The Choices We Make, The Roads We Walk

by HalloweenBloodyQueen

Life was Never the same when Her Father left Vault 101, though she learned Quickly when she was thrown out into the wastes. But death has his ways of trying to end your breath, and when Valentyn has a too close of an encounter with a Raider she begins to realize she can't travel by herself for any longer. FLW/Charon. Rated properly for Adult Situations, Gore and swearing.

2. Ch2 Hunting and Hunted

AN: Hello everyone I hope the first chapter was enjoyable. I am not much of a person for writing so I do apologize for my lack of proper writing skills . I will try and make my chapters longer from now on unless for some reason I can not. I didn't realize the first chapter was short till I had uploaded it, lol oh well. Anyways I'm be going back to doing some artwork and stuffs. I will update soon!

The air was slightly cold to Valentyn's exposed skin which was decorated with several tattoos and scars. It caused a stir in her which her Body reluctantly welcomed as she began to awake from her sleep. Her vision was blurry but she could see the blocky shape of her pip-boy resting on the night stand beside her bed.

8:30 am

Valentyn lifted her head up from the mattress and rubbed her eyes, letting out a groan as she stretched her aching limbs out and sat up. long dusty black hair fell over her pierced face and lingered between her knees as she ran her hands through it, pulling it out of her face.

She stood up and reached over for her pip-boy and securely fixed it to her arm. Feeling the weight of it replaced the naked feeling it left when she took it off. She made her way over to her gear and began prepping to be ready to start her day.

She could hear Greta moving around Carol's place to start prepping the breakfast for those who were awake in time for the serve out.

I wonder if I can find someone here who would join me in my travels….every one seems so distant.

Maybe she could seek out some one who would join her on an Adventure, though she wasn't sure if she would find someone who wanted to help her out when she got caught in a precarious situation. And she had them happen to her often enough she could use the hand. It would also be nice to have someone who could handle themselves too, not that she couldn't protect them in return, but she had a hobby for hunting big game out in the wastes and Valentyn recalled upon a memory of a hunting trip gone bad when three yao guai cornered her on the edge of a cliff out near CanterBerry Commons. She had to slide down the rock face and wait out on a ledge. All the while two yao guai wait for her below and one above her. At that moment she had really wished she had planned her shot a little better. She learned from that lesson that's for sure. She waited 6 hours before a patrol of moving waste Landers scared the guai off far enough for her to escape down the ledge and join the patrol, which was kind enough to give her some supplies and sent her on her way.

She was lucky…but would luck run so freely when she had someone else to look after too?

She was beginning to think it was better to travel alone…but her stubbornness set in quickly. She would try and find someone here. And besides she would rather travel with a ghoul. She could relate to them more. She was reminded of when she had to work with butch in the garbage disposal of the Vault. And how he tried to toss her into the chute, but she kicked him in the chin good enough that fell over some crates and landed flat on his ass. She hated having to work beside Butch. She would rather work with a super mutant with severe retardation then him.

She shook her head and began to dress, she had taken long enough thinking that she wasn't going to get breakfast if she delayed anymore.

Valentyn quickly strapped and buckled up all her gear and made her way out.

Greta was already serving out breakfast, Squirrel on a stick. Yum…. But still better then nothing.

"Good Morning smooth skin. Just in time for breakfast, have a seat"

Greta gestured to the table and chair that was in the middle of the room. Valentyn seated herself as Greta placed the food on a plate in front of her.

"Thank You" Valentyn gave a nod and smile.

"Very Polite for a smooth skin, where are you from?" The ghoul in the pink sun dress handed out the food while waiting for the Human's answer.

Valentyn swallowed the bite she had taken of the chewy meat that seemed to be stuck to the stick. And paused for a moment. Greta noticed the pause and looked over to the human sitting at the table. A few of the ghouls in the room watched and waited for a response from the wanderer.

"I'm from a Vault. But I have been travelling the capital wastes for a few months now"

Valentyn looked up to see a few ghouls passing whispers to each other, a few went back to doing there own things when she met eyes with them.

Greta had turned from serving and looked at Valentyn.

"You must be the one the Three Dog speaks of all time on the radio. Hear some interesting things on you once in a while."

Valentyn placed her food down on the plate and sat up quietly.

What has she heard about me? Ive made some bad choices in the past…but nothing overly horrible.

By now Valentyn was feeling uneasy with the current situation. Now every clouded eye in the house was on her and she wasn't sure if the people in the room were going to tolerate her or rip her apart.

Greta walked up to Valentyn's table who only watched as the ghoul leant in on the table and looked at the dark eyed woman.

"Can I just say, I think you were absolutely…..Right for doing rid of those Bigot Assholes at Ten Penny Tower"

A Cocky smile came across the young ghouls face and Valentyn was taken aback for a moment, then she realized that Greta was complimenting her.

"oh!…well u-uh y-yes thank you, I am glad you think the same" Greta's smile only widened when she saw Valentyn's mood pick up from the absolute ground. she knew she had the smooth skin abit un easy. Greta was amused.

"Hahaha I bet I had you going for a moment smooth skin. Don't worry. I honestly was pleased to hear that some of our kind is finding an easier way of life. But I am disappointed that the residents wouldn't live together willingly with ghouls." Greta gave a slight frown which Valentyn noticed.

"Believe me, I tried to convince them to let them live with them. Some actually didn't mind having ghoul neighbours and I did let them know that their kindness was meaning something, but the majority ruled out in the end. I was left with no choice and neither was Roy"

A sigh escaped valentine's lips. The Memory flooded in like a white flash. Images of feral ghouls Smashing in the door and pouring out into the Dark Lobby of Ten Penny Tower like an infection moving through a blood stream. Roy and Her had come in Guns a blaze as ten penny residents fled for there lives. She could vividly remember seeing that Bitch Susan Lancaster's face being cleanly swiped off by a glowing one and colliding with the wall where it stuck firmly and splattered all over .

She was happy to see that skank die. The death that followed after filtered through the tower till her and Roy Reached the top and confronted Ten Penny. Mr. Burke was there too and Valentyn was sure to repay him for the time she spent making sure Megaton remained intact. Sick Perverted Fuck. Her pay back was sweet though, and Roy rewarded her greatly for helping them Obtain a New place to call Home.

"Roy re-paid me well That Day…" she added as she pointed to the large fabric bundle that housed her no prized possession.

Greta's eyes widened.

"so then can I ask you what your business is here in Underworld, Smooth skin?"

Greta took a seat across from Valentyn and crossed her legs, interested in knowing this Human's story. Most of the time she didn't care about other peoples business but it had been a while since a smooth skin came around….and she was the smooth skin from the Radio.

"Well you've obviously heard I am looking for someone who left my Vault…my Father. But I have my leads on where he could be….but that is my business. I am actually here looking for someone who would care to travel with me. Their protection for my protection. A companion so to speak"

Greta leant back into her chair.

"I don't really think you will find someone here who would be willing to leave the safety of Underworld…let alone travel with a smooth skin. Most ghouls here don't trust human anymore"

Valentyn felt a streak of disappointment come over her. She knew this was going to be the case. She might aswell just pack up and head else where. She was kidding herself when she thought she could travel with a ghoul. They didn't trust humans.

"what about the place across from here?" Valentyn asked.

"You mean the Ninth Circle?"

Valentyn Nodded at Greta and noticed the displeased expression that had now come over her face.

"that place is no good if you want my opinion. It's a bar run by a ghoul called Ahzrukhal. He is bad news all over. I wouldn't talk with him, nothing good ever comes from that man since he's been here."

Greta crossed her arms in disgust of the current conversation of person they spoke of.

Still Valentyn's curiosity was peaked, she figured that if there wasn't going to be some body she could travel with then she may as well stop for a drink then set off….maybe this Ahzrukhal guy had some work to offer? She could use some caps and a drink. If no work? Then oh well atleast she had a drink and could move on.

"I think I might pay a visit over there before I depart, thank you for the breakfast Greta. I'll thank Carol before I leave" Greta looked up at Valentyn in surprise and watched as she gathered her equipment and made her way to the front door. Nodding Carol a thank you before she departed through the doors. Leaving Greta in surprise, staring at Carol questioningly.

Valentyn eyed the double doors of the Ninth Circle from across the 2nd floor. Just the air around the place had a damp cold feel, she could tell it was a dive behind those doors. A low life bar. Sure the bar keep there was Not the best of people you could come across in the wastes. Greta made that clear. But that usually meant they had work that need to be finished. Ends that needed to be tied. Which to Valentyn meant that there were caps in it, and always a good amount of them. Sometimes the work of hired Gun was fun.

Valentyn was about to make her way over to the Ninth Circle when the familiar raspy voice caught her attention.

"Good morning Smooth skin. How's the headache?"

Winthrop greeted her with a smile and a wave of his vein exposed hand.

" morning Winthrop, I'm much better. How are you?" This ghoul was starting to grow on her. She had only known him for not even a day but he was friendly enough that Valentyn enjoyed knowing that at least she could talk to him.

Winthrop's smile widened more when Valentyn returned his greeting

"I'm good I was just stopping by to see Greta. We have a date planned for tonight. I found a good spot deeper into the museum that has a section of the ceiling missing. You can see the moon at night and I thought she would like it"

"Aw Winthrop that sounds wonderful I'm sure she'll love it" Valentyn was surprised at how thought full he was…she could use a guy like Winthrop in her life….Winthrop wasn't that bad to look at either. She took a moment to look the ghoul up and down. Little thoughts began to run through her head and for a moment Winthrop noticed she was staring a little too long.

"Er.. Y-yeah…so Smooth skin what are You doing on this Lovely Irradiated day?" Winthrop placed his hands together behind his back and rolled on his heels. Watching his new friend intently.

"well I was thinking of going to check out the Ninth Circle, just to see what's there and see if I can find some work." Valentyn gestured in the direction of the Ninth Circle and looked back over to Winthrop who, just like Greta had a disappointed look on his face.

"look smooth skin you don't need to resort to low life work, I can't offer caps but I do have medical supplies I can spare to you if you help me with finding scrap metal? I need it to fix the ventilation systems, they have been acting wonky for years and they could really use the repairs"

Valentyn looked at her Ghoul friend and smiled.

"I will keep an eye out for scraps for you Winthrop. But every man needs money in this world. But I hope you have a good evening with Greta tonight"

"…yeah you to smooth skin, take it easy " Winthrop had a slightly disappointed sound in his voice but that changed when he said his good bye and went on through to Carol's to see his Love.

Valentyn was free to make her venture over to the double doors of the Ninth Circle. She stood out front of them. She noted the smell of alcohol and mould that reeked from the place.

She gripped the brass handles and pulled. Walking into the dim light of the Ninth Circle.

Mossy Green eyes scanned over the scene. The Bar had a patron or two seated and loomed over the counter. Hunched over their drinks like it was the last one they were ever going to have. Her presence hadn't caused a single head to raise either then the one that was perched atop of a set of huge metal armoured shoulders. He was Dressed in leather from neck to toe and he was sure as hell as menacing as death, standing in the Dark Corner with nothing but the shroud of shadow that fell over his figure. The dim amber light made his feature visible to her. He was a ghoul. His face was adorn with cracked and flaked skin and muscle tissue, his bare arm was much the same but she noticed that the muscle that showed was firm and well toned. This ghoul was in shape and at the top of his game. She noticed him right away and he Noticed her Right away. It was his Job. But all he did was stare at her. And she could feel the intimidating glare of his glassy misty blue eyes that were every bit as foggy as any other ghouls. But they were frightening. She felt his intimidation and a knot began to wind in her gut…but not all her feelings were of fear for this ghoul. He struck another feeling inside her and that was curiosity. The kind of curiosity that made her venture into the wastes. She wanted to know who this ghoul was and why he stared at her like a hawk watching a mouse.

It took every bit of her to make herself move and walk up to the Ghoul. She felt like she was walking up to the grim reaper himself. He stared at her the whole way she made her way over to him but he did not say anything to her even when her small figure walked up to him. He easily dwarfed her in size. He must have been 6'8" if not more, and she was only 5'7" she was considerably shorter then him. This ghoul could easily break her if he wanted to and she knew this. But still she didn't back down and went on to make conversation with him.

"Excuse me I'm looking f-"

"Talk to Ahzrukhal" he interrupted. His voice was solid and with out any emotion and it took Valentyn aback.

"Yes But-"

" .Ahzrukhal."

This time Valentyn had the strong feeling of backing away from this ghoul. She got the feeling if she didn't that he would snap her in half. But she was only trying to ask him where this Ahzrukhal guy was.

"Charon do we have another Patron looking to drown their sorrows in a bottle of Alcoholic apathy?"

The Ghoul Paused as he rounded the corner of the wall which lead only to more tables with ghouls drinking them selves into a stupor. He must not have been no taller then Valentyn but he certainly wasn't any where near the height of the ghoul beside him which he named. his name is Charon? the name rung like a bell. and already she was wanting to know more about him. Didn't she know that curiosity killed the cat?

"Why Hello, Welcome my dear to the Ninth Circle, I am Ahzrukhal. Humble bar keep. And owner. How may I serve you?"

Ahzrukhal extended his hand out and cupped Valentyn's gently like it was a baby bird and brought it up to his cracked and chaffed lips and placing a soft kiss atop her hand.

Valentyn gave a crooked smile to the ghoul in front of her. She could read this guy was bad news. She didn't need Winthrop or Greta to tell her to know this.

The ghoul he called Charon just stared down at them observing as Ahzrukhal lead Valentyn over to the bar and presented her with a seat. He watched as they began Conversation.

"what can I get this fine young Lady?" Ahzrukhal's voice was refined and deep. But very gravely . He wheezed from time to time when he spoke.

"just a Beer please."

Valentyn was seated in front of Ahzrukhal who made his way to the fridge and returned with the beer. Placing the beverage in front of the woman in front of him, whom he looked up and down. Slowly. He noted on how she was well fit and it didn't help she wore clothing that was revealing. Stylish but revealing none the less. He hadn't seen a woman like her in a long time. Infact he could hardly remember the last time he even saw a woman bare and stripped of clothing . But he had no problem staring at her. His cold eyes looked over her, he shortly came to notice the wrapped weapon upon her back. He recognized the shape enough to know it was high powered rifle. Her look about her suggested she had seen combat and conflict in the wastes.

"so what brings you to this Dusty Corner of Underworld? Surely you are not here for the wonderful people" Ahzrukhal chuckled and leant on the bar top as if what ever word came out of Valentyn's lips was the words from an Angle. Valentyn knew this. She knew he was an asshole but she played along.

"Actually I am here looking for work….and maybe someone to join my in my travels…."

Valentyn paused and looked over her shoulder to the Ghoul standing in the dark corner who hadn't taken his eye off of them. She turned back to Ahzrukhal who to looked in the direction she was then straight at her.

"who is the guy in the corner?" she took a big chug of her beer.

Ahzrukhal straightened up and cleared his throat.

"Why, that's Charon. Let's just say he's my Loyal Employee. Don't mess with me and he won't mess with you" Ahzrukhal grinned widely.

"so He's you're Body Guard? " Valentyn Questioned.

" He has a contract which I Hold, which makes me his employer. He will do what I ask when I ask. Without question. You see, Charon grew up around a very interesting group of individuals. They…well, I guess you could say they brain washed him. He is absolutely loyal to whomever holds his contract. Unfailing ,unflinching until the day that employment ends"

Valentyn put her beer down on the counter which made a solid noise when it came into contact with the surface.

Yet again she looked over to the giant in the corner. She may have found someone who would server the roll she needed filled. But was this guy going to give up such an asset so easily.

"how much for the contract?"

Ahzrukhal stood straight up and laughed out loud with a long wheeze at the end.

"I'm sorry my dear but his contract is not for sale. He is an valuable asset to the Ninth Circle and to ….."

Ahzrukhal Paused for moment . He looked at Charon who was still observing his master from his spot in the corner, which seemed like he never moved from. Ahzrukhal's eyes turned back to Valentyn who was waiting an answer from the business dressed ghoul in front of her.

"2000 caps"

Valentyn straightened up and looked at Ahzrukhal who now had a wide and yellow grin. Arms crossed where he stood.

She let out an exhale. Looking at Charon and Pondering.

She didn't have 2000 caps. But she really didn't want to walk away from this deal. Something inside her screamed to get that Contract. There was something about this ghoul. This Man that she wanted to know.

Valentyn turned back to Ahzrukhal who patiently awaited her answer, with one eyebrow raised.

"How about we come to some sort of deal?"

Valentyn leaned in on her elbows atop the bar counter. Her lips pulled up into a pleasant smile and her eyes narrowed into Ahzrukhal's. his interest was peaked greatly by her offer and how she presented herself with it.

"Go on, Pussy cat. Entertain me?"

Good she had him.

"You are a man of Business, and an important one at that. You must have ends that need to be tied? I am a woman who knows her way around a gun. How about we come to a mutual arrangement? "

"I'm Listening"

Ahzrukhal was staring into Valentyns Black smoked rimmed eyes. He could smell the starts of profit flowing and his mouth was watering at the thought of having some caps roll his way…not to mention the fun he would have with this.

"I Rid you of some character's in your life that have crossed you, in payment for Charon's Contract"

"a hired Gun?…. Hmmmm"

Valentyn watched the Ghoul as the proposition ran through his mind several times. She could still feel the burning glare of Charon from the Corner but she refused to turn around until she received an answer.

"You my,Girl….. Have a deal. And I do say you will have your hands full with work right away" Ahzrukhal Cooed to her.

She could tell this was going to be more dirty work for some fucked asshole. Just like the work she did for Paradise falls, thought the caps were good back then.

Ahzrukhal reached his decrepit hand out and shook her smooth hand firmly. He grinned at the smoothness, he had thoughts of those smooth hands gracing other parts of his ghouled form.

Valentyn knew she was going to hate this work, but this was the way life was for her. To be honest Ahzrukhal could have rejected the offer and came up with a lot less dignifying way for her to pay off Charon's Contract.

"will you excuse me for a moment" She watched as the Ghoul took off to the Fridge once more and pulled out a large bottle of Vodka and diligently made his way back over to her. The grin he dawned was alittle to devilish for her liking but at least he had placed a large bottle of Vodka in front of her.

"Well, Shall we celebrate this wonderful Business Relationship we share and drink. We can discuss the means of you first 'Hunt' while we pound a few back, sounds like a wonderful evening eh?" Ahzrukhal gave the woman in front of him a cocky wink and she returned a happy yet fake smile back at him. Asshole she thought to herself. But atleast she was getting liquored, in the afternoon.

Valentyn and Ahzrukhal sat at a more private table in the Ninth Circle away from prying eyes and eavesdropping ears. They had sat and drank. Chatting away in the corner over a bottle of vodka. Valentyn oddly found Ahzrukhal's company some what enjoyable, but she didn't trust him as far as she could throw him. Not like she would get the opportunity, Charon would be on top of her in a heart beat. And she didn't want to fuck with him, that was not what she was here for.

She was decently buzzed and well aware of that, she noticed Ahzrukhal was getting there himself too. They had been conversing for some time about times in the wastes. Close calls with death that turned in their Favour. Ahzrukhal was swimming in his own stew of self indulgence. Boasting over his times of 'glory' in the wasteland. The money he made the life he Lived Before Underworld. He didn't describe his personal life in great detail just the Gun fights and time he swindled fools of their Caps.

He was laughing to himself. Ahzrukhal was Buzzing. It had been while since he sat with someone and drank and actually had a conversation, even if he was the one talking the whole time. He sat with Charon one time and drank with him. But he wasn't all that entertaining to sit with. He much more enjoyed this Human's company. His eyes trailed over to her and observed her closely. He toke notice of the rifle again. He cleared his throat.

"What does a little Girl Like you need a big gun like that for?" he Chuckled with a wheeze.

Valentyn lulled her head to the side to look at the ghoul then slowly looked over to her rifle. She was considerably more buzzed then she thought. She looked back to Ahzrukhal who smiling still. This guy fucking loves to smile. She placed a hand on the bundle and pulled it over.

Charon had Noticed her reach for her weapon and watched carefully from his spot. He was waiting for her to make a wrong move. But she didn't make that move he was wanting but instead pulled up the weapon and unwrapped it, he still watched her cautiously.

The Garb dropped to the floor and exposed Valentyn's rifle to Ahzrukhal. It was like a naked woman stood before him. He looked at her weapon as she lined up the scope with her best eye.

"I Hunt Game with this baby in my spare time. I sell what I get out of the sport"

Charon Admired the quality and condition of the gun, much like Willow did but he didn't give an indication he was impressed. He just remained unmoving but forever watching of the two.

"a little thing like you hunts big Bad monsters, like Death claws? Hahahahaha, my dear you are taking me for a fool!" Ahzrukhal Busted out laughing. His laugh somewhat startled Valentyn but her buzz was enough she only smiled and let her eyes roll over to something much more appealing to look at. Which happened to be Charon. His eyes met with hers and in her drunked state she hadn't realized she was staring at the ghoul with a smile that looked a little to happy for her to possibly be sober. She wouldn't have kept her eyes on him for that long if she wasn't drunk. Charon Looked at the woman who had locked gazes with him. He just stared. She couldn't tell there were thoughts running through that head. Maybe not often but he did have a mind of his own. He wasn't stupid and he knew Ahzrukhal was going to be pulling strings with this Smooth skin. He did it all the time. And he always had his ways. Charon was Usually left Cleaning up these Messes and something told him he would have to clean up this one too.

Ahzrukhal shot a glance up to his Employee, with that look. That look only Charon Knew.

"You don't believe me? just wait till I get rid of some pests for you" She was getting cocky now in her Drunk. Which Ahzrukhal noticed right away. How could he not.

"Which brings us to business. We shall see if your skill is on par enough for my liking. Let's see what kind of Creativity you can bring to the table with that Rifle of Your's. after all, you are a Creative person. Are you not?" Ahzrukhal held a hand out and gestured to her body and face. She was a step above the average waster in looks. She did stand out. Like she did Back in the Vault.

Valentyn gave him a firm nod and watched him with glassy eyes.

"Then you should have fun with this one. I know a Bastard Smooth skin who Sold me Chems a while Back for a good sum of caps. Thing is these chems were shit and my investment wasn't sellable. Which doesn't make Uncle Ahzrukahl very Happy. Having Customers Come to me for there Pick me ups and them Giving me Caps for it Makes ME Happy. So this Fuck has cheated me and I want pay back!"

Ahzrukhal had notably became annoyed in his tone while ranting through his buzz. Valentyn gave him her attention in full she didn't want to aggravate him.

She nodded slowly.

"So you want me to find him and get you money back-"

"I want the little Fuck Dead. You can do it in what ever way you see fit. Heck gut him and hang his intestines on rack for him to view as he dies. I don't care what ever makes you happy…. Just so long as I am happy and my pockets are full of caps!"

Ahzrukhal looked at her straight in the eye. He didn't say anything for a moment and she dare not open her mouth. A smirk began to crawl over his cracked lips as a chuckle escaped his throat which turned into laughter once more.

Valentyn was certain now this ghoul was cracked. But wasn't that what everyone was trying to tell her to begin with?

Charon had stopped watching finally. He looked off to the floor. His figure leant against the wall. Arms crossed.

"Very well, Ahzrukhal. Do you have any idea where I could possibly find this guy?"

Ahzrukhal leant back in his seat and groaned slightly.

"He mentioned something about a broken over pass near megaton. He said some where near that he has a shack near an old farm building. He makes his chems in a small lab. Nothing of any good by scientific standards. Kill him and you're the first step closer to that Contract"

Ahzrukhal Purred the word "Contract" which made Charon glance up with a slight Grimace present.

"I suggest you leave Early tomorrow. Since I doubt you'll leave tonight."

With that Ahzrukhal stood up and collected the bottle of Vodka and placed it back into the fridge.

Valentyn got his hint and collected her things. The guy was to cheap to finish the bottle. Whatever. She could just get drunk at Carol's anyways.

"Who am I looking for?" She questioned.

"what?" Ahzrukhal questioned back

"I need a Name. you didn't give me one. There are loads of Chem Makers in the wasteland, who was the one who fucked you over?"

Ahzrukhal looked at her like she was cracked. He seemed to be at a lack of words.

"J-Jeff…his Names was Jeff."

"Jeff. Alright well I guess I'll be leaving now. Thanks for the Drinks Ahzrukhal" she still kept her manners.

Valentyn approached the Double doors to exit. As she did she looked at Charon who just Stared at her as she departed.

Ahzrukhal watched the door shut behind her. He was sure to get a view of her Ass as she left. Charon looked over at him with a grimace as his Boss approached. Chuckling away.

"Ah Charon this will be undoubtedly some good fun. I haven't had a good time in a long while!"

Charon merely stared down at him.

" I am glad you don't Bother me with your Morality. I just point and you break."

And with That Ahzrukhal turned on his heels and made his way to the bar.

There he stood arms out leant over the marble top. He looked like the devil with a deal to offer and soul to collect. He could feel that woman in the palm of his hand. Now just to wrap her around his twisted finger .

This Ghoul was the Devil and Charon was the Ferry men who would deliver her to him. A toy.

Valentyn stood outside the Doors of the Ninth Circle. There was no doubt she was drunk. She had enough shots. And between her and Ahzrukhal they nearly finished the bottle. She wobbled abit from side to side. A few Underworld Residents looked at her awkwardly as they walked by.

Maybe I should go back to Carol's?

She was drunk but she couldn't stay teetering at the door of the Ninth Circle for the night. So she walked her way over to Carol's place. She was almost there but she tripped over a ghoul who was slouched on the floor with his legs out.

"Whoa man, Watch out….oh sorry" The ghoul Looked up at her in a groggy tone and went back to mumbling a song from the radio.

"n-no it's ok…" she apologized and made her way around the corner. This time she walked into someone who look familiar. His face was cracked and greenish. She knew this ghoul. She thinks she does.

"W-Winthrop? Oh sorry man I-I didn't see you there dude." she kinda slurred her words which made him look at her puzzled.

"Where have you been all day Smooth skin? You went to the Ninth Circle and no one has seen you for hours….. *sniff* …Are You Drunk Smooth Skin?"

Valentyn Straightened up and looked Winthrop in the face.

"Winthrop…as my friend I will be dead honest with you….Yes I am….. But not as bad as you think man."

she was really loose when she talked. All of a sudden anyone she talked to when she had a buzz on was her best friend. Which warranted in her books the use of the word 'dude' or 'man'. no one used that term for centuries. Winthrop knew she was drunk even if she said no.

"Were you in the Ninth Circle all Day? What for. Did that Ahzrukhal Guy doing something or say something?"

Valentyn had spent a lot of time in The Ninth Circle today. It was weird to Winthrop. The only people who spend a large amount of time in that slum were drunks and low lives. Valentyn didn't come off as a drunk. But the sharp scent of Vodka Made him second guess that thought.

"Ppshht nah man. It's all good. I got work and I set off in the morning. don't miss me too much okay?"

"Alright, Man" Winthrop answered back.

"let's just get you back to Carol's Place I hope you have Caps for another Night"

Winthrop helped her over to the doors of Carol's place and to the front desk. Where she dropped a bag of caps suitable for her to stay another Night.

"Staying another Night Smooth Skin?"

Carol Asked, Surprised to have the human stay another night.

Valentyn could only Nod a reply to her Ghoul Host and shuffle off with Winthrop to her room where he helped her to her bed.

She dropped her gear and flopped out on her bed and let out a sigh.

"I finally found someone to travel with me, Winthrop" she said breathlessly but with eager.

Winthrop was on his way out when he stopped at the door and looked at her.

"Is that so smooth skin, who?" he asked looking at her sprawled out on the bed. She rolled over and turned on the radio to GNR on her pip-boy

"I can't tell you yet, it's a secret" She looked at him with a small smile and began to blink her eyes.

"Good night Winthrop, have a good Date with Greta Tonight…." She yawned and Waved.

Winthrop opened his mouth to say something but he stopped instead he returned the smile.

"Thanks Smooth Skin. Good Night"

Winthrop shut the door and walked away. He couldn't help but have this lingering feeling that began to flood him. This for sure was going to be on his mind all night.

Valentyn's Head was slightly woozy when she stirred from her sleep.

She had slept in her gear and didn't bother taking her pip-boy off for the night either. Her arms was aching now from the lack of care due to her drunkenness. But nothing a good stretch couldn't fix. She looked with sore eyes at the time.

6:30 am

…

It was early but Valentyn rolled over her bed and swung her feet over the side. She stretched. Releasing the ache of her Muscles and let out a sigh.

No need to get dressed this morning she was already there. She collected her things and made her way out. As she was about to grab the knob her foot bumped something, she nearly tripped over the object.

Valentyn looked down to see a small package at her Feet. It was a small brown paper package, the paper looked old and dry. Like it would degrade if she picked it up but she did anyways.

Her attention was caught by the note that was attached which she removed and unfolded.

" Hey Smooth skin.

Since you are leaving so soon, here is a few supplies to help you on the way.

We would like to see you again soon, it's been awhile since a smooth skin walked into Underworld and was actually a decent person. We hope to see you return soon.

From Your Friends. "

Valentyn looked from the note to the package in her hand. She was surprised. These ghouls didn't need to help her out. They've only known her for a few days. Sure they have heard her over the Radio from Three Dog of Good things she's done, but Some of them were not as good. Sometimes Three Dog made her seem like a total Fucking Asshole….not that she couldn't be. She was faced with enough situations that she sometimes came out being the Monster in the end. But what good she did do was equal to her Bad. She was just some one out in the wastes. Trying to get by, to survive. Isn't that what everyone else did. Was everyone else faced with dire situations as often as she had too? Or was that just her luck?

Valentyn placed the note in her back Pocket and pulled on the paper to tear it away from the object of desire inside. The paper tore away to reveal 4 stimpacs.

Her eyes widened.

Oh my god they didn't need to give these to me….

She was very thankful for this gift. She was come with a little injection of joy that gave her a new feeling this morning. The kind that gives you that little nudge out the door. It's gonna be a good day.

She would be sure to repay them double for this help. Valentyn really did start to consider that she would be accepted in to Underworld gradually. This made her Feel Sentimental inside a bit.

The Same sentimental value the Vault gave her just before she left.

The air was cold this morning. Grey clouds loomed over D.C. bits of sun peaked through the holes in the clouds. Valentyn admired the stretch of sky today. Quiet lovely against the broken and demolished buildings.

Willow was already out on Patrol. The ghoul noticed the human right away.

"Leaving already Smooth skin?" she asked as Valentyn Approached.

"Unfortunately, yes. But just for a few days. I am coming back"

Valentyn adjusted her weapon straps. Double checking to make sure she had everything.

"well that is good news. Don't get to many holes in yourself while you're gone touring D.C. Super Mutants leave us ghouls alone, but you…..you are a much more tempting target"

Willow warned the waster Lander. Super mutants didn't mess with Ghouls much. It must have had to do with the fact they were both mutated beings….that or ghouls couldn't be turned into Super Mutants, only Humans.

Valentyn gave Willow an assured Nod and made her way to the Metro Tunnels she had emerged from a few days ago. This time though she doubted there would be anything down there to hinder her from getting to the area around Megaton.

She pushed the gate open to the Metro and ventured forward into the darkness. The wind howled through the halls deep into the Metro. The pungent smell of rotting flesh and the coppery scent of blood was rampant through the air. Valentyn knew it was from the decaying corpses of the raiders she had killed.

She entered the Platform section and looked down over the rails at the bodies of the raiders. The blood was brown and the corpses had already set into Rigs. Stiff and cold like ice. Valentyn observed the Rad roaches that crawled over the corpses and ate away at the dead meat. their mandibles clicked and their Wings buzzed as they feasted. The insects took no notice to Valentyn as she Ventured back into the Depth of the Metro Tunnels.

It was almost the afternoon by the time She got clear of the Metro Tunnels and into the out skirts of the D.C Ruins. If she traveled fast enough and didn't delay she could make it to Megaton by sun set. She would camp outside of Megaton. She had everything she needed. No need to stop there and get distracted. People knew her there and there was usually someone who wanted to stop and drink with her or do the odd chem. And she didn't feel like seeing Moira's face or be asked if Mirelurks are Intelligent or not. That stupid survival book had gotten her into trouble with only a few things as a reward for sticking her neck out for the name of science. Pfft Science. Her Body guard wouldn't tolerate her doing her little "Experiments" he bitched he wasn't getting paid enough. The guy was smart in that sense. None the less she had all she needed. Just get this job done and report back to Ahzrukhal.

The wastes were wide and expansive. You could see for miles. Nothing but rock and dust. Ruins of old houses lay strewn about the earth. Jagged rocks and black dead trees. You could hear the dust in the air.

She traveled over rock and hill. Keeping her eyes open for signs of trouble. She always had to be wary. Death loves to sneak up on you, he never lets you rest once.

It was a good thing she had excellent vision and speed. It was why her weapon was a sniper rifle. See something that proves a threat before hand and you have less work to deal with in the Future.

She was nearing Megaton and within good time too. The Sun was just in the midst of setting of to the east. She had time to hunt a meal and set up Camp. Valentyn slung her rifle from her back and looked around for a decent spot to camp for the night. She shielded her eyes from the sun as it set. She eyed a high ridge to the south. It had an over hanging rock that was over just enough that she had some cover in case the rains came. But the sky didn't look like it was going to rain. It was decorated with streams of long thick clouds that were lit with amber and streaks of pink. It was vibrant. It must have been the radiation in the air. It intensified the look of the sky.

She trekked over and began to set up camp.

The silence that was in the air, was a common luxury. One she liked very much. She could ear everything out in the wastes with ear shot of her.

Valentyn was perched atop a rock face looking into a wide ditch. There where large mounds with holes gaping in them. The earth was recently disturbed by a burrowing animal. She knew something was to emerge soon.

She trained her scope on the mound and waited. Her finger fixed to the trigger waiting.

There was long gap of time before she saw the dust begin to stir around the opening of the mound, but eventually a large pink toothed snout poked out and sniffed the air.

The Mole Rat was virtually blind but it relied greatly on it's sense of smell. Luckily Valentyn was well out of Wind direction. The animal emerged completely from it's burrow and began to scavenge the area around it's home.

Her scopes were on it's head and she took a deep inhale but didn't release.

She squeezed.

A loud Bang rung through the air as the Bullet whizzed into it's target. Splattering the creatures head across the ground. It's body jolted and made the attempts to escape as the brain was blown clean off the nerve circuits.

Valentyn pulled her face away from the scope and watched as the body slowly stopped convulsing.

She returned her weapon to her back and made her way to her prize. Removing a large hunting knife from her belt. she plunged the blade in and began to slice away. Removing what meat she needed for her dinner tonight. The smell was disgusting but she was getting used to it now. This was becoming a second nature to her. Besides she was used to seeing enough gore now. She really didn't have a problem looking at it anyways. It was rather fascinating.

She held her steaks up and made her way back to camp.

The fire cracked and popped as the wood burned slowly. She was sitting in a glow of warm light. The fire was a comfort. A comfort man had gotten used to since they first discovered the uses for fire. Her mole Rat steaks were roasting over the flames nicely. The sticks shoved through them held them in place over the scorching flames below.

It was quiet out tonight. But she could hear the liveliness of Megatons citizens even through those thick metal walls that seemed impenetrable. The lights were the only thing that lit up the sky over the Capital Waste land. She was glad this place still existed. It was right in the middle of this god forsaken dive, but it was a beacon to people who need a place to rest or be safe.

She missed her little shack. It was awhile since she had been there. Hope Wadsworth was keeping shit heads out of her place.

She sat back against the large rock. The smell of cooking meat filled her nose. She was starving and couldn't wait for them to be done roasting.

She looked at her pip-boy…to bad she couldn't get GNR out here. But the silence was nice.

Valentyn looked out over the wastes. It stretched out far and wide. The sky went on forever in a see of deep blue. She could here the howls of feral dogs in the distance. But they were far enough away not to be a bother to her.

Valentyn was enjoying herself. Nothing seemed like it could go wrong.

She looked up at the stars. She thought about her Father. And if she would ever see him again. Was he safe? Was he even still alive? Would she live long enough to find him?

Her thoughts ran through her head. So many so much. All the faces she had met…all the faces she had know of people who are now dead and gone. Faces she had beaten in, blown apart.

All the faces. And yet one struck out the most.

Charon. The Ghoul who stood like Death. A Wall of leather armour and muscles. Muscle… She Remembered his Size. He was Tall and intimidating. She would hope that she would never have to Tango with him. She knew she would lose. But for all the faces to linger in her mind, and it was his face. His Eyes were burned into her mind. Why was he in her head? She hardly knew anything about this ghoul. She knew enough that he was someone who could handle himself.

Wasn't that all she needed to know? Why did it matter if she knew more about him? He acted like a guard Dog that had a leash. His Contract was his leash. Maybe it was Cuz she Liked the Idea of having someone in her control, maybe she liked the thought of having someone who could easily killer her in the palm of her hand. A man on the end of a leash. Her Dog. He would be an obedient little hell hound. The thought was deliciously sweet between her lips.

She sat with a smirk across her face. She admitted that she was a bit messed up. A little sadistic. But who wasn't now a days?

She was enjoying herself and the thoughts that followed through her dark little mind.

Valentyn stared off into the night nothing was going to interrupt her thoughts. The crackling of the flames where crisp. The snapping was sharp it continued.

SNAP!

Valentyn shot up from her thoughts.

That snap was a little to loud to have come from the fire….

She got up into a crouched position from her seated one. Something was up.

I'm not alone

SNAP!

Another loud snap cracked through the air. It was coming from a distance behind the large stone she was camped under. There were a thick patch of trees behind her location. She made her way through it on her way back from the Mole Rat kill.

The tree's there were thick together. Enough for an average man to get through. It must be human or at least the size of one.

SNAP!…CRASH!

Valentyn straightened up to the sounds of several trees snapping in half and landing on the hard earth beneath.

This wasn't Human it was to big to be and it was coming ever closer to her.

Valentyn was now reaching for her Sniper Rifle. She gripped it firmly in her hands. Her finger on the trigger. Waiting for the first shot.

The snapping continued. More trees buckled and splintered under the weight and force of whatever it was causing the destruction.

Valentyn held to her spot. She paused and listened when the crashing had ceased.

She listened.

…..

There was nothing. Just silence. She backed up a abit. Looking behind her she noticed the ledge to a small cliff she was on. A good 18 foot drop down a straight rock face to the ground below. If she couldn't fight off what was coming she would be forced to escape down the rock face.

She focused back to the silence. every thing was dead quiet. All accept her pounding heart that was in her ears. It got louder as she stared off into the abyss of darkness that was night. Only the camp fire lit the way but it didn't penetrate that solid wall of black.

The pounding faded from her ears slightly as the sound of a low breathing got louder and louder. It was low, deep in rhythm.

And only just as the Beast leapt from the darkness Forward into the light of the flames did she Realize what she was facing.

It was huge and almost hairless, it's rippling muscles undulated beneath the thick dark skin. It's pupil-less eyes gave this creature a demonic look. It was truly a beast from hell. Valentyn swore she could feel the heat of Hell it's self upon her face. Everything was slow in her mind. She raised her rifle up as she stumbled backwards. Falling as the beast came down in the spot she was in. it would have had her if she hadn't moved back.

She fell back onto the ledge. She had lost her sense of balance and went clean over the edge.

Valentyn let out a yelp as she reached out to grab anything she could before she hit the ground.

Her hand found home on a rock. She gripped it tightly. Her arm was under strain as her weight swung from her out reached limb. Still she held tight.

She looked up to she the salivating face of the Guai. Valentyn Looked Below her.

It was a good drop from here but she couldn't hold on forever. Fuck! This was like the last time she encountered a Yao Guai.

She noticed the Beast had ran off to find a better route to her. Valentyn prepared for the drop and let go of the ledge.

She landed hard against the ground. She stumbled to her feet as she quickly tried to regain herself. In the mess of her dark hair she caught a glimpse of the Yao running straight for her.

"Aw Fuck!" she shouted and ran as fast as she could in the direction towards Megaton.

Her heart was in her throat. It couldn't possibly beat any harder then it was now. The last shot of adrenalin in her system was enough to push her to the limit. She hadn't ran so fast in her life.

Valentyn hurdled over rocks and knocked over logs and debris. She dare not look behind her.

The Yao Guai was in hot pursuit of her. It's growl made Valentyn shake. She swore she could feel it's Hot stinking Breath on the back of her neck. Any second she thought it would have her. She was counting the seconds.

Megaton was in view. She was almost there. She pushed herself. Forcing her legs to move faster. The Beast was closing in and readying to make the pounce that would crush it's prey.

She saw the gate.

"Open the Fucking Gate!" she shouted as hard as she could.

Someone had to hear her.

Valentyn began to slow down when she noticed no sign of the gate moving open. She stopped. And turned to look. Time stood still as she met eyes with the charging monstrosity before her. It's jaws wide open.

The force of it's powerful hind legs launched the hulking beast forward to make the killing blow. Teeth bear and ready to sink into flesh.

She raised her rifle up and aimed. The beast was over her small frame as it came down.

BANG!

She fell to the ground as the massive animal landed atop of her. All her breath was forced out of her lungs as the weight began to squeeze her between the earth.

Her eyes were screwed shot. She was waiting to feel the blinding pain of the bears fangs and claws plunge into her flesh and begin tearing her skin open.

But it never came. The only pain she felt was the crushing feeling of the dead mass that was no longer breathing.

She looked up into the spot light that was perched atop the gate of Megaton. It was bright and she couldn't make anything out either then the large fan that rotated while the gates opened. They squeaked of rust and wear.

Her vision was still blurry but she looked upon the familiar silhouette of a man. His duster was long and worn with weather of the wastes. His skin was dark and his face was covered with black facial hair that was slightly peppered with grey hairs. His Sheriffs hat rested well upon his head.

"Well,Kid. Glad to see your back. And bring home stray animals? Hahaha" Simms leant down over Valentyn and smiled pleasantly at her.

She tilted her head and shielded her eyes from the spot light. She recognized this man.

"Simms? Is that you?…" She looked up and tried to focus her eyes. She knew his deep voice. It was the first voice she heard when she left the Vault. In fact it was the First other human she met in the wastes. And he had just saved her sorry ass from a Yao Guai.

" None other kid" he chuckled and offered his hand out to help her up from underneath the dead weight of the Guai.

She grabbed his hand gratefully. She arose and dusted herself off. Retrieving her weapon as well. She looked at Lucas and smiled with thanks.

"Oh Man…I owe you one, Simms." Valentyn Laughed and gave her friend a pat on the shoulder.

Coughing while she giggled.

Simms returned a laugh

"Yeah you do, come on Kid. Get inside. Ain't no bear gonna get you in Here" he teased Nudging his friend into town.

Valentyn admired the tidiness of Simm's house. It was a metal shack like hers but slightly larger. It was nicely and warmly lit with several candles. The lights were off. Which meant Harden was in Bed. She admired the household he had made for himself and his kid. She sat at the small round table. A small lamp sat a top of the surface. Giving off a soft glow.

The rattle of the metal steps emitted from Simm's boots as he walked down them holding two glass in hand and a bottle of whiskey in the other. Valentyn smiled and watched as Lucas took a seat across from her.

He gave her a soft smile as he opened the bottle and poured out a shot for her and himself.

"so what brings you all the way back to Megaton? Seemed like only last week you left to go find this 'UnderWorld'" he took his shot and exhaled with a gravely sigh. Looking to his friend.

"it was only a week ago I left. I'm not really sticking around town for that long. I have business near here. I honestly had no intension of returning so soon." she took her shot which went down with a burn. She didn't really care for whiskey, but who was she to complain when someone offered her a drink.

"Guess that big ol' bear had other plans in mind for you, he chased you all the way back Home" he laughed pouring them another shot.

"oh yeah sure very funny, could it have killed you to have shot sooner? I was almost Guai Chow" she pouted in her corner where she was seated. Simms only smiled.

"Nope" he replied teasingly. Taking another shot.

She chuckled fondly. Simms was a warm man with a good heart. She knew if he had seen her sooner he would have helped out quicker. Valentyn lifted her shot to her lips and pounded it back. Still every bit as burning as the first one.

"But really Valentyn, How have you been this last while? Going into the D.C. metro must warrant for some interesting adventure? Did you run into those Green Muties that Lurk down there?"

Simms watched his friend for a reply.

Valentyn smiled and fiddled with her shot glass.

"ive seen Mutants. I do my best not to tussle with them. I saw them cleave a raider right in two, with ease one time. But I didn't see much of them. They lurk more so further into the Ruins of D.C then in the metro tunnels."

Simms nodded his head and listened to her.

"I Made it to Underworld after I had a run in with some raiders in the D.C metro system. Nothing bad happened. I Made it into the Museum and Met the Ghoul Residents there."

"so what was it like, being in a town of nothing but ghouls? Normal people must not venture out there much." Simms said pouring himself another shot, he offered to Valentyn for another shot but she gestured a polite no thank you.

"No not many people do. I was told quiet frequently that they hadn't had a 'smooth skin' come in for a long time."

Simms chuckled when She mentioned the term 'Smooth skin'.

"but I met a few characters that have generously helped me on my way, and I even got some work out of it. That's why I'm all the way back here Near megaton."

Valentyn reclined into her seat. Stretching her legs out to make herself more comfortable.

"place doesn't sound to shabby. Seems like you made a good impression on some of the ghouls there. Sounds like maybe you even got some new friends" Lucas said in a confidant tone. Taking his third shot and placing it back on the table.

Valentyn smiled and giggled to herself.

"here have another for the road. Guessing you need to be on your way in the morning to finish that job of your's. I doubt you'll be stopping back after the job is finished."

Simms reached out and poured a decent shot out for Valentyn. She looked at the sheriff and gave him a half smile.

"No I guess I won't be….not for a while that is" She reached out and picked up her glass. Giving Simms a small cheers and toke the shot back. This time it wasn't burning so much.

She stood up and gathered her things making her way over to the metal door.

She gripped the handle and pulled the door open.

"Hey Kid"

Valentyn stopped and looked at the man still seated in his chair. He looked up at her and stared.

She looked back puzzled.

"You Be careful, when you're traveling the wastes at night. Or even when you are by yourself."

Valentyn was facing him full on now. Still confused as to what he was talking about.

"I saw a Figure Following behind that Bear tonight….that was why I didn't shoot at first."

"What do you mean?"

Someone was following behind the Yao Guai as it chased her? Simms must have been Cracked or just seeing things. No person in there right mind would follow a Guai while it was on the Hunt. Only skilled trackers and hunters in the wastes would risk doing that.

"I don't know who it was, I couldn't see any detail. They were dressed all in black, and idk…but they were tall and fast…"

Valentyn Looked at Simms with wide eyes. She couldn't figure out why someone would be following The bear.

Simms watched her for a reaction that was anything either then the uncertain face she was making now.

Valentyn looked to the floor and paused for a moment.

"… Good Night Simms…."

And with that she left. Closing the door shut behind her.

Simms watched her leave with out saying anything further. Simms brought his hand up to his face, Questioning what he saw tonight. And how His friend reacted to what he said.

Valentyn stood outside the Shack of Lucas Simms House.

Someone is following me?…

She ran the thought through her head. Over and over. It was quiet possible she was being followed. She wasn't about to set that thought aside. It was planted firmly in her mind now. Why else would Simms say something, if even he himself didn't find this just abit weird?

She would be a fool to shove this possibility under the rug.

Valentyn Shook her head and sighed. She looked around the Corner to see her Comfy Little slice of Megaton.

She made her way across the steep slope that led all the way down to the now disarmed nuclear war head. She looked up to see Jericho leaning against the wall of some piping beside the Brass lantern. This Old ex raider always had something to say to her. When ever he saw her. Either it was a dirty Comment about her or an offer to go to the saloon and get shit faced. Then head back to his place for a little bit of getting chemed up.

Not that she didn't like the thought but Jericho was a little less then reputable in megaton. Sure he left all his Bad habits of being a Raider behind him. But he still kept that spiky prickly charm that any meat brained raider had.

She just hoped that he wouldn't notice her and cat call her across town. Fucking dick.

She scurried across the slope, she was almost home free. Till he turned his head and noticed her making the escape.

He didn't move but a cocky grin came across his face.

"Heya there sweet cheeks! Where you running off to in such a hurry. don't you wanna come stop by my place and have a few drinks?"

For fuck sakes

She looked at him and quickly tried to come up with a good excuse.

"N-no Man. Maybe next time…and stop calling me Sweet cheeks!"

She shouted at the leather clad dick standing at the bottom of the hill and shot a glare his way. Which he only returned with a dirty smirk.

"Okay Sugar Tits!" He shouted back and started laughing like a hyena when he saw the pang of anger and disgust that shrugged through Valentyn's spine.

"Fuck You Jericho!" she shouted as she rounded the corner to her Shack. Out of ear shot from anything else Jericho could throw at her.

She stood in front of her house fumbling with her keys. Yet again she had another buzz on. God she swore she gets drunk to often. But at least lately it wasn't on her dime.

She inserted the key into the lock and opened. Entering the threshold.

Valentyn let out a big exhale of relief. She was in her own domain and she could do what the hell she pleased when she was in here. Her own little slice of paradise. This place was a shit ina tin can when she first got the keys. But she got the furnishing to her liking.

She loved to fuck out of the large Heart shaped Matters that was in the middle of the living room. The juke box was nicely lit and polished at least Wadsworth kept the place clean while she was gone. That floating blender was good for something despite it would inwardly complain to it's self in sarcasm once in awhile.

Wadsworth came hovering out of the room across from her and made it's way over to greet it's Mistress.

"Good evening Madame, it seems you have arrived Early than expected from your original plans. and I was liking the loneliness of not having to pick up after someone….." the robot muttered the last part of the it's sentence to it's self but Valentyn still heard it loud and clear.

"Good to see you too Wadsworth. If it makes you feel any better you can stay in the closet by yourself and do nothing. I can keep this place tidy myself. Would you like that instead? Even better you can leave if you want and live a life of Luxury out in the wastes. I'm sure some Death Claw would make good use of Your Manicure skills"

The robot didn't answer her at first. It buzzed and clicked away, making sense of what it's Mistress had said. But still even through it's AI programming it knew well enough that it wouldn't last out in the wastes. And as a fail safe to protect it's of well being as a one of the first 3 rules Robotics, it did not answer back.

"That's what I thought…" she said annoyed with the hunk of junk that hovered in front of her.

"You appear to be intoxicated Madame, may I offer you another alcoholic beverage to keep you …'Party Spirits' up?"

"That's more like it, Thank you Wadsworth. "

The machine buzzed and clicked a few time before departing to retrieve it's Mistresses drink.

Valentyn Stripped down from her heavy gear and placed it on the hanging racks on the wall. Her leather coat was weathered and chaffed from scuffles and conflicts. She removed all her belts from her shorts and waist. Laying them across the desk. She removed all her weapons and knives. Laying them in there appropriate places. She made her way over to the heart shaped bed and leapt onto it. She kicked off her boots . Groaning and stretching at the feeling of her aching muscles gaining relief.

"Here you are Madame" a robotic arm came into view and she reached out, grabbing the beer and sitting up to pop the lid off.

"Thank You Wadsworth"

The Robot clicked and buzzed before it hovered over to it place in the large closet. Till the need for it's use arises again.

Valentyn took a huge chug of her beer and leapt up onto her feet. Bouncing on the bed a few times before she stretched a fish netted leg over to the jukebox. She was going to wear herself out first before she hit the hay. Live life up a little. Cuz fuck it could end by tomorrow.

The clattering of plates and cups from down the road of the Brass Lantern getting ready to serve it's costumers breakfast woke Valentyn up from her sleep. She was slouched over the rounded edge of the Love Mattress. She had a half empty beer bottle in one hand which she loosely hung onto. Her head was aching abit from the amount of beers she had consumed last night. Which she tripped and kicked out of her way as she went into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of purified water off the shelf. Opening it up and splashing the liquid into her face. Washing away the fuzziness of the buzz that clung on.

She looked into the cracked mirror and looked at her reflection. She was tired looking. The wastes had it's ways of making people look worn out or older then they actually were.

She took a moment then reached over for a small black pencil and removed the lid.

She prepped herself for the task she had at hand today. She was going to travel out to the over pass that was to the west of here and seek out this chem junkie that Ahzrukhal wants Dead.

She fucking hoped this guy Had Ahzrukhal 1000 caps. She didn't really want to find out what Ahzrukhal was like when his pockets weren't being lined.

She Locked up the shack securely.

Megaton was a bustling place in the morning it seemed like. Most of the towns settlers were up and going about there daily business. Walking the metal pathways that weaved from the ground out up the slopes of the crater they were built in.

She exchanged some greeting nods with some of the familiar settlers as she ventured up the steep slope to the gate to depart from town.

The large metal gates parted in front of her as the wastes became clear. Dust rolling in as the wind blew.

She looked up to see Simms watching her from the cat walk above. She waved a good bye and stepped out into the wastes.

She noticed the body of the Yao Guai was gone. She hoped she wouldn't run into another one today…or any time soon for that matter.

The sun was warm today. She admired it greatly. There was nothing like this back in the vault. She couldn't understand why people hid away from this in those metal caves.

Well she could see why. The wastes where a hell hole that would swallow the foolish and weak.

She traversed the landscape seeking her destination. She could see the over pass a few miles away from where she walked.

Valentyn was in the middle of a small suburban block. Some houses where nothing but broken wooden skeletons of a house hold that no longer housed a family. A few were surprisingly still intact. Only weathered by dust and time.

Valentyn Surveyed the houses around her and picked through some of the rubble. She might find something worth while. She couldn't focus properly though. She had this constant need to look over her shoulder since Simms informed her of the Figure that perused her through the wastes last night.

The scavenging yielded no reward for her, she best decided to be moving on to find this Junky, Jeff.

She hadn't really focused much on her task at hand either then getting there in one piece. What was she going to do to this guy when she found him. How was she going to confront him? Would she come bursting in guns ready to kill whomever got in her way?

No that wasn't her way of doing things. People get killed for acting like that.

She would have no idea if there was a shot gun trap ready to be triggered the moment she flung the door open and blow a hundred little hole into her flesh.

She would probably seek out higher ground first. Ahzrukhal mentioned this guy's place was under the over Pass. She could probably find a good perch to scout it out first from a safe distance.

Valentyn believed she could make out the shape of a metal shack in the distance near one of the towering pillars that held up the broken road of the over pass. There was a river running between the break in the over pass. Rubble, concrete and rebar protruded from the water as it flowed through at a steady continuous speed.

The neighbouring rock faces to the south would be a perfect spot to get a good view through her scope of the area around for threats.

She climbed the gravely rocks and turned over logs to the flat top above. Valentyn had a perfect view of the lay of the land below her. Enough she could see clearly of the little hovel that was beneath the concrete road.

The place didn't seem to have anyone it. Various large pieces of scrap metal lay about the area around the shack.

She watched and waited for a few minutes to see if anyone would venture out. It seemed like no one was going to come out of that place. She began to lower her rifle when she noticed the door fling open and a male figure come running out at full speed. His strides were huge and frantic. She took notice the flames that were trailing right behind him. This guy was on fire and he followed the smoke trail all the way down to the edge of the river.

She watched as the man leap into the water as the smoke cloud that was billowing from his ass went out.

It was a few seconds before the man emerged from the river. Soaking wet. He trudged his way back up the gentle hill towards the shack.

This had to be this Jeff Guy Ahzrukhal wanted dead.

She retracted her weapon and made her way back down the rock face. She stealthily ventured down to the hill to the shack.

The best way to handle this was to wait for this guy to leave his house again and ambush him. Question him, take what was needed and seal the deal. This shouldn't take long. Hopefully.

She came around the bend of the pillar. She was right beside the shack now. Crouched down like a cat waiting for a mouse. She watched intently for the person inside to venture out.

She had a good view of the door. She could hear this guy in there. Coughing and clattering around in the tin wall hovel.

This guy was making Chems she could smell the fumes that reeked through.

If she was lucky she might have hit the jackpot. This guy could have loads of chems. She could keep some for herself or sell it. Ahzrukhal didn't mention she had to bring back any chems she found.

Valentyn's thoughts were interrupted when the shack door once again came open. This time though the guy didn't come running out. He was in a different set of dirty merc clothes. No armour. This guy was vulnerable to knife attacks. She might just save the bullet and take his life by the point of a knife.

The man made his way over to a corner of bush and prepped himself for a leak. His back was turned, Valentyn took her chance to creep up on him and have him stuck.

She encroached closer and pulled her rifle up. Aiming for the man's head. She arose and trained her sights.

"Don't Fucking Move…."

The man held absolutely still. It was like he had turned to stone he didn't dare move.

Valentyn watched closely at the guy in front of her.

"put your hands up and turn around. Nice and slow"

She loved when she had people in the palm of her hand. She could do anything to this guy right now. She could easily pull the trigger and end his life. But she couldn't she needed him alive to know if he had the 1000 caps he owed Ahzrukhal?

The man slowly raised his hands level with his head and slowly turned to face her.

His face was dirty with soot and grime. His hair was shaggy and hung over his hazel eyes. He was young. Must have been no older the her…. 27 she guessed. He had stubble on his face. But he wasn't that bad to look at she noted.

She looked at him with Cautious eyes. He looked back at her like a kid who was caught doing something naughty. He lowered his head down to Tell her that he wasn't going to pull something.

"H-hey easy lady….l-look. I don't know what you're here for…but I think you have the wrong idea?" he was very uneasy in his tone. He did his best to come off as a nice guy. Anything so that this woman wouldn't blow his brains out.

He tried not to look at her. Although that was awful hard for him not too. This chick had an air of badassitude.

"what is your name?" she asked with no emotion. Still fixed solid on her target.

He looked at her and swallowed.

"m-my names Jeff…..what do you want from me?" his voice was nervous.

"I do Believe you owe someone a rather large sum of Caps. Sold a ghoul some bunk chems?"

Jeff looked at her worried. She was aware of his current emotion. This guy was they guy alright. She would be sure to do the job right. First some interrogation was in order.

"Give me the 1000 caps, and you can walk away alive and unscathed. You give me the money and I forget you existed….."

Jeff watched her. He knew his life was in the hand of some psycho, merc chick. At least she was real eye catching.

"Refuse to give the Caps up….and I will leave your brains splattered across the wasteland"

She had her trigger finger tightly on the little piece of metal. She was patiently waiting for this junkies answer.

Jeff began to sputter his sentence.

"I-I don't have Your caps… I don't even know what you are talking about man. I never Sold chems to any ghouls! Look lady. I didn't do nuthin wrong man."

His voice cracked. This guy was a coward and she knew it. But she was certain this guy was pulling her leg. If he didn't have the caps then she would take something of equal value.

"The give me all Your Chems." she stated bluntly.

Jeff paused and looked at her. Puzzled for a moment. Mouth agape.

"A-alright I'll give you all my chems, then you'll let me live….right?"

Jeff would rather give up his chems then his life. He nodded at her slowly with an uneasy smile. He hoped to god she would say yes.

"very well. You have 2 minutes. You take any longer …well lets just say a bullet will find a nice warm home in a certain Junkies head…hurry up!"

She commanded the low life in front of her to retrieve her Bosses rightful property.

He watched her as he began to crawl away like a dog with it's tail between it's legs.

He looked to the ground then back to her. Reaching down and gripping a fist full of sand and hurling it at Valentyn's face.

The dust cloud obscured her view and filled her lungs and she coughed and groaned. Rubbing her eyes of the grains that were trapped in her lids.

Jeff took of Bolting back to his shack for fire power. He was going to blow this Bitch away. There was no way he was giving up his chems. They were HIS.

Valentyn regained herself and saw Jeff running for the shack. She pursued at full speed. Tailing behind him.

His feet hit hard upon the ground as he scuffled into his shack. Throwing around various items and objects for a weapon.

Valentyn ran in after Jeff. Right into the shack. She saw him rise up from behind a wooden counter. Sawed off shot gun in hand. Her eyes opened wide as she ducked from the blast of power that the gun had erupted from it's barrels.

She hit the Ground and rolled.

"Fuck you Bitch! You ain't taking my Shit!"

He began to reload for another attempt at shredding this chick.

"Fuck you!" she yelled and leapt up and forwards, towards her opponent. She raised a fist up to punch him clean in the jaw.

Jeff rolled out of the way. Landing right into a shelf of glass bottle, to which many hit the floor and shattered loudly. He had dropped his weapon. He struggled to regain his footing. Tripping over bottles and containers. He picked up a steak knife and ran out of the shack.

Valentyn chased after him. He was sprinting at full speed down the hill towards the waters edge.

She was right behind him. She felt a spark of anger and excitement as she closed the distance quickly.

She leapt with all the force her strong legs could give. Tackling the body of Jeff to the hard earth. They rolled down the hill as dust and rock was thrown up into the air.

Jeff quickly sprung to his feet. Holding the knife out at the ready.

Valentyn did the same. Removing her hunting knife from the holster on her hip and holding it up. Ready to perform the fatal dance of the knives.

"Let me go Lady. And I won't have to cut you up…"

Jeff warned. He would rather that this chick just back the fuck off and go back to where ever it was she came from.

Valentyn just laughed. She watched him waiting to see if he would make the first move.

By now they were on the edge of the river that flowed by. The only thing that was around was the sound of the water and their laboured breathing. Death was watching Now. Waiting to see who would lay claim as the rightful one to live.

Jeff sprung forward with his knife raised, coming to strike down on Valentyn.

She leapt back and out of the way as his swing hit down low. She raised her fist up and connected with the side of his face.

Jeff saw a flash of white light and pain that flooded the side of his face. He stumbled back.

She came at him and swiped upwards with a clenched fist. Hitting him again in the jaw.

Jeff was getting angered with each connecting hit. He stumbled back and regained his footing. Holding his jaw he looked at the woman with the knife before him.

A twinge of rage came over him and he sprinted at her. His body colliding with hers.

Her knife was knocked from her hand as all the air from her lungs was forced out of her.

Jeff raised his knife up to bring it down onto Valentyn's flesh. She reached up quickly and gripped his wrist to stop him from having his knife strike home in her chest.

"Aarrggghh!….Die You Bitch!" Jeff shouted trying to free his grip from her hand.

Valentyn clenched her fist tightly and punched Jeff square in the nose. But he still fought even when his nose started bleeding he kept on. She struggled and fought.

She brought her knee up between Jeff's legs and rammed her knee right where it counted the most.

Jeff cried out in pain. Holding his jewels with free hand.

Valentyn rolled the opposite direction and jumped to her feet. She ran for her knife which was a good distance from her. Jeff raised up and noticed she had made a move for her knife. He groaned in pain as he rose to his feet and went after the woman.

She slid in the dust and almost fell over as she swooped down to scoop up her hunting knife. She turned on her heel to face her enemy.

A blinding pain tore through her left side. She felt the warm trickle of a familiar feeling seep down her side. She fell back onto the earth. Clenching her side. She let out a loud cry of pain as the recoil of hitting the ground rung through her wounded side.

Jeff's steak knife had sliced a nice long line across her left side. It bled freely. Seeping into her worn tattered shorts and down her leg. She was in pain. But if she lingered to long on the feeling she wouldn't be able to stop him from killing her.

She quickly rose to her feet and distanced herself from the man who injured her well figured frame.

He came at her again and she rolled out of his line of attack. Jeff turned and faced her. She was clenching her side tightly. Her breathing was laboured and painful.

The man roared as he swiped at her again, yet just to have her dodge clear out of harm.

Jeff turned Abruptly to face his opponent.

He looked her straight in the face. And looked into her dark green eyes. She looked up at him from beneath her brow. She was breathing heavily. She swallowed and exhaled in long pained breathes.

Jeff began to feel a hot sharp and intense pain well up in his gut. His arm began to tremble as his hand slowly opened and dropped the knife. It made a clang sound when it hit the dirt.

His breath became short and shaky. The man in front of her fell to his knees. She pulled the knife from his body and stepped aside. As he crawled onto his hands and knees cradling his stomach. The gaping wound began to bleed freely onto the sun bleached earth. The small puddle began to develop into a bigger pond of scarlet

She watched as the junkie before her bled out. Jeff heard foot steps behind him. He turned from cradling his wound to slowly look over his shoulder. He saw the woman come up behind him and look down with no expression on her face.

He looked up in fear.

She gripped her blade tightly.

Her hand gripped onto his messy matted hair and sharply pulled his pitiful head back.

Putting her cold blade to his pulsing neck, pulling the sharp edge across the flesh and releasing the red fluid that erupted forth from it's fleshly prison.

His body fell to the ground and rose no more.

Her eyes lifted from the junkies corpse and looked over the area in front of her. Everything was spinning slightly. She wasn't sure if it was all the adrenaline in her system or the amount of blood she was losing. All she knew was that she needed to patch herself up now before she passed out. She tiredly pulled herself to the shack and rested herself on the counter. She pulled over a chair and sat down. She groaned in pain as she pulled out one of the 4 stim-pacs that Winthrop, Greta and Carol had generously supplied her. She readied the tip and shoved the needle tip into the skin beside the open gash and injected it's properties into her body. She watched for a moment as she watched the tissues begin to mend her side shut. Leaving nothing but a scar behind. She exhaled from exhaustion and leant back into the chair. She needed a moment to collect her thoughts.

The pain had subsided enough she could stand and focus on the work she needed to do.

Valentyn looked at the situation she was presented with. The shack was a complete mess. It didn't help that Jeff character tore the place apart before hand.

The laboratory set was un touched though. She looked about the shack for signs of a stash spot or hiding place he could have hid the caps and chems in. she looked under the cot in the corner but nothing there. She looked everywhere but no sign. She was starting to doubt she would find anything. But from the corner of her eye she noticed a large box under some rags.

She went over curiously and kicked the box. It made a heavy metal 'Thunk' sound. It was a metal box. A safe!

She shoved the rags aside with her boot and knelt down in front oh the safe. And looked at the lock on it.

Inspecting it carefully. She could bust this lock in a few minutes. Time to best out the bobby pins and screw driver.

She inserted the pin and listened carefully for the tumblers to fall into the right places.

Which they did.

The safe made a loud click and opened. Valentyn slowly opened the door wide enough to see what was hidden inside.

Inside was large satchel which jingled familiarly of a certain valuable currency. There had to be more then a 1000 caps in here but she didn't want to pinch. Ahzrukhal might notice and get pissed at her. And she wasn't in the mood to hear it from him. Or anyone after this whole Ordeal.

She looked back into the safe to see a small supply of chems. Buffout and mentats mostly. She liked the mentats for sure. But she took the whole loot and packed up for her to leave this shit heap behind her to rot in the sun of the wastes.

She looked over to the dead body that lay in the dust and sand as she departed. She came what she was here for. Her job was done.

She had laid claim to another unfortunate life today.

The sun hung high over the Capital wasteland. It beat down on the rock and earth below. The wind was blowing pleasantly across the ground. Causing small dust devils to spiral around the land. She steered clear of the whirling air tunnels and walked between the small pathways. The rocks form high walls over her head. A few dead and crisp trees jutted out over the rocks and out to the sky. The howling of a pack of wild dogs echoed out from behind her. Back from where she had made her kill. The dogs would enjoy a dinner tonight.

It had already been a long day and she couldn't wait to get back to Megaton and drink herself into a stupor. Maybe this time she would take Jericho up on a night of drinking and drugs.

She could really use the whined down right about now. The thought of being fucked up and having a good time after her little dance fest of knives with a chem junkie, was such a good idea to her. She had the chems to do it, so why the fuck not. Oh yea she was going to get shit faced and more when she got back to Megaton.

CRACK!

Her thoughts stopped when she heard a branch break. This time she wasn't going to mess around.

Valentyn Pulled out her rifle and quickened her pace further into the maze of rocks and gullies.

SNAP! CRACK!

More branches broke and at a much faster rate as she picked up into running. She wasn't going to face off with Another Guai…or a Death Claw.

She quickly went around the corner and down a slope. She slid down and continued running.

All the while she could here the snap and crack or knocking of rocks from the ledges above her.

She needed to get out of this. She was at a huge disadvantage where she currently was. Anything could attack her from above.

It was weird she wore it was running in unison with her. She stopped. It stopped. She ran, it ran.

She should have known she was being followed. Simms warned her. And she hadn't put consideration into the thought all that much. And now they were pretty much hot on her trail. She was a good distance from Megaton. She wouldn't reach it from here if she kept running. She didn't have the energy.

She was going to have to try and sneak away or find away around with out them knowing.

Valentyn stopped and pressed herself up against the rock face. She was listening for the sound of whatever it was that perused her.

The sound of leather boots atop of the rock above her became louder and louder as it neared her position. The combination of sprinting and jumping over rock and trees was apparent to Valentyn. Who ever it was they were fast and keeping up with her. She had noticed the silence. No one was running, or jumping, or moving at all.

Where are they?….

She thought to herself. Questioning the situation.

Should I run…or wait it out?

Valentyn was faced with a hard question which was answered almost instantly when a few rocks from above her head fell in front of her face. She looked up quickly but only caught a glimpse of the dark and Large figure that loomed over her small body like a shrouded demon.

Her mind flashed with the single thought. Run! Which she did instantly.

Legs moving as fast as she could make them. She weaved through the rocks and trees. Rounding corners and jumping over obstacles.

She couldn't believe how well this person was keeping up with her. It was like they knew where she was going to be before she even got there.

Valentyn's eyes widened when she came head on colliding with a hard leather wall.

She fell flat on her ass, dropping her rifle to the ground. She scrabbled to grab it but her reach was blocked from her weapon when a large dirty leather boot planted it's self firmly to the rifles body. Holding it firmly to the ground.

She looked at her weapon and ceased to make any further attempt to retrieve her Baby.

Valentyn's eyes trailed from the dirt flecked boot up. Up the leather leg and metal plated knees up. She recognized this figure.

"Charon?….."

Valentyn's eyes widened. She was looking up at the Large Ghoul before her. His Hazy eyes looked down at her with no expression on his face either then his perpetual grimace that he never seemed to exchange for another emotion.

What the fuck is he doing here!?

Valentyn rose up from the position she was in which was on her belly reached out for weapon that was pinned beneath Charon's foot.

"You were the one following me the whole time! You were then one who was chasing after that Guai that ran after me all the way to the Gates of Megaton!"

She dared to point an accusing finger at him. He very well was in good reach of her and he could have easily snapped that finger she pointed, but he remained where he was. Staring at her.

"what's the big fucking deal here?! Are you going to answer me? Hello?!"

She was getting annoyed at the lack of answers she was receiving from this guy.

" you are in no position to command me to release Information to you" he stated bluntly.

She got angered at his response.

"You are to return to Ahzrukhal….Now" Charon was sure to emphasize the word 'Now'

"says who?" she crossed her arms firmly and looked up unimpressed at what Charon was Ordering her to do.

"Ahzrukhal. You go willingly,… or we can do it the hard way" his boot was still pressed firmly upon the sniper rifle.

She only had her scoped .44 Magnum and her hunting knife on her. And she had little ammo for the Magnum. But she had no plans to kill Charon. She wouldn't dream of it. She wanted that ghouls contract, pretty badly too.

"I will get to seeing your employer after I've made a stop in Megaton. I had a bitch of a fight with a chem addict and I would like a little R and R thank you. I have his Caps and I will Deliver them to him myself."

Valentyn looked the Ghoul right in the eye and made to remover her baby from beneath his boot. But he didn't budge when she gripped it and tried to pull it out from under him.

She stepped back and looked at the towering ghoul.

"Excuse me. Can I have my Gun Back please?" she had a hand on her hip. Not pleased with the fact this ghoul was pulling this shit with her.

"Your going straight to Ahzrukhal. I will forcibly drag you there if I have too"

She looked at Charon, and back off from retrieving her Rifle. She still held her hands on her hips. Holding her chin and rolling her jaw in a thoughtful yawn looking at the ground then Back to Charon. She nodded her head in acceptance.

"Alright… Okay"

….

She Bolted.

Leaving Charon standing behind. She wore she could see the surprise on his face when she looked back.

Fuck the Rifle. She had a back up one at her Place in Megaton, it wasn't in as good a condition but it was good enough. She wasn't about to be dragged away unwillingly back to Ahzrukhal already. She needed some 'Me' time. And by god she was gong to have it.

Valenty couldn't believe it was Charon who had been following her. Why? And for how long?

This was ridiculous . All she knew was that she need to get back to Megaton and not stop till she got there.

Charon was right on her heels and she knew it but she didn't dare turn to look back now. She was cleared of the maze of rocks and now sprinting through a clearing of trees. Yet again she was being hunted all the way to Megaton. This was un-fucking-believable. Twice in as many days this happened to her now, but she wasn't sure which was worse to be chased by. The Yao Guai or Charon.

Charon leapt over the turned over trees and rock with ease he wasn't even out of breath. Heck this seemed like a jog to him. He was going to catch up to her in no time. And when he did….

Oh yeah she could see Megatons sweet metal walls just over that hill. She spurred herself to run faster she could, Valentyn didn't care she ran to the top of the hill and was met with a low cliff. She just leapt into the air.

She swore she could have flown she was airborne for a good time it seemed like and the fall wasn't that far down. She was expecting to roll down into a gully that lead a clear way to Megaton across a flat surface.

Valentyn was almost home free. She could feel it. She could feel the wrapping and restricting limbs of something behind her. Wait!?…WHAT!?

Charon's strong binding arms found there way around Valentyn's waist. Pinning her between him and the ground as they fell and slammed into the ground. Rolling down into the slope at the bottom in a cloud of dirt.

He had her by the waist and tightly.

"Let go of me!"

She kicked and struggled against his iron grip. Charon was fighting to get a grip of her hands to pin her from doing anything. But she was winning that fight.

Getting angered with this predicament she found herself caught in, she lunged back with her elbow. Hitting Charon in the jaw with a loud crack.

He grunted in pain that shot up through his jaw and into his head. But he let go of her. Valentyn scrambled too her feet and ran with every last bit of energy she had. She could see the gates were opening for some settlers that were entering.

Oh fucking yes God was on her side. She was going to get so shit faced when she got safely passed those gates.

Valentyn booked it to the front gates. She could see Lucas Simms watching from the cat walk above.

She didn't care though she shoved and pushed settlers and caravan mercs out of her way as she leapt for safety past the gates.

She arose from the dust and dirt. The people looked at her puzzled and somewhat annoyed with her. But she wasn't paying attention to them she was to busy trying to see past them to care.

Valentyn was in shock when she saw no sign of her Ghoul predator. Where did he go? He was right on top of her. He had her in his arms for fuck sakes! And he wasn't there?

What the fuck…

Valentyn stood in the safe confines of Megaton, watching as the large steel and iron doors closed shut. Sealing her in from the Hunter that stalked her all the way from Underworld.

The Ferryman has come collecting.

AN: Well I really hoped you guys enjoyed this chapter :D

I tried to make it as long as possible and as exciting. Oh hohoho, Charon is a devil with his super human strength and speed. No really the guy is freaky. I look forward to playing out the personality of this character. Valentyn is developing into an interesting character as well. Hope to update soon so stay tuned! Readers and Reviews are greatly welcomed.

Happy new years Guys!