader knows that he doesn't intend on harming her, Indara didn't. I haven't revealed Jericho's history yet, but he is capable of extreme cruelty if he feels it's necessary. Before the Doctor arrived he made his reputation on it.

 

Indara knows this, she's seen it, she's been a party to it. As much as she cares about Jericho, she can't ignore the possibilities.

 

Hope that answers your question.

Oh it wasn't a question like "How could he write this!? It makes no sense in light of previously-established lore!" It was more of a hypothetical I wonder what's gonna happen? Kind of thing. ?

[Hades]

“Damn. I lost again. You'd think I would get better over time, but it doesn't feel like it.” Miles sighed and took another swig of beer.

 

Tobias grinned from the other side of the chess board. “I was always told that every defeat is a lesson, but I’ve found more often than not that old habits are hard to break, no matter how much you want too. You just need a plan, Miles. You can't just rush in.”

 

Tobias had already given his information on the next raider band the Regulators would target. Now they were just enjoying the weather and each other's company.

 

Miles watched as Aiden stood watch with the others, who never seemed to mind the long chess games their second in command played with their informant. Aiden was getting bigger every day, and Miles found himself eyeing his son more and more, wishing he could somehow slow the clock and keep his son small.

 

Tobias was also looking at Aiden. “He's a good kid, Miles. His resemblance to you is astounding.”

 

“Well, I’m no expert but I think that’s how it's supposed to work. If he looked like someone else I think I'd be worried a bit.”

 

Tobias laughed, nearly spitting out his own alcoholic beverage. “You know what I mean. I don't know what his mother looked like, but he is your spitting image that's for sure. He even acts like you.”

 

Miles nodded proudly. “He never got to meet his mom, she passed giving birth to him. I’ve done my best to keep him safe and raise him well. I hope…..no, I know she would be proud of him. Maybe she would be proud of me, despite our beefs with each other near the end. That's all I can do. You ever think about having kids?”

 

“No, I don't…….don't think I'm cut out for it. My best friend though is due to have a little one soon. He's hoping for a boy, but his wife is sure it's a girl. I think I'll settle with being an uncle. The consequences will be less severe if I mess up.”

 

“Every parent messes up. Believe me, I know I have. You haven't told me much about your people, Tobias. You got a big group?”

 

Tobias took his time answering. “Sure. More people seem to join everyday, but we lose our fair share as well. The core group, I guess you could call them, shrinks every year. That's a shame too, cause they're the best people I know.”

 

“Well, they got a good guy leading them. In my opinion.” Miles said, sensing his friend's unease.

 

Tobias seemed to darken further however, despite the praise. “No, not a good leader. I do what I have to in order to keep them safe, but not all of them see it or understand it. Shit, sometimes I have trouble seeing it.”

 

Miles raised his bottle in a salute. “See? You're a parent already. That's exactly what Aiden is like. Stubborn even when he know it's for his own good.”

 

“It seems like he wants to follow in your footsteps.”

 

 No. He’s an explorer at heart, you know? He knows what I do is important, but I think the concept of why it's important eludes him. He’s never around the fighting mind you, but he knows what we do. Killing people and all that. And I don't know if he looks up to me for it, or if I even want him too.”

 

“And are you so sure it's important? Your mission, what you do? How do you justify all the killing?”

 

Miles just shrugged. “All I do is try to make the world a better place. For that, there needs to be some form of justice. It's not perfect, but it's all I can do.”

 

“Making the world a better place. Some might call that foolishly idealistic, but I like the idea of it; Making things a bit better than they were the day before.”

 

Miles sighed. “It's not easy, and there was a time I questioned how more blood could make a positive change. I believe it now though. I've seen it work.”

 

Tobias grinned sadly. “Not to get weepy or nothing, but I kinda look up to you. You got this optimism to you. Maybe it's cause of Aiden, maybe it's how sure you are in what you're doing. Either way, you make me feel more confident in my own choices. Even the hard ones. You've become a sort of light in the darkness.”

 

Miles nodded and blinked rapidly, then cracked a smile. “Right, right. I’m glad you love me, but I don't swing that way.” 

 

Tobias rolled his eyes. “Asshole. You know, I was trying to be deep. Philosophical.”

 

“Oh, yeah, I got that. I'm your guiding light! Your shining star!” Miles mocked.

 

“Fuck off. Geez, I try to give a compliment.” He opened another beer and handed it to Miles, then opened another for himself.

 

Miles raised the bottle. “To making the world a better place.”

 

Tobias gave that sad smile again, or maybe it was a little less sad, as he raised his own drink. “Hell yeah, brother.”

                           *

There are times when even the most well thought out plans crumble as though they had never been laid in the first place. Everything had gone wrong in an instant, despite all of his plans and safeguards. Miles was coming.

 

He had appeared out of nowhere, with two others in tow. They took his guards by surprise, that classic Regulator technique. The panic was nearly instantaneous, although they had recovered quickly enough. Jericho had ordered a fighting retreat to a nearby multi-floored parking structure. Many fell as they were pushed further by Miles, who was leading the charge more than his companions.

 

Jericho made it inside the parking lot and then began moving up. Miles didn't let up, continuing the assault while his friends fought off some of Jericho’s  men who had lagged behind.

 

“Jericho!!!” He heard Miles scream.

 

He needed a plan. But what? He kept moving upwards until there was nowhere to go. The way to the roof had collapsed and couldn't be crossed. He was pinned in. Still, he was already formulating a plan. He still had twelve men with him, and Miles had separated from his support. All he had to do was wait for Indara. She would show up with the kid, and join her forces with his, and then he would force Miles to relent.

 

“Tobias!!! Jericho!!!” The yell came again.

 

He took cover behind a column, as did his guys. Every gun was pointed toward the ramp that Miles would be coming up from. The battle below became a distant hum. There was just the slow steady echo of footsteps growing closer and closer.

 

 Miles walked up at last. Their eyes met. Those eyes were filled with a pure hatred that was almost chilling. His men attacked at once, automatic fire ripping into concrete columns and Miles himself. The noise was deafening, and Jericho could barley see from the swirling dust of the exploding columns.

 

As it cleared, he saw that Miles was still standing, his torn coat billowed in the breeze. He was bleeding, shot up with holes, barely standing, but standing nonetheless. His guys had reloaded and kept firing. Miles took one ragged step after another, his body was practically a pulpy mess. Still, he kept coming, looking less and less human as he raised his own pistols and began firing.

 

Jericho took cover, too shocked to fight back. What was he?! How could anyone keep standing after such wounds? He saw two of his guys fall, then a third. Another tried to run, and Miles shot him down without looking. His body was jerked again and again as he was riddled with bullets, but he kept coming. 

 

“He…….He won't die.” Jericho said numbly.

 

Jericho stayed behind his guards, watching helplessly as they fell one after the other. It didn't take long until he was alone, facing his former friend. Miles wasn't looking at him, didn't seem to be able move. His body was torn to near shreds, his breathing was ragged and harsh. Then he tossed his head back and screamed, an inhuman, animalistic scream. And in that scream Jericho felt all his former comrade’s pain, his suffering and anguish and hatred. For the first time in five years Jericho realized how deeply he had wounded Miles. Enough to turn him into this……thing. A lifeless body motivated only by an intense desire for revenge.

 

The bullets seemed to force their way out of his body, piling up in small, bloody piles. Miles had dropped his guns and fallen to his knees, blood pouring out his mouth. Then he began healing as though nothing had happened. In mere moments he looked as though he had never been hurt at all. Jericho had never seen anything like it. Slowly, he managed to get to his feet, hatred brimming behind his eyes.

 

Jericho tossed his own gun aside and showed his hands. “Miles…..let's talk. Don't forget, I have your teammate in my hands.”

 

In response, Miles launched himself at him.

 

                            *

 

Gabriel had been trailing Indara and her group for some time, hoping to catch a glimpse of Rain. But his loud and bulky armor meant that he had to stay far back. He feared what might happen to Rain of he was discovered.

 

But he still hadn't seen her, and with every moment that passed he worried what that meant. Everything was going strange. Why was Indara moving south again? He knew he should wait until he got closer to Miles and the others, but if the synth had hurt Rain or did before he got there he would never forgive himself. Even though she had only been with them a year, she was one of them, and he had grown quite fond of her. He had been the first to teach her how to shoot, and every time she raised a weapon, he could see how his training had taken hold.

 

He had never taught anyone before. In the Brotherhood, others fulfilled that roll. After he had left, after he was forced to flee the only family he had ever known, he figured he would live in obscurity until he died in some civilian shithole. He had never expected to find another family again, one that would accept him despite his past, although Miles was the only one who knew his whole past.

 

He couldn't wait any longer. There was only one move he could make now. He had to get Rain back no matter what. Abandoning any attempts at stealth, he rushed toward Indara and her guards. Even with his armor, he wouldn't be able to hold on long against Indara’s troops, so he was counting on a new addition on his armor to help.

 

He had fitted it during the long winter break, although he had been forced to seek Tali’s help. Ironically, it was her help that was the reason he hadn't tried it out before now. Brilliant though she was, her propensity for inventions that exploded was too well established. It was now or never.

 

He sprinted toward the small army, probably making the ground shake as he did so. He was certainly making enough noise. They noticed him fairly quickly and began firing at once. Gabe just kept running, hoping that his armor held up, otherwise he was gonna look pretty stupid as he died.

 

The raiders were too shocked at this near kamikaze attack, that they couldn't see what his plan was until it was too late. Indara didn't realize it either until his arms were around her. As soon as he had her, he triggered his new toy.

 

The pack on his back let out a burst of fire, sending both himself and Indara into the air. For a few moments, Gabriel felt almost weightless, until gravity once again took over, sending them hurtling through the window of a broken skyscraper.

 

“Holy shit! That was awesome!” He muttered as he got to his feet. 

 

He looked out the window and whistled. They had landed on maybe on the fourth floor, far lower than he thought. The room looked like it used to be an office of some sort. Cubicles decorated the room, the lights hung from wires from the ceiling. Indara’s men were currently trying and failing to find a way into the building. He managed to buy himself some time. Now he had a hostage, leverage to get Rain back. 

 

Well…….maybe. Indara had recovered by this point, and he suddenly had the feeling that he had caged himself in with a wild animal. Maybe this wasn't a great idea after all.

 

“Madam, I must inform you that you are officially being take into custody.”

 

Indara was already rushing toward him. She leapt forward with both of her legs out, drop kicking him straight in the chest. Any normal person would have bounced off his power armor. Instead, she sent him flying backwards.

 

Gabriel groaned as he began to get back to his feet. “Seriously, surrender now……and I won't have to hurt you.”

 

She leapt onto his back and stuck there like a deranged animal, trying to rip off his helmet. His next move was to run backwards. With Indara still on his back, he rammed them straight through the wall and into the next room with only a large oval table decorating it. The hit managed to knock Indara off, and before she could recover, he had grabbed the table and hit her with it, once again sending her through a wall and into another room.

 

He stomped through the hole and swung his metal fists at the synth. She was too fast and he knew it. She dodged and ducked each attack, his fists breaking through cubicles, sending office supplies flying. Once again the synth managed to knock him away with a powerful kick, but otherwise she couldn't hurt him.

 

Both had now managed to draw their side arms, probably mutually aware that neither would be much use. They fired anyway, unloading on each other with everything they had. Indara was using a familiar energy pistol unique to the Institute. Bullets would have been no issue, but her energy pistol was blackening and denting his armor. His own weapon scored a hit across her side, her wound deep enough to show bloody muscle and wires. Both ended up taking cover behind some flimsy office furniture. 

 

“This is pointless, Indara. My armor can take more damage than you can dish out. Give it up, already!”

 

“My guys are coming up as we speak. We'll see who gives out first. I was supposed to leave you be, but I don't care anymore. I'll rip you out of that tin can personally and end you.”

 

“I just want the girl! Hand her over and this ends now. I don't want to kill you, but if I have too, I won't hesitate.”

 

Indara kept quiet for a moment, then to his surprise, tossed her gun aside and left cover with her hands raised. 

 

“If it's Rain you're after, she got away early today, probably headed to Miles and your friends.”

 

“Like I'm gonna take your word for it.” Gabe scoffed.

 

“Listen to me! Jericho is here. I just had a runner tell me he passed me by a few hours ago. Rain is heading right toward him, Miles has probably already found him. If we don't both get there, we won’t have anyone left to save.”

 

Gabe listened, trying to hear if she was lying. Something in her voice rang true, and it chilled him to the bone. He put his own weapon away. Ancient enemies stood feet from each other, both ready to put their differences aside for the ones they cared about.

 

“I don't know why, but actually believe you. Okay then, I guess I better get moving. Hopefully we can continue this another time. I had you on the ropes.”

 

“Right.” Indara laughed. “I could hear that old heart of yours about to hop out of your chest.”

 

Gabriel heard angry voices as Indara’s forces began knocking their way through the offices. He didn't have long. He moved to one of the shattered windows, preparing to make the jump. 

 

“Wait!” Indara called. “You never answered me before. How many synths did you kill when you were the Brotherhood?”

 

Gabe felt his breath stop in his chest. The question brought a lot of painful memories for him. “If they attacked me, I killed them. Plenty of them in fact. As for the other………less hostile synths……I didn't kill any personally y’know, but……I didn't stop it either, not at first anyway.”

 

Indara nodded. “I believe you. It doesn’t change anything though. I'll still kill you next time we meet.”

 

“I'll watch my back. Look, for what it's worth…….we were wrong. The Brotherhood should have treated you as people. That's what you are. I can’t take back anything, but I am sorry.”

 

“Don't be. I don't want to hear it, I don’t accept it, and it still doesn't change shit. Next time, I’ll kill you, and I’ll enjoy it. Now get lost. Keep that girl safe.”

 

Gabe nodded, his helmet hiding his grimace. He jumped out the window, his landing shaking the earth beneath him. He started running immediately, heading south. “Hold on, Miles. I'm coming.”

 

                            *

Miles attacked with all the pent up fury he had built up for the last five years. Jericho didn't even try to defend himself. Miles rained blow after blow, marveling at his strength. His body had never taken such beating before. His body had taken everything Jericho’s guys had sent him and he was still standing. He never healed so fast before. Maybe his adrenaline was pushing the contraption in his body into overdrive. Either way, he felt stronger than ever.

 

His right hook sent his old friend into a concrete column, his head bouncing off with a satisfying crunch. When Jericho tried to get up, he kicked him in the ribs as hard as he could. Jericho sputtered and coughed as he tried to get away.

 

“Get up. That’s not nearly enough.” Miles spat angrily. 

 

Jericho staggered to his feet, supporting himself against the broken column. “I get it, you're angry. I don't blame you, but you don't understand. I had to make a choice. My people or yours.”

 

Miles punched him again, knocking him to the ground. “Don't you dare. Don't you even try to justify what you did. You killed everyone I ever cared about. My friends, my family, my son!” He kept up his assault, his voice cracking as he picked Jericho up and threw him again into a broken stone column.

 

Miles stopped as a wave of coughing knocked him to his knees. His body shuddered violently and he could see blood on his hand when he took it away. Jericho watched him silently, holding his ribs. There was a strange look on his face. Pity maybe, or possibly disgust.

 

“Enough of this. Look at yourself, Miles. You're sick, man. I don’t want to hurt you, hell I didn't even want to come down here. But like last time, you just had keep pushing.”

 

Miles was having a hard time breathing, taking desperate gasps for air and forcing himself to his feet. “You killed my little boy. An eleven year old boy.”

 

Jericho opened his mouth to reply, but the words seemed to get stuck in his throat. He swallowed hard. “You're right. Aiden’s death was my fault. Killing me won't change anything, Miles, it would just make things worse. The north will be thrown into chaos until someone else takes my place.”

 

Miles looked around and found his guns, putting one back in it's holster, pointing the other at his enemy. Maybe Jericho was right, but it didn't matter either way.

 

“I don't care. You're murderer and liar. You manipulated me, you pretended to be my friend, and then you destroyed everything. Everything! You took my son from me! Now it's my turn.”

 

Jericho nodded, looking resigned. “I pity you, Miles. I hate what I turned you into, I really do. And you deserve your revenge. But I can’t let you have it.”

 

Miles heard a loud crack as Jericho pulled a rusty rebar from the column he was against. It whistled through the air, hitting him square in the head.  Miles fired, but only managed to hit Jericho in the shoulder. His gun flew from his hands and he reeled backwards.

 

Jericho hit him two more times, once across the back, and then across the face once again. With an enraged roar, he flung himself one more time at his enemy, getting his hands around Jericho’s neck right as the raider leader shoved the rebar through his chest. It went all the way through his body and exited out his back. Miles felt his strength leave him as his hands fell to his sides. Jericho moved him, leading him to the edge of the parking structure. He could feel a breeze on his back, but he couldn't manage to do anything. He couldn't feel his legs.

 

“The problem with you and your pals, Miles? Always been so damn naïve. Things aren't so simple that pointing and gun and shooting people will solve everything. I'm sorry, pal but that's the truth.”

 

Miles managed to weakly raise his right hand, clapping it around Jericho’s throat, but he knocked it away contemptuously. The two of them stood there in silence for a time, the gunfire from below seemed like a faint echo.

 

Finally, Jericho sighed and gave a small smile. “I already put you in the grave once, old friend. I think it’s time for you to go back where you belong.”

 

Jericho gave a single kick, pulling the rebar at the same time. For a few moments, Miles felt weightless as the rushing air blew in his ears. The ground caught up with him at last, breaking every bone in his body.

 

                           *

Rain had begun panting even before she heard the first gunshots. The winter had  evidently left her a bit out of shape. For a while the day seemed peaceful enough, then the air came alive with a fury. 

 

She didn't know what was going on. Indara was further north, along with all her men, so who exactly was fighting? She worried about her friends, seeing as how they had taken a beating last time. Poor Miyuki had suffered a pretty bad broken arm, she probably wouldn't be much help in a fight.

 

So she ran, despite her exhaustion, her aching legs, and her increasingly damp diaper. At least she was in a skirt, although the plastic covering of the diaper had the habit of sticking painfully to the skin of her thighs.

 

She moved closer to the sounds of battle, so close now that she was surprised she still couldn't see anyone. She saw a large parking garage in the distance and skidded to a halt when she saw Miles on the third floor of it. Then to her horror, she saw him fall, losing sight of him before he hit the ground.

 

It was when she looked up again that she saw him. Jericho Thorne. She could see the edges of his fiery tattoo from where she stood. She felt stunned, slowly feeling the familiar power flooding her body. He had hurt Miles. Again. After everything he had already put him through, he had hurt him again. Maybe Indara could see some small bit of goodness left in Thorne, but from her vantage point, she couldn't see any.

 

As if by instinct, she pushed the power down her body until it reached her feet, then she jumped, feeling the air almost part as she soared upward. The feelings coursing through her at this moment were beyond anything she had experienced yet. She felt invincible, powerful, and righteous. She knew the backlash would be bad, crippling maybe, but right now that didn't matter. Enough was enough. It was time for Jericho to meet his maker.

 

She had one moment where she got to enjoy his face as he saw her flying thirty feet into the air straight at him. She managed to go just over his head and land behind him. Before he could react she lashed out with her hand, her power slamming into him and doubling him over. Once again she wielded her power like a giant proxy hand, gripping him and tossing him across the room before he had a chance to be surprised. If only he knew his killer was still in diapers.

 

He scrambled up and managed to grab a fallen AK. Before he could fire, Rain was twisting her power yet again, drawing it in close to herself, like a second skin. She stood motionless as Jericho fired at her, watching with a giddy joy as the bullets bounced off her. 

 

Jericho ran out of bullets and tossed the empty weapon aside before grabbing another discarded AK. He looked at her with a mixture of fear and disbelief.

 

“What the fuck?! What the hell are you?! Who are you?!”

 

Rain smiled a cheshire grin. “I thought you would know. You sent Indara after me remember?”

 

He suddenly looked pale. “Indara…….you…..If you hurt her, I swear……”

 

“You'll do what? You can’t touch me. As for me, I don't even have to touch you to kill you.”

 

She grabbed him again, lifting him high into the air and began to squeeze. He dropped his weapon as he squirmed. She loved how he started to turn purple. She slammed him down hard on the ground, lifted him again, and slammed him again.

 

Something hit her from behind, and she skidded across the floor. Her concentration broken, Jericho fell to the ground with a groan. Rain looked up to find Indara looking down at her.

 

“Stop. Just stop, both of you. This is going too far.” Indara pleaded.

 

Jericho managed to get to his feet. “Fucking freaks everywhere I look. First Miles, now this pint sized witch. What the fuck is this world coming to?” He picked up a large calibur revolver and pointed at her.

 

Indara stood in his way. “No, wait. Stop now please. There has to be another way.”

 

“There is no other way.” Rain said as she stood and prepared another psychic attack. “Either he dies, or I do.”

 

Jericho smiled. “Right. You haven't seen what I have, Indara, what Miles can do, and now her. Our enemies have abilities I can’t hope to match, and they aren't interested in talking. In order to keep everyone safe, they both have to go away. Step aside.”

 

“No! I'm not going to stand here and let you kill each other! Let’s just go home, Jericho, please.”

 

“He's not going anywhere!” Rain said as she lashed out at last. She knocked Indara aside with a blast and turned her attention on Thorne.

 

He fired three times, but she deflected them with ease. The next time he fired, she would send it right back at him and end this.

 

Jericho scoffed and took aim. “I don’t know how you're doing this, but I bet you can’t keep it up for long. You're ear is bleeding.”

 

Rain felt something warm running down her cheek and knew he was right. It was all the more reason to take him down as soon as she could.

 

With his gun still aimed at her, Jericho pulled a grenade from his belt with his free hand and tossed it at her. Before she could deflect it she heard a shot ring out and it detonated. She barely got a barrier up in time, and the blast knocked her over. She scrambled to her feet as fast as she could, and saw him fire once more. She caught it at the last second, the bullet still spinning an inch from her face.

 

She heard Indara screaming and Jericho staring slack jawed.  She turned the bullet around slowly, then sent it flying back.

 

                         *

A few weeks earlier

 

“Where would you go if you could go anywhere in the world?” Sylvia asked as the group sat down over a few beers.

 

They had gathered the night before everyone went on their own ways. Jericho sat at the head of the table, Victor and Sylvia to his right. Hudson came next, and Indara rounded the group out.

 

“I don't know that there's anywhere to go.” Viktor said stonily. “One wasteland looks the same as any other.”

 

Sylvia slapped him on the arm. “Don't be so negative. Let’s just pretend that there's a larger world out there, and maybe out there somewhere is a place that was untouched by the nukes. Come on.”

 

Hudson sighed. “Why settle on just one place? There's a huge world out there and Sylvia is right. No way everything is shit. I’d like to see it all, you know? At least all of the United States. Just wait until I get that car running.”

 

Indara snorted. “Where I came from we just teleported wherever we wanted. Instantaneous travel.”

 

“Bullshit. Nobody can do that. Besides, fast travel like that is just unrealistic, no matter how practical or advantageous it is.”

 

“It’s not bullshit. I'm being totally honest. I'm a little surprised those eggheads never tried to make a running vehicle. Then again they tended to look on anything surface level as inferior.”

 

“Lovely people, your lot.” Hudson grunted. “What about you, boss? Where would you go?”

 

Jericho shrugged, unsure if he should be honest. “Probably some place far away. Some place out in the middle of no where.” Inwardly, he thought what he really wanted was a place where no one knew who he was.

 

“Anti-social much?” Sylvia teased. “What's wrong with all of you? I can't get a decent answer out of anyone.”

 

“Maybe you should give us an example of what kind of answer you’re looking for.” Viktor offered, a slight smile on his lips.

 

“Paris! The city of love and romance. I mean, can you imagine how beautiful it must be? I’ve only seen pictures, but I'd love to see Paris for real.”

 

“Indara? What about you?” Jericho asked.

 

She thought for a moment. “The ocean. I'd really like to see the ocean.”

 

Hudson scoffed. “What for? It's just water.”

 

“Shut your face, Lucas.” Sylvia snapped. “That’s good, that's a good answer. Yeah. Sandy beaches, gentle waves……..”

 

“Dead fish.” Viktor said.

 

“Trash and junk.” Jericho joked.

 

“You're all the worst.” Sylvia grumbled.

 

Indara smiled. “In with you, Sylvia. Can you imagine Aimee at the beach? I bet she'd love it.” She sighed. “One day. I'm gonna see the ocean one day.”

 

                              *

 

Indara's head exploded in a shower of blood and circuitry. She had leapt in between them to quickly to react, the deflected bullet was moving at too high of a velocity. Rain and Jericho both yelled out in horror as her body hit the ground. 

 

Everything seemed to go quiet. Jericho rushed to her side, but they both knew she was gone. She was tougher than any human probably, but everything had come together in that one horrible moment. If she hadn’t been in that exact spot at that precise moment then maybe it would have been different. But that's not what happened and she was beyond any help now. What had once been a vibrant, living being was now just a hunk of flesh and wires.

 

Rain fell to her knees, her power leaving her. The pain was already setting in, but she was too distraught too think of it. She had just spoken to her an few hours ago and now she was gone.

 

“I…….I don't…..I didn't mean…….”

 

Jericho was cradling her in his arms and sobbing. When he finally looked up at her, she saw a familiar hatred in his eyes, one strikingly similar to Miles.

 

“You'll pay for this. If it takes the rest of my life, you'll pay. I'll turn this whole state, this whole country on you. I'll set a bounty so large that every hunter in four states will come to collect. Every day, everywhere you go, you will be hunted! You will know no rest, no comfort. Villagers you go to help will be more interested in the price on your head than the aid you can give them. It will never end, do you hear me? It won't end until I hang your lifeless body from my penthouse window for the crows to devour! Witch! The Witch of the Wasteland, that's how you'll be known from now on, I swear it.”

 

Her head was already splitting as she struggled to her feet. She could have ended things there maybe, but she just couldn't. She gave him one last look, then limped her way down the ramp. She could hear his curses the whole way down. Tali was near the bottom with Rocco, having finally pushed their way through. 

 

Tali ran to her and wrapped her in her arms. Rain collapsed from exhaustion and grief and began bawling. 

 

“It's okay. I got you, little one.” Tali assured her. “Everything's okay.”

 

“What happened? Rocco asked. “Indara got past us, what the hell happened?!”

 

“We need to leave!” Gabriel yelled, running as fast as he could He had a broken Miles in his arms. “Indara’s people are right behind me, we gotta go. There's too many.”

 

“Shit.” Rocco cursed. We're almost out of ammo too.”

 

“What happened to Jericho?” Miles asked. His voice was hoarse, his eyes spoke of a deep exhaustion. “What happened up there, Rain?”

 

She had was being carried by Tali as the group began running south. She had to force herself to stop crying on order to answer.

 

“He’s still alive. I……I killed Indara……...I didn't……I killed her.” Even saying the words was painful.

 

 “Good. I hope she rots.” he said, his voice a whisper.

 

It was harsh. She wanted to yell that he didn't know her, not really. But she couldn't do that. Miles had only experienced the bad side of Indara, he hadn't seen her inner frailty or beauty. She had killed his friends, but she was also so much more than that. Could Rain really say he was wrong? Was he any better of a person? Was anyone? Maybe they were all just victims, both of their groups. Maybe the past was just a perpetual cycle of wrongs by some that lead to other wrongs. Rain was starting to wonder if there was even a way of making a right choice.

 

“Later go home.” She asked. “I wanna go home.”

 

“Let’s hope we make it.” Rocco said. “We're outmanned and outgunned, and there's a shitload of pissed off raiders on our tail.”
 

[Wannatripbaby]

13 hours ago, vampire4 said:

Tobias gave that sad smile again, or maybe it was a little less sad, as he raised his own drink. “Hell yeah, brother.”

They're so good together. It's a shame one of them will probably be (permanently) dead by the end of this chapter...

14 hours ago, vampire4 said:

Miles launched himself at him.

Well that was badass! Normally you only see villians with this sort of power and drive. This will be very interesting.

*grabs popcorn*

[Wannatripbaby]

14 hours ago, vampire4 said:

He started running immediately, heading south. “Hold on, Miles. I'm coming.”

Gabriel be like "I BELIEVE I CAN FLYYYYYYYYY!" Lol.

Hopefully next time he'll have a special toy to deal with Indara. Maybe tesla coils on his back that shock her and fry her circuits when she climbs on his back again? Or maybe a simple EMP grenade will do the trick? Could be interesting if he used an EMP to take out Indara, but then had to abandon his now-powerless armor to get away.

14 hours ago, vampire4 said:

Jericho gave a single kick, pulling the rebar at the same time. For a few moments, Miles felt weightless as the rushing air blew in his ears. The ground caught up with him at last, breaking every bone in his body.

*phew* I really thought Miles was gonna kill him for a minute there. Hopefully now Miles will see that fury alone cannot solve everything.

[Wannatripbaby]

15 hours ago, vampire4 said:

She heard Indara screaming and Jericho staring slack jawed.  She turned the bullet around slowly, then sent it flying back.

Uh-oh. O_O

Also Mr. Thorne I wouldn't go so far as to say you "can't possibly match" their abilities. Viktor can move so fast it's basically as if time stops around him! And who knows what "the Doctor" might be cooking up.

[Wannatripbaby]

15 hours ago, vampire4 said:

Indara smiled. “In with you, Sylvia. Can you imagine Aimee at the beach? I bet she'd love it.” She sighed. “One day. I'm gonna see the ocean one day.”

Okay, nice scene and all, but a little jarring to put that flashback right in the middle of the big fight scene. But I guess I'll probably make more sense once I read the next section lol.

16 hours ago, vampire4 said:

Let’s hope we make it.” Rocco said. “We're outmanned and outgunned, and there's a shitload of pissed off raiders on our tail.”

Indara! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! ?

That was certainly an unexpected twist. Oh my heart! And now Jericho is REALLY gonna step up his game! You've got me on the edge of my seat, man! This story is just Sooooo good!!!! ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

[Hades]

Sorry for the delay. November has been a very busy month. I'm not a huge fan of this chapter, cause not too much happens in it, but it needed to be told. As per the usual, I'm sure there's typos here and their that I'll discover after the fact. Anyway, I hope you enjoy it, but I'm glad to be moving on. Also there's been less and less diaper content, which I don't like and will try to fix for future chapters.

 

 

The next week was spent running. Nearly every minute of every day they ran. Jericho and his forces were constantly at their heels, with a vengeful Thorne leading the charge. 

 

They only stopped for a few hours each day, enough for a few of them to rest and Rain to get in a quick diaper change. They were all exhausted, and the group was running on fumes. Rain had recovered quicker than normal after using her power, and she was probably their best hope of getting away at this point, especially considering how low their ammunition was.

 

Miles had been almost completely silent since they began fleeing. While his physical wounds had healed, Rain guessed he was a mess internally. Pale, feverish, and lethargic, Miles was having trouble keeping  up with the rest of the group. Several times a day he would be doubled over with coughing attacks, spitting up large amounts bloody phlegm. He couldn't hide it anymore, and so Gabriel kept a constant vigil on him, even carrying him on his back when needed. Gabe hadn't asked anything yet, but he glared suspiciously at Tali, his eyes wanting answers.

 

Mentally, Miles had almost checked out. He seemed…..less…....somehow, as if something had gone out of him. The only direction he gave was to keep heading south. Maybe it was the fact the Jericho was still alive, Rain couldn’t be sure. He stared ahead almost as though he no longer cared what happened anymore.

 

They had been hunkered down for the last hour in an old gas station. Rain was exhausted and was happy to lay down for a diaper change. Her own thoughts were a whirlwind, with Indara’s death at the forefront of her mind. Her face kept flaring before her eyes, that and her death. She felt horrible about her death, as bad as her first kill a  year ago. Every time she closed her eyes she saw Indara either alive and vibrant and smiling, or dead, mutilated by Rain’s own attack.

 

Tali was keeping close to her like the worries mother she was destined to be. She had checked Miles over, but evidently the diagnosis was bad enough that she didn’t want to check again. Rain wondered how far the corruption had spread on his body, and quickly decided she was better off not knowing.

 

“It wasn't your fault, Rain. When bullets are flying anything can happen.” Tali tried to comfort her. 

 

Rain was laying in her most vulnerable position, her legs splayed, wet diaper exposed. “It wasn’t any bullet. It was mine, one that I sent flying back at Thorne. And now she's gone, just…..gone. It’s my fault.”

 

Tali ripped the diaper open and got to work. “You didn't put her in front of your gun. That was her choice. She made that sacrifice on her own. I know I can’t do anything to help you feel better, but try not to let guilt weigh you down.”

 

They were quiet for the remainder of the change. Rain had her feet lifted in the air as Tali slid a clean diaper under her.

 

“I…..I thought I lost you, Rain. I thought you were gone and I’d never see you again because I let you get taken.”

 

Rain gave a sad smile. “What were you just saying about guilt? It wasn't your fault, Tali. I can handle myself. I’m not a kid.”

 

Tali cleared her throat and Rain blushed as her bottom was set on the new diaper. God, it was hard to be taken seriously like this. Once she was finished and back on her  feet, She followed Tali into the other room where Rocco was begging Miles for a plan. 

 

“Shit’s not good here, Miles. We’re running low on just about everything. I got four shells left for the shotgun, Gabe only has his laser pistol, and we have five pistol magazines to split between us. Where are we going, Cap? What's the plan once we get out of Thorne’s territory, cause he's likely to follow us.”

 

Miles didn’t reply, didn't even look at him. His eyes remained on the floor. 

 

“Captain!” Rocco begged.

 

“Leave it be.” Tali ordered. “We only have one way to go, and that's south. The border is close, we just have to keep moving. Hopefully, Miyuki will meet us there. Back me up here, Gabriel.”

 

 Gabe stood against the wall, silent and watching. He made Rain uneasy with his accusing stare. He seemed to have realized he was left in the dark about his leader and friend, and she could almost feel the anger rolling off him. 

 

It wasn't a surprise when he marched over and demanded to speak to Tali in the room they had just left. Rain followed, but kept hidden behind the corner of the wall.

 

“Tell me what's wrong with Miles. I've never seen him like this, the coughing, the blood.”

 

“I don't know what to tell you.” Tali protested.

 

“Bullshit. I've noticed how you rush to his side after every fight. I didn't think much of it because I know you two are a thing, but now I wonder. You know something, and I need to know too. Is something wrong with Miles, something you haven't told us?”

 

Tali sighed. “Do you really want to do this now?”

 

“He looks like death in there! That's my friend, my captain, and you're hiding something important.”

 

Rain poked her head out from behind the corner. “You should talk to Miles, not take it out on her. She's only doing what she thinks is best.”

 

Gabe looked disheartened, and gave a final glare before he turned and head out. Rain grabbed his hand as he passed.

 

“If there is something that Miles kept to himself, you should wonder if maybe he did it because he cares about you, not that he wanted to hurt you.”

 

“Hey, heads up, people, we got company!” Rocco yelled.

 

Rain barely had a chance to react before gunfire began blasting through the walls and windows of their hiding place. Tali got clipped in the side as they all hit the deck. Gabe rushed back to Miles, no doubt planning to shield him with his armor.

 

The gunfire continued uninterrupted as they crawled out to main room. She heard Rocco’s shotgun boom as plaster and glass flew through the structure. Rain stood and readied her pistol, taking aim at a raider she saw coming through the door.

 

She didn’t fire. The raider looked right at her, beautiful red hair blowing in the breeze. The sight almost took her breath away.

 

“Indara? I thought…..”

 

Indara raised her rifle, pointing it right at her, only to be blown away by Rocco.

 

“What the fuck, Rain?! Did you forget how to shoot?”

 

“It…..it was her. It was Indara. She…...she's not…..”

 

“Rain….” Tali said with concern. “That’s not her. Look.”

 

The raider that she had been so sure was Indara had somehow changed before her eyes. The now dead woman had black hair, not red, and her face wasn't anything like Indara at all.

 

Rain dropped her gun and fell to her knees, feeling sick as Tali wrapped her in a hug.

 

Rocco fired his final shot, hitting someone judging by the scream. He looked over exasperated and increasingly panicked.

 

“Why is no one else shooting? Am I the only one who wants to survive this?!”

 

Rain took a deep breath and stood up. Her mind might be playing tricks on her, but she could certainly help make sure they got out of this. She took a breath a concentrated on that feeling, that power inside herself, and was surprised that she actually found it. It was becoming easier to summon it, at least when she truly felt in danger.

 

“Let's run for it. I'll take the rear and keep the bullets off our backs. Just keep in front of me, all of you. I can handle the rest.”

 

“Can you really do this?” Tali asked. “Don't bite off more than you can chew.”

 

“Don’t worry I got this. And if not, we'll all be dead anyway.”

 

Rocco chuckled. “Hell yeah. Let’s get the fuck outta here. Rain, let me borrow your gun, I'll go first. Gabe, you stay behind me, Tali will follow you and try and lay down covering fire. Rain’s got the rest.”

 

He kicked the door open and the team burst through the door. Almost immediately, Thorne’s raiders were yelling and following after. Rain kept back from the others, facing the approaching raiders as they took aim and fired. She put up a barrier, sighing with relief as the storm of bullets stopped in mid-air.

 

“Keep running! I got this for now, but I don't know for now long.”

 

Rocco lead the way, jumping over debris and finding the clearest route he could. Gabe followed as best at he could with Miles on his back. Tali was closer to her, occasionally firing at their pursuers. Rain kept catching their fire and throwing it back at them, but it didn't seem dissuade the raiders from continuing to try as they sent a steady wave of continuous fire at them. More and more enemies seemed to pop up, and Rain figure there was at least thirty men behind them.

 

They ran and ran, hoping for some kind of light at the end of the tunnel. She could hear Gabriel’s harsh breathing from under his helmet. They were all on their last legs, moving ever onward despite their exhaustion. Rain could feel her head starting to hurt once more, and pushed it down and away.

 

More enemies approached from the side, forced into cover by Tali and Rocco. They were just everywhere, like ants. Someone got a shot out, hitting Miles in his side. Gabriel took out his laser pistol and fired back, his shot vaporizing the offender to ash.

 

“I'm out!” Tali yelled.

 

“So am I. Just keep moving.” Rocco cried out.

 

It didn’t look good. The city blended into one, long, endless stretch of road, with no end in sight. Her own barrier began to fail, and bullets began getting through, hitting and ricocheting off of stone, or hitting the ground right at their feet. 

 

Suddenly a wave of gunfire came from in front of them. For a moment, Rain thought it was all over, she thought they had been surrounded at last. But once she had caught up with the others, she saw something quite unexpected.

 

“How's it going, Princess?” a voice called out. “I heard you might be in a spot of trouble.”

 

Lined up were at least twenty men from Pride, with Oz standing at the front with his usual dumb grin. Miyuki stood beside him, cradling her arm and looking relieved to see them. Rain had never though she would be glad to see Oz again, but right now she could have hugged him, still might if they made out.

 

 Even more surprising was second force nearby, which were none other than the Oro, with Surra, Arax, and Hanno all there as well. Together, both forces had at least as much, if not more firepower than Jericho. Rain was admittedly less happy to see Surra, but she would take any help she could get. Hanno met her eyes and smiled goofily. She couldn’t help but smile back.

 

Oz gave a little salute. “Miyuki ran her broken self near to death trying to reach us. As for these Oro fellows, they were already here when we arrived.”

 

Surra lit a cigarette and blew smoke into air. “The old lady had some weird feeling or dream or some shit, sent us here without any explanation. Once we saw Miyuki, I figured it out.”

 

The team ran the final stretch, getting safely behind the line of armed fighters. They nearly collapsed once they did. Gabe slid Miles off his back as he began having another coughing spasm. Miyuki met them as they stood over their leader, unable to help. Miles waves away her questions and spat out more blood onto the ground. 

 

Jericho’s men had fallen back a bit, unsure of what to do. They had been given so much trouble from just four people, and now found themselves outnumbered. The two forces stood opposite of each other, each hunkering down into cover. Rain was trying to help Tali with Miles when she heard Jericho from the front.

 

He strode up, looking at the Oro and Pride forces in near disbelief. “What is this?! This is my territory. You have no right to interfere.”

 

Oz shook his head. “Your territory ended half a mile back. You need to back off. We have more guns and probably more ammo if all the shots I heard are any indication. This is over.”

 

It's not over until that witch is dead!” Jericho yelled. “We aren't afraid of fighting a larger force. Hand her over or this gets bloody.”

 

Surra whistled and suddenly four red dots appeared on Thorne’s chest. “Unless you want to die here and now, I'd run back to your nest. Then what happens to your little empire?”

 

Then Oz delivered a final blow of his own. “Firing on me is a bad idea, Thorne. I'll suspend all trade between Pride and your people. Trust me, I think it'll hurt you more than us.”

 

Rain poked her head out and watched as Jericho paced about, trying to think of some way to retake control. He looked over the amassed forces of Pride and the Oro, then he met her eyes.

 

“You aren't safe. Don’t think for a second you are. It doesn't matter where you go, you will never be safe! I'll leave for now, but you better believe we'll see each other again.”

 

He took one final bitter look and then ordered the retreat. His men seemed relieved that they had avoided a battle in which they didn’t have the advantage. Rain watched them go, seeing Indara staring at her from the group,  knowing she wasn’t really there.

 

Once the threat had passed they were lead to a large, comfortable looking camp. Tali and Gabe immediately took Miles to a waiting tent, and Rocco looked to have passed out in the grass, leaving her to make the necessary thanks. She stumbled over to where Oz stood talking to Miyuki and Surra. There was an awkwardness in seeing the Oro heir once more, given their almost forced mother/daughter relationship. Surra must have felt it too, because she gave a deep scowl almost immediately. Miyuki’s arm was in a sling, but it certainly looked bad, the flesh was a deep and angry purple, and the pain in her face showed. Nevertheless, she smiled at seeing Rain alright.

 

“Thanks for saving us, both of you. I don't know what we would have done if you hadn't come.”

 

“Probably would have died.” Surra said dismissively. “What the hell did you do to piss off the biggest dickwad in the wasteland?”

 

Rain closed her eyes, thinking of her latest kill. “Indara……she……I killed her.”

 

“You? Really?” Surra smirked, almost laughing. “Maybe you're not a total loss after all.”

 

Oz cleared his throat, trying to ignore the tension in the area. “Well…..uh……I was happy to help, Princess, happy to help for sure. But I gotta say, I really don’t need an enemy like Thorne. I may have overstated how much damage losing our northern trade routes would do. Plus, he's still got a lot more men than we do. If he marches down here……Look, I said I would help and I have, but I might not always be able to keep that promise.”

 

“I understand. Thanks again, Oz, really.” She said shaking his hand. She offered the the same to Surra, but had her hand slapped away.

 

“Oh, please. Like I came for you. I figured Miyuki might get herself killed, and I can't allow that. She's mine, after all.”

 

Miyuki was blushing more than Rain had ever seen before, but it didn't last long. Oz wrapped his big arm around Miyuki’s shoulder, making her scowl. “I gotta get this little lady to my doc. She messed her arm up good getting to us. I'll see you around.”

 

“I'll see you later, Miyuki.” Surra said with a sly smile. Her eyes though, were fixed on Oz. Rain chose to ignore this fact.

 

Rain moved on, looking for an uninhabited bed to crash on. At least she was still dry, but her head was pounding and she felt sick to her stomach.

 

“Looking for a place to crash?” Arax asked as she passed. As usual, Hanno was beside him, staring at his own feet. He didn't seem to be completely aware that she was there, but it was nice to see him anyway.

 

Rain put her hand on her forehead, trying to keep the pain at bay. “Any place is good. I’m pretty beat. Thanks for the help by the way.”

 

Arax just shrugged. “Aw, happy to do it. I'm a bit bummed we didn't get to fight, but oh well, I’m sure I’ll find something to kill on the way back. Anyway, there's a tent on the end there you can use. Get some sleep, we'll catch up later.”

 

She smiled and waved goodbye. Hanno finally focused, giving her a happy wave. She moved onward, ready to get some rest of her own.

 

“By the way, I heard I was almost your uncle!”

 

“Yeah, just about. It's weird to think about, isn't it?” Rain laughed weakly.

 

“Maybe you missed out on having me and Hanno as uncles, but I'd say you dodged a bullet in the end. I’m pretty sure Surra is the type of creature that eats it's young.”

 

She would have laughed, but she was in too much pain, so she just waved again and made it to her bed. With a final sigh of relief, she crashed down at last and closed her eyes. She opened them once more to find Indara in the tent with her, staring silently. She stuck her head under her pillow and closed her eyes as tightly a she could, listening to her own erratic breathing. It didn't matter. Eyes open or closed, Indara was still there. Rain wondered if she would ever leave, then wondered if she really wanted that. Sleep wouldn't come for some time.

 

                        *

 

“You're in luck, gorgeous.” Oz said proudly. “It just so happens I got the best doc in the wasteland and he arrived this morning from Pride. He'll fix you up in a jiffy. He's kinda odd though. His name is Dr. Edgar Payne.”

 

“Dr. Pain?” Miyuki asked with a frown. “Please tell me that's some kind of joke. An oxymoron like naming our homicidal robot Mr. Happy?”

 

“Nah, not like that. It's Payne with a Y. Trust me, he's the best there is, a bit unorthodox, but the best.”

 

“How unorthodox we talking about here?”

 

Oz just chuckled and led her to a closed tent. The inside looked clean and immaculate, with a few beds, one of which had a disheveled old man sleeping in it, and a table with two empty bottles of absinthe. There were also a few books laying scattered on the ground as well, displaying the anatomy of the human body. It all looked pretty complicated to her, but at least it was doctor like, and that made her feel better.

 

The quiet of the tent was interrupted by a loud snore from the old man in the bed. She looked over at him, smelling the booze on him from where she stood. Miyuki ignored him, still searching for the doctor. Oz however, moved to the bed and promptly shoved the old fella out of the sickbed. 

 

He shot up suddenly, coughing and sputtering. He wore a pair of plain brown slacks and a white shirt. His hair was white and frazzled, but his beard was neatly trimmed. He was clearly still drunk, his eyes were bloodshot and he nearly fell over upon trying to stand, so he settled on sitting back on the bed.

 

“Mr. Oz…….what a pleasure. I seemed to have fallen out of bed, but no worries. Please, feel no need to help me up. How can I be of assistance?” He asked with a yawn.

 

“I need you to take a look at my friend here. She's a bit messed up.”

 

Dr. Payne looked at her through squinted eyes. “Hmmmm. Is she another one of your lady callers? I think I've seen three since I arrived at Pride.”

 

“Not yet, but hey, I'm still trying. You never know.”

 

“It's not like that at all!” Miyuki exclaimed, punching Oz in the arm to get rid of his dumb grin.

 

“Hmmmm. Right. Well let's just have a look at you.” The doctor said, trying twice and failing to get to his feet. In the end he gave up and simply waved her closer.

 

Despite her ever growing doubts about this so called doctor, she stepped forward. He studied her in silence for a while, and he looked so serious, he almost began reassuring her. Finally he stood up and cleared his throat.

 

“Your arm's broken.”

 

“I know that already, you ignoramus!” She yelled.

 

He ignored her and stumbled over to a shelf, picking up a black bag, a dose of jet, and a bottle of absinthe. The more rational part of her wanted to turn and run out of the tent, but Oz didn't seem worried. Then again, it wasn’t his arm.

 

“From the looks of things, I'd say you used a stim-pack right after. Well, somehow you've jostled it so bad it's starting to heal wrong. We'll have to re-break it and start again.” 

 

That wasn't what she had hoped for, but she didn't let her fear show. Dr. Payne was rummaging through his bag, pulling out various tools, settling on a large, blackjack type rod. He smacked it in his palm once and nodded. Now terrified of what was to come, she struggled to keep her good hand from shaking from nerves.

 

“That booze and jet are for me, right? For the pain?”

 

Dr. Payne looked at her agog. “Well….uh….yes, of course. I just need a bit myself, I don't really like all this medical stuff. It's yucky.”

 

Her mouth dropped open. Was this old coot for real?! “Yucky?! You're a doctor! Why'd you become a doctor if you don't like medical stuff?”

 

He took a large gulp of the absinthe and handed it to her, followed by a hit of the jet. “Don't recall. My mother made me, I think, the old shrew. Don't get me wrong, the science behind it  fascinating, but for actual procedures, I need a bit of help. No worries though, I'm a much better doctor when I'm a teeny bit tipsy.” 

 

The old man started cackling at that, and Oz was practically splitting his gut. “I told you he’s a bit out there. Anyway, I'll leave you too it. Have fun now.”

 

“Hold up, now.” Edgar whined. “I need you to hold her still. She’s looking like she wants to hit me already. I dare say, she won’t like me much better after I do this.”

 

Oz groaned, but did as he was asked. Miyuki felt his heavy body drape itself over her, keeping her pinned. Dr. Payne had her stretch out her arm as much as she could, then grabbed her hand tightly.

 

He gave her a large smile. “Say cheese!”

 

“What?!”

 

“Atcha!” he yelled as he brought the rod downwards.  She had downed the rest of the green alcohol beforehand and sucked the jet dry, but still the pain shocked her into a loud scream. Thankfully, she passed out shortly after.

 

                          *

 

Surra had few things on her mind as she walked the large camp. First and most important was that Miyuki was going to be unable to provide her with any entertainment, not with her arm. Her second thought was how she planned in dealing with the first issue. Either way, her fun would have to wait. She had one last job before she could go home, and she preferred to get it out of the way now. Maybe the timing wasn't ideal, but she rarely let that stop her.

 

She entered the tent Miles was staying in, despite the big Brotherhood goon standing outside. Clearly the two lovebirds inside were in the middle of something, as the Scottish girl jumped and quickly covered a shirtless Miles’ up with a sheet. Miles just looked at her with a weary gaze. 

 

“Oooh…..It looks like I interrupted something steamy. Normally, I'd ask if I could join in, but I bet you don't like to share.”

 

“What do you want?!” Tali asked. “We're grateful and all, but we're in the middle of a medical examination.”

 

“Is that what you call it?” Surra asked with a sly grin. “Don't get me wrong, I love role play, no judgements.”

 

She heard Gabriel come in behind her, but she kept her eyes on Miles. Something seemed off with him. She had always heard such stories about Miles the Deathless, hell, she had even seen it. Now though……..He looked different, not nearly as legendary as the stories painted him to be.

 

“In all seriousness I have a message from my grandmother.”

 

When Miles finally spoke, it was hardly a whisper. “Give your message and go.”

 

“My grandmother wanted me ask if you had forgotten your earlier conversation with her, something about using the girl for your war?”

 

Miles kept his head down and voice low. “And she expects me to give you an answer, does she?”

 

“She also wanted me to relay her earlier promise that if you can’t keep that brat safe, she will. We both know what that would entail, and I'm still very opposed to it. So for my sake, get your shit together.”

 

Miles didn’t answer, his eyes staring into nothing. Gabriel stepped closer to her. “It's time for you to go. Now.”

 

Surra shrugged. “That's fine. I don’t need an answer. I think the message is pretty clear. I'll let you get back to your…..examination.”

 

She left the tent as requested and set her mind to more important matters. She scanned the camp, quickly finding her objective. He was big, handsome, and had a swagger she could appreciate.

 

The leader of Pride saw her coming. “Oh, hey. Miyuki is gonna be fine. Yeah, the doc is fitting her for a cast just to be safe.”

 

Surra didn't care about that. “You. My tent. Now.”

 

He looked at her with a small grin. “Whoa. Not that I'm not tempted or anything, but I thought you were with Miyuki? I don't want to cause any spats y’know. I’m no home wrecker.”

 

She jumped at him, wrapping her legs around his waist and began to nibble on his ear. “That wasn't a request. My tent. Now.”

 

Now his smile widened. “You're kinda a freaky girl, you know that? But what the hell, I’m game.”

 

She breathed heavily in his ear. “Shut up and go already. It's bad manners to keep a princess waiting.”

 

                         *

 

“Tali can you give Gabe and I the room, please? He's right, he deserves answers.” Miles said quietly.

 

She nodded and left the room while Gabriel pulled a chair and sat close to his friend. Then he went about explaining everything. The advanced Phoenix system in his body, and his bodies unfortunate rejection of it, where the trouble stemmed from. Gabriel sat quietly, taking it all in stoically. 

 

“I'm sorry for keeping this from you. You were the first person to join me on my path, to share my dream of making the world a better place. I couldn't ask for a better friend. I am sorry.”

 

Gabriel took his hand and squeezed it. “You don't have to apologize. If I had known………”

 

“What? You would have protected me? Shielded me with your own body? That's not how I am and you know that. All of you risk your lives every day for me. I've just had a little way of cheating, of not sharing that risk. That doesn't make me a hero. Actually, based on my recent actions I'd say I've made that very clear.”

 

“What the hell does that mean?”

 

“Old Lady Oro was right. I went into all this specifically because Rain and her gift. I…..used her and then when she got taken......”

 

Gabe shook his head. “Cap, that's not true. We all understand your reasons, we voted for it. You can't be so hard on yourself.”

 

“I didn't care. The moment I saw Thorne, nothing else mattered. Rain could have still been a hostage, but I just……didn't care. I was ready in an instant……to sacrifice all of you to get revenge. That's not who I used to be. I must have really died all those years ago.”

 

“Everything worked out though, Cap. She's fine, we're all fine. Look, you should get some rest.”

 

Miles had his face buried in his hands. “I feel like I’ve lost my way. I can’t even promise you I won’t do it again. Whenever Thorne is involved I just lose it. Gabe…..for a little while I want you to take over leading the missions. I need rest……I need to……to figure some things out, make peace with it.”

 

Gabe kept quiet for a moment. “Let me see. Your body, let me see it.”

 

“No.”

 

“Captain, I can take it. I just want to see how bad it is.”

 

Miles shook his head and began coughing again. “I don't want you too. Not that, not yet anyway. It won't change anything.”

 

“Is it painful? Besides the coughing and all?”

 

Miles pursed his lips and thought for a moment before nodding. “Yes. But I deal with it. It's my burden to bear, and at least this device has allowed me the chance to keep helping people. Don't worry so much. Everything is as it should be. Will you do as I’ve asked?”

 

“Of course, if that's what you want. No one is expecting you to be perfect, Miles.”

 

He laughed bitterly and shifted in the bed. “Well, that's a relief. Check on Rain for me, would you? Make sure she's okay.”

 

“Right. Sure thing, Miles.”

 

 Gabe stood with a sigh and left the tent. Tali was outside, and glanced at him, and he at her. There would be time for apologies later. Right now he just couldn't. He was still reeling from what he had learned, and a part of him couldn't even look at the woman without feeling angry. He walked the tents, looking for Rain. Might be that she would be asleep, but he needed to talk to her. It was clear that Indara’s death had hit her hard, which meant the two had talked together. Enough that she probably had questions for him.

 

He wasn't relishing the idea of dredging up the past, but she deserved to know his role in the synth wars up north. Miles had never asked, simply saying that most soldiers had a regret or two. He had never pushed further. As for regrets, Gabriel had plenty of those. Maybe talking to Rain would make her feel better, or maybe it would be all for himself.

 

When he finally found her, she was sitting up on her cot, pink diaper exposed for all to see. Her eyes were red, probably from crying. She looked like Miles in that moment. Exhausted and broken. He could feel the questions in her gaze, and the space those questions had put between them. He sat down beside her and considered his words carefully.

 

“I'm sorry about Indara. We had a brief scuffle, but I could tell she was……a good person.”

 

“Maybe there are no good people, Gabe. I can't say anymore. I liked Indara, but she had a lot of blood on her hands. But so do we. So do I. She begged me to stop, Gabriel, begged. But I didn’t listen, I couldn't. All I felt was that sense of righteousness, and the power flowing through me. I didn't want to stop. So I guess I'm just wondering if I’m the hero or the villain right now.”

 

“It’s easier when they're definitely assholes.” Gabe said. “When you know they killed for no reason, or because they were looking for some fun. Other people are a mix. Trust me, Rain, it's good to question these things. People who don't question usually end up regretting it.”

 

She looked at him coldly. “Are we finally going to talk about what Indara said about you? You've told me stories before about your adventures back east, about the Enclave or the Institute. You always made them sound……fantastical, like you were telling a little girl bedtime stories. How much of what you told me was true?”

 

He swallowed hard and closed his eyes. “All of it was true. If I made them sound like something other than what they were, it's because talking about them seriously was too hard. And maybe because they were some of best and worst times of my life.”

 

“I'm all ears, Gabe. My diaper is only a bit wet, so I got plenty of time.”

 

Gabriel nodded and began. “I wasn’t born in the Brotherhood. I was found as a baby, abandoned in some godforsaken ruin they were searching. There was a scribe there, who just couldn't leave me to die, so she took me in and became my mother. My whole life was spent wanting to wear that power armor. I believed in the Brotherhood and their mission, to keep dangerous technology out of the hands of those who might misuse it.”

 

“When I was twenty-five or so, I was sent east, to D.C. under the command of Elder Lyons. Things were…….different there. We lost contact with the Elders back west. So unlike back west, we actually protected people, along with collecting tech. I loved those days, felt like a hero I guess. Anyway, that's where I first fought against the Enclave.”

 

“It was over a water purifier, right?” Rain asked. “You won using a giant robot? That real too?”

 

“Indeed it is true. I got promoted after the battle to the rank of Paladin. It was the proudest day of my life. Then…..we took over the purifier from the scientists that made it. Made sense at the time. We had fought for it after all, bled for it. Looking back now, maybe that was the first sign of what was to come.”

 

“After a few years, I got sent to Boston. We protected people there too, I guess. Except we were more like an occupying army and people didn't see us as heroes anymore. I had my own unit under my command just as the war against the Institute began.”

 

“That's when you started killing synths like Indara.” Rain guessed.

 

“Not like her, no. They were more basic, just walking robots, killing machines with no conscience. At first anyway. The discovery of synths that looked human, some even believing they were human, shocked us to our core.”

 

 “The order came down that we were to eliminate all synths on contact. It was strange to me. We dedicated our lives to preserving technology, keeping it safe, not destroying it. But the answer was pretty obvious. What's the difference between a nuke or a giant robot or a vertibird, and a synth? Control. We couldn’t control the synths, so they were of no value to us. In fact, since the Institute controlled them they were a threat. And we hunted them without mercy.”

 

“You hunted them?”

 

“Yes. Never killed a human looking one myself, but…..I gave the orders. Until the day we captured some escaped synths. They were being escorted by some sympathizers, the Railroad. We caught them, had the synths on their knees.”

 

He paused. What came next must have been very painful. He started and stopped several times. “There was a girl, young, or made to look that way. She was begging…….for her life. I had to give the order, that was my job. The Brotherhood couldn’t be wrong.”

 

For some reason, Rain smiled. She could guess what happened next. “You didn't give the order though.”

 

“No. I couldn’t do it. I stopped my men and in the chaos…..I killed one, a young soldier, one who used to look up to me. Then I locked the rest up and went back to headquarters. I took as much as I could, schematics and weapons. Then I left, got as far away as possible. I wandered until Oz found me and took me to Pride. I spent a while there until a lone gunslinger showed up, and Oz suggested I go with him.”

 

“Miles.”

 

Gabriel nodded. “Until he came, my life didn't seem to have much purpose. I had betrayed and ran from the only family I had ever known, I had given up everything I cared about, and even though helping out at Pride was comforting, most days I just wanted to put a bullet in my brain. Miles saved me, gave me a purpose.”

 

Rain nodded. For the first time she saw Gabe as he saw himself. An old man, tired and full of regrets. Despite how painful the tale was in the telling, she was relieved to know that Indara had been wrong about him. He had a good heart, but then again Rain had always known that really.

 

She leaned over and gave him a hug. “Thanks for being honest with me.”

 

He just sighed and squeezed her hand. “Every person has to have a line, Rain. Now, I only follow orders I agree with. Don't ever cross your line, yeah? Stay true to who you are no matter the cost.”

 

                          *

 

Sleep came in waves, but never for very long. Her dreams were a constant replay of what had happened, of Indara’s head popping like a balloon. Even once when she did manage to sleep, she was awoken by Tali coming to change her diaper. And when she had drifted back to sleep the nightmare began again.

 

This time when she opened her eyes, she found Tali and Miyuki sitting in her tent. Miyuki looked better, despite her arm being in a rather unsightly cast. On the bright side it was pink. If she had been feeling more cheeky she might have pointed out that her diapers matched the cast. Knowing Miyuki, who on earth would have dared to put anything pink on her?

 

Miyuki noticed her before Tali. “Hey, glad you’re up. I’ve been worried about you.”

 

“I’m okay.” she said glumly. She couldn't even muster the energy to lie effectively. They knew it too. 

 

Tali changed her diaper once again while explaining that they would be staying with the combined Pride/Oro army at least another day. Miles needed the rest. Miyuki expressed a certain level of shock at this. Miles had never been down so long. 

 

Once she had been changed, she decided to go for a walk. Talking seemed to be just too much of a chore. Unfortunately, both Miyuki and Tali didn't get her desire for solitude and they walked alongside her. She could have said something, but she didn't. The sun was slowly rising, bringing with it a new day. 

 

Gabriel fell in beside them as they walked, but honestly, there wasn’t much to say. So they just small talked while Rain moved like an automaton, feeling numb to the world. As she looked for a way to escape the noise, they just happened to come across Oz leaving a tent, completely shirtless. He had a strange, haunted look in his eyes.

 

“Oh……uh……hey everybody. How’s it going? “

 

Oz looked uncharacteristically shaken. His ebony body was coated with a noticeable layer of sweat. Rain figured they could all guess the reason, but what she couldn’t understand is why he looked so frightened, like he had just faced down Thorne again.

 

“Geez Oz, can't you at least get dressed before you leave whatever poor girl you tricked into your bed?!” Miyuki complained.

 

“Whose the lucky lady, anyway?” Tali asked with a smirk.

 

“Oh, well…….you wouldn’t know her. Besides she's uh….”

 

“She's what?” came a familiar voice from inside the tent. A moment later Surra strolled out, looking annoyingly beautiful after just awakening. 

 

Miyuki tensed up and Rain couldn't tell what she was feeling. Jealousy was a big one, shock, and a sense of hurt and betrayal. Oz looked around, his hand running the back of his neck. He didn't look as guilty as he should have. Rather, he also tensed up when Surra emerged, nearly jumping on ace away from her.

 

“You fucked Oz?!” Miyuki asked at last.

 

Surra let out a big yawn and stretched her body. “What in the world is an Oz?” she actually laughed when when Miyuki incredulously pointed to him. “Oh, him? Yeah we banged. I was bored. Or wait….what did you call it big guy? Making love?”

 

Oz kept moving closer to Gabriel, but still couldn’t seem to commit to his escape. He looked miserable. As Miyuki and Surra argued back and forth Gabriel put an arm around him. 

 

“You know how to pick them, buddy. You know she literally eats hearts right?” Gabe chuckled.

 

Oz started walking away, his shoulders slumped. “When I get back to Pride, I think I'm gonna have a church built.”

 

“How come?”

 

The big man had that haunted look again. “Last night, man. Let’s just say I feel like I need a priest.”

 

Rain watched as Miyuki and Surra bickered, while Gabe and Tali teased Oz, then she took the chance to finally slip away. She wandered the camp aimlessly. The two armies were getting along famously, despite their differences. The Oro whooped and danced as they engaged in fighting bouts, the men and women of Pride cheered them on. She saw Arrax playing poker against Rocco and losing badly. Despite his unstable temper, he was showing some restraint as he handed over more and more caps for the shifty ghoul to take from him. Of course, Rocco was cheating, but everyone made their living somehow.

 

She thought about checking in on Miles, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She couldn't bear to see the dead look in his eyes, it reflected too much how she felt inside. Eventually, she found Hanno sitting by himself, seemingly enjoying the morning air. She took a seat on the ground beside him and found him to be the perfect companion. He was a presence, but one who didn't fill the air with noise. She wasn't even sure if he knew she was there.

 

For a while she thought she had found a bit of peace. But thoughts of Indara refused to leave her be, and she found herself crying again, softly. She buried her head in her knees and sobbed. After a moment, Hanno awkwardly put a hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him, wanting him speak all of a sudden, to curse her, to tell her that she was a horrible person for what she had done. But he didn't of course, he didn't even understand why she was upset. She laid her head on his shoulder as he was either comforting her or playing with her hair, it was hard to tell.

 

 It was enough in the end and she felt a little better after her crying fit. But she couldn’t help but wonder one thing. How was she ever going to get past this? How could she ever be what she had been before she had tossed that bullet back?

 

 

                           *

 

Viktor stood outside Jericho’s room, standing guard against……something, he didn’t know what. Jericho had been locked in there since his return, permitting no visitors.  Viktor himself had only gotten the bare basics of what had happened. It was a shit show to put it lightly. Indara’s death would cause chaos in the east, and while the men who had been there were keeping it under wraps for now, it would get out sooner or later. He still had no idea how he was going to break it to Aimee. He should have been there, but by the time he had made it back home it was too late. He had been forced to wait for Jericho’s return.

 

Sylvia came from down the hall and wrapped her arms around him. “Is he still not eating?”

 

“Nothing.”

 

“It's been days. Indara must have hit him hard. I can’t believe she's gone.”

 

Viktor had been surprised himself. Of all the generals, she was probably the toughest. But her death had thrown his already shaken and depressed leader into a darker pit of despair. There were things that needed his attention, but he kept his door locked and hid himself away.

 

“Titus is here.” Sylvia said reluctantly, still buried in his chest. She wanted to grieve too, but her responsibilities wouldn't let her.

 

Viktor nodded. That settled it. Grieving or not, this needed to end. He turned and moved his wife back. Then he kicked the door in. The room was totally dark, with Jericho sprawled on his sofa. He sat alone, surrounded by the luxury he scorned. Jericho didn’t seem surprised at the intrusion.

 

“I was wondering how long it was gonna take for you to break my door down. You showed admirable self restraint.”

 

“Hudson left this morning, headed back for his territory. News of Indara’s death is going spread fast. We need to appoint a successor.”

 

Jericho ran his hands through his hair. “We don’t have someone trustworthy, someone from our tribe.”

 

Their tribe, the one Jericho had formed originally as he battled the other tribes that now followed him. Many were dead, and the ones that were left had been spread out to the other territories, publicly to try and establish comradrie with former enemies, privately to be spies for Jericho. Either way, that wasn’t an option.

 

“Indara had picked her own second. He’s here now. Titus.”

 

He choked back a laugh. “The Centurion? The ex-Legion guy?”

 

“He uh……he doesn’t like that nickname.” Sylvia said quietly.

 

“Yeah well, that’s normally the case with nicknames, isn't it?” Jericho said dismissively. “I can’t trust some Legion lapdog.”

 

“Indara trusted him. And we don’t have anyone else.” Viktor said, trying to manage his patience.

 

Jericho thought for a few moments. “Send him in then.”

 

Titus was a dark skinned man with short cropped hair, average height. He had a notable tendency to wear blue, maybe because red reminded him too much of his Legion days. Viktor didn't know too much about him, aside from the fact that he was an excellent swordsman. He must have some skill and no small amount of luck to have walked away from Caesar and live to tell the tale.

 

Jericho stated him down, finally taking a bite from his uneaten plate of food. “So you want to take over Indara’s spot?”

 

“If you like.” Titus said. “Things were going well out east. Hopefully I can fill in the gap.”

 

“Why should I trust you? How do I know you're not still Legion?”

 

“I am Legion. That part of me runs too deep. But it’s also why you can count on me. I was loyal to Indara and the east. I still am.”

 

Jericho stared deep into the man's eyes, a small smile on his lips. Viktor had seen it too and knew what he would ask next. “You don't like me much do you, Titus?”

 

“I don't.” He said bluntly. “I left the Legion to get away from needless slaughter. Then I found you and your burnings and your cruelty. But she was different. Indara and I were building something good out east. The tribes might not have liked you, but they respected her. Things were good. Then you drug her back into your war with Miles, and now I find out she's been killed by some girl with magic powers. So here I am, once again forced to be the minion of a bloodthirsty warlord. Apparently that's all I'm suited for.”

 

“Not really inspiring confidence here, Titus.” Sylvia said.

 

Jericho laughed. “No kidding. I appreciate the honesty, but why would I want you for my general?”

 

“Indara cared for you. So for her sake at least, I’ll help you. I'll keep the east under control, because I care about it's people…..and because that's what she would have wanted.”

 

Viktor wondered what Jericho would do. He looked like he was considering shooting the man on the spot, and his mental state was hardly great right now. Titus seemed a flimsy choice, but then again most people here were. At least Indara had trusted him. The two men stared each other down and the result was anyone’s guess. But Jericho surprised him once again.

 

“Alright. I'm trusting you for now. Let’s hope I don't regret it.”

 

Titus didn't say another word. He just turned and left, and they had a new tenuous ally. At least Titus was open about his dislike, and Viktor figured his sense of honor wouldn't permit him to plot treachery.

 

Jericho sat back on his sofa and took a bite out of a pear. “That was either the best choice I could have made, or the very worst one. Anyway, what’s done is done. I want to talk about the girl. Rain. Have you posted the bounty like I asked?”

 

Viktor nodded. The bounty in question was ludicrous. 10,000 caps for one person was simply insane. Villages and entire populations had been wiped out for less. Viktor wasn't one to count caps, but even he knew that such an expense was going to be disastrous for their economy, at least in the short term.

 

Jericho sunk back into his dark mood almost instantly. “Viktor….if I asked…..would you kill her?”

 

“Yes.” He answered without delay. To be honest, he hoped he didn't have too. He didn't like the idea of cutting down some young girl, regardless of what she was capable of. The look on Sylvia’s face said she felt the same.

 

Jericho shook his head thankfully. “No. I want her hunted for a while. I want her to see that killing Indara was the worst mistake she could have made. But mark my words, her death will be avenged.”

 

“Indara’s dead?!” 

 

They looked over to see little Amiee standing on the open doorway. She was all dressed for bed in her pink nightgown and must have gotten tired of waiting for her mother. Viktor closed his eyes with frustration. Despite her young age, she understood death, the finality of it. He hadn't wanted Her to find out this way. Her eyes filled with tears and she ran off before anyone could stop her.

 

“Aimee, sweetheart wait!” Sylvia called as she chased after her.

 

“Aw, shit. I'm sorry man. Really.” Jericho said.

 

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

 

                             *

 

Aimee had found many hiding spots in her time in this tower, mostly to avoid her schoolwork. This time it was just to be alone. She was in a supply closet, one of many. Her mother wouldn't find her for a while.

 

She couldn’t believe Indara was dead. She was so nice, at least to her. Aimee used to sit on her lap and play with her hair. Occasionally, Indara would tell her about her adventures. It was hard to think that she would never see her again. The thought made her start crying all over again.

 

She wasn’t sure how much time had passed as she sat in the darkness of the closet. She knew she would need to leave shortly. Her dad might get upset if she hid too long. She just didn't want too yet. Leaving would make it real, she would have to face it, and she didn't know if she could face it yet.

 

The door opened, flooding the closet with light. For a  moment she figured her parents had found her. The figure in the doorway was familiar, she had seen him around before. He was called “Pretty Boy” by the others, probably as a mean joke Aimee figured. With his wavy hair and rogue smile, he might have been nice looking once. Now his face was marred by a long diagonal scar that ran down from his forehead to his chin.

 

“Hi, Mr. Tucker.” She squeaked out, finally remembering his name. Garret Tucker. She wasn't a fan of him. He always called her by a really annoying nickname. 

 

“Well now. What do we have here? What's wrong, little rat?”
 

[Wannatripbaby]

4 hours ago, vampire4 said:

Eyes open or closed, Indara was still there. Rain wondered if she would ever leave, then wondered if she really wanted that. Sleep wouldn't come for some time

Poor Rain...

Also just to re-cap, what exactly are Gabe and Miyuki confused about with Miles? Weren't they all together that one time they got captured and Miles was executed right in front of them, only for him to stand back up and fight?

[Hades]

5 hours ago, Wannatripbaby said:

Poor Rain...

Also just to re-cap, what exactly are Gabe and Miyuki confused about with Miles? Weren't they all together that one time they got captured and Miles was executed right in front of them, only for him to stand back up and fight?

Yeah, they all know that. But they thought he was really immortal. They didnt know about the implant. The only ones who knew  about it and that his body is rejecting it were Tali and Rain

 

Miles wanted the others to not have to worry about him.

 

[Wannatripbaby]

27 minutes ago, vampire4 said:

Yeah, they all know that. But they thought he was really immortal. They didnt know about the implant. The only ones who knew  about it and that his body is rejecting it were Tali and Rain

 

Miles wanted the others to not have to worry about him.

 

Ohhhhh gotcha. Sorry it's just been so long since those chapters it's hard to remember what they do/don't know.

[Guilend]

Yay. This is a great chapter.

[Wannatripbaby]

12 hours ago, vampire4 said:

Atcha!” he yelled as he brought the rod downwards.  She had downed the rest of the green alcohol beforehand and sucked the jet dry, but still the pain shocked her into a loud scream. Thankfully, she passed out shortly after.

Oh my. Why do I feel like she would've been better off with Tali doing the surgery? ?

*Thinks back to the various explosions that were once her "experiments" back at the base.*

Hmm... Well I'll reserve total judgment until I see the end result.

[Wannatripbaby]

12 hours ago, vampire4 said:

She breathed heavily in his ear. “Shut up and go already. It's bad manners to keep a princess waiting.”

Lol we've all been there, haven't we, gents?

... No? Okay then. XD

[Wannatripbaby]

13 hours ago, vampire4 said:

Maybe there are no good people, Gabe

Wow. That line... that hits hard.

[Wannatripbaby]

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

It was enough in the end and she felt a little better after her crying fit. But she couldn’t help but wonder one thing. How was she ever going to get past this? How could she ever be what she had been before she had tossed that bullet back?

Poor Rain... and also poor Oz. XD That was some much-needed levity in this chapter.