(Charon)

That night, I had no dreams. There were no memories, no haunting images, it was simply thick and black. I slept, better than I have, in weeks. When I feel conscious, the first thing I sense is Dez. I don't have to open my eyes, to know how we fell asleep, and how we still are. I feel her skin on my face, her arms around me, and her head resting just above my own. She held me the entire night, and I can't understand, what it is she sees in me.

Opening my eyes, I gently pull myself from her. I don't want to wake her, or anyone else. Sleeping, may be the last bit of peace anyone has these days. We'll be closer to Fort Independence within the week, and closer to warfare, too. If anyone else has any drip of sanity left, I want them to enjoy it. No use, in going into a battle, with no mind. Because, then it isn't much of a battle now, is it?

Quietly, quickly, I dress. I'm not leaving Dez or the traveling circus behind. We're in Fort Bannister, and although this place holds bitter memories, they're memories nonetheless. When you live as long as I have, places where things took place become scarce. I'd like to remember, while I'm here, because the actions of the past are what brought me to the present. Looking at Dez as I finish putting my armor on, I can't help but feel a bit appreciative of all my past endeavors. After all, had one thing been changed, our paths never would have crossed. It's mind-boggling, to think of things that way.

Deciding to leave the door open, I exit the room. If anyone, Dez, should wake and call for me, it'd be easier to hear. My boots clink against the metal floor, as I walk down the halls. I don't go too far, there's not much I want to explore. Simply remembering these halls, is enough. Commander Jabsco, he never let me go to the aboveground bunker. He told me once when I asked, that it was because he didn't want to risk me running away. Jabsco, never fully understood the power he had with me. I'm glad he didn't, glad that he was foolish, because things would have been far, far worse.

I was mainly his errand boy. Running around here and there, and making sure no one stepped out of line. My main duty, was to keep him safe, as many of his understudies wanted him dead. He didn't understand how to utilize my training, nor did he have the experience to handle me. Within two weeks, I was quite bored and restless. Jabsco knew this, and soon came to not trusting me. It was his mistake, since I was bound by contract to him. The day that Dez came here, looking for me, I was proud. Proud, and happy, that she had come back. Although, back then, I didn't know what it was I was feeling.

What I did know back then, was nothing short of anger, and resentment. Dezbe did what she had to do, to spare her own life and eventually ours. I see that now, but at the time I couldn't. Placing my hand on a door, I stare at it as if it holds all the answers to all the secrets of the world. Dez and I, have been through so much together. I hate myself, for ever making her think, I never once cared for her. In the past, I did that so much. I didn't mean to, I simply…simply never understood or felt anything. I was the perfect example of the marble man. The man, they speak of, in the tale The Praise of Folly.

"Charon?"

A female voice comes from my left. Calmly, I take my hand from the door and look over. I see Amata before me, standing only in her underwear. The white tank top, and boxer-like shorts. I wonder why she hasn't dressed. We stare at one another. This girl confuses me to no end. If she wants something, simply ask. I do not see the point, in wordlessly following me.

"What is it?"

I ask her, hoping she'll speak soon.

"Charon I have to ask you something."

Sighing, I can tell that my time remembering is over. I must entertain the needs of a naïve vault-dweller. It seems that's been my job for years.

"Yes?"

"Would you ever keep me safe, like you keep Dezbe safe?"

"I would prevent you from dying yes, but only if Dez was safe first."

Amata shakes her head as she wraps her arms around herself. She looks as if she's about to cry. Did I say something wrong?

"No, no I mean…forget it."

With that she turns away, leaving me confused. What did I do? I hear her stifle a sob, and feel bad for some reason. I'm sure I hadn't done anything.

"Amata, don't…don't cry."

She turns back to look at me. Women are still confusing. I'm still learning what it means to be an emotional being, but the learning process of how women are is still a vague subject. One minute I'm Dez's favorite person and the next she wants nothing to do with me. It happens quite often it seems, too.

"What?"

"I said don't cry. Why are you awake?"

She walks back to me, her head hanging. Shrugging she keeps her arms wrapped around her body. It's almost like she's ashamed. Has she been peeping again?

"Dez was talking in her sleep, and it woke me up."

"She does that."

"How does she do it?"

"What? Talk in her sleep? Everyone does it."

Amata shakes her head, now angry. See what it is I'm saying?

"No I mean…I mean she gets people to like her. She…she…has you."

I understand now. I understand, and feel a bit sorry. Had I done something to lead Amata on? Moreover, what is she thinking? And lastly, has the world gone ripe with madness? I'm a ghoul. Perhaps a bit more fleshy ghoul, but a ghoul just the same. Is this a vault-girl's fantasy or something?

"Dez has me, because she chose me. It goes no deeper than that."

"Yes it does because…"

"Because what?"

"Because…you sleep with her. Not like that, either, it's just…just that, you two at night…you look like you need her. Why? What does she have that no other girl has? I don't understand it she was never really desired in the vault."

Shaking my head I decide quickly this is not a conversation to be having at all, let alone so early in the day.

"Amata, it would be wise to leave it at your imagination. I'm returning to the room now, are you?"

"Yeah…"

Pushing past, I sternly lead the way back to the room. There's no more time for argument or questions, I make sure of that. Amata's feelings are nothing more than a vault fantasy. I am the man, her father would not approve of. It is as simple as that. Entering the room, I'm relieved to see Dez still sleeping. It must still be before sunrise, because unless she's drinking, Dez is usually up by morning. Looking back at Amata as she walks through the door, closing it behind her, I see a sense of sadness in her eyes. Without wasting anymore time, I lie down next to Dez, still clothed in armor. I'll lay beside her, until she rises. Patiently, I'll wait.