(Cain)

We made it. I don't know how, but we did. We're finally here, The Pitt. After all that walking, all that fun, we've finally reached where we need to be, for mom. But, I say fun, because…after the night we spent in the abandoned building together, Dizzy and I have become…inseparable. As if…as if I need her around me. A few times on our way here, she wandered too far off. I felt a worry and a fear that I'd never felt before. Usually I'd just holler, and she'd come. This time, though, I got scared. Terrified. When I found her just a few hundred yards away, it was like someone poured water on my overheating body. The relief I felt was immense. Although, we didn't sleep together, we did go fairly far. We did test the waters, boundaries, and limitations of one another. I'm not sure even today, what stopped us from completing the act. Only that we did stop, and we fell asleep, half-naked, beside one another.

Since that night, Dizzy has changed, too. She became calmer, more subdued. Not in a bad way, but rather an improvement. As if finally, she was able to feel calm. I'm not sure yet, how I feel on the matter. All I know, is that I feel an unyielding sense of protection and care for her. One that was not there beforehand.

"It stinks here."

Dizzy says, as we finish crossing the large bridge over into The Pitt. The trolly ride here, whatever you may call that thing, was frightening. In a dark tunnel with no light, we were unsure of our direction. Luckily, it was a straight line, and the end of the tunnel wasn't too far off.

"Yeah, we have to hurry. We've wasted enough time."

"I know, but it still stinks here."

Her hand grazes mine, and I smell the air. She's right. There's a sulfuric, pungent smell that invades your nostrils and makes your eyes water. What it's from I don't much know, or care to know. I just want to find the cure, and get the hell out of here. I want to get back to mom and dad, and make sure everything is okay.

"You think mom is okay? I mean, do you think we wasted too much time?"

Dizzy asks me, as we step into The Pitt. Everyone stares at us, but not in a rude way. With the smell here, and the heat, you'd think people would look meaner. But no. Everyone here looks calm, cool, nice, and friendly. They look at us, knowing we're outsiders, but also not chasing us away because of that.

"I dunno, keep close."

I don't mean to pass Dizzy's question off so quickly, but I'm not use to people opening their doors for others. Putting my arm around Dizzy, I make sure she's close, and can't be snatched up or run away. For the most part, once people get a good look at us, they go back to what they were doing. I don't know where to begin here, where to find a cure. Before I can ask anyone what it is I'm looking for exactly, someone comes up to me.

"Can I help you?"

She's about my age. Tan skin, dark skin. She has deep brown eyes, and looks from me to Dizzy. I tower over her, and I make sure to look as intimidating as possible.

"My mother is sick. There's a cure here for it. It's called Trog, and we need it, quickly."

"Impossible. The only way Trog is still around, is if it left The Pitt. No one has come in or out of here in decades."

I narrow my eyes at her. She's haughty. I keep my arm around Dizzy.

"She came here decades ago. She contracted the disease. It's laid dormant until recently. I need to find a cure, and get home, quickly."

The girl in front of me purses her lips at me. She bites them, and begins to get nervous. Dizzy stands closer to me, a bit shaken up, a bit worried.

"You need to see my father."

Her tone is serious, and Dizzy and I share a quick glance at one another. We have nothing to lose, we're armed, and this isn't our territory. The best thing we can do is listen to her, and if all else fails, shoot up the place, and run as fast as we can back to Megaton.

"Alright."

I tell her, and she leads the way. All around us, people stare for a quick moment. They take in our different clothes, the way we look, and go back to their own business. The air is thick with smoke, and the people have sweat and grime covering them. In some areas, the ground is hard and unmoving, whilst others you have to watch your step. Dizzy slipped once already, but I have a strong hold on her. For some reason, and I feel guilty for it, my mother isn't the first thing on my mind. It's instead, Dizzy. To make sure no harm comes to her. I'm not sure what made this change. When this whole thing began with us sneaking out here, it was all about mom, and helping mom. It still is, too, but right now Dizzy seems to be the more important woman. I eye each and every man who stares too long, challenging them to come forth and try to take her. Try, to pry her from beneath my arm and take her away. They don't stand a chance. People here are shorter than me, as they are most places. Some, even shorter than Dizzy. It seems the chemicals I can smell might have an effect on that. I'm not sure.

The girl leads us to a tall, imposing and if not intimidating building. Dizzy and I look up at it, shocked and in awe. It rivals that of Tenpenny Tower, and around it a moat of red. Almost like it doesn't want anyone getting in, or out.

"I know it looks scary. The Pitt always does to outsiders. But we're nice here, and we mean no one any harm. The building is a home for some of the families here. My father, and myself, included.

How this and Tenpenny Tower withstood the Great War, I have no idea. My father told me of it. Of the fires that reached to the clouds. Of the smoke, radiation, the terror of it all. Very few things are left from that war. And I'm still amazed things even still exist, let alone stand. We enter the building, and in a soft silence the girl calls for an elevator. I only know what it's called, because I've been to Tenpenny Tower before once or twice in my life.

"…We don't get outsiders often. Usually they're dying, and find their way here by mistake. They die here. There was only one person who came in, and left, aside from my father. It was…when I was just a baby, though. Twenty years, maybe more. I was a newborn."

She falls silent, and I look down at Dizzy.

"It was mom."

Dizzy tells me, even though I already know the answer. It was mom, and I nod my head.

"She's right. It was mom."

The girl's eyes widen.

"It was your mother? Do you have any idea, what she did here?"

"I hope it's nothing bad, but no, I mean…not a lot."

The elevator doors open. At first the girl is too shocked to step in, but eventually she gets herself together. Dizzy and I follow her through, and it's the only time I let my arm fall from her shoulders. Everything seems to relax a bit more, without everyone watching.

"Your mom…she did a great thing for the people here. She's…she's sort of like a local hero. But my dad, my dad should tell you."

"We can't stay. We came to only get the cure, and that's it."

"…My dad has scouts out. I'm not sure why, but they're out of The Pitt. Maybe some are nearby your mother?"

"We're from the Capital Wasteland."

"I don't know where he sent them to…"

The elevator stops moving, and the doors open. We're at an empty floor, and I don't feel the need to keep Dizzy as close. We're almost alone here, and there's no visible threats. Still, I'm prepared for threats, even if I can't see them.

"My dad should be in his office, come on."

Dizzy pulls on my jacket sleeve as we start walking. I look down at her, but she doesn't say anything. She just looks up at me, with worry in her eyes. Reaching behind, I find her hand, and give her a reassuring squeeze.

"Dad?"

The girl calls, before stopping at a door and opening it. Dizzy and I follow her through as she steps in. An old man, with long, graying hair sits in front of an old radio. My parents have one, but I've never seen them use it. He wears old clothes, and an eye patch.

"Maria, what brings you here? And who are they?"

He says, as his eyes fall upon Dizzy and I. Dizzy stands close to my left side. I guess the girl's name is Maria.

"They're from the Capital Wasteland, dad. They came here looking for a cure."

"A cure?"

"My mother is sick with Trog."

The man stands, he's shorter than me. He comes over and looks me in the eyes.

"You look…familiar…have we ever met?"

I shake my head, as I feel Dizzy's hand cling to my wrist.

"No. We haven't. But my mother, Dezbe, you might know her."

Realization, shock, crosses his face.

"Your mother, her name is Dezbe?"

"Yeah."

"She…yes, I know her well. She came here. She did…great things. You say she's sick with Trog? But how? It was…decades ago…"

"I don't know. But she is. We need to find a cure, and dad said it was here."

"Sit, please."

"I'm afraid we can't. We have to find it, and hurry."

"Where is your mother located?"

"Megaton, a city in the Capital Wasteland."

The man goes over to his radio. He picks up a microphone, and starts to speak into it.

"Report, all scouts. Respond, closes scout to Megaton in the Capital Wasteland."

My dad told me about this. Radio waves. It's how the music plays through my mom's Pip-Boy. I didn't know people used it for communication, though, too. There's silence for a bit, before a voice starts to crackle on the other side.

"That'd be me, buddy. I'm starin' at the structure right now, it's massive."

The man picks up the microphone again, and speaks.

"There is a woman in that town by the name of Dezbe. She needs the cure you're carrying. Bring it to her this instant, and have her speak with me over the transmitter as soon as she can."

"My father. My father won't let him in, he has to explain who he is. And it'll be my father who talks to you."

The man nods, as he puts the microphone down. Dizzy and I, take a seat. Inside I'm happy, overjoyed and full of relief. Mom is going to be okay, and my god this is a stroke of luck. I can't help but laugh aloud a bit.

"My name is Wernher. Your father…he…is a large man, isn't he?"

"Do you know him?"

Wernher shakes his head. Dizzy is quiet, and I think a bit scared of this place. Maria, the girl, seems to have gone off in another room.

"There was a man with your mother when I first met her. He couldn't come back to The Pitt with us, because your mother had to be undercover. It would have thrown off everything, and ended horribly. It looked like he was horribly burned, but I couldn't tell. It was night. They seemed…very close."

"That's my father. Charon. He's a ghoul."

"You have his eyes. His height. His presence. Everything about you, reminds me of him. To be honest, I was scared of him."

"Why?"

"Because…if anything happened to your mother when she was here. Had she died…I feared him coming back for my head. He seemed…so protective of her. Like…you're protective of her."

Wernher motions to Dizzy, as she clings to my arm. Not out of fear, anymore, but I think instead out of sleepiness. She won't ever admit it, but she misses home. As much as she wanted adventure and action, to live like mom and dad did, she's not made for it. She's brave, and strong, and when push comes to shove, fight back. But the stamina it takes to make it out here, she doesn't quite have. Maybe it's just the new feeling of it all, though. I could be wrong, and Dizzy could just get use to it all, and maybe do everything mom did and more.

"Did my father…did he ever come back here?"

Wernher smokes his cigarette, and leans back in his chair.

"No, actually. Your father, I never saw him again. But your mother came back here. Something had happened. An enemy of hers had taken your father away. How, the details are foggy. She was sad, for a time, but then…it seemed like she had a mission. As if she knew what she had to do. She left, as quickly as she came, but the people have always remembered her."
"What did mom do?"

Dizzy asks, as she fishes for cigarettes in my coat pocket. Wernher smiles at Dizzy. A warm smile.

"You know, little lady, you look so much like your mother. But, there's something else to ya, too. A power, resilience, that your mother didn't have. Perhaps you get that from your father?"

A resilience? Dizzy? I look at her again, and you know, maybe he's right. Dizzy hasn't been out here long, she's more or less been in Megaton her entire life. But for the few days we've been travelling, there is something different about her. Her skin is darker, more tanned. Her eyes shimmer, because she's covered in dust and dirt. Her armor doesn't do much, to protect against that. Her features are slightly hardened, although neither one of us has found any danger. Maybe it's the anticipation of danger, that makes everyone grow hard out here. Paranoid, will keen eyesight, and better hearing. It makes me wonder…did I change at all?

"Dizzy. My name is Dizzy. And this is Cain."

I forgot to introduce myself. Getting caught up in the story, in finding the cure, I guess names just slipped my mind.

"Pleasure to meet the both of you. It makes my heart warm, to know Dezbe is alive, and has raised outstanding children. Has age been good to her?"

It hits me. Everyone mom and dad encountered so many years ago, is aging or dying. They don't look as youthful as mom and dad do. They're going to die, and they're going to age. I wonder if mom and dad ever thought about it? If they ever sit with Gob and Graves and Barrows, and feel a bit sad that all the people they've met won't be able to see time like they do. It must…it must be incredibly lonely…

"Actually my mom's immune to radiation. Like my dad. They don't age, so she looks just like she did when you met her, I think. I mean, she doesn't look aged. Cain?"

I nod my head in agreement with Dizzy.

"My mother and father are kept young by radiation. This gene was also passed down to Dizzy. Unfortunately for her, she's stuck looking like this for a few hundred years…"

Wernher sits up, attentive and shocked. I haven't seen any ghouls out here in The Pitt, so I'm guessing they've never seen one. Let alone heard of them, or their longevity.

"A couple hundred? How old are your parents?"

"My mother, she's I think in her fifties. We don't really celebrate birthdays. But my father is over three-hundred years old. He…he's a pre-war ghoul."

"Pre-war? And in…he was around to see…"

"To see the bombs fall, yes."

Wernher takes a moment to soak it in. He looks around at all his worldly possessions in his room. Dizzy and I shift uncomfortably, as I put my cigarette out, and she lights her.

"…You know, when I saw him, Charon, your father…I knew…he was different. He…has this way about him. Very…mysterious. And although I feared him, I admired him."

"What did mom do here? You never told us."

I elbow Dizzy a bit, to prevent her from being rude. Before Wernher can answer her question, the radio behind Wernher crackles to life. The voice on the other end…it's my father's.

"Hello? Hello? Does this damn thing work?"

Before Wernher can reach over and grab the microphone, Dizzy rockets out of her seat and dives for it. She holds the button down, and starts talking, as tears well into her eyes.

"Dad! Daddy! Daddy!"

"Dizzy? Is that you? Oh thank Atom you're alright. Do you know what you've done? Do you have any idea how worried I've been? I almost went out myself for you! Dizzy! How foolish can you be!"

Dizzy sobs, sitting on the floor and clutching the microphone. A sudden realization hits me.

"I'm sorry…I'm sorry daddy I'm sorry…I'm so, so, sorry…"

She misses him. She misses him more than anything. The change I saw in her, the hardened expression, wasn't in preparation of danger, but in fear of disapproval. How would it feel to her, if our father didn't approve of how she handled things? Her entire childhood was spent on mine and my father's coattails. Following us, wanting to be like us, and having a special and strong father-daughter connection with him. But she's always, always wanted the connection that I have with him. My father, sees me as an equal. While he sees Dizzy, forever, as his child that will always need protecting. Not because she is weak, but because she is a female, and she is his daughter. All this time, Dizzy's simply wanted dad, to tell her he approves of everything. I feel like an idiot for not realizing it sooner, but, as I watch her cry and plead with dad, I think maybe, she'll soon accept her role in his life. As forever his daughter, and his love.

"Hush, Dizzy don't cry, it's alright, Dizzy, it's alright."

My father's voice on the other end chokes and tightens. I know he'll blame it on the radio, but truth is, he's on the verge of tears. Dizzy hasn't cried to him, in seven or eight years. She's been so busy trying to prove her adulthood since she was about ten, that…she simply forgot what it was like, to be a daddy's girl. And dad, forgot what it felt like, to be reminded that he will always be the most important man in Dizzy's life, no matter what else happens. Dizzy, will always love dad, more than any person in the world. He is her savior, her protector, her provider, her teacher, and her safety net. I know, to her, I am those things too. But, Dizzy was given to me, by dad. In her eyes, he is the man that brings the sun, the rain, and the moon. If dad, hadn't given Dizzy to me as a child, and directed me to care for her, I never would have. I would have done what other kids do, and forget their younger siblings. Until now, I didn't fully realize, what dad had done for us. For both me, and for Dizzy.

"I miss you so much daddy. I miss you. I miss you come get me I miss you. Please, I want to come home. I'm scared."

I raise my eyebrow but say nothing. Dizzy is either a really convincing liar to me, or to dad. I think, though, Dizzy just didn't want to admit she was scared. But in dad's presence, she turns into a child.

"What's wrong? Dizzy, where is Cain? Are you in The Pitt? Are you alone? Do you need my help I can come right away. Your mother will be fine, Gob can care for her as she recovers. Dizzy, are you hurt? Answer me!"

"No, no daddy. I'm not hurt. I'm okay. It's so big out here. The Pitt is dark, and smoky, and it's scary. It's too big. I…I'm not ready to do what you and mom did. I'm not ready to leave home yet, dad please let me come back."

"Dizzy you are always welcome, and I never left you to begin with. You're in The Pitt? Are you with Wernher? Where is your brother?"

"He's right here, daddy. He's kept me safe. But I'm still scared. Cain isn't as tactical as you. He's not as strong, daddy. Come get me, please. I want to play teahouse again. I want you to carry me on your shoulders. I want to be a kid, daddy please come get me…come…get me…"

I resent that last statement. But Dizzy seems to simply be crying out her fears and worries. Dad listens, as good fathers do. He lets her cry, and tries to calm her with empty words.

"Dizzy, if Cain is with you, then you're safe. You're safe, sweetheart. Listen to me, Dizzy, don't cry. It'll be alright. I know you're scared, I understand, Dizzy. Do not let this get you down. You have a lot of love around you. Stay close to Cain. Are you listening to me?"

"Yes…I just…miss you…"

"And when you and Cain return home, I promise I will pick you up, and make you strong again. But right now honey, you need to be strong on your own. I cannot make it alright right now, but I will, I promise, when you come home."

"Don't make me leave again, daddy."

"I never made you leave in the first place. But Dizzy you've saved your mother. You don't have to go anywhere, if you don't want to. Be strong for me, Dizzy. You are my daughter, I know you can. I know you're hurting, but Dizzy, you are a part of me. There is strength in there. Do not be scared."

"I love you, daddy. I love you."
"I love you too. Come now, Dizzy. Be strong. Let me speak with your brother."

"Okay…okay he's here, daddy. He's here."

Dizzy hands the microphone to me, as she dries her face. As I reach for it, my father's voice crackles through the speakers once more.

"I am so proud of you, Dizzy. So proud of the both of you."

"Hey dad. It's me."

I say as Dizzy smiles wide, and proud of herself. Dad approves, and I think, that's all Dizzy has ever wanted to hear. Wernher watches us, close, and a soft smile spreads across his face.

"Cain…I am relieved, to hear your voices. I was worried, that your sister and you had gotten separated. That…something had happened. I could not stand losing my entire family this way. The relief it brings me, to know you two are safe, is indescribable."

"Yeah, we're…we're alright, dad. It's been fun out here, but, we're just new to it. And The Pitt isn't much of a welcoming sight. It's different from home. How's mom? You said she would be okay?"

"Yes. Yes, your mother will recover just fine. She was administered the cure. She will be fine by the time you two get home. You are coming back home, right?"

I look over at Dizzy, who nods furiously, still patting her eyes dry.

"We'll come straight home, dad. We'll leave right now if you want."

"Are you in a safe place?"

"We're with Wernher."

"Rest and stay for a couple of days. Come back, when your body is able to. You both must be tired, sore, and hungry. I am so sorry, for making you feel as if you had to do this."

"No, dad, it was my idea. It was mine. I dragged Dizzy along because…I know, you can't be away from mom. I know, dad. And…I just didn't want…mom to be without you."

Dad's silent on the other end for a long while. A family can tell one another they love each other all they want. But rarely in a lifetime, is it proven. I think at this moment, my father is quiet because Dizzy and I proved to him, how much we care for the both of them. He has proved countless times to us, that we are most important in his life. And now, we returned the favor.

"…Your mother and I have been together for decades, and never, has anyone loved us, as much as you two. I am proud, to have you as my son, and Dizzy and my daughter."

"You raised us, dad. You raised us this way, so, it's all on you."

"And believe, I cannot stop smiling, son."

Dizzy comes over to me, and presses her face into my chest. I wrap an arm around her, as water fills my eyes. The love a father or mother has for their children, isn't noticed, until it's needed. When Dizzy and I get scared, although we're adults, we will always pine for our parents. And our parents, will be there for us. I hold Dizzy tight against me, and we both know if our parents can't be there, we'll be there, for one another.

"Cain, for now I have to go and tend to your mother, but you must promise me something. And I will explain it to you when you return, but in the meantime, you must trust me."

"What is it?"

"Do not let Dizzy stray too far. Do not let anything happen to her. I know I have said that a million times before, but it is different this time. Trust me."

"…Alright, dad. I promise. I won't."

Dizzy reaches up and grabs the microphone again.

"I love you daddy! I love you! We'll be home soon!"

"I love you too, get back safely. Don't get into any trouble, or else I'll come looking."

"Dad, you always save the day. I don't think…anyone in their right mind, would mess with your offspring."

"I hope they know that, too, Dizzy. Relax, and eat. Come home soon."

"We will dad. Bye! I love you!"

"I love you too. Both of you."

I set the microphone down, and hold Dizzy. She clings to me, trying to not sob anymore.

"Hey, Diz, it's alright. Mom is safe, and dad is waiting for us."

"I know."

We hold one another for a strong, and silent moment. Wernher smokes and drinks quietly in the background, and I press my cheek against the top of Dizzy's head.

"Your mother…liberated this entire land, and gave the people here, freedom."

He says, causing Dizzy and I to pick our heads up. We part, and stare at him, entranced. Mom told me small summaries of The Pitt, but neither one of us have heard the story in detail. Wernher motions for us to sit, and we do, like curious children.

"I found your mother in the Capital Wasteland. I had escaped, to find help. Back then, this place was run by Ashur, and Raiders. We were slaves, forced into labor. Forced to work towards a greater future of lies, and deceit. My people, died in piles every day. Most turned feral. Some fell victim to Trog. Ashur had the cure all along. He hid it from us."

Wernher pauses, to take a seat himself.

"I had found a way out, and your mother offered her help. Against, at the time, your father's wishes. She left him behind here, in order to help a civilization she knew nothing of. She rose in rank quickly, Ashur and the Raiders alike, paying attention to her every action. Eventually, she was chosen to fight in the Hole, and earn her rank as a Raider. Yet, she was wounded. Wounded horribly. We did not know if she would survive, but somehow, she did."

"The winding scar, on mom's side. You've seen it, Dizzy. She said she got it, here."

Dizzy nods at me, remembering the crater-scar mom still has today.

"She was nearly in half, and somehow, she recovered. She recovered enough to steal the cure from Ashur while the Raiders and citizens fought one another. When she brought it to me, she was still injured, and losing a lot of blood. I had never seen a human so determined to survive. To carry on. Yet there she was. Before she collapsed in front of me, she said you can survive just about anything, if you're stubborn enough. It took almost a month, for her to be able to return home. I suppose, she fought so hard, so she could go home to your father."

"…My mother…liberated people, she didn't even know?"

I ask, curious.

"Yes. She saved this entire city. Because of her, is why we're able to live as we do now. Because of her, there is no more Trog. She…put her own life at risk, for people, who did nothing to deserve her help. And in return, we have always admired and loved her from afar. As her children, I open my home and city to you. You are welcome to stay as long as you please, eat and drink what you will, and have free liberties to come and go as you please."

He is silent, as he remembers what my mother did for him. Really, I had no idea, her actions meant so much to them. Growing up in Megaton, Dizzy and I never heard the stories from anyone else's point of view. Usually, I only heard it from Gob. Or mom and dad. No one else, has really expressed such gratitude. But, hearing it from Wernher, I realize that mom…is more important to people, than I initially thought.