Chapter 31: Tiny Symphonies

Despite my best efforts, sleep wasn't happening. I spent much of the night pacing back and forth between many of the rooms. I couldn't sit still. Something in me wanted to go, stop sitting in this gift shop basement. Some intricacies amazed me. That power still worked. It wasn't entirely dilapidated. In my endless pacing, I noticed that there was a hallway that caved in entirely. A massive pile of rubble completely blocked it off and concrete. One thing I noted; was in this incessant pacing. There was a complete lack of bodies. I did not have a single skeleton to discover down here.

I found myself in one of two bathrooms. The plumbing was far from operational. But I noticed the mirror was nearly pristine. Minus some dust from a few hundred years of never being touched. The room itself was small and claustrophobic. Much like the rest of this place, rather lackluster. Part of me wonders if there was never anything here. Or if something has already been entirely picked it clean.

I stared at myself in that mirror for a long, long while. I tested the sink and found that it didn't flow any water at all. That's okay, I have some bottles. Fortunately, not leaving my satchel behind too. I would rather not want to sneak through these tunnels again. Just to pick up where I left off.

I'm hoping that a few of these bottles of water will help against the alcohol I decided to so foolishly drink. I have had no adverse effects yet. It tasted impressively watered down. Irresponsible is the best way I can describe what I'm feeling. What a fucking mistake. I stopped staring at the mess that was myself in the mirror.

I feel an overwhelming sense of sadness, regret, and inadequacy. Drinking? Wasn't even worth it. I'm still miserable. Worse, in fact. I can't sleep, I can't do anything. Just wait here, stare at myself. What. A. Fucking. Joke.

I can probably move that rubble pile if I'm quiet enough. I can, at the very least. Accomplish something in my insomniac bout. I assume that Adam and Myles are fast asleep.

My thoughts went to Adam. He lost his friend yesterday. Styx. The only blessing I can count on is that it was fast. Don't worry, Styx. I won't leave you to the mongrels. It's the least I can do. It's also made me realize how dangerous this trip has become, for me, and for Myles. Maybe we should stop while we have the chance?

Frank Horrigan. What a monster. How-? No, there is no how. Is it a matter of why I should care? He killed Styx, certainly. He's beyond my ability. That towering clad of armor is, as far as I'm concerned. Absolutely unstoppable.

These halls felt more claustrophobic than before. I can't tell if the lack of sleep is getting to me. These seemingly endless concrete tunnels. They feel like they are closing in around me.

I need to get out of here…

Each wall had a long stretch of yellow paint, at around the halfway point down the wall. It's supposed to be straight. It feels like it's moving in a wave. Grew in intensity as I approached.

I feel like I'm… in an old trash compactor.

What was I doing?

The darkness is encroaching. The tunnels are calling. It all looks the same. The lights aren't even helping anymore.

I can't shake this feeling that something isn't right.

Sophia… I saw Sophia in the darkness.

Why must you haunt me, Sophia?

Why do I always turn to you?

"You're dead!" I shouted into the darkness. It did nothing. She didn't even falter in her taunting walk away from me.

I can barely tell it's her. But I know, I know her when I see her.

I know it's her because I'm overwhelmed with sadness. I know I couldn't save you; I know.

Why must you torment me so?

Each direction felt the same. I was lost. The lights faded. I was alone in the dark.

I used to be afraid of the dark as a hatchling. I told Sophia, and she thought it was hilarious. Not to make fun of me, no. Just that one of the most vicious creatures of the Wasteland could be afraid of something so trivial as the dark.

I miss you so much. There isn't a day that goes by when I don't think of you. It's been nearly 20 years now. I never told you how much I loved you. I never got to say goodbye. Buried you, right next to mother.

I owed you so much, and I just let you die…

Is this comeuppance? Do I deserve your torment, Sophia? I could have been there!

I pursued this apparition. I thought I was free of you. When I took out the Enclave. I gave my goodbye! If I thought the walls were caving in before. Every step led me closer and closer to her. Closer and closer to the suffocating walls.

I reached the end of this endless hallway. It was distorted and blurred. It looked like a heatwave around me. Sophia just stood there in the middle. Back turned to me.

"You're tormenting me, aren't you?" I asked meekly.

She didn't even turn around. I just stood at the edge of the room. My entire being was shaking. This differed from her last visits. This was… malicious.

"Why did you do it, John?" That was the only thing she said.

I… didn't even say anything. She turned around. Her soft, comforting face was distorted and dead. Dead is the best way I can describe it. The same way she looked when I carried her to the grave.

I tried to back up, but I was met with a wall. A wall blocked the hallway I came from. "N-no. You're not Sophia. You're not the woman I love-"

She only approached me, expression unchanged. Her head was tilted as a corpse would. "What's love got to do with me dying? You didn't love me enough to save me."

My eyes watered at these harsh words. It cut through me like a flurry of bullets. This… thing only held herself against me, against the wall. I tried to push her off, but it was like tar that stuck to me. "That's not something the Sophia I know would say! Yo-you aren't her; you are a demon!"

I pulled her off of me. I tried to get away, but then I was overcome with something. Something that prevented me from following my instinct of flight. This demon. This… simulacrum of Sophia, my Sophia! Needs to die. This isn't how I remember her.

"Why didn't you help me, John?" She asked.

I gathered myself and approached the broken woman on the floor. You might look like my Sophia, but you aren't her. "You foul demon. My torment is no longer, you hear me?" I went to stomp her life out. All she did was look right at me then. It's her face… I can't do it.

"I always knew you were weak. A pathetic specimen. I died for this?!" she screamed in the last sentence, laying on the floor.

With regretful hands, I picked this initiator up. I squeezed her backside against me with one hand and raised my other. Don't hesitate, she's already dead! You buried her yourself!

I only tried to look at the ceiling, not even down at her. I plunged my claws directly into her throat. I slit across her neck and just held her tightly. I just witnessed Sophia die for a second time.

I stood there, holding her for the longest time. The moment my claws cut her neck open, I froze. I didn't stop looking at the ceiling. Tears rolled down my face.

I finally got myself out of this paralyzed state. When I looked down, there was nothing. Absolutely nothing. I wasn't holding her. The only thing on the concrete floor was some droplets of tears that had nearly dried and absorbed into the concrete.

How fucking long was I like that?

I lost exactly where I was with everything else. My entire body felt heavy. I am such a fool.

I didn't keep going. I just sat down, right in this dark hallway. I broke down entirely. My face was a stream of tears. Therefore, I shouldn't be allowed to have solace. I feel the walls caving in on me.

I don't care…

Just let me see her again.

Wou-would she even recognize me? Would she be happy with who I've become?

I wish I had more alcohol now…

I'm going to visit you, Sophia. In the grave or afterlife. Whichever happens first. We will be reunited, one way or another.

I didn't even bother adjusting my two satchels or my sword. I'm assuming whatever it afflicted me by wore off, finally. It is difficult to admit that I cried myself to sleep in a dark hallway in an over 200-year-old gift shop bunker.

That is exactly what happened. At least the lights are back, and I no longer need to feel like the walls are oppressing me. These hauntings might finally be at ease.

The torment. It's far too much. Seeing her just reminds me she's dead. I won't forget, but I need to move on. It's been goddamn long enough! Slaying the demon had to have helped.

I stretched my legs across to the other wall. I feel tired as hell. What even happened to me? Alcohol? What was it even in that bottle? My head hurt so much.

I stood myself up with a crack that echoed throughout the hallway. I questioned where I was. At least the end of the hall was just an empty room of barren shelves and dusty piles of what seemed like broken junk. Electronics, bottles, and various metal bits. How did I not step on any of this?

I should go find Myles and Adam. I shook my wrists and stretched myself, wiped my face down. I need to look presentable. The way I slept against that wall has only left me with cramps and pain.

This place all looked the same. The only saving grace was that there was only one way I could go at this moment. I didn't even know if it was even morning. I would enjoy a proper bed.

Yawning my way through the halls, this section looked vaguely familiar. I struggled quite hard to just make my way through here, using the wall for support. Turning a corner, I found that pair of bathrooms. Okay, getting my bearings. So that room was real.

I decided I was going to move that pile of rubble near it. We won't be coming back here, after all. It looked much more intimidating now that I've started on it. It was a full cave-in. I can tell there is a room on the other side, though. Maybe it won't be for anything at all?

I used the two bathrooms to hold the chunks of fallen concrete and rebar that I moved. So it would be out of the way. I used my sword as a crowbar of sorts for a few of the chunks. It was easier once I got past the initial largest bits of rubble.

I couldn't see what was in the room, other than it was there. I toppled myself over some of the remaining debris. It was uneven and not elegant at all. But, I was in!

With enough squeezing and shoving, I made my way through the final hurdle of rubble. I heard a noise in the room. It sounded like… a bed.

I let my eyes adjust to the low levels of light. It smelled weird in here, too. Turning towards the direction of the sound, I saw it. A ghoul. They looked like a dried-up and shriveled tato. It was gnarly. They growled and snarled at me, faintly. It was barely audible. I realized they were tied up to this bed. They must have been behind here since before the war! I can't imagine…

Their skin was so shriveled, that it stuck to the mattress and moved in a pinched stickiness. They couldn't even raise an arm to try to feebly swat at me. Their clothes looked like the remnants of a business suit. That explains why I never heard them. They can't even move, or make a sound.

You have suffered enough. Over 200 years of darkness. I scanned the rest of the room and noticed a bunk bed, a few boxes, and a terminal that wasn't on. I held up my sword as they looked at me with hunger. You poor soul. I shoved the pointed tip of the sword right into their chest, twisting it and pulling it back out swiftly. Their rotten flesh led to no resistance. They were dead. I couldn't help but state for a moment. They didn't even bleed. It had all been drained for a couple of centuries; just laying there.

I shook my head and looked through the rest of the room. It was rather small, all things considered. I wonder if that terminal would still work. I checked things as I made my way to it. A table that was sloppily contained. It had piles of bean cans and plates that had food that spoiled ages ago. The smudges still showed. There wasn't anything noticeable other than 3 chairs. One was toppled over.

Hmm, I wonder if a family made it down here. The bunk bed and the bed that the ghoul laid on were separated. By an entire room's space in distance. Judging from the empty cans and bottles that lined the walls, the barren boxes, and the messy dishes. This was a group that ran out of supplies. I wonder about the cave-in, though.

It seems they piled beans, Nuka Cola, and various other minor foods. It did not prepare them for the apocalypse. I skimmed through each box, shelf, and even under the mattress of the bunk bed. There wasn't a single supply here. The bunk bed had a few children's toys still resting on it, on the top. A teddy bear, an old car.

Some kid was stuck in here during the Great War…

Only the one body of the ghoul still. It was time. I clicked the power of the terminal. To my absolute shock; it turned on!

It had only a few documents. Nothing else. No Holotape in the compartment. We don't have a Pip-boy, anyway. No way I'm going to convince anyone to use one of those old recorder machines.

I read through the 3 entries I could retrieve. It went through the story of a mother and her husband and their daughter. The mother was the one who kept logs.

The first date. October 23, 2077. It goes through how they entered her parent's old gift shop. They were visiting when the bombs fell. They left their home, pets, and all of that. She lamented how her cat was probably a pile of ash right now. How her parents didn't make it to the underground passage. She had her husband, a 5-year-old daughter, and herself. That was it. They didn't have time to prepare.

The second date. December, (redacted) 2080. The exact day was lost. The women go on about how they have spent over 3 years scavenging the entire area. Hunting, foraging, and growing their food. She writes about how her child will never have a proper life now. It's upsetting her greatly. It has afflicted her husband with radiation sickness. Some kind of nasty infection after being bitten by some Wasteland dog. She writes about how they used to throw Christmas parties, and invite family from all over.

Final entry. No date. It's a short paragraph. She says how her husband changed into a ghoul. She couldn't bring herself to kill him. She's leaving the bunker and blowing up the hallway that leads to her husband. The rest is corrupt and missing.

I looked back at the ghoul's body. Thinking, well, that was morbid. I sat up from my crouched position. Time to go find Myles and Adam. I don't think they need to know about this little escapade I went on.

These halls are silent; eerily so. I don't even know if I got much sleep. That's all a blur. Was it my crisis or was it the alcohol I got from Myles? I guess I'll never really know. Not unless I drink again.

I felt absolutely awful. In every aspect of the word. Mainly physically and emotionally. If I could just die in this bunker. I think I would be fine with that.

These corridors and rooms overlapped and looked somewhat familiar. I was wandering for most of the night. It's no wonder I got myself lost. Easing my way back to the entrance was easier than expected. I found the hallway that led to the main, large room. After that, it was just the hatch.

I heard Myles and Adam. They were arguing over something. It was clearly aggressive. I couldn't really tell what it was about. "Hey, you two. I am awake now, why don't we-"

I spoke as I turned the corner to find them both wrestling each other on top of the table. Jars are knocked over and bottles are broken all across the floor. I immediately rushed in on all four; to reach them quicker. I rose myself back upright before they could even attempt to stop their fight.

I picked them both up off the table. I lifted them by the necks of their shirts and separated them with wide arms. I let their feet touch the ground, so I didn't suspend them with their fabric. They could not hit each other and any attempts on me would be feeble. "You two want to even try to explain what the hell is going on?!"

They both struggled. Myles grabbed at my wrists and tried to pull away, but it was completely futile. Adam kind of just gave up the moment I grabbed him and just let me hold him there.

"We were arguing," Adam said bitterly.

"Yeah, about the fuck what, Myles?!" I snapped at him.

I took control of the situation. I'm already in a bad enough state as it is. I don't need them to be fighting with each other.

"I wanted to keep going. Get the Hell out of the area with that monster Frank Horrigan walking around! Adam here wants to go a bury his boyfr-"

I shook Myles and shut him up. "Okay, for fuck's sake. I get it."

Setting them both down gently, I made a contingency. "Myles, we didn't take this trip, going to Nevada just to flee at the first sign of resistance. Adam, we are going to bury Styx, don't worry. Frank should have wandered off by now. If not, well. We will just have to fight for it!"

"But, John, I…"

"No, arguments, Myles! Now, if I hear a single aggressive peep out of either of you!"

Styx brushed himself off and got himself together with a deep sigh. "No arguments, let's go."

I clapped my hands together and made my way past them. "Perfect! I'll lead the way. We can stop back by The Flea Garage and continue along the highway. After we bury Styx. My condolences again, Adam."

I heard Myles grumble something under his breath, but I didn't quite understand what it was. Styx was silent though. He avoided eye contact as I held the hatch door open. I at least confirmed that it was morning.

I pointed up at the stream. "We just need to follow the stream upwards. When it splits, we go left. We hit that forsaken hill before we know it. Or we can go arou-"

Myles pushed by me, running into me in the process. "We can just go upstream…"

I sensed the bitterness in his voice. He was so far ahead of me and Adam before I could even speak a word. If he's so concerned with running into Frank; why run ahead?

Adam sighed behind me, "It's okay, let him figure this out on his own. If you pursue him, it will just amplify things."

I only looked back at him. He looked tired, defeated. "You're right. Do you feel like telling me what caused such an issue?"

"The gist of it is. I want to retrieve my friend's body. Myles wants to keep moving. He didn't even try to listen to me. He struck me first…"

"Got it, let's go get Styx. I don't want to leave him to the dogs. I owe you that much." I slowed down and let him catch up with me. I completely lost sight of Myles.

Adam quickly hustled to me, confused. "Wa-wait. I'm not in the know about something. Why do you owe me?"

I helped him climb up the massive hill that separated us from the Highway, and the gift shop. "You and Styx helped me and Myles get into that town. Indirectly, but you did."

I saw sadness turn to rage, turn all the way back into grief as we strolled by that raging stream. "You… I don't understand. How am I going to find his kid alone now? How am I going to explain that he's dead?"

"I don't need to tell you. You can come with me and Myles. We are traveling to Nevada, after all. Maybe we can ask for her along the way? Mackerel is quite the name to stand out. Assuming she doesn't go by a different alias."

I was only met with him nervously clearing his throat. "We won't find her. Not here, at least. Nevada is my best option. I don't have any other plans."

I noticed we had reached the highway. The Flea Garage would be not far away now. "Okay, Adam. We need to set a rule. When we are around other people? Those who don't know what I am? You treat me like an animal. You don't give any hint that I am beyond just being a feral, trained beast."

"You know. I have to ask why? Why are you so scared of people figuring it out? There are plenty of oddities in the Wasteland. A talking Deathclaw isn't close to the strangest thing in the world."

I scanned the area ahead of us. I recognized Myles. He was leaning on one of the many wrecked cars. Other than that. The gate guards, everything seemed clear. "Because. I've tried that. Not everyone has such an indifferent opinion as you. I'm a monster, Adam. People would kill me even harder if they know I can feel it, for real. Look at Frank. He's got an entire vendetta against my kind. For generations," I sighed as we hit the road. "I am the last that he will face."

He didn't press the matter in the slightest. He only gave me a simple answer: "I understand."

Myles noticed as we approached. He wasn't so angry this time. I am glad that he saw us first. I didn't want to have to announce it so close to the settlement. I couldn't see from the distance but I noticed now that he was loading one of the guns and cleaning some parts. It was the Carbine; I thought he lost that.

"Are we ready to trudge up that cliff? We need to get Styx. Then we will get a room in The Flea Garage. Rest for the day; then continue our journey," I looked at Myles, then Adam behind me, "Are we in agreement, you two?"

There was a moment of silence from them both and then I was given reassurance. They both agreed to my terms at the same time. Good, I don't need to thrash either of them.

"Let's get to it then. Just up that cliff. Adam, are you ready for this?"

I saw him open the inner weaving of his shirt. He pulled out one hell of a fancy handgun. I didn't recognize it at all. It had a green light along the barrel, an extended magazine, and a silver polish. "Ye-yes. I am going to kill Frank if he's up there! Let's get this fucker!"

Myles jumped from sitting off the car, cocking his gun in the leap, and landing next to me. "Let's do this. He's going down! He will pay for what he's done!"

Their rallying put a massive grin on my face. So much so that I instinctively grabbed the sword from my back. It shimmered upon this day. The slick shine nearly blinded me. "Alright! No surrender! We will die, or he will die. Seriously though, both of you? If it goes wrong. Please, run away. I can keep him busy," I paused, leading off the road. I murmured, "I already did that once."

The three of us moved in unison. I took the lead and made the first push to the top of the cliff! And… It was empty. There were no landmines, or that building that Frank came out of. I instantly lowered my guard. "He's gone…" I said, looking around the area.

Styx still lay upon the dirt. This was definitely the spot. Adam was hesitant to approach. I noticed that Myles and Adam both took separate sides while I investigated where the building and bunker were. It's like it wasn't even here. The dirt and ground are not even uneven, or misshapen. They don't have some kind of portable base? The inside of it led downward, into the ground. This literally makes no sense. How could they move a whole structure overnight?

"We aren't getting anything else here," Adam said, looking down at Styx. "Can we please just get him out of here?"

Myles even chipped in. "I agree with Adam, John. We should get him and us out of here. Frank seems to have moved on. Let's consider it a sign."

They both just waited around for me, it seems. "Why am I always the one to carry the body?" I asked, mainly to myself.

I wonder why Frank chose Styx. It seemed like it was random but, no. There had to be something else behind it. He could have just killed us all… why did we even surrender? He might even still be here…

"John?" I heard from behind me.

Adam was there, cross-armed. I seem to have gotten lost in thought looking at Styx. "Sorry, I was just thinking if we could have saved him, that's all."

Truth be told, I was delaying. It wasn't all that long ago that I had buried Emma. Less than a couple of months already. Here I am. About to be carrying another. I eventually gathered myself enough. Strapped the sword to my back again and scooped him off the ground. I didn't know him, not really. But he was still an acquaintance. Adam and he seemed very akin to me and Myles.

"Where would you like to bury him, Adam? I suggest somewhere high up and…" I trailed off. "Take any valuables he has. Grave robbers are prevalent in places like this."

Adam reluctantly checked Styx's pockets and his shirt. I was respectable enough to not ask what he had. "I would like it to be somewhere high up. Away from any chance of people and animals that might… dig him up."

"How about at the very top of this cliff?" Myles suggested, pointing up to the rest of the rock formation. "That space up there would be hard to access, and secluded enough to work perfectly."

While I was against the idea of burying him so close to where he died, it seemed we lacked options, so I made sure. "Is that okay with you, Adam? I can climb up there and handle the… burial. Say goodbye. I don't want to be insensitive. But I would rather we get this done sooner than later."

Adam just placed a hand on Styx's head as I held him there. The moment felt like it lasted far longer than it really did. Myles leaned himself against a rock and patiently waited. Who would we be to rush him? I saw it in his eyes. Adam, he wanted to break down at that moment. That look was all too familiar to me. He kept himself together and turned away, letting Styx go for the final time.

"Go ahead," he said. Not even looking at either of us. "We shouldn't hang around much longer. Staying put too long is a recipe for disaster. I'll see you two in town." he paused and looked back before going down the hill. "That is where we are going next, right? You both aren't going to just leave me?"

I shook my head. "No, we will go there to get a proper rest before moving on the next morning. Go with him, Myles. I'll catch up."

"But, John, I-" he protested.

"No arguments, Myles! I'll be fine. Meet me at the signpost. You remember where that is, yeah? I'll find you, don't worry."

He grumbled but eventually conceded and slowly pushed himself off the rock he was leaning on. I heard him say something under his breath, but didn't quite catch what it was. It wasn't the first time that happened. Probably for the best.

Now that I am fully alone, I can focus on the task at hand. Many thoughts went through my head as I held Styx. Mainly how out in the open I was, standing on this elevated cliff base. I had very few options for how I can approach this scenario, so I just did what I could.

Hoisting Styx over my shoulder and I grabbed onto the side of the massive cliff with both my hands. In theory, this should be a straight shot up, easy and quick. Digging my claws into the mixture of dirt and stone, I tested the climb at first. Just elevated myself slightly off the ground, and made sure I would hold before I went further up. So far, so good.

I'm not much of a climber. I don't use these claws for gripping and stability in that regard. Not that I can't, I just choose not to.

This was much easier than I was expecting. I was already almost there! The damn sun was blinding me as I climbed. I scanned around the road and the valley beneath the cliff. No sign of any activity. It would still be early enough to where no patrol or animal would scout the region.

I reached the top with little issue. I gently set Styx down and scratched the dirt and grime from under my claws. I was trying to figure out how I was going to actually do this. The elevation allowed much in terms of safety. It really was a good place to bury him. I don't like that it's so close to where he died, however. We don't have the luxury of picking.

The area was wide enough to where I could keep him to the side as I dug at the ground. Using my sword, I shifted and unpacked the century-old pile of dirt and dead brush. The sheer compacted nature of the height would make sure this would take a while. At least no one could sneak up on me from here.

The sword made for an impressive shovel. Only because it was welded together so firmly. The metal doesn't bend too badly; it is a multipurpose tool. It took a bit of time, but I made decent progress on digging the grave. I only hope I don't make a habit of this.

I knew him for only a short while, Styx. But, at least he doesn't have to struggle anymore in the Wasteland like the rest of us. I wish I could have done it all differently. Giving up like that? What the hell were we thinking? Frank Horrigan is roaming free and all we have to show for is a secluded grave!

Digging this hole, I am trying to feel upset, but I'm just… not. I don't know why. I just feel more empty than anything. Not sadness, just… nothing. I've been feeling a lot lately. I wonder why? I just leaned on the handle of my sword. Staring off into the blaring sunrise. I could stay up here for a while. I have had little time alone since Myles and I began this trip to Nevada.

I wondered about a lot of things as I rested. The grave was nearly complete. Just have to finish this. Making the final finishing touches was easy overall. Just had to make the width of the hole a bit more. It's a damn shame it had to come to this. Styx didn't deserve this outcome. As far as I knew; he was innocent. I scooped him off the edge of the cliff and took a measurement. I ended up making the grave a little too wide, but that's okay. Setting him down as respectfully as I could manage. I doubled-check his pockets and the other small bags he had on his person. Not to rob him, no. But I wanted to make sure that grave robbers wouldn't get anything. No one is allowed to rest peacefully in this Wasteland.

I took the time to be careful. Making sure he would not end up in some shallow grave by the end of this. Pile after pile of tainted dirt, I covered him. This was the final thing I can really do for him, after all. Aside from vengeance. Going after Frank, though. Was that something I really wanted? I just spent the last 30 years of my life searching for Glavin. I just let him go. I don't forgive Glavin. I hate him. More than I can muster the words for. But killing him wouldn't bring me peace or closure.

Neither did leaving him alive, to be honest… in terms of my mental well-being. There was no clear answer. Neither outcome would have left me sleeping soundly.

I toppled enough dirt to where I could no longer see Styx. This was it. The final goodbye. The last of the digging. As much as I could manage. I padded it down, flat and unassuming. I will leave him unmarked. No sense in drawing attention to this elevation with a makeshift cross.

I methodically padded down the dirt. Made extra sure it was even and in line with the rest of the ground up here. No suspicion to draw attention to any kind of an elevated mound of dirt. It was unassuming, and I knew it was there!

Scanning the surrounding area from up here, I didn't see a soul in sight. The sun was now fully up and blasting its unforgiving rays. To think, once upon a time, all people had to do was worry about radiation from the sun.

I sighed and stared off into the distance. The direction we would all be heading tomorrow morning. Honestly, I don't want a break. If it was up to me; we would keep going. But Adam deserves some downtime. I understand that. I am really in no rush to reach Nevada. I have plenty of demons there I haven't fully embraced facing yet, anyway.

We are still very far off. A distraction or two won't hurt along the way. Lilly's Leggings. Huh, I still wonder what that means. Something hints at a literal underground organization. The other side hints at it being hogwash. Either way, we will leave tomorrow.

I should probably go find Myles and Adam and tell them the job was done. I gave the grave one final look and hoisted myself down onto the ledge. Digging my claws into the sides for traction worked as well as getting up for the first time. Things always seem so much higher when going down than up at times.

I landed back on the ground safely and felt at ease. My previous scanning around let me relax, if only for a moment. I checked my things and made sure nothing was left up there. Sword, two satchels, check, check. Okay. I made my way down the slope once more, leading to the Flea Garage.

Much to my surprise, shock, and amazement. Guns did not blast me the moment I came into range of the Flea Garage's front gates. I didn't recognize either of the two guards in the front. It seems they swap new guards and patrol each day, which makes sense.

They lowered their guns and awkwardly gestured at me to approach. They Stood with shaken arms to enter the open gates. They gave me as wide a space as possible to enter the gates. I noted their appearance. It seems the guards all don some kind of makeshift metal suit of armor and are clad in a bunch of mismatched street signs, metal plates, and bent pieces from all kinds of different vehicles and parts.

A man and a woman stood at the gate. Some weapons were rather lacking; given the absolute suit of armor, they wore in comparison. It's like a makeshift, poor man's Power Armor. It will get the job done, stop a bullet or two. Not to mention, it just looks intimidating. I couldn't get any discernible facial features from either of them. They both were armed with shoddy-looking hunting rifles. It looked like something a Raider would use. Not exactly what I would call gate guarding material.

I breezed past them to hopefully not make them wet themselves. I can only assume that I was told to be allowed entry by Myles, Adam, or Malic. Huh, why would Malic let me walk in here all alone? Given the fact, I have no one with me this time. Standing in the entry square was a little nerve-racking. It was early morning and movement was at an all-time low. Few people walked about.

I was… ignored. Even as groups of 2 or 3 wandered by me. Not even taking a glance at me for a moment. Not even any of the few kids were interested in my presence. Did something happen? I stood in the middle of the massive market space, getting my bearings and I was just ignored by many passersby.

Was it my bags? Surely no one is just not curious about the Deathclaw with satchels? Maybe they think I'm like a Brahmin. That would be funny! If that is what it takes to move freely, so be it. I remembered the direction of the signpost to the left of where I was now. Going forward would lead me into the trading stalls. It's all coming back now. Truly, the lack of people walking around made me less anxious overall. I am the furthest thing from an early riser. Taking advantage of the situation was few.

I was rather tired too. I slept virtually not at all, given the absolute nightmare, the bunker afflicted me with. I will try to convince Myles to let us rent a room to sleep in. I'll just pass the day in there, catching up on my rest.

On my paced journey to the signpost to meet Adam and Myles, I saw a rather interesting character. A woman, a rather small, unassuming one at that. But she stood out. So much so that I even turned to face her direction. Something caught my eye during my stroll.

She wore a rather clean lab coat. Its bright white stood out so much in the drab brown of the dirt floor we all walked on. Her blackened hair and well-kept demeanor enticed me. I can't explain why. She looked like she was here with a specific purpose.

I assume the lab coat wasn't just for show, either. She looked like she could be the time. Minus the hair, she kept it sideways, almost like that of a punk or Raider. It was an interesting choice, for sure. It did not distract her with something more, disgruntled at the state of some lights and machinery that lined this worn-down section of the walkway. Wear and tear and lack of care were prevalent right when you got out of the market district.

I took a note of the lady and continued on my way. Not drawing any attention to myself by looking too long to get all her details. It had been too long since I met a genuine, trained scientist. The Prydwen had some, sure. But not for the purpose I would need them for.

I'll have to ask Myles if we can trust her. Desperation isn't really a factor anymore, but I still have things I need to have answered. She didn't notice me. I would be gone before she turned around, anyway. She was actively cursing at a light fixture all by her lonesome in one of the secluded corners.

Come to think of it, this wasn't far from the signpost. Surely enough, I saw Myles and Adam in the distance. They were pacing on opposite sides of each other. I fucking hope they didn't decide to fight again. Okay, so approach causally. No attention. Make it look like you are giving them the pack. Yes, perfect!

Why is movement so pressuring when I need to seem like a damn animal? Not too fast, but not too slow. How would a wild Deathclaw move? Like stalking prey, of course! Do I really need to be so convincing? It's not like people will just assume I can speak on a whim. Then again, give someone enough time to look at me. Might raise some eyebrows. An amber-eyed albino, for one. That's weird! I've never seen another like me. That would bring questions. My size would be another contention. While I am still larger than a man, I am smaller than an average Deathclaw. I used to be bothered by this. It's benefited me more than it hasn't. Aside from instinct. Being any bit larger would be a detriment. I quite like not struggling too hard to enter doors.

Myles noticed me approach first with his ever-perceptive eyes and instantly knew what to do. "Ah, Lambert! I knew you would find us. Did you pick up our package?" he asked so enthusiastically it could fool a Raider Boss, "I see you did!" he said, sliding up to me, trying to ignore the occasional glance and glare from the increasing number of settlers flocking the place.

Interesting how I draw more attention when I am with someone, rather than just being alone. I suppose, in any scenario. The scene is odd.

Myles was pretending to rummage through my things. Selling the fact he was looking for something specific. I couldn't help but glance at Adam. It was a call for help. I didn't want to just stand here like a damn stump!

Adam, being ever so gracious, clapped his hands together in a loud crack to get Myles' attention. "I see everything is accounted for, yes, Myles? We hung out near this post long enough. Can we move along?"

Myles, tired of the charade, closed my satchel and stepped away from me. "Oh, right, yes? We can go. We are all here. Alright, Adam. What do you say? Brothel, Spa, or Hotel? We could do all thr-"

I intently elbowed Myles as I waltzed by his position, cutting his sentence off. I gave a sideways head gesture toward the "spa" pointer.

I hate communicating like this.

Adam only laughed at Myles getting so shut up. I had to remember to keep myself in check as well. But it was nice silencing his wishes for the brothel, even if it was or wasn't joking. I truly didn't want to know.

Adam led the charge and turned around, making sure we were following. These walkways would soon become very crowded and busy. But, we went to the spa. Here I am expecting some kind of half-assed, sorry excuse for one with radioactive water and tainted steam.

I was in the middle of them both. Myles was behind me, and I followed Adam. No doubt he wants to ask me about Styx. I want to tell him that the burial went smoothly, too. There will be a time and place for the news. I kept my eyes open and listened for any shifty movement. Of course, the damn spa was down on an unassuming corner of towering cars and metal walls that stretched much higher than they needed to. It zig-zagged, entirely enclosed until we reached an actual building. It was tucked away, run-down looking, and definitely had seen better days.

The building itself was made of chipped concrete. The red and brown of yore are far from washed away and are replaced with various other colors of dirt, clay, and sentiment. It looked like an old office building, with postcards and packages. There is what looks like a weathered blue mailbox out but it is so buried in the ground and filthy I can't even tell.

Adam didn't even plan anything and went right in. Well, no time like the present. I followed, ducking under the double doors, and bumped the bell at the height of the doorway on my way in.

The inside was rather unassuming. It was lit by natural light and cracks in the wall. It was for all intentions, not in a good state. But, if this is the spa, we lack a choice. Adam approached the empty desk and Myles took his place, leaning against the door and covering our back from any potential threats. He's a lot like me where there is no break. Always being ready for anything.

Scanning the room, I realized it was empty. Not a single person besides us was here. The desk is vacant. The waiting chairs are empty. The room itself looked like it was on the verge of collapse. I'm sure that isn't foreboding at all. The inside was much the same as the outside. Worn down concrete and colors of a time long past. Parts of blue and red were donned on the upper wall. But, mainly it was peeled clean off. Leaving a brown and white surface of the base brick behind. It was rather ugly, and drab here.

Chairs lined the walls in rather excessive numbers. All a bright, faded red. It seems aside from natural age, this place was untouched by warheads. I wonder if it holds any forgotten secrets then? The desk was in all kinds of bad condition. It was half circle, a crescent shape. With the inner crescent part making up the reception part. Files and cabinets behind. A typical desk setup, minus the extravagant shape.

I stood in the middle of the room. The floor felt, how can I say? Weak under my weight. Like the tiles from 200 years ago aren't meant to hold such a heavy creature or something. It felt as if it was uneven, as an indent with each nearby step I took. It inclined into the ground and wasn't exactly noticeable unless pressure was applied. I thought these were solid chunks of concrete. Not some plastered tile on the ground.

I looked at the ground for a good minute, just beneath my own feet. I applied pressure in a lot of other places around, but this single square stuck out. It's like it was hollow underneath. I leaned down and made a slight, tiny indent on the spot with my index claw. Just so I would remember. Something is odd there. I intend to figure out what, but later. The scratch was just subtle enough that I'm pretty sure it would be missed if you weren't looking for it.

We then finally heard a female voice. Rather high-pitched from the back room. "Sorry for the wait. Be with you soon!"

Myles just shrugged at me, watching my entire investigation of this floor and the room. He just shrugged at me. Really, Myles? You have nothing to say? Oh, yes, I was suddenly just ogling over my feet while I figured out what was wrong with the floor, obviously!

This is a perfect example of why I hate having to play the dumb, trained animal. I cannot articulate a discovery like this under any circumstances without it being suspicious. Adam was pretty intent on his desk investigation. He was shuffling through many papers and documents. I wonder what specifically he was looking for. Probably looking for some incriminating documents or suspicious qualities.

A rather busty, and unclean woman came out from one of the backward rooms. She wore an absolutely dirty and stained business suit. It's reminiscent of white and is lost in the ages of grime and slime. Stains of God don't even know what lined each of the visible threads. The first thing they noticed was me standing in the middle of the room.

She looked at me and swallowed nervously as she approached the desk. Noticing both Myles and Adam in their non-panic. She shuffled some papers, adjusted her scruffy hair, and addressed us all directly. Especially monitoring me. She shuffled the papers that Adam messed with and cleared her throat, making sure she had our attention. "I-I assume you are all here for the steam room? It's the only accommodation currently available. I had prepared it earlier. It can fit all of you."

I don't think Adam and Myles picked up on the fact that she sorted through the stack of papers like it was a deck of cards. It wasn't like she was looking for a sign-in sheet. Just the way she did it was suspicious as all Hell. Something is telling my gut that this is going to be disastrous.

The lady grabbed a slip from her massive stack of papers and set down a pen. "You'll all have to record your visit here. That will be 100 caps each."

Myles finally got off his position from the doorway. "What exactly does this steam room consist of? Where is it at?"

She just kept to her papers. Not even looking up to answer him. "It's a large room in the back of the establishment. We burn various coals and use filtration and water pumps to simulate steam. It is relaxing. Plus, you can operate it all yourselves."

Adam was quiet. Just scanning the room. I can see it in his body language. He knows something is up. "Good enough for me. I'll sign for our Deathclaw. He's the carrier of goods."

He jotted us both down on the sheet and turned around to me, hesitating a little before rummaging through one of the many pockets on the satchel. I was rather interested in how he remembered and knew where the caps were at.

While he was counting, Myles approached the desk. He glanced around the room as he did. I know that look of his. He's looking for enemies. Glad we are all on the same page. He squeezed past me and Adam and jotted himself down.

"So, how long do we have in there?" he asked.

"Typically, it is as long as you want. Or until the coal runs out. It just got stocked, so you can stay there for a while. Obviously, if I close, I will have to ask you three to leave. But, you may go. Behind the desk, down the hall, and in the third room on the right. The single set of double doors is what you are looking for, and enjoy!" she answered. Despite her enthusiasm, it was full of disdain, and deadpan demeanor."

Myles nodded, "Thank you. We will be out of your hair then."

He gestured for us to follow him, and I finally moved from my spot in the middle of the room. I absolutely despise staying still. Adam was done counting our funds and slipped the bag back into my satchel, speeding past me to meet with Myles.

There was a rather understanding silence between the three of us as we went down the hallway. Something about this screams trap. I sped up a little to make the distance between me and Adam. I leaned down, poked him on the shoulder, and whispered, "Draw your gun. This could be a perfect ambush."

Adam didn't give me a reply. He quickly opened his jacket up and pulled out his pistol from under his arm. Suggesting that Myles do the same. Just in case.

"You make a good point," he said, quietly. Reaching into one of his many hidden pouches. He pulled out one of those folding laser rifles, getting it primed and ready as we went.

I felt a bit more at ease now. At least we won't be caught fully unarmed. This hallway seemed to only get longer and longer as we went down it. I severely underestimated the sheer size of this hallway. Myles and Adam kept themselves close to each other, watching the opposite sides. I kept my eyes on the front and back. We formed a sort of triangle as we went down the long hallway.

The hall itself was different. The entire layout, appearance, and feel of it. These walls are rusted and crumbling. All these years of neglect. You would think, for an establishment, that they would have cleaned and made the place tidy and presentable. It all leads credence to this place not being exactly the most legitimate establishment. Something just felt off as I looked around the architecture.

It didn't take long till we found the set of double, blue metal, rusty doors. It seemed very out of place, but I followed them both into it, ducking under the doorway to a surprisingly lit and kept room. It had an incline in the middle, like a pool, full of water already.

I shut the doors behind us and scanned the room as they took their seats on the perimeter of the wooden benches that lined the pool. "Okay, we should be clear enough to talk." I glanced back at the door and jammed my blade into the middle of the latch so it would be stuck. "Just to be safe. Don't need to be barged in now."

Adam took off his jacket and folded it nicely next to his gun. "You are definitely right about that one. We can take a breather for the moment. I can't say I like this place."

Myles, in a nodded agreement, continued his statement. "Yeah, I feel something here. The way this place is maintained. That lady at the front desk gave me a vibe I didn't like."

I gave my agreement to them both, sharing my findings. "There was a tile that was off in the reception room. That's what I was so focused on. It felt hollow, like there was a whole space beneath it."

I took my spot in the furthest set of benches, facing the door. I could only assume that these large furnace-looking structures on each side let the water steam up. Both Myles and Adam got comfortable, preparing for the sauna, but I stopped them from de-gearing themselves further.

"Hold on, you two. Think about it. She set us off to go into a single, out-of-the-way room. Everywhere else isn't functional or is closed off fully. She was unkempt and the place itself is filthy. Something ain't adding up." I said, keeping my eye on the door and addressing them both.

"What are you getting at?" Adam asked, reaching for his gun out of safety.

I stood up just moments after testing the bench for my weight and inspected the machine on the right as I spoke. "I would seem to believe that this is a trap, a lure. It seems too suspicious. I could be wrong. It's happened before. But the way this place is. We should do some sleuthing before we get caught in some elaborate scheme."

"Why can't we just enjoy a sauna? Why has it got to be to investigate everything, John? This is an established town. The ain't no way they would let visitors fall into a trap." Myles scoffed at me and splashed his feet into the water, already having removed his boots.

I poked and prodded at the giant, furnace-like structure and couldn't find anything suspicious with it. "Think about it. You can fill a room with a gaseous fume. What do you do? Trap three individuals in a secluded corner. 3 visitors who would just come and go. Who has no bearing on the town and its longevity? You can't tell me the state of this building isn't making you both raise some eyebrows? This isn't an establishment, it's a trap. We fell right into it too."

Myles quickly picked up his gun and something clicked in his head, nearly toppling over the bench and he made his way to my position, unarmored and practically undressed too. "I can't fucking believe it. What do you think? A sauna cover-up to lure in victims?"

I shook my head as Adam gathered his things too and took position on the wall opposite to me and Myles, by the door. "No, I think, therefore, people are disappearing. How many other establishments are taken over?"

"By who, though?" Adam asked, clutching his gun to his chest, dread in his eyes.

"It isn't a matter of who, I don't think. More of what is behind all this," I trailed off, leaving Myles by the furnaces and taking my place by the doors. "I think it's Rose Bloods. They infiltrated the settlement." I continued, watching the door. "I'll keep an eye on our escape. Get your things together. We are going to go deeper into the building, shut down the operation, and then we are leaving."

Myles groaned, silently and quickly went to the bench that had the rest of his clothing and armor. "I was afraid you were going to suggest that."

In record time, he strapped his entire gear set back on and grasped his rifle like he was in a legit war zone. "Adam, you know, we will follow John's lead, okay? Let him take point. As he can take bullets a lot better than we can," he glanced over at me and murmured quietly, "Sorry, buddy."

"Don't be sorry, Myles. It's true." I reached into one pouch of my satchel and pulled out one of the folding carbines Myles handed me when we left the Capital Wasteland. It took me a moment to figure out the stock, and how to actually grasp the thing, but I got it.

I leaned against the door, and Myles and Adam joined my sides. "Okay," I whispered. "We are going to the right, delve deeper into the facility. Don't shoot anyone unless they are a threat. We aren't here for bloodlust. Especially if we are wrong. We are investigating, got it? Adam, you will focus on our flank, Myles, you will support Adam. I will watch and take a point in front, got it?"

Adam gulped and stammered. "Wh-what if it's Frank? What if we can't take on what is here?"

"Then we make a tactical retreat! We swap positions, I and you will run in front, and John will cover the back, got it?" Myles tried to assure him. I don't think it did all that much.

"Are we ready?" I asked them both. This was for myself too. We got ourselves cornered like a trio of rats.

I got two reluctant nods. I am feeling the same. With one hand holding the carbine up, and the other reaching for my sword jammed in the door, this was going to make some noise…I can only assume they are watching for our every move.

End Chapter: 31