FALLOUT ½: Post Nuclear Mayhem

By Creepy D

And so it continues…

"I'm too depressed to go on

You'll be sorry when I'm gone

I never conquered, rarely came

16 just held such better days

Days when I still felt alive"

--"Adam's Song"

Blink 182

Chapter 1

Part 1

Ranma stared at his surroundings. The simple village had a few huts, but was dominated by tents and lean-tos. Elder Cologne, a woman he had met at a slave camp, had brought him to her village, Arroyo.

"Old one, I must take my revenge upon all slavers. I will not allow what happened to us to happen to any other person."

"In time, my son. Do you not wish to hone your skills and be able to take on all manner of vermin in this land and win? My people will help you to do this. We are Martial Artists, as well."

"Hmm…I suppose I could learn some more advanced tech's. Ah, one more question Elder-- Why did the slaver's take you, when they killed my father for being to old?"

"I believe they wanted to lure the young ones from my village, and ensnare them, child. Hush now, while I introduce you to your new master. Lo Shan is a martial artist, and, I believe, a bit better than you. You will learn much under her eye."

Cologne pointed towards a middle-aged woman, with bright green hair. The woman was about Ranma's height, a sharp contrast to the shriveled old woman by his side.

"Didn't you say you used to practice Martial Arts, Elder?" asked the boy.

"I did, my son, but that was well over a hundred years ago. My old bones just can't keep up anymore, though I dare say I could have wiped the floor with you. I will coach, but on the finer parts of the Art. Meditation, chi blasts, shiatsu, that sort of thing, Ranma."

The Lo Shan walked over to the pair, and stared Ranma straight in the eyes.

"Kid, when I get through with you, every Raider in the land will fear you. Then you will be able to get your revenge."

Ranma cracked a small smile. "Let's get to it, then."

*******************

One year later:

"Elder, I believe that it is time for me to seek my revenge."

Ranma knelt down next to Cologne, in her hut. She looked in his eyes, and realized he was right. The boy, no, Man, was now able to consistently beat every Martial Artist in the village. They had nothing left to teach him.

"Child, child, child…Do not rush things. The slavers will still be there tomorrow. You still must learn patience and tactics. But these are best learned on the battlefield, and will be known better. But, I am rambling. Forgive me. Ranma, our village is located in the very north of the land. I would suggest you leave for the Den, a city to the southeast. Here, take this device, it will aid you in your travels."

Cologne handed Ranma a PIPboy. He took it from her and placed it about his wrist. He looked down at her, instinctively knowing she had more to say.

"Also, take these. The pistol is a .44 Magnum Desert Eagle. It was our slavemaster's. The very one you kicked out of his hand. I have some armor for you too, a Combat Leather Jacket. It was my husband's, and I believe it is fitting for you to now wear it."

Ranma reverently put on the jacket, and tucked the pistol into the waste band of his army fatigues. He turned to look at a small mirror the old Amazon had, and smiled.

"Yes, that looks good. Elder, thank you for these gifts. I know how important and valuable they must be to you. I will wear the jacket with pride, knowing your husband wore it. The pistol will be an excellent reminder of what I am fighting against."

Cologne smiled, and said, "They do look good on you, my son. Wear them with pride. Please, Ranma, I want you to promise me that you will return to us when you have found your home and completed your vendetta." She coughed heavily for a minute, then continued, "I would like nothing more than for you to bring your fellow Vault-dwellers here. This will be a perfect place for them. I want you to come back and start a family. I want some grandbabies to play with before I die."

Ranma chuckled, and said, "Cologne, I believe you will outlive those Grandbabies. I promise, on my honor as a Martial Artist, to return to Arroyo, and start a family." He grinned. "Will that do?"

She poked him with her staff and replied, "Get out of here, and end all that slavery. But hurry up. I'm serious about those kids."

Ranma bowed and left the tent.

*******************

Part 2 coming soon.

What? No Mousse or Shampoo in the Amazon village? Any of you who are fans of the Fallout games can probably guess where they are. Kasumi will be making an appearance in the next chapter, along with Ucchan. Even Ryouga may make an entrance. Akane should be along in Ch. 2 Part 1.