All feedback it welcomed. Oh and this chapter is 3k words longer. I hope you enjoy it.
Dried Blood- Chapter 7
Lt. Itami feels like he drank a gallon of polluted sludge. His body ached as if the pain was a new concept and it was going nuts. He was in so much pain he almost didn't notice he was in a hospital bed. He wishes he still asleep.
"Your ass is fucking grass," Yanagida announced to Itami.
Well shit. Itami thought.
"Hey, Yanagida. How's life been treating you." Itami said in a calm tone.
"You damn well know what's happening. You fired on an unknown!" Yanagida nearly screamed
"I know," Itami admitted with a ping of guilt in his voice.
"Worst of all you did it to help your friend who isn't affiliated with the JSDF. We could have left the blame solely on her." Yanagida said.
Itami frowned at that comment. He thought that was low. She may have attacked while unprovoked but she was still his friend. Then he realized he doesn't know what happened to her. He was shot before he could see the conclusion of that fight.
"Where is Rory?" Itami asked.
"That's not what's important. You're going to get Dishonorably discharged if you don't spit out a good reason why you shot!" Yanagida told Itami.
"I don't care what happens to me, what about Rory," Itami demanded.
Yanagida let out a tired sigh. "She's outside. I do have to comment that she did so naked. I don't know why but we gave her a spare uniform.
Itami raised an eyebrow at that. "Wait, what?! Did you asked her?"
"Yup. She said her body was completely burned away an explosion. I don't believe her but you know this place. It has a lot of surprises." Yanagida said.
"Can I talk to her?" Itami asked.
"You know you're going to be given the boot right?" Yanagida told Itami with a surprised tone in his voice.
"Meh, I only took this job to support my hobby anyways." Itami told him.
"You know we detained her," Yanagida said.
"Could you?" Itami asked.
Yanagida frowned. Without saying a word he turned towards the door and gripped the doorknob. Once he twisted it he quickly stepped aside as a pack of girls burst through. Lelei and tuka fell face first. Rory in a military uniform landed on top of them. The small pile of girls then rose their head to look at their injured friend.
"Papa!" Tuka said.
"Mr. Itami," Lelei said.
"Itami," Rory said.
The three of them screamed. Itami smiled at his friends. Not because they were worried about him. That they waited outside until he awoke. No, it's because he found it adorable the way they fell on top of each other. Still, he needed to answers.
"Hey everyone. It's nice to see guys but I need to speak to Rory for a minute." Itami asked.
Yanagida fixes a glare towards the injured trooper. "Oh if you're going to ask her why her answer was that God asked her to do it."
"I can speak for myself boy." Rory interjected.
"Yeah, that's not what I'm going to ask her. I want to ask why is the man in green interesting to her god." Itami said.
"People of the Special region named him the demon king." Yanagida corrected.
"Really? That's kinda corny." Itami commented.
"Well, specialists did find a lead that he's called the English version number of six." Yanagida explained.
"So were facing people that have a link to our world?" Itami asked.
"Yes we have a mystery on our hands but you asked about my god?" Rory said
"Right! Your god is one of war thievery and pretty much everything bad right. Why did Emory think that six guy is a good follower?" Itami asked.
"Oh, he isn't a willing follower. He's just a man who embodies Emory. In your terms, he's a very bad man." Rory said with a slight amount of disdain for the description.
Yanagida now interested in what Rory is saying asked a question. "Exactly, what kind of bad is he?"
Rory put a finger to her lip. "Well, There's the parts I understand. He's killed off entire cultures. He backstabbed allies. He slaughtered armies to a man."
Yanagida wasn't impressed. These things are not helpful. If they ever ended up talking they could deny or cover up that evidence. Regardless he continued listening to Rory. "Then there are the parts I don't understand. He twists the flesh of people and turns them into demons. The man as six is controlling people's minds with noise? I don't know how's that possible but these are strange times."
Now, this is something that interest Yanagida. Those sound like awfully illegal activities. Still, he needed something big. He may not be close friends or even friends with Itami, but he needs to steer blame away from the JASF in this first contact. "This last part is just weird. The voices made him sound like a god they way they spoke of him." Rory commented.
"Wait, what? I think he's just a really bad guy. If he was a god then we'd be screwed." Itami told Rory in a confused tone.
"I know but Emory's voices were very clear. They said that the man would harness the power of the atom. The very building blocks of life and reshape the land into his old home." Rory said without understanding what she said.
Rory may not have understood but the two Japanese men did. Itami's calm and lazy face twisted into one of horror and disbelief. Yanagida was leaning towards the doorway. They both knew what Rory was talking about. They knew she was talking about WMD. The worst part was the way she was saying it. As if these people already used them in a war. Yanagida ran out of the room attempting to warn his superiors as fast as possible. While Itami fell back with tears in his eyes.
Itami had many things going through his mind. He wondered if he could outrun it if he moved quickly. If Japan could survive a third explosion in its capital city. He wondered if his friends would be okay. Most of all, he wondered if this man was as bad as Rory said he was.
[City of Italica]
The courier sat in front of at a masterfully crafted dining room table. It was around forty feet long and made of the finest wood six has ever seen. It probably could hold dozens of people. For now, it only held five. Lucy, smiles and himself represented the vegas side of things. The other two was the redhead princess, who looks like she's about to piss herself and the little girl who is remarkably calm. The courier had to chuckle at the fact that the little girl is handling herself better than a fully grown woman.
They weren't alone in the room. Multiple of guards and maids filled the room. He found it a shame really. They must be tired from standing up all the time and there was a massive table holding chairs.
The guards were the couriers. The Jackals stood tall, with tunnelers bones decorating their desert power armor. They held the new 12.7mm assault rifle. Design and produced by 111 himself. The courier wished he could use one, but without power armor, the recoil would rip his arms apart. Other than that the jackals just seem like demonic knights from another world with their glowing yellow lens.
The maids, on the other hand, were just a treat for six. Most of them held animal traits and are very polite. Well… polite in front of the courier. Whenever he turned his back their smiles would be turned into frowns. He knew this of course. He had plenty of experience in dealing with people he conquered and pissed off.
Princess Pina was just shaking like a chem addict and sweating a river. She was being held by the green-eyed demon king. She was in the dining room filled with demon knights and outright demons. If that monster wanted he could throw her onto the table and take her as their meal. The thought started to take over whatever train of thinking she was using.
The Duchess, on the other hand, was fascinated. The big reddish lizard demon looked like he was smiling. He was scary at first but he was really nice. He offered her a ride on his back like a gentleman. He's also very well spoken. If he wasn't rude in the begging she might just ask him to stay. He'd be far better than any pony she ever had.
Lucy was in the chair fidgeting in it. The courier tugged at her skirt to calm down multiple times, but the shrapnel wound was too painful. That or she was hungry for a meal. She's been handling the occupation like a teenage boy who just won the contest over his peers. Now she's lording her victory over the heads of the people she conquered.
Smiles were on an extra large chair. The courier was excited by the fact that it was made for lizardmen. The idea of a new species like those just sounded dandy Smiles just nodded politely towards the courier's fascination towards scaly creatures. The deathclaw really didn't understand the fascination with them. He thinks it might be because the courier always kept plenty of lizard pets.
The courier Just sat in his seat waiting. His brother released his demands and conditions. He had to spew this to his new subjects. He could be described as average in terms of charisma. The courier is capable of leading but he is no politician. So he rehearses what he had to say until dinner came. Hell, he was counting the second until this awkward could be broken. In fact, what's taking that Mr. handy so long? He leaned to the side of his chair and waved over a maid. This one had cat ears and she had a sly smile on her face.
The Catgirl told the courier in a polite and proper manner. "How may I serve you."
The courier her what he wanted. "Persia was it? Please go and ask Mr. Handy How much longer do we need to listen in this painful silence."
She gave the courier a stare for his words and nodded.
The Persia hurried out of the room.
She walked into the kitchen to met with her friends and co-workers. She was also met with the demons special friend. To the natives of the land, the thing looked weird. It was made of metal and it had multiple arms. The strangest part of it was its butt and on how it spewed fire out of it. When the catgirl walked into the thing, it seems to be finishing up on a meal. The other around him seems to be tired of their clothes stained with colorful unknown liquids.
Persia the catgirl talk to the thing with fire out of its butt. "Mister, I apologize for my disruption but your master wishes to know when the food will be ready?"
"Ah, Ma'am. I'm glad you got here. I have had the food ready to serve my master. I do have to say that these fresh ingredients are quite marvelous. I might even say I went off the rails in my cooking." The Mr. Handy said.
"Then again, the sanitary conditions of this kitchen is just appalling." The machine ranted.
"Thank you," Persia said with a bit of hidden annoyance in her voice.
One of her fellow maids walked up next her. "Don't be so nice. That thing made us scrub the walls with painful potions. Now I have a rash on my arm that burns like hell."
Persia just gave a nod and moved to get the food ready.
The maids surrounded the table with various amounts of cuisine. Each plate held a verity of food and drinks. There were elegant looking portions of lamb. while others had old fashion burgers with a side of fries. One plate just had massive chunks of meat covered in BBQ sauce. The fancy plates of lamb were given to natives of the world. They appreciated the familiar sight and smell of traditional plate. The burgers were given to six and smiles. They both loved the classics and they took advantage of the non-radiated ingredients. The Big ass plate of meat was placed in front of Lucy. The Small woman immediately dug in and ate the meal with machinelike efficiency.
Both of the Woman of the special region just stared. They weren't disgusted, they were just fascinated by the woman's ability to store so much in her small frame. The courier took this opportunity to make small talk. "Well, this looks lovely. I do hope that it is to your liking."
Pina couldn't take it anymore and just burst. "Throw the pleasantries. I know what you want! You want to turn the princess of the Empire into your personal meal! Is this why you brought me here with your demonic bodyguard! Do you plan on throwing me on the table and plan on taking me in front of a little girl? Well if your planning on doing it then just do it! But please let the dutchess go! She's just a little girl!"
Everyone watched the Princess standing up with extended arms. In her frenzy she knocked the old priceless chair over, damaging it. Everyone around her just watched silently. Wondering if the girl was serious or just mad. Smiles was shocked in mid-bite of his burger. The sauce starting to drip off onto the plate.
"... No. I was just planning to exploit your bloodline in my favor. I'm not at all planning on turning you into meal or doing it in public. But from this outburst, it seems like you were just dreaming about it." The Courier said with a slightly annoyed tone.
The Princess turned into a tomato red. "W what! N no. I was just. I mean…" She sat down with her hands on her face. Making a high pitch moan, most likely out of embarrassment.
"Okay, it seems the ice has been broken by our helpful princess. It's a bit annoying since I went out of my way to set this up and make you comfortable. Non-a-less I have announcements. Since we've conquered this neat city were planning on making it our own." The courier said.
"I don't understand? You've already conquered the city. Why do you have to take it again?" The princess asked.
"Shit right. Different language, different lingo. I mean we're planning on making new laws, new buildings, and new jobs." The courier explained.
"Oh, then why are you telling us?" The princess asked.
"Well, it's because of the dutchess. I'm going to be replacing her."
The little girl didn't make any audible objections. She just lowered her head in shame. The courier was a bit surprised. He didn't expect her to be silent. He expected her to burst out whining. Demanding that he take back on what he said. Welp, he won't look a gift horse in the mouth.
"Don't worry. When she grows up she can get into politics and petitions to be the governor of this city. Pending approval of my brother she'll be on the ruling seat. For now, will be sticking to a expect." The courier said.
Pina was curious about this new governor. Her hope is to learn to adapt to this government. She might have to throw away her earlier assumptions about demons. If fact these things don't act very much like demons in the first place. They could have taken her and when she screamed, they should have loved it. No, these things are cold in their actions. Almost with mathematical precision. She has looked into this.
"So who should be expecting?" Pina said while attempting to maintain composure.
The courier eyed her for a few seconds. The man wondered if he should disclose the information or not. She could be quite dangerous if left unchecked. Still, the governor being sent still requires some warning.
"The new governor is going to be a ghoul." The courier said. He was going to continue but he was stopped by a hail of gasps and protest from the natives. "Don't worry. He's very good and has over two hundred years of running large settlements. You'll all be fine." The courier continued.
"What if that thing thirst for blood or hunger for flesh!" Pina screamed.
"That's not how our ghouls work. They are like you and me but are afflicted by a skin condition and a bit of immortality." The courier retorted.
The native of the gate were going to continue their squabbling until he received a beep from his stealth suit. He moved to see the message from his pip-boy and smiled at was inside it. One of the magic boys they hired back then was coming and the were baring gifts.
He pulled out a needle out of his mask and punched the burger in front of him. The reactions of his personnel were neutral, but the native gave amusing reactions. The Princess and the little were practically hugging each in in horror and the maid was wide-eyed. When the chemical liquid started melting his meal, the native huddled closer. Then the sucking started to happen and squeals and gagging went rampant through the crowd. The slurping of the meal ended with the courier looking up and uttering a sentence.
"This is how I'm going to drink Y'all brains if you don't behave." Then he stood up and signaled his team to move. They were done entertaining the crowd. Mainly due to the courier's fears that he might break character. Rolling with the demon king title might be useful to hold for a little while longer. At least with the natives and it was working. As the princess had to revise her idea of these people being something other than demons.
His team and he left the princess and her maids behind. The five-man. The group moved through the halls of the mansion. The courier did order Smiles to stay behind and continue the briefing. He'll just tell his brother that he was the one who gave the list of demands. The courier started studying the large hallway. They pass the valuable works of art collected by the years. Something that New Vegas can sell for a good profit but that's for later. Lucy has given the courier a curious look while drinking her milkshake from a candy cane straw. The courier probably knew what this was about.
"It's the mask straw isn't it?" The courier asked.
"Well, at first I thought that was weird but I was eating so I didn't ask," Lucy said.
"It gives me a lord of the flies look. It sells the whole devil thing I'm going for. Plus, the straw purifies water, so cool. Right?" The courier reasoned.
"Alright, but where did you get it? I mean, those things are not lying around the wasteland and you definitely didn't find it here." Lucy said.
"From the commonwealth and their wealth of knowledge. Specifically from 111." The courier explained.
"You know, for a mad scientist who has the emotions of a calculator. You sure do trust him." Lucy said with some sass in her voice.
"I don't trust the guy. At least not enough to leave him with secrets but he's competent. For me, that's all I can wish for from another sentient being.
"Heh, it almost sounds like you do trust the guy." Lucy pointed out.
"Careful. The guy might be hiding robot spy bots somewhere. I don't what him to think we're buds and have him end up planing a play date." The courier corrected.
"Wait seriously?" Lucy stopped while saying it. Making the whole group stop abruptly.
"What? No!" The said in surprise. That would be way too mad scientist, even for 111. Then again he did end up killing his son and crew and taking over his organization. He also decided that wasn't enough and conquered all of the commonwealths. While at the same time creating new contraptions in his labs. Hell, even the think tank finds 111 a bit much.
"Now that I think about it, you should look out for robotic bugs." The courier told his companions
"OH come on! Those things are already creepy enough. Now I have to look out for them everytime I get need privacy." Lucy complained.
"A terrible fate to be sure but let's change the subject." The courier said while resuming the walk. "I spotted a few people from here with wasteland illnesses. Is that going to be a problem or are we going to get ready for an epidemic."
His Sergent was the first one to answer. They are quite talented in the art of information. In fact, when the Jackals are not defending their master. They are working in the shadows, either killing important targets or protecting secrets. Many rising legion warlords were cut done before they could become a threat. Whole tunnelers nest were raised to ashes and dealt a blow to their alien enemy. Whole NCR ranger assassin ploys were uncovered and stopped before they could take a single kill. These Jackals are second only to the courier in their defense of new vegas. Which is why only 15% of their strength is in the special region. While the rest defend their home.
"The followers of the apocalypse have already created a vaccine and are handing them to the public themselves." The sergeant told his boss.
"Really those guys. You know once the real war starts those guys are going to run to both sides and try to help. They're either going to get shot by us in the crossfire or get captured by the green people. Could you have found other people or even better use robots instead?" The courier complained.
"They interested in it. They are very wary of who asked them to do this for them." The Sergent explained.
"Great." The Courier said with sarcasm. "My bother had to be loved by everyone but the saints of the world."
That made Lucy raise an eyebrow. She knew plenty about the courier but his brother was a bit of a mystery. That and why would he be loved and yet hated by the people had had morals in the first place. "Okay, why are you making your brother sound like the devil? You don't have to keep the whole king of hell up with us you know." Lucy asked.
"It's because we've made a few decisions that aren't very popular but ended up helping people in the end." The courier said.
"What kind of decisions," Lucy asked almost like an innocent child would when asking their parents.
It somewhat annoyed the courier that she was so inquisitive, but then again he's just like her. In his travels, he would always ask about every little detail. He did it to all of his companions and friends. Hell, he did it to people he didn't even like. Well, he might as well tell her now. "My brother normally manages New Vegas while I'm off helping people in person. So a lot of decision fell into his lap. A few of them were... complicated, to say the least."
"Mind giving me an example." Lucy once again asked.
"There were small ones. Like putting in cleansing chemicals in the water. It cleans most water sources from germs and rads. When he told people, they went crazy. They accused him of trying to sterilize the population or causing birth defects. That kind of thing but it all blew over in a few weeks when nothing like that really happened. but that's the stuff people forgot. When he gave workers right to the public they cheered and praised the crap out of him. Then they learn that it extended to the prostitutes and that would raise their prices. That made them march in protest. We had to break the gathering with sound guns. To this day we still have a few fights break out about that." The courier explained.
"That doesn't sound like something good people would hate him for," Lucy said in objection.
"That was caused by a government change." The courier said.
"Wait, so New Vegas wasn't always an autocracy?" Lucy asked confused.
"No, we use to be a democracy and everything that came with it." The courier explained.
"What made you change it?"
"It started when we needed a solution to our power problem. As you know that came in the form of a Fusion power plant. That thing outputted so much power that it could keep the light on in every New Vegas home single-handed. It also powered our fabricators and factories. Once they started operating at 100% robots and material became next to dirt cheap. But we didn't enter a golden age. In fact, we entered into a recession. With the bots taking over the jobs, it practically killed the lower class. The worst part is that it started creeping into the middle class as well. Which will have left leave all the power to the rich and powerful. We could have returned back to normal either. These things were the only thing that fed our growing population and kept threats at bay." The courier started shaking his head and he removed his mask. Clipping it to his belt.
"When my brother told me that he was planning on reforming everything we worked for I was so mad. I wanted to smack him over the head and tell him to snap out of it. Then he told me about the situation we were in. That we had to ask our people for a great sacrifice. We had to ask for their freedom in exchange to feed them and defend them. We didn't force everyone to join us. We allowed entier chucks of them to become self-sufficient. They would live by themselves and feed themselves, but also defend themselves. They might have their freedom but we abandoned them to the tunnelers. To this day they are out there, fighting for there lives." The courier said solemnly.
"Hey lighten up. We have a way out now. This new land is perfect to help us in the future." Lucy told the courier.
"Exactly. If we take this place we can turn it into a safe haven. Which is why I have to do what is necessary if not this will end one of two ways. I will either end this with my death or I'll have to end it myself. Both of which will have a lot of bodies on both sides." The courier said in a deep tone. His complexion was serious as well.
Lucy hummed gently and started stroking her chin. Her face was almost mocking in its smirk. "Being all serious doesn't suit you. All this talk of steaks and death is getting to you. Are you scared? Sounds like it." Lucy pointed out.
"What?! The hell made you think that." The courier said.
"You've overthrown the tyrants that tried to take Vegas. Now here you are watching yourself become a tyrant yourself." Lucy tried explained to the courier. "I've read quite a few pre-war books on the subject. They always power corrupts and now I'm watching you fall for the same mistakes."
The courier gave the woman a smile. "Well well well. I didn't take you as a reader."
"Yup. I used to live in a library and had lots of time on my hands. I enjoyed my time in that place, well until the brotherhood of steel booted us out. But that's in the past." The little tribal women said with a skip in her tone.
"Well, thanks for the advice and I'll keep it in mind for the future." the courier flashed the women brief smile.
The trip to the courtyard was a quick one but long enough to dissipate the tension. The courier's followers realized something. He still hadn't told them why they are coming here.
The Sargent was the first to speak up. "Alright, I'll bite. Why are we here."
The courier turned to face him. His mask still at his hip. He gave a visible smirk and nodded towards a robed figure. The group was able to identify a wizard in a rune-covered clock. The figure was flanked by two soldiers of new vegas, each of them equipped with Vegas pattern laser rifles. Everyone but the courier looked at one another. Confused at the moment until they realized the figure was one of them. He was one of the magic casters for hire they employed a while ago. Then they all realized what the were about to get and smiled. The courier equipped his cowl and moved to intercept the wizard.
The courier was the first one to great the figure. "Welcome to my shiny new pit of sin! I'm six, the officer in charge here."
"I know who you are. Your the brother of the leader invading this empire. I'm Alzue Astral, here to deliver perfection."
The courier smiled under his mask. He had quite a few hopes for this world, one of them was this magic these people used. He didn't know much about it but the fact it could do pretty awesome stuff.
"So Alzue, what goodies do you think up of. I hope it involves some bitchin firepower." The courier asks ecstatic.
The man stepped aside to reveal a chest the size of a large mole rat. The courier steps forward and activated Cutie. The suit whirled into life and the program awoke in her usual moody way. "I don't like the dark. I feel alone in there." Cutie said in a deary tone.
"I know, but I cannot keep you on all the time. You take up a lot of power and I cannot fit a fusion generator in this thing." The courier said with some empathy in his voice. "Now I have some new toys wanna help out and log the statistics?" The courier asked.
"I'm a stealth suit meant to help you behind enemy lines. Not a secretary. But since I'm programmed afraid of abandon, I'll be happy to help." Cutie told the courier.
"Perfect!"
The Courier moved towards the chest and unlocked it. When he lifted the lid he found beauty incarnate. In the center was the MF Hyperbreeder Alpha, surrounded by other weapons of an equal rarity but the pistol is what he wants. The special recharger pistol glowed with magical energy. The corners of the courier's lips started stretching into a wide grin. He reached for the gun and his fingers wrapped around the comfortable handle. He raised the pistol and aimed it down but found no targets. He lowered his head and put the gun back.
"Alright, let's take these puppies out back and shoot some targets!" Six nearly shouted. His excitement was almost visible from his shine.
"Hell yeah! I'm gonna love my flaming powerfist!" The sergeant cheered.
"I wanna use my Bozar of true aim enchantment first. I wanna see those bullets curve baby!" Lucy said with bravado.
"Alright people. We can gush over our new guns at the firing line. Let's a go!"
"I see my talents are already impressing you. Be ready to further impress as my gifts know no bounds and my pockets have no limits." Alzue said.
"And we have bottomless gold to fill em with. Now get those magical feet moving." The courier said.
They all started moving towards the mansion. When they came near the entrance, the courier noted a few merchants but didn't seem dangerous. Still, they could attack. His Jackal with their 12.7 rifles would do short work of them so he wasn't worried. Then he noted a strange manhole cover in their path. His instinct told him It felt wrong. The sergeant noted this but was too late. The lid popped open and a few goblins jumped out. They all piled on the courier and dragged him to the floor far to quick to react. The powered armored men aimed their guns but were interrupted by a thrown rock from the merchants. These men were charging at them. With both sword and bow. That split second distraction was enough for humans to pool out the manhole and dragged the courier in.
The jackals were going to pursue but the mob charging closed the distance. Lucy was able to jump out of the squad and lay down some fire, but only dented the mob of angry citizens. The melee fight was one-sided. The power armor and the support from lucy would lay a heavy toll on the attackers. The five power armored men bashed and shot point black at the assaulting crowd of thirty men. All armed with primitive swords that couldn't penetrate power armor in perfect condition. Then the two guards of the enchanter joined in too. Though the fight was ending in their favor, the time it took worried them. For every second wasted on the rabble, the courier came closer to death without their support.
The troopers ponded the men and lucy fired at prime targets until the attacker was only six strong. Then the group realized their situation and tried giving up. Normally the Sargent would have given the order to fire but they were strapped for time and gave his orders.
"Cannibal, pyro. You two guard these fuckers." The sergeant shouted.
The man gave a hand signal and the other two fell into line. Forming a quick wage of three and covering each other's flanks. Then the man released the woman standing in front of the manhole.
"Lucy the hell! Get in there and help the boss!" The Sargent demanded.
"Listen closely," Lucy told the Sargent.
The man walked to the hole and did what she asked. He heard brutal fighting screaming. Various types of voices made it up but the couriers were definitely not one of them. The man turned to Lucy. "Alright, so he's kicking ass. It doesn't mean that his ass isn't getting whooped in return!" The Sargent explained.
Then the manhole cover slid open to reveal a beaten and terrified local. His injuries were ugly. He had large bruises on his body and chunks of flesh were torn off. His eyes were wide in terror. As if he was fighting a monster. Then he was pulled and let out a whimper. Then in a vain attempt to beg for help, he stretched a hand out for help. He was dragged screaming into the hole. He screamed as if he was being devoured. Only for it to be replaced with the sound of the pounding of flesh. Then the shattering of bones and finally with the sigh of the courier.
The Sargent understood now that the world has been holding the courier back. He's seen him like this was always when he fought off assassins. He would go in a rage and brutally beat them to death with either fist or weapon. Which was why he had bodyguards in the first place. As the NCR and legion never seem to run out of the fuckers.
A bloodied hand made a wet slap on the edge of the manhole. The courier lugged himself out the sewers. His face was twitching and bruised, his features were one of unbridled fury. It's almost an animalist rage tugged at their leader as he stared down wizard down. They could almost smell the fear emitting from the native. The fear was easily amplified by the fact that the courier was covered in blood and daggers sticking out of him.
"You! You're the only one who knew we were going to be here. Your the only one who could have told these people!" The courier raged.
"Wait no! I only wish to amaze you, not kill you!" Alzue pleaded.
"Do you know how annoying it is to be hunted every day! No matter where I go, no matter when it is, fuckers would attempt to kill me! Those NCR hit men always come cocky and warn me! Even though I'm standing in the mass grave of troopers! Then there is the legion. Those sons bitches either have horrible timing or perfect timing as they always come at the worst possible time! Hell, this one time They attempting to kill me while in my bathroom! Now I have to worry about this shit!" The courier ranted.
"L-look, I didn't say a thing. I'll even let you test me. I'll do anything. Just believe me, I never try hiring thugs." Alzue explained.
"Then how, how did they plan around my schedule." the courier asked.
"They might have used a seer. Someone who can see into the future." Alzue explained in a frenzied voice.
The courier calmed down for the time being. He didn't know much of this world so he might be telling the truth. He even offered to prove his innocence. Still, it might be a ploy. The courier did notice a sizable crowd form around them. This could be convenient for them.
"Aye, you might be right. But for now." The courier said while nodding. He gave a long scan of the crowd. "I have to lay down the law with these people. Sarg, bring the prisoners." The courier asked in a malicious tone.
The man obeyed and dragged the six men towards six, bond in cuffs and guns aimed. They were all lined in front of the massive crowd of bystanders. There were hundreds of them and every one of them had worried faces. To them, the invaders just massacred another group that outnumbered them. Now they are dragging the crying merchants towards the new lord of Italica. The demon lord walked toward them, with blood splattered across him and daggers protruding from his back.
"Fine people of the city!" Boom the courier in near-fluent Alnus tongue. "I've decided that I shall warn you about our new laws early. I have a variety of laws that are both familiar and strange. For example, we're both against murder and thievery." The crowd didn't react but a few faces did lighten up at the sound of consistency.
"Then again you might find it strange we have worker protection laws, where you have to be properly pained enough and cannot be overworked." The working men of Italica rejoiced at the sound of those words. The bosses and contractor of these men, however, threw their hands up in anger. Screaming at the unjust nature of these new laws.
"Slavery will also be banned and punished by those who make a living off it. This also means will be handling a lot of freed species. I expect them to be properly taken care off." This did catch the attention of the crowd. They started murmuring with one another. Confused by the statement. Then one started booing, then another and another and another. Until finally, the crowd was a chorus of disapproving throats.
A hail of automatic 50 cali. Into the air shut the masses up. Giving the courier the ability to continue. "Again, these new laws are many and I assure you they will only bring a golden age." The courier swung his arm out as if he was preparing to embrace them. "The lives of everybody will be greater than it has ever been. You'll see miracles of medicines, erasing deadly illness in days. Starvation will be a thing of the past and everyone will be able to pursue a dream of stable happiness." Everyone now was talking to each other, their tone was hectic and confused.
To them, this sounded impossible. These were demon men. Meant to hunt them and cause them suffering. At least, that what the stories said. None of them ever met one in person. None of them knew what to expect and this is what they were faced with. A creature of another world promising a bright future. They might be a new age. One where no man, woman, or child will need to suffer. And It's all thanks to otherworldly creatures that overthrew an already tyrannical emperor. A man who taxed them to the ground and forced them to work the land as farmers. Then he abandons them to the remnants of his armies. These creatures came in and swept the invaders away and now are repairing their city.
The crowd all started to think they were lied to. These demon men acted more like angels he bestows boons of food and mighty defenders. While the god's apostles act as they please and do what they want. Then those same gods constantly test their faith with next to no help. The only ones that ever gives help are Emory's apostle, Rory mercury. Then again, Emory is a god of war and murder. One who is also left with a stigma of unlikeable characteristics. The crowd just remained quiet. It is certainly possible with demons like these, but then again, these are demons.
The courier waited a solid five minutes until the group calmed down. When they did, when the courier gave his message. "If you all think this is a choice then your wrong. You're eating my food, drinking my water and accepting my cures. You all already made a deal with the devil. So that means I can enforce my law!"
The crowd of people gave each other confused looks. "Stupid sons a bitches sent hit men against me." The courier was no master of words. He couldn't convince a guard to look the other way or make masterful speeches but there is a moment where he gets help. In these moments he'll have the support of great friends or from his brother. At this instance His suits computer, Cutie was whispering advise. "Okay, now make the people we captured into scapegoats." Cutie said.
The courier nodded and walked towards the new prisoners. He stopped once he was in front of them. He turned to his Sergent. "Get your new weapons. We're seeing what they can do to humans."
The commander of the jackal nodded and walked towards the haphazardly dropped chest and open it. First, he brought out his own weapon. A powerfist crafted by both science and the enchanted arts. It's mighty pistons brimmed with magical fire. Then he took out enhanced recharger pistol. The sergeant stared at the weapon for a split second. Watching the magical glow peak his curiosity.
"Yo, boss. Exactly what magical power did you put in your gun?" The man asked.
The courier turned and gave him a sly smile. As if he wanted to show it off, instead of telling Then back to the crowd. "You can have many different paths. A lot of them can be good. But! There are paths that are dead ends." Literally in this case. The non commissioned officer walked up next to the courier. Offering him his weapon. The courier took the weapon with sadistic glee.
"These six here are being charged with attempt of assassination. The evidence is overwhelming. But don't think they just tried killing me. They tried killing a great future of prosperity and peace." He gestured to the daggers that were popping out of his back. The nanobots already healing the damage caused by them. "My men and all of you are witnesses to their crimes. There can only be one ruling. Wasteland justice will be carried out!" the courier scream at the top of his lungs. Cutie's suggestions making him seem as he knew what he was saying.
"Untie them and give them their swords. I want everyone to see how benevolent I am." He whispered to his Sargent.
The man nodded with a chuckle. "On it boss. Man, you love your moments don't you." The sergeant told his leader with gusto. With swift cuts from combat knives and arming of short swords, The men were ready to try again. The courier took a couple of steps back, his form tensing. Each of the frighten merchants had a confused look on their faces. All wondering what was expected of them.
The courier gave answers. "You guys have a simple deal. Die on your knees or on your feet."
The rebellious merchants gave each other looks. None of them wanted to fight but none of them wanted to die either. So they took their only option. They charged.
The courier wasted no time in dispatching his first target. He aimed his Mf hyper breeder and let out a volley of beams augmented by magical power. The compressed light is far more powerful than their older counterparts, they easily burnet chard holes into flesh. This, however, wasn't what caused the most damage. It was the soul burning enchantment on the man's very essence became physical and writhed in pain. Finally, with a combination of both soul and bodily harm is done to the man. It was enough to kill him. Leaving him a crumpled mess.
His friends saw this and screamed. They knew what kind of dark arts these were. They all knew that death by the blade is better than that. So they all fell to their knees. Begging for mercy. The courier only had a sense of apathy towards these would be assassins. He took aim and tore another man's soul to shreds. He was quite happy with the handy work of Alzue.
The courier aimed his gun and finished off the rest. To his mind, they already made their choice. To the crowd, they watch in stunned silence. This man is clearly isn't like their past leaders. The thoughts on him were quite mixed. There were ideas that he was an honorable leader to a sadistic tyrant. What the public will think of the courier will be seen in the future. His own jackals didn't care what kind of violence their boss did. For Lucy, she understood that the courier was breaking. The pressure of leadership and his current situation was going to only worsen. She may have only tagged along for good old fashion revenge but now she wants to have a home here. The wasteland is harsh and most of the wonderful places were already burnt to the ground. The only way she can get that is if she makes sure that the courier doesn't fall from grace.
[Alnus hill]
Yanagida was walking down the medical corridor. The folder in his arms was the dishonorable discharge papers for Yoji Itami. Something he didn't relish but he has to do it. He also needed to break the news to him of what he's done. As he turned the corner he heard screaming. He was able to make out that is was from an older man directed to an unfortunate soul. Then he heard the name Itami and then he knew what this was about.
Yanagida broke onto a sprint. He saw the girls huddled together outside Itami's room. Each of them with grim faces. Once they noticed Yanagida presents they went to address him with questions.
"Is what the colonel saying true. Does the demon men hold world breaking weapons?!" Lelei asked with more emotion than usual.
Yanagida gave her a resolute response. "Not if we can help it." He said with faulting resolve.
The man turned to enter the room only to be intercepted by the angry colonel. He was also able to gain a glimpse of the horrified face of Itami, but he had to give his attention to the angry man. He was a giant. but other than that he was plain to look at. Brown eyes, short buzzcut hair and an old rugged face. He probably was one of the new Commanding officers. After the battle of Tokyo, the Japanese government saw it fit to recall a few of their offshore trainees. This is one of the colonels was were studying the war in Iraq with the Americans. He was known to have a mouth on him.
"How can I help you, sir." Yanagida asked, attempting to defuse the situation.
"Other than turning in those discharge papers to that idiot not much." The colonel said with an angry tone.
Yanagida nodded and moved to Itami until he was stopped by the colonel's meaty hand. "We're moving for a possible cease-fire. Just know that I don't hold much weight to that possibility." With that, the colonel walked off to his post.
Yanagida and the three girls moved to attend to Itami. They all saw his face. His eyes were devoid of life and his body slouched. It's almost as if someone tore his soul away. Then the colonel must have told him about the drone scout. They weren't able to get personal close enough to the enemy base without endangering them so they sent the drone to gain a bird's eye view. It took a disturbing picture. It was a giant bomb, old but with the shape of the fat mad that flatten Japan all those years ago. Everyone now knows that Itami might have started a war with a nation that had nuclear weapons.
Yanagida just sighed and placed the folder on Itami's lap and walked out. He didn't have time to console him. had to prepare for a possible nuclear war with an unknown enemy. In Yanagida mind, he didn't really blame Itami for this hellish situation. The officer gave a look to Rory. Yanagida blamed that girl. Then again she did survive a fight with them.
"Hey, Rory. Any tips for fighting the otherworlders." Yanagida asked.
The little reaper placed a finger under her chin. "Well… I must say I don't have much insight into an easy fight. They are quite skilled. In fact, they did beat me." The little apostle said a smile.
"This again. IF they killed you then how are here in front of me" Yanagida asked surprised.
"Well, when they burnt my body to a crisp I regenerated at a shrine of Emroy, then I took a hike to your base." Roary told him as if it were the normal everyday occurrence.
Then the happy face of the apostle of Emory turns sour. "Oh, can you be a dear and do a favor."
Yanagida was in knocked into a stupor at the girl's answer. He couldn't believe what she was saying. If she was telling the truth then these people carried enough firepower to disintegrate bodies. Then again this insane girl could still be lying.
"Hey!" Yanagida was brought out of it by Rory's intervention.
"Sorry, I was drifting," Yanagida said apolitical.
"Sure..." Rory said with a slight annoyance in her voice. "As I was saying If you ever meet the man with glowing green eyes. Tell him that I want my weapon back or I'm coming for him." The girl's voice carried a weight of determination in them. As if she could be faced with armies of hell and still not be deterred.
[City of Italica]
The courier watches as he sees the city glow with new lights. In a matter of hours and robotic muscle. The courier knew that the people would continue to resist him and he'll cut them down all the same. He closes his eyes and let out a long sigh. Letting the stress of the day take him. His hand balls into a fist until his knuckles turn white. He slams it down onto the table and it broke in half
The courier was livid at those green motherfuckers. Why in the hell did they shoot? They were obviously fighting the bandits, so why! Then he remembered that girl. That impossible regenerating demi-goddess. After the fight, he learned what she was and that she'll be back. They went by the apostle and they don't die, regardless of what physical damage you cause them. But that was the keyword, Physical damage. He grabbed this prototype recharger pistol. He studied its chaise and watch it pulse with magical power. The gun will need constant care with an application of holy oils and prayers. He'll also need to replace the magical crystal in the handle to make sure it's soul burning powers remains strong. But it's worth it if he runs into her again and it would certainly be easier. He has her axe, well unless she can also teleport to her. Heavens forbid.
He sat there looking at his magical gun for minutes until a knock on the door. Lucy was the one who knocked. The courier remained sitting and made a welcoming gesture. With predatory grace, she quickly stored across the room and sat next to the courier. She had a wide smile on her. It was curious for the courier as he expected her to be off doing anything but having sat down with him. Then he realized that she should be questioning him about the broken table in front of them. Then he got what he expected when she saw the broken table. That smile quickly flipped itself and she gave a look to the man.
"Something with you. Out with it." Lucy told the courier with a stern voice. Almost as if she was lecturing a younger sibling.
"Nothing that will kill me. Overall I'm fine, just venting stress." The courier said.
"Stress is screaming into a pillow. Breaking a table, and an expensive one at that is something else." Lucy corrected the courier.
The courier raised an eyebrow. "Look, you don't need to be a shrink. You signed up to burn the empire that attacked you, to the ground." The courier told Lucy.
"Let's just skip the whole we're not friends shtick. Brooding doesn't suit you." Lucy said with tilt of the head and a kind smile.
The courier appreciated that. He doesn't think that keeping her at an arm's length is all that important. It isn't like she going to backstab him anytime soon. Well, not until he decides that throwing her under the boss would help him and New Vegas. "I might need to use a nuke on the green guy's gate." The courier revealed.
Lucy's smile now sunk like a rock. She stared into space for a few seconds contemplating whether to press on the issue or not. She relented and voiced her opinion. "I know they open fire first but returning the favor with a nuclear weapon is a bit overkill, isn't it?" She said with a bit of humor to defuse the tension.
"I know, but I have two choices. Risk a long-term war with an unknown opponent or sweep them aside with a nuclear hellfire." The courier said as a matter factly
"As powerful that would make us look to the locals, that is way too extreme. We could flatten them with long-range saturnite boomer artillery, or send waves of securitrons, or with good old fashion negotiation." Lucy pointed out.
"All the military options we have is not available at its full capacity. Most of our assets are dealing with the escalating threats back home. A nuke is really the only things were not using and we're only going to use one. Negotiation is our only other option and that will take time. Time we could use to end this quickly and grantee our control over this new world." The courier said.
"Man, you really are an ass face. Your forgetting that these are people. They probably are scared of nukes just like you and me. Just try talking to them and they just might cut a nice deal. You do hold most of the cards. They don't even know our strength and we know theirs thanks to the freaks of science 111 planted in their base. Hell, we will have working prototypes of their technology once we gain the synths packages. These guys won't have a single piece of leverage on us and they don't know it." Lucy explained with a confident vigor.
"That's where you're wrong. These guys ARe humans and you know what humanity did when they lost their options. They blew themselves into a radioactive hellhole." The courier countered.
"Funny isn't that what your trying to do now." Lucy masterfully pointed out.
Those words hit the courier like a truck. "God damn it, woman! What's with you and your logic. Can't you just call me ass face really and let me make my own war crimes." The courier said with an ounce of sarcasm.
"Aww, finally wanna say uncle," Lucy said triumphantly.
"No, I don't. You know I'm right. I'm going to do something terrible again. No one expects to use nukes and no one wants to be the one who uses them. Trust me I know." The courier said with annoyance.
He remembers the NCR invasion force. He remembers why they came. It was when their economy collapses when their territories couldn't pay taxes. They couldn't sell their wears when the new vegas versions were cheaper and superior. They tried stopping his increasing wealth by placing such heavy taxes on the New Vegas products. Then again, with nearly unlimited energy and the use of replicators made his product cost next to nothing. The NCR couldn't compete without pissing off the caravans.
When territories started seceding from the Republic was when they stretched their final option. They readied for war and planned on taking new vegas and all of its technology. They had the armies already ready. They had plans drawn and the public approval. They were also confident that their numerical superior force could wipe the floor with the smaller force of Securitrons and New Vegas Swords.
Once they started marching their armies towards his city was when the courier broke. He raced to the divide and punched in the codes. He still remembers the roars of the engines of the missiles as they rocketed towards their targets. Afterward, he put on a rad suit and watched what the aftermath of the explosion. He saw a massive crater in the distance and one just black. In the splash zone of the explosion, he found the melted skeletons of the troopers. Attempting to run away in fear. Their arms up high, pointlessly protecting themselves.
When he finally found bodies with flesh still attached, he found kids. No older than twelve with a twisted face of horror on him. He deducted that the NCR was really desperate for the riches his city could provide. He killed any survivors. They went mad or feral. The courier couldn't tell, hell they might have recognized him and attacked him in spite. All of that burnt into his mind but he didn't regret it. He would do it again because it ended a possible tragic war that could have been far worse. He crippled the NCR and gain a chunk of their territory. It was a one-sided victory. New Vegas grew stronger while the citizens of New California Republic started starving. He didn't regret it, he couldn't regret it. It was their own fault for attacking him.
Lucy remembers that the courier had to use these weapons against the NCR. She can see the worried face he's making and she knows that it can't be an easy decision for him. She has to admit that the situation back home is getting worse every day. A lot rode on this and a lot of it would be decided either by luck or their determination. Then she realized why he wants to end this in one strike. He can't risk it. His luck is almost impossibly bad. Every decision and every event happens due to something screwing him over. He's afraid and has nothing but himself to rely on.
Lucy gave the courier a comforting smile. "Well, whatever you choose I got your back. Whether it's talking to them or talking to them with a massive bomb."
The courier gloomy face does lighten up a bit. "Thanks." Was all the man said before standing up.
"Well gonna hit the bar, wanna join me." the courier asked.
"Hell yeah! Gonna get me a root beer." lucy cheered.
"Oh man, that does sound good." The courier said with a childlike envy.
The the two heard knocking. They gave a quick shot glance at the door frame to see the thin rig power armor of the Sargent.
"Oy, boss. Just got a message from base camp. It seems that the green folk saw reason and now are on their knees pissing themselves." The sergeant said with a boastful voice.
"Wha-?!" The courier asked confused.
"They wanna talk." The Sargent cleared up.
For once on the courier's life, he felt like his luck is turning around. Unlucky for him, life's a bitch and she's planning to prove him wrong.
