Heads up! This chapter contains some truly depressing content.
Ryleigh cleared her throat. Her voice was hoarse and the pacing of her words was stilted as she struggled to remain in control of her emotions. She struggled to force a smile to her words but a never ending sadness threatened to swallow them.
"We did it. Together we stopped raiders. We destroyed slavers. We befriended half the Capital Wasteland. We fought and befriended fucking deathclaws. We made mom and dad's dream come true. We gave pure, clean water to the wasteland. We dealt a massive blow to the Enclave. And today… today you saved my life and helped to ensure the Enclave would not so easily take over this land."
She coughed, choking back a sob that threatened to take over her calm. Someone moved behind her, their boots crunching into the loose dirt, but they did not say anything. The wind whistled over her Pip-Boy. Ryleigh took a steadying breath and continued.
"You have saved me more times than I can count. You have killed more villains and total pricks than I could ever imagine. You have been by my side every step of the way without questioning my motives or complaining about all the bullshit I put you through. You were always there for me. Unconditional comfort at night. Protection when I inevitably got myself in some real bad shit. You are and forever will be the best boy. You were my best friend."
She took a step forward and laid something on the ground. Finally, she let the tears fall though her labored breathing signaled she was still attempting to remain somewhat poised in the moment. Fawkes took a heavy step forward and laid a rough hand on her shoulder.
"'There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.' Boomer gave his life fighting for the one he loved. He could sense that what you sought was not just for the good of all mankind, but for the good of the Wasteland. How many times had the brave fellow thrown himself into harm's way to protect you or those you loved? How many times had he sat next to us by the fire, showing us that love and comfort still exist in this world. Now, he has gone on into that darkness to join those who came before us. He has become one with the stars, always present, always watching, and never forgotten."
Ryleigh gave a small humorless laugh at the end of Fawkes speech and, based on the rustle of fabric as well as his surprised grunt, she hugged him tightly. Another stepped forward and laid something down on the memorial. The clear voice of Sarah Lyons spoke as if she were addressing a thousand soldiers.
"When I first met you, I thought the lot of you were just simple scavengers and wastelanders. I have never been so glad to be proven wrong. At the time I falsely assumed that it was the… bipedal folk among the group that made the decisions, but today it has become clear that it was the four legged companion of the famous Lone Wanderer from Vault 101 who truly embodied the spirit of this land. There never was a braver, friendlier, or better dog than Boomer."
She took a step away and there was the subtle chinck of a handful of soldiers in power armor saluting behind her.
"He was as much a member of the Lyons Pride as any of us."
Sarah saluted. Ryleigh took a few deep breaths and forced herself away from Fawkes. She took a step, then another.
"It's beautiful, boy. The sun is rising. Clean, pure water is rushing from the memorial into the basin. I can see caravans heading on their way with clean water to every part of the wasteland. We did that. We defended those trails until the raiders fucked off. We showed everyone that no one was too small to fight for. I couldn't have done it without you, boy. And I will do my best to make you proud."
Ryleigh kneeled and grabbed a handful of dirt. The coarse material slid through her gloved hands as the gentle footsteps of those behind her slowly turned and began walking back down the hill.
*Click*
