Disclaimer: I own nothing in this fanfic except for maybe Lauren, her weapons (Some, not all), and a few OCs that will appear later. After that, I own nothing.

Soundtrack: I'm With You by Avril Lavigne

Lauren Rose Conner had grown up with the war. Her father, John Conner, had taught her everything he knew about fighting the machines. He'd been training her from a young age. He taught her to fight, to hate, to absolutely loathe her enemies. She had his strength, authorative air, and piercing brown eyes. But Lauren had the brains, beauty, and ingenuity of her mother, Kate.

Everyone knew she was destined for greatness. How wouldn't they know that? She was daughter of John Conner, the last hope for humanity. Shame…too bad they were wrong about the last part. John Conner wasn't the last hope for humanity.

Lauren was.

Destiny played a cruel, grim hand for the girl when she was only six years old. She was a fighter, even then. But that day, that particular day, it'd not be enough. It'd not be enough to save her family or her friends. It'd barely be enough to save herself.

Somehow, the Hunter Killers managed to find the base that the Conners and several thousand others called home. John ordered his daughter to the underground "base" (As Lauren had liked to call it). John told her to stay there and not to move or make a sound. The girl did as she was told, though she had wanted to stay and fight. But her circumstances forced her down. Lauren didn't move, didn't make a single sound, while the bloodshed took place above her.

Finally, after two long days, the girl emerged from her hiding place. No one was left alive, but Lauren still tried to look for survivors, particularly her father.

"Dad!" she cried out for John, "Dad!" Lauren saw him finally in a bloody heap not too far from her mother.

Lauren poked his shoulder. "Dad? Dad, c'mon this isn't funny. We have to find survivors".

John Conner didn't move.

"Dad?" Lauren tried again before realization hit her fast and hard, "Help! Somebody! Anybody?!".

She teared up now. "Help…".

Lauren went up to her father's corpse and put its arm around her as she cried. She didn't even notice another's presence, but she heard a strong, somewhat stoic voice talk to her. It was almost…familiar.

"Your father cannot be with you anymore, Lauren Conner".

"It's my fault isn't it? Everything's my fault".

"Do not believe that, Lauren. None of this was your fault".

The Other was surprised that she hadn't turned and seen him. She was obviously loyal to her father…almost too loyal…

The Other pulled Lauren close into an embrace of his own. He wasn't good at this so called "comforting", but he would try. He didn't understand her tears or her loss, but he'd try at least.

"Stay with me…please" Lauren pleaded, still not looking at her comforter and sensing he was about to leave her.

"I cannot stay Lauren Conner. Like it or not-".

"Please!".

But there was no one to plead to. The Other then….well…he was gone. Lauren was alone…very, helplessly, alone.

A/N: As said, this is my first Terminator fic, so be nice, please. The song so doesn't suit the chapter, but it's based on what I was listening to when I wrote this. It's not over, there will be more chapters.