Chapter 1: Kailail and Faand

Kailail was a girl of 17, a woman by Arroyo's standards, especially in these trying times. She was a very pretty girl with firm breasts, short black hair, a lovely face with rosy cheeks, and strong legs to die for. She also had a reputation of being very sneaky and being spotted at the scenes of robberies. She had once stolen a Vault 13 flask from Vic the trader from Klamath and claimed she traded for it. They had no proof to say otherwise.

It was around midnight and Kailail hadn't eaten in days. Faand's aunt had gotten a large batch of cabbage, but she wasn't one to share. Kailail crept behind the woman's tent and lifted the canvas. She spotted the bowl of cabbage next to her bed. Kail grabbed it and dragged it over, leaving a Xander root and a Broc Flower in the bowl and taking a handful of cabbage. She sat next to a tree and started enjoying herself.

"It seems we've finally caught the thief!" a voice said from behind. Kail looked behind and saw Faand's aunt.

"You don't understand! I haven't eaten in four days! I'm starving! You're not going to eat all of this cabbage before it goes bad and you won't share with anyone! I didn't have a choice!"

"That still doesn't make burglary right, young lady. I'm going to tell the Elder tomorrow morning. You enjoy that meal; it's going to be your last in Arroyo."

The woman walked away. Kail looked down at the small bit of cabbage in her hand. She popped it into her mouth and sat there. A tear ran down her cheek. Known Faand's aunt, this was indeed her last meal in Arroyo.

Faand was the same age as Kail. He was rather thin and pretty tall. He wore broken glasses that he needed to see that was stringed by a thin rope. They had grown up together and Faand was the only one who knew about Kail's stealing. Kail was an orphan; she didn't have a choice but to steal to trade for food. She left things in return for the items she stole, most of the time anyway. She called it "Forced and unknowing bartering." He always turned the other cheek and let the girl live.

Faand was also one of the few hunters left in Arroyo. He had become really good with a spear and his fists. Sometimes when Vic came along with a firearm he took lessons with him. But he was better at talking and trading than he was with anything else. Everybody liked Faand except his greedy, jealous aunt. Faand didn't care and largely ignored her. But today was important; his aunt caught Kailail stealing cabbage. She failed to mention the Xander Root and the Broc Flower left in return.

"It saddens me that I have to do this, Kail. You're my great-niece and I love you, but you've been stealing from Arroyo for years," the village Elder said.

"Not true! Every time I took something I left something in return!" Kail objected.

"Oh, Xander roots and Broc flowers like you did with me? That's hardly a trade for something as scarce and valuable as food and water!" Faand's aunt replied.

"I don't have a choice. I don't have anybody to supply me with food and was never trained to do anything to trade for it!" Kail pleaded to the Elder.

"Alright, alright. The village is going to die if we don't do something soon. Kailail, I will give you a second chance. First you have to pass the Temple of Trials," the Elder said

"I have to pass the Temple of Trials? But I don't have any-"

"And then you have to leave Arroyo and find the Holy Garden of Eden Creation Kit to save the village."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes. It's the only way we can forgive you, Kailail."

"But-"

"No buts, Kail."

Kailail started to cry. She would surely die in the Temple of Trials. She was a thief, not a fighter. Faand felt a pain in his heart. He couldn't let her die like this.

"Elder, can I go with her?" he said as he stood.

"Faand, you want to go with her? You have done no wrong."

"I've known about Kailail's thieving for years and have done nothing. Nor can I let Kail die in the Temple of Trials, alone, scared and helpless."

"Faand, you don't have to do this!" Kailail started. Faand held up his hand to silence her.

"I am as much at guilt as Kail. Send me with her to the Temple of Trials and to recover the GECK."

"Very well, young Faand, you and Kailail will leave the village to save it."

Kailail looked up at Faand. Their eyes met and they smiled.

"Years ago, the Vault Dweller set off on his journey. In his travels he met another from his vault, and together they destroyed the Master and founded Arroyo. You two will follow in their footsteps to save those you love."

"Thank you Elder. I will not fail you," Faand told her, bowing.

"And neither shall I," Kail said, bowing as well.

"Humph!" Faand's aunt went. She turned her head and left. She wanted Kail punished. Her nephew had to make her a martyr.