Pulling some sunglasses out from my pocket, I put them on. They were a gift from Mr. Burke's house that I lock picked a week or so ago. I felt they looked cool on me, and kept them. Glad to have you back, Dezbe. Let's go find Fort Bannister, and get yourself in some trouble. I smiled to myself. I took my first step into the familiar dirt, and I felt like I belonged. Like this was a part of my life I'd been missing and didn't even realize it. I waved to the Protectron outside Megaton and took my leave. The wind blew, and the sun shone as if it was welcoming me back in the real world again. Everything looked the same, even through my tinted sunglasses. I could see the Washington Memorial in the very far distance, and I smiled.
"There ya go, Three Dog."
I whispered, remembering how I had helped him put a dish up there so his words could reach through the entire Capitol Wasteland. Curious, I turned on my Pip-Boy radio. I hadn't been hearing his broadcasts, and maybe there'd be something interesting on there.
"Awoooo! It's me, Three Dog! Here's some good and juicy news for all you Wastelanders! You remember that lass from Vault 101? Well I just now caught wind that she's ventured out back into the Capitol Wasteland! I know, amazing right? Some tip off from Megaton told me she's heading on a mission of what? A good mission? A bad mission? We don't know yet, but if you see her give her a cheer, or better yet, some medical supplies. We're glad to have you back, 101, keep fighting the good fight!"
I smiled, and turned off my radio. It warmed me inside, to hear that everyone was cheering for me. That everyone wanted me to keep going. Well, maybe not everyone, but a good portion. Adjusting my pack and Fat Boy, I stepped through a puddle of irradiated water. I didn't think much about my surroundings. Every now and again I'd see a Raider somewhere far off in the distance, but I ignored them. My mission right now is to get to Jury Street Metro Station. If it was dark by then, I'd camp there. I planned on doing a sneak attack at Fort Bannister, getting them fuckers all at once with my Fat Boy.
I don't want to admit it, but this isn't about revenge. It's about Charon. I have to see if he's okay. I know if he is, I will stop at nothing to get him back with me. I won't take 'no' for an answer. I am Dezbe, Vigilante of the Capitol Wasteland, and nothing is going to stand in my way. I always get what I want, if I want it bad enough. I can forgive Charon for turning his back to me…but…can I forgive myself for turning around and literally stabbing him in the back?
I shook my head, remembering the look in his eyes as he slid down the wall. I didn't check to see if he was okay. I didn't look to see if he was bleeding, if he was going to live, I just turned my back and ran, his knife in my hand. I have some pretty nice scars on my arms from being shot at that day. The pain reminded me that I was alive. It reminded me of my mission, my duty, to escape and survive. I closed myself off after that. I shut down to anything that would give me comfort or pleasure. I shut down, and didn't let anything near me. Sometimes, you have to do that. Sometimes it's better to say goodbye, even if it is to someone like Charon. But not anymore. Now, I am back, I am ready, I am prepared to do this once and for all. I have to see him, and when I do, I'm not sure if I'll be able to contain myself. I'm not sure if I'll be able to keep it together, and remain stable. I just might lose myself, break down and crawl into his arms. I just might cry.