Hello! Its almost time Danny meets Charon! Everytime I re-read the first two chapters I get mad at myself for not putting in more details and rushing it, so you guys get a big chapter this time! enjoy :)
The underworld was quieter than Danny expected. As she and Willow walked through the large black doors Danny's eyes scanned around this quarter of the museum and was surprised to see how calm of an environment the Underworld had. Many ghouls roamed the floors making idle chit chat, some on the second floor hanging their arms lazily over the banister. It wasn't to noisy and everyone seemed to know each other and have conversations about everyday life... until they noticed Danny walking next to Willow. The conversations seemed to stop and whispering could be heard. A lot of them stared, mostly with interested and a few with what seemed like disgust. those ghouls didn't seem to keen on having a smooth skin (Danny was sure thats what Willow had called her before) in their particular ghoul in a bulky coat with a large pack strapped to his back had his eyes glued to what looked like a rather aged map of the wastelands glanced up to give Willow a small nod and did a double take as she and Danny walked by. He raised what would had been an eyebrow to Willow and she gave him a shrug that just said 'I'll explain later'.
Willow walked passed one of the signs next to the door at the end of the corridor that read Chop Shop and knocked twice. Danny could feel the other ghouls staring a hole in her back with their eyes. She turned her head and the ghouls turned fast acting nonchalantly.
"You're gonna have to get used to that, we don't have a whole lot of smoothskins here." Willow said and tapped on the door with her knuckles again. The door opened revealing another ghoul, a male, cleaning his hands of what seemed to be blood on hankerchief and looking rather tired. He froze in his place as he spotted Danny, a surprised expression on his weathered face.
"Oh, well...I see Willow made a new friend." He said putting the handkerchief in his back pocket. Danny extended her hand making the first move.
"I'm Danny" She said as he took her hand. His face in more shock as she didn't even flinch at the touch of his exposed skin.
"And she's polite to, don't see that very often." He said with a small smile. it disappeared when his eyes trailed from her hands to the small amount of blood and scratches on her clothes from the feral. He looked over to Willow and seen the blood still dripping from her shoulder.
"Look Barrows, you know my breaks don't last long. We need a bit of fixing up if you're not to busy playing with your experiments." Willow said. He shook his head and opened the door for Danny to head in first.
"Go on in and sit on the table so I can get a good look" He motioned for all of them to walk in and stopped Willow for a brief second. "A smooth skin? Where the hell did you find this one?" Willow just sighed.
"I've only known her for about ten minuets and I can already tell you, its a long story." Barrows just shook his head and let her continue to walk in.
Danny sat on top of the examination table, her feet dangling off like a child. She was pretty short but this just made her feel like a joke. Barrows and Willow came in after her, Willow taking a seat at one of the spare chairs near what was probably Barrows desk. Barrow went to the back room for a moment and came out with another female ghoul who was just as shocked as everybody else outside to see Danny.
"Can you check on Willow's shoulder. Make sure nothing is fractured and just a dose of med-x for now." Barrows instructed as she did just that.
"Im the underworlds only doctor here, but I think you might have figured that out by now." Barrows said as he got out a clipboard and stared to scribble down a few things. "You can call me doctor Barrows, and thats nurse Graves working on our fearless protector over there." He winked. Willow just huffed as Graves gave her a stimpak as well as the med-x. "Now, uh, Danny was it? Was this a Feral attack? also Can you tell me if you're in any pain right now."
" Im just a bit bruised up I think." She answered, feeling a bit silly. She didn't want to waste his time on something that wasn't urgent, she also didn't have a lot of time to be wasting herself. "It was a feral that caused the scratched, the bruises were from the mutants...I think." She scratched her head trying to remember from the rush of the fight not long go. Barrows stopped writing and glanced over at Willow and Graves.
"mutants? What were they doing near the museum?" He questioned.
"Thats what I was wanting to know, but I didn't have a lot of time to ask questions." Willow said as she stood, fixed and ready to go back to work. All three of them stared at Danny, who's face felt a bit hot under their gaze. Doctor Barrows had grabbed her arms lightly inspecting the cuts and bruises waiting for her to explain.
"I didn't realize there would be any mutants inside the museum of technology, or at least not that many." She started, trying to defend her case and not sound insane."I was inside looking for something when I brought to much attention to myself and had to high tail it out of there. I'm...not the best shot, (Willow nodded her head in agreement) so I only managed to bring one of them down but the other two followed me out. If I didn't see Willow out there I would probably be trampled by now." Danny said, taking a deep breath after. Barrows, Graves, and Willow stood, all with many many questions.
"Well no wonder! the museum of technology is where you want to go if you want to get ripped apart by a super mutant." Willow said with her hand on one hip and pointing her finer to Danny like a scolding mother.
"What was so important that you would even risk it?" Graves asked. Just then the radio Barrows kept on his desk finished playing butcher pete and then a fourth voice was heard.
"Men and ladies, boys and girls, prepare to be astounded, bedazzled and otherwise stupified! Its Thhhreeeeee Doooooogggg!" the all to familiar voice was heard again thought the chop shop.
Danny scrunched her nose. "speak of the devil. I did it because of him." She said pointing to the radio." I've been working with Three Dog for some time now at GNR to help broadcast his show all over the wasteland, He needed some kind of dish inside the museum to help him do that and asked me to get it. If he would had TOLD me about them mutants we all wouldn't be in this situation...but I have to go back. I need to get that dish back to him asap, but Im not so sure I can do it on my own after today" She said, doubting herself.
Nurse Graves gave an exhausted laugh and at down on the chair by the desk to take in all of Danny's story. "It sounds like you need a bodyguard kid." She said. Willow gave Graves a look over her shoulder with a small smile.
"You're not thinking who I think you're thinking of, right?" She asked Graves. Barrows caught on quick to whom they were both referring to.
"You can't be serious. She would have a better chance out there with the mutants than bargaining with ahzrukhal for something like that" He said, shutting the idea down instantly. Danny Looked at Willow and Graves trying to read their minds.
"What? What are they talking about?" She asked hopping off the table. "Who's ahzrukhal? Would he be able to help me get through the museum and back as soon as possible?"
"Maybe for the right price." Willow said as she started to walk off. "Either way...Good luck tourist, I've to to check that your mutant friends didn't bring backup outside." She gave Danny a wink, obviously in a better mood than when coming in, and strutted through the doors. Once she was gone Danny grabbed her pack and stared to get herself ready to leave and handing Barrows a small stack of caps for payment.
"I appreciate the help Barrows, the last doctor I had to deal with had the worst attitude. I was thinking about just staying sick instead of seeing him." Danny said, referring to doctor church.
Barrows smiled and thanked her for the caps."You shouldn't go back out there today." He said." Theres another store, Carols place, down a couple of doors where you can rent a room of the night. You may not have been really injured but you're body needs rest after all that. Doctors orders."
Danny agreed, thanking him one more time before heading to the door and pausing. "So, where can I find this ahzrukhal? I've got plenty of more caps to spend if money is his game." Danny said. It was true, she wasn't very good at shooting but she did pride herself on how many caps and goodies she was able to scrap after she snuck around the tunnels in DC. If there was one thing she was great at, it was sneaking and stealing. Her father would be so proud. Barrows cringed when she said his name and rubbed his eyes between his fingers.
"You really shouldn't bother yourself with him Danny." Barrows said, his voice a bit lower as he spoke as if the wall had ears. "Its just...not a good idea to be stuck in any kind of deal with ahzrukhal, you don't want to make a deal you can't keep with him." He looked at her only to see her expression didn't change. He sighed. "Check across from Carols, theres a bar called the ninth circle. Just be careful, and stay on his good side." Danny thanked him again before leaving.
Danny stopped at Carols place like Barrows said and was glad she did. Not only did she find a rather comfortable spot in the underworld to lay her head on something other than dirt for the first time in months, she also met Carol. When Danny stepped in she was immediately greeted with the sweetest hello.
"Its not everyday you see a smooth skin walk through our doors!" Carol had boasted to Greta, her partner, who didn't seem to be as phased as her. Danny asked for a room just for tonight, Carol gave her an empty single with a small bed and dresser.
"Im sorry its a little small, its all we have left with such short notice." carol apologize to Danny while she searched her bag for payment.
"Don't apologize, please, this is the best room I've seen in forever. Im just glad I'll have a bed to sleep in tonight." she said handing Carol the talked to Carol a bit more about her history with the museum enjoying every second, it was wonderful to have a talk with someone who seemed to always be so positive. Carol was already one of Danny's favorite people in the wastelands. During their conversation Danny notice random ghouls walking in, not ordering food or a room but to get a glance at the smooth skin who was seemed to be getting along well with the talking Danny placed an order for dinner later to be delivered to her room in about an hour or so and decided to travel around the museum until then.
She walked out and seen on the other side of the second floor another set of double doors stood where ghouls stumbled out and in, possibly drunk by the looks of it. It must have been the bar Barrows had mentioned that ahzrukhal owned. Danny readied herself and walked over.
Smoke from cigarettes poured out of the door when she opened it. The radio played softly in the background trying to give the ninth circle a more laid back atmosphere, but once Danny walked in she knew she didn't belong. More eyes watched her walk inside. One of the more confident ghouls (or more intoxicated) actually walked up to her, tipping his torn hat to her and introducing himself. Danny smiled, but before she could give him her name he held up his finger to pause her as he ducked by the nearest trash can and puked. Danny's nose curled in disgust but she tried to hide it as she continued on. Everyone seemed to have a bit more than they could handle as they tried to keep their balance. She scanned the bar until she met a pair of foggy blue ones staring back.
Danny walked over, glad to see someone who hadn't post their lunch over alcohol yet. She noticed he was glaring at her with such an intensity she had a hard time keeping eye contact. He had to have been almost two feet taller than her and looked intimidating as hell as he leaned against the wall with his arms crossed tightly. His glare seem to harden the closer she got.
"Hello, I ju-"
"Talk to Ahzrukhal."
Danny was stiff as she was immediately cut off. "But I jus-"
"Talk. To. Ahzrukhal." He repeated, ending whatever conversation she tried to have. Danny opened her mouth and shut it immediately and backing off. She missed Carols attitude. To the bar she went then. She grabbed the nearest stool and tapped her small fingers on the old wood when she seen a dry hand land next to hers.
"Wellll now...looke here, We've got us a smooth skin that I aint ever seen before." said the man in his greasy tone. Danny looked to see a ghoul in a old pinstriped suit with a smile just as dirty. "My name is ahzrukhal and why, may I ask, is a fresh face young woman doing in a place like this." He asked, propping his elbow on the counter. Danny could see why Barrows told her to stay away and regretted her decision in coming here. She faked her best smile.
"So you're Ahzukhal? You're just the man I've been looking for." she said, trying to act as relaxed as possible. Ahzrukhal raised his eyes to that and laughed a bit, sliding just a hair closer.
"well now, my day just got a lot better then if you're looking for lil' old me. What can I do you for?" He asked getting out two shot glasses. She wondered how she should approach him. She didn't want to seem to eager for his help and it lead to other ideas, but she wasn't stupid. She knew men like him and how they thought. She didn't like to think to hightly of herself when it came to looks but being a smooth skin here (and a female at that) may give her an advantage in getting what she wanted. She could play this role easily.
"I just got back from doctor Barrows after getting my ass handed to me out in the wastelands, I figured I needed a drink." She said, laying her head on her left hand and pouting her lip just a smidge. "He said to stop on by here, its where I could get the good stuff." she gave him a small smile and batted her eyes slowly.
"my dear, you came to the right place." he smirked and slid the drink over to her. She took it and gave him another small smile. She gave a quiet thanks and quickly downed the drink in one gulp. Ahzrukhal stared at her neck and throat as she swallowed. Tears formed in her eyes but she blinked them back as the drink burned all the way down.
"I made a couple of wrong turns apparently and ended up in mutant territory. Im lucky I made it to where its safe." She went on trying, giving a slow sigh for dramatic effect.
Ahzrukhal made a ticking sound with his tongue, shaking his head slowly. "How could anybody try to put a hand on you out there, you seem sweet as a peach and hardly a threat." He said smoothly. "Why, I should send Charon out there to teach them a lesson for you, and then we can celebrate." He said raising his own drink. Danny turned her head slightly to look back at the tall ghoul perched on the wall. He stood as straight as stone but she had a feeling her knew they were taking about him.
"Charon? You mean broody over there?" She pointed. That seem to make a laugh as he poured her another shot.
"Oh don't let his bad attitude fool you, its not an act. Charon is...well lets just say with the snap of my finger," He demonstrated by snapping, "He would take care of any of my problems, by force." He bragged proudly puffing his chest out a bit more like he was the one he was talking about. Danny glared a little. That didn't sound right...it almost sounded like slavery. She knew it was something that went on in the wastelands, and she wouldn't stand for it. She came into the ninth circle with intentions of getting help, but now she was determined to get Charon out of whatever deal with Ahzrukhal he might be in. Of course, there was nothing she could do at the moment but keep pretending.
"Is that so? He sounds pretty handy to have around...or maybe even take around the wasteland?" She said looking up at azrhkhual. He stopped pouring his second glass and gave her a side glance. "in fact...he sounds exactly the type of someone I need out there to save my ass." She continued. Ahzrukhal sat his glass down and gave her a smug look
"Your very right. You're smart and pretty." He said leaning over the bar so that he was closer to her. He spoke lower so it was just between them. "Charon is a very valuable asset to me and the ninth circle. You see, he keeps the drunk in line here for me so I don't have to worry about them. If I were to just give him to you, who would I have to help me then hm?" He said, his voice like gravel. "Although I might be able to part ways...for a fee."
Danny expected this of course and asked what he had in mind. Ahzrukhal looked her up and down while licking his chapped lips. Danny could feel her stomach flip in disgust. She hope she didn't play this role TO well.
"Ill give you 750 caps for him." She offered quickly before he could say anything vulgar. Ahzrukhal seemed greatly amazed for all of two seconds before erupting into laughter. He was loud enough that even Charon turn his head to investigate. Charon caught Danny stare again and coldy rolled his eyes.
Ahzrukhal wiped a tear from one of his eyes and held his stomach, still chuckling. "Oh wow, smart, pretty AND funny! You're just the whole package aren't ya?"
Danny felt flushed, she wasn't expecting to be mocked tonight. "Well what did you have in mind then?" She asked a little more fiercely. He straighten up quick, that grin still on his face.
"Tell ya what, if you can manage lets say...2,000 caps for me, we'll have ourselves a ," He slide closer to her again, "you don't mind doing some dirty work for me and getting rid of someone around here." He said, his tone low again. Danny's alcohol almost came back up. She grabbed the second shot he had poured for her quickly.
"2,000 caps huh." She said, sliding the glass back to him. She thought for a second and then stood from the stool. He raised one of his brows in confusion and she merely gave him another sweet smile.
"Ill see you soon Ahzrukhal." She smiled sweetly to him, disgusted with herself. It seemed to erase any suspicion on his face as his own smile was back.
"Hang on a minuet, I never got your name sweetheart." He hummed grabbing her glass to act like he was wipping it clean.
"Oh, Just call me Danny." She said, and winked. She turned and strutted out of the bar. She managed to steal a quick glance back at Charon before walking out the door, who only stared back. He stared at the door a little while longer even after she was gone. -
Holy shit this was a long chapter! I enjoyed it though and I hope you guys did to! I've changed a couple of small things from the actual game but nothing drastic. Sorry for any spelling errors you catch!
