Hey, guys..! Back with another chapter! Hopefully it doesn't end up short, but no promises sadly! I doubt anyone would complain because this took nearly a month to make! The reason why will be after the chapter! Happy Belated Christmas Present, from me to you! Anywho, let's get right into it!)

John and Serana walked in, pretty much silence. Save for a few 'How're you doing?' Or, 'You still following.' Half-sentences. Whenever John tried to bring anything up, Serana seemed dismissive...

He didn't want to bother, as he hated conflict. A conflict with someone more Machine than a Person was a whole lot worse, he knew that.

"...So, uh. What's, bothering you? I-I don't mean to pry, but I-" "I know." Serana cut in. "I'm just, thinking. And, worried. For the Little On-" "Victoria." John corrected. "But proceed." Serana whipped her head over to him, her helmet a rather-light green.

"...Victoria. I'm worried for her, is what I was trying to say. I know she's not Mother, but. I still can't help but blame the Doctor. She created the Monsters. She created me, my Sisters, everything." John cleared his throat.

"Wrong. Andrew Ryan created Rapture, ergo creating all the monstrosities that lurk around here." He smiled slightly. "We're all Monsters in some way. Some embrace it, others hide it. It's all about how you present yourself."

Serana tilted her helmet. "I, don't understand what you are saying." John shrugged. "Maybe I've just lost it, but. I learned a long time ago if you keep thinking you're something, eventually it'll consume you. For example, thinking you're a Loser or a Coward, you'll become it without even trying. Simple as that." He sighed. Serana nodded slowly, starting to understand what he was saying. "So, are you saying I should stop calling myself a Monster?" John shrugged a bit.

"Partially. I'm saying that I think otherwise. A monster has no self-control. A monster does whatever it feels like out of spite. You, however. You were just an unwilling slave." Serana laughed slightly. "Unwilling is right... Thanks, John. But you know, you're anything but a Coward." She wished he could see her smile... But she also didn't want a stray pipe knocking her on the head. She saw that happen with a Houdini Splicer.

He, didn't last long afterwards. Died from Internal Brain-Trauma. Her mother told her that, anyways. She had no clue what it meant at her age, but it did satisfy her Curiosity as a Little Sister. John blinked a couple times, rubbing the back of his neck. "Heh, I suppose you're right. A coward wouldn'tve risked his neck to save you."

Serana nodded. "See? And a Loser wouldn't survive long here, yet here you are." John smiled. "Yeah, I suppose you're right... But I've just been lucky. My luck will run out, though. Eventually." Serana shook her head. "Not while I still breathe. I owe you more than my life, what you did for me." John sighed heavily. "Maybe that'll be when my luck runs out..."

Serana stared at him for a good moment, deciding to go back to silence. She couldn't tell him she won't die, she already stared Death straight in the eyes multiple times. She almost welcomed it at this rate... But she had purpose. He is her purpose now.

Wherever he goes, she will follow. This time, she's willing. John stopped suddenly, holding his arm in front of Serana. "Hold up. I hear something." Serana slowly raised her needle, before John lowered it with his hand. "Wait, don't just charge in blindly. We need to see what it is first." Serana groaned, dropping her arm to her side. "Ugh, you're no fun..."

"Shh!" He shushed, leaping over a Countertop. "Come on..!" He whispered. Serana screeched lowly, showing her disapproval, shuffling behind the Counter. "Thought I heard some'thin. Might jus' be the voices again... They real fierce somet'mes."

A Splicer was conversating with a Leadhead. There's something you rarely see... The Leadhead seemed very annoyed, muttering 'Mmhmm's and 'Oh?'s consistently. "I swear, it was like one' a them Metal-Thingies." The Leadhead finally turned to him. "...Tinny."

The Splicer snapped his fingers. "That's what it's called..! Now I remembe-" The Leadhead smacked him upside the head. "Shut it, will you?! I saw something!" John could've dozed-off from their constant bickering, until the Leadhead commented...

"Serana, your light's gonna get us killed." He whispered nonchalantly. She threw her arms up. "What do you want from me..?! I can't control it!" She hissed back. "Oi, tinny..! We know you're there! Come out and fight us! We swear we'll make it even!"

John thought for a good moment, smirking. "I have an idea. Here, lemme just." He took her helmet off, taking his jacket off, throwing it over her. That should cover some of her armor. He poked his head up. He really hoped these Splicers were the friendly type...

"'Ey, how ya doin'? Nice ta see another face around here! Come to sell some stuff?!" Serana looked at him like he was a complete idiot. To be fair, he did seem like he was. But he was panicking, what more did she want from him..?!

"Oh, uh. We, saw a light and. Thought it was a Tinny." The Leadhead mused, crossing his arms. It was working..! John could hardly believe it! Idiots! John shrugged, standing up. "Nope, just. Me and my wife, is all." Serana flinched at that. Wife..? Of all things, why'd he say that? Wait a minute. "Oh, really now? And where is she?" The Regular Splicer commented, mimicking Leadhead's posture. John practically pulled Serana up.

"Here she is. Nothing else, just us. Sorry to disappoint ya, fellas." The Leadhead nodded slowly, continuing their walk. "Lucky guy. It's hard to find any normal-looking Splicers like her around here..." The Regular Splicer nodded quickly. "Well, all the best to you sir! And ma'am! Congratulations!"

He sprinted after Leadhead. "Wait up, Cuz! Damn, you really hate me don't you?" John picked up Serana's helmet. "...That could've backfired. Hard." Serana didn't want to give up his jacket. It made her feel calm. But, she did eventually give it up, watching John put it on.

"Indeed. How did you know that would work?" John shrugged, smiling. "Simple. I didn't. My luck has yet to run-out, Sunshine." He leapt over the Counter, waiting for Serana. Serana thought for a bit, putting her helmet back on. Maybe he proved his point. He was lucky... But how soon would it be until it runs out?

(Sorry if this Chapter sucks, I really tried honestly! Alright, let's get real. Not that way... I've, been really down lately. I haven't updated because I have been worrying about my Grandfather. He's dying of Brain-Cancer, and. The doctors already said he's a goner. But, do not fret. I am not quitting. I will persevere as I have countless times before. So, anyways! Back to cheer! Merry Christmas, everyone! And a Happy New Year! Woo! See you guys in the next one..!)