Title: Remember Me?

Description: A multi-chapter fic exploring the relationship of the Lone Wanderer, Cassandra, and James. Takes place during and after Tranquility Lane.

Disclaimer: I own nothing, except Cassandra. Bethesda owns the rest!

Warning!: This story contains spoilers for the main questline, so beware if you have not completed the game (Though you have had over 5 years to finish it XD)

After giving Dogmeat a reassuring hug and commanding him to guard the bag of supplies, Cassandra turned to the metallic pod. At last, Vault 112. After three long, agonizing months, Cass and Dogmeat were finally done searching. It had taken so much time and blood and sweat and ammo. The first month alone was dedicated to getting on her feet— buying weapons, supplies, trying to stay alive. Then while doing research for Moira, Cass ran into Doctor Li, an old friend of her parents. From there she went and cleared out the Jefferson Memorial, and found her father's old holotapes. That's what led her to the dark, cold, empty vault she stood in now.

"Now or never," Cass said with a sigh. Pushing her chocolate curls out of her eyes, she approached the pod, caution making her hesitate. Was it a trap? After a moment of swearing and internal arguing, Cass jumped onto the pod.

The chair was uncomfortable and hard, and her issued Vault 112 jumpsuit was too tight around her chest and neck, making her sticky and annoyed. Suddenly she was having second thoughts about finding her father. Would he abandon her again? Did he still love her? What if he saw her and didn't recognize her?

Cass sat up, about to jump off, when the top half of the pod closed. So much for that plan, Cass thought, giving an annoyed huff. She sat back with a thud, and waited.

Nothing.

After a few minutes, Cassandra began to get anxious. She wanted to see her father, now! Maybe the pod was broken, and she was trapped in here? Dogmeat could break it open, or go get help, right? Maybe the robots outside the pod would help her? What if they were trying to kill her? Cass growled in frustration, and Dogmeat whined, sensing his master's quickly changing moods.

Cass' questions and fears quickly ceased when she heard a hissing noise come from the front of the pod. Opening her eyes, she saw a small tv screen approach her face, so she could hardly move. Was the air red? No way. She was just imagining things. Why was she so sleepy? The screen came to life, showing a picture of full, luscious trees and grass. That definitely was not normal. Fighting consciousness, Cass looked to screen, thinking of her father, and if he was okay. As her eyelids drooped closed, Cass could swear she saw a face of a young girl with demonic red eyes.

Dun-dun-dun!

When she opened her eyes, the first thing that stood out was the color. Instead of being full of greens and blues and browns, the scene around her was various shades of blacks and grays. Noting her surroundings, Cass felt the peacefulness of the place she was in, and her body relaxed, but her mind was having none of it. This is a simulation, not real. It's not real! Standing up, Cass heard a light melodic tune, and a shiver ran down her back.

"Hey there, kiddo!"

Cass jumped, and turned her head to the voice. What the. . ? Why did she have to look up? Sure, Cass was used to looking up at people, her 5'9 frame didn't allow her to do differently, but this man was tall! And who was that man calling 'kiddo'? She hadn't been called a kid in 9 years! Realization crossed her mind, and she looked down. Sure enough, Cass was no longer the nineteen year old who had a 'perfect' body by most people's standards, but rather a ten year old version of herself, stuck in an awkward and uncomfortable body.

Looking back up, Cass noticed the man was waiting for some sort of response. "Hello—"Cass' voice squeaked. That makes sense; it would be a little weird if I had my normal voice. "Hi mister. Have you seen my daddy?"

The man smiled. "No I haven't sweetie, but if I do I'll tell him you're looking for him." Cass smiled and nodded.

When the man continued on his way, she looked around. Thankfully, Cass could take the entire town in with one glance. With a determined look in her eye, the young girl walked on the sidewalk, passing people and houses alike. Everything was so . . . boring. The houses were all the same, everyone spoke in a cheerful voice, no one had a care or worry in the world. I could get used to it here. Ah who was she kidding? Cass was used to the daily struggles and adventures in the Wasteland and she didn't regret it, she embraced the hardships and challenges. Nothing would keep her from her life out in the sun.

After realizing that her father would not just simply appear, Cass decided to ask around. Maybe one of these people had spotted him and could point her in the right direction. The town was not that big, so it shouldn't take long for Cass to find a few clues. She stopped the first person she saw, a young woman with a Pre-war dress and a secretive expression. "Hi miss, I was wondering if you knew where my dad was?"

The woman barely acknowledged her, but was staring off at something else. Cass called the woman's attention again, and this time she got a response. "Hello dear, I haven't seen you around here before. I'm Martha Simpson, and this is Tranquility Lane. Did you need something?" Cass narrowed her child eyes. Yes, a very convincing simulation indeed.

"I'm new here, my name is Cassandra. Nice to meet you. I was wondering if you have seen my dad? I can't find him anywhere."

The woman, Martha, leaned down to Cass' height and pulled on her cheek. "Awww you poor dear! Why don't you run along and play with Betty until your father gets back?" Cass nodded. "Oh good! Betty is on the playground, right over there. Have fun dearie!" Before Cass could say anything else, Martha ran off. Standing still for a moment, Cass watched Martha and the man she was talking to earlier enter a house. They seemed to. . . secretive. Shrugging it off, Cass headed for the playground. Maybe this 'Betty' would know what's going on.

On her way to the girl, Cass passed a dog. He barked as she walked passed him, and she couldn't help but retrace her steps. Kneeling down, Cass began to run the dog's ears. "Hello boy!" Cass greeted, using a tone she only used with Dogmeat. The dog panted happily, and Cass' heart ached. She missed Dogmeat dearly, and this dog looked so much like him. Cass hugged the dog tightly, and when she looked into the dog's eyes, she pulled back in shock. The dog's eyes, her eyes, stared back at her. The same deep chocolate color she missed so much. Could it—? No, it can't be. The dog whined, and started towards her, but Cass stood up quickly, petting the dog on the head one last time before heading towards the girl, presumably Betty.

As Cass approached, Betty turned to her. A devious smile appeared on her face, and she spoke, her voice sickeningly sweet. "Oh my, a visitor. We're going to have so much fun!"