I am the lone wonderer. Yeah, as odd as that sounds, that is my name, or at least, my nickname. That is the name I have been given by the Capital Wasteland. This often confuses me because I'm actually not lonely nor am I alone. I have my personal and faithful companion, Dogmeat. He understands everything I say, which surprises me all the time. Then there's my other companion…

"Can I do something for you? Or… to you?" She grins at me flirtatiously, but sometimes I see nothing in those eyes. I sigh. How is it that, in abolishing slavery, I got a slave of my very own? I don't treat her as such, but she hasn't left me and I like to think she's going through the process of attaining awareness that she is actually free. I make it a point to tell her every day that she is free to choose any path she wants.

"Not at the moment." I reply, somewhat dryly since this is a regular occurrence. Before she could say anything else, I duck beneath one of the many large boulders that litter the wasteland. I can't say I'm good at analyzing situations. Many of my outcomes have purely been chance, whether positive or negative. My one virtue are my reflexes.

"Deathclaw." I mutter with a curse. And we were just about to get home… shit.

"I'll get him for you darling." She assures me with that accent that, not that I've told her, slightly annoys me.

Another thing I find surprising. She's absolutely useless with any weapon except a sniper. How this is possible, I'm not sure, maybe her previous owner gave her training. I never bother to ask though. Making her remember the past might end up reversing any positive effect I might have on her... if I have a positive effect on her that is. Either way, it's a good thing because I can't really move that fast in this particular power armor I'm wearing.

I hear a loud crack and wince as I realize that I shouldn't have been so close. Dogmeat whimpers slightly, his hearing being more sensitive than mine. I see the Deathclaw stagger a bit, one of its arms just barely hanging on to the main body by a flimsy piece of muscle. The bullet must have been imbedded inside because instead of a roar, I heard a gurgle, which I assume is from the blood in its lungs.

Satisfaction… and food. Well, at least that's what I assumed when the creature somehow spotted us and began running towards us. Immediately Dogmeat begins to growl as the threat approaches. I rummage through my pack and pull out my scoped magnum. This beauty has saved me quite a bit and I trust it to save me again. I can feel the effects of my implant working in sync with my pip-boy. I can feel my aim improve as I focus on the wound. I fire, then rapidly switch to my assault rifle, as does Clover but with her 10mm machine gun. The bullet hits and rips off the arm completely as the deathclaw continues gurgling. The loss of its appendage momentarily stuns it. We move in.

Reflexively it takes a swing at us, but this wasn't our first deathclaw. It is an animal of pure instinct so I simply duck back as my companions flank it. Having multiple targets while being wounded seemed to be too much for it as it couldn't decide. Not giving it a chance to decide I aim into the wounded area and spray. Clover does the same while Dogmeat attacks its leg, knocking it off balances. It hisses violently as its body contorts before finally falling.

I smile, feeling victory swell in my chest. These things always scared the crap out of me, but when you beat one it was the most incredible feeling in the world. Clover smirked victoriously as well before winking at me. I turn to Dogmeat and see him wagging his tail happily at me.

"Yeah, don't worry, I'll give you the juicy part this time." I say to him and he barks his assent.

"Hey." I turn to clover. "I thought it was my turn?"

Immediately Dogmeat went on the defensive as he barked at her. Somehow, she must've understood because she only seemed to get even more upset.

"No, you went last." I sigh, they always squabble like this.

"You're both wrong, I went last." I correct them. Both seemed to think for a bit before finally remembering.

"Oh yeah." Clover's eyes wandered towards me. "Thanks for reminding me hon."

I sigh. "Sure, no problem."

X

I really hated to do this, but these people basically saw me as their savior and one couldn't just let the opportunity pass up right?

"Welcome back!" One of the guards, a nice girl, greeted me.

"Sure…" I left it hanging because I didn't remember her. It was always important not to get too attached after all. Well, that's just simply bull. I just can't remember her name. She didn't seem to notice that I didn't call her by her name.

"Please, make yourself home. It is always good to see the savior of the wasteland!" My group stepped in as I took in a deep breath. The oasis always had a good scent to it. It felt alive.

"You're back!" Ah, I knew that voice. It was that old lady who read my fortune. Half the time she was right, half the time she wasn't. Either way, it was always impressive that she could even guess.

I nod. "I am, how are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling alright." Her wrinkly old face smiles warmly.

"How's Harold?" She gave me an admonishing look. "Sorry, Bob."

"He's actually been doing better." Her dark eyes, filled with aged wisdom, look at me. "He understands what you had to do."

I look at her, and I'm pretty sure I looked serious at the moment since she gave me a light smile. "Don't mope."

"I'm not moping." I reply curtly, but she simply stares at me knowingly. Dammit.

"By the way, I have good news for you." She smils excitedly, and that made me a bit curious.

I momentarily consider. Should I ask? I mean, there was only a 50-50 chance it would actually come to pass. "What is it?" I almost flinch as my mouth worked faster than my brain at that moment.

"Well, you're going to meet someone and cherish them with all your heart." The corners of her eyes crinkle as she gives a light laugh.

I look at her contemplating. "I assume it's a girl?"

A nod was the only answer I got. "She's… not going to cause much trouble right?" I momentarily flicker my eyes to the side, wondering if Clover was there. She wasn't. I almost feel like palming myself. She's probably in my cot, half-naked and waiting for me. Well, at least she's stopped trying to take my pants off while I sleep. I look at Dogmeat and can almost see a smile in his eyes.

"No silly." There's a laugh in her voice. "You will meet her someplace unexpected, however."

I was dubious, but I wasn't going to tell her. "Sounds great." She shook her head, presumably at my lack of enthusiasm. I yawn and realize that I really need to get to sleep. Glancing at my pip-boy, it read 11:42 pm.

"Get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a good day for you." I glance at her. Was she talking about the fortune reading? I couldn't tell. Either way, I need sleep and now.

X

I swim back up, gladly breathing in the air. Thankfully, no one ever bothered to search here, probably because this was considered holy ground. This is where I kept my stash of weapons, armor, meds, food, and other things. Well, some of them. It really wasn't smart keeping everything in one place. I had long since learned how to protect them from the water, that way they wouldn't get damaged. The only part I didn't like was the swimming part. I hated having to hold my breath for so long.

I dove back down, trying to pull the heavy sack along the ground since I wasn't strong enough to swim with the bag on. I grunt and finally manage to pull it out.

It takes me a while to unwrap and disentangle the plastic, but I manage it. I pull out 5 mags for my assault rifle and 3 barrels for my combat shotgun. I also grab an extra holder for my scoped magnum… I feel like I'm going to need it today. I grab two grenades, my laser rifle with enough ammunition for fifty shots, and some mirelurk cakes. I don't care what anyone said, those things were effing delicious!

Man I'm a pack-rat. I guess I should get the other packs as well, don't want the others to feel left out… or starve.

X

The sun was shining, like usual. It was hot, probably not the best day to go out for a walk. It was time for me to go past the boundaries of the Capitol Wastleland, which isn't a wasteland anymore. At least not much. There's finally clean water and the trees are finally beginning to spread thanks to Harold's unwilling help. Poor bastard, I honestly feel sorry for him. I should've killed him, but sometimes I get these urges to do good and I go with it. Of course, the opposite is true since I sometimes I get the urge to do bad. That's why while I may be considered the paragon of the Wasteland, I'm sometimes also considered the pariah and not always with the respective group. Everyone is different after all.

"Where are we going?" Clover asked. She was getting antsy and I smirked.

"We're going to meet a gooood friend." I felt giddy when I noticed the rather scary look on her face.

"You better not…" I arch an eyebrow at her. Was she questioning me? This was… good. Very good! She was finally starting to get her own will back.

"I mean, sure, whatever… hon." I frown, but the hesitation in her tone made it a little better. At least she was resisting. Dogmeat smiled at me, at least, I think that's what he was doing. That dog, he knew what was going to happen.

X

I hear a roar in the distance and immediately pull up my laser rifle. I listen to it once more and realize it didn't sound hostile. The ground shook slightly as Dogmeat seemed to prep himself, but without growling. Clover looked absolutely terrified and was fidgeting with her weapon. I move over to her and pluck the gun out of her hand, wouldn't want her to do anything hasty.

"Hey!" Her indignant look was replaced with fear as my good friend arrived. The Yao Gui, a massive creature, towered over her. His sunken eyes intimidated everyone, including Clover. It leaned in close to her, tilting its head as if inspecting her. Then, he licked her.

I gave a good laugh, as did Dogmeat in his dog-voice or whatever. While we enjoyed her suffering, Clover muttered curses and desperately tried to cover her face.

"Stop that!" Her voice rose to an unbelievably high tone, making her accent bug me even more. Ah, guess the fun was over.

I went over and patted the creature on its back. "Easy Yao. As much as you like her, you scare her buddy." Yao let out something akin to a huff and a growl. I pat his head as I pul out a special package.

"Hey, what do you say we go on a trip?" I ask him as I offer the mole rat meat. He sniffs it before gobbling it up… my hand included.

"Hey. I'm not edible." I think that through a bit and then say, "Well, I am, but please don't eat me."

He let my hand go and I had to wipe off all the drool. Man did that stink! I grimace as I look at Dogmeat. He shakes his head. Drat. Guess I can't wipe myself on him. I look at Clover, but she's too far gone in her hysteria and besides… she already has drool all over her face. Hmm….

I walk over to her and put my arm around her. "It's alright, you know he doesn't want to eat you." I say as I rub my arm against her back. She doesn't seem to notice.

"I don't give a shit!" She yells out. "He LICKED ME!"

I'd ask why that disturbs her, but my arm is already dry and we need to get going. "Alright." I placate her, "I get it, I won't let him do it again."

I'm lying of course, but she doesn't know that so it's all good. I hand Yao his long-journey pack, as I've dubbed, and we set on our way.

X

I see buildings in the distance. Having had to save the Wasteland, I never got to explore outside its boundaries. I wonder what awaits me?

I pause as both Dogmeat and Yao sniff the air. I wait for their signal. They don't growl or anything, so I assume everything is alright. Is this a bad time to say that I feel naked without my power armor? I mean, sure, I like being stealthy and I'm nimble, but if I could, I'd rather feel safe. I grip my pistol as I force myself to walk onward. A few more steps and I'm in the area. Maybe I should've asked for some help from the Brotherhood of Steel… or shanghaied one of those Talon mercenaries. They always have good weapons. I inhale and mentally calm myself. I'm focused, ready, aware.

I look down the scope. I see a shadow in one of the destroyed buildings. It looks vaguely familiar, but it's too blurred. Possibly there's a fire inside burning, which would account for the flickering image. I holster my pistol and pull out a grenade. The cold steel fits snugly in my palm, and I feel anxious. I really want to throw it, but it might be an innocent. I whisper to Dogmeat to get a closer look. Then I turn to Clover and ask her to cover for me. Yao immediately follows her. I'm tempted to roll my eyes, but I might miss something. At least he knows to protect her back. So far, the shadow isn't moving.

I scurry along the dirt, feeling odd as I do so. I remind myself of a role rat the moment. Those things always try to bite off my shins. I shake my head, no time for distractions. Cool, blue calm. I turn my head because I can feel Clover's sights on me. I gesture to her to look in front. I take in one more breath as I place my finger around the pin. I peek around the corner and notice… a chair. A tall chair, but a chair nonetheless. I'm about to leave when I wonder… what was a chair doing next to a fire in the first place?

I whip my head around quickly. There's no one there… or so I think. I listen carefully, trying to hear anything distinguishing. I hear a faint rubbing sound. I switch to my pistol as I walk forward slowly. My footsteps were slightly muffled since part of the floor gave way to dirt. I pull out a dagger and hold it horizontally, positioned just below my pistol. My heart is thrumming slowly, but strongly. A figure lashes out, running past me. Or at least, tried. I tripp him or her, whichever and they almost land face-first. I pin them down with my foot pressing against their head and my gun aimed at their back.

"Who are you?" My tone was simple, but stern. I wasn't going to shoot, but I would if I had to.

The figure quivered, but I pressed my boot harder. "Who are you?" I ask one more, with a little more force.

"I… I'm Sara." The voice was distinctly female, and young. I lightened my step, but not enough so that she could escape. Who knows if this was some sort of ruse? I keep my gun trained on her, my finger so close to pressing the trigger that it only needed a millimeter to actually fire. If she moved, it would be her end.

"Alright Sara. What are you doing here?" I saw her grasp the dirt and noticed the signs. I immediately put pressure once more, making her eat dirt.

Her voice came out strained and thin… and scared. "I was supposed to be back by yesterday. I was supposed to find supplies, um, food. They also wanted medicine, but I didn't know where to look. I looked everywhere before I was chased by those… things, dogs. I don't know!"

I wasn't moved, I couldn't afford to be. I look at her, only seeing a mess of tangled, dirtied hair. She wasn't carrying any armor, nor any noticeable weapon. I fought with myself a bit after looking at her. She really wasn't equipped, and her fear seemed real enough. My instincts told me… that I should let her go. So I did. In all my life, my instincts have never been wrong.

She immediately scurried away up against a wall. Her chest was heaving, and I noticed that her clothes were in decent shape. She must not have been out here long. "W-Who are you?" She asks and I arch an eyebrow. She hadn't heard of me? That was new… and welcomed.

"Just a lonely wanderer." I was tempted to laugh at my inside joke, but I figure she'd think I'd flipped my mind. First impressions were important after all.

Her eyes peer at me. I was almost shocked. They were so… innocent. It was almost as if she'd never seen any violence. Another thing clicks in my head. She was running from dogs. While I understood that a pack would definitely be something to run away from, couldn't she handle even one?

"How many dogs were out there?" I couldn't stifle my curiosity, and now she looks perplexed.

"Huh?" Was her so apt reply. I repeat once more and she continues to stare. "Um, I suppose, two?" She grabs her head and she suddenly looks tired. Next thing I know she passes out while I try to catch her. I succeed, but just barely. Great…

X

This beef jerky stuff was radical. I had read it in one of those old pre-war books on how to make it. I was cautious at first, didn't want to waste my supplies. It turned out alright in the end. In fact, they save a bunch of room since they contain all the nutrients in a smaller form. Course, that means I have to carry extra water because I get pretty thirsty. Wow, amazing, I don't have to worry about water anymore. Isn't that something?

Oh, she's stirring. "Morning." I say, but don't get a reaction until a minute later when she's fully awake. She stares at me with owlish eyes. She's paranoid. At least she's got something down right. Paranoia kept you alive out here.

"Uhh…" She was unsure of herself, that much I could see. Her legs folded into her, probably to make her feel safe. At least, that's what this one sike-o-logy book said. I'm not entirely sure, but that seems about right. She pauses after a moment to feel around, particularly what she had been sleeping on. All she got was a slight huff and a face-full of hot, stinky breath.

Her eyes totally bug out at the moment, and I'm tempted to grin. Scratch that, I am grinning. It was always amusing to see people's reactions. She scuttles backwards, terminally fearful of Yao. "Relax." I tell her, "He's not going to eat you… he already would've by now."

That didn't seem to calm her at all. "W…What is he?"

Now things are getting interesting. She's never seen a Yao Gui before? However, before I can ask, I hear this rumbling sound that I've heard all too often. I get up from my sitting position and offer her some beef jerky. She looks at it, not sure what it was, but her stomach did since it growled once more.

"Take it. Eat it." It must've sounded like a command because she snatched away, quick as a Radscoprion's attack. Then, as she began to chew on it, her face became a bundle of happiness. She was savoring the taste, and she chewed even slower, yet, somehow managed to eat even faster. It was gone by the time I went back to my spot.

"Can I have more?" Her voice was hopeful even as her eyes were cast away from me. Clearly she didn't trust me, but she was hungry and I was the only one with any food.

"You can have as many as you want, but why don't you have any food?" I ask as I hand her a few more, larger pieces. She grabs them from me and holds onto them like a lifeline made of meat.

She opens up for the first time. "Well, I was actually returning home after finding a few supplies." Her lips droop downward, a sign of frustration, "Then these dogs came out and chased me. I… I threw my sack at them and ran away."

Ah, she lost her supplies to the doggies eh? It's a shame, but… "Why didn't you have a weapon?"

"I thought they were just legend to keep us inside." She murmurs more to herself than to me. Something doesn't click.

"I thought you said you were sent to get supplies? Why would there be legends?" When she refused to reply, or even look my way, I knew the answer.

"You ran away." Having found the real reason for her being out here, she dug her head into her folded arms, which rested on her knees.

"So, you want us to take you home?" I almost felt like my neck was about to break from the speed her head whipped up.

"Yes!" She immediately answers. Her eyes were wide and she looked like a child. No, even the children in the Wasteland carried around weapons. She looked like a new-born baby is what.

I scratch my head. This was all so strange. "Alright, we'll leave during the day."

She looked at me confused, but then seemed to realize that she had been asleep. Just then, both Clover and Dogmeat entered our makeshift home. She blinked as she looked at Dogmeat. I saw her open her mouth, puff out her lungs, and I reached out to cover her mouth before she could do anything rash.

"He's not one of those dogs." I gesture to Dogmeat, even as I see the tears make her eyes shimmer. "Besides, he has hair."

Dogmeat barked his approval. The bark made her flinch and I sigh internally. "Here, lay on Yao. He doesn't bark." I tell her. I'm assuming she's alright with him since she backs into Yao's sleeping form. She didn't peel her eyes off Dogmeat though as he looked at me curiously. I shrug.

X

"Do you… want to touch it?" I asked as she stared at my… weapon. She looks from the gun in my hand to my face.

"Ah, no. It looks heavy." Was the Combat Shotgun heavy? It probably was, but I was used to it by now. Even so, she was still eyeing it from time to time and it bugged me a bit. She hadn't said much during our walk so far, and we've already been walking for half a day.

"This is kind of boring." Clover mentions for the fifth time. I pointedly ignore her.

"So how far away is it?" I ask Sara.

She peeks at me. I'm guessing she's either shy and still doesn't trust me. "It's about two days away."

"Two days?" Clover's voice rings out. I sigh.

"It's not that bad Clover. We've walked for longer you know." I tell her. I can see an argument coming to her lips, but she stops. In reply to her silence, I tell her that she's free. She doesn't immediately reply, but the corner of her lips twist slightly upward. Not necessarily a smile, but something close to it.

"What do you mean she's free?" Dana asks.

"Oh." I don't really feel like saying much. Long walks tend to make me mute. "Long story."

"We have a lot of time." She replies. She probably wasn't trying to be rude, but she was being nosy. I'll tell her, just when I'm well-rested and not on high alert.

"We do." I agree with her, but seal my lips. She notes my behavior and looks confused. I answer her look, "Just searching for the dogs, don't want them running behind us and biting our asses now."

Her face pales slightly. Was she really that scared of dogs? Guess she didn't consider Dogmeat a dog anymore since he was calmly walking beside her, tongue lolling out and the pack on either side making him look bigger than he actually was. He never got tired…. Ever. I wish I had the same energy he did. I look forward once more and as I focus on the landscape, I noticed it isn't as hilly. Actually, it's kind of flat with a few shrubs here and there. Nothing really notable other than the fact the rocks here seem to be smaller. Less cover. Hmmm. Just then, I hear barking before the sound is covered by Dana's scream.

"Dogs!" She yells safely from behind us. I look behind me and arch an eyebrow. Guess she really was scared of them. I tilt my head and Dogmeat moves next to me. I undo the pack and as soon as it's off, he darts away. Two dogs were a piece of cake for Dogmeat. Plus, he needed the exercise. He was getting a little big around the waist.

"Aren't you going to help him?" Dana asks, suddenly worried for Dogmeat. Or maybe she was worried he wouldn't survive and they would attack her. Guess it doesn't really matter, but thinking passes time.

"No. He can handle it. Just watch." I reply.

"Finally, some entertainment." Clover says. I hear Dogmeat's bark of challenge as one of the dogs snaps its jaw at Dogmeat. Sucks to be him because it overstretched its attack and now Dogmeat had full access to its neck. Dogmeat ripped quite a large hunk from its neck, and it was sure to bleed to death. Oh wait, it was dead already. Guess he hit something vital. The other wary dog growled at Dogmeat, but my faithful companion simply stared him down. It was a standstill for a moment before the other dog attacked Dogmeat, who actually lowered himself so the dog flew over him. At the last second, Dogmeat pushes himself up and slams the dog, sending him flying and tumbling. Ha, poor bastard is on its back now, trying to get back up. It's all wiggling and stuff, but Dogmeat spares no chance. With a fierce swoop, he clamps down on the dogs neck and slowly chokes it to death as blood undoubtedly stains Dogmeat's teeth. Before long, he returns with a grin in his eyes and his tail wagging.

"Good boy." I congratulate him with a pat on the head and a large portion of beef jerky. I should probably be conserving the food, but I think we'll last out, even with the additional traveler. I did put enough food and water for at least two weeks and Yao was already feasting on the dogs. And… what was that sound?

I turn around to see Dana spilling her guts. I'd ask if she was alright, but that was a stupid question. I wait for her to finish, her silent and solemn face looking older than it really was at the moment. Now I can't wait to meet these people of hers. They should be interesting at the very least.

X

I should've probably asked sooner, especially since I'm not the one leading, but the long, largely unentertaining trek left my mind numb to anything but random stray thoughts. "Just curious, do you actually know where you're going?"

She still looks a bit sullen from the previous event, but she does look better. "I do. I know this area like the back of my hand." I'm guessing she either has a map or has run away more than once. I would think about it, but I feel like my heart is in my head and my eyes feel strained. Seeing the same thing over and over again does eventually wear you out. Clover, for her part, looked absolutely dead.

I turn away, but then turn back when she asks, "How long have we been walking?"

"Two days." I reply, and I reach up to peel the dead skin from my lip. I flick it away and watch it disappear in the wind. Weeeee…

"I guess you're right, I see the tree." I turn to her. I hadn't seen a single tree out here, dead or a live. Must've missed it because of the mind-numbing journey.

"Well would you look at that." Clover puts a hand on her hip. "That's one big, fucking tree."

I hear Sara gasp as she covers her mouth. I feel the urge to chuckle, but too tired. Guess her people don't cuss either. Then I look at Clover because I can feel her staring at me. She says, "I bet you have a big tree in your pants honey." She grins and her eyes seem alive, just for a bit.

I look at her and grin. Although, I probably shouldn't have. I was only laughing at her joke, not really trying to insinuate anything. She looks… I'd say giddy, but it's hard to tell since I'm too tired. I turn away and say, "Alrighty then, let's meet the neighbors."

XXXXXXXXXX

Alright, I know I made a few mistakes. This is my first time writing in first-person, so I'm not sure what the rules are. If anyone could kindly point out how it's supposed to be written, I'd greatly appreciate it.

To my fans: I will continue Karakura Adventures, it's just that this story has been festering inside of me so I HAD to write it. Tell me what you think! And yes, I didn't do Bleach/Halo, sorry.