Chapter 8: Ardaíonn an trioblóid

I am so sorry for being gone for so long yet again. With life pushing me along and the fact that depression has been crashing me down pretty hard it was really hard to get back to doing this kind of stuff. For those who really do enjoy my story I really do apologize for this long wait for another chapter. My style has changed yet again and I'm sorry the style is always getting changed. Its just random. But yeah, I have just been so down for such a long time that I though about things no one should ever do... but enough of that. Happy year anniversary to this story! Chapter 9 is in the works as this comes out. Thank you all for your time and I hope you have a wonderful day, and a good morrow. Peace out friends.

-Red

The darkness of slumber seemed to reach an end. Everything that used to be sound silence and all-out emptiness is replaced. He looked down at his hands and tried to take in his surroundings. "Where am I?" stated the very confused main protagonist, his emerald eyes shining away.

"Why am I here? Is anyone even there? Hello?" He looked around desperately and things seemed to clear up as he found himself in the aftermath of a fight. The ground had been tarnished even worse than usual, with fire and blast craters still covering the area. "What the fuck happened here? Was I knocked out?" Atlas was absolutely puzzled by the current situation and had no idea how to go about it.

Glancing down at his hands again he finally noticed that his hands were bloody and battered. His arms were torn up and his chest had a knife stabbed straight into it. He didn't pull it out as he barely felt any pain. What he felt was fatigue. He wasn't wearing his usual clothing either, he had on some leather duster with highly reinforced leather armor on. His pants were a rough type of leather pants that blended well with his upper body apparel.

He walked among the grounds of vast destruction. Soon he began to notice limbs and bodies added to the devastation, all matted with blood. Atlas began to notice more details the more he took it in. The pain started to kick in even more as he also began to limp, covering his chest near the knife wound. Eventually, he came across bodies that he very well knew. They wore big exoskeletons of metal armor, ready to kick anyone's ass.

The brotherhood of steel. They must have been against some other faction suited in armor. Probably gunners. He followed the seemingly endless trails of bodies, wondering how it was that he was even alive. Something did hit him though. Where is his companion?

"Ruby!? Ruby are you there!?" He knew it wasn't the best to shout it into the area but he just wanted to know where she was. Maybe she had left him before the battle. Or maybe… just maybe… "No… no she can't be. She just can't. I won't allow it" he told himself as he shambled out into some sort of underpass. A little hole was broken in on the side and it looked almost as if it was an entrance way to an old sewer tunnel.

Mustering up what he could he walked into the whole and tracked something in the tunnels, blood. Shining more crimson than anything. Things were piecing themselves together as he limped through the tunnel faster, his breathing getting heavier and faster as well. He was in complete denial.

The pain grew even greater until eventually, he lost all vision. He stopped and looked for some kind of light still freaking out. Eventually, he heard a loud pound noise and the lights turned on; Old and industrial. He turned around with a gulp at what would be his worst horror.

There she lay, long gashed across her legs and arms, laser burns scattered about her scaly body, and her ruby eyes losing all light. They were reduced to a lifeless grey. He rushed over and cradled her head. Her big draconic head completely devoid of all life.

The tears flowed like a cracked dam. "No… no, please… don't do this to me, Ruby… please wake up. Wake up Ruby." His crying turned into a crying rage after she failed to move. "Ruby! Wake up please! Please, Ruby! I can't do this without you! Don't leave me all alone! Ruby!" He hugged her face sobbing hard. He looked down the tunnel and screamed her name in pure sadness and rage for not protecting her from the evils that now lay dead.

Atlas jolted upward in the fasted motion he ever did shouting "Ruby!" as he did so. He was still crying as he covered his face with his palms. Something poked him on the shoulder, it was long and sharp like a needle but much bigger. "Atlas?" a feminine voice reached out to him from behind him.

He slowly turned around to see that there she was, Ruby. Standing tall and proud with her head tilted to the right wondering what was wrong. They seemed to be on a rooftop, with a lantern sitting close to her, burnt out. He was so shocked that he got up and ran into her with the biggest hug he could muster. He felt so relieved as the giant deathclaw wrapped an arm around him and soothed him.

"It's okay Atlas, I'm here. I woke before you and once I got up you started mumbling my name and tears seemed to flow from your slumber. I am sorry you had such a horrible dream, I'm guessing it had to do with me…" she felt guilty that he had a nightmare even though it wasn't her fault. It took Atlas a few more sobbing seconds before he looked up into her ruby eyes, shining back down into his.

"No… no, it wasn't your fault." He rubbed the bridge of her nose as reassurance. "I have no idea what kind of nightmare that was. It looked like a bunch of brotherhood and gunners had attacked not only us but each other. The place was torn to bits and I even had a knife buried in my chest. I found you and held your head, trying to bring you back to me… your eyes were colorless… I never want to go through that again. Don't leave me… ever."

She was slightly saddened by his dream but chuckled a bit trying to cheer him up. "Don't worry little one, I won't ever leave your side. You know that. You are my shield after all. I trust you and know you'll protect me to my last breath, and I'll do the same for you." she gently nuzzled him after her sentence to show that she meant what she stated. No matter how things got they will always have each other's backs.

He backed away from the embrace and stretched out with a smile plastered on his face. "I'll hold you to that you know" he stated while wiping away his tears. He grabbed all the stuff he had taken out and put it back into his bag. Throwing his bag on his back and holstering his deliverer, he finally slung his rifle over his back as well and decided now was the time to get a move on.

"Well now… what's the plan for today? We have permission to be in diamond now so are we gonna head back in or are we going to cleanse some scum?" He looked into her eyes, waiting patiently for an answer as she scratched her claws on the floor of the roof. She pondered on it for quite a bit but he did not grow impatient.

"I think we should probably go and clear out some super mutants in the outskirts of town. I hear they have an ambush point set up at around North, north-west of Diamond. Don't know why the guards won't just attack them instead of just scouting them all day. Maybe they have quite a bit of numbers in the ambush spot?" She finished up her clawing and stretched her limbs out quite a bit.

He seemed kinda happy that she chose to go and clear out some enemies rather than head back into Diamond city. He really did not feel the need for watchful eyes at the moment. "Sure, let's do that. Let's just do what we do best and mess their whole day up. They will wish they had done some scouting themselves. They would surely leave rather than having to deal with a big fifty cal round going through their head or a fucking deathclaw coming to shred them to pieces. This'll be fun. Come on! Let's drop down." He waved his hand at her to hurry up. She snorted at his new behavior.

"My my you are all fired up aren't you Atlas? What's with this new attitude? Is it also going to snow or shall the grass start growing back?" She chuckled to herself as Atlas groaned, replying with "Ohhhh bite me!" She did rather enjoy this side of him, however. "You really wish for me to do that Atlas dear? Probably not the best decision you made." She walked over to him as she waited for a response from the now dwindled man.

"Shit… yeah, you are right I will have to decline on that. I would surely die a long painful death if that happened." He scratched his head as she picked him up and walked over towards the edge of the building, moving him just a bit closer to her chest. "Ready? Or would you rather take the stairs?" She tilted her head as she was actually generally asking rather than trying to mock him.

"I'll be fine… just jump woman. Don't add any fucking tenSIO-WOAAAH!" Before he could even finish his sentence she leaped off the building, scaring the hell out if the poor, petrified man. She hit the ground hard with a dent now formed into the ground. It was merely a tiny crater. Once she got her bearings she straightened up and lightly placed Atlas down on his feet.

"God damn, can't even let me finish. I see how it is Ruby." She giggled to herself as Atlas did his best to stretch and brush off some dirt. "This isn't funny Ruby you scared the daylights out of me!"

"Awwwww my little baby Atlas, are you okay baby? You aren't hurt, are you? If you are going to cry it's okay, I'm here little Atlas." She grew quite fond of teasing the broken man. "Ahhh shut it you freakin' lizard. Let's get a move on shall we?" He gestured her to lead the way to the ambush site. "I'll be letting you plan this one out. Since you know where the place is." He stated the last part more sternly than usual.

"My how generous, yes let's go. And thank you for letting me be in charge of this mission. It will be quite the test for myself." She went on ahead and walked away from the buildings followed down the path of the main road with her partner following right beside her. A figure was somehow placed on top of a tall building not too far from where they were at, and he was unnoticed.

"Where the fuck are you heading now?! The more you meddle outside Diamond the more time is wasted for me dammit! You are lucky I am being restrained old friend, I wouldn't think twice about making your day a shit fest." The man grew impatient looking through the binoculars. He wanted to very badly to move forth with the plan but as a spectre, he was bound to scout until told otherwise.

"You know what? Fuck it! I don't care what big boss has to say nor the HLV's! I'm fucking getting this show on the road." He lifted his hand up to his ear and seemed to press a button. "Screw it, boys, let's get a move on. I am sick of all this waiting. Let's go give 'Atlas' and his little deathclaw a nice, warm welcome." He heard multiple voices say in unison "Yes sir!" with some cheers and whoops following as he moved his hand back down. He tossed the binoculars off the side if the building and smiled with evil intent. "Well then… let's begin."

Some time had passed before the two protagonists made it to a little back alley, eyeing the little fort that the super mutants had made for their ambush. "Damn! No wonder the diamond scouts didn't attack. That's a lot of fucking muties! Alright, what's the plan, Ruby?" He knelt down a little more to hide his figure as he waited for his partner's response.

She was crouched down herself, and she sat there thinking things out while spotting certain details that would lead to a plan. "I've got it! Okay here is the plan. Since you are a very talented marksman it would be better to place you at a higher and farther distance no? So make your way to the middle floor of the building to the right and get eyes on the tangos. Once you get into position wait approximately 3 minutes before firing. Take down as many as you can. I'll head for a frontal assault and take out the rest. You make sure to take out anyone you think are the most dangerous. Got it?" She turned back and tilted her head.

He chambered a bullet into his rifle, smirking. "Got it." He placed his hand on her shoulder since she was crouched down low enough for it. "Be careful…" he said sincerely. She nodded and gave a little smile while sticking her tongue out at him. This caused him to smile and take off behind the alleyway and start heading up the building. Meanwhile, she went ahead and started sharpening her claws, getting closer to a spot where she could rush for the frontal assault.

Atlas wasted no time getting up to the middle floor as he didn't think now would be a great time to loot. There were no enemies in the building thanks to not only the Diamond scouts but also because of the presence of super mutants. He made sure that his rifle was ready to go with the suppressor equipped before sticking the barrel out just slightly. Ruby was down below and saw this, so she looked forward and growled softly.

The mutants were all walking around with their pipe weapons and scrapped armor, some eating and some just being moronic. They weren't very intelligent but they still communicated to the best of their ability. One I'm particular had a missile launcher and lots of body armor. He was standing watch at the top of their fort. As he looked around a glimmer of light seemed to catch his eye from the building right across from him. He squinted his eyes to see what exactly it was. Not know he proceeded to yell out. "Hey! What that light?! Me no like it. I blow it up!" He raised his launcher up to the building and before he could even ready his aim a shot entered the air. Loud but not booming.

The mutant fell forward with his entire head missing, tumbling down to the surface below as all the mutants started grabbing their weapons, yelling and shooting at the building. The shots of their pipe weapons mixed with the loud crack of the suppressed 50 cals echoed through the streets. Atlas unless a hailstorm of accurate shots placed on super mutants heads, some even on their chests to see if he could hit the heart. *BAKOW!* "Any day now Ruby!" He shouted out as he began to reload.

Soon the gunfire began to cease when a loud, bellowing roar rumbled through the whole city. Ruby sprinted as fast as she could as she tore into the ranks of the super mutants. She even ripped through some hounds that thought that they had even the slightest bit of a chance. The super mutants did their best to kill the deathclaw but their weapons just weren't powerful enough. The made scratches and some slightly pierced the skin of her scale mail. She simply snorted at their attempts to harm her. Atlas joined back into the fight by firing his rifle into the heads of the terrified mutants.

After taking out all of the ground forces, Ruby decided to start grabbing things around her like hunks of metal from a car and throwing it at the enemies up above her. She even grabbed the bodies of dead super mutants and used those as projectiles. She moved so swiftly in battle, it was so amazing to watch but Atlas had to focus on the task at hand. *She must have done this quite a lot before she met me. She has been through quite a lot.* he thought to himself as he fired a shot into the brain of yet another unsuspecting victim.

As the battle waged on from the upper levels of the settlement, Atlas honed in on making sure that every single last one drew their last breath. He grits his teeth as he continued firing. One super mutant had a big rifle just like his, must have been chambered in .308 rounds. He lined the crosshair on the skull of the bastard but as he pulled the trigger, his gun clicked. "Fuck! Ruby watch out! Second to the top at your two o'clock!" he shouted as loud as he could as he frantically tried to reload.

The mutant looked down at the deathclaw with his rifle and laughed as he pulled the trigger. "No!" Atlas screamed out as he chambered a new round into his rifle. But before he could aim down sights he saw fresh blood come from Ruby's left arm. She blocked the bullet. In one quick movement, she grabbed a big concrete piece and spun her body around in a circle for momentum as she chucked it straight at the super mutants face. He was too busy laughing and pounding his chest that he couldn't move. With a loud smack, the mutant dropped to the ground floor, deader than the one with a piece of metal in his face.

Atlas was surprised by the retaliation that she displayed, she truly was a professional. In pure rage, the world seemed to slow down as he honed his marksmanship in and started making the rest of his foes be reduced to red mist. Ruby growled in pain as she grasped her arm. The round that the super mutant used was an armor piercing round and it went straight into her arm. She was thrown off, however, by the fact that super mutants suddenly began dropping one by one in such a rapid session. She looked over in awe at the window behind her as rounds were being fired fast by Atlas, each and everyone just as precise as the one previously. "You really are one talented marksman mo stor." she then hissed in pain once again from her wound.

The sounds of brass hitting the floor and bodies dropping seemed to stop. Atlas was breathing rather heavily as he reloaded his weapon and slung it on his back. Without even thinking he looked out the window and straight down to see what he could grab onto. Seeing some necessary ledges he didn't hesitate to grab on the edge of the window and lower himself down so that he could grab the next and keep lowering himself. Eventually, he reached a good enough height that he just straight dropped to the ground and was brought to a knee from the impact.

"Ruby!" he shouted out as he got up and rushed over. Once he reached her he threw his pack and rifle on the ground next to them. "Ruby! Are you alright? I wasn't keeping track of my shots and I had to reload. I'm sorry, it's my fault that you are hurt, I should have kept better track of things… that was such a rookie mistake!" he tried to grab her arm but she moved his arm away.

"Nonsense Atlas. You did amazing. You are an excellent marksman. I have never seen someone use a bolt action weapon like you and be able to dispatch foes so quickly and rapidly. Very impressive. Don't worry about me. I removed that blasted bullet from my arm. No need to worry my dear." She licked the area around her wound clean of blood and made sure that the wound was clean before resting beside the building that the mutants made their fortress on.

"I… o-okay. As long as you say you are okay. I won't let that happen again. I swear it." he walked over and placed his forehead on hers, closing his eyes and trying to calm down. Ruby sighed with content. "I know that you won't, my dear. And even if you did I know you'll be there to make sure no more harm comes to me. Now go on. See what you can find." Atlas didn't argue as he slowly back away from her, slightly rubbing her nose and went over to his pack, opened up some bottles of water and placed them next to her so she could drink. He also took out some canned meats that he found and opened those as well. After that, he decided to leave his stuff but take his pistol as he went up the ramps and began looting.

Two Diamond scouts came by to check out the commotion and were surprised at what they saw. They both remained out of sight but one grabbed a radio and began talking into it. "This is scout team golf, our VIP's Atlas and Ruby have taken out the entire super mutant ambush. The whole area is clear. Let the mayor know. Yes sir." he put the radio back and waved his partner over. "Come on, this sector is clear, best check out other places." the other one nodded and replied. "Roger" and with that, they left the area to go scout another sector of the surrounding suburban of Diamond city.

The strange rugged man was now sitting on top if yet another building, peering down at Atlas through the scope of a rifle as he looted and Ruby, as she ate and drank what she was given. "God damn! They cleared out all those mutants like it was nothing! And in such a short amount of time what the FUCK! Why can't my fucking squad clear out places like this that quickly?! Idiots!" he was so loud that a few ghouls from down below heard him and were now trying to find a way to get into the building to get him. "Oh fuck me… forgot this place was ridden with maggot sacks. Well, at least it will give me something to do. Oh before I forget…" he put his hand up to his ear yet again. "Hey boys, gonna have to ask that you hold off on attacking. They are too alert and are showing to be rather formidable. Let's catch them with their panties down, over and out." and with that, the man disappeared view.

Atlas had gone around a looted a lot of ammo, caps, and he even found some more stims. They were going to need those and he now had plenty to spare. He went down the ramp and saw that Ruby was still resting up against the building and had eaten all the meat she was given and even drank the water. It was something to hold her for a bit. She had not noticed him until he out all of his stuff into his pack. "My my. Welcome back Atlas. That was quite a lot of stuff you brought back. Must have been lots of ammo I take it? And I do believe I saw some stimpacks as well?"

It took Atlas a bit to respond as he was starting to get a little dizzy. "Yeah… yeah, it was a good haul. A-are you okay Ruby?" he got up and groggily walked over to Ruby and sat next to her. She was beginning to worry as he had not fired his weapon so why could have happened? "Yes mo stor I'm fine but I'm more worried about you. What is wrong?" she tilted her head to the side as she always does.

He began to sweat just a little bit as the heat of the sun began to swell upon him. Eating away at what little dignity he had, he decided to tell her about the lie. "Well… back at Cambridge, after the fight… I didn't exactly drink any water when I told you to. I lied to you… those bottles I handed you… they were the last we had. I couldn't find anymore. I'm sorry." he had turned away and began breathing a little harder than usual.

Ruby was so shocked at the revelation but it also infuriated her. Before Atlas could even think she grabbed him by the back of his collar and drug him over to a shady spot. "Ruby what are you-"

"Don't! Just… don't." she interrupted. "Don't you ever lie to me again you understand? I'm going to get you some water. Stay safe dear… I'll return swiftly." she turned away and was about to take off before Atlas spoke up. "No please let me come with you, Ruby. Don't make me stay-"

"No Atlas… just no. You need to stop being so selfless. If I were to lose you what would I do? I would never forgive myself. I love you just as much as you love me. We are one in the same Atlas. Just one has a far bigger body. Stay here and rest. I will find your water and I'll be safe. I promise you." she interrupted him yet again but she let her soul spew from her words. She meant every word. And before he could say anything she took off.

"Man… I'm such a fuck up. Of course with all this working I've been doing I need water! I'm such a fool. This is probably the most careless and stupidest thing I've done. I am never gonna live this down. I honestly just… gahhh I'm a fucking moron." he leaned back onto the building that she put him against and tried to not breathe so heavily. It was nice and shady in the spot she dragged him into. "Please by the gods just be careful… please."

She ran as fast as she possibly could as she frantically searched areas that had been destroyed for something. The water that flowed near the bridge was too irradiated and nasty, and she didn't think she would be fortunate to find anything if value as they were probably already taken by either diamond scouts or raiders. Growing angry, she clenched a fist and punched a massive hole into a wall that was just waiting to top over. "Dammit! Why can't I find any?! There has to be something that he can drink. I don't want to lose him…" she closed her eyes and grew saddened at herself for not being able to help him. After the wall had stopped crumbling she heard something metallic and decided to peer down at what it was. It was a metal bucket. "Wait, I remember seeing how the people get their water from the ground… by one of those metal pump things!" she grabbed the bucket and frantically began searching around buildings in the yards for one if those pumps. She began to grow worried again when she couldn't find any. She even started cutting through back alleys to find one.

"No no no come on please have something! He could be in danger right now I need to hurry! Please just let me find something…" she had pleaded with such a sad tone it would make a grown man cry. That tone is not something you ever want to hear from a woman…. Or deathclaw.

After heading down enough alleyways she found this blue metal pump that looked like a faucet behind two buildings that joined together. It must have been a well. Apparently, because of how far down the well went, it made it so that the water was almost pure. She placed the bucket underneath the opening and began trying to pump the water. She grew worried because after a lot of unsuccessful attempts she thought it might have run dry. Her worry and doubt stopped when the slightest sound of a water droplet hitting metal filled the area. "Oh thank god! Don't worry Atlas, I'll be there soon," she stated rather excited as the water continued to fill the bucket. After filling the bucket completely, she pumped it a few more times and drank from the faucet. It would hold her out even longer and she already knew Atlas would get upset if she didn't help herself.

The blistering heat seemed to calm down after being placed in the shade for quite a bit. His breathing seemed to calm down as well but he couldn't help his parched throat. "I won't make this mistake EVER again… this sucks. I'm gonna owe her big time." he tried to close his eyes to stop his thinking but some thumping sound kept entering his head. It just wouldn't seem to get out as it was completely in rhythm.

Out in the distance, he could make out a figure closing in on him. From the loud thumps on the ground, it had to be who he thought it was. The Ruby eyes staring right back at him. She seemed to be holding something but he couldn't make out what it was until she got closer. "Thank goodness Atlas. I found some water. Are you alright?" she asked him as she set down the bucket right in front of him. "Yeah, Ruby, I'm fine. Thank you for doing that for me. I'm sorry for lying to you and I promise I won't make a mistake like that again." he sat forward a little more as he began cupping his hands and drinking the refreshing water. He paused after a couple of sessions to catch a nice breath of air. "You did get some for yourself, right?" he looked up at her intently as she looked back to answer him. "I knew you would be more concerned for me so to appease you I drank quite a lot before I came to you. I had some faith in your strength." she stuck her tongue out at Atlas and he couldn't help but laugh. He settled down and began to drink the rest of the water.

"Sir, deathclaw has returned to the perimeter. It appears that she went out looking for a source of water. Over." the man was in a destroyed building rather close to their destination so he decided to keep his voice down a bit. "Good… next time they split up would be a perfect opportunity. It's 2 o'clock people lets make shit happen. It's me and four other Spectres, ain't no way we could lose this! Get ready boys, any time now. Just wait for my signal. Over and out" they all answered the rugged man in unison. "Roger!"

The two were sitting down next to each other, relaxing in the shade. They didn't need to speak any words as their presence to each other was enough. After just enough relaxing for one day, Atlas grabbed all his stuff and closed up his pack. Swinging that and his rifle over his back, he waved her over as they began their tiny trek back to Diamond city.

As they walked Atlas decided to go ahead and check at least one more building before they fully head back to Diamond city because he just really wanted to waste as much time as possible before going back. Deep down though he knew that's where Ruby wanted to be for now. "Hey Ruby, Is it okay if I check this building right here for any more foods or drinks?" he stopped his pace and pointed towards the building to his left. "Of course you can. Just as long as you stay safe," she replied. She became a lot more concerned about Atlas the more they go about their days. "I will." he waved her off as he ran towards the entrance of the ruined building and began his inspections or prospecting.

Rummaging through the various desks and shelves that now lay in dusty and ashy hells, he found some things he didn't really expect. He found 10mm bullets as well as some tiny cans of purified water. They had been there for so long. "Well, this is good I suppose. Not as much as we need but it will last." he was sort of disappointed with his findings but it was better than nothing at all. He headed up the stairs to search some more. Searching for more containers he grew tired of finding useless items. He heard something shuffle behind him and he immediately turned around with his pistol drawn. A man with a big scraggly beard, metal fist and combat armor as well as the sported duster. His face still bearing a scar. The man raised his hands up and stopped moving. "Woah Woah now Atlas, is that any way to treat an old friend?"

Intermission

"I don't know why I am the way that I am. In itself, it's a spectacle that I even exist. Taking such a monstrosity and giving it such vast intelligence so that it would better suit them for their goals. They wanted a super soldier, and instead, they get betrayed by their own creations. I may not have turned so easily but once I started taking in the world, it all became so much clearer. Being in that vertibird knowing that they actually believed that I was on their side made things so much simpler. Their acts in D.C. were despicable. As we speak they still torture Washington. The people are trying to make things work but with so many other problems in the wasteland, it's hard for them. If it weren't for places like rivet city and the brotherhood of steel with their citadel, then D.C. would surely be a hellish landscape. More so than it is already. But even so, I do feel sorry for humans, as well as my own kind. Humans have it really bad in the wastes. My own kind that they created is too oblivious to what they are doing. They could kill an infant boy right now and not bat an eye. After some extensive communication with some others, it does appear that they do learn to understand, however. They are intelligent, they just don't learn fast. This place in itself is such an enigma… it's even hard for me to comprehend at times. So much to take in. The hardest thing I have ever had to understand however is the one human outside of the enclave that has shown me any form of humility even though I am not human. A man that doesn't remember his past, hates the present and doesn't wish to look into the future. This strange man somehow became the one person I trust more than life itself. He chose to open up to me of all things. A monster that is even freakier than others. I can never repay that man for what he does for me. I feel the more socialized he becomes and the more he learns, the more selfless he'll become. The more he will try to do for me and others… hopefully. A strange man indeed but I love him for everything he does. He truly does have a heart. My little Atlas."

Resume

"Who the fuck are you?! How do you know my name?" he questioned rather surprised that he knew him. It really bothered him that he states to be an old friend since if he was he wouldn't even remember. He decided to keep it trained on his head just in case. The man laughed at him, his laugh was odd. It reminded him of a really deranged man. The way he carried himself wasn't very pleasing either. "Come on Atlas don't be like that pal. You have to remember me. Ain't no way in hell you have amnesia. We have known each other for such a long time. I only just saw you at Diamond. I would tell you my real name but you probably wouldn't remember it. Since you did Atlas I think it's only fair that I name myself, Ares. The god of war and bloodshed." he smirked rather evilly as Atlas ground his teeth. "You trying to hint at something? Fuck you asshole how the fuck do you know me?!" he further interrogated. It was really getting to Atlas at this point.

"Oh, you really just don't remember. Man, you are fucked. Just call me Ares for now. My real name will come to you eventually. You and I used to know each other before the bombs dropped. I am a survivor of the old world just like you are. It's just so nice to see you again… old pal." the way he said it seemed to peeve Atlas even more. He grew angry at the thought that he may have actually known this man.

"Bullshit. Ain't no way in hell that I used to know you. I may not remember but what I do remember is that the fucking vault I came from was filled with a bunch of dead bodies! How the fuck did you survive?! Huh?" he went a bit closer to Ares with his gun itching to fire. Ares had put his hands down with a smile still plastered. "I got on the lift way before you my friend. By the time the bomb went off, I had already been put in cryo. I got out only a few years before you because someone raided the vault and attempted to kill me when I came out of the tube. I put a bullet to his brain and switched out our clothes. He had this very duster. I don't know why you didn't wake but you are awake now so it's alright I suppose."

"How the fuck did you get a gun? I had to get all the way to security to get a 10 mil so how did you manage to get one and kill him?" he asked still very frightened and confused. Ares seemed to laugh at the man. "Didn't you see all the dead bodies? I grabbed one off of the dead security guard. You must be really bad at scavenging my friend. God damn, you got fucked! So anyway let's get on with this Atlas. Do you want to join me or not? Make it quick." he crossed his arms and waited for him to answer. Atlas was so scared of the situation that he wanted to just go ahead and shoot him now. This guy has a whole bunch of stories and claims to know him before the bombs. This is the one thing that Atlas wanted to just go on instincts with. He mustered up everything he could to reach his final answer.

"I think that you should just go back to whatever place you came from Ares. I am not the man you once knew and i can guarantee you that it's vice versa. I don't trust or like people anymore and the fact that you jumped out of nowhere with this information alone rubs me the wrong fuckin' way. Until my memories come back, which they probably won't, I won't be joining you anytime soon. Sorry about that… 'Old Friend'." he lowered his pistol but kept it at the ready as he slowly backed away towards the way that he came from. Ares had done nothing. He just stood there, with a blank expression on his face. Not even acknowledging that Atlas was there.

After making sure the stairs were behind him, he quickly turned and rushed down them to get out to Ruby. He was now beginning to worry for not only his safety but for hers as well. "Oh shit. Shit shit shit! Ruby! Where are you?!" he shouted out as he neared the front doors. Fear, anger, and desperation were in his voice, shaking as he ran out. As the sun hit his eyes he looked frantically for his companion. He grew worried when she wasn't in sight but heard loud accompanying steps so in turn, he began to calm down. She came into view from around a corner. "Atlas! What's wrong little one are you okay?! I heard you from blocks away you sounded like you were in trouble!" she asked worryingly as she came to a stop close to him.

"That's because we are. Some guy in there is claiming to know me before the bombs fell. We came from the same vault and everything. I don't trust him at all he gives me a bad feeling. He told me to call him Ares. Fuck the storytelling let's just get out of here. Carry me." he had lots of fear and worry as he ordered her without even thinking. This man that came out of nowhere had set off his whole demeanor. Ruby herself was worried as well so she didn't hesitate to grab him. As soon as she stepped forward with the massive momentum that she built up, something hit her in the back of the leg that caused her to fall, sending Atlas tumbling way in front of her as she roared in pain. Dust was lifting up into the air by the masses. She whined a bit as she laid flat on her belly, with a hand slowly reaching into Atlas' direction. He, however, wasn't in reach.

Atlas had managed to push himself up to his hands and knees as he groaned from the pain. He doesn't know what the hell happened there but upon making eye contact with the hurt-filled eyes of Ruby, he knew whatever had hit her must have been serious. Before he could get up and go over to her a figure came out from behind her, with a rifle rested behind his head and a grin plastered on his mug. Ares. "That, my friend, is the wrong choice. I give you a lot to offer you know and you just fucking deny me?! You ignorant and selfish FUCK! I'm not gonna play this insanity game where I do the same thing over and over expecting a different result. You should have just fucking joined us with your wits intact but now imma brainwash your stupid ass. It's your fuckin' fault too don't be coming at me with some bullshit later on." he raised his fingers up to his ears and said "Let's go" before squatting down near Atlas. "In case you were wondering what i took out your deathclaw with, let's just say a dart hit her leg with a force of a super mutant behemoth and the toxicity of a radscorpion. It's a fun mix. You should try it." he laughed all smug with himself as he grabbed Atlas by the back of his neck and slammed him into the ground. This was followed by a loud growl from Ruby as he did so.

Ares gave no mind to the angry beast behind him as he flipped Atlas over and punched him hard in the chest with his metal fist. Atlas could feel many things wanting to come up and out. He coughed as he grasped his chest needing air. With Ares cackling like a maniac and Atlas getting beat with some form of the power fist, Ruby began to get angrier as her growl began to get serious volume. Especially since she now felt the presence of others. Indeed there were others. Ares' so-called "Spectres" have arrived. They all sported the exact same outfit as him except that they wore helmets that were all black and it completely covered their face. It was futuristic as all hell. From the looks, it seems to have a respirator system on it that can filter out harmful chemicals and the lenses they peer out of maybe resourceful as well. They had their loaded assault rifles with all sorts of mods trained on both Atlas and Ruby as they secured the area.

Atlas was fading in and out of consciousness as he took the beating. The power fist had done massive damage to his chest and stomach. He swears some of his ribs are cracked. Maybe even broken. He can hear all sorts of chatter but can't seem to focus to understand it. He looked over to his right as he laid there and among the many combat boot covered feet, he could stare into the eyes of the angry but heart-wrenching Ruby, both feeling so helpless to the situation. Ruby roared out in pain when another shot had gone into her arm when she reached it out just a little bit too much. The roar rumbled his brain and made the Spectres jumpy. Atlas seemed to regain some control as his arm out of sheer instinct grabbed his pistol that was unattended after the fall and shot it right at the helmet of one of the poor bastards. Blood spurt out of the hole left by the powerful pistol and the silencer worked well as some had barely noticed since they were busy talking but they all turned when a louder shot was fired. For some reason, Atlas couldn't press the trigger again. Ares seemed to shout as he dropped his pistol and laid his head back. The thunderstruck pain was now emanating from his chest. The last thing he heard before everything turned black was one loud, thunderous roar that appeared to also be yelling… "no".

Intermission

"It is ironic, isn't it? In all of my nightmares, it's always her getting hurt. It's always her getting completely torn up on a battlefield. It's always her getting killed… and somehow I survive all of this and have to bear the pain that follows because I know that if I were to end it all so I didn't have to feel the pain, all that would follow is the path straight to hell. I wouldn't get to see the ones I loved. Even if I did make it to the right spot, whos to say that the one who watches over us actually brought something like her there. There is no telling. There is no telling of anything. Why is it that I am the way I am. Why can't I be stronger and smarter? Why did I befriend a deathclaw? Why did I react the way that I did when I thought I was gonna die to her? In many ways I am actually weirder than her; a talking deathclaw with the most humane personality ever. But nevermind that. I'm the one with a bullet in my chest talking to probably no one. I'm hoping someone is listening… it's nice when there is someone to listen. Being alone for those few years was fucking miserable. People betraying you, having bad impressions and feelings for others, trying to stay self-reserved till that miserable end because you have no one else. Not even a dog. Not even a bug. Not anything. Yet for some reason God gives me a bone by creating some freak of nature that can talk, making it even freakier. This deathclaw that spared my life is more human than monster. I swear it. I don't know how but it just seems like she is an animal with a human-like conscious. It's rather insane to think about but she is smart so it's not that big of a deal. We became friends. The kid inside me tied with the loneliness at heart pressed me to keep her around. What made her stay is something I can only guess at. Because I treated her as a sentient being and not a monster. I promised to be her friend and her shield. To cleanse this world of filth. We became one person. Two different personalities and sizes to the same person. But what was one side of a brain going to do without the other? In those nightmares when I lost Ruby what did I do? I lost myself. I was gone… dead and buried as soon as I saw her. If she feels the same way I don't know. I feel like I have been more of a burden than anything. I guess we will see soon because there is a bullet lodged in my chest…"

End

You guys remember that foreshadow at the beginning of chapter 7? Well don't worry, that isn't happening for quite a long time. Thought I should bully Atlas for a bit. Ares is a pretty good bully too. Psychopath... anyhow, hope you all enjoyed and I love you all. l'll be working on not only chapter 9 for this, but also chapter 2 for Tales of Six and as well as another story that is going to be about a digimon. Should be fun.

Peace guys,

-Red