All Fallout characters and locations are the property of Bethesda and Obsidian.

-C

Dusty boots. Moonlight. The soft night breeze.

At night, the Mojave Desert is just as alive as it is in the day. Stalkers rushed after their victims, bandits raiding small camps to gather supplies, and lone wanderers marched under the stars. Many traveled at night, trading the sun for the moon, the heat for the cool air. At night is when the rats come out to play.

During the night, you can often hear screams, cries for help. Gunshots. The sounds of a scuffle between bitter enemies. The sounds from brahmin echoing across the desert. This was the Mojave after night.

I often joined in the party. I too had a part to play.

I usually danced in the night, making great use of the darkness. And I stalked the greedy and the dangerous.

I was a guardian.

One of many.

Our mission: To save the Mojave Wasteland.

Crouching, I saw him. He was fast asleep. And he wasn't alone. Two others laid on either side of him, also sound asleep. I looked around before I moved towards him soundlessly. Taking out my kit, I tapped the shoulder of the child in the middle. He opened his eyes and started to speak until I motioned to stay quiet. Nodding, he sat up and I quickly worked on removing his collar when the child next to him stirred. Grabbing him by the arm, I yanked the child next to me and watched as his companion awoke and looked around. The child squirmed under my hold and rushed over to his friend. They hugged and exchanges glances. I sighed and looked around, hoping the guard I saw earlier wasn't making his way back. I checked the time and looked at the two children. The boy looked at me, at his companion, and then back at me. Knowing what he was trying to say, I shook my head and pointed at him. Tear threaten to come down his face and his friend looked nervously. I shook my head. Then the kid had the nerve to stare me down, clutching to his friend's hand. I sighed in defeat.

Fine. Fine. I'll take both.

I motioned both towards me. Low. Quiet. Follow me. Once they understood my commands, I crouched down started moving towards the door. Looking around, I quickly left the room, my body close to the walls. I turned to look at the children, who were following my lead and were low against the wall. Stopping at the corner, I picked up a bottle cap and looked around to see where the next one laid. Rushing down the hallway, I followed the series of caps until I got to back of the complex.

The children were rushing to keep up but one of them tripped and fell. One of the guards heard and started to make his way over. Cursing, I grabbed the other child and placed him next to the door while grabbing my silent pistol. I moved swiftly and reached her just as the guard saw us. Two shots and he fell.

"Move."

As the girl ran off to join her friend, I checked the corners to make sure he didn't have friends. Still gripping to my gun, I went back to the children.

"This is the tricky part. We have to move fast now. They will notice that one of their guards is down. If I tell you to run, run. Don't look back. I will disable your collars so you can get past the fence. Meet me at Grey Rock. Understand?" The children nodded. I opened the door and started to run.

I overheard shouts from some of the guards and knew I had little time. No longer slient, I replaced my pistol with my trusty .45 and looked at them.

"Run. I'll see you soon. "

They ran and once I saw them out of sight, I turned to see five guards coming out of the door.

"We won't let you get away. Kill him."

Smirking, I took my aim and before any of them got a shot, I took three of the men down. The fourth swung his axe toward me. Ducking, I take my fifth shot into his stomach. The fifth man stood there, and started to take aim but he was just too slow. My sixth shot took his hand off. He immediately buckled down and stared at me as I reloaded.

"Who are you?"

Clicking the barrel, I looked at him.
"I'm a woman. Just so you know."

One shot and the man fell onto his side. Turning around, I made my way towards the fence. Ten minutes later, I saw the rock formation that all the natives called Grey Rock. Huddled by some trees, I saw the children.

"Are you ok?" I asked. The boy nodded. The girl started to tear up and the boy hugged her. Smiling, I walked over to the trees. I picked several pods and pocketed them for later. Then I heard them come to me.

"Who are you? And why did you save us?" The boy tentatively asked. Turning to him, I pulled out several papers and handed them to him. He read through a letter from his parents with his picture attached and then a notice for his safe return. "My…my mom and dad are looking for me? Are they ok?" I nodded and looked at the girl. "Though, I was only suppose to return with one. "

The girl looked down and the boy shook his head. "She has nowhere to go. She's…her…" The girl patted his hand and he fell silent. Kneeling down, I held her hand. "Don't worry, little one. I am sure things will work out. We'll find somewhere for you." She grinned and I stood up.

"Alright. It is a bit of a walk. We will walk the night, since it's safer. I hope to make it to Primm by tomorrow afternoon. Now come on. Stay close to me and let me know if we need to stop."

As we were about to leave, the boy started to say something, but the girl beat him to it.
"Thank you."

Hope to not only update this, but my Rayne story as well. Please review! Thank you!~