Song of Inspiration: Perfect Situation by Weezer
Disclaimer: I own nothing other than Hikari and Mei. That be it.
Chapter 10: Finding
"So, where are these Outcasts located again?" I questioned.
"Fort Independence," Sarah stated. "We're almost there, now hush."
"Getting irritated, now, are we princess?" Mei prodded. "Not getting your way, are we now?"
"Mei, stop it," I scolded. "I'm sure she and Gunny have had a worse time this past week than we have."
Mei grumbled to herself, and she reminded me of Charon when we first obtained his contract.
"There, on the horizon. See that building? It's the fort," Gunny stated.
"Thank you, Captain Obvious…" Mei muttered.
"Welcome, Sergeant Sarcasm," he replied.
Off in the distance, I could hear gunshots along side energy shots, and I rushed towards them. I could hear the others calling my name, but I didn't respond. I pulled out my plasma rifle and turned the safety off. Charon scolded me for even putting it on, but it's not like I really got to use my gun that often.
As I drew near, I saw two Outcasts shooting at some raiders off in the distance. I joined the one on the lower level and began to shoot. Mei, Charon, Gunny, and Sarah were right behind me. Some of the raiders were getting brave and rushing towards the barricade. They didn't last long, and soon, the fight was over.
"Look, if you guys plan on getting yourselves killed out here, would mind doing it away from the… wait a minute, you're with the Brotherhood, aren't you?"
"Yes, we are," Gunny replied. "Got a problem with that?"
"Yeah, I do. Why don't you run along back to Elder Lyons? We don't want you here."
"What's wrong with Elder Lyons, huh?" Sarah continued, obviously irritated.
"Well, for starters, he turned his back on what the whole Brotherhood of Steel stands for," she said. "And secondly-"
"My father is trying to help the people of the wastes," Sarah interrupted. "People come before the technology."
"You… Sarah Lyons? God, I haven't seen you since I left the Brotherhood. Still daddy's little girl, huh? And Gunny, too."
"Anne Morgan. Should've known it was you."
"Wait, you know each other?" Mei questioned.
"Unfortunately," Sarah growled. "We didn't get along very well."
"You only got up in the ranks because your father became the leader. You can't shoot worth Brahmin shit!"
"That's a lie, and you know it," Sarah interrupted. "You KNOW that I am a better shot! You just don't want to admit it!"
"Let's stop fighting!" I shouted. When it was quiet, I continued. "Please, that's not why we're here. The Citadel was attacked and overrun, and we need assistance."
"Hah, that's rich, coming from the girl who looks like she'd faint at the sight of blood. Tell ya what: Why don't you run along and play house with-"
"Shut up!" Mei shouted. "Don't talk about her like that! I'm sure that Kari can take more shots than you could stand."
"And I'm sure that you could, too, huh?" Morgan said, pointing her gun threateningly at me. "You wanna test that theory? I'm-"
In a matter of seconds, she was on the ground, her gun in the hands of Charon.
"You will not threaten my employers," he stated.
"Or what, you're gonna shoot me? Then what? You'll have the whole fort on you, and then where will you be, huh? In a ditch somewhere, covered in you own blood, that's where."
"Anne Marie Morgan, what's all of the… What the hell!" the other Outcast exclaimed. "Wait, Sarah Lyons?"
"The one and only," the woman replied. "And this isn't exactly what it looks like. She was threatening us."
"Look, we didn't come here for violence and fighting," I offered. "We just want to talk. Who is in charge?"
"Protector Casdin," the man stated. "Just put the gun down."
Charon looked over at me for approval, and I nodded. He lowered the gun, tossing it on the ground. The other Outcast helped Morgan up before turning to us.
"Defender Rococo Rockfowl," he said. "And may I ask why you're here?"
"I'm Hikari, and this is my sister, Mei, and our friend, Charon. I'm sure you already know Gunny and Sarah. As to why we're here, we seek assistance," I stated. "The Citadel has been overrun by the Enclave, and we're trying to gather up as much help as we can."
"The Enclave, huh? Isn't their technology better than yours and ours?" Rockfowl questioned.
"Yeah. Why?" Mei inquired.
"The Brotherhood's original quest was to gather technology and the like, before my dad took over the branch here in DC. Here, we try to help people and keep them safe. The Outcasts have continued to gather technology," Sarah explained. "Tell you what; you help us out, we give you technology."
"I say deal, but unfortunately, it is not up to me. You'll have to take the offer up with Protector Casdin. I'll take you to him."
I nodded, and the kinder of the two Outcasts began to lead us up to the fort.
~Charon's POV~
I did not like the Outcasts. They threatened Hikari. I had admitted to myself that I cared for the girl beyond the bounds of the contract, but I owned my own contract. She had no hold over me, and neither did her sister. The girls were more vulnerable than they wanted to believe. Mei was usually the one looking for a fight, which could get her killed. Hikari was usually naive in people's intentions. I could not abandon them. I guess that I managed to keep some rank of morals, despite my harsh upbringing.
I did not like the Brotherhood, either, but the twins wanted to help them out, so I went along with it. I would protect them, even if I owned my own contract.
We followed the male outcast into the fort, to speak with their leader, Protector Casdin. The man that we met acted as though he was better than us, and I immediately smelled a scheme when he
heard our plight. He smirked, the light catching a flicker of something in his eye. The whole time he talked, his eyes never left the twins' pip-boys.
"I would love to help, but you see, I have some men in an outpost through Bailey's Crossroads Metro, near the Red Racer Factory. I'm sure you know where that is," he said. "I would gladly send help your way if you were to assist them, but for now, I can't afford to send any away."
"We'll do it," Hikari said before her sister or Sarah could say anything.
~Hikari's POV~
The metro tunnels were full of multiple Mirelurks, and it was obvious by all of the egg sacks that lay on the lower tracks that it was their nest. There were smaller Mirelurks that were humanoid, and they shot some kind of radiated blue light from their mouths. Charon said that they were the dominant Mirelurks, and that they were called Mirelurk Kings. We tried to avoid them when possible, but it was as though they were able to see in the dark, even when we weren't.
Still, we pressed on, and I had no idea how long we would be down there. I stuck close to my sister and Charon for the most part. I don't know how long we were down there, but I was desperate to get back out into the sunlight. We stopped for the night in a supply closet, and Sarah and Mei took the first watch. For some reason, Mei and Sarah didn't get along too well, and they were constantly at each other's throats with threats. I lay close to Charon for warmth and the comfort that he offered. I was glad that despite the fact that he owned his own contract, he stayed with us, since I would probably be dead in some ditch, along with Mei, if it hadn't been for him.
According to my pip-boy, it was nearly seven when we got moving. Sarah said that we were close, and that we were to prepare ourselves for whatever lied ahead. I could hear the sounds of a shot from an energy gun echo throughout the empty subway. It was very quiet, but the look that Charon wore told me that he had heard it, too. The Mirelurks were nowhere to be seen, and it made me wonder why. I dismissed it as the fact that we were outside of their nests, but something felt wrong. I could smell something that was horribly familiar and faint, and it rolled around in my stomach, making me feel uneasy. It grew stronger and stronger the further we went into the tunnels. My stomach churned more and more. It was then that I noticed the corpses of the Mirelurks in the ruts by the trains. Their bodies were strung about, discarded limbs and claws ripped off, shells torn open, the meat rotting disgustingly, and the blood pooled around. Some had burn marks across their shells.
"Super mutants," Charon mumbled in my ear.
I acknowledged him with a small nod. The mutants would have the strength to rip the creatures apart easily, but there were no life signs on my pip-boy. If the mutants were in the subway, they posed no danger at that sounds of laser rifles could be heard up in the distance, along with a soft whirring- a mini-gun. Something was definitely wrong. I quickened my pace, as did Charon.
"What is it?" Mei asked as I headed to the front of our small pack.
"You don't hear it?" I inquired. "Laser rifles- there are quite a few of those- and… a couple of mini guns... and a Gatling gun."
"I don't hear anything," she stated. "Are you sure you're not just hearing things? It's been awfully silent since this morning."
"That's just it," I replied. "It's been too quiet. Something happened. The Mirelurks around us are all dead. Something had to have killed them."
"I hear it, as well," Charon stated. "At least five laser rifles, two mini guns, one Gatling gun, and a shotgun that Miss Hikari did not pick up."
"Well, what do you plan on doing about it? Our weapons are inferior compared to theirs," Mei stated.
"We fight," Sarah said. "Take them by surprise."
"We'll need to help out the Outcasts if we want their help freeing the Citadel," Gunny added.
Without any more incentive, I took point, Charon following closely behind, his shotgun at the ready. I withdrew my plasma rifle and loaded it. The memory of the person that had given it to me brought tears to my eyes. I had loved him, of that much I was sure. Some part of me told me that he loved me, as well. He wouldn't have sacrificed himself for me if he hadn't. I pushed those thoughts out of my head, though. It was not the time to dwell on those things when there was going to be some kind of battle.
~Mei's POV~
Sure enough, Kari had been right. The Brotherhood was battling against six or seven of the mutants, and they carried rather advanced weapons. We were warned by one of the knights not to interfere because of our own safety, but Kari and I could handle it, especially with Charon, Gunny, and Princess by our side. The mutants were soon driven back, and Kari set out to talk to one of the knights. I spaced out during the conversation, but when I heard them mention the pip-boy and simulation, my ears perked up.
"Wait, what about a simulation?" I questioned.
"Were you not listening?" a man said. "In order to gain access to the weapons cache, we have to complete the simulation, which required one of the computers on your wrists."
"Kari is not going in there," I stated. "Last time she went into one, she had a mental breakdown. If anyone is entering it, it's going to be me."
"Mei, I can handle it," she insisted. "I'm a lot stronger than I was then."
"I don't care. I… I'm not losing you again," I admitted.
Kari sent me a look, one of the looks that only she can give, like she's reading my thoughts. No, more like she's reading me, not my thoughts. She was concerned, worried, comforting, and somewhat happy all at the same time. I loved my younger twin sister, and there was nothing that I wouldn't do to keep her safe, despite her protests.
"Mei, you won't lose me. It's just a simulation," she said softly. "I'll be fine."
"Well... not necessarily," the man spoke. "If you die in the simulation, your body enters cardiac arrest."
"Kari, that's not exactly something that you can live through," I stated. "I'm going in."
"I suggest that you let her go," Charon said quietly to Kari.
The only time when Charon and I ever agreed was when it came to Kari's safety, and that was the only reason that I liked that ghoul. Kari sighed problematically.
"I'm not letting you in there," I decided. "And Charon doesn't want you to go either, obviously."
"But-"
"Look, it doesn't matter to us who goes in there," the man that Kari was talking with interrupted. "One of you just get in there."
"I'm going," I replied. "My sister is not."
"You'll need a neural interface suit, first," he instructed.
~Hikari's POV~
I could understand Mei's concern, and I appreciated it, but I didn't need it. I could handle it. She had always viewed me as something that needed sheltering, but I was becoming stronger and didn't need that protection. I didn't want to see her get hurt. I didn't want anyone to get hurt because of me. Something told me that I would be fine in the simulation, but I don't know if my body could recover from cardiac arrest.
When the case closed around Mei, the machines sprang to life, recording all of her vital functions on different screens. Their scientists hovered around the various monitors, writing the displays on clipboards. Charon stuck by my side, but Sarah and Gunny walked off to take a look around the base. I was worried about what kind of trouble the two would get in, but I figured that they would be able to handle it and put it out of mind.
"I'm sure she'll be fine," Charon muttered.
"I know she's strong, but I can't help but think that it should be me in there," I replied.
"We don't know what she's going through, and I worry…"
"It's natural," he responded. "Your sister is strong. She just wants to protect you."
I sighed and leaned against him. I felt him stiffen slightly against me, but he relaxed after a moment.
"Charon, why… why is it that you're still with us?" I questioned. "You have your own contract, and you're free to leave if you want."
"You asked me to protect Mei before you went in to start the purifier," he stated. "I am honoring your wish, but why did you have me do so? Does she really mean that much to you?"
"Of course she does!" I replied. "She's my sister! We've been through everything together from the day we were born. She's the only person that knows absolutely everything about me. I didn't expect to live through the radiation, and I needed someone to make sure that she wouldn't do anything reckless, or rather, she wouldn't die doing anything reckless, since she hardly listens to anyone. I'm really surprised that you even asked that."
"And I am surprised that you wonder why I am here," he said.
"Because I don't know why," I told him. "Mei and I attract trouble, no matter where we go. We're dangerous to be around, and the people that we care about… They don't usually live with us… My father, Harkness… Everyone…"
Images of everyone that had given their life for us, flooded my vision. The bitter sorrow of their losses seemed to numb all of my other senses. Their deaths had all been for us… Why had so many people given their lives to save ours? We weren't as important as they were. Something inside told me that it should have been us to die, not them. At that moment, something told me that I wasn't worthy, that I should be dead, but somehow… somehow I was alive. It was because of those people.
"Those people gave their lives because they love you," Charon said. "Did they not tell you that before they gave themselves up?"
"Only my father and Harkness," I whispered.
"I'm sure that they loved you," he replied. "Do you need to talk about it?"
Did I? Yes. I nodded. Charon placed his hand on my shoulder and sent a glare to some of the scientists for the outcasts, and I think they got the hint, as they left the room silently.
~Mei's POV~
Every part of my body was screaming out in pain. Sharp, freezing wind whipped at my exposed skin. I felt someone grab my arm, and my body went into auto pilot as I shot up and pulled the gun off of my hip… Wait when did my rifle turn into a silenced 10mm pistol?
"Easy there, soldier," the man said. "I'm on your side. That was quite a nasty fall you took there. I'm surprised you're still alive."
"What are you talking about?" I asked. "A-and who are you?"
"Sergeant Benjamin Montgomery. You just fell off of that cliff, and your parachute failed to deploy," he replied. "You remember the mission, right?"
"No, I can't say that I do."
The man sighed before he began to explain. "We are the lucky ones chosen to infiltrate the communist base and destroy the giant guns that are killing our men. There were others deployed, but I'm afraid it's just us two now. I'll go ahead and meet you inside."
The man ran off before I had a chance to ask him anything else. I pulled a face mask down out of the helmet that was lying on the ground beside me, and I pulled up the radar on my pip-boy. It worked surprisingly well, but it was just a simulation. I looked over the gun that I had. Silenced 10mm, pretty realistic, I had to admit. Everything about the simulation was realistic: the strong, cold wind, the rocky cliffs, Benjamin Montgomery, and everything. I walked forward quietly, careful not to draw any attention to myself. The man said that we were approaching a communist base, so there were bound to be communists, whatever those were. I remembered hearing something about killing communists from Liberty Prime, so I knew that they had to be something bad.
My radar began to pick up something ahead, so I proceeded with greater caution, remembering what the scientist had said about dieing in the simulation. Usually, I had two people covering my back, but it was all on me. I had never been truly alone in a fight.
Well, I was about to see just how much I had improved since setting foot outside of the Vault. I spotted a man who seemed to be patrolling the cliff. I carefully took aim and clicked the trigger. I aimed for his head, but hit his shoulder instead. He recoiled, but withdrew a bigger assault riffle. I swore internally before quickly firing off more shots. Hell, it was the first guy in the simulation; there was no way I was going to die to him.
I shot several times before he finally fell, but as I went to grab his rifle, it disappeared with a blue haze, as did his body. I frowned, guessing the simulation didn't want me to have any of the enemy's weapons, for whatever reason. Still, I pressed on, even more aware of my surroundings. I spotted several guys up on the metal walkways. Part of me wanted to cross, but a part of me wanted to stay put.
The faster I got across, the sooner I could get the simulation completed, and the quicker we could end the fight between the Enclave and the Brotherhood. The wind and cold was harsher than any I had faced, and I clung to the safety rail as tightly as I could while trying to stay hidden from the communist soldiers. I began to understand how Kari felt when she walked the shaking metal walkways in Megaton. I wondered if that was how she felt every time she walked, or if I was close or worse.
Those thoughts were cleared from my mind as I began to shoot at another communist that had spotted me.
~Charon's POV~
Although I did not like the android, I had to admit that I owed him a great deal. From what Hikari had said, A3-21 had given his life to make sure she was safe. She had loved him, that much I could tell, and something inside felt odd. I knew I cared for her, but even I did not know to what extent. I felt what I believed to be some form of jealousy. I would not hesitate to give my life for the young girl and I believed that she knew it. However, I do not believe that she reciprocated my feelings. She said that she had loved the android, and I knew he loved her in return. I had seen that look many, many times in my lifetime. It is the kind of look that makes people do stupid, crazy things.
After Notes:
I apologize for the long wait. So much crap has been going on for the past few months, including a new sadistic (but greatly loved) band director, the death of my grandma, stress from school and band, Drama Club, and the flu has been going around. Aaand I'll admit the fact that New Vegas came out recently. But I'm somewhat back. Band is over, but it kills me inside and saps my inspiration. Drumline is starting now, though. I'm excited because I get the marimba this year.
But, that's not really important. I've read over it a couple of times, but if you would happen to notice any mistakes, please point them out to me so I can fix them. Much appreciated, HikariMei