Lily woke up wishing she was dead.
The smell hit her first. It was a Commonwealth original, a potent blend of rotting flesh mingling with the damp, musty stench of a swamp. It would have brought tears to her eyes, if she had any to spare.
The pain came next. It wasn't the quick, unpredictable kind that came with life in the Wasteland. Nothing like a scratch from a radroach or a bite from a feral ghoul. No, she could sense this pain coming, looming in the horizon like a radstorm. Slowly, inevitably it rolled over her weakened consciousness, infusing itself in every inch of her battered body until muscles she didn't even know existed started to cry out in anguish.
Now she really wished she was dead.
The dazzling midday sun winked at her, teasing her with its brilliance. It was putting on a real show today, twinkling and dancing across the sky.
And what a sky it was, all dressed up in bright-blue with frills of light-gray clouds.
It was a pristine, uncorruptible sight. The perfect evening sky, a setting that should only exist in faded storybooks and Pre-war comics.
And it was taunting her.
You'd give me up? It sniffed, making a big show of its wounded pride. You'd leave me behind?
It's nothing personal. She replied, gritting her teeth against the pain. But I feel like a Yao-Guai's chew toy.
The longer she lay there, staring at the sky, the less she felt like moving. This wasn't a terrible way to die, was it? If she could ignore the stench and numb herself to the pain then, for just a moment, the Commonwealth felt almost…peaceful. The tender lapping of water against the riverbank, the soft hum of a nearby generator, even the harsh cawing of the ravens circling above had an oddly musical touch to it.
This wasn't a terrible way to die, she decided, sinking deeper into the pile of trash. An icy-cold numbness was spreading upwards from her lower back, easing her pain wherever it went. It was a sign, wasn't it? The Commonwealth was offering her an easy way out.
Stay down. The Wasteland whispered reassuringly, sending a gentle breeze to ruffle her hair. I'll take care of the pain.
Get up. A voice in her head urged. No, Red never urged anyone to do anything. She only ever gave commands, even to her little sister.
Five minutes. She pleaded, as the pain ebbed further. Just one quick nap.
For a fleeting moment, she almost believed she'd made her case. Red's voice was silent, giving Lily a chance to slip further towards blissful unconsciousness.
I'll slice you op-
"Alright!" Lily croaked hoarsely, her throat aching from the effort. A burst of adrenaline shot through her broken body, supplying her muscles with a sudden surge of energy. There was no time to cry out when the pain returned, no time to wonder how she'd managed to find the strength to move; she had to act now, before her shaky limbs gave up on her completely.
Lily took a deep breath and braced herself. She was ready for the pain this time; gritted teeth and clenched fists helped her power through it for about two seconds before she crumbled again, utterly exhausted.
Atleast now she knew what the problem was. Not only was she sore from head to toe, but her hips felt like they'd turned to lead in her sleep. No matter how hard she tried, her lower body refused to cooperate. In this condition, she'd have to haul herself across the Commonwealth like a legless ghoul. The image of herself flopping along a road using just her hands popped unexpectedly into her head.
Enough games, Lily. Red's silky-smooth voice was unimpressed. Just get up.
"Easier said than done." Lily muttered, staring helplessly at the sky. Red's orders were always direct and uncompromising. Lily could either do what she asked or die trying.
Was it worth calling for help? A single Stimpak would make all the difference in the world. She couldn't see the main road from where she lay but she couldn't have made it here all by herself.
Who's going to help you? Red demanded instantly; Lily could almost see her shaking her head in disappointment. Mirelurks? Bloodbugs?
Red was right. Her life wasn't worth a Stimpak to anyone.
Once Lily's weary brain had sorted through all possible courses of action, she came to a rather obvious conclusion. No matter what, she had to get moving while she still could. The last of her energy was slowly draining away, and the numbness was starting to spread again. Every passing second reduced her chances of survival.
Maybe she owed that beautiful blue sky one more try.
Lily felt rather than heard the footstep behind her; the thunderous impact sent painful vibrations through her sore body and shifted her bed of metal precariously.
No.
"I smell you human!" Impossibly loud, unnaturally deep. A shiver ran down her spine.
No.
"WEAK! PUNY LITTLE BLEEDER!"
Closer now. Despite the pain, she scrabbled and clawed at the trash around her, scrambling to find a hint of purchase. A flood of fear and panic swamped her common sense; too late, she realized her mistake. The delicately balanced trash heap began to slide, carrying her straight to the concrete along with a sea of rusted tools, empty bottles and human remains.
She froze, flattening her body against the ground and forcing her eyes shut as the footsteps grew even closer. It was sniffing now; she barely managed to stifle a whimper.
Thump. Thump. The footsteps inched closer. What if it just stepped on her? Smeared her against the ground by accident?
A steady stream of liquid trickled from her rapidly soaking pants. Even Red was struck dumb, watching slack-jawed as Lily shivered in a puddle of her own urine.