Chapter 7: Spark for the lantern

I can't say I am surprised but I also can't say that I wasn't at the same time. I tried my best to stop to both myself and her… we shouldn't have set out for this venture. We should have stopped at Lexington. Hell maybe even the Cambridge area would have been fine. But I should have fucking stopped us before we came to this dreaded fucking city. Diamond of the fucking apocalypse or whatever their motto is… I should have destroyed this place when I had the chance. The silent assassin… fuck this city. Fuck the commonwealth.

…You know what? Fuck this world.

A voice speaks in the pitch blackness, a void if you will.

"Stay behind me. Really… I have a bad fucking feeling about this Ruby. I don't trust these scumbags no matter what they say. Can't we just find some other places to investigate or something?"

"No. We must go here if we must start the quest of bringing the commonwealth to justice. If we can persuade them to side with the minuteman when the time comes than we are all set to go for the Underground Railroad. Brotherhood on the other hand won't be easy until we actually have numbers on our side. Come on Atlas please…"

Ruby, our giant Deathclaw protagonist, and Atlas, our mysterious oddball protagonist, come into view. Atlas has his rifle drawn and his pistol is just itching to be used. Behind him is Ruby, slumped down a little stealthier than her usual walking stance.

He began to move forward without giving her an answer. She did as instructed however and kept behind him at a close distance. She was still very visible but with him in front things should be more… distracting.

"Here it is… the front gate to the lucky diamond mo stor. Une vue magnifique!" she chipped from behind him.

"And here are the guards to boot. Well… here we go Ruby." He approached the gate. Ruby hung back and three guards in baseball armor with some modifications done has aimed there rifles at him. Turrets were revving up and buzzed at him but did not shoot. Not yet…

"Ah-ah-ah! Stay right fucking there. If I were you I'd keep that rifle down before me and these others guys lay waste into you… with the help of a little turrets mind you." The main guy spoke out and seemed bigger than his two comrades but he didn't sport a helmet. How cliché

"Settle down there. I have no intentions of being hostile. My weapon is drawn because I had killed some mutants, raiders, hell even ghouls before I reached your front gate. I can guarantee you that I won't be of any harm I just intend to barter…"

The three all seemed to relax a bit at his statement. The big guy spoke up. Too bad he isn't as tall as me… prick

"Oh… well I'll be damned we owe ya then! Clearing out those pests will really help some of our scout patrols. Thanks man. If you plan to barter as well hell I see no problem with letting you in."

Atlas looked down a bit. It was time to get serious…

"Well here is the problem… you guys know what the most dangerous creature in this wasteland is? Something that will kill you faster than the radiation would?"

They all looked among themselves a bit confused by his confronting question. "Well I would have to guess on them big lizard things with the horns straight from the devil itself. Claws bigger than a goddamn railway spike the hell was it called Yuri?" he looked over at the guard now labeled Yuri waiting for an answer.

"A Deathclaw Jon" He answered.

"Deathclaw! That's the one. Big bastards… why you ask?"

He turned around as they saw a big figure approach. Her steps weren't rumbling the ground as she was graceful with her walk as to not frighten them. The readied their weapons and signs of panic and terror began to show as he faced back to them. On his shoulder a big Deathclaw face peaked out from the darkness and rested on that very shoulder.

"Meet Ruby, my Deathclaw companion. She is tame and will not attack unless you attack me." He rubbed the side of her face with his right hand but kept the rifle in his left just in case. This caused a sort of purr to come from the Deathclaw. "If I were to go in she comes with me. She is very docile and very elegant in her stature. And the best part…"

"Greetings to you three. I am Ruby. I promise I won't inflict any harm."

"She talks. She is an intelligent Deathclaw raised in New Cali and traveled here to find me and now we are companions."

They aimed their rifles at the two and Jon, the leader spoke.

"Fuck that… no fucking WAY that thing just t-talked. It's made by the Institute I swear it! It will kill us all!" Fear was in the tone but it seemed to be a fearing aggression like that of a cornered animal.

He got his rifle ready and stepped forward.

"I wouldn't even think about it. She is definitely a real creature just like you and me and she has stated herself she will not harm anyone. Its best you don't try anything you got me? Jon?"

He chambered a round and aimed for his head. "Please man don't make me hurt you because of some ugly ass lizard freak that can magically talk. If you let me kill it I will let you have the remains so that you can sell-GUAGHH!"

Time seemed to slow… the scene shows Atlas with a fist straight to the man's stomach causing lots of spit and breathe to come out his mouth. He had gotten hit hard and before he realized what hit him Atlas grabbed his hunting rifle and tripped the man, hitting him on the head with the butt of the stock once he hit the ground. Dropping Jon's rifle and picking up his own .50 cal he pointed it at Yuri and the other guy.

"I will say this again. Let us through. We will be of no harm. Tell everyone on standby that we are friendly and are just looking around for now. Later we will be talking with people that we find interesting… I suggest you do it now."

Yuri didn't hesitate to hop on his radio and tell exactly what Atlas said to do. They both lowered their weapons and in return Atlas did the same. He slung the rifle on his back and walked through the gate that was now opening for the pair.

"Oh Atlas! Why did you do that dearest you could have killed him. There was no need for the violence I understand his reaction to me. It's a genuine reaction to a… thing such as me." She followed behind him and bent her head down slightly as she was now worried for her partner.

"No need to ask such a question when the answer is fairly obvious. Plus you already know the answer to that. I got us through now let's not stay in the market area. Just pass through. Whatever you are trying to find here is priority. We can talk to the Mayor later. We need to see if he throws us out before we get the chance to speak to him. If we meddle and we are okay then we shall go and talk to him, okay?"

There was no time to argue as he started to walk at a faster pace. She kept behind him just in case and kept her footsteps light and almost graceful. The market area was booming with activity and voices and it never ceased, even when Ruby came into vision. The guards standing on patrol must have sent word to the folk so they weren't so panicked at the start. That still didn't stop Ruby from getting some awkward stares and some nasty remarks from some few individuals.

She paid no mind to the nasty and rude remarks from the bystanders. She knew their reasoning for it even if they were pretty harsh. Atlas gave some of them terrifying looks, one you wouldn't want to test a man for. Catch the light just right and his emerald eyes shine like a wraith or phantom.

As they were walking some kids started getting curious as to what she was. One young boy in particular walked out and stood in front on ruby, stopping her in her tracks to peer down at the little lad.

Ruby was nervous, she didn't want anyone to get angry over this situation. Someone may think she is trying to harm the poor boy.

"Wowwie what are you? You look like this thing is my comic book! You got big claws… and big teeth and horns."

All of the kids seemed to look on as this brave young boy stood in front of the massive creature and talked to it even. Onlookers watched in horror and didn't know how to intervene.

Atlas caught a hint of it and turned around. "Hey uh little boy you shouldn't get too close. You might get us into trouble we aren't exactly on good terms with the folk here just yet."

Before the boy could turn around and state anything to Atlas, she spoke…

"Hello there little one. My name is Ruby. I am a Deathclaw if you were so curious as to wonder what I am exactly. I'm afraid I'm not from your comics dear. I come from far out beyond the commonwealth."

And just like that, the little boy's world just lit up with fireworks and angels. You'd have to take a cruise to catch his jaw drop. All of the other kids followed suit and began to crowd in front of her with the boy still closest to her.

"WOOOOOOOOW!" They had all said it in perfect unity, as well as in harmony.

"I didn't know Dead-Caws could talk. That's so cool! How did you learn to speak like us Ruby?"

Ruby had chuckled at bit at the boy's pronunciation and curiousness, almost like she admired his questionable curiosity. "Well little ones, first off its Death-Claw. Dead-Caw was pretty close though I shall allow you that. I come all the way from New California which is very far away from here you must know. Be careful though children… I am the only Deathclaw that is friendly okay? All other ones are very rude and will attempt to harm you. I shall do no such thing, as I am very sophisticated and was taught English by my human raisers or parents if you will. Me and that man behind you are best friends and are closer than any two beings on this earth. His name is Atlas if you would like to ask him questions as well."

Atlas walked up and stood behind the children as she continued on.

"Remember kids I can't stress it enough, I am a special case. Do not try to befriend any of my kind as they will not like you as much as I do. You are an adorable little bunch." All of the kids were awed and talking and giggling all at once and Ruby really loved the attention. I never thought she would be good with kids. That's not too surprising but just… wow.

"Hey Atlas? What made you want to make her a friend? Ruby Ru says not to friend any death… claws. There we go, as they are meanie heads. Why did you?" Said a little girl closer to him.

He laughed a bit at himself but decided to tell her the truth. He kneeled down to her height and whispered. "Well just like that boy there, I saw a man in a comic book who had dragon friends. So when I found out she could talk I just had to try it. But we actually became a bonded pair the two of us. We are like the left and right brain in a way." The girl laughed but whispered back to him "You got lucky though Atlas. She is so cool!"

One little boy overheard the conversation and decided to take this as an opportunity to make things embarrassing. It's just something that kids like to do.

Plus. He was the oldest of the group…

"Gee whiz with all the talk you too make about each other it's like you're boyfriend and girlfriend!"

"Oh! No-no don't say that little one. We are not on the road of that. We are different species and we simply have no thoughts of that at all." You could tell she was embarrassed.

"The lady is right you know. That thought has never crossed our minds. Don't make it like that young man or you and me will go a few rounds. Ruby and I are just one in the same but with a different personality. I think that's all the time we have though kids we have to get moving."

A series of awes and Okays were then followed. At least they were given such an opportunity such as that. It's not every day you get to talk to a Deathclaw that talks back. After a few seconds of good byes and other things alike, they all dispersed.

Atlas stood up and looked at his partner. She seems a bit sad, but it really cheered her up. Set her spirits right I can tell. Maybe this wasn't so bad after all. But I still have that feeling that someone is watching me…

…

"Come on. Lead on and figure out what you want to do." He motioned to come on and she did gladly. She did indeed lead the way as the two began to look around Diamond with a few exchanged words to people as they passed. No body dared to approach unlike those few brave children.

All of the bystanders got back to business as usual. Something stood out in the crowd but he wasn't spotted by either of them.

As the two walked around and meddled, the mysterious figure has made a move. Up on the west side of the gate was this metal home set high up and separated from the rest of the city. This person entered the building and shut the door.

"He is here. Yes sir I am positive. He has something very interesting with him too. I think if I can get it with us you will be quite pleased sir. Yes sir, understood *Click*. You should have stayed with us man. Just you wait *Inaudible*, you'll see just how bad you fucked up this time…"

Atlas and Ruby had passed by a few houses and even a detective agency. Some people were tending to a garden of sorts and others were even tending to some damages made to the outer wall of the lucky old diamond. Here they were, walking side by side just observing Diamond City.

"I got a bad feeling Ruby. Something just isn't settling right with me. I don't know what it is yet but I think we should go ahead and speak with the Mayor before something happens." Atlas was fiddling with something in his hands as he walked with Ruby. It was a new sidearm. He traded the 10 mil pistol and with some caps bought this pistol that Garret, the arms dealer, dubbed "The Deliverer". It had night sights of sorts, and extended magazine, a longer barrel and even a suppressor equipped as well.

"Oh come on now what did I say Atlas dear. If you continue to worry so much that nice head of hair that you have will be shining the same light as the moon. Don't be so uptight all the time, we should be relatively safe now. Especially since you had that little episode at the front, and all for me. How endearing." She went behind him and poked the back of his metal pauldron.

He shrugged off her poke. "Yeah-yeah I know don't mention it all the time. Anyway let us go see the mayor. I am not waiting any longer. Too impatient now." He really was quite nervous. His tone was honest and sincere but still rather straightforward.

As the two began the trek to the Mayor's office, there he was. Watching… waiting…

"Man oh man my skin feels like it's on fire right now… Atlas, that's what you are called now? I think I like your old name more. Used to tell me all the time the ties that came to the name. I really am surprised you ended up surviving the fall of the bombs. Absolutely fan-fucking-tastic!"

The man's appearance was real unkempt and rogue like. He had a full garibaldi beard to match with a few gray hairs poking out of the very dark brown hair. He had a scar covering his left eye that made one eye blue while the other left dark brown. This scar did not impair his vision whatsoever. He had on an old type duster with metal combat armor underneath. He did not sport a pip boy but a metal hand instead. Almost like a permanently attached power fist.

"Man oh man I do hope you'll join me Atlas. With that 'Claw of yours we could do some serious work. But if you were to deny, well. Like I said before you'll see just how bad you fucked up."

The man finally decided to move from his spot and stop his self-conversation after he saw them enter the office.

Atlas walked in and sat down on a couch as the secretary told him and her to wait for him. He Kept a stern appearance as to not show any sign of weakness and to really pose as a threat if need be. Ruby just stayed hunched beside the couch as the room was barely big enough to fit her standing.

"Ahhhh Atlas! The Wanderer of the Commonwealth, the Tamer of Deathclaws how are you? Are you enjoying the Jewel of the Commonwealth? I hope you weren't treated to badly, I have a rule that as long as you follow the rules anyone is allowed in. Even super mutant behemoths if they were ever so inclined to be as peaceful as this little jewel here. Ruby dear I don't think you understand just how rare you are. An intelligent Deathclaw that is civilized and can communicate ever so perfectly? Outstanding!" The man seemed to drone on and on. There is no way he should be able to keep talking like this without passing out.

"Thank you Mr. Mayor. That compliment means a lot to me truly. The road has been a bumpy one but Atlas here had been a blessing. If he seems rude I apologize he is very protective for me as I am for him. You must understand…"

"Of course of course no problem dear! My goodness you do have a well atoned voice for a creature your size… magnificent! You two have made quite the pair. Tell me Atlas how are things?"

If Ruby had a human face it would be red as a tomato with all the compliments she is getting.

"Front gate was a little shifty as well as some bystanders but things seem okay here. You are doing a good job Mayor?" he trailed it off as to seem more interested.

"Brooks. Franklin Brooks at your service. I do apologize for the boys at the gate. They have seen quite a bit of things and to have been approached by a Deathclaw that could talk and didn't want to tear them to shreds was quite petrifying and still astonishing." He always spoke in such a joyous and uplifting tone.

"Alright let's get straight to it then Mayor Brooks." He leaned forward and clasped his hands together with his elbows on his knees.

"Straight to the point. I like it my boy, very straightforward I can tell you'll be a very good person to have here in the community I can respect that indeed!" He said cheerfully.

Damn he never really shuts up, does he? "I just need to know if we are allowed to use this place as a safe haven in case we are ever in trouble as well as bring along anyone seeking protection. We are going to be doing quite a lot of venturing through the wastes and we will be pretty much wiping the commonwealth of scum. If we can. We must try anyway. Will you agree?"

"I don't see why not my boy! We aren't called the jewel of the commonwealth for no reason! I agree to your terms."

"Good. I shall take my leave then Mayor Brooks." The two shook hands and exchanged farewells. Ruby would shake but it wouldn't end well. So she bid farewell to the mayor and decided to head back down to the market area. Atlas followed behind her.

*Intermission*

"I will never learn that man's name no matter how hard I try. No one knows his name other than him himself. I guess if the dead could talk we would know something but that isn't the case now is it? He walks around with that same duster, sporting the American old world flag on the back and the number "21" plastered on it. Scars formed on his exposed arms as well as one significant one that goes across his nose. He simply goes by an Alias that he prefers from a past profession. The Courier. That is all we know him by other than appearance. In many ways he is very similar to a man in Washington D.C. who goes under an Alias but people know his name well considering his father was well respected amongst the community. The Lone Wanderer, Bryan, has done what he could after leaving his vault. He no longer has any intentions of helping D.C. or the brotherhood. With his father's death, he remains what his alias is, a lone wanderer. The courier is very similar to this man. The courier was shot in the head and went on a revenge driven quest in order to take him down. He did. You would think he would then pursue a goal of some sort right? No. He leaves Vegas in the state that it is, fighting between the NCR and Caesar's legion. Yet he still helps out the common folk when he can. It's hard to say whether or not we should be mad at the Courier. He did what he had to do, but left the Mojave in the shambles that reigned before. However, lots of people owe him an unpayable debt as he clears out some pests and supports any commoner he comes across. Almost like a non-intervention messiah. We try to pay him back in many ways but he always laughs and says that the gratitude is all he ever needs."

Boston has an up-and-coming figure in the shape of a Deathclaw that has traveled half of the county, and right alongside her is a companion that will make everything happen. His name is also a mystery to us all. This man is different compared to the other two. He is a very rocky in his personality stats but his Deathclaw companion on the other side of the card is very delight-able and sweet, all the while being vicious when necessary. He can be seen as cold but at others calm and collected. Evil and broken but to some nice and caring. This man goes under his own Alias. Atlas.

*Continue*

"Well then, that was rather eventful and well accomplished I should say. Sorry to ever doubt you Ruby, I know you have way more experience than I did. Forgive me." He couldn't help but shake his head in frustration with himself. However even though he has the approval of the mayor, that doesn't change his trust of the general public.

"Thank you for doing what you did Atlas. It really was a good thing you did. It's like watching my own spawn grow. You matured a lot since we first met and it wasn't even that long ago." she stated this very sincerely.

Atlas laughed. "Please for the love of god don't say spawn. Say children please. Oh wow that was weird." He calmed down before continuing to another subject. "On another note though Ruby, it's dark, we need a place to sleep and even with Brooks' approval I am not sleeping inside the walls in the place. I would rather sleep on the roof directly across from the main entrance since we cleared out that area and we have visual contact of multiple different sightlines."

She looked over to the main entrance area and thought about it. Before she could even finalize an answer Atlas began his walk to the main gate.

"Wha-wait! Why can't we just… what's wrong with… just… Oh FINE." No contesting it now. They both made up their minds.

Atlas nodded to the guards upon approaching the gate and walked out with Ruby as it opened. He didn't feel the need to look at the guard named "Jon" as he saw no further reasons to talk to the man. Ruby felt pitiful for the man as if he were a mere child to the situation.

The two make their way to the building so that they can head to the roof.

"How strange… why are they leaving so early? They just arrived the fun hasn't even begun yet! Oh-ho-ho-ho I can't fuckin' WAIT for him to give me the order. It's so boring just sitting here waiting and watching. I just want to get on with this. After all, we Spectres have to have something to do other than pulverize people all day. It's not like the HLV's let us do anything too fun. Well Atlas, you should really see what we turned out to be. A lot more interesting than whatever the fuck you are doing now."

The man continued to ramble to himself on his balcony while fiddling with some rifle with a big round drum for a mag.

Ruby was already on the roof waiting for Atlas to get there. She had climbed up the sides of the building thanks to her claws and immense strength. She really could get a really good layout of the area from the roof. She heard a bunch of thuds from behind her and knew who it was…

"Nice try little one." "AW DAMMIT!" "It's about time you finally showed up, I have been taking in the sights." She snickered at the poor attempt at sneaking up on her. She has far better perception than him that's for sure.

"Yeah right I was doing well! At least you can see in the dark, we don't really have eyes equipped for this shit. I wish I had a helmet with some night vision or something. So you can see in color during the day but what about at night? Is it the same just darker or do you have some weird light tint going on?" this worthless question really did get him pondering.

"Well, my eyes should give that away Atlas dear. You are a very bright person but this one kind of throws that off don't you think? The low-light vision I acquire at dusk gives me a "Ruby" type coloration to the scape. Even if I lose my eyes I still have other things I can use."

"Well… yeah that makes more sense than what I had in mind. Forgive me, my mind is clouded and I'm asking odd things to relieve it. I just have a weird feeling and I just can't shake it." He sat down and opened up his pack to lay down things such as a lamp and a sleeping bag.

"Oh man… Ruby will you be alright? I know you can tolerate hard ground to sleep on but will it be too cold? I can go find something to cover if you wish?" He looked up worryingly at his companion.

"Oh come on Atlas, look at me. I'm sure I can last for the night. We will be doing a lot of sleeping outside. Don't worry about it dear it's not that big of a deal." She was warmed by his concern.

He pressed a button on the lantern and something sparked before it lit up so he could see a little more clearly on the roof. He could now see her clearly. "If you say so. I hope you'll be alright. You are the spark of my lantern, you should know that. You know how to keep me going. So I can only do what I can to make sure you are okay. Maybe I should have let you sleep in the city… but I can't stop fearing for the worst…" He set the lantern down and closed his pack. Taking off his sniper and drawing his pistol, he set them down next to the pack. Ruby was now laying down taking in his words. Before he could go and get in his bag Ruby had reached out and grabbed him.

"Whoa hey what are you doing?" he wasn't frightened but more just curious about the situation.

"I appreciate your concern for me Atlas. Come here little one. You will sleep with me for tonight. That way I can show my appreciation for you as well. Plus, you'll be protected and a lot warmer than if you were in that little bag." She reeled him in and placed him next to her belly with her arms in front of him and her giant draconic head laying just above his own. They were both laying on their sides looking over at the light.

"Wha… just… okay. I guess I won't argue. Be careful of those horns though you big dope. Claws too! You don't want to wake up with me in pieces." Wow, you weren't lying… its really warm. Like being wrapped around a big blanket but with it being heated constantly by the beating of a heart…

She laughed. "I'll make sure not rough you up. I don't think I'd hurt you anyway. As a matter of fact I would never hurt you dearest. Not ever."

"Thank you Ruby. I will try my best to do the same. This is rather nice. Although I won't tell you why this is very weird to us humans. You may be prone to it but we are not." He laughed. "You may be smart but sometimes you are just as clueless as me"

"Hush now. You will be telling me another time. Just remember little one, I am not human. Your rather weird discomforts are more natural than what you take on. This is meant for security and to show how happy I am to be with you. Don't make this to be some little love story that you humans are so prone to reading. My love for you is not of that caliber. It is of one who will be by your side to the day you pass, as one single creature. Human love and animal mating instincts are different. We do not share those thoughts even though at sometimes you seem to let that immature side show."

"Hey I don't mean too. I can't help it at times. Sorry. But I am starting to understand what you mean. It's not like the ones people get where it's strictly for sexual and romantic reasons no. We don't have that love. It's like..."

"It has to do with types of Greek love. It is not Eros as you stated. It is a combination of the other two. Phileo. The Phileo love refers to an affectionate, warm and tender platonic love. It makes you desire friendship with someone. It is also Storge, It is a kind of family and friendship love. This is the love that parents naturally feel for their children; the love that member of the family have for each other; or the love that friends feel for each other. Storge love is unconditional, accepts flaws or faults and ultimately drives you to forgive. It's committed, sacrificial and makes you feel secure, comfortable and safe. That is what we share Atlas. I love you little Atlas."

"Hmm. Yeah. That is indeed what we share. I could ask for nothing better Ruby. Thank you. I love you too."

He soon found himself slipping into a deep trance with the pattern of heartbeats leading him into it. Everything was warm and getting hazy. Soon, the both were sleeping soundly in the arms of one another. Albeit one a bit bigger than the other.

HEYO Chapter 7 is out! Took my time with this one and I hope you enjoy! That quote at the top will be a major foreshadow in case you didn't really understand. I can't wait to work on chapter 8. Have a good one peeps ~Red

PEACE!