Chapter 8: River Monsters And Prisoners Of War

I know, it's been a while. I've just been somewhat unmotivated to write for this story but luckily for my readers, I managed to re-discover that motivation. Anyway, I hope everyone enjoys this Chapter!

I do not own Fallout New Vegas, that belongs to Bethesda and Obsidian

As Craig Boone stood on the ridge of the mountain, looking down at the cave below, he couldn't help but frown. Lumbering away from the cave entrance was the hulking mutated figure of a yao guai, its skin tinged a dull green colour and its teeth stained red from the blood of its prey.

Boone definitely didn't like his chances with this particular mission and was somewhat remorseful that he hadn't chosen to do a different one first. While not as dangerous as deathclaws or cazadors, yao guais were definitely not creatures that should be treated lightly. Plus he was going to have to deal with them on their home turf, giving them the advantage. Boone couldn't help but silently wonder if this was fate screwing with him once again, before deciding that it was definitely a possibility.

As the sound of footsteps filled with quiet area, Boone slowly turned around to see the rest of his group walking towards him. ED-E and Waking Cloud stood side by side of each other, with the Sorrows midwife having a vigilant look to her. Cloud had definitely proven to be a fighter in her own right, being able to take out several White Legs and Geckos by herself. Boone had to admit, he was impressed by the woman's skills in battle. They were unpolished and undisciplined, there was no question about it, but with the proper training she could prove to be an amazing hand-to-hand combat fighter.

"Are you nervous, Boone of the Mojave?" Waking Cloud inquired. "Do you wish for us to turn back?"

"No, just trying to figure out how to deal with this problem." Boone answered. "I could try picking off those yao guai from here, but even then there could be more yao guai hiding in the cave. Would you be against destroying the cave?"

"Destroying the cave?" Waking Cloud inquired. "With fire drums from the civilized lands?"

"Yeah, but I'm not happy with the plan." Boone stated. "I'm not good with close combat, I prefer sniping from a distance. Plus, I don't like our chances against a pack of yao guai while stuck in a confined space."

"You are right to fear, Boone. The yao guai are vicious monsters, who enjoy the flesh of our people." Waking Cloud answered. "But would destroying the cave be the best way to deal with them?"

"Destroying the cave means destroying the yao guai's home base, forcing them to move away." Boone explained. "Otherwise we'd have to kill each and every yao guai ourselves, and I definitely don't think we'd be able to do that."

"Well than, let us pray to the Father in the Caves for our safety." Waking Cloud stated. "And let us tread lightly; the yao guai can hear well."


The Courier leaned up against a rocky ledge, a weariness that went down right to her bones. Her clothes were stained with blood, due to the fight she had just involved herself in. Cassidy and Charlotte had snuck towards this ranger station, hoping to free the Sorrows imprisoned here without spilling any blood, but that hope had gone up in flames the second Cassidy had tripped and let out a flurry of curse words that everyone in the nearby vicinity could hear. While the two had managed to knock off all the White Legs present and free all the Sorrows captive, Charlotte couldn't help but wish that they had done it in a less violent manner. She was getting sick of seeing her clothes stained in blood, and having to wash them constantly.

"Heya Char, how ya doin'?" Rose of Sharon Cassidy inquired. "Listen, sorry 'bout tripping over back there. Didn't see that fuckin' rock, I swear."

"It's alright, Cass. It was an accident, I understand." Charlotte responded, a small smile on her face. "Just wish we could have done this without all the bloodshed."

"Sorry to tell ya this Char, but that ain't exactly possible." Cassidy retorted. "Always gonna be bloodshed, no matter where ya go. It's just the way the world works."

"I know, but I was hoping to at least do it a bit more…well, nicely." Charlotte admitted. "Like instead of going in guns blazing, we pick them off one by one in a sneaky manner. I just hate being constantly drenched in blood, that's all."

"Ah, well that's a bit easier then lover." Cass answered. "Gonna be tough cause I'm as quite as a Brahmin with a broken leg, but I can give it a go."

"Thanks Cass, that means a lot to me." The Courier responded, a smile on her face. "Now let's head off to our next destination!"


"Coriendoo!" Waking Cloud shouted, fear evident in her voice. "Quickly, Boone! Ede!"

If the NCR sniper wasn't currently running for his life, he would have let out an annoyed grunt at Cloud's words. When someone is being chased after by a horde of yao guai, there wasn't any other option besides running for your life. The trio had managed to plant all the explosives without running into a single yao guai but the minute they try to head towards the exit, every yao guai in Zion Canyon seemingly notices them. Boone would have complained about how shitty his luck was, if he hadn't been forced to deal with years of fate screwing him over.

As the entrance way to the cavern became more and more clear, Boone decided to make a gamble. Reaching into his pockets, the sniper pulled out the detonator and pressed down hard on the red button. Almost immediately, the cavern began exploding and rocks went flying everywhere, as the yao guai behind the trio let out roars filled with fury. As Boone, Waking Cloud and ED-E reached the entrance way, and the sound of the explosions reached deafening levels, the NCR sniper found himself wondering on what exactly would kill him first; the explosions or the yao guais. Boone could only hope that the end was quick, as he closed his eyes and jumped away from the entrance to the cave.

As Boone laid on the hard Zion ground, with several rocks digging into his stomach, Boone slowly opened his eyes and looked behind him. The entrance to the cave was completely blocked off, as silence filled the air. The NCR sniper couldn't help but let out a small grunt, as he stood up and dusted himself off. Somehow, he was still standing; Boone had to admit, he hadn't been expecting that. Boone turned around, to find Waking Cloud and ED-E standing nearby.

"The Father in the Caves looked after us today, and protected us from the fierce yao guais." Waking Cloud stated. "Truly, we have been blessed with good fortunes."

"Wouldn't know about that." Boone grunted. "Good fortunes is something I'm not exactly familiar with."

"Well then Boone of the Mojave, you will find more good fortunes here in Zion." Waking Cloud answered. "The Father in the Caves wants us to succeed today and will continue protecting us, I am sure of this."

"If you say so." Boone responded, shrugging his shoulders. "Just hope we don't need to blow up anything else."

And Chapter 8 of Seeking Redemption is done and dusted! I'd like to thank Alexeij, CynicSun92, Mandalore the Freedom, Starship King and Fanfictionfan3601 for all of their support and reviews. Anyway, I hope to see you guys and gals at the next Chapter!

Love,

The Desert Dancer